Rubin Dominic

chapter 1:A chance phone call
chapter 2:A decision of change
chapter 3:Life as it is ….
chapter 4:Mission Impossible
chapter 5:The confrontation
chapter 6:In Dubai…..#1
chapter 7:In Dubai…..#2
chapter 8:On the Edge
chapter 9:A mixed Friday

Epilogue 10 years later…

Chapter 1:A Chance phone call…

Rohit was drunk.Rather than before when it was all about being sentimental,for a change it was for joy. Things were going fine for him.There was work pressures,but when you have a good friend to confide to things were always better.Ramya was totally awesome
She had this incredible way of putting you in ease,and all you could do was melt away on her sweet words..and when you are in good spirits..she would push you to the competitive limit.She made me complete.Rohit thought.

So when Prashant got a new job,Rohit was all out for the bash.

The bash went well..and Rohit for the first time was totally drunk.He was gradually ‘dumped’ at his room.Things were a little dreamy then,and Rohit thought of how his life had gone.The recollection finally centred on Maria. Maria the girl who would have made a difference.but that was not meant to be.There was no regrets now,no regrets. Maria would never be a Ramya. “but maybe I should tell what I felt about her..”,rohit thought in the half dazed state.He took his mobile,fumbled through the contacts list and finally landed with her number.He dialed her number.The clock showed 12,which for rohit seemed like 10.The hutch theme song greeted him and he sang with it..”You and I, it’s a beautiful world….” It rang for a minute and when he thought it was not goin to be answered,she picked it up.”hello ?”her sweet voice seemed sweeter.”hi maria..it’s me Rohit” rohit spoke sounding to be as normal as possible.”yeah rohit what happened?”.Maybe she was concerned that he had called at that time.”nothing Maria..I..I just wanted to talk to you..”.”why what happened?” She asked sensing that something was definitely wrong. “I don’t know what to say Yaar..”Rohit fumbled ,trying to find the right words.“you know Maria ..I have always wanted to tell you this …but somehow I just couldn’t..I didn’t want to do anything that could have affected our friendship..But I guess maybe I should tell you..not that I expect something, but just to tell you my feelings ..what I felt about you…

You see there was a time when i felt my whole world centered around you…i thought you and I were made for each other…”it’s so easy to say in past tense” Rohit thought.Maria was still silent.maybe she just wanted to get over it,he thought.”no way”,Rohit smiled for that thought.he continued.

“when Lino proposed and you accepted,my whole world crashed on me…all my dreams fell apart,the spring gave way to the long winter..and i cried my heart out,many a beer bottles emptied itself…”..Rohit paused for a moment. “it was hard for me to accept and hell i just couldnt accept it.but soon I realised one thing.love is not something that you can buy from it’s something you need to receive.there was no way I could have grabbed your love.I was a damn selfish guy yaar…and you really thought me that selfishness can bring the whole world under your feet,but it just cant bring you the loving heart of the woman you loved…”

“Rohit..I …never..”,Maria stammerd struggling to find the words to say.

“you never knew …i know that Maria.. even for that I need to blame myself.I was never open with you.I always thought that for a man to make a decision he must first stand on his feet.But the thing i never realised is that if you loved soemone you would just go with it.The rest will all fall in it’s place.there would be struggles..there would be difficulties but finally if the love was true everythings will fall into place.Maybe Lino believed all this and that’s why he is with you and I’m not.”

Rohit paused for a moment and silence greeted him.” are you there?” he asked.”yes..” an unsure reply from the other end confirmed that she was still online.

“well past is past Maria..I have moved on with my life.And i have found my true love you know her name is Ramya.was it not for you,I would never be able to understand her the way I understand her now.And I had the guts to tell her what i felt you know,and I’m the happiest man in the world right now….and I have you both to thank for that…I wanted to tell you this because you have been special in my life you know…and if I don’t tell you …I don’t know…I don’t…”

The phone remained silent for a while.Then Maria heard some heavy snoring.”Rohit?”she waited for a while for some response.Finally when nothing happened,she just cut the phone.”Nut case”.She thought as she lay on her bed.

A splitting headache made rohit wake early in th morning.”Fuck …too much beer..” He thought as he held his hand against his forehead.He took a bath,and headed out of his room and headed to the tea shop closeby.He sat down with the newspaper,eyeing the sports page.His coffee came in hot,and he sipped it down,realised what he had done last night.”Oh..my god!! tell me that it was just a dream…”,rohit thought as he fumbled through his pajamas to find his mobile.He directed his attention towards the call register,dialled calls and the name “Maria” was the first one.the dialled time showed 12.The call duration confirmed the same.”great start for a weeked..” He thought.

The next line of action kept him busy for the rest of the day till afternoon.”should i call and apologise?..or leave it?” Rohit thought about all this till lunch,and finally decided that the best thing to do was call her up.After his lunch he called her.The hutch theme song didnt seemed that sweet like yesterday.After some three rings the busy tone greeted him.”god!! she cut the phone… I’m sure in trouble.” Rohit was standing outside the office after his lunch.He waited for a few moments and headed back to the office.”I will never ever drink again…” Rohit promised himself as he sat on his chair.

He sat on the chair still thinking about it all when a hand fell on his shoulder.He turned back and saw Lino.”What is your big idea,eh? I heard that you had called Maria yesterday..”,Lino asked his eyes showing great intensity.”Tu toh gaya..”,Rohit told himself.”Listen lino ..I never meant what I meant..I mean ..you see… what I Actually wanted to say was…”.”You don’t have explain Rohit…you see I’m not here to do the talking..I’m here to teach you a lesson…a lesson of action..”Lino had already raised fists and swung madly at Rohit and he fell on to the office floor with a great crash…

“Rohit …getup..”.It was prashant.Rohit opened his eyes and saw himself on the office floor.He surveyed the scene and asked Prashant “where is he?”.”where is who?” Prashant looked at him.”rohit you were dozing on the chair..lost balance and you fell..now who is who? “Prashant questioned him.”never mind”Rohit said as he got up.”god!! it was one fuck of a dream…”Rohit thought as he got up rubbing his head.

It was in the evening.Rohit had finsihed all his work to keep himself engaged.He was on his way to his room when his mobile rang.He took the mob of his pocket.It was Maria.He waited for two more rings,and then took it expecting the worse.”Hi Rohit..It’s me Maria.sorry yaar I couldnt pick up your call earlier.I was in the class when you called.” “Ok..that’s a good start…” rohit thought.”Actually I called to say sorry ..yesterday i was quite drunk when I had called you up….”.Maria laughed.”Yeah I know…you sounded like one.”.Rohit laughed sheepishly for that.”I hope I havent hurt you with what i said yest…”Rohit continued.”No da..I mean you were quite frank..actually I expected this a long time back…hi hi..”Maria smiled.”long time back? you mean you knew about this earlier..?”Rohit quizzed.”yeah.sort of …I happened to make a trip to Golconda fort last april.It was pretty clever though….”

“oh my god…this was core embarassment”,Rohit thought.It was during the third year in the college that he had gone for a south india tour,he had gone to visit Golconda fort when a clever idea struck him.he had piece of chalk with him and he had beautifully engraved “10-3-1983 loves 25-5-1983” on the golconda walls.just perfect.

“you mean it’s still there” rohit asked jokingly quickly regaining his ground and for that, she laughed.”No anymore..I changed 10-3-1983 to 8-1-1983…” she told him.”Hmmm that’s Lino’s Dob…” Rohit thought.”just kiddin…”Maria laughed.”anyways that was very sweet of you to say that,Rohit…even though you were half drunk…”.”Listen i’m really sorry about the drunk part…but I guess I could never gather courage to tell you this without that..anyways I’m happy that i could tell you this..and one thing I didnt do when i was drunk …something that I wanted to say when i was sober…”Rohit paused for a moment and continued.” Is to promise you that I will be always there for you guys..to help you anyway that is possible for me…to see that you two end up happy together in life.” “thank you Rohit..it was really sweet of you to say…”Maria sounded serious for a moment. and then quickly changed topic.”and who is this Ramya?.Rohit quickly rounded up the whole story of how he had met her and how things had turned to the present day.”So what are both of your plans…” Maria asked.”I don’t know…we are both having a company each…maybe we will merge it once we get married..hi hi..just kiddin..no plans yet…hey what’s Lino upto these days?”.”thats good,re…He’s still continuing his MS in florida..one more year to go for him…god! it’s 8… must head to the mess right now…gotta go Rohit..” “yeah sure…give my regards to him and do remember..” “what?”Maria asked.”That I will there for you guys…for any help that is possible from my side..” “hero..! i get your point ok…” Maria smiled and kept the phone.

“So that didnt go as bad as I had imagined…” Rohit smiled,dialled Ramya’s number and started his chataton with her.

He never knew …trouble had started brewing.

Chapter 2:A decision of change

Rohit woke up to the sweet smell of jasmine from the neighbouring flower stand.he got up dialled her number,listened to her “tujhe deka toh yeh jaana..” hello tune and fell back on his bed.”rohit…get up…”,Ramya said as soon as she picked the phone.”just waiting to hear your sweet voice…”Rohit said as he got out of the bed,looked at the mirror..”hey are you busy today or what?” he asked as he played with his shaby lock of hair.” yes..dear..today we have a meeting with a new client.if it works out it’s a 2 million contract.” Ramya replied as a matter of factly.”no..nothing much was planning to marry you day..i guess it will have to wait…”Rohit smiled.”hee haw..stupid joke…remind me to spank you next time i see you..” Ramya said,nodding her head in frustration,but with a smile.”hi hi…then that’s that jaan,me gotta go now,rush to the office..Sujith was quite pissed off because of me being late..” “please don’t tell me that you are wearing that Navy blue shirt and the khakis yet again..”ramya told him.”wow!! ramya you are a mind reader..”,rohit said in mock disbelief.”that’s the only pair of wrinkle free shirt and trouser you have dumbo..grow up da..”,Ramya said smiling.”see this is why i like you…you know me dear..love you for that..” “yeah..yeah forget it…” Ramya said.
“so where are we meeting… as usual?”Rohit said as he put the paste on the toothbrush.”yes that will do..acha me keeping the phone bye ..will see you in the evening..”
“yes dear ..bye..” Rohit said in a muffled voice as he started brushing.
*********************************************************

It was almost 5.30 that Rohit completed his work.He was about to go to Marine drive the place where he and Ramya used to meet.There this seat where they used to sit,provided that nobody else took that place.And usually they were lucky.It was a short distance from his office and he was walking to the place when the phone rang.It was Rahul,his buddy in college.

“what! you are coming back?”Rohit stood up shocked as he heard the news.
“yes I’m Rohit..”,rahul replied as a matter of factly.
“have you gone insane Rahul?,I mean what is your problem man? you are having a decent pay there in dubhai..you have nothing else to worry about,your life is settled man..and then you quit?
I just can’t understand this man…i just cant’t” Rohit shook his head.
“that my friend is the exact problem…you like others tend to measure it all in money…that’s what you care for…does that mean that if I end up poor you are gonna foresake me?” Rahul asked.
“No that’s not what i meant..Rahul you know me better…money isnt everything yaar..but it does matter..it matters to see that you can give joy to those who you love,to care for those who cared for you..to give our parents the comforts they gave us..”
“Cut the kabhi khushi kabhi gham crap on me rohit..I mean atleast they are well off in my case..they won’t be least bothered.. i understand the need of money but that does not mean i give up my individuality for that..you see Rohit..when i was here one thought made me think..all these years you are in your country,use it’s resources to make yourself big..and voila! then you selfishly fly off to serve some oil filled ya white skinned country..and what does your country get?nothing ..
maybe a little NRI money,but that’s all.” Rahul paused for a moment.
“you mean that just because some of us go abroad and make money.. they are not patriotic..that’s so unfair of you to say Rahul..”,Rohit remarked.
“Tell me Rohit are you patriotic?” Rahul asked.
“I believe I am ..”,rohit replied.
“then tell me..which is the national anthem of india..”,Rahul questioned.
“ha..that’s easy..it’s Jana Gana Mana..”,Rohit replied.
“sing it for me..till the last word..”,Rahul calmly asked.
“Dude this is an international call..u don’t really expect me..”,Rohit asked in doubt.
“fucker…i made this call..go on show me how patriotic you are..”,Rahul challenged Rohit.
“yeah fine…hmmm…
jana gana mana adhinayaka jaya he..
Bharata bhagya vidhata
punjaba sindh gujarat maratha
dravida utkala banga…hmmm..then
vindhya himachala yamuna ganga
uchchala jaladhi taranga
tava subha name jage
tava subha ….god! what was it..? yes…tava subha asisa mange
gahe tava jaya gatha
jana gana mangala dayaka jaya he
bharata bhagya vidhata
jaya he jaya he,jaya he
jaya jaya jaya jaya he….something like that…” ,Rohit told in a victorious tone.
“very good my friend…now tell me the meaning of this anthem…”,Rahul asked with a cunning smile.
“meaning ? arey it’s in bengali..how am i supposed to know..”,rohit quipped.
“Fucker ..it’s the national anthem…it’s not the bengali anthem..see all these years you have been singing this without even knowing the meaning of this..and you call your self patriotic..?Rahul asked.
“so is this why you are leaving Dubhai ? to come back to your homeland?”Rohit quickly changed topic.
“Naah…was giving you a little of swades crap…and you fell for it..”,Rahul burst out laughing.
“Asshole..!! wow that was a relief..I really thought that you were goin nuts..so tell me what is the reason..”Rohit asked.
“I want to be a film director..”
“Film director..? Rahul are you out of your mind..?”
“no Rohit,I’m not..it’s something I want to do in my life..”
“this is bull shit man..dont’t waste your life like this..”
“waste..waste my life? Rohit..all these years that is exactly what i felt..I felt like a misfit where i work..I really felt that i was wasting my life out there..i was never happy doing my work,rohit,yes i was earning in Dhs,but what is all that money when it cannot bring happiness in your life? I want to do something in life Rohit something that makes me feel happy..something brings joy into my life..you know..and i believe as a director I can fulfill this dream.”
“buddy you are entering the least trodden path and you know that..”
“yes i understand that …but how can the path be trodden if no one ventures into it..?”
“hmm you have point there..you broke it your parents..i mean your decision to coemback…”
“No not yet…all hell has not broken loose yet..”
“you need to convince them yaar…and it’s not goin to be easy you know..”
“yes i know..but I’m sure I will win this time..”
“to be very frank Rahul,I don’t like this idea that much…but it’s ur decision and ur life..and i will always stand with you ..”
“Thanks buddy..i knew I can always count on you…..”
“hey gotta go man…Ramya is waiting…”
“oho…!! ok then dude give her my regards..”
“yes I will buddy…call me when you reach india…”
“will do that buddy…good bye and take care..”
“babye …”
Rahul kept the phone and looked at the book in his hand.
“thou art the ruler of the minds of all people
dispenser of india’s destiny
thy name rouses the hearts of the punjab
sind,gujarat and maratha..
of the dravid and orissa and bengal
it echoes in the hills of vindhyas and
himalayas,mingles in the music of the
jamuna and the ganges and is chanted by
the waves of the indian sea
they pray for the blessings and sing thy praise
the saving of all people waits in thy hand
thou dispenser of india’s destiny,victory
victory,victory to thee….”
“hmmm..thou ..? thy?..no wonder they didnt teach it in school…”,Rahul said as he tossed the yearbook onto the sofa.

