Aye Aye ! At your Service Sir....Birth of a pragmatic hospitality culture in Assam, and the North East region of India.

“People will forget what you said, what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.

Co-quoting the lines of Maya Angelou, today this article is all about the long-lost secret ingredient of happiness that is somewhere lost and yet not experienced by the people of our own land. Genuineness followed by the warmest smile, befitted with the purest charisma, reflecting welcoming gestures and the innermost satisfactory feeling is what that composes this secret ingredient. Presence of this ingredient stands out to be the natural seasoning to garnish a flourishing tourism industry across the world. Yes, I am talking about the concept of a holistic hospitality culture that needs to be re-polished, and re-furnished in the state of Assam and in some parts of North East, that calls for an overall renovation to  make it stand at par with rest of the States of India and one among the world.

Today in this era, of a competitive economy, Assam contributes to only 5.5 % gross domestic product (GDP) in the tourism industry. Nevertheless, in the wake of the anti-CAA(Citizenship Amendment Bill) protests in Assam, the state has already lost to a tune of 1000 cr. INR in this sector. So before coming to the crux of bridging the big fat holes in this sector, I would like to specially emphasize on harnessing the hospitality culture that forms the base for any booming tourism sector. Although tourism in Assam and rest of North East is acclaimed for its sea of ethnic diversity in food, culture, and variation with language and climate diversity, the region is yet seemed to lag in maintaining the uniqueness through a realistic hospitality approach. This article is penned down with certain thoughts with special reference giving to the city of Guwahati, being the hub of the North Eastern region of India and the upcoming future gateway of the South East Asian countries in sync with the Centre's Act East Policy. Thanks to the Department of Tourism, Government of Assam, for outlaying the number of multi layered projects with joint ventures with the Government of India that is witnessed notably enough on their website and on paper. Today, the city is a host of 3 to 4 five-star hotels, mega malls, a few giant resorts, and very soon to get along the luxury cruises on River Brahmaputra and other such mega investments to be on the roll by the Government of Assam.

But despite, such infrastructural development, I would like to pose with a thought that is the city being the largest in the North East Region ready for grooming itself up in line with this commercialized world? Have you experienced the utmost hospitality culture with its sheer professionalism when it comes to our people in delivering customer services to its customers? I wonder?  Say, from the small retail shopkeepers to the staffs of any mega mall or the luxurious hotels somewhere the state of exuberance being the customer is missed and at times fumes to sour retreat. 

I guess you can recall well, how in the XYZ mall while going for a random shopping you weren’t greeted properly, or found the staffs sticky enough stealing away your comfort space? I bet you confronted at times those familiar grumpy faces of the staffs when you had to literally push them to come out with other good options? Can you relate how long you had to wait that day while placing your order or at times settling your bill, when you visited for the first time with your family or alone or with your favorite person to the restaurant you heard to be rated good enough to visit? Or have you experienced the frosty smile of the staffs of a well-known dental clinic or ignorant gestures by the staffs as you walked up to any random store stalled at   the heart of the city? 

And the list goes on and sadly I suppose, we as customers have faced it all. I am pointing out to all these nuances having realized most of our service sectors are daunted with such poor, unenthusiastic, inconsistent and blunt hospitality skills and absence of true professionalism in their work. Co-quoting an age-old Chinese proverb ‘A man without a smiling face must not open a shop’. This is very true that stands out to be the most important factor in honing the hospitality skills and nurture its culture. A warm hospitality is cherished by all and making it flawless and uniform is the need of the hour that would not only represent a glorious face to the Guwahati city but would also add a positive flavor of abundance to the ailing tourism industry of the State.

A picture in a mall where Japanese staffs enthusiastically awaits at the door with their bowing culture to welcome their customers : Japan 

Before , narrating out with do’s and don’ts ,in this context, I would first like to jot down my first-hand experience in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, the country known for its superior customer service that adds to the global standard across the world. Japan usually known to us for its culture, traditions and as a land of punctuality also stands out to be as the world’s best customer service provider with its most genuine hospitality, profound etiquette and pleasing aura. 

