i dont know when i started to love

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Hi, this is Yogeshkumar. I just returned back from USA. Don’t think that I had gone to do my higher studies. It’s for money; yes I am an onsite resource for a MNC company. I have just come for a month’s vacation to meet my family, to take rest, to eat good food, to roam with friends, to tease my younger sister, to drop my mom at temple, to have a morning walk with my dad, to hear bedtime stories from my granny and of course to convey my love to Pooja. Pooja is my neighbor. Her father and mine are friends. I know her well from our childhood. She is the best companion I ever had. I don’t know when I started to love her. But I started to miss her from the moment I got into the flight to USA. It has been a year I met her. I am very eager to meet her. I am going to meet her at her house in 10 minutes. I had got chocolates and dresses for her brother and got an iPod for her. Now I am standing in front of my cupboard and looking at the dresses. One blue t-shirt got my attention. This is the t-shirt she gifted me on New Year. New year 2008 My phone rang at midnight 12; I pretty well know that it was from Pooja. It’s her usual habit to wish me every year at 12. I took the phone and said “A very happy new year Pooja” Pooja replied “Thank you yogi. Please come out. I am waiting outside” I was shocked. Our area would be very dark and calm by 6 o’clock in the evening itself. “What? Stupid, why you came now?” by asking I opened my room door and walked towards the drawing room. Pooja replied “Come soon scold later” “Hmmm coming” I laughed and thought ‘this girl is very naughty’. I opened the door. No one was there. I didn’t cut the call so I asked her “Where are you?” She came from the side wards and poured color water on my favorite white t-shirt and said “Happy New Year”

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Page 1: I Dont Know When I Started to Love

Hi, this is Yogeshkumar. I just returned back from USA. Don’t think that I had gone to do my higher studies. It’s for money; yes I am an onsite resource for a MNC company. I have just come for a month’s vacation to meet my family, to take rest, to eat good food, to roam with friends, to tease my younger sister, to drop my mom at temple, to have a morning walk with my dad, to hear bedtime stories from my granny and of course to convey my love to Pooja.

Pooja is my neighbor. Her father and mine are friends. I know her well from our childhood. She is the best companion I ever had. I don’t know when I started to love her. But I started to miss her from the moment I got into the flight to USA. It has been a year I met her. I am very eager to meet her. I am going to meet her at her house in 10 minutes. I had got chocolates and dresses for her brother and got an iPod for her. Now I am standing in front of my cupboard and looking at the dresses. One blue t-shirt got my attention. This is the t-shirt she gifted me on New Year.

New year 2008

My phone rang at midnight 12; I pretty well know that it was from Pooja. It’s her usual habit to wish me every year at 12. I took the phone and said “A very happy new year Pooja”

Pooja replied “Thank you yogi. Please come out. I am waiting outside”

I was shocked. Our area would be very dark and calm by 6 o’clock in the evening itself.

“What? Stupid, why you came now?” by asking I opened my room door and walked towards the drawing room.

Pooja replied “Come soon scold later”

“Hmmm coming” I laughed and thought ‘this girl is very naughty’. I opened the door. No one was there.

I didn’t cut the call so I asked her “Where are you?”

She came from the side wards and poured color water on my favorite white t-shirt and said “Happy New Year”

Water was dropping from everywhere on my body and even from my mobile. I was bit angry on her for spoiling my t-shirt but when I saw the happiness on her face I forgot everything. I don’t know whether it was the moment I had fallen in love on her.

We both went into my house and I asked her to sit at the couch. I left back to my room, took a quick bath and wore another night tracks with a t-shirt. I took a gift box from my dressing table. I went back to hall.

I handed the gift to her and said “Happy new year my kiddo”

She eagerly opened the gift. I presented her a stuffed doll and a Dairy milk fruit and nut which are her favorites.

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She exclaimed “Wow nice brown teddy. I will call this Brownie” and looked at me. I felt something when she looked at my eyes. I was not able to see her eyes so I headed down.

She came near me, very close. There were no one around us I had become very nervous. She took another bottle of colored water and poured on me. I thought ‘she cannot stop her naughty behavior’. But this time I had got bit more anger. I shouted “What’s this Pooja?”

Pooja replied “Are you angry on me”

I replied “Of course, just now I took bath and you again” before I complete she handed a gift box and said “Wear this”

I asked “what is this? You never got me New Year gift before? Why this time?” I was opening the gift box

She replied “Because this year I have got my money to gift you. I am working na”

Meanwhile I opened the gift it was a Blue color t-shirt. I said “It’s really cool”

She replied “Thank you. I have asked Mano to stay awake for me. I need to go home”

Her dad is very strict and kept rules for her. But she says “Rules are there to break”

I replied “take care. Good night”

She waved hands and jumped the compound wall. I just watched her jumping and stood near the compound wall to see her going in. She walked in slowly without making noise as her house security may notice.

I came back to my room and I got a message, that’s the wonder of NOKIA even after it got wet it worked fine and the message was from her “safely rched. This idiot mano slept before I come. Once again Happy New Year. Meet you tomo. GN”

I sent a reply text “Thank you. GN”

I took the blue t-shirt and wore that. I went near my dressing table and combed my hair, looked myself in the mirror, smiled and opened the dressing table draw.

I had four different varieties of watches. When I was looking at those one watch came up and said “wear me”

Pooja gifted me the watch on my birthday.

I had four different varieties of watches. When I was looking at those one watch came up and said “wear me”

Pooja gifted me on my birthday

My Birthday 2008

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On my birthday I came back from office at 7.00 p.m. I found Pooja sitting at hall and chatting with Neethu, my sister. I removed my shoes and walked slowly near Pooja. Pooja was seriously describing about her project lead. Neethu saw me and I asked her to keep quite by my action. When I went near Pooja, Pooja turned by keeping a fake tooth and making her eye balls see the nose. I started to laugh on seeing that. She said “trying to scare me? That’s impossible”

I said “correct. You cannot be scared as you see your face daily in the mirror na” while speaking my mom came out of kitchen with a cup of coffee.

