That Lonely Night!

            Life, after a certain age, becomes quite meaningful and yet, overwhelming, especially when you have to fight, to make a living everyday, all alone. Rhetorical it may sound, it still echoes the truth every fighter comes across, every single day.
            When days shine, you smile. Your smile aromatizes every place you tread on. The trail you leave shows a path to many helpless tramps. You are in a happy space and every little detail seems to vitalize every corner of your heart. You sing to serenade your love, with all your soul.
            It's so typical of me to over think and dissect every small conversation, we have ever had. The old adage, "Life is full of ups and downs", keeps recording in my mind. It makes me sad spontaneously, with an impulse I can't subdue.
            That night was no exception. I was so besotted by his charm that it could kill me any instant. He had promised he would come by. I waited and waited, but I could see only darkness approach. My loneliness and I became inseparable mates. We talked for hours. The night seemed long. It never ended. No amount of brainstorming session could separate me from my loneliness.
            I could hear the chirping of birds, giving me new hope, to begin a new day, to start afresh. It was twilight. At that moment, I could hear the doorbell ring.
            That lonely night finally passed.

Who am I to opine???

The woman walks topless. The viewers stare at her insanity. I just admire her beauty and hey, I'm straight, there's nothing wrong in appreciating beauty. I feel like defending her but who has given me that right? Who am I to judge??? 
As children, a girl can bask in the sun naked so long as her breasts don't start growing. A boy is only becoming a man, he can take off his clothes and still be normal at any time of his life. Who am I to comment on??? 
There's something wrong with the lady who doesn't want to get married. An unmarried man is very dedicated to his contributions. He sacrifices for mankind and mind you, it's not humankind. Shhhhh!!! I must keep mum, otherwise, no one will marry me, mustn't I???
I get periods and I buy sanitary pads too but the shopkeepers hand me those in black polyethylene bags. They are for hygiene and do I really need to hide? Who am I to decide??? 
Oh yes, I have PMS too every month but you must bear with me. Oh hell, no, you shouldn't, it's not your fault. Then again, who am I to advise you??? 
I fall in love and yeah, not just one time because I have a big heart and yet, I might sound like a slut. Hey, who am I to say that??? 
Telling a lie by elders and bribing a child with chocolates are all perks which I fail to fathom everytime. I can't speak it out because I am just a child and elders are supposed to be right. After all, they inhabited the earth before me. Who am I to voice against??? 
I can go on making mistakes. This is my life journey. How are you going to understand my sufferings, my helplessness? They shouldn't have committed the sin. How could they hit the teacher just because their son was punished for teasing a girl? This is horrendous. If they do, it's wrong. If I do, it's a necessity. Who am I to blame anyone??? 
I can't tell people we can minimize health hazards by examining the risk factors and balancing our body elements. I am not a doctor so why would they listen to me? Who am I to complain??? 
Children catch slangs very easily. It's quite natural so they're prevented from using them as it's wrong but it's very right for parents to use in front of them and you're not to intervene. After all, they're parents and they're always right. You're here because you were born to them. Your whole existence began because they brought you here. How can you even think of speaking against them? Who am I to intrude??? 
Everywhere in the world, many a lives are taken everyday for no reason by the so-called self-proclaimed powerful lot. You're not to revolt against them, you have to keep quiet. After all, their relatives are compensated. Really!!! Were their lives worth just a lakh? How much will your life cost then? Who am I to protest anyway??? 
Children prosper, they've a good father. They fail, their mother didn't give them a proper upbringing. And all this while, I thought parents would make love to make babies. If this is right, who decides how much and who is to be credited to or blamed for? I believe they have equal rights and duties. Who am I to balance??? 
I am a girl who just loves action flicks as I prefer less drama, both in reel and real lives and yes!!! I'm a lady and very much normal. Yet, who am I to blow my own trumpet??? 
Humans feel something else in their hearts, think differently with their minds and yet, what comes out of their mouths has no connection with either the heart or the mind. How will you be human if you speak your mind? You'll be alienated. Don't be a stranger, people kill strangers. Do you want to get killed? Who am I to opine??? 
I want to fly and live my life my way but baby!!! I have got no wings nor ways so how can I??? 
I live in an amazing dreamland and love to dream. I dream of a peaceful world but then, it's only a dream. Dreams are meant to be secretive, aren't they? I'm going to sleep to dream yet again. 
Peace out and in !!! 

The Green amidst the Blues!

Gone are the days when we used to find happiness in blowing balloons, sipping
a cup of hot coffee curled underneath a blanket on a rainy day chit-chatting with
our siblings, playing dumb-charade while fooling the other team. The community
feeling invoked by hide-and-seek games is all replaced by the competition of online
games. Dinner time stories get converted into intercom calls for room service.
Are we intellectually evolved or have we just become pseudo-intellectuals?

