Travelogue - TMCPSE 300th Milestone Meeting Day Picnic

In September, TMCPSE ExCom decided to go for Day picnic to celebrate 300th Milestone meeting. We were excited about venue and date. Soon, Date and venue were finalized. Public Relation team started their own campaign to spread the message to the club as well as  the entire Toastmasters fraternity. They went the extra mile to design beautiful posters, record member's amazing videos, etc. and send across to everyone. That adds more fuel to the member's excitement about milestone meeting. Finally, that day arrived with lots of good things in its kitty. 

We reached our picnic destination Shantivan at 10.01 AM. We were a little late. The bus journey both to and fro was entertaining. Toastmasters had a ball by playing Dumb Charades game in the journey. People google Mithun Chakravarti, Suniel Shetty movie name to outguess the opponent team. One of the funny names was "Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty", "Khoon Bhari Maang", etc. Somebody asked whether the second word was a pronoun, adjective, or noun. We had good laugh on this game. Star performer of starting journey was many toastmasters but star performer for return Journey was Taaha and Saumya. Saumya played Dumb Charades like game on the mobile phone. Toastmasters helped her to identify the names. It was fun filled and fully entertaining.  

The dining hall was very big. One side of the hall, few tables were arranged. Another side, 5-6 Mat arranged to serve people in large numbers. Buffet system arrangement was there to serve people. At breakfast, I heard the big noise and saw small children from different schools had arrived with a big bang. They played with their plates. We were done with breakfast by 10.35. Shantivan campus was developed on big land. Its situated at backwater of Khadakwasla dam. Amazing view of Khadakwasla backwater was available from Shantivan. After some team building games, we had leisure time until meeting time 2.45 PM. All sort of facilities was there for each age group. Cricket net, badminton court, children park with various games were available. Aquarium, meditation hall, functional hall, corporate meetings facilities were there too. I played badminton and within 10 minutes I realized that I need to do exercise daily to become fit. Few toastmasters played cricket. Few preferred to have powernap on the cot under the Bamboo tree. I took 15 minute’s powernap under the Bamboo tree and I feel cool, calm and refreshed. We had lunch at 1.30 PM. We had great lunch. So, I felt the need for the second powernap too after lunch. I had a quick tour around Shantivan. Quickly visited Aquarium, Photo Stand, rabbits house, etc. 

Team building activities were very well organized. I like first game i.e. opposite order. Shweta explained the rules where she mentioned game organizer will utter the word and we need to do exactly opposite of that word. “In” means “out”, “left” means “right” and vice versa. We played the same game with our parents in our childhood. Toastmasters played all team games with the same passion as they played different roles in meetings. 

We had 2 DSLR cameras. So our Division Director Akshay decided to record the whole meeting by one DSLR and keep another one for photos. A leader is a person who utilizes their resources effectively in critical condition irrespective of his/her resources and their strength in small or large in numbers. His camera’s memory became full. So I recorded few videos. I face one issue while recording and Akshay resolved it instantly. By end of the day, I learn few important tricks of canon camera from Akshay. I bought DSLR a few months ago but never fully utilized it. But due to TMCPSE (Toastmasters Club of Pune South East) day out, I fully used it and learn few tricks as well. 

At 2.48 PM, TM Nagmanesh started the meeting with a bang. TM Amith as usual in rocking form with added guitar music flavour in the background. Harshit played guitar in the meeting. Amith starts by playing funny video, one-person dances on the song and he did not care about others. And soon other joined that person and everybody enjoyed. Amith described excellent example at the closure of TMOD address. There were 3 prepared speeches. All speakers attempted it very well. All 3 speeches are nothing but a complete dose of motivation, bravery and entertainment. Richa starts and ends her speech with the quote "If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both salts, water, mixed with air." - Nayyirah Waheed. Rohitraj arrived bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to attempt CC1. Nidhi's attempt was good too. By the way, I wasn’t evaluator so I will not analyze them in details. TM Govinda conducted a great TTM session. He invited almost all people to talk about TMCPSE. Club Humorous speech contest winner Pawan poured humour in TTM session with ease. Four members design and deliver ad campaign like professional. Akshay distributed participation certificates to the member who performed in Division Level Humorous Speech and Evaluation contest. Overall it was fantastic meeting with lots of takeaways. 

