On a date with destiny !!!

Music playing in the background...

Life goes on..It gets so heavy

The wheel breaks the butterfly

Every tear, a waterfall

In the night, the stormy night

One thing I hate about air travel is that most of the times I had to get my rump off the bed well before dawn. Aaarrgghhh...It's frigging cold outside in B'lore with the thermometer ticking at 14 C. I'm waiting for my flight scheduled to leave for Vizag. Followed by the flight announcement, I made my way to the luggage checking counter. I, in no time got the boarding pass, and headed to the gate No. 8.

I was allotted an aisle seat. The flight took off at 6:42 am. The microscopic view of the city fascinated me with its magnificent structures and green canopy. Relishing its beauty, I didn't even realize that I reached Vizag until I heard the flight landing announcement.

As the flight parked, crowd became restless with everyone reaching out for their baggage from the deck. In an hour, I reached my home. My parents and close relatives are all geared up to get me hitched. I exchanged pleasantries with everyone there.

"Go. Change your clothes and get ready. We've to start before 9:10 am. Before raahu kaalam." said my dad

"Have you seen the girl's photo ? Do you like her ?" asked my Mom

"Photos are very deceiving now-a-days"

My car stopped at the gate of a white bungalow overlooking the beach and neatly embezzled with creepers. I received a warm welcome from bride's parents.

Bride's father took us in and there was a round of formal introduction. Bride's family has arranged a special lunch for all of us. Everyone displayed a great deal of enthusiasm to eat. I could sense the mirth around. My mom nudged me to take a look at the bride. She was draped in an Emerald-green colored sari. She was beautiful.

"So, what's your job nature ?" asked bride's father.

I was least prepared for an interview post a scrumptious lunch. He resembled my Reporting Manager that I wanna smash a pappad on his face.

"I work as a Brand Manager."

After being bombarded by a series of questions, the mike has been passed over to his daughter.

"Would you like to talk to Anu ?" he asked

"No dear. I flew all my way from Bangalore to talk to you.", I wanted to say.

I gave an embarrassed look. I hope that answered his question. Everyone were anxiously looking at us like the spectators of a cricket match when Sachin is at the 99th mark. Amid that crowd, I couldn't utter a word. Apparently, she felt even worse. After a round of formal questions, I blurted out saying "can I take you out ?" She looked at her parents for their approval. Everyone there threw a dirty look as if I committed a grave sin. Bride's father saved me from those cold stares by saying "I don't have a problem, son. You may want some privacy." I thanked him.

At CCD the next day at 10:00 am

I reached the CCD in Siripuram precisely on time. It was a small cozy place. It appealed to my senses yet digging deep into my memory lane. It brings back to my memory, the day Isha and I made promises to each other which were never fulfilled, the dreams of living a life together which were never realized, the talks we made that faded into oblivion and more. Our memories are so mischievous that, the more the distance we want to walk away from them, the more they surface. She took away the enthusiasm I once had, the zeal for life and the purpose of my existence, leaving behind nothing but memories...just memories. I'm just reliving the moments we spent together. Notwithstanding the spurt of emotion, I stood up to leave, only to confront Anu in the doorway.

"Hi..I'm sorry for being late." Anu said

"No, that's okay. I just came out to make a phone call." I bluffed

"Please be seated. What would you like to have ?"

"Espresso would be fine"

I ordered two Espresso

I started "I would like..." and she cut me in saying "Mom said you have an MBA from FMS. So, you must a Mr.Bright"

"Not necessarily"

"You don't talk much. Do you ?"

"No..I'm an introvert"

"You confidently say that. So, did you choose to be an introvert or are you really one ?"

"Not by choice, but by nature"

Sipping her Espresso, she said "Let's not talk about our education or work profiles. You can get that details from my LinkedIn profile" and added "I would like to know something about you that your FB statuses, tweets or blogs don't tell me"

"Then, I think we can call it a day"

"No. I checked out your profile before I even met you. It never told me that you're an introvert. I wanna know you not learn about you"

I must say I am bowled over by her bold questions. No one ever spoke to me like that.

