I packed my luggage……stuffed it with all my necessaries…….Our car screeched
at the Chennai Air Port –Menambakkam. I unloaded my entire luggage. With
tears in my eyes, I bid goodbye to all my loved ones. I moved to the
international terminal for check in. I once again waved good bye before I
disappeared into the crowd.
I seated myself in a chair comfortably facing the LED monitor. I kept
sipping my coffee, which was quiet Ok. My cellphone beeped and, I immersed
myself into chatting as I sipped the coffee.
A sweet voice interrupted me.
‗Excuse me, can you please, take your hand luggage!‘
Yah sure, ‗I‘ reverted and moved my bag.
(I whispered on my mobile, I will call you back and I disconnected my
phone).
I gave a warm smile at the pretty girl and literally threw a shocking look
at the guy who followed her.
Yah , it was ―Shiva….‖
It was quiet evident, that the pretty girl standing near me was his wife…..
He too gave a gaze…that proved that he was shocked too.
I gave a heavy breath and closed my eyes for a second, and stood up and
exclaimed!!
Hey Shiva !!! How are you!!! So this is your pretty wife? When did you get
married?
Without any expression! Shiva unloaded his bag and replied quietly….
I am Fine!Yah I got married 3 Weeks before!
I could really sense the hatred he has on me. But somehow I exposed, that I
really did not bother about that!
Oh Ok! Congrats Shiva ! So you guys are heading for honey moon!
The girl, gave a sweet reply,….Yes …We are flying to Switzerland….
Oh great!!! By the by …I am Preethi! Shiva‘s junior in college! ..
Oh is it! I am Meenu ! (We exchanged a cordial hand shake).
(I expected Shiva to ask something about me! But he did not even bother to
ask me …how I am …also.)
Just out of curiosity, I enquired to Shiva!....
Shiva!! Did you invite all your friends for the wedding?
He gave a sharp glare at me and gave a straight reply!....
Yes! I am no fool for losing my friends for something unworthy! My Best
Friend Vikram stood as the best Man for my wedding! He grinned!
Shocked, by his cruel reply! I stopped speaking to him!
Moments Later, Shiva directed his wife to take a seat somewhere at the other
end. Meenu waved me a good bye, but Shiva did not even bother to give a
glance at me.
I wondered why on earth this guy hates me to this extent.
My cell phone beeped again and I immersed in to chat, to get me out of the
trauma caused by Shiva.
--**--
I boarded my flight! My first international travel! Though it was a long
long one! I enjoyed the journey to the core! I kept jotting down in my lappy
all the petty incidents that happened in the flight and all the beauties
that I experienced through the flight window….The transit in Frankfurt etc
etc …My heart bounced up and down as my life‘s best dream came true as I
landed on the American soil at the ‗Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airport‘
My colleague took me to her flats. Wow the country was so beautiful, as for
the first few days, I couldn‘t stop praising the organized culture, clean
roads, lively environment, etc etc whenever I called India. Slowly, I
adapted myself to the climate, people and environment.
It was a long weekend owing to the Thanks Giving day. Along with my flat
mates, we planned to trip to Las Vegas. Yes the Sin city. I have heard loads
about Vegas, but when I realized, when I am really going to be there, I was
excited to the core.
---**---
The city‘s iconic sign ‗WELCOME to fabulous Las Vegas ‗gave us a warm
welcome. I really enjoyed the essence of the city as we roamed around the
Las Vegas strip. The casinos, hotels, pub…..the boys and girls….roaming here
and there without any rules…..we Indians stood awe at the city , but
maintained a reasonable distance….from everything….to keep ourselves clean
and tight……:)
--**--
We desperately waited for the sun to set , to enjoy the colorful lights of
Vegas….Yes the day dusked……I lost some dollars in the casinos….and exhausted
I excused from my friends and took a quiet walk around the nearby shops. I
thought of collecting some magazines….So I kept staring at the various
magazines neatly stuffed vertically on the shelves…..
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie….looked pretty in the cover page of vogue….I
admired that book for some second, and as I was about to pick the book, a
hand interrupted and picked the same thing…..
I turned back to give an annoyed look….and to my shock….my world stopped to
rotate…..