Before going to start return journey, we had cake cutting ceremony and our president thanks, event organization team for their great efforts. It’s nothing but a vote of thanks. And the surprise was a souvenir with Toastmaster logo and member name printed on it for all club members. What is the success formula for any event i.e. Entertainment, fun, member participation, great management, and meeting goals? It was there in 300th milestone meeting. I had a great day with lots of good moments, memories. At approx. 8.30 PM I reached my home. 

Abbreviation 
TM – Toastmaster 
TMCPSE – Toastmasters Club of Pune South East 
PR – Public Relation Team 
TMOD – Toastmaster of the day 
TTM – Table Topic Master 
ExCom – Executive Committee 
CC – Competent Communicator 

Lesson

One day, as usual, Vijay, a Regional Transfer Office employee, went to the office, as he entered the gate, it was just like any other government office. People were coming in with documents, struggled with processes and protocols, attended the driving license tests and went ahead with their chores. Many agents and domineering officers mess around and crowd the RTO office. Such things are a daily grind.

Sachin was a shy and a principle oriented and value driven man with good deeds. It was the day when Sachin went to RTO for a car driving license. He put his beliefs on trial. Being an honest man, he decided to give the driving test without bribing any of the agents or officers.

Bhosale, the officer on the job, was RTO licensing examiner on that day. Principles and honesty did not mean anything to him. Sachin approached Bhosale to submit his documents for the driving exam. It looks like Bhosale glared at Sachin and demanded Rs. 2000. Here's the catch! To no surprise, Sachin refused. A junior officer there tried to convince Sachin how things work. While Bhosale, the freak, attempted to challenge Sachin's limit and abuse his education, he rejected his form and threw away his documents.

Bhosale added insult to injury by using the local slang to abuse Sachin and asked him to get out of there. As a reaction, Sachin got irritated and frustrated. He thought a police officer should not abuse him for not giving bribe. Sachin then decided to teach a lesson to that crazy police officer. Sachin was very angry. He returned home totally disturbed and helpless, yet agitated. Sachin drilled and got some more information about this officer Bhosale.
He got to know that corruption charges and various other such cases were pending against him. He also got to know that, it was just six months ago, he was reappointed in one such case due to lack of proper evidence. Sachin investigated more about this particular suspension case. But he could not get any primary evidence against the officer. However, one day an unknown person approached Sachin on the road.

Unknown person to Sachin: "Hey, I followed you since the RTO fiasco the other day. I know you were looking for something."

Sachin: "But, who are you?"

Unknown Person: "I had seen a clash of a principle oriented common man against a freaky and corrupt police officer. I want you to win this clash. And so, I would like you to take this parcel. This should be enough food for your hunt!"

Sachin: "I cannot accept it."

But that person forcefully handed over the package and left in disguise. Sachin went home with the mysterious parcel. When Sachin opened the parcel, he got ample evidence against Bhosale.

The next thing he did was to call Bhosale and asked him to immediately stop harassing people for a bribe and all such evil acts. Sachin warned the officer for handing over the evidence in court. Bhosale stood helpless. He had no choice but to comply to Sachin, and so he did. He stopped harassing ordinary people for a bribe and all his wrong acts. Sachin kept an eye on the officer’s behaviour. After a few months, Sachin went to the RTO office again to take the driving license examination.

The same officer Bhosale verified Sachin documents and showed a green signal for the examination. He accomplished all his tests. After finishing the test, Sachin left the building. One person smiled at him at the gate for a few seconds. At first, he did not recognise that person, but later he acknowledged that the unknown person, who had helped him, was none other than an RTO employee. Sachin finally got his driving license without any bribe to the officer. The officer got the lesson of his life.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner.

Nexus

I told activist Suvarna that I like to meet her for one of the local cases I wish to discuss with her.

"We will" she replied and hung the phone.

I was busy in other significant activities so not able to contact her. Few days passed in between that. I tried to call her, but her phone was switched off. I got an SMS from an unknown number that "I am coming." I decided to call that number. But mobile is out of the area.

It was getting late enough to be worried. I once again stepped into the balcony and looked down. Except for a drenched street dog that was lying down miserably near the gate, not any soul seen anywhere. Rainwater had puddled under the lamp post. A breeze ruffled the mango tree in the courtyard, and a few twigs fell and broke. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Did I hear a soft knock at the door? I turned back and tried to view through door eyehole.

I get surprised by Suvarna presence on the door. I tried to see anybody with her. But nobody was there. I silently opened the door and shocked with her appearance. I thought she might be involved in hand combat. She injured in the fight. 2-3 visible injured marks corporators on the head.

