I Killed God - Chapter 1

“This is how things run in Sehjo Majra, get this into your fucking head you bastard. Otherwise, you will not have a head for sure. Now give me all the money you have and dare you speak to anyone about this incident.” As Mungerilal turns towards the safe to take out the piles of cash and the gold jewellery, that he has accumulated by forging the bahi khatas financials, a shadow appeared in the back. The very next moment Mungerilal turns towards the dacoit and to his surprise he saw him lying unconscious on the floor with his hands tied to his feet. Making sure that the dacoit doesn’t run away after regaining consciousness. Mungerilal safely kept all the money and gold in the safe and checked the lock three times before running out to the daroga’s office to lodge a complaint. 

Sehjo Majra is a small village in the outskirts of Punjab. This village is a no man’s land. During partition many refugees found a new home in Sehjo Majra. That is one of the reason there is mixed population in this village. All the villagers live very peacefully until recent times. Since the recent terrorist attacks. The ties were linked backwards to Sehjo Majra somehow. Though there is a Sehjo Majra in Pakistan as well. Somehow the Indian media houses assumed the clueless Sehjo Majra in a distant part of Punjab had anything to do with sheltering terrorists. This news brought Sehjo Majra in the sight of many and obviously not for the good reason. Soon a police station was built in the village with Sardar Shamsher Singh appointed as the daroga. 

Shamsher Singh was from the same village and knew almost everyone. He was the son of a refugee but that was not know to the outer world. It was a secret of Sehjo Majra. Later, on in 5th page the one of the leading newspapers it was clarified that the Sehjo Majra that was under interrogation was the one that is in Pakistan. The clarification went unnoticed by almost everyone. But for the people of Sehjo Majra the construction of the Police Station was a moment of pride. For the first time in their entire lives that felt important. 

The sarpanch even announced his full support for the ruling party under any circumstances. However, little did they know they need voter id cards for casting their votes. The Sarpanch of the village Sadik Kamal was a very humble and generous human being. The word in the village was that anyone who has ever asked him for his help has never been refused. Hence the decision of making him the Sarpanch was unanimous. Mungerilal was never happy with this decision, but had to nod his head for Sadik Kamal as the entire village was in Kamal’s favour.

Mungerilal reached the police station crying loudly about being looted by the dacoit. He was asked to sit and the constable got him a glass of water, so he could calm down. He finished the glass and continued to cry. Then after a couple of minutes he calmed himself down and told the daroga that he was looted by the dacoits. Money and gold jewellery was stolen from the house. There were three dacoits, two of them ran away but he was able to capture one of them. Shamsher Singh ran towards Mungerilal’s house along with 2 constables. Upon reaching the house he saw the dacoit lying on the ground with his hands and legs tied. Then he inspected the safe and asked Mungerilal that how did the dacoits manage to steal money and jewellery when the safe is locked. To which Mungerilal fumbled to answer the question. Finally he said that he locked it before leaving for the station. Shamsher was suspicious about the story Mungerilal told but he had not proof.

He asked the constables to carry the dacoit and to take him to station while he would make his notes post further inspection. Mungerilal didn’t utter a word about the shadow or how the dacoit was tied. He kept mum about it. Shamsher left for the police station as he could not find any clue.

After the departure of the police Mungerilal opened his safe counted the money once again and closed the safe. As he was heading towards his room. Someone knocked at the door. As he opened the door he was surprised to see Lord Krishna at his door step. His eyes and mouth wide open. He could not believe that God has actually come to his house.

Just A Lame Story

It was a stormy morning, it has been continuously pouring since last night, the cleaning lady Sarita mentioned it to Mrs. Ranjha while she was wiping the floor. “The weather will remain the same for the next couple of days,” said the voice on the television. The forecast was being aired not the news channel and Mr. Ranjha was eagerly waiting for the daily horoscope which should follow once the weather forecast was over. Listening to the horoscope was one of their daily chores. 15 minutes of uninterrupted glance into the future of the family members which included their two sons Ahaan and Jahaan. The names were decided by the parents. Ahaan was named by her mother and Jahaan by her father. Apparently it was part of the deal between the parents that if the first child is a boy then the mother gets to name him and then the second child would be named by the other parent.

It was lazy Saturday somewhat because of the rain. Mr. Ranjha was in a jolly mood as the horoscope for the day was great for everyone. Their sons were not up yet. They had a cricket match in the society that was washed. The human alarm clock of the house (their mother) was instructed by the children about the match. Suddenly Mrs. Ranjha hears a cry “mom, you were supposed to wake us up.” She moves in the drawing room where she finds Jahaan rubbing her eyes and crying that he was not woken up for the important cricket match which was scheduled for sharp 7am. The time on the clock showed 9:45 am. Once Jahan stopped rubbing his eyes Mrs. Ranjha pointed at the window. Jahaan looked outside the window and saw that it was raining. He turned towards the tv and sat on the sofa and everyone went back to their daily chores. Soon followed Ahaan into the drawing room and placed himself on the sofa and switched the channel to cartoon network. The Jetsons were being aired. Ahaan was fond of cartoons. He would never miss a chance to watch the cartoon network.

