Rajiv stared at his writing pad which was coolly resting on his table…I got to write..Come on Rajiv..Log apne pyar ke liye kya kuch nahi karte ???? Cant you write one love letter ??? He took the pen and tried to , but he didnt know how to start , what to write , to be honest or weave flattery words …All he knew was he loved her very deeply and that today , being Valentines Day , he wanted to communicate all his feelings for her in that letter , which he knew , was the most difficult task in the world.. When not even a word left its impression on the paper after scratching his head for a long time , Rajiv took his wallet and smilingly saw her photo…He closed his eyes for ten minutes and then confidently took his favourite pen , ready to do the impossible task …

Hi Sweetheart….

You are surprised na that I am writing a letter to you ???Its quite stupid , I know , as no man has ever tried , and will never do this , yet , I am going to ..Its weird , I know , but you have to tolerate , as I am going to sound weird in this whole letter…

Sorry , I dont remember the date of our first meeting , as I was too young to note this important date….I just remember that I saw you with dad when he closely held you in his hands …It was he , who introduced me to you and  for that , I shall always be grateful to him ….Frankly , though you were always there beside me during my growing years , I never cared about you ..I was happy in my own world because I gave priority to other stupid stuffs..Little did I know that it will be you , who is going to be my love , my life partner - whom I am going to spend the rest of my life with… 

I remember those times , when as a kid I would give you cold stares , yet you wouldnt say anything , but in turn would lovingly gaze at me , making me angry all the more …I used to  run  at the sight of you , unaware that in future I would be running behind you like a crazy , just to prove my love to you…

It was during my teenage that you started to take a step back …As a loner , I would yearn for some company , as depression haunted me ..And then one day , when you  accidently accompanied me , I had lot of fun …So I started to be in your company , as with you nearby ,  boredom would fly away..I am sorry to say this but I have to admit that I used you ..Yes dear, I used you at that time ….I became centre of attraction in no time , because of you..My companions looked at me in envy , as you were beside me ..They used to flock near me with thousand reasons , but in reality , it was you who drew their attention towards me ..

As days passed on , you became an inevitable part of me…Whereever I went , I always wanted you to accompany me …Your company was all I loved , as with you , I felt I could even touch the sky…Remember those college days , those gossips in canteen , those long drives , ah..how I wish those days come back !!!! If only they could , for that was the most golden period of my life ..as I was with you almost all time , having fun , partying , etc…But golden momenst neevr return ..Right ???

I was getting addicted to you as days went by ..day and night I needed you ..You came in my dreams and carried me to another world altogether…It was , to fulfill these dreams , that made me to look for a job and stand on my own feet…I still remember that how I cried at nights  those times , as I didnt get any job and you also werent nearby , as you said that you will return only when I get a good job…

Since my feelings were true for you , I did get a job and you returned back in my life !!! And then life was all on top , with you my beside !!! I fought with every challenge , took every obstcale as roadblock to success , as I knew I have nothing to be afraid of , as you were with me …

So many girls proposed me seeing my dedication and success rate , yet I refused all politely because I loved only you …Few of them , who came to know that I madly loved you , laughed at me , calling me mad ..But I was ready to hear anything , and in a sense , they said true , as I was in love with you madly !!!

It was during recesion time , that you started to maintain some distance with me ..I dont know what happened suddenly , I couldnt understand why you behaved strangely ..I tried eevrything , did what all I could , to get back you – our old ‘love’ly days , but God was cruel to me this time …I lost my job …I came home dejected , with the only consolations that atleast you will be with me , but as days passed on , when hardship started to show its cruel face, you left me all of a sudden ….My heart broke …I thought to die without you , as the parting was too painful to bear ….I wanted you back , at any cost , by doing anything ..yet I couldnt succeed…

Life lost its meaning without you …I lived but inside I was dead ..Past memories ,  the fun we had , the times we spent together , only added to my miseries..I missed you terribly , yet I couldnt tell anyone about it ..Months passed without you , and it seemed that it became a routine to live a life without you , suffering inside , every moment…

And then , one day , the unexpected thing happened ….you came back in my life !!! I cant tell you sweetheart how much I was happy !!! I felt like the most blessed man in the world , I felt as if I  got my life back !!!! And the rest , you know..

Today , being the Valentine’s Day , I just wanna confess to you that you are the love of my life …I know you are a pearl in the eyes of thousands , many souls yearn for your company , yet dear , no one can and no one will love you as much deeply as I do..Will you be the love of my life ????

