Subhasis Das's Blog, page 2

Do something Cupid {End}

 

Cupid:

Hey! Hey! Just wait! So now, these two – one dumb and other desperate are blaming me for their own failures. Just because you’ve known me as a naked white toddler with wings doesn’t mean that I am blindly hitting people. Yeah! I agree that sometimes shit happens like Abhishek and Aishwarya but then most of the time, I hit bingo. Now don’t take names like Sajid Khan and Jacqueline or Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, I’ve already corrected them long back. C’mon, even I have to achieve my targets before March 30.

Anyway, about this Shreya and Ayan what else could I’ve done for them to make it work. He says, hit both? Dude! Do you think a girl like Shreya had ever agreed to go for a date with an IT geek like you who haven’t yet made it to Onsite? Do you even know her grades in college? You failed twice in Maths. I agree you’re cute but then that little paunch, what you’re doing for it yet? Remember, she is the prettiest bong in town.

How do you think that night the train slowed down suddenly so that you can get down and be a hero? She wanted to block you immediately when you made that stupid call to her but then I put her Wi-Fi off and later on she forgot. And that stupid jacket you were wearing all the time, be thankful that I let you get rid of it and even if Shreya remembers you by mistake, it’s just for that. That night, the temperature went down suddenly and you only gave her the jacket when she was literally shivering. I gave you a chance to be Shahrukh Khan and you wanted to be Emraan Hashmi. Get lost loser!

And now let’s talk about this girl, Shreya! Why so serious? Every time you curse a man, remember that even your dad is a man. Just because you once dated a loser who ditched you doesn’t mean that you wage a war against the mankind. Life is to move on. You see, life isn’t a fairy tale. If you lose your shoe at midnight; you would be walking home barefoot, that’s it! You curse me all the time but trust me, I didn’t hit when you were with him. Perhaps, I was thinking that you would friend-zone him but you wanted to make babies with him. IIT gives engineering degree and not character certificate. That’s the problem with todays’ girls when you just care for degree, status and most importantly money. Search love in a relationship and not security. Marriage is not about the perfect ingredient in a person but it is just about a person.

You keep those romantic quotes from Nicholas Spark’s novel as what’s app status and ‘Waiting for Augustus Waters’ as Facebook cover and when you find such a guy, you block him. You say you want someone to hold your hand while you cross the road, Ayan held your hand till you reached home. Just because those three idiots in train were staring at you, he was almost up to break their teeth. Ask an IT engineer how much it is important to sleep in weekends and he chose to travel six hours just to meet you. Yeah! He wanted to kiss you but then didn’t you too wanted the same? Love is not to be cautious. It demands to let loose, that’s how you fall in love. Anyway, even if it was wrong then what was correct? Not talk to him ever before meeting or demanding to talk to his parents when you were never nice to him. If Ayan took two days to fall for you, you fell for him the moment you met him and that wasn’t because of me. You read so many fairy tales, still you don’t know that every Fairy Tale ends with a kiss. I wonder if you still think that hitting you for Ayan was a mistake.

Of course, I know no matter how much you curse, you still see his that photo which you took secretly that night. All you need is just a simple ‘Hi’ on what’s app and you will get what you’ve been longing for too long. Most of the relationship these days does not get along because we still couldn’t figure out who will message first. In your case, he is not messaging you ever because you have blacklisted him.

Ever thought why I am still a child and hit with an arrow? Because love never grows old and love hurts. I hope both of you had realized this till now. So, I give you one last chance and hope that you don’t have to curse me again.

***

Ayan Pal:

‘I have a booking.’ I argued with the bouncer outside Blue Frog.

‘You had. You had called an hour before to cancel it. It’s taken now.’ He said.

‘But I didn’t call you.’

‘Sorry sir.’ He showed me the way outside.

Trust me, I didn’t cancel the booking at all. Even my friends didn’t believe me but then we had now passed the age to argue with the Bouncer further. We gave up as I had a good if not a better plan.

I drove to Marine Drive.

***

Shreya Ganguly:

Engagements are boring, especially for a six year old boy and a presumptuous pretty girl. His name is Sayandeep by the way and he was the only guy in the party who didn’t want to sleep with me. I hated those dodgy eyes look at me. A backless dress was such a bad idea, you see.

‘Aunty! I want to go home.’ He tucked my gown.

‘I guess I have a better idea.’ I leaned to him. ‘Let’s go out and have some ice-cream.’

I wore the jacket as we walked down the stairs towards the opposite side of the road. The memories from that beautiful night hit my mind. Marine Drive, why you’re so awesome.

***

If not some expensive whisky and bang on music, Ayan and his friends were enjoying the cool breeze and puffs of cigar when something hit him. He looked around to find a little kid standing there.

‘Who are you?’ Ayan smiled at the kid.

‘Just hide me, my Aunty is searching me.’

‘Aunty?’ Ayan looked around to see someone familiar approaching him.

He smiled look at her while she looked at him surprisingly. When you find something good without looking for it, it’s called Serendipity.

‘Nice Jacket!’ He winked

‘Thanks.’ She blushed.

Do something Cupid {Chapter 7}

Ayan Pal:

I didn’t give her my address so that she couldn’t send me the jacket back, I thought at least it would remind her of me and might be she would reconsider her stupid decision. However, it wasn’t happening any sooner rather not at all. She soon blocked me from what’s app and Facebook, and blacklisted my number. I had been to her place that nigh but then I couldn’t recall exactly where it was, I was so much lost in her eyes the other night. A few months later, I had decided to move on because if I had known her even a little bit, I knew she wasn’t coming but then why block, at least I could see her photos, she was seriously, the prettiest bong in town but then with her it was like you agree with her or you’re wrong.

‘Ayan!’ Rehman poked me. ‘Where are you lost today?’

‘Nothing.’ I shook my head.

‘Don’t take these Matrimony sites seriously, be a bit careful. Unlike, Flipkart, they don’t have a return policy.’

‘Hmmm…’ I nodded. ‘So what’s the plan further?’

‘Blue frog!’ He said and everyone cheered.

We walked to the parking, it was winter again. If not shivering, it was chilling cold. I unfolded my sleeves and my put my hands in my pockets.

‘Ayan! Wear a tie too then! Are you going for some interview?’ Rohit mocked.

‘You should have worn your that favourite denim jacket. I don’t see you putting dps on Facebook with that anymore.’ Rehman continued.

Dear Cupid,

Your aim sucks! Next time hit both.

 

***

Shreya Ganguly:

It was one of those rare days that I was leaving office early. One of my colleagues was getting engaged and we all were invited for the same. The venue was Marine lines which was quite far from my place. However, I had convinced my other colleague to take me with her in her car even though she had an annoying kid who called me aunty.

I had bought this backless dress for this occasion but I felt awkward wearing it and go outside. My building was full of orthodox Gujjus for whom a young girl living all alone is no less than Sunny Leone. Moreover, someone had seen me hug Ayan outside the gate that morning and I was pretty much sure that I would be thrown out of my flat if they saw me in this dress. I checked my wardrobe to check for some Stoll or shawl but then I didn’t find anything worth. Lastly, as I was to shut the wardrobe something got stuck, I opened it to shut it properly only to find Ayan’s jacket stuck there. I smiled looking at it. I put it around me and walked outside.

‘Shreya! Are you mad? What you’re wearing?’ My friend said.

‘Just ignore and drive out of this place.’ I snapped at her.

Once I got in the car, I relaxed and then removed the jacket. I put in the corner and got my little make up kit out of my bag to make the final touches. My friend’s little son was curiously looking at me, I ignored him. As long as he didn’t call me Aunty, I was happy.

‘Aunty! You’re looking so sexy!’ He screamed all of a sudden.

‘What?’ I was shocked to hear that.

His Mother looked through the rear mirror and smiled at me sheepishly. ‘Kids! I tell you these days…’ she tapped her son’s head and ordered him not to bother me.

However, I liked that, which girl doesn’t like compliments even it by a six year old kid. I smiled at him and said, ‘Thank you.’

‘You know what Apurva really got lucky this time. His fiancé owns a flat in Marine Lines.’

‘Is it arranged or love?’

‘She did have a boyfriend sometime back but then she found this guy on Vivaah.com.’

‘Really?’ I was amused, I only got a desperate monkeys there.

‘You see, the similarity between Flipkart and these matrimony sites is that you always get a better deal if you’re ready to wait.’ She laughed.

‘Wait? I wish guys knew about this word.’

‘C’mon! Shreya!’

‘Yeah! I wish I too find love soon.’ I said half-heartedly.

Dear Cupid,

Don’t even think about it. Last time, you screwed it up badly. I pray that you get a horrible death.

Do something Cupid {Chapter 6}

Shreya Ganguly:

I watched him go; he was still peering at me from Auto. I went inside my room only once I lost him in those tall buildings. I realized I was still wearing his jacket, I didn’t take it off though. I could still feel his warmth; the heavy whiff of some strong deodorants only meant that he had not left a single stone unturned for the date. I actually regretted not meeting him before, I should have kissed him.

Thinking about him and the amazing night which we had spent together, I don’t know when I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was already 3.30 pm. I checked my phone, there were some 20 miss calls from Mimi and few from my maid, she must have come to work and I didn’t open the door. Seriously, I didn’t sleep that peacefully in years now. I hurriedly checked my phone; Ayan had messaged me that he had reached home around 8.30 am. I wondered was he still sleeping, I couldn’t see his last seen since I had locked mine. I changed the settings of my what’s app, he was awake at least since an hour.

I messaged him good morning and went on to take a bath when I came back; the jacket was still tempting me. I removed my towel and wore the jacket. I looked at myself in the mirror, this is what he would have wanted me to be, I smiled. I could still imagine myself in his arms. Everything between us was happening so fast but then did I care? No. I should actually care after all, we had just met once.

My phone buzzed. May be Ayan, I thought but it was from Mimi.

‘Hello!’

‘Are you fine? Where were you? Why you’re not picking calls?…’ Mimi shot a bunch of questions.

‘Mimi!’ I cut her. ‘I was sleeping.’

‘This late?’

‘Yeah!’

‘Were you working late again?’

‘No. I was out with…’ I trailed off. ‘With my colleagues. There was an office party.’

‘Ok! You were supposed to meet that IT engineer, right?’

‘Mimi! His name is Ayan.’

‘Yes! Did you both meet?’

‘Yeah! We met for a coffee. Just an hour.’

‘Hmmm…’

‘Mimi! He is really nice guy. I liked him a lot.’ I was really excited to share her the story but then she was my mother after all, awkwardness.

‘That’s good! But then don’t hurry, take your time. Every one behaves nicely on first meeting. I don’t want you get hurt once again.’

Her words acted like a tonic to me. Actually, we were hurrying things. We needed to slow down. ‘Mimi! Nothing like that. I was just saying about our meeting. Don’t worry, I will be careful.’

We talked for some time and then we hung up. Ayan had called me a few times while I was on call. I ignored, I wanted some time to think. No matter how amazing he was, it was matter of life time. Mimi was right; everyone behaves nicely on first meeting.

‘Where are you, girl? I’m already missing you.’ He messaged me followed by a kissing emoji.

Ayan! Don’t do this. Don’t scare me off.

He called me again.

‘Hello!’ I reluctantly picked his call.

‘Hey Babes! What’s up?’

‘I’m fine. How are you?’

‘I am just awesome but missing you dearly.’

‘Ayan! Your jacket is with me.’

‘I know. Keep with you. I will take it once we go to Alibaug together.’

‘Alibaug?’

‘Yeah! On New Year’s Eve, we will go together. You see, it’s awesome to see those fireworks back in Mumbai from those beaches.’

‘Another night out?’

‘Don’t worry, babes! This time we will take a room.’

My worst fears were making their way into my mind. So, he too happened to be of same breed. Pervert. How could I be so dumb? I should have understood when he was so much insisting me to kiss him. He even came close to do it when we were in auto. All these amazing night, awesome company and perfect date were all a stupid trap for the New Year’s Eve. I remember, he had even asked me whether I drink or not, when I had said I don’t, he had told me to try just the way I tried cigar. I was getting his plan now. He was such an asshole!

‘Ayan! I’m a bit busy. I will call you later.’ I hung up and within a moment, I burst in tears. How could guys be so mean?

I cried rest of the evening lying on my bed till my eyes dried up. When I woke up, my throat had choked up and I felt a lump in it. My eyes were blood shot red and I was still wearing his jacket. I removed it and threw it in the corner. I changed to my clothes and made a coffee for myself then sat on the balcony analysing the events. Seriously, if he really had loved me even a bit, he wouldn’t have insisted me to kiss him seeing me uncomfortable. Anyway, it was good that I was able to see his real face much early. I was not falling in the trap.

‘Hi! Send me your address. I will mail your jacket.’ I messaged him.

‘Shreya! What happened?’

‘I don’t want to carry on with you. I don’t think we would be good together.’

‘Shreya! Are you crazy? What happened to you suddenly? I want to know the reason.’

‘I am not a girl who will kiss on the first date.’

‘Fuck! Did we kiss? Can’t you get over that?’

‘Did you get over it? Anyway, I don’t want it and please don’t force me into it. I’ve taken a decision and won’t change it.’

He started calling me. I disconnected his calls each time but he wouldn’t stop.

‘Ayan! I’m sorry if I had hurt you but I am not seeing you again ever. I’m not picking your calls either. So, don’t waste your time. Please, give me your address. I will mail your jacket.’ I messaged him.

‘Keep it with you. I don’t want it. Anyway, it would have your fragrance; it would remind me of you. I hate you. Go away.’

I didn’t message him again because there was no point. Moreover, my response is what he actually wanted. I had seen his magnetism; he can actually melt any girl. He was like those vampires who would lure you with his charm and then will mercilessly hack you to death. He continued messaging me, he called me few times from different numbers but then I didn’t vouch. I wasn’t heartless; I had one but then didn’t want it to be broken by him.

Dear Cupid, you’re stupid. Don’t you dare to hit me again!

Do something Cupid {Chapter 5}

Ayan Pal:

We hadn’t planned for a night out but then it was already 9.30 and none of us wanted to return home, for all the loss of time over those nine months, we were to square it on a single night. She didn’t care for the bigbazaar sale anymore. Actually, the date was going so awesome that we actually didn’t want it end at all. Mind you, she came directly from office and I had travelled three hours to reach her.

Even though there were posh restaurants around but we decided to go to Bade Miya and that also on a Victoria, the French styled vintage horse carriage. I was trying to make this date special with every possible thing so that we had an incredible story to tell our kids.

I quickly climbed on to carriage and looked behind, she was furiously looking at me.

‘Ayan! Please, there is no hurry. It’s not a local train that you want that window seat.’

‘Well, I’m sorry.’ I looked at her sheepishly. I leaned to her and gave my hand. ‘Come.’

These days when a Ferrari or a Lamborghini is very normal on Mumbai streets, a Victoria always manages to turn heads. It’s not just about the royal setup but the ride actually takes you back in time where in only a Prince could take his girl on a long drive. With the tacky lighting, heart-shaped balloons, antiquated seats, flowers and other preps, no matter how embarrassing it looked from outside but once in, nothing is more romantic than that. No matter, they charge 600 rupees for a 2 kilometre ride.

