For past 15 days my City has been buzzing with rumors of attacks by a mysterious shadow. Apparantly, a dark shadow which sometimes assumes the shape of a large black cat attacks people sleeping on the roof or in the open. Things have become so bad that people have fallen off the roof and seriously injured themselves. Nobody sleeps in open anymore. The following is a fictional account of the events through a child’s eyes. Please remember that this is a story and in no way true. The events and the eventual explanation exists in author’s imagination only.

PINTU’S DIARY

Today was a good day. I spent the entire day on the roof flying kites. I like 15 August. Papa says we gained independence on this day. I like independence. I like kites more. No school today. I got twelve kites. Added to six I had they were eighteen.Three got torn.Seven were cut by other kite flyers. I am still left with eight. I too cut three kites. A good day. Sometimes I wish I had a brother or at least a sister who would hold the Charkhi while I flew kites. Still, sometimes Ramu (my friend) comes over to do it. But he wants to fly kites and I have to hold Charkhi.Lot of pigeons live on roof. A few crows come too. A big Kite (the bird and not the paper one) usually sits on the TATA SKY antenna. Kites eat pigeons. But not this one. It sits there kind of peaceful. Does not do anything the whole day. I like the roof. Nobody disturbs me here. Ma is calling me downstairs. Better go or she will be angry.

*****

I am sad. Someone has been killing pigeons. I often find feathers and spots of blood on roof. The place has become scary. It feels cold in afternoon also. I will not come here. I will not fly kites. I wish I had a big and strong brother.

*****

 

I have not gone to roof for many days. I have to sit in living room and listen to Ma and aunty talk. All day they talk about Churail only. There is churail in city. She comes in night and attacks people sleeping on roof. Did she kill the pigeons? I will not go to roof alone. But I am bored.

*****

The Tribune

Mystery cat terrorises city

Thursday (Our local correspondent)The city is buzzing with rumors of a Mysterious Shadow which assumes the shape of a wild cat and attacks sleeping people. A number of people claim to have been attacked. A few have shown unexplained scratches on their bodies. One girl was seriously injured when she fell from the roof after an alleged attack by the Mysterious shadow. The district administration has dismissed this as baseless rumor. The SSP when contacted said that he has issued instructions for effective policing in the effected area to restore people's confidence. The president of local IMA has dismissed the rumors as phenomena of Mass Hysteria. As for the scratches he says they may be self induced.

*****

Pintu's diary.

 

We have new neighbors. Actually, they have been here for a month. Aunty visited us today. I don't like her. She has green eyes. I read in Harry Potter that witches have green eyes. In England the Churails are called witches. She has very red lips and pointed teeth. She asked me why I did not go to roof any more. She said she has often seen me playing on the roof as her window looks out to the roof. I ran to my room and did not come out till she was gone. I told Ma that she was a Churail and Ma laughed at me. Sometimes, grown ups are stupid.

*****

Ramu came today. We went to roof to play. All pigeons are gone. Where? Has kite killed all of them or is it the Churail? New aunty was looking at us from her window. She looked at us and licked her lips like a cat. I am afraid. We will not fly kites anymore.

*****

The Tribune

The cat hysteria continues

Saturday (Our local correpondent)The hysteria in the city about Mystery cat refuses to die down. Increased policing has not helped. There was a near riot in old city when two groups belonging to different communities clashed blaming each other for the menace. The District Magistrate and the SSP have appealed to all residents not to listen to or spread rumors. The City Rationalist Association has decided to start community policing to restore confidence in the populace. Meanwhile the number of people claiming to have been attacked by a large black cat, or a woman with flowing hair or a dark shadow keeps on increasing.

*****

Pintu's diary.

 

I am bored as I have nothing to do. I don't go to roof any more. Papa brought me a portable video game but I am bored with it too. Maybe I'll go to roof tomorrow.

*****

I will not stay here. I will go to Mama's House in Faridabad. Now I know who killed the pigeons. I also know who the Churail is. It is the aunty with green eyes. I was so bored in the afternoon that I went to roof alone. Ramu did not come and I don't have a brother or sister. I was busy playing with Marbles when I felt cold. I felt someone's eyes on my back. I turned and saw Aunty on her window. Her eyes were greener and lips redder than ever. She licked her lips the way a cat does. Then she smiled and called me. Her teeth were pointed like Dracula. And when she waved at me she had cat's paws instead of hands. I ran and ran and shut myself in my room. She knows that I know the truth about her. And she will kill me. I will not stay here. But Ma will not believe me. Papa will laugh when I tell him what I saw. So I'll cry and cry till they are forced to take me to Mama's house in Faridabad.

 

THE END

 

 

                   Link to Part II

This version has been written by Mivida G and all kudos for this should go to her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reunion started punctually. All the men were dressed almost identically in dark suits. But the women stole the show, dressed in glamorous saris and Punjabi suits. There were a few western dresses as well and everyone seemed animated. Venkat started the official proceedings after grabbing the mike. The guests sat in groups around small tables while Venkat called the class members and their families one by one and asked them to brief the audience about themselves. Maya seemed to have bonded big time with Mandira and was chatting animatedly with her. Tarun sat by himself, feeling slightly lost among the entire bustle.
Sunayana suddenly materialized by his side, 'where were you? I have been looking for you!' She looked absolutely beautiful in a royal blue sari.

