Of awards and such

The lovely Ms. Ankita from the Humming Words has nominated me for the "Very Inspiring Blogger Award" here. Thanks, Ankita. But I wonder, what was she smokin' when she did that. :P I mean, I must be one of the least inspiring blogger, ever. And I'm not even trying to act modest here. I'm a very lousy blogger. I have 50 blog posts(yay!) in 5yrs. That's less than 1 post a month. I know few bloggers who write more in a month than I write in an entire year. Anyway, thanks once again, Ankita. I feel honoured and as well ashamed. May be this will motivate me to be more regular and write quality posts.

The award requires me to list 7 things about myself and then pass on the tag to 15 other bloggers who I consider inspiring.

About the former. I don't think anyone wants to read 7 boring things about myself. So, let me give you an anecdote of myself and my fate with awards.

I had my fair share of awards when I was in school. But the thing was, I never won an award when I really want to. They came when I wasn't really expecting to win at all. So, once I had participated in a inter-school painting competition conducted by some club. I think I was in 6th or 7th grade. It was a huge event. There were several competitions happening right from morning till evening. The painting competition was held after the lunch, post which they declared that winners of all the competitions will be announced and awarded. All the other competitions were well organised, the participants had to register in advance and a panel was used to judge them. But painting, it was an open competition. Anyone and everyone could participate. We were just asked to bring our own painting equipments. It looked like that scene from 'Taare Zameen Par' during the climax. There were hoards of students sitting all over the places and painting their hearts out.

The topic given was 'Pollution'. I was like, "Whaaat?!?" I could write pages after pages about pollution. But what would I paint about it? I gave up even before I began. So I started wandering, looking at other people's creation. It ranged from down-right gross and ugly to incredibly detailed and creative. I observed that most people chose water pollution. One guy drew a guy taking a dump in the river and another guy drinking water from the same river down the stream. It was gross and ingenious at the same time. Then I decided to give it a shot. Make a small mark in a pool of dirty, nasty waters with beautiful lotuses here and there. I had already wasted 20-25mins in an 1hr competition wandering and wondering at others' painting. So I decided, my painting needed to be simple and straight. No grand, detailed creative endeavours. I thought I would take the less taken path. I chose air pollution in a meadow of water pollution paintings. I created a 4-panel layout and drew cars, motorbikes, aeroplanes and rockets emitting smoke in one. Industrial chimneys coughing out smoke in one. People burning wood and other stuff in one. And a lit-cigarette crossed with an 'X', like in a 'No Smoking' sign, in the last panel. It looked like anything but a painting. It was like a bad illustration in a 4th grade science text book. I loathed my painting myself. I finished 5mins before the stipulated time. I looked around at other children frantically giving final touches to their beautiful creations as the organisers announced that the paintings will be collected shortly. I contemplated writing my name and other details on the paper. Who would want to claim ownership to such an ugly-ass painting? Finally I handed over my paper with my name and details, hesitantly. There were some shows being performed on stage while the judges decided the winners of all the competition. I chucked it, climbed over the fence into the adjacent children's park with some other kids. After around half an hour the organisers announced that the winners will be declared and that everyone need to assemble in front of the dias for the award ceremony. I didn't want to go. But the other kids thought it would be fun to clap and cheer for the winners. Such losers. I went with them. And then they announced something that made me very happy. There were goodies(read chocolate) to be given away to all the participants in the end. I thought it wasn't a complete waste after all. They started announcing the winners, which was mostly won by children from other schools. And I was like, "Get over with it already and give us the chocolates." Then they came to the painting competition winners. And suddenly I was reminded of the boy who drew the pooping guy. I wished he would win. They announced the third place winner. A guy from some school. The claps and cheers were vigorous. After all he won amidst lot of competition. He received a memento and a certificate. Then they announced the second place winner. S... something. I didn't pay head. The guys beside me looked at me.

"Wait... was that my name?" I wondered. "Was it Srikanth or Srinath? Was it Srikanth something else? I think I heard R in the end. What if it was my name and I don't go on stage? That would be bad. But it would be worse if I went up to the stage for someone else's name." I was panicking. The guys beside me looked even more panicked. I didn't understand why, but it made me even more nervous.

