When I Met Myself

Disclaimer: All the incidents except my and my BFF's name are purely fictional.

"Baby ka hai b'day bash..."

The song was on its high when I went for a small break from my own birthday party to use the wash-room. As I came out and washed my hands, I had a look at my face and was satisfied with my orange neon lipstick and sleek straight hair falling on my waist line. I smiled at myself and turned back to join the gang. I had barely touch the door handle when I realised that my hair were not straightened - I had not even combed them to keep the natural long curls in shape! I looked back in the mirror and there I was - still standing with those straight hair and neon orange lips.

"What the hell?"

"What happened to my hair?"

"And my lips! Did I had any orange drink?"

"Well, may be...".

I moved my hands to touch my face but could not see them moving in the mirror.  Before I was frightened more, my own voice echoed from behind and greeted me.

"Hey there! Surprised?"

I turned back and saw my own self looking straight into my eyes with a broad smile.

"Oh no! I drank more than enough. Monu Daaarrrllling! Yaar, please tu mat le ab aur, and ghar pe sambhal lio" (Dear, please do not drink any more and take care of the scene at home)", I shouted at the top of my voice.

My soul or mirror image or whatever it was, did not move a bit and was constantly smiling. This made me freak more and I tried to flee from the wash-room. Alas, I stopped myself again with the hands that were not mine. It was too much to digest. I had to take this up. I finally asked myself.

"Excuse me! Do I know you? I mean, You look exactly like me! Are you real? Am I really that drunk? Am I in sleep? And your voice, It sounds like my own. How did you do that? Great talent boss. Have you seen my cousin? Could you please help me find her? Well, she also looks like me. But not as you look like me...".

I could not stop speaking when I hugged myself tight and kissed my own forehead.

"I am your own sister. Yes, we are twins! I have no idea why our family never told you about us and why was I not brought up with you. But the truth is that we are true soul sisters - The Twins.".

I was talking to myself my best friend opened the door and screamed - "Gudiya! Behen, we must stop the party now!"

We went back home and still wonder if we were really that happy or we met "Me"!

Disclaimer: All the incidents except my and my BFF's name are purely fictional.

A Night Full Of Adventure

This goes back to my childhood days. I was at my cousin's house enjoying summer vacations. We used to go for a morning walk - only the kids.

As the lights of house were switched off, the chit-chat started.

After sometime, the barbecue serious and we narrated some incidents of theft and murders we had heard around us. The worst part was, the incidents were either directly about our houses or about our close friends. Like any teenagers, who first start the ghostly talks and then themselves shiver their wits out, we were extremely afraid.

Suddenly, we remembered, Bua Ji had asked us to switch off the water motor which was running. None of had the courage to go to the room at very end of house, open the bathroom which also opened in balcony and switch off the motor. But then, it had to be done or get scolded like hell in the morning. After long discussions, we finally decided to do the task TOGETHER.

We somehow gathered the courage to get out of our bed. Four of us, three girls and one boy, held our hands and made a line. I still remember the grip of our hands. We were holding each other as tightly as possible. We switched on the light of our room and took a deep breath.

Then, we again had a long discussion that now since the lights were on, either of us could go and do it. But then, all of us were scared to step out of room alone. We feared that someone one be hiding in the drawing room to kill us. We even imagined some goons waiting for us in the balcony so that they can make out mouth shut and loot the house.

 

Image Source - Pintrest

We marched out into the drawing room - again together holding hands. The switchboard of drawing room was in the darkest corner and at a low height. I do not remember how many minutes we took to reach that and turn on the light.

The next task was not the next bedroom. Thankfully, it's switchboard was just besides the door and we turned on the light by standing outside only. Once we went inside and looked at the bathroom which had our target 'Motor Switch', we looked at each other in horror. "What if the lock of balcony gate was left open by mistake?”

The bathroom was suddenly opened and we switched off the MOTOR. We all were relieved. But still, we had a much harder task ahead - switch off all lights and go back to our room! Just then Bua Ji came to or rescue - "what are all of doing here and why are all lights in house on?", she asked. We had no answer and she considered it our prank. We were directed to go back and sleep ASAP fearing the late wake up next morning for the walk. We were more than delighted and ran back to our beds before she could do the honor of switching off all lights.

Till date, I have no idea how in world we could have done that brave task if we were not together in the house that day..

And Thus I Blushed In Love

This expression of love is not that crazy, but left me pink and red in my cheeks in front of my parents….

This story goes back to almost exactly five years. I was about to get engaged to a guy whom I barely knew, Well, that's how arranged marriages are supposed to function. My fiancée was trying his best to get me mingle in and open up. He wanted us to be at-least good friends before marriage. I on the other hand was a bit reluctant owing to my so called non-talkative nature (only initially!).

