Nice Love story ...........READ IT
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Dharani dhar
Nov 23, 2011, 8:37:40 AM11/23/11
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1. The Confession
"Had you ever witnessed a sunrise? There is no definite point you can segregate it as night and a day. The showers of sun will spread from nothing to everything. You know the day is coming, you can feel the warmth, it happens while you are watching and before you can realize you see yourself lying in a golden clad beautiful morning. That's How I am feeling. I really don't know when it happened. I fell for you while I am conscious but I don't know how it happened. Call it crazy, stupidity or whatever. I don't want to call it by any other name but love. Will you marry me?"
She spoke like she had practiced it a hundred times. I was surprised and shocked at this proposal. Surprised because we were known to each other for just 2 months and I thought she is going to be a great friend forever. Shocked because she proposed to me!!! I sensed few pair of eyes looking straight towards us. Not wanting to create an awkward situation I lowered my voice and spoke in her ears. "Let the movie be over Rithi, we ll have a chat later, outside".
********
After the Initial Learning Program was completed we all had our transfer to Chennai. First I thought everything is going to be cool until I encountered my first project interview.
"Your technical knowledge is not up to the mark"
"Err.. We find you are not comfortable with US accent"
"I guess we have enough freshers in our project.."
"Project wise you are okay with you but client is expecting a experienced resource."
I found it literally impossible to clear the project interview. When I managed to answer well in technical chat I sucked in the client interview. In a week time everyone from my batch got allocated to projects except two. Rithika Kumar and myself, Bharathi Srinivasan.
Yes, its me Bharath again..I had known Rithika since my first day at Chennai but never had a talk. I never cared to have one also but after a week time and both being not into projects we were forced to spend time together, from meeting the RMG to coffee in Cafe. Soon we became good friends and I had her kept in a high profile for she is too good, both in looks and characters.
After a month of desperate hard work we earned our allocation in Citibank account. Life turned easy then, no need to wait for calls from the HR, no need to attend any more interviews. We both now sit in same cubicle where we were given a single system to share until allocated to seats and tasks. The training sessions were very less so lot of times to talk about other subjects. The relationship grew to a healthy high level, even we got introduced to each others parents.
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 is getting released in few days and Rithika insisted me to take two tickets for the movie. She urged that she need to see Johny Deep in action the very first day. But I was never known then that she will push me into an embarrassing situation in middle of the theater. "Let the movie be over Rithi, we ll have a chat later, outside".
********
"So.. Did you gave a thought to it", Rithika sipped the coke and paused at me.
"Thought about what Rithi.."
"Bharath be normal . Don't behave eccentric. I love you.. Whats your answer for this.."
That's Rithika.. Always straight and no wiggles. I began to think. She is smart. She is cool. She is good looking and she is damn intelligent. Just like me she loves to discuss science, arts and polity. She gives me good company whenever a task is assigned to me. Really she is making my life go easy. If she happens to be the one who will share my life, certainly we will make a great pair. But ..
"Speak up Bharath"
"I don't know Rithi. I like you very much but I don't feel like there is..."
"Perhaps not. Love does not happen at same time in two hearts. One have to realize and that one have to make the another realize. I am compatible with you. I find myself happy and safe whenever you are around. Even we know each others parents. We have no difference in terms of our culture caste or whatever. We have a good job and a decent salary. What else Bharath..? Why cant we make a happy living.."
True.. But my heart refused all her justifications in spite of all the heavy truths forwarded. "I am highly confused Rithi. I don't know what to say."
"Take your time. Bharath. Lets go home now"
I dropped Rithi in her hostel and throttled to my home. I fell over the bed and tried hard to sleep. But something kept on flashing in my closed eyes. I gave a thought about Rithi. Why am I unable to feel her words..? Suddenly I got the answer. Immediately I dialed her.
"Bharath.. Tell me.."
"Sorry Rithi.. I have to disappoint you"
"Ya I know Bharath. I read it from your eyes. Something was disturbing you. You don't gave even half ear to my words."
"You are right Rithi. But I don't know what was eating my mind then"
"Means..? You figured it now.."
"Yes Rithi.."
"Whats that..?"
I hold my breath, checked my bubbling ecstasy under control and cried out softly.
"I am Still in love.. with Meghna"
2. Dream came true
Dear Meghna.
I am great here and hoping to hear to same from you. Its nearly four months since our last meeting and I had nt heard from you then. Just thought of telling a Hi to you.. This is my 50th mail. Expecting your reply at least for this mail.
Bharathi Srinivasan
Assistant Systems Engineer Trainee
TCS - Chennai One
Chennai
I sent the email without any hope. Being in a same company it was not a tough job for me to get her email id. For two weeks I mailed her expecting a reply but never she did. I was not clear whats running in my mind, whether to approach her and propose again or to simply leave the thoughts. I wanted to see her one time or one last time. I spend lot of time in social networking sites hoping to find her online but wherever I typed 'Meghna Hirani' and press enter, it always returned zero results.
