Fate...

Out of Syllabus 33

"Life moves very fast.  It rushes from heaven to hell in a matter of seconds." - Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho

[Disclaimer: All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.]

Anitha lead a nearly perfect life. A good job, loving husband, a cute child to take care and a small house to live in. She led simple but happy life. Everything was going fine until that day. When she saw the news she was shell shocked.

Few years back. Anitha was doing her post graduation in Social Work. As usual she was the heart and soul of the college. Bubbly, live, charming, active, union chairperson.. she was an all rounder. If there was one defect in her, it was her looks. She was average looking, but her character over rode that particular defect. Job was her lecturer. He was perfect looking gentlemen in late 20's and too young for a lecturer. As if it was meant to happen, Job fell in love with Anitha. On the Valentine's day of the final year of Anitha, he proposed her. But Anitha being sensible that her Brahmin parents won't allow her to marry even from other caste, let alone a christian, politely rejected the proposal. Job was devastated.

Time went on. Anitha got a job as counselor in the famous hospital of the city. She got married and became well settled. Anitha's main job was to counsel the patients who are suffering from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). Toughest part of her job was to inform the patients about the disease they are suffering from, which in many cases may go to extreme like AIDS. It was her job to help patients recover from the shock. On that day, she got one such extreme case where a patient suffers from AIDS. When she called the patient to her cabin, she was shocked to see him, it was Job. He was equally shocked to see her. May be because it was his Anitha, Job opened up.

After that fateful incident in college, Job felt so devastated that he found refuge in alcohol. Slowly alcohol turned into drugs. It was in the effect of drugs, he found out his passion for sexual pleasure. He sought pleasure in other women including prostitutes. He was so addicted that many a times he didn't take protective measures. As it was inevitable, he too succumbed to the hands of AIDS.

Anitha didn't know what to say. She just gave the medical report to Job, who felt numb upon seeing the disease. Without uttering a word, Job left the hospital. 

Next day Anitha saw the news that Job had committed suicide. She felt responsible. Remorse was pouring through every inch of her body. She told her husband that she wants to pay respect to the departed soul. At the graveyard she laid a rose on the grave and told

"I too loved you dear, but society will never accept us. Had I sacrificed that acceptance, I wouldn't have to suffer a lot today. I am sorry."

Candle light dinner...

Out of Syllabus 32

"A man on a date wonders if he'll get lucky. The woman already knows." - Monica Piper

She came in asking "Are you going to propose me?"
I was at the most expensive restaurant in the city. It was a private segment with sandalwood design complementing the candle light and giving it a golden suite look. Two glasses and a bottle of red wine with a bunch of red roses and soothing music made it a perfect place for romantic evening. This prompted her to ask that question.
She was wearing a black crimson saree and was glowing in the candle light. She had that uncanny ability  to keep the oomph factor without exposing an inch. Today also was not different. She had let her hair to flow in the back with edges curled. All these years when she was with me, i never noticed that, she was damn sexy.
"Do you remember the last candle light dinner we had"? She asked.
It was at a 'THATTUKADA' outside the railway station. We had black tea instead of wine. Rain and mosquitoes accompanied us as music. We both chuckled remembering it.
"The only difference here is that there is no rain" I told.
"Mosquitoes too", she replied.
"Why here?" She asked again.
"Special day, special person, so special place too" I told.
"Whats so special?" She asked. I just smiled.
She had been my best friend since ages. Literally she had been a shoulder of support in lows and highs of my life. Frankly speaking I owe my life to her. But since last few months I was getting tensed. I realized that I am going to lose her soon.
"When are you going to get married?" I asked.
"May be within an year" she replied.
"What about our friendship after that?" I asked trying desperately to hide my anxiety.
"Whats with it, you also know we are life long friends." She replied.
"But..." I stopped halfway.
She looked up and understood my anxiety.
"What can i say yaar, it all depends on him. You also knows that being a girl i have limitations" She told. My fears were confirmed, I will definitely lose her.
"You know that I wont be able to survive without you." I told without hiding my feelings.
"Hmm I know. But life is like that. Everyone including your parents and beloved one will leave you at one stage. But life has to move on." She replied.
"But there is one solution." I told.
"Whats it?" She asked.
I asked her "Will you marry me!!!"
She stared at me for long time and then we burst into laughter.