"I am famished. I'll take you to one of the best restaurants in the town. Shall we move ?"

"sure"

She drove me along the beach road to an outdoor restaurant "Bamboo Bay" bordering on the beach. I must admit, with its serene surroundings and pristine beauty, restaurants in B'lore are no match to it. It seemed like a paradise on earth. We occupied a table overlooking the beach.

Munching her Chicken Tikka, she asked "What would you do if you were given a day off from your work and do whatever you want. No constraints"

"Are you a psychologist ?" I quipped

"You haven't answered my question yet."

"Okay. I would like to go to a desolated island and live on my own for a day"

"You don't love spending time with your family ?"

"I didn't get an answer yet ?"

"No. I'm an MBA"

"I never said that. I don't find enough time to spend with myself"

"Have you been to Rishikonda beach ?"

"No."

"Will you go to beach with me. I'm sure you would love it."

"Why not ? I would love to"

I haven't noticed till now how beautiful she was. She wore a silver white chudidhar gleaming with embroidery work. She was elegant. She has an elan.

We started off to Rishikonda beach...

"I heard that you had an admit from IIM L as well. Then, why did you choose FMS over it ?" she asked

"The nominal fee of FMS allured me."

"Over the IIM brand ?"

"Yes"

"Given your financial status, I don't think that would've been a great burden."

"I'm interested neither in raking in a hefty sum as dowry from my wife nor in whiling away anymore time working for an MNC."

"So, if you wanna start an enterprise why didn't you take the plunge right after completing your graduation ? Why did you join ITC ?"

"I don't want a venture capitalist to dictate terms to me or borrow money from friends"

"Why do you hesitate to seek your friends' help ?"

"I don't wanna put myself under financial stress. And, moreover I don't wanna gamble with my friends' money. I'm afraid that that would taint my relationship with them"

She nodded, seemingly in approval.

It was drizzling outside. The climate changed abruptly from 'sweltering hot' to 'cool and windy'.

"Nice weather"

"Ah !!! You finally spoke. Is this a dream ?" she laughed

"Come on !! was I singing all this time ?" I quipped

"You were just answering my questions like you do in a Viva Voce. You never really spoke." she laughed

I grinned.

"Oh!! Watta smile...girls would swoon over you"

I tried not to smile, but couldn't stop myself from smiling.

"Again !!!" she laughed "No...no...I didn't" I said trying to control my laughter...

We both burst out laughing. It's been ages since I laughed like this.

Looking right into my eyes, she said "You have an attractive smile. Why don't you smile more often"

Not sure of how to react to this comment, I tried to ignore it.

She flipped out her phone and shot a picture of me and said "You don't believe me ?? see this"

Few hundred meters away, I saw the beach abutting rocky hills with the waves splashing the hills. I could hear the splashing sound from afar. For a long time, I confined myself to a very small world; failed to appreciate the beauty of the world outside...I feel liberated.

"I don't know how to thank you for bringing me here"

We started walking along the shore with the waves kissing our legs every second minute, when she suddenly screamed sensing something crawling over her feet, and grabbed my hand. It was a crab, of course.

I laughed saying "I thought you were bold"

She replied saying "How else would a person feel when something crawls over her feet ?" and added "You know, I slapped one of my classmates in full public glare"

"Why did you do that ?"

"He spread gossips about me that tarnished my reputation" she said

"I shall watch my words now on" I laughed

"Is there a comparison ? You are a gem of a person" she said

"Is it so ? We know each other for hardly a day and a half"

"Nani..It's not how much time two people spend together that determines the understanding of each other, but how much time they spend trying to decipher the unspoken words" she said and gently took my hands in hers. This time it's not because she is scared.

I didn't object.

"Tell me a woman you admire, other than your mom and sister, and why ?" she asked

"Queen Rania Al Abdullah. Not just because she is beautiful. I see her as an epitome of a modern woman. Modernity is not in your attires and life style, but your thoughts."

She was taking photos of the picturesque natural scenery around.

