Character sketch Day 16(541 words)

Day Sixteen: Let it slip away.

Focus Word - Disappointment

Song Prompt - LittleLion Man by: Mumford & Sons

Weep for yourself, myman,
You'll never be what is in your heart Weep, little lion man,
You're not as brave as you were at the start
Rate yourself and rake yourself
Take all the courage you have left
Wasted on fixing all the problems that you made in your own head

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really f---d it up this time Didn't I, my dear?
Didn't I, my dear?

Tremble for yourself, my man,
You know that you have seen this all before
Tremble, little lion man,
You'll never settle any of your scores
Your grace is wasted in your face,
Your boldness stands alone among the wreck
Now learn from your mother or else spend your days biting your own neck

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really f----d it up this time
Didn't I, my dear?

But it was not your fault but mine
And it was your heart on the line
I really f----d it up this time
Didn't I, my dear? Didn't I, my dear?

"Trisha!!! Come I will show you the heaven. We can have a picnic. I am sure you will love it. It is just like your dream place....You know you used to tell me about.", Ishaan speaks.

"Nature's beauty without any commercialization, you mean. Only birds to hear my call and water to answer it." I reply dreamingly not hoping for any such place. "

" Absolutely. It is like God's castle on earth. You will absolutely love it. The place reminded me of you when I first saw it. Even today I go there to forget.Come." He insists."
I know I should refuse him. We are spending more and more time together. I am afraid that we will forget our friendship and move again to the next level. And this time it will be more difficult. He is carrying in himself the baggage of his first wife's death. I am encumbered with betrayal. I do not know how can I protect myself. It is like I am being weaved into the web of love and I do not have any weapon against it. Still I am unable to say no to him and i agree,sentencing myself again to emotional tumult.

"OK Ishaan. We will go."

I am rewarded by his beautiful grin.

"Trish you need to wear some flats, so that you Di not fall. And change into something comfortable. It will be a long hike. "

As predicted by Ishaan it was two km of uphill walk. But it was amazing. It was like walking in the canopy of trees. We have carried a backpack filled with food and water. The winding may lost its difficulty amidst our conversation. It felt as I was conversing after so long. Suddenly, I skipped and backpack fell from my hand.

We are so far away from civilizationand I lost our food. I am worried. Ishaan cones to me running. He is shouting "Trish !Trish!"

He raise his hand and I flinch away from his touch. He looks at his raised hand and I realize he was trying to embrace me, not hit me. He murmurs,"Its alright Trish. I am not angry. Just calm. You are not hurt anywhere are you? I should have noticed the loose stone there. I am sorry Trish. I just did not realize. I should have been more careful.I am never going to hit you."

His gentleness is too much for me."You do not need to be sorry. Its my fault. I am not yet over him you know. Sometimes I still have nightmares. " I start sobbing with the strain of everything.

Ishaan takes me in his arms and let me cry it all out. "Trish he was a bastard. Don't let him ruin your life. Give your life a chance."

"Ishaan I do not want to be a disappointment."

"You will never be. You are treasure. If someone did not care to cherish , then it's that idiot's fault. Just let it go. "

I continue sobbing till I have let all my frustration flow in tears. "You must be thinking I am so messed up. "

"No , I am thinking that we have still some trail left to reach our destination. Come let us go."

Character Sketch -Day 14 (618 words)

Day Fourteen: Try to understand
Focus word :- Intention

You know sometimes, baby, I'm so carefree with a joy that's hard to hide.
And then sometimes it seems again that all I have is worry,
and then you're bound to see my other side.

But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good;
oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.

If I seem edgy, I want you to know, I never meant to take it out on you.
Life has its problems, and I get more than my share;
but that's one thing I never mean to do 'cause I love you.

Oh baby, I'm just human.
Don't you know I have faults like anyone? Sometimes I find myself alone regretting some little foolish thing; some simple thing that I've done.

But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good;
oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.

Don't let me be misunderstood.
I try so hard, so don't let me be misunderstood.

I am leaving my hotel. We have successfully created a press kit. My back hurts from sitting so long in a chair. I just want to walk round and round till the blood rushes to my feet. It was difficult job but finally we have settled a layout for a press release as per Mr Wilson's satisfaction. All in all, a good day of work.

For sometime, I was actually able to forget reappearing of Ishaan in my life. But now as I am getting out of the office and see his jeep parked outside, all the morning emotions resurface.

I do not want to sit in the jeep but neither I want to create a scene. And probably self sufficient people also need help in a new countries. I realize that the best course for me and my heart will be to maintain a polite friendship with him. I am a mature woman. I can have handle a simple friendship with one of my exes. I just need to avoid the emotional entanglements. Resolving to behave like a woman of world, I enter his car.

"I guess I have passed your internal debate test, now that you are sitting here. Come on Trish, I told you I will pick you up in the evening. You could have done your delebrations many times now. But no, you had to make me wait in this freezing temperature like a fool." Ishaan lashes at me. I am bewildered. I just made him wait for a few moment. I do not deserve this idiotic shouting.

"Ishaan it was just a few minutes. and you actually cannot blame me for being reluctant. My distrust is a gift from you. I do not blame you but you of all the people should be able to understand."

"Trish...." he tries to speak but my fury has been unleashed. I had have enough of overbearing males.

"You Ishaan, you were the one who left in the dark of the night without letting me say even a good bye. You knew I just had a week more in Paris but instead of making future plans you relented on your plimited. Not only that you took a coward's way out. And now you waltz again in my life trying to help me and you expect me to believe you blindly ?  I have a news for you Mr. Ishaan Verma. I do not care to be a fool again. I will decide the extent of our relationship and I will take as much time I need." I stop my tirade noticing the emotions on his face.He looks as if he is in pain.

