A pourings of untold stories residing in the corner of my mind

She was grimy. Her dress was totally dirty. Her father had again fallen ill and she had to manage the tea stall. It involved standing before gas for past seven hours. She was tired as hell. She just wanted to have a bath and rest away for the evening. She was sure mother would have got medicine for father.

As soon as she was about to enter the street, Shweta came hurrying, ” Where were you? You were about to return in half an hour. You just went to give lunch to you father. What happened then? Where you lost for eight hours?”

“Oh Shweta. I am so sorry. I went to shop and father was not feeling well. His blood pressure had shot up again. He was feeling restless. So I took over to handle the shop. And in all the tension, I forgot to call you. I am really, really sorry.”

“No need for sorry and all. But do tell, for how long are you going to handle the responsibility of both household and the shop. I understand that you need to help your parents. But when are you going to manage your dreams? “

“Shweta, my dreams are secondary. First should come their dream. They are the ones who had given me power to even think.  So how can I back out now?”

“Of course, you and your ideologies. Do you know how long we waited for the party’s invitation? How much I had to butter up that Ms. B to get this invitation? And that too because your Anirudh was going to be there. You were supposed to stun him with your beauty today. And look at yourself. The party is halfway gone, you are too sweaty to even leave the house and hour hair are in snarls. ” Shweta said shaking her head. “You are totally gone case.”

” My dear Shweta, you forget that Anirudh is my future. He should be stunned by my love and loyalty first. My beauty comes later. If someone cannot see past my beauty, he is not for me. “

“But Aakansha  you need to make him notice you first?”

“No, not at the altar of my parents’ happiness. Diamond have to be found a lot deep, right? Same is with me. Now don’t be sad. There will  another party, another opportunity.Let’s go home now. Mother will be waiting.”

Jill was sitting in a park. Another crappy day. Of course, what could she expect apart from falling with the name like Jill. Tumbling was inherent in her name itself. First a lost boyfriend, then the fight with her best friend and now the firing from this job. Can the life give her something else for once? She wanted to shout at the heavens for the partiality it showed? God could give a beautiful life to some but why it had to be so hard to her? Why could not God give her a Fairy Godmother, like He had given to Cinderella?

Suddenly, there was a sound of ticking under her bench. Before she could even think anything, there was an explosion. Jill thought she would die then and there but nothing happened. She looked around. Her heart was still thudding but she heaved a big sigh of relief.  She must have lost her mind. She was just settling again to rest herself when she felt a touch on her shoulder. She whirled around in fear and saw a very old lady standing there. The lady was wearing a patched skirt and white blouse with a woolen jacket. She had a kind of bad on one of her shoulder. Jill looked at the shining sun and jacket again. She thought this old lady must be a beggar “Yes, Auntie? You were asking something?”

“I..was not asking for you.  I was sitting before fire, mending my skirt when you asked for me. Why can’t you people let me rest? I have been working for past 565 years. Now what do you need?”

Jill was totally confused. “I need something from you? Look Auntie, you must be mistaken. I don’t need anything from you. I don’t even know you.”

“You silly girl!! I am Mariam. Did you or did you not ask for Cinderella’s fairy Godmother? Now I am here. Tell me what can I do for you?”

“Cinderella’s Godmother? You mean you are from Cindy’s time. That must explain this weird dress of yours. “Jill couldn’t help herself at the joke by fate. She felt a smile tugging her lips.  This old lady must be soft in her head.

“Young people have forgotten respect for elders. You doubt me silly girl? Let me prove myself to you. I may be old but my magic is still intact.” The old lady took a stick out of her bag and started waving it. For few minutes, nothing happened. And then there was an explosion, and few withered roses appeared in Jill’s hand. The old lady started crackling and Jill frowned at the flowers. She started searching around for something but gave up trying after few seconds.

“Auntie, this magic can be done by anyone. And why did you not remove the thorns from the roses if you had to make them appear so suddenly? Where have you hidden my paper? It was important. I have to apply for job there.”

