Feb 5th 2011
Boombox Cafe
Khan Market
9:00 PM
Onwards.........
She wipes the frosting off her mug when seated, he seats himself across her.
He waits for her to respond to his "Some place quiet" but it doesnt come......
He breaks the brief silence "Do you come here often?"
She looks up at him " Usually once a month, one of my friend's cousin owns this place, he came for the inauguration and is hooked ever since. I love the beverage menu of all the things here" giggles as she raises a toast with her mug. His is over half full......
She continues............ he listens........
Rag: Waise what do your sisters do?
Rag: Ruchira is in Gargi College......
Radhika: Eeeeeeeeeeeee (shrieks)
He is startled
Rad: GARGI mein?
Rag: ya?
Rag: Ma Gargi mein padhaati hain...... what is she studying?
Raghav: English Hons.
Raghav: Rohini will start college in Fall.
Radhika: in "Fall" did you study in the US (mock upset)
Raghav: CMU.......
Rad: FALL, I mean.......... yahan to hum Fall nahi bolte.......
Radhika: Waise tumne CMU mein kya padha? (before he can answer) sounds impressive yaar. You look very studious (looks at his glasses, but his eyes hold hers captive).
A brief moment of wordlessness quickly slips in.......
Raghav: Computer Science Radhika........
There is a pause again...... forming a rythm of sorts......
Her "heart pounds for some strange reason each time he says her name like that.......... or even speaks" she concludes.....
"Yikes" slips off her mouth......... "You are a geek" ("A sexy one nevertheless" her heart prompts)
He smiles, his usual half smile
Radhika: Do you work in Gurgaon? Let me guess......... Apple? Google? Microsoft? Nothing but the best will do" (declares with her index finger raised) Gosh! an IT guy? MY first. I seem to attract the vagabond, social activist types usually u know, DU mein dekha hoga tumne" (giggles)
Her earrings bob and sparkle........ he watches "she doesnt pause for taking a breath, super woman" he thinks
Radhika: CMU matlab grad school nahi? Tumne undergrad kaha kiya? DU?
Raghav: CMU....
Radhika: UNDERGRAD BHI? It costs $200k (stops in shock, checks herself and continues politely) sorry, didnt mean to pry.......... none of my business (embarrassed)
Radhika: I cant believe you are in IT...... Ritwik will get a hoot out of this... (smiles to herself shaking her head) NOW I will tell him I am not so "odd". (giggles)
Radhika: Tumne bataya nahi where do you work? Was any of MY guesses correct? (eager)
He smiles twitches his lips " Actually No......"
Radhika: To phir kahan?
Raghav: I moonlight in my Dad's business........
She continues looking at him without batting an eyelid as if she were wondering how the words were forming on his lips......... he wonders if he fascinates her for some reason...........
They both wonder and cause yet another nonverbal event
He is done...... she waits and waits as if some more will be said soon.........
Raghav: Radhika? (nudging gently with his voice)
He finds her face glowing with a warm rush of color as she averts her eyes back to her mug
"My beer is almost all gone" (pretends to sip from an empty mug)
The waiter arrives with the food menus
The votive candle in the center flickers in the sudden movement/gush of air displaced by teh waiter.......
Waiter: Ready to order sir?
Raghav: I think so......
Radhika: I LOVE LOVE LOVE the lettuce wrap here........ (gushing) you must try it, they have 4 kinds
He reads patiently.......
Radhika: Vegetarian? (as usual extremely confident in jumping to conclusions)
Raghav Rarely.... (meets her eyes........ and smiles as an afterthought)........Radhika!!
Her insides hurtle and plunge yet again............
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Part 36--Scoop of Life--Boombox Cafe
8:47 PM
Sat, Feb 5th 2011
Khan Market
They are waiting outside, on the tiled patio........ a waiter has just handed them the beverage menu. The place is full, their turn was expected to arrive in 20 or so mins.
She actually recognizes some people inside, both employees and customers.
He is dressed in khakhis and a coffee color tee with a Eagle logo on the left....... his arms across his chest, leaning on the glass French door with one foot up on the wall, he is still way taller than she is........ his eyeglass frame match his tee........
She is wearing tan trousers her fave striped Ann Klien sweater a yellow scarf and yellow moccasins in felt....... her purse has big sewed in flowers of all colors..........
He is sifting thru the beverage menu, she watches his fingers......... and looks down at hers "His are longer"
"How tall is he?" she wonders
Her phone is ringing and buzzing indicating texts and calls........
He notices she smiles at some texts but doesnt answer
"Too noisy?" softly
"Nahi meri awaz to kaafi loud hai, but I can call my friends when I get home" "Kal hum log golfing ja rahe hain, I am so excited I am going to try it for the 3rd time the first couple was when we went to Goa and mauritius with my family. Its A SLOW game, but its fun if you get the hang of it, tum khele ho golf?"
He waits for her to catch her breath in that pause he injects his answer "Yeah... sometimes"
"To tum mujhe mujhe bata dena how to win" (winks)
He looks at her, letting his eyes rove all over her face........ wishes it were his lips..... "Is it important?"
"Kya?" she asks, confused.....
"Winning?" (softly, almost inaudibly, she has to lean closer to hear him speak, her gold hoops bob against his shoulder as he leans at the same time)
"Arey main to har cheez win karne ke liye hi karti hoon, I dont play if I cant win, its all about winning" (smug)
He smiles
The waiter is watching the couple curiously......... they look gorgeous together
Raghav straightens "I will have a a gin and tonic please" looks at her she nods and "Zombie Dust please" (American pale ale)
"Any appetizers Sir, Maam?" says the waiter shifty eyed
"Raghav scans the menu again "No not really! " and looks at her she shakes her head, its rare to see her not say anything verbally, it strikes him..... he stares for a second.... "None thanks"
There are 10s of people milling around, walking in and out of the restaurant, its playing loud 70s, 80s pop rock, Bollywood, private albums, all sorts of mishh mash, she does a jig when her fave song plays
Rag: Love to dance?
Rad: Nahi....... mera matlab, I LOVE to, but dance terrible........ I have two left feet, but we go every other week, I HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT (giggles)
Their drinks arrive, he gives her hers......... its frothy and chilled, the mug is huge........ "I can hold it for you" he says........
She grabs a straw from the waiter's stash in his apron, and peels one off the wrap, and inserts it into her beer, and as Raghav holds she sips on it, gets a kick out of drinking beer with a straw
"You are goofy" he says smiling
"I try to be" (grins, sparkling teeth)
"I love it!" she says, lifting her shoulders
"The beer?"
"The beer, the place the music.......... being back at work" "Tumhe aaj aana chahiye tha, we had some great speakers"
He looks at her while she chatters
She stops mid way when she finds him staring.......... "I am done" she says suddenly
Grabs her beer uncomfortably trying to get used to his gaze
"You should tell me tumhare ghar par kaun kaun hai" looking at his eagle logo
"Mom, Dad, grandparents, two sisters, cousins, Uncle aunt"
She looks up at him in shock
He smiles
"Mazaak kar rahe ho na?" pokes him with her index finger........
He shakes his head amused.....
"Oh really? How NICE.......... Must be so much fun, mere ghar mein sab mujhe sunkar bore ho gaye, Papa aur Ma, Bhayya lives in Panchsheel, with Bhabhi......... Ritu in Australia"
He listens....... AGAIN.......
He notices her beer foam moustache, she brings her index finger and wipes it off..... self consciously....... their eyes connect for a brief moment over her mug.......... wordlessly........ that awareness envelops her again.......
Just as the waiter walks by " Sir your table is ready"
"Inside" says Raghav softly
"Nahi Outside!!!!!" she shrieks
The waiter looks at them confused
"Next time pakka inside yaar, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ?" she holds his arm
He smiles and acquiesces "Outside I guess...... since the lady likes it" (mocking)
She smacks him with the back of her hand "LADY?"
They walk towards the seating area...........
"Next time I will pick the place" he says pulling her chair back, she turns around startled at that statement....... it reconfirms what she had playfully said a minute ago.
"Some place quiet" he continues softly, she sits down abruptly clutching the wrought iron carving on the table................ to calm herself...... her heart feels like it would pop out of her mouth like a ice cube.......
Sat, Feb 5th 2011
Khan Market
They are waiting outside, on the tiled patio........ a waiter has just handed them the beverage menu. The place is full, their turn was expected to arrive in 20 or so mins.
She actually recognizes some people inside, both employees and customers.
He is dressed in khakhis and a coffee color tee with a Eagle logo on the left....... his arms across his chest, leaning on the glass French door with one foot up on the wall, he is still way taller than she is........ his eyeglass frame match his tee........
She is wearing tan trousers her fave striped Ann Klien sweater a yellow scarf and yellow moccasins in felt....... her purse has big sewed in flowers of all colors..........
He is sifting thru the beverage menu, she watches his fingers......... and looks down at hers "His are longer"
"How tall is he?" she wonders
Her phone is ringing and buzzing indicating texts and calls........
He notices she smiles at some texts but doesnt answer
"Too noisy?" softly
"Nahi meri awaz to kaafi loud hai, but I can call my friends when I get home" "Kal hum log golfing ja rahe hain, I am so excited I am going to try it for the 3rd time the first couple was when we went to Goa and mauritius with my family. Its A SLOW game, but its fun if you get the hang of it, tum khele ho golf?"
He waits for her to catch her breath in that pause he injects his answer "Yeah... sometimes"
"To tum mujhe mujhe bata dena how to win" (winks)
He looks at her, letting his eyes rove all over her face........ wishes it were his lips..... "Is it important?"
"Kya?" she asks, confused.....