One fine day, my to-be husband called me and offered me to drop home. This was how most of our dates went by - he picked me up from office, we spent some good time in the malls, restaurant etc and then he would drop me home. As I sat in the car, I was surprised to find one more girl sitting at the back seat. She introduced herself as his friend in need. She had to visit the nearby mall and buy a watch for her sister's birthday. We agreed to help her out. Both of us tried almost each and every watch present in Lifestyle and finally choose two. Now, the task was to select between best. I gave my verdict that if I had to buy, which out of the two I would buy. With this, we bid goodbye to his friend and left for home. While we were driving back, I saw a packet on the back seat and asked if he had brought anything. He said that nothing, it was just some packet which was lying below and he placed it over. We chatted all way and he dropped me home safely.

After some days, I was going to visit the holy mountain - 'Vaishno Devi' to offer some prayer my mother had offered for my job. She wanted it to be completed before I get married. So, there we were - me and my brother chanting "Jai Mata Di" just two days before my first official Valentine's Day. We had planned to return on 14th Feb, but missed our flight owing to my strained leg which refused to move even at reasonable pace while coming down. There I was - Visiting mata vaishno devi with my brother on my first valentine's day. Anyways, we returned back on 15th Feb and I was handed over a bouquet of red roses and a gift from my parents. My fiancée had sent it for me. I asked if he came home to give it, to which they replied that he sent his friend.

I glanced at the roses - they were dark red and smelled miraculous. Then as I opened the gift, I immediately called my fiancée. He received the call and even before he could say "hello", i exclaimed - "Ye to wahi watch hai!" (This is the same watch). Yes, that watch was bought for me only with my own choice. It was packed in a cute heart shaped pink box which still stays safe in my cup-board. He then asked me if I liked the roses. To which I replied - Very much. He asked me to count them and try to guess the reason behind number. I counted them and they were 31 in number. Never in my dreams had I thought for the reason he gave me - "Darling, we had our first date exactly 31 days before. There is a rose for each day". I was totally into it and smiled big. That's when I noticed that I was blushing and trying to hug myself.

Alas! I do not have any picture of those roses. The watch, I wear that almost every other day and have got many complements from people. Every time someone complements that watch, I blush within with the sweet memory.

We are now about to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary and I have a simple plan – check it out Fifth Anniversary Plans.

I am participating in the #SoundOfLove activity atBlogAdda in association with Bluestone

Dream Vs Nightmare

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 51; the fifty-first edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. In association with Red Ink Publishers and "Curse Of The Red Soil" by Durgesh Shastri. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

"humpty dumpty sat on the wall"
She repeated after her - "Huty dety sat a wall".
Sneha burst in laughter as her angel jumped behind her. They were headed to home after daily visit to nearest play park.
"All the king horses..."
Sneha did not get any answer. Sneha looked behind to call Nikki. Her eyes widened. Nikki was no-where to be seen.
"NIKKI", she shouted at the top of we voice. She looked all around. There was no tree, no pot, no wall till almost 500 meters. She had no idea where to look. Her heart sank. She ran in all directions.
Sneha has brought her love into the world all alone. She had no choice. After those heartless drunkards left her bleeding and lifeless. She took the decision against all odds. There was no mistake of the new life in that. If god wanted to have her the motherhood this way, she accepted it. 'Love makes you complete', she had heard. Nikki's love made her life complete. She was the reason for her to smile in all odds.
"NIKKI, baby where are you?", She trembled in terror. Her face was wet with tears. "NIKKi, please call mumma...".
She suddenly sat breathless and looked at her side. Nikki was sleeping with her hand held tightly into her. Sneha kissed her forehead and held her with care. Why do people call them dreams. They are nightmares. No other word can replace them. She wiped off the sweat from her forehead and her eyes closed by themselves in a while.
Within minutes, she was again seeing something - this time, it was a dream. She whispered  - "You are my life and love Nikki. My first and last love.".

The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. Participation Count: 02

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Life Is Beautiful - Final Part

Read Part 1 here

Read Part 2 here
Read Part 3 here

Read Part 4 here

The doorbell rang and there entered Reha. She greeted Sally and Mark cheerfully.  She was the most beautiful child they had ever seen. Reha asked in surprise, "Granny, did you get my letter?”

'So, she wrote it! I knew it was not Saraswati.", noted Mark.

What happened to their daughter was still a question. The bedroom opened in the meanwhile and Reha ran to hug her mother stating she returned earlier today. Saraswati kissed her and gave a tight hug to her parents. She knew they had a lot of questions. She did not wait for them to speak and spoke - "Mom, I am so sorry for everything. I made Roohi wrote that letter to you. I was too weak to hold the pen that day."

"No baby, we are sorry. Children are bound to mistakes. It's the parents who should understand and decide when to give or withdraw their support. And we are guilty of not being able to do so.", Sally said with tears in her eyes.

