GENERATED RESILIENCES

The day I saw the snake through my mirror
Curling like a rope on the coconut tree
Hissing furiously like a demon
With a tinted love in its eyes
I stare at it for a while
It stare back at me too.
Or was it gazing at me?
It moves forth and back
Leaving a clue; seeking my attention

Me, was manifestable for its eyes
Kept on watching out of my eagerness
Enhancing it with my facade looks.
Am I flirting with such dirty mean animal?
The most disgraced animal of all.
The one who decieved eve;
Setting off pathetic fall of man to earth.
Or was it me who enticing it?

I resolute not to; fall again like the eve,
To be the source of my downfall.
I stepped back, tilted the mirror.
Blocking it's vision.
It decurved; as if to reach my looks.
I slanted mirror a bit more and slammed it at length.
Blocking it's complete vision I alienated myself.

Thought I'm safe, and nevermore in trouble.
But the real trouble starts there.
Serpent on the coconut tree; is no more there
It appeared before the facade
Leaving me perplexed.
Regaining my senses I called out; 'SNAKE' !!!

Running to much more safer place,
Indoors made me feel relieved,
From the resilience I sourced myself.
But it followed me; to the interiors
Resulting in a louder cry; I shouted; Mom.. "SNAKE" !!!

A Narrow Escape To The Death.

Time: 6.30 Pm
It's heavily raining outside..
Thunder accompanies along with lightening.. Siren of vehicles could be is heard louder from the roadside. Vehicles are blocked in heavy traffic.. Traffic blocks are often in Chennai. Traffic police is trying to clear the blocks.. The water level in the road seems to be increasing.. Is it gonna flood..?? Hmm..It seems like..

Anand sets out from his table, cleared all the mess in the office. He is already late today. He has got bulk of works to finish up everyday since he is a fresher in the office. It is almost one month that Anad is in Ashok Leyland. He took his umbrella from the draw, signed the register before he leaves and walked out quickly.. Meanwhile the block was cleared.
     He pulled the door in the entrance and opened his umbrella. And walked to the place where his car was parked. And he inserted his hands in pocket to grab the key.
Godamn.. Forgotten the keys. It might be in the draw. Forgotten to take it from draw after clearing all the mess. He ran back to the office to get his keys and was back within no time. He got into the car and before starting, he just picked up his phone to switch on to the general mode from silent. It was then that he noticed the miscalls. Thirty missed calls from his wife Radhika.
'Oh gosh.. I forgot..
She might be angry with me. What would I do to console her..' Anad's mind was searching of a solution to console his wife.
These days I don't remember anything at all. I had promised her to go for shopping in the eve since it was our first wedding anniversary. And everything was forgotten due to this overload.. This job is very stressful, each day I'm going through lot of tensions and problems.. and the firing from that fucking manger too.. Unbearable..!! It's already late now.. It takes almost 2 hours to reach there. But, speed at 80Km/hr may help..
He drove fast thinking to take her for shopping even if it is late.
  
It was raining still. While taking a turn near by the Nanmangalam forest, a man leaped infront of his car. He was waving his hands to stop the car. He just twisted his car, and just rescued without hitting him and moved forward cursing him. He was leaping still.. and was in a desperate mood. Tears were rolling down from his eyes, but was unseen in the rain. He was not having any umbrella to hold on. Not even a thing was there with him. Heavy breaths, shabby appearance, torn dress, grown up beard and moustache made him unapproachable. He was stinking too.. Since Anand was late to reach his wife, he was not bothered. But even after few minutes, the pitiful face of the man still remained in his mind and made him to stop the car. He made a reverse and was back to him. He opened the door and let that man in.

Water was pouring down through his cloths to the car. The seats were wet. He forwarded a towel to that man to dry his hair. He stroked through the hair and wiped away the water. Meanwhile Anand enquired his details.

Anand: Where do you wanna go?
Stranger: Where ever you go..
What? Pardon.. asked Anand.
Yeah.. I told you already, wherever you go.
I mean, where should I drop you?
I have no particular destination to go. So you may drop me wherever you stop.
But, you must be having a destination to reach.. Said Anand.
Yeah.. I do. But, my present condition doesn't allow me to reach there. And I don't have any means to reach there. And even if I say the exact destination, you won't even dare to drop me there. So, what's the use of knowing my destination? It's better to drop me wherever you end your journey.
But, I'm going to my home. So, were you asking me to take you to my home?
Nope.. You may drop me in the very next town near by your home. That's okay for me.
Hmm.. That's fine. Said Anand.

He cut the conversation just like that. And therefore, Anand didn't raised anymore questions to him. The stranger seems very serious, experienced, matured, philosophical, thoughtful and mysterious. But, this person seems to be problematic. He is not at all ready to reveal the destination either. It's hard to keep quiet when a passenger is sitting beside us. And soon Anand ended up speaking about himself.

Well, I'm Anand. Working in Ashok Leyland. And may I know your name please?
Name... What's there in a name? A name has nothing to do with.. We call people by their name only to identify them in public. Since we are only two, I guess there is no need for you to know my name. And after all, you never gonna meet me again.. So let me remain as a stranger to you. And that's fine for me. Hope you too will be OK with that.
Yeah.. It's okay..!! Anand answered with bit reluctance thinking why this man remain mysterious and hesitates to open up. It seems like he had offered me a lift and I'm sitting in his car.. and asking me to shut up.. Hmm !! What a man he is..!

Actually I had become troublesome for you. Right? Am sorry for wetting the seats of your car.. Said the stranger.
Never mind. It's okay. Anad said.
And as he said that Anand looked at him. It was then that Anand noticed that the stranger lack a hand. What's wrong? Had my eyes gone blind? Or is it my hallucination after getting introduced to this man? I haven't drunk either..!! Thought Anand. He examined the stranger carefully. Yeah.. His hand has been cut out from the knees. Since he wear full sleeve shirt, it was unnoticed. And he happened to notice the blood oozing from that hand through the sleeve of the shirt..
He just stopped his car.. Look.. Blood is oozing from your hand and you stay carefree. How could you..?
Aaahh... It's nothing..
What? Nothing?? See.. It's something serious.. Blood is not stopping.. Let's go to the hospital..!! Telling that Anand stopped the car.
Hey no.. It's alright man.. A cloth or a towel would help to stop this blood. That's all enough. No need of going to hospital and all.
Being bit flayed, Anand asked.
Tell me... Who are you? You are hiding something from me, tell me who are you? YOU.. TERRIORIST?? Are you a terrorist!? Why do you get into my car? What's your aim? What is that you wanted from me??
It was recently that news about Maoist terrorists were published in the newspapers. Recollecting all those news items and the place where that happened to be, he questioned that stranger again.

Tell me, I wanna know now. And since I'm taking you in my car, I've the right to know it.
Who are you? And what is that you want from me? What is your target?
Hearing this, Stranger laughed.. Haha.. You are so funny.. Are you scared? Tell me that first..
Why should I? I'm not.. Anand answers hesitantly
Well.. I got into your car because you stopped. I was trying to get a vehicle for an hour.. But no one stopped. You were kind enough to give me a lift eventhough you demur for the first time. So I'm in your car. About target, right now I have no target other than traveling with you. And about me, let me remain as a stranger to you. No use of knowing about me other than wasting your time. So leave it. And about that question of terrorist, yeah.. I have been with terrorists. Anything else??
So you mean, you are a terrorist?? Ain't you?
With a sarcastic smile on his face he said. You could interpret it as you like.
What the fuck.. What a troublesome man he is.. He is not that agitating but he stays mysterious.. I don't know what to do with him. Should I drop him near by so that I would be relieved from further tensions? Is he a terrorist in real? If he were not, why should he stay with them? I'm baffled. Thought Anand.

Eventhough he was bit frightened, Anand asked. OK then, let me know how your hand got wounded..?
Hmm.. Won't you allow me to stay quite..? Asked the stranger.
I thought not to speak much to you. But you won't allow me to stay idle.. Well, it's almost 2 months that I had talked to someone like this. So right now I'm comfortable in staying silent. But since you don't allow me to, I'll say. I was not like this reserved before. I was a talkative person just like you. But, the conditions and situations that I had undergone made me to get confined to myself. I was not exposed to outside world these two months which finally tuned me to be a rough and tough person. Right now, I really forgot how to interact with people either.

Telling you about me, I should start from Krishnanagar. I was there in Krishnanagar for the sake of my job. It's after a long strive that I got a job there. I was there for coal mining. We were eight. We stayed in a lodge. Mining is in done in an interior region where no much transport facilities were available. It was a hilly as well as forest area. Population over there is also less. We get up early at 5 o'clock and have to arrive at the spot at 7.30 and will leave when we finish off our daily tasks. If we don't finish up our tasks before 7.30, we will miss our last bus at 8 o'clock to reach the lodge and we will get stucked in the midst of the road. So we will finish our works before the time.

That was bit cloudy day, Mining was bit tough for us since there was no essential light. So we were late to finish up our work that day. Ram, my friend is a man of humours and blunders. We might had got the last bus but it was because of him that we missed it. He is a man who is very conscious about the cleanliness. After our works we changed our uniforms and while we were back, his sandals were worn out and he slipped and fall down in the mud. His cloths were dirty. So he went back to cleanse it. We had to walk a bit to reach the main road. And for the difference of 5min we lost our bus.
      We got stucked amidst of the road. We thought to get some private vehicle to reach our lodge. Since population was less in that area, probability of reaching our lodge was also less. And moreover, people over there won't normally give lift to strangers as well. Since we were not from that area, we were ignored by them while we were waving our hands for a lift. Two or three vehicles passed by, but none of them were stopped. We were in trouble in that forest. It was then that we saw a headlight.

