The girl who sat next to me – Part-9

“Ok bye. All the best in life. If fate permits lets meet in some other bus journey” I said.

“Yea you too. Take care of yourself. Give Nive a hug on my behalf” she said.

She went towards the entrance to take an auto and I went towards the car park.

—–

Neema was standing there right at the entrance of the car park. As soon as she saw me she came running and jumped on me.

“Happy birthday Vikram” she said and kissed my check.

“Neema!Public, please” I said.

“It’s my husband. I will kiss him anytime and anywhere I want. I don’t worry who sees and who doesn’t”

“You are reacting as if I’m returning from Bangkok”

“Still I missed you a lot. It’s been threeeeeeeeeeee days” Neema said.

“Ok now get down from me. Already I have 15 Kg in my hand I can handle another 60 Kg.”

“It’s 58 now” she said getting down from me. I stretched my muscles to show that I was tired.

“When we were in love you were lifting me as if you were lifting a feather but now see you’re reacting as if an asteroid has fallen on you.” She said with a mock anger and turned her face 180 degree.

It felt great seeing Neema after a gap of three days. Even I missed her a lot but just this hugging and kissing with so many people around I wasn’t comfortable. Yes I did all this when I was in love but being a matured individual I tried to avoid it. Neema never really minds these things.

“Ok how is my darling?”

“I’m your darling,” she said playfully.

“Ok darling how’s my other darling Nive”

“She’s there with her grandpa where our car is parked. He doesn’t even let her feet touch the ground”

“You’ve brought here even my dad huh? What am I coming back with an Olympic gold medal”

“Ha ha not only your dad, aunty is also here”

“Superb my whole family has come to bus terminus to welcome me. Thanks for the hero’s welcome.”

“Ha ha. Tell me did you sleep well yesterday?”

“I didn’t sleep at all. I had company?”

“What? You didn’t sleep the whole night?”

“Yes there was someone who sat next to me I told her a story to cheer her up”

“Someone as in? Boy or girl?” She asked me arching her eyebrows.

“Ha ha girl”

“Why are you laughing for that? I just wanted to know”

“Ha ha ok ok”

“Don’t laugh,” said she and hit my left arm again.

“My hands are paining hitting you”

I smiled back. She had many questions which she asked while walking to our car.

“What story you told?”

“Our story”

“Oh oh I think before the world ends everyone will come to know of our story”

“May be, you know how I tell stories”

“Ya I know. Poor girl she didn’t know that she’ll be featured in your next story. Somebody is surely gonna sue you someday for using their name without permission”

“Let’s see when it happens” said I.

We had reached the area where our car was parked. As soon as Nive saw me she jumped out my dad’s hand and came running towards me.

“Careful,” shouted my always worrying dad.

After Neema it was her daughters turn to jump on me. This time I didn’t find it tough to lift someone who is around 50 Kg less than the other. She came forward to kiss me on my left cheek.  I showed her my right cheek instead.

“Kiss me here darling your mom has already made my left cheek wet.” Without protesting my angel gave me a sweet kiss on my right cheek.

I was lifting Nive on my right hand and I had put my left hand on Neema’s shoulder and walking towards my mom and dad who were so happy to see me back all in one piece.

I like lifting Nive with one hand and putting another hand around her mom’s shoulder. There is a big portrait of us in this pose in our hall.

“Ok get into the car. The road will get crowded in a while” said I to my family members.

“Don’t be in a hurry dude” said Neema.

Nive imitated her mom, “Don’t be in a hurry dude” she said and laughed. Nive irritates Neema whenever she calls me dude.

And as usual Neema gave her usual reply, “Don’t dude dad.” Nive looked at me with her pleasing eyes and said, “Daddy.”

“It’s ok Neema,” said I. Nive showed her tongue to Neema. Neema came forward to give her a fake slap. I pulled Nive away from her mom.

“Ok ok you both be good children and sit in the car,” said I and took the driver seat. Nive wanted to sit in my lap, Neema didn’t allow at first but she protested and made it finally.

“It’ll disturb daddy, come here sit in my lap,” said Neema.

“I want daddy’s lap,” said Nive.

“It’s ok let her sit.There won’t be much traffic now” said I and started to take reverse. My dad was also looking behind and instructing me. He has been doing this since for the past 10 years. I don’t know whether it’s due to the lack of confidence in me or his over protective nature.

Once I took reverse I did a U-turn and stood in the queue where cars were exiting one by one.

“Hey Neema today is your salsa performance right. Have you finished practicing?”

“Only now you remember huh?”

“Ok tell me”

“Yea everything is done. Come to the auditorium sharp at 6. If you come late I’m going to kill you”

Nive was hitting the horn while we were taking and imitating it too, “paampaaaam, paampaam”

“Take your hands Nive the people in front will get annoyed” said I to Nive.

There was only one car in front of us. He gave the bill and went out crossing the speed breaker cautiously. Next was our turn.

“Neema give me the ticket soon.People are waiting behind” I asked her but she was in no sense of hurry. She slowly opened her purse and handed me the parking receipt. I gave to the one who collects them. He took it and allowed us to pass.

Right when our car was about to cross someone came in the middle. I had to apply my break immediately to avoid hitting her.

She apologized immediately and asked, “Sorry sorry” but I couldn’t hear her voice as I had closed my windows for AC.

Then she started staring at me. She stared at me all the while till while she was crossingItoo continually staring at her. Only after the car behind honked the horn I left from that place.

“Who is it?” Neema asked carelessly digging something in her purse.

“Rashmi” said I. Neema looked at me with questioning eyes.

I replied, “The girl who sat next to me.”

THE END

 

P.S: Dedicated to the girl who sat next to me.

The girl who sat next to me – Part-8

“Only now I’m clear Vikram. It’s over and that’s it.”

Nive was happily playing with a paper weight without knowing what was happening. They tried to get hold of her too but I took her and went to my room. Yes room. It’s not a home anymore without Neema.

—–

“Hey you don’t have to take it so personally. It’s all done and dusted.” I said to Rashmi whose eyes were again getting filled with tears.

She turned to the other side and wiped her eyes with her hankie. “But how do you manage to be like this even after such an incident?”

“I’m happy that at least I’m not officially divorced and I hope that I get my Neema back again sometime in near future”

“You surely will,” Rashmi tried consoling me.

“But I’ve Nive. She’s five years old and my whole life revolves around her. She is one of the main reasons I’m still not frustrated of life”

She gave an understanding nod. “But doesn’t she miss her mom? I’m sorry to ask such a question”

“No it’s ok. By now she has got used to it but sometimes she asks that too during her last birthday she started crying and asked me to take her to Neema. She refused even to eat. ”

“Then?” asked Rashmi.

—–

It was Nive’s fourth birthday. From the morning she began pestering me to take to her mom. I didn’t know how she got the idea but I couldn’t pacify her. We both started off in our car without knowing where to go.

She was not her cheerful self that day. She kept her hands folded and was staring at the road all the while.

“Nive should I switch on the music player” I asked her to start a conversation for which she didn’t reply.

“Nive shall I switch off the AC and open the windows. You like air blowing through your hair isn’t it?” I asked again for which she didn’t reply.

“Nive talk to daddy what do you want?”

“I want mom” she said and kept quiet. I didn’t have an answer and so kept quiet.

At that point a black Avenger overtook my car, when I saw the number plate I was shocked. It was my vehicle. I was even more shocked when I saw my sister sitting in the pillion having her hand on some random guy’s shoulder.

I sped immediately and followed them. They both went to a petrol bunk to fill petrol. I parked my car and asked Nive to stay inside and walked furiously towards them.

Seeing me my sister let out a huge cry but all the while I was staring at that guy.

“Vikram…” She exclaimed.

“Who the hell is she?” I asked her staring at him.

“He’s my fiancé. Ashok”

Only then I realized it’s not only I who age and even my sister would have aged. She was 24 at that time. The same time I got married. May be too early for a guy but right age for a girl.

