Chapter 1   At the Christ’s- March, 2011.

While coming across the dietary tips in newspaper Falak took a sip of coffee and thought for a minute that she was getting fat. Although she was apt enough.

On pondering over sub-conscious mind she thought to stay fit and do some sorts of weight training.

Although her beauty was enchanting enough to make a prudent guy fall for her in first glance itself.

As it was Sunday so she had no plan for the whole day. Suddenly the door bell rang and she went to open the door, it was her maid Kamini.

Falak had been working in a company as HR Manager. She has taken a rented 1BHK flat at Christ’s in suburban Bangalore. The flat was spacious enough for her as well for Saturday’s party.

She had placed one imported couch in her drawing room adjacent to the window in the left wall, which kept on giving her cool breeze in nights. She had also placed huge scenery in the right wall which was gifted to her on her first year completion in her company by her colleagues. Her house had mesmerizing look as well as it bore decency.

Kamini used to come late on Sundays as her memsaab hadn’t woken up till 10 in the morning. 

After opening the door she directly went to her room and tried to fix up all the stuffs. Clothes had to be given for rinse off ,the whole room had a messy look. Magazines and books were scattered, her laptop was lying under the bed, its charger was lying upon the bed last night. Irrespective of being a small 1 BHK, she had one folding bed, a study table big enough to serve her dining needs in bedroom and a small refrigerator in kitchen.

 

Suddenly her newly purchased i-phone rang up. Her eyes fell on the screen and the screen showed ‘Milin’ calling. She was Falak’s all time buddy with whom Falak used to share from her nail paints to newly launched Limousines.

In sleepy voice she asked her ‘what’s plan for today? As both of them had more or less plans for each and every Sundays, so plan had to be there. Milin was also working as Purchase head in the same company organization.

Holding her i-phone through her shoulder and talking meanwhile dusting her all time favorite beauty magazines she whispered ‘bae I woken late as always, as it was our day and not his..ssss’. ‘His’ represents the Draconian boss of them.

 Both of them laughed harder this time. ‘Will surely roam today till we don’t get peace’. Come by 1’O clock I’ll be there, whispered Falak. After responding the call Falak went busy with her household chores. Suddenly she heard a feeble voice from her kitchen, she rushed and saw Kamini who got frightened on seeing a lizard.

Can’t you work silently and go? asked Falak. Last week Kamini had created havoc for Falak by leaving the washing machine in on mode which gave a blow of 14k. Kamini was quiet careless and on complaint she used to beg for her life and her family. As she always was negligent when it comes to work and Falak always pardoned her. This process was going on since last 2 years.

As Kamini went and she completed her various stuffs, she went for a shower. After a good bath she got ready as Milin was about to come. While gazing deeply into her eyes in the mirror, her eyes fell on the gold earrings gifted to her. That earrings was the first ever gift of her life. She attired herself in yellow hued Kurta.

Her beauty was marvelous. Falak’s legs were noodles. The ends of her hair were poison needles. Her tongue was a bristly sponge and her eyes were bags of bleach.    

So a strong horn caught her attention from mirror, as Milin had arrived in her skoda. She went in her balcony ‘can u borrow me additional two minutes’. Milin humored u’ll be the same bae’.

After she took up her phone, her Daniel wellington watch and ducat keeper as well as her black leather hand bag. While rushing she couldn’t get the keys which made her to go frenzy. Under the pillow – no, below the mattress – no, behind the doors – no, on the study table – no, on the Gouch – no, in her left hand itself – yes, after finding the keys she went with Milin.

Both of them shared a huge smile and by taking first gear Milin took off the skoda. They were meeting after the last week’s night party thrown by her to colleagues in her 1BHK. ‘I can’t wait till lunch, my stomach is carving for food’ Milin beckoned. Falak also noded and said ‘bae I only had a single cup of coffee since morning’ and both of them went to King’s corner which was very famous for its delicacies. Thereafter they went to a nearby Supermarket where they bought all the essentials of their livelihood. On returning from Supermarket both of them went staggered as someone had knocked Milin’s roadside parked Skoda. ‘OMG now will bear the brunt’ screamed Milin aloud. It was a heavy dent in left door which had made the color go fade.

Although Falak took a deep sigh and consoled her ‘one and only soul partner since last twelve years’, ‘let it go bae, it happens and I’ll manage this’. They were like shadows of each other since class 11th @ Ramaiyya International. One use to get dispirited seeing the other one gloomy.  No ecstatic moment could be shared by any of them individually. This may sound frenzying, even sometime they used to tell each other that ‘if she had been of a different sex than her, probably she would have ended up marrying her’.

After coming back to Christ’s at 7 pm they got freshen up. Falak directly went to Kitchen and brought two mugs of coffee. Milin was still silent. Falak tried to cuddle her. I said na ‘let it go’ Falak tried comforting her. ‘Day was goodie at go, but this dent wasted another half’ repented Milin.

It’s not about me bae, but Raghu will not understand ’ Milin said in sober voice. Raghu was Milin’s husband. They had married five years ago. ‘I’ll talk him , he understands my words’ Falak solaced. ‘Now have coffee and laugh harder this time because it happened’ demanded Falak and they laughed harder as before, this time. It’s time to leave bae, he might have arrived home’ giggled Milin.

After Milin’s go, Falak sat for some time with her health magazines. She was very much health conscious and always tried to stay salubrious. Suddenly the door bell rang up, this time it was Malkhan Bhaiya as she reminded herself of him on checking the wall clock; ‘It was 8:15 pm and I knew none can be there other than you Bhaiya’ Falak distinguished. Malkhan Bhaiya also shared a huge smile and went off with another empty tiffin given by Falak, which he had given in the morning . It was in daily practice Bhaiya used to take up the box given previously. After shutting the door she placed the tiffin box on the study cum dining table in her bed room. Malkhan Bhaiya was her tiffin vendor, who used to supply Tiffin boxes to bachelors and hostel students.  As it was Sunday so he used to give tiffin in evenings only, otherwise twice a day he used to come.

Again she sat with her health magazines, as she collected she couldn’t concentrate. Something was there which blew her inbound, so she ended up eating anything.

 Her bed timer reminded it was almost 7’O clock in the morning. Falak didn’t know when she slept. After waking up she became nostalgic again which took her to the past but as she had promised Milin not to take herself aback again and again, she put all her efforts to start the new day effectively. She took the newspaper lying in the balcony. It was the day of her presentation in her office with regard to new distribution channel which would reduce the cost and in turn would prove to be beneficial for company.  

Falak recollected her presentation while having bath. ‘I’m gone today, what the hell I did since last 30 hours. How could I be so reckless with my passion i.e. work’ cursed Falak to herself.  She rushed to her laptop and without toweling her hot and wet body she profoundly sat to make her PowerPoint presentation. Already wet hairs were giving her appealing look. The blobs of water running right from her forehead were rolling down through her upper lips and were ready to cross it. Her emphatic look insisted on her decency and generosity. Still she was in black towel rounded off till arms. One can assume a mare with white and black stripped shadows but this girl wasn’t less than it. It was almost 9 am and she was done with her presentation. Malkhan Bhaiya had also after ringing door bell twice had left the tiffin in front of the door, Kamini had also called so many times; but she went, newspaper was lying in balcony and milkman had also rolled down two packets of fresh milk. All this knocking and voice hadn’t disrupted Falak and she couldn’t guess that these people gave a knock and were already gone.

Falak got ready as she had to wear White formal shirt and dark navy blue trouser along with a navy blue tie. ‘I’m the HR manager of  Globacian Solutions Private Limited’ whooped Falak. This line used to give ‘zen like calm’ to Falak since the time she had joined the company. After finishing up all the stuffs, she left for her office. As her office cab was scheduled to arrive at 9:45, she made herself to go downwards. Suddenly there occurred the powercut, ‘it always happens with me only and when I m in hurry’ Falak rebuked the lift and powercut. ‘Don’t know what they will do with the unused sum lying in society’s funds? Can’t they install a generator for emergencies like this’ she whispered while coming down through staircases. The cab was already waiting for her, she comforted her and reached to her office.

 ‘Good morning mam’ a clear and sweet wish from Rama, their company’s receptionist. ‘God took too much time to make and shape you mam, perhaps if he would have given 1% of it to me, I probably would have been grateful to him throughout my life’ Rama alighted. She always used to wish her quiet pleasingly. ‘Very Good morning Rama, it’s nothing sort of that you look adorable and people try to emulate you even me sometimes’ echoed Falak. As Rama’s complexion was somehow dark but she always admired others but her generous and humble nature had made her amiable among the female employees of Globacian Solutions Pvt Ltd. Falak took no time to reach her cabin and started overseeing the slides made.

‘can I come in mam’ asked Milin. ‘Do I need to give you permission’? said Falak. ‘Are you done with presentation’ checked Milin. ‘Yes, and that too laboriously in an hour.’ Answered Falak.  ‘How could you bae?’ again asked Milin. Then Falak narrated her the whole story and giggled. After her overall good presentation and applause from her draconian boss both of them had their lunch together. It was in their  veins  to have their lunch in either’s cabin. Albeit they were sharing their respective lunch box since last 13 years.

Chapter 2 -  Her Family

As office cab left her onto Christ’s, Falak drowsily opened the door and sat on the couch. There was a call from her mother ‘how was your presentation beta? And you didn’t call me yesterday. I thought you would be preparing for your presentation’ asked gently her mother. ‘Mummy  Sundays pass monotonously that is why I went for outing with Milin and whole day went off-hand and when I slept I couldn’t knew. Presentation was all good. You say how is your health and I guess you do not get tensed often  ’ accosted Falak. ‘No beta I’m alright, my doll is achieving great heights of success each and every day why I would be worrying’ said calmly her mom this time. ‘When are you visiting B’lore? And you will have to stay longer this time’ inquired Falak. ‘Soon beta, I have to clear formalities with regard to pension then ill be with you only’ responded her mother.

Her mother’s call reminisced of her father. She moaned aloud. She felt deeply ill fated. ‘Why with me deity? You take each and everything I love harder’ sighed Falak. As it is a well settled universal principle that boys incline more towards their mother and girls bend towards father but its opposite also holds importance. Her family used to live in Belgaum. It was a small city with around 5 lakh population. Falak was the first baby girl to her parents. Next to Falak a baby boy born but died minutes after  birth. He had breathing problem and God loved much more than us that is why he called him, as her mother says. She looked like Nepalese till second month of her birth. Even her father had thought of Nepalese name for her. Finally, she was named ‘Falak’ which means ‘sky’.  Her father was an accountant. He was suffering from tuberculosis. He more often took medical leave. Falak reminded herself when once she had asked him ‘why don’t you go to office Papa? As a middle class family her parents tried to provide all the convenience to their one and only daughter.  ‘You can have another baby, but I won’t get either of you again’ this line had taken a shelter in her conscience, soon after she took out a photograph from her study table which was placed.

Her father had died of the disease named tuberculosis  when she couldn’t even think properly . Her mother was sole surviving parent to her. She wasn’t aware that she is not having her father’s shadow upon her. By grace of god the system of compassionate appointment had fetched Falak’s family a livelihood otherwise her mother would have no means to maintain herself and her only daughter. Her mother had got the post of assistant in the same office where her father used to work. Whatever money used to come through her mother’s job and pension , at the end of month didn’t allow her mother to provide her only daughter with costly food or attractive toys, but she made sure that she gets the most precious of all nutrients; love and care, of exponential nature. That usually takes care of anybody’s health. What made their child was that she never cried, either she would smile or would keep mum over certain things. Relatives would say she is courageous enough by birth itself. Happiness for her wasn’t locked inside any high priced material thing but it was in simple things like helping her in homework, dropping and picking up little Falak from her kindergarten school, dressing her and going out for an evening walk in the adjacent park. Her mother use to put all efforts to give her entire love. When her budget couldn’t allow for a movie or for an outside dinner or lunch she used to cherish her through small and tiny things like bringing churma or vanda on returning to home. The office timing was in her favor as it used to be from 7:30 to 11 in the morning which allowed her to nurture her only daughter. In case of excess workload she used to work from home itself. Many times the guilt of not being able to buy sophisticated stuffs on a regular basis shadowed her conscience but whenever her small efforts put a smile on her only daughter’s face, it gave her immense satisfaction and she used to forget all those guilts. As making her was the important task rather than providing with highly priced stuffs. It takes too much to maintain a child and yourself in a society of today. Life becomes miserable where the husband dies and all the responsibilities towards earning, maintenance, security, education, health and all the hidden stuffs fall upon your shoulder. One can not go aback as well as thinking for future courses of action frightens. So none can better experience those feelings except those who live those conditions. Society also plays a vital role on making or braking. Even a single help from other male member or society may put a dent on character of concerned female. Falak was just the right person who made her feel special by accepting whatever she brought with ardent smile. Days passed covered under joy and time, like a cigarette without one’s husband and another’s father.

Education – After completing her elementary education in ABS Public School, Belgaum it was her turn to move another school which provided further higher education. So her mother took the new duty of admitting her only daughter to a new school. She along with Falak went to Ramaiyya International School, which was well-known school in the city, where along with other formalities pre-admission test had to be given. By grace of god she got different dates for all schools. It was in the start of April month where generally pre-admission tests used to take place in all most all the schools except few schools where they conduct prior to April month. You are lucky enough, today is the last day for applications and prospectus. After filling the form, she got the kit for her next day’s entrance test in the Ramaiyya International School, Belgaum. School has tremendous infrastructure with latest technology and advanced classrooms. The garden beatified the vivid infrastructure. At first glance it looked too expensive but due to its philanthropically situated object it attracted applications from lower strata of society. The testimony of Trustees talked in bold letters the qualifying marks to avail the benefit of fee discount. No doubt Falak was meritorious and extra ordinary students in education by birth. There is a saying, if god takes something then he recompenses also in one or the other forms. So, her mother thought it was the intellect and talent being god gifted to her only daughter.  After getting back, she started preparing for her test. She was too curious for Ramaiyya International School. Few of her friends had also assured of joining the same school but she couldn’t get any response from them.

Her mother cooked and took rest after coming back. She was quiet tensed, on one hand she thought of providing good education and admitting her daughter in one of the biggest school of city, on the other hand she was appalled due to horrifying fee structure. ‘If she couldn’t make it to Ramaiyya international’ this line was cycling in her mind. After having their meal together both of them involved in their respective tasks. Next day Falak woke up early in the morning . She was done with the preparation. She looked confident and courageous to fight for any adversary. Her rigour could be seen through her eyes. After getting ready and breakfast both of them left for the school. School was crowdie as compared to other days. As it was the last in number of entrance test being conducted by the school. There was an amusable temple situated in midst of the beatified garden where both of them paid obeisance and then Falak left for her exams. Her mother couldn’t hide her feelings; she took an opposite move so as to avoid any chance of collision with her only daughter. Falak took a deep sigh, looked to sky and said ‘Be with me Papa, as you are always’. Exam was all good. On the very next day results were to be announced. Falak was confident of getting selected in Ramaiyya International as well as making it to free education. Falak was overjoyed that day. However her mother’s fear was escalating with each passing minute. ‘Whether she would be able to make it to Ramaiyya International and that too in lesser amount of fee. I won’t be able to manage even for a single month fee’ pondered her mother.

The results were out and there was a huge gathering of people could be seen checking their ward’s result. Falak took the courage to enter into the mob and after eyeing through whole list for the very first time she couldn’t get her name which in turn increased her anxiety. She was about the broke off but her inner conscience didn’t allow her to do so and again mandated her to scroll down again. She made it to Ramaiyya International . Her name was their in the list pasted on the notice board but first time she had inadvertently couldn’t see it. She rushed at that moment to her mother and hugged harder, as she had never before. Her mother also gave her a tight hug. ‘it’s all because of your hard work my only daughter’ murmured her mother. ‘No mummy, it’s because he is always with me’ accosted Falak. She again looked at sky and whispered ‘never ever leave me dad, it’s my right to have you till eternity although your life was ephemeral’. Thereafter both of them left that place and came to home. From next day Falak had to join classes, as had been going since midst of March. So for that purpose she had to buy books and school dress. After completing all the requisites she slept early that night as she had to woke up early in the next morning too.

5th April – First day of Ramaiyya International.

