A Thriller

BACKGROUND

Abbas and Salma, were in relationship since last 2 years. They enjoyed each other company very much. While Salma was insisting Abbas to get married and settle down, Abbas was not prepared for marriage. Abbas was geologist and doing PhD on Antarctica’s black rocks. Looking at his talent, International Organization of Geology has sponsored three months of expedition at Antarctica for research on the subject.   He was very happy about the expedition. He was sure that after the Antarctica visit, his research paper will be able to shed new lights on ancient rock formation and human evolution. Ever occupied in his research, he had never thought about his marriage. Abbas’s indecisiveness for marriage, troubling Salma and she was feeling bit insecure about the relationship.

Salma’s parents were died 4 years ago in plane crash, while Abbas’s mother passed long back after suffering from cancer. Thus Abbas’s Abbu(Father) was the sole elder in both families. Abbu was not very happy to accept Salma and had few reservations due to her orphan hood. There was a tug of conflict between father and son at this point.

SCENE 1

Next day Abbas supposed to leave for New Zeeland and from New Zeeland, he will fly to Antarctica. He packed his baggage and thrown himself at bed, just to catch few naps before he leave. Looking at fashion magazine, with Katrina Kaif, wearing red saree at front cover, and thinking about Salma’s marriage insistence, Abbu’s reluctance to accept Salma, Black rocks, Antarctica…  he fell asleep.

SCENE 2

Early in the morning, Salma arrived at his house in red, elegant sari. Abbas had never seen Salma in sari and was amazed by her beauty. For moment, tempted of calling off Antarctica tour and just keep watching Salma. After seeking blessings from Abbu, duo departed for Airport, in Salma’s red car.

SCENE 3

At airport Salma had become emotional, as Abbas was departing. With tearful eyes and painful voice, she asked Abbas “ Promise me, you will return “.. Abbas kissed her hand and promised. Abbas left Salma at departure longue, waving his hand. He suddenly turned and came back, holding a small box. To Salma’s wonder, he gave that box to her. She opened and as expected it was a ring.. a Diamond ring.. proposal from Abbas to marry her !! Salma could not believe this.. She elated and hugged him. Salma whispered “When I will wear this “?.. Abbas replied “ After Antarctica.. 3 months..”… Salma clinched the ring into her fist and watched Abbas disappearing into the crowd….

SCENE 4

At Antarctica, during daytime Abbas was working on black rocks, studying their surface, texture other biological details. At relaxing times, amidst Antarctica’s snowy glaciers and penguins, he used to dream about Salma, her red Saree, marriage, honeymoon etc.  Salma’s love was kind of motivation for him to work even harder. Three months have passed and Abbas finished his research work to everyone’s satisfaction. Finally day came, when he was returning to India to get united with Salma forever.

SCENE 5
When he landed, Salma was not at Airport to receive him. He got very angry. In fit of anger, he avoided to call her. He reached home and greeted by Abbu. The first thing Abbas asked was about Salma. Abbu was reluctant to speak about her but on continues insistence, finally Abbu revealed:

“ Look Abbas, what I am going to tell you is  very bad news. You have to bear this. Please sit down..”..

Abbas sat down… Abbu continued” Salma is no longer.. she is …..DEAD”..

Words hit Abbas and he froze like a stone. Some men could not cry.. They bear the brunt of the blow without expressing it. Abbas was one of those kinds. He just kept listening to Abbu, without giving any reaction..

Abbu continued “ After dropping you at Airport, she had major road accident and died on the spot. We thought not to disturb your research and thus did not informed you.. … “

Abbas could not believe.. He stood up and covered his face by his hands.. He could not believe the words “..Salma dead… dead Salma.. what Abu is talking about ?... “…He reacted “Abbu I don’t believe.. I can’t believe.. Salma could not die… “ 

Abu consoled him “Look I understand your emotions.. but we are helpless to our fate and destiny.”..

There was element of confusion in Abbas’s expression. Abbas reiterated his position. “Abbu, I don’t believe that Salma has died after dropping me at Airport.. It can’t happen”.

Abu replied ” But beta. This is fact. I understand your emotions.. Please  accept the reality…”. Abbas stood up and scream “ How can it happen.. How can.. Just last night I had talked with her over cell phone.. She promised that she will come to receive me at Airport.. How can a dead person make a call ?????”

Abbu did not took Abbas seriously  “ Beta this not possible. Control your emotions.. Take this pill and it will calm you down..”

Abbas angrily replied “ Do you think I am lying.. See my call logs..  “ His call logs showed that there  was  a call from Salma last night.

Abbu confusingly replied ”  I don’t know about this call… I have buried her.. I have death certificate ”…

Abbas stood up.. ”  How can dead person call somebody!! I know my Salma.. it was her voice... I have to talk to her friend Rukmani” . And he rushed out of the room, without waiting for Abbus’ reaction.

SCENE 6

Abbas rushed to Rukmanis’ house. Salma was staying with Rukmani and they were very close friends. Rukmani opened the door and found agitated Abbas. Abbas asked “Where is Salma ?” Rukmani calmly welcomed Abbas  “First come inside. I will tell you” .. Abbas yelled ” Answer me.. Where is Salma.. !! “

Rukmani replied that she has died in road accident.. as Abbu has explained.

Abbas could not believe this.. He has shown Salmas’ call record. Rukmani replied that after Salma’s death, she is using her number and she has not made any call to Abbas. Perplexed Abbas sat down on sofa. He could not believe that Salma had died. Salma’s voice, asking about his flight details and landing time were echoing his ears.  Rukmani went to make a drink for Abbas. Abbas slowly came to the term that call was accidental  and Salma had died. His initial agitation is melting into deep pain…

Suddenly Rukmani heard the Abbas’s scream, so loud that glass was fallen from her hand… Rukmani rushed to Abbas and saw Abbas holding his cell phone.. Cell phone was vibrating.. Abbas shouted at Rukmani.. “Look at his.. look at this”.. A message from Salma…. Message was like “sorry Jaan, I could not make to Airport. I was stuck at Pune and will be back by evening.. I will definitely meet you at evening.. I hope u forgive me.. love and kisses, Salma J”. Rukmani shocked and had no words to explain. … Abbas left her house….