Fight against corruption activist Suvarna is leading activist of this district. Suvarna is head of NGO "Sangarsh" which fight against corruption. She exposes corrupt government official and lobbyist. Also, she faces lots of opposition from the different quarter of people. Sometimes she had been attacked by few criminal, but she stands firm against all of them.

I "Bhavesh" work as a general physician in district place hospital. My practice was going well. I can still visualize that day & time when Suvarna came to my hospital for treatment. Two goons tried to manhandle her on the road. But she escapes it with bravery. I treated her and performed dressing on her injuries. We had a conversation on NGO activities, and I get inspired due to her work. Soon I visited her NGO and observed that she works with great passion and gusto. So I visited NGO number of times. Few times she visited my clinic for injuries treatment. Soon we become a good friend. I get inspired by her work. I decided to join and whenever I got free time I participate in NGO activities slowly.

She told me she somehow skipped the combat situation in the evening. She handed over one bag to me and told me to keep this bag as of now and return when asked for it. She informed me the name of a local gambler who tried to beat her. I requested her to stay till dawn, and I will drive her home in the morning. But she adamant on leaving now. She left the building without further explanation. I still think that how she came and went without knowing anyone from his building. So I decided to gather necessary information about a local gambler and try to follow that person tomorrow.

Next day, I figured out details about local gambler Ajay. Ajay is the right hand of government contractor Tiwari. His boss takes government contract to build the road, bridge, etc. I successfully found his place and followed him from some distance. He directly went to local corporators Suyash office. I thought He might come for some discussion with Suyash. I went inside as a citizen and tried to show that I went for some work. I heard their conversation from outside of the cabin. Ajay informed Suyash that someone was blackmailing his boss for road constructed last year. Suyash told him to be relaxed and calm. He will handle blackmailer by deploying his method.

I realize that not only builder and his right arm but also local corporations involved in this incident. So I decided to open and view bag which was handed over by Suvarna. As usual, I found that old news articles, few departmental reports. I tried to call her and NGO but Suvarna not available at both ends. Now it becomes the mystery for me and its challenge for me to unveil it. I carefully read all news articles and government reports. I found lots of discrepancies in all records.

Suvarna was missing from the scene. Nobody knows where she was? Bhavesh thought she was innocent. But her absence conveys different things. I have decided to finish this matter as early as possible. So I decided to visit that road construction. I only viewing road construction, anyone can guess that poor quality of pathway because of the road is full of path holes, poor drainage, and low standard of materials. My instinct was correct. Lane still in dangerous condition and Suvarna tried to expose the contractor and official. And she might be the epicenter of all these sudden activities. I got confused, frustrated, and helpless in the whole situation because I am not able to help Suvarna. I sympathize Suvarna for her noble cause.

Suyash is not happy about the whole situation. This contract is a headache for him. Initially, there are lots of discrepancies and problem in this deal. He had seen that builder used bulk cash to suppress the issue. The previous contractor was the owner of the contract. But after too much overhead they decided to distribute the load equally. So unofficially he became the partner in the pact. He called his special agent “Raghu” and signaled him to finish the matter as soon as possible.

The Naresh, an officer from Municipal Corporation, was a worried man. Raghu informed him that last incident happened about the activist. Naresh feared that if activist exposed them in media then official inquiry will be formed and they will lose their job, and they will be humiliated to for corruption they did to pass this contract. So they requested Suyash to finish this matter early. Raghu told them he is looking into this issue means they relieved that this case will end by hook or crook.

Bavesh wants to explore the further role of municipal officers in regarding this contract. So he visited Corporation office and found out few officers are involved in this matter. Naresh was one of them. He decided that I will have the watch on Naresh. Might be Naresh activities will provide another clue. He sees that Naresh was talking earnestly to person. I tried to recall that person's face. I just remember that I had seen him in Suyash office. So I wanted to follow him too.

Next day I followed Raghu from some distance and surprised that he came to the remote place to meet Suvarna. One can identify from their body language that they came here to discuss some serious matter. From a distance, I can recognize that they made some deal to end this thing. They will meet again for next day to close the deal at same time exchange of money and all government papers, clippings of contract. A few hours later, I got a call from Suvarna for the bag which she handed over to me. She told me, she will come at night to collect it. I said that would be great.

As usual, she came at night. I asked her about hiding and seek game. She told me one sweet story. I thought its false without any proper reason. I show her my sympathy towards her. She vanishes within the blink of an eye in the shadow of mist.

