The GOLD Smith

    5.30 a.m, the smell of fresh earth surrounded her. It had been a stormy night but she slept through it like a baby. Not once did she stir. Now as she lay there on her bed, the only light emanating from her Tablet, reading the messages with one eye open. She knew what was coming next. Expected yet unexpected. She seemed calm on the outside. She said not a single word nor shed a single tear. Just read the alphabets on the screen put it aside and turned to her side. Yet inside her the wind billowed sweeping away with it everything that came in its path.
   Jamie's life was never an easy one. It was always a stormy sea, but she always sailed through the raging waters. For the first time in her life she felt the fear of being shipwrecked. The fear of being isolated from the only reality she knew... Mikhael. Jamie had met Mikhael at one of those charity balls that happened every year before Christmas. A ball where she was hired to sing, while the guests danced. She had heard the manager give instructions to his crew to take special care of a certain Mikhael Smith. All she heard for the rest of the evening were the praises of Mr. Smith, most of which came from the tongues of the womenfolk in the hall.
    Mr. Smith was apparently a man who was the sole heir to a large fortune and each bachelorette wanted him for herself. He was a celebrity even before he entered. When he finally did enter and Jamie set eyes on him her heart felt jolts of sparks. He was the handsomest man she had ever laid eyes on. Brown eyes, curly hair and a wheatish complexion. He was an American citizen but definitely not of an American origin. Women fluttered around him like  butterflies but he either seemed to busy to notice or honestly didn't care.
       Everyone waited for him to come to the dance floor but he didn't. He just sat sipping his soda (for he didn't drink alcohol) and watched with a keen eye the lady singing on stage. Jamie's shift for the night ended and her replacement was ready to hog the limelight. Jamie walked down to the back of the hall where she kept her regular attire. She had to get out of the dress that belonged to the club at which she worked, but the zip wouldn't budge. In her struggle she hadn't heard someone walk up to her. A large hand yanked the zip half way and stopped.  Jamie jumped out of fear and anger to face the miscreant. But what she saw made her stumble and she had to be steadied by those large, warm hands.
  "I.... I'm sorry..."
   He chuckled, the deep throaty voice, "Actually I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you."
    "It's ok. Please don't apologise."
     He chuckled again closing the distance between the two. He bent forward so that she felt his breath on her bare shoulders, "I just came to compliment you. You sing beautifully." He grazed his hand ever so lightly on her collar bone.
Jamie held her breath, her eyelids tightly shut. She heard him chuckle again and when she opened her eyes he was gone.
    "Was this a figment of my imagination. Whatever that was it was creepy."
    She changed into her jeans and t-shirt and made a dash to the bus stop. The clouds loomed in the sky threateningly. Call it her bad luck or call it fate she had missed the last bus on that route. She decided to walk to a friends house as there was no way she male it to her apartment (an hours drive by the bus) and she didn't earn enough to afford a cab. She had barely walked twenty steps than the downpour began. Jamie made a dash for a shed across the road but as she did a car screeched to a halt a few millimetres away from her. The chauffeur jumped out immediately and began hurling curses at her.
    "I'm really sorry. I know it's my fault...."
    "You really love apologising don't you."
    Jamie turned to face Mikhael. She didn't know what to say. But she didn't need to.
    "Allow me drop you home."
    "I...." she hesitated.
    "Get in, it's raining pretty heavy. "
    She obeyed his command as if by magic.
    Her white t-shirt now dripping with rain water and transparent clung to her body.
    She was cold and awkward. Not a person who could comfortably engage in small talk
    "Where do you want to go?" He asked.
    "I don't know."
    " Para la mansión" he barked at the driver who suddenly swerved the car into an alley and back to a wider and apparently richer neighbourhood.
    He came to a halt outside a huge mansion in an affluent uptown locality. The car drove into an underground parking. Mikhael jumped out of his seat and went around to where Jamie sat. He opened the door and with a firm grip on her arm pulled her out and dragged her to the elevator. She was pale her lips blue with the cold and she was shivering. Her legs couldn't carry her anymore and she sank to the floor. Mikhael effortlessly swooped her into his arms and took her to the room on the second floor. He laid her down on the couch while he started up a fire in the fireplace.
    Jamie needed to get out of her wet clothes, he patted her cheeks in an attempt to revive her. She didn't budge he knew what he had to do next. He lifted her shirt up and over her head making no effort whatsoever to look away. He did the same with her jeans. Laying them near the fire to dry. He lifted her holding her close to himself and lay her on the bed. She was cold and shivering. He covered her with a soft blanket that lay at the foot of the bed, and made his way to the bathroom.
    He turned on the hot water faucet and stood under the shower.              "She's so beautiful." He thought to himself."
    If it was any other woman I wouldn't have held back, but something about her makes me yearn for her not physically. It seems like my soul beckons to be united with hers. Darn it what spiritual nonsense am I rambling."
    He turned off the shower, slipped into his boxer and walked into the room. Slipping inside the blanket besides Jamie. Just then she stirred and unconsciously moved closer to Mikhael. Her palm on his chest. Mikhael couldn't hold back anymore. He moved in and kissed her. His hands in her hair and on her back. He crushed her to himself. There was no space on her body that he left unexplored.
                                          *-*-*
    Jamie awoke the next morning.  It was still dark outside the pitter patter of the rain still occasionally heard. She wasn't in her own apartment. She stirred and saw her clothes near the fireplace.  The events of the previous night came flashing before her eyes. A sense of fear crept in. She checked her tab for the time and saw she had one new message. She opened it.
"Hey Jamie, it's me Mikhael. I'm sorry about whatever happened last night. I had an important meeting had to leave for California. I shall be back soon. Take care. M.S."
She knew what was coming next. Expected yet unexpected. She seemed calm on the outside. She said not a single word nor shed a single tear. Just read the alphabets on the screen put it aside and turned to her side. Yet inside her the wind billowed sweeping away with it everything that came in its path.
Jamie hurried out of bed. Her body still ached with whatever had transpired. She had to get away from him. Leave and go where? Anywhere he couldn't find her. He won't even remember, why do I need to run? Is it him, or am I scared of myself. Her phone rang. It was him.
"Hello..." it was his voice.
Just then there was a sound of car tyres screeching and a loud bang after which the phone went dead.

                                       
    "Jamie... Jamie? ... Jamie!..."

