Who am I ?

I can hear a lot of you asking 'why this question now'? A few are thinking what went wrong. Yes I did watch a few scenes from the block buster movie Gajini last night but I'm not into any temporary memory loss or the kinds. Then Why am I asking this stupid question?

I have one younger sister who has made me laugh,wiped my tears, hugged me tight, watched me succeed, made me mad, cheered me up and made me the strong person I am now. She is one beautiful, talented and a very intelligent soul I know. This may not sound something new to quite a lot reading through.


At parties or other family celebrations if we are caught amidst the group of gossipping relatives (which we most of the times avoid) its become a practice for us to nod our heads when we are addressed by any of our names. Its been a big confusion till date amongst our relatives whom we visit not quite often. Both of our names start with "A" . Is that the reason for the confusion?

In our childhood days we spent our summer vacations at our grandma's place, and at the end of 2 sunny months probably we would have corrected atleast 20 of them with our right names :) , thats because I was addressed as "Archana" and my sis would be called "Ashwini".

As years passed by we've both got used to this so much that in either of our absence in case one calls me by her name or if she is called by my name - we simply answer back the call and respond.


Last week When I saw "Spicy Sweet" a fellow blogger wishing Archana for my Birthday, I had missed the name part on the comment, for that is habitual now. But yesterday another fellow blogger "Sujatha" addressed me as Archana in her comment. Oh no! This made me wonder who I am - Archana or Ashwini? and so you have this post out here. Don't worry girls I am not offended and my sister has also conveyed her thanks for the advance wishes. I pretty well know who I am. LOLz :)

I met a set of sisters in a train, couple of years ago,who have been named "Ashwini" and "Archana". Probably that was the best known trendy names of the era we were born in.

Now how many of you are confused with my name ?? hmmm Ashwini or Archana ??

ನಗು ನಗಿಸು..

ಅಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಒಂದು ಊರು
ಅದ್ರಲ್ಲಿ ನೂರು ಸೂರು
ಮಂದಿಗೆಲ್ಲಾ ಕೈ ತುಂಬಾ ಕೆಲಸ
ಕಾಣುತಿತ್ತು ಎಲ್ಲರ ಮೊಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂತಸ

ಹಬ್ಬ ಹರಿದಿನ ಅಲ್ವಲ್ಲಾ
ಆದರು ಲವಲವಿಕೆ ಇಂದ ಇದಾರಲ್ಲಾ
ಮನಸು ತಾಳದೆ ಕೇಳೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟೆ
ಏನ್ರಿ ಲಾಟರಿ ಗೀಟರಿ ಹೊಡಿತಾ ಹೇಗೆ ?

ನಗುತ್ತಾ ಹೇಳಿದನವನು - ನಿಮ್ಮ ಹಾಗೆ ರೀ ನಾವು
ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲೂ ಇದೆ ಸಾವು ನೋವು
ಹಾಗಂತ ಸದಾ ಅಳ್ತಾ ಕೂತ್ರೆ
ಖಾಲಿನೆ ಉಳಿತಾವೆ ಮನೇಲಿ ಪಾತ್ರೆ

ಕೈಗೆ ಕೆಸರ ಹಚ್ಚಿ ದುಡಿತೀವಿ ನೋಡಿ
ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ್ರಲ್ಲಿ ಹಂಚಿ ಉಣ್ತೀವಿ ಎಲ್ರೂ ಕೂಡಿ
ನಗುವು ನಮ್ಮ ಬಳಿ ಇದ್ರೆ
ಸಾರುತೀವಿ ಅದನ್ನ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ

ಈ ನುಡಿಯ ಕೇಳಿ , ಅದರೊಳಾರ್ಥವನು
ಅರಿತು , ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಯನು ಮುಂದಿಟ್ಟೆ

ಸರಿ ಎಂದು ಹೊರಟ ನಂಗೆ
ಡಿ ವಿ ಜಿ ಕಗ್ಗ ನೆನಪಾಯಿತು ಹಂಗೆ

"ನಗುವೊಂದು ರಸಪಾಕವಳುವೊಂದು ರಸಪಾಕ
ನಗುವಾತ್ಮ ಪರಿಮಳವ ಪಸರಿಸುವ ಕುಸುಮ
ದುಗುಡವಾತ್ಮವ ಕಡೆದು ಸತ್ತ್ವವೆತ್ತುವಮಂತು
ಬಗೆದೆರಡನು೦ ಭುಜಿಸು - ಮಂಕುತಿಮ್ಮ "

" ನಗುವು ಸಹಜದ ಧರ್ಮ, ನಗಿಸುವುದು ಪರಧರ್ಮ,
ನಗುವ ಕೇಳುತ ನಗುವುದು ಅತಿಶಯದ ಧರ್ಮ
ನಗುವ ನಗಿಸುವ ನಗಿಸಿ ನಗುತ ಬಾಳುವ
ವರವ ಮಿಗೆ ನೀನು ಬೇಡಿಕೊಳೋ ಮಂಕುತಿಮ್ಮ "

Cruising through .. Part 3

That morning's sunrise was the best sunrise she had seen ever, the gold rays of sun kissed her forehead whispering good morning in its own charm. Parth lie beside her deep in sleep. She held his hand and rested her head on his chest. He slowly opened his eyes cleared the strings of hair which had fallen on her face and held her in his arms.

The knock on the door for the morning coffee awakened them. Kshama had plans of spending her morning in the sophisticated inhouse Spa where the expert hands worked. Parth was lazing around when Kshama hurried through the door to reach the luxurious spa on time so that she didn't miss her appointment.

Tejas dropped by when Parth was munching on a multigrain sandwich in the living area in his suite and the memories poured one after the other. Parth questioned Tejas about Manya. Manya was the girl who had to be tying the knot with Tejas but the misconceptions that cropped, had them part ways. They were no more in contact with each other. Parth could see the shine in Tejas eyes as he stood shaken on hearing Manya's name. Tejas remembered the last glimpse of Manya on the farewell day celebrations at College. She had a million things to say, she wanted to ask him so many questions, she wanted to talk to him one last time but he had never cared then. Parth interrupted the thoughts "Hey Tejas, I was just kidding. I know you don't want to talk about things that has absolutely no priority in your life. See I still know you in and out. Don't I??". Tejas grinned away.

Both of them headed to the lounge where a lot more souls with stories of their own wandered with no known destination. Tejas had a few shots of tequilla for the first time, after that day's incident. Parth gulped the orange juice and walked out of the bar behind Tejas. As they walked Tejas broke out, he needed a shoulder to rest on, he needed some words to cheer him up and now he knew Parth was there, his friend was there to fill the void. Tejas finally spoke about what had happened between Manya and himself 7 years ago.

Tejas loved Manya and she loved him more. Everything fell right in place and they were going on pretty steady. That day made the difference. Tejas had visited a pub late in the night after a small fight with Manya. Last thing he could recall at the pub was that he ordered for a Whisky on the rocks. Next morning when he woke up, he was on an executive bed next to the dancer he had seen at the pub, previous night. Tejas was disheartened at what had happpened, he did not want to cheat Manya and had messaged her a note "I've been disturbed for reasons which cant be explained. Please move on in life ". Manya had responded with various sorrys, what? where are you? what happened? Need to talk.. Please call? pick my call .... NO answer for any. She tried confronting him a few times face to face, but he shrugged off and avoided her contacts. Truth was - he still loved her.

Tejas's eyes were moist. He finally had revealed his dark-side story and felt better. Parth knew that Manya was not married yet and was already making plans in his mind of re-uniting these love birds. For the moment Parth said "Buddy, things of past, Let it remain there. Life is bliss and very beautiful. Stop the worries. Come on, lets go. Kshama might be done with her spa and looking out for us."

