The year that was..................

...............in a tall commercial office building entered a car, the driver had to use horn to make sure the watchman opens the door. Anil looked at the car entering and then went back to his talks. Mukesh was sitting besides him and was in some thoughts. Anil stretched his legs side ways and it seemed he had a back ache for a few days now. Mukesh on the other hand was moving his eye pupils around.

Anil:- Dad had created this business on his own, there was no support from anyone then.

Mukesh:- Even customers were very less, market was not that growing.

Anil:- You are right brother, I respect him for all the efforts. But see what we did, we are not doing right and I think somewhere you also understand that.

Mukesh:- I think one of these days we had to talk and end of the year was just perfect, we can see what profits we made and if this is true that we have ruined things

we can always rethink and even give it a try of working on a new model.

Anil:- Brother I am so happy to hear such positive thoughts from you, I have made certain analysis for the year and would like to share with you....

Mukesh:- Sure Anil, go on I am sure you are fair in your analysis.

Anil:- We started an year back, on separate terms, but then we did not change our market, we need to work on different markets.

Mukesh;- I think I know what you are saying but can you please explain in detail.

Anil:- Yes, sure, we are trying to attract the same people, at the end of it we end up dividing our profits, so we need to rethink on this part.

Mukesh:- Are you indicating that you are going to go in a different market.

Anil:- Or you can?

There was silence for a long time, which was broken by another horn of the car trying to enter the gates.Mukesh got up, biting his lips he picked up the water bottle

lying close by. After drinking a sip of it, he got back to his seat. He looked towards Anil, who gave him an awkward smile.

Mukesh then looked at the other side, it seems he wanted to say something but was just not able to.

Mukesh:- Anil, I am really trying to control my anger, see brother this is the market where our father started, being the eldest I have to continue here but natural.

Anil:- Mukesh why are you not understanding, in the last one year, I have showed you that I do better than you in this market, and somewhere even you know that, but I am sure

I can do much more if you are not here. But more than that I feel you can start making profits again if you move your base.

Mukesh:- Your analysis is a piece of shit..................

Anil:- I think you are a piece of shit..................

Mukesh:- The year was great for me, but for a novice like you, I cannot explain profits that I made and cannot really show you the loss that you are in.......its better we stop

talking on this again.

Anil:- What the hell? So 2010 we will again be cutting each other and allow the world to see the fun............

Mukesh:- Or you can finally understand who is better................

Anil was now angry and tried to hit Mukesh, who held his hand and hit him back.

"What the hell are you guys doing?" A police man came running and used his wooden stick to stop the two beggars from fighting on the footpath outside the big building. The two beggars ran in opposite direction.The night when the market was full with people Mukesh and Anil competed against each other to get money from people. Mukesh camouflage himself as a blind person and Anil walked crippled.

One story and four endings

I got out and could feel the breeze of London. It was about 3 months after which I had returned and it felt good. But I had some thing else in my mind, I kept on watching behind and I could not see her. I continued to walk more slowly to get a glimpse of her but all in vain. I got out of the airport and could see my wife standing, she looked uninteresting like always. I looked back again and there was Rachael. She got into her car, six hours with her were fantastic.

7 hours ago when I was into my connecting fight my eyes were red, I still managed to have a great time with the girl from Brazil. At this moment I felt bad, bad that the trip was over and worse that I had a wife. I had managed to see her mobile number while she filled the visa forms. Now all that seemed like a dream, I was back in London now.

My wife hugged me and suddenly I was brought out of my thoughts. I saw Rachael go and also manged to get a glimpse of a man sitting next to her. By that time my wife had pushed my bag into the car. I followed pushing myself into the car. Then Suzzane drive the car to our home. I got home and quickly slept thanks to the jet lag. The next day when I got to office I discussed my business trip to the rest of the mates. New Zealand was just a very cold country with great beer I tried to explain everyone. After a restless day in office I did send couple of sms to Rachael, one of good morning, and then one for wishing good afternoon.

