A Fairy Tale

A Fairy Tale

11th October, 2015: Shyambazar Metro Station, Kolkata

Abhi was waiting for Hiya. He still can't believe how easy it transpired to ask her out. He can't deny he was waiting for this day for years. He was trying his best to look confident. There she appears. She was looking ravishing in Brown printed top and grey slim-fit Capri. Abhi waved his hand as she smiled looking at him. Abhi's heartbeat stopped for a few moments, as he was still not sure this is happening for real.

"Hi. Sorry to have arrived late. I must have kept you waiting, right? “- The smiling lady apologizes as she didn't know he could wait forever for her, only for her.

"Some things are always worth waiting for, aren't they?” - The excited guy didn't know what she was going through.

 18th July, 2012: Mani Square Mall, Kolkata

"Why does every story have to end like this?" - Abhi was clearly losing patience.

"What kind of story, Abhi? You are behaving like a child." -Hiya was getting annoyed.

"A boy falls in love with a girl who seems to be his friend, in some cases his best friend. She doesn't love him but always maintains strong bonding with him. He cannot hide his emotions and proposes to her. She, although has already guessed it recently, shows sympathy and politely rejects him. He becomes more desperate and proposes her again, and then again. She gets pissed off and shuns contacting him. He gets dejected morally but deep down inside; he still hopes that someday, some way she will feel for him." - Abhi completes his story.

"You are insane, Abhi. Just because you love someone, you cannot own their feelings, their choices, and their liking. I don't love you Abhi, I'm sorry. But I like you as a person and as a friend. I don't want to ruin it. Why are you complicating things?" -Hiya was going mad.

"Such a cliche!"-Abhi smiled in sarcasm.

"You know what? You are a sadist. You enjoy getting hurt. You will enjoy if I stop contacting you, for it will complete your story. Isn't it?"-Hiya was about to explore in anger.

"Some authors are courageous, aren’t they? They change the choices of the girl at the end. She feels for the boy who is still waiting for her. It brings a happy ending but..." -Abhi waited to take a breather, or maybe to find appropriate lines and then continued- "But in the process they both change themselves, I mean, the boy and the girl. I don't want that. I don't want our story to end like this." -Abhi stared directly to Hiya, with his seemingly abnormal eyes and anxious face.

Hiya didn't know how to respond to this. She knew Abhi has lost his composure, in the process, may be his sanity too. She kept staring at him until he regained his composure somewhat and fixed his eyes downwards. Hiya could feel the tremble in her hands for she got convinced Abhi wasn't a normal guy anymore . They now live in different world of thoughts.

17th June, 2011: Sachin Mitra Lane,Bagh Bazar Street, Kolkata

Mrs. Piyali Chatterjee was sitting just opposite to her daughter, looking rather disappointed, as she didn't see this coming. She was assured by then that she would not find a better match for her girl than Abhi. He seems to be the guy who understands Hiya, doesn't misbehave or overreact in adverse situations, calm in nature, also quite respectful to elders. Although they are only 20, Mrs. Chatterjee was slowly starting to plan about their future. Mr. Chatterjee might have overlooked the trust and comfort level between the two, but she could not have done so. Her eyes do not miss these things. The only thing that could have made her think is Abhi's family status. They are middle class, not as rich and established as Mukherjee family. But you have to compromise something good to get something better, don't you?

She doesn't delay when she makes up her mind. She had already discussed with Mrs. Sen, Abhi's mother, regarding the same but for some reason she doesn't seem to be highly interested about Abhi tying the knot with Hiya. Does that mean Mrs. Sen has seen something which she couldn't? No, it can't happen. Mrs. Chatterjee now gets the point she had missed. She has always focused on making sure Abhi doesn't change his mind, or behavior, but she has forgot to concentrate on her own girl, whether she takes this seriously or not. Does Hiya love someone else? Why hasn't she revealed to her parents yet? Mr. and Mrs. Chatterjee would never have forced her to change her mind, she should understand her parents better. Now what? 

20th August,2014: Columbia Asia, Sector III, Salt Lake City, Kolkata

Mr. Ayan Chatterjee was anxiously loitering at the lobby just outside the operation theater. No sooner had the neurosurgeon come out of OT, than he rushed towards him.

"How is my daughter responding doctor? She will survive, right?" - He was nervous and jittery.

"Hopefully she will. But we do have another concern."- Famous neurosurgeon Dr. Ananda Bagchi looked pensive. 

18th May,2014: Pasupati Bose Lane, Bagh Bazar Street, Kolkata

Mr. Sayan Sen was not talking to his family while having dinner. This is something Sen Family isn't used to. On an usual night, he would have come up with some poor jokes, a few failed attempts to prove how good a showman he is, bits and pieces of pranks with his only son and numerous spontaneous gestures which prove how lively he is.

Abhi decided to break the silence for he knew his mother won't.

"Dad, are you ill?"

"No, son. Why?" - His reply wasn't lively.

"Come on, dad. This isn't you."

Mr. Sen knows it. He decided to remain silent. He was waiting for the right time to spill the beans. 

And the news isn't something that's going to cheer everyone up. Mr. Chatterjee called him up today. It's about Hiya. Her wedding has been fixed.

24th December, 2013: Tung Fong Restaurant, Park Street, Kolkata

At last the reunion took place. Christmas Eve, as always, is the occasion that has all of them gathering at Park Street. It has only been months since they have officially signed off from college, but it seemed much longer than that. There was also one added attraction to this particular get together. That is of course about Hiya, finally accepting the proposal of Dhiman da. He is their senior in college, now working at Bangalore. Naturally Hiya has become the center of attraction.  

Arnab is the prankster among the lot. 

"This is not fair, Hiya." 

"What?"-Hiya couldn't understand what Arnab meant to say but she was pretty sure he was up to building up something sarcastic.

"You are going to break a heart, Hiya. That guy, Abhi, loves you a lot. He can wait for you forever. Your family likes him a lot. You are ignoring the facts Hiya...”

Arnab might not have stopped, had Kriti, Hiya's best friend in college, hadn't stretched her hand to attempt to slap him.

"Will you ever change? This is the reason you don't have a girlfriend. You are never serious."-Kriti started cursing Arnab.

The whole group starts to join the chaos, except for Hiya who didn't say a thing. She knew she would never be able to love Abhi. Not that Abhi is not worth it, it's just not meant to be. But why is so? May be because he's too caring, too protective, too matured, too good a guy to tie knot with. May be because his lifestyle isn't something she will feel easy to get accustomed to. May be because his family isn't rich enough to make her comfortable. Or may be everything is fine, Hiya's just committing the biggest mistake of her life.

31st August, 2014: Oh! Calcutta, Church Street, Bengaluru

It's Sunday. It has become usual for them to have lunch together at some place outside on Sundays. They are doing this for almost a year without fail, but they haven't ever seen Dhiman so uninvolved. 

