The Stalker - A Short Story

Mira was a first year student of B.B.A, studying in G.S. College for Arts and Commerce, Mumbai. Her mother Sandhya was a housewife and her father Jayant was a businessman. She had a brother Jatin who was 25 and worked in an MNC.

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” said Mira's mother, Sandhya, shaking her vigorously and pulled off her warm blanket. Mira woke up with a start, exclaiming, “ Oh, my goodness! It is going to be eight and I have to attend an important lecture at the college by 9 A.M. Why didn’t you wake me up earlier, Mom?” “It’s your own fault,” replied her mother, “ Who asked you to watch the late night movie?” Mira rushed to the bathroom for brushing her teeth and taking a bath. After a quick shower, she wore a pink and blue salwar suit with blue dupatta, blue earrings and a pink necklace that she had bought from a roadside vendor. She looked simply gorgeous. . 

After half an hour, Mira joined her father, at the breakfast table. He had already started eating hot, steaming idlis with aromatic onion sambar and coriander chutney. She greeted her father warmly, who smiled at her and nodded his head in acknowledgement. Both father and daughter, finished their breakfast quickly and left together for their respective destination. Sandhya sighed softly, as she watched her husband and daughter go. She closed the door and came to the living room. After a while, she switched on the T.V to watch her favourite daily soap.  Just then, the door bell rang and Sandhya got up reluctantly, cursing the unexpected visitor under her breath. When she opened the door, she was astonished to find a bouquet of flowers at her door step. There was no one in sight. She was a bit scared, since she had already heard about bombs being planted in simple objects like tiffin box and suitcases. She hesitated to pick them up, but she saw a card lying nearby addressed to her daughter. The sender had not mentioned his name in the card. Sandhya became suspicious and was determined to confront her daughter.

It was nearly 4.30 P.M, when Mira rang the doorbell. Her mother opened it and appeared to be very solemn.

“ Hi.” She said without any enthusiasm. Mira noticed her indifference and was concerned about her mom. “ What’s the matter, mom? Are you not feeling well? Tell me frankly. I am always there to help you.” Her mother got up and went inside without speaking a word. Mira looked perplexed. After 5 minutes, Sandhya returned with the bouquet and questioned her, “What do you have to say about this?” Mira was astonished and took the bouquet from her and read the card. It said, “ To the love of my life, Mira, From your secret admirer.” Now, it was Mira who turned purple with rage. She retorted angrily, “ I don’t know who the scum is, but believe me mom, the day I catch him, he will land in jail. You know very well, I hate hanging around with boys.” Sandhya heaved a sigh of relief and said, “ Cool down, my dear child. I had no intention of questioning your integrity. Since I am your mother, I am worried about you.” Mira gave a weak smile and was hugged by her mother. They had tea with delicious homemade cakes. Mira's mood changed instantly and now she was her usual self, jovial and fun loving. Her mom told her to get ready for shopping. Mira jumped for joy because she loved shopping and promptly got ready to go. No sooner did they turn around the corner of their street, than Mira had an uneasy feeling of being followed. “Psst….Mom,” she whispered into her mother’s ear. Sandhya stopped abruptly and asked her, “What happened? Why are you whispering?” Mira replied, “ Don’t look back. I think we are being followed.” Sandhya was a bit scared . She started walking quickly, holding Mira’s hands. She led her to a busy open market area where there was steady rush of people buying vegetables, cosmetic items, fruits etc. from roadside vendors. Mira pretended to buy vegetables while her mother casually turned around to see if there was any stalker. She saw a man leaning against a lamp post reading a newspaper. He was very mysterious. He was about 5 '10’ wearing a long brown overcoat with stiff collar that covered his cheeks. He wore sunglasses and looked like a spy from James Bond movie. Sandhya nudged Mira and pointed out the weird guy. “ Maybe he is the one following you.” Whispered Sandhya to Mira who nodded her head in agreement. They strolled around for sometime and had a cool, refreshing sugarcane juice. The stalker was vexed and soon went his way, after he realised that he won’t be able to talk to the girl alone. Both mother and daughter were relieved to see him go. They went ahead with their shopping.

Next day, Mira woke up early and removed the curtain from the window to let sun rays lighten up her room. She was stunned to find the stranger standing outside her gate, dressed exactly in the same attire that he worn the previous day. She was infuriated and wanted to slap him tightly across the face for harassing her. She immediately rushed down the stairs to directly confront the guy. Her mother was amazed to see her dashing out in her nightgown. When Mira opened the gate, she was surprised to find that the fellow had vanished out of sight. Mira came back silently and went on to get ready for the college.

Mira was being relentlessly followed by the stranger in the overcoat for the past two months. Her patience was now exhausted. She was very curious to know about the true identity of her stalker whom she wanted to admonish personally. One fine evening, she set out for a walk. As usual, her stalker kept a safe distance from his quarry, unaware of the fact that he had been caught in his misdemeanour. Mira crossed the road and entered the green park, where children were busy playing and the elders walked on the gravel path. She turned around just to make sure he was there. He realised that she had spotted him and quickly hid behind a tree. She had a brilliant idea. She feigned giddiness and appeared to fall down any moment. The stalker immediately came out of hiding and caught her in his arms, to prevent her from falling. As quick as lightning, she removed his hat and sunglasses. She was taken aback when she saw his handsome face gazing steadily at her. He was her best friend Seema’s brother. “ Aren’t you Rishi, Seema's brother?” she asked him. He nodded and smiled at her sheepishly. “ What’s the big idea of following me?” She demanded with hands on her hips. He answered, “ Actually, I fell in love with you when I saw you for the first time at my sister’s birthday party. I wanted to propose you but couldn’t muster enough courage to express my love.” She stared at him and said, “ Let us discuss this matter over a cup of coffee.” Rishi was delighted. He went with her to ' Supreme' Café which was quite nearby. They ordered coffee and some buns. Mira started the conversation casually, by asking about his education, hobbies, likes and dislikes. They talked for sometime about current affairs. Mira took him by surprise by asking, “ So, what are you doing these days? I believe you have completed engineering, isn’t it?” Rishi nodded and added, “ I have done software engineering and in search of a job.” Mira continued her interrogation by asking, “Pardon me, if I am rude, but how in the world, will you get a job, if you loiter here and there and waste your time by chasing a girl?” He was astonished and too stunned to say anything. 