    The driver jumped out of the car, "You stupid female, can't you look where you're walking?"
    The woman lay there unresponsive.
    "Oh my f***ing god, don't die on me. C'mon lady get up!"
    Still nothing.
    The driver carefully scooped her off the road and put the bleeding woman in the backseat of his car. He started his engine and zipped past the slow moving vehicles leaving he dust billowing behind his car, making a stray dress or two fly up to reveal a few underclothes. However he was too preoccupied saving the lady he almost killed to even notice such otherwise pleasurable moments.
    "Please I need some help here!"
    Almost in a jiffy a team of doctors had the woman on a stretcher and were rushing her to the emergency room, while one of the staff members had the police come over.
   "It was an accident.... She walked right onto the busy street.... It wasn't my fault! No I can't wait till she regains consciousness. Today is the final hearing of my divorce in the courthouse and I'm already late..."
    He tried everything possible but they weren't letting him loose that easy.
    "How do you know Ms. Jamie?"
    "Jamie?" He laughed, a self mocking laugh, "What a white trash name. "

   

(Stay tuned for part 3 to find out what happened next)

Transmutation

"Like bees are to roses,
Clouds are to trees,
A learned man to knowledge,
The world was to me"

Attracted to flames,
To burn and singe,
Yet return to the flame,
In pain then cringe.

Each raining blow,
Stung on her back,
Left swollen dunes,
Blue and black.

"Like bees are to roses,
Clouds are to trees,
A learned man to knowledge,
The world was to me"

Curiosity beckoned,
Havoc it wreaked,
The little hope,
Slowly bleaked.

Then at daybreak,
A new light unfurled,
Sat smiling upon my windowsill,
Comfortably curled.

And I let go my inhibition,
Unfolded my pinion bright,
Flew towards a different radiance,
A remedying light.

"Like bees are to roses,
Clouds are to trees,
A learned man to knowledge,
The world is to me."

The Tryst

They parted ways without so much  than even a goodbye and never thought much about it. It was normal for her. They frequently shifted apartments. For him too it wasn't a big deal after-all she meant nothing to him. Teenage crushes are like the wind they come and the next minute they are gone. Days, weeks, months, years passed each was to the other a faint remembrance... one that would bring a smile to their faces but that was about it. They never tried to find out the whereabouts of the other, even if they did it was as a matter of good mannerisms (or so they thought)

"She's mean and thinks too much of herself. Look at all that attitude."

This had been her case ever since childhood. Samaira was the most complex girl one could come across. The more frightened she was on the inside the bolder front she put up on the outside. To be honest she was always scared. Scared that if she gave in she would not be accepted as a woman of substance, she wouldn't be liked anymore, she'd become a loner. It was just once that she had someone defend her and it had been none other than Vishnu. 

Vishnu and Samaira were neighbours. Two totally different individuals. While he was more stable and sensible. She was outright crazy. They never expected to meet or speak to each other after they parted ways on the crossroads of life. But as fated their souls were intertwined. 

Ten years and a lot of nonsense later they crossed paths again. Things weren't the same. Samaira wasn't the same innocent girl Vishnu knew. She was different. She had fallen in and out of relationships. So much so that to the world she was just like any other small town good girl gone bad. Vishnu felt the same about her too. People had seen her external arrogance, her loud behaviour, but no one looked at the frightened child that hid behind this facade. She was in no mood to expose herself either.

So thank god for social networking, they "connected" again. 

"One new notification. Hoga koi stupid candy crush request." she complained. "Oooo what do we have here, one friend request... Vishnu... oh my god... the boy next door... it can't be him. He won't even remember me."

Click click...

And a few clicks later he was on her friend list.

"Oh my god, he's online too."

Furiously typing...

I'm sorry I'm unable to recollect but you're the same guy from across the street right? Veena's brother!?

"What kinda stupid question am I asking him!!" she spoke aloud and smacked her head. "Ooo he's typing..."

So with this things began. They were "friends". Well everyone on your Facebook account is your friend... so yeah... friends!!

Then Samaira was told that Vishnu is leaving for a foreign university. And it really didn't matter. Apart from the fact that a certain part of her heart singed with despair... but that had nothing to do with the boy.

Samaira had always aspired to leave India. Never return. Just run away to a far off place where no one knew her. Start afresh. But she always had this precious possession locked away in a heavy trunk at the bottom of the sea. Maybe this little event had a significance in both their life's... but it was too early to tell...!!

"Hey I'm in your city. My train departs in five hours. Can we meet up for coffee or something?" Vishnu's voice was soft yet husky over the phone. A voice she always imagined the heroes of her romantic novels to have. However this was something she failed to notice. She just couldn't believe he wanted to meet her.

"Maybe he doesn't know... he hasn't heard about it just yet." Samaira was not the kind to keep things from friends... but she never told them right away. Neither did she tell everyone, just those she thought were too important to let go...

"Hey it's a Sunday you know. I'm not granted permission to leave home. I'm really sorry. As much as I'd love to meet you after all these years I'll have to say some other day..." 

The conversation that followed seemed a mere formality.

So before they knew it he was miles away in college and she was finishing her first year Masters degree...! He sent her photographs of the university at which he had enrolled and the longing within her grew... but she knew her dreams would just remain dreams. She could just aspire and leave it at that...

Days changed to months and something else changed too. He was the first person to noicelessly break through her shell and bump headlong into the real her. His opinion of her changed. Naive as she was she never really noticed anything all along till he revealed it to her months later.

"Why don't you apply for a PhD here too?" She jarred at hearing him speaking her mind out loud.

She had been thinking about the same just a minute before he suggested this...

"Prying into your head it seems.." he said after she had remained silent for way too long. She heard the mischief in his voice. She giggled nervously. 

"Thief" she playfully accused.

They both laughed.

"So Magic Realism.... hmmmm... aren't we also something like the term... we're an oxymoron..." she mused "we're so different yet we make perfect sense when we're together. On my own I'm such an idiot." She giggled while speaking to her reflection in the mirror.

"Darn it I'm late for class.." she rushed through her toiletries and ran to make it in time for her bus.

          

To he continued...!!

 

Wanderlust

In the still of the night,
The partial loss of sight,
Her journey begins.

Afar, afar!!
Far from the hullabaloo,
Deaf to the sorrowful wails,
Blind to the pitiful sight,
Dumb is the acidic tongue.
She travels to Paradise.

