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Human After All Chap19A: Restless
19A: Restless
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The newly committed lovers drove in silence the rest of the way. A companionable silence. Each lost in their own thoughts, satisfied with the turn of events. She reassured as to his intentions and he left in no doubt that she reciprocated his feelings. Yet there was something that gave them away; they were holding hands. The pressure of his fingers as he gently stroked her palm, stimulated a complex system of neurons that calmed her down and lulled her to sleep.
And that was the way he found her when he brought the jeep to a halt at the entrance of her apartment complex; her head continued to rest on his shoulder and her eyes remained shut. Feeling an immense affection for his future wife, Shantanu lifted her hand and gently kissed it. But when she didn’t stir, he resorted to another trick.
“Ouch! What was that?” Khanak jerked awake and snatched her finger from his mouth.
“Revenge my dear, tit for tat;” he drawled.
Realization dawned on his sweetheart’s face. “But do you how much that hurts?”
“Nope. But now at least I know that it works, a sure fire way of waking my sleeping beauty though I’m also aware of several other methods, they might sound quite indecent at this juncture.”
His ladylove rewarded him by coloring prettily. “Anything and everything you utter sounds indecent. Are you ever serious?”
“Yes I’m very serious when it comes to getting my way. I’m a schemer and a planner. Or else how do you think I made you accept me in such a short time? How long has it been since we met? A month? Two?”
Her large black eyes glowed bright in the darkness. “So now you are a schemer and you expect me to be thrilled to fall into your trap?”
He grinned warming to the challenge. “Thrilled you are no doubt. I had the perfect demonstration of the fact on the beach; Kiss me properly!”
Shantanu burst into a laugh as she scrambled to hide her face in her hands. Then she jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the building.
Khanak knew he would be waiting for her when she reached her floor and leaned over the balcony. She waved to him. But he wouldn’t leave till she blew him a kiss and then several more. She was thankful her mom wasn’t waiting up for her though it was highly unusual. She presumed Shaan had told her not to. Schemer!
Human After All Chap 18: Sealed
18: Sealed
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Finally the D-Day arrived. After much deliberation Khanak chose to put on a simple sleeveless dress of fine white cotton edged with pink and white lace, with delicate barely visible baby pink and white flowers embroidered into the fabric. A wide belt of the same material enhanced her narrow waist and a short-sleeved capped baby pink bolero jacket completed the outfit. Sunita gathered her thick locks and secured them with white and pink satin ribbons high on top of her head. “My angel! You look just like a school girl. I’m surprised this dress still fits you so well. You have not gained an inch since high school!”
“Jiju to gaye kaam se! Megha is going to have some competition today!” A familiar voice piped in.
“Palak! Mama please… tell her not to irritate me!” Khanak said blushing a fiery red when her phone buzzed with an unmistakable beep.
Megha wanted to make doubly sure you’d come,
so I’m sending our driver Dharam to pick you up.
He should be there soon, Miss KissMiss!
As she tried to hide the message from her sister’s prying eyes, Khanak’s chest finally began to reverberate with relief. But why would he send his driver and not come himself, she wondered as she took a final critical look in the mirror.
***
The Khandelwal House had been transformed. Sparkling lights in varied colors as well as innumerable balloons decked the gate and the main entrance. A long red carpet covered the walkway and the front porch was designed to look like the entrance to a castle.
When Khanak hesitated, Dharam hurried her along with these words: “Madamji, everyone is waiting eagerly for you inside. Baby Megha has been reciting your name constantly since morning.”
Khanak smiled and raced up the steps. It will be cruel to make Megha wait any longer for her Teddy, she thought. At the entrance she was met by two clowns in elaborate costume who welcomed her with an exaggerated bow and a sweep of the hands. One even set a tiara on her head.
“So here’s our special guest, Megha’s darling Doctor Aunty! Welcome! I was getting worried.”
Khanak who was standing bedazzled by the decorations, swung around to see Khushboo walking toward her wearing a wide smile. She was resplendent as Sleeping Beauty in flowing pink. To Khanak’s surprise she hugged her tightly with what appeared to be genuine affection then led her by the hand to the backyard. The huge lawn sparkled like some Disney fairytale landscape. Round tables were covered with pink tablecloth and everything was accented with balloons, streamers and confetti. Children in colorful costumes could be seen everywhere playing, laughing and generally doing what children do. And in the midst of it all Khanak saw the star of the show Megha dressed in shimmering gold, a crown on her head and a wand in her hand. But what was that? Khanak was taken aback when the little girl suddenly broke into loud sobs prompting her to hurry over to her side. She was relieved when Megha stopped crying as soon as she saw her. “Doctor Aunty! Why are you so late? Where is Teddy?” she demanded.