Sure, it's a vehicle said Ram.
Yeah.. We know that, but the question is whether it will stop or not.
It will.. I guess those people in in that will be kind enough. Ram said.
Haha.. It's because of the kindness of the people over here that we are standing here like a statue. Someone among us commented.
Hey stop teasing.. There are good people too.. If someone didn't stop, that doesn't mean that all of them are like that. Ram said.
Hmm.. Let's see.. I told.
Well, it's a jeep..
Yeah.. It is.. Oh god.. Let that vehicle Stop..! "Stop.. Stop.. stop.." Ram folded his hands together and prayed to Muruga just like a child.
Someone waved hands inorder to ask a lift.
Well, may be because of Ram's prayer or not, vehicle stopped. We asked for a lift and they let us in. They were speaking some other language which we were not familiar with.. That was Thulu. But, we managed to convey our idea somehow. They were four, wearing uniforms of military police. We were happy because they were from military.
Ram told, I told you no.. "They will stop.." And how is it now? You know what? I was right..!! See, "this military people are always service minded. I really salute them for their service." They really struggles to keep our country safe from enemies..
Could you please stop Ram. Stop being a nuisancer.
Array, look them, they don't have that military caps nor no badge or any Id.. I guess they are not from military.Veer said.
Jeepers..!!! Don't they?? I asked..
Then Ram said. You guys don't worry. I will ask them. After all, I'm good in mimicry and therefore I'll be able to communicate the idea properly. Let me give a try.

Ram started to do all sorts of actions and gestures to make them speak. Oh,, you had got guns.. If thou are not from military, are you hunters? Are you gonna hunt in this late night? Will you teach us to hunt?
Stop speaking nonsense Ram. Said Veer.
The driver murmured, It's better for you to keep quiet.
They started to look him furiously and when he was intolerable, one of them pointed the gun towards him.
But why this uniform? May be because, not to get identified easily, right? Asked Ram.
Hey crack, normally people go to hunt in forest only during nights. Orelse they will be scolded by the police. Said Veer.
I know it, I just asked to create a merry mood.. Said Ram in defence.
The military man was still holding his gun pointing Ram.
If they are not gonna hunt, are they going to kill misquitoes with those guns?
Array.. I asked simply. Leave that gun. I'll sit quietly. Said Ram with little fright in his eyes.
You know what Ram, "this military people are always service minded, I always salute them for their service " we teased him in chorus.
Allo... Stop it guys..!! Stop mocking at me. Ram said irritably.

It was then that we noticed the jeep taking a turn from the main road which we must go and it was going through a narrow road which leads to Nanmangalam forest.
Array.. Stop it man.. We have to get down here. We are supposed to go through the main road, not this way. So stop it. We are gonna climb down. Said Manjeeth.
We stood up inorder to get down. The keep was going through gutters. They increased the speed of the vehicle. The other military man too pointed his gun on others. Everything changed within seconds.. The happy mode changed. We were forced to sit down. We were at the tip of the gun, forced to place ourselves like a statue. We were not even allowed to speak. It took time for us to understand what is happening.. We were taken to the forest like criminals. The vehicle took some hectic turns. We were not sure where we are taken to. But we realised that they understands what we say but don't know how to speak it up properly. They gave us orders to keep silence and to remain calmly in our language. They gave us instructions fragmentarily. Since we were under the guns, we were forced to obey them hesitantly.

After teaching the midst of the forest, they stopped the vehicle. Many tents were there. And there were many others who wear the same uniform. What's going on? We were not able to understand. The man who got down from the jeep gave some instructions to them and each of them came to us with a rope, tired our hands with it and take us to a room which was recently build up. While taking us to the room, they told, "we are terrorists.. It's better for you to obey us orelse you will be shot down without a second chance. And don't dare to act too smart by trying to escape. Even the cry of the birds and the movement of the leaves are signals for us.." And then they dumped us there like hens. It was then that we realised that we were trapped. After half an hour, an old man, who seems like their leader took up his wireless phone and was calling our manager. He spoke up bit Thulu and bit Hindi. He was bargaining.. Bailing indeed.. They were asking 20 lakhs to release us. And that was 20 times more than our whole salary. Actually, we were kidnapped. Our struggles to survive started there.

   They were the noted terrorists by our police. And we came to know it later. The attempts of police to catch them fails each time. And finally, we were trapped in their hands too. Days passed. First, we were having a great expectation that we will be released soon. We thought that or company manager will help us to get back. But they didn't.. Who cares to spend huge money on workers like us..? After all, we are not his blood relation too. Manager might had given advertisement to get new workers by then. But, still bargaining was going on between the leader of the team and manager.. May be because he didn't get new workers. Hmm..!!
         At first, we we were served bread and chappathis while we were hungry. But later, realising that we are least wanted by our company, the care and consideration towards us was diminished meantime. Two weeks over, all food stuffs were over too. We were kept starving. Water was less, we even compete for droplets of water and for food particles too. And when two more weeks was over we were used to starving. Those days were really suffocating. We drank muddy water to wet or throats though it was bad to drink. But, there was no other way for us to sustain. All these days we were gulping nothing other than our saliva. We ate up the fruits that were available in the forest albeit we were under strict observation. We missed everything, everyone in our life. It seems like we were left alone in this whole world. We slept in the late nights along with mosquitoes. We were really shivering in the cold winter with no blankets to hold on. We were quite exposed to the nature.. Exposed to the hard truths of the nature. Our expectation to be out of the forest was rescueless. And we realised that we will end up or lives in the forest since our manager doesn't take any initiative to save us. So we planned to escape from there by ourselves. We were really waiting for a chance. One day, for our luck.. Terrorists were in a party mood. They got some whisky and some vodka to drink. They were drunk enough and were busy with playing cards. We waited for the apt time. All were falling asleep and we stepped silently. After a limited distance we started to run.. But the sounds were heard aloud as we were stamping the dry leaves. Since the whole forest was covered with the fallen leaves the way was not clear. We got scattered and run for our life. And while running, I happened to fall in a pit. Since it was covered with the leaves I failed to notice it. I tired my best to get out of it but the trench was big enough for me to climb up. Some of my friends came to rescue me. But the loud thud made them awake. I screamed out to my friends to scoot over. Some of them ran away. Some were caught red-handed. And finally me too was picked up from the trench by them. We were scolded. They counted our heads and found that two were missing. They were in a rage and shoot down my friend Ram infront of my eyes. Still their anger was not diminished. And they cut down my hands or of their anger.. and we were punished hardly. They were really harsh to us from that day onwards. And the blood kept on oozing from my hands. And stopped eventually when one of my friend applied juice of medicinal plants. This happened few weeks back. I don't know how I escaped. Still I can't believe that I'm free from them. It's been 2 months by now.
          It was the day of our shifting of the settlement. Our place was traced out by the police and all were in a hurry packing up. They tied our hands back. For the first time, being handicapped paved the way for my escape. I was set free when others were tied up. I stepped back when they were busy tying.. And somehow I happened to be out of their sight. Since all things were in a mess, and due to the constraints of the time they left me as such and escaped with the rest. I ran through the forest, through the unknown routes, ways, exposed to the thorns and stones on the way and was bruised badly.. I crossed the hectic river although I was washed-up in the strong fall of water. I happened to cross it somehow though I was done with it. I lost my way, my hope but still I kept trying.. I happened to see the wild elephants and some monkeys. For god's sake, I haven't seen much. On the way, my hands were wounded again and blood started oozing since it was not dried properly. And somehow after a long struggle and tiring attempts, I happened to jump before your car. And this is how I'm here.
Anand: O my god.. What a story.. Your life is full of tragedies.. Right?
Stranger : May be.. But it's this tragedies that mould us strong and courageous enough to face any other upcoming problems in our life..
Anand: Actually where do you wanna go? Since you had opened up yourself, I think you don't care to tell that too..
Stranger: Well, I feel relaxed now after telling it to you. Yeah.. It's too long that I had gone to my home in Salem. I miss my mom badly. And it's been two months that I haven't even posted a letter to her. Since there is no range in those region, having a phone is a crap. My mother would be worried about me and might be complaining.. But I have no way to reach there. Even I don't have a single penny to call her up to tell her that I'm safe.
Anand: Hey, don't worry pal.. I could help you to reach out your mom as well as your home.
Stranger: If it's so that would be a great help for me and I'll be grateful to you through out my life. I may return your money when I reach my home then.
Anand: Yack.. It's OK dude.. No need of returning money and all. By the way, where do you plan to stay this night?
Stranger: Actually.. I don't have any idea. And I don't have money too.. Most probably, I may end up lying down in the street I guess..
Anand : If you don't mind you may stay in my home tonight.
Stranger: Oh.. Thanks again.. I never expected that you would tell me this.. This would be a great help for me.

Meanwhile they passed a famous hotel near by. Anand started speaking about that hotel. This is one of the famous hotel in our area. Almost all the people pass by have their food from here. It was raised up recently..
Stranger: Anand.. I wanna tell you something..
Anand: Yeah.. Tell me man..
Stranger: Actually, I kept starving all these days. It's almost two months that I had eaten something that is tasty. And I'm hungry too.. If you don't mind would you get something for me to eat?
Anand: Oh I'm sorry dude.. I had forgotten that, I'll get something from that hotel.
        Telling that Anand put the reverse gear and went back to that hotel. Meanwhile, the manager was about to close it. Anand stopped the car and ran to him. He succeeded in convincing that manager and got a parcel of biriyani for him. The stranger snatched it away from him and had it greedily as if he had never eaten biriyani. After food, he washed it off with the water in the bottle. He wanted his face too.. And he kept on washing his nose again and again. Anand happened to notice it and keenly observed him. It is then that he happened to see the oozing of blood from his nose. At first, he thought it might be the blood that is oozing from his wounded hand.. But, it was not.
Anand cried out.. "Hey man... Look.. Your nose is bleeding.."
Hearing this the stranger swipe his nose and watched his hands.. It was full with blood. He was super cool.. With no change in in his expressions. He wiped it out with his towel, he glanced it and said with a light smile in his face.. "It's gone now.. Let's go.."
Anand: What the hell?? How could you stay so cool like this?? It's bleeding man.. Don't you know its seriousness? Surely you should go to a hospital..
Stranger: Dude, it's not new for me.. I had gone through this before.
Anand: What do you mean?
Stranger: It happened earlier..  One day when I was busy finishing up my work,  I happened to faint down and blood was oozing like this. I was taken to the hospital that was near by our company.  Doctor checked out and confirmed that it's blood cancer and I have a tumor growing in my head. I didn't go for further treatment since I don't have enough money to pay for that. So I just skipped it.
Anand: How miserable your life is.. Do your mother knows this?
Stranger: Not yet.. It's better not to tell her. She will simply worry over this.. I don't wanted her to get worry over me.
Anand: But you know, it's not a silly thing to avoid like this. It's something serious..
Stranger: Aye, I know..
They reached home within no time. Mrs. Anand was not in good mood. She opened the door complaining about his careless and irresponsible behavior. She scolded him for being late, for forgetting her, for not attending her calls.. She stopped all of a sudden when she noticed the stranger stepping out from the car. She stayed calm and quiet obediently like a kid. Anand introduced him to his wife.

