A Coffee Conversation

I was sitting at my usual place, the comfy couch in my favorite Starbucks. I can't be certain exactly why I am so fond of this place. I guess, it's right below my office, slightly hidden from the flock of students and passerby's. It has nice cushions, free WiFi and the coffee isn't too bad. And most importantly I get to be around people, albeit I don't talk or interact with them.

Truth be told, I am all alone in this city of 13 million people. No friends, no family, no housemates or pets. I hate the emptiness and silence in my life. And that's why I spend most of my weekends in coffee shops. I rarely see anyone interesting that catches my eye, and I had given up all hope just when she walked in.

Her eyes were hidden behind those round glasses, her long hair neatly tied behind her head. She must be 5 6ish but even with her flats, she looked taller due to her posture and slender frame. There was something interesting about her.

I admit I am shy when it comes to women. It takes a few conversations for me to get comfortable. And the more attractive they are, the more awkward I get.

She walked towards me and said "Excuse me. Can I leave my bag here?" She rested her bag on the side table and sat down on the vacant couch right opposite me. Now here is the thing. When you have a really attractive woman sitting right in front of you, you are torn between gazing haphazardly at her or to sneak a glance in the most discreet way. You first look at person at her left, then to her right, and then slowly and finally gaze right at the center, to where she sits.

Now don't you judge me. All guys do that. I am no different.
She seemed to be reading a book on Google, and taking down notes. And she was left handed.

"So, you are reading the Google Way. It's quite an interesting interpretation of Google's management style. But I disagree with a lot of it. I think the author is glorifying Larry and Sergey".

She looked at me with surprise. "You don't think they are changing the world?"
"I didn't say that. I feel they have found a balance between running a profitable Business while investing in projects that could change lives. The book is too biased and focuses only on the good side. Without the revenue and profits, there will be none of the great projects"
"By the way, I am Ajay. And you are?
"Hi, I am Yuki, nice meeting you. I have an interview with Google tomorrow. So reading up before the big day"
"That's pretty cool. All the best. Did you know only just 1 in 1000 applicants even get called for an interview. You must be really smart".
"Well, not really. I guess I am just lucky"
"Luck has nothing to do with. So what kind of job is it"
"It's quite interesting. They are looking for an marketing manager to own the university and school outreach program"
"That's pretty neat. I hope you are familiar with all the popular Google products. Bet they'll ask you about your favorite app".
"For me, I can't think of a life without YouTube. Haha, I am super hooked on to it".

Just then my phone alarm went off. The gym was closing in an hour. Should we stay or leave. What's more important in life. This conversation with this lovely girl or the boring, painful session of the gym.

"You have to excuse me Yuki. I have to head to the gym before it closes in an hour. It was really nice talking to you"
I was telling myself "Ask her for her number... Or at least her line contact...c'mon boy"

"So I'll see you again then. All the best with the interview", and I rushed out. What a bummer. I couldn't even ask her number. What's wrong with me.

The next day, I was pretty darn bored at work. It was 12pm, and nothing interesting was happening. It was Monday!
I was walking towards the office cafe to grab some food to eat at my desk.

And wonder oh wonders, there she stood at the elevator lobby, waiting for the lift to arrive. I sprinted quickly towards her.

"Yuki, Yuki!"
"Hey Ajay right?"
"Yup, what  pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?"
"Remember the interview, I was telling you about."
"Ah, the interview. How did it go"
"It was tricky..."
"Have you had lunch already?"
"Not yet"
"Any plans"
"Well, actually none"
"Great, then why don't you join me"
I tapped her into the cafe, with my 3D badge.
"Welcome to the Google cafe. Hope you don't mind the food here".

Three weeks later Yuki joined Google. And we had a lot of lunches and memorable dinners together. Google way!

Author's Note: Looking for writers to Collaborate with

I wrote my first short story in April 2008, and since then have managed to write a few more. Like all fiction writers, the stories turned out to be a lot different than what I had initially planned. They kept getting influenced by my interactions with people, my observations and my travelogues.

If you have read some of my writings, you would notice, I tend to keep it real and simple. I refrain from using complex words. For me, words are meant to convey the writer's message as clear and concise as he envisions, in his head. What's the point if readers have to constantly look up their dictionaries to make sense of the words.

If you have a similar style and are passionate about storytelling, do drop me an email. I would love to collaborate or hear your stories. Happy writing!

The Accomplice

Raj just happened to visit India and he just happened to be pulled into this mess. He awkwardly sat there chewing the saffron laddoos and cursing his luck.
It was his first time and everyone had conveniently forgotten to brief him. He just had to improvise.

