Storieo

Tag: Featured

Collection of best stories. Featured stories are considered to be the best stories offered by Storieo.

  • The Way of Living 

    The Way of Living 

    Once upon a time there was a 19 y/o girl named Shanaya was walking down the street upset with her life . Recently her father had passed away due to which she was broken inside. There was no one in his house except his father. At the age of four, his mother had also left this world due to cancer. After her mother, the girl was looked after by her father, But today when her father had also left her at this early age, she could not see any reason to move ahead in her life. She decided to destroy herself also, so she went to the uphills near her hometown. When she was moving ahead at the path of death she saw a puppy lying on the footpath waiting for her mother to come as she had gone to find something to eat for them, but a lady came near Shanaya when she was continuously watching that puppy and told her that recently the puppy lost her mother but still he thinks that her mother will definitely come to feed him. Seeing that puppy’s faith in her thoughts, Shanaya felt like crying. Seeing her reaction, she felt ashamed of what she was going to do to herself. She started to understand that coming and going is the law of nature, the one who has come will definitely leave someday, Only a coward can destroy its life without knowing his potential. But now she has decided to start a new beginning of her life and become the best version of herself she became aware that many ups and downs will come and go and that’s the name of life. So, she Immediately take the puppy with her and started living along with him happily.

    Moral: Rather you live your life happily or destroy it with grief the choice is yours.

  • Man Behind the Supreme Court Order Banning Highway Liquor Vends

    Man Behind the Supreme Court Order Banning Highway Liquor Vends

    Safety should be our first priority. The story of Harman Singh Sidhu, the man behind the Supreme Court order  banning liquor sales on all state and national highways.

    His real life started from the day when he was almost killed.

    It was cold evening of 1996, when Sidhu and three of his friends were driving home to Chandigarh after a visit to the Renuka Lake in Himachal. They spotted a leopard cub and choose country road, hoping to see more wild animals. Suddenly, the car skidded and they lost control resulting in the car tumbling down the hill.

    “I was sitting in the backseat and the car spun in the air many times before it landed around 70 ft downhill on its wheels. I can still see myself spinning with the car in slow motion, in great clarity and detail,” remembers Sidhu.

    After spending 2 years in and out of hospital, he found his mission, aim of the life – road saftey.

    “All I wanted was that people returned home safely, that they didn’t meet the same fate as me.

     

    “The figures were and still are really alarming. One person dies every four minutes on Indian roads — the highest in the world. As many as 1,46,133 people died last year. According to several studies, alcohol is a major culprit.

    A WHO study states that 30 to 35% accidents are due to drunken driving. Another study by NIMHANS found 44% of crash victims seeking medical treatment to be under the influence of alcohol. And a PGI Chandigarh study found that 40% of 200 drivers with serious head injuries had alcohol in their blood.

    In 2012, I conducted a survey on liquor shops along national highways. Other than this, I also filed several RTIs with the Excise Department and the National Highway Authority of India for more information on the same. I was shocked to find out that there were 185 liquor vends on the 291 km National Highway 1 between Panipat and Jalandhar. That’s one liquor vendor every 1.5 km!”

    “You tell people not to drink and drive. But you allow liquor shops along highways making it easy for people to buy and drink. How can any awareness campaign have impact?” he asks.

     

    “We travelled for over 50,000 km, checking for violations and wherever we found one, we immediately told the government concerned. For instance, in Ludhiana, we found 70 liquor vends in a 32 km stretch of the national highway,” says Sidhu.

    “I will continue my mission to make roads forgiving instead of punishing. There’s is still so much to be done!”

  • The Homemaker’s Book Club (Part II)

    The Homemaker’s Book Club (Part II)

    The second part deals with how the book club came to come about and how the the protagonists take the book club to another level.

     

    The living room was painted in semi-darkness. A. R. Rahman was singing on the radio, in the background. We were sitting on the mattress with our palms wrapped around our cup of ginger tea. The Thai curry and rice only left enough room for the ginger tea, in our stomachs. During the many brunches or lunches that we have had together, Anjali showed off her praiseworthy cooking skills. She hated having anyone around her while she cooked. So I would just sit and watch her prepare the food. Anjali used to work in a restaurant before she became a mother. She wanted to give her entire attention to her daughter. She was doing extremely well in her job but she chose to give it up for her daughter.

    Do you miss working at the restaurant?

    Umm, I don’t know. There are times when I do. I mean I’ve worked there for so many years. That place has given me much more than I had asked for. But I don’t regret leaving. My daughter is much bigger than my job. I would’ve missed so much if I hadn’t made the decision. I wouldn’t have been able to do what she did. I found it hard to understand why she left something she absolutely loved. Maybe, if I did have a child, I would’ve understood.

    So, what did you think about The Second Time Around?

    It’s a good read. In fact, it reminded me of that Catherine Zeta Jones movie.

    Which one is that, now?

    The one in which she falls in love with a man who is much younger than she is. The male nanny who takes care of her son. Remember?

    Oh, oh! I know which one you’re talking about but I cannot remember the name of the movie.

    The Rebound?

    Ah, yes! That one.

    We looked at each other at the same moment and smiled. Suddenly, I sat up straight on my seat, wearing a serious expression on my face. Anjali looked a little worried when she saw me.

    What happened?

    There’s something I’ve been thinking about and I’ve been meaning to tell you.

    Yeah, tell me.

    These discussions that we have every week with each other, on the books we assign ourselves to read,

    Yes?

    We could start a book club.

    I’m liking the sound of that.

    We could ask our friends who love reading, to become members. We could assign a book to read for the week and meet on a particular day to review these books.

    Okay, I’m already excited!

    Me too!

    We remained silent for a few minutes, both our eyes fixed on each other. We were relishing this moment, in all its intensity. After a few minutes, Anjali spoke.

    We should ask our homemakers, more specifically. The book club would be a good way to keep us busy.

    Where will we have these discussions?

    Either in my house or yours.

    Perfect! Which day?

    A weekday…how about Wednesdays?

    Perfect! If the book club remains successful, we can alternate between the houses of the other members, as well!

    Yeah! Should we have like a potluck or something?

    No, no. Let’s focus on what our club stands for and not give all our attention to the food. That’s secondary.

    I know. But the food also holds some importance, right?

     

    It does. Wherever we have our meeting, that member will handle the food.

    We could sense the excitement in our voices. We were, very much. Our excitement was beyond comprehension. In the next couple of weeks, Anjali and I would have informed a number of our friends who we knew loved reading, about the book club. I remember those initial few weeks. There were only around four or five people including us, who turned up for our discussions, among the countless who said that they were interested and wanted to come. It wasn’t disheartening for us to see the small number of people who had shown up because deep down we knew that the few who did show up, really wanted to be there. An amalgamation of people who were passionate about literature conjured up our profound discussions, making the book club engaging. The numbers had begun to increase as the weeks passed by. We discussed everything from Jane Eyre to Lolita to Agatha Christie. We would take a vote regarding the book everyone wanted to read for the week. It was in every which way a very democratic set up. In all of this, I would forget about the problems which were clinging onto my marriage.

    The Book club was my happy place and nobody, not even my marriage entered this happy place.