Chapter 3:Life as it is.

Rohit continued walking to Marine Drive. Marine drive was one of the beautiful spots in Cochin .It was basically a walking space with neat red benches laid with the view towards the Arabian sea. The sunset was extremely beautiful, with the whole sky turning into a yellow canvas, with sun like an orange disc along the infinite expanse of the sea. There was this arched structure, which was raised a bit higher than the walking space, into some sort of an arc, with metal wires supporting it all. So it was sure a spot for all romantic couples in Cochin.

Rohit walked through the shopping mall which was also the entrance to the marine drive.He stopped at one shop, bought a bag of lays and a bottle of sprite and moved towards the Arc.From a distance he spotted Ramya standing looking at her watch. “ you are dead…” Rohit thought. He rushed across the slowly moving crowd, and reached the spot.

“sorry yaar,I’m really sorry..”,Rohit said as he opened the bag of lays.Ramya didn’t respond. “Arey yaar…Kaha na I’m sorry..Rahul called up in between..that’s why I’m late”,rohit said as he handed the bags of lays.”what is this da.I have been waiting for a long time..you know the look the guys give here when they see a girl alone…”,Ramya said looking into the settin sun. “ I know ..i’m sorry this won’t happen again..”,rohit said.

Ramya soon lightened up. “ So how did the meeting with the client go? “ rohit asked sipping the sprite. “well they have given their requirements..we are right now working on the tendering details…let’s see how it comes out..” ramya replied as she was munching the chips. “why did Rahul call?” Ramya asked as she grabbed the sprite. “ he called to say that he is coming back..” Rohit replied. Just then Rohit’s mobile rang.He checked it.It was Maria.He silenced the mob.” Who is it?”,Ramya asked. “Naah..just an old friend will deal later.” Rohit replied. “So Rahul’s coming back ..again? why what happened ?” Ramya asked. “ it seems that he is having trouble adjusting there….so he planning to come back and try his hand in film direction…” Rohit said. “I don’t know whats wrong with that guy…film direction…? That really sucks.” Ramya quipped. “hey it’s his life let him live it the way he wants to live it…and do you think he hears of anybody? That’s just the way he is …” “acha leave it….” Ramya said as she adjusted her hair… “what are your plans in the evening ? another booze party to attend?”.Rohit shook his head in mock shock “ No dear no way…I mean you have your girl and a bag of lays in the most romantic place in the world ..what else does a guy need in his life..? ” “ yeah ..yeah I know….if I ever catch you drunk….you are dead buddy…”,Ramya said as she threw the lays bag and the bottle into the bin. “ ok baba, I get the message…can we go now…it’s 7 already…you parents will be worried.”,Rohit said as he looked into the watch.They both moved to the entrance, got onto the bike and moved towards Ramya’s home.

“ya ali….”,Rohit started with his singing as soon as he got into the bike. “rohit …” “yes dear…” Rohit replied as he continued his singing. “you are not such a good singer, you know?” “ I know but I just can’t help it.the moment I’m in the bike I need to sing…”
Rohit dropped Ramya home and headed to his Room.He saw Manu as usual chatting with His Gf.Rohit took the laptop and began to check his mail.He was going through the mail, when he said “ holy shit!!”. Manu turned around to see what was the excitement was all about. “dude kya hua…?” he asked. “Nothing da, it’s a mail.Actually a birthday wish.I had not opened this account for a long time…”,Rohit explained as he read the mail. “who is it?” Manu asked. “ it’s from treasa..” Rohit said.The mail was quite simple.It wished Rohit many many happy returns of the day. “just like her as usual” Rohit thought as he closed the mail. “Treasa was my classmate in college…” Rohit remarked. “ “Another one?God ! Rohit you are too much!!”.Manu said shaking his head. “Asshole!! She was a good friend ok? Nothing more…” rohit replied. “then can you explain why all the excitement?” Manu asked he sat back on the cot. “ Well I had’nt heard from her for a long time…She had left for her MS a year back. That’s why..”.Soon Manu lost interest as he took the phone and dialed his gf. Rohit was lost in his own memories.

Treasa was a special friend to him. She was one of the first friends he had made during the college days. She was a special person with her own views and a distinct and sometimes dominant character. Rohit and Treasa had this philosophical debates and it was always fun.Rohit felt she was the only girl who would laugh at his silly jokes. “Maybe She was just being polite” Rohit smiled. All this was during the first year of the college. After that the friends circle changed for both of us and there was less and less interaction. But one thing remained the same.All the four years rohit never forgot to wish her for her birthday with a card. Tresa would always reciprocate during his birthday.

All this brought back memories of Mission impossible.

Chapter 4:Mission Impossible

It was 3 pm and I stroll to the college canteen ,order food and sit down..what do I see? The four corners had 4 love birds or in pure college terms ‘lines’. The chicken fry tasted less tasty.there they were talking talking and talking what do they have to talk that much,eh?. as I went to the wash ,my eyes fell on one of the bird she stared at me as if I had come to the wrong place. washed came out .After three years in the college I had not managed to get a line..that thought struck like lightening. So I decided I will have a girl friend…

How do you define a girl friend? Possessiveness is the name of the game dude.and endless hours of talking.others definitions are there but it is better I don’t reveal it.Of course what we need is a part time line..just till the college ends.it is a taboo if you don’t have a line after 4 years of college life…somehow I must have one. Down below chrnonicles that mission. Mission to get a girl friend. Mission Impossible

Part I : The first Subject
Session ONE : finding one

The first step was to find the right girl.who is the right girl? Ofcourse the most beautiful one. And why not you have the looks ,the body and persona ok fine ..with 5 ‘5 and 60 kgs I guess I don’t have the body or the facial hair which has not found it’s way out to the face I don’t have the good face and I rather not talk about my persona. But hey confidence is the key man…I have loads of it. So I decided I will go for the kill. Just as a precaution Read “ the power of postive thinking” written by Norman (Someguy!) to develop the positive thinking though it took me three days to read it in one stretch ! Next thing was evaluation ..to find the best girl. why go far when there are enough in the class and it stays in the class (if it flops!).with my intense equipments ( eyes) I found the right genes needed to propagate ..never mind… found the girl. the height was ok same religion Voila!.
Session TWO: attack!
plan A
Next thing was of course to strike the iron when it is hot … I waited for the right opportunity to go for the kill.it took me three days to find one. There she was tender and beautiful writing some assignment in the afternoon recess.no one was there and I thought this was it.

“hi ,what are u doing”, she looked up gave a polite smile and said she was completing the assignment.(as if I didn’t know). Talked for a while about worldly and college crap.And then it happened. “listen Maria, from the day I met you there was only one thing that I wanted to say…” her smile had vanished and there was a sense of concern. “ you look good when you wear your hair down”. Tactically I had aborted the mission at the last minute.Her smile was back ,thanks to some quick thinking. Better luck next time I hope..the next time had to be planned carefully.the best way to do it was the annonymous way.sending all kind of goodies …cards, flowers and what not without ur name and then Tada ! raasta Saaf! then u show ur self.i looked into my purse.50 p in one pocket and a tenner in de left pocket.I Ran to my best friend Rahul.” buddy,love of my life..” i exclaimed as i saw him “Ok how much do u want? ” he had already opened his purse.”what about 500?” “NoWay!” as he closed his purse “Ok ok arey just a 200? plz …arey life ka sawal hai..” “what is it this time?” he asked as he handed 200 bucks.i briefed him about the mission.he had this bad habit of rubbing his chin when he was thinking.” well i have nothing to say” and he just walked off lost in his thoughts.i can’t blame him.his first two years were spent wooing for a girl,Aditi.he proposed her and she said no.then he did everything he could do to get her .but as luck would have it,she migrated to US in the middle of the course.she didnt even bother him to give her e mail id.it took him time to get over it.I looked at his disappearing figure.” Rahul this one’s for u”.i counted the cash it was 500 as usual.

Plan b

the next morning as she walked into the class her seat was occupied by the best bouquet a man could buy(if he has 500 rs in his hands)she smiled as she walked showing her yellow teeth (well no one is perfect!).she smelled the flowers and then it happened she sneezed right at me and i fell on to the ground.
suddenly the light all went out and the floor was dead cold.i was lying on my room’s floor.oh god,it was just a dream… the mission had not commenced and it had already started showing trouble. but go with it i must.the morning was cold especially at 5.00am when you are trying to get the best fresh flowers.bouquet took almost an hour and i was freezing like hell.the problem with girls is that they don’t see all this effort i person puts…and that’s exactly why we don’t see girls giving boys flowers!

i kept the flowers in her usual place with a sweet note ,computer written with all colours ( 20 bucks for that !) it clearly stated ” to the love of my life,Maria ” . i ran out my class before anyone could see me… then i saw that she was already in the college with one of hunks in the class. the musceles bulged out the character’s arm as he laughed.

suddenly it started to rain… the atmosphere was turned a little bit green. Maria and the guy was standing there.from nowhere i ran up to him for a kick..then everything slowed down ..as i was in mid air he holds me in the air and thrashes me to the ground.but a last minute escape saw back to my feet.this time he lashed at me and i was prepared .my slow motion jump above him took him by surprise before he could turn , i gave a kick to his back and he crashed into the wall. Maria looked at me…. the kind of look the heroine gives when she is saved from the villain… i opened up my arms and she ran towards me…

“rubin what happened ?” a strong arm had fallen onto my shoulder.it was the hunk .i was still holding my arms up.Maria gave a quizzical look. ” nothing da…” i was trying hard to find some logical explanation.both of then smiled and walked towards the class.then i remembered of the flowers … i ran and squeezed myself in between them and reached the class … took the flowers and threw it out of the window. when those two came i was looking outside… enjoying the scenery .. ” is there something wrong Rohit? ” Maria asked me.” no nothing da..”…by that time i was totally exhausted .. head towards the canteen. ” one lime ” “pocket money was never enough “,i contemplated as i sat on a seat.my eyes as usual roamed around and to my utter dismay saw the one thing i dreaded.. love birds! i mean lines… the failiure of my missions were starting to take toll.just then Rahul popped up.” hero what’s up” he asked looking at my downtrodden look. ” nothin yaar just the exam tension ..” i blurted out.then he started the” it’s ok” lecture.” listen i just have to go to the toilet..” i rushed out of the canteen.

********************************

session III : back to reality

i looked at my sem marklist.it was not poor it was a pity.dad looked at me ” can u explain this ?” .” bloody hell how could i forget sucha thing … ” .usually the marklist never used to reach my home… i had the postman well, bribed but this time he forgot about it wait till i see him..” this is one of ur worst performance….” dad countinued, ” i worked hard all my life and made sure u had everything …and this is what u give in return eh?”. ” oh no ! this was the senti stuff again time for plan B” .. i burst into tears …(which comes quite natural after seeing sharukh’s senti films!) dad i am sorry… i just couldnt study.. i don’t know why..
now he had that sympathetic look.i had won this round…but i realised that the first mission was a failiure.

PART II : SECOND SUBJECT

The search for the new subject was after a long duration.the black force clouded my mind! (actually the supplies…. gotta somehow clear them Na!). the next sem put me to the same scenario.the f***ing canteen! and this sem saw the library also increasing infected by the pairs i mean lines..no wonder Agent Smith (ref : matrix) called human beings a virus!.the population of the lines had also increased in our class. the failiure of the first mission was bearing heavly on me.maybe because it was mission impossible.time for mission impossible II.

Session I: the one!
This time the idea was clear.a girl friend at all cost.so the elimination was quite is easy. first u eliminate all the good looking girls and ones already with bfs.the list reduced to a small no.a particular one caught my attention.during my first year, for the fear of ragging , i deliberately put on a bhuji look.the haircut was standard military, coupled with big round red glasses, with the shirt tucked out , i was a mess. The freaks in my pre degree college were always telling stories about ragging ,the pain,the suffering.bull shit! anyway i took my time to realize that it was bull shit.now back to the female.the bhuji look had obviously caught her attention, which was obviously lost after my first series exam result.but here lay my chance… who knows.

