Blending in

I was lost for some time and found myself back. The best way of knowing what is wrong is just

try it. I now, more sure of where I belong. So, I am going to live my fantasy again, in my

words, in my world. Let that journey continue…..

How does it feel when you know where you belong? I certainly didn’t know that, but

I was starting to believe that I was one of them. After spending years in a room, talking to silence,

I was in a world that was unknown. A world where sun was nice, wind was fresh and sounds made me feel that I was not odd and ignored.

One day, I was roaming in street in Shahnu and Neel.

Shahnu asked me

--- So, how you doing here?

--- I feel good with you guys.

Neel just went ahead of us and turned to me. Then he put his elbow on my shoulder,

--- Buddy, I am not too wise. But I think something is cooking.

Shahnu exclaimed

--- Where, are we invited? What’s in menu?

Neel replied

--- When does a boy see a girl with sparkling eyes? Tina is cute. You are cute too, Naga.

I was kind of confused. But, suddenly Shahnu poked me,

--- Ya, she is cute.

I was feeling little uncomfortable.

Neel then went behind me and pushed me gently. He said to Shahnu

--- He is blushing. So, sweet. We have a couple in our nest.

Shahnu was about to join him but I played a trick and told Shahnu,

--- I am hungry. Can we go back now? And started to walk fast towards our nest.

Then I realized that I was alone. I stopped and turned back. Shahnu told me,

--- You go. I will be there soon.

Saying this he rushed to somewhere.

I asked Neel

--- Where is he going?

--- To arrange some food.

--- Shahnu always takes responsibilities.

---Well not always.

---Why do you say so?

Neel paused for a while a said,

--- You might have changed him. He was kind of selfish before. Now he always manages something for all and that something is always better what we might have done!

He then turned back to me and said,

--- I need a chat with him. You go ahead and I will join you guys soon. See you later.

Then he ran away.

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

It was raining that evening. We were little worried as Shahnu and Neel had not returned till then. But we were cracking jokes on each other, as usual. Suddenly, Jinu asked me,

--- Where is Neel? He was you and Shahnu. 

--- Stuck in rain I guess.

--- In rain! You don't know them. Anyway whats up?

--- Nothing just watching you guys.

As soon as I finished my words Shahnu showed up.

--- Hey, what's going on!

Jinu asked him,

--- Where is Neel buddy.

Shahnu replied,

--- How do I know? He was with Naga. 

At this I said ,

--- He went after you. 

--- Well, he wasn't with me. He can take care of own self. Believe me.

Suddenly Tina exclaimed,

--- You are too cold, Are you okay?

 
I turned to her and saw her hand on my shoulder, but I couldn't feel it. I was feeling cold, may be because of getting drenched in rain but I was fine. Shahnu smiled and asked ,

--- Are you fine , hmm ! Don't catch cold that's too bad.

I nodded and some words escaped my mouth

--- Guys, may be I need rest. 

As I was about to exit the room I cat jumped before me. Even today that thing reminds me of something.

to be continued...





 

I can still remember myself on that day in a old battered desolated house.But that desolated house was home of some poor boys like Shahnu.

Shahnu stop at the door and told me,
--- just quite !
He entered the room. Then it was pin drop silence for few moment. Then Shahnu
lifted his hand like a terrorist surrendering to army and cry out,
--- look who showed up guys !

Then few of them pounced on him.In a moment all was changed and it was like a scenario of returning of family member after long time.Hugging, jokes,laughter and out burst of energy of life. Shahnu then suddenly shouted,
---hey guy! we have a new member...meet Naga.
and pointed at me. I was just enjoying the scene. Suddenly a hand stretched out toward me ,
--- welcome buddy.
With little hesitation I introduced myself,
--- I am Naga.
Suddenly Shahnu put hand on my shoulder and addressed his pals,
--- I am home with a new friend and we are starving. Now didnot your mother taught you how to welcome guests !
One of them shouted ,
--- this is for only those who have mother!
then all broke laughter as if Shahnu cracked a joke !

In few seconds I realised that it was a joke. They were all orphans. That was why they were there. But I used to think "orphan" refers to some poor ,unfortunate people. But their smile have some other impression on me. I dont now know fake or real ,but they seemed happy, like a family.They were all acting like stupid.Stupidity expressing some heartiness....... overwhelming and spontaneous.

Vague Call

Shadow

Before a little play of war began within that small cell that bruised poor woman somehow managed to give a cruel laugh to drew attention but ended up gasping for air,

In a low voice with little tone of whimpering she uttered,

--- Nothing matters for princess, nothing for my dear. Soon they both will be beyond all this pain and worries.

Digvijay lowered his sword as he asked,

--- What you mean?

--- She has crossed the boundary of this kingdom. She will sacrifice herself for princess, for the life she dreamt of, and she will give it to her.

The torment captain shouted in rage,

--- Where is princess?

Digvijay swung furiously and kicked his jaw before he could make another move. Captain fell on ground and started groaning in pain .Digvijay rushed to her and grabbed her shoulder and asked again, but this time louder,

--- What you mean?

--- She will give her dream to princess. All her beautiful dreams and it will be her life. And her soul will make those dreams true for her. A beautiful life like dream.

---What rubbish!

--- She will sleep forever. A beauty sleep, Far away from all mortal sorrow.

--- Your queen has lost her mind!

Suddenly a sound drew his mind. He saw captain escaping. Digvijay roared,

--- Stop you rat!

He followed captain out of cell, picked a bow from a dead hand. As he launched the arrow the scenario faded into a mist .Sound of leaves and crow, and suddenly found myself middle of a jungle. Standing like petrified I noticed Shahnu in a distance walking though bushes . He turned and saw me standing still. He shouted at me,

--- We have to go miles Naga. Move on. Hurry up.

I started walking My eyes were full of questions. Shahnu stared at me for once and said,

--- Naga out with it. Is there something to say !

--- How we came here? I can’t remember.

He stopped and turned and looks at me with puzzled eyes.

--- How we came here ! you walked ,I walked ,on feet ,in full sense for more than 30 minutes and now in middle of jungle you are asking me this !

---But I don’t remember. We were in train.

---Previous night. Its morning .Sun shining in sky. Look up.Now if its joke, I advice do it after 40 minutes .I am hungry Naga.

He started walking again. I followed him with many questions playing in my mind.