The App

It was another morning filled with anxiety and tension for Anitha. The tension increased with each passing day but her patience only increased exponentially, from biting her nails it went to be a nervous smile with a straight face.

“What is the verdict today?” — Anitha

“Worst reviews and trending tweets to ban your app.” — Manager

“Was my app idea so bad? “ — Anitha

“Well, its just too different, something the reality wont accept.” — Manager

“I thought people liked different things.” — Anitha

“They like different things which gives a break to their boring routine.” — Manager

“Wasnt this the exact thing, a break.” — Anitha

“Thats the difference, if this difference is against their beliefs, they would hate it, even if their belief is wrong.” — Manager

“Well, if its wrong, then they should change their beliefs right.” — Anitha

“Well thats humans for you.” — Manager

“They walk on zebra crossing but they are racist unlike a zebra, black to themselves and white to the world.” — Anitha

“Right, what do we do now, lets cancel the app, before they block you for launching one.” — Manager

“There have been people using the app na, Lets see where it goes.” — Anitha

“Do you really want to see that, lets just launch another one.” — Manager

“My mission is not done, how can I rest.” — Anitha

“We all forgot one thing, we can rest between and then continue to run, otherwise, we will only fall exhausted.” — Manager

“Enough of your lecture, let me think how to get more clients.” — Anitha

Anitha’s app was simple, bust unlike other platforms where people buy and sell their products. She built a simple app, a platform where people can buy and sell their products of interest. It had great quality, features and was a really good app, in all interests, but it had a twist which prevented people from using it. The money system, the whole concept of money was changed by Anitha, which didnt make sense to many. The person who sold his product has to pay the money as well, basically you buy the product as well as earn the money for it. There was fundamentally wrong with the whole concept, which we are aware of and brought up with it. We would never do such a thing right, since its wrong, its like winner gets all, loser loses all, more like hardwork is punished and the lazy are rewarded, which was never what we were taught about, it was basically the most unjust thing which anyone can ever do.

No one was interested in this app, and they went through severe losses. Starting few people used, just to promote their products which were not being noticed, once they attracted attention, they left, adding to Anitha’s growing bankrupcy. Its has been two months, and not a a single client after that, only threatening tweets, poor reviews and trolls. Like the light at the end of a dark tunnel, maybe even this cloud has a silver lining.

“Hi , Please can you help me.” — B

“Yes, please, is it another poor review.” — Anitha

“I want to use your app.” — B

“Really, I hope you know the rules.” — Anitha

“I do, that is why I want to.” — B

“Is it free publicity like the others.” — Anitha

“Does it matter? “ — B

“you are right, none of my business, whats your Name.” — Anitha

“Ajay and you are ? “ — Ajay

“I am Anitha, you are the relief I was finding so far.” — Anitha

“ok, how do I onboard on the app, its not working for the seller login.” — Ajay

“It was reported and blocked, I can create a profile manually, please give me the details of tthe object you want to sell and the price.” — Anitha

“It is a painting, which was my priceless possession, I would never part, I want to sell it.” — Ajay

“You say its priceless, are you sure, you want to sell, and actually you have to pay also, do you remember.” — Anitha

“I am well aware of that.” — Ajay

“What is the price you want to set it.” — Anitha

“It will be there for three days, whoever bids the highest price will get it.” — Ajay

“You are crazy, but I should not be telling that, in all concern are you sure ? “ — Anitha

“For this question, I dont have the option no from my side.” — Ajay

“I really dont get your answers, anyway, thanking for applying, will keep you posted.” — Anitha

“Thanks Anitha.” — Ajay

Anitha felt lighter but also suspiscious about what ajay was doing. She monitored her app from time to time, there were many people auctioning for the painting, it was indeed very beautiful, the colours, the backdrop, it was very very surreal. Just then the manager manging her things related to the app came in.

