DATING AFTER DEATH - Final with reviews

HIRAL NANDU Hiral Nandu is a Semi qualified Chartered Accountant. She has been writing since few years for herself and recently she started to share her thoughts with the world. She is adventurous and likes to go for treks. She believes mental peace is the greatest asset a person can have and tries to free herself from negative emotions by writing them down. Her observing skills are great and she has sharp memory. She likes to live a simple life and she is always keen on exploring more. 288

CASUAL DATE “I promise it will be just a casual date”, said Arnav. Hearing those words, Sanaya got excited but she maintained a poker face. She took a deep breath, pretending as if she was not sure of it and later agreed, emphasizing on the words ‘Just a Casual Date’. It had been four years since Arnav died and he was watching humans on the earth. He even observed Sanaya and developed a soft corner for this girl. He understood she had a pure heart. Yet, she was always alone and content seeing other group of friends- enjoying themselves and having momos which was her favorite dish. He desired to help her in some way. But he could only help spirits. So, he took her life. Sanaya came into the world of pure souls. She did not understand what was going around. So, Arnav went towards her to let her know about her existence in the soul world. She got petrified knowing the truth, but she was pleased seeing a handsome angel in front of her. Sensing her nervousness, Arnav told he would like to help but she dissented. She said if a girl and boy go out, it means it’s a rendezvous and she didn’t want one. Arnav contested several times but Sanaya was adamant. Arnav finally gave up and said, “Okay, I promise it would be just a casual date”. Arnav took her for a ride in his vehicle-the clouds. They both sat on the clouds and he took off slowly. It was all magical for her. He said that all these paranormal activities were his routine and she would also adjust to them in few days. He knew she wanted to explore more, come out of her nutshell, fly like a bird, dance in the rains, and do all sorts of things without any concern. But he didn’t understand what was inhibiting her. She felt a bit conscious that an absolute stranger knew so much about her and she had absolutely no hint of it. Sensing her consciousness, Arnav asked her if she wanted some thrill and she agreed. Within a blink of a second Arnav increased the pace of the clouds so fast, so spontaneous, that the clouds filled with water were now giving rain to the planet. 289

Sanaya immediately held Arnav’s hands securely and was enjoying herself, so much so that she could feel the sprinkles along with the breeze on her cheeks. She was scared to fall but the sensation of flying higher, the spirit of giving in into this magnificent experience was beyond all the uncertainties. Finally, the ride slowed down and they got down into the aquatic depth. Sanaya was awe-struck. She saw shells, corals and pearls shining so clearing and in such magnificent colours that she could not believe what she was seeing. As a human, the sea was a sight associate with fear, fear of drowning into it. Now, this sinking into the new life was more marvelous than most of her terrors. Arnav was just staring at her with his eyes wide open. Something in him was not the usual ‘Arnav type’. It was as if his pure soul finally gained a purpose which he had to find before attaining heaven. But suddenly it struck him that what he was living at that moment was more than what he had craved for all his existence - as a human, as a soul. It was something which was beyond his sanity. He then moved towards Sanaya, took her four fingers in his hands and laid a sweet touch of his lips on them. Sanaya got goosebumps; some force was pulling, shouting and yelling at her. She didn’t know what was happening; she didn’t know why she was feeling this weird sensation and then slowly she found herself in Arnav’s arms. As she hugged him, she got the feeling as if she had found the whole universe secured in his arms. After some time, they drew apart, staring into each other’s eyes and words left Sanaya’s mouth, “I momo you.” Arnav with a faint smile replied, “I momo you too.” Hiral Nandu 290

Dr. SANAM VASEEM SHAIKH Dr. Sanam Vaseem Shaikh believes that her work should speak more than her words. She has to her feathers, degrees of M. A., M. Phil, B. Ed and PhD. She is a teacher in Anjuman-I-Islam’s Dr. M. I. J. G. H. S. She is keen at unfolding the small happiness of life. You may reach her at [email protected] 291

ETERNAL LOVE The girl with sparkling eyes Gazed at my arrival with content heart How are you? I with hesitant voice utter As you have left when we last met, replied she. Our departure has left a deep scar on my heart Even it was not easy on my part I have always longed to be your better half The past has gone now, we are liberated from all the cliff Henceforth we can dwell in free air Neither are you a slave here Nor am I a Princess of Palace Our love has reached tranquility The extinction is not annihilation It’s inception of our distinct fascination Precisely you’re right As our love will be imperishable Dr. Sanam Vaseem Shaikh 292