Then they announced again. "Srikanth A R, second place winner, come up to the dias, please." It was my name. It was MY FUCKING NAME. The judges might have been high or something. But who cares. I won. Then I ran to the stage. I ran like someone might snatch the award from me if I didn't. I might have knocked down a kid or two, I don't remember. It was all a blur. I went up to the stage, panting, sweating, grinning wide like a moron. I received the memento and the certificate. Shook hand. Looked at the crowd cheering and clapping for me. Looked at the boys who stood beside jump, shout and go berserk. I wanted to do a victory dance. But held my cool and exited the dias like a sane person. Children known and unknown congratulated me. Some took the memento and looked at it longingly. I felt like a rockstar. And yes, did I mention that my mom was present there. I totally forgot that, like now. I went running to her. Showed her the memento and certificate. Unlike most Indian parents she didn't ask me why I didn't win the 1st place. She was proud, I was happy. I was so ecstatic that I didn't even notice who won the 1st place. But who cares, I won second and it was all that mattered to me. The award ceremony ended and we were all asked to receive the goodies and exit in a calm and orderly manner. The chocolate-distributor identified me as one of the winners and gave me extra chocolates. I was flocked by the boys for a share in the extra chocolates. And then someone told me that they have put up the winning paintings for display along with some other honorable mentions. I thought, "Why would they do that?" The public criticism petrified me. I went to the display board to look at the other paintings. There it was. My plain, dull, textbook illustration like ugly-ass painting among other beautifully crafted ones. Even the honorable mentions were better. It was like the public humiliation of the highest order. I decided to leave and not identify myself as the person who painted that, when I heard a girl who stood behind say, "Can you imagine that painting won second place? My 5yr old brother can do a better job than that." I wanted to turn around and punch her in the face. But then, she was right. So I let that insult pass. I left for home with my mom, feeling happy and discontent at the same time.

No, this is not the end of the story. No, nononononono no. My stories don't end with such little embarrassment.

This competition happened on a Saturday. I went back to school on Monday, feeling a little uppity, knowing that I was one of the few winners from our school and will be congratulated in the class. The bell rang. We assembled for the morning prayer and assembly. Assembly ended. Then our Headmistress took the mike to make an announcement. She said, "As many of you know, there was an inter-school competition held on Saturday. Few of our students won awards in some competitions and have brought laurel to the school." By this time I was fully pumped and my chest swelled with pride, which could have been easily mistaken for breasts that I suddenly grew. Not only was I going to be congratulated, it was going to happen in front of the entire school. Then it happened, they brought out mementos and certificates on a tray. "Wonderful", I thought. Two sets of awards for winning a single competition. How very amazing. But then there was something strange about the mementos. They looked similar to the ones given at the venue. I was like, "Wait a minute..." and then it hit me. They weren't similar. They were the original mementos. As this finally dawned upon me, my name was called. I walked to the stage feeling exactly how I should've felt. Like an idiot. Our headmistress shook my hand and asked, "You put up your award on your TV or fridge?" and smiled. The salt was rough and harsh on my wounds.

You see, after winning the awards, my other schoolmates went to our school teachers and handed them the mementos and certificates to be presented at the school assembly the following Monday. Me being me, I went and showcased my prize to the entire world and then handed it over to my mom, who duly put it up for display on the showcase in our main hall for all the guests to see.

So, I stood there, on the dias, along with other winners. While they stood there with their mementos and certificates in hand, I stood empty handed, and a stupid looking face. And my stupidity was on a grand display in front of all the students, who clapped without giving any fucks about the competition or its winners.

There, that's my anecdote. Now coming to the second part of the tag. Nominating 15 inspiring bloggers. Here too, I'm going to take a deviation from the actual rule(Not the best person to tag, I know.). I think 15 is a small number. Every blogger I follow and read has something special and unique to offer. And they are all an inspiration in one or the other way. So, if you are reading this I urge you to accept my tag. I can add it to a list and link it back to you if you want. And once again I thank Ankita and all of my amazing fellow bloggers. You make this space beautiful. Thank you.

PS: Sorry, Ankita, for delaying this post. I'm a very lazy person. :-)

The crying girl

It was half past 11. Ramesh - the security guard doing the night shift - was doing the rounds in the mall. All but few lights were off. He flashed his flashlight on either side of the hallway as he walked striking his long bamboo stick on the floor.

All of a sudden he heard a faint sob. Perturbed, he stopped striking the stick to the floor and followed the sound.

When he reached the end of the hallway, he shone the light to the left. There was nothing. He then turned his flashlight to the right.

There, in the corner, was a little girl; sitting in a fetal position, sobbing with her head down.

Taken aback, Ramesh moved slowly towards the girl.

"Hey, kid! How did you get in here? Did your parents forget and leave you behind? Why are you crying?" Ramesh asked softly, trying to pacify her, as he crouched slowly in front of her.

