Banomali can be fearless. He really can be fearless,when he is drunk. As the alcohol flows inside,it washes away all the grief,sadness and fear. Banomali ponda, at his level has nothing to loose but he fears death and he fears humiliation. He can remember vividly how he lost his entire family-his son,daughters and his wife Kamala, in that devastating Cyclone on the coast of Orissa. Even now whenever he closes his eyes, he can see scores of bodies lying all around and smell that overpowering stench of death. Only alcohol can erase such memory and the stench temporarily.

The life was never the same again. It had been real hard to rebuild the life. And it is a lonely life altogether. Though some of his living relatives insisted  on his remarriage,he could not do it as he could not forget his wife and loving children. He survived in life becuase of alcohol and because of a menial job of Mali offered by Samantrai Babu,a  village landlord.The life would have been better but there are people who never think twice while making a fun and poking at others,whenever they can. His village has a lot of such people and they knew that Banomali is afraid of death.So they never leave a chance to play jokes on him. They will purposely give all death news to him.They will also force him somehow to go to the village Crematorium,when ever anybody expires in the village.Sometimes, they will just try to scare him at night by dressing up as ghost or a dead body lying  in front of his house.

One of the main culprit was Madan,the son of the Samantrai Babu and his cronis.These good for nothing fellows always teases him and he being the servant of his father, has to tolerate everything. Samantrai Babu is over indulgent to his son. Not only that, he also takes part in teasing Banomali sometimes.

It is only when he is drunk he does not care and can use choicest abuses for his tormentors. That  time he also tries to be friendly with Lucky and Mangala,the pet dog and the cow of Samantbabu,whom he does not like normally. He avoids mangala, as once she had knocked him hard with her  horns. Lucky also had bitten him once,when he tried to pat him in a friendly way, as he was in his alcoholic mood.that day. He he was sobered at once.

Today, in the late evening,Babu told him to get some burnt woods from the village Crematorium,for some Puja. There was mischief in his voice and  a patronising smile in his face. Banomali knew that this was  nothing but to have a joke in Babu's daily Adda with his friends and cronies.Though he was extremely afraid of the Crematorium at night, he had to come here.Afterall , a sevant has no choice.It was  only this beautiful bottle, that  only  can save him.

TO BE CONTINUED...

THIS IS FOR MY ALL I LANDER FRIENDS.YOU CAN BECOME AN AUTHOR AND BE A PART OF A LEGEND CALLED THE CHICKEN SOUP.GO AHEAD AND MAKE A MARK.I SHALL BE PROUD OF YOU.

ADVANCE CONGRATUALTIONS---.

PLEASE READ BELOW----

This is Raksha Bharadia. I am an author.

My debut book 'ME' - a handbook for Life (Rupa & Co) is on the shelf.
The next book Roots and Wings - a handbook for parents (Rupa & Co) would be out soon.
I compiled the debut book for the Chicken soup series for India titled Chicken soup for the Indian soul which would be released by December 2007.
You can Google search my name for more information.
The current assignment undertaken by me is compilation of individual experiences for:
'Chicken Soup for the Indian Teenage soul' for Westland publishing house. The above written titles will carry the brand name of Chicken soup and the publishing house believes it will surely be a success.
One does not need to be a teenager to write for the same. You can talk about your own teen experience in retrospect, or about the teens that you have come across in your life. You can share any story which you think would be relevant to the Teens today!
I welcome your experiences for the same….
*******************************************************
STORY SPECIFICATIONS

Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300-1200 words.

Chapters/Themes

Relationships- How to survive the loss of a love, giving space in relationships, loosing a relationship because you held back, moving on in a relationship.

Friendships-Stories on how you could resist negative peer pressure, how you could put away your judgmental cap, how you could connect, break ice, how your friend taught you something, stood by you…etc.

