Freedom..

SEDO, the country, was known for its abundant natural resources. It was in the pre independent era, When people was fractioned between Extremists and Moderates - the percentage of Extremists was meagre and Both fought earnestly to taste the freedom from the clutches of colonialist powers, who had invaded and conquered SEDO to utilise its resources which helped their trade.SEDO was naturally beautiful,with different shades of people who starved for their daily needs.In those tough times, the 'moderates' led by Shyabela, a 60 year old,presumptively believed, 'Freedom is acheived only through peace and nonviolence'. He,along with his partisans,used to conduct long marches,raising slogans demanding the freedom for SEDO.The colonialist Government didn't pay heed to any of their demands.But Shyabela and his group continued their stride.

But, Many extremists lost the hope of acquiring freedom as their plans had turned futile and many left the country.After that,SEDO had become silent,as only the peaceful methods of demanding freedom was taking place. At that juncture, Bislan,a 27 year old agressive young man, started 'Extremist movement' rigorously. But,Only four of his close companions, who believed in his ablity and who asserted that Freedom was possible only through violent methods,joined the movement.Before I explain about Bislan and his extremist movements, let me explain about Government structure of SEDO. The Government comprised of Diplomats and Dictators, and there too!. If at all any demands to be listened,Diplomatic talks would happen in a consulate,which would function every five years and talks would happen only to complete the formalities,which entailed that, SEDO was primarily led by dictators. Dictators were everywhere – in the form of bureaucrats,police officials,educationalists and everybody were entitled to dominate the people of SEDO.The People suffered humiliation and were treated as slaves and thereby they became servile and submissive.

In this context, Bislan wanted to demonstrate resurgence and decided to target police administrators and officials. He and his four supporters shot every police who was appointed to SEDO. Everyone was ruthlessly killed, which made the Government to appoint Damascus, a 40 year old brutal person. Bislan and his group sketched the plan to kill the newly appointed. But it was not easy. In an attempt to murder Damascus, all of his loyal supportes were killed. Bislan was left alone.Everybody believed that Bislan was too murdered.And his wife was remorseful, worrying about her husband's existence.In the wee hours of next morning, Bislan,masking his face completly,came to the house.He felt tears and his wife hugged him. And he started to state the unfulfilled mission- to kill Damascus. His wife was reluctant and argued that she was ready to accomplish it,since bislan's life would be in danger if he went out.Though Bislan was unconvinced initially, he concurred with his wife's plan and vehemently appreciated his wife's boldness.He kissed her forehead and he departed..

She moved towards the Police Department, where Damascus was delivering his speech.She held the gun tightly and pointed her focus towards Damascus.She released the bullet, but unfortunately it only shoved the shoulders of Damascus. There was immediate commotion,shouting to catch the lady. She fled immediately out of police demartment avenue. The police officials chased after her and She, not to get trapped in the hands of them, moved into the rough bushes,jumped into the deep well and ended her brave episode.Bislan learnt her wife's death and broke into tears. Like many other Extremists, who left SEDO after the plans turning futile, Bislan decided to leave SEDO. But,He wanted to kill Damascus before that. Meanwhile, Shyabela and his groups,made their demands,requests,petitions to be listened by the Government. The Government body planned to have a discussion to ratify Freedom in the next diplomat session.Damscus, after his recuperation and shock, resumed office after two weeks. Planned to leave SEDO on that day, Bislan, completly masking his head, moved towards Police Department. He went inside,took his gun and shot Damascus at his forehead. Damascus died. And Bislan spent a few bullets who tried to combat.After firing series of bullets, he moved towards the famous temple of SEDO. He decided to spend the night at his favourite spot and leave SEDO the next day. In the next morning, Shyabela approached Bislan.'Do you know what you have done? We all are fighting to live in Independent SEDO. We are almost at the brink of getting Freedom. Now you have spoiled everything.' Shyabela never used to lose calmness and composure at any situation. The Vagaries in the behaviour of Shyabela made Bislan to believe and understand that he had commited a crime that was unforgivable.' If they deny the Freedom, then we have to wait for another five more years'. Shyabela angrily concluded and left.