He nervously flipped his cell, desperately wishing for it to ring. But it didn't. In fact it never did. He had often contemplated of switching to a prepaid, but he was too lazy. He had the same phone plan since his college days. Not that it would have helped him today.

"Hi, I am Priya. You must be Ram", a voice broke the melancholy silence of the smallish room.

It was interesting how he got into the situation, in the first place. But before that, you need to know who Ram is and how he was connected to Simran. And how they knew Raj.

Ram and Raj were college rivals turned best buddies. They first met in an inter-varsity tennis tournament, which incidentally got washed off due to heavy rain with their scores hanging undecided at 7-6 6-7 6-6.

The next several circuits saw them frequently dueling in finals. They weren't great but were good enough to be varsity champs. And finally, tournaments later, they partnered and won some memorable league and club championships together.

Having realized they weren't awesome enough to be pro-players, they did the next best thing. They joined investment banks. Ram with his charisma and flair went into FX sales and Raj with his obsession with numbers went into quantitative research.

Ram first met Simran at Raj's birthday and it was love at first sight. He was drawn towards her gentle intelligence and her adorable smile. And she was fascinated by his wit and humor. But it was Raj who brought them together since each of them was too shy to make the first move.

Just when everything seemed to be going well, Ram's mom had something else planned. You see, Ram's family came from a proud lineage of devout south Indian Brahmins and his mom aspired for a religious, well cultured, Tamil speaking vegan Brahmin bride for her only son.

Simran, a Punjabi Sikh, was an outlier to the bold and outspoken Sikh community, which had a history of strong warriors, bred on tandoori-chicken and mutton.

So just when Ram and Raj were visiting India, and Raj had decided to stay at Ram's house in the heart of chennai; Ram's mom had arranged her son's meet up with the daughter of their family friend. Ram would go to their house, meet her in person, and if all went well, get married in the fall.

Obviously Ram was taken by surprise. He needed more time and didn't know how to confront her. He gently obliged and accepted her request. But just an hour before the meet up, Ram panicked and asked Raj to help him, yet again.

And that's why Raj was here, visiting the Subramanyams. Priya's mom and Dad were out shopping, to give them privacy. And Priya had never seen Ram.

Raj sat their wondering what he should do next. The plan had seemed so simple at first. He goes in pretending he was Ram, bores the hell outta the girl and makes her reject him.

But right now he was nervous. Partly guilt-ridden but more so on his lack of experience on such situations. Ram despised marriages. He had conveniently rejected all the previous matchmaking efforts of his mom. Had he had just been to one, It would have definitely helped him today, Raj thought.

"Hi Priya, I am Raj, I mean..Ram. It's a pleasure to meet you", Raj replied in his fake South Indian accent.

Priya was dressed smartly in a red sari. He scanned her top to toe. He would easily give her an 8/10. She was definitely pretty.

"You seem a bit nervous. I am not going to eat you", Priya remarked jokingly.

"And you aren't? I mean.. It's a bit awkward. Isn't it? The entire situation. The next 15 mins will decide our next 15 years", Raj replied, now excitedly.

"I have met a few prospective grooms, so this feels more routine than awkward. But why just 15? I didn't quite get it", Priya asked confused.

"Statistically, the odds for us to stay together diminishes exponentially when we reach our 40s. After which, you can't be certain. I once wrote a paper on it", Raj replied proudly.

"Oh. Ok. Uhm..Interesting . What else do you do apart from work?", Priya asked.
Raj could see she was already disinterested. The 15 year comment had shook her perception of him.

"Well the usual stuff. Philosophy clubs, Physics council, Mathematics societies, Astronomy etc", Raj replied, careful enough not to include his other interests of Tennis, Diving, Trekking and Skiing.

"Wow. Umm, fascinating. I like to jog, travel and watch movies", Priya replied.

"What do you think of pets? I love dogs but Mom never let me keep one", Priya said.

"Oh dogs. I am a bit allergic to them. I start sneezing everytime they come close. I love cats though", Raj lied. He had always wanted a German Shepherd.

There was a brief pause and she slowly continued.

"Ram, I bet you are a great guy. Don't take this the wrong way. I... don't think, you and I, will ever work. There is a reason why I had to say "No" to all the earlier guys. I don't want to be married just because I fear growing old alone. I want a partner who complements me and makes me feel alive. And someone somewhere is out there for both of us, who completes us. We just have to wait a bit longer. I am sorry. Really sorry", Priya replied with a trickle in her eyes.