Pooja complained to my mom “See Aunty, he is always teasing me”

My mom saw me. I said “Leave her mom. I am really tired. I had a client call. Head is aching a lot” by saying I was about take the coffee cup. But Pooja took the coffee before I take. My mom and Neethu laughed aloud.

I said “mom, is that not for me?”

My mom replied “Wait, let me prepare one more cup for you”

I replied “no need. Even give that to this devil itself”

Pooja looked at me and laughed. I was entering my room and Pooja sipped the coffee and said “Excellent coffee aunty. Only blessed people get an opportunity to drink such a tasty coffee”

I changed my dress to casual ones, refreshed myself and came back to living room. Pooja was yet talking to my mom and Neethu.

As soon as she saw me she said “Good you are ready” she turned to my mom and said “Aunty you come in his bike and call uncle to come directly from office. Me, Neethu and Mano will come in scooty” by saying she went near the door with Neethu

My mom replied “ok fine. I will switch off the lights and come”

I just stared at everyone and asked “hello where are you going and what’s the plan?”

My mom said “today is your birthday right, so we all are going to restaurant as a birthday party. Pooja only planned”

I looked at Pooja and she winked her eyes and smiled. She said to my mom “Aunty Me and Neethu will go to my home and call mano. You both leave to the restaurant”

She again gave a soft look and moved her hair away from her eyes. I just noticed her eyes; it’s brown in color and very attractive. I was not able to look at her eyes again I headed down. I don’t know whether that’s the moment I started loving her.

I took my mom in my pulsar and Pooja rode her scooty with Neethu and Mano. We reached the restaurant; my dad came at the right time when we started to order. We had nice food. I said

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“Pooja Nice restaurant. Thanks for taking us here in the great evening” She smiled back. She called the waiter and asked “Bill please”

The waiter got the bill she pointed me and said “Give that to him. He is going to pay.” I was totally frozen. I got the bill and stared at Pooja. She was talking to my mom and didn’t even notice me.

I asked my dad “dad, please you pay now and I will return it after reaching home”

My dad replied “I thought it’s your birthday party.” He saw me, smiled and said “Just kidding, I will pay”

After paying bill we started home. Neethu, Mano sat in my dad’s car. My mom came near me and said “Come start bike we will leave”

I was already in anger so I shouted at my mom “Am I a driver to you. Go in dad’s car” Mom left to dad’s car.

My dad said “Its 9.30 don’t leave Pooja alone. Come with her itself” and left

Pooja started her scooty and came near my pulsar. She said “First driver and now body guard. Good good”

I was totally pissed off. I kept my face red and started my pulsar. Pooja rode very slowly to irritate me. Then suddenly she rode fast and disappeared from my sight. I shouted “Pooja, Pooja” But no reply.

I said to myself ‘nowadays she is doing too much. Let her suffer, I will leave home” by saying I went near my bike but I was not able to start. I again shouted “Pooja, Pooja” I walked towards the end of the street but couldn’t find her. I tried calling her but she didn’t pick. My eyes got red and I kept my hand on head and sat on the platform. When I opened my eyes I saw a gift box held in pooja’s hand. She said “a small gift to my body guard and my neighbor’s driver”

As soon as I saw her I felt like hugging her. I felt that my life had come back. I don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her. I got the gift and opened it. It was a fast track watch. I smiled and she laughed. We left home.

I took that watch and wore that. I went to my living room and took remote from Neethu. I started changing channels continuously. I was stuck at one channel. That’s the movie I went along with Pooja.

I am stuck at one channel. That’s the movie I went along with Pooja

Movie @ July 2008

As that was my appraisal time I was busily working at my desk. Suddenly my phone rang, Display showed Pooja. I cut the call and continued my work. Pooja called again and again but I cut the call then I put the phone in silent and vibration off . I had a call with my client so I switched off my mobile kept at my desk

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and left to meeting. When I switched on my mobile,there were 25 messages. I thought ‘this girl is restless’ but I was wrong. 15 messages were from Vodafone, 3 messages from some unknown numbers regarding part time job, 2 messages from my friend Senthil regarding his job opportunity, 3 forwads from my other friends and 2 messages from Neethu.

Neethu’s first message : When are you coming home?

Neethu’s second message : Me, mano and Pooja leaving to movie. Mom had gone to temple. Collect keys from Suja aunty (Pooja’s mom).

It was 8.00 pm. I packed everything and had shut down my laptop. I took my laptop and my helmet from my desk, swiped out and walked towards the parking lot. I started my vehicle and reached my office gate. I saw a girl wearing red salwar waiting outside. I crossed her without noticing. Suddenly I heard “Yogi, Yogi, Please stop” I stopped my pulsar and turned back.

It was Pooja who was waiting for me. She came near me and said “Come let’s go to the theatre” by saying she sat on my pulsar. I asked “which theatre?” she said “Satyam”

I asked “when have you come? How long you are waiting?”

She replied “Just some 10 mins back I came. I asked Neethu and Mano to drop me. Now they would have got the ticket.”

I adjusted my rear view mirror and saw her face. She looked very pinkish; her soft hair often touched her face to feel the softness of her skin. I don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her.

I asked her “which movie?”

She said “You guess the title. Its horror movie”

I stopped the vehicle at signal. “In this movie the evil force is killing humans by piercing the stomach. Then I have watched a scene in which they show ed a kid as evil. Suddenly the kid” Pooja started to narrate the story. I started vehicle and was listening to her.

She continued “suddenly the kid is becoming large. Kid opened the mouth, his tongue splits into n number of tongues, then that is covering a man. Kid is piercing the man’s back with his nails and eating the flesh”

I said “Stop Pooja. I don’t like this narration itself. Do you really want to watch the movie?”

Pooja replied “Come on. Don’t get scared I am there Na. Hold my hands whenever you feel scared.”

