The Preparation - 2

Aanshi

I had my train to Bhopal in the early morning at 3:12 AM. Waking up at midnight to the very annoying mobile alarm was a lethal trade. With sleep-filled eyes, I stretched my nearly numbed hand to grab the buzzing phone sitting on the table adjacent to the bed. Somehow managing to shut that irritating alarm, I tried to sleep for few more minutes again. Clinking sounds outside my bedroom however had a different plan. I woke up finally with rubbing eyes to adore this mercy less life.

“Maa, is that you?” I yelped.

“Tu Uth gayi Beta?” (Did you wake up?) from the kitchen Mom said loud.  

“Hann Maa!! Par app iss waqt kya kar rahe ho?”  (Yes, Mom!! But what are you doing at this time?) I screamed with a very long yawn.

“Chole Bhature bana rahi hun, tujhe kuch auur chahiye” (Making Chole Bhature , do you need anything else?) She said with a much calm voice.

I wondered if she even slept for a minute?

“Itne Raat ko khana kaun banata hai Maa?” (Who cooks at this time in night?) I said sitting on my bed.

“Tujhe kisne kaha tha itne raat ki ticket lene keliye?” (Who asked you to take a midnight ticket for return?) this time her voice was fierce-full.

I opted to remain silent. I understood she had ample mental strains than my mere physical strains.

“Jaldi jaa nahake ajja” (Go quick. Take a bath) she shrieked.

“Take a bath?” C’mon! I would better opt for a headshot than a bath at midnight. Again, I remained silent understanding my “No” would have no value over her strict culture. This has been the culture of our family to take bath, worship God, and eat Prasad before leaving home. I understood because of my one odd routine Mom, Dad, and God everybody was sacrificing their precious part of sleep.

Around 2:40, Dad pulled out his Royal Enfield from the parking garage. Sneaking a peek of Dad through the main door I smiled. He looks the happiest with his hands on Bullet.

“Maa, Papa is ready! I am leaving. Where are you?” I called my mom to inform its finally time for me to leave.

“Tu Ruk , Unko ruuk ne ke liye boll” (you wait, ask him to wait as well) she screamed, in fact, she ordered.

From the kitchen, she finally rushed towards me with a 3-container tiffin in her left hand and a plate with some hot smoky freshly cooked Chole Bhature in right.

“Keep this inside bag” handing me over the tiffin she said.

“And, eat these...” Just when I thought she has nothing else, she ordered pointing the plate on other hand.

“Maa, I am getting late. Don’t you see” I said holding the tiffin.

“Tujhe kisne kaha tha itni derr tak sajne ke liye?” (Who asked you to take such a long to dress?) She shut that arrow again from her never-ending quiver.

I realized she, in fact, all Indian mothers are banks of self-explanatory questions. They have questions for every situation to make you feel guilty or to let you realize your inanity. It is her questions that I receive often as answers and not actual answers.

Before I could speak any further, she stuffed a piece of Bhatura with some overflowing Chhole into my tiny mouth. The taste of fluffy deep-fried sourdough bread, the aroma of blending spices, the feeling of mid-night food, and the love of mother’s hand, all just hijacked my entire delusion of getting late.

“Papa, doo minute wait karo” (Dad, wait for two more minutes) I said aloud with a mouth full of delicious Chole Bhature.

“Tujhe hi late ho rahe the. Mai kahan bhaga jaa raha tha?” (You were rushing, I was not) he mocked me sitting on his Bullet.

“Maa, itna bada tiffin kyun?” (Maa, why such a big tiffin?) I questioned while chewing delicious Chole Bhature.

“Ekk mai Chole hai, Ekk mai Bhature aur ekk mai Poha” (One has Chole, One has Bhature and the other has Poha) she said.

“Indoori Poha?” I asked with blooming eyes.

“Hann” she replied.

It is always a Mom, who understands the happiness of a kid. “Indoori poha” has always been my favourite recipe to start a bright day with. Had I been in the place of her, I could have cooked some Maggies, to my farthest possible dream. And, here is this fair unwearied lady with her knee-length hair standing in front of me with hands full of delicious Chole Bhature and Poha. If Angels were real, I was gazing at one among them.

“I love you Maa, you are the best Mom on earth” I hugged her and whispered.

“Dhyan se jana, safar ke dauran sona nahi” (Be careful and don’t fall asleep during the journey) waiving me final adieu she shredded some tears.

“Beti Bhopal jaa rahi hai, Shadi karke sasural nahi” (She is going to Bhopal, not in-laws by getting married” Dad passed a taunt on Mom and she smiled.

““Shadi” Ohh. Yes!! I have to speak with Payal about Dev” something in me just reminded me about Dev after the word “Shadi” from Dad. I smiled.

Ujjain railway junction is just 10 minutes drive from my home. Pulling out the mobile from my side bag I opened the Rail Yatri application to check the train location. The status for Somnath-Jabalpur Special showed me as “Running 10 minutes delay”. A ten-minute delay is no delay as per Indian railway culture. I kept my phone inside the bag and zipped properly to enjoy the ride with My Super Hero.

As we started, cold breezes pierced some unknown shiver through my spine, they were abundant to take me to a trance. I kept my palms on shoulders of Dad and looked around. Calm and empty streets of Ujjain were expressing it aloud, “It is Humans who make nature such chaotic. Nature in its naked form is calm, composed, and soothing otherwise.” I closed my eyes holding my Dad’s shoulders firmly. The sound of Bullet, the cold breeze, and the utter silence of nature twisted an enigma within me, I started feeling like Avantika the princess of Ujjain.

Parking the bike at the railway parking zone Dad went to get a platform ticket for himself. I quickly checked the train running status, there were still 15 minutes for the train to arrive. Soon we entered inside the platform a loud wide-ranging announcement buzzed from all around and we rushed towards platform no 1. Within few minutes, the Somnath-Jabalpur Special train entered Ujjain junction with its deafening air horn.

“Where’s your wallet?” Dad asked looking at the train.

“It’s in the bag, inside the left side-zip” I quickly replied.

Unzipping my left side backpack he quickly pulled my wallet out.

“Dad, what are you doing? The train is here” I asked hinting him to rush. Somnath-Jabalpur Special train halts hardly for 5 minutes at Ujjain.

