Ankho Hee Ankho Mein...A Love Story!

"I reached metro station and saw Train schedule board displaying '1 min'. Metro train which I was suppose to board was already on platform, ready to depart in a minute. I rushed to escalators, the door closing light started to flicker. I rushed into the train. Took a sigh of relief.

I turned back and through the windows of metro train I saw a beautiful lady sitting on the platform bench. I thought I knew her. In that split second she looked at me and we had eye contact with each other.

"Do I know you?", I enquired her through my eyes.

"Why are you looking at me?", she stared back.

"You are beautiful", I gave a gentle smile.

And the train accelerated to reach high speed in seconds. I kept on looking at her through the windows, till she was visible.

I couldn't get her reply back. I became restless. I tried to recollect. "That face is a known face...!", I told myself. In that restlessness I got down at the next station. I went to otherside of the platform and boarded metro train that would take me back to same place where I saw that lady. The thought of she might have gone by the time I could reach there, never came. Somewhere my heart knew she would be there.

I reached platform.

"Hi, do we know each other?", I asked her hesitantly moving slowly towards her thinking hard where I saw her earlier.

"Sorry, you are asking me?", she asked me with a puzzled face, grabbing handbag from her side and keeping it on her lap.

That question made me feel sad and I thought probably that eye contact conversation was my imagination and she never conversed with me.

"Are you Nishita?", I suddenly remembered her name stored somewhere in my subconscious.

"Yes....and....are you Jeev?", she asked. She was right.

Few moments passed in silence. Her face was filled with anger. She yelled at me, "How could you do this to Reema, my best friend? Why? It all looked so perfect! We never met yet I was so impressed with you by whatever she use to tell me about you!"

Commuters looked at us. I offered her if we could sit in Starbucks which was on the platform itself, 50 meters away.

After we sat in Starbucks, possibly her anger had cool down a little. She apologized for shouting but maintained that she was very angry.

"Why did you ditch her when all looked perfect?", she asked looking straight into my eyes.

I felt as if somebody has placed a revolver on my forehead and I need to spell out my bank account passwords.

I sipped coffee. I took one more sip and tried to rearrange my thoughts. It all came as a surprise because I had never thought that I would ever have a hand shake with my past in my future. Nishita, the girl whom I met on platform was best friend of Reema, my ex-girlfreind. I had never met Nishita in person because she went abroad for studies. But I always saw her photos with Reema and heard lot of stories about her.

I was looking at the paper napkin kept on our table. That Starbucks lady in green looked more beautiful that the story I was about to share. Nishita was still looking at me waiting for an answer.

"I loved Reema. No one knew me better than she did. We were madly in love and our stories were famous amongst our friend circle. Two years ago, on December 15th, I got a call from Reema at midnight. She told me that her parents got to know about their relationship and wanted to meet me. I was little surprised because it was early according to our plans.

I couldn't sleep that night. I was nervous but confident. Even IIM A college admission interviews did not make me so nervous. It was about my life. I went to Reema's mansion the next day. I was expecting some tough question-answer rounds with her grandparents and parents based on what Reema use to tell me.

We talked about cricket, about movies. We had a good lunch. I was happy that it was all going smooth. It was 2 hrs and I was about to leave. Her grandfather told me to accompany him for a walk in their garden.

"What do you expect?", he asked.

"Only Reema. We like each other and I will keep her happy." I talked to the point because Reema always told me that her grandfather liked that way. To the point and no arguments.

"You are not rich. You dont look as smart as anybody else in my family. It would be a misfit."

I got hurt after listening to those comments. I smiled and said, 'I might not have a bungalow but have bought a house on loan. I am IIM A college pass-out and have a growing career. As far as looks are concerned, they are gifted. I cannot change it and I am happy the way I look."

"We have atleat two dozens of IIM A graduates working for us in various companies."

I knew that their was no point of argument. Logically I could have defeated him but I wanted to win hearts emotionally.

"Gentleman, you may leave now. I hope this remains between us."