'One New Mail'
The lotus notes gave an alert. I jumped from chair and opened the mailbox with great enthusiasm. Hell.. I felt like tearing down my monitor screen. Its a project mail asking for nominations to attend a session. "Bloddy Hell" I cried loudly and punched the desk..
Rithika buzzed from her sametime.
Rithi : Hi
Bharathi : Hi Rithi
Rithi : Any luck today?
Bharathi : No, no reply and no failure report either.
Rithi : Dont worry, Dont lose the confidence
Bharathi : I know, she is ignoring me
Rithi : Whatever.. So you nominated yourself for the session? Who knows you can meet your Meghna there
Bharathi : What are talking about ??
Rithi : Check mail first..
Perplexed and partly irritated, I opened the recent mail.
Dear Associates,
The citi L&D team had organized a four day leadership seminar for newcomers. Interested associates can submit their nominations to attend the program. Details regarding the session is given below. Information on accommodations and travel will be mailed to concerned associates later
Name of the programme : Leadership Abilities & Softskills
Venue : Secotr 26 Training Room, Infocity, Gabdhir Nagar
Duration : 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Jun 20 to June 23
I rushed over to Rithi's place to thank her. Meghna is working in Infocity and four days is quite enough for me to find her. I immediately gave the nomination and personally asked my lead to grant me approval. He thought that I am something like a proactive person and gave the approval. I packed my things and booked ticket for Gandhinagar.
Meghna.. I am coming !!!
************
June 23, GandhiNagar TCS
Perhaps I experienced the worst days of life here. Four days I wandered through the infocity like a maniac hoping to meet Meghna but there was no signs of her being there. I tried making some friends and allotted them different directions to search and the scout report at the end of evening went negative. I was even afraid that Meghna is no more in the company. First two days I attended the session and went out to search her during break and lunch. Next two days, I completely bunked the session and embarked myself wholly into Mission Meghna. I waited in canteen a full day.. One time or another she may come to cafeteria at least for a coffee. But every search reached a dead end.
And today is the last day in Gandhinagar. Fate slapped me and laughed hard that I am never gonna meet Meghna. May be its my destiny not to meet Meghna or we are not meant to be with each other again. The four days of search proved fruitless. I reached the railway station with my friends and boarded the AC coach ( company is providing reimbursement, else we would have opted for second sleeper, I know this is a poor joke worthless to be inserted here but cant help it, sorry).
I recalled my old days with Meghna at Trivandrum. The last emotion filled departure at the airport, the unexpected kiss at seashore, the nights completely spent with sms and calls, her presence in the Cafe, the first day I saw her at Peepal Park auditorium in a Black glistening saree.
And exactly at the same moment a woman in a black saree crossed me. I smiled at myself. What a coincidence. The train's engine started to roar and went inside my compartment. I felt a deju vu inside which guided me to look again at the black saree woman. I went near the window and searched for her and after few seconds I located her near a coffee shop straight opposite to my coach. I made a detailed look over her now. She was not showing my face and playing with two kids. Should be their cousins.. I thought. She was wearing a Black saree with Stone studs and a rich silver embroidery. Her hair was neatly clipped at ends and she had plaited them top from her mid head like Lara croft. For no obvious reason I kept starring at her, may be I wanted to know how her face would be.
The train gave its final whistle and started to move. Sametime the girl turned around. I turned blue on seeing her face. Meghna.. Not bothering about the consequences, I springed towards the emergency stop chain and pulled it..
The train slowed down and my pulse went high..
3. The Re Union
My friends gave me a furious 'Are you crazy?' look. There was a panic running through the compartment. People were unsure why the engine suddenly stopped. But I was in no mood to bother about others. I rushed through the main door and reached Meghna in seconds. She looked at me with a question mark.
"Heiii.." I cried. I was panting, sweating and trembling in excitement.
She stepped back and answered pale, "Sorry I dont know you". She sounded so genuine. I felt a cloud of darkness burying me.
"Meghna.. Its me Bha.."
"Oh.. Sorry I am not Meghna.. I am Neena.." She smiled. Neena.. I know her. Meghna's twin sister. Meghna had told me that they both are look-alike sisters but I never expected such a close, sharp resemblance. Meanwhile the railway authorities inquired the passengers and found that its me who stopped the train.
"Hi.. Neena. I am Bharath. Meghna's friend. I came here to.."
"Ya Meghna had said about you.. You guys met at Trivandrum right..?"
"Yes.. Listen I came here to see her, but unfortunately I dint. I have to leave now. Can you please ask her to contact me?" without expecting a reply, I wrote my mobile number in a paper and gave it to her. The railways officer came near me.
