On aOn a Drive With Life!! Sample Drive With Life!! Sample

8/11/2019 On aOn a Drive With Life!! Sample Drive With Life!! Sample

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On A Drive With Life!!

A Breathtaking Journey...

A Novel

By

Ankit Kumar


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Ankit Kumar (1stEdition, 2014)

ISBN : 978-93-81313-54-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced ortransmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or

mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any

information storage and retrieval system without permission

in writing from author and publisher.

Published by:


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A Special Thanks

To My Lovely Family:

Anil Sinha, SudhaSinha

And

ShrutiSumiran


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Acknowledgement:

This has been a long, wandering, and eventful journey beforethe book got its complete shape. During this exciting journey,

I encountered numerous moments that polished the content

of the book and shaped the direction it went. But the moment

that gives me pride, was the meetings with the editor of Times

of India, Mr Rajkumar. His praise and guidance had been

precious and since then provided an urge to get better

consistently.

I would take out a moment and give heartily thanks to

all my friends and family who contributed a lot to make this a

success. I am grateful to Anil Sinha, Vidya Nair, JituKhatri,

SurabhiDangi, Abhishek Jain and RohanMundle for believing

in me and my work. You all have been the finest critics and the

best of support that drove me further to give concrete form tothis concept.

I support

http://www.ithought.in/


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About the book

On a Drive with Life,as a collection of short stories, was a

concept that passed my mind some 4 years back. Slowly, but

with dedication I have added into the collection. It includes

love, tragedy, adventure, horror, separation, regret, desire,

satisfaction, happiness and all the varied emotions. As the

name suggests, the collection aims at taking the readers on a

drive with their emotions, such that they share the emotions

of the character. Their feelings are being portrayed as a part ofthe storyline, that they may have underwent at certain phases

in their lives. We all have been a father, a son, a mother, a

sister, a daughter, a friend and a lover. We all had been

ambitious, full of desires, had break ups, faced an unexplained

encounter with the supernatural or have heard tales of a

breathtaking adventure.

The stories revolve around the concept that how a small

misunderstanding or a mistake can ruin lives with

tremendous impact. The essence is to stir the emotions of the

reader with unexpected endings along with fun and

entertainment. As a collection, the stories are designed to

provide a fascinating experience such that the readers clear

down their memory lanes and indeed go On A Drive With

Life!!


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About The Author

Ankit Kumar was born in Patna, Bihar, the first son of Anil Sinha

and SudhaSinha. He spent his childhood in Patna where hecompleted his school from St. Karens Secondary School and

GyanNiketan. He went on to complete his B.Tech in Information

Technology from Amity University, Noida in 2012. Of the few

interesting hobbies he has and beyond all the weird stuffs he does to

live his passion, wandering alone, though how weird it may seems,

was the most alluring for him. Well of course, it kindled numerous

ideas for his stories. Inspiration from his father did wonders and he

lashed all his shakiness in English to find interest in writing. He

started writing when he was in 11th and authored numerous

articles. He has also penned a novel which will soon get published.

His work in school and college magazines drew tremendous praise.

His writings have got recognition through his blog

ankitdriveon.blogspot.comwhich has been a massive success.

Though he will always be a homesick by heart, he lives and

works in Pune. If he is not working on his novel, you can find him

reading, playing cricket, watching TV, or indulging in his unhealthy

addiction to hanging out with friends.


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Table of Contents

1. THE SWEETEST GIFT EVER

2. A TRIP ON TRAIN

3. THE SPICY BET

4. THE VERDICT

5. THE HAUNTED VILLAGE

6. I WAS A FAILURE

7. AN ORPHANS DESIRE

8. The True Love

9. The Handicapped Sacrifice

10. THE THREE STABS

11. Flat No. 13

12. I WAS SELFISH

13. The Curse


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1 THE SWEETEST GIFT EVER

Well what to say, though it didnt start with a flash. Of

course, I knew I was a teenager but one with a soft moustache and

an innocent look. Most importantly Id started shaving a month ago

and I was about to get a driving license that my father had promised

me to give it on my birthday. But among my friends I still found

myself as a small kid who rarely deciphered their code languages;

for sure I was a mamas boy and a complete son to any father. They

had their bikes, pricey mobiles and everything else to impress girls.

Oh! Dont get me too far on that. Well...girlfriends, it was like a

passion for them, something like a trophy that they would boast

upon. For me it was something I always desired to have, but never

mustered the courage.

Numerous girls and boys I saw, hands in their hands, heads

on shoulders, and sometimes on a long drive on a bike. And as if a

craze spins through their minds, in no time I would find new couples

as if they only lacked designer dresses. Boys having spikes, a Levis

T-shirt and all sorts of blustering assets. And girls, the ones who

never showed up without suits, now walked around in jeans and

tops. Not to mention in my aspect, I was hell of a boofhead, and

relationship remained a territory where my tongue stuck and my

heart beat would hasten to a thousand mach. Nevertheless, I dearly

needed a girlfriend to stamp myself as an individual among my

friends. And so it all started with my coaching classes.

I hardly ever talked to girls, though I liked many and one of

them was Tanya, a girl with a long aureate hair and a skinny face, a

sweet and innocent girl who rarely talked to others. And anyone

who tried to have a go at her, like once Vipul did, then one expects

nothing but a thundering slap glued on his cheek. And why


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shouldnt, her father was an IPS officer posted in the same area. So I

swallowed my throat and used to sit as if she didnt exist.

Her height...Well...I would have preferred it to escape but as

an honest admission, I must say that she was 5 inches taller than me.

Hey! Wait before I proceed. I mean a 5 feet isnt that bad. Ok, I

think I must change the topic. Yes, I was a bit good at studies and

often my friends consulted me for any problem related to our course.

At least that was the only thing that I could blow my own trumpet to

gain others and especially girls attention upon me. And to my

delight something unanticipated did happen with that when Tanyatalked to me for the very first time on one fine Thursday...Yeah of

course I remember the day. And I was like dancing on any tune,

watching songs and hailing flowers, butterflies, dogs, cats, garbage,

moon, Venus and every other stuff to make a mothers life hell.

Yuck! The weathers not good, said my Mom.

But look at the flowers spreading its aroma all along with it,

mom, I replied

And her eyes widened, almost fainting and I gazed through

the window unperturbed of the hell I had just laid upon her. The

following few weeks went astray until she came again and asked for

my notes and to my delight she asked my phone number and it all

kicked off from there. Asking questions...Sharing thoughts...Sharingproblems and finally sharing a lot of our times together in classes,

then parks and then anywhere...Wait again!!...Not home of course,

my dads harsh enough on rules and regulations. I stood tall among

my friends while they took hiccups on the thought;

How I even had a go at the girl?

Naturally, I took pride on it.

Brother! You need to be a bit masculine, something like a

tough brat...Make muscles for yourself, sputtered a friend of mine.


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And with that I joined a gym, lashing all my study hours. In

a month or so I had gained a multi layer muscle and bunked multi

hour classes. Nevertheless, I seemed a bit manly and Tanya used to

gaze at me incessantly with praise or dislike I didnt know. But I gotthe answer soon. There was a boy in her locality that often eve

teased her and she despised it the most. Nevertheless, I was once

standing at the balcony of my class when I saw him tracing her all

the way to the coaching class. He caught her hand beside the

deserted gate.

LEAVE ME! she retorted but the boy had a differentintention. She casted her hand for a slap but it was arrested by his

hefty grip.

Leave me, she tried hard but surrendered soon.

And I saw those precious drops of tears rolling down from

her eyes. A monster roared inside me and I galvanised to action,

hurling out through the middle of the class. I seized a rod from

somewhere on the way and in no time landed it on his ankle. The

boy fell backwards and Tanya moved a few steps forwards.

ILL KILL YOU! I yelled and with that I aimed it on his

head but was stopped by Tanya.

No! Let the pig head go, she finished and the boy escaped.

We didnt utter a word and altogether we went inside the

class, even though a scene had already been created in front of the

entire class.

Why you did that? asked Tanya after the class.

I dont know but I cant see those tears in my best friendseyes,


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I replied and she smiled at me with admiration and thereafter

the bond we shared became stronger and warmer. There was not a

single day that would go without our chatter.

Youre my best friend, She once said and that elevated my

heart to new heights.

