1 A Family drama

Mohan returned home in a very excited manner .

He said to his wife ,’Today I met an old friend Vishnu after a few years .He has not changed at all .It was so easy to recognize him .He was wearing the same flashy clothes and smelt of perfume .Evidently he has not changed ‘

‘Who?Vishnu ? That odd one ?’ asked his wife .

‘What do you mean by the odd one ? asked Mohan .

‘ Did he get married ? asked his wife .

‘Oh now I understand .Yes he did get married and has two sons. .’

‘Really, that is indeed news’ ,. replied his wife with a smirk on her face .

‘Why are you being sarcastic ?’ asked Mohan.

‘Why , did I say anything wrong ? countered his wife,

‘No , no . ,’replied Mohan .

,.Now it is my turn to give you some funny news .;said the wife .Incidently I met your ex - girl friend today .’said his wife .

‘Who ?’ asked Mohan .

‘I know you had quite a few girl friends . So how could I pin point straightaway? .’. replied the wife ..

‘

‘Of course I understand ,’ replied Mohan jokingly.’I should have stayed in touch with them all , and kept a record .My apologies .’

His wife was quite amused and said, ‘Oh the one who wears short skirts .’ .

‘My God ! Too many girls wear short skirts these days .She has a name , I hope .’replied Mohan with annoyance’

‘ She told me but I forgot ,’ replied the wife .

‘Yes I understand . You only remember things that are worth remembering .’

,Now who is being sarcastic ? ‘asked his wife ., Oh yes I remember her name now . Sonia . Does it ring a bell?’

‘Oh that sweet girl? Was she looking okay ?’ asked Mohan full of concern .

‘All girls are sweet until they get married . Then their true colours come out’ .replied the wife.

‘No no , it is not so ,’ ‘Look at my sweet wife . She is as sweet as ever . ‘replied Mohan .

And they both burst out laughing

.

The wife understood that he was being diplomatic

‘ Did you invite her over ? asked Mohan.

‘Do you think I am a fool? Why take a risk ?’’

‘Okay , do what you think is right’ .replied Mohan .’ To me it makes no difference .

‘ Really ? That is interesting .Now , please listen carefully, said his wife ‘Your darling daughter , whom you have pampered too much , is always on the line , talking and talking .’

‘What else do you expect her to do at this age ?’Stich clothes ?’

’

‘For God’s sake , try to understand the situation .God knows what type of friends she has ! .Next month , is her birthday . Let her invite all her friends . It will give us a chance to

scrutnise her friends .; said the wife

Suddenly , the daughter turned up .

‘Papa dear, ‘she cried , we are all going to a movie . Give me some money .’

,Your Papa dear will never refuse you anything . He has no money for me but for you , sky is the limit.,

‘There you go again .’replied Mohan full of sorrow .

He turned to his daughter and said ,’Next month is your birthday , Invite over all your friends at our house .’

‘.How could you talk like that . Papa dear ?’ she countered ‘ Can we relax with you and mummy watching us all with the eyes of an eagle ? .However the idea is wonderful . I shall start preparing the list of invitees .Only I will let you know the venue later on . .Maybe the new restaurant that has just opened .My friends will be highly impressed . But now , I am in a hurry .Give me some money quickly .’

Mohan opened his purse under the watchful eyes of his wife and felt embarrassed when the daughter took away roughly half of the amount in the purse .

He shrugged his shoulders and said to himself ,’ I am always giving my wife enough money but why does she always react like this? Can there be jealousy between the mother and the daughter ? ‘

, He turned towards his wife . who gave him a cold stare .

Suddenly the wife said ,’Thank God ! My Raju is not like that He studies whole day , has no friends at all and never goes out.’

,But that is abnormal,’ replied Mohan .

Suddenly the telephone rang.

The end .

Destiny

Raju was in a grand mood .He had booked a big contract last night at a party .