"I am sorry Trisha. My intentions were not to be overbearing brute. But I guess I deserve all the blames." Ishaan speaks with a self depreciating laugh." I am really, really sorry. For now and for past as well. I do not think I can justify to you in anyway what I did. But please do not misunderstand me. I would not be able to bear if you will also hate me. I somehow believe that you woyld forgive me, somehow understand me. But I was helpless Trisha. I will never hurt you. I am not trying to make amends for the past. I also don't expect you to swoon after you. I am just offering to help you."

"I understand Ishaan. I accept, rather need your help. But seeing you talking like that resurrected the old ghosts."

"Come Trisha.Blame my boorish behavior on this freezing weather. And tell me whats is first in your shopping list?"

I smile,"Mr. Ishaan you are truly in my clutches.I believe I will make you loot the whole of Slaughter Creek."

Character setch-Day 13(511 words)

Day Thirteen: All time is relative.

Focus Word - Time

Song Prompt - Called Out In The Dark by: Snow Patrol


It's like we just can't help ourselves
'Cause we don't know how to back down
We were called out to the streets
We were called in to the towns

And how the heavens, they opened up
Like arms of dazzling gold
With our rain washed histories
Well they do not need to be told

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

I was called out in the dark
By a choir of beautiful cheats
And as the kids took back the parks
You and I were left with the streets

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

[repeats 5x]

Dear Apu,

Hello Apu. I am writing from my car. I know you will kill me if I somehow did not furnish you with the details of my morning meeting with Ishaan. I did meet him. And I guess I came out unscathed, may be with few scratches. Will you understand if I say it was painful and wonderful at the same time? Ishaan has changed a lot. He may still look like God- same chiseled face, those expressive eyes and drool-worthy physique. But still it is like time has hardened his beauty. He has lost his boyish innocence and acquired a kind of cynical attitude tainted by world.

Did you know he is a widower? He married somebody and she, she committed suicide. Shocking, right? I am still not out of it. He must have respected her a lot. He looked devastated- somehow tainted by the sorrow of it. And he is not into business. He is working in some steel plant which is at two hours distance from here.

I used to belief he will live a model life. I mean I left him for it only right. But everything in his life has so changed. Now I realize, every eye is trained on a different star. What we dream, what others expect out of us and what fate gifts us- all the things are so different.  He is now a stranger to me. But still time brought us together after four years. Those four years have not killed the easy camaraderie between us. He was the only one (apart from you) who could understand and support me without any questions. He believed that I did right.

He stays near by the hotel only. He wanted to drop me to the hotel but Mr. Wilson had already sent a car. So, I refused him. He said he will pick me in the evening and get me acquainted to the Slaughter Creek. I was reluctant but he said it is just his duty to help a fellow Indian. After all, he had been living here for past one year. And I could not say no to him.

These are all the basics of my meeting. I am about to reach the office. Do not start shouting. I will call you in the evening with full detailed report. But Apu, I am afraid- very afraid. I am afraid that I will be sucked in the vortex of past again. I am afraid 'Cause we don't know how to back down. I am afraid our ‘friendship’ will again shift to the plane of romance. I am afraid that my heart will be called out from the dark into his presence. And I do not think, I am strong enough to take an assault now on my heart again. I know you will tell me that I am overanalyzing a simple situation but I can’t help myself-especially with the dreams I have hidden in the recess of my heart.

Have to leave now.

Love

Trisha

P.S. – I will call you in the evening.

Character Sketch- Day 12 (546 words)

Day Twelve: A virtual truth
Focus Word - Sanity

Song Prompt - Virtual Insanity by: Jamiroquai

Oh yeah, what we're living in (let me tell ya)
It's a wonder man can eat at all
When things are big that should be small
Who can tell what magic spells we'll be doing for us
And I'm giving all my love to this world
Only to be told
I can't see
I can't breathe
No more will we be
And nothing's going to change the way we live
Cos' we can always take but never give
And now that things are changing for the worse,
See, its a crazy world we're living in
And I just can't see that half of us immersed in sin
Is all we have to give these -

Futures made of virtual insanity now
Always seem to, be govern'd by this love we have
For useless, twisting, our new technology
Oh, now there is no sound - for we all live underground

And I'm thinking what a mess we're in
Hard to know where to begin
If I could slip the sickly ties that earthly man has made
And now every mother, can choose the colour
Of her child
That's not nature's way
Well that's what they said yesterday
There's nothing left to do but pray
I think it's time I found a new religion
Waoh - it's so insane
To synthesize another strain
There's something in these
Futures that we have to be told.

Futures made of virtual insanity - now
Always seem to, be govern'd by this love we have
For useless, twisting, our new technology
Oh, now there is no sound - for we all live underground

Now there is no sound
If we all live underground
And now it's virtual insanity
Forget your virtual reality
Oh, there's nothing so bad.
I know yeah

Of this virtual insanity, we're livin in.
Has got to change, yeah
Things, will never be the same.
And I can't go on
While we're livin' in oh, oh virtual insanity
Oh, this world, has got to change
Cos I just, I just can't keep going on, it was virtual.
Virtual insanity that we're livin' in, that we're livin' in
That virtual insanity is what it is

Futures made of virtual insanity - now
Always seem to, be govern'd by this love we have
For useless, twisting, our new technology
Oh, now there is no sound - for we all live underground

Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity
Living - Virtual Insanity

Virtual Insanity is what we're living in 

“I might have learned to fly. But you tell me Ishaan what are you doing here? You have a business here?” I ask Ishaan. I do not try to hide my curiosity. He has always been like a moon I want to have – so near yet so far. He laughs cynically.

