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.'

HERE IT GOES---

1]OPEN THE DOOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR,PUT THE ELEPHANT INSIDE,CLOSE THE DOOR .

2]OPEN THE DOOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR,TAKE THE ELEPHANT OUT,PUT THE GIRAFFE INSIDE,CLOSE THE DOOR AGAIN.

3]THE GIRAFFE,BECAUSE IT IS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR.

4]YOU CAN SIMPLY SWIM ACROSS THE RIVER AS THE CROCODILES ARE ATTENDING THE LION KING'S MEETING.

:-))))

DEAR FRIENDS ,

LET US HAVE SOME FUN.I WILL ASK YOU 4 QUESTIONS.IF YOU CAN ANSWAR THAT ,YOU ARE A BRILLIANT PERSON.SOME OF YOU MAY BE KNOWING IT.I REQUEST TO THOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE.HERE GOES THE QUESTIONS---

1]HOW CAN YOU PUT AN ELEPHANT INSIDE  A REFRIGERATOR ?

2]HOW CAN YOU PUT A GIRAFFE INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR ?

3]THE LION KING HAS CALLED A MEETING OF ALL ANIMALS.WHICH ANIMAL IS MISSING ?

4]THERE IS A   RIVER IN THE JUNGLE, WHICH IS FULL OF HUNGRY CROCODILES.IF YOU HAVE TO CROSS THAT RIVER,HOW WILL YOU CROSS THE SAME ?

it is reported that a number of kindergarden students have solved these but many management professionals have failed,in US.

ANSWARS WILL BE IN MY NEXT.

Sometimes in life,whatever you try or plan to do, fails invariably.I was going through such a phase.The biggest setback was that I though cleared my Civil services Prelims.Exam ,my application for the Main Exam was rejected by UPSC.It was heart breaking but fault was mine.I made a mistake in filling up the form.So, the dream of becoming an IAS officer vanished.At that point,Praveen's invitation came to me as god send.Goa,a place I can go any time,any number of times.I simply adore that place.Praveen is my dear friend and a Batchmate.He was posted in Vasco Da Gama.Another thing I liked about this invitation is the timing.It was Chrismas time.

But as the fate had it in mind,hurdles were not willing to leave my side.I wanted to start early but once in office ,you do not know when you will be free.By the time I reached Aurangabad bus terminal,it was already late.When I reached Pune,the last bus for Goa had already left.Pune was a new place and I did not know anybody there.I tried for some nearby hotels but got scared by observing the  sleezy looks and surroundings.I saw highly and garishly madeup girls are loitering around and often entering the hotels with some shady looking men.Same was the situation at the gate of Pune's bus terminus.I somehow managed to eat something and retreated inside the terminus, as at that point of time,it  seemed the safest place.

It was an extremely chilled night.The next bus to goa was at 4-00 am.and I had no where to go.Only option for me was to sleep on the  cement benches inside the shed of the terminal.and that is what I tried to do.Sleep was not forthcoming as the cold was piercing the bone.Only a sweater was not enough.For one night I became a Vagabond.Early morning, I got up.It was quite dark.The toilets of the terminal was full of users and when empty,unusable,as per my senses.The bus came in time but there was no seat.All seats were  reserved and I had no reservation.Infact I did not know that I would require one.

It was a journey of 15 hours and I stood in the bus for 10 hours.when I reached Kadamba bus stand of Panaji,the last bus for Vasco had already left.Since it was Chrismas time,no hotels were available.I was roaming around at night searching for a place to stay,and my companions were drunkards,few tourists- out for happy hours,prostitutes waiting under the shadows of the trees in the parks and occassional choral singing groups.Their beautiful songs were making me more aware that in this city,  I am all alone.And then somehow I  managed to get a place to sleep in a Lodge.

Next morning I started for the Kadamba bus stand to catch a bus for Vasco but the bad luck was following me there also.There were so much crowd for the buses that I had to literally push me in to be inside the bus.Just as I got the seat and was feeling relieved,I put my hand on my trouser's pocket to take out my purse, to pay for the ticket.It was not there anymore.Some good pocket-mar had pickpocketed the purse.I was dumbstuck and in total panic.

