Category Archives: Story Teller

The storyteller

Posted on by
1

Based on an original idea by my wife….

Prologue

Palanpur is a typical village like any other… tiny farms growing wheat, rice, sugarcanes; a small river; government school; a small clinic; a huge banyan tree under which there used to be weekly panchayat meetings. All important decisions are taken here. Everyone loves to be part of this village for various reasons but for a very special one.
There was Raghu kaka.

A man with an uknown past and lots of stories. He was the village’s very own Pied piper. A man who could charm kids with his opulent weaves in story telling. So much so that all kids were practically drawn towards his enigmatic character.

Palanpur, present day

With so much excitement they all yelled as if orchestrated “Wow, Raghu kaka!”

“So? What did we all learn today? Can anyone tell me?” asked Raghu kaka.

A small hand rose from the corner of the group. It was Gattu the youngest boy in the entire twenty something group of kids.

“We should always love all and have no enemies” Asserted Gattu as if he understood it better than anyone in the group.

“Well done Gattu! I am truly impressed” said Raghu kaka in a rather surprised tone.

Gattu was barely three years old. Thin, fair with little brownish hair on his mane. Today was Gattu’s first day on the story session with Raghu kaka. And the session was outstanding like all other days.

It was exactly five years before when Raghu kaka started narrating stories just as a way to cope with boredom and a way to forget all that he had been through. He had two disciples at the start. It was more of a baby sitting process for a working family. Both the parents were busy in their farms and didn’t find time to take care of their kid and that’s when Raghu kaka pitched in.

Raghu kaka lived just on the outskirts of Palanpur village. The house was built entirely by himself with no support from anyone. His was a small house build of bricks, clay and the roof covered with neatly sewn coconut and palm leaves. The verandah was large enough to occupy atleast fifty people. There was a bamboo fence and just before the fence is a green patch of grass border with various flower shrubs grown in beautiful patterns. The well was on the back yard with generous growth of mango, coconut and chickoo trees. Tendered like kids, Raghu kaka would water the plants generously removing all weeds and taking care of them as his own.

It is common in villages to find a new resident and everyone talking about them and going over to their house with gifts or supplies as a way to welcome them. But with Raghu Kaka things were different.

When Raghu kaka came to the village no one liked him. He was tall with a heavy frame and resembled much like a local wrestler. He had a rather coarse voice with unusually added accents in English which many villagers didn’t understand or rather were jealous to even think about him. He was an ex army man and was always on his own ever since he lost both his parents after which he enrolled himself in the platoon thereby giving himself to the nation.

And for the last five years he has been ruling the hearts, minds and thoughts of the kids.

Raghu kaka had a way with storytelling. He had all sorts of stories. Some thrilling, some epics and most of them having a mystical thread to it. And while narrating the stories he would ensure that his kids would enact certain parts of the story so the kids are part of the story and live the characters. His room was ladened with all necessary props that aid his story telling. And almost all his stories would have learning or two and that’s what Raghu kaka would strive for!

That’s one thing kids love when it comes to the times spent with him.

The stories of Raghu kaka would reach everyone in the nearby villages to the extent that he was kind of star amongst the locals. People would love to hate him and talk behind his back. They would prompt rumors about him to bring down his popularity but nothing would stop a kid from going to his house at the stroke of four pm in the afternoon.

This was a regular feature…

There was another dimension to this. While not being with Raghu kaka, kids would be on their own locked inside their rooms. One could hear voices coming in from their rooms. That’s when the village Sarpanch Vikas Deshmukh decided to sneak into his son’s room one day. All he could see was his son facing the wall and talking as if in conversation. That really left him deeply concerned and puzzled at the same time. This has probably been going on for a long time with all the kids and this became a constant topic in all the homes about what relationship would hold between the kids and their stoy teller. The Sarpanch decided to take action. He called for a meeting of all the parents under the famous banyan tree where most discussions were held and a unanimous decision was finally taken.

For the next year or so, none of the kids were allowed to step out from their homes except for school. Many a times the kids would sneak out to just have a glimpse of Raghu kaka and even that was stopped now.

With nothing much to do and no hopes of seeing the kids again, one could witness the withering of the lovely garden. What was so green and colorful was now nothing but dark brown color all over the house around Raghu kaka’s house. It’s been more than a year and when loneliness starts creeping in it takes a toll on one’s health and the mental status. Raghu kaka who was once had a tall and strong stature has grown seemingly weak with no interest in the present nor the future ahead of him.

