Sunset and Mojito

So we meet again he smiled.4th time I was meeting him in Goa.Chapora Fort,Calangute Cafe Coffee day,Tittos lane n Now at Rex's Beach shack in Baga Beach.I extended my hand towards him,"Joe" I said.Just Joe?? he shook my hands firmly.Joe Thomas I replied.They will call you Joe Tom in U.S he said."Johny" he smiled.Just Johny?? I asked.Ha ha Johny W Joseph, he answered.Please have your seat he smiled .I pulled back the chair,they will call you Johny Hosse in Texas,I winked.He laughed,have u ever been to Texas?? He asked.I shrugged ,nope.What about you? I asked.Yup I was there for 6 months. Whats this "W" in your name??I asked.Oh its Wayne.My full name is Johny Wayne Joseph.I will call u Wayne?? i asked.Oh sure ,nobody calls me Wayne.Friends call me John,Colleagues call me Mr.Joseph.but nobody calls me Wayne. Beer?? he raised his Budweiser can and asked.No thanks ,I will go for a juice.I picked the menu card.Many names sounded strange,the waiter came close to us,one Mojito with out alcohol,I said.That was the first time I was going to have a Mojito. Its called Nojito or Virgin Mojito,Wayne said. What ?? I dint get what said.A Mojito with out alcohol,he said. Where are your friends?? he asked.I pointed my hand towards the left.You see that green Heineken flag?there is a shack,Sam's restaurant,we were doing water sports.Now tired,they must be having food.I just thought of walking through this beach.Good,he smiled, closed his Mac book, raised his head.You are not here for a vacation I guess are you??I asked. Why?? he asked.Well hardly find anyone with laptop,excel sheets,and ppts in a Goan beach.more over you are alone,no girl friend,no friends. So....I didn't finish that sentence.Cool. nice observation.I'm actually on my vacation,but I have few tasks, in fact I'm in search of some thing dude.He looked the evening sun.Blue sleeveless t shirt with tantric designs ,ash shorts.I saw something in his eyes behind that spectacles. Interesting,If you don't mind,may I know,what you searching for??I asked.He looked in to my eyes.He didn't speak.After a pause he said.Your friends must be waiting for you.Its a long story.Its 4.15pm.We have time up to 6,I smiled.After that what plans?Wayne asked.Nothing much,will go room,take a bath,will get ready.Dinner at a Beach shack at Baga,They have candle lights and guitarists,we have booked the tables.Then Disc at Tittos Club.That's it.Nice plan,How long will you be here in Goa he asked.We came Yesterday morning,3 More days we will be here. K why do you want to know about me?? he asked,this time his voice was firm.well I love to hear about others,especially if I don't know them.I said.What will you get. he asked?? My Nojito had come,Ice cubes,lime juice and green leaves.Cheers, he raised his beer can n touched my glass.See Mr.Wayne,this is Goa,life revolves and rotates around beaches,I see the same persons at different places,many of them.I see them at restaurants, forts,pubs,beaches,lanes,churches.You are not the only person whom I saw more than twice.First we saw at Fort Chapora,I liked your Tattoo,that's the reason I looked at you.Even you looked at me.Then we met at Cafe coffee day,When we left you looked at me,I smiled,you raised your left hand.Then again at Tittos lane,we both smiled.Now here.You don't look like a stranger Wayne.If you did, I wouldn't come and sit with you.If you feel like sharing you can,else we can finish this drink and I will just push off. He smiled,Chill dude.I'm an investment banker,working in Singapore..Excuse me I intruded,before that I would like to know about this tattoo.Ha ha what you wanna know he asked.Why this tattoo??Jesus crying in the Gesthemane gardens?? Yup..he paused,why did you like this tattoo? he asked.Well I liked it cos,even Jesus felt pain,even he prayed,even he cried.He was God,He could have avoided this pain and suffering,But he boldly faced it.I paused. Exactly Joe,Exactly,even I connect my self with Jesus in Gesthemene, Powerful ,yet he cries.I saw his eyes sparkling,is that tear??I dint ask.You are spiritual?? yup. he smiled.Are you Goan I asked.Hmmm..My granddads father is Portuguese, He married a Goan Lady ,My grand dad migrated to Delhi,So if you ask me,I'm half Portuguese,half Indian,half Goan,half Dilli.K then tell me about your Job. I work as an investment banker in Singapore,now on my vacation.This August I will put my resignation notice,and by December I'll leave Singapore,Why?? you got another Job?? I