It was already 5.15 and the scheduled departure of his bus was 5. Since then Mano thought things in a rather pessimistic way. For him life was too slow or in his terms he was too fast to live the kind of life he was having. Things never used to happen on time or people were never prompt for he was a person known for his ‘European punctuality’. Well, even today he was all set to reach the bus station well before time, but thanks to his manager who found this as the time to have a chat over coffee and he couldn’t afford say no to him as his appraisal was coming within a month’s time.
Mano reached the bus station just in time to see it starting after the last call for him. After the huffs and uffs he was on the bus searching for his seat and was rather astonished to see somebody sitting comfortably on his seat. Mano came to know that there were couple of seat rearrangements as he was suppose to miss the bus after the last call. An alternate seat was provided to him and to lift his spirits up he found the co-passenger a lady. Her face he couldn’t see as she has immersed her face in a book. Oh yeah, he know this as the most common defence of pretty girls against curios onlookers. These guys….why can’t they let these girls live peacefully? And with that thought he gave the man in the next seat a look or rather stare which might have given the stubborn war heroes a run for their money. Well that was the thought of a classy professional but the person he is Mano just wanted to see the face of the female who will be sitting next to him for the next 12 hours at least. Just Like That. No other intentions.
Mano was waiting for a chance and a quick drop of the water bottle in a very genuine way as the bus turned did it for him. Then came down the book to show off the face to wipe out the drops of water from her jeans. Mano was satisfied with his effort and the result. She was not bad….In fact very good. Not that they didn’t say anything in between. ‘Sorry’ said Mano and ‘That’s ok’ said the female without even looking into his face in pure professional politeness and again immersed her face behind the book.
Now since that task was done Mano just sat comfortably for a minute then realized that now he is left with nothing to do. In fact he was so tired of no work at office that he decided to take a break and his boss thought Mano is planning for changing the job. And during the chat over the coffee he was continually reminding Mano about the great chunk of work coming and he spared no words telling Mano about the lead role and kind of visibility he’s going to have. Even Mano was equal to the task as he reminded his manager about the outside ‘market’ and for a while he seemed interested. With this thought there was a grin in Mano’s face. He was thinking so loud that he thought he might have disturbed the reading madam. Not really, just a glance and he could make out that she’s in another world.
It was already half past six and next major land mark of the day will be dinner, thought Mano. The Bus was hurrying past the busy streets and traffic. Mano was looking out through the glass window, the only sort of time pass when you are travelling. The order of the day seemed to be real estate as he could see hundreds of towering buildings at different phases of construction and there were advertising boards proclaiming the price tag for each and the believable and unbelievable amenities coming along with each.
‘X’cuse me’ the female voice woke him up. He realized that they are in for the final ‘land mark’ of the day. He made way for the lady to get out and then helped himself out of the bus. It was nine thirty now and he was quite satisfied with the three hours sleep he had. His spirits was up. It’s like that. Some times you feel great without any logical reason. After placing his order he began to assess the hotel and found out this is sort of place which you will advice last to your family or friends. The waiters were loud; conditions were not tidy and seats not cosy. ‘Can I sit here’ the voice of his female companion stopped him. ‘Sure’ said Mano. Perhaps because he was the most familiar stranger among the rest she chose to dine with him. Some things are conveyed even without words....brands say it all. IBM tag on her T-shirt said where she belongs to and so did Mano’s Microsoft T-shirt. ‘Pooja’ she introduced herself. ‘Manoj’ he completed the formality.
Food was served and its smell it self could suggest that the worst food they ever had were much better. In less than a minute Mano made up his mind that he’s not going to have the crap and Pooja’s look suggested the same. ‘Shall we try out the other vendor’ suggested Mano rubbing his tummy suggesting he’s really hungry. Well, hungry he was, and again, he didn’t want miss out this company. They did try out the other vendor and food was not that bad. Some quick jokes were exchanged and the dinner didn’t look that bad at all. Mano really appreciated the sense of humour that she was having.
Back in the bus, Mano expected the lady to be more at ease with him. And she did.
‘Actually ‘she started rubbing the ring in her finger ‘my husband was supposed to travel with me since I am expecting but something came up’ she paused and looked out. ‘Thanks to you otherwise I could have struggled for my dinner. Thanks a lot’.
Good nights were exchanged but that nights sleep was not that good for Mano. His spirits were down the next morning ...you know...For no specific logical reasons...some times it’s like that.
Couple of weeks later, Mano was back in office and was supposed to take the last round interview of a candidate. He went thru profile 2 years experience…worked in so and so…currently in IBM…single… He was already five minutes late into the interview and the candidate it turned out to be Pooja. Greetings were exchanged and this time Mano was bit puzzled and the girl was all at ease. As it turned out Mano found Pooja the apt candidate for the position.
‘One last question Ms….I am sorry Mrs…’ ‘Its ok’ interrupted Pooja catching Mano’s thought. ‘It was a harmless lie’ she paused ‘you were very friendly still I thought to play safe against a friendly stranger’ she finished
‘Just Like That?’
‘Just Like That!!’
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Strangers
December was never like this, it can’t be this cold, thought Ravi. There was no way he could say this as he came there only a couple of weeks back, but he’s got this uncanny knack of getting things right, at least he thought so. After snoozing the alarm he crawled back under his cosy blanket. God, this is heaven, and if time can just stop here that’ll be the greatest thing ever to happen. The couple of minutes under the mercy of his alarm clock were the most cherished time in a day, usually. But, not yesterday, it was different yesterday.
An ambitious man, he is, Ravi believed that he’s got every thing to make it into the big league, into the league of people he admired or rather secretly envied. There was no way he can’t reach those levels and nothing really to stop him. Yeah, there is, this city, where he was born and brought up, where he is familiar of every nook and corner, this city it’s got its limits, it’s not big enough to contain his growth. Many of his friends thought he’s lucky enough to get this job in his own city but what these guys know what chasing your dreams means.
And now here he is, in the suburbs of the big growing city, the growth story which used to give him amazing reading earlier. For the last two weeks he neither repented coming there, nor did he ever miss his own city. Here he was, staying in the star hotel where his company provided him accommodation and the long travel hours to and from office never bothered him as those were the time which he used to reflect his thoughts and big plans were made during those times.
