Warrior

            "The history of a soldier's wound beguiles the pain of it"

--Laurence Sterne

               The magnificent citadel was cloaked in dust from the storms that flew across the Vale of Lacedaemonia*. It was housed in the midst of sprawling weeds and crumbled leaves.The wind blew across them, filling the structure with the scent of daffodils and leaving a trail of dampness, as a gift for the molds. The early morning sun rays have sneaked into the citadel, elegantly passing through the crevices and recess, to find the wounded warrior, Athanas. The pain never seemed to stultify the glory of the young warrior, who was bleeding from the grotesque wound on his shoulder. 

                       Athanas stooped forward eyeing his hoplon* engraved with his family symbol, the lambda. He knows how it feels to have this in his armory. The hoplon chooses the real men, who unceremoniously fight for glory and welcome death. Now it was dotted in crimson shades and stained with the dried blood of enemies. The ethical liturgy was overwhelming, when the glossy scabbard* shone in sunlight. He remembered the words spoken by his lady love, Elysia, before he stepped in to the jaws of death. 

                         Her words reverberated in his mighty heart, sending a sense of revulsion towards battlefield. The strand of hair that conceals her thick brows and the divine smile that blooms in her face besotted him upon her. Just like a lightening, Elysia struck him and joined his soul, after her subjugation with Greek Gods. Finally, the day had arrived for him to join the legion and seek glory; the moment that tore his fabric of solace. Athanas rested himself in her bosom to listen her soul's whisper, which said,

                       "the battlefield needs men like you, who fight to break the shackles of slavery. Some kill for gold and some do it to taste power, but when you do it, fame will embrace you. Come back with this shield unscathed, I shall be waiting for you with white Horner's flower.."

                       The shrill sound echoed the Gothic structure like a daemon, signaling the warriors for the ambush. The legion arose with mighty spears and a maroon cloth adorning their broad shoulder. The belligerent warrior sprang up, with his spear pointing forward to quench its blood thirst. He lurched forward and joined the legion, like an ant swarm. The bloodshot eyes made rapid movements imbibed with anxiety and fatigue.

                     The blanketing silence was overthrown by the enemy's arrow, which went searching in between their shields. The next moment was marred with cries and agony; the warriors marched forward succumbing themselves to a holocaust. The ground below them trembled with fear; flowery petals lost its chrome to this unprecedented hatred. Amid the shower of arrows, Athanas pounced forward thrusting the spear into the enemy's throat and came down battling for breath.

                         The wind carried Athanas' final breath across ravines and jungles to reach Elysia' castle. the wind rattled its way, before coercing her sleep and bolting her upright. Beads of perspiration hemmed in her forehead with uneasiness creeping in. She moved in elegance carrying her grace with mixed emotions engaged in a quibble. The sight of silvery moon losing its sheen nad the cry of the owls pushed a lump in her throat. Elysia's arms slowly caressed her belly feeling the seed of life in her and mumbled,

                      " sshhh.. Don't be afraid of the bad omen, son. Far across the horizon, your father stands tall against the prowess of evil, to seek light. You will rise against the burgeoning turmoil and  the beasts, along with your father. You will be my son and a warrior.. "

*Lacedaemonia- it refers to the ancient city in Greece.

*hoplon- it refers to the shield employed by the Greeks, to protect against enemy's attack, usually made of bronze or wood.

*scabbard- sheath for holding the sword or knife, made of leather or brass. 

                            

Va Venilla

September 9, 2085.

The world was a different place after the revolt in 2079, democracy and political parties have been abolished. Food and education became available to everyone. Employment was based on skill and workmanship; corruption soon became an endangered species. Government was taking care of us, in other words, watching us. Every stride of us was watched by them; emails and messages were screened before the receiver sees. Our houses and offices were bugged (nano transmitters and camera to eavesdrop); Human population already kissing 12 billion and space becomes a key factor. Government decided to keep a check in people’s nuptial business.

