Life of Tigger

The children's Drama got approved by Abu Dhabi Environment Authority and was played in Al Ain Zoo on October 21st 2016.

Written & Directed : Shereen

Summary:

A tiger cub Tigger is captured and kept in a cage inside the farm to be sold for its skin. A group of children inform the authorities about the cub leading to the capture of the people involved and rescuing the tiger from the cruel ones.

Scene 1

As the curtain opens, the music of forest is played. A group of tigers, birds dance to the rhythm and a very small tiger (from the group) comes forward and addresses the crowd ,( the music behind is diminished) ..

Tigger:  I am Tigger. It’s always like this in our house, our  jungle.  We were all very happy together . But then they came and things changed.. We used to hunt only when we are hungry, but they were always hungry

Sound of gun fire is heard and the tigers run out along with few birds and two hunters with guns enter and trap Tigger. They laugh out loud..

Light fades, sound of music intensifies..

Scene 2

As light comes in, four person stand inside a room in the middle of a farm and a cage is brought into the room. Tigger is in the cage.  They walk around the cage.

Yousuf: That’s a good one Mr. Hadi. By two and half years, we can use his skin as we have planned.

Haidi: Yes Mr.  Yousuf, now he is just a baby and our pet. He is worth our investment and I am sure we can reap gold from him.

Noorah: But how can we keep him hidden for all these years. You know the laws of this nation does not allow to keep exotic animals . If somebody hears him growl , they can complain.

Yousuf: Noora, you know that we have a very big farm and who will come to know.

Haidi:  Besides, after three years, his skin will give us enough money to travel around the world..

They all laugh..and say “Bye baby”..and leave the room.

A sad music comes in..

Tigger: (crying) I miss my home, my parents. I don’t know what has happened to them.. oh god, please help me

A bird comes flying near the cage..

Bird: Hi, I haven’t seen you here before. You look sad.

Tigger: My friend, I don’t know how I reached here. My house is a big forest. There I used to play with my siblings, my mother. I lost them all . Now they are going to kill me too

Tigger starts crying.

Bird: Don’t cry.. let me think of a plan.

Bird walks in front of the cage to and fro and she hears a group of children playing outside.

Bird: I got an idea.  There are children playing outside with a ball. I will push that ball into the farm. Then I will give you a hint. You will have to growl.

Tigger: How will they help me

Bird : Don’t worry, from my experience here children are more sincere than the big ones.

Bird flies out. Tigger listens children shouting

Ext OS: Ohh, the ball has gone inside the farm. Let us go inside and get it.. .

Bird (she run’s across the stage) : Now it’s your turn.

Tigger growls..

A group of children enter catching the sound of the growl.

Child 1: What is this?

Child 2: It’s a tiger.

All the children get scared but seeing Tigger lying in the cage helplessly move towards it.

Child 3: You all know something, there are only 3890 tigers in the world living today.

Child 4: This means, that they are endangered right?

Child 5: What is endangered?

Child 1: Endangered means their life is in danger  and they may become extinct. There aren’t many of that type animal left in the world.

Child 2: Like dugongs, Arabian oryx, green turtles that are found in this country

Child 3: What are dugongs?

Child 4: Dugongs are marine mammals and found mostly in Abu dhabi.

Child 5: how do they become endangered?

Child 1: Because of over hunting or destruction of their habitat by we human beings.

Child 2: Since, tiger is also in that list, isn’t this illegal to keep tigers as pet.

Child 3: yes, see that poor animal. We need to help it

Child 4: But how.

Child 5: I know one way. I have read in Gulf News, that if we see any exotic animals we should inform the Abu dhabi government immediately . They will take care of this poor cub.

Child 1: You know the number?

Child 2: The number to call is 800555 and We should do that immediately

Child 3:  First, let us get out from here without them noticing.

Children gather in front of the cage pacify Tigger and walk away..

Scene 3:

Bird: Hi friends, you really would like to know what happened to tigger

Bird moves to the corner as a man dressed in Arab costume comes and opens the cage

Bird: An official came and released our friend

Tigger joins with a group of other tigers to the sound of music

Tiger 1: Tigger joined our Al Ain zoo, where we are more safe and fed properly

Tiger 2:  We are all so happy to see him

Tigger: I am now in Al ain zoo and feel better as I have some new friends to play with.

They play together and exit..

Yousuf, hadi and Noorah come

Yousuf: Dear friends , We have relaized our mistake

Haidi: Now, Let us all join hands and let the world know

Noorah: Let us all say together in one voice

Together: Let us all say NO to illegal Pet Trading. Let us love animals and not hurt them.

As the scene ends, with the birds and tigers carrying “No to illegal pet Trading”….

The Goan Debacle- Part 3

VI

Sally invited Maanav for a coffee as she started liking him, his innocence and charm made a lasting impression in her. They started meeting freqeuntly. Maanav became closer to Sally and he started skipping time with Rajashree. Once, Rajashree happened to find out from his message, the proximity between her husband and Sally. She decided to act fast or risk losing her loved one.

Kiara was happy with the scene in the coffee house “Space Goa”. In fact, as a marketing strategy, they allowed a complete day shooting inside the shop and at the same time, they ensured that the customer access was not stalled. Kiara never wanted a set for this scene and she had decided to search a location that would best suite a romantic linkup between her lead characters Maanav and Sally.

Kiara had the habit of an early morning jog, and in the pretext of jogging she would overview the best shots to enrich the scene and adjust the screenplay so as to make it more elucidative. During her jog, she had come across the coffee house and found it perfect for her lead character’s newly found tryst.

 Buoyed by the improvement in Diya’s performance, Kiara was days ahead of her schedule. This made her elated and often she had wanted to include Rishaan for the morning jog but hearing his snore from his room, she didn’t feel like disturbing him. Besides, Rishaan was fully co-operating with her that there were never any picked up quarrels with her lead cinematographer like in many of her previous sets, where she had witnessed enormous ego clash between the director of the set, the so called captain of the ship and the one who donned the camera, considered to be a chief engineer of the same ship.

Kiara had begun to jog on the arlam beach, as she found it amusing to watch the water, which seemed to her like the hands of the sea goddess, patting the sand as if the sand was fixed up in a crisis and needs the consolation of the goddess. Probably, with the construction gaining ground in Goa, the beach was shrinking in size with various hotels already ensnaring their piece of land resulting in often internecine games between the hotel giants. But today the sea goddess seemed to be angrier as the waves came almost close to the huts, owned by various hotels adjacent to the shore. Suddenly, kiara stopped her morning jog. She looked at the sea for a moment and felt the morning breeze touch her in a debonair manner. She thought of using the beach scene to express the emotion of her main character Rajashree, who happened to be very angry to find her husband having an affair. Kiara immediately rushed back into the hotel for she wanted to modify the screenplay to make use of sea goddess’ fury that day.

Rishaan had actually recorded the snoring sound in his tape set and he plays it every morning before Kiara commences her jogging. He knew that Kiara would almost take an hour to jog, although he considered it a waste of time for she just moves her legs lazily. Meanwhile, RIshaan was always with Diya in her room, where both of them would have finished a busy night together, feeling the early morning rays on their naked body with his head placed on her bottom while he kept his manhood close to her mouth.

Rishaan got up from the bed, covered diya’s naked body with the blanket, pulled over his night gown, as he looked at his watch.

Enough time for her return thought Rishaan. He opened the door of the room and slowly walked in a limping manner to his room, to his luck was in same floor. He didn’t go straight into his room but waited outside for he knew that the room lady would be passing by to deliver the morning juice for Kiara; who was quite adamant after her self-proclaimed workout.   The room lady was a local from Goa and she was dressed in salacious attire, with her skirt almost exposing her thighs and her shirt revealing her cleavage. She was sentient of his presence for it has been a week, since she started noticing him as he stood waiting for her , often giving her wild stares with pouted lips, that did produce a Vertiginous impact on her. That day as she passed by pushing a mobile tray with the juice, Rishaan,  in an action without a louche feeling, pressed her back, almost making her turn around leaving her hands from the tray. RIshaan then slowly pulled her closer to him as she tried to comfort herself in his broad chest.