They freshen up and talked a while. After that Anand booked a ticket for the stranger so that he may go home by the train next day morning. Anand took him to the upstairs and showed him the room to sleep..
Anand: I will call you at 4.15. The Rajadhani express is at 5 o'clock. It takes almost 20 minutes to reach the railway station. Have a nice sleep.
Stranger: Thank you Anand.. Thanks a lot.. You did a lot for me..
Anand: Yack, stop all these things.. It's okay man.. We are no more strangers I guess.. And there is no need of all these things between friends.. Isn't it?
Stranger: Yeah.. Alright pal.. Sleep tight..

Anand went back to his room. He consoled his wife. He narrated the whole story. And the reason for being late. After all, just like any other man, he too studied how to make one's wife happy.

Anand: See Radhika.. I'm really sorry for all this mess.. And I really mean it. It's not because that I had forgotten you. It's because I was really stucked with all this mess. But even then, I was thinking about my sweety angel and this dull, naughty and angry face of yours..! Do you know... You look so cute when you get angry that I even feels like kissing you..like this..
          Telling that, he kissed her. All her anger was vanished within seconds. No matter how much angry your wife is.. You could make it out with.. 'an apology, a kiss, lovely and praising words that shows your concern towards her.'
               
Anand wake up hearing the bang sound of Alarm. He went to call the stranger with a bed coffee. Her kept the coffee aside and called him. He was still sleeping. Anand turned him and patted him to wake him up. But he had no intention of getting up. After several attempts, he moved his hands slowly towards the nose of the stranger and Anand was stucked. The stranger didn't wake up. He was in a sleep.. A deep sleep which no one wakes up. Yes, it was an escape... A narrow escape (from terrorists) to the death.

                                                *****

Adventures. Chapter 12

Neeraj and Riswan are always together. They turns to be good friends in no time. They are just like brothers now. They always speaks blunders and make others laugh. They are good in interacting with people. Both of them together can even melt a hard iron heart. They know how to deal with people. It's really good to see them together. People even envy them for their friendship. Me too like their bond, their chemistry.. They understands each other very well.
      I don't know why, but I felt like Neeraj and me have some gulf between us. (Or is it something out of my imagination?) Whenever I approach him to talk, I can find him with Riswan all the time. And when I get a gap inbetween and tries to talk to him Riswan will be calling out him for some urgent matters. And even if we talk something, he will always end up talking about Riswan which was highly irritating for me. Even I feels like to stab Riswan to death..
I was really upset because I felt like, all of a sudden I'm avoided by him. I felt awkward by his sudden change in behaviour. I don't know what made him to change like this. There was not even a single day that we never missed our fights and talks. I was angry with Neeraj and decided not to talk to him until he comes to me and say sorry. One whole week just passed like that. We together had no fun, less talks and no chats. Everything passed just like that. I was plunged into loneliness. Isha helped me out to be out of this loneliness. She is really funny. She is the one who always do some blunders and make others laugh. And I like that in her.
          Isha was a day scholar at first, later when the everyday journey was difficult for her to manage due to the lack of transport facilities she had shifted to hostel. That was a weekend. Taniya had gone to her home. Me and Isha planned an outing. Food in hostel was really worse so we planned to have the lunch from town, go for a movie, window shopping, to loiter in the park and beach and while back in the evening to get a parcel for the dinner. We just went out early in the morning. It was very difficult for me to get Isha out of the hostel. She takes a lot of time for her make ups. About half an hour was wasted like that. She applied thick layer of foundation on her face, eyeliner, mascara, eye-shadow, lipstick, lip gloss and wear heavy earrings, bangles, long necklace. She dressed up with a white churidar which looks great on her. She is very beauty conscious. I had seen her applying lot of creams after the bath and before she goes out from hostel. She had a vast collection of creams with her. I wonder for what all these creams and cosmetics are used for. They are like moisturising creams applied specially on body, face, sun screen lotion, shampoo, conditioner so and so.. I don't know all these. I always wonder how she remembers to apply all these in time. I even forget medicines to take in time. Last time when my mother get me a bottle of cream to maintain my beauty I just used it for 2 or 3 days and just forgot to use it further and finally thrown it out when it was expired.
              Well, I am not used to all these things. I don't usually go for make ups. I never applied creams on my face nor was not concerned about my beauty that much. I don't often use powder either, that too occasionally. My maximum is just an eyeliner and a bindi. I prefer to go out casually.
          Our first preference was a movie. A hit movie was going on in theatre and there was such a rush for the tickets. We reached bit earlier before the tickets are distributed. But there was such a big queue so that we were in back and was confused whether we get tickets. It was then I noticed 2 guys from our college was standing in the front of the queue. I asked Isha to stands in queue and planned to give a try so that I may ask them to get 2 extra tickets for us. They were familiar with me. I just introduced myself to them and asked them to get 2 more tickets. With god's grace, they agreed and got 2 tickets for us too. But they made a condition to get the tickets. And it was like we should watch the movie together with them. It was bit risk for us. But, for the sake of movie I agreed. And when we reached the balcony to watch the movie. They sat in between us. That was something intolerable. I had the habit of making comments and laughing harder when I watch comics. I even hit the one who sits near by out of its impact. Isha too laughs out louder when she watch comics. But this time it's gonna be really hard for us. Movie goes on, comics were played, and I happened to laugh out louder, even I hit the guys seated near by unconsciously and was stucked when they looked at me objectionably. And when I looked Isha, she was seated there just like a statute with no facial expressions or gestures. She was also having a hard time. It was then that first half was over and movie was paused for a short interval. I  got up from my seat telling them that I will be back after going to toilet. Hearing this Isha also came along with me. We went outside and was relieved from that idiots.
Isha yells,
Irine.. I can't take it anymore. They are such a fucking idiots with no feelings. They don't laugh nor don't allow others to laugh. I was iced there.. How could people watch movie like that?
Yeah, me too wanted to move from there. I can't even make comments. I was tight-lipped.
So are we going do next? Isha asked.
We will just scoot over..!!
But how?
Everything has its own time babe.. See, we are not going to that balcony again..
Then?
We will grab some other seats downstairs and will watch movie freely with no distractions. Is that okay?
Yeah.. 100%.
Then come, let's go..
Wow.. That's nice Irine.. I love you for this..
Irine just smiled at her.

They were just cool when they watched it out together.. Laughing out louder, making comments and even rinsing their eyes together while watching sentimental shots. They finished the movie and went to the restaurant and had a biriyani..! Their stomach were full. They were very tired. So they went to the beach near by. Beach and park were attached.
       We enjoyed the cool breeze and lashed down in the sand and waited for the waves to come and tickle us. We lured down there letting the wavelet to fall over the body and to chill us. We played in the water, we sprinkled each other and falls down oftenly. We get into the ocean, went forth and allowed the water to plunge into us.. plunge into each body parts. We were wet. People over there were looking at the curves and whirls of our body. After awhile, we went to the park and sat down in a bench tanning in the sun.

    We noticed a couple seated in the bench there at the other end of the park. They were kissing lurkingly. They exchanged passionate kisses and the hands of the boy was moving on to her. He was caressing all over her body. She was enhancing it. Goddamn.. how could a girl act like that in public? She might be the one with such a lose heart who lose one's shit in public. How could people act like street dogs? Is this what we call love? And is this love a 'License' to get involved physically? Or is it all what love is? I don't think so.

     For me, LOVE is something divine. It is not something to be showed up in public and it is not something that tame us like the outspoken buffoons. It is a great secret that should be kept within the hearts of lovers. It is something private, personal and not a public matter to be talked about. It is something that should be felt by them just like the wind. You may not see it, but you could feel it. Just like you sense the various forms of wind like gentle cool breeze, strong wind, storm, you will go through the various forms of love like possessiveness, passions, happiness, pain, hurty feelings. Love always infills other ones weakness, it is inbuilt with the ability to understand the other and stay aside as a great support. Love always encourages than disdaining. It is not something that deviates you from your aims, goals and dreams. True love will always help you to achieve it rather than being deceitful. It is not something that demands from you, but it is something that gives you abundantly. True love never needs words to express it. It could be always felt without words. True lovers never need to communicate everyday and do blah blah. True lovers limit their talks to what is essential and avoids what is unnecessary. Only such love without blah blah last because all those blathering will ends in lust. Moreover sincerity and trust has a major role in love. Love evades away along with sincerity and trust. So, if you really love someone and wishes to move in, you should 'stop blathering, have patience, be faithful and trustworthy.'
        
Irine.. Look..!! Isha called.
What happened? I asked.
Look.. That old man over there is watching us. He is a mischief. It's too long that he is staring at us. It's not good to sit here for a long.
Hey, don't worry. He is a psychopath.
So what are we going to do now?
Ignore him and let's have some nice snaps together.
Hmm.. You are so irresistible. I had never met a care free girl like you Irine. You are impossible.
Array.. Stop all these shits. Come on girl, let's have a selfie together.
Hmm.. Here I am.
They took selfies together. The old man out there were still staring at them. In some of the photographs he too happened to be there. After loitering over there they went for window shopping. First, they went to a shoe shop. Isha went on gazing on girl's shoes while Irines eyes were stucked on the shoes of boys.

