The Odds on Lightning : Best short story

The Odds on Lightning

Twist upon twist. This may seem like a cute little romance..but, trust me…It’s worth reading to the end. You will not be disappointed.

The day was glorious. Lake Armly sparkled as if there were diamonds on the water and the sound of the wind was almost like music to Christopher. Or maybe it was just the sheer joy of being with Ginny.

“All I am asking is that you pick a date and stick with it, sweetheart.” He said. “We need their blessing. Well, we don’t need their blessing, but it would be a lot easier if we had it.”

“Correct,”she replied.

“You’re so stoic.” he said. “But such passion underneath!” He reached out to tickle her but she rolled away laughing.

“Ginny! I need to know what you’re thinking. Why this angst? Let’s just go talk to them. They’re your parents. They want you to be happy. You always seem to agree with me, but when it comes down to the moment of truth you keep making excuses. Why the ambivalence? It’s not like hundreds of years ago when they had arranged marriages and one had to be afraid of one’s parents”

Suddenly she perked up and he groaned inwardly. How easily she became sidetracked at the slightest opportunity for a historical discussion.

“That’s true.” She answered. “If it were…”

“No!” He groaned, covering his eyes.

“Lets’ see.” She continued, smiling. She was fully aware that she was driving him crazy. “If it were…hmm..the year fifteen hundred and thirty-six, I might be going through the traitor’s gate right at this moment! To London Towers to be beheaded for failing to give my husband a son! Isn’t this the month she was executed? Anne Boleyn? All those beheadings in the lovely month of May!” She looked over the beautiful English countryside. “I wonder why they usually picked spring for all those hideous executions?”

“Yes.” He sighed, feigning an exasperation that he didn’t honestly feel. “May! The month I would like to be married in if you would kindly leave your gothic novel dreamland and morph back to the future please!”

“Let’s elope!” She cried suddenly, springing to life. Just as she said it a gust of wind swept her ash blond hair into a tempest around her face and she took an elastic band from her purse and began a vain attempt to pull it into a ponytail.

Experimental Food

Short story exploring the fantastical nightmare of laboratory science meeting food production.

Sam was not a friendly man. He despised people almost as much as he enjoyed the way they avoided him. Sam was a loner. He never had any use for people after he began his love affair with numbers.

In his early years, Sam was not a beautiful child. No one complimented his parents on their beautiful baby. He spent his recesses recessed in the crooks of the school, hiding behind his thick lenses. His friends, he scrawled as equations. Numbers, to him, were reliable. They did not ridicule; they did no harm.

As an adult, Sam hid form the people of the world in his lab; a secret lab provided to him by the largest producer of food in the area. Sam had been contracted by the company to design a new food source. In a world of dwindling resources and growing population, the company knew that hungry people are willing to spend their money on whatever food is available. They decided to pioneer a new food source. A renewable source of meat, they believed, could be introduced to the public regardless of the source if it were cheap enough.

“It’s all in the ova!” Sam laughed to himself, trying to design the proper advertising slogan. Thus far, Sam had spent months studying different genetic codes, losing himself inside their secrets. The mosaic of nucleotides, alleles, sinew and bone formed a tapestry in his mind.

Sam’s experiments went well. He closed himself up in his sterile environment, building his favorite invisible barrier between himself and the rest of the world. He was lonely until he brought in test subjects. His bovine subjects were kept neatly in their pens, unaware that they could change the course of human history.

“Don’t worry Doris, it’ll be over soon.” Sam said sliding a gloved arm inside her. He held in his hand the syringe, which contained his greatest work. “You’re going to make history!”

Doris ignored Sam’s rants as always, and snacked on her treat of sugar cane and apples. Oblivious to the purpose of the procedure, Doris only knew that yet again there was a hand inside her. Doris grew up on a farm, but it had been six years since she’d seen the sun. Like Sam, she’d forgotten what companionship and love were all about.

Brittany's Revenge

I looked at all the wealthy women jogging around Canopy Park with not a thing on their minds but shedding those supposedly horrendous pounds that are only visible to them. They all have expensive, and probably one of a kind, headphones in their ears and seem to be jogging at a steady but comfortable pace. Still, I can tell that they are secretly competing with one another. Their quick side gazes as another woman's shadow appears in their view and the slight increase in their pace, so slight that it is practically unnoticeable, give them away. I would not have noticed myself, except, I used to be one of them. Despite their Gucci spandex that cost more than most people make a month, they really are putting a good effort into meeting goals that they created with the help of charming trainers, who had their hands just as deep in their pockets as were the dimples on their faces. I don't blame them though, I was just as fooled. If I were to be truly honest, I almost miss that life. Well, at least I did until I thought about Monday coming around and having to go to work for the wicked witch of the south who others still refer to as my boss. If it wasn't to keep my job and avoid listening to the quacking voice of Lola the witch, I would have never been speeding to work on the day that I got into that dreadful accident. She had the nerve to attend my funeral and sit at the front with a huge, lace piece of crap on her oversized head. She sat right next to my ex-husband whose shoulders she used for comfort. I wish I could have walked right out of that casket and smacked the fake tears out of her eyes. I am positive that the only thing that was in her diamond studded hand bag was a mirror and a container of Vicks Vapor Rub. That woman complained about having to breathe the same air as me every second of the five years we worked together but shows up teary eyed to my funeral. Oh please! The only reason she was weeping was because she would no longer get to take credit for my hard work.