“Briganza, my room is 205. Why not make it tonight” with an insidious smile RIshaan inquired.

“Sure. I will be there” the room lady was happy that Rishaan had addressed her by her name. She giggled and freed herself from his hands and walked away, while Rishaan looked at her salaciously for some time and suddenly became aware of the hectic schedule that day closed the door behind him, and gave a smile over to his bed.

“You are one lucky bed” Rishaan said laughing.

As Briganza rushed over to the corner of the long corridor of the hotel room, where she could use the stairs to get to the bottom floor, rather than wait for the lift, her mind was completely filled in thoughts on Rishaan, his lips, and his wavy hair, the very thought that it will be after a short while on her face when he lies her gave her a tickle that she failed to notice the leg that came in between hers’ as she was about to climb down . She fell down along the stairs and such was  the impact of her fall, wherein she could not hold to the railing of the stairs, her head hit the wall resulting in heavy bleeding.

Kiara slowly walked by without the slightest hesitation of what had just occurred. She had returned from jogging when she noticed Rishaan come out from Diya’s room. Incensed on seeing it, she followed him to catch him flirting with the room lady, to the extent of inviting her that night to his room.  As she noticed the room lady, moving towards the stairs, immersed in her thoughts, she managed to act at once. Kiara did not turn back as she heard her moaning in pain.

V11

“Hi Kiara. What can I do for you” Raaghav was surpised to receive the call from Kiara that morning.

“Hi raaghav. Can we speak for a moment” Ever since that incident, she never wanted to greet him respectfully and wanted to cut short her talk.

“ You know about my new film”

“Of course, I read about the pooja of the film from the papers. You never invited me dear” Raaghav wanted to prolong the conversation with her. He really enjoyed that night with her.

“Sorry for that. I need a crane camera for the shooting a scene in this film. You have the renting business, so I thought make use of your equipment”

“What, a crane camera that too in a novice’s film. Good thought. It is quite costly. Does your film budget allow that”

“Yes, I will take care of that” Kiara was confident.

“ all right, I will send the operator along with. Arrange his accommodation and take care of him too “ Raaghav was laughing at the other end, his laughter irritated her to an extend that she wanted to go inside through her phone and murder him there.

“ No, I don’t need the operator”

“What nonsense. Only experienced people could operate that machine”

“I will take care of that” Kiara replied without the slightest hesitation. She looked over to Rishaan, who was standing by her side. Rishaan nodded as if ready to take up the challenge.

“Ok. As you wish. But beware any danger by not properly using the machine; my company will not be responsible. I will send you the contract and sign it over and send it to me”

“Fine, I will. My email id is kiara80@hotmail.com. You can send it through mail. Or you could use a messenger to drop in here with the original” Kiara replied swiftly

“No problems, mail is fine. But kiara, if you insist I could give it for free. You know like your boyfriend began his career with me”  Raaghav was minting his words with his experience that night.

“No thanks. I will pay you the amount. I want it as early as possible”

Abruptly, Kiara cut the phone and for a moment closed her eyes, feeling incensed at that wretched moment of her life, that has now come to haunt her.

“What’s the problem kiara” Rishaan inquired.

“Don’t worry about using that machine. During the shooting of “parineeti” I was the one who was moving the crane. “ Rishaan tried to console kiara. Kiara knew that he had just lied and the crane camera was replaced by Raaghav himself during the shooting.

Kiara looked up to him and smiled.

“where are we doing the shooting”

“In the fort Goa. We need to take a broader view of the locality”

Rishaan was enthusiatic to work on with the crane camera although he was just allowed to use it once in his previous set.

“By the way, our heroine Raajshree was supposed to confront Sally in the house at Arlam. Why did you change the scene to the fort then”

Kiara looked up into the eyes of Rishaan.

“Because, there is no confronting now. Rajsahsree is going to kill Sally”

With a smile she walked away leaving Rishaan confused.

VIII

It was midafternoon by the time the shooting was complete for the main crux of the story. The crane camera had arrived in time as requested by kiara, while Kiara kept it secured for two days. Considering the cost of using it in the film, Rishaan was pressurizing kiara to finish working with that overview shot and the crane can be released back.

“Don’t worry dear, I am least bothered about the money for this. I have convinced the producer. So, let’s work on it after we complete all our rest of the part of the story” Kiara put up the words in a soothing manner to Rishaan.

Rajashree, in attempt to get her loved one back, enters a heated debate with Sally that results in a cat fight between the two and in a fit of anger she pushes Sally over the fort. But to her luck, Sally holds on the edge of the fort.

Diya did her level best performance that day morning, even surprising Kiara while Rishaan clapped from behind the camera, which incensed Kiara further inspite she remained calm. Immediately after the scene , Kiara advised Rishaan to set up the crane for  getting the hanging position of Sally and the overview of the location of the fort.

The fort, was a prehistoric monument in India built by the Portugese, to avoid the pre-emptive attack from British to colonize Goa. The fort overlooks the sea on one side and on the other the village and due to a series of recent suicides, the fort is now heavily monitored and permissions are required for sightseeing on its top. The crane camera was moved on the top of the fort and it was adjusted along the side towards the sea as per Kiara’s instruction. After setting the camera, RIshaan , who was enthusiastic to use the machine, gave his assistant Jobin, instruction to co-ordinate from bottom, while he sat on the helm seat attached to the crane and pushed the button for the crane to go up. The machine was such that it could be controlled from the top at the helm seat as well from the bottom. The camera position could only be adjusted from the helm seat where the camera is fixed. It was normal for the main camera man to be at the round position and the assistant to be on the top and as per instruction, the camera could be adjusted as the image was transferred to a small screen at the bottom of the crane, adjacent to the control deck.

 Kiara inquired whether a 360 degree view of the fort can be obtained from that position, to which Rishaan denied and hence, he had to go move more to the top. As he sat on the seat now at a length of 50 meters above the ground, he got a better view of the beautiful Goa .

“Rishaan , cover the entire area. The shift focus on Rajashree and sally, who were discussing on top of the fort”

One of my dreams comes true. Cinematographer Rishaan Sharma, a legend in making thought RIshaan elatedly as he switched on his camera. He took a 360 degree turn and captured the beauty of the city from that position. After completing the shot, he decided not to transfer control to his assistant seated in the deck below, who along with many technicians in the set was watching him on action, more than the artist’s performance. Using the machine for the first time in full control, Rishaan decided to complete the crane camera functionalities all by himself.

“Do you feel anything uncomfortable at the top Rishaan” Kiara inquired from the bottom

Rishaan laughed. “Uncomfortable, sorry I am the King of the world”

“We need to move now closer to take the hanging location area. Do you wish to transfer the control to the bottom deck for better  movement of the crane” Kiara inquired, from her little experience giving instruction for the crane camera operation in one of her previous movies, when she had assisted high profile director Malhotra.

 “No , not at all. I will move it from here. Arrange the artist to hang on the fort. I will move the camera now”

Rishaan took out his mobile and quickly took a selfie. Diya was watching him from the bottom and she felt an urge to hug the man she loved. Kiara kept the mobile in her pocket and as she sat close to the assistant smiled at him and inquired

“Jobin, how’s the crane camera. Did you like it”

“yes madam, it’s amazing” Jobin , the assistant to Rishaan smiled enthusiastically.

Kiara kept her eyes on the screen on the deck below as Rishaan slowly pressed the button to move left closer to the fort. The screen image started changing and the view of the Arabian sea became more clear as RIshaan moved left until he reached the top of the portion, where the artist would hang to the fort. The artist was ready and a man dressed in skirt, similar to the one Sally was wearing, climbed to the edge of the fort wearing the safety harness tied to his waist.

