The Bald Love Story

“That, yes! I want that that red rose. How much is it?” asked Ram a 20 year old who looked more like 30 thanks to the early balding phenomenon he had inherited from his uncles on both the sides. He was doing B.Sc Computer Science from the most prestigious university that made into the top university list according to the surveys conducted by different leading magazines of the country every year. “15 Rupees, Sir. Do you want anything else ?” asked the florist giving a I know you will come back again tomorrow look . Ram was buying a rose for the nth time but never dared to give it to his Juliet (at least he thought her to be his). Walking straight to the bus  stop which looked already packed like sardines he made way into the bus shelter to see his sweet heart Divya. 

Divya was a 19 year old average normal girl who did look geeky but scored okay in her examinations and was fine to be a girl friend. With the 15 bucks rose in his hands Ram made his way to Divya. As usual he saw her listening to songs from her iPod and glancing at every random guy and girl passing by. 

As he managed to go near Divya he saw a portly man going toward the coming bus and he accidently knocked Ram and before he could react the jelly belly man walked over the 15 bucks rose. “Hmm... there goes my rose again down into the dump" thought Ram and made his way to the vacant seat next to Divya. “Hi Ram you don’t look cheerful toady. What’s up?” questioned Divya. ‘She is so caring’ said his heart and the word "Hi" just came out of his mouth. “ The jerk of the bus brought him into this world and he immediately said "Hi Divya, nothing much it’s just that I don’t want to go to college today” said Ram trying to sound normal. “ Then let’s go to a movie today you know there is a new one releasing today I really want to see it let’s go then” Divya said eagerly.  He heard some violins play at the back ground as they happen in films but actually some guy was playing it in the violin institute beside the bus stop “Okay then let’s go” Ram said trying to move through the packed bus stop.  “Triva Cine Complex 30 Rupees” Ram and Divya got into the auto before the autowaala could say anything. As the auto started Divya began her talk “So what’s up? , prepared to face the campuses? I am really scared.

You know I had taken a supplementary exam in the first year do you think that will affect the my chances of being selected?, I am really scare Ram and why do you put on a cap whenever you travel you know it’s bad for your hair you better avoid it see it already has some damage on your hair dude. So take it out.” Seeing that her topic changed to his hair Ram changed the topic “Ahh! Divya what was your new year resolution?” “Mine... Ohh atlast you asked.... well..........” she began her non ending talk everybody used to get enough of Divya’s talk but it wasn’t the one who would get effected by her talked he liked everything Divya spoke and did he liked the way she dressed he liked the way she blushed he liked everything. A big screech made him get distracted and he saw the big name board ‘TRIVA CINE COMPLEX’ they got down, paid the auto waala and both of them proceeded to the ticket counter and brought two tickets and walked towards the screen. Divya was busy looking here and there, Ram was about to ask why she was looking around but before he could ask her she ran towards the pop corn stall to buy cheese pop corn.

“You are the only girl I know who likes cheese popcorn” Ram said snatching the popcorn from her with a wink. “Hmm... you are not that bad dude do you know that..?” said Divya snatching back the popcorn from him. They moved to their respective seats which were waiting to be occupied.  The lights went off and the trailers began to start Ram lost all the interest he had on the film and he started observing Divya.  Divya who was aware about her surrounding tried to concentrate on the film but she could not all she thought was only about Ram.

‘He is balding very early’ she thought. As soon as she thought this she heard the hero of the film say “Every man get bald some time in his life” to the heroine. ‘DUDE! you rock, you even know what I am thinking about’ she thanked the hero in her head. It, was the interval and Ram was going out to buy a coke and some potato chips for her. As a practice he was putting his cap while going out, a very concentered Divya said “Ram do not keep this cap it will damage your hair a lot”, Ram hated when she spoke about his hair.

“Ya sure.” And kept his cap in his seat and disappeared into the crowd rushing for the chips.

‘Why does she have to speak about my hair all the time, I hate her for this!’  he was trying to say this to his hear and bought the eatables and came to his seat and gave them to Divya with a faking smile. It was time for the movie to start again and Ram was again staring at Divya but this time Divya was seeing him from the corner of her eye. Divya didn't understand why Ram was looking at her. But, she wasn't that naïve either. Ram was blushing and so was Divya, she never saw a man look at her with so much love in his eyes. Was he in love with her? Was she in love with him? There were many questions unanswered and which needed immediate consideration but was it the time?

The film ended and they both left the theater. "Look a subway point... Let's go there to eat Ram I want to eat a sandwich", "From when did you get interested in eating sandwiches Divya?" asked Ram teasingly but he had to say yes because it was his Divya who was asking.