For the kind of man he is, Ravi has already made some friends in his new office.Everything was going nice and fine, everything except the training sessions he was having for the last two weeks. The training was dull and some times he was thinking what to think to get out of the boredom. Even though he used to curse the trainer, Anil, for long hours of boring training Ravi felt sorry when Anil announced his last day in office. Ravi could see a hint of all the feelings in Anil’s face. As a parting note Anil had a brief chat with Ravi, in which he commended Ravi’s aspiration and promised his guidance and support where ever he will be. ‘As a last thing I would advice you leave the office premises before late’ Anil paused ‘If you happen to stay late then you have the risk of running into all anti-social elements’. He cited this as the reason for his parting with the office as his job demanded late staying and he didn’t want to risk his life in that isolated area. Wishes were exchanged and with the familiar quote of ‘world being small and will meet you somewhere in future’ the formality came to an end.
Ravi was quite sympathetic to Anil. He thought if I was at his place I would have never run away like this, and could have faced with a brave head. Brave he was and as goes the saying fortune will go with the brave Ravi did end up staying late and realized that he was stranded in office. He wrapped his things fast in a feverish attempt to catch some sort of transport to his destination. He couldn’t have imagined the dreaded deserted look of the usually crowded streets and when he started observing the area got a real feel of the situation. The silence of the dark was piercing his ears and now whatever Anil said was playing in his mind. He started identifying figures in the dark which would freeze him until he identify it a tree or stone. Suddenly a moving figure caught his eyes and as he was informed that all that he could get here would be an unwanted company he started counting the butterflies in his stomach. A six foot man was coming towards him. The only way of survival among these people is to behave as one of them. Ravi had a quick change of his formal attire to a very ordinary and now posed with one of the dirtiest look he could ever have. The stranger was now close enough and at first glance, if he was not informed earlier, he couldn’t have identified the stranger to be one of those unsociable elements.
Well, now it was getting really tense for Ravi. The stranger is now close enough and Ravi couldn’t predict what his next move could be. He seemed strong enough for a tussle and by now Ravi was aware of his trembling knees. Before long Ravi realized he couldn’t stand this for long and before breaking down he decided to have a last try. A brave man he is, Ravi pondered on all his options. Running was the first thing which came to his mind, but he dismissed the idea as he got aware that by now he could barely walk. Taking his chance Ravi turned towards his rival and was startled to see his entire attire changed. Now there was no doubt in Ravi’s mind about the stranger after seeing the spine chilling looks of the stranger. Ravi could barely stand now and he moved towards the stranger and opted to sit behind the stranger, his eyes fixed on him. Each movement were taken account of and were greeted with either a cold stare or some grumbles. Ravi managed to get hold of an old bottle which could use as a weapon and held to his heart as the most priced possession he could ever have in his life. The stranger was visibly bit shaken by the new possession Ravi has got and now Ravi could afford breathing normally.
Deadlock was broken by sound of an approaching vehicle and Ravi mustarding all his remaining courage got into the bus. He couldn’t complete paying thanks to god, before that he happen to see the cold stare of the stranger sitting couple of seats behind him, who must have got into the bus through the other door and thus went unnoticed till then. Now he cursed the moment when he left hold of his weapon in a desperate attempt to catch the bus. He cursed his sharp memory as all the mishap stories he heard before started flickering in his mind and quite possibly his could be the next tale on ‘that’ list. He was struggling to act brave and analysed the option of jumping out of the bus. He stopped at the door and couldn’t acquire the courage to do so. He ended up sitting behind his ‘enemy’ waiting for the obvious. His panic noises were obviously not pleasing the stranger and for some mysterious reason he was waiting for the right time, which could happen any time. By now he reached almost his destination and Ravi couldn’t help a sigh of relief when he sighted some of his friends near his hotel and this was his most cherished moment in life.
‘Beep’ the sound of his alarm woke him up from yesterday’s thoughts. The thoughts itself were giving goose bumps to Ravi. The only thoughts Ravi could entertain on his way to office was that of last night and was still wondering why he was not assaulted by the stranger which he could have done with ease. In office Ravi was greeted with a pleasant surprise that there won’t be any training for the day. Apparently the new trainer was targeted by some one the previous night out side office and just before an attempt to assault him with a bottle was made he got into a bus. It was said that he was even chased in the bus which he took to his hotel. Already informed from Anil about the threats he could face and having had to face the situation in first day itself, the new trainer decided not to take any chances and left the organization.
Now Ravi could easily understand the mysterious reason why the stranger didn’t attacked him and now he could afford a smile while throwing his resignation letter to the dustbin and was bit guilty of him being the reason of his new trainer’s resignation.
An ambitious man, he is, Ravi believed that he’s got every thing to make it into the big league, into the league of people he admired or rather secretly envied. There was no way he can’t reach those levels and nothing really to stop him. Yeah, there is, this city, where he was born and brought up, where he is familiar of every nook and corner, this city it’s got its limits, it’s not big enough to contain his growth. Many of his friends thought he’s lucky enough to get this job in his own city but what these guys know what chasing your dreams means.
And now here he is, in the suburbs of the big growing city, the growth story which used to give him amazing reading earlier. For the last two weeks he neither repented coming there, nor did he ever miss his own city. Here he was, staying in the star hotel where his company provided him accommodation and the long travel hours to and from office never bothered him as those were the time which he used to reflect his thoughts and big plans were made during those times.
For the kind of man he is, Ravi has already made some friends in his new office.Everything was going nice and fine, everything except the training sessions he was having for the last two weeks. The training was dull and some times he was thinking what to think to get out of the boredom. Even though he used to curse the trainer, Anil, for long hours of boring training Ravi felt sorry when Anil announced his last day in office. Ravi could see a hint of all the feelings in Anil’s face. As a parting note Anil had a brief chat with Ravi, in which he commended Ravi’s aspiration and promised his guidance and support where ever he will be. ‘As a last thing I would advice you leave the office premises before late’ Anil paused ‘If you happen to stay late then you have the risk of running into all anti-social elements’. He cited this as the reason for his parting with the office as his job demanded late staying and he didn’t want to risk his life in that isolated area. Wishes were exchanged and with the familiar quote of ‘world being small and will meet you somewhere in future’ the formality came to an end.