Rishaan looked down and corrected the angle from the deck and pressed the down button. With a full force, the crane came down thrashing the wall of the fort and as an impact of the hit, the top deck got destroyed and RIshaan lost control from the seat, flew out ,splashing on the wall of the fort  and fell into the sea. There was a loud shriek from the set as people gathered near the broken wall of the fort and looked down. Diya had lost her conscious and she was aided to a chair nearby.  As the assistant ran jumping from his seat, Kiara walked over to the top of the fort and looked down to find Rishaan lying on the bottom, with his face down as the waves came and went. He was dead.

IX

Six months later…

The sea was calm . Kiara moaned in pleasure as she sat on Jobin for it was a long time since she had a good orgasm. Jobin  was heavily panting, as he gasped for air pushing the blanket over the piled up clothes that were covering their assets a few hours back now remained on the ground .  She looked at him and laughed.

“You need to go for a work out Jobin”

“ I am thrilled at the success of our movie Kiara. I never knew with that tragedy, we would ever complete this project. But thanks for the support and in believing in me to complete some pivotal scenes of the movie“ Jobin was enjoying the moment.

Kiara was listening patiently still reeling in the pleasure of absolute glorified moment , she had been through a few minutes back.

“You know the best part I liked in the movie. In spite of the anger Rajashree had over Sally, she rescues her after a lot of effort at the end.”

“I like you more” Kiara kissed him passionately.

Suddenly the mobile rang and Kiara connected it to her ear phone.  Jobin gave a short sigh of release when Kiara released him.

“What do you want? Why did you send this to me” it was Diya at the other end and kiara smiled.

“ Because, this is going to the press” Kiara laughed.

“No please Kiara, you cannot do this to me. We have worked together right” Diya was sobbing from the other end.

“You were paid for workign in the film, now you are paid for this too. Why do you want all the payment as per your interest,  dear.  Tomorrow, this will go to the press. Good Night” with that Kiara cut the phone.

Jobin was confused and Kiara slowly turned over to his side in such a manner that her breasts touched his face.

“Open Your watsapp dear. You will find what I send “

Jobin opened his watsapp account to find a video send by Kiara just a few minutes before they had begun their happenstance.  He opened the video file and it was a CCTV footage. The footage showed Rishaan walking over to a room and after some time, he and Diya had come out kissing each other. After a passionate kiss, he walked away.

“ Oh, I knew it , they were having an affair” Jobin opened up to  Kiara. “But I feel pity for his parents”

“They are going to get a lot of money” Kiara kept her eyes closed although she knew what she had just said will be nothing compared to the loss of their son.  

“How is that” jobin was surprised.

“ Raaghav will pay them because the machine, he had rented,  was faulty  due to which their son met with this fateful death. So he has to compensate. I arranged a lawyer for them to make a settlement out of the court “

“Oh that’s nice of you kiara. I heard Raaghav has been fined by the government for destroying a public property and a historic monument too”

“Poor Raaghav” Kiara was laughing out loud leaving Jobin surprised. She then moved closer to him and took his hand placing it on her breast. She then positioned her leg and caressed his manhood with her thighs.  She was about to go on top of him when the phone rang.

“It must be that bitch again, trying for reconciliation “ she took the phone and was about to bang it on the wall, when she noticed the name on the smart phone LCD. Immediately, she took the call.

“Hello raaghav , what can I do for you? Hope you did not dial me wrong thinking about a massage center?

“You bitch, I know it’s your game “ Raaghav was furious at the other end.

Kiara was laughing. “Oh you are so angry. How is that you blame me”

“Because you knew about this faulty equipment which was replaced during the shooting of that film Parineeti. You did that on purpose to screw me up”

Kiara was silent for his statement was absolutely correct. She did contact with one of the staff of Raaghav and bribed him to get that faulty piece, that was discarded during the shooting of their previous movie . She knew the enthusiasm of Rishaan that he would definitely take control of the device, the reason which she delayed the equipment to be used only on that particular day of the shooting. She had bribed the hotel to get the CCTV footage of Rishaan going inside the room of Diya and now she was going to the press with it.

Kiara, with a smile on her lips, replied” Raaghav , the next time you talk to a woman indecently, think about the cost that you have incurred for your erratic behavior. So behave well , you fucking old scrap of shit” with that she cut the phone and switched it off.

“Was it Raaghav manadey, the grand old genius” Jobin was curious and surprised.

“No dear, raaghav my house owner. Just that he is in a big shit for behaving improperly with me” With that she put her fingers on his lips

“Now it’s time only for dirty talks” and laughing she pulled the blanket over head and wildly down to his manhood, while Jobin cried

“Kiara, please, slowly…slowly….”

The End

The Goan Debacle -Part 2

III

The flight was almost full to Goa from Mumbai with only a handful of seats unoccupied. Diya got the window seat while Kiara sat in the middle and Rishaan on the edge. Kiara was discussing with Diya the potentials of body movement and how it could be utilized for her character. All was set for the shooting in Goa and the lead male model had already checked in the hotel where they were to stay, giving a huge sigh of release to Kiara. Rishaan tried to share a few light movements with Diya but Kiara’s volition of emotions that need to be imbibed in her character had engulfed her; she did not care to listen to Rishaan.

In the middle of the flight, Kiara woke up to go to the washroom. When she returned, she was too lazy to push her way into the middle seat. And with Rishaan readily offering to shift seats, the seating arrangement changed. With 20 minutes still remaining for the flight to land, a sleep starved Kiara took another power nap, this time holding Rishaan's right hand more firmly. Rishaan's other hand, though, nervously moved to touch Diya's. Her heart skipped a beat. Diya pulled her hand away. But a defiant Rishaan held her wrist again, this time firmly and more reassuringly. He noticed that Diya, this time, did not take the effort to free her hand. She moved her face away from him, facing the window, but Rishaan moved closer to her, noticing her softly parted lips. The flight was about to land , as announced from the cockpit and the lights insider were turned off preparing for landing. He seized this opportunity by giving a normal kiss on her cheek and slowly on her lips, leaving her eyes wide open. The he slowly opened his mouth and touched her tongue with his. She wasn't overly attracted to him, but his interest in her turned her on. She closed her eyes , opening her mouth and allowing his tongue inside.  Till the flight had landed, Rishaan played with her tongue caressing, fondling and wrestling with it while his right hand being held firmly by Kiara.

When the flight landed at the Dabolim Airport, Rishaan felt uncanny...his excitement seemed replaced by an unknown fear that he found very difficult to decipher. Will Kiara come to know about this and what will be her reaction.

IV

“Rishaan, let’s get the full view of the temple. Both  Rajashree and Maanav will  have a tail shot, where in we will then dolly as they begin their conversation”

Kiara was excited on her first shot that she didn’t know it was Rishaan’s first project as the lead. She was already giving instruction to a specialist but only after she had finished explaining the scene, she came to recognize Rishaan’s vulnerability.

“Oh sorry dear, I will make it more clear”

“No problem, this is how a good cinematographer and a director combination is born like Cameroon and Carpenter “

Kiara was laughing. “Not Cameroon, his wife Katherine is the better director”

Kiara wanted to use the picturesque of Goa to explain her story. Already, she had talked with the consultant who would accompany her to various places and get the necessary permits to hold the shooting. She had finalized a 60 day schedule for the movie.

 She first selected the Mahalakshmi temple in Goa, that was beautifully constructed and a major tourist attraction. Her main character Rajashree, donned by Diya , had runaway from her house to get married to her longtime boyfriend Maanav in Goa. The character of Maanav was played by Siddharth, an aspiring model and he considered this role as a major breakthrough in his career. As both Diya and Siddharth was preparing for performing their part on the instructions of Kiara, Rishaan slowly came over to Diya and moved his hand over her bottom, as Diya gave him a stern look. Rishaan walked by laughing

Neither my kiss nor my touch makes her angry, so it is time to make the next move thought Rishaan.

But, it didn’t go unnoticed as expected by Rishaan. Siddharth watched them exchange their looks as he was a witness to the incident.  As the setting sun, extended its final rays on the top of the temple, as if giving a bidding farewell to the temple for the day, the careful planning by Kiara made her elated for she noticed that she was day ahead of their planned schedule. 

