DATING AFTER DEATH - Final with reviews

BALAKIRTHIKA JAYAKUMAR Balakirthika Jayakumar is an MCA graduate from the prestigious Presidency College, Chennai. She has passion for teaching and has experience of 15 years. She loves solving puzzles and drawing rangolis. She is mother of two cherished daughters and wife of a motivating husband. Her family supports her in all her endeavours. Her parents and in laws’ blessings have been her guiding factors. She believes anything happens with a purpose and all is for well. Her principal Ms. Shanti Badrinarayanan spotted her flair for the language and gave her the responsibility of spearheading the department of English. It is then she enjoyed the language and took on roles of being an editor of the school magazine, staff magazine, webpage proof reading and honed further her skill in this domain. 204

THE LORD KNOWS Our protagonist Mr. Deenabandhu is from a notable city of South India - Coimbatore. It is considered heavenly abode for many as it has pleasant climate and people. His childhood has had many notable incidents to fill his memories. It is not that there was no problem. His elder sister was born mentally retarded. But that did not bother the family. They were a very understanding family, who took things as God’s plan and lived their life to the fullest. To add joy to his already joyful life, he happened to meet his love. Her name was Ms. Mayuri. There was something which would call one for her attention. She acted as per her conscience She never tried to please anyone. This is perhaps what many fears to do and that is what made her special. Mr. Deenabandhu’s joy grew manifold whenever he encountered her. He decided it was she who would be the perfect life partner. They never spoke of it. In spite of that both of them knew their love for each other. He expressed this to his father. His father took some time to analyze the same and then questioned him – “Are you sure, she is the one. Now everything will look green pasture. You should promise me that once you accept her, you should accept her as she is. Give her due importance and have an understanding life. If you think this is possible then I have no objection.” Mr. Deenabandhu gave a deep thought through the night. He got a positive answer. He did not want to waste a second. In the morning he quickly rushed to meet Ms. Mayuri and convey his love for her. He never in his wildest dreams thought, there could be turn of events. Ms. Mayuri was not to be found. He enquired in the neighbourhood. He was told that they had vacated without telling anyone. They did not know where they went or why did they go. Mr. Deenabandhu was devastated. He had no clue how to find Ms. Mayuri. He tried his best, but in vain. He compromised and subdued to his father’s wish after two years and got married to Ms. Sunitha. The marriage did not last long. Mr. Deenabandhu was very brilliant. He turned his focus to his intellectual ability and contributed to the society selflessly. He kept himself happy by rearing his favourite pet Siberian husks, gardening and painting. He had no regrets. 205

His well-wishers felt if only he could have had the opportunity to have led a blissful life with his first love or at least with any other partner. Somebody is missing the affection of this noble person. Life went on. Like everybody Mr. Deenabandhu also encountered the indispensable – death. There was a big crowd that gathered to remorse. Each one shared how he was part of their success. It was innumerable. Everyone wished that he had had enjoyed a family. That was their only concern. This reached the Lord and he wished that he should reward this noble soul. He asked his assistant to look into the life history of Mr. Deenabandhu. He understood that Ms. Mayuri was someone our Mr. Deenabandhu loved. The assistant was asked to look at the status of Ms. Mayuri. She had died 2 years back. It was her turn to be born back in Earth. The great lord consulted his ministers and by a special exception handler made changes in the plan. He got on hold her descent to Earth for a year. The lord cast spells on him and M.s Mayuri and entered them into stage of young adulthood, the time when they both had met on Earth. Mr. Deenabandhu was ushered into Jasmine chamber. Ms. Mayuri was in the same chamber. He was trying to get the hang of everything in heaven. He was exploring everything. Among the many beautiful things there was something hazy which caught his attention. It looked familiar. He went closer and there was a spring of happiness in him, but he did not know why. Ms. Mayuri also felt the same. They got introduced and decided to marry. They never could recollect their earthly bondage. The assistant got confused. He asked Lord, “Don’t they remember each other.” Lord smiled and said – “No. It is the ecstasy I am rewarding for their good deeds on Earth. It will last for a year. Then they will have new roles to don on Earth and I shall take into account their new deeds. The vicious cycle of life will follow.” Life is a mystery…The mystery continues…Live the life then and there enjoying the moment. Never crib over past or be anxious of the future. The Lord knows to keep you happy. Ponder the present. Balakirthika Jayakumar 206

MADHURI GODBOLE Madhuri Godbole, born in 1955, is a graduate in History of Fine Arts, and in English Literature. She has a Masters and M. Phil both in English Literature. Experienced in the field of education for 30 years, she has worked as teacher, as a lecturer in Junior College, and as Head Mistress. She is known to be creative and enthusiastic. She has a penchant for writing and doing social service. She has written one poem and four articles for The Impish Lass Publishing House. Her mantra is, “Keep Evolving, Keep Inspiring” 207

