Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Tomb!


"Sorry the entry to the uphill is blocked due to rainfall"
Fort caretaker's voice really disappointed them. The hills and surrounding Fort was one of the nearest weekend destination to them but now they have nothing but to see around the fort. 

She suggested for a walk around and he followed. Rainfall made the forest around the fort greenish and their walk was progressing to the deeper side of Fort where not much people got in. And it ended infront of a tomb. They have never heard about such a tomb existed inside the fort. The inscription infront or the tomb written, it's a British captain's. 

They stepped into the chapel where the tombs where built. 
He walk ahead of her and was surprised to see the evil names and skeleton sculptured over the tomb. He was asking to himself and to her why they carved that way. But she was not listening to any of his talk but getting lose in some other world where she hardly trying to recollect why she is here and who is with her. But all that she can do was follow her instincts and stretch her hand towards where her minds calls her. 


Moments passed by..

She was walking through the woods and ended up seeing another couples who were heading towards the chapel. Her last memory was died there where she walked along with someone toward that chapel. 

Who was that? 

The stains of blood in her jeans and shoes got some answers but before she could understand where it came from, she heard a scream from the chapel where she was before few moments back and now the couples got in.

Wednesday, 5 August 2015

The Mask!



I was a little amazed to see a non-AC bus on the road. Thank fully it was not crowded. I managed to get a window seat. It was open to the scorching sun. Just then, we passed by the city's main dumping yard. I thanked my mask for protecting me from the fetid pile of garbage. I wondered whether this thought might have occurred for the other passengers too. It was for the first time in my life that I am realizing such a practical advantage of wearing this mask. I used to think that it was only used to facilitate breathing.

The traffic was heavy. Maybe, the reason could be that most of the people were returning after the weekend. It took me another hour to reach my IT park's main gate. The traffic is still too heavy.
I stepped out of the bus and saw a salesman at the gate. He was making great sales, especially from the techies who were traveling for long distances and those who weren’t able to replace their tank at their back.

I checked my tank's regulator gauge.

Yes! I have enough "air" to live till noon!

Tuesday, 6 January 2015

Bygone!

The soil under my feet was wet. I saw them leaving my premises after leaving my wife where i was for the last few years. No one has ever took an effort to visit me. Suddenly, I saw my eldest son pausing at the gate for a moment. Yes! He looked towards the place where I was sitting, but I saw the pain in his eyes which were about to overflow with tears. I know that he will overcome the situation, as the days pass on. However, in these past few years, had he thought about us for at least a second, he might have offered me a visit.

Suddenly I could see someone approaching me. It was a familiar silhouette. It was a beautiful lady. Ah! It was her; my love; with whom I have shared my sweet forty years. Those were the most beautiful times of my life. We were blessed with two sons. However, my last few years were really painful. Thrown away from all my beloved ones and destined to face solitude in the place where I am now.  She touched my shoulders and smiled at me. I really wanted it. It relieved me from my sad thoughts. At last my wait was over and she is now besides me. We finally ended up in the same place. I held her hands and took her to the side wall of the compound. From there we looked at the main road and the passing vehicles. We talked for hours. She updated me about the new-borns and new weds of the family.

Days passed by. The side wall became one of our regular place during the day time. Sometimes we would see people who knew us, but they never noticed us.

One fine day, we saw them. My youngest son with his wife and their kid. I saw her whispering something to the kid’s ear and next moment she stood up and said "Assalamu alaikkum grand pa and grand ma'. We smiled at our grand kid. She waved her hands and left with her parents. It was the only gesture of love we got recently. Hearing from her and returning her salaam was our day's greatest pleasure. At the end of our day, we stood up and turned towards the place where we belongs. The place where tomb stones are laid out and to find ours among that.

