double-ka-meetha

0420 Hours to 0505 Hours:

Hello! Mujhe flat 502 me shift hona tha aaj (I was supposed to move into flat
502, today!), I declared to the Nepalese looking watchman. After an hour of cab
ride, and ten minutes of finding it, here I was. At Sanchi Apartments, Srinagar
Colony. Hyderabad for my life!!

I placed my laptop bag on the top of one of the Samsonite trolley bags. The
watchman opened a rather scruffy looking register and checked for log entries
Saab! Madam abhi bhi hai flat me! (Sir, it is still being occupied by Madam!), he
said without looking up from the register, Madam? Kaun Madam? (Who? Madam who?) I
said suddenly feeling a bit uncertain, after almost ten hours of being on the road
and five hours on air.

502 ki Madam, Saab! (502s Madam, Sir!), he said with a broad smile, as if to
taunt me. Clearly, he was finding my juggling of the two trolley bags particularly
amusing, as they rolled away from the desk onto a downward slope.
Voh toh kal flat khali karne vali thi, hain na? (She was supposed to move out
yesterday, right?) I asked stretching out my right leg which had started to show
the first signs of a muscle cramp.

Nahi Kiya, Saab! (She didnt, Sir)

Acha.! Vaise kyun nahin Kiya hoga, kuch Pata hoga aapko? (Well, do you happen to
know why she didnt?)

Nahi Kiya, Saab!

Voh Pata hai mujhe, par Ek baar baat kar sakta hoon kya unse? (I do know that
but Anyway could I at least talk to her!)

I tried to comprehend the whole situation. My watch showed that it was well past
4.30, and nearing 5 AM, now. The watchman dialled a number on the intercom and
spoke into it calmly, with zero urgency. On feeling my restlessness, he started to
talk a bit more promptly into the phone, occasionally looking at me and my luggage
as well. After a minute or two, he found it prudent enough to hand me over the
phone.

Hello? I am Sudheers friend! I said trying to be cool for some reason, though
the jet-lag had started to kick in, and made me sound very desperate
Yeah, Yeah, Hi. Im so sorry. I had to extend my stay , a rather husky yet
somehow equally smooth sounding female voice answered. Yeah, thats the best
adjective that I could come up with, all right! Ever tried coming up with poetic
adjectives at 5 in the morning? No? Thought as much.

Yeah. No issues. I mean, no problem. However, I infer that youd be leaving

today? I asked her, as the Deccani dubbed Path of Dragon Blade watchman started
plucking out the Airline tags from my bags.

Exactly. Ive booked my flight tonight, so Ill be leaving from here at around 10
pm! She said, sounding pretty confirmed about her schedule.

Oh Ok. Cool. All right. Ive got some really heavy luggage with me, so I was
hoping that maybe if I could leave it at the flat for today and move in early
tomorrow morning?
Hmm! Yeah ok. Cool. But where are you going to stay?
I Well, I havent decided yet. But I guess Ill book a hotel room for today,
assuming there are some hotels nearby! I said, trying to remember any, on my way
here.
Oh. Well, yeah sure, you could leave your luggage here. Ill ask Raju to bring you
up, and Im so sorry again for all the inconvenience!, she sounded quite sincere.
Yeah. No problem. Ill be there. Thank you I said and got off the phone, cursing
Sudheer, for being so irresponsible. Or sleepy, because he apparently didnt find
it convenient to tell me that his cousin was going to stay back. And I now had to
drag my ass around the city, for no fault of mine.

Eventually we did arrive at the fifth floor and I again found myself dragging my
stuff out of the elevator, like a Hebrew slave hell bent on building a pyramid.
Ironically, towards a flat/house which wasnt mine,yet. Neither the doorbell rung
by the Dragon-blade.

Hello! Im so sorry again!, said a dusky and fairly tall girl who answered the
door, leaning on to it. She wore a Superman t-shirt and a blue jeans to go with it.
Her eyes looked as if they had been woken up from a really deep sleep, as they took
a real good look of how shabby I was at that moment. Her hair was pretty ruffled up
and though she was managing it quite well by making a bun or whatever thats called
these days, it still looked quite messy. A long and sharp nose, a fair built and an
overall curvaceous elegance about her, completed the whole look. There was
something else in her face though, that seemed to noticeably stand out, and one
which was strikingly beautiful. I couldnt really pinpoint what it was at that
moment, but yeah it was definitely working wonders.

No problem. Again! I said as the watchman took to dropping my bag with a loud
thud, as if to bring me back to my senses, not that I was lost, mind you. Not lost,
but tired. Too tired to be pissed at him. New city and new environment, and a
practical dose of insomnia makes ones mind numb. Good that he left seconds later.

Ha ha, yeah. Im Geetika Raghuram by the way! she said with a pretty wide smile
and extended her hand.
Hi, so nice to meet you. Im really sorry to wake you up like this. Honestly, I
had no idea that you were going to stay back today, otherwise I would have taken a
room somewhere else I said shaking her hand. Her palm was a bit on the rougher
side and she had a good grip, which either made her an athlete or a gymnast or
both.

Yeah, no, please come on in! she said stepping back a foot, and opening the door
completely. I took all my luggage and wobbled into the flat, as the watchman
saluted us, gave me a grim look and walked away.

The first thing I could pick up once inside the flat, was a faint scent of a
jasmine room freshener. Jasmine wasnt exactly my preferred choice of perfumes, and
therefore I decided to mind my business and stop acting like a sniffer dog. After
placing all my bags tidily at the nearest corner from the door, I turned to have a
proper look at the flat. Geetika walked to the other end of the room, to bring
along two white coloured plastic chairs. The drawing room was filled with wooden
boxes, of pretty much every size, some sealed and some left open.

I had to reopen some of the boxes, those which had the essentials and daily needs
and stuff, otherwise my packing was almost over.. Please sit! she said almost
reading my mind and offering me a chair.

Oh, stuff happens. The flight delays are a big issue this time of the year. Even
my flight got delayed by three hours

Not delay, actually! My booking got all messed up. I asked my friend to book me a
ticket for yesterday, and that stupid fellow ended up booking it for tonight. And
whats even worse is that he informed me about the mix-up only last night!
Yeah. Well, again, stuff happens. Anyway, I need to be going. Ill take a hotel
room somewhere nearby and come back at, sometime tomorrow I said standing up,
though another five minutes in that chair and I would have easily dozed off.

Well, there is a hotel nearby. Maybe you could try there. Id really like to make
it up to you by paying for the room and she said standing and folding her hands.

Oh no no. Dont worry about that. But I do need one last favour from you. Could I
use your wash-room, please?
Sure sure! Here let me show you the wash-room! saying which she took me to a door
on right, right after the hall ended.

The time on my fastrack watch, read 5:05 AM, and my day for all practical purposes,
had only just begun.

This total stranger is using my bathroom. A fact which on any other day would
have freaked me out but not that day. Because for the first time I was sure I had
not left any lingerie hanging on the rod, having carefully packed them all up last
night. With an unnecessary proud smirk for this efficiency, I picked up my phone to
call up Sudheer. I had to confirm this guys identity of course.

And my dear cousin picked my call up only after I had tried him for more than half
a dozen times, maintaining thirty seconds of time between each one of them
Hello! Sudheer! I said, a little loudly to shake him up from his slumber.
Aah.Geetika. Whats the matter? Tell me!, he replied, stifling a yawn.
Your friend is here I said.

Friend? Here? Where? Where are you? Sudheer asked, sounding utterly confused.
This dumbass! I thought, but then immediately bit my tongue, as I realised that I
hadnt told him about the flight mix-up.

Sudheer. Actually, I am still here at the flat. My flight got delayed and its
rescheduled for tonight
Oh! OK! Umm he sounded uncomfortable now. Brotherly shield syndrome kicking in,
eh?
Dont worry. Ill be leaving by 10 in the morning. Ill only come back later to
take my luggage, I reassured him. Just then I heard the click of a door knob and
the friend emerged all the while adjusting his watch.
OK. I could come if you want me to. But itll take time! Sudheer offered. I
observed his friend staring at my legs from the corner of my eye. He obviously
couldnt make out our conversation which was in pure ancient Tamil, but I had a
feeling he preferred it that way.

Its OK. You dont have to come over. Ill manage I replied. My legs, yeah.I
know they are good and you arent the first, my friend.

Ok. But Ill come in the evening, definitely Sudheer said.

Yeah. Alright. Ill hang up then. You take care machi. Bye I said observing that
he still hadnt moved his gaze.
You too. Bye. Sudheer said and hung up.

I locked the phone and turned to face the guy who couldnt stop staring at my legs

0505 to 0606 Hours:

As I got out of the washroom, I saw Geetika Raghunandan talking animatedly into her
phone. (Wait a sec, that didnt sound right. It wasnt Raghunandan, what was it?).
She was speaking swiftly, this time in Tamil, with her left hand over her head,
gripping on to her hair, and walking from one end of the room to another. I
observed a black thread tied above her right ankle. An age old practice of warding
off evil spirits and eye. With Geetika, the black thread was actually attracting
unwanted attention towards her legs and her black nail colour. Once I was done with
the observation, I realised that Geetika had stopped talking and was staring
silently at me. I looked up awkwardly at her and tried to come up with a good
enough reason on the spot,

HmmIve seen that thread somewhere else too, what does it do? I asked as
innocently as possible.

Well that? Its nothing Just a custom at my place! she said with an
apprehensive half smile.

Oh ok ok. Good. Anyway, let me not keep you. Ill just take my laptop and go , I
said and stepped towards my luggage.

Yeah, about that. I dont think you need to go anywhere else. Ill just remove my
stuff from one of the rooms and you could maybe stay in , she said checking her
phone continuously, while she spoke.

Hmmm, are you sure? Because I can find myself a place. Im totally cool with that!
, I said sincerely, though highly relieved inside. No room hunting was good news.

Yeah Yeah, No problem at all. I was, as it is, planning to go out by 10 and come
back tonight to get my stuff!

Im sorry, whens your booking done? I said placing my laptop bag carefully on my
luggage again.

Its at 12-15 tonight. Then theres the check in and security procedures, etc. So
Ill have to leave by 10 at the earliest ! she said completing the sentence after
an intermittent yawn. And smiled again as she leaned onto a wooden bookshelf, which
was emptied of the books. I could totally get used to that smile.

Cool. Thats. Yeah well, then, Ill take my stuff to a room? I said, trying to
guess which one it would be.

I just forgot only! Wait a second. Let me get my stuff from, yeah, that room. That
ones the least stuffed and its got a working AC , she said walking to the left
of the hall, and opened a door. And after a minute she came back, dragging a few
boxes stacked one another, by clasping the side slits on the bottom box. And at
that precise moment, after everything was done, my slumbering chivalry woke up

Mind if I help? I said walking up to her, but maintaining a safe distance

between us so as to not intimidate her. I might be a total psycho, but a well-
mannered one at that. She stood up and turned to face me.

Ive got a couple of boxes left. Ive pushed them to a corner, but if you like it,
you could push them under the bed , she said, untying her bun by pulling off her
white hairband and wearing it around her right wrist.

That wont be necessary. Though I can bring them out as well, if you want that
is!

I walked back to my luggage and picking up the bags.

No, no, they are fine inside. Ill keep a water bottle on one of the boxes here
and if you need anything do call me. She kept smiling pleasantly all the time, and
walked into the other room. After a few moments I heard a click and thereby she had
locked her room.

I dragged my luggage into the allocated room, closed the door behind me, removed my
shoes and as mentioned before, literally crashed on to the bed, which to my good
fortune had a pretty comfy mattress on it. And it didnt take much time before I
started dreaming in 1080p HD.

After about ten minutes, as I drowsily checked my watch, I felt incredibly cold.
Winter had come afterall. I needed to find a bed sheet ASAP. The chore however
wasnt going to be an easy one. I definitely brought some bed sheets with me, but
forgot the bag in which they were packed. Numb brain, remember.

Seeing no other alternative, I switched the lights on by pressing all the switches
at once. And start digging in my luggage for a bedsheet. CDs, Clothes, Shavers,
Some Sweet boxes, but nothing to cover myself. Evidently I couldnt find it. All
there was left for me to do was to lay on the mattress and with a bit of luck to
get some sleep. I made a mental note that I needed to buy some bed sheets, if and
when I visit Big Bazaar, the nearest hypermarket somewhere in Ameerpet.

