Ransom..!!

SHORT STORY

(Fiction)

“Vinod, Vinod. Come here, fast.” Lekha screamed at top of her voice which could wake up even a dead lion but me. Not that I am a sound sleeper but on Sunday mornings I turn deaf to absolutely anything that comes between me and my sleep. One day of the week which I feel I work hard enough to deserve my peace. Unfortunately, I had to wake up when ignoring wasn’t an option anymore.

“What is it, Lekha? Are you alright? What happened? It’s just 8:30 and I am entitled sleep till 9:00 on Sundays.” I was still rubbing my eyes and hoping this could wait another half an hour.
“Read this and you will know. There are more important things in the world than sleep, Vinod. I was in the garden when someone threw this note along with a box.” Lekha was irritated and sobbing, I could tell.

I was stunned and my sleep vanished.

“Mr. Sharma, your daughter is with us. Safe, until now. As long as you give in to our demands, she will be safe but if you act smart, then we will send her to the point of no return. If you don’t believe us, then open the box which has a small video of her along with the piece of her dress. If you reach out to the cops, then I assure you that you will never see her again. Meet my man, Prakash, tomorrow at 5 pm sharp, right next to Gateway of India. Bring along 5 lakhs in cash and give it to him. He will tell you where your daughter is and this all will end, I promise.”

I read and re read this note over and over again. I opened the box and found the piece of Nikita’s dress and the video. Lekha burst out crying after seeing the video.
“Lekha, don’t worry. Niki is going to be home tomorrow. Even if I have to give in to their demands, then so be it.” There were so many thoughts crossing my mind and couldn’t think of anyone who could play such a dirty joke on my family.
“Vinod, you don’t understand or what. There are no “ifs”. You have to do as they say. Just give them the money and get my daughter back. Please don’t get your mind strategizing to find cues. They will kill her, Vinod. Just give the money to that guy tomorrow.”
“Lekha, you think I don’t know the repercussions. She is my daughter too. I promise you that nothing will happen to Niki and for now let me be alone and think through this. Don’t worry; we will have her back tomorrow. Just go and take some rest and act normal with all the servants.”

I rushed out of the room, straight to Niki’s room. Rummaging through her stuff was in vain as I didn’t know what I was looking for but I still did. I spoke to all her friends of her last few activities. In desperation, I called my friend Ajay, who was a police commissioner, hoping he would be able to track something and sort it out discreetly.

******************************

Somewhere in some hotel, Prakash was getting worried.
“Anil, are you sure, you want to do this. What if he calls the cops?”
“Prakash, stop it. Why will he call the cops? We have made it very clear that we will kill her and am sure he loves his daughter. You just play your part. You have to get the money and that’s it. Don’t spoil it now, we have worked really hard on this. Just be cool when you meet him. Once he gives the money let him know where his daughter will meet him. Prakash, we will be rich in a few hours. All the best.”

*******************************

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Anil was pleasantly surprised to think that Prakash came so early.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” I could have slapped Nikita who looked so flustered but didn’t want to create a scene in front of strangers. And I was looking for the right words to speak before I blew my mind off.
“Niki, you are just 18 and I have seen more life than you. I would have given in to the demands of these so called kidnappers, had I not found this diary in your room where you have been writing about your new found love for Anil which both your mom and I have been unaware of. I am disappointed with you, Niki. How could you? You didn’t even think once of your mom and me.” And my anger knew no bounds when I looked at the guy. One slap on his face threw him on the floor.
“You really thought you can pull this off. Ajay, you might want to do rest of the talking with him. I have nothing to say.”
“Ok, dad it was my plan. Leave him. He didn’t do anything.” It was all too much for Nikita to grasp. She was so blinded by this guy.
“Nikita, you still are oblivious to all the facts. This guy who says he loves you, isn’t saying the whole truth. This is not the first time he has loved a rich girl. He has been conning girls for a few years now. He lures a girl into loving him and then talks about his weak financial condition and how little help would improve his life. Hence, a ransom of only 5 lakhs which is nothing for someone like your father. The idea is that a petrified but affluent family for whom such amount is meager would simply do as told and get their daughter back. These guys would get money and fly to an unknown destination and become untraceable. If your father wouldn’t have doubted this and contacted me, he would have been successful even this time.”