On Family-stories about your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters etc…

On Love and kindness- This chapter contains stories that describe acts of love and kindness; the healing power of love; acts of tenderness and compassion; acts of generosity; and events that transcend racism, sexism, ageism and nationalism. Even stories of your crush, first kiss, first love, love that you remember even today and why, etc…



On Learning- This chapter contains stories that demonstrate caring, compassion and creativity in the art of teaching—both in the classroom and outside the classroom.

Tough Stuff- This chapter contains stories that demonstrate how we have triumphed over our own personal obstacles or supported one over theirs, and how individually each should be celebrated.

Making a difference-

Going for it/Reaching for Goals- This chapter will contain stories that demonstrate the power of believing in your dream, the power of goal setting, the wisdom of trusting and following your heart, the power of giving encouragement and the importance of asking for and being open to receiving assistance from both other people and God.

P.S Please forward this mail to friends and family who are interested in submitting stories!



Please send your stories to:

rakshabharadia@gmail.com and bharadiaraksha@hotmail.com 
 
 

Neel got up hotily from his seat.

I just caught his hand and pulled him down again to his seat.

Neel uttered-' Disgusting, Riku'

I gave a wide smile and said-' We Bongs have some peculier habits--When angry we speak in English,when sick  ,we eat lot of Fruits'

Neel could not hide his smile-'You are impossible , Riku!'

I said-'Don't worry, I will tell you about Trina but let us first have another cup of hot coffee.'

He said-'Why not?'

I  looked at the smoke rings thrown in the air by Neel and sipped a very hot coffee,which almost burned my tongue.It also scorched the calmness of my mind. I can almost see everything like a Trailor of a movie in a flash.

I started-'I saw her when I was only twelve. I had never seen such a beautiful girl before. She was there playing Badminton in a light pink frock. In the hour of Cow Dust, the orange sun rays were on her and she was looking like a Fairy.I can never forget that moment.

Neel became very attentive and asked-' Then? '

' Then,there were moments after moments. Playing Hide and Seek, playing Holi, going to school together...., I still remember, once we had gone to see a movie with her father. It was a War movie-'A Girl Seeks Father'. It was based on Second World War. She was afraid of war scenes and was hiding her face on  my soulder. I can not express what I was feeling! Another time ,during Holy,I had poured  Red Gulal on her head. It had fallen like Red Sindoor on her Maang. She was very upset and did not speak to me for days.I was sad as I never did it intentionally. Then , in one Diwali I saw her in a Rani coloured Saree. She was looking like a Godess .'

Neel was excited-'Then,Then...?'

I laughed-' Neel,then I lost her suddenly. Before I could say something, which I wanted to, I lost her.'

'Then,what happened?' Neel was clearly pained.

'Then when I found her again ,things have changed,the time had changed and the eyes of the mind had changed it's vision. I still wrote to her but reply was coming only once in a while, short, matter of fact. I still was looking for opportunities to meet her but she was not. I travelled distances to meet her in her College, but she was with her friends, laughing and frolicking, oblivious of a young boy staring at her from  a distance,just  for an eye contact.'

Neel was silent but I could feel his sadness.

'' After that I met a number of  Trinas,each at a different special moment,at different place, flooding my heart with emotions,soothing my soul,enriching my memories.....Those are different stories but yet they are illusive. You go on and on searching for them.You know very well they are there every where, yet you have to look for them. A game of Hide and Seek always. Sometimes, I feel that every young woman has a part of Trina. It is very beautiful but only you have to recognise it . Did you notice the girl in Blue Saree,who pased by us a few minutes before?'

Neel was surprised-'Is she...?'

' When she passed us ,a whiff of fragrance of unknown flower engulfed my senses. Yes, she was Trina.......for that moment.'

'Why it happens always?'-Neel was already emotional and I knew he was not only talking about  me.-'Why we always face such situations in life?'

'Because we take everything in it's face value. Because we only dream but the reality is different.'-I said.

Neel was silent.The time stood still.

I closed my eyes for a minute.

