Someone... Somewhere

There is an old saying: "Someone, somewhere, is made for you." Not everybody, believes in the saying. But, Vishnu does. He feels he doesn't need to search her. She and he will meet by itself, one day. He is waiting for that one day.

Vishnu, an engineering graduate, currently employed in an IT firm, is very enthusiastic about life. He loves to find enjoyment in small things and challenge the odds. A very happy go lucky guy, he never complains about anything. He doesn't drink, smoke and is free from all sorts of drug addictions. Probably, he is the perfect son any mother would wish for and any mother in law would wish, for her daughter to be with. He also has a very interesting side hobby. He practises hand reading. Since class 12 only, he had been studying books and listening to shows on this and now he has acquired knowledge enough, to demonstrate his own skills. He doesn't do it professionally, but always in  a friendly get together, people end up accumulating near him for favours.

It is in this way only that one day he meets Sathi. It was a birthday party of one of his friend's, and Vishnu was invited. Many unknown people were also invited, so Vishnu had decided not to see anyone's hand. But still people ended up accumulating near him and forced him for favours.

He was looking a little girl's hand, and observing, when suddenly, an enchanting voice says,"Hi!! Could you look at my hand also, please?". Visnhu looks up. He sees a beautiful girl, dressed in a blue salwar, with a white dupatta, looking at him, smiling. She is beautiful. She also has an attractive smile. Her enchanting eyes, appealing face, instantly kissable dark red lips and never ending smile makes him completely taken, He wishes to now see his hand at first, before anyone else's, also he wishes to know her name and more about her.


Vishnu goes numb. "Ahem, ahem!!! Could you please concentrate over my hands?" - The girl says and starts smiling. Vishnu realises that he was staring blankly at her and his face turns red. He quickly completes with the little girl's fortune and then turns towards her. She is standing there, waiting for instructions, still laughing. Vishnu indicates her to sit down. He holds her hand.


"Did I tell you to do so?" - The girl asks. She starts laughing even more.  Vishnu turns deep red in shame. Being shy, he starts blushing. " Hey, don't blush. It's okay. I was kidding. Come on. Check me. Oh Sorry, my fortune." - The girl comforts him, while pulling his leg at the same time. She seems to be enjoying in his company.


Vishnu looks at her palm and slowly starts on with his fortune telling. She gives him tickles. Her open minded nature, friendly and go crazy attitude, makes him fall head over heels for her. He feels that the prediction someone somewhere is made for you, has come true for him. Only, he will have to take the initial steps. With this is mind, Vishnu carries on with his fortune telling.

Forbidden: A romantic story

Ramesh has to follow a very strict schedule everyday. Being a private tutor isn't an easy job. When people pay you over and above their normal education routine, it comes with more responsibility and discipline. Handling kids is also a work of great patience. They either are too naughty or too dumb. So, everyday becomes a new test for him.

It all started 5 years back, when after graduating, Ramesh, instead of opting for campus placements, decided to start a private teaching organisation of his own. His entire focus was on teaching kids, not because of business, but because of the fact that he liked being with kids and teaching them. Ten slowly his one room class turned in to an organisation with four branches across Kolkata, with the name "Mukherjee Classes", and Ramesh became a familiar name in the world of kid's education.

Ramesh Mukherjee, now the Founder of "Mukherjee Classes" and being one of the most prominent teachers in Kolkata, rarely finds time for else activities. His everyday schedule is packed up. After getting up in the morning, he gets freshened up and reaches office by 9 AM. The teaching batches start slowly at 9:30 and the sales team arrive at 10 AM. He has to give them advice and take information from them. He also performs quarterly reviews, after every two weeks, to boost up the business and solve temporary hitches, if any. The head office is in Ballygaunge, where he generally sits. The other offices are at Hindmotor and Uttarpara, where he visits once or twice, every week. Life was going on a fast pace, when suddenly, things take a sudden halt.

Today is 15th August, 2015. Ramesh is sitting in his cabin. His staff is on holiday today, but he felt like to going to office, as everyday. Being in office alone, makes him remember his initial days, every time. The journey had been really memorable. Ramesh is lost in thoughts, when he hears the door bell ring.

On opening the door, he sees a cute little girl, who asks him,"Uncle, classes have started already?". "The girl is too cute. I wonder how much her mother would be?" - Ramesh smilingly says to himself, and bends down towards the girl.

"Today is a holiday, sweetheart. You can come tomorrow, for the admission." - He says.