Vikram…stood there….like a proper American immigrant…..His hair streaked
with silver color and his face complexion brightened a lot more…..in a cool
jerkin and jean ………he stood there flipping the pages of vogue ..Chewing his
gum…..
I was sure that he did not notice me till now….so thought of taking a narrow
escape….( but in my life nothing happens as I anticipate)…..
He looked up……mam …..You can……………………………………………..( He stopped)
We stood looking at each other…….not able to react …….
I somehow, took a heavy breath ….and broke the silence….Hi Vikram…I said
dimly…
Vikram unable to comprehend what he has seen…..Hi…H…i…………howwwwwwww….are you
Preethi!!!!
Fine! Thanks! How are u?
I am fine? So what are you doing here? vikram regained to his normal tone !
I just came to spend my weekend along with my friends!
Oh so, where have you put up?
In Detroit!
Oh oK ok! I am in Los Angeles! I spend most of my weekend in Vegas! Vikram
retorted!
Fine Vikram! It‘s late! Bye!
Oh …oh….Preethi wait! Can we talk for some time! There‘s a good coffee shop
nearby!
No Vikram ! I have to go! I replied hesitantly!
So when are you leaving to Detroit?
Tomorrow evening Vikram !
So shall we meet tomorrow morning at this same place!
No Vikram , we have some plans to visit some places in the south of Vegas!
Ok Fine! So can I join with you girls!
I gave a startled gaze! What are you talking Vikram?
Hey Cool Cool!!! Please I want to talk to you! Please consider this for me!
Ok Fine ! I will have a talk with my friends and let you know!
We exchanged our mobile numbers, waved good bye. I got into the taxi along
with my friends. I turned back..and saw..Vikram still staring at the taxi….
---***----
We reached the hotel room. I was really restless. I moved to the wash room
as I was unable to control my tears. I cursed myself. I begged to God and
really fought with him, why my life‘s ride is always a roller coaster ride.
Why I am not able to move on peacefully. I kept asking myself lot many questions, as my friend screamed,
Preethi! Call from India!
I took the mobile and stood in the balcony and had a conversation for quite
a long time.
After a long chat, I disconnected the call. The mobile beeped
immediately….Yah it was Vikram…..I did not have any stamina to talk to him…I
disconnected his call abruptly…
But Vikram called me again and again…..Unable to resist, I attended his
call…
Hi Preethi! Why you are so hesitant to talk to me?
Vikram ? What do you want? I don‘t think I will be able to meet you
tomorrow?
No Preethi? If you are not coming to meet you, then I will chase you where
ever you are?
Ok Fine Vikram ! Tomorrow morning 9.30 AM Sharp, I will be in front of the
Golden Nugget…where I met you last night! Ok!
Thanks a lot Preethi! He exclaimed! Good Night!!!
I disconnected the call! It was a terrible night! All the incidents right
from my college days…took a ride in front of my eyes! Especially the
restaurant….where I expressed that I am in love with Vikram!!....took a
double ride…!....Exhausted …I slept….with my pillows wet with tears…
--*----
Vikram:
God! Your plans are really awesome! I have never dreamt of this in my whole
life! I jumped up and down on my bed! I couldn‘t sleep! I saw the
photographs in my i-Phone, the college tour photographs…As I spun, Shiva‘s
wedding photographs splashed on the screen. I stood in a lovely full shoot
near the handsome Shiva in a grand Sharvani.The best man for Shiva.
I looked at Shiva…in the i-phone….
Sorry da!!! I will not miss this opportunity! I lied to you on your wedding
eve that I have not even thought about Preethi from the day we left the
college! I can‘t stop thinking about her. She is my life Shiva. I will make
you to understand. Don‘t be enraged on me..I will explain you everything in
detail when I will come one day to your home to give my wedding invitation….
With Butterflies flying around me, I slept.
--**--
The next day, we gave a firm handshake. He took me to the nearest coffee
shop. He looked so bright and delighted. I was not sure how this discussion
is going to be, but prayed to God for strength and guidance.
Preethi ! you look beautiful today !Winked Vikram!
I calmly replied! Thanks a lot Vikram!
You know what Preethi! I never had a single clue even in my wild dreams that
I will see you again in my life!