I parked vehicle in the theatre and I was in no mood to watch the movie. We met Neethu and mano. I said “Do we really need to watch this movie?”

Neethu said “yes we have to”

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I replied “Then if you shout during sleep for nightmare, I will kill you”

Neethu blinked and Pooja said “she won’t. You walk fast it’s already late”

I asked Mano “ Hey is your dad not at home?”

Mano said “yes he has gone to Punjab regarding some official work. Else how we would come to movie, that too night show”

We entered the theatre. The theatre was heavily crowded. I saw few kids too. When I saw them I recollected what Pooja told. We found our seats. Neethu sat at the corner, beside her Mano, then Pooja and then me. A pretty young girl sat beside me. Pooja looked at her, turned my side and said “enjoy buddy. Sitting next to a pretty girl is a wonderful feeling” I looked at her ‘yes sitting next to a pretty girl (Pooja) is a wonderful feel’ was not my thought. My original thought was ‘sitting in between two pretty girls is the most wonderful feel’.

The movie started. The title said “Kungfu Panda”. It was an animated movie, then only I was able to get the reason for Neethu’s blink. I just turned towards Pooja and stared. She smiled and said “Hold my hands else you will be scared and may get some nightmare”

I laughed and said “your story narration was excellent”

She replied “Lies always come faster” and winked her eyes.

I don’t know whether that was the moment I started loving her. We enjoyed the Kungfu panda movie thoroughly. The reactions of Panda amused us. We reached back home.

Neethu pulled remote from me and said “how many times you watch this movie?”

My mom gave me a hot tea and dosas to eat. I had 6 dosas. When I was leaving home, Neethu said “Hey could you please drop me at my friend’s place?”

My mind went back. I heard the same words before. It echoed

“Yogi, could you please drop me at my friend’s place? Please help me na” Pooja uttered these words before.

“Yogi, could you please drop me at friend’s place? Please help me na” Pooja uttered these words before.

November 2009

My Manager called me into his cabin. When I went into his room he said “Come my man. Are you ready with all the papers? You need to submit it tomorrow for visa processing. You may need to travel by March”

I in joy said “Yes Ramesh, I have taken all the printouts. I will fill it and submit by tomorrow morning”

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I returned back home. I went into the room, prayed god and started filling the forms.

I saw Neethu talking to someone in phone, she came near me and handed the cordless. I asked her “Who is on line?”

Neethu said “Pooja”

“Hey Pooja, tell me. What are you doing?” by saying I closed my pen.

Pooja in her lower tone said “Yogi, Could you please drop me at my friend’s place na?”

I said “What happened to your scooty?”

Pooja said “Mano took that. My friend’s place is near only. Just 20 mins drive”

I found her very dull which I rarely experienced from her; especially when she misses her Grades. I asked “Pooja, What happened to you? You seems to be very dull.”

She replied “I will tell you. Can you come now please?”

I said “Yup come out. I will be there in 5 mins”

She said “thanks Yogi” I kept my papers safe. Changed my t-shirt and took my bike keys. I told to mom “Mom going out with Pooja. I will be back soon”

Mom said “Hey wait” she handed a box and said “Please give this sweets to suja aunty” I got the box.

Pooja was waiting outside. She looked very dull and I was restless seeing her like that. I kept the box in my seat bag at front and started my pulsar. I stopped near Pooja. I looked at her closely which made me know that she had cried a lot. Her pinkish cheeks looked reddish. She tied her hair and was wearing a gray color skirt and whit color top. On seeing her I forgot to give the box to suja aunty.

She sat on my pulsar and said “my friend’s place is near that ganesh’s temple”

I smiled and said “ok”

I drove fast and reached her friend’s place in about 10 minutes. She didn’t utter any word till that. When she reached she said “It will take half an hour for me. You leave now. I will come on my own”

I said “that’s ok I cannot leave you like this. I will wait here only. You go, meet your friend and come back”

She said “OK. I will try to leave early”

I said “please smile once”

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She gave a false smile and left. I was looking at her. Many thoughts came into my mind about her change. I prayed god that nothing bad should have happened to her. My mind totally came out of my Visa processing and started thinking about Pooja. I was just thinking how to know what had happened. As well I had a doubt whether to ask her directly or not.

She came back in 20 mins and said “We shall leave”

I started my pulsar and was thinking whether to ask her or not. While crossing a park she said “Yogi stop here” I stopped the vehicle and looked at her.

She asked “Do you have any important work?”

I said “ no. I don’t have much”

She said “shall we sit here for sometime”

We both entered the park. I found a vacant park bench and we both sat there. She was looking at tree and thinking something.

I got a courage and asked “Pooja, What happened? Tell me now. This is not the Pooja I like”

She said “ I wanted to tell you everything and cry that’s why stopped at park” and started crying

I was blasted totally to see her cry. I wiped her tears and said “Now stop crying and tell me what happened?”

She said “ I asked my friend(colleague) sumi to come to my home today morning for preparing the schedule for team outing. She asked me to come to her home. I compelled her to come to my home. When she was coming to my house she met with an accident. Her parents called me and informed about this. I didn’t have courage to meet her in the hospital. I cried the whole day. Just now, thought of meeting her parents in her house. But Sumi got discharged from hospital and came back to home,so I met her. Her left leg got fractured. She is a very good dancer, its all because of me only”

I was totally become normal after knowing the reason for her sorrow. I said “Look Pooja, For this accident you are not responsible. Don't worry. She would be well soon. See, she will dance in your next outing. Now smile”

She asked “Really Yogi”. I felt her very childish. I took her hand and said “yes she will be fine soon. And from next time, you go to her place.” She held my hand tightly and smiled. I don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her.

I showed her few of my team mates’ photo from my mobile and diverted her mind from her friend’s accident. I was able to make her come back. Then we left back home. We reached Pooja’s house and I handed the sweet box and said “Hey stupid, stay like this. You look and feel good only if you are smiling”

She replied “thanks yogi”

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I said “Hey Please don’t say thanks”

She replied “No yogi you don’t know what a big help you did”

I said “Pooja, don’t be sentimental now. I found you dull which I didn’t like so only told.”

