Accidental Love...

PART 1

hiss....the bus stopped and the door open to a cold Delhi Monday morning next to East Delhi Mall bus stop. A white suit with saffron and green dupatta clad girl got down and walked towards the mall. It is 9am and she is a little late. Not every day it happens but today the traffic was horrible. It is the Republic day celebration week and the Mall theme is for all employees to wear something resembling out of our Nations flag.

"Hi Swarna.", someone shouted in the crowd standing at the employee-entrance at the back of Mall. Handling her saffron-green dupatta, Swarna looked and found her serving-partner at the fast food chain - McD.


Walking up to her friend she said, "Hi Akhilesh. You look nice. A mix of Rajisthani ethnic and kashmiri wear really makes you look wonderful. So today you will rock the corner?"

For McD employees, "corner" was no ordinary term. It was a secret code. When different dressing events started in McD, an year ago, the most impressive looking guy & girl employee will go out together but before that the guy needs to "corner" the girl. From that point of, it became a code. An Event where everyone will dress-up just to be part of this very code.

"Na Swarna. Irrespective of what I wear, you will still amaze all the guys. They dress for you and they dress thinking of you. Raj, Vijay, Rahul, Adi...all are your greatest and loyal fans. The only time I see them not dressing for you can be rakhi" replied a dejected Abkhilesh.

"You make me sound some actress from a movie. After all, we all are just employees here. And like always we will serve to lot of people jumping up on fast-food", replied Swarna.

***

"Hello boys, hope everyone is up for the challenge and set for another fun-filled day. Please make sure the french-fries are salted well. Avoid wastage of Cold-drink. Keep eye on small kids as they are always knocking-over food by running around. Adi, your performance was excellent for last week so you have the kitchen floor today. Do the regulation of resources and food products. All other grounds rules apply. All the best." was the long-long lecture of the Boss, Mr.Shetty. A sound professional who has done everything by the book. Serve the people with a smile on the face and rules in your brain, few of his motto lines.

***

"Adi, the crowd is building up again. I think we should open the first floor area also.", said Raj.

"Sounds good. Akhilesh and Swarna can take the first floor. You join them as I know you have the closest possibility to corner Swarna today. I know rest of the guys aren't thinking.", replied a smiling floor-manager.

"Thanks man. I was actually thinking to ask the same. I will go tell them.", whisked Raj before someone else steals the show.

***

"Raj, you look dejected. What happened? Did u find her attention? I know she isn't thrilled today. Something else is playing on her mind.", said Adi looking towards a lost-Swarna.

Swarna was indeed lost. Her family financial status hasn't improved and her hopes, her dreams were washing away by tides of time. She picked up a fight with her mom that very morning and wonder what is so amazing about this week? She is still looking for ways to find her freedom. Not from responsibility but from hardship, from things which only her friends and their families go through everyday.

At the same time a group of guys, looking like army cadets, with the crew-cut hair and clean white well-tailored and ironed shirts, tucked neatly in their trousers, walked in. The clean boots and the neck-cloth showed the group has got there Monday off before the 26th Jan celebration. Rohit was one of the guy who saw Swarna first. Even though she was having the stupid looking McD apron on her front, she still looked so wonderful. Rohit has never seen someone so beautiful. For him, it was a like warmth of sun after a night patrol at the northern Himalayan borders.

...

But things couldn't have gone more wrong

...

As he walked towards his table, nearer to Swarna, a kid came out of nowhere. Without any warning, the kid bumped right into Rohit and he lost his balance. Sadly, Swarna was carrying an order of 5 large coke.

...

The place was a mess, the kid had ran away (probably getting bashing from his mom) and Swarna was drenched in freezing-cola. In a matter of moment, from being the one with the most stunning outfit, she was looking for a total do-over. A real big DO-OVER.

...

"I am so sorry.", replied Rohit. "I didn't see the kid and lost my balance.", cursing in his mind the combination of army hard sole & tiled floors. Only to see the girl in tears. Swarna had a horrid day and among all the fight with her mom, she manage to look stunning in a very ordinary outfit. And look what a stupid guy did to her. Rohit felt like the ice on the floor...melting away in the beauty of the girl's tear.

"Please forgive me. I am so sorry. Please don't cry." said Rohit but the words meant nothing for Swarna. She got up and walked away with Akhilesh wiping her tears with the kurta's sleeve. For her this meant loss of bonus and an evening away from her family problems. Rules in catering business have always been the same: You should be good at it- otherwise you pay for it.

***

For the rest of the day, none of the customers saw Swarna. She opted for the kitchen work, now changed into the McD dress. Akhilesh and Raj went ahead with there dinner plans, leaving Swarna even sadder. For her, the job resembled exactly how she felt about her home. By the time day had come to an end, she looked tired. The kajal in her eyes and the twinkle were both washed away. She knew after all, she will go back home alone and also lonely.

***

Delhi shuts down pretty early in winters. Months of December, January and February are like the back of Chiller. Air itself chills the bones. By 9pm when the McD was serving to final few people, Swarna's day had come to an end. She came out of the employee-entrance to be greeted with dark & foggy night. Her clothes were wrapped in a poly bag and she had to take comfort in the McD clothes and jacket. Upset yet thankful that the day is over, she walked towards the bus-stop. Suddenly out of a blue, a guy, shivering in cold came out. The stain on the white shirt were enough for Swarna to know it's the same guy who ruined her day.

"Hi Swarna. If you could give me two minutes, I would like to apologies. I have waited for so long, just to say I am deeply sorry. I knew I was lost the moment I saw you in there. Terrible thing happened and I did ruin you pretty dress. My CO will be mad not returning with the guys, but I know, I do not want to end anything like this. For you I may be just another customer, but for me you are someone not who will just bring my food. I felt much more.", spoke Rohit, still jittering with the cold.

After so much Swarna didn't need any of this. First mom, then the accident and now the guy not only apologizing but also hitting on her. She wanted to scream and tell him he was stupid and should see where he walks. But the day has indeed taken its toll on her.

"I don't want your apology as you have done enough. And also how do you know my name? Were you running around in McD, asking for my name?", said an irritated, tired Swarna.

"No, I didn't. I was waiting for so long and I met your friend. She was also as mad as you and I was able to calm her. She told me it will be hard for me to get your apology but I want to. I am posted here in Delhi, never felt home but people here have always been caring. And I know you will to forgive me.", said a man searching for an answer.