Embarrassed and humiliated by Shyabela's words, Bislan didn't want to let his country down. He moved towards 'Diplomats Consulate' building, where so called Diplomats were discussing the fate of SEDO. He was not allowed inside, as the session was taking place. After an hour, some top officicals came out of the house. Bislan began with an argument, gradually reduced his tone and finally he started to beg them. One of the police officials remarked that, ' You have set a wrong example; Because of you, many people will choose the path of violence and bloodshed immaturely'. Inspite of Bislan's adjuration, Goverment didn't listen. And the final words of the official echoed heavily on Bislan's ears.He took the knife out of his pocket and cut and sliced his neck - the head and the body got seperated,and he died. Eveyone was shocked on the way he killed himself. The cry of lamentation was everywhere.

For the first time, Diplomats agreed to meet the very next day after the session was done. They all met the next day, discoursed about granting Freedom. Finally, Freedom was ratified and declared amidst a few disapprovals. SEDO became independent; it was the day of celebration for the people. People congratulated Shyabela for his efforts and expressed their wish to make him as their next leader. Shyabela remained silent,looked down and shed his tears...

College Life

College life is a conglomeration of various things,which explains every individual, who passes through this memorable phase, about all goods and bads in the life. Affection and Estrangement;Selfishness and selflessness;the Power of winning; and the Superpower of losing.College life teaches us everything unconditionally. It is up to an individual to take it from 'The Teacher'.It was an one such College;one such life, more beautiful and adorable than one could expect. But unfortunately, all the beautiful things come and label itself with an expiry date;hence they are momentary..

Kushal,studying in prefinal year Mechanical Engineering, was witty,ambitious,straight-forward and handsome guy.He always had his own spectrum of thoughts;had a invidualistic gang of friends;invariably looked cheerful and optimistic.His thoughts were rebellious and creative.With his presence,the ambience would appear to be exuberant.One such exuberant day,He,along with his a few friends, took a postprandial walk,chewed the topics that flashed across.'Hey Kushal, How are you so sharp in the project', exclaimed the studious.'He is not only sharp in the project, but also in some other fishy fields', remarked the other,made and left the statement for speculation. The friends started to guess and pestered Kushal. The circumference of his lips inadvertently increased by a half: He smiled.

Kushal started to narrate his romantic episode with Priya,his classmate. He had known of her and had his interactions quite often. It is needless to say that,he loved her;Unrestrained gush of emotions flew in him,whenever he thought about her. He believed She too loved him. The friends, hearing the story,congratulated Kushal and the Kushal's romantic episode was told and proliferated throughout the hostel. Finally, it went into the ears of Priya's lover : Venkat, who was studying prefinal year Computer Science Engineering. (The character of Venkat was exactly opposite to kushal in most of the attributes).He got irritated and he moved towards Kushal's room.Venkat anguishly rushed into the Kushal's room;choked the Kushal's shirt.'Do you know that I love Priya, She is my girl', Venkat grunted. Sooner, Kushal's friends came for rescue and demanded Venkat to apologize.

Reckless Venkat pulled Kushal out of the hostel; and the friends followed them. They moved towards the Canteen, where Priya was having her lunch.The big crowd gathered infront of Priya's table, with Venkat and kushal leading them. Venkat shouted Priya,'do you love me?, or this Idiot?'. 'I love you, Venkat, Why suddenly?', Priya timidly replied. 'Did you hear that', Venkat,eyeing at Kushal,squalled at him.Kushal's friends protested and they were not able to digest that their dearest friend was being hurt. They made hue and cry;but Kushal, being dejected,demonstrated the principle of silence and left the place without uttering any word..The statement would not be a hyperbole, if I say,It needs million hearts and myriad minds for a girl to disqualify a person like Kushal.Ofcourse, Girls have their own logic of finding their right person.

Kushal broke into tears : the tears that could not be easily wiped off. He looked despondent,with no ray of hope about anything.His close friends tried their best to revive Kushal. The Days passed by. He started to forget those memories. But the memories would come and haunt any individual, when the indiviual invites those memories unwillingly. Kushal would be in deplorable state, whenever he caught an attention of Priya and Venkat in close intimacy.Then he had to resurrect himself again.In Short: He was enmeshed in the days of mixed emotions.

Kushal advanced to final year.And it was the time of College Election.One of the candidate was Venkat. Kushal was encouraged by his friends to take part in the election. Though he didn't have too much inclination towards it, he concurred with his friends. The streams of campaigns from either side took place rigorously. So many negative tactics were followed.The college were divided into two groups under Kushal and Venkat.At the end, Venkat turned out to be 'DON' of the college. Kushal was defeated; an another defeat from the hands of Venkat in a different way. Kushal, more than being sad, ashamed of himself, of not able to win in any way.But again, his close friends came to the rescue. To avert Kushal's thoughts, his friends arranged for a tour. Though kushal went to the tour uninterestingly, he returned back with the invigorated thoughts. He began to speak again exuberantly.He acquired more friends, irrespective of the group. In those days, Optimism,Jubilance,cheerfulness always seemed to revolve around Kushal..