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HEAVEN I floated lightly, like a feather… Happiness had enveloped me. With a smile on my face, and a song on my lips, I drifted from the physical world …into the realms of heaven. There was something divine about heaven. It was misty, eerie and fragrant. I explored…! I skimmed like a bird. My eyes devoured gaily, at the niceness around. I spotted my parents who warmly welcomed me. I gazed at them over and over again with joy. So, did they, lovingly. I was overwhelmed to see them eagerly waiting for me. I observed other souls to be as peaceful as me. Some chatted, some danced, some walked hand in hand, while some romanced. There was abundance here. There was no smell of money, nor was there the pollution of jealousy and hatred. And I realized that anger and greed, would have been misfits here. I saw many souls that I knew on earth. My dear friends and relatives came and met me. My joy knew no bounds when I met my in-laws, uncles, aunts and my dear friends. I also saw a few fans of mine, who were my admirers, on earth. Being precarious by nature, I had kept them all at bay, then. Here in heaven, I befriended them, with no inhibitions. I met my heart throb Rajesh Khanna. His halo of stardom was missing in these sylvan surroundings, so was his iconic blink in the eyes and his slanting nod. I met Sushant Singh too. He appeared like a relaxed lad now, after having been a victim of anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, something was amiss. I was dearly missing Anil, my hubby for 45 years. We were always together wherever we went…. “Did he get saved….?” I wondered. I had lost my life in the horrendous car accident. The screeching of the car tyres and the blaring crash still echoed in my ears. If he is not here with me, Anil must be serious in the hospital, on earth, I presumed. He should not suffer, thought I. He should not be poked with needles, nor should he be enforced to breathe through the ventilator. 208

Eagerly I waited for him to come to this new world of ecstasy, where all souls lived in bliss. Little did I perceive that I would long for him so much! I wanted Anil amidst this harmony and peace. We had enjoyed short holidays together, but here was a permanent divine holiday, which I wanted him to experience. On earth ours was a marriage made in heaven. How we met and how we got bonded into marriage was pure fait accompli! We never tried hard to get each other. Our coming together was like a flowing river, so was our life thereafter. We souls enjoyed together. I had a tete-a-tete with several of them. I even went dating with some of my known friends. Well, dating in heaven meant floating in the void. No one peered or ogled here. We exchanged stories of infatuations and fantasies. Nothing in particular drew me to my old crushes even in this idyllic environment. I eventually concluded that it is pure destiny, about whom one meets and how one gets bonded together. I now began enjoying and relishing my invaluable me-time here. I swayed endlessly in this charisma. Anil was nowhere in my thoughts now, but to my surprise, I came upon the soul of none other than my very own, Anil. I went across and ushered him into this ethereal world. “Oh, how wonderful is it that you have joined me too!” I cried, with excitement. We were now in each other’s arms, gliding. I took him to his parents, my parents and to our dear ones. “Oh, everything looks so romantic, and so exotic, here, proclaimed Anil. He was astonished to discern that all souls had so much time for each other. There was no worry and no hurry. And now sprung his true nature! Anil began chiding, “But Madhu, I had resolved NEVER to have you as a partner again. I was looking forward to a CHANGE. How do I see you again with me, here in heaven?” “Yes dear” I explained, when on earth, one life with you was plentiful and ample enough for me as well. I am amazed at myself to be pining for you in this aura of heaven too…! BUT Anil, let us not start our regular arguments again! Why don’t you go and search for other souls you know?” I suggested. 209

Off went Anil on his adventure to find his long-lost girl friends from earth. He slid towards other souls, mingled with them, dated them but returned, happy to see me waiting restlessly. Both of us soon came to a wholesome realization that we were meant for each other, wherever we were, either in this exquisite paradise or in the physical world. Needless to say, Anil and I as souls, Lived Happily Ever After. Madhuri Godbole 210

FARHANA ASHRAF Ms. Farhana Ashraf has done her M.A in English from Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi. She holds a B.Ed degree and has successfully completed CIDTT (Cambridge International Diploma of Teachers Training) from UK. At present she is working as an English Lecturer at Thakur Vidya Mandir High School and Junior College. She has authored a novel named, ‘MY SOIL, MY SOUL’ based on the theme of partition. She has freelanced articles for Sunday Observer Newspaper and Rediff.com. She has been a judge at the R ward / K ward -level for Elocution Competition and Science Exhibition. She has mentored the fest BRAHMOTSAV in her institute and is active in organizing as well as training student’s for various competitions. 211