Session II: attack!
The problem was of course to find the right method to get her like me.nerds love nerds …that was the general rule.the plan was quite simple.you become one of them first , then bring her to my level.the principle was something was better than nothing!
Plan A

the bhuji look was back… now there was something to prove…the series was approaching …put on a lot of effort.the concepts of bits(plz it is not a computer term..refers to some bits of paper used during examinations for reference or as text books!) were not new,but it was never used in a large scale.nights were spend getting new ideas for efficient storage of bits and there was problems of retriving ,disposal etc.after a whole week of prepartion it was finally complete.i was fully loaded on the day of the examination.then i decided to put a small hint to Tresa, so went near her.” hey Tresa, ” she looked at me frowning.obviously i had disturbed her mental prepartions for the exam.but somehow she gave a smile.” listen i want to tell you something serious…” i was all serious.” right now?” she asked as she looked at the text book. ” yes ” i looked her straight into her eyes.
she obviously got the message.” what is it Rohit?” ” it’s just that … i want to say..” “go on..”,she urged either due to the interest i was generating or she wanted to finish with me.” best of luck!” i said with both my thumbs up.she stood there stunned for a sec and then smiled.maybe the plan was working…. with these thoughts in mind i rushed to my examination hall only to collide with someone.all the bits that were safely placed on various parts scattered around the floor.the words “mother..” didnt complete when i realized that it was none other than the hod.life was sure goin to be difficult…..

the detention room was quite peaceful.the white walls glared at me.i was to stay there till the end of the exam.parents will be called later.just then the door opened ,expecting the worse i stood up.it was Rahul. “hey buddy u too?” he was surprised.” let’s don’t talk about it ..ok” i looked at the black board.” hey man you won’t spill this to ur buddy ?” .he gave that hurt look. i blurted out the whole mission to him.” hey why don’t you just say it to her ” Rahul spoke after being silent for a while.” look what i did …i just .. proposed her …” ” and she said no,remember?” i interrupted. ” so what ? atleast i had the guts to tell her that ” .” just forget that …now we have bigger probs to face remember?.the hod will surely call our parents ” .
” tell me something new “,Rahul said picking his nose….

Plan B
the first one had obviously failed.she now looked at me in contempt.this time i will go the old fashioned way.i will go propose her direct.i was planning this in the MD&C ( we call it yawning period !) hour.

The room was now darker than usual … sir had a gun in his hand.he fired at will …everything slowed down.the first bullet slowly passed my shoulder.then it was dodging aka matrix style.finally he hit me on the leg. ” dodge this !” as he pointed the gun right on to my head.

” come on ..answer me” i was back to my senses.the sir had caught me day dreaming and was firing questions. i just gave a stupid smile.” why are u attending this if don’t want to” i wanted to say ” attendance shortage” ,but decided to say in a later occasion.

I had made the decision.i will propose her after the class ends.

It was after the last period that I gained enough courage to propose her. but she had already left the class room.i rushed out the class room.I climbed down the steps as fast I could, then jumped a whole set of stairs ( everything had slowed down..) voices were calling out but there all ununderstandable .i floated through the main verandah of the college, and she had just got out. “ “Tresa” I called out. She stopped. I went near her, knelt on my feet , and proposed “ I love u!”. she was obviously taken aback but quickly regained form and just walked away, without uttering a word. I was at loss of words too.I stood up looked at her as she left for the hostel.

It was then I realized that a considerable amount of people had gathered around to watch the show. this was embarrassment to the core. I just walked away from them all ,feeling a lot more stupid than usual.

Canteen was the last place I wanted to be… but I couldn’t help it. I was damn hungry and pocket money dictated only a lime. I sat down with my glass. I felt everyone was eyeing me, laughing at me. Just then Av popped up. “ hey buddy heard you proposed to Tresa ”“ yeah man..” I said as I sipped my lime and passed him the glass. “ and ?” “ and what ..she just walked away” “ ha ha welcome to the club dude …” Av said as he passed the glass back to me. i looked at him. he was lost in his thoughts.” why are we big losers Rohit?” Rahul asked. ” don’t know man…i really don’t know ” .

the next day i obviously was the laughing stock.somehow i managed to get into the class.even the teachers knew.the embarassment was too much to bear.as the first period ended, i was about to cut the rest of the class,Tresa called from behind. ” Rohit ,i like to talk to u…” she was damn serious.” now?” i asked without looking at her.” no after the class during the break…” and she sat down in her bench.” i will be here then” i said as i rushed out of the class, before the teacher came.

the time in the library was spent on what she will say.yes or no…but somehow it was not that important.the whole thing was feeling weird now. the library was almost deserted,which was quite unusual for a third period.i kept myself busy by going through some magazines.when the period was over,i moved slowly in deep thought ..may be for the first time.finally i reached the class room…. she was there reading some book i moved towards her and she acted as if she was deeply ingrossed in the fucking book.i gave her a weak “hi”.she looked at me .

Rohit Smiled as he sat on the cot thinking about this all. “Life was fun those days “ He thought.He then remembered that Maria had called.
Rohit called her up.As usual the hutch theme song greeted him.Soon Maria picked up the phone.” Hi rohit how are you?” Maria asked. “I’m
Fine da…sorry that I couldn’t pick up your call earlier…” Rohit said as a matter of factedly. “ no it’s ok…I know you are a busy person…”,Maria replied smiling. “ No da nothing of that sort…actually…I was with Ramya..that’s why..” Rohit replied. “ok ok..now I understand “Maria said laughing. “ Rohit I called know if you could help my cousin…. He is a comp grad he is looking out for a job…so I thought if it is possible for you to get an opening in your company….” “ Actually we are not taking new staff right now..but let me see if there is an opening in Ramya’s …”
Rohit replied. “oh that would be great Rohit..thank you ..” Maria said.
“hey I’m not promising anything …but I ‘ll do my best..ok?..so tell me what’s happening with your studies…? How is Lino?” Rohit asked.
“The studies are all goin fine….Lino is into his second year…he is doing good ..” Maria replied meekly. “hey what happened you don’t sound that good…”,Rohit asked. “My engagement is getting fixed.” Maria replied. “hey that’s good news right…so when is Lino is coming down…”,Rohit asked as he laid down on the cot. “Lino is not coming…
it’s not with Lino,Rohit” Maria said sadly. “What the heck!! You didn’t
tell your parents about Lino…I mean how can you agree to it?” Rohit asked spranging out of the bed. “you told Lino about this?” “ yes I did…but right now..there is nothing he can do…he has to complete his studies right? He is more upset that I am.” Rohit felt that Maria was sobbing. “Let me see…give me Lino’s number.I will talk to him.” Rohit told maria. “Nothing can be done Rohit,It’s all over…” Maria replied.
“Will you give me the freaking number? Let me see what can be done.
And take it easy ok?” things will turn out fine..believe me…”.Rohit took
The number from Maria.He dialled the number.But it didn’t go through.He tried again.

Chapter 5:The confrontation

Rohit reached her home which not that unfamiliar. And he knew her father, her mother and her brother.That,was the exact problem. They would expect something and what they Were goin to get!!.The thought almost made him retrace his step,but then, he had to do it.The bell still rang the cuckoo and hell it was irritating.As he waited,he looked at the garden and the comment her mother had made during his last visit there.He had remarked The garden looked good,and her mother had replied that only she contributed and Maria
Would never even look at it.

His thoughts were interrupted by someone coming.It was her mother.She looked warm and smiling and Rohit seriously wished that it would be the same as he left the house.The bomb he was going throw was the most unimaginable, and her reaction would change all.She cordially invited him inside,and he sat down on the chair feeling quite uneasy.She asked him whether he needed something to drink and he politely declined.He was Searching for the right word to begin when her mother started pouring out on the troubles of getting Maria married.As he listened to it intently a sudden sense of grief engulfed him.They had their own dreams for her goddamit!.And he had to come in the Middle of it.

“Aunty..There is a reason I have come..” Rohit said as he was building up the courage.“yeah Mone tell me..” her mother said as she sat down. “From I liked Maria and Told her about and she had said ‘Yes’.We love each other dearly…” Rohit’s head was screaming out that it was all a lie,why are he was doing all this.Rohit continued “I cannot think of marrying someone else…” He paused to look at her mother’s face,and indeed it was terror-stricken. “whatever” Rohit thought and continued “I know you have reservations about me…but I assure you that I am well placed in life and well settled.”Rohit looked at her face again.She was now in deep thought as she was analyzing the situation.Thank god that there was no outburst.”I don’t want you to take an immediate Decision …I just want to know if it is ok with you…and if you want you can check about my family…If it’s ok with you I will ask my Family(yeah Great!) to give a visit.”.The answer was almost instant “Maria’s father is not here..So I can’t make a decision …”The
Tone of the voice was stern.”he will be here in the weekend..”. “then I will come in the weekend (One more appearance..! that would be hell) “No,it’s not necessary” She said.“we will get to your parents…” “ Great Absolutely great..!” Rohit thought. “yes aunty as you wish..” Rohit said as he got up…As he left her home it was silence that said good bye.It was then he saw her brother coming from play.He smiled and said “Hi..Chetta how are you..?” He still doesn’t know.Rohit gave a weak smile and headed out,Thinking about the tough days ahead for him.

As he got out,he took out the mobile and called her.The hutch theme song greeted him,and before long her weak voice took over.It was weak but it sounded hopeful.Rohit told her everything went well( yeah right! It went well) Rohit thought.After briefly describing what had transversed, and giving her his parent’s number, Rohit kept the phone.Now there was nothing much to do..all he could do was wait.The waiting game had just began.

His wait was not long.”Fuck thethe communication system”Rohit thought.The moment he had reached home,both Dad and mom was waiting for him.The landline was ringing furiously,but no one was bothered.”Rohit..where have you been?”.It was mom who started the questioning.Dad was thinking his hands crossed over in deep thought.It was obvious they knew what had happened,but they wanted to hera it from the horses Mouth.”I had gone to Maria’s house” Rohit said as a matter of fact. “ for a proposal I believe ..”Mom was at her mocking best. “yes!”Rohit said as he looked away from them Focusing on the jesus picture on the wall “great god! Dhanya ho”. “and you didn’t feel like explaning it to us eh?” Mom continued.

The whole torture took some time.And then it was silence.The dinner was silent,the prayer was silent.Dad never uttered a word,indication that he was deeply hurt.The toil Had become more that I imagined.”whatever” he thought.”it’s all for good na,finally I must be justified.atleast I can justify myself.”.He was reviewing the whole process when The mobile rang.”Damn it yaar..” he said as he saw “Ramya” flashed on the mobile.The most painful aspect of all operation.After all this was over how can he convince her?.Maybe he should have told her about the whole stuff.that.would have been a relief..but the stakes were too high.What if she didn’t buy it?.It was loss all the way and Ramya was the only one who understood him.but there was no way she would have understood all this.he put the phone in silence. Nobody could digest this.Rohit thought.”but once commited …commited..let hell may come..”. Maria was supposed to call..Maybe the situation was worse that hers. He just wished that this was all a dream

The issue had not been forgotten,he realized soon.Dad was back from his jogging,mom Came gave the cup of tea without a word.It was right after breakfast,that Dad commanded “ get ready,we need to go out..” “where ?” Rohit quizzed and a pair of glaring eyes shot at him which clearly told him that the best thing to do was to do what he said.

In an hour,the family was ready sans the dalmation.As I sat in the drivers seat,Dad ordred Without looking “Go to Maria’s house..” . “wow! “ Rohit thought.”after single confrontations now it was double jeopardy..”.It took a while to reach the place and It was evident that they were informed of the arrival. Maria’s father was pacing up and down through the porche,unable to get a grip on the things.He watched as the car drove in,and then in a very serious tone, invited all inside.

The room looked the same as yesterday,save for the fact that a devotional song was being played.Rohit looked around and almost immediately came face to face with her brother who showed disdain.His face said it all.Rohit felt that Joe had realized that he was the cause of all the trouble that his parents were goin through right now.”how fucking wrong he was ..how fucking wrong he was..” Rohit turned away.The guy who was responsible for all this was thousands of kilometers away,unknown of all that was happening.Rohit would have punched him the moment he met him,but right now he had more important matters in hand.Right now he had to got through the PR gimmick.His mind was increasingly going blank and all he could say was “what the fuck!”

There was someheated discussion and Maria preferred to keep mum all the time.The parents didnt put much effort to break Rohit down,maybe due to the fact that he was of the same religion.they were more concerned about the root of all this,the proposal that had come to her and were thinking how to deal with it.Finally Maria’s father spoke ” I’m not happy with what’s happening but now i guess the matters are no more in my hands…I guess I am forced to go with your decision…”.It was quite clear that he was not happy with what’s goin around him.”Same goes with me..”,Rohit’s Dad quipped in.

“So the best way I think is that we go through this”,Maria’ s father replied. “But I don’t know what I am goin to tell the people who had come to see her last week.we were almost goin to finalise it..when..”
Maria ‘s stopped in midway thinking. “ like you said things are no more in our hands…so this the best thing that is possible..and I don’t want to extend it any longer and let us be through with the engagement as soon as possible..”.

So it was settled.the engagement was supposed to happen in a week.the
Whole family was totally engaged in the related activities.That day Rohit had tried to convince his dad that it was better that it was to happen after Maria completed her course. “ You made your decision and I’m making mine.I was not hapy with yours and I expect the same from you.but you have to do it.” His dad had remarked.

Rohit was almost banging his head trying to get a grip on the things.A plan had totally misfired. “what was he goin to tell Ramya?” Rohit thought.He took his mob and dialled Ramya.