"Winning?" (softly, almost inaudibly, she has to lean closer to hear him speak, her gold hoops bob against his shoulder as he leans at the same time)
"Arey main to har cheez win karne ke liye hi karti hoon, I dont play if I cant win, its all about winning" (smug)
He smiles
The waiter is watching the couple curiously......... they look gorgeous together
Raghav straightens "I will have a a gin and tonic please" looks at her she nods and "Zombie Dust please" (American pale ale)
"Any appetizers Sir, Maam?" says the waiter shifty eyed
"Raghav scans the menu again "No not really! " and looks at her she shakes her head, its rare to see her not say anything verbally, it strikes him..... he stares for a second.... "None thanks"
There are 10s of people milling around, walking in and out of the restaurant, its playing loud 70s, 80s pop rock, Bollywood, private albums, all sorts of mishh mash, she does a jig when her fave song plays
Rag: Love to dance?
Rad: Nahi....... mera matlab, I LOVE to, but dance terrible........ I have two left feet, but we go every other week, I HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT (giggles)
Their drinks arrive, he gives her hers......... its frothy and chilled, the mug is huge........ "I can hold it for you" he says........
She grabs a straw from the waiter's stash in his apron, and peels one off the wrap, and inserts it into her beer, and as Raghav holds she sips on it, gets a kick out of drinking beer with a straw
"You are goofy" he says smiling
"I try to be" (grins, sparkling teeth)
"I love it!" she says, lifting her shoulders
"The beer?"
"The beer, the place the music.......... being back at work" "Tumhe aaj aana chahiye tha, we had some great speakers"
He looks at her while she chatters
She stops mid way when she finds him staring.......... "I am done" she says suddenly
Grabs her beer uncomfortably trying to get used to his gaze
"You should tell me tumhare ghar par kaun kaun hai" looking at his eagle logo
"Mom, Dad, grandparents, two sisters, cousins, Uncle aunt"
She looks up at him in shock
He smiles
"Mazaak kar rahe ho na?" pokes him with her index finger........
He shakes his head amused.....
"Oh really? How NICE.......... Must be so much fun, mere ghar mein sab mujhe sunkar bore ho gaye, Papa aur Ma, Bhayya lives in Panchsheel, with Bhabhi......... Ritu in Australia"
He listens....... AGAIN.......
He notices her beer foam moustache, she brings her index finger and wipes it off..... self consciously....... their eyes connect for a brief moment over her mug.......... wordlessly........ that awareness envelops her again.......
Just as the waiter walks by " Sir your table is ready"
"Inside" says Raghav softly
"Nahi Outside!!!!!" she shrieks
The waiter looks at them confused
"Next time pakka inside yaar, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ?" she holds his arm
He smiles and acquiesces "Outside I guess...... since the lady likes it" (mocking)
She smacks him with the back of her hand "LADY?"
They walk towards the seating area...........
"Next time I will pick the place" he says pulling her chair back, she turns around startled at that statement....... it reconfirms what she had playfully said a minute ago.
"Some place quiet" he continues softly, she sits down abruptly clutching the wrought iron carving on the table................ to calm herself...... her heart feels like it would pop out of her mouth like a ice cube.......
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Part 35--Scoop of Life--Description
Feb 7th 2011
Golf Links-Saket
Rad: Tumhe kya chahiye hai? More than anything else in the world?
Something stirs inside Raghav upon hearing that question.......... "YOU" he wants to say without paying any attention to her chatter "Main khaane ki baat kar rahi hoon, I am not talking about life in general" and she giggles and she talks some mor
Rad: May I pick?
Rag: Sure......
Rad: Boombox Cafe at Khan Market?
Rag: Sure!
Rad: REALLY? Tumhe achha lagta hai?
Rag: I dont mind that place........(shrug)
Rad: Yayyy, I LOVE that place...
Rag (amused) why?
Rag: It has outside seating and loud music
Rag smiles
Rad:I know when you smile, BTW
Rag: How about when I sulk?
Rad: Abhi nahi..... (smiles)
Her Mom bangs on the door "Radhu utho, do you have plans to get out of bed or not? I am teaching the Sat class at 2, tumhe chhod den kya hum on the way"
Rad:YIKES! MA! (into the phone)
Rag:Do you have to go? (as if he was the one talking)
Rad: I think so, Ma is very impatient and strict. Unse kuch chalti nahi meri, Papa hotey to (giggles)
Rag: 8ish outside IHC?
Rad:Or at Boombox?
Rag: I will give you a ride..........
Pause
Rag: Bye Radhika, see u at 8
Rad: Hmmm pakka.... waise (pauses)
Wants to tell him she has a half a dozen nick names, but checks herself, wonders what he might think)
Rag: Hmmm? Did you say something
Rad: I cant wait to see you!! (giggles) This is too funny..... as if we dont see each other at work we decide meet socially.......
Rag:True! (softly)
Click!
The warm glow of color on her face slowly spreads all over, as she leans on the balcony staring out at the street below as her heart tries to reconstruct his image... the tall guy with the soul patch, those new glasses, those piercing eyes........ completely quiet........
"Radhika you are a fool! You have NO idea what he does for a living, he could be a typical South Delhi junkie who is looking for instant gratification" her mind warns. "Agar Ma ko pata chala to woh completely ground kar degi tumhe"
Sudha: RADHU! (the door is open now and she is standing in her room hand on her waist)
Sudha: Tum PHONE par ho?
Rad: Bus 5 min baat ki ma (walking indoors)
Sudha: Tumhare friends ki to Sat ko 2 baje se pehle subah nahi hoti? (curious)
Rad: Nay(a?)i friend hai ma (guilty at the spontaneous lie that pops out)
Sudha picking up stuff from the rug.
Rad: Aaj raat ko mera dinner hai (hesitant)
Sudha: I dont want to returning alone. Ask Arindam to drop you home
Her insides go SQUISH...........
Rad:Pata nahi Aurin jaayega ki nahi........ aapko phone kar doon shaam ko? Mostly ghar aakar tayar honey ka time nahi milega, waise Ma aap meri yellow Anne Klien sweater laaye dry cleaner se? Gopi mere 3 sweaters kho chuki hai...... thats my fave........ mujhe pata hai (sifting through her messy closet)
Sudha: Radhu, ek second ke liye chup
Radhika shuts up for a second
Rad: Woh yellow scarf bhi nahi mil raha mujhe, aaj to meri wajah se aap bhi late Ma
Sudha: RADHU. Apologize for blaming Gopi right now beta (firm)
Rad: Sorry Ma, she is a swthrt, but mera yellow sweater?
Sudha opens another closet and pulls it out of the top shelf
Sudha:Yeh kya hai?
Rad (sheepish) I actually dont open that closet EVER.........
Sudha: Tum soyi raho to achha hai, KITNA bolti ho beta (shocked)
Rad:Jee Ma (grinning)
Sudha: where are you going to eat tonite?
Rad: Mmm woh.... pata nahi, Program Guide dekhna padega
Sudha: thats fine, no drinking, no dancing on the street no messing with people walking at nite (firm, shaking her index finger)Rad:Jee!
Sudha: When u leave the rest call me and let me know who u are riding with
Rad: Its going to be a tall sexy guy with glasses, with a lazy swagger, chaliye aapko abhi bata diya
Sudha: Shaadi shuda hai? (playing along)
Rad: Haan shaayad! (running away ........laughing)
Sudha:Chalo achha hai Papa ko keh deti hoon, we neednt worry about you anymore then..... (threatening body language but with a calm tone)
Rad: Yep! (smug)
Hides behind her desk
Sudha: Sab theek hai kal, Papa ke friends aa rahe hain to ghar par rehna (firm)
Rad: MAAA....PHIR SE SHAADI? (annoyed, sulking)
Sudha: Nahi Radhu, PEHLI SHAADI (smug as she winks)
Golf Links-Saket
Rad: Tumhe kya chahiye hai? More than anything else in the world?
Something stirs inside Raghav upon hearing that question.......... "YOU" he wants to say without paying any attention to her chatter "Main khaane ki baat kar rahi hoon, I am not talking about life in general" and she giggles and she talks some mor
Rad: May I pick?
Rag: Sure......
Rad: Boombox Cafe at Khan Market?
Rag: Sure!
Rad: REALLY? Tumhe achha lagta hai?
Rag: I dont mind that place........(shrug)
Rad: Yayyy, I LOVE that place...
Rag (amused) why?
Rag: It has outside seating and loud music
Rag smiles
Rad:I know when you smile, BTW
Rag: How about when I sulk?
Rad: Abhi nahi..... (smiles)
Her Mom bangs on the door "Radhu utho, do you have plans to get out of bed or not? I am teaching the Sat class at 2, tumhe chhod den kya hum on the way"
Rad:YIKES! MA! (into the phone)
Rag:Do you have to go? (as if he was the one talking)
Rad: I think so, Ma is very impatient and strict. Unse kuch chalti nahi meri, Papa hotey to (giggles)
Rag: 8ish outside IHC?
Rad:Or at Boombox?
Rag: I will give you a ride..........
Pause
Rag: Bye Radhika, see u at 8
Rad: Hmmm pakka.... waise (pauses)
Wants to tell him she has a half a dozen nick names, but checks herself, wonders what he might think)
Rag: Hmmm? Did you say something
Rad: I cant wait to see you!! (giggles) This is too funny..... as if we dont see each other at work we decide meet socially.......
Rag:True! (softly)
Click!
The warm glow of color on her face slowly spreads all over, as she leans on the balcony staring out at the street below as her heart tries to reconstruct his image... the tall guy with the soul patch, those new glasses, those piercing eyes........ completely quiet........
"Radhika you are a fool! You have NO idea what he does for a living, he could be a typical South Delhi junkie who is looking for instant gratification" her mind warns. "Agar Ma ko pata chala to woh completely ground kar degi tumhe"
Sudha: RADHU! (the door is open now and she is standing in her room hand on her waist)
Sudha: Tum PHONE par ho?
