A Love Story 2

Unexpected end to a short story… 01. Knowing very well that Chandni was affected with heart problems, great care was taken to break the news of her husband, Slok’s death as softly as possible by her sister Naina. Naina uttered the news in broken sentences, camouflaging the hints in a half concealed manner. “Chandni, you know what, be calm and brave my dear little sis, Slok is not in our midst now,” told Naina, hugging her sister tightly. 02. Nitin, Chandni’s husband’s friend, the bearer of this tragic news was also there trying to console and provide support to Chandni. News of an accident which had happened in the wee hours of today morning near the outskirts of Pune was flashed as breaking news over the TV a couple of hours ago. Slok’s name was seen at the top of the list of those ‘killed’ in the accident. Shocked on seeing the news it was Nitin who had gone to the nearby Newspaper office to doubly confirm the news. He hurried to prevent any less considerate and less assiduous friend to be the bearer of this sad message to Chandni, for whom he had a special sisterly affection. 03. Chandni did not receive the news as did several other women with an immobilized inability to accept its gravity. “No, not my Slok,” so saying Chandni broke down at once, with instantaneous and wild abandonment in Naina’s arms. With the storm of grief having subsided gradually, Chandni slowly climbed the stairs leading to her room, and it was clear from her body language that she would be liked to be left alone and have no one follow her. ” Please leave me alone,” she implored; and burst our suddenly, “Why has this happened to me, Oh my God!” 04. She stood there in her room, staring at the wide open window and sank into a wide and comfortable roomy single sofa. Chandni appeared fully drained and held down by immense mental and physical fatigue that captivated her body that seemed to engulf her soul as well. She was motionless except when a sob escaped her throat and shook her violently. She looked like a child who cries itself uncontrollably when put the child to sleep and continues this sobbing in its dreams too. 05. All of a sudden Chandni arose as though awakened from a bad dream. She could feel the delicious breath of rain that was pervading the atmosphere. In the Patel Street just opposite her house she could hear a peddler announcing his wares for sale at the top of his shrill voice. The notes of a popular Hindi song of the 1960s which someone was singing reached her ears somewhat faintly. “Oh, I can now hear my favourite Lataji’s song wading through the air” thought she. Hearing countless birds chirping in the nearby patch of shady trees, she felt a bit calm and composed. Through the large window could be seen patches of blue sky scattered here and there wafting through the passing clouds. 06. Chandni, the young fair lady was one who wore a calm face, the lines of which bespoke suppression and some toughness as well. The face had a different expression now as there was this dull stare that shown in her eyes, whose gaze was concentrated far away towards one of the patches in the clear blue sky. It was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of astute and brilliant thought. 07. Her intuition could sense something coming towards her and she waited for it with abated breath. What could it be? She just could not understand. She did not know; it was too indistinctive and evasive to define. But she could feel it creeping through the sky, coming towards her through the various sounds; fragrances and colours which engulfed the air. Her chest rose and fell vociferously. She started becoming conscious of the unknown that was advancing towards her to take control of her and she strived hard to resist this force with her resolve, which proved to be as vulnerable as her two white lean hands. 08. Finally when she abandoned herself, a small whisper word escaped her somewhat parted lips. She repeatedly pronounced the word in a soft tone: “I am free, free, free!” The empty stare and the terrified look that had followed it disappeared from her eyes and they appeared to be bright and zestful now. She could hear her pulse beating fast and the blood racing through her body which warmed and eased her entire body. She did not once question herself as to whether or not it was this beastly joy which held her! A plain and rhapsodic perception made her dismiss this suggestion as insignificant. 09. Yes, she was totally aware that she would weep and break down once she sees the masculine hands of Slok folded in death; the face that had never glanced, save with loving and tender eyes, but which many a time cast a gray and dead stare at her . But beyond all this disgruntled moment, she could visualize a long procession of future years that would be solely hers. With open arms she was all set to welcome this freedom which she felt was missing during her years wedded to Slok. Yes she would just live for herself in the years to come. It was a strange feeling of apprehension and joy and she felt butterflies in her stomach. This intention of hers, whether kind or cruel made the act look no less a crime as she looked at it in that brief moment of luminescence. 10. There would be no powerful imposing authority above her in that blind obstinacy with which women and men believe they have a private legal entitlement to impose upon their spouses. But, yet it could not be said that she did not love him- yes at times! It was a love and hate relationship between them. It did not matter much now! What could this feeling of love, the baffled mystery be, when compared to this custodian of self-declaration which she suddenly realized as the strongest urge of hers at the present moment! “I am born free again! My body and soul are free!” she kept repeating in a hushed tone. 11. On the other side of the room’s closed door, Naina was banging the door and kneeling, with her lips pressed against the keyhole, begging Chandni to open the door and let her in. ” Chandni, my dear sister, please open the door , I beg of you little sis of mine, we want to see you. Please listen to me, we are here for you. You are our little princess. Don’t torture yourself. We are worried. What is it that you are doing Chandni Gudiya? Please, please, we want to see you. For heaven’s sake open the door and let us in.” 12. “Go away, Naina Didi. Don’t you worry about me. I am not going to harm myself. Be rest assured”. Her thoughts were running riot. “How will Naina ever understand me? Nobody can guess my feelings now. Here I am drinking in the elixir of life and enjoying my new found freedom through the wide open window gazing at the wonderful azure sky.” 13. Soon her mind started racing uncontrollably over those days that were yet to come. Rainy days, summer days and winter days and all other types of days would be hers and hers alone. She uttered a quick prayer asking God to grant her a very long life. It was just yesterday that she thought with a shiver about the long life which she might have to live with Slok. 14. Chandni stood up at length and opened the door hearing her sister’s entreaties which became louder and louder. Her eyes displayed a maniacal triumph, and she carried herself involuntarily like Nike, the goddess of Victory in Greek mythology. She wrapped her hands around her sister’s waist and fully leaning against Naina, both the sisters gradually descended the staircase. Nitin stood at the bottom of the staircase, totally disturbed and devastated by the recent happenings. 15. Suddenly everyone turned their gaze towards the door. Someone was trying to open the main front door with a latch key. “Who could it be? Perhaps Slok’s parents or some close friend.” thought they. Behold what a sight! It was Slok who entered the house, in a crumpled T-shirt and a somewhat soiled pant. Carrying his small suitcase and an umbrella, he looked travel-stained and had obviously missed the bus by a few minutes as the auto-rickshaw in which he was travelling to catch his bus was held in heavy traffic and could not make it on time to board the bus. He looked dazed and totally unaware of the tragedy which had stuck the bus which he was supposed to have boarded. He was far from the scene of the accident, and totally clueless about the tragic happening. He stood bewildered and amazed on hearing Naina’s ear piercing cry; and at Nitin’s shocked look, Chandni’s eyes met with that of Slok’s and suddenly she collapsed and was rushed to the nearby hospital. 16. On admission she was pronounced DEAD due to cardiac arrest. Why? Is it due to the crashing of her future dreams or the beginning of her bad times once again or is it something else-sudden joy that proved to be a killer! It is left to the reader’s imagination! –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story along with their meanings: 01. Tragic - causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow 02. Immobilized - unable to move or act 03. Abated - to reduce in amount, degree, or intensity; lessen 04. Astute - having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage 05. Vulnerable - susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm 06. Zestful - full of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement 07. Luminescence - emission of light not caused by heat 08. Custodian - a person who has responsibility for taking care of or protecting something 09. Elixir - a magical or medicinal potion 10. Maniacal - showing wild and irrational behavior 11. Devastated - destroyed or ruined 12. Entreaties - earnest requests or petitions 13. Victorious - having achieved a victory or triumph 14. Dazed - unable to think or act normally due to shock or confusion 15. Clueless - having no knowledge or understanding of a situation 16. Bewildered - deeply or utterly confused or perplexed 17. Pronounced - clearly indicated or strongly marked 18. Cardiac - relating to the heart 19. Imagination - the ability to form mental images or concepts that are not present to the senses These words were used in the story to evoke emotions, describe characters' feelings, and create a vivid picture of the events unfolding.