And I knew in my heart that yet it will be like that for years and years.Young boys all over the world will go on searching for their Trina . They,  to a great extent  are responsible  to keep alive that much abused but least understood  word--LOVE.

concluded

Neel was furious.He said-' you can not just hoodwink me.You will have to tell me today-Who is this Trina? I know definitely somebody is there.You are just plainly hiding. How can you write so passionately about somebody yet do not know her. All bakwas.'

I just laughed.

' No,no,you can not get away today just by showing your teeth '- He said agitatedly.In his excitement he was almost trippling the tea with the cup and saucer.

The Coffee House at College street was not very crowded at that time and the Onion Pakoras were as good as ever. I just looked around to find the sources of smoke thickening the air. I wished I could smoke away the very difficult question put before me.

I tried to be serious. I said- ' Neel ,why are you after me? What are you going to gain? Let the hidden emotions be inside.'

Neel excitedly slammed the table with his fist.--' That's the point precisely.Why should an emotion lay hiding your inside? I am your friend and I have the right to help you.You must get her.'

I said nastily--' Who told you to help me? Maan na maan tu mera mehman.'

Neel gave a look like gravely injured Julius Ceaser, which said 'eh tu brute '. He said ruefully-- That's why Ramakrishna Paramhansa said -never do good to others.'

I gave a hearty laugh--' Boss,when did he said that ? Just came and told you in your ear when you were drunk?'

He got angry--'See , if you want to tell-just tell. Else , I am going. I have a lot to do.'

I poked--' Yes,yes, to steal some more books, here and there.'

That was the last straw for him .

To be continued.....

DAYS AFTER DAYS,NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, I HAVE SEARCHED FOR HER IN VAIN.

EVERY NEURON OF MY BRAIN LONGED FOR HER,

AND EVERY VEIN AND ARTERY THROBBED

IN MY DREAM,

IN MY SENSES,IN MY AWAKENINGS,IN MY FEELINGS, SHE REMAINS

SO NEAR YET SO FAR .

I LONG FOR HER LAUGHTER,TO TOUCH  HER HAIR,LIPS,SMELL....

THROUGH THE RAIN DROPS ON MY BODY,

THROUGH THE SUNSHINE ENGULFING ME,

THROUGH THE AIR FLOWING ALL OVER.......

TRINA,

I KNOW YOU ARE THERE....SOMEWHERE....

I SHALL LIVE THOUSAND YEARS TO FIND YOU, BY ALL MEANS.

WHILE LIVING , DEAD OR METAPHYSICALLY....

I WILL SEARCH  YOU.....TRINA.

I...WILL.

TREES CAN SPEAK,YOU KNOW,

WHEN RAIN COMES,

DRENCHED AND WET,

THEY SPEAK TO ONE ANOTHER

IN WHISPER....

WALKING OVER A CARPET OF FALLEN LEAVES,

I GET THE WET SMELL OF EARTH,

I TRY TO LISTEN,WHAT THEY SPEAK...

SILENTLY,SILENTLY.

FERNS AND WILD FLOWERS

AND HUMMING DRAGONFLIES,

ALL INDICATES -HOPE,

AS THE TREES SPEAK,

SOFTLY AND SOFTLY.

I NOW KNOW WHAT THEY SPEAK,

THEY TALK ABOUT LOVE AND HAPPYNESS.

TRINA,CAN YOU HEAR THEM ?

AS I ALWAYS DO!!

COFFEE HOUSE,

HOT PAKORAS AND EXPRESSO,

YOU AND ME,

EYES ON EYES,

HAND ON HAND.

YOU SAID--'WANT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING,

BUT NOT NOW.....!!'

I WONDERED -'WHAT IT CAN BE.....!'

OUTSIDE,

THE SEASON  HAD PAINTED

THE GULMOHUR'S RED.

THE SPRING IN THE AIR

BROUGHT  UNKNOWN CHEERS,

HAND IN HAND,

EYE TO EYE...