The little girl lifted her head up, "I'm afraid", she said, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Of what?" Ramesh asked inquisitively.

"Of that", said the little girl pointing her finger behind Ramesh's shoulder.

Ramesh stood up and stepped back to turn around when he stepped on someone's foot. And his blood froze.


PS: Been long since I wrote anything. Wrote this just to put up something. Pardon me if it's too lame or clichéd. :-)

Farewell, my love.

"Did you pack your migraine medication?" asked Arjun.

Sandhya, his wife, thought for a while and said, "No. I guess they are still in the draw. Could you fetch me those?"

Arjun handed her the medicines and also gave her the ear-plugs. "Keep these too. I don't want the noise and the cabin pressure to trigger an episode of migraines on your flight."

"What would have I done without you!" said Sandhya and hugged Arjun.

"I will miss you when you're gone", said Arjun.

"I will too. I feel guilty for leaving you alone. I tried so hard to avoid this travel. But they wanted someone with good knowledge about the project to go. I will come back as soon as possible. And we will Skype everyday."

"Every night you mean?" Arjun said and winked.

Sandhya smiled and mock punched Arjun and said, "Naughty boy."

"Do we still have some time? You know, for a quickie?" Arjun asked.

"Aww! My poor darling. Karan will be here anytime now. But don't you worry, when I come back I will make it up to you. For every single day I have been away from you." Sandhya said and planted a kiss on Arjun's lips.

"You could have atleast let me drop you to the airport."

"You'd have to drive for 40kms and drive back again. Also you have to go early to the office tomorrow, remember? Anyway, someone is picking up Karan's car after we reach the airport. So we felt it's much better option than hiring a cab or you dropping us. Now, stop worrying about me. When I'm away you take better care of yourself. No junk food, no binge drinking, no staying awake till late night and most importantly, don't bring your friends and create a mess out of this place. Ok?" said Sandhya.

"Yes, madam!" Arjun said and smiled, when they heard a car honk.

"Looks like Karan's here. Come, let me help you with your luggage." Arjun said and picked up her bags.

They walked to the car. Arjun put Sandhya's bags in the trunk. Sandhya sat in the car and lowered the windows. Arjun came to her and said, "Have a safe and happy journey." He then looked towards Karan and said, "Hey, Karan! Good seeing you. Take good care of her."

"I sure will", Karan said.

They waved each other good bye and the car drove away.

"So, did you kiss your husband goodbye?" Karan asked.

"Aww! My poor baby. Are you jealous? The unfortunate guy is going to die soon. The least I could do is to bid him farewell with a kiss. Now, come here." Sandhya said and pulled Karan close and gave him a long passionate kiss.

Karan looked at her and smiled. It was as if Sandhya had cast an enchanting charm on him.

"Eyes on the road, mister. Don't get us killed." Sandhya said pointing to the road.



Few days ago...

Sandhya called the contract killer from a second cell phone, one that was not on her name.

"Hello. Is this 14482?" Sandhya asked.

"Yes", said the voice from the other end.

"I heard that you offer very special kind of services for the right price."

"What kind of service are we talking about here?"

"The one that results in dead people."

"Who is the target?"

"My husband."

"Hmm. I only accept cash. 15 lakhs. Single payment. I will let you know about the place where you can make the payment. Also put all the details about the target in an envelope and place it along with the cash. After the payment there will be no further communication between us. You will know when the work is complete. Is it clear?"

"Yes. And there's another thing. It has to look like an accident."

"It will cost you another 30% extra."

"How about some discount?" asked Sandhya

"How about I kill another person for you for a 20% discount?"

Sandhya cut the call.



45 minutes after Sandhya left for airport...

Arjun's cellphone rang. The sound of the ringtone reverberated around the entire house. The call was missed. An eerie silence filled the house. Few seconds later the phone began to ring again. As it was going to be missed again, Arjun picked up the call.

"Hello!"

"Hello. Is this Mr. Arjun?"

"Yes, speaking."

"This is Vikram. The expressway patrol officer. Is Sandhya your wife?"

"Yes. What is this about?"

"The car your wife was driving in met with an accident. The male passenger accompanying your wife died on the spot."

"What about my wife?" asked Arjun, worried.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Arjun. She passed away while we were transporting her to the hospital."

Arjun slumped to the bed. And his head hanged low.

"I'm deeply sorry for delivering this terrible news. I know this must be very difficult for you. Is there anything we can do? Do you want us to send someone to come pick you up?" said Vikram, with a very sympathetic voice.