    This was how it all started. As I alternated between my wine and cigarette, I walked down memory lane, reminiscing those early months of our book club. We grew closer because of the book club. We didn’t always agree with each other but our disagreements didn’t stop us from building bridges in our relationship, as a group. Slowly and gradually, it wasn’t just about the book club. We shared our individual stories with each other. We got to know our struggles, our dreams and aspirations. These women in a way gave me the strength and support that I needed. Once again, we were sitting in Anjali’s house, on the mattress in her living room. And once again, an idea came to me while we were at her house.
    Anjali, why don’t we create a blog for our book club?

    And what would we write about?

    We’d write about the books we chose for our discussions.

    Hmm…

    What?

    Anjali smiled. It is a brilliant idea!

    About a month after we spoke about creating a blog, we created one. The blog was called The Homemaker’s Book Club. Many women who read our blog posts regularly, emailed us to ask us if they could join the book club. Our discussions extended from our usual weekly meetings to discussions in the ‘comments’ section of our blog posts. Eventually, as the months passed by, our followers increased. During the course of all these happenings, my marriage had crawled to the bottom. Ziaan and I decided to separate. We went for counseling and we tried to sort out our differences just between the two of us. But nothing was working. We thought that maybe this separation might help us in some way, to figure things out.

  • Mother’s Love (Part I)

    Mother’s Love (Part I)

    The first part deals with the narrator describing the relationship between Ashley and her mother. 

     

    Becca was standing in front of the gas stove, waiting for the milk to boil. The short needle of the round shaped clock sitting on the window in the kitchen, pointed toward six and the long needle pointed toward fifteen. Becca gazed at the way the branches of the tree which stood in front of the kitchen window, swayed from side to side with the breeze. The dark clouds blanketed the sky. The air smelt of wet mud and the road was still wet from the shower which took place sometime ago. Becca immediately switched off the gas when the milk began to rise in the vessel in which it was poured into, for boiling. She used the tongs to remove the vessel from the gas stove and covered the vessel with a lid, leaving it slightly open.

    After having a hot shower, Becca pulled down the sides of glass of her bathroom window and sat on the commode, smoking her first cigarette of the day. She never missed this morning ritual. The ritual calmed her down. Suddenly, she heard the sound of the flush, coming from her mother’s bathroom. She got up instantly from the commode and put away her cigarette in the white bowl on the bathroom window. She got out of the bathroom and ran into her room, with the towel wrapped around her body.

    Her mother was standing at the counter, reading the newspaper while waiting for the water to finish boiling. Becca silently walked into the kitchen, filled a bowl with cornflakes and poured the boiled milk into the cornflakes. She ate her breakfast standing at the counter, gazing at the view in front of her eyes. The tress still swayed in the breeze, the same manner that they were, before she had gone for her bath. The smell of cigarettes, alcohol and her cologne fused together, producing an unpleasant fragrance. She knew that her mother returned home late, last night. She knew that her mother wasn’t at the office. She was some place, else. But she didn’t know where exactly. Becca’s phone started vibrating in her pants pocket. She removed her phone and saw Aretha’s name flash on the screen. Hey, Aretha. I’m almost done with breakfast. Give me 5 minutes. I’ll meet you at the train station. After ending the call, Becca filled her bottle of water. She was about to walk out of the kitchen but she suddenly stopped when she remembered that she had to tell her mother something.

    I’ve boiled an egg for you, for breakfast. There’s bread. You can have the egg with bread or whatever. She said this without turning back to look at her. And next time when you’re late, you need to tell me. I won’t bother worrying about you. Her mother was almost about to say something but Becca walked out as soon as was done telling her mother what she had to.

    Becca was born out of wedlock. Her mother had her when she was twenty three years old. Her parents knew each other from college. It had only been a year into their relationship when Becca’s mother conceived her. Her parents ran away to Bombay when they got to know that her mother was pregnant with her. They knew that their respective parents would never accept their relationship and the illegitimate child that they had created. Becca was lucky to have him around for a while. But when she was 12 years old, he left Becca and her mother all alone. He went to work one day and never returned back. Her mother grew bitter after he left them. Her relationship with Becca had also begun to change. Becca reminded her, of him. She reminded her of what he’d done and that is what created a crack in the mother-daughter relationship. The memories which Becca had, of her parents together, were only happy memories. They were in love with each other. Becca never understood why he left. He never tried contacting them, to find out if they were doing okay. They couldn’t contact him either. They didn’t have a number to contact him on.
    Aretha was waiting below Becca’s building with Stanley. When Becca’s eyes fell on Stanley, everything around him was a blur, including Aretha. Becca, Aretha and Stanley were friends since they were in primary school. Aretha had moved out of Bombay to shift with her parents to the States before she could complete her school. But she came to Bombay every few years because most of her family and all of her friends were in Bombay. The three of them managed to remain the best of friends even after Aretha moved away. Becca had shared with Aretha about her feeling for Stanley.

    Her romantic feelings toward Stanley came into existence about a year ago. But she never got the courage to express how she really felt for him, for fear of losing her best friend.

    What Becca didn’t know however, was that Stanley had been harboring the very same romantic feelings for Becca for about the same time as her. Stanley never expressed his feelings as well, for fear of losing his best friend. But finally about a month ago when they were together, all to themselves, Stanley confessed how he really felt for Becca and she did the same.
    After college got over that day, Stanley and Becca decided to hang out together at her place. Aretha couldn’t make it because she had to be somewhere else, with her parents. Stanley and Becca went to the same college but had enrolled in different courses. Stanley was doing his Bachelors’ in Science while Becca was doing her Bachelors’ in Arts. Becca detested sunlight entering her room because lots of it rested in her room. So she shut the curtains of her room. They were sitting on her bed watching a movie and eating whatever little they could find in the kitchen. After watching the movie they laid on her bed. She rested her legs on his. They were face to face and close enough that she could his breath on her face.
    I’ve been buying a carton of cigarettes every week, for the past one and half year and my mother has no idea. And they are lying in the shelf in my bathroom. I bet she knows and probably steals from me, occasionally.
    Possibly. Or maybe, she is so consumed with her own life that she doesn’t really care about you.
    That was painful but could very easily be the truth.
    Exactly!
    Does she have even the slightest clue that I’ve been taking tuition classes for a year now, to earn some pocket money?     He remained silent. It is crazy isn’t it? We live under the same roof but we do not know what is happening in each other’s lives. Not even a little. Unlike her, I do want to know what is happening in her life. It has been six years since my father left us. I’ve been more a mother than she has.
    Do you miss her?
    I don’t know. I know that I used to. But I’m not sure whether I do anymore.
    Why is it that?
    You know, when Aretha told us that she was leaving for America, I was extremely sad. At the time, I knew you were feeling the same, so I didn’t know whether it was fair to come burden you with whatever I was going through. I used to share a lot with my mother and in that moment, I wanted to share what I was going through, with her. But she was never around. Especially, when I needed her. In these six years, I’ve done so much by myself that it almost feels like I don’t have parents.     He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to because there’s nothing that he would say that could change what I was feeling.

  • The Runaway Bride

    The Runaway Bride

    Veera was going to marry the love of her life. But her quest to liberate herself from the small town she belonged to and to make something of her life, overpowered her love.