Ramya was sitting in her room, reading a book when she heard the mob ringing.The “ Na jane mere dil ko Kya” tune told her immediately that it was Rohit.She ran across the bed and took the mob on the table.
But then she kept looking at it for a while. “ Dumbo had cut my call …”
She took the phone and cut it.Rohit called again and she took it.
“hi Ramya…sorry I couldn’t pick your call earlier…”,rohit remarked from the other end. Ramya was still silent. “Ramya please….I’m already in lost of trouble…please don’t do this to me….” . “Rohit you seem very serious… what happened?” Ramya asked sensing that something was up. “listen to me Ramya, dear there are somethings that I cannot tell you right now…but you gota trust me ok?…I’m really sorry that I can’t tell you right now….the fact is I don’t want you to worry about me…I won’t be able to call for a while…I don’t know how I will do it…living without calling you ..but we have to go through it..” Rohit told her.”But Rohit atleast tell me what is this all about? I need to know…please tell me what’s eating you like this..i haven’t seen you so tensed up all these days…..” ,Ramya asked till trying to understand what is going on in her life. “give me a week I’ll explain the whole thing.but till then you have to trust me…”Rohit explained. “But Rohit,atleast…”,Ramya couldn’t complete the semtence as Rohit kept the phone.A drop of tear fell on the mob and Ramya quickly wiped it.

Rohit brought his mob to his forehead with both the hands,with his knees cuddled to his stomach.”maybe there was a better way…maybe I should have told her…Oh god what have I put myself into?”.

Ramya looked out through the window. “what happened to him?..this was so unlike rohit.” Ramya thought.The sky was a bit cloudy for a typical April afternoon.Just then her friend Nisha called. “hi dear ready for some shopping? Heard a new collection is out in Jayalakhsmi I would love to check them out..”,Nisha told her. “No yaar…not today…
I’m not feeling so well..” Ramya told her. “arey what happened?” Nisha asked. “No nothing dear..it’s just a headache…” Ramya replied. “ oh c’mon yaar,this is one of your bahanas…I know…” Nisha remarked.
“no yaar..maybe someother day…ok?,bye,take care..” Ramya replied as she kept the phone.
“everything will be fine…everything will be fine…”,Rohit consoled himself.

****************************************
It was the three days before the engagement.Preparations were minimal,but there was preparations to be done.Rohit looked nervous, fiddling with his mobile.the whole house was decorated with the different colours of the light bulb,and this evening it would have it test run.All close relatives had already arrived,spenign their time in Chatting and preparation.

Maria was tense. “I really hope that Rohit knows what he is doin…” Maria thought. “ Or is it a trick..he had always…is this what this is all about..? Anyway I’m so deep down in trouble that I have no idea.”
Maria tried Lino’s mob again.It didn’t get through. “ and why can’t Lino Answer my phone? He was supposed to be back from the trekking camp…”.Maria tried again and it didn’t help. “ god please help me…” Maria prayed.

Rohit tried again. “what the fuck is wrong? Why can’t I get him?”.He checked the number again in the phone book and tried again.This time it started ringing.soon a “hello” greeted Rohit.

*************************************************
“what !! you can’t do the engagement….what is that supposed to mean?” Rohit’s Dad asked him. “ no I can’t ..I’m not ready…” rohit replied. “what do you mean that you are not ready…what are you planning Rohit…you want us to look like fools infront of all people?”
Rohit’s Dad was all heated up. “This is what I have to say…and I have nohing more to say…I’m not doing this..I don’t care what happens here” Rohit replied. “then you will explain to all those who have come here..I won’t do it…you explain to everyone…that you decided that you liked somebody and we decided to make it happen and then you just don’t want to go with it…” Rohit’s Dad banged the table. “ no I don’t think I have to…” Rohit replied. “Then you get out from my house…and find one where you only will explain yourself…” Rohit’s Dad said as he turned away from Rohit. Rohit just stood there for a moment and just walked off.

*******************************************
Ramya just couldn’t bear it.She lifted her head from the pillow which was quite wet from her tears. “ how could he do this to me?” Ramya thought.It was her friend who had showed her the engagement card.
Ramya just couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the name. Rohit with Maria.Her worst fears were confirmed. She had excused herself and went straight to her room. Ramya remembered that He had once remarked about Maria. “..but you gota trust me ok?..” that was the last thing he had told her. “It was for all this?”

Rohit tried Ramya’s number for the third time.it was switched off. “I wish I could really explain myself..”

**************************************
Rohit took his luggage out from the car and paid the driver the amount.
The Departure board greeted him.he walked in,checked his luggage and waited.Soon he was in the plane.
“nothing mattered anymore…life just didn’t exist sort of …and the best thing to do was to let everything go…” Rohit thought.
Three hours later,he found himself in dubai.

Chapter 6:In Dubai….. #1

Rohit stepped out of the plane.A large bus took him to the terminal.There he saw the long queue of people who had arrived before him.An arab was having fun counting all the mallus in Malayalam. “onnu randu munnu..” which meant “one two and three…”.Rohit looked surprised.but the people who were ahead of him were smiling for namesake.Of the total number of indians in Dubai half of them are from a small state of kerala explains itself.

Soon after the procedure was over,he headed out of the terminal.A taxi
Took him Burdubai,or the old dubai,which was near the port.There Shaukat was waiting for him.shaukat looked the same save for the fact that he had a gained a little weight.

“hi dear how are you?” shaukat asked him as he picked up his luggage.
“I’m fine da…”,rohit replied without looking at him.they moved towards shaukat’s lodge. “ So tell me what brings you here…?”Shaukat asked Rohit.

Rohit remebered how he had called shaukat for a visit visa for Dubai.He had then asked what his plans were,but Rohit changed the topic.but now he had to bring it out. “ I need a job Shaukat…that’s why I’m here..” Rohit said Calmly. “why do you need a job,I thought your It buisness was goin fine…” Shaukat asked surprised. “Well things are goin fine there…I handed the whole thing to Sujith..but I felt to do something different ..that brings me here..for a new start…” Rohit replied.Shaukat looked grim. “Rohit,I won’t lie to you…every day around 2000 people come here for a job..In that almost 500 are engineers.so life is goin to be difficult out here…” Shaukat told him.
“I know Shaukat that is the fun of being here…fight the odds and achieve it.you don’t worry about me.I have confidence in myself and things will turn out fine.” Rohit replied. “ I was not trying to dissuade you buddy..i just wanted you to know what’s happening here right now..” Shaukat told him. “I know buddy…you mean good only..but this is something that I need to go through.leave it..So tell me how is life here…” Rohit asked. “you know that I couldn’t complete my B.Tech ..
anyways I thought it would be better that I come here..and by god’s grace things have turned out fine.” “turned out fine…? Buddy you are drawing more salary than all the guys who passed the B.Tech.” Rohit interupted. “that is exactly what I was goin to say.. I was lucky…that’s all..” Shaukat told him.

Rohit had a bath.All the while when the shower sprayed onto him he could only think of Ramya. “ god ..what have I done?” Rohit banged on the wall trying to curb his frustration.

After he changed into new clothes, he walked into the drawing
room,where Shaukat was waiting for him. “So what is the plan?” Rohit asked. “I thought you want to go out…I was thinking of going to one of the malls..what about Ibn Batutta Mall” Shaukat replied. “yeah that would be a great idea…” Rohit said as he pulled his socks up.

The Ibn Battuta Mall was famous for it’s various architecture.Shaukat explained to Rohit the various types of Architectures that was involved
In the making. In one of the sections they had a musical concert, where some english artists were performing.Rohit didn’t pay much attention until one song. “Nobody knows it ..you have a secret smile and you use only for me..”.

It brought back some very fresh memories.
*******************************************
It was almost two years since the college was over and when Zax gave an idea of a gettogether,nobody thought much about it. The reason was quite obvious.A gettogether which was planned a year after cols,was nothing short of a disaster.Out of 46 guys in the class only 8 turned up.

So an year later things were supposed to get worse.but Zax was confident that he would pull it through this time.Rohit asked Zax if it was ok to bring a friend. “ the more the merrier..” Zax had replied.Rohit wanted Ramya to be there.
It was to happen in cochin.Rohit and Ramya was one of the people who reached there.Soon,one by one,24 guys of the class showed up.Rohit introduced Ramya to all.Zax was really happy to see all.People who were working in banglore,chennai and mumbai had taken time to have a gettogether after 2 years of college,to refresh the old memories.

“Ramya how did you end up with a dumb ass like him”,one of the R brothers asked Ramya. “Sorry yaar…It’s a Shame that I couldn’t get acquainted with you before” Ramya replied and the whole gang roared in laughter. “It’s a shame that Rehna couldn’t make it” Rohit mentioned. “yeah I know…She couldn’t get her ticket in time…”Zax replied. “Anyways I’m happy that we are all here today..”.Serin remarked. “hey guess what? Meeku got a job…” Sujith remarked.All turned to Meeku.” Yeah guys I was goin to tell you…” Meeku told them.
The conversation continued for some time until NS (there was 2 Aruns in the class one was Arun NS and Arun PR..so they were called NS and PR) broke in. “Hey Zax what is the plan?” “Well that is a surprise…come on guys..”.All of them walked along the marine drive and soon Zax stopped near a boat. “guys hop in…we are taking in a small cruise through the Arabian sea..” Zax told them. “Awesome” they all said.

The boat was a double decker.the whole gang sat on the upper deck where Zax had arranged a music troupe to entertain all. “Zax as usual outdone himself..” Rohit told Ramya. “ yeah dear this is really wonderful..I mean I would never expect something of this sort to happen in my class…” Ramya remarked. “our class was special dear..it sure was..” Rohit said looking at the sea.

Soon they reached Fort cochin which was a bit far from the mainland,place of Jewish synagogues,Chinese nets and of course fresh fish.It attracted a lot of tourists,but that day it was quite calm.Zax took them to a restaurant. “guys ..here we have to buy the fish that we have to eat and they will cook them for us..” Zax told them.So half of them decided to go to buy the fish,while others roamed around.

Ramya and Rohit roamed around and reached a Synagogue. “hey let’s take a look..” Ramya told Rohit. “No.. C’mon” Rohit’s word fell into deaf ears as she already entered it. “Girls” Rohit thought as he entered the synagogue.

“It’s so beautiful…” Ramya said in awe.Rohit had to admit that.The architecture was totally awesome and the place had an amazing sense of calm.They stood there for a while gazing the beautiful place. “Ramya
….” Rohit called her softly. “yes dear..” She turned and looked at him in anticipation. “ I need to tell you something…” Rohit continued as he looked at her eyes. “yes tell me…” Ramya said meeting his gaze. “I’m hungry…can we go now..?”.Ramya slapped him with her bag “ you ..you” and Rohit ran out of the synagogue.

When they reached there,the purchase was already over.Zax kept telling the stories in college,and Unzi kept cracking PJs as usual..the whole place was filled with joy and laughter.After an hour the food finally arrived.Soon they were gorging on the prawns and all the fish.
After a small fight regarding the bill,where Serin bargained to the last rupee, everyone was good to go.

On their way back, they saw Queen Mary which was one of the biggest cruise ships in the world. “god !! I really wish I could travel in that..”
Ramya exclaimed. “ I promise you that one day I will take you on one of those…” Rohit whispered to her. “hey what’s all this whispering and all?” Soumya asked. “No da…just like that..” Rohit replied.The music troupe continued their performance.

Soon Zax called out for attention. “hey guys .. i think we must give the troupe a moment of rest.so let’s take over…Serin please begin..sing a song..” Zax told them. “ Me? No way…” Serin said but soon after much coaxing she sang “ ek din” From “Yes Boss”.Soon everybody was singing.Soon it was Rohit’s turn. “Me ? no way….I don’t think sing…you guys know that…” Rohit said trying to avoid that. “ What about the singing you did in the third sem tour…we all remember that…” PR said laughing. “c’mon guys ..that was kabka..” Rohit said. “ He can’t sing here…Put him in a bike and he will sing like hell” Ramya continued “C’mon da,Be a sport”. Soon the whole gang was chanting ‘Rohit Rohit’. “ok ok.. I will sing” Rohit stood up, took the phone and said “well this one is dedicated to the love of my life…and this is her favourite song..”.

That her favourite song.Ramya’s Favourite song.
*******************************************************
Rohit looked at the picture he had of Ramya in the mobile phone.the Sim card was not yet availiable.Maybe tomorrow.. Shaukat had told him.He desparately wanted to call Ramya up,but it had to wait.

Ramya looked at Rohit’s picture in her laptop. “how could he do this to me..?”.She closed the picture and deleted it.

Rohit looked into his monitor.He had logged into his Sorkut Id.He went to his testimonials and took Ramya’s profile from it.He went to her scrap and typed a message. “dear please give me a chance to explain…” he tried to post it.Rohit realised that he had already been put in the ignore list.

Ramya looked into the screen.She went into her recycle bin took Rohit’s photo, and restored it.She fell into bed and cried.
************************************************ Rohit woke up next morning.He took the mob and dialled Ramya’s number.The mob replied with a “check operator services” message.
It was then he realised that he was no more in India.Soon he got ready
Went to the supermarket, and brought the “Gulf news”. He returned to the room,and started looking the appointment section.

Within days he realised that Dubai was no place for Computer and Comunication professionals.Most of the openings were in the construction side.He mentioned this to shaukat. “that’s what I told you Rohit..things here are bleak in the your line of work..even for me it was not easy..there were days when I used to 250 mails and faxes a day and
Tutored in a Network company just to survive in this city.But I was lucky that I finally ended up with a good job.But you should lose hope ..
Just keep trying and the best would be waiting for you…ok?” Shaukat told him. “yeah man…” Rohit told him. “By the way Sherin is here…for a month” Shaukat mentioned to Rohit.