"Hello? Mr. Arjun? Are you there? Are you ok?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm here. It's ok. I will come down there." said Arjun, sniffling.

Arjun cut the call. He slowly sat straight from his crouched position. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and let out a wry smile.



Few days ago...

Arjun called the contract killer's number, from a payphone.

"Is this 14482?"

"Yes."

"I'm your next target. My wife paid you to get me killed, remember?"

There was a silence from the other end.

"Don't worry. I'm not calling to bust you. I called you to make you an offer. An offer better than that of my wife's."

"I'm listening", said the voice from the other end.

"I will pay you double than what my wife has offered you. And you can keep the money my wife has already paid you. You let me go and kill her instead."

"What made you think I will accept your offer? I have already committed to her's."

"Well, you kill people for money. I didn't think you were big on professional ethics. I'm trying to get a person killed who is trying to get me killed. It shouldn't be a moral issue. I'm offering you more than her. It is good business. Also if you accept my offer she is not going to come question you for not keeping your part of the deal. She will be dead anyway. It's a win-win for all."

"I will have ask you one thing, just out of curiosity. Why are you both trying to get each other killed?"

"Do you ask these kinda questions to all your clients?"

"No. Only to the husband and wife who want each other dead."

"Well, I guess there's no harm in telling you. It's not like you are going to go tell someone else. Also it may feel better to shed some load off my heart, you know. Ours was a marriage of convenience. Both of us didn't want to get married, but had to due to our parents' pressure. We didn't get along well after our marriage. We even slept in separate bedrooms. And frankly, I didn't mind it either. But all of a sudden she becomes this mushy, overtly loving wife, smothering me with love and affection. And I thought, may be this worked out for good. Marriage is not that bad after all. And I reciprocated to her love. We were happy. But it was too good to believe. So I stalked her. Found out she was having an affair. Not just that, but the bitch was trying to get me killed. And here we are now."

"Couldn't she just leave you and go with him?", asked the voice on the other end.

"Ah! That is where her brilliance lies. You see, if she were to divorce me, she would be the bad person. She would be the one who broke our marriage. Everyone would blame her. So she wouldn't divorce me. And I wouldn't divorce her either. But if I were to die somehow suddenly, accidentally, then she would be a widow. She would act like she is mourning, for a few days. Few months later she would find a man who loves her. The same asshole who is secretly fucking her now. They will declare their love to the world and get married. Not only will she get the sympathy of the people, but also their blessing. Imagine that, a young woman, who is a widow, heart broken and sad, when a prince charming comes around and picks her up and loves her with all his heart. A fairy tale built on lies that every fucking moron would believe. He gets to be a hero and she gets to be guilt free. Bloody brilliant, isn't it? I would have let her go happily if she wanted to leave me. But when she decided to get me killed, that is when I decided to get her killed. Survival instincts, you see. So what do you say?"

"Well, you make a strong argument. I will let you know when and where you need to make the payment. It was nice doing business with you, Mr. Arjun", said the voice and the call got cut.



A week after the accident...

Arjun stood in front of Sandhya's tomb. He placed a bunch of flowers on it. He stood there, looking at the tomb, blankly. He felt nothing. Just like when they got married, when he found out she had an affair, when he found out she was trying to get him killed, when he decided to get her killed and when he got the news that she was dead.

"If only things had worked out well. Sigh! Farewell, my love, farewell", Arjun said, turned back and walked away.

Morbid Curiosity

Amar got down from the office cab on the main road. He decided to walk to his apartment from the main road. It was late. The road was deserted barring few street dogs. Bangalore dogs were known for their notoriety. He was cautious. He kept walking, whistling tunes to himself. As he kept walking he saw a guy sitting on a compound wall. He was strangely dressed. A long black robe with a hood and a rope tied around his waist.

"Weirdo", Amar thought.

He ignored him and kept walking past him. As he kept walking, whistling and kicking the odd stones on the road he suddenly saw the same guy sitting on another compound wall ahead of him. Amar turned around to see the compound wall where he was sitting previously. No one there.

"What the hell!", he said to himself.

The guy in the black robe started staring at Amar. Amar was a little freaked now. He started walking briskly and tried to look away from him. After a few brisk paces Amar realised that the guy was now following him. Walking at the same pace as him. Amar thought that he could either start running or turn around and punch the guy in the face.

"Okay, punching might not be such a good idea", he thought.

He decided to confront him. He stopped, turned around and walked towards the guy. The guy stood motionless.