"Priya, it's OK. I understand and I am not upset. I admire you and wish you the best. Take care", Raj replied and bid her goodbye.

8 months later, Ram got engaged to Simran. They had managed to convince their parents. Ram's toned personality and Simran's petiteness had definitely helped the cause. They first got married in Chandigarh in the bride's traditions, and were getting married in Chennai in the Hindu tradition.

Raj had accompanied Ram's mom to the mall for some last minute shopping. That's when he met her again. Priya was standing near the florist.

"Hi Ram. How are you. Congrats on the wedding", Priya asked.
"Hi Priya, I am doing good. Long time", Raj replied back.

Before Ram's mom could interrupt them, Raj winked at her and asked her if she could go on without him.
She smiled and left them.

"Cofee? ", Raj asked.
"Sure, why not", Priya replied, and they entered the nearest Coffee Bean.

"You seem quite different since the last time we met", Priya said.
"Formal settings make me a bit nervous. So what's going on. Have you found your Mr Right", Raj said.

"Not yet, but someday", Priya replied back with a smile.
"Priya, I need to confess something. Promise me you won't shout, scream or throw the piping hot Mocha on me", Raj said with a faint smile.

"Hmm, confess.. Ok go on with it. You have my word".

" I .. I am not Ram. That day, Ram asked me take his place. You see he was in love with Simran, the girl Ram just got married to, and he wanted to buy some time before confronting his parents. I am sorry that I lied to you"

"Wow, amazing. I admire your friendship. If you are not Ram, who are you?"

"I am Raj, and it's a pleasure to meet you, finally as me. So friends?", Raj smiled and shook Priya's hands.

"And all your answers. Like your insane hobbies and the 15 year rule. Were they also lies?", Priya asked curiously.

"Wow, you still remeber. Well, not all. I love dogs. I love travel, adventure sports and movies, but I am also a big nerd. And the 15 year rule is absolutely true. Did I tell you I wrote a paper on it". And they laughed.

Had our story ended here, I know you would be disappointed. But it doesn't, so cheer up.

Love finds you when you least expect. And when it hits you, there is no feeling as wonderful and bright. That evening, a new story was being written over Cofee. A story about Raj and Priya.

A week later, Raj proposed and Priya accepted. And they got married 5 months later. Raj's mom was obviously elated.

Priya was delighted later when Raj's paper got rejected on grounds of insufficient proof and dismal optimism. These days Raj spends more time walking Fluffy, their pet Terrier, and playing golf with Ram.

And everyone lived happily ever after.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Christmas Gift (Prologue)

The Christmas Gift

I am still not sure why I am here. I wasn't supposed to exist anymore and this definitely goes against all laws of science. But before that, let me tell you the chain of events that led me here.

Life was perfectly fine till one mistake changed everything. Well, it wasn't just mine but yeah I had a teeny part to play in it.

It was one of those pre-Christmas parties that my office hosted. I have never understood why the hell people start celebrating Christmas so early. There were still 5 more days to go. I tried my best to get out of it but it was my boss' order, and I had to go.

I hate parties. More specifically the individuals who attend them. I find it really hard to smile and act as if I am interested in their perfect little lives. Who cares if your cat just had triplets. I hell don't care if your son learnt to walk or more so if your soon getting married with the love of your life.

To be honest, I am not mean but I find it hard to buy that lives can be happy and perfect. Look at me. I was living far away from home. I have never had a girl friend. People think I am dull, weird and boring. I always have excuses to ditch social outings. And the funniest part is that the one individual that I love the most, is getting married in a few days time with her perfect little lover boy. Lately, I have tried avoiding her, afraid she might read my eyes and guess the pain in my heart. And to add cherry on top of the pudding of my wonderful misery, she is absolutely certain that I dislike her. Who runs away seeing someone, saying hello to you? Well I do.

I am not really a people person. I wouldn't mind living all by myself. How different would it be from this. Who needs people anyway. I wish I could live in a world, all by myself.

Anyways, back in the party, thinking over my worthless and miserable life, I never realised my words would come back and haunt me one day.
I decided to call it a day. I bid everyone goodbye, in pretext of my impending bowel issues and quickly called up my travel agent.

"Meena, I need a ticket to India asap. Make it 23rd December night. I am flying home"
"Sir, 23rd seems to be all booked. Will any other day do.", Meena asked.

"C'mon, I will pay you 10% more. Get me a seat on that plane".

" Just 'cos you are our best customer, I will try my best. It's so hard to get tickets in this festive season. People..", Meena continued.

"Great! Thanks Meena. I will mail you the check with the 10% for the great service. Bye", I quickly interrupted Meena.