“Oh ok” I said without knowing what to say.

“Can we sit and talk somewhere” she asked me for which I nodded. She was wearing pink sari. That was the first time I saw my sister in sari. She looked more matured. She looked like she was ready to get married.

After few formal exchanges with her fiancé we settled in a coffee shop. Café coffee day again.Jhanvi came alone.

“Why didn’t he come?” I asked Jhanvi.

“No I wanted to talk to you alone so asked him to stay there” said she.

“Hmmm so how are you?” I asked her.

“I’m good. How are you?”

“Hmm going…”

“You look all matured in sari and all. You’ve really grown up” I said.

“Even you’ve grown old. Your specs has got big you’re more bald but still you look more handsome than you were back then. Neema’s magic I guess” she said smiling all the while.

We didn’t really know what to talk. It was an awkward moment sitting with your own sister in coffee shop. We’ve surely lost our intimacy. It was not like 5 years before when we used to fight even for chocolates. I ordered coffee for both.

“I don’t drink coffee. Have you forgotten?” she asked me. I felt bad. I didn’t know what all I had forgotten. She ordered a milk shake for herself.

“Are you still angry with dad?” she asked me suddenly.

“Not really, nowadays I don’t mind anything. At least in those days there was someone to scold” I said in a plain voice.

“You know why he did?”

“Hmm hmm.” I gave her a blank look.

“He wanted you to be happy with Neema that’s why he asked you to go out of the house” she said. I was looking at her and prodding her to talk more.

“You know about our family and relatives right. If he had said yes you would have got married but they would have totally isolated our family especially you two and my marriage would have been affected also”

“He didn’t want that to happen, he didn’t want them to isolate you and compelling you to marry some other girl was also not his idea. He knows you wouldn’t be happy marrying some other girl. He knows everything Vikram” she said.

He surely does. My dad surely does know everything. My eyes were becoming moist with tears.

“You’re going to make me cry in public Jhanvi” said I.

“No brother, be strong. You are a family man now. You’ve to be strong.” She said trying to cheer me up.

“Tell me about your fiancé.” I desperately wanted to change the mood of the situation so asked about him

“He’s working in Intel. We’ll go to Manhattan as soon as our marriage gets over. Our parents will also come with us”

“Thanks”

“Why?” she asked.

“For saying ‘our’ instead of ‘my’”

“Come on bro don’t get too sentimental. Doesn’t look good on you. Wish me good luck for marriage”

I gave my hands for shake hand.

“Give me a hug man” said she and we both hugged each other.

I paid the bill and we walked out of the coffee shop. “Ok good luck, have a great life ahead” said I.

“Why you’re in such a hurry, come have lunch with us”

“It’s ok. Nive would be waiting in car I’ve to hurry”

“Nive?”

“Oh ya my kid”

“Wow can I meet her?”

“No Jhanvi, can you see that Alto there. It’s her sitting there with hands folded. She is in bad mood today and I can’t explain her about you so please understand”

“Oh she doesn’t even know that you have a sister. It’s ok.”

“I’m sorry”

“It’s ok bro carry on.”

Ashok came there in my bike or his bike then and we both shook hands as Jhanvi sat in the bike.

“Bro don’t forget someone is watching what you’re doing so keep her happy,” said I like a typical bro. I so badly wanted to ride my bike again but didn’t as it would increase my temptation

I left the place waving good bye to her and my bike. Nive’s mood still was damp. I had to take her to zoo, jump like a monkey, and roar like a lion and roam the whole day to cheer her. She slept due to fatigue but I couldn’t as I met one of my family members after a gap of 5 years.

 —–

“It’s time to get up the time is 5:45” my alarm tone shrieked.

“It’s Monday na that’s why. I set up alarm in the morning” I said looking at her. I switched off the alarm.

“Hey are you okay. We have almost reached CMBT”

“I’m fine” she said.

“That’s better”

She smiled and replied, “Do you get up this early in the morning?”

“Yes I’ve my company bus coming to my stop at 6.30 so have to” said I and stood up to take the luggage.

Even she had kept the luggage there so I helped her with her luggage too. Bus had entered into the bus terminus and all the people were getting ready to get down first.

“Thanks” she said.

“It’s ok”

“No. Thanks really for everything.” she said.

I didn’t ask what she meant by that because I exactly knew what she might have wanted to tell. We got down from the bus and shook hands with each other.

“Ok bye. All the best in life. If fate permits lets meet in some other bus journey” I said.

“Yea you too. Take care of yourself. Give Nive a hug on my behalf” she said.

She went towards the entrance to take an auto and I went towards the car park.

—–

The girl who sat next to me – Part-7

“Ok you tell how you want your husband or boyfriend to be. Possessive of you or not?”

She remained silent without giving me an answer. So I didn’t pester her more.

—–

We didn’t discuss about it after coming home. I didn’t want to piss her off that too especially at that time when she was pregnant. I asked her a lot of times to take medical leave but she postponed it till her seventh month.

I was very afraid that time. I didn’t let her anywhere alone. I annoyed her a lot but I didn’t want to take risk.

The D-day came finally. We opted for caesarean as per doctors’ advice. I was trembling while signing the papers. I never used to like hospital atmosphere so I don’t go there even if it’s of prime importance but that day I was roaming here and there in front of the operation theatre. The red light there had stopped my life momentarily. At last the good news came at 12:30 mid night. It was a baby girl.

I remember those moments exactly. I was wearing white shirt. I lifted my darling who was drenched in blood. I was the first one to see her and lift her. Felt very proud that day as if I’ve won a world cup. In fact it was bigger than world cup. I haven’t washed the white shirt yet. I’ve kept it as a memento.

After losing my family, friends and relatives I felt like being alive only after she was born. She was our adorable little angel. It felt so good seeing her grow up. After a couple of months we named her ‘Nivedita’. The reason for this name, well, the same reason after which every guy names their first born girl.

—–

“You’re not going to ask me why I named her as such?” I asked Rashmi.

“I know.  You don’t have to explain” said she and smiled.

—–

After 6 months Neema got an assignment for which she had to travel to New York for a month. She called me from her office. I thought of cutting the call and calling her back but I was afraid to do so. I didn’t have time to fight then. Had a team meeting in half an hour so picked up her call.

“Hey guess what?” Neema seemed to be very excited. It’s very rare.

“Yea temmewassup”

“I got an assignment which I’ve been vying for the past 1 year”

“Wow great” I said without any emotion not knowing what it was about.

“One month in U.S. Great isn’t it?”

“What?”

“What what? Isn’t it great?”

“It’s great alright but what about Nive who’ll take care of her”

“Come on Vikram my parents are there at home and you can come home early. Just one month.”

“You know I’ve got a release in 3 weeks how do you expect me to come home early? And I know how your mom baby sits.”

“So it’s only men who should work and we should sit home and feed the babies all the time huh? And don’t you dare talk about mom like this”

“Neema don’t raise your voice. Can’t you take this after a month after my release gets over?”

“No I’m going now and it’s decided I’ve even arranged for the tickets I just thought of sharing my happiness but you spoilt the whole mood”

“Then why bother telling me,” I retorted.

“Yes I shouldn’t have,” said she and cut the call.

She left the city the very next day. I begged for work from option from my manager and got my company laptop. For me people are more important than project. I knew I would be facing problems once I get back to office but I didn’t want to let Nive feel alone.

Yes it was tough doing household chores but it was good to hold Nive close to my chest all the time. I started loving all the kids once I got a kid. All her mischiefs brought back the zeal in my life.

I did something else too in that one month. As I had a lot of free time I wrote a story and posted in my office forum. It felt good to go back in time. Live a youngster’s life again. Unexpectedly the story got great response which became a problem at home when Neema came back.

Neema came back home after a month without informing anyone. As soon as she came she threw a set of papers on my face and asked me, “What the f**k is this?”