Rohit had received a new sim, and he tried Ramya’s number. “tujhe deka toh yeh jaana..” hello tune greeted him.Soon Ramya picked up “Ramya please don’t hang up…” Rohit pleaded. Ramya remained silent. “please give me a chance to explain…” Rohit continued. “Explain? What can you explain Rohit? You were goin to be engaged with your lost love..how? please don’t call me again…it won’t help you anyway”Ramya told him in raised voice.”But..” before he could continue,Ramya cut the phone.

It was more than a week after Rohit had landed and there was no break yet.He had just received one call, from a call centre which was not in his line of work.He was on his way to give resumes to companies,battling the scorching heat,when his mob rang. He picked it up.

A little while later, He called Shaukat. “Hey shaukat,I guess I have my first interview…” Rohit told him. “That ‘s great buddy…for where was it?” Shaukat asked. “ It was from one company Commsys based in Abudhabi,they are looking for a webdeveloper with communication experience.they were quite impressed by my resume.” Rohit told him. “So when is the interview?” Shaukat asked. “They told me that I could come there anytime..I was thinking of goin there tomorrow” Rohit told him. “well that’s 2 and a half hour from here…so get ready early..” Shaukat told him.

Rohit got into the bus to abudhabi.In three hours he was in the office.
A philipino receptionist greeted him.Rohit liked Philipinoes.Among the
Towering Arabs,Americans and Europeans,Philipinoes were a great sense of relief. “Hi My name is Rohit I’m here for an interview.” Rohit told her.She politely asked who he was supposed to see. “oh ohh..” Rohit tried hard to remember the name of the person who had called him.But he just couldn’t remember. “I can’t remember right now..it was regarding a webdeveloper position..” Rohit told her. “I’m sorry sir but I need to know the name…” The receptionist replied to him.”Listen i have come from Dubai for this interview…you have to help me….. please”.Soon the receptionist was calling a lot of numbers.Finally She told him “ I’m sorry sir,we don’t know who called you,but we think it was Mr.Reno.He is out of station right now.So the best thing for you to do now is to leave your resume here.We’ll call you”. “Great!! Absolutely great..” Rohit thought.He tried hard to remember the name,but he just couldn’t get it.

In the evening Rohit reached back to his room dejected.Shaukat arrived from work and Rohit told him what had happened. “Sorry yaar I should have told you about this…here almost all companies are centrex based..that’s like the whole company will have just two or three numbers and there will be zillions of sub deparments ..if you don’t have a Name you are done for..”Shaukat said shaking his head.Rohit just buried himself in the bed.

Days passed by and nothing was happening.Rohit had some telephonic interviews but nothing seemed to workout.Every once in while,he would try Ramya,but she would pick up or she would cancel it.All his emails received no reply.

One afternoon after giving his resume in some companies,he felt tired.
He sat down on the bench on the bus stop.His mob rang.It was from Kerala.In anticipation,he picked up the phone. “Fucker..”,A male voice
Called out to him.It took a while,but then Rohit realised who it was.
“Oh my god!..Rahul? is that you?” Rohit asked totally surprised. “yeah it is me…and I’m totally pissed off by you..”Rahul told him. “I’m not amused..” Rohit replied as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “you are supposed to be asshole…you go to dubai and don’t bother to call me..
and what is this all about,huh? You breakup with Ramya,get engaged with Maria and then cancels it? I just don’t understand…” Rahul said shaking his head. “I don’t expect you to understand dumb ass…but I must say that I’m damn happy that you called,buddy” Rohit said happily. “Don’t give me your Nakras ok…stupid fellow…tell me how are you?” Rahul asked. “I’m fine buddy..trying to find a job here..what about you?” Rohit asked. “Well after a big row with my parents, they agreed to let me go..so right now at home doing nothing..” Rahul replied. “ Are you still bitten with the director bug?” Rohit asked trying to loosen the tie a little bit. “yeah I guess so…there is a direction workshop coming up in two weeks and I’m looking forward to that…I had called Ramya..She was very upset.” Rahul told him. “ you think I love all this? Rahul it just happened,I tried to tell her but she doesn’t pick phone anymore and my mails are unanswered,I’m in her ignore list,What am I supposed to do?” Rohit replied in frustration. “but tell what is this all about? Tell me Rohit” “I know I can’t justify myself even now when I think about it I don’t understand why I did it then, but at that moment that was supposed to be the only option.I was lost and you guys were not there for me at that time..” Rohit said. “ok fine Rohit, just take it easy ok?.Can you tell me now why you did all this now?” Rahul asked him. “Leave it yaar…it’s too painful for me..anyways it doesn’t matter anymore..there’s nothing that anyone can do about it..I made a mistake and I have t live with it..” Rohit
said. “But atleast ..” Rahul began but Rohit interrupted. “ da my bus has come I gotta go now ..ok bye.. will call ya later…take care..” Rohit told Rahul and cut the Phone. “take care buddy..take care..” Rahul wished him well.Rohit sat down on his bench “I shouldn’t have done that to my best friend…” Rohit thought.Thankfully the bus came soon enough and he got into it.

Ramya sat down in the office staring into the computer screen.the computer screen showed her logged into 3 of her ids.The displayed one showed 12 emails from Rohit all with the subject with “I’m Sorry” not opened. “Ramya excuse me…” Harry called her from behind.Ramya
Looked back. “Oh sorry Harry..I was thinking something”Ramya told him. “ I couldn’t help notice that something is bothering you for a few weeks..and you are not putting your mind in the job..”Harry told her.
“Yes I know Harry, I’m going through some personal problems…”,Ramya replied without looking at him. “get hold of your self girl..you are one of the pillars of this company and you know it.
A lot of people are depending on you,Ramya and the stakes are very high.Maybe you should take rest for a while or so..just to bring back the
Energy you had.” Harry told her. “No Harry…I’m fine.you are right.The stakes are too high and lot of things are there to be taken care of.” Ramya said. “That’s it ..it’s settled then..”,Harry’s voice trailing as he walked to his cabin.Ramya selected all the 12 mails and deleted them.

It was yet another evening in dubai.“We will get back to you” was still ringing in Rohit’s ears.He checked his bank balance and he saw the diminishing resources.Almost all the money he had got selling Sorkut was spend on the New Firm and he had kept a little for himself. “One more month” He told himself. “One more month and you are Zero Rohit..”.Rohit thought of one offer he had got. “you can hardly survive for 2500 Dhs.But then,it is better than nothing right?”.No…let’s give it the whole month.It’s goin to be Something good or it would be nothing..”Rohit looked at his watch.He was in KMTrading Mall in Karama waiting for Shaukat to turn up.It was then that he heard a female voice calling his name.Rohit stood there shocked.It was Rose,his cousin.

Rohit and Rose sat down in the Food court. “Rohit I never expected you here…last I heard you were doing well with your firm and all…
And how’s Ramya? how is she?” Rose asked. “ Yeah that how things were..But I must say I’m surprised to see you here also.I thought you were in London..” Rohit asked Rose.Rose was lost in her thoughts for a moment and then continued. “Well Alex had some buisness deals here so we are here for three months..Staying in Karama.He will be back by 9.So till then I shop and walk around the mall.but you tell me,why are you here?”.Rohit was silent. “Listen Rohit, I know you are a guy you take it to your self.everybody has problems.but you need to face it.From the moment I saw you I could sense that something was wrong.and the best thing to do is to tell someone about it.and you know
You can trust me..” Rose told Rohit. “I know that Rose..” Rohit replied meekly.

Soon Rohit told her what had transversed in the past one month.

“I still don’t understand why you did all this,Rohit..” Rose said.
“Even now I don’t know why I did that Rose…when I realised that Maria was going to married to someone else,I just couldn’t accept it.Look I liked her very much at one time of my life and I could accept that she liked Lino,and I felt maybe he deserved her more than I did.But another guy? I just could nt picture it…So I wanted help them in anyway that was possible..I called up Lino in US telling the same.I realised that he too was in a helpless position with his studies and all. The only stupid idea that came into my mind was to go to Maria’s home and tell them I liked their daughter…”Rohit said.

“you could have told them that she liked Lino…” Rose quipped in.

“And then what would they feel about Lino? That would have made him look like a perfect loser.and then they would have said to mind my own buisness.Maria was still scared to break this to her parents.And I just let someone take her away from her love.. I thought by me saying that I liked her the present engagement would be broken.But I never thought that It would go to the extend of another engagement.From one hell to another.I tried to explain to my father but he wouldn’t listen.In desparation,I called Lino and told him the whole scenario.
He said that he would be there before the engagement.So I thought everything would be fine.Three days before the engagement I call him up and I realise that he has chicken Pox and was quaranteened.He was denied flight to India.There was nothing much I could do but get myself out of mess but get out of the country…and had the consolation that because of this mess nobody would take seek a proposal with her for a while..I know that was a mean thing to do and I’m really sorry for that ..god what a stupid idea!” Rohit struggled to keep his tears at bay and smiled.

“Maybe I would have done the same…I don’t know..but why do I feel that you like her so much,even now?” Rose asked him.

“I won’t deny that Rose,I won’t deny that,Pehla pyar is surely something different.The feeling the first person leaves in your heart would never be the same with anyone else.But if I had a choice between Maria and Ramya,it would be Ramya.No can replace her in my life..not even Maria.But I felt that Maria should be as lucky as I was..that’s why I wanted her to be with Lino…” Rohit stopped and then continued “Now I have lost everything… I lost what mattered to me the most..trying to help her ”.

“You tried to talk to Ramya after that?”Rose asked.

“I tried Rose,I tried…everyday I call her and she cuts the phone.I sent emails,Smses just to talk to her one time.today she finally picked up my phone.but then I realised that it was some Harry.He told me that she was busy in a meeting..and I have my own problems here…I’m desparately trying for a job here and nothing seems to work out.It’s almost like the whole world is coming down on me and there is nothing that I can do about it..there was a time when I thought that I was something in this world,but this experience sure has humbled me” Rohit said meekly.

“Everbody has problems in their life.A story with a happy ending is one
that hasn’t ended yet.that’s the way life is you know.. I might be very philosophical if I say face it and all…because I know how difficult it is ..” Rose stopped trying to get a grip on herself.

“I thought you were happy with your life,Rose”,Rohit said.

“I was happy..happy as heaven.But then you get the questions ..very painful questions.We were a happy couple until we realised that we had problem conceiving…every trip to India became more and more painful
all the relative wanted to know,friends everybody wanted to know whose problem it was… “when are you planning to have kids..?” even a very literate Keralite community doesn’t spare you that agony.It was then that me and Alex decided not to go India for a while…
Back in London we were goin through an array of tests and nothing seemed to work out.We would break into fights often on the sillest reasons and it was like our happy home slowly burning from inside.Alex lost his zeal in his because of all this and he would come really frustrated.”Rose stopped, sipped the soft drink and continued.
“We reached a stage where we had given up all hope.It was then that we decided to go for the last treatment.there was no hope nothing to expect but pray…both our parents were doing the same going to all the pilgrimage they could find,just to see their grand child.The treatment took a terrible toll on both of us and we had no one else but ourselves to cling to each other.I won’t lie to you Rohit, there was time I asked god what kind of justice is this? To make everybody happy, I married the person they told me to.Somehow I felt that if it was with him,there was some justification…” Rose looked away,lost in thoughts.

“I’m sorry I never knew about all this…” Rohit said in a regretably.

“Nothing that you need to say sorry Rohit, the point is that everybody has problems…but just let it go…move foreword in life..Life is all about moving forward whether it is khushi or gham..” Rose told him.

“I guess you are right…” Rohit nodded.Rohit’s mob rang and he excused himself and took the phone. “yes Shaukat..I’m here.ok.. I’ll
reach there in a minutes..wait for me..” and then he kept his mob.He looked at his watch it was almost 9. “Rose I need to get going now.i don’t know why It always feels really good to talk you.”Rohit told her.
“The feelings is mutual dear..” Rose smiled. “it’s almost 9.Will Alex pick you up? Or do you want to drop you home?”Rohit asked. “Actually
Alex’s meeting is on the third floor of this building.He thought that it was better that I stay close by at this time incase of any emergency..”.

“Oh my God!!” Rohit said shaking his head. “how could he miss that?”
he thought. “you are pregnant?!!!”

Rose just smiled.

Chapter 7:In Dubai……….#2
Soon Alex arrived and Rohit congratulated both of them. “So finally you are happy,huh?” Rohit asked Alex. “Yes Rohit we had our bad moments but now it doesn’t matter anymore.the ordeal is over.so when are you coming to our place?” Alex asked. “sure I will come…”,Rohit told them.

Rohit said goodbye to them.It wasafter a long time that he felt good.Maybe everything would turn out fine.He consoled himself.

Shaukat was standing there,looking very happy. “hey buddy you look very happy..any good news?”. “yes da..I’m getting married the next vacation..” Shaukat told him. “Oh my god! You? Of all the people ..hi hi
How did it happen?” Rohit asked surprised. “You remember that I liked somebody in Pre degree time? Well,we had no contact for four years,but for the last one year,we got quite close.” Shaukat continued.
“Last week a proposal came for her,and she said no.When they asked why she told them that she loved me.they did not take it at first,but then her uncle met up with my family and by god’s grace,everything is settled.it was decided that on my next vacation in India the nikah will happen..” Shaukat smiled. “Well this means a treat…I’m ..I’m really happy for you..” Rohit said as he hugged Shaukat. “Maybe I still have a chance…”Rohit thought.I’m so happy for shaukat.god..people do change…he sure is a far cry from what he was in college.

In the first year in college, the freshers were put into a house
which was actually converted a hostel.The men’s hostel were never the epitome of cleanliness and this was sure to top the list.A sense of shock reflected on the parents,but they all seemed resigned to fate.