IN THE TRAM,

AT HOURS OF COWDUST,

SIDE BY SIDE

AND PALLU OF YOUR YELLOW SAREE 

OCCASIONALLY FLOWING OVER

MY FACE,

I COULD SMELL JASMINE

IN YOUR BLACK FLOWING HAIR.

I WONDERED-WHAT IT COULD BE....?

YOU WERE LOOKING

AT FAR HORIZON,

RETURNING SUNLIGHT WAS ON YOUR FACE,

BUT I COULD NOT DIP INTO

YOUR THOUGHTS.

I WONDER EVEN NOW....!!

BEFORE I GROW TOO OLD,

AND  I CLOSE MY EYES FOREVER,

BEFORE MY EARS

CAN HEAR NO LONGER,

I WANT TO  HEAR,TRINA,

WHAT I COULD NOT...

Ratul was worried.He saw it on T.V. Next day, the Newspaper also mentioned it.The Military Junta in Myanmar cracked down heavily on civilian peaceful demonstration lead by Buddhist Monks.Many are injured and some are killed.Figures are difficult to know.Why it happened?Why it happens to hapless people around the world?Sometimes or other?Why some people are so cruel to their fellow men.All just because of Power,Money etc.?Ratul wants to know yet don’t.But definitely he is worried.worried about Mie Mie.

Now, how can he  find her. He knew that she was supposed to visit her native place. He wants to know her wellbeing but he does not even know where she exactly stayed in Singapore. Her hand phone was also not responding. He would have to find out about her. Her well being. In a foreign land, she is someone he knew. She is a friend. Or may be something more? But anyway, her well being is important.

He met her one day when he was just a few months old in Singapore. It was his first trip abroad for a stay away from home, for an indefinite period. He never thought of staying away from home so long. He was not totally inclined but it was a good job offer.Freash out of business school and landing with an International Banking job offer was too good to refuse. Initial days were lonely. Though Singapore is a beautiful, clean and comfortable city, but it is also very cold and professional in characteristics. You are alone if you do not have a circle and for a newcomer it takes time to develop a circle of friends.

He met her then. Once he went to Chilli Pod restaurant in Esplanade-Theater on the Bay, for a business lunch meeting with some foreign delegates.Chilli Pod is one of the well known Indian food joints in Singapore, known for its cuisine and location. Durian shaped Esplanade on the Marina Bay has a grand view. She was the stewardess for them. He felt  attracted to her calm and soothing beauty and  captivating smile. What he  immediately noticed in her was her beautiful voice and  an accent so different from usual Singlish of the Singaporeans. At the end of the lunch, he asked and learned that she is from Myanmar.

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, though from a mismatched background. He was an upcoming banker, she was a jobseeker  from Myanmar but both were in a foreign land. This friendship grew gradually over such many more visits for lunches, leading to more meetings outside the working hours. She had told him that she stays somewhere near Gaylong, an area popular with low earning immigrants from the neighboring countries of Asia. But he never visited her home, which he knew, she was sharing with some other girls from her country.

He first tried to find her address from Chilli Pod..The staff there were not very cooperative. Either they did not know  it or they wanted to avoid telling him. He thought searching at Gaylong would be ideal.

The bus dropped him in Gaylong.He only knew this is the place to find her.The Gaylong is an wide area .As per Street Directory, it stretches from Lorong 1 to Lorong 44.The Lorongs mean small roads-lanes. It was just the advent of ensuing evening, the weather though hot but was pleasant. He started walking aimlessly.