"Dad, I need your help. Promise me that you would love Reha as much as you love me."

Mark wanted to interrupt but Saraswati continued.

"I feel that god has punished me for hurting you. Dad, I have been diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. In short, my body has stopped producing blood.".

Sally could not take it more and burst out, "So what? There must be some cure!".

"There is, but it's not working. I go not have much time.", Saraswati looked at the little angel who of purse had no idea why everyone was crying. She was just looking at everyone in surprise.

***

Several days had passed and Saraswati's health was deteriorating continuously. Reha was happy to be with her grandparents. Like any other child, her tantrums had double folded in their presence.

Sally and Mark did not know how to help their daughter. They often wondered that this was their time to say adieu to works: not their young daughter. Then on second thoughts, they were also reminded to take better care of themselves whenever they saw Reha. The poor child had no idea what she had in store when it came to mother's love. They had learned to laugh again after they left earlier. They thought that life was beautiful. And now, they thought the opposite.

One morning, as Sally entered Saraawati's bedroom, she found her smiling. She asked her about the reason; but did not get an answer. It was in few minutes that she realized that her daughter was gone. She has a notepad in her lap and another letter - this time in her own handwriting.

Dear Cuties,

This is my last letter for you. I have written some for Reha and kept them in the closet. Please hand one of them to her whenever you feel she is missing me. I am sure that with you around her, it won't be required.

You know, I always wondered why you left me at my small remark did.  Why did you scold me too much? Why did you ask so many questions?

Why was it important for you know each and everything about me?

Why did you stay awake when I was out?

And many more why's...

Ever since Reha came in my lap, I have all the answers by myself. I never missed a chance to let her know about you. She always wanted to see you. She always asked me that why do they not live with us?

After you left and I was all by myself,   I felt alone and dejected first. Gradually, when my loneliness turned into solitude, I realised my blunder. I always needed you. I always needed your interference.

After I am gone, all I request you is to groom Reha just like you groomed me. Let her find her own existence like you set me free.

Please wash away those tears and recite your favroite lines - Life Is Beautiful.

-Your Saraswati

*The end*

*The new beginning*

Life Is Beautiful - 4

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here
Read Part 3 here

Sally did not wait for Mark to pay the taxi and take out luggage; she directly ringed the doorbell and waited impatiently. Mark asked her to calm down. As the door opened, an unknown face came out and greeted them with a warm smile. "Come in. Madam told that you would be coming anytime in a day or two", said the lady who looked in her early thirties by her face. Sally and Mark were bit confused on how the lady recognized them. Their confusion was cleared as they entered the house. The lobby was full of pictures clicked at happier times.

The lady returned with glasses of water and told them that Reha madam was out and would be back by evening. She told them that Saraswati madam was sleeping at the moment. Mark thanked her and told her they would be comfortable. Comfortable - Which they were not in the house they had lived in for years. The same house looked stranger to them except the beautiful wall full of memories.

They went straight into their daughter's room and as told, found her sleeping. Still, they were worried. Saraswati was looking very weak and had developed big dark circles under her eyes. Many medicines were scattered on her study table. Concerned for Saraswati, they rushed to the lady who greeted them.

Mark - "Is she not well?"

Sally - "What happened to her? Why is she looking so weak? Why are so many medicines around her? What are those medicines for? For god sake, please speak up", Sally almost shouted without a pause.

Lady - "I am the caretaker here. Please calm down madam. Let me call Reha madam. She would talk to you.” She called some number and said - "Madam, your grandparents have come. They are obviously very concerned.”

Reha - "Oh! Thanks for calling. I would be home in half an hour. I had already spoken to the teacher. Bye.", the call got disconnected with these words.

"Reha", whispered Sally. She was their granddaughter. They turned back to look at the pictures and found many pictures of a beautiful looking girl right from her birth to little five year jumping girl. Sally had tears in her eyes and Mark was smiling and sad at the same time. The concern of their daughter vanished from their mind for some moments. Some one very well said - "Interest is more precious than the principle amount.” she looked exactly like her mother. Same eyes, similar nose and same hair. Their thoughts were disturbed by the caretaker's voice on informing about the call.

"She herself is a child. How is she managing this caretaker?", said Mark in amazement.

"Let’s wait for some more minutes. She would be here. Oh! I feel so guilty about leaving our angel alone when she needed us the most.” Sally cried with tears in her eyes. Mark did not have anything to say except the hug.

Read The Final Part Here

Life Is Beautiful - 3

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

Mark and Sally were holding their hands tight as they sat in the flight. The day Saraswati talked about in the letter flashed in front of their eyes. Eyes that looked at infinity.

