THE COMPATIBLE: The Opening Chapter, Part I

She lied ashen on the cold, stony floor of the stinking, dark, six by six feet store, waiting expectantly with every passing second to hold her last breath and she be spared of the constant barbarous assaults forever. Her limbs had long back refused to obey. It was as if she was a sack of heart beats and feeble shallow breaths. Every part of her body hurt and blood freely flowed from several cuts on her cracked skin. She looked dryly at the only window high up in one of the walls waiting to see how freedom was like for her. There was a hint of darkness in the sky. Its twilight!

Soon he’ll be here. She shivered at the thought. Her subconsciousness squirmed and desperately urged her to run for life, but how? She couldn't move. Her breaths fought with her lungs to release audible sobs. Outside, the weather turned ferocious and the thunderstorm as if warned her of the arrival of the apocalypse. She shook in fear when a stray branch tapped rhythmically on the window pane. It was the only sound she’d heard in a long time, except those hideous grunting moans and abuses that the monster threw on her every time.

‘I want to go home.’ She sobbed in helplessness. ‘End this torture! Please, end me!’ She pleaded inwardly.

The floor vibrated with the declaration of his approaching steps. No! He’s here! She curled her body holding her broken self together as if this could hide her for the moment. Her heart accelerated painfully and she shook in terror.

A hand lifted her gently and caressed her sweat smeared face.

“Open your eyes, love. You're having a bad dream.” He whispered in his velvet, melodious voice. She felt a wave of relief and security right then... Dave! She opened her eyes and in her dimly lit cosy bedroom, she felt him kiss her gently. “Don’t be afraid, you are safe with me.” He whispered lovingly in her ears.

She felt calmer and miraculously her body relaxed. She rested her face on his chest and sighed in relief. His lips pressed on her hair and he spoke, “Happy birthday, Sophie!”

 Sophie’s 19^th birthday marked the beginning of a turning point in her life. The orders were released from the heaven to enlighten Dave, her angel and protector about the course her life was about to take. At the hour of midnight while she slept soundly on her bed with her angel holding her hand, a flash of lightning burst outside the window of her room. Dave stood up right away. He knew that there was a visitor to see him from above. The light broke into the room with a wild flash and moulded into the shape of a tall man, as tall as Dave, but more luminous and stronger too. 

THE EQUILIBRIUM: A Sneak Peek to Betrayal!!

“You talk and I love.” He whispered smirking and his lips kissed the nape of my neck.

Oh! He’s so annoying sometimes! I sighed and tried to push him away, but was it really in my strength to do that? He was like a strong, huge rock that could not be moved by any frail human.

“What are you doing?” I thought harder in order to talk in my mind as my lips were sealed with his. My head was turning lighter and I felt almost tranquilized by his love. He really needs to learn how to make a healthy conversation with me!  

"Dave... what are you doing?" I whispered in my mind.

“Just checking that your hot head is cooler for some ‘healthy conversation’, as you may call it.” He whispered in the most velvety soft voice. I almost felt melting in his charm.

“Cheater!” I muttered trying to sound angry. But how could I really be annoyed by him?

“Is that your latest favorite word, sweetheart?” He smirked and laughed boyishly. But humor didn't seem to touch his eyes.

His grave grey eyes stuck on mine as if talking to my soul.

“Don't torture yourself uselessly, Sophie… the way you were last night.” He spoke gently as if trying to convince a very stubborn child.

“Last night?” I looked back at him, still confused. “But you weren't here last night. Where were you?” Now, that reminded me of the actual agenda to be discussed with my utterly annoying lover.

“That’s not the point.” He turned and gracefully walked towards the bed. He sat on its edge, looking wary for some unknown reason.

“No. I need to know. Don’t change the topic.” My anger returned and I felt my head throbbing with the height of stubbornness that I felt inside.

“Alright then.” He raised his hands in defeat and gestured me to come and sit beside him on bed. I abided and sat there facing him with my jaw set straight in perseverance.

“I didn't go anywhere, love.” He smiled and talked in extreme gentle tone, trying to calm me down. “It’s just that… it’s better if… I leave you with Alec when he’s home. We don't want him to get suspicious of your behavior, right?”

Maybe, he was right. But all this time planning of ‘Who'll spend time with Sophie’ thing… I was really not in. It made me feel disgusted.   