A Brief Romance 01. One of those days, when it rains unceasingly and I have to hurry up in the subway to catch the bus to go to my workplace. My hair looked disheveled as I tried to pull up the hood of my raincoat over my head. Water dripped from my hair. Suddenly my phone rang. I looked a bit alarmed as I was expecting some colleague of mine who would call me to adjust her classes. Thankfully it was not one of them. 02. It was my cousin calling me up. Her name was Tina as my siblings and I lovingly called her. She was all of twenty- six, tall, dark with a warm smile and sensitive eyes which looked eternally blissful. All my siblings and I were married. We had arranged marriages and were living comfortably so now it was her turn to get married. She was working as a receptionist in a hotel located near the Airport. “ Didibhai, I have married” “ So who is the lucky guy?” “ His name is Krishna. He is a driver by profession. He drives his Uncle’s car who happens to be my Boss”. 03. Her ecstatic voice made me shudder. I could no longer keep track of what she was uttering. A driver by profession, my cousin had committed a blunder. What more could I say when there were so many young men with lucrative pay packages who were interested in her. She had chosen a taxi driver over them. “ So, where are you staying?” “ In my in law’s place” “Take care” 04. I ended abruptly. There were pangs of despair pricking in my heart. My cousin was a girl having a lavish taste. She wore jeans which cost two thousand rupees. My Uncle happened to be a LIC agent, who had spent all his money on his dear daughter’s education and upbringing. He was a man of strict principles. Other than that he took special pride in the fact that he was a Brahmin. I really did not know how he would be able to tolerate his daughter’s discreet behavior. The incident or accident as he would term it would ruin him. 05. Two hours later after reaching my workplace, I called my Aunt. She was crying over her daughter’s betrayal. Krishna had always visited the household as a friend. Never had my Aunt suspected anything existing between them other than friendship. She would be doubly accused by her husband now. First, for trusting her daughter unquestioningly. Next for hiding the affair from her husband. My Uncle would never understand her wife’s naivete. 06. A squalor would perpetuate now, a big fight would break up in the house. My thoughts jammed in, I worried about my cousin’s future. The day went on as usual. Although melancholic I trudged my way to most of my classes with my chalk and register in hand. I shouted hoarsely like a professor in engineering college is supposed to do. I later came out and sighed if only my cousin had married an engineer. I spent three or four days quietly without talking with anyone. 07. My Aunt had lost her mother when she was one year old. Probably she deserved better in life I thought, rather than seeing her daughter getting married to a low caste taxi driver. I am a typically convent educated person so my schooling had taught me restraint rather than getting involved in fits of passion. I supported my Aunt over my cousin, autumn leaves I sarcastically meditated on her sudden marriage to this boy. 08. Since Tina’s marriage, one week had passed now. I had tried to hold all my premonitions regarding their marriage. My Uncle was an angry and emotionally devastated man. Tina knew her marriage would not be accepted easily by her family. She had married in a Kali temple and moved to her in law’s place. They were businessmen who owned two shops and a two-storied house. Tina had been welcomed to the house by her mother- in- law but her father- in- law was adamant. He was of opinion that Krishna had married without consent so he should try to provide for his wife instead of depending upon them. They had thus no option other than moving to my Uncle’s place. 09. Krishna’s Uncle had removed both of them from their job where they had previously worked. They both were now looking for a job. The young couple’s struggle had begun together. With whatever little savings they had accumulated, they had rented a small house. They came every day for their meal to my Aunt’s place. Meanwhile, my Uncle shouted at both of them. He blamed both of them as irrational. He even tried to convince his daughter to leave Krishna. But Tina remained firm and unmoved. She said she loved Krishna and come what may they would stick together. 10. After some weeks the matter had settled down, I thought. I hardly found the time to visit them. My mind had moved from a state of fear to stage of gentle reconciliation. We were hoping for things to work out for themselves One day while I was fast asleep my phone started ringing. As I picked up the phone my mother’s voice cried “ Tina has committed suicide. Your Aunt is ill. She has been rushed to the hospital.” 11. I was shocked and petrified. On that fatal day, my Uncle had scolded her and told her to stop eating at their place. She was angry and felt insulted and had walked out grudgingly. Nobody had followed her. She had slipped quietly into the house, taken a chord fastened it to the fan and hanged herself. Her husband had found it fifteen minutes late. She was already dead by that time. 12. I do not know what drove her to death. Was it love or reality that kept weighing on her soul? I knew no answer, I only know what happens when we fail to empathize. We end up losing our loved ones. Once again, it was raining today and as I was getting drenched I just hoped it washed away my tears and cleansed my heart. –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story along with their meanings: 01. Disheveled - untidy or disordered 02. Ecstatic - feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement 03. Blunder - a stupid or careless mistake 04. Lavish - sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious 05. Naivete - lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment 06. Squalor - a state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect 07. Premonitions - a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant 08. Restraint - the action of keeping someone or something under control or within limits 09. Convent - a religious community of women typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience 10. Petrified - so frightened that one is unable to move; terrified 11. Insulted - to treat or speak to with disrespect or scorn 12. Chord - a straight line segment joining two points on a curve 13. Empathize - to understand and share the feelings of another These words were used in the story to convey emotions, describe situations, and highlight the struggles faced by the characters.

The Gift 01. It was drizzling outside. I drove the car through the occasional mist, climbing the winding roads up the high ranges. She didn’t say anything. We knew it was our last journey together. The last time I would be taking her to her workplace. 02. I remembered all the moments we had together from the moment I first met her. How happy we both were together! The great Indian wedding cliché just spoiled our relationship. She belonged to a different religion and our parents denied our insatiable love and desire to be together. My rage and grief reflected on the speedometer of the car. 03. “Please, go slow”, she said at last. When I had a sideways glance, I saw her rummaging in her bag. “Can you please pull over?”, she asked. She looked sick. I stopped the car under a Gulmohar tree which stood magnanimously by the road side, shedding flowers all over the place, bathing the ground under it in blood red. I looked at her. 04. “Why did you want me to stop?” She took out a bottle of imported perfume from her bag. Her favorite brand. “You may take this. Please don’t forget me, I beg.” I could see her eyes welling up. I didn’t know what to say. I felt my heart drowning in icy water. “No,”. I said, “I can’t take this dear. This fragrance will remind me of you every day. I can’t have that pain all days with you gone forever from my life”. 05. Her eyes started to spill even before I finished my words. That was the first time I ever saw her crying since I met her. I couldn’t hold back my tears either which found their way down silently. I took her hand in mine. “Please don’t cry, darling”. 06. My words were broken. I held her hand tight, like I never ever wanted to let her go. And I kissed the back of her palm. My tears kissed her even before my lips could do. The drizzle and the fog that adhered on the windshields curtained us from the rest of the world. 07. A few hours later I was back at the same place, alone, after dropping her off at her workplace and leaving her forever. I had the perfume bottle clenched in my hand and her fragrance all around me. The best gift she ever gave me. –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story along with their meanings: 01. Insatiable - (adjective) Impossible to satisfy or quench; having an intense desire or appetite for something. 02. Magnanimously - (adverb) In a generous and noble manner; showing a forgiving and kind-hearted attitude towards others. 03. Rummaging - (verb) Searching untidily through something; looking for something by moving things around in a disorganized way. 04. Curtained - (verb) Covered or concealed as if by a curtain; to provide with or enclose as if with curtains. 05. Desire - (noun) A strong feeling of wanting to have or do something; a longing or craving. 06. Fragrance - (noun) A pleasant, sweet smell; a perfume or cologne. 07. Grief - (noun) Deep sorrow, especially caused by someone's death; intense emotional suffering or distress. 08. Speedometer - (noun) An instrument in a vehicle that measures and displays the speed at which the vehicle is moving. 09. Adhered - (verb) Stuck or attached to something; to follow closely or faithfully. 10. Drizzle - (noun) Light rain falling in very fine drops.

