A Valentine's Day

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL 

I had heard only in some movies and also in those falsified stories of friends who visited abroad. But when Sanju told me in person, and handed me the passes for the same; I was in that awe-inspiring expression. Like is this really happening; and that too to me?
The joy of being single is something great. Like having no headaches of being adhered to your cell phone, taking care of all those girly matters going around in the market; no prick of making plans for every weekend; at least in a big-ticket ambient eatery where they serve quality food in minimal quantity. But at these places, the couple can simmer down those despicable chedulals; as girls only like to get ogled by good looking well-mannered well-dressed guys.
I have been to many of these hang-outs with my friends from office. Working in the corporate sector; where health is compensated with money, these hang-outs are mandatorily refreshing and aids a hide-out from those ‘manager’ial pressures. I honestly felt lack-lustred among others; obvious that the personality specialists tagged me, an ISTP – an Introvert Sensible Thinking Perspective person; the latter three empowering the former one. But for the aforementioned reasons, I kept participating in the mehfills. Moreover, I like to be a third person in a friend-joint. Like being the secondary to all and not to be preferred in first place by another person, when it comes to anything under the world that summons company. Sometimes I lose my control and start blabbers in the wrong places; and even though others enjoy my talks, I hated them. A weird kind of selfish attitude where no one earned a benefit. But I liked it.
I always felt all these rocking parties, discos, tipsy bars and buffets were a bye-product of the MNC invasion. Few of them induce pressure in the weekdays and pay a meagre sum of money in the name of salary. And their allies invite us for releasing these pressures and in return ask the salary we were paid; and probably more than that. Some of my friends proudly say, ‘Life is only one; live it to the fullest; enjoy the opportunities around you; don’t run behind money, just spend it’ etc. etc. I just conveyed my piteous smiles to their words. For they are the symbols of success of these corporate games that has been termed as ‘development’; nothing different being the case of our other cosmopolitan cities.
But to be a socialist among fantasists; is like being a North Indian trapped in the middle of Tamilians; fun unlimited for the latter with the former enjoying getting fooled. I hated that scenario, hence being a minimal participator in the friend hangings; letting myself partially being a supporter of our nation’s fake development.  Such was the life that moved on in the Silicon Valley when Sanjay finally brought the twist. It was one among those Disco parties that happen in special occasions at some expensive hotels; where you pay to be selfless. And the occasion of concern was a global one, an occasion that had evolved throughout centuries to enrich the lovers with hope, faith and affection – The Valentine’s Day. But the cultural part of evolution had been evidently overtaken by the commercial counterpart. It was a new lure used by the entertainment corporate to inculcate the lovers to express themselves. And when the number of ears hearing these sermons increased; when these sermons went neural; you call it a party!!
In my context, I had an offer. A chance to make a girlfriend. The party would last for 5 hours. The couples can start their dinner, daroo and disco from the very next moment they enter into the party floor. And this time, for singles like me; the party bashers had offered to meet with a single-but-ready-to-mingle opposite sex, with whom one can hang-out in the party. It was a real great opportunity for beginners as well as for the broke-ups. And when I went through the pamphlet of the disco; it mentioned how it actually would work. Initially they would write down all the single persons who had registered for the party. Among these; they would provide green cards randomly to half of the total; both men and women; who gets the opportunity to choose their partner for the rest of the day. These green card holders get their ranks to choose their partners in accordance to their performance in the Valentine Quiz to be conducted in the initial stage of the party. Those who got the answers for the question could choose their partner immediately. And those with no green cards would remain hapless even on this day; waiting their chance to get chosen.
Seeing the portfolio of the party; I felt it was less tacky to be avoided and rather more interesting; as being a listener to an unknown person with whom you’re making an agreement of an approximate 4-hour relationship; wouldn’t be better. Like an escapism from your character; an impersonation.
“No excuses brother, this time you have to come. And don’t say to your other friends; let’s see who all are single but having that mingling fire under their belly”
“I will come”
“What? Such a fast truce? I thought it would take a fortune to convince you. The ice is melting?”
“Nothing like that [smiles]. Want to know what’s happening over there”
“That’s my boy. So you come by your bike. I’ll come with Sheela, probably in a cab. You’ll have to ride me back to room. Now you know why I bought you a ticket [chuckles]”
I never drink. I used to be his driver for those booze parties. At their closing time; I would ride, pick him up and dump him on his bed. Actually we met only 8 months before; but had a brotherly affection deep in the innards. We worked in the same dept. and he was a real relief in the mess. I moved into his apartment, like 6 months ago, and now shares a good bond with him. I never made any new friend other than him; all my hi-byes went to those introduced by him. And today night, I was given this chance to explore something new and to be frank my excitation level was high. Looking forward..