Rad: Bus 5 min baat ki ma (walking indoors)
Sudha: Tumhare friends ki to Sat ko 2 baje se pehle subah nahi hoti? (curious)
Rad: Nay(a?)i friend hai ma (guilty at the spontaneous lie that pops out)
Sudha picking up stuff from the rug.
Rad: Aaj raat ko mera dinner hai (hesitant)
Sudha: I dont want to returning alone. Ask Arindam to drop you home
Her insides go SQUISH...........
Rad:Pata nahi Aurin jaayega ki nahi........ aapko phone kar doon shaam ko? Mostly ghar aakar tayar honey ka time nahi milega, waise Ma aap meri yellow Anne Klien sweater laaye dry cleaner se? Gopi mere 3 sweaters kho chuki hai...... thats my fave........ mujhe pata hai (sifting through her messy closet)
Sudha: Radhu, ek second ke liye chup
Radhika shuts up for a second
Rad: Woh yellow scarf bhi nahi mil raha mujhe, aaj to meri wajah se aap bhi late Ma
Sudha: RADHU. Apologize for blaming Gopi right now beta (firm)
Rad: Sorry Ma, she is a swthrt, but mera yellow sweater?
Sudha opens another closet and pulls it out of the top shelf
Sudha:Yeh kya hai?
Rad (sheepish) I actually dont open that closet EVER.........
Sudha: Tum soyi raho to achha hai, KITNA bolti ho beta (shocked)
Rad:Jee Ma (grinning)
Sudha: where are you going to eat tonite?
Rad: Mmm woh.... pata nahi, Program Guide dekhna padega
Sudha: thats fine, no drinking, no dancing on the street no messing with people walking at nite (firm, shaking her index finger)Rad:Jee!
Sudha: When u leave the rest call me and let me know who u are riding with
Rad: Its going to be a tall sexy guy with glasses, with a lazy swagger, chaliye aapko abhi bata diya
Sudha: Shaadi shuda hai? (playing along)
Rad: Haan shaayad! (running away ........laughing)
Sudha:Chalo achha hai Papa ko keh deti hoon, we neednt worry about you anymore then..... (threatening body language but with a calm tone)
Rad: Yep! (smug)
Hides behind her desk
Sudha: Sab theek hai kal, Papa ke friends aa rahe hain to ghar par rehna (firm)
Rad: MAAA....PHIR SE SHAADI? (annoyed, sulking)
Sudha: Nahi Radhu, PEHLI SHAADI (smug as she winks)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Part 34 Scoop of Life--- Courage
Part 34
Rad: Tum roz subah itni jaldi uthkar ladkiyon call karte ho kya?
Raghav: If I can, then yes........ (softly)
They both know they are flirting.......... Radhika feels a strange quiver of thrill pass through her something in her thoughts, but nevertheless causing a physical reaction......... in her body a gush of shiny something flows all over.................
Her hand is clammy, she shifts her phone, while he waits to hear her chatter
Raghav: Are you afraid to go out with me?
"Ofcourse I am!!!" screamed her brain, not for her personal safety. She had karate lessons that would help, or so she believed, and she carried pepper spray............. "This fear is unexplainable"
Rad: Tum itne khatarnaak to lagte nahi ho. I am quite dangerous I am told.
Raghav (muffled smirk) Oh! Really?
Rad: Mere saare friends mein main sabse bahadur hoon.
Raghav: Kitne friends? (curious)
Rad: The ones I meet regularly, or the ones I have on FB? Or the ones I have ever known my whole entire life?
Raghav: All 3 (smiles)
Rad: Oh! That would be Over 1800. I have 1574 in FB, maine extra buffer daala usme.
Raghav smiles again, without revealing his amusement continues on " Do you write to everyone?" (softly)
Rad: FUNNY! Waise tumhari aur Rit ki khoob jamegi......... he picks on me like hell
Raghav: Your brother? At Lawrence & Mayo?
Rad: Yep, woh rehta to mujhe baat karte sun leta he would have charged in taken the phone and given you "his" version of my life
She can hear some sounds in the background......
Rad: Waise main aadhi raat ko akele DU se ITO tak chal chuki hoon, I have smoked "grass" (LIAR!) I drank one entire bottle of vodka all by myself....... I have thrown a dozen punches on buses at letching guys...... I am the bravest person I know
Raghav wants to see her for some reason, the fiesty, charged up girl that wouldnt stop talking....... he was sure her eyes must be sparkling.......
Rad: Kya hua?
Raghav: Nothing really, just my breakfast
Rad: Does it get served in your ROOM? Yikes! Are you royalty? No! Dont tell me, I bet you are! ROOM mein breakfast? Sighhhhhhhhhhh
Rag smiles
Rad: Ma to mujhe room mein chai bhi nahi peene deti waise Papa rehte hain ghar par to main Gopi ko arm twist karke room mein khaati hoon
He wonders what her room must look like......... "Her bed must be cluttered and LONG to fit her" "Does she sleep on her belly or back?"
Rad: Tum phir se chup ho gaye?
Raghav: I am listening.......
rad: good defense....... waise kahan khaayenge aaj?
Raghav: where would you like to?
Rad: Italian?
Raghav smiles "Sure"
Rad: Tumhe kya chahiye hai? More than anything else in the world?
Something stirs inside Raghav upon hearing that question.......... "YOU" he wants to say without paying any attention to her chatter "Main khaane ki baat kar rahi hoon, I am not talking about life in general" and she giggles and she talks some more
Rad: Tum roz subah itni jaldi uthkar ladkiyon call karte ho kya?
Raghav: If I can, then yes........ (softly)
They both know they are flirting.......... Radhika feels a strange quiver of thrill pass through her something in her thoughts, but nevertheless causing a physical reaction......... in her body a gush of shiny something flows all over.................
Her hand is clammy, she shifts her phone, while he waits to hear her chatter
Raghav: Are you afraid to go out with me?
"Ofcourse I am!!!" screamed her brain, not for her personal safety. She had karate lessons that would help, or so she believed, and she carried pepper spray............. "This fear is unexplainable"
Rad: Tum itne khatarnaak to lagte nahi ho. I am quite dangerous I am told.
Raghav (muffled smirk) Oh! Really?
Rad: Mere saare friends mein main sabse bahadur hoon.
Raghav: Kitne friends? (curious)
Rad: The ones I meet regularly, or the ones I have on FB? Or the ones I have ever known my whole entire life?
Raghav: All 3 (smiles)
Rad: Oh! That would be Over 1800. I have 1574 in FB, maine extra buffer daala usme.
Raghav smiles again, without revealing his amusement continues on " Do you write to everyone?" (softly)
Rad: FUNNY! Waise tumhari aur Rit ki khoob jamegi......... he picks on me like hell
Raghav: Your brother? At Lawrence & Mayo?
Rad: Yep, woh rehta to mujhe baat karte sun leta he would have charged in taken the phone and given you "his" version of my life
She can hear some sounds in the background......
Rad: Waise main aadhi raat ko akele DU se ITO tak chal chuki hoon, I have smoked "grass" (LIAR!) I drank one entire bottle of vodka all by myself....... I have thrown a dozen punches on buses at letching guys...... I am the bravest person I know
Raghav wants to see her for some reason, the fiesty, charged up girl that wouldnt stop talking....... he was sure her eyes must be sparkling.......
Rad: Kya hua?
Raghav: Nothing really, just my breakfast
Rad: Does it get served in your ROOM? Yikes! Are you royalty? No! Dont tell me, I bet you are! ROOM mein breakfast? Sighhhhhhhhhhh
Rag smiles
Rad: Ma to mujhe room mein chai bhi nahi peene deti waise Papa rehte hain ghar par to main Gopi ko arm twist karke room mein khaati hoon
He wonders what her room must look like......... "Her bed must be cluttered and LONG to fit her" "Does she sleep on her belly or back?"
Rad: Tum phir se chup ho gaye?
Raghav: I am listening.......
rad: good defense....... waise kahan khaayenge aaj?
Raghav: where would you like to?
Rad: Italian?
Raghav smiles "Sure"
Rad: Tumhe kya chahiye hai? More than anything else in the world?
Something stirs inside Raghav upon hearing that question.......... "YOU" he wants to say without paying any attention to her chatter "Main khaane ki baat kar rahi hoon, I am not talking about life in general" and she giggles and she talks some more
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Part 33 Scoop of Life--Conversations
Feb 5th 2011
Saturday
10: 03 AM
Golflinks-Saket
Rad: Who is this?
Raghav: Radhika, its me, Raghav!
She sat up in bed......... leaned sideways like a fool to looks at her reflection on the full length mirror on the wall, she can see a dishevelled girl with curling locks around her head
Raghav: Hhello?
Rad: Tum? Itni subah?
Raghav smiles, its not often he is up so early either "My kinda gal!" he thinks
Raghav: do you want me to call you later? (softly)
Rad: NAHIIII, Mera matlab, baad mein nahi, mera matlab, abhi baat kar lete hain, baad mein mein tum kar lena agar koi baat ho to, but abhi..........
He waits........
Rad: Kyon kiya?
Rag: Do you want me to pick you up at IHC?
Her insides squish up like wet clothes............
Rad: Ummm.... oh! aaj shaam ko? Main bhool gayi thi (bites her lower lip)
His lower lip twitches a lil " Oh! in that case"
Rad: You I........ lets.... see... maine Arin ko kaha hai I might be busy (fool), The group dinner is at 8 at a place in Khan Mkt........
Raghav: Where do you want to eat Radhika?
She listens to the sound of how her name is said by him.............
The familiar squishing happens in her inside..........