The trio spent the wonderful evening watching the acrobatic show followed by an extra ordinary dinner at the Pizza centre. 9 days cruised away. It was such a beautiful experience so far. As they were enjoying every bit of it, there came the report on the transistor.

Kshama was shivering, as the weather was getting worse and colder.The night before, on the upper deck Parth had booked 2 tickets for Royal Court Theatre to witness the worlds best Opera show. They could not believe they were caught up in a tornado ruining all the excitement. Only hope was to sight a shore as quickly as possible. Tejas ran to Parth with some safety jackets that was being distributed to all of them as an emergency precaution. Kshama's voice was cracking and she struggled to ask "Are we going to live Parth? I want to spend more time with you". Parth consoled her and with a positive note comforted her saying "Dear dont worry, we will be okay. Just be calm darling" Tejas turned to Parth and said " Hey man, if I die today, please do let Manya know one day as to why I had to go away from her and please ask her to forgive me. Did I sound a little filmish.. Ha ha ha .. but certainly do let Manya know okay". Parth's courage was going down looking into the death feared eyes of people near and dear to him but kept his calm.

The level of water was rising every now and then. Some splashes of water was so fierce that the sound began to become unbearable.

Captian Sheperd had spotted a small island "Palo-Quasi" a few minutes ago. That struck an idea and Captain immediately turned the vessel's direction to move towards that Island. It took about 3 hours before the ship touched the island travelling against the currents of waterflow. Everyone was safe but were in a state of shock . The island seemed to be dark and silent even with more than 2000 people in it now. Radio signals were wired to the mainland from the distant island. After the sea calmed down and Clear signal was received , Captian Sheperd made the announcement "Lets all board the ship to have the journey continued. Sea seems to have settled and everything looks okay." The journey beyond this was scary but smoother than expected. They reached harbour quite close to noon and there was a huge sigh of relief on each face. Fetching their baggage, Parth and Kshama bid a bye to Tejas and called for a taxi standing nearby.




A couple of days later the door bell goes tring tring tring. As Tejas opened the door, Manya stood there as beautiful as ever. She was draped in a peacock blue saree and a simple saphire necklace beautified her neck. He did not know where to start, what to tell, how she ended up here ... Questions ran in his brain and before he said a Hello... Manya asked "I am coming in, into my home." Speechless Tejas just nodded. Manya spoke her heart out, she knew everything and she was happy for Tejas being honest. They both exchanged sorry's , love you's ... and hugged each other.




Parth and kshama had invited family and friends for the occassion. It was a bright evening filled with mixed emotions.

"After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer." - William R. Alger

Cruising through .. Part 2

The lower deck had separate cabins for each family and Parth's reservation said "LD12". A handsome young cabin boy brought their baggage and comforted them in their luxuriously spaced room. As they freshened up, a cup of hot aromatic tea was served in their cabin which charged them up on a lousy cold morning. Kshama changed into the gold gown and she wore the black belt bought at the Gucci store specially picked by her after placing an order. The accessories were carefully chosen to match the evening spirits. She ensured Parth wore his Black blazer over the light brick colored shirt complimenting his Sharp end custom made French style shoes.

They moved to that portion of the deck where roulette was being played. The Wheel on the table was spinning and the ball finally landed in Black 20. A guy in his late twenties had won a bet of $1000. Kshama stood there astonished at the guy's Luck. Men and women who had earned all their life saving penny over penny, were trying to dispose some handsome dollars to those fancy twinkling machines at the casino. Parth turned to Kshama winking his eye and said "Lets try our luck, give me a buck" . Kshama picked 4 quarters and popped each one into one of those slot machines. Both of them alternated thier turns until all the chances were gone, what they witnessed was the act of slot machine swallowing the quarters but giving nothing in return. Laughing out loud Parth said "Baby, this isn't our game , neither our day of luck. We better leave, betting no more." Saying this he picked her hand and moved down the alley towards the dance floor.

Everyone on the ship were familiarizing themselves to the environment around them. Kshama noticed yet another charming couple walking hand in hand in the opposite direction. The lady was wearing a dashing red frock . Accompanying that was her silver clutch with studded rubys in a floral pattern. While Kshama was carried away in these thoughts, Parth noticed a familiar face in the group of youngsters swinging their bodies to the music down the floor. He tried to get another glimpse and yes, he was right, it was his friend Tejas from college back in India. Parth called Kshama's name twice but she hadn't heard him as her eyes was still laid on the rubys. He pulled her to gain attention and pointed at Tejas. She reluctantly turned and looked at the folks shaking their legs to the rock music and was not sure what Parth was trying to show her. She thought he was asking her to join along for a few steps ,assuming so, she replied "No Parth, I am not interested. Lets do that tomorrow." He came near her ear and in a loud voice said "Look its Tejas there , He is my college buddy. Come we'll give him a surprise." Kshama followed through the crowd behind Parth.

Tejas stood dumbstruck seeing Parth. They had not met in 7 years since the last day of college. Parth shook hands with him. After exchange of Hello, whats up? where you? whats on ? how you here? when you came here to the west? New in Life ? - It took a couple of minutes before they came to the state of normalcy and Parth introduced Kshama to his friend. Kshama who was watching her biwildered husband and his more confused friend, smiled back at Tejas to say her part of the Hello. Though she felt they've found some company, she somehow felt their privacy was hindered. "Nevermind" she thought and continued their stroll. Tejas accompanied them to every spot which sometimes disturbed Kshama, yet she did not show any reluctance because Tejas was funny and helped them laugh every now and then.

They dined at the "Pasta La Mesa" , home for Pasta lovers. Spinach and corn Pasta topped with extra cheddar cheese was Kshama's choice. After a mind-blowing dinner, Parth called it the end of the day and moved to their suite in the lower deck, bidding a bye to Tejas. Kshama and Parth were exhausted so much and last they remembered is falling onto the bed.


Next ...

Cruising through .. Part 1

(PS: This is fiction and all charaters and incidents are fictitious. If any incident or character resembles reality its purely co-incidence.)

The lamp was steady on the table but the flame was waving in different directions indicating that the wind was strong and rain was anticipated any moment from now. Weather forecast being reported on a transistor said - " Alert everyone on the shore , a thunderstorm may hit us South very soon". The signal was weak and so was the voice from the reader. Captian Sheperd was at the olive wheel and he was busy deciding on adjusting the ship's rudder causing the vessel to change its course in the direction of the nearest shore. Chief Radio officer made an announcement regarding the condition and asked everyone to be co-operative and not to panic.

Kshama was shivering as the announcement went by and Parth was holding her tight. Nightmares were common but this was in real. They were in the middle of the sea and watching Captian do his bit. The ship hosted about 2000 people, few newly-wed couples , some singles on a business trip and some families on a vacation to the Cape. The journey started a day before the storms hit the north shore. The winds were strong and was chasing south faster than expected.The ship was expected to arrive at the harbour at 10 am next morning and....

Back home 2 weeks ago on a Monday evening Parth returned home early to spend the beautiful day with his beloved. It was Kshama's birthday and he had surprised her with this wonderful cruise tickets to Cape Pouch. She was so thrilled on hearing the news and ran crazily all over the apartment pulling things into her 3 huge suitcases for a 10 day vacation. She held the cordless phone in one hand talking to her best friend,venting out her excitement , picked the cosmetics and accessories from the cupboard using the other hand. Parth had to literally bring her back to composure. Kshama had packed the best of her outfits and she made sure Parth matched her style starting from watch to his boots. On the day of departure they reached the harbour at the wee hours when the traffic was under control. Ship was set to depart at 7.00 am. Kshama was all the more excited when she saw the sea and Parth joined her in all the amusement. They were first timers on the cruise and that added wide smiles on their faces. They looked like tiny little kids who had discovered something new.