SCENE 7

At home Abbas showed Salma’s latest message to Abbu. Abbu could not believe it either..

He told ” I have buried her… myself.. with this hand.. I don’t know about this cell phone technologies ,,but Abbas, you have to trust your father than this stupid cell phone… !!! He showed Salma’s death certificate, pictures of Salma’s crushed car and newspaper cuttings reporting her tragic death..

All these evidence were proving that Salma is dead. Meanwhile what about  the message and call, he had received !!  Too much of facutal contradiction… Baffled and agitated Abbas could not bear any longer and fainted.

SCENE 8

Abbas’s sleep was disturbed by a gentle touch.. He opened eyes and found, Salma caressing his face.. He suddenly woke up and Salma smiled.. Salma and her tempting red Sari..!! Abbas was  in disbelief.. Abbas whispered  ‘you are alive ?”… Salma giggled  “ What you think .. Am I dead ?” She placed his hand on her heart… “ Do you feel my heart, thumping for you and you only !!”

Abbas felt her heart beats.. She came closer and asked “ Can you see my eyes blinking ?”.. Their eyes met and it was enlivening for Abbas. Now he had no doubt that Salma is not dead.. He searched for Abbu.  Salma told him that Abbu has gone out to buy fresh oranges. Abbas could not found Abbus’ car in the parking slot also.

SCENE 9

They went to their favourite Garden spot and spoke lot about his Antarctica expedition and future marriage plans. At night, Salma dropped Abbas at his house in her red car. Abbas asked to meet Abbu, which Salma refused candidly, siting her tiredness.

SCENE 10

Abbas returned home.  Abbu was waiting for him anxiously. Abbas told him that he was with Salma. Abbu has lost temper “ ABBAS,,, Please accept the fact… Salma is dead.. Salma is no more… You are turning into mental patient.. I have to concern psychiatrist for you. “ Abbas retorted “ I am not mad.. I was with Salma.. she is alive.. She was here today, in this house.. I don’t’ trust you.. May be you need psychiatrist..”

Abbu is shocked by Abbas’s reply. He had never been so rude to him before. Understanding the mental condition of Abbas, he lowered his voice “ if she has been here, how can’t I have not seen her.. “ Abbass pointing at Oranges lying on table, replied that “When Salma came, you have gone to buy Oranges”.. In which, Abbu surprisingly replied that he was at the house whole day and Oranges have been brought by the maid.  Abbas sited that he has not seen his car in parking at evening.. Argument grew..

Finally Abbu challenged Abbas that if Salma is alive, then call her right now “  Call Salma right now, I want to meet her” . Abbas called Salma, and asked her come at his house at once. Salma agreed.  

There was tense moment between father and Son. Day before, in his worst nightmares, Abbas had not imagined that he is going to dispute with his father about life of his sweetheart. Very strange conflict !!  Both men were thinking that if their version of Salma is wrong, then whom they have dealt with…. A spirit.. a Ghost !!!!!!!!

SCENE 11

A door opened and Salma emerged, in her typical red Sari. Abbas yelled.. “Salma.. are you dead..!! Please tell my father that you are dead ..”.. Salma looked at him and sobbed “ Am I dead ?.. Do you want me to die ? “… Abbas turned to his father and “Answer her”… Abbu was speechless and after sometime he broke his silence, “Where is she ? I am not seeing anyone.. “

Abbas zapped.. “Look, she is in front of you..”.. Salma also joined “Abbu, I am in front of you.. Can’t you see me !! Abbas, Is Abbu’s eyes are alright? I hope growing diabetes had not affected his vision..”.. Abbas pulled Salma near to Abbu and let her hand touch him.. “Can you feel now.. !! Abbu.. Salma is standing right near you…”… Finally Abbu broke down..” Beta.. Salma is died.. you are in trance of some sort of spirit. .there is no Salma around.. Why don’t’ you understand… Please break your hallucination and came back to reality… “…

Listening to these Salma begged to Abbu “ Please don’t kill me.. I am alive.. I know you don’t’ like me and not want me as your daughter in law.. but that does not mean that you finish my existence… My love to Abbas is true.. Please do not separate us… Abbas, please request Abbu to accept me. I can do anything to please him. I am orphan. I have no one than you for love and live for.. ”

Abbas is utterly confused by both sides…. He is entangled between his  sweet heart and father.. Both were as real as him !! Whom should he believe and whom should he not !! What is the truth !! He loved them both…

Finally he came to crazy conclusion.. He told Salma..” Salma,.. you have to prove that you are human… cut your finger and show me ur blood. I have heard somewhere that Ghosts don’t have blood..”.. Salma reiterated “ What rubbish.. If you can’t see my tears, if  you can’t feel my heartbeats .. how can you ever see my blood…. I am going Abbas.. I am going to die now , if that what makes you and your Abbus’s life comfortable. You are the only reason I lived for and I will die for..”

And she left the room cryingly… Abbas yelled  “NO, Wait”… and ran after her… Abbu collapsed on floor “Oh Khuda.. save my child.. “…

SCENE 10

Salma came out of the house and ran towards the busy road, followed by Abbas… Salma was crossing the road amidst speedy moving vehicles, followed by Abbas. Salma stood in the midway, waiting for some vehicle to collide with her. Abbas rushed to save her and suddenly a bus dashed on him. He was hit, plunged high, into the air… and dropped down on the road…

Crowed gathered to see him, lying on Road.. may be dead… He was listening noises  “ Is he dead !! Call ambulance !! What a careless ness “!!!

