It’s Raining!

‘Don’t you trust me!’

Neha did not get any response to this sms she sent to Aman fifteen minutes back. She waited. May be he is driving, maybe he is in the shower? Perhaps he is in a meeting or on a call. Neha was sure Aman would reply to her sms and then call her back. Then she would tell him everything. Aman would never fail her she knew. After all, she trusted him more than herself and knew her secrets were always safe with him. But what had happened now was unacceptable and she had to speak to him. It was important.

‘Didi- it’s raining since morning. I am so bored. Cannot even go out! Am bored looking at Facebook. Kolkata will be under water soon’- finished Jhelum in one breath. Neha’s younger sister loved talking and could go on for hours non-stop.

‘Hmmm’ was all Neha managed to say before disconnecting the phone. She looked out of her window. It had already started drizzling and there was a soft moist breeze flirting with the tree outside the window. Neha loved the rains and ever since she came to Mumbai – the rains fascinated her. While she waited for Aman to respond to her sms, Neha’s mind drifted to her memory of the first rain in Mumbai. She smiled and closed her eyes. It was so fresh a memory – as if it was just yesterday.

June 7, 2010

‘Come on Neha- you will take ages to finish the training or what?’ sms-ed Aman

‘Shhh… done. Two minutes’ Neha sneaked the sms while looking at her trainer with a straight face. She knew Aman would keep sms-ing till she was out of the classroom. Within two minutes, the session was over and Neha ran down the corridor –out of the office building. Aman was waiting for almost twenty minutes.

‘Sorry sorry. Let’s go’ she smiled apologetically.

‘What will you do with so many trainings? You want to become a writer – not a project manager!’ laughed Aman.

‘Hey Aman- see this’ – Neha pointed to the fat droplet of water on her palm. ‘It’s drizzling – the first rains! Wow!’

Aman was bemused to see the expression on Neha’s face. ‘Ok ma’am. You get wet then. I’ll open the umbrella now’.

‘How did you pre-empt it will rain? You have an umbrella also!!!’

‘I kept one in my workstation at the start of the month only. These rains cannot be trusted’ stated Aman proudly as he took out the umbrella from his bag. By now- it was no longer drizzling. It was raining – rather heavily.

‘You should get your umbrella too’ added Aman.

‘Hey – share the umbrella. Am half-wet already’ complained Neha.

‘Uh – but you wanted to get wet. Come now. One umbrella never helps you see! Both of us will get wet now' Aman replied.

‘So mean Aman!’ laughed Neha completely overlooking the rudeness in Aman's tone. ‘You don’t want to share your umbrella with me’.

‘Haha! Not like that Neha’ replied Aman - breaking into laughter at the spontaneous innocence in Neha's expression. ‘Just that both of us are getting wet’.

‘Then let’s just let go’ –with a wicked smile Neha snatched the umbrella from Aman’s hand and closed it. In minutes, they were drenched.

‘What did you do?’ Aman almost screamed back.

‘I just experienced the first rains in Mumbai. I will never forget this day Aman. Thank you!’ Neha replied naively.

Aman did not know what to say. He looked into Neha’s eyes and loved the mischief hidden there. He didn’t mind getting wet in the rains – for a change. Neha gave a big long glance back at Aman and then closed her eyes for few seconds. She was happy. When Neha rejoiced a moment, she closed her eyes to capture the frame in her heart. It was her own little secret. She could replay it later whenever she wanted - as frequently as her heart desired.

Simple moments… How they make such everlasting memories.

Back to Present Day

Beep! A bright white light flashed on Neha’s smart phone screen.

‘Ah- there comes Aman’s reply’ she smiled to herself. She unlocked her phone to read the text message.

‘Your mobile phone bill is due today. Please pay today to avoid any late payment’.

Neha checked her Inbox again. There was no sms from Aman. Neha looked out of her window - the rains had stopped. There were no sign of the Sun but the sky reflected the colors of a beautiful 'after sunset' sky. There were splashes of orange and pale white spread across the sky that looked like footprints that the Sun had left behind en route to calling it a day.

Aman did not respond. Hopes to hear from him faded away just like the orange-white faint beams disappeared from the sky and darkness took over.

But Neha knew that the Sun would rise again tomorrow. There was always hope.  

Colors of Life!