A HISTORICAL DATE “It’s PAKISTAN or me”. This was the condition that I had put forth on a romantic date with Mohammed Ali Jinnah. MUMBAI-AZAD MAIDAN. Protest? Again? Yes, I must go in the protest. I have to voice out my feelings. Didn’t our leaders protest and drove the British out of India? They weren’t silent spectators, letting things go their way. I will participate in the protest and be a part of what is right. I have been prejudiced, I have seen hatred, I have heard the gossip mongers gossiping about me, I have felt the awkwardness during the India –Pakistan match, I always have to prove hard for being a patriot, I have been facing it all. Thanks to some of my genuine friends who have showered their love and respect and kept my belief in humanity. But still my heart always waits to seek answers untold. Taking the brickbats, I wanted to change the course of history. I wanted to convince with my skills of arguing the pros and cons of Partition of our beloved mother land. I was always intrigued and wanted to go back to change the dark historic event. There was a huge crowd at the protest. I felt happy that like-minded people from all walks of life and different religions had gathered to speak against the wrong. Yes, justice will prevail, and the government will not enforce the act that would demand my identity in my own country. Hey, what do I see the police with their guns and lathis emerging and pouncing on us? No! No! No! I fell down and my vision blurred. I was relocated to another world – into the world of souls. Where was I? Where were the people in the protest? Which place is this? I kept pondering. From afar I noticed a man of thin stature with a lean body. He was sophisticated in his mannerisms. He was staring hard at me. I was in the protest some time back and here now I am in a different place. 212

This gentleman strode towards me. He forwarded his hand for a shake and introduced himself, “Hello young lady, I am Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Would you come on a date with me?” He seemed to be mesmerized by me. I was with this man whose one decision had affected so many lives in both the countries, India and Pakistan. He rendered me speechless, I was taken aback by his bold move and I had butterflies in my stomach. Mohammed Ali Jinnah the creator of Pakistan, the man whose one decision tormented me so much. He is asking me out for a date. Yes, this is the opportunity to change the course of history. I should say yes to him and convince him not to divide my motherland. I shook hands and smiled. He seemed to be overjoyed. We shared our views on the beauty of our culture, the strength of unity and the common enemy playing the cards of divide and rule. I tactfully indicated that partition would not be a wise decision. He can sort out matters in a more peaceful way. He was drawn towards me in an uncanny way. He confessed his love and proposed me for marriage. “Marriage?” Now comes my time I gathered courage and told him that I am ready to get married to him but on my own terms. I have a condition before giving him the commitment. He has to take back his decision of partitioning India and Pakistan. “It’s PAKISTAN or ME”. Mohammed Ali Jinnah, held my hand and looked deep in my eyes. “It’s you my dear.” My joy knew no bounds. I gave my consent for marriage. I was dressed as a bride. Looking beautiful and gleaming. I heard a voice calling out suddenly, “Thank God you are safe, my child”. I opened my eyes and turned around I was no more dressed as a bride instead I was in the uniform of a patient with tubes running around my nose and my hand and legs plastered. I saw it was my mom. I came back to reality. I faced death and I almost dated and got married to Mohammed Ali Jinnah rewriting a new history again and uniting the two nations forever. Farhana Ashraf 213

ARAVIND GUNDHALLI Aravind Gundhalli is an Assistant Professor with a decade of successful experience in teaching. He obtained a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering and specializes in Structural Engineering. He regularly attends national training sessions to showcase new trends and workshops to learn new skills for competitive improvement. A strong believer in the power of persistence in the workplace. He regularly develops internal wellness group discussions to assist students with effective mental and interpersonal techniques. He has published several articles on self-help at Boost Thyself and other websites. He is a writer at Your Quote a popular app for writers to write quotes, poems, stories and micro poetry content online. He enjoys a good self-improvement books binge but can also be found on ground playing cricket. 214

SPIRIT OF DATE When we were newly entered as a rookie in electronic media, our favorite heroine was Shivani Phule. She was beauty-conscious, with beautifully dressed hair alongside short ponytail. The very presence of her attracted fans out of their wits. In the cinema world, beauties that attract do have a big heart. Our heroine did both. Her looks and wishes were like roses waving delights, and her empathy, too, melted us to the core. She advocated that the relationship between fans and star was to be pure like coconut water; utterly free from worldly intrusion. That fans do love and revere their heartthrob like a god. Then she would blow her charisma straight on to our eyes, like a dazzling sun, beaming spontaneously; but her beaming was mixed with so many exotic colors that everyone could have taken it for a bombshell. Her extraordinary Marathi appearance graced the movement she made. But clearly, no person can be more die-hard than a fan-man. The immortal stars cause nowhere near so much trouble. Our heroine had a shrewdness for handling reporters that sounds trivial, but which was terrifically cool. She would give us new dates. Although a date is nothing but a day, people generally plan their days more wisely; they will go to tremendous lengths to meet their expectations; they are willing to postpone their duties for them. Ashmit was the goody-goody of the media. He never fell short of work: he was very clever – maybe he was more experienced than the others. He smiled gently at anything that was said to him; he performed hard; many were keen to make friends with him, but he never associated with any other colleague. At seven o’clock one day an accident would strike him hard and end his life in a flash of seconds. Soon after the accident Ashmit was very dejected by this; he could not complete the date as promised to the heroine a day before. His disappointment on this occasion was appalling: The Lord of Death gave him the coveted gift to date after death. His excitement and energy reopened high. 215