SCENE 11

“Am I dead ?”.. Abba’s eyes wide-open....…. Sweating face… He sat.. He found himself in his bad room.. He  was panting heavily.... He breathed down, drank water and wiped out sweat.. It was 3 AM.. He came out of room.. He saw his Abbu sleeping peacefully… Salma.. what about Salma !.. He called Salma… Salma replied that she will be coming at 6 AM at his house.. Abbas concluded that it was a nightmare… very very scary nightmare..

His inner dilemmas were reflected into this darkish dream..

Early in the morning, Salma arrived at his house in red, elegant sari. Abbas was amazed her beauty, and for moment, tempted to  calling off Antartica tour and just keep watching Salma. Then he froze for moment..

 END

Regds

Vadan

They hate Diwali…..

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They hate Diwali…..

BOOM BOOM, anywhere, everywhere.. its Boom. Big boom, small boom, flashy boom, colourful boom, continues booms,,,,…… all types of BOOM. These Diwali booms have been intoxicating for their exploders. They set fire on the tail and after few moments of teasing silence, big BOOM.... This noisy boom provided immeasurable joy to them. With each boom, birds left their nests, small children closed their ears, senior citizen shut their windows and she shivers.

Shanti hated Diwali for its boominess.
Today she was sleeping happily after evening meal and suddenly a bomb busted ..BOOM. She suddenly woke up and saw some children holding that evil things in their hands. Before she recover from early boom, unleashed another chains of BOOMs…. Shanti’s heart halted for a moment “ Oh god diwali arrived” She thought. She rushed to find place where she can save herself from noise. She went to society garden, parking slots, backyard, passage,, every reachable place where she can go. Night of Diwali supposed to be jubilating night but for her it turns out to be  nightmare. She could not find a place where boom has not reached. Her ears were splitting and head was spinning with each boom. Too much noise was unbearable and unavoidable.

Finally she found a dark corner in an empty garage, where she found bit solace. She breathed and sat down, wondering “ what happens to these peoples in Diwali ? Why they turn Crazy and create lots of noise and smoke ?”

Having lost in these thoughts, she felt asleep.

Jadeja( M47) a flabby man, with golden chain dangling across the neck came down with bags of fireworks, mostly bombs and other noisy crackers. Jadeja was owner of famous jewellery shop of the town and have great enchant for fireworks during Diwali. He used to spend lavishly on fireworks, specially bombs ; laxmi bomb, sutri bomb, new Super Atom bomb etc. Certain bombs were banned by government due to their high noise levels but Jadeja managed to procure them somehow, just to satisfy his hunger for more noise.

He parked the car in the garage and locked it, trapping Shanti inside.
Jadeja started bursting his crackers outside the garage. Shanti trapped inside started feeling jitters as she heard human chattering outside.
Jadeja placed a Laxmi bomb, torched it and after few seconds Big BOOM. BOOM  rocked the buildings nearby and rattled Shanti.

Jadeja’s ears had no impact of noise. Either he had turned deaf or his ears were made of steel. Jadeja kept bursting newer and noisier bombs to entertain himself while Shanti suffering immensely. Shanti ran haphazardly in dark garage just to avoid the noise but could not find the way out. She tried to open the door but she could not. Poor Shanti struggled hard to liberate herself from Jadeja’s noisy crackers but unfortunately failed at each attempt. She moaned and moaned, hoping someone will listen ! If Shanti would have been human, she could have scream like hell or would have kicked the door to open or at least, she could have closed her ears with hands tightly. But Shanti could not do any of above, as she was a dog. A stray dog… Shanti crumpled herself beneath the car, with a hope that someone will open the door and rescue her from this noisy hell.

Nakhusi was Jadeja’s third daughter. Nakhushi means “unwanted”.  An orthodox Indian male, Jadeja wanted his first child to be Boy. First child born at Jadeja’s house was a girl and not a boy, disappointing Jadeja.  Second child was also girl and Jadeja disappointed even more. Jadeja family did everything to praise the luck, for third child. They went to temples & astrologers, did fasting, fed cows.. etc.. But again third child was also, a Girl. Jadeja’s dream was shattered.  He wanted a son to handle his empire and girls will ruin his vision. Jadeja and his boy-crazy family was so dejected that they named 3^rd  girl child “NaKhusi(unhappiness)” as that girl was unwanted.

We have society where, boy-girl ratio is steadily declining and tradition as naming “Nakhusi “ is also in practice, simultaneously .  This the height of illiteracy !   (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/a-new-name-for-nakushi/864079/3)

Nakhusi is fifteen years old and she has never been interested in any celebration. Nakhusi has been reserved girl all these years. She has been dropped from school after 8^th grade and mostly confined to the walls of kitchen. She has developed good culinary skills and that’s the only purpose she had to live for, cooking. Everyone in house, used to praise Nakhusi for her cooking talent and comment on luck of her future husband. Nakhusi used to take appreciation with silent smile but within her she hated these fake verbose. Her emotions have always been confined to herself. She was like deep stable sea on surface with carnivorous angry predators surfing inside. She has just one question to ask “Why she has named Nakhusi ?”….

She was always reluctant in celebrating festivals as Holi, Diwali, Navratri... She could not bear noise as our dog, Shanti. Mostly, she remained inside during Diwali celebrations and keeping herself busy in making sweets, snacks and other food items, just to avoid being outside with family. And family also never bothered about her presence !!

Jadeja wanted hot badam (almond) milk for his guests. Nakhusi got order to make five glasses of badam milk. Jadeja unpacked a banned Bomb call, SUPER ATOM.  He explained to his guests that this is the loudest bomb, ever made.

As she was preparing, SUPER ATOM exploded.. BOOOOOM.. Nakhusi closed her ears and collapsed on floor and in garage, Shanti shivered and perturbed animal  ran to garage door and started crying loudest as possible seeking attention. But amidst cracking fireworks, who has ear to listen poor dog’s pleas ??