They enjoyed the cold breeze and the lovely scenary as they crossed the harbour. Kshama kissed Parth on his cheek and whispered "Thanks for this gift,its the best I've received so far in life". He acknowledged with a smile and a hug
.


To be continued...

Birthday Bites:)

Yeah yeah you're right.. I turned another year old Friday the 17th. I have never missed a bite of my favourite chocolate - Cadbury's Crackle on my birthday ever since its release. This Birthday was no exception. It is a Crackle that completes my birthday!




Well this year there were two other bites waiting in my gift list.

In the evening after I reached back home, I was lying down on the sofa relaxing myself a bit. I was surfing through the channels to find something that interests me. When I found a reality show, I paused the surfing act and started listening to the song - "Dil cheez kya hai aap mere..." that was playing.That was when I enjoyed the next bite - hmmmmph! It was a honey bee sting on my left ankle that left my leg swollen for the next 3 days. Wonder how people take so many stings to create a record in Guinness :0.

Some Interesting fact I discovered when googled for the honey bee sting :
[Most bee stings removed: The greatest number of bee stings sustained by any surviving human subject is 2,443 by Johannes Relleke at the Kamativi tin mine, Gwaii River, Wankie District, Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) on 28 January 1962. All the stings were removed and counted.]


Dad called up at around 7 pm and asked me to drive down to a nearby location (for a surprise gift which I was unaware of).I pulled out a jacket from the rack of clothing, ran into the pair of sandals and drove away. An unknown insect which gifted its bite[My third bite] on my right eye corner, probably had been residing in the jacket. What so ever it was, my eyes started watering and there was an itching sensation all over my face, within an hour my face looked pathetic - Half Chinese and Half Indian . Ha ha ha! That was how it can be best described as. 2 days and there I am completely recovered from this thrid bite.

Thanks everyone for the wishes and loved the best bites ever - all on the same day Huh!





Note: (Changing color of fonts - going back to memories of old Cadbury crackle's wrapper color - yellow).




A and Mishi Thanks for the suggestion.

Lost thoughts... (Fiction)




Strolling in the green park, noticing the sun peeping through the dark clouds she rested her stressed body on the stone bench. The cold weather and the drops of dew on the fresh spring flowers made a dull day look bright for everyone passing by. She lay there not wanting to enjoy any bit of the lovely weather and got engrossed in the world which was hers alone.

She thought of the days spent in cheer mode last summer when there were ducks quacking in the bright sunshine.





Kasper was by her side wathcing the Squeeky squirrel dance to the latest tunes running on her ipod. She could not stop her giggles till she bumped against the stone bench. She had hurt her ankle with the sprain not letting her stand back on her feet. Kasper picked her up and comfied her into the hospital bed where Dr Stumps treated her. It wasn't anything major, just a normal sprain. Thanking Stumps, the duo headed back towards O'reil Street.

Sudden darkness is what she sensed when her eyes opened. There was silence and only thing heard was the rustling of leaves in the direction of the wind. She jumped back to her feet and checked if her toe had gone numb. No ,they were perfectly fine. She pulled out the earphones and music switched to loud mode knocking her head up and down. Walking about a mile, her legs were so tired that she could not lift them anymore. It was the same bus stop she was seeing. Yes there it was, the pillar against which Kasper had held her tight and kissed her for the first time. She wanted to let go all the thoughts that filled her heart ,every now and then, making it heavy, not kidding, really very heavy.

Last she saw him was at a friends party on Menissa's housetop, there was not an indication from him that it would be his last appearance. She had a bite of the thin crest pizza with extra toppings of jalapeno, olives and onions. That was the best way she liked her pizza's to be. He had a few shots of vodka and the entire crew had a night to remember. It was quarter to one and the sky over their heads sparkled with tiny twinkles. She spots a bright star and whispers into his ears "I'd love to have that on my finger the day of my wedding". She stole the moment and noticed Kasper seeing her glowing face when he'd heard this.

They walked hand in hand in the streets of Orlando when the temperatures were close to freezing point. Completely covered in Black coat with a light blue scarf around her neck she looked beautiful than ever. Kasper moved towards her , felt her breath go high and low, so fast that he couldn't resist any longer. He held her tightly in his arms, moved his lips close to hers and she gave in.

She had tried all resorts to find him and get him back to her. Emails, messages, phone calls were all going in vain. All friends were helping her out in every possible manner to find him, but were clueless of his whereabouts.Madness filled her mind and she went running in search of her lost love, only to end with a negative response. Days passed by and Kasper was nowhere.

She took courage and with all her strength walked upto the bus stop. As she sat down on the wet seat she heard her iphone message tone go beep. Clearing her water filled eyes she held the phone and slid the lock. And surprise was waiting for her. Her blue eyes saw a glitter when it read the words "I am back honey. Cannot be away from you for long. Am at the airport.Will reach in an hour". She could not believe what she had read. She read them aloud once again and her feelings was jinxed with a mix of happiness, surprise and anger. Her legs had gained all the strength and as she stood up there, she sees a bus coming by and waves at it with all smiles.

Jack, the driver, stopped the bus and drove her all the way to Carlton street NE. As she approached the door her heart was pounding and she had less than 20 minutes to get ready for the meet. Shower, dress , make up and dinner - No there was no time for any preparation. As she came out from the shower , she heard the cab approach her gateway. Her face lit and she draped herself in the fabric that she found lying on her bed. She jumped and ran down the stairs to open the door. For a moment her mind thought, she claims an explanation for his absence but the desire in her to see him, killed all other thoughts from the tiny brain.

There he stands in front of her with a costliest diamond ring one could ever earn for their beloved. Kneeling down he says " Dear , the closest I could get for you is this diamond. The star was too far for me to reach out. Will you marry me? " She broke into tears of happiness. She still stands in shock and could utter nothing but a "Yes Yes and Yes".




Note : This is an attempt of a short fiction. All characters are fictitious.

ಶ್ಯಾಲ್ ವೀ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ??? ... ಭಾಗ ೪

ಕೆಲವು ದಿನಗಳಿಂದ ಚಾರೂ ಕೆಲಸದ ಒತ್ತಡದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಭಾಳಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸಮಯ ಕೊಡಲಾಗಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವಳ ಸಣ್ಣ ಸಣ್ಣ ಖುಷಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ೩ ವರ್ಷದಿಂದ ಭಾಗಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದವನು ಈ ಕಳೆದ ಎರಡು ತಿಂಗಳಿಂದ ಯಾವುದರಲ್ಲೂ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಏನೆಂದು ವಿಚಾರಿಸಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿದ ವಿಭಾಳಿಗೆ ಕಹಿ ಮಾತುಗಳ ಸುರಿಮಳೆಯೇ ಆಗಿತ್ತು. ಕೆಲವು ವಿಪರೀತ ವಾದಗಳು , ಪ್ರತಿವಾದಗಳು ನಡೆದಿದ್ದವು. ಹೀಗೊಮ್ಮೆ ಜಗಳವಾಡುತಿದ್ದಾಗ ಚಾರೂ ಸಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ "ನಿಂಗೆ ಇದು ಅರ್ಥ ಆಗೋದಿಲ್ಲ. ನಿಂಗೆ ಹೇಳಿದ್ರೂ ಪ್ರಯೋಜನವಿಲ್ಲ. ಯು ಪ್ಲೀಸ್ ಗೋ ಅವೆ " ಅಂತ ಕಿರುಚಿದ. ವಿಭಾ ತುಂಬಾ ಸೆನ್ಸಿಟಿವ್ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿದು ಕೂಡ ಅವನು ಈ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನು ನುಡಿದೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದ. ವಿಭಾ ಅದನ್ನು ಮನಸಿಗೆ ಹಚ್ಚಿಕೊಂಡು ಚಾರೂವಿನಿಂದ ದೂರ ಹೋಗುವ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಳು. ಹೀಗಿರುವಾಗ, ಚಾರೂಗೆ ಮೊದಲೇ ಇದ್ದ ಕೆಲಸದ ಒತ್ತಡ ಮತ್ತು ಈಗ, ವಿಭಾಳು ದಾಂಪತ್ಯ ಜೀವನದಿಂದ ಹಾಡುತ್ತಿರುವ ವಿದಾಯದ ಸಂಕಟವು ಮಿಶ್ರಣಗೊಂಡಿತು.