 Known by the Japanese word “Omotenashi” meaning ‘Japanese hospitality culture’ where Omote means public face and Nashi means nothing that together defines service that comes from the bottom of the heart served with empathy and honesty. To their long greetings with the warmest smile ever uttering Irasshaimase (meaning– Welcome/greeting to a customer entering any shop),no matter wherever you travel in this country as a customer you feel to be most important person in the place you visit. Embarked  with the cleanest surroundings, the country stands out with all perfection in its spotless  remarkable spirit of professionalism and scrupulous punctuality right from the taxi drivers, train conductors, bus drivers, restaurant staffs, electricians or no matter any person in profession is always seen equipped with their clean neatly pressed uniforms always ready at your door  for your service. In any shop you enter, you do not feel pushy rather you can take your own time and space enjoying the most relaxed hours admiring the displayed products, whether you purchase or not. The staffs aren't to stare you till the last moment and would rather leave you with your time to decide as per your choice. Another strikingly attractive hospitality is witnessed with their much appreciating bows followed by the Japanese phrase ‘Arigatou Gozaimashita’ gestured with a pleasing smile meaning ‘thankyou’. This conveys as a token of gratitude for visiting their store. 

Hence, Japan adores their concept of hospitality with all mindfulness where customers need not express their desires verbally as everything is served with their sincerest efforts and empathy. Due to such heart winning welcoming vibes even a non -Japanese feels the same pride of honor visiting their land as guest or as a customer to their shops. Today, I may not able to give this experience through this example as the real experience can be felt only when one can experience himself/herself in this beautiful land.

A customer served with a pleasant and warmest smile by the staff in a Cafe : Japan

Relating to this spell bound experience in this land, through my column I would just like you  to retrospect on the same line of thought where inculcating these excerpt could help us set an exemplary example among us to bring the tourism industry of Assam and the North East on track . Outlining some probable suggestive measures that we can bring in to restructure this fragile hospitality culture of our land.

·    Genuine willingness to please the customer- We have a host of skill development schemes and tourism policies where although hospitality is regarded as the prime concept but is not yet fully cultivated. Today, importance is given on the development of soft skills for the employees either during their training or while undergoing their respective courses. But less of it is witnessed when it comes to their performance on the field. So what keeps missing? The uniformity and righteousness attitude to serve with harmony and honesty. Despite the rigorous on-job training or off-job training services, unless the genuine instinct of hospitality is not born within , no matter it is the most elite mall or a small privately owned boutique you are serving for, the connection with your customer will never be built. As such, genuine willingness of customer pleasing should be reflected naturally from within with a positive aura.

·      Taking the pride in your job- Co-quoting Tom Ford, ‘dressing well is a form of good manners’. An employee with a neatly dressed uniform during the service in a hospitality sector is always appreciated with an adored personality. The uniform should be worn with pride that gives the feeling to serve with the mandate of dignity of labour. In the Japanese Art of hospitality any service without a proper neat attire is considered as a failure in its service towards its customer. Our hospitality sector should consider the minute detailing of its employees by keeping a check and regular counter-checks towards their customer servicing attributes. Hence, taking pride on one’s job is the true nature of being into this sector to serve its customer with harmony, politeness and humbleness.

·       Availability of immediate feedback criteria in any shop- No matter it is a small shop or a big famous mall, there should be a mandatory feedback criteria option then and there in front at the Human Resource desks of the respective places. This is usually not adopted by all shops and can be seen only in a few big malls. An immediate feedback should be availed and shall be amended timely in knowing the customers’ perception and expectation.

·   Smile just not to forget the smile- A smile is the ultimate anecdote to all solutions and the only medicine to win a customers’ heart. Once you step into this hospitality sector no matter you are in whatever profession, serving with a smile always pleases the person in front of you and makes him feel welcoming. So, maintaining a warmest smile towards your customers should make them feel relaxed and comfortable to visit your store often with self-willingness. 

it Today, it is indeed worth a treat to our eyes that the Government on one hand is investing crores of public money flooding the city landscapes with tall buildings and giant malls. But are we, the people of Assam and rest of North East ready for the current atmosphere of commercialization, to be the main hot spot for the rest of the world especially being the gateway to the South-East Asian nations? To stand at par with the South Asian market, can we not plant the same thought of sincerity, grace and respect in our work culture reshaping the shabby hospitality outlook of our society and inculcating the Japanese art of hospitality into our work atmosphere. Today, we are fighting for retaining our culture, but is language only a factor to retain one’s culture? Can we not preserve our culture by polishing our etiquette’s and use them in our everyday life?  Is it therefore possible to create a holistic hospitality environment in the city that would eventually invade the region, the place that still lacks uniform hospitality etiquette towards its customers or any person who visits as  a tourist? Therefore, tourism being the face and key factor as a major investment prospect in the state of Assam, and the rest of North eastern states of India it is high time for the tourism authority and all the citizens of the Northeastern region to take a holistic approach to retain its culture, glory and pride. Caressing such hospitality attitude can be one of the crucial steps to preserve the uniqueness of this region of what can define us indispensably from rest of the states of India. Let us seriously think about it and work on it thereby summing up with the ageless Sanskrit saying “Atithi Devo Bhava”(Guests are God).