The robotic life troubles everyone, yet we seem to get accustomed to it more and
more with the seemingly approaching machine-age war. Every soul starts enjoying
solitude! Perhaps, the distrust, the betrayal, the frustration, the fears, the
depression, the pain have all traumatized the good heart willing to give, help, love,
sacrifice. The shells have already been cocooned even before being seasoned out.
Detachment is aspired more than attachment.

Amidst the chaos, one fine day, the child in me awakens remembering the promises
she kept to herself. Still young at heart, she travels to get replenished. Sure, she
does for she finds the greener side long concealed behind the intellectual idiotic mind,
all thanks to the good people she chances upon.

The happiness is all there---in the daily small activities which seem mundane, the
pollution-free roads, the sky, the nature bountiful enough to offer anything and
everything, the earth calling to be saved from the bad people, the love of the genuine
souls.

A silver lining exists even in minute things! Awakened, it's bliss to be alive!

Why I might be far richer than I possibly imagine?

A roof above my head and attires to shield my bareness, I lie snuggled up in my bed listening to my favourite playlist. I think of the days when I was a little girl, quite protected even by my younglings. Dreams as vast as the oceans hover above my sky, the horizon of which leads me on. The thought of basking in the sun leaves my skin bare. The tides rise to haunt me only to bring me back to reality. I shudder at this realisation. Time and again, I cleanse my vision with a few drops of eternal tears, sometimes out of fear, sometimes out of love and sometimes, out of loneliness. With much efforts and understanding, weaknesses become my strengths and loneliness suddenly converts to solitude. Perhaps, I am happy from inside. I have a lovely family one can ever have and some friends worth a lifetime, a few nice acquaintances too and of course, I love my work. I don't get murky with fights nor do I get jeopardised. Maybe, I am far richer than I possibly imagine!

The Ambiguity of a Combing Operation

“The disturbed land”, the article on the local newspaper brings chills to Peaky’s peaceful life since long. Tears roll down her cheeks as she experiences a flashback of the day she witnessed a combing operation at a tender age. Combing operation generally refers to a military operation in the lookout of any suspect at any random place.

Strikes, protests, bandhs, curfews were common during those days. In spite of this, it pains Peaky to realize there was no specific reason for the occurrence that fateful day.

As usual, Peaky was basking in the sun when suddenly, a few men in uniform entered their courtyard. She shivered at the sight, unable to ask anything. Sensing trouble, her mother pulled her aside. Their old home housed an attic below the pitched roof. The operation was carried out in full swing in the locality. Everyone was assembled at the central area, the old and the young alike. No one was exempted.

The military men stood at the threshold of Peaky’s house. One quick glance at the loft was about to make them question her father, when something unusual struck them which left them spellbound. Just beneath the attic, at the central pivotal spot of the lobby, hung the portrait painting of ‘Swami Vivekananda’. It was made by her father.

To everyone’s surprise, the painting spared them the haunting agony, usually accompanied with such operations. Nonetheless, her bachelor uncle was summoned to be present at the locality’s club area. He was let go after a few interrogative sessions.

Such an incident at childhood often leaves scars in one’s mind. However, the innocent Peaky believed in prayers. Every evening, she would pray for a better and peaceful Manipur.

The prayers of a young and pure mind are seldom left unanswered. Over the years, Peaky’s city gained momentum towards constructive works. People became more focused on collective progress. The number of curfews and strikes reduced exponentially. Although, time and again, unrests, outbreaks do take place.

As an adult, Peaky still tries to understand the happenstance of that combing operation.

“Was it really necessary?” she frequently questions herself. However, it seemed rather ambiguous. She concludes certain things are beyond our understanding. They are better left that way. She continues praying as she has always been.

Amen!

5 Places in Manipur, India as serene as nature (SEO Sample)

People in Manipur are always busy with their daily mundane activity, sometimes leading to stress and frustrations out of which spring the deterioration of their health. They need an escapade not far away from their livelihood and yet close enough to vanish into the bounty of nature. They need to get replenished for a better living. This post brings to you top 5 places in Manipur as soothing as nature.

1.     Loktak Lake, Moirang

Loktak Lake, located near Moirang in Manipur, India, is the largest freshwater lake in North- Eastern India. The presence of floating phumdis makes Loktak the only Floating lake in the world.

The socio-economic and cultural life of the people is highly influenced by this ancient lake. The traditional fishermen construct khangpok (huts) on these phumdis, the lake being the only source of their livelihood. Its ecological status and biodiversity values attract tourists from different places all year round. The views and landscape the lake creates add to the scenic beauty of the lake. The bountiful lake invites people from all walks of life. The enthusiast, the loner alike come looking for peace towards the awe-invoking lake. Regional films are shot here from time to time. The travelers can have the taste of the local heikaks which are a good source of various nutrients. 