Sorrow of your absence… 01. It was not meant to be ended this way, never. But it had and it’s not being possible for me to overcome the trauma of all these things just happened only because of me. Saying all the things instead of keeping it in the mind and waiting for the right time was not a good decision. 02. We both suffered this thing and even suffering now, your absence;absence of your voice that made me fall in love with you. I regret every moment, that what I had done that I just lost myself from me and I can’t now stand in front of myself and say I am a person with strong character but I am a coward and moron who can’t even stop you but hurt you too. 03. I am burning in the fire of regret and sorrow of hurting you and proving your decision to be with me was wrong, instead of strenghten you I broke you, broke your heart, your believe and eventually lost myself. You and I always stated each other as a family and families are not meant to be apart or to broken, they can fight but don’t leave. I am always waiting for you here as a family please come back dear. 04. We both have shed red tears for each other, we both have cried for each other and we still love each other till eternity and this love is not going to end this hard way.Their are various conditions which are still not in our favour but this does not mean that to go away.I am addicted to you and your presence everywhere and I can’t let the things to go away but I only stoped when you said, because I think it could hurt you or you just said to stop. 05. Yes, It could sound mean but the thing is I can’t ever get over you. I am a failure,I failed everywhere which was important to me, in every exam of life but the only thing I passed was having you with me but eventually I failed here too. When I was started loving my life and I can actually feel myself, it was you who made me realise I am alive and I can live life as well, but what now? 06. I start hating my life and myself too. One can’t love anyone else If he don’t love him/her self , but I love you with all my heart even now and till eternity and will wait for you to come.You taught me to love and extract a person with a character but it is lost since you have gone a bit away(not so far). 07. I am full of regret and in deep sorrow that I hurt you and your sentiments,the person you loved the most, trusted the most and I should not said that those words but believe me I never lied to you and you are still in my mind running all day long even in the dreams and I really can’t get over things as you said because I too believe, you must be going through the same thing that I am going through or you are waiting for me to come up. 08. I am still in hope as this is not the end we deserve because we have a strong connection and a bond and believe that tie us together for a very long and happy journey. Please tell me how to apologise to you, even cut my hand but pain of your absence is far more bigger than this wound, for me it’s not ‘ittu si baat’, it’s been a month and still I can’t do anything, there is no night, day I am not burnt in the fire of sorrow and regret. I will do whatever you say but please come back na, now I am really mentally unstable and unfit and you can heal me I really don’t want to hurt you but I really love you. –END–

Here are the meanings of the vocabulary words: 01. Overcome - (verb) To successfully deal with or control a problem or difficult situation; to prevail over adversity. 02. Trauma - (noun) A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can cause physical or emotional harm; an event or situation that causes a person to feel overwhelmed or helpless. 03. Absence - (noun) The state of being away or not present; the lack or non-existence of something or someone. 04. Coward - (noun) A person who lacks the courage to face danger, difficulty, or pain; someone who is timid or fearful. 05. Moron - (noun) A derogatory term used to describe a person who is very foolish or lacking in intelligence; an offensive term for someone considered stupid or idiotic. 06. Sorrow - (noun) A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune; intense sadness or grief. 07. Broken - (adjective) Having been fractured or damaged; not functioning properly; emotionally shattered or in a state of despair. 08. Failure - (noun) Lack of success in achieving a goal or fulfilling a responsibility; an unsuccessful attempt or outcome. 09. Eternity - (noun) Infinite or unending time; a state or quality of being eternal or everlasting. 10. Regret - (noun) A feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done; wishing that a past action or decision had been different. 11. Sentiments - (noun) Feelings, emotions, or attitudes towards something or someone; opinions or beliefs based on emotions rather than reason. 12. Mentally unstable - (adjective) Having a mental state that is not balanced or healthy; exhibiting behavior or emotions that are erratic, unpredictable, or disturbed.

An Affair 01. I was checking my phone again and again but there was no message. It is 1PM but still there is no call or message from her. She usually texts me in the morning. A thought keep on coming in my mind why she did not message me till now? 02. While thinking about her, I saw a flash back on how it all started. How she entered my life, how I have tried to limit her presence but could not stop her. With every passing day she was becoming more and more important to me. She is one such beautiful thing in my life which I tried to hide from everyone. She is my secret lover and I am her secret admirer. She makes me feel happy, my heart sinks when she leaves and I wait to hear from her every day. 03. Once again I picked up my phone and checked but there is no message. My heart started sinking. We talk on weekdays while working in our offices. Monday to Friday. 9 to 7 means a lot for both of us, because these are the times when we get time to talk and know each other more. 04. Time was passing, it is already 3: 30 but there is no message from her. I was convincing myself by saying that she might be busy or stuck somewhere that is why she did not contact me. It was hard for me to let the day go. It is Friday and we do not talk on weekends how will I be able to manage without talking to her for more than three days. 05. I never wanted this weekend to come. It was painful for me to wait for Monday so that I can hear from her. Again, I waited for her message on Monday. Hours passed but there was no message from her, I thought of calling her but I knew I cannot. I was in great dilemma, feeling helpless. I just wanted to hear from her once and know what is going on? Why is not she talking to me? 06. A week has passed like this. There was no contact. I was depressed. I decided to call her today just to confirm her whereabouts. But…I waited. And then I texted her. Hi! I was waiting for the blue tick. And yes she read it and I can see that she is typing. A smile came on my face and I was eagerly waiting for her reply. Hello! Came from the other end. 07. I started throwing questions at her? Grilling her about where were she and then she replied. “I am fine. I was occupied with office work. On Thursday I had to go to Kashmir on urgent basis where my personal number lost network. I was so busy that I could not manage to take time out. I am sorry.” 08. I felt relaxed but at the same time I also realised that how important she has become for me. Initially, I was not letting her enter my life but not I am not letting her go. I never felt the intensity of our relationship before. I have grown fonder of her by now. 09. And suddenly, I realised that we both are married and have our set of responsibilities towards our families and work. This is what she was doing. I was nowhere in her life in the previous week. I wondered, if I am on the right track or not. Should I continue love her like this or stop myself. I again felt helpless and confused about this new chapter in my life. –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story along with their meanings: 01. Admirer - (noun) Someone who regards someone or something with wonder, pleasure, or approval; a person who has a particular regard for someone or something. 02. Dilemma - (noun) A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two equally undesirable alternatives; a difficult decision or problem. 03. Depressed - (adjective) Feeling very unhappy and without hope; experiencing a mental state of sadness and low spirits. 04. Intensity - (noun) The quality or state of being intense; the degree or strength of a feeling, activity, or phenomenon. 05. Occupied - (adjective) Busy or engaged with a particular activity or task; taken or filled up by something. 06. Relaxed - (adjective) Free from tension or anxiety; calm and at ease. 07. Responsibilities - (noun) Duties or tasks that one is required or expected to carry out; obligations that arise from one's role or position. 08. Secret - (adjective) Kept hidden from knowledge or view; not known or meant to be known by others. 09. Weekdays - (noun) The days of the week that are not part of the weekend; typically Monday to Friday when people work or attend school. 10. Whereabouts - (noun) The location or position of someone or something; the place where a person or thing is.

