Lucy

 "Yes Mom! I will have my dinner now." - Rakshit lies to his mom, banging his empty utensils. For the past three months, life has not been very kind to him. He still can't digest the passing away of Nikita and her last moments still bring tears in his eyes. His only solace lies in the fact that he isn't alone and there is someone else to share his grief- Lucy, their two year old Dobermann whom Nikita left behind, for him to take care of.

Rakshit's entire world now revolves around Lucy. Although managing a pet entirely on it's own is a tedious task, Rakshit has managed to carry it on his shoulders till now. However, it's true that he gets frustrated, impatient and looses temper at times. However, that doesn't stop him from loving Lucy even more. After all, Lucy is the last living memory of Nikita, that she has left behind. 

Lucy suddenly runs towards him and licks his hand. He smiles and takes his hand before his eyes. Memories rush backwards...

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Two years ago:

Rakshit and Nikita are living together since past two years. They are not very keen to marry right now. Their families were not initially in favor of  the relationship, but gradually they gave in. 

Recently, they have adopted a baby Dobermann. Their mother had died while giving birth and so the breeder had surrendered the baby to a local shelter, unsure of how she will survive. But god had some other plans for her and luckily the baby survived. The shelter then posted an online plea for adoption when the baby was a month old and ready for a new home and it was from there that Nikita took her in.

Since they never wanted to have a baby and also since having a pet baby doesn't need any social prejudice, Lucy fitted in the void perfectly. Taking care of an animal comes with it's own disadvantages and they faced multiple problems initially, but gradually with time they have come over it.

Their relationship is lacking time and intimacy but seeing Lucy happy and healthy seems to be worth everything to them.

This is how days are passing by with joy and happiness.

One fine day, at around 8 PM in evening, Rakshit gets call from an unknown number. On picking up the call, Rakshit gets the shock of his life. Nikita had met with an accident, while coming back home. A bus driver lost control and rammed straight in to her vehicle while she was starting her car at her office corner, where she parks it.

Rakshit quickly gets dressed up. Lucy is barking and crying for no known reason. He quickly starts his car and reaches the hospital.

Nikita is lying semi conscious in her bed. On feeling Rakshit around, she faintly opens her eyes, smiles and speaks in a low weak tone - "We might not be able to be together in this lifetime. But don't worry. I will come get you in every lifetime that follows. Take care of Lucy and don't abandon her. She has no one without us. Raise her like a single father and I know, one day she will surely make you meet someone, again with whom you will eventually move on. Promise me that you will take care of Lucy and that you will move on. Promise me!!". Tears roll down Nikita's eyes and Rakshit crying loudly holds her hands tightly.

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Present:

So much time has passed by and her memories still are afresh in his mind. Lucy has kept him strong and has helped him heal. But even today, Nikita's last moments still makes him teary eyed.

Rakshit gets quickly dressed up, chains up Lucy and they go out for a night walk. This time of the day is Rakshit's favorite time. He sits with Lucy on the nearby lake side and observes people talk and walk while he remains silent with his best therapist in the world, who has fur, four legs and can't talk. They express and communicate via silence and each other's eyes.

Very soon, another Labrador walks nearby to Lucy and she jumps is excitement. Rakshit is a bit surprised, because no one goes out with their pets in the nearby areas, so late at night.

A sweet voice wakes him out of his surprise - "Hi! I am Tista. Recently moved in here. Glad I could meet a pet lover here. Do you also often come out so late with your pet?" She is wearing a blue salwar and jeans with a pink lipstick shade. Her fair skin seems to glow more under the moonlight and her smile seems to be the only medicine, Rakshit has been longing for. He runs out of words and Nikita's last words flash in front of him - "Raise her like a single father and I know, one day she will surely make you meet someone, again with whom you will eventually move on."

"She must be smiling at me from above" -  Rakshit whispers himself and gets up. He seems to have found a new ray of hope to finally move on......

The girl at the mall

I was standing at the corner of Pantaloons, when my eyes shifted towards the sitting deck. While observing the people sitting there, I saw her for the first time. Sitting in her own lost thoughts, she was continuously staring towards the stairway. Almost every second, she looked at her phone and then towards the stairway. Looked like, she was waiting for someone. After 5-10 minutes, someone came and indicated her to go down and she went away, hesitantly.