“We have good news and bad news.” — Manager

“You know what I would want first.” — Anitha

“You believe in fairytales and happy endings dont you, I will tell the bad news first.” — Manager

“I am all ears, I have told my heart to sleep, so that it doesnt feel bad.” — Anitha

“Ajay is planning to take his painting out, the only thing we had in this platform.” — Manager

“I will try talking to him , what is the good news.” — Anitha

“We have got funding for your other app idea.” — Manager

“Lets finish the track we are running on first before we jump to the next track.” — Anitha

“Ok so what do you want me to do.” — Manager

“Reject their offer, if they are interested, ask them to wait a little, meanwhile, I will talk to Ajay.” — Anitha

“Are you sure, you know how difficult it is to get funding.” — Manager

“For some people, there are some things more important than funding.” — Anitha

“OK as you say.” — Mananger

Anitha listened to her favourite song to calm herself down, she was rejecting her only funding, she was losing the only client, but songs helped her calm down. There is always one thing in life, we will love so much ,that we forget everything else. When we are upset, we have to do that one thing, its more like meditation, thats how important a passion is for anyone in life. She openend her eyes more calmer and patient, and took the phone to ping Ajay.

The new sim started to annoy her, she was forgetting her new number.

“Hi Ajay, this is Anitha.” — Anitha

“Yes Anitha, tell me what is the issue.” — Ajay

“I wanted to know if there is any reason, you are withdrawing.” — Anitha

“I was about to ping and tell you everything in detail.” — Ajay

“Yes tell me, is it any personal issue or is anyone threatening you because of registering in this app.” — Anitha

“Not like that, I truly realised it would be painful to sell my priceless possession and pay money for it.” — Ajay

“I guess it does, is there anything I can do which would persuade you.” — Anitha

“Actually there is one thing, that would persuade me.” — Ajay

“Lets see if its worth the risk.” — Anitha

“I want you to use your app, sell your priceless thing and also pay the money for that, I will for sure do the same.” — Ajay

“If you sell your painting, I will sell my priceless thing for sure.” — Anitha

“Think about it, its not easy as it seems, when emotions are involved it hurts a lot, money doesnt seem important then.” — Ajay

“Are you forgetting that this was my idea, I know that from my own life, I will do it.” — Anitha

“Thanks a lot Anitha, let me know once you have sold, I will be waiting.” — Ajay

“Ya I will.” — Anitha

Anitha took the most priceless thing she ever had. She thought that even if there is a calamity she would never part with this, but that is why she is going to sell it, has money become so important than all the emotions we once valued. Emotions dont give money and money doesnt give peace, its a chicken and egg problem, so lets leave it there. She didnt know how she did that, but she uploaded the possession and was fighting a war inside. She didnt want it to be sold, all the emotions of a lifetime locked in that possession, and she was selling it. But if she sold, then her app would be saved and most important, the chances of her mission would be fulfilled.

“Anitha, why are you glued to your app.” — Manager

“Checking if my possession is sold or not,” — Anitha

“We still have that offer, I have not rejected it yet.” — Manager

“I need more time, maybe a week, after that, we can take a decision.” — Anitha

“How is Ajay’s painting going to save your app, he is only one person after all.” — Manager

“He will do more than saving my app.” — Anitha

“Ok let me know if you change your mind, by the way there is a notification on your phone.” — Manager

“ok let me check that.” — Anitha

“You are sad more than relieved, what happened.” — Manager

“The possession i sold, I need to tell Ajay.” — Anitha

“Dont you have the fear that ajay can actually back out.” — Manager

“For some reason, I trust him, i dont think he will back out.” — Anitha

The posession was sold, and a pain crept through her spine, it was familiar but just that it gets worser than before everytime, because it gets more exhausting bearing more weight each time. This is what she was making people go through using her app, was that why no one liked her or her app, she was indeed stupid and heartless to make them go through this. She sold her lifetime emotion just to save this app.

“Ajay, I sold my possession. Its your turn, but think again.” — Anitha

“I gave you a promise, I should keep up my word, or how else will you trust me again.” — Ajay

“Why do I need to trust you.” — Anitha

“Some questions just dont have answers, but I wanted to know what was the real reason for you to sell your possession.” — Ajay

“You wont answer, but you need my answer? Anyways , yes there is a big reason and its not just moeny or saving this app. I will tell you of all people for sure when time comes, which is not right now.” — Anitha

“OK, I will tell you when my painting is sold, I feel you are depressed today.” — Ajay

“Ofcourse, this is not a reason to feel happy, please think again Ajay, it may not be worth the pain.” — Anitha

“I will go through it, its worth the risk.” — Ajay

“Ok, I will wait for you.” — Anitha

Anitha took a decision in her mind, this is the end of her app, ajay is the last client, she just doesnt want anyone to go through all this because of her. She is done with the idea and with her app.

