Summer of 04, The Pyjama Party - Chapter Five

Somerset Salcedo
Suite # 1002
8:45 pm

The door to Matt Feeny's apartment is ajar and I can hear an Irish band playing accompanied by a lot of noise and cheering. I am wearing a short nightie with its hemline rather high. I make a mental note of not stooping or else it would give a rather generous view of my behind barely covered in red Lycra.

'THAT'S A LOT OF PEOPLE!'

My thought on running into a broad muscled chest which is so obviously male: 'HE SMELLS DIVINE!'

My thought on that divine smelling creature saying, "Hello there." : WELL! HELLO TO YOU TOO. WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? GREEK MYTHOLOGY?...!'

PAUSE. I CAN'T JUST KEEP ON THINKING NOW. I AM SUPPOSED TO RESPOND. OVER AND OUT.

Me: (I smile shyly and tilt my head a bit)"Hey! I am staying across the hall. I have got some macaroni and cheese... wanna help me find a place to keep it?"

The sexiest man on planet: "Sure! Come on in."

My thought on seeing his tight bottomed behind: HMMMMMMM... YOU CAN HAVE THE MACARONI 'N CHEESE...I CAN TAKE A BITE OFF THAT!...!

I place the dish on the kitchen counter.

Me: "Thanks :)"

He opens the refrigerator door and starts to browse through the content.

Greek God: "No Problem. Now what would you like to have?"

CAN I START WITH YOU?


Me: "I'll have a San Mig Light please..." I let my voice trail off...

He takes the beer out of the fridge and opens it with the bottle opener which is lying on the kitchen counter.

Greek God: " I am Zaman. I arrived this morning from Oz. I am staying on the 18th floor."

THAT'S NOT A PROBLEM. THIS HOTEL HAS A LIFT! OK...STOP THINKING. SAY SOMETHING. CAT CAUGHT YOUR TONGUE?

Me: "I am Tanya. I am from India. I got here a month back. Like I said, I am in the suite opposite Matt and Julia's. Welcome 2 Manila! I am sure you'll enjoy your stay."

I DON'T MIND HELPING OUT IN THAT DEPARTMENT. I CAN MAKE IT IMMENSELY PLEASURABLE FOR YOU INDEED.

Zaman: " I am sure I will. Maybe you can show me around. Considering you have been here for some time now...". Discovered any Indian places to eat? I love curry!"

AW...AREN'T YOU SWEET? I HATE COOKING OTHERWISE BUT I'LL MAKE SOME CURRY FOR YOU IF YOU LIKE. THANK GOD MY MUM PACKED ALL THE INDIAN SPICES INCLUDING HOME MADE GARAM MASALA! SHE IS RIGHT...THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH!

Me: "You do hun? I have discovered not just Indian but some amazing Mediterranean joints. satisfaction guaranteed!" I throw in a wicked smile to punctuate.

Zaman: "Then take me out to dinner tomorrow?"

Me: "It's a date."

OOH LA LA

My eyes gleam in wicked delight....!

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We finally exit the kitchen and join the loud and boisterous faction.

People devour the macaroni and cheese. We order some salads and pizzas from Yellow Cab. Someone goes out and gets a heavenly cheese cake which we shred to pieces and gorge. We are short of beer so I ask some muscled men to help me get lots of chilled beer from my suite. We drink some more and then it's time to go to bed...

Me to all: "Nightie night..." I walk back to my door in a very dignified manner. Or so I think. I struggle with the door lock for a bit. I then realize that I need to swipe the key through the lock for it to open. I belatedly realize I don't have a pocket in the night shirt. I walk back to Matt's door and I knock. I wait. No one responds. I knock harder. No response still.

THE DOORBELL!

I ring it. No one opens.

UGH! DRUNKARDS!

I slump against the door and think. At least I think I am thinking!

I take the elevator down to the lobby. I walk up to the reception with as much dignity as I possibly can in my night dress. I smile sheepishly and request them to open the door to my suite as I have forgotten the key inside.

The Receptionist: "Sure maam. It happens all the time". She says it in the peculiar Filipino accent with a straight face.

I finally get in and look for the key. I find it on the kitchen counter. I must have left it there when we came in to get the beer.