The cold made me start missing home. I wondered when Id go back, if at all, not
even a day into this city, and the thoughts had just started to flow. Kirtis
wedding was in a month, which could be a valid excuse to apply for leave. I had to
apply for it before anyone else.. That had to be my first priority It would be
February then, and I would

Yeah. Thanks. he smiled at me. Yet for reason unknown to me still stood there.
I was in no mood to entertain him further and so dragged my feet back into my room
to finish up with my pending packing. I took out my pink sandals from inside the
rack and wrapped them up in a sheet.

Even Rakesh, had wanted me to be more organized. Interestingly, that had been the
thing that made me fall for him. His neatness and clarity. A rare thing in men. But
then, that again had been the reason for our breakup. My lack of clarity about life
(his words). I knew what I wanted and how I wanted it but he didnt find it
practical enough. I didnt try to convince him otherwise.

I looked at the clock hoping an hour would have passed in me packing my one pair of
shoes. As it should, it didnt. It was still 5:15. I once looked around the room
which was empty but for these cardboard boxes. The one bed which I had was occupied
right now and I had over an hour to kill. Why was the day moving so slow or was it
just me? I wondered. I moved a few boxes to a side and made some space on the
floor.

I flipped through the pictures smiling at some and frowning at some. The kitchen at
Taj. I loved that place. But Somethings have to be left behind how much ever you
choose not to. Because things relate to a time. They cant break their time
brackets. And my dream was in a different plane of time. And I wanted to make that
dream come true.

After an hour, I got out of my dreams. It was only routine now to change into a
more traditional Kurti from the T-shirt. It was morning after all.

Should I wake him up for coffee? I debated for a while but then decided to wake him
up. I loved to see the expressions change when strangers tasted my coffee.
Priceless.
How deeply does this man sleep? I thought, knocking on his door for the fifth time.
Just as I was about to knock again, he opened the door and I had to purse my lips
tightly to stop myself from laughing. He looked so funny. His hair was standing on
end, his eyes looked puffy and tiny and the best part was the mattress pattern
shaped imprint on his left cheek.

Hii! I was wondering if youd like some coffee. Im making some myself, so I
thought Id ask I asked, quickly getting a grip on myself.

0608 to 0806 Hours:

As I closed my eyes, questions of life that I left behind started rolling in

circles

What do I tell my parents honey?

I dont know, ok? I never I mean Why did you even tell your parents See.. Look
I cant do this! I mean come on, we know or at least I do

Dont you love me anymore?

Its not Ok.. Its complicated, all right! The factors between us have kinda
changed, you know I think. Beyond Love, and You and Me

Why dont you message me anymore and who the eff is Yogita on your wall?

Why did I not message you? You mean in the past 12 hours? Are you seriously asking
me that question? And Yogita is my friend, and thats just Facebook, Archie. Its
not as though shes at home with me, or something!

So are you going to meet me or not?

I I dont know
What the hell is wrong with you? When are you leaving? And is it because of me?
I DONT KNOW i really dont KNOW GOD!
What do you want me to tell my parents and Ugh. Do you want this to work?
I dont Look m..maybe I do know
The answer lies in a thud. A large thud.
Dont say my name.

Thus again comes a thud. Wait Why is there a thud? Thats not a thud, thats a
knock a knock on the door. Do I have any doors?

I woke up again, this time totally glued on to the plastic wrapper on the mattress.
I kept hearing the knock, and though it was real, my body was too drowsy to
recognize and get up. I slowly looked at my watch. It was quarter past 7 o clock
and well past my standard alarm time. And then I remembered it, and sprang up. Id
forgotten all about my mobile phone going dead, and that explained why my 06:30 AM
chirping bird alarm never went off.

I opened the door and saw Geetika on the other side. She had changed her dress, by
then, to that of a long whitish kurti, still retaining the blue jeans underneath.

Hii! I was wondering if youd like some coffee. Im making some myself, so I
thought Id ask.

She let out a lovely smile, which slowly started to grow on me. She changed her
hairstyle too, to that of a more freely flowing one, and unbound by a rubber band
or a bun.
Hmm, coffee? Yeah, that would be great, thanks! I said, trying to look as alert
as I could. Though, I was sure that I came across looking like Gollum from the Lord
of the Rings bloodshot eyes, mattress design patterns on one of my cheeks, and
not to mention the overall distraught look of the whole outfit. I still tried my
best to look mildly presentable. She walked away into the kitchen, as I politely
closed the door. I put my mobile on charge, and dashed into the bathroom to free
myself and begin my day.

I freshened up, but left the stubble intact just to leave that look of a rugged,
deep and serious, profoundly intellectual person. It was a totally different
matter, whether I was actually that or not. I changed into a t-shirt and a track
pant, walked out to the hall, where Geetika was already sipping on to her coffee
and looking at something on her mobile.

Hii! Thank you so much for the coffee, Geetika!

I picked up the other coffee cup which she had placed in one of the empty racks. I
took the chair in front of her, though at a fairly safe distance away
No problem at all. And thank me after youve tasted the coffee, because Im not
really sure youd like it, Ha Ha!
She let out a chuckle. On the other hand however, I found that forewarning, to put
me in a slight bit of a fix. And after the first sip, I realized that Coffee could
be greatly despised too. There was a bad coffee and then there was this. A whole
new level of ruining. One word. Yukkk!!!

Its nice, yeah! I said politely under my breath, still looking at another three
quarters of some kind of Bitter Gourd Potion in my cup, which she absurdly called
Coffee.

Oh is it? Really? , she said eyeing me suspiciously. I had to turbo dash to some
other less controversial topic, ASAP.

Yeah. So Sudheers your cousin? You dont really look like him, must be a far-off
relation?
The silent sunrise brought with itself a wave of golden rays, which shimmered
through the window pane, right beside Geetika.

Not really far. Hes a cousin on my fathers side, and I look more like my mother.
Ive been told that we have similar jawline
She moved her head up and slid her fingers showing her jaw below the cheek, Almost
here, see?
Well, I dont know. Maybe, yeah, cant be sure though

It suddenly struck me that the feature that was really distinct about her, was the
eyes. She had these really dark brown eyes, which provided a singular sort of
attraction about her, in combination with a slightly dusky skin tone.
Both of us have the jawline of one of our common uncles, so maybe, she said
trailing off, to look at her mobile, which suddenly announced a notification.

The sun rays from the window fell partly on her face, giving her a half Gothic
look, only making her look even more gorgeous. She put away her mobile phone, and
silently swivelled her Coffee cup.

I felt morally obliged somehow, to create a conversation at this point, and avoid
the awkwardness that was about to creep in
So, hows the water here? I blurted out. Yeah, thats what I could manage to come
up with. I cursed myself on retrospect. What a lame question to ask. Water is
water. And not any Red Bull energy drink.

Im sorry? she said looking up, as a subtle smile returned on her face.
I mean, how good is the water here?
Its good, I guess
Cool I said, once again distracted by the black thread above her ankle. This time
however I was careful not to stare at it for long and turned to look at the boxes.
There were around 20 of them, apart from the usual luggage suitcases and a couple
of college bags as well.

How do you know Sudheer? she said placing her coffee cup on the nearest empty
rack beside her, which she could reach.

So you are a CA like Sudheer? she asked unmindful of the dread, that simple
question posed to my whole conscience.

Not entirely. Im a semi qualified. A fancy name for those who havent yet cleared
the final examinations. Though I do have only a group to go, but yeah
So you are here for a job?

Yeah, well, there are many jobs for a semi qualified in the city. Ive got one
too, As an audit assistant, in an area called Begumpet?. Dont know where that is,
though! I said, finally completing my cup of coffee. Phew.
Oh Begumpet! Thats not far from here

Yeah Near Ronald Ross Institute, somewhere beside the old airport, I do have the
exact address, so finding it wont be a problem, hopefully
Ross Institute, oh, yes yes, there is a police station, right after you pass the
airport road. It should be somewhere around there, I guess. Would take you, 15
minutes. 20 at max.
Is it? Thanks, uh.. Geetika. Also, I need to start early tomorrow morning, at
around this time, so maybe Ill just take an auto, you know So, youve been in the
city for long?
Well, not so long. A shade more than 5 years. I arrived here after completing my
degree and have been here since
So.. wheres home then, if I may? I asked her adding the victorian convention at
the last moment, not to sound too intruding.

Ha-ha, you may. Anyway, well, near Madurai. Yeah Im a Tamilian and thats where
my folks are. Thats home. Though Hyderabad is my home now, I guess. I feel like a
total Telugu girl, I can even speak the language and, prepare the cuisine as well,
so yeah thats that!

She held a sparkle in her eyes that was hard to miss. Add to that the glistening
golden sunrays playing with her striking features And that more than made up for
the poor rendition of Coffee.

Thats ironic, you know. Cause, I cant do either. Though Im basically from
Andhra, I can hardly speak the language. Though, I do understand whats being
spoken at times, but Id have to super alert to catch that. And cuisine, well no
way thats happening. I did dabble with a brinjal curry once, whats it called?
Uh.. Vankai right?
I paused before I further embarrass myself. She nodded and listened intently, which
somehow put me under some sort of pressure and I continued
Vankai, yeah! I did try doing that, guided by a YouTube video, but it didnt quite
turn out well. That was the end of it
I ended my story without making much of an impression.

Yeah, the videos arent going to do any good. Before you start taking me for a
condescending woman, Ill have to tell you that Im a Chef! , she said, with a
hint of honour and pride seeping somewhere in there.
You are a Chef? Are you serious? I asked her, though I believed her, despite the
awful coffee.
Sadly yes. Though coffee is just not my thing. Coffee, Bread and Chocolate, are
my, ugh.. what do you call it? , she closed her eyes, evidently in the search for
a word
Shortcomings? Demons? Something of that sort?
Something of that sort, yeah. But Im really very good in Indian Cuisine! , she
smiled shyly and pushing back a few strands of her hair from her face to place
behind her ear.

Yeah happens. Anyway, am I keeping you from your plans?, I said suddenly
remembering that she was supposed to go out with her friends. If there ever was a
doubt that, I could be incredibly dumb at times, that question just nailed it. I
had to ask. I had to ruin everything!!

Oh no no. Not yet. Im supposed to meet my buddies at around 10. But before that,
I need to have some breakfast first So, what are your plans for today? She said
sounding quite normal despite my stupidity.
Well, I dont have any plans yet. I was thinking of booking a cab, and going for a
city tour and probably come back by nightfall. Sudheer said that hed meet me here
at around 8 tonight, after hes done with his office. So yeah thats the plan! I
confided
That sounds good. You are welcome to join me at breakfast, if you want! There is
this really nice place down the street, which has some delicious South Indian
breakfast to offer. I can take you there and then you can take a cab! she said
getting up from the chair, and picking up the two coffee cups. I looked back at
her, and stood up as well.

Are you sure? I mean I could get a cab from here as well, right? .
She shrugged and smiled.

Sure Cool , I walked back into my room and checked my mobile. 52 percent charge,
8 AM, and 32 unread messages, all from the same number, the count of which, would
only grow endless, in time to come

0830 to 0955 Hours:

Youve got the keys, right? she asked me, as we took the elevator to the ground
floor.

I have them, yes! I said roughly checking my jeans pocket. I wore my lucky Dark
Knight t-shirt and went with the shaded blue jeans, which I was pretty sure,
hadnt been washed before packing. But then, I couldnt compromise on the look,
however informal it made me seem. Also the superhero t-shirt that Geetika wore a
few hours back had reminded me of mine, and hence that. The Kurti she wore now
wasnt that bad either. Okay-ish.

So if you need me for anything or if you get stuck anywhere, do call me up. I
havent decided yet on the local number which Ill keep. Once I decide on that Ill
give you that number , she said taking out her mobile phone Whats your number
though? she continued as we walked out of the elevator and towards the main gate
Well obviously its still on roaming , saying which I gave her my number, as we
passed the watchmans desk, where the guy I met before was happily eating
something. We walked silently for a minute or two. I tried hard not to look at her,
but then, I that just was impossible.

So Anyways, Just be careful with Raju the watchman. Hell start with his
sorrowful stories within a week or two and ask for money. Just cut him off at the
start Well have to cross over here to the other side! , she said as we reached
the main road. I promptly followed her
 Dont get me wrong but Im against people using poverty as a weapon on us, you
know.. she continued
As a shield? Or as a means?
More or less. People like us
Us? Dont count me in Geetika, Im actually totally poor. Not a single rupee on
me!
Haha! I wont buy that, you know! she said easing up.
My bad. But yeah I do get your point. Ok lets see. Arent you, and Im totally
guessing this, frustrated with grown up men and women begging at the traffic
signals?