 

“Hi how are you doing………….how's life treating you and why are you alone?”

 

'Well!' Sunayana replied, 'I am doing good. I have shifted base to US and except some major shocks which I have overcome life is treating me good, what about you?”

 

 'That's nice, dear.' Tarun replied, 'well, I have been married to Maya for Eighteen years .There she is' and he waved her over. Maya met Sunayana and then joined back with the group she had formed .Tarun continued talking about his daughter and professional life.

 

“So you are happily married and well settled ………….lucky chap”

 

Tarun replied, 'Happily …..Don't know but yeah, married?”

 

Sunayana was about to reply when her phone rang. She excused herself and went to a side to chat. When she returned to the table Tarun heard only the last words of the call “ok sweet heart, take your time………waiting, love you.”

 

Tarun somehow didn’t like those words but keeping his feelings to himself he greeted her back with a smile.

 She said, “Too suffocating here; let’s go for a walk in the lawn….”

 

He nodded and they moved. Sunayana broke the silence” So Tarun……your last statement .May I ask you if everything is fine.”

 

Tarun said, 'Yes. Absolutely, it's just that you know we men can never digest the fact that we are happy in our marriage While thinking in his mind, 'Dear Sunayana, everything is fine except me. I want to be with you. I still love you. I regret not conveying my love too you… now life has given me a chance I won't let it go'. Then smiling in his thoughts he said to himself, 'she too is in a relationship. What crap I am thinking.'

And he forced his mind back to the present.

Sunayana broke the silence, “Tarun, I know you were attracted to me in our college days. I was too ………and really when our college ended for few months I always regretted not taking a move. But then some months apart I met Vishal, the first real love of my life .Yes, first love ………..'Tarun hated this line.

'You know Tarun, we knew each other for 2 years as very good friends then we started dating for about 3 years and finally took the call and decided to get married.   We were madly in love ………..I felt as if I was living in a dream world……….But unfortunately, my dreams were all shattered by me losing Vishal forever in a plane crash…….Just one month before our marriage…………My world was shattered, Tarun.   For months I lived in a shock. But then time is the best healer I moved on with his memories and concentrated on my career. Then as time passed I finally met Richard. He was a colleague and then we spent time together. Though I was never inclined towards him…….I liked his company……..And finally Richard proposed and I accepted as there was no reason to say no. Though I told Richard that I need some time more to accept him. Finally after about 1 year of his proposal I got married to him. And now we are happily married, yes, really happily for 5 years'…in our small world…………Richard has a daughter from his first marriage. She is 15 and she too has accepted me………”

 

'But Tarun,' she continued 'even when I was alone …….I never had a thought about you ………..as I feel for me you were just a teenage attraction I never felt in my 3 lonely years that I need you by my side or that life would have been different with you. May-be you were just out of mind when out of sight. But yeah, I still smile when I think of my stupid deeds in college just  got a glimpse of you….but it was just a attraction…..Even  now I  can't  say Richard has taken Vishal’s place. Well, nobody can but I am happy with him”

 

“Hey, beautiful lady!” someone interrupted their conversation. Tarun turned around to see a person walking towards them. H e was an American, a good looking gentleman. Sunayana moved towards him and welcomed him with a hug.

 

Sunayana then introduced Richard to Tarun and they exchanged pleasantries. Then they excused themselves and moved inside.

 

Tarun sat by himself, oblivious to his surroundings and thinking, 'How beautifully Sunayana has moved on from Vishal to Richard. And how stupid I am. Just clinging on to the ghosts of my past and ready to spoil my present. And that too for a person who was never mine…………and would never be…….' And then he thanked god for never losing a loved one………..and suddenly all good times he had with Maya rolled back…….Suddenly she felt so special. And he knew how special she was for him. Even though he had lost the track for sometime…….thanks to Sunayana …….he has no doubts now.

 

He heard Maya calling,”Tarun, what are you doing alone here?” She was standing in front of him.

“Just thinking of old times. Been catching up with old friends.'

Maya gave him a questioning but teasing look. 'Girlfriends?'

'Well yeah…………….but not more important then my present which is you………..love you dear.” And he hugged her.

Surprised by the sudden gesture Maya asked, 'Are you okay?'

Tarun smiled, 'Yeah, more than okay. Lets get back to the reunion ceremony!' Thinking, 'and I bet it's my reunion with you too, Maya.'

 

The end.

 

 

 

 

                                                        Link to Part II

Here is a second version which was written with generous help from Sharath Godwa.

 

 

 

Tarun was sitting in his room and re-living the few seconds Sunayana had spent with him earlier in the evening. 'Wonder where she is now and what is her room number?' He thought. As if on cue the telephone rang. He picked up the phone. 'Tarun, it is me, Sunayana. I am in room number 108. Could you come over for a few minutes, please?'

'Right, I'll be there.' He had to think fast. He looked at Maya and said. 'Venkat is calling me to the Banquet Hall. I'll be back soon.'

With a rapidly beating heart he made his way to room 108 and rang the bell. The door opened and there she was. She ushered him in and offered him a seat. As he sat there looking at her Tarun was at a loss for words. Thousand of unsaid words welled up in his heart but did not find a way to his tongue.

'I don't know what to say, Sunayana.' He managed to articulate.

'Don't say anything. Just come here and hold my hands.' She commanded.