The footpath of the roads was full of crowd.  Lots of eateries and Food Courts around, selling all kinds of cuisine from Chili Crab,Laksa,Fish Head Curry,Mee,Rojak,Prata Biriyani etc etc..He first asked at  some Food Courts, but none could tell precisely where the people from Myanmar usually stay. He walked and walked. He suddenly found himself looking at a well lit signboard of a Hotel-Hotel-21.He thought this kind of low market Hotel may elicit some information. As he entered the hotel, he noticed a burly man, probably Malay, behind the reception. The guy gave a very peculiar look-as if he never expected him there .Ratul said-‘Hi! Can you tell me whether any Burmese people stays around?’ The man gave  a sly smile and asked-‘Girls, lah?’ Ratul nodded. The man said-‘Can,can!Good girls lah!From Myanmar also lah!Can also, Chinese,Malay,Indian,Indon,Philipino…lah.! 

It struck Ratul like a blow. In a flash he remembered that somebody in the office once had remarked about Gaylong-it is a designated red-light district-where government allows licensed prostitution. He also understood why the people at Chilli Pod were not very enthusiastic to find the residence of Mie Mie.Ratul just sprang back through the Hotel door to outside. He was having goose pimples and cold sweat on  his body. This was the first time he is inside a red-light area. As he almost running  through the footpath, he saw a number of girls in various revealing outfit standing or soliciting clients. A great Flesh Bazaar. A nice looking Chinese girl in a short off shoulder outfit approached him and pulled his hand-‘ai ! Mister…come with me,lah! Can give good massage…! You will enjoy lah!’ She  winked.Ratul pulled himself away from her and walked fast,towards the Bus Interchange.

He was roaming aimlessly and reached the Clarkes Quay central. While sitting on  the steps besides  the Bank of the Singapore River and looking vacantly with a blank head at  a beautifully lit Clarkes Quay-he just went on gazing at the restaurants,the crowds,the Bum Boats,the Bungi Jumping Sling and the Skyscrapers at the background. He felt terribly alone. The crowd all around made  his loneliness more profound.

Suddenly his hand phone rang. As he listened, he heard-‘Ratul…Hi! It’s me-Mie Mie…How are you? Are you listening? Ratul…what…happened?......!!!

Ratul just went on listening…….!

Samantada said-'We must go for it.'Jayanta said-'what is it all about?'Samantada said-'It is something you have never experienced.'Jayanta said-'Is it a Zoo?'-'No'-Samantada said-'It is unique here,Singapore.'I said- 'Let us go and experience it.'

We started as usual.On a Saturday evening we met at Ang Mo Kio MRT station.As we came out of the MRT station,we saw an old Chinese man,who  was calling out -'Night Safari ...Night safari.'

He was standing beside a matador type station wagon.We approched him and came to know that he can take us tonight to the Safari at a price which includes the ticket and the Tram ride as well.We readily agreed and entered the van. The car  was already almost full with some Indian tourists.

We started our journey.The main way is through Mandai road,which in fact is quite near my house.Only I came to know it  just then.Mandai road is a lonely road with rain forests on both the sides.It was quite thrilling.It took around 45 minutes to reach.

As we got down from the car,we could hear  some drums beating in a rythm.Tom- Toms of Africa.As we approached the entrance,we were overwhelmed.The whole set up was like an African Bush village,with African tribal songs and  drumming of Tom Toms were in the air.The entire path was lit with fire torches.You can suddenly notice the logo of the Night Safari-'Two big green eyes of an animal-from a  large cat family'....very hypnotising.

It was about to become dark.The place was having various Souvenir shops ,all with the safari theme or jungle motifs.T-shirts,mugs,artifacts,shirts,bags,slippers,caps,soft toys and what not.

A vintage old Glider is hung with the roof as if it will just fly  over you.There are Resturants all around  serving all kinds of Cuisine.The toilet is unique.At first you feel as if it is just an Aquarium-actually it's a facade to the toilet.At a corner,on an elevated ground stands a Safari Jeep,with a few staff members dressed in khaki safari uniform and hat.They were holding with them a Barn Owl,a Leopard Cat and a Python.One can take photographs with them in lieu of a few Dollers.