“What paper? I do not know about any paper. And why did you threw away my flowers? They might be little withered and thorny but they still were magical flowers. You still do not believe me, eh? What shall I give you to make you believe me? Cinderella wanted new clothes. Shall I give you the same. That would make you happy, wouldn’t it?” ” she waved her stick again and Jill felt clothes around her changing in shape. Suddenly instead of comfortable Jeans and shirt, she was wearing a gown and corset. It was so tight she felt as if she would die of suffocation.

She gritted her teeth, and turned to the old lady, “What have you done to my jeans and shirt? They were my favourite.  And if you had to give something, why did you give me the gown which is three sizes smaller? Why could not you gift me the new shirt  from Mango or something? Change me back now.”

The old lady put her hands on her hips, “Will anything going to satisfy you or not? Things were so easier in Cinderella’s time. Anything I gift her sufficed and whatever I give you is less. Alright, I will change you back.” This time Jill was expecting the explosion. She was back to the jeans and shirt. She knew she must be dreaming but her dreams  had also lost their sense of direction.

“So, now you believe me? I have given you enough proof? Now tell me what shall I do to make you happy? You have rejected flowers, and dresses. What will you like then? A carriage to go anywhere?” She did something with her wand again and there was a carriage with two horse tied in it. Jill felt warm. This was no simple magic. May be she was Cinderella’s Godmother and she did not realize the century had changed.

“Mariam Auntie, I do not want to sound ungrateful but have you heard about the car? ”

Mariam’s forehead was furrowed with lines as if she did not understand what Jill was talking about. Jill continued, “I thought so. Do you have any idea what interior designer does?”

Mariam shook her head in negation. ”Hey silly girl, what car and decoration are you talking about? Tell me what you want?”

“Nothing that you can gift me Mariam. I guessed I prayed for a wrong century Fairy godmother.  You go back and say thank you to whoever you report to. Tell them I will manage without their help as well.”

Mariam looked at the girl and started sobbing ,”Is this because of my old age that you do not want me? I am not worth anything now. I messed up with everyone else except for Cinderella.”

Jill felt helpless before her tears. She thought to God, “Another tumble?” She shook her head and went to hug Mariam. “No, Mariam. I do not know about other cases but you did not fail me. See, now I know that fairies do exist and God does listen to our prayers. That is enough for me. Now, go and mend you skirt and if you get time, you can knit some sweaters for me too.”

Mariam looked at Jill with teary eyes. “Are you sure I have fulfilled my purpose with you?” Jill agreed without any doubt showing on her face.

Mariam beamed, “I will leave then silly girl. I will add you to my successful cases. And I will surely send you some sweaters. You keep well. Bye.” There was another explosion and Jill was alone in the park, smiling at the silliness of everything.

There were not many cars on the roads. After all, how many people traverse the roads to office on holiday. He was impatiently waiting for the light to turn green.  He was getting late for the meeting. Those clients were waiting in the office. It has another 150 sec left. He looked out and scanned the other cars to pass the time. His eyes alighted on the lady in next car. He was sure it was her. Bt what was she doing in Delhi? Had she shifted with her husband to Delhi?Or is it just a trip to Delhi? Did she even remember her? Thousands questions raced in his mind.

He did not know about her but those three days were imprinted in his mind. He had gone for a conference, but due to train and airline strike he had been struck in that small town. There was nothing in the town that could interest him. A beach where the seawater was black, few shops where not even a single brand was available and a plant where he had a meeting. She was also there jailed in that town, but she never grumbled. She had shown him the meaning of abandon and freedom. She was the one who had taught him to play in that dirty water as well. Sometimes, when he lost faith in everything , her tinkling laugh filled his mind. It had been two years but still she occupied his dreams. On the days like today when he had to sacrifice all his holidays, he could hear her voice making fun of his uptight schedule. She was the one who had taught him the meaning of life.

Somewhere in those three long fun-filled days he had fallen in love. He had went for a conference and returned with the gift of hope and love in his heart. He never expressed his feelings. He never even took her number. He knew she was happily married. But still he dared to hope that somewhere she had felt that pull of their souls being together. Had she come to see him? Had she come to see the landmarks he had so vividly explained to her?