“Neema, Nive is around mind the language”

“She is not going to understand but what you’ve done is you’ve compared your wife with some other guy. I didn’t know that you are such a pervert. How could you even think like this?”

Only when I picked up those papers I came to know what she was talking about. It was my story I wrote in that one month.

“But how you got this?” I asked her.

“Yea you’d be surprised. Losers love story is it? Now I feel bad for marrying this loser. I don’t know why I accepted. I sympathized on you. I didn’t want you to feel like loser. I still can’t believe how you can compare me with Harish. We’ve been good friends for so long”

“Neema it’s just a story why are you exaggerating?”

“Today you write about me in a story I don’t know what all you’ll do to gain publicity. Who knows you may even sell me to someone if you’re in real need”

I slapped her. There was a moment of silence. Neema pressed her hand strongly against her left cheek. Nive began to cry. I lifted her and consoled her.

“Nive nothing ma, Nive see there ChottaBheem is lifting the elephant” Said I pointing to T.V.

Neema was crying at the other end. Before I could realize she started walking out of the room.

“Neema sorry I did it in a fit of rage. Neema wait” I shouted having Nive in hand. Neema hurried down the stairs.

“Even my dad has not laid hands on me. How dare you. Get lost” said she and went off.

I kept on calling her mobile but she didn’t pick up. I went to her home to talk to her but she didn’t open the door.

From one end of the door I literally begged her to come back.

“Neema I’m sorry it’s my mistake I shouldn’t have slapped you” said I.

Meanwhile Neema’s dad who was there at their house took me by collar and said, “Did you slap my daughter? How dare you? I gave my daughter and all riches to you hoping that she’ll be happy but you slap her and throw her out of house”

I wanted Neema to come out and say that it’s a husband and wife problem but she didn’t.

“I did slap her but I didn’t chuck her out of my house and I’m sorry for that. But just because my wife is your daughter you can’t hold my collar and ask questions sir” said I.

“Oh is it. Yes it’s my mistake to have given my daughter to such a selfish loser. Get off my daughter you b*****d”

“Mind your words sir. Just now I laid hands on your daughter I’m already feeling bad for that. Don’t provoke me and make me hit you. I’m sure I won’t feel sorry then,” said I.

As soon as I said those words Neema sprang out of the door and gave me a stern look. Her eyes were bulgy due to excessive tears.

“Neema I’m sorry it wouldn’t happen hereafter” said I, “let’s go to our house.”

“This is my house Vikram and its over”

“What are you talking? One story of mine can’t break our relationship. Don’t be so foolish. Come let’s go home”

“Only now I’m clear Vikram. It’s over and that’s it.”

Nive was happily playing with a paper weight without knowing what was happening. They tried to get hold of her too but I took her and went to my room. Yes room. It’s not a home anymore without Neema.

—–

The girl who sat next to me – Part-6

“Ok ok I was just kidding. Let’s go. I don’t think we can go hereafter?” said she pinching my cheek. She had never been romantic. At least not romantic enough for me. I expected a lot out of marriage but it was a simple boring affair.

—–

“Just four months into marriage and you say it’s boring huh? What do you guys expect? All time party huh?” She said her feminist nature coming to the fore.

“Why are you getting so angry? Let me go with the flow otherwise I’ll forget. Then you’ll ask me why I didn’t tell the story in chronological order”

“Ok fine continue”

—–

“Why we can’t?” I asked as a matter of fact.

“Surprise. I’ll tell you at the right time”

We set off for the movie but as soon as we took off our car broke down. I decided to take a bus and go to Adyar and from there an auto or bus. But Neema insisted on auto for the whole journey.

“Neema that guy will ask 500 bucks. I don’t want to spend 500 bucks for an auto” I said to her.

“It’s ok I’ll give” She said.

“It’s not about your money or my money I just don’t feel like giving 500 bucks just like that” I said meanwhile bus came. We both boarded the bus locking the car aside there.

“This is the first time I’m coming by bus” she said and sat down. Our bus soon became crowded and a pregnant woman was standing near us without a seat.

“Vikram get up and give her seat” Neema said.

“Why should I? It’s not even a ladies seat”

“Don’t you have even basic sympathy? You get up or should I get up”

“Ok sit I’ll get up” said I and got up very irritated.

We reached the theatre just before the show.

“Sorry” That was the first time she asked me sorry. I could see many changes in her that day

“Why?” I asked.

“For what happened in bus”

“Ok leave it. But if I’m going to stand of my old age in bus no one’s gonna give me seat. I know that” I said in a pretty irritated tone.

She didn’t reply. The movie started and in a while, she grabbed my right hand, slept on my shoulder and slowly whispered, “Vikram…”

“What?” I asked her deeply immersed in movie.

“Turn to my side” she said. “Give me your hand,” she took my hand and placed it in her tummy. I couldn’t feel anything but I clearly pictured what was about to come.

She blushed. She looked way too beautiful than she ever had. I kissed her and took her for a spin with all the people watching us.

That was one exciting moment. Every guy knows when a woman suddenly becomes or acts sweet after a period of 4 months after marriage what the news is. But no matter what I was thrilled by the very thought of being called ‘daddy’ by a kid.

“Vikram don’t behave like a kid. You’re going to get one soon”

I was so damn happy that I didn’t know what to do. We went to an ice cream parlor and had heaps and heaps of her favorite butterscotch ice cream.

The next day after office she came home tired. “Hey why don’t you quit. You can join once our kid grows up” asked I.

“Why do all husbands want their wife to quit?”

“I don’t know about that but I want you to be safe”

“I’m really happy that you care but I don’t want to quit now” she said pinching my cheeks again. I loved her new found habit and we became a lot more intimate because of our yet to be born kid.

“Ok I’ll pick you up from tomorrow. I don’t want you to come in your crowded company bus”

“Ok Mr. Caring Darling” she said and went to sleep.

She called me the next day at around 5. I cut the call and called her back from my office phone.

“Why did you cut?” she asked me.

“To call from my office phone” said I.

“Why are you behaving like this Vikram it’s ok to spend one rupee for a call”

“Ok ok now tell me shall I start”

“Ya come here around 6”

Her office was about half an hour from mine but I started at 5. I was roaming around her office. I could see a familiar face from a distance. He was fat with black rimmed specs and was watching something so intently.

I went closer to see whether I could identify him. He scrutinized me with his look for a couple of minutes and then we both cried in unison, “What the *Beep*?” We both gave a huge bear hug.

“Raj how are you man” I asked him.

“I’m great. How the hell are you? What the hell happened to you? We lost touch altogether” Raj said. His happiness was clearly visible.

“Yaya”

“Hmm” We both were looking at each other and smiling without knowing what to talk.

“How is Arun?” I asked him

“Don’t know man. This project work. I couldn’t do anything. By the by how come you’re here”

“I came to pick up my wife”

“Wife. F****a you’re married? You didn’t even invite me for your marriage.”

“It’s a big story dude will explain some other time. Give me your number first” said I and we exchanged our numbers.

“When did you join this office?” I asked him.

“It’s been two years.”

“Great”

“Nothing’s great. You tell me how’s married life?”

“So far so good and now she’s pregnant”

“Atta boy I know you would be perfect in these things” He made me blush.

“Dude please…”

“Ok what are you doing here?” I asked him.

“Here’s this salsa class you see. All chicks join and dance. Come let’s watch” he pulled me to the place.

“No man I got to pick up my wife”

“Oh don’t act as if you’re an obedient husband. Just come and have a look. I’m planning to try for a girl there.” saying so he pulled me to that place.

“You see there red one. 12’o clock, 1’o clock, no  no 2’o clock. Damn they keep on moving” he pointed out. All of them were moving in a circular fashion while dancing.

Seeing me shocked he asked, “How is she? Great na?”

“Ya great” said I and was standing there.

“Hey you’ve come so soon,” said the girl in red dress to me.