was curious..Hmm not exactly..I told u na..I'm in search of something..I have a dream,I'm behind that.he smiled.What dream?? I couldn't wait.Wait,he opened his Laptop,I sipped my Mojito,Waiter brought Chicken Nuggets.He turned the laptop screen towards me,A beautiful young lady.That was what i was expecting.But I was wrong,a power point presentation,he clicked on it. Front view of a restaurant,an amazing design,as I changed the slides I saw the interiors,the financial and marketing plans,the branding strategies,the designs.A restaurant? I asked.Yup, my dream.A restaurant in my great grandmothers land,a restaurant in a place where people come to forget everything,a restaurant in Goa,a restaurant where people come, not just to eat and drink,where people come to live,love,share,a restaurant with people can connect themselves.You sound so passionate.I said.Yes I am dude that's why I'm going to quit a super duper job. Your family,I mean your parents ,are they ok with this?I asked.Yes,Dad knows it.Good. so you must have saved enough money for this?? Hmm I worked for 12 years,this was my dream.I finished all my responsibilities.I saved for my family,even if I'm dead,my family wont face any probs..:) he winked.Now I'm on my own,time to live my life. How old are you?? I asked with out any shame.I have this problem,I'm curious about others age.34 He replied.You married?.I asked.Nup he replied.May I ask you why??,Joe if you love something,you have to sacrifice equal things for it.I dint get that,if you could full fill all your duties,If you could do this much,then I don't think marriage is a big deal,My voice was loud.Joe there are points where you have to fight yourself for two equally important things.You cant have both,one you have to sacrifice.No options left. So you had an affair?? I asked.Hmm he paused for a while.Yes it was not just an affair,we had decided to live together. Nitha is from your place,Chennai.he said.Hey I'm not from Chennai,I'm from Kerala I protested.I mean South da.he laughed.She was an interior designer,We met in London,fell in love,we both planned to live together,she was the perfect girl.We loved for 4 long years.She always assured me that,what ever steps I take in my life,what ever decisions I take,she would be with me.I never told her about my dream,I just wanted to surprise her.Her last birthday I planned to give her three surprises.I bought a flat in Delhi,just for two of us. I bought a diamond ring.On her birthday,I proposed her,she was crying she hugged me tight,kissed me.I gave her our flat's key,she couldn't believe herself.That night after the party,we went for a walk.I gave her the third surprise,I told her about my dream,I told her that Im going to quit my job.That didn't surprise her.In fact she was shocked.She asked whether Im serious.When I said yes,she said she needs time to think.One week we discussed about this.At last she told ,she cant think of marrying a restaurant owner.She wants to work,she preferred an investment banker to a hotel owner.I was shocked.her promises her assurance...he didn't finish. Then??? I was curious.We mutually parted.he sighed.Do you think You did the right thing??Its about priorities ryt?? I asked.Yes .It is.It still hurts me.but she loved me,but she couldn't love me completely.If I drop this dream to marry her,I may not be hurt,but I will regret,Now I feel the pain,I'm hurt.but I don't regret.He answered,I'm gonna sell that flat in Delhi.He smiled.His eyes were wet. Its 5.45,you gotta go right?? I stood up,nice meeting you Wayne.I shook his hand,he stood up.I will tell your story to my friends Wayne.How?? he chuckled.I don't know,I replied.But Ill definitely tell my friends. At least a few people will love you for your dreams,at least a few will pray for you brother.At least a few eyes will be wet thinking about your love.I hugged him,he patted my shoulder.I walked."Hey Joe" I stopped ,turned back.Take care of yourself man, he said.You too I smiled and walked towards Sam's restaurant. Krishnan and Jeswin were discussing something and laughing,Martin was sipping his beer and checking the photos we had taken,Jithin was settling the bills.Lets go,Its almost 6,where have you been Jithin asked.I dint answer.Louis, our driver was waiting outside.As the van moved I saw gypsies and lovers walking through the lane.Among these thousands of people I saw him. Some where far,I saw a birthday party,Wayne was waiting there with a diamond ring for some one.