*       *         *           *             *              *                *              *            *               *

After the initial shock,I realised within seconds,that I had tucked in a major portion of my money in a hidden pocket in my underwear.Oh my god!Really you are there to help a person in trouble.In situations like this,we feel your presence more.Thereafter ,the bus journey to Vasco was beautiful.Through goan country side,villages,beautiful and colourful bunglows,Churches and crossing the river in a ferry,which can carry a bus also.Local folks,beautiful girls,liquior shops,bars,local markets,each of them gives a specific character to this place.It does not seems to be india but a foreign land.

Praveen was supposed to wait for me in Hotel Rodrigues.It is on the main road just before the Vasco city.Praveen has taken leave for me.I got down and as I entered the hotel lobby,I saw Praveen at the reception.It was a feeling I can not describe.We rushed at  each other,with open arms to hug heavily.Afterall,we were meeting after two months.The closeness we developed during our training period was no less than like a family member,though we belong to different areas of India. Praveen said-Boss,it feels so good to see you again.I nodded and said-You have become a little  thin.Praveen laughed and said-good for me.

We reached Praveen's apartment in his mobike.It was small but compact.I suddenly felt tired.We had a light lunch and I took a long nap.I woke up as Praveen was shaking and calling me.He was saying -Beta,you have come here to sleep only or what?Get up.-We got ready and started for the city.The Vasco city is like small town.It consists of two main road crossing each other.We roamed around and then settled for a bar.In Goa,if you throw a pebble,it will either hit a Church or a bar/wine shop.We ordered Fenny-a local drink.it was strong.I remarked -The stuff is good , just like local beauties.Praveen gave a laugh and said- Boss,tomorrow we will go to my office,I want to show you something.I have so much to tell you.-Why not now?- I asked.-No, first you visit my office-He was adament.

Next day,we went to his office.It was very nice, at fourth floor,with a glass wall on one side, overlooking Murmagao Harbour.Most of the employees are ladies.I was taking a look around,suddenly I saw her walking in.She was stunning-in a light blue top and blue denim,she looked like a movie star or a model.I felt a tap on my shoulder.Praveen said-Bachchu,got floored?I wanted to show her to you.How is she?Can't explain but who is she?-I  asked.She is working with me.Her name is Nidhi.Nidhi Kamath.-said Praveen.Can I  exchange my office with you?-I asked.Praveen laughed and said-No way,darling.come ,let me introduce you to her.

Nidhi!Meet my friend and batchmate,Rakesh Basu-Riku,as we call him.He is in our Aurangabad office.Nidhi gave a flashing smile and shook my hand.As long as we were talking I observed Praveen's face.It was radiantly glowing.

Later,we were discussing only her.It was very difficult to take her out of our mind.During lunch time, Praveen confessed that he has fallen for her but yet to propose  her.I asked-what was   her response to you.I think she likes me-He said.Then propose her-I said.

I did not have the guts to do that.Now ,since you are here,I can risk it.If I  fail,you will be there to console me.-He said.I  thought silently-Oh god!My current luck, you know-It should not be passed on to Praveen.Praveen asked-Why are you so silent?Tomorrow, we have a holiday for Chrismas eve.I am planning to get a car and visit Benaulim beach.I want to ask her to accompany us.What do you say?I remarked-Fine,fine,it will be a pleasure.

It all went on as planned .She readily agreed to accompany us.Next morning,we started for Benaulim.It is one of the most wonderful beach of south Goa-remote,less crowded.On the way we picked her up from her home in Margao.She was as sweet a person as she looked.The whole day went on in fun,gossip and frolic.The beach was beautiful,like a half moon,with two hillocks at both end.We drove hired mobikes on the beach on the sand.Had wonderful rawa fried Squids washed down with beer,in nearby shack hotels.Suddenly, I could not find them.I  was searching for them everywhere,when  suddenly I saw both of them walking hand in hand,at far, on the sand.I was about to call them but I thought otherwise.

It was the hour of Sunset with a crimson sky.The water of the sea was glistening like orange crystals and the roar of the waves was breaking the silence.At a distance,in some fishermen's cove,some local songs are being sung.A tune very known,which I  recognised latter.It was the song -Na maangu sona chaandi-From the film Bobby,but being sung in Konkani.

Latter,at Martin' s Corner,in the midst of diners, a  live Band was singing beautiful Chrismas songs,when I saw love was blooming fully.Sometimes, it is the atmosphere and surroundings, that brings love to you.It complements your mood and mind.

I suddenly felt alone---I also wished if I could have  had someone at that moment, touching my hand and looking at my eyes...sitting beside me.... near the sea.....!!

Well, Santa did not have any gift for me.