Nakhusi came outside with 5 glasses of milk and served. While serving, her ears heard something unpleasant from garage. She went to the garage and opened the door and found poor Shanti shivering in fear. Their eyes met and she understood her pain…

Nakhusi led Shanti at basement, where old furniture and other material were stored. At basement it was relatively peaceful.  Dusty basement was the only shelter for these two. Nakhusi placed her hand on Shanti’s body..  just to feel her shivering  … Shanti’s shivering was  like echoing  Nakhusi’s beating heart.  Nakhusi caressed her to calm herself. Shanti looked at Nakhusi, giving a thankful gesture. Unseen bond between two females established.

Today, after years of blockade, tears stormed out of Nakhusi’s eyes.. She hugged Shanti and cried heavily, venting all her pent-up emotions..

“Human are like that only”.. they concluded. They both hate Diwali…

Regds

vadan

NRI's Greencard

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NRI’s Green Card

Dharam Patel was on his way towards Chicago from Delhi, with his 78 years old mother. This was not the first time, Dharam was travelling to US. He has made few trips before, but this trip was special one ! This time Dharam Patel was travelling to US, as US citizen for the first time !

FLASHBACK

Since childhood, Dharam has dreamt about to be a US citizen. This dream had become sole ambition in his youth and reason for existence.

Childhood experiences play an important part in the development of an individual and in shaping one’s belief system as an adult. When Dharam was 7 years old, his uncle Rammu had migrated to US. Prior to migration, Rammu was working in ground-nut oil factory along with Dharam’s father at Limbdi, small town in west of Gujarat. Rammu was considered as useless, due to his lazy and carefree nature. Fortunately Rammu got chance to migrate to US in early eighties. After four years, Rammu has returned as much wealthier and healthier. With new whitish grace on his face, in jeans pants and smiley T-shirts, Rammu was changed person. A useless ground-nut factory worker had turned into a HERO of his family. He has brought a big LEGO game for Dharam. This LEGO game has made Dharam, a smaller HERO among his childhood friends. Rammu’s changed personality and Lego game has played vital role in shaping belief in Dharam’s mind, that “US is place of Miracles, where Zero becomes Hero”.

Whenever Rammu came to India, Dharam got engrossed by Rammu’s explanation of US’s infrastructure and IT systems. Rammu has posted the photograph of new car from US. Looking at the Car, entire family gasped. That car was bigger than owner of Ground-nut mill owner, richest man of Limdi. The photo of his car was circulated among town people and everyone was looking at it with surprised eyes. Dharam has noticed those surprised eyes.

As Dharam grew, he witnessed other US success stories in his town and he also started dreaming about settling in US. As Dharam turned 18, he started watching English movies and reading English magazine to prepare himself for US society. On his insistence, Rammu has sponsored his first US trip during college vacation for one month on tourist visa.

When he first went to US as tourist, he was 20 years old. He was amazed by Chicago’s infrastructure, big roads, huge and glittering malls, cleanliness.. Everything was controlled by machines and working automatically. It was exactly as he has imagined.  When he went to Wallmart, he was shocked by the sheer size of mall and abundance of material. A WALLMART store had more products than entire town of Limbdi can consume.  From toilet papers to vending machines to Sears Tower, each thing had surprise-glamour-element for small Towner, like Dharam.

After returning to India, Dharam’s ambition to settle in US, had become obsession. It was like child hates go to School, after long family vacation, Dharam did not liked to meet anyone, talk to anyone and totally engrossed in US memories. His clothing sense and voice accent changed, became more American. One more change occurred as by-product of his US fascination.  After US visit, he started developing kind of discontent towards smallness of his town. Road Potholes, Open Garbage, barking stray dogs, Cow-sheets on street, Haribhais’ shabby grocery store, Beggars, Electric shortages, etc..  which he ignored before, started hating now. He started comparing Wallmarts seal-packed Tomatoes to Limbdi’s road-side vegetable vendor’s tomatoes and obviously he found Wallmart’s Tomatoes were bigger and juicier !!! He was measuring a full developed consumerist country, world’s economic super power AND newly developing country, which has missed early nineteenth industrialization, ruled by foreign powers for 500 years, diverse society, cast creed based mind-sets, huge population to feed, …..  with same yardstick !!!!

Dharam begged his uncle Rammu to file Greencard application for him, which he did. Unfortunately on 10 November 1986, US Authorities rejected Dharam’s  Greencard application for unknown reason. It was black day of his life.. He was very optimistic that soon he will get the  Greencard and  leave this dusty country and settle in Chicago to eat Wallmart’s juicy tomatoes... His plan was failed and future seemed bleak now. Along with him, his family was also grief stricken. Prior to rejection, Dharam got marriage proposals from wealthy families but as application rejected, proposals were also dropped down. A thought that he has to settle in India for entire life was unbearable.

As time passed, Dharam has made compromise with his destiny and stared working in ground-nut factory, along with his father, harbouring dream of settling in US. His dream got wilted but not shattered. Every day he used to pray intently to Indian God to find way to United states of America.. Ultimate path of Nirvana for him....

After period of 5 years, his prayers were heard. Son of ground-nut mill owner was settled in US and was in Motel business. During his India visit, Dharam met him and shown his desire to work at Motel. Fortunately he was also looking for a young man, who can take care of his new Motel at Denver. He wanted a Indian guy who can work for 24X7 as Motel caretaker/manager/accountant/servant and who can be financially trusted. As Dharam went to his house with all his credentials and begged him for the job. Dharam was fitting the bill since he could speak English and shown his hard-working ability at Ground-nut factory. Since their family-relation was also very old, Dharam can be easily trusted for his loyalty. Even though Dharam hated Indian environment, it’s Indian culture of mutual trust and social bonding, helped him to reach at his dream destination.