And the time came. I had reached the gates of the party hall. The sound proofing was done nicely; at the gates no much sound was getting emanated. There were this tall muscular biggies who surfed me and my bike. They had no smiling faces; until they found out the ‘SINGLE’ tag in my entry pass. And the produced smile was that of a teasing smirk. I was told to leave the bike to the valets, and the keys would be provided on demand. I reached the doors of La-Vivanta hotels, where the party was going on, and on the doors the poster was stuck which read, “Valentine’s Day with DJ Savvo and Team”. The playlist was Bollywood, and hence there were these pop love songs going on. I reached a bit late that some couples had already gone dancing on the floor. The ‘SINGLE’ board directed me to a comparatively silent place; and I could see a huge male population confronted by some imminent females. Some of them were talking to each other, while others continued to be chedulals. Right at the centre was this coordinator guy who was preparing the names of the GREEN CARD holders. All eagerly awaited to the announcement, when this finally came affront.
“So ladies and gentlemen, the management has come up to this decision. Today, as there are 56 hot boys and 29 hotter girls in the single’s gang. I would like to provide green cards to the girls. And here’s the hot news; each girl can select two boys from the lot!!!!”
This announcement was welcomed with both boos and wows from both, the male and female sides. Some disagreed to the fact while some enjoyed getting more company. I stood mum as I was too much a novice to react for these drama situations. I glanced through the girls. Most of them had worn excellent dresses; evoking lust rather than attraction, but some looked hell attractive honestly in those dresses. And some of them had already started picking their pairs. Being ridiculed to be one among the chosen, I personally felt a little aback, but thinking twice, in my life I never had been even chosen as the secondary choice too. So I took the decision like this; from the girls, I chose three of them in my mind, with whom I felt I could pass the time with. And if I’m not favoured; anytime I could ask my bike keys; just have cool breeze ride in your bike at the night; a better Valentine’s day delight. My thoughts got scrambled by the coordinator’s mike squeal.
“OK OK, some friends of mine, good in math said that there are 29 girls, and so all cannot have 2 boys; two among them will have to push their night with one. So we will perform the random draw; whoever comes in the first two places; will get the golden opportunity to select a single guy!!!!”
This time girls shouted like hell, while boys looked each other. If you got that chosen as the single guy; it means you are good enough to suffice the girl’s desire for the night. Involuntarily, my heart also started to beat in a fast pace. Playing with our ego; another corporate tactics to suck out our money; whatever, I had to focus.
The coordinator took the first lot after rotating the glass pot in which all the names were in titbits. I looked down and waited.
“Isha Gilani!!!!!!”
By the name itself I got all of my remnant faith into the pits of inferiority. And my eyes stamped my lack of confidence; getting adorned by a cream-like face made-up with some reddish galore; glowing her face in accordance with her dress; a golden tunic with her legs daunting our eyes and making our lips to hate each other. She came towards the centre; authenticating herself was her swagger. With their testosterones burning all including me waited for the judgement.
She rolled her eyes through the line-up slowly, and in the third round selected the one;;;; of course not me but a hunk; simulating to those seen in the AXE perfume ads. He did a ‘YAYYY’ gimmick which bulged his biceps through the tight party wear he was wearing. This shot gave all the girls Goosebumps; that most of them sighed off a miss for the night. He came forward and kissed the beauty on her hands in a kneeling fashion. A typical Karan Johar song was playing in the background.
When the buzz was over, the coordinator took the second lot from the pot and this time, the name was moreover a desi one.
“Atulya Kannan”
The male crowd beheld to see a frightened deer who was stepping into the den. She reminded me of those traditional brides who come in front of the groom and family during the bride-seeing session. She didn’t raise her head even on the behest from the coordinator;
“Anyways, as it’s your turn please select a partner for the night. Please take a look or are you going to select in this manner?”
Everybody laughed at this remark which seemed to intimidate her more. But she reacted fast by raising her head and right hand in unison. For a moment, I was shocked as I couldn’t see her face; for her hand came in between my eyes. I realized, she was pointing to me; when all other eyes looked at me.
‘What!!!!!!’