“Trish, time has changed. I am not in my family business. In fact I am not in any business at all. I work here as an operation manager for the steel plant.”

“This place has a steel factory?” I ask idiotically but then I understand what he is saying. He is not into business. But how can it be possible? His business was his dream. My confusion must have shown on my face. He says gently “Trish, dreams changes. Mine has changes with the circumstances. And this place does not have a steel factory. The factory is located at some two hours distance. My heart was captured by this place. So, I live here only.”

“But Ishaan, I do not understand it. Why? You are super rich and your family business spans countries. Then why this steel plant? Is everything all right?”

“Trish, all is not what it seems. We try to live in a virtual reality- trying to please the whole world but slowly we realize that the world is strangling us. Our dreams, our hopes and passions - all die due to suffocation. Not everyone is like you. Always giving without question. I craved for the approval of my father. For him, I joined the family business. But he was not happy. I was not doing enough. There was something missing. I was always running to achieve a goal which only he could see. I even married according to his choice.”

“Married?” I repeat stupidly. That was unexpected.

“Yes, married to an heiress. For me it was life long relation, but it was more of a business transaction for him. In the end it turned out to be a complete mess. We both tried to carry that sham of marriage but failed miserably. It was like we were two pieces of different puzzles that could never be joined. Sometimes I wanted to slip the sickly ties-to escape from every relation I had made. But I knew nothing could help me. I could not call off the marriage as it would besmirch our family name. So I tried. But my every attempt to get closer to her was doomed. I could not utter even a single sentence without being misunderstood. The more I tried, the more she distanced herself. Then one day she rebelled. She killed herself. I was on a tour that time. I left the business that time. I did not want to lose my sanity like her. I wanted to adopt a new life, a new religion and a new work. So, I came here to drown myself in the work. “

“I am sorry, Ishaan. I did not know.”

“I know you did not know. I took every care but I did not have any idea that you will arrive here. But lets leave all this maudlin thoughts. Tell me when you arrived and what are you doing here? It has been ages since I heard my little bird chirp.”

Character Sketch- Day 11 (515 words)

Day Eleven: Let it all hang out.

Focus Word - Chill

Song Prompt - Let It All Hang Out by: the Hombres

(spoken): "A preachment, dear friends, you are about to receive
on John Barleycorn, nicotine, and the temptations of Eve"
(Bronx cheer)

No parkin' by the sewer sign
Hot dog, my razor's broke
Water drippin' up the spout
But I don't care, let it all hang out

Hangin' from a pine tree by my knees
Sun is shinin' through the shade
Nobody knows what it's all about,
It's too much, man, let it all hang out

Saw a man walkin' upside down
My T.V.'s on the blink
Made Galileo look like a Boy Scout
Sorry 'bout that, let it all hang out

Sleep all day, drive all night
Brain my numb, can't stop now
For sure ain't no doubt
Keep an open mind, let it all hang out

It's rainin' inside a big brown moon
How does that mess you baby up, leg
Eatin' a Reuben sandwich with sauerkraut
Don't stop now, baby, let it all hang out

Let it all hang out (harmonized) [repeat to fade]

It is morning again. I do not want to get up. I am afraid if I get up I will realize it was all a dream. I met Ishaan again yesterday, didn’t I? And if I did not get up I will realize it is all reality. Ohh god, no, no, no!! I won’t think about it again. I had spent my night tossing turning in this bed- imagining all kind of scenarios. I won’t be a fool again. I was done with spending my time in thinking of Ishaan- I won’t think about him. With the resolve, I get up to get ready.

“Hmmm, I wonder what should I wear?” I spoke aloud to myself. May be the blue silk dress.  I admire the dress on me. “Off, Trisha, Trisha!!! You are going to work, not to a party. You do not need to dress up for Ishaan. “

I finally get prepared-wearing what I picked up by closing my eyes. (I peeked a bit, but that was to be done. After all, I have to maintain my dressing style.)

I see him. He is waiting at the end of the café. He does not need to turn. I know him by the air heavy with his awareness. He, his profile and his face is still fresh in my memory. But this is not fair.  He is not bald; neither he has any protruding belly. He is still as picturesque as ever. But these past years has matured him. Instead of his charm, there is gravity in him – as if he will be there as a rock support. I frown at my fantasies.

“Good morning, Ishaan”.

“Good morning, Trish. How are you this morning? You foot is fine? “

“Ohh as new as ever. You know a small scrape cannot overcome me. “

“Of course, unbreakable as ever.” Ishaan says pulling out a chair for me. “Have a seat. Unbreakable or no, you need you breakfast.” We are served with toast and tea.

“So, Miss Trisha has finally risen over all the customs and bondages. Tell me Trish, how does it feel to tell them all to hang? You feel freed?” Ishaan continued, gazing at me with its penetrable gaze.

“Ishaan, I was never bound; I was just rooted by my responsibilities. And I would have left them earlier as well, but the reason did not arise. It is not easy, you know. To see the chilling behavior of my acquaintances and face their cold shoulders. But I learned to survive. I learned to ignore them. I guess you are right, I learned to tell them all to hang by their idea of wrong and right. I do not care whether they accept it or not- but I know I was right to call off that engagement. I will stand for what is right. I will not let the circumstances dominate me.” I realize I am shaking with excitement, or with the freedom of truth I do not know.