They both crossed the road and entered the subway point. "Two veg sandwiches with a lot of onions and cheese, nothing extra please... and yes we would be eating here" said Divya just to avoid the flow of questions from the subway guy. The guy smiled and said "Okay Madam" and went into the kitchen.

"From when did you start eating veg sandwiches?" asked Ram... “You’re the only guy I know who is a vegetarian dude..! and I respect my friends eating habits and try to be like them when I am with them” she said with a wink. “You are incredible Divya” he said with a big smile and the next hour went on some casual talk about college and the campus recruitments which would start soon. They ate fast and got up to leave the restaurant as they went outside to move to their next destination Ram said “I will be back in a minute. Get, an auto ready by then I will come” he headed towards the direction of a mall. ‘He’s wired sometimes.’ She thought and headed towards the auto stand. He came back as he promised and the auto went towards the Public Library. “Where did you go Rama?” questioned Divya. He just gave a quick smile.

After a 15 minute drive they both got down before the public library literally deserted except a sleeping librarian in his sweet 60’s. They both headed towards the fiction section and in no time they were inside lost in the racks of books untouched for years. Suddenly, Ram caught Divya’s hand “Divya, you are a wonderful women. Your big eyes are like magnets which attract me, your smile I can do anything for it." Divya couldn't believe her ears. Was this really Ram? Is he proposing her? This is what she was thinking about since morning but she never expected it to happen this fast. Ram was looking straight into her eyes and he continued to say ' Divya I Love You... Do you love me without this cap on?” he said without a breath.

‘OMG he just said it’ her eye’s glittered. Her eye’s had become moist and she took a long breath. All this happening did have some effect on Ram. Did he just say something wrong or maybe it was a big mistake proposing her or was it because he was balding at a very fast rate may be she thought he was ugly. All these thoughts made him woebegone.  Suddenly at a fraction of a second “Yes dude! I love you too and I will take you without this stupid cap forever.” She said mirthfully looking into his eyes.

The Luckiest of all the Charms

“Amma, I can’t find it are you sure I kept it there?”screamed Swathi calling her mother who was also searching for something Swathi’s grandmother brought some years back. Swathi a 19 year old Mechanical engineering student known for her merit all over the state considered a string of red beads her lucky charm.

Anybody who knew Swathi obviously will know about those days when she suffered from malaria at the time of her 10th board exams. Poor, Swathi who was always a good student all around her career could not even sit leave alone studying for her exams her mother used to read her lessons and Swathi could only listen to them. It, was then when her granny arrived into the scene, she brought along with her a woollen string and on it were red beads in diamond shape. Her granny said that she had specially done ‘puja’ for the beads and they would surely bring her back to normal and she would go through her board exams too. Swathi who was an agnostic could only smile at her granny’s ignorance at least that’s what she thought then. Unexpectedly, the charm worked and she was restored to good health in no time and the good thing was that she stood 3rd in the whole state in the board exams. From, then onwards Swathi considered the string of beads and Lord Shiva her lucky charm she would but the string of beads around her hands like a bracelet all the time and unlike the other girls of her age she did not care if they were matching with her dress or not.

Coming back to today, It was Swathi’s 5nd semester exams and today was a bad dream for her. Firstly, she lost her lucky charm and secondly today’s exam was Swathi’s nightmare ‘Dynamics’. She put the bracelet on the study table the day before while going to sleep and in the morning she could not find it.“Ma! I can’t find it” Swathi was squalling and her mother who was in the other side of the room looking for her charm was worried looking at Swathi’s condition. She knew her daughter’s attachment with her lucky chram but she never expected her rational thinking daughter would ever cry for her charm. “Swathi, my darling don’t cry first have your bath and come back
and do your prayers. I will search for it and don’t worry your Lord Shiva will help you find it”. Swathi who was still weeping could not do anything other than listening to her mother and it was already getting late for her exam and she went into the bathroom for having a quick bath trying to memorize her formulae and simultaneously the thought of her lost charm haunted her.
“She must have kept it here...”Swathi’s mother Kavita was on her investigation duty and was now looking on her study table and then on the book shelf loaded with books written by a-z grat authors of the world her daughter loved to read and then in the hall and then back in Swathi’s room but there was no sign of it. “Amma! Did you find it?” asked Swathi hoping for a positive answer. “No beta! I am sorry I could not find it I tried my best” her mother answered with a sorrowful expression. Losing all the hope Swathi went towards the puja room to offer her prayers Lord Shiva her only lucky charm now.

