Imagination #9 ~The fall~

‘Just be calm’ I said to myself. ‘Don’t think much. It’s going to be alright. Calm. Calm.’ I took long breaths in between. ‘C’mon girl, it’s okay.’ I was tensed. Nervousness, anxiety, agitation, excitement; all these emotions rushed through me at once. I had to do it. I couldn’t retreat, it was too late. I started tapping my foot. He placed his hand over mine and tried to make it still. I gazed at him. He smiled as though trying to detach the fear out of me. ‘I think we shouldn’t do this. Let’s recede.’ I sniffled. ‘Naina, don’t hesitate now. This is a lifetime opportunity. Let’s face it.’ He insisted and hugged me. ‘But, Aman…’ ‘I’ll be by your side all the time.’ ‘We’ll go there together?’ It sounded more like a statement than question. He didn’t say anything but gave an assuring nod.

‘We have reached the terminus, sir.’ The captain announced. We had our suits on. Aman rechecked our attachments. The attendant gave us a final sign. Thankfully, he agreed for our simultaneous jump. That gave me a sense of relief but the fact that, we still had to it spread terror all over me. We went close to the door of the aircraft which was now at a height of almost ten thousand feet from the ground. I couldn’t stand straight atop a six-foot wall and was going to have the fall for life. I gripped Aman’s hand as tight as I could. ‘Ready?’ He asked with great enthusiasm. ‘Yup!’ I replied in a tone of excitement filled with fear. I shut my eyes and uttered god’s name. The instructor gave us the final count. I tightened my goggles and glanced at Aman, for one last time. ‘Three…Two…One’ and Aman pulled me along as he jumped. All my senses were dead for a moment. It seemed like I couldn’t breathe. The wind made me feel forced; like it took me away with it. I wasn’t able to open my eyes. Aman was still holding my hand. He took hold of both my hands. We were now in the belly-to-earth orientation.

It was all like a dream. I was literally in the middle of the sky. My hands were still shivering. I was so lost in the newly discovered land, that I didn’t know when Aman let go of me. I looked down and all I could see was the color green. I controlled my speed and direction as I pulled open the parachute. I identified the huge sign where I had to land.

My feet hit the ground and I tried to stop myself. I saw Aman at a distance, running towards me. I had tears in my eyes and I fell on my knees. Aman hugged me. ‘We made it Naina. We made it!’ he shouted trying to bring me back to my senses. I was laughing and still had tears. He wiped them and hugged me again tighter this time.

I don’t know if the fear of heights was overtaken, but that was the moment which would always reside in my memory. I had never felt that lively before.  

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Imagination #8 ~The Appointment with Love~

I was late again. We had planned for a date and I was running out of time. ‘She is so getting angry on me.’ I said to myself as I got into the shower. She hated it when I wasn’t on time. But as we all know, bad habits don’t die soon. I wore her favorite white shirt and a pair of jeans. I remember her saying that she liked it, when I didn’t do much with my hair, so I left it messy. We were friends back then.

I took the keys from the shelf and left for her place. It was our six month anniversary and thankfully, I remembered it. It took me five years to gain confidence, in order to propose her. And the result being the best; she was my girlfriend after that.

As soon as I reached, I could sense her anger. I had taken her favorite daisies on the way. They would definitely calm her down. ‘Happy anniversary Mia. I’m sorry for being late.’ I made a puppy face. ‘Look, daisies, your favorite.’ I kissed the flowers. ‘You remember our first date? July 13^th. I was so happy that day. Your positive reply was the best thing I had ever heard. I can never forget our fifty-eight minute talk that night. I made you say ‘I love you’ almost twenty times!’ I laughed aloud remembering all that. We talked for almost two hours, till I saw my watch. I had a conference to attend, so I bid her farewell. ‘I love you baby and I always will.’ I said and heard her reply the same.