Well. I wouldnt really say that, but Im not Ok with.. This is the 14 A cross,
the hotel is in the 15th Street she said pointing at a direction board. We arrived
at the main road, and the traffic became a bit more apparent and serious. It was a
warm morning, a far off incidence from the usual searing heat and the customary
tan, as of the moment. The good thing about this city, was that the humidity levels
were always at a low. I could totally dig that.

For me its not that I dont feel bad for them, but I am never really sure how
much money to give them. Its a weird thought process I suppose. I just dont know
whats going to be enough of a help I said remembering the road turns that we
were taking, and any distinct landmarks that could help me later on.
Exactly you know. Im not insensitive, but the problem is, Im just confused

After ten minutes of walk, we had finally reached a hotel, or as it was called
tiffin center. Sri Lakshmi Tiffin Center and Meals Ready to be very precise.

The single most definitive aroma that you get immediately when you enter a hotel in
any city in South India, is that of Coffee. Not of Chutneys. Not of Sambar. But
Coffee. The overwhelming smell of grounded coffee, and then at that exact moment,
my faith in good coffee, was reinstated. Geetika walked up to the billing counter
and picked up a menu. I followed her there, snaking in between two elderly men, who
held in their hands a plate each of extra-long Dosas, which I remembered to be the
Masala Dosas. The trick of actually enjoying the masala dosa was to start at the
ends and move towards the centre, munching on the curry enclosed in it, as we did.
General Gyaan, here.
What will you have? Geetika said passing me the menu card. She leaned on to the
counter on her back and looked intently towards the kitchen, which was virtually
hidden behind the delivery counters. I looked at the menu card and saw a whole lot
of varieties in Dosas and of course Idlis. But I was looking for something else.
Something I had when I visited my aunt in Bangalore.

Ill be taking Poori, they will be freshly made. The boy just took the dough balls
inside , she said in a hushed up voice. I couldnt understand why she was speaking
in such a low voice. And then it struck me, that maybe she wanted to get to the
Pooris before anyone else did. Everyone else was just looking at their availability
at the delivery counter, and upon realising that there werent many, were ordering
something else.

So have you decided? she turned now facing the billing counter, and
simultaneously taking out her wallet. Wait a sec. She had a wallet in her back
pocket? It seemed very normal, yet somehow odd.

Yeah. Ill have Bisbilla bath or as it so often called, Sambar rice! , I said as
I took out my wallet as well. We paid for our orders separately and took our order
tokens to the already crowded delivery counter. I tried muscling my way in, but
just couldnt fight a really hungry crowd. Geetika called me and took my token, and
calmly stood beside the horde of hungry men. She silently extended her hand towards
a boy on the other side of the delivery counter, who was supposed to take the token
and provide us our breakfast.

As soon as she did that, a dozen or more male hands fighting for attention of the
boy, suddenly pulled back. They even stepped back. An Elderly man, A couple of IT
guys, everyone. She gave the token, and stood there silently as the boy arranged
our breakfast. Her order included two pooris and a potato curry to go with it. And
mine, as the name suggested, Sambar and rice, with some mixture sprinkled on it. We
took our plates and walked out of the hotel, to the counters placed to just stand
and eat peacefully. A boy quickly came from behind us and with one single sweep
cleaned the table with a wet piece of sponge.

This is really hot!! I said holding up the spoon of Sambar rice near my mouth.
More spicy? , she said already munching happily on a piece of Poori , which she
had made into a small rough cone and scooped some curry into it
Its hot. I mean, not taste wise but temperature wise I said gently blowing at
the contents of my steel spoon.
Thats what makes it delicious, no? We have a joke in our field, that Serve them
hot, taste ka fikar not, hehe!, she said finding humour in that somewhere. Either
we had nothing in common with our humour, or maybe I was just being a dick.
Couldnt find that funny at all.

I mean That would work. Burn the tongue and everything thereafter would seem
delicious I said finally getting to taste my breakfast. And it was actually very
delicious.
Nice no? she said observing my expression of pure delight. I plainly nodded my
head, still captivated in the taste.

What they do is, and from what
from the rest of hotels in this
get in supermarkets these days
into the whole analysis thingy.
actually use.
Ive observed, they use a different type of pulse
locality. I mean not the tasteless hybrid kind you
she said as she stopped eating her Poori and got
A plain factoid that I had zero idea how to

Then I guess the whole magic lies in the non-hybrid pulses? I said not giving it
much of a thought. Though her excitement was intriguing, I still wasnt in the mood
to stand and analyse it. Just enjoy the taste, is all to me.
Arey, not that only, of course. Im sorry, am I being pesky? She said looking at
me
No.. Nothing like that. I just enjoy my food way too much and so I dont actually
pay heed to whats going on around me when I eat. Yeah Im a huge foodie, Im
sorry I said sounding polite and idiotic at the same time.
Hahaha! I did see that. No theres nothing to apologize. Haha, Im like that
only! she said finding that highly amusing. Yeah I was definitely being a dick
here.

Yeah risky business there. But dont you think we negate the magic in things by
over analysing them? I said picking up the last spoonful.

Thats one way of looking at it. Guess thats true, that takes out something
wonderful. The mystery element right. Cant help it though. Thats my job!
To analyse dishes. I thought you made them?
Observation is the first step of Preparation. Cant be guilty of that, now can I?
She said, as we poured ourselves some Bisleri Drinking Mineral Water, we walked
out of hotel and towards a bus shelter.
So whats your plan now? she said as she looked at her watch. And took out her
shades from one of her pockets. Ok seriously, where was she storing all these
things?

Im going to call a cab, I think, and then maybe go to Kondapur. To my Aunts

place I said taking out my mobile and dialling a local cab service. I asked
Geetika the exact location of my pickup point, and within 5 minutes had booked
myself a hatchback. A Ford Figo.

So, would it be OK if you could drop me off at Gachibowli? My friend would be

waiting there, in another 20 minutes! , she said as she looked up from her mobile,
in which she was texting continuously for the past ten minutes, as we waited for my
cab to arrive at the bus stop.

Oh, is it nearby? I said, when I was actually supposed to say, Sure! Please! My
pleasure! And stuff like that. My stupidity records a new high.

Not that near, but then you could take straight road to Kondapur from there , she
said wearing her shades and folding her sleeves up to her elbow.

Great. Thats cool then. Ill go to my Aunts place. My moms sister. I call her
Pinni and she calls me. What is so funny? I said as she started snickering
silently. As soon as I said that, her giggle turned to a pursed smile.

No no. I mean nothing. Pinni is same for everyone. Its good! she said still
smiling. Though I dont think it was the main reason for her giggle.

Is anything wrong with that? I mean, should I be calling her something else? , I
said trying to get what was funny.

Oh no no, dont get me wrong. No offense

None at all. I mean I know very less Telugu so I Excuse me! , I trailed off as I
received a call. It was the cab driver, asking for directions, ironically in
Telugu. And as was expected, I passed the phone to Geetika, who as far as I could
understand, asked him to not cross Big Bazaar.

Five minutes later the cab arrived stopping at the other side of the road. I took
the front seat besides the neatly dressed driver and Geetika took the back seat.
The timer on the dock in front of me, now showed that the time was nearing ten. The
driver clicked the timer to start the count of 8 hours package that I had booked
the cab for. It was cheaper that way, and I calculated that with the plans I had in
mind, that I wouldnt need it longer than that. At least thats what I thought
then

1000 to 1100 Hours:

Gachibowli jaana madam? the cab driver, Yusuf, said as he maneuvered the Ford
Figo through the crippling traffic with graceful elegance. It was a working day,
and the roads werent making any bones of it And wait a sec, if this cabbie was
speaking Hindi now, why did he ask me for directions in Telugu? I needed to get
hold of these weird shenanigans in real quick time. Unmindful of it, I texted my
cousin Vikky that I was dropping by.

Haan! DLF building pass me? she said in an awkward effort on her part to
communicate in Hindi. I smiled spontaneously when I heard that, which she did
happen to notice.

My Hindi is not good, OK? she said leaning forward from her seat.

Hindi is widely believed to be our national language, right? Having said that you
could actually use English anywhere nowadays I said turning back to see her, still
not getting rid of my stupid grin.

Then what! Hence, the English medium schools. And by the way, I can speak in my
native language, unlike some people here she said folding her hands and there was
a definite smug on her face.

Oh my God! Geetika! Ouch! , I said laughing at her sarcastic comment.

Yeah you better be hurt! she said laughing as well. She had a pair of really cute
looking bunny teeth, which I observed affirming the weirdness in me. Also the
laugh, drew my gaze to her drooping triangle shaped silvery earrings, but there was
something else which made her intriguing as well. A tattoo to the side of her neck,
something that resembled an ancient pagan design or sorts. Why was it looking so
stunning somehow, I could never know. And we passed some beautiful buildings
outside.

Ye kaunsa area hai, Yusuf bhai?

The magnificence of the area seemed to interest me in an increasing fashion.

Ye, Jubilee Hills hi hota Uske aage boleto Filmnagar aata, Saab!

He turned into a street, following a free left.

This is one way of going to Gachibowli. Its a bit longer but the traffic can
surely be avoided at this hour , Geetika said.

As the air from the marginally opened window beside her, it began to breeze in
through her hair and she coolly tried to keep it off her face.

Ill have to learn these roads quickly then I suppose. Have to really read Google
maps more often now. Which reminds me that I need to get a new SIM card today! , I
said, straightaway noting it down as a reminder in my phone.

Whats the best network here? I asked Geetika, who was staring out of her window
for some reason. It seemed that she didnt hear my question and was lost in some
deep thought. I found it better, not to disturb her and asked the same question to
Yusuf, in Hindi this time around.

Sabhich ache hi hote, Sir. Abhi shehera main signal hota samjho. Abhi offers ke
hisab se lena padta, Sir
It surprised me how he never took his eyes off the road, even through a
conversation.

Which one do you use? Geetika spoke, phasing out from her contemplation.

I use Vodafone. Have always been using that actually

I looked at her for just a moment, as she fell back in place with the cheery signs
of her usual self.
Mines Airtel. Its good as well. Actually both of them have an Okay signal within
the city, and also the prepaid offers are better than the rest. So maybe you should
stick with Vodafone , she remarked matter-of-factly.
Yeah maybe. Im actually very brand loyal. Once I decide on a brand, very rarely
do I change that
You are not alone. 75 percent of the 1.5 billion people in India are brand loyal
to the hilt. Not many local brands for consumer goods. Much less in electronics and
stuff like that
It is strange actually. We are the most brand loyal people ever. To me Sony is
something that I can relate to. Even if you give me a 50k Samsung mobile with all
the futuristic features in it, Id still prefer a Sony mobile. Same goes with
Vodafone. Or for that matter Canon.
My preference in that order would be, Apple, Airtel and Im not that much of a
camera person, but then if I had to choose Id go with Canon too she said
thinking quickly.

Ok, thats logical. How about this. Nike shoes, Philips Audio player, and, say, a
Dell laptop? I said letting my imagination come up with crazy groupings.

Hmmm, interesting. Ok, Adidas I guess, because I like its logo design for some
reason, Sony Audio and maybe still Apple MacBook, for well, I am brand specific
even across the categories I guess she said yawning a bit
Interesting. Cinepolis movies
No no, my turn. Ive got something she hopped abruptly cutting me off, and
plucking my sleeve. I nodded and she continued

Ok soSpiderman in Superheroes, Shanghai in places, and.. Pepsi in well, soft

drinks! she said with a twinkle in her eye, and with a definite grin.
They are not actually consumer brands Geetika. I mean not in the conventional
sense right?
Hah! They are. There is merchandise available based on Spiderman, which is bought
for ridiculous amounts, then there are movies and cuisines about Shanghai and Pepsi
is actually a brand!
Well then. Batman hands down brand or not. And Vatican City, in places because
Ive been told that it is awesome, though Im not sure if I should be using that
adjective to describe it. And yeah, maybe Id go with Mountain Dew in the soft
drinks!

Gotham needs you, eh? I love Mountain Dew, man! Do they still have that? I mean I
cant get my hands on it these days she exclaimed closing her window, as the
gusting wind was making it difficult for her to be heard clearly, yet playing
wonderfully with her hair.

I guess they do. I did see some cans of Mountain Dew at the airport. Or was it
just Redbull, I dont know. I was young and drowsy then. So, my list now?