Sally was cleaning up things at Saraswati's room. Her daughter hated it and always asked her not to touch anything but then Sally never listened. As she was arranging the books scattered everywhere, an envelope took her attention. It read some gynaecologist. As she opened the contents, she was still - her daughter was three months pregnant. She tried to hide it from Mark before talking to Saraswati, but as always, Mark knew with her voice that she had something to share. As Saraswati returned home in evening, she saw the report served at dining table and she knew she was in trouble. The trouble was not that he was pregnant, the problem was that she had not told her cuties about it. In a country like India, it was a sin I be pregnant before  marriage and almost impossible to be a single mother.

Before she could be asked anything, she tried to cover up - "Mummy, I did not know what to say to you!".

"Look dear, you lied to us".

"I did not lie. I just did not tell you."

"No, you lied. Remember we asked you about your exhausted energy some time back; you said it was just work pressure"

"Ok, I am sorry."

"Sorry! Do you think it's that simple? You know what names you would be called upon in few days. You have ruined your life, atleast in this city in India".

"ok. It's my life and I have ruined it myself. Please do not tell me what's wrong. I can take care of myself"

Sensing that it was getting bitter, Sally tried to intervene and calm down.

"Dear, we are not blaming you neither trying to interfere. It's just that we are worried about you".

"It's my life and I should be one worried about it. Please leave me alone."

Saraswati yelled and closed her door. The parents were left standing without words and hurt. They could not figure our the reason for such drastic change in their daughter. Whatever it was, they could not take it.

Next morning, when Saraswati woke up, she found  message on the table about Sally and Mark's leaving her alone as she asked. 

"Attention please! All passengers are requested to put in their seat belts as we are about to las at Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi"

Mark helped Sally to tie her seat belt and waited for the arrival. Both of them could not wait to see the apple of their eye and find out the reason which led her to do a thing that's not in her nature - admit her mistake.

Read Next Part Here

Human Is To Err

"What a beautiful day it is!", Noopur whispered to herself. Noopur - she loved her name. People said she her voice was just the perfect synonym of her name - Noopur: anklet.

The mesmerizing sound of her song was interrupted by the tone of message on her phone. She stopped to read the message - 'Please meet me at the cafe'. This was the fifth time she received this message and she deleted it again.

Noopur dressed up and left for the day all smiling. Her smile faded away as she passed that cafe. She even applied the brakes to stop by, but shot the accelerator instead. She knew he would be waiting. She just did not want to face him. As her car went farther, her smile returned. Two days from now, it would be eleven years when that dreadful day passed by. Still sitting in the car in parking lot, she travelled into her past.

She had the best friends a girl could ever have in college. Her day started with cheerful hellos and greetings and ended by itself till she felt asleep laughing her wits out over the text messages on the phone. She left for the college at her usual time and yelled out while leaving, "Mom, we have a birthday party today. I would be swiping you card for the gift". She was gone before her mother could answer. Not that she had any qualms about it; she just wanted to say ok. She did not return home by seven in the evening which was too late for her. And when she did return, she was not the same Noopur who left the house in morning. Her smile had vanished. She did not say anything and went straight into her room. After a lot of sobbing and consolation, she finally managed to tell the ordeal to her parents. That insane childhood friend of her did not have a choice but to let her fell unconscious and be used by bookies he had got himself trapped into. She made sure that all of them were booked and punished well. It had taken a long time before she could trust anyone again.

Today, suddenly, her friend turned enemy suddenly wanted her forgiveness - at any cost. She decided to end it forever this evening. As her car reached the cafe in evening, she finally stepped out and marched inside. Gosh! He was still there. All he had been doing for a month was waiting for her in the cafe. He tried to smile, but could not. He tried to look into her eyes, but his eyelids felt too heavy. Noopur was looking straight into his face and waited for him to speak up.

"How are you?”

Noopur did not answer and waited for him to continue.

"Noopur, I know I donot deserve your forgiveness. But still, I am here to beg you for that. My parents have abandoned me after i came out of jail. I knew I had committed a mistake, but still, I was sure life would be fair to me. I was so wrong. That sin of mine followed me everywhere. Every time I fail, my heart and mind remind me of that mistake. Every time I get a little forward, I get nightmares that this won't last longer. Please Noopur, forgive me. Please say once that you have moved on. I am human Noopur. Human is to err.".

He burst into tears as he said this. Noopur patted his shoulder and waited till he was calm again. She held his hands and finally spoke.

"Listen dear, I certainly have moved on. I am sorry that you cannot see your own shadow because of me. Please make sure that you do not get in touch with me again.

Remember, Human is to err, but to Sin, to sin is devil. I cannot say I forgive you.”

She left him crouching in himself, feeling, more burdened than ever. As Noopur went back home, she was glowing again.

This short fiction is written for the prompt - 

Post by Wings Of Change.