SHAILA BAJPAI PANDEY Shaila is an ardent admirer of art, music, literature and poetry. ‘Art is art, everything else is everything else.’- Inspired by this statement of Ad Reinhardt, an American artist, she is a poet who loves experimenting in the contemporary style of poetry in free verse. Awarded with fellowship for English Literature-Prose, by the Ministry of Culture in the year 2018, she is also involved in research of rural-urban migration and its impact on literature. Literature for her is universal and is mingled with personal experiences of the author. 293

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Love is unpredictable, they say. But love, according to me, of all things in this world, is most predictable. It brings smiles to your face even when you are alone, tears when you are amidst dozens, warmth of belonging to someone and the pain and distress of separation. On knows what to expect in love, everyone knows it! She walked on the streets thinking about what happened last night. She was mad at him as he failed to listen anything that she said and was always up to something or the other that angered her. She grinned to herself as she thought about their fights and how he ended up apologizing. Always. She ran towards the platform as she did not wish to miss the metro to her place. And just when she reached the metro station she thought about the flowers! She forgot to put the flowers in water; she had left them on the table. “Ah!” she sighed. She looked at the to-do list on her phone and thought about all the work that was pending and started to panic thinking about that. She stood near the door much before her station arrived, thinking about whether to get balloons or not. “It would be too much.” she thought to herself. She hurried towards the exit after she got off the coach. Her apartment was not very far from the station. While she was striding along her way, she stopped at the store that sold French fries and ordered two. In no time she stood outside the doors of her apartment and removed her keys and opened the door. “Hey! You are early.” he winked at her as he looked at the clock which showed 4. “And you forgot to have your lunch again.” She screamed as she rolled over her eyes at the kitchen slab. “You don’t have to be sarcastic humour doesn’t suit you that well you see.” She said casually playing with his hair. “I know I am late and now let’s hurry up and have lunch I have to leave again” “How was your day?” he asked. “Well, you know nothing special. Saw some regular patients, with monsoon on its way I am expecting I will have huge inflow of patients with flu next month but today was fine, not too much of rush at the clinic. I wanted it to be like that you see. I did not want to be too late for home today. Wish you a very happy birthday sweetheart.” she grinned as she said those words to him. 294

It was his birthday and she wanted it to be special. She had ordered tulips and orchids for the living room and roses for the tables. Order for dinner was placed at an Italian restaurant close by as they had decided not to dine out to make the occasion private. She had baked a double layered vanilla cake last night. She heated her lunch and unpacked the fries into a bowl and served on the table. The lunch was special too as she toiled herself since morning and cooked a five-course meal even for lunch. “I was starving, and I find this so delicious, now I feel getting those fries was a mistake. The food is too much for us to finish.” said Ragini while eating her desserts. She sat on the table for a while looked at him, the calmness on his face, his relaxed shoulders and a casual smile. He was dark and had a sturdy frame. More she looked at him the more she fell in love. She sat there for a while with her gaze fixed on his face and then got up to clean the table. Ragini picked up her phone from the table, patted her lips and applied some casual strokes of brush on her hair. “I am leaving now, I will be back before 8 and we will have dinner together, I have another appointment today at 6 with the shrink.” “Have you told him about me?” he asked her grimly. “Told whom? About what?” she said while cleaning the table in a haste and looked around, avoiding the conversation. “About me, Ragini.” he held her hand this time. “No.” she replied with a long sigh and stopped restlessly. Ragini hid her face in her palms and cried for some time before she removed it and found herself smiling. “No, I haven’t told him about you, because I know if I tell him about you, you will be gone. I will lose you forever. I have lost you once after that accident. After all I know that you are just a figment of my imagination.” Shaila Bajpai Pandey 295

REVIEWS DATING AFTER DEATH प्रयाण के बाद प्रणय The First Bilingual Anthology of The Impish Lass Publishing House Reviews Compiled by: Yutika Bhansali 296

