The Hooded Man

It was early evening. But, it seemed like night has unexpectedly descended. The last fragments of sunlight also vanished. Moon, that was shining until now has been eclipsed by the clouds. The temperature dropped suddenly. It was cold. The chill in the air was crawling under the skin. But, the weather department predicted it to be a normal day. I saw through the window. The darkness seems to have engulfed the planet. It was a pitch dark night. The street below seemed deserted. The lone owl was hooting at a distance. Crickets were making their usual noise. I felt uneasy, restless and nervous. I felt a Jitter and got out of the bed.

Slowly I walked towards the door. The door knob was cold as ice. It refused to budge at first. I tried again and the door gave way. It opened with loud creaking noise. I peeked outside my room. The hallway was dark. The kitchen light was glowing. A movement of shadow was visible. I called in low voice- “Mom!!” No response. I called again, louder. Still everything was calm. I turned back to see my deserted room. I came out wondering why mom is not answering. Suddenly the door slammed with a loud bang. I was horrified. I looked around and there was no-one. I called again- “Mom…” Still there was no response.

Slowly I started moving towards the kitchen, with my back to the wall. I was scared. I saw a shadow moving again under the light. “Who is there?” I managed to utter. Then I saw the shadow facing the stove; away from me. I was relieved and walked towards it. I went closer and placed my hand on the shoulders. Suddenly there was silence; an eerie silence. The shadow turned slowly towards me. What I saw, threw me back few paces.

Frozen and paralyzed I tried to recognize any facial features. The hood covering the head was making it difficult to recognize anything. The fiery red eyes were glowing. I kept staring. As if I was hypnotized. The figure started moving towards me. He stretched out his hand. "Come closer," he said in a low voice. I thought my heart was going to come out of my chest, it beat so hard. My legs gave out and I fell to the ground on my knees. I was sweating badly. He continued to come closer; with his hands stretched. I closed my eyes. My tears started rolling. I got my sweaty palms together and began to pray. I prayed and prayed.

He was now standing in front of me. I could feel his presence close to my chest. Suddenly there was silence; an eerie silence. I could hear my heart beating faster and faster. Suddenly I felt the hand on my shoulders. I shrieked loudly and opened my eyes. I was in my bed sweating. The tears were still streaming from my face. I was shaking badly and promised myself again- “I’m not going to watch any horror movies ever!!”

The LIFT

Rinith drove to Mysore that morning to attend the state level Sales meet and was packing to drive back after late dinner. He was working for a small start-up company in Bangalore. It was late and he was talking to his mother who was asking him not to travel so late at night; on Friday the 13th. She was very superstitious about such beliefs. He didn't want to argue with her and hung up to bid good bye to Dubeyji and few other sales guys whom he met that day. He was hoping that he would bump into a chirpy, talkative and sexy lady at the meet like last time, but no luck. As soon as his monstrous Fortuner came to life, a black cat crossed his path which he chose to ignore and he was on the road. The night was pitch-black and conditions got overcast with the clouds looming large. He was touching 140 kmph in no-time with Heavy Metal adding the required adrenaline rush. He was cursing his luck that he didn't get any chic this time and had to hang around with the pot-bellied CXOs of unheard companies. He planned to drive non-stop so that he can reach Bangalore by 4:00 am. Suddenly it began to drizzle. He toggled a switch for the wipers to operate. Soon the drizzle transformed into heavy showers with storm as well. The wipers were struggling.