Dhiman was feeling worried. Hiya hasn't called him for the last 10 days. She hasn't picked up her phone, hasn't returned his texts. He has already tried to contact her closest friends who stay at Kolkata. It seems everyone is trying to avoid him. He even tried to contact Hiya's parents, but even they didn't pick their phones up. Has he himself done something extremely wrong that Hiya has asked everyone to avoid him? Or is it worse, something has happened to her? 

28th January, 2007: Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Chandni Chawk, Kolkata

Abhi was wondering whether this is the right time to propose her. She would surely not be expecting to hear it now. She is busy in describing how the day has gone so far for her. This is what Abhi loves the most about Hiya. The flawless narration with spontaneous gestures has him falling for her. What Abhi likes most about her is that he never gets bored spending time with her. Abhi thinks he is very lucky to have seen various shades of her. Sometimes she gets angry at Abhi for no reason, sometimes she behaves so sweetly that Abhi gets surprised, sometimes her voice gets so cold that Abhi has to think what he has done wrong, and sometimes of course, she flows like a river to bewilder him. 

Abhi was almost submerged into the awesomeness that Hiya brings about. Suddenly he was aware why they were here.

"Hiya?"

"What? Are you listening to me at all? How dare you stop me when I'm talking? " - She doesn't seem to be happy, obviously!

"Do you know why we are here?"

"I don't want to talk to you."

"Very well, then! To the left lies the showroom where you may find what you are looking for, your favorite pair of headphones. Now that you are not willing to talk to me, I wonder why I should tell you so." -  Sarcasm was clear and loud.

It took seconds to change her mood. She almost jumped on him, hugged him and started dragging him towards the showroom. Abhi was pretending not to go with her. Then she said something knowingly or unknowingly to him, which he still remembers -

"You know why I love you so much? You always seem to do the right thing in the right time for me."- Then she didn't wait for him. Abhi was watching her run towards the showroom as he kept watching her, with his dreamy eyes. 

 20th August,2014: Dr. S Mitra's Chamber: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Mukundapur, Kolkata 

Mrs. Piyali Chatterjee has always been a strong woman, rarely showing emotions. Even she has crumbled heavily watching her daughter's condition. Hiya is unable to remember some of the recent incidents after that accident, clearly suffering from loss of memory. That accident!! She can't even forgive herself for letting her daughter go out on a drive alone that night. That wasn't like any other night. It was raining heavily, storming ruthlessly. Usually mothers won't let her girl out in such circumstances. But she did. She was getting a feeling that she has terribly failed as a mother. She has always been liberal, but could never understand her girl. She doesn't believe in miracles, but she desperately wants one now.

She was lost in her own world of thoughts. Mr. Ayan Chatterjee brought her back to reality-

"Come on, it's our turn now."

She almost forgot that they are now at Dr.Mitra's chamber. Dr. Bagchi has referred them to him, as according to him, he is the best in the city to handle critical cases of retrograde amnesia.

21st May,2014: Girish Park Metro Station, Kolkata

"You should know why I'm here. Shouldn't you?" -Kriti is here to meet Abhi and make him aware of the inconvenience he is causing to Hiya.

“Yeah. Obviously. But I wonder why Hiya didn’t do the honors herself.” –Abhi knew why she is here. Hiya is intelligent. She doesn’t want to ruin the bond between two families. It’s a clear indication of ignorance. She wants to make it clear. 

“Don’t try to be over smart. You know what you should do now, don’t you? Just stop being too close to her. You don’t possess her. I know you know each other since childhood. But that’s not enough to live life together and you should know it.” – Kriti stops and stares at him as if she wants some response.

Abhi is usually a calm guy who seldom gets excited or agitated. That was certainly not a usual day. The manner that Kriti adopted to talk to him left him furious. He didn’t care what Hiya feels about him, obviously it’s her choice. But this lady, Kriti, has no right to question his stance.

“You know what? You are pathetic. Have you ever observed that she always wears right pair of her shoes first? Have you ever noticed that she remains touch nervous on Thursdays as worst days of her life have always appeared on Thursdays? Do you know that she says ‘OK’ in 5 different ways and each of the ways has unique depiction of what she is feeling right now? How would you have known? You have never cried with her, you have never travelled from Park Street to Sealdah on a scorching summer noon walking, just to test insanity. Poor you, you think you know her. You are in no position to judge her, or even me. I know she is making a mistake and will repent for her decision later. I know what I should do. I want her to be happy more than you do. If you are really worried about her, you needn’t warn me. I will be the last person to interrupt her happiness. Go tell her that I have been well warned if that satisfies your ego.” –Abhi knew he is being rude but couldn’t help it.  

Abhi couldn’t stand and watch her face anymore as he was being strongly repelled by the woman standing in front of him.

Kriti stood there for some time as she watched him leave the place. She didn’t know that Abhi can be so raging, so frenzied.

19th August,2014: Vivekananda Road- APC Road Connector, Maniktala, Kokata

Hiya is crying. Hiya is sobbing. Hiya is driving. She takes left turn from the connector. She doesn’t know where she is going. She doesn’t know what to do. She knows nobody understands her, neither her parents nor her friends. She thought Dhiman could be the solution to all the problems. He seemed to be sensitive, charming and caring. Hiya always wanted a boyfriend who would be a good match with her family. Deep down inside she always wanted a handsome and charming guy who would always adore her. She has had several proposals but none of them meant anything to Hiya.

Her family has always wanted her to marry Abhi. Oh God, Abhi! How could she forget to call him up now! He always does the right thing for her at the right time. Her hands are trembling. She is not able to drive. She knows she will be very lucky if she gets to escape an accident tonight.

“Oh shit!!”- Somehow she avoids collision against the blue Honda City!! But how long! Why isn’t she stopping the car? Does she want to embrace death? A part of her wants to stop the car and go back home, sort out problems with Dhiman, tell her parents why she is not interested to marry Abhi. Oh God, Abhi again! Why is Abhi popping up everywhere? She sees a truck brush past her car by inches. Holy Christ! How is she alive still!!

Hiya sees Rangana Theter to the left. She turns left in full speed to take Raja Rajkrishna Street. She saw the beggar who almost got run over by her car, cursing her. Hiya gets a sadistic pleasure at this. She accelerates. She will not listen to the part of her who asks her to stop, to abide by rules, to seek for love and assurance. She will be driven by insanity, she will thrive for unrest. What if a miracle takes place now! What if everything gets sorted out. But why is she hoping for a miracle? Her life is something which makes her friends jealous. She belongs to a rich family , her parents are liberal, she has a boyfriend who is handsome and rich, more importantly, she is driving her Aveo at 1 am under the consent of her mother. What more does a girl of her age need to be overwhelmed by happiness? Her life is like a fairy tale which is enviable to all. Why is she unhappy then? May be she doesn’t like fairy tales. Or maybe, she wants her tale to end on a different note. She has to write the script herself. Wait, what? Is she thinking about writing tales differently? Isn’t this what Abhi used to say? Oh my God! Abhi strikes for the third time. Hiya sees a crossing ahead. She was not looking at the roads properly. All she knows is that she has to either turn right or turn left. Left or right? Right or left? She has become muddled. Her car turned right at the last moment. She almost took the lamp post off!