I informed Police about this deal and place of the agreement. I accompany police to that place. Police raided that particular area and shocked over blackmailer. Police found both Raghu and Suvarna at that site with all documents. They found approx. Five lakhs in a big suitcase. Police registered FIR against all these people. Police shocked over Suvarna involved in graft cases. Police helped her in different graft cases against the corrupt officer. Police seized all contract related paper from Raghu. But police unable to gather any proof against Suyash involvement in all this matter. So local corporators Suyash set free from court.

But still I able to break the sizable part of road contract Nexus. But Ajay, Raghu, Naresh, Suvarna convicted in court. Court sentenced to prison for their involvement in graft matter. But I am unable to digest Suvarna as a blackmailer in this case. I visited Suvarna in prison and question her about the deal she involved with Suyash. But she did not answer my questions. She was my idol who fight against the corrupt government official. Her NGO closed by the government official due to graft cases and irregularities in the fund, donation of NGO. I lost my hope on corruption free India and fighting against corruption. I got discouraged, heartfelt, frustrated due to Suvarna episode. I discontinued all fighting against corruption activities and focus on my general practice.

Few best Quotes

Atonement

Disclaimer:-
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Sometimes we did not realize the significance of "India believes in unity in diversity" statement. Unfortunately, many of us used “Chinese” or “Japanese” words to address our northeastern friends. I used to be one of them. Now I feel strange for this.

11 years ago, when I was in college, I have seen few student used to make fun of northeastern student by questioning their nationality, skin, color, and personality. A North-Eastern people belong to Mongoloid race. Generally, they are people of yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheekbones, sparse hair and medium height. They look differently and unfortunately but we treat them differently as well.

We read in the newspaper that northeast student had been attacked in Delhi and Pune a number of times. We treat them like foreigners. Sports personalities from North East are discriminated for their face, race, and origin. North-Eastern alienated from the mainstream of the country in terms of education, facilities, infrastructure, and development. Till date, all political parties ignore this region. Also, a majority of people ignore their culture and institution.

Let’s start with the education system. I never heard or no reference to any great character, a leader even villain from their history in my education. Even we don’t know about their gods or lords they worshiped. Still few people are there who make efforts to fill communication gap between 7 sister region to other parts of the country.

The government should take initiative to highlight North East community contribution towards the country. A few years ago, noted musician, singer Bhupen Hazarika passed away. North-Eastern people demand "Bharat Ratna" for Bhupen Hazarika for his great contribution to the music of Indian cinema. But government not responded on this issue. A few days ago government declared the longest bridge on the river as “Bhupen Hazarika” bridge. That’s tribute to great singer/musician. This kind of incident should be repeated by the government.

"Reachout Anti-Discrimination Project" conducted in Delhi-NCR region. A survey shows that 54% people from the Northeast have experienced racism and discrimination and a 74% feel that the situation in Delhi evokes racism and discrimination. The survey also reveals that even 57% of government employees from Northeast face discrimination at the workplace. In the private sector, 58% feel that are being discriminated on the basis of race and among students 54% felt the same. A survey shows that 81% of northeast women are harassed in Delhi.

Leave alone the surveys, when I was in college, Few times I made fun of students from this community. At that time, I didn't feel bad for them. Friendly fun was not physical or abusive but it's hurt people sentiment. I never cared about their feelings. Also, I really did not have any idea how they cope up with this kind of situation.

A few years ago, I read one article in the newspaper about racism and abuse on North-Eastern community people. That news article opened my eyes. I thought that if somebody questions my nationality then it will be very difficult for me to answer it. Racism and discrimination of any form i.e. race, age, skin, color, and origin should be condemned.

Now, I feel their suffering, pain, and anguish. They have right to live with dignity in society. Now, I thought it was an injustice to tease, discriminate or racially abuse of North-East community. I consider that I am also responsible for a few incidents. And just being regretful is not sufficient. I thought, as a responsible citizen, I should create an example of how we can contribute to ending this discrimination. I have decided to pay one girl student fee for one year from one of the North-Eastern village school. 

School managed by Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas Arunachal Pradesh Trust (VKVAPT). Trust founded in 1977 and managed 36 schools in Arunachal Pradesh. It gives me immense happiness that I have deposited the first installment to sponsor a girl child in VKVAP Trust account. This is the purest form of happiness I had very few times in my life. I told them that I like to ear-mark donation amount for sponsoring of a girl student for the Academic Session 2017_18 for any VKVAP Trust’s school.