Once men and women reach puberty, bio compatible material (enclosing capacitor) is injected our body, which surfs in our blood stream along with millions of blood cells. When the hormone level crosses the threshold level, a small electric pulse is initiated from this device, which could leave us immobile for the next 48 hours. Unless the government permits, no sexual affairs can take place. Every couple is given 10 days during which the device remains inactive. This is the lottery the government issues for the people. Of the selected few, this time it was Mr. and Mrs. Mugilan.

Once Mugilan, stepped in the escalator, he was dreaming about the evening he s going to spend with his wife, Nandhini. Slowly the escalator shoved him towards the entrance of the railway platform, to bring back his senses. Glass reinforced plastic doors came alive with the aid of motion sensors; a rush of cool breeze hit him, giving him a feel of outside temperature. When he eyed his watch, he knew he was quite early to his 6.45 commuter. He found a lone bench greeting him, he moved at a brisk pace to occupy it. Mugilan was in a pensive mood, marveling the technology that has taken leaps and bounds. The gadget he had bought few days ago had all features that one could ask and envy. It could bring your blood pressure and pulse rate by a flick of its probe.

His blood pressure clearly indicated his eagerness towards meeting Nandhini. He never thought she would accept his proposal, a year back. A week was too long for a mechanical engineer to fall in love; he knew there was something in her that brought him close to her. After a late dinner, they began to walk, with their shoulders brushing aside, he proposed her. When he saw her eyes, there were tears with a broken smile, soon she was hugging him. The cacophonous sound of rushing commuter brought his senses back. Commuters were carbon fiber-reinforced carbon material with solar panels coupled to it.  Once he got inside, the magnetic rails energized to take him at 150 mph to reach his home 80 miles away. 

September 15, 2085

The pink covers barely covered her nakedness, with energy efficient LED’s exposing the flawless skin of Nandhini. Her body was supple, thanks to her yoga classes.She was resting her head on her palms, tilting it to watch her hubby’s eyes. With naughty smile escaping from her lips,

Mr. - what makes u smile, sweetheart?

Mrs.  – if I said no. 

Mr. – what?? 

Mrs. – If I have refused ur proposal on that day, perhaps you would‘ve missed something great in your life, isn’t chubby J J ?? (Her palms brushing his undone hair)

Mr. – Not exactly (with his lips pressed to form a thin line, making a mockery at her) 

Mrs. – oh L can you come again??

 With laughter echoing the walls of the room, she began to take control of things, once she pulled over the covers. It was like a cocoon, wrapping him, she killed the LED’s and with a faint touch, symphonies of Ilayaraja came alive through amplifiers. The couple was beaming with joy, not out of satisfaction, but the search for new life has finally ended. 

December 28, 2085

            Nandhini came out of shower, with beads of water dripping from her hair. She was making a walk mixed with excitement and alacrity, so that she wouldn’t trip off. She was screaming my name; she does this when she couldn’t find her dress. I was already nervous about my presentation, adding to this, I was fretted about Nandhini s tantrums. When I went to the bedroom, I saw her posing like a model in Vogue’s magazine.

Mrs. - Come here...

Mr. – Com’on Nandi.. I’ve my presentation tomorrow. My boss’s already chewing my balls.

Mrs. – idiot... Come here.

Mr. – that’s better… what now?? Lost ur lingerie???

Mrs.- shut up. 

 She took my hand and placed my palms on her stomach. A couple of nervous twitches were making me elated; Felt butterflies were swarming inside her, soon I was jumping. Nandhini took my arms and she was crying in my shoulders. The moment we were longing for; a meaning for our life. I want to cry too, but I felt stupid or joy made me dumbstruck.

Mr. – It’s a girl.. Like you..With blue eyes and auburn hair.

Mrs. – yup (holding back her tears) we have the prenatal diagnosis to be done.

Mr- - hmm... Don’t worry sweetheart... It’ll be walk in a park.

February 15, 2086

Maternity Block – 1A

10.55 A.M.

            The couple entered a long hallway with white tiles, leading to a small front desk. A plump woman aged not more than 50, was giving her best smile when she saw Nandhini. After a brief conversation with her, the couple moved left towards the PD (Prenatal Diagnosis) Lab. Mugilan and Nandhini were at the cubicle allocated for them, after an hour’s time, they were called in. Nandini was taken to a separate chamber adjoining the lab. She was rested in a bed, covering her, with poles to record her vital signs. A slim titanium probe found its entry into Nandini’s wrist to collect blood samples for DNA fragmentation of the child. Entire DNA blueprint was sequenced to look for prenatal diagnosis.