I stood and kept the daisies over the stone which was engraved with ‘In loving memory of Mia Andrews. August 17 1990 – July 14 2014’ I kissed it and let her sleep.

P.S: The title 'Appntment with Love' is taken from a short story of the same title by Sulamith Ish Kishor

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Imagination #7 ~ That Girl ~

It was a usual Sunday morning. I woke up early. I wasn’t really feeling fresh but I didn’t wanted to sleep anymore. I went to the kitchen and opened the fridge in hope of finding a pre-existing breakfast. But to my disappointment, I found nothing but a bottle of water, some eggs and two chewing gums. Gums? Really? Who keeps gums in the fridge? I hate my room-mate and I would have definitely attempted an attack which would at least fracture his limbs, if; he were not my cousin.

I wasn’t in the mood of preparing anything, so I picked up my hoodie and left the 2B flat.

I love Sundays. Not because, it’s a Sunday and a holiday but because of the peace that surrounds in the morning. In a busy city like this, it’s rare that anyone could listen to the chirping of the birds. And today; seems to be my lucky day, in spite of the empty fridge. The rustling trees, bluish-yellow sky, the jogging breeze, all of these made me feel more than relaxed. I sat down on a wooden chair of an empty café.

A guy from inside, smiled at me. ‘Good morning Sir. What would you like to start your day with?’ I smiled back. ‘Cappuccino will do.’ ‘Sure Sir.’ He said and went in. It was a vintage themed café. Calm, clean and less noisy.  I was admiring a huge tree which was some distance away from my chair, as I heard the footsteps. I turned back and that left me astonished. A girl walked towards me, wearing dark blue jeans and a white shirt. She was holding tray which had a cup upon it, probably my order. Her hair was laid back in a pony except for some strands which kept waving along as she walked. Her side bangs perfectly fit her face. I couldn’t lower my gaze. She was now standing at my table, ‘Your order, Sir.’ She said along with her most beautiful smile. I wanted to thank her, but my lips were seized to each other. She elegantly placed the cup on my table and tissue alongside. I looked at her eyes. They were black with a touch of crystal like look. ‘Beautiful.’ I said without knowing that my voice sounded much more than a whisper. ‘Sorry?’ she asked amazed. ‘Ah…the…the tree. That tree!’ I said, pointing at the tree I was previously looking at. She looked in that direction and smiled, ’Yes it is.’ She then looked at me, ‘Have a good day Sir.’ She turned and started walking. I looked at her till she was out of sight. I smiled to myself, ‘Too many smiles today, Ryan.’

I waited for her to return and take back my cup, but she didn’t. I wasn’t going to leave without getting a last look of her. Unfortunately, the guy came to me. I put the money on the table along with some tip. I got up and gave a final look at the counter. I decided to give it a final try. ‘Hey listen, who’s that girl?’ ‘Girl?’  ‘The girl who bought me coffee; some moments ago.’ ‘Oh! That’s Amy, my wife.’ ‘W…Wife?’ ‘Yeah.’ He turned, ‘Look, here she is.’ I saw a lady coming. But, she wasn’t the same girl. ‘Not this girl. I’m talking about the other girl who bought me the cup.’ ‘I gave you the coffee sir.’ The lady said. ‘No! I remember. It wasn’t you.’ ‘I bought it sir.’ ‘You think I’m drunk? I saw her. The girl with crystal like eyes.’ ‘No one works here apart from us. So this is highly impossible.’ the guy said.

I couldn’t understand what was going on. I walked to and fro, not able to cope up. Something caught my sight from inside the café. ‘The painting. Yes! See I said you, it was the same girl.’ I pointed my finger towards her painting. The couple seemed shocked and looked at me with a complete different expression. ‘Sir, you are definitely mistaken. That girl is dead for over a decade. You see that tree, over there.’ He showed me the same tree, I was admiring before. ‘She killed herself by hanging to its branch. This café belonged to her. We bought it two years ago. Her father asked us not to take off her painting as she loved this place more than anything else.’