College days reached its culmination with the Final cultural event, which was an exhibition of different kinds of expressions and emotions.It was an event organised by Venkat. Kushal's friends were reluctant to participate. Kushal's mind dictated,'it is a final opportunity,Go and Enjoy!'. Kushal nominated himself in an event called 'Foot Loose'(where the participant was expected to dance to the tunes, that would be played on the spot), inspite of his friend's objections. The event started. Amidst many expectations and a few dispargements, Kushal ourperformed and his performance was received with thundering applause.Kushal felt a sigh of relief and was congratulated and hugged. Expectedly, he was not given any prize, though he won the hearts of many..

An Evening Ride

On that day, I was very happy and delighted as I had bought a new bike.I rode the 'new born' euphorically as it was my favourite model, which I had been craving for years.I reached my house,halted the bike and looked it with the countenance of satisfaction. My legs itched for more; I wanted to go for a jolly ride.I looked at the watch, which showed fifteen minutes past six, in the evening. Nevertheless, I took my bike and manoeuvred it to the untrodden path, which I hadn't travelled before.

I ,enjoying the vegetation and bushes besieged on both sides of the road,travelled at mediocre speed. The climate was gentle and endearing to any bike rider. I was no exception. I was relishing every moment of it. But the road was bit curvaceous and wet,which made me to drive with enough caution. Gradually, I accelerated the speed. The wheels revolved speedily. Wind swayed my jacket gently. I flew at a high speed for a few kilometers. I was not able to notice anyone in the vicinity. When I got an attention of a Tea shop. I decelerated my bike to have a refreshment. Two strangers obstructed my bike with petrifying looks. I was frightened on seeing them,stepped up the speed, without hearing their words spelled on me. They shouted and screamed,'Stop, dont go that way!'.

In a kilometer, I was able to witness the incident and understood the reason, as why those two strangers had asked me to stop.It seemed that there was a riot being taking place. There was a huge altercation between the two groups,hurling the stones between eachother.I didn't know the motivation behind that fracas. 'This is senseless',I mused.I would be entrapped if I had extended my social contemplation.I swiftly encircled my bike and propelled towards the path from where I came. When I crossed that Tea shop, those two strangers grinned at me.I too smiled. The time was Seven. The climate was getting better with time;and it was getting darker.I was not in a mood to go away from the heavenly place. Adding to the beautiful vegetation and the climate,the clouds too came to the party with the drizzling drops plopping out from it.

I went astray from the return path,rode towards a path full of herbal plants, which were captivating. I decided to spend time in that rugged path, but the bike could not be ridden easily. So,I halted the vechicle. I started to stroll, sniffing out the salubrious smell of the plants. When I was walking, noticed the animal waste,queuing across the road. I was not sure of to which animal it belonged. Nonetheless,I continued my stride. With in a few exploring seconds, a monstrous elephant came towards my path, with its traditional trumpeting.I was transfixed and the elephant came towards me. I turned back and moved towards my bike. The elephant was few yards away from me. I hurriedly started the bike.The bike didn't realise my urgency. The engine failed to respond. I left the bike there and ran without looking back.I ran as faster as I could. My heart palpitated.Rain started to shower heavily.I crossed nearly a kilometer;and the elephant lost its way.

I found a small shelter on the road side.I landed under a 'look-alike' banyan tree,which gave me a respite from unfortunate mishaps being happening.I started to ruminate.I was blaming myself, as why I went there. Was it a bad omen on the arrival of new bike?. Perhaps, I missed my bike, which I had left. I wanted to get it back; but the thought of the elephant haunted me. Time went by. I spent the next thirty minutes under that tree. Rain subsided. I started to move towards the spot, where I had parked my bike;I was circumspect, was looking for the elephant,which could be shrouded anywhere. Finally I reached that captivating yet dangerous spot. Fortunately,I was not able to hear any doubtful,deadening sounds of the elephant. I looked at my bike,which was not damaged,except the foremirror was misplaced in its position. I adjusted it and when I tried to seat comfortably, a knife popped up before me with a shrill voice, 'Take what ever you have.Huh quick!'. I yelled, 'I don't have anything,leave me'. He,masking his face,extorted me. The haggling went for a few minutes, with my unaccompanied outcry. When he was about to get my bike key, the elephant, which had been reclining behind the bushes, raised its body and trumpeted. Both of us got nerved. Sooner he fled in the opposite direction. I started my bike, which immediately responded. Swiftly I accelerated the speed; and the elephant was running behind. In a few kilometers, I felt relieved as I had completly escaped from the elephant.