Mother went back to the kitchen. Sarita was done with the wiping and went in the kitchen to help with the dishes. “1402 ki memsaab ke gardan par fir se mar ka nishaan tha," Sarita said The lady in House No. 1402 had a bruise on her neck. Sarita Said. This caught the attention of Mrs. Ranjha. She stated kya fir se nishan tha aaj? She stated so there was a bruise again? Kitne dhum dham se shadi hui thi. Han memsaab maine suna hai sahab ka bahar kisi aur aurat ke sath chakkar chal rha hai. She was married with so much joy and happiness. Yes madam I have heard that her husband is has a mistress.

Just when the conversation was about become interesting, Mr. Ranjha’s  voice interrupted the conversation. He was asking for a cup of coffee. Following that were the kids asking for breakfast. Once the coffee and breakfast was served, everyone went back to their respective rooms. It was half past noon when the bell rang. The rain had stopped and a cool breeze was gushing through windows, pushing the curtains on its way in the room. Mrs. Ranjha went to answer the door. It was the postman. He had come deliver a letter.

Mrs. Ranjha collect the letter and came back in to her room. The kids were not in the house they had gone to the park to play soccer. Mr Ranjha received a call. His voice rose in concern. He got up from the bed and asked his wife to follow him till the park.

Police had arrived at the scene. There were too many people covering the area. Mr. and Mrs. Ranjha arrived at the scene. They were not being let in the scene but were cleared after some resistance. They were shocked and taken aback with the amount of blood spatter in the area. Mrs. Ranjha started crying while Mr. Ranjha was trying to hold himself together and at the same time had to hold onto his wife as well. Ahaan was being questioned and Jahaan was no where to be seen. Ahaan was crying, when he looked at her mother, he ran and hugged her tightly. The police came upto Mr. Ranjha and explained the whole incident. There was an ambulance parked at the corner of the road. Ahaan pointed towards the ambulance when his mother enquired about Jahaan. her heart sank. They all rushed towards the ambulance. There was a white bandage around his right elbow and left knee. He had a scratch on his forehead and arms. 

The kids were playing cricket while Jahaan was busy playing with a puppy near the park. Suddenly the puppy ran towards the road and was about to get hit by a car. Jahaan tried to save him. He could not reach in time. By the time he reached he managed to get hit by the same car and fell on the ground. The traffic police came rushing at the scene and fortunately an ambulance was passing by that was stopped by the crowd. “I could not save him," said Jahaan. His mother was crying and started thanking the gods once she saw that her son was unharmed. Mr. Ranjha scolded Ahaan stating that he is supposed to take care of his younger brother. I was playing and did not know when ran after the stupid dog said Ahaan in his defence. to which Jahaan said don't call him stupid. He has dead now. I was just trying to save him. The puppy was hit and died on the spot.

The lines in Italic are English translation for the dialogue in Hindi.

Prejudice or Patriotism

We were born slaves.

Enslaved by the rulers for ages,

soon after stepping out of the caves.

There were kingdoms all around,

there were rules that had us bound.

We obeyed all their orders, 

even if it meant killing brothers across borders.

It started with the Maurya dynasty and

continued till Brits left ghastly.

The nation was torn apart and

was forced to restart.

We were fooled in the name of freedom,

standing in its way would not be less than treason.

We are still the same herd,

controlled by the wolves and overlooked by a bird.

It was carried out in the name of democracy.

Not known to many but, it sounded classy.

In reality, it was nothing less than aristocracy.

Few were moral but, to many it was debauchery.

The scene today has completely changed,

the prey picks the predator,

the one that is not in close range.

Just trying to delay its own death.

The hero continues to martyr, as they obey the order.

Today they are killed within their own border.

The nation that once was home to communal harmony,

is now divided, scattered and lost in the religious cacophony.

Our mothers, sisters and daughters are appalled,

knowing that they are considered as meat and 

the names that they are called.

The belief is pruned and doubt is rooted.

The yin is garnered and yang is uprooted.

But somewhere there is a frail thread of hope,

the thread that once was as strong as a rope.

That the chivalry in the people will transcend,

and lead us, to put an end. 

We will catch hold the wolves and the bird,

tame them and no longer be slurred.

It is not prejudice that runs in our blood,

Patriotism it is and we announce it with a thud.

Birthday Surprise

          In a small town called Hattiesburg in Mississippi was a house that was at the end of the farm. The house was on the border of the town. It belongs to a Hastings family. They were Australians and had moved to America in the early 80’s. Since then they have made Hattiesburg their home. The Hastings had two sons Sean and Michael they were 16 and 12 years old. Both the brothers loved each other very much. It seemed that they were two bodies but one soul. If Michael wanted anything Sean made sure that Michael receives it. Such was a scenario when Michael wanted a large mirror hanging on the wall of the study which was opposite to their bedroom door. Sean had to convince his father and finally he gave in. When Sean turned 16 he moved to Connecticut for his higher studies. Michael was not happy about the decision but never showed a hint of sadness on his face. He knew how important that was for his brother. Moreover he was sure that in a couple of more years he would join him in the same college. But they made a pact before Sean left that he will call Michael everyday and discuss everything.

