CME: Civil Marriage Exam

Which daughter of yours is eldest -the black one or the fair one -asked a whale like lady to my mom. We were on visit to a funeral in our village. My elder sister was fair genetically similar to my mom and I was dark genetically similar to my dad by skin-membrane and intellectually complementary to my mom. The distributions of these traits were quite evident, if Genetic stats are to be calculated. However the question quite weird for the current occasion, my mum responded "the girl with curly hair is eldest" and winked at me. I chuckled

This catastrophe hit her eyes which got squeezed and with collapsed jaw she exclaimed, oh!!  The black one, than with a pause continued, actually we are looking for your fair girl for a marriage alliance, if you agree we would proceed further, she said giving a blissful glance to my sister. In return my sister gave a twisted nose look. Mum said “But how could we proceed? She is the youngest. We could wait until your black girl gets married" voluminous lady both in talk and fatty acid was not ready to leave without a reward. Well how’s the groom? My mom inquired. Boastfully she narrated well!  He is an engineer started working with L& T this year and drawing handsome salary. No No you got me wrong my Mom interrupted, by appearance, is he black or fair?  Well he is black said the lady. Now there my mum jumps down her throat ready for a fanciful reply. I never doubt my mum brain, the lighting speed it functions. Hummm ....then why I should give my fair daughter to him? Well we will not give any of our daughters to him my mom voice turned comical, logic right! We both sisters could not stop laughing.The roly-poly lady tapped her foot and paced away

The two words FAIR and DARK are extensively exercised in the dictionary of Northern plains comparatively to Deccan plateau of India

Do I really have to do this? I whispered to my sister. Of course you have to, they will be soon arriving! She said giving me stern look. I got up and pulled out the purple color and only dress out of my luggage to get ready for a matrimony proposal from my uncle's side on the chilling winter days. What’s this color? Couldn’t you find a better one!  My sister was loud “you look dark in this color’, her eyes filled with worry. I am dark for

god sake! And no external color could make me look fairer I smirk. Dad came rushing inside making a wry face said what’s this fuss all about? Let her wear what she wishes. I teased my sister and she growled, "all because of your pampering dad, she does not give an ear to anyone, you rotten rod," and pulled my hair. Do not ruin my hair; I'm a princess today I giggled. I know wild cat princess mocked my elder brother and we all giggled together.

Soon my aunt sitting beside said “better you apply some fairness cream it will lighten up your color to fair". I wish I could sue fairness cream companies, they spread more racism and discrimination, I thought and said “I cannot be pseudo-face (false face) like an amoeba who is pseudopodia (false feet)." These scientific words bounced my aunt's brain

My mom interrupted “How many times I have told you not to talk to Aunt in scientific language when you will stop being mischievous “?, than turned to aunt and said do not get into her nerve, Trust me she is a rebel. My aunt was salient for a while.

Soon the groom arrived accompanied with relative from all the sphere of his life. Before my departure for the voyage, many mandate advises were given, do not look straight in eyes, be very clam while speaking and last but not the least bend your head

Soon I was in front of them obeying all the sanction sentenced. Lowering my eyes along with my head. Could not guess which would fall first my eyes, brain, or altogether head I was only counting number of ants crawling on the floor. I could listen to my siblings laugh at backyard window.

The first remark of the ongoing opera was “Well girl is not that dark, as seen in photograph she sent last month". There again I clinched my fists. Than the oldest man turned around and asked "girl did you deliberately sent your darkest photo ", how did you manage to do so? That was clicked during summer and in that season our melanocytes do get active, secreting melanin pigment and skin looks dark. This help to absorb UV radiation, that’s why dark people have less chances of skin cancer I said, simultaneously decomposing with outrage as dark as thunder but had to be a silent spectator on wards , as could sense mum big eyes staring me.

After my job profile and salary were reveled, my sister in law took me, by my arm and I slowly walked back to pavilion. The moment inside, I fell on my sister's lap and gave a relaxed breathing. She was happy revolving her finger over my curly hair. Soon this was interpreted by my brother in law rough voice; they wish to see the girl in saree now. Really why so? I raised a question. He sighed and replied you were wearing three- forth sleeve dress, they could not view ,if you have the same skin color on arms, similar to face too .This added insult to my injuries and I gave mourning look to my mom. She said nothing

And there comes my aunt speaking " see beta, you are a girl and adjustment is in your fate". Ohh I did not knew I'm a girl and regarding adjustment ,it is required where u save something, what I’m saving here? I said quite disturbed You are question bank!! hurry up, wear one saree of your babhi. Aunty was quite impatient, as there were regular signal from the panel sitting outside. Bhabi was quick enough to select one, and there comes the antique caption, pick the color in which she does not look dark. My face was burning like

charcoal ready to burn the entire universe. As this attire was quite unfamiliar for me, it took ages to walk down from bedroom to hall, longest walk of my life. All the accomplishments, studies, talent and achievement got trapped in 5and half yardcloth that was covering me.I felt like an alien, a big zero. The only remnant left was black hole of universe revolving around nearly engulfing my pride, my self-respect, self-esteem and all the Self word of dictionary

At last verdict was out. I was selected in CME-Civil Marriage Exam. All were delighted,except me. When my views were asked I said NO a big black dark an ugly NO