“Missed by a whisker” – She uttered.

She recognizes the road. She is on Bidhan Sarani which will take her to Hatibagan. Then what? Where will she head to? What if she dies today? Will anybody cry? Of course her parents will. But for how long? One week, a fortnight, a month? Then everything will be fine. She doesn’t want to die. She has a lot to live for. But who will show her the way? Who will help her write the right script? Obviously!!  She doesn’t wait this time. She immediately takes her cell phone out of her jeans’ pocket and ringed Abhi’s number.

“Hiya? It’s 1 am. What have you done?”- Abhi knew something has certainly happened.

“Abhi..”- Hiya starts sobbing. She is not able to say anything.

“Where are you? What is the noise? Are you outside? Oh God!! Aren’t you driving? You are. Just stop the car, Hiya. Let me talk to you.”

Hiya is not listening. Her mind is not working. For a moment, she sees Grey Street signal RED. She almost shouts-

“Will you help me write the scripts differently? Will you..”  

Abhi didn’t hear Hiya’s voice after this. All he heard afterwards were a heavy sound of collision of metals, a scream and then his phone got disconnected.

20th September,2012: Meghnad Saha Institute of Technology, Nazirabad Rd, Uchhepota, Kolkata

Four Musketeers is their tag name in college. Imon, Aditya, Gourab and Abhi. Imon has always been the charming one, the ‘lady killer’, according to his friends. Aditya is a genuine ‘sportsman’, be it indoor, or outdoor, he absolutely nails every game. Gourab is the flamboyant one, never sticks to rules, acts like a rebel, drinks and smokes a lot. Talking about Abhi, you can call him ‘weird’, you can’t predict what he’s going to say, how he’s going to act.

Today, they are neither behaving joyously nor making fun of each other. Their topic of discussion is somewhat grave. Abhi is not talking to anyone, even to the members of three musketeers. They know how weird he can behave, but this calls for some action. They have decided to handle this situation in weird manner, hoping it might urge Abhi to speak one or two words. They have surrounded him from three different directions and are constantly looking at him without even saying anything.

Finally Abhi decides to speak.

“Why are you behaving like children? You know the reason. It’s her.”

“Oh God! Why do you not understand this little thing, dude? She won’t love you, come what may!”- Gourab was furious.

“Let me tell you a story” –Abhi smiled sarcastically.

“For our sake, nooo! No more stories dude! Be realistic. See what’s there for you. There’s nothing.”- Imon literally screamed at him.

“I didn’t want to talk about this. It is you who forced me to do so..”

“It’s alright Abhi. We want to know your story.” –As always, Aditya showed his sportsmanship.

“Very well, then. I was 12 then. I still remember it. Hiya was a big fan of jigsaw puzzles. She was so busy in configuring some pieces that she didn’t notice how swiftly I pocketed one. After a few minutes, when she is only 5/6 pieces away from solving the puzzle, she found that she was missing one. That piece was not the most important of all, but the one which would have solved the puzzle. She went on to search for it. She searched the whole house and began to cry. When I was handing over the last piece to her, I saw a smile on her face. Trust me guys, I can do anything to see that smile.”

“Wow that is some love story. Isn’t it? What are you trying to say Abhi? Are you still 12? Does she play jigsaw puzzles anymore? Or would she care if you’d steal one piece of puzzle now?”- Gourab was still furious.

Abhi laughed out in loud manner. Then he began to clap. Rest of the three stood firm in disbelief.

“You won’t understand”- Abhi stopped clapping.

“Make us.”- Gourab wanted to battle it out.

“Okay.” Abhi took a deep breath and then continued “Life is nothing but a jigsaw puzzle, isn’t it? There are different pieces of the puzzle that we need to place one after another, in absolutely ordered manner. A slight mistake and the puzzle remain unsolved. Hiya is a foolish little girl. She is trying to solve the problems of her life ignoring me. I am the last piece of her puzzle. I am so close to her that she is not even looking at me, just as she couldn’t find the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle when we were 12. We all come across some people in our life that fit in correct places to complete our life. However insignificant I may look like, I am as important as the last piece of the puzzle. She will understand what she has been missing. She will seek for the last piece one day. And as always, I will be there to complete her puzzle. Tell me my friends, do you understand?”

Nobody could say anything. They kept looking at Abhi. Sometimes you don’t need to answer verbally to convey your feeling.

30th September,2014: Dr. S Mitra's Chamber: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Mukundapur, Kolkata 

“I can’t tell you, my son. This is not acceptable.”- Dr. Mitra was getting infuriated with the persistent endeavor that Abhi is putting to get to know the condition of Hiya from him. Dr. Mira is against the breach of ethics that he has been rearing for years. He doesn’t disclose health condition of his patient to anyone unless he or she is the patient’s family member. This guy is crossing the limit.

“But you are a human being. You should understand what I am going through. We know each other since we were children. I am just not any other person in her life. I was the last person she talked with before this happened. You understand how much special I’m to her?”- Abhi was relentless for he knew he had to do something about it.

“What I’m going to offer you now, is the last time I’m going to speak with you regarding this topic. Bring Mr. and Mrs. Chatterjee with you. If they wish to discuss about retrograde amnesia in front of you, I’m ready to discuss about it. If it’s not the case, would you please excuse me? I have my patients waiting for me.”- Clearly, Dr. Mitra requested Abhi to leave in polite manner.

“Retrograde amnesia is a loss of memory-access to events or incidents that occurred, or information that was learned, or state of mind that was there before an injury or the onset of a disease. For example, if John was diagnosed with retrograde amnesia in the year 2010, he is more likely to lose memories from 1998 and 1999 than he is to lose memories from 1980. It is possible that he loses those memories too, but more likely that he loses memories closer to 2010. Symptoms of retrograde amnesia are false memories, confusion, or brain and coordination problems. For example, John might not recognize his wife of four years, and he may recall having four children, even if he has none. This can be heartening for loved ones. Causes of retrograde amnesia include brain injuries, surgeries, traumatic events, nutrition issues, infections, or electroconvulsive therapy. See doctor? I know what is called retrograde amnesia. I know what the basic symptoms of it are. I know what can cause this. I don’t have to be a doctor to get to know what retrograde amnesia is. There are plenty of medical websites who share regular updates, case studies on this. And I’m no medical student who needs to write a thesis on retrograde amnesia. I just know I love that girl who has lost her memory. I just want that fixed. I want to know how much time it may take to cure the curse. I want to know how much memory has she lost. I want to know if she remembers our last conversation. You see doctor, I always hoped for a miracle. I just didn’t know it would last for a few seconds.” – Abhi burst into tears leaving Dr. Mitra clueless.

Dr. Mitra didn’t know what to do for he knew how to fix the diseases and very little about fixing love stories.

13th Feb,2014: Pasupati Bose Lane, Bagh Bazar Street, Kolkata

 

“What’s happened, my child? Has Abhi done something? Let me come and I’ll teach him a lesson. How dare he make you cry?” – Mrs. Sen couldn’t believe what she was noticing. Hiya was sobbing and by the look of it, it was Abhi who caused it.

