Short stories - 'Modern Day Mariamma' on page 8 - Page 4

Originally posted by: coolpd93

giri this is really superb...i lyk d way u depicted the characters...good work and really wanna c how the story gets unfold...NYC job👍🏼

Drizzles of Summer - Part 2

"Excuse me, Sir. May I come in please?" Madhivanan turned his attention to the door to find Devika standing outside in an elegant blue and yellow suit. Only when he turned to her side did she realize whom she was addressing. Devika felt a mix of emotions - Shock, pain, sadness, anger, hatred, which Madhivanan could somehow sense. He had faced all sorts of challenges in his life, but was not ready for an emotional confrontation with her at this juncture. While he wanted to jump out through the open window and get as far away as possible, she wished the ground below would part ways for her to disappear. It became a mammoth effort for both of them not to reveal their inner chaos but keep a normal face.

'Just leave' her brain ordered. Before her legs could implement the command, his voice interrupted, "come in K.. er... Miss", he checked himself from calling out her pet name... a name he had made juggling the last alphabets in her name...'Kavi'

She walked like a robot and handed him the note from the college principal. He read it and announced to the class, "This is Miss.Devika, she will be continuing her studies with this class from today." She smiled lightly as many 'hi Devika', 'welcome Devika' came her way. She walked to an empty seat, sat down and stared at the desk in front of her the rest of the session. Madhivanan also had no idea what or how he continued the lecture after her arrival. He was briefly relieved that he had to come back to her class only after two days.

Devika was clueless as to what she should do now. There was a time when she would run around town trying to catch a glimpse of her man in uniform. Earlier he would not encourage or entertain her and many a times he had openly expressed his displeasure whenever she made attempt to contact him. He always found her as an unwanted distraction and she had gone to great lengths to get him express his feelings for her. But all that was gone... history... now in spite of both of them being at the same place, they have gone poles apart. It was ironical that the person, who was responsible for chasing her to a college outside city limits, would quit his job and become her teacher at the same place. 'It is funny how fate works', she thought wryly. She became all the more determined. She had to prove to him that she would survive... grow stronger...without him.

Over the next few days they saw each other in many places around the college -canteen, library, books stores, stationary shop, ATM centre. She took care to see that she was never alone in his company. He seemed to understand her mind and never attempted to talk to her. It was enough for him to just see her. It was a great wonder how certain incidents transform people. He was amazed to see a calmer and more matured Devika - a complete transformation from a playful, carefree and impulsive girl. He could feel a new determination in her, a new strength inside her and his respect for her grew.

Whenever she saw his bike in the college parking lot, her heart skipped a beat as in the past; she listened to his lectures and it was a surprise for her- his deep knowledge in the subject, illustration skills and the great rapport he enjoyed; 'Oh he could definitely laugh.' She was seeing another side to him, a softer one. 'Continuous association with criminals must have hardened him', she found herself justifying his stern nature in uniform; immediately she cursed herself, 'Stupid girl, have you forgotten your uncle's death so soon? Stop thinking about the foe.'

Devika sat sipping her juice in the college canteen with her new friend Anita, when Madhivanan walked past them. She pretended not to notice him, but Anita got up and greeted him with so much gusto that Devika was forced to stand up unwillingly. He signaled them to sit and with a smile moved to another table.

"Devi, do you know? Madhivanan sir is an old student of HOD. That is why he has come here as Ravi sir's replacement", Anita gossiped.

'Oh.' This was news to Devika. She had been sure of one thing - he had not come after her... she had seen the shock in his eyes the first day... he had not expected her. Anita was giving her answer to one piece of the puzzle - 'how'. But the 'why' part of the puzzle still remained unanswered. Whatever the case, did it matter to her? She has come for completing her studies and she would do that in front of his eyes... with flying colours...

"I love his lectures. He looks sooo.. good looking... damn handsome... look at that scar above his eyebrow... attractive..."

