3 Acts of Love

Act 1 | Nikhil goes to Chennai


7 PM, Friday,21st November,2010.
International Tech Park, Bangalore was hustling and bustling as it always used to be. Baffled Software Engineers on one side and Selfish Managers on the other side, there was no shortage for events and happenings. Nikhil was glued to his seat in the 6th floor at Pioneer building. He knew the clock was ticking and it might get late for his bus. He has to reach Madivala by 8 PM to catch his bus to Chennai.
He was assigned the task of resolving a high priority issue. He tried all possible solutions but nothing worked. With loads of frustration, he decided to go out for a smoke. An idea struck him when he was smoking, not on how to solve it but how to get rid of it. In the software industry, you might not know how to solve but you should always know how to get rid of it and make it as “OTHERS BABY”. He convinced his poor fellow colleague and outsourced the work to him. With a sigh of relief, Nikhil took his bag, came outta his office and started towards Madivala.
Nikhil reached in time and boarded the Chennai bus. He got a window seat. He always loved window seats .It was a cool and pleasant night. The white lady in the dark sky, peeping through the window, gentle cool breeze caressing his face and with soothing melodies turned on in the head phones, Nikhil always loved such journeys. It’s a seven hours travel. The bus was sailing through the busy roads. Nikhil was sailing through his thoughts. He was very excited about the next three days. He is going for his sister’s wedding. He thought, next three days would be promisingly great fun for him. His sister Prarthana is getting married this Sunday. He sensed that his phone was ringing. He took the phone from his pocket to see that it’s his sister who was calling. He attended the phone.”
“Hi Nikhil where are you?” she questioned.
“The bus started, will be reaching by tomorrow morning” He replied.
“OK, come safe, I would wake up soon to receive my sweet brother” she smiled.
“Who is that stupid fellow??” Nikhil questioned with a corner smile.
“A stupid fellow who is travelling from Bangalore to Chennai for attend his sister wedding”. She said and cut the phone.
Nikhil laughed inside and put the blanket over his head and started sleeping.
Next day Morning.
The bus reached Koyambedu in its scheduled time. Nikhil got a bus to adyar and reached his home.
Two huge banana trees were affixed at both ends of the gate. Its customary to do that as it signals to others that a family function is coming up shortly .Main door of the house was decorated with the continuous streak of mango leaves tied along a rope. Nikhil got excited to see all such decorations and entered the house. Their house was flooded with relatives. He greeted everyone and went to kitchen to kiss his Mom. As Nikhil expected, his mother assigned him high priority works and this time he cannot dodge. He patiently listened to his mother and gave her an affirmation that he would complete the work. He asked for his father and sister. His mother replied that father has gone to the Mandapam(Marriage Hall) and sister is in the bedroom. He rushed to the bedroom to see his sister.
She is the hero for the near future. Prarthana was surrounded by old age buddies of the family.
Prarthanas face blossomed on seeing Nikhil. He acknowledged it with a smile.
“Yesterday, I forgot to ask a question. Who was sitting nearby you in the bus Nikhil?” she exclaimed.
“You know right, that I am an unlucky person in such things. An old man prarthana”. He frowned.
“Don’t worry , you will get a girl in this wedding occasion.” Prarthana assured.
“If such a thing happens then I will give you…… sorry WE will give you a grand treat in Le Meridian….Deal”
“Sure??” prarthana asked for a confirmation.
“Sure, by the way what’s the plan for the day?” he asked.
We will be shifting to the Mandapam shortly, then at 10 am there is a ritual.
Whats that?
“A small ritual in which our family will invite the bridegroom and his family to the Mandapam”.
“Tell it straight that it’s to welcome your sweet heart” Nikhil laughed.
Prarthana blushed.
A Wedding Occasion is always distinctly special to everyone. For the parents, it’s an occasion filled with responsibilities and a deep inner joy. For the old people, it’s the time they can see their thick and thin and speak about the black and white times. For the children, it’s the time they would be set free for endless fun and shuttling themselves through the Mandapam.
What this occasion is gonna bring for Nikhil….???
With such thoughts, Nikhil sat in a window seat in the Tempo Traveller, and started towards the mandapam. Amidst the busy streets of T.Nagar, they managed to reach the mandapam in time.
His parents were arranging for the upcoming Himalayan Task of receiving their In-Laws.
We can even have a debate on which is more stressful- Launching a rocket or Receiving the In-Laws. There is nothing to wonder even if the latter wins in the debate.
The function stared. Mridangam and Nadhaswaram alarmed the people that the functioned has started.
Nikhil’s parents where in highly tensed mood as if India -Pakistan match was running high.
Nikhil’s sister ‘s in-laws arrived to the Mandapam at the right time.
A grand “Arati” was performed to the bride by Nikhil’s parents. A warm welcome was given to the in-laws.
Prathana received his would-be Akash with a gentle smile.
A black Chevrolet sedan stormed the Mandapam. Nikhil was standing at the entrance of the mandapam.
A middle aged couple got down from the car followed by a young, charming ( include all possible positive adjectives in English ) GIRL. He intentionally received her with a bigger version of smile. She acknowledged with a gentle nod. His heart and mind were perfectly in sync with each other in playing all hit love songs. It took some time for Nikhil to come to ground state from excited state. He liked the feeling and cherished every second.
She crossed him and went inside the Mandapam with her parents.
Now the million dollar question is how to approach her and how to move close with her????.
“Mapillai alzhaipu” and Betrothal function were scheduled for the evening and there were Six hours more for the function.
While his parents and sister were occupied with the marriage tension, Nikhil was completely in a different world. He got to know that her name is Aradhana. He kept followed her like a Hutch Dog. This graceful work occasionally disturbed by Nikhil’s parents and relatives as they assigned some work to him.
It was when half an hour to go for the start of the function; Nikhil was told by his maternal uncle that “Raju mama” was asking for him. Nikhil , very reluctantly snailed through the steps and reached first floor to meet “Raju mama”.
Mr.Raju, a man of forties, tall and an active gentleman. Nikhil greeted “Raju mama”. “You have to do me a favour Nikhil, Will you do??” questioned Raju mama. Nikhil told a half hearted “yes” to him and asked for what he should do. “A person from In-law side wants to buy a gift and the person is new to Chennai , so can you assist ??” thus raju finished.
He did not want to miss her sister’s betrothal and “Mapillai azhaipu”.
“Prarthana’s function would begin shortly and I don1’t want to miss that .I should be here mama” told Nikhil.
“Oh.. is it.. ok.. I will tell her” said Raju mama.
The key word for Nikhil in the last sentence was “ HER“.
His heart was pounding inside and he portrayed himself to be very casual and asked
“WWWho is that mama??”
“You might not be knowing her. She is Aradhana”. Replied Raju mama.
As soon as he heard the word “Aradhana” ,Nikhil was reacting like how a hard core rock music lover would react when Linkin Park does a live performance with this high voltage bass guitar.
Raju was wonderstuck to see Nkhil’s reaction and he thought Nikhil was suffering from any serious disorder.
“Are you OK” resounded Raju.
Nikhil controlled his emotions and replied “yes am alright and I won’t mind in assisting her , I will make sure I would be back before the function.”
“That’s cool Nikhil, I was very much worried about how I would say a no to the in-laws, wait I will introduce her to you” said Raju Mama