However at around 4 pm, I felt very sleepy jet lag again, I sent a very bold sms to Rachael, this was my desperation to get a reply of her. After another 2 hours in the office I returned home. Just before getting my car into the garage, I saw another car parked. I read its number and it seemed familiar. Suddenly I remembered it was the same car in which Rachael had got in at the airport. I opened the door and was surprise to see...............................

1. Good End

It was Rachael, she was dressed in a most beautiful gown, back naked and a very low cut front side. She looked the most desirable thing then. I asked her "How did you get in?" My question was answered by Maltha the cleaning woman who came from inside. She smiled at me, I frowned back and Maltha was out of the house. After watching Maltha go I turned around and I saw Rachael very close to me, close enough that I could hear her breathe. I asked Rachael how did she manage to find where I live and she explained me that she saw it on my passport. After two hours when she left, we both were satisfied with the outcome. I sat back and relaxed on the couch. Rachael left in the same car she had got here and I slept happily owing to my jet lag.

2. Bad End

It was Rachael, but what shocked me was my wife standing in front of her. I went one step towards them, and my wife took the rest towards me. Next thing was her five fingers imprinting a red color mark on my cheek. She showed me the sms I sent Rachael and I had no answer. There cannot be an explanation for any married man to sent another woman an sms to meet alone and.........if I read the rest, one might think why my wife did not divorced me. That day although my eyes were heavy with jet lag, I slept late. Perhaps the garden mosquitoes were part responsible for that. Wife made me sleep in the gardens.

3. Ugly End

It was the man who had accompanied Rachael from the airport. I was surprised to see him here. Maltha our cleaning woman who let him in had now left. He explained me that his wife had given him my address as she had seen it on my pass port. His wife being Rachael. Before I could say another word, he was looking at me with red eyes. I looked towards him with a guilty face. He handed me over a cell phone on which I read the same sms that I had sent his wife some time back. After reading the sms as I looked up, I saw the a big fist hitting my nose. I was knocked out, next when I woke up, the car had left. My wife asked me and I lied to her that I picked up a fight on the road.

4. Wild End

It was the man who had accompanied Rachael from the airport. I was surprised to see him here. My wife just then came out from our bedroom. This is what shocked me the most, since I saw her buttoning her shirt. I did not want to imagine what might have happen but then my mind could not stop. She came close to me and frowned and almost had tears in her eyes. "Sorry John, but then he can give me.........what you cannot" that were the lines she uttered in a very squeaky voice. I looked at my wife's lover standing embarrassed by the whole situation. I had long forgotten that this same guy was with Rachael, I had bigger problems to worry about.

Accidental Whistle

........................he was among the very few that still had the sincerity about the subjects taught in the college. Always sitting on the first bench and reacting to most of the questions that the professors asked Deepak would was one of the there favorites. If it was doing a presentation Deepak would be sent for. When it came to doing any research on a subject the professors would give the task to Deepak. Besides that Deepak would complete all the weekly assignments, practicals in time. To top all this seldom he got marks that were not satisfactory. Standing in the top 3 in every exam till now Deepak had created his new league which was away from most of his other class mates.

Final year, final exam and everyone knew that Deepak would be the guy who will be the toper. His friends would always find him studying in the library. But Deepak again had no ego or superiority complex, he was proud of his academics but would never show off. He would often help his friends to solve their doubts during examination times and also help them to complete there assignments.

It was the first day of the December month, and after this week the class would have get their study leave for the upcoming exams. Professor Patil was about to complete his last chapter in the book and then start with revisions for the exams. Deepak with his friend was sitting on the first bench. He was having a blue pen with a matching cap. He would quickly note down whatever the professor put on the board. It was the first lecture of the day and most of the others who did manage to attend the lecture were sleepy. Some who were awake tried to whisper amongst themselves. Some of them sitting near the window looked at the outside view. They could see the college entrance gate and observe various people getting in. Deepak however had his eyes fixed on the board.

Pooja knocked on the class door. Wearing a red color dress that fit into her skin to reveal a perfect shape of her beautiful body. A tight blue color jeans that made her look very attractive and sensual by every sense. She asked for permission from the professor to enter the class. Patil would usually not allow students to get into the class after the lecture has commenced. But this time he made an exception and allowed Pooja to enter.