The next day Yama took his place on his throne as usual and, looking towards the entrance, saw Ashmit entering the durbar with his mic and camera in a backpack. ‘Here comes the master dater!’ said Yama, laughing drily. Later, when the proceedings were over, just before he dismissed the new entrants, he called out, ‘Hear this, everyone.’ It was as if the entirety of Earth’s gravitation was hauling young Ashmit down, but all he could do was date his dream girl and fulfill the last wish of life. Ashmit had a superstar figure. She had not allowed any reporter friend to interview free at any time, so Ashmit was her only reliable reporter. Ashmit’s home was facing the sea, with a beach close-in access. The special day had been cloudy and very wet. The few people who continued to pass by, popcorn in their hands, sunglasses over their eyes, were in interested to look around. Ashmit dated all day with his heroine, walked on the beach of the sea, while clouds darkened the sky and the rain pattered. It was the dating-day with his heroine’s permission. Ashmit was giving earnest and soulful instructions to his heroine about the preparations for the dating. A problem then arose about who would be the photographer. The charming heroine suddenly jumped up, and Ashmit heard her ask someone, ‘Please, will you be the photographer on my dating day?’ Turning around, he saw a draggled Yama standing under the structure, folding his black umbrella. He had been strolling along the road and had taken shelter from the rain there. It was Yama whom the charming heroine had asked to be a photographer on her dating day. Ashmit dashed straight into the sky when he saw him, exiting the date and his heroine. His special day had been completely unforgettable. This was what Yama described with stretching amusement, to highlight for his calling Ashmit ‘Spirit of Date’ in front of everyone. At first, the man smiled gently, as he did to everything he heard, and tried to join in a little with the gaiety all around him. 216

Ashmit’s smile gave way to a crimson red blush around his face and ears. The nerves in his aching forehead began to throb; he could no longer retain back the inundation of tears in his eyes. Yama took light refreshment in his durbar and settled down for a record review. The spirits danced around Ashmit, rollickingly intonating, ‘Spirit of Date!’ He realized that to date with your heroine on a preset of the interview was the most romantic thing, and he could not accept that people would ever bury what he had done. Aravind Gundhalli 217

NEETA SRIVASTAVA Neeta Srivastava is a teacher, Radio artist and a poet. She is a postgraduate in Vocal Music from MD University, Rohtak. She is a sensitive and outspoken person who puts a little of herself in all that she does ‘giving it an honest and a personal touch.’ She may be reached at [email protected] 218

THE SPIRITED LOVE I had kept it here, I remember distinctly, how could I misplace it? My only solace, dismayed, I started searching again. In my small two-bedroom flat, where could it go? Now fatigued! A frequent phenomenon these days, enervated, I threw myself on my bed, repository of our unrestrained passionate togetherness, our conjugal right. Hot tears rolling down, my body shaking, sobbing, I took his pillow and clasped it to my tormented heart, expecting some relief, none came, how could he leave me limping alone in this world and callously move on to another, our vows of togetherness gone with him. The doorbell rang, my maid, my only visitor, is here. One look at me and she dropped her gaze, unable to look at the pain on my melancholic face. Silently she did what she had to. “Should I ask her, how will she react? I thought to myself. I could not bring myself to it. I cannot tolerate any kind of sound, no voices, only silence. I told her, “Do your work and leave”. Just leave me alone with my miserable thoughts, my unfortunate state.” She understood, finished her work in silence and left but not before saying “Memsaab, Namak nahi hai, mungwa lena.” What? What to say to her? My existence has lost all flavours, that my life is left bland, insipid, worthless! 219

Picking up my otherwise silent phone with its meaningless messages of sympathy, I could not bear to glance, I called the general store. “Salt milega, ek packet?” Eager to help he replied “Ji, I’ll send it just now.” My thoughts were soon interrupted by the shrill sound of the doorbell. So soon? I opened the door... Noisy chatter, droplets of water woke me up. “What happened “ They took me to my room, my helpful neighbours and made me comfortable. No salt yet! I was holding his lost diary in my hand. He came. Am I seeing him or the delivery boy? I’m totally confused. As he was handing it to me, l looked up and saw those same soft eyes “Were you looking for this?” he said, the voice, the touch, a fraction of a second, and handing it over, our fingers met, icy cold, and he just melted. I fainted at the door, my precious possession, his diary in my hand when neighbours woke me up. His diary, on which he had written on the cover, “I Love You”. Neeta Srivastava 220

MEENAL MOGHE Meenal Moghe lives in Pune, India. She has lived in the US, Europe and India at different points in her life. She has completed her Masters in Commerce, Diploma in Advanced French and Diploma in Creative Writing from Symbiosis College in Pune. She has published five stories in five anthologies- ‘Aura of love’ and ‘Share of Love’ under the Raindrops Publishing banner, as well as ‘The Teacher I will never ever forget’, ‘Hat Tip’ and ‘From Antiquity to Independence’ under the Impish Lass Publishing house. Currently, she is working as a librarian in the French teaching institute of ‘Alliance Française de Pune.’ You may contact her at [email protected] 221

