Oracle

'Aliya hasn't come in. It is possible that she missed the bus. It is time for the second bus now. Is she coming by it today? Why am I thinking about her? Am I missing her? Can't be sure. I am harbouring this strange feeling deep inside. She might be just down with fever. No, that can't be, she has not called up sick. Shall I check with her right away? No, no, that is unthinkable, she might not like it. What will she think about me? Shall I ask these people here? They are a bunch of hags. They will taunt me and tease her. Now that's an absolute no. They brag about being her good friends. Why can't they call her to check. No one seems to be bothered about her absence, why I am? I pray there is no connection...'

'Pranav, you are pale, it looks like you just had a daymare!'

'What an observation my wicked Manu, A day without Aliya is only fit to be a daymare!'
'Yeah Manu, you are on the mark, a working Monday morning is a real daymare!'

'Buddy, do I smell the agony of Aliya's absence on your hollow voice?'

'What a prying buffoon you are, I thought only scientists specialized in mind reading!'
'Isn't Aliya in, you must be joking! Anyways what brings the great Manu to this no-man's service?'

'The bleeding eyes of my no-man! By the way, don't fail to notice Aliya's name engraved on a tender leaf of the office grapevine? Have an exciting day ahead! Ciao!'

'You bloody tormentor, may you rot in hell forever for your evasive gimmicks! '
'I will need to borrow the set of your super sensitive antennae for that!'

'Your gory remarks and gruesome silence gust off the last wafts of my sanity! Why do you shut up when you should be talking and vice versa?'

'What could Manu imply...Goodness, is Aliya getting engaged? That does not sound even remotely related...she would have at least announced it...I hope she is doing fine. She has not come in by the second bus also. She is a good enough candidate for my mom and I think I am equally good for her family. Why am I thinking on these lines out of the blue today, what's wrong with me? Someone, please have pity on my tormented soul.'

'Here comes the shrewd Anjan, finally my prayers have been answered!'

'Welcome Anjan, how are you doing?'

'Not so bad Pranav! It seems you were waiting for me!'

'Are my thoughts flashing in bold letters on my forehead today?'
'No Ways, I mean you are always welcome, what's up?'

'Today no one is working except for you, isn't that so unlike the other days?'

'See who is saying what!'
'Come on, stop excruciating me. I implore upon you for some fresh berries from the grapevine!'

'Are you drunk on William Wordsworth today? You are aware that I have always been poetically challenged!'

'Anjan, no wonders that you are called the meanest shark in the bureau ocean! But I won't be lily-livered and ask you directly.'
'All right, why has Aliya not come in today?'

'Ah, I must say, she should come in less often so that my folks get an opportunity to focus more on their assignments!'

'Go off before I kill you!'

'Take it easy Pranav or you will die of a hemorrhage, I was kidding! Byeos'

'He is also going back after rubbing salt on my burning nerves.'

'Hey Pranav, looks like you have been stabbed, I had some news for you.'

'What a fateful day, I will have to endure the stalker today!'
'Hello Maya, Monday morning blues. I am all ears!'

'Are you aware of what transpired to Aliya?'

'No.'

'That's why you are idling out here. There seems to be some problem at her home.'

'Please, carry on... Please.'

'All right, I will detail you on the events, but any guesses?'

'#$&*@!^%'
'Her mom's hubby ran off with all the money?'

'When will you stop lying to me Pranav dear, you already know everything.'

'Maya, I beg you to spare me the suspense, I swear I am absolutely clueless of any and every thing about Aliya. That was just an irritated response!'

'Oh my poor baby, you guessed it just right. It's sad, but it's the truth.'

'That's terrible! I had not expected the prophetic vision to come true like this. This has happened to me once again. I can't trust myself. The boundary between facts and fantasies is dissolving. I have to struggle to ward off my silly thoughts. Well, there is no explanation, no theorem to define these coincidences. I can't bear the weight of vision. I can't afford to lose the power of vision. A metamorphosis is taking place...'

'Manu, help! The shocking revelation about Aliya's has collapsed Pranav into a delirium. Someone please call for the ambulance!'

'Maya, Manu, Congratulations! I see the pot bellied solemnizing your wedding!'

'Manu, please do something to save our Pranav, please do something...'