I never looked back at Reema again. I knew she loved her grandfather most. They were bigshots and I never wanted to create any scene involving her family. I moved to Singapore for a new assignment without informing anyone. It has been more than 2 years now and I know among the friend circle, the talk is that I ditched her, to which I don't care. I have moved on."

"You are exactly the same as Reema use to narrate me.", Nishita said with a lump in her throat.

"I know you will have many questions. Why you did not do this...that? I do not have answers to them. I just told the truth and did what my heart told me to do at that time. I am above those circumstances now and do not wish to recollect or justify."

Nishita was very much impressed by my nature and personality since the time she came to know about me. She liked my simplicity and maturity. We kept on meeting on weekends and sometimes after work. The frequency increased and we discovered that we were in love with each other. We got married following year and are living happily since then. That's it. That is my story!"

That was Jeev's story. He was sharing his story at one of his book launch event. He has quit his job and has become a full time writer with relationships as his genre. This was his second book launch after a very successful first one!

fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: Looks and money does not matter. In the end it is the person's heart that matters. You should try to find a soul who could love you more than you love yourself. Life is beautiful. Be open and receptive. Keep it simple and enjoyable.

Tujhse naaraz nahi zindagi, hairan hoo mein...

“What’s there in your tiffin boxes today?” Raju asked excitedly to bunch of his friends after the morning prayer was over. Raju was the fattest guy in his class and probably the only motivation for him to live was to eat, eat and eat. Everyday his first questions to his friends use to be about the lunch box contents.

“Veg biryani”

“Pav Bhaji”

“Pasta with Sun dried tomatoes”

“Wow, I am gonna have a feast today also! We will share and eat. OK? You guys can have my lunch box. I have brought ‘Roti-Sabji, as usual. My mother is very health cautious. I love you guys for bringing such good food”, responded delighted Raju after listening to the food items he was going to have in lunch.

“Sampat what did your mother gave? Yesterday also you ran away without answering!” enquired Raju.

Sampat ran away from there without speaking anything.

Sampat had recently joined his new school. He was in class 4^th. The earlier school was only up to 7^thstandard, so it was decided to admit him in new school which was up to 10^thclass. He use to roam alone in school and never talked much with classmates. He didn’t have any friend.

It was Mother’s Day. English teacher Mrs. Deshpande gave an assignment to write a letter to their mother expressing their love towards her.

“The best letter would be displayed at School notice board”, declared Mrs. Deshpande. All the faces brightened up and students got busy in writing letter.

Sampat was adjudged the winner. Not for the use of correct grammar or correct spellings but for expressing his emotions and the bravery he displayed. The letter read as:

“Dear Aaii,

I know this letter will never reach to you because it is just an assignment. But still today I want to tell you how much I miss you. Sheetal tells me that her mom combs her hair every day. She gives her hot food when she reaches home.  Her mom listens to her for hours as to what all happened that day in school, which teacher taught what, who got punishments, who won race in sports period. Kunal told me that since he is not able to tie shoe lace, his mom does it for him. Ajit’s mom plays video game with him, Gaurav’s mother forces him to drink complete glass of milk in the morning otherwise he gets scolding. When Sujata is not well, her mom feeds food to her with her own hands…

Mummy, we also talk every day. I wait all day long for your call. As a good mother you call me every day. You ask me if I had lunch and dinner at proper time, have I done my homework, am I studying properly or not. You tell me to score good marks so that dad will give me gifts. You also ask me if I am troubling nana-nani, am I listening to them or not, do I trouble them in getting up. You ask everything to which I reply mostly in yes or no.

Dear mummy, someday I would like you to listen me out and not just answers to your questions. Zillions of questions run through my mind, I want to ask you and look at your facial expressions; I want to hug you and cry in your lap. I want kiss on my cheeks and not just from the receiver of the phone.

I love you very much. More than Sheetal, Raju, Kunal and Gaurav do to their mom. And tell papa I will study well and score good marks. I just want to be with you.

Love,

Shonu (Sampat)"

There were tears in Mrs. Deshpande’s eyes. She couldn’t control her emotions. At once she discussed the issue with school principal. Sampat’s Mother and father were called and were handed the letter. His mother could not believe what her son wrote. It didn’t require second thought for her to decide what to do.

