Short Story By: Victor M.

Pink Floyd referred to it as a “momentary lapse of reason”. That instance when you make a decision that could lead you into a lifetime of regret; when just a split second makes the difference between harmony and disaster. I faced such a moment while on a business trip to Omaha, Nebraska.

A two-week consulting assignment was extended to six weeks. I decided to stay in Omaha rather than travel back home on weekends. I figured I’d do some sightseeing, only to learn that the most exciting part of being six weeks in Nebraska was watching my hair grow. And it was hair growth that brought me face to face with my “momentary” moment.

Looking through the window of the barbershop next to my hotel, I hesitantly contemplated going in to get a trim. Having been accustomed to haircuts at salons, with shampoo and conditioner, by female haircutters in trendy clothes and funky hair-dos, I had grown to disdain the antiquated and outdated barbershop. Ignoring the “Special on Crew Cuts” sign at the door, I figured how bad could it really be?

I asked the barber if he could give me a trim. “You bet”, he said. “Now?” I asked. “You bet”, he repeated. Nervously, I sat down on this clunky old chair. I cringed when I realized there would be no shampoo. Heck, he wasn’t even going to wet my hair. He started cutting and talking. And talking. And talking. I tried to tune him out but his monotone voice lulled me to a half-dozed off state. The only other sound I could hear were the shears, snipping away.

Snip… snip… snip. “All done”, he said. Somewhat startled, I returned from my self-imposed trance. I put my glasses on, looked in the mirror, and… I almost died! He had given me a crew cut! A freaking crew cut! No more than a quarter inch of hair was all that was left. I asked angrily, “Didn’t I ask for a trim?” He replied, “You bet!”

I lunged from my chair, grabbed his wrists, his right hand still holding the sears that had just destroyed my life. I violently shook his fragile body, spewing every curse word at him that I could think of. As he tried to push me back, I forced the sharp scissors into his face and shoved them right through his right eyeball, sinking them deep into his skull. Blood and white gook gush out while he screamed loudly. I dropped him to the floor, grabbed my coat, and ran out the door.

Standing outside on the sidewalk, I was startled by the sound of the police officer’s radio. “Good morning”, he said to me. I gave him a faint smile. He opened the door to the barbershop and yelled, “Good morning, Charlie. Everything ok?” “You bet”, answered the old man. Breathing a sigh of relief, I was grateful that my imagination had traveled faster than my physical state.

I looked through the barbershop window once again as Charlie was getting ready to shave someone’s hair off. Turning towards me, the officer asked, “Everything OK?” As I started walking away, my overgrown hair waving wildly in the wind, I turned around and replied: “You bet.”

Short Story By: RANJIT SINHA ROY

Swati climbed to the first floor. A dimly lit long corridor went from one end to the other, with name boards of different offices hanging above the doors. The building, a five storeyed block was located in city’s commercial area. Usually the place would be crowded. But today being a Sunday, there was hardly any one around and most doors were locked.

In the corridor Swati took out the call letter and checked with the name boards. The office was at the far end. The door was open and she went in. It was exactly ten in the morning. She was happy to report in time. It was her first interview. Inside two girls were waiting. One office boy was sitting on a stool by the side of a chamber door. Swati handed over the call letter to him, sat beside other girls and waited.

After silently waiting for sometime, she enquired with the girl by her side and was told that the Director was yet to come.

Swati was tall, about twenty-two with a pretty face and an attractive figure. She was a commerce graduate, done a basic course in computers and knew typing. She met the advertised requirements for the position of Commercial Assistant to the Director, except that she did not have any previous experience.

Swati looked around. The office was well furnished and modern. It appeared the company was doing well and possibly would pay a good salary. She hoped to be selected.

After about half an hour one tall gentleman entered the office. The office boy stood up, saluted and opened the chamber door. He went in without looking either side. He must be the Director, Swati thought. A couple of minutes later the buzzer sounded and the office boy went in with the call letters. He came out a few moments after and sat in the stool. He had left the call letters inside. The girls waited.

After about ten minutes the buzzer sounded again. The office boy opened the door a few inches apart and put his head inside. Withdrawing he called a name. One girl went inside and came out in few minutes. She walked out. The office boy then signaled the other girl to go in. Swati knew that it would be her turn next and before she could think any further the girl came out and left. The office boy indicated Swati to go in.