I was glad Ajay could speak to Nikita because with my soaring temper, I wasn’t thinking much.
“Oh! Dad. I am so sorry. I didn’t know all this about him. I thought we both loved each other and he was genuinely in financial trouble. I am so sorry, dad.”

I wasn’t hearing anything and maybe just thinking of ways she would be grounded now and for how long.

Forgotten..!!

There was a time

When I saw life here

When the birds chirped

When the flowers bloomed

When the kids played and circled around me

I gave shade to many a visitor
Some would take a nap
While others talked endlessly
The fruit of my branches
Filled those empty stomachs

I enjoyed their laughter
Heard their vows
I gave respite
From the scorching sun

But that was then
When I saw life here
Now there isn’t a leaf that moves
There isn’t the wind that heals

I wait here for that life
When I had it all
Before those slaughterers came by
And took it all away

I witnessed a lot of bloodshed
I saw terror in the eyes
Of innocent
As they were murdered
Ruthlessly

Those few who were left
Fled, to save their lives
Leaving me here
Waiting for life

Hoping they would come back
Again there would be life here
And a season of joy
Hoping I don’t remain deserted forever

Until then
I just wait
As I stand tall
My mood so somber
And state, forgotten
Oh! so forgotten

Stuck with you..!!

Short story.. Fiction..!!

I woke up pretty early today or maybe I didn’t sleep last night. So much better to blame it on the jetlag from my 3 week trip to India than on the crucial presentation I have today. I lighted the candle in my temple and just stared blankly.

Today is no different a day. Abundant sunshine and Monday morning hustle bustle. Work seems hard after a long break. Luckily, my office, being on the 44th floor and with an extra ordinary view, eases off so much work related stress. With that thought, I entered the elevator and even before closing fully, the elevator opened again.

“Oh great, and there goes my day!” I thought I was murmuring to myself but he did hear me.
“Excuse me..!!” he retorted, sipping his coffee.

“Nothing, can you just not hurry up. I am already late and want to give some finishing touches to my presentation before it starts.” I realized I couldn’t have been curt than this. But he deserved that.
“Oh, Ok! Just to make things clear a bit, I’d much rather walk up all the way to 44th floor than being here with you in an elevator.” Maybe he felt bad for having said that and hence responded with a Sorry immediately.

Siddharth and I work for the same ad agency. He meant the world to me. We both dreamt growing old together and singing lullabies to our grand children. Everything seemed so magical until he kissed her last month.

“What just happened? Why did the elevator stop suddenly? What was that noise? We haven’t even reached our floor yet. What’s going on?” I almost panicked.
“Stop. Just stop, Anushka. Your shouting isn’t going to help.” She still panics. Nothing has changed. Siddharth thought to himself.

“But why isn’t the elevator moving? This is not a good sign. What do we do now? I have to be in office.” My eyes were moving constantly and pushing all the buttons again and again. Nothing happened and my eyes caught Siddharth’s eyes, who was busy sipping his coffee and whistling. I couldn’t take it.
“I am so sure, Siddharth, you are behind this. You really want to mess up my presentation. Don’t you? I knew something terrible is going to happen ever since I got up this morning.” I always blamed him for anything wrong that happened. Nothing changed even now.

“Enough. Calm down, Anushka. I have nothing to gain of this situation. You are over-reacting. Just because I’m not hyper, doesn’t mean I’m enjoying this. You’ve done your bit by screaming for help and pushing all those buttons. All we can do is just wait. So for God’s sake, stop screaming and blaming me.”
“But it is . . .” I was cut short by a third voice which came through a speaker phone.

“Hello. This is Steve Clark, calling from the Admin. There is a technical snag in the elevator. We are on top of this and will keep you posted on the progress. Hopefully, it should be fine in a few minutes. Sorry for the inconvenience and highly appreciate your patience.”

“Oh! Thank you, Steve. You have no idea what you have done here. Thanks for saving my life, man. I owe you.” Siddharth smirked. He always teased me and especially when I was angry. If in 3 years, we did anything differently, it was handling such situations. I always panicked and he acted calm and composed. Wonder how he does that time and time again.