A letter changed Sampat’s life and his wish of staying with parents came true.

fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: The story is fictional but the situation in real. The other day, I heard somebody known has sent her kid to nana-nani’s place as both parents are working and they don’t want to put their child in day care. I think for a child, childhood is the time when his personality is shaped. Character is built when we are really small. The surroundings and experiences determine our outlook towards life. In today’s world, it does pose a question as to how to manage above situation. Adjustments are way of life. Let yourself adjust as your parents did and not your child!

Love at first sight - A love story!

The day I saw her, I fall in love with her. It was love at first site. She mesmerized me completely. The dream of getting her launched me into a different world. I was bubbling with joy. I sat in my room concentrating as to how would I approach my dad and seek permission. I made few strategies. I prepared myself to answer all the possible questions that my dad could ask. The thought of rejection from dad, made me kind of low. But I was determined to try. I decided to start with my mom.

The strategy was to first get the easy 50% vote and then pitch for the difficult one. One afternoon, I and mom were having lunch together. My mom was in good mood and the situation looked perfect.

I started in a low voice, hesitantly. “Mom I want to tell you something important.”

Mom replied instantly, “Yes beta, I have been observing you from last 2-3 days. Your moves are unusual. Something is bothering you since couple of days. What is the matter? Is everything alright?”

I didn’t say anything. I was thinking how to begin. I took another bite of chapatti with aalo gobi sabji. I looked at mom she was staring at me. “Kya hua beta?”

“Mom listen. Listen to me completely and then give your comments. Don’t get hyper in between, please. Let me explain you everything first.”

“Go ahead” a firm voice beamed.

“I am in love with someone. She is beautiful. Lovely and I think I along with her will be a good companion…” I went on to describe her till I got a positive expression on my mom’s face. I told her that my love would take care of her as well as dad. I also told that I had already made necessary enquiries.

“Do you have a picture or something? Even I would like to have a look at her!” Mom asked. She seemed excited.

I opened my laptop and showed her photo.

“She is beautiful. I like her and I would like to meet her as well” mom said with a smile.

The state of my mind was beyond description. Half the battle was won. The first strategy worked.

“Mom, what about dad? Will he give his permission?” My cheerful face became tensed in a split second.

“You know your dad beta. You have to initiate the talks yourself. I will support you but the convincing part is up to you”. She continued after a pause, “And I also want to warn you that it cannot happen without your dad’s acceptance. I am with you but I can’t be against your dad. If he says no, I would try to convince him but final decision would be his!” Mom looked firm.

I just picked up my iPod, plugged it into my ears and vanished from there. My actions passed on the message to her that I would try and convince dad but I can’t sacrifice her if he expresses something else.

When you have to convince your parents, the timing has to be right. Their mood, work load, everything needs to be checked.

The perfect moment arrived soon. It was a Sunday morning. It was raining heavily. Dad was reading newspaper sitting in balcony overlooking the sea.  Mom had made ‘Pakode, Samosa and chutney’ for breakfast. Dad loved every bite of it. He had a hearty meal, it seemed. He got engrossed in the newspaper again.

“Dad, I want to talk to you about something” I said to him confidently.

He had a look at me. He finished his article hurriedly in few seconds, folded the newspaper nicely and kept it on the centre table. While removing his spectacles he asked me to sit.

“How is your work going my son?” he asked.

“It is going good dad. I am doing a lot better now.” I replied.

“Tell me what is the matter. What is bothering my son? Tumhe pyar toh nahi ho gaya?”

All my planned strategies failed. Dads always put bouncers. They are always a step ahead.  

“Uff!” I thought. I opened my laptop kept next to me. I showed him the photograph.

“It is her dad. I like her. She is beautiful. I interacted with her a number of times. I think that’s a good match if you think so.” I replied examining each and every facial expression and changing lines on his forehead.

“I would like to meet her first” dad replied in a firm voice closing the laptop flap and handing it back to me.

His lines gave me a big boost. The idea was sold to him!

The very next day, we all went to her place in the evening. We were greeted very well. They had made excellent arrangements. After initial talks and queries, my dad seemed happy. He scanned her biodata. Had a look at her. He looked at me and smiled. “Good choice!”

