Freinds Forever

Yash Narayan was in a pensive mood. He was pacing back and forth on the concrete floor of his jail cell. His voice was shaky. “You shouldn’t be here any longer, Vijay. You got to go…gotta leave.”

“Not now…not till I’m ready,…not till we are finished.”

“We are finished.”

“Incorrect. We will be finished when I wish so, not until then.”

“But….”

“Cut that. Shut your trap.”

“Shhh…easy, someone will hear you.”

“Like I care..”

“Vijay…”

“I bet you have told them all bout me. I am so sure you put the killing all on me.”

“No, I didn’t. I would never do that.”

“You are a damn liar.”

“Really. No. I didn’t say a word. I…”

“I should have never trusted you. I should have known.”

“Please, Vijay..”

“Please, Vijay..” Vijay mimicked. “You are a coward. A Loser. Yash is a loser, Yash is a loser.”

Yash buried his head in his arms, pressed his ears with his hands, but Vijay’s words kept hammering him. “Loser, Loser, Loser.”

“Stop that, Please.”

“You couldn’t hold on and shut your trap. So you went and hid behind the Police’s shade. You sissy, momma’s boy.”

“You…you didn’t have to kill her.”

“You heard her. She thought you were crazy, a freak.”

"She didn't. She only said she thought I should see a doctor...wanted me to get help."

"Help? You fool. She wanted to have you locked away in an asylum. That's what she wanted."

"No! That's not true ."

"It is. She wanted you locked up forever. Like an animal in a cage."

"There had to be some other way, Vijay. There had to be."

"You weakling. I should have done you right after the old bag. Before you could start blabbering my name about."

"I haven't. I won't." "That's right. You won't. Not anymore."

"What do you mean? What are you doing? What––" Yash let out a strangled scream, then Vijay had him by the throat.

* * *

Inspector Rathore tore his glance away from the twisted figure on the cell's floor, and ran a hand through his graying hair. "D’Souza and I heard the commotion, but by the time we got in here...."

"It's not your fault, Inspector," Dr. Pandey said. "No one could have seen this coming."

Rathore scowled and shook his head. "We had Yash dead to rights as his mother's killer. Scratch marks on his face, his skin under her nails. Yet, he kept insisting somebody named Vijay had done it. We checked around town, but, of course, no one ever heard of the guy."

Inspector D’Souza stuck his head in from the front room. "Inspector, Fernandez from the Gazette is here. And Anuj from the radio station. What do I tell them?"

"Give each of them a cup of coffee. I'll be right out." Rathore swung back on the doctor. "So Doc, what do we tell them? Murder or suicide?"

Dr. Pandey stared down once more at the bizarre scene, at Yash's lifeless form on the jail cell floor, at the man's hands fastened on his own neck in a death grip. "I guess murder––by his own hands."

yenna kodume da saami...!!!

Avannum Avallum are just about to get married.
Aval: hey, un train naalaikki yethanna manikku varadhu??
Avan: Driver kitte kaettu solren…
Aval: What?????!!!!
Avan: Engine driver kitte kaettu solren…
Aval: Paduthaadhe. Sollu…
Avan: 4:40 am…yaen??? Receive panna varaiya??? JJ
Aval: No no, nee aathukku Mount Road vazhiya po..
Avan: Yaen? Egmore side la edavadhu problem aa? Road thoaNdi vachurkaanglaa? Ille bomb vachurkaanglaa??
Aval: Illai illai. Mount road la andha Gemini Flyover kitta oru hoarding irukku. Sri Kumaran jodi pattu hoarding….
Avan: Amma thaaye. Inniku naan dhaan kedachena unakku? Unakku pidichu irundha vaangiko. I have told you many times. You have wonderful dressing sense. So you take it.
Aval: Adhu seri. Naan pudavai vaangaradhukku unnai andha hoarding paaka sollalai. Sri Kumaran la pudhusa jodi pattu introduce panni irukka
Avan: Jodi patta? onnu vaangina innonu free ya?
Aval: Illai. Matching dress for men and women. Silk shirt for men and saree/blouse for women
Avan: What??????? Silk shirt aa?
Aval: Yes. What say?
Avan: Enna vilayadariya. Madras veyil la silk shirt aa?
Aval: Come on. Bangalore la enga veyil. Anga poattukalaam la?
Avan: Adhu seri. Silk shirt. Cooling glass. Idha poattunde bike la poren. Return of Raasukutti appadinu enna vachu padam eduthuduvaanga…
Aval: Cha! Evlo aasaya sonnen.
Avan: Matching aa dress sonna ok. To some extent possible and feasible. Yenna silk shirt ellam poattuka solriye? Yaendhan un taste ippadi irukko?
Aval: Adapaavi. Konja neram munnadi dhaan en taste nanna irukku sonne
Avan: Correct. Un taste nanna irukku. For you. Not for me
Aval: !!!!!!