Suddenly we heard a battle cry sort of thing .A group of Javanese/ Surinamese Tribal war dancers jumped into the courtyard from nowhere with war cries and drum beats.They started dancing with fire eating.We gradually walked towards the Tram station.Already Trams were standing there with long  stream of tourists waiting patiently.The trams are painted in zebra,leopard or yellow and black stripe paints.Each tram has two interlinked cars.We got up in one of them.It was open the on the both sides.Each tram has a guide with speakers.As we were about to start,we could see some animals at a distance. In the falling daylight,on top of a a cliff-some Himalayan wild goats-Thars,Bharals and Markhars , grazing nonchalantly.

As we started our thrilling journey through the jungle, we spoted various animals at various nook and corners.We sometimes went over short streams with an warning from the guide that -we should be careful, as the crocodiles are nearby.Order was-total silence and no sticking out  our limbs lest they are lost unnecessarily.We saw some beautiful pink Flemingos there. The whole forest was divided into Himalayan jungle,African jungle,Tropical rain forest,South American jungle,Indian jungle and Malayan jungle.Some of the close contacts with animals were worth remembering such as Indian Lions,Malayan Tigers,Hynahhs,Tepirs,Giraffes,Foxes and Bisons.We saw a large number of animals in open ----free and wild.

The Tram then stopped at the only Halt, at East Lodge.We were told that those who would like a walk in the jungle can go for a Forest trail called Leopard trail-a 20 minutes walk.There are another two trails as well.We can catch a tram,after the trail, back again.We three Bongs were always forthcoming for the adventure thrills.We had a cup of coffee in the East Lodge atmidst African songs and Drums.We could hear the roars of lions at a nearby distance.The toilets here were again unique,set atmidst a forest with one side having no wall and looking to the forest,directly.It really gives a one a  creep.You can distinctly hear the roars clearly at intervals.

The Leopard trail started with going through four  big iron meshed gates,two at a time.Once you enter the first,it automatically gets locked and the other one opens before you,by a push.I can't describe this  trail-it was so thrilling with sighting of various animals, including a mangrove walk,with a colony of various Bats,who screech and fly over you. And suddenly you find the big cats-Leopards, resting under a tree.Your heart skips a heartbeat.Only a flimsy glass wall between you and him.

We came back from the trail and caught another Tram.At Base Station ,we witnessed an unique Animal Show called 'Creatures of the Night Show'.Beautifully trained animals performed before us with the  theme on Conservation of animals and nature.I specially can't forget the feats of a Puma-a South American lion,Otters and the escape of a very big and thick Python amongst the spectators.But that is another story.....

It was really an unique experience in life.

And the moon was up there,flooding the whole surroundings--trees,forest,valleys,cotteges,flowers,gardens and courtyard. Flooding them with it's milky white hues.It all became very surreal.The men were happy.The flowing alcohol,clinking glasses---the bonfire,the dancing and singing  troops of tribals in the courtyard of the Resort---All pointed out to  that, this was  a different world all together.One can rarely visit the same again  in a lifetime.

And the moon was up there,giving perhaps an indication of the things to come.Or it was exhaulting one to do something----Something keeping with the mood of a sensuous romance of nature, conjured by somebody invisible up there,throwing in the fragrance of Hasnuhanh to intoxicate the mind.Even the birds in their nests may be making love in this beautiful night.

And the moon was up there and she was  there too,sitting alone , a little away from the others.The burning amber flame and a glow created by the moonlight was creating a montage of light and shadow on her. She was there and yet very far.

Ritam thought for a while,looked at his glass and then threw the pale Orange liquid on a nearby bush.Alcohol,that went inside was enough to tear the inhibitions that he had.He knew that he can not let this moment go---It was too precious.

He stood up and walked towards her.Flittingly he noticed that nobody including boss is noticing anything as boss and others are enjoying themselvs to the full.

He said-hi!

She was startled.She said shyly-hi!

Why are you sitting alone?Why not with  other ladies?

Just like that.Not feeling like...