Raghav: Are u there?
Rad jumping out of bed, stepping out into the balcony, watching people ride a blue line on the footboard, its a 534, Saket-to Dilshad Garden it says on the back............
Rad: Kahin bhi kha sakte hain, I cant believe I am going out to dinner.......... not dinner, but dinner with YOU. I mean ek mahiney pehle tumhe UP mein mili........
She giggles, he smiles
Raghav: You dont date guys you meet in UP?
Splat! she can hear her insides
Rad (Am I DATING you?) I love UP
Raghav: Good to know (short and soft unlike his physical presence, tall lean and imposing)
Rad: Tum roz subah itni jaldi uthkar ladkiyon call karte ho kya?
Raghav: If I can, then yes........ (softly)
They both know they are flirting.......... Radhika feels a strange quiver of thrill pass through her something in her thoughts, but nevertheless causing a physical reaction......... in her body a gush of shiny something flows all over.................
Her hand is clammy, she shifts her phone, while he waits to hear her chatter
Saturday
10: 03 AM
Golflinks-Saket
Rad: Who is this?
Raghav: Radhika, its me, Raghav!
She sat up in bed......... leaned sideways like a fool to looks at her reflection on the full length mirror on the wall, she can see a dishevelled girl with curling locks around her head
Raghav: Hhello?
Rad: Tum? Itni subah?
Raghav smiles, its not often he is up so early either "My kinda gal!" he thinks
Raghav: do you want me to call you later? (softly)
Rad: NAHIIII, Mera matlab, baad mein nahi, mera matlab, abhi baat kar lete hain, baad mein mein tum kar lena agar koi baat ho to, but abhi..........
He waits........
Rad: Kyon kiya?
Rag: Do you want me to pick you up at IHC?
Her insides squish up like wet clothes............
Rad: Ummm.... oh! aaj shaam ko? Main bhool gayi thi (bites her lower lip)
His lower lip twitches a lil " Oh! in that case"
Rad: You I........ lets.... see... maine Arin ko kaha hai I might be busy (fool), The group dinner is at 8 at a place in Khan Mkt........
Raghav: Where do you want to eat Radhika?
She listens to the sound of how her name is said by him.............
The familiar squishing happens in her inside..........
Raghav: Are u there?
Rad jumping out of bed, stepping out into the balcony, watching people ride a blue line on the footboard, its a 534, Saket-to Dilshad Garden it says on the back............
Rad: Kahin bhi kha sakte hain, I cant believe I am going out to dinner.......... not dinner, but dinner with YOU. I mean ek mahiney pehle tumhe UP mein mili........
She giggles, he smiles
Raghav: You dont date guys you meet in UP?
Splat! she can hear her insides
Rad (Am I DATING you?) I love UP
Raghav: Good to know (short and soft unlike his physical presence, tall lean and imposing)
Rad: Tum roz subah itni jaldi uthkar ladkiyon call karte ho kya?
Raghav: If I can, then yes........ (softly)
They both know they are flirting.......... Radhika feels a strange quiver of thrill pass through her something in her thoughts, but nevertheless causing a physical reaction......... in her body a gush of shiny something flows all over.................
Her hand is clammy, she shifts her phone, while he waits to hear her chatter
Monday, March 19, 2012
Part 32 --Scoop of Life--Greetings
Saturday February 7th 2011
Golf Links
9:14 AM
He lay in his bed, notebook computer resting on his thigh. He was chatting with a friend while checking his email simultaneously
He smiled seeing a question from his buddy. "Not true!" he responded.
His fingers danced over the keys like he was playing piano..........
He wore a offwhite faded tee and grey sweats......
The house was very quiet, his Dad and Uncle were in Maharashtra,
Mom may have been up late typing up her 7th book, and so must be sleeping in
Dadaji and Dadi must have left for their morning walk to Lodhi Garden
If the help realized he was up he would get tea in moments. He wanted to buzz the kitchen making the announcement. He rarely went to the kitchen or helped himself to anything
His Mom usually knocked twice on his door and let herself in when responded with a "Hmmm"
His Dad and him had a rocky indifferent relationship,it didnt bother him much.
He transferred his attention to the screen after starting at his door for a few moments.
His friend was very chatty for some reason, "Whats the big deal? Everyone around me is chatty. They all have so much to say" his lips twitched.......
They could have picked up the phone and dialled each other's number?
Nah! This was better...... Raghav could listen, he preferred it that way....
"I am meeting her at 8"
He grinned at his screen.
"My folks dont care for Nayana" he typed.....
He read for a while afterwards
"Works for some NGO, that brings clean water to people"
He sat up and stretched his back, feeling his jaw, it scraped..... rough.... raspy...
Fingered his soul patch.....
"A few trips here and there, to UP"
He was excited, enthused and upbeat about the venture. He didnt show it much, coz he suspected his Dad might not buy into the feeling much. His Dad was the complete antithesis of his, driven ambitious aggressive, materialistic and acquisitive.
Him and Chachu loved the business and did everything they could to succeed.
Raghav wondered how that gene might have gone missing in him.
"Its dilapidated and run down, there is now power or water at this time" he typed
"I believe it employed over 400 at some point"
His friend typed away, Raghav read, slowly getting himself out of bed. The Water seminar brochure and the material he had gotten lay on his night stand.
He looked at his phone it announced 7 texts....
Something urged him to check he knew he had not given her his number, "I wish I had though"
As if guilty for thinking that thought he shifted his attention to the laptop screen
"I will have to write you a spiral bound thesis to answer those man!"
He grinned...
"Bring her home to my bed" and inserted the wink icon....
"They half expect Nayana to be in tow ........ when I go to CP everyday" inserted the tongue in cheek icon.
"Gotta go" he typed
Followed by "Sure" "You got it!"
Finally inserted the smiley face and shut the chat down.......
Walked over to the huge curvy baclcony and watched the street. Golf Links was a quiet enclave in the center of bustling Delhi, no hawkers not much foot traffic or cars....... he wondered how Aurangazeb Rd was going to be....... but he was sure the home would be atleast a km or two away from the road....... nestled between lush green peepal and banyan trees........
The house has a pool Mom said...........
He could swim all he wanted
He went back to his night stand reviewed the other texts some were from the site supervisor, a couple from Usman Ali and a couple from the UP State Govt Babus
He put his phone down and picked up her card and read it "Radhika Tripathi" Program Manager-Clean Water Initiative" it said.........
There was a water mark that depicted water in a lake or river in the background........
He picked up his phone and dialled her "Business cell phone" number
It rang and rang and rang...........
He walke dto the balcony again
On the 6 th ring, she answered sleepy, groggy, unsteady........... her voice came off as husky, instead of the usual chirpy clear "Who is this?" she asked, unsure...
"Radhika, its Raghav" he said quietly
Golf Links
9:14 AM
He lay in his bed, notebook computer resting on his thigh. He was chatting with a friend while checking his email simultaneously
He smiled seeing a question from his buddy. "Not true!" he responded.
His fingers danced over the keys like he was playing piano..........
He wore a offwhite faded tee and grey sweats......
The house was very quiet, his Dad and Uncle were in Maharashtra,
Mom may have been up late typing up her 7th book, and so must be sleeping in
Dadaji and Dadi must have left for their morning walk to Lodhi Garden
If the help realized he was up he would get tea in moments. He wanted to buzz the kitchen making the announcement. He rarely went to the kitchen or helped himself to anything
His Mom usually knocked twice on his door and let herself in when responded with a "Hmmm"
His Dad and him had a rocky indifferent relationship,it didnt bother him much.
He transferred his attention to the screen after starting at his door for a few moments.
His friend was very chatty for some reason, "Whats the big deal? Everyone around me is chatty. They all have so much to say" his lips twitched.......
They could have picked up the phone and dialled each other's number?
Nah! This was better...... Raghav could listen, he preferred it that way....
"I am meeting her at 8"
He grinned at his screen.
"My folks dont care for Nayana" he typed.....
He read for a while afterwards
"Works for some NGO, that brings clean water to people"
He sat up and stretched his back, feeling his jaw, it scraped..... rough.... raspy...
Fingered his soul patch.....
"A few trips here and there, to UP"
He was excited, enthused and upbeat about the venture. He didnt show it much, coz he suspected his Dad might not buy into the feeling much. His Dad was the complete antithesis of his, driven ambitious aggressive, materialistic and acquisitive.
Him and Chachu loved the business and did everything they could to succeed.
Raghav wondered how that gene might have gone missing in him.
"Its dilapidated and run down, there is now power or water at this time" he typed
"I believe it employed over 400 at some point"
His friend typed away, Raghav read, slowly getting himself out of bed. The Water seminar brochure and the material he had gotten lay on his night stand.
He looked at his phone it announced 7 texts....
Something urged him to check he knew he had not given her his number, "I wish I had though"
As if guilty for thinking that thought he shifted his attention to the laptop screen
"I will have to write you a spiral bound thesis to answer those man!"
He grinned...
"Bring her home to my bed" and inserted the wink icon....
"They half expect Nayana to be in tow ........ when I go to CP everyday" inserted the tongue in cheek icon.
"Gotta go" he typed
Followed by "Sure" "You got it!"
Finally inserted the smiley face and shut the chat down.......
Walked over to the huge curvy baclcony and watched the street. Golf Links was a quiet enclave in the center of bustling Delhi, no hawkers not much foot traffic or cars....... he wondered how Aurangazeb Rd was going to be....... but he was sure the home would be atleast a km or two away from the road....... nestled between lush green peepal and banyan trees........
The house has a pool Mom said...........
He could swim all he wanted
He went back to his night stand reviewed the other texts some were from the site supervisor, a couple from Usman Ali and a couple from the UP State Govt Babus
He put his phone down and picked up her card and read it "Radhika Tripathi" Program Manager-Clean Water Initiative" it said.........