Ravi was quite sympathetic to Anil. He thought if I was at his place I would have never run away like this, and could have faced with a brave head. Brave he was and as goes the saying fortune will go with the brave Ravi did end up staying late and realized that he was stranded in office. He wrapped his things fast in a feverish attempt to catch some sort of transport to his destination. He couldn’t have imagined the dreaded deserted look of the usually crowded streets and when he started observing the area got a real feel of the situation. The silence of the dark was piercing his ears and now whatever Anil said was playing in his mind. He started identifying figures in the dark which would freeze him until he identify it a tree or stone. Suddenly a moving figure caught his eyes and as he was informed that all that he could get here would be an unwanted company he started counting the butterflies in his stomach. A six foot man was coming towards him. The only way of survival among these people is to behave as one of them. Ravi had a quick change of his formal attire to a very ordinary and now posed with one of the dirtiest look he could ever have. The stranger was now close enough and at first glance, if he was not informed earlier, he couldn’t have identified the stranger to be one of those unsociable elements.
Well, now it was getting really tense for Ravi. The stranger is now close enough and Ravi couldn’t predict what his next move could be. He seemed strong enough for a tussle and by now Ravi was aware of his trembling knees. Before long Ravi realized he couldn’t stand this for long and before breaking down he decided to have a last try. A brave man he is, Ravi pondered on all his options. Running was the first thing which came to his mind, but he dismissed the idea as he got aware that by now he could barely walk. Taking his chance Ravi turned towards his rival and was startled to see his entire attire changed. Now there was no doubt in Ravi’s mind about the stranger after seeing the spine chilling looks of the stranger. Ravi could barely stand now and he moved towards the stranger and opted to sit behind the stranger, his eyes fixed on him. Each movement were taken account of and were greeted with either a cold stare or some grumbles. Ravi managed to get hold of an old bottle which could use as a weapon and held to his heart as the most priced possession he could ever have in his life. The stranger was visibly bit shaken by the new possession Ravi has got and now Ravi could afford breathing normally.
Deadlock was broken by sound of an approaching vehicle and Ravi mustarding all his remaining courage got into the bus. He couldn’t complete paying thanks to god, before that he happen to see the cold stare of the stranger sitting couple of seats behind him, who must have got into the bus through the other door and thus went unnoticed till then. Now he cursed the moment when he left hold of his weapon in a desperate attempt to catch the bus. He cursed his sharp memory as all the mishap stories he heard before started flickering in his mind and quite possibly his could be the next tale on ‘that’ list. He was struggling to act brave and analysed the option of jumping out of the bus. He stopped at the door and couldn’t acquire the courage to do so. He ended up sitting behind his ‘enemy’ waiting for the obvious. His panic noises were obviously not pleasing the stranger and for some mysterious reason he was waiting for the right time, which could happen any time. By now he reached almost his destination and Ravi couldn’t help a sigh of relief when he sighted some of his friends near his hotel and this was his most cherished moment in life.
‘Beep’ the sound of his alarm woke him up from yesterday’s thoughts. The thoughts itself were giving goose bumps to Ravi. The only thoughts Ravi could entertain on his way to office was that of last night and was still wondering why he was not assaulted by the stranger which he could have done with ease. In office Ravi was greeted with a pleasant surprise that there won’t be any training for the day. Apparently the new trainer was targeted by some one the previous night out side office and just before an attempt to assault him with a bottle was made he got into a bus. It was said that he was even chased in the bus which he took to his hotel. Already informed from Anil about the threats he could face and having had to face the situation in first day itself, the new trainer decided not to take any chances and left the organization.
Now Ravi could easily understand the mysterious reason why the stranger didn’t attacked him and now he could afford a smile while throwing his resignation letter to the dustbin and was bit guilty of him being the reason of his new trainer’s resignation.
A Fairy Tale
Now it’s almost like routine, staying late and rushing to catch the last bus from office. Well, it goes with the argument that its part and parcel of his job and Rahul seldom had any complaints and now it’s like he started sort of liking all this. Initial part of his job most of the days, when he really wanted to go out and have his share of personal life, he was hard pressed to stay in office to cop with ‘challenges and expectations’ and now that he has almost turned into a veteran and he could easily afford changing the table around he didn’t want to change and it was not like there wasn’t any ‘incentives’.
Getting into the bus, the first thing he used to do was to spot the face, which is now familiar to him courtesy to his last bus routine. Anju, her name, as he learned from one of his colleague, was a regular on this last bus and reasons for Rahul’s late stay in office was more because of her than work. Now, Rahul really couldn’t remember the first time he saw her or first time he noticed her and since there were no smiles or greetings exchanged the first time they noticed and the following days also since there were any smiles before. Now, her face is almost a defining part in Rahul’s day but still couldn’t break the shackles for reasons which were complicated to explain in more ways than one. Every day he hope of something unusual to happen, for which he could say something to her. But this bus is always on time and bus has got more than enough seats for the few people on the bus.
Today, being the last day before the holidays was rather quiet and he really struggled to make it till the last bus. He sighted ‘personal works’ as the reason for his late stay on a day which was otherwise without much work and the people around was already in a holiday mood and most of them had left the office much earlier than normal. At times the thought of Anju leaving the office earlier would haunt him as the entire exercise of staying late will be for nothing then.
Rahul had a sigh of relief when he saw her already seated in the bus couple of seats behind where he normally sits. They saw each other, and today being no special day, no smiles or greetings were exchanged. There were only two more guys in the bus obviously the impact of coming holidays. As it was colder than usual the vehicle hesitated a bit to start and crushing Rahul’s wish of ‘something’ to happen it took off on its route without much pain. On the street it seemed as if it’s a day-off for the public. The streets were darker than usual as most of the lights didn’t bother to blink. The other guys were dropped on the way and now it will be Rahul next and Anju stayed a couple of hundred metres away from his apartment.
Rahul wrapped up his bag, as in another two minutes the bus will reach his apartment. His vehicle came to a screeching halt courtesy to some rash driving by some one who seemed to be in great hurry ...God knows for what. This time the driver’s negotiation with the bus was not of much help as the bus hesitated to start. There wasn’t much which Rahul or Anju could do other than walking to their respective apartments. Here was the chance which Rahul always wanted, something unusual had just happened. Anju was visibly bit scared by the dark and may be disturbed by the fact that she may have to walk alone through the dark after Rahul’s apartment. Though they never had a word between them she seemed enough comfortable walking with him and in no time, with Rahul still thinking how to break the shackles, they reached his apartment. Rahul was in total dismay that he didn’t get anything out of this chance and by now was quite convinced he will never be able to open up.