2.     Leimaram Waterfall, Bishnupur

Only one of the three waterfalls of the “Sadu Chiru falls” is usually frequented by the public owing to its location near the foothills. The proximity of the waterfall to Leimaram has led to the coinage of its popular name, “the Leimaram waterfall”. Quite picturesque and splendid, with a picnic spot, the waterfall has become a major tourist attraction of the state. It is often used as an idealistic backdrop for many Manipuri pop albums. Families and couples alike visit this waterfall, not only to have a calm environment but also to spend some quality time, admiring the vistas the surrounding offers.

3.     Santhei Natural Park, Andro

Santhei Natural Park, located at the foot of the ever popular Baruni hills, is fast growing as an enthralling tourist destination. The natural Park has a stream overflowing which adds to the enchanting views captured in the bosom of Mother Earth. Properly maintained, the entire area hosts an aura of hygiene and order. One can enjoy Manipuri special pakodas along with local wine available with the road-side vendors.

4.   Singda Dam, Singda River, Kangchup

Singda dam, located about 20 kilometers away from Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is the highest mud dam in India. The drive to the dam is bewitched with picturesque sceneries juxtaposed with paddy fields and lush green hills. A popular picnicking spot, it hosts various hiking activities. The dam not only provides drinking water to greater Imphal but also offers proper irrigation facility to its nearby area. It also houses an inspection bungalow.

 

5.   Kaina Ching, Imphal-Yairipok Road

Kaina Ching, located about 29 kilometers away from Imphal, on Imphal-Yairipok Road, is a beautiful hillock, believed to be a sacred place for the Hindus. Schools organize picnic parties at this cinematic spot. The wonderful stretch of land helps people heal by simply walking and absorbing the vastness of the area. The Temple in the Kaina Ching gives the worshippers an opportunity to get emancipated while enjoying the serenity of nature.

So, next time you plan your visit to Manipur, accommodate these top 5 destinations also in your list. You never know! You might get healed from your own stress and rejuvenated. Nature invites you all.

Tarnish: The Turtle (on courage, catering to children)

Near the river west of the ‘Mounty’ Mountains, ‘Tarnish’, the turtle resides under the ‘Turry’ tree. Day in and day out, he sits on the huge boulder beside the river, basking in the sun while the river flows by. He moves slowly, so are all the turtles. Tarnish knows no boundaries about his eternal wisdom. However, chaos surrounds him. The insensitive humans cause him worry every now and then. The river seems to be his only source of hope and love. The river too threatens him on stormy nights. In spite of this, Tarnish continuously gets inspired to be courageous overlooking the horizon the river vastly forms.

When the cold winds strike, Tarnish burrows himself into the earth.

Tarnish arises from hibernation to witness a shocking change, difficult for him to digest. A man bon-fires by the river-side which has been Tarnish’s home ever since he existed.

The man’s eyes lays on Tarnish’s shiny shell and catches him.

“Good Lord! Aha! I shan’t remain hungry now”, the man blinks at Tarnish.

The unflappable Tarnish comes up with a plan.

“My dear loving man, sure, you may devour me but your mighty self’s hunger won’t cease even after that. If you’ll allow me, I can help you get a good catch”, shoots out Tarnish, with a chuckle.

Amused by the proposition, the greedy man listens, “sure, go ahead!”

“My man, you see, the vast river provides plenty of fish and you already have the bonfire to roast them. I can get you fishing-net”, advises the wise turtle.

“Where is the fishing-net?” the man asks funnily.

“Well Sir, do you see the ‘Mounty’ Mountains on the other side of the river?” Tarnish questions cleverly.

“You say the fishing-net lies there”, the man laughs while tossing Tarnish. Eventually, he sets Tarnish down.

“Now, how’ll you bring it here?” the man enquires.

“I’ll swim across the river and bring it with me”, replies Tarnish.

“The fishing-net is very large compared to your tiny body. How do you propose to get it?” the man further questions.

“Dear Sir, as you know, the fishing-net is light-weight and easily foldable, I’ll manage to keep it over my shell”, sharp comes Tarnish’s response.

“Alright then”, the man agrees.

“Now Sir, help me get to the banks”, Tarnish plays his trick smartly.

The man leaves Tarnish at the banks.

“However, Sir, as you are aware I move slowly, I’ll take a while to get it for you. You may well take a nap as you look tired”, Tarnish suggests with a fake concern.

The man nods and lies down beside the fire.

Tarnish swims steadily towards the ‘Mounty’ Mountains and roots himself back into the earth to divert the cause of his worry.