There was thick forest cover at either side of the road. The trees would twist, twirl and bend over the road with the gust quite ominously. He drove at full speed what his beast had to offer. Even after two hours the storm showed no signs of settling. The winds breathed life in the trees on either side of the road. Conditions were looking gloomy. But in the next five minutes quite unbelievably everything became dead quiet. The wind ceased to blow, the rains stopped, and even the trees went dead. He could only hear the engine roar which was screeching ahead on the wet road. He was driving all alone on the bypass with no other vehicle in sight. Then he encountered a strange sight. At a distance on the roadside, he saw a man and a boy in school uniform sitting on the milestone. The man got up and started waving at his vehicle frantically. He saw the time was well past 1:00 am. He knew that there is no inhabited area within few miles from that place. He stopped the car and the man started approaching towards him. He was watching every move of that man very skeptically with one foot on the accelerator. He noticed that neither the man nor the boy were drenched surprisingly. He heard a howling at a distance for no reason. It was a bad omen. The man said peeping through the rolling windows; please drop us near Ramanagar, on your way. Then suddenly there was a lightning with thunder and he saw some long shining thing in his back pack. He recalled incidents of robbery on the highways and stepped on the accelerator with all his might. The car didn't move to his horror. The man kept banging the glass viciously repeating the same words asking for lift. Then suddenly the car lurched ahead, and he sped the car at full throttle.

He drove the next few miles with full speed and found a young lady on the way. She was a tall woman, wearing a black sari with her midriff showing and a matching blouse sans any sleeves. She possessed curves so luscious that could drive noble men to sin. She waved at Rinith’s vehicle asking for a lift. He immediately obliged and sent a Thanking note to the almighty for listening to his woes. He couldn't resist noticing, which was rather unusual about the woman: She was bare-footed. As she entered the car he couldn't hide his pleasure and she caught him staring, she looked wary. But neither of them felt uneasy, as for her she was probably used to this, and for him, she was too precious to even let go of his sight, for even a moment. After they exchanged the pleasantries, he got to know her name was Vinita and she was married. She was at ease after sometime and chirped like a school girl. Rinith was a very charming guy and knew how to impress her with all his wit and sense of humor. He was cautious in not asking too many personal questions and making her uncomfortable. She got down after a few miles near Kengeri but not before exchanging the numbers and a promise to meet him the next day in Bangalore. Rinith was very excited at his achievement. Next hour went past very fast and he reached his flat before the sun was out. When he reached his flat, his room-mate was fast asleep. He banged the door to find his roomie open the door rubbing his eyes.

“Kaam ho gaya?” Sagar asked casually and went to his room before Rinith could respond to his question. Rinith dragged himself to his room and collapsed on his bed. It was past noon when he woke up rubbing his eyes. It has been a long time since he slept for so long. He was experiencing a slight headache. He asked Sagar for a cup of hot tea. After freshening up he eased himself on the couch. The TOI was kept on the center table. He picked it up to look for today’s crossword. Then suddenly his eyes grew wide seeing a report.

"Robbers got away with 2 more murders on the highway near Ramnagar at around 4:00am. Their dead bodies were found in the nearby drain. As per our sources, Ramanand-38 went to pick-up his son-6 from the school excursion in Channapatna as he was sick. They missed their last bus and reached close to Ramnagar by taking a lift in a lorry. The robbers did not find any valuable with him and in frustration they killed both father and son. The bodies will be handed over to their family after the post-mortem."

He couldn't read further. He saw the picture and his whole body numbed. How could he be so stupid? How could he be so indifferent? He could have easily saved them, had he been rational. In this case due to his very own home grown stupidity and superstition, 2 lives were lost. He met them around 1’o clock... The poor guys begged for help for another three hours. And he fled because he thought they were robbers. Such a poor excuse... Damn!!!

That’s when Sagar came with tea and said, “Why are you reading 2 days old newspaper?”

“What??” Rinith checked the date; it was indeed 2 days old newspaper. His blood froze. Chill ran down his spine. That means the man and the boy were dead more than 2 days ago and still…

“Here have a look at today’s headline...!” Sagar said handing him today’s newspaper and tea.

“Women kills herself after hearing the murder of husband and son. Vinita, resident of Ramnagar who was at her parents’ home in Kengeri committed suicide on Friday afternoon when she got the news of alleged murder of her husband and son near Ramnagar.”

Rinith saw that innocent and sweet face below and fainted. 

The First Time

The first time I saw you, I knew you were the One.

My mind went bonkers and my heart took for a run.