Pooja walked towards an empty bench to fill it, and just as she was about to sit, there was a whistle heard. Patil facing towards the board was wrting something when he quickly turned. His eyes were wide open and he screamed “Who the hell.........do you guys have any brains...........is there some bar dance that is going on here.................you are in a class......who did it, who the hell did it, you tell me or I pick the person............” The professor inquired a boy who was sitting on the second bench “Did you hear a whistle?” the boy agreed and sat back quickly. Deepak stood then. “It was me professor and it was a mistake, I was blowing air into the cap of the pen and that resulted in this whistle.................................”

Pooja looked in disbelief towards Deepak, so did the professor, the professor moved closed now, and then close enough that he could hear Deepak breathe. “Deepak you are a very intelligent person....I am shocked you could do this.........but something makes me trust you, perhaps your academics, hence understand this and promise this will not be repeated” By then Deepak had his eyes already filled with water. Patil put one hand on his shoulder and Deepak sat down. The whole lecture Deepak looked very sad, the professor left after giving an assignment for the week.

Pooja approached Deepak, other students gathered close. “Deepak, you did made me very angry at first, but then I think it was just a genuine mistake, knowing you, and in fact I feel bad that because of me someways you got the scolding, hadn't I entered the class and..................” Pooja went back to her place since the next professor had made his entry to the class. During the lunch break, every one met Deepak, some made fun of the whole episode and some were sorry for him.

Deepak stood in the corridors with his friend as Pooja again came towards him. “Deepak can we go for a cup of tea after college today...........” Deepak had no words and just nodded. Pooja moved away, just then a girl from second year moved out of her class into the corridors. Deepak looked at the upright, fair and tempting figure, as the girl passed him with all the air in his lungs he blew a leathal whistle, the girl looked back and Deepak murmered “WOW BABY................”

Secret Admirer

Vijay crossed the streets to get on the bus stop. Vijay looked on the watch and it was ticking near 6pm. His everyday bus, would take him home. Soon the bus arrived, Vijay pushed his Jeffrey archer book into his lap top back. He moved his waist side ways and took a deep breath. From a distance he could spot that the bus was not crowded as he could not see any standees. He got into the bus and sat on the first empty seat he saw. As his every day habit he quickly pulled the book out for reading. But from the corner of his eyes he realized that there was a girl next to him. He wished to see how she looks but then he was apprehensive. He did not want the girl to have any wrong signals. After 10 minutes, he could not stop his curiosity and looked towards his right. "What......no....really....." the girl hit him on his arm. "Vijay...come on man, I was waiting for you to say hi....."

Vijay:- Why didn't you say anything Sujal? I was just busy in the book.
Sujal:- So was I, I was reading it too, good book, so 3 years I suppose.
Vijay:- Yes perhaps 3 years now, and its amazing that we are still in the same town.
Sujal: Amazing since last I heard you were in United Stated.
Vijay:- Who told you? I mean, yes but recession and then fired of and back in India, well its good here after all with family and your own country.............
Sujal:- That is true, to answer your question Manu told me.
Vijay:- Anyways I am working in a multi national bank here, and wish to remain in the same office for some years, also wished to get settle down in a year or so.

Sujal smiled from ear to ear, and tapped his arm again. She looked around and suddenly remembered something. She quickly got up and asked Vijay to get aside to allow her to move. Vijay followed her orders and soon Sujal was out of the bus waving back at Vijay. In the whole process of meeting after years Vijay missed to exchange the numbers with Sujal and now it was too late. However that very night Sujal sent him a facebook invite and soon they started to chat. It was the fifth line of the chat and they already had each others numbers.
Vijay was sitting in his office and wondering what to do since he had very less work but had to complete work hours. Just then his cell phone rang. He picked up the phone and answered, "hello..........who...oh......now..no...no...I said its not possible......alright...when....6pm....I will be there.........thats fine I know the place............."At 6 pm, Vijay sat on the table sipping water and looking towards Sujal who was reading the menu card. "Do you wish to have cake...........?" Vijay frowned and then said "Sujal I think it is ridiculous........."