There was a water mark that depicted water in a lake or river in the background........
He picked up his phone and dialled her "Business cell phone" number
It rang and rang and rang...........
He walke dto the balcony again
On the 6 th ring, she answered sleepy, groggy, unsteady........... her voice came off as husky, instead of the usual chirpy clear "Who is this?" she asked, unsure...
"Radhika, its Raghav" he said quietly
Friday, March 16, 2012
Part 31--Scoop of Life---Dare?
India Habitat Center
Feb 2nd 2011
5:02 PM
Raghav: Can I see you on Saturday Radhika?
The now familiar uneasiness takes over. It wasnt like this at all with her boyfriend. She was pursued like crazy and she enjoyed it to the fullest and relented after a few weeks.
Her thoughts raced violating the speed limit inside her brain, something told her to say "YES" her gut feeling yelled "If you say no, he is going to move on" "Yep! He will not pursue you!"
She picked up her tea, sipped it slowly " Its the last day of the seminar, we might have a farewelll dinner for the delegates, all funded by the sponsors, (smiles at her tea) Who wants to give that up, right?"
She was known to do reckless things all the time, to the point of endangering herself........ once showing up at a rave party at North Delhi upon insistence of a class mate from Eastern Europe....... going away on a day long trip to the Taj with people she hardly knew........ walking once at midnite from DU to ITO on a dare..........
He does not repeat the question.......neither was he fazed by the unending chatter
A canteen boy brings her, her change, Rs.20 and some coins, she drops one, picks it up.
Radhika: I cant meet before 8 (blurts)
Her insides knotted up and plunged 15 floors on heaing her say that.
He tilts his head a lil to acknowledge
If he was happy she accepted, he did not show it........
He just drank the tea, and set his cup down on a table that had a tray with some soiled cups already on it........
They both dont say anything for a few moments......
Just a few though....... they start walking towards the elevator
Radz: I really liked the West Africa Water Initiative programs (WAWI). Some of that could work really well for us here in India. I am happy so many are putting energy and effort into this cause tho (proud)
There are many people she knows, she exchanges a few words politely and lavishly in cases......
When they get off at 5 she leads the way to the AV hall, to watch the movie.
They are joined now by people she routinely works with, so they dont get to talk about their prospective date.
The movie has begun at 5, they find seats in the last row.......
It ends a lil shy of 6, they turn the lights back on
Radz: I LOVED it, what did you think?
Raghav: Pretty good (muted)
Radz: I cant wait for all the networks to air it at prime time. What a show! Phew!!
They walk back to her NGO's booth/ stall, so she can collect her things......
She has to go back to work, Arindam is winding up with a crew member
He turns and looks at her, is curious about her escort......
Radz: Hi! I am off to Malviya Nagar, main kuch lekar aaoon kal ke liye?
Arin: Nahi dono Om aur Dayal, (peons) sab load kar chuke hain auto mein, just make sure you meet with Luuk Stiijn at 11 tomorrow?
He walks up to them curious about Radz's love life........
Radz: I loved the AV Arin, is there any way we can get to play a part in the next one, NO NOT ACTING...... U know, our work?
Arin: (ignoring her babble) Hi! I am Arindam Dey, Program Director, and u would be?
Raghav: Raghav Kapoor (extends his hand for the shake thats offered)
Arin looks at Radhika, she could have been trying to hide a blush, if he didnt know her better he would have thought that, but he knew her very well........... yet...... hmmm......
Arin: Did you like the seminar?
Raghav nods, Arin waits for words, and continues to wait........
Raghav: I better go if I am going to turn in that report before midnite
Arin's face takes on a mischievous smile he is confused yet suspects something was happening.......
She makes a labored attempt to collect her stuff, avoiding Arin's eyes altogether
Radz: Did you buy keepsakes, momentos and tees etc, we make most of our money through that you know (laughs)
Raghav: Oh?
Radz: You should atleast spend a grand or two on it, I can show you what I liked most, yes its yet another 2011 calendar (giggles)
Arin acts busy watching the two secretly
Radz: Bye, Arin, see you in the morning Mr Boss Sir!
Arin: Yes, Ms Employee Maam.......
Raghav stretches his hand offering to carry one of her boxes.
Radz: Bahut heavy hai, isme aaj tak ke saare projects hain (giggles), waise dono pakad sakte ho tum, yeh lo (heaves and sighs and hands it over).
His fingers are long and tapering not short or stubby or muscular....... "no rings" Phew!" she wipes her brow imaginarily...... as the churning begins in her belly....
Arin: Good to meet you man!
Raghav: Likewise.......
They get off the elevator and she walks towards her car in the basement parking lot, sets her other bags down and unlocks her trunk, its already filled with stuff.... she points to a nook, he neatly places the boxes in there and places her bags on top.......
She is done jabbering, gets a drink of water.........
Radhika: Ceremonially (laughs) I end each day with a swig of this (points to her bottle) tumhe chahiye paani?
Reaches for another full bottle at the back........
He shakes his head
Raghav: I have your business card, Radhika,do you want me to pick u up from here or elsewhere?
Feb 2nd 2011
5:02 PM
Raghav: Can I see you on Saturday Radhika?
The now familiar uneasiness takes over. It wasnt like this at all with her boyfriend. She was pursued like crazy and she enjoyed it to the fullest and relented after a few weeks.
Her thoughts raced violating the speed limit inside her brain, something told her to say "YES" her gut feeling yelled "If you say no, he is going to move on" "Yep! He will not pursue you!"
She picked up her tea, sipped it slowly " Its the last day of the seminar, we might have a farewelll dinner for the delegates, all funded by the sponsors, (smiles at her tea) Who wants to give that up, right?"
She was known to do reckless things all the time, to the point of endangering herself........ once showing up at a rave party at North Delhi upon insistence of a class mate from Eastern Europe....... going away on a day long trip to the Taj with people she hardly knew........ walking once at midnite from DU to ITO on a dare..........
He does not repeat the question.......neither was he fazed by the unending chatter
A canteen boy brings her, her change, Rs.20 and some coins, she drops one, picks it up.
Radhika: I cant meet before 8 (blurts)
Her insides knotted up and plunged 15 floors on heaing her say that.
He tilts his head a lil to acknowledge
If he was happy she accepted, he did not show it........
He just drank the tea, and set his cup down on a table that had a tray with some soiled cups already on it........
They both dont say anything for a few moments......
Just a few though....... they start walking towards the elevator
Radz: I really liked the West Africa Water Initiative programs (WAWI). Some of that could work really well for us here in India. I am happy so many are putting energy and effort into this cause tho (proud)
There are many people she knows, she exchanges a few words politely and lavishly in cases......
When they get off at 5 she leads the way to the AV hall, to watch the movie.
They are joined now by people she routinely works with, so they dont get to talk about their prospective date.
The movie has begun at 5, they find seats in the last row.......
It ends a lil shy of 6, they turn the lights back on
Radz: I LOVED it, what did you think?
Raghav: Pretty good (muted)
Radz: I cant wait for all the networks to air it at prime time. What a show! Phew!!
They walk back to her NGO's booth/ stall, so she can collect her things......
She has to go back to work, Arindam is winding up with a crew member
He turns and looks at her, is curious about her escort......
Radz: Hi! I am off to Malviya Nagar, main kuch lekar aaoon kal ke liye?
Arin: Nahi dono Om aur Dayal, (peons) sab load kar chuke hain auto mein, just make sure you meet with Luuk Stiijn at 11 tomorrow?
He walks up to them curious about Radz's love life........
Radz: I loved the AV Arin, is there any way we can get to play a part in the next one, NO NOT ACTING...... U know, our work?
Arin: (ignoring her babble) Hi! I am Arindam Dey, Program Director, and u would be?
Raghav: Raghav Kapoor (extends his hand for the shake thats offered)
Arin looks at Radhika, she could have been trying to hide a blush, if he didnt know her better he would have thought that, but he knew her very well........... yet...... hmmm......
Arin: Did you like the seminar?
Raghav nods, Arin waits for words, and continues to wait........
Raghav: I better go if I am going to turn in that report before midnite
Arin's face takes on a mischievous smile he is confused yet suspects something was happening.......
She makes a labored attempt to collect her stuff, avoiding Arin's eyes altogether
Radz: Did you buy keepsakes, momentos and tees etc, we make most of our money through that you know (laughs)
Raghav: Oh?
Radz: You should atleast spend a grand or two on it, I can show you what I liked most, yes its yet another 2011 calendar (giggles)
Arin acts busy watching the two secretly
Radz: Bye, Arin, see you in the morning Mr Boss Sir!
Arin: Yes, Ms Employee Maam.......
Raghav stretches his hand offering to carry one of her boxes.
Radz: Bahut heavy hai, isme aaj tak ke saare projects hain (giggles), waise dono pakad sakte ho tum, yeh lo (heaves and sighs and hands it over).
His fingers are long and tapering not short or stubby or muscular....... "no rings" Phew!" she wipes her brow imaginarily...... as the churning begins in her belly....
Arin: Good to meet you man!
Raghav: Likewise.......
They get off the elevator and she walks towards her car in the basement parking lot, sets her other bags down and unlocks her trunk, its already filled with stuff.... she points to a nook, he neatly places the boxes in there and places her bags on top.......
She is done jabbering, gets a drink of water.........
Radhika: Ceremonially (laughs) I end each day with a swig of this (points to her bottle) tumhe chahiye paani?
Reaches for another full bottle at the back........
He shakes his head
Raghav: I have your business card, Radhika,do you want me to pick u up from here or elsewhere?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Part 30---Scoop of Life---Date?
