2nd KRANTIKARI OF THE WEEK:Dawn - Page 10

I sat at a small table in a corner at the inn. It was a quaint coffee shop but I liked going there because few people visited. There was a dark secluded corner where I could sit undisturbed. My book with its crumpled pages lay before me. I screwed my eyes a bit and read over the words again. Had I dotted all my 'i's and crossed my 't's properly?

I was engrossed in my corrections when someone tapped my shoulder.

My head jerked up. Who was it? Who had come to disturb me? I frowned. The person behind me spoke in a soft voice.

"Hi… you must be Skep. We have never met before but we have chatted a number of times. I'm D_I."

I didn't know what to do. D_I here? Oh God! What was I going to do? I didn't turn to look at her. With my hand I gestured that she come forward and take a seat opposite me.

She sat down. She had a smile on. Her eyes flew to my face and I saw her puzzled expression. I kept silent.

"Well, hello." She said. I guessed she waited for me to greet her in return. "I can't see you very well."

I had a dark scarf covering my hair and dark glasses to shield my eyes. My black shirt was buttoned up to the collar. I cleared my throat. I was getting increasingly nervous. It was always good that the world never really saw me.

"I am sorry, the light isn't too good." I blabbed.

She stayed silent for a moment and then said forlornly. "I think I've made a mistake. Maybe you don't want to meet me. But I was all agog to meet you. So here I am. But again, I'm sorry." She made to get up hurriedly.

"Wait," I croaked. "Don't leave, please. Not just yet. Sit down. I am not going to let this chance by. Hello D_I, I'm Skep."

She smiled sweetly. "Now, can I see you?"

My heart sank. But I had to be straight with her. "Okay, but don't be afraid when you do."

I took off my dark glasses and removed my scarf. My gloves I slowly pulled away. I looked at her. She looked horrified.

"I…..I…." she choked.

My face was terrible. I had two warts and pointed eyebrows. My eyes were yellowish green with a touch of grey. My nose was rather long and had a prominent hook. My hands looked gnarled with my crooked fingers. At the end of my spindly fingers were long grey nails. My hair was the colour of dry straw. Actually people called me beautiful… but they were from my world.

In my hoarse voice, I tried to sooth her. "Never judge a book by its cover." I put my hand over hers, taking care that my nails didn't graze her. She jerked her hand away. I realized she was disappointed. I realized how much she had been looking forward to this meeting. "Make yourself comfortable and we'll catch up on things face to face."

I smiled and my jagged teeth showed. She shrank back further. Oh Devil!! I saw her coterie of sprites around her and my blood boiled. But I controlled myself. I didn't want her to see my face turn green. They were all there. Her fairies with their gossamer wings, her elves, goblins and those silly dwarfs. With one swipe of my hand, I could have finished them. But I didn't do anything.

"Let's brighten up the atmosphere a bit." I said.

I clicked my fingers under the table. The lights came on and the chandeliers shone. Huge structures with little glass droplets shining and glistening. The red carpet looked royal as did the drapes and the curtains. Tables were covered with starchy white covers with small roses at the centre. I beckoned the waiter. He came forward.

"I need you to serve us some French fries, samosas, medu wadas, batata wadas and the works. All fried items only. The lady here loves them."

I could see she had relaxed a bit. And those companions of hers were making sure I wouldn't bring any harm to her. Oh for hell's sake! Why would I do anything like that? She was my friend.

I told her how much I loved reading her words, her points of view, her tender feelings for my friend the Rat. Inwardly I cringed at that thought. Her writing always reflected her being. Her anecdotes about those idiotic lovers on screen. They weren't half as good as her notes were. Her dreaminess as she wrote reflected in her words. And as the reader scanned the post, a spell was cast on her too. I told her how doubly careful I had to be. Her sweet notions about the perfect man was echoed by all her friends. Perfect man? TDH they said. I snorted. Even that little hen loved someone. Another loved a guy called Apu. How could she? Even his name was silly. At that moment I realized what gift I should give her. I had so many frogs in my bag. Should I take out a few and turn them into handsome princes for my friends on that forum? That was such a nice, wicked thought. My eyes gleamed with extreme malice. I looked down to shield my expression from her. No…. No I wouldn't do such a thing.

"This is such a beautiful place. You must be happy coming here."

"Yes. Its my favourite haunt. And I can see you have finished your food. Would you like a drink?"

"Yes."

"Adrakwali chai?"

"You remembered? How kind!" She said. Eeeeeks, I hate it when such adjectives are used for me. I summoned the waiter and gave him the order.

"The usual for me," I said.

And we talked further. Our drinks arrived. Her invigorating tea and my purple coloured brew.

"What's that?"

"Its my tea. A concoction that I have made myself."

"Why do you look like this? What is your name?"

"I shall tell you and I hope this doesn't break our friendship. My name is Wendy. I am a witch…. A friendly witch. For the moment I have run away from my netherworld to do a bit of exploring and to gain experience. And I love to write and read as well. These qualities are looked down upon in my world. I know I am going to become an outcast sometime soon. And at that time I shall be here. Quite alone, without a family. Of course, my cats, my owls and my snakes will be with me for they are my faithful friends. And I hope my new friends like you will also accept me in their fold.

"Oh of course we will," she put her hand over mine. I felt my eyes smart. What was happening to me? Water gathering in my eyes?

"Sorry Skep, I've got to leave now. Uhh.. should I call you Wendy?"

"No, Skep is just fine."

She left. I clicked my fingers and darkness returned once again. I sat down at my table and reopened my book. Were my P's and Q's in order? I had just finished writing a poem on the Backwaters.

What imagination I have……………. Hahahahahahahahaha!!