Entering the chamber she stood in front of the Director’s table and said “Good morning, Sir.”This being her first interview she felt a little nervous and did not know what she was supposed to do next. The Director was watching her from the moment she came in. He looked at her from head to foot and then asked her to sit down. He was a robust man with a thick black moustache and dyed hair. He looked above fifty and had a resonant bass voice. For a minute he silently observed Swati as though assessing her. Then asked for the certificates and went through them before asking questions.

Initially she was little shaky but gradually became steady. There was hardly any question she could not answer. The gentleman maintained an assuring smile and put her at ease. She felt relaxed. At the end of every answer he would say, “Okay, good, now you tell me………” then ask the next question. He continued to observe her keenly. He watched her more than listening.

The Director maintained a smiling face and did not remove his eyes from her. As time passed Swati was feeling uneasy. His eyes were fixed on her face and mid-portion. It was not unusual. Swati was used to that kind of stares, particularly from middle aged persons. They seemed to be more sex starved than younger people. But he was old enough to be her father and might be her future employer. Possibly she was wrong. She tried to shake it off her mind.

Questioning over, the Director explained her the job responsibilities. She would maintain vital accounting records and report directly to him. It would be her responsibility to help him in day-to-day work. It may sound very big and difficult. But the company was small and she could handle things easily. He smiled and informed that she could consider herself selected for the post and the formal appointment offer would follow in a day or two. He then told her the salary being offered. It was far beyond her expectation. Swati was very happy.

“Thank you very much Sir.” She said with a broad smile.

“So, when can you join?” He asked.

“Within a day or two of receiving the offer.” She was eager to join early.

They sat silently for a minute or so. He returned the certificates and she was busy putting them back in her side bag. Looking up she saw him watching her. Instinctively she arranged the dupatta (scarf) and covered herself to the extent possible. He gave a knowing smile and then asked about her family. Smilingly she answered all questions. That her father was in a private organization with comfortable salary and the family would not depend on her. No, she was not married yet, though her parents insisted her to get married. Swati was happy that the Director showed so much interest in her personal matters.

He listened with an amused smile, and then pressed the buzzer. The office boy came in and the Director ordered him to get some coffee. They waited for coffee and he continued to look at her. Swati felt uneasy and looked around to avoid his gaze.

The chamber was small but tastefully decorated. The table was of latest design and shelves of the side rack had a few technical and some taxation books. There was a photo stand with the photograph of a grave lady and a smiling young girl. The girl was of same age as Swati’s and appeared to be quite smart. The lady must be the wife and the girl his daughter. He followed her gaze and remarked, “My wife and daughter.”

Swati smiled and said, “Your wife looks dignified and daughter is quite pretty.”Director flashed a pleased smile. He had a soft fatherly expression. No doubt he loved his daughter very much.

“My daughter graduated in Computer Science. Now she wants to go for a job. We have told her number of times that she need not. Rather we shall look for a suitable boy. But she will not listen.”Swati smiled, “Same as me.”

While waiting for coffee, the Director casually asked,“You said you are not married,” he had an amused smile, “but you must have a boy friend?”Swati blushed and shook her head. “No.”

Director appeared surprised. He silently observed her for a minute then said,“Strange, for a beautiful girl like you. I thought you must have scores of admirers.” Then after a pause,“Do you have experience?” His eyes twinkled.“Experience! What experience!” She could not follow what exactly he meant. “I have already told you that I am a fresher without any experience.”The Director had a hearty laugh. He said, “I did not ask about your work experience. I meant something else. Let me ask you straight. Are you still a virgin?” He was keenly observing her.Swati blushed to the root of her hair and did not answer.

Coffee came and while sipping he looked at Swati over the brim of the cup and said,“Oh, there is one more thing I forgot to mention.”Swati looked at him with apprehension.See, I frequently go out on business trip. Usually it is for three or four days. I need someone to assist and help me during the tour. I would like you to accompany me. We shall put up in hotels and book two separate rooms, if you are so particular.” He gave a reassuring smile.“My previous assistant used to accompany me. She resigned after marriage. Now you are to replace her in all respects.”

