Be Back Soon

“Saida, where are you going?”

“ I'm going to the market. Jayed is returning from India today. I want to make this favourite beef curry.”

“Then hurry up dear. The market won't be open for long.”

“ I'll be back in no time. Till then look after Zariena.”

Saida waved her husband Azad a goodbye and hurried off to the market.

************

In the evening, the dinner table was set. All of Jayed’s favourite delicacies were prepared. The boy was coming back home, his motherland Bangladesh after a year.

 “ Isn't it getting late? He was supposed to be home by seven and it’s over nine now. Allah keep my child safe.”

Suddenly they heard a thud on the door.

Saida’s heart almost skipped a beat. She was sure it would be her child Jayed, standing at the door waiting to embrace his mother.

Saida rushed to open the door. She found no one. Her foot struck to something. She fell on the floor. She lost her conscious.  Azad went to the door to find what was taking his wife so long. He turned pale at the sight. In front of him was his unconscious wife holding his son’s head. The murderers inscribed traitor on the forehead. The family had no idea who the killer was and why their boy had to go through such a painful death.

************

Jayed was the only member of the Ahmed family who completed his graduation with distinction. He was the brightest student of his batch 1968. He spoke English so fluently that could give any British man a run for his money.

Jayed was suffering from ulcer in stomach. Doctors in Bangladesh advised him to go through an immediate operation else his life could be at stake. But medical facility at Bangladesh during the Liberation war was poor. That was when Jayed decided to go to India to seek medical help. Undergoing an operation was quite expensive in India because of the existing British rule.

 A British man decided to offer Jayed financial help. The man agreed to pay for his medical necessities and also his travel expenses. In return Jayed had to work for him.

Later that month he underwent the operation, and was completely out of danger. But as per the contract he had to work under the East India Company for a year.

************

It was the month of December, the year was 1971, that was when India had entered into the Liberation war. Jayed was all set to get back home. He had even telegrammed the news to his parents. He took the launch as he had to cross the Padma River to get to Bangladesh.

************

He had reached the Bangladesh border when a few men dressed in Khaki started enquiring him about his whereabouts. Jayed uncertain of their intentions and mistaking them for cops, he told them everything. He was surprised to see them turning red with anger and clenching their fists. He started fumbling seeing their changed expression. Suddenly one of those men held him from the back and another took out a sharp knife and beheaded him with one sweep. The body was thrown in the Padma River and all they returned to the family was the head of Jayed at the doorstep of his home.

************

The story of the boy’s death never reached his family. They never found rest of his body. Neither did they come to know of the murderers nor the reason of his death. All answers got swayed away in the river that carried the boy and finally immersing in the womb of his motherland.

Survival of the bravest

“Let’s go Sheetal; Neelam must be waiting for us at the Chowk”, Nisha shouted.

Sheetal was a small town girl from Uttar Pradesh whose dream was to study hard and earn a proper living so that she could open her own boutique. She came to Lucknow a year back and started working at a sari store so that she could pay her college fees. She made two friends Neelam and Nisha who were her co-workers at the store. Nisha and Sheetal went to the same college which was near a Cloth-Dyeing market and innumerable clothing stores.

Sheetal, while hurrying accidentally bumped into a girl before her. She politely apologized and carried on when she suddenly felt a tug on her dupatta. On looking back she found it was none other than the girl she ran into a moment later. It was Pinky the twelve old daughter of the owner of the Pinky Clothing Store, known for her arrogance and ill-mannered nature towards any human.

Sheetal went back again and asked her to let go of her dupatta. But that girl had some other plans. She took Sheetal by her elbow, dropped her in middle of the busy market place and screamed, “How dare you push me? And that too in front of my own shop? Who gave you such audacity?”

Sheetal stunned by her action politely replied, “Look dear, I have already apologized for it, I said it was a mistake. I didn’t do it intentionally.”

Pinky unable to control her anger slapped her hard in front of the entire crowd watching the two. Sheetal could not bear this uncalled humiliation and slapped her back saying, “this was for this unnecessary arrogance.” She slapped her again, “this was to teach you how to behave with people elder to you.” She picked up her bag and left the place with Nisha.