My First Marriage Anniversary 01. It was my first marriage anniversary. My better half was clueless where i will take her in the evening for celebration. Office was over in the afternoon only for me, according to half-day leave policy by the company on the occasion of the marriage anniversary of the employee. 02. Soft music, jungle theme interior, slow but sweet recorded noise of the birds, shining glass table, classy wooden chairs, cozy sofas, nicely groomed staff, couples occupied in chit-chat, IPL on the LED hung on the wall, inclined tree branches, wild animals pictures of the green walls i felt like i am amidst of the real jungle away from the hustle-bustle of the Delhi City. 03. I was reached there with my sweet wife dressed up in green suit that coincidentally complementing the jungle theme whereas i was in blue check shirt and blue denim jeans. It was the perfect place to celebrate your special day not because it was good place to enjoy lip-smacking food but for taking pictures amidst of its resounding interior based on jungle theme. This is a social media era where celebration is somewhere incomplete if you don’t share the celebration pictures on your social media account according to today’s generation. 04. As we enter the restro, the staff member receives us and takes us on our table. We all settle down on our seats. What i see is one of my friends’ gift for us. I was extremely glad seeing this wonderful gesture from his end. Then i ask what is inside the packet? He asked me to make some guesses. After some wrong guesses finally i managed to find out that it was an induction. My friend reveals why he choose to give such a gift, he said i wanted to give something that you can use and something that you don’t have. Then we both carry out cake cutting formality. 05. Overall, i was a nice anniversary celebration with some amazing pictures clicking on that meanwhile. She shared those pictures on her Whatapp status and got lot of appreciation like you both look great together. –END—

Here are some vocabulary words from the story, along with their meanings: 01. Clueless (adjective): Having no knowledge or understanding of something; unaware. 02. Anniversary (noun): A date that marks the yearly recurrence of a significant event. 03. Interior (noun): The inside part of something, especially a building or room. 04. Cozy (adjective): Comfortable and inviting; snug and warm. 05. Groomed (adjective): Well-kept and tidy; carefully prepared. 06. Hustle-bustle (noun): A state of busy activity and commotion. 07. Coincidentally (adverb): Happening by chance or unexpectedly. 08. Complementing (verb): Enhancing or improving something else; going well with something. 09. Resounding (adjective): Strong and impressive; making a loud and clear sound. 10. Lip-smacking (adjective): Delicious and tempting; making you want to lick your lips. 11. Formality (noun): A customary act or procedure that is done to be polite or because it is expected. 12. Induction (noun): The process of introducing something new or someone new into a group or situation. 13. Appreciation (noun): Showing gratitude or admiration for something.

LIFE IS GOOD 01. “Amal, sweetheart, at least have this tea or by afternoon you will be drained.” “Mom, you know I feel like vomiting when I drink at one stretch. I am going to have this biscuit.” “Oh, no Mom, my bus came. See you at night Mom. Love you.” This was my daily marathon. I am Amal, a trainee software engineer. “One ticket to Kakkanad please.” 02. It’s been a lengthy trip. Although it took one hour to reach the place, this bus was secure. I placed the earphones on and tuned to my favorite channel. “Hai, Good Morning everyone. This is Shaan, “Kochi Ki Jaan.” Wow! What a beautiful voice he had. I was a die-hard fan of Club FM and Shaan. Hats off to all the RJ’s. I value their pace of jargon and their ability to maintain their listeners enthralled. 03. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, loving someone deeply gives you courage. Love, love and always love.” “With this lovely Lao Tzu lines, I wish all the ongoing lovers and lovers to be a Happy Valentine’s Day.” 04. “Today we have many dedications. The first song is from the movie Bachelor’s Party. Enjoy and stay tuned to Club FM.” It’s been my favorite song. I enjoy all the romantic, melodious songs. I was deeply passionate about learning the lyrics of the songs that touched my heart. 05. And today was February 14th, the day of Valentines. Don’t ever misunderstand me, that I would be going to wait for my “Prince Charm” to come and propose me over our office’s window. But during our college days, we did this. 06. It was the first day in college for Valentines. We went during the break and took over the places near veranda on the third floor. I was able to see him from there, my Valentine. 07. I have heard this day our Valentine would look more lovely than ever. The “Gulmohar tree” that was immersed in the morning fog was my Valentine. The red flowers tingled across the sky like red patches. On my way to college, only these trees captured my gaze. We began singing our song for the day. That was fun. 08. I used to enjoy all the love comments given and taken. But never tried to give and take. I believed that this day was a day to enjoy and love all the wonderful things around. Yes, I was madly in love with my “Gulmohar tree.” “Hope you enjoyed the song. Our inbox overflowed with dedications.” 09. When “Kochi Ki Jaan” started his talks enthusiastically, I got back from the thoughts I still cherish. I miss my first love’s red tints. 10. I reached the office. I saw a red box in front of the reception desk when I swiped the access card. I took my seat with confused thoughts. The literary association team sponsored today’s celebration. They scheduled all with a lot of suspense. So today, there was no work and task sheets. We switched our minds from work mode to game mode. 11. “Game 1: Treasure Hunt.” Rejin, one of the volunteers of today’s program announced. He continued, “You will be on your project team. The first activity is to fix the puzzles in the yellow chit that you have been provided with.” We read the questions. It has been fairly simple. But the villain was the time. It was almost solved by other teams. We began googling the questions. (There was no rule that we should not google.) 12. Within five minutes, we solved them. Then we rushed for the next chit. It was the clue that read, “Life is Good” for the treasure hunt. “What is it?” We stared confusingly at each other. I typed the line in the search bar and hit enter. The results came from which “LG” electronics were mentioned. It was LG’s tagline or motto. 13. So, our treasure could be hidden somewhere there is an LG product. I tried to recall LG’s electronic devices in the office. The first choice, I had in mind was the air conditioner. But our office was a centralized one. Suddenly there triggered an idea. 14. The conference room. It had two split ACs of LG. I called Mathew and went to the conference room. I checked the first and he checked the second one. Finally, he got a dark red rose flower from it’s back. And that, we have won. 15. I gave the pack of chocolates, that we got as a prize to the team and took the rose flower with me. “Red rose is a must for the day”, I winked at it and smiled. “Next contest is love letter writing. Either you do it anonymously or you could mention your name. Put it in the red box before lunch break.” Rejin announced again. I wanted to part in it. But to whom I was supposed to write. Pretending to be someone and writing a romantic letter to a person whom we don’t love, how is it feasible? That was not Amal’s line. 16. I thought deeply. Why don’t I take a different approach? I took my pen and started writing. Hello, My World! Happy Valentine’s day my love. You know it is very hard to write a letter without my usual breaks, continue, return, loops and also my semicolons. But it has only been two hours since the last test, and I 17. I have already missed you. I love you because of the extra care you are giving me. You don’t allow the slightest bug to enter my body. But when you split me between your team, to maintain and develop my features, I felt torn apart. I feel excited when I get fixed together and get close to you, my dear. 18. When I see how much stress you face, I feel depressed. I feel so amazing when I am updating with cool features. I have heard that project managers believe that they are the master and commander of everything. But I am so happy you are not that way. 19. Please, dear, try to extend the release date and persuade the client about it. So, I could remain with you a bit longer. I hate the release period and I have got to wait until I get back. Be happy my love and don’t lose your patience. Love you always Project X2 I placed the letter in the box, feeling so delighted. After the lunch break, we gathered in the conference room for the “Love Letter Opening Ceremony.” They started to take each letter and read it loudly. 20. My heart bounced when my letter came out. I could hear the laughter of my colleagues and, our PM’s face blushed with a smile. “Who wrote it?” They all turned and screamed “Amallllllllllll”. “Was it so obvious?” I thought. The day ended by laughing, enjoying, teasing each other with the letters they got and sharing their Valentine’s experiences. 21. As programmers, we have learned that Quality is a complicated concept. But every day when it comes to Life, it is just as complicated. We have altered our complex day with the rarest of the rarest moments. Ultimately, we could say that “Life is Good” and not complex!! –END–