“Keep this with you. You may need at any time” tucking a red Two-Thousand note into my wallet he said.

“Dad, I am now earning. Not a student anymore.” Holding his hands, I tried to refrain him.

“Toh kya hua? Tu koi Ambani ban nahi gayi hai” (So what happened? You’ve not become Ambani yet) contravening my words he replied.

That was not him, they were the words of my Mom. For a moment I imagined either Mom has hypnotized the character of my Dad or he is captivating inspirations from her, amid these seriatim thoughts I smiled.

Comforting me on my seat inside the cubicle he looked around and said “Take care, don’t fall asleep, and please do call me once you reach Bhopal”

I entwined my hands across his back and rested my head on his shoulder for a second. The confidence, safety, and comfort that a father’s shoulders offer to a daughter; are parallel to none.

I had booked side lower birth. Somehow, I feel they are the best seats in the Indian railway that offer a maximum dividend. Ujjain to Bhopal is three and half hour’s journey and considering the standards of the Indian railway, it takes around four or sometimes four and a half. Relaxing on the seat, I unbolted the window a bit and inhaled a lung full of magnificent cool breeze.

“You need to speak with Payal today” a voice inside reminded me and I pulled out my phone from my bag to text her.

“Hi, have something very important to tell you”

“I am returning to Bhopal now”

“Can we meet this evening?”

All my messages got a single tick on what’s app. I checked her last seen and it was 12:47 AM. “Probably she is sleeping” I thought. Zipping my phone back, I hauled the book “The Perfect us” by one of my favourite authors Durjoy Datta. Riffling to bookmark I continued reading from page 49 under the dimmed light of the train lobby.

Around 6:30 AM, my phone buzzed loud alerting me for an incoming call. I quickly folded the book inserting the bookmark and hurried to attain the call. It was Payal.

“Hi..” with a lazy sleep full voice she greeted.

“Are you sleeping?” I asked.

“No, dancing!! Stop asking this stupid question. Look at the time” she ridiculed my question.

I smiled.

“I just saw your message. What’s the matter? What something important?” she questioned.

“I can’t tell over the phone, and for that matter, I yet to reach Bhopal, still in train” I replied.

“Is everything fine there?” she questioned again.

“Yes!! everything is fine. It’s something special and I need your help” I said.

“Something special?” she sounded surprised this time.

“Yes!!” I added.

“Aanshi, have they seen any alliance for you?” she projected her prediction.

“Nothing like that. And, please let that devil mind rest” I retorted.

“Are you in Love?” She probed in no time.

I paused, smiled, and gathered some thoughts before answering her.

“I said please let that devil mind rest” I replied with a smile.

“Why am I sensing something like that?” she quizzed.

“Maybe that’s what runs in your mind all day and night” I teased her.

“Shut up!! Tell me the truth” she dragged her urge for me to vomit the secret.

“Can we meet this evening? I’ll tell you everything” I asked pausing her loud voice.

“I am free this afternoon. Let’s meet. Shall I come over?” she replied.

“Hmmm... No! I have something untidy to settle in the office. Let’s stick to the evening plan” I responded.

“Okay, will meet around 7 at our location” she said.

“That’s the Best!” I added.

“Now, good night” she expressed her distress due to half-sleep.

“Good night! And I am about to reach” I reverted.

“Take care” she said before hanging up the call.

Around 1 hour later I landed at Bhopal. The land of work injected some quavering conundrum. On one side Calm, peaceful, and less crowded city of Ujjain, and on the other side chaotic, raucous, and human flooded city of Bhopal have many differences. From the Railway station to my Hostel is 10 minutes drive. I booked an Uber ride to reach faster.

Refreshing myself, I hopped on the tiffin my Rapunzel had given. The delicious Indoori poha seasoned with blood-red pomegranate seeds grabbed all my attention. I quickly packed half of the Cholle Bhatuere in a separate tiffin for Abhoy Dada.

“Dada, Ye appke liye Maa ke haath ka khana” (Dada, this is for you. The food of mother’s hand) handing over a tiffin full of Cholle Bhature to Abhoy Dada I said.

“Ajj to mera dinn ban gaya!” (You made my day!!) a widespread smile on his face said it all.

A tiny effort in appreciation of human beings is all we need to serve; some people treasure them for life.

Evening 6:30

Finishing the draft of a final settlement letter I looked at my watch, it was already 6:30 PM. “Damm!! I will be late” I thought. Shutting down my laptop I quickly booked an Uber ride from the office to Momo café. A year before we both had discovered this place and since then this has been the darling meeting spot for us. We make sure to visit that place at least once a month. Being located inside the DB City Mall in Maharana Pratap Nagar, Momo café – Courtyard Marriot is the heartthrob for all Lucknowi, Nawabi, and Chinese food lovers.

“I’ve left. Where are you?” I texted Payal soon after I got into the white Swift Desire. Mr. Arvind Pujari with 4.9 ratings on Uber was the driver for my evening ride to Momo café.

“I am about to reach!” a reply flashed from Payal in no time.

“Bhaiya, thoda jaldi jana” (Bhaiya! We need to hurry!) looking at Mr. Arvind I requested him to drive a bit faster.

“Don’t worry Ma’am, we will be there within 15-20 minutes” he sounded Gentle. For that matter, I rated him 5 stars later.

“I have reached. Where are you?” after 10 minutes another message from Payal landed on my phone.

“5 more minutes, about to reach” I reverted her back.

“Come straight to where we sat last time. I’ve managed to get that table again” she replied.

“You are a Darling!! I am on my way” I texted her back from the notification slide.

“We’ve reached Ma’am” Mr. Arvind said parking his car just in front of the mall entrance.

Offering him 50 rupees as tips along with travel fare, I thanked him.

“Thank you very much Ma’am” he expressed his happiness with a widespread smile for 50 rupees additional tips.

Entering inside the mall I headed straight to the Momo café. The guard at the entrance welcomed me with a smile, after all, we were regular customers for them. Offering him a smile in return I rushed to meet Payal.

Soon as I stepped in, the grand luxurious golden themed hotel felt like a palace. With more than 50% occupancy, with white and black dressed waiters roaming around, with smooth Bollywood beats, and moreover with decorated food stalls surrounding, the entire interior was a treat to the eyes.