"May we please come in?. We are in some trouble."- Ramesh hears a lovely voice speaking.

He looks up. A young lady, seemingly in her 30's, dressed in a whitish blue top, blue jeans, with her face covered, is looking across the road, continuously at successive intervals. It appears like she is searching for someone on the road.

"Come in." - Ramesh says, and closes the door, once they get in.

Sensing something uncomfortably wrong, Ramesh asks the lady,"Is everything okay?"

The lady uncovers her face. Ramesh looks at her. Looking at her, makes him stand still. She is beautiful. Her grey hair, too fair skin tone, well toned figure, black eyes and burning red lips, arouses him from within. She unknowingly, casts a spell on him, the effects of which, cannot be diminished.

With great efforts, Ramesh speaks up again,"Is everything okay?"

The lady replies,"Actually no. My little girl and I, were being followed. Somehow, avoiding him, we reached here. He knows we might be here, and we will be facing real trouble, when we get back home."

"He, who?" - Ramesh asks.

"The House owner's son. He follows us, wherever we go. He always has his dirty eyes laid on me or my daughter. Oh I am extremely sorry. I shouldn't be saying you all this." - The lady's face turns red with shame.

"It's all right. Please sit down. You would have some water? " - Ramesh asks.

The lady nods and Ramesh goes in the canteen to bring water. "Something is wrong. They are either in deep trouble, or faking it." - He says to himself, and comes out with two glasses of water.

Once after, drinking water, the lady calms down, a bit. She sits on the guest sofa, and hugs her daughter. She starts crying.

Her daughter gets confused. Ramesh decides to console her, in spite of initial hick up. He concludes that even if the girl is faking, he needs to find out the truth.

"Calm down. Nothing will happen to you here. You can trust me. Now tell me, why is the land lord's son following. Tell me everything in details, from start to end." - Ramesh says.

The lady, after a brief pause of hesitation starts:
"Three years ago, me and my husband came here to live together. Our families were against our marriage, and he didn't have the power to back us. So, we decided to live separately. It's difficult to find a home here and besides, the time was also short. So, without further enquiries, we decided to move into the first option available. Besides, the owner seemed to be a nice and decent old man. So, we decided to stay. We were quite happy. Then one day, Duhita came into our life. We were even more happy. She gave us more reasons to cherish life. Everything was going fine, until the last year, when his son arrived back home, from jail. His son, a criminal with a history of theft, laid his filthy eyes, on me and her, the very first day itself. After that, life also took an unexpected turn. Adding to the problems already present, my husband died in a car accident, leaving us alone. His bike collided with a heavy metal truck, and he instantly, died due to the severe blow. Six months have passed by. Everyday, the landlord's son tries to touch me or my daughter. Being old, the landlord cannot say anything, and his son doesn't even listen to the little, that he says. His son stalks us everyday, wherever we go. I myself only know, how difficult it is to manage my job and her schooling, at the same time. I can't even leave her alone for a split second. Always, when I reach her school, five minutes late after the classes have got over, I fear I may not see her again. " - The lady starts crying, again.


"He was again following us today. while we were coming here. That's why I insisted on getting in quickly. At least, inside a closed premise, we feel temporary relief." - The lady replies, still weeping.


Ramesh takes a deep breath. "World is full of problems, and more number of people, who create it." - A deep thought comes across his mind.

After taking a deep breath again, he speaks - "Okay. Relax. After her admission, I will drop you both to your home. For today, you might get a temporary solution, But, every other day,neither I, no one else, will be able to help you. And this will go on increasing with time. Only you can help yourself. Stand against what's wrong. And I tell you, things will automatically fall in the right place. Give my words, a thought." Ramesh goes in the accounts cabin, to bring a form.

Entering inside, he pauses. "They are stuck in a bad situation. If no one helps them, they might not be able to get out of it. But, who will help them. They have no one. " - Ramesh says to himself. Lost in thoughts, he forgets to take out the admission form. He realises it after 5 minutes. Taking out the form, he comes outside.

Once the process is done, Ramesh keeps the payment in drawer, takes out his car keys and guides them towards the garage. Although hesitant, the lady follows him with her daughter.

Once the car has hit the road, Ramesh asks,"Bdw, I didn't get the chance to ask your name. You are Mrs. Pallavi, right?"

The lady smiles and replies," Yeah. You must have seen it in the form.". Pallavi chuckles and says again,"I however, know your name. So, tell me, how does it feel to run an organisation, of your own. From an engineering graduate to the owner of an organisation, how was the journey?"