Anitha waited for Ajay to come back, she never wanted to part with him, this call would be end of them forever, she dreaded that, but the end of something is the beginning of another thing. A few days later, Ajay called.

“Anitha, my painting is sold.” — Ajay

“How are you feeling, I am really sorry.” — Anitha

“You are supposed to ask how much I sold it for and not tell sorry.” — Ajay

“Will the money heal your wound or will the emotion buy you food, so complicated.” — Anitha

“Anitha, Can I meet you once, I want to see the person behind this idea.” — Ajay

“How is that going to help anyone.” — Anitha

“Sone desires dont have logic, that is why its called desire.” — Ajay

“Well this is the end of everything between us, so we can meet once before parting.” — Anitha

“ok thats great, we can meeting tomorrow.” — Ajay

“I am closing the app forever, I am done tormenting people with their emotions.” — Anitha

“Are you really going to do that, its so much effort and skill by one person single handedly.” — Ajay

“Skill and work doesnt go waste, its another feather to my cap.” — Anitha

“You dont fail to impress me again and again, tomorrow would be an eventful day.” — Ajay

“I have the same feeling.” — Anitha

“Is there a change in your decision.” — Manager

“We will acept the funding and start the work after a week.” — Anitha

“Thats great, we will be closing the app once for all then.” — Manager

“Yes, thats right. Its goodbye time.” — Anitha

Anitha barely slept that night, not a wink of sleep could reside in her eyes, she got up nervous, excited and felt like a life changing day. She dressed simply and walked briskly . Ajay called her and they saw each other and seated at the table.

“Hi Anitha, its nice to finally meet you.” — Ajay

“It feels like seeing an oasis in a desert, thats exactly how i feel right now.” — Anitha

“me too, so tell me whats the emotion behind this app, how did it hit you.” — Ajay

“So you are concerned only about the app, is that why you came.” — Anitha

“Its atleast one of the things why I came for.” — Ajay

“What do you want to prove, that you really care.” — Anitha

“I really do, why did you sell that possession.” — Ajay

“So you really want to know, it actually hurts a lot.” — Anitha

“If it hurts so much, why do you want to sacrifice, in this world, its always give and take, where there is sacrifice there is frustration.” — Ajay

“I obviously know that” — Anitha

“Then you know how much it hurts , but still you went through that and made others go through it, why? “ — Ajay

“Ok then, listen to my story because its long, but life is long and we are not suppsosed to get bored by it. I loved a guy with all my heart. We met through a technical webinar for startup ideas, and our thoughts and ideas never matched at all. But the beauty of that was, we only respected each others thoughts and never judged each other at any point. That rapport grew into something beautiful, which I thought would last a lifetime. We kept in touch, with a pact that we wont let technology influence our bond, so we have never seen any pictures of each other.Our emotions grew deep for each other, we were rooted in each other. We never cared for anything else, how we looked or other external factors which could go wrong. I overlooked this factor which was my fault. He was my pillar and I was his rock, we were strong together, but individually the rock can roll and the pillar can shake. I was proud of everything he achieved and he was very proud of me, everything was picture perfect, happy endings is what we expect and we have only one way of a happy ending. My happy ending was my life with him with my ambitions and his. One day I get this message, telling that his extended family is demanding so much dowry for the marriage to happen. He too doesnt agree with them, but he has to go against his entire family , which is very difficult for him, he said. Then I realised, we preach about give and take, we peach about cruelty but thats what we practice from generations and generations. We quote a price for a humans talent, skills, emotions, home and everything that is achieved by that person, we act as if we own that person and buy them plus that person has to pay the money, the seller pays the money for possession, this practice which is followed for generations without realising the depth of what we are doing.