Saturday, 12 July 2014

The Outlandish


Prologue
Everything fell back to total silence. I shook him by his shoulders but he was motionless and saw a pool of blood forming around his body. And that was spreading to my fore arms also. I knew he is dead. Slowly I dragged myself back and the wall behind me stopped me for further movement. I stared at the blood stains on my jeans. I bend my knees and tightly hug to prop my chin on that. I was more than scared to cry or to call anyone for help. Next moment I heard the nearing foot steps at my door. I didn’t responded for the door bell. Then it started ringing my mobile but I sat still. Next moment I saw the unlocked door is opened by the person whom I was expecting. He stopped at the sight of me and the corpse.
“Janaki..” he called my name
When I looked at him a drop fall through my cheeks. The vision was getting blurred when I looked at him. He came to his knees and held my hands.
“What happened? Are you all right?” he looked at the motionless body and then back to me. His voice said the terror what he witnessed.
I nodded as an answer to his question. Then put my forehead over his knuckles which is crossed over my wrist.
“I didn’t…just…” My words came out with my whimper. Again I looked at the body which is laying over its stomach. Then I averted my eyes back to my visitor. “He was here..few minutes back…and..then…all of a sudden..”
“Take a breath..i think I should call someone” He was about to stand and then I held his hands back to me.
“No” I said. Without knowing the truth he cant help me. So I should speak up. 

1
Few weeks back at the capital city of Kerala..

“This is the girls that sharing your apartment right now” Shanker, who happened me to my new manager at bank introduced me to them.
“Hi” They chorused
“I am Ananya” The taller one shook my hand
“I am Nancy” The girl with dark complexion and long hair smiled at me.
After a long number of introductions to the staffs at morning meeting Shanker introduced me to these girls who were late to the office and packing things to leave office on their last day at the bank.
“So you are the new in-mate?” Nancy asked
“Yeah. But I heard you girls are leaving today evening” I asked as I know about their transfer from Shanker.
“Yes. Moving to Chennai. We only two were sharing the office accommodation. You are lucky to share the 2BHK on your own” Nancy chuckled
“No it must have been a pleasure if you two were there rather than me staying alone” I said
Shanker left us alone for our conversation and moved back to his cubicle.
Nancy smiled for my reply and stood up to leave after packing the box.”We will be there till 10 in the night.  I think you must be dining from out side today” she said
“Most probably. Tired from a long journey and still need to get used with the new place and people” I replied
“Its good here” Nancy winked at me
“See you at the apartment” They said and left the bank
It was my first and last day of relaxation on a working day at my new branch. I had sent my baggage from bank’s guest house to the apartment. I logged out before 6PM. When I stepped out of cubicle I saw the glowing face of Shanker who is waiting for me.
“Starting?” he asked smiling widely
“Yes” I said and passed by him
“I am on that way. I can offer you a lift” he said
“Oh thanks! But I can be my own. I was here at Trivandrum one-two-three time before. So I know the places” I said
“Oh that’s great. I thought you are new to Trivandrum” he said
“No. But thanks for the offer” I said and brushed past his posture on my way to the door.
The evening traffic of Trivandrum city was getting into life when I walked around museum and browsing through few old book stores. For a sake, I called Jey’s number again. But again it returned the out of reach message.
It was nearly 9:30 when my auto reached me to the apartment gate after my dinner at MRM. It wasn’t that hard to find the most popular builder’s apartment at the heart of the city. My assigned door number was at 7th floor. I took the elevator and reached my door. The bank has provided a spare key for me. Thought about ringing the door bell first. But then changed the mind what if it disturb Nancy and Ananya if they are having a nap before their night journey to Chennai. So I pulled out the key from my hand bag and unlocked the door. I saw two faces staring at me from the dim light of a candle which is the only thing lightening the room.
“What happened? No power?” I asked but their eyes and stupefied posture gave me a thought that I interrupted something.
“No we switched off the lights” Ananya stood up from where they both were knelt in front of a lighted candle to reach the light switch. She flipped on the switch and I saw a brown board across the coffe table in the drawing room. The candle was at the end of the board. A small heart shaped wooden piece was there at the centre of the board.
“Did I interrupted anything?” I asked
“Actually yes. We were playing Ouija board.” Nancy stood up and shifted the board from table to the settee and blew off the candle.
“Ouja? The spirit calling game?” I wondered
“Yes” she replied
“You people believing in such things?” I asked
“Yes” Nancy answered but it was visible that she didn’t like my interruption
“I never played this sorta game. I heard about this” I stood a little closer to the Ouija board for a better close look.
“We tried this few times before also. But today only got the right stuff of Ouija to try with. Couldn’t hold back the excitement so tried before leaving and you interrupted.” Nancy said but this time the tone was a little lighter
“My apologies” I said “But now please point me to my room so that I can rest my back for a while” I said to make things a little better, to be out of that wired situation
“We packed out everything. So you can choose any of two” Ananya said “Your bags are over there” She pointed me to the corner of hall.
“Thank you” I said
“We will be leaving in few minutes. Waiting for our cab to the station”
“Okay. I think its better to sleep after your departure” I smiled at them who hastily packing their Ouija and other few things which left unpacked.
“Yeah. Better” Ananya said from where she over looking the apartment gate.
I walked around the apartment and end up choosing the room which is facing the near by Kowdiar palace. The view was good but the blowing wind was adding weigh to my sleeppy eye lids.
“Janaki! We are leaving” A chorus shouted from the main door.
When I came out of the room they both were struggling with their luggage to get into the elevator.
“let me..” I said and give a hand to them to clear the things
“Thanks!” Nancy said breathlessly
“That’s okay. All the best and safe journey” I waved my good bye when the elevator door closed between us. I withdrew back to my condo. A long white chandeliers light hanging at the center of drawing room gave an elegant look to the room.  On my next foot step something hit my toes. I bend down to took at the box from the floor. Without much checking I knew that, it was their Ouija board which is forgotten on their last minute hurry-burries. I ran to the window where I could see the main gate of apartment. I saw their taxi leaving the gate. I don’t even know their contact number to call. I put the Ouija board among the other card board boxes which is arranged at the corner of hall and turned back to my room for a peaceful sleep.