Ramesh smiles. The days of initial struggles and defeats, flashes right before his eyes."It was not easy. But, the efforts made was worth the results," - He says.

They start talking more and more. Ramesh gets lost and spellbound in her words. He falls in love with her. Her charming eyes and lovely smile enchants him. "What if I help her. What if I rescue her?" - he thinks in mind, but words refuse to come out.

After a journey of almost half an hour, they reach their destination. Ramesh wished the journey never ended.

Pallavi gets out of the car with her daughter. Suddenly, from nowhere, a bike hastily comes to halt. A young lean guy, probably drunk, incapable to stand on feet, parks the bike just besides the car with a loud sound, and grabs hold of Pallavi. Her daughter hides inside the car.

"Where the fuck, did you go? I had told you to inform me, wherever you are going. Why didn't you, you filthy cunt? What did you think? I won't find out. I will fuck you like anything today, bitch." - He raises his hand to slap her.

Ramesh holds his hand. "Don't you dare. I will break every bone in your body, if you do so. You have disrespected her enough. Now say sorry and go." - says Ramesh, calm but fierce.

The guy looks towards him. His eyes are red, primarily due to alcohol and more due to anger. He raises his hand again, but Ramesh hold him strong. He is unable to move his hand. He shouts,"Who the fuck are you? Oh I see, the bitch finally got a fuck buddy. Why? wasn't I man enough?"

Ramesh lands a tight punch on his face. He falls on the ground. His lips start bleeding. "You motherfucker" - he shouts and tries to rise up. Ramesh gives a strong kick on his face. He falls unconscious.

"Pack your things. We are leaving this place. No one can stay here, more than a minute. I will complete the monetary formalities. Meanwhile, you go inside and pack your stuff. " - Ramesh says, with a silent determination in his eyes. He calls a local tempo provider, giving them the address to come. Duhita was crying inside the car.

Ramesh lifts her up." Don't worry. You will have to see these, no more. Your mom and I will take you, to a very nice place." - Ramesh says and Duhita smiles.

Pallavi feels herself, drawn towards him. For the first time, some one after her dead husband, had spoken for her. She finds Ramesh's caring nature and manly actions, the only qualities a girl may look for in a guy.

"But, I am married. I can't feel it. It's wrong to feel something like this. I can't enter forbidden lines. I can't" - She says to herself, silently. A gentle breeze blows over her face, suddenly, making her face go numb.

"Don't worry. You are not wrong. Everyone has to move on. Take a leap of faith. Let it happen slowly." - She hears a familiar voice, whisper in her ears. She turns around. No one is there. She is standing alone on the road.

"Mom, uncle has gone inside. Let's pack things and leave this place. I don't want to stay here." - Duhita says, holding her mother's hand.

"Yes, sweetheart!! Let's go." - Pallavi smiles and picks her up. She smiles and decides to give a try. They move inside the house to pack things. The tempo also arrives in front of the building gate, where the landowner's son is still lying unconscious. 

The Taxi ride

Bipin lives in Konnagar. Everyday he takes a train to his office, located in Kolkata. The train leaves him at Howrah and he has to take a bus or auto to his office. The whole journey takes about an hour of time. By the time he reaches office, he gets tired to work and takes time to freshen up and get back to work. He is the deputy manager - Credit Operations in United Bank of India.

His office is in Dalhousie, which is far away from Konnagar. Everyday journey of such a long time is slowly affecting his stamina and he feels complete energy less, when he comes back home. Besides, his daily routine of going to office and coming back, he also has his home duties to fulfil. Every Saturday, he goes to the local grocery shops to buy stuff for his parents. He is the only son of his old parents, and so can't ever think of going outside, for better career opportunities.

Alongside, there is also a constant pressure of marriage from his family. Bipin doesn't feel any urge to marry now, but he is now 26 years old and besides there in no one to look after his parents and he alone cannot do it. So, there is no way he can ignore their talks either. But, being workaholic and having given very less time to other aspects of life, he is still single.

Life was going in a slow pace like this, until, one day he met her.

The story focuses on that day:

Bipin wakes up late and as a consequence, misses the train. Catching the next train will make him late by 45 minutes. So he decides to take a sharing taxi. After parking his bike for the second time, he waits for the taxi to arrive at Konnagar Bata. The taxi arrives after 5 minutes.

