Emotions (Part 1 - Affection)

Congratulations Gupta, It’s a baby boy…

Oh thank you doctor.. thank you very much, how is she… ?

She is fit enough to join you for the next month most anticipated movie release “Bobby”… haha…

Oh..Doctor DZousa, you have made my life meaningful, how will I repay my debt?

You repay by making your son a worthy human being, one who knows to love fellow beings… God Bless you my Child… Go and see your diamonds inside... (Winkles)

**

Can you buy these items while coming back from office in the evening?

Can’t we buy this next week; I would have my salary by that time…

No, this is for our baby, we can’t postpone… please arrange for it...

Hmm, okay... can you talk to your uncle and see if they can take care of our child this Saturday ?

Why.. what happened?

Entire town is talking about the movie “Bobby”… Dimple is just awesome, so does the new kid in the block Rishi…

I can’t allow my kid to be in Uncle’s house for our enjoyment… we have to change…

Oh Amit ki Maa, we are going to be away from him for just 3-4 hours... I am not calling you for movie every week, it’s just that I want to spend some time with you and make you happy as well…

I’m happy at home with Amit… please understand... you just told me to postpone buying some items for our Amit, because you are running short of money.. and now you want to watch movie in the weekend..

So what you want me to do? Forego all enjoyment just because we have a baby now...?

What is enjoyment? For me you and Amit with me is the enjoyment... I would be happier if this Saturday is spent at home playing with Amit and with his father too... (Winkles)

**

Deepa, where is Amit?

Just now Amit slept...

Oh, have you prepared for the dinner?

No, not yet, Just now planning to go to Kitchen to start the work, and you have come…. Wait, I’ll get you a coffee…

No, Deepa, come here…

Oh... leave me, what is this? Leave me... I have work... Amit will wake up…

Nothing, he will not wake up, he is my son, he knows the needs of his father… and no hurry to prepare Dinner, and we will have it outside, first let’s spend some time inside…

On no, please leave me... I have work...

Deepa, come on...

Sorry, I really don’t have any interest on it anymore… let’s concentrate on Amit… let’s not get distracted… and moreover with your earnings, I think we will be able to give good education and living for Amit, if he doesn’t have someone to share it…

You have spoiled my mood Deepa…

Yes, I did... for Amit… (Winkles)

The End

(to be contd..if mood permits)

**

Mrs.Venkat

I have one good news Venkat... guess what?

Any clue ?

Something which will make you jump out from your bed..

Don’t tell me you are going to be a mother again? We played it safe last time...

Grow up Venkat? When will you stop your crap..

Ok, ok.. just kidding.. tell me what it is.. ?

I got the contact number of Nisha..

Wow.. really… I can’t believe it.. how could you manage to do it…?

I am your wife sir... atleast I should have half your talents right...

Eh.. I’m serious.. how could you able to get her contact.. I didn’t have chance to reach her even since she quit her job..

I know.. you were more interested to brood over your past memories with her rather than to be in touch..

Ya… it’s not the same right.. you can just a pull a joke at the blink of eye during the days you were together, and when you got separated, you just don’t get a word to speak..

Ok, ok, now don’t talk philosophies… you want me to dial her number so that you can speak ?

Ya.. I will, but first let me talk to you for some time..

You are eating my brains since morning..What is that you want to talk to me now? ..

Sweet nothings ?

Ah.. ha… very funny Venkat… trying to be romantic.. Ah!

Why.. Mrs. Venkat has any problems with that?

You are no.1 flirt da..

Why do you say that? Because I asked you to get me the contact details of my inspirational ladies in my life with whom I lost contact?

No, Becasue I know why you wanted me to search their whereabouts now..

Why, tell me?

You were concerned… right ?

Hmm.. Yeah... I am concerned... I am concerned... I wanted to know the news of their happiness as well. I want to hear that they are happy somewhere in this world…

You know.. Nisha is in Australia now with her daughter & husband.. Her daughter has got some merit to practice in the top Cancer Medical Institute there, she has just gone to see her..

