Deewane Mastane

It was my first marriage anniversary and there was a small get together of close friends at our new property we bought at Alibaug. And I was sure that the question would come up as to who proposed and how did all happen and everything connected with our love story. Shubhika and few of her friends were busy in the kitchen. I was already high on a few drinks so I just simply gave in to their demands.

 

Well, at the outset let me clarify that this is not my story. I come really late in picture. The main protagonist of this is my ex-girlfriend Sneha. Now, since we are not dating I am legally allowed to break the pact. I had promised her that I would not discuss it with anyone, but that was as long as we were dating.

 

So basically, the story goes back to around 3-4 years, when we were just fresh out of college. There were these three friends who had a big time crush on Sneha. They used to find ways and means to impress her and meet her, take her around and gift her stuff. Sneha just loved playing around with them. The strange part was all three were really close friends and none of them was ready to give up their crush for the other. So, all promises of 'main toh tere liye apni jaan tak de dunga' are total fake. Just don't believe in them.

 

It all started off with the college prom night. Unfortunately, even after a three years struggle all three of them were single. Not that they weren't good looking or smart, but sometimes even luck plays a pivotal role. I and Sneha were good friends then and so I asked her out for the prom night and she readily agreed. And tell you, when I went to pick her up, my mouth just opened up when she was walking down the stairs. She was looking super hot in the red outfit with just perfect makeup. So, it was obvious to fall head over heels on her that day.

 

That's when the real drama started. At the party, all three of them tried to woo her with their antics right from buying her a drink to dancing with her. Sneha hated such wannabe followers. Though, for a fact her fan following increased manifold that day. Just when Sneha was not around, the three of them surrounded me and asked me to leave the party at the earliest for my good. On the flip side, I induced them for a bet.

 

A simple bet which I knew was impossible for them to win.

"I give all three of you a chance to go on a date with her. If anyone of you successfully proposed her then I will walk away from you all. If not, you three will never show your face to us again. Deal?"

 

Casanova is what they thought of themselves. And I just played the old trump card, 'Divide and Rule'. Because the other two would never let the date go as per plan. Some twists and turns would spoil the date and that’s exactly what my plan was.

They knew it that today wasn’t their day and I was sure, with Sneha it can never be their day. So, just wanted to play along and watch the movie from behind the scenes.

Convincing Sneha was a task in itself. She was ready to shoot me dead, but eventually to my relief she gave in but for a big condition. To be revealed later on.

First to go was Abhishek. A 20 something, had his room filled with photos of cars and super bikes and dreamt to own some of them someday. His plan was to take Sneha on a long drive to Lonavla, spend the day together and come back; away from the hustle of the city. He persuaded his dad to let him drive the Merc for a day. I am sure he must have given up on a lot of stuff to convince his dad for this on treat. He did not tell the other two of his plans. And he was quite sure that they wouldn’t come miles away to spoil his date. He wanted to benefit from the fist mover advantage. Plus, he had a bungalow at Lonavla, all ready to welcome them. But they were his best friends, they somehow found out. And that was about it.

I came to know later on that it was a beautiful Bungalow facing the waterfalls, Sneha would surely have been impressed, typical girl likings you see. But, the Merc was never destined to reach the Bungalow. Why? That’s got to be an easy guess. Nope it wasn’t break failure, that was a huge risk his friends would not want to take. Abhishek had apparently made full proof plans. But he forgot that he had his best friends in competition. The petrol tank was full in the night and empty when they were half-way on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. The Merc just wouldn’t move. Abhishek had decided to drive himself to Lonavla and gave the driver an off. He must have been regretting the decision now. With no petrol pump in sight, he tried hitch-hiking to a petrol pump, which was again miles away. He couldn’t leave the Merc behind. So he asked Sneha to sit back till he arranged for some fuel. By the time he arranged for some petrol, Sneha was totally infuriated. She ordered him to drop her back home at the earliest and was in no mood to listen to him. He sort of literally begged her to let him drive her to the Bungalow but she wouldn’t budge.

Basically, Abhishek’s date plan was a big flop. His friends came home in the night to enquire about the date. Obviously, they knew what it was going to be but they wanted to have the pleasure to hear it from his mouth and they had a crazy laughter time that night. What they forgot was that a similar fate awaited them.

Next to plan was Sanchit. He decided to do what Sneha loves the most. Sneha was a total party animal and celebrity buff. He decided to take her for a club party at one of the most happening night spot of the city where most of the bollywood celebs used to descend for drinks. Sneha all dressed and decked up was eagerly waiting for the party. More than the date she was looking ahead for meeting the celebs. She just did not care about Sanchit and his plans. Sanchit rented a Hayabusa for that evening. That’s when Sneha began taking interest in him and his efforts. He had again made all arrangements. Entry through guest list, booked the best table and everything. It was all perfect; atleast it started off that way. The two of them were enjoying the date as he ensured his friends would not reach them as entry was only through guest list. But ‘honi ko kaun taal sakta hai’. His friends knew where he was.

The evening started of beautifully with Sanchit and Sneha dancing. Then Sanchit, went to get drinks. That’s when the trouble started. Sneha would get high really quick on Malibu. The bartender on the instructions of Sanchit’s friends had spiked the drink with an extra dose of Malibu. Sanchit was obviously unaware of this. One peg down and Sneha began acting crazy, like literally; shouting out load, running across the disc, spilling people’s drinks and talking to total random strangers.

Sanchit was caught off-guard. He did not know how to handle this. He somehow managed to pull her out of the disc; and dropped her back home. All his efforts in vain; he silently went back home to his room. There the other two were just waiting for him to come anytime. On seeing his depressed face they burst out laughing. That’s when he realized that the two of them were surely involved somewhere; but did not understand how. All the while he thought there was something wrong with Sneha, but finally he came face to face with the true culprits. That’s when he was informed about Sneha’s reaction towards Malibu and them tipping of the bartender to do so.

Two down, third in line was Vicky; and I admit, smarter of the lot. Abhsihek and Sanchit had tried to keep their plans hidden but Vicky openly disclosed the same. Vicky had a waterfront row house at Madh. He had planned a candle-light dinner, by the water under the moonlight with the canopy over their head.

Vicky was ready for the plan and so were his friends. But a major setback awaited them. And it wasn’t the pair on date this time but it was Abhishek and Sanchit. Vicky had misled them. He had actually booked his uncle’s farm house at Dahanu. He blindfolded Sneha and took her to the place so that she wouldn’t realize where they were heading to and tip off his friends. Fortunately,  Dahanu was miles away from Madh. But since Abhishek and Sanchit started off earlier than Vicky they had some time to catch up. But the question was how.

At the other end Vicky was having an amazing time. His plans were exactly the same as disclosed, only the venue changed. Even Sneha was not aware of the shift. The weather was nothing less of romantic, with light music playing in the background, the sun set view and a butler at your service. Vicky was confident of passing the test. With the full moon shining above them, through the translucent canopy, Vicky got down to his knees and took Sneha’s hand forward. Just as he removed the ring from his pocket, the canopy came crashing in.

Vicky was aghast as to how did this happen. He managed to get himself and Sneha out of the fallen canopy but did not find anyone around. The butler also did not know how all this happen. He started blaming some ghosts who he says visits the farmhouse every few months. Vicky took Sneha inside the house where he had made alternative arrangements. He decided to push the proposal section a bit back, giving Sneha sometime to come back to normalcy. But that wasn’t a wise decision I must say. Horror music began playing on the stereo’s in place of the romantic music with occasional shirks. Sneha began to freak out when suddenly something flew past her. She ran out of the farmhouse into the car and just drove herself away from the farmhouse. Vicky came running behind her, shouting and pleading her to stop. But she just wouldn’t listen. When the car zoomed out off the road, he saw Abhishek and Sanchit coming in on their bikes. He began to wonder, if it was not them, then who messed up his plans. Now, he went into a state of shock, for if ghosts really do exist. He hasn’t visited the farmhouse ever again.

The story doesn’t end here. They three felt betrayed and I wanted to give them another chance at wooing her. But it would have to be a face off. I told them I would be getting Sneha to Adam and Steve this weekend. Adam and Steve have got a contest running. The winner gets another round of date with her. They were game, unaware of what test I was putting them to.

That’s when Shubhika walked in. “Aarav I will kill you if you told them about the trio.”

And my over so smart friends, “Yes, he did. But you know about his ex-girlfriends antics?”

“I am Sneha, that was my name before marriage.” And after a pause, “And I am sure he did not tell you guys the main climax of each incident.  Aarav was the ghost. He gave the idea to remove the petrol from the car. And it was he who knew that I get high on Malibu.”

Everyone was stunned and staring at me. I was feeling really embarrassed, but that did not stop Shubhika.

“He had a big time crush on me, but did not have the guts to propose me. It was I who had to propose him eventually. Reverse proposal you see.”

Everyone began to laugh and I had never felt so embarrassed ever before in my life.

That’s when a friend asked, “What was the last chance then?”

“We never went to Adam and Steve. That’s a gay club and they had a stripping competition that weekend.”

(P.S: This fiction was originally written for Mentor Mantra which can be accessed on http://www.joomag.com/magazine/mentor-mantra-taking-you-forward-second-editi/0098553001353246888)

Backstab - Part 4

Whenever at any board meetings any issue cropped up or if any matter was to be discussed, then Veer and Shikha would always be at loggerheads. Every time trying to cut the other and contradict each other.


