A complicated love story

Can u pass me that brush???

Rai looked at Varun suspiciously- are you going for a date???

Why???

Varun started combing his hair and asked her in a normal tone.

-Well, that’s unusual. You never do that.

-So??? What??? I’m doing it now.

It has been three years since Varun and Rai have started staying under the same roof. Rai is a journalist currently working for Times of India as a reporter. Varun is a film maker. He is about to finish his first feature film ‘Aranyak’, based on a novel by BibhutiBhusan Bandyopadhaya. He believes himself the next Satyajit Ray. Three years they are together but they never had sex. First two years they shared the same apartment as normal boarders. They both were cool about having a person from the opposite gender as the room-mate. It’s just a while that they started going out together. Three years of stay have certainly put its effect and for each other, they are indispensible now. Yet, whenever the question of physical intimacy crops up, both of them overlook the matter skillfully. Rai is quite an old school about it and Varun is so busy with his world of cinema that he never got the time to think about it.

Varun finished his breakfast and his phone rang.

-Hello???

-Sir, the hero is not willing to act in our film. He is saying that he never liked the script and he thinks that this film will be a huge failure.

-Shut up….

-But sir………………..

-I said shut up!Please.

Varun disconnected the call. Then he dropped his head over the table. No one can be a better option than Sumit to play the hero’s role. What will he do now????

The window at north was open and Varun discovered their old banyan tree covered by the mists. Varun stood up and whispered-“Landscape in the Mist”.

Rai said,Mr Director, would you please come back to reality???

- Yes… of course. Tell me

- Do you really love me…???

Varun absentmindedly asked- what???

- Varun look at me….do you love me????

Varun strangely looked at her then after a long pause he repeated- what???

- Ahhhh!!!! come on... Yes or no???

- Yes, of course I do….

- No,you don’t. You love your Tarkovsky, Ray, Bergman, Kurosawa. You barely speak about me.

Varun closed the window and looked straight into her eyes – because I love them more.

What??

-Yes. I’m not a liar and you know that very well. Well,I’m leaving now. I need to meet the producer.

Rai kissed his cheek and replied don’t forget to have your lunch. I need to talk to you about something really serious and important when you get back home.

Varun smiled- What’s more important than films??? Now please don’t tell me that it is something about your press. You know I hate those things.

-Listen, because of that job I’m feeding you. Got it???

-I know….I know… (sigh) Let me finish this film. Then I won’t let you work.

Rai protested- what??? No way. I love my work.

-Ok. So, it is about your newspaper.Right???

-no…..it is more personal.

- Yeah, we both gel together well and the entire matter ends there.

-Shut up dumbo. It is high time to think seriously about our relationship. Well, you should go now. Or else you might be late.

Varun came back late in the night and was completely drunk. He threw his shoes on the floor and entered into his room. He stood in front of the door for five minutes. It seemed like the entire world was quivering. Varun sat on the floor and closed his eyes. He didn’t even realise that Rai was standing behind him. She calmly asked- can we talk now???

-What??? Leave me alone.

-what happened???

The producer failed to convince the hero. Now I have to stop thinking about this project. Without Sumit, I can’t even think of making this film.

Rai touched Varun’s cheeks- don’t worry. Think of another plot.

Varun pushed her to the corner like a rabid beast and replied- It is not your news selling madam. I’m an artist. It takes a long time to think about a new fresh plot and building up a script is not a child’s play.

Rai rudely reacted- Look Varun I’m telling you for the last time- do you love me??? Will you marry me???

Varun threw the ash tray on the floor- You are a disgusting nagging women.

Rai didn’t reply. She just left the room and started packing.After a half an hour she knocked Varun’s door- I’m going. Forever. Take care of yourself.

Varun was speechless. He never thought that she would take it so seriously. He helplessly muttered- where are you going??? Who will make my…my…I mean my breakfast??? I can’t stay alone. No…no..no…..you are liable for this. You have made me so dependent. Even I don’t know where you keep the toothpaste. Rai imitated his voice-Even I don’t know where you keep the toothpaste!!!! Look, I want to marry you and I need a baby. Why do you always escape from sex? First I was hesitant. As many guys deceived me that way. So I liked that quality in you. But gradually I felt disturbed. I thought you are different so I didn’t bother about it and still loved you. But now…..now I’m really scared. Can you do it or not???

Varun screamed- Don’t you know I’m impotent??? I told you thousand times.

-What !!!!!!!!really???? Well, I thought it is a joke.I never took your words seriously.

-Why should I joke??? Is it a thing one jokes about??? Can you please stop thinking about these materialistic things???Please. If you want a child we can adopt???