That night Pinky went to the two most famous bullies of that market, Basir and Chirag. They both held the biggest cloth shops in that market and had the highest sales too, overpowering the entire market. She wanted revenge for the insult Sheetal did. The two gave a cruel smile assuring her that her work would be done the next day when Sheetal returns home. Pinky went back home happy and contented.

Sheetal unaware of what was in store for her followed her usual routine,  attended her college and on her way back overheard Pinky telling her friends, “Today the girl will be taught the ultimate lesson of her life. Finally the revenge would be taken.”

“And how will you do that? I saw her leaving,” her friend asked.

Sheetal walked very slowly so that their voices could be heard. Pinky grinned and said, “Don’t you worry! Basir and Chirag is waiting for that at the end of the street.” Her laugh was a wild and scary one.

Sheetal’s heart started beating loudly. She started shaking. Her fear was not very far from her. She found an empty garage and quickly hid there, thinking of something to overcome this trouble. Should she apologize to Pinky? Should she wait here for some more time? All the questions kept on ringing in her mind but she blankly stared at the garage walls.

Finally, after gathering a little courage she washed her face which was still pale and headed of towards the street where her fate was waiting to be changed.

The moment Basir saw her coming, he whistled to Chirag and they started approaching towards her. She closed her eyes to gather all the strength she could to face them. Basir got hold of her satchel and threw it away. Chirag dragged her to their shop warehouse. She screamed for mercy but saw no one come to her rescue for they all feared the bullies. When Basir was about to pounce on her, she asked them to hear her out just once. The lecherous devils wanted to hear nothing from her, but she continuously pleaded and they agreed. They tied her up and asked her to keep her conversation brief.

“Basir ji, do you know why Pinky asked you to attack me and not any other person in the locality?”

“That’s because all the people here fear us,” Chirag promptly replied.

“I don’t think so. She wants the business competition to end here.” Sheetal started weaving a new conspiracy here.

“What non sense! You humiliated her, so she came to us.” Basir replied furiously.

She could have taken revenge herself, don’t you think?”

Sheetal’s words struck them hard, leaving them to wonder, while she rejoiced silently that her plan was working.

She smirked and continued, “Pinky knew that you both had the highest sales. The reason why they never got too many customers and always experienced losses in business.” They nodded and she went on saying, “Now if you harm me, the cops will come after you, which may result in closing down of your shop and a fresh new beginning to their business. Such clever people!”

Chirag couldn’t control his rage and threw the barrel next to him. Sheetal got scared and stopped. He screamed, “Today I’m going to teach that girl a lesson. I’m not going to leave her.”

“Cool down ji. It’s no use. Don’t act so fast,” she replied.

Chirag calmed down. They untied her and let her go. They thanked her for saving their business. Sheetal came out of the warehouse, picked up her satchel, looked at the crowd that was still waiting with pity and left.

The next morning, when Sheetal was walking on her way to college, Chirag and Basir smirked at her. Unable to understand she confusingly started walking again. On approaching a little near to college, a loud shriek came from the Pinky Clothing Store. Everyone saw that their shop was burned down. That’s when Sheetal realized the reason of the smirk and the conversation of the warehouse that was finally in ashes now.

The Last Letter

Dear Jones,

We have been together for so long. Life seemed so beautiful when we first met. You were the only friend I had, as I was new in the locality. Your mum and you helped us in shifting and arranging all the stuffs. You made my life comfortable. I felt safe when you were around. You always took me with you when you went hiking with your friends.  

You remember that summer dear, when you took me to the lake, and screamed I love you. Trust me baby, I was absolutely stunned and that’s why I was staring at you blankly. But we had to run away from there because the fisherman heard you screaming. And on our first date you were released late from the class so you bought me a bunch of dandelions you plucked from the riverside. I showed I was annoyed, so that you would pamper me but I found it really cute. I still have them in the notebook; I never let you read, even now two days before our marriage.

The days I have spent with you have been awesome. All were special, I remember each of them. The surprises you gave me on my birthday, the burnt cake you made, the star chain and all the tiny gifts you gave me, they all are in the jewellery box you gave me last year after you came back from California.

I can go on writing on us, the time we spent together. But I know you are busy person now a day. You have to work for our future. Maybe, that’s the reason why I don’t get to see you like I used to. Maybe that’s why there is no us now.