To the long awaits of gesture

To the long awaits of gesture on thy way,
Of the songs sung for the shimmering days of ray,

Not to reconcile to the bemoans that once lurked at bay,
Like the crampy heap of dillusions to some of dismay,
From dusk to dawns that knitted the musings,
Bereft of certitude lashed with cruisings,

To the long awaits of gesture now that paves your way,
Unleash the strings so dodgy just meant to sway,
Of the wings that flap beneathe you,
You to hold those with grace,
You wait not to chase it behind you,
For they are all set to glace,

To the long awaits of gesture that bows thy way,
You seek the same door of bliss,
So worthwhile cupped with a humble kiss,
Yes you to adore and sway it thy way,
For its made for you and you to tune it thy way,
In a world of insane, you ought at times disdain,
Not to flicker anymore,  just plunge off the creepy mundane,
Provokes do creep from people those miffed,
Pay no heed, pay no heed with your naive soul beneathe,

To the long awaits of the smiling gestures thy way,
Forget not to tie the strings of gaity, 
You to cherish your journey with pours of witty,
With the endless walks embracing credence,
Not to stumble and roll with prudence,
Let alone flap your wings that is gifted to you forever to carry,
Yes, to the long awaits of the gestures full of merry !!

And the countdown begins for a better India?

“Your work will be looked after Sir, you just have to pay some of your extra pennies… for the file to proceed”- the common old line that many must have come across.  And years after years the unsought, untamed heinous modus operandi of making money out of money, unflinchingly sustained in its business with its host of crooked expertise. On one hand , it is the money sucked out quite scornfully from the hard earned  fellow doers ,who out of peer pressure backed by their saddened helpless situations  have to pour the hefty currencies  into the unknown pockets, just for the sake of converting a plain paper  to a legitimize platform for making it justified. Although initially, the modest ones stay firm on their ground resisting hard to get de-magnetized from the web of bribe and corruption, but their efforts eventually droop in vain. After  waiting for days, some for weeks and sometimes for months or even years , where time no more does justice to what they lawfully deserve , they  make  no delay to pump into those filthy pockets beyond the eyes of law.

Like an age old ceremony, such malevolence has been sweeping across the country which is quite known yet unheard and acted upon blindly by the people. Unaware of its brutal consequences that how indulgence and repetitiveness is another factor that has always sincerely attributed to conversion of the white money in an amenable way to the category of black/the unaccounted money.  Today it is because of this care-free unabashed attitude that has led to the paradigm shift making the rich merrier and richer and deteriorating the state of the impoverished section of the society. On the other hand, the spiral racket of such pooling of money gets aggravated when some handful of  powerful  business doers or the hooted bureaucrats with not a tinge of regret in breaking their business ethics and laws, indulge in being the money hawkers to be at their  heights of avarice. Or it can also be the other way round, where they happily get involved competing in their hoarding capacity outlandishly utilizing their power of political wrath and freedom of injustice. With time it got so rooted that media once took no less a time unearthing the bold headlines that said ‘stacks of black money account holders in the Swiss accounts outside the country’. What a shame?

India, a country despite rich in many cultural spheres always scored at its low when it comes to brutal corruption say in sports, education, profit/not-for profit organizations, academics and not even they spared the health sector. As such, corruption went viral, so viral that in no less time, the circulation of the so called black money got a ruckus in the entire country. From a corruption index of 38^th position in 2015, India somehow managed with a sheepish improvement occupying the 75^th position. The spread of this corruption virus backed by unleashed stack of black money have much before got aggravated and today have reached at its pinnacle of destructing India. Such consequences deepened not only because of our fragile punishment acts followed by lenient income tax slabs but also because of the constant cooperation of some of the impatient masses mostly belonging to the high profile public fraternity . Despite the untiring slogans and the unstoppable breathless speeches of the political party leaders to fight corruption with the common age-old taboo “fight for anti-corruption” the evil yet ruled and may be still ruling. As such, not much change has been witnessed in fighting corruption and combating the presence of black money.