“OOHOOO!!! Here comes the second unlucky guy!!! Hey mahnn !!! Now both of you get some moves at the floor; and girls!!!! Just be ready to select your couple. Now the real fun begins!!!!!”
I just went with the flow. The girl held my hand and we moved forward. When we reached the dance floor; where hardly I could see anyone doing a mediocre step; my hesitation doubled. And the girl too was not seen to be interested. She looked at me and slightly moved her head as if she’s not good in dance. I replied with a compliant nod. Seeing my nod she smiled, with her hands slightly cherishing its grip inside my hand………..
‘What a smile!!!!!’
I smiled back, as if we are not going to dance. For a few minutes, we strode aimlessly around the dance floor. The songs and the dance seemed tacky.
“Let’s have food?”
“How about taking a walk around the hotel? Then we’ll have something”
Her thought seemed more relevant and refreshing. We walked across the hotel; adorned with those translucent lights; with waiters and waitresses busily charging tandoori and beer bottles across the tables. She too seemed to be an observer rather than a talker. But it was she who broke the silence.
“So what’s your name?”
“Reji; Reji Lal. And you’re Atulya right? Are you fom Kerala?”
“Yes!!!! What about you?”
“Me too!”
The conversation abruptly moved into Malayalam;
“So how long have you been in Bangalore?”
“Almost 1 year. I’m working in SMZ Eco-space. What about you?”
“I’m studying Arts at ST. Theresa”
“Ooh, at BTM?”
“Yes. It is my third year. This was my friends’ prank; to come into this party and hookup kind of thing. I never did such parties before!”
“That’s OK. In Bangalore, you’ll have to experience such bashes. Even I’m not a fan of these hullabaloos. I came with my friend, and as in your case, this was his idea. But one thing; why did you choose me out there? Like, was it just an involuntary pointout or anything else?”
“Actually, I didn’t point you, I meant the one behind you; my classmate. But he moved brilliantly before I picked him because he knew I would end up choosing him”
I gave a ridiculed expression sugar-coated with a congruent smile; not enough to cover up my insult from her eyes.
“But don’t feel anything bad. I’m perfectly fine now. As you’re a Malayali, I just can be free to you”
“No, I was thinking of the fact that, even when such an opportunity came, I was chosen by mistake!!”
We both laughed. We hi-fived and moved on. She was not that silent girl, which I initially thought she was. She started to talk from her school memories; like coming to Bangalore for the first time, falling in love with the city, persuading Achha andAmma; to learn arts in Bangalore; studying hard to get at St Theresa itself. She continued about the friends she made in Bangalore; how her first love got broke-up. The topics moved on until we reached the rooftop of the hotel.
“Actually there was a board saying no entry”
“Is it? But it feels so good here!”
“Let’s sit there for some time”
We both sat on the rooftop. The dik-chik sound seemed to treble the roof a bit.
“Are you happy with your life?”
That was a searing question from her part. I was dazed to answer; I didn’t know what was going on in her mind.
“Why would you ask that? Like it was very straight?”
“You’re so reserved. Initially even I was a little reserved. But then I know I paced up. But you’re having limits; visible limits. I could feel that. It is as if you’re always haunted by some inner fear, some reins pulling you back. Somebody is stopping you from smiling or talking or even walking [chuckles]. I think you have some dreams or some commitments awaiting. Or problems with your job; I don’t know. And I’m sure it is not a love break-up. Because you don’t seem to be a guy well-versed to girls. So tell me; if it’s not a problem; what else is bothering you?”
Before I could start a word, we heard thudding sounds repeatedly, as if somebody was climbing up the steps. We manoeuvred slowly, and leaned behind a large drum. A waiter and a waitress came running onto the roof. The guy was holding a plastic bottle that probably had some red-wine in it. The girl had a box; the one simulating to a cake. Atulya seemed very much excited to see the couple. I cued her not to make any noise. The new couple sat down. She placed a sheet of paper on the floor and put the cake on it. After lighting a candle; they squatted on their knees and slowly said to each other;
“HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY”
They blew the candle together. The cake seemed to be brittle; as if it was taken out from the refrigerator long before. They enjoyed a single piece; biting it from both the sides and culminating into a voracious kiss. Atulya looked at me and giggled with intermittent hushes. After savouring each other’s lips for a few minutes, the guy looked at his watch and in haste took two small shot glasses from his pocket. Meanwhile she opened the bottle. They cheered and drank; and continued to take wine like taking tequila shots; and each time they took a shot, they kissed each other. They lied on the floor, hugging and pecking each other. It was nice to see them. Simple love it seemed to be. An understanding one. Their way of being intimate to each other didn’t seem to be a lusty affair; they cared for each other, at least on this occasion. But the concern I was going on in my sub-conscious mind was sharing this exotic voyeurism with a girl whom I might a couple of hours ago. She; on the contrary, was neither interested in what I was thinking nor in anything else; planting her eyes right at the couple, she continued to enjoy being the peeping tom.