But was I really what she meant or what I considered her?

No matter, but for my side I got the answer in no time.

My birthday arrived and all my friends were at my birthday

party. Tanyas father never allowed her to leave the house after eightat night and so my birthday went off a bit dull in her absence. That

really angered me. The next few days I ignored her only to show my

anger and that was something a bit harsh on her part. She tried a lot

and I just let it go. Tanya was like hinting apologies the whole day

and I was like taking fun at her misery, as if I desired something

else. She would wait for me after the class and I would prefer a

coffee with my friends. She would call me and I happened to

disconnect the phone on the pretext of being busy.

Tanyas gone crazy man! one of my friends told me once.

Oh! What happened? I queried, a bit interested.

Shes one of those dumb girls! Smriti told me that she was

asking her awkward questions, he said.

Like, I said.

Like what exactly can make a boy happy and all that. What

should I do if he is my friend? I dont know whats wrong with that

girl these days. I think youve got hot days coming up for you boy!

he said.

And I knew I was excited the whole day waiting for her

sudden response. After one more week of my ignorance, finally her


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desperation broke loose and she held my hand in the class in front of

everyone, forcing me out in to the park. She twisted my face and

pressured my lips on her, our bodies close as it shouldnt be. And we

both stood there regardless that we were somewhere in a publicplace.

I felt her wet lips and I felt as if I was in heaven. My eyes

closed palpating every bit of her. In a jolt she let me loose, lowered

her face and ran away. I stood their thwarted by her act, stunned and

motionless while she ran away. The entire night passed preoccupied

in her thoughts...She kissed me and I had seen tears in her eyes, afire that had been incinerating her because of my ignorance. A girl

trusted me, a soul different from mine needed me. Her innocent face

reverberating relentlessly and I realised how tough it would have

been on her part to get over to such an extent. That was indeed a

sweet poison.

The next few days she didnt come to the classes and I

didnt have the courage to call hereither. And it was the first time I

realised that she felt embarrassed in front of me. She didnt arrive

until the first day of June. I turned and just gazed at her face that

adorned nothing. Her black eyes gleaming with guilt and her face

fixed at the floor, as if she had been sobbing all her nights, burdened

with the responsibilities of her lifetime.

Tanya! I whispered but she didnt reply and she wouldnt

talk to anyone else either, except for a few chatters with her friends,

only to portraythat she was normal.

The entire class went through numerous controlled shouts at

her from my side. But there came no reply and as soon as the class

ended, my frustration just came over me and I held her hand while

the others were leaving the hall.

Are you fine? I uttered but silence prevailed.


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Instead I felt the shortness of her breath trying to relieve her

captivated soul from the jinxed thought.

Leave me, Ive to go, she merely resisted.

Whats up with you all these days? No calls, no classes.

Whyre you doing all this? I demanded.

For a moment no one spoke, until I saw tears dribbling all

throughout her cheeks.

Tanya, I whispered

I shouldnt have done that, she nearly sobbed.

What? I replied pretending to be innocent.

I mean, and with that her eyes flushed with tears, I

shouldnthave done that.

She finished and wrapped her arms around my neck, and as a

duffer as I am I didnt know how to react to it. She was crying

incessantly in the empty hall. My stomach twisted and my heart beat

raced. She trusted me so much and while the tears trickled down, my

intentions didnt let me go the other way.

Tanya, what has happened? I asked in desperation.

I shouldnt have done that Sagar. My family trusts me. Ive

responsibilities to fulfil. That day when I kissed- and she didnt had

a go at it. Indeed she was a nice Indian girl.

I just felt I broke the strands that bounded me to my

family, she said and my grip on her hand loosened.

Nobody cares for me as you do; nobody loves me as you do

because for my father Im just a burden left behindby my mother,


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she said emptying everything that had gathered inside her all these

days.

My father is senior superintendent of police, and yes I

belong to an esteemed family, she said.

We stood there in the same position though sometimes I felt

her soft hug going tight unevenly.

That night there was a terrible fight among my parents. I

tried to hold them back but my father grabbed my neck and threw

me to the other side of the room. My mother was begging for hisforgiveness but he hammered her head with the chair and since then

she hasnt spoken to me. She lies there in the hospital, paralysed but

she wouldnt speak to her daughter, as if Im motherless. Im an

orphan Sagar! My father holds me back every time, despising the

presence of his daughter only because he wanted a son. Every night

he would come back drunk and in dubious condition, his hands

smelling blood with the million of enemies he had made for himself

and I would find myself caged in a lions den, an object to sooth his

anger. Im all alone and trapped and cant let you be a part of my

agony. He will kill you. Forgive me Sagar; forgive me for ruining

your birth day party. I implored him every minute of mine to just

allow me to go but he slapped me and locked me inside my room. I

wanted to explain all this to you but I never wanted to be a weak

girl. I am not tough now though. I shared everything with you. You

are the best thing to happen to me ever. Sagar-I-I love you. Youre a

true friend to me but again youre a boy,

And these words just galvanised my nerves. She tightened

her hug as a baby does to his precious thing. I felt a drop of tear in

my eyes and she wouldnt leave me either.

Had I been a boy I could have fled to a different world. But

Ive some responsibilities. I have to be a good girl,


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She squared her shoulders and with a final sigh she left me,

arranging the creased suit she was wearing.

I kissed you, I hugged you. I may not be that good now but

I love you as a true friend. I never wanted you apart from me. So I

thought that it would be the only way to make a boy happy, to show

my trust. But-but- she erupted again and hugged me as tightly as

she could. As if perplexed completely in her thoughts and I stood

there as a moron doing nothing to soothe her.

She frayed her face on my chest to rub off her tears while

that childlike touch was hammering me from within. A world where

I saw girls who loved to be the dummies of boys, always ready to let

them have a go at them just for enjoyment. And here I had a girl

who loved me still bounded by the yarn of the society. A girl who

wanted someone where she could lay down her face and lash out all

the agonies of her life and not a boyfriend who just desired her as a

tool, as I did.

My heart ached and for the first time I felt as if I was sinful.

Indeed I was a provoked guy who wanted a girlfriend as a trophy to

boast among my friends. I craved her beauty and that was attraction

not an emotional indulgence that she had for me. Yes, she loved me

but as a friend, and I did the same but overwhelmed by my desire.

Tanya, I said but without a further word she departedleaving me all alone.

Her soft hug that embraced all the trust upon me weighed

down, while the guilt just rose up and I felt a monster swirling

inside.

She didnt talk to me the following day and that continued

for another week. But her eyes clearly evinced the loneliness that

gripped her and it was then I decided something. It was the first

night ever when I was out of my house and on a mission. The


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window on the second floor was hers and I knew her fathers was on

the ground floor. Well not to mention I was not a brilliant climber so

Id brought a ladder borrowed from one of my friends house who

resided just beside her house. I climbed the ladder abruptly until myknee hit the window of the ground floor.

WHOSE THERE? shouted a hoarse drunk voice.

I jumped down the ladder, pulling it down, leaning it on the

wall horizontally.

WHO IN THE HELLs THERE? he demanded and I wassure the voice was of Tanyas father.

I saw the muscular shadow that integrated a revolver. My

heart lost a beat and I rolled to other side of the house. He growled

for a moment and gasped heavily while searching the entire garden

until ceasing at the sight of the ladder.

TANYA! he bellowed, TANYA COME OUT!

The light went on and she emerged out of the window.

What in the bloody hell is this ladder doing here? he

demanded.

I don know, she replied politely.

Don lie to me you useless girl. Whos inside your room?

No one, you can check it father, she mumbled honestly.

My heart was hammering heavily. For a moment or so no

one spoke until that twerp, I mean Tanyas father stood all

convinced and went inside the room displacing the ladder tonowhere. I came out and just gazed at the long tree as an alternative

whose branches ended on her window. For sure I sputtered

numerous curses at her father before climbing it. HUH!!...I hadreally


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never climbed a tree but everythings fair in love and war. I

managed a foot on the bare barks and with numerous falls and marks

of my torn shirt in the process; I survived and climbed the branch

noiselessly.

Tanya, I knocked the window, Tanya, its me Sagar.

And with that the window detonated to life.

SAGAR! she exclaimed.

Whatre you doinghere?

Im here to cheer up mbest friend ever, dumbo!