Oh is it? Wow… Her daughter is one genius.. let me tell you… I could remember her face even now when I last saw her.. as a child… Quite a long time… Ah.. some memories don’t die so soon..

Yes.. like my life with you..

Oh, now who is acting romantic here.. Mrs. Venkat ?

No body can beat you sir on that..

Hahah.. thanks for the credit.. so do you think Nisha would still remember me ?

Hmm.. I think yes, in few minutes, she can remember you.. ?

How are you so sure on that ?

She must not have met lot many crazy creatures like you in her life…so it is easy to recollect for her!

Shut up!... so what is the status of others ?

Hello! Finding the whereabouts of one person itself took my brain out.. there are still some 8 to 9 odd people.. give me some time.. I would get you.. But I am sure to find Aradhana details by today evening, got some clue through facebook..

Oh.. you have now become internet savy, all the years, you never looked at that…

What to do ? all fate…

You are cursing me.. ?

Do I have the option?

No, even if you have, I wont leave you..

Tell me, out of 9 people whom you wished to know their whereabouts, 7 are girls… you seem to have lot of interest on woman than men .. Why is it so?

It is just a coincidence da...

Tell this story to someone who is outside... not to me..

No really.. believe me.. Anything that is spontaneous, simple , natural & life interest me? Those were abundance in the list of people I gave you...

Oh.. Oh.. that’s the reason why you still curious to know their whereabouts… ?

You can’t say it is just a curiosity.. don’t you try to call our son daily to check if he is alright and had food at the right time?

Yes I do...

Can you describe the feeling that you get when you are not able to reach him after dialing his number couple of times..?

Quite difficult…

Can you describe your feelings, when he calls you after a long time with utmost happiness to share any good news… ?

It’s a feeling of transcend

Mine is mix of all these Mrs. Venkat… I can’t really explain... It’s the concern that I want to know about them... the people who made me to feel… the people who made me feel important and who made me to realize myself...

Hmm… what if I have rejected your request?

You could have, but I know you won’t...

Why?

Because you know, it’s with you I was transparent completely 100% all these years… one can’t be in that state until he trust & love somebody so completely… So how can you ignore one request if it's coming through the words of love ?

Words.. let me tell you.. it’s all you have to take my heart away..

Boyzone..

Words don’t come easily…

Again boyzone..

Ok, I’m going…

Eh.. eh.. wait.. please be here for some more time na..

It’s getting late for me, you better talk to Nisha and then go to sleep…

I will talk to her tomorrow early morning, not today.. want to talk to you for some more time…

Oh god, you are spoiling my sleep today… you are talking to me since morning dear… with great difficulty I got Nisha phone number and you keep talking to me, instead of dialing her number..

Hahah..

Don’t laugh, I am more curious to know what you both would talk after such a long gap..

Oh ho.. its’ a secret, I will call her after you leave the place, it’s between us…

Hello Mr… I will delete the number right away, if you don’t allow me to stay when you talk to Nisha or Aradhana, or others in the list..

Oh god.. I am scared..

You .. scared!!!.. that too with me.. forget it..

Hahah.. Frankly, you do scare me with the utmost love and faith you have in me Mrs. Venkat.. every time you do that to me, I feel I should be even more responsible & truthful to you and our family..

It’s all that I could do for you right... Venkat... tell me one thing... Are you really happy being with me... ? Did I ever made you feel that … oh god.. why the hell I married her... kind of thought ? Please be honest ah..

Its’ very difficult to tell..

Why?

Because I lost count of it… hehehe

Ok, I’m leaving, you talk to your Nisha, bisha… I’m going..

Eh, eh, please... please… k, let me think.. hmm. .your first question, Am I really happy being with you.. ? Yes.. I do.. I enjoy and rejoince each and every moment I am with you da.. Every time the night comes when you go to sleep, I just feel, can’t it come little late, so that I can spend more being with you…

I would really appreciate, if you can stop flirting and speak the reality..