LOST WITHOUT YOUR LOVE Fresh out of the innocence of school days, I embarked on a new journey called college. My first step into the real world. All the strict school rules and regulations which protected me were all gone and now I was free to explore a new life. Friends, freedom to wear what I want, bunking classes, no one telling me what to do and how to wear my hair. It was as if I finally had wings. Along with freedom, I was also just discovering the concept of love. What was love? How will I know when I am in love? It felt as if it was some magical and happy feeling of loving and being loved. I didn’t know but thought that when I fall in love, I will understand it. One day while walking along the campus, I was struck by cupid’s arrow when a tall handsome boy caught my eye. I didn't know what it was, but I felt an instant attraction. What was it about you that drew me in so fervently? Was it your cute smile? Your cute eyes? Your shyness? Something was there. I could not explain it, but I was smitten. I was just 16 years old and naive. I had fallen head over heels in love with this boy with whom I had never even talked to. I suppose it is the innocence of love at first sight. I sometimes wonder how I could be in love with someone who I never talked to, but I guess at that tender age, love had a different meaning. Maybe it was his handsome cute looks or maybe there was just that allure you feel towards someone which you can't really explain. Maybe at that age, you didn't need to talk to someone to be in love. It could have just been the way he looked at me that swept me off my feet. I would stare at him during our classes not paying attention to what the teacher was saying. I have no idea how I passed though. He would constantly be on my mind. I would look for him everywhere and once I saw him, my heart would skip a beat. I would sit in the college library writing poems about him. I remember one of the verses ' Your cute little eyes and your cute little nose, when I will get you only God knows.’ I tried to make it rhyme. I wanted to show him how much I loved him but was too shy to talk. What could I do? I waited for a few months and it was soon Valentine's Day. Also better known as ‘Rose day’ in college. That was the day everybody expressed their love towards their crushes. I remember it was a yellow rose for friendship and a red rose for love. Some of my friends who knew about my crush pushed me into giving him a rose. I 222

was hesitant at first but somehow mustered the courage and went up to him while he was standing with a group of his friends and just held out my hand and gave him a red rose. He accepted it! I was over the moon! Everybody started to tease him as a girl had given him a rose and he gave me the cutest smile ever. Oh, that smile could melt a million hearts. I went back to my friends and they were also teasing me. Teasing was normal at that young age I suppose. We were just discovering love. It was all new and exciting. The next day, we spoke a few words. Suddenly, after my public display of affection, the whole college was teasing us. Whenever we would pass by each other, his friends would tease him in my name and my friends would tease me in his name. Whenever our friends teased us, he would shyly run his hands through his hair and flash his trademark cute smile. Other students would call out his name if I passed by. I would write his name and my name together in the back of all my notebooks in hearts and etch his name on the wooden bench of our college. I was truly in love but amidst all the teasing, for some reason, while going through all this, I never really spoke to him. It had all just become a sort of teasing game. I sometimes wonder if it was the 'rose effect'. He would occasionally give me a 'hi' from afar but that was it. Publicly giving him the rose sort of made it more public than private. Eventually of course all the teasing and fun died down. Suddenly I realized that in the midst of everything, I had never really talked to him and gotten to know him. I was so caught up in the 'rose effect' that after it was over, I realized I never really spoke to him and told him how I felt. Alas! It was too late. I told him how I felt but he had already fallen in love with someone else. I was heartbroken and sad. Why did I not speak to him? I was swept away by all the teasing and fun that I never really told him how much I truly and absolutely loved him. It was innocent love I suppose. A magical surreal feeling that never saw the light of day. A lost love. I would drown my sorrows in listening to sad love songs. I remember one particular one called 'Lost without your love'. Each and every word from that song touched my heart as I felt the agonizing pain of heartbreak. I suppose I was yearning for the love I never really got to experience in the real world. The love never materialized. It was a lost love. 223

We have all moved in life and many years have passed. You are happy now and I am happy for you. Now I can only imagine that long after we leave the real world, we will meet again in the afterlife. Maybe then I will have the courage to talk to you. There will be no distractions. It will be just us. I can express my love to you. I can swim in your innocent eyes and get captured by your enchanting smile. We can relive our tender youth. The real world was perhaps not for us. Our love just exists beyond reality. It was not to be experienced here on earth. Perhaps it was just an illusion of love which we can only experience after leaving this reality into another dimension. Meenal Moghe 224