I have a craze for boy's shoes. I don't know why, but may be because of my father. It was in my childhood. I took admission in near by school. Uniform was very strict there. Me too had uniform. Shoes were compulsory. Since it was for the first time that my father send his daughter to school he might not be aware of the shoes and all. So, he got me a shoes and I wear it and went to school. After few weeks, students gave up their wide cries realising that there is no use of crying and crying will not help them to get out of schooling. I got many friends there. It's after being friends that my friends noticed my shoes. I was having boys shoes, not that of girls. It's then that I realised that boys and girls have separate shoes to wear. After that incident, I got girls shoe. But there starts my craze for shoes of boys. Wherever I go, I will notice the shoes of boys rather than that of girls.
        Since we don't have enough money, we didn't buy anything. We went out of the shop. And get into few more other shops, bag shops, fancy shops and so on. After that, we returned to hostel.
On the way back we passed the boys hostel. It was then that we saw a group of boys coming from the town. They were our classmates. Riswan was also there with them. They were having icecreams in their hands. I like icecreams a lot and I never missed a chance to get ice creams. When they were closer enough I told them that I too need an ice cream in a childish way. Everyone was eating their ice creams. Riswan too finished half of his ice cream. When he heard me telling that, he stopped eating ice cream and gave his ice cream to me. I never expected that he would give me that ice cream. I was happy that I got the ice cream. I just take it from him. I just winked him and told him thanks. I didn't mind whether it was licked by someone or not. With a small smile on my face and by glancing him I moved forward with that Ice cream. I just asked Isha whether she wants it or not. She was the one who was very conscious of health and cleanliness. So she told me that she don't want it. So I just ate it up. She was bit jealous either since she had a liking to Riswan.
That day ended just like that... with lot of fun and memories..

Adventures. Chapter 11

I was back to my college as usual. Exams were announced. We were busy studying. Things were getting into right track. Students started to worry about their studies. Principal had announced that mark list will be published on the notice board after the exams. Irine was one of the first 5 toppers in the class. Teachers were having great expectation on her since she had good marks for the class test. There were some who were not that studious in the class. So they requested Irine to help them in studies. Irine was happy to do that. She was really fond of lecturing and had planned to take it as a profession. She arranged an evening class for the backward students in the class.

   That was a Friday evening, exams are to start on Monday. She took her books and walked through the basket ball court. And sat down beneath the shady trees along with her friends. She started to take the class. While she was taking class, Tony switched on his mobile inorder to record her lectures so that he may listen to it later. He took the recording app. Irine explained everything pretty well. Everyone agrees that she is good in lecturing. She forwards many simple example so that each and everyone can easily understand it. Towards the end of the section an outcry was heard from Tony. When we enquired he replied desperately,
"O my gosh.. I had forgotten to click on the record button while you were lecturing. And now I missed them all. I thought I could study something listening to it. What will I do now? Could you please repeat it again Irine?" He asked.
Hearing this hilarious comment with an innocent face and cute expressions made us to laugh out louder. He was a cheeser in our class. We were not able to stop our laughter though we tried to.

     We get into our exam days.. We missed our leisure time, play hours, the time that we spend in canteen and all the blah blah. After the exam of mass media, I was just checking out the answers with Tina and was happy to find it right. Meanwhile, while turning the pages of question papers my pen slipped from my hands. It was one of the my costly pen that I values a lot, Parker rolled down and fall down on the roof tile of the second floor. I asked for the help. Many listened to but no one was ready to get it for me. All were busy with their own works and that was disgusting. Moreover, it was highly difficult to get it since the one who get over there have the likeliness to fall down from the second floor.It was then that Neeraj who came forward to help me out with 'I don't care' attitude. He just jumped down and reached the end of the roof and got me the pen. While he was jumping down many called out,
"Neeraj.. don't jump, exams will come and go. We could write the supplementary exams."
They were asking him not to commit suicide. Hearing this many laughed.
            I was really happy that he did it for me. He was my classmate. I had noticed him before but never felt greatness for him. But now, I was grateful to him and was not knowing how to thank him enough. With that incident, we  were closer enough and finally we were thick friends within no time. There was such a bond between us. We make silly fights for no reason, finish up chalks in the class by throwing it at each other, playing cricket with paper balls and books, making comments on others, will break up friendship almost everday and will make it out very soon before that day ends. We go to canteen.. eat hardly and sleep together in class during lectures. we get scolded by teachers and were send out of the class for fighting during the class hours. When that just happens we go to library and just play with books which may finally ends up with the yelling of librarian.
          Neeraj is such a naughty guy. He was such a silent guy. Even his presence in the class was unnoticed by teachers. No one in the class gave any attention to him since he was not the center of attraction. He was an introvert. He never interacted with people around him. He was simple, ordinary guy. He was not that handsome but was an OK type guy. He was very reserved and was not that studious too. I felt like changing him. I just wanted him to come out of his shell.
      One day, I happened to listen him humming a song. And that was really awesome. I felt like saying wow.. But I kept mum since I was sure that if I say 'wow' he will stop singing. I must say, he sang it astonishingly, with that classical touch in it. He was not trained, but he was great in singing the notes perfectly. And he happened to sing it unconsciously.
       I just enquired him and listed down his favorite songs and favourite singers. He said it. After that I just sang the half of his favorite song. And just stopped. He was listening to it. And when I paused singing it, he can't resist singing the rest of it since it was his favorite. So he did. He sang it very well that I felt like listening to it again and again. His voice was so sweet that one can sense the divinity in it.
      I had noticed different people singing. Everyone of us are like that. When our favorite songs are played and paused, we will continue singing the rest of song eventhough we were silent listeners till then. It doesn't matter whether you are a good or bad singer, but we will just sing it out. And that often happens unconsciously. I just made use of this technique here to get across and make him sing to know how good he sings. And I must say, he was stunning.
          I didn't asked him to sing a song directly because I was sure that he will be reluctant to sing it. He was bit shy type of guy and had no confidence in singing a song before others since he never did it before. After listening his songs number of times, (which he happened to sing unconsciously) I told him that his song was mind blowing. And just asked him to sing it again. But he was shy to sing a song when someone ask him to do so. He says that he like to sing when it comes voluntarily but not on a request. But he promised to sing a song for me.
         I wanted to let him know that he sings stunningly. And I was sure that he won't believe me since he was not confident in himself. I wanted to build up that confidence in him.I know that confidence can be brought up in a person only through appreciation. And what he all need was a platform or a terrain to be appreciated. So one day in class during the break, I just forced him to sing a song in the class. With bit hesitation he sang me a song since he value me. I know he will do it for me since he likes me. He was bit louder enough for others to listen. My classmates come joining me one by one. His song was that attractive that everyone paused their work and came near by us to listen him singing. Towards the end the whole class remained there listening his song. The funny thing was, he sang the song by closing his eyes to concentrate on it and therefore he didn't even bother about the loudness of his song. And when he opened his eyes, he was actually surprised to see the whole class listening to him. He was shy that he tried to scoot over. But, everyone kept telling him that he sings amazingly, "we want it once more". He looked me with bit hesitance. I smirked.
He sang it again. Everyone appreciated him and told that, " we never knew that you sing this awesome."
Me too.. He whispered looking at me. I smiled him back.
I asked him.. "So are you willing to believe that what I said was right?"
About what?
About your song. I told you no? You sing beautifully and you were reluctant to believe it. And could you believe it now since the whole class told it to you?
"Hey crack... I just love the way that you are in my life. You are so crazy that I can't resist myself hanging out with you. I am so happy to have you as my friend. You are so special and amazing that I never had a friend like you ever before..!!"
He said that with a spark in his eyes. I could sense how happy he was.. Me too was happy to listen to those words that came from the depth of his heart. And I realized that he got that confidence to believe in himself, to believe in his talent of singing, out of the appreciation of the whole class.
Really? I asked.
Yeah.. He replied.
So, if you wanna me to believe it you should promise me something.
Yeah, what is it ?
Promise me that you will do what ever I ask..
Well, I promise you that I will do anything that is possible by me for you to believe that you really means a lot to me.
'Okay..' I smirked and told him that.. " I wanted you to sing on the stage during the youth festival "
What?? He was stucked.
Sing?? On the stage?? No..
It's not possible.. I am not that good in singing.
Can you please stop this Neeraj. It is just now that everyone appreciated you for your song. And why do you hesitate to sing it on the stage. You are well talented. And what's wrong if you show it out! you worth a try..! Well, just wait up.. I will prove it. Let's ask to the class. Saying this, I stepped forward infront of the class.

Guys, I wanna ask you something.. Do you think Neeraj is good enough in singing and he will be amazing if he sing it on the stage for this youth festival?? Those who favours please raise your hands.

Everyone of them raised their hands calling out Neeraj's name. This is how I convinced him that he is talented. At first, he was having only me as a good friend. May be because I am a tomboy and easily gets along with boys that they consider me as one among them. There was no barrier of gender to get along with me. Ofcourse, other girls envy and grudge me for this reason. Because they were not able to get along with boys this easily. After this, friends circle of Neeraj started to grow, he got many new friends among boys as well as girls. He gotta some fans too. He was suddenly turned as the center of attraction. His introvert behavior get changed. He started to mingle with all. He became more interactive. He was active in class and even speak blunders in the class and make the class laugh during boring lectures when teachers ask him questions. Everyone started to like him. His absence made our class boring.

After many failed attempts, one day he promised me that he will sing a song on the stage. And I was really happy that he considered me..
That evening, I took up my dairy and scribbled..
"Neeraj is a very good friend that I can ever have. He is such a funny and crazy guy whom I like to hang around. Everyone is jealous of our friendship. There is such a great bond between us. Sometimes I even felt like our friendship is stronger than blood relations. Happy to have that idiot in my life. I wish I could've maintained this friendship till the end of my life. Friends for ever." After noting it down. I just drew a cartoon of Neeraj.. With big specs, long thin legs and spring hair that curls and falls over his face. And I just smiled looking at my naughty work. Because I knew he will kill me if he ever happen to see it.

Ädventures. Chapter 10

While having my breakfast, my phone beeped. I took it up and saw a message from Isha. "Have a great day sweety.. Will have fun together soon.. Love you.. Take care."