Once he gets in,the taxi driver receives a second passenger request from Uttarpara. He takes a right turn to drive towards Uttarpara bus stop. The condition of the road is pathetic, with almost all manholes uncovered and boulders scattered across the entire road. This makes Bipin irritated. He is getting late, which irritates him even more. Ultimately, the taxi comes to a halt.

Bipin watches as a lady gets inside. She is dressed in corporate formals - A pink top and a black pant. Soon as she gets inside the taxi, a gentle breeze flows causing her hair to be scattered across her face. She gently move her hair aside, and Bipin sees her face for the first time, since she has got in to the taxi.

Bipin gets mesmerised by her beauty. He stares at her continuously. His eyes refuse to blink. She is beautiful. Her skin is glowing. Dressed in formals, she looks like a broken angel. She has mesmerising eyes, which sparks along lasting effect on him. Her red lips, grey hair and spell binding aroma, cats a spell on Bipin. He gets completely entangled in her.

The taxi suddenly takes a sudden break. She was caressing her hair and suddenly, with a sudden jerk, she falls with her head on the shoulders of Bipin. Bipin had fallen asleep, thinking of her only, and wakes up, due to the jerk. She was still rested on his shoulders. He could feel her fragrance, so closely. He could feel her breathe. Passionate feeling starts igniting deep within him.

After a few seconds, she moved aside.

"I am really sorry. The roads are really very bad." - She says with a shy expression.

"It's perfectly okay. It's not anyone's fault. Bdw, Hi! I am Bipin." - Says Bipin, the passion still burning in him.

"Oh yeah, Hi!! I am Riya. So, where are you going?"- She asks.

"Dalhousie. I actually go by trains. But, today I missed it. And here I landed." - replies Bipin, and asks,"Where are you going?"

"Same place. I work in TATA AIG. And you?" - Riya asks.

"UBI." - replies Bipin, and they talk more and more. Bipin feels a part, which was missing in his life, suddenly no more missing. He feels she completes him.

Thus, an accidental meeting of two strangers turn into something more, and the taxi drives off along the road....

November Rains

Rohan wakes up from his dreams. He was dreaming about seeing her again. Dressed in a pink top and blue jeans, she was desperately trying to get an auto. It was raining heavily. Rohan rushes towards her, but something pulls him from behind. He wakes up, with a thud. One of his classmates is pulling him as the period is over, and people are departing from the class, while he was still asleep.

He smiles gently. He nods and gets up to leave the class.

The story shifts back, three weeks ago:

Rohan is going to a debate competition. He is the only one, selected from his college. So, he must go in spite of  having heavy reluctance. Besides, to add to his grief, it's raining heavily. But, as he has already got a call from the venue, almost four times, he dresses up and steps outside. 

The rain is not seeming to stop. His umbrella along with him, gets completely washed up, only 5 minutes after he comes out on the road. He runs to the nearest stop, and eagerly waits for an auto. An auto comes, after waiting for 15 minutes. He holds his hands out, and the auto stops. But, suddenly out of nowhere, a young girl comes up. She is completely drenched in rain.

Rohan looks towards her. Although, completely drenched, she is looking too beautiful. She is wearing a pink top and blue jeans, with a short hand book and her hairs although folded, is scattered, making her more adorable. She asks the driver,"NIFT college?"

The driver looks towards Rohan, as he had first called for the auto. Rohan was not willing to share, but he changes his mind. After all, who wouldn't share an auto with such a beautiful girl. They get inside and the auto starts.

"Hi! I am Roshni. Thanks for the ride. It's raining too much outside, and there is no auto around. I wouldn't have been able to reach my college,had I not got this auto. Thanks once again." - Roshni says with her loveliest smile.

"Sure. Welcome, anytime. I am Rohan. So, where do you live. You don't seem to be a localite"? - Rohan asks.

"I stay in Bandel, which is about 15 kms, from here. I take a train to Howrah, and from there I board on a bus or an auto to Salt lake. Today, I was late and over that, it's raining so much. So, I ran to get this auto." - Roshni replies, again with her charming smile.

"Okay." - Rohan replies, after which they remain silent for a while. Rohan wishes to talk again, but being shy, he declines.

"So, what do you do?" - asks Roshni, breaking the dreadful silence.

"I study engineering. I am a student in IEM. Today, I am going to attend a debate on behalf, of the college." - Rohan replies, wishing to ask more, and change the topic.

"Oh wow! All the best." - Rohni replies.

She is about to speak more, when the driver says, that NIFT college, has arrived. She pays the fare and bids good bye to Rohan.

"Bye. All the best." - says Roshni.