Act 2 | Hyderabad becomes Dearer.


“Raju Mama”, The God for Nikhil now. It would never be an astonishing thing even if Nikhil raises a Big temple for the one and only “Raju Mama”.
He went inside the in-laws room and took Aradhana along with him.
“Hi Aradhana, he is Nikhil, Prarthana’s brother”
“Nikhil , she is Aradhana, Akash’s maternal uncle’s daughter” Raju introduced .
Nikhil controlled all his emotions and spoke in a very formal way to Aradhana.
“But how would I take her out” questioned Nikhil to Raju Mama.
“Don’t worry Nikhil, take my bike.Its parked before the Mandapam office room and the number is
TN 45 A 6349 ” said the one and only “Raju Mama”, the God for Nikhil.
“ Hi Aradhana.Its already four ‘o’ clock. we wil leave right now , is that ok??” questioned Nikhil to Aradhana.
“That’s perfectly fine with me. We will leave now” said Aradhana.
Nikhil imagined it would be a great ride in the bike and he personified himself to be Vettayadu Vilayadu Kamal Hassan and Aradhana to be Kamalini Mukherjee.
With all such “ROMANTIC” imaginations they came near the Mandapam office room .Nikhil got a big blow when he found ”Raju mama”’’s bike.
It was a rusty old
%%%%%%%%%% TVS 50 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%.

