Yakshi, 2

Yakshi, 2

Mr & Mrs George were the quintessential,  married forever couple. Married long enough for people to think they were born married! They frowned at each other more than they smiled, and loathed more than enjoyed each other's company. But a rare topic they agreed upon was Saiju and what's best for him. Saiju was their only child, a recent college graduate and a Charmer par excellence. It was his thoughts and worries about his career, marriage & life in general that both the Georges obsessed about, together & solo. He was equally disappointing on all three fronts. While he had graduated from the University an year ago, he showed no inclination of doing job, or even looking for one. He spent his days at the gym, roaming around the city on his bike, and nights either drinking with friends or womanizing.

Tonight, as they took their customary post dinner walk around the building compound, they were quieter than usual, and spoke in monosyllables. On the surface, it sounded like couldn't care less apathy, but in reality was grave worry for their son's wayward ways. He had been spotted chatting up with the mysterious neighborhood spinster and tongues were roiling in gossip. She was variously seen as hypnotic beauty (by men of all ages) and a seductive witch (by the women). She never socialized with anyone in the society and revelled in her stylish, solo life. That she was a glamorous diva was something of a universal truth, that everyone acknowledged, happily or begrudgingly. Saiju had boldly asked her out to a drink and she had agreed. Tonight was the night. As he was  dressing up in smart casuals to meet her as a good neighbour and a bit of a fanboy, his parents were scared more than disapproving. He dabbed his most expensive cologne, on the neck, wrists and also a bit below the waist, just in case. Mr George couldn't control a sigh as he looked at his biggest project, his dear son, walk towards sure ruin. Ashi was a woman with a reputation. She fascinated many men, but most of them had the good sense to stick to the viewing and fantasizing. This idiot son of his, though, was intent on tempting his fate by actually taking this woman on a date.

Saiju rung the bell and waited, shuffling uncharacteristically. He also noticed that the bouquet he held was slipping due to the sweat on his palms. The self anointed playboy of Kochi was now scared and having second thoughts about this date. Should be just bolt back home and pretend he forgot about it? Should he own up to his squeamishness and tell he couldn't take her in that date? Should he.. The train of thought broke as the door opened and he found himself staring in stunned silence at the diva stranding in front of him. Now, Ashi was glamorous, even when she was putting out trash in faded pyjamas, ruffled hair and no makeup. But today was a different level altogether, as she looked splendid in a pearl white off shoulder dress, a necklace of large pearls on her neck, and white stilettos.

Saiju had to quickly gulp twice before he could gather himself and offer her the flowers. She smiled a wide smile, adding many more pearls to her ensemble. She leaned towards him and gave him a thank you peck, driving him into a deep crimson blush.

The evening went by in a blur for Saiju. They drove in her car, to her choice of restaurant, drank the merlot she chose to drink, ate the prawns she ordered. Mr playboy turned puppy was on a state of perpetual stun and only went with the flow, this exceptional evening. The next thing he remembered was them standing in her apartment, kissing passionately, clothes half off. Actually, what brought him to his senses was the sharp pain of her teeth digging into his neck. He started with a jolt, excused himself out of the embrace, picked his shirt and was out of the door in 10 seconds, buttoning up as he climbed down the stairs.

Next morning, back at the George household,  he woke up to his mother curiously considering his neck. As of dawned on her that there were teeth marks on her son , she let out a blood curdling scream and ran to tell her husband about what the witch had done to her dear son. Though the marks were declared harmless by the family doctor, Saiju was quiet and withdrawn the entire week that followed. He moped at home all the time, missing his gym, bike, friends and womanizing. He was struggling with his sudden lack of lost at the moment destiny presented him. He was struggling with self worth. He was struggling with.. Love??

His parents should have been happy that he was living a quiet, non rabble rousing life but they were scared that their only child had been snatched away by the witch. That bloody neighborhood witch.

 -Shankar