     

    The sky was still blanketed in darkness. Veera was standing in front of the gas stove, making herself a cup of sulemani tea. Bubbles began to rise in the water which was put to boil, for the tea. She added a teaspoon of sugar and tea powder in the boiling water. The color of the tea powder had slowly begun to spread, resulting in the water graduating to a brown color from being transparent. The manner in which this color transformation happened, created this soothing feeling, in Veera. She squeezed a little of the lime juice into the tea and put a few leaves of mint. Her mother had taught her how to make sulemani tea. Her mother used to always make her sulemani tea in the evening. When she was about 12 years old her mother had gone out of station on work, for about a week. She missed her evening cup of tea for those seven days. No one at home made it as well as she did. So when her mother returned from her office trip, Veera had asked her to teach her how to make the tea. She never could reach her mother’s excellence. She never would and in actuality, she never wanted to. She wanted to leave her mother’s uniqueness with her.
    It had been over a year since Veera had left home. She had left behind her ammi and abbu, Sakina and Jaden. They were her entire life. They were her entire home. A home she never imagined she would leave, one day. Every morning when she woke up to a new day she would ask herself whether she did the right thing by leaving and every night before she closed her eyes, the same question would haunt her. She missed them more than she could describe in words. But she knew in her heart that she had to do this, for herself.
    Veera found a certain thrill in the chaos of the city of Mumbai. The manner in which life moved so fast that there was no time to just pause and breathe. She needed this non-paused life. She needed it to forget what she had done. Her teaching and her life in Bombay allowed her to escape the regret which had made a permanent residence in her.

    Good morning, Veer!

    She shivered a little when she heard Charmin’s voice. She picked up her cup of tea and turned to walk toward the set of chairs and table kept in the kitchen. Veera and Charmin studied together in school, back home. But after they got done with school Charmin moved to Delhi and finally to Bombay. They managed to stay in touch through a mix of letters, emails, text messages and phone calls. They grew closer through this constant touch, in all these years. Good morning, Char! Veera sat herself on the chair which was placed opposite Charmin, at the table. Veera couldn’t see Charmin’s face because the newspaper which she was reading covered her entire self which was visible above the table.

    Ah, the tea smells good! Can I have some? Charmin said, slightly removing part of the newspaper cover.

    I just made tea for me. I didn’t know you wanted. Should I make one cup for you?

    Yes, please! Charmin said this and went back to reading the paper. I’ll just have a bath. Keep the tea ready, I’ll come and have.

    Charmin glanced the paper for a few seconds and then, got up from her seat to head to the bathroom and Veera went back to the gas stove to make tea. Charmin knew a friend who was a professor in the college where Veera is a professor. Charmin got to know that there was an opening in the History department of the college and immediately informed Veera about it. Through their years of communication, Charmin got to know how much Veera wanted to be move out of her home and be free. Charmin knew how claustrophobic she felt and was positive that this opportunity would only give her what she wanted. After Charmin finished having a bath, she came into the kitchen and found her cup of tea sitting on the table. Veera was sitting on the chair reading the newspaper.

    Do you have an off today?

    No, I have decided to take an off. I’ve been busy with classes and correcting assignments the past couple of weeks. I really just need a break.

    That’s good. What do you plan on doing?

    I’ve been wanting to go to that cafe…The Place.

    Oh yeah, The Place! You haven’t been there?

    No! So many people have told me about it. You’d really like it.

    Really?

    Yes!

    So I’m going to watch a movie on my I-pad while I’m there and enjoy my time alone.

    That’s a good enough plan!

    Veera smiled and said, yes it is!

     

           The Place was painted in white with pictures of vintage Bombay in black frames. It was a small cafe. Veera decided to sit at the corner most table. It was a table for two. She ordered a cup of espresso with one of their breakfast dish. She switched on her laptop and started watching one of the movies she had decided to watch. During the course of the movie, the waiter arrived with her coffee and food. When the waiter was placing her espresso and food on the table, her eyes suddenly fell on the door of the cafe. A man entered wearing a pair of blue denims and a white Polo t-shirt. It was Jaden. After a year of not seeing him, he was in front of her eyes. When his eyes began to scan the entire cafe, they fell on Veera.

    When his eyes met hers, her heart began to unusually beat fast. She removed the ear phones from her ears and got up from her seat, to walk toward him.

    He started walking toward her as well. When they were finally face to face, words failed them. Hi. Veera finally said. He did not say anything. How are you? He still did not say anything. He wore an expression which was an amalgamation of various feelings. I’m sitting there, she turned to point out toward her seat, come and sit with. He did not say anything and followed her to her table. They occupied the two chairs, now sitting facing each other. What are you doing here?

     

    I’ve…I’ve come to see Christina’s baby.

    She’s a mom?! Wow!

    Yeah. A lot has changed since you ran away from our wedding. Veera did not say anything. The words felt like someone dragged a knife down her throat. Veera and Jaden had known each other since their graduate college days. They were in the same college, studying the same course. They were in the same class. They fell into love with each other, very naturally. They were first friends. In the process of getting to know each other and spending time with each other, they didn’t realize that they were actually falling in love with each other. The both of them wanted to pursue their Masters and then work. After three years of being with each other, they were separated due to distance. Veera was in Delhi and Jaden was in Pune. Somehow, the distance did not break the thread which tied them together. It brought them closer and they continued their relationship.
    Jaden’s cold coffee arrived. Twenty minutes had passed, Jaden did not utter much, except the answers to the questions which Veera asked him. As Veera carefully observed the manner in which he drank his cold coffee alternately it by biting into his meat burger. It reminded Veera of the many dates they had. She loved watching him, the same manner in which he’d alternate between his food and the cold coffee he’d order wherever they’d go. Veera loved Jaden and still does. One evening when they were on a date, Jaden asked Veera to marry him. She said yes without hesitating. But something in her kept telling her that this wasn’t the right path to take. They were too young to be married and start a family. They were only 23. They had just moved out of the college atmosphere and taken a step into the ‘real world’ which everyone spoke about. Jaden’s parents never approved of them, initially. They believed that them getting married was a mistake because it was too early for them. Even after they’d approved Veera knew that it was a halfhearted approval. One they had done on account of having some peace in the house after a lot of arguments and fights. Jaden loved his parents and they were right. Only he did not see that. And at the time even Veera did not see it.

    How are you?

    I’m doing well. How about you?

    Me too.

    What are you up to?

    I’m one of the photographers for a magazine back home.

    Which magazine is this?

    The Traveler.

    Wow, that’s nice.

    Yeah. How about you? What are you doing?

    I’m a professor in one of the colleges here. I teach history.

     

    That’s nice. You always wanted to do one. I’m glad you’re doing what you always wanted to do.

    Likewise!

    We remained silent until I suddenly said, I’m sorry. He half smiled.

     

    One of us had to bring it up, right?

     

    Yeah. But, you don’t have to be.

     

    But I am.

     

    I know.

     

    Can I ask you, why did you leave?

     

    Because we weren’t doing the right thing.

     

    What makes you say that?

     

    You know, when I said yes, there was a part of me which hesitated. I tried to ignore the hesitation because I thought maybe I’m just nervous or something like that. But it wasn’t nervousness. It was me wanting to do so many things before I settled down with you. You know how much I wanted to escape that place and I knew for sure that your parents would’ve wanted us to stay with them. I know you would’ve done something for us to move out but I couldn’t let you do that. I know how much you equally love them.