2
“I am waiting here since last one hour” I was more than frustrated when Jey finally attended my call
“Sorry dear, few last minute discussions” He replied over phone
“Then stay there. Why did you drag me to this restaurant at this hour of time. At least I could have dust off my apartment and unpack my bags” I chided at this end
“I am on my way. Just two minute to reach” He said and hang up without waiting for my answer. But this time he was on time. Pulled open the glass door to the restaurant and rushed to me who were sitting at the opposite corner.
“Hey” He came for a hug but I slapped his hands
“What! Cant I have the privilege to hug my little baby sister!” he asked with a mock exclamation
“First thing is that I am not that baby. Just two minute younger than you and next thing is this would be the last time I am waiting for you. Just fed up with your not-reachable-business hours” I said
“There was a discussion going on about a new exporting license that’s why… I am sorry” he reached for my hand
“This is not about the only this time. This is about the last one week I had spent here at Trivandrum. You couldn’t even pick my call. Its happening always. Either you are at Bangalore or at Trivandrum”
“I am sorry again. Here you know the responsibilities are a little more” he said apologetically
“Yeah. I know the future in-law’s company so to impress them even drag me from Bangalore to Trivandrum” I said mockingly
“No need to impress them. They already more than impressed with my love towards their only daughter” He laughed
“I wonder how you got time to trap this girl, Kavitha; between your running race after business” I said
“You know your brother, the charming and the loving. So there wasn’t much time needed” he winked at me.
By that time a waiter approached our table and took the order and left.
“I need a favor from you” While waiting for the order Jey asked me
“Now don’t tell me to relocate to some other city where your new business is blooming” I said
“No. Not that!” he smiled “ I am leaving for a business trip to Europe for few days and my friend who is staying with me is getting married and searching for a home. So I left the home for him and packed my things” he said
“How many days trip?” I asked
“Few days. Its about extending few contracts”
“But you didn’t tell me” I said
“It was a last moment decision. Kavitha’s father have some other appointments. So he assigned to me”
I didn’t replied but listen to him. He always came up with troubles to handle.
”So whats the favor you are expecting from me” I asked
“Its simple. Just keep my things with you. Once I am back I can search for a home or Kavitha can arrange one for me” He said
“Okay. Bring your things to apartment when you get time. I will give you the address” I said and resumed my fooding
“No need. Everything is packed up and in my car” he said
“Uh? So when you are leaving?” I stared at him
“Tonight. After our dinner”
“What! You are leaving tonight!!” I jerked from my seat
“Shhh…I told you it was all last minute plan” he shushed me
“So that’s the only reason you came to meet me today. Other wise you might have busy with your business and no time to pick my calls” I said roughly
“Hey please understand the situation. I will be back soon and I promise then I can spend as much as time you want me to spend with you”
I didn’t responded to him but later we left the restaurant together. I drove his Duster to his office where Kavitha’s father was waiting for him to take to airport and then I am back to my apartment