Life is beautiful - 2

Read Part one here

Sally managed to wish good morning and exchanged greetings without getting noticed that she was not her usual self today. She finished her work faster and could not help but look at the purple letter in her bag time to time. When every one was on lunch break, she excused herself for some work. Sitting at her desk in office, Sally read the letter again

Dear cuties,
I am sure this letter would find you in perfect health. It's been five years since we spoke or saw each other. But I can bet on my life  hat there is not a single day when you do not look at our pictures and kiss them. You would be surprised that I go to the church everyday with out miss ever since that day.
I have realised that people are so true when they that we understand the importance of parents in out life when either we become parents ourselves or we are away from them. The flashes of your scoldings and pampering remain fresh as petals in my memory.
I am missing you both desperately. I know i made a mistake, I am sorry for that. I wish I could fly to you.
 -Saraswati

The letter was hand written and Sally was sure Saraswati has not written that. She knew her daughter. She would never admit her mistake. But it was written on the same page of diary Saraswati always write. Her day at office was passing at a low pace. Every minute felt like an hour.

***

Mark on the other hand had quit his job and decided to work from home occasionally. He had his mind towards Sally all through the time. He even called her to ask if she was well- something he always hesitated to do. Today was different. More than the letter, he was concerned over Sally. He loved her dearly. The thought of being away form her or loosing her made him shiver.
As the evening made its way, he started his laptop, did tapped few buttons in a hurry and took his overcoat. He stepped out of house and went to the same transport stop he left Sally in morning. He knew what was coming up. He was prepared for it.

As soon as Sally reached the stop, she looked directly in Mark's eyes. Mark, pointed to the bag he had brought with him. Sally hugged him and thanked for understanding without words. Hugging was one thing Sally gave and always wanted numerous times a day. Hugs made her feel wanted. Mark reminded her that he is also the father and knows what she must have been going through all day long.

Read Next Part Here

Life Is Beautiful

'The time at current moment is 5:30 am'.

She tapped the button.

'The time at current moment is 5:45 am'.

"Oh, Shut up you bubble clock. Even sun has refused to Wake up since 4 days".

Sally switched off the alarm clock and finally slipped into soft slippers.

It had been raining wet cotton since four days and all roads were blocked.  It only gave a relief to Sally as her ageing body got some rest from daily routine. Her brushed her teeth, noticed two new wrinkles under her chin and switched on the coffee machine.

"Good morning baby.” Mark greeted her with same enthusiasm as five decades before. She turned around to find the cup of hot coffee already warming up the table. "Thank you dear. How come you are awake so early today?", she asked as she immersed into the amazing smell. She always said that he was the best coffee maker in world. Mark knew by the expression of her face that she was enjoying it and did not need any complements. Eyes did the talking there.

"Weather finally cleared last night. So, we can go for out walk today. The snow must have been cleared from the roads by now", he got up putting his jacket over himself.

It was 7:00 am till they stepped out.

Children were running around different snow-men of all shapes and sizes throwing snow at each other. Trees stood frozen with leaves turned white and heavy. Sally took the letters from mailbox and handed them over to Mark. Mark flipped through them and suddenly stooped at one with colorful cover. "Saraswati!” whispered Mark and opened that. Saraswati - was their daughters who choose to arrive in their lives 2 months earlier when they were vacationing in India. They named her Saraswati because that was the most traditional name they have ever heard from the country. She had been a real fighter right from her birth and always did things which made her parents wonder. This letter was no different. They sat on the bench and looked at the letter for fifth time. It was not her handwriting.  In the world of technology, where they would speak face to face almost every other day, she choose to send a letter - hand written. Years had passed, but they could still bet that the handwriting was not their daughter's.

They finally moved ahead and went on for the same daily routine. As daily, Mark stopped by to drop Sally over to city transport. The bus was late. "Everything seems so strange today", blurred out Sally. Mark knew that she was on a roll of different emotions as she was still holding that letter tight in her hands refusing to tuck it into her pockets or bag.

Read Part 2 here..

I had to really think hard on this picture. This was all I could think of at the moment. I promise that I would be back soon with next part very soon. Till then, Keep Smiling:)

This short fiction is written in response to the prompt below by ‘Wings Of Change’

Post by Wings Of Change.

Soulmates

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 50; the fiftieth edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. In association with ​Soulmates: Love without ownership by Vinit K Bansal. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

Grey hair, wrinkled face,

They walked slowly,

Hand in hand,

They stepped together.

They stopped in between several times. They took a breadth and started again. The church was glowing with candles. Candles of love that hung everywhere.

He bent on his knees, Just like ages before. The only difference though was he did it with aching legs. His best suite hanging loudly over his shoulders, he held her hand.

The same hand which he had held many years before. She still felt shy as first time whenever he did so.

"Will you marry me?", he asked with a pause - "Will you marry me again?".

