A fish like me
Jan 2 2006 | Views 1333 |
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A FISH LIKE ME
“Ah! Yes I feel in love with a mermaid ,
True sir , your daughter is beautiful ,
But you see to me the mermaid is more beautiful ,
Even if to the rest of the world your daughter remains to be the
Most beautiful .” I told this sadly to a man Jimbo who has a smart ,
Beautiful daughter liking me . You maynot understand this mermaid love
I have ,let me tell you about my love .
I was on the park bench reading a newspaper when this lady came to me
With her dog , I loved her doggy named Jimmy and then I talked to his
Owner , who is Kimmy . She was beautiful , cheerful , and had a lot in her
That she likes to show to the world .
“ Jimmy , is a doll really , I see you like dogs “
I am friendly in nature and love sweet company , she was a confident
Women , and friendly so I conversed with her .
“ no , don’t mind them “
“he smiles acts good to get rewarded , my dog drinks coffee ,guess he wants coffee ,
which you left in that coffee cup .”
I looked at the stupid girl I felt , why would I feed her dog with coffee ,
I showed my astonished look on my face , which I assure you is innocent ,
Confidence inspiring in people and I am an honest man .
“ No , I don’t want your coffee , I was simply talking about my dog ,
and explaining his intention to you “ . I smiled inside , which I think
I showed it ofcourse I appreciate her telling me about that dog’s intentions
I anyway gulped my coffee and offended her like an idiot , and it was not
Tasting good , damn bitter liquid invading my throat almost coming back to
My nostrils and erupting like a lava from my throat .
As told , I am too honest , all my feelings could be seen from my face .
I felt awkward while she enjoyed seeing it , making me feel again like an idiot .
“ excuse me “ , I brought out the coffee gas from my gas chamber , loudly
for her to hear , a belch as it is called . That brought about the sound of
silence between both of us , obviously because it was embarrassing .
I saw even her dog seemed to look at me intently , he liked me
I could see it from its face . We innocent people can see innocence in others ,
Even if the other is a dog .
She told me a bye and left , I managed to stoke that dog which , gave me my normal spirits back .
I resumed reading my newspaper , when I heard her say ,“Hi , Mrs Stokam how is your fish doing “
“great , Anita , you should see them now I have a lot of mini fishes up “
“oh , how nice , Jimmy boy cannot be brought , he bites and plays a lot “
Stokam smiled at the dog . After sometime Stokam became serious “ how about the idea of the mermaid show , you can be the mermaid Anita .“ She smiled with no answer , no conformation ,
Oh so the girl acts in dramas and plays , and lives nearby .
Another Sunday morning I came to buy milk ,
She was with Jimmy , showing it leaves and
Explaining to it , or so I thought she did .
“oh now , what is disturbing you Jimmy “,
again that dog is honest , I told it already .
Yes it lost its concentration .
Jimmy shouted by barking seeing me
And I stared at it with my honest , innocent look .
Anita also known as Kimmy kept looking at me
Then her dog , and waited for us to act .
“ Jimmy , how are you doggy “ ,
I took the milk and forgot to pay going towards Jimmy .
“Sir , Sir , pay , pay , pay” .
The man stood up and I DROPPED THE PACKETS ,
Possibly feeling that it was better taking the milk packets
Back then catching me and retrieving money , he took them.
I should be thankful he did not cause me embarrassment ,
Which I am actually , till date.
Jimmy was overjoyed shaking his tail ,
But remained calm and well behaved .
“so he likes people I see” I say and smile ,
not at her ,but it was a natural blooming of feelings
which I showed . I touched his head , and he looked at
me . “ mind coming along ,” she asked me ,
she spoke out Jimmy’s feelings I could understand
and I took Jimmy , almost ignoring her .
I touched him on the head and he received them ,
But sooner or later he would get bored of that ,
So we went for a walk . The girl was not happy ofcourse ,
I suppose she would scold the dog to warn it not to interact with strangers ,
But I am a good guy , its obvious from my face .
I was like a boy , whom people can talk to ,
For I was shy , this was not however obvious from my face .
“ so , “I could see it in her , she was smiling and laughing
thinking about the other day inside her , a slight blush sort of
expression made it clear , then she swallowed it .
“no coffee today , what about milk”,
I saw her and opened my mouth , oh I totally forgot .