Three quick things happened in succession..
1.I was fined rs.2000 for stopping the train without valid reason.
2.The TTE came to check the train tickets and I remembered that I gave my phone number to Neena only in my ticket.. Fined for Rs.1000 3.My mobile gave a beep.. A new Number.. "Hi... Meghna Here"
*********
It took some minutes for me to reach my ground state from the super excited state. I was full of emotions. Surprise, ecstasy, pain, hopes and similar but unnameable few. I was in half tears. I texted back ..
"Good to hear from you after a long time"
"Ya.. How are you.. Bharath. I was a kinda of surprised that you are in Gujarat"
"I came for a session. I was here for four days. I tried to see you even.."
"Thats so sweet. I sit in client place. Not in info-city.. Sorry for that"
Now everything fell back to shape. She was using client mail id. Tats why she did not check her company mails and neither I had a delivery failure report. But Meghna could have mailed me. She dint because she dint cared about me. No no.. she do care for me thats why she replied. She could have simply ignored but she is chatting with me now.. which means.. she likes me..
One sms led to another and I spend the whole day texting with Meghna. We recalled our days at Trivandrum, I explained her about my job nature and so did she. I hid the fact why I came to Gandhinagar and also about Rithika. I feared I could miss her friendship I dont want to lose her again. Finally I reached chennai. I reached home and immediately called her..
"Hi Bharath.."
Meghna's sweet voice. Perhaps the sweetest voice I had ever heard in my lifetime. The voice which I longed for months to hear. The voice of the very person whom I am crazy with.
"Yes its me Meghna.. How are you..?"
"You are asking the question 30th time Bharath. I am good.. How was the journey.. You reached home?"
"Yeh.. Journey was good.."
And there was silence.. Both of us texted non-stop for more than 20 hours now we are struck up not knowing what to speak then..
"Bharath.. I should tell you one thing.."
"Yes Meghna.."
"Really.. I missed you.."
I cut the phone and kissed it..
4. A Sweet Shock
There are some moments when people act weird. They do things they are not supposed to do. It may be of carelessness or it may be fate. In my case its neither. Probably its my ego, a bit chauvinism that edged me to a blunder.
Meghna called again, "What happened Bharath?"
"Dont know.. Some problem in the connection.."
Silence again.. I had a hope, a trust and a perception that she too loves me. I rejoiced but I chose the other way. She made me wait me wait for months.. its my turn now.
"I said I missed you Bharath"
"Oh.. Ha.. All my friends do miss me.." I laughed.
"You said you came for me?"
"Well not exactly. I came for the session and I thought of seeing you.. Thats all.."
"Thats all..?" I failed to sense she is serious.
"Yup.. What else do you think, is between me and you..?"
"Ok.. Goodbye Bharath.."
And thats it.. It took time for me to realize that I prosecuted my own head. I know it ll take another five minutes to call her back and convince but something inside me rejected the idea. I went inside the bathroom. Office in two hours..
*****
No calls from Meghna since a month then. I started feeling lonely, even when I was with everyone. Deep inside, my heart craved for Meghna. One Friday I received a call from Land line number.
"Is it Bharath.."
Sound of Xylophone click.. Its Meghna.. Meghna again. My adrenal gland pumped me high and I perspired. Cool down Bharath. Talk sweet. She is your girl and don't miss the opportunity.
"Hi Meghna. How are you..?" I tried to sound as lovely as possible..
"Bharath this is Neena.." I went speechless for a second.. Looks, thats ok; do twin sisters have the same voice?
"Hi.. Neena. Sorry your voice is much closer to Meghna.."
"Not much closer Bharath. Its almost the same. We have similar voice.."
"Oh.. Thats really.. ah.." I stammered. I have nothing to talk with Neena and multitasked my brain to search for words..
"Bharath, Listen.. Meghna is in trouble.."
"What.. Why.. What Happened..?"
"She is in Love.." Neena waited for me. I said nothing and she continued, "See my parents are talking about her marriage with a relative's son. Meghna is very reserved you know, She is not able to talk to my Dad. She is just crying to me, crying all the night. I cant tolerate this agony. Bharath, you should do something.."
"Why should I do anything?. Why do you need my bloody help.." I almost burst out..
"You have to.. She loves you.."
( *********** Please keep this space as it is.. I am searching for words to express how I felt. Once I got the words, I ll fill it.. )
"Its your Ego Bharath.. That failed you.. Probably failed both of you from your reunion. She was in love the very next day you proposed her. She is not like me. She is very fragile girl and she thought that she could never come forward to Dad with her decision. That's why she dint tried to contact you."
I felt my eyes turning wet.