Devika was taken aback. 'Scar? where? How did he get it? What happened?' Devika scanned his face.

"... should find out if he is married... who could be the lucky one?" Anita was gushing on and Devika could feel blood rush to her face. It was getting late for their next class. As they got up to leave, Devika threw the juice tetra pack into the dustbin and out of habit she preserved the straw in her handback. On an impulse when she glanced up, Madhivanan had that 'knowing' smile on his face. She turned away disgusted with herself.

Three weeks had passed in the new place for Devika. She could not bring herself to mention about Madhivanan to Bharati. In the meantime a pleasure trip to Ootacamund was arranged for the final year students.

"We have been wanting to go on excursion for the past two years and they have granted permission only now. Devika, you are our lucky charm. Most of us have gone to Ooty, still it is fun going with friends... you should come", Anita pressurized her.

"Who are the faculty members accompanying us?" Devika had to know.

"HOD is not coming. Chemistry Vairam, Rajeshwari ma'am, Preena and then Bhaskar Sir", as Fathima replied, everyone burst out laughing.

Devika looked confused.

"Bhaskar and Preena are our current Romeo and Juliet. We can have a lot of masala during this trip", Rachel winked.

"What about Madhi?" Anita enquired as Devika felt a little anger rise inside her hearing Anita's way of addressing, as if he belonged to her. She chided herself, he didn't belong to her either... why should she care who called what?

"As a general rule, visiting professors are not part of excursions. Still Arif and Jambu invited him and he has declined", Devika couldn't understand how she could feel relief as well as disappointment simultaneously.

At home, Bharati urged her to accept her friends' wish to go with them to Ooty.

"It would be really fun and you need this definitely, Devi. But promise to call me everyday...ok?" Devika nodded her head.

The travel plan included train journey from Arakkonam to Mettupalayam and then by bus to the Nilgiri hills. As Devika sat in the side lower berth waiting for Anita, she glanced outside. Preena and Bhaskar were standing together lost in their own world. She remembered Rachel's comment. A sudden uproar in the compartment made her look in the direction of its cause. She received a jolt looking at Madhivanan surrounded by jubilant students.

"Sir, what a wonderful surprise!" This was Arif.

"We thought you weren't coming", Rama interrupted.

"Rama, Vairam Sir's father is hospitalized, so he is not coming", Jambu replied.

"Thank God, Vairam is such a bore!" Rama sighed.

"Has Vairam Sir's father taken a ticket?" Arif pointed his finger upwards.

"Friends... friends... first of all thanks for your welcome. Second, let the poor old man recover fast. Don't kill him in your excitement. Third, never pass remarks about other staff members. You see... I have a bad memory and may pass on your comments to them...", Madhivanan laughed.

"No Sir, we know you will never do that", Rachel buttered him.

"Yes sir, you will definitely not give us up", Jambu added.

"You are too good Sir", some one else continued.

"Wished every one got to know about this", saying Madhivanan sat opposite to Devika and smiled boldly at her, "Hello Devika, don't you have anything to say?"

Her classmates were around and she was left with no choice but mumble a reply, "hello Sir... good to have you Sir." Inside she was trembling in rage.

She quietly took her bags and exchanged her seat with a friend at the other end of the coach. As she was leaving, she shuddered seeing the raw anger in his eyes.

To be continued

Drizzles of Summer - Part 3

It was almost 7 in the morning when they reached Mettupalayam the next day. After a light breakfast, they began the next leg of their journey by bus. As they had made prior reservations in a hotel in Ootacamund, they checked in around 11am and settled down for a few hours rest.

