Twinkle...

“These days your number of calls had reduced” She said in a grinned voice while resting her head on his chest. She tightened her grip around him. A deep sigh followed.

He was still reading the messages unread from his blackberry.

“You don’t even keep my messages in your mobile. Earlier you used to keep all my lovey-dovey messages send by me. Nowadays since I am always available with you, you don’t even recognize my existence.”

He kept the mobile aside. Looked at her and winked. “It doesn’t mean that my love for you has ceased.”

“No, I am not saying that. But earlier I was there always in your words, deeds and everywhere. When we used to be with friends, your eyes followed me. When we used to be on dates, your stares never stopped. But now, after marriage, after so many years..I don’t feel it”

He smiled, his natural smile.

“So you think you are not there in my thoughts and words?”

“mmm…Yeah, atleast I cant see it or feel it. Oh! Am so sad..” She clutched him tightly.

He took her face and stared straight onto her eyes.

“Cant you see the twinkle in my eyes, sweet? “

“mmmm…” lazily she answered. She always loved his eyes.

“That’s you honey; the twinkle.”

The world seemed brighter for her. A gentle smile, a tight hug, Life is a bliss..!!

Mercury...

“The chemistry between us was still there. We were meeting at college after fifteen years. Both of us now married with two adorable kids, could feel the mercury rising. Those days, mills and boon, long walks, hours long mobile chatting, canteen flirting, college garden lawn, hugs and kisses days..!!”




I still love her, my wife…



PS : A try at 55-Fiction using prompt from One-Word Prompt web page. Pardon Me!!

Bird Watching...

Rehman and Sameer looked here and there. Darkness was creeping in slowly which forces daylight to take a leave. The atmosphere was getting dank. Street lights checked on to do their daily shift. People were busy shopping, enjoying the eateries from the road side stalls, taking evening walks, chit-chatting, and couples getting lucky over the corners of the plaza. Their faces read boredom. It’s been two hours since they were ‘bird-watching’ over here at this pastry joint.

Milind’s Pastry Joint.
Rehman lit the last cigarette out from the packet. Taking a deep puff he stared at Sameer. Sameer was blank, out of thoughts; his eyes were kind off drooping. When Sameer too took the packet Rehman offered his cigarette, “It’s empty. We will share this one.” Sharing a cigarette cements the bond, it is an unwritten myth among the smokers. While Sameer took a puff Rehman was releasing fumes in circles from his mouth. He looked like those industrial funnels spitting dark smokes.Just after the fag was over Sameer got up. He adjusted his low waist jeans. Stretched his body wide and gestured Rehman to make a move. Rehman was passive, indecisive. “Let’s go for a round of two-three pegs. Atleast the music over there will be rejuvenating us.” Sameer said. His dialogue bespeaks his intention not to go home before midnight. Rehman showed his empty wallet and tried to pass a wet smile. “I got some, don’t worry” Sameer resorted. Both love spending time gadding about the busy streets in the city.

“Wait buddy, two babes are strolling towards us. Let’s just sit over here only. After the cross us we will take a leave.”

"Oh, cut it dude. Lets have some coffee at least from the ‘Naidu’s Corner’. Sameer said in a miffed tone. He just looked towards the direction Rehman pointed. Two dames were coming from there. He looked twice and then he turned towards Rehman and said, “Man, that’s Sanjana.”“Shit! Boss, it’s Sanjana. Oh Holy shit”

Sameer just smiled at him. His face blanched. The smile he tried to put across his face was faltered. He moved his arse and got up restless. Sameer understood Rehman trying to avoid an eye contact. His fluttering eyes were covered with shame.

Laughter flooded from Sameer seeing him in such a goofed up situation. He just threw the cigarette butt down and crunched under his shoes. Those girls were nearing them.

“I am sorry man. I made a blunder” his voice was confused and humiliated.

Sameer smiled at him, patted on his shoulders and said, “No issues buddy. It is just that you didn’t realize my sister is coming along with her friend. You can definitely check on her friend.”

“No man. Today’s quota is over. Don’t embarrass me more. Let’s leave” he had already headed towards the car. Sameer followed him, with a smile on his face.

Tea At Cafe Coffee Day...

He sat there with her. Mayank was a bit nervous. It is his first date ever. He read out the board in front of the brand name, ‘A lot things can happen over a coffee’. Coming to this coffee shop was a fantasy earlier and here he can see it turn real. He had often dreamt of getting her over here for a coffee. Whenever he used to pass the café he had peeped in through the glass walls of the shop. And when he started getting close to her, he had decided that this coffee shop will be the place for their first date.