I giggled and her naive face glowed enthrallingly in the full

moonlight. Indeed she was gorgeous. Her bright eyes were searching

for something that my guilty eyes were doing everything to hide.

Suddenly she threw herself on me, hugging me as tightly as she

could.

Oh Sagar! Why did you do this? Every time I want to forget

you, you stand beside me as always as a true friend. I love you for

that,

The night was lonely and beautiful and that sounded nice. I

thought of it and hugged her tightly with all my might, with all the

boyish intentions but as if something had jolted her. She forced me

apart, breathing heavily and her eyes transfixed as if I did a blunder.

What was that? she fired.

That was unexpected.I swallowed my dry throat.

Nothing, I replied trying hard to be confident.

For sure I was startled by this and I must admit no one can

understand girls for sure.


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I brought this, I said abruptly changing the topic and

presented her with a Cadbury Temptation.

WOW! How do you know I love chocolates?

Just guessed,

Oh thank you! she smiled and hugged me again as if

nothing had happened.

But what concerned me the most was her smile which was

making me lighter. Her soft hands and precious face moved my part.And her giggles that vibrated the hollow room, unperturbed that a

boy sat beside her all alone in a room. In other words, I didnt know

why God made such innocent creatures. Oh God! She really did

trust me beyond anything but beyond that, she was looking

gorgeous.

Sagar, she said.

What?

My mother isnt well. Doctors say she isnt responding well

to the treatment. Ive no one except her, she said in a broken voice.

Well you have me, dont you? I asked her intentionally

and with that she hugged me as securely as she could, though I

didnt push her this time.

Youre my best friend, never break this friendship, she

implored.

No I wont sweetheart, I said and that again broke the hug.

She gazed me for a moment and I somewhat started chewingmy tongue. Of course, she didnt like the word.


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Ok now you must leave, she said and gave me a kiss on

my cheeks.

Goodnight! I replied and climbed the branch of the tree

and started crawling down slowly.

Be careful, she said.

Yeah Im, I had replied just 2-3 foot above the ground

where I lost my grip and landed heavily on the ground.

I raised my head above and she was already laughing. Istood up shamefaced and hastened my steps back home.

Well, all again, throughout the night I was preoccupied in

her thoughts. Her smile, face, hug, and kiss, everything was

continuously reverberating in my mind.

The next day was raining heavily and Tanya was damn wet.

Sagar Im wet. I cannot attend the classes in this pathetic

condition, she said and handed her handbag to me.

Keep it, Ill take it tomorrow. Im leaving for now, she

finished and went away.

The class was boring altogether, however, Id to hide her

handbag well inside my school bag. On reaching home the first

thing that I did was to probe her bag. Not to my amazement the first

thing that came out was a lipstick, then a mirror, a nail polish, a

deodorant, a ponds powder, fair and lovely, an eye liner, a comb and

I only guessed for ShahnazHussain coming out next. Well the next

thing that came out was a small piece of paper. I observed it for a

moment and then opened it.

Hi Mom this is your cutie pie Tanya! Everything is fine at

home. I am taking all the care of dad that I could. But I am still so

small so I cant be exactly what you were. Well what to say, of


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course I am missing you but you will be delighted that these days I

dont feel alone. Mom I know you will be angry but as a good and

obedient girl I want to tell you that I have a friend named Sagar.

Wait! I know he is a boy but he is different. I know honesty andloyalty isnt written on face but I know his heart mom. Sometimes

its too obvious to guess he wants something else but in the end I

know he understands me. Mom, I am sorry again but I had kissed

him and I have also hugged him. I know I am not that a good girl.

But if possible do forgive me. I cant lose the precious gift that God

has gifted me as Sagar. I may be breaking the boundaries but I

assure you mom I keep it as pure as I could. He is my best friendand I love him as a friend. Please dont take this relation the other

way. Doctors say you arent responding to the treatment. Please get

well soon, I need you. Bye.

I read it and I read it twice. It was so cute and honest. I

wrapped up the letter and kept it back in the purse. I knew I

shouldnt have read it but at least I now knew she was under somuch pressure. Did I really want something else out of her or we

were just friends? I introspected and that went throughout the night.

Perhaps I would never know. The next day I returned her handbag

trying to probe deep in to her eyes that evinced something well

combined with childishness and purity.

After the class she usually went along with her friends backhome. But that day I decided to drop her back with an intention to

take out everything out from her heart.

Hey dumbowazzup? Why tracing me today? she giggled

and I replied with a soft smile.

Nothing I wanted to discuss something with you,

And before I could even start, I saw a small boy begging and

before we had even crossed the place, he caught the suit of Tanya.


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Madam please give me something to eat, he implored.

And before she could reply, dont know what struck my

mind and I pushed him aside.

How dare you? Why didnt you ask from a distance you

boofhead? I snapped and moved away with her, while Tanya kept

gazing behind.

You shouldnt have done that, she said.

What? I snapped and with that she ceased.

No it was wrong. It was wrong; you shouldnt have pushed

him that way,

What way? You saw what he did, I snapped back.

Heis a small kid, apologise to him, she nearly shouted.

I wont and you know that well Tanya, I retorted.

No youll have to,

I wont,

Youll have to do that Sagar, she somewhat threatened.

I wont, and I finished.

YOU WILL HAVE TO!

She shouted in the middle of the road and all the eyes were

now stuck on us. With tears trickling down her cheeks, she hurled

towards the boy in indignation and caressed his hairs and from her

purse she handed Rs. 100 to the boy. And without a further look she

hastened her steps, back home leaving me there dumbstruck. In a

moment or so I also skipped that place. The wrath of it was so

intense that I even broke off the pen that she had gifted me. That


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night was the worst; the insult hoveredall over my mind. Crushing

my teeth, I managed to sleep that night with an intention to hurt her

similarly by tomorrow.

Hey! Wheres your girlfriend Tanya?

One of my friends giggled along with his friends when

Tanya was nowhere to be seen. For a moment I thought of punching

all those teeth down his throat, but instead I chose to empty out

everything in front of my friends.

Shes a confused dumb girl if youll believe me buddy, Hesaid, Beauty with brains is a rare commodity. She is just taking you

to the limits. Believe me buddy,

You know you love her and what she does with you is

always done between a boyfriend and a girlfriend. Shes just playin

you between a friend and boyfriend. The brainless girl is confused.

Believe me, dont you stretch it for long. Fridays Valentines day,call her somewhere and let her know what exactly you want, he

finished and I dont know why I felt it was the right thing to do.

We had only a week left at the coaching classes. After

meeting her, I knew I would have no regrets. Either way I would

make the right decision. Tanya was still nowhere to be seen and she

didnt come either for three consecutive classes. And I knew why,only to get away from my anger. HELL! Nor did I try to call her nor

did she. And when I thought this was the end, the phone rang and I

found Tanya on the other side.

Sagar, she whispered.

Yes, I replied straight.

How are you? she asked with all her girlish aura.

Better, is this all you wanted to ask? I snapped.


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For a moment silence prevailed.

No, I mean Im sorry Ijust lost my temper,

AH! No problem withthat. What if I get insulted for a streetboy in the middle of the road, I snapped back.

I never meant it Sagar. I just felt it was wrong,

YA WHY NOT, YOU FELT IT WAS WRONG AND

EVERYTHING GOES BY YOU! I hollered.

No its not that way, youare just soprecious to me. I cant

lose you, and she finally broke into tears.

And thats why you chose not to attend the classes. Let me

go through all the pressure of the world instead of clearing it out in

the beginning. Didnt you? I shouted.

Its not that Sagar, my fathers been threatened with life.Someone has threatened him and his entire family and Im included.

I cant come out, she said.

Listen Tanya, tomorrows our last class. I dont know what

you think of me but I want to make it as straight as I can. Enough of

dummy plays, tomorrows Valentines day and Ill be waiting for

you in the park at exact 6O clock, hope to see you there. I hope

youre not a child to not understand what I exactly mean, I finished

and disconnected the phone.

The whole night I slept with some kind of a relief with

eagerness pounding heavily. With vengeance finally in my mind, the

judgement did lie on her side. But at least I find it allaying that I did

what I really wanted to.

The next day was restless, with news accentuating all around

love on the eve of Valentines Day. Some channels showed few

assailants ruining the cherishing moments of the sweet couples.