Where no night falls,
No dangers await,
No love is lost,
A blissful state.

In the still of the night,
The partial loss of sight,
Her journey begins.

Alight on angels wings,
Away she flies,
To a place boundless by time,
Undivided by barriers and walls,
Where the threads of her heart,
Remain unbound.

No fetters tie her down,
No hurt, no pain,
No superficial joy,
Just promises that remain.

In the still of the night,
The partial loss of sight,
Her journey begins.

Loss

The sublime, serene hillock,
Dotted with the magnificent pine,
The essence of which can't be found elsewhere,
An aura so divine.

The pendent frosty pine needles,
On the towering tree,
Something the human hand can't recreate,
But only his eye perceive.

Its boughs saddled with snow,
Burdened with an external weight,
yet it did not snap or break,
A tale of endurance, narrates.

But one fine morning,
I reached the spot,
Where the towering pine once stood tall
Methought I saw it not

It no longer welcomed me
With its conifer laden arms
I mourned the loss of a smiling friend
Who won me over with his scented charms.

I knew what I had lost,
What others had lost too,
As I imagined my friend in a river afloat,
With the ripples it bobbled and tossed.

A concept called LOVE

LOVE...
A concept that varies from man to woman.

For a man:

Such a fair dame,
Maketh me wonder,
What'll be her name?

Rebecca, Madonna, perhaps Cinderella?
Oh, such a beauty,
She may even be Isabella.

She's simple and pure,
Shy yet cautious,
Hence not easy to lure.

Untouched by another,
She trusts easily,
She's just like her mother.

Beauteous yet no pride,
Modestly dressed,
Bosom, arms and legs she hides.

A perfect bride,
Fitting to my stature,
Oh love! Now you can preside.

For a woman:

My mother is unwell,
She doesn't express it,
But I can tell.

My father has problems at work,
He doesn't show it,
But the eerie tension lurks.

My brother is sad,
His studies are lagging,
But I know he's not doing that bad.

My lover is at the gate,
He's anxious. He proposed,
My answer he awaits.

My husband is home,
He got the sack,
I can't for a moment leave him alone.

My hungry babe awakes,
I'm tired, its late in the night,
Yet I cry hearing his shrill wails.

I love not myself,
But those around me,
For they are my life,
It is for them that I'm alive.

The streets

Upon the street,
Their fortunes lie.
Thats where they live,
Thats where they die.
Thats where they laugh,
thats where they cry.

Upon the streets,
their fortunes lie.
Its there they spend,
Their entire life.
Through peace,through calm,
Through war, through strife.

Upon the streets,
Their fortunes lie.
With arms outstretched,
For alms they cry.
Their tongues are sharp,
They needn't act coy.

Upon the streets,
Their fortunes lie
The world uncaring,
Years just passing by.
Raise their stature in society?
No one will try.

Upon the streets,
Their fortunes lie.
Thats where they have lived,
Thats where they will die.

Poison Ivy

Standing at the edge,
One last flashback,
Unsure,unstable, whats to be done?
Of life I've lost all track.

Standing at the crossroads,
should I o'er step the threshold?
What would be the consequence,
of a step so bold?

Standing in d fog,
Everything is so unclear,
Only my voice heard, alone,
Now creeps in the fear.

Standing in the dark,
I'm all alone,
Feared the dark when I was young,
But now I guess I've grown.

Standing between life and death,
I know not what to choose,
To choose to live or give it up,
and everything loved I lose.

Whilst I was standing,
the world moved past me.
Defying death I chose to live,
but life had rushed past me.

The air now bright and clear,
I stood at the edge of a stream,
I saw a reflection look back at me,
A sight I cud not believe.

T'was too late now,
I was all wrinkled and grey,
and while I stood pondering on life,
youth had gone its way.

Still have few more years to live,
This thought brought hope and cheer,
But just then the earth began to reel,
And light began to dim.

Stumbling through life,
Scared of breaking free,
Running in the dark,
I'd mistakenly tumbled into POISON IVY!

POISON IVY!!!!

Woman

(may sound like i'm inspired by all d feminism we are taught in english honors)
 
She has to listen,
She must obey,
She cant take decisions,
She is a dame so fair,
She must be meek,
Cause women are weak,
You think she is timid and small,
Just cause ''she is a woman afterall!!!!
 
She has to live for others,
Be it a daughter or a mother,
A widow or a wife,
her life is full of strife,
she must be suppressed,
who cares if she's happy or depressed,
you think she is timid and small,
just coz she is a woman afterall!!
 
you kill a girl child,
that is an action so insane and wild,
you think she is a dead weight,
in advance you decide her fate,
to live she has no right,
why are you so full of spite,
is it cause i'm timid and small,
and I am a woman afterall!!
 
She yearns to be free,
live life d way its supposed to be,
i'm not an object mute,
i wont b subjected to ure whims, you brute!
Dare not dictate terms to me,
i will be who i'm supposed to be,
you think i'm timid and small,
juz coz 'i'm a woman afterall.
 
 
Get a life people,
stop interfering with mine,
i'm tired of hearing all your lies,
fed up and sick of your pickup line,
you think i'm timid and small,
juz coz i'm a woman afterall!!
 
 
The word is free,
thats what i crave to be,
without bothering wat d wrld wud tok,
i dont wanna be a figure of mock,
i want to be free,
free to be whu i am supposed to be,
but you wont let me,
you think i'm timid and small,
juz coz I'M A WOMAN AFTERALL

