Feeds

“I’m not so sure. I've been leading a crime-free life for nearly two years now. I may have lost my touch.” “Don't worry. These skills settle in our muscle memory. You’ll find your way back when the adrenaline hits you. 10k is a lot of money, and it will help both of you. Just do it once and everything will be back on track,” said the caller. “So, I go there, wait for the man in the flowery, red jacket to show up. I pick up the packet he’ll hand over, and deliver it to the location you sent me.” “Yes, be there by 5 and watch out for him from the cafe opposite. When you see him, you can walk across.  I will transfer the money when you confirm.” “He must not know about this.” “Mum’s the word!” ******************************** “Why night?” asked David doubtfully. “Oh! C’mon, partner! It's a million bucks, man! We haven't been offered that kind of money in a long time. The client is all for second chances for faded out people like us. And don't you need the money for Susan’s treatment? Beggars can’t be picky, you know that.” “The street is getting dark, Dylan, and you know my eyesight is not very good at night. We could end up making a big mistake.” “That’s why I came with you so that we get the target right. Just do your hit-and-run thing on the target I show you. He walks across every day to the diner at this time. And the client needs it done today. Some big deal is being signed tomorrow.”  Nodding, David looked across at Dylan. “I’m sorry for the unpleasantness that happened between us. I should’ve warned you. But I was scared, man. I didn't realize I was straight until I met Susan. Thank you for forgiving me. But I can never forget our time together. It was great!”  “All that’s in the past, pal. You’ve met Alan? We are a happy couple now. I just want you and Susan to be happy. With your share of the money, you can save her life, get new IDs, and find a new, safe home. Alan and I have already planned to settle in Hawaii.” They smiled at each other, happy their days of crime would soon end.  “That’s him, David, the guy in the hooded black coat. Let’s go! Let’s go!” David revved up the car, swung it expertly out of the parking lot, pressed hard on the accelerator, and hit the target bang on! As he felt the squealing tires run over the target’s body, he realized how much he'd been missing the adrenaline rush. He was out of the scene in a flash. He hadn't lost his touch, after all!  Dylan looked back to see Susan’s dead face staring back at him. “Get that, you bitch! Trying to steal my beloved David from me! Go find someone straight in hell!” Alan removing his flowery, red jacket, went his way.

Shefali, Krithika, Karan, and Jacob went to their class teacher in a fit of frustration. “I simply can’t understand Math,” cried Jacob. “And I am so bad at Geography,” wailed Karan. “I wish I didn’t have to study languages to clear my boards,” hollered Krithika painfully. “I hate history and can never remember names of kings, wars, dynasties,” exclaimed Shefali in agony. The teacher looked at the four best friends and said, “Imperfections are like superglue. They bring people together. Embrace your imperfections and go create a balanced world.”

She stood outside the closed door, Shut on her face; the ensuing pain she couldn't ignore. She was filled with such deep hopelessness and woe, Even tears refused to flow. Her in-laws had thrown her out five years ago, She couldn’t give them a son hurting their community ego.  She had reconstructed her life; her past a mere echo. It was now time to save her daughter from the predators’ ghetto. They refused to give her custody of her daughter, Said she’d be happier and better provided for with her father, But she knew the ulterior motive was not so noble, Her daughter would be a free domestic help like sad rubble. But now, she was armed with ample proof in her little bag. It was time to open the closed door again, To free her daughter from cruel chains. 

She looked down from above, saw the familiar dinner table set with love, Four little bowls each with a frugal meal, Enough to survive, nothing for greed. The sunlight from the window streamed in, beckoning the diners to eat therein. But the four were still in mourning, Hoping for her return to make it five again. She had passed never to return, her death, the doctors couldn't adjourn. She had cried when she was sick desperately wanting to survive, But now she was happy the four bowls looked fuller than five.

A smile is sweet and free, spreading limitless joy and harmony. A smile takes less effort than a frown, Yet we find it easy in sorrow to drown. But she was the epitome of beauty and grace, an everlasting smile bejeweled her face. No matter how many challenges she encountered, Each one with a smile she countered. When the deadly illness hit, she was jolted but for a bit, Nothing could save her from deathly fate, But her smile could never be erased.