But these gruelling debates would turn into love, no-one could ever even imagine. But it did happen. Since Abhishek and Manvi were busy with the daily chores of office, it was decided to send Veer and Manvi to Agra to attend a conference. Well, Agra – the city that houses The Taj – the symbol of love, who could resist falling in love.

In front of the Taj Veer proposed to Shikha and she consented.

Post the Board meeting, at Vishal’s residence, Vishal, Manvi and Veer were discussing about ways to bump Abhishek further, but they still couldn’t understand how come even the other party turned out to be a fraud.

“It was because of me.” entered Shikha.

Rest of the three together,
“You.”, in a proper questionable and shocking tone.

“Yes. It’s me. I also have a small revenge to take against that f*****g loser.”

Veer concerned, “What did he do to you sweety?”

“I will let you know soon. Currently I am more interested in getting rid of him from my life and teach him a lesson of a lifetime.”

Now, since these four master-minds had shaken hands together, Abhishek was sure to have a royal time, and all that in a situation where he does not even know he is being targeted and some people are up in arms plotting against him.


Well, no one is alone in this world. Tables had to turn but the question was, was it in favour of Abhishek or it tilted further towards Manvi and gang.


Once Manvi was late for office and there was a surprise waiting for her when she entered Abhishek’s cabin.

There inside talking to him was none other than Meghna. She silently hid behind the door but failed to hear the entire conversation.

After Meghna left Abhishek’s cabin just as Manvi was about to enter, she saw Meghna going straight to Shikha’s cabin. Now that was more of a shocker. Do Shikha and Meghna know each other? And why are they meeting up in Abhishek’s office?

Here again she slid behind the door and tried to overhear them. And this conversation was a lot more audible.

“What do you think you are doing Shikha?”

“Meghna. How come you in my office?”

“Shikha, didn’t I tell you not to do anything to Abhishek.”

“But he spoilt your life Di. How could I let him go off so easily?”

Manvi was stunned. And in her anger she did one of the biggest blunders ever.

She marched directly into Abhishek’s cabin and gave him two tight slaps right across his face.

Abhishek was way too shocked to react. He just kept staring at Manvi in her eye while she broke down.

“Why the hell did you have to do this to me? I have always loved you more than myself. And you…you ditched me for that s***t.”

Abhishek still was not aware of what exactly was she talking about as it had been a long time since he and Meghna parted ways.

“Just to stay in touch with that b***h, you gave her sister the job. Now I understand why were you stressing on Shikha getting the job instead of Veer.”

Now, that was a shock for Abhishek, as he was totally unaware of the fact that Shikha was Meghna’s sister.

And the next thing he does is summoning Shikha to his cabin.

Meghna had left the office, but the office atmosphere was surely going to be in turmoil.

Shikha entered Abhishek’s cabin, and seeing Manvi in tears at the other end, she understood that something was surely wrong, and had to be really careful with her words.

“Ms. Shikha. Can I please know who was that female you just met in your cabin?”

“Sorry sir, but if I am not wrong, she came to my cabin after meeting you only.”

“Don’t try and act over smart with me. You clearly know what I am pointing towards.”

“Yes, Mr.Abhishek, I know what you want me to speak about.”

“You are fired.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Do you know whom you are playing around with? I am the owner of this damn company.”

“I don’t care.”

“Do you wish to leave with respect or thrown out from here?”

“None of the two.”

“And what do you think will convince me not to fire you?”

“We both have a copy of the employment contract signed between us. It clearly states on the 5th page clause no. 7, that even if both the parties agree the contract cannot be brought to an end before completion of a year.”

“You think that contract is going to save you.”

“Atleast for your company’s reputation, you may have to. And then there are just six months for that year to get over. And by then who know’s, even the company maybe over.”

“What the hell are you trying to say?”

But Shikha jus walked out of the cabin, and Abhishek did sniff in that something was fishy.


Next Part Releases on 11th February, 2009

Backstab - Part 3

Abhiman Services Ltd. had bagged their first service contract with the help of the team working under Shikha. They had literally slogged day and night for a week to be able to provide the best back-up strategy and presentation to convince the prospective client over their reliability inspite of them being the newest entrant to the industry.

But it became a point of envy for Veer as she had bagged the first contract for the company ahead of him. And since both of them were on a probationary period, she had notched an early lead into the race.

Well not really. Veer had the full support of Manvi in his efforts. It sometimes made people doubt the reason for the inclination, but as long as they brought work for the company, nobody ever questioned. And within a month of the start, Veer and his team successfully got charge for a multinational company’s activities. It was a really huge contract with a contract value being 10 times more than what Shikha had acquired.

So, now the real battle had begun. The survival of the fittest. And this had also brought him to an extent in the good books of Abhishek, as at the end of the day he was interested in business and nothing else.



With a steady workforce of 20 people working for the company, though in groups, one headed by Veer and the other by Shikha, the company was going great guns. But as it is said that fights could be a start for a new relationship. It holds really true in their case.

Two people who couldn’t stand the other person, and were always upto some political move to outdo the other, imagine the two of them falling in love. Truly filmy style. Well, that’s another long story to be told some other time, but surely a sweet and romantic one.

But this story does play a vital role in the story of Abhishek and Manvi. The question is whether to strengthen the weakening bonds or detangle the loose ends. That only time would tell.

Back to Abhiman Services Ltd. The company was now more than 6months old, and it had been already 3months since Veer and Shikha had put behind all their differences and started working together as a team. And that was also after confirmation coming in from Abhishek to retain the two. But then why was the company not progressing. Hardly any new assignments were being procured and all the old one’s were running behind schedule. Was it because of the workload or some selfish motives of an insider?

Abhishek had lost his sleep as gradually his investments were eroding and he could do nothing about it. Profits were far from sight. On the contrary the situation was such that the company was paying penalties for delaying the completion date. Things were not at all smooth and beyond control.

Abhishek was totally unaware of what was going on behind his back. Well loads of plotting and backstabbing were the grim reality.

And who was the culprit. None other than Manvi. And was she alone in it. Well, not really.

Lets move back to the conversation between Manvi and Vishal at the mall.

“Manvi, please stop crying. You know that I can never see you cry.”

“Why did he have to do this to me? I loved and cared for him so much and this is what he gives me in return.”

“But what can you do about it. Maybe just leave him.”

“Nope. Not so easily.” Manvi continued wiping her tears. “This b*****d needs to learn a lesson.”

Vishal was rather stunned.

“What are you planning to do?”

“He wants to start a new business. I will take him to bankruptcy and then dump him.”

“You got to be kidding.”

“I am hell serious. And Vishal, please I need your help in this.”

After a bit of hesitation, Vishal gave in.



Abhishek wanted to know what was actually happening and how come all of a sudden the tide had turned against his company and so he called a meeting of the main personnel’s of his office, the Board Meeting.

While in the midst of the meeting, Abhishek got a call from an unknown number,

“Is this Mr.Abhishek.”

“Yes, speaking, may I know who is on the line.”

“That’s not important. What is important for you is to know that two of your clients are actually fraud companies and their offices have just been raided and seized by the police officials.”

“What?”, Abhishek had got the shock of his life.

These two were the first contracts bagged by Abhiman Services Ltd.

But then there was a smile on the face of Manvi and even Veer.

Well, the connection was pretty evident. Veer was Manvi’s reply to Abhishek, for ditching her for another female.

Veer was Vishal’s younger brother.

Equally shocking was a wicked smile on the face of Shikha. Now what was she upto?

It’s better if we leave it on time to answer this question.


Next Part Releases on 15th January, 2010

Backstab - Part 2

Abhishek & Manvi were in search of an associate who could be highly qualified to help them run the business smoothly, but at the same time not demand a high remuneration. So, in short they would have to look for young people with hardly any experience, but a vast knowledge base and put in their entire enthusiasm to achieve their dreams in life.

That’s when Abhishek interviewed Shikha. She was young, dynamic, good-looking and most of all, her qualification perfectly fitted into the criteria. Abhishek was bowled over by her confidence and had almost made up his mind to appoint her, when Manvi intervened with seeking Veer’s appointment at the post. Manvi felt that in the circumstances in which they are and the qualifications they are in search for, were all present in Veer and he would do an amazing job if appointed.

Both Abhishek and Manvi stressed upon appointing their selections as the companies new associate. Just then, they learnt that their bankers had approved of their venture loan. So a thought crossed their minds at that point of time.

Veer and Shikha both got their appointment letters within a week’s time, to join from next month on a probationary period of 6months. The better performer would continue and the other would be asked to leave.

But to get this appointment letter, both had indeed put in a lot of efforts. Their efforts were not to prove themselves as the better candidate, but actually prove that the other wasn’t worthy of the handling the post. A bit of politics even before joining the office, so the real office politics was yet to come.

But why all this for a petty job?


But how come, after seven years of togetherness, a point of dis-agreement.


Well, sorts of both of them had points to defend themselves. A few months before quitting the bank, Abhishek was gradually getting attracted to his colleague Meghna. They used to spend most of the time together at office, and if that was not less, Abhishek even began dropping her home. That was just the start. Later on, he would drop over for a coffee and at times even stayed overnight. And then what happened I guess only the two of them know.

Manvi was out of town for her Ad research and was informed of all this by Vishal when she came back.

Now, the question why did Vishal tell her and how did he know.