Sujal:- 3 years man, 3 years he is sending emails to me, what am I suppose to do.
Vijay:- It is amazing that a person can be a secret lover for such a long time....well and suddenly he asks you to meet at this place.
Sujal:- The guy in red sitting right behind me.
Vijay:- I got that, but do you remember when you met him and why did you call me?
Sujal:- Not really but then, I am not sure again, I called you since I want you t be here when I will tell the boy that I am going to be engaged soon and if he creates a scene I didn't want to be alone.

Hearing the last line from Sujal, Vijay did freak out, Sujal only laughed...she realized Vijay was not happy for the fact that Sujal did not tell him that she was going to be engaged.

Vijay:- Not fair Sujal, really I mean, anyways why didn't you call your fiancée then, perhaps he could have ...............
Sujal:- He is in Australia so, and I trust you, since you know me for a long time.
Vijay;- So what are we suppose to do now wait for this guy to make the move.
Sujal:- Yes, I guess......

After an hour, both Vijay and Sujal were exhausted and it showed on their faces. The boy in red had left, and some other people who had some red shades on there clothes had also moved out. Sujal stood up and joined her hands looking towards Vijay she said "I am sorry....to give you such troubles perhaps we can leave now..." Vijay got up and then sat back again. "Sujay you continue I have an idea perhaps I can call my girl friend and ask her to join me here and we will then go on for a movie and from there I will drop her home............"

"WOW.." Sujal said not showing much interest in knowing about Vijay's girl friend. She picked her bag and moved away, it was windy day in Delhi and perhaps very less people preferred to come out hence most of the roads were empty. Vijay was wearing a jacket which he now took out, he was wearing a red tee shirt inside which had printed on it two words "Its me........"

He had no girl friend and no plans, just made it up to make sure Sujal gets no clue that he was the Secret admirer after all.He looked at the table, Sujal had left her used tissue, he picked it up and put it in his wallet. He kissed the wallet, and wiped his tears which were dripping down his cheek bones.

Vijay and Sujal have not met after that. Sujal is in Australia married, Vijay is working in the same office. He often goes to the coffee shop and has the same coffee that Sujal orders, before he drinks the coffee he pulls the tissue out and places in front of him.

Two shots and two Bullets page 2

....................the roar got both of them excited. Both checked their guns hung around there body. Both officer Brown and Vijay entered the forest. When they entered deep in the forest it was all dark and they could hardly see anything. However when they got into open grounds there was some light from the moon that helped.....................
After couple of hours at the borders of the forest there was a noise of a horse coming out. It was Vijay Damodar, he seemed to sweat, he was also breathing heavily. Just then his horse tripped off a rope which also tossed Vijay on the ground. He was hurt, and it was mainly his nose that depicted that. He was not sure what had happened.He saw his gun that was away from him now. He turned around on his back, and before he could react to what he saw there was a deafening noise.
The bullet had pierced through his heart, the man responsible for the bullet appeared. He looked like a poor farmer. Soon another person stood besides him and said "What did you do, this is not officer Brown this is an Indian, we killed the wrong person" The killer now wiped of his sweat dripping from his forehead, he started to move away near the bush. "We need to hide again and wait for Brown to come, I know this man Vijay Damodar a mad man. He supported the cruel officer, Damodar moved to the village an year back, first bought a land and started farming, but it did not work, so he sucked up to Brown and got the job of collecting money, he supported Brown openly, he has done a bigger sin than Brown, good that I killed him now lets wait for Brown and give him the same punishment..............." the patriot ended his long sentence.
Vijay was not able to hear anything, only his pupils moved, and his heart pumped blood out of his body, as he was counting towards his death on a wintry night, he again remembered what happened in a span of two hours. He remembered the way he and Brown got deep in to the forest. Then suddenly Brown heard the roar again, he got off the horse and tied the horse to the tree. Vijay imitated him and did the same thing. Soon Vijay was on top of a tree, while Brown moved forward, Seeing there co-ordination it was clear, they were not doing this for the first time. But this was different in one sense the man eater tiger seemed more wise.The tiger was hiding smartly behind a thick bush.
Brown moved ahead, and was soon surprised by the tiger who sprang right in front of him now. The sudden attack made him loose control over his gun. Suddenly he was all alone in front of the tiger and his only hope Vijay Damodar, Vijay knew what he had to do, he aimed the gun and it made a noise that woke up quiet a few birds. He got off the tree and got on the horse. After an year , gaining all the trust from Brown, Vijay had a successful plan, he moved away from the scene. He looked back for once, the tiger was feasting over the dead officer. Vijay had shot Brown................a revenge for the family who was killed by the same officer when he was posted in north west.