The 6 a.m. bell at the town's only Catholic Church rang and like clockwork, the witch appears with her devoted sidekick for their daily run. Chaundra would actually be a nice girl if she didn't follow the crazy Lola around like her lips were stuck to her butt cheeks. We had actually gotten alone well when she first joined our firm just a few months ago as a temp. She quickly learned that being friends with me would get her nowhere. Kissing up to the boss, however, got her a full time position as an executive consultant; a position that used to be mine. Lola did not even blink before she replaced me then had the nerve to show up to my funeral. Well, like they say, payback is a bitch and my check comes with five years of interest.

"Ouch!" Lola yelled as she waved her hands widely in front of her face, "something bit me!" I would laugh if I could, but unfortunately, mosquitoes were not blessed with that ability.

"Let me see." Little miss suck-up said as she turned towards Lola. She held unto both sides of Lola's face and her eyes opened wide in alarm. "You definitely got bit. There's a little bump on your lip".

"Oh no! My charity event is tonight! I have to give a speech in front of thousands of people! I can't have a bump on my lip!" The charity event was something that I was quite familiar with. Actually, it was a charity event that I planned. Lola cares for no one but herself. But of course, no one will ever know that it was my idea.

"Don't panic. Some ice can fix that. We'll take care of it after our run."

"I can't run in this state! People are going to see me!" I buzzed around Lola's head and she attempted to swat at me. I'm too quick for you, ain't I? I wanted to taunt. I thought about the sick dog I had bitten earlier. I needed to get rid of the rest of that disgusting blood! I flew back to her face and bit the other side of her lip. Now she will look more like the creature that she truly is. "Ouch! I just got bit again! Freaking mosquitoes! I gotta get out of this park!" Lola hurried back to the car with Chaundra chasing after her and I sat comfortable on top of her head.

"I don't understand." Chaundra began as she got into the passenger side of Lola's Benz. "I've never gotten bit out here. I didn't even think there were mosquitoes".

"I'm cursed! That's what it is! I'm cursed. Some stupid goddess must be jealous of my beauty and wants me to look atrocious. Oh my gosh, I need to call my doctor!"

"It's not that bad. It's just a mosquito bite. It will go away in no time!"

"It is that bad! It's horrible! You don't know anything! Sometimes I think you don't belong in this neighborhood."

"No! I meant, I know it is bad. It's gross, really, really gross. I just didn't want you to panic"

"So now you're saying I look gross? How dare you! After all I've done for you?!" Chaundra's face turned red as she tried to figure out what the right words to say could be. She is so pathetic, I wanted to puke out the little bit of blood I had stolen from Lola. Realizing that my food had come from Lola's tucked and sucked body made me want to puke some more. I was hoping that passing it along was an effective way of getting rid of poisonous blood, but I couldn't ponder on it at the moment. I'd have to cleanse my body later; I had a task to do right now. I flew out of my hiding spot in Lola's hair and bit her on the forehead a couple of times. "Freak shit! I feel like I'm being stalked by a mosquito!"

"You got bit again? Maybe you do need to go to a doctor!" Chaundra said innocently. That poor, little girl. I actually feel sorry for her.

"You think? Sometimes you are so stupid!" Lola rubbed her forehead before putting her key into the ignition and starting towards her doctor's office. I returned to my hiding spot as she attempted to call her doctor and set an appointment. "What do you mean you're booked? I need to come now!" She yelled into the phone after receiving what must have been a disappointing response. That's what she gets for having the same doctor as all the other uppity chicks in the community. "So what am I supposed to do?" Lola yelled into the phone. After a response, she threw her phone in the backseat and screamed out loud.

"What did he say? What do we do?" Chaundra asked as she scooted as close to the door as was possible.

"He was no freaking help! He's talking about some freaking Ibaprotein, I don't know what the hell that is!"

"Ibuprofen? We can get that at Walgreens! It really do work, I promise you will look better in no time!"

"I'm not going in Walgreens! What do I look like? Middle class? Oh my gosh, what am I going to do?"

"I, I'll go in and get it for you." Chaundra volunteered. "There's one just a few blocks from our company."

"MY company!" Lola corrected her as she made an illegal turn. I waited patiently as she sped to the store. I waited for Chaundra to get out and go into Walgreens without any words from Lola and for her to return and hand the product to her. I did not move until I saw the shocked look on Chaundra's face. It lasted just a second but it lasted long enough for both Lola and I to recognize. "What's wrong? Is it my face?" Lola asked as she reached her hand into her purse for a mirror.