Dharam did everything to materialize the opportunity. He has applied for employment H1 visa. Dharam has leant that US immigration authorities were reluctant in  giving Visas to people with surname “Patel”, he changed his Surname is Limbasia.. Dharam Patel has became Dharam Limbasia. This has also helped him to hide his previous rejected Greend card application.

Finally, by God’s grace, Dharam Limbasia’s H1 visa application was approved. At that night, Dharam’s father had given party to entire town of Limdi. Dharam has reached to Denver under H1 visa for 5 years. He was resolved to get Greencard in 5 years. For convenience purpose, Dharam has changed his name to “David”. Dharam patel has become Dharam Limbasia, and now Dharam Limbasia has become Just David, anything for America..

David worked very hard for 5 years at Motel and earned quite good amount of Dollars. Unfortunately, David could not convert his H1 visa into Greencard in 5 years. After 5 years, David’s H1 visa’s extension application was rejected. Going back to India was not an option, and David started living in US illegally, working at very low wages. As per 2007 figures, appx. 12.5 million Illegal migrants were residing in US. Illegals have to take   certain pre-cautions to save oneself from authority. F.eks David refrained from driving cars as it was easiest way for authorities to catch illegals. David lived under constant fear of being caught and deported back.  Once illegal David went to Wallmart to buy juicy Tomatoes and found Police(Cops) cars parked outside. He locked himself in Toilet for 2 hours, till he made sure that Police have left.

For David, internally it was painful to stay in somebody’s home without permission, but he was helpless against his own wishes. He was waiting for good time, same way he has waited to get US visa in Limbdi, 10 years ago.

Good time has come. Rammu has arranged a US girl who can marry David, just for Greencard purpose.  David never knew the name of that girl till marriage day. Generally Marriage considered very sacred union of two souls but David’s marriage was a business deal between two parties. Girl from North Virginia, US and boy from Limbdi, India stuck a deal to get married. Sometimes rational Mind is such flexible entity, which compromises with all its beliefs, ideals, principles(temporarily)  just to meet the selfish motives.  Money is great unifier.

They went to marriage registrar office and got married on paper. David’s Greencard application was filed and Girl was paid 10,000 USD. Within a year David received Greencard. Once David received Green card, David has filed for divorce for his marriage, which never existed. Finally on 1 Nov 1996, Dharam Patel aka David Limbasia has become US citizen after Neutralization ceremony, where he took oath to be loyal to US constitution.

He gave grand party to his friends at Denver. He drunk till midnight. Finally his childhood dream to became US citizen has realized. He was proud happy person. He explained all the sacrifices he made to make his dream come true. He boasted himself for his achievement and his guests reciprocated. At that night he decided to travel to India after long 10 years, as US citizen.

At India, old muddy roads of Limbdi, small shops, cow-shit’s filled lanes, small Tomatoes did not irritated him any longer because internally he was no longer part of it. He was relieved by the fact that these things does not belongs to him any longer. “India will remain like this only, but who cares” He thought.

FLASHBACK END

Airhostess announced that flight will land at Chicago Airport shortly. After flight landed, David and his mother were reached at immigration counter. At immigration counter, there was a crossway: There were separate counters for US citizen and others travellers. Dharam’s mother supposed to join others queue and Dharam turned towards US citizen counters....

Why the hell Dharam was feeling pain!  Why he feeling his steps are so heavy !! He turned around to see his mother, going away from him… He felt like entire India is moving away from him… After all 5000 years of old civilization, had some influence on his unconscious mind.. If glamor of consumerist economy has influenced his conscious mind, Indus civilization has footprint in his conscious mind.

For short while images of Limbdi, it’s cows, his people filled streets, Haribhai of small grocery store, his childhood schools, ... everything just passed by his eyes.. All of them are no longer part of him... and he felt NUMB.. He never felt this feeling !!! .. His love for his motherland suddenly erupted.

At immigration counter officer asked him “ So you are US citizen !! “

Dharam replied  “NO sir,, I am NRI (non resident Indian)...”


The End…



Thanks
vadan

Tapori’s Day Off…

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The 11^th day from Ganesh Charuthy most of Sarvajanik Ganesh idols are immersed into Arabian sea. India’ economical capital, Mumbai comes to a halt at that day. The ever-working city, Mumbai takes break from its routine hard life and celebrates the day. Shopkeeper shut their shops early, people reach their home early and most of schools remain off. Day is not declared as official government holiday, but it is counted by most of Mumbaikars as half-holiday, unofficially official.

 Big Ganesh Idols were on their way towards Arabian sea, accompanied by their hosts, with blaring noisy music system and flashy lightings. Several political parties and associations set their make-shift reception counters, along the road side to greet the Ganesh idol processions. They also have blaring loud speakers, playing Bollywood songs vociferously.  It’s always competition among political counters to get highest exposure and attention of public by loudest music.

Under loud celebrations, one boy was dancing on the road, crazily. That boy was not part of any   Ganesh Mandal or political party. He was just a common boy, enjoying the gift of free music. He was dancing on the road, methodically on the music and capturing attention of passing-by people and standing crowd. He was accompanied by some of his friends, who used to join him in dancing intermittently, but boy was kind of avid dancer, continually shaking his body on loud music tunes.

For some, he looked as crazy drunkard dancer, for few he was entertainer and for rest of the crowd he was no more than moving article. His dance is considered as Tapori dance. Tapori dance doesn’t require any class room training. Any one, with liberating senses, can Tapori dance and enjoy. It’s originated from streets and slums of India. Tapori dance is relaxing, frivolous and unorganized. Only requirement is matching Tapori song. From acting veteran Bhagwan( albela fame) , Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachhan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapur,  most of Bollywood Stars have used Tapori dance to secure their place in Common Indian’s heart. It’s requirement.