Neena continued with a sigh.. "And you came to Gujarat to meet her. After hearing the news, she was happy like anything. But when she said that she missed you, you reacted wrong. I was near her at that time. I know its your Ego but Meghna was too stupid to understand that. She is now suffering. I am about to open this thing to Dad but I want to confirm with you.. You still love her.."
"Neena.. I am coming there.. Wait for me.."
"You mean.. Here.. Why.."
"Because.. I am.." I said with confidence.. "Still in Love with Meghna"
********
The Next Evening.
Meghna was sitting in the park, next to her home. She was so calm and her cheeks were red. Probably she was crying. Someone came near her and she hastily wiped her tears.
"Meghna.." The person in elderly looks called her.
Meghna did not speak..
"See Meghna.. We thought about what you said to us. There are few things that we cant change Meghna. I know we two differ in culture, language and etcetras but I know my girl is well matured and she can adopt to any situation.."
"Dad.." Meghna questioned with her eyebrows.
"Above all, my daughter's happiness is my happiness Meghna. I accept your love with Bharath. We are moving to Chennai next week to meet his parents. You happy now"
"Dad.." Meghna sprinted forward and hugged her Dad.. He patted her head and kissed her. "I have to go Meghna. Have a good time.. I love you.."
Meghna was happy and equally puzzled. She called Neena..
"Hi Megh.. Congrats dear.. Seems Dad approved your love.."
"Neenu can you please explain whats happening. How come Dad know about Bharath and what did I say to him. How all this things happened.." Meghna broke into tears of happiness..
"Cool down Megh.. We are on the way there.. Will explain.."
"We means who?"
"Myself and Bharath.."
Meghna is too fragile to bear all the shocks and surprises.. Like you readers, she is clueless about how things changed..
"Hey Guysss.. How you doing. This is Neena and I so happy to meet you"
".."
"What..? Why are you silent..? Are you expecting Bharath and Meghna.. Well Meghna is busy crying over his shoulders and this is high time I should tell you what happened this morning.. The flash back starts nowwww..."
*********
Bharath as he said reached Gandhinagar today morning. We made simple plot after an hour discussion and proceeded to my home for a neat execution. What I did is a simple impersonation!! I had acted like Meghna so many times earlier for fun but today I dare to make it for a serious life thing.
"Dad I need to talk about my marriage.."
Dad took his head from the Newspaper. He was seriously shocked to see by my side, a stranger. A south Indian, holding my hand.
"Meghna...?", he literally asked 'what the hell is this.
"This is Bharathi and.." I looked straight to his eyes and said "we love each other"
Dad in fury threw away the paper and sat down over the sofa in disgust. He knows well about Meghna, a reserved girl who never had talked to her father like this before. Only the two knows that Neena is talking under the skin of Meghna..
I went close by Dad and took his hands, "Please don't get angry dad. I met him on my training at Trivandrum. We turned out into great friends. We shared everything and now we want to share our life. I know it troubles you, I should have told you long back but I don't want to spoil the happiness of a father who was dreaming about his daughter's marriage. I even decided to agree for the groom you saw but I don't want to be dishonest to a person with whom I will spend my entire life. It ll be like a hell dad, to live physically with one person and crave mentally for another person.."
Dad cleared his throat and tried retaliation at us, "But Meghna, we are different and so they are. The entire life style will be at variance. Their language, their people and their culture everything will make you stranger their Meghna. Did you thought about that. How can I give a daughter at some unknown land and remain happy at my place..?"
"You are right Dad. Even though you give to someone you know they are going to be strangers for me. I don't want to hurt you Dad and don't want to fool myself either"
I was sure I hit the bull's eye. Bharath took advantage of the position and began, "I can feel how you are sir but believe me I can keep her happy. Because I know her happiness is in my happiness and only Meghna can keep me happy.."
Dad looked into Bharath's eye. His confident speech might have kindled a hope. Bharath added, "I am not going to tell that we will keep her happier than she is now but I am sure Meghna will never regret her choice about me nor you."
Dad without answering him simply walked away to his room. We had a hope that the wind is in our side which actually turned right and here we are...!!
********
The clouds turned black and within a minute its started to rain. Neena guided us under a small sunshade and we all stood there.
Meghna, my precious gift who is going to be mine always stood beside me, hands wrapped inside my arms and head on my shoulder. The breeze splattered some occasional rain dew over us. I whispered softly in her ear, "Its raining.."
"Ya I know.."
"You remember that day?"
"Yes.. Sorry for that slap Bharath.."
"I think you need to ask sorry one more time.."
"Why should I..?"
"May be you will slap me this time too.."
"Why should I...?" She broke into a soft laughter. Her eyes grew big for a moment and she closed her lids. Her cheeks turned red..
I pushed Meghna a little and turned her towards me. I saw her face completely lit with satisfaction. Holding her arms, I went close by the sparkling lips of my pretty doll..
"Oh my God.. Guys I am standing here...." Neena screamed
..and kissed her.