"No, no! Don't look at it, you will look perfect as soon as we get in the house and put some medication on it." Lola ignored Chaundra's instruction as she opened her mirror and started screaming. I flew to the mirror and looked back at her to see what damage I had done. I was quite pleased with myself as I noticed the swelling of her face. I realized she must be allergic, which was better than what I had hoped for.

"Where's my phone?" Lola howled and Chaundra scrambled to retrieve it from the back. Lola grabbed it from her hands and dialed a number. As soon as someone pick up, she yelled into the phone. "I'm not coming!... I'm not coming I said!" She yelled even longer. "I don't care about this stupid event! It was not even my idea! Brittany was the one who wanted to have a freaking Charity auction. I don't care about no stupid Charity!" As Lola continued to scream into her phone, I flew out of the opened window. Well, I guess my job here is done I thought, and started on my way towards my ex-husbands house.

Three Questions

It once occurred to a certain king, that if he always knew the right
time to begin everything; if he knew who were the right people to
listen to, and whom to avoid; and, above all, if he always knew what
was the most important thing to do, he would never fail in anything
he might undertake.

And this thought having occurred to him, he had it proclaimed
throughout his kingdom that he would give a great reward to any one
who would teach him what was the right time for every action, and
who were the most necessary people, and how he might know what was
the most important thing to do.

And learned men came to the King, but they all answered his
questions differently.

In reply to the first question, some said that to know the right
time for every action, one must draw up in advance, a table of days,
months and years, and must live strictly according to it. Only
thus, said they, could everything be done at its proper time.
Others declared that it was impossible to decide beforehand the
right time for every action; but that, not letting oneself be
absorbed in idle pastimes, one should always attend to all that was
going on, and then do what was most needful. Others, again, said
that however attentive the King might be to what was going on, it
was impossible for one man to decide correctly the right time for
every action, but that he should have a Council of wise men, who
would help him to fix the proper time for everything.

But then again others said there were some things which could not
wait to be laid before a Council, but about which one had at once to
decide whether to undertake them or not. But in order to decide
that, one must know beforehand what was going to happen. It is only
magicians who know that; and, therefore, in order to know the right
time for every action, one must consult magicians.

Equally various were the answers to the second question. Some said,
the people the King most needed were his councillors; others, the
priests; others, the doctors; while some said the warriors were the
most necessary.

To the third question, as to what was the most important occupation:
some replied that the most important thing in the world was science.
Others said it was skill in warfare; and others, again, that it was
religious worship.

All the answers being different, the King agreed with none of them,
and gave the reward to none. But still wishing to find the right
answers to his questions, he decided to consult a hermit, widely
renowned for his wisdom.

The hermit lived in a wood which he never quitted, and he received
none but common folk. So the King put on simple clothes, and before
reaching the hermit's cell dismounted from his horse, and, leaving
his body-guard behind, went on alone.

When the King approached, the hermit was digging the ground in front
of his hut. Seeing the King, he greeted him and went on digging.
The hermit was frail and weak, and each time he stuck his spade into
the ground and turned a little earth, he breathed heavily.

The King went up to him and said: "I have come to you, wise hermit,
to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the
right thing at the right time? Who are the people I most need, and
to whom should I, therefore, pay more attention than to the rest?
And, what affairs are the most important, and need my first attention?"

The hermit listened to the King, but answered nothing. He just spat
on his hand and recommenced digging.

"You are tired," said the King, "let me take the spade and work
awhile for you."

"Thanks!" said the hermit, and, giving the spade to the King, he
sat down on the ground.

When he had dug two beds, the King stopped and repeated his
questions. The hermit again gave no answer, but rose, stretched out
his hand for the spade, and said:

"Now rest awhile-and let me work a bit."

But the King did not give him the spade, and continued to dig. One
hour passed, and another. The sun began to sink behind the trees,
and the King at last stuck the spade into the ground, and said:

"I came to you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can
give me none, tell me so, and I will return home."

"Here comes some one running," said the hermit, "let us see who it is."

The King turned round, and saw a bearded man come running out of the
wood. The man held his hands pressed against his stomach, and blood
was flowing from under them. When he reached the King, he fell
fainting on the ground moaning feebly. The King and the hermit
unfastened the man's clothing. There was a large wound in his
stomach. The King washed it as best he could, and bandaged it with
his handkerchief and with a towel the hermit had. But the blood
would not stop flowing, and the King again and again removed the
bandage soaked with warm blood, and washed and rebandaged the wound.
When at last the blood ceased flowing, the man revived and asked for
something to drink. The King brought fresh water and gave it to
him. Meanwhile the sun had set, and it had become cool. So the
King, with the hermit's help, carried the wounded man into the hut
and laid him on the bed. Lying on the bed the man closed his eyes
and was quiet; but the King was so tired with his walk and with the
work he had done, that he crouched down on the threshold, and also
fell asleep--so soundly that he slept all through the short summer
night. When he awoke in the morning, it was long before he could
remember where he was, or who was the strange bearded man lying on
the bed and gazing intently at him with shining eyes.

"Forgive me!" said the bearded man in a weak voice, when he saw
that the King was awake and was looking at him.