I don't forget to brush and floss, not even in that state. I am almost proud of myself when I lose my footing and slip.

DAMN THOSE FLOOR TOWELS! THEY ARE MORE OF A BOTHER THAN HELP!

I get up with difficulty and stagger to my bed. I snuggle in and heave a sigh of relief. I sleep well...

I dream of the Greek Empire and the Greek gods. Divine creatures float through my mind and I vaguely recollect a few names I learned in college: Zeus (Lord of the Sky), Poseidon (The Sea God), Hades (God of the underworld and of all the dark forces), Apollo (The Sun God, lord of Healing), Eros (The God of Love), Dionysus (The God of vine, wine and merriment)...

They all look oddly familiar... I wonder why....

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Summer of 04, Tarot Reading Club - Chapter Four

Matt Feeny's Apartment
Suite # 1002
*Day after Diwali*
7:45 PM
Attendees: Julia, Matt and Me

Julia, I realize is staying with Matt in his apartment. They arrived in Manila together 2 days ago and were hence sharing the apartment. I am invited to sit at the dining table after exchanging a few pleasantries. The sitting room cum dining room is dimly lit and there is 'Sitar' playing in the background. Matt gets us all a beer each and a bowl full of chips. White candles are placed on the table along with a soft pack of Marlboro Lights, an ashtray and a zippo. There are 3 packs of tarot cards on the table; Osho Zen Tarot (mine), The Angels Cards (Matt's) and The Original Rider Waite Tarot Pack (Julia's). The whole setting is larger than life and I feel as if we have some divine powers that will help us unravel each other's secrets and predict the future however grim and bloodcurdling it might be.

Matt opens his pack and asks me what kind of reading I would like him to do for me. I think for a second and request him to do a 'Zodiac Reading' for me. The Zodiac Reading is done once a year, its done at the turn of the year to help clarify one's goals and resolutions, or alternately at Diwali (for Indians), Halloween (for Catholics) i.e whenever one starts his/her year.
Matt warns me about this reading being deceptively simple. He shuffles the cards until he feels ready, and then he deals them out, face down, in a circle, roughly like the numbers on a clock dial. He dealt out twelve cards, each representing a month of the year ahead, starting with the current month, October.
Starting with the first card he dealt, he turns over each card in turn.
He now starts to predict my future, which he insists is only an aid to help me determine what my future 'may' hold and what I can do to shape it myself. Of all tarot readings, this is probably the one to take most seriously, so I disregard his warnings and listen to his interpretation in rapt attention.



The 1st house represents, Aries. Matt tells me about my life and health in general in the coming year, which is not too great. He tells me I'll undergo a lot of mental stress and a close and trusted friend would try to manipulate me and brainwash me. I need to be on my guard and pull away. I sit back and let it sink in. I know who he is talking about and I try hard to convince myself that tarot reading is not a science. I shake myself out of my reverie and ask Matt to continue.
The 2nd house represents, Taurus. I learn about Financial matters now, which look bright and cheer me up a bit.
The 3rd house is of Gemini. He now talks about a few Short journeys which I will be undertaking, my kin, and learning. I realize I'll learn a few lessons alright in the coming year.
The 4th house of Cancer speaks of my mental state, which I understand will not be at peace.
The 5th house of Leo tells him that the items that represent my legacy will be mine. I'll acquire knowledge of some family secret.
The 6th house of Virgo shows my Work and professional life as relatively smooth and indicates growth.
The 6th house of Libra disheartens me as it speaks of affection, love, and relationships which are going to be rocky. Matt says I'll ruffle a few feathers and rub people the wrong way. He advises me to watch out.
The 8th house of Scorpio throws light on what I was waiting for all this while. The darker things: sex, death, birth, passion, and psychic ability. Julia now interprets this card as of extreme importance. Matt too says my psychic ability will be sharper and most intense this year. I'll emerge a stronger individual and deal with situations and people intuitively.
The 9th house of Sagittarius shows I'll take long journeys and have serious (professional) travel.
The 10th house of Capricorn: Personal and family honor, aged relatives, responsibility.
The 11th house of Aquarius is disappointing as was expected. It is about friends, which I don't have too many of anyway.
The 12th house of Pisces: My enemies, the paradoxes and self-imposed limitations of my life. As Matt says, "Heaps of those love, heaps of those...".