Reading that message I just went few weeks backs in our college.
I still remember her entry to the college after taking admission in our college. Entry of Isha to the college was well awaited by the boys. She was late by one week to join. She is beautiful indeed. She catches the attention of all without any gender discrimination. Well, I too noticed her on the very first day on the college. Within one week I was well familiar with the whole college. And since it was for the first time she was flayed. Moreover all seniors were after her. Some came to rag her, some came to collect details about her and even boys from our batch too were interested in her. They were in a rush, it's better to say 'in queue' to reach her.  Each time after being questioned by seniors she seems really frightened. I felt sorry for her. I told her not to be scared and we were all done with it. She nodded in acceptance. She was scared even to go out of the class room because of this so called 'ragging'.. even to pee either.

    When it was the time for the lunch break a group of seniors came and blocked her on the way to Canteen. I felt like to stay and rescue her from them since she was about to cry after all these raggings. No one dare even to go near by her fearing that they too will be ragged by seniors. But I did. I went near to them and called Isha louder and asked her to accompany me to canteen to have food. They were reluctant to leave her. But I went forth and hold her hand and took her to the canteen. (No boys ever dare to touch a girl without her consent, if they ever do, that turns to be a crime. And that benefited me as well. Sometimes it's good to be a girl for these particular reasons even laws favors them for no reason). I don't know.. at that moment I thought only to help her to get out from there. I didn't even think how it may affect me. I was the odd man out marked by them. Sometimes for them I may be bit over smart. But, I don't care.

     After the lunch they planned to scold me and Isha redhanded. Inorder to get her free and alone, they planned to hook me with a guy. And when we were back, a guy came about and blocked me on my way. He was handsome and bit fatty. But being fat was okay for him. He look cute.
           And I was snared either. I was in chaos to act. Soon that fatty handsome guy told me that he has something to tell me. I suggested him to give a try. He told me that it is something personal so that he had to tell me it in private and therefore he asked me to move aside from those swarm of boys that were around us. I agreed to what he said and moved a bit. Meanwhile they blocked Isha too.

Then after bit struggle and confusions that handsome fatty guy told me,
"I am flattered.."
I felt something fishy. Albeit I could guess what he will be speaking next. I stayed cool and asked..
What happened?
It's.. It's better to be open.. I am grounded. He said.
Grounded in what sense..? I kept asking.
Irine, You know what I am saying.. I.. I.. I.. I LOVE YOU.
There he is.. Same as what I expected. I was sure that he didn't meant what he said. So I just decided to play back the game.
Isn't?? I asked.
Yeah.. I do..
So fast.. huh???
Yeah...
So tell me, what made you fall for me?
After a while he said,
Its your gutsiness. You were frank enough to face a group of boys alone and you were not at all bothered though they were seniors.
I was satisfied by his answer. And I continued my game.
So you were saying that was fine.. right? OK.. That sounds valid. You says that you love me right?
Yeah.. It's not just saying.. I do.
Ok.. Then, What is my name?
What? He asked in surprise. He never expected such a question from me.
I am asking you to tell me the name of the girl you love.. The boy who loves a girl should atleast know her name. Right?
That was a trap indeed. I was damn sure that he won't tell my name.
He started to defend.. And was muffled. He was not having even a single word to speak out. After a while he said.
What's there in a name? Name has no role here. What matters is I love you.
Enough brother.. Don't swindle again.. And stop beating around the bush.. We can be good friends. I am okay with friendship.

He was not having anything more to say. He agreed with what I said. It's better to say, I made him agree with me. Well, I was sure that he was impressed by me for I was not a girl who easily falls and be fooled..

The bell rang.. They went back to classes and we too. Isha was cool this time. They had a friendly chat. She was very happy that I defended her whenever she was needy. She was so childish that she thanked me a lot and kissed me on my cheek. And forwarded her hands and asked..
Friends??
Yeah.. Friends..!
This is how we become good friends. I too was happy to have her in my friends circle. She is such a sensitive stupid girl who do full of nonsense out of innocence and lack of experience. And I love that in her..

Thinking all these incidents in a while, with a smile on my face, I texted back to Isha.
"Love you to.. Have a great day full of blunders."

Adventures. Chapter 9

As usual, I wake up at 6Am hearing the bang sound of alarm. It was while switching off alarm that I remembered the about the late night text and my carelessness to turn off net.
'Oh Gosh..' I turned off net.
Message from Phelix was notified in the corner of the phone.
I just read it.
"It didn't took me a long to find out you. I had got you from the train itself. I guess there is no one other than you with the name Irine Jaek in your college. So it was easy for me."
Oh you are too fast.. Huh..??
How are you? I texted.
I am fine. And you?
Am good.
When are you returning Irine?
I think I will return on Monday. Am already tired. So guess that I may bunk the class on Monday.
Fine.. Sometimes breaking the rules are good. Well, I'll return today evening probably. Said Phelix.
Me just send a winking smily.
You are a type of talkative guy. You are good in initiating conversations and You always walk around doing something and you don't like to stay idle. And for your information, you have a good leadership quality.. I texted.
Continue Irine. A text popped up.
Well, you are not introvert, Extrovert indeed. You like to do help others when they are in need of. And you will share your problems who are okay for you and seek suggestions rather than finding a solution from others. Above all, you are easily approachable.
Wow.. That's really great. Short time, precised observations. And that's really true in my case..
Really?
Yeah.. You are..
So am I good in analyzing people?
Yup. Ofcourse you are. I am really impressed. I will give you 9 out of 10.
O... That's fine.. :) Thank you..! I texted back.You know what? I know bit psychology. Well, I am already out of time now.. Have to go to church. Get you later.. Bye.. Have a nice day.
Hmm.. Your psychology works anyhow. Same there Irine Jaek.. Bye.

Days passed. The curiosity, eagerness to text in the first day was no more for Irine. The day that she met Phelix now turns like a dream for her. A dream is effective while you see it. But, when you finish it off.. It just remain as a dream. There is nothing new and active in it. She lived in the moment indeed. But she didn't feel like to take it further..

Why is it so? Irine introspect herself.. May be it might not be love. Just an infatuation.  Or is it because, loving someone is not my cup of tea..?  Hmm.. Don't know..
If I was not been in touch with Phelix in Facebook, he might be holding a position of hero in my mind. But right now.. he seems like to be someone that is familiar to me just like a neighbor near by my house so that I don't feel like to love him since I am used to him. After all, he is just like any other guy.

People are like books with cover pages. Some looks good and attractive in cover, but when you get into the stuff there won't be nothing interesting. Some are like the books with not that attractive cover. But they might be beautiful in its content and when you get into it you may really love it. Some are like the books with cover, whether it's attractive or not, it takes a long for you get is content. Sometimes you have to reread, analyse and ponder on it to understand what exactly it is. Some are exactly like what they looks like in cover. Nothing there will be interesting but stay like what we think it to be.

Phelix may be one of those persons just like the book with an attractive cover and nothing interesting in it other than the cover. Or is it because I don't try even to read it up..? Hmm.. I don't know..! Sometimes, the beauty of a flower will fade away when it is plucked from its plant. Forbidden fruits are always enchanting until our hands reach it. But once we reach it, the whole beauty will disappear.

Irine just went back to the memories of her school days.. And just remembered a guy she met there. It was during the arts day she met him. The whole school were divided into four groups. Red, yellow, green and blue so that students may prepare for the competition accordingly. And she was in yellow group and so was that guy. And they happened to be there in a group song. He was very active and easily grabs everyone's attention. He was good in singing, interactive and ofcourse a flirting type of guy.

Irine also happened to notice him. But was not that interested in him when all girls were after him. He took the advances to speak to her, interact with her and to tease her.. He picks her song book in which lyrics was scribbled down and go through it. He was the one with no formalities and behave casually as if they were already known for years. Other than the lyrics, Irine had written about her likes, dislikes, birthday, favorites and even drawn some of beautiful pictures and jotted down some poems by her own. He goes through it like the hell. It was after a bit that she remembered there was something more in that book other than lyrics. She tried to grab it from him. But he didn't give it to her. And the idea of getting the book back was really in vain since he was taller than her and she was tired running around him.
Then he took one of her poems and started to tune it.
Allen.. Could you stop it please..!
I hate when someone recites my poem before me.. You are just like my mother. She used to do the same. She takes my poems from my desk without my acknowledgement and tease me by reciting it infront of me. And I hate it like the hell.
Oh... Is it your poem??
Damn it.. I might not have screamed out like that.!! Nope.. I tried to defend.
Stop beating around the bush. I know it's your work. You really writes well!
Could you please stop mocking at me? I know it's all a crap.

To be honest, I was not that interested in writing poems eventhough I like to read it. But, I just planned to write some when I saw my friends writing poems beautifully. And those poems I scribbled down were just a try.. So I was actually ashamed to show those to someone else. Finally, I succeeded in getting my book back from him. And in between he had gone through the pages where I jotted down my likes and dislikes, favourites.

After few days.. Practices of group song was really hard for me. I was not able to analyse and sing a note which was a key of the song. I was in despair. By realising that it was difficult for me to make it up, he told me that he will help me to get it. So he called for the practice in Saturday too only for me and another boy who was not that good in singing. I was sad that I miss a holiday. And before I go home, he asked me my phone number to get me so that he may contact me for the purpose of practice. Well, I gave him both my telephone number and mobile number.

He started to text me. He never forget to greet me good morning, good evening and good night. That was funny indeed. If someone wish thou good, will it be good? Will a bad day changes to be good for the sake that they wished? I don't know.. Sometimes with their inner power of mind or with the prayers they make, a day might turn better when they wishes us good deep from their heart.

I was happy that he came forward to help me before I request him. Moments like that are really awesome. Those who realise our problems even before we plan to tell them are really beautiful. Having those friends are blessing. He helped me out to get those notes, high and low pitch in the song and I was happy that I was able to sing it which I thought impossible. Well, with that incident, we became good friends, he started teasing me, irritate me and make me laugh until my stomach aches.. and even started to fight with me in a playful manner. I just loved to hang around him. We were very good friends within no time. Though we were good friends many supposed that we were lovers. Allen got few prizes for light music and karaoke and so on. Me too got first prize for short story, essay and urudu recitation. And what interesting was it was my first attempt in writing story. I never expected a first. And I was shocked when it was announced that I got A grade for my story. And it was funny that I hesitated to compete for story writing and it was because of Allen that I participated in it.