“that is ok , I shall buy it for you , lets walk to the milk stall “
Again I was like a boy not able to react like a man ,
I followed her dragging Jimmy , and feeling once again like
An idiot .
She brought the milk while I held Jimmy
And I knew Jimmy is found of biting milk packets ,
So did he bark out of love he had for me or the milk packet ?.
I felt a little sad thinking about this , but Jimmy was hugging my leg
Then looking at me , now what do you want doggy?.
Anita exchanged the milk packets for the dog ,
And then she nodded me to come along .
She went to the coffee stall , giving Jimmy a stick ,
And brought two coffees one for me ,
Then the other for herself and she I suppose would give some to
The dog . She dipped the stick in her coffee and Jimmy was fondly licking it ,
It was stupid I thought of her and her dog again .
“he really likes coffee , I drink tea , I am afraid that he may swallow and choke biting
the plastic cup , but anyway .“ She held the coffee cup inclined for it ,
and it drank licking and licking , like a good doggy .
I was touched , I smiled and lost myself looking at the doggy .
Then I looked at her hands then her mature self handling her pet ,
And then looked away .She threw the cup , crushing it smartly
With her hands . She was delicate but strong , and so neat she dragged
Jimmy with her and deposited the cup in the trash at its rightful place .
I was holding my coffee , and she suddenly turned and smiled ,
“drink your coffee slowly “ . I nodded doing exactly the opposite ,
but I did not gulp , I just drank coffee nervously.
She looked at me fondly , like as if I was her doggy .
She took the cup gently and crushed it throwing it into the dustbin .
I let her do it . We walked and Jimmy was between us , it
Enjoyed being between us , and I am no longer a stranger to her
So her dog will escape scolding . “he never gets tired ,
And seeing him I never get tired , I take him every Sunday
To dog club , will you like to come along “
I did not know what to do ,
Because I don’t understand what she said.
“dog club?”, I asked totally honest and innocent.
“oh it’s a club where dog owners come together ,
I am a trainer , I look after animals there and that
Is Jimmy’s home , he is my dog but is independent living in
A dog hostel .” She said that so softly and innocently ,
I nodded my head , slightly hypnotized I think .
“Come today I will show you around and bring your friends too
who are dog lovers .“
I enthusiastically nod my head thinking of my sister and dog chimbo ,
She has friends , a dog community she has ! .
“Good “ , she smiled and she gave me the address and I look at the card ,
scratching my head . When I looked up she was gone at a distance with her back and Jimmy’s back
smartly walking the road ahead . I walked home , feeling like a salesman just sold me a product
talking me to buy it . Then after sometime I made coffee , and drank it at my leisure ,
started to my sisters place , feeling fine again .
My sister Renuka’s dog came inviting me ,
Like as if I was its uncle . My sister was happy seeing me ,
Usually she is otherwise somehow busy .
She said she won’t mind visiting the dog club ,
But did not like the girl , why would she like me
And invite me over ? , she assured me I am not a attractive man ,
I had girlfriends who always boss over me , so my love life
Is a utter failure. .”friendly gesture , my sis , your brother is a good person”
That she agreed and understood.
I went my way to the dog house ,
I don’t want my sister and her friends coming over
With their dogs , I am allergic to sole mass female company .
Though she invited some men too , I don’t want to accompany them ,
Have a quite heart full day of peace was my attitude .
It was a perfect sunny Sunday , and I ENJOYED rounding places ,
Thinking of nothing but the happy , good spirited mind giving me company .
The dog club had a name as” companions of mermaid club – all and anykind of pet
Lovers invited “
I felt that mermaid figure sounded familiar , and began to ponder at
The cloth message at the top to the entrance of the place .
It was connected to Anita , was this the dog club place .
I went inside anyway , there were stalls selling pet products ,
Stalls for pet hair styling , stalls for click photo with your pet ,
Stalls as entertainment camps for pets , nice , interesting stuff .
There was one which announced for personality development
Of pets , I was off stuck with this place , my sister and her associates will love it .
There was more there in that place , but I wanted a simple , peaceful place ,
Not something like this definitely Then I craved for Anita for the only dog company I
Could think of was Jimmy , where was Anita? .
At a small shed or stall or whatever you call it , Anita was there ,
She was all green , blue and slimy , a mermaid.!..
