Social Extreme

Anger, anger, anger
At perceived offenses
At opinions that differ
At those we see as the other

Crossed Wires: Part VIII - Short Romance

For earlier parts, click here:
Part I
Part II 
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII

The sense of deja vu pressed Barkha down. Dheer, the prospective groom, sat where Sumesh had. His parents seemed like simple people who were willing to go with whatever decision their son took. Dheer seemed friendly and easy going. She just had to utter a word and all his attention turned to her immediately with evident interest. But she couldn't think of saying anything of interest, confining herself to answering questions directed towards her. No questions arose in her mind about his work, interests, personality. She had no curiosity about the kind of person he was. Though he had even features, he made no impression on her heart. Because it was already preoccupied with thoughts of another, one who had been distracted by thoughts of someone else when he had come to see her!

Crossed Wires - Part VII: A Short Romance

For earlier parts, click here:
Part I
Part II 
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI

"So, this is it?" Prateek said as he got up and shook Barkha's hands. "I think the content has come out really well, what do you say Sumesh?"

Sumesh nodded curtly. Barkha smiled in relief. The emotional drain was too hard on her.

"Make sure the payment is on time, Sumesh. Barkha, once it is launched, we will have to consider other content, of course... Blogs, case studies, marketing content... the whole works, you know."

Crossed Wires - Part VI: A Short Romance

For earlier parts, click here:
Part I
Part II 
Part III
Part IV
Part V

Her mother's observations worked on Barkha's mind. What concerned her more was, whether Amrita too had noticed her aversion to discussing Sumesh and how she had interpreted it. That night when Amrita and she prepared for bed, she brought up the topic of Sumesh. "He seems quite popular at work. Even the girls in my office titter when he is around..." She smiled.

Amrita smiled back and said, "Only you seem resistant to his charm."

Crossed Wires - Part V: A Short Romance

For earlier parts, click here:
Part I
Part II 
Part III
Part IV

Amrita entered the dining room sulking. Barkha glanced at her and then continued helping her mother set the dinner table. Shikha was amused and teased Amrita, "Storm in lovers' paradise?" Amrita was not amused. She served herself food and went back to her room with the plate, shutting her mother and sister out.

Barkha and Shikha exchanged glances. Barkha shrugged and the two sat down to have dinner. "Is dad going to be late?"

Crossed Wires: Part IV - A Short Romance

For earlier parts, click here:
Part I
Part II 
Part III
"Hey, it was great walking down the market road that evening. I never thought shopping could be fun. BTW, you haven't mailed me the details about the services you offer," Sumesh pinged Barkha.

Barkha was startled. She remembered his request well but had not taken it seriously. She did not want to take it seriously, in fact, fearing any unnecessary interactions with him. Thirdly, of course, she did not have his conact details and was above asking Amrita for it.

Crossed Wires - Part III: A Short Romance

For the earlier parts, click here:
Part I
Part II -

"Barkha di, you have to be home on time," Amrita warned her sister. "I am nervous, and I need you," she added plaintively. Barkha was no proof against such a plea and she rushed back home to help her younger sister get ready.

Amrita had got a red with gold salwar set ready, but Barkha put it back in the wardrobe. Amrita's wardrobe didn't seem to have what she was looking for and so she went to hers. She came with a seagreen shimmering crepe sari contrasted with a red embroidered blouse. She was amused at how shy Amrita felt when putting on subtle make up that discreetly highlighted her features and combed her hair such that it framed her lean face.