November Rain

So hw do you know Mr.Verma???? Thanu sat on that black bean bag and asked.Mr.Verma???? It sounds so Old.he is hardly 32,i would prefer calling him Anand. I replied.Anand is shallow.Verma has got a punch. she smiled,but i found that smile too artificial.Well I met him on a shoot,he was working for my friends company's ad shoot. i replied. So you are from Calicut?? she asked.No I'm from Alleppey.But your Bikes no: KL11??? she was confused.K bad guess, i smiled.That's my room mates bike,he is from Calicut.Then you must be having a car,Thanu asked. Thanu its not your day i guess,Your guesses are going so wrong..i don't have a car,actually i don't own anything,i prefer using things, not owning them..like for rent,OWNERSHIP IS A HEAD ACHE, i smiled.Hmm. she maintained silence and replied."well said" . She was wearing a white kurta with green flowers ,a white leggings,curly hair,carelessly tied..wooden and metal jewelery... That was most beautiful drawing room i have ever seen in Thrissur. So tell me Joe.what can i do for you??she asked leaning back.I felt so uncomfortable in that velvet sofa.I don't know ,Ananad gave me your address & contact no: and asked me to meet you.I must be the worlds most embarrassed guest who doesnt know the purpose of his visit. K cool,ill call him she told,and stood up,walked towards the dining table to take her phone.By the way how old is your association with Verma,she asked. Hmm 9 or 10 months,i replied.Hmm that's it?? wonder in her voice,I know Verma for the last 7 years,he never sent any body to me,or never introduced me to any body saying that "he is my friend". Yea i remember,he dint tell me that your are his friend,he just asked me to meet a person called Thanu.I replied.She didn't like me insulting her long 7 years association with my 10 months association. You are over smart,she said.I know i smiled. He is not reachable,any way i have messaged him,so once he gets the message he will call back.Mean while i will get you some juice,she walked towards the fridge.Excuse me Thanu,She paused,Yes."Well if you don't mind ,can i get a cup of strong black coffee,i asked with out any shame. God ,you are the first demanding guest i have ever seen,U know why i offered juice?coz its already prepared.I'm too lazy. "You just show me the kitchen I'll make it by myself. i smiled.No I'm not that rude,any way you come to he kitchen,i don't know what you mean by strong coffee. You are a bad cook i guess,i said.May I know why?Thanu asked me adjusting the knob of her coffee maker.Its obvious ,your kitchen shows it. Some more sugar please,i smiled.May be one table spoon more.That's gonna be very sweet,i guess you said strong she replied. I like it strong and sweet. i said You are a photographer??she asked ,No i replied.Then painter??..well i do paint but thats not my profession. i said.Then why would he sent you to me??she murmured. So how old are you Thanu,i asked sipping my coffee.She was shocked. Hows that gonna affect you?? she sounded harsh.Well I'm just curious,i smiled.I don't reveal certain informations to Strangers,she replied.I don't mind what strangers think about me,i replied.Thanu looked at me.Im sorry Joe i didn't mean that,but... Dont worry Thanu,what ever you speak or do to me ,that will never affect your relation with Ananad,you can be rude if u wanna be. I didnt mean that,Thanu said.K My age is the problem right?? You guess.. she told Hmm you don't look more that 26 but Im sure you are not less than 29.I replied. Good.. impressed..this Sept ill be 30. You married??i asked..OH JOE YOU ASK TOO MUCH,WHY DO WANT TO KNOW ALL THESE.."just like that" i replied.K not yet..she answered. May i know why??i asked..She was irritated,You want some more coffee?she asked.Yes..but before that i would like to know the reason. No serious reasons,had been in a couple of relations,1st one dint work,2nd one we mutually parted.After that i got busy with my paintings,shows,exhibitions,auctions,shoots etc, i travel a lot so no time..YOU HAPPY?? she made a face. You did your master