Two shots and two Bullets

In 1892 India was changing, more and more people showed unrest for the government ruling. Close to 35 years after being free from the company's regime it seems nothing changed. British government brought in no happiness to India. Officer Brown was just making sure that the previous statement is true to its words. Brown controlled a small village in the province of Mysore and was synonym for devil.
He was not just a arrogant officer, he was a very cruel person by nature. Forgiveness was a word missing from his dictionary and love was replaced by beating. He would beat up the Indian soldiers that worked for him, when he would go on a patrol would beat up poor farmers working. Even when he played cricket or tennis and the ball was touched by Indian he would beat him with the bat. However Vijay Damodar was an exception to all of this. Migrated from the Northern corner of Baluchistan, Viay was very fair and looked one of the British officers. Especially in the small village of Quolum where people had got tanned due to sun, Vijay looked very white.
Vijay served british army for 10 years and was excellent in horse riding and rifle shooting. Brown would only trust him among all Indians that he ever came across. One reason for that perhaps was Vijay happily announced that Britishers are smart and should rule India. For a person who is currently not working with British at all it was always refreshing. He evern defended Brown and accepted his rule. In about 4 months Brown made good friendship with him and appointed him as a collector. Vijay would collect taxes from the villagers, his own farming did not go well and he realized tax collecting work is more profitable.
But what made the two of them such good pals was there hobby for hunting. Especially man eater tigers. In a span of 4 months Brown and Vijay shot down 4 man eaters. Many a times British soldiers crossed the forest and were attacked by the tigers and such killings helped the soldiers security. The British government would send lot of money to Brown for killing the man eaters. Brown would give a few coins to Vijay.
Then one day, Brown and Vijay got to know of a man eater nearby. Both of them decided to go on there new adventure. It was evening time just about the time when the sun touched the ground far away at the horizon. Vijay got on his dark horse, and Brown on his white one. Brown lived in a fort which belonged to the king who ruled before. Today with Brown about 20 armed men lived. Vijay was the only Indian who was also given a place to live. Even some of the British officers who worked under Brown was amazed to see the cruel Brown so very friendly with Vijay.It was very dark and almost night when they reached the outskirts of the forest.............Vijay looked towards Brown who was hardly visible now in dark. Just then they heard a roar......................................

Some nights cannot be forgetten Page 2

After riding on the engine for an hour and then suddenly Sumeet, tapped on my back. As luck would be ever against Sumeet it started to rain. That made all the money in the plastic bag wet. I thought we reached the spot so I parked the bike at the side. He got off the bike and looked at me. I gave a confused look in return. "I will go from here, please don't come with me...you have done a lot for me....please wait here" Sumeet said his voice was shivering both out of fear and wet rains.
I restarted the bike and held his hand. "Sumeet don't be ridiculous it is not safe for you to do this alone.....please shut up and follow what i say now on............." I had a simple idea for Sumeet to take me with him and if there is just one man with no gun but a knife we can attempt to catch him. After all it was 10000k dollars at stake. Sumeet did not take my idea, he saw a cab coming, he pushed me back. I was almost imbalanced on my bike and was about to fall. Before I could get control, Sumeet got into the cab and took a sharp turn. I followed the cab but lost it in multiple turns.
Sumeet returned in a different cab. I was making sure I was at the same place that he had left me. My bike engine was warm however Sumeet would not know that I followed him. He got out of the cab, I paid the driver the money and the cab left. Sumeet hugged me and started to cry. I was not sure what to do, luckily I carried a bottle of water which I offered him. He drank the bottle of water. His clothes were wet and so were mine. I drove the two wheeler slowly, and dropped him at the hotel gate.His wife hugged him and they cried again.
There after the whole trip went very boring and frustrating. Sumeet made up his mind to not return to his country again. I tried t make him understand that we need to complain, however Sumeet did not agree with me. He was very scared that the man who knew about when he arrived, where he lived can easliy kill him. After another lifeless week, Sumeet, his wife and there 1 year old kid left India. I accompanied them to the airport. It was not a trip that Sumeet would remember. For years even I tried to forget it. But as I mentioned, some memories just don't get erased and a little trigger was enough to make you remember the whole episode as if it happened yesterday. The trigger for this story was the 100$ bill that I had kept in a book to dry up. One bill still remained with me..............................