Aradhana could not control his laughter. Nikhil was terribly embarrassed . He mumbled and managed the situation.
He asked her to wait there and he promised her he would return in another five minutes.
He managed to get a good REAL-bike from one of his relative and returned the TVS 50 key to Raju Mama.
Hopes of “Partha Mudal naley …..” was restored.
He ignited the bike’s engine and asked her to sit.
They hit the T.Nagar road and Aradhana started the conversation.
“Where are we going??”
“City Centre Landmark. You could find good gifts at landmark” said Nikhil.
“Landmark!! That’s cool” smiled Aradhana.
Nikhil enjoyed her smile through the rear view mirror.
Aradhana noticed when Nikhil was watching her through the rear view mirror.
She sensed he was bit restless. When a guy is restless, when a guy is ready to take a girl for a long ride even when his sister’s betrothal function is gonna occur in another half a hour, when he is watching her smile through the rear view mirror… what else can it be other than the beautiful four letter word.
Aradhana is not a dumb girl, not to notice all these things. She knew he is interested in her.
They reached City Centre. Parked the vehicle and walked towards Landmark.
“Raju mama told you are new to Chennai?? Is it” asked Nikhil.
“yeah, This is the first time I have come to Chennai. I was born and brought up at Hyderabad” said Aradhana.
“Oh, good, you are studying??”
“No, finished my engineering two years back and currently working at Deloitte, Hyderabad. And you??” questioned Aradhana.
“Finished my engineering three years back and currently working at IBM,Bangalore”.
“Bangalore!! Cool. I just love Bangalore” she exclaimed.
“You are most welcome to Bangalore. Come down once, I will be your official Travel Guide.” Knotted Nikhil.
“I have been to Bangalore many times” she retorted.
“Oh, that’s cool” managed Nikhil.
They entered Landmark.
“So,what are you gonna buy and for whom” asked Nikhil.
“ Gonna buy for Akash, you give me some suggestions” said Aradhana.
“How about a marble statue of a wedding couple??” questioned Nikhil.
Aradhana was pleased with Nikhil’s idea and credited him saying he has a good taste.
They started searching for such statues. After half an hour of intense search, they got a beautiful marble statue of a wedding couple. Aradhana billed and they climbed down to reach parking area .
“This is the first time you are coming to Chennai right. Merina Beach is near by only.Shall we go there” questioned Nikhil.
Aradhana was 200 percent sure about her guess. She was expecting he would propose to her at any time and she anticipated the probability of he proposing in a beach is very high.
“How far is it?” she questioned.
“Just a five minutes’ walk, we can return in an hour to the Mandapam”
“That must be fine ” said aradhana.
They started walking towards the Merina beach.
Road traffic was on its peak. For the first time Nikhik touched Aradhana. He held her hands and guided her while crossing the busy roads. Nikhil for the first time in his life appreciated Chennai Road Traffic as it helped him to touch her . He felt as if he had 10 continuous Takila’s. The feeling was immeasurable. Priceless. Beyond imagination and Divine. Nikhil enjoyed every moment.
They reached Merina. They sat in a least inhabited place. A beautiful evening in the beach and Aradhana besides him… what else he needs in his life. Nikhil was thoroughly enjoying every minute.
Ardhana started the converstion.
“Shall we leave…”
Nikhil was shocked as if she told the four letter bad word.
“Why so soon, just now we reached right” convinced Nikhil.
“Then It would be late for Mapillai Azhaipu” said Aradhana in a feather soft voice.
“That’s ok.. Never mind about that” said Nikhil without minding the consequences . He said an internal sorry to Prarthana for missing her Mapillai Azhaipu.
“You usually come here?” questioned Aradhana.
“Not frequently, If I come I prefer coming alone. It’s a beautiful feeling , relaxing before the busy waves and gazing the sky.”
“Oh… then now I must be disturbing your privacy ” said aradhana.
“Not really, I thought it would be good if we go to Merina” explained Nikhil.
“Am honored” said Aradhana.
“The pleasure is mine” reciprocated Nikhil.
There was a dead silence between them.
This time Nikhil started the second innings.
“When I first saw you at the mandapam entrance, I thought you would be a nerd, full of attitude and a bit rude but now you seem to be very calm, polite and adorable”
“thanks for the compliment and when I first saw you at the mandapam I thought you were working for that Happy Dent advertisement” giggled Aradhana.
“You noticed me when you entered the mandapam” questioned Nikhil.
“Ya ya…by the way anyone would have noticed you. I don’t now why but you were all smiles” exclaimed Aradhana.
Nikhil could imagine how he would have looked like when he was all smiles.
Nikhil thought this is the right time to tell her the “ALL SMILES” were just for you and he thought to propose to her.
When he was about to start, Nikhil discovered his phone was ringing aloud. He hastily took the phone from his jean pocket. Finally, Nikhil received that “Terrific ” call .
……… to be continued..