Ishaan starts clapping for me. “Bravo Trish, bravo. Finally my little bird has learned to fly.”

Character Sketch-Day 10(709 words)

Day Ten: Everyone's got a habit.
Focus Word - Habit

Song Prompt - I've Been Loving You Too Long by: Otis Redding

I've been loving you too long to stop now

There were time and you want to be free
My love is growing stronger, as you become a habit to me
Oh I've been loving you a little too long
I dont wanna stop now, oh
With you my life,
Has been so wonderful
I can't stop now

There were times and your love is growing cold
My love is growing stronger as our affair [affair] grows old
I've been loving you a little too long, long,
I don't want to stop now
oh, oh, oh
I've been loving you a little bit too long
I don't wanna stop now
No, no, no

Don't make me stop now
No baby
I'm down on my knees Please, don't make me stop now
I love you, I love you,
I love you with all of my heart
And I can't stop now
Don't make me stop now
Please, please don't make me stop now
Good god almighty I love you
I love you, I love you, I love you
I love you, I love you
I love you in so many different ways...
I love you in so many different ways....

Dear Apu

What shall I tell you about today?The day was bouquet of events. It was a fantastic day with the shocking end. I went to the hotel. It was awesome- the décor, the staff and the cleanliness- it was all as we expected it to be. It just needs the few finishing touches. I met Wilson. We have been working on this design for so long that it felt like I knew him from ages. He welcomed me warmly. Most of the staff I met was young and pleasing. So no problems there as well. It was just too good to be true. I know you will say that I am jinxing myself but believe me, these people did not condescend my work like others in India. They accepted that my work was important. Well, I know placid waters also have some ripples. We will see the ripples as and when the times come. For now, I want to think that all is fine there.

While returning I saw a book café and went inside. It was heaven. The wonderful smells of vellum, parchment, and pungent leather almost caused me to salivate. The dazzling array of book colors and  bindings was a feast for the eyes. It had been long since I have escaped into the world of these characters.  I know you fear that I will forget the real world in these characters but books are my best friends – after you, of course. selected a beautiful romance novel. I got so engrossed in it that I did not notice the time.  When I came out, there was nothing but mist every where. Those tendrils of fog curled around me embracing me, caressing me. I walked aimlessly trying to forget myself. And then as usual I lost myself. I mean I guess I must have taken some wrong turn somewhere. Don’t tell mom. She will again start on my habit of losing my way. I assure you I am safe.

I was trying to find back my way to hotel. Not many people were there on the road owing the fog- so I just sat down on a pavement to calm myself so that I can think about retracing the way. But suddenly I heard growling of dogs. Now I think to it must have come from the house gate. I was so panicked that I got up to move and twisted my foot. I know you will say tell me something new but that is what happened. Why have inherited this habit of misbalancing myself at every turn-physically and emotionally both? Why can’t I inherit the beauty or grace of my mother?

You will incredulous to hear what happened next. Before I could think of something, a car materialized with a guy in it. He asked me if he could help me. But I could not reply. It was dumbstruck by that voice. It was Ishaan-in his real self. He shouted on me for falling again (Quit laughing!!). He dropped me back at hotel.

He asked about my engagement. He said that he had always kept track of me. I should be flattered but I feel so betrayed. I mean I had loved him for so long.  After I came back from France, he occupied every conscious thought of mine but I never could get to know about him. But he always knew about me and  was not even aware. I waited and waited. But neither he came, nor any news from him. I thought may be his so called eternal love had gone cold. I was so hurt hearing that traitorous voice telling me to stop loving him because he did not care. But Apu he did care. He kept track of me. But then, why did he never tell me? I am so damned confused now.

You must be thinking that why did not I ask him. But as usual, he was asking the questions and I could not snake even a single question in between. But he is meeting me tomorrow at breakfast. I do not know what is he doing here. I will ask him tomorrow.

Yes, yes I will get the local number tomorrow. Don’t worry. I am fine.

Bye

Tc and say hello to mom.

Character Sketch- Day 9 (716 words)

DAY 9

Focus Word - Sick.

Song Prompt - I'm So Sick by: Flyleaf

I will break into your thoughts
With what's written on my heart
I will break, break

I'm so sick,
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss,
Selfishness
I'm so sick
I'm so sick

If you want more of this
We can push out, sell out, die out
So you'll shut up
And stay sleeping
With my screaming in your itching ears

I'm so sick,
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss,
Selfishness
I'm so sick
I'm so sick

Hear it, I'm screaming it
You're heeding to it now

Hear it! I'm screaming it!
You tremble at this sound

You sink into my clothes
And this invasion
Makes me feel
Worthless, hopeless, sick

I'm so sick,
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss,
Selfishness
I'm so sick
I'm so sick

I'm so sick
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss, selfishness
I'm so
I'm so sick
I'm so
I'm so sick 

I am lurched out of my nerve wrecking limbo by a voice saying “You seem to be hurt? Can I help you?” That voice is very familiar. But he cannot be here, can he be? These few secons stretch like an hour.

“Are you hurt ma’am? Shall I call doctor?” Before I an grasp what to think or how to respond, he is there standing before me. Similar face, but not yet same. He gazes at me, thousands of emotions warring on his face-happiness, hope, curiosity and at last an emotion of infinite sadness. The plethora of emotions playing on his face cannit be captured.