Khanak stooped down to stroke her fine hair; “I’m so sorry darling. Traffic was really awful today. Here is your friend. He’s been missing you just as much as you have.”
Megha’s sad little face transformed with pristine joy when saw her restored Teddy dressed as a little prince in red and black satin. She squeezed Khanak’s waist and then planted a wet kiss on her cheek. “Thank you Aunty! This is the best gift ever!”
Khanak turned guiltily to Khushboo, who smiled at her while mouthing a silent Thank You.
Khanak watched on fondly as Megha kissed and played with her teddy when an unmistakable voice made a loud announcement: “To all prince and princess friends; Megha invites everyone to come and watch a special puppet show put up for you exclusively by her dearest Chachu uncle and Doctor Aunty!”
Shantanu stood on what appeared to be a specially constructed stage; dashing in a Prince Aladdin costume- white silk shirt and pants, purple vest and cloak and a turban to match! He grinned and waved at her asking her to come and join him, and Khanak didn’t have time to think when Megha excited screams pierced the air and she was swept along with the rest.
The rest of the evening went by in a blur. Khanak felt animated like a child when Megha forced her to participate in all the games and entertainment. But Shantanu took the cake by seeming to be the biggest child of them all. There was the puppet show and the search for the glass slipper followed by a treasure hunt and of course the inevitable magic show. All these activities took a toll on the children that when it was time for to cut the huge castle like cake most of them were practically asleep, except Megha.
“Khanak, will you help me put Megha to bed? I don’t think she can stay up any longer.”
Khanak followed Khushboo as she carried her little girl to her room then tucked her into bed after kissing her goodnight. Teddy had regained his place at her side.
“Thank you Khanak. You don’t know how wonderful you are.” Khushboo smiled as Khanak left the room and gently closed the door.
“So has my sweetheart been missing me?”
Human After All Chap 17: The Anticipation
17: The Anticipation
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“Khanak beta? Khanak beta!”
“Yes? What happened mama?”
“Not me, you. You look so lost. Something wrong?” Sunita’s voice was full of concern as she addressed her daughter who had just walked in through the door.
“No I’m fine. Everything’s fine. Uhh. Daddy kahaan hain? Where is he? I wanted to ask him about his cough.”
“Khanak..,your father had said this morning that he was feeling much better? Did you forget already? Tell me why are you so late? Should I dial up Shantanu?”
Khanak jumped and flushed a deep crimson. “Mama! Didn’t I tell you I’m doing fine and stop taking his name all the time! I went to see his Dadima and that’s why am late.”
“Dadima? I didn’t know Shantanu had a grandmother? Is she okay?”
“Yes she’s fine and so is Shantanu.” Khanak said dropping her eyes to the floor.
Jhuki jhuki see nazar..
Bekaraar hai ke nahin…
Dabaa dabaa sa sahee
Dil mein pyaar hai ke nahin…
(The downcast gaze
Is it filled with longing or not
Repressed, tamped down
Is there love in your heart or not)
Palak came out of her room and gave her sister a knowing look.
“Mama please! Tell this Palak to stop making these direct and indirect implications. I’ve had enough of them!” Khanak exclaimed.
“Aww c’mon deeds! Me and my friends were trying to find songs that had the words ‘Aankhen’ or ‘Nazar’ in them and deeds thinks it is always about her and her dear beau. Please do tell her mom.” Palak pretended to look distressed.
Human After All Chap 16: From Megha With Love
16: From Megha With Love
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In the prettiest room in the Khandelwal manor lit only by the light of the moon, a woman cuddled with a small child.
Chanda hai tu, mera suraj hai tu
Oh meri aankhon ka tara hai tu
Jeeti hun main, bas tujhe dekh ke
la..la..la..la..sahaara hai tu..
(You are my moon, you are my Sun
You are the apple of my eye
I live only to see you everyday
la.la.la.la..)
“Mama?”
“Yes my sweetheart?”
“Thank you for tucking me in tonight. Dad, he falls asleep on the story book and makes noises like a choo choo train. Then I can’t sleep at all.”
“Really? My poor baby!” muaahhh! “From tonight mommy will tuck you in. Okay?”
“I love you mama! And you sing so nicely, not like Daddy.”
Sounds of sniffling.
“Why are you crying, mama?”
I’m not crying sweetie pie. Sometimes tears just start to flow when adults are very happy! Like I am now, with you.”