It was her first day in tremendously large and one of the leading school in the city. After her eyes opened in morning a smile scattered in her face. ‘Getting happy from inner conscience makes you a really lucky person’ she felt the way. Mom was overseeing her activities since the time she woke up. Even Falak was sorry as she couldn’t hug her while going to school. School bag load was quiet lessened as she felt, because few books had tp kept and that to according to according to weekdays.. On reaching the school she spotted the administrative block and asked for Class 11th Commerce. On reaching the 11th commerce, she took a mid seat and settled down with a girl.

‘Hey, I am Falak, Falak Ghosh, and you? Can I share seat with you? Inquired Falak.

‘All yours, even I was looking for a partner to share the seat. By the way I am Milin Joseph’ responded Milin.

‘Is this your first day Falak’ asked calmly Milin. ‘Off course yes, even I was quiet hesitant to talk to new people, although the so called ‘new people’ change to life time savior’ answered immaculately Falak.

‘What about you Milin? Are you old student of Ramaiyya International? queried Falak.

‘Yes I am old student, but I joined only two years ago i.e. since class 9th I am studying here only.’ Accosted Milin. 

Thereafter their school prayers started and both of them sat together.

Their first lecture belonged to Accountancy. Falak took keen interest but certain terms were foreign to her. Although it was a altogether different subject in her educational life. As well as introductory classes she had missed.  Forty students were in eleven commerce. It was a in-chief feature of Ramaiyya International  that they used to maintain the teacher students ratio.

‘Will you teach me the already gone part’ queried Falak. ‘I wil give my best, it’s upto you how you cope up with it’ spoke Milin.

It was the lunch time where the huge gatherings could be seen after classes. Students belonging to different stream mee teach other. Scene can be sum up as ‘the convicts being released from jail’. Class 11th is the most gloomy and frenzy for each and every student in India. Melancholic because the partners in crime might get separated due to differences on streams and crazy simply because one gets to befriend with new people, new hopes arise, altogether new stuffs to learn and last but not the least it adds wings to the concerned students. This might sound ridiculous, but it is so.

Falak finished quickly her lunch box and then both of them went in the corridor. Falak suddenly gets to see the boy who had dashed against her, while she was coming to the  Eleventh Commerce. She looked    at him directly. He was few inches taller than her. His face was innocent enough, complexion was quiet fair, hair was properly combed and he had got a faint moustache. The eye brows were little thicker than necessary and his eyes looked serene and silent. His features weren’t too good but he looked distinct from the boys she had come across so far.

Falak mumbled in deep voice ‘listen Milin, the boy who is coming faster to us had actually dashed against me in the morning. I think he is coming to retaliate’.

‘Dun worry Falak, he is one of my friend from eleven science. He has studied with me since class eight’. Protected Milin.

‘Enjoying being a commerce student, haan?’ inquired Nitin. ‘Nah, not at all, classes are quiet boring, it will take time. By the way meet my new friend Falak, Falak Ghosh.

‘I swear you sorry first of all, actually I had forgot my water bottle in the school bus itself so I was in hurry and couldn’t she who was coming from opposite side and knocked you. I am Nitin Bhanot, eleven science’ he expressed sorrow.

‘It happens buddy, I guess you aren’t hurt’ asked Falak.

‘No, I am absolutely fine. One of my friend Aviraj told that you entered eleven commerce in morning as well as you are a new face in the school. I was dreaded and couldn’t concentrate during classes simply because if she complains, then I will be gone. But I was wrong, so hurriedly I came to you and saw Milin too’ exaggerated Nitin.

‘Okay, it’s all fine. I didn’t think of this sort’ spoke Falak. And then the bell rung and the lunch time came to an end. After attending two more classes students went to catch their respective buses.

‘How was your first day beta’ asked her mother. ‘It was good mom’ spoke Falak. Falak had no knowledge that she had started making memoirs. Lots of homework and already taught part was her first priority so most of time after school, she kept on investing in her studies only. Although she was a meritorious student but she had a very little interest in mathematics and science. Falak recounted her Chemistry marks in quarter syllabus test class nine, which had forced her to never opt this subject for her future course of action. Actually she had got zero. Falak had a deep zest in accountancy.

6th April

Readying for the school was slowly giving her an ecstatic feeling. Her mother was also frantic to see her only daughter happiest. While waiting for the bus at the stop, she happened to see an old lady sitting beside the road. It was 7:05 am, there were 5 more minutes the bus to come. She crossed the road and went to the lady. ‘May I know why are you sitting here like this’ wanted to know Falak. The old lady looked belonging to a good family, she had ruffled hairs and red spew eyes. She was nausea tic and needed a great help. ‘I had gone for morning walk beta, but all of a sudden my legs didn’t move and I sat down here. I called for help but no one cared to look at me. Many a time I tried to get up but couldn’t do so.

‘Can you help me get my home’ beckoned old lady. ‘I came only to assist you’ asserted Falak. Then both of them went to old lady’s home and Falak came back to catch the bus which had arrived and was waiting since last one minute. ‘Had you been late one more minute we would had left you today’ said bus conductor. ‘I generally try not to miss bus bhaiya but sometimes circumstances don’t allow you so’ told Falak. After alighting from bus, she saw Milin was talking to Nitin, she went and shared common smile with both and all then moved towards their respective class.

Classes started, as Falak had already completed homework for the day. She gradually started coping up with the subjects. ‘Kindly thanks for your help, I am done with one subject and would return another copy day after tomorrow’ accosted Falak while returning copy to Milin.

Their friendship also grew and became stronger with the passing time. Soon Falak befriended with other girls of the class also. Now they were not only two but bumbo namely Raghav, Varnav, Palima, Milin and Falak. Only Falak was new to the ‘bang’ others were existing members of the group. They had named it ‘bang’.

‘Raghav’ was a decent guy, who had an average record till date in studies. He never lied to anyone except once when he had failed in one of quarter syllabus test. He only had put one before zero, as apprised by Milin.

‘Varnav’ was altogether spunky guy who had a great record in failing. His long hairs with big moustache had earned him a jolly character in the eyes of students and private vengeance character in the eyes of teachers. He every time reiterated ‘teachers are jealous of him simply because they can’t grow hairs alike as they have gone bald’.  With the grace of god and his father’s approach he could made it to eleven commerce @ Ramaiyya International otherwise School management had enlisted him in the begone student list. He was a techie of ‘bang’. None can stop laughing when he asks his doubts. He has  got a great jocosity. He can amuse to whole school alone. Once he had proposed to marry the music teacher, as cited by Milin.

‘Palima’ was from Patna, from where his dad had been transferred to Belgaum three years ago. She wanted to become a financial analyst.

Varnav was the only brand conscious guy amongst us. A fleeting glance of him would reveal an assortment of brands adorning his persona. From socks to shades, everything he used belonged to certain brands. Although he was named 'spunky', his other names were also 'Mr Conscious' and 'Mr Brand'. Even some twelfthies girls tried to draw his attention towards them, but he never paid a single heed to them simply because they were not of his type. Girls were only for bodily pleasure for him and nothing much. He couldn't get serious with any girl. He had three girlfriends till her class tenth.

 

'Palami' was such a girl who could never betray anyone. If I sum up she had all the virtues of being a good girl. First time I had met near water cooler where she offered me to take out fresh chilled water 'Aap pehle le lijiye fir hum le lenge' were her words and she kept on waiting for her turn, where after me another guy came but she didn't frown.

 

11th April -

 

Time flies, after more than a week Falak had completed her previous teachings and   had coped up with the new subjects and was poignant in learning. During a lecture on topic 'cost saving' Varnav had asked a doubt 'Sir can this be example of cost saving  we take the eggs to 'roll-wala' and order him to make egg roll with our purchased eggs, which in turn will save our money'. Sir was speechless. Furiously sir said 'simply a ridiculous example'. 

Whole class was laughing till five minutes.

 

14th April -

 

This happened to be a tragic day in her life. As she was struggling with her new subjects and syllabus and class tests were scheduled from Monday i.e. 16th April. But anyway, she would manage. Her Mom couldn't slept properly since last three days don't know why. She might be getting tensed about her how she would do, how she

 would manage things, how I would settle myself, would I have any future by taking commerce Albeit she never resisted me. She used to say future is in your hands, you will better understand beta rather than me even I couldn't complete my college so on what basis I would ask you to chose the stream. She remained ill for further few days. Along with studies and my life I also had the duty take care of her, her thoughts, her feelings etcetera. 

After coming back from school I started studies for class tests which were scheduled from Monday. 

 

15th April -

 

It was a cloudy day. I loved it since I started understanding this mundane world. Whole day I did the only thing I.e. Preparation for the tests. Falak had never the cupidity to get high marks but she always studied to better understand the subject matter. As well as she also tried to effectuate her mother's hopes.

 

19th April - 

 

As scheduled class tests started from Monday. All went well, I did my job, let's see how checkers perceive it. Regular classes started from this date.Milin also looked confident of tests. Palami was not so sure of getting good marks. Raghav was as always 'Heads high & fingers crossed'. Varnav this time thought of getting passing mark, as his new girl friend had insisted him for studies and he also had given her a promise that he will manage to pass this time anyhow.

It was Raghav who had cracked a latent info which he had read from Varnav's text messages that his new girl friend will kiss him, if he manages to pass !

 

Falak was immersed  as everything seemed genteel. 

 

Sometimes she used to sit alone in her balcony and ponder why his father isn't with her. She might have committed a sin, that's why he left her. 'All are having their respective dads why only me god' tears rolled down on her cheek. Her tears wanted justice but in 'His Majesty's' court there remains the pleader and his pleadings only. Even there stands no one to defend. It is HIS court, HE only is the sole judge, laws are also enacted by HIM only, HE is responsible for its execution and last but not the least HE only takes the cognisance where any violation takes place. The matter never gets decided. It gets much deferred than INDIAN Judiciary.

 

While Standing in front of a large mirror placed in her room she noticed her eyes were swollen and turned into bloodshot. Her cute cupsy nose was looking red and topsy turvy hairs were ruffled.

 

20th April - 

 

It was an aweful day as results were going to be announced in class itself alphabetically. All were dumbstruck even Varnav as he would lose the chance to kiss  his newly made girlfriend. I too was curious to know my marks that how I did. So our class teacher started with third rank holder' name 'Rajyika Raman', she yelled and went atop the stage. Our hearts were pumping the blood much faster than ever before. Varnav was murmuring something but then Raghav told he had started chanting few mantras. Although it was a class test but our eagerness was on it's ninth sky. As one who would score highest marks would become the class captain. I came to know about this rule after when Class tests ended. 

 

It was going to be second rankholder' call 'Milin Joseph' the voice echoed. I gave her the way to pass through she also went atop the stage and stood there. Raghav looked calm and serene as like 'Ganges water'. Palami was sitting quiet as scoring good marks was her priority because then only she would have a say in her career decisions. 

 

Then it was going to be the 'crown jewel' ceremony as the would be first rankholder' would get a big round of applause as well as become the class captain for an entire year. Class teacher took no time to call me upon the stage and accosted 'and the first rank holder is Falak Ghosh'. I was in no sense. My heart had already stopped beating and pumping blood. A tear wanted to come out through my eyes but the joyous moment resisted to tears,fought not to come and then I was being crowned as Class captain of eleven commerce. The purple patch was in my favour, as it seemed to me. Class teacher put the badge of class captain on my shirt. Whole class was clapping as an advancement of applause. Then we three sat down and sir distributed  the results to other students too. 

Palami had made it to fifth position , Raghav was seventh and Varnav, 'The Brand conscious guy' had managed to pass in all subjects. So one can say half purple patch was also in his side too as he will get a kiss from newly knotted girl friend. After class ended everyone came to congratulate me for this tremendous success but I had never imagined of it. Even it was not a dream come true for me because I hadn’t dreamt of it even at random. I was in haste that day to reach ASAP home and brake this stunning news to Mom. As the classes dispersed and we moved to our home. Mummy was waiting for me that day; she was unaware of the result date.

I went and hugged her; ‘Your daughter is ‘crown holder’ and became captain of  eleven commerce @ Ramaiyya International’.

Her mother went astonished, ‘how come you nailed it beta’ asked in quivering voice.

 ‘Mom there is a rule in Ramaiyya International, whosoever scores first rank gets the rank of class captain for a whole year’ Falak yelled in stunning voice.

‘So you got first rank’ exclaimed her mom.  

‘Then only one becomes captain mummah, obviously Yes’ answered Falak.

‘Kudos to you beta, keep on doing, now get fresh up then ill tell you a good news from my office ’ accosted her mom. After that they took their meal together.

‘what’s the good news mom, you were about to tell me’ asked Falak.

‘There is a hike’ said her mom.

‘Hike in what’ questioned Falak.

‘Hike in my salary, as government has planned to revise the salary being paid to us’ responded her mother. 

‘When god gives, gives this much that human beings can’t handle’ recounted Falak.

‘What a pleasant surprising news mom, it means it’s our today’ stated Falak.

Then both of them took siesta and in evening they went to nearby Lord Vishnu temple to pay obeisance.

That night Falak couldn’t sleep. Although in one side of her mind she was missing her father and on the other part she had now a dream of growing, of a better future and of a ecstatic moment being lived.

21st April

After sleeping don’t know when, when I woke up I felt insomnia and at first decided not to go school. But at the second minute I changed my plan. ’Bang’ members were waiting at ground for me to move forward to class. I got treated like I had become ‘high profile character’. It was past ten minutes after our first lecture had started eleven science class teacher along with ‘Nitin Bhanot’ came to our class. At first we all thought ‘he might have done amiss and committed a wrongful act’ but at the second instance we came to know he was being shifted to commerce class. After his no interest in science and scarce performance he had applied to school management for switching it to commerce. After school management approved taking application in extra ordinary and exceptional case, class teacher had come to let the commerce class teacher to apprise about the changes which took place. So now our class strength had increased by one and became forty one. He entered and sat beside Milin.

‘Won’t you welcome me in your commerce’ asked from Milin.

‘Why did you win ASIAN’ said Milin in a laughable tone.

Class teacher called him and made entry in his register with regard to his attendance. All the attendance and marks scored while being in science shall stand transferred to commerce, informed by Nitin.

Our second lecture started and Nitin had befriended with all the members of ‘bang’ because they were known faces for each other and only I was new to them but they never let me feel the same.

I noticed something that day , while opening his English notebook from backwards I saw Nitin had made a shadow of sky and had written my name beneath it. I stand astounded, what was this happening. Neither pall of gloom scattered and nor scintillating beams orchestrated over my head, only I was dumbstruck. That day I didn’t take any interest in their gossips. I tried concentrating in studies.

While being silent whole day, Falak couldn’t sleep that night. She kept on rolling on the bed.

A great storm seemed entering in Falak’s life. She wrote these below mentioned lines –

Few things we can learn in storm only,

Not knowing where I’m moving towards,

If it is his voilition, then

I would dive into it, deep alike.  

22nd April

As a normal day it started. While moving towards class Falak had become conscious after yesterday’s chaotic incidence she was quiet like an introvert.

Milin desperately asked ‘what happened you bae? Is everything fine at home ? Or you missing uncle? 

‘It’s nothing sort of that Milin’ responded Falak.

‘Then it is sort of what’ screamed Milin.

‘Juss nothing’ Falak slanged.

Then both sat and one by one lectures followed. She tried to see deep into Nitin’s eyes. But she couldn’t find anything she was looking for. That day she negated her mind towards the thoughts recurring in her mind.

In lunch time ‘bang’ was having lunch except Nitin, who was writing something in the second last page of his English notebook. This again forced Falak to think and storm again surreptitiously swayed her mind. Nitin was looking at Falak and was trying to do something.  While turning Falak took a glance of it and it made her fuming on seeing her sketch being made. This poured water in the flame which was ablaze. The other members of ‘bang’ had already gone.

‘Hey Falak, are you still angry after that day’s act? If you are then I am again sorry for that. I didn’t do knowingly. Don’t you use any social networking site’ wanted to know Nitin.

‘No, I am least interested’ she answered and went  following ‘bang’.

Raghav, the serious guy was completely smitten by Palami. From the introduction class itself he had set his eyes on her.

With these chaos and confusion classes went with the flow. Only eight days were left for summer vacations to start. Varnav had got kiss from his new girlfriend. Raghav also tried to caught hold of Palami through Milin. But what was going in between Nitin and Falak, even they were unaware of it.