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They caught them red handed while they tried hiding their faces,

some beat them and some punished them while the couples

helplessly bowed down to their punishments.

Kids of today!

Dad stressed and then turned towards me. In a flash my face

turned pink.

Mom Im goin out, I said.

Where? Mom probed with her eyebrows raised.

I have an extra coaching class today. Will come late, I

finished and lunged outside the house.

I felt my heart beating unevenly. What if she refused?-What

if she accepted?-Or what if she didnt turn up?-Well of course that

would be the worst. My mind raced all along. I had handsomely

combed my hair, sprayed the deodorant and obviously I had a rosein my left hand. Finally, it was the day I always awaited. Today

everything will be fine forever. I watched the time by my watch. It

was already 6 pm that meant Tanya would be there any moment. I

jolted and within few minutes I was in the centre of the park that

was empty.

I searched but she was nowhere to be seen and my heartsank. I waited for another fifteen minutes but still there was no sign

of her. I crushed my fists and teeth and a drop of tear rolled down

my cheeks. She refused then, I concluded and as I turned to leave I

saw someone running in haste. I rubbed my eyes for a better look-It

was Tanya, I breathed. She forcefully made her way through those

bushes unperturbed that people might be looking at her.

Tanya, I whispered and her steps concluded.


26/89

I bent my eyes at her feet that were bleeding and her suit that

was torn at her hands. She had climbed down her window. I raised

my head again in concern. Her wet eyes caressed me as if this was a

meeting after a million years. Her face clearly evinced the tormentthat she was enduring.

Tanya, I said and without a word she jumped on me, her

arms wrapped around me as firmly as she could. I suffocated for a

while.

Hey! Calm down,

I retorted but she didnt listen, rather she caught hold of me

even tighter and in no moment I felt as if she was devastated, no but

overburdened. I forced myself out of unconsciousness and as I did, I

saw a number of brawny men behind her and before I could even

shout they hammered her head with a heavy blow by a weapon. I

was thrown backwards while her eyes fleshed out in shock.

Unknowingly, she turned but the other guy pierced the knife deep

into her chest.

SAGAR!

And that was her final word. I ran hoarsely on them. One of

the guys caught and punched me a feet backwards. But those fiends

didnt stop. The third one stabbed her incessantly and brutally whilethe fourth monster crushed her face by her feet. He stomped his boot

on her dead face again and again and he continued doing that

fiercely for another few seconds until he was grabbed by one of his

men.

Stop it now! Run before we are caught, said one of them.

Wait, spoke the other.

He went closer and spat on her motionless body with

complete hatred. They altogether fled from the place. Shock and


27/89

agony gripped me. I forced myself on to my feet but couldnt have a

go for it. I crawled on the ground and caught her naive body that laid

dead.

Tanya, speak to me. TANYA! I screamed in desperation

but she didnt reply.

Her eyes that once soothed my anger now bulged out of her

existence. Her smile that vowed felicity now stretched in disbelief.

Her soul that was pure, honest and caring as always, now wished

one more life so that she could live a life with parents, friends and

happiness. I touched her fist that firmly held something in her soft

hands glued close to her chest. I forced it open and from it came out

a letter.

I wiped my tears off and unfolded the letter.

Dear Dumbo!

You have been the pillar of my survival ever since I had lost

hope of it. I found you as a true friend whenever I needed you,

someone so special and caring who was always there to help me out

and made me happy. And that is something that never has been

mine, my smile. Thank you for being a reason to it. Yes I love you

but beyond the impediments of the society. I never got what I always

wanted but I did get someone who was my everything. Sagar, youreeverything to me and to make you happy I can do anything because I

cant lose you. But at the same time I have to be a good girl who

respects the traditions and sentiments of her family. I have my

responsibilities Sagar, but I have your friendship too. Ever since I

lost my mother there has been no one but you on whose shoulders I

laid my head and cried. I cannot lose you. And its only for you I am

doing this, defying my father, my mom and my life even though myfamily is under threat. I hope I made you happy because if I wont

then I dont deserve to live. For me you will always be my best

friend and your happiness matters to me more than anything even


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though I have to bow down and be what you want me to be. Keep

smiling .

That collapsed my life. My selfishness, my desires and my

intellect to heed to my friends only for my lust obliterated a selfless

soul. And my tears never ceased. I slammed my fist in desperation.

TANYA! I hollered but she didnt move. She was dead.

Well they say sometimes that there are few things you get or

gifted once in life. And I did get that opportunity. God once gifted

me a soft smile, a soul who considered me and not desired me.Someone who loved me but as a friend.Someone who believed me

as her saviour.Her smile that had nothing hidden, her concerns for

values and emotions, her wish to be loved and cared, something that

had all gone in vain.

I was no different, but a boy who ignored everything in my

lust and not a friend who solaced her. Indeed, fire and candle cannotco-exist. Her mother died a week later and his father underwent a

tragic death. As if she was a charm that bounded their lives and a

prettiness that sparked stressed moments to happiness. And my heart

that was fondled by her gleaming eyes still yearns for those

moments when we were beyond the impediments of the society,

treasuring all the happiness in the world.

Sagar.

Those words still rebound in my mind that underlined all the

trust that an innocent girl could have offered to a boy, still

maintaining the composure of her friendship. She valued me as a

friend to an extent of doing anything to make me happy. Sitting in

this mental asylum I know I lose my mental stability but whenever I

am sane, I do feel guilty for my sins.

Tanya...This world didnt deserve you...Hope youre at a

better place.


29/89

I just await death to see that charming and naive face all

again and of course I will apologise to her for everything then.


30/89

2 A TRIP ON TRAIN

The railway station was never so haunting, for the day still

stalks me. Years have passed but I still find myself bounded along

the edges of that night. Thoughts of everything before that are

vague, but I can recall everything of that journey. Except for few of

those night shifters and the reminders of the train timings by the

announcing lady, there was not a single sign of life. The weather

was chill and shadowy while those dark clouds shrouded the

whiteness of the moon. I turned and saw not a single passenger

waiting for the train. Well, I was in Kolkata and I had to be in Delhi

within two days to submit my registration fees for the second

semester. But for my misfortune, I failed to get the reservation for

the following day. And to be there on time I couldnt find a better

train than PurvaKranti, cheap and best.

Though college was my second home, but it was dejecting to

travel on the New Year eve. I easily got a reservation for that day

through my travel agent in the sleeper class. I saw the time and the

train was already late by ten minutes. I checked my ticket and the

nameShishir was clearly mentioned on it.

The whole systems wretched! I cursed.

I bent my head and I saw an old gentleman at a distance

waiting probably for some other train. It provided me some relief. I

sighed and coughed out my frustration. The wind croaked and

hurled through the straight track of the railway and swirled swiftly at

the platform.

A wind slapped my cheeks and a frisson shot through my

body. Soon a thunder roared through the clouds that twisted my

heart in fear. Now it had started to rain with the wind going intense.

For sure it was too early to lose heart by witnessing a lifeless station


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that is usually jam-packed. But again that day was different, because

in few hours was the arrival of the New Year. I raised my head at

the sky. Those cloggy clouds resembled a serpent fleshing out its

tongue to suck every bit of optimism that I tried to arise. I stretchedmy clothes to cover every bit of my body until the announcement

hollered the station. PurvaKranti was standing on platform number 4

and I rushed to the place. Well, not to my amazement I was the only

passenger to board the train; nevertheless, I mustered the courage

and entered the train. I rolled out the ticket to confirm my berth that

happened to be number thirteen. My heart sank with ominous

rumblings of discontent.

The train kicked off in fifteen minutes and I shuttered the

window, though peeping through it occasionally to witness the fury

of nature. For sure the night was frightening and the thought of

being alone in the entire train indeed seemed strange. I took out a

novel and tried to engross myself, stretching my back on my berth.

It did make me feel better and I was lighter than before. Suddenly, Ifelt someone standing beside me. My heart throbbed and I felt a

warm breath. I startled and turned back instantly.

Good evening Sahib, one of the pantry car servers greeted

me, Would you like some tea?

No-no, I replied flatly.

Ok sir, he finished and moved forwards. I suspired trying

to lash out the blows my heart was taking upon.

But sir, the man came back and I barely managed my torso

to turn to look at him, It seems an odd day to sell tea, not a single

customer...