Memoirs

Headphones plugged in listening to Maroon 5, Bruno Mars and David Guetta... My feet plopped up on the backseat of my car.... Completely disinterested in the beauty of nature around me.
I had seen it way too many times over the past two years. Shuffling between two cities....between two houses...kinda irritated me.
With my tresses loose upon my shoulders..carelessly blowing across my face with the gentle breeze from the air conditioner and the silent humming of the engine as we raced at 120kms/hr past miles and miles of lush green meadows...crops gently swaying from the breeze.
Busy texting my boyfriend nothing else mattered at that time.
The sky turned orange, the sun set...the sky was painted grey and soon it became dark.
My thoughts shifted back to that annoying question I had so long held back.... Why did we have to move so frequently 260 kms approximately !!?? Isn't a home afterall a place where the entire family is together... Well we are together then why?
What I was missing here was the bigger picture. 23 kms from home...windows rolled down... I stuck my head out of the window felt the cool breeze brush against my face... The smell of fresh earth... The smell of the forest... The crickets singing and a strange sense of belongingness crept over me.
A house becomes a home when the entire family is together then why this feeling of belonging crept in it should have been there all along ??
I entered home..I saw the joy that my birds and dogs felt... I saw suman didis face light up I saw the sparkle in her eyes and then I realised memories play a very big role.... And memories are what keeps one alive... Memories were what made a difference... Memories are all I have... Cause people change, places change, situations change but the only thing that does not change is the memories !! 260 kms from here is my home... A storehouse of memories.... The walls have literally seen me grow up... My journey from a li'l kid to a young woman are etched in those walls !!
Its seen me at my worst and at my best... Its seen me fall in love and fall out of it... Its seen me dance to my hearts content... It has heard me sing no matter how off tune it is !! It has seen me cry into my pillow when I hurt so bad... Seen me laugh and giggle... Seen me go red in embarrasment and that annoying question no longer made me mad... I had the answer... And as I lay in bed that night half asleep I drifted back into my memory lane and my thoughts became sleep induced...till I could see myself as a 12 yr old again and before I knew it my whole life flashed before me and I awoke with the feeling of contentment and my thoughts were satiated !!

I'm a woman

I'm a newborn,
There are no celebrations,
My mother is being cursed,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm three,
I'm not supposed to talk loud.
I can only go out with my babysitter,
I stay away from the crowd.
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm ten,
I'm sent to a convent,
I can't have male friends,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm fifteen,
I'm off to the tailor,
I can't wear western outfits anymore,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm seventeen,
I'm molested,
I'm defamed,
Just cause I'm born a woman

I'm eighteen,
I weep in a corner,
No college for me,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm twenty,
Cooking lessons,
I'll be married soon,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm twenty two,
My marriage is called off,
I was raped,
Just cause I was born a woman?

I'm twenty five,
Just out from a painful childbirth,
Yet no one is happy,
Just cause I bore a girl child?

I'm thirty,
My husband is a womanizer,
I'm subject to domestic violence,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm fifty,
I'm widowed,
Abandoned by my children,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

I'm a curse,
I'm a misfortune,
I'm a burden,
I'm another's wealth,
I'm a dead investment,
I don't belong anywhere,
Just cause I'm born a woman?

Painted Red

'Adam and Eve' was a busy cafe in Hauz Khas, an uptown locality in Delhi. Inspite of the titilating heat it never failed to attract crowds of students, businessmen and young lovers. The aura of the cafe was such that it was ideal for lovers to have sweet goey love chats in private cubicles at the back of the cafe. The outer parts of the cafe were well lit for the hushed business meetings to take place.
On this particular morning, the cafe was stemming with people. The owner even had to arrange for extra seating. Outside the cafe the smell of coffee was all pervading. It tickled the nose of one of the cafes regular customers, Gideon.
He was early for his appointment with the subject of his next painting, his fiance- Meera. She was a beautiful girl. Gideons whole life centered around her, they were to be married a month later. However things hadn't been going too well for them. Meera was an upcoming model and her career was her main priority. Meera's feelings had undergone a drastic change in the past few months. She now thought that Gideon wasn't the right man for her. He whiled away all his time painting. Their ideologies and "standards" as she put it didn't match any longer. Gideon in an attempt to reignite the spark in their relation had planned this meeting and he was confident it would work.
"I have just enough time to grab a coffee," he said heading to the counter. "One Irish coffee please. Takeaway." Gideon was the kind of guy who stayed aloof. Crowds made him uncomfortable. He was a part time painter but what he really did for a living was unknown.
He gave the waitress a crisp Rs. 500/- note and without collecting his change turned to leave.
"Sir your change," called the waitress from behind.
"Keep the ch..." before he knew it he had tripped over his open shoelace. This in turn led to him spilling his rich Irish coffee all over the girl sitting with an open file two tables from the counter.
She was at him instantly. She jumped up and pasted a full blooded slap across his right cheek. "Are you crazy or what? Can't you look where you walk?"
"I...." before Gideon could utter anything further she had gathered up her files and loose sheets. She stomped off in a huff. He looked around him. People were mocking him and then he saw Meera. She stood there looking at him as if he were some lunatic. He had made himself look like an idiot in front of her. She walked out of the cafe.
Gideon went after her but she was already in her car. He ran after her
"Meera why are you leaving?" he asked.
"I wasn't going to stay anyway. I just came to tell you that I have a photoshoot in Mumbai today.Mumbai I have to leave immediately."
"Meera, what about.." before he could ask as to what would be the fate of their relation she coldly said,
"Bye Gideon."
The next thing he knew was she was driving away from him, from their future together. He called her that evening but Meera didn't attend his call. She later messaged him saying
"Leaving Delhi for good. Hope to never see you again."
And right after that her number was 'switched off'.
The girl in the cafe had slapped him for such a trivial incident but the repercussions were vast and destructive.
"She will pay for this," Gideon thought.
He marked the date in red on his calendar.
"15th March 2013... how ironic. Its known as the Ides of March. The soothsayer told Julius Caesar, beware the Ides of March..."
* * *
The red mingled with yellow on the canvas to depict the scene of a late evening. The sun was crimson yellow, it dipped into the vast stretch of the blue ocean. She was mesmerized by the beautiful mingling of colors. Standing awkwardly still for over fifteen minutes, concentrating so hard on the bold strokes of color, she hardly realized a man walk up and stand quietly besides her.
“Ahem.” He cleared his throat, “Hi, Something intriguing?”
Norah was taken by surprise, she never really had random people come up and talk to her. For that matter she also found it a little rude that she was so abruptly brought out of her musings. Here she was imagining herself in a far off land standing on the beach watching the sun. In a jiffy this interruption had brought her back to the cramped hot market place called Delhi haat where an art exhibition and sale was on. She however obliged the rude stranger with an answer, “No, not intriguing. On the contrary its simplicity has mesmerized me.” She said before she turned to face the strange man.
Then almost suddenly she blurted “If you’ll excuse me I’d like to find the owner of this piece and buy the painting off him.” Norah hurried away from the man. His face she wouldn’t easily forget. He was the very man she had slapped two weeks ago in the café.
Norah was a workaholic, her father was a drunkard and ever since he had begun to neglect his role as a bread winner for the family, Norah had stepped into his shoes. Norah had always wanted to be a travel photographer and painter but the financial problems back home had forced her to give up on her aspirations.
The stranger smiled and made way for Norah, a smile which on a closer look would have seemed odd to her but she was in a hurry to get away from him the very sight of who gave her a strange dizzy sensation. His eyes sparkled like the evening light bouncing off the water in that painting. His face had the flush of red, a sign of life flowing within him. At the reception desk Norah asked “Umm, Hi could you please tell me who the owner of painting number three is. I’d like to purchase it.”
“One moment ma'am. It belongs to a Mr. Cross” replied the receptionist pointing in the direction of the one Norah had just avoided.
"Thank you."
Norah was impulsive. She was too young to know the ways of the world. Just 27 years old and forced to carry the weight of earning for a family of four had put her under a lot of stress. The day the cafe incident took place she had the most important meeting of her life. Her promotion depended on it. Gideon had ruined her presentation. Something she had been working at for months, often not sleeping for days at a stretch. Skipping meals more than often, but she knew she had over reacted and felt very guilty for slapping the man. Norah walked up to him. She had to apologize. Mr. Cross stood there observing his painting looking slyly at her approaching.
“Hi, again. I forgot to formally introduce myself earlier. I’m Mr. Cross, but you can call me Gideon. By now I’m guessing, you must have figured that the painting you want belongs to me.” He smiled. She knew her face was flushed and that she was gaping at him wide eyed. People would have easily mistaken her for a stone sculpture in that position. He smiled again and this time there was a hint of amusement it. Slowly she too smiled and then they began to laugh.
"I'm sorry." she said wiping a tear from laughing so hard.
“Since my work has you under my spell you should drop by my studio someday I have more paintings you might be interested in.”
Norah thought he was too forward. They hardly knew each other and he was inviting her to his art gallery. She was struggling with words. Wanting to politely but strongly curb his advances.
“Thanks, but I'm actually here to apologise for what happened at the cafe.”
“Its ok. I’ve forgiven and forgotten that incident. Soooo..."
"So?" she asked, not quite understanding what he expected her to say.
"You still haven’t answered my question." he said.
So he was the persistant type of a person. She knew she couldn't mince words and hence sought to answer him directly.
    "I dont really know you Sir. As much as I respect your art, I will have to turn down your offer."
"No problem Norah. But just incase you change your mind my art gallery is situated in Defence Colony just near the St. Lukes Parish. Here is my business card. Feel free to drop by anytime."
"Thank you. I'll take your leave have to get to work. Bye."
"Sure Norah. Take care."
Norah walked down to her office. She didn't remember having introduced herself to Gideon. The entire day she kept wondering as to how Gideon knew her name. But this thought soon diminished from her mind.
***