It was a fish aquarium and cat was laying down on a chair
Next to Anita. it had a tag announcing “ assistant of mermaid , junior Kimmy “
Anita was in professional form but I was lost , confused wanting to seek a known company .
I could not make out weather she smiled or not , but I looked around her shed ,
She still does not know my name , I felt like an idiot accepting her invitation at the first place .
She looked at me with enthusiasm , showing to me junior Kimmy for me to stoke .
I stoked junior Kimmy , a lazy cat , it never minded touches , some job ,
I felt like a kid with this urge of playing with that green striped , black cat .
Anita looked elsewhere soon , there were others visiting her shed ,
I followed her , she was showing the different , marine creatures
She had in store . The cat was with her awake and useless .
A turtle , she showed and I FELT SHE WAS SOFT compared to that
Hard exterior of the turtle . She was a extremely beautiful mermaid herself ,
BUT EVEN THEN SHE BROUGHT TO NOTICE THE REAL creatures ,
What could I say other than that I felt that she was wonderful .
I was running behind her and I seemed more like her assistant .
“There now that is beautiful is he not , he is 35 years old ,
how old are you young men , older or younger “
I stammered and said younger , she smiled “ but he can a longer
Life than you , make a guess.” She gave me junior Kimmy and
I stoked it unconsciously while dealing with her .
It was good both for me and the useless cat , for it gave me solance ,
And I GAVE IT WHAT IT APPARENTLY LIKED THE MOST stokes .
“100” “ more or less right its life time is 200years”
Then she smiled at the others though its effect was lessened because of the
Strong make up “ please visit our animal library stall , and ask the animal wizard
Any questions you like , its just some five stalls away from here .“
I smiled at the crowd , she had a handsome assistant I suddenly felt .
“what’s your name” some man asked her ignoring me , “ that is not necessary ,
anyway you can call me mermaid , he is my caretaker mermaid bait”
“hi”, the man said ,” I LIKE YOUR SHOW , if you want to host any other contact me “
He gave a smile to her and ignored me .
“mermaid bait ! Kimmy? .” She never listened to me , and I became her assistant busy
answering her questions . Many young girls ofcourse commented that I looked cute ,
I was proud with whatever I was doing . My sister was laughing seeing me , and asked me questions ,
Which the mermaid answered again somehow using me to get it .
I sat next to Anita with that cat , smiling at others , slowly I became prominent and cooperated in
Being Anita’s assistant in par with her . She congratulated me in my performance .
I had photos with Anita with my arms around her .
I had make up too , she summoned beauticians to
Make whiskers for me , I was a pussy cat and she was
A big beautiful mermaid . Fish sales were going on ,
We did indirectly a lot of help in popularizing it .
Again at many movements I became an idiot .
One such incidence was I was showing a crab with
A weird name , and put my finger inside its jar or mini tank
Or what ever you can call it , that creature bit me and I shouted ,
“ouch”!. I immediately smiled while at the back shaking my hand ,
but then my face will show what I feel , I was a clown .
Anita kept admiring me and I LIKED IT ,
What can you expect . I got deals to host shows too ,
I was in euphoric top form , I WOULD HAVE LOVED THE
Whole world seeing and admiring me . After a long while ,
Anita said she had other shows , one mermaid dance and told me
I can be her partner . I was taken over by her pressure ,
Literally flying with her . I refused , ofcourse , but I WENT WITH HER ,
Like her dog or something . Thinking like that I started to wonder where her
Doggy Jimmy was .
I asked her about Jimmy , she said it had a show of its own ,
And left me confused as usual . It was true fame I experienced ,
And I was in the company of a beautiful women ,
It was a dream really , a dream .
Anita held me a lot , introduced me to a lot of her friends and she knew my name
Which was PURUSHRAVI , a horrible name which I am used to ,
My Dad is really bad in keeping names and my Mom is even worst ,
So with their joint decision they gave me a bad name , which now really I don’t mind .
I sat with Anita , and saw shows .
Dog Jimmy was performing amazing tricks with other doggies .
Water world presentation came up and they dressed me as a mermaid man ,
“oh come on Ravi , its just a show”
“why mermaid man , I am not your couple “
“well , you are not , and you won’t become one if
you be acting like a mermaid man , please , please “
“ok , all right “,
Apparently , I am the king of the ocean and Anita the queen ,
And we protect the marine animals and we talked about them .