Vishal and Meghna used to stay in the same building, or to be more precise they were neighbours. So he had seen the two of them many a time’s together, late at nights.

And then one day, incidentally Vishal bumped into Manvi at a store.

“Hey, Hi Manvi.”

“Ohh!!…Hi Vishal.”

“Long time. Atleast you remember me. How have you been?”

“Still your sarcasm hasn’t left you.”

“So, you still remember some of my habits.”

“Why do you enjoy hurting someone so much?”

“You were the one who desert guys, and then we look for someone else. First me and now Abhishek.”

“Shut up. And wait a sec. What did you just say? Desert Abhishek. My foot.”

“Then inspite of you being there, why does he need another female.”

“I don’t get you. Can we just sit over a cup of coffee and you tell me what you are exactly trying to tell.”

They went and sat at a nearby coffee shop.

“Don’t tell me, you got no clue about it?”

“If I had a hint of what you are talking about, then wouldn’t have bothered you for sure.”

“No formality. Even after that incident, I tried to be friends, but you only ran away.”

“Can you please get to the topic? I need to rush back home.”

“I have seen Abhishek with Meghna many a times. He drops her home, and lately has even started staying over at times.”

“How do you know all this?”

“She is my neighbour. She was my associate’s fiancée. They were engaged and were about to get married. But due to some reason the marriage broke off and she moved out of her family house.”

There was silence for a while.

“She moved in just around two months back. Since then, Abhishek has been seen around, very often together. Its even talked about, that he is the reason behind the marriage being called off.”

“What rubbish?”

“You think I am fooling around. Then you are most welcome to come over and check the visitor’s register and speak to our neighbours. You will know it for yourself.”

Manvi was in tears.

They spoke for a while, bringing back old memories and how to get out of the current situation.

She was heartbroken. She didn’t expect this sort of behaviour from her long time beau Abhishek.

“Thanks Vishal.”

And she left the café after having no words to defend Abhishek.

Vishal offered to drop her back home, but she preferred the rick instead.


Abhishek confessed all to Manvi about him and Meghna.

“I didn’t even realise when did I got dragged away in that direction.”

“How could you do this to me Abhi.”

“I promise you, this will never happen again. Just give me one more chance.”

“You actually think all’s going to be the same after all this.”

“Sorry Manvi. You know that I can’t live without you.”

“I can see that very well. I left my parents and my career behind for your sake, and this is how you treat me back. I wasn’t hurt so much when my parents refused to recognise me as their daughter after my decision to live with you. And if it wasn’t today that I met Vishal by chance, I would have never even have come to know the truth.”

“Ohh…so that b*****d…Vishal told you all this. You still meet him that f****r”

“It was just a co-incidence that we met each other at the mall. And you have no right to talk about all this, after what you have done.”

The debate lasted for hours, with Manvi finally giving in but surely with some sort of grudge in her heart. And on realising that Vishal was the person who told Manvi all, he felt insecure once again, thinking that the two still meet and are getting closer and recollecting those old college days when the two were awarded the “Hottest Couple In college” tag at the Prom Night.

So after so many years together, the cracks had begun to crop up, just for a small mistake, a small lust maybe.

But was actually everything back to normal or…???


Next Part Releases on 2nd January, 2010

Backstab - Part 1

It’s been seven years to the relationship of Abhishek & Manvi. They were dating each other since their college days. They surely could be counted amongst the rarest of couples to be going steady, even though starting off at a teen age.

Currently they were in the process of setting up a new company, and had just zeroed it upon the data entry business. They were in the look out for young professionals, of their similar age to fill up the vacant posts in their newly floated company. They named it Abhiman Services Ltd.

Abhishek was a Commerce graduate, and was working in an international bank since four years, before finally deciding to call it quits.

Manvi was a graduate in Mass Media, and was employed with the top ad firm in town, before halting her career ambitions to support Abhishek’s endeavor in the new territory of business.

Manvi sticked along to Abhishek’s decisions and always supported him, right from his decision of dropping out from the MBA course, post completing his graduation, till date. She was probably the only motivating factor in Abhishek’s life.

So how did Manvi enter Abhishek’s life?

It was the annual awards day in college and the college was in look out for two new comperes for the function. That’s when they met for the first time. They initially met up as co-hosts, gradually with the turn of events changing the relationship to friends, best friends, so-called good friends, and eventually turning that officially to that of a couple.

Alongside, as there mutual relationship progressed, also saw a sharp climb in their respective popularity charts in the college premises. They soon became the most sought after hosts for various events within the college.

But as it is rightly said that, if you do not stay put down on earth as you soar to greater heights, your ego & attitude is bound to bring you crashing down. Though, Manvi stayed firm on her feet, Abhishek became a dreamer of reaching out at those things, the prospects of accomplishments of which were bare minimum. And just when his career was at its peak, he made the biggest mistake of letting go off to host a show at the city level. He turned down the offer giving vague reasons, thinking he would be given a more lucrative offer, which eventually didn’t happen and he washed his hands on this opportunity.

And Vishal, a popular model, from the same college replaced him as the host for the event alongwith Manvi.

And, that was a huge leap in Manvi’s career, when an announcement almost became an obstacle to her rising career. All of a sudden out of no-where, Abhishek confirmed to the college magazine in an interview that he & Manvi have been seeing each other for three years. The fact was kept hidden so far, as the declaration would make it sort of mandatory for organizers to invite the duo to host the event & not as singletons.

But luckily, with changing circumstances she handled the uprift professionally, but finally gave up the field, when she realized that her upward movement was creating a sense of insecurity in the mind of Abhishek. And anyways that was there last year in college.

And the insecurity in the mind of Abhishek was not that he did not trust Manvi. There was more to there past. Vishal was Abhishek’s best friend in the first two years of college. And during those two years Manvi was Vishal’s girl. With the turn of events and circumstances, friendship between Abhishek and Vishal had taken a bad turn.

Vishal was a popular host in college, and was aspiring to make it big it in the modelling industry. Manvi was against this idea of his, eventually leading to their break up. During their two years relationship, Abhishek had met Manvi just a couple of times. Vishal did manage his relationship and never let his friends down. But then Abhishek and Manvi came to know each other only when they became co-hosts. And then soon turning into a couple, created a rift among the trio. The friendship broke off without even giving in a second thought.

This was the reason of Abhishek’s insecurity. What if Vishal tries to take Manvi away from him? What if he still likes Manvi? What if he still seeks revenge?

And in that frame of mind he did the blunder of going public about his relationship, indirectly putting a full stop in Manvi’s rising career.


Four years post graduating out of colleges, they are still together, and now venturing into an altogether new horizon, after pooling in all their contacts, finances, and resources into this new venture. It was sort of a dream come true for Abhishek, & Manvi just hopped along as his shadow.

The duo were soon to be engaged and preparations were on the way. They were getting engaged against the wishes of their parents. But well who cares. They had stuck to each for seven years against their parent’s desires; so taking a step ahead in the relationship wasn’t surely a big deal. And then this was not the only step taken by Abhishek against his parent’s wishes. His decision to quit MBA, quit the high profile job, start of a new business, were all against his parents wishes.


But this is not the story only of Abhishek & Manvi. There is also Veer and Shikha.


Next Part Releases on 24th December, 2009

...Breaking News...

The Best Buddies (fiction) story goes off net from immediate effect.

It will soon be replaced by short fictional stories, with lesser number of parts & completed within a shorter time frame.

Hoping to continue to receive your continued readership & comments on improving the blog.

Thanking one & all for their patronage to the blog.

Will try my best to live upto your requirements.

Jai Ho!!!

Best Buddies - Does History repeat itself? - Part 16

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.




The night was over, but the after happenings or actually after shocks of the day had not actually even begun. The mom’s debate was somewhat just like the trailer.

Early morning I was totally blasted off by the accounts sir for this being the worst performance ever under his teaching of mine. It was so embarrassing that people expect so much from you and you fail so badly on their expectations.

If that was less, then came in Ishita.
“Remember your face when you didn’t rank first in class, when Ronak had just joined school. And what you upto dude? Have you gone nuts.” And when girls start speaking, all comma’s and full stops are jumped over and she continued for a while.

That was the morning session of the three-session day. Later in the school, the teachers started off criticizing every student after the other.
‘Such a poor performance.’
‘I have never seen such an academically poor class.’
‘You are the cream students of the school and this is how you perform.’

It was like a mental torture, worse than the third degree torture in Mumbai jails.

But one of the issues pending was my resignation from the school cricket team. Discussion on that was still pending. And I knew facing Mr.Sinhal, the sports in-charge will surely be a difficult task.

The talk did happen, but much before I expected it to happen. He called me in his cabin.

“Nikhil. I spoke to your teachers and some friends after I received your message. I know, being in 12th studies needs to be your priority but then I have seen the passion in you for cricket and it’s a sports you surely can pursue.”

I knew this would happen. I was spoilt for a choice. Studies or cricket? I stood their silent for a while.

“Its now or never. You have to decide now. Many tournaments are currently lined up. Its time to make it big. It will be the biggest mistake to quit, especially when you are leading in the chase towards the top. But then the decision is all yours. I can’t force anything upon you. You take a call. And I shall respect your decision.”

I had a fair idea of the events lined up and the chances of hitting it to the top if I continued with it. Just when I was ready to take in the chance, the events of the day before came flashing in to my mind and I had to continue into a longer thinking break. I was confused, but a decision was pending. I needed some time.