He walked over to her and held her hands. He felt an unaccustomed thrill.

'Sunayana. I want to say'..'

'Shhh. Don't say anything!'

 And they were kissing passionately. Years of suppressed yearning, desires and lust made an incendiary combination and they grabbed each other, tore at others clothes and made love on the bed. She was like a tigress in bed. In eighteen years of marriage, Tarun had never experienced anything like it. They went on an incredible roller coaster ride and suddenly they were spent, lying exhausted in each others arms.

'Sunayana, I have always loved you. I was a fool not to have done anything about it earlier. But no more, I cannot live without you anymore. I'll get a divorce. We'll be together forever. What about you. I know nothing about your life'.'

'Shhh. Don't say anything now. I had been waiting for this moment for a very long time. Let me experience it to the full. There will be enough time for talk later.'

And they lay together, savoring the moment. There was a sense of peace and fulfillment in Tarun's mind. He knew that he had found what he had been looking for all his life. Sunayana was the one to break the silence. 'Tarun, go to your room and change for the party. Let this little tryst be our secret. We'll talk later.' Tarun was reluctant to leave but he realized that what Sunayana was saying made sense and he made his way back to his room. He went to the bathroom and showered, his skin still tingling with Sunayana's touch. His mind was working at top gear; all his thoughts were centered on the woman he had just left.

 

 ****************************************************************************************

 The reunion started punctually. All the men were dressed almost identically in dark suits. But the women stole the show, dressed in glamorous saris and Punjabi suits. There were a few western dresses as well and everyone seemed animated. Venkat started the official proceedings after grabbing the mike. The guests sat in groups around small tables while Venkat called the class members and their families one by one and asked them to brief the audience about themselves. Maya seemed to have bonded big time with Mandira and was chatting animatedly with her. Tarun sat by himself, feeling slightly lost among the entire bustle. He was desperate for a glimpse of Sunayana. Bit Sunayana did not turn up. Tarun waited and waited but she never came. For a moment he thought that he had imagined the entire episode but the skin of his chest still ached slightly from her love bites so there was proof that he had not imagined the rendezvous. In the end, he could bear it no longer and he asked Venkat.' Where is Sunayana?' Venkat was slightly tipsy from the enormous quantities of beer he had been guzzling. 'Sunayana. She called on my mobile and said that she had to go back to Delhi for some urgent work. She said that she was sorry to be missing the party but she could not help it.'  

Tarun was shocked but decided not to push Venkat in his present state of intoxication. I'll take her cell number from him in the morning, he decided. Next morning, as they all gathered for breakfast, he took Sunayana's mobile number from Venkat. Venkat did not suspect anything as everyone was busy exchanging contact information and promises to keep in touch. Tarun was at a loss to explain her absence. He just could not understand what had happened and why had it happened. He understood the passion between himself and Sunayana but could not understand her sudden unexplained disappearance. He went on calling her mobile but every time he got the same message- The mobile you are calling is either switched off or out of range.

*****************************************************************************************

The next few days went by in a daze. He could not get Sunayana out of his mind. He went through his routine expecting her to contact him every moment. His sleep was disturbed. He had dialed Sunayana's umpteen times but to no avail. One day the letter arrived at his office address. He recognized the handwriting and tore at the envelope, dropping the letter in his hurry. He read the letter and sat quietly for a long time, stunned by the revelations. Few tears trickled down his cheek while he sighed for the unattainable. He cried for himself, for Sunayana and for their doomed love story which was destined to remain unfulfilled but for those few stolen moments of passion in a hotel room in Mussoorie.

 

————–Sunayana's Letter————

 

Dearest Tarun,

I know you will be anxiously waiting for a word from me. I know what I did was wrong. Firstly, I should not have called you to my room and secondly, I should not have run away. But believe me, certain things are pre-destined to be doomed and our love story is one of those. I am sure you will understand everything once I explain and will not have any bitter thoughts about me.

Tarun, I love you. I fell in love with you the first day I set my eyes on you. I loved you as an akward teenager and I loved you as an adult. I loved you with a single minded devotion and passion. But I was painfully shy and never articulated my feelings even to my closest friends. I knew in my heart that you were also interested as I caught many a furtive glances from you. I kept waiting for you to make a move but you never said anything. Thus the six years of med school were spent in quite desperation and unfulfilled passions.
After passing out of med school I hired by the multinational medical giant Pfizer. After a brief stint in their research division, I diversified to the business arm and gradually rose to head the marketing division in charge of South India.
  I met Rahul through mutual friends of our families, and although I found in him a quite and dignified young man, I never felt that stirring of passion I had felt through out our unfulfilled love. But gradually the gentle nudges and pushes from both families found us at the altar.
 The marriage was a disaster from the onset, and though both of us soldiered on to keep the relationship alive, we knew it was only a matter of time .Four years later we separated amicably. Luckily there was no offspring to bear the emotional scars of a failed marriage.
   When sorrows come they come not as single spy but as battalion of soldiers. Barely a fortnight after the divorce was finalized, one day at office when I was busy at a conference I felt giddy and a bit tired .I took the day off and rested at home .And thinking the tiredness was a result of the pressures of divorce, coupled with hectic office work, I ignored it and continued attending office. But a fortnight later when the same symptoms reoccurred, I knew it was trouble.
      The work-up was extensive, but the result was brief and brutal.  I have acute lymphocytic leukemia and you know what it means. At best, I have six months left and at worse'''''''.And then Venkat called. The call from Venkat  unleashed within me the memories and desires kept concealed for a very long time .I thought back to my medical college days and of the gawky young man on whom I had a crush. And I wanted to meet you at least one more time. The meeting in the Hotel Lobby set within me a maelstrom of emotions and desires I thought were long dead. I wanted to make love to you, I wanted to possess you, and I wanted to be fully alive at least once before dying. So I did what I did. Staying further would have unnecessarily complicated your life. I have nothing to offer you as I am dying. I don't want any sympathy. I will not contact you again. Do not search for me. You will not find me in this life at least. I am taking with me the precious memory of those few moments spent with you. I don't know if there is anything called perpetual love that transcends lifetimes. Maybe we'll meet again in another life, maybe we won't. But I am happy that I did what I did. Goodbye or should it be till we meet again.