"I do not know you, and have nothing to forgive you for," said the King.

"You do not know me, but I know you. I am that enemy of yours who
swore to revenge himself on you, because you executed his brother
and seized his property. I knew you had gone alone to see the
hermit, and I resolved to kill you on your way back. But the day
passed and you did not return. So I came out from my ambush to find
you, and I came upon your bodyguard, and they recognized me, and
wounded me. I escaped from them, but should have bled to death had
you not dressed my wound. I wished to kill you, and you have saved
my life. Now, if I live, and if you wish it, I will serve you as your
most faithful slave, and will bid my sons do the same. Forgive me!"

The King was very glad to have made peace with his enemy so easily,
and to have gained him for a friend, and he not only forgave him,
but said he would send his servants and his own physician to attend
him, and promised to restore his property.

Having taken leave of the wounded man, the King went out into the
porch and looked around for the hermit. Before going away he wished
once more to beg an answer to the questions he had put. The hermit
was outside, on his knees, sowing seeds in the beds that had been
dug the day before.

The King approached him, and said:

"For the last time, I pray you to answer my questions, wise man."

"You have already been answered!" said the hermit, still crouching
on his thin legs, and looking up at the King, who stood before him.

"How answered? What do you mean?" asked the King.

"Do you not see," replied the hermit. "If you had not pitied my
weakness yesterday, and had not dug those beds for me, but had gone
your way, that man would have attacked you, and you would have
repented of not having stayed with me. So the most important time
was when you were digging the beds; and I was the most important
man; and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards
when that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were
attending to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds he would
have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most
important man, and what you did for him was your most important
business. Remember then: there is only one time that is important--
Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when
we have any power. The most necessary man is he with whom you are,
for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with any one
else: and the most important affair is, to do him good, because for
that purpose alone was man sent into this life!"

RESTLESS ECSTASY

The house looked almost empty. Nobody was wandering inside the house and there prevailed pin drop

silence like a midnight grave yard as everyone left to their native except Rahul, sitting on the couch, who is doing his B.E. in some reputed college holding "A brief history of Time" written by Stephen Hawking . TV is on with some news channel telecasting news around the world and magazines and newspapers were scattered here and there inside the room. Time seemed too lazy to move according to Rahul as it is a rare situation that he is alone in his house. Clock ticked 9 pm with the mechanical cuckoo coming out 9 times with its cuckoo sound from the clock nest to make sure it is 9 pm. Rahul put aside the book and came to the dining table, served himself with chapatti’s preserved inside hot case and tomato chutney cooked by his mother Veni. He completed the dinner at around 9 20 pm and was watching TV trying to sleep. He wasn't able to sleep as something is disturbing him, may be his lonely feeling at house which was new to him or the fear that someone might come in without his knowledge to rob the house, etc.,. When the cuckoo is about to come out for its 11 pm mark, there was a bang on the entry door which wakes up half slept Rahul. Rahul was not interested waking up as he is trying to sleep well. Now the banging sound of the door gradually raises its pitch which pierces Rahul's ears loud to make him awake from sleep.

"Please wait, I'm coming", Rahul shouted so that the person standing out would stop banging the door.

Many things were running inside Rahul's mind while he was approaching the door to open it. Who it might be...? Why at this time...? Is anything wrong...? Or is it some strangers...?

"...and yes, they are strangers", Rahul thought to himself when he opened the chocolate brown color painted, varnish finished wooden door to see two persons standing right behind the locked black painted iron grill protecting the door.

"How may I help you?", Rahul asked the strangers yawning.

"Is Mr. Balasubramaniam home?", asked one of the stranger.

"No, he is out with family to native and I'm his son. What can I do for you?", Rahul stepped back into the house by saying "Just a moment, I'll be back".

"We are his friends and we came here on an official trip this afternoon and we missed our last bus back to our place. We thought of staying here for the night as we don't have any friends other than Balu and leave early morning", explained one of the stranger looking Rahul who is opening the lock on the iron grill.

"Okay, come in. Let me call my father", Rahul invited them inside.

....

"I'm unable to make a call as I don't get signal on my mobile", Rahul said in frustration and asked "What would you like to have?"

"Oh, we just had some tea outside. We don't need anything, Thank you", said one of the stranger "By the way, I'm Murugan and he is Syed. Your father and I worked together for around 10 years and then he came here getting transfer keeping your studies in mind. I stayed there as I had only a girl child who was married a few years ago."

"That's nice Uncle", Rahul keeps nodding his head and trying to dial his father and asked "Uncle, do you have a cell phone? Could you please try to call my father as I'm unable to reach him due to network failure?".

"Oh, I don't have cell phone, Son. Syed, please give me your cell phone", Murugan turned towards Syed.

"That's bad. I too don't have signal in my phone as I'm trying to call my wife for the past 15 minutes.", Syed replied.

"It's ok Uncle. Please free yourselves and take the guest room to your right to freshen up.", Rahul moved towards dining table to check whether enough food is available to be served for both of them.

"Thank you, Son", Murugan and Syed walked in to the guest room and locked the door.