V

 After their marriage in the temple, and with her family discarding Rajashree, Maanav arranged a house for their stay in Goa  . They found a small hut near the Arvalem caves in Goa, where he could work as a tourist guide, while Rajshree could be safe in the house. He worked and returned home , getting new friends and acquaintances, until he met sally, another tourist guide, who happened to get more clients than him.

Kiara was excited for the shot in Arvalem caves and the waterfalls, and the set designer had finished mounting a small house, of plaster of paris. While the crew got ready for the shot, Kiara noticed the beauty of arvalem falls near to the caves and felt like synonymous to a lady with her glorified hair, loosed by her exertion from its bondage of faded ribbon.

 Siddharth was full of energy to perform his part, particularly a scene wherein the characters had to arrange the house, but Diya’s mind kept wandering and lost her focus resulting in retakes, which forced Kiara to have a word with her personally. Rishaan was tensed when Kiara called in Diya for a personal chat, while Siddharth noticed his body movement, resembling a kid awaiting his exam results moving to and fro. After a discussion, Kiara came out of the room and on seeing Rishaan outside, moved over to him, with her eyebrows dropped that seemed to be angry and tensed.

“I need to talk with you about Diya “

Rishaan felt as if a sea were roaring in his ears and fire blazing in his eyes.

“Dear, you should have a word with her personally and make her understand the importance of this movie. We cannot have a change now at this moment” Kiara was choking with anger but Rishaan breathed a heavy sigh of relief although making sure that she had not heard him.

“I will have a talk with Diya near the Arlam falls just to make her feel the character”

“I will instruct her to follow you” Kiara was expecting a big support from Rishaan.

The temperature began to drop as sun lowered, by the time Rishaan and Diya had reached the falls. The Aryam falls was more than a normal stream cascading down to a shallow pool but the energy of the fall was enormous , powerfull with pushing swells and spilling like glittering diamonds into the pool. The sound of the falls was not deafening and Rishaan had identified a spot close to the falls, where the picturesque of the valley could be captured. They slowly climbed the boulder to reach the secluded spot when Rishaan began, with a raised voice

“Diya, you need to concentrate”

“With you around it is getting impossible Rishaan” Diya actually wanted to scream with all the bad words she knew.

Rishaan slowly bent down and gently blew the hair off her neck. He felt the water's eroticism before them and he took both her hands, pulling her forward over the water's edge. With the water flowing down on her and being overpowered by his strength, they started kissing, caressing and touching each other. The passion was building up as they explored each other’s eyes and lips, tongue and hands, until they sought out the grass nearby. With his mouth pressed against hers, his one hand cupping her breast and with the other hand, Rihaan pulled Diya onto the grass. As she closed her eyes and felt like almost overcome by his passion, he moved gently but wildly down to her jeans and undid them. He pulled off her jeans and her underwear in one go as he ran his hands over her legs.  The water was splashing and making them wet inundating their passion. He gently pushed inside her, all the time looking at her face and she at hers. In a few minutes, she had rolled over onto him and lay leaning on his chest.

“After this project, I am coming with you” Diya kissed him passionately.

Rishaan looked up into the sky , smiling inside, as it was getting dark and he  felt the partly visible moon smile back at him. He really didn’t know whether to continue the relationship or keep his door open for 

{To be continued...}

The Goan Debacle

I

Oh my god, this means the location is Goa” Diya was excited.  

After a gap of more than three years in the industry, taking up side kick roles in a number of movies, she now got the opportunity to be the lead actress. It was the debut movie of Kiara Bakshi, who had assisted high profile directors in delivering many blockbusters. Kiara has been in the industry for more than a decade and with the producers ready to invest in her mellifluous plot, she finally got a chance to helm the set.  In search of the lead actress that best suits her character; she decided to give a chance to Diya, an actress who was in search of an Ostentatious breakthrough in her career. The photo-shoot was already completed with Diya and as it took time to materialize the monetary aspects for the movie, Kiara was getting worried for Diya. Finally, when everything was set Kiara rang up to her to inform the location of shooting.

“Yes, and my secretary will speak with you later, the time and the schedule. So take care” kiara had cut the phone abruptly, deciding not to rejoinder her sequestered excitement.

   

It was almost midnight when she made the call to Diya.  Kiara moved the blanket over, covering her nudity with a towel, while Rishaan lay snoring at her side, with his face ducked in the pillow. A couple of hours back, they were passionately kissing and the feel of his wavy hair on her face had just pushed her to the limit. She found the marks of her nail on his back, and her bite marks on his neck that reminded her of the ecstatic moment, she had been through. She ran her fingers gently down to his spine to his waist and further deep as she slowly caressed him. Her mind had taken her a few years back to the sets of the blockbuster movie “Parineeti “where she was assisting the renowned director R.L Malhotra. Although experienced, he was most of time busy auditioning the characters for the various roles, particularly interested in the female auditions, where after selecting a handful of new talents, he would invite them one by one to his guest house for a private audition. Then it was all left for Kiara to ensure the set design was done in time, and coordination with the choreographer and the team, that boosted her confidence in her work. 

It was during the sets that that she happened to meet Rishaan and Diya for the first time.

“So you are basically a wildlife photographer. And why do you want to try this industry” Kiara asked Rishaan,  feeling interested in his long square chinned face  and free flowing wavy hair.  Rishaan was rejected by the lead cinematographer Raaghav, a man considered to possess a midas touch and undoubtedly the numero uno of the industry. Rishaan had noticed Kiara, running up and down the set, having discussions with the choreographer for a song sequence, and when she had reciprocated his constant gaze, he knew the best person to make a move was Kiara.

“No madam, my intention is to move up in life and I am seriously looking for this career. Give me an opportunity to prove myself” Rishaan prompted a feeble look to draw in a stronger feeling of sympathy.

“Rishaan, the industry’s huge so try some other sets. If you are striving hard to move up in this industry, I am sure you will never go unnoticed. And basically, this is a male dominated industry, so good luck” With a broad smile Kiara walked by leaving Rishaan disappointed. However, Rishaan did catch a positive vibration from Kiara’s smile that he decided to steal her attention, continuously waiting for her till the shooting time was over and trying to catch up with her in her apartment, often earning the wrath of her apartment gatekeeper, who never allowed him to enter the compound. Kiara, all the time, was watching him and finally after a full three week’s performance, one evening she called him to her apartment. 

“I cannot do much Rishaan, for there is a huge politics involved with regards to behind the camera” Kiara was in her night gown, when Rishaan had entered her room. He stared at her in a strange way and for a moment Kiara wished that the ground had swallowed her whole.

“Sorry, for a moment I could not take my eyes of you. What were you saying” Rishaan mumbled.

“Oh are you flirting with me” Kiara sounded a bit annoyed.

“Not at all, watching you all day from distance and then seeing you this close , I could not stop staring at you” Rishaan gasped as Kiara looked at him contemplating the situation and what he had just said. 

Rishaan then moved closer to her and whispered “I know a lot about you and want to know more”.

As Kiara stood stunned, Rishaan grabbed her and moved with a lightning speed to kiss her, when she whisked away.

“ I know you and you say this to all the girls” Kiara was trying hard not to look straight at him.

“No, you deserve more attention from me, I have started feeling you everywhere around me” 

With that Rishaan held Kiara tight and pulled her head by her hair, looked into her eyes and kissed her passionately. Then he pulled her head back and kissed the hollow of her neck up and down. Kiara, overcome by the intensity of his passion could not resist him and that night both of them ended up in bed together.  During that passionate session she fumbled to find his zip and as she felt him for the first time; now years after in her apartment with Rishaan, she was happy that she enjoyed a steady relationship with him in spite Rishaan being 5 years younger to her. A quick smile came over her lips as today Kiara Bakshi, who had come up from behind the shadows of renowned directors, was confident enough to direct a movie all by herself. Although not married after all these years of living together, she actually had hid one bad episode in her life that preceded, Rishaan’s appointment as the assistant cameraman for that blockbuster film, which was through her recommendation.