A week passed since this awkward meeting. Norah’s boss wanted her to get some new paintings for his office walls. This wasn't part of Norah’s job but she couldnt really say no to him. He knew this and would often take advantage of his position to harrass Norah.
Since she couldn't really shun this task she began to google art galleries close to her office which was situated in Hauz Khas. Two places in particular caught her attention: Dilli Haat and Meera Galleria in defence colony. She fumbled in her purse for something and then found the piece of paper she was looking for, Gideon’s card. Meera Galleria belonged to Gideon.
“Nice," she chuckled, “I might get a big discount.”
Norah was very pleased with herself. She picked up her bag, got into her car and drove off leaving behind a cloud of dust. Norah sent him a quick text.
"Need paintings. Stopping by your studio.'
She immediately got a positive reply.
She stopped right outside his studio. Gideon was standing there. he was dressed in a business suit. His jet black curls carelessly falling on his shoulders. He looked quite a sight Norah thought to herself. There was an exhibition going on at his studio. "Hi, Mr. Cross." she said.
"Please Norah, call me Gideon. Come inside." he said. He placed his palm on the small of her back, guiding her gently past the sliding doors. His touch sent electric signals all over her body. She had never felt so strange in a mans company. Norah had gooseflesh. She heard Gideon chuckle besides her, a manly gurgle from the back of his throat. The blood rose to her cheeks she knew she was blushing. The glass doors they had slid past closed automatically, cutting out the heat and noise of the outside world.
Norah bought seven paintings off Gideon. She got it at a very reasonable price too. so much so that Gideon even gave her one complimentary painting for herself. This little act brought Norah closer to Gideon. His value rose in the eyes of Norah. That evening she got a text from Gideon that read: "Hey beautiful. What's up?" She didn't know why but the text sent stray flutters in her stomach.
The text set things off, they began chatting often and soon they began going on casual dates. She would meet him at a 'Costa Coffee' a small cafe in the Defence Colony Market near his studio apartment after work. Gideon was disciplined- like a schoolmaster; and while he never publicly displayed affection he didn't hesitate in lifting Norah off the ground in an embrace and twirling her around everytime they met. They would talk about paintings; he would give her small yet valuable tips. She even began painting again. Gideon asked her why she had quit.
"My father was a painter, a famous one too. My mother was his muse. But not for long, he began drinking a lot. We never knew the reason, till one fine day in a drunken stupour he told us that he had secretly remarried another woman as she became to him his new inspiration."
Most probably in an attempt to cheer her up Gideon spoke, "Hey Norah, I have a few paintings you might be interested in. Let’s go."
Gideon invited Norah to his studio apartment to show her some paintings. “You’ve got a palatial apartment Gideon.” Norah gazed wide eyed like a five year old child. The house seemed less frequented. It seemed like no one lived there permanently. Gideon’s apartment overlooked a lush green park on one side. On the other side was a little shed where he kept his brushes and canvas boards.  The apartment had many rooms which didn’t have any furniture.
The walls in the apartment were covered with vibrant colors splayed on them. Most of the portraits were abstract pieces, a few were half done. The room into which Gideon led her had large glass panes on two sides on one side the park was seen and from the other his lush green lawn and the shed. Norah noticed two odd paintings which had a curtain drawn in front of it but was too excited to pay heed to such trivial details.
“Mr. Cross you are a mini god when it comes to painting,” cooed Norah with an unconscious flutter of her eyelashes.
“Ah, please call me Gideon.” He replied pouring her a drink. With his back still towards her he asked, “So Norah how’s the painting going?”
“You know how it is I started work on it, but work makes it difficult to give time for ones passion.”
“Do you mind being the subject for my next painting?” He asked with a contorted face. It almost seemed he would cry, his breath came in gasps, his movements became agitated and he began twiddling his thumbs. It seemed like he was repeating please say yes over and over in his mind.
“I’d be honored Gideon,” she replied trying to smile like the Mona Lisa.
Gideon dragged a chair and set it in the middle of the room, hesitating a little he asked, “Do you want to sit or stand for my portrait?”
Realizing that the painting will take a long time to be done and remembering that she was the fidgety kind of person who couldn’t stay still for long she replied, “I’d prefer to sit Gideon.” And so the work on the portrait began. The first thing to go down on paper was Norah’s eyes. Her eyes were shaped like almonds, hazel eyes. Gideon looked intently at every detail of her body. She felt sparks of electricity run down her spine. She could feel herself grow red; she became more conscious of herself. Almost after thirty minutes when his eyes settled on her neck she knew she had that 'deer in the headlight' look.
She hated herself for that particular days dress selection. A short flowing summer dress with a deep neck line. As if sensing her discomfort Gideon cleared his throat, “Let's take a drink break shall we? I don’t think you will care for a beer and some pork salami?”
“A beer and salami will be just fine,” she smiled. Gideon walked past her to the fridge. She stole a glance at his athletic body, quite unusual for a painter. She wondered if he went gyming in his spare time or played rugby. She began wandering about his room observing the different paintings.
There were six paintings hanging, two were covered with something that resembled a curtain.The first painting portrayed a monsoon day with a faceless figure holding an umbrella. Even on looking closely she couldn’t tell if it was a man or a lady. She moved to the second painting. It depicted spring, a field of flowers, clear blue skies and in that field a girl and a boy. The girl resting her head on the shoulder of the boy. Perhaps whispering sweet words of love. Norah sighed; she had never experienced such emotions. She never knew what these young lovers felt in each other’s company.
She quickly dismissed her feelings of disappointment sorrow and a certain sense of longing. The third painting had a young girl, her hair blowing in the wind. She was smiling at a young man behind the canvas. Perhaps he was painting her just like Gideon was painting Norah. She smiled at the familiarity.
“I wonder if Gideon is back.” She said aloud. “Gideon? Gideon are you back yet?” Gideon. Where was he?  She turned around to find him entering the room empty handed.
“Hey listen, I just realized I’ve run out of beer. There is a shop at the corner of the road. I’ll just get some. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s ok let it be. Don’t worry, the beer isn’t that important.”
“No it’s not okay. We need a beer break.” He winked scurrying out of the room before Norah could protest any further. She heard the front door open and slam shut. The click of the automatic lock indicated that Gideon had left and that she was all alone in the house now.
She just shrugged and went back to looking at the paintings.
Moving on the fourth painting was autumn. Dry leaves were strewn all over the place. The trees in the background were bare. The park bench was deserted with the exception of two people. It looked like the same boy and girl from the previous painting only this time they sat at the extreme ends of the bench looking away from each other. The painting made use of dull colors. The painting seemed gloomy and she couldn’t bear to look at it another moment.
The fifth painting was veiled. She uncovered it to see the portrait of a beautiful young woman. Beautiful, yet there was something about the face of the woman. Certain sadness was writ on her face. Norah moved away from this painting to the next. She uncovered it, what she saw sent her reeling back a few steps. The painting showed the same lady lying in a pool of blood. A man was standing over her with a knife in his hand. The entire canvas was painted red. But this wasn’t what shocked her, the woman in the portrait closely resembled her and the man standing over her with a knife resembled Gideon. She felt a cold draft of air on her feet. She looked around and found all windows shut so where was the breeze coming from. She was scared now.
She didn’t have a single minute to waste. She quickly gathered up her purse and scarf. She was in the flight mode but in this anxiety she hadn’t heard the front door open and shut again as Gideon re-entered the house. She turned to leave but just as she did all the color from her face drained.
Gideon was standing there smiling quizzically at her with two beer cans one in the right hand and the other in the crook of his right arm. He held a newly sharpened butcher knife in the other, "What’s the matter Norah. Are you leaving?"
"Yes. I have to leave." She replied looking away.
"What is the matter Norah? I thought you were having fun. You can’t leave now."
"My boss called he wants me in the office right away.” Norah was blinking her eyes rapidly to avoid eye contact with Gideon.
"Are you lying to me Norah?"
She didnt reply but clutched her purse harder.
"Answer me Goddamn it." Norah had never seen Gideon so agitated before. "Meera left me too, the day you slapped me in the cafe. It was your fault she left. I wont let you leave me too Norah." he said his voice calm and composed.
"Gideon please let me go" she pleaded tears welling in her eyes.
"No, you can’t leave so soon. I still have my painting to complete. You can’t leave till I finish what I began. I have a whole blank canvas waiting to be painted."
As Gideon approached her, a splash of red sprayed over the canvas. Gideon had begun his masterpiece.
               * * *