'If the elephant is not there, I would have been killed by that robber; if my bike is not there, I would have been battered by the elephant' I thought.I thanked my bike, freed my arms and kissed the wind;and I came back with a heart fraught with an apparent fright and an unusual excitement..

Perception Cloud

 
It was a quotidian day of affairs for both of them. 'Hai,Nitesh'  raised a voice exuberantly.Nitesh, who had been transferred to  the new place,was shifting his house,turned to look at the person  calling at him; suspiciously uttered his name :'Rajam..?'. 'yes, I am Rajam.S.Krishnan' replied and greeted in a loud voice. Both were posted in the same office. Nitesh,formally  addressed as 'Nitesh Kripalini',was reticent,ideological,work-centered  person.Both were of same age;Both had a daughter of seven years old –  which made them to declare as persons of similar nature in the  first meeting;but truly they were not..   
Nitesh was gleeful that he had got a companion in the alien ambience.Rajam  was gregarious,people-centered person.Rajam used to jabber more,than one could expect;  and he could laugh as vociferously as he could. Both of them became neighbours; in the physical sense – their houses were situated adjacent.They enjoyed each other  companionship.And each of their family members exerted great sense of affbility  between eachother. They started to share eachother's felicitous and dismal happenings. They felt that they were fortunate enough to get a congenial neighbours,who turned out to  be good friends.   
It was on the day of Rajam's daughter's birthday. Celebrations and mirthful  faces were all around,greeting the birthday baby. Nitesh's family members were present  and dishing out the dinner to the guest and helping the Rajam's family in a great way. Rajam was anticipating Nitesh with bated breath,strolling infront of the house. His phone rang.It was Nitesh,who said,'Rajam, I will be late today, I won't make it  to the birthday party'. Rajam replied bluntly,'Ok nitesh, no problem!' and he hung  the phone.
     But their relationship grew,sprang up; and whenever any relationship grows,  the positive things about the opponent person would stay in the heart;and negative things  would inactively dwell in the mind;which would actively crop up  when ungrateful  moment arises.This is a problem between any relationships : people of the 'restrained' or the 'gregarious' clusters.
  
Rajam felt that Nitesh was talented,dedicated person. But in the mind, he  used to ponder that he was a work centered and selfish person.Whilst Nitesh perceived  that Rajam was helpful,friendly and ofcourse talkative. But in the mind, he used to  chew about Rajam's otiose and indiscreet talks. Both of them structured and  scripted their perception in their own way,based on the circumstances they both had  faced.And Time went by..
    One fine summer morning,members of the residential arena were gathered to  discuss about their grievances and had a discourse about the person,who was going  to lead them and plan the colony's proceedings. A senior member asked the members  to nominate the person for the coveted post.Members started to squall their favorites; Nitesh and Rajam remained silent.With in few constitutional seconds,Rajam shouted  Nitesh name; appended his good qualities with his shout. Nitesh felt chagrined; he left the meeting without uttering any word.Nitesh's presumption turned out to be  correct-as he felt that Rajam had exhibited his senseless talks amidst big gathering.  And Rajam's presumption also turned out to right- as he had a belief that Nitesh  was a selfish person. Their negative perception about each other began to uprise;  and the good thoughts began to diminish.Tough Days rolled by.Nitesh and Rajam  were not able to speak or even look at each other comfortably.Each of them was  right in their own terms; but their negative thoughts veered them to seperation.  Even each of the family members tried to fortify their relationship, but nothing worked.  Communication between the family members eventually shrank.Nitesh sued transfer  and sooner they fled to their native. 
   Nitesh and Rajam are quite an ordinary individuals,like you and me, who are  wrapped up by their egos and negative thoughts stuffed inside, with a thin or thick  layer of good thoughts stacked in between.whenever these good thoughts tries to get away,  in a view to resurrect the relationship, egos pops up obstructing the good thoughts  which is trying to elude,hurls the negative thoughts about the opponent person.  There is no way that they can revive their relationship, unless they have to get rid of develish 'ego' and negative perception,or they have to reborn again  to set anew the 'Perception cloud'.. 
    