Mili- Do you believe in miracles Joey?

Joey- I don't rule them out completely. But then, I don't have any reason to believe in them too. I mean, I've never experienced anything in life yet that I can call a 'miracle'.

Mili - Really?

Joey - You make it sound as if you see a miracle everyday M. You remember last year when Rizvi's younger brother went into coma? Remember how we all prayed? The young one still died right. It would have been a miracle had he lived.

Mili: Life and death are not in our hands na Joey. But did you notice how Rizvi underwent a complete transformation post the tragedy? He used to be a back-bencher Joey. He came second in the University this year! Isn't that a miracle?

Joey: What's the miracle in that? It is strong resolve and a sense of responsibility. He matured overnight with that incident and became the support system of the family. It doesnt qualify as a miracle to me. That way, every day is a miracle!

Mili: Hmm... tell me something Joey. Do you consider me your friend now?

Joey: (Laughs) What kind of a question is that? And you expect me to answer it!!

Mili: Obviously. Had I asked this same question two years back, wouldnt the answer be different?

Joey: Let's not go back Mili. I've buried the past.

Mili: Precisely my point Joey. In the last 3 months, did I even talk about this or try to bring this up?

Joey: No, and don't ever.

Mili: Okay, I am sorry. I won't. But let me tell you this - the fact that we meet and talk as friends everyday is a miracle for me. It is a miracle because I had lost this friend for two years and I could do nothing about it. I had hope and faith that we would be together again. It took time, but it happened.

Joey: You're so emotional Mili!

Mili: Miracles happen Joey. All we need to do is keep our eyes open.

Happy Teacher's Day!

Ah - Teacher’s day! I was looking forward to it. But I was apprehensive about these Generation Y students…phew! Do they even know why we celebrate Teacher’s Day in India on September 5, I wondered. Last year, my students were a diligent lot. But the current batch is over-smart. I was confident they wouldn’t have any idea about this day being Dr Radhakhrishnan’s birth anniversary. What an exemplary Indian teacher and philosopher he had been!

I secretly wished that some of the kids at least ‘Gooogled’ Teachers Day before entering class today!

The first period started at 7.00 am. My heart went a ‘thud’. I imagined that in minutes I would be flooded with cards, flowers, chocolates and gifts! I adjusted the pleats of my dark blue silk sari and checked the bindi on my forehead. I managed a quick peek in the lipstick-mirror in my purse. I looked good.

‘Good morninggggg ma’am’- my children screamed.

‘A very good morning children’, I pleasantly responded. ‘Please open your Social Studies book. Page 7.’ Nobody uttered a word about Teacher’s Day!

By the time the class got over, I was a trifle upset. But soon I was consoling myself – I didn’t expect anything after all. Periods Two and Three were over. It was time for ‘Recess’. In the staff-room, teachers were flaunting gifts from students. I suddenly regretted leaving MBA mid-way. I rushed to the washroom and in the five minutes I spent with myself, I cried my heart out. I was full of self-pity. Was I a failure as a teacher?

Recess over. Period Four started. Nothing happened.

The school bell rang for a final time at 12. It was time to go home. I switched off the air-conditioner. Suddenly someone switched on the fan and ‘whoooshhh’. Flowers, streamers, sweets were showering on me. I was too surprised to react! Are these the same students I underestimated? I felt embarrassed and guilty. I was presented with a hand-made book called ‘The World’s Best Class Teacher’. Tears welled up in my eyes and a cake arrived from nowhere! As I was blowing off the candles, the children sang in chorus ‘Happy Teachers Day’! Little Rohit spoke about how I had made a difference to this class!

This was the best day of my life. I forgot all about my children back home. I wanted time to stand still. This moment was mine.

Perfecting a knotty note!

Time for early morning riyaaz (practice)! I quickly finish a cup of warm lime-honey water and get ready to explore Indian classical music. ‘Ahaaa’- I clear my throat and adjust the tanpura. The unswerving buzz of this four-stringed instrument helps me stay tuned. I start with a morning song. Fresh mussaenda flowers outside the window and bird chirrups add to the ambience. After three minutes of soft rendition, I elevate my tone to touch a note on a higher octave. My voice goes shrill and my eyebrows crinkle. My ears fail to marry my voice with the harmonic resonance of the tanpura. I realize I am going off-key. I take a cue from the previous note and restart. As I attempt a higher pitch again, I focus on the lyrical expressions and set my voice free. There is unison between the tanpura and my song now! New note mastered- Yay!