Perfect Strangers

Perfect Strangers.

September 6.
A new day was dawning at Madurai. Dark skies were slowly replaced with strong yellow rays. Ragavan was active even in his 60's,he collected his daily newspaper copy and entered the home. Seeta(Mrs.Ragavan) was busy at the kitchen. "Did he woke up? "asked Ragavan. "No,I will wake him up" replied Seeta. Seeta rushed to the bedroom and woke up Krishna(Seetas son).Krishna dozed off twice before he finally got up.
Krishna works as a Marketing Executive for Ashok Leyland at Mumbai. He demanded a cup of coffee from his mother. "Krishna, do you remember the days plan?" questioned Seeta. "Yes Mom, I do. We have to go to the girl's house about whom we were discussing yesterday. Right?"." Yeah krish, she is a beautiful girl and you both can make an excellent pair." "Stop it mom, you people never seem to understand what I am running through, have empathy on me. By all means I cannot marry a stranger. I don’t know even an A of that stupid lady and you people start imagining a life with her" retorted Krishna .His mother refuted him saying all the positive things about the girl. His mother told all the good old traditional dialogues to convince him. He was not convinced. His mother lost her temper and finished the conversation by saying "Krishna, You are 28 years old. Its your inability of not finding a girl till date. You could not woo any girl. I do not know whether you tried or not but the fact is YOU ARE SINGLE and now it's our duty to find a girl for you. So co-operate with us today. We will go there, if you do not like then right away we will leave the place." .Krishna sighed but he could not control his laughter.
He glanced at his mother and went to his bedroom. His eyes were fixed on the diary. He had a practice of filing the daily happenings when he was studying standard five. He took the dairy and scanned through the pages and started reading September 6th page.

"Good evening my diary. Today I got scolding from my math teacher for not completing my home work. You very well know that I don’t like math. I hate it. I hate Padma teacher also. I could not see swat cats and Scooby doo because of math imposition. Morning, when I was going to school with my mother, I saw one small boy begging for money. He was wearing a torn shirt. His face was dull. He had a picture of sun drawn on his right arm. When I asked his name , he told that his name is Muthu. My mother asked me not to speak with him and pulled me away from him. As usual mother asked me not play cricket in evening with "exam pads", and not to fight with Sundar, which I perfectly did. Tomorrow Lakshmi will be returning to school after five days of leave. jolly jolly.good bye diary".