Haha! Yeah. Sorry sorry. Your list she said and shook her head sideways.
Yeah, so., Christopher Nolan in filmmakers, Robert Ludlum in Novels and Kate
Winslet in actors and I think we are way past consumer brands here to anything
goes category, I guess!
Whats the last name you took?
Kate Winslet. Shes an actress. Hollywood actress. Titanic?
Oh. Never heard of her. Anyway, So Im supposed to take an actors name right?
Wait a second, You havent watched Titanic?
Nope! Never found it interesting! Why? she replied
II mean, dude, Practically everyone on this planet has seen Titanic!
Buddy, I didnt like it for some reason.
DLF building se left lena kya madam? (Do I have to turn left from DLF building?)
Yusuf asked out of nowhere, as he slowed down the cab a few yards before a T
crossing.

Oh, nahin. Left lena! Ek turning aayega, vahan tak stop karna. Vahan se auto
(No, just take a left and stop at the turning, Ill take an auto from there!).
So youll be back at the apartment by 8 right? She said looking directly at me,
her deep brown eyes, seeming more beautiful with every passing moment.
If I extend the 8 hour package that is. If I dont, then before 7, I guess I said
keeping my hands in my pocket, out of habit.
Yeah. The package. So, have a nice day of sightseeing. Malls, gardens and museums
and everything that interests you! she said with a faint smile.

I will, hopefully. You have a great day too. Ill be seeing you before you leave
for the airport right?
Maybe. I do have to get my stuff, you know. So yeah, most probably she said as
the cab got to a stop precisely at the left turn. I couldnt understand why shed
want to get off here and not at the coffee shop. Again none of my business.

I could give you a lift back home, if you want. Shouldnt be a problem really! I
offered as both of us got down as our companion opened a biscuit packet and
literally in true Rajnikanth style flung a biscuit into his mouth.
No no. That wont be necessary. Ill take a bus home, from wherever I end my
hangout session with my friend who I hope hasnt yet arrived!
Cool. Well then, thanks for the company. Ill probably go now! I said.
Yup.Bye then! she said as I got into the cab again. She waved her hand, turned
and walked forwards further into the road. Yusuf, once he was done with eating the
biscuits, started the cab, and drove away.
Time kitna lagega bhaiya, Kondapur jane me? I asked Yusuf as we passed buildings
on our right and arrived at the T Junction.

Yahan se 10 kilometre hota, toh 10 minute samjho? he said adjusting the

temperature on the air conditioner.
It was more than enough, to take a quick nap in between. I instantly pushed back my
seat a bit, reclined it further, and closed my eyes.

Cant you search for a job here? Dont tell me that you wont get any here?
Amma! I need to get a chance. Please. I cant stay here any longer. Im not
clearing my Exams and all I can think of, when I see this house or anything inside
it, is that Ive let you down.
Go to Mumbai then? Why Hyderabad, I mean apart from Pranati, we dont have anyone
there?
We dont. Thats the point. I cant face anyone here, Amma. I cant go on
explaining the reasons of my failure to everyone who is still kind enough to talk
to me.
Its because of that girl no? Whats her name?
No, Amma. Its got nothing to do with her. Ill go and find myself a job. And who
knows the change of climate might actually work. Frankly, Im feeling a bit stuck
here. Let me go no? Amma please!

I opened my eyes, to see that we had stopped at a traffic signal. I had indeed
found myself a job, but I seriously doubted whether it would be enough of a reason
to stay here. I might just earn enough to stay adrift, but it would never catapult
me to new heights. However I did have a hobby, which if clicked would work wonders.
But then the catch point was, if it clicked. I was lost in these thoughts when my
mobile rang. It was my pinni (aunt), Pranati
Hello! Bunny! Hello, can you hear me? Hello! , the voice of my aunt started
searching for signal and in equal measures, me.

Pinni! Yeah I can hear you! I answered closing my other ear, so as to hear her
clearly
Bunny! Where are you? And why exactly arent you picking up the phone?
AhSomewhere near Gachibowli I think, Pick up the phone? I received your call just
now! , I said trying to remember if I had got any calls before this. I could place
none.
Oho! Ive been calling you since morning. The number ending with 789..
Im so sorry Pinni. I left that number a few weeks back
Great, have you reached yet, Vikky gave me this number and told me you were coming
? Call me when you pass a half constructed building, ask for Vijay Towers after
that!!
Yes Maam. Ill do that

I leaned back in my seat, after a quick look at the back. It suddenly felt lonely
to realize that the peppy, bright-eyed beautiful girl who was my partner in the
journey was now on her journey to possibly never return.

I wondered if we could cross each others path again!

Geetika! my lamenting thoughts let out a silent sigh and an involuntary smile
crept up on my face.

1100 to 1300 Hours:

Bye then! I said, with a slight giggle and waved him goodbye. He smiled back
and then the cab drove away.
I walked over to a nearby shade to wait for an auto. I had to admit one thing, this
guy was funny. Not that I hadnt met funny guys before, he was a bit more smart,
with the funny. Too bad that I had to meet him on my last day here. It would have
been really nice to know him.

Madam, yadaki povale? (Madam, Where to?) A screechy auto drivers voice cut into
my musings. I looked to my left and saw him looking at me expectantly. That was
quick. A rarity in this area.

Coffee Table. DLF yenakala (Coffee Table. Behind DLF) I asked. And after the
usual foreplay of me bargaining for half the fare, him refusing, me acting to walk
away, he coming back, cribbing about the petrol rates but finally agreeing, I got
into the auto.

I wondered what I would do in the US. I should try bargaining there too, just for
the fun of it. God, I am going to miss this about the city.

Je mennu yaar na mile yelled the female singers voice from his screechy mp3
player. The funky multi-coloured danglers hanging on the rear view mirror swung as
though in sync with the music and I remembered my first auto trip in the city. That
ear-blasting Himesh Reshammiya song had made me jump in my seat with fear. And
needless to say, I was looted with double the fare than the usual in that route
which a colleague of mine made me realise later.
These autowallas have a special skill. They can easily pick out the new among the
crowd. Besides that, they also have a Dhoom syndrome which makes them zoom away at
full speed, cut dangerously and drive like a maniac in big, traffic less roads like
this one. I clutched the front rod tightly and held myself steady as he drove at
top speed occasionally joining the female singer in her wacky rendition of the hit
Salman Khan song.

Thanks to the song and its energy, we reached the coffee shop in sharp ten minutes.

I paid the auto fare and walked into the coffee shop hummingThese songs just get
stuck in your head, sometimes for days together.

Where the hell have you been? yelled Nidesh as I joined my friends on the table
in the left corner.
For once he comes early and look at him blast off on me. I said, rolling my eyes
and taking my seat.
We have offices to attend, Geetu Ragini said.

I know. I know the drill. So save your energy. And when the hell will you stop
calling me Geetu? I hate that! I retorted with irritation.

Oh. Come on Geetika, its your last day here. We never know when we would again
Nidesh trailed off dramatically and I gave him an angry glare. Nidesh was a college
friend of mine and we incidentally got a job in Hyderabad around the same time. I
met Ragini, Zohaib, Priyanka and Naveen through Nidesh and we hung out together
often. In fact, after Sam and Amit (not anymore), they were my closest friends in
the city. Interestingly, except Zohaib, all of us were non-locals but like Zohaib,
the city accepted us without any demands or expectations.
Achcha, by the way, who was that guy you said you had breakfast date with?
Priyanka was evidently excited.
Nope.not telling you this time I said, shaking my head and picking up the menu
card.
Arey, say no. I swear I wont stalk him this time she pleaded.

Dont act cute with me Priya. Wont work. Anyways, I dont have his number or
anything and we wont even meet again in all probability I said, glancing down the
menu.
But I might! Priya almost immediately bit her tongue.
I know. And that is why you wont get the number I replied calmly, closing the
menu card and looking up for the waiter.

Priyawhen you have a guy like Naveen who loves you so much. Why bother
elsewhere? Nidesh said, tongue in cheek.

Dont take that losers name Priya snapped.

True that. I replied, remembering the goof up that idiot did with my flight
ticket. Where is he, by the way? I asked, noticing now that he wasnt there.

He had a night shift yesterday. He must be sleeping in replied Priyanka.

Someone is keeping track, Zohaib murmured and all of us sniggered. Priyanka stuck
out her tongue at Zohaib. Zohaib was the sweetest guy in the group and we all loved
him dearly. He was this calm, composed and cool guy who had always dealt with
problems in a mature way.

The waiter arrived and everyone placed their orders.

After everyone was done with the usual banter, Zohaib leaned forward a little,
looked me in the eye and asked, How are you Geetika? I knew what he meant.

OK. I guess. I mean, I wanted this. So no point crying over it now. I replied
with a casual shrug.
Thats like our stud. Nidesh said punching me on my shoulder while others just
beamed at me. I then realised how fortunate I was to have such friends.

Ok now, I have to go. I need to login quickly Nidesh said, after half an hour.
Me too! Priyanka added, standing up.

Whats your plan then? she added to me.

Umm.I dont know. Maybe Ill head back home and catch up on some sleep I
replied.
Ok then. I need to head back too. Should I drop you back? Zohaib offered.
No, its ok. Ill go back myself I said, with a smile.
You can drop me though Ragini said, standing up too.
Arey Ragini, you are leaving too. I thought you would come with me I asked.
I cant re. My mom has a kitty party in the evening and I have to help her in
cooking. Well catch up in Noida next week. Done thing that, Love! she said,
sounding irritated.
Ha.kitty party. Enjoy then. Ill get back too. I said, putting my share in the
bill and standing up.
All of us came out together.

Ok. Geetika. Take care and stay in touch. Of course youve got to deal with me one
last time pretty soon, but I speak for everyone else! Ragini said, giving me a
hug. Everyone joined in and wished me luck, hugged me and Nidesh demanded
chocolates from US, like the tradition it already was. Then they went their own
ways and. I took my own to the Hitec city bus stop

I pondered about my perfect life, as I sat down on a bench at the bus stop. I could
see the iconic Cyber Towers on the horizon, something that had always filled me
with awe for some weird reason.

I knew I would have to wait long because the buses in this route were few at this
time of the day. So I took out my phone and started playing, Fruit Ninja. Not the
Candy Crush girl. I was smashing/chopping/dicing the fruits like an effing Ninja,
achieving achievements at every level, when I noticed a guy walking into the bus
stop and leaning against a pole to my right. He then started to look here and
there, his eyes more often than not, stopping on me. He tried to make it look
casual and incidental but failed miserably. Subtlety is not everyones cup of tea,
sweetie. I thought grinning to myself, looking at him from the corner of my eyes.
I put my phone back in my pocket and fully concentrated on this guy and his
miserable antics. I had just decided to scare him off by yelling at him
unexpectedly, but right then I noticed a green colour Ford Figo stopping right on
the other side of the road. An automatic smile of surprise crept up my face as I
saw him getting down and crossing the road towards me.

Hello!! , I shouted into what seemed like the oblivion. I could knock on the
wooden door, but there was a long Ganesha carved out on it. I mean where would I
knock then. On Ganeshas crown? Ring the doorbell, right? I never did that I
practically hated door bells. After a few moments someone answered the door.
Definitely not pinni. Some grumpy lady.

Evaru kavali ? ( Whom do you want?). Translator started in my mind. Obviously I

knew the words, but had a hard time placing the meanings. Evaru=What/When/Who, and
what the hell is Kavali. Before I could resort to sign language, Pinni appeared in
the room. I called her out.

Did you get lost somewhere? You got pretty late! she said opening the door, and
ushering off the disgruntled looking maid.

No nowe took the left before this left.. Is Vikky home? I asked scanning a
proper home after quite some time.

Vikky She Sarele She has a lot of friends, so obviously roaming somewhere in
the city You look tired ra she said asking me to sit down, and went into the
kitchen.

Yeah well the traveling and all, and.. Babai? I asked, though pretty much
knowing that he would have left for office.

He left early ra. I mean, his Vijayawada mama is in Care hospital, a mild stroke
and he had to visit him.. Even Im going there in an hour.. Hes close to us, so..
she handed me a glass of water. Which I gulped down.
Oh is it. Cool.. I mean Ill be leaving in an hour too I said, sitting more
comfortably on the sofa now.
Arey no no, you stay here. Ill be back by 2 or 230, Take some rest or watch TV.
Well have lunch together
I dont watch TV Pinni, remember? Its not that, Ive booked the cab to roam
around the city so Ill come for dinner I think
 Its Guthi Vankai today. I made especially for
Aww, Pinni, you didnt have to do..
Vikky. She likes it..
Ohhh..OK. Oops. Ha-ha
And I stood up to put the glass back in the kitchen. It was one of my homes,
afterall. Vikky and I had practically grown up together in Delhi, until they had to
shift to Hyderabad. That was 5 years back. And here I was again, by my choice.
Maybe having there guys here had my choice clear when I wanted to leave Delhi.
Something told me that it wasnt the only reason
Acha, Coffee or tea ? Pinni asked.
No nothing. I had some awful coffee early in the morning
Awful coffee? Which hotel? I knew that area has no good food at all she began
her rant. Not in a bad way though. More of the adorable kind. Vikky probably
inherited its purest form.