Yah Even me Vikram! I smiled!
So how‘s your life moving on ? How about Anu , Thivya , Priya!...
Yah Yah ! Everybody is fine!
So what makes news at your side Vikram?I enquired?
Nothing much Preethi! Life is cool! You know what…Shiva got married?
Yah I know Vikram ! I met him and his wife in Chennai Airport!
Oh is it! Gr8! I was his best man!
Yah Vikram ! He told that too!
Silence for some minutes! As we sipped the coffee!
So how long you will be in US? Preethi!
We have planned to settle in Detroit Vikram !
Oh! So you have planned to bring your parents to Detroit?
No Vikram! I hesitated! ………..I will be settling down with my hubby
Rahul!.......
Vikram sat speechless (staring at me)……………
He came back to reality, after some time and quietly enquired……So you got
married Preethi!
I took a deep breath! Yes Vikram ! I got married to Rahul 4 months back! As
I always aspired to travel to US, he obliged to my wish! Now he got his Visa
processed as well……He will be here in 2 more months…..We will be settling
down in Detroit.
Tremendous silence followed…as none of us dared to speak again……
I sensed Vikram‘s disappointment…….
I quietly retorted! I waited for you Vikram for 4 Years, but I did not get
any single sign from you! But my mom‘s health got worsened, which forced me
to take the decision.
But I have never regretted my decision!May be ….. Rahul is the one God has
made me! He understood me in all means and supported me in all ways and
stood by me always….
Vikram listened to me quietly.
He took me to a nearest shopping mall…and presented me with a beautiful Tag
heuer Pair Watch, as my wedding present.
He came to the airport. I gave one last handshake……Drop to my home someday
Vikram!!! And don‘t forget to send me your wedding invitation ….I smiled…..
He held my hand with his two hands….and gave a close look at me and gave his
usual handsome smile,….Sure Preethi!!! I will let you know, if that
Happens………….
THE END………………………. BUT THE JOURNEY CONTINUES………………….
*****Disclaimer*****
All the names, characters and events in this story are purely fictional and
any resemblance is completely coincidental.
at the Chennai Air Port –Menambakkam. I unloaded my entire luggage. With
tears in my eyes, I bid goodbye to all my loved ones. I moved to the
international terminal for check in. I once again waved good bye before I
disappeared into the crowd.
I seated myself in a chair comfortably facing the LED monitor. I kept
sipping my coffee, which was quiet Ok. My cellphone beeped and, I immersed
myself into chatting as I sipped the coffee.
A sweet voice interrupted me.
‗Excuse me, can you please, take your hand luggage!‘
Yah sure, ‗I‘ reverted and moved my bag.
(I whispered on my mobile, I will call you back and I disconnected my
phone).
I gave a warm smile at the pretty girl and literally threw a shocking look
at the guy who followed her.
Yah , it was ―Shiva….‖
It was quiet evident, that the pretty girl standing near me was his wife…..
He too gave a gaze…that proved that he was shocked too.
I gave a heavy breath and closed my eyes for a second, and stood up and
exclaimed!!
Hey Shiva !!! How are you!!! So this is your pretty wife? When did you get
married?
Without any expression! Shiva unloaded his bag and replied quietly….
I am Fine!Yah I got married 3 Weeks before!
I could really sense the hatred he has on me. But somehow I exposed, that I
really did not bother about that!
Oh Ok! Congrats Shiva ! So you guys are heading for honey moon!
The girl, gave a sweet reply,….Yes …We are flying to Switzerland….
Oh great!!! By the by …I am Preethi! Shiva‘s junior in college! ..
Oh is it! I am Meenu ! (We exchanged a cordial hand shake).
(I expected Shiva to ask something about me! But he did not even bother to
ask me …how I am …also.)
Just out of curiosity, I enquired to Shiva!....
Shiva!! Did you invite all your friends for the wedding?
He gave a sharp glare at me and gave a straight reply!....
Yes! I am no fool for losing my friends for something unworthy! My Best
Friend Vikram stood as the best Man for my wedding! He grinned!
Shocked, by his cruel reply! I stopped speaking to him!