Post that event, it has been almost three weeks. But, Rohan hasn't met Roshni ever since. He tried many times to wait near Howrah station at the same time and place, he met her, but, to no results.

Besides, the rains have really made Kolkata awful. Generally, rains don't occur in November, but now it strangely, is raining. The roads have turned too much filthy. In such conditions, people avoid roads as much as they can. Rohan however, prefers the other way.

Everyday, he goes and waits at the place, where he had met her. He wishes to see her, once more, He didn't even take her phone number, on their first and only meeting. The meeting was too short, but, she had charmed his heart, right then and there.

The story shifts to present day:
After completing classes, Rohan comes out of the college. Today also, he had gone to the same place, but to no profit. He rides on his bike and lost in her thoughts, moves towards his home. It's raining heavily, today also.

He sees a blue auto on the way. He had seen a similar auto that day also, as per what he remembers. Blue autos are very rare to find these days.

He smiles and rides towards his home. Near Howrah station, at exactly the same place, his bike breaks down. He kneels down and tries to find the problem, but fails to understand. Besides, in this heavy rain, it will be difficult to reach the nearest petrol pump or repair shop. His home is nearby and walking it to his home, would be a better option.

He gets up to walk his bike, but suddenly some one taps him from behind.

"Hi Rohan. How are you? How was your debate? God! I tried searching for you here, so many times. Lucky, that finally I found you, today." - A familiar girly voice speaks.

Rohan's heart starts beating fast. He turns around. Roshni is standing in front of him. He runs at a loss for words. He feels like hugging and kissing her, instantly.

"I was so angry, that I couldn't come out of college on time. But, it is right, that whatever happens, happens for a reason. Today, I guess the reason is you. Come on! say something. Didn't you recognise me?" - Roshni asks. Rohan sees a little drop of tear come out of her left eye.

"Oh yes. I was waiting for this day to happen.Trust me, I have remembered you, at every breath of my life. How are you? Please don't cry. I missed you so much. I Love you." - Rohan says in his mind, but his tongue refuses to co - operate.

Ultimately, he says ,"Yeah, Hi! How are you?". His throat has already dried. He runs at a loss for words.

Roshni gives a sweet smile. She must have understood Rohan's unsaid words.

"Come. Let's go the only tea stall open, there." - Roshni smiles again and says. Rohan accompanies her.

Thus, begins a friendship of two strangers, who met during November Rains......

The Tattoo

Rohini wakes up from sleep. It's 6 AM in the morning. It's too early, but she just can't resist herself from thinking about the mask party tonight. The theme is simple. Strangers meet each other, wearing masks. You can dance with your friends or even a stranger, but face revealing is not allowed. She however, wishes that the music should not be very loud, as she hates it. She is also worried that there might be drugs in the party, the sight of which, irritates her. She is in a dilemma, whether to go or not. Lost in thoughts, she goes back to sleep again.

She finally wakes up at 9:30, because of a phone call. Her friend, Rinki is calling. 

"Must be to confirm my presence for today, evening." - She says to herself and picks up the call.

"Hello" - says Rohini.

"Hi Rohini. So, you are coming surely, for the evening mask party today?" - Rinki asks.

"Yes. yes. Surely. I will." - replies Rohini, hesitantly, after a small pause, thinking about what she thought in the morning.

"Okay baby. See you. bye. - Rinki says and cuts the call.

Rohini freshens up, gets dressed for a business meeting she has to attend and leaves the house. She returns back at 5:30 PM.  The party will start at 6:30 PM.  She quickly goes to the washroom, gets freshened up, wears her party dress on and gets in her car.

She reaches the venue, ten minutes late. Her friends are already waiting for her.  She quickly parks her car and joins them. 

"As usual sweetheart, you are late." - Rinki smirks.

Rinki smiles and they enter the club. Once on entering, they are given their face masks. 

"Please don't put off your masks. It is mandatory to keep it, as it's the theme of party. You can only take it off, in the wash rooms. Enjoy the party. have fun." - The attendant says and show them the entrance way.

The party is on in full swing. Everybody starts to groove with the music. Rohini doesn't like the loud music too much. She grabs a drink and seats down on the corner sofa. A guy beside her is smoking weed. She feels uncomfortable and leaves the room to a nearby balcony.

She stands there watching the Kolkata skies at evening. It is almost dark.There is a red patch of light covering the sky from east to west. She was lost in observing the nature, when some one calls from behind,"Excuse me, are you okay?"