"What's your problem, man. Why are you following me?", Amar asked as he stood at arms length from the guy, deciding to throw a punch even at the slightest provocation.

The guy looked around and said, "Are you talking to me?"

"Do you see anyone else? Yes, you dumbass. I'm talking to you", Amar retaliated.

"You mean, you can see me?", the guy asked, surprised.

"Oh sorry! I didn't know you were wearing an invisibility cloak", Amar smirked.

"This is... unexpected", the guy said, and continued, "Do you know who I am?"

"Yeah. A freak who wears creepy dress and follows strangers on the road."

"Whoa! Hold on. This is weird. This never happens usually. Let me introduce myself to you first. I am Death", the guy said with a pleasant smile.

"What?! Is this some kind of prank? You want to share this on Youtube and get likes and shit?", Amar said, now furious.

"Ok. I think we got off a bad start here. Let me make it clear to you. I'm 'The Death'. Well, the personification of death to be exact."

"Yeah right. And I'm Batman. Nice to meet you", Amar said and started walking away.

"You don't believe me, do you?"

"Yes. What gave you the clue?"

"But, I am death. What would make you believe me?"

"Ok, mister. Lets play this game. You want me to believe that you are death, right? Then, for starters, you can prove it to me."

"If I have to prove it you, I'd have to kill you. That would defeat the entire purpose of proving it to you."

"Yeah. Personification of death afraid of killing people. That just proves it."

"I'm not afraid of killing you. It's just that it's not your time, yet", Death said, looking straight into Amar's eyes.

"Ok, you have my attention. Whatever game you're playing, it better be good", Amar said, now curious.

"This is not any game. I'm Death. I follow people in their final moments. And when their time is up, I take their lives.", Death said, with a glint in his eyes, literally.

"Does that mean I'm going to die now?", Amar asked, quiet frankly.

"Not now. But tonight. This usually never happens. The dying person sees me only after their life has left their body. You're an exception."

"You still have to prove to me that you are death, though", Amar said, managing a faint smile.

"Sure", Death said and drew a big circle on the ground. "Step inside. And be careful, do not touch me. Anything that comes in contact with me, dies", Death said.

As soon as Amar stepped inside everything became hazy. As though they were in the clouds. Death moved its hand in front of them in a clearing fashion. The fog disappeared. They were staring at a little girl.

"Her name is Xia Cheng. Terminal cancer. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma when she was 8. The tumor was surgically removed and she was on medication. Everyone thought the worst was over. That she was going to have a long, relatively healthy life. But the cancer recurred. And now she is going to die", Death said. As they watched, another person with a black robe who looked like the Death appeared beside Xia. As she breathed her last breath a light rose out of her. The other Death captured it and put it in a pouch and disappeared.

"Was that you?" Amar asked.

"Yes, another manifestation."

"Another manifestation?"

"It's all bit complicated. You won't understand."

"Try me."

"You couldn't even solve a third order linear differential equation. Trust me, you won't get it", Death said, in a matter of fact tone.

Death moved his hand again. The haze cluttered for sometime and cleared again. They stood looking at a road.

"In 2 minutes two cars are going to clash head-on here. In one car, there is one Mauricio Gonzales, 38yrs old, survived by his wife and two daughters. He is on his way to home after a long tiring night of work. Trying to catch a glimpse of his daughters before they leave for school. In the other car there is 19yr old Sarah Diaz. Returning hung over after a night of booze, party and wild sex. And one of them is going to die."

"Sarah?"

"Lets find out."

Sarah's head kept whirling while she was driving. She had scant memories about last night. Everything was a blur. She sipped her coffee and checked her phone for all the messages and calls she missed, when suddenly she dropped her phone and then the coffee spilled while she tried to catch her phone. She lost her concentration and started steering into the opposite lane while she scrambled for her phone. Mauricio tried his best to avoid the car that was coming the opposite direction. He held the steering wheel tight when he realised the clash was imminent. The cars clashed. Metal tore and twisted and the glass shattered. The cars rolled and landed on their side and up. The traffic came to a halt on either side. People started running towards the cars to help the people out. Both Mauricio and Sarah lay motionless. Sarah bled everywhere from her body while blood dripped from Mauricio's head, held upside down in his seat by his seat belt. People pulled out both of them. Both of them were not breathing. A guy started performing CPR on Sarah. Mauricio had a rod pierced right through his heart. Sarah suddenly coughed and gasped for breath. Someone checked the pulse on Mauricio. He was dead. They moved away. Few started sobbing. A man in a black robe appeared and caught the rising ball of light and put it in a pouch. He looked at Amar and Death, smiled and disappeared.