Entering the shop holding her hands was a new experience for him. The air cooler breeze fell on his skin. He looked the whole area. There was a couple coochy-cooing on the corner table, a group of five guys sipping coffee discussing cricket, a group of two girls and guys lavishing over their orders in the sofa set and even an elderly couple sitting very calm and holding each others hands.

He led her upstairs. It was totally a new world. He felt he came into another world. The aroma that was lingering through out was amazing. The ambience was very modern and the music that played was western. Though everything was new to him, he was enjoying it. The waiters guided them onto a table meant for two. He was impressed. ‘They do take care of customers intentions too.’

He pulled out one of the chair for her. He has read somewhere that it’s the way how a gentleman behaves when he is accompanying a lady. He wanted to emulate those English traditions. He was mesmerised with her talks. Her smile rejuvenated him from all his worries.

“Good evening, what would be your order, Sir?” The waiter asked.

“One tea and a hot coffee”, he blurted without looking the waiter. The waiter looked at him puzzled. Sensing something wrong he stared back at the waiter. He wanted to ask him, “Did I order something in German?” He couldn’t make up what was wrong.

“Sir, we don’t serve tea. You can have a look in this menu card and order something else”, the waiter placed the menu card on the table in front of him. ‘What, you don’t serve tea over here?’ He looked sheepish. While opening the menu card his glance went to her. Was she trying to hide a laugh? He camouflaged the situation saying, “its a stupid decision of theirs not to serve tea over here. They are loosing a huge chunk of business”. This time he didn’t even dare to look at her face.

He opened the menu only to realise that some more difficulties are on his way. There were lots of names on the menu. Tensed, he asked for a hot coffee instead of tea. This time the waiter sounded impatient.

“Sir, which hot coffee you prefer. Please select it from the menu card.” This time he felt the waiter was arrogant. His ignorance is highlighted. Heartbeats drummed with a great pace. Now who the hell found various tastes for hot coffees? This is the wrong place to come on a first date, he thought. He checked the menu card in detail. Expresso’s, cappaccino’s, mocchachillo’s irish coffees, and many more. Hell he know there were so many varieties. He never knew coffees got so many varities.


“Just excuse us for a minute more”, Anita intervened. He thanked God. Anita is a real angel for the moment. Giving him a stare the waiter moved on to the next table. She took the menu card from him. The whole world seemed to be stopped in front of him. Sweat drops found its way out of him. He worried what she will think about his ignorance. Will she find him not modern, not enough to know the show buzz things of the modern life? Will she find him not competent enough to carry himself off in such public places?

The air conditioner was doing its duty. But he sat there sweating. She sipped the coffee and smiled at him. His face blanched at her smile, and then is when she said, “You are so cute”. He felt like rains all over the place. Chilled and drenching. The whole world seemed to sing song for them.

But still he thought, why the hell so many varieties of coffees?

Morning Saga...

Bappi got up early today. He strolled towards the bathroom in half sleep. He squeezed the tooth paste tube and looked at the paste. Why do most of the pastes look white colour? Why not brown, yellow or brown in colour? Who knows! Why the paste got a mint taste? Why not in a chocolate, vanilla or a butter scotch flavour? He felt good. He loves it when he thinks weird. With a glee he finished off the process and headed towards the toilet. Somebody had already occupied the room. “Bloody Shit”, he hates this part of hostel life. You never can relieve things when you feel like. You are always in a queue.

“Get out soon, you shitter!” he wondered whether such a word do exist. Whatever! “Go, go shit somewhere outside” the intruder of his day shouted. Bloody Ass! The urge to download yesterday’s superfluous food material after its digestion process in the abdomen was in its initial stage. But still he felt like showering the rival-at-the-present-situation with loads of swears words till his eardrum blasts out of frequency. So he picked up his cigarette packet and went upstairs onto the terrace. A fag early in the morning will be kick ass, he thought. He strode towards his destiny. The time was 7 in the morning. He never had been waked up so early after his 12^th board exams. Engineering had bastardised him totally.

The terrace welcomed him with a breeze caressing his smooth long hair. He could feel them gently tickling his nerves. He lighted one cigarette and stood there, 18 storeys up from ground level. He could see the major part of the city from one side of the terrace. He took few long puffs from his ciggie but the breeze forced him to relocate his position. Standing on the other side of terrace from where he saw the green areas of a small mountain, he felt relating with nature. Suddenly he noticed lots of heads in between the bushes, here and there, throughout the escarpments.