“How come you know her man? I’m planning to get her. Don’t you dare interfere” he murmured in my ear.

“Neema what are you doing here?” I shouted at her.

“Why are you shouting? I was just dancing”

“Just dancing? With these many guy? How long you’ve been doing this?” I asked her angrily.

“For the past one month”

“One month and you didn’t tell me”

“Don’t be a kid Vikram I can’t tell you everything that’s happening. Even I have a personal life”

“But you are my wife Neema I expect to know at least something further you’re pregnant now”

“I know what to do Vikram” said she and walked away.

“Dude what is happening here?” asked Raj who was standing and looking at our conversation quite perplexed.

“That’s my wife Neema” said I.

“Oh sorry dude” said he and escaped from that place.

—–

Our bus came to a sudden halt. The jerk woke up almost everyone in the bus. Only when we enquired the driver we came to know that the break system has jammed and he informed us it’d take at least half an hour to get it ready.

Me, Rashmi and a whole lot of people got down from the bus. The road was deserted with absolutely no lights. We settled on a low parapet wall along the road.

“Tell me why you were so angry that time?” Rashmi asked me as soon as we got down.

“Then how do you expect me to react. I’m possessive. I don’t want my wife to dance with random guys”

“Come on! You seem to be a forward thinker but now you’re taking like a chauvinist”

“I don’t really get it. Many said that girls like protective guys. Then why didn’t Neema like me being protective?”

“Protective in the sense girls like guys being behind them but they also need a personal space. Ok you tell me will you like if Neema comes when you’re in a pub with your buddies”

“I’ve quit smoking and drinking for her”

“Oh then I don’t have an answer”

“Ok you tell how you want your husband or boyfriend to be. Possessive of you or not?”

She remained silent without giving me an answer. So I didn’t pester her more.

—–

The girl who sat next to me – Part-5

“Your locket is nice” I said to her looking at her leaf shaped pendant.

She took it up saw it herself in instinct and said “Thanks. Now start”

“Wait give me some time to settle”

“How much. Two years? Ha ha” we both laughed at a rather silly joke.

—–

My first night outside my home was the toughest. Though I didn’t know how to feel about it sure was tough. I sat on the parapet wall bordering Besant Nagar beach. I thought of calling Neema and informing but then I thought it’d be better to handle the situation alone.

I took a low rent room in Triplicane and stayed there for a couple of days then I rented a house near my office. I had lost touch with almost all the friends in the meantime so didn’t have any company whatsoever.

Neema called me that weekend. “Won’t you call me if I don’t call you?” was her first question.

“I’m in a terrible mess Neema”

“Huh you always say so. Ok what about our marriage. Did you ask your parents?”

“That was what I’m about to tell you. Shall we meet somewhere?”

“No I’ve some project work so I’m not free this weekend. You tell me now. Did you ask or not?”

“Ya I did and I’m not staying with them anymore”

“Why? What happened all of a sudden?”

“Nothing. Don’t ask me about that” I said expecting her to ask me about it which she didn’t.

“Ok then come home”

“What?”

“Ya come home you can be here”

“What about your parents. What’ll they say?”

“Oh they won’t mind”

“Then what the hell will they mind?” I thought to myself.

“No Neema I can’t”

“Ok I’ll talk about our marriage and we’ll settle this soon. I don’t want you to stay alone. Love you. Bye”

“What? What did you say?” I wasn’t sure of what I heard.

“I said I don’t want you to stay alone”

“No you said love something?” I asked her.

“Oh yes love you. Is it a big deal?”

“It is. For me it is” I said while cutting the call.

It wasn’t a big deal to convince Neema’s parents. They didn’t interfere much. Neema just informed about the marriage and they said ok. That too her dad came to our marriage only on the day of marriage.

Our marriage was a very simple affair. Just 12 people in registrar’s office and then a grand reception in Royal Meridian hosted by Neema’s dad. But no one was there to attend the function. I didn’t fit into their league at all but Neema looked stunning in her full length black gown, diamond necklace and stuff so I was looking in awe at her as always.

I felt so proud when she stood next to me holding hands. I never thought that I would be a husband of such a beautiful girl. Never in my life had I been that much proud.

That was the day I first met her dad. “Wish you a happy married life young man.” Said he in a typical wise man’s tone.

“Thanks uncle” said I.

“Here’s a gift for you” He said and handed me a bunch of keys.

“No uncle already I’m feeling inferior that I couldn’t do anything for our marriage now I don’t want to burden myself with these car keys”

“It’s not car key gentleman it’s the key for your future. A triple bed room flat just beside our house. A small gift from our behalf” he said one hand with one hand his wife’s shoulder. They were rich it was clearly evident and these rich people have a style of their own.

Neema insisted me to accept it so I had to. That evening we sat and planned for our honeymoon. Yes we were now a married couple, in just four months.

“Why don’t we go to Venice?” she said as a matter of fact.

“My total bank balance is 4 lakhs 32 thousand. I’ve to build a future from that money. I can’t afford Venice. Neema lets plan something small”

“Singapore?”

“No. Singapore is not possible. It’s something personal”

“If it has to fit within your budget we can go only to Pondicherry”

I thought it was a good idea. According to me Pondicherry beaches were romantic but couldn’t say that to her. “No we’ll go somewhere else”

“See I earn four times your salary. Then there is dad so what’s the problem”

“That’s the problem. I want to take you somewhere with my money Neema. Only then I’ll be satisfied”

“Ok then you yourself tell me where to go?”

“What about Andaman?”

“I wanted to go to some foreign place”

“It’ll be like a foreign country. Quite romantic too! What say?”

“I don’t have much of a choice. Its ok arrange it soon”

The one week we stayed in Andaman was pure delight especially Havelock island. It’s a paradise for young couples. We stayed there for three days in sun soaked beaches playing in water all the time and taking a long walk every now and then. I even tried to teach Neema how to ride a bicycle but she found Java easier than bicycle. The logic behind that I couldn’t understand till now.

In addition to all the adventures, we went to see tribes one day with an NGO friend of mine. Neema became terribly afraid seeing them. She clasped my arms so tight it stopped the blood flow. Even I couldn’t have done much if they had attacked us with their spades and claws but it was the first time I saw her getting genuinely afraid and I felt like hero holding her close to me.

—–

“That’s it? It’s your honeymoon tell me more. I’m sure you’d have had great moments” asked Rashmi.

“Ha ha. We had yes but purely in bed performing bedroom athletics.” I guess I blushed.

“Hmm hmm someone is blushing”

“No really we didn’t go out anywhere. Instead of going to Andaman we could have stayed in our bedroom itself. At least I would have saved 50,000. But I must say of all the things that is hyped in this world only sex lived up to its expectation”

“Vikram enough I guess we better censor this part”

“You See Rashmi that’s why I stopped there”

“It’s Rashmi as in Rush Me not Rash Me”

“Oh ok thanks for informing I’m particular about pronunciation. Some call me Vigram I hate it.”

“Ya me too” She smiled back.

“Ok now I’ll rush you with my story”

“Yea but don’t be rash”. Our jokes were increasingly becoming boring. I reminded myself that I’m 30 and I can’t compete with hippies.

—–

Things were smooth for 3-4 months after marriage. She pressurized and made me buy a small car mostly out of her money. One day we planned to go to Prathana drive in theatre.

“Can’t we go for morning show? I’ve to sleep early. I will have lots of work tomorrow in office” said Neema.

“Neema it’s an open air theatre how will we be able to watch the movies during day time?” asked I.

“Can’t you go alone please I’m not interested at all.”

“Ok let’s not go” I said angrily.

“Ok ok I was just kidding. Let’s go. I don’t think we can go hereafter?” said she pinching my cheek. She had never been romantic. At least not romantic enough for me. I expected a lot out of marriage but it was a simple boring affair.

—–

“Just four months into marriage and you say it’s boring huh? What do you guys expect? All time party huh?” She said her feminist nature coming to the fore.