Soon there was a round table conference with all relative busy escalating to my mum. I was being asked reasons for it. I said if someone is so confuse/interested/questionable on skin color they should defiantly get married to the skin color they are sure of. White, brown, whitish, blue, green, or whatever they wish. I cannot dye myself, I was furious The focal point of the entire discussion was black vs fair. How many times my color has to questioned? Why the boy has to get adjusted with my skin color for the sake of his family? He should not regret in future for bringing a black queen I said adjusting my hair 

At night mom came to me and asked why you are rigid on your decision? Didn't you like the boy? I took her hand and said Mom it's not about the boy, everyone has their choices, I respect and appreciate it. But I respect myself more. How can I survive in society where color of skin is at stake? It’s us who have to lead our life and if at very initial phase life starts with adjusting things we do not like in each other,will lead us to a burden-full tomorrow. Should I be penalized for the things I cannot change? You never saw a difference or commented any time, who are they? I was feeling like an abandoned soul, my eyes went teary. She hugged me and I was relaxed and as calm as sea

However suggestion were still pouring in - like don’t allow her to work anymore. Why you made your daughter educated, some even said is she waiting a groom to land from America for her? I heard and giggled with my nephew Kanah, who in turn said," I know why you are not agreeing to marry this guy" I gave a surprise look, he continued because  you don't want to wear saree after marriage right ?. But it's OK it's, your choice after all it’s your life. He was 6 at that time. I wish, entire world to turn 6

Certain social stigma are so deep rooted that it's difficult to overcome them. They are like scar.The best remedies to overcome any social stigma is turning yourself parasite, stay with them eat  and destroy them every time they emerge. Defend yourself, make your personality worthy, learn to pamper, love and forgive yourself. Be what you are, not too stubborn neither too flexible, but there is a word exist -adjustment. But for adjustment do not mistreat your-self, hamper or blemish.

Adjustment are always done when you have to preserve something be it Job, money, relationship, life but never at the cost of your pride, esteem and more importantly yourself.

Heart Heart Frog's Heart!!

Aha!! Life has become boring and uninspired; I kicked my friend who was busy drawings over a bleached paper of practical assignment book. Oh great! Than get inspired and complete my assignment. She delightfully kept her manuscript over my lap. You haven’t drawn a single line! What the heck you were scrambling since one hour? I asked quite baffled. Trying to figure out how to draw lousy convoluted heart of frog, she said coolly lying down with her eyes closed. Well you know? We have hired juniors in our room for all petty work I said with a crook smile and we giggled. Heart was such an easy junk during childhood. With time it has incarnated into a rebellious kid both emotionally and anatomically❤♥♥♥♥

Rima! Could you come over, we have an exceptional work for you to do! My friend called out. She came running and said “Yes Madam” her voice was soft and polite with bowed head. Just finish this frogi’s heart neatly and colourfully. And I was wondering what colour heart would be other than RED. Rima confronted and said I'm a commerce student hardly know how to hold a pencil to draw. Humm... we sighed together; you were lucky that your parents knew your weakness and drowned you in debit and credit. Our parents told us to overcome our weakness and we are still whirling in the ocean of organic and inorganic matter of science, I said trying to invest all the blame to elders and winked

Go and finish this it’s just we are making you multi tasking and sculpturing your future; you never know where you have to start working to earn your lively. My friend patted my shoulder to bring an end to lecture. Who knows after studying human Physiology you end up dissecting stock market

In the evening, post regular prayer we had a square bed meeting bunch of 6 gals still hunting for a mission for adventure. Aha I will get heart attack  because of this frogi's heart, my friend mumbled banging her head over my shoulder and yelled  Rima!!!! You half baked head!  How could you draw aorta travelling and crossing inside the heart? Do you think forgi heart pumps blood, churn it, to form a whirlpool ,ultimately to get drowned? Draw it again with aorta going outside the heart.Hold on ! the word “OUTSIDE “ struck my mind and suddenly my eyes sparkled, why don't we visit some place outside city I suggested. 

Have you gone insane ? Do you think our warden will allow us? Whatsoever my local guardian won’t permit me, said Usha almost nodding her head in denial In order to step outside city we required a written confirmation from local guardian giving “No objection” letter which would fundamentally get submit to hostel warden’s record books. Who is asking for a dam permission? we are above 18 now, we have right to vote don’t we have right to visit a place? I was explaining waving my hand in nitrogen abundant air. And the 1st year students were staring at me some with open mouth. We will reach hostel before 6 PM, whose gonna know about our where about. Thus idea was adopted and only execution was left

Next morning we had to wake up at 5 am sharp, which was something like making pigs fly. But all were on their toes excluding myself.Early in the morning I just rubbed my eyes and asked can't we cancel the trip, I am feeling very sleepy. You kumbhakaran!! get up! we will not cancel our trip only because you have to float in some dreams said Jyoti pulling me almost out of bed on to floor. Toughest job of the universe- to wake up early morning still today