I never knew this short exchange will eventually live up to a life long memory. Today when I write this story, I smile at those sweet memories. Life really has many things to throw at us at different occasions and turnabouts.

 I visited the mall again after 5 days to meet a friend. I was a regular visitor of the mall. Not that I used to shop every time, I just liked going and observing faces. It was around 7:00 PM in evening and my friend hadn't come yet. I was sitting in once of the benches, when I saw her again for the second time. She was sitting on the bench, right in front of me. I got to saw her closely, this time. She had a small mole on her chin towards the left, that made her look more appealing. We saw each other once or twice and we turned away our faces, whenever we exchanged glances. I was liking the moment.

Again a similar event like previous day happened. A different person came this time after coordinating over the phone and she left with him. I was unable to figure out what exactly was causing the situations, till the next day when I got to talk to her.

It was a Friday evening, and I had gone to roam in the mall casually. After observing some faces for an hour or so, I sat down on the same bench, I had sat up on that day. I saw her again for the third time, this time with a different hair style sitting on the opposite deck. My heart thudded very loudly for two long minutes. I gathered up the courage to talk to her and marched towards the opposite deck.

"Hello!" - I spoke in a shakily voice.

She turned up and replied with naughty smile -"Hi! I am not available today. Please note down my number and give me a call tonight. May be we can do it tomorrow. Do you have a flat? ".

In a fraction of second, my heart beat suddenly stopped beating and everything became crystal clear. A sudden hatred engulfed me and I silently walked away.

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Two months have passed by. I have never gone to the mall, after that day. That day still haunts me as a bad memory. I don't get weak on remembering that day, but a sudden hatred surrounds me, dominating every thought.

Sometimes I feel, I shouldn't have any feeling of hatred. Sometimes, I feel nothing hut hatred.  I have even tried psychological therapies, but no to profit. 

Hatred has gained so much upper hand on my inside that I occasionally skip meals and also vent out my frustrations on non living things. I have also found unexpected happiness and solace in alcohol and cigarettes.

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It's Christmas eve. While the entire Kolkata is out on streets celebrating the day, I being a loner and socially awkward, have chosen to stay indoors. My room mate has gone out with his girlfriend and won't be returning today. I chose to stay indoors to watch a movie, rejecting their invitation because I don't have any intention of being the third wheel. 

At around 9PM, when I proceed toward the kitchen for preparing food and open the fridge, I realize that we are out of vegetables. Although not very much in mood of going outside, I realize that staying hungry would be s stupid plan. I dress up and taking my shopping bag, I go outside.

The vegetable vendor sits right in front of the mall. While buying vegetables, I see her again around 500 meters apart. Only this time, she is walking with a baby. The baby girl, holding a balloon in her hands is jumping with joy and smiling. They march towards the vegetable stall only and my hear starts pounding fast. They cross the stall and go to the stall beside where the shopkeeper was selling candies. I move in sideways so that I can observe and listen to them.

All of a sudden, my previous hatred diminishes and a new found respect and serenity takes the place. She starts conversing with the shopkeeper  - " How is the sales doing today? I rejected three customers today, because I wanted to spend time with Mimi. It's Christmas and so I didn't want to let her wishes die in vain. I an very unsure as to how the household will run?. Mimi will understand my profession one day and she will hate me for it" - Tears roll down her eyes. It seems from the conversation that the shopkeeper is her husband.

He replies - "Don't you worry and never be ashamed of your profession. You didn't select it willingly but rather were forced in to it. Our poverty has left us with no other option. You could have selected some other line of profession but that wouldn't have yearned out so much money in so less time. We would have been thrown out of our home as we weren't able to pay the rent. We will soon come out of it and I will always love you". He smiles tearfully with a look of assertiveness on his face.

Tears also roll down my eyes out of respect and also after my realization that it was extremely wrong for me to judge her without knowing of the bigger picture. The little girl looks at me with a smile. She smiles in spite of her mouth stuffed with a candy.

I pay for my vegetables and order a candy for her, paying a sum of INR 1000 for it. While the shopkeeper tries to tell me that he doesn't have change, I smile at him and look towards his wife, saying - "This might not be much, but this will help. Thank you for the valuable lesson".