I asked her "Do you want me to take a photo of you."

"Sure" she blushed

"Okay. You don't have to pose for the photo. I'll take a snap of you at my will" I smiled

"Will you dine with me tonight ?"

I "actually" asked her out. She was surprised. We had dinner at a nearby restaurant. We didn't speak much; We were stealing glances of each other. She looked stunningly beautiful at that moment. The envious looks I received today vouch for that.

She broke my stare asking "So, when are you leaving for B'lore ?"

"Er..tomorrow morning"

"It's 9:00 pm now..." she cried aloud

"I'm sorry..We shall leave now"

"Why are you sorry..I lost track of time."she said

"I'll drive you home and then I'll leave"

"You'll be late."she said

"No..that's okay."

Before starting back to my home...

"Would you like to say something ?" she blushed

I went closer that I could feel her breath and said "Yeah...Good night"...Both of us chortled...

Butterflies just started emerging from Pupa in my stomach...I love this feeling..

It was 11:00 pm by the time I reached my home. My Mom prepared dinner for me.

I said "Err..I'm sorry, mom. I forgot to inform you. I already had dinner."

"Don't forget yourself hero." she caressed my cheeks and left.

I flipped out my mobile to see the photos I captured that day. I came across one of her photos and paused there. I smiled. And smiled and smiled, oblivious of the world around me. Her mascera-laden eyes were smiling at me. I opened my laptop to mail her the photo. The response was instantaneous.

'This is, by far, the best photo of me. :). I had a really good time with you. Time flies, but this day would only perish with me. Thanku for everything. :) I have a surprise for you. Don't ask me what it is.'

I replied "The pleasure is all mine. Thanks for the wonderful eve :)"

Something stuck me like a lightning bolt, while flipping through my mails.

Hi Nani,

I sincerely hope you're doing great. Though it's been years since we spoke to each other, there hasn't been a day that goes by without thinking about you. You are the best person I know of. I heard that you have made it to FMS (your dream college la). I'm very happy for you. I know you'll make it big in your life. I'm very sorry for everything. It's not easy to be abandoned by choice. Marry someone who loves you ; who would do anything to hold on to you (unlike me) :'( , who would make you laugh, who you can share with not just your life, but your dreams and passions as well. I really envy your wife. We might no longer stay in touch, we might no longer see other, we might someday die this way, but remember that someone far away is praying for you and wants to see you happy. You'll always be a part of my life. I'm waiting for your wedding ceremony. Take care :)

Regards,

Isha

Half-way through the mail, my eyes turned moist. Yet, I was smiling. You have to learn to let go of some people. They are not destined to stay in your life. Learn to appreciate the beautiful moments spent with them. I couldn't sleep all night trying to figure out what's in my mind. I got up early in the morning and started to airport. Everything seemed new and fresh. Beauty is not in what we see, but in the eyes of the beholder. I reached airport well ahead of time. I still have more than 2 hours left for the flight's departure. I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Anu. Now, I realize butterflies in my stomach.

"Nani, I gotta tell you something" she blushed..I nodded..."I don't cook well..I can make Maggi noodles though and I can't wash dishes" she laughed...

"Very smart. Propose me with a ring. I'll think about it." I laughed

She said "Shameless. you gotta buy me a ring" and held my hand and said "You already have it"

"What ? This ring is Madhu's gift" I mumbled..

"Really ? I think Priya gave it to her" she said...

"What's your full name ?"

"Anupriya" she smiled

"So, you are Pp...priya ?"

"Would you like to say something now ?"

"I haven't said this before to any girl..Er..r..This attire just doesn't suit you"

She scowled and stood up to leave..

I started chuckling...

"Anu..Err..Priya" I shouted ; "I love Maggi. Coming to dish-washing, we'll workout a solution"

"Now, propose me with a ring..I'll think about it"

Walking hand in hand.."So, you were in love with me for the past 4 yrs...Why didn't you try to talk to me ? Drama queen !!"

"After marriage, you've to bath the kids...I can't do that"

"What else would you do then ?"

Voices fading...