Here are some of the key words with their meanings: General Vocabulary: 01. Marathon (noun): A long and tiring activity, often requiring endurance. 02. Enthralled (adjective): Completely captivated; fascinated. 03. Jargon (noun): Special words or expressions used by a particular profession or group, often difficult for others to understand. 04. Melodious (adjective): Sweet-sounding; pleasing to the ear. 05. Passionate (adjective): Having or expressing strong emotions or beliefs. 06. Veranda (noun): A roofed, open-air gallery or porch, typically along the outside of a house. 07. Immersed (verb): Completely surrounded or absorbed by something. 08. Tingle (verb): To have a slight prickling or stinging sensation. 09. Cherish (verb): To hold dear; to value highly. 10. Suspense (noun): A state of uncertainty or anxiety as to the outcome of something. 11. Feasible (adjective): Possible to do; practical. 12. Delighted (adjective): Very pleased; overjoyed. 13. Blushed (verb): To become red in the face, especially from embarrassment or shame. 14. Teasing (verb): To make fun of someone in a playful or good-natured way. 15. Complex (adjective): Involving many different parts or elements; complicated. Technical Vocabulary (Programming/Software): 16. Trainee (noun): A person who is learning a job or skill under supervision. 17. Software Engineer (noun): A person who designs, develops, and maintains software applications. 18. Bug (noun): An error or defect in a program or system. 19. Feature (noun): A distinctive characteristic or function of something. 20. Release Date (noun): The date when a new product or software version is made available to the public. 21. Project Manager (noun): A person who plans, organizes, and controls a project. 22. Client (noun): A person or organization that commissions a product or service. 23. Quality (noun): The standard of something, especially how good or bad it is.

Love Or Jealousy At First Sight?? 01. I was 16 young and cold hearted on the outside but deep down like all other teenage girls even I wished to be loved. It was a sunday evening ,exams were over so I was desperately waiting to visit my favourite place: a place where I often went in search of peace. 02. The love comics on the wall,the small wooden coffee tables, the cute little bean bags ,the soft music, the light coloured walls, the humble staff and the sweet aroma of coffee were the only things I could think about. When I reached I was astonished to see a horde waiting outside the cafe..My anxiousness made me jump from the bike and interrogate the manager about the situation, luckily it was nothing but a powercut… 03. I had no choice other than waiting and cursing myself for coming alone. I soon started frisking around..There I saw a guy arriving on his bike wearing a red T-Shirt and black tracks, with a gym bag on his shoulders, tall, fair and handsome..I was bewitched by his charm. No sooner did I notice a girl from the crowd calling his name and walking towards him. The smile on his face made it very obvious that it was none other than his girlfriend… 04. Seeing them together made me feel low, waiting there any longer was next to impossible so I just drove back home. He was a complete stranger,i knew nothing about him,but then too seeing him with a girl made me feel like I had a pit in my stomach…All of sudden I had lost my appetite and getting sleep was even harder..And there it was the brain and the heart clash… 05. My brain stopped me as he was with someone but my heart wanted to talk to him, to get to know him.. There were a lot of questions going on inside me but the question which kept me awake for several nights was-“Was it Jealousy or Love at first sight?” –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story, along with their meanings: 01. Cold-hearted (adjective): Lacking in sympathy or compassion; unfeeling. 02. Desperately (adverb): In a way that shows great need or urgency; with a strong desire for something. 03. Astonished (adjective): Greatly surprised or amazed. 04. Horde (noun): A large crowd or group of people. 05. Interrogate (verb): To ask someone questions in a formal and often aggressive way. 06. Anxiousness (noun): A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. 07. Frisking (verb): To search someone or something quickly, especially for weapons or illegal substances. 08. Bewitched (verb): To charm or fascinate someone; to put someone under a spell. 09. Charm (noun): The power to attract or please; a personal quality that makes someone attractive or appealing. 10. Low (adjective): Feeling sad, depressed, or discouraged. 11. Appetite (noun): A desire or eagerness for something, especially food. 12. Clash (verb): To come into conflict or disagree with something. 13. Jealousy (noun): A feeling of resentment or bitterness towards someone who has something that you want. 14. Love at first sight (noun): The feeling of falling in love with someone immediately upon seeing them.

PROMISE 01. It was a warm day. My eyes hurt when the morning sun fell all over. I could hear the shrieking voices of traffic and the whistles of cooker. My throat was dry. I opened my eyes and glanced around. It was my room. Every one of my things were in the correct spot. “What day it was?” I thought. I tried to get up, yet all of a sudden a deplorable idea made me fall. 02. “Amal… I am sorry to say this. Because of minor stun during the surgery you won’t almost certainly move your legs. Yet, I guarantee that it tends to be relieved by regular physios. I promise…Be bold and don’t lose trust.” 03. I tried to get up again. Goodness God! I can’t move my legs. I fell to the bed in a disheveled heap as my grief poured out in a flood of uncontrollable tears. 04. A half year ago I was diagnosed to have third stage cancer. I was completely devastated then. “Doctor…Is this disease treatable? I need a precise picture of it.” “Doctor…Please don’t hide things from me.” 05. “Umm…Amal dear please calm down. Our pro group is there to support you. All we need is your whole hearted co-operation. We promise that we would attempt our level best to make you survive. 06. From that day onward I was trying to cooperate with them. I had my first surgery a week ago, trusting that my doctors would keep up their promise. Each time they continue telling me that everything is going to be great. This surgery is going to change Amal’s life. I didn’t need them to give me any more hopes this time. 07. But they came up with a new hope and new promise. I could hold the heartbreak no longer. Gut wrenching sobs tore through my chest. The sorrow, distress and misery hovered around me like a snake. Every one of the promises given to me were futile. Promises are like pie crust, made to be broken… 08. I am drained living this way. “Oh! God Please end my life…” “Amal…Do you know there are total eighteen stairs to climb to reach my home. I am not going to lift you. You need to climb it yourself.” I took my phone and read the message over and over again. It was from Aadhi…Adhithya…Love of my life. 09. I was erupted like a volcano when I read it for the first time. I was so frantic at my situation and he is feigning something. Each time I read it, my anger paced down. “What did he really mean by it.” Consider the possibility that I lost my life during the surgery. It didn’t occur. I recovered my life. So there was hope. 10. “I want to walk…” “I want to live normally without the smell of medicines and tormenting chemos.” “What more…I want to climb any number of stairs.” “If you don’t get everything you want, change the way you think about it.” The greatest lesson he taught me. 11. That is the reason I love him. Not just due to the intense love he gives me. He tossed light to my life. Never sympathizes my state. I didn’t need to explain anything. He comprehends through my single breathe. Taught me, happiness is an attitude. Whether we make ourselves miserable or happy, the amount of work is the same. 12. When I proposed him the main thing he needed was, whatever is the situation, I ought to never leave him… “Aadhi…I promise you that I will try my best to survive and stay with you forever…” I texted back… 13. PROMISE “No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the resurrection promises you a future…” 14. “While the resurrection promises us a new and perfect life in future, God loves you too much to leave us alone to contend with the pain, guilt and loneliness of our present life…” I could understand that better, when I am here, sitting besides him in his home and composing this blog. 15. When he tied the nuptial knot around my neck I vowed to cherish him perpetually every day forever… I put my diary back. “Aadhi…get up..” When he got up I gave him a card which read… “I promise you to finish every one of my promises I gave you till date…” “Happy Anniversary Baby…” –END–