“Hey, stop over-thinking, for Heaven’s sake, love!” Dave murmured holding my face in his warm hands. “I’m just trying to save you from complications.”

His face looked so sincere and honest and his eyes revealed worry for me.

“It’s not that, Dave.” I sighed. “There are no time-boundaries in any relationships. We are not in a school and both of you are not my tutors. How can you decide a time-table for me?” I shook my head and freed it from his hold. He gave up easily and looked at me in bare worry.

“Sophie, listen to me.” He drew back my attention. “What I've been observing since your arrival here, is that you're disturbed and nervous about all this. It’s not in your nature to lie or keep secrets. You are torturing yourself severely in guilt. All this affects both of us. And believe me; it takes me back to question my decision to return you your vision to see me freely. It makes me responsible for all this mess.”

I gaped at him aghast. Where is he taking all this?

“Tell me, Sophie, when did you last smile after we landed on India?” He looked strained.

I thought about it deeply but there was no answer to it. I gaped at him in confusion and chose not to reply.

“Well, you didn’t.” He replied on my behalf. “And don’t you think that Alec is not a fool to ignore this modification?”

I stared at him wide eyed. He was surely signaling me of some upcoming disaster. Last time when I missed his warning, I almost lost my life!

 I can’t take any chance with my relationships this time.

“Dave, is there something more to it than you're telling me?” I whispered in shock.

He creased his broad forehead and without a word, disappeared in the puff of air.

“Dave, where are you? You can't leave like this without answering me.” I yelled in rage. How could he do this to me? It’s so rude!

“Sophie?” I turned at the call of my name and spotted Alec standing at the door looking grave and awfully worried.

“Whom are you yelling at?”He looked around to find anyone. But, of course, he wouldn’t.

My face burnt crimson red like a thief who was caught red handed.

“N-no… I-I wasn’t.” I tried to smile but frankly, I was nothing less than terrified. I was sure that blood had drained out from my face when I saw him not giving up searching for something or someone.

He stepped forward, his eyes scrutinizing the room.

“W-what are you l-looking for?” I stuttered nervously and bit my lip at the wrong choice of question.

He glowered at me and asked again; “Whom were you talking to?” This time he sounded stern.

“I-I said, n-no one.” I lied in the most disappointing way.

If I ever knew I had to walk the forbidden road, then I would have taken some formal training in how to lie properly.

He snorted, disappointed as well.

“Y-you're back. What happened?” I tried again with a better distraction.

He looked at me with creased forehead as if questioning my sanity and gravely giving it a thought.

THE GIFTED ANALOGY: Revised; Chapter Four

I hurriedly followed the direction until I reached the concerned building. It was quiet and empty inside. There was a desk there too but no one occupied it. I looked around but the place was creepily quiet. My sixth sense warned me. It could sense some danger.

“Hello? Anybody here?” I called out choking. I gulped the lump and took a deep breath.

The lobby was small consisting of three doors leading to different places. But the only opening that I was somehow interested in was the Exit door. I turned to leave the place when I could not hear any response.

I held the door knob but it didn’t move. It was stuck. I felt my heartbeat pick up the momentum. I shook the door vigorously. I had a feeling that it was locked from the outside. Suddenly, the lights of the lobby flickered and one of the tube-lights burst over my head, sprinkling the sharp glass edges over me.

I screamed and jerked away from the door. My vision blurred in the dimly lit place. But I tried to look harder. Soon enough, I spotted a phone lying on the desk. I stumbled my way towards it as fast as my two left feet could take me.

Although I had no idea what would I do with it or whether it was working, still I decided to try my luck. I held the receiver to place it on my ear. There was no ring tone. It was dead. Soon I would be too. I sniffed back my tear and tried to hold myself together.

Just then a freezing cold gust of air snapped on my neck. I shivered. I, as if, felt a déjà vu. I had a feeling that something was present there behind me, just like yesterday in the supermarket.

I inhaled sharply and turned to face my fear. In the darkness, two glowing fire ball-like eyes stared at me. The air suddenly turned chilling around me. I trembled as the tall image drew closer. My feet froze to the ground. I knew there was no escape and that my end was near. I must say all my prayers and ask for forgiveness for all the sins that I may had unintentionally committed.

I closed my eyes and let the tears drain my face.