My reading is over and all three of us sit silently, each reflective on what the cards have unravelled. I take a big gulp of beer and sit up straighter. I offer to read Julia's future. She smiles and inquires if I know the 5 card spread. I assure her that I do. I deal my set of cards and lay them down, face down. The 1st card in the middle, 2nd to the left, 3rd to the right, 4th further down and to the left, 5th further down to the right.


Card 1: The present or general theme of the reading
Card 2: Past influences still having effect
Card 3: The future
Card 4: The reason behind the question (this shed light on card 2)
Card 5: The potential within the situation.

Julia clearly wanted to decide on the given course of action. Card 4 reveals Julia's subconscious impulse, perhaps a blockage which is stopping her from achieving a desired result. Card 5 shows the possible result from taking the given course of action. The cards keep pointing towards a relationship. I ask Julia a few times if there is trouble in a love relationship. She just smiles and requests me to proceed with the reading.
After the Reading is over, she finally confides in us. She tells us that she is separated from her husband and he wants her back. She says that she has dealt several spreads including the Celtic cross, which is best used if seeking an answer to a specific question, in her case the question obviously being if it was a good idea to go back to him or not.

Matt refuses a reading when Julia offers to deal a spread for him. He enthusiastically picks up the phone and orders a non-veg pizza from Yellow Cab. I stay on for another hour or so, we The Tarot Card Readers, discussing different kinds of spreads and their usefullness in different situations. I keep wondering why Matt declined the offer for a reading. All tarot card readers want a reading from another tarot card reader to gain a fresh perspective and also for an unbiased advise.

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I stagger back to my apartment across the corridor after an eventful evening and 5 beers with an invitation to join Julia, Matt and their friends for a pajama party the following night.

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(To Be Continued...)

Summer of 04, On Diwali - Chapter Three

My 1st Diwali ever away from home! Surprisingly, I don't feel as bad as I thought I would. Paiel has already made plans with the rest of the gang from India to go out for dinner to a swanky Indian Joint I've already been to with the Aussies. She has even taken out a pretty pink kurta and churidar to wear this evening. I haven't been on the best of terms with my fellow Indians off late. There has been an unspoken rift between them and me. I suspect its becoz I've been spending almost all my free time with the Aussies. Paiel still asks me to tag along with her and the gang for dinner. I give her the ghost of a smile and politely decline. I tell her I intend to snuggle up in the bed and read. I can see that the news hasn't really disappointed her. Whatever...like I care...!

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THE DOORBELL RINGS

Jason is wearing a wicked smile on his face and his eyes are gleaming. I smile back at him. He leans against the doorway and says, "I couldn't help but notice the fairly large group of Indians all dressed up in traditional clothes leaving the hotel a few minutes ago as I was coming in carrying this carton of san mig lights. It struck me that you weren't part of the group. So I thought I'll drop by and check if you were OK. So are you OK?" I think if his eyebrows go any further up on his forehead, they would disappear... "Yes! I am. You weren't counting on me being in distress and you rescuing me, were you?" I ask.

Jason: "Ah!You read ma mind. Look, the beer is cold and I am open to sharing some with you. Do you have something to eat?"

Me: " Chips and cashew nuts. Will they do?"

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THE PHONE RINGS

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end..., "Meet us in the lobby in 15. Casual."

beep beep beep. The line gets disconnected.

Jason: "Blank call or a crank call?"

Me: "None. Gimme a minute to change, we are going out."

Jason calls after me... "where?"

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THE BLUE STAR

I find myself being introduced to a fresh group of Aussies at The Blue Star, a hip pub at Green Belt. I meet Matt Feeny, a very interesting character. He is gay. He thinks I am exotic. He wants to visit India and he has already read a lot about it. He does tarot card reading. I think this evening is not really a waste after all...

I bond with Matt at a whole new level. I do girlie talk with him and it doesn't freak me out. Ordinarily, I find girlie talk even with a girl to be such a turn off. However, I enjoy Matt's company immensely. I discover he is staying in the room right opposite mine. We are both thrilled. We decide to meet for dinner the next day and show our tarot card sets to each other and learn new ways of card spreads.

