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…..