I was stuck at the moment, sitting back to the chair watching the tree again. I did see her. I surely did. How can I be dreaming even after walking so long and having a cup of caffeine? I looked back at the painting and again at the tree.

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Imagination #6

He sat right in front of me and I was constantly staring at him. I liked him from the very first conversation. His habits, his actions, the way he carries things around and the matureness acted as a positive force for the attraction towards him. He was my friend, but not that close. Oh wait, did I say like? No! I didn’t just like him; I loved him.

I wanted him to come over and ask me out, but he never did. May be he didn’t have all those feelings for me. May be, he just considered me as a friend. May be, he had somebody else in his life. May be we were just not meant to be. May be…

Finally, he stood and came up to me with a bouquet in his hand, ‘Wish you a happy married life Ana. Congratulations Daniel.’

‘Thanks Mike.’ Daniel said and hugged him. I was married to Daniel and it was my reception party. He forwarded his hand and I shook it with utmost delicacy. ‘Found your true love ha?’ he teased. I smiled and Daniel held my hand. I looked at Daniel. I tried to find something but couldn’t. I looked at Mike back. ‘Mike’ I whispered slowly enough for no one to listen. ‘Take care Ana.’ He waved his hand over my head as though giving me a blessing.

*30 years later*

There was a knock at the door. ‘Emma, please open the door dear.’ I cried out from the kitchen.  Emma was my maid by profession but she was more like a daughter to me. I had pain in my knees, but I wasn’t that weak. Being fifty-four isn’t that old you see.

‘Flower for a flower.’ Said somebody from the other end. I went out. ‘Daniel’ I said. ‘How are you dear? It’s been so long.’ Daniel said as he hugged me. ‘I’m good. How are you? Missed you so much.’ ‘Look. I’m fit and fine. All thanks to Meg.’ he said waving his hand up and down. ‘Aha I like it. Where’s Meg and how’s Harry?’ ‘Coming right up.’ Meg shouted from behind. ‘Hey!’ we hugged like crazy girls as if it was years that we had seen each other. (Oops! We were past than being called girls. Read it as women :P) ‘I missed you so much Ana. You should have joined us. It was so much fun back there.’ Meg replied with a tone of disappointment in her voice. ’Oh I wish. You know I was busy. Where’s Harry by the way?’ ‘He has all his time summed for the project now. Family time’s over for him?’ Daniel said. ‘This guy; he is so much into his studies. He is going to make you both so proud.’ I said cheerfully. ‘You too, Miss favorite aunt. His success is your success too.’ Meg said. ‘Of course.’ I said and we all shared a good laugh.

It was nice meeting Daniel and Meg after almost five months. Daniel had a research work going and so, whole of the family shifted to Cape Town.

I distinctly remember my reception party. The day when it was the beginning of the end. I couldn’t cope up with Daniel. Not that he wasn’t a good husband; I wasn’t just made for him. We got divorced two months later. Meg was a mutual friend and she was perfect for him. Both married and were blessed with a beautiful child, Harry, who was now twenty years old. My flashback Sepia style video was interrupted by a voice. ‘Miss Ana?’ I turned and replied, ‘Yes.’ ‘There’s a courier for you ma’am.’ He said. ‘Courier?’ I said to him and he handed me a small box. I opened and found an album in it. I flipped it open. Goodness! It was so shocking. It had so many pictures of me. All of those that I had clicked so many years back, along with some, I don’t remember seeing before. I looked at the person who bought it. ‘Who gave it to you?’ ‘I don’t know his name. He just handed it to me and told me that you have lost your hearing sensation a bit as you have turned old.’ ‘What? Hearing sensation? Huh?’ I paused and looked at him again. He was wearing a cap. I wasn’t able to say anything. My hands started shivering. I gathered the courage to lift my hand and take off his cap.