He was pulled back from his dreams by the car behind him honking continuously. He had forgotten about the light. But if he knew if he went to office, he would lose her. Inspite of him late, he decided to follow the car.  He plotted what he would say to her. He was jittery and excited. He followed for some two kilometers when he understood the car was going towards the airport. She was returning back. She must be returning back to Calcutta. Suddenly, he felt deflated. What would he do if  she was here with her husband? What would he do if she refused to even recognize him? What if his dreams were transposed by reality?

He was being silly. His clients were waiting for him. He turned the car back to his usual route to return to his office.

Camille was pacing the room trying to learn. Her voice was hoarse from repeating the words but still she continued speaking them.  It was much harder than preparing for the speech of that stupid debate. The clock chimed eleven. She looked at the time , shook her head and continued repeating. Her chant was broken by the knock on the door.

“Can I come in Camy?” her mom asked.

“Of course mom. Come in. The door is open. You did not sleep yet?” Camille asked yawning.

“I was just going when I saw lights of your room on. There was so much to do. But Camy, what are you doing up at night before your wedding? You should be in bed getting your beauty sleep.  Tomorrow is big day for you. Go to bed, child. Stop being nervous. All will be well.”

“Mom, I am trying to learn these.” She waved a paper before her mother’s eyes. “I am afraid I will forget them when priest will ask me to speak.”

“Relax Camy. Come and sit here. Give me that paper.”

Camille sighed and sat on the bed with her mom. ” Mom, I have waited four years to be with Anthony. Now when tomorrow I am finally going to become his bride, I am afraid something will wrong. I just want the day to be perfect. I wish to speak those perfect vows to Anthony.He should know what he means to me. And that is what I am trying to remember. You know, I have stage fear. I can’t speak before crowd. I fear I will mess it all.”

Her mom gave her a hug. “I told you not to worry. You are not going to speak before public. You are going to speak before Jesus and Anthony. A small crowd won’t affect your words. ” She saw that Camille was not convinced. She  continued, “O.k. let me suggest you something else then. You can write down your vows on a paper. I will give that envelope to your father, who will in turn give it to you when he hands you to Anthony.”

“It won’t look weird?” Camille asked with hope.

“Of course not”, her mother got up, patting her. “It is your day and you are allowed to do anything. Now give me the paper. I will put the paper in the envelope. You do have some envelopes in you almirah?Now, go to sleep. ” Her mother put her vows in an envelope and left.

The next day was beautiful. It was sunny – a perfect day for her marriage. With the happiness radiating from her face, she got ready to enter the join herself with her love.  Admist the lot of hustle-bustle, she reached the chapel. There were butterflies in her stomach. Seeing Anthony standing there made her heart sing. When her father handed over to Anthony, she felt as she had fulfilled her destiny. As promised by her mother, he handed her the envelope they had prepared.

The minister’s words suffused her heart with joy and then it was times for the vows. Anthony said her vows in his baritone which she so loved. He promised to cherish her and adopt her wishes as his own. He promised me his deepest love, his fullest devotion and his tenderest care.

Then it was her turn to speak. She tried to speak but her tongue was struck inside. She felt helpless. She smiled slightly. and opened the envelope to take out the vows she had so lovingly prepared. She cleared her throat to speak and looked down at the paper. But the paper was blank. She felt tears welling up in her eyes. She so wanted this day to be special. Anthony looked towards her to ask why she was not speaking. His brows furrowed when he noticed her teary eyes. He  caressed her wrist to encourage her to speak. Camille felt overwhelmed with the gift life had given her in love of Anthony.

She raised her eyes and spoke the vows she had learnt last night. The priest blessed their union.There was no eye led dry in the chapel. It was just a perfect wedding.

She was walking very slowly. It was 8.30 in the evening. She knew she was very late but she was tired.  she should have left her office earlier. Vishaal  must be waiting for her for two hours now. But she had an assignment to finish. Otherwise also, what was the point in going home early. She would have to make small talks and explain again. It was better to get scolded for being late than having those torturous conversations. At least, now the blame would be on her organization.

She wondered when had things deteriorated so much. Just two months ago, she had married with stars in her eyes. Just two months ago, she had yearned to go home and spend time with her new family. when had dreams lost their sheen? When did house of her dreams became her purgatory?

