Kaali Andhi

It was pitch dark outside! I remember checking the time in my mobile screen. 6:20. Believe me on a typical summer day in Jodhpur, the dark outside was something quite unusual. All we could see around was sand rushing across the windows on the staff bus we were in and of course the faces my equally terrorized colleagues. The ones with age and experience gave their verdict. “manne ta lage sa, andhi chate chate poora ek ghanta lagega! Idhar ij rukna padega!” Well I was more than happy coz across me sat the love of my life, unknown of my love, right no searching for some reassurance in my eyes, I was more than happy to offer!

Oops sorry! Forgot the introduction!! I’m Vikram, currently a sales executive at a reputed contract manufacturing company. Our office is approximately an hour’s drive from our bus stop. Daily I board my bus looking forward to another day with my dream gal Sandhya, Sandy in short! She’s the content writer out there! We travel to office in the same bus everyday (basically coz that’s the only staff bus!), we sit in the same marketing department (the only one again)! While I’m supposed to be generating leads for the company I’ve appointed myself to another full time job lately. To steal a long refreshing gaze at her bright face between work as she’s busy in her own play of words. And then when she happens to look my side, my heart skips a beat at her sunny smile. I sheepishly smile back and pretend to focus on work…though only I know that just then everything goes out of focus. She’s been here longer than me and has ever been the darling of the department. By 6 in the evening we’re back in the bus to be taken back home. Again I leave for home from this bus stop with the smile lingering over every vein of my body kidnapping my senses and capturing my dreams till it’s the next day again…

But at that moment in that dimly lit bus of hours the smile had given war to fear. Sandy sat right across me pretending to behave brave but her eyes were giving off all the fear that was surging inside her, making her look even more endearing. (How funny can life be? Sandy was scared of sand) She searched my eyes for some reassurance. I winked back! That probably did the work. Instantly she broke into a smile, the sign of heaven for me!

My trip to heaven din’ last long. Her phone rang. “ ha maan… haan bus mein hu maan.. thik hun… … ruki hui hai bus… … han main thik hun maan… sab hain yhan… It’s okeaaay man… worry mat karo… main fir call karungi… han bye…luv u”

An elder in the bus teased, “Sandhya beta mammi ko bolna tha ki abhi der lag jayegi… jab to dhool nhi chanti ham yahan se nhi hilenge.” She almost winced. For once I thought of using my wink therapy but decided against it considering the diversity of people in the bus.

By now a good thick layer of sand had settled over all of us. Gosh I’ll have to have a bath wen I reach home! The day had been exhausting and I longed my bed for some rest and ofcourse some special dreams.

Then as if as an answer to her prayers the thick fog of sand that surrounded the bus visibly reduced and we could see the building structures and blur of vehicles rushing past. The bus started once again and she smiled back at me so relaxed and relieved that the vibrations reached me. As the sand in the air kept reducing she returned to her chirpy self discussing the storm, the fallen trees and ice cream stalls in the way. By the time we reached the bus stop it had started drizzling. We got out greeted by light shower of rain and the cool breeze hitting us. Admist the slightly chilling atmosphere I found her next to me for a moment. “Ankh marne ke liye thanks! Kafi reassuring tha” as she laughed seeming quite amused at her play of words I absorbed the warmth of her eyes and bid good bye. What a fool I was… I could have stayed longer! (BTW who says spring is the time for love. I believe rains are much more romantic!the smell of the wet soil, the refreshing rain drops sending impulses down the nerves, the mugs of hot coffee that come out…amazing!)

I looked back to check on her but she already had started her short walk to her home from the bus sop. She didn’t look back again.

But then there is always another day. I was back on the bus, glad to find her greet me with her patent everyday sunny smile; ever so lively. The hot topic at office was obviously the “Kali Aandhi” that had struck the previous evening( that’s the term the newspapers had mentioned.). A colleague of mine flaunted the video he had taken of the Kali andhi with his “high-end” digital camera. I as usual got back to by job of looking at her. One of our colleagues jeered “ Yeh jo kaali andhi ayi thi koi aisi waisi nhi thi… zaroor kisi shaitan ne janm liya hoga Jodhpur mein.” She instantly rubbished him on believing this way… “ Arrey Syed take it as a sign of nature’s waning to the harm we do o our environment with pollution.” Another person harped in “ newspaper mein tha is andhi ki speed 80 km/ hr thi!”