ಅವನು ತನ್ನ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಯ ಕುರಿತು ವಿವರಿಸಲು ಮಾಡಿದ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನವೂ ವಿಫಲವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ವಿಭಾಳ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ಖಚಿತ ಎಂದಿದ್ದಳು. ಸರಿ, ವಿಭಾಳಿಗೆ ಅದರಲ್ಲೇ ಸಂತೋಷವಾದರೆ ನಾನು ಅಡ್ಡಿಯಾಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ, ಆದರೆ ನನ್ನ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಳೇ ಸರ್ವಸ್ವ ಎಂದು ಅವಳಿಗೆ ಚಾರೂ ತಿಳಿಸಿದನು. ಒಂದು ದಿನದ ಮಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಅವಳು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಮರೆತು ಅವನೊಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲಿನಂತೆ ಕಳೆಯುವಂತೆ ಕೇಳಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದನು. ಈಗ ಆ ಒಂದು ದಿನದ ಕಾಲಾವಧಿಯು ಮುಗಿಯಲು ಹತ್ತಿರವಾದಾಗ ಅವಳ ಕಣ್ಣಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರು ಕಂಡು ಚಾರೂವಿಗೆ ಅರಿವಿಲ್ಲದ ಹಾಗೆ ಎರಡು ಕಂಬನಿ ತನ್ನ ಕೆನ್ನೆ ಮೇಲೆ ಉರುಳಿದ್ದವು.

ವಿಭಾಳ ತುಟಿಗಳು ಮಾತಾಡಲು ಹೊರಟಿದ್ದವು, ಆದರೆ ಬಾಯಿಯಿ೦ದ ಶಬ್ದವೇ ಹೊರಡಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳು ಏನೋ ಹೇಳಲು ಯತ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ಚಾರೂ ಕಾರನ್ನು ನಿಧಾನಿಸಿ ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕ ಪಾರ್ಕಿಂಗ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದ. ಅವಳನ್ನು ನೋಡುತ್ತಾ "ವಿಭಾ ಐ ಅಂ ರಿಯಲಿ ಸಾರೀ. ನಾನು ನಿನ್ನ ತುಂಬಾ ನೋಯಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ನನ್ನ ಕೆಲಸದ ಪ್ರೋಬ್ಲೆಮ್ಗಾಗಿ ನಿನ್ನ ಮೇಲೆ ಕಿರುಚಾಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಕ್ಷಮಿಸು" ಎಂದು ಅವಳ ಕೈಯನ್ನು ಗಟ್ಟಿಯಾಗಿ ಹಿಡಿದನು. "ಚಾರೂ ನನ್ನ ಕ್ಷಮಿಸು ನೀನು. ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸದಾ ಸಂತೋಷವೇ ಇರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಏರು ಪೇರು ಸಹಜ. ಇದನ್ನ ಅರಿಯದ ನಾನು ಯಾವುದೋ ಒಂದು ಸಣ್ಣ ವಿಷಯಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಇಂತಹ ದೊಡ್ಡ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಹೊರಟಿದ್ದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಬಾಂಧವ್ಯ ಈ ಒಂದು ದಿನದ ಪಾಠದಿ೦ದ ಇನ್ನೂ ಗಟ್ಟಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. ತಾ೦ಕ್ಯು ವೆರಿ ಮಚ್ " ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಲೇ ಚಾರೂವಿನ ಭುಜದ ಮೇಲೆ ತಲೆ ಇಟ್ಟಳು. ಅವನು "ಲೇ ಹುಚ್ಚು ಹುಡುಗಿ..ಇನ್ಯಾವತ್ತೂ ಇಂತಹ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಡ. ನನ್ನ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ದೂರ ಹೋಗುವ ಮಾತು ಎತ್ತಲೇ ಬೇಡ." ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿ ತಲೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಮೊಟಕಿ, ಹಣೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಒಂದು ಸಿಹಿಯಾದ ಮುತ್ತನು ಇಟ್ಟು, ಅವಳನ್ನು ತೋಳಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹಿಡಿದನು.

ಸಮಯ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಹನ್ನೆರಡುಕಾಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಯಾವುದೋ ಒಂದು ಕಾರಿನ ಹೊರ್ನ್ ಕೇಳಿದಾಗ ಎಚ್ಚೆತ್ತು "ಒಹ್ ಸಮಯ ಕಳೆದದ್ದೇ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗಲಿಲ್ಲ, ಮನೆಗೆ ಹೊರಡೊಣ್ವಾ ?? " ಅಂತ ವಿಭಾ ಕೇಳಿದಳು.


ಅಪಾರ್ಟ್ಮೆಂಟಿಗೆ ಬಂದರು ...

ರೆಲೆಯ್ ಹೈಟ್ಸ್ ಗೆ ಬಂದು ಕಾರ್ ಪಾರ್ಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಹೊರಬಂದೊಡನೆ ಚಾರೂ "ವಿಭಾ ವೈಟ್ .. " ಎಂದು ಓಡಿ ಅವಳಿದ್ದ ಸೀಟಿನ ಬಾಗಿಲನ್ನು ತೆರೆದು, ಅವಳನ್ನು ಎತ್ತಿಕೊಂಡು ಒಳಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಲಿಫ್ಟ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ೧ನೆ ಮಹಡಿಯಾ ಬಟ್ಟನ್ ಒತ್ತಿದನು . ಮನೆಯೊಳಗೇ ಎತ್ತಿಕೊ೦ಡೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಮೆತ್ತನೆಯ ಹಾಸಿಗೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ವಿಭಾಳನ್ನು ಇಳಿಸಿದಾಗ ಮೊದಲನೇ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ಅವಳು ಅವನ ಕಿವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ "ಐ ಲವ್ ಯು " ಎಂದು ಪಿಸುಗುಟ್ಟಿದಳು. ಮೊದಲನೇ ಬಾರಿಗೆ ಈ ಶಬ್ದಗಳನ್ನು ವಿಭಾಳ ದ್ವನಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇಳಿದಾಗ ಚಾರೂ ಖುಷಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕರಗಿ ಹಾಸಿಗೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಬಿದ್ದು ಬಿಟ್ಟನು.