     

    Why didn’t you say anything?

     

    Would you have understood?

     

    He remained silent. When I moved to Bombay, I tried contacting him through various means, but he never reverted back. And I understood. I gave him the space that he needed.

    I’m sorry Jaden.

    I know you’re. But do not expect me to forgive you so soon. I cannot do that.

    I understand.

    We spoke for a little while. There were moments when we fell silent. There were moments we just looked into each other’s eyes, trying to find the people we fell in love with. That was the last time I saw Jaden.

  • Even after all these years

    Even after all these years

    Tara wants to re-unite with her father, after all these. This short story is about second chances and trying to put your trust on someone, after the dark past you’ve had with them.

     

    The first Friday of every month were usually reserved for our sleepovers. Meghna and I had made this pact when we were about thirteen years old and since then, have never broken the pact. It was about 7:30 in the evening. Meghna, her father and myself, were sitting at the dinner table having our supper. Her mother wasn’t able to make it for dinner because she had to stay back at the office to complete some work. Her family always had their meals early. While there are many people who might find this unusual, I found this habit admirable. Meghna was the only child her parents possessed. While she shared a very loving and close relationship with both her parents, she was closer to her father. As we sat eating our dinner, I watched the way Meghna and her father spoke with each other. I often found myself observing the way they were with each other, when I was in their midst. Feelings of admiration and jealousy collided during these moments of observation. I was about 6 years old when ma and pa decided to separate. I have very few memories with him. Ma didn’t want him to be a part of my existence, mostly because he was an alcoholic. He had come home drunk one night, his entire being drowned in alcohol. He had tried to become violent with my mother and me, that night. That particular incident had pushed her to separate from him.
    Tara, don’t you want to meet your father? We were sitting in Meghna’s room, after supper. We were sitting on the carpet, on the floor, fidgeting with our phones, when Meghna suddenly shot this question at me. For a few seconds I did not say anything and simply stared at her.
    I…I…I don’t know. She kept her phone aside. She came closer toward me and snatched my phone, keeping it next to hers.
    The thing is, you do know. You know that you want to meet your father. I looked deep into her eyes. She gave voice to the very words stuck deep within my heart. I’m right, aren’t I? I nodded my head, indicating a yes. Go meet him!
    I’m not sure how to do that.
    We’ll figure out a way, don’t worry.
    But ma won’t allow this to happen.
    You know, I love and respect aunty a lot but he is your father Tara. You deserve to give him a chance. You never know after all these years, he might’ve changed.
    It’s a very far-fetched possibility.
    Maybe it is. You’ll never know unless you give him a chance, will you?
    No, I won’t.
    So first, go speak with aunty and then we can figure out what to do.
    Yeah.

    It has been 10 years since pa moved out of our lives. In these 10 years there have been a few times when I did ask ma about him. But these conversations would only end with her changing the topic or simply remaining silent. After a while I’d just stop asking her anything regarding pa. I figured it was based not knowing. I figured that maybe she had a reason for not telling me anything about him because she knew him more than I did.
    It was around 8 in the evening. She was in the kitchen cooking dinner. Hindi music was playing in the background. This was her method of relaxing after a long day at work. I slowly walked toward the laptop which was sitting on the dining table and turned down the music.
    Tara! She called out to me. Yes, ma?
    What happened to the music?
    I turned it down.
    Why?
    I want to speak with you.     She walked out of the kitchen and came into the living room, where I was sitting. She came and sat with me on the couch. My heart was pounding hard. My hands were shivering.
    Tell me. I’m all ears.
    Ma, I want to meet pa.     She remained silent and looked at me. It felt like she was framing what and how she wanted to tell me what she was about to say, in her head. Ma, he’s my father. He’s half of me and I deserve to know him, talk to him, so does he. I know I shouldn’t be asking this of you, but—She cut me off before I could finish the speech which I’d mentally prepared to convince her.
    Okay.
    What?!
    I’m allowing you to go meet him, is what I’m saying.
    Are you sure?
    If I don’t, I know you’d find a way to meet him behind my back. So to stop that from happening, I might just allow you to do this.     I smiled. Words were substituted by the tight hug which I gave her.
    After speaking with her, I immediately called up Meghna. Meg, ma allowed me to meet with him. I could hear the excitement in her voice. Really?!
    Yes, really!
    She will speak with him tomorrow morning and fix a date, depending on when he is free.
    Wait, they’ve been in touch with each other through all these years?
    Yes, they have. He keeps asking her about me.
    She never told you about this?
    No, not at all. She had her reasons and honestly, I respect that.
    Hmm…
    Anyway, let’s see what happens.
    Yes.

    I put on my favorite pair of light blue jeans and the short white kurta, which I wore for the many important occasions, like this one. Along with the feeling of excitement, there was this feeling of apprehension which clutched on it as well. It was around 11, on a Saturday morning. Ma was sitting in the living room reading a fashion magazine. She looked up and put down the magazine when she heard my footsteps enter the living room. Our eyes met and we simply smiled at each other.
    Ma, am I doing the right thing?
    You mean meeting by meeting him?
    Yes. Why do you ask?
    I’m a little scared.
    Don’t be. Whatever it is, you’ll have to figure it out.
    Yes. Ma?
    Yes, Tara?
    Did he sound excited, when you told him that I wanted to meet him?
    Yes, he did. He’d been waiting for this for a very long time.     I smiled, in response. I said my goodbye and walked out of the house.

    We had decided to meet in a small Chinese restaurant near my house. I was sitting at the table which was placed in the center of the restaurant. The walls of the restaurant were painted in off-white. The décor was simple and nothing to jazzy. I was the first one to reach. I was early, about 10 minutes early. It was all these feelings dancing within me, which brought me to the restaurant early.

    I kept sipping glasses of water and my eyes were fixed toward the entrance. About half an hour had passed and still there was no sign of him.

    I ordered for a plate of dumplings. I hated sitting in a restaurant and not ordering anything. I kept making up reasons in my head as to why he was late. I kept giving him the benefit of the doubt. I kept calling him on the number which ma had forwarded to me.
    I waited for nearly two hours, he did not turn up. I paid the bill and left.

    Tears rolled down my eyes, as soon as I got out of the restaurant. I put on my ear phones and walked briskly toward my house. I continuously rang the bell till my mother finally opened the door. I ran into the house and then into my room. I jumped onto my bed and cried my eyes out. Ma entered the room and lay on the bed beside me, holding me tight.
    He didn’t show up, did he? Through my tears, I uttered a soft “no”.
    Tara, it is okay, don’t be hard on yourself.  I slowly turned my entire self to face her. It isn’t. It really isn’t. I started crying again. I buried my face in her and began crying again. She slowly moved her hand on my head. Cry all you want. I won’t stop you. After a few minutes and lifted myself and wiped the tears off, of my face.
    You knew that he wouldn’t show up?
    Part of me did and the other part was hoping that he would show up and not disappoint.
    Why did you not stop me from meeting him after all these years?
    Honestly, I wanted you to see for yourself what kind of a person he is. You deserved to figure that out for yourself and I wanted you to.
    He hasn’t changed at all, even after all these years.
    You know, when you were in the first year of kindergarten, you were part of the fancy dress competition. That year, your father had begun his heavy drinking. He just seemed so far away from the both of us. I was trying to do everything I could, to keep him with us. To not let my marriage and our little family fall apart. I asked him to come for the fancy dress competition, to support you, but he never showed up. Finally when we reached home, we found him on the floor with an empty bottle of rum. I remember how you hid behind the curtain of our room, while I picked him up and put him on the bed. I’ve forgiven him a million times, in all the years that we’ve been together. But these are the certain incidents I will never forgive him for. There came a point when it didn’t matter if he hurt me but I couldn’t stand him hurting you. I know that I have been stopping you from meeting with him, all these years. But when you told me that you wanted to meet him, a few days ago, I realized that you were ready for this. Ready to not only meet him but make a decision of how you feel about him. And I’m glad I let you and you went.
    Thank you, ma.     She kissed me on my forehead and hugged me. Tara, even if he does meet you some day, give him that chance. Maybe he has his reasons as why he decided to not show up today. And even if you decide not to, I’m here for you.
    Yes.