She replied “Hey yogi I thanked for the sweets. I love this sweet. I cannot forget this help”.

I laughed and she left to her home by eating the sweet.

I said to Neethu “You go on your own. I have some important work”

Neethu replied “You took so long time to say this only ha.” and she left

I just smiled and thought ‘I am mad on her’

I left my home and went to Pooja’s house. I saw mano writing something in hall. As soon as he saw me. he came near me and hugged. I asked “how are you Mano?”

He replied “very fine. Don’t you see, I put on some weight”

I was looking into his house for Pooja. Then I handed the chocolates and dresses to him. Meanwhile Pooja’s mom and dad came out. I wished both. Her dad said “Please sit yogi, so how was your trip?” Her mom said “yogi, you looked so thin” They both started asking me so many questions. But my thinking was about Pooja only. Suddenly her mom said “Where is this Pooja? She was very eager to meet you” I was very curious to see her. Mano replied “She has gone to temple” I immediately asked “Which temple?”

Mano replied “As usual Hanuman temple only”

I immediately asked “is she waiting for any results?”

Her mom smiled and said “Her appraisal result is yet to come. She is expecting a promotion”

We all laughed and I said “She didn’t change yet”

Her dad said “yes of course”

I immediately thought about her final semester results

May 2007

Only one good practice I have in my life is morning walk. Usually I go morning walk with my dad. It was around 6o’clock in the morning, me and my dad started for our morning walk. When we crossed Pooja’s house I saw her coming out. That was the first time I saw her waking up so early. She never woke up early and that too on holidays, no ways. And the next shock was she took bath, dressed up neatly. On holidays she used to take bath by 5.00pm in the evening that too after her mom shouts.

My dad saw her and asked “Pooja, very good morning. What happened to you?”

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Pooja replied “Good morning Uncle. Nothing happened to me. Why are you asking this?” and she checked her dress and hair style

My dad replied “You might have got up without watching the clock”

Pooja laughed and came near. She said “Uncle, you too. From morning everybody at home are teasing me. Now you too joined”

I laughed and asked “What’s the reason for getting up early?” by saying we three started walking.

She said “I need to meet hanuman. He should help me in scoring good marks”

My dad asked “So you didn’t write anything. Till now you cleared your papers with the help of hanuman only.” We all laughed.

“Uncle, my project didn’t work at the final moment. We tried a lot to make it work but it didn’t work. So I am going to temple for help from hanuman”

My dad replied “Good, Good. Continue. And all the very best”

She said “thanks uncle” and turned towards me “Hey could you please come with me to college?”

I said “No Pooja, I have some work, I cannot come”

She said “hey you dropped me for my SCJP certification, I cleared it. You are very lucky. Please help me na”

I laughed and said “no Pooja, I cannot. Now you go to temple. Hey as soon as you see your results please let me know”

She left to temple and me and dad came back home. I started getting ready to office. But still Pooja’s words were running through my mind. So I took my mobile and called her. She took the phone and said “Hi Yogi, tell me”

I heard some horn sounds so I asked “Where are you?”

She said “on the way to college”

I asked “How are you going?”

“I called Nitin and asked him to drop me in the college. He asked me to wait in the bus stop so I am walking towards bus stop” replied Pooja

I don’t like her going with a guy. So I said “If your dad comes to know he will kill you”

She said “Yup I know. I lied him that you are going to drop me as you are his favorite. He said ok and you maintain the same if he asks”

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I replied instantly “No I won’t lie to your father”

Pooja said “Come on Yogi, I called you in the morning. You said you won’t drop me and now you are not even ready to tell a lie”

I said “Do you know why I called you now?”

Pooja said “Hey will you drop me?”

I said “No, I won’t. You go with Nithin”

She said “I am waiting at bus stop. Come in 5 mins”

I said no but she kept the phone by saying “I am waiting”

I got ready but my mind was thinking about ………….. Not Pooja but about Nithin. I wanted to see him. Except me she never talked to any guys. I reached the bus stop. I didn’t find her. I thought she had left with Nithin. My anger went to peek. I thought that I should tell this to her dad so that she won’t commit this mistake again. Suddenly I felt her hand at my shoulder and she said “Shall we leave?”

I started the bike and she turned and said “Bye Nithin. Love you” and she gave a flying kiss. I was totally irritated. By riding my bike I slowly tilt my head to see Nithin. I saw a small boy saying bye by waving his hands. I smiled and had become normal. I asked “Is this Nithin?”

She replied with a smile “Yes”

I said “I could have asked you to go with him itself”

She replied “Don’t under estimate him. He has got tricycle”

We reached her college and I said “Hey it’s late for me. You check your results and call me”

She said “ok fine. Pray for me Yogi”

I reached office and I checked my mobile. I got a message from Pooja

Message: I don’t have balance in my mobile. Call me as soon as you see this message

As I was very eager to know her results I called her immediately after parking my vehicle. She said “Hey Yogi, I am so happy. I cleared all papers. You know one thing I got 197 for my project”

I said “Hey that’s great. Very good. But how cum you got 197 for a project which didn’t work?”

She said “I got the marks not because of the project”

I thought she would say that it’s because of me she got the marks. I never expected these things before. But this time I expect this as she mentioned in the morning

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She continued “When it was not working I saw the external examiner and winked. So he had put the marks”

We both laughed. I said “I have work. I will keep the phone now”

She said “I need to inform dad and mom too. I wanted to inform you first as you dropped me in the college. Have a great day. Bye”

I felt very happy that she shared one of the happiest moments with me. I don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her.

I completed all my formal talks and left pooja’s home. I wanted to meet Pooja immediately so I started to walk to hanuman temple.

On the way I saw a very pretty girl. She came near me and said “Hi Yogi. How are you?”

I said “hey ramya. How are you?”