At my flat. There was this girl who..

Wait a minute, a girl at the flat. Already making friends are we?
Well shes cool. The tenant actually. I mean she was going to move today, but
didnt happen. So yeah
So she made you coffee?
No I mean, she. Yeah.. She made me coffee I said yawning for a bit. As I was
about to continue my story, she got a call. She swiftly talked in Telugu obviously.
I could make out that the call was from my babai. The talk seemed serious. After
the call got over she turned to me
Everything OK, Pinni? I asked.

Yeah well your babais mama had a stroke again. And your babai has this
presentation at office, . So he asked me to go to Care hospital immediately and
stay there.. she said and got to work.
Yeah Yeah.. Sure Pinni Lets go.. Ive got the cab as it is
No no, not necessary. The mamas son, Ankur is going to drive me there. He is
already near by, You know Ankur right? The tall boy.. With the spectacles right?
she said arranging her purse with essentials.
Pinni? Is that really relevant here?
Its not. Anyway, you take a nap here, stay or whatever etc. Its upto you. Acha,
do one thing, Have this key, in case you want to go out and stuff she said
plucking out a key from a bunch she had.
ButBut Do you have a key?
Dont worry, we have three duplicates. One with babai, one with vikky and this is
mine Ill take a key from babai when I get to the hospital.. OK? she spoke
hurriedly. Judging by the looks of it, the stroke was pretty serious. She quickly
called someone and left the house.

After she had left, all there was to do for me to roam around the house aimlessly,
and finally crash on the bed. I called up Yousuf and told him that Id come down an
hour later. It was a quick nap time.

Seconds turned to minutes and then to an hour. And the timer went off precisely as
scheduled. I got up, freshened up and voila, before long I was on the road again.
Me, Yousuf and Ford Figo. And we headed to Hitec city. Right at the turn on the
left towards the bus stop, I found out that life had a plan for me, today.

Rendezvous with Geetika Raghuraman, again, I let out an unmindful chuckle.

1250 to 1430 Hours:

Yusuf Bhai, Biryani khilado yaar! , (Yusuf, Lets have some Biryani now!), I said
adjusting my seat, which had been pushed back, much further than what I did
previously, probably because Yusuf had to take a nap in between. It is said in our
part of the world, that the Gods in the holy heavens, have never willed a more
enticing way of taking care of the pouncing hunger, than to indulge in the ever
tantalizing, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani.

Sir, Grills pass me hi padta! Vahan chale? (Sir, Grills is nearby! Do we go

there?) He said looking at the timer on the dock. It was ten minutes past One.

Yusuf Bhai! Agar aapko biryani khani hoti toh kahan khate? (Yusuf, if you had to
eat some Biryani, where would you go?), I said checking my mobile for yet another
list of missed calls. This time however I had a couple of missed calls from my mom.
I decided to call her once I was done with my lunch. Reason being, more often than
not, I ended up sounding stupid and childish, on an empty stomach, which I couldnt
afford to sound now that I had taken a bold step coming to a new city against my
moms wish. I needed to at least sound brave and in control. I saw an unknown
number as well in the list. I wasnt going to let my curiosity get the better of
me, not while I was still on roaming, and therefore scrolled my way out of it
Sir! Main toh vaise A-Star Biryani Point, jaatu! Madhapur me padta voh. Par vahi
mashoor Paradise bhi padta! (Sir! I usually go to A-Star Biryani point. Thats in
Madhapur. Also, the famous Paradise hotel is there too!), he said now driving the
cab, with only his right hand on the steering wheel.

Ok Bhai, I said, imagining biryani.

We got down a new flyover and turned left at, what was called the Cyber Towers
junction. As we passed the local bus stop, and were about to drive into a rough
lane, when I asked Yusuf Bhai, to stop the cab. I needed to do something before
losing myself, in the heavenly taste of Biryani. I got off the cab and walked to
the fairly vacant bus stop behind us, and sat on a wooden bench, which was already
half occupied. She was there. Beyond Hope.

So, Butterscotch in the ice-cream flavours, Daft Punk in Pop music bands and
History in tenth standard subjects! I said looking straight ahead at the road,
where a couple of Auto walas hovered their Autos in ultra-slow motion over the edge
of the bus stop , practically hunting for any change in expression on faces of the
people stranded at the bus stop. One molecular hint of interest and they would
pounce on the opportunity, bombarding the guilty with questions ranging from Kahan
Jaana Saab/Madam (Where do you want to go, Sir/Madam) to a more impolite Phir
Kaiku bulaya, Saab /Madam? (Then why did you call us, Sir /Madam).

Not really a fan of ice-creams, though I do prepare them at times. So Ill go with
Black Current, cause Chocolate isnt really my thing and Ive just had some, which
again to my dismay tasted awful. Imagine Dragons answers the next query and I
suppose Mathematics in tenth standard. I was actually good at maths, the non-
algebra part to be specific the husky, yet in equal measures smooth, voice from my
right, replied.

Yeah, I remember Chocolate. What was the list again? Chocolate, Coffee and? I
said, now looking at a sparingly full city bus come to a screeching stop in front
of us, with a young boy swaying on the footboard, for no apparent reason, but for
the sheer pleasure of juvenile daredevilry and maybe for a better, closer view of
the world.

Bread. Its Bread,she said without looking at me and maintaining a totally

unbeknown look on her face. I heard her, took out my shades and wore them without
turning my head, swiftly walked out of the bus stop.

Had lunch? she said running her hands through her hair and ruffling them up .
Going to! I said peeking joining her outside.
Biryani? she asked as though it was the most obvious thing to do. But then again
it was. Its like having Vada Pav in Mumbai, Golgappa in Delhi, Sambar Idly in
Chennai and Veg Snacker in Bangalore.

A-Star, Yes! I replied checking my watch.

Mind if I join? she said, and started walking towards the cab which was stranded
at the side turn, before I could say yes or no or whatever one was supposed to
say to that hypothetical question.

We walked to the cab, and took our respective places in the cab, and I asked Yusuf
Bhai to deliver us at heaven.

So you were supposed to hang out with your pals right? I asked Geetika, out of
curiosity
Well, it is a working day and apparently for my pals working in the MNCs, their
bosses at London were no mood of letting them go. I did meet one of my colleagues
from the hotel and bade him goodbye! , she went on explaining what was up with
her, which in the context of things wasnt really necessary.

Oh thats nice. So you were heading back home?

Sort of. But I had to stop by at a mall before, just to purchase some things. So
what about you?

It was interesting. Went to my Aunts, took a nap, so, yeah! , I said as Yusuf
slowed down the cab, near a two storeyed building, which proudly hung up a huge
green and red display board, with A-STAR written in, what seemed like a proper
blend of retro pop and Arabic italics, and a picture of what looked like a badly
morphed Salman Khan, with his popular long locks and hair falling on his forehead
like a wild grazing ram. Sallu Bhai had a biryani pot in front of him and with his
right non- muscular hand was showing everyone way to the joints entrance.

Welcome Madam , a waiter greeted us (or maybe just Geetika) courteously, as we

arrived at the second floor. The waiter had a napkin on his shoulder for some
reason and had a maroon uniform on him and a complementary Topi as well. He quickly
opened the glass door which led to an AC room as promised, and twenty or so tables,
arranged in three columns. We chose a table in the second column and sat opposite
each other, as the napkin clad waiter paced to another table to tend to their
hunger needs.

Well split the bill, OK? she said as she rotated the lid on a red plastic jug
Sure. I was actually about to say that I said putting my mobile on the table and
quickly glanced at the ever increasing notifications.

You were? she said with an utterly straight face, which felt that she was trying
to hide a laugh. And then I realized that I had definitely done something
incredibly stupid, that I didnt actually realize yet. Thankfully to my rescue, the
napkin clad waiter arrived at our table, with a pocket notepad in his hand and a
ball point pen over his right ear.

Menu kya hoga yahan pe, bhaiya? (What would be the menu here), I asked the
waiter, who clearly looked upset that we hadnt decided on anything yet, without
looking at the menu card. I mean who does that, anymore.
Veg ya Non Veg, saab? (Veg or Non Veg, Sir?) He asked in a matter of factly
manner
Veg milta yahan? (Do you have Veg, here?), Geetika asked him visibly surprised at
the possibility. An odd musing I thought.
Nahi milta Madam (No we dont) the waiter cleared our doubts. Geetika looked at
me as though she wanted to tell me something, but then, it was my turn to hide a
smile with a straight face. She saw what I was doing, and shook her head, and drew
my gaze towards the fork that she was gripping with her right hand. That clearly
ended the amusement.

Bhaiya, Biryani me kya hoga aapke paas? (What would you have in Biryani?) I
returned to the waiter.

Ghosht Biryani aur Chicken Biryani. Dono me Handi milta (Mutton Biryani and
Chicken biryani. You can have Handi, ergo Pot, in both) he said, stressing on the
word Handi.

Handi kya hota hai? (Whats Handi?)

Matka bhar Biryani. Do jan ke liye khaafi hota!, (A pot full of Biryani, Will be
enough for two!) He said starting to scribble on the notepad, as if he had decided
on the Handi, for us.
Oka Handi order cheyandi. Danto patu rendu Thumbs-up cheppandi! (Order a Handi,
and two Thumbs up with that!) Geetika said finishing the order within three
seconds. The waiter nodded his head and walked away swiftly towards the kitchen.

What did you say, Geetika? I said.

I just gave the order. That is Telugu, my dear Telugu Boy! she said proudly
folding her hands and smirking in her victory.

Well played! I said and unlocked my mobile as it vibrated with an incoming call.
The number again. My Ex was in no mood to let me go.

Being a good sport. So anyway, whats your story? Or did I hear it already? she
said returning to her usual cool self just as quickly.
My story? Its going to take time, you know
The Biryani too will take some time. So yeah, lets hear it
Ok. So, well, I was born in Vishakhapatnam, and raised all over the country. My
dad used to work as a journalist in Vishakhapatnam. Then he got promoted as a sub
editor for a national newspaper, The Hindu, I think, and there at started my cross-
country educational trip

Wow! A journalist. Ive never met a journalist, you know. They are like, I mean
you know they exist, but you never get to meet them, never get to see them
Non Existent and equally Omnipresent, yeah I know. But trust me, you wouldnt want
to meet one!
You are exaggerating here! Cant be that bad!
Trust me! I am not. So yeah, when he got into The Hindu, we moved to Chennai for a
couple of years, then to Daman for somewhere around 6 or 7 months, then he got an
offer from Indian Express, which took us to Delhi for three years, Bhopal for the
next two, then Coimbatore for a couple, then to Mizoram
Wait a second, you stayed in Coimbatore too. Cool, I did my schooling there.
Though not all of it. Anyways, Coimbatore and Manipur, then..? She said while
counting my places on her fingers
Mizoram. Aizwal actually. The unexplored North East, you know
Thats even cooler. The story just got interesting. So then?
Ha-ha! Actually its boring from here. Then Mumbai, to do my plus two. After which
I got into the CA course, and have been away from home for the major part of the
course. Did my internship in Gurgaon, and finally I landed here today
So your home is at Mumbai? clearly following my epic journey without missing a
beat.
Not actually. My parents are back at Daman now
Ok Ok. So of all the places, the ones we have in common are, Coimbatore and
Mumbai. Ive stayed at these two places. Schooling at Coimbatore for four years and
the Hotel management course in Andheri East. And here I am, having fun on my last
day at Hyderabad
Well, I mean ironical The Handi of Biryani placed by the napkin clad waiter
right in between the two of us, unceremoniously cut short my thought process. The
Handi (the pot that is) almost overflowed with a heap of Biryani rice with a large
tandoori leg piece on its peak, dressed up in all kinds of assorted spices and
masala hues. It was then ably being supported by a couple of bowls, containing a
greenish masala soup, which was called Shorba and curd prepared with ample amounts
of coriander and miniscule pieces of onion. Also coming to the party was a tray
full of neatly diced up Onions and Lime. The whole arrangement presented the kind
of image, which makes you feel proud that youve finally managed to order something
that is exactly, if not more enticing than the mental image that youve had of the
said delicacy.

The waiter masterfully worked the biryani along the rim of the pot, with a couple
of spoons and served it to us in equal proportions. He managed to even cut the
large piece of chicken into two pieces, precisely, with the spoons. The Biryani
rice looked a bit longer than I remembered, but gave out an aroma that took me back
in time, when I had my first biryani at my aunts place at Bangalore five years
back.