 So today, in my blog I would like to ask whether really this story would go on or there is a sheer hope of a turning point making India a corrupt free and a better happy India?  I wish definitely the latter sustains. But is it something that Modi has already planned out? I guess so. I am talking about the truckloads of news that has already flooded our minds, the media channels both domestic and international with the most striking news ever for the first time in the Indian history. Yes, I am talking about the epic step taken by our honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi  declaring currency ban as popularly known by the word ‘Demonetization’.  As I say demonetization, quickly I can recall that very night on 8^th November, 2016 when like a swarm of bees people panicked, rushed every to and fro, tensed and anxious to get changes of their old currencies at the mentioned junctions in their respective places. Public gatherings in huge masses were witnessed holding currencies openly for the first time queuing late nights that were mostly highlighted in front the petrol pumps. Who doesn’t remember the picture? Yes the picture was grim with the aam aadmis being the worst sufferers. Sufferings were not just witnessed for that very night or a day. It went on for more than a month with people apprehensive enough of the new move, of the new saga of fighting corruption. The long queues in front of the banks across the country, the death news of a few out of the panic attacks , parents concerned of their children residing outside their home, fainting of some old- aged men and women due to hours standing under the unbearable heat in such long queues and that’s how the news of disaster kept flashing in all media channels, magazines, and newspapers that imprinted quite bold and thought provoking indeed.

On one hand media didn’t stop playing Modi’s speeches pleading people- the ‘janata’ to cooperate and communicate and bear the pain convincing that it would not last long. While on the other hand the same media channels broadcasting with no stone unturned the angst and agonies of the citizens complaining their woes out of note ban. In fact, the introduction of the highly weighted currency note of 2000, that immediately followed after note ban have added fuel to the fire. Although, the ‘dear’ 2000 notes have made its place in ATMs and people’s pockets but yet, I guess, has not been successful enough making its place in transactions. More complex it has become for the aam aadmis once he holds the mighty 2000 as neither it gets easily breakable nor easily acceptable. Never-ending debates by the intellectuals, stinging criticisms by the economists , constant bullies and slams from the Oppositions, and public hue and cry were all that reigned for more than a month almost in every place and yet continued quite noticeably with the same uproar. Apart from these plaintive wails, the situation got more perplexing when demonetization was backed streamlining India into cashless digitalized economy. A country feeding its population through daily cash transactions now has to revert its daily routine through cashless transactions. ‘Could be a success or a complete messy deadlock?’, is what mostly all are apprehensive about. Quite yes, to all the grim consequences, that seem more like a punishable picture testing the tolerance limit of the citizens all because of the sudden brunt of the traumatized note-ban. It actually depicted a Hitler approach rather an economic reform policy which as per Modi is the significant step to combat black money, tax evasion and extremism.

 So, really an unavoidable plethora of circumstances and consequences Modi Ji! Here, in line with what the sources outlined, I too being one among the fellow citizens would like to mark on the thought and wonder that in a country like India where rural masses form the majority, where in many areas dilapidated infrastructure still poses a great threat to development, shortage of electronic payment systems despite many with their debit cards and smart phones, where problems like unemployment are ameliorating , where ratio of manpower to accounting way shrinking, where there are no stringent punishing laws for the law-breakers, no fines, no rigorous income tax slabs, where 98% consumers  as sources said deal through transactions in cashes, where still in many parts of the country villages survive without proper electricity and  no education then how come a country like India can outgrow a model cashless digitalized nation ? Will all these loopholes be compensated at the earliest genuinely and not just by raising digital campaigns, the digi dhan melas and shouting slogans for ‘acche din’? Yes, India has got several potholes which have been rising at a steady rate.  So, amid such potholes, can India really outgrow with what Modi has in his vision today?  Can entire India be turned into a cashless digitalized economy? Will the tea-tribes and the masses of the far-flung rural India be able to adapt to this new payment system? Is it really for the interest of the Indian citizens or a move taken for the party’s political interest? And the questions go on that more or less ends up reflecting an apprehensive response regarding note ban policy followed by foreseeing India as a cashless economy.