Rahul keeps on trying to call his father but he wasn't able to connect to his father's mobile.

….

.....

15 minutes passed..

"Uncle, please come to have your dinner", Rahul knocked the door of the guest room.

"No, Son. We are already done with our dinner", replied Murugan without opening the door.

"Uncle, I have kept the dinner to be served ready. Please come and have it. Father would be pleased to know that you are treated with comfort.", Rahul knocked the door again as he thought something fishy when they didn't open the door. "Why on earth guests don't open the door when they are called by the host", Rahul thought to himself.

"No, Son. We are good. We had our dinner already. It's getting late. You go and sleep. We will take care of our self", this time Murugan partially opened the door but trying to cover the room with his body. Rahul peeked in to the room when Murugan was replying him to see some knives, spanners, screw drivers, etc., were scattered on the bed beside the leather bag that Syed carried with him. He also noted that even after 15 to 20 minutes of time, either of them haven’t changed themselves or freshened up.

"Ok, Uncle", Rahul left the place with faded voice.

Rahul replaced all the plates on the dining table which were kept ready to serve food and slowly stepped towards his room to sleep but still he is trying to call his father which he couldn't make it. Many thoughts circled in his mind on what was happening.

"Who these people really are? Why do they have knives and screw driver sort of things if they actually worked with my father who is just a normal bank staff? Are they really my father's friends? How did the mobile signal get lost at once they came here? How did I let them in when I'm alone at home? Are they going to rob the house as I thought some time ago?" These questions were making Rahul nervous but at the same time Rahul concentrated to sleep as to see what happens in the morning. Sleep is the best medicine to overcome mind problems. Dead silence prevailed again and Rahul's eyes were semi closed as he is falling down asleep second by second.

Suddenly Rahul woke up hearing something which made his heart beat at higher rate. It was nothing but the mechanical Cuckoo comes out from its nest to give its Cuckoo sound for 12 times now. This is not only what he heard but also there is sound of footsteps walking towards his room. This made his adrenaline rush and Rahul's face started to sweat in fear. He quickly came near the door and peeked through the key hole to see both Murugan and Syed trying to open the main bedroom of his house where locker is placed containing gold and other valuable assets. This made him panic more and he stood motionless for almost a minute.

"This should never happen.. I shouldn't let this to happen.. I should show my courage now..", all these things were running in Rahul's mind, "but what to do now? They look very strong in physique and Syed.. he looks like a tall tower.. :( ", Rahul looked here and there to find something to take as arm to attack both Murugan and Syed. Rahul remembered the shovel that was used to clean the garden recently was put in their store room and thought that would be the best weapon to attack them. So he planned to go out from the room silently without making any noise and grab the shovel from the store room. As planned, Rahul came to the store room and took the shovel. Now he went back to the hall to see only Murugan is near bed room door as Syed already entered the bed room and is trying to open the locker of the wardrobe. This made Rahul act spontaneously and ran towards Murugan and gave him a hard blow on his back with the shovel. Murugan screamed in pain, staggered but managed not to fall down and he was struggling in pain. This alerted Syed and he came running near the door to look what is happening. Rahul is standing scared and his face is sweating like Niagara Falls. Rahul again swing his shovel to hit Murugan once again but Syed interfered and got a hand on the shovel and both Rahul and Syed were trying to grab the shovel to them. Rahul's hand slipped from the shovel which in turn made Syed to pull the shovel to him but gravity in turn pulled him along with the direction he was trying to pull the shovel and he was hurt on his head hitting the cot's leg, starting to bleed. Rahul is shocked to see the blood and he is now frozen for moment thinking about the happening. By the meantime, Murugan trying to attack Rahul to which both fell down the floor and fighting with each other. Rahul gave a heavy blow on Murugan’s jaw repeatedly. Syed stood up without the shovel in his hand as he lost it when falling down and tried to free Murugan by grabbing Rahul from the back.

"Die you idiot.. Die..", Rahul was shouting continuously like a mad man and hitting hard on Murugan.

"What's happening Rahul? Stop it. Rahul.. Rahul..", Rahul heard a strange unknown voice.

"I won't spare you thieves.. I'm going to kill you both.. Die idiots", Rahul continued to hit on Murugan's jaw.

"Rahul.. Wake up.. Rahul.. Easy dude.. Wake up", again the voice asked Rahul to wake up to which Rahul opened his eyes suddenly leaving the hardly crushed and punched pillow to see another strange face waking him up from his sleep.

"Damn! I was dreaming", Rahul thought to him, left the pillow aside and sat on his bed to see himself sweating all throughout the body.

"Here, take some water", another stranger now offering some water to Rahul.

"Thanks", Rahul bought the water bottle "but who are you? What are you doing in my room?"

"Aren't you awake yet? I'm Jai, Ramesh's friend and came here yesterday evening to stay for the night. Hope you had a weird dream, isn't it?", Jai introduced himself again with a sarcastic smile.