I smiled to myself. 80 km/hr, impressive! He he…Still you couldn’t beat me at it you Kali Andhi. Coz I that one hour I had been to heaven and back! If Kali Andhi can increase the duration I can be with my lady love in a day and reassure her of my presence, my will to keep her secure I’d ask for more such ones. What if someday she’ll be sitting right beside me in bus holding my hand for reassurance, looking directly into my eyes and I can hold her close to reassure her, to reassure myself. I’ll be eagerly waiting for that till then this is Vikram signing of with a big salute to the Kali Andhi of that day! And yes BTW do think over rains in the romantic perspective… You’ll find them much more enticing!

Ela Didi

The train halted with a thud. Shaken out of her thoughts Sheila looked out of the window at the busy platform of Old Delhi Railway station. It was a familiar sight. She had been to Delhi a million times before. Everytime she would excitedly get off the train to be greeted by Ela didi, her sister. This time it would be different, there would be no Ela di to embrace her when she needed it the most. The thought brought a tear in her eye. Conscious of the fellow passengers she hurriedly wiped it dry, collected her bags and got off the train.

There was no one to receive her. Probably Gupta ji must be late! A coolie asked, “mem saab samaan le jana hai?” “Nahi, mujhe lene koi a rha hai!” saying this she took her bags and searched for a place to sit. Even with a thousand people rushing past her at that moment she suddenly felt completely alone, her heart sank and she almost choked in another attempt to prevent herself from breaking down. She found an empty bench and sat down. Nostalgia overcame her.

She longed for Ela di’s motherly hug which she knew she could never get again. Ela di has passed away in a road accident just 10 days ago and here Sheila was to complete an important mission left for her by her elder sister.

Ela di had always been a fighter. Even after the strongest of protests from mom and dad she had chosen Siddharth jiju, an army officer as her life partner. They were quite happy to find an equally braveheart spouse and lived their time together to the fullest. Till one day, both the family’s worst fears came true; Siddharth died as a martyr in an encounter with the Pakistani army trying to intrude into Indian territory. The way Ela di had collected the pieces of her life after the shattering news was exemplary.

Instead of immersing herself into lifelong grief she moved onto a noble cause. She started teaching kids from the nearby slum. Everyday the kids would collect at her place to intently study from their favourite teacher. Occasionally she would treat them with home made cakes, halwa, sweets and whatever she had ever wished to give to her own children. She had appointed Gupta ji to keep track of stationary and other supplies for the students, to pick them up and drop them back. This was her mini school… this was her family.

Many times when Sheila visited her she had asked her to bring the special rabri ladoos Jodhpur was known for. And then she would lovingly gaze at her students relishing the treat. So many times Sheila would act as guest faculty and enjoy an arts and crafts session with the kids. Those were the most colourful moments for Ela. Sheila too looked forward to these moments, to see her sister smiling, at peace.

But right now she fretted even facing the students. How would she explain to the students that their favourite teacher was no more when even she hadn’t been able to come to terms with the fact. It sent a chill down her spine.

“Chai Chai Chai…” Again shaken out of her thoughts, she decided to buy herself tea and called our at a chai-walla, “bhaiya ek chai dena”

“Chai Chai Chai… ji madam do rupiya”

“Yeh lo bhaiya” she saw a male hand offering the money to the chai wala. It was Gupta ji. Then turning he briefly smiled and said, “Sorry Didi ji thoda late ho gaya! Subah subah itna traffic mil gaya… chaliye” continuing his talk he picked up the bags and started walking. Sheila followed, walking slower and sipping at her tea. It was a bit too sweet but thankfully soothing.