When Swati remained silent he said, “Okay, think about it, but remember it is a must.” He did not elaborate further. Coffee finished, they sat silently for sometime. Swati wanted to go away and was about to get up when he said “Come, I shall show you something.” He got up and walked to a door on the sidewall. Reluctantly Swati followed.

He opened the door to a small air-conditioned anteroom. It had a settee for two and a comfortable divan and a full-length mirror. There was a door on the opposite wall, probably to his personal washroom.

The Director entered and asked her to come in. She did not and stood on the doorway. She was scared. He requested once again, but she did not move. He then came out and walked back to his seat. Swati wanted to go, but he asked her to wait for a minute. He had something to tell. He was silent for a minute. Then clearing throat he said,“You have seen the anteroom. That is where I take rest after lunch and also whenever and need to relax. But there is one more purpose.”

He paused and keenly watched for her reaction. Swati was apprehensive. She looked steadily at him. He continued,“On some Sundays I come to office. Not for any office work. I come alone. Even the office boy will not come. Only my assistant, now you, will be here. You shall have to come whenever I ask. I can assure youthat you will enjoy the whole thing and it will be perfectly safe. Even at this age, I boast to be a very capable person. My previous assistant, used to appreciate my powers.”He paused and looked at Swati. He had a cunning smile. Then said,“I hope you agree. I can double your salary if you so want. What do you say?”

Swati sat speechless for sometime. How could a man, old enough to be her father, make such dirty proposals? How could a person, doing well in business, apparently a happy family man, act in this manner? Impossible. Swati was dumb and stared at him without batting a lid.

“So, you agree to the proposal? Now you tell me how much salary you want. I can offer you any amount for the extra services.” He had a leering smile. Swati had a feeling that his piercing eyes could see through her clothes and was mentally enjoying her body.

Swati could stand it no more. Enough of it. She stood up glaring. Furious her eyes glowed, but the voice was low and clear, mincing every word she uttered.

“Look Mister…. I do not know your name. I am not interested also. But I know that you are a lecherous debauch person. You are a middle-aged family man with a daughter of my age. You said she wants to go in for some job. She must be attending interviews. Now, would you relish if some characterless rogue like you proposes her to sleep with him? Would you want her to agree? I would suggest you to engage a street girl, as your assistant. She will gladly oblige you. Never be after girls from good families.”

She was surprised at her own courage and happy to give vent to the accumulated anger. This obnoxious man deserved it. He was going too far. Taking advantage of helpless candidates. She wanted to tell more, but stopped short. This much was enough for this debauch, she thought.

Face pale the Director sat motionless staring at her. Swati walked to the door. Then turned just before going out.“You need not take trouble of sending the appointment offer. It will not be accepted.”

Swati felt relieved and happy.She walked out. The door slowly closing behind her. Director sat speechless.

(Note: Due to a glitch, this story was previously improperly posted and portions of it omitted/altered.)

Short Story By: RANJIT SINHA ROY

Imagine yourself twenty years hence. You are no longer the twenty-five year old pretty, attractive young girl fresh from the university, with a post graduate degree in English Literature and a short term certificate on Computer Basics.

Today, after two decades, you are a beautifully matured woman. Despite having a daughter in twelfth standard and son in eighth, you are still very charming. You maintain your figure beautifully and in parties males try to draw your attention. Though you never flirt, many of the wives are envious of you. Arun, your husband is quite conscious of your attraction and at times you two share jokes and laugh on the stupidity of people.

After confirming that you have no particular boy in mind, your parents searched and finally selected Arun, an MBA from a US university and holding a senior position in an MNC. You are happy with him. Hardly remember, to have quarreled. You have a very happy compact family, with two well brought up children.

It is now about eight in the evening. You are sitting alone in the balcony. Namita, your daughter is bent over books, preparing for the twelfth class finals. Son, Yash is watching the day n’ night one day cricket match between India and England in the TV. Arun, as usual, is turning the pages of Economic Times. He is now the Vice President – Commerce, in his company. You do not mind their being busy with their own vocations. Sometime. You also like to be alone, immersed in your own thoughts, very personal and secret, which you do not want to share with any. Not even with Arun.

