HOW DARE YOU FORGET?

We all have bad episodes in our lives. People, incidents, days that we want to put behind us and never remember, right? And while you may occasionally forget your good friends birthday, each year that bad memory will pop up in your mind without fail.

My luck loves to mock me ruthlessly. So the year I think I have overcome an evil, there is always that friend, the one who has seen you suffering and supported you throughout the ordeal, in all his/her naivety question you about it.

Friend: That incident, it's today. I hope you have forgotten it.

Me: I don't care any more.

Friend: Good girl. Because you know it's about time you overcame it. It doesn't hurt you right?

Me: Let's not talk about it.

Friend: Why?

And then I get a whole lecture about the memory. Every tiny detail, every tiny folly rubbed on my face with little care to the excruciating pain I am going through. But hey, that's what friends do. They help you become stronger!

*Is story ke sab patr imaginary hai. Any similarity to anyone is highly regretted. Not.

I WISH YOU WOULD HAVE STAYED

It's Saturday night. While doing my quarterly cleaning in the morning, I had stumbled upon a photo album of mine from my school days. As I flipped through the pages, I recalled a conversation that I had had with a friend, who was elder and wiser to me then. Marvelling at my friend circle, he had said, "Li, enjoy these friendships while they last". I had cursed him then, and I do even today. I should have paid more attention to his words.

It was the the early 2000s. Those were the pre-social media days when my not-so-smart mobile was only used for calling or messaging. Often, my mom had to drag me to sit and eat food because I was on my phone talking to my bestie. I wish I could get back those simpler times when a friend wasn't busy to talk, chat or act goofy with you.

Because as much as I tried, one by one they left. Some got married, while some changed. Hell, I evolved too. I made new friends, at college, work, gym, at random places. And each time I learned, friends leave. Even the oldest ones. And while your heart breaks each time, some more than others, the wise thing is to let them go, with a smile.

The only regret I have is I never told them how much they meant to me at the peak of our friendship. If only I could go back and tell them, give a hug, maybe they would still be around. Just maybe.

I don't know. Today, as I look through my album, and the people that don't exist in my life I wonder whether I could have done something to make them stay. A few at least. Because in this fast-paced, technology-driven lives that we live, with 700 facebook friends, I still feel all alone. I miss Sam's contagious laughter, Vaishu's cooking tips, Steve's reassurances and Bubble's comforting embraces. And what I would give anything to get them back. If only.

AAJ JAANE KI ZID NA KARO - A SHORT STORY

I often see reruns of movies that I like. Tonight I had been watching scenes that had friendship as an important theme in unrequited love. Once I was done, I looked at the time. 12 am. I dialled Robin's number. He was the Alizeh to my Ayaan.

“Hey,” he uttered.

Oh, his voice! It made my heart melt each time he spoke. I reply with a hey myself.

“Everything Ok with you?” he inquired.

“I just wanted to hear your voice. It’s been days, since we last spoke,” I answer honestly.

“Oh good. But you are alright, na?” he questioned again.

“Yes, I am fine. Are you busy or can you talk?” I asked.

“Actually, I was just about to sleep. Can I call you tomorrow?” he replied.

I know he will falter. The number of hours and days I had waited for him to keep his promises.

“Mujhe tumhare baato pe aitbaar nahin hai,” I said.

He has always had a way with words. His poetry on occasions had made me swoon. But my bluntness left him speechless. You need to know the whole context of our lives to understand him, me and our friendship.

“I can’t believe you just said that,” he finally stated.

“Ha-ha. You don’t have an answer to that?” I challenged him, just to keep the conversation going.

“I do. Just give me a moment,” he responded.

I wait. Then he finally said, “Hmm… I give up. Can’t think of anything to say right now”.

“Let me help you,” I propose. I was clueless about what I wanted to say next. But I let my heart guide me.

“Mujhpe tujhe aitbaar na raha,

Iska mujhe koi gum nahi,

Gila sirf is baat ka hai,

Ke tere bharose ka muhje koi khayal na raha”

I was just jabbing. I screwed up as I could feel the coldness from the other side. It got broken by the clear sound of his hearty laughter a few seconds later.

“Listen, just go to sleep,” I say, a little embarrassed.

“Goodnight and I will call you tomorrow”.

“Good night,” I signed off and cut the call.

Softly I sang a song, “Aaj jaane ki zid na karo”.

EMMA & STEPHEN

He touches his hair with his right hand. Stephen needs a haircut actually, but he is planning to grow his hair till his occupation allows him to. Wants to prove to people that he is a rebel. I look at him quietly eating his salad as we are in the restaurant. He realises it. Suddenly I am the one he has shifted his attention upon.