11.37 A.M.

Tension was creeping Mugilan, with sweat dripping down his neck despite air conditioner working full blast. A non breakable glass separated the chamber from this lab.

            Soon a sturdy nurse dressed in whites came in with an electronic notepad in her arms. Her biometric card revealed her name- Thamarai. Smart and autocratic, the room had her presence. She was running the show in this lab, with all other staffs fearing her power and prowess. She made rapid stares at me and notebook, before she started her conversation.

Thamarai: Hello Mr. Mugilan .. How are you?

Mugilan: ya. Doing good... is my wife fine?? (He was squeezing his arms revealing his anxiety)

Thamarai: Perfect.. no problem. But we have some news for you Mr.Mugilan.

Mugilan: What do you mean by that?  

Thamarai: PD results have brought something interesting. Which I m afraid isn’t good….

Mugilan: what???  For heaven sake tell me, what’s happening??

Thamarai: Please be relaxed... Listen to what I m about to say.

            The government is concerned about the well being of this world, so marriages are organized between the healthy, skilled and intellectuals. Based on Law 56 and clause ii of our laws- Healthy couples can produce better off springs for future, thereby, a marriage between a engineer and a yoga teacher was permitted. Plainly speaking, your marriage was accredited only based on that.

Mugilan: I know that and I ve read all my liabilities, what‘s the issue now??

Thamarai: There are no issues with your marriage, but the conceived child is more likely to be threat to our world. PD results. i.e. Genetic mapping* of your child showcases genes that are linked to violent and sadistic behavior. These genes have a high of probability of 98 % to undergo mutation, resulting in abnormal behavior in its adolescence. 

Mugilan: It’s a probability dammmit, not a fact.. There is no certainty that it ll occur. Screw your mapping and genes… I want Nandhini and my child back.

Thamarai: It’s a high level threat, sir. We can’t take chances, moreover as per the Laws…

Mugilan: Fuck your laws and your government. No matter what happens, even if my child grows into a fucking terrorist or psychopath, he is ours. Don’t dare to do anything. 

Thamarai: Sorry sir, you have spoken against the government and threatened its security; you will be detained for 6 months. 

With a shrill sound, she called the guards, “Pull him back” offered resistance, but it was no gain. He was struck by them, each blow breaking his ribs and arms. Blood was dripping from his cut lip and he had trouble breathing.

Mugilan: I’ m m m sorry.( he was breaking down, literally begging ) please save my child. I promise you, (he was sobbing). We even had a name to our child. Please mam . Help us..

 Thamarai: Sorry Mugilan it’s all over. Abort the protocol

Right across the lab, inside the chamber, Nandhini was asleep due to the LA (local anesthesia) that was administered. Nurse standing beside her slipped a drug called mifepristone into her IV (intra venous). This will stop all the love and care (fluids and hormones needed for the growth of the child) from its mom, shattering the dreams of the couple. 

Epilogue:

I express my sincere thanks to my few readers for their patience to read this. It’s nice to have a doctor in a family, to provide same valuable assistance in this work. Thanks brother.

*Genetic Mapping in a tool discovered in early 1900’s to diagnose illness that has plagued many families. The genes responsible for causing ailments were linked and separated. It is easier said, than done, parental traits could be identified using a complete DNA blueprint of the child. It’s more like buying a laptop from a Dell store; we can customize the needs of a child. More controversies have come up, due to its ethical reasons. This tool is still in nascent stage, and the above work is purely based on an article, where scientists were able to create the DNA blueprint of the child even before it was born.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/07/health/tests-of-parents-are-used-to-map-genes-of-a-fetus.html?pagewanted=all

 

 

 

Acid Trip

My head bowed down and my arms fastened to the chair, I could barely move.  My shirt soaked in my blood and sweat brought a pungent odor. I couldn’t recall when my taste buds experienced water. A sense of soreness was eating my throat. Out of shear pain and agony I was holding the chair tightly, that my knuckles went white. Two hefty guys standing in front, I was wondering what they want from me.  They were moving with alacrity and staring at me with their cold blood eyes.