This birthday I kept on waiting for your call, but you never got the time. When you did, it wasn't a birthday wish. I was sick, but you had no clue. I fear to share now, to talk, and to express. I’m losing my self now. I needed you, to hold me, and tell me you are mine. I didn't need your money. I didn't need expensive gifts. All I needed was a little love, a little care.

When I said everything was fine with a heavy heart and you inquired for two times and left, I wanted you to ask me over and over again, until I could no longer show that I’m strong and that nothing was fine. When you went far from me, I wanted you to look back and ask, “Baby, do you want me to go?”

I wanted you to be with me when I was sick, for I needed you the most. Whenever I was angry or disappointed, I wanted you to bring back my faith that I had. I know I don't speak much when I'm low, neither do I interact much, but the pain was always visible in my eyes. The urge for making sure you would understand it was always present in my silence. But time had killed that understanding, that patience of yours. You loved me deeply I'm sure but maybe I needed a little more. Whenever I said bye, I wanted you to check back on me, but they seemed like a goodbye meant for ever. Whenever I said I love you, it was to remind you that you were the world for me and how special everything was when you were around.

When you find this letter, I want you to know, I loved you very much. But this new life was suffocating me and so I had to quit, before it was too late.

With love,

Forever yours,

Juliet.

P.S. The notebook and the jewellery box are on my table. They are yours now. And put dandelions on my grave. They are my favorites.

                                    *****************

Later that afternoon John found her body on the swing he made for Juliet the day she said yes to him. She was all dressed as a bride. She was wearing the beautiful white dress he bought for her to wear on the wedding day that was due two days. The dress was all soaked with blood that was dripping from her wrist. And in that hand she held the letter, the last letter to love.

The Dirty Politics

Every time when a discussion used to take the political track, I turned a deaf ear and retreated myself.

But today an unpleasant sight provoked me to muse over it for long and I realized the nasty silhouette side of the city I live in.

              What exactly is Dirty Politics?

It is nothing but Dirt and Politics, which has an added tinge called Foolishness as the catalyst.

The equation starts with a little boy, aged around seven standing in front of a tea shop watching customers order tea or just wait for a smoke. Beside him is his younger sister. The boy silently instigated his little sister to steal the candy in the next shop. The girl kept a close watch on the shop owner, waiting patiently to turn her back on her.  The moment she did so the girl stealthily hid the candy in the pocket of her ragged skirt.

                On the flip side the schools of the city are busy teaching young kids ethics and etiquettes to lead a better and respectful life. Yet the poverty line is busy decaying the roots of many such young minds. This is the DIRT.

                 Every single day newspapers are flooded with the news of the noble deed of the leaders. They are busy helping the minor community to establish themselves, earn recognition in this vicious and cruel environment. Whereas, some are mocking these actions of the leaders. The only reason is that when one is flourishing, the major part of the city is whining and sulking in pain and misery. Voices when raised are suppressed. The question still remains unanswered-Why is the plea of the commoners ignored? That’s the ugly POLITICS.

                 Spending the entire economy on a little portion of the society and hoping for massive win in the election due to that is nothing but sheer FOOLISHNESS.

                 It’s not that we do not wish better future for the minor communities; it’s that we do not wish for the same that is growing up on the corpses of declining future of that half of the society that could survive well with even a menial job, adequate food and education.

The Silver Lining

Bang!

There were books scattered everywhere on the road and staring at them with frown was me with my hands on my hips.

I screamed at the man who was apologetically looking at the books, "What have you done?"

My shout was loud enough to alarm the busy street and gather around us.

The green eyed, dark haired, tall fair guy started picking up the books and said in a straight tone, "Look lady, I admit that I created this mess but I wouldn't be wrong if I said, we both are equally responsible for it."

I was shocked by the audacity the guy who blamed me for the act.

Meanwhile, two men came rushing at the spot and helped him to carry the books.

I was amazed, that people were helping the man who created all the mess. What a terrible city!

He turned to the two well dressed men, handed them the books and said, "take the lady where she wants to and get the work done I gave you on your way back."

I promptly said, "I don't need favors. I can get back on my own."