V-Std-'A' Section

It was his D-day, as he was expecting his half yearly test results, which he had written a month back. He was studying fifth standard, infact; ‘V-Std-‘A’ Section, always expounded his educational qualification with that finer detail. His appearance was fat, rather an obese of nine years old, and quite a blithe, insouciant guy, always showed his regardless towards his studies. He was called ‘tummy’ by his classmates, for the apparent reason. His half yearly test preparation was never any different, though his father had assured that, he would present him a bicycle as gift, if he tried to pass half yearly examination.

He sat at the third bench, leaned his hand across his face, and started to think about the proceedings that would happen in the following evening. He was at the premonition that, he would get the last rank for sure. His class teacher entered the class, with the assortment of progress reports, heralding his diabolic scene. The students greeted and tweedled rhythmically, ’Good morning Teacher’. All the front bench enthusiasts were asking her the progress reports, as soon as she entered. He was cursing them like anything. If he were given any power, at that moment, all those enthusiastic dabblers would be deported from the country without any further delay. The teacher gestured a smile at everybody, as if everybody were passed. She started her mundane lecture in science subject, describing about the food life cycle in a cadaverous way. Many of them were uninterested, as they were eager to know their grades than her deadening lecture. Some of them steadfastly started to take notes, capturing the each and every word spelled or misspelled by her. He was neither pleased with her lecture, nor awaited his progress report, infact, to be precise; he was indifferent to the both! After noticing a few yawns and oscitations from the students, she stopped her lecture and started to distribute the progress reports.

Progress reports were arranged in a chronological order of their ranks. The teacher started distributing them with fervour, supplemented with her unrestrained advice and appreciation for the top rankers. Her voice and her excitement seemed to reduce, as she was giving out the reports. He was awaiting his name to be called, one after another, biting his nails, looking for that skittish moment. The progress reports were getting drained. His prediction turned out to be correct. Finally, the teacher called his name: ‘Mahesh’. She gave out his, without uttering any word. Mahesh sat and looked at the progress report, which was much excepted; nothing to worry/be happy about. But he pretended to be sad. ’Hey tummy, what is your rank’, asked one of his friend, who sat in the girls’ segment. Yes she belonged to that gender, who, some has spontaneous disposition of teasing the boys. Though she had known of his rank, she asked it. Mahesh boasted himself and said, ‘Yes, It is expected this time, I’ve scored fourth rank’. ‘Mahesh, I know your rank, it is your usual number that is out there’, she said. Mahesh never felt infuriated, he was an unusual cool customer, kept his report card on the bench and started to sleep over it. The school bell rang; The class teacher departed

A few were excited as they got the rank they had desired. A few were sad and despondent. The school head master entered the class. He was a martinet, with a monstrous moustache hiding his upper lip; Mahesh woke up after a small nap. The head master with his bigger radius belly, leaned against the first row, made the first bench enthusiasts to suffocate. He was there to teach the Moral science subject; he came forward voluntarily to teach the subject, as he felt he was the right person to teach; but the real fact was that the subject didn’t demand enormous preparation from the teacher. As soon as he started, students at the neighbourhood class were singing aloud to the tunes of the music teacher. So, he locked the door and ensured that any minute decibel of sound wouldn’t enter the room. He spoke superficially touching the wholesome topics such as ‘Honesty’, ‘Hard work’, ’Patriotism’ and the topics that flashed across his mind. Sooner, his throat got dried and hence he sat and comforted himself to get rid of his enervation. And he slept. The students felt as if they were released from the appetence of vampire. At this moment, one of a miscreant, who was studying in fourth standard, had been noted for his prankish thinks; had been the head master’s hit list; had been reprimanded many a times earlier, passed by the class room, where the Head master was sleeping. The miscreant locked the classroom front latch, ensured that the Head master would have a nice time inside. Time passed by...