          Sean usually used to call after finishing college and before going for football practice. It was late than usual and Sean had not called. Mother was trying to explain Michael that his brother might have slept or would be busy. Soon it was time for bed. His parents were in their bedroom and he was in his room staring at his older brothers bunk. The door of the room was wide open as it was a full moon night. He saw a shadow on the mirror. He went out of the room to see what it was and followed it to the kitchen. It was his brother, trying to scare him as a ghost. Suddenly the sad and gloomy face of his cheers up. He was happy that his brother had arrived home a day prior to his birthday. He finishes his glass of water while his brother waits for him. “You know I have learnt a few new magic tricks that you might like” he tells Michael while juggling 4 lemons at a time. Come lets go to the study and play, otherwise our parents might wake up. And they head towards the study

          The study was just opposite to their room. Right next to the door of the study the wall had a large mirror hanging for them to look at themselves before leaving the house. Michael had insisted the mirror to be placed there. He saw it in one of the movies and it looked appealing to him. During the full moon night they would leave the door open of their room so that they could see the reflection of the moon on the mirror when it would be a certain angle. Before they entered the study Michael took out all his toys and brought to the study. While he was entering he saw his brother was able to float the lemons in the air. As he entered he hugged him and asked him to teach him the magic trick as well. His brother promised him that he will certainly teach him the trick. They played and talked all night. Michael told Sean all about his day and his plans for the next day. He also told him that he was angry with him when he didn’t call him last evening. The time just flew past while they were talking and playing.

           The reflection of the moon on the mirror was fading away. The sun was marching his way up. Michael was feeling tired and sleepy. He convinced his brother to make a castle out of bed sheets. It looks more like a tent and less like a castle Michael said to Sean. They both burst into laughter at his statement. In some time they both slept in the castle that appeared as a tent. In the morning Michael was unable to find his brother Sean. He looked for him in the entire house. 

          In the mean time his parents were also up. They were unable to understand Michael but they noticed that he was missing his elder brother as he was lying next to his brothers photo frame. They tried to tell him that all the events that he is talking about are just a part of his sheer imagination. Just them the phone rings and on the other side of the phone is the principal of the College in which Sean was studying. She informed her that their son had died in a tragic accident. Sean had drowned in the college pool. It was Michael's birthday that day. The date was 11 January. He had bought a beyblade for Michael as he loved playing with it. The parcel arrived just when their mother was talking to the principal over the phone. They all looked at the parcel and cried out loud. Michael had gone into a shock and just then he saw his brothers image in the mirror. It looked as if he had come to wish him on his birthday. After that day Michael had seen Sean in the house many times.

          Even after so many years the day brings chills to his spine. Making it difficult for him to sleep in the night. He often goes for a jog in the cemetery whenever he is unable to sleep. His eyes wide open and always looking out for someone. As if he is following someone or trying to catch up with him. He stops at a known grave. The headstone was all muddy and the name was hardly visible on it. It had rained last night and the dirt rose on the headstone because of it. Otherwise the family has been given clear instructions to keep the grave clean at all times. 
          He stood there for a while, tears rolled down his cheeks and fell on the grave. He went ahead and started cleaning himself until it was free from all the mud and dirt. The name on the headstone read Sean Hastings a loving brother and son. He told Sean about the sleepless nights and said to him that this has to stop now. I will have to let you go. And so he takes out the beyblade, which he had kept safe for the last 40 years and placed it next to the stone. He sat there for a while crying and trying to compose himself. After a couple of hours as the stroke of the sunlight reached out of the shadows in the sky, he left for home. 

          Michael now visits the cemetery only on January 11 to pay his respects. He hasn't seen Sean around the house lately. After all Sean was a loving and understanding brother.

Papa - The P in Patriarch

This is for the man who never gets tired.

Carrying out the responsibilities charmingly, 

to which he is wired.

You see the world from a 360 view on his shoulder.

He keeps the family warm when it gets colder.

He is tall, broad and huge for the tiny us.

Our cribbing is handled without a fuss.

He is tough and at the same time he is gentle,

He supports us at every step, he holds the mantle.

He teaches us how to play the ball,

Ensuring that we set a goal.

While growing up he is our idle.

Mostly he preaches like the bible.

He is your first pillion rider.

Always making sure that your grip is tighter.

He is your very first super hero.

The one that never thinks of you as a zero.

You often see him coming home late,

He might have made you wait 

a lot but,

He is committed to put food in the plate.

And the dues too, need to be paid.

But after all this he may never show his pain.

All he wants from us is to certain 

that

All his efforts will go in vain.

He demands us to be a better person in life.

He dreams for you to have children and a happy wife.

But Dearest Dad,

You have been growing old as I am catching up with your height.

You should know that my career has taken the flight.

But I still need you by my side. 

And

To go on another bike ride,

To the look at the ocean and its tide.

I am used to seeing you young and strong.

You’ve grown frail all along.

Eat healthy and enjoy now, as this is your turn 

to sit back and watch your son come along

the life you had foreseen.

This is for the man who never gets tired.

It is a failed attempt to show that your efforts are admired.

Your Loving Son

THE RE - ENGINEERED MAN

   Eventually, the day will come when the human race will be ironically eliminated by the so called human creations. This thought sounds far fetched and unreal to most of us. But it is true to a certain extent. When I was young about 6 years old, my grandfather told me this and I quote “these machines have taken our jobs and the time will come soon enough that these contraptions will rule us and we would be mere puppets in the hands them”. It was just another one of the statements that my grandfather used to recite a lot. It didn’t bother me much as I was busy figuring out how the Centurions will be able to save the day and will Ash be able to win his next badge with the help of Pikachu.