“Sir, I have a small request. I need some time.”

“In sports time is all important. I need your decision by the end of the day. No-one would be as happy as I would if you take back your resignation, and no-one would be as supportive as me if you stick to your decision. Rest I leave it to you. You are smart enough to decide what’s good and what’s not. Have a nice day.”

I left the room, in a weird state of mind, totally unaware of the people walking up and down the corridor around me. They might consider me to have gone crazy, but I myself didn’t know what exactly was I upto.

I tried to look out for Ranbir, but he was in midst of an inter-school football match, so that did not work out. The next option was Ishaan.

He was in the auditorium practicing for a play to be performed a few days from now, for some dignitaries coming down to school. But he wasn’t accessible either, as he was inside the hall, and for so-called security reasons, other students like me were not allowed inside. I tried hard to persuade the security guard to let me in, but he was too stubborn to let me go. My all attempts failed to convince him of the urgency of the situation. At one point of time, I felt like knocking him down and enter. He was just adding fuel to my frustration fire.

I quietly walked to the canteen and settled down for a cup of coffee, and was thinking of the decision I had to take. I wanted to continue with my passion, as without it, I would be half dead. But then, if I continued, the taunts at home of spoiling my so-called bright future and studies would begun to deteriorate would commence once again.

But then don’t we have a choice to decide, what we want to do? Why are we always governed my others dreams and aspirations? Do our dreams and aspirations have no value? Or do we also force them upon someone else in the future and live though them?

More than the decision-making thoughts, these questions began to haunt my mind. I was feeling irritated and even agitated to an extent.

And just when you are in a dilemma, in midst of a storm, you either face a survivor or you face the end. A guy, somewhat of my age only, was in the school uniform, so basically a fellow student came and sat next to me, and that’s not all, he even did kick of the conversation,

“Hey, how come Mr. Popular is alone today?”

“I am sorry, but I don’t know you.”

“I am Manish. Manish Singhania.”

I have indeed heard that name, but just couldn’t recollect where.

“I just met Mr. Sinhal, and he told me about your case. I had heard about you and your skills on field and was interested in meeting you since long, but never got the chance. Today was a lucky day indeed.”

“I am sorry, but I am actually finding it difficult to recollect your name.”

He was talking about something else, and I asked him something else, heights of confusion state, must say.

“It cannot be anyone other that Sinhal Sir, himself from whom you would have heard about me. Ex-cricket captain of the school, Best Player for three years in a row, Best Captain for two years in a row, National Player Award winner, Cricketer of the Year Award recipient. I am the same Manish Singhania.”

“Exactly. It’s an honour to meet you. You are like a living cricket legend in school. You were the first to bring the Under 19 Dubai Cup to an Indian school campus. I am so sorry for not recognizing you. Actually I am in a very bad state of mind and so such mistakes do happen.”

“Relax dude. Its fine. An its your mental dilemma that brings me here.”

“But wait a minute, can you please tell me, what prompted you to quit cricket at the peak of your career?”

“I was in the same boat in which you are sailing right now. Under parental pressure I quit cricket to improve upon my academics. And that’s the question you are facing right now, whose answer is still unknown to you, am I right?”

“Yeah. But the news that came out was you had to quit because of an injury. So was that a false rumour?”

“Very much. It was fabricated to be presentable to the outside world, as it wouldn’t have been accepted in the orignal state. Very few people know the truth, the truth which even I find it difficult to face at times.”

“But then, couldn’t you have had continued cricket, since the entire city knew you and your strength.”

“The inside reality is known to just a couple, and I tell you, so as you can take the right decision. My mom had died and for the sake of my younger sister, and me, dad got married once again. And came in the typical step-mother. Though she was very caring about my sister, she somewhat had some issues with me. She would emotionally blackmail me saying that, ‘Just because I am your stepmother you don’t listen to me and don’t study. The world will think that I have been a bad mother’, and on. So, I had to finally call it quits in 10th when I reached my saturation point at home. It was a forced decision, and not my personal one.”

“So, basically haven’t you thought of a comeback?”

“That’s not possible dude. After quitting cricket, things got worse with studies. Zero concentration as I was always deviated towards the game. At the end of the year, all this drama made me really weak, mentally and emotionally. I still feel for the game, but the passion is hidden at a place, difficult to find it back.”
I could see water droplets accumulating in his eyes. But he was strong enough a sportsman to control them.

“So, what do you expect from me?”

“Don’t quit the sport. It’s your life. If no cricket, you will have no value buddy. Studies will be affected more that what it currently is.”

“But the family pressures.”

“Reassure them. Get their confidence in your favour, that you will not neglect your studies. They will understand. I failed at that point. I just don’t want history to repeat itself. That’s the reason I am here, sitting next to you. I don’t want you to repeat the mistake I had made.”

“You have made my day, buddy. Thanks a lot.”

The day was over, so after giving him a quick hug, I left to meet Mr. Sinhal.

“Sir, just wanted to tell you, that I continue and take my resignation back. Thanks sir, bye good night.”


Just when I was running out of the building, I bumped into Ranbir.

“Nikhil, Mr. Shukla told me that you were looking for me, anything urgent.”

And then comes in Ishaan from behind.

“Nikhil, the security guard was like you wanted to see me urgently, anything wrong.”

I started laughing like crazy, and they stood there puzzled.
“Guys I have taken a decision, will tell you people in the bus, lets go.”

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Life Car - Part 15

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.






Well, who would ever think that shocks and surprises are meant to be continued for at least a day after they start. Confused?

Well after that awesome party last night and the feeling of not being single anymore had just begin to get below my throat when some other news was just ready to push all that out with a huge gush. It was time for results.

Results of what? Well, of the exam I had written a month before the cricket tournament. Wasn’t that supposed to be ages back? For we students yes, but for teachers & parents it was just a month or two back.

On top of that they even expect us to remember what mistakes we had made and where had we gone wrong. Who will make them understand that we cannot use more than 2% of our brain. It’s illegal to use more than that. That’s why Einstein was very often considered an idiot.

And yes these are just tactics to defend the blunder in exams I had committed a few ages or actually months ago. 63% on the report card. It was touted to be the next breaking news on television, beating the Sensex lows. The lowest in the history of Nikhil’s life. ‘Drops below 80% for the first time ever.’

And then I surely had some company. Ranbir was no better at 60%, well but Ishaan was the best of us three at 75%. How the heck did he manage that? Was the paper leaked to him? Naah, not possible, before he would read a question, I would have had a copy of it. So that option was invalid.

And just I was trying to look out for the viable options, Abhisek came running from behind to the proffesor. Sir, you gave me one mark less here, sir half mark here, sir some more here please, sir this is right, sir this answer is in the text book, sir the other sir gave this right. What the heck? Is he gone crazy? Actually he was smart, he increased almost seven marks after that bargaining session.

I was stunned. I had never seen something like this in my earlier school. How can you even ask the teacher to increase marks at random?

Once one of my friends had tried to request the teacher to increase two marks not given in a question, genuinely, and she threw the paper right on her face.

And then began the discussion on who was first and second and so on. Who leads whom and who’s trailing. I was totally out of the race. Well I did stop caring and bothering about it. I overheard that Sajith and Abhishek were joint first.

Sajith was absent and Abhishek wasn’t looking so happy though he was first. The last was English lecture. We had asked the teacher to give us a free period and she willingly agreed. And then Abhishek goes to mam and is like, there is a mistake in correction of Sajith’s paper, he deserves a mark less. I was stunned, like how could he do this.

That’s when someone shouted from behind,
“Just because he did not want to share the top position with anyone.”

Was he being selfish and mean? Now that was surely questionable and debatable. Maybe what he did was morally wrong but then he wasn’t wrong when you look at the situation from his point of view. Now who wouldn’t want to stand first in the class, and that also sole holder of that position.

Well, what’s the use of thinking about this, anyways things will not change and will remain the same, ‘Nerds will be nerds.’

But loads more verbal attacks awaited me at home. Mom was at her best.
“63%. I would always tell everyone that you have the potential to top in boards this time. With 63% you think you will even come in top rankers list.”

And this was just the start. She literally made me recollect my marks of mast 5-6 years and none of them below 80%. And then she was like, stop this and that, study for so many hours, you have stopped taking studies seriously, you have become careless, you just don’t care for me and the list was just going on.

At the end of it I was so frustrated and angered by the entire lecture, that I announced,
“Since past 3years you have got problem with cricket. I will leave it. Happy?”

Said that I ran to my room and bang, jumped on my bed, head down. I was already shocked with my result and Mom had already forced me to cross my saturation point. Thinking about studies and some other random stuff, I just didn’t realize when did I fall asleep.




I woke up a couple of hours later. By then Ishaan and Ranbir had invaded into my room.
My anger with the morning debate was far from over,

“What are you two doing here?”

Ishaan signaling Ranbir not to speak, himself spoke,
“Get ready in 10minutes and we are off for dinner.”

“I am in no mood guys, some other day.”

“Stop acting like a spoil sport and change quickly. We are getting late.” added in Ranbir.

“So why don’t you both leave. I am not interested in coming with you guys.”

And then Di steps in,
“Stop being rude to them. Don’t vent out Mom’s anger on them. They have been waiting for more than an hour.”
“Di, you please stay out. I am not in a mood to speak to anyone. Just leave me alone.”

Ishaan quietly pulled Ranbir out of the room and even Di left.