She looked directly in his eyes. Her white gown looked bigger for her today. Yet she looked gorgeous. 

"yes", she spoke with a smile. "It's a yes my love for every-time you ask".

They exchanged the rings and locked their lips. The whole world screamed - true soul mates.

The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. Participation Count: XX

The Long Corridor

This short fiction is written for the prompt - the long corridor on Wings Of Change.

Her eyes were sore this morning. He stood awake with her. Moon completed the bug round circle over their roof. Whole night had passed without a spiked word. They left the house with same anxiety. Anxiety mixed with fear that arrived unwelcome to their lives 5 year back.

***

She ran and picked the receiver. It fell down as fast as it went to her ears. She hated phone calls since that day. The loud rush and cries in the hospital ward could not reach her. She never felt scared when he held her hands. But that day, she felt all alone wrapped in his arms. The doctors came and said sorry. They did not believe. They were so sure that the angel of their life would open its eyes as soon as they pick him up. They held him tight. She kissed him a thousand times. He promised the battery bike right in next hour. All in false hopes. He did not move. That was the day she went passed that corridor along with the stretcher.

***

Today, she was again asked to wait inside a corridor. She dreaded them. They made her remember the same 15 steps journey. Her life suddenly came alive. Only first half Of the four letter word could reach her. She ran again twice as fast as that day. The long corridor was crossed in seconds. "Masi...", the voice echoed. The little princes wipe her tears. He confirmed the lady standing at Other end and he nodded yes. He gestured a sincere thanks to her. That was the last time she was scared of long corridors.

***

The lady who brightened their life now stood lost in same corridor. She was smiling to herself. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her were eyes were red and mist. Yet she was smiling. She held those papers tight in her hands. The paper which read "Cancer". "Some more days, and my soul would then love this place forever. My princess has found her new Ma.". She repeated the same lines everyday. They said that long corridor was haunted. Haunted or life. Haunted for good. No life ever left the body when passing through that wing - that long corridor.

Promise me Same

Written in response to Facebook page - Wings Of Change prompt - Beginning

She got up earlier than usual. If someone had noticed her through night, would have bet she did not sleep. Yet, she looked fresh as morning dew. The big palace like house was almost empty. Even the servants had gone. Flower garlands were hanging everywhere, but only few relatives were there. She went straight to the kitchen and looked for pan when she suddenly noticed him on the stove. "princesses do not work one their due day.", he said with a sparkling smile. She responded with  the same smile and went back to her room.
"Radha", her father had given her this name as she decided to arrive n this world on the day of Janmashtmi.   She was raised like a normal girl child like any middle class family. At beaming age of twenty five, she thought she had a fairy tale life. Her world stood still and became black and white on the very day of her birthday when the big trunk draped in tri-colour was dropped at front door of her house. Yet, she refused to believe that the live of her life had sacrificed his life to the loved his country.
The whole family has been begging her to shed some tears. At-lest  for the ale of culture if not for love. 'Culture' and 'ritual', the lives she had never taken care seriously. The new love of her life, the man who always stood by her side holding her by shoulders had made sure that the storm of those two words never touch her. She so wanted to touch his feet every morning- out of utter love and respect. He would never ever allow her to do so. He always said. "Culture was build to help children, not force them follow.". He followed rituals only if he liked him. "Daughters never touch parents feet.", was one of the rituals he liked. Daughter in law  had the word daughter before in-law.
It had taken him two years to convince his new daughter to move ahead in her life. These wolfs would not let you live my love after me. He had fought with whole town and his own better half for the decision. When finally things took a better turn, he knew a handful would be there to support him. Yet, through all odds, he found a man just like himself. There could not be a better half other than him for Radha.
Today, was the day he would marry his daughter. Radha went to her room and asked Ruchi to get up and get ready for the haldi. "Dear, you have to look most beautiful princess today.". Ruchi woke up at once and asked Radha to join her in the pool. She insisted as it was her haldi as-well. "Bhabhi, papa choose the same day for both of us thinking that people would come atleast for me, if not for you.". "And they have come dear, look, there are some ladies downstairs doing the preparations.", smiled

Radha.
"Yes, three if them".
Both of them hugged each other and wore the bright yellow dress.
The whole day passed by like a second. Inside the room were two glowing brides waiting for their departure to new lives.
Ruchi slipped a letter in Radha's hands before sitting in her doli. The letter which finally made Radha shed a tear -