"Oh, I remember. I'm sorry, I'm a bit disturbed. Yes.. It was a terrible dream", Rahul stepped out of his bed and walked towards wash basin to freshen him up and asked "What's the time now? Did you have your breakfast?".

"Don't be formal, Rahul. I'm Ok. Get ready, we will have breakfast together. By the way it's early morning, just 11'o clock", Jai smiled.

"Ok. I'll be back in few minutes", Rahul stepped into bathroom and closed the door.
....
....

Few minutes later..

"I'm sorry, I missed your name. You are......", Rahul asked Jai.

"No issues, Rahul. I'm Jai. Shall we step out?", Jai replied with a counter question.

Rahul looked at Jai this time from the top to bottom to find him look like a kollywood style gang leader with long curly hairs done with too much of oil which were out pouring near the ear lobes, a dull complexion skin tone wearing a black shirt, cuffs folded till fore arms, first three of the buttons left open and blue colored think jeans which looked as if they were washed a year before and a flip flop which almost tore in to pieces.

"Do I really go with him for breakfast now?", Rahul thought to himself but he moved out with Jai to the hotel.

"What do you do?", Rahul asked Jai.

"I do nothing. Just do some small works here and there and make myself free most of the time", Jai replied with big laugh.

Rahul, without knowing how to react just said "Ok" and thought “Get rid of him quick Rahul…”

Both completed their breakfast and came out of the hotel. Jai saw one of his friends who almost looked similar to him in personality and dressing sense where they started to talk about their plans for the day. Rahul stood with Jai for a few minutes thinking he might come with him but it took few more minutes before Rahul interfered in their talk.

"Jai, I'm sorry. I'll leave to house, you come back later"

"Sure man! I'm sorry I totally forgot you standing here. I'll come a little later. You carry on", Jai asked Rahul to leave.

Jai didn't return for long time and Rahul doesn't know what to do. He doesn't have his contact number either. Rahul couldn't move out of home as Jai would be waiting for him without keys and also Jai has to move to his native today. So Rahul stayed at home without going anywhere and he slept without his knowledge waiting for Jai.
....
....

"Rahul... Are you home? Please open the door.... Rahul...", Jai was waiting outside the main door of the house and knocking the door.

"Yeah.. I'm here. Please wait, let me open it", Rahul woke up from his nap and opened the door and asked "Where have you been?"

"I went with my friend, the guy I met today morning. I didn't have your contact number to intimate you regarding the same. Here, take the coke", Jai offered Rahul his half-finished coke bottle.

"No, I just woke up. I'll have sometime later", Rahul moved inside to freshen up himself thinking "God! When will this idiot leave? Don't know the basic mannerism to inform me when he is at my house..."

TV was switched on and some program is telecast in the TV. Jai is sitting on the floor watching TV. Rahul came back after refreshing himself and sat on the chair and was watching TV along with Jai.

"So, when are you leaving?", Rahul asked Jai.

"In sometime. Have the drink now", Jai offered the coke again to which Rahul bought the coke bottle. In the meanwhile, Jai's mobile rang and he took his mobile outside to talk.

"Hah, he is going in sometime. Thank God!", Rahul felt relaxed and stepped towards the entrance door to step out to get some fresh air sipping the coke he had in his hand.

"..... understand you bas***d. What would I do if he is not drinking the thing I gave him? Be patience. Let's make it today. I can't force him to drink it which might make him suspect me. Just be ready with the car and I'll call you at any time when he drinks it and falls unconscious. Let's take his eyes too as a punishment for making us wait in addition to his kidneys. Cheer up man", Rahul heard Jai speaking to someone on his mobile phone.

"Oh my God! What am I going to do? Who this guy is? Oh.. I drank the coke he offered me", Rahul's face turned red and he started to sweat a lot. His eyes rolled inside and heart starts to pump faster. Rahul was not fully unconscious now but he feels that he is slowly falling unconscious. He tried to walk firm but he stumbled on near the door pushing the chair. Hearing the sound, Jai came in to see what is happening.

"Man.. This guy is giving us fruit. He is now down. Come with the car to the entrance", Jai ordered the guy on the mobile phone and cut the call.

Rahul was still able to sense what is happening but he lost all his energy due to the ketamine which was mixed in the coke. Car came to the entrance and Jai carried Rahul to the car and took him to a secluded place along with his friend whom he met in the morning. Rahul still murmurs something but he couldn't gain any sort of energy due to the drug effect.
....
....

Jai and his friend carried Rahul from the car to a lone house and placed him on a table. Rahul can still see what is happening with his eyes partially open. "This is a table I'm placed on to.. the house looks very old and destroyed almost, covered by dust and web. Many surgical utilities/accessories were placed on another table nearby. Scissors, needles, tray, sterile and non-sterile accessories, etc.,", Rahul is trying to register the happenings in his mind but he was not able to do it.

"Be quick", Jai's friend said while Jai is about to wear his surgical gloves.

"Take a look at this kid. He’s still awake. Fuc**r, didn't drink the coke enough to fall unconscious. I'll take his kidney without giving him the shot of anesthetic (Chloroform)", Jai looked at his friend and smiled cruelly.