Words

Love- a meaningless word.
Fear- an inherent emotion.
Trust- a broken promise.
Treason- an eternal curse.
Respect- a facade.
Lust- an unquenchable thirst.
Help- a payable favour.
Hurt- a never ending state.

Compassion- a non existent feeling.
Hypocrisy- a permanent mark.
Truth- a priced reality.
Lies- the new truth.
Acceptance- the most difficult test.
Denial- a single word.
Life- a difficult puzzle.
Death- an easy way out.
                             * * *

A Little Broken

CHAPTER-1

JULIET

I found myself being held in a tight hug, tears streaming from my eyes, soaking my pillow. Firm yet soft hands held onto me like my life depended on it. "Shh.. you'll be fine baby girl. You gotta be strong. I know you're hurting, but this will pass trust me"

The next thing I know is I'm passed out in my parents bedroom. Sunlight filtering in from the huge glass windows. My hand still caught in a tight grip as if I would just melt away into the distance. So it wasn't a nightmare. I had actually been to hell and back.
I look at my mothers face. Being so caught up in my own shit I didn't realise what I had done to her. She looked pale weak and years older than when I had last seen her. She stirs and smiles faintly at me hiding all the pain and humiliation she feels. The pain I gave her, even worse the public humiliation I caused her. She sits up "Morning baby girl, wanna catch some breakfast?"
I can feel tears welling in my eyes "I think I'm gonna pass. Besides I haven't slept for days." Seeing her walk into the kitchen is a blur as I'm dozing off to sleep. It's dark and cold outside... "Mom... mom. Where are you. Anybody. Please help me. I wanna go home. I'm not playing this game anymore. I need to get home." Panic seizes me. Its like I'm being smothered. I can't breathe. I'm sinking onto the cold ground, I'm gonna die and my family will never know where I am.