The man said sarcastically. He smiled and I replied back

similarly.


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Still Iould like you to be cautious...I hope it doesnt

reiterate but I must admit a year has passed since that sinister

incident. So hold down your nerves! the man laughed and moved

on just adding something adverse to my anxiety. I wiped off mysweat trying hard to divert my mind.

The next few hours went uneventful. Not a single pantry-car

server came back, not even to ask for the dinner. I continued with

the novel getting frightened occasionally by those cracking noises of

the thunders outside.

Soon the lights fluctuated and in a flash it was all gone.

Silence prevailed and I felt like standing beside a swampy river

bank. I turned around; there was no sign of life except the atrocious

rumblings of remote thunders and splatters of the rain drops. The

exit door burst to open wide and my heart lost a beat. The cold

breeze arrested my lungs and I felt being suffocated to death.

Suddenly, the chillness of the weather was dwarfed by an ominous

darkness. No sign of light: moonlight and the weather became more

insensate. Within the darkness something shone brightly beneath the

berth beside the exit door.

Whos there? I probed and went closer.

An underage girl sat there, waiving her feet, unperturbed. I

slewed and then moved slowly towards that innocent-looking girl.She beamed in the vivid darkness, untouched by the treacherous

weather. The girl raised her head with a soft smile, her eyes so

enamouring.

E-exc- excuse me-w-whatre you

doinhere? I asked in a trembling voice.

The girls smile widened and I saw her eyes

going pale. She opened her mouth to say something

but the splashing sounds prevented it from reaching.


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S-sorry but I couldnt get you, I said.

The girl stood up and screamed in such an atrocious voice

that I staggered and the next moment the lights reappeared.

Traumatized by it, I startled to get back to my senses. The girl had

vanished. Trembling, I rushed to cross the path where the girl had

sat. My heart paced enormously as if it would burst out any moment.

I hurled and closed the door.

I felt the sweat soaking my entire face. I rushed back to my

seat andchanged it uttering all the phrases and songs of God that I

managed to recall. I opened my eyes and somehow felt better,

making myself believe that everything was fine and the girl was just

a hallucination.

I threw myself on the seat trying hard to close my eyes but

even the slightest of sound was resonating with my heart beat. Well,

PurvaKranti had only three stoppages on its way and no one was to

board the train except in Kanpur. The train reached Kanpur around 3

am at night and by then I had already recited the Hanuman Chalisa

11 times! Initially no one was in sight but soon the train got jam

packed by a hoarse crowd.

With ladies, children, beggars all around and I was forced to

let 5 people accommodate on my seat. Nevertheless, their presence

was better than to have no one on the train at all. I was like throwingsome awkward smiles at them.

On my front sat a young lady of around 20 years age and an

old man who probably seemed to be her grandfather. My eyes just

got stuck on the lady who was incessantly staring out of the window.

The weather was still hazy outside.

Are you all going to Delhi? I asked especially to the young

lady and her grandfather.

Yeah of course, she replied.


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I turned around to have a better look of the crowd. Everyone

appeared settled. On the lower side berth sat a fat lady wearing a

black sari and on her lap slept a motionless child. The lady

continued gazing outside the window. Indeed that dressing senseand her tantrik-ish way of sitting along with that child seemed

unusual.

Strange, I uttered on which the lady smiled.

You seem to be in a trauma already...I think the journey has

drained you off, she said and I just took it as a compliment. I

smiled back at her, delighted that the lady was giving me special

attention. For a while no one spoke.

Excuse me, I said and stood up for toilet.

I managed my way through the scattered crowd all over the

floor. But my eyes struck somewhere. On the adjacent coach sat a

bride dressed all in red and her face concealed by her sari. I ran myeyes and observed something strange. The groom was nowhere in

sight while the entire family seemed to be a sullen Barat. Not a trace

of happiness was visible on their faces. Some of them cried in an

inauspicious manner. I continued moving forwards.

I knocked the door of the toilet just to make sure that no one

was inside and as I was about to open it someone came out from it.

Oh sorry! I apologised.

But that someone just passed through my body unperturbed.

My mind rung the bell and I was like hammered to the bottom. It

had passed through my body. I turned back but there was no one in

sight. I palpated my body; it was young and alive as it was moments

ago. Then what was it?My eyes widened in disbelief. I decided togo back to my seat and this time I saw the brides face. Itwas all

white; her eyes fixed on the ground and from her eyes dripped


35/89

something. The night had brought numerous unusual things to sight

but yes I wasnt prepared for this.

Hey are you fine? I explodedbut she didnt reply and none

of her family members heeded to turn back. I went a bit closer and

what I saw was extreme baleful, it was blood.

Is everything fine? I repeated on which she burst into an

afflictive cry. I raised my hand to shrug her, but someone from her

family caught hold of her hair in frustration and in a flash fired a

thunderous slap.

The bride was on the floor, motionless. My heart jumped and

I knew something creepy was going around. For moments I gazed at

them who took no notice of me. I ignored as if nothing had

happened and hurled back to my seat. My heart throbbed badly as

ever. What was going on was indeed unanticipated. My mom used

to tell that there were certain events and sights that can never be

explained and in such situations we must recall god and ignore it, or

it will just grapple our minds. For sure, nemesis traced me since

evening. However, that young ladys presence did make me feel

better.

What happened? the lady probed.

Nothing, I replied flatly.

Oh! Your sweat says it all...Did you see something...I mean

disturbing? she said rather politely and I was like swimming in the

depth of her large eyes. I emptied everything to her.

Well, thats strange, she said.

No! It isnt, suddenly her grandfather erupted who hadbeen listening to our conversation since the beginning.


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Young minds you all are. Think of applying science

everywhere. Ask me and Ill tell you all the creepy-crawly feelings

that come while travelling on a train, her grandfather growled.

What do you mean? I asked.

HA HA...I have broken my nose, cracked my torso,

fractured my wrist and jumped off trains long before you first started

travelling on train, Son! he continued.

Therere stories, tales and instances that many people have

witnessed. They are sure that there exist powers from the other side.But I daresay, you look around at nights, at the passengers and

youll know you never needed those creepy stories.

He now sat straight while others on the train had now slept.

The lady continued to watch my changing expressions. The thunder

cracked the sky outside and rain still splashed the windows of the

train.

Every time you travel on this kind of weather, every time

you travel on a train and every time you feel something stalking,

make yourself aware that youre being haunted. At nights when you

sleep beside that side berth of this train with windows wide open,

just never peep outside it...Who knows you witness a banshee or a

small girl glued on there. Son, when I say, I mean it. When peopledie a tragic death they just dont go. Some stay back. They stay back

because they wanted to live. We cannot deny that unfortunate

incidents did happen on trains and hence their fates, even after their

deaths have been tied with it. Long ago mboy when I was as young

as you, I got a side berth, he paused for a cough.

I felt better thatI was at least getting diverted from the

thoughts of todays incidents.

And I was delighted to be there, for it was my favourite

seat. As night falls, we all slacken for a better sleep and it was


37/89

around May. The weather was hot outside so I decided to not shutter

the window and that proved to be a very wrong decision. In no time,

I was deep in sleep while my stomach sputtered smoothly after the

nights meal. The calm night brooded nothing around my mind,lashing all the exasperation of the day. The wind twiddled with the

coveted chillness, but that was till midnight. Oh yes that was

haunting!

He recalled, lost completely in his thoughts and his eyes

transfixed on the window. I engrossed myself in the conversation

while the lady stared at her grandfather. She looked beautiful in thedim light of the coach. The conversation was occasionally providing

me with an opportunity to stare at her. I would often turn my face

before she could notice me.

Suddenly the flow of the wind fluctuated and my sleep

came to a break. The train whistled hoarsely. I opened my eyes and

everyone on the train was already slumbering. I sat back and started

observing the lighted villages at a distance with numerous cultivated

lands all in a flow and in a flash something shrieked and got pasted

on the window, he paused again and swallowed his throat. He then

resumed.

She was a girl, all white, gazing me and in no moment she

was gone. My heart lost a beat and in a hurry I shuttered the window

unperturbed that I just broke my nose while doing so. That image is

still clear, a white face that adorned all the innocence. But even her

pale insensate eyes said something...Something of a tragedy...People

say that years ago a girl died after being crushed by the train. While

she could have been saved with only her legs being cut off, but none

tried to save her, while the little girl shrieked imploringly in pain.