She moved here and there rhythmically , and so did I but I
Fell down clumsily . I t gave lot of laughs “ now king ,
You’re a horrible dancer , dear you’re a embarrassment for me in
Parties , but I don’t mind it because I love you dear “
For this I replied ,” I know it , dear “. In that scene I take her
Soft hand and kiss it , she did not like it , as one can make out
With that uncertainty in her face .”I love you my queen”.
For this she moved away smiled , “that goes without saying “,
She managed that part that way .
The show went well , though she never allowed to get intimate with me ,
Her eyes showed mild anger . We bowed together still all smiling .
She went away first time leaving me , and I felt I spoiled the show .
My sister said I WAS fabulous . I visited Jimmy in the middle .
Anita was alone somewhere first time looking distracted .
I went to her like a man “ ANITA , that was nothing but a kiss at the hand “
First time I felt attracted to her with that angry look ,
“I never expected that , you never asked me if you could kiss me be it even at
my hands “ “ I am sorry , it was only part of the show , I assure you “
Her eye gaze became soft again “ then forget it , sorry I made a fuss “
I nodded reassuringly , and left . I feel in love with her my mermaid girl ,
And I REALLY wanted to kiss her , I never felt like that ever in my life .
I was a changed man , not a innocent , soft , doggy man for beautiful girls .
My sister had a chat with Anita and I joined at the side of my sister ,
My sister is a wonderful conversator , and can talk to anybody ,
She liked Anita . Anita thanked me soon and said she would have to leave ,
I looked at her eyes , and took her hand and squeezed it , I kneeled down
Holding her hand and was trying to say something . Anita was only mildly
Surprised , then I took courage . I held her hand that I kissed loosely but
Sweetly , Anita had a pleasant look at her face , and I knew she knew what
I would more or less say . “ Anita … “ I scratched my head , “Anita ,
I had a lovely day , thank you for it , I really like you , can we see more of us together “
She took her hand off , “Ravi , never expected you to get romance that too with me ,
I don’t like all this , sorry , your sweet and all but I am not interested ,
You’re a fine guy , really , but no I am not…”
“interested” I completed her sentence . I let my breath off , and my eyes got watery ,
no girl really likes me , maybe she has a boyfriend .Then I REMEMBERED I am engaged
to a girl called Julia , my parents arranged some dumb girl for me .
I left Anita not looking at her , I Know I would be fine soon , I don’t let things bother me .
Now I TOLD Julia’s Dad THAT I love someone and broke the engagement .
I see Anita now and then in morning walks and I visit her with my sister to the dog house .
My sisters dog Chimbo has got lot of friends and it really likes the company of a female dog
Called Lilly . Lilly likes Chimbo too , and the rest I think even dogs deserve privacy .
Julia is more serious and guarded with me , once again a movement came where we got romantic.
She was stoking Jimmy and I was stoking Jimmy and our heads hit ,
We looked at each other , and then touched my rough cheeks ,
And then we laughed . I hosted another show as her assistant in commenting about dogs ,
It was a great comedy show . I hugged her , it was mutual , because we hugged out of joy
In our success in hosting a joint show , it meant nothing else . We meet each other often ,
And hosted another show , this time I was assistant to some other lady , named Rita ,
But I longed for the company of none other than Anita .
I met her in the morning again and I wished Jimmy first as usual ,
She was all smiling , and I wondered why . I never bothered in giving her extra notice .
She gave me a gift and smiled , I wondered what it was . I opened the cover ,
And I smiled . It was a photo of her and me , well posed and happy , and cat Kimmy
Was visible .There was a note saying” I like you Ravi , I more than just like you ,
Maybe love you , what do you say ? . “
I smiled , “ I say I love you “ , her eyes were filled with romance and she kissed me
Softly in my cheeks . I hesitated then kissed her cheeks too .With Jimmy boy in the middle
We never went further . We became very intimate in our shows later and we loved every movement
Staying together . We became the topic of gossip , but we never cared .
We are engaged , its been 6 months , in another 6 months will be our wedding day ,
Everybody are invited . Jimmy , and Chimbo are great friends , more like brothers ,
And that is good news I suppose .
In the photo which my girl presented me I resemble a fish , that is why I call my story
Title “ A fish like me “ . After all I found my love in the form of a fish….
