This is Part VI of an ongoing series. To read the previous parts, click here.
Anaisha heard the shouting from the kitchen and walked back. With downcast eyes, she said quietly, “I’m right here.” “There’s a lot you don’t know. Your mother... and then you had said that….” She started to explain. “Don’t bring Ma into this. She didn’t ask you to desert me like this.” Anaisha looked at him with sad eyes. Ravi was shocked. She didn’t just put the onus on his mother for her own actions. “I am not bringing her into this… I am not blaming her… neither am I trying to come between you and her. That’s why I’ve never told you before. Because you will not believe me!” Anaisha retorted angrily. Ravi stared at her, completely at a loss. “Vartika," she said pointedly.

09:30 a.m. Alicia had just stepped out of her house into the unusually quiet street and wondered why there were no taxis to be seen. alicia As she looked around helplessly, a helpful passer-by informed her about the taxi strike. She glared at the creature who had dared to apprise her of reality as if he was personally responsible for her problems.

What is that one day you remember as being the most hectic and yet having had the most amazing time?
Never give up because that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. - Harriet Beecher Stowe
This past Sunday was one such day for me. I had been cooped up at home for past few days and was moping around at the lack of action in my life. With no job, no boyfriend, no friends close by, I was living what I call 'a boring existence'. My phone reminded me that I had 4 events to attend on Sunday. “Yeah… sure,” I muttered as bored and disinterested as ever and swiped left.

    Niranjan Shetty closed the file and put it aside. Leaning forward he said, “Preeti, it’s best for you to leave this to the experts. This is no time to think about all this. Let the management handle it. You focus on your tasks.” “Sir, if I am given this project I’ll be eligible for the promotion. I’ve been working in this department for 3 years. I know I will be able to pull this off. I am well qualified for this promotion and the pre-requisite is being able to carry out a new project,” urged Preeti. “No!” Niranjan bellowed. He leaned back, exposing his oversized belly and crossed his flabby arms across his chest.

Arjun looked around at the lush greenery, soaking in the early morning sun rays. It was good to be back home, he thought, as he jogged down the cemented path, which was flanked by shrubs and flower bushes.jogging path He had had to modify the exercise regime here. The neighborhood gym wasn’t anything like the one at his place in Melbourne and he hadn’t wanted to use the run down, badly maintained machines.

This is Part V. To read previous parts in the series, click here.
Anaisha stared at him, confused. She had just asked her guests whether they preferred tea, coffee, juice or soft drinks. And, he had answered Whiskey?! Whiskey! Had he really asked for Whiskey? But he never consumed liquor! Or did he? Anaisha wondered what else had changed in these past 5 years.

Preeti felt sore all over. Sitting in the same position for long hours did that to her. She rubbed the back of her neck, as she waited for the flying envelope to reach the end of the screen. After what seemed like an endless wait, during which only the sounds of her breathing and the whirr of the computer could be heard, the words “Mail sent” flashed on the screen. Finally! She quickly typed out a message on her phone and pressed Send. Almost instantaneously her phone buzzed, indicating a reply. “yes, mommy...all homework by myself… now can I have pizza today please.I am hungry come soon”