He took out a card, handed it to me and said, "I don't do favors, just repenting for the mess. Good day!" and finally left.

I turned back, took the books from the men, got into a cab and left.

Later in the evening, with a cup of coffee while I was surfing the books I came across a business magazine. To my surprise it had on its cover the man who messed my day. I couldn't believe my eyes. I rechecked over and over again. Finally to confirm I took out the card he gave. Indeed it was him. He was the youngest and most successful corporate raider of Goa who grew up to this level with the speed of the light.

I took out my phone, wrote a tiny text,

Hello, Mr. Lawrence. Your magazine got piled up with my books. How to I return it?

-Khushi

(The girl you ran into)

After an hour he replied,

Ah! I remember. Cafe Delight at 5pm tomorrow. Take care!

The next day I put on my funky Goa Look with my big glasses and reached at Cafe Delight by 4:50. I took the place from where the view of the beach was magnificent. I was slowly going through the menu, and I heard a rustle. I looked up and saw all the staff hurried to help him. He was in a black Armani suit. I had to admit that he looked stunning. I checked my watch. It was 5pm sharp and he was before me. I stared at him blankly. To break the silently he ordered the waiter two cold coffees and said to me, "Hey! Stop staring. I had a meeting before. Rushed from there."

"Nah! You look good."

"Did I just hear someone complimenting me?"

"Duh-uh! Whatever!"

"So what do you apart from running around with books?"

"Nothing, yet. Have come in search of work. What about you Mr. Richard Lawrence? Anything except coming on magazine covers"

"I buy companies and…"

"Sell them, like Richard Gere in Pretty Woman. What a coincidence! Your name’s Richard too.” I completed his sentence before him.

"Brilliant observation. But I also bump into beautiful girls", and winked at me.

I quickly shook my head to hide the blushes but it didn't skip his eyes. He removed the hair from my face, and said, "I thought you looked pretty when you scream, but you look even prettier now."

"Well… Uhm... Thank you!"

"So tell me. Why Goa?"

"My mum passed away last month. She was my only family. My dad left us before I was born. Probably he wasn’t happy with my mum’s decision of having me" A lump got caught in my throat. He held my hand tightly and I continued, "So, her school mate Mrs. D'Mello told me to come here and find some work here. After all Goa is a crowded city and it would help me, to get over my pain, loneliness."

"What kind of work? The books that you were carrying yesterday were for interior designing. Right!"

"Yep. I studied about it when I was in Delhi. All I need now is some work. Because the rent is high and I'm losing all funds."

"Come at my office on Monday at 10am. I think I have something for you."

"Really? That would be so helpful."

With the setting sun and the roar of the sea, the conversation about our lives continued for long, which I thought should be called a day.

"I think we should leave now",

"And why may I know?"

"Because it's getting late, and the cafe will close."

"This is my cafe."

"So what? The staffs need to get back home. And so do I."

"As you say madam."

He paid the bill, took the magazine and we walked to his car. He offered to drop me home. And after innumerable noes, and wooing I finally accepted.

I don't know why but I started to fall in love with the city or was it just him.

I waited eagerly for Monday. As there before me was my dream job, offered to me by dream friend at a luxurious office.

I reached his office at 9:45am, where a beautiful lady asked me to wait at the lobby till Mr. Lawrence calls for me. Sooner the call came and I entered his extravagant cabin. I stood in awe for sometime. Finally Richard offered me a seat.

"What do I have to do Mr. Lawrence?"

"You see that empty room there?" He pointed at an empty cabin to the left of his own.

"Yes. I do."

"Give it a new look. Classy and rich. You have one week to get it done. You'll get everything that you need. If I find you worthy enough, you'll be hired. Don't worry you'll be paid for redesigning that room."

"Thank you. Meet you after a week then. My requirements would be emailed to you by tomorrow. Before that can I have look at the cabin?"

"Sure. It's your assignment now. Do what you want. All I want is a finished work. Good luck! Off you go."

For that whole week I worked hard like a mad woman. Whenever I used to work late in the office, Richard always brought our dinner there. He wanted to make sure that I eat properly and don't overstress myself.

"Let's go sweetie. It's getting late now."

"But I'm not done. Only a little work is left."