Moments Later, Shiva directed his wife to take a seat somewhere at the other
end. Meenu waved me a good bye, but Shiva did not even bother to give a
glance at me.
I wondered why on earth this guy hates me to this extent.
My cell phone beeped again and I immersed in to chat, to get me out of the
trauma caused by Shiva.
--**--
I boarded my flight! My first international travel! Though it was a long
long one! I enjoyed the journey to the core! I kept jotting down in my lappy
all the petty incidents that happened in the flight and all the beauties
that I experienced through the flight window….The transit in Frankfurt etc
etc …My heart bounced up and down as my life‘s best dream came true as I
landed on the American soil at the ‗Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airport‘
My colleague took me to her flats. Wow the country was so beautiful, as for
the first few days, I couldn‘t stop praising the organized culture, clean
roads, lively environment, etc etc whenever I called India. Slowly, I
adapted myself to the climate, people and environment.
It was a long weekend owing to the Thanks Giving day. Along with my flat
mates, we planned to trip to Las Vegas. Yes the Sin city. I have heard loads
about Vegas, but when I realized, when I am really going to be there, I was
excited to the core.
---**---
The city‘s iconic sign ‗WELCOME to fabulous Las Vegas ‗gave us a warm
welcome. I really enjoyed the essence of the city as we roamed around the
Las Vegas strip. The casinos, hotels, pub…..the boys and girls….roaming here
and there without any rules…..we Indians stood awe at the city , but
maintained a reasonable distance….from everything….to keep ourselves clean
and tight……:)
--**--
We desperately waited for the sun to set , to enjoy the colorful lights of
Vegas….Yes the day dusked……I lost some dollars in the casinos….and exhausted
I excused from my friends and took a quiet walk around the nearby shops. I
thought of collecting some magazines….So I kept staring at the various
magazines neatly stuffed vertically on the shelves…..
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie….looked pretty in the cover page of vogue….I
admired that book for some second, and as I was about to pick the book, a
hand interrupted and picked the same thing…..
I turned back to give an annoyed look….and to my shock….my world stopped to
rotate…..
Vikram…stood there….like a proper American immigrant…..His hair streaked
with silver color and his face complexion brightened a lot more…..in a cool
jerkin and jean ………he stood there flipping the pages of vogue ..Chewing his
gum…..
I was sure that he did not notice me till now….so thought of taking a narrow
escape….( but in my life nothing happens as I anticipate)…..
He looked up……mam …..You can……………………………………………..( He stopped)
We stood looking at each other…….not able to react …….
I somehow, took a heavy breath ….and broke the silence….Hi Vikram…I said
dimly…
Vikram unable to comprehend what he has seen…..Hi…H…i…………howwwwwwww….are you
Preethi!!!!
Fine! Thanks! How are u?
I am fine? So what are you doing here? vikram regained to his normal tone !
I just came to spend my weekend along with my friends!
Oh so, where have you put up?
In Detroit!
Oh oK ok! I am in Los Angeles! I spend most of my weekend in Vegas! Vikram
retorted!
Fine Vikram! It‘s late! Bye!
Oh …oh….Preethi wait! Can we talk for some time! There‘s a good coffee shop
nearby!
No Vikram ! I have to go! I replied hesitantly!
So when are you leaving to Detroit?
Tomorrow evening Vikram !
So shall we meet tomorrow morning at this same place!
No Vikram , we have some plans to visit some places in the south of Vegas!
Ok Fine! So can I join with you girls!
I gave a startled gaze! What are you talking Vikram?
Hey Cool Cool!!! Please I want to talk to you! Please consider this for me!
Ok Fine ! I will have a talk with my friends and let you know!
We exchanged our mobile numbers, waved good bye. I got into the taxi along
with my friends. I turned back..and saw..Vikram still staring at the taxi….
---***----
We reached the hotel room. I was really restless. I moved to the wash room
as I was unable to control my tears. I cursed myself. I begged to God and
really fought with him, why my life‘s ride is always a roller coaster ride.
Why I am not able to move on peacefully. I kept asking myself lot many questions, as my friend screamed,
Preethi! Call from India!
I took the mobile and stood in the balcony and had a conversation for quite
a long time.