ಮರುದಿನ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ "ಕಾಫಿ ರೆಡಿ" ಅಂತ ವಿಭಾ ಮಾಮೂಲಿನಂತೆ ಕರೆದಾಗ ಚಾರೂವಿನ ತುಟಿಯಂಚಲಿ ಕಿರುನಗು ಮೂಡಿತ್ತು.
ಅವಳನ್ನು ಅನಾವಶ್ಯಕವಾಗಿ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡುಬಿಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ ಎಂಬ ಯೋಚನೆಯೇ ಅವನಿಗೆ ರೋಮ ನೆಟ್ಟಗಾಗಿಸಿತು .. "ಇನ್ನು ಸ್ಲೀಪಿಂಗಾ ? ಏಳು ಬೇಗ... ಕೆಲ್ಸಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗೋದಿಲ್ವಾ ?" ಅಂತ ಹುರುಪಿನಿಂದ ಕೇಳಿದಾಗ ಚಾರೂ ವಿಭಾಳನ್ನು ಅಪ್ಪಿಕೊಂಡು, ಅವಳ ಆಗ ತಾನೇ ತೊಳೆದಿದ್ದ ತಲೆ ಕೂದಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನ ಮುಖವನ್ನು ಹಾಕಿದ. ಅದೇ ಫ್ರೆಶ್ನೆಸ್ಸ್ ಅದೇ ಸುವಾಸನೆ.. ಸೆಲ್ ಫೋನ್ ತೆಗೆದು "ಸರ್, ಐ ಅಂ ನಾಟ್ ಕಾಮಿಂಗ್ ಇನ್ ಟುಡೇ. ಟೇಕಿ೦ಗ್ ಪರ್ಸನಲ್ ಟೈಮ್ ಆಫ್ " ಎಂದು ಬಾಸ್ ಗೆ ವಾಯ್ಸ್ ಮೇಲ್ ಕಳುಹಿಸಿದ.

ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಮ್ಯೂಸಿಕ್ ಸಿಸ್ಟಮ್ ಆನ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಕೈ ಮುಂದಿಟ್ಟು "ಶ್ಯಾಲ್ ವೀ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ?" ಎಂದನು.... ವಿಭಾ ನಾಚುತ್ತ "ಎಸ್ ಪ್ಲೀಸ್!" ಎಂದು ಅವನ ಕೈ ಹಿಡಿದು ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಹಾಕಿದಳು.

ಈ ಶ್ಯಾಲ್ ವೀ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ಸಂಚಿಕೆ ಮಾಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದ ಪಾತ್ರಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಕೇವಲ ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ.

ಶ್ಯಾಲ್ ವೀ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ??? ... ಭಾಗ ೩

ಊಟ ಬರುವಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ಹಿಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳ ಮೆಲುಕು ಹಾಕುತ್ತ "ವಿಭಾ ನಿಂಗೆ ದಾವಣಗೆರೆ ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ ದೋಸೆ ತಿನ್ನಬೇಕಾ? ರಾಯರ ಹೋಟೆಲ್ಗೆ ಹೋಗೋಣ್ವಾ ? ಬಿಸಿ ಬಿಸಿ ದೋಸೆ ತಿಂದು ಕಾಫಿ ಕುಡಿಯೋಣ" ಅಂತ ಕರೆದದ್ದು ನೆನಪಾಯಿತು. ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ ಹಾಗೆ ಅವಳ ಮುಖದ ಮೇಲೆ ಅಂದಿನಂತಹ ನಗು ಕಾಣಲು ಹಂಬಲಿಸಿ "ರಾಯರ ಹೋಟೆಲ್ ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ ದೋಸೆ" ಅಂತ ಮೆಲ್ಲನೆ ಹೇಳಿದ. ವಿಭಾ - "ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಆರ್ಡರ್ ಮಾಡ್ಲ ಅದನ್ನ" ಅಂತ ನಗುತ್ತಲೇ ಕೇಳಿದಳು . ಇಬ್ಬರು ಜೋರಾಗಿ ನಗತೊಡಗಿದರು. ವಾತಾವರಣ ಹಸಿಯಾಯಿತು. ಒಂದೊಂದೇ ನೆನಪು, ಕಿಟಕಿಯ ಹೊರಗಡೆ ಬೀಳುತಿದ್ದ ಮಳೆಯಹನಿಯ ಜೊತೆಯಾಗಿತ್ತು . ಕಿಟಕಿಯ ಪರದೆ ಎತ್ತುವಾಗ ವಿಭಾಳಿಗೆ ಚಾರೂ ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಮೊದಲ ಉಡುಗೊರೆ ಹೃದಯದಾಕಾರದ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಉಂಗುರ ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಬಿತ್ತು.

ಅವಳು ಆ ಸಂಜೆ ಕೆಲಸ ಮುಗಿಸಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ಹಿಂದಿರುಗುವಾಗ ತುಂತುರು ಶುರುವಾಗಿತ್ತಷ್ಟೇ. ನೀಲಿ ಬಣ್ಣದ ಛತ್ರಿ ತೆಗೆದು ಒಂದು ಮರದ ಕೆಳೆಗೆ ಹೋಗೋವಾಗ ಚಾರೂವಿನ ರಿಂಗ್ ಟೋನ್ "ನೀನೇ ನೀನೇ.. ಮನಸೆಲ್ಲಾ ನೀನೆ" ಎಂದು ಹಾಡಿತು . "ಹಲೋ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಇದ್ದೀಯಾ ಚಾರೂ ? ಮಳೆ ಶುರು ಆಯಿತು.?" ಎಂದು ವಿಭಾ ಕೇಳಲು, ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಚಾರೂ " ವಿಭಾ ಎರಡು ನಿಮಿಷ ತಾಳು ಬಂದೆ" ಎಂದವನು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಎರಡು ನಿಮಿಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಳ ಎದುರು ನೀಲಿ ಛತ್ರಿಯ ಕೆಳಗೆ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದ. ಜೇಬಿನಿಂದ ಏನೋ ತೆಗೆದು "ವಿಭಾ ಕಣ್ಣು ಮುಚ್ಚು" ಎಂದಾಗ ಅವಳು "ಏನದು ?" ಎಂದು ಕುತೂಹಲದಿಂದ ಕೇಳಿದಳು. ಚಾರೂ ಅವಳ ಕಣ್ಣು ಮುಚ್ಚಿ, ಬಾಯಿ ಮೇಲೆ ಒಂದು ಬೆರಳಿಟ್ಟು, ಮತ್ತೇನೂ ಮಾತಾಡಲು ಅವಕಾಶ ಕೊಡದೆ , ಅವಳ ಬೆರಳಿಗೆ ಉಂಗುರ ತೊಡಿಸಿದನು. ಕಣ್ಣು ತೆರೆದವಳಿಗೆ ಶಬ್ದಗಳಿಲ್ಲ. ರಭಸದ ಮಳೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನ ಆನಂದ ಭಾಷ್ಪವು ಸೇರಿತ್ತು. ಇಬ್ಬರು ಕೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೈಯ್ಯ ಜೋಡಿಸಿ ರೋಡ್ ಕೊನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಜ್ಜಿ ಮಾಡುತಿದ್ದವನ ಬಳಿ ೧೦ ರುಪಾಯಿಗೆ ಬಿಸಿ ಬಿಸಿ ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ ಬಜ್ಜಿ ಖರೀದಿಸಿ ದಾರಿಯುದ್ದಕ್ಕೂ ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತ ಮನೆ ಸೇರಿದ್ದರು.