3
“So you are the new-bie?”
I raised my head from my plate to see the source of question. A lean-tall guy was standing in front of me. Well fit body with clean shaved face and short trimmed hair.
“I asked that you are the new joinee at the bank?” he repeated the question
“Yes” I said
“Can I share the table with you?” he asked by pulling a chair
“Yes off course” I replied with a little embarrassment
“Hi I am Jenith. The loan section manager here” he said and opened his lunch box.
“Yeah I heard about you. You were on leave?”
“Yeah. Just back from home. Mother wasn’t well”
“Oh, hows she now?” I asked
“Yes. Fine.” He smiled “sorry for intruding like that way to introduce myself” he said
“Its okay. I don’t know much people here. Just getting to know” I smiled
“That’s how I got you when I saw you lunching alone and thought about giving a company”
“Its okay”
I tried to be friendly with his intrusion. But later in that single lunching I got a good companion first time in the new place. Later it became very helpful to avoid Shanker, the manager who were trying to hard to offer me company all the time, especially during lunching. It was very uncomfortable to be under his eagle eyes.
“Jey Kumar is your brother?” Jenith asked during one of regular chit chat
“Yes. How you know him?” I asked
“Yes. a mutual friend of mine. Met him once at a wedding reception of my friend. Afterwards here and there few meeting and talkings”
“You are lucky to get him for talking and meetings. He is always buzy” I smiled at him
“Is your elder one?” Jenith asked with a laugh
“Actually we are twins. Few minutes different but he pushed me back and came first to be honored as the elder” I said
Jenith laughed at my statement and said “Wow! That’s a wonder. I never had twins as friends”
“That’s a compliment” I said
“Is he out of station now?” he asked
“Yeah will be back in few days”
Except few mails nothing came from Jey’s side. But next day morning Jey called me during my last moment rush to leave to office. When in hurry I locked the door and brushed off the long flower vase which is close to the door and it fell broken into pieces. I kept the mess as it is to clean after coming from bank. Jey needed one more favor from me and that was to give Duster for service.
That day was a regular stay back on closing month of March.
“How you going?” Jenith asked from behind when I rushed to the glass door
“By auto..” I said and moved to the elevator
“I can give you a life upto your apartment” he said and get into elevator
“If only you don’t mind?” I smiled revealingly
“Why should I? come..” he said and together we moved to the parking lot.
We both were tired and silent on that short journey. Jenith waved me good night at my apartment gate. When I stood there and watching the tale light of disappearing car in the dark night. Then I remembered that I haven't had my dinner and no energy left to prepare anything my own. Thinking about a sound sleep I unlocked my door and switched on the lights. Surprisingly the broken pieces of flower vase was disappeared from the floor and more than that someone had dusted off the floor and wall. I looked around and saw the most beautiful thing in the world of the moment on my dining table. Few closed vessels was there. Without checking it I knew, its my dinner. With my whole heart I thanked my corporate bank for providing a cook along with the apartment. Without waiting much time I had my dinner and fell into sleep.
Before leaving for lunch my mobile beeped with an unknown number.
“Janaki?” The voice from the other end asked me when I attended the call
“Yes” I answered dubiously
“Yea. I am Nancy. Hope you still remember me?”
“Yes yes. I was looking for your number actually. In these busy days didn’t get time to dial your number. You left something behind when you leave to Chennai” I said in a breathe
“I got your number from Jenith. I called you regarding the same. We forgot our Ouija there” she said
“Oh! If you can provide me your address I can courier it” I said
“No issues. Next month we will have a two day visit at Trivandrum. So I will come and collect it from you. Thank you”
“Anytime” I smiled
“But Janaki why I called you is…I know you don’t believe in such things. But later only we knew about one thing..” her words trailed off
“What thing?” I asked
“Ahhh…its nothing. You interrupted our spirit conversation that day.” She said
“I said sorry for that. I saw my friends doing the same on my college days but I never tried once
“Its okay. But its supposed to be say bye a proper bye to the talking spirit when we use Ouija.”
I laughed at her but may be that hurt her feelings for so-called-spririts and ended the call without much pleasantries.
Jenith was waiting for me on pantry for lunch.
“Nancy called me. She forgot something here” I said while I unpack my lunch box
“She asked me your number last night when she called me” he said “I forgot to ask about your dinner last night when I left you there. You had anything last night?” Jenith asked
“Yes. The cook had prepared a yummy dinner. Today’s lunch and breakfast also her preparation”
“Oh so you don’t like self cooking?” he asked between the lunching
“Yes sometimes. But nowadays where I am getting time. When bank providing one, why should I spend time on that”
Jenith paused for a moment then looked up at me “Bank provided?”
“Yes” I said
“How you know?”
“How you know means I never appointed one. Only the bank has a spare key to get into there”
“In my two year experience here at this bank I never heard about a cook from Nancy or Ananya. You better check with your people. There is alots of local robberies are happening around. Ask her who is she when she comes next time” He said and resumes his lunching
Then I remembered I don’t even know the cook is he or she. I didn’t met her but just her prepared foodings. Next day morning I decided to wait for her to come. But when I woke up next day morning the breakfast was ready as usual and no trace of cook. I didn’t like the hide and seek game. She should have come to me first before she start her work here. I was furious about the same when I mentioned about it to Shanker on next day morning. But his responds was surprising.
“What Janaki! We never appointed a cook for you. I think someone is playing game around you. You be careful”
After Jenith and Shanker’s respond I felt something is amiss.
Next day I woke up a little earlier than usual and waited my cook to come. But what welcomed me was the sound of flowing water at kitchen sink. I was shocked to see no one around when I checked the whole place. The whole dilemma made me uncomfortable whole day. Which is ended up searching Ouija board in google. It was a little gruesome to read about interrupting the conversation with the spirit. More than that what made me restless is without proper sent off the spirit wont leave the premises. The droplets of perspiration formed on my temple. Again I tried to make me believe what all I see and feel is just coincidences; nothing much