After many days, Tarnish comes up again to sense his surroundings. It is a clear, sunny day today and he sees no sign of the man on the other side.

Happily, Tarnish swims back to his residing place, rather fervently.

He continues to bask in the sun lopping near his favorite boulder singing the song of life as the river stays calm and still.

Khamba-Thoibi and Their Faith in Love (on faith, catering to children, based on Khamba Thoibi folklore)

In the ancient Kingdom of Moirang in Manipur, India, there lived a princess ‘Thoibi’, known for her intelligence and beauty. Princess Thoibi was the daughter of Yuvraj ‘Chingkhuba’, brother to the king of Moirang. The king had no son and hence, his brother was the crowned Yuvraj. Yuvraj ‘Chingkhuba’ and his daughter ‘Thoibi’ lived in a grand palace whose grandeur had no match.

Somewhere, in the outskirts, lived Khamnu and Khamba, in a dilapidated house. They were the offspring of Puremba, once a knight of Moirang, who was given death penalty for a crime he unknowingly committed at the birth of his little son, Khamba. Puremba’s wife passed away simultaneously. Since then, Khamnu, his older sister, hid him in their house far away from the people and raised him all by herself. 

Thoibi was playing with her care-taker when suddenly, they could hear a sweet, shrilled voice yelling out to the palace,

“O Rich Mighty!”

Khamba was well-built and as handsome as Thoibi was beautiful. He showed to exhibit some uncanny magic too unknown to him. His birth, being the reason of their parents’ demise, Khamnu never allowed him to leave the house or work. He would wait all day for his sister’s return so he could get something to eat.

One day, a passer-by questioned Khamba while his sister was away,

“O Khamba! You are so strong and yet, you sit at home and let your fragile, weak sister work every day. Why don’t you start doing something and let your sister rest?”

Khamba was overwhelmed and when Khamnu returned home that day,

“Sister, please allow me to work”, Khamba requested of Khamnu.

Khamnu, thinking out loud, “Maybe, he remains hungry most of the time with the meagre income I make”.

“Alright, my dear brother, go ahead!” Khamnu told Khamba approvingly.

Wrapped in a shawl and an axe in hand, Khamba set out in search of work. Unaware of the outside world, he came across a grand palace and believing he could get some work here, he screamed out loud,

“O Rich Mighty!”

Thoibi and her care-taker rushed out to see who he was. Thoibi, charmed by the suaveness of Khamba, instantly fell in love. The spark reached Khamba too as he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Yuvraj Chingkhuba was enchanted by the voice and came out to see the master of the peculiar voice, his eyes gazed Khamba whose sparkling innocence touched him.

He asked the care-taker to fetch him a seat.

“What brings you here, son?” Chingkhuba asked of Khamba.

“O Mighty One! I am looking for any kind of job”, replied Khamba, not knowing who Chingkhuba was.

“Son, we don’t have the kind of work you are searching for”, Chingkhuba told him.

Khamba insisted again.

“Alright, you have to take my herd of cows out and bring them back before evening. However, there is one wild, untamed one. Remember, you can’t take him out”, Chingkhuba assigned Khamba.

Khamba happily nodded but the thought of leaving the single cow behind didn’t seem fair and so, he brought the wild cow too along with the herd.

Words spread about the untamed cow creating havoc. The villagers were all too scared to go outside their shelters. Someone reached Khamnu to describe the incident to her.

Panic struck Khamnu. Realizing this could bring harm to her brother, she ran out and started singing aloud mentioning Khamba to take back the cows to Chingkhuba and get back home.

Unperturbed and happy, Khamba did as his sister requested.

At the palace, Chingkhuba was quite impressed with Khamba that he wanted to adopt him. Khamba was excited but thinking of Khamnu, he told Chingkhuba he would get his sister’s permission first and left the palace.

Anticipating bad things for her brother, Khamba was kept hidden again while Khamnu resumed her work at the market.

Thoibi, unable to receive any news about Khamba, she came out to the market looking out for Khamba. Her gaze met Khamnu’s eyes and seeing the striking resemblance, she befriended Khamnu.

“Friend, let’s go to our house”, Thoibi invited Khamnu home.

At Thoibi’s palace, Khamnu was treated with delicious foods. Khamnu seemed upset thinking about her brother.

“What’s the matter, friend?” Thoibi enquired concernedly.

“I’ve a brother who must be hungry”, Khamnu responded dewy-eyed.

Thoibi showed different sizes of clothes to make an assertion if her brother was Khamba. Thoibi ordered her care-taker to pack food for Khamnu’s brother and motioned her to find out the truth. Khamnu and the care-taker left.

Khamba could get a glimpse of the care-taker from far and ran inside the house.

At Thoibi’s palace,

“Is her brother Khamba? Did you see him?” Thoibi questioned.