“Listen, aunty! You need to sit right here beside me.” –Hiya almost dragged her near.

“Okay, but why are you crying?” – Mrs. Sen was still clueless.

“It is better that Abhi is not home. I couldn’t have said what I’m about to say had he been home.” –Hiya was not able to look into the eyes of Mrs. Sen.

“And what is that...”

“I can’t do this. I can’t keep everyone in the dark. Abhi knows I don’t love him but he still keeps hoping. He always talks about some stories, some miracles that can change everything. But life’s not a fairy tale, is it? I can’t say anything else.” –Hiya burst into tears.

“You don’t have to say it. I can read your eyes, my child. There’s no shame in accepting the truth.” – Mrs. Sen hugged Hiya affectionately.

“Believe me, I tried my best. But there are certain things you can’t do anything about. I...” – Hiya started crying a like a child.

“Sshhh..! Sleep sweetie. You don’t have to feel guilty about it. I love you and will always love you. Now close your eyes and cry your heart out. It will make you feel better.”

It took Hiya half an hour to master her emotion and when she finally did it, she could understand the bitter truth that is not easy to swallow. She was feeling congenial here, in the laps of Abhi’s mother, much more than she has ever felt, in the laps of her own mother. Isn’t that strange? Or, maybe it is not, life is indeed a fairy tale!

15th Oct,2014: Dr. K Reddy’s chamber: M S Reddy Asha Hospital, Road No. 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Mr. and Mrs. Chatterjee are now at Dr. K Reddy’s chamber. Dr. Mitra has referred his name to them. They are getting different suggestions from each and every person they know. They are not in a mental state to decide what is right and what is wrong. They are doing anything and everything possible to get their daughter’s memory issues fixed. Mr. Reddy is one of the best in business; according to Dr. Mitra, the best in the country.

They have kept Hiya here for the last one week and she is under medication. Right now, Dr. Reddy is going through the medical reports. The thing that haunts Mr. and Mrs. More than anything is that nobody is able to give an idea how much days has she lost due to the accident. She was already engaged to Dhiman. Her wedding was fixed. At first Mr. Chatterjee didn’t want to let Dhiman know about the mishap. But eventually they had to tell him. Dhiman didn’t wait to hear anything from them. He flew back to Kolkata to know what has happened.  He advised them to take Hiya to Hyderabad for treatment. So they are here. Dhiman has tried to discuss with Hiya about the mishap but she seems too tired to talk about it.

19th Sep,2014: Sachin Mitra Lane,Bagh Bazar Street, Kolkata

Hiya is lying on her bed casually. Abhi is there in the room, lying on a couch, reading the latest edition of Verve Magazine.

Hiya was trying to remember what happened prior to her accident. She has to recollect the lost part of her memory as she has to know what led her to the rash driving. She is suffering from an identity disorder, as it seems. This is probably an effect of that accident. All of her friends are saying that she has changed drastically. Hiya can’t deny that for she herself has discovered that she is calmer and less spontaneous now. The fact that she has to sit somewhere and think about the same thing is making her change. Whenever she has tried to go deep down her memory lane and find the missing link, all she has been able to see is darkness and hear a loud scream. Dr. Mitra has advised her not to go as deep as it may deteriorate the whole thing. Hiya has refrained herself from using any social networking site. She doesn’t want to get confused. She is somewhat helped by the fact that her mobile phone had been splintered to pieces on that night.

What is the last incident that she remembers? Well, everybody has asked this question so far. Hiya has remained silent about it as she herself is searching for the answer. Doesn’t she know what the last noticeable incident that she remembers is? Of course she does. It’s so disturbing that she doesn’t want to talk about it. It was a cold evening of last December. Hiya had a terrible fight with her parents. She was vulnerable. She had a date on that evening with Dhiman Da, a senior in college, in Mocambo. She didn’t plan to appear there in the first place, but changed her mind to create a diversion. She planned to go there, have food, chitchat normally and then let him know that she’s not interested in him. But it didn’t work out as planned. Dhiman had a different plan. He already had food packed in his car. He had planned for a long drive. Hiya doesn’t know whether it was for the long drive or for the calm and mature attitude of his or for the pleasant surprise, she actually fell for him. Abhi was right. It was like a fairy tale. And what happened after that? She can’t remember anything beyond that. It must have gone far, as she has heard from her parents that Dhiman is planning to come here. Oh Boy! Some serious stuff must have happened.

Why on earth is Abhi so silent today? And what is he reading anyway? Verve Magazine? Isn’t that supposed to be a women’s magazine?

“Since when have you started reading women’s magazine? Trying to get an idea what women like, or what?” – Hiya couldn’t stop playing a prank on him.

“Someone has developed a good sense of humor, hasn’t she?” –Abhi never gets tired to flaunt his sarcastic skills.

“Whatever. Don’t you have work these days in office? Why do you keep staying here, acting like my bodyguard?” –Hiya was surprised that Abhi is coming here every day for the last two weeks at the same time without fail.     

“I’m on leave.” –Abhi didn’t want to discuss about this. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, he found something he was looking for.

“Hiya, what did you just say? What am I doing here when I could be in office?” –Abhi stood up in excitement.

“Yes. What’s strange in saying so?” –Hiya was surprised to see Abhi so excited over a flimsy thing.

“It means there is still hope. Do you remember when did I get the job?

“Yes. In November, last year. May I know what is going on, here?”

Abhi slowly approached towards the bed Hiya was lying on, sat down on the floor near the bed, held her face with both hands and whispered- “You remember that I got placed. You are not too far, Hiya, not too far.”

19th Feb,2008: Pasupati Bose Lane, Bagh Bazar Street, Kolkata

“5’4’. Fair. Dreamy, attractive eyes. Sharp, confident outlook. Cute chick with even cuter dimples. Spontaneous. Impulsive. Rigid. Moody. Childish. Gorgeous. You will fall in love with her smile instantly... … – You have literally described me. It’s strange that you never compliment me when I’m around. A woman gets flattered when she sees someone writing about…” –Hiya started reading the unfinished story that Abhi is writing. Abhi would have never permitted her to do so had he been around. Now that Abhi is watching her read this and his face is turning red out of anguish, she decides to take control over the situation.

“You can’t do this. This is not funny.” –Abhi was pissed off.

“Writing about a lady without even asking for permission from her, is not funny either.”

“I’m not writing about you.”

“Then why are you blushing?”

“I’m not. What’s your problem? You know I don’t like this.”- Abhi tried to act as if he is angry but in reality, he was blushing.

“You know you’re not good at lying. Anyway, it’s not your fault. I’m so beautiful and intriguing that you couldn’t resist writing about me. But there’s one problem. Your story talks about some guy who is tall, dark and handsome. You are not even close to that. Can you please introduce me to that guy, if he exists for real?”- Hiya was in no mood to stop the prank.