And I walk away from them. While in hindsight, I notice both of them looking towards each other with strange expressions. But I am happy that I got a valuable life lesson today and this Christmas is probably one of the best I ever have had.................

The Dilemma....

The road in front of the roadside café is very dusty. It's just 9 AM in the morning but the hot and humid weather makes it appear as afternoon. 

Soumik parks his car right in front of the café parking slot, over the main road itself and takes out his phone.

"Hey! I have reached. Where are you?. .Please come quickly. Else. she will have to wait unnecessarily." - Soumik speaks with someone over the phone and tucks it in his pocket. He then enters inside.

His face is looking gloomy due to the fight he had with Prithika yesterday night. 

"It was just some kisses. I didn't do anything else. In spite of very strong will to do so, I resisted. Do you know why? Because your face came in front every time, he kissed me. Is this what you call cheating? " 

Prithika's loud words banged before his ears. He sat down on a corner side table with two chairs.

"At that time we weren't even together. And I liked him too. You fucking bastard! You had cheated on me multiple times, when you were trying to woo me for 2 long years. All you explained to me every time you got caught was that we were not a couple then. And now 7 months after that incident, when I have finally said Yes to you, long back, you are getting pissed at such a small incident and that too when I myself shared it. Remember mistakes do happen. You never confessed to me on your one night flings but I still chose you. And I never asked for any explanation. And here you are, judging me for something which I did only once, and that too after after my self confession. You are such a two faced diplomat" - Prithika shouts on Soumik and slaps him.

Soumik's hands move automatically over his face and tears roll out of his eyes. 

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Samprit parks his car outside the café and dials a number after taking out his phone.

"Hi! Yes, I have reached. Don't worry, I will be okay. Let's see what he has to say..." - Samprit blurts out and disconnects the call after a brief pause. He then walks inside.

Once inside, Samprit spots Soumik on one corner and walks towards him. He sits down on the opposite chair.

"Hi!" -  Samprit speaks.

Soumik remains calm for some more time and shouts out - "So, you are the one who slept with my to be fiancée. And then you have the guts to call me and tell me to meet you and that you have to say something. Can I know what you have to say? You have already fucked her. "

His voice pitch was quite loud for a few tables nearby and so the people sitting on them starts looking towards them.

Samprit remains calm and composed. He has faced multiple similar situations in the past and other times, it wasn't his fault. He chooses to be silent for some more time and then mutters - "Listen very clearly to what I am going to say! We had just shared a few kisses. Sleeping and fucking is completely out of chapter. At that point of time, I had just broken up and was very much needy. She also wasn't having the best time of her life, I suppose based on the fact that you were banging random girls just because you needed to quench your sexual thirst. I know she never said you "Yes" then but wasn't it obvious!! She might have needed time and all you did was instead of respecting it, you started with random flings. So, in short she was needy too and then that happened. But she stopped me right where she had to and also when I proposed her, she rejected me so that she could be with you. And now, after she has finally chosen you and confessed, you are feeling skeptical. Are you still the supposed asshole you were back then, as per what I have heard or you have become even a bigger one now?"

Soumik raises up his fists but Samprit holds his hand firmly and silently mutters - "Dude, I am a black belt in Karate. You seriously want to do this? Instead listen to me and we can do it peacefully. What are you angry at? She didn't ever cheat on you. You should be happy that she finally chose you. All I got was a few kisses and you are getting to spend your life with someone you have wanted to be since long. Would you give it up for such a small cause? you will be too stupid to do that. 

Samprit notices a sense of redemption in Soumik's face. He smirks. "Call her. Call her now and tell her that you are sorry. Tell her that you will always be with her." - blurts Samprit.

"I guess my work is over now. I should go. All the best. And never ever repeat this mistake. Else I will find you and I will kill you." - Samprit laughingly says and gets up.

Soumik rises up from his seat and hugs him.  

Soumik excitedly calls Prithika and starts weeping. Samprit leaves the cafe premise, and takes out a small note from his pocket. On it is written - "I will always be with you... Regards, Prithika"

He laughs. Few tears roll down his eyes. "I guess this is what it was destined to be. For now, my job is done. " He silently mutters and wipes his tears. He then throws away the note in a nearby dustbin, puts on his sunglasses and moves towards his car. 

