Write India Contest Story 2

Similar to my last post, this story was also written for TOI's Write India Campaign and is the second story (this time it was for author Chetan Bhagat). In my last story, my biggest challenge was to quote women mentioned in Vedic times and their achievements. I had very less knowledge of the same. The information I had, had to be put to utmost use. I felt that although the rest of of the story shaped well, the main point to be stressed lacked meat. Emphasizing on how women had open vistas during Vedic times and the intellectual level they had once reached and the way everything was taken away from them, was missing.  

In my second story, the challenge was not in the highlighting the crux of the story. The challenge was that there were no rules. This meant freedom which would make any author happy since she can be at her creative best.  Alas, I am not a writer. Initially, I created a partial plot and got stuck mid way. I just could not proceed. That is when my husband suggested me to just let go of the "number of words" limit and write what I feel and not get bogged down by the rules. The result was that I was able to embody the characters in my story. I was able to add some dialogue between the husband and wife and this finally led to the complete plot.

However, I had to abide by the rules and the story had really swelled. I had to cut short the story to fit into the rules and it took away some of the charm in it. It became less ordinary. What I have put below is the story I sent to TOI. Similar to last time, please go through the rules to get the context. Hope you like it. Enjoy.

Rules by the Author

The story should be a life lesson. That's the only rule. Rest, use your skills and imagination!

Preface by Chetan Bhagat

She sat in the Starbucks cafe, sipping her coffee and staring out of the window. The blood stained knife lay next to her handbag, covered with her blue silk scarf. ..   

------------------------

The air was filled with loud music as a bunch of teenagers danced away to the latest groovy tracks. The DJ was belting out one hit number after another. Aditi was high; high on life. Like every teenager, she had embarked on a beautiful journey called life. Every moment beckoned and today was especially her day. She had turned all of 16.

This was indeed the best birthday party she ever had. For the first time, the party was not in the house and she was enjoying only with her friends. Her parents Aditya and Shruti understood their daughter. With childhood friend Sushant by her side, they were relaxed and knew Aditi would be taken care of.

Aditi's father was a business man. Although an affluent family of lawyers, he was self made. Shruti, came from a middle class family and was very proud of her middle class values. She was a perfect combination of beauty with brains. She was kind and spoke to everyone with respect but her no nonsense attitude helped her keep men at bay.

Shruti had ensured that Aditi was brought up in the same value system. Aditi was a school going girl till now. She was a good child. Aditi was beautiful like her mom and lately, she had realized this. She had noticed guys staring at her and she enjoyed this attention. Teenage is the best age to be in. Carefree, confident and ready to take on the world. Suddenly the world becomes a beautiful place and your friends, the most important people in your life. However, that was not all. Aditi was ambitious.

“Aditi, its getting quite late. I had promised aunty to drop you home by midnight.” said Sushant.

“Sure. I'll just go by the washroom and we can leave.”

As Aditi exited the washroom, she saw a very handsome guy come out of the Men's room. Tall, fair and handsome. He had sharp features, bright eyes and well groomed hair. He smiled at her and gave a friendly hello. Aditi never acknowledged any greetings from strangers, her mothers rule, but he had a captivating smile. She unknowingly smiled back. He just nodded and disappeared into the crowd. Aditi regained her senses and happily headed home.

Next morning, Aditi was continuously on the phone. It was a gift from her parents. “Stop it Aditi. Your party is over and the gift is with you forever now. Should we talk about your 11^th standard admissions.”, said mom.

“Mom, I am taking up commercial arts and that's final. I am not interested in science. Please don't ask me to reconsider.”

Just then Shruti's phone rang.

Shruti: “Hi. You know I don't enjoy these page3 parties. Can we avoid it?”

Aditya: “I know, dear. I wouldn't have insisted but I am meeting a business tycoon from Singapore.”

“Fine”

Aditi: “Party? I am also coming. When?”

Shruti: “This weekend. It will be boring. ”

Aditi: “Mom, parties aren't boring. I love to dance and meet my friends. I am coming.”

Shruti noticed that her daughter was getting more assertive by the day. She was making her own decisions. Shruti smiled realizing that her daughter had indeed become a teenager.

Aditi was thrilled to be at another party within a weeks time. She saw her friends and headed straight to the dance floor. A group of young guys was sitting on the opposite end, enjoying their drinks. Guys bond best over a smoke and drink. Aditi spotted a familiar face staring at her. The guy gestured a two finger salute to acknowledge that he too had recognized her. It was the same handsome guy.