Rohini turns around. A guy, his face hidden in mask, having a sturdy physique and accomplished height is standing in front of her. 

"Yeah, I am okay. But, who are you?" - Rohini asks,

"Hi! I am Rohan. Actually, I have been seeing you standing here for quite some time now. So, thought to ask? Sorry, if I disturbed."- Rohan replies.

"Oh Hi! No problem. I wasn't enjoying inside. So, came here. I love to adore nature in silence and praise it's serenity. How about you? Bdw, I am Rohini."- Rohini replies.

"Same here. I love to live in peace. Hey, can we go the adjacent hall. I came to know, they offer some really good classical music. So, shall we?" - Rohan asks.

Initially, Rohini felt slightly hesitant as he is a total stranger. But, he had a strange modulation and softness in his voice, that attracted her. Her brain and mind were at a conflict. But, she decides to listen to her mind and accompanies him. 

The hall is almost empty. Rohini feels like taking off her mask, but the attendant requests her not to do so. They start chatting with each other. Rohan's way of talking, habits, nature impresses Rohini. She feels like spending her life with him. He was no more a stranger to her. Everything about him, seems to cast a spell on her, although they know each other for barely not more than an hour. His face is even hidden by a mask. The only visible thing is a  black tattoo on his hand, that of an anchor.

"I don't know him much. But, at least I can try to. Every couple were once strangers. He seems to be a real nice guy. I can at least date him, for sure. " - Rohini whispers to herself, and offers  to dance with him.

While dancing, she tries to remove his mask, but he denies saying,"Don't. We are better strangers and slowly we should come to know each other. If we hurry, we will fail." Rohini doesn't understand the depth of his words, but she decides to dance with him. She decides to loosen herself, up in his arms. After a short period of time, she feels like kissing him. The time being spent with him, seems to be the best, she ever have had. She tries to lift the mask to kiss him, but again he denies. Slowly, time passes by. She doesn't even come to know, that an hour has passed by. 

She receives a call from Rinki. 

"Hello!" - She answers.

"Where are you? Come fast towards the exit no. 5 A. We are waiting."- Rinki says.

"Okay." - answers Rohini, and turns towards Rohan. The stranger has stolen away her heart. 

"Hey, I will have to leave now. Give me your cell phone number. I will save it." - Rinki says.

"Don't worry. You will find me. " - The stranger answers and slowly starts walking away. Rohini tries to stop him but something from inside, stops her from doing so. He vanishes in the blink of an eye.

Rohini runs towards the exit, as her friends are waiting for her. 

Post that day, she tries her best to find out who the guy was. She even tries getting information from the club authorities. But, as the name is very common and she doesn't know his full name, they are not able to help her. Besides, it is not possible for them to keep a track of tattoos every visitor has. So, she gives up all hopes. But, his memories still makes her smile and she wishes someday, she would again meet him. This time, she won't let him go away.

Three months pass by. Rohan is still a stranger to Rohini. She remembers him everyday, but in no way, can she reach out to him. She even doesn't know, how he looks.

Then, one fine day, she is walking down the road, when she sees an astrologer. She has recently, gained a lot of belief in these things. She feels they bring her closer to Rohan. She forwards her hand to the astrologer, which she does almost everyday.

"You once met with the love of your life. But, some how departed. Today, you will meet him, again. Don't let him go." - The astrologer says, leaving Rohini in an utter shock. She doesn't understand what to do, be happy or cry. She doesn't know whether to believe him even or not. She used to show him her hand everyday. But, never did she get such a reply. She hadn't even, ever told him the same. So there is no way, he can know that.

"He isn't bluffing, I guess. For god's sake, he mustn't." - Rohini silently says to herself.

She asks,"What should I do?"

"Wait for things to fall in the right place. Visit the flower shop, nearest to where you live. You will be surprised." - the astrologer smiles and says.

Rohini gives him a small amount of money and runs towards her home. There is only one flower shop, close to where she lives. So, it wasn't difficult to figure it out.

She enters the shop and sits on the waiting desk. Many customers come and go. But. none had a tattoo in their hand.

An hour passes by. Rohini in still waiting, determined to meet him. Suddenly, she feels a soft breeze on her face. She had felt the same, when she first met Rohan. She looks towards the main entrance and sees a man, sturdy and fair, appearances quite similar to Rohan, walking in, He walks towards the tulip counter.

Rohini gets up and runs towards him. He has the same black tattoo, on his let hand. Her heart begins to beat fast. Finally, the day has come. She feels like being in a dreamy state.