Dear Radha,
Yes, I must not call you Bhabhi. Today, I want to confess that I hated you so much when you came to our home. I was the only princess of this palace when a new pearl of my father's eye suddenly came out of that flower glad car. When I complained of his divided love, he always said that elder child is always more near to patents and I would get to know it when I have my own.
It's very unfortunate that I realised everything when we lost our man. I list my protecting shield and you lost your everything. Today, I feel so proud to be my father's daughter and your younger sister. You kept his promise of not crying in any situation. After all, bhai went away protecting his first love. Obviously, he would not like if we feel sad about his decision so near to him.
I know, you are feeling sad from inside and feel guilty of spoiling mh marriage along with you. Believe me Radha, it's not spoiled. It was the best wedding I could ever have. Papa had his chest filled with pride and for the first time in three years, I did not find him smiling sadly on the stars.
I needn't say this, but I must because I know maa had not spoken to you.
Please embrace the happiness with open arms and never ever forget that you are and would always be the elder princess of our house. Don't worry about me. Rahul loves me more than bhai loved you.
Welcome Radah, welcome the new beginning.

She read the last libe sitting her her new palace. She did not notice that her groom had been standing there for 10 minutes. The pearl had almost fallen over golden stone in her finger when a hand stopped it. "Some one told me that you promised not to do so. Please swear it again.".

Do you keep your promises? What promise would you ask to your loved ones? Drop in your views in the comments section.

Mom's anklets, bangles, keys, or something else?

"Do you believe in Ghosts?". I do not know what should I answer about that. Though I have never ever experienced any thing solid except that one thing, but I am scared to death from such horrible incidents. I try and never make fun of those rituals and black magi things, because I am not sure if they actual exists. God! If they do exist, I would never ever want that to come near to myself or anyone i know. I have heard such horror stories about those!

I still get shivers when I think about that incident. Believe me, If I recall that during night there I no chance I sleep without praying from the deepest corner o my heart.

If was long back during my school days. We had two bedrooms at our home. Mummy and papa used to sleep in one of them, and I used to sleep in another along with my brother. 

I do not exactly remember it started suddenly sometime or was continuous. I used to hear the tinkle of anklets during nights. I was not scared first. I thought it must be mom's. But then, one fine day I realized that mummy do not wear anklets. Even then, I was not scared. I thought, I must be mistaken. The sound must be of mom's bangles. No sooner in realized that the sous came even those days when mom had no bangles in her hands!

I started to notice that if it came from street, we had a small wall in our gallery which brought quite a noise from outside. But obviously, it was not the case.

I was scared likes hit! I wondered, if my brother also hears that? One fine night, I gathered the courage to ask him - "Do you head the sound of anklets sometimes?". I had no idea I should be surprised it relieved, he shot back - "You hear it too?". Both of us managed to be optimistic, and decided that if must be the sound of keys that used to hang in the keyhole if our sliding door. 

One day, after our parents were asleep, we removed those keys and kept them on a table in lobby. Then, we just crossed our fingers and thought, that's it. It's the end of story. We would not be scared now. But, the anklet did not stop ringing. God! I am even scared writing it now. We did not had the courage to tell our parents. I seriously do not remember if we told our parents during those days. But I do remember that I did not slept without praying. 

Then, we shifted to some other place for our studies and rented our home. I am sure that our tenants complained about the house having some spirit.

After some years, we returned to our home. We did a proper prayer with havan and all. I have absolutely no idea how, but I never heard that sound again once we and back. Might be the pooja was done in such detailing because of that. Whatever is the reason, thank god we never heard that anklet again. Yes, we still live in that home, but it's been reconstructed now. Anyways, the sound went away many years before the reconstruction.

As i said, I still pray hard while sleeping whenever I happen to recall this story, here I go.

Om Namah shivaye...

Jai mata di...

Please god do not ever make me hear that again. Not even if I accidental it foolishly wish I do so - I would only wish that in case I am out if my head! Please! Keep that sound or any such thing away!

What do you think it was?

Written in response to IndiSpire topic - "Do you have a Ghost Experience? Do you wanna share it? Well now is the time :-)"

Can you guess what is was? Have you also experienced something creepy? Share it with me via comments section. I love ghost stories.

Elephant and Ricky

You know, yesterday an elephant came to our house.

He was so big (Opened my hands wide and high).

There was also a baby Elephant with him.

He was bit smaller – like my Ricky.

I asked him, “Elephant, why  have you come here?”

Elephant shook his head and waved his trunk.

How does he wave his trunk? (Ricky waved his neck)

Elephant said, “My baby Elephant is very good boy. He closes his eyes and seeps with his mumma”.

I said, “This is very good.”

Then Elephant started laughing.

I asked, “Why are you laughing?”.

Elephant said, “Ricky is not a good boy. He does not close his eyes and does not go to sleep.”

Mumma got very angry.

I scolded him. (Ricky said HUUp and pretend to slap the Elephant).