She counted the those few days of happiness and scowled doing this to herself. She lost interest in speaking when her every suggestion started having a selfish agenda. She knew lost her will to fight for the relation when Vishaal had declared she would never be the good wife. She lost her complaints when her mother told her that she was not trying enough. She was aware that achieving marital harmony was an uphill task. But she had never imagined the path to be so thorn filled.

But she should be thankful. She had an office to run away to. Otherwise she would be pierced with those “barbed talks” every hour. She would have to suffer that every moment. She should be thankful that this hell has resulted in her promotion. May be the time would change when she announced her promotion today. She seriously hoped Vishaal would leave his frustration over being fired from his job. After all, it was still recession and she was earning enough for two.

With the small flame of hope she started walking briskly .

Kanika was excited. David Someone knew Hazel.  She slapped her forehead and cursed her forgetfulness. Why could not she  recall his full name. She needed David’s help to meet Hazel. How could she forget his name?

Hazel has been her inspiration. She first read his writings two years back. He was published in the school magazine. Since then, she had been hooked. His romance and poetry should look ludicrous but it appealed to her at a level she could not explain to anyone. She had devoured every book he wrote. She tried to ration her reading to one chapter a day so she would never be out of Hazel’s book.  She wanted to meet him, ask him thousand question, see the person who carved out the images of Jane and Jury. But Hazel avoided all interviews. He never went to any book signings, not even too literary fest. This David Someone was her only source to meet Hazel. Today at this class party she  David was to introduce him to Hazel.

“Kanika, back to earth. We are going to get late for the party. This David Someone is nice? Have you talked to him?” Sapna asked.

“Yupps, I have but not much.” Kanika replied concentrating on walking without tripping in her saree.

“Obviously, else you would have atleast remembered his name. ”

“Sapna if you are so interested, you try talking to him. The guy is plain stupid. You ask him something, he will blink his eyes like owl behind his specs and reply something which you will never grasp.And then his Haw Haw Haw.You know what he said when I asked him about Hazel.” Kanika snapped.

Sapna raised her eyebrows. Kanika was the most composed girl she knew, never judging people, never losing her temper. Either this David or expectation of meeting Hazel  must have flustered her a lot.

“He started shouting Kanika wants love. Kanika wants love. Haw haw haw.” Kanika continued.

Sapna could not control herself. She broke into laugh.

Kanika hit Sapna with her elbow. “Stop laughing.Can you imagine how embarrassing it was?  If it had not been for Hazel, I would have killed those shouts with a slap. But I prettily apologized and left. And that other day, I had to listen to his litany about rock bands to find love. ”

Sapna asked in between  her guffaws”But where did love come from? You asked that joker for love?”

“Shut up Sapna. I do not know what kind of obsession he has with love. But as per him I am going to find my love tonight.”

Sapna looked up at Kanika, blinking her eyes like David,”Wow. That is capital. The guy is offering you love and you do not even remember his name.Haw haw haw”

Kanika just shook her head in exasperation. Arguing both Sapna and Kanika reached the party hall.

“There is David. You see?”Kanika pointed out David.

“What curls, what specs, what smile.I am becoming a fan. Please introduce me.” Sapna said grinning.

“Hey David.” Kanika and Sapna approached David.”How is it going ? Meet my friend Sapna.”

“Hey Kanika. Hey Sapna.How are you? This party seriously rocks. Haw Haw.Haw. ” Sapna tried to hide her smile with a cough.

Unaware of all the drama, David continued “I know you are not interested in party.You just want to meet your love, right?”

“Look, David, you are mistaken. I am not looking for love”

“No Kanika, I am not. Wait till you meet love.” Saying this he vanished in the crowd.

Kanika looked towards Sapna helplessly.  She felt defeated. She would never meet Hazel now. She started to turn away from the party when David returned with someone. Kanika wondered about another of Haw Haw Haw friend. She sighed,  smiled and waited for David to say his customary greeting.

“Kanika. Meet him. He is love-your love. Haw. Haw.Haw”

Kanika looked at the guy. “I guess there is some misunderstanding sir. I was not looking for love.”

The guy cut in between, “I do not think so. I have been hearing about you a lot. ”

He offered his hand for handshake.”I am Love Srivastava or Hazel. I heard you wanted to meet me.”

Kanika stood there flabbergasted. Suddenly She heard haw haw again in her ears.