 4
I sat beside my unknown cook’s prepared dinner. As like previous days I didn’t feel like having that but felt someone’s a watching eyes on me. An eyes that could see every single movement of mine. I open the lid of casserole to see what was prepared. I stared in for a while then my eyes fell on the box at the corner of hall, the Ouija board that Nancy and Ananya left behind. I never believed in such things and trying that kind of things will be stupidity. Again I argued with me and come to a decision that there is no lose on a single try. On that thought I stood up and walked to the corner where the unused boxes kept. As per my little knowledge on recent googling about Ouija I set up the board on table and positioned the planchette, the wooden piece at center. I looked around the dim lighted room with a single candle burning near the board. The eerie silence was mocking at me on what I am going to do. I took a deep breath and whispered slowly.”Good spirit please come..good spirit please come…good spirit please come”.
I kept on looking at the planchette where I positioned my forefinger. As I read I didn’t feel the planchette moving. Once again I looked around the room and whispered almost to myself “Please show me a sign if there is any other energies are existing in the room, other than me”
With a shock I realized the planchette is moving under my finger and its direction was Yes. Next moment I stood up and pulled back my hands off the planchette. My sudden movement made the Ouija board slid a little forward and hit the lighted candle. The only light which was lighting the room came to dead at the same moment. In that darkness I stood still. Started feeling the sweat forming over my forehead and my heart was pounding close to my ears. Luckily I could reach the light switch and flipped in on. The light spreading over the room was a relieving sight for me. Holding my knees tighter I sat by leaning the wall. It was hard to avoid the all scenarios by believing it is just coincidences!!
The wide awake night and the terror of knowing same not-so-good-truths made my day at bank. The only companion Jenith was on leave that day. Before leaving to my condo, I have decided to talk one last time to my so-called-cook. If it was something harmful, it might might have troubled me by this time. But nothing happened so far.
I set up the same arrangement as like last night and started calling the spirit on Ouija board. When this time the planchette started moving I didn’t panic but continued my conversation with the spirit. Age of 26 Female. Before asking the name the planchette stopped moving. I didn’t try again.
The next day also I continued to get the food on my table. It used to store the provisions needed. As days passed it was a sort of relief to knew I have a companion close to me. Except Jey’s few calls and few day outs with Jenith, I never tried to make new friends in and out of bank. During one of my regular paranormal activity googling I came to know about such energies can respond to objects. So decided to do one more experiment on my Cook. I named her Anamika-The girl with out a name. I was a little eager to reach home this time. When I reached I put my bag aside and get my newly bought torch from my hand bag. I simply kept it on my dining table and looked at my surroundings.
“If you can hear me, switch on the light” I said a little louder
And next moment the torch came to life. My heart skipped a beat but I continued to try again. It was a beginning of unknows-unsaid relationship. I started talking aloud when I am alone at home, keeping the torch besides. As a signal from my listener the torch light will get on at times. Fortunately neither Shanker nor Jenith never mentioned about my cook.
Before Jey’s return the Duster reached my apartment after the service. Day after another his trip get postponed. It was a little sad when first time I missed out our birth day together. But Kavitha came down with a small surprise and Jenith too made an effort to make my day. After the dinner Jenith dropped me at my door. To update Anamika, there was a lot for the day. As usual the torch blinked at times when I started my blah-blahing.
“I never mentioned you about Jey, my twin brother” I said while I made my bed and noticed the torch was on for a long time that usual and then got off.
“This is the first time we missed a birthday together. He will be back soon from the trip. The marriage with Kavitha is getting extended only because of his busy schedule.” This time the torch didn’t respond
“Anamika..” I called out
But no responds