The waiter in one sweeping motion, opened the cool drink bottles that he bought and
placed them on the table, and calmly walked away.

Use your hand to eat! Thats the best way to savour the taste of Biryani ,
Geetika said pouring some Shorba over her Biryani, in some sort of semi-circle
pattern.

I was actually planning to do that , I said placing some Onion pieces and a slice
of lemon in my plate. It was either the Indian way or the highway. And then I
tasted the Biryani. I was never much of a believer in the divine presence around
us, but it was things like this that made me question my own faith. The sheer magic
in it was enough to make me go and hug the chef who prepared it, and if it was some
woman who was as beautiful as Geetika, maybe kidnap and marry her.
Whats ironical , said Geetika from beyond the taste horizon, gulping a small
amount of Coke.
Ironical? Oh yeah. Well the fact that, this is my first day in the city and its
your last too. Clearly a rare occurrence, right? I mean what are the chances? I
said biting an onion piece.
Yeah thats what. I dont know from where the writers come up with these sorts of
cheeky premises. Its like Im handing over the city to the next in line. Passing
on the torch, kinda like that , she said with her mouth full.

Yeah so whats your story? I asked her getting a hint of control over my senses,
which until that point were flying off the taste.

All in good time, Boy. Let me eat first. This is a Piece of Art and it commands a
certain sense of respect. Now as a chef I wouldnt want to deny it that , she said
and returned to pouring the Shorba all over her biryani and on the chicken piece as
well

1435 to 1645 Hours:

Listen. I have a plan. This is my last day in Hyderabad right? I might never come
back here, and well, incidentally, its your first day here. I was thinking that
maybe, I can show you around, you know, so that in the process, I could take with
me, fresher and unbroken memories, of the City. Maybe enjoy what this city is all
about, one last time! Of the places, of the people and sorts. And by the end of the
day well split the fare! she said sounding a bit nervous for some reason, as we
dragged ourselves out of A Star Biryani Point.

No, but listen! Youll have to do something first! , she said shuffling forward.
I have to do something?? I asked her, hoping that it wasnt something to do with
picking up some of her friends on the way. That would totally ruin the cheeky
premise of the Rom Com that was shaping up here!

Well. Its nothing really. Youll have to ask me to come, join you in the trip,
and also ask me to show you around. And then Ill say OK. And thereafter we can
go! she said shyly looking at the ground.

Excuse me! What? , I said trying to get a grasp on the proceedings.

Look! Its not difficult. I dont want to come out looking as a Pile On. Or even
worse, an Easy Wheezy!
Ok, now. Stop right there. What exactly is, Easy Wheezy? I said finding the word
rather amusing
You know, what Easy Wheezy is! Just ask no? And Ill say OK. Whats the big deal?
, she said avoiding looking at me. I stared at her for a few seconds, took out my
shades, put them on and started crossing the road, to our cab. Geetika looked at me
cross, and after successfully waging a World War Three with her ego and soul,
calmly walked behind me.

Next time, Im not coming without you asking me to!! She hissed as she walked
past me and took the back seat. I could only afford a smile, as I took mine in the
front.

Kahan Jaana Saab? (Where do we go from here, Sir?) a yawning Yusuf Bhai managed
to ask, as he turned the cab round the corner, and to the main road.

Ive got some shopping to do, Can You Ask him to drive to InOrbit mall, which
isnt far from here! There he can take rest for an hour or so she said looking at
her watch for some reason. I promptly relayed the message, and Yusuf Bhai dutifully
took a U turn.
Yusuf Bhai, drove into the Entrance bay of the mall, and stopped at what looked
like the main entrance.

Kab tak jaana, Sir? (When do we leave, Sir?) Yusuf asked as I was about to get
down.
Aap ek kaam karo, chaar baje tak aap mujhe ek baar call kardo, theek hai? (Do one
thing, call me up at around 4, all right?) I replied as I got down. Geetika was
already walking through the security check at the entrance, and I followed, as
Yusuf slowly drove the cab away and through the Exit Bay.

Come, lets go up! To the second floor she continued, as we entered, and bent to
adjust her sandals. Ok! That was the first time I saw the intricate design
skilfully tacked over her brownish sandals. Made of Semi Circles.

Yeah, Geetika you carry along. Ill just go have a look at the Gizmos and then
join you I said watching a random kid play ice hockey through Xbox Kinect, on
display at the Digital Stores to my left.
Ohk cool. Ill be on the second floor, Shoppers Stop. Formals section. Have fun!
She said and took the escalator up. I walked into the Digital lair.

Yes, Sir, How you may help you! a neatly dressed attendant in his early twenties
came forth, as I entered.
Im sorry? I didnt get that. What did you say? I asked him as I hung my shades
over my t-shirts collar. The attendant suddenly realized his mistake.
I am sorry, Sir. What can? I mean how may I help you? he came again. This time
sounding a bit cautious but grammatically correct.

Well see. Whats your name? I asked him casually, trying to calm his nerves a
bit
Why what happened, Sir? he replied, looking somewhat scared.
No, nothing happened. Im just asking your name. Theres nothing to feel tensed
about, all right!
Jagdeesh, Sir! he said nervously smiling
Ok. Jagdeesh, are there any Prepaid SIM connections for sale in this store?
Ill be happy to let you know about that Sir, once I talk to the store manager!
he said and swiftly walked towards the Employees Only door. I took to checking out
the latest innovations in mobile phones. I had to open up Google search and type in
the word Juxtaposition in every available model, just for fun. That again was my
thing. Just as I was typing the word in a Sony Z Tablet, Jagdeesh returned.

Sir, a prepaid connection sales person is due to come in an hour. You could buy a
connection from him he blurted out, as if he was rehearsing the sentence all the
way through.
Thank you, Jagdeesh. Can I get a Vodafone connection, too? I asked him just to
confirm the fact.
Vodafone. Ill be happy to let you know about that, Sir, once I talk to the store
manager!! , he replied and off he went hurriedly.

I felt sorry for the poor guy, but at some level I was enjoying this.
Sir, Vodafone will also be available. Both 2G and 3G Jagdeesh returned and said
trying to maintain the smile.

Thanks Jagdeesh. Could you do me a favour? This is my number. Could you call me up
when he comes? I said handing over my number. He sincerely nodded, as I walked out
of the store. The kid who was now smashing his way through in kingdoms, as he
shifted from Air Hockey to God of War, eventually got the system to hang. I stood
there for a few moments, and silently strolled out of the store.

A sweep panorama of the ground floor, revealed a colourfully decorated bouquet

stall, a herbal Get Well Soon kind of store exhibiting artificially made natural
cosmetics , an entrance to the Hypermarket, a couple of escalators and a bunch of
young people laughing out loud to something that a slim girl with red streaks on
her hair said, an old couple praying to the almighty that they survive the
escalator climb, a small boy chasing a red balloon unmindful of anything going on,
and a wipe cart mopping thewait a second. I knew that slim girl with red streaked
hair, which was definitely longer the last time I saw her.

Vikky! Vik Vishaka! , I called out to her, remembering mid-way through that she
hated being called Vikky in public. She turned and started scanning the people,
until she found me. She excused herself from her friends and walked swiftly towards
me.

What the hell, Bunny. How? You moron! I was trying to reach you! she said hugging
me.
Oh it was you! I thought it was some customer support service I said trying to
remember the unknown number that I had a missed call from earlier.
Yeah Yeah. I didnt reach you actually, so stop playing along. Anyways what are
you doing here?, she said shuffling on the spot.
Well you know. General, shopping stuff. I came here with a friend of mine. What
the hell have you done with your hair? What are you, the Girl with a Dragon
Tattoo or something?? I said touching her hair And what have you got in your
hair. Mucous? I said wiping my hand on my jeans.
Its hair wax. And by the way, its the latest look, Bunny. Its cool and chic!!
she said winking at me.

Its foolish and sick. Its ridiculous, Vikky. You look crazy!
Whateva! Anyways, friend of yours? Is He a She? Or is she a He?
Its Geetika! And no, shes not transgender, if you were asking that!
Haha! No re. I meant. Nothing, lyt. Come Ill introduce you to my friends! She
said and without giving me any chance to slide away, held my hand and forcibly
dragged me to her gang of friends.
Hey, people! Meet my cousin, Bunny. Be nice and say Hi! she said introducing me
to them with my pet name.

Thanks Vikky! Oh yeah, for those who didnt know, shes called Vikky at home.
Pretty cool name, if you ask me , I smirked at her, and effectively got back at
her.

This is Zakib & Suganda, they are seeing each other! she said proudly as the
couple couldnt help but give out a shy embarrassed smile.

Vikky! Dont be Facebook here! Hii, Zakib & Suganda! I said trying to mellow her
excitement down, and introduced myself to the couple, who looked good together,
though the girl seemed taller than the guy, which to me was totally cool.

Ok ok. Right. Cool. So this is Malini, Kanika, Uttam, and Aneesh!

Hii, all! I said, trying to catch the youthful exuberance normally exuded by
groups of their age. Somehow they were all very silent, apart from the chatter box
that Vikky was.

We all went to the same college. Arey, I forgot only. I told you guys about a
cousin of mine who wrote a book a couple of months back, no? Yeah hes the one,
ladies and gentlemen. So who wants to beat him up first! she chuckled as the group
finally got into the act and laughed.

Yup. Thats me. Im guilty. Hope some of you have read it!
I read it. Found it very interesting , said a tall guy, called Uttam. Thats an
interesting way of saying that the book was bad, Uttam, I thought to myself.
And me too. But to be honest I like Romcoms you know! a girl named Kanika said.
Well thank you. Guess youll like my next work then I said
Bunny, you are writing a Romcom next? Oh no! Dont ruin the genre Vikky said.
I will try not to

Vishaka, the pizza party? Bunny! You can come along too. Itll be fun! said
Suganda, the significant other of the embarrassed couple.

Well thank you! But next time for sure. Im with my friend, and she might be
expecting me! So yeah maybe some time later I said politely declining their
invite. Vikky however abruptly looked at me with a suspicion laded expression on
her.
People! You go and have the pizza party. Ill join you in, like fifteen minutes.
Ive got something to discuss with my mysterious cousin here! , Vikky said and put
an arm over my shoulder. The batch of friends said the goodbyes and left presumably
talking about the pizza crusts.
So, six on the first ball, huh, Bunny! Vikky said as she tightened her grip over
my neck, obviously trying to make me confess through asphyxiation.
Well nothing like that.. Ah I mean shes Vikky, you want to kill me or
something I said ducking from her hand and breaking free
I shall entertain the possibility of killing you, if I am not shown this girl in
the next precisely ten minutes This Geetika girl! she said with her hands folded
and some sort of stern look on her.

Finding myself in mortal danger of being strangulated, I was left with no other
option but to take her along, to Shoppers Stop store on the second floor. After
getting through the security check, we started searching for Geetika.
Interestingly, Vikky too was searching for Geetika too, as if she knew who she was
or what she looked like, or maybe she expected her to wear a name tag. Her
excitement was getting the better of her common sense, I wondered, as we branched
out to sweep the whole Female section . And at the far end of the Formals
section, I found Geetika checking out a suit with her free hand, as she carried a
cloth bag which by the looks of it, contained a couple of shirts. She glanced at
the price tag, looked up at the ceiling mumbling something within herself, and let
go of the price tag along with the suit. I slowly walked behind her. I never know
why I did that. It wasnt as if I was going to startle her from behind. That would
be such a stupid thing to do. Vikky who was a few rows of suits apart, parallel to
Geetika, saw me approach her and quickly walked to me.

Costly much? I said, unintentionally startling Geetika. She turned to look at me,
making a real good effort of not letting her surprise show.
A bit, yes. But it is affordable if youve got the reward points for it she said
walking forward to the next set of designer suits.
The reward points! They accept your mobile number.
Hii, you must be Geetika, no? Vikky said, figuratively and literally pouncing at
the millisecond window of opportunity that my sleepy brain provided her. Geetika
looked at her, quizzically, as Vikky stood beside me with a stupid and broad grin
on her face. I smiled timidly at her.
Yeah Do I know you.? Geetika said clearly trying to recall her.
Nay! Im Bunnys cousin! Vikky said extending her hand in order to shake hers,
and all I could do was to hide my face behind a half cotton suit hung beside me
from a hanger.
Bunny? Im sorry! I dont know any Bunny! Geetika said fairly perplexed at the
prospect of knowing someone with that funny a name, yet was polite all the time
This Vikky said hooking my t-shirts collar with her forefinger and pulling me
out of my hiding.