There was something about you that I have never found before.

That was the moment I realized I found myself wanting more.

I never thought I would be hit by the love bug ever

Was happy with my life in my small tower

But the day I saw you, I realized my mistake

Like everyone I too jumped into the love lake

Looking into your eyes, makes my day complete

That cute smile of yours makes my heart skip a beat

I never thought it possible, to care for one so much

With every passing day, I longed for the union that much

Years sneaked on with piles of confusion

When the time has come for the final decision

Against all odds I have decided it’s you

I was ready to say to world, I do, I do, I do.

I know that you’re not ready, for the commitment that I want

But for you I'd wait forever, if you would have taken a stand.

Although it hurts to know, that you don't feel the same as me
hopefully one day you'll realize, you'll wake up and see.

The True Daughter

The story is about a small middle class family of Mrs. Kalyani Iyer who has recently shifted to Bangalore after the sudden demise of her husband. She has 2 daughters Swati- her own daughter and Padma- the step-daughter. Padma has always been an eye sore for Kalyani. She cursed the day Padma was born even though both were born on the same day. Every time she saw Padma, Kalyani would be reminded of her husband’s betrayal.

It all happened 20 years back when she delivered Swati. Mr. Sharat Iyer who was supposed to be on her bed-side was away citing that he had a meeting. Actually he was with his other wife who was also delivering but with some complications. After few hours when he walked into the clinic with Padma, he noticed that Kalyani was still unconscious after delivering Swati. He kept both his daughters together and waited for Kalyani to wake up. Sometime later Kalyani woke up to see 2 kids in the cradle. She stared at Sharat inquisitively. Sharat told her about his mistake and how his other wife died while delivering the infant. Kalyani was shocked to listen to all this and hated Sharat till his deathbed. Now that he is gone she had forgiven him as holding grudge would not mean anything. From that day she hated Padma and treated as a perfect devilish step-mother. On the other hand, both the daughters were very close to each other and had the heavenly sisterly love flowing. Swati used to treat Padma as her elderly sister. Swati was doing her graduation while Padma’s education was stopped by her mother after 12^th citing it would be a costly affair for 2 girls to do graduation and there was no need for Padma to study. Padma never complained. She has always been the obliging daughter taking care of all the household chores. She used to get her share of love from her father and Swati. Still she always craved for the motherly love and care. Swati disapproved of such behavior towards her sister by her mother but it all fell on deaf ears. Swati was determined to do something about it but what, she didn’t know.

One day while unpacking the luggage, Swati happened to get her hands on her father’s diary. She called Kalyani and showed it to her and asked: “Shall we read what Dad wrote?”

Kalyani agreed and both sat comfortably on the bed to go through the diary. Swati asked if she should call Padma also to listen to it. Kalyani rejected the idea and instead asked Padma to get 2 cups of coffee for them. Before Swati could protest she asked her to start reading. Diary had mostly events pertaining to his daughters. How one is treated like a princess and other like a servant. He had also mentioned how he feels miserable for not being able to do anything. After going through many pages at one page Swati stopped. Kalyani asked what happened. Swati was not reading aloud and all the excitement while reading previous pages was gone. Kalyani saw her eyes were moist. She asked her, “What happened darling? What is written here?” Swati handed the diary to her and left the room crying.

Kalyani was shocked to see what happened and picked the diary slowly to see what made Swati so upset?

“Kalyani, it’s been so many years that I wanted to let you know the truth. But I’m scared that I might lose you after your 2 heart attacks. I can’t keep the secret anymore, so I am writing it down. Someday hopefully I will gather enough courage to hand over the diary, for you to know the truth. Padma is your own daughter and Swati is your step daughter.”

The moment she read this, the world came crumbling down in front of her. She felt a big lump in her throat, she was going to choke. She could not bear the fact the Sharat has cheated her yet again. She was furious, angry, disappointed thinking of how badly she treated her own daughter; her own blood all these years. She could not bear it. She controlled herself to read further.