Still captivated by dream I picked up the bucket and paced towards the common washroom, the moment I tried to get inside for a shower, a strong hand pushed me back, “hold on! where you are heading to, it’s my turn, I have kept the bucket since night”, a roly poly hefty girl was standing before me like a evil spirit. Really, than you could have taken bath night itself, I said pushing her aside, it WITI (WHEN THERE THAN IN) I further explained. Oh come on don’t change the rule her voice turned craggy and she again grabbed my arm. I almost jumped in one foot. Well honey! I can change anything in the world I blabbed and to change A RULE SET A RULE FIRST I continued. Before she could utter more, my roommates were standing beside like avengers worrier. Usha was in front row with her distinguish pose-hands over waist with head bit tilted, ready for a challenge. Usha was almost like al-queda head of our hostel, no one could dare to mess with her, but this time she just said jane de na yaar, its a bit urgent. And fluffy girl stepped back without a word, as she knew the catastrophic effect once her mouth opens

Next was to sneak out of hostel either in two or one, but not together to avoid any doubt to be left for warden. Soon all left high and dry from hostel and were like free birds, jumping giggling cheerfully towards Puri beach. In the train we were the centre of attraction, depicting as if out on prison break. At beach we were swimming chatting, playing, hopping, singing all around. I must have sung almost all the songs of Bollywood that day. While returning we travelled by bus so as to reach hostel before 6:00 PM, once on road we were running with our legs over our head and once again executed plan A, not to enter all at once, but in bits.

During night warden visited on regular round and knocked our door. Rima went to open and was stun to see her. Where you people vanished today? She asked.”aummm… hum…Rima was stammering. Smelling something fishy we senior came to rescue the fort and asked what do you mean by that? All were to their regular job? It’s like some other ordinary day I continued. She glanced at me and said why none of you were present for lunch today? Were you all eating your studies and brain of teacher all day? She gave a Sherlock homles look and continued, meet me tomorrow morning sharp at 9am and don’t try give me lame excuses that you have practical classes. I know how many times you skip those classes and she left staring us with her hawk eyes. Oh my god!! Who let the cat out of the bag (Secret out) who is that mole? I panic. Do not worry, we will never admit that we went somewhere, now let me sleep my eyes are glue fix said Usha already yawning and half asleep

Next day we all dressed at our best to face the worst. We silently stood in front of warden, she peeped us though her glasses and said “come, we have to meet someone.” “But what’s the matter”? I tried to get an answer but she already started walking towards collage least bother to answer anything. Soon we were standing in front on vice principle room. All went cold feet, drenched in fear. An incident was reported which was rated five in corporate words. Soon our vice -principle came, a lady with short height and high antagonism.

She glared at us and erupted, we know you people were out of the city. Do you know how much risk you girls have drawn to us? What if something had happened to you? her voice rose. Of course she was right all, citizen were at risk as we were out, silly thoughts were popping up in my mind .But again she continued, you girls are not kids and mature enough, at your age people get married and have 5-5 kids. This added insult to our injury. Inside our heart blood turned white and was glowing red with anger. How could she even plan for us with five kids? And I as usual already floating , imagining myself and other with five kids and winked at Usha. She chuckled loud enough to be heard. Principle brain cell got fused, she growled and said, "you shameless creature, I need written apologies from each one of you,stand here holding ears for half an hour "than she walked inside tapping her foot

What! Seriously at collage standing holding ears, especially us, me and my friend final grade student and boss at hostel. Our reputation was murdered,stardom thrown off balance and fame was stabbed. We looked towards warden with pathetic eyes, she shrugged her shoulder in denial. Then said ok make it fifteen minute. aha bravo I mummer,I just shifted behind juniors last least to be visible.

After our victimisation, we all were furious, wanted to assassinate the person who blew out the plan which is still a mystery. During night we placed the photograph of vice principal and warden to target them with knife, spoons scissors and whatever we had in our hand that moment. We even thought of kidnapping vice principle daughter from her collage to teach her a lesson, but with next morning instated of teaching a lesson we were breaking our head again with frog’s heart trying to perform open heart surgery

It all because of your frog’s heart I shouted at my friend. She stared at me drum struck and said clam down nobody saw you holding ears, didn’t we enjoyed? I nodded my head in agreement and we giggled cuddling each other

Will Burn Her Hair!!!

She was blushing and came towards us delighted, with her glittering Red dress. Me and my best friend Usha Dubey was gossiping, cursing the food of hostel, when she suddenly appeared before us. “Oh! She must be having some new episode about her beauty to narrate I whispered to Usha. I could see a sudden spark in Usha’s eyes and suspected some highly hazardous remark is ready to be used." What’s wrong? Why are you blushing so gravely" Usha asked the Red girl. She kept smiling and said “you know what boys in market teased me today?” What? We both enquired, with least interest reaction on our face. She continued “akekeli na bazaar jaya karo nazar lag jayegi” (don’t go alone anywhere, or you will catch evil eyes) and chuckled, her cheeks gradually turning light pink to dark. “Oh No! You must have heard it wrong! With lightning speed Usha continued” they must have told “Akeli na bazaar jaya karo Sandh piche pad jayega”(don't go alone anywhere or else bull will be running behind you) and there we both rolled on the floor bursting to laugh. What an uncivilized creature we were. Red girl cheek turned red from pink similar to her dress and she disappeared in the narrow lanes of hostel. You savage!!  I said to Usha still holding my stomach