“Trisha??? Is that you really? Are you hurt? Why the hell can’t you stay standing on the ground? Answer me, damn it. Are you hurt in some way?”

“Ishaan, calm down. It is me only. And I am not hurt a lot. I guess I twisted my foot. But you, what are you doing here?”

“Twisted your foot?” Ishaan says with his eyebrows rising to hairline. “Then you are still trying to sweep the ground. Why is it so that the problems always follow you? And why are you in Wales? No, do not answer, let me take you doctor first. Can you walk or do I need to break my back?”

“I guess I can walk.” I hobbled to his car. “I was returning from the office and saw that amazing book café. I got so lost in reading that I didn’t notice the descending fog. Somehow I lost myself in this damn place. I remember the cut was somewhere here only.”

“Trisha, I guess you do not need to know the cut now. Just tell me where you are staying. I am sure I will be able to manage to drive till there.” Ishaan says exasperatedly.

“Min Hotel. There is a card of the place in my bag. Just let me get it.”

“Do not worry Trisha I know the hotel. But first we need to go to Doctor.”

“Doctor” my horror is increased. “You know Ishaan I do not need any doctor. I will be alright. Just take me back to the hotel.”

“Okay. But we will have to move exceedingly slow. This wretched fog reduces visibility. And I do not wish to kill any harmless creature. May be I can hear the story of your being in Wales. Last I knew you were to be engaged. What are you doing here. Pleasure visit with fiancée.”

“You kept knew about my engagement?” Happiness starts warming my blood.”Of course, you kept track. How like you to know everything about me and not inform me.”

His lips quirks into devastating grin.

“Anyways, I did not get engaged.” Ishaan suddenly applies brakes and faces me. “Not engaged? What happened?”

“Nothing happened. I was sick. My fiancée was an ogre disguised as a prince. Have you seen the people who love keeping people under their thumb? He was one of those bullies. For him, I was just a commodity – a commodity to be polished, to be displayed and I guess to be used. I was foolish to expect anything from him. He sucked out every ounce of happiness in me.”

“He was a fool then. Good for you.” I hear Ishaan saying. I am so gone in the story that I do not hear him- just a faint roaring noise.

“He slapped me. I wanted to scream but there was no one to hear me. Then Apu gave me courage.”

Before I can say something else I am treated with his angry gaze. “Good that you are here alone. I would have killed him on your behalf else.”

 Lost in my story, I forgot that we reached the hotel. “But Ishaan what are you doing here.”

He laughs and says “This is a story for another time. You go to your room and rest. Do take the medicine which you always carry. I will meet you at breakfast. You need me to help you inside?”

“Breakfast?”I repeat stupidly.

“Yes princess, breakfast. I assume you know what it means and you still have one. See you tomorrow. And so like you to ignore the question of help. Good Night Trish”

I get down from the car with the warmth and fluttery feelings intact. 

Character Sketch - Day 8 (511 words)

Day Eight:Arrow / Kathryn Calder

(Focus Word:Aim)

A hollow metal arrow
Fell to the water
It must have come down from the past
I gave it to you
And I watched as my sandcastle
Slowly was turned into glass

It lit up like a beacon
The shine was so strong
That it took me a while to adjust
It took up my house
It split me apart
So I found a place on the grass

Fire away, I'm still hearing phantom waves
Fire away, I still have my better days
Fire away, what more can I do but say
Fire away, fire away

A shallow river by the road
Smoothed its edges and turned it to a skipping stone
And me by the shore
I noticed that day made me older than I was before
You say I'm too sad
Well I happen to like it
I happen to like you too

Fire away, I'm still hearing phantom waves
Fire away, I still have my better days
Fire away, what more can I do but say
Fire away, fire away

Fire away, I know all your tricks and your foul play
won't work on me anymore
Fire away, what more can I do but say
Fire away, fire away

I enter the hotel with butterflies fluttering in my stomach.  Hotel “Min-Y-Bryn”- the entrance reflected in neon lights. The name meant “House at the end of the mountain”. I was the originator of this name. While doing the research for the hotel, I had selected this name. I loved the juxtaposition of the hominess of this name with disasters reflected in the name of Slaughter Creek. The whole of Wales boasted of places like Slaughter Creek. Bryn y Cleifin(Hills of Wounded) , Nanyt-y-Saeson(Stream of Saxons) , Beddgelert(Grave of Gelert). This name was an attempt to neutralize the grizzliness with the beauty. Moreover, this hotel was constructed with an aim to convert it into a home for the tourist. It is built on the mountain top. Below it, a river flows. You can hear the guzzle of the river as it runs away to meet the sea.  I enter and see it fulfills every work we did for it.  Its inverted prism design captures the eye and interior smacked of royalty. Aristocrats must have had house like these. I am not being partial, just noticing the interiors with the crinkled eye.

While conceptualizing the hotel, we knew there would be a tough competition- the whole area was sprinkled with hotels at stone’s throw. The USP of the hotel our hotel was envisaged as its flawless service. I am here today to see if the whole of the system meets with requirement. I entered Mr. Wilson’s cabin.

“Hello Wilson. How are you doing?”

“Welcome Trisha! Welcome to Slaughter Creek! We welcome you to this place of dreams hoping you will turn them into reality.”

“Thank you Wilson for the welcome. You know, that is what I live for- Conceptualizing dreams into reality. Making the memories beautiful.  So how are things here? I guess structure and paints are all done.”