  Everything ended well. And Allen had promised me a chocolate if he won first prize in light music. And when he did, he gave me a chocolate. Many saw him giving me chocolate and many of my friends teased him for not giving them chocolate eventhough he knows them for years. And he tried to scoot up explaining that it was because of the bet that we made.
        One day, I saw him standing along with my junior girl who was beautiful indeed. She was also a flirting type and actually I don't like her character. I hate girls who flirts. And I hate girls who persuade boys to fall in love with them with their flirting gestures and luring talks. She was one of those. Anyway, I teased him for talking to her.. And I commented him.. "Mmm.. Something is fishy here.. let it be.. Go on boss.."
He is always like that, he will be hanging with girls every time whenever I notice him. Since it was usual, I didn't felt anything bad in that. And I had taken his behaviour for granted. So I just teased him calling out his name with my junior and walked away. He stopped conversation with her then and came after me and yelled at me.. Scolded me. It was the first time that I saw him damn serious and I was scared indeed. I did it for fun and he was kinda serious. He scolded me and told me that there is nothing between them. I clarified him that I was just kidding.

Why was he that serious? I don't know.. I did it just for a fun. Is it that dangerous sin? Sometimes character of boys may not be easily caught up. They do things with some hidden intention.
And later his friends started to tease me by calling his name along with me.. Which I hate most in my life. I don't like my name called along with a boy. And I never wanted others to speak bad about me. I just stared at them harshly and walked away. I was angry with them as well as Allen. I just felt like hitting them. I took up my phone to call him and scold him. But, I stopped.. Why should I? It's better not to talk him so that I can stop their suspicious comments.

For the next few days, I didn't text him nor talked to him at school. I just simply avoided him. One day during the interval, while I was completing my physics note he get in my class and asked me the reason for avoiding him nor texting him. Everyone was staring at him since he was the one from commerce. I felt bit awkward. But, I managed to tell him that I will explain it later. That day, I called him up and told him the reason and expressed my anger towards him. 
He told me sorry and promised me that he will scold his friend and they will no more tease me calling his name. Things were okay between us and we stayed as good friends.
       The very next day was my birthday and I haven't even told it to him. For me Birthday is just like any other day. And what makes it beautiful is the wishes from dear and near ones. My parents and relatives wished me early in the morning and when I took up my phone there was an unread message. "Happy birthday to you my cute friend." I was amazed to see that it was from him. I wondered how he got it. And I asked him about the source. With a small smile, he told me "I got it from your book. The book which you wrote your poems."

Wow.. It was too back and we were not at all friends then.
Well, I had noticed it and had jotted it down in my diary.
"Oh.." I smiled.
I had never been this intimate to boys in my life. I didn't had an elder brother. I always loved to have one. Allen was more than a friend to me. Sometimes he even act as if my elder brother, scolds me when I go wrong. He was just like a cousin brother for me. Friendly as well as brotherly.

In between our talks, he speaks about him. The girls whom he was after. And how he made them fall for him. Even he makes bet with his friends and then chase a girl and finally makes them to fall in love with him. That was really a new information for me. The making of bets for a girl. I wondered what's there in it? Is love a game? How could one play with the heart of a girl? I felt bad when I heard that. And I told him not to do so. And he agreed.

Rumours were spread in the school like Allen was trying me and I was the last one to know it. Well, I didn't reacted to this. I just acted as if I knew nothing. Well, board exams of +2 was approaching within weeks. And I was studying hard and kept myself busy. He kept texting me. Other than greetings, I noticed his texts turns to be poetic. Some were love messages. I just avoided them casually like forwarded messages. Farewell was conducted 1 week before exams. Students who were interested to do Duet songs and single songs were given the names. He too had given his names for both.
After giving his name for duet, he insisted me to sing for duet. I was really stucked.
Me?? To sing song?? Alone?? No way..
Not alone, I am there no??
But.. No other female is there no? I had never did it alone. So, I won't be doing this too.
No.. You have to. I had already given your name.
Without my concern??
Nope, I thought you will.
I won't Allen.. I won't. It will never gonna happen.
Then what should I do? Should I sing alone? I can't strike my name. Nor madam won't allow that.
So what should I do? Did you ever asked me? How could you give my name without my concern?
See, I am sorry.. But please sing this song.. Just for me...
Better you concern Asha. She is a good singer and she is experienced to.
But I need YOU on stage. Not her.
If you ever dare to get the howls from the audience, I may. My presence on stage will only help you to ruin it. It won't help you in anyway. So I am gonna strike out my name. I will see madam and strike it out.
See Irine, I trust you.. I TRUST YOU..! I know that you can do it. You can do better than Asha. You catch up things easily. I remember  how easily you studied those classical notes while practicing for that group song. It's not that easy to grasp for those who don't have any basics in classics. But you did. So please.. This is my request. Please do it for me.

I didn't said anything. I didn't went to staffroom either to strike my name. I was just thinking over what he said. Will I be able to do? What if I did? And thus, I made up my mind to sing with him. And the very next day, I texted him that I am ready. And after practices, we did great on the stage. Everyone appreciated me for singing it well and they appreciated my voice too. Even those who were not familiar to me appreciated me. I was really dumbstruck.That was the day I realised my talent to sing.. And that too because of Allen. I was really happy to have him as a good friend in my life.

Final exams were going on. And one more day was to go for the last exam. Allen texted me to wait for him in the last day after the exams. And told me that he had something to tell. That day, father told me that he will be in the town when I finish my exams so that were can come together. Exams were over and soon after the exams I went to town so that I may come back with my dad. Moreover I never felt it like this is the last day in my school nor I won't be anymore in school.

When I reached home, I gotta message from Allen. Where the heck are you??
Goddamn.. I had forgotten..
I am sorry.. I forget. What was that you had to tell? Anything urgent?
No.. Nothing urgent. You didn't wait no? So you need not know..
I told you I am sorry.. And really I am.. Tell me, what was that?
Am bit busy. Get you later. Allen texted and didn't replied me till night.

And after a long, he accepted my apologies and texted as usual.
Suddenly he came up with a question.
What if I tell you that I love you.
What?? No way.. Don't act funny.. I texted back.
Hey I am serious, answer me.
Is it a joke? I am damn sure that you won't. Then why should I think over it? Haha.. Now stop playing..!
Irine.. I just need your answer..
Are you in nuts?? You don't.. Then why should you ask me this?? Whether you are playing or not, You are 1 year younger than me. And this love won't work.
Well, I W.. Now reply.
What's there in W? I don't get it..
Ok.. it is I LOVE YOU.. Now give your reply.
I don't know actually how I will respond to it. I am too young to think about love now.
Irine..I am serious.. I love you. I don't know how.. But.. But I love you. I had been after many girls. But never been in love with them. Meeting you was an incident. To be sincere, I too had made bet on you that I will make you fall. But, instead of you.. I had fallen for you. I love you for real. I am not telling you this because I made a bet. But, it comes from my heart. I thought I could get you easily.. But when I came to know you I realized that you are not the one who falls for someone easily. Your character, personality all made me fall for you. You are really amazing. I like you a lot.

I never expected this move from him. I was really dumbstruck. Many guys proposed me before. But I never had to think twice to reject them.. It was for the first time in my life that someone close to me porposes me. And I don't really know how to respond. Actually, I like him a lot. But never thought of loving him. And moreover loving someone was a great sin for me. I was confused what to tell. If it's a no I am sure that I will hurt him. If it's an yes, I can't really deal like that.

      I just kept silent for a few days and told him that "I like you a lot but never thought of loving you. This is not an Yes or No indeed. And I don't know what it should be like.."

After that I felt a great gap. A big hole between us. The casual talks, funny fights.. everything was taken away from us. I was more formal, more conscious and I even felt as if I speaks to a stranger. The one whom I was very free seems to be the one very formal. I don't know what was in my head those days. Number of my messages were reduced and I was not sure what was going on.. I am not a shy type like any other girls. I have the guts to speak alone to a group of boys. And I was bold enough to face any boy. But this incident made me someone else. I just wanted to be the one that I was. I tried to be like the good friends like we were earlier. But I was not able to. A sort of distance was already there. If I could erase that incident, that proposal from my life, we might be good friends forever. But, there was no option of playback button in our lives. And that's what makes it interesting. He loves me. And that was the beginning and end of it. I was relieved that I don't need to face him anymore since school days were over.
        Months passed, and I got admission in new college. I was Busy with new friends, new life styles and got easily adapted to the rules and regulations in hostel. Meanwhile, I changed my sim. I stopped calling him. But I never forgets to wish him on his birthdays. A break was a must for me and for him to move on..
        It was few weeks before that I removed him from the blocked list in Facebook. And still we remain as good friends.
Sometimes love is like that, it's beautiful until before when both knows that they like each other and struggles a lot to confess it. And when once it is confessed, the game changes.. the situations, personality, behaviour, thoughts, determination, attitude everything changes. It can be either positive or negative. But once when you are in love, the whole world around you changes.

Irine... Come here.. Called my mom. It's time for the breakfast. Where are you? She will never come in time.. I got angry hearing her usual complains.
Here.. I am coming..!! I got up from my bed to have my breakfast.