In our boring women’s collage there were two species of Homo sapiens to  be found  – pretty and elegant girls with pink and rosy lips and second clumsy, oiled hair, haphazardly combed and blemished face girls. The earlier version of human were higher race of parlor called "Arts Student" and the later versions of beast were called "Science Student" who are exclusively found in labs busy in dissection or gambling some metal with non metal of periodic table or confused between Ohms and Joules or in rooms writing stories of those dissection and chemical reaction

Usha was indeed an exception Economic student, straight hair, rarely combed with fair oily face and chubby cheeks, she always wore half trouser which ultimately turned out to be three fourth due to her short height, gained accomplishment in pranks, witty like dynamite. She was one of my best friend beside Shayoni Benerjee  also know as social worker, always busy reforming people (girls) irrespective of their choice/opinion to get reformed and Abipsa Mohanty as cool as ice, always with barrels of oil on her head. Oil price in India were scorching height only because of her

How dare you!! a voice stabbed my ears as I was walking towards my room after my computer classes. I have heard this voice before! I said softly as still Java and C++ were programming in my head. You numskull! It’s Usha!  My friend told and immediately we started running towards our room as once Usha is angry means the world may come to an end. The room was fuming with anger, as Usha was furiously battling with one of our roommate. What’s wrong? I tried to intervene maintaining the distance as Usha was not looking less than an evil that moment, with her pony dangling as per her head moment. “Look Yaar” Usha continued “I just covered the food with her plate and there she started fighting. On politely stating her that it’s a matter of a plate and food was open she reached out to my dad charging me: yeh plate kya tere baap ka hai”( is the  plate belongs to your father?):. And swiftly Usha turned right on to fighter girl's face howling “u doesn’t know my dad, he can buy your dad 10 times and sell 100 times”. I could not understand this mathematics of her but assumed she must be correct   because she was economic student and there must be some law of depression or demand and supply theory involved here.

Now the heat was on, with both the girls brawling over dads forgetting about the plate. At last, I knew, Usha won, the fighter girl surrendered and left the room. But Usha was still to surrender her temper. She started throwing fighter girl belonging: pillow, bed sheet, outside the room. I and other two friends were busy picking them back to room. Usha are you out of your mind?, I said positioning the pillow back to the fighter girl’s bed. I will not leave her!, how dare she speaks about my dad, she yelled, again throwing the pillow outside the room, I was tired enough to bring it back. Other friends were still busy in doing the same pick and drop service. "I will burn her bed, I will burn her long hair" Usha screamed, she had converted into a bloodthirsty vampire now and hurriedly left the room shouting, I quickly paced behind her, least she would really burn her, to the warden's room. Our warden was in half sleep and half awake watching TV, in the same position the way Vishnu sleeps in biakunth, horizontal with one hand supporting her half slept head. Madam!!! I will burn her bed I will burn her hair, her everything, Usha stormed into warden’s room howling. Warden at once jumped out of her bed and shouted, where’s fire, don’t burn anything don’t burn my hostel, rubbing her eyes, But could find bunch of girls giggling at her

 That night the fighter girl came quite late to the room, I asked Usha not to continue anything in words. While sleeping we placed the fan to the highest speed. As it was winter and cool she turned off the fan twice and we turned it on thrice. Just to add insult to her injuries we both friends started singing “Jo humse takrayega who fan ke niche soyega”( Who so ever challenge us, have to sleep under the fan)  and giggled together. The other day we saw her packing the bag and by evening she left the room. I could see the triumph in the wicked eyes of Usha. The moment I enter the room she hugged me dancing and said, aha she left, her bed is also ours now, will sleep like tigress with legs on one bed and hands on other and giggled. You greedy Monster I kicked her

Unable to find this lost friend in any social media I only have her heart tickling memories. We Miss You Usha

Fright Of Flight!!!

So! You are flying to home? Asked Joyti with an unexpected emotion and an expected tone “Yes I do”, I said packing my stuff with a little glance over her face. Are you sure you'll able to ? She questioned again. What’s so difficult about it! I am not going on a war I am going home! I said smiling

“It’s not only difficult but complicated too because you are going in a flight”, she said wickedly trying to steal glimpses of my already panic eyes, and continued, “You are afraid of heights! Aren’t you? Higher altitude makes you sick and rotten your brain”.  Is that! I exclaimed, and what on the earth made you conclude this theory over me? She smirked and said “I know your life’s synopsis, I am your roomy and your ex collage mate, I am aware of every niche of your life” and walked towards kitchen dancing her eyebrow in hip hop manner. I thought for a while and then stood up coarsely shouting, “I have gathered enough courage to do many things all these years, flight is just a teensy weensy (tiny). “Ohh! Sounds good” she continued “I will nominate your name to president for the next gallantry award ‘the bravest girl of the universe’ who conquered unlimited sky, by limiting her fear” she giggled.