“After your delivery, when I entered the room, I saw you were still unconscious. I thought I will explain and you will accept both the infants graciously. But you could not bear the truth. So when you asked which baby is yours, I lied to you, I thought after few years when you would get fond of your step-daughter, I will let you know the truth. That time it would be impossible for you to hate Swati and both will get equal motherly love. I hope to tell you soon and see my both daughters happy.”

Kalyani broke down and started sobbing uncontrollably. After sometime, she went out and saw that Swati was at porch crying. She went and sat next to her. Swati turned and hugged her tightly and started crying. She asked her mother, “Will you start hating me, now that I am not your daughter?”

Kalyani hugged her even tightly and said, “No, Never, You have always been my daughter and always will be. I can’t see a drop of tear in your eyes. You will always the apple of my eye” both started sobbing.

Kalyani saw that Padma came with coffee for both of them and was about to leave, when Kalyani called her. Padma could not believe her ears, this was the first time ever she called with so much love. She turned back to see Kalyani smiling at her with moist eyes.

Kalyani came closer and hugged her and started kissing her like a baby. Padma could not believe her luck. Kalyani was so wrecked after knowing the truth that she was begging for forgiveness from Padma. Padma also started crying but with happiness. They both hugged each other for long time and then happily went inside. Kalyani promised to cook herself a nice treat for both her daughters.

Meanwhile Swati went to her mother’s room and picked the diary before someone else sees it. She came to her room and thanked the god that everything went as planned and her mother didn’t recognize her handwriting. They are a happy family now.

Train to Hell

26^th Feb 2002

“Sabarmati Express 2 ghante late hai” Beeped the man at the railway enquiry counter.

Rehan’s heart sank deeper as he struggled out of the queue and walked towards Nazia. She was standing near the reservation chart with her luggage. He told her the status and added “Actually all the long distance trains get late and especially in night during winters” said Rehan justifying the delay.

Nazia and Rehan were college sweet hearts and she was travelling to Ahmadabad for an interview. They have been dating since 2000 New Year party in college. Their relation bloomed with the beginning of the new millennium and they were planning to get married soon. It was end of Feb but still it was chilly and they were shivering despite of their jackets.

After sometime, Nazia said: “Rehan you should leave now; it’s getting late and colder with every passing minute. I will call you the moment I board the train. Ok?”

Rehan didn’t listen to any reasons and decided to stay back till the train leaves. He picked her suitcase and they started walking towards the waiting room in an attempt to relax and stay warm. They started talking about how important it would be for her to get through the interview and their future plans. The time passed on and after sometime, they dozed off.

It was just 15 mins or so before the aging monster arrives crawling on the rails. They got up hearing the piercing train horn. They came out and stood on the platform. The platform was deserted and some dogs were howling on the one corner. Suddenly, the train appeared from the thick fog and S8 came to a halt where they were standing. Rehan helped Nazia with the luggage and after 10 mins or so the train left huffing.

As Nazia entered the coach, she found the entire coach was saffronised. It seemed like everyone is coming back or going for some pilgrimage. She made herself comfortable on the berth after chaining the luggage to the hooks below. As she was about to doze off, her cell-phone rang. It was her Mom calling. She had informed her earlier about the delay.

Maa: “Beta!! Train aayi ki nahi??”

Nazia: “Maa train mein hi baithi hoon aur abhi station se nikli hai”

Maa: “Chalo theek hai!! Waise beta tumko jyaada pata hai lekin thoda dhyaan se dena interview… Bilkul nervous mat hona. Nayi wali salwar pehenkar jana. Hotel mein pahunchte hi call karna.”

Nazia was listening to her like a 4 year old as she went on mentioning all the Do’s and Dont’s to follow for the Interview. After some more informal talk she hung up and slowly dozed off.