Oh god, what else you expect me to say.. this is the problem with you girls, if we speak the truth with over emotions, you feel we are flirting & if we keep quiet, you think men are not appreciative…

How can in the earth you expect women to believe your words, if you talk filmy dialogues for simple questions…

Ok, I have answered your first question, whether to believe it or not is your problem, not mine.. let me come to your next question.. what is that?

Enough, I can’t handle it, your first answer is enough…

So, if you are satisfied with my answer, can we go for THAT?

Go for what ?

You know.. What I mean… Darling.. Our son wanted a sister for a long time..

Oh sure, I know what you mean? let's do THAT right away..

Oh god.. you are faster than me… for the moment, just a kiss would do darling… the rest we will see tomorrow..

Haha.. Ok Venkat.. here it’s coming.. hot kisses for my Venkat.. Good Night..

Good Night..

(Next Day)

Hello, Am I speaking with Mrs. Venkat ?

Yes..

Your husband Mr. Venkat was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of Heart Disease last Monday, His age is 72. Am I right Mrs. Venkat?

Yes, right, what happened?

Sorry to say Mrs. Venkat, he is no more…

Oh.. No… Did he suffer before dying ?

No Mrs. Venkat, he died during his sleep... you were the last whom he was talking with before he went to sleep.. We tried too...

… …

Hello.. hello Mrs. Venkat..

… …

Mrs. Venkat, could you please come to our hospital and do the remaining formalities and pay the hospital fees… hello?

… …

(Oh Venkat, I know it is coming.. but not so soon.. can’t you have stayed for one more day for me.. can't I see you talking to your old friends & feel happy about that.. You promised that we would do THAT today na.. When will you start keeping up your promises Venkat!… you irresponsible idiot.. Can’t you stayed for one more night, just for me…)

(Mrs.Venkat's Secretary comes)

Mrs. Venkat . Aradhana is on line.. Oh.. What happened? Mrs. Venkat.. Mrs. Venkat.. Guys, call the Doctor, Mrs. Venkat.. can you hear me.. call the doctor soon, she is not responding.. Mrs.. Venkat… Can you hear me?

… …

AIR

(In the year of 1985)

You can handle her na?

Why should I? She would anyway be coming from school in few minutes, you deal with her..

You are her mom na? You talk to her, I can’t... she will blast me

Don’t forget, you are her father too... You too can handle her..

But…

If you don’t know how to handle it, then why did you nod your head, when she asked you?

I thought, it would be easy, I didn’t knew that would become too complicated for me...

I really can’t imagine her reactions when she comes to know about it…

Even I’m bothered... Oh god... Gone are those days, when kids used to get afraid of their parents, now we are dependent on them and we have to feel the pinch ever day…

Talk these logics after she is at home… I don’t know, it’s between you and your daughter, don’t pull me into this...

You were also there na, when she was demonstrating on the other day, atleast you could have done it right…

Don’t put the blame on me, I was just standing, you only nodded…

Ok, ok, our daughter has come, keep quiet, let me handle it...

Come Aradhana.. Wash your hands & freshen up, mamma has prepared hot Pakoda’s for you specially…

No, first let me hear it, then we can do the rest… where is it?

It will not go anywhere, first let’s…

Papa… give me a break... I said, I want to listen it first… where is the cassette?

Ah... it is... It is here…

Oh good, let me play it…

Aradhana… actually… that one...

What... I’ll hear you later, first I want to hear it... did you people listen it?

I am very sorry Aradhana, it didn’t get recorded...

Oh papa, stop kidding me, you know it’s not play time… if you are hungry you have your quota of pakoda first, I want to hear it first...

Aradhana, I followed your instructions, but I could not record because….

What? Are you serious? You really didn’t record my program?

I actually followed what you taught me the other day but…

Oh god, I just can’t believe this, you … please tell me na that you are kidding... I know... you are kidding only right… let me play it & see..

No ma, I am really sorry, I thought it was recording, but when I tried to play it later, I could not hear anything...

Papa… what have you done? Can’t you do this simple thing properly...? You know what it is meant to me?

Ya.. I know...