Ignoring them all, my eyes rolled towards the two-seater table on the left corner near a huge round-shaped pillar holding the roof. There she was with a sleeveless square neck white tank top which was exposing her assets to quite some extent with a ripped blue printed denim and a pair of white snickers. Our eyes bumped with each other and I waived a “Hi”. She got up to offer me a hug. We hugged and smiled together.

“Sorry for the late” making my chair I said.

“I don’t need your sorry, tell me what’s the matter?” she directly shot the question. I felt more than me she was excited.

“Hold on!! I am not eloping with someone” I said with a smile.

“Then what’s the matter?” she asked again.

“First! Have you ordered anything?” pausing her a bit I asked.

“Yes! a Cream of Mushroom soup, we both will share half” she said.

“Great! Anything else?” I asked again.

“Not in a mood to have anything heavy for dinner. Probably will go for a Choco Lava” she said.

“Shall we order that now?” I questioned.

“Choco Lava is not eloping either” this time she mocked me.

I smiled.

“For Fuck’s sake!! Will you please come to the point?” she expressed her desperation.

“Okay! I don’t know where to start” taking a sip of water I said.

“Start from the beginning,” she said.

“Okay!! But one thing.” I added.

“Now what?” she asked.

“Don’t judge me until I am completely done with describing” I replied.

“Okay! Now please go ahead” she said folding her hands.

“Do you remember you recently changed your number?”  I asked.

“Yes! It’s been more than a month now. What my number has to do with you?” she replied with a dreadful tone.

“Well, it all started from there” I added.

“What?” she questioned.

“Listen…” I smirked.

“Go on!!!” she commanded this time.

“I had not saved your number to my phone directory. One day when I tried to call your number, I dialed some digits incorrectly and the call landed at a stranger. It was a man from Chennai named Dev” I somehow nudged the topic to start.

“Then?” she asked the very moment I paused to breathe.

“Well!! It’s a long story since then!” I retorted.

“A long story? Tell me more” she responded.

“Initially I actually thought it was Mayur, your boyfriend. And, I went on to call you a “Bitch” on the call” I said plummeting the volume of my voice.

“What!! You said I’m a bitch to a stranger from Chennai?” she shrugged in tremor.

“Yes!  I’m sorry. That was unintentional” I pleaded.

Rescuing me from her further question a waiter appeared like a genie with Soup she had ordered.

“Ma’am, here is your soup. Anything else would you like to order today?” placing two bowels of half-filled soup the waiter asked.

“Give us some time. Will call you” before I could speak anything Payal hinted the waiter to leave.

“Thank you, Ma’am. Enjoy your soup” the waiter offered a cheerful smile and left the place.

“And then what happened?” she asked on the very moment waiter turned back.

“When I came to know it’s a wrong number call, I wanted to hang up. But that man on the other side was sounding being in some agony. He later went on to confess” I continued from where I left.

“Confess? Since when you’ve started understanding Tamil?” she asked.

“Does everyone who stays in Chennai Speak Tamil?” I questioned her back.

“Ohh!! So, the Hero here, speaks multiple languages then?” she asked.

“He speaks very sophisticated English” I replied.

“Sexy!! By the way, what was the confession?” she interrogated back.

“Hmmm... It was about some of his agonies and pain he was going through in personal life” I said.

“How can a person confess Infront of a stranger, that’s too, over a wrong-number call?” She questioned with a ridiculing tone.

“That’s why I said not to judge until I am completely done” I reminded her.

“Okay, go on!” she said pausing a bit.

“Sometimes we don’t understand this very creation that we are a part of, Do we? When fate is not in our hands; sometimes, we need to accept the present as it is, isn’t it?” I added.

“C’mon! stop your philosophy. Come to the point, then what happened?” she said scorning me.

“Then, a lot many things happened after that day call” I replied.

“A lot many things? What does that even mean? Did you meet him? Did you find him attractive? Did you both have sex?” she poured multiple questions.

“Hold on! Hold on! Not everybody’s world moves such fast as your” cutting her short I said.

“Then?” she asked.

“I called him again after a week and since then we are in constant touch” I responded.

“Are you in touch with a complete stranger? Have you seen his photo at least?” she questioned back.

“No, I don’t have his photo. In fact, we don’t want to see each other virtually before our first meet” I replied.

“For that matter, when are you guys meeting then?” she inquired.

“For that, I need your help! And for that I am here” I said with a smile.

“Bhaiya..” raising her hands she called the same waiter who served us delicious Cream of Mushroom soup.

In no time the same gentleman appeared at our table with a smartphone in hand.

“Yes! Ma’am. Would you like to order something now?” he asked with utmost gentleness.

“Yes! a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad” she said.

“We have Chef Ravish’s special blended Pani poori this evening. Would you like to have it Ma’am?” he promoted the evening’s special.

“Aanshi.. anything would you like to have?” looking at me she asked.

“Just get anything you like; I am in no mood to eat” I said.

“How about some sweets then? Subh kaam se pehle kuch meetha ho jaye?” she asked with a broad smile.

I joined her to smile.

“Add one Kesari Rasmalai” she ordered to the waiter.

“Anything else Ma’am?” the waiter asked again.

“No, bring us these two” she replied.

“Thank you, Ma’am. It will take 15 minutes to prepare the Salad” he conveyed the estimated time we had to wait for the salad to arrive.

“Take 20 minutes” Finally I replied to him.

He smiled and left the table leaving us alone.

“Why didn’t you order Choco Lava?” I asked Payal as soon as the waiter left.

“Forget about that!! What do you need me to do?” she dragged the conversation to where we left.

I inhaled a deep breath.

“Next month he is moving to Mumbai for a new job and around the same time I am traveling there as well for a week with family” I said.

“Ohh!! so you have the plan ready?” she asked.

“It's not planned. Everything is just mere coincident” I added.

“I don’t believe you now. You’ve gone long ahead” she said.

“God’s promise! Everything is a mere coincidence. Even thinking of all these events chronologically I feel surprised.” I said the truth.

“What do you want me to do now?” she questioned.

“Well!! Can you join me to Mumbai?” finally I supplicated.

“Have you gone crazy? That’s your family vacation what am I going to do there?” she screamed unpredictably.

“C’mon. you are not a stranger to my family. At least come for a couple of days” I requested.