Soon we all adjusted to it, and it was then that I met Shaukat.Shaukat was in another branch and I must say there was nothing special about him.All that was before the classes started.

Shaukat’s exploits soon rocked the freshman year.First it was the physics experiment.

The first year students had a physics lab of optics.Shaukat had reputation of not being that brilliant.But soon he proved that he was second to none.

It was the first year exam season.In his physics lab,he was given the experiment of spectrometer.It was a difficult experiment where he was to focus light onto a crystal and show the light spectrum.When he looked through the spectrometer, he realised that somebody had already set the bands to perfection.He neatly pulled the calculations he had written in his calculator and copied to his answer paper.The instructor who knew Shaukat very well was surprised.He smelled a rat.
So he went to him “Shaukat I know you were helped by some source..
You could not have done it yourself.be truthful and tell me what was the source…”.Shaukat looked at him and smiled “ Sir,It was light source..”.The instuctor was dumbfounded.

Another thing Shaukat was not good in was sadly,english.he used to have this rapidex book for that.This ‘quality’ lead to some good laughs.

One day Shaukat came running to us in total excitement. “Guess what? I think Lily has a crush on me…” “What ?Lily of all the people ? no way”
We told him. “believe it or not She said good morning to me..” “So what’s the big deal?” I asked. “you guys are jealous because she didn’t say that to you..” Shaukat said as he turned back.There was nothing that we could do to stop laughing.

Another day in Hostel someone sprayed a perfume into his mouth.He rushed to the doctor. “Doctor ..alchohol is injurious to health will I die?”.Obviously he had seen 0.05% alchohol content in the perfume bottle.

Then anything funny happened,It would be automatically assigned to him.soon he was the darling of all and his english became so much better.

It was on the third year that he had a crush on a girl in his class,he decided to propose her.He took his phone dialled her number.When she picked it up,He said “I love you” and cut the phone.Obviously that didn’t go well.

Rohit smiled. “Shaukat do you remember how you proposed Piya through phone?”. “Hey buddy what happened in college stays in college..you don’t have to bring it out here.”Shaukat told him embarassed. “I was just remembering all the fun we had in college..”
Rohit told him. “It was one heck of a time…” Shaukat remembered.
“hey ..Zax is coming to dubai ..”shaukat mentioned to Rohit.
“yeah I know ..he had mentioned that in the group mail..It would be nice to see him after such a long time.”Rohit replied. “hey Serin is going back to india in two days..” Shaukat remarked. “Yeah I know..
I’m planning to see her tomorrow” Rohit told him.

The next day, Rohit met Serin at City Centre Mall.They went and sat in Starbucks coffee shop. “It’s been such a long time huh?” Rohit remarked. “yeah da..it sure has been..” Sherin replied sipping her cup of coffee. “What happened Rohit?” Sherin asked. “leave it Sherin,just leave it..it’s too painful for me..I’m trying to forget everything ..trying to start a new life…actually I’m trying for a new job..” Rohit replied.
“ok Rohit that ‘s fine ..so how is your job hunt goin?” Sherin asked as she motioned the waitress for another cup of cupuccino.”well I must say I haven’t given up..let’s hope things will turn out fine..So tell me how are you” Rohit asked. “I’m fine yaar…the work does get hectic sometimes..but that actually keeps me occupied.Keeps my mind from other things.”Serin replied. “I guess I know what you mean …I guess that is what I’m trying myself…” Rohit told her. “This is so unlike you
Rohit..everybody was so shocked by what you did …” Serin exclaimed. “I just don’t know..Serin I just don’t know…maybe that was something that I had to go through your life…what about you?what are your plans”Rohit asked her.Serin looked away for a moment and then continued “Actually I will take things as it comes..that is the best I can do right now…Parents are going in full swing to find me a bridegroom and right now I have resigned my fate…”.
“You know that you two were a cute couple…It was so perfect..sometimes it felt too good to be true…I really felt bad when I realised that Jayant broke up with you…” Rohit told her.
“There was no break up Rohit…we felt that there was no way that it would work out…there was no way my parents were going to agree to the realtionship..” Serin stopped for a moment. “we decided to go separate ways..and for a while,I thought it was working out fine..but soon I realised that it was extremly difficult,Jayant felt the same…there was no way we would have separate lives..but right now we have no idea how it will turn out to be…”.

Rohit silently reflected on it. “I could only wish that I could say something to console you Serin..but I’m at loss of words…let’s hope the dude above us all has some bright ideas….leave it,yaar..just leave it all …give it some time..hey Zax will be here in two days…”

“yeah I know,but I will be leaving before that…” Serin told him. “Rohit
..I don’t want to be preachy..but I know if you follow your heart things will turn out fine…” Serin said as they both walked to the parking lot. “Thanks man…” Rohit replied.
“follow your heart…” Rohit thought.

Ramya paced across her room. “Maybe there was a reason for all this..He was never like this…maybe I should have given him a chance..
But then he could have told me right?he didn’t trust me on this,that’s why?..I don’t know..” All this thoughts kept racing in her mind, and her eyes fell on the mobile. “Maybe I should call him…give him a chance to explain?..but then does he deserve it? He was going to be engaged to his previous crush..how can I forgive him? But then he didn’t do it..was it because he loves me?…” Ramya took the phone and dialled. “Calling Rohit” flashed on the screen.It rang for a few minutes and then a female voice at the other end said “hello”. “Rohit?” Ramya asked.“I’m sorry Rohit is not here right now .”The voice replied. “May I know who is this?” Ramya asked. “This is Serin..who is this?” Serin asked. “Never mind..” Ramya said and cut the phone.

5 minutes before…
“oh my god..” Rohit said as he got up from the table. “Oh my god..what?..kya hua?” Serin asked. “I was so busy talking to you I forgot that I can’t drink coffee..gives me stomach problem..” Rohit said as he rushed to the restroom. “Rohit you left your mobile…” Serin told him. “Do you think I care right now..please answer if someone calls..” Rohit said as he rushed out.Serin smiled shaking her head. *****************************
Present time
Rohit couldn’t believe it.Why did she call at this moment of all the time in the world. “Who was it Rohit?”Serin asked.Rohit looked at her and that said it all. “Oh my god…it was Ramya,huh? I seriously hope that I haven’t put you in more trouble…” Serin said. “No Serin it doesn’t matter anymore…it doesn’t…” Rohit replied totally dejected. “Come,I ‘ll drop you home…”.

Rohit sat up on his cot trying to grip of things.there was no way that Ramya would respond to any of his pleadings.the hot june air blew inward into the small room which he had called home for the past month, he had began tp prespire,but he was too deep lost in his thought.He took his mob, dialled Ramya’s number.Soon she picked it up. “Rohit please don’t bother me anymore…I beg of you..” Ramya said and cut the phone. “Maybe this was the end of it,”Rohit thought. “but life has to move foreward..and I don’t just want to live my life ..i need to make something out of it…” There was a sense of determination when he thought about it and he was ready to do what was necessary.
Nothing mattered now more than a job and Rohit was ready to fight for it.

A week was spend going for interviews,giving resumes in all potential offices, calls were made to recruitment agencies, he applied to all internet sites just to get that ever elusive job.By that weekend Rohit was exhausted.He slumped down on the cot totally weak. “Maybe dubai’s not for me..”Rohit thought.In between Zax had come and he was with a job within a week.Rohit felt more and more weak.

So the next Saturday he sat down sipping his cup fo tea. “hey you allright buddy?” Shaukat asked as he was getting ready for work.
“I’m fine ..just wanted to the day off ..that’s all..” Rohit replied.
“yeah sure man..have a great day..” Shaukat headed to his office.
An hour later Rohit had dozed off.He jerked back to life when he heard his ringtone.He rushed to get it cleared his throat.It was Rahul.”hey buddy wassup?” he asked. “I’m fine”Rohit said as he tried to make sense of the surroundings. “how are you?” he asked. “listen I have some great news…you know that I had gone for the Director’s workshop..they were impressed by my work..one director has agreed to make me his assistant director…” Rahul said excitedly. “wow..that’s great news buddy…following your dream huh? That’s really great…I’m happy for you yaar…” Rohit told him. “yeah man…and what about you?how are things going for you there…you tried calling up Ramya?” Rahul asked.
“things are not so good here…I must say..still trying for a job and Ramya .please Rahul I’m trying to forget the whole thing…” Rohit went on to describe the things that had happened.

“you have really messed it up ..i must say” Rahul said. “yes thank you that was very comforting…” Rohit said angrily. “I’m sorry I never meant that way..but there will never be a girl as good as her in your life..so I think you should try harder..”Rahul remarked. “ seriously Rahul.. I don’t see this goin anywhere…let’s just forget about the whole thing ..ok? you tell me..you wil heading to chennai soon right?”
“yeah sure.. change the topic.. I will be heading to Chennai next week..let’s hope things turn out fine…chalo den ..i hope to see you soon” Rahul said. “yeah buddy…bye ..take care..” Rohit said as he kept the phone down.

It was that evening,that Rohit got a call. “ Can I speak to Rohit?” A female voice asked him. “Yes,this is Rohit..” He replied. “ Rohit I am calling from sergi tu group of companies…” She told him. “Sorry I didn’t get the name right..” He said. “It’s Serti too group, we are based in Emirates Tower in Sheik Zayed Road.You have an interview here tomorrow.you are to reach here by 9.Thank you”.and then she kept the phone.Rohit was not sure what he had heard as the name of the company. “anyways let’s give it a try..” He thought.

The next morning he was all set.He caught a taxi and reached the Emirates tower.He looked at the towering Twin towers.One was the office tower and the other was a hotel.He got into the 355 m office tower through the Boulevard.He called on the number that had called him earlier,and asked the company’s name.. “It’s the Sirty too group…”
She replied.Still it didn’t make sense. “Can you tell me the floor number..” Rohit asked in desparation. “it’s the 51st floor..” She replied.
Rohit thanked her and went to the company listing board.There on the 51st floor,the name of the company was written.It was 32 group.

Soon he reached the 51st floor.He was seated for a while.Then a philipino lady ushered him to a cabin.A lebanese lady in her mid forties was seated there. “Rohit I was just reviewing your resume.can you tell about yourself.” The Lady asked him.Soon he told her what his experience were and detailed on the work he was doing.

After an hour,It was over and the Lady smiled. “Thank you Rohit we will get back to you..”. “great! All this for nothing..” Rohit thought.
As he reached on to the road,he looked at the towering structure.
“I would have really loved to work here..” Rohit thought as he tried to look for a taxi.

Harry looked outside the office.It was rainy season in Kerala,the time when the whole place would be so wet and dark.But today it seemed so different.It was a sunny,but cool day a day which a hopeless romantic could love to covey his,err love.Harry always liked her.but just couldn’t
Say it out.He felt that she was one of the most beautiful girl in the world. “Maybe today I should tell her,” Harry thought for a moment.
“Maybe I should tell Ramya..”

Rohit sat on the chair looking at the newspaper. It was almost two days
Since the Emirates interview.His mob rang and he took it half heartedly. “This is from 32 group, you are to reach here at 3pm..thank you..”.Rohit looked at his watch.It was already 2 and it would take atleast an hour to get there.He got dressed quickly and reached the busstop.The bus to Emirates tower would atleast take another hour.
Rohit tried the taxi,but like always there wasn’t a one when you needed it the most.He tried for Lifts,but nothing happened.He was to call them and tell them that he wouldn’t be able to make it when a car stopped infront of him.It was Alex. “going somewhere..?” Alex smiled and asked.

Rohit soon thanked Alex and rushed into Emirates tower.He reached there in time.He met up the lady he had seen that day. “Rohit there are no vacancies in engineering position that you are trying for..” She paused,as if to take a breath. “however,we are developing our own client interaction site..something of a new concept…and I believe that you would be able to handle it..can you be incharge of the design,development,implementation and maintenance of the whole thing…are you game for that…?” She smiled and asked.

“yes..yes..” Rohit almost shouted.

“Rohit.. welcome to 32group..” She said as shook hands with him.

Chapter 8:On the Edge
Rohit sat down on the desk looking at the amazing view.Almost whole of dubai could be seen.It was now almost a month since he joined and he was enjoying every minute of it.The entire process requirement study was over,now he could start on the actual programming part.Though he never forgot Ramya,but he had resigned himself to fate in that issue. “this is life..” Rohit thought.
*********************************
Ramya’s mind wandered again,lost in thoughts.The window near her overlooked the clear sky.She thought about what Harry said. “Should she?” She questioned her mind. “what if He turns out like Rohit..?”
**********************************
The choking smoke of the cigarette brought Alex back to senses.Alex looked up and saw the “No Smoking”board staring at him.Shaking his head,he collected the butts and threw it in the thrash can. “this is not how I wanted it” Alex thought. “There was no time..”

A sudden rush of footsteps, a young man soaked in blood, a wailing middle aged woman zoomed past him.Alex felt nothing,as if he had lost his ability to react.A child kept crying somewhere and he felt very irritated.He tried to focus,but everything seemed distant.

The mobile rang.But he ignored it.Nothing mattered anymore.He felt his whole life amounting to nothing,but for this moment.After he had held her hand,this was the first time that he had let go.It was then he realised he was alone. “There was no time..” He kept repeating.

The mobile rang again and he ignored it again. It was almost an hour since she had gone,nobody had come out till now.A sudden vision clouded his mind,with the tick of the second needle somehow felt like
Blood dripping drop by drop,drop by drop.He closed his eyes trying to shake off the nightmare and he felt that the whole world was suddenly
By some cosmic curse stuffed into his head and now was prying it’s way out.

The silence of the hospital was suddenly disturbed by the heart felt cry of a woman.The cry of middle aged lady who had gone past him, told him that the young man didn’t make it for another day.