27^th Feb 2002

Nazia woke up rubbing her eyes as she found the train stationary. Lazily yawning she checked wristwatch; it was about 7:45 a.m. As she lifted the window up a cold and spine-chilling gust of air greeted her. Her skin puckered into goose bumps. It was all looking foggy as if it’s all covered with soot. The train was not supposed to halt for so long at such a small station. May be some train is crossing, she thought… She heard some raised voices at a distance which she was not concerned as she was looking for a chaiwallah to cross near her window. Suddenly her phone came to life and she saw Rehan’s name blinking. She picked the call and sat up straight to get a better signal coverage. She told him that the train is stopped at some unknown station and looks like there is some dispute going on.

While talking to Rehan, she saw a man wrapped up in a shawl probably hiding something inside, coming towards her coach from a distance. His eyes were blood red and he was looking very angry. Rehan was listening to her when she asked someone casually:

“Bhaiya, kaun sa station hai ye?”

He heard the man saying “Godhra” and with a sharp shriek the phone went dead.

Chai ki ek Talab

Shruti Kakkad was working in a MNC as a Software professional. She was one amongst the millions of engineers who used to spend half of their life in front of the blue screens. She hated her job like most. She had a delivery coming up in a week and she was asked to lead the team and had to stay back late that night. She was at her desk compiling the code which was sent for her review and the automated tool was taking its own sweet time to complete. Lack of sleep and previous night's hangover were taking their toll on the poor soul. She was not able to hold herself and finally dozed off. The screaming error message on the screen jolted her back to the reality, in her cubicle C-209 from her dreamland. She got up to realize that the keyboard and her cheek were smeared in her drooling while she was asleep. Disgustingly, wiping her cheek she stared at the screen and tied her flowing silky hair in a knot. While getting up she saw the big mug on her desk and she knew what she needed at this very moment.

She expectantly looked at the passing peon and made an eye contact just for a second and he immediately understood what she needed in this cold chilly night.

He said, "Madam, Doodh to nahi hai, chai nahi ban sakti hai." Her heart sank deeper hearing this as she trudged out of the cubicle with a heart heavier than the delivery pressure. Life’s tough. With the clock striking the Cinderella hour, error screen screaming to be addressed, and No tea, Shruti felt as if the world is conspiring against her. It was not fair. Irritatingly she muted the system and went to the ladies room to cover the ruined make-up before one of her many fans sees her. From the ladies room window she saw 2 boys smoking outside the company gate. Immediately she knew what she has to do. She got an idea.

After the quick patch up of the makeup she rushed out and ran towards the lift. From the unlucky floor she started descending to the ground at snail’s pace. The moment the lift doors opened, a gush of ice-cold breeze kissed her freshly painted face. She immediately realized her mistake as she walked past the lobby. The stole was hanging in her cubicle and she should not have worn sleeveless. The security guard saw her and stood. She was taken aback as she didn't expect anyone there. He caught her and knew that she did it again. She forgot to get her Id while running down. Shruti pleaded and explained that it is at her desk and she came in rush. Reluctantly he agreed to let her go. She came out of the company lobby only to realize that it was extremely cold at this hour and she could see the dense fog in distant light. The night was getting more seductive by the minute as a poet would express it. The night was really cold and for once the weather department’s prediction came true, which she chose to ignore earlier that day. She was getting cold with every step she was taking outside. And her teeth were like a Morse code machine, punching the code into thin air coz of the spine chilling winter. kitt kitt kittt….. It was pitch dark outside. She could hear the distant growls of the zooming cars and trucks on the Outer Ring Road. She was determined that her idea will not fail her in keeping her warm and relaxing her. She was little scared, but she saw the boys out there and she knew she will get what she wants there.

Rubbing her hands, in an attempt to keep herself warm, she moved to the entrance gate. At the gate she found that the boys have left and there was no-one. She felt depressed as the last hope was also gone. She was sure that she saw him also on the cycle. All her effort of coming all the way from 13th floor went down the drains. As the human count on the road became sparse, the canines started patrolling with their tails up. Dogs added the required Indian-ness to the office landscape. One of them looked inquisitively to her and after a moment joined its pack, which was howling together at a distance. In spite of all the atheism and rationale she was bred in all these years, she was still feeling really uncomfortable with a pack of dogs howling at a distance for no reason. It was a bad omen. Suddenly an auto driver popped up like a matrimonial ad of shaadi.com from thin air asking if she needs an auto. Looking at him disgustingly, she said "No". Disappointed and dejected she turned back to head to her 4 by 4 cubicle. And then she heard it.