“I couldn’t see his face but he did seem like him”, the care-taker answered.

Many days like this followed. The friendship of Thoibi and Khamnu grew and eventually, Thoibi’s faith helped her find her love, Khamba.

Khamba and Thoibi were united and nothing could separate them thereafter. The era of an epic love began.

Tom-Tommy and Their Undaunted Friendship (on trust, catering to children)

Ever since life started, there has always been a conflict between cats and dogs. ‘Tom’ was a cute little kitten and ‘Tommy’, a sweet young puppy when Manav brought them to his wonderful abode, full of love and affection. Manav owns a farm inherited from his ancestors and mostly, stays alone.

Tom and Tommy have been raised together with only love and care by their master. There was no animosity around. Their innocence sparks their friendship which makes them inseparable. Tom purrrrs most of the time while Tommy only knows to baaark at every passer-by. They will giggle together seeing the reactions of the many eyes which they attract mainly due to their unusual company.

“Tommy, why are these eyes set on us with utmost interest?” Tom purrrrs with curiosity.

“Tom, perhaps, we look odd and cute together”, Tommy baaarks humorously.

They continue giggling. A sudden gust of winds strikes.

“Master Manav tells everybody is equal. Then, why are we odd together?” Tom thinks aloud.

“What’s the matter, Tom?” Tommy enquires with concern.

“Promise me! You’ll never leave me”, meooows Tom dewy-eyed.

“Why do you even have to mention that? Remember, Master Manav says we are his hands and remain loyal to one another. The rest of our fraternity is not going to like us being together. We are different. We are our Master’s disciples”, Tommy consoles Tom.

They both walk back to their master.

Words are spread in the adjacent village about Tom and Tommy. The cats’ leader ‘Catty’ and the dogs’ leader ‘Doggy’ call for meetings among the cats and the dogs respectively.

A large gathering of the cats witnesses all the cats meowing aloud in unison.

“Is it true about Tom and Tommy?” questions Catty to the mass.

“Yes”, the clowder answers collectively. 

“Hmmm! We need to separate them and include Tom among us. Go and get him”, Catty orders the clowder.

Meanwhile, the pack of dogs gathers more or less for the same kind of ultimatum.

The clowder and the pack march towards the village popularly known for the extraordinary friendship of Tom and Tommy.

As usual, Tom and Tommy are seen loitering their Master’s farm humming together,

“A cat meooows and a dog baaarks but Tom and Tommy meoooaaark together”, Tom and Tommy titter repeatedly.

They see something approaching them from a far distance. As the clowder and the pack advance, Tom and Tommy become alert. Suddenly, fear engulfs them both of the possible outcome. However, they stand together to face anything that endangers them undauntedly.

The clowder meows continuously while the pack barks. They decide and agree on parting Tom and Tommy and going back to Catty and Doggy respectively.

As they try to drive them away from one another, Tom and Tommy hold on to each other firmly while meoooaaarking together loudly, clearly and eerily. Their uncanny meoooaaark reaches Manav’s ears who happens to farm nearby. Sensing trouble, Manav brings his sickle and logs and runs towards his pupils. In time, he manages to shoo the clowder and the pack away. Tom and Tommy rejoice.

The three go home exhausted but happy all the same. Tom and Tommy stay indoors for a few days while Manav fences their abode.

Tom and Tommy continue to meoooaaark even more fearlessly.   

The Scar on My Face (on Gratitude)

The town I had belonged just stays behind as I escape the mental trauma, the snide remarks I had endured every day for a period long enough to sabotage my peace of mind. All this while, I had only prayed they would see the good heart beneath my not so attractive appearance, all thanks to the scar I received for my act of gratitude.

One decade before, my Dada and I were very happy with whatever we had. He would do all odd jobs to send me to school but never could make enough for the both of us to have even two meals daily. I was this pretty little girl who used to just dance wherever she went. People would stop by, drop a penny or two and compliment me both for my looks and my grace in dancing.

One day, my Dada didn’t wake up. I didn’t cry but stood on the road all blank. A few days later, one of the regular ladies took me to a Dance Academy. The lady was familiar to me, the one who used to praise me all the time. Soon, I found out she was the dance instructor there. She would encourage me to move a bit, shake my leg and after several days, I got accustomed there. Things became normal and I started mastering the Art. I became the center of attention. We performed at various shows. My popularity rose to new heights.

Out of nowhere, beyond imagination, the unthinkable happened one night. My instructor and I returned home after a fun-filled party only to be greeted by a nightmare. Three men, with the intention of just robbing, held a knife demanding her to cooperate and hand over all our belongings. She protested and they were about to hit her when I pulled her back and we ran towards the parking bay. I had to return her kindness. As an act of gratitude for all she had done for me, I hid her at the corner and ran as fast as I could towards the opposite direction throwing my purse at them. However, I was soon outrun. They tried to rip everything off me but unable to find anything seemed valuable, they cut my face with the knife and vanished from the sight. Writhing in pain, I screamed my heart out. My instructor came running.