“Ah! Yes I feel in love with a mermaid ,
True sir , your daughter is beautiful ,
But you see to me the mermaid is more beautiful ,
Even if to the rest of the world your daughter remains to be the
Most beautiful .” I told this sadly to a man Jimbo who has a smart ,
Beautiful daughter liking me . You maynot understand this mermaid love
I have ,let me tell you about my love .
I was on the park bench reading a newspaper when this lady came to me
With her dog , I loved her doggy named Jimmy and then I talked to his
Owner , who is Kimmy . She was beautiful , cheerful , and had a lot in her
That she likes to show to the world .
“ Jimmy , is a doll really , I see you like dogs “
I am friendly in nature and love sweet company , she was a confident
Women , and friendly so I conversed with her .
“ no , don’t mind them “
“he smiles acts good to get rewarded , my dog drinks coffee ,guess he wants coffee ,
which you left in that coffee cup .”
I looked at the stupid girl I felt , why would I feed her dog with coffee ,
I showed my astonished look on my face , which I assure you is innocent ,
Confidence inspiring in people and I am an honest man .
“ No , I don’t want your coffee , I was simply talking about my dog ,
and explaining his intention to you “ . I smiled inside , which I think
I showed it ofcourse I appreciate her telling me about that dog’s intentions
I anyway gulped my coffee and offended her like an idiot , and it was not
Tasting good , damn bitter liquid invading my throat almost coming back to
My nostrils and erupting like a lava from my throat .
As told , I am too honest , all my feelings could be seen from my face .
I felt awkward while she enjoyed seeing it , making me feel again like an idiot .
“ excuse me “ , I brought out the coffee gas from my gas chamber , loudly
for her to hear , a belch as it is called . That brought about the sound of
silence between both of us , obviously because it was embarrassing .
I saw even her dog seemed to look at me intently , he liked me
I could see it from its face . We innocent people can see innocence in others ,
Even if the other is a dog .
She told me a bye and left , I managed to stoke that dog which , gave me my normal spirits back .
I resumed reading my newspaper , when I heard her say ,“Hi , Mrs Stokam how is your fish doing “
“great , Anita , you should see them now I have a lot of mini fishes up “
“oh , how nice , Jimmy boy cannot be brought , he bites and plays a lot “
Stokam smiled at the dog . After sometime Stokam became serious “ how about the idea of the mermaid show , you can be the mermaid Anita .“ She smiled with no answer , no conformation ,
Oh so the girl acts in dramas and plays , and lives nearby .
Another Sunday morning I came to buy milk ,
She was with Jimmy , showing it leaves and
Explaining to it , or so I thought she did .
“oh now , what is disturbing you Jimmy “,
again that dog is honest , I told it already .
Yes it lost its concentration .
Jimmy shouted by barking seeing me
And I stared at it with my honest , innocent look .
Anita also known as Kimmy kept looking at me
Then her dog , and waited for us to act .
“ Jimmy , how are you doggy “ ,
I took the milk and forgot to pay going towards Jimmy .
“Sir , Sir , pay , pay , pay” .
The man stood up and I DROPPED THE PACKETS ,
Possibly feeling that it was better taking the milk packets
Back then catching me and retrieving money , he took them.
I should be thankful he did not cause me embarrassment ,
Which I am actually , till date.
Jimmy was overjoyed shaking his tail ,
But remained calm and well behaved .
“so he likes people I see” I say and smile ,
not at her ,but it was a natural blooming of feelings
which I showed . I touched his head , and he looked at
me . “ mind coming along ,” she asked me ,
she spoke out Jimmy’s feelings I could understand
and I took Jimmy , almost ignoring her .
I touched him on the head and he received them ,
But sooner or later he would get bored of that ,
So we went for a walk . The girl was not happy ofcourse ,
I suppose she would scold the dog to warn it not to interact with strangers ,
But I am a good guy , its obvious from my face .
I was like a boy , whom people can talk to ,
For I was shy , this was not however obvious from my face .
“ so , “I could see it in her , she was smiling and laughing
thinking about the other day inside her , a slight blush sort of
expression made it clear , then she swallowed it .
“no coffee today , what about milk”,
I saw her and opened my mouth , oh I totally forgot .