I hugged him and he congratulated me.

Today, I am happy with my companion Honda Civic for last two years!

fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: Everything in the article is art of fiction. Just wanted to highlight few beautiful relationships and make the readers smile.

Beautiful Gift of Life!

“I reached near the scanner machine in my office. I found that it was not working. Hesitantly I requested to one of the colleagues sitting close to scanner that if she could help me with that scanner. I told her that I had to scan some important documents and it was a bit urgent.

That beautiful lady looked at me and realising the urgency of matter, she got up from her work station. In the next moment she was checking the scanner. I prayed hard in my mind to fix that scanner quickly, as I had to mail my documents to the prestigious IIM - K college. I hoped that things would just work out fine in moments. And it did.

I thanked her for readily providing me her helping hand. “I am Nivedita. My pleasure” she smiled and was out of my sight in moments.

I was in a hurry. I scanned all my mark sheets and certificates and mailed to the college address. Then I left the office hastily to prepare myself for the moment of my life. The big day. The then next day I was having my interview with the eminent panel of IIM - K college for MBA admissions.

30 minutes later, when Nivedita was leaving from her work place, she found that scanner was left on by me. Being particular about small small stuff, she put it off herself and as she was leaving she found corner of a document poking outside the scanner machine. She lifted the panel and read the document. “Aaryan Jain, IIT B – Final Year Mark sheet.”

"IIT Bombay and yet so careless attitude!” She thought.

Realising that the document could be important for me she decided to go back to her work station and search for my details in the company employee directory. “Seven ‘Aaryan Jain’ found” The system displayed output. Three working in Mumbai office. Two in the Powai office, Mumbai. “Oh one is a senior associate, but he didn’t look like” she thought and then finally she was left with one option and that was me. She got my desk number. Knowing the fact that I might have left for the day, she still gave it a try.

“Hello, is this Aaryan?”Nivedita asked, not sure with whom she was talking.

“This is Swapnil. Aaryan has left for the day; I sit in a cubicle next to his.” A heavy voice beamed.

“This is Nivedita. Aaryan has left one important document near scanner machine. This could be needed urgently by him. Can you give his number so that I can inform him?” She kept it short as she was also getting late for home. 

“This is his number. If you are unable to get through him, you can get back to me.” And the phone went blank.

Nivedita gave me a call. I was clueless as I never realised of my stupidity. The first 30 minutes, only she was speaking, rather shouting on me for not putting the scanner off and then being careless blah blah. I was happy that I would get my document, I was feeling lucky, I was also feeling stupid over my careless attitude and then silly over giving trouble to Nivedita. And then nervousness gripped me realising that the then 12 hours away, I would be facing the moment of my life. I told her that I had an interview next day and I was to carry that document with me. Then I asked her where she was staying. It was far from my place and also from where I had interview. It was not feasible for me to go back to office and collect due to time constraint. I requested her that if she could come to NM college next day morning around 10 AM to hand over the document. I was feeling awkward and I am sure she also felt so. But I guess that was the best option I could find out that time. At the back of my mind I knew she might agree as next day was a Saturday which meant an off from office. I made a small prayer.

She was reluctant and she wanted to shout at me. But realising nothing could be done then and probably I had a big interview next day, she agreed and banged the phone.  I felt bad and then good at the same time.

Next day, I met her at the NM college. She gave me my document and wished me good luck. I was expecting that she would again shout but probably she was more understanding than me. I smiled with rejoice and offered to have a lunch with her after my interview. I knew that she had come from far and it would be almost lunch time, by the time I would have finished my interviews.

We went to Pizza Hut. She was very angry, she scolded me for 20 minutes and I listened to her patiently. I was analysing her. She was pretty, prettier when she was angry. I admired her concern for me. We became friends. Good friends. I got into IIM - K. Probably she brought me all the luck. We exchanged our likes and dislikes. We dated for next 2 years.  I completed by studies and got a cool offer from Coco Cola Company. And then we got married. 

Now sleep, it is already late. You both have schools tomorrow. 

