Parveen Shayarana

“Don’t worry” said Shilpi “It’s going to be OK only if the boys would have been more careful while striking the ball with the bat” she said staring at a couple of sweaty boys.

“Only if the girls would have been gossiping elsewhere, the ball wouldn’t have to face obstruction and would have been a straight six” said Darpan swinging his bat with pride.

“At least apologize to her dude. Look at the bump on her head” she said in a concerned tune, and I knew it was the right time to mess up.

“Ok”, I said. “I have something for her”.

“Everybody, Praveen Shayarana is in the house”, shouted Darpan. Unfortunately nobody paid any heed to him so he just made a complete fool of himself.

“Dammit not again, Parveen”, said Shilpi, but I was shameless.

“Arz hai!” I continued.

“Irshaad!” everybody shouted.

“Wah wah”

“Yesterday when I was cycling, the chain got stuck,

Whenever Priya sits cross legged, she looks like a duck!"

“What!” shouted Priya, and the very same girl who was once on the floor massaging her head started chasing me.

“Well I told you guys I am going to heal her” I shouted while running for my life.

The classes got over soon so we all headed home. Moreover in class 12, teachers of our school are least bothered.

"Any way, guys I want to confess something. I don’t really do all this for pleasure. There is a reason for which I am forced to convey my messages via these stupid two liners, but don’t force me to go into all those details"

Just because of this habit of mine my classmates changed my surname from ‘sharma’ to ‘shayarana’ and I was shameless enough to accept it. And since then (class ten) I have been driving most of the girls crazy and making the boys go mad with laughter. Maybe it has become a part of my lifestyle but still can’t really explain the reason. Don’t worry I won’t let you down; I am just waiting for the right time.

“Mom I am home” I shouted and threw my bag on the sofa.

“Ouch! Be careful” said Sakshi as her hand got under my bag.

“Well why don’t you keep your hand to yourself didi”,I said annoyed.

“Don’t tempt me to kill you" she said.

“Oh really” I said “OK then. Let’s finalize it today itself as to who has more strength”, and went to fight with her. But she just picked me up and threw me on the bed.

“And I thought going to the gym was a good option,” I said lost in thoughts.

“It surely is but only if you GO to the gym, stupid.” Shakshi said.

“Oho what’s wrong with you guys,? And why are still in your uniform, have you washed your hands or not? And stop picking on your sister every time”. In case it is not clear from the tone, that’s my mom.

“Alright mom” I said and gave Sakshi a dirty look, who just shoved her hair on one side with pride.

“I won” she slowly whispered in my ear and I let out a huge sigh.

“Bhaiya, two plates of dahi bhalle, please” I said.

“Bro this time this after school snack is on you”, said Darpan.

“Why so?” I asked.

“Because I got to have something in return on supporting you in your 'shayari sunao bore karo abhiyaan' " he said

“Well that hurt me dude” I said and cried in a fake tune.

“Cut the crap, bro” he said. Tell me, when the heck you are going to get rid of this damn habit of yours?”

“I am just..”

“…Waiting for the right time”, interrupted Darpan "you already said that like a thousand times. When the heck are you going to get this so called 'right time of yours' " he barked, clearly annoyed.

 “I hope it comes soon, but until then, stay tuned” I said and he left in a disgusted mood. Maybe because this time the lines did not rhyme.

Next day in school I went in the class with a jolly mood as usual but one look at Priya and I knew I was going to die.

“Parveen you are so dead !!!” she shouted as she came towards me in her spotless white uniform.

“What happened?” I replied calmly, though clearly aware of my mistake.

“Well a lot happened” she said or rather screamed. “Why did you eat the pasta which mom specially cooked for me? "

“Well how can you be so sure that it was me”, I asked.

“So you want a proof, huh? Here it is.”, saying so she pushed something towards me. I took one look at it and instantly knew that I was in trouble.

“Isn’t that your ring? You must have removed it before ruining my lunch since you are the only one who still eats with his hands” she said.

“Oh thank you so much. Since morning I have been searching for this ring, can I have it back? Since this is not your thing” again a fruitless shayari.

“Praveen I have had enough of all this! You are aware that our farewell is near. Would you like to go to your college half dead? " She said by shaking a fist towards me

 “Priya you are right” bugged in Shilpi

“Praveen is getting out of control. Yesterday he threw fake insects in my bag. It really scared the shit out of me”. I couldn’t suppress my smile but Priya’s one look and I hung my head.

“You know what Shilpi, I think we must take him to the principal. There only we will be able to come to some conclusion”. Before I knew it, I was dragged by them to the principal’s office. I really should have joined the gym.

“Guys please listen to me" as I say

"You want to punish me, isn’t there any other way?”

“NO!!!” they shouted in unison. Well I guess I am the king of bad timings.

The principle told me to call my sister the next day. I knew I was knee deep in trouble. So when everyone was done with their dinner I went to didi and told her everything.

“My sweetheart, I don’t have any problem in going with you to the principal’s office. Don’t worry. But it won’t lead us to any conclusion since the problem would stay the way it is. So why don’t you just do the right thing and finish this?” she said

“I am just waiting for the right time,” I said with tears in my eyes. She hugged me and gave me a brilliant idea. I went to the other room and got myself engrossed.

“And now we have Praveen Sharma with his self-composed poem” said the principal and I boarded the stage with anticipation of getting my aim fulfilled.

“Good evening to one and all present here. They say that letting out one’s feelings is the most essential step towards a good relationship. I always wanted to try this but was just waiting for the right time and what could be better than this farewell party. So here is my poem. Hope you like it "

The truth

As I sat down to write down this piece

I noticed that her grace was reflected

in her negative emotions.

Maybe that is the reason I ate her lunch

Since whenever she is angry

Her eye reminds me the reason for my life.

Maybe that is the reason I create

Some of the filthiest one liner

Since when she is annoyed

Her cheeks glow with a melodious shine

Maybe that is the reason I try to make her laugh

Since whenever she smiles

Her dimple creates more space in my heart

No need of a knife!

A low snicker was heard in the auditorium. I carried on unaffected:

Maybe that is the reason I irritate her a lot

But she wanted logical reasons

And was ready to break my tooth

But before that I would say that

 I love you

And that is the reason you want

That is

 The truth

Amidst the crowd of students shouting and clapping I saw Priya with her awesome smile and I knew that this time my timing was perfect.