In a fraction of a second, the entire scenario changed. The main exit door banged wide open filling the lobby with daylight. The air turned warm and some people rushed their way inside the room.

It took me a while to understand that I was saved. I simply stood there numb and quiet while the people gathered around me making noise. A few moments later I actually understood what they were trying to say.

They were angry at me. Rather I should be angry. What kind of a university it was? How could you leave a place unattended and so life threatening?

A short and stout man, wearing gold rimmed spectacles silenced the others and stepped forward.

“Miss, may I ask you what were you doing in this restricted area?” He spoke politely. I looked into his eyes that were kind. My tears pooled out from my eyes instantly.

“I was l-lost.” I stammered. My vocals couldn't support me more than this. Saying this I made my way out from the creepy building. I was shaking in fear and my mind kept replaying those two red eyes in my mind. What was that? I wondered.

My body shook in terror. My eyes blurred with tears. Maybe, I was hallucinating. I tried to fake some assurance to my rising panic.

I was scared, embarrassed, and felt utterly useless. How could I not steer my way away from creepiness? I was here for a minor work that Aunt Anna had entrusted me with. And I couldn't do that without falling into trouble. I sobbed, hiding my face.

I needed to get out from this place. I wiped my tears and looked up. A few steps away, I saw him standing and staring at me.

Stalker! I glowered at him. He didn't move an inch, instead his eyes looked pained.

THE GIFTED ANALOGY: Revised; Opening Chapter -III

“Don't be a coward. You are a grownup now. Be brave, you can do it.”

The words ringed in my ears. I knew that voice………Dave! I jerked to look around me. May be I was day dreaming, but I knew deep inside my soul that he was somewhere near me. It was although an instinctive gesture but I felt an urge to see him.

Like always, disappointment smirked at me. But I tried to absorb in his voice that always acted as the soothing blow of air to awaken my senses and open my mind to new horizons.

I closed my eyes to gather courage. Those words were magical. I gallantly went forward with the program numbing my senses else they could always lend strange uncanny possibilities to my brain.

The air was very cool and pleasant outside the airport. Europe was so astonishingly breathtaking that I could have never imagined any heaven so perfect. The greenery, the freshness, the atmosphere so pleasing and beautiful that it seemed as if its beauty was in its complete bloom and was welcoming me with all its warmth and love. I felt like ‘I was home!’

A few more hours of train journey gifted me more chances to explore the beautiful and magnificent place. It seemed as if the time had come to a halt. My eyes kept capturing the pictures of the gorgeous scenery and greenery all around. The openness, the vast fields that covered the horizon and bestowed the richness of the country were soothing for any vision. Far away, somewhere a glimpse of life assured that the world dwelling even in the remote and solitude places depicted the lifestyle full of fascination. My eyes failed to close, in spite of a long 8-hour journey from one continent to another.

Finally, the train stopped at Angelston. It was a small station with less people hovering around. My heart beat picked its acceleration. I looked around finding any soul. But it was quiet and empty. I could see some counters flashing the sign boards of refreshments, Cab, etc. I wondered if I was at the wrong place. India has always been so full of people that I never thought I could reach such an inhabitable place in Europe itself. My tears were ready to leap out of my eyes, when I saw a person sitting on the counter with the board of TAXI, written above it. I treaded there hurriedly.

“Hi, I need a cab.” I spoke still panting, mustering enough courage to help myself reach my destination. Thank God, there’s no male!

The lean girl with a round face looked at me through her tiny glasses and nodded. She called out behind her while handing me a ticket. A stout and large man leaped from behind and offered to take my luggage. I hesitated a bit.

‘You can do this, Sophie!’ Tears pricked my eyes. I sucked in a deep breath and called all my prayers while following him to the cab. My hands felt cold and my stomach churned as I sat on the seat.

“Where to?” His husky voice gave me a chill. I literally jumped on my seat hearing him talk.

I opened up my address diary to confirm Aunt Anna’s address.

“Mm, Saint Martin Street.” I stuttered. He nodded in response.

Gratefully, the driver was a quiet person. He didn’t utter anything the entire way. That gave my edginess some comfort. I could ease off and enjoy the way quietly, ignoring the fact that a stranger was driving the cab. I looked out of the window and grasped the view of the town. This place would be my shelter for next few weeks. I sighed.