Im Bunny! I said with a nervous smile, feeling embarrassed for the first time in
the day, a feeling that I knew I had to get used to, for as long as the ever
devilish Vikky existed in my vicinity.

Thats something! Geetika said looking at me, as if I was that polka dotted fish
in Finding Nemo.

Yeah, my parents were extremely busy right after I was born to give it a thought,
and my mum remains a big fan of Bugs Bunny. So here I am! I said sincerely, so
that she didnt have to go into the crypts of past And this girl, is Vikky, my
cousin! I introduced her to Geetika. They shook hands, and smiled at each other.

Yeah thats how he got his name. Same story here too. Weve got so much common,
that we can pass off as twins, you know Vikky said spiking up her cropped hair
again as if it was going droop down anytime soon. Geetika pleasantly nodded.
No we are not! I said.
Shut up. We are! Vikky as was her automated response, shut me out. Geetika found
that funny, as she chuckled.
Vikky! You want a war, Ill give you one. Lets leave Geetika to her shopping,
shall we? , I said trying to avert a showdown.
Oh no no! I wasnt shopping. Im just looking at stuff. Ive already got what I
want! she said showing us the cloth bag.
Mens Shirts? I asked as I saw a turquoise colour full sleeves shirt and a light
pink half sleeves one.
Yeah. Shirts. I did want to go for three shirts, but then the discount package
wasnt really working around with three, so instead..
Ooh Shirts! Gift huh? For whom? Vikky jumped right in. I mean she had to.
Vikky! Thats not. I said trying to control the damage, which I knew wouldnt be
possible. And never going to be enough.

Hey! Thats cool. Its for a friend of mine. I promised him that Ill buy him a
couple of shirts Geetika replied seemingly taking no offense to the blatant lack
of courtesy. Guys! Lets get something to eat no? Im starving you know, Geetika
And by the way whats your pet name? Vikky said quickly recouping.

I dont have a pet name. Somehow I dont really like people calling me anything
other than Geetika said Geetika now walking towards the nearest billing counter,
as Vikky and I, trailed her, having zero interest in the background score.

Bunny! Why exactly arent you talking? Vikky said remembering that I actually
existed behind them, as they went on chit chatting about something called JudaPin.
Yeah I was thinking about the same thing. Guess my subconscious mind is heavy-eyed
with all the biryani I said actually stopping an emerging yawn. The three of us
finally got to the level where all the action was. Nope not the disco or pub
contaminants, but the Food Court. Vikky saw her group of friends at the Pizzas, but
somehow felt prudent enough to still continue with us. We took an empty table
somewhere in between Just Idli store and KFC.

So, you guys! Whats the plan today? Vikky, who took the chair beside me, asked
as she took out a hair gel and started applying it to her soft spikes. Geetika
shrugged her shoulders and I told her that I had to visit Charminar after this.

Cool. Chalo guys, you have fun. Ill have to catch up with my friends and watch a
movie later she said and checked her bag.
Movie? Which one? When? Geetika said.
At 4.30, which is like ten minutes from now. I Love a Vampire and a Werewolf loves
me: Part Two The Cold Howl!! She replied swiftly giving no window of opportunity
for any kind of ridicule that was bound to ensue.
Oh, I saw the first part, what was it called, The Waning Moon and The Shedding
Fur, right? Geetika got into the act. And I was like, Seriously??
Yeah that one I loved. Especially the scene where she has to die for the vampire
but is saved by the werewolf I mean even my boyfriend had a lump in his throat
Vikky went on with the presumably moving recounting of the epic tale.
I highly doubt that it had anything to do with Wait a sec You have a boyfriend!!
I mean How? When? I finally woke up to the world around me. Geetika giggled
looking at both of us, finding my confusion a good source of humour.

What how? You mean how thats possible? Because technically that is very much
hurting Vikky snapped at me and got up to leave.
No! I mean Geetika youll have to excuse me. I got to talk about this boyfriend
of hers I said standing up and putting my hand over Vikkys shoulder. It was my
turn to conduct the interrogation. Geetika smiled at us, and waved a bye bye at
Vikky.

You are coming to the dinner, alright Geetika? Dont you dare skip that! Vikky
said trying to free herself from my Kung Fu Dragon hold.

Sure Sure! Thanks for inviting me over, Vikky! Geetika replied in her trademark
courteous manner.
I ushered Vikky away from the table and towards a store called Taste Buds.
So who is this psycho? I asked her plainly.
Psycho? Hardly. People, if you have noticed, arent exactly you!! Vikky answered
not so plainly Youve met him actually. The names Uttam! she continued as she
managed to peek at her friends sitting a few meters and a couple of rows behind us.
The one with the weird hairdo? I asked her shuffling across and cutting off her
line of vision
No, the tall guy! The guy who read your book re she said sternly.
He read my Oh! I see I mean I shouldve known. Ohk thats not cool. He looks odd
and does Pinni know about him?
Are you kidding me, bro? Hes great all right. And hes a writer too. He has a
blog!
Ohk first of all. Having a blog makes you a blogger, not a writer. And second of
all, I hate his name. I mean, Vikky come on, thats not even a noun, Uttam! .
Thats like an adjective at best!
What the Thats ridiculous. Uttam is a proper name!

Im sorry bud! That isnt. It means Hmm It means super. I mean its an
expression. Super what right? I chuckled trying to make her see sense. Agreed that
I hadnt actually met him yet, but then that was the brotherly automated denial
response mechanism that had just kicked in, just as I handed her my IDs and
passport photo for the new SIM card. Shed have to pick up my SIM eventually.

I dont care. I dont care if he is a noun, or an adverb or even an effing

punctuation mark, he still is a great guy to me. So thank you very much but I got
to shoot now.! she said as my mobile rang. She took the opportunity and slid away
from me, smirking at me. I waved my hand at her, affirming the fact that the
conversation was far from over. The call was from Yusuf Bhai. And then we had to
leave. Next stop Charminar.

Geetika and I had walked out of the mall some ten minutes ago, and called Yusuf
Bhai to pick us up. After we got into the cab, Geetika just fell silent, staring
out of the window, seeming clearly detached from everything around her. The sun was
in its last lap, and the skies were beginning to vaguely the show the orangish
hues. My first day in the city, wasnt complete and yet somehow I felt like I could
live here for rest of my life. And with her somehow it all felt like a dream. We
were hitting it off, and yet we both were happily being pretentious. My point was
that she was someone who wasnt just laughing at my jokes. She was someone I knew I
could be silent with. And at any point, could pick up, where I left. She was slowly
filling up with hope, that I could confront my demons and didnt have to funny
faces to get away. I could stand there. She wasnt doing anything extraordinary!
But it definitely seemed like a whole lot more than that.

And then I had the call. Was I supposed to receive that call? Did I know any
different? Could anything that was already done be magically undone? I took out my
mobile, activated the data connection, and typed the message and pressed send.
Traffic will be at its peak in the next few minutes on this road , Geetika said
from the back seat, speaking for the first time in the last twenty minutes. Id
thought that she might have fallen asleep or something, but again I knew that she
wouldnt have. She, after all, did want to take us to some place, which was in her
own words special near Charminar.

I guess Charminar will be the last thing we do, before coming back. It would be
really great if you could come to Vikkys place I said.

Vikky is cool and all, but I dont know! I mean I have still got a plane to catch,
and you know stuff and all Geetika said politely trying to figure out a way to
decline the invite.

Well Cool. No issues I said putting her out of her misery. Sort of.
What?
What what? I said.
Nothing. Nothing she said and got back to staring out of the window. I returned
to observing people and the traffic in front of me. And then I got a text message
from the number that was hell bent on bugging me for eternity. And every single
time it directly or indirectly meant the same thing.

Why are you not talking to me? And with that stupid text she had caught me in the
most vindictive mood. That was what I was waiting for, and now in this very moment,
she would be served.

Because I dont think I have to I replied to the last received message. And
waited for the next two minutes, contemplating the whole scenario that was bound to
happen hence forth, and thankfully I was already synthesizing the most brilliant
comebacks ever.

You dont mean that! I know All right! So stop acting like a child and pickup my
call! So the next text appeared.

Do you also happen to know that Sodium Bicarbonate was found in crater residues of
the coast off Costa Rica? Acting? Who is?

What the hell are you saying? Are you drunk huh?

How could you say that? Thats ridiculous!!

Please dont make this hard! You know why I needed to be with him!

Hmm Lemme guess To have Kids and probably propagate your progeny to all parts of
the world!

Lets be serious about this, ok? Please I dont want this to spiral into a verbal
duel for no reason!

That awesome moment when you realize that I do happen to have one! And I need to
take a piss too!!

So you will not be mature about this? Look I was hoping to tell you about it, and I
definitely didnt want you to know about the whole thing in the way that you did.
Im sorry, all right!

This is news. Did I not receive the memo? My bad that I walked upon you two. Hope I
didnt disturb the Job at hand. The guy definitely looked like he was about to,
you know, Arrive!!

Shut up! Dont be such a dick! You knew what we were going through!

How would I know? And We? I was going through something which looked like shit and
you were probably going through the childbirth magazine!

You know what! You are just making it easy for me. I thought I owed you an
explanation, but I guess you dont deserve any.

You owe me nothing! Dont you worry about anything! Explanation is for those who
dont have the visual confirmation.

Fuck You!!

Anytime, love! Your place or mine? Or the cab? You shouldnt be having a problem
with that now, right!!

That did seem to hit her hard, as for the next few seconds, though I could see that
something was being typed on the other side, she wasnt sending it. I hopefully
prayed that this would provide a much needed end to the shitty conversation I was
having with her. But then that was not to be, as I did receive her message a minute
later
Ill call you up tomorrow! Lets talk about this! Cant leave it hanging! Bye, have
fun!!

And I turned off my data connection and placed my mobile on the dashboard. Geetika,
as I looked back, was again lost in her own world, only occasionally speaking to
me. I could see that we had entered a much denser part of the city. The road
dividers and the traffic lights appeared few and far between. And the general
public occupancy per square meter was slowly increasing. Hawkers and small shops
became more apparent and also the number of animals strolling merrily on the road,
spiked up.

Ten minutes more and we should be at Charminar Geetika finally after returning to
planet earth, spoke.

Oh thats cool. I did feel that we were getting close. Are you cool? I said
trying to be courteous.

Yeah! Im good. Just something with my Ex, you know , she said rubbing her
forehead.
Well, if it makes you feel better, Im in the middle of this break up thingy
myself right now, so yeah, WTF to that right? I said trying to smile about the
whole thing. Which somehow feels easier to do when the audience you have are going
through the same thing.
Ha-ha! Well yeah. But its not the same I guess , she said, as she checked out
her wallet for something.

With all due respect! I sincerely hope not , I said indirectly trying to get her
to divulge the details.
Oh yeah! Thats cool. You should probably write about it then She said, obviously
too smart to fall for the challenge, Anyway, I wanted to ask you this, Which site
does the incognito window arrive at! she continued placing her hand on the
headrest of my seat.