"Something on my face?" he asks.

I nod in the negative.

"Then?"

Should I tell him? I nod again and he returns to his food. On his last morsel he signals the waiter for the menu.

"Dessert?" he asks.

I nod again. I should tell him something at least.

"You are mighty quiet tonight. What happened?"

"Work stress" I lie.

"Isn't it always? I mean we are hustlers Emma, each trying to succeed the way we can. Don't beat yourself over it," he advises.

I nod again. I need to tell him.

"I want to go dancing with you," I finally open up to him.

"I can't dance and you know that," he replies.

"I can and I am a very good teacher," I confess.

"We'll see," he diverts.

I look at my watch while he is ordering some ice-cream. He notices.

"Is it getting late?"

"Nope"

He looks at his watch, then exclaims, "It's nearly 11! Why didn't you say something? But dont worry, I will drop you home".

I smiled. If only he knew what I was thinking. Time really didn't matter to me.

"Emma, you are doing that thing again. Hello! Where are you lost?"

"I like you," I blurted out.

"What?"

"I like you. I know we decided to remain friends, but I can't control myself from liking you. Do you like..."

Just then the waiter got the desserts in. Wrong timing dude. 

We quietly ate our ice-creams, not glancing at each other at all. When we were done, the bill came in and we split it like always.

I should ask him again. But I didn't say a word.

As we stepped out of the restaurant, he asked, "Do you want to hail an Uber or walk?"

My house was walking distance and I didn't want us to part so soon. What if I never see him again?

"Call it from my place. We can walk till there," I said.

He nodded and we started walking side by side, in silence.

Dammit. Screwed this big time. Should have kept my mouth shut. But couldn't, could I?

My thoughts went back and forth as we continued strolling.

"Emma. Emma," he caught me by my arm, "your laces have come undone".

I stared at his face again. We had stopped walking now. As I stood there trying to fathom his words, he quickly bent down and tied my laces. Then getting up he gave me the tightest hug.

"I adore you, my lost monkey. A.D.O.R.E. A little more than 'your like' and a little less than love."

Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks as we then continued walking, but this time hand in hand.

DEATH OF A FRIENDSHIP

Eons have been written about breakups, love and even friendships. But what about the death of a friendship? And I don't mean the types where you call each other friends, but in reality just hate each other. No, I mean the type, where each of you have enough secrets to blackmail the other and often a single word or song or incident can trigger a memory to cherish.

What happens when such a relationship breaks off? Maybe you saw it coming, maybe you didn't. Maybe you initiated it, maybe they did. But it is a sad event and often needs to be grieved in the same manner as a death.

And I say this because there have been times when you have lost touch with your friend, but you can always call them or message them and start where you last left. But not when the friendship is dead. That is another story. You can't fight, you can't shout and you can't even cry. And even if you do, the person has stopped caring or shows that they don't care.

And it hurts like crazy. Because what it signifies is that a person who you thought understood you or was your twin or more like a sibling wasn't as invested in the relationship as you. Or that they never understood you in the first place, but you never realised that. Then that's what you get served. You deserved it!

I have lost friendships and people have given upon me. And I still carry the scars of abandonment, even though they took place years ago.

I don't really know why I carry them around, but I still have images, videos and proofs that our friendship not just existed, but thronged and flourished evoking jealously in many. Maybe it is because I need those proofs as reminders, that I am a wonderful person capable of forming bonds - pure and true. Or maybe I am just waiting for the day when I can look at them and not feel an iota of pain.

Well, with time I have realised that in the end you need to live in the present. And only relationships that are honestly worth will survive.

So, the next time your best friend tells you that they do not want to be friends (most often they just ghost you), thank them, then wish them luck and take your time to mourn. Do not contact them unless it's an emergency and hopefully the healing will be faster.

Like I believe, death of a friendship is not the end, but a beautiful opportunity to start afresh with someone else.

THE TROUBLE IN FINDING A GUY TO MARRY IN LATE 20s

"Hi Aunty! Shalu's there?" asked Ritu to her best friend's mom. She knew the answer to the question, since the two girls had just been chatting.

"In the room," said Aunty letting in Ritu.

Ritu knocked on Shalini's room door and slowly opened it. The other girl was lying on the bed with her eyes closed. Ritu plonked herself besides Shalu and closed her eyes too.

"Why are you here?" asked Shalu.

"You know why I am here," said Ritu.

"I cant offer you any support or advice. I too am in the same f-ing boat, frustrated as hell," confessed Shalu.