‘Yes, yes Trisha, they are all done as per the designs. You can see that for yourself. Add your magical touch to our PR and make this place a heaven for tourist” Wilson says laughing jovially. “But, tell me how it feels being here. I was concerned when you company took this assignment. Shifting to a place for one year is difficult. I know you are attached to India and now you are here for a year. It will be better for you if you adapt yourself to this place.”

“Don’t worry, Wilson. I will be fine. I am like a cactus- resilient, with a knack of finding water in the desert.”

“May be spikes to repel enemies, too?” Wilson asks with a twinkle in his eyes.

“That too. And aim to touch the sky. Do not worry for me. I may take some time but I will have best days here. Let the phantom waves of difficulties push me, I am ready.”

Wilson laughed heartily. “I am sure as cactus you are, you will be able to face the fires offered. Come, let me introduce to the staff. You need to know them. Then we can work on the press release you designed.”

Character Sketch-Day 7(592 words)

Day Seven:Temptation / Tom Waits

(Focus Word: Temptation)

Rusted brandy in a diamond glass
everything is made from dreams
time is made from honey slow and sweet
only the fools know what it means

temptation, temptation, temptation
oh, temptation, temptation, I can't resist

I know that she is made of smoke
but I've lost my way
she knows that I am broke
so that I must play

temptation, temptation, temptation
oh, whoa, temptation, temptation, I can't resist

Dutch pink and Italian blue
she is waiting there for you
my will has disappeared
now my confusions oh so clear

temptation, temptation, temptation
whoa, whoa, temptation, temptation
I can't resist.

I have written to Apu to free myself from my dreams of Ishaan. But I am still barreling into the memory lane. I remember when I reached france. A shy girl who had a lot to talk about but no courage to express. My first day in the class, I saw him talking to one of his colleague. He was laughing over one of the student lying on the floor in a heap of books. The student was a chubby girl with spectacles gracing her eyes. She was smiling sheepishly but I can see from her eyes she was embarrassed. I wondered what a cad that guy must be that he could not notice her distress.

Cad or no cad, the guy was built like an angel. Bulk of muscles, zero fat, tanned skin and that killer smile- he was complete opposite of me. But I could not see the girl in distress. I went to her to pick her books.

“What are you doing?”, she whispered furiously, all her sheepishness lost.

“What is wrong? I am trying to help you.” I flinched at the anger targeted towards me.

Suddenly he was there beside me. His masculine murmured in my ear like honey “Who are you? I do not think I have ever seen you here?  There are so few Indians here. I guess I know all of them. You are new here?”

“I… am here. I mean, yes, I am new here. I am a part of student exchange program. I arrived yesterday only.” I resisted my urge to blabber.

He either did not notice my nervousness or did not show it. “Welcome to our campus. I am Ishaan. If I am correct, we are going to be in the same class- the only two Indians there. Don’t mind her. She is just angry because you thwarted her attempt of being princess in distress.”

This was how I got to know the heartthrob of the whole college. I knew he was not only delicious-looking but also a gem at heart- always ready to help others. He was one of the most wanted people on the campus.

We were in the same class. He tried to help me overcome my French obstacles in the class communication. I started understanding his dreams slowly. He was from a rich family but he had joined the University on scholarship. He wanted to prove to his arrogant family that he was not dependent on their wealth. He wanted to establish himself as a successful business. His aim was to reach the moon. He wanted to show me Paris.

I was tempted but tried a lot to maintain a distance from him. I understood he wanted be more than a friend to me. But I also knew our paths would never converge. I was in Paris for only three months. He led a life of ambitions. I did not believe in short-term relationship. Then what was the point of it? I wanted to emerge from these three months emotionally unscathed.  But he persisted.  Slowly, bit by bit, his gentleness disarmed my resistance. The wall of indifference that had been protecting my heart, crumbled. The flower of love blossomed in the desert of my heart.

In him, I found my companion and soul mate. With him I understood the meaning of love. Our relationship did not have a long life but I do not repent even a single moment of it. It is still one of my most cherished possession.

The blare of the horn broke my reverie.

Character Sketch-Day 6 (524 words)

Day 6: Head Over Heels / Tears For Fears

(Focus Word: Admiration)

I wanted to be with you alone
And talk about the weather
But traditions I can trace
Against the child in your face

Won't escape my attention
You keep your distance with a system of touch
And gentle persuasion
I'm lost in admiration, could I need you this much

Oh, you're wasting my time
You're just wasting time

Something happens and I'm head over heels
I never find out till I'm head over heels
Something happens and I'm head over heels

Ah, don't take my heart
Don't break my heart
Don't throw it away

I made a fire and watching burn
Thought of your future
With one foot in the past
Now just how long will it last

No, no, no, have you no ambition
My mother and my brothers
Used to breathe in clean in air
(Changes with those)
And dreaming I'm a doctor
(They can't stop)

It's hard to be a man
When there's a gun in your hand
Oh, I feel so

Something happens and I'm head over heels

And this my four leaf clover
I'm on the line, one open mind
This is my four leaf clover

Dear Apu,

How are you? I am enjoying myself. Yesterday I went to explore this gorgeous place. This place is everything Google boasted of. The mountains, the sound of sea-surf are enthralling. I will send you the pictures soon. But the beauty of the place is so volatile that it won’t be captured in the pictures.

Today is first day of my job. I am in the hotel lobby, waiting for my car to arrive. I am nervous and afraid. I have to pass this test successfully. I have to mix the taste of India and Wales in one. And doing this in a country which is new to me will be far more difficult. But I know I will be able to manage.