Yours

Sunayana

THE END

 

   

LINK TO PART II

The reunion started punctually. All the men were dressed almost identically in dark suits. But the women stole the show, dressed in glamorous saris and Punjabi suits. There were a few western dresses as well and everyone seemed animated. Venkat started the official proceedings after grabbing the mike. The guests sat in groups around small tables while Venkat called the class members and their families one by one and asked them to brief the audience about themselves. Maya seemed to have bonded big time with Mandira and was chatting animatedly with her. Tarun sat by himself, feeling slightly lost among the entire bustle.
Sunayana suddenly materialized by his side, 'where were you? I have been looking for you!' She looked absolutely beautiful in a red sari.
'Hi! How has life been treating you? You just vanished after our internship. I did hear that you have married a NRI. By the way, why are you alone? '
He could see a tinge of sadness in those limpid eyes, 'Later! I'll tell you everything. First, tell me all about yourself. What have you been doing all these years? And which one is your wife?'
'The one in the blue Sari sitting next to Mandira. Do you want to meet her?'
'Later! She is very beautiful. You are a lucky man. What about children?'
'My daughter is in Welham's Girls in Doon. I would have brought her along but her final exams are going on?'
'Tarun, are you happy. Has life given you what you wanted?'
'Yeah! I think so. No complaints, actually.'
'You know, I was in love with you in college. For five years I waited for you to make a move. You did not even talk to me. Yet I felt that you were interested'''.. I was too shy to make a move myself. I was like that. Now, I have changed. Life's bitter experiences have taught me to take what I want. And now it is too late.' She signaled a passing waiter and picked up a bloody Mary from his tray. She looked enquiringly at Tarun. 'Your drink?'
'A Coke please. I don't drink.' He looked at her and said.
'Still the good boy of the class. Anyway, today you will do what I say. Get the gentleman another Bloody Mary.' She ordered the waiter.
'No, Sunayana. I have never''.'
'Time you started. You are forty three years old, for God's sake!' and she thrust the glass in his hand. 'Now sip at it.'
He took a tentative sip. Except for a tang it was not bad. He tried another sip. The third swig and he felt his ears getting warm. Sunayana was watching him closely. 'See. It is not so bad. Now you know what you have been missing all these years.'
The drink emboldened him. 'You have not told me your story yet.'
She looked directly into his eyes and he wanted to reach out and touch her. 'My story. I got married to a rich NRI Doctor and went to USA. But it did not work. My in laws wanted an educated servant. I was expected to do all the house work, cook and clean. And in USA there is no house maid to help. No one cared about my feelings, needs or career. I could not take it for more than a year. My ex-husband used to mistreat me as well. We separated and later divorced. I was left all alone in USA with nobody to fall back on.'
'O, a sweet girl like you! All by herself in a foreign country! How did you manage?'
'I coped. I discovered an inner strength I never suspected I had. I worked part-time, picked up my books again and cleared my USMLE. Then I did my residency in internal medicine and for the past few years I have been working as a consultant in a Hospital in California. I got married a second time to an American named Richard. But that too did not work out. We divorced a couple of years later. Although Richard was a far better person than the NRI. We are still friends.'
'Children?'
'None. At least God spared me that complication.' She signaled the passing waiter for two more Bloody Maries. This time she did not have to coax him to drink. His head was spinning slightly, 'Oh, you must have had a terrible time.'
'Yes and No. My time with my NRI in-laws was the worst period of my life. Later, things improved. Once I started my residency things just fell into place. I don't regret my marriage with Richard. He taught me to think and behave like an American. He also made me realize my self worth and help repair my bruised self esteem.'
'So now you are happy?'
'Yeah! I am doing great. I have a good job, professional satisfaction, lots of money, and an active social life.'
'Don't you miss a man in your life?'
'My dear boy, I am an American now. I get as many men as I want whenever I want. In America, sometimes you sleep with a man first and then ask his name in the morning.' And she burst out in peals of laughter looking at the ex-pression on his face.
'And how did Venkat trace you.' By this time they were on to their third drink. Sunayana was normal but Tarun felt his voice slurring.
'Venkat traced me on face-book, called me up and invited me to the reunion. I had not come to India for years and thought of spending some time with my parents as well as meet all of you.
'Sunayana, do you feel our lives could have been different.'
'Who knows? Back home in America we don't believe in crying over spilt milk.'