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From our lovely Contributors of ‘DATING AFTER DEATH’ ‘’Holding this book in my hand gives me such an awesome feeling.... My first English write up along with Hindi.... Printed on pages.... Not only gives me a sense of happiness.... But also, a sense of responsibility.... you feel happy when your dream comes true.... What would you feel...? When awesome things happen...even without you thinking about it... English was never on the cards... And still it happened...now I have three languages in my heart. Gujarati, Hindi and English... Loving this feeling of in love with my writing... Eager to read everyone in the book... Dear editors, you are an inspiration and immense gratitude to Meena ma’am, thank you so much for  pushing my limits.... Three of you are true blessings in my life.... I’m loving my journey as a writer with Impish Lass’’ • Dr Rinku Shah Dating After Death... An intriguing title and so is this anthology. The industrious CEO of Impish Lass Publication house, Ms Meena Mishra, hit upon this unique idea, and this marvellous anthology has become a brilliant piece of art by the editor – Shubha Sagar, and her deft and crisp editing. I contributed a story to it and the entire credit for the same goes to this seasoned editor who was constantly after me and literary forced me to write. Thanks for this wonderful gift. May this Publication House, Meena Ma’am’s enterprising strength and the editorial skill of Shubha Ma’am reach higher level day by day.  • Mr Ratnadip Acharya (Guest Writer) Good morning! Have received the anthology! Thank you, Shubha ma’am, and Rachana for this opportunity to be a part of the first bilingual anthology! Much love! Thank you Meena for this artistic keepsake! • Teji Sethi  299

प्रिय रचना! मैं आभारी हँू आपका कि आपने मुझे ये अवसर प्रदान किया। आज यह प्रमाण पत्र प्राप्त कर अभिभूत हँू । भवदीय। • विद्यार्थी  I was about to sleep, and I received a call from dearest Rachana. ‘’Raahi, why didn’t you participate in the anthology?’’ I was taken by surprise, and then I asked her, ‘which anthology. Then, she told me about Dating after Death. I quickly got up and sent her my entries. Sigh! Without Rachana’s love, it wouldn’t have been possible.  Thank you, Rachana ma’am and Shubha ma’am! • Rahul Chhabra (Raahi) Beautiful book of three beautiful people close to my heart. Meena, Shubha, Rachana – love you! Love the book! • Neeti Parti  और इस शानदार सफर के हमारे नाखुदा - शुभा मेम, मीना मेम, और रचना । दिल से धन्यवाद और खूब सारा प्यार। Thank you, ma’am! No journey is complete without good guidance, and our creative ship was sailed by talented people like Shubha ma’am, Meena ma’am and Rachana ma’am!  • कं चन भोजवानी 300

Received my copy It is actually an extremely nostalgic moment for me. ‘Dating After Death’ isn’t a mere anthology for me. It’s an emotion! A journey I began two years ago, a novice to the community of esteemed and experienced writers. I knew my goal, and the Impish Lass Publishing House bestowed me with a path to accomplish it. This book commemorates and celebrated my progress, from being a writer to being an editor.  Thank you so much, Meena Maam for this wonderful opportunity, the trust, support and love on your end is my strength. Thank you, Shubha Maam ma’am for bringing out the creativity in me, thank you for mentoring me, Krishna Sir, thank you for teaching me to work smart instead of working hard. Thank you, Rachana Ma’am ma’am, thank you for this amazing book, truly your art beautified it manifolds! This book is a collection of various constellations of stars, woven together in form of writings which give birth to ‘Dating After Death! • Yutika Bhansali This would be my dream come true.. and my first ever published work in hindi.. thanks a ton to the entire team of impishlass and special thanks to Meena mam for proposing this idea and Shubha mama and Rachna for editing our work. • Sujatha Santanam  Thanks a lot ma’am, it is possible because of all the lovely editors of The Impish Lass Publishing House and the only and only YOU who really deserves a big applause for bringing a number of writers together from different parts of the country. Hats off to you and your team! Thanks, and I feel so very blessed to be a part of this beautiful journey together. Feeling fabulous to receive my copy and carrying it in my arms is like carrying a treasure. Truly, a dream come true! To find yourself in the pages is a super exciting feeling! I have looked at it a number of times, and still  feel – is it true, or is it a dream? • Dr Priti Chahar 301