23rd April –  This day was going to bring a whole new scene into ‘bang’. Nitin, the newly inducted guy had asked Milin and other members except Falak to meet at the ground after dispersal. As planned they met at the juncture.  Nitin was going to reveal the secret. All members came, Milin asked ‘what’s the matter why have you called us here? Wait a second I’m telling.

“I don’t know what it is but since the time I have seen Falak my intellect has stopped working. My pulse starts beating 90-100 times when I see her coming. Even I feel she is the girl made for me. I won’t say I love her but she is not my friend.’ ………..Ooooo………… all shouted in a similar voice. Thereafter Nitin showed the paintings and sketch being made and the so called stories.

 ‘Then tell her directly na’ Milin said.

‘Shemight not be thinking like the  way I am’ beckoned Nitin.

‘Will devise something for you for sure’ and then all left for their respective buses. 

24th April-

After attending three days of classes Nitin recalled of notebooks. Milin, her all time panacea helped him.  Falak turned back to see Nitin came or not and she saw Nitin was already staring at her. Falak was in chaos what was going to happen. Meanwhile after arranging for courage Raghav had proposed Palami. and  Palami hadn’t refused.. It is common in teenage girls whether they like the guy or not but when he is absent they use to miss him.

 It’s actually people get in hidden drama which makes their life riveting. So was with Falak. All were aware except her that what the picture was all about.

‘There were lots of boys and girls there,

 but one in particular was cute as can be with little freckles on her face

and cute strawberry  blond hair.

 I use to think one day I would marry her’.

This was the line written in the last page of Nitin’s notebook which was ready by Varnav.

After seeing her going, Nitin

While moving in the corridor, someone called which stopped the steps of Falak. It was Nitin.

Nitin -  ‘You know, I love your eyes’

Falak  - ‘Umm.. okay’

Nitin – ‘They’re beautiful, the way they shine. Like diamonds in the sky.’

Falak – ‘That’s nice …? So, what should I do?

Nitin – ‘I mean it’.  *leaning in and staring intensly* ‘I’ve never seen anything so beautiful’.

(Seriously confused at this point, Falak just looked at him like he was insane)

Falak – ‘Dude…. They’re eyes. They’re not that interesting. You want to be friend or not?

Nitin –‘ I didn’t mean the way you are taking it.’

(it took few days to realize what he’d been getting at)

30th April   -

It was the last day before summer vacations. All the teachers had given a sheet containing the tasks to be done. Raghav and Palami were sitting together, holding their hands.

Varnav on seeing commented  ‘love overloaded’ and then the whole class laughed harder.

Everyone had their plans for summers except Falak and Raghav. Palami was going to her native (Patna). Varnav had a trip to Lakshadweep along with his family. Nitin was going to Guwahati for seven days. Milin hadn’t disclosed yet. All were happy as they would get free time as well. Raghav was going to miss Palami as it was their first vacations after entering into relationship knot.

But Nitin’s whereabouts couldn’t be known till the time of dispersal. After attending two lectures he had gone missing.

Falak wasto be visisted by few relatives.  All looked indifferent. As the bondng between them was increasing day by day. Their friendship was not only limited till gossips but it had turned into a sacred covenant but no one had realized this. School gradually had become a place to share their frustrations, love, moments etcetera.

There was ten more minutes for bell to be rung. Nitin arrived in rush and put his notebook into the bag, took the sheets from Varnav and was beckoning Milin.

‘Now what? Where were you? Asked Milin.

‘I had been to library. You have to do me a favor. Pass this letter to Falak when I leave the class’ asserted Nitin and then he went gagging medical grounds.

It was still five more minutes for bell. Milin thought of opening it but then Palami asked what it was. So she decided to give it to Falak.

‘Open it when you are at home and no one is beside you’ accosted Milin.

After the bell rung and greeting each other all of them went to their home.

Falak was curious to know what it contained and what was in it. She thought of Nitin at first. The letter had

‘Never hate me after reading this. I am lost since I time I have seen you. I had watched many films which talked about love at first sight but I realized today that it happens. 

 

 

As the session started the school campus looked like tabula rasa. Students were joyous. Chirping sounds of birds in the morning can be equalled with the crowd and echoeing voice in the school for nearby vicinity. Summer season was at its peak and sultriness at its high. Going outside was like punishment of 'Kala Pani'.

Although when I saw the fruit sellers and ice cream peddlar, on one hand It gave me a sigh that I dont need to struggle this much for my livelihood and on the other hand I kept on praying for them, who have to struggle each day just for sake of their live. Even few sleep under the bridge, who don't have idea whether they would wake up the next day or not. Then also we keep on cursing our life and parents that we want this, we want that unabashedly. Life is a simple straight line until we make it a ploy and could never get out of it like Abhimanyu in Mahabharata in spite of the best efforts on our part.

 

Students had to submit their accomplished tasks. Varnav had got a new haircut which gave a soothe to teachers. He has broken up with his girl friend and was happy of it. Having girl friend was like cash in wallet for him, it affects when you have scarce in reckoning but life goes on with debit cards,credit cards, mobile banking, internet banking and Paytm also. 

And yes he had brought laurel for his family by saving a girl while she was about to drown. Actually he had visited to Lakshadweep where on the sea shore the family lost connection from daughter. Issue arose when the nine year old was struggling with tides and was about to drown but the heroic personality saved her  and handed over the unconscious baby girl to the bereaved family. On seeing their daughter, they took the emergency measures and then only the girl came in conscious stage. She was quiet frightened and crying aloud. Her father offered him money as largess but Varnav's father disavowed on saying it is humane act and what he did was his duty as a good citizen.

 

Raghav as always a cool guy had become healthier since last see as he had joined gym and swimming. His body was in shape and face had a different effulgence. The reason for this  glow might be his Palami, his fantasies etcetera. Varnav told on condition of anonymity that Palami had called Raghav when there was no one at her home and they had a great grandiose  honeymoon itself. Palami' blush had got a tremendous change on a glance of Raghav. And one more thing it has changed from 'tu' to 'aap' :P

Both were in serious love. 

 

Milin had a good vacations. She had a great time with her family members. In summers itself her bday passed and she had got a new scooter to be shared with her younger brother. She was too cute as her pink lips had turned more pinkish. Although her weight had plummeted but fattish enough to make her look like a barbie. Some girls and even guys too, look dainty in flabby shape only. She belonged to that category. She also has changed her    Barnacle frame.

 

Palami couldn't live till her satisfaction in Patna as there was a sudden call from his father's office to join ASAP. She also apprised about her cousin bhaiya had filed nomination for candidature from Patna constituency itself in the ensuing state elections. She was very fond of elections and news relating to it. No one didn't discussed but she had a criminal background. Raghav had told Varnav that Palami's father keeps a gun in his home. On return Varnav had jibed 'sambhal k, usme tere nam ki bhi ek bullet to nhi' :P

 

Nitin had visited the border areas in Guwahati. He was showing the moments captured. Before visiting he had purchased an expensive camera. His sister was going to be tied in nuptial knot with an NRI candidate to be held next month. He also visited to world famous Kamakhya temple. 

 

Falak had a good time. She had devoted her entire time in studies and helping her mother in work. Along with portrayals she had a keen interest in poem writing. Sometimes she used to write and laugh on her own writings. Recently one of leading newspaper had printed her poem on 'paternity' 

Two meaningful lines from that poem - 

'Pita hai to sapne hain

Aur Pita hai to bazar k sare khilaune apne hain'

 

'If you have your father then you can freely chase your dreams without worrying for a pin even and when your father is alive then all the toys or market might be yours'

 

Her few relatives had visited and were very happy to know about the schemes being offered by Ramaiyya international. Her mother's salary has also been hiked by government now they are having more funds and secure future, as her mom told her.

 

As classes had begun a sheet of paper was distributed to all the students and so to the 'bang' members. It contained a project followed group presentation. Project file had to be submitted in the form of PowerPoint presentation and that presentation had to be explained by each member of the group. Students were free of form group themselves and had to submit the names to concerned class teacher by captain of the class. 'Bang' was in no need of any outside member simply because they already had five and one new member Nitin had joined. Limit was put to 6 members per group but unfortunately last group ended with five members only as the class strength has increased after inducting Nitin to forty one.

 

Date fixed for presentation was 27th June. There were seven days to do it. 'Bang' then went to library. All hoarded up around a computer system. Library had a marvellous interior along with high speed centralised air conditioners.

 

Only Varnav knew how to facilitate a PowerPoint presentation. Others were technologically challenged. But Falak and Milin were aware of the contents to be written. It was a presentation on 'Human Resource- The living resource of an organisation' in which they had to show about the various aspects relating to human resource, his contribution to society as a factor of production, recruitment,selection,training, appraisal, reporting, strike a weapon in their armour etcetera. Nitin was a rookie commercian albeit all were not that much olden. 

'Nitin and I would give a study on few topics' said Raghav.

Palami followed Raghav but Varnav shrieked 'Mrs Raghav should I tell to 'Bang'"

(Actually Palami came to know about Varnav that he knows about calling home to Raghav when there was no one but she didn't know that all are well aware of it)

 

Palami 'what you'll tell ?' Acted canny,  as none knows anything.

 

Milin and Falak had their books on hand and were searching hard for the materials. 

 

Raghav came rushing can't we google and download it ? 

 

All looked amazedly on each other's faces.

But Falak refuted if you are going to do the same I'll quit my membership from this project group.

 

'Better you go,search hard and ya forget Palami for a while' said Milin.

 

Raghav went blushing.

By the time Varnav had started the introductory slides for project. 

 

Different topics were assigned to different groups so there remains no chance of duplication and fabrication. Only one day was given for preparing the slides and for speech they had to prepare on their own and no time was allotted as far as school schedules were concerned.

 

Falak and Milin explained the content to Varnav, now it was up to him whether he makes he or brakes it. Raghav and Nitin had also given their inputs on their respective sub-topics. Palami had chalked out a plan for speech and enlisted the 'bang' members who will beeline for it.

It read as -

a. Falak and Milin - Introductory part

b Raghav and Palami - will detail sub-topics 

c Varnav and Nitin - Remaining topics and closure.

 

After two hours of rigorous hard work the presentation was ready. When the 'bang' members saw the list for speech they were hinging on point 'b' which read as 'Raghav and Palami'.

 

'Can't you both remain away for a single minute' vociferated other members. 

 

As the 27th June ensued all were ready with their respective topics and sub-topics. Other groups gave their presentation which was awful and gave a blow to the 'bang' members.

 

All were set to move at the stage. As planned Falak and Milin started the introductory part. Later followed. At the end it was to be decided which one was the best group and best speaker even though individual marks shall be allotted to students. 

 

Best group presentation went to group no 2 and 'bang' stood at third position. But best speaker was bagged by none other than 'crown girl' and captain of eleven commerce Miss Falak Ghosh.

 

There was a good amount of thunderstorm   on 28th June. Which assuaged the heat and lowered the humidity which in turn has reduced the mercury. With the advent of monsoon many things of nature again arise and grow. Rains refill the life in living things. It makes the whole natural environment serene. Colours get scattered  everywhere whether it is sky or it is earth. Nothing looks much beautiful than glittery greenery with the radiance and a deep aroma of a newly wedded live. But for me rains have a misdemeanour of letting the person miss you have lost or once, who were part of your life. 

 

A short volley with afresh cool breeze lets you miss a lot.

Falak while completing her homework was groaning in pain of losing her father. She even doesn't remember his face properly but she had reflexion in her mind. Only she recalls his words and a dwindling face of him which she will forget in coming years completely like one forgets the dream being seen yester night.

 

4th July - 

 

Students had got a free day as teachers and whole school management were busy addressing the media and the local politicians beacause of a death being caused due to negligence of the bus driver. As alleged the bus driver had rammed a 'cycle wala' and he died on spot. Along with police case the addressees were demanding compensation to the next kin of deceased as well as surrender of the accused. After the incidence the driver was at large and wasn't being caught by the police yet. School authorities and management were ready to pay solatium as well as providing a job to one of deceased's family member but the clog was driver's surrender.

 

Anyways whatever happens is the headache of management and not of the students. Teenage is the life where we people don't worry for anything. Everything seems sparkling until one gets matured so was the scenario in 'bang' eleven commerce @ ramaiyya international. Students had come to playground and had started playing different sports according to their likings.

 

A ball from somewhere had knocked near the left earlobe of Palami. She shouted aloud which drew the attention of all. The place where the ball had strucked had turned reddish. 

 

Raghav without caring for anyone enraged and screamed 'who the fucking did this? I might end up his life today'. 

Varnav and Nitin assuaged his anger while Falak and Milin were took her aside and comforted her by offering water.

 

A group of juniors came and begged for pardon. On seeing small children Raghav threatened of complaining to principal if this being repeated again and threw away the ball. 

 

'Are you fine Pal' inquired Raghav.

'Still there is some pain but I'm fine by the way I was too frightened to see your anger rather than bearing this pain' quoted Palami. Then the bell rung and all went hurriedly to get their school bags to get out of the jail.

By the time the tension between management and media has also turned into normalcy.

 

11th July-

 

Time table for First quarter syllabus test was pasted in the notice board of students as well as in school website. So the exam season was to start from this day. There happens to be a catcall in the school premises. Preparatory leave to be granted from next day as exams were scheduled from 16th of July. 

 

Sitting arrangement was upright. Whether one calls it coincidence or luck but for Nitin it wasn't a co incidence Falak was sitting right before him.

 

When he saw the sitting arrangement he was awful. This is the thing for which he wasn't prepared. 

 

Last night while studying he couldn't concentrate simply because of a image visiting in his mind again and again, it was none other than Falak. But he wanted to study and so to concentrate but after putting cumbersome efforts he failed. 

After finishing the exam Nitin took the courage to tell her about each and everything but Falak's gloomy face resisted him. 

Nitin - 'Hey Falak ! Wasn't your exam went good? '

Falak - 'It was. I am drowsy little bit that's why not in a situation to walk even a single step'

Nitin - ' I wanted to tell you something which has become a troublesome for me'

Falak - 'Yeah, sure say'

Nitin - ' I don't know what it is but I was thinking about you whole time yesterday and not only yesterday but since the time I have seen you'

Falak - 'See, this is not my problem ( gradually increasing voice) and I am tolerating you since the time you dashed against me. Don't ever dare to talk to me. We shall be members of 'bang' but in individuality we don't know each other.

 

And then Falak took a straight move and went away. Few juniors on seeing laughed but Nitin was left hapless and hopeless. For him his dream has shattered. He hadn't thought in a blue moon that Falak would behave like this. This was bizarre.

Anyhow exams passed. 

 

Although Falak and Nitin never talked but they used to share smiles and lunch box. But since exams members of 'bang' noticed that both were in their living in their own world and no one disclosed what was there even after many requisitions.

Chapter 6 

 

Annual functions and cultural exhibitions are part and parcels of school life. It brings closer to strangers and even enemies. Right from nursery to class twelfth each and every one can be seen busy. Some doing preparatory works and some doing nothing. Boys who don't participate converge themselves into a herd and talk random. Few follow their crushes and even crushes keep all the updates who and when follows. Teachers are also burdened with additional stuff to facilitate and oversee the smooth functioning of executives and volunteers. 

 

Twelfthites weren't allowed to participate either directly or indirectly owing to their board examination. So the purple patch was on the eleventhites side.

 

Milin was taking part in dance. Varnav the guitarist was playing a song. Palami and Raghav didn't participate as it was a golden opportunity for them to spend more and more time together. Even Raghav and Palami had bunked for a day and when class teacher asked where were they, Varnav told they had left for home after taking permission. Class teacher called her parents which created a ruckus in their life. 

 

Mainly the class captains were made the heads of different committees and sub-committees.

Falak was made the head of executive body. 

Vaibhavi (eleven science) was named cultural head. 

Nitin was Finance head under executive body. As there was no talk since the completion of quarter syllabus test they remained indifferent towards each other.

There were five more days for annual function and cultural exhibitions. Classes remained generally suspended at Ramaiyya international for those period. Students who don't participate get euipped with an option not to come school as attendance is generally given as largess 

to all the students in spite of the fact the student remained absent on those day/s.

 

Purchase of materials for exhibition had cost a little bit extra than allocated. Although head of executive when gave her nod it got confirmation but  a formal consent was also required from finance head. Finance head was empowered to talk to administration department who were responsible for allocating the funds. 