Swarna found the care in his voice solace for her pain. Somehow unknowingly she felt a warmth in his presence. She turned, walked into the McD store and got another jacket. Rohit was an army men, endured to freezing temperature, still she was a girl with a heart to care. Her smile said it all. As they walked towards the bus stop, talking about each other, the cool breeze was singing...love is so accidental...it is an accidental love.

Please forgive me...

"Will you marry me.", the words were nothing like I practised in front of the mirror, yet they sounded so wonderful.

"....Oh!Ah...!Yes...yes...yes!!... I will, I will.", she jumped out of her chair and hugged me tightly.

Everyone around us were looking and laughing. Embarrassed yet happy I hugged my darling back. It was unexpected especially for me, who comes from a conservative family. I never thought the girl I met first in 10th standard, then forgotten and again met in college, again to forget & bump-in as my manager, will accept my proposal of marriage, said so abruptly........

***

St.Joseph Senior Secondary School, Shimla (1998-99)

"Anil, you will never pass the 10th standard maths exam if you don't work hard enough. I will write to your parents that you have not taken Maths as fish takes to water. Probably it is better you to take up arts." informed my chocolate-teacher Mrs.Bansal.

She continued, "Also, I have a prodigy in class 12th - Sheetal. She might be willing to save you. As you both are hostelers, it will be possible to supervise some extra class after school for you."

a) I don't remember why exactly Mrs.Bansal was called chocolate-teacher. May-be because she was the sweetest of all the teachers or may-be because of the soft-corner she had for hostelers. God bless her soul; she past last summer and as expected the gathering was from all ages she taught in her 25yrs long career.

b) Sheetal & I met first in school auditorium, which was mainly used during our time as extra-class rooms. Teachers will pick weak students from their sections and ask seniors to help them out; in-return seniors will get extra canteen vouchers or credits in certain subject they are weak in.

I still remember, Sheetal in her white uniform (for summers- for name-sake as shimla is always cold; other dress being gray during winters) and white ribbon complimenting her bouncy pony-tail. She helped me out with all the x & y's I failed to understand in linear algebra and all the different sizes and shapes of trigonometry. Still remember how she used to make it all fun by giving aliases to all the shapes after our different-shaped teachers, like e.g. Mr.Pinto for sphere, considering his pot-belly or Mrs.D'souza for cylinder for her perfect wrapped saree (ofcourse Mrs.Bansal for square as most chocolates are packed in that sizes).

I passed Maths in my 10th standard (can't share the mark sheet; it was stolen by aliens)

***

IIT Roorkee, formely Roorkee University (2001-03)

First year ranging period is the most horrible yet most enjoying time, which launches us in the world as IT Professionals, Doctors, Architects...etc. For me it turned out to be the most challenging time of all. Though my branch was considered to be one of the best aka computers, my liking to it again reminded me of my 10th standard Maths. Back then it was the horrible shapes & x/y equations and here it was the numerous languages along with history and future of tiny little piece of equipment which has run the whole world for the past 30yrs and plans to do so for at least the next 50 (or so what our induction teacher said).

It was my first terms (some stupid way of grading our entry into the elite university, where I had promised myself not to fail). Driven by the divine power of foolishness, I entered the Library with full JOSH. It turned out to be that we need seniors permission to refer library (even my seniors had the divine power of foolishness) and hence I was caught by my seniors, Ashok Kr. Jha (who used to say his ancestors used to be from Jungle - I tend to agree seniors on such things). Oh, sorry I missed, we are supposed to wear all formals, put litres of oil in hair and have the collar button close which identifies us as 1st yrs. It wasn't my charming dumb looks which gave me away as first year. So the punishment was presenting flyers to every single person coming to the library. I still have the flyer in my scrap-book as the first person to enter the library as I was getting the scolding was my saviour, my Sheetal.

"Anil, you are late. I asked you to come earlier. And what are you doing with these flyers?", said my saviour who sensed the knee-deep crap I was in.

"Ah! aaaaah! ummm...Shee...Madam! Sorry." yeah wasn't able to balance the flow of emotions that came gushing into my head (probably eyes, nose and ears too). It was mix of excitement, finding a familiar face so soon (1st yrs and 3rd yrs, especially guys and girls may not meet for a month; it is possible), then can't pretend I know her as she is saving my ass, can't say her name as she happens to be super-senior and a pretty one - so seniors will bury me 6feet deep if I even try to speak the holy name (aka Sheetal).

"Ma'am, you know him? Did you ask him to come to the library?" asked our Jha-junglee (nickname by our batch mates)

"Is it a problem to use the first year in helping out maintain our university library? Isn't that you guys do in all the hostels?" was a very crisp answer by my beautiful (she felt like Jesus Christ coming to rescue).

"Sorry ma'am. It was a misunderstanding." as our jungle walked back leaving with a stare which means, I have a class of explanation tonight.

"So, Mr.Maths, still searching for knowledge? Which branch? So uncle paid bribe for you to join here?" my smiling assassin just continued her fire.

"Yeah, searching for knowledge and much more. Dad accidentally passed some wisdom and I managed compu here (computer sc.)" I said without much ado. "So where did you vanish after our teaching sessions. I never got to thank you how you helped me score some grace & save my butt from my father's belt." I continued.

"Yeah, my father got transferred in the middle of 12th standard and he wanted me to finish it under his supervision. I said yes and so I shifted. It was all in a hurry." she explained, though at that very moment I saw was how beautiful she has become. From a girl in school skirt with pony tail and ribbons, she transformed into amazingly beautiful lady with waist length hair, square specs hiding the eye-shadow, chubby-bubbly figure in a sweat-shirt top with sky blue jean, explicitly enhancing her curves.

"So you got smart and managed to get here. Good, at least you will not be a Maths teacher in some school." she said, still picking on my ability of how I appreciated Tennis over certain ghostly linear equations.

"Yeah I guess, I did." trying to end the past in search of another tomorrow.

Evening strolls after classes, to canteen eating changes to time-out breaks during hectic exams schedule. She being my senior, helped me out in number of times. The subjects were mostly theories and she had a habit of converting every boring subject into fairy-tales or kinder garden-stories. I have never seen someone writing an algorithm out of a story where every variable is a character and ever crisp logic an event in these characters life. I on the other hand was supposed to look after her project report completion (giving ride on my bike and getting then printed) and reviewing some of the code as I started to like computer programming.

In all these time spent together not once did she was romantic or showed interest in my personal life. Closest she came to know about my personal likings was the ability to win tennis games. She cheered my every point and hooted the opponent (who happened to be her batch mate & lab partner).