The album along with the cap fell from my hands. I slapped him. ‘Really? 30 years! 30 long years. I so hate you.’ I shouted and pushed him back. I instantly pulled him by his shirt and hugged him. ‘I guess, you found your true love finally.’ He said and hugged me back. We both had tears and were stuck at the moment. We didn’t speak for another ten minutes and were still in each other’s arms. It’s been so long. The time that I waited for was worth it. I had talked to him every day, imagining him in front of me. I couldn’t forget him. He was always there in my heart. He never left. ‘You aren’t married right?’ he said with a teasing tone. ‘No! And even though I am not, how is it going to make a difference hah? You do not care at all.’ I burst out. ‘I was wondering if I still have the chance.’ He said with puppy face. ‘Are you even gonna ask or should I throw you out?’ ‘Haha… I’m sorry. I made you wait really long. I thought you were happy. I tried to forget but even for that I had to think about you. I remembered to forget you every single day. I realized I couldn’t live without you; no matter how hard I tried. When I came back, I found none. Things changed. I searched for you but… Thanks to Daniel that I found him in Cape Town and he bought me here. I owe my life to him.’ ‘Even I searched you too. A lot, but. Fate….’

‘So! Miss Ana Flitzherbert, would you mind to spend the rest of your life with a handsome, smart and a charming guy named Mike Rider?’ I giggled, ‘It would be my pleasure to be his better half and I think Ana Rider sounds cool.’ ‘I’m sorry Ana.’ ‘I don’t like the sentence.’ I sobbed with a smile. ‘How about ‘I Love You Ana’?’ ‘Excellent!’ we hugged again. ‘I love you Ana and I promise to be with you till God calls me.’ ‘I love you too Mike and I would never let you go alone to him.’

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That day..

One week before our graduation day my classmates had made a book for themselves called the slam book or may be an autograph book or whatever... I was least bothered about such things. And then I thought may be its the only way I could talk to Azan..

Selecting a book was the hardest task I have ever had. A slam book contained some non-sensible questions while an autograph was blank. I thought autograph would be much better and I bought it. I rehearsed the whole night because I didn't know how to ask anyone something. Lots of people in college do ask me notes as I seemed a studious looking girl which I wasn't.

..

"Can I get your autograph?" Naaa "Can you please write some words for me?" Was he a poet? Naaaa.. Try something else me$hal.. I thought and thought, "Autograph" now that sounded decent.

Next day, I tried hard to go to him.. But in vain, I couldn't. Whenever I was free, he was busy with his friends. And when the college end, I could see him riding away. 

Days passed.. I thought to give a shot on the last day. But unfortunately, there was a long queue for his autograph. For once I thought to stand in that line but I didn't want anybody to tease me..

I looked at my autograph and a drop of tear fell on it. I couldn't make it. I saw him at a distance laughing, talking with other girls while I stood here broken. After our graduation day, one of my fellow mate invited our batch to his party. I didn't want to go but I wanted to see him. My mom wanted me to come out of my room, so she forced me to attend it. I thought of having a makeover to look beautiful. But my mom didn't like the idea. So I wore 3/4th jeans and a long t-shirt with a blue hoody over it. I put on my geek glasses..tied my hair..took the camera along with cell and left home.

"You could have wore something different at least for today." and then she giggled. I didn't mind it and went in. I didn't have much friends with whom I could talk or hangout. So I sat alone..clicked some pictures. My mobile rang. It was my mom,"Click your pictures too. I want to see it." I said okay and cut the call. I turned to my right. Azan was standing with his friends. I saw my camera and looked straight. I saw Rahila going somewhere. I called her asking to take one picture of mine. She gave me a weird look and smiled. I didn't mind. And I stood in a place where I could get myself clicked with Azan. 

As she was going to click, she moved the camera and gave a stunned look. I said her again,"I'm ready"

"I will count up to 3, no no 4, then click." she said. 

It sounded unusual but I still gave her a nod I was in no mood asking her 'why?'.