 

Falak had ordered one of a junior to get the bill signed by finance head ie Nitin Bhanot. But Nitin disavowed by saying it has crossed the allocation. So for this purpose I'll have to take the consent of administration department. Without their authorisation or connivance I can't do this.

 

Subodh (Junior) on return apprised Falak about it. This has increased Falak's blood pressure. 

 

Falak got infuriated 'how could he disobey my orders?' Falak directly went to Nitin. She stepped ruthlessly. 

 

'This time I loved the way you did things' asserted Falak. 

Still it took one more minute for Nitin to get in conscious state.

 

'Can you repeat' asked Nitin. 

Nothing you won't understand said Falak and went away blushing. 

But this has left Nitin in a lull state. 

 

It was the annual function day. All could be seen very busy. Everyone was trying to make it out perfect. 

Falak attired herself in red saree which gave her the look of a alluring angel. Her long browned hairs had a classy adorable tint. Her deep eyes could be equalled to a bluish cat eye. Her appealing aura was outrageous. Her lips had bewitching charm. She had shaped herself as an athlete. Her figure resplendent beam. With a badge of class captain and executive head she bore all the attributes which a leader should possess.

 

Nitin had draped himself in black short full sleeves kurta and payjama. His carving personality had held charishma of a brave hero, caring gentleman and gallant chevalier. His kindness and generosity was at its high.

 

Varnav had an intense look today. Lovey Dovey couple had enthralling and enchanting glare coming out. Milin was wearing a white beatified barbie dress. 

 

Chief guest was the head trustee of Ramaiyya International. They were done with the preparatory stuffs.

 

This day had a impervious phenomenon which was going to remain till eternity in two person's heart. 

Meanwhile the programme started and the voluteers and heads were relieved of their duty. There was a huge gathering from in and around the city. Mediapersons could be seen busy with their handheld camera. Food stall were serving different eatables on a certain price. Foodies could be seen eating with gusto. 

 

Above all there was something going in Falak's mind. She wasn't the real Falak today what she used to be but indeed a discontiguous. Her eyes were searching for Nitin and stopped at Subodh (Junior) with whom Nitin was busying talking.

 

Falak took a deep breath and started moving in that direction only. She caught hold of Nitin and said 'come I have something to ask you about'

 

She then took him nearby a class where no one was there.

 

Nitin  - now say why you took me here ? 

Falak - you had said na you keep on thinking about me. I wanna know how long you will keep on pondering like this ?

Nitin - what do you mean by how long?

Falak - Dumbo ! I too think same for you but hadn't any courage to speak you out and when you came I was dreaded of losing.

 

Nitin - are you nuts? 

Falak - what ? So what all those stuff was about? 

Nitin - what I felt I said but I think it's a prank.

Falak then took him closer hugged him tightly. meanwhile kissing in his neck it was not a prank boy ! 

And went blushing hard. 

 

Nitin remain standing there for five more minutes. This has made his day. But still he couldn't figure was this Falak or someone else. 'The girl who hadn't talked her since last one month, who had threatened of dire consequences if tried again to talk, who had shared a single smile few weeks ago had hugged me and gave a lifelong touch of her' Nitin's mind pondered.

 

'Isn't your talk completed senior' a voice came which brought him to the present. It was Subodh (Junior)

 

'It's complete but I was stranded' lied Nitin.

'Stranded in what' asked Subodh.

'In thoughts' asserted Nitin and then both of them left for the Varnav's performance which was just started.

 

After settling down with Subodh his eyes were searching for Falak this time. But he couldn't find. Again he tried and saw something which gave a inner thumps up. Falak was already staring at him. Her beauty has now got ornamented with the dreams and passion of a caressing guy. She looked more beautiful than before and he became more passionate of her after this pleasant incidence which was going to change their life forever.

 

Next day at school -

 

All were waiting for purple patch girl at ground where they used to but they were unaware of this scenario.

 

Nitin came and joined them.

Falak came. She looked pleased from other days. Her life had become joyous and then all of them went directly to class.

 

(This scene had produced sparks in 'bang as mentioned below)

Reactions of 'bang'

 

Falak and Nitin were sharing the seat from today. 

Milin  on knowing 'how could you leave me' (coughing knowingly).

Varnav - I had guessed something was there since he came to eleven commerce.

Raghav and Palami - now they would also be sharing comments with us :P

 

Nitin - Blushhhheeeddddddddd !

Falak - was still smiling. 

 

Lectures started. Now the class had two couples. 

It had added a wings to Falak's feathers. 

Chapter 7

 

At South Cafe 11th August, Belgaum

 

It was 6:45 pm but Nitin wasn't there. Falak was waiting since 6:25 pm. Several calls went unanswered.

Suddenly he appears which stops Falak's worries. 

'Should I show my watch or you would do it yourself' screamed Falak. 

 

'I beg you pardon stranger' accosted Nitin

 

(He used to say her 'stranger' because she had acted in a strange manner after he had told her about his thoughts and she called him 'dashing' as he had 'dashed against her' on the very first day)

 

'By the way you look dashing' said Falak 

'Are you serious or calling me as you have named' asked Nitin.

 

The word 'dashing' here was serving two purposes. 

 

'Nah, you look dashing, dashing' told Falak.

 

'What's your plan after Ramaiyya International' asked Falak 

 

Nitin - 'Would go for pursuing MBA in Human Resource. What you think '

 

Falak - 'not yet decided. What my mom will say I'll do' 

 

Nitin then asked to have something but Falak declined she only wanted to talk that day.

 

Falak was thinking like time is snatching something each and every minute.

 

12th August - 

 

It was in lunch time where all were busying having tiffin. The duo couple had a very deep talk while sitting in the staircase.

 

Palami could be seen caressing Raghav's hairs. But all these looked measly to Falak.

 

Falak was standing in front of window and thinking 'would he be with me for entire life though I have taken the first step but I have only to sail through only with him and not with anyone else'

 

Nitin - I don't think you are happy with it

Falak  turned to his side towards him and a drop of tear rolled down on her cheek 'I have lost my father and would never want to lose you even at my life's cost'.

 

Love is the thing which is never being taught; it is learnt by doing itself. There is no school,college or university which teaches the art of love but it is the most beautiful phenomenon since the time immemorial which happens to an individual. Being in love is like being carried away by a lovable force which entices one towards it and the person doesn't remain what s/he used to be.

 

15th august -

Today was the Independence Day being celebrated throughout the territory of India with a zeal and fervour. Indian flag is being hoisted as high as its sovereignty and integrity. 

 

Falak decided to be at home only due to temporal ailment. She slept for the whole day. Even her mother asked to take her to the doctor but she said she was fine and due to tired and hectic schedule she was devoid of the rest. After having her dinner with her mother she took herself to the bed. Her phone started vibrating it was none other than her 'dashing' guy.

 

'Have you got the time' furiated Falak.

'Stranger I had been to school and then was a dad's office' said Nitin.

 

(Nitin's father was a local politician.)

 

Falak - 'Okay, what do you want ? Tell and let me sleep' 

Nitin - 'I want you and would you be able to sleep without my cuddle?

Falak - I was sleeping na till the time you met me (enraged)

Nitin - 'you look outrageous in black' ( while enticing her, it was her deepest brummagem that she used to fall in his sayings)

Falak - don't cajole okay, I don't need anyone's love

Nitin - seriously ?

Falak - yes, seriously this time.

(She always used to say 'seriously this time' but in reality she was never )

 

Nitin - so should I cut the call ?

Falak - if you wish to.

( but she never wished that call should get cut)

 

Nitin - (loosing hope of any further talks) I don't wish to cut I want to talk but my love is not in a mood.

 

Falak - Your love is in a mood but needs more buttering. 

 

Then both of laughed and her ailment and affliction and his tiredness all vanished with a hard laugh)

 

18th august - at school 

 

Falak took a seat with Milin and Nitin was sitting with Varnav. Falak and Nitin were too busy staring at each other. A tragic incidence happened that day. Class teacher happened to see them staring each other and asked both of them to get off. Now the whole class was aware with this sparkling news.

 

Both came out but rather than being a punishment it was a fun for them to have a good time of togetherness.

 

Raghav and Palami did the same thing but class teacher asked only Raghav to get off and not to Palami. 

'Hard luck, not lucky as them' rued Raghav and Palami on the other hand was disappointed for not being thrown out of the class.

 

Even if we get back and see the history being thrown out of class was a shameful act but now a days it has become a trend and so trendy were the students of Ramaiyya International.

 

This time Raghav had caught red handed the couples while they were licking each other's lip harder on the way to roof but he acted like he saw nothing. But his tenacity has let them guess that he had seen something. 

 

So was the tragic day today.

 

22nd august -

 

Nitin's sister was getting into the nuptial knots. 'Bang' was invited along with marriage for other ceremonies also.

 

Nitin would be absent for a whole week. 

 

Falak had to undergo ordeal for these seven days as there won't be her 'dashing' guy even she won't be able to have a glance of him.

 

Nitin would be quiet busy even he would have no time to say a single 'hi' to her.

 

Classes went as usual.

In one class teacher asked 'now the topic would be explained by Falak, your captain'.

Falak was mentally somewhere else where no one could ever be (as she thought). She stoop up directing her head downwards. This time she was devoid was being ashamed. 

 

Teacher snubbed her by saying you are bringing a huge disrepute to captaincy.

This led her to miss him more and more.

 

'Sir if it is so, I'll vacate the post of captain and secondly one need not know everything to be a captain' and then she left the class. Whole class was remain stunned.

 

'On her go from class, she wept missing him.'

Her heart spoke 'if he would have been here this won't have happened'

 

Chapter 8 

 

Nitin' Sister's marriage - 27th August

 

Vision of life - Marriages are made in heaven and for solemnisation people are being sent to earth. 

The heart of Hindu marriage vows are Dharmecha, Arthecha, Kamecha and Mokshecha nati charami. This means that the man will not leave the woman in dharma, money, desire and the attainment of ultimate. This the bridegroom swears on the five elements of nature and calls upon them to be witness of their union. 

 

Legal view also talks that from the date of marriage the bridegroom becomes liable for maintaining his wife.

 

On the penultimate day Milin recalls she is having nothing to wear for. 

Palami has the same cause.

Varnav was ready with his newly stitched blackish kurta.

Raghav wasn't coming due to some undisclosed reasons.

 

Falak took a jibe at Milin and Palami 'all you need is new dress for each and every ceremony' 

 

It was finalised in the school that Varnav would pick Falak.

Milin and Palami were still at large. Varnav had asked them if they wished they may call him. 

 

As planned Varnav came,picked Falak and drove towards Milin's home.

'Where are we moving towards' asked Falak.

 

Palami is at Milin' home and Milin had called me after crying foul.

 

It was a huge gathering. Nitin was looking handsome hunk, attired in 'tuxedo' he threw an intense look with a mesmerising beam.

 

Falak had traditionally wore a 'kosa' saree with beatifying lip gloss.

 

After felicitation they went for dinner.

 

It was the time to leave but Falak was in no mood to leave Nitin albeit he was too busy. 

 

Her heart throbbed hard as she had to leave him and another glance had still seventy two hours. She couldn't even talk because he is busy. But she had to go. Tear was ready to get out but anyhow she managed.

 

That night after coming she didn't sleep. Somnolence was clear in her eyes but her heart didn't want to sleep. She kept on seeing his sketch,his messages. This was the day she missed his cajoles, his cuddling, his caressing. She repented of each and every act which hurted him. 

 

Loving him had let her forget his dad. A girl always sees her father's characteristics in a guy. Nitin possessed those attributes as her heart said.

 

Suddenly a text message from an unknown number blinked on her phone 

'Admirable,adorable,alluring,angelic,appealing,beauteous,bewitching,captivating,charming,classy,comely,cute,dazzling,delicate,delightful,divine,diva,elegant,enthralling,enticing,excellent,exquisite,fair,fascinating,fetching,fine,foxy,good looking,gorgeous,graceful,grand,handsome, ideal,inviting my stranger sleep well.

 

This had made her day now. She was too happy. 'He loves me, he loves me a lot' her mind was blowing upon seeing a mind boggling message from her 'dashing'.

 

She kept on thinking of her. She forgot for a while that she was still at earth and at her home and beside her mother was sleeping. Thinking of him made her similar to lambs who gambol on getting warmth. 

 

She wrote something being awake till three 

 

The weather is getting colder,

And days are getting sunnier,

Flowers are blooming,

Lambs are gambolling around and

Love is in the air.

 

Love is never perfect. But two persons notwithstanding they might be devoid of ceratain features make it perfect. It demands sacrifices, expletives, fights, insomnia and much more. It takes one's everything just to be with a human being. 

Falak was ready for every brunt to bear. 

 

Still her mother was unaware of it. She used to get little tensed how she would communicate the biggest decision made up of her life and that too without her consent or connivance. But she knew her mother won't disappoint her as if she had taken the decision then there would be some 'intelligible differentia' based on what she would have followed that path.

 

Falak had an ambition to settle with her mom and Nitin. But what we wish we don't get. We do for something else, become something different for what we were not even giving a shit. It matches with today's trend like an engineering student does MBA after engineering and then finally ends up doing job in a bank. So never frown because you never know what tomorrow may bring. 

Smile spread in her rosy face when she thought of a comfortable life in Bengaluru a 2BHK flat, fulfilment of necessities, her dream i e Nitin and her life i e her mom. 

 

But all these were still a dream. There was difference of a great hard work in addition to a great luck, which should move according to their whims and fancies. Falak left all to the deity and prayed for showering his luck, as most of us do. But god has a different set of plan for us. 

 

Then Falak slept and she indeed had no knowledge about the time that it was already 4:10 am.

 

 

Chapter 9 

 

12th October 

 

'Varnav's ' new car had become an attraction for all school goers of Ramaiyya International. His father had gifted him the All new Skoda Fabia in his just passed birthday. 'Bang' decided for a long drive after the class got over. Bus comers had to skip the bus facility for today and then went.

Varnav was already at driver' seat. Nitin occupied the front seat and three girls took the back seat. (By grace of god Raghav was absent as Varnav felt but Palami was missing him)

Then their limousine left for a Military Animal Park situated around 8 kms from Ramaiyya International. 

 

After reaching Varnav took his wallet out and asked Nitin to get five tickets till the time he parked his newly bought car. With all the girls he crossed the road and after a strict security check they went inside the park. 

It was also a kind birthday treat and car treat for 'bang' bht hard luck for Raghav ' he missed it' said Nitin. 

'Whatever he missed is much lesser than what I'm missing dude' said Palami.

 

By the time Varnav brought some refreshments and waffers. After a blink Nitin and Falak were vanished. 

Now Varnav was left with Milin and Palami.

 

Palami - 'why don't both of you get into a relationship'

Varnav - 'Shut up, what non sense you are talking'

Milin - 'What do you think I'll get in your hold Varnav'

Varnav ' No I didn't say like that'

Milin - 'But it meant like that only' ( getting harsh)

Varnav - 'don't blame me I didn't start'

Milin - 'If you bend on your knees for your lifetime then also I won't accept you'

Varnav - 'why you thought I would do like this, never ever'

Milin - 'Okay fine'

Palami - 'Please keep your mouth shut both of you'

Varnav and Milin - You bloody, you only initiated not us.

Palami - great now both of you are on same footing na ! 

And then they took a view of whole park meanwhile having waffers but still whereabout of Falak and Nitin weren't known.

 

Falak and Nitin had taken a shelter under a banyan tree after snatching few packets of waffers and refreshments. 

Nitin had rested himself on the lap of Falak and she was caressing his hairs. 

Nitin - 'we'll have a home one day'

Falak - having reddish eyes 'how can you be so sure' 

Nitin - 'I am not sure, even we don't know would we reach our homes safely today but being optimistic doesn't cost you anything stranger'

 

Falak - ' whatever but I don't wanna lose you, already I have lost him and would never like to lose the 'second him' of mine life'

Nitin - I love you 'stranger' but in addition to love you are my passion too. Love might fade but passion remains in heart till we die. Heart echoes even at 'deathbed' why I left this passion, why didn't I pursue it. Perhaps I would have gone for it, my fate would have something different. 

 

Upon listening it Falak's eyes were full of tears and it was fighting for coming out but his ever shinier face coupled with a 'fall for' smile resisted. 