I was not going to calm down soon. In Di’s words, I was fuming in anger.


And then people generally take hasty decisions in a hurry and anger and I did the same.
I messaged Ansh, the cricket team captain and my sports sir, that ‘I quit cricket and would not represent the school in any future matches. Strictly no negotiations.’

In that same mood, I went to Mom, and boasted of the message to her,

“That’s it. Now I have quit cricket. You want me to leave anything now.”
She didn’t reply and so I just banged out of the room, and this time around not to my room, but to my favorite corner of the creek.



My eyes were dry post the crying session and I was sitting there alone, with not a living soul around, but just me, myself and the sky and water.


Staring at the sky, for the first time ever, I wasn’t speaking to myself. I just did not understand what to do. I wasn’t mentally stable to even face myself.


And just when you stop thinking and expecting anything from yourself in life, surprises prop up.

“Want some french fries dude?”

“Ishaan. You will never improve.”

“I am your friend after all.”

And then even Ranbir jumped in,
“Even I am their.”

“Anyone left?”, I added in.

And then Ishita, Sneha, Bhavika and Sania came out of nowhere.

I was just wondering where was Miloni, and came in a message from her,
“FAITH Makes all things possible, hope makes all things work & love makes all things beautiful. May you have all of them. Love you Jaan.”

Ishita started off,
“We are friends, we need to keep it. How could you even think that we will leave you alone when you need us.”

This line took me back to the times when I was leaving Mumbai for Dubai, and she was in hospital.

“Arey… eat those fries or pass it on to me.”, Bhavika spoke in.
And everyone broke into a laughter.

When the happiness surrounds you, who says sadness creeps in. Happiness has no bounds and ends, it just keep rising.

The Pizza Hut guy came in and delivered oven fresh pizza’s.

My mouth was watering. I just love pizza’s, and these people just made my day.

“Margarita pizza. Awesome guys, whose selection was this?”

Ishaan replied,
“Any doubt.”

“Well, apart from Ishita no-one really knows my taste, so it got to be her.”

Ishita in an acting angry tone, “Then why did you ask?”

With pizza in my mouth, I went and hugged her.

This night was memorable. These people literally made me forget everything that happened earlier in the day. It lay there in the backburner of my mind, though the consequences of it were yet to be faced by me in the near future.

The night wasn’t over yet. It had just begun. After having a feast, we went on a walk. We walked as if there was no end to the road. Over the bridge to the other side of the creek. The night view of the creek and buildings sidelining it made it a not to be missed scene.

Life wasn’t so dull if I actually think about it, though it wasn’t in the best shape also. After the awesome India trip, came in the tragedy as a speed breaker and the results as the police officer. Gradually my life car moved from the fast lane to the slow line, but luckily the red signal was yet to come. But with friends like these, I am sure there is nothing called red signal in my life. They pep up your mood whenever and wherever it is needed.



... to be continued...

Best Buddies - The last Singlet of the Triplet - Part 14

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.




Ranbir was back to Dubai and so was Ishaan. Even Ishita had landed in Dubai just a few hours back. So basically I was expecting life to hit normalcy soon and things to be back on track.

The first thing that Ranbir did after landing was to come to my place, and was taken by shock when he found out that I was almost hospitalized for low blood pressure, just because he broke the news of Ronak’s suicide to me. He then vowed never to break such news over the phone ever again.

Well, even I promised myself never to leave my friends, come what may. Stand by them at all times and remain friends forever. Its actually tests like these that help us realize what friendship means, and then people like Ishita, Ronak, Ranbir & Ishaan who add value to it. Still, I continued to consider myself a bad friend, no matter how much Sneha did try convincing me that I was a really good friend.

But things had changed a lot over the past week or so. Somehow Sneha dominated my thoughts, though totally as a friend and nothing more than that.

For instance, a huge party was thrown to mark the friendship day & celebrate the win of Ishaan and gang. I was initially hesitant to go, but somehow Sneha convinced me to go, just for the sake of my friends and for Ishaan, though Ranbir and Ishaan’s persuasion efforts failed earlier.

I was over the Ronak incident by now. And then suddenly Sneha arouse my so called hidden crush on Ishita. That also to such an extent that she even asked me to ask her out, before the friendship day bash, and go there as a couple.

Totally brainwashed by her, I totally acted as per her directions and in full enthusiasm without any normal consciousness asked her out, just for the party happening that night. She was taken aback, as she didn’t expect all this all of a sudden. And then Miss Diplomat very politely declined my proposal.

There the first girl I ever ask out rejects me. But somehow I didn’t feel so dejected. I took it very much sportingly as if nothing had actually happened. In real terms, somewhere deep inside my heart I was hurt; it’s just that I did not feel so. In real terms, I seriously don't think I had a crush on her. How can I?, she is such a sweet buddy, and thats about it.

Sneha convinced Ishita’s action by saying that probably she wasn’t ready for it, as I approached her without any signal of my having feelings for her. Girl’s are really smart at backing their counterparts very effectively, no matter if they have never met, or to whatever extent wrong they would be.


So I pulled myself together and got ready for the party. Di was like as if I was dressed up to see a girl or probably for my own marriage. And according to Sneha, the formals made my look like the most suited bridegroom of the day.

It was actually a bit embarrassing to be praised as a would be husband, but indeed I was flattered.

I was just outside the party hall waiting for Sneha, as we had decided to go together for the day. Actually Ranbir was gonna come with Sania & Ishaan with Bhavika, so, basically I just didn’t feel like going alone. It was a bit weird to go with a friend, but she had no issues, then why would I have.

Just then Miloni came along, alone. We spoke casually for a few minutes and then suddenly she goes like,

“Will you be my date tonight?”

I was just going to inform her that I have already a date for myself, when Sneha signaled from behind to go on with her. Somehow I was lost of thoughts so just went along with Miloni. Sneha knew about Miloni and my hidden infatuation towards her.

Somehow I was really pepped up, pairing up with Miloni that night. I danced like crazy that night. I had never enjoyed a party so much. Ishita, Ranbir and Ishaan were shocked to see me burning the dance floor with Miloni. It was a hell of a night.

Later on, after the party all of us went to the beach, as it was pretty close by and going back home was totally out of the question.

I was actually carrying out with Miloni, and the best part about it was that I myself was not informed about it.

Ishita, Ranbir & Ishaan were so dead sure that Miloni was just more than a date, they were even ready to bet on it, and were not at all ready to get off the stand they had taken. Somehow, after a really long deliberation by Sneha and intervention by Miloni, they agreed to the fact that I am still officially single, since birth.

It was a clear dark sky with the moon illuminated by the sun’s light. A perfect romantic night out. Miloni just then untied her hair, and she was looking gorgeous like never before in that navy blue gown.

Ranbir and Ishaan were just waiting for a chance.

“Somebody is in love.”, and soon Ishita, Bhavika, Sania and to my surprise even Sneha joined in.

I was out of words to defend myself again.

After a while, the girls were sitting together and discussing their usual stuff, and we guys were just staring at them.

Then suddenly out of nowhere, Ranbir got a rose and pushed it into my hand. And almost threw me towards the girls. I was really confused of what was going on around me.

There, Sania, Ishita, Miloni, Sneha & Bhavika, all stood in a semi-circle, with me at the center, and Ishaan & Ranbir behind me, kicking me on my back every few seconds to speak something.

And if all these sudden happenings were less, Sania pulled Ishita aside, and so did Bhavika pull Sneha. I guess they were indicated by Ranbir & Ishaan to do so.

There with the vast sea stretching behind us, the dark sky on top and the scintillating moon right over Miloni’s head, me kneeling down with the rose on one hand, and her hand on the other, I finally opened my mouth,

“Will the world’s most beautiful girl I have ever met, accept me as her boyfriend”

There was pin drop silence. The world around us as if came to a still.

“Yes.”, was all that she said.

And before even I stood up, rose petals came showering upon the two of us.

I had just given up the single tag, and these people were already as if in a mood to get the two of us married.

Ranbir and Ishaan congratulating me with the words,
“Enter the zone at your own risk.”

After all this, we all finally sat down by the seaside, exploiting the time and weather to its fullest extent.

Ishita began with the talks for the night,

“We dedicate this night to the newly weds, I mean the newly committed couple, Nikhil & Miloni. As the host for this midnight talk, my first question to the two of you, how did you people meet?”

I had just opened my mouth to reply, when Miloni started off, so I obviously had to shut up.

“Well, he was on his way to Kolkatta for the cricket tournament, and I was going there for a wedding. After some technical snag, my seat was shifted next to his. His face was worth seeing when I was seated next to him.”

But as far as I remember, I was sleeping. But she continued.

“His mouth was wide open. And what a dumbo he was, he did not even bother asking my name or anything. I only had to start the conversation. That’s how we met for the first time.”

Ishita then continued,
“That is true Nikhil style. Now it’s the turn of Bhavika & Ishaan. How did you people meet up?”

Is it that girls normally dominate in a relationship? I was literally sensing that. Here also, it was Bhavika who replied and not Ishaan,

“Well, we met a cousins wedding. He was from the groom’s side and I was from the bride’s. There is this ritual of hiding the groom’s shoes. So he was responsible for hiding them. He was looking really nice that day, probably the only time till date. I was told to get the shoes from him. I casually asked him for the shoes and he willingly gave them to me, realizing his blunder only after I left. After the wedding we met, and hit off really well. People already had started calling us a cute couple and they were like, how about two weddings today. And that’s how we are together today.”