(The END)
"Had you ever witnessed a sunrise? There is no definite point you can segregate it as night and a day. The showers of sun will spread from nothing to everything. You know the day is coming, you can feel the warmth, it happens while you are watching and before you can realize you see yourself lying in a golden clad beautiful morning. That's How I am feeling. I really don't know when it happened. I fell for you while I am conscious but I don't know how it happened. Call it crazy, stupidity or whatever. I don't want to call it by any other name but love. Will you marry me?"
She spoke like she had practiced it a hundred times. I was surprised and shocked at this proposal. Surprised because we were known to each other for just 2 months and I thought she is going to be a great friend forever. Shocked because she proposed to me!!! I sensed few pair of eyes looking straight towards us. Not wanting to create an awkward situation I lowered my voice and spoke in her ears. "Let the movie be over Rithi, we ll have a chat later, outside".
********
After the Initial Learning Program was completed we all had our transfer to Chennai. First I thought everything is going to be cool until I encountered my first project interview.
"Your technical knowledge is not up to the mark"
"Err.. We find you are not comfortable with US accent"
"I guess we have enough freshers in our project.."
"Project wise you are okay with you but client is expecting a experienced resource."
I found it literally impossible to clear the project interview. When I managed to answer well in technical chat I sucked in the client interview. In a week time everyone from my batch got allocated to projects except two. Rithika Kumar and myself, Bharathi Srinivasan.
Yes, its me Bharath again..I had known Rithika since my first day at Chennai but never had a talk. I never cared to have one also but after a week time and both being not into projects we were forced to spend time together, from meeting the RMG to coffee in Cafe. Soon we became good friends and I had her kept in a high profile for she is too good, both in looks and characters.
After a month of desperate hard work we earned our allocation in Citibank account. Life turned easy then, no need to wait for calls from the HR, no need to attend any more interviews. We both now sit in same cubicle where we were given a single system to share until allocated to seats and tasks. The training sessions were very less so lot of times to talk about other subjects. The relationship grew to a healthy high level, even we got introduced to each others parents.
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 is getting released in few days and Rithika insisted me to take two tickets for the movie. She urged that she need to see Johny Deep in action the very first day. But I was never known then that she will push me into an embarrassing situation in middle of the theater. "Let the movie be over Rithi, we ll have a chat later, outside".
********
"So.. Did you gave a thought to it", Rithika sipped the coke and paused at me.
"Thought about what Rithi.."
"Bharath be normal . Don't behave eccentric. I love you.. Whats your answer for this.."
That's Rithika.. Always straight and no wiggles. I began to think. She is smart. She is cool. She is good looking and she is damn intelligent. Just like me she loves to discuss science, arts and polity. She gives me good company whenever a task is assigned to me. Really she is making my life go easy. If she happens to be the one who will share my life, certainly we will make a great pair. But ..
"Speak up Bharath"
"I don't know Rithi. I like you very much but I don't feel like there is..."
"Perhaps not. Love does not happen at same time in two hearts. One have to realize and that one have to make the another realize. I am compatible with you. I find myself happy and safe whenever you are around. Even we know each others parents. We have no difference in terms of our culture caste or whatever. We have a good job and a decent salary. What else Bharath..? Why cant we make a happy living.."
True.. But my heart refused all her justifications in spite of all the heavy truths forwarded. "I am highly confused Rithi. I don't know what to say."
"Take your time. Bharath. Lets go home now"
I dropped Rithi in her hostel and throttled to my home. I fell over the bed and tried hard to sleep. But something kept on flashing in my closed eyes. I gave a thought about Rithi. Why am I unable to feel her words..? Suddenly I got the answer. Immediately I dialed her.
"Bharath.. Tell me.."
"Sorry Rithi.. I have to disappoint you"
"Ya I know Bharath. I read it from your eyes. Something was disturbing you. You don't gave even half ear to my words."
"You are right Rithi. But I don't know what was eating my mind then"
"Means..? You figured it now.."
"Yes Rithi.."
"Whats that..?"
I hold my breath, checked my bubbling ecstasy under control and cried out softly.
"I am Still in love.. with Meghna"
2. Dream came true
Dear Meghna.
I am great here and hoping to hear to same from you. Its nearly four months since our last meeting and I had nt heard from you then. Just thought of telling a Hi to you.. This is my 50th mail. Expecting your reply at least for this mail.
Bharathi Srinivasan
Assistant Systems Engineer Trainee
TCS - Chennai One
Chennai
I sent the email without any hope. Being in a same company it was not a tough job for me to get her email id. For two weeks I mailed her expecting a reply but never she did. I was not clear whats running in my mind, whether to approach her and propose again or to simply leave the thoughts. I wanted to see her one time or one last time. I spend lot of time in social networking sites hoping to find her online but wherever I typed 'Meghna Hirani' and press enter, it always returned zero results.