As we reached Apollo Bandar, I first went down the carriage and like those gentlemen from British era, I offered her hand to help her get down those high steps of Victoria. She smiled as she walked down. OK! Did I say yet, she was 5’ 2’’ and didn’t care to wear heels on a date?

‘Ayan! I got down the Victoria. You can now leave my hand.’ She giggled.

‘You are very unromantic.’

‘And you’re so impatient.’

I had been to Bade Miyan before with friends many times and I was well aware of the rush, especially on Saturday nights. But then, I had actually never cared for the long waiting but that with Shreya, I felt a strange anxiety in me. To get your preferred order in time there was itself a roadies task, I had always wondered how that place actually worked. There were these waiters cum agents whom you pay and they bring your order from two roadside kitchen. I have never seen a cashier tracking the orders not even the chefs care, they just roast the meat and pack. Moreover, there is no favouritism, almost everyone there is regular and I guess even SRK is not in that demand than those rude waiters.

I had somehow managed to get hold of one but then even after 20 minutes, there was no sign of those kebabs, I had ordered. If I was freakingly hungry and I expected her to be the same, I could see the restlessness in her eyes but even she knew that I was helpless.

‘Bhai! Mere order ka kya hua?’  I asked the Waiter.

‘Sahab! Time lagega. Rukna hai toh ruko warna apne paise le lo.’ He snapped at me.

Seriously, who talks to a customer like that? Without even waiting for my reply, he returned the 500 rupees note to me. I looked at Shreya, she was equally bewildered.

‘It’s okay! We can eat somewhere else.’ She suggested.

‘No. I’ll get the order.’ I walked to the chef and asked for some Kebab. He completely ignored. I asked again.

‘Waiter karlo!’ He said.

‘Please de do. Maine suna aap bahot acha banate hai.’ Shreya said looking at Chef. He gave us a blank look but in another moment he packed our order and hand it to Shreya.

You see, it can’t be anything better than having road side Kebab with a pretty girl in front of Taj Mahal hotel. Truly, it’s the city of dreams. Yes! We had walked up to the Gateway of India, if not the whole city were definitely on South Mumbai Darshan.

‘Ayan! Is that cigar?’ She pointed towards a group of youngster sharing the puffs.

‘Well, yeah!’ I said.

‘I always wanted to try that.’

‘Tada! That’s not candy floss. Pretty girls don’t smoke.’

‘C’mon! Ayan. I hate this when girls are treated like second grade humans. If boys can smoke then why can’t girls? Why she is termed as slut or whore? Why so much discrimination? Trust me, I feel so much constrained towards my life that I wish I was born as a guy.’

‘No please. You don’t have to be a guy.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I’m not gay. I’m straight.’

‘That’s not funny.’ She had her hands on her waist as she said that.

‘Really?’

‘Then why you are smiling?’

‘I’m not.’ She bawled at me and then was blushing all.

‘Girl! You’re so pretty.’

‘The pretty girl still wants that cigar.’

‘Oh god! You’re are so demanding, Shreya!’ I bit my tongue as soon as I realized my mistake. Oh god! No kantikari lecture again. I looked at her with a bated breath.

She narrowed her eyes and again broke into giggles. I tell you, this girl knew all possible tricks to make me go crazy for her but this time I chose not to show her more affection for the time being. Let me show some attitude too. Anyway, I ran down to a Pan shop and got that cigar. She was so excited as if she was to kiss Ranbir Kapoor. If men would be men then women would be women too!

‘Give it to me.’ She almost snatched the cigar.

‘Shreya! Let me light it first.’ I said.

‘No. I will do that.’ She put the cigar between her lips.

‘Yeah sure! But then I guess you would burn the filter.’

‘What?’ She the checked.

‘That’s the wrong side.’ I smirked. I pulled the cigar from her. ‘It’s chocolate flavour?’

‘Dude! Cigar flavour are as useless as the condom flavours.’

‘Really? You seem to know a lot about condoms.’

‘Yeah! I told you, I had a boyfriend.’

For a moment it hurt me but then it wasn’t like that her virginity was bothering me but I was too much into her to think that she could have loved someone else. I had actually fallen in love with her some three months back and this meeting had actually made me feel that she was all mine. I wasn’t being narrow minded or jealous. I really can’t explain the feeling but I agree it had hurt me.

‘Ayan! I read Mumbai Mirror.’

‘Ask Sex expert Dr. Watsa.’ I said and both of us laughed at it.

‘Anyway, I want to tell you few things about my past.’

‘Shreya! Have you seen that movie Kung Fu Panda?’

She shook her head.

‘There is this dialogue – past is history, future is mystery and present is a gift; maybe that’s why it’s called present. And trust me, this night is the best gift I had in recent time. I actually don’t care what your past is. Just promise me that we won’t talk about it again in future ever.’

She looked at me blank. There was a strange silence between us and I didn’t like it all.

‘Shreya! I may not be your first kiss but I want to be your last.’

‘Ayan!’ She said. ‘Good that your ex-girlfriend dumped you.’

‘What?’

‘I mean if you were dating her yet, you wouldn’t have come after me.’ She blushed.

At that very moment, I felt like taking her in my arms and kiss her hard but then if I had known her a little bit till then, I was sure she would have immediately pushed me into the sea. Patience Ayan!

I lit the cigar and took a puff. ‘This is nice.’ I passed to her.

She was a bit anxious but I gave her a bit of confidence to go ahead. She took a puff and immediately broke into cough. I simply couldn’t control myself laughing.

‘Idiot! Don’t you dare to laugh at me?’ She warned.

‘Shreya! Take it easy. Take the puff slowly.’

My short training actually didn’t work. She even struggled more and after some more attempts she gave up. Anyway, I was happy finishing rest of the cigar alone. She felt a bit suffocated with the smoke and so walked a few steps near the sea. I instantly threw the cigar and followed her. She was leaning down the promenade, I held her hand so that she doesn’t lose her balance and fall.

‘You won’t leave a single chance to hold my hand, right?’

‘Shreya! I don’t want to fall down.’

‘Really? But then I am already falling for you.’ She said looking into my eyes.

The momentum between us was just building when her phone turned villain as it started ringing loudly. She checked her phone, Sahil Boss calling.

‘Girl! You’ve an affair with your boss or what?’ I teased. ‘He is calling you at 11.30 pm.’

‘Shut up! That’s the normal time for me. He wants to know about the sales report.’

‘Didn’t you tell him that you would be out?’

‘Yeah!’

‘Then why is he calling even. Shreya! Don’t pick. Leave the phone and live the moment.’

‘C’mon Ayan!’

‘I’m serious. Choose me or your boss.’

She gave me a long stare and then switched off her phone.

‘Let’s go to Marine drive again.’ I smiled.

‘Yep!’ She nodded. ‘By the way, you can hold my hand.’

***

They say Mumbai never sleeps and they are right. At 1.00 am, there was a traffic jam at Marine Drive. Mumbai actually never runs out of surprises. There was no point waiting for the traffic to get clear since we had almost reached our destination. Moreover, Shreya was feeling dizzy in that cramped taxi. We left the Taxi and decided to walk.

The only problem with Mumbai is that we don’t actually have chilling winters. So some 15°C is enough for us to get those warm jackets on. I was wearing a denim jacket that night not that I was feeling cold or that I wanted to look those American bikers but just to hide my little paunch, the curse of all bong guys!

We sat at the same place over the promenade under the glistening midnight sky. The mighty sea and its romantic waves were back. The cool breeze tickled us. The city lights chased the horizon till eternity. The stars that night shone extra bright irradiating gorgeousness in the dark. Underneath the moon’s bright beam, the stars magically dance which made me wonder, was that really a dream or merely just a trance?

‘What you’re thinking so much?’ Shreya asked.

‘Is this a dream?’

‘Well… Even I am wondering so!’ She smiled as she wrapped her hands around her.

‘Gosh! You’re feeling cold.’

‘It’s ok!’

‘No. It’s not. Take my jacket.’ I removed.

‘Ayan! C’mon! Don’t be so filmy.’

‘Shreya! I don’t know whether it’s filmy or romantic but then I don’t you to get sick because of this cold and miss our next date on Christmas.’

‘God! How can you be so positive about us?’

‘Well! I am an optimistic and find sense in senseless romance and hope in hopeless people.’

‘How do you do it? Insult me and impress me at the same time.’

‘That’s all about talent, you won’t understand.’ I said sheepishly.

‘Now that’s too much, Ayan!’

‘Arey! Tum toh senti ho gaye yaar! I’m kidding. Put the jacket now.’

She didn’t reason again and put the jacket.

‘Ayan!  Two Shreya will come in this jacket comfortably.’ She laughed and showed me that she couldn’t her hands out of the sleeves, it was that big for her.

‘You see, there is nothing more sexy than your girl in your oversized clothes.’

‘Really?’ She raised her eyebrow. ‘But think she is even more sexy if she just wearing your oversized jacket.’

Her words gave me goose bumps, I gave her a long stare. ‘Shreya! Stop seducing me.’

She blushed and turned away only to glance at me once again. This time she looked at me differently, her stare was setting me up. Hugging and kissing is normal at Marine Drive and the moment actually demanded us to same but somehow I still feared reclusive Shreya, my one wrong step and she was all gone. But then I wonder what exactly she was looking at me for.

‘Ayan! You’ve a prominent paunch.’ She frowned. ‘And this jacket was to hide it.’

I was embarrassed to hear that. I could have taken a long breathe in to hide but now she knew my secret. ‘It’s normal. I had been busy with work of late and couldn’t exercise. It will go once; I hit the gym once again.’ I defended.

‘You better do that if you really want me around.’ She said point blank.

‘Yeah!’ I nodded, disheartened. It’s seriously not that easy to get rid of that. I silently looked at the sea, saddened and lost. I wondered why I couldn’t control my eating habits especially meat and rice. I took a resolution immediately to turn Vegan. That paunch, I hated so much.

‘Ayan!’ She shook me. ‘Tum toh senti ho gaye yaar!’

I looked at her. She had a slick smile on her face.

‘Shreya! I hate you.’

***

And that magical night continued, might be our soul craved for more of it but our body had started to give up. She propped on my shoulders staring the endless sky while I looked those stars in her deep eyes. We had talked about everything from our happening school days to hectic office life, from our failures to our ambitions, from crushes to foes, from families to friends. Somehow, we felt so comfortable with each other that we even forgot that we were yet to propose each other. Actually, being a guy, it was my job but then I felt we had been together forever.

By the time it was 3.30 am, we knew the end was coming to our surreal date. One of my friends was getting married that Sunday and I had to attend that. So, I didn’t want to miss the first train but then I didn’t want to leave her too. I wished we get married that night itself and take her my home directly. You see, I had been stalking her Facebook profile way too long all these months.

‘Ayan! I think we should leave now.’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘You told me that you have to attend your friend’s engagement.’

‘It’s not more important than you.’

‘I know.’ She smiled. ‘But then every good thing in life has to come to an end like this amazing night.’

‘I don’t want it to end.’

‘C’mom! Ayan! Now don’t act like a child. We will meet again. May be on New Year’s Eve this week. Let’s go somewhere, I mean I want to go for a road trip with you.’

‘Shreya! You’re so amazing.’

‘I know.’ She hugged me.

After our hug, I held her face and she was smiling at me. I looked into her eyes and pulled her towards me to kiss.

‘Ayan! Not now. You got to wait for that.’ She just spoiled the moment.

‘Shreya! C’mon! It’s ok. We are already a couple.’

‘Ayan! We should not miss this train.’ She said firmly.

We walked silently towards Churchgate station, exactly the same we had started the date. May be, I was being impatient but then Shreya had to care for my feelings too, why it’s always her way. If she hugged me then that was a moment if I wanted to kiss her, it was being desperate. Even if I didn’t say I love you, she wasn’t that dumb not to know that. I just wanted the amazing date to end perfectly. I just wanted to kiss her, that’s it.

‘Ayan!’ She called.

‘What?’

She held my hand. ‘I wished it had rained today. It would have been just perfect.’

‘Shreya! A perfect date ends with a kiss and not rain.’

‘Oh god! You’re still stuck there.’

I just twitched my lips and walked.

‘You know what, when you demand like a child, like this, you look so adorable. I feel like kissing you but then it’s not the time yet.’ She teased.

‘Let’s play a game then. I’m fucking stubborn. Let’s see if I could convince you to kiss me till we reach your place.’

‘You’re messing with the wrong girl then, I’m more stubborn than you and you know that very well.’ She winked.

***

We reached the station, I still couldn’t score rather I wasn’t even close. She had all the reasons on my stupid antics to laugh at me but I didn’t lose hope either. It wasn’t about the kiss anymore; it was who comes up winning the first battle, who was to be the King or Queen in our relationship.

She was now sluggish, she desperately needed sleep, so did I but then I wanted to drop her home first even if it meant three hours of travel while changing 4 different trains and I guess even she wanted me to do so. I mean she didn’t even say once that she can manage on her own.

We boarded the first train to Borivili. The coach was almost vacant with three other boys and two of us. I could sense the insecurity in Shreya as she curled around my arm tightly. Well, even if I had a paunch, I was strong enough to protect my girl from those skinny jerks. Anyway, I know these types of guys; they can’t do anything more than staring.

‘Shreya! It’s ok. I’m there with you, babes.’ I comforted her.

She smiled at me and rested her head on my shoulders. ‘Good night.’

She kind of dozed of immediately. I was feeling sleepy too but her long hair flutter over my face with the wind. I try to put them back and they kept coming. Even though, it was very cold and I was just wearing a thin shirt, I could feel a strange warmth when she was in my arms. I didn’t sleep at all rather it was more fascinating watching her sleep.

I woke her up once our station was nearing, she refused to wake and nudged me. Other commuters looked at me awkwardly but did I care? The prettiest bong in Mumbai was in arms. However, I had to wake her hard and just made her sit still and shook her up.

‘What?’ She said, half sleepy.

‘Our station in two minutes.’

‘Really?’

I nodded. She stretched her arms and let a long yawn while others looked at her amusingly.

‘Shreya! We are in train.’

‘So?’ She glared at me.

‘Nothing. Let’s go.’ I said and dragged her down the train.

It was 5.00 am. The station was still vacant and dark. Sunday mornings are like that. She was so drowsy that it didn’t make any sense to let her go alone. Anyway, I had come this long then 10 more minutes seemed trivial.

‘Let’s take an auto to your place.’ I suggested.

‘Ayan! It’s ok. I will go.’

‘Shreya! You always look this sexy?’

She smiled and pulled me by my hand towards the exit. We got an auto straightway. She perished on my shoulders once we got in. Her hair fluttered over my face once again, she was back into her dreamland.

‘Shreya!’ I called her.

‘What?’

‘Don’t sleep again. I miss you when you sleep.’

She blushed. ‘From where do you learn these cheesy lines?’

‘They just keep coming when you’re with me.’

She hugged me tight which kind of run a chill down my body. I held her face and kissed on her forehead. She smiled, she was still sleepy. I kissed her cheeks and was about to kiss on her lips when she pulled herself away.

‘Ayan! No.’

It wouldn’t have taken me a bit to pull her back and kiss but then something stopped me. I wondered if it was too early to tell her that she now owned me. I loved her truly, deeply, madly. I want to wake up with her every morning. I wanted her to be mine forever. She was everything I had ever wished for. I was so much in love with her. But to my bad luck before I could say anything to her, the auto had reached her building.

