Recently I participated in a story writing contest in one of Facebook's group BM. There were many teams of two members. The basic thumb rule was to write by sharing each para with the team , I had a very good partner who has good writing capabilities and learned so many things from the wonderful person. and finally here is our story ..go on...
Rajani is tossing and turning in her bed. Varun has slept a long back and she is deprived of sleep as always! she thinks of walking on the terrace for a while. It is around 10.40 pm. It’s a cloudy, calm, pleasant dark night, blowing wind playing with her beautiful long shiny black hair! While Bengaluru is getting ready to sleep after a strenuous day. Rajani is lost in that beautiful dark night, She is constantly watching the full moon without blinking her eyes as if she is complaining something to the moon. The helpless moon is sometimes hiding behind the clouds to escape from the sight of Rajani's big black beautiful eyes. The sudden continuous honk of the bike brings her back to earth. She turns to see what’s going on. A guy is honking over street dogs. In return, dogs have started barking on him, bow bow bow bow.
This small incident takes her 15 years in flashback .....her college days! She hadn't spoken with Bow bow from last two weeks, she was feeling very uncomfortable, lonely, lost. She had always one eye over the telephone from the past two weeks, but that idiot phone! It hadn't rung for her these days. But that night after dinner, to her utter happiness, there came that sweet music... “trin trin ,trin trin”! Unknowingly she is smiling now. Those were the days! That innocent puppy love chat! Those incessant conversations! How time used to fly! She couldn't imagine her life without him ever since. Her Bowbow! She recalls the incident which gave them these nicknames. That stupid quarrel over some trivial silly issue! Both were so worked up, trying to prove their points...! And afterward they were laughing how they fought like cats and dogs. Since then these nicknames stuck to them for good! She checks her mobile phone...a habit formed over the years. Yearning mind hoping to find some missed call or just one message. Her mind again travels back to that phone call some 15 years ago!
She: “Hello”.
He: “Meow meow”
she: “ Idiot, stupid, where were you in these days? You know, I m going mad here, don't speak to me ..gooooo ....”
He: “Sorry meow meow” ;
She: “Go bow bow!!!!!!!!!!!”
He: “Sorry baba, I went to Madras for presentation! I missed you too! My bad luck, I didn't find chance to speak with u. We were in a hostel and were not allowed to talk and above that, there was very rainy in Madras. Sorry sorry sorry re...sorry sorry meow meow.
” She: “Is it? You didn't tell me you are going ????? It's okay, no problem. But you know I was missing you badly!”
He: “Even I came to know the same day and I ringed to inform you, but you were in college re. I am sorry baba. I too missed you lot re meow. These 15 days were like 15 years u know,!!!!!!”
She: “ Hmmmmm, don't act too much okay !!!!!!! Leave it! Tell me how was the presentation ?? How is Madras??”
He: “Hmmm. The presentation was superb !!! That college omg so big you know, so nice campus ..and Madras as usual, very nice city! Many students from all over India participated in that event u know. All over too good ..."
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Now lying on the bed, Rajani is reliving those sweetest memories of her life! She enjoys doing that all the time! Who doesn't! She glances at Varun! Sleeping like a baby! Her heart goes out to him. Her dear hubby! Life has been loads and loads of happiness with him! Their lives have mingled with each other so much as to become one! Words have lost their importance in their relationship. One look and one knows what the other one is going through! They know each other so well like a palm of one's hand! And hence....the constant memory of Mohit that always accompanies her is a very guarded secret of her! She dare not reveal it to him. Once told, it would be difficult for Varun to unlearn that knowledge! And the memories of Mohit, her first love...that intense passionate pure love...., well, no memory eraser for a human mind available anywhere in the market! Again, she gets lost in that ocean of memories!