“Whatever. I give up. I’m in no mood to wrangle over this.” –Abhi literally gave up.

“What has happened, Abhi?”-  Hiya never saw Abhi give up an argument so easily.

“Ah, nothing’s happened. Give me that, the notebook. Let me finish it and then you’ll read.”

“Abhi, look at me. Look me in the eyes and tell me the truth.”- Hiya was desperate to know what has happened to him for it was bothering her. She has always liked the sarcastic, funny and jubilant side of his. What’s this grumpy, gruesome and irksome version of Abhi?

“I love you, Hiya. I tried to tell you in many ways on multiple occasions. This is probably the worst possible way to propose a girl, but I can’t help it. There’s a part of me I don’t like to show to people for he is weak and so in love with you.” –Abhi bent down on his knees, held her hands and whispered-“Do you love me?”

“I don’t know how to react to this, Abhi. I..I have never thought about this.” – Hiya was mumbling.

“You have to think, Hiya. This is about our future.”- Abhi was almost pleading.

         

“I need time, Abhi. It’s not that I don’t like you, but there are certain other aspects that you also need to consider. Our families are so close that we have to be absolutely sure before making a decision like this.” –Hiya bent down on her knees, looking directly into his eyes.

“And you just said you haven’t thought about it. You’re also a bad liar.”-Abhi was about to get up.

Suddenly Hiya stretches her arms around his neck and gives him a tight hug. Abhi feels like a child and stars crying, keeping his head on her shoulder. Hiya keeps patting on his back affectionately till he stops crying and then whispered in his ears- “Don’t cry like a baby, moron. Some girls don’t like delicate guys.”

10th Dec,2014: College More, Sector v, Kolkata

Abhi was having lunch in the cafeteria. He used to prefer to go outside office premises with his colleagues to have lunch. He is losing interest in talking to people now a days, he can’t remember when the last time he made fun of his colleagues was. He is trying to move on. He has been dating a girl for a month but he hasn’t been able to get friendly with her. Hiya is encouraging him to do so because she thinks this is good for him. Abhi knows the trick very well. Hiya is making sure Abhi finds a good match for himself. She is making sure Abhi doesn’t rear anymore feelings towards her. The girl Abhi is dating recently is one of Hiya’s friends. Abhi has agreed to date this girl, not because he wanted to date someone or try to forget Hiya, because he is trying to know what Hiya is up to. Of late, she is behaving in a strange manner. She is not the impulsive, spontaneous Hiya anymore. Abhi has also suspected that Hiya might have obtained her memory back but is not disclosing that in order to hide something.       

It’s been a fortnight that Hiya is brought back to Kolkata. It’s been advised not to pressurize her to remember anything. She is advised to lead her life normally, get a job or study something. Since coming back, she has been behaving in weird manner. She is behaving politely with her parents, rarely hanging out with her never ending group of friends, chitchatting less and not rushing to any decisions. Abhi is really surprised to see her behave like a matured lady. This is the first time he is unable to read her pulses. There must be something that she is hiding so well. But what is she hiding anyway?

Abhi is realizing that the mystery is unsettling him. He was used to listening to Hiya’s problems and trying to solve them. He was used to getting pleasure in being an important part of her life. He knew Hiya might not love her but would always reach out to him for any kind of help. He was getting used to the fact that Hiya could not avoid him at all. But things have changed drastically. Just when he thought Hiya would be at her most vulnerable state, he is befooled big time. Abhi is sensing defeat. He could accept the fact that she would never fall for him, but he could never accept the fact that she would build a wall that he would be unable to penetrate.

22nd Oct,2014:W O F L Cafe, Road No. 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

“Trust me; this is the best place for pancakes in the city.” – Peter announces gleefully.

“I trust you, Peter.” –Hiya smiles, melting a portion of delicious Crepes Suzette inside her mouth.

“So, Hiya? Tell me about yourself. Let me see if I can help you.” – Peter arrives straight to the point, swallowing a piece of toothsome Pistachio Waffles inside his mouth.

Peter is one of the patients who were under treatment of Dr. K Reddy and is totally cured now. Hiya got introduced to Peter in the doctor’s chamber one day. Peter came for a scheduled check up on that day. Dr. Reddy himself introduced her to Peter. He did it because Hiya was getting impatient. She wanted a quick fix. Dr. Reddy intended to show her how the process actually works. It took Peter two years to get his memory back.

Since that day, they have been seeing each other on a regular basis. This is all Hiya’s plan. She wants to get things sorted out. She has noticed that Peter is always well mannered, nice and sober in front of her. According to Hiya, being ‘too’ well mannered is a sign of weakness. And Hiya has to exploit Peter’s weakness. She knows she is being mean here. But she is desperate to know how Peter got his memory back, what actually helped him getting it back and how did he  cope with the loss of memory. She also thinks Dr. Mitra might have discussed about her condition with Peter and she has to know it. She wants to know the truth, even if it is hard to accept.

“So, Peter? Now tell me about yourself. How did you lose your memory? What helped you get it back? - Hiya is done telling her story. She can’t wait to listen to his.

“I will make it short and brief. I am born and brought up in Goa in a dirty filthy colony that was notorious for all kinds of crime. I was a drug dealer till I realized it’ll take me nowhere….”

“Wait, wait, wait!!! You’re a drug dealer?”-She was taken aback clearly.

Peter laughed out loud. She doesn’t know dealing drug is a very common crime there and people of young age are very much involved in it.

“I was. I have been convicted several times. That’s very common, Hiya. Experiencing jail for dealing drugs is no big deal there. This is not what I should tell you. Anyway, I met Joana at a Bar there. She was a beautiful dancer. You have to know the whereabouts of the drug dealers if you’re a dancer at a Bar in such a place. Gradually we became close; you must have listened to these kinds of love stories. Haven’t you?”

“So, you two were lovers?”

“And we married each other.”

“So you’re married? Wow! I’m sorry to bring you here like this.” Hiya felt sorry about the fact that she was playing a married guy.

“Come on, Hiya. Am I so dumb that I don’t understand your intention?” –Peter said sarcastically.

Hiya felt ashamed that he knew Hiya is not into him but still agreed to help her out. She was not able to look into his eyes.

“I’ll come to that later. Let me finish my story first.” –Peter cleared his throat and continued-“So, we got married. Everything was going great. I got a job at a medicine store. Joana was really influential to help me make better decisions. Then out of nowhere, that accident happened.” –Peter stopped as he seemingly visualized the accident.

“It is okay, Peter. You don’t need to stress. I totally understand.”

“I have to discuss this with someone. I have never talked about it with anyone, not even with Dr. Reddy.  I want to discuss this with you because I don’t want you to end up like me. It’s not you who decided to get to know my story. It’s me who decided to tell you my story.”

19th Jun,2014: Sachin Mitra Lane,Bagh Bazar Street, Kolkata

“I don’t know how to apologize to you, Abhi. I haven’t been a good mother. I think I’ve tried my best to become one but I have failed big time.” –Mrs. Chatterjee was feeling miserable about the fact that Hiya has decided to wed Dhiman.

