short story – Adi's Journal

#AtoZChallenge2017, English, कथा

Zero Hour

April 30, 2017 2 Comments

32385700640_ce730110ab_k-840x420 It was around 2130 hours, Major Vikram rallied the bravo company around him to prepare for an ambush. Everyone on the team was already briefed and was aware of their role in the mission in the evening. Intel was heavy and solid this time. Group of insurgents was mobilizing in the forests on the other side of the border. It was moonless night, perfect opportunity to cross the border. Everyone on the border posts was alert. Major and his team at their base were getting ready, communications were getting double checked.

Major and his team at their base were getting ready, communications were getting double checked. Ammunition was loaded in a set pattern, supplies were checked. Final cleaning and assembly of their weapons of choice completed. Soon the table was cleared of all backpacks, ammo, and weapons. Major came forward and a map of the area was unfurled on the table.

Major re-briefed the plan. The border was sealed any way at every post. Every pair of eyes was vigilant for movements across the border. Strategically a gap was created in the border detail to serve as a funnel. Right across the gap, there was an open patch, big enough to dig the graves of all insurgents. Surrounded by all sorts of covers and high ground, as if they were created for this ambush only. Major had done the recce and identified the position of his troops. All the birds knew their nests. Everyone had already memorized the details of every cover and open grounds in the zone. their minds have carried out the action already in the mind space. Routine night petrol was going to be there on the regular schedule. Major asked if anyone have a doubt, none responded. Heads nodded and gathering dispersed.

Everyone was keeping their calm and there was pin drop silence. The only thing you could here was ticks of the clocks which team had already synced together at re-briefing. Radio came to life and chattered about the routine petrol communications. Everyone in the company sprang on their toes. Bravo company was cleared to start setting the ambush. Zero hour has started.

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Today is the last day of A to Z challenge with Blogchatter, day 26. Z is for “Zero hour”. You can find my other posts from this challenge here.

#AtoZChallenge2017, English, कथा

Table for two

April 24, 2017 4 Comments

50b87a6daf34f9f5811c80c760b1d840 — Sketch by Natoly

It’s 9-30 am, first Sunday of August. Hakuna Matata is a cozy little place on the busiest part of the town. It’s famous in the town for their delicious breakfasts and amazing coffee. Being early Sunday morning, streets are rather quiet. As luck would have it, it’s drizzling. Just like a year ago. Kishore is waiting for Ramaa, right at the corner, where he was waiting last year, in blue denim and white shirt. White and blue, her favorite combination. They had planned this celebration breakfast last week only. It was his idea to celebrate the anniversary on first Sunday of August rather than on the date. Kishore knew he is 15 min early as usual and Ramaa is going to be late. She loves to make him wait.
Kishore enjoyed these waits, even today, he is imagining how her entry would be. Will it be like it was a year before, or will there be something different? After sharing nice friendship for a couple of years, Kishore has opened his heart on the first Sunday of August last year. Kishore’s mind flew back to last August.
Kishore was very nervous when he reached the cafe. He had decided to take this step with a tension of losing her friendship. He had arranged morning coffee with the very specialty of Hakuna Matata, delicious crisp parmesan omelet. He knew her love for cheese and coffee. He was dressed in very casual jeans and a t-shirt. He had booked the table by the same window out of which he was waiting very eagerly.
After making him wait for half hour, Ramaa showed up at the place. They shook hands, followed by side hug and he led her to the table he had kept ready for them. Soon they were seated, the waiter greeted them and served the coffee. Ramaa was shocked by this prompt service. Hakuna Matata was famous for delayed service. It was the exact reason for it being famous among couples and people who wanted to have long chats. Aroma of coffee hit the brain and she thanked Kishore for coffee and sipped it. Kishore was almost frozen in his mind as the moment of confession was nearing. He was almost silent.
Ramaa on the other hand, unaware of the storm in his mind, was busy chattering as usual. But suddenly it ringed in her head and she paused. She spanked his hand and asked, “Kishore, what’s happening dude, not a word since I am here? Have you left your tongue at home?” and suddenly he burst out, “Ramaa, will you be my girlfriend? I love you very much”
This was not anything like Kishore had imagined. The moment passed, words were out and now he couldn’t change it at all. He was cursing his tongue, why didn’t he just kept silent like he was before. His face was almost flushed with helplessness. Ramaa was also stunned and jaw dropped for a second and the wave of laughter hit her. She was laughing like mad. Kishore was getting restless with her laugh. He was about to leave the table to hide. Suddenly, Ramaa stopped laughing. She held his hand and she said: “I love you too, Kishore”. Kishore relaxed instantly and color returned to his face. She held his hand and pressed warmly.
The warmth of hand brought him back to present, Ramaa was standing next to him in a white dress with blue floral design. Her face was glowing with a beautiful smile. He welcomed her with a warm hug. He presented her a bouquet of white lily and took her in the cafe. Kishore had reserved their “Table for two”

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I am participating in A to Z challenge with Blogchatter and this is my take on day 20 challenge. “Table for two”. You can find my other posts from this challenge here.