“Amma, look.... here.... Ma! You there.... I found my lucky charm... you were right... Lord Shiva thank you so much” Swathi called her mother and thanked her Lord joyfully. “Ohh..! here it is. Thank God! Anyways you are getting late right so go fast for your exam now starting moving girl” her mother said trying to cheer her daughter. “Yes mom” Swathi said her prayers to the Lord and wore her bracelet and went past the main door giving her mother a quick bye! “Haa..! Om Namah Shivaya” was all her mother said.

Late in the afternoon a very joyful Swathi came back to her house “How did your exam go?” questioned her mother. “Ma! I have my lucky charm right? How could you ask me such a question? Anyways my exam went superb!” Mrs.Kavita only smiled and gave her daughter a big smile which Swathi returned. “Now, go and change while I place your luch” said Mrs.Kavitha leaving the main hall walking towards the dining table. “Ya! Sure amma.” Swathi went back to her room.

After 5 minutes a scream disturbed Mrs.Kavita “What happened now?” confused Mrs.Kavita asked Swathi making her way into the room. “Look at this ma.” Swathi showed Kavita a replica of her lucky charm with a confused look on her face. “What is this? Ma this is my real charm and what is this I am wearing now?” still having a confused look on her face Swathi asked her mother. Mrs.Kavita gave a I have the answer to your question look and Swathis gave back a give me the answer look. “Swathi, what really happened is that while you were taking you bath in the morning and I could not see you crying so I made a lucky charm just like the one you had and placed it in the shrine. I could not find exact beads so I attached some beads which resembled you’re lucky charm. Check them they don’t resemble with your actual ones.” Mrs.Kavita broke the ice and saw her child sitting on the bed giving a distressing look. “Swathi darling I only wanted you to be happy so that’s why I did this beta. I know you are angry with me but I only wanted you to be happy and smiling as always.” The remaining day went on with silence prevailing in the house and Swathi busy studying for her next nightmare Design of Machine Members.

The next day Swathi woke up really early offered her prayers to her beloved Lord Shiva and went her way to give her exam. She did not say ‘bye’ to her mother who was already depressed and who blamed herself for her child’s condition. Again, late in the afternoon Swathi returned home with a normal look on her face Mrs.Kavita again broke the ice between them “So... Swathi... how was your exam....beta?” “It went on good Ma.” Swathi replied. “Come let’s have lunch I was waiting for you”. “Yes, first let me change” Swathi made her way to her room. ‘Atleast, she is going to eat, thank God’ murmured Mrs.Kavita under her breath. Mothers can tolerate anything but the thought of seeing their children hungry haunts them more than anything else. While eating Mrs.Kavita saw her daughter hand bare without the bracelet. “Where is your lucky charm Swathi ? I hope you did not misplace it again?” questioned Mrs.Kavita “No, ma ! I don’t need it anymore.” Shot back Swathi giving her mother a smile. “What...about..your....lucky...charm then?” questioned Mrs.Kavitha giving her a worried look. “I have you amma! . You are my luckiest of all the charms in this universe. I love you.” Swathi said giving her mother a tight hug. “I love you too beta!” her mother replied with a equally tightening hug.

Matru Devo Bhava (revere your mother as God)

The Christmas Surprise

Little Sandhya was a 5 year old girl with chubby cheeks a dimple chin rosy lips and tooth within, her eyes weren’t blue but black but lovely too and the most important thing she was her teacher’s pet. Sandhya was waiting for her mother outside the school gate. It was her last day at school as her school was closing for the winter break. She enjoyed a Christmas party at school and she loved it. Christmas was one of her favorite festivals after Diwali and Janmastami. Her, mother was late today and Sandhya was eagerly looking forward to meet her granny who was arriving today from Guntur her native. A BMW car made its way through the dusty roads and stood before her. Sandhya’s mother a mid aged house wife opened the door with a warm smile and went to cuddle Sandhya and the little girl readily accepted it. They both got into the car and the car made its way to their dwelling.
On the way Sandhya was telling her mother about the wonderful Christmas party she enjoyed at school and her mother was hearing her childish talk with apt attention. “ Amma ! can we also keep a Christmas tree at home? You know if we keep a tree Santa Clause will come and give me presents I want please amma ! Please!” With a sweet smile her mother replied “Look Sandhya! I will get you whatever you want, you don’t need Santa for that”. “But all of my friends are decorating a Christmas tree and are specially placing cookies for Santa on a decorated plate”. Just as every child of her age Sandhya was fascinated by Santa Clause and she was eager for a new bicycle and a new Barbie doll. She was born into an orthodox Indian family and her grandmother was really a conservative woman keeping this in view her mother decided to end her daughter’s fascination.