“Couple of days? Last week I bunked my office for a day. My manager is not granting me leave again until someone dies” she said.

“I desperately need you to accompany me to meet Dev” I said.

“Why are you so desperate to meet him?” she asked.

“I don’t know. His voice feels like someone I know. Every time I speak with him, I feel more relaxed and happier. I don’t know what it is, but it feels like I have some invisible bond with that man” from bottom of my heart I uttered these words.

“Are you in Love with a stranger?” she questioned vividly.

“I said I don’t know what it is but I genuinely want to meet him once” I said.

“Here is your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad” nearing our table the waiter said with a delighted tone.

“Thank you” I greeted him.

The salad he served that evening was plenty for both of us. Taking the first fork full of green delicious salad Payal said, “Look, you’ve to kill someone”

“What!” I shockingly voiced.

“You heard me, right!!”  she said with a mouth full of Quinoa.

“Have you gone crazy?” I asked with the same tone.

“No! Not more than you at the moment. I am not craving for a stranger” she said to mock me.

“Ohh! Please. After all, every known was once a stranger” I replied to her.

“How about you kill my Grand Mother?” she asked with a naughty smile.

“Your grandmother? You don’t even have one” I said.

“That’s why it’s easy to kill her” she replied.

“I am not understanding” I sounded confused.

“Look, it’s simple. Before a day of our travel, you’ve to call my manager from my number and inform like my grandmother passed away” She vomited the devil spirit hidden inside.

The only word I heard is “Our travel” in her entire statement. “Do you think this will work?” I asked her back.

“Hmm!! It will. But again, everything will be in your hand how good you manage to convince him” she replied.

“Well!!  That’s the only thing I am good at ‘Convincing people’ after all that’s what I do every day” I smiled this time accepting her plan.

“But I won’t stay there for a week-long. I can only join you for a day or two” she said.

“Challega , aree chalega kya daudega… I just need you with me at that very moment” I wanted to hug her that very moment, somehow I stopped myself from doing so.

“What are you going to tell uncle and aunt about me?” she questioned after a pause.

“Leave that to me. Something I’ll cook up” I said with great joy.

“Aanshi, you must quit this job! Your profession is making you a devil!” she teased me with a smile.

“Now you please stop this philosophy!” I replied in an equal manner.

We both laughed loud ignoring the crowd surrounding us completely.

Later that evening we enjoyed the delicious Kesari Rasmalai and tipped the waiter 100 rupees for being so kind to us. We both booked separate Uber rides again and while waiting in the parking zone for our Uber to arrive, Payal said, “Look! My up and down tickets are on you”  

“That’s all your demand!! Your next honeymoon ticket is on me as well!! Just join me” I said without a second thought.

We both laughed again and hugged to bid adieu.

That evening, I reached the hostel around 9:30. I was so happy thinking about how the day went. It was a perfect day. I wanted to convey everything to Dev but again thought “Better to keep this as secret”

The next moment when I unlocked my phone, there were a couple of messages from Dev.

“Hey! Did you manage to speak with Payal?”

“Did she agree?”

My emotions pushed me hard to reply to him and I went against my desire of keeping that a secret.

“Yes!! She did, Dev Baabu” I replied.

“This is how a day should end! 😊” a reply from him read as within a minute.

“Truly!😍" I replied.

Jumping on the bed I closed my eyes after thanking the almighty for everything.

The Preparation.

 Aanshi 

 “Aanshi Beti, this is unreal”

“Aanshi Beti, this is unbelievable”

My subconscious mind was constantly pushing these unwanted notifications into my conscious brain. “Heart” Ohh!! That organ just started fluttering at a petrifying rate. I doubt, had Guinness-book authority recorded my heartbeat then, I could have definitely kissed a victory over “Pygmy Shrew”.  I was vacillating initially to join my parents for Mumbai Trip. The moment I heard “I am traveling to Mumbai next month” from Dev, I was into the game.

This just cannot be a mere coincidence, I mean C’mon!! you dial the wrong number, that’s fine. One rarely develops friendship or any relationship for that matter ahead of a wrong number call and let’s say you build the relationship, then this whole cosmos doesn’t just simply pave the path of glory for anyone with such expedition. Maybe this happens with some blessed souls as the Legend Shahrukh khan said in Om Shanti Om “Agar kisi cheez ko dill se chaho to puri kayanat usey tumse milane ki kosish mai lag jaati hai”. (“When you really desire something from the heart and soul, all the universe conspires you to achieve it”) “Was my desire such strong?” “Was his desire such strong?” “Or it was our strong desire?”

“Ohh! Poor Girl. Come out of your dream!! You know nothing about his emotions yet” my inner-sense cuffed me hard to bring me back to reality.

Without even speaking with my manager for leave I just texted Dev, “Yayyy!!! And the Khadoos Maan Gaya” (Yes! he approved!). I was confident about the leaves. In fact, I was among those employees who had never taken an entire week off till then. To be honest, I was in no mood to speak with him after the call with Dev. That is the last thing I would do in my life to call that Khadoos in an evening. Had he not accepted me a week off on the next day, I could have resigned on the very same day.

That night I went to the bed carrying enormous thoughts. My artistic brain was visualizing some of them and these cheeks were stretching statically, I had no control over any of my own body parts. After an hour of feigning to sleep my restless mind came with an obvious question, “What am I going to wear on that day?”

“Saree? No way!!”

“Churidar? C’mon I am not going to meet his mother”

“Denim jeans with a pair of short kurti? Hmm… Probably yes!! this may look good”

“How about a skater skirt? Ohhh!! Just shut up!! That’ll definitely not be professional for the very first meet”

“Then a mustard yellow Bardot top with a pair of blue denim? Hmm!! This may look good”

That was the second time ever in my life I was going through such a chaotic decision-making process about dresses, the first time was for my college final day function.

“I’ve to go shopping” for a moment it felt the wardrobe I have already full of dresses has nothing pleasing at all. Maybe I’m a misanthropist about dresses or maybe this is how we girls are made up.

Keeping thoughts for dresses aside, I had to choose my earrings, sandal, nail polish and God knows whatnot. I barely knew when I slept amidst such flashing visuals.

Next week I had to travel my native, ecstasy of meeting my Rapunzel after months had got me to dance on my toe.