She died an hour later.

He ceased and turned towards me, his eyes reminded me of

the small girl I saw today. I might have seen the same girl. I swayed


38/89

my head. The lady continued smiling. I was still lost in her beauty.

But to my amazement none from the pantry came asking for the

dinner. Nor was I interested anymore. She gave a soft smile and I

did the same.

Seem to recall something, she giggled.

Oh no! I startled.

You know boy, every time you board a train, every time

you turn towards any passenger, trust no one...Who knows who is

from the darker side!

He started laughing that was so unexpected and unusual that

Id to control my nerves. The fat lady in black sari sitting on the side

berth still gazed outside the window and the child on her lap slept

unharmed by the outer world. But her posture was not at all social. I

turned back.

Decades ago a marriage occurred in a distant village and

they merrily boarded the train to Delhi. The bride was glossy in that

red sari and the Barat tuned on to a marriage song. They received all

the greetings from the passengers. The groom sat shyly beside the

bride, and as if a felicitous life awaited them, something proved

fatal,

He paused and then chewed his tongue.

He then continued.

While crossing the river over a bridge, the bridge broke in

two halves and thousands of passengers fell deep inside the river.

Numerous got caught helplessly in the train and hundreds of them

died. The bodies of the newly married couple were never recovered.Well, a new bridge was constructed and soon everything was

forgotten. Trains now pass smoothly as ever. But son, dead never

forgets its death. It also wants to live a life they deserved like us and


39/89

in doing so they stay back. I had heard this story a hundred times but

never did I believe it until 20 years back. I was on a train and I

didnt have a reservation. So I sat beside the bathroom as usually

people do. The door was wide open and the wind rejuvenated all thespirit of going back home again. After few hours of the journey the

train crossed a river, swampy and ominous as it seemed in the

darkness. The aroma of the wet soil didnt allow me to close the

door. I continued gazing at the river. Suddenly, numerous shrieks

and hollers filled the air. I galvanised to look around. The shouts

were chafing and in no time my mind pictured the faces of people

scattered all over the river, yelling and struggling for every bit of air.I saw a small baby floating dead on the water. I saw an old man

drowning while his eyes begged for life. I saw a bride and groom

holding their hands intact and washed away by the flow of the river.

I saw the dead showing me the flashes of pain that they underwent.

Daunted, I rose to close the door. But something resisted and I

fought back. The sounds were now piercing my ears and in that

quick struggle I crushed my hands that remained useless for at least

two months.

My heart throbbed as the train roared over a bridge. Well,

my mom used to tell me that the dead repeats the way it died every

time it gets a chance. They always want the living to know that they

were also alive once.

I have heard boats being drowned along with many

passengers boarding it and those who died haunt the path forever. I

heard my grandfather once sharing the incident that how he once

confronted the dead rising from the depth of the river. While

crossing the river on a boat at midnight, his feet just touched the

water but in no time something caught his feet. As if it wanted to

topple him over. As if it wanted to save his life. Nevertheless, heresisted and that creature went back into the depth of the water with

ominous shrieks of pain.


40/89

The lady still watched me with interest. After moments of

silence she handed me a cup of coffee which I accepted. The sky

thundered while the nature seemed in no mood to soothe her wrath.

Her grandfather resumed.

At nights when you sleep you may feel people still moving

around in the train, going to toilets or anything else even at the dead

of the night. Or train stopping at unknown places and people still

boarding the train. Well my son Ive heard people addressing them

as one of those restless souls who lost their lives somehow or other

on a train. And Ive seen one myself. Once I got a seat close to thedoor and thus to the bathroom. And after an hour of sleep I was

frustrated to the limits by the moving crowd that after every 3

minutes or so went to the bathroom. I opened my eyes and started

yelling at them but to my surprise there stood no one except a young

man who glared at me dangerously and in a flash vanished. Well,

strange and eerie things do happen on trains often and I think this

night is no different.

As he finished a thunder stroke the ground at a distance in

one of those cultivated lands. The sound sparked something and the

lights fluctuated as if an earth quake caught the train. I managed

myself and gulped a long breath. The lady sat still, but concerned

and her grandfather with an expression of a distinguished

satisfaction. The child on the womans lap was now awake andstarted to utter a loud cry that wasnt so childish. The woman ran her

eyes all over the child with intense hatred and then slammed her fist

on his forehead.

Hey what was that for!

I yelled out of sympathy for the infant. The lady and her

grandfather were on their feet too, astonished. The other passengers

were now awake, staring at me. The lady raised her head and what I

saw arrested my heart. She had no eyes, as if she only wore the


41/89

body. I staggered but the lady and her grandfather were still calm.

The woman now came to action and in a second she opened the

window pane (the window was an emergency exit) and threw the

child outside the moving train.

I swallowed my dry throat. She now stood on to her feet and

her huge laughter hollered and within seconds she vanished. I turned

back and to my amazement not a single passenger sat there.

Everyone vaporized to nothing. My soul was shaken beyond

imagination and I felt like fainting. The entire train was empty again

except the young lady and her grandfather.

W-w-what w-was th-that? I stammered.

They were all ghosts, no one was alive, the lady said.

How do you know? I asked, still stunned.

Theres an old saying boy, what you see is not always the

truth. A year ago, I had to attend my daughters marriage and whi le

boarding the running train in Kanpur, my legs just slipped and I

came under it, cut into two halves. Since, then I dearth to complete

that incomplete journey.

Her grandfather finished and like a vapour it got lost

somewhere. I wanted to shout but nothing came out of my mouth. I

had just spent an entire night with ghosts! The lady sat there and

gave a soft smile as if nothing had happened.

You knew everything! I said and she nodded her head.

But-but how?

If you think you saw everything, I assure youthat the worse

is yet to come, she said and something struck her.


42/89

She rolled her head awkwardly, her hairs dancing unevenly

and when it cleared and her face was visible, I saw the worse-I saw

the death.

Her eyes were swollen, face rotten and had gone purple. The

silkiness of her body evinced the hollowness she sustained. Her

skull-face gave a loud cry and I shouted together. She laughed and I

cried. She bent to touch me and as I thought I was dead she

disappeared. My lips trembled and heart forged my brains

soundlessly. I wanted to run but I laid there motionless until

morning till the authorities found me and took me to the hospitalwhere I was treated out of insanity for over a month.

Even though that night passed and I am still alive but now I

despise travelling on a train, especially at night. Not because that

travelling is something I do not like, but because I got an experience

that I would never forget even in my wildest of dreams. Well, I

know there are millions who board a train daily, but one suggestion

to them all.

Look around as who knows a dead might be sitting beside

you or roaming around the train in the midst of the night as a despair

soul. Or just glued on your window to take you on a ride of your

lifetime!

Have a happy journey!


43/89

3 THE SPICY BET

The weather was ecstatic and so was the mood all around.

The park in the outskirts of the city was surrounded by numerous

residential houses. The park was visited by Children, old-aged

people, mothers and fathers alike. And why would they not? For

them the park was the best place to recreate and rejuvenate

themselves. It had a huge sprinkler in the centre, surrounded by tall

trees and beautiful flowers. It had everything, from seesaw to rope

bridges toslide tojungle gym to sandbox and you can just count on.

But the best part of it was its location at the side of a natural lake.

At the corner was a young boy in his twenties waiting

eagerly for someone. By his looks he did not appear to be a native.

He had shaved his entire face and was dressed in Capri and a

branded T-Shirt that clearly quoted:

I am not anti-society, but society is anti-me ;)

He continuously stared at the bench that was at the corner

below a beautiful artificial palm tree. The children, most of them

belonging to kindergarten, jumped around the slide at a distance,

while few passive ones made houses of sands in the sand box.

He turned sideways and to his utter nuisance a guy of around

the same age as he was, read a newspaper, peeping through it

occasionally at the bench. He ran a grocery shop at the gates of the

park. He would always wear fancy loose shirts (that appeared

borrowed of course) and varied coloured pants that didnt match his

personality. He threw a dark look at the man and engrossed himself

in reading again. There had been an untold and unspoken cold war

persisting between them. They were eagerly waiting for the beauty

of the town named Ishika. Every evening she would spend half an

hour alone on the bench reading a novel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playground_slidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_gymhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_gymhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playground_slide


44/89

The Society Within Me

However, that was something none of these two gentlemen

cared. But they indeed had their own peculiar ways to gain her

attention. In a flash both of them were on their feet when they saw

her approaching the bench. She was dressed attractively in her pink

top and blue jeans.