ಚಾರೂ ವಿಭಾಳ ಸೌಂದರ್ಯವನ್ನು ತನ್ನ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆರೆದು ಹಿಡಿಯುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ ವೈಟರ್ ಬಂದು - "ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಪಿ ವೆಜಿತಬಲ್ಸ್ ಇನ್ ಟೊ೦ ಯ೦ ಗ್ರೇವಿ , ಎಂಜಾಯ್ ಯುವರ್ ಡಿನ್ನರ್" ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿ ಪಕ್ಕದ ಟೇಬಲ್ನೆಡೆಗೆ ಹೊರಟ. ವಿಭಾ ವೈಟರಿಗೆ "ತಾ೦ಕ್ ಯೂ " ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾ " ಚಾರೂ ಲೆಟ್ಸ್ ಸ್ಟಾರ್ಟ್ " ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ ವೆಜಿಟಬಲ್ಸನ ಬಡಿಸಲು ಹೊರಟಳು . ಅವನು "ಸಾಕು ಜಾಸ್ತಿ ಬೇಡ ನಂಗೆ" ಎಂದಾಗ ವಿಭಾ "ನೀನು ಇಷ್ಟೇ ತಿಂದರೆ ನಿನ್ನ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಇನ್ನು ಅರ್ಧ ಘಂಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಡ್ಕೊಳ್ಳೋಕ್ಕೆ ಶುರು ಮಾಡತ್ತೆ. ಅದು ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಹೆಲ್ತ್ ಹಾಳಾಗತ್ತೆ" ಅಂತ ಕಾಳಜಿ ತೋರಿಸಿದಳು.


ಚಾರೂಗೆ ಸಂತೋಷವಾಯಿತು. ಅವಳು ಬಡಸಿದಷ್ಟು ಹ್ಞೂ ಉಹ್ಞೂ ಎನ್ನದೆ ತಿಂದನು. ಬಿಲ್ ಪೇ ಮಾಡಿದ ನಂತರ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಎದ್ದು ಹೊರಗೆ ಬಂದರು. ಹನಿ ಹನಿ ಮಳೆ ಬೀಳುತಿತ್ತು. ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಮಗುವಿನಂತೆ ಆ ಹನಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಿಡಿದು ಬಾಯಲ್ಲಿ ಊದಿ ಚೆಲ್ಲುವ ಆಟ. ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿ ನೋಡಿದಾಗ ಇದ್ದ ಹುಡುಗುತನ ಹಾಗೆ ಇತ್ತು. ಚಾರೂವಿಗೆ ಅವಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಇದ್ದ ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಇನ್ನೂ ಘಾಢವಾಗಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿತು. ಈ ಕ್ಷಣ ಇಲ್ಲೇ ನಿಲ್ಲ ಬಾರದೆ? ಎಂದು ಮನಕೆ ಪ್ರಶ್ನಿಸಿದನು. ಯೋಚನೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಚಾರೂವನ್ನು ಬಂದು "ಹೊರೋಡೋಣವೆ? " ಎಂದು ವಿಭಾ ಕೇಳಿದಳು.

ಕಾರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತು ಫೋರ್ಡ್ ಸ್ಟ್ರೀಟ್ ನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ರೆಲೆಯ್ ಹೈಟ್ಸ್ -

ಅವರ ಅಪಾರ್ಟ್ಮೆಂಟ್ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಮಾಡಿದರು . ನಿಶಬ್ದ , ಮಳೆ ಹನಿಯ ಸದ್ದು ಚಾರೂನನ್ನು ಕಾಡುತಿತ್ತು. ಕಾರಿನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಮ್ಯೂಸಿಕ್ ಸಿಸ್ಟಮನ್ನು ಆನ್ ಮಾಡಿದ .. "ಮೇರಾ ಜೀವನ್ ಕೊರಾ ಕಾಗಜ್ ..." ಹಾಡು ಬರಲು ಆರಂಭಿಸಿತು. ವಿಭಾ ಮಾತಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಕಿಟಕಿಯ ಹೊರಗೆ ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಳು. ರಭಸದಿ ಬೀಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಅಲೆಗಳ ಶಬ್ದ ಕೇಳಿಸುತಿತ್ತು. ಹಿಂದಿನ ಎರಡು ತಿಂಗಳಿಂದ ಇಬ್ಬರ ನಡುವೆ ನಡೆದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಘಟನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಮತ್ತೆ ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾ ಬೇ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣುತಿದ್ದ ಹಡುಗಿನತ್ತ ತಲೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸಿದಳು. ಅವಳ ಕಣ್ಣಲ್ಲಿ ಹನಿಯೊಂದು ತುಂಬಿತ್ತು. ಚಾರೂ ಅದನ್ನು ಗಮನಿಸಿದೊಡನೆ "ಇಸ್ ಯೆವ್ರಿತಿ೦ಗ್ ಗುಡ್. ಏನಾಯಿತು? ನಾಳೆ ಇಂದ ನೀನು ಆ ಹಡುಗಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ಕುಳಿತಿರುವ ಹಕ್ಕಿಯಂತೆ ವಿಭಾ .. ನನ್ನ ಹಂಗು ಇರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ನಿನ್ನ ಇಷ್ಟವೇ ನನ್ನ ಸಂತೋಷ. ನಿನ್ನ ಖುಷಿಯ ಮುಂದೆ ನನಗೇನಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದರೆ ನನಗೆ ವರಿ ಆಗ್ತಿರೋದು ನೀನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬಳೇ ಹೇಗೆ? ಏನು ಮಾಡ್ತಿಯಾ ? " ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದನು.

ನಾಳೆ ಅಂತಿಮ ಭಾಗ .... ಕಾದು ನೋಡಿ ..

ಶ್ಯಾಲ್ ವೀ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ??? ... ಭಾಗ ೨

ಚಾರೂ ಸೀ ಔಟ್ ರೆಸ್ಟೋರಂಟ್ ಒಳಗೆ ಒಂದು ಲೇಕ್ ವ್ಯೂ ಇದ್ದಂತಹ ಕಾರ್ನೆರ್ ಟೇಬಲ್ ಬುಕ್ ಮಾಡಿದ. ಇನ್ನು ೧೦ ನಿಮಿಷ ಕಾಯಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಅಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಕರಿ ಕೋಟ್ ಮನುಷ್ಯ ಹೇಳಿದ. ವೈಟಿಂಗ್ ರೂಮ್ ನಲ್ಲೆ ಇದ್ದ ಸೋಫಾ ಮೇಲೆ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಕುಳಿತರು. ಚಾರೂ ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಟೇಬಲ್ ಮೇಲಿದ್ದh ಕ್ಯಾಲಿಫೋರ್ನಿಯಾ ಟೈಮ್ಸ್ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಪೇಪರನ್ನು ತಿರುವು ಹಾಕಲು ಶುರು ಮಾಡಿದ. ಇವರ ಮುಂದೆ ಇದ್ದ ಒಂದು ಲವಲವಿಕೆಯ ಜೋಡಿಯನ್ನು ನೋಡಿದ ವಿಭಾ ಯಾವುದೋ ಯೋಚನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೇಲಿ ಹೋದಳು. ೧೫ ನಿಮಿಷಗಳ ನಂತರ "ಮಿಸ್ಟರ್ ಚಾರೂ ಯುವರ್ ಟೇಬಲ್ ಇಸ್ ರೆಡಿ" ಅಂತ ಬಂದು ಜೇಮ್ಸ್ ಇವರಿಬ್ಬರನ್ನು ಕರೆದನು. ಪೇಪರನ್ನು ವಾಪಾಸ್ ಅದರ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಡುತ್ತ ಮೇಲೇಳುತ್ತ ವಿಭಾಕಡೆಗೆ ತಿರುಗಿ "ವಿಭಾ, (ಅವಳ ಭುಜದ ಮೇಲೆ ಕೈ ಇಟ್ಟು ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ) ವಿಭಾ ಟೇಬಲ್ ರೆಡಿ ಆಯಿತು. ಕಮ್ ಆನ್" ಎಂದನು. ವಿಭಾ ಎದ್ದು ಅವನೊಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ನಡೆದಳು. ಚಾರೂ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲೇ ವಿಭಾ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ, ಅವನ ಕೈ ಅವಳ ಕೈಯನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿಯಿತು. ಗಟ್ಟಿಯಾಗಿ ಒತ್ತುತ್ತಾ ಚಾರೂ ಸನ್ನೆಯಲ್ಲೇ "ನಾನಿದ್ದೀನಿ ಭಯ ಪಡಬೇಡ" ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಲು ಯತ್ನಿಸಿದ. ವಿಭಾ ಉತ್ತರವಾಗಿ ಅವನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಸರೆದು ಚಾರೂವಿನ ಸ್ವೆಟರ್ ಎಳೆದಳು.