    It has been six months since the incident. Every time I pass by the Chinese restaurant, I see the girl sitting at the table placed in the center of the restaurant, waiting for her father to show up. I’d imagine him showing, creating imaginary conversations and instances of how it would be. The tears would almost come tumbling down, but I’d immediately brush away these thoughts and walk away. The next day, he did try calling me up to apologize. He left a few text messages on my phone and on Facebook, but I never reverted back. Not even now after six months have passed. It is hard, to forgive him, for leaving me waiting for him like that. Maybe ma is right. He might have his reasons for abandoning me like that. But for now I wasn’t ready to understand or to forgive him. Maybe someday I will. Someday I will listen to his side of the story and give him a chance. But for now, I’ve decided to do otherwise and not give him the opportunity to hurt me again.

  • Like We Used To

    Like We Used To

    Kat and Rick love each other but they don’t have the courage to let go first…

     

    Kat woke up with sunlight prickling her eyes through the glass door of the balcony. Sitting up, she checked her phone. “No new messages” it said. She hoped that at least today, on her birthday, he would message her but she was disappointed. He had a big day today. A big recording coming up. She typed,

    All the best for today

    Soon, she had second thoughts and erased the message. Putting the phone back on the night-stand, she went to bathroom to get ready for the day. She slipped in a white floral sundress.

    “White always looks good on you” his voice echoed in her ears. She checked her phone again. There were messages from people wishing her but his message was not there. Picking her purse, she walked out of the door.

     

    Rick woke up when the alarm rang for the third time. He sat on his bed and noticed that he had slept in yesterday’s clothes only. Grabbing his phone, he straighten up to finally message her. He saw the she was typing but after some minutes, she went offline. Sighing, he typed,

    Happy birthday!!

    But he erased it thinking that she doesn’t need his wishes for her birthday. She found the guy she always wanted, the one who actually gives her time. He got out of the bed grabbed his bag for he was to catch flight in two hours. If he would have just admitted to himself that he was not the guy she dreamed of, he wouldn’t have had a hard time moving on. Putting on his sunglasses, he got in his car and drove to the airport.

     

    Walking on the streets, Kat was ready to explore this city alone today. Her new boyfriend, Dylan was supposed to have lunch with her so she had enough time to go around the city alone again. She stopped by a shop which made her heart sink. It was the shop in which she and Rick snuck in at midnight her last birthday. She gave a laugh with her eyes filling with tears. Luckily she was wearing sunglasses which hid her tears. She continued walking making her way the other side of the road.

     

    Rick was checking his phone when he got the reminder about her birthday. He ignored it and shoved his phone in his pocket.

    “It is not my birthday without you in it” she said that on her last birthday before kissing him on the top of the Ferris wheel. He fought his tears and tried to keep a straight face when the hostess asked him if he needs anything. He shook his head and started gazing outside the window.

     

    “Come on Kat, it is your birthday” Penny, her best-friend exclaimed. Kat was busy taking photographs of them. She smiled saying, “I am happy being the photographer”

    Penny snatched the camera from her and pushed her towards the group of their friends. Dylan took her hand and squeezed it. She smiled at him and then turned to Penny who shouted, “Everybody smile”

     

    Click! Click! Flashing of camera made him nervous. He smiled saying, “I think these are enough”

    Photographer gave a thumbs up, “Yeah, one last one Rick!”

    He nodded as photographer clicked one more photo of him.

     

    She was sitting with Dylan on the swings. He laughed, “You have got to be kidding me. How can you not like it?”

    She shrugged, “Not my type. I am basically more of a thriller person”

    His eyes widen, “Then, maybe I should take you out for a horror movie”

    She blushed, “Yeah, I’ll prefer horror over romantic”

     

    Rick was sitting in a restaurant waiting for a meeting that was supposed to happen, surfing his gallery. He came across the folder which had all the photos of them together. Seeing her smile again made his heart break a little. The thought that now that smile will be for someone else made him sick. He dialed her number but it went to the voicemail. Keeping the phone on table, he buried his face in his hands. He started typing out a message,

    Hey

    But his producers arrived and he erased the message.

     

    Sitting on the station waiting for the train, she was surfing through her gallery. She couldn’t control herself. Tears rolled down her face. She wiped them off but they wouldn’t stop as she watched the message he recorded on her last birthday. She thought, when did this all went downhill…

    As she went through his profile, she noticed a photo of him kissing a girl. He had moved on, she thought. She boarded her train while re-reading their conversation. She saw him typing but there was no message.

     

    “Kat is the best girlfriend in the whole world” she shouted on the top of her voice, “You have to shout that”

    He laughed as she swirled around the pole, “Not a chance. How can you be so sure that you are the best?”

    She laughed, “I just know it. Now stop filming it”

    He laughed, “No I’ll not. I should have a proof that you are one crazy person”

    She laughed hysterically.

    Rick had watched this video ten times because he missed her laugh.

     

    Kat reached Penny’s house where they had planned a party for her. She was happy to be surrounded by the people she loved. They were having conversations and jokes which she had missed when she was with Rick. He had been travelling a lot so she had to travel with him which made her miss her home. Pressing her cheek against Dylan’s shoulder, she smiled as Penny’s brother showed off his new dance move.

    In the kitchen, Penny’s mom was busy making herself a glass of wine when Kat entered. She asked, “Do you want something, dear?”

    Kat shook her head as her smile faded away. Penny’s mom asked, “You don’t miss him?”

    Kat sighed, “Every moment but he moved on. So I have to move on too”

    She sat on the stool nearby as Penny’s mom stroked her hair finally hugging her as she burst into tears.

     

    Rick entered the club with his friends. He was sitting near the bar when he noticed a girl staring at him. She smiled coyly at him. He smiled too. His friends forced him to get on the stage to sing a song. Half-drunk, he sang a song.

    Outside the club, he was stood next to that girl talking to his friends. As both of them started talking, he moved closer to her and kissed her.

     

    She kissed Dylan goodbye and walked back to her house.

     

    There was something which made him stop. He said goodbye to her and went off.

     

    Crashing back on her bed, she typed,

    Kept thinking about you all day

    She noticed he was typing too

     

    Wanted to wish you happy birthday since the morning

    He typed.

     

    Shaking her head, she put her phone on silent mode.

     

    Erasing the message, he kept the phone to side.

     

    After a while, Rick was unable to sleep. He finally gave in. Picking up the phone, he dialed her number.