Coffee-mate!

Part 1: Morena’s story

‘This is our last coffee together’. I still cannot believe I actually said that. Saahil looked at me, his deep brown eyes diving deep into my diluted pupils searching for a reason and then focused on the plump teardrop on the edge of my left eye threatening a free fall any moment. I couldn’t hold it any longer and blinked even after a Herculean effort to stay steady! Saahil looked away and smiled in oblivion. How could he be so cool about it? He only made a feeble attempt to contend my statement, but gave up too soon. How easily he said, ‘if you feel uncomfortable, it is okay. I understand’.

Coffee in the office cafeteria symbolized the blessedness of our friendship for the last three years! Was our friendship so shallow that he let go as easily as I let go of my teardrop? End of coffee is also end of this friendship! Oh I know he is in love with that hot chick! He wants more time to chat with her and comment on her posts. That’s why he hardly talks to me these days and never has time. I have been observing for over six months now…we have become so formal. God, I feel dumped by my best friend. But I love him so much! How much I savored this cafeteria; the aroma of freshly brewed coffee here… I even looked forward to the coffee-wala’s wicked smirk each time I asked for extra froth on my cuppa. But today I abhorred his look as he served us coffee. The orange and white seating arrangement that was so soothing to the eyes is suddenly so intolerable that I almost feel like throwing up! Good then, I made the right decision by putting an end to this formality coffee!

Part 2: Saahil’s story

I have no words! Why are women always carrying an emotional baggage with them? I love her - simple! Why doesn’t she get it? Is friendship a frivolous game – how easily she destroyed a bond…over coffee; as if it never existed! This coffee makes no sense to me without her! If after spending three years together Morena doesn’t understand the depth of my emotions, why the hell should I even try to explain? Okay, we haven’t chatted up for few months, but I have always been there—right next to her. She has seen how work has consumed me- my health has gone for a toss.

We have still managed walks by the sea, discussed unique trees, spent lazy afternoons reading together, looked at each other silently over coffee and I have dropped her home almost every day! Just because I don’t talk as much as she does, it doesn’t make me non-existent! That’s a real deal-breaker. I can hide my pain and pull on with my life. I don’t need to express myself and cry out loud. I don’t think I have any friendship to offer if she ever comes back again! I love her, but am not thinking about that right now. My head is reeling with anger and anguish! She has a duplicate set of my house keys too. Still she thinks I ignore her?

Two Little Birdies

Chapter I — Not Without My Friend

Once upon a time, there was a little bird named Roah. She was chirpy, happy and full of life. Roah lived in a nest on a big banyan tree that had its arms spread all over a lush-green garden. Roah woke up early each morning and went in search of food. Every bite she gathered was first for her friend back in the neighboring nest and the rest, she would keep for herself.

Roah’s friend Joey was a quite and unassuming bird who enjoyed his reticence. Joey enjoyed peaceful surroundings and his favorite pastime was sitting on the most attractive looking branch on the banyan tree and humming his favorite tune. Joey would never get bored spending time with himself. Though he missed Roah’s chitter-chatter when she was away, he nevertheless found calm in all that he did to keep himself busy.

Roah and Joey often took flights together in the evening when the Sun had mellowed down a bit. They would circle round some identified clouds (which were out of their reach!) and after the flight, enjoy nibbling on some nectar together. The day Joey was not around, Roah wouldn’t have nectar. For her, nectar signified her closeness to Joey and so, she had to have it only with her mate.

Roah and Joey had known each other for a year now, which would be close to 6 bird years. Each season brought with it its own share of delight and moments to relive and cherish. Their friendship had grown bit by bit, day by day while enjoying the simple joys of life and sharing each other’s lives. Flying together and sharing the food had become almost a daily routine for the two birds.

Amid the hustle-bustle of other birds, animals around them, they had quite happily settled for a room of their own—of love, friendship, and companionship. The relationship matured in the one year that they had known each other. Unlike the seasonal changes, this friendship was for keeps.