                                                                                                                                                                                       Ever Yours,

                                                                                                                                                                                       Rajiv….

Rajiv was happy…at last he wrote a love letter !!! He read it again and again ..He was so engrossed in reading that he didnt notice , Ajay – his room-mate was standing behind him , reading this letter…As soon as Ajay finished reading , he was curious to know the lucky one , for whom Rajiv  wrote it so passionately ..He stealthily took Rajiv’s wallet , to see the photo of his love  ..What he saw , left him dumbstruck !!! (scroll down to see the photo )

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 Yeah !!! It was “money’ that Rajiv loved so much !!!!

P.S: Just a fictional attempt to write what many men love and run after – money !!!! Comments and criticisms welcome

He was standing on the ground floor of the nearest mall, alone. Was he waiting?
No.

He was enjoying. Enjoying watching the couples go by him. It was his way of enjoying the valentines day. He liked laughing on the couples as they passed by him. He always thought he knew their future:

…poor fellas! Looking very happy today as they are together just to move on to the situation of disintegration.!

He was enjoying his moment of prediction just when:

“Excuse me! Are you alone?” He was surprised to see a girl ask him this question.

“yes why?”

“Can I stand here?” She said pointing beside him.

“Yeah.  I don’t own this place.” Obviously, he didn’t.

“Thanks”

He was a little surprised and thought of asking the reason for this behaviour, but  the joy of watching the couples and smiling, no, laughing at them overcame the urge of questioning.

As another couple passed by, he giggled.

“What?” The girl asked.

“What what?”

“What are you giggling at?”

“You ask too many questions.”

“Yeah. But thats not my answer.” She said with complete disregard to his feelings. She certainly knew nothing about them.

“You wont understand.”

“Try it.”

“I laugh at the couples.”

“What?”

“Yeah. See I told you, you wont understand.”

“Elaborate.” She demanded.

“Well, I know their future.”

“And what is it?”

“They are too happy for living together today. They are enjoying walking hand in hand, feeding on a single icecream, watching movies together, giving gifts and making others jealous and making love in some cases, which they will regret in there near future as they will disintegrate. Especially the boy. He wont have a penny left with him at the end of the day, but still will feel like the richest man on earth, just to regret.”

She watched him for a while and analysed what he said and responded, “How lowly?”

” I told you, you wont understand.”

“Naa. Not everyone is like that. Atleast, I’m not like that.”

“Hmm..I barely know you.”

“Well. Anyways, nice to meet you. I need to go now.”

“But what were you here for?”

“My ex-boyfriend.”

“But he didn’t come. Did he?”

“Well. I told him to move on as I’m with someone else now. So, he wanted to see me with someone”

“So?” He still didn’t understand.

” He is there…” She showed him a boy going back, looking sad. “…and he saw us together.”

Saying this she started moving towards the parking.

“hey!” He shouted. She turned back.

“Bye” He said with a smile as he thought,

USED, ONCE AGAIN..!

PS: Someone asked me, “why do you keep hurting yourself when you are in love.?”And I said, ” Because YOu are in love.”

Your scent would be with me while I make
the first cup of our day;
breakfast upstairs would be shared on our tray.
Holding hands like braided flowers
out on our morning walk;
patiently I would absorb all that you have to say.

I wish to make our home your heaven,
a place where your fears are allayed,
putting you back together when you are broken.
And eagerly would I wait for you
each and every night; the promise
to be first in giving way should we fight.
In devotion if I must I would breathe for you,
carry all your pain away into the light.

I would bear and rear your children
in the worship of true Christian faith;
grow old with you while aches are more
and hair is lost in greying;
As darkness comes biding
I pledge you honest love from the purest spring.
Companionship I would always offer everlasting.

As clocks ticks down on who we are,
The cycle would end and we must go,
I will lay down by your side once more,
holding your hand again in love I will follow .
To be your hope and comfort for eternity
is my wish for you.
From the day we united in oneness from two…

© 2006-2010 Rinzu Susan Rajan

http://drvirus001.blogspot.com/

So friends enjoy the season of love with your sweet, dear and honey ones. Good luck to all love beginners and a lovely VALENTINE DAY as well. Let the virus of love bloom in the ambience which has a sweet touch on the love souls.

Prologue

“Ugh?…enough baby. You have already offered me a lot today”

“You don’t want it from me?”

“No, I meant Yes I want, when it is you who is giving me, I’m always happy to get”

It is the seventh time she was kissing on me on the phone from the time we started talking. I couldn’t deny the truth that we have been associated with each other with love for the past 2 years and she was the one who proposed me first. She has accomplished a very difficult task.