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HOME SUITE HOME...

"I can't get the key in! There is something wrong with the lock!" I grumble.

Matt: "Maybe they have deactivated the key..." his voice trails off at that thought and he struggles to get his apartment door open.

Me: "I CAN'T GET IT IN!"

Matt: "Oh!"

Me: "Yaa... thats right."

As I lean against the door in my drunken state, the door opens and I stumble in.

Paiel: "I heard the noise. You were struggling to open the door hun?"

I smile sheepishly at her and thank her.

"Happy Diwali!" Very generously I throw in a wish as well...

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(To Be Continued...)

Summer of 04, At Cena - Chapter Two

Dinner @ Cena

Sitting outside on the porch with my new mates I let the big portable fan nearest to our table sprinkle some water on my face. I wonder if its the fan throwing sprinkles of water on the guests is whats keeping the business going in the October summer heat. We place an order for cocktails and snacks. I ask for scallops dipped in melted cheese to be served with garlic bread. Light hearted banter at the dinner table keeps us relatively entertained till the drinks arrive. I spot Jason and Jon Tout walking past the porch we are sitting on.I wave at Jason as I catch his eye. He gives me a wide grin and both men walk over to our table.

Kat: "You blokes wanna join us for dinner?"

Jon Tout: "Nah. We are just planning to head back to the hotel and order a pizza."

Jason: "We could stay and have some sea food. What say Jon?"

Ben: "You wont regret it. Pleasant company and good food assured!"

Jon Tout: "Well I guess we could have a pizza any other day...,lets get pissed!"

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8 creamy white shells turned inside out with salt and black pepper sprinkled on the edges. Pale discs of one scallop each swimming in dollops of hot melting cheese fill the shells to the brim. Intoxicating smell of warm garlic bread with cheese wafts into my nostrils and makes my stomach growl in anticipation. I dig into the first shell with a fork and bring the tender flesh wrapped in cheese close to my mouth. My tongue waters and I quickly bite into the scallop which I had been devouring with all my senses so far. The warm flesh nearly melts in my mouth. I close my eyes and savor my first scallop ever. I then lift one slice of garlic bread in one hand and the shell oozing with cheese (now minus the scallop)in the other and plaster the cheese from the shell onto the bread. I then take my first morsel of that heavenly bread and relish it. My eyes stay half closed throughout the meal oblivious to the laughter and teasing going on around me.

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We get into the mini van (curtsy Somerset Salcedo) waiting for us outside greenbelt. I don't say much as I feel rather heady. I slide into the back seat and rest my head against the headrest. Jason sits next to me and inquires; "You ok love?"

Me: (drowsily) Hmmm. I am good. Thanks for asking.

Jason: (Chuckles)"Are you always this formal or are you just drunk?"

Me: (With a sheepish grin) "Guess I am always painfully polite. I was groomed to be a lady (with a wink).

Jason: "I can see you have a wicked streak. You just hide it well."

Me: "Hmmm... Maybe..." I let my voice trail off and deliberately turn my head the other way to look outside the window.

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(To be continued...)

Summer of 04, In Manila - Chapter One

November 2004
Manila, Philippines
Somerset Salcedo, Room # 9, 11Th Floor

Ben, Denise, Paiel and I are sitting at the round dining table that seats four. Ben is making babushka's for all of us. We are all cheerful and extremely high. Denise is too drunk to realize the door bell rang.

Me: "Denise! Get the door."

The chair makes a screeching sound on the wooden floor. After half a minute he stumbles back into the room.

Kat and Cathy follow. I have seen them at work, but we have not been introduced.

Kat is tall and has an athletic built. Cathy is chubby and simply over weight.

Me: "Hi. How are you doing?"

Kat: "Marvelous! Thank you. How about you? I have seen you two @ work."

Me: "Yup. So have we. I am Tanya and this is Paiel."

Paiel: "Hi."

Kat: "Hey. I am Katherine Meredith and this is Cathy."

We exchange pleasantries with Cathy.

Ben: "What can I get you Love?" To Kat and Cathy.

Cathy: "Anything wet will do. I am exhausted! We have been shopping all day."