She was adorable.

They thought and their mouth fell wide open. She stretched

the cheeks of one of the children who crossed by her. Their heartrose to the seventh heaven.

I wish it was me.

They both gulped at the same time. The grocer, dressed in

awkward shirt was frustrated by her daily ignorance. He had almost

ruined his business during the peak hours, at what time she usually

sat in the park. He wanted to take the chance. She leaned on the

bench and started reading the novel in her own appealing way. He

stood and slowly walked in front of her. He crossed her almost ten

times, but in vain. She didnt even take a note of him. Sorrow

engulfed his heart. The other one wearing the quoted green T-shirt

took this by his ego. Surely he could not allow someone else take his

chance. He rushed and did the same thing the other guy had donebefore, but with no use. Ishika continued reading while their hearts

sank deeper and deeper.

Fed up, he turned back and saw the previous guy sitting on

the bench at a distance. He slowly walked and sat beside him. For

moments none of them spoke, until he decided to break words.

I am Xavier,

The grocer who was still in shock and anger, looked at him.


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I am Siddharth, said the grocer.

Xavier wondered how to start but with lots of courage he

managed to speak.

She is mine, stammered Xavier.

Siddharth instantly looked back at him. He chewed his

mouth unevenly before he spoke.

I have been tracing her since a year, snapped Siddharth.

So what she is not your patent! I am the one she deserves,

snapped back Xavier.

Oh really! What makes you think so?

Siddharth almost snarled.

My father is a successful Real-estate broker, said Xavier

with pride.

Well, then you got nothing of your own success story. I run

the most successful shop in the entire area. I work hard and I earn

more than sufficient to feed her, said Siddharth who was

completely offended by now.

Xavier was now on his feet. He crushed his fist to bully himwith his muscles.

I tell you I can do anything for her, roared Xavier.

Well, then I must warn thatI can corner you anytime I wish

and chop off your head in an instant. I warn you little rich boy!

barked Siddharth.

At a distance Ishika continued going through her novel,

unperturbed that aMahabharatawas about to unleash on her name.

Just at the side on the other bench was sitting an old man in his


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sixties. He had a long beard and a flat but stern face. He had a

hairless head that shone dimly under the evening sun. He had been

observing the two boys quarrelling among themselves since long.

He slowly walked and sat beside them. Both Siddharth and Xavierwent silent. The old man looked at them and smiled.

Whyre you laughing? snarled Xavier.

Oh! Sorry if it bothered you. My name is Vivek, said the

old man apologetically.

So? queried Siddharth.

You happen to be a Baniya by caste, if I am not wrong?

said Vivek.

Siddharth startled and nodded in reply.

And you have no mother and father? asked Vivek.

Yes, but how come you know all this? asked Siddharth.

I have been gifted with some supernatural powers to

predict, said Vivek.

But Xavier was amused by the thought. He grinned.

Oh young boy, you doubt me! exclaimed Vivek.

No offence but all these are not of my concern, said Xavier

in a hoarse voice.

Well, I know your concern is to get a job to prove your

father. That is why you are staying so far from your house at your

aunts place, said Vivek and started combing his beard.

Xavier was taken aback. How come the man knows

everything about them? He wondered.


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Ah dont worry young lads. I am in a mood to predict.

Seeing you two so distressed, I am willing to predict something for

your benefit, said Vivek humbly.

Both of them looked back at each other, perplexed what to

reply. They both simultaneously turned towards Ishika who was

deeply immersed in her novel. Vivek roared to huge laughter.

So it is love, said Vivek softly.

We both like her but none of us know whom she likes the

most or who deserves her, said Siddharth in a breath.

The man closed his eyes and thought for a while.

Bring those two flowers for me, said Vivek and Xavier

rushed for it.

He plucked two roses and handed it over to him. He crushed

the flowers by his fist and closed his eyes again. Both of them werebaffled by this sudden change in events. Their minds raced

awkwardly.

She deserves both of you and you both have equal chances

to win her love, said Vivek opening his eyes.

But-but, stammered Siddharth.

Usually they wont believe in such superstitions. But the

man had shown them the light; they had been stalking her but with

no progress. Besides they had each other as competitions to deal

with. They both had the chance which obviously none of them

wanted to miss.

What would you have us do then? probed Xavier.

They observed him closely through his large black eyes. His

face contracted and suddenly he appeared vicious than ever.


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What can you doto win over her? asked Vivek.

I can give my life for her! replied Siddharth instantly while

Xavier wondered. He was still perplexed but surely he could not let

his rival win over him.

And even I, said Xavier in a low voice.

Are you sure? asked Vivek.

On my life! hollered Siddharth.

Xavier didnt reply further. He was still unsure whether the

man was dragging them into a trap.

Vivek glared at Ishika for a moment. She lowered her novel

and looked back at him. Her eyes were transfixed at the man as if

she was hypnotised. Xavier and Siddharth were in shock. How the

man was able to do what he was doing?

Very well, if you really love her and want her in your life

then meet me here in the park at 12 am, said Vivek slowly.

What will happen then? asked Siddharth.

What have you done to her? inquired Xavier.

Just made sure she is also present here at 12, said Vivek.

That is blood magic my boy and the one deserving will take

her away forever, finished Vivek and went away.

Both Xavier and Sidhharth winked at each other and parted

soon thereafter.

The night was dark, shrouded in silence. Siddharth was thefirst one to arrive at the park. He searched around but found no one.

Moments later, he spotted a dark figure approaching him from the

other side of the park. He was Xavier.


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So, you decided to come here, said Siddharth curtly.

12 am at night with a magician and a pervert. I couldnt

leaveIshika all alone here in the hands of a twerp like you. Besides

my love is true enough and no magic can pull me back from uniting

with her, snapped Xavier who was now dangerously close to him.

Oh boy! You have taken it to whole new level.Now even if

I have to cut out my liver for her, I will do it! But I will never in my

wildest of dreams let you get even an inch closer to her, said

Siddharthin a warning tone. They breathed heavily and a fight was

imminent but out of nowhere Vivek arrived.

Its time we start! shouted Vivek.

They threw dark looks at each other and then walked

towards him. He wore a black gown that covered his entire body and

a black eye mark on his forehead. Siddharth and Xavier ceased at a

distance from him. Without a word he walked towardssome bushesthat were dry and surrounded plantations of roses within it. Beyond

the thorny bushes and flowers was the bench where Ishika sat.

Vivek was performing some rituals on the bushes and the flowers.

He spread ashes all over it. Siddharth and Xavier observed the entire

process with apprehension. Slowly he stood up, reciting some

mantras and then walked towards the bench.

Siddharth appeared eager to try any challenge that stood

between him and Ishika, while Xavier was still trying to decipher

the cryptic events that had unfolded. What was this all about and

why was the man helping them? Surely he desired something in

return.

Suddenly they saw Ishika walking towards them. She walked

as if she was possessed; her eyes wide open and face paler. Her long

silky hairs covered her entire face. Xaviers heart throbbed


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incessantly. He was bewildered but everything they witnessed did

portray one thing, the man did have some supernatural powers.

Siddharth lashed out his suspicions and rubbed his hands,

dreaming high of the moment when he would be finally with his

love. Ishika walked and sat on the bench while Vivek scattered

ashes all over her. Her expressions changed and for their relief, she

appeared human again.

She looks damn beautiful! said Xavier amazed by her

beauty under the street lights.

Siddharth crushed his teeth in displeasure. Vivek was now

standing in front of them.

Why is she here and what exactly have you done to her?

barked Xavier.

Vivek gave a momentary look at him and then laughed.

She has been enchanted and directed by me to make a

decision that with whom she will like to spend her entire life, said

Vivek.

Siddharth smiled at the thought.

And how would she do it? queried Xavier.

By your actions, replied Vivek flatly.

They both looked at each other and then back at him.

You will compete against each other, prove your worth and

then you can have Ishika, said Vivek in a breath.

What competition? asked Siddharth.