Jai started to remove Rahul's shirt where he felt Rahul's heart is beating around 140 beats per minute which is double the normal heartbeat rate. He took the surgical blade and looked at Rahul's abdomen.

"Let's start", Jai placed the surgical blade on Rahul's abdomen and started to operate where Rahul can partially feel the pain and can witness the blood that comes from his body. Rahul still keeps on murmuring "Who are you guys? Please leave me... Please...."

After a few minutes of time everything looked blank as Jai injected another shot of ketamine to Rahul as he is going to operate Rahul's eyes to take it out from his body.

....

Time passed...

Rahul woke up and opened his eyes but everything is blank now.

"What?!! I'm blind.. Where are my eyes...? Who the hell are you...? Where am I now...?", Rahul cried and shouted knowing that his eyes were removed. He woke up and wandered here and there but nothing is on his way. He couldn't even guess where he is now.

What is Rahul going to do now? What will Rahul's next step to find who Jai and why was he the target for them? Who will help Rahul to figure out where he is and what is happening to him?

Express Love Before it Ends

Rajiv was a young software professional from Kolkata. Like any Engineer he also dreams of money, good life and leading a king size life. His rough patch in professional life seems no ending and he wants one chance to prove his caliber to his higher authorities.Finally Rajiv got a chance to meet a customer at Gurgaon for some client solution.

Rajdhani Express believed to be the most royal, speed and comfortable journey to go to Delhi by train.Rajiv hurriedly caught the II tier AC and found himself in side lower birth. Train left on time and he started listening to music from his i-pod and gradually slept with the earphone stuck to his ear.

Smoking inside a train needs guts and Rajiv had the urge to smoke at around 12:30 AM midnight. He slowly went towards the cabin door where he found a young lady leaning against the door and gazing at the dark sky outside. The lady looks beautiful young but her face had signs of depression and agony which anyone can point looking at her scattered hair.

Rajiv ( As a true gentleman): Excuse mom will you mind if I can smoke here.

Lady ( rudeness in her voice) : I have no problem!!

Rajiv lights his cigaret and thought of starting conversion with her which normally every man does seeing a young lady alone.

Rajiv:: So where are you going??

Lady ( Again with rudeness) : Whats to you ??

Rajiv thought of keeping quiet seeing the stranger lady's rudeness may be she needs some time alone and he finishes his cigaret.

Lady: Do you have another cigaret??

Normally for any Indian men whenever they see a women smoking they see them on raised eyebrows but same is not the case with Rajiv as he is familiar with this sight as his many female colleagues in workplace does smokes.

Rajiv offered her a cigaret

Lady: Where are you going??

Rajiv: I am going to Delhi for some urgent work at Grumman for meeting a customer and assisting them in a client solution.

Lady: Why do you work??

Rajiv was surprised is the lady in her normal state

Rajiv ( Surprisingly) : Why everyone works for money, good life , feeding family and leading a good social life.

Lady: So you are married??

Rajiv: No I am still bachelor but I have a girlfriend at Kolkata !!

Lady: Do you love her ??

Rajiv was getting irritated by the strange lady who has go no links with her life is asking so many personal questions

Rajiv ( irritatingly answered) : Of Course i love her what kind of question is this !!

Lady: In between work, family and love whom you prioritize more ??

Rajiv was a deep trouble. He never expected such question thrown on him and never thought on this in past also. But something inside him wants him to give answer to the lady. Rajiv was slowly getting hypnotized by the stranger lady's question which has got some value in his own personal life too...

Rajiv: See work is important but... ( the strange lady stopped him )

lady: 1st prioritization ??

Rajiv : Well love..

lady: When is the last time you expressed your love to her??

Rajiv was in deep trouble, he remembers for many days he has not given proper time to her nor he expresses his love and affection. He thought suddenly he feels his love has got into empty hands

Rajiv: Well due to work related pressure I am unable to give her proper time but its my own fault I admit it...

Lady: Why don't you call her now and express your love ???

Rajiv like a innocent baby didn't saw time that it was 1' o clock at midnight and he was calling his girlfriend over phone..

Rajiv: Hi pooja how are you ??

Pooja: Rajiv its 1'o clock now what made you call at this moment??

Rajiv: Pooja i seriously need to tell you that I love you . I am very sorry for last few months about my behavior. See pooja life is playing a cruel game with me and my career and all is becoming a hurdle between you and me I want to tell you that how much I love you. Please forgive me Pooja !!

Pooja: Rajiv I love you re and don't think I am going away from you I am always for you and you know what without you I have got no existence of life I will die...

Rajiv: I love you..

Pooja had tears in her eyes they talked for few more minutes and later Rajiv told about the phone conversation to the stranger lady.

Lady: So she told that she will die without you??

Rajiv: yeah she does love me..

Lady: So when are you going to marry her.

Rajiv again felt the pain in his heart that he was never serious about marriage and he knows he has got family problems too due to caste and all...

Rajiv: See i don't know how to tell about this to my family as we have caste issues.

Lady: What is your prioritization???