Krishna closed his diary and laughed at his innocence. His mother commanded him to get ready for visiting the girl's house. He got ready. As usual, his parents got ready before him and were waiting in the car. He got into the car. The driver started the car. His parents were silent and were keeping their fingers crossed as they were puzzled about what the day has for them. Krishna broke the silence. He asked his mother about the three conditions that he has. "I know it very well Krishna. First one is if you don’t like the girl at the very first look then you will leave the place right away. Second one, if you are ok with her then you would want to spend atleast an hour with her to decide and the last one being, she should be ready to travel abroad with you. Am I right??" she questioned. Krishna gave a positive answer. His mother responded to him saying "Krishna, I am ok with your conditions except the second one. The girl's family seems to be very traditional. I am not sure whether they will agree with this one hour condition and all. You observe her and decide."."No Mom, I can't compromise with my conditions." His father was just a spectator and he was watching them fight. Before they could arrive at a solution, their car reached the Girl's house.
The girls house was very near to South Tower of Meenakshi Temple.
They were greeted by the girl's parents. Krishna got a special welcome from the girls father. He replied him with a name sake smile. Ragavans entered the Girl's house. It was like an ordinary middleclass family house. He could see loads of pictures of Gods and Goddesses. Krishna being an atheist totally hated all such non sense. He tried to maintain his cool and composure. His parents and the girl's parents had a formal conversation. The girl's parents were enquiring Krishna about his nature of work. He responded them. When the conversation was on, Krishna was disturbed by the Girl's very first appearance. "She is Archana, my daughter" said the girl's mother. Archana addressed the ragavans with a gentle smile. She smiled at Krishna too. She was wearing a blue saree. She had a pony tail. Muskara defined her eyes. Round faced girl, she was pretty and neat.
Krishna could not wait to speak with her. Krishna kept pestering his mother about the second condition. His mother never listened to him and she acted as if she was busy with the girl's mother.
Archana interrupted the conversation and she told to Ragavan that she wants to speak with Krishna for a while. Seeta was taken aback and she took some time to return normal. Ragavan agreed for archana's proposal. She came near Krishna and asked him "shall we go out?." Krishna was a bit nervous, saw his mother. His mother was smiling at him. He gained some confidence and responded to her "Sure".
They came out of the house. Krishna started the conversation. "So,Where are we going??" "To Meenakshi Temple" she responded. Krishna got totally irritated with her and told her he is not having any intention to worship. "That’s not a problem, we will just talk for sometime and we will leave the place. Anyway, I will come this evening for worshiping" she told.
Krishna thought that was the most stupid place one could ever go for such things. With all such thoughts lingering around his gray cells and white cells, they reached the South Tower of Meenakshi Temple. The tower was as gigantic as it always used to be. They entered the Temple. After many years, Krishna experienced the tranquility of the beautiful temple. He loved the temple but hated worshipping. He could see her chanting some slokas. He kept following her. He totally hated it. They stepped down a few steps ,crossed the outermost corridor and stepped inside the main course to see the picturesque Golden Lotus Lake. The lake was amidst the gigantic towers of the temple. The golden tower on one side, sculptured towers on the other side and with cool breeze flying across the lake, Krishna started liking the place. She walked towards the lake and sat on the corridor. He sat near her. She started the conversation saying "Krishna, To tell you frankly, if I don’t like you then I will tell right at the face."
"That’s ok, so do I" he replied back.
"What are you upto, I got to know you have done an MBA. Which college and what specialization?" questioned Krishna.
Krishna very well knew that was the most stupid way to start a conversation.
"IIM Bangalore, HR" she said with a pride.
"Great, where are you put up now?" questioned Krishna.
"I am coordinating the SHG at Chennai .I also work for child education and against child labor "she replied.
"SHG, What's that?" he questioned back.
"Self Help Groups, Micro-finance program for the rural women." she explained.
"Sounds good, and you seem to be very religious. I thought you would take me to some restaurants, I heard, down the line, they have opened a new café coffee day shop". he said.
She smiled and said "You seem to watch many movies. I had no plans of marriage, it's out of my parents compulsion I agreed for this. I saw your photo, felt like giving a thought".
"I am honored." he said.
"Wait, don’t be hasty. I have not decided yet" she smiled.
"Have you decided on me?" she shooted.
That was a tricky question. Krishna never faced such a difficult question in recent past.
He was baffled at the question. Whether to say an Yes or No. Yes or No.
"Krishna, what are you thinking. I remember I asked you a question." she said.
"Yes, I have decided". He replied.
"Whether it’s a Yes or No?" She was curious.
"It’s a big Yes." He smiled.
"So where are we settling down." She questioned.
"We??? so is it an yes from your side too?" Krishna exclaimed.
"Yes." she said with an iota of smile in her lips.
Krishna was electrified. She was too.
"Krishna , reply to my question, where are we settling down?"
"Anywhere abroad." he replied.
"Sorry, Krishna, I am strongly rooted at Chennai. Its better we settle down there. You have any concerns? "
"Absolutely No! I love Chennai" he said, throwing his third condition to dust bin.
They exchanged their phone numbers.
"Shall we leave?" she asked.
"Yeah, but we will worship and go" He said.
"Now that’s a flirt I would say" she guffawed.
"Yes, I know" he blushed.
"Not required, I will come in the evening" she smiled.
They left to Archana's home.
Their parents were happy about what happened.
They fixed the engagement date.
Ragavans said a bye and got into the car.
Archana waved her hand , Krishna reciprocated with a smile and got into the car.
Krishna's mother started the conversation saying "Krishna, so you like her?"
"Yes mom, she is good"
"Good my boy, btw all your conditions were met?"
"Yes, both of my conditions were met" he said.
"Third?" she puzzled.
"Mom, I had only two conditions" he smiled.
His mother sniggered.