“Are you alright?” she enquired shockingly. I was speechless.

“We need to address the wound immediately”, she said sadly and drove me to a nursing home nearby.

I was given sedatives and the next morning I woke up, she was nowhere to be seen. I asked the nurse, “Sister, where’s the lady who brought me here?”

“Oh, you don’t worry, she paid for everything and left you this note”, she handed me the piece of paper indifferently.

“Good Bye!” the note read.

I was blank all over again. Not understanding a single thing what just occurred, I went back to the Academy.

Whoever saw me yelled at me, “Look at this Ugly Duckling, go away. This isn’t your place anymore”. I tried to narrate the whole incident but everyone seemed too busy to help me heal my pain. I no longer could partake in any shows. All I was given was mockery and constant stares.

This day, I leave behind everything and walk to an obscure land hoping to disappear amidst the crowd, like my instructor did. As I traverse along, I recall one of my favorite quotes by Mother Teresa,

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

I met this lady draped in a white sari with blue stripe during one of our shows we conducted for charity. As a reward, Mother Teresa had guided me with some of her insightful thoughts while making me understand her purpose in life. Thinking of her, I smile at a passer-by. He smiles back at me. Now, I feel better. I continue smiling at everyone I come across until one remark completely leaves me stunned.

“You have a beautiful smile. Even more beautiful is the scar on your face which reminds me of the moon that shines on every night to light the darkness. Keep smiling!” the on-looker pats me on my back.

“Thank you, you have just made my day!” I exclaimed rather enthusiastically.

I tread on with a wider smile and a confidence to deal with any storm that comes by. Sometimes, it’s just the small things where our strength lies.

Maybe, THE SCAR on MY FACE isn’t that bad. Maybe, it’s just a silver lining. 

The Magical Hands (dedicated to Mother Teresa)

Sitting in the corner of my cell, the devilish eye seems to have struck my whole being. They say, “He who helps himself is always helped by God.”

Seeing the sores and lesions on my skin all over my hands, an emptiness penetrates my heart too difficult to fathom. These hands, that once were so beautiful, always eager to be of service to the less privileged or anyone who needed them, have become the reason of my isolation.

1953 it was. I came across a lady by the name, ‘Mother Teresa’. She seemed a rather fragile, soft-hearted sister adorned in a white sari with blue stripe. Besides this, I knew nothing about this rather known figure to every passer-by.

“You seem unusual, contented”, she broke the ice.

“Pardon?” I exclaimed quite astonished.

“You look happy”, she reaffirmed her statement.

Smiling with all my teeth, “What do you do, Sister?” I enquired of her being.

“I’m a servant of God; born to serve the poor.” “Our mission is to care for the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people who have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone”, she replied with a gleam in her eyes.

“Interesting and great”, I stared at her in amusement.

Time flew as the casual talk converted to a lifelong conversation. I returned amusingly thrilled.

On my way back home that very day, I sighted an old lady in dilapidated condition. The on-lookers kept their gait on as if they all were blind. I overheard them say, “She’s a leper and you needn’t go near her. She’s doomed”. I had no time to get angry at those inhuman creatures and walked straight to the old lady across the road.

“Aunty”, I addressed her. She didn’t say a word and burst into tears.

I took her by the hand and we marched together far away from the maddening crowd to ‘Kalighat: The Home of The Pure Heart’. I handed her over to the sisters there citing my serendipity with Mother Teresa. She was taken care of. I felt a true sense of self for the first time.

Life resumed at jet speed. Juggling between studies, work and painting, I found not much time for my health. My social life took a drastic U turn. I suddenly became occupied only with myself.

Days turned into months and months into years. I kept ignoring the symptoms thinking them of mere allergies as I had mostly been prone to.

Words spread around at my workplace and everywhere I went. I was asked to resign. I protested of having taken medication and that there was no harm. It wasn’t contagious. I was regular with my antibiotics and visited my doctors often. Not a soul was ready to listen.

It is 1957 today, exactly 4 years after my encounter with Mother Teresa. Her words echo in my ears,

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

            A ‘kind word’ is all I’m longing to hear and a ‘leper’ is what I’m being addressed at and with it, comes the dejection, the desolation. All alone and never been lonely before, I take out my knife to scrape the lesions from my hands.

            I can hear a knock on my door. Amused and scared simultaneously, I get up to peep through the keyhole. A familiar white sari brings me to tears as I open my front door.

            Mother Teresa embraces me tightly to not let me go.