“Why are you getting so angry let me go with the flow otherwise I’ll forget. Then you’ll ask me why I didn’t tell the story in chronological order”

“Ok fine continue”

—–

The girl who sat next to me – Part-4

“How was the movie Vikram” asked my mom

“Mega flop mom”

“Ok come let’s have dinner”

“I’m not hungry mom I’m tired let me sleep”

“I was waiting for you without having my dinner and now you say that you’re not hungry”

“Mom how many times I’ve asked you not to wait. Ok come let’s eat”

She became very happy. I don’t know what’s with these moms who are so happy to feed their children.

—–

“Hmm so day gone wrong huh?” asked Rashmi.

“Yes somewhat?”

“Tell me how beautiful your Neema is? From the way you describe I think she looks great. Do you have a pic of her?” she asked me. Every girl gets curious about the other girl.

“Not now but yes she is a genuine beauty. It’s not an I.T. syndrome”

“I.T. Syndrome?”

“Oh you don’t know that. It’s like there used to sit a girl next to a guy. First the guy feels she is the worst girl he has ever seen. After a couple of months he thinks she is ok. After a year he thinks that she is the best. They both marry. She goes to onsite and then that’s it”

“You are funny.”

“No really it happens. Ask any I.T. guy especially married guys.”

“haha ok”

“Hey am I spoiling your sleep”

“No not at all I’m very curious to hear the rest of the story”

“Ok let me continue then”

“Do it right away”

—–

I was put in a worst possible situation. Neema said she won’t talk with me until and unless she knows the marriage date.

I decided to talk about this on a Friday evening with my family when everybody would be relaxed.

My sister and mom were watching some reality show. I couldn’t concentrate. My dad was busy taking notes of that day’s Economic Times.

“Did you see the review today in Madras plus. ET has blasted the movie. Here read it.” He said and continued taking notes.

“Dad” I called him out.

“Hmm” he said without taking his eye of the paper.

“Dad, mom listen here. I’ve something important to tell. Jhanvi switch off the TV”

“They all turned back and stared at me”

“Switch off the TV Jhanvi”

“huh” My sister let out a sigh and switched it off.

“Dad, mom I’m in love. Now wait. Please don’t react all of a sudden. I know you’ll be shocked but she’s a great girl and you all will like her”

“Vikram” My mom shrieked.

“It’s not happening” said my dad.

“Dad but you didn’t even ask her name”

“We know what to do Vikram. We’ll get you an even better girl”

“Dad she is the best. You can’t find a better girl for me. Look at me who’ll marry a loser like me. Making Neema love me is the only achievement I’ve made”

“Don’t think like that you don’t know your value” said my dad.

“Dad for once lets deal with it. I know I’m a bum you know I’m a bum the whole world knows I’m a bum. I’m not as fair as my mom, I’m not as brainy as you, I’m not as hard working as Jhanvi. I’ve been a loser my entire life. Marrying Neema will really make me happy dad. Please understand”

My sister was looking at me as if she had seen a ghost. Probably no one in my family had seen me talking like this.

“That girl has spoilt you,” said my dad.

“Now don’t involve her. Talk to me”

“See now itself you’re talking against me then what’ll happen after marriage”

“Dad enough! You either let me marry her or I get out of the house”

“I won’t let you marry her at any cost”

“Thanks dad for being true at least once. Bye once for all”

No one cried. Dad left out of the hall. Mom tried to console me. Jhanvi didn’t have anything to tell. I didn’t have anything to pack. I haven’t bought anything out of my money. I was sad but I didn’t break down.

It was only when I left the portico with my bike standing alone there first drop of tears came in my eyes. I felt so bad leaving it behind but I know that I didn’t own it. I touched it for one last time and left the place.

—–

“Are you crying?” I asked Rashmi.

“No” she said and cleared her tears.

“Oh no I wanted you to cheer up but now I’ve made you cry again”

“Let me stop here”

“No it’s ok continue”

“We’ll take a break. This bus will stop in a while. We’ll have something and then I’ll continue”

“Ok”

The bus came to halt in 5 minutes. We both got down and freshened up. Only then we saw each other’s face clearly. Rashmi was fair, slender and was slightly shorter than I expected. She had a nice straightened hair which I guess she’d have done recently. Her hair didn’t look like natural straight hair. I liked it no matter what.

We got into café coffee day.

“Nowadays even bus stops only at coffee day”

“Ha ha”

“Shall we have coffee”

“Yea I’ve to stay awake all night to hear your story. Let’s have it right away.” Said she and removed her hair band to let her hair loose. Pony tail suited her better with a few strands of hair coming in front from both the sides.

“I’m feeling bad really. It’s 1:30 and I haven’t let you sleep at all.”

“It’s ok you’re not forcing me I’m hearing it only on my own interest”

We settled in café coffee day. Though it wasn’t as neat as the ones in the city it was decent enough. From the glass door I saw two girls – whom I think would have met after a long time – hugged each other. I laughed seeing at them.

“Why are you laughing?” Rashmi asked sipping her coffee.

“Nothing”

“Tell me na”

“Nothing really”

“Tell me tell me”

“Two girls hugged each other there right that’s what made me laugh”

“Why? What’s there to laugh in it?”

“Nothing leave it. How is the coffee?”

“Not bad. I don’t have coffee much.” She said. I was happy that I changed the topic.

“You said that you went to her house and came back without proposing right?” asked Rashmi.

“Yea inferiority complex”

“Why?”

“Hmm I was fat, dark at that time with no confidence whatsoever”

“You don’t have to really worry about being dark. Girls generally don’t mind color and you’re not that dark.”

“Oh is it? Temme what else girls don’t mind” I ridiculed her.

“No I’m not going to start a story now leave that. “

“Ok”

“And now you’re handsome.”

“With age comes maturity right. More than that Neema changed me. She made me go to that parlor Toni and Guy and shed thousands of rupees trying to make me look better. Then I went to gym. Did hardcore stuff for a couple of years so here I’m back in shape”

“Hmm. When did this happen? Why don’t you tell me everything in the chronological order?”

“Love is all about moments, no one remembers what happened in chronological order. Some moments now will trigger the past and that’s how one gets to remember them”

“Ok Sir” she said and laughed.

We got back into the bus. She tied her hair back and went back to her previous look. The driver switched off the white lights and turned on the fluorescent lamps. Only part of Rashmi’s face was visible. She looked pretty in that light. Her yellow dress added glitz.

“Your locket is nice” I said to her looking at her leaf shaped pendant.

She took it up saw it herself in instinct and said “Thanks. Now start”

“Wait give me some time to settle”

“How much. Two years? Ha ha” we both laughed at a rather silly joke.

—–

The girl who sat next to me – Part-3

“I said I love you”

“Ok bye” She blushed and went away.

—–

“haha the funniest proposal I’ve ever heard about,” said Rashmi. “But why Kesari?” She asked.

“Oh it was the only colorful thing in an otherwise colorless meal. That’s why”

“Hmm fine fine. Hah” she continued smiling.

“Yea I forgot to say I just bought a bike before she came back to office. Just a day before I met her after 2 years”

“hmmhmm”

“Ya I thought my bike was my lucky charm. Many good things happened at that time”

“hmm”

“I was young, 24, at that time you see. So had all these thoughts”

“ya I understand. Ok continue the story”

“Ok fine”

“I had lot of plans but we couldn’t do much as lovers. She didn’t come out during day time saying that she’ll get sun stroke and night time she says she is uncomfortable so we didn’t do anything much as lovers but yeah one day I took her to Moonrakers”

—–

“Hey it’s been two months since I proposed you. We both being lovers I guess we should do something substantial” said I to Neema in one of our late night telephonic conversation.

“Ok from tomorrow we’ll plant a couple of trees every day.” She used to beat me with her humor every time whereas it should’ve been the other way around.

