WINKY'S SLICE OF LIFE

Zygal was a formidable name in the film world in India. He owned the eponymous studio which produced super hit films. These were news about his doings: He was a young man who had inherited wealth. It was he who had highlighted Winky into filmdom. The reason was simple. Winky had the looks, the shape, the histrionic ability, the memory and the capacity to integrate herself into different roles with ease.  She had already done well in the movies she had starred in so far. Now the rumour going round was that Zygal was soon going to launch a mammoth movie DEPTH OF PASSION which would be released internationally and that he was looking round to select the heroine.

Lydia’s beauty parlour was the most famous in that city. It was a big operation in a two storied building. Lydia, the owner, had put a large investment into the parlour with many trained staff and latest gadgets besides offering personalised service. CCTV cameras and computers were installed at each work point and customers could see for themselves how they looked earlier and the changes that had come in. That evening Lydia was in her office when Milena who was manager of their computer systems came in. Lydia was of average height with an attractive face and with a man’s hair cut. She had a hazy moustache which she had allowed to adorn her face. Milena was dressed in jeans with a white top.

Milena said “Lydia, it was a busy day today.”

“I know. For me too. Zygal called me to find out about some make up details for his super hit DEPTH OF PASSION. It’s going to be a very big budget film. I sent Dolly our beautician to meet Zygal or whosoever is concerned to help.”

Milena said “I suppose the lead star will be Winky.”

“That hasn’t yet been decided. There’s speculation that Nazifa the international super model could also be considered.”

“I read somewhere that the story line of the movie is about 2 super rich young men who vie for the heroine’s hand. It is also said the film would be shot on locations abroad.” Milena looked at her watch and said “I came to tell you that I won’t be in tomorrow. You see my husband is going to England on business for 20 days. I’m seeing him off. I’ve arranged for help in our household: My children have to be taken care of. Bye for now.”

Lydia said “I’m sure you would.ve arranged for someone to look after the computers. Okay take off tomorrow.”

After Milena had left Lydia sat at her table thinking about the demands of family life. A husband - she hated all males – who inflicted children on women! She remembered reading about the Greek island which contained only women, but who would go to another place to stay as long as necessary to create a life and return. Lydia left her office and drove home in her car. The cook would’ve come and prepared dinner. After that it would be sleep for Lydia. Reaching her apartment block Lydia parked her car. Going into her flat she took off her clothes and had a bath. Then she stood bare before the full length mirror and admired herself. She had all it took to be a woman. Should assets such as these be surrendered to man? She wished she had been born into a world of women. Those that wanted children could be supplied with the needed input.

She put on a night gown and had her dinner. Then came the nightcap she would regularly consume. She wouldn’t see TV as there was only repetitive information. She sat back in her sofa going further into her hatred of men. That was when she was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. She opened the door and was surprised to see the caller was Winky. She was dressed in a knee length gown with her long hair drawn around her shoulders. Lydia noticed that Winky had a heady perfume on. Lydia said “Come in Winky. It’s a surprise to see you at this hour at my place.”

Winky said “I was feelng lonely and also a bit worried. I thought I would spend some time with you.”

“As you can see I’m to have my nightcap. Join me.”

She opened a bottle and poured a glass for the guest. As they clicked glasses, and drank, Lydia said “Now tell me about your worry.”

Winky said “You know Zygal is a bachelor and fancies me. He says he will make me heroine in DOP.”

“In other words he wants you to go to bed with him.”

“No,no! He offered me marriage.”

“Do I take it that you replied with a firm no?”

Winky was silent a few moments and then said “You know it’s been my dream to become a super star. He has given me four days to think it over.”

Lydia snarled and said “ Don’t tell me anything more. You’ll allow him to..........” She drank some more and poured more for Winky. They were both silent sipping drinks.

Lydia prompted ”I can see you’re tempted. I must remind you about what we had agreed when our friendship began. We’re virgins. Man mustn’t touch us.”

Winky was silent.

Lydia said “I know what makes you eager to accept his offer. The fame, the money, but what should stand in the way would be his touch.”

Lydia was now slightly drunk as she had exceeded the usual dose of the nightcap. She said “I suppose you know we could remain ‘manless’. You know I can drive you to heights which a man cannot. How can they know how women feel? Only another woman would know. They read some useless books on sex and think they have understood where when and how a woman feels.” She paused and added “Remember we can even shop for, and wear and use what women lack and keep women satisfied. Pundits who have no knowledge write about keeping us happy in bed. They’re fools.”

Seeing Lydia almost raving Winky cautioned “Let’s go slow on the liquor.”

“I can stop only when I go to bed with you. Come on darling! You can spend the night here with me and go home tomorrow. I’ve spare clothes to fit you. Haven’t we have done it before?”

The two went into the bedroom where the lights were switched off. Winky made her way home in the morning.

A week passed. Zygal called the press one morning and announced that Winky will play the heroine in DOP.

The same night Lydia called Winky and said “Congratulations. You’ve had your way. Now that we must part let me see you a few minutes now and wish you.”

“Do come along.”

Lydia arrived and Winky warmly received her. After again wishing Winky Lydia asked “What made you accept Zygal’s offer?

Winky said “I wanted a married life. I want kids who will support me when I grow old. And of course it will make me a superstar.”

Lydia said “You’re going to be shameless. There will be occasions when he wants you and you’ll have to tell him ‘Sorry you’ve to wait’. Shameful as you would be letting out female secrets! However, you’ve decided that even after we had been intimate for over 2 years you would go with Zygal.” Lydia’s face was stern when she said “We’ve talked enough. Let me go my way.”

Winky accompanied Lydia to the door where Lydia said “Your dreams will never come true. You won’t be a super star.” She suddenly brought out a dagger concealed in her clothes and fled after stabbing Winky. Winky screamed when her cook came and saw her fallen to the ground with blood around her. She immediately called Zygal who rushed Winky to hospital. Zygal was relieved when doctors said Winky had only suffered a superficial wound and it wasn’t life threatening.

Zygal reported the matter to the police who rushed to Lydia’s place. There they were only able to see her dead body as she had consumed poison leaving a suicide note blaming Winky for her death. However Zygal was influential and saw that Winky was cleared.

END