“So, how’s the presentation coming along? I am sure the clients are in for a surprise. You will do well, Anu.”
“First of all, I am Anushka. Let’s keep it that ways. Secondly, don’t try sweet talking me into something. It won’t work. What happens with my presentation is none of your business.” This definitely wasn’t how I expected my day to start.
“Ok, Anushka. I stay clear. But why are you so bitter? You never even gave me a chance to explain. You are the one who isn’t even talking to me.” In a way he was right but then there was nothing to explain.

“What would you say, Siddharth? There’s nothing between us. It’s all over.”
“For starters, I would like to explain my side of the story. It’s really not what you think. She means nothing to me.” I sensed truth in his eyes but couldn’t get myself to believe after what I saw.

“This is what you probably told her as well about me. Isn’t it? You think . . .” Before I realized his finger was already on my lips.
“Sssshhh. Just sssshhh. You know nothing, Anushka. I don’t love her. I never have. She kissed me. And it was unexpected. I had no idea. I was shocked and by the time I shoved her back, I saw you standing at the door. Everyone knows about her reputation in office, so why don’t you trust me? I have tried everything under the sun, ever since then. But you just disappeared. You refused to take my calls. You blocked my email id. I had no way to reach you and my only hope was Preeti. Since she is your best friend, I asked her to be the messenger but she also said it’s worthless.” I remember Preeti explaining everything but then I was too shocked to absorb anything. I guess I just wanted to run away and my India trip gave me exactly that opportunity.

“Why are you telling me this now, Siddharth?” I wanted to hug him. To believe him. But somehow my mind was going crazy with all the thoughts.
“You don’t understand, Anushka. Do you? I love you. Only you. I always have and always will. You complete me. You have no idea how this past month has been for me. You were with your parents and here I was all alone by myself. Being punished for something which wasn’t even my fault. You know, I thought if I get one chance to explain my situation, maybe you will understand. Maybe things will come back to normal. But it seems you have already made up your mind. And I . . .” Suddenly there is a jolt and the elevator’s again on its way.

Maybe I was harsh. Maybe I didn’t give him the chance to speak. Maybe I over reacted. The door of the elevator opened and Siddharth walked out first, wishing me luck.

“Hey Sid, game for lunch. I will be free by 12:30. Same place.”

We both smiled.

Yellowstone National Park..!!

Last week, we travelled to Yellowstone National Park, located mostly in Wyoming and extending to Montana and Idaho. Part of it, explains my absence from here. I think visiting a new place is one thing but after the trip coming back to your old routine is totally another. But ofcourse, this blog isn’t about my routine, maybe someday I will blog about it too, but right now lets not digress.

Yellowstone National Park is the largest and the oldest national park in US; came into being in 1872. New Zealand and Iceland are known for geysers, but nowhere are there as many as in Yellowstone. Interestingly, at the heart of Yellowstone’s past, present and future lies volcanism. History has it, that huge volcanic eruptions occurred here about 2 million years ago, then 1.3 million years ago and again 640,000 years ago. It is a fact that park’s present central portion collapsed, forming a 30 by 45 mile basin. The magmatic heat powering those eruptions still powers the park’s geysers, hot springs and mud pots. Rugged mountains flank the park’s volcanic plateau and the waterfalls highlight the boundaries of the lava flows and thermal areas.

If you are a nature person, then this is the place for you. It is serene and the air so pure. Luckily for us, the weather was equally good. They had predicted thunderstorms and heavy rains during the second day of our stay but a few showers here and there was all we experienced. Only thing missing during our trip was a convertible car. As if the weather, the rivers, the mountains, everything around was shouting to be as much a part of that awe inspiring beauty. Amidst all this, one memory that I will have close to my heart is the night we were actually driving towards the park. Picture a one lane road with less or no traffic at all. Complete darkness all around and mountains on the sides. So all you have is the light from the twinkling stars. It was a clear sky and all I saw in the sky was stars and in the car it felt like as if we were in a drive thru planetarium. It was a 3 hour drive and half of it, I spent staring out of my car window. Simply star gazing. As if that wasn’t enough, I ended up seeing two shooting stars as well. And maybe for the first time here in US. I remember seeing them in India but here I don't recall seeing them. Or maybe I never stared at the sky as much as I did that night.. :-) It was magical, indeed..!!

So here are some pics of the park in its full glory. I think what excited me the most was to see wildlife, which otherwise you don’t get to see here. But at the same time, I was disappointed that I couldn’t spot any grizzly bears. That’s one animal which has been difficult to spot, keeping aside the fact that we actually reside in the bear state, California.. :-)

The journey begins..