Is this your first journey in fight? Asked one of my colleague. Yes! I said without raising my eyelashes, pretending to be busy, least he could track the terror in my eyes. “So you are going alone or accompanying someone? No, I am all by myself, I said still eyes on the keyboard. Soon the entire team knew about my venture and there comes bunches, piles and zillions advises of dos and don’ts. Should I pen it down? I thought never the less I may have to refer one of those

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What? Why When?? Why are coming in flight alone? exclaimed my mother. “You will be lost somewhere or will reach some nameless island”. My mother quite observant and always had a weather eyes open for me. I chuckled and could hear my dad‘s laughs from back ground. I said  “Mom you are super cute, it’s a nonstop flight and Bhubaneswar will be the last destination, even if I plan in plane to vanish, disappear or lost airline crew will not allow me to do so, you don’t have to worry about it".  She said with a cold sigh “I doubt, you can do anything and anything could happen to you”. I teased "Mom do you think I will jump in the mid of air to land in some nameless island? and laughed. She interrupted God knows where will reach Bhubaneswar or Bhutan and continued with a firm voice I have to pick you up from airport

 Are you crazy! I growled, you don’t have to do that, travelling all the way for three hours from home to airport just to see if am lost or reached!!. Soon I realized Mom is much greater argumentative than me. “What so ever”, she said “you are not coming home alone at night. After your flight trip we both will board the train to home together and that’s final” she ended the conversation handing out the phone to my father. Dad! I said meekly why you people are reacting as if  I am coming from abroad I am a working woman now, not a kid!!. “I know” said my dad “but its a high command order, do you think anyone has a potential to disobey her?  And by the way how many Island are there between Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, and we laughed

 While gazing the stars that night a sudden fear seeped into my mind.I do have altitude sickness, what if I start vomiting, and my head starts rotating at its own axis and I fall in elliptical manner. But again I could remember the DEW drink caption “Dar ke agge Jeet hai”, and started murmuring the same. Jyoti sitting beside kicked me and teased you are such a maroon, drama queen.
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Next day I hurriedly wrapped all my work and swiftly reached  airport 3 hours before the scheduled time, one of the dos by my colleagues “ better early than to never”(exclusively for travelling people who miss their trains and flight)

Soon I was standing in the mid crowd of overcrowded people. My eyes were rolling all over and mind confused, “Where should I find my boarding pass”. There were counter left to right and right to left. I kept walking with my duppta sweeping the floor. Where should I fetch my tickets, I asked adjusting bag over my shoulder. Which flight? Asked the man without even looking at me. May be he is used to such kind of questions or I was not presentable enough to be noticed. Indigo I said. Take that way, he pointed out to one of the many counter.I collected my boarding pass and than followed the people in queue just like flock of sheep supposedly for a security check

Don’t stand here, you silly girl! Yelping voice struck my ears. I could see a fat lady was shouting at me as I was in a wrong queue. Cool down I thought, it must be a daily job for you, mercy it’s my first time. After all regular and irregular checking finally I was in.

Still I had two hours in my hand. How should I kill this time? I walked down to each and every shop there, reading books and tried invading minds of people scattered around.Soon the announcement: Indigo Flight No 6E 2417 will be ready for departure: With cold feet I walked towards the final route, the plane. My heart was throbbing and I was quivering. Soon I was inside the plane searching my seat. Aha I got a window seat! I was delighted. I threw my bags aside and jumped right there.

The engine ignites along with my fear. This is your captain speaking said the Canadian pilot and after giving all weather, mathematics , Science and aeronautic information he continued “It would be great flying with you lovely people” I thought to stand up and shout  “excuse me captain!! but there are some frighten people also beside lovely people”

As the flight started running slowly toward the runway I peeped outside the window, and examined myself. Why I am not scared? Why my blood pressure is normal?  Why my head is not revolving?  In short why I am not panic?  May be I only had a false impression of fright of flight. Suddenly the airplane took a sharp turn and now was running some 100 km per second on the runway. Instantly I could feel everything that I denied some seconds ago. I cuddled to my seat, I could feel a sharp pain in my ears. As the plane lifted up I closed my eyes, wanted to shout, but the more civilized you become the more you have to bury the emotions. I turned my head aside and saw no one beside my seat. Horrible! Blood rushed to my auricles and heart started beating 1000 beats per second more horrible!

Soon the plane was horizontal from vertical. I gathered courage and opened my eyes to look outside and was stunned by the astonished beauty. There were clouds every where so many, as white as snow. Some were glittering to light golden color due to the special effect of sun rays. I could see the horizon tinged in red.It was an amazing sight so beautiful, hardly to be described in words. I felt like jumping out and perform skating. Wish swimming in the river of clouds, wanted to build snow man out of clouds and was soon asleep thinking.

As the plane landed I had to witness another surprise. My  brother in law was waiting for me. Where’s Mom? I asked. Ohh!! she told me to pick you as you are staying in Bhubaneswar tonight at our house, you always escape but not this time, he said giving a smile.  I had to smile back and thought” I came by flight to reach home at the earliest, but what s the point now? Mom made whole world at the service of her daughter”

Next morning when I reached home, Mom was waiting right to the door. Oh dear she said, are you fine? How was the trip? she asked looking every nuts and bolts of my body. She was never that worried when I come by train Mom it was delayed because of you, I would have reached last night itself I said bit frowned.” I know I was worried for you honey”, she said and walked away.