It was about 15 years back! It happened when she was pursuing her degree in Pune. Rajani was very pretty and beautiful and there were many guys behind her to prove it. She was born and brought up in a family where customs and traditions shaped her personality. She was her parents' baby doll...their whole world! Her parent's love and affection always made her ignore the boys who followed her. But love doesn't tell before happening! During the Independence Day program, she met her college representative, a senior student...Mohit. A born leader, a popular guy in the college. When they were planning the events of the program, there was a difference of opinion between Rajani and Mohit. Mohit was enraged to get opposed to a junior student, but Rajani was not a type to take it lying down. The lifelong relationship of love and friendship had thus begun with a petty fight! It was followed by innumerable to date, but the first one is always special! That one week of interaction on the pretext of Independence Day program was going to change their whole lives forever! Rajani didn't need much time to notice how famous Mohit was among the female folks. But something had started between them. Rajani realized Mohit's stares on her that accelerated her heart rate. What she was unaware of was the fact that her blushes bowled him over for good! The eyes were doing all the talking and how! The program was a grand success! Their handshake after the program...that memory of the first touch still managed to bring her goosebumps. Life had turned colorful, all of a sudden! Now, more attention was paid to dresses, hairstyles, makeups. Daydreaming took much of the study time! The journey that began from conscious small talks had ended in animated never-ending chats by the next year's Independence day! Days passed .things changed and they became best buddies…soulmates! Both were heads over heels in love. Rajini and Mohit became a point of gossip on the campus. Still, Rajini remembers that day when Mohit said those magical three words...She got a call from Mohit
saying he bought a new bike and wanted her to take her out. The ride was heavenly. They came to a garden and chose one corner away from others. She was chatting but he was silent listening. Suddenly he: "Rajo, I wanna tell u something." She : (Blushing)" Yeah, what is it?" Then silence for some time. At last he: (with all courage) “ I I I love you re my sweetheart, I really love, And I mean it, I love u lotttttttt..Will u replace your surname by mine ???" He offered one rose and chocolate (which was her fav) ."Please accept this."She was feeling like heaven, feeling like she won the whole world, her love came to her.
But life changed after the completion of education. Mohit had two sisters of marriageable age. He was committed to their getting married first. Here Rajani was pressurized by her parents for getting married at the proper time. There was indefinite suspense that was in store for them. Sometimes depression would set on her mind making her hopeless and doubtful about her future. Another year has gone, and Rajani had to give in to the pressure of her parents and agree for an arranged marriage. After twelve years of marriage, she thought, well, if it wasn’t for Mohit’s painful memory and even in spite of it, her marriage was a happy one. Varun was a very easy person to live with. Caring, understanding, playful….And he gave her the best gift in the world…an apple of her eye, Chiraag. Undoubtedly, her life was happy. And yet she couldn’t explain to herself why some fleeting flashes of memory from the past still had the power of moistening her eyes!
As the earth is round, we get a chance to meet people again. Rajani always dreamed of meeting Mohit again in life. As dreams come true, she was shopping in the market and arguing with the salesman, she couldn't believe her eyes... Mohit was standing just in front of her. Was she dreaming? Well, it was Mohit that old kiddish style ,that friendly smile! In the past 12 years, many things had changed but for her and Mohit...as if nothing had changed....for a second she lost her mind. Mohit in neat dress giving her smile and saying "Hi Rajini ..me...Mohit !"That made her cry! After some time they went to a tea shop. Both never spoke about the past. Mohit had got married to his caste girl And he didn't seem to be happy with her . She belonged to a rich family and she ruled the house. He had a daughter and he stayed in an apartment gifted by his father in law. Rajani's questions were never-ending. All that she had to ask, she had to tell ... a dozen years to be covered. Mohit was a bit baffled to see Rajani getting so overexcited but he couldn't save himself from that infectious attachment that he felt in his heart too. They exchanged phone numbers promising to keep in touch. Life was again brightly colorful for Rajani! The phone was again a very important thing! Every ring again made her miss a heartbeat. Every happening in life, small or big, good or bad had to be shared with Mohit. She didn’t want to think about how people will label their friendship now! Some narrow-minded people may snarl at it calling it an extramarital affair! Let them go to hell for all that she cared. But Varun! Oh, she wanted to confide in him so badly. But she was afraid her face would tell more than she intended to confess! She thought, well, better to bide the time! But as they say, all the things, good or bad, come to end. One day Mohit called. “ I have to speak with you, Rajani.” Oh, if only he could see her brightened face hearing his voice. “Yes Bowbow, I’m all ears….as always!” “ Rajani, my wife Preeti is not comfortable about us, I mean, how can she be, right? She is upset yaar. She wants me to put a full stop to this friendship. U there?” “ Oh yeah..” “ I’m really sorry Rajju. You know how much I wish to keep in touch with you, right? Tell me what should I do.” “ You are right, Mohit! I’m really feeling bad about your wife. Let’s quit.” She was amazed as to how she could keep her tone than normal, heartbroken that she was!
