EAST AND WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH<a href='http://www.blogsurfer.us/

There is always a contrast not only between the West and the East, but also between the North and the South.

The Northern hemisphere is rich; the South poor. North America wanted to abolish slavery, the South opposed it.

In India, Northerners hate the Madrasis and we heartily reciprocate the sentiment.  When it is cold winter for us, it is hot in South America and Australia.

Gujarat in the West is extremely conservative, very industrious and people united.

In the East, people are politically revolutionary, quarrelsome and very advanced in literature, culture and philosophy. Gujarat could not produce a Tagore or a J.C Bose.We do not have a single Advani in Bengal. Americans are capitalists; Communism is in Asia onlly.

All great religions like Budhism, Christianity and Mohammedanism were born in the East. Karl Marx was born in the Wet. up in the West.

Take any subject: East AND WEST ARE ALWAYS POLES APART!

SHORT STORY – JANE, MY HERO

She was our hero.

 To call her a heroine, is not in tune with her nature. Standing full five feet eight inches tall, she was taller than most men. Equally good in studies and sports, we in the women’s college were eager for her friendship.

 But she rarely mingled with us. She was not haughty; she just did not have the time to talk. She would come exactly at ten on her modest bicycle, in simple pants and shirt, and leave at five in the evening, to coach students in Physics and Maths., which were her favourite subjects.

 During break, she would eat the food she brought in her box. All our efforts to make her share our fast foods failed. Occasionally she took fruit juice offered by me and I was overjoyed.

 I ventured: are you alone? Don’t you have parents?

Yes, I live with them. I have a sister too.

 Where?

 Near the church. My father is a parson.

 Do you like to travel?

Very much; but my schedule is very tight.

 My name is Vidya.

 I have never been to a Hindu house.

Thereafter, we came closer to one another. My friends wanted to know every thing about her, but I knew very little.

 We were going for a picnic to a remote locality, of which I learned from the web. I was sponsoring the trip. There were only some ten girls. I somehow persuaded my hero to join us. When she agreed, I was jubilant.

 She had carried her painting materials. The spot was by the side of a hill. Almost as soon as we reached, she set up her things and started painting right in earnest

 I watched her face. Her brow was expansive, nose medium size and lips almost nonexistent; just two lines. Her eyes are two magnets capable of attracting even a blind man! So lively and dark.

Did not any boy make advances to you?

She looked surprised. Why do you ask this question?

 I did not know what to say.

 Jane : love is a foolish sentiment. Today you may like one. After marriage he will prove a different man.

 When it was time to rest, she looked around. There was none except the two of us. She removed all her cloths and jumped into the lake. She invited me but I felt shy. Her body was like a chiseled wood sculpture. I enjoyed watching every movement of her body. When I heard voices from a distance, I called out to her.

 She came up and wore the same cloths. Then we all had lunch.

 When she had finished her work, she drew the outline of my face but refused to show it.

Then onwards we became friends. One day I told her: some one is coming to see me; will you be there, to give me company?

 I felt relieved when she agreed. I drove her to my house. When we reached there, all had assembled to give her a resounding welcome.

 My younger brother Binoy was bubbling with joy. I felt jealous. Mother was seeing a Christian for the first time! Where will she sleep? I told her they are just like us. She will sleep in my room.

 We drove round the town, with Binoy in the back seat. In this short time he had become very much attached to my hero. She patiently explained all doubts he had in Physics. Binoy expressed his admiration for her ability to explain in simple terms, even complicated concepts.

 When the party came, I felt uneasy. Take it easy, she said. I insisted that she must sit by my side. I did not even look at him properly. When we returned to my room, I told her I do not want to marry.

 She: wait; let us know all details.

 Before she returned, she gave me my portrait. Do not open it now, she told me.

Later, whenn I opened it, I could not believe my eyes! Am I so cute? 

We three drove to her church to drop her there. It was a modest establishment, her dwelling little better than a slum. We distributed cakes, fruits etc. which we had brought with us, to all those present. I wanted to help her. I bought all her paintings, some of them quite good, for one lakh rupees, saying, my friends wanted them. I paid her a cheque, then and there. She was visibly moved. She even gave me a kiss!

 She got campus selection and joined the IIT, Kanpur. I felt lonely and bitter. I went on writing to her, though she replied only once in a month. Meanwhile, my marriage took place. I acted as a good daughter but felt empty at heart. Even the son, born within a year, failed to enliven my heart. He is a business man (or machine?), interested only in profits.

 Binoy joined a college at Kanpur, staying with my hero. I envied him.

 One day they came to see me. When I saw her I could not hold my tears. I embraced her and wept unashamedly.

We went to my father’s home and enjoyed those few days, dropped from heaven.

It is impossible to continue like this, I told Jane. Now she listened seriously. She is now more handsome, if I may put it that way. That night we slept together, talking almost the whole night. My husband was away on tour, not that it matters, in any way. He seldom talked to me. I went to Kanpur, with Jane and Binoy……