- See varun, I want a child.A child of my own. If you really can’t do that then…..

Her voice was trembling. She was aware that she was doing an injustice but she had no other way. She continued- then…. I’m sorry. You have to forget these three years. I know it is all my mistake. But really I can’t stay with an impotent person anymore.

She was rushing towards the door, Varun ran and stopped her. Rai was scared to look at Varun’s face. He didn’t know what to speak but his face was telling that he never anticipated something like this in his entire life. He took a long pause then said- You are welcome to go but before that I want to tell you something.

Rai looked at his eyes.

Varun said- Is that all Rai??? For Three years we are staying together. You are the first person who loved me selflessly. I let you come into in my world. You changed my life and we never made any promises. We were both busy with our lives. I told you several times that I’m impotent, but you never believed that and after three years you are leaving me just because of this???

-Yes.

I thought you have a good heart. But now I think you have only your sex organs, shame on you!.…

-Yes I have them. But you don’t have. How did you think that any girl will marry you after knowing that you are really impotent? I love you but that doesn’t mean that I will throw away my life for you. Varun immediately switched off the light and he was trying to sleep. But he wasn’t able to. One evil voice was whispering in his ears- you are impotent. No one will marry you. You will end up dying alone.

(2)

Varun woke up and tiredly walked towards the kitchen and shouted- Rai, where is my breakfast????

No one answered.

Varun licked his dry lips. An uncanny smoke was hovering around his head. This two room’s small apartment seemed like a huge silent palace to him. He lit a cigarette and tried to calm down but he felt his heart is pounding faster than a clock. He shouted in fear- what’s wrong with you???? I’m hungry….you think it is funny……funny??? What???

He stopped and sensed that he was absolutely out of his mind. He sat down on the couch for fifteen minutes then decided to eat the breakfast outside. After three years he is going to have his breakfast outside his apartment. The warm packed streets made him feel better. He went to a tea shop and ordered a packet of fruit bread and tea. While paying he opened his purse and discovered that he had only 300 rupees left in his pocket. He quickly paid the bill and was walking back. He felt like a beggar. Varun realized that he was a leech and he used to suck Rai’s hard earned money. From now, he needs any job which will keep him going. He entered into his apartment and arranged his files and called the Rajaram studio.

The old manger received the call- Hello sir,Good morning. Are you looking for dates of editing???

-err….actually MallickBabu, I want to join in your studio as an editor.

Mallickbabu was so surprised that his mouth was wide opened and somehow he replied- Are…you…are..you..

-Yes, I’m not joking. Now can we talk about the daily schedules and the salary?

After a few minutes talk Mallick Babu disconnected the call and he was still shocked. Varun is among one of the most prominent short film makers. He is a Pune pass out. His first short film ‘French Kisses’ was a sensation in new York film fest. Recently he is working on ‘Aranyak’. The critics are saying that finally he took a step to compete with Ray. How can that genius guy call him and request him to give a job in his small studio???

Rai was busy in her office. Rai expected that Varun to call her but he didn’t. Rai was browsing through some important files. She didn’t shift her look from there and asked his colleague Mohan- are you free tonight???

Mohan had goose bumps. He always had a crush on Rai. But Rai always treated him like an immature man and never gave him any chance. Rai was so strict and professional that he never had the courage to say anything from his side. Mohan tried to act- well….actually I had some important work but if you want me to….

-shut up Mohan. Don’t speak like a child. I know that you like me. Isn’t it???

Mohan’s head was down. He was blushing. Then he looked at Rai’s eyes and spoke like a man- Yes, that’s true. But do you know why I never tried on you???

-Why???

- I know that you are in a relationship.

-No….a small correction. I was in a relationship.

At nine o’clock Mohan was sitting under the dim reddish lights and he was fondling with Rai’s hands. Rai can hardly remember when the last time she had a romantic moment with Varun . She never realized that after a few months Varun stopped all those romantic things and was only concentrating on his work. Then he was nagging her like an old husband and yes the moment of sex never occurred. What a fool she was!!! Mohan came close to her and kissed on her cheek. He was discovering his gorgeous strict journalist colleague in a new way and an unknown force was encouraging him to take all the bold steps.Mohan whispered- Why are you looking so distracted??? Aren’t you enjoying my company???

Rai laughed loudly- Mohan I’m not distracted. I was just wondering that how I was wasting my life.I want a fresh new beginning with you.

Mohan took a small sip of whiskey- Stay with me tonight. We will have fun.

Rai was feeling too drunk she just opened his mouth then burst into laughter.

-What happened dear???

-hahaha….you know what??? My ex-boyfriend was an impotent.

-what???? Are you nuts???? How did you live with him for three years???