ಲೇಕ್ ವ್ಯೂ ಸೀಟ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಎದುರೆದುರು ಕುಳಿತು ಕೊಂಡರು. ವಿಭಾಳ ಕಣ್ಣಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ಹೊಳಪು ಮೂಡಿತ್ತು, ಚಾರೂ ಮೆನು ಕಾರ್ಡ್ ನತ್ತ ಗಮನ ಹರಿಸಲೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಅವನು ನಾಜೂಕಿನಿಂದ ಅವಳ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬಂದು "ಐ ಲವ್ ಯು" ಎಂದಾಗ ವಿಭಾಳಿಗೆ, ಚಾರೂ ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿ ಈ ಮೂರು ಶಬ್ದಗಳನ್ನು ಹೇಳಿದ ಕ್ಷಣ ಕಣ್ಮುಂದೆ ಬಂದಿತು.

ಚಾರೂ ಆಗ ತಾನೇ ವಿಭಾಳನ್ನು ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಒಂದು ನೆಂಟರ ಮದುವೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ವಧುವಿನ ಗೆಳತಿಯರೊಂದಿಗೆ ನೋಡಿದ್ದನು. ಚಾರುಶ್ಚಿತ್ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಹಿಂಬಾಲಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಮಂಟಪದ ಹಿಂದಿದ್ದ ಭಾವಿ ಕಟ್ಟೆ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ , ಅವಳು ಅಕಸ್ಮಾತಾಗಿ ವಾಪಾಸ್ ಮಂಟಪದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ತಿರುಗಿದಳು .. ಇಬ್ಬರ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳು ಸೇರಿದ್ದವು. ಚಾರುಶ್ಚಿತ್ ಅವಳ ಮಾತು , ಅಂದವನ್ನು ಮೆಚ್ಚಿ " ಐ ಲವ್ ಯು " ಎಂದು ನುಡಿದೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟ. ಅಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ವಿಭಾಳ ಗೆಳತಿಯರೆಲ್ಲಾ "ಓಓಓಹ್ ವಿಭಾ.. ಬಿದ್ದರಮ್ಮಾ ನಂಬರ್ ## " ಎಂದು ತಮಾಷೆ ಮಾಡಲಾರ೦ಭಿಸಿದರು. ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಡೈನಮಿಕ್ ಆಗಿರುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ವಿಭಾ ಚಾರೂವಿನ ಪ್ರೀತಿಗೆ ಕರಗಿ ಹೋಗಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಕಣ್ಣನ್ನು ಆ ಕಡೆ ಇಂದ ಈ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಆಡಿಸುತ್ತ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಮಂಟಪದತ್ತ ಓಡಿದಳು. ನಂತರ ಮದುವೆ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಮುಗಿದು ಊಟ ಮುಗಿಯುವ ವರೆಗೂ ಇಬ್ಬರ ಕಣ್ಣ ಮುಚ್ಚಾಲೆ ಆಟ ನಡೆಯಿತು. ಚಾರೂ ಹೊರಡುವ ವೇಳೆಗೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಅದೇ ಭಾವಿಯ ಹತ್ತಿರ ವಿಭಾಳ ಕೈ ಹಿಡಿದು "ನೀ ನನ್ನ ಬಾಳ ಸಂಗಾತಿ ಆಗಲು ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿರುವೆಯಾ? ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೂವಿನ ಹಾಸಿಗೆಯನ್ನೇ ಹಾಸುವೆ ,ಸಂತಸವು ನಿನ್ನ ಪಾಲಾಗಿಸುವೆ " ಎಂದು ಡೈಲಾಗ್ ಹೇಳಿದಾಗ , ವಿಭಾ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ನಕ್ಕಳು. ಅವಳ ಗೆಳತಿಯರೆಲ್ಲ ವಿಭಾಳನ್ನು ಅವನೆಡೆಗೆ ತಳ್ಳಿದರು. ವಿಭಾ ಚಾರೂವಿನ ತೋಳಿನಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನನ್ನು ತಾನು ನಾಚುತ್ತ ಮುಚ್ಚಿ ಕೊಂಡಳು.

ಇಷ್ಟು ನೆನಪಾಗುವಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ಚಾರೂ ಮತ್ತೆ ಸ೦ಕೊಚದಲ್ಲಿ " ಐ ಲವ್ ಯು" ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದ್ದ. ಮಂದಹಾಸ ಬೀರುತ್ತ ಅವಳು "ಡ್ರಿಂಕ್ಸ್ ಆರ್ ಡಿನ್ನರ್" ಎಂದು ಮೆನು ಕಾರ್ಡ್ ಕಡೆ ತಿರುಗಿದಾಗ ಚಾರು "ಆಸ್ ಯು ಸೇ ಮೈ ಲೇಡಿ" ಅಂತ ಅಂದನು . ವಿಭಾ ವೆಜಿಟೇರಿಯನ್ ಸೆಕ್ಷನ್ ನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ವರೈಟಿಯನೆಲ್ಲಾ ನೋಡುತ್ತಾ "ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಪಿ ವೆಜಿಟೆಬಲ್ಸ ಇನ್ ಟೊ೦ ಯ೦ ಗ್ರೇವಿ " ತೊಗೊಳೋಣ್ವ ಅಂತ ಕೇಳಿದಳು , ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಮಲೀಶಿಯನ್ ನೂಡಲ್ಸ್ ಇದ್ರೆ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿರುತ್ತೆ ಅಂತ ಚಾರೂ ಸೇರಿಸಿದ. ವೈಟರ್ ಬಂದು "ಯುವರ್ ಆರ್ಡರ್ ಪ್ಲೀಸ್" ಎಂದಾಗ ವಿಭಾ ಮೆನುವಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದ ಪದಾರ್ಥದ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯನ್ನು ಹೇಳಿದಳು. ವೈಟರ್ ನಗುತ್ತಲೇ " ಶುಅರ್ ಮೇಡಂ , ೧೫ ಮಿನಿಟ್ಸ್ ಪ್ಲೀಸ್. ಲವ್ಲೀ ಕಪಲ್" ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿ ಕಣ್ಣು ಹೊಡೆದು ಪಾಕಶಾಲೆ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಹೊರಟನು.