So many people got frustrated right, because they are paying money for what they sell, how would we feel about the daughters for whom the dowry is given, the parents who put their sweat blood and life for that money, If I feed the same medicine, its very bitter isnt it, how does it taste like honey to us then. Frustrated in losing the love of my life to the system of dowry,my mission was to make the society understand what they are doing, I used the same concept to drive some sense, which I dont know till what extent has it gone in. My mission was not to make money or gain fame. I have just gained criticism, abuse and losses but that didnt hinder me because my mission was to make people realise, atleast one percent. I hope the drop of ink I spilled into the ocean stains the entire vast seas, I will wait even if it takes forever, change takes time. Its all done now, you are my last ray of hope.” — Anitha

“I was even your first ray of light, I was and I am still the love of your life, the guy whose extended family wanted dowry, but I never wanted to lose you, thats why I came. I am Ajay Krishna, you know me as Krishna right, I too changed my number just like you did. I came to search for you, to tell you that I am fighting the battle and win it slowly, but I cant lose you. What is done against you and all women is unjust, it pains when we go through it. I can never let you go Anitha, did you also change your name, it was Lakshmi right? I came searching for you and then came to know everything about you. I thought the app was the best way to get back to you, I never left you to get back.” — Ajay

“Anitha Lakshmi, Lakshmi is my moms name. So it was you after all. By the way, I knew it was you all this while. That is my mission. My mission was to make you understand this even if others couldnt. I wanted to prevent more victims like me in future. I am closing this app with the satisfaction my mission is staisfied, whoever you marry hopefully you dont take dowry from them, that would be my app’s success, worth all the pain and frustrations I went through.” — Anitha

“How did you come to know its me, I knew you because your app came in news often for criticism.” — Ajay

“The app has a hidden logic, since open communciation is necessary for a business like this, I made this feature especially to make it enabled if it was ever you, I knew you would find me. It had the feature to automate message of what u were thinking, once I came to know you are Ajay, I disabled it. That is why I was more hurt, I never even dreamt that you would be the reason to sell my most important possession.” — Anitha

“I never guessed that you knew all this, I thought you would be shocked to know who I am, I didnt know I would be like now. — Ajay

“Ya Ajay, Thanks for finding me, I am touched, thanks for everything, goodbye.” — Anitha

“Arent you forgetting something? “- Ajay

“I have my phone and purse.” — Anitha

“You are forgetting your possession, I had bought it all this while. So that you dont need to suffer forever, here you go , I will transfer the money too. All your emotions bundled together forever will stay with you forever, you are no possession to put a price or to ask money, its my duty to make people understand this , I wont allow all the efforts you took go to waste. Please dont leave me.” — Ajay

“I bought your painting, here you go. Keep it safe forever. I got to go.” — Anitha

“The end of something is beginning of another. The end of dowry is the beginning of our new life, you told that I was the love of your life and we were rooted to each other, how can I leave you, I wont.” — Ajay

“My thoughts are not conservative and traditional like the past, its opened a lot and I believe in equality and just, it might be difficult to accept all this now, but this is the beginning of just. I will be on my way. If you can really think you can catch up with my thoughts and views, come with me, or I will be on my way, catch up with me if you really are ok, otherwise find your own way of happiness like I found mine.” — Anitha

“I found my happiness, so I am not letting it go,lets go together, I dont need to run behind then to catch up, its just a waste of breath.” — Ajay

They held each others hand for a long time for a future without any dowry.

Ajay’s Painting — It was the way both of them had imagined thier future. Anitha driving a bike, Ajay

making tea near a peaceful place with nature and greenery, more like the painting we drew when we were young. Mountains and a sun, a river across and a simple house, an apple tree and a pond, all of these and more, just what they had talked about. Anitha confirmed it was Ajay only, it ached to see him sell this, basically the future they imagined together, so she bought it, she couldnt see him suffer also, she didnt expect he would tell that this was his priceless possession.

Anitha’s Possession — All her entire emotions of her life, she sold her teddy, it may sound silly but it was her companion her entire life, through loneliness, depression, all her lifes happiness, worries, ambitions, ideas the teddy knew more than anything else, in all her loneliness in her life. Ajay bought it in rememberance of her if ever something happened.

Anithas second app was more like the teddy bear, a free consultant with quotes, stories and live advice for all people going through depression, loneliness or anything in life. To try to solve lifes problem, dowry, cast, gender differentiation, all unjust issues which exist even now in our modern future era.Anitha wanted to become the teddy bear for everybody, she got hers back(Ajay), so they decided to venture this out together.