A very reserved person by nature when it comes to personal life, Sheetal shared very less about her family and even during summer breaks she would stay back in college for extra course or self-study. Something which over a period of time I learnt not because she wanted it to share with me, but it made her so weak sometimes that few tears and even fewer words made me know her world.

The last two years of college turned out to be boring. She joined MNC being campus placed and moved to Bangalore, while I was left to work hard on my assignments and projects and what not. E-mailing & phone calls were infrequent as my profs were killing me and so were her managers. Once a month she will write letter where the tear-droplets will let me know that the family tragedies hasn't changed a bit. Last six months, we lost touch...

I passed and got placed into MNC and was posted to Bangalore. Tried to find her from all possible ways, but as she traveled to client side and her habit of not being social made it even more hard.

***

SAP Labs Bangalore (2007)

"Welcome to our company Mr.Anil. You will have you induction for the whole week and henceforth you will join your project as lead specialist." were the words of Mr.Vikram Kumar, senior-HR recruiting manager.

Actually all inductions are a way to put employee at comfort, that he will have the complete infrastructure available 24/7, later only to realize how inefficient sometime the system is, where the a.c. wont work or they will close the lights on you even though you are working for 10hrs and counting. As for work, it is something one builds with his own capabilities (this doesn't come with any induction and sometimes doesn't come with experience - hoping we are born with it).

"Mr. Anil...Anil...Ah! Here you are, D5, go meet Mr.Yagnesh. This will be the big building at the back of the campus. He is VP for your area. Also known as YY. He will take you forward introducing you to your manager", informed the desk-clerk.

"May I come in", I asked as I stepped in YY's room. The discussion was short, defining our aims and talking about work culture and ethics (okay, I am being nice, generally these things in any company is boring. If I had no ethic, they wouldn't have picked me).

"Anil, you will be working with Ms.Sheetal. She is Manager of your area, recently promoted and a prodigy. You will learn and enjoy working with her." the words sounded so similar and only one person with that name can be so impressive and to add still a Miss.

"Hi, Sheetal. I prayed for cool team but I guess my sins have catch up with me. Now I should expect far more sleepless nights than what I lived during colleges. My prodigy-returns to haunt me yet again." I shocked her when I jumped right in front of Sheetal.

"Anil? What a pleasant surprise! Where have you been? How long it has been? 1yr? more!" my smiling assassin said her eyes glowing and as we got transformed to our school auditorium.

***

Next day (2007 11th May)

"Want to join me for lunch. We can catch up all past year and refresh our old memories. You can tease me about the x&y's and I still have some of your bad-hair-day pictures from school." I invited her, praying she says yes to me and not for the last time in the day.

"Sure why not. But please excuse me if I am not excited on your tennis games." still the teasing kinds.

"Food is good. I guess you come here regularly. They sound like they know you well." I enquired based on the hospitality given by the host to Sheetal.

"We come for team lunch at least once every forth night. So yes, they kind of know us well. They coffee is good here. Lets order latte, what you say?" she asked as we finished with our luncheons.

"Will you marry me.", the words were nothing like I practised in front of the mirror, yet they sounded so wonderful.

"....Oh!Ah...!Yes...yes...yes!!... I will, I will.", she jumped out of her chair and hugged me tightly.

Everyone around us were looking and laughing. Embarrassed yet happy I hugged my darling back. It was unexpected especially for me, who comes from a conservative family. I never thought the girl I met first in 10th standard, then forgotten and again met in college, again to forget & bump-in as my manager, will accept my proposal of marriage, said so abruptly.

"Sheetal, please forgive me. I never thanked you enough for all the helped you gave me throughout my career. Please forgive me for never understanding how difficult it was for you to be part of your family. Please forgive me for being so abrupt asking you all this when you expect it the least. Please forgive me to delay it for so long...Please forgive me." there weren't enough words to explain, how much she meant to me. Chocolate-teacher said it right, she can only be the one save me.

To all my plea for forgiveness Sheetal said, "Anil, had you not asked and forced me to ask you the same question, may be it would have taken me years to forgive you. But you helped me too by just being there. Finding me when I am lost, making me smile when I want a searching for a shoulder to cry. I couldn't have said no to you. It was fate who reminded us how important we are for one another. I don't want to lose you anymore now."

***

I hugged her back and as we sat back sipping our coffee our winks, our smiles, our joys had no boundaries.

Untitled: Scene 2 (incomplete)

Back-Office
HCU headquarters were located in Mumbai (or for some Bombay) and hence all the funds used to flow to the Finance capital of India. The posh buildings with all the latest gadgets, HCU headquarters was nothing less than a modern castle. Bangalore office, on the contrary was an old rickety building with broken windows and old termite-ridden doors.

Untitled: Scene 1 (incomplete)

THE FALL

"The person jumped right of the roof, officer", tea stall vendor told the plain-suit officer, standing right next to a dis-mangled figure covered with blood and a white sheet.

"Where were you when he jumped, did you see him jumping?", asked the middle-aged, homicide crime unit (HCU) office, Mr. D'souza.

"I was here only sir, selling tea and biscuits to the folks passing on the street. I heard a loud crash, then the car siren went off. Finally the lady I was serving tea, started screaming. I turned around to see the guy for the first time, lying on the smashed car parked on the shoulder of the road. Some people were pointing at the roof top. I also looked up to see where he has jumped from. Such a horrible site sir.", replied the vendor.

"Did you see anyone on the roof top when he jumped, there is a restaurant at the top? It is afternoon, people should be eating there. Someone should have stopped him." asked the officer.

"No sir, there will be no one today. Once a month, this restaurant is closed, generally it is first Saturday of every month, but this time they had a big party organized here. So they chose the third Saturday. No one is there on the roof top restaurant." replied the vendor.

After asking the general information about the tea stall vendor, Mr.D'souza called his junior officer to know more about the victim.

The junior officer walked up to D'souza and handed him few articles, kept inside a plastic bag.

"We found this wallet, mobile and a ring in a white envelope with no names on it, inside his pocket. Victim is Avinash Parthasarthy, resident of kolkata, working here as a software professional. I ran a check on our local database, found out he was once roughed up by RT Nagar police (north Bangalore) for possession of drugs. Got bailed out from his rich dad and since then attending some rehabilitation program. Guess is, the judge is Golf time-buddy with the rich boy's dad. Didn't get any sentence, just a warning as the quantity was less than 10gms. Self-use." informed the officer, Mr. Nath.