Just before crossing the apartment gate, he had a look at Anju and the gentle man within doesn’t allow him to leave the damsel in distress in the dark. He accompanied her and in between nothing was said till they reached her apartment. Rahul slowly started his way back, still rueing about the lost opportunity, just before she turned back to say something. He didn’t notice that and she just stayed there for some time hoping he may look back and she may thank him and wish him goodnight.
Holidays were gone and back to office, Rahul was almost sure that by now the ‘familiar stranger’ act will go on as the holidays were long enough to wipe out all the impact of that day, if there were any. But that day on the last bus from office he was greeted with a warm smile from Anju and to his surprise he did respond with the greatest smile of his life. ‘How was your holiday?’ ‘Great’ .These were not words which Rahul hadn’t heard before and were not strange either but for Rahul it seemed a bit strange words for introduction. Well, there was no real need of introduction as by now they were quite familiar and an introduction after these many months might look quite odd. Good nights were exchanged as he dropped of the bus and Rahul couldn’t wait for the next day’s last bus from office.
Couple of weeks went by and nothing really happened other than the conversations between has changed from less formal to more casual ones. Things were looking quite promising for Rahul when he had to go for an official trip for couple of weeks and he was not very happy taking that up. He really missed his ‘last bus’ through out his trip and was a relieved man when he reached his apartment. But there he was informed that Anju along with her room mate came there to invite Rahul for her marriage and handed him the invitation. Rahul couldn’t hear what his room mate went on saying there after and no words made any sense to him. He was almost in tears while trowing the invitation to dust bin, not having the strength to go thru that.
Next day, in office he saw Anju who seemed to be in a hurry, but just reminded Rahul to come for the marriage and told him all details are there in the invitation. She had to hurry as her room mate was waiting for her. Anju seemed to be very happy and while leaving she waved her hand to Rahul which pained him even more. Now the thought of seeing her in the last bus was not pleasant for him and eventually decided to move into another office which was outside the city. He didn’t let even his room mate know why he was shifting and shifted the place before Anju’s return.
Now he was leaving office at normal time and in another route so there was no chance of meeting Anju. Anju coming back to office was looking for Rahul; she wanted an apology from him for not turning out for the function. She was quite surprised not seeing Rahul in the last bus and surprise turned to grim when she couldn’t see him for a couple of weeks. She was quite worried by the fact that it hasn’t happened like this in past so many months and by now was very much concerned for him. She decided to visit Rahul at his apartment and was updated by his room mate about Rahul’s new address. But he couldn’t really tell her why Rahul opted to move as he himself was not aware.
A few more weeks passed by and Rahul was slowly recovering from his grief. Anju was wondering whether she wasn’t that close enough to owe a good bye from Rahul.Well, she was that close that Rahul never wanted to bid her good bye. Rahul has now got an overseas assignment and this time he was more than happy to grab it. He’s completed all the formalities official and personal as he was supposed to leave tonight. He bid farewell to his close friends and after hesitating for a minute called Anju who apparently didn’t expect his call that time. Rahul was running short of time and he had to hang-up before long and before she could even wish him for his voyage.
Old memories were rushing to his mind as he watched the streets, painted gold by the retreating sun, running behind him on his way to airport. With mixed feeling he observed the bunch of people assembled there to see-off their loved ones. Rahul could feel emptiness inside as he felt there was no one so close to miss him. He looked back to tell the driver to handle his luggage with care when he noticed, with the greatest astonishment of his life, Anju, instructing the driver as if its her very own things. When she saw Rahul she smiled at him and he could see her face which wanted to ask him so many questions. She turned back to give some more instructions and with the amount of sincerity she projected no one around could tell she was ‘no-one’ to Rahul. Sunset was giving a different charm to her face and he could feel the pain of loss even more now.
After settling the driver and moving towards the check in counter, Rahul was even more surprised when she started the conversation asking him about the entire travel checklist and all other very small things that she could think of in the small time after she got the call from Rahul. She was behaving like someone he ever wanted her to be. Just before bidding good-bye she said ‘I thought I’ll be fighting with you for not turning out for the marriage but you never gave me a chance and now that you are leaving I don’t want to fight now’. Rahul knew that he owed an apology and he started saying ‘I am sorry’ he paused ‘and all the best for your married life’ ‘Say this to my room mate for not attending her marriage’ he was interrupted by Anju in a hurry and then there was a pause between them. Rahul couldn’t make sense of what he just heard but he knew that he’s just heard something which could lend a new lease of life for him. Thoughts were overheard and acknowledged by their eyes. So many things were said without even a word and for Anju all the questions were answered without the questions being asked.
They were interrupted by the last call for Rahul which had to respect. ‘Now I can’t wait for you to come back for the fight’ said Anju with a laugh and this time Rahul could join her bursting into laughter. Before fading into the dark that sunset witnessed Rahul and Anju moving into a brighter side of life.
Getting into the bus, the first thing he used to do was to spot the face, which is now familiar to him courtesy to his last bus routine. Anju, her name, as he learned from one of his colleague, was a regular on this last bus and reasons for Rahul’s late stay in office was more because of her than work. Now, Rahul really couldn’t remember the first time he saw her or first time he noticed her and since there were no smiles or greetings exchanged the first time they noticed and the following days also since there were any smiles before. Now, her face is almost a defining part in Rahul’s day but still couldn’t break the shackles for reasons which were complicated to explain in more ways than one. Every day he hope of something unusual to happen, for which he could say something to her. But this bus is always on time and bus has got more than enough seats for the few people on the bus.
Today, being the last day before the holidays was rather quiet and he really struggled to make it till the last bus. He sighted ‘personal works’ as the reason for his late stay on a day which was otherwise without much work and the people around was already in a holiday mood and most of them had left the office much earlier than normal. At times the thought of Anju leaving the office earlier would haunt him as the entire exercise of staying late will be for nothing then.
Rahul had a sigh of relief when he saw her already seated in the bus couple of seats behind where he normally sits. They saw each other, and today being no special day, no smiles or greetings were exchanged. There were only two more guys in the bus obviously the impact of coming holidays. As it was colder than usual the vehicle hesitated a bit to start and crushing Rahul’s wish of ‘something’ to happen it took off on its route without much pain. On the street it seemed as if it’s a day-off for the public. The streets were darker than usual as most of the lights didn’t bother to blink. The other guys were dropped on the way and now it will be Rahul next and Anju stayed a couple of hundred metres away from his apartment.