A flashback of Prithika saying him that she will surely give them being together a thought pops in before his eyes. He smiles and says to himself, "She is happy. That's all that matters, even if she isn't with me." He then starts his car and drives away.

The city of joy witnesses another tragic ending but beginning of a new love story.............

The Meeting

Kolkata has always been in news for slow pace and mid nineties romance. Romance has never been modernized here. Hand written letters, romantic poems still happen here at large instances. The evening breeze brings along with it a gusty smoke of love. The fragrance of romance fills the atmosphere with it's sweet elegance.

Subhasree is busy feeding a baby girl. Her flat apartment is right on the main road and hence noises of vehicles come by and go at all times. It's almost 7 PM so he will be coming anytime. Subhasree makes the baby sleep and then rushes towards her bedroom. 

"I will wear his favorite kurti today. He used to pounce on me, seeing me in it." - Subhasree laughingly tells herself and enters the attached bathroom. 

Standing under the shower, flashbacks pop up before her eyes.

1 Year Ago:

Subhasree is waiting for someone impatiently at the Axis mall. She is wearing the same blue kurti. Her phone rings suddenly and the name "Samaresh" flashes on the screen. She irritatingly picks up the call.

Subhasree - You are again late, asshole.

Samaresh - Just be there for 5 more minutes, baby. I am sorry for being late. Too much traffic.

Subhasree disconnects the call in anguish. She then looks ate the ribbed condom packet is her hand bag and smirks.

Samaresh comes after exactly 5 mins and after having some snacks, they go to Samaresh's friend's flat. The friend stays in Dubai and hence the flat is vacant since the last 6 months. 

On entering the flat, Samaresh lifts Subhasree up and then they start kissing passionately. They sink themselves in the sound of their perching lips and in the taste of each other's saliva. They completely submit one's self to the other one.

After a brief session of intense kissing, Samaresh asks Subhasree: "How long will it be like this? How long will we make love in private? Will you ever marry me?"

Subhasree replies with a small peck on his lips "Very soon". Samaresh silently caresses his hand under her navel and pinches her waist. He then slides his hand into her hips. Subhasree pushes him away and then undresses her top. She slowly unhooks her bra. Samaresh smirks and opens his shirt. 

What happens after that, makes Subhasree smile and cry out loud even today. A year has already passed since then. But she could never throw away that blue kurti and whenever she sees it, memories rush back....

PRESENT:

Subhasree quickly dresses up and the bell rings almost instantly. She opens the door.

Samaresh has changed quite a bit in a year. He has gained some weight and his firm jawline has become round. But his charm is still intact. Subhasree instantly smirks looking at him.

"Won't you call me in?" - Asks Samaresh.

Subhasree instantly moves aside. 

Samaresh enters inside, grabs her by waist and whispers in her ears "I Missed you" .

"Me too" - replies Subhasree.

The they share a passionate kiss, something they had always wanted to do since the past three months. 

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Subhasree had been very lonely since the last six months. After Nishant's demise, she was devastated. It was just within three years of her parent's death that Nishant, her brother had left this earth. More devastating than that was to find out after his death, that Nishant had a mistress who had also died in the same car accident with him. Only thing they left behind as their token of love was their baby girl who was already a month old by then. Subhasree was very angry at the girl initially, but later she understood that nothings was ever her or the girl's fault. She might have been born a result of adultery but there was definitely some reason that she was born in this world and also that she was handed over to her. 

Subhasree used to take utmost care of Dahlia, the name by which she used to call her. But her loneliness and emptiness in life used to grasp over her often. She used to miss someone's company too much. Her brother was the whole world to her and he had left her without any notice.

Then suddenly three months ago, Samaresh called her. He had come back to Kolkata and had heard about the sudden tragic event in her life, from one of their mutual friends. He decided to contact her.

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PRESENT:

Samaresh is holding Dahlia in his arms. " She is so cute. Are you sure it's not your child?" - He mockingly asks Subhasree.

"Shut up! You weren't even there when I needed you" - She replies.