When it was almost 15 minutes since they arrived, they quickly stood up, cleaned up the mess; tucked back their dresses, kissed again and strode down the stairs. Making sure they were gone for real, we came out from the shade. We both smiled naughtily; as both were partners in crime. I could feel there was something very strong that linked us together. Like a graviton wave, or the mass force of attraction, or may be the thinking wavelength. I was feeling an eerie comfort with her. Am I getting attracted to her? I had no clue. In these 25 years, I never had this kind of experience.
“So let’s eat something?”
“Yes. I’m hungry. Seeing them pecking the cake and drinking the wine; who else wouldn’t be hungry [chuckles]”
We both took vegetarian buffet. The food was awesome. The dishes included Punjabi style dry roti with Aloo Gobi, matar paneer and malai kofta. The ginger pulav was ecstatic with the tomato chutney. Like me, she too didn’t take any drink. During the desserts, she again came up with the question;
“So, tell me what the glitch in your life is”
“Hmm….. OK. As you rightly guessed, I’m not happy with my present life. Working in an MNC; where you are paid for your health rather than your intelligence is almost like mocking your degrees. But in the current scenario of our country; where getting a paid job is considered to be lucky, and sticking to the proverb; beggars cannot be choosers, I think my frustration is pretty common. I want to be an entrepreneur. A self-made person. I don’t want to be a billionaire kind of guy, but you know, that kind of a person where you are your boss. No one to question your ideas, no barriers to your thoughts, and freedom to do mistakes. Live, and let live! And I think, I will be contentedly happy only I achieve it”
“So you got any plans?”
“Yup! I’m an aspiring writer. I do story writing, articles, reviews etc. not in a professional way as of now; but in a social way. I’m an introvert, I hate being surrounded by people. I like being to myself. But I do meet people, talk to them and do become social; just to feed my writing. I need readers too [chuckles] I’m sure one day I’ll become a recognised writer. Just being patient. So I think that patient stature is bringing up that moody face, which led you to ask that question. I’ll try not making that face again” [laughs]
“Hoping for the best to happen to you. And happy to hear those too”
We continued to talk about each other’s feelings, likes, dislikes, future plans, family, friends and all the shareable personal things under the cloud. It was 11. The party had been called off officially. The waiters and waitresses were busy helping the offcustomers to their respective cars. Some ladies were also being helped. I found my luck in finding out Sanju without much toil. He seemed less drunk than his girlfriend. Atulya rejoiced with her friends. I took my bike, placed the swaying Sanju behind it and started the bike when Atulya came to me.
“OK. It was a great night. Thank you”
“Same here. Do well in your studies, and don’t join the corporate”
We both laughed again. The laughter was followed by a silence. Both of us wanted to speak more but the time was running mercilessly. Suddenly Sanju started to blabber;
“Technology has gone very far, that you can continue your conversation even when you guys are not close to each other. Milady, please take your mobile and dial 9446953895; whenever you feel to talk to this idiot. And there are many weekends waiting for both of you. For time being, let’s Good night and Good bye”
She quickly noted down my number. After saying Good bye, I looked back twice before leaving the gates; to see her waving me off with the same smiling face with which she welcomed me.
After dumping Sanju on his bed and taking a quick shower, I came back to my phone, hoping for any messages or calls. There were many; but not the one I was waiting for.
As there was office the next day, and not expecting much from the day, I thought of getting some sleep. For the day had been really fantastic and so kind to me; that I met a girl like Atulya. I’m sure everyone would have a character, a sketch in their mind onto which they feel they are adhered to. Sometimes you recognise that in pre-hand; at your times of self-introspection; and sometimes you realise that in real world, when you finally meet that character. And to my fears, I started to feel in my guts, that I found that character,,,, Atulya…..
Again my thought was broken in the middle; and this time by that favourable phonering for which I had been waiting. I by-hearted the number before answering,
“Hallo?”
“Hallo? Reji? It’s me, Atulya….”

///A NEW STORY BEGINS////

LAMA SIGNING OFF