Gathering up courage, she speaks,"Hi Rohan. Recognise me? You took too long to meet." - Says Rohini, teary eyed, her voice shaking.

Rohan looks around. He looks even better than she had imagined.

"I had said, you would find me. Surely, you did." - Rohan says  and smiles.

"I am so angry, you left without saying anything. I am not gonna let you leave again. I will kill you, if you try to do so. Got it? What if I never could find you? What would have happened then? " - Rohini says angrily.

"Okay Ma'am. I won't. I promise.But, I knew you would. I left it upon destiny to do the needful." - Rohan says and lifts her up. Rohini starts crying out of joy.

"But how could you be so sure?" - Rohini asks.

"I stay in your building only. That day after the party, I followed your car. I came to know, that you also stay in the same building. But, I decided not to walk in to your life suddenly, and give destiny a fair chance. I followed you many times to the workplace and saw you consulting that astrologer, everyday. So, I paid him some money yesterday, to provide you with my location, today and make it look as if a coincidence. Glad, that he kept his words. I would not have delayed it further, had some thing good not happened. I am and will always be your's. I was never away, and will never be. That night, the feelings were mutual. Don't worry. You never lost me." - Rohan says, and smiles. He hands over a tulip flower to her.

Rohini starts crying again. She slaps him hard and then gives him a tight hug. She gets entangled in his arms and decides to never let him go. 

Tiyasha

Rahul is boarding on a flight from Mumbai to Kolkata. He is going to meet the girl his parents have selected for his marriage. Although marriage is not in his mind right now, he is still going to meet her, as per the order of his parents. It's 4:45 PM, and his flight is supposed to start at 5:00. 

Rahul sits in the aeroplane seat, thinking about how the girl is going to be. Meeting a stranger for marriage, is a difficult choice to make. Rahul was lost in thoughts, when a girly voice speaks,"Excuse me, Can you move a little bit? I need to get inside. The next seat is mine."

Rahul wakes up from his thoughts. He sees a beautiful girl standing in front of him. She is of middle height, very fair in complexion, has long hair, mesmerising eyes and kissable lips. The out fit, she is wearing makes her even more attractive. He feels his heart beating fast, and again gets lost in thoughts, this time differently. 

"Excuse me, can you pleassse move aside?" - The girl again says, audible enough for people to stare towards them.

Rahul wakes up with a startle. The girl is still standing. Ashamed by his mistake, he moves aside, and the girl gets in. After she sits and the flight takes off, Rahul decides to take a small nap, as he is tired and didn't have a sleep properly. He plugs in hi ear phones and dozes off. 

He wakes up with a swing. The aeroplane took a narrow swing, which wakes him up. He sees the same girl besides him, frightened and folding her hands tightly. Rahul suddenly remembers, how his day dreaming had made the girl delayed. He decides to apologise.

"Excuse me", He says and the girl looks at him. He continues,"Hi! Just wanted to say that I am sorry for delaying you at the time of take off. I didn't do it intentionally. Just that I was thinking something and couldn't hear you. So sorry."

"It's okay. I also might have been too loud. Actually, I fear travelling in planes. As that was time for take off, I felt like sitting in my seat and grabbing a blanket. So, me too sorry for that. " - The girl replies.

"Okay. Hi! I am Rahul." - Rahul shakes hands with her.

"Tiyasha" - She replies.

"Wow. Nice name. Unique also. Where do you work in Mumbai, bdw? " - Rahul asks.

"Vodafone. And you? - Tiyasha asks.

"I work in Naukri. Com" - Rahul replies smilingly, and continues."So, you have taken a leave for?"

"To meet my would be groom. And you? - Tiyasha smiles and asks.

"What a coincidence. Me also going for the same purpose, to see my would be wife." - replies Rahul.

They continue talking to each other, till the flight lands. Tiyasha's sweet smile, modest appeal and spell binding fragrance had cast a spell on Rahul. He wishes that  their meeting would never be over and that she could be his future wife. He fell head over heels, in love with her.

Post the aeroplane lands, they exchange phone numbers and bid good bye. Rahul promises himself, that he would get back to her.

Rahul's car was waiting outside the airport. His father was waiting to pick him up. Post collecting luggage, he meets his father. They get in to the car and the car starts.

"I had promised to show you the picture, once you come here. Else, I feared you would have rejected this time also. Here, see her picture. How beautiful she is. You would be a fool to reject her." - Rahul's father says.