Some nights cannot be forgetten

It seems that human memory does not have the same cleaning procedure as a computer would. Even if the files are old they just do not happen to delete. Very old incidents some times just open up when you see something that reminds you of that incident. Sumeet was a good friend of mine and we shared almost every school and class. We also played, partied together until 1992 when he decided to go abroad for studies.
It was heart breaking incident for both of us. I continued studying in India while Sumeet completed his education in abroad and also then got a good job there. In the early years of 1998 where email was started to pick up in India Sumeet would send me emails on my newly formed email address. His email would tell me that he had hit gold and now lives a rich life. It always made me happy for him. His news about marriage and his first baby all was communicated to me via the same email.Then one day he sent an email that he is going to be in town for 3 weeks.
Sumeet arrived on the airport and I was impressed to see him grow in to such a big man. His wife was not Indian, however looked good in the Indian outfit. I hugged him and after sharing some famous childhood lines dropped him at the nearby hotel where he had decided to stop. A thousand times I asked him and a thousand and one time he declined my offer to come at my place. I was not that happy but then it was not that bad since the hotel was an hour drive. That night I was going through some of my P.H.D notes when suddenly my phone rang.
I picked it up and other side was Sumeet who was gasping for air. I was not sure and asked him to drink water or settle down.After a couple of minutes Sumeet said "I had an anonymous call, the person sounded very serious he wanted 10000k US dollars in two hours, else he will kill all of my family, .." it was difficult to control him and I felt bad I was not with him. But nothing was still bad, I asked Sumeet to stay and calm and promise him to be at the hotel within an hours time. I rushed out kick started my cousins bike and left.
Sumeet met me below at the hotel lobby, he was carrying the money. "Lets just go and give him the money...........I don't trust Indian police or security......he gave me the address please let us go....." Before I could educate my friend that his methods are wrong he was on my bike pinching me start fast as he murmured an address. I thought it was a very bad idea but then seeing Sumeet just did not say anything and started the engine again.