I have also taken an oath not to tease or racially abuse any North-East Indian or - for that matter - any person on their age, race, color, skin or origin. What about you guys? Now, I like to request you and if you agree with the same concern then please take an oath as early as possible. "I will not involve in teasing, racial remark, racially abuse, racial discrimination, making derogatory remarks, or any other activities which will hurt other's sentiments."

Thanks!!!

Strange Coincidence

Son, you will bless with a child within one year. This word becomes real when Diksha delivered baby girl today. Suddenly Bhairon Singh incident recreated in front of Ajay's eyes. One beautiful day, Ajay and Diksha visited family worshipped deity mandir. On the return journey to home one strange older person join their railway compartment. His age is around 80 with the white beard. The visitor spoke very fluently and confidently. To kill time, Ajay had a little chat with him. And both of impressed with each other views. Ajay shared food delicacies with him as a friendly gesture. And instantly they hit the close bond. Their conversation goes from politics to social life, railway condition, rain, friends and finally about family. Newcomer said his mother is bedridden and not in good shape. Ajay showed sympathy for his mother. Stranger talked with himself in a sad mood. He is looking for a new home for his mother. Ajay did not reply anything to stranger words. Stranger explains how his mother feeds him in childhood. A stranger shared his childhood memories. Ajay listened very carefully. They enjoyed each other company for a few hours. 

At Mumbai railway station, they shared auto-rickshaw on their way back to home. Ajay earned respect and affection from a fellow passenger. 

"Ajay asked, Sir what is your name?" "Stranger replied Bhairon Singh" 

Ajay treated this day as usual and but his mind kept note of meeting with Bhairon Singh. Next day, Ajay went to the office and soon forget about this incident in his daily routine work. But sometimes in the local train journey, Ajay believed that he had apparently seen railway stranger in bogey or on Street. Ajay thought that he followed by the unknown person. But Ajay never came across any individual face to face. 

Two days after baby girl delivery, Ajay realized that new child born at exactly within one year. Bhairon Singh word becomes truth. So Ajay wanted to meet Bhairon Singh and present him sweet box as a courtesy. 

Ajay knew an area where he dropped Bhairon Singh on last shared auto-rickshaw one year ago. Ajay visited that spot. Ajay made an enquiry about Bhairon Singh and found out his address. Ajay carries sweet box as an etiquette gesture and rings Bhairon Singh doorbell. Ajay finds that lots of people gathered for prayer. Ajay realized that he visited stranger home at an inappropriate time. Ajay talked to Bhairon Singh to get to know what happened in his home. Bhairon Singh informed Ajay that two days ago he lost his mother. He looked very calm and satiated. But he is contented as his sick mother finally win the battle against ill health and finally got a good home. Ajay did not understand Bhairon Singh last statement. 

You know I narrated our incident to my mother. She likes it very much. She impressed by your nature and character as I described you as my friend. She knew each and everything about you. She even knows your deity and both of you worship the same God. 

“Why and how she knew my character and other detail?” 

“Did you following and spying on me?” 

“Yes, I watched you.” 

Ajay shocked and asked, “What is the reason behind it?” 

Look, Ajay, You and Diksha both of you are the perfect couple. Both of you care for each other. Love is dissolved in your life like sugar. Your overall character is superb and impressive. Ajay, I like to thank you for coming to my home. Ajay offered a prayer for an old lady. 

"Ajay ask Bhairon Singh at what time your mother died." 

“Bhairon Singh replied 4.00 PM two days ago.” 

Ajay lost in deep contemplation after hearing time which accurately matched with his new childbirth time. Ajay unable to understand this coincidence. But he saw from the corner of eyes that Bhairon Singh is smiling mirthfully.

Nexus - 250 Word Story

One night around 11 pm, I was walking down the deserted lane outside of my hostel, From the partly open window of a 1st-floor apartment above, I heard a gruff male voice saying, "it will cost you 5 lakhs for the white cash that too before the end of tomorrow."

One person picks a fight over money and I heard a harsh argument between two people. I stand in dark corner. One person left home in angrily facing. As he left the house I was unable to follow him. So I decided to follow the second person in morning.

Next day I figure out second person identity. His name was Ajay. Ajay involved in liquor smuggling as liquor is banned in the state. I followed from some distance. He directly went to local corporators Suyash office. He had discussed few thing with him. I went inside as citizen and heard their conversation from outside of the cabin. Ajay informed Suyash that he was blackmailed by someone for big liquor consignment smuggled from another state. Suyash handed over money to Ajay and asked him to pay to blackmailer by evening.