Feb 2nd 2011 Thursday
4:47 PM
India Habitat Center
Radz is sorrounded by delegates, a couple of media folks and some people from the industry, she is answering questions, pointing to articles, retrieving files on her iMac and promising to send, her Outlook pops an appointment "Tea time" one saved from her regular work day routine.
She looks up to see if her new acquaintance was around or had left....
He was around!!
Seated in the 4th or so row, in the aisle watching the proceedings with the same dispassionate air thats like second nature to him.
Radz: I am going to be around until Saturday, our booth has my card, and Dia can get a hold of any of us. We can get together one of these days? (rushing?)
As if on cue, he gets up and wanders, she makes her way to where he is.....
Radz: So did you like it? Or did you get a good nap? I am guessing a nap (smiles)
Raghav: T'was good! (nods)
Radz: Actually 60% sorry 50% of the material got handed to me this morning, Arindam likes to pull a fast one like that many times. He is just testing us to see if we care about the cause or not. I could have done better I know, my Prof at DU would have given me a B- for that one (shakes her head)
There are 10s of people everywhere, she is as usual rambling......... he leads the way to the elevator, from 5th floor down to 1st.
Radz: I have visited this place so many times in my life, Ive lost count
He wonders how "OLD" she thinks she is, that brings a lil smile to his lips.
Radz: I had no idea your Mom is a famous author. Haan mujhe kaise pata hoga, paani ubaalne ke 100 tareeke agar unhoney likha hota to I would have known! Weve always had Gopi at home, before that, her Mom, us se pehle, Moradabad mein? Papa ko poochna padega"
Raghav is listening patiently
Radz: Tumne yaha ki chai pi hai kya? Its awesome, exactly like bus stop chai
Raghav smiles..... and pushes his glasses back on the bridge of his nose....
She notices his frame again, he watches her gaze....
She quickly averts her eyes to the back wall of mirrors, the elevator comes to a screeching halt.... there are a handful of people, that get off first, he waits for her to get off, she turns and faces him.....
She is carrying what seems like an expensive leather purse, she fishes for change.....
Radz: I cant ask you to pay!! Since I made you do that already, by watching me speak (giggles) My brother pays me Rs.50 for every 10 minutes I am silent at home (bursts out laughing)
He finds that quite amusing " Huh!" escapes his lips......
Radz: Once over a weekend I made 670 I think......... I got myself some groovy jootis.. sab free!
She orders two chai at the sprawling canteen, they wait in line with their white ceramic mugs, the guy pours out with a strainer, the aroma of ginger and cardamom waft through the air........
She sips too quick and cringes, he waits...........
There are no empty seats...... thanks to the seminar they walk over to the windows... and peer out
She is animatedly waving at the cross section of building they are walking towards saying something about renovation etc...
Raghav: Can I see you on Saturday Radhika?
He is facing her, and her chai is on the window sill, she has no choice but to look at him...
4:47 PM
India Habitat Center
Radz is sorrounded by delegates, a couple of media folks and some people from the industry, she is answering questions, pointing to articles, retrieving files on her iMac and promising to send, her Outlook pops an appointment "Tea time" one saved from her regular work day routine.
She looks up to see if her new acquaintance was around or had left....
He was around!!
Seated in the 4th or so row, in the aisle watching the proceedings with the same dispassionate air thats like second nature to him.
Radz: I am going to be around until Saturday, our booth has my card, and Dia can get a hold of any of us. We can get together one of these days? (rushing?)
As if on cue, he gets up and wanders, she makes her way to where he is.....
Radz: So did you like it? Or did you get a good nap? I am guessing a nap (smiles)
Raghav: T'was good! (nods)
Radz: Actually 60% sorry 50% of the material got handed to me this morning, Arindam likes to pull a fast one like that many times. He is just testing us to see if we care about the cause or not. I could have done better I know, my Prof at DU would have given me a B- for that one (shakes her head)
There are 10s of people everywhere, she is as usual rambling......... he leads the way to the elevator, from 5th floor down to 1st.
Radz: I have visited this place so many times in my life, Ive lost count
He wonders how "OLD" she thinks she is, that brings a lil smile to his lips.
Radz: I had no idea your Mom is a famous author. Haan mujhe kaise pata hoga, paani ubaalne ke 100 tareeke agar unhoney likha hota to I would have known! Weve always had Gopi at home, before that, her Mom, us se pehle, Moradabad mein? Papa ko poochna padega"
Raghav is listening patiently
Radz: Tumne yaha ki chai pi hai kya? Its awesome, exactly like bus stop chai
Raghav smiles..... and pushes his glasses back on the bridge of his nose....
She notices his frame again, he watches her gaze....
She quickly averts her eyes to the back wall of mirrors, the elevator comes to a screeching halt.... there are a handful of people, that get off first, he waits for her to get off, she turns and faces him.....
She is carrying what seems like an expensive leather purse, she fishes for change.....
Radz: I cant ask you to pay!! Since I made you do that already, by watching me speak (giggles) My brother pays me Rs.50 for every 10 minutes I am silent at home (bursts out laughing)
He finds that quite amusing " Huh!" escapes his lips......
Radz: Once over a weekend I made 670 I think......... I got myself some groovy jootis.. sab free!
She orders two chai at the sprawling canteen, they wait in line with their white ceramic mugs, the guy pours out with a strainer, the aroma of ginger and cardamom waft through the air........
She sips too quick and cringes, he waits...........
There are no empty seats...... thanks to the seminar they walk over to the windows... and peer out
She is animatedly waving at the cross section of building they are walking towards saying something about renovation etc...
Raghav: Can I see you on Saturday Radhika?
He is facing her, and her chai is on the window sill, she has no choice but to look at him...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Part 29 Scoop of Life---Seminar
February 3rd 2011, Thursday
India Habitat Center
2 PM Onwards
The seminar was receiving a phenomenal response. Delegates from SE Asia, West Africa and Central Africa were part of the events, hosting and participating. The Indian Government had "blessed" the event and wrangled an inaugural address for a Minister, but by and large babudom was missing, except in designated events where NGOs and donors wanted "policy maker" input.
She dressed in traditional Indian clothing on all days, her presentation was at 4 PM. Poonam had showed up early as her Mom was released from the hospital. Radhika was employed in her mind, though she was shunning the office since the UP debacle.
The Enforcement Director in collusion ith the businesses (no surprises there) had granted new licenses and issued renewals on companies that had serious violations. There was backing from "Delhi" she was told.
Her Dutch partners were very encouraging and supportive and so was Arindam and the entire team in Delhi.
They recommended she must vow not to give up. She was initially very reluctant, wanting to take a break, but working for the seminar had given her time to think and ponder.
The more she thought (she was not a thinker, she just DID things) the more likely it was that she might continue with her NGO. Ritwik had spoken to her after reaching and commented mockingly "Maybe tujhe wedding planner ban jaana chahiye, Dilli mein aajkal un logon ki mauj hai, you can talk your competition out of business"
She wanted to punch him, but then she wanted to punch him for many things
She missed him a lot.
He was more like her best friend. She had a dozen friends she hung out with routinely, none knew her as much as Rit did.
Likewise for him.
Though she had threatened to spill the beans on his sexcapades she hadnt said a word to Ma.
Papa seemed really busy since starting his new job, he had promised to attend her presentation but had bailed in the last minute.
A part of her was happy that he had found something,............ finally..... that he loved so much. The company had manufacturing all over India. He had to travel frequently to Maharashtra and Rajasthan. He said though it was privately held, by two brothers, it functioned like a public corporation.
She was not into reading or learning more about Corp India, but her Papa couldnt stop talking about this venture.
She could see a glint in his eyes, something that told her "This could have been US Radhoo, US, we could have grown and flourished if things had not tanked in our end of the world"
Everyone else had moved on, Papa was still "there" on most occasions
Poonam: Tabiyat to theek hai tumhari tum chup kyon ho? (nudge)
Radz: HA! I like that! No rey, I was thinking, if we should go to Dehat Kanpur in Marchish time frame?
Poonam: REALLY? (overjoyed)
Radz: In a senti sorta way jab bhi main paani peeti hoon mujhe woh 20 hajar log yaad aate hain aur main roti hoon.
Poonam: Kuch zyaada nahi ho gaya? (hugging her)
Radz: I know.... (smiling) Par u know.... kaise chhod sakte hain adhura?
Arindam: Are you two conducting a seminar just for urselves?
He was short and muscular, very bright, and articulate
Radz: Ofcourse not! You are the honorary invitee. Just you! (pokes him)
Arin: I saw the hand outs and the scorecards, they look great Rad!!
Radz: Actually I was almost late collecting them, tumhe pata hai kya hua jab main hospital se nikli, I gave a ride to.......... (she starts off)
Arin: Yaar please not now. (swears in Bengali)
Radz: A COOKBOOK author! Do you believe it? She looked gorgeous, like a movie star or something
Poonam is busy pretending to work
Arin: Unke ghar par kaun kaun hai, kitne billi hain, whats the name of their maid
:Radz: Funny!! Servant ka naam nahi poocha, haan but met the badi aun... sorry Dadi... and the beta.
A strange uneasiness over powers her........., out of the blue....
Arin: Kya hua?
Radz: Not a thing! (confident)
They are in a huge "back room of sorts" there are posters on the wall identifying the various NGOs and donors and other tertiary organizations all concentrated in the effort of bringing clean water around the region.
The attendance was quite pleasing, and people seemed happy and upbeat.
Radz reviewed her material one last time with Arin, and hesitantly approached the topic of wanting to go back to Kanpur. There was a glint in his eyes, he quickly hid, "Sure" "Thats what you should do if you want to go back there" (very bland)
Radz: Tum zyaada excited nahi ho main ruk rahi hoon? (sad)
Arin: kya pata ek mahiney mein you will say, I plan to get married and quit it entirely, I have to be fearful of you single uns! " (winks)
Radz: Dont ask! My parents are stalking me. I actually stood a guy up last Sat I think, he works for DOW Arin! What a cruel twist!