II

“So you want him in our team for this film, right Kiara” Raaghav looked into her eyes focusing as though his eyes were his camera. Nicknamed, the magician with his camera in the industry, he was roped in for the prestigious project,  Raaghav was in his mid forties, a lean body with sharp wits, and a genius in his profession. As of normal, his subject of interest was the positions of the artists, the best shots and lighting to suit the occasion and was thus not interested in any discussion that contradicts his view for enrichment of a scene.

“I feel he can give you a valuable support” Kiara replied with full of respect to a gem of the industry and considered an icon by many.

“Ok, I will but Kiara, you know such favors don’t come by without any offers” Raaghav was laughing when he closed the file which Kiara had given to him. The file contained some of the photos RIshaan had taken as a document to cite his experience.

“Tell me sir, what you want” Kiara was enthusiastic so as to share the information with Rishaan that there was progress in the meeting with Raaghav, for a position in his team.

“I want a massage from you my dear” Raaghav replied giving a small wink.

Kiara laughed” I would do it now sir” With that, she went and kept her hands on his shoulder and in high pitched voice asked” shall I begin on your shoulder”

Raaghav laughed joined by Kiara but he stopped abruptly.

“I want you to do a full body massage and that too on my naked body”  Kiara felt the effect of a big blow on her as an imponderable silence impaired her docility. She felt very weak and discomfit.  

That night when Rishaan had rung up Kiara to thank her for the support and to meet her at the residence, she had abruptly cut his call claiming that she was busy in a discussion, only to turn around to find Raaghav lying completely naked in his bed and the very sensation of Kiara seeing his nude body was giving him the necessary pleasure.  As Kiara remembered that day, a sense of derogation ensnarled her that she forgot that she was caressing Rishaan and unknowingly in a fist of anger,  pinched him. 

“Ouchh, what's wrong with you. it pains” Rishaan had jumped up from his bed.

“Oh I am extremely sorry. I was just getting excited thinking of our movie” Kiara replied trying to focus on the present day.

“Come on, you don’t think about such activity with your hands inside my pant” Rishaan replied feeling annoyed at being disturbed from the sleep.

Rishaan understood that Kiara was thinking about her working with Malhotra and he believed that in order to secure her job under him, she had many a times compromised with Malhotra, resulting in that sunken feeling of hers’ but the truth was that for reasons unknown to kiara, Malhotra had always respected her and even used to take opinions from her to design the scenes. Kiara , had a simple profile, was short and a little fat around her hips, which probably would not have interested Malhtora, she thought and her only distress was her night with Raaghav , where in after her massage she had to bathe him and that too he wanted her naked while they bathed together. She never knew why for a stranger like Rishaan she had to perform all this nasty acts but as years passed by with him, she was feeling realxed.  

“Ohk forget about it” Rishaan interrupted. “When will you inform Diya about the location”

“Already done” Kiara smiled.

Diya was with them the previous week and Rishaan had shared with her some of the snaps he had taken on his previous assignments in various films. Rishaan was taking over as the lead cinematographer for this upcoming movie and had to do some photo-shoot sessions with Diya, in order to make her perfect in the screen. During the sessions,  Rishaan became quite friendly with her that he started  feeling interested in her, while at the same time he ensured that his rapport went unnoticed by Kiara .

“You have a very wonderful smile Diya” Rishaan had put in during the photo-shoot leaving Diya reddened. Diya, who was excited on her new project, was feeling quite relaxed and free with Rishaan throughout the session.

“Diya, the smile of yours is going to steal many a heart. So be careful” Rishaan cautiously was building the rapport with Diya, leaving her blushing.

 Rishaan extended the sessions to have more time with Diya while Kiara was busy with the scripting of the story. And during one of the shoot, he had intentionally touched Diya’s lips forcing her to react by pushing his hands away.

“Oops, I thought I had just touched a cotton candy. It was so soft”

It didn’t go well with Diya but she now started watching him closely. Rishaan was a talented guy and Diya, knew that Rishaan shared a great relationship with Kiara, to an extent that they go roaming at nights, and she believed that the rest of the story about them were the crux for the gossip mongers and she never was willing to listen; Kiara was the director and he the lead cinematographer for this million rupee budgeted movie, and it was usual for them to have discussions extended late night.

“I will ensure that you shine like a diamond on the screen” Rishaan promised during the last day of the photo shoot holding her hand , which aroused her interest for him but her mind was ensnarled in the new role she was to perform.   It was agreed that the three of them would be travelling to the set together much to the interest of Rishaan. Since Kiara’s new film was a female oriented genre, she insisted that Diya shall remain with them to modulate her for the role of the main character.

“Why did you select Diya for this role. You told me that she was rejected by Malhotra in spite of her audition performance” Rishaan had once inquired to Kiara

“She was rejected from the lead role, RIshaan. Had she taken up the role in Malhotra’s movie, it would have propelled her career to a different level”

“But why was she rejected”

“She refused to sleep with him. This is what I appreciate in her” smiled Kiara

This is not what I appreciate in you thought Rishaan. 

(to be continued....)

Refugee

Refugees from Syria, let me call them the way current media puts it although I find them as survivors, were pouring into Europe until the tragedy in Paris, that rocked the European union to a decision to temporarily halt the influx of immigrants from the war torn nation. Germany, the leader of the block, held a larger share of the pie as the largest share of Syrian requests for asylum in Europe followed by Sweden, France, United Kingdom and Denmark also gave in their support for the asylum seekers. While United States lead the funding with the largest share of aid to the Syrian refugee crisis, the amount that accounts to almost 31% of the total aid donated to United Nations by various nations for this crisis. Australia and Canada have also pledged support by taking in the extra immigrants fleeing the conflict in the Middle East; however they were way behind Europe in supporting the crisis. Why Europe is more predominant in their support to this grave crisis, particularly the very ones mentioned above among which a few had even branded their country refugee-friendly?

Humanitarian concerns, the brooding image of the body of child Aylan washed up on the shores of turkey in the early September, the horrific death of refugees while trying to cross the Mediterranean fleeing the war torn area, the extraordinary images showing more and more refugees dying in their desperation to flee persecution and reach safety, did create shock ripples across Europe to the extent that Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany  in mid-September jumped on the bandwagon, saying her country could absorb every legitimate refugee who wanted to come. As Germany set example, the other European countries followed suit and all of a sudden Europe became really concerned in the case of fleeing refugees. In fact, the conflict in Syria has displaced 12 million people creating the largest wave of refugees to hit Europe since the World war II.

But as the present crisis hits headlines across the globe, where was Europe when due to the persecution of the Burmese government, there were 250000 people displaced from Burma in 1978 or similarly in 2015 when a million burmese became refugees owing to the Junta rule in Burma. Where was Europe when the south Sudanese civil war broke out in 2013 leaving more than 2 million displaced from Sudan. There were more than 5 million refugees in Colombia because of the long-running fight between the government and rebel forces. Between 1976 and 1992, over 5 million people were displaced from Mozambique due to the civil war in that nation.

In my view, Europe should have strengthened the UNHCR (the United Nations Agency for Refugees) and let United Nation play a more vital role to take control of the situation. This would have made sure broader participation of countries from around the world which would result in discussions in various forums, including the reasons for spiraling the crisis although any decisions however would have been vetoed by the permanent members as per their vested interests in the civil war in Syria. Greece, already reeling in an economic crisis, has more than 20 uninhabited islands near to their mainland closer to the Middle East. What would be the difficulty in providing relief shelters to the people (fleeing from the crisis) in one of the uninhabited island and ensure sufficient facilities for food and sanitation, at the same time lend a helping hand to Greece, who i believe, would have readily accepted the offer for leasing their land for this purpose. Of course there would be difficulties and scenario would not be as easy mentioned above, but as we have seen the left party in Greece already shifting their ideology to support Austerity or  various democratic governments trying to co-opt  with new policies that does not have the public support, it would be even easier for these countries to work together to build some sort of temporary relief for the people escaping the war and slowly relocate them to the mainland and in the mean while the politicians could try to win the confidence of their public to undertake the activity of relocation to their respective mainland .