“Ana..” Before I could complete the torch thrown to the wall and smashed to pieces. I stepped back on her sudden and unexpected action. I was scared to call out her name once again or utter a word. It was late when my eyes closed with sleep. As soon as I fell into sleep I felt the waking sun’s rays on my face, through the window curtains. I opened my eyes and sat up on the bed. Then I heard the sounds from the kitchen. So she is back! I felt happy and checked her in kitchen. But what I saw there was a little bizarre. I women standing near the stove and putting the kettle for the tea to the burner. When she turned to open the nob of gas cylinder, I saw her face. Very unfamiliar! Before I ask the question of what she doing there on my kitchen, someone rang the door bell. She put down the kettle and ran to the front door. I was late to reach there but when she opened the door, it was the second shock of the day for me. There standing Jey! With wide stretched hands. Right under my eyes I saw a long waited hug of two desperate souls. I called Jey’s name but he didn’t heard me. I followed them to the kitchen. The woman, Jey calling her Megha; seemed happy on his arrival.
“Why this time made it a long trip” she asked before turning to stove again
“It was my engagement so obviously I will be busy” Jey answered with a naughty smile
Megha turned to him and said “Stop this joke Jey. Over the phone also you were talking the same. Its not funny”
“Funny is that you don’t believe what I said but a truth” he has the same smile
This time I saw Megha’s smile is vanishing
“Engagement?” she raised her eyebrows
“Yes. She is Kavitha. A business tycoon’s only daughter and madly in love with me” Jey laughed along with the statement
“Then.. Who am I?” Megha asked pointing a finger at her only
“You know well Megha..Kavitha, she is a good catch for my future and my business dreams. Her father is already started making plans to start new ventures for me. So that I can move to here. Still we can see” he said without a sign of shame
“You…cheater..” Megha move forward and got hold on Jey’s shirt collar. All these chaos made me glued to where I am standing.
“Stop this show off Megha.. We both know this was just a passing fantasy nothing more or less” Jey tried to get rid of her grip
“But not for me. Never for me Jey” This time Megha was at the edge of tears with quivering lips. Jey finally get rid of her grip and pushed her back.
“Then its your problem” He said
Megha came forward and looked into his eyes. She was crying but it was not only for the lost love but anger of getting dumped.
“Don’t think you can live your dreams peacefully or live your life on her father’s money” Megha pointed a finger at him
“What will you do? Uh?” Pulling his shirt collar in place and came forward
“I know what to do. I can well break this money-contract with the gal” Megha said stubbornly
At the moment Jey changed his color and laughed aloud.
“Oh My god! Megha you believed all the story girl. I was kidding” Jey said
Megha stood dubiously on what she heard. Jey came forward and hold her hands tightly and said affectionately “How can I leave you like that girl? But its hard to withstand your anger”
For a moment’s thought Megha smiled and Jey wipe out the traces of tears from her cheeks
“I am sorry. I was missing you so badly on last days and I know I hurt you by this drama.” Jey said so tenderly and combed her long curls with his fingers. I saw the other hand moving to gas stove’s nob and turning it on.
“No Megha. He is playing game again. Don’t trust me” I shrieked out but no one heard me.
After few more moments Jey left the apartment. Megha waved him good bye at the door. I tried to stop her but couldn’t. At the other end I saw my brother moving to the stairs with a triumphant smile on his lips.
“Jey” I called him from above the stairs
But my sound sunk in to the explosion that happened above my floor. That shook my entire body and opened my eyes. It was still dark and I am still at my bed. But the room was filled with dark clouds of smoke. For a second the scenes from my dream came to my mind and I ran to the kitchen. But the source wasn’t any gas cylinder but that was from Jey’s luggage that he gave me to keep with me. There was nothing left much to pour water over but just ashes. I knelt infront of it. Then recalled my dream. Isn't that Anamika? No. Her name is Megha. She got a name now. But if her vengeance to Jey’s bags is this, then what she will do when Jey return from Europe. Without knowing to stand with whom I closed my eyes. A tear rolled down to my cheeks