The Phone Call....

The sun had just dawned. It was a beautiful day. Chief Inspector Ravikant Sharma was finishing his last lap of his jog. Jogging before the sun dawned was not just a routine, it had become a ritual. He was off for the next two weeks. He was going away for a holiday with his wife which he had been promising for a long time now.

His lovely wife had already packed for them. A call taxi was already ordered to come to drop them off at the airport. The passports and tickets were all in place. Nothing could now go wrong…..at least he thought so. He went out, to get a snack at the nearby store and get a fresh breath of the city air.

He walked along the pavement and watched the people, getting ready to open their shops and get down to business. Different types, young girls and guys, as well as older folks, all diligently at work. He passed them and walked further down. He passed a couple of stores, already open and ready for the day. A payphone in the middle made Sharma think. “Everybody has mobile phones nowadays…why don’t they remove this thing”, he wondered. Right on that moment, the phone started to ring.

Sharma had his doubts, but did pick up. A voice screamed: “HELP! 121, Turnbulls Road. Come quick!”

Forgotten was his snack… Sharma grabbed his phone and called the police station. In the mean time, he turned and started to run. He had to run back and take a sharp left, to get there. Ah well, it sure was good for his condition. Turnbulls Road was just two lanes down.

He climbed the stairs that brought him to apartment 121. A dog started to bark. When he passed the apartment and the dog started to jump against the front door. “Oh, shut up!” Sharma was irritated by the dog and kicked against the door. The dog didn’t expect that and ran away.

He arrived at apartment 121. Strange enough, the door was open. He went in, cautious for unexpected surprises. No one there… Not in the kitchen, not in the living room… The bedrooms of the children were empty as well…although the people who lived there were gone without taking a thing with them.

In the master bedroom, he found a knife. Carefully he took it up and put it in a plastic bag. It could be a potential murder weapon, but it looked clean. Work for the lab, he couldn’t worry about that. He opened the balcony doors and looked around…three children were sitting there in a corner. They shivered, while sitting in their pajamas. The looks on their faces were scared. The smallest child started to cry. Sharma felt very uncomfortable. Crying children always made him feel a kind of weak. More officers arrived and an officer took the kids over from him. Another officer grabbed some blankets to cover the children in. They were taken to the police station.

Sharma had his hands free again, and started his search. He found pictures of a nice looking lady together with the children. “She must be the mother”, he said. His colleague took the picture with him. Sharma heard him, giving orders to look out for the lady.

They found her two hours later, walking down two lanes. She was completely in shock; her nightgown was covered with blood. Not a reasonable word was spoken, she shook with her head and that was it.

Sharma took his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed his home number. His wife picked up: “Where are you? We’re supposed to go on vacation in an hour…” “I am sorry Sheila. I can’t go on vacation right now. I have a difficult case here…” “That is what you’re always telling me. I am tired of it. When you come home, I am gone…” He sighed…”You’re always threatening that you are leaving”, he said. “Go, if you need to…” After these words she hung up.

He went on with the search. There must be another person involved. One badly injured or maybe dead… Section by section they searched. Nobody was found in the streets. At the end of the day, they found the body of a man in the river…

The Day....

Did you ever want to Kill the Boss....For most of us this is just a fantasy....

“Hey there, how was your day?” Lalli called from the kitchen area as she heard Jayan drop into the chair.

It took a few seconds for Jayan to respond. Hell, what could he say? It had definitely not been a good day. "Well, it wasn't good, that idiot Gopalan was on my ass all day. And that flunky he hired to help me is even worse. Not only is he no help, he is downright exasperating. What an idiot ass I say!"

"Well, you just relax dear, dinner will be ready in a few minutes." Lalli liked to have their little talks when Jayan came in from a hard day at the auto garage, but she also knew when not to pursue a subject.