That night, his parents traveled to Chennai.
He was home alone.
He finished his dinner and he was above to sleep.
He closed all the doors. Switched off the lights. He sent a first good night message to her and slept. The clock struck at half past twelve. A strange noise disturbed his sleep,
He woke up and checked the doors. They were open. Krishna confirmed that someone has entered his house. There was a knife lying down in the table, took it as a self defense weapon. Without making any noise he went to his parent's bedroom. It’s the place where the cash and jewels are kept. When he just entered the room, he got a strong blow from a stranger. He fell to the floor. Before the stranger could do a second attack, he gained some energy and hurled a wooden flower vase that was to his side. It hit the strangers head and he fainted. The stranger was bleeding. Krishna was alarmed when he saw the stranger's right arm; it was tattooed with a sun picture. He guessed whether it could be the small boy who begged for money when he was doing standard five. He searched for the strangers pocket to get any details about the stranger. He confirmed his doubt when he saw his left arm. It was tattooed with the name "MUTHU". The innocent boy has now turned to be a thief.
He informed the local police station and the police arrested Muthu.
Next day, he called Archana and told her about Muthu, an innocent boy becoming a thief.
She replied back saying "It's for the same reason I work for child education".
Muthu and Archana turned out to be THE PERFECT STRANGERS for Krishna.

Balcony Dreams!!