Rajiv: Ok I will surely tell my parents tomorrow morning about all this I know my parents will agree to my decision..

Lady: Wy tomorrow why not now??

Rajiv: what its 1:30 AM at night how can i call my parents at this point of time.

Lady: Remember your prioritization ??

Rajiv again being hypnotized took out his cell and called his mother...

Rajiv's Mother: Hello Beta what happened why you called at this midnight is everything ok na !!

Rajiv: Mom dad i need to tell you both some very important thing tonight

Rajiv's Dad: But beta we can talk in morning also whats so important..

Rajiv: Dad : No dad if i could not speak tonight i can never tell you that I love pooja and I am going to marry her. Dad you have always trusted me as your ideal son I hope my this decision will also have your trust on me..

Rajiv's Dad: But beta pooja is Mr. Bose's Daughter she is of different caste how come our relatives will agree on it ..

Rajiv: Dad I know in which way my life is shaping . For so many years I did what you wanted me to do. please have faith on me and my decision ..

Rajiv's Dad: Ok tomorrow I will talk to Mr. Bose.

Rajiv: Not tomorrow dad now ??

Rajiv's Dad: what?? its close to 2'o clock now this is not the time to call some respected family people..

Rajiv: trust me dad i will take care of..

Rajiv kept the call of his parents in hold and ranged pooja..

Pooja: Aree again you called what happened today you are showering me with so much love..

Rajiv: Don't waste time give your phone to dad my dad will talk to him now go..

Pooja: Are you mad he will kill me and also this is midnight you idiot..

Rajiv: trust me Pooja nothing will happen today everything will go fine just do as I am telling you to do..

Pooja with shaking hands knocked her parents door. Her mom opened the door. her dad got up from the bed and with surprise looks both of them were staring at Pooja.

Pooja: Dad their is a call someone wants to talk to you..

Pooja's Dad: Hello who is this??

Rajiv: Good Evening uncle I am Rajiv calling my dad wants to speak to you he is on other side of the call..

Rajiv's Dad: Namaskar Bose Babu

Pooja's Dad: Namaskar but what happened??

Rajiv's Dad: Listen Mr Bose our kids love each other and they want to get married . Earlier I was against this but I have full trust on my son that he will never take any wrong decision in his life. They are not kids anymore and they have got full rights to lead their life in their way and shape it in their choice I hope you understand and may make the best possible choice for your daughters future. I believe your daughter will be very happy in our family.

Pooja Dad was surprised , shocked ..He asked pooja " Do you love Rajiv".
Pooja who was in deep fear and agony just nodded her head of acceptance..

Pooja's Dad: Mr. Mukherjee I also trust my daughter and I also know what is best for my daughter if she likes Rajiv I will be the proud father to see my daughter getting married to your son ..When we can plan to meet Mr. Mukherjee

Everywhere the sense of acceptance , love happiness , tears of joy started rolling . Both their parents spoke for some time and planned to meet in the weekend to finalise. Pooja's face was glowing like a moonlight where everything she dreamt of came true. Rajiv felt like something heavy just laid off from his head.

Rajiv looked at the stranger girl " Thanks!!"

Rajiv explained the whole conversation between their families to the stranger lady

Lady: So you are happy ???

Rajiv: yeah you are like an angel into my life I dont know how i can repay this life to you..

Lady: I came to kolkata to meet my boyfriend .

Rajiv: Oh! great so it must be a very romantic trip you had in Kolkata.

Lady: He called me to be part of his new book launch!!

Rajiv: So your boyfriend is an author??

Lady: Actually i went their to find that I was in his marriage party give me another cigaret ( It was her 4th cigaret in a row)

Rajiv: What is he mad?? how the hell he can do this to you ?? what you will do now??

Lady: Give me a cigaret

Rajiv: You have already smoked 3 congrates don't smoke anymore..

Lady: Actually I started smoking from today only. I was actually going back to Delhi for abortion..

Rajiv: What a bastard he is why you didn't say anything their shit who can some one do this

Lady: I am really feeling very good for you.. See i stopped you from being bastard. at-least i saved one love today. Listen always take care of this love and life and never allow to make mistakes in your life. Because once love stops from one end it finishes. REMEMBER EXPRESS LOVE BEFORE IT ENDS.

Saying this the young stranger lady jumped from the train.

Rajiv was shocked he looked outside helplessly as no one could help him at 2:30 AM . He kept staring outside till her body was not visible . Tears rolled down from his eyes and thanked the angel to make him express his love and learning...

Rajiv found a letter below ...

The letter writes..

Dear Tanmay,.
I don't know when you get this letter . But its sure I will not be in this world. I don't want to hide anything to you. Just wanted to tell you I am not going alone I am also taking our to be born kid along with me. I hope you will remember your good and bad times with me and also the cause of my demise and a unborn kid . I would have left this world with the unborn kid to find his destiny in this cruel world. But this will do no justice to him. Coz he has got no father or a surname behind him to face his caste, language or religion. You will get this letter from a person who understands what love is. Best of luck for your new life

by Issam