The first stop in their schedule was Doddabetta Peak - the highest point in the Nilgiri hills at a height of over 2600 metres above sea level. They had ice creams at the top most point, a feeling better experienced than explained. The local vendors sat along the walkway with fresh tiny carrots, cucumbers, figs and apricots which looked juicy and inviting. Soon they were a happy lot with all their goods sold out. The students split into groups and one group left for a photo session on top of a big boulder perched almost near the edge of the hill. The white fluffy clouds would pass around them every now and then. Madhivanan watched Devika stand on top of the boulder, posing for Rachel. Just then a cloud just passed around her completely hiding her from his view. Madhivanan's heart came into his mouth, when the cloud cleared away and only the boulder remained there.

The next second he found himself running madly towards the boulder, climb on top of it and look down from the edge. He could not see even three feet down, so heavy was the growth of trees. He called out her name and the valley echoed his voice back. Many students hearing his scream ran to his side and started looking over the edge. No words could describe his mental agony. It looked like every blood vessel in his body would burst and he had a throbbing pain in his head. He cursed fate for crushing him down with one blow after another. How many more deaths should he witness...be responsible for in his life time?

Some one shouted, "Hey look there". Heads turned towards the pointed side and there were sudden laughs and giggles. Madhivanan also turned around and he let out a huge sigh of relief.

Devika had been standing on the boulder, when a low moving dense cloud went around her completely hiding her. She had a sudden childish impulse to get down from the rock and walk inside the cloud, moving along at the same speed. Nobody could see her doing this and she had walked away some distance before someone spotted a green scarf peeping out from the cloud. It was so funny to see as many as 10 students run behind her in a semi circular pattern, clapping and singing a famous Ghana song of Deva.

Devika, oblivious of the storm she had created outside, had enough of her game; she was taken aback with the reception she received. Some one had taken snaps of all this chaos. She felt amused.

Fathima quipped, "We didn't realize you were missing until sir called out your name." Devika's searching eyes located Madhivanan near the boulder. His back was turned to her. He was leaning towards the rock, with one hand resting on it and the other raking his hair. She imagined his facial muscles hardening and a deep frown forming on his face. She felt a deep satisfaction, when he turned around with exactly the same expression she had picturized in her mind. He stunned the few students near the rock by barking at them with a thunderous,"no more photos here". They reluctantly left murmuring, "What is wrong with him? We should come back later when he is not around."

They strolled around clicking away with their cell phones and cameras non stop. Madhivanan ensured he was only a few feet away from Devika at all times afraid he might lose her again. It was getting colder. They had hot chilli bhajjis & even hotter coffee. An hour later they boarded their bus. Madhivanan was the last one to get in and as he did a head count, his troubled eyes rested briefly on Devika. She felt as though he had suddenly aged in the last hour.

After dinner, they decided to go to a nearby theatre. The hall was empty and hence the students spread around the hall. Devika sat with Anita and her gang near one of the exit doors. It was a movie from the 80s period. Although the movie was not interesting Rachel and Arif kept them laughing with their witty comments and sarcasm.

During the intermission they snacked again and brought more popcorn packets. As they filed back into the screen hall, the lights were off and Devika was the last to enter. She took the last empty seat next to Arif. Soon she heard a light snoring from him. With no more funny comments coming from him, she also felt sleepy.

Sometime later when she was deep in sleep, a hand cautiously lifted the hand rest separating the seats and the man to whom the hand belonged, inched closer to her so that her head rested on his shoulder.

The afternoon incident at Dodabedda peak must have affected Devika so much that she had dreams of flying in the clouds...the clouds were soft, white and cold... she looked at the world from above when she suddenly started falling fast towards the ground. As she panicked something checked her rapid fall and she fell on to a pillow in slow motion.She felt so tired after all the flying, that she slept peacefully. A sudden and continuous vibration in the pillow disturbed her. As someone tried to pull away her pillow, she moaned and held on to it tightly. She felt a light tap on her shoulder and her name being called out softly, she got up with a jerk. It took her sometime to understand her surroundings. As he got up, he whispered, "Stay put Kavi, I will be back." Blood rushed to her face as Devika realized she had been sleeping on Madhivanan's lap.