It was an unexpected encounter with Divya, a year ago, the days when I was just any other stranger to her.

“OK what are you doing? Done with today’s work?” She enquired.

“Yea, going to start. We’ll go out for dinner today. Are you game?”

“Ok dear, sure I’m game, bye for now”

I opened the work folder for the day’s work.

●●●

Story

The food court adjacent to our office was vast and well air conditioned. The low temperature air molecules engulf you as soon as you open the glass door in the entrance. I usually have my breakfast, lunch and if required dinner too, in this Food Court. It was a cool November month and it was drizzling a bit outside. The weather was nice and this AC added chillness to the season.

“1 Aloo paratha” I said. The guy in the counter handed me a token and I came out of the line to wait for my turn and that’s when she came into the FC.

I’ve ‘seen’ many girls working in our office, but none of them have ever gathered so much attention towards them. I looked at her. She entered the food court with her rosy flower patterned umbrella. Without any delay, she quickly closed it and walked in slowly, quite unsure about where to settle.

Surprisingly she was wearing a Sari. Many of them out here clad themselves in chudidar or sleeveless tops and leggings. I’ve almost saturated looking at all of them. But the visual treat I was experiencing was different. She carried herself with such an ease and her poise look and attitude invited much of my attention.

Her light pink sari added color to the environment. The surroundings were badly missing that color and her presence filled the void. It was a visual delight for the onlookers. Unfortunate that I was one of those and not the only one! Her Saree pallu was embroidered with small cylindrical beads which looked like a pearl. It swayed in air as she walked along the line. The beads dangling in the end of the pallu sent jingles in my ears. Her designer blouse was short, which was neither a sleeveless nor a sleeved one. It was just a mid way between that, which exposed her slim slender arms.

Her mesmerizing eyes spoke thousands of unspoken words which I could not decipher. The fluttering eyebrows reminded me of the tinkling star. The kaajal which outlined her eyes added beauty to the black. Black was no more a sign of inauspiciousness.

She was wearing big round earrings with a small cut in the circle. The circle was incomplete at one point. I thought her circular-ringed ear rings has been broken, but looking at the other ear, gave me an insight on the fashion and trendy accessories of women. It wasn’t broken but it was just an incomplete circle.

My heart wasn’t with me and now mind has started its journey towards her.

“Token no 37… Token no 37” came the announcement. I came back to my senses. I walked towards the counter to get my plate of aloo paratha.

I wish, I get a chance to have breakfast with her.

●●●

Coffee Café Day, Friday 5.00 PM

I was sitting with my friends in the couch for yet-another-treat which was arranged by one of my friends. I was sipping the Green apple soda as I was in diet. I didn’t want to overload my fat with the Double layered cheese pizza, café frappe or the chocolate Sunday. My mobile in my pant pocket vibrated to let me know that someone was calling.

I placed the glass in the table and was about to get up, just then a light soft cloth touched my shoulder and drifted past. It was the duppattah of some girl. Suddenly, I felt someone pulling my shirt near my collar. The threads hanging on the end of the duppattah got stuck in one of the buttons in my shirt that pulled me in the direction.

“Uh oh..Sorry..” I heard the voice and turned back to see who was the girl blessing me with her duppattah. It was she!!!!!

“That’s ok. No problem” I said.

“I didn’t notice, sorry, I never usually leave this so open, and did not know it will get create problem for you” She was talking so hurriedly as if the wings of butterfly flutters over the flower petals.

Obviously it wasn’t any problem for me, I thought

“Oh all right. I can understand that,” I replied. She left the place smiling. My friends giggled and teased me with her.

Uh oh..Sorry…those were the first words she spoke to me.

I wish, I have a coffee with her.

●●●

It was 5.00 pm in my office, when I was hurrying away for the evening bus. Just then she saw me again.

“Hey Hi…remember me?” She blocked my way with her cute smile.

“Hello. I do remember you. Coffee Café Day (CCD), your duppattah…err…” I smiled.

“I didn’t know we work in the same company. Glad to meet you” She said.

Haha, who said? I have been admiring you for the past one week, my inner self spoke.

“Yeah..errr……even I didn’t know that” I fumbled in an effort to conceal my inner thoughts.

“So you seem to be in a hurry it seems?” She asked.

“Yea…no…My bus…I was just,” I couldn’t control my mind. It was speaking all that coming into it.