5
“Everything is all right?” Jey asked me on our return journey from airport to my apartment
“Yes” I replied
“But you don’t seem so” he said
“A small headache” I lied
“Then I could have drive. Why didn’t you tell me before get in” he asked
“You are back from a long journey. So thought about doing a favor” I tried to smile
As a reply he laughed and patted my head
My mind was in a total turmoil of last week’s incident at apartment. After that Megha never appeared to me. I was so worried since I heard Jey’s return journey. He seems in good spirits and talking about giving Kavitha a surprise but that pleasure trip ended at my apartment’s parking lot.
“You living here?” Jey asked from the passenger seat of Duster
“Yes” I said and opened my door
“Why asked? Any problem” I asked when I saw the disturbed look at his face.
“No. I just asked” he tried to smile
It was clearly visible how much disturbed he was. I saw sweat beads appearing on his forehead when I pressed the button 7 in elevator. I was expecting Jenith also for the lunch. He too will join us at any moment. The disaster was at its full when I looked at my brother after unlocking the door to my apartment.
“What happened?” I asked him who seems dumbfounded at my door.
“N…nothing” he said and slowly put a step forward
I was decided to ask him about the girl named Megha and the strange dream I had one week before. But seeing him in such a dilemma didn’t feel like making him more uncomfortable. One thing was sure. That the dream wasn’t just a dream. It was something that Megha wanted to tell me and show me who my brother is.
“I will get something to drink” I moved to kitchen, leaving Jey at drawing room. When I came back with a hot cup of tea, Jey was wandering at my bedroom balcony, visibly restless.
“Tea” I extended my cup towards him
Silently he started sipping it
“So hows planing to shift home? After marriage or before that?” I asked him to make a conversation
“No. At the earliest” he replied quickly
“Why! Living at Megha’s apartment making you that uncomfortable?” I asked briskly
He paused for a moment and then looked at me.
“Now don’t say that you don’t know any Megha. I know the part of story that I should know. I wasn’t expecting my brother to be like this” I said almost like a whisper
“What! I haven't done anything and which Megha you are talking about!” He moved back to my room and put down the cup on my night stand
“So she was not only the on list” I said sarcastically
“Don’t give me that Janaki! I don’t know anyone as you named her Megha. I have to leave now. Meet someone to arrange a home at the earliest” He said and moved to the door and the same moment the bedroom door slammed behind him pushing him to the hall and locking me inside the room.
“Jey!” I shouted from behind the closed door
I heard his sound and something breaking outside. I tried to unlock the door but it was in vain. I know Megha is back with her vengeance. I tried to reach for my mobile but unfortunately it was inside my bag and that was left at drawing room.
“Jey!!” again I yelled his name
No one answered
For a moment everything seems stopped and the chaos from outside the room came to a stop. I pounded the door and called his name again. Even knowing what he had done to Megha I was praying and begging to god for my brother’s life. He is the only one on earth to whom I can point to say he is my only family. For him I was seeking forgiveness to Megha all these days but what I am in now showed me that she didn’t heard me. I sat up at the edge of my bed helplessly. The eyes were overflowing and lips were trembling. Then I saw the door slowly opening. In a short I stood up and ran to the door. I looked around to see Jey. Spotted him, waking up from the broken glass pieces of coffee table of drawing room. The white t shirt he wore was soaked in blood.
“Jey” I called
When he returned I saw the bruised cheeks and lips. Before reaching him I saw the chandelier above him coming slowly down towards him.
“Move Jey..” I said and hurried towards him
But I was late to reach him before that the heavy chandelier fell over him, crashing his head. I squeezed my eyes at the sound and the sight that I never wanted to see. When I open my eyes, he was there laying on the floor. Between the broken glasses of coffee table and chandelier.


Epilogue
I sat there frozen watching Jenith making calls and arranging things. In few minutes a medic team arranged by I knew that my brother gone by paying his sin. But still I shed tears over him.

“Janaki”
I looked at Jenith who standing besides me
“Come. Get up” he gave a hand me to stand up and move forward