"Finish it tomorrow."

"Tomorrow is Sunday."

"I'll bring you here. Happy! Now pack up and let's go. The car is waiting for us."

I quickly packed up my stuffs. I checked my watch. It was 2am already. We got up in the car and headed to my home.

Next day morning, the bell rang and when I opened the door I saw him standing, dressed in a beach shirt and shorts, with a patch over his right eye and a toy fang in hand.

On opening the door he shouted, "He's the one who gave me this."

"You mean Rudy left Ice Age to come after you?"

"Hey! You know it," he exclaimed while removing the patch.

"Yeah! I do. Watched it over zillion times."

"Good. We have something in common."

"Nice. Should we discuss it later? I need to finish my work."

"As you say Madame," he bowed, held my hand and we left my place.

I finished off my remaining work with his help by 7 in the evening and went to my favourite beach restaurant to dine. It was a day well spent. I was happy relaxing because I was going to have a tough and busy day from the next day.

The next day was indeed an eventful day for me. I was congratulated for my hard work and finesse. Mr. Richard Lawrence handed me my cheque and also signed a deal of re-designing the entire office interiors. I even got to know that the cabin he made me design was for me. A new office, new goals, new friends, everything felt so pleasant like a beautiful dream, that I hoped never to wake up. Richard came up to me and said quietly, "it isn’t a dream baby girl, you earned it."

"I can pay my rent now. I can shop now. I can live my life," I blurted out.

"Yes you can! You can do everything you wish for."

"Dinner's at 7pm. I'm paying today."

He smirked and said, "Careful what you wish for dear. And I do deserve a treat. I helped too."

"Well I am not afraid. Hmph!"

He mocked me by sticking out his tongue. And I jeered back.

That night I felt the best. Mostly because I was celebrating it with my angel who was equally insane like me when it came to watching animated movies, full of life, was still a child on the inside, laughter and a deep sense of responsibility.

And what happened at the dinner that day, rather what I felt was something I had feared all my life. I was starting to fall in love. My mind kept on reminding me that the man I was falling for was my boss, more than that he was my only silver lining of the cloudy sky. I was scared to even let him understand that, because his friendship was more important for me than my eagerness to be his love. I paid the bill. My chirpiness was drowned by my fear of losing him. I remained silent for the rest of journey back home. I got down and headed home without wish him Good Night, he called me back and asked, "Are you okay? Because you seem a little lost about something. Was the bill too high on your pockets?"

"No! Nothing like that. Just a little tired. Quite a big day it was."

He stepped out of the car, gave me a warm little hug and said, "Good night dear. Sleep tight. And don't be late tomorrow; I have an important project to discuss with you."

"Alright. I'll be there. And I won't be late. Sweet dreams."

I waved him back and went running towards my apartment. My eyes were so full of tears that I was unable to unlock the door. After trying for a multiple number of times I finally managed to open it. On entering and shutting the door right behind my back, I fell on the floor. Tears rolled down my cheek continuously. I didn't sleep the whole night. I emptied a whole bottle of vodka. And everything I had done and what happened after was a complete blur.

The next morning I woke up late. The clock on the wall read 9. I was even more scared when I looked into the mirror. I looked like a zombie. My tea table was broken. A vodka bottle was shattered on the ground and its pieces were scattered all over the place. I was bleeding badly. My hands and legs were bruised. My left arm near the wrist was cut.

Adding to my misery I saw from the window Richard's car stopping in front of my apartment. I had no idea how to clean up the mess before me. The door bell kept on ringing and I started shivering. I had no courage to stand up to him and also had no alternate option but open the door. He stood there shocked at my condition. He took me straight to the couch that was clear of the mess he was standing in. He quickly got hold of a first aid box, cleaned my wounds and covered them. He got up to call some people to clean the room, when I could do it myself and just needed a day off from office.

Richard came up to me, raised me up, held my shoulders tightly and said in a harsh tone, "Listen, you have done enough. Now get back to your room immediately."

I simply nodded and left. Even his scold had the touch of care and concern. I curled up in my bed and pretended to be asleep. For the first time I saw him annoyed and concerned at the same time.