     In the year 2003 when Terminator - Rise of the machines exhibited the future to be in the hands of Skynet. Skynet was a computer programme built by the humans to increase efficiency which was later the reason for the extinction of the human race. The plot of the movie was as bad as the money it made for the production house. No one would have thought that we will be facing such a situation where the software and gadgets made by the humans will be used against the eliminating humans from their jobs. The difference between the reel and the real story is that the humans were hunted down by the machines in the movie, whereas in the real life the human race is being killed indirectly i.e. by being left out to dry without jobs.

    Technology has advanced terrifically in the last decade. New software and gadgets have challenged the wits of every individual irrespective of the generation they belong to. My parents find the video calling feature to be a boon. I appear to be so far yet so close to them during our video calls everyday. My mother never fails to praise the good lord for inventing such a technology during her every call. Earlier she used to complain about feeling lonely during the day. But now she is eager to finish her work, just to complete the game from the last saved point in her phone. Technology has surely come a long way for her and is continuously surprising as each day progresses. 

      Coming to the present day, I see a lot of worried faces around me in the office. I had always heard about the tension and stress the term recession attracts but have never witnessed the same until the last ten days. The media has only added fuel to it by flashing news of thousands of employees being laid off by the multinational corporations. This activity is being effectuated basis a report that postulates about an economic meltdown which might take place in the coming years. I really find it hard to gulp it down my throat, that a set of senior managers sitting in their cushioned chairs, high up the ladder with questionable forecasting skills believe in a report published by another organisation about the turmoil that has a probability of 50-50.

    It has been nearly two decades since I heard the statement from my grandfather. And I believe that the prophecy is turning out to be true. I feel like the John Conner being warned by the terminator about the future, but it was the terminator who was sent to kill him in the first part. I doubt his intentions today. 

     Will there be a silver lining to all this or the Judgement Day has arrived and awaiting at the threshold. And it is just a matter of time for the hell to break loose and the humans will be re-engineered?

ECHOES

I saw you on my first day of college. 

You were sitting in the forth row 

from the front,

and I heard you shut a boy, with an answer

that was blunt. 

Your top was white with green leaves 

drawn over it. 

All my efforts to sit next to you

went down the pit.

Finally at 1 we were two seats away

from each other. 

I saw you go out to take a call,

maybe it was your mother. 

I was called to another room 

to verify my documents.

I saw you sitting on the other end and

boy I was eager to pass a compliment. 

Next day I saw you in the auditorium and

you were wearing an orange t shirt. 

And I looked at my self and 

found my shoes full of dirt. 

It was hot outside and 

you had your hair tied.

I was a few rows away from you,

I could feel my heart swell and 

I swear it is true. 

I was sure it was fate

When I saw you walk into the class late. 

Our classes were bang opposite,

She studied journalism and

I was learning about alcoholic composite. 

One fine day I gathered enough courage

to say Hi

My heart was beating faster than the bullet train and only I know why. 

We bonded over art

and your glares were sure like dart

piercing right into my heart.

Waiting for you at the bus stop was a daily chore,

My friends would laugh at me and call me a bore.

Handing you the chocolate on our way to the class,

That smile could make diamonds out of sheer glass.

How can I forget that first kiss,

it was completely bliss.

Taking you out on my friends bike,

Where you told me you don’t like spikes.

The way you hugged me on your graduation,

I knew I had to start my preparation,

for a life without you.

You marching into my class and 

asking my professor to see me was real bad ass.

My friends envy you till date, for that gate crash.

I am sorry that things didn't work out 

as we expected amongst our religions.

I think that love still has to fight against these legions.

But we shall meet once we rise above these differences.

And hope that love brings down these fences.

Until then I will reside in the palace 

of rapture.

We shall meet again in solace.

I saw you on the first day of my college.

The Banyan In The Backyard

          He woke up to the sound of the bloody vacuum cleaner. At first he thought it to be a part of his dream. But soon his sleep broke into reality. He picked his wrist watch from the side table to check the time. It was just 5 o’clock in the morning. Turn that damn thing off he yelled. What is the special occasion, anyway? Suddenly the sound stopped. He kept his wrist watch back on the side table and was about to lie down again to complete his sleep, is when Aruna marches in, speaking a little loud, "do you have a sense of responsibility or not? Or is it just me who is supposed to act all responsible around here". Please recall todays date. You tell me what is so special about it? I am waiting for an answer. She spoke without a pause causing her a little difficulty in breathing. His sleep vanished like a puff of smoke in the thin air. He made her sit next to him. Handing her a glass of water that he picked up from the side table. She looked at him with her sharp eyes before taking the glass. She took a few sips and said this is why I married you 37 years ago.

          The flight will land at 1300 hrs and it is a good 2 hour journey from the airport. You can relax and let Meena clean the house. I don’t want you exhausted by the time kids arrive. You don’t worry about me mister. You get out of the bed and get ready. And don’t forget to fold the blanket. He got out of the bed, folded the blanket to the best of his abilities and went to the terrace. He does his cardio up there. An extensive 20 minute brisk walking followed by a 10 minute session of yoga. He makes sure that they have their morning tea on the terrace. It is always quiet and peaceful up here he says mostly everyday, while sipping his ginger infused tea. There is a banyan tree in the verandah and goes all the way up supporting the walls of all the neighbouring houses. The tree has been there since ages. He has a fondness towards the tree.