Week later:

Dev

“Dev, Managements have decided to promote you with a handsome hike in salary from next month, if you are revoking your resignation decision then. You’ll receive an official confirmation letter in a week of time. The team has just started to leap and we can’t lose you now. We need you Dev” My manager exhibited his best bargaining skills on an official call trying to reduce attrition rates under his span. 

“I don’t understand why is he offering me pearls now? Was he slumbering all these days?” The Mini-Me was humming inside.

This is preposterous how some of them, well for that matter majority of the managements realize the true worth of an employee only during their notice periods. Had this offer come to me a month before, I would not have thought of resignation. Now, that life has given me much more reasons, there is no way I am stepping back.

One thing this time has taught me is, “The days of Notice Periods are very similar to the days of a man on a death bed. Your inheritors whom you’ve helped to grow feel sad for losing you, your companions feel jealous for you being lucky to be free from the cage and your seniors feel anger knowing you’ll no longer suffer along with them”. These days my heart is on an endless battle with a pack of hunting memories, they are no less than a pack of hunting wolves. Sometimes I feel being wounded and at other moments I stand up to fight against every odd. This never quitting zeal has always been my knight in shining armor. “Look, brighter days are ahead. All you got few more distances of darkness to run through” the Mini-Me is feeding me spontaneously to keep me alive internally.

Saturday Evening 7:00 O'Clock

“Hey!! Are you free for a call?” first time ever, I texted Aanshi asking for permission to call.

5 minutes later a message arrived “Mr. Dev if you are asking for permission, better speak to my PA first”

“Nope!! Wondering if you’re free?” I replied in a jiffy.

“Give me 5 mins, shall call you. Came home today” her next reply read as.

“Look, and this is why I asked for your permission Ma’am😊” I replied with a smile.

“Ohh!!  A gentleman’s identity 😍” she responded in no time.

“So am I😊” with an inflated chest I reverted.

“😍” her last text flashed as.

This emoji with piercing hearts on eyes feels better than a normal smiley face emoji on every occasion.

30 Minutes later

“Hi… Good evening” picking up her call I greeted.

Aanshi: “Very good evening, very good evening” she uttered twice with great elation.

“Is this the definition of 5 minutes?  mocked her bad time sagacity.

Aanshi: “C’mon!! Brace yourself I did not take much longer. Normally a girl’s 5 minutes goes beyond 50” 

“Hmm. Either this planet earth rotates at a much slower speed for girls or you live on a different planet like Jupiter” I retorted with a hasty smile.

Aanshi: “Who knows!! After all, we are God’s best creation”

“And the God who created girls is a Man” I reacted.

Aanshi: “No, comment! But who knows again?”

“You see, this is what we men are good at doing. We barely think about ourselves. You know, the gender who sacrifices” I reverberated with pride.

Aanshi: “If it’s about sacrifice, we win the battle unanimously” 

“I’m reluctant to buy this statement” I retorted with a deep throat.

Aanshi: “Dev, have I called for this gender-based argument?”

“Sorry!! But you started.”  I added.

Aanshi: “Sometimes you just need to buy it without a bargain, that’s what makes the seller happy”

“Hmmm Okay!! I wish I was into sales business like you” I whispered.

Aanshi: “Dev, two seconds please”

“Sure!” with no grief I accepted.

“Eight Eights are 64, Eight Nines are 72 and Eight Tens are … Eight tens are …”  I heard her dictating 8’s table with a very gentle voice, over the next ten seconds.

“Eight Tens are 80” a novice voice articulated after her.

“Good Boy! Now you practice once again” Aanshi ordered with a very miniature voice.

Aanshi: “Sorry Dev! Hann Kahan thi mai?” (Where was I?)

“Nothing! If you are busy, we can catch any time later.”  I comforted her.

Aanshi: “No! My neighbor aunty sends her child for tuition every time I come here”

“Well, that’s fascinating. What else profession do you possess more?” I asked with a freaking tone.

Aanshi: “Don’t pull my Leg. I love to teach Akash, he is a cute little obedient kid”

“Akash?” I asked.

Aanshi: “Aunt’s baby boy. His voice you might have heard now”

“Ohhh!! Yes! I heard.” I added.

Aanshi: “He is learning 8’s table today and you know at what cost?”

“At what cost? What do you mean?” I questioned.

Aanshi (with a whispering voice): “I have bribed him a Kit-Kat, it is because of Kit-Kat he is showing great interest for study today.”

I laughed and she joined.

“How is your preparation going on for vacation?” I asked halting my laugh.

Aanshi: “I am confused. A lot many things to do and I barely have time for that”

“Lot many? Do you have a list for them?” I inquired.

Aanshi: “Like, shopping and many other”

“Many other?” I questioned again.

Aanshi: “Some things are personal Dev, and some are secret”

“Secrets!!! Huhh!!” I hissed.

Aanshi: “They are typically a Gils’s preparation process, probably you don’t know”

“Might be true! I will leave it here” I agreed with her.

Aanshi: “How is your preparation going on?”

“Well, I am going to settle there. A bit tougher than a normal vacation preparation would have been” I said.

Aanshi: “Did you find a stay there?”

“Searching. Have spoken to a couple of brokers. Yet to decide.” I frowned. 

Aanshi: “Do you need any help? I can certainly ask my brother, after all, he stays there”

“I wouldn’t go for any hostel at all. Probably if an individual apartment, then I am up for it”

Aanshi: “What’s wrong with a hostel? Look at me, I’ve been staying in a hostel all these days”

“I feel more sorted with a bit privacy around” I conveyed my longing.

Aanshi: “That’s true! Don’t worry we’ll search for your stay together”

“Together?”

Aanshi: “I mean, I can help you out with anything possible if I can”

“Pleasure knowing!” I said with a big smile on my face.

Aanshi: “Mom and Dad here are just counting the days”

“Are not you?” I questioned.

Aanshi: “Well! I was not so excited but yes! as you will be there, I am now damm! excited too”

“I hope we can at least see each other once there” I added with a pause.

Aanshi: “We’ll make it out”

“Have you thought of any ideas of how to meet?”  I asked deliberately.

Aanshi: “Do you remember Payal?”

“Your very first call.” I said with a smile.

Aanshi: “Yes, she is”

“What’s with her” I questioned with a deferral.