You have a full time housekeeper, who also cooks. Except for occasional shopping and going to Kitty Parties, you have nothing much to do.

Now, it is dark. One can hear traffic on the main road, beyond tall trees around the grass lawn and garden. It is a moonless night and the sky above is littered with stars. You look up. Gaze at the stars, millions of them twinkling in the ink black sky. You look for a long time and feel sad. You feel as though they are all watching you from far beyond. Countless of them, from millions and millions of miles away.

You remember the days after coming out of the university. Short time Computer course was also complete. Then, the Institute asked, if you were interested to join as a Counselor. You readily agreed. There would at least be something to keep you engaged.

Your two years stay in the Institute was memorable. You knew the Instructors and other staff members. There were Sunita, Rita, Anjali, Ashish, Syed, Srinivas, George and few others. They were all young, energetic and smart. You mixed with them very well. Everyone liked you.

You were there for nearly two years, till your marriage. Most of your colleagues were of same age or slightly older. They took their work seriously and sincerely, but were never grim faced. They joked, laughed, and teased each other, as long as it did not affect their work. Being of the same age group they mixed well. You liked the institute, liked your colleagues and were sorry while leaving.

Lunchtime was particularly enjoyable. Over the lunch, they would discuss any subject on earth, except computers. Would narrate anecdotes, tell interesting personal experience, and talk on sports, films, music, jokes, anything excluding politics, office or seniors. They were all free, frank and open.

But Ashish was distinctly different. From the very start he was cracking jokes on you. On the very first day, he said, “You all know, for days and months I was looking for the perfect girl.” Others smiled. They knew what was coming. “Now I have found her. You know who she is.” He winked and glanced at you. Everyone laughed. You blushed pink. But knew it was only a joke. You took the comment sportingly and thanked him. Things were easy after that.

Often he would tease you. Once you were absent for two days. Next, when you all met during lunch, Ashish told, “ Do you know, I thought you have resigned and gone for ever. I did not take lunch for two days. Was it not so my friends?” He asked others. They all said in chorus “Yes, Yes”.

But while taking class, Ashish was very strict and serious. He relished no nonsense and would spare no words for the deliberately negligent students. He was reserved outside the Lunchroom. Once or twice you met him in the office on some work. You two were alone. With a serious expression he listened to you and gave necessary advice. There was no joke or humor.

One day there was this topic on what happens to people after death. There was variety of opinions. Some serious, some funny.

Ashish was silent all along. When others finished talking he said,
“ I have a different theory, and it is left to you to accept it or not. In my opinion after death the souls become stars and watch us from trillions of miles away. They lived on this earth and got much attached to this planet with its rivers and mountains, trees and flowers, blue sky and clouds, birds and butterflies, green grass and moonlight on a quiet night. This earth with its happiness and sorrows, love and hate, continue to attract them. They can not forget their short stay on this lovely planet and fondly observe us from the night sky.”

All were silent for few moments. You looked at his face. He seemed different, different from others. You discovered it then.

No one argued or objected to his theory. No one laughed. Someone sighed deeply and silently they got up and went to their seats.

Days passed and then your marriage was fixed.

It was still a month for the ceremony, but you kept it a surprise from the Institute colleagues. You decided to resign only a week before the marriage and distribute the invitation cards on the same day.

One day, during lunch break Ashiish announced with all seriousness,
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some secret to tell. I sincerely hope that you will keep the information within yourselves. Otherwise the whole plan will collapse." He paused.

They were all-eager to know and asked,
"Tell us what it is. We will not disclose your plan."

Ashish cleared his throat and said,
"See, we have plans to elope very soon. You can guess, who the other person is."
He glanced at you, then continued,
"If you find us absent continually for few days, then you can be sure that we have eloped.

Everyone laughed and looked at you.

Though you knew he was only joking and it was not to be taken seriously, still you were very annoyed and told,
“Look, Ashish you are going too far. I know you are telling all these to amuse others, but certain things should not be told even in jokes.”
You finished your lunch in silence and so also others. Never again did he joke with you again. That was his last.