'One New Mail'
The lotus notes gave an alert. I jumped from chair and opened the mailbox with great enthusiasm. Hell.. I felt like tearing down my monitor screen. Its a project mail asking for nominations to attend a session. "Bloddy Hell" I cried loudly and punched the desk..
Rithika buzzed from her sametime.
Rithi : Hi
Bharathi : Hi Rithi
Rithi : Any luck today?
Bharathi : No, no reply and no failure report either.
Rithi : Dont worry, Dont lose the confidence
Bharathi : I know, she is ignoring me
Rithi : Whatever.. So you nominated yourself for the session? Who knows you can meet your Meghna there
Bharathi : What are talking about ??
Rithi : Check mail first..
Perplexed and partly irritated, I opened the recent mail.
Dear Associates,
The citi L&D team had organized a four day leadership seminar for newcomers. Interested associates can submit their nominations to attend the program. Details regarding the session is given below. Information on accommodations and travel will be mailed to concerned associates later
Name of the programme : Leadership Abilities & Softskills
Venue : Secotr 26 Training Room, Infocity, Gabdhir Nagar
Duration : 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Jun 20 to June 23
I rushed over to Rithi's place to thank her. Meghna is working in Infocity and four days is quite enough for me to find her. I immediately gave the nomination and personally asked my lead to grant me approval. He thought that I am something like a proactive person and gave the approval. I packed my things and booked ticket for Gandhinagar.
Meghna.. I am coming !!!
************
June 23, GandhiNagar TCS
Perhaps I experienced the worst days of life here. Four days I wandered through the infocity like a maniac hoping to meet Meghna but there was no signs of her being there. I tried making some friends and allotted them different directions to search and the scout report at the end of evening went negative. I was even afraid that Meghna is no more in the company. First two days I attended the session and went out to search her during break and lunch. Next two days, I completely bunked the session and embarked myself wholly into Mission Meghna. I waited in canteen a full day.. One time or another she may come to cafeteria at least for a coffee. But every search reached a dead end.
And today is the last day in Gandhinagar. Fate slapped me and laughed hard that I am never gonna meet Meghna. May be its my destiny not to meet Meghna or we are not meant to be with each other again. The four days of search proved fruitless. I reached the railway station with my friends and boarded the AC coach ( company is providing reimbursement, else we would have opted for second sleeper, I know this is a poor joke worthless to be inserted here but cant help it, sorry).
I recalled my old days with Meghna at Trivandrum. The last emotion filled departure at the airport, the unexpected kiss at seashore, the nights completely spent with sms and calls, her presence in the Cafe, the first day I saw her at Peepal Park auditorium in a Black glistening saree.
And exactly at the same moment a woman in a black saree crossed me. I smiled at myself. What a coincidence. The train's engine started to roar and went inside my compartment. I felt a deju vu inside which guided me to look again at the black saree woman. I went near the window and searched for her and after few seconds I located her near a coffee shop straight opposite to my coach. I made a detailed look over her now. She was not showing my face and playing with two kids. Should be their cousins.. I thought. She was wearing a Black saree with Stone studs and a rich silver embroidery. Her hair was neatly clipped at ends and she had plaited them top from her mid head like Lara croft. For no obvious reason I kept starring at her, may be I wanted to know how her face would be.
The train gave its final whistle and started to move. Sametime the girl turned around. I turned blue on seeing her face. Meghna.. Not bothering about the consequences, I springed towards the emergency stop chain and pulled it..
The train slowed down and my pulse went high..
3. The Re Union
My friends gave me a furious 'Are you crazy?' look. There was a panic running through the compartment. People were unsure why the engine suddenly stopped. But I was in no mood to bother about others. I rushed through the main door and reached Meghna in seconds. She looked at me with a question mark.
"Heiii.." I cried. I was panting, sweating and trembling in excitement.
She stepped back and answered pale, "Sorry I dont know you". She sounded so genuine. I felt a cloud of darkness burying me.
"Meghna.. Its me Bha.."
"Oh.. Sorry I am not Meghna.. I am Neena.." She smiled. Neena.. I know her. Meghna's twin sister. Meghna had told me that they both are look-alike sisters but I never expected such a close, sharp resemblance. Meanwhile the railway authorities inquired the passengers and found that its me who stopped the train.
"Hi.. Neena. I am Bharath. Meghna's friend. I came here to.."
"Ya Meghna had said about you.. You guys met at Trivandrum right..?"
"Yes.. Listen I came here to see her, but unfortunately I dint. I have to leave now. Can you please ask her to contact me?" without expecting a reply, I wrote my mobile number in a paper and gave it to her. The railways officer came near me.
Three quick things happened in succession..
1.I was fined rs.2000 for stopping the train without valid reason.