I ran and hugged her. I know, you certainly, because you are a MOM! Give me something to eat I haven’t ate since 8 month I said to bring her smile back

Living in Exile

Get out of my house….   He yells, index finger right before the long nose of my brother. He was fuming in anger. I and my sister were standing either side of brother, and I stepped slowly behind least to be visible. Though my dad do not hold the history to hit us or anyone, throughout his life till date, but who's gonna take a chance? I was in 1^st std when our exile was in progress. My big B was one of the most unruly, uncontrolled, unmanageable and every UN and LESS associated with the word  disobedience. He was ahead of each and every mischief.
As my sister was always with him, and I am with her, ultimately we became  the part of his illegal crime  without any legal contribution and would be the prime suspects.

On contrary, my mother never gave us any such beautiful warnings, she was up to the mark, only the thing we could listen was… "Don’t call me Mummy!!! and dam dumm dhaam modern art all over the face (and these arts were only way to tame us). Father is quite, calm like sea but at time this sea showed us tsunami. And my brother was the sole human in whole universe who hold the proficiency to trigger this catastrophe

Do not exactly recall the kind of breach or home violation, my brother and we two daughters of my father had done, but was serious enough. And the verdict was exile. Mom was just standing beside motionless with a single expression,a winning smile as if saying "you all badly needed this."

And I was hallucinating in vain that, she would come running saying don’t don’t they are our kids. Don’t beat them for god sakes. (Overburden dialogues resulted from over watching of Hindi movies) She didn't move a inch also.

What are you all waiting for I said out and stand holding your ears….  He screamed again. And with our head buried in ground we slowly walked towards the exit door. My brother chuckled and whispered thank god murga nahin banaya and tum dono ko murgi (this was the all time evergreen punishment of my father). We were unable to hold our laugh at that moment.

Father was posted to Himachal those days, a place of beauty and bone chilling cold. We three stood in varanda, with our teeth chattering in rhythm. What we are going to do now? I asked almost tear and worried. Uff this big eyed cat( my pet name catty by my brother ) always starts crying. From where do you bring this ocean of tears? he continued and I hung my head down in despair. Don’t worry your big brother is still alive, what if we are abandoned, what if  we are alone,I'll take care of you!! he said waving his one hand in air and one still holding the ear. These words were erupted  not out of concern but the impact of again overloaded minds with Hindi cinemas

This was quite obvious, by default. Our school was on the mid way between defence PVR (of those time) and home. And the show time was 3:30. As we walked towards the home jumping  happily after school hours, many a time were being abducted by mother and crowd of aunties designated as Mom's friends on the way itself straight to theatre.Our refreshment would  starts sitting right in front of 75mm screen which only included eating both food and dialogues. Food moving to stomach and dialogues penetrating to our minds

So, back to our episode. Big brother was trying to figure out how we will carry our livelihood and I was already, as always, floating in dreams that after being kicked out of home, we will take the profession of nomads  and will travel  some far far  places away. I will be at home taking in charge of cooking and other household stuff and my sibling will step out for earning. The job would be small road side circus. Where in my sister will walk on the rope holding big bamboo stick and my brother will play drums simultaneously collecting the thrown money.

Suddenly I said to my brother bhai can’t we accompany our younger brother too, he can collect coins when you are busy playing drum. What drum? what coins? you duffer and they both started giggling. I was dragged out of dream world

Suddenly my mother appeared from nowhere and was furious to see us howling. With folded hands she stared at us and said nodding her head "shameless creature!!, you will never change, no matter whatever punishment you receive. Next time ill tell your father to leave you all in some jungle so that ill be relieved. God knows what will lead you in future. Come inside its too cold.

We again buried our heads in the ground and walked inside still holding the ears. And our dream of earning got shattered

Present day whenever I ask my mother about our exile, she would rarely remember and says laughing there are many more tales of your bravery and heroism,this must be just a bit of it

A Cold Hand..........

It was raining cats and dogs outside; I was standing on the veranda of NIIT institute waiting for the rain to stop. My house was just fifteen minutes away from there. I was already half an hour late but Indra Dev was not in mood for a halt. Mobile was not a handy trend those days. My last companion also left with her brother, and now it was getting darker. Madam, I am closing the institute, the peon said stretching his umbrella towards me. Shall I drop you? He continued giving a cunning half smile. So nice of you I nodded my head in denial. Single umbrella and two people hummmm, I thought raising my eyebrows (a usual –ve

repulsive thoughts that crop up every girl's mind when any help approach without demand). Soon peon also left brushing his umbrella over the rain.

No more waiting I thought and at last decided to walk towards home.Walking in rain was no doubt my favorite, but would have been lethal in winter days. Leaving all the consequences of cold behind, I started towards home. The moment I stepped, the clouds rumbled, I gave have a sharp look above and said, you cloudy rain don’t dare to frighten me. The faster I ran the louder were the clouds growling.Suddenly I slipped over the puddle of mud, ouch.......First reaction -did anyone witness my disaster? I rolled my eye balls to the entire corners, but there were only the tiny and furious drops of rain all over staring me.

On my way to home there used to be a ruined old building footing since decades. I was fully drenched and muddy too, hence decided to take shelter for a while inside the building. I quickly climbed over the stares and on to the veranda. It was still raining heavily. Suddenly lighting struck a tree just in front of me, and I jumped off my feet. I thought it’s better to move inside or I would be the next prey of the heartless clouds. I knocked the door but there was no response, I knocked again this time hard enough, and alsh! the door opened a bit. I peeped inside and with shivering voice said, anybody there? And a deep silence a meena kumari silence… I stepped inside. It was a dark room with blaze of light from one corner of the room. I was very tired and cold. I paced to the center of the room with chattering teeth to find something warm and discovered burning fire.