    Kat was crying when her phone buzzed. She picked it up and a joy flushed in her heart when she saw his number.

     

    All it takes is the one step towards the person you love to make things right again. If you really love someone, just say it and work through all the odds.

  • The Homemaker’s Book Club

    The Homemaker’s Book Club

    In this first part to the two-part short story, our narrator Ira, tells us how her Book Club for housewives which she co-created with Anjali, came into being.

     

                       She is one of the most real characters I have come across, among the many books I have read. I enjoyed the parts which included her narration and which spoke about her, the most. Also, digging deep into the person that she is was quite an adventure. As a plate of butter cookies was being passed around, Divya made this comment. She managed to grab the attention of all the ten women, including herself, who were sitting there, even though we engaged in eating and alternatively sipping coffee or tea. The book in focus for today’s discussion, was Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Lowland. With a small bite of the cookie in her mouth Vidya said, I agree with Divya. I love how lost and entangled Gauri is. Even toward the end of the novel, I don’t think she ever found herself. Even after submerging herself in the pages of her books, she kept holding onto to it so much that, which she went back to not really figuring out who she truly is. I quietly listened, as I consumed the mint chutney sandwiches which were cut in the shape of a triangle. Our mugs of coffee and tea were standing haphazardly on the coffee table, with an abandoned plate of vanilla cake. I somehow couldn’t connect with Gauri wholly. Especially when she completely distanced herself from Subhash and Bela. In fact I felt angry when she removed herself from the responsibilities of being a wife and a mother. I understand that she wanted to make a life for herself. But it shouldn’t have been done at the cost of her husband and daughter who only craved for her love. And Subhash literally gave her the life she wanted to escape to. It just wasn’t fair! As Anjali made this comment, I could sense the anger in her tone. It was almost as if Gauri was doing all those things to her. Anjali usually got overly excited during our discussions. All of us loved these discussions, but she was among the few whose excitement and enthusiasm was vividly visible. After remaining silent for most part of the session, I finally said something. I found Gauri very different from Ashima in Lahiri’s previous novel. I found more depth in her than in Ashima. And Gauri was different. I like how different and unique she is. And it’s not only her, but Subhash and Udayan who keep me surprised throughout the novel because as a reader the most nuanced details keep unfolding, for me. 
    Our discussion went on for nearly two hours, much like the usual time we take. People had begun to leave as soon as the discussion was over. I stayed back, as always, to help Anjali with putting away the dishes and cleaning up, after everyone had left. We were standing in the kitchen and washing the dishes. Anjali was continuously saying something, while doing the dishes and I quietly stood there and listened to her.
    Hey Ira, are you okay?
    Yeah, yeah. I am.
    Are you sure? Because you seemed so lost in your own little world. You barely participated in our discussion.
    I know. I’ve just been very distracted.
    With what?
    I don’t know, exactly.     At this point, we both stopped doing the dishes and occupied the two chairs which were kept facing toward the kitchen counter. We closed the tap and wiped our soapy hands on a towel which Anjali picked up from the counter.
    Hey, you can tell me anything. What’s going on?
    I know that I can. I need some time to figure things out.
    Figure what out?
    My marriage.     She remained silent and did not say anything. She stared at me. I don’t think she knew what to say exactly. My marriage had not exactly been smooth sailing since the past one year and she knew about it. The Book Club usually provided an escape from my otherwise unhappy life but today, it did not help. Without giving her a chance to speak, I continued talking.
    You know how unhappy Ziaan has been for a year, now. And now it’s getting worse. Every second day he ends up picking a fight. There are nights when he doesn’t come home, even. I don’t know what to do.
    Talk to him about this. Have you tried doing that?
    Of course I have! But he conveniently changes the topic and doesn’t allow any discussion to happen between us, about us.
    That isn’t fair.
    I know that it isn’t, but what can I do? He’s always been like this. I don’t know what to do.     I suddenly found tears rolling down my eyes. Anjali came a little closer and wiped the tears off, of my face.
    About a year ago, Anjali and I started the book club, when my marriage slowly had begun to crack. Anjali and I became acquainted with each other because of our husbands. Our husbands knew each other from their college days and managed to remain the best of friends even after they graduated with their Bachelors’ degree. They had created this tradition of having dinner together every month, either in their homes or somewhere outside. Life had gotten the best of them and they barely got the time to spend with each other, like they used to, when they were in college. When Anjali and I started dating them, this tradition got extended to include us as well. It took a couple of months for Anjali and me to become more comfortable with each other and eventually, we did. We started learning a lot about each other and our relationships during these dinner dates. We discovered that the both of us shared a profound love for literature. As time passed by, we started meeting outside our little traditional dinner dates. We’d meet for brunch or for a snack in either of our homes or we’d go out to a new restaurant or a cafe. We’d assign each other a new book to read every week and during our meetings, we’d discuss about these books.

    Do you have to be home anytime soon? I checked the time on my watch. It was 5:20 pm.
    No, not really.
    Why?
    I want you to relax, sit down and just give voice to all those doubts and fears dancing within you.     I didn’t say anything but just looked down.

    Hey, she lifted my face. I’m going to open a bottle of wine and a pack of cigarettes and you’re going to tell me all about it, whatever it is that is bothering you and upsetting you and pushing you to not give your entire attention to this book club.

     

    The book club had been our baby. We were the ones who created this baby who we call The Homemaker’s Book Club. Neither Anjali nor I were working women. Our book club, allowed us to focus on something we absolutely loved and were passionate about. It took away our minds from the otherwise monotonous lives we lead as housewives. The two or so hours that we did spend time discussing the books we had assigned each other for the week, was something we longed for through the entire week. We relished every bit of it with our entire selves, when we read the books and discussed them. These discussion took me back to the English Literature classes of my college days. I had begun to realize that I was distancing myself from something that I not only helped create, but something that was completely close to my heart. I didn’t want to lose it because in all honesty, it was something that kept me going through all the difficult time in my marriage and with Ziaan.
    Ira, you must speak with Ziaan about this, mostly because it is eating you up. I can see that. I am not telling you this because of how lost you were today, but because of how lost you have been since the past couple of times our group has met. Many have pointed out that you seem uninterested and lost and do not contribute enough, like you usually would.
    I know. I need some time.
    Take it. But can I just tell you one more thing? Why don’t you put all your energies into reading and enjoying the sessions, like you otherwise do? It’ll do you good and it will make you feel better. Trust me on that.
    Yeah, you’re right. I’m going to try doing that.

     

  • Unexpected Love

    Unexpected Love

    In the short story, the protagonist, Yasmin unexpectedly falls in love with her husband, Zeeshan, who has an equally heartbreaking past as her.