Eyes close. Sleep well, good night.” and the light went off.

fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: In the journey of life, we never know who will touch us, when and how. Life holds gifts for us, it is for us to realise and make the most of it.

"If you love someone by heart, the universe conspires in your favour!"

15 days back, I wrote a love story, my first love story. It was taken well by the readers and gained appreciations but every time somewhere they mentioned, why the sad ending? At that time I held myself, explaining them the situation of Hari - that he was helpless, that what he did was in good interest of all the parties involved. But I couldnt tell them that it was only the first half, only Hari’s side of story! What about lady Anushka? She was also deeply in love! How can she just let her love fly away? Sometimes mistakes are done by one partner but the second has to take lead in time, to avoid mis-happening!

Here’s briefly telling you the first part, a recap, for those who tuned-in late and didn’t read the first story. Hari and Anushka studied together is MBA School in Mumbai. Hari is from small town, an introvert, brilliant at studies. He has seen his family and parents going through thick and thin. This one thing motivated him to take all challenges head-on and make life for his parents luxurious and comfortable. On his journey he met Anushka, a delhite, typical spoiled brat. Their college assignments and combined studies brought them closer and they fall deeply in love. Anushka quit smoking, drinking and up-trend outfits for Hari’s, her love’s sake. Hari always thought that he was incorrect in restricting her yet his family background compelled him to do so. If they had to marry, she had to change. Yet on last day of college, when Anushka boozed and broke free, Hari was confused. Such behavior would distant him from his parents, if it ever happened after marriage. To keep up his parents expectations and remove restrictions on his love - Anushka, he let his love fly away. He applied his brains in the game of love, instead of heart! (to read more about character and how the love story flowered, you can click on the link "...and I let my love fly away!" and read the first part in detail.)

Anushka was dejected heart -broken after hearing it from Hari. She felt cheated. She couldn’t bear the trauma. She became numb. The world seemed to be collapsing and nothing made sense to her. Life became uninteresting and not worth living. She realized her mistake but was not expecting such a big blow. Lot of arguments happened, good and bad words were exchanged between Hari and Anushka, everything to hit dead end. Hari was determined to sacrifice his true love because of his love for parents. He never wanted to see them hurt. Yet he was not happy with his decision. He wanted some miracle to happen and things to fall in place.

Anushka went back to Delhi, her home town, as she got placed in Unilever, Delhi. She behaved in rude manner with her parents and didn’t even contact her local friends. She was lost and wanted to dis-connect with the world. Days at Unilever went fine and she started spending more time at the office. Yet she knew something was missing in her life, the happiness quotient. The company sent her to a small village for her initial market study. The six months time she spent in the village proved vital in changing her life. More than analyzing the taste and preference of villagers, she analyzed their lifestyle. Their simple yet peaceful living. Somewhere she wanted to understand what goes in upbringing a child, the values, the culture.

She met lot of families in the village who could barely manage two meals a day. She listened to stories of young kids, how desperately they wanted to get out of poverty and backwardness. They had dreams of getting educated from top business schools, some wanted to become pilot, some doctor and treat their ill parents. They had great urge to make their parents and family condition better. They wanted to rub shoulders with their cousins, who were better off, residing at metro cities. Each story had different names and situation but the feeling was the same. To grow, to prosper. Anushka made good relations with lot of families and visited them often. She even ate at their place sometimes. She realized how humble they were. Their needs were so limited and yet they wanted to conquer the world.

After six months, she reported back to Unilever, Delhi. Her boss, Mr. Shushant Sharma was very impressed. He recommended her work to his seniors. Anushka knew what she has achieved. More than recognition and awards at the office, she learnt what she couldn’t at her business school - understanding human behaviour, reasons that run behind the mind, while taking decisions. What forces an individual to prioritize between two love!