"Thanks Prem, call the forensic team, ask them to check out the roof top. Already the local police and their inefficient constables would have left you enough prints & enough problems to find the right information. I will go and talk to Mr.Anand, may be I can convince him to take the local police off, so we can get some work done here. Till then secure the whole area, re-route the traffic, ask the manager of the hotel no one leaves; even to piss. I need everyone in the ball-room. It is on the 2nd floor." ordered the senior man.

"How do you know so much about this hotel? You shifted recently to Bangalore? And the place looks like more than our pay-level." inquired Prem.

"Well, my wife's close relative got married last year and I had to attend that marriage. Accidentally that happened here, this very hotel. If they haven't renovated recently, the building is most likely to be the same.", D'souza said, as he walked into the entrance of Hotel Grand, searching for the officer in charge Mr.Anand, a corrupt officer, know to accept hafta (bribe) from the hotel & resorts which come in plenty in his area.

The entranced looked exactly the same to the senior officer, like when he visited with his wife the year before. Mirrors with Golden border makes up the facade & the big illuminated letters G.R.A.N.D. making the hotel look rather too expensive. The rich and poor both are part of the success of this hotel, while the rich throw away money on anything the hotel offers, it is the poor who worked hours in kitchens, rooms, halls to make it large & indeed Grand. How apt the name of the hotel was.

The hotel was not a normal 5 star luxury comfort in the city. It was owned by a rich liquor tycoon, Mr. K. Raheja, who rather spends extra when it comes to buildings. Along with his 5 resorts on the outskirts of Bangalore, he had 2 very special hotels, one right at the center of the city on St.Marks road, named St.Marks where as Hotel Grand lies on the Outer ring road. The hotel was build over the period of 4 years 2001-05 by the renowned WATG company (who has places like The Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki, The palace tower at Caesar's palace and others, part of their portfolio) over an area of 50,000 sq feet having banquet hall and meeting facilities, full time spa and fitness center, retail shops, restaurants (including the one on the roof top from where the victim jumped), swimming complex with marble-lined pools, two whirlpools, pool bar and 500 sq feet rooms giving the extra space guests needs.

As Mr.D'souza entered the hotel through the golden revolving doors, stepping on the fine Italian marble floor having the Persian rug leading to the Concierge desk, a voice called him over to the waiting lounge towards the left of the entrance.

"My old friend. So you finally made it. Are you getting old, taking time to reach here or your man briefed you regarding the corpse on the hood of the car?", replied Mr.Anand.

"As for friend, I don't mingle with the local police and yeah the man under my orders follows professional approach, which other departments have certainly lacked in the past." snapped D'souza.

"Enough of the chit-chat and discussion. What are you doing here? Aren't you at the roof top taking care of any possible evidence?" added D'souza sarcastically. "And why did you call me? This doesn't reach us until you send the FIR (first information report) to our department." inquire D'souza.

"Even when a high profile suicide like this happens, we do not go banging on the HCU door. Apart from the other stuff boy head, there was a business card in his hand. I knew your man will sniff the other stuff from a distance, but I managed to take the card away. And guess what, whose name is on that card - Mr. Alex D'Souza, Senior Field officer, Homicide Crime Unit. Isn't that strange?" barked Anand.

Anand continued and said, "As for the barging in into the elite Grand Hotel, I was stopped by our so-called justice department. The hotel owner has restricted our access till his arrival in the evening and we don't want charges against our department for trespassing. Understood?"

"So you have already made up your mind that this is a suicide and not a murder. Interesting! But you know how 'I' operate. There has been a murder and no bloody judge can give me orders to stay here as this is objection to investigation. As for the owner, I know his relation with you and that certainly hampers your act of duty. I am not waiting here, till some old man comes and give us pep-talk. Got that!". replied D'souza with a touch of arrogance.

"Listen pal! I haven't decided what it is, to me it doesn't matter. The guy is dead, either his corpse will send us hunting for a murderer or a slow process of solving why he leaped of the building. It will not gonna bring him back. I am doing as much as my job as I can, for old time sake I pick the card of and waited till you come. Yes, I have business with the hotel owner, but that shouldn't be your concern right now, what should be your concerned is, how to investigate this case while you are on the suspects list. Try to think about that in this air conditioned waiting lounge, while I come back after a smoke." Anand said while jabbing the card into D'souza's chest and started walking towards the lounge glass door.

D'souza do not approve Anand as an officer. They had been together in the academy and were fast friends. Sharing the same room, their goals were somewhat similar. Anand was smarter than D'souza and has aced all his exams, physical & mental. D'souza was his toughest competitor yet they remain friends. Both had plans to sit for senior exams after completion of Police academy training. With big-appetite for homicides and knack of solving mysteries, both were destined to become great crime investigators. But fate had other ideas. Death of Anand's father, made him discontinue his study. Lack of financial support forced Anand to join the Police force to earn two-piece of bread for his family. That was the end of a friendship which one existed between D'souza and Anand. While D'souza continued to be as bright he was (and no more challenges from Anand) he entered into the Homicide crime unit where as Anand was left with the bitterness of life. Money was the soul aim of his living. For what could have been an honest officer, he became a shame to police force. Even D'souza couldn't manage to save Anand from his misery.

"Wait Anand. I want to talk to you. First, why should I be the investigating officer. Have you reported the details to Chief? Did he? And just because Avinash had my card doesn't mean I am on the suspect list?" said D'souza.

Mr. Ashok Darward was man of principles. He ran the police force as a school, where he is the principal and all officers on his teaching staff. Though Chief is more of a western style of addressing the senior most officer in police, Ashok's craze for English movies has earned him the same title of Chief and somewhat the same respect.

"You know how it works in our department. Chiefs gets all first hand details. And he agreed with the idea of removing the card. Flip the card and you will know the reason why I called you. I could have taken you into custody for question with this card, but my instincts says the corpse wanted you more than us." cleared Anand.

D'souza flipped the card to see the letters written:

"Help me!", D'souza read it with a strange look.

"Do you see the letter 'M' in the second word. It is number 3 written horizontally." told Anand.