She turned back in anticipation hoping what she heard was true. She realized that the security guard in the adjacent company was whistling trying to shoo away the canines and the sound was not what she thought it was. She thought her fate could not be so bad. How can god be so heartless to a poor soul like her? She heard it again and this time she was sure that she heard it right. She waited with baited breath, voicing the prayers for it to come true. The fog was thick and the service road ahead was pitch dark. From that abyss of darkness she saw a ray of hope, a tiny twinkling light. Her hopes started rising and she was sure that her prayers have been answered finally.

From the pitch dark fog she saw the light was coming closer and getting brighter with every passing second. She could make out a lean young figure walking towards the company gates. Yes, it was him. It was confirmed now. He was walking with his Hero cycle with 2 jute bags dangling from each side of the handle. He was short and lean, may be in his mid-20s. He had a white pair of "action ke sports shoes" on. An unbuttoned orange jacket over a bright red shirt made him look like a character from the nursery sketchbook of a mischievous child. His head was covered in a woolen cap to protect him from the cold blowing wind. She had seen the big steel container tied to the seat. She was never so ecstatic to see anyone ever as she was to see Manoj- the regular guy. She knew Manoj well, as he was Krishna’s brother who used to cook at her boyfriend (Ashish) place. He used to come sometimes to help his brother in cooking where she met him. She felt comfortable seeing him walking towards her. She could not wait for him to come closer. With every step he was taking towards her, she was feeling energized and rejuvenated. Finally Manoj reached where she was standing expectantly. He asked her, if she wants. And then she said, "Manoj, Ek chai pila do". Sipping contently on the hot brewing tea she went upstairs, wrapped up the work and left home late that night.

Next day she went to Ashish's place where he was preparing tea. She noticed he was little disturbed about something. She got to know that Krishna has not been coming since past one week. He told her that his brother Manoj who used to sell tea in Outer Ring Road was run over by a lorry last week and was dead on the spot near her office. A chill ran down Shruti’s spine. Her whole body numbed. Her blood froze. She gave him a scared look and fainted, when he offered her the cup of tea. Still Ashish wonders, why she stopped having TEA suddenly?

Turning 30 :(

Being 30 is something different & not so good. First time this funda made an impression in my mind was when I saw the 30Plus tablets ad of actor Jitender. C'mon, I mean one needs some energy tablets in 30s? Let’s not go that way as yet! One more phrase that was so immensely popular during my college days- to disgust and ridicule somebody - call him 'uncle'. I had a very different 'point of view' about these 30 something uncle category people. Now there is no point in having that view.

They say the average life of an Indian male is about 62. So, technically I am half way through. There are so many things to be done and so much more to achieve. Well, time is running by very very fast. Frankly speaking, I was fine with this pace of time when I turned 20. End of teenage was kind a cool! Breaking the shackles... There was some awesome stuff to look forward to - Graduation, Interviews, Jobs, Promotion, Salary Hikes, Clubbing, Onsite trips, New Bike, Car, Parties, Expensive Accessories and Labelled Clothes. Wooow... I was almost dying to turn 20+. Well, I missed 'girl friend(s)' in that list. I was 23 after my graduation in 2004 and these last seven years have been lightening fast!

The point is, one always expects so much more from life. At 30 I am feeling a bit let down because there is really so much more to be done and very less is achieved. I need to up the tempo for next 10 years because then I will be in my ridiculous 40s. And that sure is crap!

So 30s, here I come. I am sure we will show each other some good time. And as they say - Men look more handsome in their 30s. Certainly looking forward to that !!!