‘Ayan! This it. Thanks for the amazing date.’ She said.

I smiled and gave her way to get out of the auto. She hugged me tight once again before leaving. They say if she turns once then she loves you, Shreya turned thrice. She was still wearing my jacket. I was now seriously shivering but then the jacket looked so amazing on her, I let her go. I waited outside her building till she came to her balcony and blew me a kiss.

Do something Cupid {Chapter 4}

Ayan Pal:

We hadn’t planned for a night out but then it was already 9.30 and none of us wanted to return home, for all the loss of time over those nine months, we were to square it on a single night. She didn’t care for the bigbazaar sale anymore. Actually, the date was going so awesome that we actually didn’t want it end at all. Mind you, she came directly from office and I had travelled three hours to reach her.

Even though there were posh restaurants around but we decided to go to Bade Miya and that also on a Victoria, the French styled vintage horse carriage. I was trying to make this date special with every possible thing so that we had an incredible story to tell our kids.

I quickly climbed on to carriage and looked behind, she was furiously looking at me.

‘Ayan! Please, there is no hurry. It’s not a local train that you want that window seat.’

‘Well, I’m sorry.’ I looked at her sheepishly. I leaned to her and gave my hand. ‘Come.’

These days when a Ferrari or a Lamborghini is very normal on Mumbai streets, a Victoria always manages to turn heads. It’s not just about the royal setup but the ride actually takes you back in time where in only a Prince could take his girl on a long drive. With the tacky lighting, heart-shaped balloons, antiquated seats, flowers and other preps, no matter how embarrassing it looked from outside but once in, nothing is more romantic than that. No matter, they charge 600 rupees for a 2 kilometre ride.

As we reached Apollo Bandar, I first went down the carriage and like those gentlemen from British era, I offered her hand to help her get down those high steps of Victoria. She smiled as she walked down. OK! Did I say yet, she was 5’ 2’’ and didn’t care to wear heels on a date?

‘Ayan! I got down the Victoria. You can now leave my hand.’ She giggled.

‘You are very unromantic.’

‘And you’re so impatient.’

I had been to Bade Miyan before with friends many times and I was well aware of the rush, especially on Saturday nights. But then, I had actually never cared for the long waiting but that with Shreya, I felt a strange anxiety in me. To get your preferred order in time there was itself a roadies task, I had always wondered how that place actually worked. There were these waiters cum agents whom you pay and they bring your order from two roadside kitchen. I have never seen a cashier tracking the orders not even the chefs care, they just roast the meat and pack. Moreover, there is no favouritism, almost everyone there is regular and I guess even SRK is not in that demand than those rude waiters.

I had somehow managed to get hold of one but then even after 20 minutes, there was no sign of those kebabs, I had ordered. If I was freakingly hungry and I expected her to be the same, I could see the restlessness in her eyes but even she knew that I was helpless.

‘Bhai! Mere order ka kya hua?’  I asked the Waiter.

‘Sahab! Time lagega. Rukna hai toh ruko warna apne paise le lo.’ He snapped at me.

Seriously, who talks to a customer like that? Without even waiting for my reply, he returned the 500 rupees note to me. I looked at Shreya, she was equally bewildered.

‘It’s okay! We can eat somewhere else.’ She suggested.

‘No. I’ll get the order.’ I walked to the chef and asked for some Kebab. He completely ignored. I asked again.

‘Waiter karlo!’ He said.

‘Please de do. Maine suna aap bahot acha banate hai.’ Shreya said looking at Chef. He gave us a blank look but in another moment he packed our order and hand it to Shreya.

You see, it can’t be anything better than having road side Kebab with a pretty girl in front of Taj Mahal hotel. Truly, it’s the city of dreams. Yes! We had walked up to the Gateway of India, if not the whole city were definitely on South Mumbai Darshan.

‘Ayan! Is that cigar?’ She pointed towards a group of youngster sharing the puffs.

‘Well, yeah!’ I said.

‘I always wanted to try that.’

‘Tada! That’s not candy floss. Pretty girls don’t smoke.’

‘C’mon! Ayan. I hate this when girls are treated like second grade humans. If boys can smoke then why can’t girls? Why she is termed as slut or whore? Why so much discrimination? Trust me, I feel so much constrained towards my life that I wish I was born as a guy.’

‘No please. You don’t have to be a guy.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I’m not gay. I’m straight.’

‘That’s not funny.’ She had her hands on her waist as she said that.

‘Really?’

‘Then why you are smiling?’

‘I’m not.’ She bawled at me and then was blushing all.

‘Girl! You’re so pretty.’

‘The pretty girl still wants that cigar.’

‘Oh god! You’re are so demanding, Shreya!’ I bit my tongue as soon as I realized my mistake. Oh god! No kantikari lecture again. I looked at her with a bated breath.

She narrowed her eyes and again broke into giggles. I tell you, this girl knew all possible tricks to make me go crazy for her but this time I chose not to show her more affection for the time being. Let me show some attitude too. Anyway, I ran down to a Pan shop and got that cigar. She was so excited as if she was to kiss Ranbir Kapoor. If men would be men then women would be women too!

‘Give it to me.’ She almost snatched the cigar.

‘Shreya! Let me light it first.’ I said.

‘No. I will do that.’ She put the cigar between her lips.

‘Yeah sure! But then I guess you would burn the filter.’

‘What?’ She the checked.

‘That’s the wrong side.’ I smirked. I pulled the cigar from her. ‘It’s chocolate flavour?’

‘Dude! Cigar flavour are as useless as the condom flavours.’

‘Really? You seem to know a lot about condoms.’

‘Yeah! I told you, I had a boyfriend.’

For a moment it hurt me but then it wasn’t like that her virginity was bothering me but I was too much into her to think that she could have loved someone else. I had actually fallen in love with her some three months back and this meeting had actually made me feel that she was all mine. I wasn’t being narrow minded or jealous. I really can’t explain the feeling but I agree it had hurt me.

‘Ayan! I read Mumbai Mirror.’

‘Ask Sex expert Dr. Watsa.’ I said and both of us laughed at it.

‘Anyway, I want to tell you few things about my past.’

‘Shreya! Have you seen that movie Kung Fu Panda?’

She shook her head.

‘There is this dialogue – past is history, future is mystery and present is a gift; maybe that’s why it’s called present. And trust me, this night is the best gift I had in recent time. I actually don’t care what your past is. Just promise me that we won’t talk about it again in future ever.’

She looked at me blank. There was a strange silence between us and I didn’t like it all.

‘Shreya! I may not be your first kiss but I want to be your last.’

‘Ayan!’ She said. ‘Good that your ex-girlfriend dumped you.’

‘What?’

‘I mean if you were dating her yet, you wouldn’t have come after me.’ She blushed.

At that very moment, I felt like taking her in my arms and kiss her hard but then if I had known her a little bit till then, I was sure she would have immediately pushed me into the sea. Patience Ayan!

I lit the cigar and took a puff. ‘This is nice.’ I passed to her.

She was a bit anxious but I gave her a bit of confidence to go ahead. She took a puff and immediately broke into cough. I simply couldn’t control myself laughing.

‘Idiot! Don’t you dare to laugh at me?’ She warned.

‘Shreya! Take it easy. Take the puff slowly.’

My short training actually didn’t work. She even struggled more and after some more attempts she gave up. Anyway, I was happy finishing rest of the cigar alone. She felt a bit suffocated with the smoke and so walked a few steps near the sea. I instantly threw the cigar and followed her. She was leaning down the promenade, I held her hand so that she doesn’t lose her balance and fall.

‘You won’t leave a single chance to hold my hand, right?’

‘Shreya! I don’t want to fall down.’

‘Really? But then I am already falling for you.’ She said looking into my eyes.

The momentum between us was just building when her phone turned villain as it started ringing loudly. She checked her phone, Sahil Boss calling.

‘Girl! You’ve an affair with your boss or what?’ I teased. ‘He is calling you at 11.30 pm.’

‘Shut up! That’s the normal time for me. He wants to know about the sales report.’

‘Didn’t you tell him that you would be out?’

‘Yeah!’

‘Then why is he calling even. Shreya! Don’t pick. Leave the phone and live the moment.’

‘C’mon Ayan!’

‘I’m serious. Choose me or your boss.’

She gave me a long stare and then switched off her phone.

‘Let’s go to Marine drive again.’ I smiled.

‘Yep!’ She nodded. ‘By the way, you can hold my hand.’

***

They say Mumbai never sleeps and they are right. At 1.00 am, there was a traffic jam at Marine Drive. Mumbai actually never runs out of surprises. There was no point waiting for the traffic to get clear since we had almost reached our destination. Moreover, Shreya was feeling dizzy in that cramped taxi. We left the Taxi and decided to walk.

The only problem with Mumbai is that we don’t actually have chilling winters. So some 15°C is enough for us to get those warm jackets on. I was wearing a denim jacket that night not that I was feeling cold or that I wanted to look those American bikers but just to hide my little paunch, the curse of all bong guys!

We sat at the same place over the promenade under the glistening midnight sky. The mighty sea and its romantic waves were back. The cool breeze tickled us. The city lights chased the horizon till eternity. The stars that night shone extra bright irradiating gorgeousness in the dark. Underneath the moon’s bright beam, the stars magically dance which made me wonder, was that really a dream or merely just a trance?

‘What you’re thinking so much?’ Shreya asked.

‘Is this a dream?’

‘Well… Even I am wondering so!’ She smiled as she wrapped her hands around her.

‘Gosh! You’re feeling cold.’

‘It’s ok!’

‘No. It’s not. Take my jacket.’ I removed.

‘Ayan! C’mon! Don’t be so filmy.’

‘Shreya! I don’t know whether it’s filmy or romantic but then I don’t you to get sick because of this cold and miss our next date on Christmas.’

‘God! How can you be so positive about us?’

‘Well! I am an optimistic and find sense in senseless romance and hope in hopeless people.’

‘How do you do it? Insult me and impress me at the same time.’

‘That’s all about talent, you won’t understand.’ I said sheepishly.

‘Now that’s too much, Ayan!’

‘Arey! Tum toh senti ho gaye yaar! I’m kidding. Put the jacket now.’

She didn’t reason again and put the jacket.

‘Ayan!  Two Shreya will come in this jacket comfortably.’ She laughed and showed me that she couldn’t her hands out of the sleeves, it was that big for her.

‘You see, there is nothing more sexy than your girl in your oversized clothes.’

‘Really?’ She raised her eyebrow. ‘But think she is even more sexy if she just wearing your oversized jacket.’

Her words gave me goose bumps, I gave her a long stare. ‘Shreya! Stop seducing me.’

She blushed and turned away only to glance at me once again. This time she looked at me differently, her stare was setting me up. Hugging and kissing is normal at Marine Drive and the moment actually demanded us to same but somehow I still feared reclusive Shreya, my one wrong step and she was all gone. But then I wonder what exactly she was looking at me for.

‘Ayan! You’ve a prominent paunch.’ She frowned. ‘And this jacket was to hide it.’

I was embarrassed to hear that. I could have taken a long breathe in to hide but now she knew my secret. ‘It’s normal. I had been busy with work of late and couldn’t exercise. It will go once; I hit the gym once again.’ I defended.

‘You better do that if you really want me around.’ She said point blank.

‘Yeah!’ I nodded, disheartened. It’s seriously not that easy to get rid of that. I silently looked at the sea, saddened and lost. I wondered why I couldn’t control my eating habits especially meat and rice. I took a resolution immediately to turn Vegan. That paunch, I hated so much.

‘Ayan!’ She shook me. ‘Tum toh senti ho gaye yaar!’

I looked at her. She had a slick smile on her face.

‘Shreya! I hate you.’

***

And that magical night continued, might be our soul craved for more of it but our body had started to give up. She propped on my shoulders staring the endless sky while I looked those stars in her deep eyes. We had talked about everything from our happening school days to hectic office life, from our failures to our ambitions, from crushes to foes, from families to friends. Somehow, we felt so comfortable with each other that we even forgot that we were yet to propose each other. Actually, being a guy, it was my job but then I felt we had been together forever.

By the time it was 3.30 am, we knew the end was coming to our surreal date. One of my friends was getting married that Sunday and I had to attend that. So, I didn’t want to miss the first train but then I didn’t want to leave her too. I wished we get married that night itself and take her my home directly. You see, I had been stalking her Facebook profile way too long all these months.

‘Ayan! I think we should leave now.’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘You told me that you have to attend your friend’s engagement.’

‘It’s not more important than you.’

‘I know.’ She smiled. ‘But then every good thing in life has to come to an end like this amazing night.’

‘I don’t want it to end.’

‘C’mom! Ayan! Now don’t act like a child. We will meet again. May be on New Year’s Eve this week. Let’s go somewhere, I mean I want to go for a road trip with you.’

‘Shreya! You’re so amazing.’

‘I know.’ She hugged me.

After our hug, I held her face and she was smiling at me. I looked into her eyes and pulled her towards me to kiss.

‘Ayan! Not now. You got to wait for that.’ She just spoiled the moment.

‘Shreya! C’mon! It’s ok. We are already a couple.’

‘Ayan! We should not miss this train.’ She said firmly.

We walked silently towards Churchgate station, exactly the same we had started the date. May be, I was being impatient but then Shreya had to care for my feelings too, why it’s always her way. If she hugged me then that was a moment if I wanted to kiss her, it was being desperate. Even if I didn’t say I love you, she wasn’t that dumb not to know that. I just wanted the amazing date to end perfectly. I just wanted to kiss her, that’s it.

‘Ayan!’ She called.

‘What?’

She held my hand. ‘I wished it had rained today. It would have been just perfect.’

‘Shreya! A perfect date ends with a kiss and not rain.’

‘Oh god! You’re still stuck there.’

I just twitched my lips and walked.

‘You know what, when you demand like a child, like this, you look so adorable. I feel like kissing you but then it’s not the time yet.’ She teased.

‘Let’s play a game then. I’m fucking stubborn. Let’s see if I could convince you to kiss me till we reach your place.’

‘You’re messing with the wrong girl then, I’m more stubborn than you and you know that very well.’ She winked.

***

We reached the station, I still couldn’t score rather I wasn’t even close. She had all the reasons on my stupid antics to laugh at me but I didn’t lose hope either. It wasn’t about the kiss anymore; it was who comes up winning the first battle, who was to be the King or Queen in our relationship.

She was now sluggish, she desperately needed sleep, so did I but then I wanted to drop her home first even if it meant three hours of travel while changing 4 different trains and I guess even she wanted me to do so. I mean she didn’t even say once that she can manage on her own.

We boarded the first train to Borivili. The coach was almost vacant with three other boys and two of us. I could sense the insecurity in Shreya as she curled around my arm tightly. Well, even if I had a paunch, I was strong enough to protect my girl from those skinny jerks. Anyway, I know these types of guys; they can’t do anything more than staring.

‘Shreya! It’s ok. I’m there with you, babes.’ I comforted her.

She smiled at me and rested her head on my shoulders. ‘Good night.’