Rahul wrapped up his bag, as in another two minutes the bus will reach his apartment. His vehicle came to a screeching halt courtesy to some rash driving by some one who seemed to be in great hurry ...God knows for what. This time the driver’s negotiation with the bus was not of much help as the bus hesitated to start. There wasn’t much which Rahul or Anju could do other than walking to their respective apartments. Here was the chance which Rahul always wanted, something unusual had just happened. Anju was visibly bit scared by the dark and may be disturbed by the fact that she may have to walk alone through the dark after Rahul’s apartment. Though they never had a word between them she seemed enough comfortable walking with him and in no time, with Rahul still thinking how to break the shackles, they reached his apartment. Rahul was in total dismay that he didn’t get anything out of this chance and by now was quite convinced he will never be able to open up.
Just before crossing the apartment gate, he had a look at Anju and the gentle man within doesn’t allow him to leave the damsel in distress in the dark. He accompanied her and in between nothing was said till they reached her apartment. Rahul slowly started his way back, still rueing about the lost opportunity, just before she turned back to say something. He didn’t notice that and she just stayed there for some time hoping he may look back and she may thank him and wish him goodnight.
Holidays were gone and back to office, Rahul was almost sure that by now the ‘familiar stranger’ act will go on as the holidays were long enough to wipe out all the impact of that day, if there were any. But that day on the last bus from office he was greeted with a warm smile from Anju and to his surprise he did respond with the greatest smile of his life. ‘How was your holiday?’ ‘Great’ .These were not words which Rahul hadn’t heard before and were not strange either but for Rahul it seemed a bit strange words for introduction. Well, there was no real need of introduction as by now they were quite familiar and an introduction after these many months might look quite odd. Good nights were exchanged as he dropped of the bus and Rahul couldn’t wait for the next day’s last bus from office.
Couple of weeks went by and nothing really happened other than the conversations between has changed from less formal to more casual ones. Things were looking quite promising for Rahul when he had to go for an official trip for couple of weeks and he was not very happy taking that up. He really missed his ‘last bus’ through out his trip and was a relieved man when he reached his apartment. But there he was informed that Anju along with her room mate came there to invite Rahul for her marriage and handed him the invitation. Rahul couldn’t hear what his room mate went on saying there after and no words made any sense to him. He was almost in tears while trowing the invitation to dust bin, not having the strength to go thru that.
Next day, in office he saw Anju who seemed to be in a hurry, but just reminded Rahul to come for the marriage and told him all details are there in the invitation. She had to hurry as her room mate was waiting for her. Anju seemed to be very happy and while leaving she waved her hand to Rahul which pained him even more. Now the thought of seeing her in the last bus was not pleasant for him and eventually decided to move into another office which was outside the city. He didn’t let even his room mate know why he was shifting and shifted the place before Anju’s return.
Now he was leaving office at normal time and in another route so there was no chance of meeting Anju. Anju coming back to office was looking for Rahul; she wanted an apology from him for not turning out for the function. She was quite surprised not seeing Rahul in the last bus and surprise turned to grim when she couldn’t see him for a couple of weeks. She was quite worried by the fact that it hasn’t happened like this in past so many months and by now was very much concerned for him. She decided to visit Rahul at his apartment and was updated by his room mate about Rahul’s new address. But he couldn’t really tell her why Rahul opted to move as he himself was not aware.
A few more weeks passed by and Rahul was slowly recovering from his grief. Anju was wondering whether she wasn’t that close enough to owe a good bye from Rahul.Well, she was that close that Rahul never wanted to bid her good bye. Rahul has now got an overseas assignment and this time he was more than happy to grab it. He’s completed all the formalities official and personal as he was supposed to leave tonight. He bid farewell to his close friends and after hesitating for a minute called Anju who apparently didn’t expect his call that time. Rahul was running short of time and he had to hang-up before long and before she could even wish him for his voyage.
Old memories were rushing to his mind as he watched the streets, painted gold by the retreating sun, running behind him on his way to airport. With mixed feeling he observed the bunch of people assembled there to see-off their loved ones. Rahul could feel emptiness inside as he felt there was no one so close to miss him. He looked back to tell the driver to handle his luggage with care when he noticed, with the greatest astonishment of his life, Anju, instructing the driver as if its her very own things. When she saw Rahul she smiled at him and he could see her face which wanted to ask him so many questions. She turned back to give some more instructions and with the amount of sincerity she projected no one around could tell she was ‘no-one’ to Rahul. Sunset was giving a different charm to her face and he could feel the pain of loss even more now.
After settling the driver and moving towards the check in counter, Rahul was even more surprised when she started the conversation asking him about the entire travel checklist and all other very small things that she could think of in the small time after she got the call from Rahul. She was behaving like someone he ever wanted her to be. Just before bidding good-bye she said ‘I thought I’ll be fighting with you for not turning out for the marriage but you never gave me a chance and now that you are leaving I don’t want to fight now’. Rahul knew that he owed an apology and he started saying ‘I am sorry’ he paused ‘and all the best for your married life’ ‘Say this to my room mate for not attending her marriage’ he was interrupted by Anju in a hurry and then there was a pause between them. Rahul couldn’t make sense of what he just heard but he knew that he’s just heard something which could lend a new lease of life for him. Thoughts were overheard and acknowledged by their eyes. So many things were said without even a word and for Anju all the questions were answered without the questions being asked.
They were interrupted by the last call for Rahul which had to respect. ‘Now I can’t wait for you to come back for the fight’ said Anju with a laugh and this time Rahul could join her bursting into laughter. Before fading into the dark that sunset witnessed Rahul and Anju moving into a brighter side of life.
Silent Expressions
Rubbing his tired eyes and making all his effort to keep it moist Deep shifted his attention from the monitor and turned to the annual reports piled on his table. It was an important night for him just before the all important presentation scheduled the next morning, in fact, the same morning as he noticed the time was half past three in the morning. Stretching the muscles was of not much help as by now his tired body was not keeping pace with his thoughts and much worse his thoughts started keeping track of his tired body. He had a glance at the stack of reports and thought a coffee will be just fine to do the rest of the work before he could catch a quick nap of one or two hours which he thought will be just right for him to stay in good physical shape and wasting more time to sleep was a luxury and an unforgivable insult to his aspirations.