She had learnt to live her life without him so well. He was just a happy memory in her life. Why were they destined to meet again? Why was this pain of separation getting multifold? How could Mohit be so practical? Couldn't he understand how important he was for her! Life with Varun and Chiraag would be perfect only when Mohit was there to share her happiness. But then, there was nothing she could do. She had an understanding husband but for Mohit, it was not easy. Rajani could understand what a hell it could be to suffer from a suspicious and insecure spouse. Mohit was not to be blamed altogether. It’s been 2 years since she last heard Mohit’s voice. Rajani smiles wryly. Oh, this damn insomnia! Night has that amazing power of healing the parts that were broken during the day and breaking the parts that were healed a long time ago..!Human beings are destined to live lives by rules, after all. And what about “You live only once....” That’s just a quote, for god’s sake! Life goes on. Rajani is happy with her dear hubby and her darling son. She is the most important person in their lives But our Rajani, emotional fool that she is, is still susceptible to the memories of the past. She knows somewhere there, Mohit too is missing her. If you catch her wiping her eyes with some pretext, just give her some space!
Reminiscences from a dark room
Rajani is tossing and turning in her bed. Varun has slept a long back and she is deprived of sleep as always! she thinks of walking on the terrace for a while. It is around 10.40 pm. It’s a cloudy, calm, pleasant dark night, blowing wind playing with her beautiful long shiny black hair! While Bengaluru is getting ready to sleep after a strenuous day. Rajani is lost in that beautiful dark night, She is constantly watching the full moon without blinking her eyes as if she is complaining something to the moon. The helpless moon is sometimes hiding behind the clouds to escape from the sight of Rajani's big black beautiful eyes. The sudden continuous honk of the bike brings her back to earth. She turns to see what’s going on. A guy is honking over street dogs. In return, dogs have started barking on him, bow bow bow bow.
This small incident takes her 15 years in flashback .....her college days! She hadn't spoken with Bow bow from last two weeks, she was feeling very uncomfortable, lonely, lost. She had always one eye over the telephone from the past two weeks, but that idiot phone! It hadn't rung for her these days. But that night after dinner, to her utter happiness, there came that sweet music... “trin trin ,trin trin”! Unknowingly she is smiling now. Those were the days! That innocent puppy love chat! Those incessant conversations! How time used to fly! She couldn't imagine her life without him ever since. Her Bowbow! She recalls the incident which gave them these nicknames. That stupid quarrel over some trivial silly issue! Both were so worked up, trying to prove their points...! And afterward they were laughing how they fought like cats and dogs. Since then these nicknames stuck to them for good! She checks her mobile phone...a habit formed over the years. Yearning mind hoping to find some missed call or just one message. Her mind again travels back to that phone call some 15 years ago!
She: “Hello”.
He: “Meow meow”
she: “ Idiot, stupid, where were you in these days? You know, I m going mad here, don't speak to me ..gooooo ....”