She replied “Yup fine. So how are others at home?”

I said “Everyone is fine”

She asked “how is Pooja? “

I replied “just going to meet her. She has gone to temple”

She replied “convey my wishes to her”

I said "Sure" and we both departed

Ramya is Sundar’s younger sister. Sundar lived 3 houses next to mine. Sundar could never forgive me for what I did by listening to Pooja’s words.

Episode 6

On the way I saw a very pretty girl. She came near me and said “Hi Yogi. How are you?”

I said “hey ramya. How are you?”

She replied “Yup fine. So how are others at home?”

I said “Everyone is fine”

She asked “how is Pooja? “

I replied “just going to meet her. She has gone to temple”

She replied “convey my wishes to her”

Ramya is Sundar’s younger sister. Sundar lived 3 houses next to mine. Sundar could never forgive me for what I did by listening to Pooja’s words.

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March 2007- Pooja vs. Ramya

I was sitting alone in the hall and watching cricket highlights. Pooja came to my home. She sat beside me and asked “Where are others at home?”

I said “they have gone to a reception”

She said “then this is the right time to tell you”

I said “what do you want to tell” when she was about to talk I said “before that please get me some water from fridge”

As she spends most of her time at my house she knows everything at my home. She gave me the water bottle and said “Do you know Ramya?”

I asked “who is that?”

She replied “hey she’s your friend Sundar’s sister.”

I said “oh that long hair girl. Yes yes I remember now. Tell me what for her?”

She replied “you always look at her and salivate na”

I replied “ Stop this, Now tell me what happened to her?”

She said “she has gone mad”

I said “what? What happened to her? She is very good girl”

She said “yes from yesterday, she is behaving weird. People say either she might have gone mad or some ghost should have occupied her soul. She is throwing stones at everyone. Untied her hair and looking sharp at everyone. Sometimes she is biting people it seems”

I said “My god. Sundar likes her very much. He is very affectionate towards her.”

“Yes I pity for her. Shall we go and meet her and Sundar” said Pooja

I said “how can we go now? It would be an awkward situation for him to answer us right”

She convinced me by saying “At the same time you are his best friend. You should console him. You should take part in his sorrow”

I decided to meet him. I locked my house and we both reached Sundar’s house.

In the hall Ramya untied her hair, her face seems to be normal but suddenly when I saw her she showed her hair in different direction then she said “I will kill you. Runaway”

We both crossed her fast. Sundar came out with a dull face and said a “Hi” without any energy. I said “Hi Sundar, Don’t be dull for all these. Nothing big will happen”

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Sundar said “Who told you about this?”

I said “Pooja only”

Sundar replied “Yes. At the beginning I was very much worried. But now I convinced myself by thinking it as fate”

I said “Good. But there are many treatments available. Even my dad know a doctor, I can get you an appointment. You take Ramya with you and meet him. She will be fine soon”

Sundar with a blink said “What are you saying?

I said “What I am saying is she will be cured soon? But how cum she got disturbed mentally? Sorry to ask this. Just I want to know”

Sundar came near me for beating and said “What the hell you are talking? My sister is well and good”

Ramya ran towards us and said “stop Sundar. I heard everything. What do you think Yogi?i had a good opinion on you.”

I replied “Ramya I am sorry. I got a wrong info. I am really sorry”

Sundar said “At the beginning I thought that you were asking about not me getting selected in the cricket squad for the local tournament. I will kill you. Don’t stand in front of me”

I tried convincing Sundar but Ramya said “please leave yogi. We shall speak later”

I checked for Pooja but she had left home long back. I went back home, my parents and Neethu had arrived. I shouted everyone. I asked Neethu to call Pooja. She called Pooja. I was sitting in my room.

Pooja came into the room by shivering. On seeing my red face she was totally scared. I asked her “why you lied me?’

She said “Sorry Yogi. I never expect that it would go out so serious”

I said “Reply to my question first”

I got up and started walking towards her.

“As ramya’s hair was very pretty I just asked her ‘how you maintain your hair and what should I do to have such a long hair?’ she immediately teased me back saying ‘for you, this much hair itself enough. Don’t try new things” I again asked her but she continuously teased me. When I came to her hpouse with you right, even that time she showed me her hair and said that she is only having very long and healthy hair. So just to tease her back I told you like that. I never expect………” by saying she walked back and reached the room’s door.

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I gave her a tight slap and latched the room. I was in the room for more that two hours. After that I myself convinced and opened the door. To my surprise I saw Pooja standing at the same place crying. I saw her and asked “Are you standing out for two hours?”

Neethu replied “yes. We asked her to sit or leave to her house many times. She said ‘Only if yogi apologizes me I will leave”

I saw her face. There were marks of three fingers. I took her inside my room and made her sit. I said “I am sorry Pooja. But what you did is very wrong. Please don’t repeat this. Now see I have lost one of my good friends; And that too for no reason. Act maturely”

She nodded her head and said “Sorry”

I walked with her to her home and said “Sorry I should have not beaten you.”

She said “its ok yogi. You only na”

i asked her "i have a doubt Pooja, why Ramya said that she would kill us"

Pooja said " i showed scissors and actioned that i would cut her hair. You didnt notice me"

I smiled and said “Take care”

I left back home. My mom and dad shouted me for slapping her. I went into the room and felt very bad for slapping her. And I just thought her words again - its ok yogi. You only na. I don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her.

I reached Hanuman temple. I saw Pooja coming out of the temple. She looked the same. She looked very bright. She was wearing a sky blue with white salwar. When she saw me, she opened her eyes more. I just ran towards her. She came near me and hugged me. She asked me “How are you?”

I said “I am fine”

She said “When you had come? Take this” showed temple ashes to me.

I said “just 2 hours before. So tell me stupid, how are you?”

She said “I am fine”

Suddenly a guy came near us and said “hey Pooja. Are you waiting for me?”