            “These hands are magical. The old lady you brought to my home passed away 6 hours back because of old age. She narrated how you had owned her when everyone neglected her and how she came to know about your condition a few days back. You saved a life. Your hands gave her a new life. 

            PRAISE YOUR KINDNESS; PRAISE HER GRATITUDE”, she recites calmly.

            “Kalighat owes you and needs more people like you. So here, I ask of you to accompany me and join our service”, she continues appreciatively.

            I just nod. My gloomy days are over. A new hope outshines. Brushing off all my fears and rejections away, I get ready to follow the lady whose kind words not only touch my heart but also bring a smile on my face. She smiles back at me. I feel replenished to start everything all over again. On our way, we just look at each other with meaningful eyes, not speaking a word. Sometimes, silence does it all.

            We are received with a warm welcome by the sisters in uniform. At Kalighat, I become Sister Annie. A new beginning, a new life in service to God and mankind, I take a vow with my MAGICAL HANDS.

Born Again (short story of brevity, under 1500 word count)

Scene #1

Sitting by the side of the infinity-edge pool on the roof of The Placebo—one of the finest motels on the Grand Highway, alongside Alex, Veronica sips her evening coffee, relaxing after an exhausting week. At 32, she has everything: the lucrative job, the greatest partner. Together, they own a few real estate properties. Despite their wealth, they lead a humble lifestyle, in a 2BHK flat at Caravan Corner—the place mostly inhabited by intellectuals who prefer simple living. Everyone in the neighborhood loves this newlywed. There could be no plausible reason Veronica could exhibit the slightest speck of sadness.

Appearances are deceptive.

A sudden gust of violent winds strikes her cheeks so hard haunting her of her past memories. She becomes hysterical and burns herself splashing the coffee on her toes.

Alex: ‘Everything’s going to be alright.’

Veronica: (starts weeping uncontrollably) ‘Save me.’

Alex: ‘I love you. Please don’t hurt yourself.’

Alex embraces Veronica and carries her to the first-aid room to address the minor wounds incurred from the burning.

*

Scene #2(6 months earlier)

Alex returns home one afternoon after his 37^th birthday celebration which marks the inception of Alex Homes—the real estate giant company. While crossing the La Opella overpass, he sees a young lady trying to climb over the sound barrier. His car screeches to a halt. As he walks towards her, she screams shooing him away.

Alex: ‘Lady, what’s the matter?’

Veronica: (her shrill could deafen him) ‘GO AWAY. I NEED TO END MY… (she collapses right there).’

Alex: ‘Hey…’

Scene #3(Emergency ward, City Hospital)

A man arrives with a stretcher. At the reception counter,

Receptionist: ‘Sir, please sign this form. What’s your wife’s name?’

Alex: ‘Wife? She isn’t, I don’t even know her name.’

Receptionist: ‘This’s no time for jokes. Your name, Sir?’

Alex: ‘Alex.’

Receptionist: ‘Mr.Alex, please pay 25 grant towards City Hospital. “John, the doctor is coming, tell Rose to prepare for the operation.”’

Alex: ‘LISTEN! DO YOU KNOW WHO I’M? I can sue you. I’m Alex of Alex Homes…’

Receptionist: (stammering) ‘I deeply apologize, Sir. On the phone, “Dr.Sebastian, there’s an emergency.” “John, Dr.Sebastian is on his way, prepare for the examination immediately.” Sir, please take a seat.’

Alex: (self-assessment) ‘There seems to be no humanity. Money buys everything. Why’d the lady attempt suicide? I need to know her dilemma.’

A bearded man in suit enters the lobby. Dr.Sebastian goes straight to the examination room.

After a few minutes:

Dr.Sebastian: ‘Mr.Alex, your wife had a terrible depression attack. She overdosed on pills last night. She needs your love. I have given her sedatives, she should be fine in a while.’

Alex: ‘Thank you, Doctor.’

*

Scene #4(present)

Alex plays the video of their wedding day. Tears roll down Veronica’s cheeks but this time, for happiness, for all the love she’s ever received from this man by her side.

Veronica: (thinking out loud) “How can I end my life? I’ve the most loving man. He does so much for me and in return, pain is all I give him.” ‘Alex, I’m sorry. I love you.’

Alex: (kisses her forehead) ‘Take rest.’

*

Scene #5(6 months earlier)

Discharged that night, Alex brings Veronica home.

Veronica: ‘Thank you but I’m not sure if I can spend the night here.’

Alex: Relax. I’m Alex. I live here. It’s late. I’ll drop you tomorrow morning. Drink this warm milk and sleep. Good night! “Veronica says Veronica” Pardon?’

Veronica: ‘I’m Veronica’

With the effects of the sedatives and the milk, Veronica retires to bed as if sleeping after ages.