"Aunty is driving you crazy as well! What is it - matrimonial sites or personal meet ups?" asked Ritu.

"One followed by another. First you rak your brains over a website, where you have to constantly remind yourself that you are looking for a match and not buying products. It is so difficult to put yourself out there only to be judged by others. And no matter how much these websites talk about giving the girl the preference and security, it is still scary," said Shalu.

"Well, that is the easy part. Once you like someone and decide to meet, there are so many other complications that come up. I have met so many suitors now and yet the awkwardness of meeting the first time remains. Often I feel like a prized good that is being shown to be sold. It's a feeling... I am not putting the blame on my parents or anything," said Ritu.

"I spoke to mom about it. But..."

"I spoke to mom as well. And she said if I had a problem then I should have found someone for myself," said Ritu.

"We tried, didn't we? You dated that engineer, while I dated that hotelier," said Shalu.

"Pretty sure, we would have been thrown out of our houses had we told them we were dating. That time age was on our side . Now it is like whoever we get should be fine, as long as we don't stay single," said Ritu.

"I will be 30 in 2 months and you will be following soon behind," said Shalu.

"I am dreading that number. Don't know what will happen then," said Ritu.

"You know I have started to question my life. Marriage, kids, families..." said Shalu.

"What!" exclaimed Ritu.

"I mean do I really want a marriage? What will it prove anyways? And I realised that society doesn't give women an option to think apart from marriage, kids. They say they are being open and accepting, but the numbers are nomial," said Shalu.

By now Ritu was startled. She couldn't believe what her friend was uttering. So she got up and shook the other girl. "Shalu, are you on drugs or something?"

"You won't understand," said Shalu looking straight at her friend and realising the fact that Ritu didn't want a solution. She was just wanting her best friend to hear her out.

"Stop staring and say something," said Ritu.

"It's sleep deprivation talking. Forget what I said. You haven't yet told me why you came here," said Shalu.

And Ritu animatedly started telling Shalu about the new guy her mother wanted her to meet.

WE CAN BE JUST FRIENDS

"We can be just friends, nothing more. We can be just friends," said Meru over and over to herself.

Her train of thought was broken by a pop sound on her mobile. She had a message.

'I am in the café. Where are you?' it read

The cafe was double-decked and spacious. Meru was sitting in the most unnoticeable corner on the ground floor.

'It's a big place', she typed and sent, then waited for a minute to see if he would look for her. Feeling bad, she got up and went near the billing counter in the front. She could see him standing and looking around.

"Hi Lenny!" she put her hand awkwardly.

"Hi Meru!" he said, first shaking her hand and then drawing her in to give her a hug.

The next few seconds they debated where to sit, finally picking a corner table.

"Gosh! You still look so beautiful. How many years since we last met?" Lenny asked.

"6 years since college," she said not looking at him.

"What's wrong? Why are you stealing glances?"

"Why are you staring at me? It feels as if you are going to eat me," she complained.

Meru immediately covered her face with her hands, when she heard him say, "I wish".

Just then the waiter came in to take their orders. A cup of tea for her and a cappuccino for him. When the waiter had left, she realised he was still continuously looking at her.

"You are acting weird because of the elephant in the room," he said.

She smiled. He continued, "Fine. I will say it. We both know that we like each other. There I said it. Can you act normal now?"

They spoke about different things over coffee. Caught up on missed times. He sounded madly in love with her. Which was suffocating for her since she wanted nothing to do with love. Exhausted after an hour, she said, "I am getting late. Can we leave?"

He paid the bill, much to her protest and they started walking towards the parking.

"This is where we part," she said stopping near her car.

"So, when are we meeting next?" he asked her.

"Actually, there is something I have wanted to tell you from the time you came in. It's true that I like you, but I can't be more than friends. This heart has no love left in it to give to anyone," she said.

For a few seconds, both stood quietly. She avoided his stare again.

"Look at me, Meru," he said.

When she looked at him, he caught both her hands in his and said, "Right now, I don't need your love. I have enough for us both to share. Take all the time you want, I will be waiting".

As if a big load had been relieved from her shoulders, Meru started to cry. Then slowly she moved closer and rested her head on his chest.

WHY WE CAN'T BE TOGETHER

"Liz, what the hell are you writing at 2 in the morning?"  asked Sasha to her flatmate.

Sasha had to gone to sleep in her room after dinner and when she had last spoken to Liz, the girl was planning to go to sleep as well. Liz was the early sleeper, so seeing her awake was a little alarming for Sasha, who had got up for a glass of water.