I informed Police about this deal and place of the deal. I accompany police to that place. Police raided that particular place and shocked over blackmailer. He is famous news reporter of leading newspaper. Police seized consignment from Ajay. But unable to gather any proof against Suyash. So corporator set free from court. But I am able to break the sizable part of liquor smuggling nexus.

Lost Connection - 250 Word Story

It was around 11pm, I was on the overnight journey to my escape. All lights were put off except a small blue night lamp. From the deep breaths and the gentle snores of my co-passengers, I could tell that they were fast asleep. The noise of the door woke me up, sliding open ever so slowly one person enter the railway compartment. My brain sent an alert signal. I observed that his dress was torn. Looking at the face, one could easily understand that he was looking for food. Disappointed at not being entertained by anyone, he left.

His eyes reminded me of someone close to my heart. I tried to recall those eyes. Meanwhile, the train stopped at a remote location and he left the train. I stepped out from my compartment and I found him sitting on the platform bench. I approached him and asked him his full name.

He answered “Ganpat Wagh.” 

I realized that his eyes matched with my grandmother’s eyes. Also, the name matched with my uncle’s name. My uncle had left home in childhood due to some difference with his father. I introduced myself as his nephew. I showed my identity card and explained the family story. Both of us were shocked due to sudden revelation. I bought food parcel and handed over to him. Finally, I found my uncle and that's my tribute to my grandmother.

Spy - 200 Word Story

It was around 11pm, I was on the overnight journey to my escape. All lights were put off except a small blue night lamp. From the deep breaths and the gentle snores of my co-passengers I could tell that they were fast asleep. The noise of the door woke me up, sliding open ever so slowly one person enter the railway compartment. My brain sent an alert signal. I just observed. His eyes searching for something valuable. Soon, he disappointed & left.

I thought, what the hell he was searching? I realised that same person following us since we boarded a train. In afternoon, we had a little chat over the crossword. He told me an answer. That answer “scrutinize” triggered me to search own compartment. I found one suspicious document in the co-passengers bag. I came outside and found that he was going to enter another compartment. I stopped him and asked to reveal identity. He was reluctant but after severe threat he did. Whether you were searching this document, I asked? He said yes and I directed him to arrest my co-passengers who might be an agent of Maoist. As per document, he planned to destroy security post.

Reata...

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Fictional story: Syed and Gayatri didn't mean to fall in love. But love happens when you least expect it. It creeps up suddenly. When someone needs attention, care, conversation, laughter and maybe even intimacy. Love doesn't look at logic, or at backgrounds and least of all, religion.

Gayatri was from a very conservative South Indian family that went to a temple every Saturday. Syed bought goats for his family every Eid. That said it all. Their paths would never have crossed if it hadn't been for that fateful day. That day when he walked into the coffee shop. Gayatri wondered if destiny chose our loved ones for us. Did we have any role to play at all?

She looked at her watch. Syed was late. They met every Thursday at five pm to catch up. Their conversation lasted for hours. Sometimes at the cafe, sometimes in his car, sometimes in places that she could never tell her friends about. They would never understand. And yet Syed made her happy.

Suddenly her phone beeped. He had sent a message. "On my way. Have something important to tell you."

Gayatri stared at it and realised she had knots in her stomach. Thoughts flooded her mind. What did he want to tell her?

In the coffee shop, he seated at their favourite table. He looked exhausted. Gayatri knew that his tiredness was not because of any physical activity but due to stress. Which was showed in his eye(s)? Looked like he did not sleep properly last night. He fumbled to start the conversation. He gathered words to prepare sentence. After some pause and the short break, he proposed to Gayatri. Her body shakes by the sudden jolt. She did not expect this proposal. She shivers from head to toe. She left the coffee shop in disbelief.

It took two full weeks to Gayatri came to the conclusion that she liked Syed and loved him from the bottom of the heart. She conveyed her feeling for Syed on the same table in the coffee shop. Love turned upside down for Gayatri. She finds everything beautiful and attractive. Her behaviour was strange. Her mind and heart were not in sync. She felt jubilant and amazing with new stuff in life.

Syed was glad to know Gayatri positive response. So he got very excited after hearing Gayatri’s response. Their meetings were longer and they eager to know others perspective on topics they discussed. They wanted to spend more time with each other.

During their conversation’s, lots of time Syed mentioned about his Ammi and Abbu.