Now let us look in a broader economic dimension to this resettlement crisis. It’s known to the world that the middle east is holding the prestigious World Expo 2020 and the World Cup 2022, Expo 2020 is expected to cost between $6.2 billion and $8.7 billion and almost 175 million dollar for the World cup event. With the imponderable revenue involved in the multi-billion dollar events along with the prospects of holding the Olympics, the greatest sporting event in the world in the near future, all economic focus will still remain in the Middle East for the years to come. This means that the global manufacturing unit for Germany, or the largest furniture retailers of Sweden, Multinational retailers and Power engineering company from France, Banking giants from United Kingdom, Processed food items and machinery from Denmark  for them all the revered market in the forthcoming years would still remain the middle east. Is Europe keeping this concept as their base while opening up the doors to the fleeing civilians from the war, regardless of the fact that there is no effective published plan for the resettlement of the other country’s citizens in their mainland nor has agreement been reached with countries concerning the eventual relocation of those who have lost their homes and lands.

I wish the world becomes a better place in 2016 for all living beings, not just the human beings alone, to live and dwell peacefully in their region. 

Aarushi's Theme

Characters

Aarushi- The central character on whom the story revolves.

Maanav- Fiance of Aarushi , a ship captain

Siddhanth- Father of Aarushi , who works in the NDTV

Savithri- Mother of Aarushi , house wife

Abhijeeth- Father of maanav, a retired army officer

Shanthi devi- Mother of maanav, a house wife

Maya Ramsay- The agent for theme wedding

Srivastav- a shop keeper whose ambition is to act in films

 

It was raining heavily outside.  Sitting inside the cab, Aarushi was not enjoying the onslaught of the Mumbai Monsoons, but each time the thunder stroked, she felt uneasy and her thumping heart aided the rhythm.  She requested the cab driver to slow down near a very old fashioned building, typical to the Gothic Victorian era, a picturesque of the British occupation in India. She ran up the stairs not bothering about the lift, although it was in a dilapidated state. On climbing up to the second floor with all her vigour by taking a long leap on the stairs, she stood in front of an office and read out in her mind

“ Marriage registrar”.

The same office where hindi movie marriages take place thought Aarushi

On entering, she found her classmates, all dressed up in their school uniforms, eagerly waiting for her arrival. Upon seeing her, they all started clapping and cheering.  Aarushi felt excited as she was slowly pushed to the front by her friends, when a potbellied man through his thick spectacles seated behind a desk, popped up the question

 “ Are you the bride Miss Aarushi  Chaman”

Aarushi , reluctant to speak, nodded her head.

“The groom can sign here first”. Aarushi turned around to find Arhanth, wearing a Nehruvian kurtha smiling, came out from among her classmates, and hold her hand.  As soon as they had signed, all of her friends erupted in joy forcing the pot-bellied man to interfere

“Not in here, go and enjoy outside”

Aarushi laughed out loud. Sitting in her room, in front of the laptop with her facebook page open, she had just revisited one of her childhood dreams, an immatured dream that if tracked originated by watching  over and over the film “Saathiya”. Eloping and getting married to the hottest hunk, in her class, with all classmates witnessing the event, a dream that crept into her mind during those days; the reason for an eloped marriage , she was a Marathi while Arhanth, a Jain and traditions proved to be hindrance for their union. As Aarushi grew up , her college life, her concept of world changed  so did such immatured thoughts forced their way into the rabbit hole of life. That night the facebook message from Arhanth, made her just wonder through those memories, she had once pampered although never revealed not even to Arhanth.  

Arhanth@congratulations..

Aarushi had just changed her status “Engaged with Maanav Abhijeeth”

Maanav , her fiancé, was a Ship captain and spends most time in the sea .Once during his stay in Mumbai while attending a relative’s marriage, Maanav’s mother Shanthi  happened to see Aarushi and felt interested in a proposal.  Aarushi disliked the idea of arranged marriage neither she approved a runaway marriage. However, a few coffee together with Maanav, and a date when they took a trip to Pune without knowledge of their parents, she started liking him.  

“ Come down baba. Pappa needs to have a word with you”

It was her mother. Aarushi got up to leave when a wattsapp ring tone appeared. It was from Maanav, who was somewhere in the Indian ocean,  thanks to the development of technology,  that possibility of communication existed.

Saw you FBpost, why did it take time to change?

She laughed and wrote back

I thought over it again and again; finally agreed

A smile emoticon from Maanav, she felt a desire to see him face to face , not  to see him inside her laptop. Though not as handsome as Arhanth,  Maanav was well built with lazy eyes and squared chin  and possessed a charisma, that she couldn’t resist.

She ran down to find her father, Siddhanth going through the newspaper.

Siddhanth , in his late fifties with his lean figure and French beard neatly trimmed, worked with NDTV, while her mother , Savithri was short and bubbly,  resembling her. Being their only daughter, the marriage according to Siddhanth was to flaunt his reputation, for all the contacts he had gained in his profession. Aarushi never liked her parents during her teenage days, owing to their frequent quarrels for nonsensical things. But as they grew aged, the situation dramatically changed that even a moment without seeing each other would palpitate their hear beat.  

As Aarushi came down, she found her father going through the classifieds.

“Dear, your marriage is something very special for our family” he stopped, as if short of words to prepare for a long speech” We have decided to invite all our near and dear ones, along with my friends”. Looking over to Aarushi’s mother Savithri, who produced a very broad smile obvious of the fact that they were all excited for the event, “ We decided to conduct it as a theme wedding”

On hearing a theme wedding, Aarushi had just hit the ceiling. She could’nt for a moment stop gazing at her parents although she knew that it was her father’s elite circle and the desire for the event to be a prestigious one, that culminated into this selection. However, she did not care about all the preceding facts but was looking forward for how to make the vent a memorable one.  

“Thanks pa” Aarushi turned back to hit the staircase when Siddhant continued

“Hold on”

Pa always had such insurance clauses accompanying an offer thought Aarushi

“we will have only two days of function and one would definitely be our traditional Marathi style marriage”

Aarushi thought for a moment and then smiled. “ No problem pa, accepted. ”

Immediately she had wattsapp to Maanav: I have a surprise for you, call me tomorrow.

x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

“So you are not interested in our normal themes like monsoon, beach wedding and all. You want something different” Maya Ramsay had personally dropped in to meet Siddhanth at their residence, finding a suitable theme and destination for the wedding. Her firm, recently into this business, was looking for more prospects to improvise their ratings. Maya, being an MBA holder came up with a report on “improvisation of business through word of mouth”, which came into limelight and she was then assigned the duty to lead the business development unit of the firm. Maya, who actually identifies the details of the customer and their contacts, came to the conclusion that Siddhanth would be a potential client for the firm inspite their budget was just satisfactory.

“Yes” Aarushi smiled

“What are you looking for” Maya was reluctant not to lose this opportunity.

“Let me make it clear. I am looking for something different, a sort of registrar marriage. A registration office, with my friends, all in their school uniform; of course me in my casuals that too stylish one, while my wouldbe can have something different, a sort of marriage outfit”

“Won’t it look odd, that you in casuals and your fiancé in a dazzling style”

“No, never” Maya replied instantly” That would show that he is organizing the runaway marriage”

As soon as she had finished, Aarushi  was expecting a firm negative reply from Maya for the filmy stuff could easily be read from her eyes which showered signs of excitement typical to the leaves falling down during the autumn season at the jogger’s park; but Maya was silent and kept thinking.

Oh god, never seen more flimsy stuff than this but sounds cute thought Maya.  

