While I prepare to post my new FF tomorrow, I heard it is raining cats and dogs in Delhi and Toronto had tornado yesterday. Here is two short stories posted by me in Kanta's Monsoon series, many of you might have read it....but anything to keep the forum moving...😛....Enjoy
Coffee & Rains - Part 1
Bani sat in the coffee shop, with a mug of coffee staring outside beyond the glass wall. She watched the rain falling in steady force, today she lost her job, it was not unexpected though her boss had assured her, her team will stay, it is the other section which needs to go first, they can still have 6 months more at least but within that time, the company was hoping to make a turnaround, as they have been selected for a major order for which the work will start within the next three months, with two more big deals scheduled they were hoping to make a turnaround within next 6 months and to survive those 6 months some people had to go. Bani was surprised and shocked when she was also asked to see her boss alongwith others, it was 2 days ago only when her boss had categorically informed her, she would not be touched in this lot…. her brother was expecting his results any day, after that he had to be admitted in a college, her mother was expecting some help as her father's pension was proving insufficient.
Are you expecting anybody, a serious voice asked her, Bani did not wanted to be disturbed, she frowned hard and looked up, a handsome distinguished looking man was standing holding a tray, Bani gave a quick glance around the overcrowded coffee shop…
No, no you can have a seat….
Bani turned her face to look out once again….the table was too small to share with a stranger and he was a big man…the rain refused to stop and Bani was not carrying umbrella too…
Jai Walia looked at the girl, she has lost something, what can that be, he wonder, like him has she also been betrayed by her lover. Jai still could not believe that Pia would find someone else, she always pretended to be so much in love with him, but when he saw her today in the arms of his manager, he was mad....how can you? He asked, I am fulfilling all your demands and you....
Well Jai in are on tour most of the time....
And you refuse to take me along....
You know how conservative my masi is Pia, after two months when we are married you can accompany me as much as you want....
Well Jai after two months I will be all yours then...
Well Pia hard luck, I am calling it off just now....
You cannot, your Masi is sick...
Of course I can she will die if she knows that I married an adulterer because of her.....
Jai doesn't know for whom he is more sad, for Pia or for his manager whom he has sacked...intelligent boy, had a good future, it is tough to get someone of that type...smart, efficient...
She betrayed me...
Bani jerked and turned her head...
She betrayed me, did not like my touring so much...
He too betrayed me, had promised I had six months time atleast and something nice would happen instead issued me the letter today...
Marching orders, Jai asked
Yes....
I also gave her mine....
You did, won't your parents be upset
Yes they will, just as yours will be on learning....
Yes of course they had plans ....
My family too, had been sending out invitations already
Don't worry I am sure you will get someone better
I am sure also you will get something better....come the force has lessened, lets get out, as water logging has started, before it increases....
Bani picked up her purse, Jai opened the door for her, they stepped out together...
Where do you live, He asked
About 15 minutes walk, she replied...
I will drop you home, he stated....
They waded through the ankle deep water, in silence, carefully watching their step, light drizzle continued...
Bani's feet twisted....Ooops, she exclaimed...He caught her, waited till she regained balance, they walked together now, hand in hand in silence holding and supporting each other...at last they stood before Bani's apartment gate....this is my house....she said, will you like to come up for coffee
No, just had one....This is my card, expecting you tomorrow at 0930 at this address
Jai Walia, Bani read....the Jai Walia? She asked.....
Yes the very same...
Bani Dixit, they shook hands.....At 0930 for what? She asked
Oh didn't I tell you, my manager has left his job suddenly today, there is a vacancy, if you would like to join....
Bani looked at his face for sometime and then her face broke into a smile...I will be at your office 0930 hrs sharp....
Good, he waved and turned back, climbed on to the Mercedes which Bani noticed for the first time had been following them...she waved...till tomorrow then.......the end...........
Part II
Bani sent the answers to the set of questions, the magazine had sent for Jai's interview, alongwith the photographs to be published with it. It is one year now that she has been working with him and now almost knows against which answer what he will reply….after compiling the answers, she had sent the same to him for approval, it came back promptly with his o.k., now has he read at all what she has written, she had her doubts, how can he, itna jaldi approval mil jo gaya, then most probably he has not read it once again….
Aap kam se kaam dekh toh lijiye ga, I mean you may not want to say what I have written…
Bani, you know about my plans, my projects everything, so why should I see,
But this is Jai Walia who is answering not Bani Dixit…
One and the same, Jai had replied turning the pages of the latest project report…
Keya matlab hai aapka, Bani sat up…
He looked up, Oh, well I mean I am paying you well enough so that these things can be taken care of, so why should I bother, it is over 10 months now that you are working here and you seem to have picked up your job…
Bani clicked open the file once again, she checked and rechecked her answers, no use of going upto him and asking if he has read it, obviously not and she knows what answer she will get in return. Nevertheless she gets his customary ok for her satisfaction, Bani sent the file to the concerned journalist with a nice covering note.
Once through, she checked the time in her mobile, it was 4.45, she should leave office by 5.30 today, nehi toh ghar me afat toot parega. The family did not mind most of the days when she returned after 8 in the evening, sometimes just before dinner at 9.30 because they knew she was busy in office. Jai Walia was expanding rapidly and he was all over the news…having just concluded one of the biggest take over in the hotel industry, he now signed a deal with an aviation company and was about to launch an airline…lekin aaj ghar jana parega…the boy was working in one of the top most financial institute of the world, he was presently posted in London, but is supposed to be relocated in Mumbai within next two months. He was here for his office work, some formalities to be completed before final take over from the outgoing person….So Ajit decided when he comes finally he would get married and settle down. This time he has brought his parents who are otherwise settled in London…they are very happy it seems as Ajit is getting a desi bahu for them….today evening they were coming over for dinner…Bani was supposed to meet her future in-laws for the first time….