He looked at it once again. Yeah, not one or two, but many heads here and there. What the hell they are doing over there in those bushes. Few were getting up and few were trying to find the proper place in the thickets. Each of them carried either a small bucket or a mug. Once after they find a proper place, they looked here and there ensuring no one is staring at them. Then they settle down removing their pants properly and get engaged in ‘the’ process.

What the fuck! He just puffed the whole cigarette at full throttle and sped downstairs. “Oh, you should have waited for me, dude”, his rival was out from the toilet and standing there staring at his cigarette packet. Bappi didn’t utter a word. He got in the toilet, stood there forgetting what was his purpose. He looked all over. Thank God, for these enclosed room, for the leisure of sitting and doing what I want without even getting tensed whether someone is watching or not among those bushes. He felt pity for those who don’t have the provision for their basic amenity.

“Phew! Lucky me”, he thought.

Mall...........

When i was a student.................................................................
..........................FLASHBACK..........................................................
We were running here and there in pretty awe. Attires ranging from kids to youth to elder ones. Casuals-formals, cotton-woolen, sweaters-jackets, shoes-caps, the whole mall was filled with posh attires.

We were there for the first time after it’s inauguration last month. It self-advertised to be the biggest mall in the city. True to its advertisement. Ground floor was full of women’s wear, all types of accessories, perfumes, glares, belts, watches, ornaments, bracelets. Everything arranged and decorated in an appealing way. Second floor treated us with gents formal section and traditional attires. Third floor was overflowing with all branded casual wears, large collection of shoes and all.

We spend almost two hours surfing through all aisles and corners of that mall. We all were happy and were exiting through the main gate, when we noted the security. They were staring at us in an atrocious way. We looked each other. We couldn’t figure it out why? When we collected our bags, which we had kept before entering, it seemed they were asking, “Came for sightseeing”. That time our empty wallets were chuckling
from the pockets. Poor we !!

Ban on mobiles......Reminds me...

.
Kerala Government had ordered an ordinance to ban usage of mobile phones in Campus, reports Hindu.
The latest trendsetter, mobile camera phone, is always in limelight since its launch. Be it new model launch or be it MMS scandals. It became common household equipment in cities throughout.

The ban of mobile phones in campus reminded me one of the incidents that happened in my college. Let me tell you this is a second hand report.

All the students were getting bored with his lecture. Not only that day. His each and every lecture never ignited that urge to learn that subject. As a professor he was a total failure, but was able to stick to his post just because of some high management holds he had over they’re in college. That might be the reason; even students feared he could do a lot with their internal marks if not attend his lectures.

So all were busy checking their dials and waiting for him to disperse the class. But he was not in mood to free the birds. Dictating from the notes he had brought in a file format he was continuing his ‘lecture.’

Suddenly somebody’s mobile rang. It was a Hindi song ring tone. Everyone’s attention went to the corner of the class and smiled at the owner of the source. He was busy fiddling with the instrument trying to reduce the volume. {Later only came to know that one of his friend only kept it in high volume profile and gave him a ring.} Seeing his embarrassment all other fellows broke their laugh’s.

"Silence", Prof. took his eyes from his notes and peeped through his spectacles. Everyone turned on to silent mode and the professor towards the board with file in his hand. {We always used to wonder how would have he taught us if we had abandoned those files.} Students again got relieved and started hissings.

It was not even five minutes after the incident, some other person’s mobile buzzed aloud. This time he could control in a second or two, but the crowd went ablaze with laughter. Cursing the caller, the guy changed the profile to vibratory mode. The Prof. though disturbed continued his drawings on board, copying from his file. In a minute a third mobile started screaming. Everyone broke into a louder laughter. This time Sir got frustrated. He turned around and stared at the culprit.

"Is this the decency you have learnt from home. {A gap. Students stopped laughing.} Don’t you know that you are supposed to switch off the mobiles while entering a class? Don’t remember that you are going to be engineers and lots of good manners are expected from you people. {Everyone started looking down. Some were still in playing mood.} You are not going to gain anything by disturbing me in my procedure to teach you. {Everyone looked each other startled as if not understanding what he was saying.} Don’t repeat this anymore. If continued I have to take strict action against you. Whoever it might be. So please switch off your instruments." He was shouting at the pinnacle of his voice.

Everyone switched off his or her instruments. Some were asking quietly, "which instrument", with a naughty smile on their face. The situation was very silent. Prof. once again covered the whole class with his deadly stare {which was supposed to generate fear} and turned towards the black board and started scribbling some notes.