Angelston was not what I had been expecting. It was a small town with the population not over 10,000. The travel guide I bought on the way told me that the town was built in the 14^th century. It seemed as if it was a jumble of colors: grey-green hillsides of terraced olive groves; black-cypress forests; red-roofed town villas, under the magnificent blue sky.

Its architecture had a precision that was similarly jewel-like. It was filled with miniature Venetian Gothic and Renaissance palaces whose balconies almost touched above the narrow streets. The sky was covered with deep navy blue clouds that added to the ambiguity. So mysterious and enigmatic the view was that I almost forgot to keep a check on the way to Aunt Anna’s house.

The cab crossed a narrow street to reach a place where all the houses looked completely identical. Red-roofed, white walls, large windows with pale brown borders, were the distinct features of the houses. There were low, white fences all over to symbolize the territorial boundaries.

Aunt Anna lived all alone in one of those houses. I called out the number Twenty Six to the driver who pulled the car to the last house in the right row of the street. The house was, although the same, but the small garden in the front seemed well maintained with some lovely variety of flowers and shrubs. It was small yet quite pretty with the blend of vivid colors enhancing its dream like appearance. The blue painted, wooden main door possessed a tiny porch for a wooden chair to adjust its place between two white pillars that held the red slanting roof covering the open area and numerous small pots filled with tiny shrubs, herbs and plantations.

I wondered that if Aunt Anna was so unwell, then who helped her in taking care of the house and maintaining it for her. I knew about her lonely living as she never married anyone. It always made me wonder how she had led her life in complete solitude for over fifty years, without any family. Mom used to tell me that she went to UK for her further studies, when she was barely twenty and since then, she had been living in Angelston all by herself. Her career profile indicated that she had worked at the Prime University as their head professor and researcher for thirty five years, till her health seized to permit her any further exertion.

“Sophie, is that you?” A feminine voice called, as I was about to press the doorbell button.

A lean old woman opened the door. She looked much like my mother if their features were taken into consideration, but just a few years older. She was fair complexioned with light white hair, hanging on her shoulders, her large dark eyes twinkled with emotions. Overall, she had a very graceful look. Although age wise she was old, but her eyes had a spark of a young child. I glanced at her and wished deeply to look like her when I grow older. She was pretty and very serene with a strange heavenly glow of contentment.

Her fair-wrinkled face could not help much in hiding the happiness she felt when she saw me. Her eyes gleamed with joy and affection as she embraced me tightly. I automatically hugged her back, her warmth made me feel as if I was back home in the arms of my mom.

“Ah, my child!” Her voice was like a whisper.

“How was your journey, dear?” She smiled widely exposing her white teeth. “Look, how grown up you are!” Her painfully stretched lips indicated how excited she was to see me.

I sighed trying to absorb such a genuine affection in the place far away from my home.

“Aunt Anna, I am a mother now. That makes me a grown up.” I tried to reflect the same mood.

THE GIFTED ANALOGY: Revised; Opening Chapter -II

I had been dwelling with the unknown pain since I could remember. Maybe, the material used to manufacture me must be of bad quality and henceforth, I stated my phobias and nightmares as the childhood deformity.     

I reached the Heathrow Airport, London and walked following the sign boards as well as the fellow passengers to collect my luggage. While waiting for my suitcase to appear, my mind drifted to adversities.

Why on earth did I agree to all this? Suddenly, I felt so lonely. I was standing on an unknown land, with no experience of travelling alone and far away from my family. My hands and feet felt cold. I shivered with the realization. I should have refused the first time when my mom came up with the idea of me visiting her elder sister, Anna who’s unwell and had demanded specifically for me to come and see her on urgent basis.

I wondered what was so urgent that only I could manage to go. I agree that my parents’ passports were expired and would take some time to be renewed. Alec could not spare so many days for travelling due to his business in India. And Aunt Anna threw a load of tantrums that would not suit a sixty-nine year old lady otherwise. But she sounded totally insistent and really could not spare another day waiting for someone to reach her. Not leaving behind my mother who displayed her own kind of drama to push me into travelling to Europe to see her elder sister who lived all by herself in a house in Angelston.

“She needs us. It’s not her age to live all alone in the land which does not hold her roots.” She pleaded me to try to understand her plight. But frankly, if the things were that bad, she could always come back to her native land, India. But mom thought otherwise that it’s not that easy to leave everything and come back at such a tender age and start everything all over again in some other place.