Pooja turned to him and said “This is Yogi. My best friend”

Vinoth shook hands with me and said “I am Vinoth, Pooja’s would be. We got fixed 2 days back only. Our engagement will be on this Sunday”

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I was totally shocked on hearing this. Pooja said “stop stop. You people shall talk later.” She turned towards me and said “Yogi, I am going out with him. I will come and meet you at home. Don’t go anywhere. I need to talk to you. Stay at home”

Vinoth and Pooja left walking; I was standing out of the temple like a statue.

Vinoth and Pooja left walking; I was standing out of the temple like a statue.

I left home with lots of disappointments and thinking the failure in my love life.

I went into the room and latched. I cried aloud. I didn’t come out of the room for the whole day. I mailed my manager stating that I will be returning to USA next week itself. I requested for tickets in the travel desk.

I laid down and again the same scene outside hanuman temple flashed on my mind. By irritation I shouted and turned other side I saw a doll hanging on the wall. It reminded me Pooja.

December 2006

My alarm rang aloud and I stopped it by closing eyes. I opened my eyes and shouted “AAAeeeeeeeee”

Pooja smiled at me. I asked “That’s it today nothing good goanna happen. Why you came to my house in the morning itself?”

Pooja smiled and said “Simply to meet you only.”

I got a doubt. Because if I tease her like this she would tease twice than what I did. But that day she was keeping quiet and calm. So I was able to know that she needed my help.

So I asked her “hmm. What do you want now?”

She said “I need Rs 500”

I asked “500…. Why?”

She said “Don’t shout. Your mom may hear”

I went near kitchen and shouted “Mom, Mom come here. Pooja needs something from you”

She said “don’t shout” but my mom came out of kitchen

Pooja stared at me. My mom said “Good morning Pooja. Anything special today, you got up so early. What do you want?”

She looked at me, I said “Ask mom Pooja, don’t hesitate”

My mom said “What Pooja? Why you asked him not to shout when he was calling me? what do you want? Tell me Pooja”

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Pooja in hesitation replied “Aunty , I need a cup of coffee.”

My mom smiled and said “For this you were so hesitant ha? The milk is hot I will prepare in 2minutes”

She said “Aunty, as usual I had come without my father’s notification. That’s why asked him not to shout”

My mom went in to prepare coffee. She came near me at washbasin. I started to brush. She said “ I need the money for one good use. Please give me”

I asked “Tell me the reason”

She said “So you won’t give me without the reason”

I said “Yes for sure”

Meanwhile my mom brought her coffee. She thought a min and said “Yogi, my best friend who studies well got failed this time. If her dad comes to know about this he would kill her. I promised her that I would help her for revaluation. To submit a paper for revaluation requires 500 rupees”

I understood her need. I asked her to get my purse from my cupboard. She handed me the purse. I gave her Rs500. She kept the purse back and took safari chocolate from my cupboard. She left to her home

In office we had a day outing at MGM resort. I joined the company by August. I completed my training by October. Got a project by November. We had lots of fun at resort. The food was extremely good. We had some corporate games. By 8.00 pm we all left the resort. When I was taking the bike, I saw four girls coming out from MGM dizzee world- Theme park. I sharpened my look and I found Pooja in it. I got out of my bike and went near the girl. Pooja saw me and said “Hi”

I asked “hey how are you here?”

Pooja said “I came here with my friends”

And Pooja turned towards her friends and introduced me. All her friends said hi. I said hi and asked “how you people are going?”

One of the girls said “We three stay together in the hostel. We shall go by an auto. We need to find way for Pooja”

I said “no issues I will take her home”

Pooja said “Ok wait a minute. I had forgotten my lunch bag inside the counter. I will get it”

Pooja left the place. I was casually talking with her friends. I asked “So how would you enjoy this place?”

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One of her friend said “we enjoyed all the rides thoroughly. Actually we 19 girls came together. Others are yet inside. We four are leaving now as this itself very late for us”

I asked “19 girls ha. Wow so what’s the special today?”

Again the same girl replied “all the girls cleared this semester without any arrear. Just to celebrate that we had come out. Pooja only planned for this”

I was astonished on hearing that. I said “Oh ok”

Meanwhile Pooja came near us. She said “Yogi we shall catch an auto for them and then leave”

We caught an auto to her friends. They thanked and left. I started the bike. Pooja was telling stories about the rides, food, friends and fun. She told that she won a doll in a game.

I asked her “is that girl who failed in the semester had come?”

She replied “yes. Three girls left na. In that, pink salwar girl. Actually to convince her only we came here. I told them that I cannot come but these girls forced me to come”

I applied brake on my bike. I was not able to accept more lies. She asked “why you stopped?”

I replied “You liar, if you would have asked me money for going to MGM I would have given. Why you lied me?’

She said “Oh. You came to know the truth ha. I cannot ask dad for money as he would ask questions and never allowed me to go to theme parks with friends. And morning I came to your home to tell truth only but you were questioning me lot. So I decided to lie you. Simple”

I smiled and started my bike. I asked her “How were you able to lie so easily and spontaneously?”

She said “because I am genius” and smiled.

We both reached home. She showed me the doll she won. I took and said “As you won this with my money. It belongs to me”

She said “yeah I like this. Please give me”

I said “No. Pay back my 500 rupees and get it”. I left by taking her doll.

I hung it on the wall, imagined it as Pooja and said “You are the naughtiest girl in the world”. I Don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her.

Tears rolled out from my eyes. It rained heavily that day. I opened the room door and found no one at hall so I went to the balcony of my room and stood in the rain. I closed my eyes but even then I was able to see Pooja’s face. Suddenly a hand pulled me in and covered me with a towel and started wiping my head. I said “Mom please, I wanted to stand in rain”

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“No need. You may get cold” replied the voice.

It was not my mom and I immediately took the towel out and saw. It was Pooja standing near me.