Tarun was shocked by this candid confession but it started off a new line of thought in his mind. ‘I have been thinking about this women all my life. In fact it was her presence in my thoughts that prevented me from being fully satisfied with my life. And I never realised that I was so insignificant for her. And I have not really cared for the woman who has done everything for me . I think I made a mistake . Maya deserved a better deal from me.’ And he gulped down the remaining liquor in his glass.The cocktail kicked in immediately.' I am not feeling well.' He said as he stood up. He had never taken alcohol in his life and the effort proved to be too much and he nearly fell down.
'You are drunk, Tarun. I’ll ask Venkat to take you to your room.' Sunayana beckoned Venkat and he helped him to his room. Tarun could just about manage to make it to his bed and he passed out.

 

***************************************************
Tarun woke up in his bed early in the morning. It was still dark in the room. He switched on the bedside lamp and saw the time. Five AM. He looked around and saw that Maya was still asleep. The events of previous night came back to him. He tried to remember if he had made a fool of himself. No, he decided, I did not misbehave with anyone but I did pass out. He went to the bathroom, freshened up, changed out of his party dress and came back to the room. Maya was awake. I am going to get it from her, he thought. But she surprised him.' Back to normal?' She asked lightly.
'I am sorry, Maya. I really made a fool of myself last night.'
'Never mind. You are not the drinking kind. Venkat, Sunayana and Mandira told me many stories of your college days after they dropped you off in the room. The party went late into the night and I came back around one. I never realized that you were such a goody goody boy in your college days.' You are right, dear.' Tarun said. 'We don't always appreciate what we get easily. We have been married for so many years but I hardly realized how lucky I was to get you. I was always chasing a mirage. I just want to tell you that I love you.' He suddenly felt the desire to possess her. He looked at her and saw the same urgency being reflected in her eyes as well. As he took her in her arms and kissed her lips he felt that this physical and mental reunion with his wife was the most important moment of his life.

 

 

 

THE END

 Part III ( Sharath Godwa)

Part III ( Mivida G)

 

 

                                                       Link to Part I

The day of the reunion dawned bright and clear. Tarun and Maya were among the early arrivals. They were given an enthusiastic reception by Venkat who had reached early in the morning taking his duties as chief organizer very seriously. Gradually the other guests arrived. They were a class of fifty and forty odd families were expected for the reunion. Some had declined, few were abroad and could not make it, one of their classmates had died in an accident and a couple of them could not be traced. Overall, Venkat had done a good job. Soon, the lobby of the Hotel was agog with activity and excitement. The guests parked themselves on the sofas and each new arrival was greeted with hoots of excitement and laughter. It was indeed comical to see the people they had known as adolescents and young adults now transformed to middle aged ladies and gentlemen. Some had changed very little while others had put on tremendous amount of weight. While most of the men had either turned gray or bald, the women had fared better as far as looks were concerned. Whether time had been kind to them or it was a matter of skillful makeup was a matter for debate. Overall, the group looked well groomed and self assured, a far cry from the day they had all arrived in their college as giggling and nervous teenagers. Many families had children varying in age from five to seventeen. There were two pairs from their batch who had married and the loudest cheers were reserved for them. Tarun had parked himself in a corner after the initial hugs and backslaps while Maya had excused herself and gone to the room. He kept his eyes peeled for Sunayana but she did not turn up. Venkat noticed his air of expectation and came up to him.

'Hey! Where is your wife?'

'She has gone to the room to unpack and freshen up. It was a tiring drive.'

'You know something, rascal! Sunayana is about to reach. She called me on my mobile. She has entered Mussoorie and her Taxi should reach in a few minutes.'

He fell for the trap. 'So you are in touch with her. How is she doing?'

'Why ask me. There she is. Lets meet her and you can satisfy your vulgar curiosity by asking her directly.'And Venkat bustled off to welcome her.

And there she was. Tarun was seeing her after nineteen years. She was dressed in a well cut western suit, had cut her hair short, and was fashionably thin. Her face appeared to be lined and tired. But her eyes were the same. The years gone by had not stolen their sparkle or beauty. He noticed all this in a second. He also noticed that she was alone, unencumbered by a family. He mustered up all his courage, walked up to her and for the first time in his life addressed her directly, 'Hi, Sunayana.'

'Tarun! Good to see you after so many years. You are looking pretty distinguished.' And she grasped his hands in a firm handshake. Tarun was struck dumb and did not know what to say. He was rescued by Mandira who jumped into the fray and pulled Sunayana away, shouting 'Hey partner, we are meeting after soooo long.'

Venkat announced that the Official Reunion would start at seven in the Banquet Hall and everyone should assemble there on the dot. The crowd broke up into small groups while old friends caught up with each other. Tarun looked around for Sunayana but she was nowhere to be seen. He sighed and decided to go to his room.

