The Letter.

Chandni stood at the end an old, rusty looking wooden bridge. The sound of the water below was loud making her feet shake. Her mind drifted to her meeting an hour earlier. 

She entered the small cafe that had a rather big garden outside and very little seating space inside. 4 rosewood tables were set out with chairs making it a very intimate place. 

She found Dev waiting for her sitting by the white French windows with bright yellow curtains.

“Hi" he tried to be cordial.

“Why did you called me here?” blurted Chandni. 

"Sorry to have called you like this--

“Spare the sweet talk and come to the point” she said dismissing the waiter heading their way. 

“Okay. So. You know. I uh. You can. I know. The letter”  he said finally.

Chandni's face turned pale. She composed herself hoping that Dev hadn't her expression change. How could he have known she thought. 

“Wh! What letter?” she said outside. 

"The one that Simran's body was found with. The one that was written in blood, signed by--

“ Shh. Okay. What about it?”

“I'd be asking What do you want?, if I were you” 

Chandni's eyes were red now but there was also a stream of sweat trickling down her spine. She was trying to think on her feet. 

She was about to say something when Dev's phone rang.

“What? Where?” he exclaimed while hurriedly walking out of the cafe gesturing Chandni that he would get in touch with her again.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she ran out of the cafe the next moment.

She was dragged to the present by the scary sounds of the water.

How could she have done what she had? 

The question resonated so loud in her head that she forgot about her Aquaphobia, closed her eyes, covered her ears with her hands and walked straight ahead. 

There was a splash followed by bubbles coming from the water now. After sometime the bubbles stopped.

 

To Be Continued...

 

CHS

To Kill A Mockingbird.

You know I'm a Writer.

Everybody else thinks that I'm a privileged homemaker who cooks, tends to family and is left with enormous amount of time to do nothing.

I cant stop everyone's thinking what I can do is utilize my time productively. So I paint a little, binge watch a little more, write a lot more and give maximum of my day to something I'm in awe of - Books!!!

Every time I pick a book, there are two things I do without fail. One, I silently thanked one person who's solely responsible for my love for books. He introduced me to the world of books, pushed me to read and now I can't get enough of books. Two, I get closer to  my dream of holding my book in my hand someday.

To help me in that, I did a course that would help me be a better writer. Took it up in April and finished the 45 day course in 20 days. My mentor had mentioned you must read books and I seemed to have ran out of books that time. So I went home and looted Chetan of some classic, marvelous books that accommodated the cupboard rather than his hands.

To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, first published in 1960. We had an excerpt from this one to explain how use of correct words can be of great impact. I picked this one first out of my new lot and started reading. A couple of pages later, I could not relate to the era the writer was talking about. I grew weary. I thought I am not going to like it and it will be very difficult to finish this one but I went on keeping the words of my mentor in mind. "Read everything you can get your hands on. Reading will improve your vocabulary and knowledge. Never restrict yourself to one genre."

Interestingly, the story is told by a 9 year old girl Scout. It is about how she sees things around her. It's about her, her brother, her father and their lives and events in Maycomb County. It takes a few pages to get you acquainted with the language and the young girl's point of view. Once, you do, you're hooked.

I fell in love with Atticus Finch, the father. He's a lawyer and a single parent and raises his boy and girl impressively. His work does not allow him much time with his kids but he makes sure to have dinner with them and read to them every night. He may not be wealthy enough to give them everything they want but he encourages them to do what they like. He is their go to person, their idol, their teacher. He never leaves questions unanswered (no  matter how bizarre or how awkward) but also makes sure he never oversteps.

There are few other things that I love thoroughly. The way it presents a picture from a child's view. The do's and dont's we can take from the book as parents. The possibility of being happy in any circumstance. The true potential of children generally missed / ignored by elders, especially their capability to understand tricky situations and handle difficult ones.

It also highlights the divide in society and its harsh truth. I was of the opinion that Indians were the ones suppressed for a long time. This book threw light on real struggles of people in the world that we usually imagine being the better off. While the book touches serious topics like racism, rape and injustice you can not miss the warmth, humour and innocence that soothes your soul in the midst of the tension.

After I finished it, I turned to the first page and then noticed the year it was first published. I then realized that the one I was holding was a 50th anniversary edition of this bestseller published in 2010. Shame I didn't get my hands on this marvelous piece earlier but was tremendously happy for finally finishing it.