“This is the first time we are having such an option. Normally, all of your age girls would prefer a Bollywood wedding or monsoon wedding, but never this concept. “

“Think about it, I want something different” Aarushi was confident.

“So how do you wish the function to be” Maya still confused but not losing the interest.  

“The registrar will call us. Then we come and sign, followed by witness sign by my friends. We all cheer together , a few selfie clicks, and may be you could organize a flash mob or something of that sort followed by music and food”

Maya kept focusing on aarushi. This girl has plans, and discussion with my team is equally important thought Maya.

“I will get back to you after discussion with my team” Maya then put all her documents inside her bag and was about to leave when Siddhanth approached.

“ Please take this as an advance” Siddhanth handed over a cheque to Maya “ We will tell you the date of the function but it won’t be long” . Maya, wholeheartedly received the cheque and she considered this personal as this was one of her first mission after taking up the Business development officer position.

That night while Aarushi  was on skype with Maanav, she got a positive response from Maya.

We thank your interest in our firm. We would like to extend all support for your event to make it memorable.

“So she agreed” Maanav, who was closing in to Mumbai.

“Yes, I told you it was a dream”Aarushi giggled

“Silly dream” Maanav was not so interested” But you didn’t say whom did you see as the groom”

“Hrithi Roshan” Aarsuhi laughed evoking similar response from Maanav.

Sometimes it’s better to provide half-information Aarushi thought.

 x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

It was two days since Maanav had reached Mumbai, but there weren’t any calls from him neither any whatsapp messages to dissuade her suspicions. Once, Aarushi took the intiative to call him for a coffee which he declined, that actually spearheaded her worries and so did Siddhanth’s. Maya , who had presented the special case in the company and got the model approved, started frequently calling Siddhanth  to confirm the date of the wedding, so they could book in advance. 

After a whole week of Maanav’s arrival, one fine morning, Abhijeeth, Maanv’s father, rang up Siddhanth and told that they would be dropping in their house the following day. Siddhanth released a deep contented sigh and leaned his head over the shoulder of Savithri for a moment to relax.

“Savi (Siddhanth prefers to keep her name short), tell me one thing. Why do you think they took this time to come over and fix a date”

Savithri was equllay relaxed. “ They must have sought an astrologer’s opinion to fix a date”

“Then we must be ready for them” Siddhanth then nodded Savithri to prepare for the day.

Why didn’t Maanav inform me on this visit thought Aarushi as she watched her parents run over frantically around the house to prepare her in-laws’ visit.  

x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

Aarushi did not phone Maanav, neither did she tried to know why they were getting late to reach her house. It was almost noon by the time they arrived.  Maanav’s mother Shanthi , a typical Marathi house wife, was a tall lady, who always preferred  her hair neatly tied on back , looked ravishing in sari but she looked quite serious.  Maanav had already hinted to Aarushi that his mother was the decision maker in their family for it was she who felt interested in Aarushi and had decided to move with the proposal.

“So you never liked me “ Aarushi had once during their date popped up the question to Maanav , and to feel the punch of the dialogue, she started blinking her eyes.

“ofcourse, I do and now I really thank my mother” Maanav had said it point blank and moved his face closer to her’s and in an unxepcted move kissed on her cheek.

“Did your mother gave you permission for this” Aarushi immediately sprouted the question to maanav, who for a moment became quiet and started scratching his head.

On seeing Shanthi, Aarushi’s thoughts ran into the date with Maanav in Pune, where they roamed together the full day, had visited the Pravathi hills, and also had some private moments.  But the serious concern in her eyes and inconspicuous absence of Maanav, Aarushi started feeling concerned.   Maanav’s father was a retired army officer and was not much interested in home affairs other than his normal jogging hours early in the morning and keeping a close watch on the stock market.

Siddhanth welcomed them inside although he noticed the serious concern in the eyes of Shanthi. Aarushi looked over from dining hall area as she wondered a week had passed since Maanav had arrived and still not met her.

“Siddhanthji, sorry for this unexplained hour visit” Abhijeeeth began with a military style hand shake resembling an officer assigning duty to a soldier.

“You are always welcome, first please have your seat and let us eat something” Siddhanth was hospitable inspite he was feeling the heat inside.

“We need time for the marriage” it was Shanthi who decided to cut short the introduction.

Siddhanth looked over to Savithri, who also stood perplexed unable to speak.

“It’s that Maanav’s grandfather has been on comma for the past few days. And when we called in the astrologer, he predicted that a marriage now without his funeral will spell doom on the family” Shanthi mentioned the points clearly with the intention for all to grasp the situation rather than put up unwarranted queries.

“That is not a problem” siddhanth began after a short break as if to completely read what Shanthi had just said. “And, we are really sorry for him.”

The lunch was served and the guests were happy with occasional praises showered on Savithri’s cuisine. Savithri had expected the day to be the confirmation of wedding date and hence expected a few more to accompany the groom’s party.

This idiot could have told me this, let him call now thought Aarushi also feeling sorry for her mother, who had resumed her kitchen work , very early in the morning not even waiting for her maid to drop in.

 x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

The days became months and time flew. The monsoons had begun in Mumbai, and so did the woes build up in Aarushi’s family. The questions started appearing to her parents in an alphabetical order.  Neighbors were the first in their list, with neatly drafted questions that include whether Aarushi was having an affair due to which the marriage was on hold. The grocery people followed as it became tough for Savithri, to go for a purchase without dodging a minimum 50 questions. Siddanth’s well reputed circle, kept calling him to confirm the date so as not to miss the event.

Adding more worries was Maya, the theme wedding organizer, who used to once in a week drop in their house to return the advance they had given for the function. Maya was getting frustrated with Siddhanth, that her management decided not to pursue the event and as a courtesy give back the advance offered.

Maya’s earlier visits were interesting for Aarushi , as she took additional time, brooding with various ideas , to accentuate the second day of the theme wedding, including the design of the dress for the registrar and a person to play the part of him. Maya and Aarushi both met a potbellied man  as per the description of Aarushi , who would take up that role for an amount, that was to be paid out from her pocket money.

“Thank you Madam. I can also act. So if any movies you can recommend” Srivastav, a shop keeper, who would don the role of the marriage registrar was really hoping to make it big into the big screen.

But, the situation did not turn out to be as expected by Aarushi. As the days passed without fixing the date, Srivastav  on his old bajaj scooter used to roam around their house, just to ensure that his contract has not become void.  Siddhanth and savithri could not figure out who this man was, as every time they come out for a walk in the evening he would receive them with open arms as if he was paid for this activity too.

“Good evening Sirjii” Srivastav would cry out loud with open arms and walk away.

“Tell me Savi” Siddhanth would then ask Savithri” Who is this man”?

“ He has mistaken us to someone. Poor fellow” Savithri  replied although in the same imponderable manner as her husband.

Oh no, not again this idiot thought Aarushi.

Adding matters to worse, Maanav immediately had to sail or exit country, as he was already almost 6 months in Mumbai and further prolonged stay will affect his NRI status of his accounts.  He preferred to sail, as he wanted to be a few days away from Mumbai.  Since the day he had landed, Shanthi had disallowed him from communicating with Aarushi, and he never wanted to disobey his mother. He was concerned about the health of his grandfather, for whom he was the favourite grandchild, but the thought of not confabulating with Aarushi , incensed him more. He used to go at night to his grand father, whose condition was deteriorating in spite he remained in coma, and would talk to him like as he was Aarushi.  

Finally, after his parents had visited Aarushi, he resumed talking with her, convincing her the dilemma he was in and also spent some quality time with her outside, but as the days passed by Siddhanth had put a full stop to their chit-o-chats.

After going through a continuous thought process and external opinions, Siddhanth decided to break the deadlock by going over to meet the groom’s family to understand their plans fully aware that his daughter was going out with Maanav. But Abhijeeth did not respond positively and hinted at the deteriorating health of his father, rather than sit together for coming out of this stalemate.