But today, I think, the aam janata can really give it a chance cornering the skeptic approach and allowing demonetization go hand in hand with unity in diversity. Of course, results are already witnessed when millions of people who despite their agonies arising out of note ban have supported whole-heartedly in the new black money eradication mission, and have abided as asked so far.  So, it’s public participation, their cooperation, faith and awareness regarding anti-corruption thereby combating the black money dwellers. The drudgeries may continue for some more time but in the long run it shall sooth the economy. Not forgetting about the successful Jan dhan  mission, the LPG scheme and the recent Income declaration scheme , the citizens shall give time for the mess to get stable as great things really need time to happen. I believe! But Mr. Modi, your dream of a better India and providing peaceful sleep to the entire country can really be a possibility if the potholes (as mentioned above) are not ignored. They need to be bandaged sooner or else demonetization may evolve as a conundrum with all efforts in vain. It is mercy for what the honest citizens of your country are asking for. And being the humble citizens of the country, I believe, today, we shall not let it go off rather shall give a chance to support the new move of democratic India, no matter how harsh the routes be as it is high time for combating the evil corruption and combat black money.  Long Live a happy India.

In memory of my darling grandpa-my Puthaaa... R.I.P.

And there chimes the air;

With aura of your existence;

Yet amongst us, with your holy embrace;

Beloved  you , forever will be you,

Amidst the hearts of your children;

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed, as you rest in peace,

In the hands of heavenly abode;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

Popular with the persona of grace;

Always up with a smile so bounty;

Like an epitaph on the tomb of gaiety;

You knew not how to negate,

Whatever it was on the verge of destiny;

Forgoing is what you behold;

And that is the rule of life you taught us to hold;

Beloved you , forever will be you;

Amidst the hearts of your children,

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed, as you rest in peace,

In the hands of heavenly abode;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

Lessons of wisdom, of wit, of emotions surfaced;

Always you with your frantic agile;

Oh merciless time , why you made them so fragile;

You knew us, you knew them;

And we know how you loved all,

Kindness was all that reined his tone;

Forgiving was what he decides to mold;

Beloved you, forever will be you,

Amidst the hearts of your children;

Whom you have never made feel so deadened,

You’ll be missed Putha ,as always;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

Oh Putha! so adorable you as  you wore that smile;

the smile so full of bliss, of happiness, embedded with peace;

no matter how callous time rode,

always you were up with your unmatched chivalrous trail;

the trail of charisma, of purity , of regale;

you taught the reason to be pleased with life;

"…That whatever it is, just to let it be as it  is...

Just plead it hard from thy heart whatever you need;

All will be yours as you rhyme it within…"

Beloved you, forever will be you;

Amidst the hearts of your children;

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed Putha,as always ;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

I know not whether your dreams fulfilled;

Whether you pleased with our deeds we tried to knit;

Forgive us , O’ holy grandpa if anything remained incomplete,

Beloved you, forever will be you;

Amidst the hearts of your children,

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed Putha ,as always;

with the times immemorial as it beckons;

your smile ever imprinted with the moments you traced….!!!

Not to forlorn..and to adorn... never quit!!!

Gone are the days as were they;

Amidst the laughter’s, of regale;

With banters that echoed out loud,

Of the puns that merely managed to fade;

Like a smack on my face I felt the hit;

As the wind so boisterous whispered aside;

Mark it as a blessing in disguise;

As these days would never come by

Live life to the fullest folks;

These days would never be sung again;

I wonder how pitiless it could hum by;

Oblivion of the bond with the time we made by;

Today, I see the path unknown;

Amid the wary, sometimes disdain;

The road has twirled like never before;

Bereft of the time that ever smiled before;

With banters that once echoed aloud;

No more the platter to ruminate about;

The aura with the wind merciless this time;

Whispered aside as it passed by;

Life’s capricious, you ought to know;

Full of ups and downs , you never know,

I wonder how pitiless it could just hum by;

Oblivion of the memories that sheer as ever;

Of memories we yearn to live by;

Oh! Gone are the days as were they;

Of the laughter’s, of regale,

Shun it! Whispered the hovering wind hysteric  all within;

Unrecognized, unheard that suddenly busted within,

The journey to be marched alone;

Fearless and upright; of faith to just hold by;

The battle is yours no matter you win or lose;

Just not to refrain amid the tides of uproar,

Yes, this is the key to life, of guts to carry by;

No matter how unpredictable it sulks to be;

Life is once, just once, so breathe it bold,

That embeds opportunities, of treasure some of mystics;

For it is all there in the midst of shambles;

It’s all on us what we ought to choose despite the rambles,

The heart knows it all as it reckons the faith alive;

To just allow the rapacious mind to stay abide;

The aura to be shunned, of disgrace, of negates;

Busted out the kind wind as it chided this time,

Life is full of mystery, a plethora of gaiety;

Not that lousy as it seems to be;

No days are gone as they are always to adorn;

In the wake of the challenges that life subsist,

It is always you, alone to tame, just tame with some risks;

Life is once, full of beauty and frisk,

No days are gone as they are always to adorn

Of laughter’s , of regale, never feel forlorn.

stay naive stay alive

In the race......all to win!!!