Before a few minutes to the final bell, there was a commotion across the opposite corridors of the class room, yelling ‘Fire, Fire...’! The students in the ‘V-Std-‘A’ Section were sleeping as they were unfeignedly following the footsteps of the head master who was also sleeping then! The school teachers were running hurriedly and tried to vacate all the students. Unfortunately, Mahesh’s classroom remained unnoticed till then, as the class was completely dormant; the teachers presumed that the class was already been vacated, without coming nearer to the class room. Some of the class rooms’ roofs were not equipped properly, to face the thermal ignition. Fire rapidly snaked through those roofs; Mahesh’ classroom was one among them. All the classrooms had been vacated, except his. A few of the neighbourhood friends started to scream, ‘V-Std-‘A’ Section is missing’. Immediately, the physical training (P.T.) teacher blew the whistle and moved towards the classroom. By that time, fire speeded across the roof of that class room. The P.T. teacher released the front door latch and shouted,’ everybody move out, quick, hurry up’. He raised his voice as much he could. Fortunately, in few seconds, most of the students were vacated including the hibernated head master. Mahesh was also vacated. A few clusters of fire balls dropped from the roofs on the centre of the class room, making the rescue operation a little difficult. Three students needed to be rescued. They had been seated in the left side first bench of the class room (of course, enthusiastic dabblers, according to Mahesh). They were shouting for help. The P.T. teacher, the only saviour, balked for a moment, on seeing the fire balls. They were not able to mitigate the fire when it was too late. Mahesh came forward and hold the hands of P.T. teacher and prompted to move forward. Mahesh kept his first foot forward and stretched his small hand to touch his class mate’s hand. The P.T teacher invigorated and inspired by his small boy’s quantum of effort, pushed himself and stretched his long hand that could effectively touch the one of the three. Swiftly, the P.T. teacher and Mahesh pulled them out forcefully. And they were able to rescue them with their strenuous efforts. Everybody started extolling Mahesh and those three first benchers rendered heart-warming thanks!

All the parents were standing outside the school gate, anticipating their kids to arrive. It was the most satisfactory day for Mahesh, as he had rescued three lives, though he had scored the last rank in the class. Mahesh’s father received him and he was able to hear the laudatory comments (about his son), which even he hadn’t got in his lifetime. The father felt elated and gleeful. He had an every reason to proud. One of the parents approached Mahesh and said, ‘We are proud of you’ and gestured his son, who (the miscreant) was studying fourth standard and remarked, ‘you should come brave and courageous like this boy! By the way, which class you are studying’. Mahesh’s father rejoiced every gratifying remark, more than his son, replied earnestly, ‘Fifth standard’.

‘It is V-Std-‘A’ Section’, Mahesh emphasized!

The Shortest Night

The Shortest Night

On that day, I left my office very early around three. The clouds started to mizzle. I felt delighted as the rain tried to embrace me, after the blistering and perspiring hot day. Slowly, I walked out of the campus, boarded the bus and stepped in

I sat in the left corner seat of the bus, started to gaze at the cloud and said, “How beautiful you are today”. I said to myself as there was no one to speak nearby. Before my ruminating moments got ceased, a girl of mid twenties came and sat next to me. It was quite unexpected. She opened a book and started to read. I peeped at her to see the name of the novel, which she was reading. But I couldn’t, as she’d folded the title page of the book. She was so engulfed in the novel, that none of the distractions could possibly disturb her. Even I didn’t want to perturb her reading. So I again started to gaze at the cloud. Also, I was not able to witness her eyes for a long time.

Unbelievable scenes started to happen in the cloud. It was thirty minutes past three. The sun began to set. I was quite flummoxed to see the cloud getting darkened in the afternoon time period. Everybody in the bus began to shout. The driver stopped the bus. And all the vehicles on the Hosur Road were halted. And everybody, including me, was flabbergasted on observing the cloud. There was a huge pandemonium all over. But, a girl next to me, felt rather undisturbed even then. Concentration at its best even at the worst condition, I thought. I gently asked her,’ Do you know what is happening outside’. Infact I wanted to shout. She paused for a moment and said, ’Yes I already know it’...

And finally I was able to see the name of her novel. It spelled as “The Shortest Night”. When I was about to ask her the book, for a quick glance, I noticed that all her fingers were half-cut, with blood bleeding tardily at the fore finger. My eyes popped. I asked, ‘Who are you?’ She replied, ’you don’t need that ...But I know you...’ I was taken aback by her unexpected reply. She left the bus, as eyeing at me, leaving the book on the seat. The driver resumed and the engine propelled and all the vehicles moved. I took the book and read the title of the book again. “The Shortest Night” I muttered myself. I was not able to locate the author of the book. The book contained full of printed caricatures. I was not able to decipher what was all about. I skimmed and swiftly turned the pages of the book. A last few pictures in the book grabbed my attention. In those pictures, a guy was seen enjoying in drizzling rain; a girl of mid twenties was sitting near a guy; the guy was gazing at the cloud and the cloud getting darkened. Those few pictures portrayed the episode, which had been happening then on my day. I felt trembled, limbs quivered, heart throbbed. It was, at that time, the bus reached near silkboard, squeaking and the sounds of claps were heard all around. The Sun, which was as if shrouded itself till then, started to rise. It was fifteen minutes past four. I was able to see jubilant faces in the bus, but I remained panic.