Kat: "I'll have a San Mig Light."

Ben goes into the kitchen and comes back with 4 chilled beers. Denise is plonked on the sofa and is head banging to some UK pop number.

I look at Kat keenly as Ben opens the beer pints for both of them.

Me: To Kat, "You look different somehow."

Kat and Cathy giggle. Kat pats her hair and says, "New hair do. Do you reckon it looks nice?"

Before I can say anything, Ben says enthusiastically, "Of course! You look lovely."
She has cut her hair real short and it's burgundy.

Me: "You look different. But nice. I think your hair style will grow on people in time."

Both Kat and Cathy laugh out loud. Ben joins in. Paiel and I look at them quizzically. Kat gets up and goes into the guest bedroom. I ask Cathy, "What was that for?"

Cathy: "You'll see."

Kat returns minus the short red hair. Her hair is back to being black. long and flowy again.

Me: "Aaaah! A wig! How nice."

Kat: "How English! You favorite word is 'nice' I reckon."

Cathy: "Must be the British Influence since the colonization."

Kat: "What Colonization Love?"

Ben: "India was colonized by the British almost 50 years ago."

Paiel: "Actually more."

Kat: "Where is India on the Map?"

All of us burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Ben: "Sweetheart, have you watched India play Cricket against Australia?"

Kat: "I don't watch Cricket. But I do know that India plays against Auz."

Me: "Wow!"

Cathy: "Lets discuss India over dinner, shall we? I am ready to eat a Kangaroo!"

Denise: "That ain't legal Love!"

Cathy: "Pity isn't it? Lets go to Green Belt for dinner. Will you two join us?"

Paiel: "I think I'll tuck in now."

Me: "I'll come along. Let me go down to my apartment and change. I'll see you guys in the lobby in fifteen."

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Kat follows me back to my apartment. I grab a short denim skirt from the wardrobe and a top to go with it. I dash for the washroom to change.

I get back after changing and critically analyzing myself in the full length mirror to find Kat holding the 'Hajmola' bottle in her palm and reading its composition at the back.

Me: "I take one tab after every meal. Its supposed to be a digestive. Wanna try?"

She does and makes a face.

Kat: "Eeeeeoooo...Too spicy for my taste. Indians have a sharp tongue I reckon."

Me: "Quite! You'll get to know exactly how sharp over dinner." I say it with a smile and a wink.

She grins back at me.

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We exit the bedroom. I find Gauri, Shilpi, Vara and Rohit keeping Paiel company in the sitting room.

Vara: "Where are you off to?"

Me: "Green Belt for dinner."

Gauri: "We are planning to watch Bridget Jone's Dairy 2."

Me: "Enjoy! Paiel I'll be back late. You tuck in. I am taking my key with me. Ciao!"

We leave.

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To be continued...

How sarcastic do u think I am?

A moron once said, "sarcasm is the lowest form of humour".
Sarcasm usually requires a quick wit, and the ability to extract the minutest points of weakness in a conversation. So it is quite unlikely that it is the lowest form of humor as some would like to call it. Perhaps not being able to enjoy sarcasm is directly related to not having the ability to come up with sarcastic comments, which in turn creates a feeling of inadequacy, which in turn can spawn an inferiority complex, that can cause someone to believe that sarcasm is the humor of the stupid.

Shine on, u crazy die...mond

Now there is a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky
Shine on you crazy diamond...

Pink Floyd bombilating in my head
I stare at the ceiling lying down on my bed

Arms reaching out in all three directions
they screech and swing around
they sweep and beat about

The white and empty space beyond
like the sky falling
beckoning and then hauling

Sockets filled with coffee black and egg white
liquid swarms and pools
do they drip or do they drool?...

Come on you raver, you seer of visions, come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!

Holy Matrimony: The Final Chapter

The air is nippy. Simran pulls her shawl more snugly around her. A shiver runs down her spine. They are sitting by the pool at 2:30 in the night with only a couple of lanterns illuminating the pool side. The water is still as a glass sheet. The stars are shining bright in the coal black sky, away from city pollution. They sit on wrought iron chairs placed across from each other with her feet on his lap. He gently massages the soles of her feet. Simran clearly avoids looking at Parth. She keeps her eyes fixed at the sheet of melted glass gleaming in the lambent light.