"Can't you see I am writing a letter?" Liz said irritatedly, then continued to write.

"My prehistoric beauty, who is the lucky receiver of this letter now?" Sasha asked standing just behind Liz.

"I am writing it to Andy," said Liz.

"Wow. So it's a love letter. So cute," said Sasha excitedly.

"No. It's not."

"Then which one? You have already done the - 'why I love him' letter, so it can't be that. Then?" Sasha asked baffled

"If you are trying to pull my leg then it's genuinely not funny."

"No Liz, seriously I don't know any person who writes a list of things they like about their partner. I mean, who does that?"

"I do that. And I have explained you the reason a no. of times. But you never get the idea, do you?"

"Well, don't you always look at the list when you are too angry with Andy?" said Sasha and went into the kitchen to get a glass and a bottle of water. She kept it on the table where Liz was writing. Then she sat on the chair opposite to her friend and said, "I know the reason and the funda behind it. Been with you longer than Andy and the two before him".

Liz just looked up, smiled and went back to her writing. Sasha drank the water and kept the glass and bottle in the kitchen. But curiosity was killing her, so she sat opposite to Liz again.

"You are doing that staring thing, aren't you? If I tell you, will you leave me alone?" asked Liz.

"Promise," said Sasha excitedly.

"Fine. It's the 'Why we can't be together' letter. In short, its a detailed break up letter".

"You are breaking up with Andy? Honestly, I am not surprised by the way things were going, but could you please do it personally rather than through a letter. Remember how crushing it was when no. 2 did it to me, by text," intervened Sasha. She was about to continue but stopped on seeing the stern manner in which Liz was looking at her.

"Idiot. I know how soul crushing that can be. I am planning to meet and talk it out with him, but the letter explains the real reasons why. I know on his face, I wont be able to say the true reason. No one can! I am being my honest self in this," said Liz.

"I don't understand," said Sasha.

"Well, too often we breakup and give shitty reasons for it. People say things like - its not you, it's me or I will always love you or my parents aren't agreeing - Blah blah blah. Any rubbish shit as long as it makes the other one feel OK and you not a villain in their eyes. But in the long run, it doesn't help. We are still broken and as much damaged," said Liz.

"So, where does the letter come in?"

"Honestly, I am just writing the truth of why we shouldn't be together and why I want to break up. It also has some of his quirks that I don't like and some of mine that he hates. Reasons enough for him to move on and hopefully learn something," said Liz

"You are crazy," said Sasha

"Nope. It's the most sane thing I have ever done. Try it the next time you breakup with someone. He will thank you and you will thank me. Now please leave," said Liz and continued writing.

INDEPENDENCE IN A RELATIONSHIP

When Tammy entered her flatmates room, she saw the girl watching television while lying on her stomach.

"Why the hell are you watching Dexter? Don't you hate the guy?" asked Tammy.

"Huh!" Ananya looked up, then realised she was indeed watching the popular series and switched it off. Then, she got up and sat on the bed with a pillow on her lap. Tammy sat opposite to her and asked, "What's the problem?"

"I can't figure this guy out," Ananya confessed.

"Remind me why you are with this bozo?"

"The same reason you are with Akshay".

"Well, Akshay makes me feel alive. He is funny, honest, good-looking and I am probably in love with him," said Tammy.

"Bozo is also funny. In fact he is hilarious. He has integrity that I haven't found in any guy in a long long time. And to top it all, he is unconventional," said Ananya.

"Then what is the problem?" questioned Tammy.

"Yesterday night, I told him something which I thought sounded like what I really felt, but was cheesy and he reacted likewise," said Ananya.

"What did you say?" asked Tammy.

"I said - I don't know what to do when I am not with you," said Ananya and hid her face in the pillow, while Tammy laughed loudly.

Once her laughter died, Tammy snatched the pillow away from Ananya and the girl continued, "For a few seconds he was quiet. Then he said - That's not good. You need to be independent".

"Wohoo! Where did you find this guy? I am starting to think he may not be a bozo after all. Did he just use the word 'Independence' with you!"

"Well, the independence talk could be in reference to both of us. For all I know, he might be wanting independence from me".

"Keep it simple, Ananya. Whatever the reason, he is still being more reasonable than you".

"Tammy, I am so used to being wanted, needed and vice-verse that space, independence, terms like these just feel so alien".

"Did you tell him all this? questioned Tammy.

"Yes. He said - Fake it till you make it," said Ananya.

"What does that even mean?" asked Tammy.

"If I knew, do you think I would be sitting and watching Dexter? stated Ananya.

"I think," started Tammy, but stopped when she saw Ananya nodding in a negative.