“Neema be serious lets go out somewhere. Coffee this Saturday? What say”

“But we used to have coffee almost daily”

“Neema don’t irritate. You know what I mean. We’re going out for coffee this Saturday. No excuses”

“Ok fine let’s go but I won’t come in your bike. I’m afraid. I said right I once met with an accident while going with my uncle”

“I’m not ready to hear all this bull s**t. You’re coming and that’s an order”

“I won’t talk to you unless you mind your language”

“It’s just… Ok I won’t hereafter. Saturday morning 9’o clock be ready I’ll pick you up”

“I hope the weather won’t be harsh”

“Stop it Neema we’re going and that’s decided. Bye. Sleep for now.Cya”

“Ok good night. Cya”

“What? That’s it? Give me a kiss”

“haha. Don’t behave like a kid Vikram. Good bye”

“But we are lovers at least…..” she cut the call. “Huh…”

I was pretty much excited about that weekend. I water washed my super glossy bike again and again until I was sure that it glittered like a diamond.

I wore an all-black outfit which matched with my bikes color and started from my home at about 8.

“Where are you going this early in the morning and dressed like this” my mom asked.

“Movie mom.Sathyam. Will be late”

“Late? You didn’t tell me. I have prepared lunch for you too. I don’t know, you have to eat it”

“Should I come from Mahabali… I mean from Sathyam to eat your lunch. Dad is at home na. He’ll finish mine too. Bye I’m getting late”

My mom’s ever enchanting voice slowly disappeared while I got down to get my bike. Just sitting in my bike gave me pleasure. Made me feel like hero.Gave me a whole lot of confidence.

—–

“Why all guys are so obsessed with bike?” Rashmi interrupted in the middle.

“What?” Due to her sudden interruption I didn’t get her question.

“Bike”

“That’s a guy thing. That was my first bike so automatically I was obsessed with it. ”

“Ok ok continue”

“Ok where I left?

“Moms scolding. Bike”

“Ok…”

“Ya I took my bike and went to her place well before time”

—–

I waited there at her place about half an hour. It was nine when I called her. She came out of her house in black kurthi and pink leggings. She looked incredible yet again. She had done something with her hair. French plight I guess.

“Wow you look gorgeous” I said as she came near to me.

“How many times will you tell this?”

“But girls do love to get compliments”

“Yes but you’re overdoing”

“I can’t help. You are gorgeous all the time. I’ve to tell my love that every time I meet.”

“Ok dude let’s get started” Haven’t I said before that I love her when she dudes me.

“Wait! Bring your dupatta”

“Dupatta shouldn’t be worn with this dress”

“It’s ok bring it. Bring at least some shawl”

“I’ve one in my bag but why?”

“I’ll tell you”

“Ok where’s an extra helmet? Didn’t I say that I won’t come without a helmet? I don’t wanna fall down again”

“Ok have this”

“For you”

“I don’t need”

“What if you get caught by police? Or break your head. I don’t want to marry a headless Nick”

“I’ll manage that. Shall we go?” That was the first time I hated my bike for not having a kick starter. It’d have been a lot more heroic than pushing the start button.

Luckily for us there wasn’t heavy traffic that day. The drive was smooth.

“Neema you know what?” I asked her and continued. “This was my life time ambition to have a girl as pillion rider”

“Great! What an ambition. You’ll really prosper in life. Good that you didn’t buy one of those bikes with high rise pillion seat. This is lot more comfortable”

“I know but I would have preferred that”

“Idiot” She hit me in a teasing manner.

“Won’t you hug me?” I asked

“No”

“Why?”

“I’m a cultured girl I don’t do all these non-sense”

“Then all the girls who hug there boys are uncultured huh?”

“In a way yes”

“Adamant”

“Yes I am”

We stopped at a petrol bunk at the start of ECR to fill the tank. I filled the tank fully to let her know that I’m spending a lot.

“Ok give me the helmet”

“What didn’t I say….” She started to say her usual dialogue but I stopped her in the middle.

“Only this stretch, wear your scarf. That’s why I wanted you to bring your scarf”

She wore her scarf and we hit the road again.

“One more aim got satisfied now”

“What’s that?”

“You wearing scarf and covering your face”

“Sorry?”

“Yea my first aim was to make a girl wear helmet then scarf”

“Do you have any other aim in your life?”

“Yes one more. Remove your scarf and hold it up. Let it fly”

“Are you serious?”

“I’m damn serious. Do it. Grant me my third wish too”

“Don’t be a kid Vikram. I’m not doing it”

I couldn’t convince her to do. We had a good time at Moonrakers. I enjoyed the day as much as I can. Though she didn’t like such a long drive she too was happy but it lasted only for a while.

“What about our marriage Vikram?”

“What?” I spit coffee on the table.

“Why are you shocked?”

“This is our first date. In fact first meet and you talk about marriage. You said you were not in a hurry right?”

“Ya but priorities change Vikram”

“Give me some time. We’re just 24 we have time. Let’s think about it later. Give me your hand”

I took her hand to caress but she immediately pulled it back.

“You’re going to talk or not.”

“I didn’t say I won’t. Give me some time”

“Ok when?”

“A couple of years hence”

“Bye. I’m going” She stood up and pretended to go.

“Wait what happened?”

“Talk to your parents and let me know by the next weekend. Now let’s go, it’s already late.”

“But my family is conservative I need some time to convince”

“All these dialogues should be said by me Vikram”

The return journey was a disaster. We didn’t talk at all. I left her in her home and came back to mine.

“How was the movie Vikram” asked my mom

“Mega flop mom”

“Ok come let’s have dinner”

“I’m not hungry mom I’m tired let me sleep”

“I was waiting for you without having my dinner and now you say that you’re not hungry”

“Mom how many times I’ve asked you not to wait. Ok come let’s eat”

She became very happy. I don’t know what’s with these moms who are so happy to feed their children.

—–

The girl who sat next to me – Part-2

“She came back to office after a couple of years. After a long time I found her online that day. I had totally forgotten her by then”

—–

 “Hi” Neema pinged.

“Hey hi how are you” I pinged her back surprised.

“I’m great. How are you” she asked me.

“I’m good too. Wassup then?”

“Nothing I’m back here in Chennai”

“Wow is it? That’s great. Let’s meet up during lunch”

“Yea sure”

“Hmm….” I typed without knowing what to talk.

“Ok then will meet you during lunch. Have some formalities to complete”

“Yea sure carry on” said I and got back into work. For a change I felt alive that day. I was so eager to meet her. It’s been 2 years but still I was affectionate towards her. I was confused with the sudden change in emotions. I restlessly waited till 12 and sped off to canteen as soon as the clock struck 12. I reserved her a place and waited there for about half an hour but she didn’t come. I texted her. I wasn’t sure whether she had the same number but still I went ahead and texted her.

“Hi when are you coming” The formal ‘hi’ before the actual message clearly explaining how much we’ve drifted apart.

She replied, “I’m on the way. Just a minute”

She came there in 5 minutes. She looked stunning in her violet salwar with contrast white dupatta. My jaw dropped and I stood up without my knowledge. She stood there opposite to me.

“Hieee” She greeted me with a big smile. Oh it’s been two years since I saw that mesmerizing smile.

“Look at you” I exclaimed clearing showing how happy I was to see her.

“Yea you are looking at me as if you are seeing a ghost” she said, her humor perfectly intact still.

“No I’m looking at you as if I’m seeing an angel”

“hmm hmmm” she said and hit me with her trademark smile yet again.

“Ok enough of flattering lets buy lunch. I’m dying to eat Indian food”

“Oh are you saying this? You were never fond of Indian food as far as I know”

“I know but it’s always like that isn’t it. Anything is valuable only in two different situations in life first before getting it and after losing it”

I gave a nod understanding the philosophy behind it. We both went and bought Katori meals. She relished an otherwise ordinary katori meals. I relished eating with her. I kept on looking at her. She reminded me of the day I went to her house and came back without proposing. I did so well till then to forget her but looking at her re kindled all my thoughts.