Mrs. Chatterjee was lying on her easy chair in her bedroom. She had her eyes closed, mourning about her inability to change Hiya’s decision. Abhi was looking from the window at a biker who is trying his best to find a way through the obstacles of traffic. He smiled sarcastically for it somehow resembles the current situation of his. He was listening to the despondent speech of Mrs. Chatterjee, but he couldn’t care less. He was lost in his own world of thoughts. He was confident that Hiya would someday understand how wrong she has been turning him down. He always hoped that Hiya would someday call him up and ask him to propose her again so that she can accept the proposal this time. But none of these is going to happen for she has made her mind up. So this is it. This is how his story is meant to end.

“Abhi? Say something to me! Your silence is killing me.”  -Mrs. Chattejee pleaded to Abhi.

Abhi realized that he hasn’t faced the amount of pain this failed mother has faced. He is feeling the agony of rejection but that’s not even close to the torment a mother is going through due to her inability to get to know her own daughter.

Abhi advanced towards her slowly. Much to his surprise, he saw her eyes wet. Abhi is seeing this woman since he was a child. He has never seen her cry until today. It is her cold behavior that has restrained her from being a good mother. What an irony! It is the cold behavior of her child that has brought the kind-hearted, caring mother in focus.

Abhi bent down on his knees, gently held her arms in his, and tried to console her with his words-

“It’s really weird for me to try to console you. I’ve always envied you for your composure, your discretion, your gravity. You have to understand that Hiya has done nothing wrong. She has chosen someone she would like to spend rest of her life with.”

Mrs. Chatterjee smiled, put her arms around his neck and messed his hair affectionately.

Abhi couldn’t believe that he actually felt comfortable in her lap. Mrs. Chatterjee couldn’t believe what came out of her mouth then- “I don’t know why I’m so disappointed with this. May be I was being a little too much selfish. Probably, I wanted you to marry her more than you ever wanted yourself to marry her. I have always wished I could get a child like you. Hiya has always been too cold. I hoped she could change if she gets married to you. You’ve always found the right thing for her. I’m sorry, Abhi. I was being too selfish.”

Teardrops kept rolling down her chick as Abhi kept staring at the crestfallen mother until the teardrops decided to stop oozing down her chick.

31th October, 2015: City Centre, Sector 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata

Abhi still feels butterflies in his stomach like a teenager every time he meets Hiya. He has some inferiority complex about himself that he doesn’t discuss with anyone. He is 5’7’’, a little chubby, wears glasses, short-haired, in short just another Bengali guy. He is in love with a girl who, according to him, is the most gorgeous woman he has ever met. He has always bottled up his feelings in a wrapper of sarcasm and tried to remain smart in front of her. This is supposed to be their second date. Time has almost flown since the terrible accident took place. Hiya has been back to her normal life for the last few months. Or, has she? She hasn’t been able to remember what happened at the night of the accident yet. She can now remember everything that happened prior to that day. It’s an irony that Abhi wanted her to remember the night of the accident more than he wanted her to remember anything prior to that day.

The fact that Hiya can’t remember their conversation at the night of the accident kills Abhi from within.  He has tried to tell her what happened that night on numerous occasions, but there’s a part of him that hates to do so. Hiya wanted to get her memory back all by herself. She refused to take any hints or clues from anyone. Abhi refused to be the selfish guy who could have told her what actually happened that night. He has always believed in miracles and has been hoping that someday Hiya will remember everything. He is not the type of guy who likes to force things. He believes if they are supposed to end up together, Hiya has to remember the conversation they had that night.  

Abhi is delighted that Hiya has agreed to come on the second date with him. They are having dinner at Haka now. Hiya seems to behaving normally. But it can’t be so. She has to be planning something big. She knows very well that her wedding was fixed. She knows very well that she and Dhiman loved each other. She also knows that Abhi has already proposed her thrice and can do once more if she keeps dating him regularly. Is it real that she is beginning to like Abhi? Is this real that she is giving Abhi another chance to propose her? May be she remembers what happened that night. May be she is too afraid to admit that.

What has gotten to Abhi? Why is he thinking so much about it? This is the moment. This is what he has dreamt of. His conscious mind is very happy today. His unconscious mind however is not happy at all. It is forcing Abhi to notice how much she has changed. Abhi is realizing that she doesn’t anymore contact him to solve little issues, she doesn’t anymore get excited at little things; she is not emotionally vulnerable anymore. Is it Abhi who has lost his ability to read her?  Or is it Hiya who has found a better mask to wear?

16th Nov,2014: Dr. S Mitra's Chamber: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Mukundapur, Kolkata 

Hiya is desperate to discuss her problems with someone. So she is here. It seems she is torn into two different existences and there’s a never-ending battle going on between them. There’s one part of her that wants to go back to the past and be in a relationship with Dhiman. There’s another part of her that wants to remain in the present and understand the fact that they can’t be together. Dhiman is a very good guy but has ego issues. Sometimes he behaves like Abhi and act like a child. Even he has expressed his disliking several times towards the fact that she is too close to her male friend Abhi. She could never imagine this. She thought Dhiman was a mature, liberal and open minded person. It seems every guy suffers from the same curse of insecurity.

Peter was different. He knows when to hold on to things and when to let them go. He moved to Hyderabad with Joana. She advised him to change their residence so that he is not haunted by his past occupation. He didn’t lose his memory in any physical accident. He got severe mental shock when he found out Joana was having an affair with someone else. He was not prepared for her betrayal. Joana left her when he needed her support the most. She freaked out when she saw him acting weird. She even feared of getting arrested for cheating on him. When he was taken to the local hospital by some of the local guys, he couldn’t even recall his own name. After one month of treatment, he got his sanity back at the expense of his memory for past three years. One day Dr. Reddy noticed him and then started the process of revival. Peter will always be indebted to Dr. Reddy for the mental and economical support he has received from him. It took two long years to get his lost memory back. Sometimes he thinks it would be better if he didn’t regain his memory.  The part that Peter didn’t even discuss with Dr. Reddy is that he searched for Joana when he was fully cured. He found her place out after one month’s endeavor. She was living with the person who she left Peter for. Joana was sickened watching Peter at their place. Peter didn’t rear any rage inside him towards them. He needed an explanation. When they found out Peter had no wrong intention, they too started behaving in friendly manner with him. He came to know that a way bigger secret was waiting to reveal. Joana wanted an escape from the dance bar for she was planning to start a family with Jimmy. Jimmy too was a drug dealer but his gang was not as powerful as Peter’s. He was not able to start a family with Joana due to financial issues. So they made a plan. Joana trapped Peter who was financially strong. She married him after she managed to convince him to give up on the wealth he has made by drug dealing. Meanwhile Jimmy moved to Hyderabad and was planning for a construction business. But he was short of money. Joana helped Jimmy with all the money she received after selling the wealth Peter had given up on. After one long year, Jimmy got settled and he was ready to start a family with Joana. Joana was waiting for the right moment to tell Peter everything. But Jimmy was getting impatient. So he himself contacted Peter and told everything.