Here are the meanings of the words you provided: 01. Shrieking voices - Loud and piercing sounds or calls. 02. Glanced around - Took a quick look around or surveyed the surroundings. 03. Deplorable - Deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad or unacceptable. 04. Stun - To shock or surprise someone so much that they are temporarily unable to react. 05. Bold - Showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous. 06. Disheveled - Untidy or disordered in appearance. 07. Uncontrollable - Not able to be restrained or controlled. 08. Diagnosed - Identified or determined the nature of a medical condition or problem. 09. Cancer - A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. 10. Devastated - Completely destroyed or ruined; extremely upset or shocked. 11. Treatable - Capable of being treated or cured, especially with medical care or intervention. 12. Precise - Exact, accurate, or careful in details. 13. Survive - To continue to live or exist, especially in difficult circumstances. 14. Cooperate - To work together with others towards a common goal or purpose. 15. Surgery - Medical treatment involving operative procedures performed on a patient. 16. Sorrow - A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune. 17. Distress - Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. 18. Hovered - Remained in one place in the air, typically by moving gently up and down. 19. Futile - Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless or ineffective. 20. Erupted - Burst or break out suddenly and dramatically. 21. Frantic - Wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion. 22. Feigning - Pretending to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury. 23. Paced - Moved or walked back and forth in a steady and continuous manner. 24. Tormenting - Causing severe physical or mental suffering. 25. Chemo - Short for chemotherapy, a treatment involving the use of chemicals to destroy cancer cells. 26. Sympathizes - Shows or feels sympathy or understanding towards someone's situation or feelings. 27. Miserable - Very unhappy or uncomfortable. 28. Disappointment - A feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations. 29. Resurrection - The act of rising from the dead or coming back to life; a revival or rebirth. 30. Blog - A regularly updated website or web page, typically run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. 31. Nuptial - Related to marriage or the wedding ceremony. 32. Cherish - To protect and care for lovingly; to hold dear. 33. Perpetually - Continuing or enduring forever; constantly or indefinitely. 34. Anniversary - The date on which an event took place in a previous year, often celebrated or commemorated.

Wrong Number 01. “You gave me great relief by saying that she was not your mother” he smiled. “Well, yeah the way she reacted was really motherly. But one thing I can tell my own mother would have never done this” I said. 02. “I hope she doesn’t have any daughter otherwise she will be going to her daughter’s in-laws house herself” he said. We both burst into laughter at this thought. And we even imagined what the woman, who was sitting beside me with her own daughter. We sit there for a while in silence. The silence was comfortable, usually I can’t handle silence with an unknown person. No matter that person is a male or a female. 03. “By the way, what’s your name?” He asked. I hesitated at first but then I said “Ankita”. “Oh” he left out a deep sigh as if he was finding a person and felt it was me. “What’s yours? ” I asked back. “Rahul” he said. He gave out his hand to me and I shake it. Is it the same feeling that I get with any boy I touch or is this something different? 04. The rest of the journey was good. Rahul didn’t asked anything personal to me. It was a relief. The train reached Delhi and I got up to get my things. Rahul also got up. “Are you also getting down here?” I asked. He gave a nod. I landed in the platform and looked at Rahul to say goodbye. We even exchanged our number. 05. After he left I typed the number in my phone and what I saw was beyond my expectations. Arya, the unknown boy I fell in love with who called me as a wrong number. All memories danced in my head as I reconcile the memories from a secret room in my brain which was hiding for the last four years. 06. My mind filled with questions. Will he ever knew that I am his Mishti if I called? Do Rahul know Arya? Or Rahul is Arya? And above all if he is Arya then do he still loves me? Or he just forgotten about me? And the girl whom I talked with the last time before I changed my number! Who was she who gave me jealousy? 07. I don’t know if I will be able to say my real self to Rahul if I called him or vice versa. But of one thing I was absolutely never forget that Arya was my first love and even if he don’t come back to my life or any other man come he will be my first forever. –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story along with their meanings: 01. Relief - (noun) A feeling of reassurance and relaxation after a situation of stress or anxiety. 02. Reacted - (verb) Responded in a particular way to an event or situation. 03. Motherly - (adjective) Showing characteristics or qualities typically associated with a mother, such as care, kindness, and nurturing. 04. Daughter - (noun) A female child in relation to her parents. 05. In-laws - (noun) The relatives of one's spouse, especially the parents. 06. Comfortable - (adjective) Feeling at ease, relaxed, or free from discomfort. 07. Hesitated - (verb) Paused or delayed in taking action or making a decision due to uncertainty or reluctance. 08. Sigh - (noun) An audible exhalation expressing relief, tiredness, or other emotions. 09. Shake - (verb) To clasp and move (someone's hand) up and down as a greeting or as a sign of agreement. 10. Journey - (noun) The act of traveling from one place to another. 11. Personal - (adjective) Relating to an individual's private life, relationships, and experiences. 12. Relief - (noun) A feeling of reassurance and relaxation after a situation of stress or anxiety. 13. Expectations - (noun) Beliefs or hopes about what is likely to happen in the future. 14. Memories - (noun) Recollections or impressions of past events stored in the mind. 15. Reconcile - (verb) To restore friendly relations between two parties; to make compatible or consistent. 16. Jealousy - (noun) A feeling of resentment or bitterness towards someone due to their possessions, qualities, or achievements. 17. Forgotten - (adjective) No longer remembered or in one's thoughts. 18. Realize - (verb) Become fully aware of something; understand clearly. 19. Vice versa - (adverb) Used to indicate that the opposite of a statement is also true. 20. Forever - (adverb) For all future time; for always.