She gave me my camera. I didn't even check the pictures. I saw him for the last time and left. 

I lay down on my bed thinking about those moments. I remember his smiles..his laughs..his style... 

My mom interrupted my thoughts and asked for my pictures. I asker her to wait for a moment because I had to check it. 

As I clicked on next and next, I saw my mates having fun, dancing, playing..    My eyes opened up wide, with cheeks raised up and both hands covering my mouth as I saw the next picture. I saw that Azan was standing with me in one photo. In other showing a heart shape and in other his face close to mine. And the last one with only me in it. Then I understood what was '3 no no 4'.

I screamed aloud to jumping on my bed to dancing on it as I couldn't handle the excitement. I blushed and blushed. Then I saw the autograph book and my heart melted thinking I couldn't do it. I turned over the pages and a slip fell down. It said,"Will you be mine?..... Azan." and I screamed "Yes yes yes yes!!" to the top of my voice.

Write Up: me$hal

Editing: StyZie

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The Unexpected Expectation.

'Crap, not this question.' I said to myself with a tone of discouragement. I was attending my Second preparatory examination of class 10. It was the Physical Education (P.E) subject which was all about sports. Apart from that, it had portions dealing with fitness, nutrition and diseases and that was were I struggled. 

That question made me go mad. I had to attempt it as I had no idea about the rest. My friend had told something, but I couldn't remember what. It was on the left page in the textbook. Words written in black against a light grey background. I had folded that page in order to glance over at the last moment. I remember every detail, except,what was written. This is what happens all the time and I hate it.

Suchita was sitting at my left and Rayyan to my right. I turned here and there. Rayyan seemed clueless, the entire time. Our chairs weren't that far but I couldn't see anything written. I had showed my answers and helped some, but never had I asked for help. The reason was that I was too afraid by the thought of getting caught and secondly, I didn't actually know how to copy. It isn't that easy with a strict invigilator around who is in search of that one prey. I had to get out of it. I needed that mark and had no other option. I turned to my left in hope that Suchi might know the answer. I somehow grabbed her attention. I didn't mutter anything, just turned my paper and tried to show her the question by pointing my pen at it. I looked up and man! That moment. The invigilator had been observing me the whole time. It was that one moment when I froze completely. Chills ran down my spine. I was scared to death. I was still in that position. He shouted from the other end of the class,"You! Stop there." I was hoping that he had shouted at Rayyan. Actually, everyone in the class thought the same. Even he thought it was for him and he was stunned, preparing himself to answer. 

The invigilator was none other than our beloved Vice Principal, Mr.Johnson (We called him V.P back then). He was my favorite for two reasons; firstly, he taught English (most loved subject of mine) and secondly, I loved the way he expressed the stories. He walked past the students to our side. To everybody's astonishment he didn't stop at Rayyan's table; he stopped at mine. 

We were all sitting in those chairs where you have a wooden plank attached to write over. He leaned and held the chair with both his hands. "Did you copy?" he asked without much of emotion in his voice. He didn't sound angry neither was he calm. "I'm asking you again. Did you copy?"

"N....No sir."

"Don't lie. I'm asking you again. Tell me the truth or else I won't let you write."

"No sir. I didn't."

"Get up. You are not writing the exam any further."

"Sir, but I.."

"Shut up. I saw you copying."

"No sir, I didn't. I just asked her but she didn't show anything. You can ask her sir." (what a stupid line. I was such an idiot back then.)

"I do not want to ask anything to anyone. I don't want to know if she showed. Just answer in yes or no."

"I tried to."

"That's it. Don't do it again."

"O..Ok sir."

He went back straight to the right most corner of the class. I simply scribbled and tried not to look at him. Whole of the class had heard the conversation. I felt so embarrassed and stunned at the same time, that I... Thaseen had just been caught while copying. Everyone had this concept of me being the 'good, silent shy' girl and after this I was sure my image had gone deep down. Everyone would call me a copycat (that's what we call the one who copied, right). I couldn't concentrate on what I was writing. I just managed not to cry. Thankfully, exam ended in another fifteen minutes. 