Dear Shubha ma’am and Rachana ma’am, you have no idea how absolutely overwhelmed I am to see my Hindi and English in print. Rachana ma’am, thank you for helping me overcome the initial butterflies that invaded my being before submitting for Hindi! Shubha maam, thank you so much for your motivating and inspiring words and convincing me that nothing is impossible. This wouldn’t have been possible without you, dearest ma’am.  Dating After Death is not just a book, it’s a part of my soul. Much love and regard to all of the lovely writers and our guiding lights, our shimmering editors. Love, • Praniti मेरी प्यारी नानी जी, जो कई साल पहले सेवानिवृत हो चुकी है, लेकिन पूरा दिन न जाने कौन से काम मंे बिजी रहती हैं । और जब भी मिलो तो अपनी स्वीट सी मुस्कान के साथ मिलंेगी। दिन भर काम करते करते बीच मंे कु छ पढ़ने भी लग जाती है। अब हिंदी भाषा के पठान पाठन का दशकों का अनुभव और महान साहित्यकार आचारय् श्री रामचंद्र शुक्ल के पैवर से ताल्ुलक रहने का असर कै से न हो। आज जब मंै अपनी नव प्रकाशित दो पुस्तकंे दिखने उनके पास गया, उन्हंे अच्छा लगा। हालांकि मुस्कान की साइज़ वही रही । न काम, न ज़्यादा।  And, also most importantly, a special thanks to The Impish Lass Publication, all associated lovely people, and Meena Mishra Ji who helped me start my journey as a writer with flying colors. I participated in two of your brilliant endeavors and expressed myself among the finest writers in the country! • Dr Vibhanshu Dubey रचना जी! आपके साथ काम करना सचमुच एक सुखद अनुभव रहा है! हमेशा दिल के करीब रहेंगे यह एहसास! बहुत, बहुत धन्यवाद! • संगीता मिश्रा Thanks Ms Shubha and Ms Rachana for successfully piloting the collection as editors. • NS Ravi Sir (Guest Writer)  302

Shubha ma’am, Rachana ma’am and Meena ma’am …. Thank you for this one of a kind anthology that had my creative juices flow. I have received the copy at my address in India. Really eager to hold it in my hands, read it and have a pic to share, but guess I will have to wait. Thank you so much for the constant motivation and cooperation. It has been such a creative and fulfilling journey with Impish Lass. • Shwetha Ramchandran  Thanks a ton for this prized possession made possible by the ILPH team. • Madhuri Godbole  Always a pleasure to receive the author’s copy. And, this is the first bilingual anniversary from The Impish Lass Publishing House. And also, an anniversary issue! So, Dating After Death is a huge collection that shall take everyone to a  world beyond your terrain, captivating tales, finely woven stories of some unfulfilled dreams. Such wonderful tales of love and romance! My short story ‘Homemaker’ is close to my heart. I am little emotional about the character, Sukanya. And, it was an enriching journey with both the editors – Shubha ma’am and Rachana Kulshreshta ma’am. And finally, gratitude to the CEO – Meena Mishra ma’am who conceptualized the theme. • Mousumee Baruah Good morning ma’am, thank you for the absolutely wonderful copy! I feel so honored! • Rodman Dsoza  303

Thank you for the experience. Enjoyed writing my piece ‘Utopia’. Collected my beautiful certificate too. Thank you! Rachana Ji, I am unhappy that I am unable to write in beautiful Hindi, especially after hearing about you! • Bhagvati Ramakrishnan  Received my book and certificate. I’ve been scribbling for long but Rachana made me submit something for publication for the first time and everyone knows, firsts always hold a dear place. It’s even more special as not just mine but this book has my daughter’s first story too. Thank you everyone and Impish Lass Publication for not just this opportunity but opening a new pathway for many of us. With a beautiful promise of a new journey. Thanks for having this faith! • Neha Goyal  The journey was powerful, and the write ups are artistically crafted. It’s so good to see the smiles on the faces of the writers after receiving the books. Kudos to Meena ma’am and the team. They make it possible for us to smile and stay motivated even during this pandemic period. Many blessings to all of you. May you be blessed with all the bounties of the world and hereafter! • Sanam Shaikh  Lovely journey. Happy to have been given an opportunity for the same! • Manasi  304