Driven by his aspirations and inspired by each stride towards his goal, Deep was fiercely motivated and was passionate about his job. In his profession of investment banking, a tough field to survive with the fierce competition and ever changing global equations, staying ahead was tougher than getting ahead. Still in his late twenties, Deep was already in the lucrative club of achievers and was fancying his chances of being in the board of decision makers in not so distant future. Well, achievement doesn’t come without any cost, and he was getting more grays than required for his age and his health deteriorating in the same frantic pace in which he was climbing up the ladder and what worse was he was turning a deaf ear to all this.
Turning towards the kitchen for preparing a coffee which will keep him awake for the rest of the work Deep was upset to see his Dad doing the same for him. He was sorry for him being the reason to wake his Dad in the wee hours of night. But as ever he was not able to appreciate this and what finally he ended up was quarrelling with his dad for staying awake till then, even if it was for him, as he was not advised to do so at his age. He went on arguing for some time until he knew he said something too much today which depressed his dad for sure. Deep thought that dad was getting unnecessarily concerned for him and yeah, Dad was concerned, and the concern was much different from the concern for an adolescent son with an indifferent career. He knew that Deep was crossing the tiny line of passion and obsession. He saw his son succumbing to the demanding job and transformation from a demanding young lad to this was too fast for the old man to digest.
Deep’s character had a sharp contrast in his professional and personal life. He was the nicest professional you’ll ever see but even then getting two words of appreciation was more difficult than getting the moth from the shells. His expectations were set high and more often than not he ever managed to reach the level which he set for himself. He was very easy going; had got many acquaintances but not many friends as he didn’t have the time for keeping up with them. He could well tell you the fundamentals and technicality of ten different companies in less than a minute but will take a much longer time to recollect the last time he had a long chat with his dad whom he stays with and was the person whom he adored most. Of late discussing the global cues and analysing the potential multi baggers was much easier than spending some nice time with the elderly man as the old man always kept reminding him “Fools make mistakes but the biggest mistakes are made by the smartest and wisest, for whom success lies in every stride of their walk, their thoughts start becoming too fast and they moves even faster to commit the worst that they could ever do”.
Things were not on a roll for Deep the next morning. He was disturbed by something which he couldn’t immediately trace back to and hence the mood was not upbeat which was in sharp contrast to days like this whenever there was a bigger business meeting. He had done all his homework and was quite convinced to get a positive decision for the biggest investment by his firm. He tried to ignore his disturbed conscious mind in vain, after having a quiet break fast with his dad and the old man was quieter than usual and for the first time Deep felt awkward about this. By now he realized why he is not at ease and wanted to apologize for his behaviour the last night but for some unknown reason he was not able to do so. The same reason has kept stopping him from thanking or appreciating his dad from his childhood. May be he felt the formalities are only for others and not for someone whom he considered very much like himself.
Rather unlike other days when he used to think of global cues for the day and profit fundamentals today his all thoughts were about his dad, a man who grew up from a humble background to a respected title in government service. Deep thought that his passion to investment can be well traced back to the day when his dad burned his hands in share market and then decided to stay away from there considering the future of his son who then was pursuing his studies. He remembered with affection that Dad never mentioned the sacrifice he made for him, as at his time he was considered a veteran and even Deep’s boss commented once that had his dad stayed on this field it would have been a tougher competition for his firm now worth a multi billion dollar. Deep had a smile over his moist eyes when he remembered the day when he offered his dad his pocket money, on the day when he lost most of his possession in the share market, he just embraced him then without a word and a with a sigh which meant a decision was made.
It didn’t take much time for Deep to realize that he is the centre of attraction in office and rightly so because of his role for the all important decision that could just define the future of his firm. By now he came back to his all esteemed self with all thoughts aside and focussed on the mission to deliver. He could see some glances which could translate into either envy or admiration. A few notches away was he, standing from glory, when his phone rang for the first time which he ignored. But when it rang thrice in less than two mins he thought the person at the other end might want to tell him something very important. Deep felt the soil under his feet sliding away when heard the news. His dad was hospitalized for a cardiac arrest. He was also informed that his condition is less critical now after being admitted to the hospital. Now it was biggest trauma of his life that Deep was in and he had to make the decision whether to be with his father whose condition is now improving or continue his pursuit to towering heights of success.
Deep recalled his Dad’s words this time, his thoughts were running too fast and in every direction. He knew he’s going to make the biggest mistake of his life and yet he went on. Rushing thru the hospital steps he anticipated to receive a call from office announcing termination of his service as he left the office without spelling a word to anyone. He was happy committing this mistake and thought of this being a sacrifice never crossed his mind. He saw the anxious face of the old man thru the window and couldn’t pronounce the expressions that went thru his face once he saw his dear son. A series of expression finally give way to a lasting smile on his face which Deep acknowledged. Turning back he saw the breaking news on the business channel on the other side of the foyer which left him dumbstruck for a couple of minutes. The share markets around the world crashed and the unexpected biggest loser was Deep’s priced catch, on which he was supposed to make the presentation now, eroding more than fifty percent of its value in single day.
I’m sorry Deep... we couldn’t... Stammered the doctor
Just then he got a call from his boss admiring him for the smartest move he’s ever made by refraining from the presentation making clear that he was not positive on going ahead with the investment which prevented the firm from going bankrupt. The phone went dead after welcoming Deep into the Board of directors of the firm.
With disbelief he turned towards his dad, who was still holding the lasting smile; his last smile.
All that he could say was I’m sorry…I’m really sorry dad…
The old man was still smiling.
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Summer Rain
The Town hall is less than three miles from the city centre and from there it’s just walking distance and how much he meant walking distance was a big question as I could see the roads were still long and seemed like never ending. These terms are relative, depend on the person who say it, and from now on I will never take relative terms for granted. My taxi driver proved to be quite handful and made sure that we are on the right route keeping pace with the unforeseen rain which seemed to throw all the lights out of the way. There were occasional hiccups when the old taxi will go for a sleep and only tint of light would come as and when the clouds break opened. I hate this feeling of wet clothes on my skin so never bothered to get out and help out the driver, who by now was all drenched and finally when we reached my destination the tip which I paid over the meter must have fully paid his adventure as I could see he was willing to wait for me to offer the return trip which I declined, quite politely.