D'souza gets on his walkie-talkie and calls Prem, "Prem, get on the records and check is there any relation between the victim and me. Check medical records, did we share a hospital, Check blood sample and donation camp visits, Check victims where-abouts when I was in bangalore last year, was he also attending the marriage. Check any Goddamn possibility and find me a link. And yeah one more thing, this is off the record. Result should be on my table along side my dinner. Round up the team, call Meddy from the forensic lab, I need her to gather all the details, she wont be able to go to the roof top, but at least get prints on his clothes etc. Take the body to morgue and get the autopsy done by Hammer. Ask him to join us in office for dinner. I want details on that ring you found, there has to be a finger which was supposed to wear it? Find that person. Put two people on it. Check the calls statements from the mobile and his credit life-style from his wallet. Ze can handle this from the back office. Call up the victims family, see who can come down from Kolkatta. Lets gather around 10, we have a story to solve so better stock up the fridge with food and beverages - but no alcohol. Got that?"
"Yes, boss. I will get on it right away. Also, the press is here, what do you want me to say?" asked Prem.

"You know, I don't take the press till I have a lead. Keep them at bay and release the statement that this was an accident. I will handle the hotel staff.", said D'soouza as the line went dead.

"Yeah I saw the letter 'M'. Okay Anand, I am fine being on the suspect list, but as you know I am here to help. You can put your best man to dig any dirty details on me. In the mean time I will see what can I do about this card. You will anyhow breath down my neck during this investigation, so better be of some help. I want you to get the owner and tell him we are on the roof top. If he likes he can join me for evening snacks. And please, as much as possible, keep the owner of my back. I hate people when they drag me down." requested D'souza.

"Fine, I will see what I can do. You go ahead and check the roof. Also, get me a cheese burger for dinner, along with chips and cola. I will be their at 9:30." smiled Anand.

ROOFTOP

"Mili, you are the Restaurant in-charge?" enquired D'souza.

"Yeah, I am the caretaker of this place. I rushed in as soon as the hotel clerk called me about this incident. As you already know it was our day off." replied Mili, a talented young lady.

"Do you know the victim? Has he visited this place before? And how did he manage to get access to rooftop when it was close?" asked D'souza as he started his investigation.

"Yes, Mr.Parthasarthy has been our regular customer. His father stays at St.Marks each time he visits his son. Mr.Avinash had already booked his engagement ceremony in our banquet hall. It was initially scheduled for 15 of next month, but I recieved a call from Mr.Parthasarthy asking to reschedule the ceremony. I asked for the new date and reason behind it. He said, he prefers it to be on the 3rd of next month without stating any clear reason. Also he requested this information to be hidden from his dad or Ms.Sahay. I am not sure how he managed to reach the roof top." answered Mili. The sadness was clearly visible in her eyes. D'souza was able to see how much Mili was disturbed. Shows how much in the past few days the victim and Mili has interacted.

"Ms.Sahay? Who is she? I dont think software professional got secetaries?" asked the officer, looking around the place for any noticable change in furniture.

"No Ms.Sahay is not his secetary. She is Mr.Parthasarthy's girl friend. They were plannin to get engaged here. She must be broken right now. They looked so nice as a couple. Mr.Parthasarthy has asked me to fill the whole place with lillies. Ms.Sahay has this thing for lillies."

"Well we havent informed any one apart from the immediate family. If you have the contact number of Ms.Sahay, I would you to pass that information to Mr.Nath; he will be hotel lobby. And if possible, please send the elevator boy and your Manager. I would like to have a word with them. They will be in the second floor ball room. Also, if possible, please dont go far. I might need your assistance again." said D'souza, as he walked away towards the edge of the roof.

The railing was approximately 4feet high, with a silver bar running at the top. The mud in the area and on the railing showed that someone has tried to climb on the railing. D'souza knew it would be from the victim's shoes, but this needs to be clarified by his forensic expert. D'souza had a strange feeling as it hasnt rained in Bangalore in a week, so having mud is unlikely. His thoughts were disturbed when a deep voice call out his name.

"Inspector D'souza, I was told by my staff in the ball room I can find you here. Let me introduce myself, I am Kishore Raheja, owner and head of Raheja group of hotels and resort. I was one of the generous doners at the Police Fund raiser function last year. Your head will know me clearly." as he smokes a cuban cigar. This was the introduction of Bangalore's rich and mean business Tycoon, K.Raheja. Clearly the smoke he exhaled gives the vibes of money. Started as a small builder he soon got interested into liquor business. News circulated that he got his liquour license by gifting a penthouse to Minister's wife and probably sleeping with her too.

As Inspector D'souza rounded up with the owner, the elevator boy and the Manager, Mr. Chandu, joined them at the rooftop. The questions were brief and still Inspector D'souza had no clue why Avinash came to the roof top to take a leap. As per the elevator boy, Avinash must have slipped past the delivery boys at the back of the hotel and must have taken the service elevator. No one saw him coming up and no one saw anyone leave. So there is still a chance some might have pushed the victim. The Manager was off duty during lunch hours and the person in-charge Mr. Alok, a confident looking man has joined Inspector D'souza on the rooftop.

"Hello Inspector. My name is Alok. I am afternoon shift sub-manager. How can I be of assistance?", replied Alok. A well built, in mid-twenties, Alok has been working for past 3 years. With some luck and preferences from his love, Mili, he has managed to do more than good in the Raheja chain of hotels.

"Did you know the victim, Mr. Parthasarthy? Did you have any conversation with him lately? Was he tense about anything?" asked the inspector, noticing

Little Warrior

“Didi, how did my parents look like?”

These were the words of a four year old girl. I took her in my lap and cried for an hour.

These were a part of the challenges that I faced in the early phases of my life. I was a Science side student and I took up to work for an orphanage in which kids were rescued from difficult and different circumstances. There were kids who were disowned after broken marriages, kids with abusive parents, orphans, and kids disowned by un-married underage girls. Our orphanage took them all under one roof and let go of them only after they were able to support themselves. Kids in our orphanage were never put up for adoption. For every child, a distinct plan was devised and based on their likes and skills - they were groomed in specific fields.

Being a very old organization, money was never a problem. Funds would come from people who were once orphans themselves and were part of this organization, from government agencies and also from political parties, which would time use the name of the organization for their political benefits every now and then.

I did not know how to respond to that sudden question that Namita threw at me. I cried; it was very confusing. Namita also started crying; for a 4 year old it was hard to see an adult cry. She was an orphan left at our place by the local police. As far as I remember, she was disowned by her mother. But it was a question that has to be answered. The void in her heart needed some explanation until she grew up to understand why it happened to her. I told her stories of God and Goddesses, how beautiful they looked like, and that that was how her parents looked were.

