Long Story Short

September 19th, 1998, 23:30

Dearest Little Suzy,

I know you were looking forward to hearing from me. Yes, I have the updates for you.

In fact, I got 2 updates for you.

See, like always, I get you 1+1.

But, Suzy dearest, one of the updates might worry you.

So, anyway, here they are for you -

1. I got the approval from my bank for the home loan. For the full amount (Yeah! Calls for a treat)

2. I will no longer be working, as my employer is out of business.

Suzy. Hang on. Do not get upset.

Think about it. It is not as bad as it seems.

See. The bad news came after the good news. If it were the other way round, then it would have been 2 pieces of bad news for us.

The home loan thingy would not have worked for a jobless person.

I know I will not have a day job in a month. But baby, do not forget that your brother has been nominated for the Booker Prize! His upcoming book will be the real deal. Please do not worry a bit.

Plus. This is Bombay. Work will find a way.

Ma Pa are good. You'll come over soon.

Much love from your beloved brother.

Darzi.

P.S: I got your gift. Remember the Remembrant?

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September 29th, 1998, 13:02

Hey,

My big brother.

Don't worry about anything. I know you are bigger than all of that is happening around you.

You are and will always remain my hero.

Tell Ma and Pa to wait a little longer for me. My little one is going through his troublesome twos. It will take me some time to arrange things here.

Till then, you guys stay cool.

And I very well remember the necklace from Remembrant you promised to gift me for my birthday last year. I so wish I could have worn it for my upcoming office inauguration.

Anyway, I will wear it for my next one.

Love you all.

P.S.: Sorry for the late reply. My new business kept me busy.

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November 15th, 1998, 23:07

Dear Dear Suzy,

How are my little one and her little one?

I hope my parcel arrived at your doorstep.

Consider it as my gift for your new beginnings at work. May the sparkle of its diamonds fade in your brightness and glory.

Suzy, I am considering going to my previous employers to ask for work. The current 2-month notice period at my job is about to get over in 15 days.

The loan amount for the house has been deducted starting this month. I must do something quick.

Quick reminds me that the publishers I am in touch with want me to finish my draft fast. When will these money-hungry people understand that a mature work takes time and is long? Plus, I cannot bring myself to sell something that is short and quick.

Anyway, that is about my end.

You take care of yourself and the kid. Ma and Pa will be happy to hear about you two.

Your loving brother

Darzi.

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November 17th, 1998, 11:47

Hi Darzi,

Thanks so much for the wonderful present. I could not have got anything better than this.

It seemed as if you were standing next to me while I began my new journey.

I so wanted to seek your blessings. It hurts me to realize that both Ma and Pa cannot even recognize me today. And I do not want you to leave them and be here for me. I so wish I were there with you in these trying times.

Let me know if you need any help. Please do not hesitate to ask. Remember what amounts 1 for me is 100 for you. So, it is not a big deal.

Just ask for it.

May you all stay happy.

Love Suzy

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December 21st, 1998, 02:11

Hey little one,

I am so glad to know about your new baby. May you shower your love and affection on it the way you have done for everyone around you.

You do not know how proud you make me feel. The way you handled your life after what you have gone through is commendable. That, too, all by yourself in a new land, speaks a ton about your strengths.

I was hesitating to ask for your help. I know your situation pretty well, too.

But if it were not for Pa's recent health breakdown, I would not have asked for your help. Suzy, he has been on a ventilator since last week.

You know, none of my drafts have found a publishing deal yet. Long novels take longer to materialize. And I have not yet convinced myself to enter the short-story market. Making writing an art, much like industrial goods, saddens me. I cannot think of short story plots. The idea of writing them is way too difficult. I am not sure what to do.

Please pardon me if my replies are a little late from now on. I am at the hospital with Pa all the time. Then, early mornings, I rush to be with Ma before her nighttime nurse leaves.

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December 23rd, 1998, 12:11

What is wrong with you Darz?

I would have taken the first flight to reach Bombay. Why didn't you tell me all this before? How bad is Pa?

Does Ma know about it? How are you managing yourself with these responsibilities? You must be exhausted.

You and your work are meant for glory. So, do not even think of lowering your and your writing standards. Not everyone is short-listed for a Man Booker. You will find a publisher soon.

Till then, check your account. I have deposited 10,000 dollars.

Tell me which hospital Pa is admitted to? I called up the home number, but no one responded.

Let me know the date and time to reach you at home.

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December 28th, 1998, 12:20

Hi Darz

Is everything OK? How is Pa now? Is Mom fine? I am waiting on you to reach me? Did you decide on the date for my flight?

December 28th, 1998, 12:22

Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:

The error that the other server returned was:

550 No Such User Here

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