Madhivanan left the hall pressing the mobile phone to his ear.

"Hello Jagan, where are you?" Jagan was a SI under Madhivanan and the only person to know about his present whereabouts. Jagan informed him that he would meet Madhivanan at the theatre in about half an hour as he had to discuss in person about an important case. As Madhivanan whistled softly thinking about going back to 'his Kavi', he saw a group of girls headed by Fathima coming out. They came towards him.

"Sir, the movie is becoming unbearable; we are going back to our rooms." Madhivanan felt a small pleasure to notice Devika was not in the group. She was waiting for him, wasn't she?

"Wait, it may not be safe for you girls at this time, you need an escort", he looked at his watch. He needed some time with Devika before meeting Jagan. After a quick calculation, he took them through a shortcut which led them to the back of the hotel. It involved climbing up and down through some narrow slopes.

"I am running a little short of time and hence this route. You should never attempt, I repeat never attempt this short cut on your own. Clear?"

When they said nothing he repeated, "Is that clear?"

"Yes sir", they chorused.

Devika had seen some girls walking out. It was dark and she could not recognize them, should she go with them or stay back...she was utterly confused. After some time she began to wonder...what was she thinking... waiting for him of all people ... she must have lost her senses listening to him. She walked out and came face to face with Jagan. Both of them gaped at each other before Jagan smiled slowly at her.

"Devika madam, I am so glad to see you back with Sir. How are you? We were so worried. We thought we would lose Madhi Sir for ever."

"What happened?" her voice was barely audible.

"Hasn't Sir spoken about it to you?"

"No Jagan anna, we are not actually in talking terms after my uncle's death." She told meekily.

"Oh!" Jagan couldn't understand head or tail.

"Fate might have brought us to the same place, but nothing has changed. I have not got over his death.

He received a message from Madhivanan. After glancing through it, he led her to a table near the food counter. He bought himself a hot tea and a fruit juice for her.

"Madhi sir has never forgiven himself for your loss. Although it was not his mistake, he carries the burden of your uncle in his heart."

"I don't understand."

"It is true that ASP Madhivanan took your uncle for an enquiry... for some questioning that is all... no arrest ... no FIR filed. Your uncle cooperated well. A sudden call from the commissioner... Madhi sir had to leave the station. Actually it was your uncle who suggested that he would wait until ASP returned", he sipped his tea. Devika fingered the straw.

"That is when misfortune entered our station in the form of Inspector Pandiyan. You know how he nurtures so much hatred for ASP sir... professional rivalry. He taunted your uncle so much... you have no idea how much...dragging your name and linking it up with sir in a disrespectful way. We were mute spectators... our position was like that...your uncle could not endure all that filth. He had a stroke ... the rest you know."

Devika sat speechless.

Jagan continued, "Madhi sir bore the responsibility...never forgiven himself...what if he had never brought in your uncle in the first place...all these wouldn't have happened. He began to lose his control... concentration... you know there was an encounter case... he would have lost his life, but luckily the bullet grazed his head."

She trembled, thinking about the new scar on his forehead. Just then her cell phone rang. She excused herself and moved away from the table as she attended her call. It was Anita.

"Devi...Devi... thank God, you are there. We are back in the room...only after coming here we realized you were missing. You know...near that studio, there is a shortcut and Madhi brought us back to the hotel so quickly. He is coming back there. I will keep the room door unlocked... ok? Bye sweetie."

"Bye Anita."

How much could a person take in a day? She couldn't possibly face Madhivanan now...not after what she heard from Jagan...not yet. She needed some privacy and time...time to think everything out calmly and analyse...later, right now she was mentally exhausted.

"Jagan anna, my friends are waiting outside. I have to go now. Bye and thank you", she rushed out. She ducked behind a pillar as Madhivanan walked by briskly. She walked the upward road and as she crossed the studio, she saw the shortcut.

"Hello sir", Jagan shook Madhivanan's hand.