Arindam looks worried, he knows how passionate, committed and involved she is with this cause. She is not doing this for the sake of eventually working for a multinational non-profit later. She was doing this because she wanted to work at the grass roots level. There was a no nonsense air about her when it came to work matters.........
3:45 PM
She made her way to one of the many seminar rooms, there were multiple seminars happening at teh same time, so people could choose the topic they favored, some speakers spoke at multiple times as well, hers was scheduled for one time, Arindam was plugging his ideas thrice in 4 days!
She wore a pale pink cotton suit, with a marroon dupatta, with chunky silver in her hands and ears, there was none on her neck
She wore a bindi today..............
The convention center was circular with rooms all around, there were "reception desks" placed in multiple areas where companies, non-profits and individuals could register if they wanted to be contacted later.
"Social responsibility is beginning to make good business sense in India" she talked to herself....... yep, she did that a lot.
She stopped at a NGO that was working in North East reviewed the posters and grabbed a few pamphlets and turned and walked right into someone.
He steadied her...
Raghav: Radhika....
Radz (startled) You made it? (like he lived on another continent)
Something urged her to check her appearance once, she did that as surreptiously as possible.
Folding her voluminous dupatta into a 4th pleat on her shoulder..........
He was quiet, observing how she did that......
He noticed her blob of an earring, like an "umbrella" he thought..... her big eyes were kohl lined as always....... he noticed a kajal straightline of a bindi on her forehead "pretty" came to his mind
Radz: I was just checking the other NGOs some are doing great work. I like the way somehave actually more than one person in the "field offices" unlike us, who shift our field office acc to our convenience. Dont let Arindam hear that (giggles) Poonam was mentioning a famous non-profit being based out of Golf Links, not sure you know of it, not that you should...........
His arms were folded outfront........ he wore what seemed like formal clothes....... "navy trousers and a blue shirt" the frame on his glasses seemed different, she wanted to ask but did not.......
But continued to talk........... all to herself, as usual..... " We are running out of project report copies, Umesh was supposed to go grab a box thats in our office but looks like he is playing hookey"
He had blown off a lunch date with Nayana!!!!!
He had looked up the seminar website twice since she had visted two weekends ago.........
He had gone into work to speak with Usman Ali and a site supervisor at Kanpur in a phone conf. The laether initiative was his baby, he was showing a spark of enthusiasm, just a spark......... nevertheless it was there...
Work only interested him so much usually........
Especially when the image of a luscious dark haired big eyed girl was beginning to haunt it, work was more pointless.......
She spoke and spoke........ he just beheld her
Radz: there is a very cool AV presentation at 5 IF you can stay. It brings together efforts from around the world, they are planning to clip it to a 3 min film for pub svc announcements about conservation of water.... Doordarshan bought the rights...... tum ruk sakte ho kya? I can buy you chai at the canteen" (smiling)
He wondered how she can act like she has known him for ever.
"It does not matter!" he told himself........ smugly.......
Raghav: I can stick around Radhika!
She stopped.......... THATS all it took!
India Habitat Center
2 PM Onwards
The seminar was receiving a phenomenal response. Delegates from SE Asia, West Africa and Central Africa were part of the events, hosting and participating. The Indian Government had "blessed" the event and wrangled an inaugural address for a Minister, but by and large babudom was missing, except in designated events where NGOs and donors wanted "policy maker" input.
She dressed in traditional Indian clothing on all days, her presentation was at 4 PM. Poonam had showed up early as her Mom was released from the hospital. Radhika was employed in her mind, though she was shunning the office since the UP debacle.
The Enforcement Director in collusion ith the businesses (no surprises there) had granted new licenses and issued renewals on companies that had serious violations. There was backing from "Delhi" she was told.
Her Dutch partners were very encouraging and supportive and so was Arindam and the entire team in Delhi.
They recommended she must vow not to give up. She was initially very reluctant, wanting to take a break, but working for the seminar had given her time to think and ponder.
The more she thought (she was not a thinker, she just DID things) the more likely it was that she might continue with her NGO. Ritwik had spoken to her after reaching and commented mockingly "Maybe tujhe wedding planner ban jaana chahiye, Dilli mein aajkal un logon ki mauj hai, you can talk your competition out of business"
She wanted to punch him, but then she wanted to punch him for many things
She missed him a lot.
He was more like her best friend. She had a dozen friends she hung out with routinely, none knew her as much as Rit did.
Likewise for him.
Though she had threatened to spill the beans on his sexcapades she hadnt said a word to Ma.
Papa seemed really busy since starting his new job, he had promised to attend her presentation but had bailed in the last minute.
A part of her was happy that he had found something,............ finally..... that he loved so much. The company had manufacturing all over India. He had to travel frequently to Maharashtra and Rajasthan. He said though it was privately held, by two brothers, it functioned like a public corporation.
She was not into reading or learning more about Corp India, but her Papa couldnt stop talking about this venture.
She could see a glint in his eyes, something that told her "This could have been US Radhoo, US, we could have grown and flourished if things had not tanked in our end of the world"
Everyone else had moved on, Papa was still "there" on most occasions
Poonam: Tabiyat to theek hai tumhari tum chup kyon ho? (nudge)
Radz: HA! I like that! No rey, I was thinking, if we should go to Dehat Kanpur in Marchish time frame?
Poonam: REALLY? (overjoyed)
Radz: In a senti sorta way jab bhi main paani peeti hoon mujhe woh 20 hajar log yaad aate hain aur main roti hoon.
Poonam: Kuch zyaada nahi ho gaya? (hugging her)
Radz: I know.... (smiling) Par u know.... kaise chhod sakte hain adhura?
Arindam: Are you two conducting a seminar just for urselves?
He was short and muscular, very bright, and articulate
Radz: Ofcourse not! You are the honorary invitee. Just you! (pokes him)
Arin: I saw the hand outs and the scorecards, they look great Rad!!
Radz: Actually I was almost late collecting them, tumhe pata hai kya hua jab main hospital se nikli, I gave a ride to.......... (she starts off)
Arin: Yaar please not now. (swears in Bengali)
Radz: A COOKBOOK author! Do you believe it? She looked gorgeous, like a movie star or something
Poonam is busy pretending to work
Arin: Unke ghar par kaun kaun hai, kitne billi hain, whats the name of their maid
:Radz: Funny!! Servant ka naam nahi poocha, haan but met the badi aun... sorry Dadi... and the beta.
A strange uneasiness over powers her........., out of the blue....
Arin: Kya hua?
Radz: Not a thing! (confident)
They are in a huge "back room of sorts" there are posters on the wall identifying the various NGOs and donors and other tertiary organizations all concentrated in the effort of bringing clean water around the region.
The attendance was quite pleasing, and people seemed happy and upbeat.
Radz reviewed her material one last time with Arin, and hesitantly approached the topic of wanting to go back to Kanpur. There was a glint in his eyes, he quickly hid, "Sure" "Thats what you should do if you want to go back there" (very bland)
Radz: Tum zyaada excited nahi ho main ruk rahi hoon? (sad)
Arin: kya pata ek mahiney mein you will say, I plan to get married and quit it entirely, I have to be fearful of you single uns! " (winks)
Radz: Dont ask! My parents are stalking me. I actually stood a guy up last Sat I think, he works for DOW Arin! What a cruel twist!
Arindam looks worried, he knows how passionate, committed and involved she is with this cause. She is not doing this for the sake of eventually working for a multinational non-profit later. She was doing this because she wanted to work at the grass roots level. There was a no nonsense air about her when it came to work matters.........
3:45 PM
She made her way to one of the many seminar rooms, there were multiple seminars happening at teh same time, so people could choose the topic they favored, some speakers spoke at multiple times as well, hers was scheduled for one time, Arindam was plugging his ideas thrice in 4 days!
She wore a pale pink cotton suit, with a marroon dupatta, with chunky silver in her hands and ears, there was none on her neck
She wore a bindi today..............
The convention center was circular with rooms all around, there were "reception desks" placed in multiple areas where companies, non-profits and individuals could register if they wanted to be contacted later.
"Social responsibility is beginning to make good business sense in India" she talked to herself....... yep, she did that a lot.
She stopped at a NGO that was working in North East reviewed the posters and grabbed a few pamphlets and turned and walked right into someone.
He steadied her...
Raghav: Radhika....
Radz (startled) You made it? (like he lived on another continent)
Something urged her to check her appearance once, she did that as surreptiously as possible.
Folding her voluminous dupatta into a 4th pleat on her shoulder..........
He was quiet, observing how she did that......
He noticed her blob of an earring, like an "umbrella" he thought..... her big eyes were kohl lined as always....... he noticed a kajal straightline of a bindi on her forehead "pretty" came to his mind
Radz: I was just checking the other NGOs some are doing great work. I like the way somehave actually more than one person in the "field offices" unlike us, who shift our field office acc to our convenience. Dont let Arindam hear that (giggles) Poonam was mentioning a famous non-profit being based out of Golf Links, not sure you know of it, not that you should...........
His arms were folded outfront........ he wore what seemed like formal clothes....... "navy trousers and a blue shirt" the frame on his glasses seemed different, she wanted to ask but did not.......
But continued to talk........... all to herself, as usual..... " We are running out of project report copies, Umesh was supposed to go grab a box thats in our office but looks like he is playing hookey"
He had blown off a lunch date with Nayana!!!!!
He had looked up the seminar website twice since she had visted two weekends ago.........