The camera definitely doesn't do justice to these pools which are there everywhere in Yellowstone. The colors aren't captured as they are. This one particularly was Opal Pool.

This one was my favorite - Sapphire Pool. It is one thing to click these pics and absolutely another to be a part of the whole experience while witnessing it with your eyes. I still feel the colors are not exactly as they are, seeing them in person.

This is the most sought after spot for pics. It is called the Old Faithful Geyser. Faithful because it erupts approximately every 90 minutes or so. People who come here, just sit and wait for it to erupt so that they could capture those moments. It is exhilarating.

This is the Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high altitude lakes in North America. It is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest super volcano on continent.

And that's a bison. A very lazy one, infact. The first day we saw this bison sitting here as soon as we entered the park and i was all excited to sight it. And the next day, guess what. Same place, sitting almost in similar fashion. Now that's commendable..!! And I thought I have no competition in that department.. :-)

This is the beautiful Lamar valley. God's creation at its best.

Finally, we saw herds of bisons here.

Even though Grand Canyon is in Arizona, this is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Some historians believe that the name yellowstone was coined because of the colors here in the canyon.

These are the lower falls, the biggest waterfall (308 ft tall) in the park. After Old Faithful geyser, it is the most photographed. Visible from the Artist Point, from where you see the canyon as well.

Can you sight a bunch of pronghorns? Though at a distance.

And this is a coyote and quite a sight to spot this on the road itself. Criss-crossing and cars coming to a halt to take a few pics. For quite sometime, kept walking along side the road. As if searching for something.

This spot is Mammoth Hot Springs. It is a large hill of travertine that has been created over thousand of years as hot water from the springs cooled and deposited calcium carbonate.

I like this pic more so for its name. It is called the roaring mountain. Lot of thermal activity at one spot. How cool is that..

This elk was sighted actually walking on the road. But by the time we could take a look, it had entered the forest. And so did we. Just to atleast have the pic.

This is a mud pot.

Check out the clouds. They have their own say. As if they wanted their own symmetry in the sky.

Don't these two hills look like a mirror reflection?

This was another one of my favorite spots. Grand Prismatic Spring. It is the largest hot spring in US and third largest in the world. The colors here were so beautiful. Absolute treat for the eyes.

And as if the park wasn't exciting enough, God had some more plans for us while we left that place. When we started our journey back, the weather was clear and slowly it became cloudy and then it started raining heavily. It didn't stop there actually, what followed was hail and then snow. Voila. We enjoyed the drive and for some time all the colors were invisible and all we saw was white snow. Quite a sight, it was. Made our journey even more memorable.

The only thing I miss is the time. Though 3 days is enough to scan every nook and corner of the park but it really isn't enough to spend time there and do nothing. Like i saw an old couple sitting by a river with feet in the water and coffee mugs in their hands. Or another couple, sitting on a hill. Husband is busy looking through the binoculars and wife is busy sketching. Or those bunch of people we saw on the top of a small rock waiting for the perfect moment to take a pic. More importantly, waiting for a grizzly bear.

Unfortunately, we didn't have time for any of these. We were literally rushing from one spot to another. Taking pics and hoping we don't miss something as were unsure of our next trip here. More importantly, were unsure of the weather as well. Didn't want to take any chances.

Phew..!! I am so ready for another trip now.. :-)

ps: All pics are mine but there is some info from wikipedia as well.. !!

Beneath a starlit sky..!!

Beneath a starlit sky

First time our eyes met

And they blessed the moment

When we decided to tie the knot

Twinkling stars illuminate the vicinity
And the trees provide the cool breeze
Just the perfect gathering
At the night of our wedding

With the moon shining so bright
A veil on my face and dressed in white
I hold my father’s arm
And music plays in the background

Seeing me, all the guests stand
They greet me with a smile
As I walk down the aisle
With flowers in my hand

Our eyes meet somewhere in between
All I see is our small world, so serene
My father kisses me
And hands me to him

The priest pops the question to him
He says “Yes” without even thinking
“Would you, my dear” then asks the priest
And all I say is “I do”, sealed with a kiss

I am yours
And you are mine
Vows taken to be together
Beneath a starlit sky

pic from the net & random thoughts.. :-)