The Power of Destiny! 01. As I walked home on a hot scorching day in Delhi, I stumbled on a wallet that someone had dropped accidentally in the street. Immediately I bent down; picked it up; opened it; and looked inside to find some sort of identification which would help me trace its owner. But the wallet contained only 3-one rupee notes and a crumpled letter that appeared to have been there for several years. 02. The envelope was tattered and all that was legible was the return address. I opened the letter hoping to find some clue of the receiver and the sender. The date on which the letter was written was marked as 13.12. 1957- Yes it was written about 60 years ago. 03. The beautiful hand writing appeared to be that of a lady and it was written on a pink stationary paper with a small flower on the right-hand corner. It read ‘Dearest Anurag’ that told the recipient that the writer was not in a position to see him any more as her mother was totally against their love affair and forbade her from meeting him anymore. . She continued to write that her love for him was eternal and hence wrote this letter without the knowledge of her mother. It bore the signature of the letter as Preeti. 04. It was a lovely letter, but other than the name Preeti there was no other way by which the owner could be identified. Probably if I could contact the telephone operator in the Telephone exchange, that person may be able to help me with the phone listing of the return address, if the address is still traceable after 60 long years! It was just a chance, which I was taking! 05. I dialled the telephone exchange and on hearing a lady’s voice, “Madam, Good morning! I have a very unusual request and hope you will be able to help me with it.”. “Yes Good morning, go ahead please”. 06. I began, “I am trying to locate the owner of a wallet which I found on the roadside. Would you be able to tell me whether there is a telephone number for the address that is written on the envelope?”She urged me to speak to her boss who would be in a better position to help me out on this matter, who, after a minute’s hesitation, ‘Well, we do have a phone listing at the address specified by you , but sorry I cannot divulge the number as it is against the rule.’ 07. He continued that as a courtesy, he would place a call to that number and explain the situation and ask them whether it is alright if he connected the call to me. Looked like the answer was in the affirmative. I waited a few minutes, and he continued to speak to the person on the other side, ‘The person is right now beside me and I will hand over the line to him.” 08. “Hello, good day! I am Anoop. I have a query, “said I. “Do you know of anyone by name of Preeti who could have stayed in your present house long long ago.” The person heaved a sigh, “Well when we bought this house about 30 years ago, they had a daughter called Preeti. But that was long time ago! “ 09. "Would you be able to tell me where the family is residing now?” ‘I remember that Preeti had to place her mother in a Senior citizen home some years ago, as she needed constant attendance’ said the woman at the other end. ‘Maybe if you got in touch with her mother she might be able to give you some details about her daughter.’ So saying she gave me the number of the Senior citizen home, where Preeti was supposed to have left her mother in the good caring hands of the staff there. 10. Thanking her profusely for the help rendered by her, I dialled the number of Vishranthi retreat for seniors. The people there gave the information that the lady had passed away some years ago but they could give me a number, which they thought could be the number of Preeti. After thanking her, I started walking. 11. On thinking about this for some time, I found the whole thing to be a futile and aimless exercise. I thought to myself-Why was I making such a fuss over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three one-rupee notes and a letter that written nearly 60 years ago? 12. Nevertheless, I called the number, “Good evening Poorna Senior Living, how my I help you?” I enquired whether one Preeti was residing there .The receptionist who took the call confirmed, ‘Yes, Preeti is staying with us.’ Although it was nearing 9 pm, I asked if I could stop by in another 10 minutes as I lived not very far from Poorna. ‘Well,’ he said fluctuating a bit, ‘if you are prepared to take a chance, she might be asleep by now or watching television.’ 13. My curiosity got better of me and I drove over to Poorna. The security guy greeted me at the door. I explained my purpose of coming there. After meeting the receptionist, both, the security staff and I took the elevator to the third floor of the large building. In the huge hall, the attendant introduced me to Preeti. 14. She looked sweet with a twinkle in her eyes. With her silver hair tied in a bun, she welcomed me with a warm smile. I divulged to her the purpose of my coming and showed her the wallet and the letter found inside it. 15. The moment she saw the pink paper with that cute little flower on the right, she was excited; and took a deep breath and continued, ‘ Young man, this letter which you are holding now is the last contact I ever had with Anurag.’ She turned her head for a moment and was immersed in deep thought and then continued softly, ‘I was deeply in love with him. But I was only 16 then and my mother did not allow me to meet him as she felt that I was too young for love and wanted me to study well. Oh, how can I ever forget him? He was so dashing and looked like actor, Rajesh Khanna. 16. ‘Yes, Anurag was a wonderful person. If you happen to meet him do pass on the message that I think of him very often and,’ after hesitating for some time, biting her lips, ‘please do tell him I am still madly in love with him. You know something,’ continued Preeti, smiling as tears slowly began to well up in her eyes, ‘I have not married till today, as I feel no one ever matched up to Anurag.’ 17. Having thanked Preeti, I exited as I waved Good-bye to her. I took the lift to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the security guard, Ramdoss there asked, ‘Was the old lady able to help you?’ I told him she had given me a lead. 18. “But I think I’ll let go of it for the time being. I have spent considerable time trying to locate the wallet’s owner.”At least I have a name-Anurag-to look for.” I took out the wallet, which was a simple black leather case with gold lacing on the side. On seeing this, the guard remarked, “Hey, just a minute! That appears to be Mr. Anurag’s wallet. I can identify it anywhere as he keeps losing it very often and asks me if I happen to see it anywhere. I have found it for him thrice in the hall below. “ 19. “Who is Mr.Anurag ?” I enquired anxiously. “Well, he is one of the old residents who lives here on the 9th Floor. He would have lost it during his morning walk today. That is Mr. Anurag’s wallet for sure.’ 20. Thanking the guard, I quickly ran to the receptionist and told him about my finding the wallet and the guard’s confirmation that it belonged to Mr. Anurag. The receptionist sent an attendant with me and we reached Mr. Anurag’s room and I prayed that Mr. Anurag would be still awake. 21. The light in Mr. Anurag’s room was still burning and the attendant continued, “He is a voracious reader and must be reading some book. He is gem of a man-Very kind and gentle. “On seeing the attendant, Anurag smiled. The attendant asked “Did you lose your wallet today Sir?” Immediately Anurag put his hands in his pocket and exclaimed, 22. “Oh ya, it is missing. I did not notice so long.” “ This kind gentleman found your wallet and brought it to us. Our security guy, Ramdoss immediately recognized it and so here we are to hand it over to you.” Anurag appeared to be thoroughly relieved, “Thank you. It’s mine. I want to reward you young man, your name please” 23. “ Anoop” said I. “No reward, thank you Sir. I have to tell you something which would probably be a pleasant surprise to you. I read the letter inside the wallet hoping that it will be of some use to trace the wallet’s owner.” The smile soon Anurag’s face suddenly faded away. “Did you read that letter?” 24. “Yes Sir and I think I know the whereabouts of Preeti Madam.” Anurag turned pale and, “Preeti? How is she now and is she still as pretty as she was. Please please tell me all that you know,” implored Anurag. “Oh, she is doing fine and….. and pretty, no doubt!”said I softly. 25. The old man’s face radiated and he smiled with anticipation writ large on his face. He asked excitedly, “Can you please tell me where she is. I want to call her right away. But no, it is pretty late now……may be tomorrow early morning. You know something Anoop. I was terribly in love with her during my younger days and when I received her letter my heart died and I never thought of another lady….. probably because my love for her is eternal. But….she must be married by now…..” 26. ‘Sir, please come with me now”. We took the lift to the third floor. Dim lights were burning in the hallways and a small light was burning in Preeti’s room where she was sitting alone and watching the television. The attendant walked over to her and called out softly” Preeti Madam” and pointing to the door way where Aunrag was standing, continued,”’ Do you know who this gentle man is?’ 27. Preeti adjusted her spectacles a bit; looked for a minute without uttering any word. Anurag, almost in a whisper said, “Preeti, this is Anurag. Do you remember me?” She gasped, “Anurag, is it you, my dear Anurag! I just can’t believe my eyes. Oh my dearest……I have been waiting for you all these years. I just could not imagine anyone in your place”’ He walked slowly towards her and they embraced each other. With tears streaming down our faces, the attendant and I walked out leaving the couple to each other. 28. “Look, these are the ways of God. If it is to happen, it will definitely happen. That is destiny! “said I. A month later there was a call from Poorna, “Mr. Anoop, wonderful news for you. Preeti and Anurag are tying the knot at Laksmi Mandir next Friday! Can you please attend the wedding, which would not have been possible without you.’ 29. It was a lovely wedding attended by all Poorna residents, beautifully dressed for the occasion. It was a joyful celebration with everyone enjoying the function. Preeti wore a beautiful pink sari and Anurag, a dark blue churidhar with a matching waistcoat. Both of them hugged me and had no words to express their heartfelt thanks to me. I, on my part, was highly elated for being instrumental in uniting two romantic hearts. 30. With the blushing 78-year-old bride and the protective 79-year-old groom, the wedding ceremony was nothing short of unison of two humans still very young at heart and very much in love with each other. A perfect and magnificent ending to a 60-year old love affair! –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story, along with their meanings: 01. Scorching - (adjective) Extremely hot or burning. 02. Stumbled - (verb) Tripped or lost one's balance while walking or running. 03. Identification - (noun) The act of identifying or proving who or what something is. 04. Trace - (verb) To find or discover the origin or source of something. 05. Tattered - (adjective) Torn, ragged, or in a state of disrepair. 06. Legible - (adjective) Clear enough to be read. 07. Eternal - (adjective) Lasting or existing forever; without end. 08. Recipient - (noun) The person to whom something is given or addressed. 09. Anxiousness - (noun) A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. 10. Lead - (noun) Information or clues that help to direct or guide further actions. 11. Futile - (adjective) Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless or ineffective. 12. Aimless - (adjective) Without a clear purpose or direction; lacking aim or goal. 13. Voracious - (adjective) Having a very eager approach to an activity, especially eating. 14. Bun - (noun) A hairstyle in which the hair is twisted into a tight coil or knot on top or at the back of the head. 15. Relieved - (adjective) Feeling a sense of reassurance or relaxation after a situation of stress or anxiety.

