Playing a Prank

Rudraan was known for his propensity towards pranks. It would not be completely wrong to quote that he was, singly, what the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter series were. Even in his mid-twenties, his wit could not be contained. He defended it well in the garb of practicality, which he accused was lacking in everyone else. A staunch believer in the rapidly diminishing common sense in the world, it was as if he imposed and heralded the agenda of 'awakening'.

This went to his sister. She was two years younger, and making a name in the regional performing arts circuit. He was a national-level swimmer. Activities kept them busy enough to block the door on each other's intellectual exchange. Mostly they met at breakfast, over scrambled eggs or corn flakes. And a constant of a cold glass of milk. The weather forecast was not very swimming-friendly, especially in the open, which made Rudraan play a prank on his sister instead. This morning, having commanded the maid for more toasts, Rudraan somberly handed over a sealed envelop to her. She was still heavy-eyed, both with remains of make-up, and sleep-deprivation. 

"For me?" as she fiddled with the seal, "When did it arrive?" She used the butter knife to slice the cover open.

"Late last evening. You were out, and I have no idea when you returned. Don't you think he is taking too much time to get the toasts?"

"Ya, whatever. Now quiet. Lemme see what this is about." It was visibly a plain paper converted into an official letter-head. She took a sip of her milk, trying to recollect if she knew any other Anuraag Mahanta, other than the renowned Paap. She reshuffled her position on the chair, and sat on her folded knees, left hand holding the letter and eyebrows crooked in attention. It was short and crisp a Times Roman font, in italics, 12p. 

Ms. Rudraani Adhikari,

We, the team which makes us 'Paap', invite you to audition for us, as we are looking for participants who could perform at live venues. The vision could be deliberated upon a meeting. If you are willing, please visit us at The Taj Lands End and ask for us at the reception. 

A response would be great confirming your arrival date and time on +919762509164 to Mariam.

Best wishes,

Anuraag Mahanta. 

A scream from Rudraani shocked Rudraan. "Get me the phone, get me the fucking phone!" 

"Get it yourself" said Rudraan, rather non-chalantly, enjoying his buttered toast. "Do you want to go somewhere? I can give you a lift. I am not doing anything much today."

"Rudraan! Paap has called me for an audition! I will dance at their live performances." She left the table and dialled the number.

"Relax, bro. You gotta win first."

"I will." The call was answered by an extremely sweet voice. "Yes?"

"Aa-Miss Mariam?" Rudraani fumbled.

"Yes."

"This is Rudraani Adhikari, calling to confirm that I can come in for the audition with your team around 1 pm today, if it suits you, that is."

"I see. Lemme check." Pause. "Today is good, but could you make that 5.30 pm instead?"

"Sure, Mariam. I will be there. Thanks! Bye! See you!" The last words were out on a roll.

At 5.30 pm in the lobby of Taj Lands End, Rudraani received a call from Mariam's number. It was a man's voice. It was Rudraan. "Hi sister. I am waiting at the lounge." She peeped in to see him in his India t-shirt. "Come join me. You can order whatever you wish to celebrate your foolishness." She was horrified. At the table, having ordered a silent salad, she asked him only one thing. "What did I miss in that letter?"

Rudraan smiled and said, "It was dated 29th February, 2015, sweety. Learn to observe. Enjoy the salad now. Drink?" Rudraani called for a chilled Miller.

As they returned cheerfully, Rudraani was seemingly over the shock. Till suddenly she went fiercely fast and screeched the car to a sudden halt. Rudraan was silent. "You do that one more time with me, Rudraan, and I will not wait for anything to put this thing into you."

She opened the glove compartment and took out a sharp kitchen knife. Rudraan was out of his wits. "Sorry, sorry. Let me drive. I won't repeat this with you, promise."

"Good. Take the wheel." She opened the door and came to his side. As soon as a very fearful Rudraan started the car, Rudraani shouted. "There is no point in killing you. Let me just kill myself for being such a fool!" Before Rudraan could do anything, and literally bumped into the car ahead, Rudraani forced the knife into her stomach. There was blood spluttering out.

Rudraan was screaming now. "Rudraani! No! What did you do? Rudraani!" No response. As he brought his shivering palm under her nose, she started laughing aloud. Taking the prank knife out of her tummy, she cuddled Rudraan. The apparatus was complete with sauce. She could not stop laughing.

"Who is a better, brighter fool, brother?"