In the words of Harper Lee "Kill all the bluejays if you can get them but it is a sin to kill a mockingbird". I am not going to spill any more beans here but I can only request you to pick this one up. It is an out an out treat.

I am going to start with a new one soon, tad to lazy to take a break from books. Will let you know about the next one too. 

For those who still don't read, start right away. Try to squeeze in half an hour of reading per day. This may be one of the habits our children learn merely by observing us. One habit that can change the way they think. One that can make their world lot better.

Happy Reading.

CHEERS!

GOD BLESS!!

CHS

Today Is The Day! (Part 3)

Chapter 3

 

Kirti had changed. The girl who once enjoyed meeting friends mostly stayed alone. Movies, lunches, bowling, painting and dance, she had given it all up. She had no sense of eating which led to her constant weight gain. Lethargy overtook her swift body language. She avoided functions and parties. She also refused to share her feelings with her family. Everything and everyone seemed to have blurred around her.

“Whatever it is that you are not sharing, just remember that it is in your hands to make your life better or worse. You have to act for yourself. Don't wait for time make things right for you” her best friend had once told.

Himansh started spending more time outside than at home. He'd go to the bar every night. Casual drinking became addiction. He lost his temper over petty things and rewarding her with different punishments pleased him now.

Kirti's bruises, burn marks and especially his fingerprints on her body worsened his insanity. At first she thought it was the alcohol, then she kind of got used to it but when she mustered the courage to defend herself, her body refused to assist.

She had decided to get fit. She thought if she became as attractive as she was before, his behaviour may change perhaps. Her brain did not want to help her frail body anymore and was working an alternate plan nonetheless.

She finished her exercise, rebounded to the present and was deep in thoughts. 

 

This was the man she had trusted. The man who had loved her, fought to be with her. The man she wished to live her 'happily ever after' with. But now she wasn't sure if this was the man she wanted to continue her life with.

The sound of water from inside the bathroom confirmed he was awake. She had to think on her feet and execute her plan with agility. She paid a short visit to the kitchen before entering the bedroom.

She picked the towel (he always forgot to take it), walked towards the bathroom hiding a big black unused knife behind her back. “Today is the day!” she thought.

She hung the towel on the steel handle and waited for the door to open. She held the knife horizontally, a few inches away from the door. She adjusted her feet tightening her grip on the knife, a stream of sweat trickling down her spine.

The door opened, Himansh stepped out and found her lying on the floor, knife in her hand, white foam oozing out of her mouth.

Soon, he heard many footsteps approaching. Two men held him while he knelt down staring at his dead wife. 

“Sir” said a third officer to their boss

“We found this on the dining table” showing a letter

“What do we have in it?” asked the superior

“Everything that the caller wanted us to know. We do not need more proof after capturing those” he said pointing at her bruises.

Himansh was upset that he couldn't enjoy inflicting pain on her anymore. 

“I could've helped you with an adventurous end, sweety” said his evil voice.

The four policemen walked out of the house, with the handcuffed Himansh walking right behind. His neighbours never got to see him again.

 

The End.

CHS

Today Is The Day! (Part 2)

Chapter 2

Himansh worked at odd hours but seemed to feel miserable about it. He'd go to work before she awoke and return post midnight sometimes. He also started ignoring her little efforts and was disinterested in her idea of learning something new. Many impromptu out of town trips were happening but she din't pay attention to any of these until she got the best news of her life.

Kirti had taken a home test which confirmed her doubt. She always wanted to have a child and had expressed her desire to Himansh.

“Wake up, baby”

“What is it, sweety? ” his voice was drowsy

“Look at this!"

“Okay, you can try that some other time”

“Please get up, you have to see this.” she shook him.

Himansh found her beaming with a strip like thing with two red lines. He rubbed his eyes “ What is? Is that? Sweety? Are you?”

“We are pregnant!” she announced aloud and put her arms around him. He did not reciprocate and she believed he was just as thrilled.

“Please go to a good doctor” he said a few minutes later. 

“Go? Won't you come along?”

“Would I let you go alone? I have something important at office. So---”

“Okay, no problem. I will need you with me later” she winked.

“I want to know how many weeks it's been and the chart out a daily routine. I will ask her all about exercise, diet, do's and dont's. Will she prescribe me any medicines as yet?” she turned to find him standing by the white window looking outside.

“Baby… I'll be fine. You can come with me the next time and ---”

“Get the pills” he said before letting her finish.

“I will get all the medicines she prescribes, don't worry"

“Termination pills” he said in stern tone.