“that is ok , I shall buy it for you , lets walk to the milk stall “
Again I was like a boy not able to react like a man ,
I followed her dragging Jimmy , and feeling once again like
An idiot .
She brought the milk while I held Jimmy
And I knew Jimmy is found of biting milk packets ,
So did he bark out of love he had for me or the milk packet ?.
I felt a little sad thinking about this , but Jimmy was hugging my leg
Then looking at me , now what do you want doggy?.
Anita exchanged the milk packets for the dog ,
And then she nodded me to come along .
She went to the coffee stall , giving Jimmy a stick ,
And brought two coffees one for me ,
Then the other for herself and she I suppose would give some to
The dog . She dipped the stick in her coffee and Jimmy was fondly licking it ,
It was stupid I thought of her and her dog again .
“he really likes coffee , I drink tea , I am afraid that he may swallow and choke biting
the plastic cup , but anyway .“ She held the coffee cup inclined for it ,
and it drank licking and licking , like a good doggy .
I was touched , I smiled and lost myself looking at the doggy .
Then I looked at her hands then her mature self handling her pet ,
And then looked away .She threw the cup , crushing it smartly
With her hands . She was delicate but strong , and so neat she dragged
Jimmy with her and deposited the cup in the trash at its rightful place .
I was holding my coffee , and she suddenly turned and smiled ,
“drink your coffee slowly “ . I nodded doing exactly the opposite ,
but I did not gulp , I just drank coffee nervously.
She looked at me fondly , like as if I was her doggy .
She took the cup gently and crushed it throwing it into the dustbin .
I let her do it . We walked and Jimmy was between us , it
Enjoyed being between us , and I am no longer a stranger to her
So her dog will escape scolding . “he never gets tired ,
And seeing him I never get tired , I take him every Sunday
To dog club , will you like to come along “
I did not know what to do ,
Because I don’t understand what she said.
“dog club?”, I asked totally honest and innocent.
“oh it’s a club where dog owners come together ,
I am a trainer , I look after animals there and that
Is Jimmy’s home , he is my dog but is independent living in
A dog hostel .” She said that so softly and innocently ,
I nodded my head , slightly hypnotized I think .
“Come today I will show you around and bring your friends too
who are dog lovers .“
I enthusiastically nod my head thinking of my sister and dog chimbo ,
She has friends , a dog community she has ! .
“Good “ , she smiled and she gave me the address and I look at the card ,
scratching my head . When I looked up she was gone at a distance with her back and Jimmy’s back
smartly walking the road ahead . I walked home , feeling like a salesman just sold me a product
talking me to buy it . Then after sometime I made coffee , and drank it at my leisure ,
started to my sisters place , feeling fine again .
My sister Renuka’s dog came inviting me ,
Like as if I was its uncle . My sister was happy seeing me ,
Usually she is otherwise somehow busy .
She said she won’t mind visiting the dog club ,
But did not like the girl , why would she like me
And invite me over ? , she assured me I am not a attractive man ,
I had girlfriends who always boss over me , so my love life
Is a utter failure. .”friendly gesture , my sis , your brother is a good person”
That she agreed and understood.
I went my way to the dog house ,
I don’t want my sister and her friends coming over
With their dogs , I am allergic to sole mass female company .
Though she invited some men too , I don’t want to accompany them ,
Have a quite heart full day of peace was my attitude .
It was a perfect sunny Sunday , and I ENJOYED rounding places ,
Thinking of nothing but the happy , good spirited mind giving me company .
The dog club had a name as” companions of mermaid club – all and anykind of pet
Lovers invited “
I felt that mermaid figure sounded familiar , and began to ponder at
The cloth message at the top to the entrance of the place .
It was connected to Anita , was this the dog club place .
I went inside anyway , there were stalls selling pet products ,
Stalls for pet hair styling , stalls for click photo with your pet ,
Stalls as entertainment camps for pets , nice , interesting stuff .
There was one which announced for personality development
Of pets , I was off stuck with this place , my sister and her associates will love it .
There was more there in that place , but I wanted a simple , peaceful place ,
Not something like this definitely Then I craved for Anita for the only dog company I
Could think of was Jimmy , where was Anita? .
At a small shed or stall or whatever you call it , Anita was there ,
She was all green , blue and slimy , a mermaid.!..