“Hi. I am Rahul. Naam to suna hi hoga (and laughs). Nah, I am Rohit.”, he winked.

Aditi smiled. Wow, he has a good sense of humour, thought Aditi, unaware that guys keep some pick up lines handy.

“Hi, I am Aditi.”

“I am a wanna-be model cum actor. I do not skip attending page3 parties. That is where you get noticed. I wish to get into the entertainment industry. I have done one ad and a couple of ramp shows. Here take my card”

Just then Reema and her other friends joined and Rohit excused himself.

“Oh! who is that hunk. Aditi, you have a boyfriend, already! You did not introduce him.”

“Come on. I just met him.” Aditi turned, blushing a little.

Just then a photographer asked for a photograph. The evening was getting better and better. A second photographer walked to Aditi and handed over his card.

“You have a nice figure and features too. Call me. You can make it big as a model.” This was the icing on the cake. Aditi was on cloud nine.

Just then an announcement happened. Aditya had struck a big business deal. An applause was heard. More photos followed.

Next day, Aditi was thrilled to see her photos on page3. Her phone kept ringing. Her school friends were calling to compliment her. She could not stop talking about the party. Both parents noticed her extraordinary enthusiasm. There was one photo of Aditi with Rohit. They did not miss the blush on Aditi's face when she mentioned Rohit to them.

“Dad, now you are in the big league. I am so happy for you. This is just the beginning. We will have our photos everywhere. I will also make you proud one day when I become a model and my photos will be seen everywhere.”

Aditya and Shruti were shocked. They looked at each other in disbelief.

Shruti: “What??? Did you just mention modeling. What have you been up to in the past few days. Let me make it very clear Aditi. No modeling for you.”

Aditi: “No mom. I have made up my mind. I have a bright future. Shailesh and Rohit both said I will make it big. Don't pull me back.”

Shruti: “Now who is this Shailesh? Do they know you better or me.”

Aditya signaled his wife to calm down.

Aditya: “Aditi, sit down next to me. Lets be realistic. I have not entered big league. I am a minor partner in this deal. All these parties are just a mirage. I wouldn't have gone there myself but my Singapore counterpart had no other time slot free.”

Aditi: “But dad what is wrong with this profession. I am very sure I want to pursue this. Opportunity does not knock on your door everyday.”

Aditya: “Agreed but every decision has to be well thought of. I am sure my princess is smart enough not to get carried away. We will discuss this again when I am back from Singapore. Okay?”

Aditi nodded but was not convinced. Shruti was still fuming.

Just then Aditi's phone rang. It was Rohit.

“Hi. It's me, Rohit. Hey, you are all over the papers today. Congratulations.”

“Thanks”, she said with a dejected tone.

“What is the matter? You don't sound happy.”

“Nothing.”

“You can tell me unless its too personal.”

“Well, I am being offered an opportunity as a model and I strongly want to pursue it but my parents think otherwise. What is wrong with this career?”

“Nothing wrong. In fact, it is quite lucrative but the career span is short. Did Shailesh approach you?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“Hmm, I had been to his office few years back but nothing worked out for me there. Are you going?”

“Yes, of course. At the very first opportunity.”

Aditi had made up her mind. She called up Shailesh's number and took a 6pm appointment. Shailesh asked her to carry some cash. She had already decided about her dress but first she had to get some cash. She loitered around her parents bedroom but she was not getting any opportunity to sneak in. Finally at 5pm, Aditi could wait no more. She went straight to the wardrobe and pulled out some cash, around 10k. Shruti saw this just in time and asked why she needed so much money. Aditi was in no mood for an unpleasant conversation. She retorted “For my portfolio” and stormed out of the house. For Shruti, this was the last straw. She went right behind Aditi. Aditi had jumped into a taxi. Shruti tailed her.

“Hi Aditi. Its Rohit again. You seemed upset in the morning so thought of checking on you. Hope you don't mind”

Aditi smiled. “I'm fine. I am off to Shailesh's place. Just got into the taxi.”

“And your parents?”

“Mom seemed furious. Can I call you later...Bye.”

Aditi got off the taxi oblivious that she was being followed. Shruti spotted Aditi get inside the elevator and get off at 7^th floor. It was her longest wait for the elevator to come down. Her thoughts were racing. The building was in a secluded corner of a shady locality. The place looked unkempt and was stinking. The wait was killing her. The lift was stuck on the 4^th floor. She just started climbing the stairs. Each floor dampened her spirits with the sight of its seemingly uncouth occupants. They stared at the well dressed middle aged lady as if she was an alien. She found it difficult to climb after the 4^th floor. Age was indeed catching up with her but she had no time to think about herself. She had to get Aditi out of this place at once.