They had hired an auto. For almost half an hour both didn’t speak a word. Then Gupta ji decided to break the tormenting silence, “Ela didi ji hamari bhi badi behan thi… abhi umar hi kyat hi unki? Hamesha sabko khush dekhna chahti thi. Itna pyaar aur samman to kisi se nhi mila. Par mujhe poora vishwas hai ki aap bhi unhi ki tarah bade dil ki hain… bacche apko dekh kar bahut khush honge… unhe sach batana mushkil hoga par uparwala sab theek kar dega.” His eyes welled up saying this. Sheila didn’t know whether to reassure him with a smile, cry or stay silent. She decided to remain silent.

The auto rickshaw turned round the colony and Sheila spotted the board Asha School. Didi had named the school after her mom. As Gupta ji paid the auto wala, Sheila walked into the garden her didi had so fondly nurtured with the most beautiful flowers and plants. ‘Click’. Gupta ji had unlocked and opened the door. Sheila walked in and studied every article of the living room intently.

“Didi ji, Ab main chalunga… apka samaan Ela didi ji ke room mein rakh diya hai. Freeze mein pani, dudh, sabziyan sab hain… Laxmi bai thodi der mein ati hogi wo chai aur khana bana degi… safai kar degi… Aj mein bacchon ko nhi launga… ap aram kr lijiye!”

Normally Sheila used to giggle when Gupta ji called the refrigerator as “Freeze”. Today shecouldn’t bring her selfto even smile at him.

“Nahi Gupta ji aap bacchon ko le aiyeda… 3 baje hai na?? main baki sambhal lungi. Ap jaiye!”

“Didiji”

“Haanji?”

“Aap pareshan mat hona… hum mil kar bachon ko mana lenge… bacche apko bhi utna hi pyar karte hain jitna wo didi ji se karte the!”

“Thank you Gupta ji!” She really hoped what he said was true. Only if it could be as easy to tell the kids!

She locked the main door and walked into her didi’s room. Sitting down on the bed she saw the framed picture of jiju and didi together in their happy times and then a photo of didi and Sheila together. The other side of the bed which belonged to didi was empty today. This was the last straw… she let her exhausted body fall down on the bed. The flood of tears that had been controlled from Jodhpur to here broke out. She couldn’t face the children. She couldn’t face anybody. Why couldn’t didi be here! She wanted to hug her right now! She felt so helpless… so weak… so alone.

It was around one in the noon that Sheila woke up with the knock on the door. Had she slept so long? Coming back to senses to went to open the door. It was Lakshmi bai.

“Namaste jiji… kaisi hain ap… badi jiji ka sun ke bahut dukh hua. Ab kya kahun. Lagta hain ap kafi thaki hui thi maine apki jaldi to nahi utha diya?”

Sheila rubbed her eyes “Nahi Lakshmi… main theek hun! Pata hi nahi chala kab ankh lag gayi”

“Chaliye maine khana bana diya hai… ap naha ke a jayen to main paros dun”

“Haan theek hai”

Laxmi bai left the room. Sheila took out a simple white kurti and jeans from her bag and went off to have a bath. The lunch prepared by Laxmi was quite simple but fulfilling. Sheila ate almost three chappatis… double than what she ate regularly. She remembered the only thing she had taken was the cup of tea at the station. The food seemed to have satisfied her empty heart more than her empty stomach. She thanked Laxmi and went off to the outhouse… the premises for Asha School. She sat there in her didi’s seat pondering on how she would talk to the students. How would she tell them that they would never be able to see didi, their favorite teacher again. Would they accept her in place of didi? What if they refuse to come back to school? Would she ever be able to complete her didi’s mission to create educated and financially independent citizens out of these children?

Not finding an answer she started collecting materials for art and craft. Didi always kept them neatly arranged in the almirah. She brought the materials and students’ drawing books back to the table where she was sitting.

One by one she scanned the drawing books smiling at the drawings and the encouraging remarks didi had given with her signature.., an occasional smiley, an icecream, five stars, three stars, toffees etc. And the time just flew by.

“May I come in ma’am!”