“Sandhya sweet heart! Listen to me just tell me what you want? I will get you everything you want... Just don’t put up a sorrow face my darling” said her mother trying to convince her angle. Money was never a constrain for them. Her father was a business man dealing with textiles and it boomed as Sandhya was born and every one considered her to be at the helm and eventually she became the sweet heart of everybody at home.

“ Amma please! I want to put up a Christmas tree” pleaded Sandhya and eventually she started crying. Her mother was sad too and tried hard to console her child she was ready to buy whatever her child wanted but she could not go against her mother-in-law’s wish. As the car was passing through the market almost every shop displayed artificial Christmas trees and decorations and little Sandhya was getting enamored seeing all those glittering decorations.

As, the car entered the gilded gate Sandhya saw her granny at the entrance and soon forgot everything about Christmas and her wish for a Christmas tree. “Nanamma!” (daadi) and went straight into her arm the old woman as described earlier was a conservative woman who only wore white as she was mourning her husband’s death which about 15 years. She was tall and had a whitish complexion wearing a tulsi mala ( beads of the Holy Basil ) only as her ornament around her neck. The little girl loved her granny very much and the old woman loved her equally. They would sit together after dinner and the old woman would tell her fascinating stories of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.

“My little angel!” cried out her granny she was seeing her after a month and her expression was as if they have just met each other after ages. The old woman took her grand child into her arm and cuddled her. “Nanamma I can’t breathe” chuckled her grandchild. The old woman took her hands and examined her grandchild holding her as if she was sending her to the army selections.

“Atayya garu (respected mother-in-law) let’s go inside it’s getting really cold” said Sandhya’s mother. “Yes, let’s go inside my angel!” said Sandhya’s granny holding her grand child’s hand and taking her inside the big house.

“ Nanamma! What did you bring this time for me?” questioned her angel on the way to her grandmother’s room while her grandmother smiled and opened her suite case and showed her a frock white in color with wings like that of a fairy. Suddenly Sandhya put up a cheerless face she remembered the Christmas play enacted by her seniors’ today at school where some of them dressed as angles.

Seeing her angel sick at heart her grandmother was confused, was it because of her? She taught. Sandhya went out from her grandmother’s room with tears. Her grandmother could not see her angel weeping and she went straight from her room to the kitchen where she knew her daughter-in-law was cooking food.

“Why is Sandhya crying?” questioned the old woman in a loud voice enough to shake the whole house. The old woman was used to authorize the whole house and nobody objected it. “ Attayya garu! She wants a Christmas tree in the house and she also wants Santa Clause in the house I have tried my best to comfort her but she does not even listen to me. What can I do?” Maybe, this was the first time her mother-in-law gave her an understanding nod and went away looking for Sandhya.

As she approached Sandhya’s room she saw Sandhya sleeping and her pillow wet. Even at 70 her eye sight was that of an eagle. She felt bad and with heavy steps she made her way to her room. The old woman could stand anything except her granddaughter crying. She sat on her bed ignoring her daughter-in-law’s call reporting that the dinner was ready. The old woman did not know what to do and started flipping through the newspaper on the table and an ad caught her attention.

Around, 6am Sandhya woke up and went down stairs for breakfast and was surprised to see a huge Christmas tree in the centre of her house it was being decorated by her parents and her grandmother with the help of a few servants. “Sandhya won’t you come and help us set this tree up?” questioned her grandmother smiling. “YES!” Sandhya smiling came dashing towards her granny she loved the most and decorated the tree to the fullest.

“Happy Christmas my angel” wished her grandmother hugging her sweet granddaughter “Nanamma, it’s not Happy Christmas it’s Merry Christmas! I love you! You are the best” Chuckled Sandhya hugging her back. “ What merry? I can’t understand you English medium students” her grandmother replied her face shining like that of a 100 volts bulb. She did not care for anything else except her granddaughter’s happiness and she would do anything for that.

Hello..!!

Hello dear reader this is Karteek Ponnuru, an aspiring Mechanical engineering. I am all set to start my masters in a foreign country far from home. I am also an aspiring writer..! Yes I really love writing even though I have started writing a bit late but I am taking this quite seriously. I am posting here some short stories I have written previously and I hope I write more and wish to publish a novel very soon.

I normally write short stories, Hindu mythological tales, autobiographies of saints and moral stories. I am a follower of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi and also a part time teacher. I guess this introduction is fine. Hope you all enjoy reading and do give me your reviews