He had one younger sister named Reshma. Syed described his village as the beautiful fairy tale. He never got tired of describing his evergreen subject village beauty. His village Anandpur was a small town surrounded by coconut trees and one side covered by a river. His father owned three acres of land. A family earning based on farm income. The family was very religious and aesthetic. Syed came to district place to learn and earn. After college completion, he worked as insurance company employee.

Also, few times he narrated the college days, in last year of college, Syed came into Yousuf contact. They were the gang of four people. Syed was the newest entry. Syed was impressed by Yousuf ideology slowly. The way he walks, talks and conveys any thought. Syed and his friends were impressed by that. Yousuf had the opinion about everything which was based on proper ideas. Due to friendly nature, Yousuf was the apple of the eye of everyone on a college campus. On the opposite side of Yousuf was Yunus. Very shy… not in focus... very soft spoken. He was never the standout type in the crowd and possessed a hidden personality. Javed is the fourth person to the group.

Yunus met mysterious person regularly. A person with the long beard. Whitecap on a head. They discussed a lot of things. They had an agenda and both were trying to implement it as a perfect plan. But plan results enclosed in the wrapper of future events.

Love is a kind of feeling, and it can't be hidden from closed ones for a long time. Before her mother asks or gets to know from others, Gayatri told all the things about Syed and his love proposal to the family. But her mother Darshana strongly opposed love marriage.

Darshana was outraged on daughter love affair.

“Gayatri, how dare you to think about love at this phase of life and that too with a guy from another religion”.

Darshana’s angry voice made a crack in Gayatri confident.

“But she insisted... tried to explain…”

“Her mother firmly disapproved and cut her voice in the middle”.

 “Gayatri looked at mother face. Her eyes were constantly focused on Gayatri. “

“She thought that her mother’s eyes will pierce her body if she said anything further.”

She committed to herself, and she will try her best to convince her mother.

Darshana repeated the story. As she always said. How they survived after her husband death. Without anybody support how she raised her daughter. They belonged to the small village in Kerala. She did odd jobs to earn income to feed Gayatri and herself.

She saw the dark side of life. Even in hardship she never expected anyone to pull their life from poverty. She was a woman of strong desire and sense. She worked eighteen hours a day to support her daughter education. In this process of earn livelihood, she lost her happiness. She was very strict in work ethics and she made sure that her daughter taught to live with dignity. Recently they shifted to this district place when Gayatri got the job as a nurse in the local hospital.

After the episode of declaring her love, Lots of restriction were imposed on Gayatri. Nowadays, she stopped visiting the temple. Only the round trip to the hospital.

Gayatri continually tried to persuade her mother for approval for their marriage.

It took Gayatri six months to convince Darshana to approve their relationship.

Gayatri missed their coffee shop meetings on Thursdays during this time.

Syed’s family did not accept their love affair in the first attempt. Syed and his friends need to do the tough task to convince his family. His family lived in a village. They accept it after too many efforts by Syed. 

Lots of discussions happened over the wedding. Both families desired to follow their rituals and customs. Syed and Gayatri had respect both religion. And they took the vow, and they will not interfere with each other religion. They will respect each other religion privacy. They mutually agreed to two conditions:  1) No interference with religion. 2) Gayatri will continue to assist to her mother financially.

 Finally, they got married. Their dream came true. Many times, they dream about their marriage and own home. One task accomplished.  The second one remained.

 But Gayatri noticed that Syed’s behaviour and attitude gradually changed and he became more aggressive on smaller things. Gayatri ignored it for first few instances.

Nowadays Syed spends lots of time with his friend’s. Gayatri sometimes gets irritated with this. She wants to spend more time with her husband. The trouble started when Syed told her to discontinue her temple visits. Gayatri was shocked and did not believe her ears.  Syed gave another name Asma to Gayatri. Earlier whenever Syed was in the funny mood. He used to call her Asma. But nowadays he used ‘Asma’ name regularly. That was frustrating for Gayatri. For the first few days, she ignored it. But after that, she firmly opposed her new name. But instead of a solution to any problem, her worries deepened. As per his plan, Syed slowly destroyed Gayatri religious identity. Gayatri strongly reacted to this kind of treatment.

Gayatri got confused by Syed behaviour. His reaction was entirely different before their marriage. Earlier, he believed in religious freedom. Now his thoughts and action were ultimately frustrating and aggressive.

She started a watch on her husband. She found some serious documents. She started spying on Syed calls on mobile.