"Is this proof enough?" Death asked.

"Yes. This is enough", Amar said, now a little down.

"Step out of the circle", Death said.

Amar stepped out and they were back to the place they were.

"So what next? Are you going to kill me?", Amar asked, looking straight into Death's eyes.

"Don't be silly. I don't kill people. They die. I'm here for the after work", Death said, nonchalantly.

"So how long do I have?", Amar asked.

"A little while more."

"Then I'd like to take care of few things before I go", Amar said.

"You look pretty strong and composed for a person who knows he is going to die in a short while."

"Well, everyone dies. Some early, some late. But it is inevitable. So I guess there is no use in making a big fuss out of it. Also the dead don't feel pain, it is the living that suffer. I'm not worried or scared about my death, it is the thought of the people who have to deal with my death that affects me."

"Wiser words were never been spoken", Death said. They both smiled.

Amar went to his apartment while Death followed him. He turned on the laptop. He pulled out a file with numerous documents from his draw. He went through them. He picked few of them and started composing a mail with various information from the documents - his insurance, EPF, investments, savings account details and others. He hit send. It was mailed to his father.

He picked his phone and went to the contacts. 'Home', it read. He called the number. It was late. He was not sure if anyone would pick up. As he was about to hang up someone picked up the phone and said, "Hello", groggily.

"Dad!"

"Amar? It's so late. What are you doing till now. Haven't you slept?"

"I just returned from office. I sent you a mail. Thought I would call and inform you."

"Mail? Is it something important? Do you want me to check it now?"

"No, Dad. It's ok. Check it in the morning. Nothing important."

"Go to bed soon. It's late. Don't spoil your health."

"Yeah. I will now. Is mom asleep?"

"Yes. She wasn't feeling well. She took some pills and fell asleep a while ago. Do you want me to wake her up?"

"No. Don't trouble her. Let her sleep. Tell her that I love her when she wakes up."

"Is everything ok, Amar? You sound low."

"Don't worry, Dad. Everything's fine. I'm a little tired. Also I miss you guys."

"Alright. I will ask your mom to call you in the morning."

"Ok, Dad. Go back to sleep. Good night. Take care."

"Good night, Amar", said the voice on the other end.

Amar hung up the phone. He choked up and tears started rolling down.

"Not so wise and strong now, are you?" Death said, mockingly.

Amar cleared his throat, took a deep breath and wiped his tears. He went through the contacts again. Suma, it read. He called the number.

"Girlfriend?" Death asked. Amar nodded yes.

The phone kept ringing but she didn't pick the call. He called her again. Still no response.

"Love is not there when you need it the most?" Death asked.

"She wakes up early so she sleeps early. And puts her phone on the silent mode sometimes. Also love is not just about being there all the time. It's about being there when it matters the most. And she has always been there for me when it mattered."

"So your death doesn't matter?"

"It does. But she is not you. She doesn't know that I'm about to die."

Amar decided to leave her a text.

"Hey, beautiful. Good morning. By the time you read this I will be gone. Some place far. I will not be able to pick your call or talk to you. I'm gonna miss you. You are everything that I could've asked for, and more. Thanks for always being there for me. Love you." He sent the message.

He put the phone down on the bed.

"Do we still have time?" Amar asked.

"How long do you need?" Death asked.

"Long enough for a short walk."

"Sure. Why not?", said Death and shrugged.

Amar pulled out a cigarette from a small box in his draw.

"You smoke?" Death asked.

"No. Smoking kills. But I guess it's ok now. Actually I watched a movie in which a guy kept a cigarette with him at all times but never smoked it. He saved it for one last smoke. I thought it was cool. I thought I will smoke one if at all my death is certain and there was nothing I can do about it. You know, like if there was a nuclear explosion or I got cancer or something or if I meet Death and have a talk with him", said Amar and smiled.

"Still some spirit left in you, after all."

"Hey, dying doesn't mean I shouldn't have my share of fun", Amar said and lit the cigarette.

"Shall we take that walk now?" Death asked.

"Yes."

"After you", Death said showing the way.

They started walking in silence. Amar finished his cigarette.

"So, how am I going to die?" Amar asked.

"And I was afraid you'd never ask", Death said and smiled.

"I thought I'd just leave it. But my curiosity got the better of me."

"Why do you want to know? You are going to die anyway. Knowing how you are going to die doesn't change anything. You're not going to suffer more or less. You are going to die. Nothing matters anymore", Death said.