I always expected kids to come and ask me question like this on my weekly visits. Some used to ask where their parents are right now. Some asked about why their parents fought so much. The questions were endless and the answers were very few. We made the young ones to pray to God as they believed their parents were with God.

My life changed when Arun came into the orphanage. It was one of the usual court hearings where orphanage representatives would go. There would be a notice from court and kids without any relatives would be legally handed over to our organization. Arun was a special case and the police were not best people to handle a 7 year old kid.

Arun’s father was a business-man and his mother was a house-wife. Over a usual family tiff, Arun’s father has beaten up his mom and later in the fury killed her mother with bare hands. Seeing his wife dead, Arun’s father shot himself in front of Arun.

Arun was 6 back then. He lost his voice from that moment.

When I read the case study (as they used to call it), I realized the child has been in and out of different orphanage for almost a year without a trauma-care after what he had been through. All the orphanages had not treated him well as he wasn’t the obvious choice for adoption.

Initially, Arun was not responding to any of the care and treatment shown by the workers and the doctors. He would sit idle in one corner and would show no interest in anything going around him. Almost a month went by and none of my visits helped him come out from the shell.

My mother was never interested in the activity I had taken up along with my studies. She would crib that I should indulge in normal girl-like activities. After every visit this would be the reason of her quarrel with me. But when I question her on these so-called “Girl-Like” activities, she would change the topic. My mother wasn’t a bad person; all she needed was an eye opener. Arun came to my rescue. (I am still not sure who came for whose rescue).

It took me long to convince the organization people, but seeing no change in Arun’s condition over the past one month, they allowed me to take Arun to my home. It was the best month for my mom. In the next one month, I saw my mom feeding, playing, cleaning and loving Arun like her own child. For the first time she saw the right picture, why I liked to spend my weekends at the orphanage rather than at home. Arun liked my company, but I was still unable to see the smile on his face. He has started showing signs of interest but without any emotions. And yes, Arun had no problem in speaking; Doctors said his voice-box has no problems. He just refused to speak.

The month ended and my mother packed Arun neatly back to the orphanage. After reaching the orphanage other kids were very interested in all the stuff Arun got from my mom. Somehow in this one month, one of the workers has spoken out about Arun’s parents and the killings.

The kids knew about Arun’s parents. I won’t say other kids acted evil, because it actually acted as the trigger in Arun’s revival, but kids in private started teasing Arun and making fun of him. The month long effort at my place went down the drains. Arun was once again back to his state of indifference. He would sit in one corner staring on people around him; like he could see everything but did not want to register anything.

Then one day…

“Didi, why did my father kill my mom and himself?” I turned around to see Arun with tears in his eyes. I knew my joy has no bounds. It took him almost 2 years to speak his pain out. Ironically, he spoke about the incident exactly on the same date his father killed himself and his wife 2 years ago.

I wanted to hug Arun and cry along with him. I wanted to gather everyone around and show them that he can speak. But before that I had to heal the wound he had in his heart for 2 long, painful years. I took him out, where the kids were playing and asked him if he wanted the answer. He was big enough to understand my question. He nodded his head while wiping the tears with his shirt.

I told Arun, “At times we all get so angry that we never know what we are doing. My mother scolds me and I many times shout back. That is why we all ask you not to fight. Not to get angry about things. For grown-up it is harder, that is why we ask you to cultivate this habit from early childhood.”

It was Arun who soon became the consular for many fights. He would run up to me and ask for two lollypops and go back to kids who were fighting. He would pull them apart and tell them, “Look you can both either fight and end up killing each other like my parents did, or you can take this lollypop.”

From a person who didn’t talk for 2 years and was never liked among other kids, he became everyone’s friend. He remembered each and every story my mother read to him and he would read them to the young ones. Arun was 8 but he acted 18.

He gave me magic wand, the ultimate solution, the belief never to give up. At times when I felt down and tired of doing something I was failing in, one thought of him and two lollypops would come in front of my eyes. He became my strength.

***

Now you would be wondering why I am writing so much about Arun. It’s been almost fifteen years since I saw Arun or any of the other orphanage’s people. I moved on with my life, got a career in Architecture. After that got married and now have two kids. My husband and I regularly talk about the prospects in architecture and interior design. But each time I will turn it down. He doesn’t like me not following my career. And again no one else but Arun came to my rescue.

I received a letter which was addressed to me but had no communicating address. It all pointed to the orphanage where I have once lived and learned. Talking about the past, talking about the things I did for the kids. It asked me to visit this place on my birth day. I wasn’t as keen initially of going as my husband knew very less about the orphanage but then there was something along with the letter – two lollypops.

Each time a kid walks out of the orphanage as a woman/man, she/he has to select a date when all kids can gather and throw a party. Arun chose my birthday.

I went there along with my family, my Husband and my two kids (a boy and a girl). All the old people were happy to see me. And yes, Arun was very happy to be around me. He had finished his studies and still acts as consul to many of his friend’s problems. It was a fun filled party and Arun promised he would visit me someday. He said goodbye to me and then handed over my kids one lollypop each and said, “I hope you two don’t fight with each other”.

On my way back, I noticed a change in my husband. He was a new man. The smile in the corner of his lips and the glitter in his eyes were playing with me. It is one of the occasions when a man bows down to his wife. He understood the reason why I did not want to pursue my career any more. He knows that I want my family, my children to learn all the values I have given to those kids. He knows it all now, just that we never have to say anything about it to each other…

Author’s Note

Author has tried his best to depict the life of a little warrior. We all talk about the fast life and the world outside. But everyday millions of kids (secure or insecure ones) fight their own battle. May be we all have something to learn from them?

My Own Obituary

Author’s Note

I would like to thank my friend for letting me into his world and allowing me to discover so much about the four letter word – “Love”. The story is like many other love stories we all have read time and again. All it says is that “Love” is an emotion which paints our character in shades of blue, green, golden, red and white.

My Own Obituary

“I DON’T WANT TO LIVE HERE ANY MORE”, Anand shouted as he slammed his door.

Anand here plays the role of my friend who was having troubles with his parents and is the hero of this story.

“Son, we need to talk. You just can’t break a conversation when ever you feel like.” said Anand’s dad, Mr. Arvind, a lawyer by profession, a man of principles but a caring husband & father.

“Dad, I said na, things are not so easy for me here anymore. Everything is so very complicated. I have already asked for a transfer and my PM has given me a green signal. Just go away right now.” screamed Anand to his father, standing outside the room.

Anand laid down on the bed, with tears trickling down his eyes as he buried himself into the past.