A week before marriage, you resigned and on that very day distributed the Invitation Cards. Most were surprised and inquired if you will continue with the Institute after marriage. They were sorry when you told that you might not.

Ashish was alone in the office. He gave a broad smile when you entered, as though he was expecting you. That was unusual. You gave him the card with formal request to attend. When he asked, what was the occasion? You said, “ Read it. You will know.” He read and his face became pale and there was no smile. He was silent for few moments, and then said “ Oh sure, I would love to attend, but you see, I have a meeting to attend in Bangalore on the same day. So unfortunate. Anyway congratulations. Wish you a very happy married life" Clearly he was struggling to smile.

You thanked and turned to go when he called you. Surprised you turned and then in a very low and slow voice he said,
“ Do you know one thing? Today I thought of proposing to you. Sitting in the office I was trying to gather courage and rehears to tell you. You know I have no previous experience. I was nervous.”
He was silent with pain on his face.

You thought he was joking as usual and asked,
“ Are you serious or joking?”
He was silent for few moments then said,
“ No. Honest, I was not joking. I am absolutely serious. Anyway no point telling these all now. I only wanted you to know my feelings. Believe me, my good wishes will be forever with you. Good bye.”
You silently waited a few moments more, and then went out.

After marriage you never again went to the Institute, though sometimes you felt like meeting your old colleagues. But, you did not. Mainly because you did not want to face Ashish.

It is now twenty years and the past is mostly erased from your mind. You are content with your husband, daughter and son. Yours is a happy life. But it is slightly disturbed today.

This afternoon you drove to Mall for some shopping. You go there often, but never met anyone from the Institute. Today you met Rita, your old colleague and were both happily surprised. You two went to the Coffee Shop, talked of your family, your husbands, your children, your present life and many other things. You enquired about Sunita, Srinivas, Anjali and others.

Rita had also lost contact with most of them, but could tell about some. Deliberately you avoided asking about Ashish, but at the end you could not help. Rita said that a couple of months after your marriage Ashish resigned and went to New Zealand. He did not marry and recently she came to know that about six months back he died there in a car accident. You only said that it was really very sad, he was such a nice person. You two talked few other things and then parted, exchanging addresses and phone numbers and promises to meet.

Now you sit in the balcony all alone under the dark sky with the canopy of twinkling stars. You look above. If what Ashish told once was true, then he will be somewhere there, one amongst the millions of stars and watching you. You wanted to believe what he said and gazed at the stars. Which one, which? You go on staring till eyes fill with tear.

Someone from behind puts a hand on your shoulder. It is soft and tender and you know it is Namita your daughter. “ Mummy, what are you looking for in the sky? See, that is Orion, then the constellation of Scorpion and look to the north, which is the tail of the Great Bear. You cannot see the Pole Star behind the tall trees. Mummy, which one you wanted to find?” You smile, hold her soft palm and say “ Nothing my dear. I was simply watching.”

Yash comes rushing “ Mummy, mummy, India has won. How wonderfully they played. Simply brilliant. You should have seen the match. Superb!” You smile, pull him near and say; “ I shall watch the next match, Yash. When is it? After two days, no?”

Newspaper in hand, Arun comes to the door. “Ah, you are all here. I was wondering, where have you all gone. Shall we have dinner now or you want to be here for some more time? It is quite pleasant in the balcony.”

“ No, we are coming.” Holding hands of Namita and Yash you go to the lighted
Dining room.

Out in the open, a light breeze murmurs in the leaves, dews gather on grass and stars in the lonely dark sky continue to blink

Short Story by: RANJIT SINHA ROY

The road was running from west to east. It was wide and straight, with no curveor bend. It was black, wet with last night's rain, now glistening in the dawnlight. The road looked as though someone with a broad, dark pencil had drawn astraight line on the green page of the earth. Nobody knew from where it came or where it went.

Now the sun was rising, a large, red disc in the east horizon. It went straight to the east, as if one went on and on, he would enter the sun. Like a spear, the road seemed to pierce the sun. It rained last night, but the sky was clear now, though the western horizon was still alittle dark with hints of clouds. There were occasional streaks of lightening in the western sky. But it will rain no more in the quiet dawn. Whisps of mist were hanging here and there on the fields.