Mira further added, “ If I reject your proposal, what will you do? Would you stab me with a knife or throw acid on my face? Let me know, so that I can be prepared for my doom.” Rishi wiped the beads of perspiration from his face, unable to utter a single word. “ Well, do you know what I think about men who continue to stalk women, with the hope of winning their love but end up killing or disfiguring them upon rejection? They are a bunch of cowards who aren’t brave enough to come to terms with their fate. These lover boys then commit suicide, confirming their cowardice. Are you brave enough to face rejection or follow the footsteps of those lovesick fellows? If you belong to the second category, let me give you a friendly advice. Your parents have pinned high hopes on you. Don’t let them down.They have toiled laboriously to give you and your sister, a sound education. You can’t shirk away from your responsibility. You have duties to fulfil, as a worthy son and a caring brother. Make your family proud.” 

Rishi listened to every word spoken by her with rapt attention. He finally spoke, “ Thank you for giving me a reasonable advice. I am really sorry for having bothered you. You made me realise my mistake. I hope you won’t discuss this issue with my sister or parents. I assure you that henceforth, I will not follow you but concentrate on my duties first. But, still I would like to know, if I carry out my responsibilities successfully, would you consider my proposal?”  Mira thought for a while before replying, “ I can’t promise you anything but I will surely consider your proposal, if I am interested, provided you succeed in my test. Don’t worry, I won’t mention this issue to anyone. Let’s part as friends for the time being.” They got up, smiled at each other and left the café. 

Rishi kept his word and turned over a new leaf, much to the surprise of his parents and sister. He not only got a decent job, but also shouldered additional responsibilities like repayment of loans, helping his father in financial matters, carrying out simple house hold tasks like cleaning, dusting, buying groceries and vegetables etc. He became indispensable to every one. His sister who often quarrelled with him, now began to look at him with great respect. He was grateful to Mira for bringing positive changes in his life.

One day, Seema took off her brother’s shirt for washing. Suddenly , a photo of her friend Mira fell off from the pocket. Seema picked it up and grinned. She thought, “ So, this is the angel who transformed my brother.” Rishi came home after a hectic work schedule in the evening. When he went to his room, he was annoyed to find his favourite shirt missing. “ Seema, where are you?” he shouted. “ I am at your service, my dear brother.” Seema replied with a dazzling smile. “Where is my shirt?” he probed. “ I have taken it for washing,” she said mischievously, “ Is there anything precious in your shirt?” 

Rishi blushed and said, “ Nothing of the sort. I wanted to confirm whether you emptied my pockets and checked if there was any cash or coins in it.” Seema went away and returned with the photo, “ Is this what you are searching for?” she said. Rishi snatched away the photo and smiled. He said, “ I am sorry, Seema. I didn’t know how to tell you. But this is the girl of my dreams, who gave me a new lease of life.” Seema responded, “ No need for apologies. She is a very good girl. Why don’t you speak to Mom and Dad?” 

“ I will. Thank goodness! You found out every thing. Will you do me a favour? Please give this letter to her and obtain her answer.” Rishi pleaded. His sister took the letter and agreed to get a response. 

Next day, Seema returned from college and waited patiently for her brother. When he came back, she handed over the reply given by Mira to him. He opened it slowly and when he read it, he was taken aback. The letter read, “ Dear Rishi, You have indeed become a worthy suitor for any girl. But I am so sorry, I can’t accept your proposal because….. I am a lesbian.” 

Rishi was so enraged. His first reaction was to take a knife and stab the girl. He remembered Mira’s words and regained his composure. He tore away the letter and resumed his work. He put up a brave face as if nothing happened. Meanwhile his company sent him to Australia on a new project. He returned to India after two years. 

When he reached home from the airport, he was surprised to find some guests who were seated in the couch. Rishi's father Hemraj, introduced them saying , “ Meet Mr. Jayant and Mrs. Sandhya, parents of Jatin who is going to be your brother in law.” Rishi was overjoyed for his dear little sister. Hemraj winked at his wife, indicating her to surprise him with another good news. She took him aside and said, “ This is going to be a double wedding. You have already met the boy who is going to be your brother in law. Please go to your room and meet your bride.” Rishi was dumbfounded. He opened his mouth to refuse straight away but Seema entered the kitchen and persuaded him to meet her and then take a decision. He had a huge setback in love and not ready for marriage. He opened the door to his room and entered. He was shocked to see the bride. She was none other than Mira. “ What are you doing here? What is the meaning of all this? I thought you were….?” Mira came close to him and said, “ That was a big lie. I told you I would consider your proposal if you passed my test. I wanted to see your reaction, whether you would murder or disfigure me or strong enough to move on without taking to alcohol and stuff.” Rishi looked relieved and said, “ So, what do you think? Where do I stand?” She said coyly, “ You passed with flying colours. I love you.” He jumped with joy and hugged her, whispering, “ I love you, too.” 

The double wedding took place with great pomp and splendour.