"C'mon. Not many know when they are going to die, but I know. Nothing is usual or expected with my end. In your own words, I'm going to die. Nothing matters. So why does it matter if I know how am I going to die? Just one last favour, please", Amar pleaded.

"Ok, let the world say that death did you a favour. You come late from office. You pass Death on your way. You talk to him. You ask Death to prove itself to you. It proves. You know this is the end. You get things in order. And then you take a walk with Death. You get curious and ask Death how you're going to die while standing right where you went past Death. When Death reveals how are going to die, a stray bullet hits you in the head, killing you instantly", Death said...


When a stray bullet hits Amar's head and he drops dead.

Matters of the Heart

It was 3:00 in the morning. Kadhir was trying hard to fall asleep. Big day tomorrow. He had a meeting with the clients of his next project. His manager had asked him to be at the office by 8:30 a.m. Half an hour before the meeting. So that they could go through the details once before the meeting. He worked late the previous night and was completely exhausted. As he was starting to doze he heard a loud cry. Kadhir and Sandhya's five month old daughter. Sandhya rolled her blanket away, trying to get up.

"I will get this one. You have been up twice already. You go back to sleep," Kadhir said.

"Are you sure? You have to wake up early tomorrow," Sandhya said, groggily.

"It's already tomorrow, honey. Do not worry. I will put her to sleep and come back in 10mins." Kadhir said and kissed her to sleep.

Kadhir walked to the cradle. Pranitha, their five month old daughter was crying her lungs out. Kadhir picked her up carefully and took her to the main hall. "Achachachacho! What happened to my Prani baby! Why are you crying!? Are you hungry!? Does your little stomach hurt!? Don't you worry. Appa is here. Appa is going to take care of his little angel," Kadhir started talking to his daughter in a childish voice, as if the child understood. He starts rocking and cradling the baby in his arms. He hummed unclear lullabies and walked around the room. It was around 4 when she finally went to sleep. Kadhir carefully put her back in the cradle and came to sleep.

The alarm went off at 6. Kadhir silenced his mobile. The second alarm went off at 6:15. Kadhir turned it off and got up, still half asleep. His wife and daughter were still deep in sleep. He tip toed to bathroom so as to not wake up his daughter. He took bath and got ready for office. Everything appeared hazy for him, as if he was doing things while sleepwalking.

"I'm leaving for office, honey. See you in the eveining," Kadhir whispered in his wife's ear and kissed her on her forehead.

"Breakfast?" she asked.

"Ah! I will have something at the office cafeteria. Need to leave before the traffic. Ok, bye!" Kadhir said and rushed.

Kadhir started the car and turned on the FM. He switched the stations until he found the one that played some peppy songs. He started driving. The traffic was slim. He kept driving, slowly rocking his head to the music. There weren't any vehicles in front his car. Suddenly his vision started to blur and before he could realise he fell asleep. When he woke up, his car had already hit the concrete divider and was flying to the other side. The car tumbled and landed on its top and was dragged for 30ft. The screeching sound of the metal meeting the asphalt filled the air. And then there was a deafning silence. The few people in the surrounding started running towards the car.

***

"What's the next case?" asked Dr. Vikram to the female attendant, Suja.

"Male. Age 30. Accident." Suja replied, to the point.

"Accident? What is he doing in the exam room instead of being in the emergency ward?" Vikram asked and chuckled.

"The guy fell asleep behind the wheel. The car hit the divider, was tossed into the air, landed bottum-up on the other side of the road and was dragged for 50ft. And guess what? The guy walks out of it all, unscathed," Suja said with a glint of amazement in her eyes. They both looked at Kadhir sitting on the examination table inside the exam room.

"Seems to be one lucky bastard."

Suja looked up and stared at Vikram, as if disapproving his choice of words.

"So what do you want me to do?"

"Check him. And clear him for discharge if he is alright"

Vikram took the case file from Suja's table and walked towards the exam room. "Having an adventurous day, are we?" Vikram asked as he opened the door and entered the room.

"I know, it was a mistake. I was really tired and sleep deprived. I should've taken the bus or a cab. I risked my life and that of others. Can't believe I'm still alive," Kadhir said and let out a wry smile.

"So, Mr. Kadhir is it?" Vikram asked.

"It's Kadhiresan, actually", Kadhir replied.

"Ok, Mr. Kadhiresan. Don't worry. All's well that ends well, not for your car though," Vikram said and smiled sheepishly.

"No visible wounds or injuries. No disorientation. You seem to be a little shaken by the incident. That's normal. Do you feel any pain anywhere in your body?" Vikram asked while checking Kadhir.