Now, she went a step ahead of Miloni. It was actually an attempt to prove, their guy is better than that of others. And here, me and Ishaan scratching our heads, and thinking what was Sania going to come up with.

Ishita continued,
“So cute of Ishaan. Now, the third couple of the lot, Sania & Ranbir.”

And as expected, Sania spoke first,
“Jaanu, you want to tell or shall I.”, though it was a lovely way to ask, her eyes said it all, that you better reply in the negative.

Ranbir goes like, “Jaan, you shouldn’t even be asking, carry on.”

“Well, I was Nikhil’s date for the party at Spellbirds. There even Ranbir & Ishaan were present with their dates. Though I had come with Nikhil, I was more engrossed in a conversation with Ranbir. He was really a smart guy. We remained in touch for a while and then he asked me out before leaving for Bangalore, last month. Since then it’s been a great time.”

Well, frankly speaking that was really nice & sweet and the least exaggerating of the three and closer to reality. Hats off to Sania.


So basically that was all for one of the most memorable days of my life, as we took a cab back home, I dropped Miloni at her place, though the only thing missing that night was the goodnight kiss, probably some other day, well night.


...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Realising the importance - Part 13

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.





The journey back to Dubai was pretty smooth, basically like no hiccups during the travel. In the almost three hours flight, most of my time was spent smiling at the round of events happening in almost the last 2-3weeks.

The Jai-Ranbir friendship break up mystery, and leaving for Kolkatta just before the reality was going to be disclosed, then getting lost in the city, breaking the three instructions, losing the finals, back to Mumbai after months, then to Delhi, Ronak’s miserable life, Ranbir’s taunt, but to end on a happy note, Ishaan’s birthday.

Like its been said in popular movies, in the end, all’s always well, and if it’s not, then the movie is still left.

Post reaching Dubai, Mom had given me strict instructions to get back to the boards and make me realize that I was in 12th, the year that can make or break my life. My sports sir was like since this is your last year, prove your cricketing skills. And if this was less, Di goes like; in the last year in school also you will remain single.

My brain was already spinning with all this thoughts, when the movie of my life had another major turn awaiting me.

I was alone at home, and all of a sudden Ranbir called up.

“Hey, Nikhil, how was the flight back. Enjoyed with the airhostess on flight?”

“You got to be kidding dude. They were all those aunty types.”

“By the way, I wanted to give you some news.”

“Don’t tell me you are not coming back to Dubai soon. I will shoot you.”

“Dude, their is something more serious to talk about.”

I was feeling rather scared.

“What’s about it? Tell me.”

“Nikhil.”, and after an abnormally long pause, “Ronak committed suicide.”

“What?”
I had got the shock of my life. I was just not able to digest the news. And hundreds of questions like, why, how, when did all this happen came splashing into my brain.

“When did all this happen. And any idea why did he do so?”, I some how picked up myself and the courage to ask Ranbir this. I was actually in totters.


“The next day after you left, some policemen went to Ronak’s house for some investigation related purpose. That’s when they revealed the entire happening. Just a few days before the accident some guys tried misbehaving with Sejal and Ronak had called in the cops and got them arrested. After their release, they were seeking revenge. That day, after Ronak dropped Sejal, these guys followed her with acid in their hand. She was trying to run away from them, and accidentally stepped on the road, when the speeding car, threw her away.”

I was already in shatters, after hear about Ronak’s suicide, and this just made matters worse. I was gradually losing control over myself.

Ranbir continued, unaware of my mental status.
“Ronak’s parents had decided not to tell Ronak the truth, but he had overheard the entire conversation. He locked himself into his room. When he did not open the room for several hours, his Mom got worried and they broke the door. But, then it was already to late. Ronak’s had etched out Sejal on his hand, which also cut his nerves. There was blood all over the floor, and Ronak was no more.”

I guess, my brain and heart had reached their saturation point.

I just shouted,
“He killed himself, because of me.”, and then slammed the phone down.

Actually the phone slipped of my hand, I had fainted for the first time in my life.

I don’t even faintly remember, but after a few hours when I got back to my senses, around 10 people surrounded me. Mom was crying, Dad was tensed, and Di expressionless.

The Doctor then said that I was fine now and listed down a few medicines.

I knew I had loads of questions to answer, I could actually see them on their faces. A couple of my aunts and neighbors also filled in my room. All staring at me, and me turning my head from left to right just like in a tennis match with no clue what’s happening and like a typical saas-bahu serial, what’s going to happen next mystery.

Thanks to Di, they all left the room soon and I felt a bit relaxed. Actually for a while I did forgot about Ronak’s suicide till Di, closed the room and asked me,

“What’s wrong Nikhil? Your blood pressure was really low. How could you be so careless.”

And then I came face to face with reality, Ronak was no more.

I told Di in brief about everything from what Monica told me, to what Ranbir did.

She anyways knew Ronak and was also taken aback and couldn’t come to terms with what happened.

But then I somehow began to blame myself for his life. If only I had not left him alone in these times, maybe he would not have taken such an extreme step.

I was actually being a too harsh on myself and hit myself a couple of times till Di stopped me. I began crying like a small baby and slept on her laps for a while.


It actually took me a few days to get back to a bit of normalcy and that also just because I began moving out a bit. For the initial days I was totally under house arrest.

But it was a totally different me. Hundred percent silence, no interest on what’s happening around me and at times I wouldn’t even know that some person is next to me. I was lost in my own world.

In the mean time I backed out from a forthcoming Cricket tourney also, and that surely didn’t go down well with the team and officials, thinking that I was being really unprofessional and not being sporty. But surely things were not in my hand and not at all under my control.

I was given strict instructions by the doctor to not to be carried away emotionally as that could actually do a lot of damage to my brain. And with those instructions Mom made life all the more difficult for me, with one hundred and one restrictions imposed upon me.

During these times, I did miss Ishaan and Ranbir a lot. Ishita also was not in town. The loneliness actually began to eat me and failing to realize that this is actually what Ronak had gone through. Every few minutes I could see the helpless face of Ronak in front of me.

Walking alone to tuitions and back with no one to speak to. I was gradually being isolated as I surely was not in any mood to make any new friends whom I could spend some time with. It was really difficult for me to spend every minute as Mom put even a restriction on cricket, so catching up with teammates was also out of question.

Life was never so bad. I somehow mentally balanced myself as the week passed by and understood the trauma that Ronak would have faced. Whatever happened, the untimely death of Ronak and to some extent even that Sejal did hurt.

All this actually did help me realize the importance of Ronak and his friendship in my life. He help a special place in my heart, which no one would ever be able to replace.

That’s when I met Sneha. She was Mom’s school friend’s daughter. They had come over for dinner and she was actually from my school. Basically that was the first day after Ronak’s death that I had smile, that’s what Mom felt, I rather not comment anything on that.

She was a good looking, decent and smart girl but somehow I was least interested. I just didn’t bother about who she was. The most annoying part was when Mom goes like, ‘Why don’t the two of you go on a walk to the creek.’

I was not even in a mood but Di forced me to go, and helplessly I did. But this was actually a turning point. I really felt better that day when I spoke to some one, and we actually were together for a couple of hours and I did speak my heart out. We went and sat at my favorite place and I really enjoyed the time spent. I did not even realize when did the time fly by, till Di called me up to come back soon.

I was really feeling lighter after the walk and conversation. Somehow it was nothing less than magic. It was a very different and refreshing feel that I was going through. Thanks to Sneha, for whatever she did.

The next days I totally spent in her company and she did help me realize that it wasn’t my entire fault after all for what Ronak faced though I actually convinced her that somewhere I could have stopped it. Sneha, I can say actually totally brainwashed my thinking process. She gave me a new perspective and approach to life and brought me back to reality from my dream world.

I enjoyed her company and got over Ronak and even missed Ishaan and Ranbir less frequently, as according to her, it was a time of transition in our friendship, so that I actually realize the actual value of my friends that I have always failed to realize. I stopped taking friendship for granted from then onwards.
A new Nikhil was in the making, rejuvenated and transformed.


...to be continued...

Best Buddies - The Birthday Gift - Part 12

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.


A long drive on the roads of Delhi, especially in the night is just indescribable. The clear dark sky, with stars twinkling and straight traffic free roads is just and added advantage.

Later on we all i.e. Ranbir, Ronak, Monica and me sat on the terrace of Ranbir’s house. Just then it struck Ranbir and me sort of at the same time that preparations for Ishaan’s surprise birthday party was yet to be made.

We sat there staring at the sky wishing if some idea could strike us soon. And then out of nowhere Monica jumped up and goes like,

“He is participating in Youth Cult Fest right?”

I staring at Ranbir, giving the expression like what’s wrong and then reply to her,

“Yes.”

“Your work is done guys. Your surprise will be planned. Give me time till tomorrow morning.”

Ranbir prompted in,

“What you thinking to do?”

“Guys just leave it to me. The entire plan will be sketched and told to you in the morning. Can we go to sleep now, Please.”

“So you told that just so that you could go to sleep. How selfish?”

“Shut up Ranbir. Leave it to me. Goodnight Guys.”

Monica and Ronak got up and went to sleep downstairs.

I and Ranbir stayed up for a while, trying to enjoy the last few days in Delhi and the vacation.

But the sadness of Ronak condition caught over my face. Somehow all the while, with the aim of giving support to Ronak I hid it, but couldn’t help it any further.