Slowly I raised my head, with my vision starting to rearrange the pixels of guy walking towards me. He was dressed in a white cloak, smokes from his cigar were filling my nostrils, he shouted at the two men who were standing, and waved at them. Soon he took his revolver; the black thing sent a chill down my spine. Before I could realize, his blow across my face was gruesome. The butt of his revolver cracked my cheek bone and I was moaning in pain. He was enjoying this scene, me pleading for mercy with every muscle in my body giving up.

Man (White coat): You are trying to sound tough you filthy swine, but you aren’t… Gimme the name or you’ll have this bullet ramming your skull to pull the brains out.

I was shaking my head with frustration; perhaps I could visualize my end. He raised his revolver aiming at my temples, with his finger tips slowly moving towards the trigger.  The sound escaped from the revolver, shattering my dreams and embracing myself in a sea of darkness.

Sense of numbness was fading away from me, cool breeze was engulfing and my body was responding to the new habitat. Habitat could be the apt word to describe such a place. If some call it as heaven or paradise or Pandora, let it be. Moist soil sticking to my legs, scent of aroma hanging around me was a spectacle to all 5 my senses and putting my sixth sense in a pensive mood. 

The place is like a cornucopia, where pleasures are endless and ebbs out like a tide. Soon a winged creature flying high, came down to take a sniff, launching itself on me without the aid of helipad. It was a making a shrill noise, as though I was an alien to its home. Terrified by my movements, it flew leaving its mystic stains in my palms.

Just like a kid who loves to chase soap bubbles, I was running behind the creature. My head bolt upright trying to track the creature’s path, I was dumbstruck by the canopies brushing the orange skies. I was running hard to keep track, to my horror; I lost my balance shoving myself into the stream running parallel to me. This isn’t a stream but a shallow body filled with trickle. Soon the sugary fluid was filing my lungs, refraining myself to breathe.

Trickle was rolling my body back and forth, before it surrendered me to a whirlpool. It was pulling me into an abyss, just a spectrum for me to watch. The bright chrome was powerful and radiating with million colors. The radiation was getting brighter and brighter for me to look into. All colors seem to coalesce into one entity, just like a dying star. 

This isn’t a star that is going to explode, but a twinkle enclosed between eyelids of a girl. The spectrum and whirlpool around me was transforming into a room. The Room I loved, surrounded by maple leaf wall papers and swarm of teddy bears.  I felt bizarre with plethora of events folding before me. I didn’t realize I was staring into Divya’s eyes, with a perfect round face. Her charming dimples could be resisted by few guys. I was no exception and besotted with her. 

She was a class apart and wore no makeup. Her smile was a divinely prescribed antidote to my mundane life.  She was standing in her room, with her heel glued to the wall and eyeing me naughtily. The black strands of her hair were toyed by her fingers with excitement. It has been a month since we both met and I was quite happy to be at her arms. 

I started towards her, with loads of adrenalin and testosterone pumping in me. I could feel her blush with her cheeks getting red, when I took her arms. She was looking into my eyes, searching for answers to questions that kept us at bay. Pulling my face towards her, she caressed my brows and smiled. She fell on my shoulders, embracing me; silent tears were running down my cheeks to fall on her neck.  Like a Zen master she was calm and healing my wounds. When she bridged her nose with mine, ecstatic feeling penetrated into my body, carrying me across galaxies.

Soon a tremor shook me, bringing back my senses. With my covers pulled up, I could see my mom furious. With her hands held in her hips, she was screaming that I was late. Cursed myself for sleeping late, otherwise I would have had my dream a bit longer.  

PS: An individual has about 4 to5 dreams in a sleep, of which he can remember one or two ( mostly the last one) , its quite difficult to pull back the whole episode . Moreover dreams aren't interlinked ( as above, but still i managed to do with little success) they are often bizarre, but they will hold some salient details.