She was almost about to laugh out loud before she saw the look on his face. There was no humour. 

“I want you to go to her and get the termination pills. I don't want this” his voice was cold now. 

She froze as he looked away and walked outside.

 

Kirti sat on the edge of her bed alone wondering what could've been the reason. He had loved her, cared for her, and had never expressed his disagreement when she spoke about starting a family. There had to be an explanation.

She wanted answers but an invisible wall replaced their usual cheerful chatter. The house that echoed with their laughs was now a quiet cave.

A week later when he came home, he found the living room dimly lit. The fragrance of lavender scented candles and soft instrumental music substituted the creepy silence. The dining table was beautifully set, laid out with his favorite palak panner, veg biryani and gajar ka halwa. He walked towards the bedroom to find her wearing the pink floral saree he had gifted her.

“Movie night after dinner?” She asked.

He did not reply.

“I can't take it anymore.You know I always wanted this. Din't you, baby?” she took his hand into hers. 

“No” he said

“Tell me what's on your mind. What's bothering you, baby?” 

“I just don't want it. Don't you understand?” his voice raised, his eyes turning red.

She tried to come close to him when he pushed her. 

Thud!

She was on her stomach, a moment later holding it tight, feeling an excruciating pain.

He walked out of the house without a word. In a few hours, a pool of red liquid soaked her bed.

They never spoke about what had happened. Not because she didn't deserve justification but because she was petrified. She couldn't forget his seething eyes and dreaded unleashing that rage again.

To Be Continued...

CHS

Today Is The Day!

Chapter 1

Kirti was awoken by the melodious chirps of birds from outside her window. The white window panes shone in the early morning light. She squeezed her almond shaped eyes and looked at the clock, 6.am. She yawned, stretched her arms and turned towards her left.

His wide forehead was relaxed, mouth lightly open, sleeping on his stomach with the right knee folded upwards occupying three quarters of the bed. Himansh was sleeping like a baby.

She bent down and kissed him on his cheek. “Good morning, baby” she whispered. 

“Go back to sleep sweety, it's still early” he mumbled as she entered the bathroom.

Kirti set out with her yoga mat to carry out her daily ritual of exercise. Her constant weight gain was a problem. Himansh loved her the way she was, but it was important for her to get fit to tackle the present situation.

The tranquility of silent mornings accompanied with the cool breeze transported her. Today she revisited the day Himansh had proposed to her 10 years ago.

Kirti was 24 and single. It was a matter of worry for her parents. She had been rejected by 3 prospects already and in frustration had agreed to marry whoever the 4th was.

“The boy's family will be here by 12 noon” her father had announced. 

“We do not have much time for preparations” her mother joined in. 

“You will have to borrow a saree from your cousin for now” she added as an anxious Kirti mindlessly wandered around the house thinking that this was the end of her freedom. 

She climbed the flight of marble stairs that took her to the multicolour tiled terrace. She had often come here to paint, draw, listen to music, be by herself and find peace. That day she prayed that her mind would be as clear as the blue sky and the clouds of doubt, nervousness and worry go away with the wind of clarity. She was scrolling down through a list of songs when her phone rang. 

“Kirti…” Himansh said. 

“Hi, how are you? All well?” she said casually.

“Are you fine?” 

“Ya, what's going to happen to me?” 

“Stop lying, I know there is--” 

“There is nothing. I am not --” 

“Please let me talk to uncle once. I'm sure he will --” 

“No!” she almost shouted.

“Kirti please. I will always take care of you, keep you happy and be a good partner. I will talk to everyone, I will convince them. But I can not proceed without your consent. Today is the day”. The urgency in his voice was clear.

“Is he proposing to me?” She thought.

They had known each other since college. Good friends then, good friends now. Although she wasn't too much into marriage, never thought of herself as marriage material but she knew she could not deny it. That's why she always wanted to marry someone she knew. She wasn't against arranged marriage but she could not bear the thought of spending her life with an absolute stranger.

“What makes him think Papa will agree? No wonder it's going to look like we were having an affair and I can not be the reason for him to be ashamed again. He's so happy, I can't upset him”. 

“Kirti, are you listening?” he interrupted her thoughts.

After a few minutes of silence, Himansh promised he will not talk to anyone from her family. 

Kirti sank into the ocean of her thoughts. She wanted so much from life. She wanted to be a traveller, a professional dancer but she'd have to be content with becoming the wife of a stranger for now.

