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Once Again…???!!! – Chapter 2: the Genesis – 3

Disclaimer: The characters in this novelette are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

Geeta, Raman and Kiran went about their day as usual, the following day. Everybody rushed to his or her respective workplace. As they all had taken a couple of hours off the previous day to visit Swati’s house, Geeta had already mentioned that she would be returning home late, so that she could catch up with her work.

Ammu was busy with her regular chores, while Vicky went to his college.

In the evening, Raghavan and Sunder came to Kiran’s house. Kiran and Raman had just returned from their work. Kiran was having his cup of tea, while pondering on what response Swati was going to give, when the doorbell rang.

‘Hello Mr. Raghavan! Please come in. Sunder, you too’ invited Raman, ‘I hope you are here with some great news for us.’

‘Hello everyone!’ greeted Raghavan. ‘As we were telling you my daughter was a bit embarrassed to tell out in front of everyone that she liked Mr. Kiran. After you people left, she did accept that she liked Mr. Kiran and that we can proceed with this marriage proposal’

‘That is a great news. So we are going to be related now’, said Raman.

Kiran was listening and was very happy to hear that.

Raghavan addressed Ammu, ‘Mami, I had gone to our astrologer this morning. He has said that the match is wonderful as apparently, there is a match 9 of the 10 requirements in their horoscope’

Kiran did not care about the horoscope and the match. He was very particular that, when it came to marriage, he should share similar views and thoughts with his future wife. Their hearts and minds had to match.

Raghavan continued, ‘there is a good day the coming week. I thought that, if you also consult your astrologer, we could probably have the engagement the coming week. What do you say Mami?’

‘Well, Mama, I don’t believe in all these astrology and stuff. I believe in the union of hearts and minds and not horoscopes. If you have consulted your astrologer and if you are satisfied, that would be fine with me. I am sure my sons will agree to this. We can go ahead and have the engagement ceremony next week.’

Looking at Kiran, Ammu asked, ‘Will that be okay with you Kiran?’

‘Yes Amma’, Kiran replied. He was thinking in his mind, ‘Amma, is this even a question to ask? I already said yes’

Kiran was very happy. The joy in his heart was shown very clearly on his face too. He started dreaming. It was going to be a new life with a new person. He liked Swati very much. He was ready to adjust himself for her sake. He was also confident that she too would adjust herself and mingle with his family well.

Poor Kiran, he was not aware about his future then. He was not aware that a day would come very shortly when there will just be pandemonium in his heart and his mind a smorgasbord. Probably, this is what the elders have said, ‘Love is blind; maybe deaf and dumb too’

‘Mami, what about the other matters that need to be discussed?’

‘Mama, if you are referring to dowry and things like that, I am not a person who is interested in all that. God has given us enough and my sons are in a good position today. So, we do not need anything from you. I have not taken any dowry from my Geeta and so will be the case with Swati. You can do whatever you would like for your daughter.‘

Ammu continued, ‘My only request is that the marriage should be conducted in a decent manner.’

‘That is absolutely no problem Mami. We will arrange for a grand marriage. Can we fix the date for the engagement?’

‘You can go ahead.’

‘Mr. Raman, I will give you a call tomorrow and confirm the engagement date’

‘Fine’

‘I think we will take leave now. You know, it is daughters marriage and therefore there will be a lot of work to complete and various things to handle.’

‘Mama, just one more thing; I want you to give me a photograph of Swati. I need to send it to my daughter Tara in Kerala. She will not be able to make it for the engagement. I want her to see her brothers’ fiancée.’

‘I will send the photograph through Sunder probably tomorrow itself. So, see you all soon.’

‘I will wait for your call tomorrow’, said Raman.

Kiran’s excitement had no bounds. Dreaming about his future, he was floating on Cloud Nine.

Little did he know, of what was going to strike him…

Once Again…???!!! Chapter 2: the Genesis
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Once Again…???!!!

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Once Again…???!!! – Chapter 2: the Genesis – 2

Disclaimer: The characters in this novelette are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

Vicky was waiting at home for his uncle. Kiran was only ten years old when Vicky was born. As there was very little age difference between Kiran and Vicky, they were very close to each other and were more like friends than Uncle and Nephew. They discussed everything under the sun and about everyone with no shame or fear of retribution.

Vicky and Kiran shared common views in most of the topics and their tastes were very similar. They were partners in crime; in everything – be it watching a movie missing school and work or ogling at the friendly neighbourhood girls or purely gossiping about one and all.

That day Vicky had wanted to accompany his uncle to have a look at the prospective bride for his Uncle. Unfortunately, he had an important Chemistry laboratory class that he could not afford to miss; Chemistry had always been a nightmare for him. Though he was physically in the classroom, all through the class, his mind was with Kiran. In fact he had already seen a picture of Swati and she seemed to be very simple and elegant. Still, he wanted to meet her in person.