Samaresh puts Dahlia back in her cradle and looks towards Subhasree. The same look they used to exchange regularly a year back. 

"That won't work any more, Samaresh. How could you never bother to ask about me ever in these months? How could you? - Subhasree replies weeping.

"How could I? I had promised myself to stay away from you. Why did you let me go? I wanted to share my life with you but you were never ready for something stable" - Samaresh replies, with a husky voice.

"I needed time. I had told you that. I was confused. I was scared. Every one that I had been had left me alone. I needed time to trust you. Don't you think I deserved that" - Subhasree now starts crying.

"Yes! It seems everyone has eventually left you except me. I used to inquire about you regularly but since you were happy in your life, I chose to stay away in distance." - Samaresh replies with a low voice. He felt a slight crack in his voice.

"It was so mean of you. You should give someone time when they ask for it and wait with patience, you know. But you chose to run away just because I once said no. Bloody escapist!!!" - Subhasree angrily says, but still crying and continues -  "I like you so much. What did you do in all these months? You must have slept with many like you used to once, right? scoundrel!!. I hate you" 

"No. I wasn't. I was waiting for you. I was waiting for the right time and trying my best to go with the flow. I could and I still can do anything for you. And waiting for you, was the first of them." - Samaresh replies.

Subhasree instantly hugs him. They kiss again passionately. They sink themselves in the sound of their perching lips and in the taste of each other's saliva. 

"Listen!! I like you so much. But...." - Subhasree pauses.

"Take as much time want. I would wait for you. I will only go away this time if you ask me to and never ever, other wise. I promise. I am not gonna give up on you" - Samaresh replies.

Subhasree smiles with teary eyes. Samaresh lifts dahlia up again in his arms and they go the balcony. Samaresh again kisses Subhasree, but this time on her cheeks, forehead and eyes. Subhasree grabs his arms tightly. And together they watch the moon and the moving stars.....

The Journey of life

The journey of life has million blockages,

It's nothing but a sequence of stories,

Some are able to cross over every obstacle,

But some are left behind with pain and worries.

Sometimes we walk, sometimes we rush,

As if dreams are standing right in front;

But slow and steady will always win the race,

Moving too fast will cause moving away from the fore front.

We meet different kinds of people everyday,

Each character plays a significant part in our life,

Some leave a good impression, some choose to stay forever,

Some vanish as quickly as a scenic roadside wild life.

But we have to move on marching towards destiny,

With set eyes, firm hands and strong legs,

God will lead us the way all along,

And then we can enjoy our own tasty life pegs!!!

Broken

You left me suddenly and chose to walk away,

You never even cared for once, to look back,

I was completely broken inside,

And was left with a permanent crack!!

I suddenly remember the vows and promises,

That we had made together in the past;

Alas! those got ripped off so early,

And couldn't find even a reasonable time to last!!

I feel crumbled from inside,

Like a nyctophobian beneath a very dark shade,

I feel cutting my veins or hanging myself,

On the study table is lying a newly purchased shaving blade.

I feel so lonely, I feel so depressed,

I cry day in and day out,

While you must be having a gala time,

Clicking selfies with your ever sweet pout...!!

I promise however, to leave you to yourself,

Even if that gives me a lot more pain;

Because after the season of summer in love,

Comes the painful season of rain.

I wish you all the best for your future,

May you succeed and fly high!

May god look up on you with blessings,

From above the vanilla sky!!!

Together.... Forever..

On this day of the festive season,

With the gleam of the lamps glowing by,

I promise to always be by your side,

When life stoops low or rises high!!

With the blessings of the goddess,

With the purity of the soul,

I promise to always love you,

Along with a sharp focus on my careerist goal.

Life will be incomplete without you,

I need you badly, to be with me,

Together we shall sort out all problems,

Together...Forever shall we be.

Moments of arrogance will come and go,

But love will always remain intact,

I will hug you and kiss your problems away,

I promise to never ever judge or misact.

Please join me and come in to my life,

We shall ride across the tidal wave,

We shall fly above the sky, we will dip in to the oceans,

The piano of life will go on with it's own octave.

Life will be incomplete without you,

I need you badly, to be with me,

Together we shall sort out all problems,

Together...Forever shall we be.........