Any problem?Are you well?

Nothing...Baba,just I am not Accustomed to this kind of things.Can't adapt to it.

But ...Dear,twice or thrice a year.It will be like this--This is a marketing meet...and you are in that department.

I know,yet I want to avoid.

Want to have another soft drink or juice?

No,no...please  don't bother, I  had enough.

How about a walk,in this beautiful moonlight?Upto the last Cottege,atleast....?

Her face suddenly  lighted up-sure, why not? That will be nice....

Ritam's heart started pounding.He knew in coming few seconds, the world may or  may not  be his....!

*        *       *           *             *              *              *               *               *

And the moon was up there, bathing the whole area of Chikaldhara.The jungle was surrounded by the isolated Bunglows of the Resort in a semicircular manner.A man and a woman were walking side by side stepping over the muslin of moonlight on their path.The fragrant air brought some chill,thus giving an excuse for both to come closer.It was as if  like that somebody up there, was upto his favourite pass time of puppeteering.

Why you did not stay there,with them?-She asked.

Well,today I  was also not in the mood to be with them.I thought ,it will be a better idea to go for a walk.Specially with you.

What is so special?

He smiled but did not reply.

Sometimes when I see the darkness in the forest-She mused-I feel afraid.As if something is hidden inside and will suddenly come in open before you.

True,it is like a human mind.We can not fathom what is going on inside,and suddenly it comes open from it's hiding place-Ritam commented.

She laughed-Oh! A very unique example!Don't you feel afraid of a jungle?

He said-No,I like it.Today early morning I entered the jungle in front of the last cottege.It was quite dense.In the morning light it was amazingly beautiful and calm.With only occasional chirping of birds.

You should have called me,I would also have gone with you.-She said ruefully.

He smiled and said-You must have been deep asleep.You know ,what happened next?As I came back,I met this security guy of this resort.He asked me with a concern in his voice whether I  had entered the jungle.When I said yes-He was petrified.He told that yesterday night a few people including him and some of our guys saw a Tendua[Leopard] crossing the outside road and  entering the Resort through the jungle side.This is near Melghat Tiger Reserve,you know?

She was shocked.She shivered and clutched his hand and exclaimed-Oh!no!You should not have....'.He could feel her warmth and earnestness.

He also could smell her hair and her body.The flowery smell was very captivating.He wanted this moment to get frozen in time.He softly said-Pallavi-Will you hold my hand like this always, whenever you are afraid in life?

She looked at him in surprise.Then she looked in  his eyes.In the moonlight his eyes were mellowing in to a etheral look.She was mumbling-..I..don't know...what...you...

He said in a serious voice-Pallavi,will you marry me?

She looked in his eyes.Her eyes were melting.The moonlight became a teardrop and was gliding on her glowing chin.She said in a choked voice--Please don't speak....Sorry,sorry , I can't...

He felt that somebody punched his heart.He asked intensely-Why,why?

She said in a whisper-You....You are late.....I am.... just got engaged.

He asked in a broken voice-Pallavi,this can't be true?Come on...

She was silent but her eyes were blurred.She wanted to hide her face.

He sighed and whispered-Lets go back.

And the  moon was up there as a witness.

She was ahead of him,as if almost running away from him.A Barn Owl hooted somewhere nearby.He was not thinking  because he had lost that capacity.He only felt that getting mauled by a leopard would have been a much better option.

Morning hour in Chikaldhara was unique.With soft sunlight touching the world and surroundings.Blooming flowers and excitedly chirping birds were part of a grand design.Greenness of the forest cools and sooths from inside.It brings a new hope.

Many of my readers,I know, would  not like to have a sad ending of this  story.I also do not like any  sad ending.But the life is a constant ups and down.It's a game one plays every day.As one of my friend ,who claims to be  an expert in romance  matters ,says- ' when the tears rolls out  from a woman's eyes----- to decline a man----it is only a begining of the Hope.'