I asked her to sit and gave her the iPod which I got for her. She took that and said “Wow, Superb. Thank you Yogi”

She said “wait I will get you tea. Don’t worry I won’t prepare. I will ask your mom only to prepare tea”

My thoughts went back to the tea preparation of Pooja the other day.

Tea Preparation- Special recipe by Pooja @ 2008

She said “wait I will get you tea. Don’t worry I won’t prepare. I will ask your mom only to prepare tea”

My thoughts went back to the tea preparation of Pooja the other day.

Tea Preparation- Special recipe by Pooja @ 2008

I had an hectic day at office. There were lots of issues and I could not solve anything. I left the office for the day. I reached home in total tired. My home was locked. So I went to pooja’s house to get the keys.

As soon as Suja aunty saw me she welcomed with a big smile. She asked me to sit and gave me a glass of water. I asked her “Have my mom given you the keys?”

She said “yes. She has gone to market with Neethu and Mano.” Then she turned to kitchen and called “Pooja, get Neethu’s house key. Yogesh had come”

Pooja came out from kitchen and gave the key in hurry and said “hi Yogi, I am busy I will speak to you later.” She went in.

I asked her mom “What is she preparing?”

“She is preparing a sweet and for that she totally made my kitchen untidy” said her mother.

I said “ok aunty. I am leaving”

She said “wait” and continued to Pooja “Prepare a cup of tea to Yogesh”

Pooja replied “Yes mom. Yogi, wait for a min”

I had a casual chat with her mom. Pooja came out with a big mug of tea and few Krackjack biscuits and some fried cashews. When I was about to take the tea, she said “It’s hot, eat snacks first then drink tea.”

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I had 4 to 5 cashews and I dipped a krackjack biscuit in tea. It tasted wired. So I didn’t eat any more biscuit. I sipped the tea. It tasted worst. But I found the color and sweetness correct. I sipped again but I was not able to identify the defect. Her mom insisted me to take another biscuit. I took another biscuit. I some how managed to drink the whole tea. When I was drinking the last sip something happened to my stomach and something came out from the my stomach through the food pipe to mouth. I urged to the rest room and yes I vomited everything –the tea, biscuits, cashews and a cake which I had in the evening. I was totally tired. Her mom said “Please drink some water. Take rest.”I sat down in the couch to relax.

Her mom went into the kitchen and scolded Pooja. Pooja came out with disappointment from the kitchen. She came near me and said “What happened Yogi? Are you fine?”

I said “Nothing just vomited. I had cake in the evening. It might have caused all these.” And I looked her face. She seems to be worried so I continued “Don’t worry Pooja, Nothing happened to me”

Her mom came out of kitchen and gave a lime soda to me and she asked Pooja “Did you apologize him or not?”

I told aunty “Aunty don’t scold Pooja, Nothing wrong from her end”

Her mom said “yes nothing wrong from her side, but everything is wrong. She prepared tea with butter milk, that too yesterday’s”

When she completes the sentence I felt like vomiting again. Pooja laughed a lot and went back to kitchen. I said “Aunty I will leave home and take rest for some time”

Aunty said “bye” and turned towards Pooja and asked “Now again why are you going in to the kitchen”. She went into the kitchen and I left home. I was very tired before itself and after this incident I felt more. I laid down in my house’s Couch at hall and slept.

After sometime I got up. Till then my mom didn’t return. I felt very hungry. Pooja came to my house with a box. She started to laugh on seeing me and I too started to laugh by thinking the incident.

She gave the box and said “This is rasamalai. I prepared today”

I replied in fear “Abho, buttermilk rasamalai? I don’t need. I am already tired”

She said “No I prepared properly only. Please taste one” and opened the box.

I turned my face to other side and said “please punish once a day. Don’t punish again and again.”

When I was telling this, she took a small piece and tried inserting it into my mouth I closed it tightly. But she forced more and inserted. Wow it tasted the best. I said “Wow Pooja, the tastiest dish I ever had”

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I took another piece and had. It was very tasty but not the taste I felt from the first piece. I thought that it was because of her hands the first piece tasted the best. I don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her. I had the whole box of sweets.

She got me a cup of tea. She enquired about my trip. Then about the life style of USA. I opened my mouth to talk about Vinoth. But I don’t want to hurt myself more. So I casually chatted with her for some time. She got a message in her mobile. I just peeped my head to see the message. Her mobile displayed 1 message from Vinoth. She read the message and smiled. She turned to me and said “Ok Yogi, It’s time to leave. I have got some important work. Meet you tomorrow.”

I thought ‘yes its important for her to talk to Vinoth. I am just another friend’ and waved bye to her. I went into the room, laid on my bed crying and slept in some time. Suddenly I got a call, a call from unknown number. I said “Hello. Who is this?”

Suddenly I got a call, a call from unknown number. I said “Hello. Who is this?”

The voice on the other end said “Hi this is Vinoth. Hope you remember me”

I was already upset and by hearing his voice I was totally upset. I said “Yes Vinoth tell me”

Vinoth said “Can you come out with me? I am going to get a sari for Pooja. I need your help in selecting”

I replied “ok fine Vinoth. Where should I come?”

He said “thanks Yogesh, please come to Rangoli sari shop”

I got up dressed and went to that shop. Vinoth was already waiting outside the shop. As soon as I aw him he smiled and shook my hand.

We both went into the shop. He said “Excuse 1 minute” and left to enquire a lady. Then he came near me and said “its there, we shall go there”

He asked to show the saris. I found all the saris pretty and suit Pooja. He searched a lot and selected 2 saris. One in a very shining orange, the person wears it could be viewed from anywhere in Bombay crowd itself. Other one Is Light baby pink which is very attractive and I am very sure Pooja looks the prettiest in that sari. He turned to me and asked “Which one shall I select?”

My heart said Pink but my mind said Orange because I am sure that Pooja does not like it and this may pave a way to cancel the marriage. I knew that I was stupid but still that tie mind thinks about each and every opportunity

But I told him “Select Pink. That will suit her”

He said “No I will select Orange only”

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I fought with him to select Pink. He argued that orange would suit her well. Then again I said pink will suit her more. He got peak temper and took the scissors from aside and pierced my stomach. I cried “maaaaaaaaaaaaa” and got up from my sleep.