In his room, Alex doesn’t understand the stir left by the woman he met sometime before. He seems to have been mesmerized by her simple beauty, still visible despite being depressed, her meaningful eyes wanting to tell him a secret, her distant stare as if lost to oblivion, her childlike voice.

Alex: ‘I’m going crazy. Is it love at first sight? Oh God! I’m in love. I vow to love her so much she rejoices to live again.’

Alex walks towards the guest room. Slightly opening the door left unlocked, he glimpses the damsel in distress and smiles like never before.

(Next morning)

Alex: ‘Good morning! Tea for you.’

Veronica looks up to greet Alex. Suddenly, Alex holds and kisses her. Instead of slapping the stranger cum savior for intruding, she sobs in silence, her eyes speaking volumes unsurmountable.

Alex: ‘Get ready. I’ll drop you.’

Veronica just nods.

A week passes by. Alex finds it hard to concentrate. He decides to blurt out his emotions for this unknown lady.

The door-bell rings. Trying not to take her life and having lost all contact with her dear ones, the continuous sound both amuses and scares Veronica. Mustering all her courage, she opens the door only to find her savior to her astonishment. Even before he’d utter a word, Veronica hugs him and starts crying. They make love as destined. Their worlds collide in unison.

Days pass and whenever Alex enquires about Veronica’s past, all she does is weep continuously. His consistent efforts are in vain.

Alex: ‘Darling, let’s go out for dinner.’

Veronica: ‘I’ll be ready in a jiffy.’

Alex searches the whole room hoping to find some clue as to what his girl is like. Apart from being the lady he loves and the anti-depression pills she keeps swallowing every now and then, he knows nothing about her, yet he’s so drawn towards her he’d do anything to bring her back to normalcy. Hearing the door latching down, as if luck would have it, he finds her diary beneath the mattress. He quickly hides it under his coat.

Scene #6

After dropping Veronica, Alex drives home at jet speed. Panting, he reaches for his study lamp and starts devouring her personal diary.

Two important notes as per her accounts:

Veronica’s Diary

(2 years earlier)

‘James loves me like crazy. An architect by profession, he mostly takes up interior projects for he doesn’t have much flair in design, all due to his exceptional marketing skills. For my unimaginable creativity, he’s made me Creative Head Designer. It pleases me to think I just did 2 years Diploma Course in Interior Design. My continuous hard work finally pays off though it didn’t go down too well with my senior colleagues. Rumors are spread I’m sleeping with my boss. This isn’t true but it hardly matters. After all, we love each other.’

(6 months earlier)

‘God! Please forgive me if I’d committed any mistakes unknowingly. All I did was worked hard and loved him with my every sense. His company reached the top-notch level because of me. I worked while he partied with other girls on the pretext of business trips. I was too naive. I started demanding my right in his life, in his company. Sensing trouble, he took me on a vacation. Like an idiot, I accompanied and happily made love. WHAT WAS I THINKING? We returned exhilarated. Office resumed. Everything seemed interesting until one day, when I didn’t get my periods. I got pregnant. Strange but I was happy. I went to surprise him but to my disappointment, he asked me to abort. I implored him to marry me. To my utter disbelief, he ordered me to leave.’

‘I was adamant to not kill my baby. I didn’t go to office for several days. Days turned into months. I kept waiting for his apology. My savings reduced exponentially. Then, one day, my door-bell rang. I was so excited but when I opened the door, the postman handed me an envelope. My heart pounded heavily and as I saw the word TERMINATION, I couldn’t control myself and fell down. I felt so lonely. My people, my friends—I’d distanced them all for this man.’

‘Less money and no work left me with no option but to abort. I killed my child. I’ve no rights to live and therefore, I’m taking my life.’

A possible light illuminating to save his love, Alex goes to bed with a chuckle. A new hope outshines.

(Next morning)

Neatly groomed, with a bouquet and her diary held tightly, Alex rings Veronica’s house bell. Seeing her lost diary in his hands,

Veronica: ‘HOW COULD YOU STEAL MY ONLY POSSESSION?’

Alex: ‘Marry me, love!’

(Veronica breaks down, Alex pacifies her)

‘Not only this, we’ll open Verolex Interior Solutions. “Together, we win. Together, we live. Together, we flourish.” Now, stop crying and show me your hand.’

Together, they march to the Chorus Church where they’re pronounced Husband and Wife.

*

Scene #7(The climax)

At The Placebo, Veronica wakes up at dawn. She observes the beautiful inviting sunrise telling her to relax, to breathe, to shine on. How time flies! She’s had a redundant roller-coaster ride—from nothing to everything to nothing to everything yet again. She finally learns to value her life, her love and most importantly, herself. 

She feels blissful to be Born Again!

The End.