He had gone into work to speak with Usman Ali and a site supervisor at Kanpur in a phone conf. The laether initiative was his baby, he was showing a spark of enthusiasm, just a spark......... nevertheless it was there...
Work only interested him so much usually........
Especially when the image of a luscious dark haired big eyed girl was beginning to haunt it, work was more pointless.......
She spoke and spoke........ he just beheld her
Radz: there is a very cool AV presentation at 5 IF you can stay. It brings together efforts from around the world, they are planning to clip it to a 3 min film for pub svc announcements about conservation of water.... Doordarshan bought the rights...... tum ruk sakte ho kya? I can buy you chai at the canteen" (smiling)
He wondered how she can act like she has known him for ever.
"It does not matter!" he told himself........ smugly.......
Raghav: I can stick around Radhika!
She stopped.......... THATS all it took!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Part 28 Scoop of Life--- Plans
Golf Links
Jan 22nd continued.......
Totally not expecting to see him there she stuttered, he actually did not expect to either but was delighted to see her....
Mridula: Do you two know each other? (shocked)
Radz: Oh! No, aunty not really, actually, he has been stalking me or Ive been stalking him for a while now. Delhi se UP phir Dilli (grins)
Dadi: To baat UP tak pahunch gayi? (laughs)
Mridula: You must sit
Her heart thumps noisily for some reason, she can feel her face heat up too, like she was guilty of something.
Radz: Waise main kaafi late ho chuki hoon, I can stay for 10 minutes, phir Khan Mkt band ho jaayega. Khan Mkt nahi but the Doc Services shop. I am not sure if the boxes will fit my car now that I think abt it"
Raghav is slowly meandering towards her couch, as he approaches he notices she curls her toes like she were avoiding fire....
She had more guy friends than female all through her life. She had never been quite this aware of any, her mind was doing the mental math.
She didnt even see this guy very frequently, he hardly said a word to her but there was definitely something odd!
"What ever it is I must get out of her ASAP" she decided
Mridula and Dadi take a seat opposite her while the man that unsettles her settles himself on a chair perpendicular to hers..........
She is gulping the icy cold liquid down as Dadi and Mridula seem to be speaking about the person they just visited, the man is curious but not quite about his family's visit.
Dadi is watching the couple thru the corner of her eye.....
She notices the girl is being very quiet.
Dadi: Tum kis se milne gai?
Radz: My co worker's Mom had knee surgery. I havent been able to see her for a week now. I made two promises and reneged on both. I was sure she must think I didnt want to go........... (suddenly she is very chatty, as Dadi notices)
Mridula is giving instructions to the help. The help has brought a book with him, she is showing some measurements with his right hand....
Radz notices the exchange through her monolog "Do you love to cook? That book looks scary aunty. I can boil water and throw some pasta in, soon enough if the water doesnt dry up" (giggles)
Dadi: she is the famous cook book author Mridula Kapoor!! She has written half a dozen books and is working on her 7th (proud)
Mridula: Mom is too kind
Radz: Oh Wow! I will just reinvent the way to cook pasta without boiling it in water (giggles) Congrats aunty...
She notices the man look at her laughter..........
She suddenly gets up "I better go!"
Radz: (pulling a card out of her cavernous mirror work jhola) Here is card, if I can interest you guys (grins)
"No I am not selling anything, tho I wish I were. Life would seem so much more fulfilling. Most of the time I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off, but there are no results (penning down something at the back of what looks like a glossy invite)
Both women walk up to her the man, is still seated, observing her bent head, she is aware.
Like his looking at her is akin to shining a light for her to write on the card, if he didnt look, she couldnt write?
Her tummy churns uncomfortably......... as the giant grandfather clock strikes 5!!
Radz: Like I said in the car, I work for an NGO. We are having the biggest South East Asia seminar on Water all of the week of Feb 2nd at India Habitat Center (hands Dadi the card) .
Its 8.5 by 11, and glossy with a water droplet on the cover, more like a brochure... with all the agenda.
"We have an exhibition, tools, resources, and presentations and mua is actually going to speak on the 3 rd day at 2 in the afternoon" "Maine apna item circle kar diya hai"
Mridula: thats wonderful!! (smiles)
Radz: Thanks (bites her lower lip shyly, spontaneously, looks at the man seated across, he is staring at her lower lip, she releases it from teh confines of her teeth)
Dadi asks her a couple of questions, she asks if she can call her "Badi Aunty"
Dadi responds with a "Call me Dadi"
Radz: Cool! Thanks Dadi....
Mridula: serious) "I am going to try and visit beta!
Radz: THANKS! (overjoyed) I have to go collect project hand books, scorecards etc from the store, to ab main jaati hoon. Dadi aap bhi aayiye. I can walk you through the process of decontamination. That is actually as thrilling as it sounds (giggles)
Mridula: Raghav, do you want to walk her to her car beta?
He waits for her to look at him, before getting up.
Radz: I am OK really. I have GPS on my phone (giggles)
Dadi: You have a sense of humor kid!
Radz: Not always....... especially not the last few weeks (sombre)
She doesnt wait for him, but he catches up with her, the women turn their attention to the help.
The guards get up at the sight of the tall man.
She unlocks her car and throws her bag in the now empty back seat.
Pauses, not knowing what to say "Thanks..."
Raghav: See you at the seminar?
Radz(startled) Will you come?
He looks at as if asking "Dont you want me to?"
Jan 22nd continued.......
Totally not expecting to see him there she stuttered, he actually did not expect to either but was delighted to see her....
Mridula: Do you two know each other? (shocked)
Radz: Oh! No, aunty not really, actually, he has been stalking me or Ive been stalking him for a while now. Delhi se UP phir Dilli (grins)
Dadi: To baat UP tak pahunch gayi? (laughs)
Mridula: You must sit
Her heart thumps noisily for some reason, she can feel her face heat up too, like she was guilty of something.
Radz: Waise main kaafi late ho chuki hoon, I can stay for 10 minutes, phir Khan Mkt band ho jaayega. Khan Mkt nahi but the Doc Services shop. I am not sure if the boxes will fit my car now that I think abt it"
Raghav is slowly meandering towards her couch, as he approaches he notices she curls her toes like she were avoiding fire....
She had more guy friends than female all through her life. She had never been quite this aware of any, her mind was doing the mental math.
She didnt even see this guy very frequently, he hardly said a word to her but there was definitely something odd!
"What ever it is I must get out of her ASAP" she decided
Mridula and Dadi take a seat opposite her while the man that unsettles her settles himself on a chair perpendicular to hers..........
She is gulping the icy cold liquid down as Dadi and Mridula seem to be speaking about the person they just visited, the man is curious but not quite about his family's visit.
Dadi is watching the couple thru the corner of her eye.....
She notices the girl is being very quiet.
Dadi: Tum kis se milne gai?
Radz: My co worker's Mom had knee surgery. I havent been able to see her for a week now. I made two promises and reneged on both. I was sure she must think I didnt want to go........... (suddenly she is very chatty, as Dadi notices)
Mridula is giving instructions to the help. The help has brought a book with him, she is showing some measurements with his right hand....
Radz notices the exchange through her monolog "Do you love to cook? That book looks scary aunty. I can boil water and throw some pasta in, soon enough if the water doesnt dry up" (giggles)
Dadi: she is the famous cook book author Mridula Kapoor!! She has written half a dozen books and is working on her 7th (proud)
Mridula: Mom is too kind
Radz: Oh Wow! I will just reinvent the way to cook pasta without boiling it in water (giggles) Congrats aunty...
She notices the man look at her laughter..........
She suddenly gets up "I better go!"
Radz: (pulling a card out of her cavernous mirror work jhola) Here is card, if I can interest you guys (grins)
"No I am not selling anything, tho I wish I were. Life would seem so much more fulfilling. Most of the time I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off, but there are no results (penning down something at the back of what looks like a glossy invite)
Both women walk up to her the man, is still seated, observing her bent head, she is aware.
Like his looking at her is akin to shining a light for her to write on the card, if he didnt look, she couldnt write?
Her tummy churns uncomfortably......... as the giant grandfather clock strikes 5!!
Radz: Like I said in the car, I work for an NGO. We are having the biggest South East Asia seminar on Water all of the week of Feb 2nd at India Habitat Center (hands Dadi the card) .
Its 8.5 by 11, and glossy with a water droplet on the cover, more like a brochure... with all the agenda.
"We have an exhibition, tools, resources, and presentations and mua is actually going to speak on the 3 rd day at 2 in the afternoon" "Maine apna item circle kar diya hai"
Mridula: thats wonderful!! (smiles)
Radz: Thanks (bites her lower lip shyly, spontaneously, looks at the man seated across, he is staring at her lower lip, she releases it from teh confines of her teeth)
Dadi asks her a couple of questions, she asks if she can call her "Badi Aunty"
Dadi responds with a "Call me Dadi"
Radz: Cool! Thanks Dadi....
Mridula: serious) "I am going to try and visit beta!
Radz: THANKS! (overjoyed) I have to go collect project hand books, scorecards etc from the store, to ab main jaati hoon. Dadi aap bhi aayiye. I can walk you through the process of decontamination. That is actually as thrilling as it sounds (giggles)
Mridula: Raghav, do you want to walk her to her car beta?
He waits for her to look at him, before getting up.
Radz: I am OK really. I have GPS on my phone (giggles)
Dadi: You have a sense of humor kid!
Radz: Not always....... especially not the last few weeks (sombre)
She doesnt wait for him, but he catches up with her, the women turn their attention to the help.
The guards get up at the sight of the tall man.
She unlocks her car and throws her bag in the now empty back seat.
Pauses, not knowing what to say "Thanks..."
Raghav: See you at the seminar?
Radz(startled) Will you come?
He looks at as if asking "Dont you want me to?"
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