4th KRANTIKARI OF THE WEEK:Dewy - Page 14

On seeing this strange lady, Dewy was startled. But since she had no time she was neither frightened nor astonished by this creature. All that was on her mind was her meeting. It was an important client and she wanted to put her best foot forward, bring forth all her skills of conviction to clinch the deal. It was important to her and to her company. And she had worked at for it

"I'm sorry, ma'am," she said, "I'm getting late. But I'm a regular customer here and shall definitely give you a donation next time." She rushed towards the lift as the doors opened. Her car was in the basement. She would dump all the parcels in the car, drop them off at home and be on her way. The lift doors closed. She didn't see that figure.

Donation? What the Devil was that? Did that silly thing think that I needed help? Aarghhhhh!! Anger seethed within me. My eyes screwed to slits and began to blaze; they changed colour and the green orbs shone with suppressed fury. My gnarled hand remained outstretched. I was about to gift something to her. But she had no time. Things had changed somewhat. I would still give her the gift but with a clause. My forefinger pointed to the doors of the lift. The finger was crooked with its grey claw.

Who the hell did she think she was?

To just walk by without a pause….

With a click of my fingers just like that

The tyres of your car will soon be flat.

I spun on my heels. Poof!....... I was down in the basement. I knew where her car was. I walked silently to a pillar from where I could get a clear view. She came running and opened the dickey. She noticed the wheels. She blinked several times in disbelief. Her tyres were flat. Who could such a thing in this protected car park? I smiled. What holy pleasure I got. She looked forlorn and upset. I felt a twinge of remorse. She was a friend, wasn't she? The earthlings say friends should help no matter what. Oh I just don't understand them. She was now trying to find help. I blew hard towards the wheels. The tyres slowly swelled up. She put her hands on her forehead. The car shook a bit. She was surprised. She noticed the tyres. Huh? Back to normal? What was happening to her. Her MIL was right. She should have had breakfast. She got into the car and drove off. Not so fast, pal. I stepped on my broom. My hands folded. My broom lifted and I followed her. My bag was well balanced on the rod and by feet planted on the bristles. Swooooooosh !!! I remained invisible.

She had by now reached the portals of her office. Ugh! It was a clean structure with beauty all around. Landscaped gardens on one side and an artificial waterfall on the other. My lips curled in derision. What pathetic taste! I hated such neatness and such brightness. It hurt my eyes.

My world, I would any day prefer

Where earthly manners do not deter

Where malice and curses rule the day

And treachery always paves the way

Where darkness never really hinders

Where cauldrons boil on red hot cinders

The yellow moon in the dark velvety sky

Owls that hoot and the cats that cry.

We entered the lift and rode up to the 9^th floor. She had her briefcase in one hand and her laptop in the other. I glided on the floor behind her. The room was a bit dark. Oh I thanked the devil for that. People were seated around a table-like structure. Dewy went to meet her clients and the presentation began. The laptop however started to play up. She got flustered. Hey, I assure you this wasn't any of my doing. All her efforts seemed to be in vain. I could read the worry on her face. I realised this was indeed very important to her. Her boss, her clients and her colleagues began to shift in their seats. She began to try all ways to get her computer started. My lips began to smile. It stretched on just one side of the face. Should I step in? My shoulders shook with laughter. I bared my teeth, my jagged teeth and released a slow breath. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Silently, the magic worked and the device started to function. Dew was soon explaining her points quite emphatically, I must say.

I found it very boring because I didn't understand a thing. What a lot of gibberish!! I think I dozed a bit because I woke up to the sounds of claps. People were shaking hands and smiling. So was Dewy. People left one by one. A young lady entered the room. She helped her to pack up. I saw Dewy clearly in the darkness. Her eyebrows were furrowed and there were worry creases on her forehead. What was wrong? Her assistant went to bring her coffee. Dewy stood by the window and looked out, her finger idly curling her hair. She was in deep thought. Her coffee was set on the table and she was left alone. I snapped my fingers and the lights came on slowly. She looked around surprised. Her eyes fell on me as I became visible again. Her mouth dropped open.

"You? How are you here? How did you get in?"

"Sit down Dewy. I can see you are tired."

She came forward and looked at me. There was no revulsion on her face, just traces of distaste.

"Hello Dewy, I don't think we've met before, I'm ………"

A diminutive figure entered the room. And along with her was her entourage of sprites. I was on immediate alert. My being was on fire. My rage was palpable. I raised my hand to swipe. But the lady shooed them away.

"Dawn, it went off well. But I'm not sure." Dewy said.

"Dew, this is Wendy……. Our friend"

"What? She is from the supermarket; who approached me for a dona……"

"Stop. Stop it." I inserted. "What do you people think of yourselves?"

"I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you. I genuinely thought you wanted ….." She was contrite and her voice trailed away.

"When a hand is outstretched, it may not be asking for help chica, it could be offering help," I explained.

"Oh my God……. Skep!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"The deal is yours, sweetie. I can predict that quite well."

I smiled. It was time for me to leave. I caught my cape and turned several times round my heel. POOF …….!!!!!

I returned to my world. My aunts had prepared a special meal today. It was Christmas after all.

Merry Christmas to all my friends on Earth.