No, you don’t know... you are not really bothered… you just don’t care for my happiness…

Aradhana, why are you getting emotional, take it easy…

No, I can’t.. This is not simple for me, this is my dream… do you imagine what it means to sing in the Radio…

I know da…

No you don’t, if you have known, you could not have done this disaster... with great difficulty I got a chance to sing for All India Radio (AIR), I told you thousand times, they are airing it today and I wanted to listen it , come what may…

You first sit aradhana.. Don’t get emotional…

Don’t touch me… I told you that I would not go to school as I wanted to listen it Live, you convinced me that you would record the program in our tape recorder and make me listen later... Now what happened?

They will air it again da…

Oh papa... you are not even bothered to give explanation what went wrong today and you are talking about something which may not happen at all… I told all my friends that my program is coming in the Radio today and I have invited them this weekend to listen it.. now what face can I show infront of them..? You are waste papa.. You are total waste...

I am sorry da aradhana… don’t cry please...

Don’t dare to touch me again... Leave me alone... I taught you how to record the radio program using our tape recorder, and I asked you thousand times, if you have understood, did I ask you or not…

Yes, you asked, I agree… I actually followed your instruction properly, but somehow I don’t know what went wrong, when I tried to play it, I could not hear it …

Papa, please don’t talk any more, you have ruined my day and my happiness... you are not fit for anything... you can’t even do this simple thing for me, what will you do for my future….

Stop it aradhana, is this the way you talk to your father…? he didn’t do this knowingly, it just didn’t work…

(tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring..)

Hello!...

……

Ah, she is here, I am giving… Aradhana, the phone is for you...

I don’t want to talk to anyone, you do what you want…

Please ma, this is our Keshav, he will feel bad, please take the call…

You are irritating me to the core daddy… give me the phone…. Hello…

……

Yes Uncle…

……

Thank you uncle… thank you very much, you really liked it?

……

Ok uncle, all your blessings, bye…

(tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring..)

Hello…

………

Yes Aunty, Aradhana speaking…

………

I am very happy, you listened it...

……

I am not sure, if they will air it again, if they do, I’ll let you know…

……

Oh ok… all your blessings aunty… bye…

Papa... did you tell that I am going to sing to Keshav Uncle & Eeshwari Aunty?

(tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. )

Hello?

………

Thank you so much sir… thanks for your wishes, I am happy that you listened to it...

……

Bye sir…

(Tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring..)

Mom, don’t pick the phone, let it ring.. papa.. How many people did you inform that I am singing today on Radio…?

Sorry Aradhana… I was so happy that you are singing, so thought of telling it to few people whom we know..

(Tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring..)

I didn’t ask why you informed... I asked whom you told?

He has called up our entire colony people about it? He also went to the nearby booth afternoon and informed about your program to all our relatives living in Delhi.. I think they might call you after 9 PM as the STD charges would be less that time…

(Tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring..)

Oh Mamma... Papa has called the entire world about my program today and… (starts crying)

Eh Aradhana, what happened, why are you crying now… I’m sorry da, first I could not record your program properly, now again you are not happy since I told these people about your program, I’m really sorry da… don’t cry… I can’t take it.. Forgive me please...

(Tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring..)

Oh papa… please... How much you would have loved me that you wanted the entire world to listen to my program and I was just shouting at you for me not able to hear my own recording… I know how much it costs for each calls you made … papa you love me so much na…

Oh it’s no big deal da… why you are crying again…

Who asked you to make STD calls and all, so what if they don’t hear me…?

How can it be? My daughter is singing in Radio and I want everyone to hear it… You know what? you are the only one in our family, who could do it.. You know how much proud I’m…

Oh papa.. you are so sweet… (hugs)… mamma.. Where is my pakoda?...

Just 10 minutes, I’ll give you hot hot…

Okay no problem, till you come, let me teach my father once again how to record a program in our tape recorder… papa take your notes…

(Tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.. tring.. Tring.)

The End

(After writing this story, I thought "AIR" would be more effective if taken visually than through reading it - DT)

It's only Time...

(Tring.. Tring…)

Hello…

Ah Babu, Nishant here… Jyotsna reached home?