His driver was driving along the road when suddenly he saw a beautiful girl on the bus stop .She was very well dressed and had a child in her arms .Indeed she was charming .

He saw her miss the bus .

Full of concern , he asked the driver to reverse the car and stop near the girl .

He opened the window and asked her ,’ Can I offer you a lift ?’

‘Thank God! I indeed am grateful to you . for I am going for an interview and I am already late .’

‘Which place ?’ asked Raju.

‘It is near Hotel Oberoi.’

‘Hop in . I am going there too ,, replied Raju’

He thought to himself ,’ What a coincidence but I would have gone to the end of the world to drop her .My God! What a classic beauty !’

Suddenly the child gazed at him and went into tantrums .He extended his tiny arms to come to Raju .

Raju was amazed .He lifted the child in his arms and felt a surge of joy going through him .The child was completely at ease and started pulling at his nose .

Suddenly Raju felt that his life was empty .He was indeed lonely after the death of his wonderful wife .

He turned to the girl and asked ,,’Where exactly do you want to be dropped .?

She said’ Near Hotel Oberoi is Raju House .I have received a call for interview .’

‘She took out some papers and said full of anxiety , ‘Look ,here is the letter for interview and here is my application . I hope I get the job . I am indeed desperate to get one .’

And she handed him over the set of papers.

Raju was taken aback to see that the application was addressed to his firm but he said nothing and quickly went through the set of papers .Impressing indeed .

Raju was quite concerned . He decided on the spot to give her a job .But how to tell her that she was going to his company for an interview? .

Suddenly the little child gave him a big smile . How enchanting . But he was indeed puzzled that the girl had come to the interview along with a child .

So he asked her , What will you do when you go in for the interview ?You can’t take him in with you .’

‘ I am all alone with no one to help me .I have to request the receptionist to look after him for a few minutes .I pray to God that she cooperates ‘. she replied .

Meantime , they reached Raju House .The car stopped and a guard came running to open the door for them

Raju tried to hand over the child to her but the child started crying and would not leave Raju’

Suddenly he asked her ,’Why has the child got so attached to me ?’

The girl was quiet for a moment and then she answered ,’ You look exactly like his grandfather who died in a car accident along with his son ‘ -my husband . a fortnight ago .The grandfather and the child used to play for hours together .’

This was another shock for Raju . Firstly the lift from bus stop , then the interview at his organization and now this .

Suddenly the girl turned towards him and said ,’ Do me a favour . Please look after him while I go in for the interview He is absolutely at ease with you .’.

He was at a loss to answer .The girl looked so dejected .

Suddenly he decided to go along with them

He said to himself. ‘Let me see the reaction of my staff when I enter my own office along with her carrying a child in my arms .

So he said ,’Okay .’

The girl seemed so relieved .

And they walked together to the lift.

The liftman was all smiles and said to Raju,’ Sir , I did not know you had such a beautiful grandson .’

Raju was astounded to hear this . Then he said to himself ,’’My God ! I wish it were so .’

’ When they reached the reception , the receptionist jumped up and said ,’ Sir, I did not know , you have such a charming grandson.Where have you been hiding him?’

He did not say anything, just smiled and said to the receptionist ,’Take her immediately for an interview with Prakash , while I wait here with the child .’

The receptionist was at a loss to understand anything but she quickly did so as directed and walked to Prakash’s cabin along with the girl .

Raju quickly phoned Prakash on the intercom and said ,,Prakash ! Listen carefully . I have already interviewed the girl, who is coming to meet you .Give her quickly a letter of appointment at Rs, 2OOOO per month with all the perks .;’

And he quickly cut off the line . .

When the receptionist entered the cabin ,’she said , Prakash!..’

But before she could say anything , Prakash said , I know. Sir phoned me .,’

Meantime Raju started thinking ,’ I will put her in my son’s department under him . Maybe the vagabond will fall in love with her and I shall have this charming lovely lady as my daughter in law and the child as my grandson . What could be better ?’