“Hey why are you staring at me” She asked. I took eyes of her and looked at the meals instinctively

“What happened?” She asked me yet again.

“Nothing. So tell me. How was metropolis?”

“Minneapolis Vikram,” said she and laughed. As soon as I start conversing with her I become a fool.

“Oh ok. How was it?”

“Good and bad.” I questioned her with my eyes.

“Good in the sense. Good environment. Great place to be. Bad hmmm too much work. I couldn’t even roam the city fully. I get so tired during weekdays so I sleep the whole of weekend”

“But you should have roamed about at least once. You won’t get to go there again”

“Yea I know. You tell me. How are you? Are you into project or still laundering?” she said with a smiling face.

“As soon as you went my lady luck went along with you. I got a project the very next day and I’m digging it out till now.”

“Hmm I have something to tell you”

“Oh what’s the surprise? Are you getting married?” I asked expecting a negative answer.

“ha ha. No. Not so soon. Come on… Something else” I was more than satisfied with her reply

“Ok what’s that then?”

“I’m quitting this job and joining the client’s local firm here so today is going to be my last day” she shocked me with that sentence.

“What?” I exclaimed.

That’s when I did what I never thought I’ll do. I took the Katori which had orange color rava kesari in it, knelt on the food table and did the bravest thing I have ever done till then.

“Neema I know I’m being foolish. I know I haven’t even shaved properly. I know I’m making the situation embarrassing. I know I don’t have the necessary charm. I know I don’t have style. I know I don’t have flowers but I do know that it’s now or never. Will you marry me?”

The whole crowd was staring at me. People with soiled plates in hand were looking at me as if I’m a buffoon. The people sitting next to me were having food in their hands but failed to eat them. I felt like the whole situation had frozen then.

“Vikram what you’re doing? Get down. People are watching”

“No you reply me first. Will you marry me?”

She stood there and thought for two whole minutes. She wanted me to get off the table but couldn’t.

“Neema my knee is paining and one leg of this table is not proper. I may trip down anytime but its ok you take your time and answer”

She sensed that I was clearly uncomfortable. “Ok get down,” she said.

“Sorry?”

“Get down man I’ll. Get down first.”

“Ok take this katori as an acknowledgment”

She took it and I got down to the applause of all the audience who were watching my hideous activity.

“I can’t eat here anymore come let’s get out of here. Everyone is laughing at us” she said and pulled me out of the canteen.

We went straight to café coffee day. There was only one table free and that was our regular place where we used to have our coffee and conversation. We settled there.

“What did you just do?” She asked staring at me. I couldn’t escape that glare.

“I’m sorry”

“You didn’t even ask me whether I love you or not. Directly to marriage huh?”

“Oh that means” I gave a huge grin.

“Idiot” She hit me with the menu card. People who were sitting next to us in canteen came to coffee shop. Neema closed her face with menu card.

As she couldn’t overcome the embarrassment she pulled me out of coffee day too.

“See you’ve put me in a worst possible situation on my last day here. We can’t go anywhere now”

“I know a place”

“Where?”

“There is a place near smoking zone which will be mostly deserted lets go there”

“Just now you proposed and within minutes you take me to a deserted place huh?” she teased me.

“It’s my life time ambition. I see so many couples sitting there and flirting. I thought I would never go that place and today being your last day let’s sit there for a couple of minutes”

“Fair enough”

We sat there and talked for half an hour and then she said she had to go.

“I’ve to go. I’ve to send this last day in the office mail you see”

“Ha ha ok” We both laughed and she went to her cubicle.

“I’ll complete the formalities and meet you in the evening bye”

“Love you”

“What?”

“I said I love you”

“Ok bye” She blushed and went away.

—–

The girl who sat next to me – Part-1

Night show of the movie that I so badly wanted to watch was running to packed houses in the Cineplex just beside the place where my bus was stationed. But I couldn’t watch it because I had to go home the very night.

I got on the Bangalore to Chennai bus with my baggage. The cleaner boy wanted me to hand over the bag to him so that he can shove it with other luggage somewhere beneath the bus. I was adamant in having the bag with me.

“It will block the AC saar”

“It’s a bag pack. How much AC is it gonna block. It’s ok I’ll have it” I said adamantly.

“Chodo Chottu” said the driver. Only after that Chottu allowed me to get into the bus.

I took my diary to write about the days happenings. I kept my bag pack cautiously in the above shelf and opened the diary.

“Saar tickets” in came the boy and annoyed me yet again. I took my cell phone and showed my m-ticket.

“Vikram M N, 29, theekhaesaar.” I was happy as he said my age because I would be turning 30 in about an hour.

He ticked my name in the name sheet that he had and went to other passengers to check ticket, calling out “Saar tickets” and “madam tickets” in exactly the same tone.

It was about 11’o clock. Bus should have started by then but it didn’t as someone had asked the driver to wait as he or she was stuck in the traffic jam. Everyone knows about Bangalore traffic jam. I used that time to write diary. I don’t sleep without writing diary. Whatever may be the case.

I opened my diary to write. As it was Sunday there was space constraint. Most of the diaries don’t have a full dedicated page for Sundays. But I felt it was better as I didn’t have much to write. I hurriedly scribbled as the guy whom we were waiting for came.

–          Good day here with colleagues but can’t wait to go back home.

–          Bangalore seems to be cool in every way but my heart just doesn’t allow me to settle here. I’ve to take a decision soon.

–          And I’m going to turn 30 in an hour. Mixed feelings.

I closed my diary as soon as the driver hit the pedal. The bus started at 11:15. 15 minutes late of the scheduled time. The driver switched off all the lights except a couple of yellow fluorescent lights of which one was above my head. It didn’t stop me from sleeping though. I pushed back my seat back and fell asleep in 5 minutes flat.

After some time I felt the momentum declining. I opened my eyes as the driver had put on all the lights. The bus stopped for someone at Marathahalli. I boarded the bus only after they assured me it’s a non-stop bus but it was not the case. Just in half an hour the driver switched on the lights. I hated it. I closed my eyelids tightly and went back to my slumber.

I felt my seat shaking a beat.

“Rashmi Ranganathan, 27, ok madam” the cleaner boy said and went away. Just out of curiosity to know who it was I slowly opened my eyes.

My head was slightly tilted to my left. I opened my eyes but I couldn’t see her face first up as my seat was pushed back a bit and her seat was erect so I could only see… ok I couldn’t see her face first up. I sat erect in my seat and saw her. Though her face wasn’t clearly visible I could see that her eyes were moist. The fluorescent lamp reflected her-about-to-be-shed-anytime tears.

As someone who doesn’t like to see anyone unhappy I sat upright to strike a conversation. More than that I wanted to know what made her unhappy. She was checking for something in her handbag. She definitely didn’t look like a girl of 27 or maybe I’ve grown old so I didn’t feel like that, she looked a lot younger. She was wearing yellow salwar, mega sleeves. I couldn’t say whether it was low neck or not but the cut was somewhat lower than what my wife wears. She had a gold chain with a leaf shaped pendant which rightly fitted in the V. The yellow fluorescent light added glitz to her attire.

“Hi Rashmi I’m Vikram” I introduced myself to her. She didn’t ask me how I knew her name. She wasn’t in a mood for all those I guessed.

She said ‘hi’ trying to mask her tears. She seemed to be social. She gave a pleasant smile.

“It’s going to be my birthday in 15 minutes”

“Oh ok! Advance birthday wishes” she said and turned to the other side. She was finding it increasingly difficult to stop crying.

“I know I’m quite annoying but I don’t want to see someone sitting next to me shed tears”

“It’s nothing Sir” said she.

“You can call me Vikram. I’m just 2 years elder to you. But in 2 minutes I’ll be three years elder to you. Poor me” I tried to cheer up.

She gave a small laugh. My first success.