She kind of dozed of immediately. I was feeling sleepy too but her long hair flutter over my face with the wind. I try to put them back and they kept coming. Even though, it was very cold and I was just wearing a thin shirt, I could feel a strange warmth when she was in my arms. I didn’t sleep at all rather it was more fascinating watching her sleep.

I woke her up once our station was nearing, she refused to wake and nudged me. Other commuters looked at me awkwardly but did I care? The prettiest bong in Mumbai was in arms. However, I had to wake her hard and just made her sit still and shook her up.

‘What?’ She said, half sleepy.

‘Our station in two minutes.’

‘Really?’

I nodded. She stretched her arms and let a long yawn while others looked at her amusingly.

‘Shreya! We are in train.’

‘So?’ She glared at me.

‘Nothing. Let’s go.’ I said and dragged her down the train.

It was 5.00 am. The station was still vacant and dark. Sunday mornings are like that. She was so drowsy that it didn’t make any sense to let her go alone. Anyway, I had come this long then 10 more minutes seemed trivial.

‘Let’s take an auto to your place.’ I suggested.

‘Ayan! It’s ok. I will go.’

‘Shreya! You always look this sexy?’

She smiled and pulled me by my hand towards the exit. We got an auto straightway. She perished on my shoulders once we got in. Her hair fluttered over my face once again, she was back into her dreamland.

‘Shreya!’ I called her.

‘What?’

‘Don’t sleep again. I miss you when you sleep.’

She blushed. ‘From where do you learn these cheesy lines?’

‘They just keep coming when you’re with me.’

She hugged me tight which kind of run a chill down my body. I held her face and kissed on her forehead. She smiled, she was still sleepy. I kissed her cheeks and was about to kiss on her lips when she pulled herself away.

‘Ayan! No.’

It wouldn’t have taken me a bit to pull her back and kiss but then something stopped me. I wondered if it was too early to tell her that she now owned me. I loved her truly, deeply, madly. I want to wake up with her every morning. I wanted her to be mine forever. She was everything I had ever wished for. I was so much in love with her. But to my bad luck before I could say anything to her, the auto had reached her building.

‘Ayan! This it. Thanks for the amazing date.’ She said.

I smiled and gave her way to get out of the auto. She hugged me tight once again before leaving. They say if she turns once then she loves you, Shreya turned thrice. She was still wearing my jacket. I was now seriously shivering but then the jacket looked so amazing on her, I let her go. I waited outside her building till she came to her balcony and blew me a kiss.

Do something Cupid {Chapter 3}

Ayan Pal:

So that was it, we were finally meeting for a date. It was a Saturday, holiday for IT folks but she had office. I asked to meet on Sunday, she said she had to buy some grocery from Bigbazar sale. Ok! Now who cancels a date to buy grocery? Wasn’t she really weird? Of course, she was one of those girls who get offended when asked about her salary rather than her age. She wasn’t from this planet.

So, I had a haircut, trimmed my beard, used soap in shower, bought a new T shirt, and she was making sales report in office. She didn’t even message me once all day and I was actually, worried if she actually wanted to come and that fear actually made me not call her. I seriously couldn’t take a relentless no, I was already falling for her.

However, last night she had asked on what’s app to pick her from near her office which was some 2 hours from my place. I still couldn’t gather courage to call as I boarded the train, I feared she might feel offended and wouldn’t come. You see, Mumbai actually let’s one feel the perks of a distant relationship even if both the person are in Mumbai, it’s that big. Anyway, I didn’t want to be fool by travelling so much and then she not coming. Seriously, I doubted, whether she actually existed?

I dialled her no. anxiously.

‘Hello!’ She picked.

‘Hi! … Shreya…’ I fumbled.

‘I thought you wouldn’t call.’

‘You were waiting for my call?’

‘Yeah! We are supposed to meet right?’

‘Wow!’

‘C’mon, now don’t get so excited. Anyway, I will finish off my work by the time you’re here. See you then.’

‘Shreya! Wait.’

‘What?’

‘You’ve a sexy voice.’

Period.

‘Sexy is a big word to say so soon.’ She warned.

Oh god! What should I tell her then? Shreya! Your sales reports are amazing. Whatever. I didn’t message her rest of the time, her such antics were always turn offs but then those melancholic eyes!

***

When I reached Goregoan, I was in double mind whether to call her or simply text her. You see, I wasn’t that scared even from my mathematics teacher in school. Seriously, was I actually there for a date or IIT-JEE entrance exam? But then, she called.

‘Hi! Ayan!’

‘Hi!’

‘You reached?’

‘Ya!’

‘Ok! Then wait for 10 minutes. I will just send an email and be there.’

I mean was I actually thinking to marry this corporate slave? I wouldn’t have been surprised if she brought her laptop on date. Now, I was thinking to run away from there. Anyway, I wasn’t rude like her and yeah! I did care. As we had already decided that we would go to Marine drive which was again an hour from her place, I got tickets to Churchgate wondering how much time she will spend with me.

So after few calls, couple of messages, a little bit panic and some confusion, the girl with those melancholic eyes was finally standing in front me.

‘Hi!’ She smiled.

‘Hello!’ I greeted.

‘So, finally we meet.’ She said. She didn’t seem that sadistic as she posed on chats rather she was pleasant. And yeah! There wasn’t any laptop with her; perhaps she wasn’t even carrying a hand bag. It seemed she was just out to buy some cigarettes after office. However, the tinge of carelessly put lip gloss and that roughly combed hair at last minute meant she was actually looking forward if not damn serious about the date.

‘You don’t carry a bag.’ I asked her casually.

‘You’re already worrying about the bills?’

‘Well not really! Ok! I got it. You carry this laptop bag to office.’

‘Yeah! I do. So I just kept my bag at office and came to meet you.’

‘God where do you keep other stuffs? I mean girls have a lot things to keep with them.’

‘You know a lot about girls.’

‘Well, I mean very girl is same.’

‘No. They aren’t. At least not me.’

‘Ya! I know that very well.’

‘What do you mean by that?’

‘Shreya! Can we have peace tonight?’

She narrowed her eyes and then out of blue, she started laughing.

‘Dude! You’re really cute.’ She ruffled my hair.

And then, there was some magic and everything around seemed so much scripted. May be the universe was actually conspiring us to get together. I never felt that we were meeting for the first time rather it seemed just another day of us being together. There were no questions asked by any of us, there were no plans either. It was just me, she and the awesome city that night.

***

Shreya Ganguly:

I had always dreamt of a fairy tale romance but then this one was turning out to be actually filmy. You see, as we were walking down the over-bridge, the train arrived. Ayan almost forgot that I was with him and he ran to board the train. Typical Mumbaikar attitude – ‘pran jaye par train na jaye.’  I lazily strolled after him; he jumped in the train and peeped towards me holding the bar.

‘C’mon! Shreya! Hurry up!’ He yelled at me.

Before even I could react, the train started moving. I panicked and reached for his hands but then he pulled back. He shook his head to signal me to stay back as the train picked up speed. I watched him go, our first date ended even before it actually started.

I couldn’t understand what just happened. Why didn’t I keep pace with him? Why couldn’t he actually miss a fucking train? Why the hell, the train had to go? Why was cupid so harsh on me? I had a lump on my throat as I walked to a bench thinking about those possibilities and then suddenly, it struck me that what was actually the big deal in it? He would get down in next station and come back; it was as simple as that! I took out my phone to call him.

‘Hello!’ I said.

‘Hi! Shreya!’

‘Ayan! I missed the train.’

‘So did I! Same pinch!’

‘What?’

‘Just turn around.’

He was standing just behind smiling at me.

‘What the fuck! You jumped down from the running train.’

He nodded. ‘That’s ok with me. I’m a Mumbaikar.’

‘Ayan! That’s being foolish.’

‘Shreya! I came back for you. Be happy for that.’

If you ask me, I wanted to hug him tight and also give him a tight slap at the same time but then I just turned away so that he didn’t see me smile.

‘Shreya! Ok! I’m sorry.’ He followed. ‘It won’t happen. Don’t get angry please.’

‘I am not angry, baba. Let’s go now. I don’t want you to do the stunt once again for me.’

***

We took the next train to Churchgate, I wanted to go to Marine Drive. I had heard so many good things about it. It’s been really sometime that I had been in Mumbai and now I was regretting that I didn’t even try to explore the city of dreams. Even in college, I had come here for some Industrial visit and had a night out at Marine Drive. It was really amazing but then I was the only single in our group, I had felt outcast that night among the couples and here it was my chance to revisit those lost moments. Might be, I was being too much optimistic with Ayan but then he was too cool to resist falling for him.

‘You told that you’d some interview yesterday.’

‘Yeah! I had and they said that the HR will call me.’

‘Do you even know what does that mean? You’re not selected.’

‘Of course, I know that. Even I didn’t want to work there.’

‘Oh c’mon! Grapes are sour, isn’t it?’

‘Not like that. I seriously didn’t want to work there. I mean the furniture, it seemed they bought from OLX and even Facebook was blocked there.’

‘Furniture, Facebook are these your criteria to choose a company.’

‘Anyway, there were no pretty girls too.’

‘What?’ I glared at him. ‘What did you say?’

‘Shreya! I’m kidding. Why so serious?’

‘This is not funny, girls are not for entertainment.’ I was loud enough to turn few heads towards us.

He looked at me baffled and then shook head. We had reached Churchgate. Might be because of the hustle or that I really hurt him, he didn’t say word to me. Marine drive was just 10 minutes’ walk away from there yet he was searching for a Taxi. Dumb!

‘No one will go. We better walk.’

He nodded and walked along with me. We were to cross the road and just then the signal got green. We had already reached the halfway, the cars vroomed at us ferociously and honked at us to give them way. I easily panic but then those approaching speedy cars froze me. I couldn’t think whether to run to other side, step back or simply scream. I was freakingly scared. But Ayan came to rescue, he held my hand tight and pulled me along with me. He looked calm as he waved at cars to let us go and we were finally on the other side. I sighed. He dropped my hands.

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hold your hands, just wanted you to cross the road safely.’ He said.

‘Ayan! I didn’t think that at all. You’re a nice guy…’

‘Wait a minute! I hope you’re Friendzoning me.’

‘Na baba! I am saying peace. Let’s enjoy the date.’

‘So you think it’s a date?’ He smiled.

I just turned away, I didn’t want him to see my cheeks go red. It happened every time, he smiled.

After few hiccups, we finally reached the Marine drive. The road to Marine Drive wasn’t even complicated, just few turns yet we missed then every time. Actually, talking to him is not just interesting but engaging. He knows about everything, no matter what you talk to him, he will always conquer you with his knowledge. He even knows what’s the capital of Lakshadweep? Mini Wikipedia he is!

We walked a few distance through the place searching for a proper place to sit. As we passed through a group of boys, one of them actually came too close to me, almost brushing me. I was freaked out. Ayan was walking next to me, I clung to his shoulders to avoid those bunch of hooligans.

‘Shreya! Is everything ok?’ Ayan asked me.

‘Yeah!’ I nodded, still holding him. ‘That guy came too close to me.’

‘Oh really! He might have done that unknowingly.’

‘You don’t even know him.’

‘Exactly! You don’t even know him.’

I had made my mind not to argue with him in such things after the train episode. I nodded and walked with him.

***

We sat on the promenade facing the sea. Enjoying cool breeze, staring at the stars, listening to the waves with a cup of coffee, that’s the best thing you could do in Mumbai. It’s not just nostalgic it’s moment to be cherished forever. Perhaps, there were hundreds of people spending such time every day and that day being a weekend, it seemed a full house but then when you’re with Ayan, you’re actually with just him.

Being quite couple friendly, there is like every kind of sellers selling different items which probably amuse the girls. Sometimes, I do feel, guys actually have a lot to do to impress a girl. Anyway, there were roses, candies, ice-cream, chatts, hot air flying lamps and also foot message available if you’re tired walking with your loved ones. And then, a guy selling candy-floss passed. I so much wanted Ayan to buy one for me but then he busy explaining me the latest feature of iOS 8. I gave him signals about my crave for candy floss by staring at the seller and telling that as a child I would buy these outside my school but Ayan told me how they add colours to them and how unhealthy they are.

‘Ayan! I want it.’ I lost cool.

There was no argument further. He ran after Candy floss seller who had by now had gone distance. I fiddled with my waiting for him, it had been more than three hours that I was with him and I checked my phone for the first time. I was really having a good that day night.

He was back in few minutes holding a candy floss. He just won my heart with that but then was I that easy girl? I don’t think so. I didn’t even say him thank you for the candy floss.

‘Can I ask you something?’ He said.

‘Ya!’ I nodded.

‘Who’s this guy?’

‘Who?’

‘Who made you believe that every man is a pervert?’

‘There is nothing like that!’

‘You can tell me.’ He held my hand which gave me goose-bumps. I tried to pull out my hand but he held me tight. ‘Shreya! I want to know about it.’

‘Is it important to you?’

‘Well, I got to know the reason what’s actually stopping you. Don’t you see how much I ….’ He trailed off.

‘How much you, what?’

‘I don’t know why but I’m way too attracted towards you. I mean, you kinda blew my mind. If I say I love you then you would argue that love is a way too big word and even I agree that would be early to say something like that but then if stay so negative about everything then nothing gonna work. Trust me; I don’t want to lose you.’

‘Hmm…’ I sighed.

‘That’s it!’ he raised his arms in disappointment.

I glance at him through the corner of eye; he was looking at the sea. For the first time in some years, I actually felt that someone did care for me. Perhaps, I had kept my past inside me for way too long. You see, more you keep them within you more the haunt you and I guess it was the right time because I know Ayan would understand.

‘Just like you, I met him on some Matrimony site. We were together in Delhi. We met and then started dating; I eventually fell in love with him. Things were so awesome between us, I even told my parents about him. And then, after two years he suddenly realized that he is not ready for marriage yet. He told me to move on.’

‘And you never actually did.’

‘Hmm…’

‘But then, does it make all men pervert? I would say you were dating a wrong person that’s it. Even I once dated a wrong girl once but I don’t think all girls are slut.’

‘What? You dated someone?’

‘Why you’re shocked? C’mon, I know I’m cute.’

‘Who told you this?’

‘Your smile.’ He was smiling sheepishly.

I blushed. No. I laughed. He knew how to make me happy.

‘Why did she left you?’

‘Well… I don’t exactly know the reason. She said I was boring.’

‘You’re not boring.’

‘Actually, I loved her way too much and I guess, she found it boring.’

‘Isn’t that stupid?’

‘Well, you girls anyway prefer bad boys over nice guys. Just look at you, he wasn’t a good guy but you’re still mourning for him.

‘Hmm…’ I sighed. ‘You see, the one you love and the one who loves you are never ever the same person.’

‘Well… I don’t think so. I mean if you fall in love me then your quotes will just contradict.’

‘You don’t love me.’

‘Why do you think so?’

‘You said you love someone.’

‘Correction! I said I loved. It’s past. I don’t love her anymore.’

‘What kind of love was that if it doesn’t stay forever?’

‘Nothing is forever, not even life. Everything ends someday.’

‘Now that’s strange thing to say.’

‘Why is it so? She didn’t love me, so I stopped too. It’s about give and take. You love, I love.’

‘Now that is even more mean to say. This is not a deal that you calculate profit and loss.’