Vicky returned home around half past five in the evening. He had a quick shower and ate the idly’s kept for him. After eating, he went to the terrace to study.

Terrace was a peaceful haven to study. It was really a great fun to study in the open air. Also, the terrace was the place where he could have a lot of secret fun – looking at the strangers and neighbours. Vicky unabashedly looked at the girls and commented on their style and demeanour to Kiran. Vicky also loved to strike a conversation with Anita, the girl that lived in the opposite house, for he had a secret crush on her.

Vicky did not see Anita that day. The sky was slowly greying. Though his eyes were gazing at the printed text that talked about the aromatic structure of Benzene and how the famous scientist Kekule discovered its structure, his mind refused to register anything. Kekule dreamt of a snake trying to catch its own tail and he proposed the circular structure of Benzene. Vicky was just wondering as to what could be happening at Ms. Swati’s home. He was straining to read as it had become darker now. He went down and switched on his study lamp.

He came back to his study and once again tried to concentrate on the aromatic structure of Benzene. He was startled, by the buzzing of the calling bell. The time was around half past seven. He knew that it was Kiran and others who have returned from Swati’s home. He rushed downstairs to open the door.

‘Hey Kiran! How is my new Aunt? Did you speak to her “alone”? How did you find her? Interesting?’

‘Vicky, how do you expect him to answer all at once? Why don’t you give him some time to breathe? Anyway, he is going to tell you everything…’ said Ammu.

‘Yes my dear Granny! I know that, but still, I am all excited to know ALL that happened today. Kiran, lets go upstairs to the terrace. We shall talk for sometime and then I will continue with my Chemistry lesson.’

Kiran and Vicky went to the terrace.

Geeta and Ammu went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Raman switched on the television. He was very much interested in hearing the News telecast by the popular Tamil channel, Sun TV.

‘Amma, Swati says that she is an assistant professor in the college. But, the fact that she did not speak at all was really surprising for me. Only God knows what she teaches in the college. You know Amma, she was giving all her replies in monosyllables. Well let us see.’

‘In fact Geeta, I was very surprised by the fact that she did not seem to be have any enthusiasm about this proposal. I don’t know, if it was just my imagination’.

And their conversation diversified into various topics – their regular work; who are all the people, who need to be invited, if this alliance worked out; when to fix the marriage date, et al.

Kiran and Vicky spoke for about an hour. Vicky was listening to his uncle with a lot of interest. He listened to each and every word spoken by Kiran. Kiran told about the meeting of Swati; his talk with her at the terrace; the food they ate at her house; about a friend of Swati, her likes and dislikes.

Vicky felt a glitch somewhere. He was not able to identify it. He was not even able to tell as to what he felt was wrong in the entire conversation that he had with Kiran. He raked his brain for sometime. He was not able to figure it out. There certainly was something that was pinching him.

Vicky thought that it was all him; he was just imagining vague things and was over analyzing the sequence of events. He wanted to forget the very fact that he was feeling uneasy about something.

Once Again…???!!! Chapter 2: the Genesis
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Once Again…???!!!

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Once Again…???!!! – Chapter 2: the Genesis – 1

Disclaimer: The characters in this novelette are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

‘Did you like the girl?’ Ammu whispered into Kiran’s ears.

‘Amma, I would like to talk to that girl first.’ Kiran whispered back. Then turning to Raghavan, he asked, ‘Sir, can I speak to your daughter, alone?’

‘Of course Mr. Kiran! There is no hassle in that. Swati, take Mr. Kiran to the terrace, so that you could speak to each other alone. That would help you to know each other better.’

Swati led Kiran to the terrace.

Raman, Ammu’s eldest son continued his conversation with Raghavan. ‘.. We are three in our family. Our elder sister is in Kerala with her husband and a son. I am the second one. I have a son. He is doing his degree final year. Actually, he has got some lab practical class today and so was not able to accompany. Kiran is the youngest in the house. He was born here in Hyderabad after we moved here from the village in Kerala. Hence, his name has the Hyderabadi influence. And, there is a lot of age difference between us. We are a closely knit family and would like to remain in the joint family even after Kiran’s wedding.’

For Raman, Raghavan seemed to be an interesting character. Sunder, Raghavan’s son, joined their conversation, every now and then. Kaveri, the beautiful wife of Raghavan, went into the kitchen to look into the next set of activities that needed her attention.

‘I liked this girl. She is so simple for a modern girl. Look, she is not at all very pompous. There is not even any make-up on her face. Just, so simple. And, she has even applied oil on her hair. I feel, she will be the best match for Kiran.’ – Ammu murmured to Geeta, her daughter-in-law.