"Let's just go with the flow, Tammy. Things are complicated as it is. I will just ask for his clarification on some good day " said Ananya switching on the TV.

Both the room mates then lay on the bed watching Dexter.

WE ARE JUST FRIENDS

"I will get my girlfriend to the dance, hopefully by then I should have one," said Rick

Becky laughed.

When their conversation was over. She kept the call, but was restless.

A few days later, they were talking again casually on the phone.

"I am joining the gym. I won't be able to meet you for a few months," said Rick

"Are you joking? I mean... seriously? Who does that?" Becky asked.

"Why what's wrong in it. It's just a thing I do, I don't meet friends when I join the gym. I just get too busy," said Rick.

"I don't know about that but we are def. not not going to meet," she said.

"Why are you behaving this way. I told you na, I don't meet friends," he retaliated.

Rick diverted the conversation, knowing too well that Becky was getting angry.

A few days later, they were again talking casually.

"I don't want you to set me up with your good friend. Clearly not interested," Becky said.

"He's a really decent guy, like a brother. And what's your problem, friend?" Rick said.

"What was that?" questioned Becky.

"What?"

"Did you just call me FRIEND?"

"Yes, that's what we are, right?".

"Yes, we did choose to be 'Just Friends', but why do you keep rubbing it in my face. I have noticed, since we decided, you bring it up in every conversations without context," said Becky.

"I don't. Why would I, right? Considering it was I who decided that we need to be friends, clearly seeing that we aren't meant for each other. And anyways, if we are friends, then what's the problem if I mention it also?

"You are such a pain Rick. Dont use the friend word with me because it hurts. It's like either you don't trust that I can be friends with you or you are just reminding it to yourself. Either way I am not happy," confessed Becky.

"But that's what we are! So it should not affect you. If it does, then you need to revaluate," said Rick.

"This is just like you Rick. Revaluate!" Becky laughed, then continued, "I never wanted to be friends, you choose to be that. When I wanted to walk away, you stopped me and now everytime you subject me to a corner reminding me at every instance what I have compromised to".

"You are getting me wrong darling," he said.

"Nope. I agreed to be friends, because that is the least we could be and I wanted someone who could just be there. But I feel more alone with you than if I was really alone and that freaking hurts every single time," she said.

"So what do we do now?"

"I can't do this Rick. I can't be your 'Just Friends'. I just can't".

HE GOT BACK WITH HIS EX

"If I don't figure in your happiness, then I don't want to share any part of your life," said Ankita to Punit.

"Now what did I do?" he asked.

"I don't feel like talking. Good night," said Ankita.

"Hey wait! Don't keep the phone. Talk to me, tell me what's troubling you?" asked Punit.

"Really. How sweet of you. After everything you want to k ow what is troubling me. You! You are the one troubling me," said Ankita.

"Calm down, babes".

"After what you did. I shouldn't even be speaking with you. And don't tell me to calm down, it's my right," said Ankita.

"Fine, Ms. Right. For whatever I did, I am really really really sorry. Now at least tell me my mistake".

"I saw your WhatsApp profile picture. You patched up with Rekha and didn't tell me".

"Shit. Shit. Shit. It just slipped my mind. But you knew I was going to meet her".

"All I knew was that you were miserable and you went to meet her to solve everything".

"Haan toh, I patched up with her".

"And forgot to tell me and it took a pic for me to understand".

"I was ashamed. Because lately this has been happening too often".

"I know. That is why this time I thought you would think more sensibly".

"I did and that is why I patched up. Ankita I love Rekha".

"Frankly I am bored of your this love. Isn't love supposed to be a feeling where you grow together. Honesty, respect, trust, communication play a major role in relationships".

"I understand that," he said.

"No, you don't. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so weak. She wants you to dance and you do that. Much like the way I do. You don't even have the guts to tell me to shut up".

"Hello! What was that?" he said unbelieving.

"I treat you badly as well and you listen to me. You can't let people push you over".

"Hmm..."

"See, again you are doing it," she said.

"Arrgggghhhh Anku," Pratik shouted and continued, "what do you want? Whatever I say, you have a problem".

"Just do whatever you want to do and don't be so apologetic about it."

"Fine," he said.

"Fine," she said.

"OK. Now tell me how to breakup with Rekha. She is driving me crazy," he confessed.

THE ARGUMENT!

"But you knew my views when we started," said Sandy.

"I did, but I thought you would change," justified Ameesha.

"I on the other hand thought you would understand. From what I recollect, even you were in it for the good time," said Sandy.