‘Maybe. But for me, love is togetherness and not sacrifice. If you love someone truly and the other person doesn’t care due to various reasons, then I see no point waiting for that person. I mean I want to wake up with the person I love and not wake up to see if she had changed her what’s app dp. Follow the time, it never stops. Move on. Life actually has many more surprises waiting for you.’

‘Dude! Don’t you talk too deep?’

‘I talk straight, what’s in my mind.’

‘But then why me?’

‘Well… that’s about love, you actually don’t know why? Trust me; I don’t even care to know the reason.’

‘But then, I don’t love you. So, you should not follow me either.’

‘Actually, you don’t know whether you love me or not and that’s why you’re here. I am kinda sure about you, so I’m trying to impress you and being a boy, I will have to do. You don’t get anything unless you put in efforts. But then, I am pretty sure that you like me.’

‘How do you know that I like you? Again my smile?’

‘Nah!’ He shook his head. ‘Check your phone battery and you have your answer.’

I was dumfounded by his confidence. Seriously, I wasn’t actually not expecting him to be that smart. I wondered what to say him further, I looked blankly at him.

‘You see that’s what we had learnt from our engineering days, if you can’t convince them then confuse them.’

Do Something Cupid {Chapter 2}

Shreya Ganguly:

When my friends were getting married and producing kids, I still believed that my prince will come, riding on a horse, a unicorn preferably. Is there actually any age limit to have such fantasies in your mind? To be rational, at my age, fantasies only refer to sexual positions. Actually, our life is divided into some predefined phases and you’re supposed to act like that. Age – 1 to 7: Play with Barbie, 7 to 13: Love Pink, be Pink, 13 to 16: Join the race, 16 to 22: Love, Sex Aur Dhoka, 22 to 24: Shop with your own money, 24 to 26: Wear Red (Get Married), 26 to 27: Be Mommy and the cycle continues.

I actually give a fuck to all that crap and I still hang stockings on my balcony every Christmas. Yes! I believe in Santa, he though doesn’t put gifts in the stockings anymore but sends them by courier because his little daughter is now Territorial Head in Aircall.

My nostalgic dreams were shaken off with my phone ringing loud at the other end of the bed, I sluggishly reached for my phone.

‘Good Morning! Mimi!’ I said lazily stretching my arms.

‘Shona! You’re still sleeping.’ Mimi’s as usual rants.

‘I came home at 11.30 yesterday.’

‘What? I told you not to work that late.’ She bawled at me.

‘What to do then? There is so much work.’

‘I’m so worried about you. I think you should get married now.’

‘C’mon Mimi! You think my boss will give me less work if I get married.’ I was just pissed of my mother’s logic that marriage is the solution for everything.

Add to my already dismayed start to the day, my sales executives were calling me on my office phone.

‘Mimi, hold on.’ I switched to the other phone. ‘Yes! Raghav.’

‘Madam! I want a leave today.’ He requested.

‘For what?’

‘I have some personal work.’

‘C’mon Raghav! You know it’s month end and we are tight on work.’

‘I don’t care.’

‘What did you say?’ I blasted. ‘Stop ridiculing me else I will fire you.’

‘Madam! I’ve promised my girlfriend.’

That line struck my mind straight, he was ready to leave his job to take his girl out. How can someone love so much in these days? For todays’ guys, a girl is nothing more than a pair of breasts; this guy seemed to have risen up from extinction of his kind.

‘Okay! You can go today but you will complete your work on this Sunday.’ I don’t actually admire the passionate love rather I feel deprived of it. May be that’s why I thought to settle down for few numbers this month on my sales report.

‘Thank you, Madam!’ He was smiling.

Mimi was still waiting on the other phone.

‘Say now, Mimi!’

‘Is this how you talk to your staff?’ She was distraught to find her daughter loud and rude because who would want to marry such a girl.

‘I’ll talk to you at night. I’ve to rush to office.’ I hung up.

***

By the time my stomach turned into a volcano in hunger, I realized that it was already 4 pm. Even my canteen had stopped serving lunch by then. Rest of the staff in my floor were already taking their tea break and I was in no mood to walk to the restaurant on the other side of the road. I asked the office boy to get me some biscuits, my colleagues looked at me as I continued to work skipping lunch for another day but they were too now used to it.

I was the only female territorial head in my company and there was this strange instinct in me to be ahead, not of those territorial head but ahead of those men. I am not a feminist who would cry for ladies seat on a bus rather I believed why should boys have all the fun? I was actually jealous of them. They can come home late, they can booze, they can ride fast bikes, they can wear anything, they can go anywhere, they can get married late and they can break hearts. Sigh!

By 6 pm, I glanced outside the window to see people leaving for home or may be party but for me even leaving at 9 pm was a luxury. Actually, even I left early; I had nothing to do at my home apartment. I was living alone. It had been now well one year in Mumbai yet I could find couple of people with whom I could spend my time after office. I simply can’t trust people. Moreover, the heavy crowd in the city had always been suffocating for me. You see, I never had a liking for Mumbai rather I hated it always. Coming to Mumbai was never a choice rather it was an escape from my shattered dreams, I wouldn’t have objected even if they had send me to Afghanistan.

New job, new city, new house and new people yet those old memories haunted me all the time. I went on holidays with friends, parents and even alone but I guess they only work in Bollywood movies. Finally, my mother came up with her best solution – ‘Get married.’ It had been a year since then that I had an account in Vivaah.com but then nothing actually worked. I would get over 20 requests a day, of course for my pretty pictures that my mother had posted. I seriously wonder does a wife mean more than a sex partner to the guys.  May be, that’s too shallow thinking from my part but then I seriously don’t trust guys.

***

I wasn’t happy about this guy at all. Anyway, these IT guys are always desperate. He had indirectly asked my number few times by complaining that his Facebook has network issues or do you use what’s app, did he really think that I was that dumb? Couldn’t he think of anything more creative? Anyway, I forwarded him number because it was actually me who had send me the request on Vivaah.com and he was actually cute.

My ignore humans policy had actually made me so unsocial that I couldn’t even finish my monthly 512 MB free data pack but from him it seemed even 20 GB wouldn’t be sufficient. My newsfeed was all about his statuses and pictures. He was online on what’s app even at 3 am. He did message me sometimes which I always chose to ignore. Might be because blue ticks weren’t into existence or he was too optimistic, he still had hopes on me.

And then one fine day. ‘It’s been a month that we know each other, can we talk?’

What did he actually mean by that? I wondered. I guess he was now pissed off my snubbing. Though I knew even if I didn’t reply to him, it won’t matter. He will still wait and even if he didn’t, I would actually be happy. It was actually not working between us at all, I wasn’t yet ready for all this and I didn’t want him to waste his time for a girl like me. Moreover, who knows that he wasn’t actually seeing someone else too?

I didn’t reply.

***

Next day, I got a call from a landline number around 4 pm. It was again a month end date, my two executives where on leave and I had been getting spam calls since morning.

‘Hello! Shreya Ganguly!’

Uff! Another spam! I mean nobody else talks that politely. ‘Listen dude! I don’t want credit card, personal loan, home loan or holiday packages. Please, I am busy. Do not disturb.’ I blasted.

‘Hey! Hey! Stop! I’m Ayan.’

‘Who?’ I asked.

‘Ayan Pal. The guy from Vivaah.com, remember?’

‘You called?’

‘Yeah! I did.’

Period. I didn’t know what to say rather I was scared. I actually don’t appreciate guys approaching me that way.

‘I’m busy right now. Can we talk later?’

‘Yeah! Sure.’ He immediately hung up.

I didn’t have time to think about him that day at all. Rather, my day became even worse after his call. My boss asked me to come to office next day which was Sunday. I seriously wished that I file a case of harassment now against my company. Actually, my boss had figured out about my depression and also the fact that I was seeking a way out of it by working hard, that’s where he had taken me for granted. Strangely, I obliged. I seriously needed to get a life.

When I reached home that night, I realised that I forgot to put my food in fridge and it was not worth eating, thanks to Mumbai’s humidity. It was another Maggie night for me. Till the time, I finished with my chores and talking to Mimi, it was 2.30 am. I thought to check my messages on what’s app.

‘How was your day?’ He had already messaged.

I didn’t reply but then he saw me online.

‘Hi! Shreya! You there.’

I had to reply. ‘Yeah!’

‘I had called you. I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware that you were busy.’

‘What else do you expect me to do in office? Facebook? What’s app? Random calls?’

‘Excuse me! What do you mean by that?’

‘I don’t like guys calling me without permission.’

‘Aren’t you being too rude? I mean since you’ve contacted me on Vivaah.com, we are supposed to talk with each other else how do you expect things to get well between us?’

‘I guess that was a mistake, I am not interested in you anymore. I am not ready for it. You can go ahead. All the best.’

‘Yeah! I too think so that we should not continue. Anyway, next time don’t waste someone’s time if you’re not ready for all this.’

‘I don’t need your advice! Ok!’

Typing… I could see that status for some time. God! Now he was up to some long lecture to me and finally would say that I would regret losing him. This was actually getting disgusting now. I was about to block when I received his message.

‘Best wishes for your future. Take care.’

I still couldn’t figure what actually had stopped me to block him. Might be because he was cute. Whatever.

***

It’s been few months since that night, I had completely forgotten about him. He stopped pinging me and also liking my each and every photo on Facebook. I wasn’t even sure if he was still in my friendlist. I moved on not only from him but from my miserable life too. I had realized that life was beyond corporate awards and had now posted my resume on Naukri.com. Moreover, I actually realized that I was now inching towards my 30s and was utterly craving for love. I too wanted someone to bring me flowers, someone to hold my hands when I cross road, someone take me on bike rides, someone pamper me like a little, someone just love me unconditionally. If not August Waters at least I wanted a Raghu Romeo.

Meanwhile, Mimi was so determined to get me married that wedding season that she would often make meet those matches suggested by families and friends. I did meet them but then nothing actually worked, no jingles in my heart yet. It only made Mimi so upset that she collapsed and had to be rushed to hospital. The doctor said it was just because of fasting for the Durga Puja but I knew the real reason was me. For the first time, I decided not to be selfish anymore and marry whoever Mimi says.

‘Subho Bijoya.’ Ayan messaged me on Durga Puja. It seemed a broadcast message for the occasion. And for courtesy, I replied him back.

‘Same to you.’

He never bothered me again. I don’t know but somewhere in me, I wanted him to message me more. It was actually so not him, what did I do to him? Did he actually didn’t care that Shreya Ganguly had messaged her back.

‘How are you?’ I messaged him after two days.

‘I’m fine. You say.’ He replied. Thank God! He was normal.

‘I am not fine, my mother is in hospital.’ I was so alone those days that I wanted to tell someone everything.

‘What happened to her?’

And then it all started all over again but this time even I let myself in. He was really a caring guy. He would just not ask me about my wellbeing but was equally concerned about Mimi’s health. Mostly, Dad would stay back in hospital with Mimi at night which would make completely lonely back at home. So, I started to chat with Ayan more. We discussed about our interests, hobbies, families and what not! The best thing I liked about him was his sense of humour. He was amazingly funny. I would often browse through his photos on Facebook. He was astoundly handsome to be an IT geek and he knew that very well. When these IT guys posted their selfies in front of mirror just to flaunt their apple devices or updated statuses about their bosses. He would go brandish about his bike, I have a thing in me for guys with bikes. His pictures always depicted his careless attitude, his messy hair took my breath away. Yet, we still didn’t talk on phone, he had asked me to call him a few times but I always had my own set of excuses. I was happy being his admirer or stalker may be. I feared if I fell in love with him, he will break my heart. Leave a guy, he will love you and love a guy, he will surely leave. Guys are all same, mean.

***

I don’t hide anything from Mimi, I told her about Ayan when she recovered from her illness. Even though, she had wanted me to get hitched and now when I told her that I had started liking someone, she actually looked sceptical. Yeah! Her set of questions came up- what he does? Where he studies? How much he earns? Does his parents know about you?

Well, over these nine months, I had known those basic things about him and he actually seemed a nice guy but then I wasn’t sure if he genuinely liked me that way. Guys use these sites for dating someone for some time in the pretext of knowing the person before plunging into commitment. It’s always better that parents are involved into this as early as possible.

‘Hi! Ayan! Do your parents know about me?’ I messaged him.

‘Nopes. Not yet.’ He replied.

‘WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL THEM?

‘What’s there to tell them?

‘That we’re talking?’

‘Is it, Shreya? We never talked rather than these chats?

‘I talked to my mother, she wants to talk to your mother.’

‘Don’t you think, we should talk first, meet and try to know each other well?’

Those lines sank my heart, he happened to be the same. Moron. I didn’t reply him.

‘Don’t you trust me?’ he messaged.

‘No.’ At least, I was happy that I could see his true colours so soon. ‘From now, I don’t want to talk to you anymore.’

‘C’mon! Shreya! You’re just insane.’

Looking at my frowning face, both my parents had got an idea as what has happened between me and Ayan. We all had a silent dinner. There was more of a rage than disappointment in Mimi’s eyes for Ayan. I finished eating and walked to my room. Mimi followed me soon.

‘Sona! Don’t worry, you will get a better guy.’

‘Mimi! I’m not even thinking about him. I am just worried that my flight doesn’t get delayed due to fog. I have to go back.’ I said fiddling with my phone.

‘I wonder why these guys are on Matrimony sites when they don’t to get married even.’

‘Mimi! Let’s not talk about it. Please. I want to sleep.’

Mimi kissed my forehead, put over the blanket and switched off the light as she left my room. I opened my Facebook to unfriend Ayan but there was a message in my inbox. It was from Ayan, his mother’s phone no. Ok! I had blocked him already on what’s app an hour back.

***

Things seemed to fall in place amazingly, Mimi called his mother the very next day and she was more than happy to hear from us. She invited me to her place when I returned to Mumbai again. She actually seemed more frantic than Mimi for Ayan’s wedding. So, guys have the same pressure too.

I returned to Mumbai that evening and of course, Ayan had wanted to pick me from Airport but then I wanted to continue our fairy tale romance for some time now. I was enjoying it now. However, by the end of weekend even Mimi had insisted me to see him and so finally we planned to meet next Saturday.

Do Something Cupid {Chapter 1}

Ayan Pal:

‘Hey! Paul! What’s the status?’ My boss (read Asshole) yelled at me.

‘It’s done. By the way, it’s Pal and not Paul.’ I said.

‘Dude! Get over your Indian sentiments, Pal sucks, Paul is cool and sounds global.’

‘Really? Then for your name which is Randeep, it should be…’ I muttered.

‘I heard that! Your appraisal is in my hands, remember that.’

Whether I say that or not, it won’t affect my ratings anyway till I give this Dick-head a blow job. It’s always two out of five since three years. I had seen worse than that too, three years up still no Onsite and I was still an Associate Software Engineer. So, what was exactly making me to stay back? Security! Somewhat my company was recession proof, people left on their own so no job cut, I was not willing to touch my books to prepare for interviews and most importantly Facebook wasn’t blocked in my office.

I let a long yawn out and stretched myself. Bored of searching weird facts on Wikipedia and reading review of every other movie on IMDB, I logged on Facebook. I had a new friend request, like always I go and check the person’s photos. Unfortunately, the request was from a guy and I was not interested. Next was Vivaah.com, yeah! I’m that idle at office sometimes, who works on Friday? Anyway, there was I, looking through the profiles. I had some seven new requests since morning. I was actually getting a lot of attention on matrimony sites once I just put my package to 2 million a year.