"One moment Jagan", he rushed into the movie hall. He couldn't find her. He came out and looked near the rest rooms.

"What are you looking for?"

"Devika."

"Didn't you see her? You must have surely seen her as you came in", Jagan frowned.

"What?"

"We were sitting here and talking...she had a call...I vaguely heard a name she spoke...was it Vanitha? I guess so and then she walked out."

He saw the straw on the table. Something was not right...he couldn't bear to lose her again. Was the dodabedda incident a premonition? He ran out followed by Jagan. The roads were empty. No sign of her. As he crossed the studio, he paused. He carefully scanned the empty roads once again. Then he made up his mind quickly and walked into the narrow lane. He could hear faint rustle of the bushes and a small cry. The men ran towards the sound and then they saw. A man was sprawled on top of Devika.

TBC

Originally posted by: .scarlet.

Hello giri...

Superb work!

Both d parts were amazing ...

I m loving this story ...

Do update soon...

Drizzles of Summer - Part 4

Madhivanan rushed forward, hurriedly pulled up the man and threw him aside violently. The man fell down on the gravel stones unconscious before even knowing what or who hit him. Looking at the murderous rage in Madhivanan, Jagan immediately held him back tightly and prevented him from doing any further harm.

"Sir... sir, please calm down. Please don't stain your hands by touching this filthy creature. The girl is our first priority. She may need medical attention."

"No... not before I break his neck", Madhivanan struggled to get out of Jagan's grip.

"Sir.. please listen to me. What happens after you kill him? We will be unnecessarily dragging Devika into this. Do you want all the media attention on her? The matter that is just between us will be splashed all over the nation."

"What do you mean? Do you want me to let him go?"

"Look at him, he is drunk. He has no idea of who we are... in his present state cannot also find out what is happening here. Why do you want to give up your identity now? We will definitely trap him some other way. We will see that he is punished so hard that he will not even think about attempting this kind of crime again. Let us go now."

Although Madhivanan realized the merit in Jagan's argument, he picked up Devika only after delivering repeated kicks to Joseph's torso.

"Hello, is this Rajeshwari madam?"

"Yes."

"Ma'am, Madhivanan here. There is a small problem. A female student has met with an accident and she is in hospital now."

"What happened?" Rajeshwari became very alert.

"Nothing alarming. But it would be better if a female faculty member stayed with her during the night."

"Should I bring someone else along?"

"No...no... It would be better for a little discretion. I am waiting outside the hotel. I can drop you there."

Rajeshwari who had only few years before her retirement, met him outside within five minutes. They reached the hospital and Madhivanan took her to Devika's room where she lay sedated.

"How did this happen?"

"It looks like she took a short cut from the theatre to the hotel and had a nasty fall on the slippery slope."

Rajeshwari critically looked at the bandage on the head, bruises on the face and the torn dress of Devika, but did not comment anything. Just then the door opened and in walked Inspector Jagan, who began immediately without noticing the presence of Rajeshwari.

"Sir! Damage of a few broken ribs and teeth. He is in ward 4."

"Who is this 'he'?" When Rajeshwari questioned, Jagan realized his folly and stared blankly.

"TY BBM Joseph ma'am. He was also in an accident", Madhivanan answered.

Rajeshwari cleared her throat, "I have very normal brains. For me 2 plus 2 can only be four. Tell me is there a connection between the two accidents?"

Madhivanan laughed, "Madam, if your normal brains can deduce this much so quickly, your smart brains can give Jagan a tough run for his money."

Rajeshwari beamed and looked at him as if urging him to go on.

"Joseph was caught trying to misbehave with Devika. Except for the stitches on her head and some bruises, no more harm done, atleast not to her dignity. This is Inspector Jagan."

"Has this already become a police case? This involves the future of two students..." Rajeshwari's concern showed.

"Not yet, we are still working on it."

"'We'? Who are you really?"