So that was the secret Peter had to know. Peter thought Joana would apologize and ask for his forgiveness at least for once. But she seemed to be too happy to be worried about Peter. They say everything is fair in love and war. This is the story that Peter kept to himself until that evening, when he decided to tell Hiya. The thing Peter wanted to convey is sometimes it is better not to chase the truth. Because sometimes truth can hurt you so bad that you can’t get rid of the scars in your lifetime.

24th October, 2015: Bagicha, Shyampukur Street, Shyambazar, Kolkata

Usual time of the year, usual place, usual people to give company, usual festive planning are not able to bring the usual Dhiman out of the shell he is hiding inside. It’s not the break up with Hiya, but the way it happened is not letting him sleep at night. He has done everything that a responsible boyfriend could have done for his girlfriend. He risked his job and flew to Kolkata the moment he felt something was wrong. He took the whole matter under control and advised them to consult Dr. K Reddy. Although he was getting clear indication that Hiya is unwilling to continue the relationship, he didn’t turn his back on her when her family needed him the most.

The thing that he wants to know more than anything else is what made her change. She used to be the spontaneous, energetic, smiling and charming lady prior to that accident. She has now become the cold, mature, shrewd and sagacious lady who is hard to understand. He was getting annoyed with this relationship. He himself had to break up with her. She didn’t react at all when he told her that he was unable to continue. They broke up three months back. He has tried to contact her after that. She has picked his phone up every time, but has talked like a stranger each time.

As far as he knows, she has successfully recollected her memory. What is the thing that has driven her to dislike him? Oh wait for a minute. She doesn’t dislike him, she detests him. He agrees that he has been jealous on a few occasions. Obviously they had fights over this. But come on, every boyfriend is more or less possessive about his girlfriend. Every couple fights but they also find a way to sort it out. Ok, there’s another thing. He once questioned her offbeat lifestyle. She used to be a typical nonconformist, used to love the unconventional, used to laugh and cry over any topic. She got mad at him when he asked her to change her lifestyle a little. Having fight was a very common thing in their relationship but it never felt annoying. Then what is the thing that caused so much abomination in her mind?

At first, he thought Abhi is the one who has caused the damage. When he recently met him at Hiya’s place, he had a frank discussion with him regarding this. Abhi seemed to be too puzzled to lie about it.  Dhiman was surprised to see him so silent. He knows that Abhi loves her so much that he can do anything for her. May be, even Abhi didn’t like the change in her. It would be unfair if Dhiman thinks Abhi is the guy who has been relishing their break up.

He has heard a few things about them. It seems they are dating each other now. Anyway, why is he even thinking about it? He didn’t even want to come home in Durga Puja for he wanted to stay away from this place for a while. It’s his friends who didn’t let him do so. Why is he not able to hate her for what she has done to him? Is it because he stills loves her? Or is it because he hates himself for not being cognizant of her nature?

18th Jun,2009: Mocambo, Park Street, Kolkata

“Isn’t it weird that we are moving to college now?” –Abhi seems to be in fantastic mood as he is having his favorite sizzler here.

“If this is weird, I don’t know what normal is.”- Hiya doesn’t like continental dishes. She is here because this happens to be Abhi’s favorite place for food in the city. She is clearly in no mood to be philosophical now.

“Come on. For once, agree to what I say. This is my birthday. You don’t want me to have a bad day.” – Abhi winked at her.

“We need to talk about something.” –Hiya wanted to have a discussion on what’s going on between them. She was right. Well, for the last 6 months they are in a relationship. It hasn’t been the smoothest or happiest six months for both of them, but they have learned a few important lessons. They got to know the difference between staying close friends and crossing the thin line beyond that. They have started to know the important of little sacrifices. For example, Hiya hates continental food, Mexican and Chinese are her favorite. But here she is pretending to like continental. She could have arranged this somewhere else but that wouldn’t have made Abhi so happy. She didn’t use to be someone who would give a damn about this. But things change, people too change with it. But somehow she is not entirely unhappy about it. Probably she won’t mind doing it for Abhi. It’s weird because she took 4 years to say yes to Abhi’s proposal.    

However the thing that Hiya wants to discuss with Abhi right now is entirely a different issue. It’s about Abhi’s attitude. He seems to be too cool with the whole thing. He seemed to be eager to be in this place but when he is actually here, he seems to be complacent. That’s what worries her. Having a humorous boyfriend is cool, but you have to be sincere sometimes. You have to learn to value the relationship.

“Talk about what?”- Abhi doesn’t seem to be interested to listen to anything except how good the food tastes at Mocambo.

“Why do you love me, Abhi?” – This was unplanned. This was too direct.

“Simple. You’re rich.”

“Abhi, I’m serious.”

“You’re so restless in nature.”

“Tell me why do you love me or I will leave this place.”

“Because you’re the spontaneous one. Because you follow your heart. Because you smile when you are happy. Because you cry when you’re hurt. You are the most honest person I’ve seen in my life. I know you’re pissed with me because you think I don’t value our relationship. But trust me, I do. May be, I love this sizzler. I love this place. But I wouldn’t enjoy this if I were with someone else.”

“I’m impressed.” – Hiya answered sarcastically but she seemed relieved.

“So, the beautiful lady, tell me. Why do you love me?” – Abhi seems to have gained interest in this topic.

“Because you’re the sensible one. You’re the broom that can clean the mess that I am.”

“And it took you four years to understand?”

“See, Abhi. Girls are by nature way more calculative than boys. One thing I need to mention here. I’m no perfect. I am impulsive, moody, and stubborn. I like to go on a long drive at 3 a.m. I don’t follow any rules. Still you have chosen me. You’re no saint Mr. weirdo. You’re way too introverting at times. You crack lame sarcastic jokes even in serious moments. You’re poetic in nature and believe in miracles. You’re not flexible enough; always stick to your plans. But still I’ve risked my love to you. I’m telling you this to let you know that we have to accept the faults in each other and see the brighter side.”

“Wow. I didn’t know you could deliver such a good speech.”

“See. This is what’s annoying about you. You always try to throw lame sarcastic jokes.”

“Come on, Hiya. Tell me one thing. If in your college, some handsome classmate or senior bends his knee down in front of you and proposes to you, will you be able to decline his proposal? Our thing is really not strong. Neither I’m possessive enough to force you to stay loyal.” –Abhi is not sarcastic this time. He knows Hiya is not fully into him. He knows her very well. This is probably one of her impulsive decisions. Had she been serious, her parents would be aware of the news by this time.

“I won’t only if you allow me too.” –Hiya seemed too confident.

Little did she know what future had in store for her?

Dhiman will propose her on her first day in college. She will obviously inform Abhi about this. Abhi will react as if nothing has happened. Slowly Hiya will get repelled by the casual approach of Abhi and gain interest in Dhiman. She will gradually realize that she can never love Abhi. She will again take 4 years to decide on this. At last on a Christmas Eve, she will decide to say yes to Dhiman’s proposal. Oh wait, I should stop here. You already know this part of the story.