"It's been a while."he observes.

"Yes... Seems like forever."she agrees solemnly.

"I miss you...I miss us...I wish for us to come back together...be the way we were..."his voice trembling with emotion and the desperation all too visible.

She sits motionless for a while. Not saying anything. As if she hasn't heard a word of what he just said.

"Can you still read my mind?...do you still feel me?" she sounds as if she is in a daze.

"I want to..." he shuts his eyes. His hands rest on her feet. The cool December breeze carries her tangy perfume and his nostrils expand to inhale it...he can smell her...he can feel her presence again.

She feels as if hours have passed when he finally opens his eyes slowly.

"Yes we can. First thing tomorrow morning. Do you want to have breakfast before we leave?" he inquires gently.

"hmmm." she affirms.

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The Return: Parth speaks

"I'll get the stuff. You go ahead and meet the kids."
I look at her as I say it. She nods, already gathering up her long flowing skirt in her hands and walks off.

I can hear the children screaming with delight. I can't help but smile imagining their eyes going wide and small pink lips stretching in a wide grin at meeting Simran after just a day. I unload the car and carry our bags inside. Just as I keep them at the foot of the sofa in the sitting room, Bruno comes wagging his tail in excitement and starts to wobble around me. I marvel at this 25 day old pup who has taken to the family so quickly. The kids follow. I gather them in my arms and hold them tight till they protest at being squashed.

I see my mum and dad come out to of the guest bedroom, smiling at me. Simran, Mimi and Nan come down the stairs, they must have been in our bedroom upstairs. Simran looks relaxed and Mimi is laughing at something Nan has just said. I smile too, a genuinely happy smile after a long time...

We all sit in the drawing room, we elders on the sofa and arm chairs, Nan and the kids on the floor mats. Simran and I talk about the 'Glasshouse by the Ganges' and the river, the mountains surrounding the resort and the food. I catch Mimi and Nan looking at me curiously every now and then. I know they are somewhat relieved because they tease me a bit.

I look at them all. I release a deep sigh of satisfaction. I think...I am finally home....

Holy Matrimony: Chapter Two

Parth decided to wait for her in the lounge. The flight was 25 minutes late. He ordered a cappuccino and lit himself a cigarette while he waited. He took a long drag and heaved a sigh while exhaling. He was contemplating the effect her visit would have on his life. He brought the coffee mug close to his parched lips and took a swig. Twenty minutes later he was feeling refreshed and found his way to the waiting area. He saw her tugging her large pink baggage behind her on rollers. She was wearing a bright pink knee length A- Line skirt with a white sleeveless top. She had not seen him yet it seemed. Her eyes were frantically skimming the crowd waiting beyond the barricade. Her face seemed to have fallen and she looked unsure and hesitant. She carried on walking with the bag in tow still unaware of his presence. He smiled to himself and started following her out of the airport and onto the path that led to the parking area. The swing of her butt was rather cute. He was amazed at how tall she had grown in the last 3 years. She was all of nineteen now. She stopped at the end of the gravelled path. Her fairly long hair now cascading in the cool breeze. He decided to make his presence known finally. He went and stood beside her and softly murmured into her ear; "Hi Nan. Looking for me?" She jumped and pulled away to take a long look at him. When she recovered from the initial shock she screamed with joy and threw her long arms around him, pulling him close. Her bag made a loud thud on the ground where it fell. He gulped and caught himself in time before a tear rolled down his cheek. He realised he had missed her immensely.

"Uncle Parth! You are such a Meany! I looked everywhere for you. I got a scare thinking I'll have to take a cab home. Where is aunt Sim? And my little cousins?" He smiled fondly at her and told her they were all waiting for her at home. She giggled and pointed at her bag signalling him to carry it for her. He complied gladly.

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What joy to have your niece visit after years. Nancy was a splitting image of her American mother. Her lilting voice and pretty smile kept everyone at home in high spirits. Gaurav would call up everyday and speak to Parth to get an update on Nancy.
Gaurav had moved to US two decades ago and married Sara. They had an addition into the family a year later. Nancy was always a chirpy and an extremely sensitive kid. Parth's work had taken him to San Jose at least twice every year. Nancy and Parth had formed the kinship right away. Gaurav was very pleased by it for he wanted Nancy to get to know his side of the family and find her roots. Simran and the kids had also visited Gaurav and Sara in the US once during the Christmas break. Nancy had developed a fondness for the whole family from then on.