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft of the appease of hues,

No more a plethora of bounty;

All that lay by the sail;

Of the duo so dainty,

Either of the loss or of the victory!

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft of the appease of hues,

No matter how relentless is the trails of ruse;

Crafty it seems as your fellow proves;

Of the throngs of distress they feign to muse;

Of the abysmal pain, yes full of disdain!

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft of the appease of hues;

All I see the eyes that quench for the calling;

Amid the ghastly galore that seems so appalling;

Yes it’s a journey of the novice;

Oblivion of the tangled platters of their niche;

Who knows not what they destined to cling,

In the sea of mass so cut throat;

All for the battle to fight as they sling!

 Today, it’s a world of the known;

That knows not to bemoan,

Yes, it is the path full of bumps and bolts;

But just to remember forever and always;

Not to refrain the reigns once hold;

Of the reigns that hones your being;

Of the reigns that seeks your true calling.

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft indeed of the appease of hues,

No matter life a race in the midst of boos;

All it requires to sway over the rues,

 Of the freaking mind, Oh the fretted soul;

Spare no time, spare no time;

For its all yours,

 At all toils of the hardships

That you chose to reach the pinnacle of bliss!!!

IN THE FLEET OF......... (A short story- all thanks to to the T.O.I Writer's campaign for the outline designed under author Madhuri Baneerjee)

‘Ladies hurry up; we got to catch our flight’, announced Mr. Bala Vijayanathan, Gayatri’s disciplined father, who recently got his transfer to Bandra O.N.G.C colony, Mumbai. That was their last lunch together with their close family friends, the Rajan family. ‘So Gayatri, what’s next in Mumbai? Job or further studies?’ asked Alok, Rajan’s eldest son, a successful banker by profession and a loving brother to his sister, Esha. Just she was about to respond after a minute pause, Gayatri’s mother gently interrupted as she looked pleadingly to the Rajan family. ‘Well, we’ll really miss these get-togethers; this entire family...thank-you for everything... ’ she choked as her eyes moistened. Everyone emotionally drenched. Alok gave a warm handshake to Gayatri She hugged Esha before they bade adieu with the last reunion of the two families in Delhi.

That was some two years ago when Gayatri and her family left for Mumbai and became a part of the Bandra O.N.G.C colony. The colony was huge with a wholesome of different families from varied backgrounds - some Marathi, some Punjabi, few Assamese, with two more South Indian families now and a Muslim family. So, introducing Gayatri Vijayanathan, 25, somewhat introvert yet fun-loving, dusky complexion, some 5.6 inches in height, slender with angular features and with a pierced silver nose ring. She joined as a corporate lawyer in a reputed firm and was the younger daughter of the family. Her elder sister got married recently with her long time family friend that resided in Mumbai itself. Born to conservative parents, Gayatri was rarely allowed to hang out with her few friends in the new city. She never got the chance to explore much except when she was with Akshara, her cousin and best friend. Akshara stayed with her widowed mother some miles away from Gayatri’s place. Stuck to the mundane family routine, every Saturday Gayatri went to the Shiva temple with her family that was nearby while the Sunday mornings she reluctantly did her karnatic music practices in company with her mother and most of the free evenings she went to the colony badminton club, something that really made her happy. Though she was born to strict parents but never was it that they forced her to excel in anything. But Gayatri was somehow lonely. Something missed in her life she never shared with any, might be the special someone she has left on the destiny to decide. Unaware of what was in store for her in the new city; Gayatri went with the flow of life with her unshared thoughts.