 Siddhanth , caught in a web of thoughts  circled around, his friends, the grocers, the bank who had loaned him for the marriage, Maya the lady from the Theme wedding and lastly the fat man who roams around his house with his greetings for don’t know the purpose why, he decided to have  a word with his family astrologer.

“ Your daughter needs to be married before 3 months or else the stars will not reflect good for her”

Siddhanth could no longer bear the brevity of his decision making skills and finally decided to look for another proposal for Aarushi.

Dad looking for another suitor…plans to inform your parent in a few days messaged Aarushi .

She did not want to call Maanav  as her father’s strict orders to stop conversing, although while the situation got heated up outside,  she started loving him more than before. But, in a few days he had to take charge as captain which precisely means he will be away on a ship for months, leaving her to face the fate, she was ordained to.

x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

Aarushi looked at her watch, a rolex watch gifted to her by Maanav. She willed herself to not to check her phone to see if he had replied. It had been about three days now, since she had posted her message in Wattsapp. She hated that she was constantly checking his 'last seen at' status and yes, he had logged in just five minutes ago. Yet she couldn't stop herself. This sinking feeling to find absolutely no communication from him was becoming unbearable, almost torturous. It had been about three days now. She hated that she was constantly checking his 'last seen at' status and yes, he had logged in just five minutes ago. Yet she couldn't stop herself. This sinking feeling to find absolutely no communication from him was becoming unbearable, almost torturous.to see if he had replied.She willed herself to not check her phone to see if he had replied. It had been about three days now. She hated that she was constantly checking his 'last seen at' status and yes, he had logged in just five minutes ago. Yet she couldn't stop herself. This sinking feeling to find absolutely no communication from him was becoming unbearable, almost torturous.She willed herself to not check her phone to see if he had replied. It had been about three days now. She hated that she was constantly checking his 'last seen at' status and yes, he had logged in just five minutes ago. Yet she couldn't stop herself. This sinking feeling to find absolutely no communication from him was becoming unbearable, almost torturous.

And then, just as she sat down in her chair, her phone vibrated. With her heart thudding in her ear, she unlocked her phone and stared at the screen. Finally! It was his messageAnd then, just as she sat down in her chair, her phone vibrated. With her heart thudding in her ear, she unlocked her phone and stared at the screen. Finally! It was his message

But when she opened it and read it, she nearly stopped breathing. She didn't know if he was joking or not. What was this?

Immediately, breaking free form her dad’s strict instruction to avoid conversing with him, she rang him up. Maanav was expecting her call and was ready for it on the first ring.

“Are you joking?”

Maanav replied in a cool manner “No, I am serious”

“No, it’s not possible. What are you upto” Aarushi was confused

“I will wait for you tomorrow. I am serious” Maanav had cut the call abruptly.

Aarushi tried to reach him again, but it was dead at the other end. She again tried to reach him after an hour and she did not have the courage to dial up his landline number.  Aarushi couldn’t sleep that night as she prayed for the sun not to rise the next day.

x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

The next day began although as usual for Aarushi , though she was more serious in her morning prayers. She got dressed up shortly in casuals, came down and hugged Savithri, who was in the kitchen busy with her chores.  With a false pretension of meeting her friends even naming a few, she jumped out of her house and immediately caught a cab. She looked at her parked car in the shed, but thought for a moment best not to drive.

Suddenly it started to rain. Her heart was pounding so hard like a drum. She asked the cab driver to slow down near a very old fashioned building and ran up the stairs not bothering the lift. At that moment her mobile started ringing and she found that it was her father. She silenced the mobile.

  She climbed the stairs hurriedly, and stood in front of the board “Office of the Marriage Registrar”.  As she opened the door, she was surprised to find many of her school mates dressed in school uniforms standing inside and at the sight of her; all of them erupted in joy. She was pushed into the front, as her eyes popped out that made her feel like a dejavu, but to he her dismay she found an old man, with a lean shape, sitting in front of a computer

 “Are you the bride”

Aarushi stood surprised for a moment when Maanav came from behind. He was wearing a Nehruvian kurthah.  She looked at Maanav, as he kept smiling for last night he had messaged her to come prepared for their marriage in the registrar office

“Yes, I am the groom and she is the bride”

“Can’t she reply” the registrar was a serious man.

Aarushi nodded her head but deep in her mind she expected Maya to come out and say that all has been prepared as per your interest.

A print was taken and the registrar had stamped a seal on it and asked them to show their ID prior to signing the document. Maanav produced his AAdhar card while Aarushi submitted her driving licence

I have never seen any ID cards being shown in films in the registrar office Aarushi thought.

They both signed on the document with her friends lining up for the witness, they all hugged each other and at one loud voice, they shouted

“Wish you a happy married life” followed by the now-so-common selfie together.

As they came out, there stood in front of them, with their mouths wide open and in complete shock,  their very own parents. Abhijeeth was lost in his thoughts for the dalal street (Bombay stock exchange) was quite a few distance from where they were standing, while Shathi was fuming with anger. Siddhanth and Savithri was standing in disbelief, Siddhanth trying to look around not to find any familiar faces and at the same time avoiding confrontation with Shanthi, by focusing on Aarushi, who smiled at her parents.   As they looked each other confused on how to start, Maanav began

“Thanks for coming over. I have invited you to this function. We both are in love and what we have done now is only to protect our love ”

Aarushi was smiling. I didn’t know he could speak like this

“I am going to sail for a few months.  But in the meantime, please don’t even think of anything bad. When I am back, and if the situation is satisfactory for all, we will organize a grand marriage” Maanav held Aarushi’s hand “ We are taking our friends for a treat. See you all shortly”

Both of them smiled and walked by leaving the home party astonished.  They were standing confused not knowing how to react and whether to share a few words with each other, when an old bajaj scooter came up near them and stopped near Siddhanth . Srivastav happened to pass by for purchasing some items from the city for his shop. As he got down from his scooter, Srivastav , who was now a familiar figure for Siddhanth and Savithri, watched Maanav and Aarushi clubbed together by group of people, moving like a procession from the registrar office.  Seeing a giant figure moving towards them, both Abhijeet and Shanthi without turning back, got into their car and fled. Srivastav came near Siddhanth, who was completely surprised to find him there.  

“Excuse me brother” With a confused look Srivastav started

“You should have allowed them to marry, you could have enjoyed the marriage and I would have got my money. Damned, wasted my petrol all these days“

With this he went back to his scooter, leaving Siddhanth and Savithri confused with no clear idea of what he had just said.

“Tell me Savii. Does he seem to be mistaken” Siddhanth once again expected some support from Savithri.

“No, the mistake is by us” Savithri, who was relieving from one shock, was not ready for the next.

“ I think this guy is from that theme wedding team to monitor our activities.  “ Siddhanth finally fell satisfied at his assessment approved by Savithri.

x---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

The old man, seated on the corridor of a palace in the clouds, was feeding a few white doves and was busy chatting with them, when he failed to notice a bearded man , in a complete white robe , come behind him . Watching the old man for some time, he decided to make the move since the old man was fully concentrating on the doves

“So you asked for a few more days to be on earth, just to delay your grandson’s marriage. Unbelievable”

The old man turned around to find the bearded man and unlike him, the old man was not dressed in a white robe.

“Not exactly. What I wanted was my grandson to take independent decision in life. I think this was his first major decision in life, not to leave her”

“But with that others also suffered, like the lady Maya who was on her first mission, the guy Srivastav , who many a times had shut his shop down to get the offer” the bearded man was looking for answers.

“ That’s true, due to which I lost my white robe here. But, I just came back from the marriage function of my grandson. “

“Was it like his wife’s interest?” the bearded man continued with his questions

The old man got up and came over to the bearded man.

“They conducted the marriage in a cruiser, that to a three day event. My son arranged the cruiser for the function. Maya had the best project of her life as she arranged the event for all the days. And last but not least, Srivastav was the ship captain who consummates their marriage on the last day”

Both of them started laughing as the white doves circled them, with the shrieks of laughter reverberating in the corridor.  

                                                                                   THE END