          It was 1000 hrs and he was all ready and waiting for the breakfast to be laid. Usually people don’t have breakfast late in the mountains. But due to the sudden deep cleaning scheduled today, led a delay in the breakfast. He went onto check the stock of bubbly in the refrigerator as kids would love to drink them during their stay. Finally everything was spick and span. They were all set for their arrival a couple of hours before hand. He was a retired army officer and she was a retired school teacher. After their retirement the kids continued to stay in Gurgaon and they moved to their ancestral house in Kanatal, in Uttarakhand. They have transformed the house and now half the house is converted into a lodge and the rest is their home. It was Aruna’s idea not to depend only upon the pension for managing the expenses. They have hired helper who manages the operations at the lodge. While renovating the house the builder suggested to cut the banyan tree off, but he was adamant and asked the builder to work in a way that he gets the architecture around the tree.

          They were talking about the time passing by so soon like it was yesterday when their daughter was born and now they becoming grand parents to a mischievous child. The time glided by and they could here the car honking at their main gate. The parking was neat and clean and had enough space for them to park the car safely. The architecture for the parking space was a brain child of Aruna and had received a lot of accolades till now from various relatives. Their son in law didn’t miss to appreciate the architecture too. This brought a proud smile on Aruna’s face which didn’t go unnoticed. After a couple of bubblies they all went to freshen up while lunch was being laid. Ahaan came running out in the dining area. He started helping in laying the table and in no time they all were having lunch. Post lunch they all rested in their rooms for a while, as the journey was tiresome. They were laughing at the snores of their kids. He helped Aruna clean the kitchen and then they sat in the verandah and were recalling the time that had past and how far have they arrived in the journey. The lodge was also completely sold out and was bustling with families coming in and going out of the lodge. 

          He has been the provider of the family and during his struggle Aruna stood tall. She provided the support and push whenever it was required. She had managed the house with the whatever funds were given to her which never affected the studies of their child. And today they have enough that they are able to give it back to the society whenever necessary. The kids were up from their nap and tea was arranged on the roof. The weather was pleasant and the view was magnificent from there. He was standing on the other end of the roof and observing the tree. Ahaan came to him and asked him about the tree. He told Ahaan that listen carefully son, my grandfather and your great grandfather told me this story. Try to observe these leaves, on every branch of this tree. You will notice that on every branch there are a bunch of leaves. All these leaves are like a family. Each leave is bigger than the other, just like how it is in every family. All these branches are families and these leaves are the family members. The biggest one being the father, then the mother and then kids. This tree resembles to me as a society with in. If nourished and nurtured well enough this will flourish till the end of time and if not looked after, it will wither away. So always look after the society you live in because it will eventually affect your family.

          Little Ahaan learnt a very important lesson today. This will help him become a better individual and an integral part of the society. 

Mother : God In Flesh

It is a good news, the doctor said.

You are expecting, so you should rest instead

of long shifts.

Her eyes were smiling of her cheeks,

she had a happy feeling since weeks.

This was going to be her first child,

and without her noticing it,

the time glide.

The cries filled the room with joy,

when the doctor pulled out a boy.

He grew inch by inch, 

she was cautious and 

never did she flinch.

In no time she woke him up for school,

now when he was gone she missed the days

when he used to drool.

While she is thinking about him, it is just then

the doorbell rings and it is ben.

She asks him about his day.

while in the sofa he lay.

She tidies him up and serves him lunch.

He has to go to soccer practice and

there is a time crunch.

He is growing taller than her

and she notices it now.

But she feels proud and takes a bow,

for a man she has raised.

He has moved to the uni,

the days appear gloomy.

She misses her little ben,

who was always around her back then

When he was small.

Sooner he will have a job, 

Far away from home.

She started to sob

to the thought.

Just then the phone bell rang,

she wondered if everything was fine

it was ben on the line.

She forgot all her sorrow,

he said maa i need some of your time to borrow.

I will be delivering the felicitation speech on May 13th.

Can you make it to the uni? 

She burst into tears of joy,

while listening to her baby boy.

She drove all the way to college,

to see her son graduate.

She made sure she was not late.

She cheered him with all her might.

They went to his favourite joint and

She kept looking at him all night.

Next day when she got up she was surprised.

Her son was missing and she couldn’t believe on her eyes.

The breakfast was laid on the table.

and there was note

stating Happy mother’s Day! Maa

and continued 

I have found a job in town and the pay is stable.

She was relieved to hear the news.

In a minute she got rid of her blues.

She finished her scrumptious meal 

and waited for the future to unveil.

My Mona Lisa

While he was busy answering the call that abrupt our conversation about the results, my mind was running several calculations about the obvious possibilities. Out of which one being the planning for my parents anniversary. And the other being about the embarrassment that I might face. I wasn’t worried about the embarrassment the result might bring, as the other two didn’t make the cut. If your friend is also part of the competition and doesn’t get through, you don’t feel bad. The suspense was building about the result and I was starting to get annoyed with the phone call. Just when I was about to step out of the cabin with an excuse, he disconnected the call. Leaving me in an awkward position where I was leaning towards the door with my back towards him. I adjusted myself. He said you are through to the next round. You better be prepared for the next round as this happens tomorrow.