As I went through those names, they were the same who hadn’t accepted me when I had actually put on my real salary. You see, it doesn’t matter how you look or how much you studied? It’s all about how much money you’ve got! Strangely, a guy is nothing more than an ATM machine. Never mind, even I don’t see the matrimony sites more than an Online shopping outlet where every product has a price tag over it. Bigger the bank balance, the hottier chick you get. Anyway, everything was beyond my budget.

I checked my watch, it was already four. My friends from college had called for a get-together cum night out. We had been planning this since long time but then after four years of college, you don’t expect your all friends to be available at the same time; onsites, MBA classes, girlfriends, wives and few even kids. Sadly, I was N.A. to all these categories. Indian company, three times CAT failure, single and staying with parents; I was actually the obnoxious little weed in our otherwise flourished group and I’ve been always the first guy in the group to get an excuse not to attend but this time, I had agreed because I actually needed a break from my super boring life else I would’ve murdered my boss in frustration.

I packed my bag and shut my laptop; I was about to leave…

‘Paul! You’re going somewhere?’ The party spoiler was right in front of me.

‘Yeah!’ I nodded. ‘I got some personal work to do.’

‘So you think, you can just sneak away like that without even informing.’

‘Excuse me! I had applied for a half day leave some two weeks ago.’

‘Two weeks is a long time.’

‘I had mailed you in the morning about it as a reminder.’

‘I agree but then I got this urgent code review task.’

‘Sir! I guess Diya can do it.’

‘She can’t! Actually, she already left for the day. She wasn’t feeling well. I asked her to go home and rest. Poor Girl!’ He whined.

As far as I know she just broke her nail at lunch. Bitch! ‘I had to go sir, it’s really urgent.’

He looked at me like those professors whose practical files you never complete. ‘Ok then! You go. However, I do want the review report to be send before tomorrow morning.’

‘Pardon!’

‘Work from home. I mean once you’re done with your urgent work, it won’t take all night.’ He said with a slick smile. ‘I guess that’s fair enough.’

Fair?? That was cruel and inhuman. My plan was to drink, stare at chicks, drink, curse my life, drink, roll on the floor, drink, vomit, drink, get stoned and not wake up till Sunday afternoon. The first thought that hit my mind was to break my laptop on his head but then I do love my job, at least for that SMS from bank on every month’s last day. So, I smiled at him. Picked my laptop from my cupboard and left.

Anyway, by the time, I reached the meeting point, I had already completed reviewing the code and preparing the report. I seriously feel that I.T. companies should officially introduce ‘Work from Bus’ program considering the traffic conditions in the city.

***

‘I don’t understand why we chose to meet at this stupid Mall.’ I never liked being in Malls. I mean what a late twenties single guy has to do there. Flipkart is all about shopping for us, no smoking on pool table, those outdated video games don’t excite anymore, guys are not into ‘fifty shades of grey’ to visit crossword and lastly, one doesn’t need to go to mall to eat.

‘C’mon this is the biggest mall in the city!’ Rehman said. I was with my group.

‘So?’

‘We will go to Blue Frog once everyone is here.’

‘Whatever. Why mall? Only girls roam here.’ I complained.

‘That’s nice na! Enjoy yourself then.’

‘What has actually made you such a sadistic?’ My friends smirked at me. ‘I guess he has actually passed the age to ogle at the chicks. Either they are too young for you or they are already married.’

‘That’s not funny.’ I twitched my lips.

‘Even we’re serious. Ayan! Get married. You’re the only one remaining in the group who is single.’

‘C’mon guys! Getting married is not like doing some Sikkim Manipal MBA course. It’s a matter of lifetime.’

‘Agreed! But you see, it actually completes you. Look! We are social animals, we need to settle down at some point of time. You simply can’t keep chasing girls all your life. You see life is actually what you have after office hours. You don’t eat burnt chapatis or a quick Maggie for dinner anymore, your cupboard don’t vomit on you when opened, no more shoes in living room, no waiting in D-mart queues for grocery, no Sunny Leone thread lined up on torrent and also you get sex.’ Explained my other friend Rohit.

‘Whoa! Nice analysis. I don’t know about you being social but you’re an animal for sure. Hope your wife gets know what you think of her.’

‘Jokes apart! I agree that marriage brings an added responsibility, sometimes it’s really annoying to watch “yea rishta kya keh lata hai” instead of English Premier league, it becomes very difficult to control credit card bills and have to bath everyday but then when she looks into your eyes and says she loves you, that’s when everything seems worth it.’ Rohit continued with his marriage epic.

‘Uff! Rohit! Will just shut up for some time.’ I snapped at him.

‘It’s ok, Ayan and Rohit! Let’s talk about anything else.’ Rehman interrupted.

‘Yeah! Sure!’ Rohit nodded. ‘But still, I wanna ask, wasn’t there anyone who actually crossed your mind.’

‘One?? There were many!’ I exclaimed and we all laughed at it. That’s a boy thing, you want to change the topic, just mock at it. We will laugh and forget it.

Though there were actually many of them to cross my mind but there was one who actually stayed there ever since, I knew her. We were from the same city. She liked me, I liked her. She told me about it, I told her about it too. We even met on a date and calling it an amazing date would just not be an understatement but a rare euphemism. But the irony is that we didn’t even talk on phone after that night forget about meeting gain. Though I would argue that the spark which took nine months to intensify into a burgeoned fire didn’t just fizzle for an iniquity but was ruthlessly smothered by a presumptuous egoistic mind.

Here’s what happened between us, a tale of misunderstandings.

***

It had been just few days since I debuted in Vivaah.com. It was recommended by a friend.

‘Beta! Tumse na ho paye ga.’ He said for my forever alone status.

However, instead of calls from gals, I would get calls only from tele-callers of Vivaah.com to be a paid member. Actually, there was nothing you could do if you’re not a paid member rather than sending interests to girls. Even a simple ‘hello’ demanded a bill of 3K in Vivaah.com. It seemed an endless wait expecting girls to contact you on their own until and unless, you post a pic with an Audi or mention in ‘about me’ that you own a 2BHK condo in a metro city without any home loan. Sending reminders only reminds them that you’ve been ignored for a reason. It wasn’t that like that, I didn’t get any response at all. I did but then I would explain the situation with an Akshay Kumar dialogue from ‘Garam Masala’.

‘Humein jo ladki chaiye usse hum nahi chaiye aur humein jo chahe woh kisse chaiye…’

And then one fine day, the Cupid finally smiled at me and she send me an interest. Shreya Ganguly, 27 years, 5’2’’, Scorpio, lives in Mumbai. I clicked on her pictures, she was more than pretty and as per Vivaah.com, I matched her all 14 preferences and we should take the next step by contacting each other. Of course by being paid member.

I had a better idea, Facebook. However, her name being so common it would have been actually difficult to find her and that also if she hadn’t made a profile by names like angel or princess. Even if I get the name who knows she had put her really picture as dp. You see, if a girl puts a Disney princess as her dp either she is fat or she is awesomely beautiful. This was the latter case. Anyway, the point was that whether I could find her on Facebook or not. Nevertheless, that was my lucky day, I not only found her profile with all photos locked but we had two mutual friends even. I immediately send her friend request with the following message.

‘Hi! I’m Ayan Pal. You’ve send me a request on Vivaah.com J.’

5 minutes later, seen. No reply.

1 hour later, active now. No reply.

2 hours later. No reply. I lost patience.

‘You there?’

Seen but no reply. I got disgusted.

‘You mind replying?’

‘I’m in office.’ Finally the reply. ‘Don’t you have work?’

Game over.

***

So it was a golden duck, first ball clean bowled. How could I be so stupid? The more we have to connect, the more we seem desperate to unplug. I wondered what she must be thinking about me, what a loser! I screwed it up straightaway before it started even. Two dumb messages and it was a dead end. There was actually no question of messaging her further and let her feel that I was another useless desperate wannabe. Better I forget that pretty face and move on.

‘Hi!’ There was ping and I couldn’t believe the name flashing on the screen, Shreya Ganguly.

‘Hi!’ I anxiously replied her.

‘I’m sorry that time, I was in office. I had a busy day, so couldn’t reply.’

‘It’s ok!’

‘By the way, thanks for accepting my interest in Vivaah.com.’ She messaged. Was she drunk?

‘Well, no need to say thank you. You can simply repay by accepting my friend request on Facebook.’

No reply again for next 10 minutes. Duck in second innings too. I rather retire hurt myself from this game. It was actually getting uglier at every step. But again, I got a lifeline when I got a notifications that Shreya had accepted my friend request. However, I didn’t message her again this time not because I was being patient but I was too busy checking her pictures. She wasn’t just cute but I thought she was simply real may be a bit too much. I mean when girls would put over several edits and effects to their DPs, this girl wasn’t shy of her faint dark circle. Actually, she was quite different. She didn’t flaunt a Gucchi bag but would pose with her employee of the month awards. Yes! There were many. Her timeline was filled with office party pictures, conference selfies, sales statistics screen shots and colleague’s children snaps. I just wanted to know about her interests but then did she actually had a life beyond her office.

‘What you do by the way other than Facebook?’ She messaged. Hah! How she could be so rude, I wondered. But then this smiley ‘:P’ followed; might be she was being just sarcastic, I thought.

‘I’m an IT engineer. I’m from MIT, Pune.’

‘Cool! I’m from NIT, Rourkela.’

‘You’re an Engineer too?’

‘What else you do in an Engineering college? Anyway, I did MBA after Engineering from IIM, Lucknow. Now I work as a Territorial Head for Aircall.’

‘That’s nice!’ I blurted. If our conversation was to be pictured in a volley match, she was smashing back hard each time the ball was in her court. I wondered whether we were trying to get along or compete for a job. It was better, I switch the topic.

‘You’re very pretty.’ I messaged.

Typing… it continued to appear for next five minutes, I panicked for being such a loser. *Blocked* was on its way.

‘I know.’

That’s it? I thought. I kept waiting for the whole text for next few minutes but her last seen indicated that it was the end.

‘Hmmm…’ I replied

‘Listen! I’m tired for the day. I have office tomorrow. Good night.’ She texted.

Holy crap! How can she bully someone so much? HITLER!

The Burnt Letter

 

She skipped her school that morning too and headed straight to the Pataleshwar temple on the outskirts of the little town she lived. Her mom had been suspecting her for some time now and her absent marks on the attendance log was worrying her teachers but nothing seemed to unfaze her temptation to meet him everyday behind the temple. Yes! She was in love, unconditionally.

She fastened her steps as she was late, the sun was way over the woods by then and she didn’t have watch to check the time but he had and that’s why he always reached on time; he didn’t like to wait and she didn’t like to argue with him. Alas! She couldn’t make it, she saw his cycle outside the temple and almost like a stimulus, she broke into a jog.

He saw her coming but turned away to ignore her, he was miffed off her habit of coming late all the time. She was aware of that very well and also knew how to win him back. She didn’t say a word and sat next to him on the bench under the giant banyan tree. She glanced at him; he was still not looking at her. She took out a guava out of her bag and tossed it in air.

‘You want it.’ She offered.

He shook his head in denial.

‘Ok then! Your wish.’ She took a bite. ‘It’s really awesome; I have never eaten such a sweet fruit.’ She teased him, he loved guavas.

She had a big guava tree at her backyard and every day, he would break into her garden with his friends to steal the fruits. That’s how they had known each other and gradually, fallen for each other. He was seventeen and she was fifteen but from social point of view the gap between them was too large. He was the son of the Zamindar, born in riches and groomed in discipline; she grew in adversity and was the daughter of a Sajori, one who dresses up the bride on the wedding. But their love knew no such boundaries. It was innocent and inane; pure and intense just like them.

‘You don’t love me.’ He said abruptly and that hit her.

‘Never say that again.’ Her voice choked. ‘I never loved anyone more than you.’ Her eyes had tsunamis in them.

Seeing her sob like that was the last thing he wanted to happen, it wasn’t like that it hurt him but the fact that it was very hard to stop if she started crying and then she would count on everything that she did for him and yet he had to say such a lame statement. Her friends had always insisted that rich people don’t have a heart and he was just playing around. They sometimes even say that he met her everyday so that she could bring him her garden’s guava but she never paid heed. Her Mom had beaten her up so many times for bunking school. She fasted every Monday for his good health. How could he even think of something like that? She thought and she burst in tears.

‘I’m sorry.’ He hugged her tightly. ‘I didn’t mean it. I love you.’ He couldn’t bear the torment anymore.

‘Promise me you won’t say such thing again.’ She sniffed on his chest.

‘I promise.’ He smiled looking into her and went on to kiss her forehead.

‘Ok now! Give me the fruit.’ He snatched the guava from her hands.

‘No. No. Not that one.’ She resisted.

‘Why not?’

‘I’ve eaten it.’

‘So?’

‘Don’t you know that’s disrespectful?’

‘It doesn’t matters. We are one.’

‘Still.’

‘Forget it! I brought something for you.’ He took out a title box from his pocket.

‘What’s this?’ She inquired.

He opened it. ‘It’s for you.’

‘Hey! That’s beautiful maang tikka.’ She said excitedly as he placed it on her palm.

‘You know what it is?’

‘Of course, I know. I’m daughter of a sajori.’

‘Don’t say like that.’

‘Oh! Stupid! I mean I have seen such things when I had accompanied Ma to the big weddings. Whose it is?’

‘My Grandma’s.’

‘You stole it.’ She agitated.

‘Na baba! She had given me when she died. She had told me to give it my wife.’ He said.

There was a moment of silence after that. She was so happy that she couldn’t express it in words. She felt blessed not for that dead but precious ornament but the way he said that it was for his wife had turned her world upside down. Might be she was too young but every morning she woke up with just one wish and that day it seemed to be granted. She blinked back her tears and kept staring at him; she was deeply touched by his gesture.

‘I love you.’ She could just utter that.

‘Only that? You won’t give me anything in return.’

She quickly took out the guavas, she had brought for him.

‘Guavas for such a prized thing, that’s not fair.’

‘What you want? I can’t give you anything that expensive.’ She frowned.

‘Oh Girl! You’re so sentimental. I just want a kiss in return.’

She smiled and pecked his cheeks.

‘This won’t do today. Close your eyes.’ He said.

His heartbeat raced as he brought his face closer to her. He could now feel the warmth of her breath. If she felt goose bumps waiting for the next surprise, he was anxious too to go ahead with it, first kiss is always special. He first pecked her lips, might be she had reckoned what was to come but she didn’t protest, she felt butterflies in her stomach. In next moment, she could feel his mouth over hers. He had read about it in many books and had imagined the perfect kiss in his mind a million times and trust me, he wasn’t naïve at all. He smooched her passionately and only stopped when they ran out of breath.

He was very pleased by his feat and wanted to repeat it but she seemed shocked and he knew why.

‘Don’t tell me now that it was disrespectful too.’

‘No. It wasn’t. I would rather say, it was amazing.’