Vivek smiled and took out some ropes from his hand bag.

Without a word further he started tying Siddharths hands.


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Whatre you doing? hollered Siddharth.

Xavier galvanised and went a step backward.

Preparing you for the task ahead, said Vivek.

What if I refuse? snapped Xavier.

Vivek threw a dark stare at him, as if he was offended. His

eyes appeared to bulge out in anger. Xavier stammered and slowly

moved back.

What I did in the morning was blood magic boy. The

flowers you brought are jinxed by an unbreakable vow. You cannot

go back on what you agreed to be a part of. Leave the place and

youre cursed for life, moreover, you will lose Ishika forever,

growled Vivek.

Xavier opened his mouth to speak but swallowed his words

back. He paused, thought for a moment. A storm bewildered himwithin. He breathed heavily. He stared Ishika for a while who was

sitting there naively. He cannot let a doubt overshadow his entire

life in a fear of misery and curse.

What do you want us to do? said Xavier.

Vivek smiled and started tying their hands one by one. He

made them sit in front of the bench on which Ishika was sitting. He

took out something that appeared more like chillies.

This will determine your patience and determination to win

her, said Vivek.

What is this? said Xavier in a shaky voice.

This is BhootJolokia, said Vivek.


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Xavier winced and struggled to untie the ropes but in vain.

BhootJolokia was known for being one of the hottest peppers in the

world. The smile vanished from Siddharths face. He rather gazed at

the trees behindas if he was looking for someone.

Dont worry my boy. Pain is temporary. Look at the future

that enwraps nothing but happiness and peace, said Vivek calmly to

soothe Xavier who was almost losing his nerves.

What is the bet? asked Siddharth sharply.

Eat ten of this and she is yours. While for theone who fails;his eyes will be torn apart from his body as a sacrifice to the Gods.

The Gods are compassionate, do this and he will bless you with

what you desire, said Vivek.

Xavier struggled hard. The prospect of losing his eyes

hammered his heart relentlessly. Siddharth thought for a moment but

he agreed. Xavier appeared to be in trauma, he glared at him inshock. Vivek was now holding a sharp knife ready to chop off the

eyes of the loser. Xavier scuffled with the ropes. He choked with his

eyes lumping out in fear.

I REFUSE-I REFUSE! shouted Xavier.

If you leave now without a fight. BELIEVE ME I WILL

NOT DISMAY THE GODS WHO SEEK NOTHING BUT A

SACRIFICE MADE! YOU HAVE INVOKED UNMATCHABLE

POWERS BY TAKING PART IN THIS RITUAL!I would do

anything to solace the angry Gods. Your eyes will be sliced out

anyhow, bellowed Vivek.

For moments no one spoke. It was now up to him to decide.

Xavier turned to look at Siddharth helplessly, but to his shock, heappeared as calm as ever. He swallowed his dry throat and

controlled his nerves. He crawled a bit and then slowly raised

himself on to his feet. Numerous BhootJolokias were spread on a


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ragged cloth. He took the first chilly and looked at Vivek who

appeared nothing less than a mortician.

With awe and tears in his eyes, he chewed the first one. He

felt the world upside down. His mind was in catastrophe and his

tongue exhaled fire. He was on the floor with his hands twisting

awkwardly within the tied rope. Siddharth breathed hard on the

realisation of being the next victim of BhootJolokia. Breathing fast

he took the other one and in an instant his eyes were streaming with

water.

Water, shouted Xavier.

WATER!

But in vain.Vivek continued offering prayers on the name of

his Gods.

He ate the third one. His stomach flexed and he started to

have unstoppable hiccups. He crushed his stomach and violently

crawled on the ground. Siddharth was watching this calmly while

Ishika looked at them sternly, lost in the world of her own.

He took the other one and then the next one and the count

was now to five. Usually even a piece of the pepper rips ones

consciousness. But the thought of losing his eyes had kept the brave

man going. He was down to five and the fight for him was between

an excruciating pain of now or a slow torture on the long run. He ate

the sixth one and it appeared he was possessed and crucified. It was

now beyond his limits and his body distorted in a deplorable way.

He cried and shrieked painfully and with an admirable courage, he

ate the next at one go, taking the count to seven.

Siddharth watched everything calmly.

He crushed his fist with his eyes bulging out and nostrils

lurching for every inch of air. He swallowed the eighth and by now


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his entire face had gone red. He opened his mouth to yell in pain but

nothing came out of it. His throat was dry, choking him out. He took

the ninth one and by now he had lost all his senses. He raised the

tenth one. He opened his mouth to eat. His hands trembled and inthe very moment he realised either he would die eating this one or

he would lead a life without his eyes. The latter appeared better.

Surely where there is life there is hope. He fainted.

Vivek roared into a huge laughter.

TO THE GODS ABOVE, I OFFER THIS SACRIFICE TO

YOU! hollered Vivek.

He took the knife and went closer to him. Xavier had

collapsed with his hands tied. He brought the knife closer and as it

appeared he would cut off his eyes he was pushed back.

Siddharth! breathed Vivek.

Siddharth had a knife of his own which he had used to cut

off the ropes. He held the man by his throat.

You treacherous scum! said Siddharth in a disgusted voice.

Ishika attacked her like a psycho witch. Suddenly out of

nowhere numerous men emerged and caught hold of her. Vivek

resisted his hard grip but in vain. He barked and breathed heavilylike a drunken fool. Xavier was helped by a man with water. He

regained his consciousness slowly and winked at them like a troll.

W-what i-is this? stammered Xavier.

Siddharth gave an ironical smile.

Get up you fool! Hope that BhootJolokia burst yourscruples open and fill it with senses so that you dont fall a lover to

any girl on the road, jeered Siddharth.


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He looked around and he soon realised that all the men

surrounding him were from police.

You will not get away with it, you SCUM! hollered Ishika

with her hairs all over her face.

Xavier gazed at her with opened eyes. He had never

imagined the love of his life resembling to a witch like she was now.

His jaw dropped in shock.

I will cut off your eyeballs and feed them to the dogs!

scowled Vivek.

Shut your mouth you pig head! barked Siddharth.

Soon he handed him over to the police. One of them who

appeared to be their superior approached him and shook his hands.

W-what is this? implored Xavier for the answer.

Ishika whose real name is Bhattswamini or whatever she

calls herself and Vivek who refers himself as Bhattswami are

psycho killers who hunt down dumb lovers like you, said

Siddharth.

But why and are you a police officer? asked Xavier with

his eyes trying hard to concentrate on his face.

Of course not! I am just an informant. They once fooled my

brother and then left him to suffer throughout his life, blind. I see

him suffer, I see him in agony every moment.

The girl standing here, lured him by her beauty into a trap,

sliced his eyes off on the name of sacrifice to their Gods and then

they escaped. He wanted revenge and so did I. I traced the history oftheir crime and became an informer to the police, said Siddharth.


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The boy had admirable dedication and going through their

history of sacrificing once a year on MauniAmavasya, we knew they

will be duping someone else soon. They were once sighted months

back, but we were not sure. Siddharth here took the chance anddecided to follow them. We had no proofs so he decided to observe

them and here we are, said the police officer with a victorious smile

on his face.

Here we are! I curse you to an excruciating death you pig

heads! roared Vivek or Bhattswami or whatever his actually name

was.

Siddharth kicked him hard on his head and he fainted. Ishika

or Bhattswamini or what the heck she actually was, screamed high

in a hollow voice. He spat on her face.

Go to hell Queen of crows and owls! said Siddharth curtly.

Xavier seemed as if he had seen a ghost. Surely he had justsaved himself from their trap.

But she was so beautiful!

He thought and now by the look of nemesis on her face, he

felt like vomiting. He felt his bowel moving and he knew he was

sick. He looked around at everyone who looked back at him in

amusement and then he fainted.


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4 THE VERDICT

Standing in the squared nether world I knew I was the

culprit, the perpetrator of emotions and trust. I turned around and a

girl so naive, so precious and yet so determined gleamed something

that I perhaps took away from her. Yes, I was her culprit. I raised

my head and justice awaited its verdict.

Do you accept the charges?

The voice of the Justice hollered and it stirred my mind to

retrospect everything.

Life was so nave then in the village of Parshu and a family

of four: My mother blowing off the smoke in the kitchen and

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