I couldn’t recollect the last time when it rained like this in a summer evening and although it was only quarter to seven it was much darker with the huge clouds hanging around suggesting the worse is yet to come. I could see that the atmosphere was not prepared for the downpour as I noticed the guests with wet formal wears clinging to their bodies and having a quite sheepish smile acknowledging their under preparation whenever they managed to catch my eye as I stood as smart as ever, or should I say smarter than ever?
Jason was my lone companion in what is now termed as the ‘Bachelor’s inn’ as all the others got into their family mould and the guys who once used to carry our hearts in each others pockets were too busy to carry out their new responsibilities and the new life style. Jason and I, the self proclaimed lucky ones, used to pity and discuss the harsh reality of life and even we were sure that our friendship is not going to have a different fate. I pitied Jason, the most lovable idiot I have ever met, as and when I thought of him being alone once I decide to fit myself into the family shoes. But not even once I reflected myself in the same spot and now I got too much time to do that, all alone.
Somewhere I have read why guys should get married, because on this day girls you never know before will stand in queue for a snap with you, they will want others to see them talking to you, they will compete to invite you for a dinner at their place, they will…hey wait...what am I doing? I am getting jealous, whereas I am supposed to sympathize Jason for loosing all pleasures of bachelorhood in exchange of signing on to new restrictions and agreeing to get regulated by somebody. Now he needs to invite me for occasional lunch and then need to pretend how he’s enjoying his new life style and so on.
The centre of attention was enjoying every moment of it and I thought it was the limit when he said ‘Hey man make yourself comfortable’. Now here is the guy who was so shy of public attention that more than once he dropped of from public events and now he is advising me to be comfortable at his party. The air of change has already started telling on him. He turned towards his would-be who exchanged a polite smile but… did she hesitate for a moment? Even I couldn’t very well acknowledge the courtesy smile as I felt I’ve seen her somewhere before. I couldn’t enjoy the grant reception, a day before the marriage, as all the time the thought about the where-about of my friends would-be bothered me.
I left the party quite early promising Jason that I’ll be his best man the next day. I was so lost in my thoughts that I declined the lift offered and when I realised it I was already half way down the distance to town hall. Just after I managed to get the bus to my ‘Batchelor’s inn’ rain which had stopped for a while came down with all its vengeance. It was very much unlike the last so many summers. I always liked this smell of the sand in the air as the bus screamed past the partially flooded roads. I could see a shadow at some distance and bus stopped for the waving young lady and she chose to occupy the empty seat beside me. I was asked to hold her bag while she examined the amount of damage done to her clothes. Tiny droplets of water dripping from her were dropping on my trousers. I could see her shivering lips as she wiped out water from her face and unlocked her hair. She might have seen my irritated look and with an ungrateful glance shifted her position to a now empty seat leaving a pool of water beside me. Little did she know that more than her wet clothes clinging to my body I was hooked by the feeling of not able to recollect the identity of the hostess of today’s party.
Just a couple of days back I proclaimed quitting drinking after having my ‘last drink’ at Jason’s bachelor’s party. I really hate the decision taken at a moment’s slip when compelled by my former drinking partners. I had a glance at the wine stand and was rather annoyed not to find even a single drink in the stand. I even more hate the moment when I arranged to clean the wine stand which was always occupied with three or four different flavours of drinks. I couldn’t help thinking why I am not able to recollect the face which is bothering me this much.
Finally desperation gave way to logical thinking when I started thinking who that could be and started asking questions to myself.
Relative? ...............Hmmm...Nah ….
Class mate? ……………………………………………………………………………
………………..no…
I had to think for a while to reach that conclusion.
Girl friend? No
That was easy. I could remember my lone ex-girl friend even if I am on a high. Well, it won’t take more than a drink for me to reach a high and most of my friends were envious about this luxury which I could afford. Lucky me!!
The thoughts of Anjali did pinch me a bit. But I need to go on.
Colleague?....................………………………..No
Now, even this is getting out of hand. Some time ago, heard somebody saying real life is not always logical. I think I only said it …Oh yeah …you might guess when. It always happens that great thoughts come when your head is light. God, I really hate the moment when I thought of quitting drinking.
It was still raining hard; I could see the struggling roadside vendors through my window. I draw my face back as a sudden gush of wind, pulling away the curtains, sprayed droplets of water on my face. As I wiped the droplets of my face I couldn’t help thinking of the young lady I met today. Even though I was compassionate she has got reasons to think that I was a bit rude. Well, doesn’t matter to me, I don’t believe in showing off my feelings and I don’t mind if people don’t show off their affection to me as long as it’s there.
Couple of weeks back I met this girl on my way to my homeland, who very politely asked me if I could ask the driver to hold on for some time as she was waiting outside for her sick friend who will be there any moment. I was seriously lost in thoughts of my home side’s loss in last day’s match and didn’t pay much attention to this request. She paused there for some time for a reply and then left the place and might have thought what sort of guy this is. Well, who cares? The rest of the passengers appeared empathetic and I thought some gentle man will get up and make the request to driver till I discovered they were too gentle to respect the request. I had to instruct the driver to hold for some time inviting a glare from him and my co-passengers. When the girl finally got-in she was thankful to the driver and didn’t forget to frown at me. That day I had this strange experience of all my co-passengers, including the one for whom I did the favour, unpleasant looks pointed towards me.
Now, I knew why it took so long for me to recollect the face which was haunting me as the meeting couple of weeks back was too short and far from pleasant to remember. There were times when I tried hard to understand what went wrong between me and Anjali. Jason was the one responsible for I meeting Anjali as they were very good friends. In fact Jason had tried hard to bring us together again but always my ego stopped me from taking the first step. I always took all the goodies she had to offer for granted and never bothered to acknowledge.
I was sitting there alone in my apartment wondering why I am thinking all this today.
Did the expression in the eyes of that young lady today in the bus has got something to do with it? I have seen the same expression a couple of weeks back. Again a couple of years back. Has it got something to do with it why I am sitting here alone today? Do I really need to care?
The next morning I was there for the marriage well before the appointed time and did all my duties rather mechanically lost in a sequel of thoughts. I was not surprised to see Anjali there as she’s one of Jason’s close friends. When I saw Anjali I didn’t hesitate to say she looked like a dream that day. I smiled at her even though I was not sure of getting a response but today I was not concerned of getting offended if I didn’t get a response. But, I did get a smile back over her raining eyes!
Unlike the last many summers it was still raining.