"Yes, I was. But I don't know when seriously things changed for me. Not everything just hurts".

Jai had been standing on the side listening to his friends quarrel. It had been 3 years since Sandy and Ameesha were in a relationship, but marriage was not in the horizon for the two. Jai on the other hand was happily married and wanted his two best friends to walk the path of matrimony.

"Can't you see, I can't go on like this. I have sacrificed so much for you," said Ameesha.

"And I have not? I am losing so much here. And you want to quit? You are my motivation, my everything," said Sandy.

"I don't want to quit. But you leave me with no other option," said Ameesha.

Sandy looked alarmingly at her, raised both his eyebrows and questioned, "Over?"

By this time Jai had realised that he had to something. He had to put some sense into these two lovers.

"Sandy, Ami, stop fighting you guys. Work out an amicable situation, you two," said Jai.

"No ya Jai, it's too late now. I am fed up with this guy pushing me. I can't take it anymore," said Ameesha.

Jai looked at Ami and said, "Have patience, Ami. I know it is tough with this guy, but sooner or later Sandy will come around."

"Around, what around? I am not going to change," butted Sandy.

"Shushhh! You are not helping with the situation Sandy. Can you just shut up and let me talk," said Jai.

"Fine. Talk. But she won't see anything clearly," said Sandy and stood on the side.

"I don't want to hear anything about this pain, Jai. Nothing you say will make me change my mind," said Ameesha.

"You both have a beautiful relationship, I can't understand why you would want to give it up now?"

"Relationship, what relationship?" Sandy asked.

"I told you to keep quiet na," said Jai angrily.

"Arre, but," Ameesha tried to intervene, but Jai continued.

"I always thought I wouldn't get married, but then I did. And it's the most beautiful thing I would recommend to everyone. Someday, you two will get married, just have patience," said Jai. He would have continued further had Ameesha not started laughing.

"Jai, you sweetheart!" she said pulling his cheeks and continued, "We were discussing about the gym we both joined a few months ago. I want to quit and Sandy doesn't want me to".

THE TWO BEST FRIENDS

“I have to tell you something,” said Kashish and continued, “Stop watching the TV and concentrate here.”

Rahul switched off the TV and looked at Kashish, who was sitting on the sofa next to him. Facing her, he said, “Here, you now have my full attention.”

“You remember the guy I met online through that dating app, the one who I chat with regularly? He finally asked me out yesterday,” she said.

“What the F? What did you say?” asked Rahul.

“I haven't said anything yet.”

“Good. Just refuse.”

“But I like the guy. I want to go out with him.”

“Damn! I know you well. Your choice is too sad.”

“Of course not!”

“You want examples? How about that CA who had serious anger issues.”

“Well, technically I didn't date him.”

“No, but you liked him. Then there was the drunkard, the casanova and…”

“OK! OK! You can stop now. Yes, I have had some issues in the past, but this guy is different,” she said.

“I highly doubt that,” said Rahul.

“Grhhhh! You are such a monster. Like this  I will never get your approval for any guy.”

Kashish got up in a huff and went into the kitchen. Rahul waited a few minutes and then followed her.

“What are you doing?” he asked her.

“Eating ice cream, you dumbo,” said Kashish as she scooped out some delicious desert into a bowl.

“All alone?” he questioned.

She handed him an empty bowl, then took the first bowl, walked out of the kitchen and sat back at her original place on the sofa.

Rahul soon followed her. “OK listen. I know the perfect guy for you,” he said.

“Who?” she asked, sounding angry.

“Me.”

For a few seconds Kashish just looked blankly at Rahul’s face. Then, she started laughing loudly.

“No! Stop laughing. I am dead serious. We are perfect for each other. No one offends me like you and vice-versa. And not a day goes without us talking to each other. I like you, you like me. What else do you want?” he said.

“Alvira, your girlfriend! What about her?” she asked.

“We both don't want to get married to each other. We are together for our requirements and you know that well.”

“Are you serious?” Kashish didn’t know what to believe.

“Have I ever lied to you?”

She nodded in a negative and said, “But I don’t love you.”

“Same pinch. Me neither. But there’s loads of chemistry, physics and biology between us and I would do anything for us to work,” he confessed.

By now, Kashish had finished her ice cream. She looked at his bowl, picked both the empty containers and went back to the kitchen to keep them. When she returned she found Rahul waiting for her.

“What say?” he asked.

“Shush!” she said. Then switched on the TV and shifted closer towards Rahul. He was still trying to figure out what she was up to when she rested her hand on his chest and her head on his shoulder.    