***

Like every love saga, this one too hit its road block soon when someone saw them together and informed his father. A curfew was imposed on him after that and he was not allowed outside his room even. If that was not enough, his father insulted her mother at the bazaar. Though her mother had always loved and supported her daughter but this time she was harsh. She banned her daughter from going school to put end to growing steps towards modernity. Humans are social animal and they should be bounded to the society laws. She was very much aware of the fact that this relationship has no future; a daughter of a sajori would never be accepted at a zamindar’s house. Rich and poor can never unite.

She cried all the time and he stopped eating but nothing seemed to touch the radical thinking of their parents. They were punished to suffer till their love died. But their love was not that weak to fade so easily, they were brave hearts and were courageous enough to raze all the barriers between them and get together. They planned to elope to a far city called Calcutta.

He sent her message through his trusted maid to wait for him at the ghat early in the morning, the very next day after the full moon. She didn’t oppose nor did she ask any question, she just trusted him with her life. Though, she felt bad for her mother but she persuaded herself that she would soon return once things down here settle down. That night she slept hugging her mother but could she just rest down in peace, the excitement of her life kept her counting the stars all night and as the stars started to disappear, she knew the time was coming. It was the longest night of her life; she just waited with thirsty eyes for the next morning.

Next morning, she eloped from the house before her mother woke up in the morning. She kept a few of her sari’s in a jhola and left after covering her face with a shawl. She reached the ghat at sharp four in the morning when there were just a few people around; she wrapped her shawl tighter this time feeling very insecure, she covered her mouth with the shawl in such a manner that only her eyes were visible. The eyes that searched for him, all over the place, she was losing out on patience and kept standing at one firm place where her eyes frantically searched just for him. By noon, a hundred of ferries had passed by but he was nowhere, the ghat was filled with people, the people who glared at her with eyes full of suspicion, people who feasted their eyes on her. But she was sure about his coming, she just waited. There was still no trace of him, it was evening now, she shivered in the cold but didn’t even budge an inch, her eyes still waited for his arrival. She waited there till the night; the whole place grew dark and scarier. Suddenly, she felt a hand over her shoulder, she turned immediately with eyes filled with happiness, she thought that it would be him but as soon as she turned, her excitement turned into disappointment. It was the old Majhi.

‘What happened, beti? Where have you come from? And who are you waiting for? It’s late now, you must return home.’

Tears trickled down her cheeks and she said nothing, she was still not able to believe that he didn’t turn up. She felt pathetic but her eyes were still drenched with hope. She made heavy steps back home thinking that there might be some problem on his side otherwise he would have been there with her and they would have eloped to Calcutta.

The moment she entered her home, she received several slaps from her mother and was not even given the food that night.  That night she cried the most, not just because of not getting food or by not meeting him at the ghat but because she knew that something would be wrong at his side otherwise he would have never made her wait at the ghat, considering the fact that he had always been punctual but not even for once, she doubted on her love and then another message came to her next day, this time in form of a letter.

Laboni,

I know what you thinking, I know you would be crying for I couldn’t make it to the station but it was just because of my father. I wanted to come, in fact, I almost left the home with my bag but then Father caught me and by force, locked me inside the home. Laboni, they are sending me to British country to study, far away from you. But trust me my love, we would remain with each other, just trust my love and wait for me. I will return to you. I will be a big man then; nobody would ever be able to snatch you from me. Just trust on my love and wait. I will miss you with every breath that I will take.

Yours,

Anurag.

After reading the letter, she pressed the letter against her heart and cried herself to sleep. She wanted to go to him and tell him that she would wait but still she couldn’t do that. With each passing day, her misery grew; she fought with her mother who was trying to get her married. It seemed as if she just lived to see him. She counted days, she shed those million tears, her only comfort was to think of him, she used to imagine herself as his bride, how she will decorate her every part of skin on their wedding day, the maang tikka that he gifted her would be placed right in the centre of her head with loose strands falling over at the sides, she used to dream a life with him, a happy life.

Six years seemed like six hundred years but soon, even they passed.

Soon, she got some news about his arrival, she just went mad with happiness and rushed with her aanchal rubbing against the floor, she didn’t even care enough to wear anything to protect her feet and soon she reached near his Haveli. She waited outside the gate, her heart was pounding heavily after reaching there, she was dying to get a glimpse of him, she wanted to see how he looked now, she wanted to tell him how she cried herself to sleep every night that he was away. This day was something she was waiting for six long years. Now her feet were bleeding because of the long way filled with sharp stones but she didn’t even care enough to wipe it off.

But the moment she saw a blue motor car coming near the Haveli, her heart raced even faster. She saw him taking a step out of the car, he just looked like one of those English Saheb, she started running towards him and was about to shout his name but suddenly, she saw a fair hand holding his hand and soon a girl stepped out of that Motor car. A wave of helplessness overpowered all her expressions. She was helpless now.

“Ma, this is Pratima, your Bouma,” He said to her mother while Pratima touched her feet.

It seemed that her heart was crushed mercilessly by everyone who was present there. While everyone else entered the Haveli, she just stood there with not even a tear trickling down from her eyes; she had no reason to live now. She was shattered. She was completely devastated. This is what the wait of six long years gifted her.

As soon as she reached home, she locked herself in her home and cried her heart out, she was about to end her life when Radha knocked her door, ‘Laboni, open the door. There is a wedding at Chatterji’s home tomorrow. Would you come with me to decorate the bride?’

Hearing this, her heart missed a beat, the place where she wanted to go as a bride, she would now go there as a Sajori.  She was numb till evening until her mother came and shook her from her numbness.

‘You don’t have to go anywhere. Forget everything. You need to move on.’ She cried and hugged her daughter. She could feel her pain.

‘No. Ma, I have to go. I had to face it, the reality.’

‘Why you want put yourself into all this?’ he mother asked with tears flooding her eyes.

‘Because in these six years, there was just one dream that gave me happiness and that was to decorate myself as his bride. Even though I could not be his bride but still I would live my dream by decorating his bride.’ She said with her eyes focussed on the floor.

‘Laboni, come back to your senses. Don’t you know how much it would hurt you by seeing him getting married to someone else?’ he mother looked at her and asked.

‘Who said that love never hurts? But I need to know how much.’  Her mother knew that her daughter wouldn’t stop. She didn’t persuade her further, for the whole night she sat still on the floor without budging an inch.

And the next morning, she got herself dressed in a white sari with red border, applied a bindi on her forehead and took along all the things that were required to decorate the bride and reached the Zamindar’s house. The house was exactly same as she imagined it, white marbles, huge chandelier; big antique vases at every corner, the Haveli had a royal appeal in itself, everything in that Haveli screamed for its royal nature. She felt so small and insignificant in front of all that glitz and recalled her humble origins and as she was busy in that self pity, her eyes caught the sight of him.

The world seemed to have come to end as they stood face to face but there was sore silence between them. They looked into each other’s eyes, she wanted all the answers to her questions, she wanted the justification for the betrayal, she the reason for thrashing her dreams. She didn’t need words to convey all that but anyway; he had no answer only a feeble guilt in his eyes. He looked down in shame; he had neither guts nor the dignity to face her.

‘Where is the bride?’ She asked boldly. He still couldn’t utter a word and brashly pointed towards a room. She walked ahead leaving him behind, remorseful.

She saw the bride and with a smile she went on with her job, she traced the alta on her feet exactly the way she wanted for herself. She drew the best floristic designs with chandan on her cheeks and forehead. She placed flowers in her hair after making pleats and letting a few strands fall loose and finally the topor on her head was so much dazzling, exactly like her own wishes to dress up on the day of her wedding. While decorating the bride, all the memories of her past came to haunt her, she even shed a few tears but wiped them off before the bride could notice them and finally when the bride was ready.

‘I couldn’t be more beautiful than this.’ The bride was amazed to see her in the mirror.

‘Wait! It’s still not done yet.’ She said. She took the maang tikka, she treasured all the years and neatly place on her head.

‘It isn’t mine, I guess.’ the bride said looking in the mirror.

‘No, Anuraag babu gave it to me while I was coming. It’s his gift for you.’ She said controlling her tears.

The bride blushed looking at herself. She was indeed looking the most beautiful bride that night.

‘Thank you for all this. You don’t know how much I am pleased.’

‘It’s nothing Memsahab. It’s my job.’

‘Oh yes! I will pay you big. Wait! I’m coming.’ The bride went outside the room to get the prize for Sajori but when she returned there was no one.

She ran on her way to home, stopping after intervals to cry out her heart. And as soon as she reached home, she locked her inside her room. Her Mother wanted to intervene but she said she wants to spend some time alone. She took out the letter from the wooden box and re read it for the last time.

And a fat drop of tear escaped her eye and fell over the letter. She went to the kitchen where her mother stored grains and took out all the camphor pills from it which her mother kept to keep insects away and then she placed the letter on the fireplace and lit the fire below it. On one side it was the destruction of all her hopes, dreams and love along with the letter and on the other hand it was the wedding of Anuraag, a beginning of his new life.

Next morning, she didn’t open her door even after repeatedly calling. And when her mother lost patience, she called in the neighbors who broke in the door, only to find a dead girl lying on the floor and a brunt letter beside her.

Destiny/Coincidence

 

‘Oh God! Angad! What you doing?’ Disha elbowed him.

‘Angry Birds!’ He snubbed her.

‘This is funny, we are at Wankhede stadium for an IPL match, Sachin is batting and you’re finding Angry Birds more interesting.’

‘What’s interesting actually to watch there, I mean from here everyone looks like Sachin. Anyway, tell him to retire. He’s is making T20 boring too.’ He let a long yawn.

‘Dude! You’re so disgusting!’ Disha bawled at him.

‘Fuck! What do you expect from a guy who was in the office since 8 in the morning, had back to back presentations, skipped lunch and then drove all the way from one end of the city to other in the heavy traffic and then you expect me to be cool. And this stupid wig and paint on face, Disha! Please spare me.’ He blurted out in disgust.

‘Dude! You lost the bet right!’ She said with a mean smile on her face.

‘But why Malinga?’

‘Because last time you made me wear a pajama at my boyfriend’s birthday when I lost one.’ She justified.

‘You call this ugly dumb corporate slave your boy friend?’ He pointed at Mahesh who was sitting next to her. But he remained blank as always.

‘Of course!  At least he is more sensible than you.’

‘Really? If I were your team lead then you were to saying that for me.’

‘Fuck off!’ She showed her the middle finger.

Angad let a long yawn as Praveen Kumar ran to the stumps and bowled to Sachin. He was quick to read the slower ball and rode on his front foot for a superb cover drive, the ball raced to the boundary like bullet. There was loud roar and a Mexican wave floated which disturbed his aim and he missed three stars on level 15 again. Anyway, his battery was already screaming for power and he thought to give in and watch the match instead. They were still showing that Sachin’s boundary over and over again followed by his records, as if anybody doesn’t know about them!

 And then there was actually something which hit Angad. There was a big poster being shown on screen which read- Sachin, Marry Me!! But he wasn’t actually interested in the banner but the girl who was holding it. She was breathtaking beauty and he felt enchanted as he kept gawking at the screen. His jaw dropped, eyeballs bulged and his heart was sprinting at Bret Lee’s speed. He was completely blown by the malicious beauty.

‘Oye Muuh band kar!’ Disha taunted but nothing fell in his ears. She shook him out but he seemed frozen and finally a Pepsi ad brought him back to the real world.

‘Oh God! Who she is?’

‘How would I know?’ Disha shrugged off.

‘Stupid! Why the hell you bought ticket in Gavaskar stand? You should have bought in Sachin stand.’

‘When I bought this tickets, I never knew that you will fall in love once again with some girl in Sachin stand.’ Mahesh said.

‘Hello!! What do you mean by once again? Others were just flings but this one is true love.’

‘True love?? Angad! That’s the joke of the century.’ Disha smirked.

‘It’s love at first sight! It has never happened before!’

‘Now don’t tell me that! You fall in love with every sexy pair of legs you come across.’

‘They didn’t show her legs ok! I just fell in love with her awesomeness.’

‘Awesomeness??? Whatever! I don’t care. It’s just last over remaining, let me watch.’

However, Angad was not to give up. He’s always known for his quick thinking and out of box ideas especially when it came to girls. He was that born Casanova. And he soon got his first move in mind to woo this girl too. He arranged one big paper from the bugger shop down stairs, scribbled something and put up for the cameramen to notice. But then, they don’t show you on TV until you’re sexy or pathetically dressed and yes! He fell in the second category.

‘Sachin is married and old. I’m single and young. Marry me instead.’ It read.

Whoa! There was a loud cheer as it flashed on all the screens. He waved his hands for the ovation even Sachin couldn’t stop himself from smiling. They showed the girl and she looked visibly disgusted while Angad had a broad smile.

‘Shameless!’ She said.

Soon the match ended and he was able to slip in through the security to get into Sachin stand to search her but then he couldn’t find her in the chaos. He was disappointed, may be this was the last time he saw her. He trudged unwillingly towards his friends.

‘Oye! Angad what happened? Why so sad?’ Disha asked.

‘Missed her! Couldn’t find!’ He frowned.

‘So? You will get another tomorrow.’ Mahesh said.

‘Shut up yaar! It’s true love now.’

‘You will get your true love tomorrow also, trust me!’ Disha smirked.

He shook his head as there was no point in arguing also it was getting more crowdie, people pushed each other to get out of the stadium. They too joined others as they made their way towards the gate. Angad walked silently ahead of his friends which actually pricked his friends. Though, they always fought, cursed and abused each other but they were just inseparable. It’s been sometime, Disha wanted Angad to hook up with someone so that they could complete their group but Angad had been care free always about all this but that day he genuinely seemed upset but Disha and Mahesh thought to leave that matter to him itself.

He still had hope as he continuously kept searching for the girl but it seemed all in vain when he saw the gate. He stopped to check for his friends so he didn’t lose them. Though he stood aside but there was no space as other pushed him to make their way, ignored them but then someone ruthlessly stamped on feet.

‘Fuck! Watch it.’ He yelled.

‘Excuse me! Mr. Loud Mouth, don’t you have manners to talk to a lady?’ The lady hailed at him.

‘You…’ Angad’s eyes just fell on the lady as she turned and moved her hair back. She was the same girl he was looking for. He froze.

‘You were saying something?’ She demanded.

Even though she was scolding him, he just glared at her completely smitten. He had a tinge of smile on his face which further infuriated the girl. She too on her side had recognized Angad for his make-up and realized there was no point in arguing. She moved on. Angad followed.

As they came outside the gate and walking down the stairs, the friend of the girl noticed Angad’s intuitions and whispered in the girl’s ear. She asked her friend to ignore as they need to hurry to catch the last train. They searched for an auto or cab to drop them but then couldn’t get anything vacant. Angad just watched them from a distance, as they tried to stop every vehicle passing them.

Soon, Disha and Mahesh went mad when they didn’t find Angad around. They called him but the calls went unanswered, they were now worried. However, Angad was in his own world seeing her antics to get something to reach station. Mean while, a policeman had to intervene Angad’s weird activities out there and soon, he was asked to leave instantly. He was now in the parking where Disha and Mahesh were waiting.

‘Where the hell were you?’ Disha inquired.

‘I found my girl.’

‘Which one?’ Mahesh smirked.

‘Disha! If you want to save your boyfriend’s teeth then ask him shut his loud mouth.’