A little later a sweeping staff came and cleared out every nook of my tarnished room. Richard came in to check on me. He sat on my bed. He stroked my hair. I sobbed quietly. He pulled me near him, and comforted me. He got up and told me, "Are you okay?”

I nodded a yes and hid my face in his shirt.

“Then get dressed, darling. I have something to show you."

"What is that?" I asked rubbing my eyes.

"It's a surprise."

We left home to see the surprise he had planned for me. We stopped in front of a white bungalow. It was beautiful. Every pillar, wall had intricate work done on them. The garden had the prettiest of flowers blooming. On the gate it read, 'Lawrence House'

"Is this your house?" I asked him in astonishment.

"No ‘our’ home", he smiled and said it emphasizing on the word our making air quotes.

I was startled. I stared at him. He took out a ring and said, "Miss. Khushi Mehta, will you marry me?"

I had tears in my eyes, choked my voice but managed to say a yes. He took my hands, kissed my forehead and we went inside the bungalow. There was a white dress on the couch. He pointed at it and said, "It’s my mum's wedding gown and I want my bride to wear it. This is the important project I was talking about. I called you so many times in the morning but you never answered any of them. So, I had to come there. And I am glad I did. What a silly and messy girl you are!"

I checked my phone. It had 12 missed calls and 15 unread texts. I mouthed a sorry and he kissed my lips tenderly. It was like a fairy tale come true.

“So when is the wedding?” I asked casually, while checking the beautiful white gown.

“A week from now.”

And I caught his eyes glistening with pride.

The Perfect Gentleman

Riyaz a small town boy who lives in the outskirts of Gurgaon, earned a full paid scholarship to support his higher education in New York University.

His parents were extremely happy. All relatives were invited for a dawat to rejoice Riyaz's 'Videsh Yatra'. Everybody was congratulating Riyaz who was busy recalling their names.

On 26th September 2000, the star of the evening boarded his flight to New York from Delhi. After the long journey of 15 hours, Riyaz stepped into his new world, which created him with custom duties, and innumerable security checkings. After he reached at his new place, his home for the next two years, he called up his parents to inform them about his safe landing. He spent the rest of day with his new family members, exploring the new world.

Riyaz, being an extremely spiritual boy offered his prayers to Allah, and left for his first day of a new life. He didn't know that this day would change his life forever.

On his way to college, he saw four boys bullying a girl. The girl was like a masterpiece of an artist. But she seemed mentally incapable to understand the harshness of the world. Riyaz like a woman's perfect saviour rescued her from their hands. He took her to his home, and laid her on his bed and when he was about to leave he heard her murmuring, "Ammi, Abba, Inshallah I'll become a great businesswoman.

Later he came to know from his roomies that the girl he saved was Jia, who is an MBA student in NYU. Jia fell into wrong hands and became a drug addict in the first year. The college authorities decided to send her to rehab. Her family broke all ties with her. Riyaz fell on the couch dumbfounded by what he heard. His friends were busy speaking, but nothing seemed to get through his ears. He made up his mind to get Jia out of this mess.

Riyaz started his college and along with that he started working in a grocery shop to earn some money to support Jia's education. After getting back home, he used to spend all his time with Jia. He started calming her, helping her to get out of the mess, she got into a year back.

Finally in 2002, Jia was prepared to join college yet another time. Riyaz convinced the Dean of the college to give her a second chance like her life.

Riyaz's parents wanted him to come back but he knew that the moment he left her, she would lose herself again. Riyaz started working hard. Jia at the same time, also was studying hard to pay off Riyaz's hardwork and care towards her.

25th December 2005, Riyaz was out to buy the Christmas Cake and flowers for Jia. Today Riyaz wanted to confess that he wanted to take this relationship a step further and give it a name.

While returning, he came face to face with the guys who had once bullied his Jia 2 years back. They murdered Riyaz and left him at the door of his New York apartment. Jia decided to surprise Riyaz by buying him a present. She opened the door and fell on her knees. In front of her was a bloodstained body with a note that said, "He shouldn't have saved you that day!!!"

Riyaz body was sent to India to his parents. His mom still regrets the fact that she failed to convince her son.

5 years later

Jia is well known as the world's biggest business tycoon. Even now she is fighting for Riyaz, to punish the murderers. She lives with her family now but makes it a point to regularly meet the parents of the Gentleman who gave her a second life sacrificing his own.