Hurriedly I went near it and sat beside a chair to get some warmth. Ohh what a relief what a comfort, and soon was asleep. I was awake by the thundering sound of lighting. As soon as I opened eyes my eyes lashes got contract due to brightly lightened room. I could see the floor, chess board type floor, duly decorated and furnished room. The rain had stopped but the winds were still howling, I glanced my watch and found hour hand was hitting 7pm. I stood up yawning.

Suddenly a thought drenched me with fear, if the building is ruined and abandoned then how lights are on, fire burning? I couldn't gallop and my leg seems to be frozen and bones chilled. Suddenly a hand, a cold hand over my warm and muddy shoulder. “Lady did you had a good sleep?” and I turned my neck.To my dismay I saw woman as white as snow stood beside me. Each and every horror episodes of serial and movies, I had ever seen in my entire life time were gushing out of my memory brain cell and floated in front of my eyes one by one Ahhh hhhhhhhh hhhhhhhh hhhh…. Leave me you  chudel devil!!!, I yelled with palm over my mouth making the most ugliest face and ran towards the door down to steps and on to the blackish flooded road. I could hear a loud sound behind me as if something broke, but dint dare to investigate. Not even Usin Bolt would have run so fast I was running in that jet speed,least bother to see if the white devil is following me or not. Of course the devil hardly requires any foot or legs as they could fly and grab anyone within minutes (Thought extracted from horror movies).

 

This very thought made me run faster. Soon I reached the busy road, but my acceleration did not come down and I kept my pace to reach home. Ahhhhhhhhhhh mummy I yelled and again something broke in my kitchen too. Have you gone nuts shouted my mom… what happened? I clinch to her and cried, mom I saw a devil a real one there. My sibling came running from other room to witness my woe. Where’s honey? Are you fine? Where your books? She questioned without giving a pause. Mom do you remember that old building on the way to NIIT, I happened to visit there and saw a devil, as white snow and as cold as ice, I said sobbing.

My elder brother and sister rolled on the floor laughing and I was amazed if I had cracked some jokes, I saw my mother even she had a 75mm smile on her face.Stupid she is not a devil but the owner of that building, my brother said tossing my head. She is suffering from ALBINISM (a disease in which body is unable to generate melanin resulting skin, hair appear white) and hence appeared unusual fair to you, he kept laughing. She has come down to renovate her ancestral building, he explained further.

I buried my head in my palm, and thought Ohh god what a fool I am and my sibling were still laughing teasing me darpok darpok chicken heart (coward) running in circle round me.

RANSOM..... OR BAIL ......

I was in hurry; hurriedly I opened the door and rushed towards corner of my bed in  hostel room. Opps ! Thank god my lappy is safe, oh but where’s sowji 's? I threw all disorganize cloths to a more disorganized way, in a hope to find her laptop buried there. But could not find her lappy.I called her and enquire  in case lappy is with her.

She denied with amazement. And I was numb when concluded that our lappy has been ABDUCTED -SYNONYM KIDNAPPED.

Big oval shaped tears started rolling down sowjee’s tiny little cheek. Within minutes she was out of her TCS building pace down to the road towards hostel. The airtel network went busy as both us were busy figuring out the possible burglar all the way down.Suddenly my CID mind started connecting network.I ran straight to my warden’s den and started questioning her.She amazed with such an FBI act of mine denied any connection in kidnapping. I had a very strong reason for her interrogation.  The day before, as I was pulling key from window anchor (secret place of ours to keep room key) she gave a glance from corner of her eye standing beside, which cropped a suspicion in my CID brain cells for a moment. And don’t know why her glances kept me disturbed the whole day in office. That's the reason why with the first step I inquired for both of our laptops.

Soon my friend reached hostel with swollen eyes and face. Without anymore delay we reached the never before visited place-police station.

All breed of furious faces were gazing us as we walked across the police station corridor. We least bothered of faces went straight to file an FIR. I was expecting the SI will question “did u got any ransom call?’ but was horrified when he asked,”Is she your room mate who was the firstto scene of crime? rotating his pen on its own axis. A stern look with a question, “kahin who chor tum to nahin” stuck upon my face. How long she is been staying with you and how much trust do u both share. What a ridiculous question? Exclaimed! Sowjee. I can never doubt upon my roommates. "Yep" said SI "but her lappy is safe and your got vanished in air? HUMMMMM…"  he pushed a puff of doubt in sowjee’s mind raising his bushy eyebrows.

This was very understandable. Why the robber(s) or say she- robber left my lappy behind? Most probably because the screen was only 14” as compared to sowjee which was 15”? Whatever!! But my lappy was safe because I threw the towel in hurry over it while going to the office that morning. Sometime being disorganized is so advantageous.

Soon we were near to our hostel questioning the Tea seller if he happens to witness anyone with lappy bag or anything suspicious that day. I was using all my CID qualified or says certified brain to resolve the case.” No” was his clam answer," moreover I generally get busy in my work and don’t get time to observe onlooker or passerby" he said unworriedly  tossing  tea circularly between the two glasses, not even giving a questionable look so as to ask BTW what the hell happened?