Students were impatiently waiting for the hourly bell to ring, looking intermittently their dials. Prof. busy is copying his notes on board. All of a sudden some mobile rang in high volume. Annoyed, Prof. turned back, "who the hell haven’t switched off the mobile? I am going to report this." He was very furious.

All students chorused, "Sir SWITCH OFF YOUR CELL. IT’S ON YOUR TABLE." Class turned out to laugh more lauder. This time they couldn’t control their laughter. Some were humming to the ring tone.

By the mean time Prof. picked up the phone and was trying to hide his embarrassment.

.

A Page : StUdY LeAvE

Ten minutes past eight.

‘Everyone is studying or what?’ Looked here and there. Sam seemed to be very keen in finishing the topic scheduled for the day. He is like that. Makes a lot’s of plans. He carries chits with him, which will be scribed with time limits with which each portions should be completed. God knows whether he is able to do that. Might not be able to. I can't. And never had. But that doesn't mean he can't. The only thing one needs to execute a plan is commitment. Or is it dedication? I think it's both. He might have both. He’s not even looking up. Great going chap. Good for me. He can definitely clear my doubts once he finishes his topics. But I should have doubts. And for that I should read something, should know what is there in the subject.

‘System simulation’. What a dry chapter. Why should I study a subject like this? And this Geoffrey Gordon is an ass*$*#. Postulates anything without sound explanation and expects all his readers to be Albert Einstein’s. Gosh! I can’t believe Sam reading this book with his eyes full open. He is really great. Or a stupid? Don’t know. Anyways will take a break and come.

Got from my seat. Went to the corridor. Already Himan and kanchu were having nice chat on the corridor. Smiled at them and went to have a glass of water. While taking water peeped through the sides of the water tank cum filter towards those love birds and mused what they might be whispering to each other at this helm of practical exam’s. Maybe he will be clearing her doubts. Then why in this corner. Phew! Such a fool I am. What can a couple in love talk standing in a corner? Should ask Seema, I guess. Had I talked like this to her? Nae! At least not in this manner. The water is very cold. While gulping I wished it were a jar of Cannon 10,000. Nice it would have been.

‘Bhoom’, it sounded as if some planet fell on my back. With pain I swirled around to check out the origin. Bloody fuc#$@. It was Guru. Felt like kicking his ass and pulling out his turban. But ‘decency of a senior’ hooked me. Smiled at him. Passed few pleasantries. While we both were talking and passing that love couple my eyes went on them. “Yaar, mazzha le rahe ho donom”, Guru’s banter echoed in my ears which brought an ugly glee on my face.

Neither of us felt like entering reading hall again, but had to. What a silence it was. And a fetid air. Occupied my seat and looked around. Some third year junior was asking doubt to Sam. I smiled. The same Guy had come to me to ask doubt few days back. I really didn’t want him to feel me as hopeless. So forwarded him to Sam saying he is the best. And poor Sam. Now he has to clear all of that guy’s doubts.

“Abey gaandu padna.” Anand it was. Blob. I was going to swear back, but his wide-open smile comforted me. After-all he sweared with a good intention. I should study now. Opened the book and found a note. ’Don’t do time pass’. I only had written it. Thought it will help me from not getting distracted myself from studies. Looked at my watch. My goodness, its quarter to nine. Somebody had said it true-as we postpone, life speeds by.

Two pages. That’s it. Raised my face from the book. Facing me on the next table is Durgesh. When did he come? Didn’t even come to know. Maybe I was that involved in studying. Huh! Cant believe. “Kab aaya”, my dialogue didn’t reach him. He was going through the index. His viva was two days back. And till now took a break, it seams. Now he is with his next subject, or the next war. Ah! What an analogy I derived. I am happy.

“Kab aaya”, repeated the question. This time a little louder. The guy next to Khamba looked at me annoyed. Sorry man, sorry. I didn’t intend to disturb you. ”Abhi aaya”, he was not even looking at me. Hmm. Seems he is very serious today.

“Tera prac kaisa tha”, I went on.

“Teri jaath ka tanna, padna baithke”. He thundered. I watched him. He put his fingers into his nose exploring something, which I never could trace out what exactly was. He never minds if people are watching that. Everyone used to beef to him regarding the uneasiness with that act, but still he does that. Intentionally or unintentionally.