"No. Not really."

"Your eyes are bloodshot though. Too much drink last night?"

"No. I don't drink. At least not after our daughter was born."

"Oh! How old?"

"30yrs", Kadhir said.

"Not you. Your daughter," Vikram smiled.

"Oh! sorry. 5 months old"

"I see! Sleeplees baby equals sleepless dad equals a nasty accident. Having a stressful job too I guess," Vikram said. Kadhir nodded.

"Ok. We will run some tests to check for any internal bleeding. And if everything checks out fine, you're good to go. I will prescribe you some immune boosters, though. Sleep deprivation and stress can take a toll on your immune system. A couple of days of rest and you will be ready to take over the world with your daughter," said Vikram and asked, "do you want us to call your wife and inform her?"

"No. Don't. She will freak out. I will tell her myself when I go home," said Kadhir when they heard a knock on the door.

"Doctor, need you for a minute," Suja said while peering into the room.

"Just a moment," Vikram said and excused himself.

"May be you want to take a look into this," Suja said and handed a file to Vikram.

"What's this?"

"Patient's history file. His personal details, medical history and other things. We went through the contents of his wallet and found his doctor's card. We contacted his doctor for details of any pre-existing conditions that we ought to know about. He sent us his files," said Suja.

"So, is there anything medically signifacant to know about Mr. Kadhir?"

"First thing, he is not Kadhir. His name is Gaurav. Around 8 months back he had an accident. A more serious one. Another car coming in the opposite direction lost control and hit the divider, like today, and came flying towards his car. The other car had a father, mother and their 5 months old baby, a girl child. The mother and the child died on the spot. The father was taken to a hospital in a very serious condition," said Suja and continued, "Mr. Gaurav here, had a metal shrapnel lodged into his chest, piercing his heart. The heart couldn't be fixed and he was in need of a heart transplant. And like they say, fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony. The father died after 10hrs and his heart fit all the criteria for a transplant. Mr. Gaurav survived with that ill-fated father's heart." Suja paused for a moment and said, "And the name of the father whose heart was transplanted is..."

"Kadhiresan," Vikram completed Suja's sentence.

Vikram turned and looked at Gaurav sitting on the examination table. And then Gaurav looked at Vikram and smiled.


PS: This is one of my longer posts, sorry for that. Whenever I think of a story, I have different storylines/plotlines. Then choose one among them. Here, I had another version where Kadhiresan survives, the mother and the child die and there is no Gaurav. Also in another version the mother survives, the father and the child die. I was apprehensive about sharing this. But thought it would be fun to give different plotlines and let the reader construct their own version(s), if they wish to. :-)

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Have you heard about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.?? If not, google it. More importantly google about ALS and the charity. And also it is very much fun.

Now, it's a very good thing. But what's more fascinating is the proportions it has reached. I mean, 20yrs ago who would've thought that billionaires, executives of MNCs, sport stars, politicians, movie stars, talk show hosts and other social media celebrities would dump a bucket of ice cold water on their head and tag other famous people to do the same, even if it was for a good cause. The speed at which this has reached everyone, simply amazing. And all of this happened through social media.

Humans are social beings and we love to communicate, unless you are a sociopath. But the speeds at which this information revolution is happening is staggering. Compare the way we communicated and exchanged information 10 or 15yrs ago and now(20yrs in the first world countries :P). Love it or hate it the social media has penetrated into people's lives more than we've imagined and also wished for. As much as this is exhilarating, it is also terrifying.

PS: With all that said, I still wonder if the US President Barack Obama would do it. And if at all he does it, I wish he tags our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Russian President Vladimir Putin. That would be real fun. :D

Bloody Dogs

Nithya was trying hard to fall asleep, but her insomnia and the incessant barking of the street dogs didn't help her. Her apartment was closer to the road and her bedroom window faced the road directly. She kept rolling on her bed as the barking kept getting louder and louder.

"Bloody dogs", she said as she got out of her bed. She went to the kitchen, filled the jug with water, went to the balcony and threw the water on the dogs. The dogs whined and ran away. "Run you monsters and let me sleep in peace", she said and went back to her bed.

Finally Nithya started to drift slowly into her sleep when she suddenly heard the barking again. Only this time, it was fiercer and louder.

"I swear I'm going to kill these dogs", she muttered under her breath as she got out of her bed and walked towards the bedroom door. And when she opened the door she just stood there, shell-shocked, looking at the snarling dogs with their bloody mouths and canines out.