For the next few days inquiry was on full fledge, we were getting some tiny packets of information which were not relevant  to trace the robber. Police had no clue and it was turning into a blind case for them. We were losing all hopes of finding our 15” blacky back. Our ph nos were registered in police station so as to inform us in case of any progress. One fine day my phone rang. Hello. de da do de caught. That was the only word which was understood by me. It was a call from police to inform that the culprit is under their custody . 

I was alone in my room left mercilessly without any of my telugu translators. Somehow I ended the conversation and immediately gave a ring to vara who was on the way to hostel to speed up and also informed sowjee. Sowjee must have started doing hip hop right in the office after the news but unfortunately was unable to witness the same in the hostel as I was also jumping.

Soon vara came rushing to room with hair falling all over her forehead narrating her velocity value while coming down. Where’s the thief where the thief she asked hastily?? Just behind u stupid? I said at her stupid question. We need to call the police, call them in your language, before I could explain her anything else she was already in call. Soon to my understanding the police had arrested the LADY DON and were approaching towards our hostel.

Within in minutes we could hear sequel of unidentified voice a mixture of both the gender.We rushed to corridor for a single glimp of  lady DON. She was tall with little hair over her oval  head with of course lots of brain underneath those hair.Cunning brain, crooked brain. She was walking straight with handcuff towards us with head held high. All my boasting bravery found nowhere to be found after encountering her."Where’s our long term assets", vara  whispered  to my ear(topper in accounts at her time). dont you dare to use any accounting terms to police I warned vara. When we inquired about our blacky the cop smiled and showed the black dell bag poorly lying as if predicting that it was also soaked with sorrow,drenched in grief, and dissolved in tears after departing from us. I felt like hugging the bag with pleasure and throw that filmy dialogue mere lal mere kale dell wale.

 But the cops told us that we can  recover our items only after going through a legal process which means we had to visit magistrate court and bring orders to release our belongings.

But how did she carry out the whole drama. We were explained by police that she was a one night guest at our hostel. The very next morning she happened to see when sowjee was placing keys at our secret place and left for office. Within no time lady don garbed our blacky and fled.There are more feathers to be added on her cap. On interrogation it was revealed that she is a serial robber and randomly visits ladies hostel in the city now and then and get enriched with some or the other assets but was never caught.

Now the story became more interesting   when the cop narrated us the whole episode that underwent in grabbing the lady don. It started the day when cops traced her working mobile number from hostel database(This part of info was not shared with us earlier). What a blockhead don she was, how can she give her working mobile number?  Now our smart cop didn't arrest her immediatly but master mind a game. One of the cop gave her ring and started talking to her as frd a MISS CALL Frd. She was easily trapped by our cop's sweet and salty talk, most probably planning to rob again

While listening I was imaging as if I am watching another episode of crime petrol in SONY. One find day the cop proposed her for date and asked her to meet him with some of her belongings and invited her for a stay for couple of days. She quite excited and thrilled, reached the planed place with our abducted blacky bag and other accessories.

Meanwhile our warden was informed to arrive too, in order to recognize if the don was the same person to whom she gave room that night. Soon from the mist of busy traffic , lady don paced down towards the cop holding our abducted lappy. Warden recognized the don and there the  don was trapped. For few minutes she was unable to understand what was going on but after the visibility of warden understood that her game is over.

What an idea Sir Ji I thought, We thanked them with full heart and soul.

Soon sowjee gave an ear to the whole story and was startled. Is this happened in real was her remark. Soon we hired a lawyer and within couple of days we were given the date of hearing. That very day we went to court and were standing outside the court room in sun. Just some minutes before of our hearing the lady arrived in police van. we didnt even have a place to sit but don was calmly sitting inside the van under the shade.
 Inside the court room the first question to sowjee  was" young lady can you please tell me what is the telugu version for laptop? from literature dominate judge. Sowjee quite unprepared for the question said something. If you tell me the correct word I will hand over your lappy said the judge with a smile. Now this was disgusting, I felt like not standing in court room but in some 3^rd or 5^th standard class where teacher is asking me grammar. what a sense of humor I thought The next question was how can you prove the abducted lappy is yours? I know it’s mine or else why should I take such a pain to find it, leaving my work behind and sleep behind said sowjee restlessly. But that was not sufficient for judge and as it is said law always asks proof s rather than logic emotions. But the purchase bill was no longer with sowjee. So the court is adjournd till the bill is produced.... ORDER ORDER. No question to the esteemed DON??
Now this was the ransom what we had to pay for our lappy THE BILL, which was lost somewhere in the darkest corner of our room. Soon we reached the retailer from where the blacky was purchased. But the shopkeeper gave us a cold shoulder saying that its been 3 year and they do not have any duplicate copy of the same. On our continuous request he gave us  two choices, either go empty hand or search by yourself in files. We choose the second and buried our self in their big big files. After some hour Eureka Eureka we could find the bill. And waited for our next hearing.

For the next few days we were running up and down the court. Rightly said tarikh pe tarihk pe tarikh.

At last we produced the bill in the court and with more 2-4 hectic days running up and down to the police station our blacky was finally released from police station with other accessories and arrived home with pride.

As I was walking down I was confused did we gave a ransom or a bail to get our lappy back…….