Aditi met Shailesh in his dingy office. She was shocked at the transformation. The smartly dressed photographer, had turned into a gutkha chewing fellow. Clad in an ordinary shirt and trouser, he seemed happy to see Aditi.

“We have three packages. I recommend a professional package of 32 photographs with a professional make up artist and a hairdresser with different looks. The cost of first two...”

“Don't worry. I will take the professional package. How much would it cost?”

Shailesh was impressed. He had a twinkle in his eye. He could see how determined this girl was.

“That would be 10,000.”

Aditi felt as if this person could count the notes in her purse. She paid the full amount.

“Okay. So lets get started”, said Aditi.

“Madam, the shoot will be held tomorrow. Remember we need the make up artist and hairdresser.

Aditi's face fell. She was too eager to get this done . Coming to this place again would be very difficult. Shailesh was reading her face.

“Don't worry madam. We will click a few snaps anyway. The black skater dress looks really good on you. You have nice long legs. Let us try a few poses.”

Saying this Shailesh put his arm around her shoulder and signaled to go to the next room. The room was barely lit. He made her comfortable on the sofa while he set up his equipment.

“Relax as if you are the princess and the maid is here massaging your feet.”

Aditi was feeling uncomfortable but she tried following orders. Shailesh clicked one snap.

“Beautiful. Now lets try something different. Wait, let me take your hair on one shoulder. I think you should have an off shoulder dress.” Saying this pulled onto her sleeve, to show off her shoulder. Aditi was startled. In sudden response, she tried to get up. Shailesh pushed her back with a strong grip but with a smile he said, “Relax, I am just making you look more sensuous. Tilt your head a bit. Take your leg up on the sofa.” Saying this he held her leg below the knee and moved it up the sofa, his hand sliding down her thigh. Aditi tried to get up. She realized she had made a mistake by coming here but Shailesh refused to let her go.

“You have to please many people before you can get to the top. This is all part of the game. No point being shy. This attitude wont help you.” Saying this Shailesh tried to kiss her. Aditi gave him a big push with all her strength but her efforts did not help. She started shouting for help. Shruti was on the sixth floor when she heard Aditi scream for help. She was panting but still she increased her speed. Aditi gave another push and like a miracle Shailesh was thrown away. What she saw next made her freeze. In a fast movement, Rohit had thrown him onto the floor and shoved something sharp into his stomach. There was a shriek and a huge silence.

Shruti reached the room and saw a man in a pool of blood and Rohit with a knife in his hand. Aditi was in a state of shock. Shruti reached for Aditi. Her mothers touch brought her back to sense and she started weeping inconsolably. Aditi's eyes could not meet her moms. She only managed to say “I'm sorry mom. I never knew this world is so bad. I will never ever go against your advise.” Aditi had learnt her lesson albeit in a hard way. Shruti held her daughter very close to her heart.

“Mom, If Rohit would not have reached on time, I.....I.....” she again started sobbing.

“Aunty, Aditi told me she was coming here. A friend overheard our conversation and told me Shailesh's truth and so I rushed here”, said Rohit.

“Thanks Rohit. I will be forever indebted to you but first give me that knife. Has anyone seen you two in this building.”

“I don't think anyone saw me. Is there one more entrance? I came from here” said Rohit pointing behind his back.

“Mom, there was one person in my elevator.”, said Aditi

“Lets get out this place before anyone comes. If we are found now or later, it is me who killed this monster. Is that very clear”, said Shruti removing her scarf from her bag. She put the scarf on the knife and wrapped it.

“But mom....”

“Shh, lets get out first.”

They drove straight home. “Without a word, I want you inside.”

Aditi: “And you?”

Shruti: “I have some work to do. I will join you later.”

She sat in the Starbucks cafe, sipping her coffee and staring out of the window. The blood stained knife lay next to her handbag, covered with her blue silk scarf. She was waiting for her best friend Nisha, a senior lawyer and her confidante. Suddenly, a thought struck her. Where did Rohit find a specialized Deba bocho knife in Shailesh's room?

At Rohit's home-

“Thanks Aditi for the perfect opportunity. I waited for 2 years. That bastard sold me off to his gay friends for a night in the name of a modeling assignment. Now rot in hell.” Rohit laughed as he looked at his packed luggage [but little did he know that his finger prints were still on the knife].