It was a fish aquarium and cat was laying down on a chair
Next to Anita. it had a tag announcing “ assistant of mermaid , junior Kimmy “
Anita was in professional form but I was lost , confused wanting to seek a known company .
I could not make out weather she smiled or not , but I looked around her shed ,
She still does not know my name , I felt like an idiot accepting her invitation at the first place .
She looked at me with enthusiasm , showing to me junior Kimmy for me to stoke .
I stoked junior Kimmy , a lazy cat , it never minded touches , some job ,
I felt like a kid with this urge of playing with that green striped , black cat .
Anita looked elsewhere soon , there were others visiting her shed ,
I followed her , she was showing the different , marine creatures
She had in store . The cat was with her awake and useless .
A turtle , she showed and I FELT SHE WAS SOFT compared to that
Hard exterior of the turtle . She was a extremely beautiful mermaid herself ,
BUT EVEN THEN SHE BROUGHT TO NOTICE THE REAL creatures ,
What could I say other than that I felt that she was wonderful .
I was running behind her and I seemed more like her assistant .
“There now that is beautiful is he not , he is 35 years old ,
how old are you young men , older or younger “
I stammered and said younger , she smiled “ but he can a longer
Life than you , make a guess.” She gave me junior Kimmy and
I stoked it unconsciously while dealing with her .
It was good both for me and the useless cat , for it gave me solance ,
And I GAVE IT WHAT IT APPARENTLY LIKED THE MOST stokes .
“100” “ more or less right its life time is 200years”
Then she smiled at the others though its effect was lessened because of the
Strong make up “ please visit our animal library stall , and ask the animal wizard
Any questions you like , its just some five stalls away from here .“
I smiled at the crowd , she had a handsome assistant I suddenly felt .
“what’s your name” some man asked her ignoring me , “ that is not necessary ,
anyway you can call me mermaid , he is my caretaker mermaid bait”
“hi”, the man said ,” I LIKE YOUR SHOW , if you want to host any other contact me “
He gave a smile to her and ignored me .
“mermaid bait ! Kimmy? .” She never listened to me , and I became her assistant busy
answering her questions . Many young girls ofcourse commented that I looked cute ,
I was proud with whatever I was doing . My sister was laughing seeing me , and asked me questions ,
Which the mermaid answered again somehow using me to get it .
I sat next to Anita with that cat , smiling at others , slowly I became prominent and cooperated in
Being Anita’s assistant in par with her . She congratulated me in my performance .
I had photos with Anita with my arms around her .
I had make up too , she summoned beauticians to
Make whiskers for me , I was a pussy cat and she was
A big beautiful mermaid . Fish sales were going on ,
We did indirectly a lot of help in popularizing it .
Again at many movements I became an idiot .
One such incidence was I was showing a crab with
A weird name , and put my finger inside its jar or mini tank
Or what ever you can call it , that creature bit me and I shouted ,
“ouch”!. I immediately smiled while at the back shaking my hand ,
but then my face will show what I feel , I was a clown .
Anita kept admiring me and I LIKED IT ,
What can you expect . I got deals to host shows too ,
I was in euphoric top form , I WOULD HAVE LOVED THE
Whole world seeing and admiring me . After a long while ,
Anita said she had other shows , one mermaid dance and told me
I can be her partner . I was taken over by her pressure ,
Literally flying with her . I refused , ofcourse , but I WENT WITH HER ,
Like her dog or something . Thinking like that I started to wonder where her
Doggy Jimmy was .
I asked her about Jimmy , she said it had a show of its own ,
And left me confused as usual . It was true fame I experienced ,
And I was in the company of a beautiful women ,
It was a dream really , a dream .
Anita held me a lot , introduced me to a lot of her friends and she knew my name
Which was PURUSHRAVI , a horrible name which I am used to ,
My Dad is really bad in keeping names and my Mom is even worst ,
So with their joint decision they gave me a bad name , which now really I don’t mind .
I sat with Anita , and saw shows .
Dog Jimmy was performing amazing tricks with other doggies .
Water world presentation came up and they dressed me as a mermaid man ,
“oh come on Ravi , its just a show”
“why mermaid man , I am not your couple “
“well , you are not , and you won’t become one if
you be acting like a mermaid man , please , please “
“ok , all right “,
Apparently , I am the king of the ocean and Anita the queen ,
And we protect the marine animals and we talked about them .