Our Tapori dancer has charged with Time. More and More Ganesh idols were passing and music were becoming louder and louder, charging our Tapori dancer even more. In frenzy, he swung his shirt off in the air… For spectators, he was  just a nutcase., a Tapori..

Gopal was from small town near to Vishakhapatnam(AP). His father was very poor and when Gopal turned 14, he was sent to Mumbai to work as waiter at Udipi Restaurant. As Gopal could not speak Hindi, he was been given very dull work: To serve water to customers. His job is stand with try full of water glasses and whenever some new customer arrives, Gopal rush to him and serve water. There are other senior waiters who will take care of food order. Gopal is specially reserved for serving water only, day in and night out.

Whole day, Gopal used to fill the empty glasses and dump it on table for food-eaters. Since last two years, Gopal was doing the same tedious work again and again. To his bad luck, his hotel is situated at centre of the city and hence quite busy with customers all the day, leaving very few moments to rest.

Gopal could not visit his home-town for first 3 years as per his employee contract.  Gopal’s day used to start at 7.00 AM for breakfast customers. Food orders changes with time.. breakfast, lunch and dinner at night but for Gopal, glasses of water is the only option, regardless of time. Fill the empty glasses with water, stand at corner, customer arrives, rush to him/her, dump the glass and go back to the corner… wait till next customer. Same routine he has followed entire day, entire month, entire year… 24X7X365… Gopal never bothered whether customer has drunk water or not ! His job was to serve and he was serving. Gopal served water to various types of customers.. smiling, rude, confused, angry faces, critical... .Many eyes looked at Gopal during the day, but none of them have noticed emptiness of his eyes.

Initially Gopal used to dream that once he will learn the language, he will also serve various food items.. food items with various colours, smell and taste.. But monotony of Gopals’ life has killed his fantasies.. Now Gopal has forgotten his expectations from his life.. His life has been prisoner of few glasses… All the visuals of his life..sunrise, sunset, sea, rain, flowers, sky…, has limited just to a glass of water..

Today was different day.. today was Ganesh visarjan day.. Gopal’s hotel has to be closed by 2 PM as Ganesh-visarjan processions will start. During entire year, Gopal has waited for this day. In whole year, today was his day. He has decided that today he will drink and dance.. Dance like never before. He can dance today on the road, on the ground, under sky anywhere.... because today is Ganesh Virsajan day.. !! Today is the day to unleash energies… He has decided that today he will dance to break the dullness of his life and numbness of his fantasies. Today he will dance to realize that he is human, and not machine. Today he will dance to celebrate his life.. Today he will dance, to cherish his existence…

Hotel closed and Gopal came on road with new clothes. He danced amidst people, he danced amidst rain, he danced amidst loud music.. He was so engrossed, that he could feel his surroundings until he dashes on somebody.. Regardless of music, he just kept dancing on his steps.. In a way, He has reached to state of Nirwana, mental place of complete bliss and peace. … In Buddhism, nirvāna is the peaceful state of mind that is free from craving, anger, and other afflicting states.  People visit Ashrams, use thousands of rupees to please their guru.. only to get touch of Nirwana.. to understand the meaning of complete unity between conscious and unconscious, between knowing and unknowing. Our Gopal has reached that level of complete unity, without any spiritual guru and just by dancing Tapori dance. This is only for today, because tomorrow again he has to serve water glasses…

Regds

vadan

LALBAUG CHA RAJJA & ME..

Life is journey and we meet strangers during the journey. Sometimes these strangers play positive role in our life by sharing their life experiences. While  I was returning from Lalbaug, a well-known area of Mumbai during Ganesh festival, a something like that has happened.  

I went for mukh-darshan of Lalbaug Cha Raja, a Ganpati believed to be Navsala Pav Nara means one who listens to his devotee. So there are millions of people around the globe visit Lalbaug’s emperor during Ganesh festival to seek blessings with their wish-list. I was also among them. My wish as corporate animal was to get better paid job. All my friends have got the well paid break last year and in spite of my best efforts, I  was left behind. I mailed my resume to numerous job consultants, friends and attended few interviews too. But luck was not clicking. Though my current job does fill my financial need, greed to earn more money was making me restless. This restlessness was hurting my daily peace and family relationships. I had feeling that God is not kind with me.


Finally I decided to involve Ganpati Bappa into the matter and  I went to seek his blessing at Lalbaug. It was very VERY  long queue of devotees, and I got chance for darshan at midnight. Rajja's darshan was enlightening experience. I forgot all my tiredness and cursing of long queue at first glance of beloved Ganpati Bappa. I am not very religious but became at that very moment for a moment. After finishing darshan I took cab to home. Real story starts here.

Cab driver Santosh Sharma, was talkative and I am good listener. During the journey he narrated his life experiences and listening to him has become life experience for myself !

He talked about his wife's heart surgery, his indebtness, his religiosity…… his life struggle. While speaking about his wife’s medical treatment, he explained the complex matrix of our public medical system, the importance of religion in common man’s life, our social structure etc.