Chapter II — Something Gone Amiss

Peak summer had set in. Seasonal trees stood bare while coping with the changing weather. Scorching summer sun and a near-drought situation had taken a toll on the trees. Banyan trees, though strong and robust, were not unaffected. Roah and Joey’s nests also underwent some mild turbulence.

One evening, Joey did not return to his nest. Roah waited and waited, went around peeping at other trees and nests, but did not find him. She waited, worried, prayed for his safety and then quietly retired to her nest. This had never happened before and so Roah was perturbed.

Joey returned later that night but never told Roah about his whereabouts. Roah asked and after getting a cold response, she thought it best to not intrude further.

The same thing happened again the next day, and the next, and the next. Roah observed Joey’s dwindling interest in spending time with her. Even nectar did not seem to appeal to Roah anymore. This went on for almost six months and then Roah couldn’t take it anymore. She felt ignored and thought Joey did not wish to be her friend anymore. With extreme beliefs in friendship, Roah decided to tell Joey exactly what she had in mind.

Roah met Joey over nectar the next morning and told him what she had been feeling. She thought it was feasible that the friendship ended because Joey seemed disinterested and indifferent to Roah. Joey patiently listened to Roah and then agreed.

They decided not to meet over nectar again.

           

Chapter III — Oops... a tad late

…

Monsoons had begun. Roah and Joey were not in touch anymore. One day, Roah fell from a high branch of the banyan tree and injured her wings. She sat there crying, till other birds gathered and helped her get back to her nest. Roah stayed unconscious for a day. Other kind-hearted birds helped Roah recover and Roah could never thank them enough. Joey sent a message to Roah through one of the birds but did not come to visit her.

Once Roah was back to her feet, she decided this was enough and went to meet Joey. She had realized when she was unwell how much she missed him. She had given up on nectar, lost her health and suddenly matured beyond her years. She was no longer the chirpy little bird who would bring a smile to your face by the delicate flutter of her baby-pink wings. She had changed into a faded, docile thing that was not worth a second look.

Roah went back to Joey and offered her apologies. Joey remained cold and indifferent. As he was a good-natured bird, he was polite to Roah. But reviving the friendship, sharing nectar, or going food-hunting together was out of the question for him! He gently refused and made it clear that he would never spend any time with Roah again. Once Joey had made up his mind, nothing would alter that.

Roah learned a lesson that day… you should never question the friendship if you love your friend.

Chapter IV — New Beginnings

Soon after, Joey shifted to a different nest and never visited Roah after that day. Roah too decided to refrain from meeting him. She made sure she didn’t come in Joey’s way again. After all, he is Roah’s friend. So, his decision is her decision too.

Months passed by in inexplicable silence.

Fall was round the corner and it seemed Mother Nature was ready to welcome the new season with open arms. Fiery orange, passionate red, oozy blue… you name the color and a tree would have apt leaves to showcase.

Roah and Joey’s lives were a mirror image of the fall leaves. The color of their friendship had changed so much in a short span of time that it was tough to imagine the relationship they shared just a while ago. 

One fine morning, as Roah woke up to the hen’s cookaroo, she was greeted by Eldie, an elderly bird from the neighboring nest. Eldie was very fond of Roah and Joey; she had no inkling about the coldness that had crept in between the two little birds. Eldie enthusiastically mentioned to Roah about Joey’s new flying mission.

Joey was flying overseas in a week’s time. Roah took some time to let the message sink-in. She couldn’t tell Eldie that she was unaware. So, she changed the topic and started raising her concerns about the changing weather. Eldie did not elaborate assuming Roah would know Joey’s story. She congratulated Roah on her friend’s achievement and left.

After Eldie left, Roah broke down. Memories of Joey discussing his love for flying higher and taking her along with him kept coming back to her. She found it impossible to imagine that Joey was leaving without meeting her. In disbelief, pain, guilt, shock, and a world of other emotions that only Roah felt, she wept all day, all night, the next day, and the next day too. She felt a faint sense of betrayal too. But nothing changed.

…

We do not know if Joey met Roah before he left. But nobody saw Roah after that again. Legend has it that she went for days together without food and water and disappeared without anybody’s knowledge.

Joey’s story is untold too. Roah is not around to narrate it to us. But let us imagine that Joey is happy wherever he is, because that is what Roah always wished for—a happy Joey swinging on the tree humming new tunes every morning.