She moved here and there rhythmically , and so did I but I
Fell down clumsily . I t gave lot of laughs “ now king ,
You’re a horrible dancer , dear you’re a embarrassment for me in
Parties , but I don’t mind it because I love you dear “
For this I replied ,” I know it , dear “. In that scene I take her
Soft hand and kiss it , she did not like it , as one can make out
With that uncertainty in her face .”I love you my queen”.
For this she moved away smiled , “that goes without saying “,
She managed that part that way .
The show went well , though she never allowed to get intimate with me ,
Her eyes showed mild anger . We bowed together still all smiling .
She went away first time leaving me , and I felt I spoiled the show .
My sister said I WAS fabulous . I visited Jimmy in the middle .
Anita was alone somewhere first time looking distracted .
I went to her like a man “ ANITA , that was nothing but a kiss at the hand “
First time I felt attracted to her with that angry look ,
“I never expected that , you never asked me if you could kiss me be it even at
my hands “ “ I am sorry , it was only part of the show , I assure you “
Her eye gaze became soft again “ then forget it , sorry I made a fuss “
I nodded reassuringly , and left . I feel in love with her my mermaid girl ,
And I REALLY wanted to kiss her , I never felt like that ever in my life .
I was a changed man , not a innocent , soft , doggy man for beautiful girls .
My sister had a chat with Anita and I joined at the side of my sister ,
My sister is a wonderful conversator , and can talk to anybody ,
She liked Anita . Anita thanked me soon and said she would have to leave ,
I looked at her eyes , and took her hand and squeezed it , I kneeled down
Holding her hand and was trying to say something . Anita was only mildly
Surprised , then I took courage . I held her hand that I kissed loosely but
Sweetly , Anita had a pleasant look at her face , and I knew she knew what
I would more or less say . “ Anita … “ I scratched my head , “Anita ,
I had a lovely day , thank you for it , I really like you , can we see more of us together “
She took her hand off , “Ravi , never expected you to get romance that too with me ,
I don’t like all this , sorry , your sweet and all but I am not interested ,
You’re a fine guy , really , but no I am not…”
“interested” I completed her sentence . I let my breath off , and my eyes got watery ,
no girl really likes me , maybe she has a boyfriend .Then I REMEMBERED I am engaged
to a girl called Julia , my parents arranged some dumb girl for me .
I left Anita not looking at her , I Know I would be fine soon , I don’t let things bother me .
Now I TOLD Julia’s Dad THAT I love someone and broke the engagement .
I see Anita now and then in morning walks and I visit her with my sister to the dog house .
My sisters dog Chimbo has got lot of friends and it really likes the company of a female dog
Called Lilly . Lilly likes Chimbo too , and the rest I think even dogs deserve privacy .
Julia is more serious and guarded with me , once again a movement came where we got romantic.
She was stoking Jimmy and I was stoking Jimmy and our heads hit ,
We looked at each other , and then touched my rough cheeks ,
And then we laughed . I hosted another show as her assistant in commenting about dogs ,
It was a great comedy show . I hugged her , it was mutual , because we hugged out of joy
In our success in hosting a joint show , it meant nothing else . We meet each other often ,
And hosted another show , this time I was assistant to some other lady , named Rita ,
But I longed for the company of none other than Anita .
I met her in the morning again and I wished Jimmy first as usual ,
She was all smiling , and I wondered why . I never bothered in giving her extra notice .
She gave me a gift and smiled , I wondered what it was . I opened the cover ,
And I smiled . It was a photo of her and me , well posed and happy , and cat Kimmy
Was visible .There was a note saying” I like you Ravi , I more than just like you ,
Maybe love you , what do you say ? . “
I smiled , “ I say I love you “ , her eyes were filled with romance and she kissed me
Softly in my cheeks . I hesitated then kissed her cheeks too .With Jimmy boy in the middle
We never went further . We became very intimate in our shows later and we loved every movement
Staying together . We became the topic of gossip , but we never cared .
We are engaged , its been 6 months , in another 6 months will be our wedding day ,
Everybody are invited . Jimmy , and Chimbo are great friends , more like brothers ,
And that is good news I suppose .
In the photo which my girl presented me I resemble a fish , that is why I call my story
Title “ A fish like me “ . After all I found my love in the form of a fish….
© Priya Narayanan., all rights reserved.
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