You know yesterday was my first nightmare free night. My fiancée was not there. Instead, my dream was filled with vision of Ishaan. I do not know why, after these eight years, I can feel him again around me. Today, my heart is filled with love and admiration for him. I want to hold him and be held by him. I want to be aloe with him and hear the discussion of something as mundane as weather. I know he cannot be here. The day I left Paris, I knew I had broken all ties to him. I have kept him as a memory hidden in my heart in thousand covers. But today, why does it seem that my desire has resurfaced? Why does it feel that somewhere he is also thinking about me? Tell me, can anyone occupy your heart for as long as eight years without being in touch?

I know you will say that I will find many people like Ishaan but I have just not opened myself. But I tried very hard with my fiancée. Though my attempts were not successful, but still they were honest attempts. I am not second-guessing my decision of leaving him. I knew it was the right thing to do. Though nobody understands it now, but someday they will realize what courage it took to refuse this engagement.

Sometimes I do wonder I have a habit of falling for wrong guys. I mean, think about Ishaan- I knew we were together for only three months, still I fell head over heels for him. Still I burnt the candle of care for him. I know he had ambitions and his whole life ahead him, why should he have come to India for me but still I hoped. Then there is my fiancée who did not have any time or intention of caring about me. But I do not wish to talk anymore about him.

Ishaan must be a big business tycoon. Obviously he had the graduation from University of Paris and financial back-up required. I hope I can be half successful as him.

I guess I am writing too much about those guys who left but you already know that I have a habit of blabbering when I am nervous. There is no one else here who can hear my nonsense. But I can always trust you to hear me and understand.

Character Sketch-Day 5 (510 words)

Day Five: Money troubles.

Focus Word - Dollar (or the equivalent in your story's universe.)

Song Prompt - I Need A Dollar by: Aloe Blacc

I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(hey hey)
And I said I need dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
And if I share with you my story, would you share your dollar with me?

Bad times are comin' and I reap what I don't sow
(hey hey)
Well let me tell you somthin' all that glitters ain't gold
(hey hey)
It's been a long old trouble long old troublesome road
And I'm looking for somebody come and help me carry this load

[Bridge:]
I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
Well I don't know if I'm walking on solid ground
Cause everything around me is falling down
And all I want - is for someone - to help me

I had a job but the boss man let me go
(He said)
I'm sorry but I won't be needing your help no more
I( said)
Please mister boss man I need this job more than you know
But he gave me my last paycheck and he sent me on out the door

[Bridge:]
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(hey hey)
Said I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(hey hey)
And I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me
Well I don't know if I'm walking on solid ground
Cause everything around me is crumbling down
And all I want is for someone to help me

What in the world am I gonna to do tomorrow
is there someone whose dollar that I can borrow
Who can help me take away my sorrow
(Maybe its inside the bottle)
(Maybe its inside the bottle)
I had some good old buddy his names is whiskey and wine
(hey hey)
And for my good old buddy I spent my last dime
(hey hey)
My wine is good to me it helps me pass the time
and my good old buddy whiskey keeps me warmer than the sunshine
(hey hey)
Your mom of mayhem just a child has got his own
(hey hey)
if god has plans for me I hope it ain't written in stone
(hey hey)
because I've been working working myself down to the bone
and I swear on grandpa's grave I'll be paid when I come home
(hey hey)

[Bridge:]
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(hey hey)
Said need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need hey hey
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar with me
go ahead share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar give me your dollar
share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar with me

Today is the first of my job. I have accepted the challenge of establishing the hotel in this rugged city of Slaughter Creek – a city where mountain and sea embrace their differences, a city which boasts of castles and gardens. I understand now what my manager meant when he said the city in itself is not a challenge. It is totally gorgeous; all of it, but what is more wonderful than anything is the silence. No horns blaring , no tension-filled offices and no noise of machines. Attracting the tourist will be child’s play here. The challenge will be to make the hotel suitable for Indians.

I knew it was a daunting task but I needed to do this.

People usually are not happy with the job they do. But I loved my job. Thought circumstantial, my job is my life.. It is responsible for everything related to hotels- from strategy to branding and designing interiors. I am an Assistant Manager in the firm who manages the co-ordination between the all departments and markets the hotel. It is a toiling work but creative as well. It presented me with an opportunity to earn thousands of rupees, but also as an outlet to channelize my creativity. So, when this Herculean opportunity was available I grabbed it. This assignment was not only way to scavenge the thoughts of my worthless fiancée from my mind. It was also repayment for my entire job has given me.

Two months before my MBA, my father had to undergo a bypass surgery. Millions of rupees were drained into his treatment. I and my mother were stationed at hospital. But no amount of money was able to save my father. He entered the gates of heaven, leaving us behind. We were broken and in debt. We got some two lakh rupees of insurance but our loans were much higher than that. I still had to finish my final examinations. Due to my father’s treatment, I was unable to sit in Campus placements. To run from company from company in overwhelming grief and approaching exams was not an easy work. I was tired, worried and sad.

My relief arrived in form of Mr. Presley. Grooves hospitality was the last to campus. I still believed God had sent the impromptu visit of this company to take away my financial worries. Mr. Presley was able to see me beyond my grief. My interview was successful and I got selected. Though unexpected, getting selected Grooves hospitality PR firm was the biggest event of my life. I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time- cry because my father was not there to share my joy, and laugh because I was placed in a big company.

And today I am living Mr. Presley’s dream. He believed that I will be able to adjust and rise upto the surface. I promise myself I will not let Mr. Presley’s hopes go waste. Our hotel will be done here and Indians will arrive in hoardes. With this resolve, I move out of my hotel to claim my fort.