The next few months that lasted and whatever remained of him, Raghu kaka would talk all by himself and narrate stories all to himself. As if he could see a whole bunch of kids in his verandah, he would enact all the roles by himself. Wear costumes, adorn the make up and live all the characters that he had created all those years. No one was then allowed to pass by his house. It was one of those banned areas for all adults and kids alike. The story teller was reduced to nothing but a mad man for the entire village.

It’s been almost a month since the death of Raghu kaka and deep inside all the parents have a sense of relief that they will not be resorted to stopping their kids to go here and there especially to that house where Raghu kaka stayed. Now it all seemed only normal that everyone was back to routine. The harvest season just got started. The schools are busy preparing for their exams. And everyone just busy in their own fragments.

As for the kids the sadness only grew with each passing day. The person they adored and loved the most is no more and the very thought of not being able to see Raghu kaka for ever would only make the rest of their lives with regrets and sorrow.

The sarpanch finally came up with a solution that would only bring a smile onto the kids faces.

The house of Raghu kaka was now under the guidance of a worker who would clean his house and keep it neat and tidy. The place would be filled with kids in the evenings. It was a recreational area of sorts for the kids such that everyone in the village could not deny and only hope that this would bring loads of joy and happiness in their lives.

Epilogue

Now everyone is free to walk past Raghu kaka’s house. The house is back in shape again. There’s the lush green grass with lots of marigold, rose and sun flower dancing to the tune of the breeze. The butterflies come in full swing daily and so do the kids.

The Sarpanch is happy to see Raghu kaka’s beautiful house and the kids playing in the verandah.

But today they all are silent and sitting in a circle. There is an empty chair in the middle and all the eyes are fixated over there. They are unanimously nodding their heads uttering their usual “Hmms”, “yes”, and their ever so favorite “Wow, Raghu kaka!”

VN:F [1.9.16_1159]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
Share

The long drive

Posted on by
1

It’s been five lovely years and Nitin and Reena still feel the same newly wed couple. Another year and they will start planning a family.

Until then life is one long drive.

Ever since Nitin and Reena got married it has been a routine to go to a far away place, blazing music, the back seat filled with food and drink and of course each other’s company.

Nitin runs his own business in management consulting and Reena an events manager in a leading firm. They barely get to see or call each other while on work. They lead a very busy life… until the stroke of 07:00 pm. Past this time whatever it takes, Nitin and Reena make sure to come home and pack their things off for a very long drive. And this has been going on for the past five years. A ritual that only they perform and no one’s ever included. There has been times and situations when friends and family members wanted to intervene and join them much to their dissatisfaction.

They have seen almost every corner of the city. The drives usually last as long as four to five hours and most of the times they reach home past mid night and hit straight to bed. Mornings as usually chaotic. Reena packs everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner and kisses Nitin her goodbyes while he gets an extra hour or two of his blessed sleep.

Like every year today will be the most amazing drive that they will have. The car has been polished and cleaned well inside out. The car is filled with fresh flowers and a small bottle of champagne so that they can celebrate their anniversary to the hill top they always wanted to go and today Reena’s going to drive the car.

The drive has so far been good. They have just crossed the city limits and its another two hours to reach the foothills. The car just passed through a small bridge. Its 09:00 pm and the moon never looked so wonderful. It’s in full form and looks like it’s just risen from the water bed. Fresh, full, and beautiful in all it’s glory. The timing is just perfect and the song switches to “Chandni raatein, sab jab soye, hum jaage, taaron se Karen baatein…” and they both hum along the way!

They are so engrossed in each other and the song playing the back ground that they miss the sign that reads “Warning: Animals crossing at night. Drive slowly”

Reena is still on her 140 speed and it’s only getting better! The road is steer clear and the windows opened; she can smell the fresh air playing on her face and it’s something that she always wanted to do!

Unable to bring the car under her control and as if in a haze, Reena sees a couple walking slowly on the road. Reena sees the girl wearing a pink saree and the guy in Jeans and red tees as if a flash of a second.

She wants to stop but has no control and she suddenly hits the side of the car to the road milestones and comes to a screeching halt.

“Reena don’t stop now just keep driving. Don’t panic? See we are fine right. So don’t worry. Just keep driving.”

“But Nitin, I am worried. It’s all my fault. I think I have hit those people. God I am so gone!”

