The Middle Ground

Ashim had always believed that a divine intelligence existed and that the entire universe was proof of the manifestation of its will. He called this super consciousness, God. So, when the doctor announced that he and Shudipa could not have children, he was unperturbed. If that was God’s will, how could he say otherwise? They drove home in silence. On entering their apartment, Ashim noticed as he switched on the lights, that Shudipa walked straight to the kitchen. Normally she would wash her feet before doing anything. Strange, he thought. Before he could realize, Shudipa opened the refrigerator and emptied an entire bottle of chilled water over her head. “Shudipa!” Ashim rushed to hold her in his arms. “Of all people, why us, Ashim, why me?” she wailed. Ashim forced her to look into his eyes. “Listen to me. You have to believe me when I say this. It is not your fault.” “Then why me? Ashim, tell me one good reason why me?” He hugged her tightly while she whimpered into u...

"You love me, don't you? I mean, you will marry me right?" Piu was treading on unfamiliar territory. But these important questions urgently needed answers lest her parents decided to pack her off with some other eligible stranger. Ajay looked at Piu standing beneath the basket holding the ball between her elbow and her waist, her eyes full of hope, offering the love in her heart like a plate full of chocolate truffles. He wanted to pull her close and tell her that she was extremely adorable. "Pass the ball", he answered instead, seeming oblivious to her question. Could he ever explain his feelings to her? Piu was starting to get irritated. Why is he this way? Why can't he ever be serious?  She sprinted across the court and shot a basket. "Superb shot Piu!  Looks like you'll finally defeat me today." "I asked you two questions, Ajay. And I have defeated you many times before."  "Hmm…Love somebod...