Rotten Strings

ROTTEN STRINGS

Living a life, as this one is not everyman’s dream and so wasn’t his. After such a rough childhood, any man would have been broken but he did not. His parents left for heaven as everyone told him; when he was 15. For a year and a half he spent his time just trying to get some money from his father’s accounts. Later, he discovered all the money was transferred to Mr. S. John’s account. Having no clue about that man, he found some details about him from the bank and went to visit him in his restaurant GOTCHA.
“Hey young man, how can I help you?” a fine looking gentle man said in a hoarse and shaky voce. “Well sir. I’m here to see Mr. S. John”, said Nick. “Oh, well that’d be me, son. But I’m sorry who are you? I don’t recognize you”, said the man. Nick said in I - don’t - know- much tone, “Sir, I seem to have got the information that all my Dad’s money is in your account. I fail to understand the reason why?” He didn’t know what else to say and so he kept looking in the old man’s eyes. The man cleared his throat and said, “What’s your name?” Nick was startled for a minute but said bluntly, “Nick Keg.” Mr. John’s eyes sparkled, his voice melted and he reached out and hugged him. He finally managed to say, “ You are Brian’s son. God! I just can’t believe this. I’m not sure what to say right now but I’m sorry to hear about Brian. Your Dad wanted you to work here in my restaurant, so would I. I’m sure we have a good and a decent life ahead.” Nick kept looking at him intensely. “Though I don’t have a looong life ahead”, Mr. John added with a small laughter.
Nick knew nothing about the man. But he had nowhere else to go. He somehow managed to stay in a small room lent by Mr. John. He started working in his restaurant. Life was as simple as possible. He worked morning to noon and in the evenings sat generally with Uncle John discussing his Dad and some future plans.
A year passed by, things were still the same except his job. Uncle John trusting him immensely now, asked him to deliver certain CONFIDENTIAL packets to his friend’s house. He had no problem to deliver them on a comfortable bike that was given to him and also the money paid remained the same. It was just six months for his birthday. He had not got a gift since his parents passed away. This year he had an intention he would get one for himself. He was indeed happy about it.
“Arrest this man!” said Uncle John. “But, sir.” Nick said to the cops pointing at Uncle John. “This man gave me these packets to deliver” But nothing was heard further. The cops arrested Nick for delivering drug packets. He landed in jail on his 18th birthday. HIS BIRTHDAY GIFT WAS NOT AS HE EXPECTED. He was in jail for three years. When he came out, he had nowhere to go but to his friend Ivian. He’d been his friend since their boyhood. They were very close and understood each other on almost everything. After reaching at Ivian’s place, he simply forgot everything and told him about his recently developed interest in music. Nick had made a guitar out of rotten strings and wood in the jail. He managed to make it, which in no way looked like one but indeed was one. They spoke about a lot of things. Nick told him how he landed in jail. Finally, since he had no doors opened for him, he decided to keep the playing spirit alive. Australia was the place with nice and busy market places where he played his guitar in the evening. Since he was used to of the guitar he made, he couldn’t really play the commercial ones. He didn’t even try to play the commercial ones sincerely though.
One evening as was customary to the usual days he was playing in the market place and he saw a lovely lady cross by with another girl. They sat on the bench opposite to him. He tried but couldn’t move his eyes from that tall, gorgeous exquisiteness. Their eyes met once or twice but it didn’t do him any good. The girls left after sometime as it started to get dark. It became a routine now that these two females would come walking and sit opposite to him on this bench. A few days passed and one of the girls came to him and said, “ Hello, I am Xean.” Nick introduced himself to her. Xean had somehow developed a strong liking for Nick but she never told anyone. Xean was a teenage studying in Australia. She wasn’t a native there; she had come from Arab where her mom lived. She was short and a little plump, but beautiful at heart. Soon Nick and Xean became friends.
A month later, Xean got the news that her mother was sick and she needed to attend her. Xean went back to Arab without informing Nick. In the evening, it was just her friend, the tall girl at the bench. Nick as usual after playing his guitar went to the bench. He was hesitant to speak to her for he never before had. They then introduced themselves and Nick asked about Xean. Her name was Laila; it was as beautiful as she looked, thought Nick. Laila told him about Xean leaving for Arab. Somehow it felt to Nick that today his chords played the correct note every time. And it was as if his heart simply sang it all. He felt good talking to her.
They met again the next day. Nick had forced Ivian to come that day for he wanted him to meet Laila. Ivian met Laila and then the three decided to dine together. It was great fun. Laila though was very much reluctant to go but it was fine by the end of it all. Ivian really liked Laila and he nicknamed her as LOLA for the way one of the Indian sitting next to their table pronounced her name. They burst out into laughter then.