After dinner Jayan was unusually quiet as they watched the Kolangals and Mekkalas, then the news and went to bed as usual. The next day as he prepared for work, pulling on the same old garage uniforms he had worn yesterday, he whistled one of his favorite songs, "Oruvan Oruvan Modalaali."

Well, thought Lalli, maybe today will be a little easier. Lalli sure hoped so, poor Jayan, he was never able to take a lot of crap from people. But as hard as the work was, he did need the job, and all jobs had a boss. Lalli just hoped he doesn't have another one of those awful headaches today, which he usually has after a bad day at work.

That evening, bang on time as always, Jayan swept into the living room. "Hey kutti, you in there?" he called into the kitchen.

"Amaa, I am right here. How was your day?" she asked.

"Very satisfying," Jayan replied, "Sooperb. One in a million, I feel great now. Had one of those headaches earlier today. Things got kind of hectic. The newly hired helper kid didn't show up today and the idiot Gopalan was being his usual asshole self. But I feel great now."

"That’s good Jayan," she replied, bringing him a hot kaapi, "just relax for a few more minutes while I get you something to eat. You must be tired. I'll turn on the six o'clock news, and then maybe we can get to bed early," Lalli purred, giving him one of those knowing smiles.

Something the news anchor was saying got her attention. Had he mentioned Gopalan's name, her husband's boss?

"A customer found his body in back of the tool shed at the auto garage just before four o'clock this afternoon. He was apparently beaten severely with a jack handle. The police have no suspects as yet, but the other employees have not yet been contacted."

"Ayyo, did you hear that?" Lalli exclaimed.

"Yeah, I heard it," Jayan replied casually, "bastard had it coming for a long time. Gave me a headache again today."

"You didn't..." She couldn't finish the question.

"Yep, finally killed the son-of-a-bitch, would you bring me some more murukku, kutti?"

So long Sayeen...!!!

Little Man you are a wonder! You're so funny and comical and also my Drama King! Love you dude! Happy wala Birthday..!!!

I bet you're old enough to cause even MORE trouble now... ROCK ON! oh wait.. no, no, no... how about you're old enough to help mom a little more! Try not to give her a nervous twitch! that's what your goal can be this year! lol..!!!

Chandru or Me....

“Sujan, Chandru needs to go!” I pleaded. But my husband disagreed and would not budge from his decision. He stood there in defiance. “No, Sudha, Chandru has been with me for 5 years now, and you know it that we are inseparable.” “But Sujan, Chandru’s presence is not going to help you in anyways….he makes you look bad dear, and look at him…he himself looks scruffy and old as against you..! And could you please tell me what good he has ever been to you?” I was silently praying and hoping that my words would awaken my husband’s conscience and his eyes be finally opened to the truth about Chandru.

I could see Sujan pondering my last question before coming up with an answer. “Well, for one he brings me good luck and a sense of security. And I would feel quite naked without him, godammit.!” he argued stubbornly. “I tell you, woman, Chandru isn’t leaving, and so you might just as well get used to him! He is as much a part of me as you are and that’s to be the end of it!”

Oh, he’d done it now! My eyes flickered with rage and I bit my lip as I braced my tiny feminine frame for another round of arguments. “Well, Sujan, if you insist that he remain in our lives then so be it, but as long as he does, I insist that you keep your distance from me!” I smiled now in complete bliss, believing that I had just won not only the round but the entire battle of wits with my hard-headed husband.

I could feel Sujan stiffen, as if he’d been slapped hard across the face. His volatile temper had begun to gear up towards utter explosion and as a result, words failed him now when he needed them the most. His tall and lanky frame began to tremble and his fists closed in tight balls at his sides. His tiny but equally stubborn wife stood her ground and dared him to erupt in her presence. “Stop it, woman! I think that my preference to Chandru would matter most, since I am the closest to him! He has never angered you before, why should he presently?” “I’ve nothing more to say on the subject, Sujan, you know my heart. The decision is yours to make. I’ll not say anything further.” I now turned to leave the large drawing- room, leaving my husband standing alone with his thoughts.

Sujan stood in the middle of the room staring ahead blankly. He knew it was over. He would have to say goodbye to Chandru. I had to come first, I was his wife, after-all. He and Chandru had been very close for five years and they’d shared many wonderful moments but it was to end now. Sujan sighed deeply and straightened himself before taking the first step out of the drawing- room. He held his head high, as he strode up the ornately carved oak staircase, dreading each step he took towards the room where the final confrontation would take place. He walked slowly down the short hallway and turned in at the first door on his left.