Aanshi: “Well, I am planning to tell her about you and our calls”

“Have you not shared yet? I thought you are besties” I asked appallingly.

Aanshi: “No! I’ve not yet. You are my little secret so far”

I certainly loved “You are my little secret”, I mean who doesn’t?

“What’s after sharing? Is she going to give you some ideas about our meeting?” Pausing my elation, I questioned to discover further.

Aanshi: “Well! I am going to ask her if she can join me to Mumbai for a week”

“Really!!” I shrugged.

Aanshi: “And if she joins then rest will be a piece of cake. we both can come to meet you and no one would even ask a question”

“You Devil! How are you even going to convince her to do this?”  Jumping from my seat I rushed to the balcony.          

Aanshi (with a smile): “I know her from childhood. This is the least I can ask her”

“And when are you planning to speak with her?” I asked.

Aanshi: “Hmm..Maybe, day after tomorrow, once I am back at Bhopal”

“Ohhh!! I am now more excited. Do you think she will understand you?” I asked again.

Aanshi: “She always does! Nothing I have hidden from her. I just can’t wait to see her reaction when I reveal this treasure”

“Didi, Ho Gaya”(Didi, completed) from a bit far a thin voice distracted. That was Akash, who called her to show his 8’s table.

Aanshi: “Dhikhao”(show me)

Aanshi: “Wow! Akash very good! Promise ki, app ne copy nahi kiya” (Promise me, you haven’t copied)

“No Didi, promise” with a very innocent voice he replied.

Aanshi: “Then tell me, Eight Nines are ..?”

“Eight Nines are, Eight Nines are …. Hmmm 72 Didi” he answered in a while with a tiny voice, probably after counting his minuscule fingers.

Aanshi: “very good Beta. Akash is a great boy”

“Didi, My kit-kat?” finally he asked for what he was bearing this burden on the head so far.

Aanshi: “What Kit-Kat?”

“Didi, app bhool gaye? Muje app bole the 8’s table ho jaye ga too app Kit-Kat doge” (Didi, did you forget? You promised me for a kit-kat if I complete 8’s table) he was defending his urge for a kit-kat.

Aanshi: “Mai too Bhulgayi” (I forgot) with a gloomy voice she said to him.

“App aoo na dukan yahin pass hai, app mujhe wahan se lake de dena” (You please come, the shop is near, you can buy me a kit-kat from there) with his utmost innocence he exposed his unbending desire for a Kit-Kat

Gluing my ears to the phone speaker, I was listening to the communication between teacher and student of this generation.

Aanshi: “Are you listening Dev, how smart he is speaking”

“These generations are born with Google GPS; you just can’t cheat them. You owe that Kit-Kat to him. Better find a way” with a glee I replied.

Aanshi: “I have his Kit-Kat with me. Just playing with him”

A laugh echoed.

“Here is your kit-kat” offering a packet, Aanshi said to Akash with a startling tone.

“I love you Didi” Akash resonated with happiness.

Aanshi: “I love you Beta” (She responded to Akash with a mimicking voice)

“Where was I again?” bidding adieu to Akash she said.

“We were speaking about Payal” I prompted.

Aanshi: “Yes! I hope she will agree to come with me. I am sure she will”

“Fingers crossed!” with an optimistic voice I said.

Aanshi: “By the way, on what day are you travelling?”

“31^st of this month. I am joining on the 2^nd of next month” I replied.

Aanshi: “Ohh… 31^st, So you will be there one week before I land”

“What day are you traveling?” I questioned.

Aanshi: “On 9^th. Just after one week from your joining date”

“Hope these days end soon” I added.

She smiled.

Aanshi: “Dev, if you don’t mind, I have to disconnect the call now. My Rapunzel is screaming my name”

“If I mind, would you stay longer?” with a flirting tone I said.

Aanshi: “I may! I’ve to search for some excuses for my Rapunzel otherwise”

“Please, join her. She doesn’t get all of you often” I said.

Aanshi: “Thank you, and talk to you soon. In fact, will meet soon”

“Let me know how things go with Payal” I said before hanging up.

“Sure” and she smiled and we hung up.

Some indomitable smiles occupied my face for the rest of that evening. Tens may be dozens of unanswerable questions invaded my restless brain. “What Payal is going to think?” “What if she does not accept Aanshi’s request” the Mini-Me started gathering all possible questions considering the fact as “Future is always Unpredictable”. After all, there has to be a “Plan B” for everything.  “Let’s just wait for the Day-After-Tomorrow, time will either make or break the dream” finally I calmed my twitchy mind down. 

The Indication

 

One fine Friday evening of December.

Days are changing and with passing times life is surprising prodigiously. Some indications are antagonizing against atheism approach about life and some indications are so strong for they are making me believe in the exquisiteness of life yet again. As Leo Tolstoy penned in his classic War and Peace, “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time”.

They say, invest faith in time as it returns some real miracles. I’ve received an offer from Mumbai from a rival company in the field. Initially, I hesitated to accept but the reason as I’ve to travel to Mumbai rooted deep greed in my mind for, I couldn’t deny. I know leaving Chennai, the city where I dreamt once to build my empire is never going to be easy, yet the new rays of hope are certainly giving me the charming touch of winter sun. I have a lot to share with Aanshi, I’m sure she would love the news. This weekend, once she calls, will tell her everything.

 

(Ring) (Ring)

“Hey, what a surprise!” I extolled picking up the call. That was Aanshi on other side.

Aanshi: “Surprise? I hope my call has now become normal”

“Yes! I didn’t mean your call, today is Friday. Not a weekend and if I’m not wrong maybe this is your first call on any weekdays” I fortified.

Aanshi: “Dev, do you keep a count on them?”

“Nope, I didn’t mean in that way. But yes, I remember details of our every call” with a fumbling tone I said.

Aanshi: “Hmm… Details like?”

“Like, on which day you called? What time you called? What we spoke about? Etc & etc.” I replied with an elation.

Aanshi: “What is the storage capacity of your brain?”

“Well! I don’t know, why?” I sounded naive.

Aanshi: “No, No, Nothing. I own a brain of some mega-bytes. So, store very less”

A laugh echoed.

“I’ll try to erase some data. You know, just to free up some spaces” I added pausing my laugh.

Aanshi: “No, don’t do that. I love to reside there.”

