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.........

A cute love story

He stares at her with a fluffy face,

She looks back with grudge in her eyes,

He had promised her and yet didn't turn up,

Yesterday, under the vanilla skies.

He runs towards her, 

Panting with his tongue out,

She still remains angry,

And loudly begins to shout!!

He licks her all over,

And there comes a moment of doom!!

Dogs show love in this way only,

Their intentions are pure;

And hence, there is no reason to gloom!!

They love each other dearly,

And will never be divided by fate,

Together they march towards destiny,

With happiness waiting at it's gate...

Dinner with my wife

Spread across a large area, Shiv residential society is one of the largest societies in north Kolkata. With almost fifteen, ten storey buildings and five flats in each floor, it provides shelter to almost 750 families. Ramesh Ghosh is a resident of the said society. After marriage, he has recently shifted here with his wife.

Born and brought up in a middle class family, Ramesh had always been an aspirant for wealth and fame. For him life had always been about earning money and power. Initially starting with a career in sales, he quickly rose up the corporate ladder with his hard work and dedication. Currently he is the managing partner of a recruitment service provider company and also an affluent author. His sudden leap to fame is phenomenal, but somewhere in the quest for power, he has left behind his own people. His mother and father are already dead and he had long distanced himself from all dear and near cousins and relatives. Apart from his business circle and influential connections, he isn't a very family person. The only person in his family is his wife. Having married 6 months back, he is not able to give any time at all to her.


Radha is a very homely lady with surprisingly less demands. She is not from a very wealthy family and hence, she has chosen to co-operate her husband by performing all household works and never expecting any time or space from him in return. Being an workaholic, Ramesh always returns late at night and by then Radha has already gone to sleep. So, in a way their marital life doesn't exist and the couple only get to see each other's face for 5 hours in the morning when Radha serves Ramesh tea and breakfast. Ramesh rarely feels the need to hold Radha or even once look at her. This is how time passes by for another six months.



Today is 19.12.2020 - Ramesh and Radha's marriage anniversary. Ramesh has almost forgotten that he is married with a wife to whom he owes certain amount of time, space and commitment and Radha has become practically non - existent or chosen to do so. Ramesh has woken up early today as he has an evening meeting to attend and he couldn't do any initial preparation yesterday. Radha wakes up at 5 AM as usual to perform her duties as a loyal, husband loving wife. She remembers the significance of today but then, she has long stopped expecting anything from her husband. She realizes today that for the past five months, they haven't even spoken a word with each other. She goes to the washroom teary eyed and starts weeping inside.

"I never wanted such a pathetic life. Had my parents been alive today, this would have never happened. My uncle sold me in the name of marriage" - She weeps to herself, and then gets ready to do the puja and serve tea and breakfast to Ramesh.


Ramesh with utmost disregard to the day and his wife, leaves for office in his car. On reaching office, one of his employee wishes him happy anniversary and that sends a sudden surprise shock over his body. "How could I forget!!" - He exclaims and instantly orders his PA to deliver a bouquet of flowers to his wife. Even after remembering, he gives no importance to the day.


At around 6 PM, he has a a meeting scheduled with Mr. Nirav Malhotra, the director of a very large conglomerate group with whom Ramesh's company is supposed to have a tie up. Venue is a local food restaurant which serves very high quality food. This deal if finalized, will garner chunks of money for the company and Ramesh is very excited for the meeting. Nirav arrives right in time for the meeting to start. Ramesh orders some food for initial snacks and opens his laptop for presentation.


At 7 PM, an elderly couple, probably in their late sixties enter the restaurant. The waiter and the guard instantly block their way.
'Old man! Can't you see all tables are full. Why did you enter when it's all visible from outside?"- The guard asks.

"This place is where I had found her, my Radha" - The husband smilingly replies and continues "Today is our 40th anniversary. We don't know if we will be able to live, to make it through to the next one. So, I decided to take her out, might be for the final time to the place where it all started. Please let Ramesh feed his Radha for probably the last time".- The old man pleads.


A shock wave again moves through Ramesh's body. He starts fumbling. Although the presentation is almost over but this has never happened in his entire career. Tears rolls down his eyes with the realization that in the cat and mouse race for fame and money, he has left his life sideways long back and has never even bothered to look back. His thoughts get broken by a gentle tap from Nirav.

"Hey Buddy! You okay?" - Nirav asks. Ramesh suddenly has a thought in his mind. He knows this might affect his company deal, but for the first time he is willing to take the risk as his priorities have changed.

"Nirav, this meeting is almost over. Can we leave this table to the elderly couple talking there so that they can have what they wish for. I know this sounds crazy and also that you are leaving for Canada tomorrow but I think that.... It will be of help to them and also.... " - Ramesh starts blaming himself for loss of words. He knows what he just uttered isn't right and also Nirav will angrily cancel the deal.

"I understand Ramesh. I am happy that aside from a successful businessman you are also a good human being. You know humanity always comes above everything else and I am so lucky to do business with such a lovely human being. Your wife must be so lucky to have you" - Nirav replies and asks for the check. Tears again start rolling down Ramesh's eyes, but he stays mum.


The elder Ramesh blesses the younger one and Nirav departs with verbal finalization, assurance and best wishes. Ramesh books a table in the same restaurant for 9 PM at night, buys another set of flowers, this time picked by him and with a glimpse on the lovely elderly couple feeding each other, rushes towards home.


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Lying on her bed, Radha is crying loudly. Since there is no one home presently, she has let her inner sorrow out. She hears the main door bell ring.

Removing her tears, Radha moves towards the main door and peeps through the door hole. Seeing the person on the other side, her heart starts beating faster. To her utter surprise, Ramesh is standing on the other side with an impatient look and flowers in his hand.

Radha opens the door with her head down and Ramesh keels down over the ground, forwarding the flower bouquet towards her. Radha gets shocked and she doesn't even realize when her hands have automatically moved over her cheeks. Ramesh stands up as soon as she takes the bouquet in her hand, and before she could utter anything, he tightly grabs her and hugs her. Initially hesitant, Radha first tries to move him away and then starts beating him gently. But with Ramesh's strong and firm grip, she gives in and then starts crying, this time with much more noise.


"Sorry!! I am sorry for not being with you, when you needed me. I am sorry for not being with you, when you wanted me. I am sorry for not fulfilling my commitment. I am sorry for every pain that I have caused you. I am sorry for not being able to be a good husband. I am sorry for ruining one important year of your life. I am very very sorry. I love you!! and happy anniversary, sweetherat!!" - Ramesh talks so much at a single breath with Radha, for the first time in a while. Radha hugs him even tighter and starts crying and beating even more.......


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Radha and Ramesh are sitting at their pre-booked table in the restaurant. It's 9:00 PM at night and Radha feels it's a new beginning in her life, something they should cheer, celebrate and capture.

Ramesh's phone starts to ring. Although Radha signals a no, Ramesh picks up the call.

"Hi Sir. I know it's important but can we please talk tomorrow, if not urgent? I am currently out for  dinner with my wife and at this point of time, I prefer to dedicate my entire time to her. Thanks for understanding." - Ramesh cuts the call and looks towards Radha reassuringly.

Radha smiles. Something that she hadn't been able to do for quite sometime.....