in Psychology right??i asked.Yup,but i dint wanna make it my career.When was your last exhibition,I asked.Last November ,in Bangalore.God i love Bangalore,she said.Who doesn't?? i asked.My parents she chuckled.They don't wanna live their in Bangalore. "You just talk to him,Im in a shoot.ill call you soon" she read Ananad's Meassage. k LETS TALK..I SAID we got back to the drawing room,i looked at the paintings,she is a genius. Parents wanna cum back to Kerala,Bur bro is settled there,he is a scientist.Sister in law is from Bangalore,so he wouldn't come back.She said. Where in Bangalore does your family stay?? I asked.Marthahally.she replied.Brand Factory ,I said.Yea absolutely..she smiled. Why cant you bring your parents here in Thrissur,I asked.I wont be here Joe.Today Im here,tomorrow I will be in Bangalore,Next week Culcutta,if I'm married or bring parents here, i wouldn't do all these. My brother,we are 8 years apart,he is more like a DAD.He wanted me to do some research on Psychology and go UK or US.He is a technical man and Im a creative girl.we never get along.He never understands.In fact I never had a Brother,I had two DADS..she laughed out. Wait Mr.Verma is calling she picked the call."Verma Your,Friend is here,the most irritating visitor i ever had,he dropped into my kitchen, forced me to make black coffee" HA HA k,ill do that".."You are in Mumbai ryt??k.. bye..she kept the call. He wants me to show you my works.she said. She had a beautiful collection of paintings and photographs.Photographs with paintings as back grounds.You work on Photos?? I asked,Yep ..Central image or character will be a photograph..look at this work..see this temple is the center..These trees,clouds,people.. all are paintings. Marvelous..i started admiring her. My phone vibrated,Anand's Message."ask her to show you the "November Rain"". Thanu,,I would like to see November rain.I said. Thanus face changed..who told you about that??she asked.Anand.. He just messaged me. Well that's one photograph i dint alter.its a very special pic.. She opened her safe,took one album.. Took out one big photo and gave it to me.I looked into that photo.. I WAS SHOCKED..FROZEN "YELLOW FLOWERS ON WET ROAD,NEAR TO A CEMETERY,NEXT TO A TREE,A DRENCHED GUY ,WITH LONG CURLY HAIRS TILL SHOULDER,AND THICK BEARD,IN LOOSE V NECK FULL SLEEVE T SHIRT,SPREADING HIS ARMS,LOOKING UP TO THE SKY EMBRACING THE DROPS" i dint speak.. She stared at me.."IS THAT YOU"..SHE CRIED..OH !!! MY!!!!!! GOD!!!! she snatched that snap from me.she took a close look,IS THAT YOU JOE...OH MY GOODNESS...IS THIS YOU??????? SHE SHOUTED..she was shivering.i could see her neck veins . Yes... i replied.. BUT LONG HAIR,BEARD..YOU WERE THIN,,,,she was stammering.. this is 2 years back,,i had long hair that time.. SHE SAT ON HER BED..she was gasping..I was in my friends house..it started raining ,saw the yellow flowers on road from balcony,i went inside to take the camera,wen i returned ,i saw one guy embracing the rain..like he was posing for me..i clicked this snap..he stood under that tree for couple of minutes,then one red bike came he went with his friend.She said. that red bike ryt??? i pointed my finger to my room mates bike..she said yes..the same bike.. "I ALWAYS MISS AN YOUNGER BROTHER WHEN I EVER I SEE THIS SNAP..THAT'S WHY I DINT ALTER IT..I DON'T BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION JOE..BUT IF SOME THING LIKE TAT EXISTS..IM SURE ,THE BOY IN THIS SNAP WOULD HAVE BEEN MY YOUNGER BROTHER LAST BIRTH"...She was almost weeping..I NEVER HAD A BROTHER. Verma has seen this snap..he knows my attachment to this snap..she said. I WAS FROZEN..I COULDN'T TALK.. Thanu its 6.05..i must go.. She came to the door..I turned back.."Thanu,shall i tell you some thing..i asked Yes Joe You can,,she said.. "YOU SHOULD GET MARRIED"..I was shivering.. "Never had a brother to remind me"..she smiled..for the first time i found her smile genuine.. I started my byke..reached the main road..i took my phone..dialled Anand Verma's no: But he was out of coverage area......