ಶ್ಯಾಲ್ ವೀ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ??? ... ಭಾಗ ೧

ಅವನು ಕೈ ಮುಂದಕ್ಕೆ ಇಟ್ಟು "ಬಾ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ಮಾಡೋಣ" ಅಂತ ಕರೆದಾಗ ಅವಳು ನಾಚುತ್ತಲೇ ಮುಂಗುರುಳನ್ನು ಬೆರಳುಗಳ ಸಹಾಯದಿಂದ ಆಡಿಸುತ್ತ "ಇಲ್ಲ ನಂಗೆ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ಮಾಡೋಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ" ಎಂದಳು. "ಮುಜುಗರವೇಕೋ? ಸತ್ಯವಾಗಲು ನಿಂಗೆ ಡಾನ್ಸ್ ಬರೋದಿಲ್ವಾ?" ಅಂತ ಮತ್ತೆ ಮೃದುವಾದ ಅವಳ ಕೈಯ ಹಿಡಿದು ಕರೆದ. ಈ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ಅವಳ ಕಣ್ಣ ಅಂಚಲ್ಲಿ ವಜ್ರದಂತೆ ಹೊಳೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಕಣ್ಣೀರ ಹನಿಯೊಂದು ಮನೆ ಮಾಡಿತ್ತು. ಅದನ್ನು ಕಂಡ ಅವನು "ಹೇಯ್ ವಿಭಾ ! ನಾನು ಸುಮ್ನೆ ತಮಾಷೆಗೆ ಹಾಗೆ ಕರೆದೆ.. ಡೋಂಟ್ ವರಿ. ನಿಂಗೆ ಇಷ್ಟ ಇಲ್ಲ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಹೊರಡೋಣ. ಬೇರೆ ಕಡೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಊಟ ಮಾಡೋಣ" ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದ.

ವಿಭಾ ತನ್ನ ತಲೆಯನ್ನು ಅವನ ಎದೆಯ ಮೇಲಿಟ್ಟು ಮುಖವನ್ನು ಮುಚ್ಚಿ ಅಳಲು , ಅವನಿಗೆ ಏನಾಯಿತೆಂಬ ಅರಿವಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಕಕ್ಕಾಬಿಕ್ಕಿಯಾಗಿ ನಿಂತನು. ಎರಡು ಕ್ಷಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಳು ಎಚ್ಚೆತ್ತು ಅವನನ್ನು ತಳ್ಳಿ ಹಿಂದೆ ಸರಿದಳು. ಚಾರಿಶ್ಚಿತ್ ಇನ್ನೂ ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯದಲ್ಲೇ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದನು. ಮತ್ತೆರಡು ಕ್ಷಣಗಳ ನಂತರ ಅವನು ತೊದಲು ನುಡಿಯಲ್ಲೇ "ವಿಭಾ ನನ್ನ ಮಾತಿನಿಂದ ನಿನಗೆ ನೋವಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಕ್ಷಮಿಸು " ಎಂದನು. ಕಣ್ಣೀರ ಒರೆಸುತ್ತಾ "ಇಲ್ಲ ಚಾರೂ , ಐ ಅಂ ಸಾರೀ , ಮನೆಗೆ ಹೋಗೋಣ್ವಾ. ನನಗೆ ಹಸಿವಿಲ್ಲ" ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ ಬಾಗಿಲೆಡೆಗೆ ಹೊರಟಳು. ಚಾರೂಗೆ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಹಿಂಬಾಲಿಸುವದಷ್ಟೇ ಉಳಿದಿದ್ದು.

ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸರಸರನೆ ಇಡುತ್ತ ಪಾರ್ಕಿಂಗ್ ನಲ್ಲಿಟ್ಟ ಕಾರ್ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬಂದು ನಿಂತಿದ್ದಳು. ಚಾರೂ ಹಿಂದೆಯೇ ಬಂದು ಕಾರನ್ನು ಅನ್ಲಾಕ್ ಮಾಡಲು, ಬೀಪ್ ಎಂದ ಶಬ್ದ, ಹತ್ತು ನಿಮಿಷದ ಮೌನವನ್ನು ಮಾಸಿತು. ಇಂಜಿನ್ ಸ್ಟಾರ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಿದೊಡನೆ ಬೆಕ್ಕಿನಂತೆ ಬಂದು ಮುದುಡಿ ಕುಳಿತಳು ವಿಭಾ. ಮತ್ತೆ ಮೌನ.. ಮನಗಳೆರಡು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಖಾಲಿ ಹಾಳೆಯಂತೆ , ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯೋಣವೆಂದರೆ ಲೇಖನಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂಕ್ ಮುಗಿದಿದೆ, ಪೆನ್ಸಿಲ್ ಹುಡುಕಿದರೆ ಪದಗಳು ಮರೆತು ಹೋದ ಹಾಗೆ... ಈ ತರಹವಿದ್ದ ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಚಾರೂ ಗಾಡಿಯನ್ನು ಬೇ ಬ್ರಿಡ್ಜ್ ಹತ್ತಿರವಿದ್ದ "ಸೀ ಔಟ್ ರೆಸ್ಟೋರಂಟ್" ಹತ್ತಿರ ತಂದು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿ - "ವಿಭಾ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಹೊತ್ತು ಕೂರೋಣವೇ?" ಎಂದು ಅವಳ ಕಣ್ಣಲ್ಲಿ ಕಣ್ಣಿಟ್ಟು ಕೇಳಿದ. ವಿಭಾ ಹ್ಞೂ ಎಂದು ತಲೆಯಾಡಿಸಿದಳು.

Howaazzzzz that????

Last evening my cousin sister came home with her son Samarthan. He is a darling, smart, handsome cutie pie. Today the generation of kids go "out of the box" to figure out the world better. Their questions range from the degree of embarassment to technically not possible to answer kinds, serious to fun. Most of them are so very curious to know about developments happening at home to what is rocket science all about ???... Aaahhhh! Kids to be Kids but sometimes they behave like a grandpa and grandma when they start with their set of questions - Why? What? Who? When? How?Where? ...

My dear nephew is no exception. As soon as I reached home ,parked the car and stepped out to greet him a smiling "hiiiiiiiiiii...." .
He was waiting at the gate and was eager to reveal how he landed at our house telling all the modes of transport he had used to reach his destination - our home.

His words literally went like this:
Me: "Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii... Samarthan"
Samarthan: "Hi! I came in car first , then got onto a bus , got down from the bus , took an auto and reached your house".... All in one shot.

My goodness.

Within a few moments he realised that my Sis had not come along. His next question was quite so obvious.

Samarthan : "Where is 'Sis'???" with a big question mark on his face .
Me:"She is in Australia now and is sleeping cos its midnight there" Not sure how much of this he understood but he nodded his head from right to left.

My mom added that Australia is very far from India . Do you know Samarthan ??

His nodding continued.

After a while Dad comes home. Samarthan repeated his favourite one liner of the day - how he reached home story , as if playing those words again from the old taperecorder. Same enthusiam and same energy - one shot statement.

Dad asked him : Where is "Me"? (I was in Kitchen then). Pat came the response " She is in Kitchen ...."
Dad asked about Sis.
Dad: "Where is 'Sis'? Do you know ?"

Curious me came to the living room to hear his answer.
Samarthan : In a casual tone "She is in mysore(He had forgotten Australia, so added the name of the city he knew of) and she is sleeping now as it is night there." He remembered the sleeping part :).
Dad: Correcting him "She is in Australia not in Mysore".
Samarthan: "Yeah Australia not mysore ". He repeated.
Dad: " How to go to Australia from India , do you know ? Its very far right ? Do you know Samarthan ?"
Samarthan: "In bus, of course. " (Oh yeah farthest he has travelled is in a bus , so the response was right from his point of view).
Dad: Laughs and explains " No Samarthan, you need to catch the flight to go that far a distance. you have seen the planes flying high in the sky right. They take you there."
Samarthan : Listening carefully "Okay, but how did "Sis" catch the flight when it was going so high??"

Howaazzzz that?

LOL:)

I intervened the laughter zone to explain him with details , connecting the bus stops to airports, buses to planes. Not sure how convinced he is with the explanation.

Schoolhouse in the nature~ Fiction

 In a quaint rural village nestled amidst the lush greenery of Karnataka, there stood a small schoolhouse where Teacher Radha imparted knowl...