Although, completely lost in Tiyasha's thoughts, he decides to take a look at the picture. Seeing it, his face becomes fixed with shock. He cannot believe it. His would be bride is the same girl, he had bid good bye, some half an hour ago.

Holding, Tiyasha's picture in hand, Rahul feels overjoyed. Imaginary sky works cover up the entire Kolkata sky. He has never been such happy before.

"Meet her, once. You may reject, if you don't like after meeting, but, please meet her once. If you have some...." - Rahul's father gets interrupted in between.

"I guess, I have already done that. I like her. It's a positive from my side." - Rahul says, interrupting his father.


Rahul's father smiles. Rahul has no idea, that the whole plan of making Tiyasha and Rahul meet as strangers by arranging adjacent seats in the same flight, and helping them know each other, was planned by their parents. They felt this would ease up the process. And, so did it do. At least, for his son,


He will now have to see how the situation is, on the other side.


Rahul, however, unknown of all this is very happy. The first step has already been established by god, He can now safely, go ahead. He smiles to himself, with a glee and the car drives along the road.

The Strangers

It's 5 PM of a gloomy evening. The stars are slowly popping up across the sky. The night is slowly spreading it's wings across the skies of Kolkata. Under such a gloomy evening sky, Rajesh and Meghna are roaming across the jogger's park. They are speaking with someone over their phones. 

Rajesh is supposed to meet Amrita for the first time today. They have been dating each other for four months. But,it has been always a long distance relationship.They haven't met too many times,because Rajesh works in Mumbai. Amrita works in Kolkata. But every time, they met, Rajesh seemed to find a different person, from the one, he knows. Ultimately, too many differences of opinion was ruining their relationship. So when Rajesh comes to Kolkata for a leave, he decides to meet her, for sorting out things.

Meghna, a sweet and simple girl is going to meet Raghav, the man her family has selected for her. Although, Raghav appears to be quite impressive over the phone, but, she is going to meet her for the first time. 

Rajesh and Meghna, talking over their phones, come and sit over adjacent benches. 

"What do you mean? I took a leave just to meet you, and you are avoiding me. Why? When nothing is working out, why don't we stop contacting each other? - Rajesh tell to Amrita.

"Listen baby, I don't care. You might have taken a leave, but not me. I might have committed you, in the morning that I would meet, but now I am not in the mood.You need to wait till tomorrow, for meeting. That too, call me before to remind. I might not be in mood, tomorrow also." - Amrita replies.

"Okay. I guess I was wrong in thinking that things could still be sorted out. I tried to reason, bearing your mood every time. But, from now no more. I guess we should no more be in touch." - Rajesh says and angrily cuts the call.

Meanwhile, Meghna also was speaking to Raghav.

"Why can't you come? I have been waiting for almost an hour. You could have at least informed before? - Meghna says/

"I forgot. How many times do I need to tell you the same. If you are so nagging,I might change my option of marrying you. Think what will happen then. You are a girl. You don't work. So, it is not a big deal to wait. Call me tomorrow and might be, you will have to wait tomorrow also. I will think about it tomorrow."- Raghav says and disconnects the call.

Meghna starts crying. Rajesh turns around.

He sees a beautiful girl, dressed in simple clothes, crying.

"Excuse me. is every thing all right. I heard you crying. Can I know, what the matter is?" - Rajesh asks.

Although initially unwilling to reply, Meghna somehow feels a good thing in Rajesh and speaks,"I was waiting for my to be husband. I wanted to meet him once, before marriage. But, he didn't come in spite of promising he will. He decided to join his drinks party and select it's priority over me. Why does this happen that people don't value those who care for them. I am such a fool to have waited for him."

"It happens. In fact, same happened with me, just now. People some times, don't accept their mistakes. In those specific cases, you have to understand that people prioritise some things less than others. In less priority, they don't really care to commit and keep commitments. I also, understood today. Bdw, Hi! I am Rajesh. " - Rajesh replies.

"Meghna. Sorry, you must be feeling strange about suddenly hearing some one cry. Sorry for that. Nice to meet you, Rajesh."- Meghna says.

"It's okay. You know, it's good to speak your heart out. Sometimes, it's good to cry. It releases your pain and helps you to move on." - Rajesh says, smiling and speaks again,"Anyway Meghna, would you accompany me for a little walk in the park?"

"Sure. Why not." - Meghna smiles and replies.

Thus, starts a journey of friendship of two strangers, who met at a lonely park. Might be, this journey will lead to love again. Who knows???!!!