"Thanks Sir, always a pleasure to serve you".

Well, that was my mistake. On that fateful night of 23rd December, the pilot lost control and our plane crashed into the Indian Ocean, with it, bringing an end to the 250 lives boarding it. Well, 249 and a half to be precise.

To be continued..

The Greatest Show on TV - Epilogue (final)

In the week that followed, Dev and Gia got married, Amay went back to his usual life and Pia went to chase her dreams.
Alongside, as promised, Amay sent me the tapes of the hidden camera placed in his drawing room, where Amay and Dev had planned the entire thing. You could actually see him purposefully posing with a gleaming smile in a couple of scenes. What a show off.

The more interesting footage came right from Jigar Sinha's house, and Gia and Pia's room. We had bribed the decorators and had placed hidden cameras in various locations in Jigar Sinha's house.

Folks love drama, suspense and mostly romance. Who do you think replaced Amay's bike ;). Must have really spooked the poor guy. Everything had worked perfectly.

This was a directorial wonder. Be it the in-house scenes, the helicopter shots of the romantic horse ride or the suspenseful car chase, or the candid and flirtatious airport scene.

I personally edited all the tapes and produced the pilot episodes of action/adventure/reality drama. I sent it to the gang for their permission and aired it on television. It was an instant hit. Overnight Dev, Pia, Gia and Amay became youth icons.

It's been a year since then. Dev and Gia are happily married, and as for Amay and Pia.. well, it's a bit "complicated", that's what they would say.

As for me, my new reality show is a huge success. Some call it the "Greatest Show" ever. With each week, a new story, a new set of people, and a great real adventure with love, romance, friendship and action.

Some said I had lost the edge, some wrote me off. Now, K is back baby and the small screen magic weaves on.

Based on a true story that might happen in a few years from now ;)

The Greatest Show on TV - The plan

Patna, India 22 nov, 2010

The Vivah mandal (marriage hall) was buzzing with excitement. The Sinha twins were getting married and it was the talk of the town. They were the nieces of Jigar Sinha, the big politician. He had left no stones unturned to make it the biggest event of the year. The best cooks, decorators, musicians. Amidst this fanfare, he had instructed a dedicated team of bodyguards for lookout of any possible surprises. It had to be perfect. After all it was a family affair.

The Sinha daughters were getting married to a brother duo of a local industrialist.

"Gia, do you really want to go ahead with this. After years of courting Dev, can you live with someone else", Pia asked her sis.
"Do i have a choice? You know Mama. He will kill Dev. I think this the best for both of us", Gia replied.

"Memsaab (Ma'm), the make up specialist is here", announced the maid servant who was entrusted the task of getting them ready for the wedding downstairs.

"Hi I am Kaajal. You can call me K. Both of you look wonderful today.
Can i request all the helpers to vacate the room? I like a bit of privacy to focus", I introduced myself to Pia and Gia.

"But mem..", the maid-servant responded.
"No buts. I have already asked Jigar for permission and he has given me his word. Now please leave me to my work", I ordered.

I waited for the helpers to leave and spoke gently to Gia.

"Gia, I am here to help you. Ssh.. Got to be discreet here. Listen carefully, Dev is waiting for you at the backyard. You should move fast. Amay will create a diversion and we will make a quick exit.Can you dress down a bit. Will be easier to move unnoticed".

"But..", Gia was about to speak when I cut her.
"Do you love him? ".
"Yes with all my heart".
"Then.. do it for him then".

"But Pia..I don't want to leave her behind. Don't know how mama will react", Gia asked concerned.

"I will manage sis. You leave. He is waiting. Hurry ", Pia replied.
Gia quickly changed into a pink t and jeans. Washed away all the makeup and wore her glasses.

"I am ready. But the guards are still outside. How do we leave?", Gia asked.
"Just wait for Amay's signal", I replied.

"Who is the in-charge here", a strong voice boomed from outside.
"Hum hain saab (It's me)", replied the head-chief.

"Jigar wants all of you down. Something urgent. Fast. And he is angry, really angry", the voice spoke sternly.

The 3 guards, including the chief rushed downstairs.

That was the signal. I took Gia's hands and rushed down. Luckily Gia looked indistinguishable in her casual outfit. We cautiously reached the courtyard where Dev was waiting.

Gia embraced Dev, and unfortunately I had to break their union.
"Guys, we have to move. It's too risky here. Amay will make his way later to the rendezvous point"

All 3 of us got into the car parked outside the courtyard and made our way to the rendezvous point.