I was always told that Aunt Anna had never traveled back to India after settling herself in UK almost fifty years ago, except when I was born. That did not quite seem to be a convincing celebrated event that could compel her to visit her native but abandoned country. Yet her unmatched presents always reached me on every occasion that I could recall. But personally, I never claimed a chance to meet her.

Now I was badly hooked by those sisters to behave like an obedient child and travel like the Little Red Riding Hood went to visit her Old Granny in the lonely wild woods, the only difference lied in that here I could almost find every single person resemble The Big Bad Wolf.

My mind drifted to the realization that how I had always urged to visit this part of the world. I yearned to unleash the beautiful mysteries of the cultures and palaces of Europe. It always fascinated me, as if I had always been a part of all this.

‘But such opportunities are hard to approach to a simple housewife.’ My subconscious always told me.

 I although had never nourished any regrets about the speedy turning points that my life had always showed me with. But it was just that some things could have waited for a longer period of time before they came comparatively sooner to me. Like my marriage, when I was barely of the age of twenty and the marital responsibilities kept me awfully engrossed in trying to cope up with the sudden commitment. Our daughter, Tia, stepped into our lives seven years later. How could I have chased my dreams when I was busy changing diapers and working over becoming a perfect mother and a wife?

Life is so unpredictable. We generally accept the changes with open arms and forget the past and go on with the flow. This could be conveniently said about my personality. Now at the age of 32, I missed my girlhood that got lost somewhere in the role of a wife and a mother. Mostly women like me found their consolations in their offspring. I had always thought that Tia would live those days of my youth that I had missed in this lifetime.

I married Alec in such circumstances that it felt more like a compromise that I had willfully made for my parents. Initially, it was hard for me to love a man who was a stranger and a perfect antonym to my dream prince; a world I was in and the world I always dreamt to be in! But it’s not necessary that the picture we paint of someone whom we can define as ‘perfect’ by our own limited set of knowledge ought to be the one? If we open our minds, we can find many people who can be defined perfect in their own ways.

Call me a dreamer or a romantic but I too had a love story. It sounded bizarre but I had opened my eyes to this creepy world, only to see him! When every inch of my body agonized and tormented in fear of the living creatures of this world, he saved me from myself. He cuddled me to sleep when I screamed in terror at night. He stood beside me, sometimes as a dear friend, sometimes like a lover, and sometimes as my guide. He’s the personification of all my dreams and desires, my cure for loneliness, the deity of deep passion and love…Dave!

My heart swelled with the single call of his name. He had always filled the void my loneliness had built; and gave me answers to all my problems and confusions. He dwelled in my heart and spoke in my thoughts (And that’s where I had always met him). I always felt loved and cared, just the way I wanted to be. It’s just so easy to be with him.

My marriage could never separate Dave from me. He had always been a part of my existence. If he would have been in real, then he could easily overcome Alec in every aspect. Maybe, I could overcome my mental defects if Dave would have been in body and flesh as my life partner.

I shook my head to wade away his thoughts. Although, he had always made me feel his presence in my dreams but in recent years I felt rather disconnected with those visions. Instead I saw myself with Alec in my weird dreams!

‘So, my mind too finally accepted him.’ I realized one day after such a dream. It was definitely a tough fight. Although, Alec wasn't aware of my mind, he only thought that I was an introvert and a reserved girl. But he waited unmoved and patiently for my acceptance of his selfless love for me.

‘The poor fellow loves me too much.’ I sighed recalling my indifference for his love in our initial years of marriage. But Alec never complained. He always supported me like a true partner. He always believed that love can melt the hardest mountain in the world. All the above, his belief was accurate in melting my feelings for him at least. A tear dropped from my eyes as I recalled the present geographical distance that separated me from him.

 I collected my baggage and stepped out following the sign boards to encounter a large country waiting to haunt me with its strangeness. I shivered at the thought looking around the unfamiliar place and people. I literally scolded myself on agreeing to my mother’s bizarre demand for me to travel alone. Didn't she know how the unknown plague me?

‘What’s the use cursing now, Sophie? Beyond your cowardliness lies your respect for your parents and willingness to serve them.’ I tried to console myself.