“Hey what happened? Are you ok?” she was so spontaneous.

“No I was just confused,” I gained my senses and didn’t want to miss this opportunity, so I continued “and I was in a hurry, if you don’t mind shall we go for a coffee?” I offered. I offered a girl for a coffee, neither letting her know my details nor knowing her name and whereabouts.

Both of us took comfortable seats in the CCD.

“2 Cappuccino” I ordered.

“Sorry I did not introduce me, I’m Rajeev and it’s been two years I joined this company.”

“Oh 2 years,” she wondered, “I’m Deepthi, it’s been a year I joined here and I’ve been transferred here a week back.

Oh, alright so I saw you on the first day, I thought.

“I see, are you a Chennaite?” I asked her back.

“No, I was in Bangalore, but transferred here” She replied.

As we were chatting, the coffee arrived and we took the cups. I could see the light brown heart symbol was designed in the surface of the cappuccino using the foam which they usually do.

“Cute na?” she smiled seeing the coffee surface. She liked it. I felt as if, something was throwing hints on me to propose. But, how come, in the first strike itself? I was thinking. I’ll project a bad image to her and I had a fear of losing the game. So I kept silent.

“Rajeev” I heard my name. I realized that I was lost in thoughts. “What happened?” she asked again.

“Nothing, I was just lost in thoughts” I said.

“You are certainly not a guy to go with it seems. How can you lose yourself in thoughts when sitting with a gorgeous 23 year old girl by the side and with a coffee in hand in the busiest places in our office?” She completed with a pause.

You are certainly not a guy to go with it seems. My God, this is not the statement a guy expects from a girl. But I can’t help it. How can I tell her that, I was lost in thoughts only about her?

“No I was thinking, was that you who came into the food court on a breezy and rainy morning in a pink Sari and a rose umbrella.” I didn’t want to tell her the remaining of my admiration.

“Woooooooooww! So you did see me. You were looking at me from some corner is it? Guys are always guys” She frowned cutely.

What did she expect guys to be then? Guys are guys, girls are girls, and animals are animals. I thought.

“Hmmm…can’t help. I admire nature, when something is adding more beauty to it; I can’t help myself enjoying it. It was so colorful that it filled my whole of the eyes. I couldn’t stop myself come out of the ecstasy”

“You naughty, shameless. How can you just tell all this to a woman directly?” She was getting more excited on my statement and spoke in an effort to tease me. I know, none of the guys would have told this straight to any girl.

“I feel nothing wrong in telling this. I’m just telling the truth. I think it is always good to tell things which make others feel good.”

“You are so sweet. I have not seen anybody like you.” She said, “Many guys don’t talk things which they think. Your mind and words are coherent. You are open and I like it”

I was on cloud hundred (I know it is weird and too high. Many of them always reach cloud nine.) But, I was in a state of happiness that nobody can reach. She told I’m so sweet. It is always difficult to get such praising from a girl. But I’ve succeeded in getting one. I’ve made a mark. I’ve never been this much happy when I scored centum in chemistry in my board exams.

“Thank you very much for the compliment” I smiled.

OK, not how to get her number? That was another big task which was at hand.

“Do you know which route bus goes to Adyar?” she asked.

“Oh so you stay in Adyar? Uh…it is bus number 25” I said.

“Yea I stay there and by the way where do you stay?”

“I’m from Triplicane” I said.

“Triplicane? Hey can you do me a favor? I need a book from the National Book House. It is available only in that place.”

I found this a good opportunity to get her mobile number. It is not always easy to get a girl’s phone number. I patted myself “you are doing a good job”

“Yea, no problem, with pleasure,” I looked into my watch and it was 6.10. I had already missed my 5.30 bus. Not wanting to miss this one as well, I told her, “Hey it is 6.10. I’ve to catch my bus. I’ll give my number, just message me the book name and author, I’ll reply once I get one.”

She took her mobile and said, “Tell your number” I couldn’t afford to waste any minute.

“Give your mobile, I will give a missed call to my number and you save it. OK?” I said in a hurry.

“Someone is in hurry, ok here it is”, she handed over the mobile to me. I quickly punched my mobile number in her cell phone and dialed it. It sent a vibration in my mobile.

“OK here it is. Just save it, I’ll message you. Bbye. Oh the bill!!” I remembered the coffee bill. By the time, the waiter arrived with the bill. I gave him the change and both of us left the place.

She walked away slowly to her building. I hurried away towards the bus.