Laila Jones was a young, tall brunette of 17 years. She was stunningly attractive and had beautiful brown eyes. Long pleated hair slid over her 14½-inch shoulders, which made her look vivacious. She was a real sensational beauty. People DID turn to look at her when she crossed them by. She was a carrier-oriented girl with high aims in life. She lived in Paris and was here for her higher studies. Being that strong headed about things she often had a conflict with Nick regarding his future. She coaxed him to pursue his playing career seriously but he was fine with making money on the streets. He simply wanted to mint money and become an overnight KING, which he couldn’t as Laila very well knew. He did not pay much heed to Laila when she told him to get serious but still pretended that he did. It seemed that God did listen to Laila for there were leaflets all over the place for a “Talent Hunt Competition” being organized in Australia. Laila was very excited and told Nick about it. Nick had no plans to go about some thing where he wasn’t even sure anything could happen for him. Laila still did not lose hope and forced Nick to participate. Nick finally agreed to go for it but unfortunately lost. He had simply tried it thinking he might get through in a stroke of luck. He was really depressed when the results were announced and told Ivian that somehow he felt bad for Laila even though he was the one to lose. Ivian kept shut and let him pour out all his dejection. When Nick was through telling Ivian his feelings he went to Laila’s place.
Ten minutes had passed and he was still outside Laila’s house ringing the bell. Finally, the door opened and Laila stood there her eyes flooded with tears. Nick was astounded. He reached out and held her by her shoulders, “What is the matter Laila?” he said with just about the same concern she expected out of him. She burst out into tears. Nick led her into the living room and made her take the weight off her feet on the couch. She cried for almost fifteen minutes and Nick simply looked at her. “ What the hell are you looking at???” Laila said, a little embarrassed. Nick laughed aloud and said, “ To see you cry is like seeing a personification of beauty. You look dramatic when you cry. How often do you cry by the way??” he asked teasingly. Laila hit him on his back playfully and got up from the couch. Nick pulled her back on the couch and kept his hands over her long splendor neck. His adrenaline rushed at that moment but he couldn’t tell why he felt that way since the time he had entered Laila’s house today. He could feel her blood also speeding up through her veins. For a moment or two they spoke nothing. Laila said in a sudden tone, “I am sorry Nick. I had complete faith in you winning today. During the practices you were amazing and more than that you were miraculous today at the competition but I am sorry you lost it. We sure will try harder next time.” She burst into tears again. Nick knew nothing he could possibly do but pushed her into his arms and held her tight. They loosened themselves after sometime and he kissed her on the cheek. “Go and wash your face now. And yeah remember you did this coz you wanted me to do something good for myself. And the main thing is that I don’t regret playing in the competition. Somebody had to loose. It was I this time; next time it will be my competitors.” Nick said in a responsive tone. They spent sometime in the garden on her swing after Laila had changed and come.
They were back to their old routine. Nick still played in the market place. And Laila continued her studies. Well, the only thing that had changed then was people’s reaction towards his song. It seemed that people had started recognizing him after the competition and every time someone would come up to him and appreciate him at his exceptional performance. They often requested him to play the same song he played at the competition. He was extremely happy and also told Laila about it. Laila kept shut initially but knew that people’s response was a good step and she could persuade him to try again. Nick, listening to people’s request had now also started to sing. Laila was happy and she asked Ivian to ask Nick to get a commercial guitar for himself. She made Ivian understand that Nick need not necessarily part with his guitar to get a new one but he could take a new one for future sakes and keep this one as a ‘life time asset’. Ivian did change Nick’s mind to buy a new guitar. It took him time but he soon got used to it.
A year had passed now. Laila and Nick were sitting on the same bench in the market place when unexpectedly a tiny, petite looking girl walked up to him. She was wearing pink and had a beautiful, day brightening smile. She pulled out a piece of paper in front of Nick and said in a very tender voice, “ I heard you at a stage show and you were remarkable. May I have an autograph please? I am a fan of yours and bought the tapes the very day they were released.” She kept smiling at him never-endingly. She said the finest words one could say to him in such a simple manner that Nick almost had tears in his eyes. He bent down to kiss the little girl and took her in his lap. He held her in his arms and gave the autograph. The little girl was pleased more than ever and asked him hesitatingly if she could ask her Mom to click a snap of theirs. Nick was speechless but Laila knew what he so much wanted to say and said on his behalf, “Sure sweetie, he’d love to!” The girl ran to her mother and pulled her. She then came and sat in his lap again and her mother clicked a few snaps. Laila asked the lady if she could get two pictures for Nick and herself. The lady obliged her happily. Nick was astounded at what just happened and Laila knew it was the time to hit the hot iron so she coaxed Nick to participate again that year also in the same competition. Nick said he’d do anything to see kids like these happy.