ALL ALONE ON CHRISTMAS

Mrs. Grangeller had noticed the new entrant at the Smith’s house, a floor above hers. The Smiths had never really lived at the flat, but a week ago one of their distant relatives had arrived to look after the big house. The girl looked decent, but Mrs. Grangeller hated the fact that with just a few days to Christmas she hadn’t decorated the Smith’s place at all.

For Polly, Christmas had always been spent with family. This was the first year she has to stay away from her kind and things weren’t turning out as she expected. She wished she had more money to decorate the house or the entrance like Mrs. Grangeller had decorated hers. Maybe she could get a star, but the poor girl was running short on cash.

Late on Christmas Eve, Polly kept an envelope as a gift for Mrs. Grangeller outside her door amongst her tree and all the other decorations. When Mrs. Grangeller opened the door early morning, she was surprised to see the envelope. She quickly opened it to find a beautiful picture of her entrance and a letter. She read it out to herself.

“Dear Mrs. Grangeller,

I never did officially introduce myself to you and for that I apologise. Times have been tough for me, especially since it is the Holiday season and I am catching onto any hope that I can find.

Your decorations are nostalgic. They remind me of my home and of better times. They are the motivation that helps me push myself even when I would rather quit.

I hope you like the picture I clicked. I would love to take a similar one of you in front of it, if you will allow me. Merry Christmas and a big thank you for everything.

Your Neighbour,

Polly Smith”

Mrs. Grangeller kept the letter in the envelope and got busy with preparing things for her Christmas lunch. Once everything was ready, she got dressed and climbed a floor to knock on the Smith’s door.

“Mrs. Grangeller!” said Polly in surprise.

“Call me Granny, everyone calls me that,” said the old lady.

“I am so sorry, do come in,” said Polly.

Granny entered the house and looked around. Nothing, no lights, no ornaments, no wreaths, not even a Christmas tree. So she asked the girl, “Not even a Star?”

For a few seconds, Polly just hung her head down, then pursing her lips closely, she said, “It was either the star or the picture.”

“Very well. I assume, you haven’t cooked anything Christmassy either,” stated Granny.

Polly nodded in a negative.

 “Why are you here?” Granny asked her.

“In search of a job. I wanted to work with the legendary photographer Joseph Michaels, but his staff never lets me meet him. And I have already tried other places; they don’t want to trust a newbie. I don’t want to go home and work in a regular 9 to 6 job. I have done that and can’t do that anymore,” confessed Polly.

“Too much of a sob you are. No one should spend their Christmas alone. Come to my house in an hour’s time. And no need to get me anything either. You have already gifted me something beautiful. Just get some more photographs that you clicked,” said Granny and walked towards the door.

When Polly went down an hour later, Granny introduced her to all her friends. Then she told Polly, “My younger brother Jay is in the kitchen keeping an eye on the roast, go and show him your pictures. He may be able to help you out.”

Polly did as she was told and found Granny’s brother a softie like her. Polly felt like family amongst Granny’s guests and waited till the end with Jay to help Granny clean up.

When Jay was leaving, he kissed Polly on the cheek and said, “Kiddo, I would love to have you join me and my team. Come on over to the office after the holidays.” Then he gave her his card and said, “I will inform my staff about you. But if you have any trouble then just show them my business card or call me.”

Polly looked at the card and excitedly told Granny, “Why didn’t you tell me that Jay’s actual name is Joseph Michaels?”

“Because you didn’t ask me,” said Granny and winked. Then she saw Polly opening the door and asked, “You are off so soon?”

Polly returned to take her camera and said, “Come on Granny, we still have to take your pic in front of the Christmas tree. You didn’t think I forgot, did you?”

And while Granny made a fuss, in the end she was the perfect model. Polly and granny captured memories that would last them a lifetime. And this was just the beginning of a long friendship. 

DON'T BE AN EMOTIONAL FOOL

 “I am seeing someone,” said Isha

“What do you mean by that?” asked Rishabh

“You know exactly what I mean,” said Isha looking straight at her best friend.

Deflecting her gaze, Rishabh watched the sea. The weather was gloomy and both the friends were sitting in a restaurant.

“Say something,” she shouted at him.

“What do you want me to say?” he asked looking at her.

This time she looked away and said, “You could congratulate me for once.”

“It won't be from my heart,” Rishabh said

“Leave it. I don't know what I was expecting from you,” she said.

“Fine. Let's talk about something else”. 

“Let's just order food, I'm feeling hungry,” she said.

Isha and Rishabh ordered the lunch and were eating it peacefully when Rishabh said, “Ria wants to meet you.”