I was an above average student but after this I felt no less than the failures. I couldn't even copy properly (What a shame!). My friends swarmed up at me to know what exactly happened. I was about to narrate it to them when a guy told me that V.P wants to see me in his cabin. 'Dead' that's what I murmured on hearing his words. 

His cabin was in the other block. Never in my entire school life had any teacher had a complaint against me. I was not the first benchers type but I was surely the one who completed home works and projects on time. I shivered with every step I took. He was probably going to complaint about it to the principal or worse, my parents. 

'What am I going to say? Should I even say anything? Oh god! Please help me.' I was really nervous. Another turn to the left and I'm there. I took a deep breathe,"Whatever it is, be confident. Don't talk much, just listen and try not to make a scene."

I went near the door. He was sitting in his chair with his specs on. "Excuse me sir."

"Come in." I went in and stood few inches away from the table. He removed his glasses and looked at me as if expecting a apology. I wondered if I should say something or wait for him to start. I finally broke the silence,"I... I'm sorry sir."

"Are you really sorry for what you did." 

I was shocked by that. I didn't know if I was genuinely sorry. I did feel a bit guilty but some part of me said it wasn't wrong. 

"I didn't copy sir. She didn't even show me." I couldn't say anything better.

"Look, it isn't about copying. It is about what you wanted to do. This is not the right way. You might pass by doing that, but you'll never be content."

'Content? Of course I will be content. After all, passing is all that matters.' I thought but didn't say. 

"You being such a good student tried to copy, how shameful is that. In life, we have lot of things to take care of. But it is up to us, how we deal with it. I am not saying that you are the only one who did this, but I'm surprised that you attempted such a thing. I thought you to be a nice girl. Expected so much from you Thaseen."

I almost had tears. Somewhere I had a lot of respect for him as a person and he was one of those from whom I was inspired. He, telling me all this was unexpected. He was calm and had a sense if soothingness in his voice.

" I catch a lot of students copying and I don't call everyone to my cabin. I know what you are and your capabilities I know you are a good girl. But remember, to become something good, takes decades, whereas, only a minute is enough to destroy it all." 

I was among those who never raised their hands in the class, even though, they knew the answer. I was never in the limelight. And this person had so much of hopes from me. Knowing the fact that you broke somebody's trust was worst. 

"Yes. Sir. I'm sorry i would never do that again." My voice was heavy as my throat was full now. I had tears but tried as much as possible to not break down. 

"I expect that from you."

"I'm sorry." I repeated again. 

"You may leave now." I gave a slight nod and left. I walked slowly down the corridor and looked out through the window. I couldn't sum up all that he said to me. Until now, I never knew that he thought like that about me. I don't know if all that he said was genuine or if he said that just to make me realize my mistakes. But, that one moment made me realize that I wasn't just anybody. I had a life which expected something good. I can't do it all just because somebody else is doing. I cried and instantly wiped it all. I didn't want to tell about that to anyone. I returned to the class and tried to act normal. Some of my friends inquired but I shooed the topic.

After that incident, V.P used to call me by the word 'copy'. Yes, I got a nickname. Only he called me that way (every time). It became more like a funny incident.

Someday I would want to meet him again. May be he forgot my name. But I'm sure, he would recognize me as the girl who copied. 

He was one of the best teachers Green Valley had. One of the finest. And I'm glad that he knew the true me and told me all those things. I still remember his classes. Especially, the narration of he story 'The Monkey's Paw'. It was splendid. 

If by any chance you are reading this Sir, I would want to thank you for those fifteen minutes of guidance. It meant a lot. :)

#V.P  #G.V.N.S  #2010-11 batch

#Copy  #TG

#StyZie

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