Sheila was now to face her fear now which only increased as more and more students walked into the small classroom and occupied their seats. Once there they greeted her in unison… “Good Afternoon Madam”. Gupta ji had probably told the student that Sheila ma’am would be taking the class today. Overjoyed to meet their art teacher each student had brought a small gift for her. One by one the students gave her a flower, or a drawing, or a sweet their mother had made at home. They eagerly looked forward to the class. Touched by the warm welcome she wished she had brought something nice for the students. But right now all she had was the biter news that would break their hearts.

Before she could say something, Poonam, the sweetheart of the class asked, “Sheila ma’am, meri maa mujhe bata rahi thi ke Ela madamji Bhagwan ji ke paas chali gayi hain. Bhagwan ji ke ghar pe bahut sare bacche hain aur kyunki Ela ma’am yahan par sabse acchi teacher thi Bhagwan ji ne unhe un bacchon ko padhane bula liya. Wo bacchon ko padha kar wapis a jayengi na hamare paas”

How Sheila wished she could say yes.

“Poonam idhar ana!” She hugged the child. Then she said “ nahi Poonam Bhagwan ji ne Ela ma’am ko apne paas rakh liya hai. Par Ela ma’am apne bacchon se itna pyaar karti hain wo umhe aise akela chod sakti hai??”

The kids agreed in unison “ Nahin , Ela ma’am hame kabhi akela nahi chodti thi!”

“Isiliye unhone mujhe bola ke main tumhe ake padha dun. Batao tum mujh se padhoge na”

“Haan, ap bhi to itni achi ho! Bilkul Ela ma’am jaisi” the students joyously said

“Main aise thodi na manungi. Jo jo bacha mujhse padhna chahta hai wo idhar akar mujhe ek badi si jhappi dega!”

“jadoo ki jhappi!” said another kid and they all rushed to take Sheila into their embrace. For a moment she felt didi embracing. Each kid was filled with the love didi had showered over them. Didi’s love that she must have reserved for this very moment to reassure her of her elder sister’s presence near her in the students, in this classroom, in this abode of hers.

Ela didi had not gone anywhere… she was right there and will always be there with them to complete her mission. Maybe she had gifted each student with her determination and compassion to become a better citizen some day.

And so started the art class for the day! Each student made a drawing of Ela di and scrawled some words below asking Ela didi to “come back soon”. And Ela di… she was right there smiling away at her students seeing them put their love into the sheets and those colourful moments of togetherness had come alive again.

In The Dark

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I sat terrified in my pitch dark room. They were approaching. I could hear their echoes in the hallway. They wanted to take me away from my room; my hiding place, the only place I felt safe in. I couldn’t let them do that. I locked the door. But the latch it refused to move… The footsteps kept coming closer. Godammit the latch was stuck. Tears blurred my vision. I wanted to cry for help but couldn’t risk them discovering me here! Even the strongest of my prayers didn’t make the latch move. My hands wouldn’t stop trembling! Then the voice came, “Tina… are you there?” It pierced me through the darkness of the room. My greatest fear now stood across the door.

I shuddered to the core. My mind seemed to have lost all sense of judgment. They kept on calling my name. Then the door started thumping. I could feel the pain rising in my temples… I could feel it thumping on my head like a hammer… I could feel sweat and goosebumps all over me…I could feel tears blurring my vision. I could feel the pain getting the better of me… only to grow more intense, more killing, more thumping than ever. I shouted for mercy but the assaults did not stop.

I couldn’t believe my mom and dad doing this. Why did they not listen to my pleas for mercy. I was shouting like a maniac looking for a place to hide… to shut off the thumping. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to get my dose right now. I rummaged my wardrobe, toppled the drawers, searched below the pillow, the sheets, the bed. I didn’t care. I needed the rush. Every second that passed made it even more difficult to bear the pain, to breath, to stand. To top it the thumping and calling continued.

Windows… Oh my God the windows were not closed? I ran to shut the windows. Double checked the latch and tied the curtain around the handles so there was no chance for even God to sneak through. The Hell had not yet ended… it kept sinking deeper and deeper. The room seemed to get darker and darker, scarier and suffocating. My heat seemed to be bursting out of my chest. I felt like dying.