 

It has got already too late. They thought members of the 'bang' would be getting tensed so time to go. 

 

Nitin put his entire energy and stood up then offered his right hand which helped Falak to stand up. Nitin had thrown the wrappers and crushed bottle at the same place but Falak took it to the dustbin.

 

On reaching near the exit, they saw 'bang' members were already waiting for them.

'Thank god you came otherwise we were planning to go to control room for announcement and if we could not receive any info then probably we would have left this place' said Varnav

'Atleast you should have told us, we hadn't stopped you from having a good time' said Milin 

 

'I won't say anything because if Raghav would have been here, I would have done the same thing' accosted Palami. 

 

This line of Palami made them to laugh and then they left this place. 

 

Varnav dropped each and every member safely to their homes and then he left for his.

 

'Where were you and too late today, your bus had already gone at scheduled time' said her mother.

 

Falak - 'Mom we had been to Military Park today. Actually it was Varnav's Birthday and car treat to us.

 

Mother - I had called to your school and they told classes have dispersed. Atleast you should have told me earlier. You know well you are the only shelter of my life 

 

and then tears broke out and made its way out of her mother's eyes.

 

'Mom, I won't repeat it again and for god' sake don't cry. Already your many tears have fallen, now no more please. 

 

Her mother sobbed. 

'You are my life, we both are living for each other only' said Falak.

 

Then they took their meals together.

 

While going for a sound sleep aftermath of cavalcades of incidences that day 'Am I doing right' , ' am I in the right way', 'would she be convinced' pondered Falak. 

 

When she woke up her eyes were swollen and fetched reddish look. Her mood was irresistibly languishing. 

Her phone rang 'Nitin calling' below it 'respond' 'reject' icons appeared. 

She rejected the call twice. Soon a text message reverted from Nitin but she didn't talk him that night.

 

Chapter 10

 

Final exams eleven commerce 

 

It was their final exams scheduled to start from February 3rd. All were ready. Falak had targeted of scoring good marks which in turn would reduce her mother's liability of paying such a huge fee. According to school management the meritorious students would get up to cent percent fee discount.

 Varnav had to just pass. 

'For pursuing dream she won't get permission if she scores low' thought Milin.

 

Raghav and Palami as a mediocre they thought of bringing it to the line of seventies. 

 

'I also have to settle early in life and will have to do much better' pondered Nitin.

(His thoughts always included her. His no planning,passion, thought, mimic, cry, laugh, direction and even motivation was of selfish nature. He never excluded her even in his dreams. Although he was not a meritorious guy but he had enough competence to be much more than a greedy student who lures for marks only)

 

'Heads high and never bow down' was the sole principle of 'bang' on which each and every member insisted.

 

This time sitting arrangements were changed. Eleven science, maths are also sitting there. 

 

Varnav was caught red handed while cheating in economics exam. Economics for him was not less than a demon. He was  debarred from further exams.

 

Falak wrote altogether good in all the exams. Milin' also sounded the same.

 

Nitin had lost it to accountancy. Raghav and Milin weren't aware 'how it went'

 

28th February -

 

It was the results day. All were present except Varnav. Results were declared and it was again class captain of eleven commerce 'Falak Ghosh' had made it to first rank.

 

Milin stood second and an implausible guy Nitin had made it to third.

 

Soon when 'bang' members checked the marks of Varnav in the website of the school at library it showed 'pass' infront of his name.

 

Raghav took no time to call 'how you made it possible'

 

Varnav - Actually one of the trustee is my dad's friend so exams were reconducted after the regular schedules were over and dad had strictly warned me to convey this to anyone else till the results are out, so I didn't tell it to anyone even to My mom.

 

The purple patch was again in her side. School management has also cleared the list of students who made it to scholarship programme. It contained Falak's name. 

 

On hearing the heartening news her mother had again started crying aloud.

'Why this time mummy? Asked Falak.

'I nailed it na, I'll really work hard and would ensure you a comfortable life'

'None can stop me now' said Falak. 

 

Varnav had invited all of them to his home for a get together. 'Bang' was there at scheduled time. On entering guards took the security measures. His father was famous as a coal mafia. His house had a look equivalent to 'Mahal' of old kings where king used to sit along with his king in council around. A statue of roaring lion was laid in the opening gate. 

He took them to his room where zolaistic pictures of models were hung. 

Raghav found his internet history filled with obscene videos but he didn't disclose it to anyone copied the links to his phone. 

 

Suddenly his mom arrived 'he used to tell you about all so I asked him to invite you all' said her mother. 

All touched her feet and sat. 

'Padhta likhta to hoga nhi ye main bta rhi hu' exclaimed her mom eyeing on him. 

 

All were looking confusing at this juncture. 

Raghav took his side 'nhi Aunty barabar pdhta hai mere sath, ye nhi to main nhi'

 

'To isme marks aur tumhre marks me 19-20 hona chahiye, zameen-aasman 

Ka antar kese aagya beta' her mother notched on Raghav. 

 

'Aunty shayad grasp nhi kar paya hoga Raghav k jitna' supported Palami. 

 

Milin was murmuring 'really they are only for each other and no one would ever be able to bear both of them' 

 

On listening to it Falak couldn't control her laughter. 

(This is the biggest drawback of laughter ; it comes out aloud when something serious is going on)

Nitin on acknowledging changed his seat beside Falak to the opposite lying chair.

 

Varnav's mom had prepared some delicacies 'bang' members took no time to devour it. 

Suddenly his dad arrived and the atmosphere went voiceless. Varnav became pussycat. His father greeted everyone.

He was a tall, dark and handsome personality with big moustaches. He looked deuced but he was too pleasing. He showed his interest in badminton. He was his college's a distinct player (as told by him). 

After a long gossip it was time to go. 

Varnav then asked his driver to drop each and everyone.

When all went Falak was collecting her phone and a book, 

 

Nitin came 'You are still here' said him.

Driver pressing the horn hard.

 

Falak hugged him tightly and then they went. 

 

'Bang' members were 'putting two and two together' that they might have been kissing or something else. 

 

Varnav while seeing them off was smiling on seeing Nitin and Falak coming. But Falak made it clear that there was nothing sort of it and they all came their respective homes. 

 

Chapter 11 

20th April Falak's birtday

 

Falak was about to sleep but then her phone rings. 

'Are you going to sleep stranger' asked Nitin. 

'Yes I am too tired today' said Falak. 

'Okay then sleep, see ya tomorrow' were words of Nitin and he cut the call.

 

Sharp at 12:00 firecrackers started exploding for five minutes which caused disruption in her copulation. First she thought of any marriage ceremony might be there but suddenly she heard the voices which she had heard before.

 

 

They were singing aloud

  'happy birthday to you' 

'happy birthday dear Falak' 

'Happy birthday stranger' (Nitin)

(Falak had forgot her b'day)

 

She came out in her balcony was surprised to see the 'bang' members wearing hats and dancing on the sound played by Bluetooth speaker. One by one all wished Falak happy birthday and after remaining and dancing for few minutes 

 Varnav showed his lewd pole dance which had filled all the members of bang with a deep bliss.

 

Really a big thanks to you all, I had forgot that I have my bday.

 

After their go Falak saw a message 'we are coming in front of your house' by Nitin which was being sent at 11:40 pm.

 

She called Nitin 'thank you my love, really never had such a birthday'

'Thanks a ton'

'Thanks a million'

'Thanks a billion'

'Thanks a trillion'

 

'Enough stranger. You deserved this. Actually we had planned in school itself yesterday' 

 

Falak - 'Can we talk for whole night today'

Nitin - ' I can but I won't let you talk to me. See ya tomorrow in school'

 

Falak then slept.

 

But Nitin had to gift something different. He didn't sleep that night. He took a sheet and started sketching. He had no idea what he was going to make but what he made he didn't aspired to. He kept on sketching and slept on the study table itself. Perhaps destiny has some different plans.

 

Alarm sounds are really the most irritating sound of one's life. Even if we set it as our ringtone it's raspness will never get out.

 

Alarm rang at 5:45, Falak not opening even a single eye snoozed it by ten more minutes. But on seeing lots of wishes and missedcalls she woke up and again recounted it was her bday and she was a princess for this day. 

 

While she was ready for her school her mom gave her blessings and hugged tightly. 

 

Drappd in school dress while keeping her first step out from bus Falak suddenly saw Subodh arriving 'happy birthday didi, Nitin sir told me it's your birthday today'

 

'Bang' members greeted her like 'Duchess of Cambridge' although 'Duke of Cambridge' was happily seeing his 'stranger' as he never saw. 

 

Falak and Nitin sat together. 'What do you want today' asked Nitin.

 

'You know well what I want, so don't ask the same question again and again' asserted Falak. 

 

Nitin had gifted her a handmade sketch which showed Falak living in a distant world and Nitin wandering in search of her.

 

'What's rubbish is this ? Who is this girl ' infuriated Falak.

 

'This girl is you and wandering guy is me'

Answered calmly Nitin.

 

'Why you made this' asks Falak. 

 

'Seriously I swear I had a drag force. I really didn't aspire to make this but since what it became I wanted to show you' told Nitin.

 

It has deeply affected her mood and she became silent for the whole day. 

 

'Sir, I have got a doubt' voice came from last bench. It was Varnav. 

Whole class looked like he has committed an offence. Generally it becomes an offence when teacher is about to go or it's going to be lunch/dispersal time. 

 

Chapter 12 'Commerce Quiz'

 

13th July 

 

Inter school competitions show the fraternity within a school. Even your enemies and detractors start supporting you. Teachers start behaving friendly forasmuch this would not only show the students' talent but also the teacher's skill; what they taught and how much students grasped. Winning school along with bringing laurel also develops the goodwill and repute in the minds of right thinking persons of a society which in turn works in the long run. 

Not only commerce but from science stream also student's cluster was going to participate in the quiz.

Falak and Milin from class 12th and Suparna and Subodh from class 11th respectively were finalised as representatives from Ramaiyya International,to be held at Venkataiah International School, Hyderabad.

 

Schools from all over India were participating. There were two rounds for qualifier and then final was scheduled. 

 

Representative students were exempted from attendance and other regulations till its completion. They only had the task to go through more and more questions. It has the oral questionnaire format. Teachers were giving their day and nights only for completion. There was a cash prize of Ra. Five lakh along with a huge trophy. Participating school had to sent the participants name and details. Only one teacher was allowed to accompany them and in total not more than six should be there. 

 

Same applied for science stream. So both the streams had four candidates each and one subject teacher along with one assistant. 

 

They had train on 15th July. It was a three day tour but if any school gets disqualified in the qualifier round then they can get back at the earliest. Falak and Milin were curious to see. Falak was participating for the very first time in inter school competition. Her rank and scholarship gave her this opportunity. Her mom had given her nod. 

 

On the penultimate day they had to leave for railway station. The whole school was seeing the procession. 'Bang' members were too happy to see their members being the representative of the schools except Nitin. Though he was happy but now he would have to pay ordeal as there would be no chat,messaging or talk because phone was strictly prohibited.

 

Varnav had demanded 'black pathani kurta' from Hyderabad, if they get time to have a look of the city. Even he had told about the shop, where they could get it. Palami hugged both the girls. Students then took blessings from Principal and trustees of the school.

 

Falak hurriedly went to Lord Vishnu temple and paid obeisance. This was her second time in two years since she took admission in Ramaiyya international. After coming she looked at the sky 'be with me, as you always' thought in mind and then they left for railway station.

 

After reaching at 9:30 in the night they fall too tired to go through the questions. Venkataiah School had made arrangements for boarding and lodging in a five start hotel namely 'Jeha Numa Palace' which was only two km away from school.

Falak, Milin and Suparna shared a room and Subodh, their Sir and assistant took another room.

Science students managed in the same way.

Falak was yawning and dyeing to sleep. Milin was busy finding solution to few problems. Suparna took out few dry fruits are offered them.

 

'Is it the factor behind your beauty and chubby shape' giggled Falak. 

 

Milin meanwhile took out few almonds and gulped. 'Now I feel too energetic and Argus eyed' laughed Suparna.

 

Then Someone knocks the door.

 

'Yes, its open get in' said Milin.

'Sir is calling for dinner' said Subodh.

 

'No we're full, we only need a sound sleep' said Falak.

 

'Nop, she is full but i and Suparna are coming right now' eyeing hard at Falak.

Then Subodh goes.

 

'Then what I would do here' asks Falak

'You were insomniac so you sleep' says Milin.

' I would keep mum' giggles Suparna.

'Wait, let me change. I won't be able to sleep hungry.

 

And then they went for dinner.

 

16th July - 

 

Sir woke them up at 4:30 am. Suparna thought they had slept only ten minutes ago. Then hurriedly they all started turning the pages. Subodh also joined them at the same time.

 

It was their first qualifier round today which was scheduled to start at 10 am with 'Vedic Mantra School, Dehradun'. 

Falak while moving for first round, her body was quivering. Milin was quiet. Subodh and Suparna calmed themselves as their seniors were with them. 

It had to the combination of one senior and one junior. 

 

First round was easy for these people and they nailed it. 

 

Second round of qualifier had still twenty hours left. So after that they had their meal with Sir and all of them were quiet tired so they slept. In evening it was planned to have a glance of Cyberabad. Falak purchased kurta as prescribed by Varnav. After reaching to hotel again it was time for going through their syllabus as second round of qualifier was going to be a though one.

 

They qualified for second round also.

But science stream had lost it to the oppositions. So they decided to wait for one more day till commerce stream finishes its final quiz.

It was the third and last day at Venkataiah International School. Final quiz was scheduled to start from 12'o clock. School auditorium was jam packed.

 

Earlier in the morning a terrible news had come which wrecked havoc for twelfth commerce. Varnav 'the spunky, brand conscious guy' had committed suicide. Reasons for his suicide were still not known.  As well as there was a good tiding also.

 

After half an hour motivation by Sir and assistant students got ready for the final round. 

'It's you who has to take the lead Falak' said Sir. 

'Milin be calm and don't get in hurry while answering' asserted sir.

 

After having light breakfast they left for their final quiz. Final quiz was between Ramaiyya International and Rajiv Public School, Udaipur. These two lone teams could make it to finals otherwise out of 23 schools 18 went out in first round itself and remaining 3 teams ended up in second qualifier round.

One team will become the awardee of cash prize of Rs Five lakh and a huge trophy. 

Participants would take home the free scholarship till his/her college education as declared by trustees of Ramaiyya International in morning. This message has boosted the moral of participating students of commerce as well as science stream.

Speaker greeted the judges and then to the students. Teachers and assistants were not allowed to sit in the auditorium.

 

Panel of Judges were sitting. The questionnaire round started. There were eleven questions were to be asked. Team which gives more correct answers would be declared as winner. 

Both the teams were greeted. Both the teams stood round the table opposite to each other. Team which knew the answer had to pin the buzzer. In case of draw, three tiebreaker questions were also enlisted.

 

It was last question to be asked. Both the teams were five points each. Last question was going to decide the fate of participants from Ramaiyya International. 

Falak closed her eyes and contemplated within 'you are here only na dad, if everything goes fine your daughter would get everything in life'

 

All the hearts were beating at its highest ever. 

Speaker started the question but before  its completion Suparna pressed the buzzer. Yes, it was Suparna who was disqualified from the Ramaiyya International team. Judges warned 'if your team repeats this again we will declare the opposite team as winners'

 

After losing a contending player Falak was almost lost. 

 

Speaker started the question, Falak pressed the buzzer and answered. 

 

Judges talked for a while 'Yes, you are correct' and the Ramaiyya International had won the quiz. 

Suparna ran to cherish the team. As soon as results announced Sir and assistant were there along with science stream students. It seemed like conquering the whole world to Falak.

 

After partying in hotel itself they were scheduled to leave for their city.

 

Chapter 13

 

On reaching the school there were thunders of applause. Milin and Falak weren't looking happy. 

Hanging paperbag of his black kurta in her hand Falak ran towards classroom. Although school was closed due to demise  of Varnav, but she went to her class. 

 

She was diligently seeing the seat where Varnav used to sit. 'I came, I came with black kurta wanted by you, but you are nowhere' see wept and kept on saying in delirium.

While in search for her Milin came. 

'Get up, he has gone' says Milin

 

Palami had called me for going in his funeral.