There was no turning back now. He would have to cut Chandru out of his life forever. He saw the straight razor on the dressing table in front of him and lowered his eyes to avoid looking at it for a few more seconds. It would be the instrument to which Chandru fall. His hands began to tremble now as he returned his gaze to the straight razor that had been left so neatly for the barbaric task to be performed. He couldn’t believe this was happening and wished with all of his being that he didn’t have to commit this horrible deed but I had resolved myself to Chandru’s end and I wouldn’t stop until Sujan had done away with him once and for all. Enough was enough. He slowly reached down and lifted the shiny instrument with his left hand and raised it to eye level so that he could look it over completely before continuing on… His heart was racing inside his chest and his breathing became heavy.

“Steady old boy, you shall be alright once the crime has been completed.” He went straight to work now to get everything ready for Chandru’s demise. It was time. Sujan now stood facing Chandru. It would be a slow and painful end for them both. With all of his courage, Sujan raised his left hand to strike and began cutting away at Chandru the deed was done. Sujan now wiped his face with a hand towel and looked at himself in the mirror.

“Well, I certainly look younger without Chandru but I shall miss having my beard!”

Dhvani.....

I was so excited yesterday. All perked up. We were invited to a party…!!! It’s been a really long time since Sujan and I went out, leave alone to a party. I was so looking forward to it. I had an appointment with my parlour lady at 11. I gobbled up some little breakfast that I made, packed Sujan off to work, and had be-done with the cleaning maid. And off I was, on my way to Chamiers Road, with the intention to look my best this evening.

I love parties. I loved being amongst a group and cracking odd jokes and stuff. And seeing people around me enjoying my company gave me a high that no grass could give anyone. And I was even more excited about the party because it was kinda the first party with Sujan by my side. His office was throwing him a bash for some biggie customer catch. I wanted to be my best and make him proud of me. I even went ahead and picked up a LBT (you know...the perfect dress we refer to as the Little Black Thing...!!), for the occasion. No way was I going to ruin that night.

I finished at the parlour. Got my French manicure n pedicure. The strawberry facial was just ummmm….I had my hair set just the way Sujan likes. I was happy. I headed home, had some lunch and took a power nap. I was up by 4 pm, and did some odd jobs. Cleaned the mess at home, took Ketchup (my dog) for a walk. I was all done by 6.30. And now I began to get ready. Had a hot shower, smeared a little kohl on my eyes and painted the lashes with the mascara, and dabbed on a little gloss to my lips (I was never a make-up person..!!). Slipped on to my little black dress and put on my stilettos (I have a fetish for footwear..!!) and waited for Sujan to get ready and drive us to the venue.

We reached there half hour late (its fashionable..!!). The party was already in full swing. I was at ease. We made some social calls. Checked on everyone. Everyone was happy and gay. Great music, lovely ambience, good food and vibrant mood. Everything was so larger than life. I was enjoying myself and basking in the glory of Sujan’s accomplishment. The music got louder. And then Sujan introduced me to a guy from his team. Vedant and his wife Dhvani. I complimented them for their beautiful names. Sujan pointed that he owed a lot of his today’s accomplishment to Vedant. I was proud of Sujan’s humbleness and his crediting the team guys. Sujan and Vedant left to fetch everyone some drinks.

I was left with Dhvani. We smiled at each other. There was something so mystique bout her. Beautiful serene calm eyes. But the thing bout her that took my breath away was her pair of earrings. Such a beautiful pair..!! It was the most astounding and exotic piece I had ever seen. Diamonds. But so well crafted, I had never seen. They were these huge chandelier earrings set on white gold or probably platinum. It dropped so well. And I must say she carried it off real well. I could hear a couple of ladies talking bout the same earrings at the background. Everyone was wearing their best, but somehow Dhvani’s earrings were the talk of the evening. They were just like her eyes. Mystique, serene and yet very playful and full of life. I complimented her for the pair. She couldn’t hear, the music was loud. She acknowledged with a smile. The guys joined us with drinks. Everyone moved to the dinner area. My mind was still full of the earrings and its cut and design. I had to get one done something like that.

The party came to an end. Everyone bade farewell. We had a good time. I had a big smile after the outing. We were driving back home. My mind was only brimming with Dhvani’s earrings..!! I animatedly told my husband how much I was in awe of her earrings. And then he said it, matter-of-factly, Dhvani was born deaf….......