MEENAKSHI SALIAN Meenakshi Salian has completed her graduation from commerce stream and then went on to complete her B. Ed in English and History when she realized that teaching is her passion. She has a ‘10 years’ work experience in teaching and is associated with Cambridge Curriculum for the last 5 years. She is working with Ashoka Global Academy, Nashik as an English, SST and GP teacher. She has even worked in SSC and ICSE Curriculum. She is born and raised in Mumbai but shifted with her parents to Nashik. Reading is her passion as she feels that it is the best way to understand a different perspective and also to gain knowledge. Other than reading she also loves spending her time with nature and goes for trekking at times. 225

THE BRIDGE As usual Sarah was late to leave her office as it was month ending. Sarah was not different than an average looking girl. Though her curls and beautiful deep eyes made her at times look extraordinary, but she was never focused on her looks. It was very common for her to go home late on a weekend. Finishing her work, she walked towards the parking area and rushed inside her car. She was aware that she was driving home than the average speed as she had promised her mother that she will have dinner with her. In a hurry she tried to overtake a car and didn’t realize that a giant truck was approaching her in a full speed. Before she could understand anything, her car crashed, and she lost her consciousness. The moment she opened her eyes she was surprised to see around her. She was in a beautiful world with greenery everywhere. The shadow of the dancing trees looked like painting drawn in the blue and green background. She was completely lost in the beauty of the place when she realized that she has never been to that place. Confused, she tried to get up and move around. Moving around in the deserted area, her eyes caught the attention of a house. The house looked as if it was renovated recently. Stunning architecture with great landscape made it stand extraordinarily beautifully in the deserted area. Hoping of meeting someone, Sarah just rushed near the house. She tried knocking but to her amaze no one responded. She tried unlatching the knob and found out that the door was already open. She went inside and tried calling to find out if someone is there but there was no response. Sitting on the couch bewildered, she kept thinking how she landed up in a place like this whereas she should have been in a hospital. Someone knocked the door and entered the house. As she tried looking at the face, she was surprised to see that her school crush Sameer was standing in front of her. She instantly recalled the time when she was in her school and was totally crazy for this guy who was very popular with his killer looks and dark skin. He looked at her and smiled gently. “You must be surprised to see me, isn’t it?” Sarah just nodded her head unable to utter anything. After finishing her school for so many years she still could feel the butterflies in her stomach just looking at him. He was as handsome 226

as ever and the glasses he wore made him more attractive. She barely managed to smile back to him when he continued, “I was waiting for you.” She was awestruck when she heard him saying that. “Yes Sarah, you are no longer alive, and you have come to the place where every soul has to come before going to the final destination.” Sarah couldn’t believe what she heard. She had so many questions going on in her head. “Do you mean I am dead?” “Yes Sarah, you are dead.” “Then am I not supposed to be in heaven or hell? How come you are here? Does that mean you are dead too?” He smirked, “Surely you are heading towards your destination but before going there every soul needs to wait in this area which is also called as the “bridge”. This is the time when you can reflect on your life and yourself as a soul. Sarah was still puzzled but the thought of being with Sameer made her forget everything. She looked at him innocently. To answer your second question, “Yes, I died a day prior than you. When I got the news of you coming here, I was desperately waiting for you as I always wanted to confess something. Sarah, I always had an attraction towards you. I tried very hard to talk to you during the school days and ask you out for a date but couldn’t do that, but I am glad that I could do it today. Will you go on a date with me? Sarah’s heart was pounding as if it will burst any moment. She couldn’t imagine that Sameer is actually asking her out. She agreed instantly. Sameer took her to a nearby theme park. They tried all different types of rides and had fun together. Sameer was scared initially but Sarah managed to pull him on all the rides. Sarah had never felt so happy in her life. While walking towards the house, Sameer held Sarah’s hand. “Sarah, you are the most beautiful lady I have ever met, and I wish I could be with you in my next life.” He pulled Sarah close to him and kissed her passionately. Meenakshi Salian 227

KAPIL G. THAKORE Kapil G. Thakore is a Chartered Accountant associated with TV 18, since last 23 years. Adjunct faculty with BSE and Visiting Faculty with Mithibai, UPG and Tolani. He is and avid writer and has published his work I many anthologies. He may be reached on [email protected] 228

DATING AFTER DEATH: A DIFFERENT TAKE Sometime after the death of your spouse, you will think about dating, especially if you liked being married. This may be in a month; it may be in five years. Whenever you start, you'll probably feel guilty, like you're cheating on your wife, husband, or partner. Even if your spouse said she wanted you to date again, you will feel odd about asking someone out. I did. And when that first kiss comes, a whole bucket of emotion is going to spill. Women typically aren't in a hurry to date because they have a larger circle of friends where they can share their grief. Men, not so much. From the statistics I've read, men remarry faster than women who have lost a spouse. When you begin dating, you're starting over. Press Reset. You're not picking up where you left off with your significant other. Anyone you date will be a different person and it will be a different relationship. Don't expect them to be a clone of your spouse. The person you date will have a different set of likes and dislikes. Don't expect them to know what foods you like or get all of your jokes. You are going to have to tell them who you are, and you are going to have to share your feelings. You don't have to jump into dating, even if women (or men) are pounding on your door. You can casually chat with people you find attractive and see how you feel. Date when you feel ready. Or not. If you only want to talk about your spouse and aren't interested in learning about your date, then you're not ready. It's okay to talk about your spouse, of course, because she was a big part of your life and her death continues to affect you, so grief 229