                       Cherry blossoms bloomed during winters, here. I suddenly found myself developing an obsession for these cherry blossom trees. Seeing them, brought an indescribable joy in my heart and the very sight of them soothed my mind, splashing color into my otherwise dreary day. There is a cherry blossom tree standing right outside the window of our bedroom. Every evening, since the beginning of winter, I sit on the bay window and sip my large cup of coffee, looking at that cherry blossom tree. After fitting myself well into the process of admiring the tree, the writer breathing within me begins to conjure lines on my muse.
    This is my first winter, here. It has been exactly four months since my arrival. The city continues to remain a stranger to me. My husband, even stranger. It’s half passed five in the evening. I shiver when the telephone begins to ring. I run toward the table on the side of the bed where I sleep. The cordless phone is standing there, with the light blinking as it rings. I answer the call. Perfect silence breathes on the other end of the phone for a few seconds before I hear Zeeshan’s voice:
    Hello.
    Yes, Zeeshan?
    I’ll be late from work, this evening. Don’t wait up for me.
    What about dinner?
    I’ll grab a bite from someplace close to work. Don’t worry.
    Okay.
    There was a few minutes of silence before we said goodbye. Zeeshan and I were close family friends. Our families knew each other much before we were born. Our fathers have been the best of friends since their college days and our mothers eventually got closer, through the years. Zeeshan and I, however, were never close. Zeeshan was an introvert and even after all these years, he still continues to be. Whatever little that I did get to know about him, was from what my mother used to tell me about him and the brief conversations he and I used to have during our various gatherings. It has been five months since Zeeshan and I have been united in holy matrimony. Everything occurred in a lot of haste. Neither of us got the time to take it all in. We did not get married because we were in love. We got married because his parents wanted him to get married and have a family, while my parents did not want to leave me all by myself, with a child produced out of wedlock. They did not want to leave me with a child whose father was no more. Zeeshan and his parents knew about the baby. The baby did not cause an objection to the marriage.
    This human growing inside of me, is the only source for giving me a reason to live. More importantly, this human is the closest living reminder of Zohran; of our love and, just him. I speak to the baby. The baby helps me to get through my many moments of loneliness. The baby is always with me. Even though there never comes a response or a verbal confirmation that the baby is listening, I knew that she is. More often than not, I refer to the baby as a girl. It comes very naturally to me. I do not know why. I want the baby to be a girl. No actually, I want the baby to be a boy. No actually, the baby can just about be anything. It doesn’t matter. Sometimes I find myself wondering what if I lose the baby. The thought leaves me in a state of numbness. With the baby gone, I will not only lose this human I have become attached to, but I’d lose the only living reminder of Zeeshan.
    Darkness slowly begins to set in. I put on my walking shoes and step outside the house for my evening walk. Cool breeze is blowing outside. Cars and auto rickshaws pass by in a flash. I walk toward the garden which is close to our apartment building. I sit on a bench for a few seconds, before resuming my walk in the garden. A couple walks past me. They walk hand in hand. Zohran and I spent endless evenings walking just the very same way as the couple, outside his or my apartment building. We would spend our time on marine drive or just walking around the island city, after our lectures when we were in college. Nine years. If he were alive today, it would have been our tenth year of knowing and loving each other. Almost every night, I meet him in my dreams. The nights I do not meet him, sadness accompanies me the whole of the next day. In one such dream, a few days after his passing, he held me with a tight hold and gently placed my head on his shoulder, while I wept. He asked me the reason for my weeping, but I just looked into his eyes and continued to cry.
    After spending a little more than an hour outside, I am welcomed into an empty apartment. I place the house keys in the bowl on the table, next to the door. I sit on the dining table to have my dinner. In these few months of our marriage we’ve spent innumerable moments in silence. We’re two strangers living in the same apartment. We live our own lives and do our own things, for the most part. Zeeshan has these walls created around himself which I find very difficult to break down. Most of the times, I feel like me and my child are just his good deed for the day. Maybe this marriage is a mistake. Maybe we did run into this too quickly. But it’s not like we had a choice. Our decision was already made by our parents. Maybe this isn’t a mistake. Maybe it isn’t.

     

     

    It’s the sixth month of my arrival in the city. It is the tenth day of January. Zeeshan and I are sitting on the bay window. He and I are sipping mugs of tea. The incessant rains which brought in the day, decided to take a break, leaving behind a dull cover and the smell of wet mud. Our eyes are fixed on our view outside the window.
    I’m not a very big fan of the rains. Zohran was. There used to be this chai wala bang opposite his apartment building, who used to make one of the best chai’s I have had till date. Zohran and I used to go have his chai. It was the best especially when it was pouring outside.
    Zeeshan remained silent, while his eyes continued to remain fixed on the view.
    Do you miss him? I turned toward Zeeshan and looked at him in shock. This is the first time he is talking about Zohran or taking his name, even.
    I do. Very much.
    We remained silent.
    Zeeshan.
    Yes?
    You talk, but you don’t really talk.
    What do you want me to say?
    Anything! Anything about yourself.
    I was in love with a girl named Lara before the two of us got married.
    Are you still in love with her?
    Part of me still is.
    What happened?
    She never wanted to settle down and I wanted to. I always knew this about her but I thought maybe down the line when we become more serious about each other she would want to get married. Turned out, I was wrong.
    I’m sorry.
    Hey, it’s okay.
    There’s a reason why everything turns out the way it does.
    Well, I haven’t found this reason yet.
    You will.
    Hopefully.
    Why did you marry me, then?
    Because my parents wanted me to settle down. And also because I was looking for something to help me to move on from all the sadness which had settled inside me. I’m sorry.
    Don’t be. I understand.
    Are you happy with this marriage?
    I don’t know what to say or feel, really    . Are you happy?
    I do not know.

     

    That particular day on the tenth day of January two years ago, the heavy showers had prevented Zeeshan and Yasmin from stepping out of the house and having a rendezvous with their reality, that is, their marriage and them. That day planted the seed to what grew first, a strong friendship and then, a love which they themselves did not expect to happen. Zeeshan still loved Lara, but wasn’t in love with her and Yasmin still loved Zohran but wasn’t in love with him. Zeeshan and Yasmin knew this about each other and they respected and understood this part of their existence. Zeeshan was still the same introvert Yasmin knew two years ago when they met. But, she finally broke down all those walls which he had built around him. Yasmin was still the same person he met two years ago. But, he had learnt to love her. Zeeshan wore the shirt Yasmin got him for their anniversary and Yasmin wore the dress he got her. Yasmin’s brother had made a reservation in one of the Italian restaurants the couple of them always wanted to go to. Yasmin was almost done getting ready when Zeeshan came and stood behind her, admiring her in the mirror.
    What? Do I not look good?
    You look incredible!     Yasmin smiled from ear to ear. She turned to face him and slowly whispered in his ear, I love you, Shan! He whispered back, I love you too.

     

  • EXPLORING THE LOST STRANDS OF MY WORLD

    EXPLORING THE LOST STRANDS OF MY WORLD

    The story is about a girl who was ambitious and thus to fulfill her ambition she followed the herd race and found a place in the society as her friend got. But she could not convince herself that she belongs to present work place and could not find any connection to present work culture. In totality, she felt as an alien to that world.

    Initially, she was excited as she was placed in a good company. But after a few year, she found that something she missed when she realized ad then she figured out that she lost her identity which she could not make despite she devoted her time and full attention to the work. And one day, she explored her true self and also found her passion with a purpose.

    When she found her true-self she felt that she found her true identity and she also felt so powerful that she could stand even before the blaze of any difficulty. It worked as an intrinsic value of her being which protected her and directed her in further life.

    She found her- self  luck as very few people could find passion and work on the same platform and she got that edge of her passion.

    Despite she didn’t know the uncertainty of her dream job, s he had that courage to follow her dream job.