'No I won't be able to see all these' said Falak.

'So what do you think I would easily see. I told her we are not coming' said Milin.

 

'Where is my phone'(still in delirium)asks Falak

Milin - it is with Suparna. Sir gave her.

Falak and Milin then moved for their homes.

 

21st July 

 

Class was in catcall. Whole school was looked missing Varnav. Now teachers had none to scold and use their expletives. Classmates had none to make them laugh.

Now none would ask silly doubts.

Last bench looked empty like no one sat there since immemorial time.

Falak was nowhere. Black kurta had become the souvenir till her life. Milin was groaning inside.

Raghav couldn't know how to react. Even Palami assisted her in getting out of it but He couldn't forget the person with whom he shared the seat since last one n half years. He still felt like Varnav was there. Nitin was indifferent.

 

One day Raghav had gone to nearby shop which was adjacent to Varnav's home from where he could get some clue. On reaching the class next day he broke it to the 'bang' members. 'His father and mother both had affair with someone else' as shopkeeper spoke to him.

'Bang' was totally incomplete without Varnav but now they would have to live like he never existed before. 

 

29th July-

 

Falak called at 11:45 PM to Nitin. 

'Hey, what you doing? Done with chores? Dashing guy'

'Yes, my stranger was waiting for your call stranger' said Nitin.

Falak - 'Are you coming tomorrow'

Nitin  - 'Yes, but why you asking? Is there something special tomorrow? (Knowingly)

Falak - Nah (lied). I simply asked.

Nitin - So should we sleep ? Actually I have to wake up early. I haven't done English homework. 

Falak - Yeah ! Fine, no issue at awlllll.... and then she cut the call in anguish. It was 11:53 PM

 

Her phone rings at 11:59 PM, it was Nitin only -

Falak - Now what ? You were sleeping na. Now don't disturb me I m sleepy.

Nitin - Seriously babu ? 

Falak - Obviously yes 

Nitin - Achaa sleep baba but tell me one thing which passage has to be solved in English?

Falak - (This time her temperament was boiling at 100'C) My foot ! 

Nitin - But my heart ! 

 

(Nitin was teasing her knowingly as it was going to be there first anniversary. Falak had expected that atleast Nitin would be remembering the date but he acted indifferent)

 

Falak - Finally now bye !

Nitin - Listen....Listennnnnn 'Happy anniversary luvoo' and it made her day.

Falak - U cow shit,goat shit, buffalo shit, dunkey shit, Hen shit, Dog shit, crow shit and shittiest persona. 'Happy anniversary to you too dashing'

I was going too frenzy. Perhaps I won't have talked you tomorrow if you would have forgot this day. But my love is not careless. 

 

Nitin - how can I forget baby. It was annual function day last year when you had hugged me hard. 

 

There love had an understanding. She always used to get what his next move was. There used to be telepathy between them. There love wasn't perfect but ya both of them were making it perfect.

 

Nitin - Achha ! Tell me one thing why don't you selected a meritorious student?

 

Falak - Because two parallel lines never intersect each other so probably two meritorious won't have a baby :P

Nitin - Means ?

Falak - You won't understand only meritorious student would :D

 

Nitin - if I couldn't provide you a luxurious life?

Falak - that's good ! Otherwise my studies would have gone into vain :

Nitin - You want a baby boy or girl?

Falak - I want my baby ie You only. :P

 

Loving-Fighting-Caressing-Talking-Caring had become part of their daily chores. Both of them were world to each other. None could think of other world while being in love. 

We start adjusting from our time to our pocket money, from recharge to clothes, from school to sleep but there always remains something to be talked about. 

Lucky are those who don't get their love because it becomes their sole right 'to love only that person' even if they are trillion miles away from them. 

This right remains unhampered till their death. 

 

Falak - If you would have been with me how you would have made me sleep today ?

Nitin - Simply I would have slept You would  left with only two options either to sleep or to be awake. So you would have selected the first one probably. Am I right ?

Falak - You would treat your princess like this?

Nitin - You call 'shit' to your 'Duke of Cambridge'

 

and their fights, teasing, loving was going on. 

There is famous shayri of a poet, actually I don't remember the name but I liked it very much so I am putting it here -

 

'Mohabbat karne Chala hai to Zara Adab seekh le ae mere dost, 

Isme haste sath hain lekin Rona akele padta hai'

 

Nitin - So what about future?

Falak - What future ?

Nitin - I mean where you see yourself after five years.

Falak - in your arms :P

Nitin - I am serious and I won't tolerate a joke

Falak - I was kidding ! Let's see. Not yet final. What about you ?

Nitin - But you will easily get any college you go for. I'll have aspired to be an MBA.

Falak - It's not that much easy. Colleges have entrance exams which one has to qualify. 

Nitin - Okay !

Falak - Okayyyy !

 

It was 3:20 am but still there was lot to talk. 

At 3:35 am 

Nitin - I think I should complete my homework first and then talk to you.

Falak - Should I assist you ?

Nitin - Nah I don't want beneficence from you.

 and then Falak slept and Nitin went for his homework.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24th October 

One day while cleansing her room Falak found the sealed envelope which her mother had given on her birthday but due to her busyness she couldn't open it. Her mother had gone for vegetables and fruits.  She, leaving behind all the work opened it. It was a letter of her dad. Her dad had given her mom this letter when he was at deathbed and asked her to give it on her eighteenth birthday.

 

She started reading the letter. It read as 'Dear Falak, I won't be with you when you will be reading this. Wish you a very happy eighteenth birthday. I won't take your too much time. I wanted to say you one thing beta follow your ambition and ensure a good life to your mother, which I couldn't provide. This is not a gift but this is a responsibility. I will always be with both of you. Just remember I'll be within you. 

Your Dad'

 

 

Falak after reading this was stunned. 'Ambition-career-mom-life-Nitin-dream' all these words were reverberated in her mind. 

She torn the letter and thrown it. Few torn pieces fell upon and around her. She cried mightily. Took the hold of table cover and pulled all the books down. Tossed the phone to south west of the room. Pulled off the scenary pasted above the study table. Put her head on the window and started dashing against it.

 

On listening to it her mother pounced towards her and slapped hard in right cheek.

'Have you gone frenzy ? You wanted to finish yourself. Am I right?

'Have you ever thought what I would do then' said her mom.

 

Crying aloud Falak says

'See this' and showed his dad's letter.

 

'What's wrong in it' asks her mother.

'If you want to escape from your liability then it's fine' said her mother.

 

'No mom I won't escape I would ensure a good life to you but there is a clog in my way' moaned Falak

 

'Which clog' asked her mother.

Falak got frightened 'if I tell her then she would get inner ruptures and won't be able to gulp the truth'

Falak lied 'clog is perceptions, my own limits, my thoughts,

 

'I know you would overcome it easily but it was heartache for me, don't repeat otherwise I also leave you for forever' told her mother.

 

'I won't mom' said Falak.

 

15th December -

 

School is jail till class tenth but slowly students become the life prisoner who get in amicable relations with jailers ie teachers. But when it comes to leaving the place where one has spent his/her life's considerable portion, falls into love with that. A famous shayri is coming into mind which read was follows 

 

'Bade arse baad Mili this quaid se Azadi,

Par kismat to dekho us quaid se hi pyar hogya tha'

 

So it's not only with the one but applies to each and every one. 

 

It was going to be last day of school for twelfthies. Board exams were scheduled for the march month. 'Bang' (IWV)they named it as. 'Incomplete without you Varnav' was named the consolidated 'bang'. All the members were sitting and talking of all the good and bad moments being shared. Tragic loss was Varnav for entire group. 

At last Raghav and Palami had got each other. Falak and Nitin were happy to be together. Milin was highly ambitious for her career. 

Officially they would not get to sit in the same class until and unless they had same goals. But all had different plans and careers. So, for them the school life had come to an end. It was a happy as well as a gloomy news along with day. Their responsibility would increase. Now would no more be called teenagers after twelfth.

Society measures the students only on the basis of their twelfth marks. If one scores high S/he is talented but one scores low S/he is indolent and won't ever succeed but after all, low scorers too build empires and contribute equally to our economy.

Chapter 14 ambition fight 

 

Everyone was busy in his/her own studies. Calls were made by 'bang' (IWV)members only for discussion or doubts. 

 

For Falak and Nitin their regular nights till date were vanished. Hardly they used to talk in nights. Messages were also lessened. Falak had to make it to merit. 

 

Soon the board exams ended.

Everyone had now a varied path to walk in. 

Now Falak had her ambition in mind. She had also got scholarship for college studies. She hadn't decided yet what would be her next step. Her father's letter was moving in her mind. She had to do something meaningful but how ? Where ? were her questions. 

 

One one side she had her ambition,her mom, her father's letter which aspired to ensure a comfortable life to her mom and on the other hand she had Nitin, her dreams, her fancies, his love, care and everything. She was clogged between these two walls. Either it was going to make it or brake it. 

 

We more often get in such dilemmas. Every thing has its own pros and cons so one should see it from both the aspects before deciding.

 

One day Nitin calls - 

 

'Can we meet' 

Falak - 'No, I don't have time and then she cut the call.

Nitin tried many times but it was switched off.

Falak was crying, tears burst from her eyes  like water from dam, spilling on her own face. She felt the muscles of her chin tremble like a small child and then she looked towards the window, as if the light could soothe her. There was a static in her head again, constant fear and constant stress with which she was living. She heard her sound distressed like a child, raw from inside. It was taking something out of her she didn't know she had left to give. It was like theft of spirit, an injury which none can she. Her eyes drip with her tears. Her walls, the walls which used to hold her up was collapsing. Moment by moment it was demolishing. Salty drops fell from her chin drenching her shirt. Perhaps these tears will help her get the blood out'

She was helpless, hapless, impatient. She had to choose and it was a hard decision. Her heart and mind were involved in a high war. Mind had conquered the heart but after each and every minute the whole empire was again with heart. 

Mind had to do a considerable exercise before conquering for the last time. Now heart was rest at peace. 

 

Whenever she cried it was never a trickle and it never started from her eyes. It begun from her heart and a deep pain in her mind. The leaking water was only a blessed release. It was one of the ways to cope with up and to communicate also whether she wanted it or not. 

 

One gets puzzled where one has more options than one or where it is between heart and mind. When both are in same direction then it is well settled. 

 

Chapter 15 - Back to present life 

 

While gazing outside standing to the window Falak noticed Malkhan bhaiya looking sober today. He was looking  in no mood to work. Few persons were having sip of tea at his tea stall cum tiffin centre. 

Falak was thinking 'how much hard work he has to do day and night just for sake of his family' 

'Family' Word had a great impact on Falak. Her mind was about to swing but again at something it strucked. 

Malkhan bhaiya was moving towards Christ's. Falak went to open the door.

Bhaiya was upstairs. Wait a minute bhaiya, I was looking at your shop through your window you don't look fine today. Is there something ?

Malkhan Bhaiya - 'Nhi madamji wo bas thake huye hain'

(Malkhan bhaiya was a typical Bihari, who was running his motel since last 7 years)

 

Falak - Humse jhuth kahiyga to kaha jaiyega bhaiya ?

Malkhan Bhaiya - Ab aapse Kya chupana 

Humri beti bimar hai aur Dr ne kaha hai ki wo kabhi thik nhi ho Sakti 

 

This had given a blow to Falak. What happened to her ? 

Malkhan Bhaiya - She is suffering from tuberculosis.

 

This had swept the rug out from her feet. Falak went awful. 

 

'Isliye hamara kaam me man nhi lag rha hai aajkal' said Malkhan Bhaiya and went.

 

Falak sat motionless for sometime. It was 9:30 PM and then she took up the tiffin and wasn't able to gulp even a single morsel of it. Bhaiya's words were flickering in her mind. 

After that she switched 'off' the bulb, locked the door and went to her room. While checking her photographs she comes across a photo of her mom taking herself in her embracing her. 

She calls 'Hi mom, are you done with household chores?'

Mother - Yes, beta. We are talking for the second  time in the same day. Is everything fine or you don't have anyone to talk ? 

Falak - It's nothing sort that. 

Mother - You only have time for me when you have nothing to do beta otherwise you are very busy

Falak - You will say like this na :(  I saw one of my photograph with you in which you have embraced me and I look only about two years old.

Mother- Han ! That photograph was clicked by your dad when we had been to Delhi for his treatment. 

 

Time changes but photograph doesn't. 

Falak - ok mom you take rest I have to wake up early tomorrow. 

 

It was 8:15 and Falak was still asleep. 

'Why my alarm didn't beep today?' Repenting Falak. 

She rushed to the door and collected the packet of milk, newspaper and her tiffin box. Directly she went to washroom and came back in haste.

Got ready,took breakfast, packed tiffin, drunk milk and put all the stuffs unkempt. 

Driver bhaiya had after pressing horn for five minutes continually, called for three times and was waiting for response.

 

When Falak hadn't to go then she used to inform him but the scenario was quiet different today.

 

Falak went to lift but lift was undone There were 35 staircases to stoop. As and when the driver bhaiya was about to go she hurled her hand and voiced aloud 'rukiye bhaiya'.

It was first of its kind. 

 

'So sorry bhaiya, lift kharab hai na'

'Apko call kiya Maine' Said driver bhaiya meanwhile speeding up and taking the second gear.

 

Rama as always glistening 'good morning mam' you are wrecking havoc today. :P

Thank you. Thanks a trillion Rama told Falak.

While moving to her cabin she saw Milin with her son. After keeping her stuffs in her cabin she went to Milin. While settling in chair she asks her son 

'Hello, Prabhu? How you doing today ?

Did your mom gave you something last Friday?

Prabhu - Nah kitty she didn't.

 

Falak - why don't you give him ? Asks Milin 

Milin - U are very well aware na what problems he is having. Don't mention otherwise he'll again hang back.

 

Prabhu had gum problems but Falak's love never cared for anything. 

While leaving her cabin 'is there any urgent file today' asked Falak

'Nope, not exactly but sure in one or two days' asserted Milin.

 

Falak rested herself on chair and was looking for email. Suddenly someone knocks the door. 

It was 'Valka Ji', the seniormost employee and head peon of Company. 

'Ma'am there is an envelope from CEO Sir' said Valka Ji

'About what' still gazing at her laptop for emails.

'About only you, it is a confidential actually' said Valka Ji and placing the envelope on her table left the her cabin.

 

Falak took the envelope and tore the uppermost sealed side and took out the letter. Letter read as 

'Dear Falak,

Come and meet me at 1 pm tomorrow.

 

Falak recollected what sins do I have committed so CEO Sir called me. Her boss was very strict and stringent with regard to rules and provisions of the company. He had bagged the Punctual CEOs award last year.

 Then Falak completed the pending work and she didn't realise it was 1:30 pm. So, 'no work in lunch time even if company is going to get an international contract' was the policy of her and colleagues. 

By the time she put her lunch box on table Milin arrived. Where is Prabhu asked Falak.

'Actually he was playing games in my laptop and then slept' so I comforted him in my cabin, locked it and came to you'

Said Milin.

 

They sat at took their meals. 

 Suddenly the querulous voice sounded.  Falak and Milin took no time to rush to later's cabin. Actually Prabhu had fallen from table and had injured his right hand. Falak dialled at reception 'Hi this Rama' Rama said.

'I am Falak, please provide first aid services ASAP its an emergency.

Then they provided him the required medical care. 

Falak - you shouldn't have brought him, it is also against company rules.

Milin - I know but no one was at home and he didn't go school today that's why I had to bring him. 

Falak - I think you should leave. I am calling driver bhaiya.

Milin - Nah ! Raghu would have arrived. I will call him. 

After call - Soon he will be here.

Falak breathed to the full extent.

Okay.

Raghu arrived within few minutes and then troika left for home. 

Falak cared Prabhu like her own son. A scratch on him would cause her a deep pain.

 

After finishing off the work, Falak also left for home.

Driver bhaiya came, she took the back seat and then their conveyance moved afore.

On the way she came across a road accident where by on the opposite side of the road she happened to see an old man with blood spilled around him. 

'Stop...Stoppp....Stopppp bhaiya' shouted Falak.

'Ye daily ka hai Madam' said Driver bhaiya.

She opened the door and ran towards the spot. An old man  was lying unconscious and people were talking that a biker had knocked down him and escaped in a moment or two.