 27th Feb,2016: Marco Polo, Park Street, Kolkata

I’m finally here. One thing I don’t like about mortal people is that they want me at their services all the time but when I actually appear, they seem to ignore my existence completely. Well, to be fair, I don’t look like one of them. I can’t communicate the way they do. It’s quite normal that they are not paying attention to me. Oh I almost forgot! They can see, hear, smell, touch or taste; but they can’t feel. They are void of natural feelings.

See, that’s what’s wrong with me. I haven’t yet introduced myself and I’ve already insulted you. Well, technically that’s not me, that’s just my sarcastic nature letting its presence felt. In truth, I can’t remember having any name. Should I be grateful to you for naming me ‘miracle’?

 Well, Abhi is someone who seeks for me everywhere. Come on mate, I am not your caretaker. And there’s this girl Hiya. She thinks I don’t even exist. She thinks she can rule the world. It’s an irony that she always needed someone like Abhi to solve all her problems. She became confident and self dependent only after the car accident, like she could ever imagine this! Now they are having a serious conversation over food. If you were here, you wouldn’t notice what’s wrong with these two. Well, I can for I read minds well enough! They are hiding the truth and lying to each other continuously. Let me help you decipher their conversation.

Abhi: Look Hiya, this is probably going to sound creepy.

[His insight: This is going to get her hurt. I should probably lie. But what am I going to lie about?]

Hiya: Ha ha! I hope you’re not about to propose me.

[Her insight: Oh boy! If he does, can I reject? I don’t think so!]

Abhi: It seems I’m rediscovering you. You’re smarter and braver now. You impress me like never before.

[His insight: I sound creepy indeed. I hate this version of hers.]   

  

Hiya: I’m flattered. You’ve change for good too. You’re more mature now. I’m pretty sure you’re ready to find a match for you.

[Her insight: Is he trying to flirt with me in old school approach? Where’s the funny, indecent, passionate version of his? Why is he behaving like a stranger?]

Abhi: I’m glad you’re doing well now. I guess it doesn’t matter whether you come to remember what you were on to that night. You’re too strong and sensible to be worried about that.

[His insight: That was a wild guess! She’s changed a lot. She’s not going to reveal even she knows what happened that night. This is a lost cause, Abhi. Learn to get on with it.]

Hiya: Ha ha! It’s not that I’m not interested to discover that. But you see, I live in the present. What matters the most to me is how I feel right now.

[Her insight: Are you kidding me? I’m dying to know it. I know that has something to do with Abhi. I was asked by the investigating officer whether I can remember my last conversation with the last number I dialed. I couldn’t remember at all, but they had already traced the number that I dialed moments before crashing my car against a truck.]

Abhi: I should probably tell you this. Dhiman da called me a week back and asked whether I’m dating you recently.

[His insight: What the hell is wrong with you? You’re running short of topics to discuss with her. You are feeling uncomfortable. That’s it dude. She is not at all interested in you. Most importantly, you are starting to feel uneasy when you are around her. There is no spontaneous approach, there is no leg pulling, there is no heated up conversation. Everything is too cold about her now. Hiya was right. There’s no miracle. We get to know people from different angles as we grow old.]

Hiya: Oh.

[Her insight: I was wrong. Dhiman was never going to make me happy. Illusion is everywhere. Dhiman was someone who caught the eye so easily. I still don’t know if I can ever love Abhi. But he was definitely someone who could make me happy. All I wanted from him was little more commitment, a little more possessiveness. If he was a little more sincere, I would probably have not chosen Dhiman over him.]

I should relieve you from this mess. Their conversation is leading them nowhere. Look at Abhi. He invited Hiya here, to her favorite place for food in the city, to propose her. See what he is doing now. He is blaming me for this and beginning to disregard me. That’s funny. Now have a look at Hiya. She wanted a more sincere version of Abhi. When he has grown mature, she is beginning to dislike his approach. That’s what’s wrong with you all. You don’t know what you want. And I’m always there to take the blame. That’s even funnier. Looks like they are on to something. Let me get you there!

Hiya: You didn’t tell me the special news that you were about to give me.

[Her insight: Of course I know what he was about to tell me. He was planning to propose me. But something has changed his mind. What could that be? Oh I see. He didn’t like the change in me just like I didn’t like the change in him. I made a mistake by leaving him when I should have done otherwise. But now if I get committed to this guy sitting in front of me, it would be a bigger mistake.]

Abhi: Look Hiya, no more playing games, no more running away from truth. I planned to propose you today. But I realized that I don’t feel comfortable with this version of yours. But at the same time I wouldn’t want you to change as you have become more self dependent now. You’re not vulnerable anymore. You’ll judge people better. I was kind of selfish. I always wanted you to come to me and discuss all your problems with me. I got addicted to listening to your problems and solving them. So, when I got to meet this calm and composed version of yours, I got afraid. But I can’t be selfish about something I really care about. I used to believe in miracles. From this moment, I refuse to believe in it anymore. If we say what we truly feel and do what is best for the ones we love, there’s no need for miracles. It’s not a miracle that we are dating each other even after so many things that have happened between us. We just chose to ignore the faults in each other to protect our friendship. It’s not a miracle that I’m not proposing you today although I planned this to do so. I just figured out it would be better for both of us if I choose not to. It’s not a miracle that you’ve changed so much after that accident. You always wanted to change, but the accident just triggered the desire intensely. It’s not a miracle that I’ve changed too. Deep down inside, I’ve always feared that someday you would change and wouldn’t need me to solve every issue.

[His insight: Wow! You’ve hidden nothing inside!]

Hiya: Thank you so much Abhi. I was dying to listen to this kind of stuff. You should know that I value our friendship more than anything. You’re not just a friend to me, you’re more than that. You are a family to me. To be honest, I absolutely hated the grumpy version of yours. About miracles, you should know something. I’ve started to believe in miracles now. Only after the accident I started to observe the flaws in my relationship with Dhiman. Only after the accident, I realized how much injustice I have done to my parents, especially to my mother. There are so many other stuffs too. I’m glad that we could speak with each other frankly after so many days. Sometimes I wish we could get younger by 10 years and rewrite our story, just like fairy tales.

[Her insight: That’s awesome!]

Abhi: We can still do so. Let’s make our journey to Park Street Metro the craziest journey ever.

Abhi didn’t have any patience to listen to his insight anymore. He quickly calls the waiter, pays the bill, grabs her hand and literally ran off the restaurant like an insane.    

This was certainly not scripted. I thought I was here to help them out. They themselves figured the problem out and ran off. See, this is what happens when miracle decides to bless you. What are you saying? You think I had no role to play here? You bunch of atheists! How could you know? I appear only for the people who believe in me! Anyway, I’m bored. I should leave this place. Did anyone ask where am I going? I should go to a downcast writer who is struggling to find a plot for his story and give him this messy stuff. Wouldn’t that be great?

--------------------------------------The End------------------------------------------------------------------------