One of my wish came true. I had a coffee with her

●●●

The bus journey was so tiring and I had to quickly finish washing, buying and all other work before 9.30 pm so that I can quickly get back to bed.

I was in my bed and was tweeting from my mobile twitter client. An SMS popped up. It was from her – Incoming Message from Deepthi.

“Hi what are you doing?”

My heart blossomed like the lotus flower, which waits for the first rays of Sun. Happiness occupied my heart. I replied her back.

“I’m trying to sleep, but not able to..:D” I replied.

“Someone is thinking about somebody ” she messaged me back.

“No Deepthi, hehe..not like that, just that I’m not able to sleep” I messaged her.

“Did you get that book?” she asked.

“Yea, its there in my bag. I’ll give u tomo in office” I replied.

“Had dinner?” It was she.

“Yea, I had and wat about you?”

“I tooooooo. Tummy full! ” she replied.

“haha..cool and hey are you free this weekend?”  I replied.

“Yeaaaaaaa, I’m almost. No work this weekend. y r u asking?” She asked.

I wanted to spend time with her. I don’t know what to say. I just wanted to go out with her. I wanted her to be in my sight.

“Nothing, just wanted to go out. I thought you’ll be free so that I can take you along” I said.

“Oh, sure Rajeev, I’ll be there. Where to go?” She asked.

“mmm…haven’t decided yet. We’ll go to City Center and then go for dinner. Is that fine?” I asked.

“Oh okie, I don’t know where these places are. I fully depend on you” She said.

“Sure Deep, you can ” I said. ‘Deep’ that’s how I call her short.

“Hmmm, anyways OK dear Gud nite & Sweet Drmz!! ”

“2 u too Sweet Dreamz!” I replied.

The conversation ended. I looked into the messages again. The mention of the word “dear” seemed to be comforting. A girl will not utter this word to any guy just like that. Only when you get a small place in her heart and you become so adorable, you get this privilege of being addressed as dear

I closed my eyes trying to dive deep into the sleep with her thought bubbles engulfing me. I don’t remember when I slept, but when I woke up, it was 6.00 AM. I got out of the bed and walked towards the bathroom for brushing my teeth.

●●●

Days passed and both of us were comfortable with each other. We met on weekends, spent time together and she had become my integral part of my life.

The next day in office was hectic. I didn’t get much time to ping her in the messenger. I left office early, as I had some work. In the evening, I just remembered that I had not given the book to her yet. I tried calling her number. But the ring went on and nobody picked up. I thought she might be busy and may call me back. I thought I’ll call her back after an hour.

Her mobile was ringing but she is not picking up. I was bit down. I couldn’t talk to her. I boarded my bus and was looking into the book that I bought for her. I kept turning the pages, in a hope that she will call me sometime. I was so much worried about why is she not picking up the call.

I was even talking to her yesterday but what could have happened? These thoughts kept nudging me.

●●●

I tried calling her again and again. I sent mail to her external email ID, to her corporate email. I even sent her a message to call me, if she sees my message. But to my disappointment, I didn’t get any message or call from her.

A week passed. I enquired about her with my friends. I do not know any of her friends here. I was clueless on what to do. Her mobile number was the only contact I have with me. I wanted to express my interest on her. I wanted to express my love. But when everything comes in coherence, the time, an opportunity and a weekend, she herself is not available.

My days passed like hell. Has she got a transfer again? She went to Bangalore again? I had no information. My routine has become mechanical. I worked like a zombie. I came, I worked, I left. I spent all days in her thoughts.

It was almost a month.  One evening when I was at home lying down in the bed, I got a call in my mobile which changed my life.

I picked up the call, in an anticipation that Deepthi might call. She will tell me that she lost her mobile. But an old man was on the other line.

●●●

“Yes, Rajeev here” I said.

“I’m Deepthi father speaking. Rajeev, Deepthi is…” His voice was trembling.

“S…S….Sir, tell me what Deepthi is…what happened?” I interrupted.

“Deepthi is..in hospital…” He was crying.

My heart stopped for a moment. Hospital? Why is she hospitalized?

“Sir, where is she, I mean where is the hospital?” I didn’t expect such a call.

“If you can come to Adyar, Malar Hospital, please come soon” He said now with the heavy heart.

“Is she alright? Please tell me sir”

“Rajeev, she will be fine”

“I’m coming sir. I’m coming right away”

I reached the reception in another fifteen minutes.

“Rajeev…” someone called me from behind. I turned back. An old man in his old and brown Khadi pyjama, appeared in front of me.