“No you are not Reena. Just don’t bother. Let’s drive fast and let’s enjoy the night. Nothing will happen. These things are so common on highways”

“Nitin… I think it was another couple like us”

“What? No way Reena. Besides we didn’t hear any screams, cries or shouts so I don’t think anyone was there”

“Nitin, I am so afraid!”

“Just drive I said”
The next few hours of the night they spent in total silence. Their eyes did the talking. Both knew that they did something wrong. Maybe they killed some one. Maybe not.

Both wished they return back to the scene of crime and handle things. But alas, they didn’t have enough courage to do so.

On their way back home they take an alternate route so they go unnoticed in case any cop follows them.

After reaching home, both Reena and Nitin lie facing on the opposite side of the bed pondering over what events followed them through the day.

No calls during the night and no one on their door step in the morning.

Seemed like a good sign for them.

Sunday being a holiday, they both usually get up late.

Reena wakes up with the alarm ringing by her side at 11:00 am and goes into the kitchen to prepare some hot coffee for Nitin.

The coffee is usually accompanied by the morning newspaper which Nitin likes to read on his bed.

Reena opens the door and finds the paper lying on the verandah with the headline reading “Pakistan Punjab governor Salman Taseer assassinated by guard”

Reena puts the paper on the tray carrying two cups of coffee towards Nitin.

“Nitin wake up. Have your coffee. Read the paper and then talk to me. We need to do some shopping for the week. Come on Nitin wake up!”

“Ok. Ok. Where’s my coffee and paper Reena?”

“Here. Have them”

“God! Look at the news today. This has become a regular feature these days.”

“Reena, Look?”

Somewhere in the corner of the front page was a picture of two dead bodies one in pink clothes and the other in jeans and red tees.

The line read “Man arrested for killing a young couple on the highway in broad daylight”

VN:F [1.9.16_1159]
Rating: -1 (from 1 vote)
Share

The grief

Posted on by
1

“Police line do not cross” was written in bold letters on a generous big yellow strip of plastic sheet all over Highway 50.

The place was swarmed with reporters and everyone who wanted to show off their journalistic abilities.

What one could see was a body lying in a swamp of blood which was now reduced to mere stains and a Toyota that was barely recognizable even after repeated attempts unless you set your eyes the broken name plates lying next to it.

It was almost 3:00 am in the morning.

Neha and her son were rushing to their house for the party ended late and tomorrow was a big day for her and Rahul. Neha was a single mother, widowed recently and just when she was in her grief, her friends and families threw a surprise party so she could enjoy life’s smaller happiness. Neha was expecting a new job offer that would allow her to widen her monthly expenses by repaying the home loans left by her hubby. Rahul was still in his second year in Engineering so she had to ensure that his term fees were always paid no matter what. So this offer letter was very important and Neha was expecting the post anytime by 10:00 am in house. It was her husbands dream to have an independent house slightly away from the humdrum of the city where they all can spend a cozy life. It was all going smooth for her until the fateful day arrived when Ashok suffered a massive stroke and all her dreams were shattered into thin air!

Neha had to speed back home for it was an easy three hour drive from her mother’s place and during late nights the heavy trucks increased by numbers on Highway 50. To ensure that she took her house keys in her hand bag, Neha puts her hand inside the bag on her back seat unaware what’s coming in front of her and all she can see is her son lying motionless in front of her…

Neha tried hard to wake him up but he would not budge. Neha just lost the love of her life to fate. This time she has to pay the worst price.

It’s more than 5 years since that incident and Neha can see the incident still fresh in her memory.

It’s not easy for a mother to forget.

Her daily madness now sets in a different form…

The coffee she made for her self is still lying on the table, the washing machine still bears the washed clothes, the milk pan is almost completely burnt with the thick layer of soot, the oven beeps all time but she refuses to pick up her hot food… This has become a daily chore for Neha.

Somehow Neha is not able to come out of her grief.

Wherever she goes, she finds a moment, a scene where it was either Rahul or Ashok standing next to her and talking.

Neha tried everything to get over this sadness but in the end she gives it up to her fate and is constantly drawn into her own cocoon.

The days seem to be endless and the nights one big dark hole.

Neha still sees things as they are.

Every moment spent with Ashok and Rahul are so clearly happening like flashes in front of her eyes.

She thinks life is all so normal around her.

The house that was so well kept, the garden, the lawn, the bird bath, the fountain are all dry now with wild creepers and shrubs growing here and there.