I couldn’t recollect the last time when it rained like this in a summer evening and although it was only quarter to seven it was much darker with the huge clouds hanging around suggesting the worse is yet to come. I could see that the atmosphere was not prepared for the downpour as I noticed the guests with wet formal wears clinging to their bodies and having a quite sheepish smile acknowledging their under preparation whenever they managed to catch my eye as I stood as smart as ever, or should I say smarter than ever?
Jason was my lone companion in what is now termed as the ‘Bachelor’s inn’ as all the others got into their family mould and the guys who once used to carry our hearts in each others pockets were too busy to carry out their new responsibilities and the new life style. Jason and I, the self proclaimed lucky ones, used to pity and discuss the harsh reality of life and even we were sure that our friendship is not going to have a different fate. I pitied Jason, the most lovable idiot I have ever met, as and when I thought of him being alone once I decide to fit myself into the family shoes. But not even once I reflected myself in the same spot and now I got too much time to do that, all alone.
Somewhere I have read why guys should get married, because on this day girls you never know before will stand in queue for a snap with you, they will want others to see them talking to you, they will compete to invite you for a dinner at their place, they will…hey wait...what am I doing? I am getting jealous, whereas I am supposed to sympathize Jason for loosing all pleasures of bachelorhood in exchange of signing on to new restrictions and agreeing to get regulated by somebody. Now he needs to invite me for occasional lunch and then need to pretend how he’s enjoying his new life style and so on.
The centre of attention was enjoying every moment of it and I thought it was the limit when he said ‘Hey man make yourself comfortable’. Now here is the guy who was so shy of public attention that more than once he dropped of from public events and now he is advising me to be comfortable at his party. The air of change has already started telling on him. He turned towards his would-be who exchanged a polite smile but… did she hesitate for a moment? Even I couldn’t very well acknowledge the courtesy smile as I felt I’ve seen her somewhere before. I couldn’t enjoy the grant reception, a day before the marriage, as all the time the thought about the where-about of my friends would-be bothered me.
I left the party quite early promising Jason that I’ll be his best man the next day. I was so lost in my thoughts that I declined the lift offered and when I realised it I was already half way down the distance to town hall. Just after I managed to get the bus to my ‘Batchelor’s inn’ rain which had stopped for a while came down with all its vengeance. It was very much unlike the last so many summers. I always liked this smell of the sand in the air as the bus screamed past the partially flooded roads. I could see a shadow at some distance and bus stopped for the waving young lady and she chose to occupy the empty seat beside me. I was asked to hold her bag while she examined the amount of damage done to her clothes. Tiny droplets of water dripping from her were dropping on my trousers. I could see her shivering lips as she wiped out water from her face and unlocked her hair. She might have seen my irritated look and with an ungrateful glance shifted her position to a now empty seat leaving a pool of water beside me. Little did she know that more than her wet clothes clinging to my body I was hooked by the feeling of not able to recollect the identity of the hostess of today’s party.
Just a couple of days back I proclaimed quitting drinking after having my ‘last drink’ at Jason’s bachelor’s party. I really hate the decision taken at a moment’s slip when compelled by my former drinking partners. I had a glance at the wine stand and was rather annoyed not to find even a single drink in the stand. I even more hate the moment when I arranged to clean the wine stand which was always occupied with three or four different flavours of drinks. I couldn’t help thinking why I am not able to recollect the face which is bothering me this much.
Finally desperation gave way to logical thinking when I started thinking who that could be and started asking questions to myself.
Relative? ...............Hmmm...Nah ….
Class mate? ……………………………………………………………………………
………………..no…
I had to think for a while to reach that conclusion.
Girl friend? No
That was easy. I could remember my lone ex-girl friend even if I am on a high. Well, it won’t take more than a drink for me to reach a high and most of my friends were envious about this luxury which I could afford. Lucky me!!
The thoughts of Anjali did pinch me a bit. But I need to go on.
Colleague?....................………………………..No
Now, even this is getting out of hand. Some time ago, heard somebody saying real life is not always logical. I think I only said it …Oh yeah …you might guess when. It always happens that great thoughts come when your head is light. God, I really hate the moment when I thought of quitting drinking.
It was still raining hard; I could see the struggling roadside vendors through my window. I draw my face back as a sudden gush of wind, pulling away the curtains, sprayed droplets of water on my face. As I wiped the droplets of my face I couldn’t help thinking of the young lady I met today. Even though I was compassionate she has got reasons to think that I was a bit rude. Well, doesn’t matter to me, I don’t believe in showing off my feelings and I don’t mind if people don’t show off their affection to me as long as it’s there.
Couple of weeks back I met this girl on my way to my homeland, who very politely asked me if I could ask the driver to hold on for some time as she was waiting outside for her sick friend who will be there any moment. I was seriously lost in thoughts of my home side’s loss in last day’s match and didn’t pay much attention to this request. She paused there for some time for a reply and then left the place and might have thought what sort of guy this is. Well, who cares? The rest of the passengers appeared empathetic and I thought some gentle man will get up and make the request to driver till I discovered they were too gentle to respect the request. I had to instruct the driver to hold for some time inviting a glare from him and my co-passengers. When the girl finally got-in she was thankful to the driver and didn’t forget to frown at me. That day I had this strange experience of all my co-passengers, including the one for whom I did the favour, unpleasant looks pointed towards me.
Now, I knew why it took so long for me to recollect the face which was haunting me as the meeting couple of weeks back was too short and far from pleasant to remember. There were times when I tried hard to understand what went wrong between me and Anjali. Jason was the one responsible for I meeting Anjali as they were very good friends. In fact Jason had tried hard to bring us together again but always my ego stopped me from taking the first step. I always took all the goodies she had to offer for granted and never bothered to acknowledge.
I was sitting there alone in my apartment wondering why I am thinking all this today.
Did the expression in the eyes of that young lady today in the bus has got something to do with it? I have seen the same expression a couple of weeks back. Again a couple of years back. Has it got something to do with it why I am sitting here alone today? Do I really need to care?
The next morning I was there for the marriage well before the appointed time and did all my duties rather mechanically lost in a sequel of thoughts. I was not surprised to see Anjali there as she’s one of Jason’s close friends. When I saw Anjali I didn’t hesitate to say she looked like a dream that day. I smiled at her even though I was not sure of getting a response but today I was not concerned of getting offended if I didn’t get a response. But, I did get a smile back over her raining eyes!
Unlike the last many summers it was still raining.
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