2.The TTE came to check the train tickets and I remembered that I gave my phone number to Neena only in my ticket.. Fined for Rs.1000 3.My mobile gave a beep.. A new Number.. "Hi... Meghna Here"
*********
It took some minutes for me to reach my ground state from the super excited state. I was full of emotions. Surprise, ecstasy, pain, hopes and similar but unnameable few. I was in half tears. I texted back ..
"Good to hear from you after a long time"
"Ya.. How are you.. Bharath. I was a kinda of surprised that you are in Gujarat"
"I came for a session. I was here for four days. I tried to see you even.."
"Thats so sweet. I sit in client place. Not in info-city.. Sorry for that"
Now everything fell back to shape. She was using client mail id. Tats why she did not check her company mails and neither I had a delivery failure report. But Meghna could have mailed me. She dint because she dint cared about me. No no.. she do care for me thats why she replied. She could have simply ignored but she is chatting with me now.. which means.. she likes me..
One sms led to another and I spend the whole day texting with Meghna. We recalled our days at Trivandrum, I explained her about my job nature and so did she. I hid the fact why I came to Gandhinagar and also about Rithika. I feared I could miss her friendship I dont want to lose her again. Finally I reached chennai. I reached home and immediately called her..
"Hi Bharath.."
Meghna's sweet voice. Perhaps the sweetest voice I had ever heard in my lifetime. The voice which I longed for months to hear. The voice of the very person whom I am crazy with.
"Yes its me Meghna.. How are you..?"
"You are asking the question 30th time Bharath. I am good.. How was the journey.. You reached home?"
"Yeh.. Journey was good.."
And there was silence.. Both of us texted non-stop for more than 20 hours now we are struck up not knowing what to speak then..
"Bharath.. I should tell you one thing.."
"Yes Meghna.."
"Really.. I missed you.."
I cut the phone and kissed it..
4. A Sweet Shock
There are some moments when people act weird. They do things they are not supposed to do. It may be of carelessness or it may be fate. In my case its neither. Probably its my ego, a bit chauvinism that edged me to a blunder.
Meghna called again, "What happened Bharath?"
"Dont know.. Some problem in the connection.."
Silence again.. I had a hope, a trust and a perception that she too loves me. I rejoiced but I chose the other way. She made me wait me wait for months.. its my turn now.
"I said I missed you Bharath"
"Oh.. Ha.. All my friends do miss me.." I laughed.
"You said you came for me?"
"Well not exactly. I came for the session and I thought of seeing you.. Thats all.."
"Thats all..?" I failed to sense she is serious.
"Yup.. What else do you think, is between me and you..?"
"Ok.. Goodbye Bharath.."
And thats it.. It took time for me to realize that I prosecuted my own head. I know it ll take another five minutes to call her back and convince but something inside me rejected the idea. I went inside the bathroom. Office in two hours..
*****
No calls from Meghna since a month then. I started feeling lonely, even when I was with everyone. Deep inside, my heart craved for Meghna. One Friday I received a call from Land line number.
"Is it Bharath.."
Sound of Xylophone click.. Its Meghna.. Meghna again. My adrenal gland pumped me high and I perspired. Cool down Bharath. Talk sweet. She is your girl and don't miss the opportunity.
"Hi Meghna. How are you..?" I tried to sound as lovely as possible..
"Bharath this is Neena.." I went speechless for a second.. Looks, thats ok; do twin sisters have the same voice?
"Hi.. Neena. Sorry your voice is much closer to Meghna.."
"Not much closer Bharath. Its almost the same. We have similar voice.."
"Oh.. Thats really.. ah.." I stammered. I have nothing to talk with Neena and multitasked my brain to search for words..
"Bharath, Listen.. Meghna is in trouble.."
"What.. Why.. What Happened..?"
"She is in Love.." Neena waited for me. I said nothing and she continued, "See my parents are talking about her marriage with a relative's son. Meghna is very reserved you know, She is not able to talk to my Dad. She is just crying to me, crying all the night. I cant tolerate this agony. Bharath, you should do something.."
"Why should I do anything?. Why do you need my bloody help.." I almost burst out..
"You have to.. She loves you.."
( *********** Please keep this space as it is.. I am searching for words to express how I felt. Once I got the words, I ll fill it.. )
"Its your Ego Bharath.. That failed you.. Probably failed both of you from your reunion. She was in love the very next day you proposed her. She is not like me. She is very fragile girl and she thought that she could never come forward to Dad with her decision. That's why she dint tried to contact you."
I felt my eyes turning wet.
Neena continued with a sigh.. "And you came to Gujarat to meet her. After hearing the news, she was happy like anything. But when she said that she missed you, you reacted wrong. I was near her at that time. I know its your Ego but Meghna was too stupid to understand that. She is now suffering. I am about to open this thing to Dad but I want to confirm with you.. You still love her.."