Broke Up ;)

Are all break-ups sad and painful?? Some break-ups are quite funny! You definitely would say so after you read the story that follows. Nisha and Arjun, the hottest couple of the college broke up 2months back. And Akash's birthday party was their 1st non professional meet after their break up. Arjun came there with his new girlfriend. The name of the girlfriend isn't that important. So ignore! Suddenly Arjun's eye fell on a chick nearby. The chick was in a red cocktail dress, red stilettos and a stole draped around her neck. Her long mane fell on her back. Her looks were so mesmerizing that it was enough for the eyes to pop out from the sockets. Somebody called her from the back, "Hey Nisha! What's up girl?" Arjun could not believe his ears and waited for the girl to turn. Once she turned, he was bowled out. It was Nisha indeed. Their eyes met and Arjun approached and spoke first.

Arjun: Hey Nish, you look impressive.

Nisha: Hi… Tell me something new honey!

(Mean while Arjun's girlfriend left them to converse for a drink)

Arjun: What's the point in behaving so rudely?

Nisha: Rude? Are you crazy? Anyway your new girlfriend is pretty. ("Dumb fellow, you choose her over me! Yuck!")

Arjun: Thank you. ("At least she has brains, which you lacked")

Nisha: I heard she is damn funny! ("Did you find her in the circus?")

Arjun: Yes indeed. ("She has time for humor instead of the tons of makeup you have dabbed on face.")

Nisha: Nice. Hope you both last together. ("Tell me if you both want to act together in the circus. I can arrange that.")

Arjun: Yes we will. Thank your wishes. ("I have less to spend on her. You were a tough liability on my bony shoulders.")

Nisha: Bye then. Talk to you later. ("I eyed a handsome dude. No time to be wasted here anymore.")

Arjun: Bye and take care. ("Why are you taking so long to go?")

A little later when Arjun's girlfriend turned up and asked, "What’s wrong honey? You look disgusted," Arjun replied to it the most encouraging sentence "I’m glad it didn't
work out."

(The quotes given in the brackets are the conversations going on Nisha and Arjun’s mind)

All characters mentioned above are purely fictitious

P.S. thank you Sayan. It was a wonderful idea…!!!

Time Stops At Love…

Unlike all stories, this story starts with a little pain. We broke up two months back. He said I was not the kind of girl he was looking for. I was shy and innocent and he was frank and mature. I did not wear short skirts and high heels. So he went far away from me without even looking back for once. I pleaded him to come back. He didn’t, as my trust and love did not matter to him at all.

The two months were like two years of unhappiness because I knew I was nothing without him. Now, after two months, twenty days, last night he suddenly rushed into my room. I was very surprised because this time I did not call him or begged him to come back to me.

My mom loved him a lot. So, I could never tell her what he did to me and how my heart had been shattered into pieces. He said that he wanted to talk to me and that the matter was quite serious and important. I, like every time was very confused though. I sat beside him. He held my hand tightly. I was a bit uncomfortable with it. I told him that it was hurting but it was obvious that he didn’t care.

Now I gathered courage and asked him what is it that he wants now from me, when everything between us was over for him. He said since everything was not over for me, he wanted me to know it. And he finally said, “I have found finally the love of my life.” He wanted me to see her picture. I tried my best to hide my tears from him. I felt a lump in my throat but still asked him who the lucky girl was!

He handed me a box, neatly wrapped with a silver paper and said her picture was in it. My hands trembled, yet I opened it. There I found a mirror and when I looked at it, he said, “That’s my girl. Isn’t she beautiful?”

This time I could not fight my tears. They ran down my cheeks swiftly. He wiped them off, and gave me a tight hug. He smiled at me and kissed my forehead. I couldn’t believe that everything that happened last night was not a dream I wanted to live. He said sorry for everything that he thought was unfair and wanted me back.

I could not say no. We went up to the terrace, and spent together the whole night together, holding hands, and counting stars. We spoke to each other for a very long time. For the first time after the two months and twenty days the sky felt crystal clear like our lives. Now forever and ever I’m his dear little angel whom he never longs to lOsE.