What was once a dream like house is now taken the shape of a haunted villa.

“Come in Sir, This is a full one acre house. It needs serious attention but that’s okay. I’ll arrange that for you. I know of enough contractors who can do it for me for half the price. So? What do you think? Shall we close the deal?”

“Yes. Absolutely. Thanks Rahul.”

VN:F [1.9.16_1159]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
Share

1-800-HELP

Posted on by
3

This is my first attempt at story telling. The plot is based on an original idea by my wife to which I have added my version. The title was contributed by brother SK for which I am grateful to him. I hope you like it.

00:00 am, Jaago FM studios

“Hi this is Pooja signing off for tonight. Once again wishing all my listeners a very happy 2011. I will see you again after two weeks as I am going on a short trip and a much needed break. And please remember to call Jaago FM and your very own favorite show Pooja’s helpline. And while I take this short break, please leave your name and number at 1-800-HELP and we will contact you immediately. Be kind, be good and stay positive. Ciao”

And that was how her 2010 show ended in a grand manner. She had finally managed to rope in several sponsors for her famous show. A number unmatched by any rivals amongst other radio stations. Pooja is a young and beautiful girl in her mid twenties, average height, wheatish complexion and a never say no attitude. An absolute go getter. Rumor has it that when Pooja finished her graduation in Psychology and with a flair for words and confidence she easily made it to the top two finalists on Jaago FM where thousands of wannabe RJ’s were competing against each other. It’s been almost three years since she has been hosting this show and today she completes her third season and will be on a much needed break. A time for herself all alone with her sister in Singapore. After her sister’s flamboyant wedding she had become much lonely and that’s when the auditions to this station came and that changed her life completely. In between those commercial breaks, she SMS’es  Palak in US about her day’s proceedings!

03:00am, on the way home

“Today the moon looks much brighter” she thought as she drives past Chowpatty beach. Pooja was quite used to this life. Considering most calls comes at night, Pooja was quite acquainted to these timings. The year end definitely has its highs and today was exactly the day she had been longing for. A much needed break and a huge promotion once she’s back.

While it was quite a roller coaster day for her…. It was the daily routine for her mom. A retired teacher, single mother working against all odds to raise her two daughters. While she was successful in marrying Palak off in Singapore with some initial resentment towards her love marriage, Pooja was a tough nut to crack. Somehow, Pooja never had any dreams of getting married. To her, work and career was everything.

Today was no different. Like any other day her mom was lying in the couch, the door keys next to her headrest and then the doorbell rang. Tired and half sleepy, she opened the door after two rings. Pooja rushed in, unable to tell her that she already finished her dinner with the staff, with added Jin to the menu, changed quickly into her pink Pyjamas and that usual loose fitting white T-shirt gobbled a few mouthful. In between telling her mom how her day passed.

Beep… beep “Hey Pooj… how wuz ur day? Ciao Palak”

“Twas ok pal. Me sleepyhead”

It’s 4:30 am and Pooja is into her deep sleep.

Morning 10:00 am

“Pooja wake up beta. You have a flight to catch at 02:00 pm. It will be quite a rush by the time you reach the airport” urged her mom. Half sleep, she managed to finish her coffee and like all other days she gets a quick ten minute additional sleep

At the airport, 01:15 pm

“Ticket please” queried the young lady at the Singapore Airlines counter.

“Any check-in baggage?”

“All passengers are requested to proceed to gate no 12 for boarding in the next ten minues”

Suddenly Pooja’s cell starts ringing. “Mr. Shah! Why is he calling me at this time? I hope I am not in for any last minute surprises”

“Pooja, I want you to head back to the office urgently. We have an emergency”

“But Mr. Shah, I have already checked in and the flight is about to leave in the next 25 minutes”

“Cancel the ticket. It’s on the company. We’ll bear the expenses. You just leave for office now”

“But Mr. Shah……” Snap goes his phone and there’s a long and studied silence.

Mr. Shah always has things his way. He is as much a task master as much he takes great care of his employees.

Pooja had to agree… Maybe the situation was worse than she imagined.

“Pal… emergency situation… hav2 rush bak 2 office. Wll call u l8r. Hav cnclld my flight. Luv Pooj”

2:25 pm, Jaago FM studios

Mr. Shah was seated in his plush office which was unlike any radio station office. A sign that he was doing extremely well with their innovative programs compared to any of their rivals. A big sigh of relief appeared on Mr. Shah’s face as he sees Pooja storm his room. It was the look Pooja had never seen in her three years at Jaago FM.