Like any other day, that night Gayatri whispered her normal prayers before she could doze off. But the sultry weather with every cranky swirls of her fan kept her awake. The wall clock struck dot 12:30 p.m. She walked up to the window pane some feet away from her bed. As she gaped out, the chill gentle breeze just caressed her along. She was completely engrossed with the mesmerizing atmosphere with the silent empty street lamp lit road, the ruffles of the leaves fallen off from the gigantic Gulmohar tree planted on the other side of the road. That night was the last day of the auspicious Ramjan month and so the holy Eid, the next day. Gayatri was lost in her thoughts. But suddenly something struck her. She noticed someone right down the garage near the house just opposite theirs, restlessly searching for something. The house of the rich Delhi based Kaif family and their very front neighbor. It was Syed, the only son of the Kaif family. He was searching for his lost car keys. Unaware of Gayatri’s constant stare, Syed went on hunting for the keys until he found them. Just before he could close the gate, he realized someone was watching him. Suspicious enough, he didn’t hesitate to look up and there it was when his eyes met hers’. The eyes that met with all curiosity, was undaunted and poised. Both completely sunk in the perfect moment under the perfect moonlight. However it wouldn’t have been disturbed if Syed hadn’t been called by his mother to get inside. So that was Syed Kaif, 26 , fair, with muscular frames, some 5.10 inches in height, with little shades of stubble and the black pair of spectacle that always gave him an impressive look. An extrovert and compassionate Syed, a recognized entrepreneur by profession was however more passionate playing drums and always dreamt of raising his band ‘Vibes’ to an international platform. Unlike Gayatri, he belonged to a very cool, frank and a non-conservative Muslim family. But Syed was somewhere somewhat lonely too, although quite popular and loved by many.

So, the next day arrived and it was Eid. Syed’s family all remained busy with preparations. They invited few of their friends and some relatives to celebrate along. Their house was decked up with silver lights that beamed in the moonlight. That evening, like every Eid, Syed went to the nearby market. Almost done with his purchases required for the feast, he rushed hurriedly to his car before he gets late reaching home in time. It was a crowded market that day. He wondered if Eid might be one of the reasons for that. Just before he could get in the car, suddenly it was Gayatri who crossed him. She was back from her badminton classes when her mother asked her to get some vegetables on her way home. But co-incidentally it happened to be the same market place where both met again. Quite surprised being that close they stood still as they gawked for a while. They didn’t exchange any word yet their eyes did the talking.

With time Syed and Gayatri started liking one another and both knew that well.  Both successfully kidnaps each other’s attention whenever they aware of their presence. Although their lips did not smile acknowledging each other, their eyes said it all. They wanted to talk, curious to know one another but it never gave them a chance. However things started to change from the day they happened to meet in the coffee shop. That day it was some around 6 o’ clock in the evening. Gayatri and Akshara, decided to meet after work. They met at the café near the Band stand side, their usual meeting place in Mumbai. They talked, they laughed and their gossips continued. Soon after Akshara got a call, Gayatri walked up to place the order.

‘Umm…two cappuccinos. No add-ons and two choco donuts’, Gayatri replied to the café boy as he approached for the order. No sooner she turned paying her bills; fortunately it was Syed to her notice. She gaped at the door just to confirm twice. And it was him. Akshara however watched from far quite confused with Gayatri’s expressions. To Gayatri’s surprise, Syed assertively walked towards her as he frankly waved with his warmest smile. It was some five feet lap as they stood across and Syed initiated the talk with the formal ‘hi-hellos’. They finally talked and it was the first time both talked to each other that followed up with some more conversations till they met the next time. Both happy in their company started meeting each other. They met every Thursday at 5 p.m as it was the day she managed to meet him freely and their conversations lasted for hours. They didn’t know how they somewhat loved each other and they never said it. As such, their paths would never have crossed if it hadn’t been for that fateful day when Syed walked into the café.

Syed and Gayatri didn’t mean to fall in love. But love happens when you least expect it. It creeps up suddenly when someone needs attention, care, conversation, and maybe even intimacy. Love doesn’t look at logic, or at backgrounds, and least of all, religion. And the same just happened with Syed and Gayatri. They just got lost in their world of happiness oblivion of all odds. But somehow something daunted Gayatri whenever she thought about the untiring inquisitive society and especially her family. But yet Syed kept her happy. They didn’t stop being loved and to love. They met in every possible places, sometimes in his car, at the café and places she could never tell her friends about for she knew they would never understand. So, love was in the air for Syed and Gayatri. It had been a year since they shared the bond – of friendship, of trusts, of understanding and love.