Adventures. Chapter 8

Everyone was happy that we bagged the first prize for group dance in the inter collegiate fest. Me too. But I was really grateful to Phelix for helping us to get the shoes for the dance. Eventhough he was one of our competitors I was moved by his generosity. But I was sorry that I was not able to talk to him properly. I plugged in my earphones and listened to some romantic songs since it takes a long for me since I am going home that day. After sometime, some of us got down in the respective stations. When train slowed down to stop in the coming station, I just got up from my seat so that I may wash my face and to get something to eat. After stepping few steps forward I felt as if someone familiar to me sitting on one of those seats. I just ignored it thinking it might be some illusion. When I was back, I heard someone calling me. I was dumbstruck when I turned around. It was him.. Phelix.
   Hey... You...?? How?? You have to go to to Thrissur no?? I asked.
Phelix: Well, I study there. But, my home is in Neelgiri. So I am going home now.
Me: Really?? Me too going home.
Phelix: So you are in hostel. Right?
Me: Yeah.
Phelix: Where is your home then?
Me: My native place is in Gurudwar. But, my grandmother lives in Neelgiri.
Phelix: Wow, that's nice. Hope we can meet from there when you come there.
Me: I won't go there very often but Rarely..
Phelix: Why? Don't you like your grandmother?
Me: No not because of that, it's too long for us to travel.
Phelix: hmm.. Ok understood. I was just kidding.
Me: That's fine.
Phelix: By the way, where are you studying?
Me: I am from DePaul arts and science college, Guruduar.
Phelix: By the way your full name please?
Me: Irine Jaek. And your is Phelix. right?
Phelix: Ohh.. It's good to know your name. By the way what are you doing now? I mean course.
Me:Well, Am doing my PG course First year. Journalism.
Phelix: Well, I am doing C.A. This z d final year.
Me: Wow, that's great. I guess you are a genius. Normally, no one dare to pick up that course since it is really tough.
Phelix: Not because of that.. I like this course. But it's not that easy as you think. It's really tough to study.
Me: I know yar. Many of my friends are doing this course. And then, still there are papers for them to pass. And what about you?
Phelix: With god's grace I was able to pass it all.
Me: Great, you are a genius then.
Phelix: Hey.. Nothing like that. Aay.. Irine Jaek, my station is approaching.. I have to get down there. Are you coming to home?
Me: Aaeyy,, no.. You are so funny. How could you invite a stranger to your home like that?
Phelix: I guess we are no more strangers. We are friends already.. I think so..
Me: Really?
Phelix: Isn't it so?
Me: Yeah..
Phelix arranged his bag and got ready to get down in the next stop.
Phelix: If God allows, we may meet from Neelgiri when you comes to meet your Grandmother.
Me: mm..
I just nodded my head as he said that.
Me: He stood up as train was approaching his station.
Phelix... I called.
Me: You are really a great dancer and it was really mind blowing..
Don't drop it.
Phelix: Nope, Never.. Because it's this craze to the dance that made us friends. And I really wish to get a good partner like you..(after a gap he said) I mean.. in dance. You really amazed me.
And I liked your guts too.. the way you asked the shoes to my friend..
Me: Oh.. Thanks.. you came to know about that too.. Hmm!
I said casually.I was really excited to hear that. But, I sat down without showing it out. This is what makes a girl different from a boy. Girls normally won't express it out where as boys will.
Phelix: Bye, Irine Jaek.. See you soon..
Me: Bye...
Me too said 'bye' by revising those words in my mind.

When he climbed down I checked whether he looks at me. He didn't.. So I kept myself busy by removing those food particles and paper pieces. And finally, when the train started to move. I simply looked back. He was gazing at me already and winged his hands to bid goodbye. Me too winged back.

After a bit, I got an idea of getting him in Facebook. So I started to search for him. But what makes it difficult was I was not knowing his full name. So I just searched him with his name and college. I got many others. But not him. Then I searched with his name and his native place too. That too didn't worked. I was embarrassed. Heck..!! The urge to find him out in the Facebook was very strong. But all my attempts were in vain.. Eventually, I liked a page of his college.
       Then I just dropped that idea of searching him in Fb. And I thought, if he too feels the same, he too will also be trying to reach me in Facebook. And if he doesn't he may not. So, consciously or unconsciously I awaited for his friendship request since my attempts were futile. And just checked out Fb for his request in every half an hour. But didn't see one.It was then that I remembered about my profile picture. It was the one with my long hair which was taken 1 year back. So I just updated it with one of my latest picture, with my shortened hair so that it will help him to send me a friendship request.

            So I let it go like that. And when I reached home, I was taken away from his thoughts. And so I got engaged with many other things and had forgotten about him. And when I was about to take a nap in the night. I just simply switched on the internet to check the latest mail and to my surprise I saw a notification. Phelix Philip sends you a friendship request in Facebook. By seeing that, all my sleep was gone. I sign in the Fb and was amazed to see that it was him. I confirmed it and Checked his profile pictures and other albums. I was amazed to see that he was the volenteer of NSS unit. And photos of his speech and various other programs. I checked him in online. But it was notified that he was active one hour ago. I texted him.
"Hey crazy.. Never thought that you would send me a friendship request in Fb. You might had struggled a bit to get me. Hope you reached home safely. Sleep tight, take care, gunnyt."
Texting this, I fall asleep..

Adventures. Chapter 7

We reached at St. Joseph college, Nishaghat where fest was held.. Everything was arranged in pomp and show. We were taken away by their hospitality. College campus was really mind blowing. I just loved it. Every nook and corner looks awesome. Garden, buildings, canteen.. Students there were tally vibrant. Specially the volenteers who volenteer different programs. They were really attentive to each students that came there. They well take care of us too. We were really taken awry by their behaviour.
   It was 2 days program. I felt as if I am in a wonderland, a place where my dream come true. The students who came to participate the programs were smart too. Many competitions were there. My name was registered for 3 competitions and one group dance. I was there for soliloquy, speech and monoact. It was hard for me to manage all those at a time.
When program chart came, both monoact and soliloquy was scheduled at a time. And that was difficult for me to manage. Riswan helped me out to arrange my soliloquy to the last in the list so that I may be able to compete both. I was happy that I did my best. Bagging prizes doesn't bother me. What matters me was  whether I was able to do justice to myself.
Oh gosh, I forget to mention.. after my performance, I noticed a guy who performed well for mimicry and monoact. I was really impressed by the way he presented it. He is smart too. Well, speaking about him, he is vibrant, handsome with kinda naughtiness in his smile, funny.. Even his every movement captures attention of others. It was highly elegant. Most importantly, what attracted me at first was his spectacular shoes. It was superb with white strikes. Though the announcements was going on I was able to catch up his name and it was Phelix. But, I didn't get much time to watch out his performance since I too had prepare for the group dance. Thus, first day was over.

It was in the second day that I had to lead the group dance which was my choreography. It was scheduled in the afternoon. Many among us went to home since their program was over. Teena and those who were there in the dance group was left. Teena had to perform in a light music. So she stayed back. After several round of practice, we were back on the seat of audience to watch out other programs that were going on. It was then I noticed Phelix. He was also sitting near by us. He was encouraging the participants, making funny comments and teasing his friends. He was very funny guy. I don't know why, but my eyes were stucked on him. Inbetween his talks he was glancing at me. Or was it just my imagination? Oh, no.. I don't know. It was for the first time ever in my life that I just take this much keen interest in a guy. After the programs, it was announced that group dance will be held at sharp 2pm and participants were requested to report. We got up from our seats and went to green room. Riswan was back after reporting. We all were ready with our costumes and properties. And as it was insisted, we didn't wear our shoes at that moment and planned to wear it before our program since it may get muddy.It was then I noticed, shoes of Riswan was torn. It was not in a condition to use further.. It was really tough for us to manage a shoe at that moment. Then I suggested: wait guys, I guess we can borrow it from someone.
But, it would not be that easy, since we are having a competition I guess no one will offer their shoes even if it is for some time. And boys normally don't give shoes to another boy. If it is a girl, they may.. Said Riswan.
Wait up dude, I will manage to arrange it. You just come along with me, I said. And we started to mess around in search of shoes looking to everyone's legs. It was not that easy as I thought. First of all, we had to find a tall guy like Riswan so that size of shoes will be the same. Secondly, the shoes should be fancy type and should also fit in.
       We noticed many guys moving around with formal shoes and those with fancy type shoes were short enough. So we were about to drop the idea of getting prize in competition since dress code plays a major role in dance. We were embarrassed.. And while walking back, I noticed a shoes of a tall boy which was fancy who was standing beside the reception. To our excitement, it was the same shoes that we were having. Since it was for a boy, we were not sure whether he will give those shoes or not. So I took the initiative to get the shoes as if it is for me. And finally, I reached near by him. And casually, I hit him and pretended as if it happened without my acknowledgement. Since there was a good crowd what I said seems to be true.
We kick off our conversation for few minutes. And after a while I mentioned him that his shoes are spectacular. He was happy to hear that and thanked me for the compliments. I just smiled. After talking a while I realised that he too was there to participate in the dance competition. So I was confused how to ask for his shoes.. From his behaviour and way of talking I understood that he is a good person and was impressed by me and has a likeliness towards me. He enquired my complete details within a short time. I was not having any other way to skip. So I just tell it off since I was sure that we will never gonna meet again.
              And finally, after a bit hesitation I asked, Could you please do me a favour?
Yes ofcourse. What should I do? Justine asked politely.
Then I described him that I was in need of shoes for the dance program and requested him to give me his shoes for 5 minutes. Without any hesitation, he agreed.
Justine: Yep. Why not.. I can give it to you after my dance program. It's first in the list.
I was happy to hear that..
Just then, he said.. Look I guess, this shoes won't fit you. Its big in size than yours..
Hey, it's not for me, but for my friend. Just wait, I will call. After telling that I called Riswan.. Riswan came near by..
Justine never expected a twist.. And was surprised to see Riswan.
But he managed not to show it out. Since he had agreed to give me the shoes he was trapped to give it without any hesitation.
So, Riswan tried the shoes and it was right fit. And we thanked him and had taken his phone number along with us.