The following few days tested Kirti and Himansh's endurance. Her father learned that Himansh was willing to marry her. It was obvious for him to misunderstand the situation. He reluctantly called the prospect's family and apologized.

He felt humiliated and refused to talk to her. Her uncle tried to mend the broken bridge. He advised him to forget the past and convinced him to visit to Himansh's house before deciding further.

Two days later, they approached his family with the wedding proposal. 

“How's the boy? And his family?” her mother asked when he got back. 

“I have invited them to come for dinner this evening to make the engagement official” he replied, smiling a little, hurrying outside to buy sweets.

That evening everything went smooth and swift and what look like another sad day in the beginning ended up becoming the day that changed their lives. “What just happened?” were Kirti's first words when they spoke that night. 

They were married 8 months later

It was a grand affair and Kirti was happy to have got what she wanted, companion in a friend. Himansh's family had returned to their native soon after. Their life was perfect but a tornado was waiting to hit it.

 

To Be Continued...

CHS

Mind the gap...

How many of us have had issues regarding studies, play, food and entertainment of our kids? 

I can hear your mind say a yes. 

Were these issues aggravated during the lock-down? The yes was much louder this time. 

It is needless to say that parenting comes with different challenges everyday. You'd also agree that normal days have ceased to exist after we become parents. Of course it is beautiful but is it that way always? While fathers are trying their best to maintain a balance between work and family, the job is a lot more tedious for mothers. (Please don't roll you eyes men, this is not about mothers and motherhood).

This one is about the gap we have between us and our children. The gap that most of us don't acknowledge. This is highlighted when I see kids subject to the following lines.

• You have all the facilities and privileges. We did not have any of these.
• You get whatever you want, we had to wait for months before we got anything we asked for.
• You make your own choices, we did what was told.
• We played inexpensive games, wore non branded clothes and ate what was served without fuss.
• The children of this generation are spoiled.

I confess that its not just the grandparents, a few of us as parents have also used these. Maybe because we think giving them an insight of our childhood will make them responsible and accountable, better behaved and thankful. I may have thought the same way a few months ago, not anymore.

The stages of human growth have been segregated as infants, toddlers, teenagers, adults and old age. But on an intricate level, our children grow in different phases. For example, I have seen Cherith grow fond of things he never liked and weary of things he loved. It would be wrong to say that's how kids are.

I remember we were called sharp kids by our ancestors. But I also feel that they were somehow more accepting, accommodating(in their capacity) and non compelling. I never faced any pressure as a child. There was no pressure to secure the first place, take part in competitions or be a part of sports. We would say that was lack of encouragement but when I look back, I can say that it was a comfortable childhood.

Of course we were competing in class, but my parents never told me that I had to achieve a certain something. Taking part in activities and sports was all by our own will and our parents were just as happy and as loving with or without the trophies and medals.

The amenities and facilities are far better now. Look back and you'll see that ours' were better than our previous generations and they will be better in future. We did not have much say in matters but our kids have the ability to chose for themselves. Isn't it a good thing that they can make their own decisions? Don't you think this will also make them accountable and responsible in the process?

Balloons, park, swing, top, marbles and mud... our playmates. We had toys that our parents could afford. Most of our children have never been exposed to nature and that is majorly our fault. On the other hand, the expensive games are also our giving. How are they anyway responsible? We can not blame them for the challenges we faced as kids. They have their own and our role is to prepare them. 

So,

• There is absolutely nothing wrong in telling them about your childhood. Let that be shared as a learning and not as a complain. 
  
• Let's discipline, not compel them. 
• Let's teach them to be truthful but never discourage them when it's bitter.
• The way they think is different, let's acknowledge and appreciate that. 
• If they are direct, its a good thing. They are learning to speak their minds, they will also be equipped to say no when required (something many of us still can not do).
• They have their own likes and dislikes (irrespective of their age), let's respect that.
• Let's observe them, analyze their behavior and supply suggestions only when asked for.
• Hard work, no pressure should be the home rule.
• We made mistakes and were never abandoned. Let's accept theirs and embrace them too. 
  

They are our children, our future and our dreams. Let's not forget that we are decades apart. Let's mind the gap, give them space to nurture themselves and be available to them whenever in need. After all, we can sow the seeds, but it take a while for the plants to grow, flowers to bloom and fruits to ripen. Let's trust them and make their and our lives less stressful.

CHEERS!

GOD BLESS!!

CHS