‘Angad! Let’s move.’

Angad brought in the car and was in hurry to move out but traffic was just not helping. He honked madly for way; he would ruthlessly dodge in through the narrowest space giving shiver to both Disha and Mahesh.

‘What you’re doing?’ Disha hailed at him.

‘She is waiting.’

‘Who?’ Mahesh asked but one angry glare from Angad and he was all set to piss in his pants.

And finally after much of struggle and his keen skill with steering, he was able to put across his car by her side, though it was no entry, it didn’t care.

‘Excuse me! You wanna lift?’

She looked at him and felt disgusted for him being so chep. She simply ignored him and continued searching for a cab or auto but it all seemed in vain.

‘Akansha! I think we better walk. We just have twenty minutes for the train.’ Her friend checked the watch.

‘Shruty! You think we gonna make it?’

‘Of course not! I am here to help.’ Angad interrupted.

Now she was getting angry but then she had other things to worry. She twitched her lips and just walked off towards CST. Angad too followed her in his car.

Whoa! She walks so sexy, Angad thought as he watched her walk away. He honked and dipped the head lights but she didn’t turn once but his antics only attracted the policeman. However, nothing seemed to come his way that night. He smilingly passed a 500 rupees note and the Policeman winked at him. He hit the accelerator as she was gone out of view. A few minutes of rigorous search along the streets and he could again see those lean legs, bouncing curly hair moving ahead again.

‘Akansha! He’s back.’ Shruty told her.

‘I know.’ She frowned.

‘I am getting scared now. See, the road ahead is all empty and dark.’ Shruty said.

‘Is it?’ Akansha sighed. ‘Time for formula 23.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Just watch me!’ She stopped and turned at the car. She had a smile on her face. Angad got curious since she didn’t seem that easy girl and she wasn’t actually.

‘Help!!!!!’ She screamed at the top of voice. Angad couldn’t understand what was happening, he almost step out of his car but then she gazed at him and shouted even louder. ‘Bacchao! Bacchao!’

‘Angad! This is a trap. Logon se pitvaega kya? Turn the car.’ Mahesh freaked out.

It just happened so spontaneously that Angad couldn’t even think anything, his quick response to that was to turn away the car and run for life.

‘Where are you going moron? Kaha gayi teri herogiri?’ She yelled hard.

‘Enough now! Akansha, they are gone now. Its 12:40 already, we just have five more minutes.’

‘Is it?’ She checked her watch. ‘Run!’

They might have won a gold medal if they had done the feat in Olympics yet they missed the train by a brisk of a second. They waved at the Motorman to stop for them as the train picked up speed but he just waved a green flag and it disappeared in the darkness outside the station.

‘We missed.’ Shruty sobbed. ‘We will have to wait for 4.23 train now.’

‘Don’t worry we will take a cab.’ Akansha checked her bag. ‘I am bankrupt. Do you have money?’

‘Nopes.’ Shruty shook her head.

‘I have ATM card.’ She smiled.

Both of them went to withdraw money but somehow money refused to come out. It was CST, so there were lot of options but nothing actually worked. Each and every ATM gave them error instead of notes.

‘Fuck! What now?’ Shruty asked.

‘I don’t know. Let’s see outside if we could find any.’ Akansha suggested.

Shruty nodded and walked outside the station premises with Akansha searching for an ATM.

‘It seems someone missed the last Panvel local.’ He chuckled.

‘What the hell! You again?’ She was baffled.

‘Yes! Me again.’

‘You want me to shout again?’

‘Relax girlie! I just want to help you out.’

‘Did I ask for any help?’

‘You need not to. I can read your mind.’

‘Oh! Really? Then didn’t you read how much I am cursing you?’

‘Oh c’mon! I have a big heart. Now tell me where you want to go, I will drop you.’

‘I don’t go in stranger’s car.’

‘What the F? You think we are rapist? Can’t you see the girl sitting inside?’ Angad pointed at Disha while she sheepishly waved her hand.

But Akansha was firm on her side; she narrowed her eyes in fury.

‘Hey! Take it easy. We just want to help. You can trust me at least.’ Disha piped in.

‘But we don’t need your help. We are fine.’ Akansha shrugged off.

‘C’mon, Akansha don’t be a snob. Actually, we do need help. We missed the train and now don’t have money to go back home in cab.’ Shruty said.

‘Where you stay? We will drop.’ Disha suggested.

‘Sanpada.’

‘No thanks. We will manage.’ Akansha refused.

‘What manage? I am not going to spend whole night in the station.’ Shruty protested.

‘Fine. Drop us to nearest ATM.’ Akansha said coldly.

Finally there was some peace in the atmosphere. Angad was so overwhelmed for Disha’s effort that he almost gave her a high five. But those fury big eyes of Akansha gave him chills down his body. Anyway, it was a victory considering the fact how much Akansha hated him.

‘Mahesh! You drive.’ He threw the keys at the Mahesh. ‘You see, I kinda have vision problem at night.’ He swiftly moved and sat on the back seat that also in the middle so that he gets to sit with Akansha in any case.

Of course Akansha sensed his intentions. ‘What?’ She grunted.

‘I am scared of sitting near windows. Anyway, it’s cold outside.’ He faked a sneeze even.

‘Huh! Such a chep you’re!’ She sighed and both the girls sat on his sides.

Mahesh started the car and they moved on.

‘By the way, I am Angad. This is Disha and Mahesh.’

‘I am Shruty.’ She smiled and Angad turned to Akansha.

‘I don’t tell my name to strangers.’

‘Ok! Don’t tell me your name, Akansha!’ He smirked and that statement made everyone laugh.

‘You are so funny. What you do?’ Shruty said.

‘Well, when I am not saving girls in distress. I’m often seen scaling walls, crushing ice with bare hands, building large suspension of bridges in my yard and reading Ravinder Singh’s latest book.’

‘You mean to say you’re Rajnikanth.’ Shruty was now enjoying this.

‘You can say that.’

‘But our Rajnikanth can’t drive at night and is scared of sitting at windows.’ Disha teased.

‘I don’t want this car to fly so I am not driving and me sitting in the middle seat is all about centre of gravity. You won’t understand that after all you’re MCA and not BE.’

‘Superb! Dude! I like you.’ Shruty cheered.

‘Not just you, I guess your friend also likes me since she is listening to her I-pod in mute.’ He winked at Shruty.

‘Dude! Shut the fuck up! Stop at an ATM.’ Akansha was simply pissed off.

‘Well, we don’t any ATM nearby. We need directions.’ He said.

‘What the hell?’

‘Ok! You tell us if you know any nearby.’ Angad said.

Of course, she didn’t know any and even if Shruty did, she wouldn’t tell.

‘What else have you done?’ Shruty asked in amusement.

‘How do you think the Americans killed Osama?’ He said.

He went on with his stories as Mahesh drove through the 1 hour route to Navi Mumbai. It seemed Shruty almost believed his each and every word as she enjoyed his stories to core even Akansha couldn’t stop smiling sometimes but pretended to ignore all while.

‘Just take next left and straight, the last building we stay.’ Akansha

‘What??? There is no ATM. You tricked us to your home. What are your intentions?’ Angad said.

‘Shut up at least now.’ Akansha hailed at him.

They reached at her building.

‘Thanks for the lift.’ Shruty giggled.

‘My pleasure, I wish your friend was as you.’ Angad taunted. ‘By the way, we are not Rapist. We belong to that category who will drop a girl home safely with a hope that she will fall in love next day.’

‘I still hate you.’

‘Never mind, here’s my card. Next time you miss a train, you can call me.’ He said sheepishly.

‘I told you, I don’t like strangers.’

‘What strangers? I told you so much about me.’

‘I wish anything was true from that.’

‘Whatever. Take the card for the lift and I will be happy with the hope that you will call someday.’

‘You’re wasting time.’

‘You’re worth wasting a lifetime.’

‘Wow! Dude! That’s awesome. Why don’t you try on me? I am not heartless like her.’ Shruty said.

‘Shruty! Shut up. Let’s go.’ She pulled her away.

‘Gadhi pe dil aa gaya toh Pari kya cheez hai!’ He said at her back but she didn’t care to even turn.

They waited as Shruty and Akansha went inside the building and then finally after a minute, they saw a window in the second floor lit up.

‘Ok good night Akansha! Sweet dreams!’ He shouted at top his voice as few more lights lit up and down came the watchman running. But Mahesh just hit accelerator and they were off.

‘This guy I tell you.’ Akansha was disgusted.

‘He’s so cute.’ Shruty said.

‘C’mon Shruty! I know these kinds of loafers.’

‘He wasn’t like that. He was so nice.’

‘He was pathetic. You just met him two hours before don’t tell me you fell in love with him.’

‘I wish I could but he loves you.’

‘Love??? He knows nothing about me.’

‘May be but I think you were destined to meet. I mean how all the ATMs in CST stopped working, why couldn’t we find a single auto to station.’ Shruty explained.

‘Coincidence.’

‘I think you should call him tomorrow.’

‘Well, my dear friend if we are actually destined to meet then we will meet for sure. I don’t need his number.’ Akansha threw the card outside window.

‘You are so cruel!’

‘Thank you very much.’

***

It’s been few weeks since then, both Angad and Akansha them almost forgot about that night. It was just another weekend and Akansha as usual thought to go out for shopping with Shruty in Inorbit Mall, Vashi. They had been shopping for hours now and had already carrying ten bags each. Finally, they thought to stop not that they were done but because the bags were getting heavy. They thought to get some refreshment to recharge themselves and moved towards the lift.

‘Akansha! Akansha!’

‘Did you hear that?’ Akansha asked Shruty.

‘What??’

‘Somebody calling my name?’

‘Yeah! And I think you won’t be happy to see that somebody.’ Shruty pointed down the lobby.

‘Gosh! Angad! Not again.’ Akansha was baffled to see him. He was yelling her name and everyone was looking at him. Embarrassment at his best.

‘Run Shruty Run.’ She hurried towards the lift.

‘But…’ Shruty tried to talk but she was pushed Shruty inside the lift and it was switched to parking.

In 10 seconds the button panel flashed P, they reached and the door opened. But their nemesis was already there waiting for them.

‘Whoa! How did you come here?’ Shruty was shocked.

‘Told you, I am Rajnikant.’ Angad laughed.

‘Dude! Marry me!’ Shruty said.

‘Sorry, Baby! I’m already committed to your gorgeous friend.’

‘Let’s go Shruty!’ Akansha walked off.

‘Humne jo ki thi mohabbat, aaj bhi hai

Teri zulfo ke saaye ki chahat aaj bhi hai

Raat kat ti hai aaj bhi khayalo me tere

Deewano si woh meri halat aaj bhi hai

Kisi aur ke tasawwur ko uthati nai

Beimaan aankho me thodi si sharafat aaj bhi hai

Chah ke ek baar chahe fir chod dena tu

Dil tod tujhe jaane ki ijaazat, aaj bhi hai…..’

 

Those lines actually touched her heart and she couldn’t stop herself to turn back. He was already in his knees with a beautiful flower on his hand and before she could even react, he held her hand and said.

‘Akansha! May be I lied always. I irritated you a lot. But then, the bigger truth is that I love you very much.’

‘See Angad! I appreciate that you love me but then I love some other guy. I am sorry.’

That crushed Angad from inside. There were traces of tears in his eyes but he was strong enough to fake a smile.

‘My bad luck! How could I think that a girl as pretty as you would be single? It’s ok. I wish you luck with your guy. Take care.’ He said with a heavy voice and walked off.

‘Akansha, why did you lie? You don’t have a boyfriend. How could you break his heart so ruthlessly?’ Shruty yelled at her.

‘But I don’t know him much.’

‘Then take your time. I am not asking you to have sex with him. I hate you for this.’

‘Ok! I will see.’ She followed him outside the parking. She almost jogged her way fearing losing him but once outside she searched for him carefully and there he was standing on the other side of the road. She called his name but her voice couldn’t reach him. She was about to cross the road when she saw a girl coming to him. He gave her the same flower, he had brought for Akansha and the other girl hugged him hight.

‘God!’ Akansha was shocked. ‘Men will be men. It didn’t take a minute to move from his true love and hug another girl.’

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She could feel a lump in her throat. She felt cheated. However, she denied but she too liked Angad if not loved but he too was a pervert. She cried.

***

Months passed by since then, both moved on with their lives and completely forgot about each other. Actually, they never wanted to remember each other because it gave pain.

‘Angad! We have got this match for from Pune. We may visit them tomorrow.’ His Dad said.

‘Yeah! Dad I will come too.’

‘Why you wanna come?’

‘C’mon dad! It’s for my wedding. I need to go.’ He smiled.

‘I was kidding son. We leave tomorrow in the morning.’

Pune is just couple of hours from Mumbai and Angad didn’t mind that long drive but then he was now getting bored by these arranged marriage stuff. Every weekend his parents would drag him to meet some or other girl but nothing worked yet. Somehow, he couldn’t see his Angel in them or might be he still missed Akansha.

‘Beta! What you do?’ Girl’s father asked him.

‘I work TCS as a Business Analyst.’

‘That’s nice! Akansha please come. We are waiting for you here.’

Akansha?? Did he hear that right? He quickly searched for the girl and his lips just spread for a big beam. Whoa! They were destined to meet.

‘You? Angad?’ She was surprised too.

‘Akansha!’ He smiled.

‘You know each other.’ Her father inquired.

‘Yeah! I told you about that night I went to watch that match and missed train. He gave me lift.’

‘The guy who was irritating you?’

‘What?’ His mother intervened. ‘You give lifts to girls and then irritate them.’

‘Mom stop! Excuse me; I guess there is a misunderstanding. I guess I need to talk to Akansha once.’ He blabbered and everyone looked at him stunned.

‘Hmm… I agree to him. If you don’t mind, Akansha!’ His dad suggested.

She didn’t say but walked towards her room and Angad didn’t wait for anyone’s consent either as he quickly followed her. There was an awkward silence after that in the hall.

‘Oh God! You came here too.’ She blasted.

‘Excuse me! Your dad contacted us.’

‘Whatever.’

‘Anyway, you still think I’m a stalker?’

‘Not sure but you’re cheat.’

‘Cheat?’

‘I saw you hugging you other girl outside the mall.’

‘Why do you care? You have your boyfriend to hug even.’

‘I don’t have a boyfriend, I lied.’

‘How can you be so insensitive?’

‘Insensitive? At least I came to know what you were up to. It didn’t take a minute for you to hug another girl. Bloody pervert!’

‘Do you even know who she was?’

‘I don’t care even if she was Katrina Kaif.’

‘She was Anusha, my younger sister.’

‘Stop lying!’

‘I am not lying. Go outside and see, she is sitting there too.’

She peeped outside and there she was, the same girl from last night and then they burst into laughter. They couldn’t believe that fate could be that cruel to them.

‘So?’ Angad asked.

‘Well, Angad! I now really think we were destined to meet and more importantly, I am like crazy about you especially that funny part of yours.’ She picked a rose from the vase. ‘Will you marry me?’

He didn’t reply to her rather hugged her tight in her arms and shocked her with a long smooch but all this while when they were deeply indulged in their romance, they forgot that the door was open and their parents were outside.

Anyway they lived happily thereafter.