“Pooja, come sit. I am ordering café Americano, what shall I get for you hot or something cold?”

“Mr. Shah, nothing actually. I am too anxious to know why you called? You never did it in my three years and I am wondering what made you do that today?”

“Pooja, we have a situation. Listen to this”

And he switched on the telephone message button. In a faint and distant sound they heard her voice.

“Hello… Hello, can you hear me? My name is Shital. Shital Kumar. I am staying in Andheri. I have a problem. Can you help me please? I am sad. Very very sad. I need a solution. I need to talk to Pooja. I know she’s on vacation, but she has to help me out. Please tell her to come to the program for tomorrow. If not I will jump from the bridge under the train. I am sure Pooja will be able to help me and I really need her to listen to me. Please… please tell her this…” and the line goes off leaving  long noise at the end of it as if Shital wanted to tell more.

“Pooja, you have to manage this well today please. If we ignore this, this might backfire on us very badly and our shareholders will lose interest in this station which I have built with great pride. You are my saving grace. Please be back in the studio at 11:30pm tonight. Call me and we will go through the details one more time before you get the caller on the line. Ok? You may go home now”

“OK. Mr. Shah. Do I have a choice?” shrugged Pooja as she tried to close the door behind her.

“This one is on me Pooja. Nail it and go for a month”

Those words were comforting enough for Pooja and a month is what she had initially planned but knowing the popularity of her show, she couldn’ afford that. And she was aware what it means to work in Jaago FM and have a boss like Mr. Shah. But coming from the boss himself was like the best thing she could possibly ask.

It’s only Pooja’s confidence that she has come such a long way. So many industry awards she has won over the years.  At one time, she was one of the most searched names on Google India pages. “Another show today and I can then go on trip peacefully” she thought as she had her steaming masala chai famously made by her mom.

“Pal, Miss u guys. Had 2 cncl my trip. Goin back 2 studio @ 00:00 as usual. Sum strange call xpctd. Don’t wory.  Aall iz well J” Message sent comes a beep with the balance of Airtel message

“Oh Pal, btw, if all goes well, mite come ovr 4 a month. Pray 4 me yaar… Pooj”

11:15pm, Inside Jaago FM Studios

Today Pooja came earlier than usual. Coz’ she has a prize money. The one month break that she oh-so deserved.

“Ok, guys we will go live in the next 5 minutes, please take your seats and positions before the calls become live” declared the producer. “And Pooja like always, please be in your elements”

“Thank you Suraj. You tell this to me everyday and I become better with each call “Flirted Pooja.

“Ok, ok, 10, 9, 8, 7,….2,1 and we go live”

“Hello and welcome to Pooja’s helpline at Jaago FM. Today is 1st Jan’ 2011 and it is only getting better. I had a wonderful day today. I started my day with a sleep which I think is okay but I had great dreams which I think is wonderful. I want you to stay positive and make your life worthwhile and with that note , here is our first caller for tonight”

“Yes, this is your friend Pooja, may I know who is on the other end?”

“I’m, I’mmmmmm… errrr….beeeeeeeeeeeeep”

“Guys what’s this?” signaled Pooja

“I think there is some problem in the lines, let’s hear Saali re from No one Killed Jessica while we wait for the call”

“Okay. We are back and I think there is a call waiting”

“Yes, this is your friend Pooja, may I know who is on the other end?”

“I’m, I’mmmmmm… errrr….beeeeeeeeeeeeep” once again

And then goes Sheela ki Jawani song….

It’s almost  12:30 am and calls have been usually blurred with no sign of Shital and finally she does make her call.

“I’m, Shital. Shital Kumar. I am afraid to talk”

“No, Don’t worry. We can get as candid as possible. If you don’t want to divulge any info you may call us on the private line where we will attend to your call and address them live on the show”

“No Pooja. I think I am fine now. I need to talk to you now” pat came the reply

“Go on Shital” comforted Pooja

“Ok. I am all ears”