There were fields on both sides of the road. They were green and young, waving in the breeze. The fields stretched upto the horizon with a few trees here and there. Far beyond, a dark green thick line of trees showed where the villages were. The red glow of the sun fell on the field and blended with the green. It looked unreal, the colour changing from green to red and to green again, waving with the wind.

There were telegraph poles on one side of the road, with wires hanging from one side to other and again to the next. They came from west and went east, giving company to the road. Maybe they were carrying the message of rain in the west to the morning glow of the east. They looked endless at both ends.

There was a row of small swallows sitting on the telegraph wires. They quietly observed the road, the fields, the red disc of the sun at the end of the road, their feathers fluffy when the breeze was strong. They were silent except for the few young birds that were chirpy and looked restless. Sometimes they jumped and flew off into the grey blue sky of dawn and after making a few circles would come back and sit on the wire. Elders disapprovingly look at them but would not say anything. They all looked at the road and it was empty, with not a soul anywhere. They looked at the red glow of the sun in the east horizon, where theroad went as though entering it. Then they looked to west and saw the girl coming. It seemed she appeared from nowhere, walking to the east.

There she was, walking on the lonely road. She had oval face with black tresses tied in a ponytail at the back of her head, swinging with every step. She had large wide eyes, like two pools with black islands in middle. Her brows were like two bows and her lashes were long. Her cheeks were smooth like flower petals and she had coffee lips that waited for a sip. Her nose was slightly tilted up and her chin was round and challenging. She was tall, slim, but not thin. She wore a silken blue dress, looking violet in the red glow of dawn. Diamonds on her ears and nose were sparkling in the orange light. She was walking straight towards the sun, with lips pressed in a faint smile, as though she was having a pleasant thought,enjoying it in secret and not wanting to share. She did not look at the green fields or the telegraph wires with birds. She looked straight ahead at the red disc of the sun at the end of the road. Birds chirped amongst themselves - she is young and beautiful.

Presently a small wind came from the front, pressed the silken blue dress over her young curves, displaced a few stray locks on her forehead, played with the end of her scarf and then went away to the west carrying a few dry leaves with it.

Then the birds heard the noise from the west and saw the car coming. It was an old car with a man with grey hair driving. Paint peeled off in patches here and there and there were dents on bonnet; the car was struggling to move. With a rattling noise, shaking body and a cloud of black smoke behind, it came. And when by th eside of the young girl, it stopped. The man with grey hair opened the door and asked the girl if she would come along. The girl looked at the car, at the greyhaired man and still with the smile on her lips politely declined and said she would prefer to walk along. The birds were watching and knew why she did not go with the man.

Then again there was a roaring noise from the west. Birds thought it was the noise of thunder from the western clouds. But then they saw it coming. The shining blue polished Mo-bike, all-powerful and roaring like a lion. A tall, fair young man was riding it, holding the handles like horns of a mighty bull.

It came with great speed like a cheetah and stopped beside the girl.The young man asked if she would like a lift. The girl looked at his close-cropped black hair, high forehead, strong jawbones and rippling chest muscles showing through the black T-shirt. His jeans covered strong thighs, his biceps well formed and his fingers thick. He wore an arrogant, taunting smile and looked straight at the girl's waterpool eyes. She thought for a moment, glanced at the grey haired man in the car and with a coy smile lowered her lashes and nodded. She climbed behind the young man and put her slender arms around his waist. He kicked the bike and it came to life roaring. He held the bullhorn handles with his strong hands and sped towards the great red disc of the sun.They were silhouetted against the sun for few moments, that quickly turned into a dot and was not visible anymore. The swallows on the telegraph wires were quiet. They were not chirping or twitting. They were silent.

By that time the sun had come up higher and it was not red anymore. The road was no longer going to the sun but was passing under it. The grey haired man would not be able to go to the great red rising sun. The road was going to eternity for him.

Birds sat for some more time and waited for something to happen. But no one came, nothing moved on the road. It was very quiet, not a single soul to be seen.

Then they decided to go. They rose together to the blue sky and circled for some time. Then they went away over the green fields and vanished over the trees and villages and horizon.

The road was lonely again.