"Neena.. I am coming there.. Wait for me.."
"You mean.. Here.. Why.."
"Because.. I am.." I said with confidence.. "Still in Love with Meghna"
********
The Next Evening.
Meghna was sitting in the park, next to her home. She was so calm and her cheeks were red. Probably she was crying. Someone came near her and she hastily wiped her tears.
"Meghna.." The person in elderly looks called her.
Meghna did not speak..
"See Meghna.. We thought about what you said to us. There are few things that we cant change Meghna. I know we two differ in culture, language and etcetras but I know my girl is well matured and she can adopt to any situation.."
"Dad.." Meghna questioned with her eyebrows.
"Above all, my daughter's happiness is my happiness Meghna. I accept your love with Bharath. We are moving to Chennai next week to meet his parents. You happy now"
"Dad.." Meghna sprinted forward and hugged her Dad.. He patted her head and kissed her. "I have to go Meghna. Have a good time.. I love you.."
Meghna was happy and equally puzzled. She called Neena..
"Hi Megh.. Congrats dear.. Seems Dad approved your love.."
"Neenu can you please explain whats happening. How come Dad know about Bharath and what did I say to him. How all this things happened.." Meghna broke into tears of happiness..
"Cool down Megh.. We are on the way there.. Will explain.."
"We means who?"
"Myself and Bharath.."
Meghna is too fragile to bear all the shocks and surprises.. Like you readers, she is clueless about how things changed..
"Hey Guysss.. How you doing. This is Neena and I so happy to meet you"
".."
"What..? Why are you silent..? Are you expecting Bharath and Meghna.. Well Meghna is busy crying over his shoulders and this is high time I should tell you what happened this morning.. The flash back starts nowwww..."
*********
Bharath as he said reached Gandhinagar today morning. We made simple plot after an hour discussion and proceeded to my home for a neat execution. What I did is a simple impersonation!! I had acted like Meghna so many times earlier for fun but today I dare to make it for a serious life thing.
"Dad I need to talk about my marriage.."
Dad took his head from the Newspaper. He was seriously shocked to see by my side, a stranger. A south Indian, holding my hand.
"Meghna...?", he literally asked 'what the hell is this.
"This is Bharathi and.." I looked straight to his eyes and said "we love each other"
Dad in fury threw away the paper and sat down over the sofa in disgust. He knows well about Meghna, a reserved girl who never had talked to her father like this before. Only the two knows that Neena is talking under the skin of Meghna..
I went close by Dad and took his hands, "Please don't get angry dad. I met him on my training at Trivandrum. We turned out into great friends. We shared everything and now we want to share our life. I know it troubles you, I should have told you long back but I don't want to spoil the happiness of a father who was dreaming about his daughter's marriage. I even decided to agree for the groom you saw but I don't want to be dishonest to a person with whom I will spend my entire life. It ll be like a hell dad, to live physically with one person and crave mentally for another person.."
Dad cleared his throat and tried retaliation at us, "But Meghna, we are different and so they are. The entire life style will be at variance. Their language, their people and their culture everything will make you stranger their Meghna. Did you thought about that. How can I give a daughter at some unknown land and remain happy at my place..?"
"You are right Dad. Even though you give to someone you know they are going to be strangers for me. I don't want to hurt you Dad and don't want to fool myself either"
I was sure I hit the bull's eye. Bharath took advantage of the position and began, "I can feel how you are sir but believe me I can keep her happy. Because I know her happiness is in my happiness and only Meghna can keep me happy.."
Dad looked into Bharath's eye. His confident speech might have kindled a hope. Bharath added, "I am not going to tell that we will keep her happier than she is now but I am sure Meghna will never regret her choice about me nor you."
Dad without answering him simply walked away to his room. We had a hope that the wind is in our side which actually turned right and here we are...!!
********
The clouds turned black and within a minute its started to rain. Neena guided us under a small sunshade and we all stood there.
Meghna, my precious gift who is going to be mine always stood beside me, hands wrapped inside my arms and head on my shoulder. The breeze splattered some occasional rain dew over us. I whispered softly in her ear, "Its raining.."
"Ya I know.."
"You remember that day?"
"Yes.. Sorry for that slap Bharath.."
"I think you need to ask sorry one more time.."
"Why should I..?"
"May be you will slap me this time too.."
"Why should I...?" She broke into a soft laughter. Her eyes grew big for a moment and she closed her lids. Her cheeks turned red..
I pushed Meghna a little and turned her towards me. I saw her face completely lit with satisfaction. Holding her arms, I went close by the sparkling lips of my pretty doll..
"Oh my God.. Guys I am standing here...." Neena screamed
..and kissed her.
(The END)
Courtesy : S Anil Kumar , TCS :)
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