Anything for you, Love. 01. The idea of marriage always fascinated Shirley – a fun loving, independent, strong headed person. The post marriage life, the avatar she’d take, the places she’d go with her man, the things they’d do together, all the things she saw, felt and believed would happen after marriage, always got her excited in her head. “I just can’t believe”, she murmured and opened her eyes to mute the alarm, it was 6:30 in the morning and for the first time a careless rebel woke up at once. Her alarm had a new entry now, “6:30” which it had not seen ever since she left school. 02. Waking up as a married woman now, she thought to herself, “did anything change” Well nothing except for the fact that you are married now – spoke her content inner self. Beside her lay, her man, her husband, the man she loved dearly. Overwhelmed she thought., this is what she wanted, she is living it now. The morning felt the same, but the surroundings were different, she was getting ready but someone was still asleep, as she moved to step out of a different room now, she whispered to herself, “did anything change” and left with a confused smile. 03. Sitting on the favourite corner of her house, sipping tea, she looked through her balcony and wondered, “did anything change”, the roads still seem the same, the hustle of the city was indeed the same, moreover, she looked the same. It has been two months now and nothing had changed she thought, with a sudden realization of not doing the pending laundry in the machine and left at once to complete the task. He will not complain, but she would not like him to wear the same socks the next day. 04. It was 9:30 in the night, having dinner together, he shifted his focus from his phone for a minute noticing her continuously murmur something, he smiled and said, the food is really nice, you cook really well. “Anything for you, love” she replied. Struggling to type, to reply to something on his phone, looking at him, she too picked up her phone to reply to a message from one her new family members, an introvert wondering “did anything change” it’s been four months now and I am still living my life I used to. Nothing changes after marriage, and I am happy, he loves me too. 05. Struggling to stop thinking, wondering if anything changed, trying to make a place for herself in the new big family, the strong, independent Shirley started crying, “it is all in your head”, “you cannot adjust”, but what can be done now, he said. Collecting herself, she wiped her tears and walked out of the room smiling, murmuring to herself “did anything change”, well nothing but the fact you are in a bigger family now, youngest of all and no one to pamper you to what you were used to. 06. Laying on bed after their evening walk routine, she thought to herself, “when was the last time you did something you used to, when stayed on your own, why do you have conflicting thoughts, he loves you, you know that”. It’s been 1.5 years now but he will love you more than you someday, you too will get pampered, you too will be his priority. With these thoughts in mind she called it a night. 07. With his favourite juice on his side, and his most preferred breakfast on the table, he smiled and said, “Babe you are the best, you made my weekend.” She came out of the other room, dressed in peach, he looked at her and said ” You look beautiful, thank you for the meal”, kissing him she said “Anything for you, love. The lunch is cooked, I am going out with my friends, you call yours too, enjoy your day”, and left. 08. As the day passed, he realized the TV shows consumed half of his day, with food on his mind he went into the kitchen but found nothing. “I can’t find the food babe” he messaged, “Check the white hot case” she replied. Relieved he opened the hot case only to find, his meal with a gift- her engagement ring with a note “Anything for you, love”, “nothing has changed”. –END–

Here are some vocabulary words from the story along with their meanings: 01. Fascinated - (adjective) Extremely interested or attracted by something. 02. Avatar - (noun) A manifestation or incarnation of a person or idea. 03. Excited - (adjective) Feeling eager, enthusiastic, or stimulated. 04. Murmured - (verb) Spoke quietly or indistinctly. 05. Careless - (adjective) Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoid harm or error. 06. Rebel - (noun) A person who resists or defies authority, control, or tradition. 07. Content - (adjective) Feeling satisfied and at ease. 08. Overwhelmed - (adjective) Feeling a strong emotion due to being deeply affected or impressed. 09. Surroundings - (noun) The area or environment around a person or thing. 10. Realization - (noun) A moment of becoming fully aware of something previously not understood. 11. Confused - (adjective) Unable to think clearly or understand something. 12. Pending - (adjective) Waiting to be completed or dealt with. 13. Introvert - (noun) A person who tends to be more reserved or focused inwardly. 14. Adjust - (verb) To adapt or become accustomed to new conditions or circumstances. 15. Conflict - (noun) A serious disagreement or argument. 16. Priority - (noun) Something that is regarded as more important than others; a top concern. 17. Consumed - (verb) Used up or absorbed by something. 18. Relieved - (adjective) Feeling happy or reassured that something unpleasant has ended or been avoided. 19. Engagement - (noun) The state of being engaged to be married. 20. Pampered - (adjective) Treated with excessive care or attention.

Closing Message: "Thank you for embarking on this journey with me. I hope the stories and characters have resonated with you, leaving you with something to ponder, something to feel, and perhaps, something to share. As you close this notebook, remember that the power of language is immense. It can connect us, inspire us, and even change the world. Advice for English Learners: "If you're an English learner, never be afraid to dive into the world of books. Even if you don't understand every word, you'll pick up new vocabulary, improve your comprehension, and discover the beauty of the English language. Keep reading, keep learning, and keep exploring. The journey is just as rewarding as the destination."