Just a couple of months before the competition there were new hirees that joined our department. Out of which one girl was my best friends junior from college. The moment I saw her, I fell in love with her. In these couple of months we had become good friends and I wanted to take this opportunity to really impress her. So I did the most obvious thing any boy would do in this situation. I asked her to be cheer me at the competition. She was there for the GD and the extempore and she said she will be there for the physical round too. One part of me was happy but the other half was scared about she watching me fail.

The third round was the physical round. Trust me my boss didn’t fancy my chances of even qualifying the round. So the drill was to climb 15 feet up the ladder. Cover the distance of 15 feet hanging to a rope, then steer our way across a plank that is narrower than the size of ones feet, while balancing a marble in a semi cylindrical object in one hand. Then take out a chit from a fish bowl full of rats and then dunking your had in a bucket full of cow shit to find a pen of the same colour that is mentioned on the chit and finally drinking 250 ml of healthy karela (bitter gourd) juice. The entire drill will be timed and four participants with the best time will make it to the next round . That was scheduled to take place on the annual day.

It looked easy and fun to me initially but was tougher than any army training, I thought at that time. The first person prepared himself and started the drill and Boy! He made the rope crossing look tougher than ever. I was cent percent sure about me that I will make a fool out of myself while performing the drill. The organisers asked me if I wanted to go next and all I could do was run towards my boss and yell no while running. People who saw me running, were laughing. 

While I was standing behind my boss, he leaned towards me and asked, Yeh karle ga bhecho (will you be able to pull this off fucker)? I could understand the sarcasm in his tone. But could not do anything about it as I was asking the same thing to my self over and over again. 

My eyes were searching for the sight of my love. But she was no where to be found. She was definitely working that afternoon shift. Moreover she promised me that she will be present today at the event. Soon, I was the last one left to complete the drill. The boy who went before me was of the same weight as me. I saw him completing the drill which made me more nervous. As I started approached the ladder my heart rate started climbing with every step up the ladder. I saw her coming towards the activity area.There she was! The most beautiful girl I have ever known, looking for me. I loved the colour of her red lipstick. Her red lipstick was always different from the other girls in the department. It was neither too dark or too light. It was just the right amount of red. I wanted to shout and tell her where I was. But my throat had already dried as usual. 

Getting up the ladder was easy. But crossing towards the other end was the toughest part. You see the more heavier you are the gravity helps to you fall faster as per Sir Newton’s law. So here I was midway, trying to pull my overweight body towards the finishing end of the rope. The task that was looking impossible then. I could feel my hands losing the grip. My left hand slipped and I saw aluminium ladder was right under my head. I could hear the bystanders shouting a terrified oooooh fffuu… I told myself that if I lose the grip I may end up in the hospital with an open skull. Somehow I managed to pull my self up and cross the first obstacle. In the next task on the drill I was to balance the marble which fell twice before I could cross the finish line. Finally in my third attempt I finished the second obstacle and in no time I was dunking my hand in a bowl full of rats followed by a bucket full of shit. It was the time to drink the health potion the karela juice. I did it in no time. I couldn’t wait to see the look on everyones face who doubted me. I was jumping with joy in the inside and calm as a Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the outside. 

I was not aware of my time and as per my superstitious ritual, I left the sight and went back to my work station after washing my stinking hands. Everyone in the department avoided shaking hands with me because of obvious reasons. I got a call from the human resources guy asking me to come at the competition site as I am through to the next round. I couldn't believe it. It was surreal. I was so happy that I could not stop smiling in the pictures that were taken by the HR. I was on cloud nine. But the journey to the clouds was cut short when I was told that I have to perform on the stage and showcase a talent in the final and decisive round. I have no talents, except for the fact that I can be really sarcastic and insult you without you noticing it at that very moment. That was the only thing that helped me save my ass so many times. This was the reason I didn’t want to participate in the first go. But now I was standing here trying to figure out how can I make a fool out of myself in front of everyone.

I sat in my room and started thinking about the talents I posses. The more I thought the more I wanted to murder my boss. He was the reason I was in this spot. That is when my roommate walked in and calmed me down. He went back and forth with all the options that I had. I was tired and started watching random videos on youtube. I came across a video of a speed painter. It is a new form of painting where the painter paints the picture upside down in a 90 seconds. The audience has no clue about the actual painting. It is no less than an illusion. My drawing classes came in handy and I decided to go with this option. But the trouble here is that I could barely draw something straight after so many years, forget about drawing something capsized.

So we came up with the plan that I will draw Gandhiji’s profile with the National flag on the side. I bought a couple of chart papers, paint brushes and colour. The back side of the main door was my easel. I had 2 weeks to perfect the craft. I was finally getting a hang of it. Five days prior to the final showdown I get to know that a fifth participant has been added and he will also be drawing. I was puzzled and scared. I spoke to the HR and was assured that he is not doing something similar to my craft. I wasn’t convinced tough. In the mean while I was focusing completing the art work in 90 seconds as per the guidelines of the competition. I made a sound track for 90 seconds to run behind while I will be drawing.