 

I promise to wrap up the story in the next part………Ben

                                                                  LINK TO PART III

Tarun was bored. His life had been running smoothly but there was an undercurrent of seething discontentment. His professional life was sailing along on even keel. He was the professor of Pathology in a Medical college. He was getting a handsome salary, lived in a comfortable house in the campus, and had many publications to his credit and an enviable reputation in the academic circle. The recent boom in technical education had generated a demand for medical teachers and assured a lucrative career for Doctors with Post graduate degrees in Basic and Para-clinical subjects. His only daughter was studying in a prestigious boarding school in Dehradun. His wife of eighteen years, Maya was a teacher in a nearby school and he had no major complaints. But he was suffering from a midlife crisis. He had tried to decipher the reason for this a number of times but had not reached any conclusion. I should have taken up clinical medicine which would have kept me in touch with patients, I should have gone in for private practice, I should have gone to USA, I should have married Sunayana''.. The maybes were endless but they all ended with Sunayana.

 Sunayana Sharma, his batch mate from Medical College. He had fallen in love with her the first day he had set his eyes on her in the dissection hall. He was barely eighteen, had just achieved his cherished aim of entering the hallowed portals of a Medical college and he had been captivated by her quiet demeanor and beautiful eyes. However, in the six years they had been together they had not exchanged more than a dozen sentences. She had always been an introvert and he had been tongue tied by his infatuation. He had stayed awake many a nights, sipping black coffee, listening to Jagjeet Singh ghazals and sighing over his unattainable love.  Only his closest friends were aware of his feelings for Sunayana as he never talked about her. They had egged him on and asked him to express his love to Sunayana but he never did so. The fact that he belonged to backward caste and would be unacceptable to her family held him back. He was sure that Sunayana was also interested in him. He had noticed more than a flicker of interest in those luminous eyes of her. But he could not bear the thought of facing rejection from her or her family and thus his feelings remained unexpressed. Years went by. Their class completed its graduation and they all drifted apart. Tarun did his post graduation in Pathology joined a Medical College as lecturer. Thoughts of Sunayana gradually got pushed to the back of his mind. Then he got married to Maya. Building a relationship with Maya, the birth of their daughter, his students and research took up most of his time. Only recently, particularly after his daughter left for Hostel, had he started feeling emptiness in his life. He realized that he and Maya rarely talked to each other now. He often wondered what would kind of life he and Sunayana would have had if he had been brave enough to express his feelings for her? He also wondered where she was and what had become of her?

And then came the call which generated a lot of excitement in him. Tarun was going through the rough draft of an article he was writing for a scientific journal while Maya was engrossed in a TV soap.

‘Hello’, he said, slightly irritated at being disturbed.

‘Tarun, you bastard, is it you.’  Said the voice on the phone.

Tarun was shocked, ‘I beg your pardon.’

‘Idiot, it is me, Venkat.’

Venkat was his ex room mate from hostel days. He had lost touch with him as well and here he was on the phone, talking in the same manner as he did twenty years back.  

‘Venkat, what a surprise, so you are still alive’.

‘Very much so, my friend. And you have become a professor and forgotten us lesser mortals.’

And they talked late into the night. Venkat reminded him that exactly twenty five years had passed since they had entered Medical College and he was organizing the Silver jubilee Reunion of their class at Jaypee Residency Manor, a five star Hotel in Mussoorie.

To be concluded….

For all my friends ( specially Sarath Godwa) who were waiting for the first review of ‘KAMINEY’ here is an interesting one:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/soutikbiswas/

This is an imagined interview with a Doctor. This has not been written by me but has been floating around on the Internet. I thought that life was getting too grim for all of us so here we go…………….

Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? !
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it…. don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.


Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.


Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!


Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.


Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can’t think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain…Good!


Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!!! …. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.. In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you? !


Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.


Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It’s the best! feel-good food around!


Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.


Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! ! ‘Round’ is a shape!


Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:

‘Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘WOO HOO, What a Ride’

AND…..

For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.


1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.


CONCLUSION


Eat and drink what you like.

Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

I got this mail from a Doctor friend of mine . I am posting it on the blog for further dissemination.

 

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus?
A. H1N1 (also referred to as “Swine Flu”) is a new, contagious, influenza virus.

Q. What are the symptoms of infection?
A. Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and
fatigue. Some people report diarrhoea and vomiting as well.

Q. How does the virus spread from person to person?
A. It is most likely spreading from person to person in the same way seasonal flu viruses spread: through infectious respiratory droplets. They are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. If these droplets get into a healthy person’s nose or mouth, they can get infected. Sometimes people get infected when they touch something with flu virus on it, and then touch their mouth or nose. Flu viruses can live on objects (doorknobs, keyboards, counters, etc.) for hours.

Q. How does I avoid getting infected?
A. Follow some simple precautions:

1. Wash your hands frequently
–Use antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

–Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

3. Drink sufficient fluids
–Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system
–Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colourful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

5. Keep informed
–The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.

6. Avoid excessive alcohol
–Apart from being a mood depressant, excessive hard liquor is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from excessive hard alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong. Red wines are recommended, though, upto 100ml a day.

7. Be physically active
–Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.

8. Keep away from people with flu-like symptoms
–Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else nose. So if you have to be around someone who has flu-like symptoms, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact. Wear N95 approved nose/mouth masks.

9. Know when to get help
–Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.

10. Avoid crowded areas
–Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside.

Q. Are there medicines to treat infection?
A. Oseltamvir and Zanamvir (also called “Tami-flu”) are recommended for treatment and/or prevention of infection.

* Please do not take these medicines on your own without medical advice/ supervision.

Q. If I get flu-like symptoms, what do I do?
A. First, consult a doctor IMMEDIATELY. Get tested for the H1N1 virus.
Follow precautions to prevent infecting others:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
– Throw the tissue in the trach after use.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
– Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as the germs spread this way.

