The fatal attraction-A short story by Sanjoy

He was a college blue both in cricket, foot ball and an excellent athlete. To aid to all these he was very good in studies and was fair and handsome. He was made an honorary member of a famous club of the Cuttack city called Rising Star. A fast bowler whom bats man did not like to face in nets and used to take wickets in dozens in matches. His name was Santayana.



The captain of the cricket team of Rising star Dr.Ansari was very fond of this young chap. On winning the converted trophy in inter district cricket tournament Mr. Fast bowler was called for a dinner at his home by Dr.ansari.



There he met the daughter of the doctor. She was extremely beautiful and fair.Both looked at each other and there was pin drop silence for few seconds when captain intervened and introduce them to each other. Her name was Zahida.

Doctor and Santayana talked about sports and cricket to which Zahida shared her views and expressed her desire to watch a cricket match. The Dinner was a typical Hyderabadi type which was liked very much by Mr. Fast. When Dr Ansari disclosed that all the items were cooked by her daughter there was a big laughter from Santayana. .

Don't tell me that she can cook.

Why? Asked, Dr Ansari.

Beautiful girls can never cook tasty food was the cool answer from Santayana.

Zahida blushed and went in side to bring Gajarka Halwa.

The meeting between Zahida and Santayana became more frequent. There was no objection from Dr Ansari as she was his only child and his wife was dead long ago and she was feeling very lonely in side that palatial building as the doctor took care of his patients in his nursing home.

Santayana came from a staunch Brahmin family and the writing was visible on the wall but love is blind as the saying goes. Things went ahead unplanned. Father of Mr Fast came to know about this love affair from a post card written to him by some unknown well wisher?

He along with his father came to Cuttack to meet the youth and sort out the problem as he was the only son of his parents. No amount of coaxing and advice could change the decision of Mr.Santayana and he was bent up on doing what ever it may come on his way.

Both father and Grand father of Mr.fast met Dr.Ansari and told him that they don't want any riot or communal problem in the city for their son.

Dr.Ansari told that he too was aware of the problems which lay ahead but he can't say no to his beloved daughter.

Sanatayana and Zahida too understood the gravity of the situation, they did not want to hurt the feelings of anyone but also were not ready to sacrifice their love for each other. Some time went by and attempts were made to make the girl and the boy change their minds but nothing worked. Finally it was Dr Ansari who could no longer bear the plight of his daughter agreed to her marriage with a hindu boy. His decision shocked the entire muslim community but his decision was firm. He also met Santayana's parents and tried to persuade them to support their children. When they realized that they had no choice, quite reluctantly they too gave their consent for the wedding.

It was an unusual event where mantras were chanted according to Hindu rites and 'nikaah' was performed according to muslim beliefs. Lot of people boycotted the wedding and those who were present were also quite apprehensive about the whole affair.

Finally Zahida arrived as a daughter-in-law to Santayana's family where she was not welcomed with open arms. She was an intelligent girl who was aware of the fact that she had to win many hearts in order to be fully accepted by her newly acquired family. She knew that she had to put her past behind her and take up the challenge that was ahead of her. Slowly she started to learn all the customs and rituals of Santayana's family. Unfortunately no one was appreciative of her efforts, they found ways to find faults with her but she didn't loose heart. Even when her husband who could not take any more humiliation for his wife tried to make his elders understand, she did not allow him to take her side, she rather asked him to remain quiet. She explained to him that it was her battle which she wanted to win on her own and he need not worry. Dr. Ansari was also concerned about his daughter's new life but determined Zahida assured him too that she was fine and happy.

Santayana now started to concentrate on the game of 'cricket' which he had ignored in the past due to his marriage and the complications attached to it. He realized that in Zahida he had found the love of his life but he had also lost the love and affection of the people who supported him. They saw an upcoming 'star performer' in him who would one day make them proud and bring glory to the state of Orissa. He made up his mind to get them all back and more. He started spending more and more time practicing at the nets. Ignoring all the criticism he kept delivering good performances, the batsmen dreaded him as his hunger for wickets seemed endless. Slowly his true fans who loved him for his game started to forget all about his inter-religion marriage. On the home front Zahida too started meeting with small successes, her in-laws had started to open up towards her non-retaliatory action and pleasant smile.

Finally the day that changed the lives of these two youngsters arrived, the news was everywhere, it was the only thing people were talking about since the 'hindu-muslim' wedding. Santayana was chosen for the National cricket team, his hard work and perseverance had paid off. At home everyone was rejoicing and in no time the same Zahida who was considered 'ill fated' became 'lucky' for the family.

It was tough and seemed unachievable but ultimately both Santayana and Zahida emerged victorious at their individual fronts. They set an example for a lot of people in love who come from extremely different environments and want to end up together. Most of them do not look beyond themselves but Santayana and Zahida did not stop even after getting together. They bravely took up the challenge of mending what they had broken – the trust and love of friends and family and of course 'fans'.


Sanjoy Kumar Satpathy,B/188 sector 18 Rourkela3