But after a year things didn’t remain the same. It just went upside down if that day Syed wouldn’t have left for his audition in Los Angles. It was a week before when Syed and his band got a call to perform on an international platform that has ever remained his dream. Though he was excited, he was sad to leave Gayatri for a good month. On the day of his departure, Gayatri came to see him off after she took a half day leave from work. They hugged each other as he kissed her on the forehead. His eyes moist while Gayatri almost in tears. As he moved for the further check-ins biding her adieu, he blew her a flying kiss. She waved him back with all teary eyes. But to her dismay, awestruck she stood when she turned around. It was the Rajan family that was right in front of her. Infact they too were surprised to see her in the airport and mostly when she was with the moist eyes. ‘Ayyo Gayatri! You are here?’ Alok’s mother asked with all curiosity as the rest waited for the reply. Completely confused Gayatri just mumbled. ‘Hey...Aunty! Hello…errr…yes I came for Akshara, my cousin…um...she left for Los Angles…You guys in Mumbai?’ Gayatri exclaimed quite shocked and definitely she had to lie. But later she realized Akshara was the wrong name she took for she was already in the city and they somewhat knew her. Alok’s family came for a three week stay in Mumbai to attend a family wedding. They also came for the surprise that was however known to Gayatri’s parents.

The good old times rewinded for the two families in those three weeks. Their happy get-togethers where everyone savored the moments. But Gayatri wasn’t that happy for she missed Syed every second. Rarely could they be in touch as Syed remained busy struggling with his dream, even though he missed her terribly. Unfortunately, everything just cluttered for Gayatri when her marriage knot with Alok was suddenly proposed in the two families. She was unsure of everything. She knew she couldn’t share about Syed to anyone for no one would understand. And not that she didn’t know Alok rather he had been her good friend since childhood. In fact, Alok had always secretly admired Gayatri. But the sudden proposal of marriage was something she didn’t expect. She knew someday she will have to marry someone and that was never a possibility with Syed whom she loved truly. But she loved her parents too. With time, her engagement with Alok was announced to be held next year and all celebrated with the news. But Gayatri was terrible. She felt guilty for Syed, about everything. Mostly, when he stopped replying to her mails and texts’ she sent before she could tell him about her engagement. That night she wondered if destiny had to do anything with loved ones or she had any role to play in it. And thoughts just baffled her mind.

In the meantime Syed was back. He was completely taken aback at whatever just happened within a month. He knew it was not Gayatri’s fault. He knew her conservative family and the relentless societal perceptions. But he never expected the way it took its pace. He was just marred and helpless, unable to decide. Initially he thought not to meet her for they have nothing to share new and it would be just pain to be left with. But however they met and it was the same cafe. After a long pause since they sat down, it was Syed who initiated the talk. But Gayatri couldn’t speak anything. She choked with her eyes moist. She just broke down in tears when Syed hugged her. Both knew their situations despite their unfathomable affection towards each other, which no one would understand.

Two months passed. Syed and Gayatri were no more in contact. The two families were in Delhi as a week left for the engagement. That very evening both the families kept a small get together for their would be bride and the groom where only their relatives and few friends were invited. As Gayatri was introduced to some of Alok’s relatives, suddenly her phone beeped. She ignored for that moment but later she checked. The number was unknown that displayed the text as she read ‘On my way, got to tell you something important—Syed’. Amid the crowd Gayatri got numb. She realized she got knots in her stomach. She pretended to be normal though several thoughts flooded her mind. She remembered well she didn’t tell Syed about her engagement which he actually got to know from Akshara the last moment. Secondly she wondered what could be so urgent for him and where he might be. Curious enough she quickly texted ‘Call me tomorrow, I am in Delhi’. ‘Meet me tomorrow anyhow at Hauz Khas’ Syed replied. Gayatri more shocked when she got to know he’s in Delhi too.

It was evening 4 o’ clock that day. She somehow managed to meet him at the destined place. For her family she had gone to the nearby parlour. ‘Syed…hi….You here? What is it? All ok?’ She pleaded with all nervousness. ‘Good to see you Gayatri. Whoa! Hold on! Yes I’m here but today I’ll be leaving India...may be for good. All with my band to Los Angles. Sorry if my message scared you but I found no other way to contact you… It feels weird now’ Syed sighed while Gayatri’s eyes pinned on him almost moist. ‘Before I leave, I just want to wish you a very happy life ahead and you have to promise me that you’ll just stay happy and be a forever fan of my band’ he whispered with his voice choked. He kissed her on the forehead as she hugged him with all tears. That was the last goodbye Syed waved her as he moved inside the airport.

Syed was strong but he never stopped loving Gayatri which she knew well. But certain things she had to consider which Syed knew too. Their love was eternal which only they understood. That night Gayatri couldn’t stop her tears but she didn’t stop her belief on the destiny and tried to abide by Syed’s words which he whispered for the last time. While Syed who never learned to regret for anything, walked off and finally left to fulfill his dreams.

***Thanks to T.O.I, and blessed to have you Srute A.***