The program begins at 2pm. It was then I noticed Phelix standing along with Justine whom we asked for the shoes. And I just scanned them and noticed that both are from same college, GEC, Thrissur. And later I realised that they were good friends. I was surprised to Phelix in dancing costumes and I never thought that he will dance too. First number was called on to the stage. I just watched out their program eagerly. To be blunt, I didn't plucked my eyes from Phelix.. Wow, his performance was astonishing and he really stunned the audience. Enthough his Mates lacked timing, he was simply superb. It was really mind blowing performance for me. No doubt.. I was really moved by his dance.
I never felt it before, not sure whether I will feel the same.. I don't know how to describe it. But I love this feeling.. Am I in love with him? I am confused.. How could a person fall in love like that without knowing a person? Without not even talking to him atleast once..? Don't know.., May be because I have not fallen for anyone before and may be because it's the first time that a person makes me feel like this.. Gross..! I thought I will never be in love and I was a type of girl who criticised love as useless and believed that love is all about lust. But, for me, this is something more than that I thought of love.
     This feel is something magical that makes u feel the snow in your heart and keeps you chill.. Makes you to think about that person, keep gazing on that person stupidly. Is it this feel that makes you feel likeyou are in a snow line? Is this what we call love? Hmm.. Don't know..

It was then Riswan called me to get the shoes from Justine. I accompanied him. Phelix was there with Justine. I just stood silent beside Riswan when he asked the shoes to Justine. This was the first time I felt like my lips closed before a boy. For the first time ever in my life I experienced a shyness to stand before a boy, to look on to the face of a boy and talk to a boy. I considered myself as a bold girl and everyone says the same. In short, I was a typical tomboy.. But I don't know what's happening.. For the first time in my life I feels like I am a girl. I just tried to hide behind Riswan. Phelix was glancing at me, at times he gazed too..
       I felt like to escape from there.. And when Riswan got his shoes, I was in a hurry to go. May be because of my shyness. Before moving from there I told Phelix that his performance was outstanding. And he just smiled and said thanks to me. We just moved from there.
After one more performance, it was ours. We get on to the stage and rocked the stage. We turned up the audience. There was a large support from the side of audience. We were sure of the prize after our performance. We were not sure of the first or second. But we confirmed that we will not miss third position atleast. And I was really happy that we were able to perform well. Moreover it was a chance for me to impress phelix and I didn't missed it. Whether I love him or not, I wanted to impress him.

              And later, when I went to green room, results were announced. Teena came running to me. You know what? We bagged first for dance..
What?? Really?? I was stucked hearing that..
Teena: I have got something to surprise you..
What's that? I asked.
Teena: You know what? I overheard Phelix telling something to Justine about you.
I was dumbstruck to hear that.
Tell me Teena, what's it? Is it something good or is it something bad?
Teena: but, before telling that you should promise me that you will give me a treat for letting you know this.
Okay, I will.. Tell me now.. What's it?
Teena: Array, I will tell you. You need not to be this curious. It's good anyway.
Oh.. Heck...! Go girl.. You should not keep the suspense like this. It's gross.
Teena: Ok.. This is it.. It is Phelix that helped you to get the shoes..
What?? But how come?? I asked.
That's it. He had already noticed you walking around and asking for shoes to many others. And thus, he made his friend to stand with his fancy shoes in reception so that you may get it.
But why?? He don't even know me and moreover I was competing against his group. I said innocently.
Teena: Aaahh.. This is what we call love at first sight..
What?? Yack.. I don't think so. I never felt it that way. And I don't believe in love at first sight. I said eventhough I was not sure what I was telling.
Teena: Actually, when the result was announced I just happened to hear Justine blaming phelix for insisting him to stand with shoes infront of the reception. And he was also saying that if he has not given you the shoes they might be the first.
Oooh... Anyways I have to thank them. I will be back now. This time I got the shoes from Riswan and asked him to call Justine so that we may hand over the shoes to him. He did so. This time, I acted to be bold, keeping my shyness aside and waited for them to give it to them. Justine came along with Phelix. Seeing him, all my boldness melted like a snow. I searched for words. I managed to say thanks to Justine and congratulated them for bagging second.
Phelix took initiative to congratulate me. He told me that my performance was great and those steps that I took was awesome that no girls will ever dare to do it. I felt happy when I hear it from him. It was just like I had climbed whole Mount Everest within seconds. I never felt this excited before.. I managed to say thanks to him by glancing at him. After the programs we packed our belongings and went statutorily railway station. Before we step out from the campus, my eyes once again kept searching for him. But, didn't find him. Within a short time, I realised I was missing something in my heart. A sort of missed feeling.. I just tried to let it go thinking it as infactuation.
We reached the platform at the sharp time. We somehow got the tickets for the train. By then, it was announced that the train will arrive soon in platform number 3. We took our luggage and ran to platform number three. As soon as we reached there, train came and we got into the train. Only 4 second class coaches were there in train. But somehow we got seats. We just stayed relaxed.

Adventures. Chapter 6

We were waiting for the train to arrive after taking the ticket. Train is ought to come at 7 o'clock. Me, Isha, Riswan, Tina, Nishal and 6 more were there to go to St. Joseph college in Nishaghat. We got in the train which was fine minutes late than expected time. We just checked the seats in general and got some seats to sit. Six of us were managed to get the seats there and the rest four of them including Riswan and Nishal got into the sleeper coach since seats were not enough for all of us.
After a deep breath, I was happily seated near the window. I always love to sit near the side seats. I love journies.. I love to watch out the trees running against our vehicle and to enjoy the gentle breeze intruding my space. After a bit time I took my iPod and plunged my earphones to listen the music. I had listed my favorite songs under the title crazy. I just let it play. And gazed through the window and was amazed by the greenaries over there. I felt as if I had been taken to another world and I imagined myself as a pretty butterfly that flies in the air. I loved to float in the air as if the smoke in the air goes upward and disappear at a particular point. But I was damn sure of the fact that I can't never do this in my whole lifetime. But I would love to imagine those things just like a pretty naughty child.

Listening to a Hindi song, "Mei Isa kyun hu" my thoughts were distracted. I remembered the day which intercollegiate IT fest was held and the cultural programs that were held in the evening. As a hostler, I had nothing to do there. So I seeked the permission of my warden and was out with my friends to watch out the cultural programs in our college. Cultural programs started at 7 pm. We were so punctual. Many students from different colleges were present for the fest. I never expected this mass of spectators. The Crowd was so large that we struggled to maintain a seat. And finally we got the seat. Taniya also joined us. She was so amazed to see our college that was well constructed with all facilities. It was then I noticed Isha who was seated in the opposite section of our row. I winged my hands at her and seeing me she said me hai. I insisted her to be seated near by me since a chair was free. She came near by. Eventfully different programs went on through the stage. Songs, dance, skit, drama, mimicry and so on. There were intercollegiate dance competition too. The spot choreography towards the end of the dance competition seems very funny. All of them played differently, at some moment there was a good chemistry and synchronisation between them. At the other moment, their dance was utter fiasco. After that, a group of children stepped on the to the stage and dance. It was highly funny. If matured people on the stage get on to the stage and make mistakes it's an offense. But when children makes mistake they are really cute to watch. Children's keen looks to other partner to notice the following steps and thier facial expressions when they go wrong, their attempts to take up the glittering bands that had fallen on floor of the stage, boys' attempts to tighten their dhotis during the dance steps when their actions out of the box when those dhotis were about to fall down were funny and lead us to laughter. Being with children always keeps you happy.
   After their performance, there was an announcement. "Eventually one more performance to go. An astonishing dance performance by Riswan from De Paul arts and science college will be the last and final performance tonight." The college they announced was indeed my college. And I wondered whether it's Riswan from my class. Albeit curtain was raised. I was dazed to see Riswan dancing along with the music "Mei Isa kyun Hu" and that was one of the stunning performance. I made an outcry that outcompasses the college desciplines when I saw him taking few difficult steps which cannot be easily played without heavy practices.. People from Manglore shout aloud if they like a stage performance instead of clapping. I had a great crave to dance on the stage when he performed since I love dance. I guess every dancer who stays aback on their seats as a spectator may naturally have an urge to dance while watching a spectacular performance on the stage. Isha was highly moved by his dance. And when I did made the outcry, she pinched me with her nails telling me, that's an awesome performance and you should not do this. And I explained her that it's a part of Manglore culture and we do it out of excitement. One of my classmates who had his number called him over the phone and congratulated him. And Tina messaged him that his dance was astonishing along with the list of the names who were seated there. Isha asked Tina to add her name too. And she did.
When the program was over, Isha was not able curb her urge to congratulate him. So she forced me to run along the varandah with her to meet him and to congratulate him. Ofcourse, he is a good dancer I agree. But I don't think that he is that 'great' in dancing. And I was not moved by his dance as Isha did. And I found Isha's behaviour bit awkward. Anyhow, we waited him to come out from his dressing room. He was really tired and sweats were rolling down from his forehead to cheeks as he comes out of the room. He wiped it away with his towel which was there in the pocket. As he stepped out from the room he smiled. Isha out of excitement told him that his dance was awesome and she never expected that he could dance like this. I had also planned too congratulate him, but hearing what Isha told I thought not to highlight greatness of his dance that much so that he may not brag himself than what he actually is. So out of bit hesitation I told him that he did a good job and his dancing was also good. I walked forth even without waiting for Isha to come. While I walked off with a covert jealous of his performance Isha persuades praising him which was highly irritatable for me.

It was out of the tickling of Ticket Checker that I was taken away from my memories. I was able to provide my tickets to him and he signed all our tickets and returned it back. He spoke to us in Telungu, a language which was unfamiliar for us. He was not that good in English too. When the train reached the next station he stepped down and proceeded to the sleeper coach where Riswan, Nishal and the rest of the team were present. We wondered how they managed with a general ticket in the sleeper coach.
    Within 5 minutes we arrived at the station. It was 9 am already. We were insisted to be present in the college at 9.45. When the train stopped we run towards Riswan and Nishal to know what happened. They were standing there with a chuckle on their face. When we asked Nishal replied. While seeing T.T Riswan walked straightly to toilet. And me and the rest two walked towards the end of the compartment and stood near by the door. He came near to me and asked me the tickets. I showed the general ticket. He said something to me in Telungu. I haven't understood anything. But I realised that he was scolding me from his tone. So since I was not sure of Telungu, I replied in Hindi. He questioned me in Telungu and again I replied in Hindi. The same thing repeated for five minutes. Eventually, he was fed up and went away. Thus we were rescued.
That was nice.. I said.
We walked to an auto stand and hired a taxi so that we may reach in the college with in the time.