This time the hall was crowded more than ever. It was public voting and Laila was very happy for she was being intuitive about him winning this time. But she didn’t let out a word to anyone. The competition was tougher than last year’s. It was time now to announce the results. A fine gentleman came on the stage and announced the prizes.

NICK HAD WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laila and Ivian were more than happy. Nick went running after taking the trophy and hugged Ivian and Laila. Laila congratulated Nick and Ivian then took them outside, they left in his car. Ivian drove them straight to the airport. Nick asked Laila if she could stay longer, but Laila just managed to smile. On reaching the airport, Ivian took the baggage from the car and left both of them alone. Nick and Laila didn’t say a word to each other and quietly followed. Inside the airport Laila said, “Hey Nick. My treat is still due remember?? I’ll take it when I meet you next.” Nick just kept looking at her. A final announcement was made and Laila went and hugged Ivian, told him ‘thanks’ for everything. Ivian then left. She waited and then went to Nick, but before she could make a move he took out his hand in front of her. Laila shook hands with him and Nick simply said, “Bye and keep in touch” That was all he said, turned away from her and left. Laila felt as if she was brutally hit. She didn’t know why she felt that way but she was hurt down to her knees.
Nick was now a known star all over. A public figure as they say and he was genuinely busy. He was working very hard for his promotion tours. Australia was indeed the right place for him. But he was not really used to such a tough life. He now had an agent too, none other than Ivian off course. But things were not the same at Laila’s end. She was in a confused state for she did not really know why Nick had reacted that way at the airport even though all was fine. Since the day she had landed in Paris, she had somehow been waiting for Nick’s call. She never called him herself coz she had an “egoistic” problem as she described it best to herself.
Nick was all done with his promotion tours. He now had a concert, which could be privately called as his this time. It wasn’t on a large scale though as the basic motive for this concert was for his sponsor who wanted to check on his demand in Australia. The concert though was not much hyped all around the country and so maybe coz of that it had an average response. His sponsors were still happy, as the whole turnover of their concert was more than they expected. Ivian was equally happy for his friend’s success but somehow Nick was not that satisfied. He felt as if he was missing something. He went to Ivian and told him about how he felt. Ivian understood and realized he was missing Laila. Ivian explained it to Nick what Laila had done for him. He told him how she had encouraged a stubborn man like him to participate all over again in that competition. Ivian forced Nick to call Laila and said, “Hey dude! I know you were genuinely busy for these past days. And I also know it that deep down in your heart you expected her to call and your upset that she didn’t call. Maybe she has a genuine reason. Isn’t she one of those persons who would be very glad to know your success? Isn’t she the basic reason for you being here? Call her up man! Speak to her. Tell her about your concert and ask her how has she been doing all these days and yeah also about that friend of yours….. what was her name?? Xean! Bingo! All the best!” Nick called Laila but there was no response. He looked at Ivian with a little annoying look and told him she wasn’t there. They then decided to celebrate alone. It was fun. Nick got a call from one of his sponsors that he had to keep his shows all in track which means he had to do a show soon but in a different place. Somehow Nick knew exactly where the next place had to be.
“ But, sir! Paris is the most romantic city in the whole world and I think one of the most superb options for us. We can keep the show there and I’m sure it’ll be a great success.” Nick was convincing as ever. He knew how to get the wheels rolling and so he did it! He won over the show manager’s agreement for his next show to be in Paris. This indeed was a very important show for him as this was a real BIG concert. The practices were severe and really hectic. They made Nick sweat out a lot. The concert was all over in the papers. Ivian off course was there to support him. When they left for Paris Ivian thought about Laila coming to the show. He thought it was though strange for him to think that way since he didn’t know her that well but he knew she would be there.