“I don't want to meet your girlfriend.”

“And what should I tell her?”

“Think of something. You are good at that.”

“Something like what?”

“Who cares? And, can we please stop talking about her. If I can’t talk about him, then you can’t talk about her.”

“Because it hurts you? You still love me, don't you?” he asked

“You know we can't be together. We want different things from life,” said Isha

“We could work something out.”

“What? What are you talking about? I can't give up on my dreams and neither can you. When a relationship starts only with complications, it is on its way to doom,” she justified.

“So, we pretend not to love each other and find other partners?”

By now, they had both stopped eating. The waiter came to pick up the things. “Anything else, Sir?"

“No. Just get the bill,” Rishabh said.

“What choice do we have?” asked Isha

“I'm suffocating, Isha,” he said catching hold of her hand.

“I doubt that. I keep seeing your pictures with your darling and the status updates on WhatsApp,” she said as she struggled to break free from his hold.

“Isha, I love you.”

“Rishabh, I love you too. But we need to be practical in love,” she said.

PERCEPTION – AN ART STORY

Harisa was just finishing her painting when the curator of the gallery came and stood behind him.

“Edward, are you lost?” Harisa asked her friend.

“You know exactly well that I have come here to look at the master piece. The exhibition starts tomorrow and I need to place it before it opens in the morning,” said Edward, a little annoyed

“Well, my dear friend, don’t worry. You will have your painting before the exhibition starts,” said Harisa.

“Where is it? Have you even made it? Harisa, you take these exhibitions way more casually than you ought to,” said Edward.

“You just take care of my other painting. This one I shall place it myself,” said Harisa.

“You haven’t made it yet. I know you too well to tell,” said Edward and walked away from Harisa’s studio.

The gallery had been open throughout the night as workers placed Harisa’s painting steadily on the walls. Harisa had in the last few years of her painting built a reputation of being unpredictable and that was her USP. It had made her popular and hundreds of curators were behind to have her display her paintings at their galleries. Edward was her best friend from college and it was because of this reason that she exclusively exhibited her paintings only at his gallery.

In the morning, there was a soft opening with the grand finale being the auction at night.

“What the hell is that?” asked Edward.

“I was out of ideas for the master piece. Oops!”said Harisa.

“Oops! That’s what you give me. Harisa, is this like your take on geometry? You know you always failed at it. An utter disaster! We won’t be able to sell it and I will go under,” said Edward.

“This will sell. You wait and watch. And I can’t understand why you can’t see the brilliance in it?” said Harisa.

“You have outdone yourself this time. Where is the brilliance in it? I need some wine,” said Edward.

When the auction started, Edward was visibly nervous. His gallery had not been doing so well and Harisa was donating all the money from the exhibition for the gallery. One by one all the pieces were sold for good prices. At last, the auctioneer got the masterpiece out. When the bidding was started, there were no claims for a few seconds. Then quite suddenly, Harisa stepped onto the podium.

“Hello everyone. I know you all have been gossiping about this piece. Many may have assumed that I have lost my marbles. But before you judge, allow me to explain,” saying so, Harisa inverted the painting and said, “I call it Perception.”

The gallery stood dumbfolded for a few minutes. Throughout the day, everyone had passed the ugly painting, art aficionados, experts, but none had realized that Harisa had knowingly put an inverted painting in front of everyone. What now stood in front was the softness and most humane portrait of a woman holding her infant child in her arms. It was a picture of a mother comforting her baby.

“I owe you an apology. You were right on both accounts,” said Edward.

The gallery was shutting with Edward and Harisa amongst the last few to leave.

“About what old sport?” questioned Harisa.

“The painting and its price. It sold the highest,” said Edward.

“It's all about perception my dear friend. It’s all about perception,” said Harisa as both of them walked out of the gallery.

THE POWER TO HURT

Jill and Rita were sitting in a café and celebrating Rita’s new promotion. They had ordered something to eat and drink, but that a secondary role to their chatting.

“Well, I am glad your promotion finally came through,” said Jill.

I THINK HE LIKES YOU

"I think he likes you", said Gauri to her best friend Gail.

"I really have my doubts, girl. We have been chatting for more than a month now and he still hasn't asked me out", said Gail.

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT MAURICE!

Felicity knocked on the door frantically.

“Maurice, Robin, open up.”

WHAT IS THIS LIFE IF FULL OF CARE?

“Ritesh damn it, open the door quickly!”  shouted Trinity from outside.

“Coming, coming. What’s the hurry, my love?” said Ritesh to his dear friend. He opened the door to find Trinity sweating profusely.