    And this courage is required in today’s world as it gives a person, the strong character and the power to hold his/her steps in defined track in this ever changing world.

     

    *****

    I awake as the sun was streaming through the window and sunray was falling on my bed.

    O god! it is morning. How long I have been sleeping and just checked my table clock it was 6 0’clock. And I got up from my bed to see the full view of the sky.

    I amazed because I saw people were not only walking on the road but they were also walking in the air and I closed my window and rushed to my balcony to see things more clearly, I saw more people who were walking in the air.

    I was shocked to see, the sun was rising and i could see it with my naked eye. Normally, it happens with an hour. I felt that I was going to be insane what is going on. To my amazement, it just rose just in front of my window in few seconds.

    And I saw my reflection in the Sun whichstart melting and by seeing it I got horrified and I touched me to make sure whether I was fine or not but I was okay.

    And I rushed to mirror to get the glimpse of me and I saw that I  was totally fine but as I saw my face I shrieked. It was not my face it was different, I  knew this new face but I couldn’t remember the person who was she and how I got her face and I started crying.

    I was shivering and suddenly I was shaken by somebody and finally I  opened my eyes it was my mom and she was asking Am I fine?

    Oh god, It was just a dream and I got relaxed.

    Are you okay? She was asking but I  did not come into my conscious state so that I could answer her. So, i nodded my head in the affirmation but she was not convinced as I could see her tensed face.

    So, I had to get my whole strength and I said her that I am ok.

    She got up from bed and tap my head in affection and told me not to wake up till late night for work and went out of my room as my parent had to go for their office.

     

    Hi,

    It’s me Shivangi and it was 2nd day of the new year and I  dreamed such a terrifying & strange dream what would be hidden in others days.

    Now, I  also had to run for my work.

    I started my work as a fashion stylist in the shimmer company a year ago. Yes, to get into a fashion college, it was a dream for me. when I got placed in college placement, it was a dream comes true situation for me.

    But now as I saw myself in present scenario, I think it was not for me and I don’t belong here. As this area is too shallow to dive into it as it can’t hold my depth of passion any longer.

    So, I followed myreal passion that was photography. It was great to capture your vision world and exemplified through that piece of art.

    It didn’t mean that I left my job. Along with it, I pursued my passion. And it didn’t interfere in my work instead it ignited my life with the new zeal and enthusiasm.

    I started to feel more alive and light within myself. And then I made my resume and filled the form for the photographer. I didn’t not think too much about this but I followed the quotation that is ‘go with the flow’.

    And I started to live my journey fully. I n between this, I got a call from a company I already searched about the company it was a good company. So, I went for interview and as I reached in the office and while interviewing I found its inclination was towards the ad shoot which again took me towards the” crazy world “. I was selected as I was as a add shoot photographer and I already knew the nuances of this particular job profile and I also saw the photography and shoot of models.

    I got selected and the final selection was done but I had to wait for the final appointment process.

    While stepping towards my home, I was thinking what did I want exactly. I stopped as I saw a garden and sat at a bench. I felt very peaceful as the cool breeze was gently blowing with the fragrance of freshness and I heard the chirruping of birds, muttering & whispering of people and noise of children, I  was feeling good.

    Gradually It started darkening and I  still sat there on the bench and kept gazing the sky and I saw many colors of nature.

    Something I came to know about my wish. While approaching to home I figured out what I wanted. I wanted to explore my talent in artistic photography and also natural & abstract photography. As I can imagine and vision about the whole scenery or situation in my mind while clicking pictures. It happened by default and it was my strength.

    Finally, I reached home, as I entered my home I got an mail then I checked ad I found,  it was a renowned company and I dwelled more I found it was a great firm who encouraged the aspirants.

    I read mail Dear Shivani,

    You have been shortlisted for Artistic photography.

    Here we are sending a mail for the assignment

    If you are interested to compete for the “Artistic photography,” below we have written a detailed post about the selection process and structuring of the Internship program.

    Finally, I got a strong strand element in photography whose both ends resided within me and I can knit the fabric of the art whenever I felt it.

    Hurry ! I was in tears and overwhelmed it was an eureka moment for me. As I discovered the element of my being.

    Next day, I took two days off from my job and I visited the hill station which was near to my hometown and also took my younger brother with me and in whole journey, he was asking about the reason for sudden plan of outing but I told him to wait till the next day.

    As we reached on the station I had approached to my favorite place as my family used to come here frequently for the picnic. And so I took taxi for that place.

    It was dawn and the whole nature looked perfect with its all colors and I started to click. I took many pics but my brother was getting bored and he started to jump here & there as if someone awaken  his devil soul

    He started to act mischievously and he frequently was coming in the frame which I wanted to portray and started to make funny faces.

    I could not hold my laugh any more and we laughed together and thus I clicked many pictures of him and also of us.

     

    It started darkening. So I decided to return. As my phone was ringing frequently as it was getting late and I got relief as I reached home station.

    My brother Ashish told me not to worry as he was with me.

    I replied please you just entered in the 1st semester of college. Don’t be over-smart.

    He then started his whole brave story of his college in the taxi which he never shared with me in the home.

    He might think that I didn’t listen him but I heard him and also enjoyed his whole story. and I realized it was really peaceful when you do what you want as it also reflected in one’s behavour.

    As I listened him patiently. Finally, we reached home and my father was ready with his whole speech which he must be framing since he heard our late arrival. I also listened to him patiently and told him it would not happen in future. He saw my face and allowed me to enter in my room.

    I checked my photos it was really good especially of my brother.

    I send my resumes as well as my work on selected companies. I was thinking about my journey while sleeping.

    I got up. It was 7’0 clock and I had to rush as I got the mail of my boss that tomorrow .I had to reach early.

    So, I had to rush. I didn’t a chance to take relief till 8’0clock in the evening.

    Finally, I reached home, as I entered my home I got an mail then I checked ad I found,  it was an email from that company and I dwelled more I found it was a great firm who encouraged the aspirants.

    I read mail.

    That they received my photos and they like my work and also liked the theme.

    Further, I read it was an affirmation. And they were calling me for final interview. The address was of Delhi. I managed to take another off days from office and I also convinced my parents.

    I entered the office, my interview was good and I was nervous as if it was my 1st interview and I was told to wait.

    I was on the way of home town. Finally, I got selected. I was feeling awesome. My 1st project would be planned to cover the life of monasteries in Ladakh. Initially, as I heard it, I was a little perplexed but after pondering over it a few minute, I found it quite interesting as I saw those picturesque images on TV  and also on many  traveling channels and I loved travelling.

    And .so, I accepted even they told me that I might get more adventures in future projects. Are you comfortable?

    If I was getting my dream job and I knew, it happens with very few people and I was feeling myself one of those lucky persons who got a chance to follow her dream and job together. And I said yes after a few pause

    As I stepped down on the station of my home town and I found it a new world. While moving to home, I closed my eyes I saw  that  I was approaching closer to the mirror  I  touched it ,it shattered into pieces and the sun light fall on the window and in which I could see my image and yes,  it was my face and it was shining as it was a sign of  happiness that I found by exploring  my true self  and I didn’t follow the herd and I got overwhelmed and my eyes were filled with tears and thus this empowering passion clear my vision to see world more clearly.

    I hope I would convince my family to pursue my new explored world.