“Sorry, reside where?” I questioned in a flash.

Aanshi: “In your brain”

Silence ruled over the next few seconds.

Aanshi: “I mean who doesn’t love the fact that people remember them?”

“Oh! You’ve been in my thoughts ever since we spoke for the very first time” I added to break her clumsiness.

Aanshi: “Really?”

“Yes! I still remember your raging tone for Payal” I ridiculed.

Aanshi: “Common! Forget that part alone”

HA- HA – HA (a laugh buzzed)

Aanshi: “You know, I was thinking about you yesterday”

“Thinking about me?” I asked paradoxically.

Aanshi: “Yes! not only yesterday. In fact most of my times”

“Now I’m excited. Tell me how I crossed your memories lane?” I questioned her back.

Aanshi: “Everything about you. Like, all our talks, the last dinner and everything”

“Even I must admit, my days are brighter ever since you crossed my path” I appended.

Aanshi: “So it’s a win-win situation for both of us!”

“Yes! Yes!” I nodded with her.

“I have something to share.” I said after pausing a second.

Aanshi: “Wow! Even me too”

“Then you go first!” I replied.

Aanshi: “No! Remember charity begins at home, so you go first”

“Remember our culture, Ladies first” I backed.

Aanshi: “No this time you gotta listen to me”

“Okay!” comforting her I paused for a long breathe.

“Guess what!  I am finally leaving Chennai” I revealed the secret that I was treasuring for the weekend.

Aanshi: “No! Don’t tell me you’ve again been traumatized, and this decision is just a rection of that”

“No. Not at all! Got a new job in Mumbai and traveling there next month” I added.

Aanshi: “No, you are lying”

“Why would I?” I asked.

Aanshi: “Guess what was my surprise?”

“I’ve no idea” I reacted.

Aanshi: “I’m going on a family vacation to Mumbai during next FY start”

“You better be kidding.” I with a startling tone said.

Aanshi: “Why would I?”

“This cannot be a mere co-incident,” I said.

Aanshi: “My brother stays there. His flatmate is going on leave next month and so we’ve decided to occupy that flat for a whole week. See, how smart my family is” (she chuckled)

“I still don’t believe we both will be in Mumbai at the same time” I said.

Aanshi: “I’ve not yet asked permission from my manager about this, Par wo khadus mana nahi karega”

“Why have you not yet informed?” I questioned.

Aanshi: “I was in a dilemma if to join my Mom and Dad?”

“Wouldn’t that be relaxing for you?” I asked.

Aanshi: “Yes! But I do not like to spend my whole week in a boy’s apartment”

“Ahh!! So that’s the issue! but only your brother and parents will be there” I added.

Aanshi: “Yes! and now that you’ll be there will re-think about it”

“Oh! Yes! you must re-think” I said with a commanding tone.

Aanshi: “Was that an order?”

“Hey! No.. Ummmm. Not at all, just a suggestion” I shied on the very moment.

Aanshi: “Common! If that’s an order I’ll rethink, otherwise let it be”.

I exhaled after her words. How to make one comfortable, one should learn from her. Maybe this is an attribute she has developed after years of being in the insurance business.

“Then it’s an order! Take it in this way” I said with an ecstasy.

Aanshi: “Now, as this is an order, why would I obey this?” (she sounded frisky)

For a moment I felt like a toy car and she is with the remote. My emotions were twirling as she was spinning the joystick in her hand.

“Okay! I got it. Take this as a request” I hissed after pausing for a second.

Aanshi: “Okay! Now that this is a request, shall re-think”.

HA-HA-HA (A smile thrived)

Aanshi: “So, do you get it why did I call you on Friday?”

“To tell me this news” I replied.

Aanshi: “Yes! It now feels good to share everything with you immediately”

“And I was desperately waiting for the weekend and your call to share” I said.

Aanshi: “No! you were not desperate, I was indeed!”

“How do you say that?” I asked.

Aanshi: “Yesterday I heard about the plan and see, here I am sharing everything with you today, this is what you call desperation”

“But I was waiting for your next call to share everything” I backed my side.

Aanshi: “Mr. Kanzoos! Don’t you know they have made voice calls free? Do you need someone else to dial my number and hand over the phone to you to speak?”

“Certainly no! But to get a call from you has its own magic” I tried my best to overpower her argument.

Aanshi: “That’s my Love for you, that I call you every time”

Wait! What! Did she just say, “That’s her Love”? “Don’t overthink, don’t overthink” the mini-me warned me twice within a fraction of a second.

“What did you just say?” breaking the silence I questioned to appease my overthinker mind.

Aanshi: “What did I say?” (with a cynical tone she questioned me back)

“Just repeat what you said now” I reframed my ask.

Aanshi: “Hmmm, Iiiiiii…… Saaaaaaiiiiid……. That’s my Love for you, that I call you every time” (with a very miniature voice she repeated her words yet again)

“You see, I was not overthinking. She is holding her words still” my mind took no time to argue with that Mini-Me. “This is unreal” the Mini-Me replied in return.

“So, you call out of your Love for me?” This time the Mini-Me questioned to reconfirm.

Aanshi: “Yes! If I don’t love to speak with you, why would I even call?”

I went on silent for a considerable period.

Aanshi: “Dev! You there?”

“Yes! Yes! I am” I repeated twice.

Aanshi: “You went on silent mode”

“You know what! It just felt good to listen to what you said” breaking my silence I conveyed my thoughts.

Aanshi: “Is it? Then I’ll tell it thousands of times”

“Now that I know, how would even they make any difference in the future?” I questioned.

Aanshi: “You never know! Just like even after eating 5 Rasagoolas you crave for the 6^th one!”

“Ahhh!! That’s a good one!” I smiled.

Aanshi: “Now, my heart is pushing me hard to ask a question”

“Don’t give it a second thought, go for it and ask” I said with no time.

Aanshi: “Is there any way can we meet in Mumbai?”

“You just asked my question” I reacted.

Aanshi: “I think it will be possible, but again..”

“But again… what?” I urged her to reveal her tacit thoughts immediately.

Aanshi: “You know, my entire family will be there. Umm… and I’m not sure how to steal a moment from them for you”

“Hey! Let’s just leave that on time. I am sure we will pull that up somehow.” I cheered her.