My eyes open, my mothers concerned face above mine... I'm drenched in sweat, tears rolling down my cheeks. "It was a nightmare sweetheart, you're safe. You're with us. It's okay. Try going back to sleep"
How I got here, in this situation is an even bigger mess.
                               * * *

CHAPTER-2

THE BEGINNING

Juliet Dimmesdale, a normal 16 year old.
Actually below normal... a geek in modern terminology. But if anyone had to look closer, she was beautiful, not only in mind but also in soul. But it's only the good who face trials. She faced hers.
Talk about the three mistakes of ones life.. it took her only one before her perfect solitary world came crashing down.
Her mistake was known by the name of Armen Percy. The Casanova of Springtown High. The heartthrob of all the girls and finally the reason for their heart breaks too. But Juliet she wasn't his type, she sure as hell wasn't anyone's type. Not the hot cleavage showing skimpily clad straight haired girl. She was the kind you would befriend cause she did your homework but never date.
Teachers pet. Lonely soul. A loser according to her cool classmates. Her life would seem a total mess to others but she was perfectly happy.
                           * * *

CHAPTER-3

ARMEN.

First day of the last year at high school. New chicks rolling in from the convent two blocks down. Perfect day of my life. So that girl has the perfect legs oooo... "Dayumm man, look at those legs" calls out my brat of a best friend right into my ears. "Seriously Roger, it's not worth my attention" I lie trying to sound cool. I guess she heard it cause she scowls at us as she walks past us.
"Hey Armen I'll just be back I got to ask Ms. Smarty Pants for my homework" he says pointing in the direction of a little girl walking down the hall. She is tall but little in her body structure, almost petite. Her skirt below her knees, hair combed tightly back in a low ponytail and a loose shirt. But I can literally visualise her tiny body under all those oversized clothes. Snap out of it.she's not even your type dude says the voice in my head.
She smiles, a set of even sparkling white teeth. The most angelic smile ever. Her lips soft and pink even without any gloss. She hands Roger some notes and I can not get my eyes off her as she hurries along the corridor. "Hey man, you lost" snaps Roger.
"Hey who's that geek man. I didn't know you do her type." I smirk wickedly to avoid suspicion.
" Shut up dude, she's a friend. Actually a friends friend. She's in our economics class. Science kid but switched to eco. Just helped her make friends in class so she returned the favour by doing my homework. Big deal." He winks. "And for your kind information we're late for football practice coach gonna kick your ass star player Armen Percy" he mocks.
She's in my eco class and I never once noticed her. But football... that made me forget her... temporarily off course.
                              * * *

CHAPTER-4

JULIET

I can totally swear to God I saw Armen staring at me a while back. Maybe cause I look so weird. "Hey JD what up?" Tami's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. Tamira Shah, my best friend from India. She's the most popular girl in class... head cheerleader and all. Wonder why she even hangs out with me at all. I'm glad she doesn't judge me or make fun of me at least.
"Hey babe, just handed Roger his homework."
"Oh that reminds me," danced Tami, "after school we're going to Armens place for a partyyyyy. Hope you have something nice to wear"
What, a party! I never party. And a dress. Shit that's a problem.
Somehow Tami guessed what was playing on my mind, "I knew you wouldn't have a dress so I went ahead of myself and got you one." She buzzed feeling happy with herself. "So I'll pick you up after class we'll go to my place to get dressed and then head to Armens place. Cool?"
"Cool! See you after class Tami."
"Ciao babe"
So I'm going to Armens for a party. Shit.Armen... like Greek god Armen. I think I'm gonna be sick.
                         * * *

CHAPTER 5

ARMEN

    So football time is up and its time to head home and shower up before all those hawt cheerleaders walk into my house. " Hey man, Rog, why don't you get your new geek friend over too." I just couldn't get her out of my mind. "I bet this moment could change her life for a moment at least"
    I stick my tongue out at him. I can see him almost go red in anger... "Hey what's your problem dawg, told ya she's just a friend. Don't you get it?" I could tell by the tone of his voice that now he was just pissed. "Chill mahn I'm kiddin"
     I wasn't I really wanted to see her, get to know her talk to her. I was going crazy... was it my hormones or was I in love... I was yet to find out.
                           * * *

Part II
ARMEN MEETS JULIET

CHAPTER-6

ARMEN

     I pick up my truck from the parking lot and as I'm exiting who do I see... Tamira... Tamira was from India... I don't mean to be racist but yeah she was an exquisite oriental beauty. Enchanting just like the east. Jet black hair tied up in a high ponytail. Her cheerleader outfit and her full form made her stand apart from the crowd.
      She had me mesmerised. Today it wasn't her charm however that drew me to her... but her companion.. she had my full attention. It was none other than... man I don't even know her name.
"Hey Armen" she smiled.
"Hey babe, will I be seeing you at the party?"
 "why state the obvious. Hey listen this is Juliet. She's not on the squad but she's my bestie... hope you don't mind me bringing her along?"
"Not at All Tami."

Hmmm... Juliet... just like Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Damn it what's wrong with me. "Hey J. Juliet is too long a name"
"Friends call me JD. So J is just fine" she smiled.
She's got that sweet voice of an angel. I got gooseflesh when I heard her speak. Her warm smile made my stomach flutter with anticipation. She's totally getting under my skin. I can't wait to see her at the party.
I got to look my best today. I want her to see me in my full glory... but first I need to get away from here.
" hey.. umm.. Tami I'll catch up with you guys later. Got to get the last minute preparations in order"
Tami kisses me... I can see Juliet look away. An act that always made my knees go weak had no effect on me today. Everything was a blur the only thing in focus was JULIET.