“It’s alright mama! I thought you must be hurt like Teddy though he never cried when his nose fell off.”
“Is Teddy your best friend?”
“Yes, mama. And now you are too, just like Doctor Aunty and Shaan chaachu!”
“You love Doctor Aunty, yes?”
“Yes mama, very much, she always kisses me and hugs me! And chachu loves her too! He said so!”
“He did?”
“Yes! And when I asked Doctor Aunty, she shook her head like this.” Megha nodded vigorously.
“She did?”
“Yes! And I asked her to come to my birthday, I did right, didn’t I Mama?”
“Your birthday?! OMG! Its next week isn’t it? I have to make so many arrangements! My baby will have the best birthday ever!”
“Thank you mama! And please invite Doctor Aunty for me. Please!” Megha hugged her mother tight.
“Yes, I will. I swear! Happy? Now go to sleep. Tomorrow you have sports day right?”
“Mama? Will you come to watch me run? Do say yes! Pleease! Then I will run really fast!”
“Of course I will! And Dad will too! I’ll make him. And I’ll cheer the loudest! Now, here is your Daisy (ragdoll) go to sleep! Goodnight my most precious one! Muuaaah!”
“Mama I love you! You are the best!”
“And you are the best little girl anyone could ever have! Now sleep tight.”Khushboo couldn’t control her tears as she shut the door. She let them flow freely.
***
Now Daisy was a doll with eyes that blinked so Megha could hold a conversation with her and get her to agree with her each and every time.
And so she began: “Daisy, today is the happiest day don’t you think?”
Blink!
“Mama sang me to sleep!”
Blink!
“But she cried. Why? Sometimes grownups do funny things, don’t they Daisy?”
Blink!
“Like Dadi did today. She was fine and then she called Doctor Aunty saying she was sick. Then she was okay again!”
Blink!
“Then she made me follow Chachu and Aunty outside. Do you know why?”
Blink! Blink!
“No? I dunno either! Then Chaachu acted funny with Aunty. He looked like he was going to eat her up!”
Blink!
“Yes! And he looked just like Daddy did today when he was going to kiss Mama!”
Blink?!
“Yes, I know everything! What Daddies do to Mommies!” She giggled loudly.
“Shhh! Somebody will hear us!”
Blink!
“I don’t know why Shaan chaachu was pulling his hair. Doesn’t he know only Daddies and Mommies can kiss?”
Blink? Blink?
“Why? Dumbo! Because that’s how they have babies! Yes, I’m going to get a baby brother soon!” Megha giggled again.
Blink! Blink! Blink!
Rhythm & Blues Chap 30: Tangled Tale
30: Tangled Tale
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“Good morning sleeping beauty.”
Khanak flopped over on her stomach and buried her head in a large fluffy pillow. She was trying hard to hold on to her dream. Or was it real. It was hard to tell. The scene was a grand ball, where she was the only one dancing with the handsome prince because he wouldn’t dance with anyone else. He was holding her tight as if he feared she would vanish at any moment. Then his fudge brown eyes peered deep into her own as he asked for her hand and her heart stopped beating and…
“Wake up sleepy head!”
She stirred and groaned in complaint as the bright rays of sun struck her eyes. Her head throbbed as someone shook her arm.
“Where am I?”
“Perfecto! Just the question I would expect from a beautiful princess. C’mon wake up or was the witch’s spell stronger than the power of your love?”
“What?”
Khanak sat up straight. The sudden movement made the room spin and sent a wave of nausea through her chest. She stared blankly at the purple haired man sitting in front of her grinning from ear to ear.
Human After All Chap 15: …Line and Sinker
15: Line and Sinker
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“Dadi ma I love you so much!” Shantanu exclaimed as he hugged his grandma early the next morning.
“I love you too beta. What’s the matter? What have I done to deserve this special attention?” She asked with a smile.
“Why? Can’t I hug you like Megha does all the time? I’m also your ladla am I not?” Shaan said pretending to look miffed.
“Of course my son, you are just like Megha for me only slightly bigger. I was just asking as I’m not used to being carried around every day!” She said as Shaan had now hoisted her up.
Her grandson laughed. “Sorry. I’m so happy today that I want to tell it to the entire world!”
“Tell what? Please put me down now before I have a heart attack!”
Shan obliged with her instruction then began pacing the floor. “Umm… How do I say it?”
Dadi ma’s astute eyes twinkled. “That you are in love? Don’t hesitate. Just say it son. Get it out from your chest. So when are the wedding bells?”
Human After All Chap 13: Serenade
13: Serenade
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BEEEP!