I was totally sweated. I didn’t even switch on the fan before sleeping. So I switched on the fan and drank some water. I went to balcony and stood for some time. I was able to see Pooja’s room from my balcony. I just reminded the days I used to talk to her through the balcony. I cried a lot. The wind breezes soft and it was very chill as it rained heavily before. I saw Pooja’s room. She was awake till that and was closing windows to sleep. I thought ‘she talked to Vinoth till now’

Pooja’s Birthday @ 2009

I called her at night 12 to wish her. She didn’t pick the call. I called her again and again. Then I went to her home by jumping through the wall. I went upstairs through the side stairs. I reached her room’s window. I tried to wake her up by calling her name, then throwing papers and stones. But she didn’t get up. I was thinking whether to open a girl’s room or not. Then I decided to open her room’s door. She didn’t latch her room so I was able to open it easily. I went in and lid candle on the ice cream which I bought for her. I bought a huge size Mickey shaped cassata for her. I went near her and said “Happy Birthday Pooja”

She smiled and said “I expected you yogi. Thank you”

I said “is it so?”

She replied “I was awake for you till few minutes before but suddenly I slept”

I said “ I tried calling you but you didn’t pick”

She said “I came to room by 10 and I was waiting for you from then”

I said “Sorry da, I am late”

She started eating the casatta and said “that’s ok”

I said “then when you slept”

She thought for a moment and in sleepy voice she said “the clock showed 10:15”

I laughed and hit her head. “You just slept in 15 minutes. Can’t you stay awake for wishing you?”

She kept the rest of cassata at the fridge in her room and came near me. I looked at her. She looked very innocent in half sleep. She said “I feel sleepy. God night” and placed her head on my lap. I don’t know whether that was the moment I started to love her.

I kept her head in a pillow once she slept soundly and left back to home.

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I felt the rain drops again so I went in. I looked at myself in the mirror and said ‘The unluckiest person’ . I heard you and I alone song, yes it was my mobile ringtone. I looked at the time it was close to night 2o’clock.I felt the rain drops again so I went in. I looked at myself in the mirror and said ‘The unluckiest person’ . I heard you and I alone song, yes it was my mobile ringtone. I looked at the time it was close to night 2o’clock.

I took the mobile, it was from Pooja. I immediately answered “Hey Pooja. What happened?”

Pooja replied “I saw you standing in the balcony. That’s why called”

I said “Nothing important right.”

She said “yes I need to talk to you now. Shall we meet somewhere?”

I said “Now. What do you want to talk?”

“Come out of your home. We shall speak near the car park” by telling she kept the phone.

For the first time I was very nervous to talk to her. I went out and waited for Pooja. She came with her usual smile.

I asked her “tell me what you want to talk at this moment. If someone sees that’s it.”

She coolly wiped water from the car and sat on top of it. I looked her closely; she looked very bright and happy. I looked at her eyes; it said lots of things to me. I noticed her ears; it looks like a flower petal. At that moment I wanted to tell her my love but I put my heads down. She came near me and held my cheeks. She looked into my eyes and said

“Yogi, look at me. I wanted to tell you a very important thing. I missed you Yogi, I missed you from the moment you waved your hands at airport. Whenever I saw something it reminds you and if someone says some word I started to think about the same word used by you. You know I am not telling lies these days as no one is there to admire it. I know you are the right partner to me. I talked about you to Vinoth. And he said that he will convince his family and message me. As soon as I got the message I went to my dad told about my interest towards you. As you are my dad’s favorite he accepted my marriage proposal immediately but my dad is waiting for your wish Yogi, I know I can get permission from your parents as well. I don’t know Yogi, I don’t know when I started to love you but I love you deeply, madly and truly”

I was speechless to her words. Tears fell from my eyes and I hugged her. I said “I too don’t know when I started to love you Pooja”

We both talked lots about each other throughout the night at the car park itself as though we had not talked before. At early morning we planned to go to our rooms back. She said “I have another surprise for you”

I asked “What’s it?”

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She replied “I said its surprise”

She went to her home. I went into the room and I was not able to express my happiness. I didn’t get sleep; I practiced how to talk to my dad for 100 times. I planned to tell him during our morning walk.

I was not able to convey my love to Dad in morning walking. He was seriously talking about his work. I tried to open the topic at breakfast but I was not able to tell. When he was about to leave, Pooja’s parents came home. My parents welcomed and my mom gave them some water. Neethu brought some sweets and savories. Pooja’s dad said “Ravi, Do you remember our plans when yogi and Pooja were young?”

My dad replied “yes, it’s about yogi and pooja’s wedding right”

I was surprised totally. Pooja’s dad continued “I think so, time has come for that. What do you say?”

My dad turned towards me and asked “What do you say Yogi?” and turned to Pooja’s father “What’s Pooja’s opinion?”

Pooja’s dad said “Pooja is interested. I am waiting for Yogi’s decision” and smiled at me.

Everybody saw me and I said “Is there any good dates this week, because I planned to go back next week”

Everybody laughed. My dad said “Then you go ahead with the marriage works. Fix the dates and let me know”

Everybody left. I dialed Pooja and told everything. She was very happy and she said “You are lucky da. you neither proposed me nor got permission from your parents. Everything is happening so easy”. I asked her “it’s not because of luck; it’s because of true love. Tell me about the surprise now”. She said “I got onsite opportunity and do you know where? It’s the same place where you stay. Yes its California” We spoke endlessly.

We got engaged by next week. Our engagement was very simple. I left to California and returned for my marriage. Our marriage was very grand. I took her to California. And now I am living happily with 2 naughty girls, yes Pooja gave birth to dhaya THE END

 

Thank you everyone for your big support for my posts. I request each and everyone to post their views and comments.

Keep smiling :)