Rai tapped her head- I was living in a Fairytale. Where love is holy like a kiss and you pray to the god for babies’ .God gives you a piece of cake. You eat that and produce your baby. Hahaha…..

After a heavy dinner they slept together in Mohan’s flat. Rai had the orgasm of her life time. After a 40 minutes spontaneous battle Rai declared- You are so experienced!!!!! I thought you are no good than my boyfriend.

Mohan corrected her- Your bf’s case is different. I’m not impotent and I really wanted this for a long time. Any guy would love to have sex with a perfect lady like you.

Rai covered her bare breasts with a pillow and said- I’m wondering what’s he doing now???

Mohan lit a cigarette and disgustingly looked at her- Stop thinking about that impotent lunatic film maker. I wonder how did you manage to love him??? He is so filthy, senseless and unemployed. But still he yells at you like a boss and never fulfilled your desires. Rai tapped Mohan’s shoulders- Wow!!! You know so much about my ex-boyfriend.

Mohan opened a jar of snacks and kissed in her neck- Forget about that moron. He is an asshole. Let’s think about a new beginning.

Suddenly something stroke in Rai’s mind. She sprang up and started wearing her clothes.

-Hey…what happened??? What’s wrong????

- Mohan I just wanted to spend one night with you. Yes I need sex in my life. But I don’t need an expert like you. Apart from sex I also want a sensible person who knows how to respect others.

Mohan stammered- You…you…you…mean that I don’t respect anyone???

-Yes you think you are better than Varun. But I still respect his creative abilities and his deep knowledge about his subject.Most importantly he is a good person.

Mohan dragged Rai to the corner of the wall- So you still love that moron. He can’t do anything that’s why you tempted me for a one nightstand. You whore….

Before he finished his dialog Rai smacked him hard on his chin and left the room before he stood up.

While driving at midnight Rai was weeping silently. She parked the car in front of the old apartment and called Varun.

-hello???

-It’s 2.00 am. Why didn’t you sleep???

Varun replied in a sleepy voice- You are really crazy. You woke me up at 2 am and asking me that why I didn’t sleep???

Rai started crying- I’m so sorry. It would have been a disaster for you.

Varun just switched off his phone and slept off.

The next morning Varun heard the door- bell. He knew it was Rai. She was back. But as he opened the door he saw a currier guy. He paid him and opened the parcel, a letter from Wong Kar Wai. Last time he met the veteran film maker in Shanghai international film fest. He thought that surely the maestro had forgotten him. But he was wrong. Wong Kar Wai wrote that he is tired of shooting and coming to India. He will stay for a week and will love to meet him.

What a fantastic news!!! Varun read it three -four times then felt very sad. There was no one to share this joy. He had set his mind that he would never let Rai enter in his life again. After his lunch his mobile rang. Undoubtedly it would be Rai’s call but no it was the producer. After a ten minutes talk Varun jumped in the air in joy, Sumit had at last agreed to play central character. The whole day Varun worked on his storyboard and at night finally Rai called him. Varun was so excited that he didn’t know what to say first. He was speaking like a parrot. Rai stopped him and calmly told him- Last night I got a bit emotional. Now I’m perfectly ok. Sorry for disturbing you. So I have decided not to disturb you again. I have adjusted myself properly so don’t worry for me. Bye. Rai disconnected the call. Varun’s heartbeat was literally stopped. He was down on his knees weeping in despair. He gained all and lost the whole essence of it. He lied down on the floor and began to cry like a baby. He thought his father might come and hold him up. But the cruel truth was his parents were no more and now he was completely alone. He went to the kitchen and held the knife tightly. He thought of killing himself but then wisely decided that he would do that after meeting Wong KarWai and finishing his first feature film. Then Rai will regret about it and then when she wants to come back he will commit suicide. He came back to his room and again started crying. No she won’t comeback. It is all about a sex life, a baby. It doesn’t matter if he becomes a great successful person or he loves Rai. She will never come back to him.Varun didn't able to sleep for the whole night. The doorbell rang. May be the milkman, He wiped his tears and opened the door-no…I don’t need milk….err…you???

Rai smiled- Why don’t you need milk from today???? I see, in my absence you’re doing whatever you wish. Varun was so surprised that he was blinking and not saying anything. She pushed him aside and entered the room- Damn!!! It is stinking.

Varun desperately uttered- but…but…I

-what???

- You can never get a baby with me.

-Thank god……I don’t want a second one. You are enough to disturb me. When you will be a bit more matured then I will think of adopting one. What you say Mr. director???

Varun put her in his lap in a flash then kissed her- cut it…

(This is bollywood anything can happen here) ;)