Khanak paused in the middle of typing her note and reached for her cell phone. She was thinking—It’s probably Dr. Krishnan reminding me of the presentation I have to make at the Charity hospital meet tomorrow. Dr. Krishnan was so like her father–diligent, conscientious and straightforward. She was indeed very lucky he had accepted her as his partner.
But it was a number she didn’t recognize. Someone had infiltrated the mobile network yet again. One more scam. The nerve! Wonder what it is now?
Dear Doctor Aunty…
Khanak sighed with relief. A message from Megha! But as she read on a frown formed on her brow.
She had to go over it several times before realizing its implication. How did he get my number? Oh yes! Her mother had informed her that Shantanu had called home using her cell. Clever. Very clever. Megha wants me to fix her teddy and her chachu is acting as the courier! What an idea! To use a little child for his own ends!
But then why is my heart racing?
Because I want to meet him too or else how will I deliver my thank you note? Even though I know that’s just an excuse… Khanak’s heart flipped over in her chest. Her cheeks burned. Damn him! I won’t reply right away or he’ll think I am eager to meet him. I will later tonight. I’m sure he’ll be up late.
The bedroom door suddenly banged open causing her to almost fall off the bed. It was Palak standing there with her mouth wide open as if bursting to say something but waiting for her permission for some unknown reason.
Khanak closed her laptop and briskly thrust her mobile under the pillow. Palak possessed the uncanny ability of finding out everything before Khanak did herself and then revealing it to Dad and Mom! That just won’t do!
She spoke in as calm a tone as she could muster; “Now what’s the suspense about?”
Human After All Chap 12: Heartbeat
12: Heartbeat
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“What a sweet boy and so handsome too.”
Khanak kept her gaze trained on the TV seeming intent on the cricket match.
“Khanak I am talking to you!”
Khanak turned to her mother. “What ma? Agreed Sehwag is sweet. But why would you call him handsome? What happened to your standards? Even dad was quite good to look at before he lost all his hair.”
To which she received a nod from Pramod. “Yes. Your mother used to say she married me only because I vaguely reminded her of Warren Beatty. I guess the reason she’s still bearing with me is because now I faintly resemble Yul Brunner. Yes?” he grinned teasingly at his wife who glowered in response.
“You look more like Amrish Puri minus the voice dad. So don’t flatter yourself;” Palak chimed in. “Didi please! Itna bhi bholi mat bano! You know very well who mom is talking about.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Khanak said trying to maintain a straight face.
“Beta;” Her mother approached her with a smile. “I was talking about you friend, the one you’ve never mentioned; Shantanu. Shantanu Khandelwal. Such a nice boy and so well-mannered too. What do you think Pramod?”
Human After All Chap 10: Hide and Seek
10: Hide and Seek
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He is still alive. Khanak sighed with relief and tried to will her heart to slow down. She read the note again slowly this time. Then again and again. He calls me his innocent love. How dare he! I’m neither innocent, nor am I his love. ‘May I always be the man in your dreams.’ Man in my dreams? How can he stake a claim on my dreams or me for that matter? She almost wished she had prescribed rat poison. But then she would have been staring at a suicide note instead and nursing her cold in a miserable jail cell.
In frustration she banged her hand against the desk then yelled out in pain. She had struck a sharp edge. Tears sprouted from her eyes. Of pain, anguish and doubt. She stared at the cut in her hand then grabbed some tissue to stem the flow of blood. The wound in my hand will stop hurting soon, she thought. But not the one that he has inflicted upon my heart. He is treating me like one of his random girlfriends. He probably has several to whom he dashes off pretty notes. They probably follow him around like lost puppies and he chooses to award them with his attention like favors for good behavior. But I’m not one of them. I have my own identity and my own life.
But why is he so bent on upsetting it?
Aaachooo! She sneezed again. Her head had begun to ache and feel heavy. She was pretty sure she looked more like a patient than a doctor at this time. She had skipped her sari today. Instead she had opted for a simple salwar suit and just run the brush through her hair. She hadn’t even felt like wearing her usual minimalistic makeup. She had never felt so rotten.
***
Akshay stepped out of the bathroom and was pleasantly surprised when he saw Megha and Khushboo together. It had become such a rare occurrence that sometimes he wondered if Khushboo was indeed Megha’s mother. He smiled when he saw his life’s most precious gift sitting on the dressing table in her school uniform, her legs tucked underneath her, staring wide eyed at her mother as she expertly applied her makeup. Khushboo, who always enjoyed an audience was explaining each and every step to her and even letting her hold her precious brushes and tubes of face paint.