The mobile rang again and he had it.Alex’s hello sounded delirious,delusional.Somebody wanted to know where a particular

estimate was.Alex gave a plain no.Converstion continued till a few minutes and Alex shouted out “Do you think I fucking care?” and switched off his phone.Nothing mattered anymore and the only thing that mattered was behind a closed door,so far from him.A few of the people who were there looked at him for a moment and then continued with their busy life.

Alex sat down and tried to calm his nerves.When he looked he realised that another cigarette had found way between his fingers. “She used to hate this..” Alex remebered.He threw it away and tried to reconstruct the hour before this.

He was there sitting infront of the computer,reading through the buisness news int the website.Rose was there watching one of her favourite mallu reality shows. “Please I don’t want her to get this stupid habit..” Alex had told Rose in mock dismay. “So what do you want her to do ? read our stupid buisness news?” Rose had asked him then.And he had smiled and kissed her.He was reading about the diminishing dollar value when he heard her cry.

From there it was like a movie skipping frames-carrying her to the car-seeing the maktoum bridgesignboard-Rashid hospital-Nurses running-she being put in a strectcher-signing some papers-the door closed.In between were all black and blank memory spaces.There was no time
…. No time to say that he loved her.

He was so lost in his thought.He never realised the doctor standing infront of him,until he placed his hand on his shoulder.
****************************
Same day,Morning

“This is it,Rahul..this is your big day..” Mani,the producer told him.Rahul nodded in agreement. “I want this entire sequence to be shot by 3pm.The freaking hero told me that the best he can there.and
Shankar had to be sick today..but I believe he has placed this in safe hands….” “I assure you things will be fine…” Rahul replied. “I hope so…” the producer said as he walked back into the car.Rahul wiped his brow. “the big day..” Rahul thought.

Things happened quickly for Rahul.Within days of joining,he was helping the director and soon was the assistant director.Many had infact frowned at him,for sheer time that he achieved all this.There
Were people who had started three years back,who were still giving tea to the director and Rahul,with his sheer love to what he did was just one step short of stardom in a matter of months.And today would decide it all…his first chance for actually goin through with the direction,all by himself.If this would work out fine, he knew that he was not far from his dream to be a director.And today was it.

The shoot was supposed to start by 10 and wound up by 3.Rahul was there in the location by 8, just to get a feel of the place.He looked on the story board, worked,edited the minor details according to the place.

By 9.30 the crew had come.The equipments arrived soon.He briefed all the artists in the scene.

It was an action sequence. It involved a Car chase.There was a long stretch of road, which was parallel to a Lake.At the end of the stretch,the cars would crash and one of the cars would fall into the water.The whole thing was to be shot from a speed boat which would be moving along with the speeding cars.Rahul discussed the scene with the stunt director and made it clear how he wanted it.The stunt men,
Anwar and Sunil were ready.

Rahul,Camera man Sreenath and Stunt Director Vishnu got into the speedboat.Vishnu started the boat,raced it for a few seconds, and gave the thumbs up sign.Rahul viewed the scene,checked the Stunt men.Both Anwar and Sunil showed they were all set.The whole crew’s
Eyes shifted to Rahul in anticipation.Now it was all upto him, now it was time to say the magic word.Something that he had dreamed for a long time. “Start…Camera..ACTION!!”

The cars started to take speed.The speed boat synchronised with them
And soon things were on the roll.The shot was going just as planned.
“Perfect” Rahul thought as he neared the end of the sequence.

But he spoke too soon.The stunt driver Sunil who was behind, made a miscalculation on the crash and rammed on the car infront of him.Anwar was taken off guard, and he steered it into the Lake.Stunt director Vishnu saw the car heading to a one on one collision with the
Speed boat and swevered to avoid it,but he couldn’t.The car hit the rim of the boat, the three people were thrown overboard and splashed hard into the water.

Rahul hit the water face first,and it took time for him to realise what had happened.He saw a hand up in the water and knew it was Vishnu
He swam across with his head writhing in pain,reached for the hand.
He missed it a few times,but then finally got hold of him.Rahul dragged the lifeless like body to the spot boy who had jumped to help . “Everyone ok?” Rahul asked. “ Sreenath is fine..but anwar..” he replied. Rahul handed Vishnu to the guy and went back to get Anwar.
His head was still exploding,but he continued to swim to the position where he thought he had seen the car submerge.He had just seen the car in the dirty lake water,when he blacked out.

Rahul body lay there swinging slowly in the waterbed.In His not so water proof timex watch, the second hand which was at 5 completed two revolutions and then finally stopped at 4 before the water clogged in completely.
*************************************
Ramya had made her decision. “Just because someone did it wrong, we shouldn’t judge all people and I have known Harry for long…” She thought.She walked into Harry’s room.He looked at her in anticipation,
Trying to understand her thoughts.

Ramya smiled and said “Yes Harry, I will…”.
******************************
Rohit had just completed his work.He packed his bag and was about to go when the mob rang. He picked it up. “What? When? Oh my god…I’ll be right there…” and then kept the phone.

Three hours later Rohit was sitting on the plane to India, his eyes moist and head hung low.

Chapter 9:A Mixed Friday
Rohit walked past the gates, towards the cemetery.A hoard of crosses greeted him, a place of forgotten people, with thick grass and wild yellow flowers.A considerable crowd had already gathered near the freshly dug grave and had began their wait in the hot kerala summer.

The wait was over soon,with the coffin brought to the cemetary.It was opened for the last time.It brought a new sense of fragrance and freshness of flowers,giving a sharp contrast to the surroundings like a sense of hope in a place of lost souls.Rohit looked at the lifeless body,and somewhere he knew that his eyes were moist and his heart was crying.It was like an angel lying in a bed of flowers, the heart wanted to say, but the ever practical brain told him that it was a flower that withered before it blossomed.

A stray butterfly flew from somewhere flapped around the gathered people for a while before resting on the cheek.A lot of people looked in awe.It was there for a few moments and then it flew away,like an angel who had come to lead the soul to heaven.

The priest had peformed the prayers and soon closed his book.The lid of the coffin was placed and slowly it was lowered six feet,into the grave.The priest bend down,grabbed a fist of earth, and threw it on to the coffin.Soon everyone followed,one by one,circling the grave.Rohit stood there for his turn,took a handful and gently slipped it on the coffin and moved forward.

The undertakers took over, with their shovels and continued pouring
Earth into the grave until it was completely filled.A relative took a rose and placed it on the head section.Most of them had already left offering their condolense and the same calm associated with the cemetery soon took over.All had left.Except for Alex.

Rohit stood there for a while and then moved towards him. “Alex ..” Rohit called him softly.Alex turned, and gave a weak smile, a smile which showd a lot of pain.The eyes were red shot, the dark cirlces..
Alex looked a mess. “ I’m sorry Alex…” Rohit said desparately trying to find words to console him.

Alex turned and wiped his tear contours and gave a smile “I’m not sorry Rohit…and you shouldn’t be either..this was the way it was meant to be..god gave and he took it back…what else can I say? I did whatever I could …I’m thankful that it happened this way…other wise It would have impossible for me to live in this world..”

“how is she now?” Rohit asked. “Rose is fine.All the travel was too much for her.We had to give her a sleeping injection…and I didn’t want her to here now…I’m happy that I still have her,Rohit.Outside the Operation theater,there was only one thought in my mind,what will happen if she could not make it?My life would never be the same, she is my life Rohit,and I couldn’t let anything happen to her.When the doctor told me that her life was in danger, and It would be very difficult to save both Rose and the baby,I didn’t think for a second, I said that I want my Rose back.It was almost selfish Rohit and the guilt will always haunt me..but I think I had to do what I had to do…” Alex broke down.

Rohit hugged him “It’s ok,Alex,I guess I would do the same…take it easy…you need to strong..Rose has a long way to recovery,both physically and emotionally and you should be there always and I know you will be there for her.I know you guys wanted this child more than anything,but this isnt the end? Is it? Life moves on..”

Rohit took Alex to the car.The plaque by then had arrived. “Annie Rose Alex Born:20-6-2007 Died:20-6-2007” down below it was written
“An angel so precious that god couldn’t let go from heaven”

The driver took Alex back to Rose.Rohit was finishing the final formalities when when a familiar voice called him from behind.He turned and saw his Mom and Dad. “Rohit come with us..” Dad told him.Rohit finished the work and then went with his parents back home.

Rohit felt great to be back home after such a long time.Nothing had changed, his room, his bed,nothing.He lay there on the bed for a while,
Thinking how his life had changed.The parents left him alone,but he knew that soon he would have to face the music.

In the evening,Rohit told them what had happened for the past two months in his life. “that was very bad of you,Rohit making us look like fools..you had made the decision and then you just left us like that..
What were we supposed to tell Maria’s parents..? do you know how they reacted when they broke the news? And our relatives? What kind of opinion they would have about you know?” Dad asked.

“Dad I’m really sorry.At that time this was the only way I could think of..Like I said she liked someone I just wanted them to be together..”
Rohit told his Dad.

“At what cost Rohit? You put us both in shame, ruined your life and in the end what did you gain..” Mom quipped.

“I know there was no gain.but a small sense of satisfaction that I tried to help them out my way.It didn’t work out and I’m sorry about it.What do you want me to do? Go tell Maria’s family that I’m sorry?”Rohit questioned his mom.

“That is out of question,Rohit..they might bash you up if you go there now..i would have done the same if somebody tried to play with my daughter life..what’s done is done..we are only glad that we have our prodigal son back…” Dad said as he hugged Rohit.

“Thanks Dad…I really missed you both…” Rohit said as he hugged both of them.

“Things are coming back to normal..maybe Ramya will also..” Rohit thought as he sat on his favourite chair. “but then why should she? She has all the reasons to hate me…I guess I just have to admit that I lost my love… again..but there wouldn’t be anyone else who could take her place in my life…Rohit tera pyar ki kahani ends here…” Rohit thought as he looked through the coffee table.An edition of ‘Week’ with the title
“young entreprenurs of india”.It was not the title that caught his attention,it was the picture on the cover that got his attention.On the cover was Sujith’s Picture holding an award.

He read through the magazine and smiled. “Oh my god Sujith!! How much he had changed from his college life..” Rohit thought.

He remembered how a half Mallu half hyderabadi had joined the college with his broken Malayalam and an English with the northie accent.He was called Jero simpy because that’s how he said Zero.

Sujith was different that anyone else.The seniors liked him, the juniors adored him and used to stand his lengthy lectures.All this happened before the Fresher Ragging in hostel.That day all the juniors including Rohit were called out.The whole freshers were subjected to simple and fun ragging,where a guy was aked wear his underwear over his pants and his towel tied in his back and asked to fly through the corridors of the hostel.Rohit was asked to swim in the imaginary sea,looking out for the waves and Sharks..!! another unlucky fellow was to make imaginary tea while riding on an imaginary bicycle.

But when the seniors saw Sujith with his language and style,they decided they would do something different.He was asked to climb on the top of the concrete cabinet, and was asked to sit in a sage like position.Then the whole freshmen were called upon and made to stand in a line.Then each one of them would climb the cabinet touch his nose and get his blessings and return.Sujith sat there till the last freshman prostrated infront of him.

Soon after this incident he became one of the most known guy in college.Rohit and Sujith were good friends and when Rohit decided to work on the Sorkut project,Sujith had quit his job in Hyderabad to join him and after were jointly running the It company they had set up.

Now it was this guy who had won the young entreprenuer award.
Rohit felt good that Sujith got this and seriously wished that he was here then. “Well that’s life..” Rohit thought.

Rahul was thinking about this,when the phone rang.It was Rahul.
“Hi buddy,how are you? I tried calling you up when I reached here.your phone was always switched off.What happened?” Rohit asked.
Rahul told him the whole story. “Oh my god..!! then?” Rohit couldn’t believe his ears. “well I guess I was there for a long time…the stunt man anwar had seen me coming near the car,but he was stuck in his seat.He tried to budge away,finally he was able to do so.He informed others about my location,thank god there was no currents as such,or I could have been swept away..so they found me…I had a lot of water in my stomach,but now I’m quite fine…” Rahul told him. “I’m so sorry buddy I never knew all this…” . “It’s fine yaar..I never told anybody about this not even to my parents…but I tell you..it is almost like life has offered me a second chance…I want to do something about it..I quit the director idea..” Rahul said. “you what? You quit the whole idea…?”rohit asked surprised.

“yes..as lay in the bottom of the lake,I realised nothing mattered…what is this life for huh? You live it…maybe it would be better if we could make the people who love us happy…that only counts..you can have your own selfish existence, but in the end you tend to gain nothing..I’m going back to dubai..get a job there…settle down…maybe that would give my mom and dad something to be happy…”Rahul said.

“Well I’m glad that you feel that way..yaar…so I guess I have to tolerate you again…in dubai..” Rohit joked.

“Rohit I need to tell you something…Life just gave me a second chance ..and I want to tell you this…I think Ramya was your second chance in love…and I think you are throwing it away..” Rahul remarked.

Rohit remained silent. “ She was all that you had imagined she would be … and then you just walked away from the whole thing…you never even tried…” “Never even tried…? That what you think ? Rahul I tried..but right now I think it just too far away from my reach.there is no way of reconciliation…now nothing matters..I think the dream had to end somewhere…” Rohit sighed.

“Snap out of it…this is no dream,this is your freaking life and I must say that you have screwed it big time…nothing is lost..you just need to face the truth,face her.cry,beg,plead but get Ramya back to your life..”
Rahul said.

“you know that I cannot do that…that isnt me..leave it Rahul,leave it..
it’s all over…” Rohit said.