Everything was great a month back. Anand and his love, Vandana were happy together. Their love was blossoming and even after their 5 year relationship they were discovering so much about each other everyday. Her one smile would make Anand’s heart skip a beat. He was addicted to her voice and each time she would sing, Anand will just fall asleep like an innocent infant on its mother’s lap. Anand’s craze for computers amused Vandana, though she hardly could figure out what he was up to. Things were all cozy and blue…

And now nothing was right. They were no longer together. Their parents declined their relation. They both wanted to revolt against them, but then fate didn’t allow that to happen. Vandana had to move away from Anand’s life. He cried, he pleaded, he shouted. But nothing could stop the inevitable. She had buried herself in the sands of time…

***

Anand never told his parents that Vandana had left him. The embarrassment that the girl for whom he was ready to leave them for had left him was too much. He just moved out of his parent’s house. Now the troubled heart was not only sad but also lonely. The company he was working for kept him busy all day. He started to work on weekends. At times his hand reaches out for the mobile to call Vandana, but each time he called she would cut him.

Love is a funny thing… The pain Anand was suffering was hurting Vandana equally, She wanted to feel the pain each time Anand used to cry silently, far away from her. She could have changed her number or switch-off the cell each time Anand troubled her. But NO, she knows that her decision has changed lives… The future they had both lived and dreamed, for the past 5 years, was no longer to be. And they had all eternity to forgive and forget each other…

***

On one of Anand’s busy morning, he gets a call from an un-known local number…

<> “Hi Anand, nice caller tune.” said Amit on the other side.

“Yeah, crazy frog tune is the latest one. By the way, who is this?” replied anand

“Hey, don’t you recognize me? It’s me, Amit, Vandana’s brother. We met once, briefly though, at the sports center” said Amit

“Oh! Its you.” Anand’s heart started beating harder as emotions not only filled up his heart but also moistened his eyes.

Controlling his emotions he replied “Good to hear from you Amit! How come you called me?”

“You know Anand, computers and I don’t go hand-in-hand. Really need help regarding this stupid website. You are the best, I heard, and the only one I know” joked Amit.

“Send me a mail about what you want, and I will help you with that.”

“I hope I am not barging in at the wrong time?” asked Amit

“No, no. Nothing like that. I was free. I will try to do it Asap.” lied Anand.

<>Even though Anand was busy, he made the decision with his heart and not his mind. Love started playing tricks again. The call ended but wound was ripped open. He had tried very hard not to think about Vandana any more, but now her brother has brought back all the great times they had. Those pages of his life, which were like fresh green grass, written in golden letters, were desecrated with bloody tears.

“I need to know where she is. I will write a mail to her,” Anand thought to himself.

<>

***

The next morning Anand was at work a bit early to know if she has mailed him back. What he mailed was not of much significance, but what he got really shook his weak heart.

<>Hi Anand,

The mail was unexpected. I am living very much the same way you are. The only difference is that being a guy you have moved out of your parent’s home and I am living with mine, listening to their taunt every day. I have decided the same thing you have, not to marry anyone. In one life, I can love only one person. But I believe in my God, if ever the situation comes where I have to go against this, my God will give me enough strength to go through it. Right now I am more concerned about my career.

I know I don’t have the right to say anything, but I will appreciate if we keep the communication to minimum. It is as hard for me as it is for you. Take care

Vandana.

<>
Anand didn’t know what struck him. All he felt was the pain of thousand knives, stabbing his heart. All he read from the mail (again and again) was that the girl had decided to move on, and may be even getting married if SITUATION arose.

But Anand knew Vandana inside out; loving someone and living with another would burn her the most.

What Anand did after this was something no one would ever think of or would ever do. This is the reason why I am sharing this story with all of you...

***

“She wants to get married and move-on. Oh my God! … I thought we loved each other… and for the agony I am experiencing, this is what I get for a healing herb” thought Anand, so full of confusing emotions and his eyes brimming with tears.

Love is not always a bed of roses, especially with heart-breaks. Within just a few weeks after the breakup he got this news; the shock simply broke him down. He stopped eating properly. Sleeping was just a luxury. For days he was a lost soul, a person who walked, talked and breathed, for whom life had lost all its meaning! If he watched something funny, he wouldn’t laugh. If he saw something romantic, he couldn’t feel the warmth, if he heard music, his body wouldn’t spring to the tune. He was a dead-man-walking…

“Love” – the emotion everyone want to feel in their life. It could be depicted by a shade of red. Red, because it symbolizes warm feelings and warmth relates to the heart. But red could also symbolize another emotion – anger. And that was what Anand felt most of the time. His friends saw this change. And family needed not big a reason to spark his anger.

Few weeks later Anand got hold of himself, but the flame of hatred continued to burn within him. The mails he sent her soon after is something no lover should ever witness. The first mail Anand sent goes something like this…

Hi,

The only way for me to contact you is the mail box. I don’t expect a reply, even if they come, they won’t hurt me anymore... Life has taken many twists and this certainly is a big turn... I have set you free but you will suffer with the same wretchedness as I will. An inevitable fate waits me. The tears will eventually dry out and the pain will burn me till this misery ends. All breakups are messy and why should this one be any different!

I never did understand you. Never... Otherwise you wouldn’t have become so cruel... I will end here as I have loads to say... I will continue every day... For you to realize what you have created... A LIFELESS SOUL...

Anand.

Love, which had lasted for 5 years, became sour and so much bitter within months. No sane person would ever set sail in the ocean of love if its waves could bring so much hatred. A couple who were at the top of every friend’s party-list, two lovers whose romance was the hot topic during their college days, two people who spent so much time wanting to explore each other; they were now turning out to be the worst of human beings.

Vandana never replied to this mail. She didn’t reply to any of the mails which followed. Anand on the other hand was totally lost and confused in love. He was no longer able to differentiate what his emotions were for this girl. At times there would be lines of love in his mails, and sometimes he would be so spiteful, it was as if he was breathing fire.

Finally, Vandana broke her silence, and came out with words. Her patience has run out and she decided to end Anand’s misery.

She wrote, “Anand, I have decided to get married to which ever guy my parents decide for me. In the past few days I have seen you turn from my lover to a person I do not know and never would want to know. I will no longer use this mail id, so there is no point in mailing me anymore. I have decided to change my number. Your calls and messages have harassed me far too much. I don’t want to explain why I decided to have this relationship ended. I will pray to God. Goodbye.”

And with this, the final nail in the coffin of their love story was hammered.