Cup of tea page 2

Meena's father mentioned Jai that he still works to support his family. Meena's father worked in a mill as a supervisor, he mostly had night duties and would live late and come early morning. Meena's mother made a tasty sweet dish, which Jai and Meen's father both gulped in as if they were hungry for daya. Both mother and daughter watch the two in worry. Jai cell phone started to vibrate he picked it up and it was Radhika on the other side. "Sweetie you know you have to come to our house and not at my hostel......." In reality this info was a bit misplaced by Jai in his brains. Radhika lived in a hostel and her parents lived on the outskirts of the city. It was a hour and half drive on a bike. Jai, quickly got up and did not converse much to both Meena's Dad or Mom. They wanted to speak with Jai more but he made up his mind. Rich farmer's daughter Radhika is always a better choice than Meena. He would soon let Meena know that and get away from this relationship.
It took him 2 hours to reach the farm house. He read the time on his watch and it was 9pm. He was a lot late than he anticipated. At the entrance was a dog tied, that seemed like hungry to eat anything and everything if he been freed. He walked in scared of what would happen next. He entered the bungalow that stood besides the large farm.There were so many lights in that one house as there would be in a small village. Solar panels installed on the terrace suggested that the family had some modern science knowledge with them. Radhika quickly greeted him, so did her mother. They had prepared a large Supper for him. Radhika said "Jai, my father goes to the city everyday for some paper work, else we really feel no need to work, with such a large farm and so much of money, my family makes enough" Radhika's mother stood besides Jai as he gulped in some food and prayed that he do not have an upset stomach tomorrow with so much food in one evening. Just then a man entered the house, Jai looked at him, and gave a smile as Radhika introduced him to be her father. His smile shrunk, his face got red and then he smiled again. Jai looked down and continued eating. It seems he did not want to look at the man's face directly. He was amazed with his luck, the man standing in front of Jai had seen Jai with Meena.
After the dinner, Radhika's mother explained Jai and Radhika on how the marriage works and why she loves her husband. She also told Jai that he should care about her daughter and this relation needs to be a bigger success than her marriage. All this while Jai was busy thinking what would Radhika's Dad say. Radhika's mother and Radhika left to sleep and then the moment came. It seems like the end was near, Jai saw Radhika's Dad approaching him with a cup of tea. "Son lets talk about something that I know, and I know that you know that I know, but then even you know something that I did not want anyone to know........but then I want to know, what you really have known..........." Jai took the cup of tea from the man, and offered him an hanker chief to wipe off his forehead. Jai then stood and said "I love your daughter Radhika....I have taken my decision............now you have seen me with Meena and you would not like a guy like me to marry your daughter Radhika............."
"Who said that ?" the man aksed and continued, "if you love Radhika it is alright, but remember that then you will have to tell the other girl. I don't want you to do a mistake that I did years back............"
Radhika'a father was about to leave when Jai said "Thanks Dad, little would have I known I would have brought you with me on my bike............." The man smiled, both his daughters Meena and Radhika had apparently chosen the same man........................

Cup of tea

..............placing the cup of tea on the table he asked again "Are you sure, they want to meet me..." Jai was holding Meena's hand now. Meena with her very beautiful eyes and neatly curved eye brows, her smile that made a perfect symmetric curve. "Of course dumbo............and please wear some good clothes and not the one that you wear when you meet me. "You said you love the way I dress.............and you use to like the torn jeans.........." Meena was giving an angry look, Jai then looked down.
Meena after some time stood up and picked her purse to leave. "5pm sharp remember I will be waiting..............." Meena left on her scooty while Jai waved her. When she passed away enough to be not seen by Jai, Jai took his cell phone from his pocket and switched it on. Then he quickly called and said "The lecture is over, sorry but you know I cannot switched on the cell phone during the lecture........." Jai continued to talk and walked towards the nearby cab. He sat in the cab and the cab left the scene.
At a very quiet garden a girl sat reading sms on her cell phone. Most of them seemed to be from a person who loved her. She smiled after reading every sms and then looked upwards and blushed again. She heard a cab arrive, and out came Jai. Radhika was university topper and met Jai in her college when he worked there as a lecturer.After getting out of the college, Jai still remained in contact with Radhika and soon they started to love each other's company. Jai walked to Radhika, she looked around quickly hugged him and kissed him on his cheeks. Then she sat back on the garden seat, Jai gave her a smle and slowly placed himself at the corner of the seat. Radhika moved towards him and slowly held his hand. "Jai, its been about 2 years now and I think it is time............."
Radhika left the garden and Jai was left in a fix. He was not sure what to do. Handling relationships with two different girls for last 14 months, he knew this day would come but was just not sure when...............he was in problem now, and it seemed even God would not help him.
Next day he made two entries in his diary, and then he prayed to God. Evening 5 pm with Meena and 8pm with Radhika. He was not sure what he would do, but one thing was clear that things had gone far away from his hand. He dressed up nicely and reached Meena's place a little after 5pm. The apartment was a fairly large one and it seemed was more populated by the upper middle class. He tooke to the elevator which carried him to the fourth floor. Jai rang the bell and now, was greeted by Meena. She quickly pulled him in. Just then her Father came from one of the inner rooms. He was a man in his early 50s, he was wearing a thick sweater probably to protect him from the air conditioner that was blowing in full power. "Have a seat son............Meena's mother is making a special meal for you. She is very excited to meet you." Meena's father welcome Jai.
Jai was sweating and his conscious was eating him from inside, he was not sure how the evening would end...............what he knew was that he was not doing things in the right way.....................