“Godammit man..you are so fucking stubborn..anyways I tried…rest is upto you…so when are going to Dubai..?” Rahul asked.
“I will be goin on Friday…and you?” Rohit asked. “Dad said in two weeks..So will see you there..” Rahul said. “Ok then buddy…see ya there.. bye” and Rohit kept the phone.

Rohit sat down thinking about it. “Is it that I’m being stubborn? Cmon
I tried everything to talk to her and she just won’t listen..and I know her..this is not goin to work out…”

Three days later,Rohit had packed his bag,all set to return to Dubai.
“why do you have to go so fast? You can surely stay for another week?”
his mom asked. “No mom I can’t..lot of work to finish there..that’s why” Rohit told his mother.

Rohit was thinking about what else he should take when the bell rang.
After a while he heard the door being opened,and mom came to his door. “there’s someone to see you..” she said. Rohit got up and went near the door “Oh my god…” Rohit stood stunned.

It was Manya and Aravind.

Manya was Rohit’s best friend from school days.It was during Manya’s and Aravind’s Marriage that he had met Ramya.both of them were Software professionals and had been assigned to the on shore duty in U.S.

“This sure is a surprise…” Rohit said awkwardly. “I know that ..stupid fellow…you need to do a lot of explaning…you didn’t both to call us after we left for U.S ..we tried to call you..and when I called Ramya she told me that you had yourself engaged with Maria..and then dissappeared to Dubai…Rohit…what is this yaar..?” Manya asked Rohit.

Rohit told her what had happened. “So that’s it…? You are just going leave it like that…? No way buddy..Ramya is too dear to me…you can’t just leave her like that…we are going to see her now…whether you like It or not…I have called her up,she will be there in Nehru park by 5..we will all go and finish this stupid issue for ever..”

“No I can’t Manya..I just can’t take a no from her…and I can’t blame her for that…she means the world to me..right now I have a dream that somehow things will turn out fine…that thought is enough for me…”
Rohit replied.

“why are you acting like a total majnu type huh? Arey..you guys been together for such a long time..and you know Ramya..and I know her..
just get over with it…ok? So are you ready?” Manya asked.

“Cmon buddy…you are a good guy..and I’m sure Ramya will understand…you just need to speak to her and I’m sure you will do fine..” Aravind replied.
“yeah I guess so…” Rohit replied looking outside the window.

“Actually there is one more person who had come to see you now..”Manya remarked. Rohit looked outside “No….”
Sujith came and hugged him. “Son of a bitch..you just pack the bag and go to Dubai sending a email that I run a company…? You know how hard it was for me…” Sujith remarked.

“So what ? I knew you would do good…Mr. young entreprenuer..” Rohit smiled. “I’m sorry yaar…I just left you like that…you know how things came about here…it was like I just shutdown my brain…” he said.

“you sure did..asshole..so tell me what were you doing Dubai..” Sujith asked. Rohit detailed what he was doing. “well my purpose of visit was not personal but buisness..I want you back in the company…”

Rohit sighed. “I’m sorry yaar…I just took the job there…I just can’t leave it like that…and I must say that I’m getting the hang of Dubai life..”

“that exactly is my point …I want you setup a branch in dubai.. I want you do the feasibilty study..and after the job there is over,you ca join back in our company.what say?” Sujith asked.

“Oh my god..it’s too good to be true..” Rohit said as he hugged Sujith again.

“Ahem.. I think you have heard enough happy news..cmon let go and see Ramya..” Manya told Rohit.

As they were driving Rohit said to Manya “Thanks dear..I just feared to face her…I just get a good feeling about this..maybe things will work out fine..” “it sure will dear..trust me..” Manya said to him.

Nehru park was situated in the middle of the town, with it’s neatly laid down benches and a beautiful fountain.Kids ran helter skelter around the place, playing around,as their parents watched.It was the place Rohit used to play when he was a kid and the memories came back.He looked at the fishes in the fountain and remembered how he had thrown nuts to feed the fish and how he had tried to catch one of them,with his hand and when he did,he was so shocked that he threw it back into the water.

Rohit,Manya,Aravind and Sujith kept walking through the garden. “Where is she?” Manya wondered as she dialled her number.Rohit
Was walking with Aravind asking about his life in U.S,when he saw her
Ramya there sitting in one corner bench,with another guy.He froze in his path.He could see her picking her cell phone and then looking in Rohit’s direction.She looked at him for few seconds and then talked with the other guy and both of them started to walk towards him.

“that’s Harry..the guy who works with Ramya …” Manya whispered to Rohit.Manya hugged Ramya.Ramya said “hi” to Aravind and Sujith.she just looked at Rohit and didn’t say anything. “and this is harry who works with me in the office and soon we are goin to related…” Ramya smiled and said as she introduced everyone to Harry. Rohit stood there thunderstruck.Harry said “Hi” to everyone and shook hands.when He shook hands with Rohit gave him a cold stare.but Harry didn’t seem to bother.

Rohit just took Ramya’s hand and said to her. “I need to talk to you…now…alone…”.Ramya looked into Rohit’s eyes freed her hand and said “ whatever you have to say you can say it here..”

“Alright..” Rohit said.He told her all that had happened in the past three months. “I’m really sorry that I put you in this position..I still love you…but I know it was my mistake..maybe I should have talked to you when I had a chance…now it doesn’t matter anymore…I guess nothing matters anymore..some dreams never come true and some dreams you just see slipping through your hand and there’s nothing that anybody can do about it…I think you made the right choice…best of luck..to both of you” Rohit said looking at Harry and Ramya.

“yes thank you very much” Ramya replied.

Rohit turned and started to walk back to the entrance of the park.

“Oh,C’mon Ramya enough torturing him…” Manya smiled.

Rohit turned back to face everybody.they were all laughing.And Rohit felt dumb. “Rohit,Harry is in love with Ramya’s Sis.He liked her for a long time…but didn’t know how to tell it..so he asked Ramya to help him..and things are quite straightened out….not the way you think..ok?” Manya said.

“that means that you guys knew about it..?” Rohit couldn’t believe it.

“Yeah we knew…we knew we had to give you a shock to get you talking…and I think it worked…did it?” Sujith said as he looked at Ramya.

“Man..from the stare ..I knew you wanted to kill me…” Harry said to Rohit. “I’m sorry..” Rohit said embarassed.

“Maybe it would be good that we give the love birds some free space to talk…C’mon guys …” Aravind motioned everyone.

Rohit and Ramya sat on the bench overlooking the fountain.
I’m..” both said simultaneously.both them looked at each other’s eyes and smiled. “I’m sorry Rohit ..maybe I should have given you time to explain everthing…but you know how hard it would be for a girl to know that the guy she loves is engaged to someone else…”Ramya said.
“I know.. I’m sorry that I put you in this terrible mess…I should have talked to you..but then I didn’t know how you would react…especially in Maria’s case.. but I know I made a mistake in not trusting you” Rohit
said. “I should say I don’t know how I would have reacted…but it’s over.. I’m glad that it is over…I really missed you Rohit…” She said.
“I missed you more than anything…but then I thought. I lost you..forever..It was like I just wanted to live my life…I love you like hell dear…” and then they hugged each other.

Manya,Aravind,Sujith and Harry popped up and then gave an “Ahem..”

“So this was the free space…huh?” Rohit asked jokingly.Rohit turned to Ramya.. “now that my life and company is back…I would like to do something…” Rohit kneeled on one knee,took Ramya’s hand and said
“Ramya will you merge our two companies into one? I even have a good name… Unitree..what do you think…?” “What? You …” Ramya
said as she took her bag to whack Rohit. “He and his stupid jokes…”
Manya said shaking her head.

After running around for a while,Rohit “hey ..I’m sorry…ok..hey Ramya…will you marry me?” he said as stood on his knees with pleading hands. Ramya looked around for a while as if not interested and then said “ only on one condition…” “What is that?” Rohit asked
“you will not sing while on bike…” She said. “Nahee…..” Rohit said in mock disbelief and then he smiled “Anything to have you by my side…”Rohit said as he hugged her again showing the crossed fingers to the rest of the gang.

Then Suddenly Ramya released her hand. “What happened ?”Rohit asked as he looked behind.

Standing behind him was Maria.

Epilogue:12 Years later…

“So what did Treasa say to you?” Maria asked Rohit. “When? In mission impossible?…yeah right..she gave me a lengthy lecture on focussing on the studies..so typical of her..I told her it was all a joke..
and I think it took time for her to sink it in…though we were good friends…” Rohit told her.

“where is she now?” Maria asked him. “It’s been a long time now..last I remember she had married.A guy called Roy,a kottayam dude,both them working in U.S..living happily” Rohit said as he read the newspaper.

“Tell me how did you get married to mom?” Maria asked. “you naughty devil…if I tell it all,what will I tell you when you are 20?” Rohit told her
smiling.

“What is this Rohit? You call up 30 guests and you daughter and father are sitting there telling old stories…” Ramya came into the room,dressed in an elegant pink saree with embroidery.

“She wants to hear this now…3 years later she will be telling me to stop telling flashbacks…I know it because I did the same…and why are you worried? All things are taken care of..the hall has been booked in grand hyatt…catering is all taken care of..and the cab service will bring everyone to the hotel..what else is there to be done,eh?” Rohit asked Ramya.

“Arey atleast you can go to the hotel and check the arrangements..call up and check whether everyone is coming…you have no concern..just leaving like that…thinking that everything will be fine..you will not change…” Ramya said shaking her head.

“hey living 12 years with me and you know that I don’t change much..but even then you have to crib” Rohit told her.
“Mom,Dad no fighting today ok? Guys it’s your wedding anniversary today…?” Maria told them.

“I don’t know anything you just do it the way you like it..” Ramya said as she moved to another room.

“Why do you always chidaofy mom?” Maria asked Rohit.
“Hi hi…I love her too much…”Rohit said laughing.“So tell me na… how did you meet mom?” Maria asked him.

Rohit told her all that had happened. “Maria was there? Then what happened?” “when I saw her I was totally speechless…I thought I had messed up her life and didn’t know how she will react..your mom was
Also speechless..I felt I was at a crossroad..with your mom and Maria on either side…all this was before she spoke…” Rohit said.
***********************************
Maria looked at Rohit and smiled “ Hi Rohit..” and then turned to Ramya and said “ hi..”.Rohit replied with a weak “hi”. “Maria..I’m sorry that …” Rohit had just began when Maria interrupted. “There is nothing to be sorry..I know that you were trying to help me though it back fired badly…and you almost ruined your life in this process….I had my issues with parents you know..I realised that this wouldnt have happened if I had been opened up with them..and that was what I did..
It was not easy for them to digest it..but I guess I could get the message through..” Maria then turned to Ramya “I’m sorry that you had to go through a lot yourself..but trust me I had nothing to do with it..but Rohit never meant any harm…he is too for that…”.Ramya smiled and nodded. “How’s Lino ?” Rohit asked. “He’s doing fine..he will be coming this week..they have sem closure holidays..so he will be here in month..he is planning to convince his parents and is planning to show up…” Maria smiled.

“I’m happy that things have turned out fine for you..Maria,it was a stupid thing that I did,but I think now that things are all fine..I promise that I would come and apologise to your parents…finally things have settled..one hell of a Friday this has turned out to be” Rohit sighed a heave of relief.

“I’m happy for you Rohit..my cousins had popped up and I’m just showing them the city..go to go now…bye…” Maria said waving goodbye to all of them.

“hey when are you two going to call us for a wedding reception?” Rohit asked Maria as she was going.

“you both tell me …” Maria asked looking Rohit and Ramya.Rohit put his arm around Ramya and said “pretty soon…pretty soon…”.

*****************************
“Wow…you guys had one hell of a life..” Maria said. “yes,but don’t try to repeat it ok?” Rohit said pulling her ear.

“both of you..Atleast get dressed now…you will be late..” Ramya said pointing at the watch.

“Dad what about my name…whose idea was that…?” Maria asked. “well you won’t believe it…that was your moms..” “what? Mom’s idea..” Maria asked. “So that I could have the two girls I love the most in this world…” Rohit said as he kissed Maria.

“Dad… you are one hell of a lucky dude…” Maria exclaimed.
“I know..” Rohit smiled.
“Are we going or not?” Ramya asked in frustration.
******************************
Rohit and Ramya walked into the hall, the guests had just started coming in and they greeted them as they came.The hall was decorated well, and buffet was set.

Zax and his family was the first to come. “It’s so good to see you man..”Rohit said as he hugged him. “Me too…Congrats buddy..”
Zax told him.
Rohit took the mob and dialled. “Where are you? Fucker you are already late…” “I’m coming yaar..you know the freaking traffic here…”
Rahul replied. “Just come fast ok?” Rohit replied.

As He kept the phone, He heard a “hi..” He looked up and saw Rose and Alex. “I’m glad you could make it….” Rohit smiled. “where are they?” Rohit asked. “They are very shy..” Alex said and called out “Oh c’mon guys…”.Two identical boys stepped in. “hi Joel and Josh …” Rohit told shaking hands with them. “they look like you rose…” Rohit said as he turned to Rose. “Hey c’mon give some credit to me guys…”Alex said smiling. “Ofcourse…” Rohit said and everybody laughed.

Soon the hall was filled.20 of the hooligans could make it and rest included Rahul,Alex,Rose,sujith,Manya,Aravind,Shuakat and his family and some relative.

Rohit took a glass of champagne,had a sip and then asked Ramya for a dance….She didn’t oblige first,but then after much coaxing from Maria,
Agreed as others cheered.

Rohit took her in his arms, “you still look so damn beautiful..” Rohit said. “That’s because you are drunk…” She replied. “I love you…” he said. “Tell me something new…”She replied.

“God…This is life…” Rohit smiled.

The END