I continued talking to her, “you know what, it really feels awkward to know that I’m going to get out of my 20’s in a couple of minutes. From here on I won’t be considered cool, no one will laugh for my joke even if it’s good. This twenty something fellas will mock me. The late 30 fellas won’t consider me as serious enough. I’ve my first strand of grey hair in my left side burn. You see here it is.” I pointed them out to her.

“Things were lot better when I was in my 20’s when my only aim was to impress girls. But yeah we are never going to be satisfied with the present. Even 30’s will look good when I retire”

The clock struck twelve. I got a happy birthday message from a dear one. “Hey its 12 wish me happy birthday” I said to Rashmi.

“Hah. Many more happy returns of the day” She said and smiled yet again. I was slowly changing her mood. I could sense that.

“See you look a lot better when you smile. Not that you look bad when you cry” I said and laughed for which I didn’t see any change in her expression.

“Oh yea I’m 30 people won’t laugh for my joke” I pointed my finger at me and said “Vikram, understand you’re not a dude anymore”

“It’s not that. I’m not in a mood to laugh. I’m sorry I don’t want to spoil your birthday”

“It’s ok you can share it with me. You’ll feel better and I’ll fell happy of reducing your burden”

“It’s ok Vikram. At the moment I just can’t”

“Ok no problem. I hope it’s not a love failure. Because it couldn’t have been worse than mine”

She didn’t reply. “You’d like to hear my story?” I asked her but before she could think of a reply I started narrating by story.

“From where shall I start? Hmm the first meet. No! Every love story starts with the first meet I’ll start with my break up. Not actually a break up though. Shall I start?” I asked her. She gave me an understanding nod.

“Hmm it was some 8 years back or to be more precise 7 years back. My love Neema, I had gone to her house to propose but I came back without doing so”

At this juncture I wanted her to ask the question ‘Why?’ which she exactly did. “Why so?” she asked.

“Why, because of inferiority complex”

“Inferiority complex?”

“Ya inferiority complex. She looks very beautiful so I was afraid to go and propose”

She was now intently listening. “Till then I used to be friends with her but after that I slowly started avoiding her. I knew that it’s not going to happen so I totally lost touch with her”

“Our probation period got over at the same time. It feels clichéd to say this. I was busy with the project and she went on site. Clients were very impressed with her work so they asked her to come there for work”

“You know her English is damn good with accent and all. She talks like a foreigner. One of the reasons I fell for her”

“Before she went she gave us all a treat. It was a strictly formal one. We went to cake shop cut cake had some snacks and bid her adieu”

“A couple of years she was on site. Minneapolis. You know Minneapolis?” I asked her.

She nodded. At the time Neema had gone there I had to Google to know where it was.

“She came back to office after a couple of years. After a long time I found her online that day. I had totally forgotten her by then”

—–

A Loser’s Love Story – Part-10

“What the *beep*, what the *beep*, what the *beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*” I was shouting like an animal in the deserted street.

Selva who was sitting inside the car came out seeing me shouting like a mad man “its ok, chill, don’t panic”

“It’s tough dude I won’t be able to do”

“You can man, you can. You prepared for a whole week” he tried to comfort me.

I looked at the paper one more time “No surely I can’t. Look at me. Do you really think I could do? You do it for me”

“Vikram don’t be a p***y, be a man. This is your best chance don’t be afraid”

I was trembling from head to toe. He came near me put his hand on my shoulders. “See, don’t think too much. Throw away that paper. Forget all the plans that you made. Just be spontaneous. Just be you. Being you is the highest virtue”

I didn’t reply. He continued “Just relax, close your eyes. Think of all that happened for the past one month. You’ll get the courage to do it once you think of it”

Selva opened the car door to get inside.

The verse from Rockstar was playing in his music player.

“kyun
tukaatemujhe
kyunbaantemujhe is tarah”

“why
do you cut me off..
why do you divide me like that?”

I didn’t bother to heed to the music or to get into the car. I liked to be alone in the silence outside. I closed my eyes to think of what all happened in my life for the past one month.

I felt like reliving all those moments, only when I opened my eyes I knew that I had only dreamt of the best thirty days in my life. It was like a symphony. When I peeked through the window I saw Selva sleeping. I didn’t bother him. Asking him suggestion again will only lead to confusion. As someone who is always punctual I started walking towards her house.

It was an independent house right next to a mechanic shop which was closed that day. I climbed up the stairs and rang the bell.

“Neema! What happened to you? How did you become old all of a sudden?” I asked.

“Ha ha. I’m her cousin, her mother’s elder sister’s daughter. But this expression is too much” she said. I was embarrassed.

“Oh sorry. I came to see Neema” As if she doesn’t know.

“Yes come in” she said and took me into their house. The house didn’t look beautiful as I expected. I expected a posh bungalow with home theatre, cozy sofa and stuff but their house seemed to be modest. I didn’t show out that I was disappointed.

Her mom who was sitting in the divan welcomed me and gave me mango juice. I felt restless with only ladies around. His dad was not there. I don’t think it’d have made the situation any better. I was waiting for her to come and with her mom and cousin around I didn’t know how to propose.

“What are you looking at?” Neema’s mom asked.

“Nothing aunty just like that” Fool fool don’t let her think that you’re a loser.

“Neema is in her room. She is dressing. Wait I’ll let her know that you’re here” she went towards her room which was opposite to the dining and signaled me to come inside.

I walked skeptically towards her room. Neema’s mom hurried to the kitchen on hearing the cooker whistle.

“Excuse me” I knocked her room’s door.

“Ya come in Vikram” I heard her voice and went inside. Right opposite to the door was the dressing table. She was standing there and wearing her ear drops.

I was in for a surprise yet again. Like every girls room the walls weren’t covered with pink, there were no big big family photos where the girl kisses her dad mostly and mom sometimes;there was no Tom Cruise’s photo etc. The room was plain and neat just the way I like it but covered with loads of books.

It was just a small room so it didn’t take much time to analyze things there. Other than books there was nothing else to analyze too. By this time she had worn her right ear drop and was wearing her left ear drop. There were three powders in the shelf of her dressing table. One was brown, one was pink and one was white. I didn’t know what was what and also didn’t know in which order she applied. After her usual make up chores she turned back and saw me staring at her.

“Hey what are you looking at?”

You my darling, you! “Nothing, just like that”

We both were standing opposite to each other. I was very restless whereas she was damn cool as always.

“Why do you apply so much powder you’re already fair?”

She explained in technical terms about why she uses three color powders but I couldn’t understand any of it. It too was as tough as java.

“Hey what’s that you’re clutching too?” she asked. Only then I realized that I had not thrown out my proposal speech paper and had not brought her greeting card and roses. Just when I tried to open my mouth to blabber her mom called her “Neemaaaa” the echo fading in time.

“Coming mom” she shouted back.

“Just a second” she said and left out of the room. I nodded and let her go.

Her figure moved out of the dressing table and I was standing there right in front of the mirror. I felt like I was stark naked. I was hopeless. The same mirror which just 2 minutes before produced quite a reflection of one of the most beautiful girl was compelled to produce the reflection of me. I stood there for full 30 seconds analyzing me from top to bottom. I crushed the paper that was in my hand, kept it in pocket and started to walk away from home.

Thank god, as everyone were in the kitchen I didn’t have to tell anything before leaving. I came out of the house to the car and woke up Selva.

“It’s only 10.30. How come you’re back so soon?” asked Selva.

“Get inside I’ll drive” I said. Selva shifted to the next seat without getting out. I started the engine and hit the accelerator.

“Tell me man what happened? Did you say or not” He continued pestering me. I adjusted the side view mirror accelerating all the while.

“Are you going to tell me or not” he asked me yet again pulling me by my shirt which I specially bought for this occasion.

The signal turned red I stopped the car, tires screeching. I then turned to him looked him face to face and said “I saw the mirror”.

THE END