“Sir, Deepthi…” I was about to ask.

“Please come with me,” He said, “She is in third floor”

I followed him to the lift. He pressed the number 3 in the lift. The lift ascended though the building and jerk halted in the third floor. We came out of the lift and walked.

As we were walking in the third floor, her father came to a halt in front a glass door which was labeled in big red letters ICU

My heart stopped.

He gestured me to go and see her. I entered the ICU with tears in my eyes. The smell of the hospital room was disgusting to me. From my childhood itself, I was afraid of hospitals. The odour was so chilling and it always reminded me of injections and tinctures.

She was there lying in the bed motionless with bandages all over her head with red patches of thick blood dried in the white cloth. I wanted to cry loudly so that the whole world will hear me. I held her hand for the first time and kissed her. But what am I doing? I’ve not yet proposed to her, but all my actions are exposing my love.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was her father.

“I know Rajeev, how much u love her. She had said this to me before that she has so much affection for you and she wanted you to be in her life. Tears rolled down my eyes.

“She met with an accident. A lorry hit her and the driver escaped. God was so kind, few good hearted people admitted her in the hospital and informed me through her mobile contacts” He took some time to explain.

I didn’t know what to say. I was in mixed emotions. Should I be happy because she too loved me or should I cry because she is hurt badly?

“She has not opened her eyes for the past 2 days. She is in critical stage. There was a heavy blood loss. The operation took almost 5 hours. Her head was heavily injured. Doctors were not sure if she can remember anything even if she gets back her consciousness.” Her father spoke intermittently.

I couldn’t bear the scene of Deepthi in ICU and with bandages. Over that, her consciousness and the possibility of she not remembering anything fuelled my lamenting state and it was rubbing salt in my wounds.

I couldn’t control my tears. My energy has been drained. I sat on the chair outside the ICU. Deepthi’s mother and few others came there. I understood the situation and told her father that, I’ll come tomorrow morning and meet him again.

I walked out of the hospital with heavy heart.

●●●

I woke up when my mobile phone rang sending vibrations all though the surface of the bed. It was the call from Deepthi’s mobile. It should be her father. I picked up the call.

“Hello…” I said.

“Rajeev, I’m Deepthi’s father…”

“Yes uncle, I know. How is Deepthi? Has she gained her consciousness?” I asked.

“No Rajeev….not yet. Doctors were not able to give any clear information.” Her father was almost in tears.

Oh God, how long this will go. Will I get her back in my life? I prayed god, “Please take my life and give her all strength to get back to her senses. God, please give her life. I need her in my life”

I quickly got ready and reached the hospital. There I found all her relatives standing outside the ICU. Her father came and escorted me. One of the doctors came in to view with some prescription.

“Please get these injections & medicines immediately…” He said.

I went near her father and took the sheet of prescription, “I’ll get it for her, uncle” and left hurriedly towards the pharmacy.

By the time I came back all of them have dispersed. I entered the ICU with the medicines and handed over it to the nurse. I could see her father sitting in the chair. I took a seat near her bed and sat beside her. I took her hands and clutched the fingers softly, in a blind anticipation that some of my energy will get transferred to her. I was looking on her eyes which were closed.

After some few minutes, I could see some movement in her eyes. She was trying to open her eyes. I was very much happy and was excited to see her movement. She was trying to hold my hand. I was speechless. Words didn’t come out of my mouth. I wanted to shout but again I was blocked by emotions. I always wonder why would our speech gets blocked and words don’t come out when we are in deep emotional onrush.

God heard me. I was thankful to God. Tears rolled down my cheeks and the drop landed in her wrist. She opened her eyes.

“Uncleeeee, She opened her eyes, Deepthi gained her consciousness” I shouted. He came near us and was so much happy to see her smiling at him. The ward nurse came hearing me shout and examined Deepthi’s pulse, blood pressure and the ECG equipment to which she was connected to.

“She is fine. I’ll call the duty doctor to speak with you for further treatment and medicines” saying this she left smiling.

I was at the pinnacle of my happiness. I went neat the bed. She was smiling at me. Her father was very much happy and he was in tears. He was so much glad that her daughter recovered. He kissed her forehead, smiled and left the room understanding our privacy needs. I spoke with her

“Deepthi…I missed you a lot,” I spoke with tear filled eyes, “I wanted to say this for a long time, but destiny has designed my life to tell this to you after missing you so much”

“Rajeev, I too wanted to say this dear. But I was so much afraid that I may lose your friendship and I can’t bear the failure. So I was so hesitant to tell you” She spoke with so much happiness.