No one was ready to take the man hospital. Falak running, crossed the road,disregarding the traffic and its rules. 

'Bhaiya we have to take that old man hospital NOW' said Falak.

 

'Main risk nhi lenga madam, aap dusra dekhlo, main bas aapko lane le Jane ka jimmedari liya hai' said driver bhaiya

 

'Okay you leave bhaiya' (smiling but burning heart inside) said Falak.

She stopped an auto and asked for his help. The auto driver was a humble man. With his help she brought him hospital and admitted there. Soon police came and old  man's relatives were also being informed. But till then it had been almost 3 am.

 

This is the biggest drawback of our system. The person who is about to die, begs for help but no one cares. Cars, bikes move at more higher speed on seeing the tragic incidence. Even after the directives of Supreme Court in this regard.

 

The family was hearty thankful to Falak. Old lady's son said I have my father living now just because of you Ma'am.

He exchanged his contact number. He runs grocery store in the central market, as he informed. 'Whenever you need,please remember me once' said man.

 

Can I drop you home? Asked man. 

'Nah, I'll manage. Better you pay attention here only and take extra care of him. I don't have my dad that's why I better understand your pain. Having father is like having shelter over you but without him you have to sustain in summer, undergo in winters and adsorb in rains.'

This filled the heart of man with dolor, he wanted to hug Falak and cry hard but he couldn't. 

Then Falak left the place. 

After taking few steps she felt she was limping. It had been almost 20 hours she last slept. No taxi or rickshaw could be seen. But it was the summer, a cool breeze every time soothed her. After walking for around 25 minutes she reached to Christ's.

She wasn't in a condition to go upstairs. She sat at the first staircase for around five minutes and then put her entire energy to pull her limping leg on the second staircase. Anyhow she managed to reach till her door. 

Tiffin box was lying there as dropped by Malkhan bhaiya. 

She arranged some more effort to open the door and put all the stuffs inside. House was unkempt as left. Firstly she turned nose up at things but later she washed her face, drunk a full bottle of chilled water and slept. 

 

 

Next Morning -  

As usual the alarm rang up at 7am. Due to sleeplessness seeing through one eye she set the alarm for 10 am and sent a text message to Milin and Rama mentioning 'I'll be late today, was in emergency last night. Inform head' and then she slept.

 

Hawker as daily threw the Newspaper in the balcony. Milkman put the packet infront of the door and left the bill for the month. Malkhan bhaiya came to drop the tiffin box and take the previous one given but after several knocking he couldn't get any response, so he left the place without the taking the empty tiffin.

 

Falak saw something unusual in the reverie  while being asleep. She saw a guy standing infront of Lord Vishnu Temple at Ramaiyya International paying obeisance. The guy looked known face to her. Her father taking her to the ice cream parlour where she is gazing at her father's face continuously. Varnav coming asking for his 'black Pathani kurta'. Varnav says sorry for letting her wait this much and asking for its price. Falak begging sorry to the guy who was standing at Lord Vishnu temple @ Ramaiyya International. 

 

All these flashbacks gave her a jolt and suddenly she woke up. Falak was too thirsty and excess sweating had moistened her face,hairs and her top. She dragged herself to the kitchen. Opened the refrigerator, poured some chilled water and dabbled on her face. After it she gulped the whole bottle. Sitting there for few minutes she tried to recollect the dream and it was fading as each minute passed away. It was 9:23 am the wall clock showed. 

She took half n hour for bath that day. After intense headache it gave her a cooling soothe. 

She took the strain to put the things on their respective places. Got ready and took a taxi to reach the office.

It was already 11:30 am. She checked her phone, it showed 31 missedcalls and several messages.

 

Rama - What emergency occurred mam ?

Falak - I'll let you once I meet CEO Sir.

Then Falak left for Her cabin. Put all her belongings there and checked her face with the help of front camera of her iPhone. Everything seemed fine except her eyes which had swollen. She waited for few minutes till it's 1'O clock and then went to CEO Sir.

 

Falak knocked the door.

Yes, come in was CEO's voice.

 

Ya, sit Miss Falak Ghosh.

Thank You sir ! You had called me sir said Falak.

Ya, I remember but let me show an email said CEO Sir.

Falak - What kind of email sir ? Did I commit something wrong ?

CEO - Kind of ! (Smiling)

See the misdemeanour committed by you, turning the laptop to her side.

 

Falak's heart was about to come out, but it relaxed and then it joyed.

Email was from branch office Hyderabad.

It contained 'Dear CEO Sir,

Our branch office has bagged the contract from APL group. APL group looked convinced  and was highly satisfied with the quality and services being offered'

 

It's too good sir but how it is related to me?

CEO - The presentation mentioned in the email is talking about 'your presentation' which you had presented to us.

Falak - OMG ! Hearty Congratulations to you sir ! 

CEO - Actually you are entitled for this 'Congratulation' Miss Falak.

So now, you will have to go Hyderabad branch and make them understand the minutia. It'll be a three day tour. If want any employee from our company then surely I'll ask him/her to accompany and assist you. 

Falak instantly said Sir Milin Joseph I want to accompany me. 

CEO - Ok that's really nice. She'll be with you. Good luck !

Falak - Thank you sir ! 

And left his cabin. 

 

After coming out she broke this blissful news to Milin. Milin was sitting in her cabin checking a file but when she heard the news her reaction was 'Hyderabad' ?

Falak - Yes, Cyberabad. 

Milin - You remember when we had been last time to Hyderabad?

Falak - Yeah, off course for commerce quiz. 

 

Both of them were dancing in joy. Next day they had to leave. 

After coming to Christ's Falak did packing and kept all the necessities for journey. 

Malkhan bhaiya came as door was opened ' where were you ? Yesternight your door was locked till I closed my shop. I knocked so many times the door in morning'

 

Falak then narrated him the whole story. 

 

'I won't be here for three days so please don't give the box we'll further adjust it in next month's bill' said Falak. 

then Malkhan bhaiya taking two empty tiffin box left the place.

 

While packing for her service tour she came across the school photo, where she happened to see a guy whose face was similar to the guy she had dreamt in the morning. It was Nitin,Nitin Bhanot.

This caressed his cheeks in the photo. A drop of her tear had already found a place

in the picture. 

 

Falak mulled that Milin had told her once that Nitin lives at Hyderabad. 

She opens her email and composes 

'Dear Nitin,

' I am coming tomorrow to Hyderabad. I want to beg you sorry once. I did wrong to you. I am the culprit. Please meet me once. Please it's a kind request'

 

'Falak Ghosh'

 

She after filling the recipient's address clicked the 'send' tab. Seconds after it showed 'Your message has been sent'.

 

Went to kitchen took out the water bottle and swallowed whole of it. Came back and called Milin.

 

Falak - Hey bae ! Are you done with packing?

Milin - Nah bae ! It is still left. You done na, that's why you are at call otherwise you don't even pick the phone up

Falak while laughing - Yes I'm done. 

 

Her laptop blinked. It said 'you have new email'.

Falak on seeing had turned pale. 

Falak - Bae I am sleeping. See ya tomorrow.

Falak took no time to open it. It was from Nitin.

Email read as -

Dear Falak,

I'll be glad to meet you day after tomorrow at 9 am. 

Email had also mentioned the venue of meeting.

 

Falak got too happy. As she was going to meet her one and only love of life belonging to her school days. She embraced the class photo in which she and her friends were sharing the seats. 'Bang' members were beelined.

 

18th June 2011

 

 After waking up at 7 am in her usual time she felt overjoyed. This morning had brought her life's biggest reason to smile.

She felt ecstatic. Getting ready early was her first priority. She attired herself with a grey trouser and a black Indiana shirt. Her hair was magma red and it crashed over her shoulders. She had saccharine sweet lips and they were blossom soft. She had a bubbly outlook. She had worn gothic clothes in a rebellious way. Her fingernails were varnished.

By the time driver bhaiya had arrived. She took her heavy luggage downwards.

'Thank god lift is working now, otherwise I would have probably died today' pondered Falak.

Driver bhaiya kept her luggage in the car. Falak comforted herself in the front seat and they left for Milin's home. 

Milin was already waiting there with Prabhu. 

 'Mere Prabhu' Falak said caressing his head while sitting. Is your mother in law at home? 

Milin took the back seat saying yesternight she came bae.

Driver bhaiya drove the car directly to the airport.

After security check they waited for half an hour. Boarded and after the sky journey for about forty five minutes they were at Hyderabad. As Falak was alighting from flight her each step was moving with a great joy. She was only thinking of meeting her love. She hadn't even told it to Milin her soul mate.

It was 11:30 am. Company's taxi had arrived and the branch manager had come to greet them. While coming out of the airport they met him. 

Come Miss Falak and Mrs Milin this way said Vedprakash.

They settled in the backseat and went to branch office where they had presentation.

'After presentation ma'am arrangements have been made at Hotel Jeha Numa Palace for stay' said Vedprakash.

Okay, that's really nice said Falak.

 

Falak presented her presentation as delivered in home office. Clients were also sitting. Milin took the task to explain the minutia. Arrangements for lunch was made at branch office.

 

After they took it to Hotel Jeha numa. 

At the reception they inquired for room number. 

'Please pass the key booked for Falak Ghosh and Milin Joseph' by Mr Vedprakash.

Receptionist- 'Wait a second ma'am, Let me check'

It's 502 while passing the keys. 

Milin- Please send our luggage to our room.

Receptionist - Sure ma'am.

 

It had been 8 pm. Milin was exhausted after whole day's hither and thither. 

'I'll do now one thing only' asserted Milin

Falak - 'Now what? (Meanwhile getting jittery)

Milin - I'll sleep bae. What you thought ?

Falak - nothing. You sleep.

 

Falak then sat for hours thinking her past life. Her memorable birthday, 'bang' members and everything.

 

Next day -

 

Milin woke up seeing Falak nowhere.

'Where you bae' shouted Falak

'I was at balcony' said Falak on entering the room. Did you remember one thing ?

 

Milin - what?

Falak - This room?

Milin - What this room ?

Falak - Quiz time. Getting something?

Milin - Ohh yes, the same hotel and room too.

Falak - Yes dear. Subodh and Sir were in 503. I, you and Suparna had stayed here.

 

Get ready ASAP, we have to go for a meeting and to reach thereby 9 am.

 

Falak then sat. All the things were running in her mind. She failed to control her conscious mind even after several efforts.

After having breakfast they left Nitin's home.

 

'Where we are going? We had no meeting in the branch office curiously asked Milin.

 

'Wait for few minutes ull get to know' asserted Falak.

They were, after few minute at the right address.

Falak took the courage to ring the bell. Her heart had a different spirit today. She had gone emotionless.

 

A gorgeous lady, in her late thirties opened the door. Does Mr Nitin Bhanot live here? Asked Falak (looking surprisingly at the lady)

Milin then got to understand what kind of meeting it was but she kept mum.

 

 

Chapter 16 Storm

 

 

Falak showed her the address.

Yes it is 99, Bagh Mahal, Hyderabad. You are at exact address.

But may I know who are you ? Asked the lady.

Falak responded- I am Falak Ghosh and She is Milin Joseph, we were his classmates in Ramaiyya International.

 

Please come in. I have heard many times your name. He more often used to tell about him. Lady greeted them into their house. Both of them sat.

 

The House looked new, very new. It looked like it had been completed last week. It looked almost too new in some strange way. It was as if, it had rolled of a new production line, but they had forgot to apply the mandatory layer of colour to it. The windows were huge and seemingly inspired by something truly alien. Anyone could see into the house from an uncomfortable distance. Falak could see the surfaces of while, glossy plastic that was iced over the kitchen, granite enforced the walls in their straight, uninspired monotony. There wasn't a single square meter organic material in the sight. Not even a comforting wallpaper that imitated the warmth in some way. Not even a plank of wood. The house it seems, was livable, modern mausoleum.

 

Actually I had my presentation in branch office so before leaving from Banglore I sent him an email and he responded. He had asked us to come here said Falak.

 

'If you don't mind may I know who are you?' Asked Milin.

Yeah, sure I am 'Vaibhavi, his wife'said Lady.

 This had given a major blow to Falak. Milin after getting the answer gazed sharply at Falak. 

 

The term 'his wife' had jolted Falak. Falak never faced such a huge setback in her life. Even it was worse than her father's.

Her voice choaked. She wasn't able to utter a single word. Her face turned pale. Her veins had started flowing a very high speed. Heart went stunned. Whole world seemed her destructed. Although she chose her ambition over her life but this aghast situation seemed worsening her future life too. She had lost her self control. Her body had started quivering inside. This had affected her body, her soul, her heart, her veins, her consciousness, her unconscious mind, her medulla oblongata. No part of her body was left unheaved.

 

Lady brought two glasses full of water. Falak gulped it in within few seconds. 

'When you got married' asked Milin.

Falak was still in her abaissment.

'Six years ago' said Vaibhavi.

 

Shortly a boy arrives. 'Please fill the colors in these caricatures Mumma ' said the boy.

This had probably killed Falak. 'How could he' thought Falak.

 

Her eyes were wet and had turned reddish. Falak was on the verge of tears, but she spent all the efforts and courage not to let it come out. Heart was beating as high as abnormal.

Vaibhavi - Go and take blessings from auntie.

Boy came and touched the feet.

Milin - what's your name cutie ?

I am Abhimanyu N. Bhanot.

He moved towards Falak. He bent to touch Falak's feet,

'Na...Nah....Don't beta and she embraced him tightly. Falak's heart wanted to cry but mind extenuated the force.

"Can we call you 'abhi'" asked Milin.

'No, only my dad calls me by that name' said Abhimanyu.

Vaibhavi was about to go for bath but something gave her a stop.

 

'Where is he' asked Falak.

Yeah, I am also eager to meet him now said Milin.

'Actually he has gone to office. He'll be back by evening. Till then you stay here only. After all it's your classmate's home. I am also like your one of friend' said Vaibhavi.

'Ohh..' said Falak (her heart went high and then down)

Milin - yeah, we shall wait.

Vaibhavi went to bath. 

For sometime both of them played with Abhimanyu.

By the time Vaibhavi came back.

Falak asked are you only three living here ?

Vaibhavi - Yes but why did you ask ?

Falak - Actually your home is big for three people only.

Sometimes my in laws visit here. But most of the time we three live here.

They took their meals together. 

Waiting for Nitin by getting worsened for Falak. She wanted to have the glance of her 'dashing' boy, whom she hadn't seen in her last twelve years. 

'Are you sure he would be back by five in the evening? Asked Falak.

'Yeah, generally he gets back between five and six. So upper limit is six asserted Vaibhavi.

Can you call him and let know that we are here asked Milin.

Vaibhavi - He generally doesn't respond so better you should wait till six. Why both of you are getting impatient?

Actually we have to leave for Banglore tomorrow morning said Milin.

We also have to go branch office for reviewing the process and final meeting with clients.

Vaibhavi - Okay ! Wait he'll be soon with us.

 

So Falak and Milin took it to nearby shopping mall. Already they had four hours in hand to get it to six.

Falak was lost in her sufferings. She never had expected this. Her love had gone in someone other's hands. 

Why have you brought me here ? Asked Milin.

Falak - I was feeling imprisoned there although it was his dream home and he was settled with her soulmate.

They sat at the food plaza. Milin ordered caffeinated soda.

Meanwhile sitting Falak was looking at a couple Which reminisced of South Cafe, Belgaum.

 

She had completely forgot where she was, what she was doing, for what purpose she had arrived to Hyderabad. Her mind had occupied with only sufferings and his thoughts. 

 

Falak and Milin then again went to 99, Bagh Mahal.

Vaibhavi was asleep. It was 6:30pm.

Milin knocks the door.

Vaibhavi while yawning, opened the door.

'Has he arrived' asked Falak.

Vaibhavi - Come and sit first.

Listen, he will never come. 

Falak (infuriated) - What the fuck you are talking?

It might be fuck, but he'll never arrive said Vaibhavi (calmly)

Milin - But you had told us he'll be here by six.

Vaibhavi - Yeah, I accept I had told you. I am not inhibiting.

Falak ( in rage) - But, he had responded me in email.

Vaibhavi - Yaa ! That was me only.

Falak - Why he won't ever come?

Vaibhavi - Because he is no more in this world.