Gautham works in a Software Concern and resides in Bangalore with his parents. It was a chill Friday morning. Gautham was alarmed by his ringing phone. Very reluctant to answer the phone he put down and continued his sleep. His sleep was once again disturbed. This time he gained some energy and decided to see who was calling him. It was She. The very she. She is Avantika. Got electric and attended the phone. "Wake up and come to the court" she resounded over the phone. "Positive" he responded and got ready. He was wearing a white jersey and a white tracks. Took his tennis bat from his shelf, stormed through the steps, ignited his pulsar and reached JP Nagar. Avantika reached before him and was staring at him.
Their day starts with a tennis practice.
With a curly hair, fair complexioned, neat and a cute charming girl was Avantika. She was wearing a blue jersey and a white tracks. She was B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.
“Shall we start a new game or continue with yesterday's one” she asked him.
“New day, new game, Morning Glory” he replied confidently. JP Nagar tennis court is one of the beautiful tennis courts in the garden city. The serene atmosphere is a driving energy for the players.
They started with love all. Gautham beamed at Avantika with a strong short. Her reflexes were good, she put it back to Gautham.
They played 4 games, unlike yesterday, Gautham won all the four games. Gautham felt pride about winning the games and smirked at Avantika. “Tomorrow never dies” she replied with a corner smile .She started her two-wheeler left the place after saying a bye to Gautham.
Gautham waved her back and was watching till she was visible to him.
He dreaded the moments that are going to happen from now. He decided to propose her today. But how? This was the question kept haunting him for more than a month. Expressing it through a letter, he thought it’s a good old technique.
He had no guts to tell her seeing her eyes, he had no script to tell her over the phone. But he fell in love with her. He have to tell her. He knows her for the past two years. They work in the same Company. There was a good rapport between them. Even she loves spending time with him. Will this relationship take a giant leap and transform into a beautiful life long relationship or will it sink in the deep dark valley? He experienced uncertainty and he could not trace even a bit about what she was thinking.
With all such gory thoughts, he managed to drive home and had his breakfast. His Mom questioned him about his dull face. He falsely convinced his mother and went to his room. He found a way to tell his love to her.
He switched on his laptop. He logged to his Facebook account. He browsed for her profile. He started to write on her wall.
He Started typing “I have gone through and going through some emotions about you. I think this is high time, I pour out all my emotions that I have for you. A boy will definitely have a girl whose name will enthrall him. The boy is me. The girl is you and the name is AVANTIKA. I feel good while messaging you. I am happy if I am with you. It feels like heaven if you call me. It took 2 years for me to recognize that there is a special word which wraps all these emotions. And the word is LOVE.I love you and will love you for rest of the days. I want to grow old with holding your hands. We will walk through beautiful places with beautiful emotions. They say it takes a minute to tell the love but a life time to prove it. My life will prove my love.”
His Sympathetic nervous system started functioning at highest pace, he experienced an adrenalin rush. He was curious about the reply.
He posted it, logged off and fell back to his bed.
He heard his phone ringing. He guessed it could be Avantika. Bit His guess was wrong. His good old friend Shiva was calling him. His friend shouted at him vibrantly “What have you done man, don’t you think it’s a stupid idea to put in a social network. You could have dropped her a mail or could have told in person but you have messed it up”.
“It’s ok Shiva, I want the world to know that there was a stupid guy called Gautham who was mad about Avantika”, he replied back and hung the phone.
His friends kept calling him. One of the close friends of Avantika also called him. So he was sure that by now she would have been aware of his emotions. After an hour, he once again logged in facebook anticipating Avantika would have replied to his post. His post received 34 comments. 8 people liked the post. But none were Avantika.
With a great disappointment, he once again fell back to his bed. After an hour of disturbed sleep, he woke up, had his shower and started for his office.
He knew he had to face her. Parked his bike and went to his ODC. He greeted his couple of colleagues and went to his Cubicle. Avantika was sitting opposite to him. He knew she noticed him, but did not responded to him. He was sweltering in his place. He could not concentrate on his work.
After a short span of time ,he saw her walking towards him. His heartbeat was rising like a petrol bunk meter. He managed to greet her with a smile.
“I saw your post. I want to talk about that with you. I have already told the Manager that I won’t be available for the day and you?” she questioned at him with raising her left eyebrow.
“Yeah… I will apply for a leave” he stammered.
His manager did not trouble him and granted him a day off.
She was waiting for him at the entrance gate of their office. He started his bike and picked her up, crossed the road and was riding slowly.
“Where are we going” she questioned angrily.
“Don’t know” he replied back.
“Fine, let’s go to Hebbal Lake”. She ordered.
It was a moody day, the day was still chill. Hebbal lake is in the outskirts of Bangalore. It’s a scenic lake surrounded with lush plantations. They were welcomed by the cool breeze. There were a couple of wooden chairs. They sat in the wooden chair. He kept staring at the lake. He imagined as if the lake is going to flood him. She broke the ice and started the conversation.
“So, you love me” .Thus she started.
“Yes, and I am serious about it” he replied confidently.
“Why”, she asked reminding him of a ManiRatnam kind of dialogue.
“I have been with you since 2 years, we have stood together in all hard times in office as well as personally. I could never imagine about the gray day which would take you away from me. I always want you to be my side. I found this as the best possible solution” he finished.
“I see” was her instant reply.
They kept chatting for an hour but Gautham could not draw any conclusion.
“So what’s up for the day” she demanded him for a plan for the rest of the day.
“We will go to Forum Mall, eat and we will do a bit of shopping” he said.
She gave an affirmative answer to him.
In an half an hour ride they reached The Forum Mall. It was half past four. There was a very little crowd in the mall. They had their late lunch in the Transit Restaurant. Neither of them spoke about the Facebook post.
She told she wanted to buy a kurtha and some matching pendants for her Birthday dress.
He accompanied with her. Strangely, he even suggested some pendant designs to her.
She acknowledged his selection by buying a couple of those.
They shopped in Fab India and she selected a couple of kurtha’s. She went to trialroom for a Green color one. She wore it and came outside for his response. She was looking gorgeous in the green. He felt like kneeling down before her and telling his love once again.
For one or more reasons he left the idea. She bought the green one and they vacated the shop.