Aanshi: “I hope so”

“You know, I too have a question. Hmm… you can say a similar kind of.” I said with an exhilarating voice.

Aanshi: “Go for it, and ask”

“We have not seen each other, how are we going to identify each other the day we meet?” I asked out of keenness.

Aanshi: “That’s also true! I have not thought about it.”

“Now, at the moment we should be thinking about this” I added to her.

Aanshi: “Yes! let's do that. Do you have any idea?”

“Well! How about you send me a photo of your and I send you a photo of mine” I proposed.

Aanshi: “Dev! No! This is what we have already agreed upon. We are not going to see each other virtually until we meet direct.”

“Well then….!!!” I hissed.

Aanshi: “Suggest some other ideas”

“I have another idea,” I said aloud.

Aanshi: “What is that?”

“How about, instead of sending a photo you draw your image with a pencil and send me?” I proposed a different plan this time.

Aanshi: “Well! This sounds good. Let’s do that.”

“Great! Let’s do that now” I added.

Aanshi: “Okay! You do the same as well”

“Okay! I am going to draw myself as well” I assured her back.

Aanshi: “Dev! Tell me one thing. How good you are at painting?”

“You can rate me in negative, I am such good at it” I blunted my imperfection.

Aanshi: “So, you are like the Majnu Bhai of Welcome”

“Hmm!! Nope. Majnu Bhai can even score 2 out of 10” I mocked myself.

A laugh buzzed.

“Tell me, how good you are at painting?” this time I repeated her question to her.

Aanshi: “We share the same skill set, Dev. You too can rate me in negative”

“Perfect! Now this is a perfect competition” I re-joined with a smile.

Aanshi: “Let me grab my pencil and some papers”

“I have them in hand. Let me know when you get them, will start at a time” I whispered.

Aanshi: “Here we go!”

 “You got the paper and pencil?" I asked.

Aanshi: “Yes! I have them in hand now”

“Let’s start then.” I said.

Aanshi: “Wait! We have been doing it wrong”

“Wrong? I didn’t get you” I asked.

Aanshi: “We are not going to draw our own images. Let’s draw each other”

“Each other? we have not seen each other yet” I added.

Aanshi: “True! That’s the fun! All these days we’ve been speaking with each other. Let’s see how are we imagining the other to be in mind.”

“Fun! As you say then” I nodded with her.

After a minute of silence, a smile gurgled on other side.

“Aanshi, what’s the matter?” I asked to know the other side's fun.

Aanshi: “This is really funny.”

“Have you finished?” I asked.

Aanshi: “Ohh! Yes! Legends don’t take a long time”

“Common! send me then” I requested.

Aanshi: “Nope! Will send it at a time. Let me know when you’re done with my drawing”

“It’s almost done. Just 5 more seconds” I said.

Aanshi: “Take your time. I am excited to see the result”

“It’s done” I confirmed.

Aanshi: “Then let’s send!”

“How should I send? You are not on any app” I questioned.

Aanshi: “Save that in Drive and send me the link of the same, I am sending the link of mine”

“Great. Doing” I added to her.

Within the next 30 seconds, my phone flashed with a message from her. I hurriedly tapped on the notification to expand the message window. It was with a link to Google Drive. With no time I touched the link to open. 

“Aanshi! Is this my image?” looking at the drawing I questioned.

Aanshi: “Wait! I am also asking the same question. Is this my image?”

“What made you think that I have one round eye and the other a triangle?” I asked with a hilarious tone.

Aanshi: “What made you think that I have round eyes? Do you think I look like an anime?”

“Wait! Look at my mouth. How on earth is this even possible to have such widespread mouth from one ear to other?” with a sarcastic tone I questioned again.

Aanshi: “Look at my mouth. I only have a single line with no lips at all”

“And my neck! Looks like my head is resting on a bamboo pipe” I again passed a satire comment.

Aanshi: “Look at my neck as well! And be thankful for I’ve given you the entire body. You Mr. Kanzoos, what you think I’m living without a body?”

“Ohh!! You’ve given me a body? Where is my leg? And is that even a body at all?” I mocked.

Aanshi: “Whatever! I’ve still tried to make you a full man”

“Look at your hairs, how beautifully I have drawn them, and look the way you have drawn. Seems like a bunch of wood pins been hammered on my head” This time I did a little comparison of both of our skills.

Aanshi: “Okay! On this point, I’m not arguing with you”

“You score a perfect negative 10 out of 10” I mocked her yet again.

Aanshi: “Whatever! I told you I am a legend. So, I am! But look at you. You draw quite good and pretended of being a noob”

“Believe me this is the best that I could ever do, nothing more than this” I added. 

Aanshi: “Now, do you realize how bad was your idea of identifying each other from painting?”

“Yes! But anyhow, this was fun. Isn’t it?" I asked.

Aanshi: “Yes! It was. I probably held pencil after a year”

“Thank me later for that” I pulled a bit of humor. 

A laugh echoed.

Aanshi: “The question of how to identify each other is still remaining a maze?”

“Let’s leave this in the hands of Time yet again” I replied.

Aanshi: “Yes! let’s see how things will be on our doomsday”

“I am sure we both will pull this out in some way or other” I assured her.

Aanshi: “Hope so! I’m investing my trust in you My Genie”

“My Genie” was not the first time she said those words. Every time she says this, an unknown smile rules over my face.

“Make sure you speak to your Manager and get permission about vacation” I reminded her with a smile.

Aanshi: “Next thing I am doing after this call”

“So now?” I whispered.

Aanshi: “Now! Nothing. This was the best call we had so far.”

“Feelings are mutual” I added.

Aanshi: “Hope to see you in Mumbai”

“I am hoping the same” I nodded with her.

Aanshi: (with a smile) “This is late evening now, will just make a quick call to the manager and will keep you informed what he says”

“Great! You have a great evening ahead then!” I wished her as an indication of adieu to call.

Aanshi: “You too, Dev. Definitely! This is a great evening.”

We both then hung up the call with a mutual “Bye”, and of course with a smile.

After an hour, my mobile notified me of the arrival of a message. It was from her, read as

“Yayyyy!!! And the Khadoos maangaya” (Yayyyy!! And the Khadoos approved)

I quickly replied, “Just can’t wait for the day to come”

“Me too” A reply from her arrived in no time.