is a topic for discussion. But if your wife, or your grief, dominates the discussion every time you go out, you're probably not ready. You can go out with someone without calling it a date, and without any thoughts of it being romantic or leading to marriage. You can just enjoy an evening out and make a new friend. If there's a spark there, fine. If there isn't, then too fine. Sparks are fun, but you may need to get out of the house and be among people more than you need romance. Now is a good time to take stock of your life, because the last time you probably did this was 10 or 20 years ago. Ask yourself a whole bunch of questions. What did you like about being married? What did you dislike? Was there something you wanted to do that was set aside because of the marriage or the illness of your spouse -- like hike the Appalachian Trail for six months, or live in a yurt on an island off the west coast of Scotland? Do you want to move to a different part of the country? Change jobs? You have the opportunity to figure these things out and try new ideas. Then, when you start dating, you and the other person will know what you want. Try living alone for a while. Discover who you've become. Maybe you'll find that you want to live alone for a time and see other people only socially. John Bayley, the husband of Iris Murdoch, the British novelist and philosopher, \"fumbled\" around with two women after Iris died not knowing what he wanted in a new relationship, or what the women wanted who showed up on his doorstep. When he realized that he wanted companionship, he began dating a woman who wanted the same thing. 230

Listen to your heart. You're in control of your life. Nothing has to happen if you don't want it to, or if you don't feel ready. Now that you can respond in romantic ways to people you find attractive, you may feel unsure about your ability to casually chat and be interesting to other people. You may have forgotten how to flirt. You don't have to flirt, just be yourself. Build up your confidence by talking with people you find attractive at social gatherings. If they're married, don't flirt. Simply talk like you're a human being and not a man. You know what I mean. Don't try to be the one in control or pretend that you know everything. After you date someone for a while, you will know if you want more from the relationship. Your heart is big enough to both grieve and love someone new. Whatever you do, be honest with yourself and be honest with the other person. You've learned from your marriage that sharing your emotions is the only way that healthy relationships work. Kapil G. Thakore 231

VAISHALI CHANDORKAR CHITALE An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, Vaishali Chandorkar Chitale, is an English (Hons) graduate from Hindu College, Delhi University. She is a free-lance journalist and a writer. She likes to write about her life, anecdotes and fiction. She firmly believes in the saying, that ‘if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain’. Her stories have been published on online platforms like www.StoryMirror.com and www.Bonobology.com. She has also taught English in many schools and retired from Delhi Public school, Pune in 2004, after a career of over 14 years to follow her passion for writing. She lives in Mumbai with her family. You can follow her on her blog www.anenviablejourney.wordpress.com She can be reached at [email protected] . 232

ROMANCING THE HUSBAND Death is so final. And now that I AM dead, assuming that I had lived up to a ripe old age of eighty, I have serious doubts that I would even remember anyone whom I fantasized about in my young age. But then that’s the best part of being dead and peering down from the clouds above. One can assume any age and let the imagination soar. Actually, I never had the luxury of dreaming about any demigod or otherwise; being married off at a very young and impressionable age. Just as I was about to take off and soar, as happy as a lark to explore the world on my own terms, my parents suddenly woke up to their ‘responsibility’ of finding me a good grounded man! I was a die-hard romantic. No surprises there; most of us are! Though I knew from the very beginning that veering away from the oft trodden path (read: Arranged Marriage) that our family had been following for generations was never on the cards, it didn’t stop the young me from dreaming about my Prince Charming and building a picture of the ‘man-of-my-dreams’ in vibrant Eastman colours. It was an understood fact that my parents would play an active part in finding me a “suitable boy”, and surely enough they got down to the task as enthusiastically as a shredding machine on Dalal Street. Within a blink of an eye, they had found my “Mr. Right”. Giving my ‘would-be’ a once over I knew as surely as day follows night that though he was a ‘good chappie’ as they say, he was so not going to make be as giddy as a debutante on her ‘Presentation Ball’. He ticked all the boxes on my parents’ wish list, how I wish he had ticked mine too! For a person who breathed romance, I got pragmatism and logic instead. I wanted to be wooed by flowers and gifts, but was bombarded with recipe books, weekly planners, juicers and mixers and oh! all that you can think of for turning vision into reality for a Michelin starred chef! Well as they say, life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. AND now that I am dead, I want to date this very ‘chappie’ and teach him a thing or two about romancing a girl. You see, though he and I were as different as morning 233