Thank you so much, Ms Shubha Sagar, Ms Meena Mishra, Ms Rachana Kulshrestha and of course Divya who intoduced me to Impish Lass Publishing House. Infact I got introduced to Impish Lass Publishing House through ’Dating after Death’ anthology first... But ended up joining another anthology (Failure:A brick in the castle of success). And this new love for writing has really changed my life!! So, thank you so much!  • Pooja Sawant Thank you for the certificate. It has been a wonderful journey for me! Good evening! I received my copy. It feels so good to see my story in pront. Thank you Meena, Shubha and Rachana. My heartfelt gratitude! • Aparna  It has been great having you to guide us through the entire process so gently. Thank you very much!  • Sheila Bhattacharya Received my copy as well! Delighted to be a part of such an innovative, conceptualized anthology! • Hiral Nandu  A warm welcome to the most awaited gift! Thank you, Shubha ma’am, Rachana ma’am and Meena ma’am. My coffee with this beautiful dream date begins at night! • Sonal Jhajj  305

Sang a song for the review. “Jaane kya baat hai, neend nahi aati…. Badi lambi raat hai’’ • Divya Venkateshwaran  Thanks ma’am, I am adding this to my personal library. A shelf only for Impish Lass books! • Shanti Chandrashekhar  306

THE INSPIRATION SPREADS…. LIKE WARM, SUMMER SUNLIGHT, TWINKLES LIKE A SHOOTING STAR CARRYING WISHES ON ITS DELICATE SHOULDERS . . .. Thank you, ma’am! My first published story is finally here! Thank you so much for all your support! Thank you for this book, will treasure it always! • Vaishali  Was very glad to receive the copy on this great day – Gandhi Jayanti! Thanks to Meena ma’am for giving us the platform to write! Thanks to Meena ma’am and her team! • Farhana Ashraf  Truly grateful, ma’am – for the opportunity and the way you awaken the slumbered, creative self! Tons of gratitude and love! I am delighted, so much more than I can express! How inadequate these signs seem today! Thank you Meenaji, Shubha ji, Rachana ji, Anupama ji, and all the esteemed writers for the collective extravaganza of joy, hard work, creativity, and togetherness! • Pushpanjali  307

OURESTEEMEDWRITER–MRABHINANDANBHATTACHARYA TOOK OUT TIME TO COMMENT ON CERTAIN ENTRIES FROM ‘DATING AFTER DEATH’. Have been spending the entire evening reading through the compositions in both the anthologies received today . . .. # Krishna Kumar Sir loved reading your candidly written story. I was drawn to my own school days (mind you, we were a little advanced) The most remarkable aspect was I could visualize you in front of me like an adorably young Romeo vying for one glimpse of his Juliet! # Such amazing pieces! Rachana Ji, aapki lekhani mein alag si kashish hai, ek anokha mithaas hai jo dil ko chhu jaati hai # And what do I say about Meena ma’am? Aap jo ‘atulya upahaar’ hum sabhi ko bhent mein deti rehti hain, woh lajawaab hai. Mashallah! # Just read another very promising writer’s works. Praniti... You are a prolific writer with extraordinary knowledge of appealing to the reader’s senses. Aapke armaano ki sargam mein alag si raag hai jo iss zamaane ke dafli waale samajh nahi paayenge. The pathos is too intensive. Keep writing. You are a young talent. More power to young talents like you. # Weekend evenings are enlivened during lock down by the amazing poems and stories by TILPH writers. Shubha ma’am, I am speechless reading your poems both in English and Hindi. Your story Ehsaas is the cherry on the cake. Salute to you, ma’am. # Ratnadip Sir, the instant connection that I could make was no less than some Midas Touch. I must say, as the story unfolds, there is quite a realistic appeal one can envisage. What a fabulous read it is! 308

# N. S. Ravi Sir, as a sci-fi fan and a person harboring keen interest in time travel, you have really brought back some dulcet memories as I peer through your magical bioscope. Needless to mention, I am a huge fan of Deepika and Madhubala too. However, my all-time celebrity crush has been Madhuri Dixit. Hope to take her on a date someday, or at least through a bioscope! 309

MESSAGE FROM THE BELOVED EDITORS OF THE BOOK- SHUBHA SAGAR AND RACHANA KULSHRESTHA It is very overwhelming to see our dear writers receiving the book and loving it. It is a joint venture, hence every news related to the book makes each one of us happy, but the most enriched and happiest beings are Rachana and me. We are truly blessed! Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every  one who is a part of this beautiful book! • Shubha Sagar And, I take this opportunity to thank Shubha ma’am for extraordinary coordination, Meena and back end team for great patience. I have learnt and grown an inch more as a person. Thank you everyone for this experience! • Rachana Kulshrestha  310