CHAPTER-7

JULIET

Tami introduced me to Armen. He's as charming up close as he is from a distance. Strange I didn't know Tami was dating Armen. She never once mentioned it. "Hey Tami how long have you two been dating"
"Almost a year" she replies non enthusiastically.
Tami has her back to me, she's busy getting her makeup kit and hair straightner ready. "OK JD I'll finish your makeover first... you ready?"
I hesitated. I've never used makeup before.
It took what seemed like an hour for Tami to get done with me. She turned me around in my chair to face the mirror. It wasn't me who looked back at me. I seemed different. I seemed new. My deep cut dress enhanced my not so large bosom. The dress hugged my body enhancing the curves of my sleek dancer like body.
Yeah I'm not the geek people think I am. I dance and sing and do both pretty well for one who hasn't had any formal training. I had discarded my huge spectacles and had lenses in their stead. So I dreaded looking all dolled up but what I saw pleased me a lot. It was a very light eye shadow and some mascarra and a nude shade of lipstick. I can't believe it but I actually looked quite a sight.
I couldn't wait to see Armen's face when he saw me like this.

PART III
THE PARTY

CHAPTER 8
ARMEN

I don't know what to wear. Will she like me in formals or casuals. If formals will it be a tux or a normal suit. God dammit its not a date. I think I'll settle for a casual shirt and a pair of jeans. I take a quick shower and I'm in my room getting dressed. Oh damn this shirt is so crumpled. I'm in my jeans ironing my shirt when I hear:
"Purrrrrrrfect..." I turn to see Tami standing in the hallway looking at me as if I were a lick lolly and she a Fatboy waiting to devour me.
"Hey babe, damn you look stunning."
"Back atcha lover boy." She cooes with a fake flutter of her eyes.
My eyes move past her... Juliet isn't here. My heart sinks a little. Without realizing what I say next I say to Tami "Hey Tami do you mind going out for a moment I need to get ready."
I blurt these words as if I wasn't standing in front of her shirtless for the past 10 minutes.
Her mouth drops and then she opens it to say something but I shut the door before she can utter the words.
"Where's your mojo man?" I'm scolding myself. "Juliet what have you done to me woman... you're not even my type."
I breath deeply. Prance like a boxer. Throwing blows at an imaginary foe. "OK bring it on ladies." I say in the sexiest huskiest voice possible.

CHAPTER-9
JULIET

"That bastard!" I hear someone curse almost into my ear.
"Woah God dammit Tami! What's the matter hotshot?" I ask concerned.
"Armen."
That name just sent a stray flutter to my heart. What is the matter with me. I'm definitely not falling in love with him. I mean I hardly know him right. Plus he's dating my best friend.
"Calm down Tami, what did the poor chap do now. I'm sure as long as you didn't find him shirtless on top of another girl you guys should be cool." I stifle a giggle.
She looks at my face red from not laughing and almost instantly we're hugging each other for fear of falling off our chairs giggling.
That's when I catch sight of him. Its pretty dark in the dimly lit room, yet I can make out that tall muscular body drift gracefully across the hall. I make a dash for the bar but before I know it I trip over a drunk couple making out on the floor. I was sure to have broken a couple of teeth had it not been for a strong arm gripping my tiny body.
Instead of the cold floor I felt a warm, rock hard muscular body against mine. I straighten out awkwardly... without looking up at my rescuer I mutter a quick thank you and head to the bar.

CHAPTER 10
CALEB

So this is how girls say thank you by running away. I'm still looking at her sitting on the barstool. She hasn't ordered anything. She's embarrassed or disturbed... I guess its both. So I decide to walk up to her.
"One soda please" I say to the bartender.
She hardly notices me. I can tell by the look on her face she's not used to these parties. Just like me she doesn't like noice and dirty dancing.
Then almost suddenly she says "one neat vodka please."
I look at her over my coke. I don't drink. Absolutely repulsed by the idea of drinking. She swallows it in one go... and by the way she chokes on it I know its the first time she's done it.
"Hi I'm Caleb" I say.
She looks at me funny. "Caleb... Caleb Winchester... from across the street."
Oh my God, this girl is Juliet.
" Juliet Dimmesdale..?"
"Hi," she looked away, "ummm... ignore the little drinking antic back there."
"OK as you say" I tipped my glass at her and turned my gaze to the dance floor.
She sat quietly in her stool. Then turned to face the dance floor as well.
She was looking at something and not looking at anything at the same time.
Wow she looks absolutely stunning. Her hazel eyes shining in the dimly lit room. Her hair, the way it fell half way down her bosom. The way her chest heaved each time she breathed in.
I cleared my throat. She started. "I'll take your leave."
"You're not staying?" It seemed like more of a request that I should keep he company. "OK cool, catch ya later, hopefully." She corrected.
"Later . Hopefully." I winked and made my way out of that noisy party.

CHAPTER 11
JULIET
WOW! Caleb is really grown into a handsome lad. I remember him as the kid in the neighborhood who would bully me all the time, that tiny bit of a crush that I had on him brought back fond memories of my childhood. I was so immersed in reminiscing that I didn't notice Armen and Tami walk up to the bar. They were sweaty and thirsty from all the dancing.
"JD?" I heard a someone ask.
I knew the voice so well. I reluctantly swirled in my barstool to face him, Armen.
"Hi" I said trying to sound cool.
"When you did get here. So good to see you."
"I've been here all this while, since the time you've been dancing on the floor with Tami." Oh my god was that the jealous tone that just escaped my mouth. "I'm sorry I got to run. Please tell Tami I've left. Bye."
I stumbled into the street, glad to be away from the hot and sultry room. Hot partly because of the large number of people cramped into the room and partly because of the blood that rose to my cheeks with Armen standing inches away from me. I slowly sauntered down the road. There was a list drizzle. I let it wash down all the makeup Tami had applied. My hair was back to its curly self. Drops of water curled up at the end of my hair strands.  I was in no hurry to get back to my room. Suddenly a car stopped next to me. I hadn't noticed it following. Someone swung open the passenger seat door. I was ready to attack my assailant but who do I see grinning at me... Armen.
"After you left I realised it was raining. Tami is too drunk to drop you home. Jump in I'll escort you home."
"No thank you, I love the rain. I'll walk home." I thought this would be enough for him to leave me alone.
In don't know if I should be excited or dismal but Armen jumped out of his truck banged the door shut and said "I hope then you don't mind me walking you home."
I shrugged, a gesture he took as approval for his request.

To be continued.
P.s suggestions are welcome