Her mobile rang, it was her mother again, Bani 5.30 she said, ha Ma mujhe yaad hai, mai Mr Walia ko bolkar rakhi hu…
Tum mujhe keya bolkar rakhi ho, Jai asked as Bani disconnected the phone…
Mr Walia remember I told you today I have guests coming over for dinner, I have to leave office at 5.30 today…
Bani why don't you invite people over the weekend….
A very good question, the problem is Ajit is here for some office work, his parents have accompanied him this time from London….tomorrow evening Ajit will leave for Delhi and from there back to London, though his parents will be here, Ajit has today evening free only….pehli baar, so my parents thought we should have dinner together…
Ok Ok still 45 minutes to go…I sent you the file in which all the observations of various group heads are given, just go through them and make a summary for me….I have a headache I cannot read each and every comment…
Mr Walia in 45 minutes I cannot make the summary, I have to study the file before I make one…
Bani you have studied the file many times, now study the observations only, and 45 minutes is enough time, instead of getting into verbal dual with me, make me the summary before leaving, he went back to his cabin without even waiting for Bani's answer…
Hey bhagwan, atleast I need one hour minimum and now I do not have 45 minutes even…Bani quickly sat and clicked open her mail….
It was Jai Walia's friend Tarun who spotted Bani for his cousin Ajit. He had seen Bani in this office and suggested his cousin Ajit, who has been brought up in London and working with Lehman Brothers there, is looking for an Indian opening as India is the happening place now. He has also expressed his desire to get married to an Indian girl. During his last visit to India, Tarun had set up the meeting, Ajit and Bani had met, they liked each other, both very busy with their careers but both agreed it was time that they settle down, get married…Ajit planning to stay in India at least quite a few years, Bani thought marrying him will be convenient, she can have both her career and stay close to her parents at the same time, her brother would finish college in next 3 years time after that maybe she can take a break to start a family.. Her parents have categorically told her, it is her life, she has the freedom to make her choice but they will not accept anything from the son-in-law..instead manage somehow…
Bani took a printout in double spacing, with his headache he will not like to read it from the laptop and knocked on Jai's door, he was talking to someone on the phone, at the same time rubbing his forehead, Bani saw the water and the medicine kept on the table but he did not have the time to take it even…
Bani noted the time again, it was 5.40…her mother will ring up any moment to know if she has left the office…
Jai disconnected the phone, Bani kept paper on his desk, this is the best I could make in a hurry, you read it…she said, taking out one pill from the foil, giving it to him …
Ok thanks, he quickly swallowed the pill, and picked up the paper, Bani opened the door and looked back….many times she has indicated to him that he is indeed moving very fast, not that it is a mistake but so much work will take a toll of his health…but he always said, Bani the time is right, the economy is booming and I should make the most of it…after these projects materialize I will take leave for at least two months and then reduce my work, enjoy the fruits of my hard labour, but now I have to make the moves….
Bani clicked the door shut and went to the wash room, quickly she brushed her hair, and applied a fresh coat of lipstick….not that it was needed but Bani was feeling nervous, she hardly knew Ajit and today will be meeting his parents too….
The lightening flashed through the window of the loo and the sound of cracking thunder followed…Bani quickly relieved herself and flushed the toilet…picked up her purse and left towards the lift…
Jayogi kaise, the rain has started, if I know you well you are not carrying an umbrella as usual…Jai stated leaning against the wall of the lift
I will take a Taxi, office ke bahar hi hogi…
Most unlikely as like you many people will be taking one as they are not carrying umbrellas….Come I will drop you as Shankar is on leave and I want to go home…..my head is splitting and I cannot concentrate anyway, I have taken your printout and read it ....
++
When they came out of the basement, the rain had gained force, no taxis Jai pointed out. As Jai drove, Bani sat back and watched the passing landscape, as usual people waiting in bus stops and running for cover etc., why does rain have to come at the time of going home, she wondered. Last one year, literally flew away, she was busy coping with her new job, Jai was extremely patient while she coped as it was totally different from what she did usually and once she managed, he just started depending on her, few times they travelled together but few times when he went alone, she was woken at the middle of the night for statistics as he was in business meeting with somebody else in the other part of the world...
The car slowed at the curb and stopped, Bani looked at Jai...
I am sure you can spare time for a cup of coffee Bani,
Yes Mr Walia why not... Bani noticed they had reached that coffee shop where they had met last year...
As Jai ordered coffee, Bani went and occupied their favourite seat, the one next to the glass wall overlooking the road, Jai got two steaming cups of Coffee Latte, as Bani took her first sip...
Bani remember what day it is, its 5th September, last year we met on this day
You remember? Bani's eyes sparkled
Of course I do...Don't you?
Yes I did remember but since you were so busy from the morning, I thought you must have forgotten...
Ek saal kaha se beeth gaya pata hi nehi chala...Jai remembered
Yes Mr Walia, pata hi nehi chala...
They had their coffee in silence looking out at the road, the force was lessening, Bani's phone rang...Ha ma, smajho pahuj gayi....woh log a gaya keya...on their way...theek hai, I will reach in 5/6 minutes.
Bani looked at Jai putting her empty cup down, Jai was through too, he stood up...
He held the door open as Bani passed through, Bani was about to go to the other side of the car, he tapped her shoulder...
Bani will your mother mind very much, if she has an extra guest for dinner....
No Mr Walia, of course not, you are most welcome...
He scratched is head and then asked a bit hesitantly, will it look very odd Bani if I ask for your hand from your father in front of your guests....
Bani stood looking at him....
Keya huwa Bani, tumne jawab nehi diya, will it look very odd...
Bani threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.....the end......
Cricket
Anupamaa