 I needed to be brave and head towards the search for the cab to the station to board the train to Angelston. It all seemed too tedious. Alec had spoilt me so much that I felt helpless doing anything all by myself. I wished so much that he was around. The enormous airport itself was making me nervous. Though Alec had booked everything in advance and explained me all very clearly, still I felt like a lost child in the crowded market place.

THE GIFTED ANALOGY: Revised; Opening Chapter -I

“I’ll miss you. Try to come back soon.” Alec’s dark twinkling eyes were filled with worry for me.

 His hand fondled my cheek and he kissed me there. His cute, boyish face was pleading silently for me to stay. I tried to be brave and not show him my eyes filled with tears. I knew if I signaled my reluctance to travel alone then he would take no time to carry me back home. The twelve years of our marriage had taught me a lot of things about him. And the first one was his over-concerned attitude for me.

“Honey, I am just going to visit my aunt for a few weeks. I’ll be back soon.” I had to keep reminding him as well as consoling myself repeatedly that these days would pass quickly.

He nodded and let go of me. I turned and stepped across the security gate of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The check in counter of my flight was loaded with travelers. But I was luckily spared the long waiting queue as Alec had booked the business class seat for me. He’s always too thorough with his work when it came to me.

I would never understand what pleasure he drew by spending prolifically for me.

“You are Alec Singhal’s wife. You must enjoy the perks.” He would often quote whenever I questioned his generosity.

I walked into the terminal and spotted the nearest book store. Normally, every woman drools around designer outlets or jewellery showrooms. But I, on the other hand, could blissfully spend my entire life surrounded with shelves over-loaded with books.

I skimmed around the colorful covers and felt in heaven until my reverie was broken by an unwelcomed voice;

“How may I help you, madam?” A deep voice echoed behind me. I yelped in shock and turned. I blinked twice till I spotted a lean man in uniform gaping at me in expectation.

I sucked in a good amount of breath to control my rising panic and shook my head in denial. Before he could respond, I turned to my heels and stumbled my way out from the store as fast as my clumsy feet could take me.

If I were the creator of this world, I would have allotted a separate planet for all the men. I didn’t know why but I was born with a weird phobia for men. My parents had tried all their sources and money to find some treatment for this. But I would guess it’s more of a deformity. If given a choice, I would never steer my way where any male trespasser hovered.

Gratefully, I felt quite better now as compared to my younger years when I would almost faint with fear when any man tried to talk to me. Even Alec wasn't spared by my hostility. But he was so positive about changing my feelings for him that despite of my lack of faith in my own self; he managed to win my heart.

Right now, I was really not keen on pushing my luck talking to any stranger, particularly men. I decided to comfort myself in some lonely corner of the premium lounge. So, I followed the signboards and made my way into the large first class lounge. Thankfully, it wasn't crowded. At this point I couldn't help but feel grateful to Alec for considering a comfortable travelling for me.

I sat on a comfy leather sofa at the far lonely corner and fished into my purse for my mobile. It buzzed right on time to alert me and I knew it was my equally edgy husband on the line.

“Hi.” I smiled and whispered.

“Hey. Are you comfortable there?” His anxious voice spoke from the other side.

 I sighed and responded; “Yes. I am. Thank you for the business class booking despite of my revolt.” I couldn't conceal the relief in my voice.

I could feel him grinning widely in triumph. “You deserve the best, always.”

My eyes pricked with tears hearing him. Oh, I love him so much that it hurts to part from him. 

We were silent for a while till I broke it. “Alec, I'm fine, really. Please don’t worry so much.”

“I don't know, Sophie. I should have made you travel more with me. It’s just the idea of you being all alone across the continents… what if…” he broke out.

Oh, God, he’s really no help when I’m also in a panic mode. Instead of nurturing my nervousness, I always ended up nursing my jittery husband. I shook my head.

“But you've made the best arrangements for me. I would be grateful for that.” I smirked and he took a deep sigh.

“I’ll miss you, honey.” He whispered after a beat.

“Me too.” I sniffed my stray tear and disconnected the call.

Glancing at my watch, I realized that I still had an hour before I boarded the flight. So, I decided on a cup of hot tea and a salad. I hate to eat alone. It just makes you realize that you are deprived of a reasonable company. So, I decided to open up my best friend… my book and eat while reading.

I had the copy of the illustrated works of Edgar Allen Poe in my bag. I opened it. It’s often said that ‘Poison cuts Poison’. So, I had always hung along my self- imposed tagline that ‘Fear cuts Fear’. I love to read horror or supernatural themes. It simply worked as a therapy to shrink my inner dreads in front of the large horrors of the world.