After a long chat, I disconnected the call. The mobile beeped
immediately….Yah it was Vikram…..I did not have any stamina to talk to him…I
disconnected his call abruptly…
But Vikram called me again and again…..Unable to resist, I attended his
call…
Hi Preethi! Why you are so hesitant to talk to me?
Vikram ? What do you want? I don‘t think I will be able to meet you
tomorrow?
No Preethi? If you are not coming to meet you, then I will chase you where
ever you are?
Ok Fine Vikram ! Tomorrow morning 9.30 AM Sharp, I will be in front of the
Golden Nugget…where I met you last night! Ok!
Thanks a lot Preethi! He exclaimed! Good Night!!!
I disconnected the call! It was a terrible night! All the incidents right
from my college days…took a ride in front of my eyes! Especially the
restaurant….where I expressed that I am in love with Vikram!!....took a
double ride…!....Exhausted …I slept….with my pillows wet with tears…
--*----
Vikram:
God! Your plans are really awesome! I have never dreamt of this in my whole
life! I jumped up and down on my bed! I couldn‘t sleep! I saw the
photographs in my i-Phone, the college tour photographs…As I spun, Shiva‘s
wedding photographs splashed on the screen. I stood in a lovely full shoot
near the handsome Shiva in a grand Sharvani.The best man for Shiva.
I looked at Shiva…in the i-phone….
Sorry da!!! I will not miss this opportunity! I lied to you on your wedding
eve that I have not even thought about Preethi from the day we left the
college! I can‘t stop thinking about her. She is my life Shiva. I will make
you to understand. Don‘t be enraged on me..I will explain you everything in
detail when I will come one day to your home to give my wedding invitation….
With Butterflies flying around me, I slept.
--**--
The next day, we gave a firm handshake. He took me to the nearest coffee
shop. He looked so bright and delighted. I was not sure how this discussion
is going to be, but prayed to God for strength and guidance.
Preethi ! you look beautiful today !Winked Vikram!
I calmly replied! Thanks a lot Vikram!
You know what Preethi! I never had a single clue even in my wild dreams that
I will see you again in my life!
Yah Even me Vikram! I smiled!
So how‘s your life moving on ? How about Anu , Thivya , Priya!...
Yah Yah ! Everybody is fine!
So what makes news at your side Vikram?I enquired?
Nothing much Preethi! Life is cool! You know what…Shiva got married?
Yah I know Vikram ! I met him and his wife in Chennai Airport!
Oh is it! Gr8! I was his best man!
Yah Vikram ! He told that too!
Silence for some minutes! As we sipped the coffee!
So how long you will be in US? Preethi!
We have planned to settle in Detroit Vikram !
Oh! So you have planned to bring your parents to Detroit?
No Vikram! I hesitated! ………..I will be settling down with my hubby
Rahul!.......
Vikram sat speechless (staring at me)……………
He came back to reality, after some time and quietly enquired……So you got
married Preethi!
I took a deep breath! Yes Vikram ! I got married to Rahul 4 months back! As
I always aspired to travel to US, he obliged to my wish! Now he got his Visa
processed as well……He will be here in 2 more months…..We will be settling
down in Detroit.
Tremendous silence followed…as none of us dared to speak again……
I sensed Vikram‘s disappointment…….
I quietly retorted! I waited for you Vikram for 4 Years, but I did not get
any single sign from you! But my mom‘s health got worsened, which forced me
to take the decision.
But I have never regretted my decision!May be ….. Rahul is the one God has
made me! He understood me in all means and supported me in all ways and
stood by me always….
Vikram listened to me quietly.
He took me to a nearest shopping mall…and presented me with a beautiful Tag
heuer Pair Watch, as my wedding present.
He came to the airport. I gave one last handshake……Drop to my home someday
Vikram!!! And don‘t forget to send me your wedding invitation ….I smiled…..
He held my hand with his two hands….and gave a close look at me and gave his
usual handsome smile,….Sure Preethi!!! I will let you know, if that
Happens………….
THE END………………………. BUT THE JOURNEY CONTINUES………………….
*****Disclaimer*****
All the names, characters and events in this story are purely fictional and
any resemblance is completely coincidental.
No comments:
Post a Comment