The D - Day arrived and I was all set to rock. I had informed the organisers to tell me 10 minutes before hand when I am supposed to go on the stage as I had to carry all my tools along. It takes a minute or half to setup the easel and brushes and the paint on the stand. But to my surprise my name was announced and I was puzzled. Somehow I managed to land up on the stage all haphazard. I asked them to rewind the music and play it all over again. I started painting. Soon I could hear the crowd yelling, “yeh kya kr ha hai tu” (what are you doing)? That is not the colour of the national flag. I was smiling when I heard them. I knew I have almost won. The moment the song stopped I dropped my brushes. I turned the easel and I could see their jaws drop. That was the loudest applause that night. 

This is a photo of my parents from the Goa trip I won as a prize.

                      

The Chemical

She used to smile more often

earlier,

now all I see is tears 

rolling down her cheeks.

Those eyes, 

God those eyes!

They had dreams In sight. 

the ones that you see 

with them wide open,

they are moist lately.

And 

the confidence 

that moved the Himalayas once

I swear

is shaken down,

broken into pieces further

reduced to ground. 

The doughty once

is now scared of her

own reflection. 

Her self belief is tarnished,

smoked and blown 

up in the air. 

The quietude screams for justice. 

The one that is blind.

She knows that she has to find

it herself.   

The question here is whether

she is ready to face the cruel world

the one that hurled

Acid on her. 

The joust will be tough,

so she better not cough.

Her confidence grew 

when her husband drew

her dreams again.

The form that was torn in the struggle

is being put together.

The self belief brew

and finally 

the smile was back.

She had transgressed the attack. 

She now smiles more often.

The Doubt ....

          "Booking a banquet hall and make them repeat their vows is so mainstream, I should try and do something exceptional, something different than what my relatives did. Maybe a trip to Kerala or a houseboat experience", I had totally zoned out and was talking to myself again I realised.

          My planning always took the backseat due to the financial crunch. I was so desperate that I thought of asking my brother for help. The thing with time is that it passes really fast and the same thing happened with my plans. I had started planning for my parents 25th marriage anniversary 6 months prior to the date i.e. in June. But with the months passing by I could see January looking right at my face. As if the date was mocking me saying that I failed. I should tell you it was very embarrassing for me. But I was clueless and helpless.

          It was a not so pleasant day. I was unable to get rick in the morning and it was hot in the mid of December in Mumbai. I reached office a little late and my manager called me in his cabin. I already had my excuses prepared in my mind if he asked me about I coming late. Instead to my surprise he told me that he had nominated me along with a couple of my other colleagues for a competition and the results of which will be announced in the annual function. It was sort of a pageant where a boy and a girl will be selected as Mr. TBK and Ms. TBK and the winning prize is 3 days and 2 nights stay in the luxurious JW Marriott Resort in Goa. 

          I was sure about the fact that I will never be able to win this because every one in the competition was more smart and good looking than me. My self-analysing skills go skyrocketing high when it comes to competition. Which is good as it helps me in analysing my strengths and areas of improvement. But at the same time the analysis also plays the doubt card. But somewhere in the furthest corners of my heart I wished to win the competition, so I could use the prize for my parents anniversary gift. The next day we were told about the rules and the rounds that will take place. The first round will be a group discussion round followed by an extempore round and a physical round. basically these rounds will churn out the nominees and the final round will be between 5 boys and 5 girls. One will have showcase his/her talent on the stage and on the basis which the winners will be decided. I secretly wished that I should not reach till the talent round because I knew that I can neither dance nor sing.

          I have been part of many group discussions in the past and I knew how to crack the round. The GD was held in the staff cafeteria and the place was buzzing with the staff as it was a tea break. We were to speak on the topic of love marriage or arrange marriage. It was a piece of cake. Let me tell you the easiest way to crack a group discussion. First pretend that you are listening to all the points that everyone has to say and make a note of one or two points. Then in between put forward a strong argument supported by an example and boom. The moment my GD finished I rushed back to my workstation. Later in the evening I received an email stating that I have qualified for the next round. 

          The next was the extempore round. I am not good at cracking conversations. Most of the time I come across as a confused personality. Having too many thoughts and not knowing what to say when. I had a sleepless night. I was at my workstation when I was told that the round will start by 1100 am. I was to pickup my topic out of the bowl and speak on it for a 2 and a half minute. At 1 minute and 30 seconds we will be notified with the help of a bell that half time has passed. One has to speak till halftime at least or else he will be disqualified. My heart was running faster than the speed of light I guess and my throat was dry. You are up next, told the organiser. I went up as soon as my name was announced. I took out the chit and looked at the audience. It was the same cafeteria and it was full of people. More than the last time. I was nervous and I could feel my legs shivering. I started talking and I slipped in a good example at least I thought that it was good. I was catching glimpses of the the bell and finally it rang. It was breather for me as I was falling short of words to say, I finished in the next 20 seconds. I was sure about the fact that at least I am not disqualified. I ran back to my workstation as soon as I finished. In my head I thought that rushing back to the work station is a superstitious sign and I may get through the next round.

          This time the results were shared with my boss. In my department there were 3 boys taking part in the 2nd round. He called us in his cabin and told us the result. My throat dried the moment I heard the results. Mark didn't make it and so did Prashant There I was talking to my self again," I did rush back to the workstation. If these guys didn't make it there is no chance I will make it." and when he was about to tell me my result his phone rang.

to be continued.....