“Don’t worry dear, now everything is fine. I’ve come. I’ll be with you forever. Get well soon. I’m so happy for you Deep, I’ve not been this much happy in my life. I’ve found you. I found you back after losing so much. I’ll not let this happen again” I said.

“Rajeev, I want to be with you all throughout my life. Promise me” she said.

“I promise…I love you so much dear. I love you” I said.

Doctor came for the check up. After the checkup, I took the prescription to get her medicines. I went to the nearby medical shop, but the medicines were not available. So I informed her father and took his bike to get medicines from other pharmacy.

●●●

The bike was drifting past the dusty roads of Chennai. There was a heavy traffic and I had to find small gaps to move ahead in the crowd. After three junctions, the road became clear; I changed the gear to the next higher level and raised the throttle. The bike picked up speed and swiftly covered kilometers. The days I spent with her in the Coffee shops, Office, late night messages etc were one of those memorable moments of my life. I’ll cherish each and every moment of my life with her. Sometime back, she was a stranger to me, now she is mine. I have her in my life. I’ll be with her forever….

Just then I was about to take a left turn, when I was in my extreme right side of the road. I spotted a big caravan in my rear view mirror, approaching with full speed to over take me. I was slowly moving towards left in the three lane road and I had no time to pull back. I cannot even reduce the speed or apply break. With a big bunch of vehicles at my back, I couldn’t do anything. There was a big barricade in the front at a distance, so I had to take a left turn. I was almost towards the left, and the caravan’s impact on my bike was devastating.

The last scene that I could visualize was the horrific view of the big container crushing my bike under its weight and myself screeching with the remnants of the bike sweeping the clean road, towards one of the platforms. The last thing I remember was a crowd running towards me and a thick red liquid flowing around my head on the ground. I could taste blood in my lips and smell blood in my nose. Darkness has started engulfing me and my vision was blank. I couldn’t see anything. I could feel the pain in my hands, when someone was lifting me. I don’t remember anything after that.

Life has come to an end.

●●●

The place was new to me. The garden was so beautiful with its red and green and blue and all colors of flowers. The atmosphere was warm. It wasn’t sweating though the sun was shining brightly. I could see a group of people walking in a line towards a big castle like bungalow.

I was hungry. I thought, they might be giving some food. I joined the queue. There was no fight and hurry. Everything was happening in a very slow pace. I wondered where this place on earth is. Peace prevailed all throughout. I slowly advanced towards the main entrance of the bungalow. I couldn’t see anyone distributing food. But all of them were given a pair of dress. I peeped above the line. All of them were given the same white color cotton like apparel to be worn. I looked into my own dress. I was in my denim jean which was not washed for months and the T-shirt which was torn and dirty.

I wondered why it is dirty and torn. I tried to think the last time I washed this T-shirt. Someone from behind pushed me towards the big entrance. Someone was sitting on the left side high on a well decorated chair. He gave me the clothes which were distributed to all. I walked towards a common room where people were changing into the new clothes. After wearing the white dress which was like pyjama and kurta, I walked towards a common place where people were advancing to.

There was one big cauldron which can hold 2 people at a time inside. People were walking into the cauldron one by one with a time gap of some five minutes. I turned around and asked one of them.

“Excuse me, what is happening here?” I asked.

One guy who was standing behind me in his pyjamas replied, “This is a place where people are validated for their deeds. The person will be measured for the deeds, sins and righteousness and based on the ranking he will be sent back to earth to suffer or he will be promoted to Heaven. There are cases where, if someone from the earth prays with true love, dedication and faith to the almighty to get back their loved ones who are in the verge of life and death, those prayers are heard and the person will be sent back to earth.”

What a stupid logic? Why the hell am I stuck with this moron? What the hell is he blabbering? Heaven, Earth, sins, what’s happening here? I thought.

“Brother, we all are dead or on the verge of death. We are in a transient state between life and death. We are in the gateway towards heaven” He said.

I have heard gateways of India, but gateway of Heaven…Hmmm seems to be some crap

“What? Dead? Am I dead?” I asked.

“Yes, we are now in the short listing stage. Only deserving candidate will be reaching heaven” He said.

Dude, are we in the process of interview? Do we have aptitude tests?  HR interview? My conscience was still reluctant to believe what I’m hearing and seeing. As we marched towards the big cauldron, it was my turn in a few minutes. The one who was standing in front of me just entered the cauldron and didn’t turn up. I was waiting for him to come back so that I can go in. But he didn’t turn up.