On the other hand, Hari somehow managed his work at Pantaloons, Kolkata. It was more than six months the two had contact with each other. Anushka got Hari’s number from a common friend and gave him a call. Anushka and Hari were meeting after more than six months. Place - Café Coffee Day, Delhi, their all time favorite. For the first five minutes both were silent, with no clue how to proceed. They suddenly stood and hugged each other. Stories were communicated without even speaking. Both knew what they wanted and what was right. The fresh appearance of Anushka was narrating her effort she put to understand Hari’s thought process. That how much important it was for Hari to keep his parent’s expectations up. Her six months field work taught her and changed her completely. The new Anushka was the real changed Anushka. This time it was not by force but by choice. She loved her new Avatar and carried it like never before! Hari was all the more happy to see Anushka enjoying what she is rather than smiling for the sake of her love!

Hari whispered to Anushka, “You did it! Without you, this would have been impossible.”

“We did it. It was you because of whom I could travel so far. If you love someone by heart, the universe conspires in your favour!” replied Anushka.

“…and I let my love to fly away!”

Hari hails from a small town. A typical middle class guy who has seen how his father has struggle all his life to meet two ends. Business went through ups and downs but his father never allowed his children to feel the pinch. His mother was a house wife and devoted all her life to bring up her two sons; Hari and Shyam - her hope, her world. Hari always knew he is going to make it big, always longed to give his parents luxury in their life.

Hari was a simple guy. Introvert, he believed in talking to himself, analyzing and speaking to others only when required. Down to earth in demeanor, with a determination to do big in life. A typical sweet, caring and understanding person. No fancy outfit, no passion to chase branded stuff. He always took right decisions; always put other’s interest before his own. He was always found in the “good books” of people whom he met.

He got through a premier B-School in Mumbai. Two years of grueling studies took everything out of him. But he kept reminding himself, "all this just for my parents". That thought kept him going. In the journey to create his destiny, he found a beautiful lady. A beauty he always wished for in his dreams. She was Anushka, flawless beauty. Happy go lucky, outgoing girl. It was his birthday and incidentally Anushka came to him asking for an assignment. Hari was always ready with his assignment. He helped her in scoring some addition marks and in the mean course, winning her heart. They started doing their assignments together. And then they sat together in lectures, went to canteen together, shopping and hanging out. They started enjoying each other’s company. They never realized when two years of college was over. They were deeply in love and their relation was pure.

It was last day of the college, Anushka and Hari went to City’s pub. Hari being a teetotaler, Anushka ordered large Smirnoff vodka with orange juice and a soft drink for Hari. It wasn’t for the first time Anushka was boozing with Hari. Every sip of vodka taken by Anushka, made Hari feel awkward.

Hari always felt awkwardness when Anushka boozed or smoked. He always showed his displeasure when Anushka wore trendy outfits. Anushka always listened to Hari. She changed her set of friends. She changed her habits. A teetotaler, pure vegetarian and simple clothing. But sometimes she wanted to unwind herself, like the last day of the college. At the same time, she wasn’t enjoying her new avatar. She was not able to carry herself the way she used to. She had become Hari’s Anushka and not the Anushka she was. But every time just a glimpse of Hari, cheered her up and changed her thoughts.

When you are in love, your partner recognizes your problem even if it is not expressed. Hari always knew that Anushka is not happy with the changes. He always thought she was burdened with his likes and dislikes. Thoughts started flickering. “Just for me, she changed herself but is she enjoying her life? Shouldn’t I give her more space and allow her to live more independently? Can’t I do this much for her happiness? But what will my parents say?”

His conscious always scolded him for his selfishness. The guilt feeling was talking a toll on his health. He knew it isn’t going anywhere in long term. Long term views paralyzed him. “What if Anushka changes after marriage? My parents would die! And how can I allow my love Anushka to die every day just for me!" Perplexed, confused, gripped into deep thoughts, lost in the musing… parents asking for justification for their hard work and expectations, mother’s depressed face, Anushka sacrificing for him but always wanting to break free, Mr. Rao, Strategy professor, shouting on his face “face the odds head on, don’t be a quitter!” Friends forcing him to convince parents but he knew they won’t!

After lot of contemplations, he decided to listen to his head in the game of love, love for his parents and love of his life, Anushka! and, and …he let his love fly away!

fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: For the first time, after writing a post, I am in deep thoughts! Was Hari right? Was that the only solution? Was he right in punishing himself and his love? What was Anushka’s mistake?