No sir? Madam is still not arrived home…

Oh ok, what is Kaniska doing? Did she have food?

Yes sir, she is now asleep, do you want me to call her?

No, no, it’s ok... don’t wake her up, did she cry while taking food… ?

Not today sir, she was watching some cartoon channel, had food and now in bed… nothing to worry... sir…

Oh ok... When Jyotsna comes, tell her I called …

Ok sir, By the way, how is the weather there? I heard its pretty cold in UK…

Wow, when did Babu in Calcutta started knowing the weather conditions in UK?

From the time you went to UK for business trip for four months, any news from UK interests me sir…

Not bad… not bad… I am happy you keep reading newspapers babu… I just don’t want to keep you as a mere servant in my house... keep learning...

Thank you... I will do it … All your blessings sir…

Ok, I have some meeting to attend…. Will talk later… bye…

Bye sir…

______________

OK Shamita, I am getting late… Have to go home… Once again congratulations for your Engagement and I know you just can’t keep waiting for your marriage day… Ah!

Haha.. I bet… You know what Jyotsna more than me, my fiancée is dying hard … I can wait you see… just for his sake, I want to get married soon; otherwise I am not in hurry…

Ah... ah... For your information, I am your senior and have more than 5 years of experience in this marriage world… I know who is dying and who isn’t…

Whatsoever but thank you once again for coming...? I was wondering if you could make it up or not… after all it’s pretty far away from your home..

Ya… it is... But how can I miss my dear friend’s engagement… tell me…

Oh ya… you could have brought Kaniska too here right... after all your husband is out of India… she would be alone at home…

That way I am lucky, I have a very smart & matured daughter... she doesn’t trouble me much... and I have also promised her to take her to the nearby park tomorrow evening… so she is happy for it…

Oh great... I only hope he too is understanding and post marriage let me live as I want to...

Who? Your fiancée…

Ya.. That way you are very lucky Jyotsna… you have been living your life as you wanted to… even after marriage… not many get that sort of life…

Yeah… marriage is the interval you get in the movie... you never knew how the second half would be… hahah… In that way I am lucky... both my first half and the second half is as per my liking…

I am afraid, if we would be able to see each other more often as we used to do before… you see… those movies, those hang outs.. those funny naughty things we do, keep talking hours together with our gang… I will miss all those…

Eh, you are saying as if you are in the death bed... come on... you are getting married… Shamita…

Yeah... don’t you think getting married means putting a full stop to a woman’s personal desires…? Do you think I can still be the same as I was after marriage…?

Do you think I have changed... did I ever said no to any of our gang outing plans? I was there whenever you people wanted me right...

Not everybody get as understanding husband as Jyotsna gets yaar… tell me where is Nidhi, Sheela or for that matter our gang leader Manisha today?… all vowed to be together, but they are nowhere to be seen today after their marriage.. I am telling you, marriage puts a full stop to one’s individual desire… no more outings, no more friends, no more late night sitting…

Eh, Shamita, don’t get emotional, I know John, he would let you live your life as you want to... I bet…

____________

(Late Night)

Babu… Did Kanishka had milk before she went to bed?

No Madam… she refused to take…

Oh God! How many times I told you to ensure that she has her milk before she goes to bed…

I tried my level best, but she refused to take, I could not force her on it… sorry madam…

Oh Babu… I don’t know what to do with you…. Forget it... Then did Nishant called up?

Oh yes Madam, sir tried 2-3 times… he was saying your mobile was not reachable…

Did he leave any message…?

No Mad…

(Tring.. Tring.. )

It must be him…. Hello… !

Hi Jyotsna… Nishant here… When did you turn back?

Just now darling... Shamita engagement went well…. Had a great time… it was fun... so how are you doing? It must be lunch time there…

Ya I am doing fine…. Is kaniska around?

Ah No, she has gone to bed long back… even today she went to bed without having milk, I just don’t know what to do with Babu… How can he be so irresponsible…?

You think it is Babu’s fault?

Of course… I told him strictly to give her milk before going to bed… and...

Did he forget?