Parth was watching the world cup on the TV in his room one night when Nancy crept in and sat next to him. They followed the game for a while in companionable silence. Finally she heaved a loud and dramatic sigh and turned to look at him. He put the TV on mute and asked her tiredly; "What?"
She asked in return; "yeah. What?"
He knew what was coming. She was very observant and perceptive. It was uncanny how she could read people's moods and mind too. It unnerved him a bit.
She spoke softly; "what's wrong Uncle P?" She had cut Parth to 'P', she thought that suited him better with his perpetually 'evil, mean and grumpy' look.

He looked her squarely in the eye and feigned confusion; "What are you talking about love?"

"Jesus Christ! Do you take me for a fool? I know there is something bothering you. I can see it clearly that Aunt Sim and you are not...hmmm... like...you know...mum and dad. I think you can do something to revive your relationship there. Why don't you guys go out on a date or something. I could baby sit Sakshi and Mani!" Her voice reflected excitement.

Mac laughed out loud. He couldn't help but admire this 19 yr old bundle of energy for her efforts at fixing all and sundry around her. He put his hand on her head and gave it a good shake.

"Go! Run along now. Dinner must be served by now

(To be continued...)

Holy Matrimony: Chapter One

Simran sat staring at the black and white picture hanging on the wall across from her. Parth had his arms around her and they were both looking straight at the camera lens. Their hair was wind blown and she could distinctly see the dash of white in his. He had always had grey hair. For as long as she had known him. They looked happy... so content in just being together. Their eyes sparkling with joy.

They now had two extremely bright and talented children. He was a proud father and an attentive one too. Sakshi, the 12 yr old was a whiz at math. She also played the synthesizer like a dream. She had already given more than a dozen solo performances at school. She had taken after Parth. He was creative too. Mani was 8 now. He had Simi's eyes. He was good at language and sports. Parth took so much pride in everything Sakshi and Mani did that it seemed as if they were the fruit of his efforts alone. She didn't mind it one bit. It gave her a chance to take a back seat and just look at him and the kids fondly.

He hated travelling and leaving the kids behind even for a day. But his Advertising and Marketing firm expected him to travel all over the globe to generate more business. He enjoyed his work, it was challenging. However, he did struggle to keep a balance between his work and family. Simran had gladly given up her career to be a full time mom. She was happy rearing their kids and looking after Parth. Time would fly just making sure the house chores were done, food served, kids forcefully fed (they were bad eaters!) and packing or unpacking Parth's suitcase. He was practically living out of them anyway...
"I miss you and the kids. I can't bear to travel anymore. I think I'll quit. Get something here in Delhi. What do you think?"...Parth said one day.
Simran replied casually; "Hmmm...I think it's a good idea. I could work too then. We'll get a full time maid. It would be nice to have you around for a change" . He had a hurt look in his eyes. Just grumbled and went back to his laptop. He always seemed to be working.
Even at Home...

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"Congratulations!" Mimi's deep and booming voice was oddly comforting.
"Thanks. I am so excited about the whole thing. Although I am worried how Parth would take it..." Simran's voice trailed off.
M: "Don't worry. I am sure he'll be as happy for you as we are. Mum especially. She is thrilled you have decided to go back to work. Now she'll have an excuse to spend more time spoiling Sakshi and Mani. So, when are you planning to break the big news to Parth? You could always leave the kids with us and go out for a quiet dinner."
S: "Hmmm... I could. Let me check with him and see how he is placed tonight. Even though he has stopped travelling, we still don't see much of him. He leaves early in the morning and doesn't get back before midnight".
M: "How is your marriage?"
S: "Aren't you direct!...well...its OK. We live under the same roof, share the same bed, bathroom and soap. Have sex on Sunday's...if that's what you mean?"
M: "Get out of the city, just you and him. You need to spice up your life. "

Simran reflected on her conversation with Mimi long after she had put the phone down.

(To be continued...)