I am just translating his hindi words into English  :

“ While returning from Patna, suddenly at Kurla station (Mumbai) my wife has developed pain in stomach due to long travel. I knew from my friend that tablet Genpack works for stomach pain and I gave her. But it did not worked and her stomach started swelling. We rushed to general hospital. Inspecting doctors told me she is fine by prescribing another dose of Genpack. I did not trust their judgment and I insisted more details. Finally looking at my intensity, they did some medical tests and told me meet expert doctor at third floor immediately. That doctor was nice and he also works at Lilavati( 5 star hospital of Mumbai). He told me my wife is having heart trouble and she requires to admit at ICU immediately for more tests. We rushed to ICU. They told me to deposit Rs 2 lakh. I requested them to let my wife be admitted, and will deposit money once it’s arranged. They were not agreed. Finally, We went to private nursing home for medical tests. At private nursing home, they did the medical tests of Rs.10000 and one heart surgeon told us that my wife is having problem with heart valves,3 of them are dysfunctional. They have  to be replaced. First question I asked was, how much is the surgery will cost ? He replied Rs. 6 Lakh..I was totally shocked !! .. I already had debt of Rs.30,000 due to cousin marriage and now how will I procure Rs.6 lakh.. !! My wife’s health was deteriorating day by day. Nursing home daily expense was also increasing. I prayed to Maiyaa( Goddess). That night I got idea to call my ex-boss, with whom I had fight and left the job last year. I knew his brother is heart surgeon. He gave his brother’s cell number. It was at 10PM, and I dialed his number. Mostly he switches off his mobile after 9 PM, but thanks to Maiyaa, that his mobile was not switched off. He talked with nursing home’s doctor and told me to immediately shift to JJ hospital. He assured me that my wife will be fine. His words were so refreshing JJJJ He arranged the ambulance and I paid Rs.2500 for that. Thanks to Maiyaa that we reached hospital on time. At hospital, security guards were not allowing our ambulance. I lost my temper, I asked “ do you know Dr.Ajit Kumar ?This is emergency “.. They opened the gate and we took my wife to ICU… Doctors were ready for her…They gave some injections to my wife and put her into big machine for some aaa… graphy. I was looking everything with startled eyes and not understanding anything of it. I just kept chanting Maiyaa’s name all the way.

Next day they told me that my wife is out of danger now and I need to arrange Rs.2 Lakh for surgery. Actually my ex-boss’s brother has agreed to operate my wife for free and I have to pay only for medicines and operation theater charge. That’s why surgery cost was 2 Lakh instead of 6 Lakh.  “

Actually when he was narrating all these, I was getting bored. But I did not intervene and let the flow continue. He continued.

“ I went to my friends, relatives, and charity organizations. Somehow I have managed Rs.2 Lakh and deposited to hospital. I thought that now everything should be fine but new twist has come. Doctors have cancelled surgery date 3 times. I was confused. My friends asked that had you consulted Manju Maiyaa.. ? “

I asked:  Who is she ?

“ She is god lady, residing at Titwala Mandir. She knows everything about her devotees. I went to seek her blessings and without my explanation, she told me that “Do Mrityujan Jaap(Chant) at Santracruz (my residence) or Titwala( her residence) and your wife will be operated. “. Jai ho Maiyaa ki.. I asked my pandit friend to do Mrityujan jap and he agreed  to do the Jap at Goregoan, his residence. Neither I could deny his offer or accept as Maiyaaji has told me to do the jaap at either Santacruz or Titawala. Miracle happened. Day before Jap, my pandit friend called me to inform that he will do the Jap at Santacruz only… Jai ho Maiyaa Ki..

Me to hailed  Jai ho maiyaa ki  as proper reaction.

“ Once Mrityunjay Jaap has completed as per ritual, My wife surgery has also completed. Doctor told me that they will announce patients name and inform about success of surgery. There were 6 patients who have been operated along with my wife for heart problem. As each name was announced, relative of patient came out crying. I was waiting with beating heart and Maiyaaji’s name on lip. Finally my name has been announced and I went inside the ICU cabin. Doctor told me that out of 6 surgeries, only your wife has recovered fully. Now my wife is fine and healthy.. Jai ho Maiyaa ki. Now my problem is indebtness of Rs.3 Lakh, I have to pay to my borrowers. I am working in two shifts, day and night. At daytime I work as car driver and  at night I drive taxi. I am sure that within 3 years, I will pay all my debt…Jai ho maiyya ki.”

I left Santosh Sharma’s taxi with happy note. In the bed, I was thinking about my problem of earning more to Santosh’s life struggle. How Santosh has managed his wife’ problem with meager resources he had ! How could illiterate taxi driver has dealt with difficult medical jargons as Cardio gram, Angiography,.. Etc ! …

Santosh Sharma has never lost hope on his destiny, faith in Maiyaa. Santosh sharma was not cribbing for his wife’s uncalled illness and the mental, financial, physical stress it has caused Instead, he was thanking God (Maiyaa) for keeping the hope alive.. …

I realized in-stead of complaining about my petty problems to Ganpati Bappa, I should learn from Santosh’s life to slog on. And thank Ganpati bappa for what he has given me, instead of what he has NOT given me. I should focus on my work, strive for excellence and find solace in my daily life, instead of cribbing for money only.

This time emperor of Lalbaug has shown me the correct way through taxi driver Santosh Sharma.



Regds

Vadan

Partition

Partition

This short story is about an automobile mechanic, who was victim of his own mental fears.