No he didn’t, he says Kaniska refused to take… she is a small child... How can she know what is good for her, and what is not?

Right... I agree... leave that… so what were you doing in the evening. ?

Oh…. As soon as I came from office, I had some work over Internet, finished that... had some work in kitchen, did that… ironed my dresses, left for the engagement.. that’s it..

What was our kid doing?

Ah, she is my darling Angel... you know she mostly never disturbs me, she was quiet, reading her comics books, playing with her stuff… didn’t trouble me at all…

You were not there with her?

She didn’t require me Nishant… she was quiet with her own self & stuff…. I would have gone if she needed me… why you ask?

No, just like that…I was just wondering, if she knew when she requires her mother, when not?

What’s your point?

Well, when you are right in pointing out Babu’s fault as how does the kid know which is right for her, which is not… don’t you agree, as a mother it is necessary for you to spend time with our daughter, instead of waiting for her to call you, as you think, she knows better when to call you, when not to?

Come on Nishant, you think I am not looking after my daughter properly?

Well, I am not, but I just feel the time you are giving to your daughter is much less than what she needs…

But how can I make you understand, I am always there for her when she needs me... but she just doesn’t require my attention most of the time…

That’s what I fear Jyotsna, it should not happen for her at this early age that she just doesn’t want her mother at all… I just don’t want see the situation where she doesn’t even require the presence of her mother …

So you didn’t like me coming back late from the engagement…

Did I say that?

But I can understand…. You want me to cut down my outings and be at home most of the time… right?

Jyotsna… I never wanted you to be in the cage... I want you to fly free always... I still remember my request you to be as you are even after marriage... and continue to live the life as you wanted to... without any inhibitions… as I don’t want my wife to be tied down in the name of family responsibilities…

Then why this discussion here…

At the same time, I also fear your freedom doesn’t necessarily come at the cost of our daughter missing her mother… she might not ask for your attention directly, nevertheless it doesn’t mean you are not required there… she is a small child, whether or not she calls you, I feel it’s utmost necessary that you be with her most of the time as she is growing… she needs a shelter in the name of mother or father all the time, even though she may not feel the cold…

I got your point… But I just feel you are exaggerating things, I am there for her always…

If that’s the case, I am happy for our daughter that she has got a lovely mother… if not, I just request you to ponder over it... and do what’s best for our daughter… because so long as we were living, it just two of us, but now we have an angel for whose presence we are responsible.. and we have the moral responsibility to take care of it…

___________

(Next Day)

(Tring.. Tring..)

Babu… Nishant Here…. Is jyotsna around?

No sir, she has gone out…

Oh ya… I remember, she was telling me that she had to attend her friend’s birthday party…

No sir, she cancelled it… she has gone now with Kaniska to the children’s theme park in the morning and told that she will be back by evening only…

Oh is it!!!.. Great.. Ok Babu... see you later…

(Tring Tring)

Eh Jyo, Nishi here… what’ up? You didn’t go to your friends’ birthday party?

Oh you called home…! You only said na, I am not spending time with my daughter…

Oh Jo…

Haha… Just kidding... I am still right to say that I am doing all that I can do for my daughter so far… but at the same time, I am not denying that you are wrong.. Your fear is justified and quite right...

Hmm…Thanks…

So I have decided to cut down my personal interests a bit and live my life for my daughter... after all now her life is my personal interest too …

Oh Jyo, I love you…

Hahah.. You happy?

Ya, but I still have another complaint against you…

Oh god, what now?

People say you still don’t look like a mother?

What? What else you want me to do?

I am not talking about your character, I am talking about your physical look, guys complain you still look like a teenage girl…

Oh that you should take it as a compliment dear…

I can’t... and I am going to work seriously on that once I return back from UK…

Oh god, what are you going to do now? I don’t go to beauty parlor either...

No, I have some other plans… I am going to make you look like a mother again as Kaniska too was asking for a brother to play with… so…

Haha..You Idiot... keep the phone down…

I love you Jo…

I love you too Darling...

I too love you Mamma…

(Kaniska hugs Jyotsna)