The Long-distance Relationship - Chapter 4

                                                  Excerpt

    When her sleepless night turned into a bright sunlit day, she didn’t know.  Racking her head for a solution to the imbroglio had made her wan and given her a massive migraine.  As she had skipped dinner, her stomach growled in protest.

      She got up from the sofa and brushed her teeth.  A vigorous splash of cold water on her hot face soothed her.  She looked a mess in the mirror.  Gone was the cheerful and beautiful face and replaced by a sickly-looking, miserable girl with dark circles under her eyes that had become red and swollen due to the non-stop crying session!

     A steaming cup of strong coffee calmed her nerves as she continued thinking about Pranay and his sudden volte-face.  Something was definitely wrong somewhere.  No person could drastically change so much overnight.  Surely something was bothering her beloved Pranay.  She had to find out soon, before his engagement.  She didn’t even know the date of his betrothal so that she could have had a deadline.  Hence every moment counted, as the clock ticked towards her doomsday!

    

The copyright of this story is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Long-distance Relationship - Chapter 3

                                                                         Excerpt

     Parikrama had noted that his enthusiasm in interacting with her had visibly waned.  He appeared distracted when he was with her and seemed to be making a great effort to appear casual and loving.  She often thought that probably he was preoccupied with his work that always hinged on deadlines.

     But as the months rolled by, she realized that he was no longer the same Pranay whom she adored and loved.  Nowadays, his comments dripped sarcasm and often his condescending tone hurt her to no end.  What was wrong with him, she wondered. 

      That day, when she had almost given up on receiving his call, she got her answer.  When the cell-phone rang in her hands, she eagerly said “Hi Pranay, how are you?” to which he abruptly said “Fine, thank you.” He didn’t bother to wish her alike.  

To be continued... 

The copyright of this story is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Long-distance Relationship - Chapter 2

                                                                  Excerpt

     Samidha composed herself and entered the cabin after politely knocking on the door.  Soon her charming demeanor was in place as she told the 2 men, “I’m sorry for the delay.  Let’s go to the dais.  The audience is waiting.”

     Pranay and the Chief Guest followed her to the pandal and climbed the couple of steps to the small dais where 3 chairs were placed behind a table on which their respective nameplates had been neatly placed.

     Parikrama, who was standing with the mike in her hand, clearly announced their arrival and asked the audience to give them a big hand. 

     After a brief introduction of the trio seated on the dais and a summary of the school’s achievements, she handed over the mike to the Chief Guest.

     After the speeches by the Chief Guest, the Principal and Pranay (who appreciated the activities of the school and Parikrama for her efficient co-ordination) Parikrama gave a Vote of Thanks and asked those gathered there to proceed to the area where the Science exhibits were displayed by the tiny-tots.  Their proud and beaming parents enthusiastically explained the exhibits to the visitors, while their children appeared oblivious and playful.  Everyone knew that the exhibits were in fact prepared by the parents and not the children.  But all of them enjoyed themselves.

To be continued.... 

The copyright of this story is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.