‘As they say, the first impression is the best impression, Amma I too liked this girl. She looks just simple and great’, said Geeta. She whispered at a very low tone – ‘But, did you notice one thing Amma, this girl has not gotten the beauty of her mother’.

‘Yes! Yes! But, she is certainly good looking too…’

In about a half hours’ time, Kiran and Swati came down. Kiran told his mother and brother that he liked the girl. The same way, he wanted to know Swati’s opinion.

Geeta volunteered. ‘Did you like our Kiran, Swati?’

There was no response. Swati’s head was bent towards the floor. ‘You don’t have to feel bad or embarrassed, Swati. We would like to know your opinion too’, told Ammu.

Still there was no response. Kaveri plunged in to rescue her daughter. ‘Probably she is a bit embarrassed to accept that she has liked Kiran. Isn’t it said that silence is acceptance? Take her silence as acceptance’.

Ammu started, ‘But..’.

Raman interrupted Ammu by saying ‘Don’t force her, Amma. Let her take some time. Also, what Mami says, sounds fine. Swati, probably, you could tell about your liking to your parents, later’.

There was no response again. Swati, lifted herself up and walked inside..

‘Yes Mr. Raman. I will speak to our Astrologer and come over to your place tomorrow. Then we can decide on the other things’, said Raghavan.

‘That’s absolutely fine. I think we will take leave of you now. Amma, shall we leave?’

After the traditional formalities of exchanging the betel leaves and the more important kumkum to the ladies, Kiran, Ammu and others left Raghavan’s house.

While on their way back, though everyone wondered as to why Swati did not speak at all and just walked away inside, nobody dared to discuss that further…

Once Again…???!!! Chapter 2: the Genesis
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Once Again…???!!!

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Once Again…???!!! – Chapter 1: the Pandemonium

Disclaimer: The characters in this novelette are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

It was a dark night, without moon or stars. Time was somewhere near midnight. The second’s hand of the clock was slowly ticking. There was a slight wind blowing outside, which sent a shiver though the body. It was late December and the winter had already started, with all its vigour. A car or two whizzed through the deserted misty streets, once in while. Else, there was silence everywhere. Silence that night, after all the recent political turmoil for the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, near New Delhi. Silence everywhere, except in his heart. There was a war going on in his mind.

He was lying all alone on his bed, on his back with his eyes wide open. His eyes moved around in the room. He could see the reflection of the green night lamp on the mirror of the Godrej bureau. The green dim light… This was the dumb witness for many of the past happenings. The silent witness for those moments when he had dreamed about her; when he had made love to her; when she talked about the other person in her life; when she declared her decision to kill his innocent child; when he was mentally tortured by her. Today, this dim dark green light was once again, the only witness, to look at him cry over the past.

He rolled over to lie on his side. His eyes slowly moved towards the window. The open window… Tears flowing through the corner of his eyes… As his head was tilted to the right, tears were collecting near the bridge of his nose. He could hear the hustling, cold wind outside. The cold wind was as sharp as her cold heart. Very coldly and very slowly cutting through his heart… He was unable to decide if it was the cold wind that made him shudder or the recent happenings. He could hear the typical noises of the night. A cricket looking for its prey; an owl hooting at a distance; a drunkard singing aloud his song in a precarious tongue; a dog howling at the street corner; a heavy vehicle rushing by… His mind was wandering… He was thinking… His mind was a smorgasbord, splattered with the events of the past…

His thoughts were disturbed by the cold tears, which had flowed through the bridge of his nose and rolled down his right cheek. He lifted his hands automatically to wipe the tears from the cheek. He rolled over and was now once again on his back. He gazed at the ceiling fan. It was moving. He tried to visualize the blades in the dim green light. He could only see the circle created by its movement He was wondering about his life. His thought was circling… He was feeling that the fan should fall on to his head. His head started reeling. He felt that there was nothing more left in his life. The world seemed dark and the relations were also dark. The future was dark too, as dark as this dark night.

How close he thought, he had come to her in these four months and yet how far he had actually been from her. How much he loved her and how much she hated him. How much he wanted her to be with him and how much she wanted to be away. How much it looked, just like a nightmare. But it was all happening in reality… It was all happening with him. Still, he was not able to decide if he hated her… How much he had wanted her to stay back… How much he had expected that she would say, that she would never leave him… How much she had meant to him…

He was questioning God… Why should it happen to him? He had always believed in the Almighty… He regularly visited the temple. He has always been generous towards the poor; always respected the elders; had always been the dutiful son. How could this happen to him? Where did he go wrong? He wondered…

Kiran thought of the entire turn of events… Kiran, meaning hope, and now, there was no hope left in his life. With this very thought, his eyes blurred…

END of Chapter 1
Once Again…???!!! – to continue…