The Bag is Heavy

I am six years old

and 

I think I was sold 

to my parents. 

I know the statement is bold

but hold 

on a second. 

Try to listen 

and not hear,

coz I can't no longer bear.

My bag is heavy. 

No don't think it is the books

I mean here. 

These are the hooks 

that you keep barking around;

They have filled my bag.

You must score 98,

What ! Only 98;

you should top

the class. 

Maybe, you should stop

and look at me. 

I am tired

and 

I feel like I am wired 

to your expectations.

Talk to me or

spare an ear. 

I want you to hold 
me and 
ask me

What do I want to do?

May be I will get a gold

or maybe fly 

across the globe. 

It is a slippery slope,

I can slip to the bottom 

or go up the rope

Let me have some hope. 

I will make you proud

But please don't follow the crowd. 

Fill the empty space with 

hope and option

like a concoction. 

So I don't feel the pain

and put the blame

on you. 

My bag is heavy.

A video that may help you understand better.

Playground of bones....

          “This is where your dad and uncle finished schooling”. You should be proud and aim at continuing the legacy. My mother told me this, on my way to principals office. St. Marry’s Orphanage & Day School, this is where I studied till the third standard. Yes, you are right you judgemental bastards, it is ICSE board and a catholic school. I am in awe with the selection process of the school for the students. The parents are interviewed initially, post which the student has an interview with the principal. It is the principal that decides whether the child should be accepted or not. Not many schools have such a criteria in place.

          So there I was in the principals office. The principal was also a father. He was very sweet to me throughout the interaction. He asked me a couple of questions and I must say my parents did a great job in terms of preparing me for the interview. I apparently knew most of the answers to the questions he asked. Post the interaction father met my tensed parents. Somehow getting into this school was big deal for them. He was able to calm their senses by saying that I made the cut. I remember my treat was a 300 ml Thumbs Up and a Monginis muffin on our way back home.

          The school was amazing. It was bigger than the last one. This school had two play grounds. The last school I was in had only one marry go round in their front yard. You don’t get to step onto it during recess because there were so many students. I had the jitters when I entered the class. I didn’t know anyone. The first day was quiet amazing. I made a friend. He had an amazing pencil box which had Optimus Prime on it. I remember going home and asking my mom to get me the same pencil box. The only annoying thing initially was the auto ride in the morning. We had to take an auto from home till school. I was made to sit on my mothers lap. I didn’t like it as I was a big boy now in my head.

          I come from a brahmin family so I had never encountered chicken or mutton bones. During recess, while playing in the ground I used to see a lot of bones lying around. I was sure that somebody here does black magic and stuff like that. Yes, you would think how is possible for me to think like that. My answer is Zee horror show and Aahat were prominent while I was growing up. And Ramsey was not leaving any stone unturned to scare the shit out of everyone with his horror flicks. As in when the days past I encountered more bones in and around the school ground. I told this to my mother and was assured that those were not human bones but animal bones. I was not convinced. I was expecting to encounter a human skull in the ground sometime soon. i so wanted to prove my mother wrong.

          My friend Kumar Gaurav started acting weird one afternoon in the school. I thought he was being funny, but to my surprise he walked out of the class while Mrs. Davidson was still teaching. My jaw dropped and so did Mrs Davidson’s. I had a crush on Mrs. Davidson. I even used to copy her signatures. Now that is a little creepy, I know. But in my defence, I was just 6. And every one of you must have had a crush on your teacher, so cut me some slack. Coming back to the goon who left the classroom. He comes back with his shirt all wet. When asked where did he go, he said, “I was feeling thirsty” and sat in his seat.

          Next day in the morning we exchanged a trump card. He gave me a Ajay Jadeja against my Debashish Mohanty, which was an amazing deal. I mean Mohanty was fairly new and Jadeja was going all guns blazing back then. He even captained India in a couple of matches. During recess the we were playing in the woods when we came across a couple of bones and when I showed them to Gaurav he started acting weird. He picked up a rock and started threatening us. At first I thought he was joking. But when he threw the rock at Sylvester, I was shocked. He was fortunate that it didn’t hit Sylvester. Otherwise Gaurav would have been expelled for sure. Forget about the police charges. Next moment he was running after me and cornered me and took the Ajay Jadeja trump card from me. Fortunately for me the recess bell rang which distracted him. I pushed him and ran towards the class. I didn’t mention it to anyone as I thought people will find me crazy as Sylvester didn’t utter a word to anyone as well. I had my seat changed.

          In the coming week I saw a couple of more such instances but I distanced myself from him. Making sure that I don’t get hurt. One afternoon I was drinking water, and the moment I turned around to go back to class, I saw him standing behind me. He asked me about the seat change and weird behaviour of mine. To which I told him everything and even threatened to go to the principal if he tried to hurt me. To my surprise he started laughing. He told me that all that was just for fun. He told me that he acted like that to even a score with Sylvester and a few others. He also offered to give me the trump card back.

         But I made my distance from that goon and never changed my seat. I left the school next year. I happen to visit the school once during fathers alumni meet. To my surprise he was still studying there. Our paths crossed, we exchanged pleasantries and we went our own ways.