The concert was scheduled for the late evening. The hall was big with an amazing atmosphere all over. The big walls seemed to be signifying Nick’s success and his diligence. The hall was full, the crowd was reassuring every certainty of the to-be-superstar’s success. When the show just had fifteen minutes to set in motion, Ivian had a crazy idea. He went on the stage and announced, “Laila Jones from Paris, you are requested to please come in the green room. I repeat I’m talking of LOLA-Laila. It’s very urgent and you need to report a.s.a.p.” Ivian then rushed to the green room where Nick was and stood outside the door waiting for Laila. She was nowhere in sight. After a while he saw a beautiful, smoldering face. It seemed to light up the whole atmosphere around him. Ivian noticed she had become more than wonderful. Her eyes still shone the way they always did. The charisma with which she walked towards him made him miss his beat twice. Laila came close to him. He could smell her. He was so close to her that he could now feel her presence. He knew nothing, had no clue what to say except to just move beside the door and wave a hand towards it as if asking her to do the favor to open the door herself and step in. Laila smiled at Ivian and went out to reach the door. She opened it and walked inside. As she moved in, she kept gazing at the room and suddenly her gaze met Nick’s. She was blank and it seemed Nick realized it. He moved forward and told her about the call he made. He spoke very casually as if reassuring Laila with every word that time had changed almost nothing in their relationship. There was a knock on the door. Nick went forward and opened the door. A lean looking man entered and informed Nick that the show had to start in the next fifteen minutes. Nick turned to Laila and before he could say something Laila said as simply as she could to remind him about his behavior at the airport, “Bye and keep in touch.” That was all she said. Nick kept staring at her for a minute or two and then turned to leave the room but as if a chord struck in his mind at that very moment, he turned back and said, “ I think I missed you Laila.” And he went off the door. Again!!!!!! Why does he have to do that to me!!!!! She felt once again what she felt then at the airport, she was hit again, this time more severely then ever. She stood there silent, broke and so her emotions overpowered her in all sense and tears started rolling over her cheeks. She sat down on the floor, broken in spirit, crying aloud!
Nick was bewildering in the concert, as if IRREPLACABLE! But there was one thing that was shocking for Ivian and all his team mates which was that all the songs Nick sang weren’t the ones’ they practiced. They were different! Though the tune was same, the words were different. He sang from all his heart and soul. After the concert Nick as usual went to Ivian and told him he was very happy. He as always had a habit to pour out things to Ivian. He told Ivian that after speaking to Laila he felt much lighter. And also something which, Nick observed was that all during the concert his eyes were fixed at hers. Ivian thought it was best to tell Nick about his feelings for Laila and so he said, “Dude you’re in love.” The expression on Nick’s face clearly signified as if that was what he actually wanted to hear. He felt so happy as though he could reach out and touch the sky. Nick without thinking any further rushed on the stage, held the mike in fact very tight and asked the crowd to wait. He then asked the guards to shut the door and not let anyone leave. There was a little chaos all around and Ivian was also a bit confused. Nick’s eyes were desperately searching for Laila. He finally found Laila, looked at her but couldn’t say anything as though he had a big lump in his throat that he couldn’t swallow. He looked at Ivian with hope-filled eyes. Ivian came on the stage and once again said teasingly, “ Laila Jones from Paris, could you please come on the stage. I repeat I’m talking of LOLA-Laila.”
Laila came on the stage. She felt each step that she took towards the stage grow heavier as she came close to it. The moment she reached the stage, her heart had almost stopped beating. She looked at Nick and then at Ivian but had no clue what was to happen next. With a sudden reaction after seeing her Nick went ahead towards her. He stopped in front of the mike and just managed to say, “Laila, I love you!” Laila was awestruck. She didn’t move a muscle in her body. She seemed to freeze. Nick was constantly looking at her. He was being very restless and waiting for her answer. Finally Laila looked at Nick in the eye and said, “ I love you more Nick.” The world was at their feet. Their happiness knew no bounds and so didn’t the crowds. His female fans seemed to break their hearts!!!!!! Nick and Laila hugged each other. Ivian jumped in between as if asking for the attention that he “wasn’t getting.” Ivian hugged Nick and congratulated Laila. He also complimented her on how beautiful she looked.
Nick and Ivian were still in Paris. They were winding up things after the concert. Nick was wondering what to wear? After all he had to go and meet Laila. Now since they were dating, he had to be careful about all this. Nick’s phone rang and to his surprise it was Xean. She told him she was in Australia and inquired about him. He told her he was busy in his concerts and that he would call her later. Nick had had a flamboyant idea. He went to Laila and told her about the call and how he thought about giving Xean a surprise by calling her at the airport and telling it to her then and there. Laila was happy to hear that and so Nick called Xean and told her to come and receive him at the airport. He hadn’t yet told her he was in Paris thinking she might be presumptuous. When Nick called Xean the second time she told him that Uncle John was no more. Nick was silent for a while but then he was OK by the end of it.