I said, “No! My Ricky is the best boy in the world. Right?” (– Ricky nodded his head)

Then, I told him, “Ricky sleeps before your baby Elephant.” (Ricky waved his again neck to show how Elephant waves his trunk)

“Ricky goes to bed with his mumma and closes his eyes.” (Ricky closes his eyes)

Elephant said – (Ricky tries to open his eyes)

“Close your eyes, or Elephnat would say see.. I told he is a bad boy.” (Ricky closes his eyes immediately)

I stroke my hand softly into Ricky’s hair and assured him – ‘Tomorrow morning, I will show that bad elephant that my Ricky is a good boy.”

Feeling sleepy, Ricky nodded yes.

Few minutes later, Ricky was asleep and was smiling in his dreams.

Image source- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWVWDNi9MmWcYTbG2Dt0hs5nPUE_oZ4bFZ5-JisBnVjJeGaFaRThNgLzlpHqVS3RWbEv4DqIoKWqqpC5FEPYij-GJfoK2AzajXfbZm5_MQK5sBVj1z7lSbsz5vJ4PP95tUAfQEj9RR5HQ/s1600/IMG_9813.JPG

That is the best site I have ever seen and would ever see.

This is how I made my son go to sleep one night…:)

ATTITUDE

He has got some attitude problem.

Her attitude towards life is amazing.

The so called “Attitude” is the word we get to hear and use in conversations very frequently. If as a common man, I think deep about it, I have following questions dangling in my mind.

What is this “Attitude”?

How does it look like?

Where do I get it?

Unable to get answers, I type attitude in word and look for synonyms. I get following:

Then, I searched the god of internet – Google and needless to say, I was bombarded with results. The most relevant definition I could relate to as per my understanding of the term is:

An attitude is the psychological response to a person, an object, to a situation, to society and to life itself that generally influence our behaviors and actions. Attitudes are either positive or negative.

Well said. Attitudes are either positive or negative. For instance, I get a scolding from my mother in law. I can have 2 takes on it.

1. Who is she to talk to me like that? She is not my mother.

2. Oh, that’s fine. Even my own mother sometimes blares out some words. Do I start hating her for that?

I would consider the 1^st take as a negative attitude towards my mother in law and the 2^nd one as positive attitude towards her. Needless to say, not everyone thinks the same way.

Going deeper into the term, ABC of attitude have been defined by - Van Den Berg et al., 2006;Eagly and Chaiken, 1998.

A- The affective, or emotional component which influence the behavior – Good/Bad/Ambivalent. Let’s say - I love sleeping.

B- The way we act or behave based on our attitude. Let’s say – I would go to sleep anytime I get a chance.

C- The cognitive part or belief of a person. It is generally based on what that person learnt from experience or observations. Let’s say – I am sure sleeping helps me feel good.

Coming back to my own thoughts, I somehow agree with Diane von Furstenberg on the words “Attitude is everything”.

I may have a god or positive attitude towards certain things and bad/negative towards others. Being human, I cannot have an ideal approach to everything. If I had that, I would not be called human.

Also, the few lines wrote at the beginning, the most common lines I get to hear relevant to me are –

“Delhi Girls have that so called attitude.”

And frankly speaking, I care damn about that. I mean, a friend from Pune once asked me that in front of her Delhite husband and confirmed that if she was right. To my own surprise, I proved her right. I replied

“If we have it, let it be. I mean, why you think so much about girls from Delhi.”

I don’t know why but girls from Delhi are always the talk of town. When I was in college (Haryana), Dilli ki ladkian were considered hot. They were the chicks guys would try on first. When I was in Hyderabad, people used to comment on our dressing sense even if we wore a salwar kameez or saree. Not to mention, the comments were not always bad. Some of them were really adorable and made our day. I went to Chennai to attend a friend’s marriage and the bride itself was conscious that everyone is looking at those 2 fair girls from North India. That made us uncomfortable and we felt same until some relatives of the bride entered the venue with 2 gorgeous ladies.

I am not saying, it’s always looks that draws the attitude about us. See, there I go again.

Anyways, Attitude, that’s what we were talking about. Guys, I am sure you would agree that you got to have attitude to achieve/succeed/get anything or everything in life. Even the father of our nation ‘Mahtma Gandhi’ has some famous lines on attitude

“We must become the change we what to see.”

“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness.”

Read some more quotes I liked on attitude here

In the end, I would sign off with this short story which may change the attitude towards making conclusions without knowing the details.

A 24 year old boy seeing out from the train’s window shouted…

“Dad, look the trees are going behind!”Dad smiled and a young couple sitting nearby, looked at the 24 year Old’s childish behavior with pity,suddenly he again exclaimed…“Dad, look the clouds are running with us!”The couple couldn’t resist and said to the old man…“Why don’t you take your son to a good doctor?”The old man smiled and said…“I did and we are just coming from the hospital, my son was blind from birth, he just got his eyes today.

I agree, not be judgemental is really hard. But, try and change the attitude, it may help.