Meantime Prakash came out anxious to find out what was happening .

Raju beckoned him over and said ‘,Put her under my vagabond , good for nothing son.’ .And he gave him a sly smile .

And they both burst out laughing and shook hands .

Downfall of a brilliant man.

When Kishor was being driven to his office, he saw a number of people standing around an elderly man who was probably not well or had fainted .

Full of concern , he asked the driver to stop his car and got out .

On inquiring he was told that the man had fainted . He volunteered to take the man to a hospital .

So he requested those present to put him in his air conditioned car and started for the nearest hospital .

Suddenly the man revived and said , ‘Oh what a joy to ride in a A/C mercedez car that also the latest model? ,’

Kishor was quite amused to observe that the man could make out it was a latest Mercedez model , from inside the car ,’.

The man continued ,It is after a long time that I am riding one .Can you believe me that at one time I had four of them .’

Kishor said ,’Really ?’full of sarcasm .

But he observed that the man was a class by himself . Such polish and style .

So he asked him , ‘What happened ?’

He replied , ‘The usual sad story of three vices .I have paid a heavy price Now I want to make a start ,’

Kishor replied full of concern ,’ But how ?’

The man replied , ‘My mind has started functioning again .I will find a way out.’,

Kishor asked him ,’ Now where may I drop you ? Where do you stay ?

The man replied ,’Whereever you drop me , is my home .I live on footpath .,

Kishor replied ,’ But I am going to Rajat house , Andheri .’

The man was suddenly full of life ,He asked ,’Not the Metropolitan ?”

Kishor was shocked to hear that but he was reluctant to tell the man that he was right .

The man said,’ I know you are reluctant to admit but in case you are going there, remember, that fat and ugly lady at the reception takes all the decisions and not the boss inside . And she has one weakness . She has a son ,she is crazy about .Talk about him and you will get business .’Or better still buy a few comics for her son ,;

And he continued ,’Opposite the building there is a book shop .Buy from there.’

Kishor was taken aback at his wealth of information and decided to follow his instructions

.

The man said, ‘While you go up , I would like to take a nap in your car . I am remembering my glorious days . And by the way, ask your driver to buy me haka noodles with vegetables from the restaurant nearby . I have not eaten properly for a few days.’

Kishor was amused and said to himself, ‘Even in his present condition , he has a style and grace .’

So he instructed the driver accordingly .

He got out of the car and went up to Metropolitan .

He met the receptionist and said, ‘Someone told me that you have a very intelligent son who is fond of comics .So please do accept them .’

‘

The receptionist was overwhelmed with emotion ,’

She said ,You are the first one who has shown so much concern for my son.Most of the people who come here ; are only interested in themselves . Nothing else matters to them.’

‘Oh yes ! I forgot ,I will tell the boss you are here .’ she continued

She hunted out a bunch of papers and went inside . Kishor recognized his set of papers .

She was gone for a long time but Kishor waited patiently .

Finally when she came out , she beckoned to him to go in .

When he went in , the boss was in a friendly mood .

He said, ‘ I have gone through your offer and I feel , I should give you the contract . Please start straightaway . My receptionist will guide you ,’

Kishor came out and walked back to the receptionist and said ,I shall bring very interesting books for your son .’

And he took her leave . .

‘Downstairs in the car , the man was waiting anxiously and asked,’What happened ?’

‘You were right ,I got the order ., replied Kishor’

The man said ,’If you play fair with me , I shall guide you with my vast experience .How much have you reserved for me ? I want a dignified 5% on the value of the contract .’

Straightaway ,

The man said ,’Now what is your next destination?’

Kishor replied ,’ Cosmopoliton ,’

,’Oh that smiling crook .Let me see . Don’t visit him now . Incidently he is very fond of golf and regularly goes to Apollo Golf club .Join the club . I will guide you how to play Golf .I will get an expert from the club ,Chandan to guide you , Do not rush things . He will just throw you out . Take things easy and don’t visit him now .