“Ok fine Gautham am leaving” she said.
It sounded to him as if she is saying once for all.
He looked at his watch. It was quarter to Eight.
“How about a dinner” hastily he asked.
“Not a bad idea though but where” she responded.
“How about Banjara at Jaya nagar” he questioned.
“That’s cool” she responded.
They entered the Restaurant. It was half empty.
“Where can we sit?” he asked.
“How about that corner one?” she replied.
They went to the corner one.
It was a corner table. There was a diffused light spread across the restaurant. A small candle was lit at the center of the table. She was scanning through the things that she purchased today. She applauded him for having a good taste about pendants and the Kurthas. He gently received the praise.
They ordered a Masala Papad and a Gobi-Manchurian for starters and went with usual dishes for the main course.
There was an air of silence between them. She was confident and clear .He was confused and burning.
He broke the ice this time.
“So what have you decided” he whispered to her.
“Regarding what” was her stumbling reply.
“The Post” he replied.
“What do you think my reply would be” she retorted.
“Am poor at guessing” he resounded.
She started to speak.
“Wouldn’t a girl like to sit with her boyfriend in a lush green lake?
Wouldn’t a girl like to shop with her boyfriend?
Wouldn’t a girl like to dine with her boyfriend in a candle light dinner?”
Gautham is not a dum headed idiot who could not get what she is inferring.
He was in his cloud nine. He replied her with a gentle smile and said “Thanks”.
“Don’t be stupid” she blushed.
He reached for hands, caressed her hands and asked her to say those three letters.
“How many times” she responded.
“One time” he replied.
She looked at his eyes and said “I love you”… she took a long pause and once again said “I love you”
He received it with his full heart and said “You told twice”
“I knew it. First one is for what you asked and second one is what I wished to say” was her beautiful reply.
They had their time of their life at the restaurant.
His phone broke the silence of the restaurant. It was ringing aloud.
He took it to see his manager calling him.
He attended the call.
“So how was the day and finally she accepted it right?” Manager asked sarcastically.
“Yes but how do you know?” he squinted.
His manager replied back “When I asked her for the reason for today’s leave she told me about these things and also told that she too loves you”.
“Thanks for granting the wonderful leave “he sniggered and hung the phone.
He kept watching her. She reciprocated him with 50% blushes and 50% smiles.
The beautiful day ENDS. Their beautiful life STARTS .

Thundering Heart..

Days are dark..
Nights are darker..

This monotonous rotating Blue Ball...
Sounds very odd and dull...

Repeating the mundane activities...
Living seems to be mere painfull..

What do i want..
Where do i go..
Why am i here...
What am i supposed to do..

For my thundering heart..
Should my eyes rain..??.
Should i shed those..
Will there be anyone to recieve it if i did..

Nobody to caress...
To whom shall i address..!!!

Is living so weary..
Finding an exit...
i will get through..
and rest in peace...

this one is dedicated to the people who got ****ed up with their Group Lead.:(

My favourite Lines!!!

* Its better to live with a purpose than to live with mere wishes.

* If u pick the work u love, u need not work even a single day.

* You cannot be alone if u like the person with whom you are alone with.

* Arise ,Awake and stop not till the goal is reached.

* I am a million things in a day and i suppose OK is one among them.

* Hands that help are better than hands that pray.

* நேற்றைய பொழுது கண்ணோடு,இன்றைய பொழுது கையோடு , நாளைய பொழுதும் உன்னோடு , நிழலாய் நடப்பேன் பின்னோடு .....

*You cannot love people if you judge them!!
* அன்பே சிவம்


Har Har Mahadev !!
....to be contiued...:)

Clicked @ Bird Sanctuary-Mysore

Mothers Love... A 55 fiction...

A small intro to 55 fiction-
55 Fiction is a form of microfiction that refers to the works of fiction limited to a maximum of fifty-five words.
Here we go...

Knowing for sure that her son will defy all her words, she still has a ray of hope and advices her son not to create any casualty and to rest in haven.She breaks and kisses him . He hugs her and says "Mom The Country needs me" and leaves for the battlefield.