He: “Sorry meow meow” ;
She: “Go bow bow!!!!!!!!!!!”
He: “Sorry baba, I went to Madras for presentation! I missed you too! My bad luck, I didn't find chance to speak with u. We were in a hostel and were not allowed to talk and above that, there was very rainy in Madras. Sorry sorry sorry re...sorry sorry meow meow.
” She: “Is it? You didn't tell me you are going ????? It's okay, no problem. But you know I was missing you badly!”
He: “Even I came to know the same day and I ringed to inform you, but you were in college re. I am sorry baba. I too missed you lot re meow. These 15 days were like 15 years u know,!!!!!!”
She: “ Hmmmmm, don't act too much okay !!!!!!! Leave it! Tell me how was the presentation ?? How is Madras??”
He: “Hmmm. The presentation was superb !!! That college omg so big you know, so nice campus ..and Madras as usual, very nice city! Many students from all over India participated in that event u know. All over too good ..."
Now lying on the bed, Rajani is reliving those sweetest memories of her life! She enjoys doing that all the time! Who doesn't! She glances at Varun! Sleeping like a baby! Her heart goes out to him. Her dear hubby! Life has been loads and loads of happiness with him! Their lives have mingled with each other so much as to become one! Words have lost their importance in their relationship. One look and one knows what the other one is going through! They know each other so well like a palm of one's hand! And hence....the constant memory of Mohit that always accompanies her is a very guarded secret of her! She dare not reveal it to him. Once told, it would be difficult for Varun to unlearn that knowledge! And the memories of Mohit, her first love...that intense passionate pure love...., well, no memory eraser for a human mind available anywhere in the market! Again, she gets lost in that ocean of memories!
It was about 15 years back! It happened when she was pursuing her degree in Pune. Rajani was very pretty and beautiful and there were many guys behind her to prove it. She was born and brought up in a family where customs and traditions shaped her personality. She was her parents' baby doll...their whole world! Her parent's love and affection always made her ignore the boys who followed her. But love doesn't tell before happening! During the Independence Day program, she met her college representative, a senior student...Mohit. A born leader, a popular guy in the college. When they were planning the events of the program, there was a difference of opinion between Rajani and Mohit. Mohit was enraged to get opposed to a junior student, but Rajani was not a type to take it lying down. The lifelong relationship of love and friendship had thus begun with a petty fight! It was followed by innumerable to date, but the first one is always special! That one week of interaction on the pretext of Independence Day program was going to change their whole lives forever! Rajani didn't need much time to notice how famous Mohit was among the female folks. But something had started between them. Rajani realized Mohit's stares on her that accelerated her heart rate. What she was unaware of was the fact that her blushes bowled him over for good! The eyes were doing all the talking and how! The program was a grand success! Their handshake after the program...that memory of the first touch still managed to bring her goosebumps. Life had turned colorful, all of a sudden! Now, more attention was paid to dresses, hairstyles, makeups. Daydreaming took much of the study time! The journey that began from conscious small talks had ended in animated never-ending chats by the next year's Independence day! Days passed .things changed and they became best buddies…soulmates! Both were heads over heels in love. Rajini and Mohit became a point of gossip on the campus. Still, Rajini remembers that day when Mohit said those magical three words...She got a call from Mohit
saying he bought a new bike and wanted her to take her out. The ride was heavenly. They came to a garden and chose one corner away from others. She was chatting but he was silent listening. Suddenly he: "Rajo, I wanna tell u something." She : (Blushing)" Yeah, what is it?" Then silence for some time. At last he: (with all courage) “ I I I love you re my sweetheart, I really love, And I mean it, I love u lotttttttt..Will u replace your surname by mine ???" He offered one rose and chocolate (which was her fav) ."Please accept this."She was feeling like heaven, feeling like she won the whole world, her love came to her.