Nick, Ivian and Laila left for Paris the other day. In the plane they had lots of sleep, which they all were dying for. As they landed somehow Laila did not have a very good feeling. She had butterflies all over her stomach. But as soon as she saw Xean she was more than happy. She rushed to Xean with her spirits really high. Laila then lifted her right hand towards Xean and showed her the ring Nick gave her. Xean bluntly asked, “Who is the lucky man?” There was an inch of insecurity in her very words, which nobody sensed. Laila spoke nothing instead showed her the guitar. Xean instantly recognized the guitar. Breaking the silence came the man himself and he said, “ Haven’t I been lucky enough, Xean.” Laila teasingly said, “ Yeah! Yeah!” Ivian said hi to Xean. Xean was just shut. Laila sensed something was wrong since Xean did not give such a good reaction that a friend would to meet her friend’s boyfriend. She thought maybe Xean was upset coz of her mom and so she asked her. Xean said in an extreme plain tone, “ Even she left me.” Nick at that moment realized something was wrong in the air. He changed the topic telling Laila that the jet lag was heavy on his head and he wanted to rest. He asked her if she was coming along? Laila said, “ I think someone else needs me more.” Laila went with Xean and Nick and Ivian went to Ivian’s house. Xean asked her how all that happened? Laila told her the whole story and admitted that she was a little confused about the relationship since she never expected landing where she was now. She told her it was more than impossible for her to swallow this relationship because Nick and she were poles apart. Laila was completely drowned in Nick’s thoughts at that moment. She told Xean that whenever she looked at him she felt how happy it would be to have this man with her for all her life. His dark backcombed hair was symbolic of his young age. He was accurately tall and when he stood with her it seemed they were made for each other, as the height difference was purrfect. He wasn’t too broad for her, absolutely the way she always wanted. He had dark brown eyes, which, were too deep in every sense and said almost everything. Xean patiently listened and left after sometime saying she had an important meeting for her job.
There was no contact with Xean for over a week now. Laila asked Nick if he knew anything but he too didn’t. Laila was a bit worried but she managed to sleep. It was 3:00 am when the bell rang. Laila was amazed to see Xean at the door. She asked her where she was since all these days? Xean asked her to sit outside and talk. Xean had managed to formulate a very convincing story to tell Laila and Nick. She told Laila how she met a man in Arab and fell in love with him but before she could admit it to the man himself her friend got engaged to him. Laila was taken aback and understood every reason for Xean to be behaving the way she was. They spoke about it for a long time and Xean kept telling Laila she wanted to go back to Arab. Laila didn’t really respond, it was then late so they dozed off.
In the morning when Nick came, Laila told him about Xean and that man Xean was talking about last night. Nick suggested he should speak to her and Laila was ok with it. While talking to Xean, Nick felt that there was a little discomfort that she was facing while talking to him. This was something, which was very unusual of Xean. He persuaded her to tell the complete truth and so she confessed that it was him whom she loved. Nick was silent. He just didn’t know how to react. Xean came forward and held his hand, she told him she had accepted the truth very well and she wanted to go back. Nick asked her to promise him that she’d take care of herself and keep in touch. Xean nevertheless was an outstanding human being. Nick felt very low of himself at that time but Xean cheered him up by telling her what Laila likes and dislikes and how lucky he was to have her. Xean left for Arab but Laila was still very worried about her. Nick assured her she’d be all right. After they had dropped Xean at the airport Nick had asked Ivian to drive the car and he himself had gone to the back seat where Laila was. He went close to her and said in a very playful manner, “Don’t you think we must also talk.” Laila looked at him and said mischievously, “ What do you want to talk about???” Nick brushed his fingers through her hair and then said with a never ending impish smile, “ Some nasty things maybe” Laila pushed him off her and said firmly but with a huge grin on her startling face, “ I am sorry, you are mistaken. I am really not that kinda girl.” Nick laughed aloud and said,“ Sweet heart, I am sorry but I am that kinda Guy.” They continue the brawl as ever.
Ivian got married to his all time girlfriend Liza. After their marriage Ivian and Nick decided to take the lovely ladies to Switzerland for a holiday. They had a blast there but as usual Nick and Laila had to have a fight and so they did. The topic was more than interesting this time. Laila after seeing Ivian with his wife Liza inquired Nick when were they getting married? Nick told her very roguishly, “ Well, I won’t marry a woman who isn’t the ‘nasty’ types.” Laila pretended to be furious at this and walked off. She went to a cliff and sat down there. She could hear some footsteps behind her and knew deeply inside her heart that it was Nick and so it was. He asked her, “ What is the matter sweetie?” The voice was coming from a distance so Laila to make herself audible said aloud, “ I don’t want to talk to you.” There was no reply. She could not hear HER Nick’s footsteps anymore. She turned and saw Nick hanging on a cliff’s end. She almost froze. She rushed towards him but by the time she did, Nick fell off and died……….

Story created by:
Maryada Khiwani
Trapti Sharma and
Samreen Ismail.
Story written by:
Samreen Ismail


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