And if my situation was so difficult, then imagine how difficult it must have been to bring the smile on his face.

Ranbir saw it on my face and was like,

“Nikhil, whom do you love the most, at present.”

Going into a deep thought. What was that supposed to mean? On second thoughts, I love my family, friends, couldn’t think of anything else.

“Common answer Nikhil. Be specific, and please don’t be a diplomat.”

That created all the more the trouble. Specifically, who?

“Don’t take so long. Lets put it this way. Who has always been your support and you always look upto whether you are sad or happy.”

“It got to be Di. She has actually been a support system for me many a times.”

“And how much have you missed her in the past few days.”

“Actually a lot at times but then things around me helped not to remember her a lot. I mean in Kolkatta the team was there and with a few I share a good rapport. And then you have been here in Delhi all the while so hardly I remember her.”

“That’s what the whole point is. You have friends all over you so you don’t miss the person you love the most and on top you know that you will be with her in a few days from now.”

Ranbir was talking more than just common sense. He was not just the usual himself.

“Imagine his situation. New to Delhi, hardly made any friends, no family support, met Sejal, and she gave him the life he missed all the while. More than a girlfriend he saw a friend in her.”

This statement actually hurt me. I mean I have never been able to realize that there are some people who will always need you, no matter however far you are away from them. They see you as a lifelong friend and you just don’t tend to realize the truth, and when you realize its to late as that person feels that you are not going to be back and they decide to move ahead and then you end up staying there hoping for things to turn in your favor, repenting your earlier action.

“And accept it or not. He missed your entire group of Mumbai. You people were his lifeline. And he couldn’t see anyone taking your place in Delhi and that’s what made him lonely. His parents are working and spent really less time with him and even they couldn’t keep their married life happy. So the best moments of his life have been with you people. You considered him your best friend. Dude, he was totally dependent on you.”

He was hitting out so badly to me. I mean I just couldn’t stand all this any longer.

“I am not sure if you noticed or not, but his face did brighten up on seeing you, but just he couldn’t express it, as he was in a deep shock already.”

He was right. I seriously didn’t notice all that. How could I be such a fool? It’s said that if you listen to your heart carefully then you will always hear the voice of your near and dear one’s. Probably I failed to hear myself.

“Sorry if you felt bad, but that’s the truth buddy. The earlier you accept it, the better for you. Anyways me off to sleep. I know you will not be able to sleep tonight, but if you feel like talking to someone, you can always come to me. And don’t bother to think that did Ranbir say all that.”

Just when he was walking downstairs he goes like,

“By the way, I didn’t find a good time to tell you, but I am dating Sania. Details later on. Goodnight.”

For a minute, I was shocked, but then I had others thinks to ponder over, so I somehow postponed the thinking on this topic for an indefinite period.

It actually took me a while to get over all the attacking words of Ranbir. But then actually he wasn’t wrong.

I have known Ronak for quite a lot of a time now. But somehow he was acting strange and a lot changed. He was not the same guy I was a friend with.

Then actually putting the puzzle pieces of Ranbir’s words together, I realized the mistake of my life. I had left Ishita alone when she needed me the most, and then Ronak.

I descended down the stairs into Ronak’s room. I was quite sure he would be awake.

I went and sat next to him, where he was sleeping. But I was wrong. He was sleeping soundly and as per what Monica had mentioned it’s been time that he would be sleeping so well.

I sat next to him for a while, remembering the time we spent together. The school life was way to good to be forgotten and the time spent is just unforgettable.

I remembered the incident, when we are playing around in the science lab and a glass broke and smoke was going up the air and the fear on our faces. Inspite of knowing that we were not at fault we were so scared that we sat in our class for the entire day without uttering a word. Slowly and gradually the incidents just came flashing by and me lost in them.

It was really late so then I decided to go to bed. Just when I stood up, came in these words from Ronak,

“Nikhil. You will leave without even saying a word.”

I was stunned. He was actually awake.

“Ronak, its just that you were sleeping peacefully so just didn’t feel like waking you up.”

“Remember when you came to my place first time for a stay over and when I was so badly in need of sleep and you people would not even let me close my eyes.”

“I very well remember. You wanted to sleep because next day you had your first date.”

“Shut up. It was nothing like that.”

We started discussing all those moments, laughing at those incidents and time went passing by and we didn’t even realize when did we time pass by and we dosed off.

The next morning I woke up with the loud noise of Monica.

“Nikhiiiiiiiil. Ranbiiiiiiiiiiiir. Where are you guys?”, shouting at the top of her voice.

I woke up with a sprang and rushed out.

Even Ranbir came running in.

“What’s wrong Monica?”, I asked.

“You people are not even concerned that tomorrow is your friends birthday.”

“Ohh. Yeah. You said you are planning to do something. What’s the plan? Atleast tell us now.”

“Fine listen.”

“Tomorrow is the finals of the Youth Cult Fest at the Delhi National School. Vipul, my friend is one of the organizers at the event. So he has just told me that, The Indian School from Dubai has qualified for the final round.”

“That’s great news. Finals on his birthday.”

“The Trophy will be a perfect gift for him, I guess.” added in Ranbir.

“You are right.”

“Can I please continue with the plan?”, I and Ranbir nodded in the affirmative.

“It’s highly likely that they will be practicing past midnight tonight as the final show needs to be put up tomorrow afternoon. So basically that would be the best time to give him a break of some time and get in his birthday in style.”

“She is right.” I prompted in, although it was uncalled for.

“But frankly speaking he would not even prefer wasting a minute on all this. This trophy and event is really close to his heart.” Came in Ranbir’s comments.

“Guys relax. Alls set. At around 11p.m. tonight, Vipul has called in a meeting with the school coordinators to discuss the final line of events. That’s when through special permission you people enter the school premises. You have just less than an hour to decorate and put things in order, and all this without disturbing the school atmosphere, practice sessions and schedules. It’s a big risk sort off on Vipul’s head.”

“But then how do we manage all?” asked Ranbir.

“”See, the meeting gets over at 15 minutes to twelve. And it takes almost the same time to reach the main hall where your school would be practicing. Some people from the organizing school will be there to help you and update you with help from Vipul. And actually you will not even need to do anything. Vipul will try and have arranged a majority of the work internally already before your arrival. You just need to spring in the surprise at 12.”

The plan was really well made. But the only concern was about the finals the next day. I had lost the final cricket match and so had Ranbir lost the final football match. Will he win or lose in the finals? It was really weird to think about it and a sudden gush of blood flowing through my body made me feel all the more scared.



That night everything was so well formulated that things happened the way they were supposed to even before we thought of an alternative. Ranbir and I were just waiting to spring upon the surprise on Ishaan.

Ronak also joined in on my pressure, as I thought it would be a good change for him.

The last fifteen minutes before twelve were those when we just couldn’t control our emotions and that’s when we were signaled that Ishaan was on his way to the hall. The entire hall had been decorated and the practice had been halted for the next half an hour.

Ishaan came in earlier than expected, in short, before twelve. This was something not in our hands so we had to change the idea a bit at the last minute.

We sent Shaina, the assistant co-ordinator out to stop him still twelve. But this guy just wouldn’t stop.

“How come the practice has stopped?”

“Ishaan, we had a scheduled break at this time, if you forgot.”

“Fine, just come along with me, we need to decide on certain things.”, and with that even before poor Shaina could do anything, Ishaan pushed into the room.

Luckily the hours hand just slid under the minute’s hand, it was twelve. He switched on the lights and turned back.

Ranbir and I came running in with the entire team singing the Happy Birthday music in the background. He was surely astonished at what he was seeing.

After a round of wishes and hugs and gifts, and the usual cake cutting ceremony we sat down at a corner for a cup of coffee.

“How the hell did you guys land up here?”

“Indian Domestic airlines have really good coverage.”, came in Ranbir’s reply.

“Ya right. Very funny. By the way guys, guess what, we have reached the finals and it happens in a few hours from now, I am really excited and nervous at the same time.”

Hats of to Ishaan. He didn’t even bother about his Eighteenth birthday. Probably if it was not for us, then he wouldn’t have even celebrated it. He deserves a pat on his back. I haven’t seen a guy with so much sincerity and dedication to work.

“By the way, what happened to your tournaments.”

And as if I had taken a silent vow, Ranbir replied,

“We both lost in the finals.”

Now, that surely wasn’t encouraging. The smile on Ishaan’s face gradually faded away.

I guess the feeling that ‘what if even I lost the finals like them’ crossed his mind.

He took leave from us, but asked us to stay back, and watch them rehearse and suggest points of improvements from the audience point of view.

He was working really hard to grab that trophy the next day.



The event started off with a bang of performances followed by the presentation of the acts of the two final teams. They were said to be on a head on clash right from the start till the just concluded last set of events.

I must admit that the opponent had an upper hand in terms of the over all performance. They had put up a really impressive act beyond imagination. But my gut feeling supported my school and Ishaan. And also, though over all they were a better performing side, they had a few glitches in their act that could cost them a lot of points and that could turn things in our favor. But frankly, ours was also out and out a really splendid put up.

The results were to be declared in just a few minutes and my heart beat rate was faster than normal. I had not got this feeling even while playing the finals a few days back in Kolkatta.

The three of us held our hands tight just when the results were to be announced.