“Pooja. I have decided to commit suicide. I am very unhappy with my life. I met Sunderji  three years ago while on a trip to Goa. Initially we had maintained all our distances. It was more like normal friendship where we exchanged numbers and email ids. He was this gentleman any girl would be comfortable with even in a lot island. He never tried his charms on me. He was a natural. He had the words. We shared the same tastes in term of topics, dressing, food we ate, movies we watched and including music. All was going great. For the next one year, we remained in touch only through calls and email exchanges. Next year onwards, my loneliness caught up on me and I called him to the same place in Goa where we shared adjacent rooms. But this time, I booked the rooms at Cidade De Goa in room no 512 and had done all arrangements. It was a romantic getaway for both of us. More like a Honeymoon of sorts. While I was a widow, he was already married and I knew this right from our first meeting. He never cheated on me. He had everything. A successful business. A great and loving family but he was an unhappy person until I met him”

“Wow!” said Pooja. “Sunderji must be one gentleman I must say. So what happened then”

“It gives me great pain to tell you today that Sunderji is no more. He passed away with a massive heart attack while at home with his kids and I got the news today. Although I am from a well to do family, he ensured that I had a stable income in terms of some investments he did in my name. I am very lonely now and have no purpose in living my life further. How desperate I wanted to have a kid with Sunderji but somehow that never worked. Maybe there is some problem with me”

“No, no, no Shital. You are all fine. Please hang on! This is not the end of the line. There is more to life than putting an end to it. I will be here until I am confident that you are fine so please can you promise to call me back tomorrow?”

“Ok  Pooja. I feel lighter now. I’ll call you tomorrow”

“Break” signaled Suraj

“This program is sponsored by LIC… secure your life ever after”

“Ok guys. We are on for the next two more day till I crack on Shital” And they all cheered Pooja

It was already 1:15 am and after three more calls, Pooja sips in her hot coffee and they go live again.

“Yes, this is your friend Pooja, may I know who is on the other end?”

“I’m, Seema. Seema Mehta”

“Hi Seema. How are you? Where are you calling from?

“I am calling from Santacruz”

“Go on Seema” comforted Pooja to the next caller

“Ok. I am all ears”

“Pooja. I have decided to end my life. I am very sad and lonely. I met this guy two years ago while on a flight en route to Delhi. We both were sitting next to each other on the business class. The flight got delayed and we were stuck  in Bangalore airport. The stop over costed us a great deal of happiness which I didn’t expect would change my life into a one hundred and eighty degree spin. I was then working as a marketing head with an FMCG company and he was in the IT field. I think that was the only point of differentiation in both of our lives.  Initially we had maintained all our distances. It was a very normal friendship where we exchanged our business cards. He was a thorough gentleman.  Very handsome and very well mannered. We shared the same tastes in term of our interests in books, brands, restaurants, movies and music. For the next few months, we remained in touch only through calls and email exchanges. My divorce proceedings made me even lonelier and I called him to the same place in Bangalore where we were put up in adjacent rooms at Hilton. But this time, I booked the rooms at Hilton in room no 305 and had done all arrangements. It was very romantic. I almost forgot that I am going through a rough divorce. He was already married and I knew this right from our first talk and he never cheated on me. He was an unhappy person. Shankar died in an accident about a month ago and the news was shocking to me. We had a whirlwind romance and it all went into thin air now. After a bitter marriage and the death of Shankar, I have nothing left in this life and I want to end it”

“Seema. You seem to be a highly qualified lady. How can you talk like this? I know you are saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Shankar but he will not come back. I suggest, you take this number and arrange for an appointment with this spiritual guru” and as she scouted the number from her diary Seema interrupted…

“Pooja. You don’t understand. Shankar is not alive anymore. I can’t disclose this to my folks or his side. I am actually in the middle of nowhere. What can I do? You must help me”

“Seema, I understand what you are trying to tell me but, you have to come out of this grief. I know it’s not easy but you have to bring yourself to control… Please calm down, look at all the good times you guys had and try to delve into something which will distract your attention away from this one.”

And as Pooja was about comfort Seema more…A gunshot was heard on the other line and there was panic written all over Pooja’s face. The whole studio remained silent for a moment and then there were calls, messages, faxes, emails coming from all over the place. The station was operating with full staff by 2:15 am early in the morning. A situation never happened in the entire span since Jaago FM’s inception.

Pooja is in a state of panic. She has never seen, witnessed or even remotely heard about anything like this and today she is the center of all this. She tries to compose herself and regain her lost mind at the situation.

Like a flash the entire events come spinning onto her mind as she tries to put the pieces together. She distinctly remembers her discussion with Seema and what led her to pull the trigger.