Madhivanan felt it was prudent to come clean with her.

"I am actually from the police force."

"Were these two having an affair?"

"NO", Madhivanan almost shouted. Rajeshwari didn't expect such a reaction. He closed his eyes briefly and controlled himself.

"No ma'am. He was drunk and she had no idea he was following her."

He turned to Jagan, "With Joseph, he is a victim of night time mugging. Let us leave Devika out of this. What do you say, Jagan?"

"Right Sir."

"Rich brat."

"Exactly sir."

"What have we got?"

"Ten thousand in cash, an i-phone and a platinum bracelet."

"To be traced after a month."

"Done Sir", Jagan continued to look at Rajeshwari while answering his superior. Madhivanan also looked at her.

"Don't look at me like that. My lips are sealed", her reply brought smiles to the men in the room. Madhivanan patted himself for bringing in Rajeshwari instead of Preena.

Jagan left the room followed by Madhivanan.

"Madhivanan?" He paused at the door as Rajeshwari called out. "What is she to you?" she gestured at Devika.

Madhivanan's face softened.

"My life."

In the morning, Anita and others reached the hospital. Devika continued to remain sedated.

"My mistake, I mentioned about the shortcut to her", Anita sulked.

"No Anita... don't be harsh on yourself. Actually the fault is mine. I shouldn't have shown you the route in the first place", Madhivanan's gesture worsened Anita's mood.

"Cheer up girls, your friend will be up in a day. Now you all continue with your plans. But please be safe."

"Are you not coming Sir?"

"Me? No. I had a very very tiring night running around and I can sleep through 16 straight hours", Madhivanan stifled a yawn.

The girls giggled. Madhivanan and the others parted ways at the hospital entrance. While they boarded the bus to Conoor, he headed in the direction of his hotel room. As the bus moved past him, the students waved at him cheerfully. He reciprocated. He didn't sleep for 16 hours like he said, but was back at the hospital in less than two hours.

Devika was awake, but had her eyes shut, lost in thoughts. She felt the door open and soon realized Madhivanan's presence. But she continued to keep her eyes closed.

"How long do you plan to pretend to sleep, Kavi?" he whispered close to her ear. She could smell his after shave and her skin tingled by the slight brush of his moustache.

She still refused to open her eyes.

"You were so accommodative at the theatre yesterday."

Though she coloured, she wasn't ready to oblige him.

"Ok", he sighed. She held her breath.

"In all my tiredness, I am going to lie down beside you and sleep with you. Don't blame me for the repercussion", she opened her eyes slowly and shyly.

He held her hand and looked at her fondly, "Is it painful now?"

"mmm", as she replied in a coarse voice, tears ran down her cheeks affected by his genuine concern.

His grip on her hand tightened with his rising temper. She winced.

"Oh sorry Kavi", he released her hand. "I am sorry for everything...for your uncle... for you...for breaking your life apart...for this", he indicated her injuries.

She interrupted him by placing her fingers on his lips.

"No... no... I am sorry... for running away... Jagan anna... told me. Of all...all... people I... I... should have... understood... duty comes first ... I ... must ...must give moral... moral support to... to...you", the effort was difficult for her physically and mentally.

"Hush Hush Kavi"

"I feel so lonely..."

"Not when I am here for you", he sat on the bed and hugged her as her body shook in silent crying. He stroked her hair and she lay in his arms for a very long time.

"How did you find me?" He showed her the plastic straw.

Devika remained in the hospital for the rest of the trip. They boarded the return train at Mettupalayam. When she exchanged her seat at the end of the coach with the one opposite to Madhivanan, he covered his smile with his fingers.

"I am rejoining duty in a few weeks' time", he informed in a voice only audible to her.

"I will be completing my studies in three months time", she mimicked his tone.

"Really?" she glared at him irked by his teasing before breaking into joyful laughter. He joined her.

It drizzled outside and the train gathered speed.

Subham