“And the time has finally arrived to bring this event to a close. As it’s said all good things come to an end, and so the Youth Cult Fest is also over. But we make sure that it does end in style. A time that we remember by as the audience and surely the teams that clashed on this very stage. And then on this stage, I will declare the winner in a few minutes from now, and this very stage will be thrown open for the party for the winning team.”

Why do these hosts have this habit of exaggerating things beyond a limit? I just felt like snatching that card from his hands and declaring the winner.

“And not wasting any further time, I declare the winner. Well before that, any guesses?”

Why doesn’t this loser on earth understand that there is no time for guesses and I will faint of excitement if he doesn’t declare the winner now.

“Yes you are right. It is the team from overseas, The Indian School, Dubai.”

The three of us jumped together in joy, Ishaan hugged the two of us and ran to the stage with the rest of the team to put his hands on that trophy.

Finally we shall be taking the winners trophy home. And surely this was the best birthday gift, Ishaan could ever ask for.

We partied hard that night till late. And as the host had said, as all good things come to an end, I was going to leave Delhi the very next night.

I had earlier planned to delay the flight, just in case Ronak did not normalize soon, but all was well, so I was going to leave as per schedule.

Ronak was gradually reaching his normal best and recovering really fast from the incident.

Ranbir was going to spend some time with his relatives and then turn back to Dubai, while Ishaan had to attend a wedding in Delhi and then return back.

So basically I was going to be alone in Dubai for a while. Well, no issues I boarded the flight back to Dubai, happy, satisfied and after a really memorable trip from Kolkatta to Mumbai to Delhi.

Best Buddies - Expect the unexpected - Part 11

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.



Leaving behind friends in Mumbai, I headed to Delhi with those memories, which I will surely not forget for this lifetime.

After landing in Delhi I waited outside for almost and hour for this Mr. Late Lateef to come. Ranbir had promised me that he would be on time but as usual he was late.

And then I was just thinking what excuse would he be giving today. Traffic Jam or the airport enquiry had said that the flight has been delayed by an hour.

I was like he was surely going to have it badly from me this time. How much can you make a person wait?

Well, in this time just glancing around I saw a familiar face. It was I guess the same girl in the flight from Dubai to Kolkatta. I had actually forgotten her name.

Just when I almost reached her, she took a cab and headed off and that’s when her name struck my head, ‘Miloni’.

And then I turned around to be at the place where Ranbir had asked me to wait for him. Just then he came banging into me.

“Dude who were you running behind in that cab?”

“Which cab?”, and then before he asks me another,

“Ohh wait…that one. I will tell you that. But can you please tell me what stopped you from coming on time?”

“I actually landed a few hours back so went home and dozed off. And then the great alarm ditched me, so that’s why I got late. Sorry buddy.”

“Its okay. Anyway are you planning to just keep chatting here only or to take me home also.”

“Ohh…yeah…almost forgot. Come along the car’s parked on the other side.”

So after walking for almost 30minutes we found the car. I guess Ranbir was trying his best to get on my nerves.

And then when we had just reached half way through the airport to his home, the car broke down. My head was actually even spinning now with the turn of the events.

“So, how was you football finals dude. The trophy must be at home I guess.”

“The final was just awesome dude. It was the best match I have ever been a part of. We had two players injured in the midst when we were leading 2-0. Then after half time, their captain ended up with a Red Card. It was a superb match and an amazing experience. I so wished you people were their.”

“Dude. Who won?”

“The opponent team. 3-2.”
And I started laughing like crazy forgetting that I was pissed off with him a while back. I even forgot that I had just lost a finals and he was the captain of the losing side.

Instead of supporting him, I just couldn’t control myself. And he looked a bit embarrassed.

“Dude, Shut up. I was awarded the best sportsman of the tournament.”

“Sorry. I just couldn’t help it re. Congrats for that award, I will check out the trophy at home.”

The car was repaired and we drove back home. Ishaan’s birthday was the day after tomorrow so loads of planning and arrangements needed to be made.

A refreshing bath was followed by a heavy breakfast cum lunch. And I was so tired that without saying anything further I just dozed off.

Later on in the evening we decided to go and meet Ronak first and help us with the preparations.

And so smart of the two of us that being totally unaware of the city we just left off with the driver in search of his residence as if he was some rockstar and every second person in the city knew where he lived.

After driving around for almost and hour we reached the place where we had been atleast 10 times in the last 60minutes.

He stayed on the 10th floor. Just when we were entering the building the useless security guard was like, where do you want to go? He was going to call up to inform him that I was coming up.

He even called up, but luckily for us no one picked up at the other end. He was like Ronak is not there so come later on. We knew that arguing with him was of no use.

So we finally gave up and took the turn back, when a girl came in shouting,

“You are Nikhil right? Ronak’s friend.”

“Well. Yeah. But how do you know me?”

“Ronak keeps speaking about your group and how much fun you all had together”

“Ohh.. Where is he now?”

“Why you didn’t meet him. He must be at home only. I thought you people must have met him and then leaving.”

“No. Actually that security guy was like he is not at home.”

“He is crazy. The intercom system has some problem these days. Come lets go upstairs. He will be really happy to see you here. Have you told him that you are here?”

“No. Thought of directly dropping in and giving him a surprise.”

“Ahaan. That’s nice.”

So she took us up in the lift.

“I am sorry but your name please?” I asked. Now obviously I can’t call her Didiji.

“Ooops..sorry. I am Monica, I stay in this building only. Ronak’s neighbor.”

“Well. He is Ranbir, my friend.”

And then Ranbir kept her busy; our hero was at his flirting tactics.

I rang the bell, and Ronak opened the door.

And he was like obviously shocked to see me there.

“Nikhil. You in Delhi? What a pleasant surprise.”
But somehow there was a different face he was hiding behind that surprised, puzzled look of me being there.

Now that left me wondering, what was he actually upto?

Then Monica prompted in,
“That useless security guard had asked them to leave, just because of that useless intercom of our building. Luckily I recollected Nikhil’s face from the snaps you showed me of the two of you and got him up.”

“Ohh… That’s so sweet of you Monica.”

“Guys actually Mom isn’t at home so …what you people want to have?”

“Dude. First sit. Nikhil and you are meeting after so long. Talk to him for a while.”
“Fine. Miss Monica Madame. I will just get coke if you don’t mind.”

“Permitted.”

Ronak dashed off to the kitchen and Ranbir got a call, so he got busy with it.

I finally got the time to speak to Monica of the indifferent behavior of Ronak.

“Monica, what’s wrong with him? He has never been like this. So silent, that’s surely not the Ronak I have known for such a long time.”

“You haven’t been in touch with him for some time I guess. Do you know Sejal?”

“Yeah. Like duh. My cutesi bhabhijaan. I had seen pictures of them both and Ronak had told me a lot about her.”

“She’s no more.”

“What?” I was more shocked than Ronak was shocked on seeing me here.

“She died a few days back in a road accident.”

I was speechless.

“His parents are now at her home. Her parents are devastated. But somehow they don’t realize what Ronak is going through. They were in a relationship for more than a year and were deep in love. There wasn’t a day when they didn’t call each other. Even when they were angry, they would just call each other up and remain silent. Even both of their parents approved of their relationship. They were even planning to get them engaged on Ronak’s 18th birthday, a surprise for him, just so that they can officially go around. Ronak & Sejal had planned to meet up as usual for a weekend. After the movie Sejal was returning home when this mishap happened. A drunk truck driver. Ronak wasn’t informed. He kept calling her and her cell was off. She was cremated and he was not even aware about it. He kept waiting for her call. He didn’t even get to see her for the last time. When she didn’t call for a few days, on one of the rituals after her death he landed up at her home and saw the garland hanging on her photo and everyone crying. That’s when he realized what had happened.”

I was stunned at the turn of events. I could do nothing more than sympathize with Ronak. I just could not imagine myself in his place, leaving trying to visualize what he must be going through.

“When he came to know, he just left that place and locked himself in his room for 24hours. We all were scared and wished that he doesn’t take any wrong step. He stopped eating for some days and just started talking a bit yesterday.”

I had no words to speak.

“Have his parents tried speaking to him?”

“Everyone has tried their bit. But you know what I think. He needs to cry to let the thing out of his heart.”

“You mean he didn’t cry at all when he found out.”

“No he just became quiet since he found out. Not a tear from his eye. He doesn’t cry, doesn’t smile, and hardly talks. Remains alone the entire day in his room. His parents keep crying, as they can’t see their son this way. But then what can even Ronak do?”

I just stood up and went to the kitchen.

“Ronak, remember how we used to try cooking at our home with the recipe book whenever our mom’s used to go for their kitty parties.”

No reaction from him.

“Can’t even give a fake smile, Ronak. Still the same yaar, Mr. Original.” After a brief pause, “Monica told me everything.”

And the very next minute he hugs me and starts crying. Somehow it made me feel better because I knew that this would reduce the weight on his heart.

He continued to sob for almost an hour. But we didn’t even bother stopping him. I was still wondering how come he controlled himself from crying for the past so many days.

He was a really strong guy from within. I had seen this in school. But this side was something relatively knew for me.

And then once he stopped crying, Ranbir and Monica did the job of bringing the much-awaited smile on his face.

He was surely not at his normal best but according to what Monica said; he was behaving way better than before.
It felt really nice, that I could play a part in helping my buddy get over his sadness.

...to be continued...

PS. : WISHING ALL THE READERS AN AWESOME DIWALI AND A SESKI NEW YEAR.