Arguments. Chaos. Anger. Madness. Gun-Shot. Blackout.
She lay there - lifeless. He stood there-smiling.
Siren. Police. Evidence. Case.
He knew it was a trap.
Summons. Court. Jury. Sentence.
There was just no escape.
Calm. Tranquility. Peace.
They were together again and this time to stay.

It was late in the night. Suzaane had lost her way into the dense forest looking for some water to replenish the battery. She saw 2 kids playing in the puddle of mud, carefree and dirt laden. “Water, where”, she shouted. They both pointed to a tree. As they came near the tree, kids vanished, she started drowning.

Completely drenched, she sat by the pond in the pouring rain with an umbrella held precariously.

“What are you doing in the rain?” I asked angrily. “Come inside!”

With innocent voice she replied, “I am protecting the frogs from the rain. They were crying for help”

Charmed beyond measure, I joined her. Mom’s admonition long forgotten.

“Why don’t we two, you know, give it a go?”

“What?”

“This relationship thingy!”

“Are you serious?”

Looking down at the floor, slowly, “ yeah….”

“I don’t think so”

“Why not? We like each other and we are together most of the times “

“I don’t want to be your lab monkey”, emphatic reply.

“Make me yours”

My fickle heart seems to remember sparkle of your laugh. Beneath the willow tree, we sat unencumbered. Your mirth spilled all over me like sunshine. Such brilliance. Even wind chimes can never imitate that laugh.

Can you blame me for making it my own?

You – A taxidermist’s fantasy!

Your face would never wrinkle in tears. Ever.

“I promise to return soon”
“You really have to go?”
“You know dear, it hurts me as much to leave you alone”
“I am not alone”
“Oh! Even i will keep your memories close”
“I meant our child” she said smiling.
“I am gonna be a father!” he realized and canceled his trip.

She blinked her eyes again in disbelief.
Yes! It was him with a much older woman.
Her heart ached.
For her.. he left me..?
Tears blurred her vision.
Can’t be true.. but it wasn’t a dream either..
She stood there silently.
Suddenly overheard their talk..
Stars twinkled in misty eyes..
And she left the sight..

I can’t keep my cool in my cubicle. Gary calls me the goofy geek.
Donna says I’m her dubious devil. Patrick’s our peaceful prankster.
Selena is so serious! From start to finish, I find frustration, fun, fatigued faces, friends and foes. But at the end of the day, I’m a stranger at home.

It was senior year when he had hair and smiled full and wide. We walked down the hallway to the bus and laughed together about school.
The next day a car swerved and hit a crowd, he was hit and fell.
The last day of school he smiled again, a zigzag scar of a grin.

Michael is clearing the hospital bills. Just a week back she was
hospitalized beaten by Michael. She had decided that she will never go back to him. But Michael apologized and she decided other wise. She knows she would go to a home she can call – theirs and not hers or his.

“This is heaven”

“You sure?”

“This is unlike anything you have ever tasted”

“Better than blueberry muffins?”

“Fuck your blueberry muffins, this is the real stuff”

His eyes glistened, lips curled, the shiny metal , hint of red and my end.

Few children outside were doing a protest march.

STOP DRUG ABUSE!

Life faded away.

“It’s my turn.” She pushed him.

“It’s ALWAYS your turn.” He wrestled.

“Well, I am the older one.”

“And I, am the smarter.”

“Go ahead smarty! Remember, mom gave ME the money.”

“Alright, you pick. Anything but Strawberry!”

She sported her best smile as she turned to the counter, “One Strawberry Sundae please.”

She locked all doors and walked out into the dark streets as usual. None of those who met her in the dark saw the ebony tears of mascara she shed each night.
But today was her day with her prince.
“I love you.”
“Love you too honey.” Her first night of love.