***

Anand read the mail the next day, sitting in his rented flat. He got up, smiled and went to take a shower. His work was done. The world had suddenly changed.

Life is not fair always. It sometimes brings you loads of love and then takes away all that joy in just a moment. The raging fires of a broken relationship would burn any couple.

For Anand love was everything. He wanted Vandana to stay happy. Forever!!! It was easy for him to ensure this as he knew Vandana inside out. Just one more thing needs to be done.

After getting dressed he sat down to write his Own Obituary,

Dear mom & dad,

You have loved me all my life unconditionally. You have given me everything that I ever asked or dreamed for. And no matter how big I grow I will never be able to repay your selfless love. I loved one gal whom you could not accept. I never gave you a chance to stop me either. I am sorry for that. I have brought so much hatred in her heart that she would never ever love me again.

But I will still love her. If I needed you people to help me learn how to walk, I needed her to help me feel the ground I tread. I am incomplete even if one of you are missing form my life. I do not wish to live an incomplete life. I don’t blame this on you or to her or anyone. I blame myself for not knowing what love and life is.

Goodbye. Your son – Anand.

PS – I have given all the colors of my life to the gal I love. If my death can make any difference, try knowing her once.

Gathering his stuff, he packed it in a bag, crossed it over his shoulder, started the bike and headed towards the canal. He reached the edge of the canal and went overboard. As he went into the air, his whole life, his love, his parents went past in a flash. He had a sense of satisfaction and a smile of his face. It was the shade of white…

He hit the water.

***

The next day, the newspaper had an article on the Anand’s death. The bike was recovered but the body was never found. Anand’s parents were heartbroken and depressed. They never thought that a decision taken by them almost a year back could kill their son.

Vandana was shocked and she broke down the moment she got this news from her brother Amit. She cried for days but soon she realized Anand never understood her love and carried on with her life.

***

A year later…

“Vandana beti, get ready. You take so much time.” said Vandana’s mom.

“Ma, let Rahul wait for me na. I am getting married to him. He should learn and realize that I take lot of time to get ready.” said Vandana happily on the occasion of her marriage.

The marriage was organized on a large scale as Vandana’s parents were well known people in the city. Somewhere in the crowd was a boy who was crying as well as smiling. He came to see the colors in Vandana’s life. From now on his life was a shade of white…

Author’s Note

All throughout the narration of the story there was one things missing. What was that rationale because of which Vandana took the drastic step of ending their relationship? I tried hard to know Vandana’s side of the story. But my friend refused to tell me that and asked me to promise, never to ask her about this. One slight mistake and the painful effort my friend has taken will be gone for ever.

As for reasons why Anand left his parents, I never asked him and I don’t intend to. Its okay to keep some of the dark, painful emotions buried forever.

I do visit my friend once in a while and he still loves Vandana like he used to before. I hope being his close friend, I learn the word, no its not a word, the feeling “Love”, after all his shade of love was always red – not with anger, but with warmth.

AT TWO

I was two years old when I first stepped on an airplane. For a two year old it’s a very huge object and loads of people rushing in. Initially it was a tough task for my mom to make me understand that it’s not a monster ready to gobble us all. After creating much of ado, I managed to board the plane, but only in my dad’s arms. Oh! And one more thing, I used to think my dad was HE-MAN. So the monster won’t be able to do anything to me if I am in his lap. My mom actually had to bribe me with Cadbury chocolates. Human nature!! We give in to taking bribes at so early an age.

<>

<> The year was 1984; none of the current private airlines were operating. The only airline present was IA and air travel was a privilege. Thankfully I got a chance early in my life to travel from Delhi to Bombay (Now Mumbai). To a two year old kid these things hardly matter. To him, all that matters is that he is going to a new place with his mom, dad and his elder brother- on an airplane!

<>

<> As soon as we boarded the plane, its enormous size freaked me out. I clung to my Dad very tightly. My brother (aged 6) was teasing me and it perplexed me more. Being in such a frantic state, how annoying it is when an air-hostess comes and does a “Googly Woogly mush” – for all who don’t know what it is – it’s what every one likes to do to a baby with chubby cheeks (or better still, watch the Ponds Cold Cream ad ) – I got irritated, but somehow managed not to cry. Instead, I started to become curious. My world had so far been limited to a 3 bedroom house and the lane we used to live in. Today for the first time my mind was exploring new places. Ludicrously I pointed at a fat man sitting right ahead and tell my dad, “Dad that man is even fatter than granny.” My dad had to apologize profusely to this fat man for my behavior, as he did on several other occasions, to many different people, for many different blabberings of my kiddish mouth.

<>

<> Mom some how managed to keep a check on me till the plane was about to take off. As soon as the plane started moving towards the runway, the devil in me started playing tricks. I suddenly unfastened the belt – oh I was smart enough to learn how to open it - and started jumping on the seat. Annoying loads of people with my voice, I shouted, “We are going in a plane, we are going in a plane.” The look on my mom’s face said it all! My parents always followed that logic of not scolding us in front of others; I used to get it once we reached home. This saved me from a certain bash from my mom – dad never used to scold me or beat me - HE-MAN doesn’t beat the good guys – Right...?

The devil within me was still not at peace, fighting the seat belt which I was certainly not allowed to open anymore and the stare which mom gave me after the dance I did just before take-off didn’t quench the devil’s thirst for a little more mischief. Now I, already in limelight, was getting special treatment from all airhostesses. When the candy was served, I was told I could pick as many as I wanted!! Ahh... the fruits of childish paradise!! The prospect of getting loads of candy filled me with a malicious glee that made the devil within very happy. Fate, however, didn’t favor poor me! With such small palms, it was very hard to collect loads of candy. Here, too, the benign treatment continued as the Airhostess helped me to load enough candy to fill my ample pockets (My outfit had a “bugs bunny” pocket on it – the cute ones we all had when we were infants – which was now filled with loads of candy).

<>By the end of the flight I had done all possible mischief like repeatedly asking for candy, standing on the seat, dropping food on my clothes and talking animatedly and continuously. Finally, worn out by all the hard work, I fell asleep like an innocent angel in my mother’s lap, while cruising through serene clouds in my dreams oblivious of the mischief I had just wreaked.

<>

Author’s Note

<>

Author would like to share that he was brainwashed and was not able to recall any such incident before the age of five or six. He came to know all this when he was told again and again on those innumerable embarrassing occasions (something like ‘thanksgiving’) when the whole family used to sit and discuss his childhood mischief.