I reached my house after the frightening ordeal. I switched on my Television. I realized that the whole world was in complete darkness for duration of forty five minutes. All the news channels, the scientists, scholars were earnestly discussing the illogical phenomenon, that had happened. Nobody had any clue. I remained restless and hurriedly switched on my laptop. I googled the word, which I had been cogitating: “The Shortest Night”. I didn’t get any satisfactory results related to the book which I’d read. I recalled the final words, which she’d uttered: ‘I know you’. I’d never seen her before. As I was remembering the final shot, she looked at me, I was petrified and transfixed.

And I don’t want to see her again...

The Shortest Night

The Shortest Night

On that day, I left my office very early around three. The clouds started to mizzle. I felt delighted as the rain tried to embrace me, after the blistering and perspiring hot day. Slowly, I walked out of the campus, boarded the bus and stepped in

I sat in the left corner seat of the bus, started to gaze at the cloud and said, “How beautiful you are today”. I said to myself as there was no one to speak nearby. Before my ruminating moments got ceased, a girl of mid twenties came and sat next to me. It was quite unexpected. She opened a book and started to read. I peeped at her to see the name of the novel, which she was reading. But I couldn’t, as she’d folded the title page of the book. She was so engulfed in the novel, that none of the distractions could possibly disturb her. Even I didn’t want to perturb her reading. So I again started to gaze at the cloud. Also, I was not able to witness her eyes for a long time.

Unbelievable scenes started to happen in the cloud. It was thirty minutes past three. The sun began to set. I was quite flummoxed to see the cloud getting darkened in the afternoon time period. Everybody in the bus began to shout. The driver stopped the bus. And all the vehicles on the Hosur Road were halted. And everybody, including me, was flabbergasted on observing the cloud. There was a huge pandemonium all over. But, a girl next to me, felt rather undisturbed even then. Concentration at its best even at the worst condition, I thought. I gently asked her,’ Do you know what is happening outside’. Infact I wanted to shout. She paused for a moment and said, ’Yes I already know it’...

And finally I was able to see the name of her novel. It spelled as “The Shortest Night”. When I was about to ask her the book, for a quick glance, I noticed that all her fingers were half-cut, with blood bleeding tardily at the fore finger. My eyes popped. I asked, ‘Who are you?’ She replied, ’you don’t need that ...But I know you...’ I was taken aback by her unexpected reply. She left the bus, as eyeing at me, leaving the book on the seat. The driver resumed and the engine propelled and all the vehicles moved. I took the book and read the title of the book again. “The Shortest Night” I muttered myself. I was not able to locate the author of the book. The book contained full of printed caricatures. I was not able to decipher what was all about. I skimmed and swiftly turned the pages of the book. A last few pictures in the book grabbed my attention. In those pictures, a guy was seen enjoying in drizzling rain; a girl of mid twenties was sitting near a guy; the guy was gazing at the cloud and the cloud getting darkened. Those few pictures portrayed the episode, which had been happening then on my day. I felt trembled, limbs quivered, heart throbbed. It was, at that time, the bus reached near silkboard, squeaking and the sounds of claps were heard all around. The Sun, which was as if shrouded itself till then, started to rise. It was fifteen minutes past four. I was able to see jubilant faces in the bus, but I remained panic.

I reached my house after the frightening ordeal. I switched on my Television. I realized that the whole world was in complete darkness for duration of forty five minutes. All the news channels, the scientists, scholars were earnestly discussing the illogical phenomenon, that had happened. Nobody had any clue. I remained restless and hurriedly switched on my laptop. I googled the word, which I had been cogitating: “The Shortest Night”. I didn’t get any satisfactory results related to the book which I’d read. I recalled the final words, which she’d uttered: ‘I know you’. I’d never seen her before. As I was remembering the final shot, she looked at me, I was petrified and transfixed.

And I don’t want to see her again...