 

This line has shattered Falak's all hopes, her life, her passion, her ambition everything went into vain. Falak started crying heart out. She felt a mini heart attack. 

Milin was sitting quiet, holding her hands over head.

 

Vaibhavi looked serene and calm.

Falak (moaning hard) - but why you didn't tell us in the morning itself?

Vaibhavi - Probably you would have ended yourself then.

 

Milin - and when this happened ?

Vaibhavi - its been two years.

 

It was a gruelling scathe for Falak. 

She guessed she would never be normal again till her last breathe.

Falak was only breathing in and out. It was his majesty's jibe upon normal human being which caused devastation of a huge chunk.

Vaibhavi - I know each and every thing about you all. 

Falak - What you know ?

Vaibhavi - That he loved you. When he dashed against you, from eleven science to eleven commerce, your annual function where you had hugged him, your date at South Cafe, her sister's marriage, Varnav's death, your vanished etcetera.

 

Falak - I didn't vanish. I had to choose between my ambition and my life so I chosen the first one.

Vaibhavi - Whatever he told me I am only letting you know.

He used to cry and I was only there to wipe his tears. How much he loved only he and I knew. 

You be me and think of a guy who is with but thinking and talking about another girl. Just give a prudent think over it. 

He waited for you till his marriage day. But all his expectations were meant to be thrown in the heap of the garbage. He never loved me but the way he was, his thinking, his character, his soul, his heart for what I fell for him. I wanted him to love me but he was heartless. He used to tell me about your talks, fights, love, prank, your birthday and even kiss.

You won't understand ever because you haven't gone through it. It takes only one sight to fall for someone but it takes your entire life to live for him/her.

Better he died, otherwise he used to die each and every day in your memories.

 

Not even a single drop of tear went out from Vaibhavi's eyes.

Thank god Abhimanyu is unaware of it. If he would come to know, perhaps he would start abhoring his dad which I never would let happen. 

 

Milin - If you don't mind can you tell me how all these things happened?

Vaibhavi - Ya, for that purpose I am speaking today. I knew someday Falak would come, for sure. But he had lost all the prospects of it. He tried to contact Falak many times. He even went to her mom but she was not at home. I guess even you( Milin) were not aware of it.

After several attempts when he failed he lost the expectation of meeting Falak.

But ultimately when he came to know about Falak, that she is working in Banglore, deity seized his remaining time. Even I was to accompany him to the Banglore but deity has some other plans.

 

Falak's eyes were bloodshot and swollen.

Vaibhavi - Is there anything left to be asked ?

Milin - Nop

 I think we should leave Falak.

 

Vaibhavi - Yes, everyone leaves one day dear. But after all what I got a heartsick story which will keep on playing in my mind till last breathe. I want to keep away Abhimanyu from these stuffs. He loves his dad more than any thing. Even after a tragic accident while coming from Pune to Hyderabad, his father fought like anything for continuous four days but at last he went away forever. His dad is, warrior and a legend for him. He follows his teachings now also. He sometimes asks me when his dad will come. But I understand not he.

He is still waiting and don't how long his waiting continues.

After listening all these Falak and Milin left the place.

Milin - Now, never ever try to meet her again. It would be good for you as well as much better for her and  Abhimanyu.

Wiping her tears off Falak was taking steps. With each step, a new pain invigorated inside her. 

After reaching to hotel, having already distraught she decided to leave the place ASAP. 

She cancelled her flight right away.

Milin booked a cab and the procession went out for Banglore. 

Milin was hungry but she couldn't utter for a glass of water.

 

Keeping her head on the window, her eyes didn't stop in the way. It went with the flow. Brick by brick, her walls came tumbling down. As she ran from Milin, the tears in her eyes turned the rainy day into a whirlwind of grays and yellows. She slammed into the car seat. She didn't who saw. She just broke down. The sobs punched through, ripping through her muscles, bones and guts. She pressed her forehead against the driver seat and began to let her heart yank in and out of her chest. It pulled back in a like a child. Over and over. In and out she was hollow. Her life crumbled in her fingertips. Then, suddenly, Milin starts patting and rubbing her. She also reached her hollowness. Anyone could feel her grief.

 

Milin asked her for water but she didn't give any sign of living.

As much as she tried to hold it in, the pain came like an uproar from her throat in the form of silent scream. The beads of water in her eyes started falling down one after another, without a sign of stopping. She hit her head hard with her leg while sitting, but her voice was melted by the sound of the place. The muffled sobs wracked against her chest. The world turned into a blur and so did all the sounds. The taste. The smell. Everything was gone. The last painful emotion slammed against her she lost the feeling of feeling. Everything darkened into nothingness as she passed into the oblivion of unconsciousness.

 

After few hours they were at Banglore. Milin asked the cab driver to take directly to Christ's. She dropped and comforted her. 

Are you alright Falak ? Asked Milin.

Yes bae, I am fine said Falak

No, you aren't. Don't pretend to be. I was sitting beside you. You aren't. I am staying here only. I won't go asserted Milin.

Falak - But you will have to go. I want to be alone in his dreams. I don't want to share him. 

Milin seemed something unusual. She thought Falak had gone frenzy.

Okay then I won't be here. It's already 3 am and you should take rest now. Tomorrow we have got holiday and don't discuss with anyone that we had arrived one day before accosted Milin.

 

and then she left for her home. 

 

Falak locked the door and went in her room. Without changing she brought out the class photo and embracing her tightly she laid down on the bed. Opened eyes, tears flowing unstoppable, no voice, no sound, no emotions. Only her heart was beating as one could probably check and she breathed.

 

Next morning - 

 

She opened her eyes and again the evils of conscious world started. She searched for her mobile phone. Where it was ? She tried to recall. She checked her hand bag, it was there. It showed five missed calls from Mom. She ignored. 

She was looking for pills. Ya, sleeping pills.

She became a brave one. Bathed and gulped the whole of milk. Dressed in pink top and dark blue one forth she drove her scooter to nearby chemist shop. 

'Mam we don't provide without prescription' said the salesman.

Falak offered him reddish currency note, he gave then. 

While getting back ate Idli-Sambhar at Malkhan Bhaiya's motel.

Even Malkhan Bhaiya was dumbstruck to see her at his shop because it was for the second time in last seven years where by she had visited his shop.

Back at Christ's, took two pills, switched off her phone and again rested her body over the bed.

This continued till two days.

When she didn't gave any response her mother called to Milin.

Hello beta ! How's you ? Asked her Mother.

I'm good Aunty. When are you coming to Banglore? Asked Falak.

Soon beta. Where is Falak? She isn't receiving my call nor calling back  said Her mother.

She was at Christ's only Aunty. I had dropped her answered. I too hadn't tried contacting her since last two days.

I'll let you know. I am calling you right away.

 

Milin tried calling but it was coming switched off.

Milin drove directly to Christ's. When after several knocks and bell ringing she couldn't get any response, then she called her mom and narrated her the whole story. It's urgent Aunty. You will have to come till then I and Raghu will manage.

With the help of Malkhan bhaiya, Milin broke open the glass of balcony.

After taking entrance she saw Falak was asleep.

She went near her and caressed her forehead, Falak screamed. 

'How come you here'

Milin - After several calling and door knocks we attempted this. 

Falak - I was sleeping only. Now who will pay for it ? (Angrily)

Milin - Who had broken it.

Falak - Who broke it then ?

Milin - Malkhan bhaiya :P

Malkhan bhaiya - Madam aapne hi kaha tha 

Milin - Okay don't worry I will bear. 

Falak- Now let me sleep. I am drowsy.

Milin - I thought something out of way so I called Aunty. She is on the way. 

Falak - Okay ! To baat yha tak pahuch gyi hai.

Till then Milin made her eat meals.

After few hours her mom arrived.

 

Her Mom's pale face gave a grim and deteriorating condition of her health.

Her Mom - Why you concealed ? Why beta ? By not letting me know you played with three lifes unknowingly. You yourself made your life miserable. You are solely responsible for it. 

After hearing her mom's words her pain had again given her a clarion call.

 

 

A pit , a high energy vortex that keept her pulling down and down . It was like one of those dreams where she kept falling and falling and there seemed no end to it.Slowly the light appeared  to look dim and before she could know it she was surrounded with this dark empty space filled with nothing but her hollowness.Falak thought of better to curl up and die somehow rather than to make futile efforts to climb back  towards the little rays of light that still sometimes penetrates the dark soulless pit

 

Falak was in numbing sadness. The sadness was always behind the scenes of a very blank state of mind. She had no ambition now, no happiness, she didn’t take interest in anything or care to even get out of bed. Gradually she became sort of a walking ghost going through the motions of life. She always had an ache i.e. heart ache.

 

Falak went being invisible. People around her, her mom, Milin could see a faint silhouette of her, but they couldn’t see her, they couldn’t hear her.For Falak it was  like having one eye that sees the past, and the other sees the future, and it all hinges on regret and shame.

 

For obvious reasons  Falak might have, people objectively see the worthlessness of self-absorbed people, wading about in a shallow pool of things that could never fill the emptiness she experienced ever.

Chapter 17 

 

Falak's daily life had become hell. She couldn't work properly. Her mother was staying with her. Milin looked despondent. Falak didn't talk to her colleagues and even Rama who was her all time favourite.

When Rama useed to wish her she only gazed and nodded hear head only. Her life had come to a simulating halt. She had no way to go. 

It looked like a hollow tunnel, where she keeps going on behind the thing that some day or the other an illumination would make her forget everything.

Life changes every soon, so did with Falak too.

One day after getting ready, she sat silently. Driver came and pressed the horn, without uttering a single word she went. Her mom notices each and everything but she didn't had the courage to speak out her. 

Her mother pondered already, I have lost him (her husband), if I lost her (Falak) also then I too shall be lost forever.

Over and over throughout the day, her eye saw into the past, dragging regret and shame to the forefront - "what if it all could have been different; better? What if I could have been better?" But most times the stark reality of her disconnectedness can't be mitigated, fled from, or erased. She was her depression, and it only fed herself with herself-loathing for it. All the things she had ever done out of sorrow, sadness, melancholy, and loneliness made her hate it, and she helself for being wholly consumed by it. The other eye, another part of her saw what kind of future lies ahead for someone like her, and she generally found the meddling of inaction, introspection and internalization the safest place to be.

 

After reaching office, her eyes were directed towards surface and she moved directly to her cabin.

Attired in white shirt, black trouser her lily white look mesmerised each and everyone who saw her.

Milin faltering her 'why could you don't talk' ?

Falak - Let me live like this and then she left.

It was a wolf, or a predator, a sickness, her natural enemy, and she was at it's prey. It was a vast, dark, clouded sky, hiding the moon, and all she wanted was the sun. It was a stifling of her senses, since she existed on the outside of the prison of her mind, and she existed only in the prison. It was an isolation, loneliness, and she existed as a singularity, even among her own "kind". No one could understand the weight, the burden, the constant threat of the flames, or the water engulfing her. They labeled it, defined it, used it, confused it, but they couldn't relate. Intellectually she understood others, might be even glimpsed the things that they feel, but couldn’t never fully be free, even in at her best or in the best of circumstances. It was the place between spaces, and nowhere at the same time. A gray, washed out, musty air and light, in a cell made specifically and only meant for her. The thought of release was appealing, but deep down she knew it wasn’t the way out. She was always numb, and always exposed at the same time, like a nerve, over-stimulated by even the simplest of things. Fighting herself constantly in order to at least appear, if not try to simulate normalcy, she often used to get exhausted. But the fear that she might have a choice in all that she thought, felt  and did was even more terrifying, so she stayed, content to let her jailer feast on her deepest desires, her unfulfilled dreams, her insecurities, skeletons and shadows, rather than keep trying in futility to learn what self-worth means on an emotional, spiritual and existential level. It's easier to just keep the facade going that she was  nothing but the man in the rowboat, crossing the sea alone. No one understood her, not really or fully. Acceptance was easier, but still a rarity, given what she looked like underneath all that she projected to everyone else because if they could see her thoughts; if your thoughts and self-image could manifest from her mind, it would be grotesque, horrifying, massive and destructive.

 

 

Falak had to detail the further presentation on the assignment. All the officials were waiting at the auditorium. Soon the CEO also arrived. Only Milin was aware of her pangs. 

Soon Falak arrived. Went to the stage and expressed her inability to detail the assignment.

Soon, there were talks 'how could she do like this' ? Is this a rummy ?

After coming to her cabin, as Falak rested her body on the chair someone knocked the door. It was Valka Ji. 

'Jee Valka Ji Kahiye' said Falak

'Madam You have been called by CEO Sir, now' said Valka Ji and left the cabin.

Falak knew she was going to see the blunder. But much blunder was going in her headpiece.

Yes, come in Miss Falak Ghosh.

Handing over the letter CEO said now you can leave this organisation.

 

Falak nodded and left the place. She took out her all the stuffs kept in her cabin, signed few documents at the reception and left the company. The letter had mentioned

 'On the basis of your presentation clients were going to deal with us today, but you brought disgrace to the whole organisation by your reckless disregard to your duty. We don't need such employees'

 

Thank You 

CEO 

Globacian Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

 

Falak took a taxi and reached to the Christ's. 

Door bell rang, her mother opened.

How come at this time? Is everything okay ?Asked her mother.

Falak passed her the letter holding in her right hand since CEO's cabin. The held part had got moistened with the perspiration.

She took herself to her room. 

Her mother read the letter and talked to Milin about this.

Milin explicated her the saga.

'But I wasn't told by anyone that she had been fired for this '.

Her mother went to see Falak, but Falak was asleep.

Each day she used to wake up at around 9 am, got ready by 10, took her breakfast and again went to sleep by taking sleeping pills. Falak lived in a dark hole, solitary place of hopelessness, a profound place of sadness and love. Everything seemed her out of her reach; she only existed. Lost dad,lost him (Nitin), lost job, lost me. She went in faintness by each passing day.

 

One day Falak went to the kitchen. Her mother thought she might have been there for bottle or eatable. But when she didn't get any act and sound she rushed. What she saw had made her dumbstruck; Falak had tried to cut her vein, blood spilled around her and she was going unconscious with every passing second.  She dragged Falak to living room and settled temporarily at the couch. 

'Rush urgently to Christ's' called Milin

Milin was there in few minutes. they admitted her to nearby hospital.

After five hours of senselessness Falak blinked her eyes. 

Her blinking of eyes gave sigh to her mom and  Milin.

'What happened to her mom' Prabhu asked Milin.

'She is having high fever beta, she will be with us soon' said Milin.

 

But her mom maintained her temperament and didn't lose her courage and self control.

 

30th July -

 

Falak was discharged after few day's observation. Her mother was been instructed to consult a psychiatrist.

After reaching to Christ's she felt comforted. The guilt of committing a crime was chucking away her within. 

 

After one and half month of adamant life, Falak thought this morning to start afresh. She woke up early, did some yoga, ate some fruits. After it she bathed. She went in a discourse with her mom.

'Whatever happened was gone, now future is still in my hands. I can change that and I will. Now no more, I can live like this. It had become hell, now I will again make it a ecstatic' Falak vowed looking at Nitin in their class photograph.

All Falak could do was to live with it, and it with her, unless she decided to undertake the daunting, near impossible task of mastering it, mastering herself. And even then, she won’t be defeating anything. There was no ultimate victory to be sung, you hadn’t vanquished it, only tamed it a little - only given the night sky a few more dim, twinkling stars for her to look up at.

 

 

 She took her curriculum vitae, other essentials documents and went in hunt for a job.

Wearing pink shirt and dark blue trouser made her charming princess.

She took her scooter and the procession started. She had no idea where she would be going. She rode meanwhile thinking where she should go, where she would find a suitable job. 

Suddenly she reminisced of Mukund, her colleague from Globacian, who had resigned. Mukund was working at Natura Solutions Ltd. but it had office outside the city. Falak first of all got her scooter fuelled and then left for him.

 

But His majesty had different plans. A truck coming at high speed knocked down and pummelled Falak aback.

 

Falak was left in peace forever. All the aches were at liberty now. Her heart after twelve years of rigorous blood pumping had come to a grinding halt. Her headpiece would also be at peace. Falak won't have the grief ever again. Falak means 'Sky', had gone to her interchangeable term. The whole environment looked calm. Trees had stopped airing. Cloud could be seen stopped bellowing. 

 

'A mighty soul had reached to his majesty'