But life changed after the completion of education. Mohit had two sisters of marriageable age. He was committed to their getting married first. Here Rajani was pressurized by her parents for getting married at the proper time. There was indefinite suspense that was in store for them. Sometimes depression would set on her mind making her hopeless and doubtful about her future. Another year has gone, and Rajani had to give in to the pressure of her parents and agree for an arranged marriage. After twelve years of marriage, she thought, well, if it wasn’t for Mohit’s painful memory and even in spite of it, her marriage was a happy one. Varun was a very easy person to live with. Caring, understanding, playful….And he gave her the best gift in the world…an apple of her eye, Chiraag. Undoubtedly, her life was happy. And yet she couldn’t explain to herself why some fleeting flashes of memory from the past still had the power of moistening her eyes!
As the earth is round, we get a chance to meet people again. Rajani always dreamed of meeting Mohit again in life. As dreams come true, she was shopping in the market and arguing with the salesman, she couldn't believe her eyes... Mohit was standing just in front of her. Was she dreaming? Well, it was Mohit that old kiddish style ,that friendly smile! In the past 12 years, many things had changed but for her and Mohit...as if nothing had changed....for a second she lost her mind. Mohit in neat dress giving her smile and saying "Hi Rajini ..me...Mohit !"That made her cry! After some time they went to a tea shop. Both never spoke about the past. Mohit had got married to his caste girl And he didn't seem to be happy with her . She belonged to a rich family and she ruled the house. He had a daughter and he stayed in an apartment gifted by his father in law. Rajani's questions were never-ending. All that she had to ask, she had to tell ... a dozen years to be covered. Mohit was a bit baffled to see Rajani getting so overexcited but he couldn't save himself from that infectious attachment that he felt in his heart too. They exchanged phone numbers promising to keep in touch. Life was again brightly colorful for Rajani! The phone was again a very important thing! Every ring again made her miss a heartbeat. Every happening in life, small or big, good or bad had to be shared with Mohit. She didn’t want to think about how people will label their friendship now! Some narrow-minded people may snarl at it calling it an extramarital affair! Let them go to hell for all that she cared. But Varun! Oh, she wanted to confide in him so badly. But she was afraid her face would tell more than she intended to confess! She thought, well, better to bide the time! But as they say, all the things, good or bad, come to end. One day Mohit called. “ I have to speak with you, Rajani.” Oh, if only he could see her brightened face hearing his voice. “Yes Bowbow, I’m all ears….as always!” “ Rajani, my wife Preeti is not comfortable about us, I mean, how can she be, right? She is upset yaar. She wants me to put a full stop to this friendship. U there?” “ Oh yeah..” “ I’m really sorry Rajju. You know how much I wish to keep in touch with you, right? Tell me what should I do.” “ You are right, Mohit! I’m really feeling bad about your wife. Let’s quit.” She was amazed as to how she could keep her tone than normal, heartbroken that she was!
She had learnt to live her life without him so well. He was just a happy memory in her life. Why were they destined to meet again? Why was this pain of separation getting multifold? How could Mohit be so practical? Couldn't he understand how important he was for her! Life with Varun and Chiraag would be perfect only when Mohit was there to share her happiness. But then, there was nothing she could do. She had an understanding husband but for Mohit, it was not easy. Rajani could understand what a hell it could be to suffer from a suspicious and insecure spouse. Mohit was not to be blamed altogether. It’s been 2 years since she last heard Mohit’s voice. Rajani smiles wryly. Oh, this damn insomnia! Night has that amazing power of healing the parts that were broken during the day and breaking the parts that were healed a long time ago..!Human beings are destined to live lives by rules, after all. And what about “You live only once....” That’s just a quote, for god’s sake! Life goes on. Rajani is happy with her dear hubby and her darling son. She is the most important person in their lives But our Rajani, emotional fool that she is, is still susceptible to the memories of the past. She knows somewhere there, Mohit too is missing her. If you catch her wiping her eyes with some pretext, just give her some space!
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