Durgesh is like that. Now he will be analyzing the syllabus and like Sam making plans how to tackle the subject within the given time. Unlike Sam he does that work in mind only. I decided to keep quiet. That will be good for me. Somebody was making noise discussing in the reading hall. And the security was doing his patrols. I once again dived into the vast syllabus.

Hardly five minutes. Sakti came running. His eyes were searching for me and seeing me came running.”Paanch ticket mila, dus ka show he, aa raha he kya?”

“Kuan kuan hey?”

Main, pavya, nilay, tu …

Who is the fifth guy? We will see. Without a double thought I closed my book. God knows which movie it is and in which hall. It will be ‘Vishal’ only. Sakti asked Anand also. He is little doubtful. Seems he haven’t studied from morning. Will ask Durgesh or Sam. No they wont come. They are too studious to do that. Then who? I looked the whole reading room. There was Mitesh. No. Not him. He will start Power Electronics fundea’s over there also.

Akshat is fiddling with his mobile. I will ask him. ”Dude, coming for a movie.”

“Which one?”

Oh, that even I don’t know. Where is Sakti? I turned around and saw him talking to Nagendra. Is he convincing him?

“Kaun sa movie he bey”, I shouted.

The whole reading hall echoed it. ”Shut up you fuc@$*”, it was Sibu. It had to be him only. No other person will dare to swear like that in reading hall other than me. I raised my hands, apologizing. People are laughing. Sibu is peeping through the gap of his lens, too proud of his achievement. “Saala, padne nahi dega kya?” While I looked at him he smiled and pretended to be very serious with studies. His talks are always filled with swears. I asked him through gestures. Not a single second passed. No is the answer. Showing his empty wallet he continued his studies.

“If its Kal ho na ho, am not coming buddy”, Akshat said.

God, this guy is also too studious. But he finds time for all these. What happened this time? I turned and started walking towards the door.

“Saif is good in that. I saw the matinee show”.

I knew. I knew Akshat could find time for all these. Anyways I will ask Sam. It is not right to disturb and tempt people who are doing their studies. But what I can do? Am like this. A three-hour movie won’t take his distinction away from him. ”I still got to complete this much portion, man”, showing the bundle of Xerox pages. Thank God. I had completed it in the daytime. Madhu had come in the morning to collect those Xerox from Bhakti. I don’t know from where she got that. But she got all the Xeroxes.

I couldn’t wait anymore. Saying bye to Sam I just looked at Durgesh. WHY? Why did I look at him? That look he gave is torturous. ‘You won’t change.’ It was clearly written in his eyes. I tried to hide from his stare. Came out and took the bike and were ready to start, there came Sam running.

“Kuch andar nahi ja raha he yaar, feeling very creepy.”

We laughed. No one said anything. We raced our bikes. The stare of Durgesh. It’s following me I guess. I should be studying this time. After two weeks it’s exam. Never I study during the whole semester and this is the time I should do that. Still going for a movie! But what to do? From morning I am in college only. Nearly 12 hours of study. There is a saturation level. I can’t study anymore. From eight am doing time pass after my dinner. Now nothing is going to be understood how much hard I try. So why not a movie, a break, a boost for my tiredness?

Fifteen minutes it took for us to reach there. Paid the parking bill and reached near the door of the movie hall. Surprise. Mechanical group lead by Poka is already here. Aseeja and group is also here. Oh! what a relief. Entered the movie hall. Three hours of total enjoyment. Wacky wits from Saif really helped the movie.

Came back to reading hall. Its quarter past one. Few people are there still studying. We all sat for studies. Sam’s and Praveen’s eyes were already drooping. They packed their bags and left in a jiffy.

Not feeling sleepy. Started reading once again. Felt like having a cup of tea. But the canteen might have shut at twelve. Anyways I will study.

“Time to close”. A pat on my back came by. Tushar was ready with his bag. Checked the time. It’s two. Almost daily we are the ones to leave the hall last. The only difference is that he studies the whole day and me takes break often. I just ran through what I completed today. Not to the best but definitely not bad. Closed my books, packed my haversack and wore my slippers. Byes to everyone, within five minutes I started off.

Parked my vehicle and opened the door. Sisters had left many lights on. Locked the gate and door. Had a glass of cold milk and brushed teeth. Not feeling that sleepy. I will study for some more time. No, too much of anything is injurious to health, both mentally and physically. Switched on some soothing music. And then without a wait jumped into the bed. The movie was good enough. Worth a watch. And that one hour study was too good. Didn’t know System simulation is so interesting. Now will have a sleep. Have to get up tomorrow and go to college early and study.

Who knows what plans are to be made in the evening?