“Shital-Seema, Widow-Divorce, Goa-Bangalore, 512-305, 1 year-few months, Heart attack-accident”

“Wait, wait, is there any connection between both?” A rush of blood goes to her head. So many things said on the same day. Two women, two men, different people but somehow such similar situations? “Am I dreaming or is this all real”

Then her phone starts ringing….Pal didi calling….. Pooja leaves it on missed call for the next 4-5 times something which she has never done to her didi. She chucks the phone inside her bag hoping to call Pal didi later. Right now she is more interested in putting the pieces together. Her career is at stake. She has to clear the air before it snowballs into much bigger problems.

She can only think of calling Shital now to clarify things and see if she can get any leads.

The phone rings. “Thank God shital’s phone is not off” she thinks

“Hello, may I know who’s calling” replies Shital on the other end

“Hi, Shital. This is Pooja from Jaago FM”

“Oh Hi Pooja. Didn’t know you’d call me this soon and at this time”

“No Shital actually, I am pushed into a certain problem”

“Oh ya, I heard the gunshot on your show what happened?” Shital interrogated.

“I don’t know Shital, before I could say anything this lady just pulled the trigger. I don’t know what to do. And that’s why I need your help”

“Who? Me? How? Why? I mean what’s the connection?” as if Shital was almost caught in a conspiracy.

“No, no… I am not calling you under anyone’s pressure. I just need to know more about your Sunderji.”

“Oh. Ok. Why not? What do you want to know”

“Everything. How he looks? Where he is from? His relatives. All you know and can say now?”

“Well with Sundarji although I spent a lot of time, away from our homes, I sensed that he loved his family dearly. He was born and brought up in Gujarat but he was settled somewhere in the far east. I was never interested where he was coming and going. But when I wanted him, he was there so it was never an issue. His wife’s shared her name as yours and that’s why I was hesitant to speak today. Somehow I thought it might be you no matter how weird it sounds which I know is not the case. His wife could never have a kid and so he was quite unhappy. He was very close to his sister-in law I reckon but he never used to talk about her that much.”

“How does he look like” Pooja asked almost instantly.

“Well. He’s 5 ft and 11 inches, has a mark on his shoulder. A Chain smoker. Loves to drink tea after each smoke and mainly after food. His brother is based in Florida and has had some very bad marriages. He was married some three to four times. He was always a happy and cheerful person with an amazing sense of humor. But there was this time when I asked him very casually about his brother and as if a ghost entered his body, he almost came in a fit of rage raising his hand up in the air. That was the only time I saw him lose his temper. I tried to know more about his brother but somehow didn’t have the courage to face his temper. I can still remember the evil look he gave when I first mentioned to him. It’s still so fresh in my mind”

“Thanks Shital. You wait for my call tomorrow. I’ll get in touch with you. Thanks once again”

Pooja’s phone starts ringing again….Pal didi calling….. The phone is on silent mode and this time the missed call has reached ten times. Pooja never missed a call from Palak but today things were just going out of her control.

Pooja starts speculating… “should I call? Should I send an SMS? What would didi think?  Need to ask her some basic questions about Jiju… What should I do?”

02:15 am, Jaago FM studios

“Gosh! The show has already gone beyond 15 minutes… and it’s very late at this hour.  Maybe I am thinking too much”

Pooja retrieved her mobile from her bag and checks for missed calls and messages. “Gosh! Eleven missed calls from Pal didi?”

And as she tries to call her back, there is an emergency call on the line for the show. The caller insists to call Pooja on the line. Pooja is flummoxed.

“Who is it now?”

“What new should I expect now?”

Pooja goes live now. Regains her composure and ready to face whatever comes her way.

With a very heavy sigh and a enacting full positivity to her voice she says

“Yes, this is your friend Pooja, may I know who is on the other end?”

“Hello, can you hear me?”

The caller speaks very softly and slowly as if whispering…

“Hi Pooj, I want to end my life”

VN:F [1.9.16_1159]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
Share

Short stories…

Posted on by
1

Hello readers,

Happy new year 2011.

I am introducing a new section on Random Thoughtz and it’s called Story teller. I will try to write and feature short stories regularly in addition to various other random articles that I keep posting on my site.

Your valuable comment, suggestions are most welcome.

The section will also feature tales from other contributors in case anyone has any great story to share!

So please keep visiting the pages and posting your thoughts!

Rajan

VN:F [1.9.16_1159]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
Share