3. Stay home for 7 days after your symptoms began, or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

4. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

For Children:

    * Fast breathing or trouble breathing
    * Bluish or gray skin colour
    * Not drinking enough fluids
    * Not waking up or not interacting
    * Irritability
    * Improvement of symptoms, but later return with fever and worsening of cough.
    * Fever with a rash

For Adults:

    * Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    * Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
    * Sudden dizziness or confusion
    * Severe or persistent vomiting

                                                                    Link to Part I

They woke up late the next morning, a rare luxury indeed. 'How about some trekking. I need some action.' Sachin said. So after breakfast they set off on the short but steep climb to the Hanuman temple on the top of the hill inside the Air Force Station. This was restricted area but tourists were allowed to trek to the temple, situated on the hilltop also called Manki Point. The climb was far from gentle and they had to stop half-way to catch their breaths. 'I think this idea of yours has sinister ramifications. You want me to die of exhaustion so you are free to pursue whatever nefarious designs you have', huffed Anjali. Sachin just smiled as he caught his breath. The climb proved to be well worth the effort. The top of the hill provided panoramic views of the surroundings and they could even see the distant city of Chandigarh. The descent proved to be a relatively easy affair. They discovered a Tibetan eatery in the market and did full justice to the offerings of momos and thupka.

 The weather changed dramatically in the evening as dark clouds gathered and it threatened to rain. It started raining around seven. By eight it was pitch dark, the wind howled and shrieked and the house made ominous creaking noises. The rain lashed the surroundings with unabashed fury and they sat in the small lining room in enjoying the unaccustomed sights and sounds. 'It can't possibly get worse than this' said Sachin. The moment he said it the lights went out plunging the room in pitch darkness.  Using his mobile Sachin hunted up the candles left over from yesterday and lighted them. The candles flickered and spluttered sending out feeble yellow light which cast eerie shadows in the room.  And then the hail stones started falling making a loud noise on the tiled roof. There was a louder noise reverberating through the house. 'Someone is knocking on the main door. Who can it be at this time on night?' wondered Anjali. 'Maybe it is the caretaker.' Sachin said as he moved towards the door.

 He opened the door and peered out in the dark. A young man dressed smartly in jeans and a leather jacket was standing there. He was drenched and drops of water dripped off him. 'I am sorry to have disturbed you at this time of the night. I live nearby and was caught in the rain. I am used to walking around in the rain but then the damn hailstones started and I had to seek shelter so I thought'''..' 'Do come in.' said Sachin as he ushered in the stranger. He was reluctant to admit an unknown man at this time of the night but the fury of the elements left him with no other choice. The young man walked in and sat on a cane chair in the darkest corner of the room. 'I don't want to spoil the settee as I am soaked.' He said as an explanation for his act.  Anjali was concerned. 'Do you want a towel?' The young man gave a sad smile, 'Thanks m'am. I am okay. I love the rain and often roam around like this.' Sachin noted that the man had a deep scar running across his forehead. The young man noticed the glance and said, 'Mobike accident. I too drove a Bullet like you and the brakes snapped while I was going to Kalka last year. But I am here to tell the tale so that is good enough.' Seeing the surprised ex-pression on their faces he said. 'By the way, my name is Robin. I live around here. I saw you driving around in that bullet of yours yesterday. I even saw you taking an after dinner walk but did not disturb you. I am a bit of a Bullet fan myself. But you need to be very careful when driving around in the hills, particularly when going downhill.' Sachin was miffed, 'I have been driving a Bike for many years. I have never had an accident.' 'And you should not have one,' replied the stranger, 'Just get the brakes checked before starting off on every journey.' Anjali joined forces with Robin, 'I did not want to come on a bike. I wanted the car.' 'No, no, the pleasure of driving a bike is far more. Just be careful and get the brakes checked.'  By that time the hailstorm had petered out but the wind was still howling in the trees. Sachin thought, 'what a spooky night. It almost makes you believe in ghosts.'  Robin apparently read his mind. He said, 'You know, ghosts exist. I know it but please understand that all spirits are not evil. It has stopped raining and I must go. Goodnight and remember to get the brakes checked.' And with a polite nod he was off.  The light came on after a few minutes and Sachin and Anjali did not think much about the matter after that.

The next morning dawned bright and sunny. Kasauli looked washed and scrubbed and Anjali and Sachin started putting their things together as they neared the end of their brief holiday. As they handed over the keys to the caretaker Sachin asked him, 'Do you know this fellow Robin?' The caretaker gave a visible start, 'Sir, why are you asking me this question?'  Sachin said, 'we met him yesterday.' The caretaker paled visibly and asked, 'who did you meet yesterday and when?' Sachin said, 'Robin, The smart young man in jeans and jacket who lives around here. He said he also drives a bullet. Don't you know him?' The caretaker said, 'Robin was the only son of the owners of this Bungalow. He was a very kind hearted fellow and drove a bullet. He died in an accident last year while driving down to Kalka on his bike. He is buried in the cemetery out there. May his soul rest in peace.' He shuffled away leaving the dumbfounded couple behind.  Anjali was the first to find her voice, ' Don't you think we should get the Bike checked before commencing our journey?' They made their way to the market in silence and told the mechanic to give the bike a through check. ' Sir, the brake wire is about to snap. There is only one strand left. Thank God that you brought the bike for a check-up before driving back.' Sachin and Anjali could only gape in silence as the words echoed in their minds, 'You know, ghosts exist. I know it but please understand that all spirits are not evil. It has stopped raining and I must go. Goodnight and remember to get the brakes checked.'