Meanwhile, things were getting complicated near Gia's room.

"Hey Aman or whatever your name is. I have changed my mind. I want to run too. I don't want to get married to a total stranger and waste away the best years of my life. Please take me with you", Pia requested.

"Oh shit. The guards are back. By the way it's Amay not Aman. Well fine, let me think of something", Amay replied.
"Hurry, they are coming upstairs", Pia shouted.

"Relax, Time for Plan B now. Act scared and start rolling some tears", Amay replied pulling out a gun from his coat pocket.

"Guys, guys, guys. She is my hostage now. You shout, she's dead. I have killed many before and I will do it again. Don't make me do this", Amay said sternly to the guards.

"Do what he says. Thats an order. I am too young to die. Please. If something happens to me, Jigar Mama's going to kill you all", Pia shouted, looking at the guards.

"Now you will move in a line and lead us out. No word, no movement. Wear this girl", Amay removed his coat and glasses, and threw it to Pia.

As soon as they reached the entrance of the backyard, Amay locked the gate and instructed the guards not to sound the alarm or call the cops. He obviously knew, it won't work but just in case.

Dev, K and Gia had already left as planned but surprisingly Amay's getaway vehicle, a 100cc Bajaj bike was missing.

"Oh we are fked. Where the hell did the bike go", Amay shouted angrily.
"Why don't we use that", Pia asked pointing at a white horse tied to the nearby fence.

"I have never driven that before. Does it even have breaks?", Amay asked.
"Fret not, I was a champion rider in my college. You are so lucky today man", Pia chuckled at Amay.

So Pia and Amay rode that shaadi ka ghoda(horse) and soon they reached the rendezvous point where everyone was waiting.

"Pia, I was so worried about you. I am so glad you decided to come along", Gia said embracing her younger sister.

"Guys we've got to move. Think we are being followed.Those guards must have sounded the alarm", Amay interrupted.

As soon as Amay said that, dozens of jeeps entered the scene. All of us got into the car and Dev stepped on the gas, maneuvering it through the dark jungle, the rough village roads and muddy fields.

For 40 mins the cat and mouse game continued till we finally reached the airport.
We rushed inside the airport where my assistant was waiting for us.

"Kumar, are the tickets ready?", I asked.
"Yeah ma'm. A ticket to Mumbai for you and 3 to Singapore". The flights are ready for take-off. Please start checking-in"

In the distance, Amay and Pia were bidding their goodbyes.

"You were good, really good today. Thanks to you and K, Gia is happy again", Pia said.
"And you weren't bad either. I didn't know girls could ride horses", Amay replied and
both of them chuckled in union.

"So where to next? Why don't you come and stay with us in Singapore for a while, till things settle down here", Amay asked.

"Nah, I am going back to Bangalore. Have some hotels to renovate, malls to design and hopefully someday I might have my own architectural firms", Pia replied.

"Ma'm we have arranged your travel and stay in Bangalore. Your flight also leaves in 10 mins. Please rush to the check-in counter", Kumar interjected.

"Man Kumar! you always know how to spoil the moments", Amay remarked.
"Thanks Kumar. That was really fast. Really appreciate that", Pia said, thanking Kumar.

"You're welcome ma'm and sorry sir. I will get going", Kumar rushed out of the scene.

"So I guess, it's goodbye then. Will I see you again?", asked Amay.
"Well, of course yes. Do tell Dev to take good care of my sis. Or I am gonna come after you guys and make your lives a living hell. You got that right", Pia remarked with a sly smile.

And our great adventured ended with Pia leaving for Bangalore and the rest to Singapore. I still had some things to finish.

It was about time to stop rolling and in the corner I gently shouted "Cut!".

Read the Final Chapter

The Greatest Show on TV (The premise)

Singapore, 15 nov 2010

"It ain't fair dude. He has always known about us and still he did this to us", Dev shouted as he passed the yellow envelope to Amay.

"what the hell happened mate!
It reads Mr & Mrs Sinha invite you to the auspicious occasion of their daughters....What the fish man, it doesn't Look good. This is serious. What do you plan to do now?" Amay asked.

"I don't know yaar. I cant reach her anywhere. I just hope she hasn't given up on me. You know I cant live without her."

"Dude!", Amay said excitedly. "Are you also thinking what I am thinking".

"Well what?"

"Let us crash the wedding and steal away the bride", Amay said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Are you serious?", Dev asked.

"Yup and i think i have the perfect plan for you. We just have 5 days to pull this one off. So listen carefully."

Prev Chapter - Prologue

Next Chapter - the Plan