I gave it a final try reaching my hand below the bed. Finally after what seemed to be ages my hand felt a glass bottle. I shrieked as if I’d found elixir. With hands which were now trembling like a half dead fish I found a syringe feeling my hand through the pile of things I’d thrown from the wardrobe, pulled out the magic liquid from the bottle and pierced it through my skin.

I’m not sure if that helped. I curled up into a bundle on the floor, shut my eyes and pressed my hands hard on my ears to block the thumping and shouts coming from outside the door. I don’t even remember when I passed off.

As I woke up this morning, It took me some time to realize that I was alive. I had felt death coming to me that night. For once I was happy to believe I was dead the simplest way I had give a permanent end to the hell and pain I had gone through. A permanent end to my problems. A permanent end to me.

Today at age 18 I’m in a drug rehab institute going over a similar hell every day. But had my parents not got me here that day I wouldn’t have survived to the hope of a normal sane existence that awaits me beyond getting over my addiction of the hell named heroin.

Laughing Club

I was at my wit’s end! Nothing seemed to be going right in life and the situation looked like it won’t improve anyways. Work, Finances, Love, my life had crashed on every possible frontier! Living away from my family for work made me feel even lonelier. I dragged myself through the day emotionally exhausted in a lifeless, hopeless blur; only to get back to an empty apartment and stressed sleepless nights! I needed hope! I needed a miracle… but more importantly I needed a vent to free myself of the mountain of stress that was killing me every second.

I had managed to live through another such sleepless night. Just too bored of tossing sides in bed, at around 5 AM I decided to do something I’d not done in ages… go for a morning walk. I’d heard of it being therapeutic. And so 15 minutes later I found myself in the park nearby soaking the early sunlight and inhaling the fresh air between the chain of yawns and rubbing sleep out of my eyes. Had I walked a few more steps, I would have caught up on the sleep I’d missed so long without realizing I was on the bed or the park’s walking track.

Then it came, like a bolt from the dark and shook me out of sleep. Had Kumbhkaran( Ravana’s Bro, the villain in the Ramayana) been here even he would have woke up to such a laughter (consider the amount of money that could have been saved). I discovered that the laughter came from a bunch of oldies who collected there daily to laugh their heads off. Amused I walked over to witness a laughter club for the first time in my life.

Assuming me to be interested, an old man even signaled me to join. For once I decided to retrace my steps. Laughing this way wasn’t my cup of tea and presently my life didn’t have any reason to laugh. Then again I did something that puzzles me till date. I don’t know what pulled me but the very next moment I was standing with the laughter club.

Laughter is the most infectious thing on earth. Even as I was standing there not in a frame of mind to laugh I found it hard to resist myself from breaking into laughter. The curve of my lips rose upward from smile to full scale hysteria and my stomach ached laughing. I continued to laugh till long after the others had paused for a breath. I realized I must stop but the laughter just kept coming. I tried to take a somber expression without success,
I tried to remind myself of my problem but still couldn’t stop.

I tried to gag my mouth again without any success. My laughter finally subsided with me choking for a second. I suddenly felt as if the stress I’d carried for ages had had been unloaded. I had won a war that had once seemed to have kept no chance of survival for me. The other club members started cheering. I guess they understood. They’d seen many of my likes winning their battle. Maybe some of them, like me had won their battle from their frustrations. For them everyday was a victory won with laughter and celebrated together with laughter. Without having said a word, I felt powerfully connected to each of the club members at that moment. I didn’t have to speak my heart out or tell anyone. Instead of unloading my worries onto someone I was filling my head with positive laughter that would leave no space for worries. The battle I had won that day made me strong enough to face the other battles in my life. My time had come

That day onwards I’ve become a permanent member of this laughter club. I don’t care if its members are only oldies. I don’t care if somebody sees me laughing like mad for no reason. Coz I know everyday I’m the one winning!

It's storytime!

Hello there people!

I have recently taken on to writing short stories just as a matter of testing my narrative skills! I'll be posting some of my stories here in the following posts! I need some really honest and quick feedback from you people on a scale of 10 on each of the stories also comment whether the story is effective, interesting, boring or whatever you feel! so Happy Reading!

n Keep Blah Blahing!
God Bless!