The End

 

Sachin parked his car at looked at his watch. 11.30 PM. He was bushed. His neck muscles were tense.  His head throbbed. He made his way to the lift lobby and waited for it to arrive. As the lift begun its ascent towards his 11^th floor apartment he closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. What had happened to him? Seven years back he was at the top of his class in IIT Kanpur and was considered the guy most likely to succeed. And just seven years later he was climbing the mountain of corporate success fairly rapidly. Then why was he so disillusioned? He tried to analyze his feelings. He had always been an outdoor person. He had grown up in various military cantonments of India where space was never an issue. Even in the hallowed academic environment of IIT Kanpur he had excelled in games and had rarely missed Gym. He could take the mental stress of his job. It was just that the long hours he had to put in prevented him from taking physical exercise. The few laps in the condo's pool on Sundays were not enough for him. His wife of five years, Anjali was working in a software firm and had to put in long hours in the office as well. As a result they were left with very little family time and recently their relations had been slightly strained. Nothing serious, he reasoned, we just need to unwind a bit.

He reached his apartment and found Anjali waiting up for him. She too looked tired. He remembered the early days of his marriage. There had been a lot of love and passion, a sense of wonder and fulfillment. The love was still there. The sense of wonder had given way to an easy comfort, of camaraderie and trust. It was just for the past few months the passion had waned a bit and occasional flashes of irritation had raised its head. It's all due to the stress of work, he told himself again. 'How was your day?' asked Anjali. 'Tiring' he replied. 'You do appreciate the fact that both of us have turned into automatons. We are robots at the beck and call of the monstrous entities known as our respective employers!' intoned Anjali. She had once harbored a secret ambition of becoming an author and was fond of using long words. He smiled, amused by the turn of speech. He still found her trait of using long words endearing. He had a sudden brainwave. 'Tell you what. Tomorrow is a holiday. That is Friday. With Saturday and Sunday we have three days off. Let's push off.' 'But I have so many chores at home. I have been accumulating the washing. Our bags are not packed. And all the resorts will be full. Where will we go? And how?' As usual she had many objections. 'Don't worry. Just put the clothes in the washing machine after dinner. Pack our toothbrushes and a couple of jeans. We'll start off at five in the morning and drive to Kasauli on my Bullet. I'll find some place to stay.' He was impulsive as always. 'But your bike has been lying in disuse for months.' She protested. 'It's fine. I know my bike. It will not fail us. After all it's my first love and you are my second love. Remember our honeymoon!' She wavered, remembering those magical days when they had driven off on the Kalka- Shimla highway on that bike immediately after their marriage without any plans or a care in the world. 'Let's take the car.' 'Please, please, let's take the bike. We both need a lot of fresh air. Now be a good girl and do the needful. We got to get up early tomorrow.'

            Next morning they were on the road with only a backpack for company. As they left the Ring Road and drove into the Grand Trunk Road, he felt liberated.  It had been too long since they had done this. 'We should do it more often', murmured Anjali, echoing his thoughts. By nine, they were having their breakfast at Kalka. He hit the hills immediately after Kalka. He rode skillfully, enjoying the raw surge of power of the bike and the touch of Anjali's body as she clung to him while he tackled the serpentine roads. By ten they were at Kasauli. They looked at delight at the towering mountains and the majestic pine trees. The hillside was full of colorful dahlias which had escaped from the gardens and were growing wild covering entire swathes of the hill. Now came the difficult part of traveling without previous bookings. All hotels and resorts were full and no room was available for love or money. Anjali was irritated. She refrained from making a comment but looked at him with I told you so expression on her entire countenance. 'Don't worry, dear wife, I will find something!' said Sachin as he drove off towards the TV transmission tower, some half remembered story of guest houses for rent in that area in his mind. A couple of enquiries later, they were guided to a small Bungalow near the cemetery. It was a beautiful affair with freshly painted tiled roofs, two bedrooms, a kitchen and a small garden. There was an outhouse with an ancient caretaker who was happy enough to give them the keys for two days.

 'It's beautiful', exclaimed Anjali as they settled down in the master bedroom. They were back on the road after freshening up and they drove to Giani da Dhaba in Dharampur for lunch. The entire afternoon was spent in lazing around in one of the numerous meadows surrounding the town. 'I'll cook dinner for you', he volunteered on his way back. He messed around in the kitchen, banishing her from it as he cooked after years. At eight, he set up the dinner on the dining table, complete with a couple of candles, a rose from the garden and a chilled bottle of Himachali fruit wine. The food was not perfect but everything else was and they enjoyed the meal immensely. They went for a walk in the moonlight after the meal and strolled hand in hand towards the cemetery, slightly tipsy from the wine. The marble tombstones shone luminously in the moonlight creating a dreamlike effect.  'Its divine', murmured Anjali, as she snuggled up to him to ward off the chill, 'I could spend the rest of my life here.' 'You will be bored out of your mind after a week of this.' He replied as they made their way back to the bungalow.

To be concluded…..            Link to Part II