March 8

Before you complete reading this article, a woman is sexually harassed by their beloved brother or charred by their in laws somewhere in our country. God’s beautiful creation’s still mauled by her surroundings. Most of the crimes seem to go unnoticed or we tend to falter to all these occurrences. Certain scientific facts suggest that women are weaker sex, I don’t agree with this, ironically events portray their vulnerability. Many could attribute this towards chauvinistic attitude, never mind but still the bitter truth needs to be spilled.

Women undergo several transitions in their life experiencing trauma and being battered at free will. She can essay any role with ease; as a caring mother, loving wife, naughty sister or your charming girlfriend, all these under one roof without any disorders. But still I complain “they are damn selfish”. In every chapter she sacrifices herself for the plight of others with a tag of disgrace, just like Goddess Seetha or Virgin Mary.

There has been humpty number of organizations to raise voice against women harassment and to support their empowerment, but very few showcase their problems. These organizations are driven by factors like money, publicity etc. It’s no wonder that when we talk about women empowerment, images of Kiran bedi and Latika Saran seem to cloud our minds, but there are many who wage battles with their daily chores to win wars.

We are more inclined to things that are driven by fantasy and glamour, we raise hue and cry when Sania Mirza moves her ATP ranking towards top 50, but we don’t share the same space for child abuse or flesh trade. Having said this, UN report indicates for every 46 minutes a girl is trafficked in our country. Celebrity’s marriage and vogue keeps us in bay over the graving problem that has left many young women depressed.

According to NCRB, 1 in every 2 women faces domestic violence either psychologically or physically. We have several NGO’s and women self groups organizing events on paper and filling their accounts in Cayman Islands. On the other hand we don’t appreciate things that are happening around us. We spend a fortune in bio/autobiographies of Sunita Williams and Indira Nooyi but we neglect unwritten sagas in our life.

In spite of all tiffs with our sister, she will still shed tears when we’re hurt; our granny’s who love to tell stories umpteen number of times; the better half who keeps tab about the diet of her partner; or the caring mother who relocates her pelvic bones to bring us to this planet, with a staggering pain, she manages a smile. We fail to acknowledge the valiant efforts of these women. Let’s strive to salute these unsung legends on this blissful occasion-March 8 Happy Women’s Day.

Look who's patriotic !!!!

Very few things can be as thrilling as watching a movie in a cinema hall!After a long week's tiring routine, I was awaiting for this.In spite of me arriving early to the cinema hall, I could find a serpent queue for getting the tickets, cursed myself for not booking in advance!!!!! Contrary to all expectations, I managed to get one.
By now, the hall was buzzing with crowd. people were annoyed by the security measures,probably they frisked us better than our airports and railway stations.
In advent of multiplexes, the luxury level has shored up along with the ticket price.One can see the state of art infrastructure & traditional methods becoming obsolete.Each screen was furnished in different theme!!!
Tinge of excitement crept me,with the maroon theme along with an aroma perfume.Little children were jumping in joy once they saw the 'SMURFS' hoarding;a guy was ,making a brief foray to appease his girl;a bunch of pranksters trying all means to seek the crowds attention.No place on earth can give you all the emotions together.Finally it was time to enter the hall!!!
It was pitch black inside with LEDs guiding us. We even had someone to help us to our seats.There was a series of silk saree commercials lined up to test your patience.Finally, we had a censor certificate coming alive on the screen for our NATIONAL ANTHEM.
Despite asking us to raise fro it , no one in the hall did (it includes myself ). The best part is it was performed by a group of physically challenged , sorry !!! differently abled children.The entire performance was set in a slight sepia tone with a small school girl running down to join her school's morning prayer.It was a stunning performance from them,which literally made me raise from my seat.By now,half the theater was murmuring the anthem.
To be frank, it was not the patriotic feeling that made me raise.I felt totally embarrassed.We are stepping on to our 65 th year of independence ,we exchange messages; post on walls; tweet every second;never forget to put a dumb update on facebook.. but we fail to pay the least respect our nation deserves.

PS: the entire theater was on the feet when the hero's name appeared on the screen with extra special effects !!!!!