She gets nothing for first few days. After the detailed searching, she found few inconsequential document. The document contains all her details. She had her doubts that Syed was involved in some suspicious activity. She started to put more efforts to uncover the mystery of Syed activity.

One fine day, she saw Syed in a hurry. She saw and followed him. He travelled to some remote location of the city. It’s looked like Syed came to meet someone. She saw Syed chatting with someone. From long distance, she could see that they were discussing some serious matter. That person tried to convince some things to Syed. But it looks like Syed wasn’t happy with that. She was unable to hear their voices but could see their facial expressions. She was not able to recognise the unknown person face.

 She went home and tried to identify that person in memory. She searched their marriage photo album. It was a court marriage that few people attended. She searched for the in Syed’s college photo album and found that unknown person was none other than Syed’s friend.  She tried to establish Syed’s past connection to her marriage. And she got more questions than the answer.

Next day After Syed left to an office, She again goes to that place where she visited yesterday to get some clue or lead in investigate. Gayatri observed the mysterious house from a distance. There was no activity in the home. Suddenly Yousuf came in front of Gayatri. She got terrified about the turn of this event. Soon, Yousuf identified Gayatri and ask her lots of question about her suspicious presence in the remote location. She gets relaxed when she find out that person will not harm her. Yousuf has the well-built body. His eyes were greyish and mysterious. His body language had full of confident. He makes a good impression on any person in his first meeting. His movement was flawless. Initially, she didn't trust him. He told her to follow him else he will tell this incident to Syed. They went to the nearby hotel.

“What were you doing here, Gayatri”?

“Gayatri surprised and said just passing from this place.”

“Were you doing some investigation”?

“No”.

“Then what were you doing here”?

After too much pressure, she introduced herself and explained about the clue. Also showed printed paper to Yousuf.

It was Yousuf turns to get shocked. Lots of things happened in last few months.

He explains that how he gathered all information about Gayatri before she started a courtship with Syed. Yousuf knew every detail about Gayatri - how many members were there in Gayatri’s family, the time when they left their village, how she completed the degree and how hard her mother had worked to support her education.

He knew that Syed used this information to impress Gayatri and marry her. But it's looked like a different story by Gayatri.

Yousuf told her, his friend wife Sanyukta was missing from few days. Yesterday he met Syed to discuss this issue.

He also tried to link all stories. Is there any connection between the stories of Sanyukta and Gayatri? He had gathered information for both of them.  For both of them, he gathered all information. Will Gayatri also disappear?

His brain bowled by all these scouts. His brain signalled him there was a conspiracy in all these stories.

He warned Gayatri about this threat and told her she will be in extreme danger if it were true as he thought.

They promised to meet for next few days and exchange mobile number. They left the hotel.

 Next few days they met and also Yousuf tried to find out some details about Sanyukta.

 And Yousuf succeeded. Sanyukta was pregnant and imprison by Yunus in the remote house in the Syed village. He informed the Gayatri. They raided that place and rescued her from the remote place with the help of few friend’s.

Sanyukta, the wife of Yunus. In her shocking revelation, Yunus did injustice to their marriage. He victimised his wife. After, one year of courtship, they got married. Yunus started an unrighteous activity after three months. A number of attempts made to change her religion, name, identity and personality. She survived all these attempts and firmly said no to religion conversion. After that, Yunus kept her in the secluded place. He strenuously beat, harasses, torture Sanyukta lots of times. Also, two-three people involved in this activity. Syed was one of them, who torture her to convert to another religion. After the rescue, Yousuf and Gayatri assisted Sanyukta to complain to the police for harassment and forceful religious conversion attempts. Also, Sanyukta filed divorce complaint in court.

Since Sanyukta didn't have any family relative, She stayed at Darshana’s house. Gayatri immediately shifted to mother house. First few days she unable to digest the Syed real truth and plan. After few weeks, she applied for divorce in court from Syed.

In court, Syed and Yunus revealed lots of information and confirmed that how they develop a plan, target, profiling against women’s for religion conversion. How one of powerful local pro-religious leader involved in this wicked activity.

Till the case ends, lots of problems surfaced on the table for the community. The court said these were individual cases and there was no proof of criminal activity involved in this cases. Also, the Gayatri layer not able to prove any charges against pro-religious leader involvement. Gayatri wanted to know why Syed planned the conspiracy against her. Gayatri tried to meet Syed in prison. But he was not able to answer none of her questions. Syed and his friend’s get out of prison after minor imprisonment. Sanyukta and Gayatri got a divorce from their husband’s. Both of them looked forward to living and started afresh.