Someone from the side asked me to get in, “Get in son, you will be purified and measured”

I slowly entered the cauldron. It was dark inside. The smell of old copper plunged into my nostrils. I could see only darkness; I walked forward and stretched my hands to find someone inside. But I could see only empty space. Dark empty space!!

Suddenly a swish of air made me turn to some direction through which a bright light seemed to emerge. A big orangish round dot like thing appeared and it spoke

“Son, lie down in this bed. You are destined to live. You are here because you asked for it. Someone is living because of you. Your true dedication and prayers were answered. But it is so fortunate that, your love scored all other deeds that were taken for measuring your chastity. You are going to live. Someone loves you more than how much you love them”

“Sir, Am I dead? Why am I here? Someone loves me more than I do?” I was asking questions. I don’t know what to do. I was simply staring at the bright white light which has appeared in front of me and has grown large.

“Son, all your questions will be answered. Listen to me as I say” the voice spoke again.

I looked down to find a bed near me. It was just a normal bed but with lots of floral designs and embellishments. I lied down in the bed.

“Close your eyes son”, came the voice.

I closed my eyes slowly and there as a flash of light again and the journey to some unknown oblivion prevailed.

●●●

I could sense a group of people who were clad in white overcoat were pressing and hustling around me. Something was placed over my face. I could feel someone pressing my chest vigorously. A deep pain surged through my esophagus. I felt difficult to breath. The darkness around me seemed to lose its thickness. Slowly the darkness evaded itself each other and I could see some dull faint movements. I felt as if looking through a microscope. I still remember my biology Practical Lab sessions. The faint light seemed to spread and I could see some hazy scenes before my eyes.

I could sense heavy disturbance in my body. Someone was pushing and pulling. I couldn’t still get a clear view of anything. Suddenly I felt a streak pain flowing throw my chest and there I open my eyes with pounding heart and breathing vigorously through my mouth. I was gasping. I was hungry for oxygen. My heart was beating *thug**thug**thug*. I could feel the rush of fresh air into my lungs.

Slowly known faces appeared before of me. It was my dad, mom then my uncle, then there was a much known face, it was…it was Deepthi’s dad.

Deepthi!! I now remember everything. I was hit and there was an accident. I recovered. Then there came Deepthi’s face. She was smiling. I smiled. All of them very exchanging happy looks, many hugged.

Doctor spoke to me, “You are perfectly alright Rajeev. You just recovered. You will be fine in a week’s time”

“Thank you Doctor” I spoke. The doctor patted me on my head, and left the place smiling. I gained my senses. I was in hospital again with bandages all over my head.

One of Deepthi’s relatives said, “God heard us”

Yes, God did hear you and he heard me too I thought.

Deepthi was standing beside me. Tears rolled down her cheek and it landed on my lips. That tasted honey. Yes she is always sweet. Sweet forever, because she is mine.

She bent down and kissed me on my forehead and said, “I know I won’t lose you”

I smiled and as she bent down, I took her hands into mine and kissed her on her cheeks and said, “I love you dear. You are mine”

●●●

Epilogue

As I completed writing the story for the day, I saved the word document and mailed a copy of it to my external mail. I was about to leave, just then I got a call in my mobile. The mobile phone flashed DIVYA CALLING

“Hello dear, is that over?” It was Divya.

“Yes, I completed writing our story. It has come out well. I’ll show you the content after our dinner. Read it and tell me how it is. I’ve changed your name to Deepthi from Divya” I replied

“Is it? No problem dear. As long it is our story, I’m fine with it” She said.

“Hey, dinner.” I reminded her.

Sure, I’ll be waiting for you outside the cafeteria at 7.00 PM, come and pick me up, we’ll do some shopping and go for dinner” She told.

“Yea I’m leaving right away. I love you so much dear”

“I too….” The call ended.

I saved the copy of the story in a folder and walked towards the exit.

He held the note and lied next to her crying. Few months later, he recovered from his grief. He visited her grave every weekend. He listened to her favorite music and went to bed reading her note that she left for him near her death bed every night. And he placed some good flowers in a glass cup near his table, which had the same water that she sipped and left it near her table in the hospital before her demise.

Life is not all that fair. It gives you one big precious thing but you cannot live with it for a long time. It is like, you have a huge chocolate pan cake before you but you’re handless. And it is very rare to find someone like Him to feed you that pancake without asking for a share in it. It was indeed a rare yet a lovely valentine’s day.