Character Sketch - Day 4 (866 words)

Day Four

Focus Word - Dream

Crush a bit, little bit, roll it up, take a hit
Feelin' lit, feelin' light, 2 a.m., summer night.
I don't care, hand on the wheel,
Drivin' drunk, I'm doin' my thing
Rollin in the Midwest side and out,
Livin' my life, getting' out dreams
People told me slow my roll,
I'm screaming out, f--- that
Imma do just what I want,
Lookin' ahead no turnin' back
If I fall, If I die,
Know I lived it to the fullest,
If I fall, if I die,
Know I lived and missed some bullets

CHORUS:
I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know,
Everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold
I'll be fine, once I get it, I'll be goooood.
I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know,
Everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold
I'll be fine, once I get it, I'll be goooood.

Tell me what you know about dreamin' (dreamin')
You don't really know about nothin' (nothin')
Tell me what you know about them night terrors, every night
5 a.m, cold sweats wakin' up, to the sky
Tell me what you know about dreams, dreams
Tell me what you know about night terrors, nothin'
You don't really care about the trials of tomorrow
Rather lay awake in a bed full of sorrow

CHORUS:
I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know,
Everything that shines ain't always gonna be gold
I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be goooood.
I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know,
Everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold
I'll be fine, once I get it, I'll be goooood.

I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know,
Everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold
I'll be fine, once I get it, I'll be goooood.

I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know,
Everything that shines ain't always gonna be gold, hey
I'll be fine once I get it, yeah, I'll be good

I'm on the pursuit of happiness
And I know everything that shines ain't always gonna be gold, hey
I'll be fine once I get it, yeah
I'll be good

Pursuit of happiness, yeah.
I don't get it, I'll be good.

I am sitting in my hotel room-getting bored. I am sure if there had been any cracks in the wall, I would have counted them all till now. But hotel wall is absolutely flawless. There is no crack here. And my mind has been wandering in all directions. I need to do something to give some rest to my mind. To kill my time, I decide to explore Slaughter Creek. I know the weather here is treacherous and this is an absolutely new place- unknown in every aspect. I knew if my relatives in India came to know they will call me an idiot. And if I will be lost here, there will be no one whom I can call to help me.

But I was not worried about this. I have tried to live by the rules and dictates of the society and good sense. Today I just want to pursue my happiness. I want to be free – free from my past, from those horrible dreams. I just want to revel in the natural beauty.

And who knows, may be Slaughter Creek has been waiting for me for many years to offer me my prince. Who knows what treasures I will find here.  So, with trepidation and exultation fuelling my blood I step outside. I had to stifle the gasp.Calling it beautiful will be an abuse to nature. It was breathtaking. I notice the driveway flanked on both sides by trees. The trees seem to embrace the hotel. Mountains with the snow filled vain and sunlight crowning these mountains. My thoughts and my sadness dissolved in the air of Slaughter Valley.

There is a chill in the air. So, I decide to explore the nearest market only. The receptionist had indicated that it was nearby only and walk will do me and my mood good.  Slowly every burden lifts from my shoulders. Although for a small period of time, my heart finds that elusive peace. have always loved to go for long walks and exploration of the places. The thrill of the walk, the satisfaction of reaching the destination, the discovery of unimaginable delights on the way and milling people around me, all provide sufficient incentives to me for the long walks I usually go for.

Sometimes, I think I should not have settled in Delhi. I should have gone for the grand tour or may be for the further studies like many of my friends. But it had never been my dreams and one will not be able to muster sufficient enthusiasm for the borrowed dreams or ambitions. I just wanted to grow some roots. Wandering and exploration could have satisfied cravings for the smaller period of time, but in the long run what I wished was to have someone to share and unburden myself to.

The market near to the hotels involves the two lanes dotted with the small shops which seem to sell everything and anything. The shops are marked with both Welsh and English signboard. I heave a huge sigh of relief. I was actually worried about the language. Being alone in a new place was adventurous enough, not knowing the language would have shifted it to the scale of disaster. I browse through the shops. But I knew shopping is not my agenda. I just want to get the feel of the market. But still, I purchase an umbrella and a coat for myself.

 

Across the market, sign of Stroll Bistro was blinking. I decided to treat myself with chocolate for a small step towards my freedom. I entered the Café and had a treat of chocolate donut. I know chocolate can cure anything and everything. Lost in the donuts, I forget the weather of the place. Suddenly, I am sprinkled with chilly water.

“It is raining”, I say to myself. Rain- a medicine for everything.

I decide to take my second step toward my freedom by enjoying this rain. The sense of storm assaults my senses. The fragrance of the wet earth, the touch of the flying shower of the rain drops. I lose my essence in the essence of this storm. The lightning suddenly splits the sky into half. I know I should be afraid but the energy of storm is thrumming in my veins. I want to lose myself fully in the rain. But I remind myself that this is a new country, still unknown to me. I am drenched- soaked to the skin. I am carrying my umbrella but letting the rain wash away everything. People starts looking at me weirdly. They are running hither-tither and I am standing feeling the rain. I see a mother carrying a child and trying to huddle under the sloping roof to protect her child from rain. I look at my umbrella. I will not be using it anyways. So, I give it to her.

I leave the market smiling. May be my good luck is starting to shine again. May be her prayers will help me redefine my life again. May be I will be able to sleep again without those nightmares disturbing. I know I am being too optimistic. Life is never too easy. But may be…..