Soon enough I heard the announcement for boarding the flight.

I made my way to the gate and straight into the airplane.

To my relief I was attended by a female stewardess. I wondered if they had an option in the airlines to choose your attendant along with the type of meal that you would prefer while on board. Well, I was sure they didn't have to deal with the nutcases like me on the regular bases.

The flight was long and tiring. Yet I was luckily spared any unwanted company around me. Also, the movies and my books kept me engrossed till the end. I didn't have the nerve to fall asleep in the aircraft. Believe me, it’s a horrible sight to watch me sleep. I didn’t know why but my subconscious mind played its dirty tricks on me whenever slumber took over my aware mind. I end up screaming and yelling in my sleep. Normally, Alec cuddled me back to sleep but it never helped me to overcome my inner fears.

I wondered sometimes that how even God permitted such a broken piece like me to enter His world. I was nothing more than a handful of tiring burden. Such a weight that strangely, first my parents and then Alec had been patiently enduring. I had always felt like a broken china statue; although assembled by the binding glue of the love of my family, yet never the same shining, new piece. I didn't know what broke me from inside, but all that I could gather was that the unseen cracks pierced into my soul were never to be healed by any kind of love or sympathy. 

The Gifted Series: Introduction

Book One: THE GIFTED ANALOGY

‘There are some commitments beyond life itself, beyond body and heart. Those are the commitments of the soul……’

                          Sophie visits Angelston for the first time travelling alone all the way from India. She parts from her loving husband, Alec in the New Delhi airport with a heavy heart and leaves to meet her Aunt Anna who had urgently called on her to fly to the unknown land. She never imagined that her decision to visit her Aunt would change the course of her life forever.

                          There she meets an extraordinarily handsome but mysterious man, who’s head over heels in love with her, even before she had met him.

               There is a hidden purpose behind his presence around her, but what is it? How does he know her so precisely when they have never met before her arrival to Angelston? She feels danger hovering around her all the time. What is it that keeps on drawing her towards him? Will she be able to discover her deep desires back? Moreover, her guilt of cheating on her loving husband starts accusing her. Her dilemma takes on her sanity as she can’t lose him now. But her values and loyalty towards her husband, Alec makes her internal fight fiercer.

Book Two: THE EQUILIBRIUM (A Sequel)

Back from the dream world to the real world, the decision has been made! Allowing Dave to step out of Sophie’s life would have been the most painful thing for both of them. Although Dave was determined to let her have a chance to a normal married life with her husband, Alec, but it’s not acceptable for Sophie to part from him. Now that she was confirmed about Dave, her angel who’s always been there beside her in real, constantly protecting her and guiding her; she will not take any chance to ruin it.    

She’s ready to start it afresh with him, and with her husband Alec, both in her life; a risk that she gladly takes to be with the two most precious men for her. Would it be that easy to bring both the worlds together for her, one a powerful angel and other a mere human?

 She feels she’s the most blessed person in the world but soon enough the realization takes in to shatter her dreams. Her deepest fears return to ruin every person that she cares for. Is it right to love two people at the same time? Would Sophie succeed in bringing the equilibrium between Dave and Alec? Or would she fall apart losing one of them?   

Book Three: THE COMPATIBLE (A Prequel)

“How in hell can you handle love without turning your life upside down? That’s what love does, it changes everything.”         -Lauren Bacall.

A prequel to ‘The Gifted Analogy’, this book narrates the story of how Alec Singhal, Sophie’s husband met her fourteen years ago. Being an Andro-phobic, Sophie was traumatised by her inner demons. She knew she would never seek the capability to love a man in this life that was already a sentence of constant torture for her deeply fragile soul.  But the moment Alec set his eyes on her; he knew that she was the one with whom he could spend his life.

 Was that the destiny or the conspiracy of the celestial force to help heal Sophie’s broken soul with Alec’s untiring love and make her lead a normal life? Was Alec really the most compatible partner for Sophie?

Despite of her constant detestation for him, he tirelessly tried to make her overcome her inner fears and embrace her true feelings. With his unmoved determination to achieve a successful marriage with Sophie, he matches no doubt an equal competition to Dave, the powerful angel and Sophie’s guiding spirit.