‘

He continued ,’ It is a very very big corporate house. With one contract , your life is made . .But follow my instructions and you will succeed...And remember , all human beings have weaknesses . Study them , move accordingly and take advantage of them ,’but never overdo things . Always restrain yourself.’ .’

Kishor smiled ,’Now that we are partners , let me put you up at a small and clean hotel .You relax but I am suddenly afraid of you . There is no doubt that very soon , you will not need me and throw me out .’

And he gave him around Rs. 5OOO .

‘The man replied ,’Whatever my defects . I am very grateful to you and I have suddenly started thinking of you as my son .I have no family and I have always felt lonely . But suddenly I feel vibrant . I feel , I have paid for my blunders . Now watch me how dynamic I can be .’

Kishor gave him a smile , took his leave and went home. .

.’

END OF THE STORY

I

REINCARNATION

There was pin drop silence in the office

It was a conference between the creditor and the borrower . The borrower was to sign the documents giving all the assets to the creditor.

Suddenly the door burst open and a small girl came running in , followed her mother. She was crying . The little girl was the daughter of the borrower,.

When the creditor saw her , he went pale,, thinking’.Why, this is my daughter whom I lost years ago.My God ! What is this ?’

He rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

The girl proceeded to her father

,The father got annoyed and said to his wife,’ How could you let her come here?,’

The mother said .’ You know what a sweet child she is . But today I just could not control her She went wild and insisted on seeing you. So there was no other way but to do so.’

Suddenly the eyes of the girl fell on the creditor. She went into a trance and continued gazing at him.

Suddenly she gave him a big smile and said,’ You will play the horse and let me ride you.’

The creditor thought ,’ My God, this is the game myself and my daughter used to play.’

So, with a smile , he quietly knelt down on the floor on his fours,

Suddenly the girl burst out laughing and said to the creditor,’ How stupid you are !Do the horses wear a coat and a tie ? Take them off.’

The borrower got annoyed with his daughter but the creditor waved him away

He took off his coat and his tie and knelt once again on the ground on his fours.

The little girl jumped on his back and said,’ Run fast.’’’

He meekly started doing so .

Suddenly the girl said,’ You used to run faster,’

The creditor said to himself,’ How right she is .I used to be faster.. But after the death of my daughter , I have lost interest in life.’

Ss meekly he replied,’ Yes are right but I will try to run faster.’

And he restarted running faster .

Suddenly the girl cried out ‘ Stop ! Don’t you see the big river ahead?’

He peered in the distance and pretended to see the river..

‘Yes ! I do’, he replied.

The girl said,’ Make me a strong boat..’

He looked around for a thick and strong paper.

Suddenly an idea struck him.He asked for the documents

which were bound by a thick and strong cover ..

He took it and started to remove the cover of the documents.

His assistant shouted ‘.Sir ! ,What is this you are doing ?’

But he just smiled and tore off the cover. He made a lovely strong boat . He was adept at this.

He then tore up the documents

‘

.The assistant shrieked ,’ Sir ! You have destroyed documents worth five million .’

But the creditor said nothing and gave the boat to the girl.

‘,Have it ! You like it? ‘ he asked .

‘Yes Yes ‘, said the girl ‘ But now I must go home and feed my baby,’.

‘You mean the brown bear ? he asked .

The girl went into raptures,’ Yes ! Yes ! You have seen it ? ‘

How could he forget that his daughter had died holding a brown bear in her lap .

‘Yes, I have seen your baby .’, he replied .

The little girl left quickly after giving him a warm hug and a big smile.

He burst into tears of joy. Yes she was his daughter who had come back to him

He said to himself, ‘ Oh merciful God . You have given me back my daughter.’

The assistant said to him once again,’ Sir, what is this you have done ?’

He replied, ‘I do not want the father of my daughter to have any financial problems.’

But nobody understood him

END OF THE STORY