RC Garage was a vehicle repairing workshop owned by two mechanics : Radhe and Chotu. They were quite knowledgeable about vehicle mechanism and very customer friendly. Hence I used to service my scooter at their garage since last 8 years. Our relationship has also grown over the years. Both of them worked in quite harmonious way and prospered in their lives under roof of RC garage.
My scooter has developed certain battery issue, hampering it’s performance. I called Radhe for the repair. He told me to visit the garage at 10 AM. My preferred time was around 4 PM. Surprisingly he was insisting on 10 AM. I could not understand the reason behind his insistence. Finally, I agreed on his timings.
I reached to his garage. He was waiting for me eagerly. I could not find Chotu around. I asked whereabouts of Chotu, which Radhe ignored to answer. I found fewer vehicles than usual in the garage. Radhe was totally engrossed in his work. This level of commitment to work can possibly be achieved when passion becomes profession. It’s always inspiring to watch such commitment.
While Radhe was working on my scooter, Chotu has arrived. I noticed that both of them have ignored each other’s presence. Chotu started working on client’s car silently. It was unusual because I have never seen both of them working so silent. The FM radio was also switched off. Chotu wanted a screwdriver, lying near to Radhe. I noticed that instead of taking help from Radhe, he went all way to another side of garage to get similar kind of screwdriver. I smelled dispute between them and as friend of both I thought to intervene to resolve the issue. I asked the reason for the dispute. Radhe kept mum but finally Chotu broke the silence.
Chotu disclosed that Radhe wants to work separately. On insistence, Radhe charged Chotu on financial cheating, which Chotu opposed vehemently. It seemed that Chotu was shocked on and argued passionately against Radhe’s decision. Since both of them did not have enough capital to buy or rent new garage, they had no option to share the same garage. Radhe insisted on separate timeslots for working and separate tool set. Hence they will have separate customers and tools to work with. I understood, the reason behind Radhe’s insistence on 10 AM was to make me his client, before Chotu arrives. Working at different timeslots on same garage means that each of them will work only for few hours and rest of day will be spent being unproductive. Separate hours of working, will also decrease their capability to handle more customers hence decreased revenue. Till now they used to share their tools and managing the business but separate toolkit will be costly to buy. Chotu’s arguments had made sense to me and I requested Radhe to sort out the issues and avoid the separation. Radhe was totally adamant. He has made his mind for separation. Finally Chotu turned emotional. He explained that he and Radhe were from same town and came to Mumbai together. They were trained under same Mechanic teacher and stayed together for initial years. They have shared the grief and happiness of life and supported each other in hard times. Chotu was not able to understand the reason for Radhe’s anger. Chotu requested, pleaded and begged Radhe to avoid separation but Radhe was not listening.

I left garage with heavy heart. That night, I was thinking about Radhe’s stubbornness. I felt that Radhe was not telling the real reason behind his decision. He was hiding some unexposed fact. Radhe’s body language was somehow not confirming his verbal expressions. Something was there in Radhe’s mind which was not coming out.
After few months when I went to service my scooter, I found that RC garage has been shut down. Neighbor told me that dispute between Radhe and Chotu grew and finally they decided to shut down the garage. My real worry was not to worry about them but find new knowledgeable mechanic for my scooter !!

I found new mechanic for my scooter and RC garage’s memory has been washed out from my mind. That day I returned home late night. I took last Borivali local train and reached my station at darkest hours of night and moments before wee hours of morning. It was raining very hard and I was in dire search of auto rickshaw. I am very afraid of whims of auto rickshaw drivers. They may give you ride or may not ! They are kings and we, as passengers are at mercy of their whims. Under heavy rain, luckily I found an auto, who was willing to give me ride. I just jumped into the auto. I was surprised to see Radhe as auto driver !!!!
I had many questions to ask. But Rain was so heavy that I was busy in saving myself from torrents of rain. Rain became nastier. Radhe could hardly see the road. I requested Radhe to wait till Rain slows down. He agreed. Coincidently we were stopped right in front of closed RC garage. Having no other option, Radhe took his auto under the shade of RC Garage. He came out of auto and touched the closed door of RC garage. Radhe seemed very depressed. I could not feel his energies, I have experienced when he worked as mechanic. He looked at few rusty tools lying on the floor. He picked one of it, judged it and threw it as useless. I could not stop asking Radhe that why RC garage was closed ? Radhe casually replied that he could not work with Chotu. Chotu was fraud. I could not feel the truth in his words. I wanted to grab him and shack him till he tell me the truth. I curbed my feelings and asked mere formal question “When did he started driving Auto and left his mastered profession ?” He replied that after shutting RC garage, he could not work as mechanic, the memories of RC haunting him. I felt that Radhe is opening up. I got closer to Radhe, put my hand on his shoulder and asked him to tell the truth. He turned around and I found small tear in corner of his eye.

He lighted a cigarette, exposing his inner dilemma.
“ My wife is very beautiful. All my friends were jealous of my fortune, including Chotu. That day I have invited Chotu for dinner.. At time of dining, Chotu crossed the limit. When my wife was serving him Roti, he suddenly touched her wrist intently twice... I could not bear that visual of his fingers touching my wife’s wrist.. I could not sleep at that night and till now that bloody visual keeps recurring in my mind. That day I have decided to sever all my relations with Chotu..”

The lid has broken and worms are coming out of bottle. I knew that Radhe haven’t spoken about this incident with Chotu or his wife and merely assuming things, based in his perception. I replied Radhe that touching wrist is very minor gesture. May be Chotu did not mean anything and it can be merely just a small incident !! May be Radhe was victim of his own suspicion, wrong perception and mental complex about his wife. Radhe was not accepting any of my arguments. He was adamant that Chotu had devil in his mind and if not stopped he could have stolen his beautiful wife.
Rain was stopped and we headed towards my home. Sometimes we can be blinded by our mental beliefs that we tend to forget the practical approach. Deep emotions became driving force and our actions are guided by emotions rather than reasonability. Pakistan’s founder Mr.Jinnah was having ambition of becoming India’s first Prime minister. As he saw that Jawarharlal Nehru was having greater chance, he fulfilled his lifelong ambition by creating new country based on religion. On the surface, Mr.Jinnah formed new country, Pakistan for Muslims community. The real reason might be his inherent desire to RULE. If Mr.Jinnah would have been first PM of India, may be Pakistan would not have formed. Same argument about desire to rule is applicable to Ambani family and Thakckery family’s division. Ambition is an emotion and so does Fear. In our case, Radhe’s inherent fear of losing beautiful wife was reason for his spat with Chotu. His fear has not just ruined his carrier and mental peace. But as we could not stop formation of Pakistan, separation of Ambani family or Rise of MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman sena), I could not stop RC garage’s partition.
Engrossed in these thoughts, I left Radhe’s auto. I was standing on lonely, wet road , watching Radhe’s auto crossing the potholes, splashing the dirty water and finally disappeared in the darkness.

I felt the silence,,, after the storm. I didn’t like that and wanted to save myself from it. I rushed to my home.


Regds
Vadan
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