#AtoZChallenge2017, English, कथा

Let me go

April 14, 2017 2 Comments

Sameer was trying to get the task done. He has been struggling with this particular task since last morning. He was about to lose his calm if he couldn’t crack this in next half hour. This was a really unusual thing as he was popular for figuring out the quick solutions about the task which were stuck at a point. But was it really the eluding solution was bothering him? Or was it something else? Was it what happened a day before with Sneha? Yeah, it was about her. But exactly what part of their conversation bothering him so much that he couldn’t focus on his work?

It’s been two years for Sneha and Sameer started dating. Some six months before they hunted for cozy little apartment and moved in together. It was not all lovey-dovey in these two years but they have managed to make it up to each other. They fought, even for the silliest reason but they also know when to raise a flag for peace. They both have been working in the same company when they started dating. Within a couple of months, Sneha got a good deal at other MNC and she grabbed the opportunity. Sameer strongly supported her in arriving at the decision of switch. They adjusted their life around the new change. Spending lesser time together was really tough but they got used to it.

A day before, Sameer finished his work rather early and took Sneha’s favorite flowers just to make her happy after a busy day at her office. It was new project Sneha was leading. Just like every other new project, initial hick-ups were resulting stressed end of the day. So once at home, he tidied the rooms, nicely arranged the flowers in vases Sneha bought when they moved in together. He got up from the sofa and Just when he got messaged from Sneha “See you in 10, dear”. He knew nothing but strong hot coffee will make Sneha happy. As soon as she smells that aroma, her stress is, Puff!!!! Gone……

Exactly in 10 minutes doorbell rang, Sameer opened the door by the rule they have set. “If another person is at home, one will not use the key to open the latch.” Sameer was happily shocked to see happy, smiling, bubbly Sneha at the door. She had brought a box full of sweets. She came in almost pushing Sameer out of the way. Opened the box and fed him the sweet. She was surprised to see the flowers and felt amazing when the aroma of brewing coffee hit her brain. Sneha refused to tell anything before they settle in with the coffee. Sameer hurriedly pours their mugs and they settled in the sit out. Sneha excitedly pulled the envelope out of her bag put it in his hands. Sameer opened it with excitement. It was a letter from her company. He was thrilled with excitement to know about the content of the letter. He read it and his face lit with joy. He felt so happy for her getting selected for on-site assignment for their new project which she was leading. They celebrated the offer in the excitement.

It took a couple of hours for Sameer to realize that this was going to be the long assignment. Just when they returned from the club, the fact of 5-6 month long on-site assignment was sinking in Sameer’s head. He was quiet when they were getting back. Whenever he is upset, he goes in this introvertive cocoon. He almost stops talking. Replies in one or two words. Sneha had sensed the reason behind his silence, but she had chosen not to push him. She knew he will take his time to get back.

Since then Sameer was struggling to accept and get himself ready for such a long break. He knew it was going to be the toughest patch in their relationship. He was not sure about how he is going to handle. From yesterday morning, Sameer was trying to figure out how to make these six months livable. Sneha also knew that he is not going to stop her from taking this assignment. Just when Sameer was about to call it a day and head home, his phone beeped. He checked the notification. It was a video message from Sneha. With his finger tap, Sneha appeared on screen with perfect puppy face, saying “Let me go, dear.” Sameer had found her answer.

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I am participating in A to Z challenge with Blogchatter and this is my take on day 12 challenge. “L for let me go”

English, कथा

The Gift

December 26, 2016 1 Comment

Yeah, you guessed it right! It is really a very special day. That’s the reason behind my dressed up avatar. Otherwise, I would have been sitting with bunch of others. But, Sumit came in yesterday. His arrival was announced by the ding of the small bell attached to the door. We paused our talking and checked the door curiously. He came in and spoke something with the manager. It must be the reason for him being here amongst us. The manager directed him towards us and said, “for her with love” section. He was searching a gift for his ‘one and only’. The occasion was their first anniversary.

He started walking towards us but was acting like a child in a toy shop. Confused about where to look and what to enjoy. The credit goes to our manager. He has done his part of stocking the store with a huge variety of items, which someone can gift to their loved ones for their special occasions. Our manager has smartly put our section at the end of the shop. One has to browse through the entire collection before reaching us. He must have decided about at least 20 gifts for his friends and family for their upcoming birthdays, festivals, etc.

He reached us. I can feel his curious yet confused eyes scanning us. He was looking for something very specific. I am sure he must be having a clear idea about what he is looking for. I have seen many Romeo’s buying gifts for their Juliette’s. Every new recruit from the college nearby comes here to buy Valentine’s gift for his or her’s “someone special”. But only 2-3 successful heads return next year. However, Sumit was different. His love was tested and proven by 3 years of dating. One year of courtships and now he was about to celebrate his first anniversary tomorrow. His eyes were looking for something very special. Close to his heart. Probably very significant for their relationship. While scanning through shelves he glanced over me. Soon I could sense the glint in his eyes. But it took a couple of seconds for him to feel it. Yes, his attention moved back to me. A smile emerged on his face and the decision was made.

With the signal from the manager, I was picked up from the shelf. They dressed me up in this adorable box. He paid and we left the shop. Sumit had taken all the efforts to keep me a secret for the special moment. I think he must be a very good poker player. He concealed his excitement and joy under a mask of a typical husband who forgets all the dates and prepared himself and me for the final surprise.

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I am writing this post towards #Blog&Celebrate contest by Novemberschild

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Image Credit: Eryn