mist is to dark clouds, we did have a long happy innings and now I want him to do the unthinkable (for him) and take me out on that one unforgettable evening that I had waited all my life for but reached the pearly gates before it could happen. Flashback to the time after our engagement... The wedding date is set, parents as busy as the locals in Mumbai on their daily run, in their preparations of ‘the D-Day ‘and I was at my anticipation best! Out with my friends for coffee one evening, I was surprised by a waiter appearing suddenly out of nowhere beside me and pointing towards the door. There with a wide grin on his face was standing my newly minted fiancé holding a huge bouquet of red roses. Between the trilling and twittering of my friends, I was escorted out and whisked off for a drive. Just as I was still catching my breath by the unexpectedness of it all, he nonchalantly pointed towards the back seat, where I saw a gift-wrapped hamper. On being told to open it, I was amazed to see my favourite chocolates (my brother told him) and my most loved perfume. I was also informed that we were going on a long drive and to settle down for the ride. Which I most certainly did. When we turned towards the ghats, I realized that we were on our way to Panchgani, a small hill station midway to Mahabaleshwar. Taken aback by the unexpectedness’ of it all, my romantic streak perked up sensing the excitement. But even I had not imagined the lengths that my ‘adventurous’ fiancé would go to. On reaching a scenic plateau with a breath-taking view of the valley, he parked the car, opened the boot and took out all the rudimentary things required for a picnic! With a flourish, I was informed that we are in for a moonlight picnic meal, accompanied by wine and cheese. A mushy and unforgettable evening followed. Needless to say, it was one of the most cherished date I had even if it was only in my imagination. I fell in love with my handsome dude all over again, with all my regrets and complaints washed away in one stroke, albeit after my death! Vaishali Chandorkar Chitale. 234

DIVYA VENKATESWARAN Divya Venkateswaran works with a renowned education services company as a part time Test Administrator and lives in Mumbai. She is passionate about music and reading. She has learnt Carnatic music and has also won many prizes. Writing is her newfound passion. Her articles are published in Times of India (internet) under Soul Curry section. She has contributed her articles and stories in anthologies, “The Travellers’ Diary”, “Lockdown Diaries”, “Mumbai Meri Jaan” of Impish Lass Publishing House. Whenever she finds time, she loves to listen to old Hindi movie songs, classical music and read Indian authors. 235

TASTE OF HEAVEN Riya was not a dating person and online dating seemed a distant option. Though many of her friends recommended it but she was hesitant enough to take it forward. Riya would always wonder what kind of people she would come across in a dating app? Would they be for real? She would rather be an old school and try the conventional form of dating. But the question remained, would the person be for real? As women, we all have a fairy-tale version of how we would meet the love of our life. We already have a script written across our minds as to how the fairy-tale would be. Riya wanted to get married and have a family of her own but was also ashamed of that desire. It was odd to have those thoughts, but owing to her skin colour and her age, well Riya was turning 40 next month; She was shamed to believe that there were not many men left for her on this earth. The old-fashioned way was certainly not going to help her. Riya decided to go for it and signed up on an online dating website. She managed a decent profile. Riya responded to men whom she thought expressed interest in her. She never reached out to men in real life and didn’t do it on the digital platform. If she was interested, she sent a response and answered their questions and asked her own. In the first group of men, someone named Rohan reached out to Riya. He added Riya as his favourite and left a message. His handsome picture had immediately caught her attention. Unlike others he had left her a question. He asked, if Riya was new to this dating website? Out of all men who were flirtatious and always left compliments, he stood out. They continued the conversation on the dating site. Riya liked chatting with him and was excited to talk to him. She shared her phone number too. Riya couldn’t wait to tell her roommate. 236

“I met a guy online and we chat almost daily Deepa,” Riya told her when she got home. Then she showed her a photo of him. “Oh, that’s Rohan,” Deepa said. “Wow, you know him?” “Yes, I have known him for years. He is a good guy and helped dad with one of his bank accounts.” Riya was relieved that she was not dating a complete stranger. They finally connected over the phone. When Riya heard him for the first time, she could connect to his deep and rich voice. They spoke about their families, their career experiences, their love for food and the more they talked they came to know more about each other. Riya and Rohan decided to meet in person, and she asked him to pick a good restaurant for a lunch. Riya got dressed up like a doll and called for a cab to reach the restaurant. Rohan had offered to pick her up, Riya politely refused. As soon as Riya got into the cab, she texted Rohan. She was halfway through when the car shut down. The driver got out to check and returned to inform Riya that the car has broken down and it would not be possible for him to go further. Riya paid him whatever was due and got out to call Rohan. He picked up the call at the first ring. Riya narrated what had happened and Rohan offered to pick her up from the location. They were talking about how they felt about the meeting when suddenly Riya heard a thud. Rohan was screaming and calling out her name and she couldn’t perceive what happened at the other end. Riya called out from the phone, “Rohan!!” “Rohan!!” “Are you ok?” There was no answer. 237