Oho! Well. Now then lets see KattyBlondes mostly and if Im in the mood for
some Asian stuff, I guess Id go with StraightAs.com!
Never heard of that. Must be new. I prefer GrazingDeer, which has the best.
Amateur teen, yeah. Stumbled upon it once. Especially the role playing of, whats
her name?
Barbara? Barbara Jackson?
Naa re. The one with the long plait and tattoo on the shoulder. The Arabic one
Yasmin Rose Oh yes. Love her. Shes a natural no? Geetika said excitedly.
Totally! You should see her when she shows off her sheer athleticism and
flexibility in taking off her pan.
Yeah and also when she beats the bouncers and punishes them with
Magical Stuff, yeah! I said, as I saw her putting up her hand again. And I
clapped it.
Seriously though, man. You should write something Romantic or Comedy or Both. Will
make you a star overnight
Yeah thats what I want to be. Actually, I dont know, boss. Maybe I cant do it.
I dont have it in me
Well then take it up, as some kind of a challenge. To know your limits, sort of.
You can do that, trust me!
Cool. Ill try that. Youll buy my book then?
Depends on many things, Dude. I rarely find any time to sit down with a novel, but
yeah Ill try to. Sure thing
Which brings me to my next question. Whats your story Geetika?
Do I have to? I mean theres nothing interesting going on in there! she said
coyly
Its confession night, my friend. We arent going to meet again Geetika. This is
your free hit. The day, I mean the next, like 4 hours and 10 minutes are entirely
ours. After that we may never get to hang out again and
Ohk, well, lets see. Dads a lecturer in Madurai. Moms a home maker. Got an
elder brother who is in Kansas City right now. Hes an engineer there in Siemens.
So yeah thats about it, You already know Im a chef. Ive worked at BlueFox,.
which was my first job after getting my degree. Thereafter I worked in the Park
Hotel, and finally the Taj, which I left a couple of days back she said winding it
up.
Oh thats cool. You are leaving for the US sometime this week right? Sudheer
mentioned something like that. So whats the deal?
Yeah this week. California. To become an expert in Continental and Chinese
cuisine. I want to settle down in the US, you know. Open my own joint or something
she said proudly presenting to me her whole five year plan.
So you are going to Chennai tonight?
No re. Im flying to Delhi tonight. Im gonna stay there for maybe a day. Then
Ill come back to Chennai, and a couple of days later, Ill leave for California
Lufthansa? I said out of curiosity
Virgin up to Amsterdam. Then Lufthansa I guess she replied taking out a hanky
from her back pocket and wiping her forehead.
So thats the formal introduction to your life. Lets get something for the
biography and the eventual biopic, now shall we I said being persistent to the
extent of being pesky
Im hardly any Biography material. Stay in the city for a year and youll meet
many worthy of your story telling talents. Not me
Oh you definitely are. Lets assume that its some sort of research for my next
novel, preferably a romantic comedy , I said again trying to make her confess her
actual story, which I somehow felt was going to be incredibly interesting.
Boy! I can see why Vikky said that you were twins. You are a motor mouth too
Im just curious boss. What does that beautiful face have to hide?
Dont flirt with me. Not gonna work. And theres nothing behind. Sorry to
disappoint she said turning to the window, to look where we were.
Oh, youve got nowhere to run. We have time and Im gonna pester you till you
answer me
Well see about that. Mind turning your head once!
And I did and immediately saw what she meant. Right in front of us just a few
hundred meters away majestically stood, the structure that has always and will
continue to define the very fabric of destiny upon which this city was built. We
had in front of us the crown jewel of the Nizams, eccentric yet mysterious 400
year old legacy, called Charminar!!

1800 to 1830 Hours:

Sir, aage parking nahin milega, yahi kar detu main! Yusuf said as he adeptly
drove the cab through the whole evening rush, trying their best to make a quick
sale to anyone who, accidentally or otherwise, slid into their proximity.

Haan kardo. Hum phir yahi mile aapko? I asked Yusuf Bhai, as I picked up my
mobile from the dashboard and pocketed it. He nodded, as Geetika and I got down the
cab.

Quick! Lets go up before they close it for the tourists , she said pointing at
Charminar and pacing towards it.

When do they close it? I said walking swiftly behind her, and trying my best not
to crash into the oncoming horde of women. I crouched, slid, shuffled, and
practically did a snake dance to maintain my swag at that extreme pace, without
smashing into a group of burqa clad women shopping for bangles and lockets at a
pushcart.

In about 15 minutes, so make it fast, Dude! she said almost breaking into a jog.
I was however not going to do that, until it was absolutely necessary. I was a few
inches taller than Geetika, and therefore decided to put my height to advantage by
taking longer strides and practically racing her to the destination. We arrived at
the convergence of four lanes, at the centre of which Charminar was built. A queue
appeared at the entrance at the base of the North minaret. We took our places at
the last, and waited for our turn to come. Bought the tickets and took the Entry
stairs from an opening at the foot of Eastern minaret.

As the citadels were built tall, in order to keep a watchful eye over the
proceedings in the market on all the four roads perpendicular to the structure,
they had to have tall and pretty steep stairs leading up to the top. Normally
climbing them wouldnt have been a problem, if not for the tired legs that were on
the move for the past two days. However, I observed Geetika too find it difficult
to climb atop. The stairs were built in a spiralling snaking fashion, with the
occasional platforms in between.

After two minutes we reached the top most Corridor of the monument. We walked
through the corridor, which was elegantly designed with the intricate Arabic
designs, while emphasizing more on floral imprints carved on the stone walls.
Geetika and I leaned on the railing, which faced the bustling market on the
northern side, adjacent to the Mecca Masjid, one of the most revered Mosques built
in India. Frenzied action ensued at the Masjid, as it was being decorated with long
greenish drapes, in readiness for the auspicious occasion of Ramadan, which wasnt
very far away, I remembered.

You know, sometimes I feel lost for words when I have to describe something
beautiful! I confessed to Geetika, who seemed to be observing something in the
market, with rapt attention
I get that. Somethings are just meant to be felt, by just keeping silent, getting
lost! she said still stuck with her stare.

Exactly. But even if I did want to do, I think I am very limited on my language
skills, you know. Youve observed that, right? I said, turning to face the
timeworn wall behind us which, as was expected with the highly expressive
population that we were, was decorated with pen, sketch and marker made slogans
declaring Eternal Love, of hundreds of couples.

Sort of, yeah. But thats a given right? I mean, Ive seen people who write
brilliantly, falter when they have to converse verbally and vice versa! Geetika
said as the evening wind gusted through her hair.

True that! I said, stepping aside and giving way to a couple of couples who were
lost in love and in each other.

Expected actually! she said, as a guy selling cones of roasted peanuts came up to
us. I was about to buy them, but then I saw Geetika giving me a disapproving look,
which eventually made me let go of him.

I wonder whats the story behind.

Doesnt this feel great? Im sorry what? she said realizing that she had cut
into my musings
It does feel great. I wanted to ask you something.. Aahh, I forgot. It was there
and the thought just kinda vanished! I said trying to remember what that thought
was. I tried to reconstruct the whole scenario that led up to the thought, in vain.
I would remember it at a later point of time and there was no use scouting for it
now.

Geetika for some reason burst into laughter, holding on to the railing . I stood
there, trying to comprehend where exactly was I being funny.
Come lets take a selfie! she said regaining her composure and walking to the
next corridor, which presented a different road and a different view, but no less
beautiful than the previous one.

Selfie? Are you sure? I said walking behind her.

Yeah! I couldnt take it there, the setting sun would fall on the lenses, this Is
perfect! she said, as she stopped again at a railing and took out her phone. At
this point of time, I have to confess that, there are three things in my life,
which I mess up big time One Making an Omelette, Two Drawing up a Balance
Sheet, and Three Posing for a photograph in any form.
So you are sure about this? I said walking to her side, and standing beside her,
getting ready to face my deepest fear.
Dont make a big deal out of it! Come on! she said and opened her camera app,
raised her hand and started focusing the both of us. She tried hard to fit me into
the focus frame, as I was standing a couple of feet apart from her.
Come close, no! she said, and pulled me closer to her, by placing her free hand
over my shoulder. Once we were done, she turned to me and asked me a question which
I was asked a million times before.
Why are so serious in the picture? You just had to smile! Thats all! she said
placing her mobile in her pocket.
I frankly dont know! Its just something! Its my Chocolate slash Coffee, I
guess! I said slanting to my right to see, the mischievous kids at a distance,
laughing merrily about something they found on the floor.
Fair enough! Well played! , she smiled and got back to her pondering.
Theres one thing though. If you are planning to upload these pictures to
Facebook, please dont tag me! That would effectively render me single for the rest
of my life, if you know what I mean!

Hahaha! No, dont worry about it. Im not on Facebook. Never used it and never
will! , she said with a discerning shaolin monk-ish type of detachment, which
started to overwhelm me.

Our musings were interrupted by a portly looking guard, who politely asked us to
leave, as the monument had to be closed for visitors in another few minutes. We
stood gazing at the bazaar which was slowly coming alive with tube lights and
incandescent bulbs, which made the roads leading up to it, seem speckled with
shining orbs. Interestingly neither one of us found it prudent enough to take some
pictures of the bazaar in our mobile phones. We decided that we had seen enough and
took the stairs leading down, at the corner of the Western minaret. The day sure
was ending and my time with her too.

whatsapp

Recap: Episode-1, Episode-2, Episode-3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6,

Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9

1835 to 1855 Hours:

The first thing I had to do, as we got down was to buy two medium sized cones of
peanuts from the guy we had ushered away earlier. This time however Geetika
remained magnanimous, and gracefully accepted one.

Thats the Laad Bazaar inside that road, where youll get almost everything for a
guy. Electronics Thnx And DvDs etc., even trimmers and shavers you know! ,
Geetika said pointing towards a conjecture to our left, as I handed over a cone to
her. And we started walking to our right entering the The Ladies Section of the
bazaar. Over flowingly filled up with exhibits and ornaments of all kinds and make,
the whole bazar started to dazzle under the artificial lights
We should cross here! as she swiftly walked to the other side of the road. I took
a few seconds before I could access a valid crossing point amidst all the unruly
omnipresence of auto rickshaws and activas. And I think I saw a Camel, covered in
golden red drapes, striding through the utterly chaotic bazaar, right in the middle
of it, with an utterly astute non-partisanship. Now it could easily be my
hallucination, because, No one else seemed perturbed with a Camels presence in
their midst. Excess deprivation of sleep and shackled emotional turmoil could
mentally make a person, well, mental. It was one of those rare occasions when the
wiring in my brain functioned seamlessly, and English which resulted out of this
made absolute sense. Are we going anywhere specific or just roaming around!! I
said politely declining a pan parag chewing young man who was hell bent on selling
me a pair of RayBan shades. Though he was not willing to take them out of their
cases, he did offer me a good price (more than 70 percent discount, unbelievable
right!) and a sneak peek at the shades. I would have bought them if not for my
inherent scepticism towards anything which sold cheap or with a huge discount
margin.

Im searching for a small shop of artificial jewellery. Bought a necklace there a

few years back, and it still hasnt lost its sheen. It should be here somewhere,
Im sure! she said halting in her step for a moment, and scanning the surroundings
which were sprinkled with ample amounts of Kebab centres and Chai stalls. Though
there were a few jewellery stalls here and there, apparently none of them were what
she was looking for, as she walked again, this time with a bit more reassurance.

I remember this centre. It should at the next left she said and again crossed the
road. This time however I crossed it before her, stopping every vehicle that tried
to bludgeon me to death, by signalling for mercy with my hand.

You dont seem to like Peanuts! Do you? I continued observing the untouched cone
in her hand
That apparent huh? Its not like I dont like them, but yeah Im not a fan
either. Here, let me just she said and took out three peanuts, held them in her
fist, and gave me the rest of the cone.
You dont have to actually like them! Its just for passing the time. Like the
popcorn tub at the movies. They dont actually serve any purpose I said
Hey! I love popcorn. That there Thats the shop, Jamal Hussein and Brothers,
thats the one! she swiftly walked into the store.
A distant ringing and vibrations in my pocket, brought me back from the swooning
over her mode which was temporarily turned on. I took out my mobile and saw an
unknown number
Hello! Whos this? I said, closing my left ear to cut out the traffic noise from
the conversation.
Sir! This is Jagdeesh speaking from the Digital Store! You asked for a Vodafone
prepaid card no? The sale person has arrived the voice replied.

Oh yeah yeah! Can I send someone to collect the SIM card? I said almost shouting
into the speaker, as a towing van appeared from nowhere, and the traffic constables
started making announcements in a Mike set. Apparently some bike was parked in a
non-parking zone. Frankly though, I didnt see any sort of sign or board anywhere,
in the whole stretch of the road
Ok sir! No problem sir! If you can send one photo identity proof, address proof,
we can give the SIM
Yeah, thank you. Ill send my cousin to collect the SIM in some time. Thank you
again!
No problem sir he said and got off the call. I disconnected the call, and
searched for Vikkys number, as I saw from the corner of my eye, Geetika checking
out a ruby speckled necklace on her. I dialled Vikky and waited for her Taylor
Swift caller tune which reminded me of a couple of screeching sounds from my
childhood, which gave me the creeps, to end.
Hello! Hello! , Vikky said in hushed up voice. Obviously she wasnt done with the
movie yet
Yeah! Vikky can you hear me? Listen, can you Hello! I said confirming that the
call hadnt been disconnected.

Whats it? Be quick! , she said swiftly. I could hear a weird dialogue in the
background which had something to do with a Vampire taking a vow to kill her
because he loved her.
Listen! Just go to the Digital Store after the movie and call me from there I
said clearly
Yeah cool! Ill dial you up! she said and got off the call. Once I was done with
that, I walked into the jewellery store. Geetika was busily occupied in the
bargaining procedures with the old seller. He was adamant but still had a pleasant
way of putting across his price and figuratively putting his foot down. Geetika was
waging a losing battle, but she wouldnt budge just as yet. She tried infusing
various combinations, such as a silver locket & emerald necklace for the price of a
ruby necklace, so on and so forth. I took to checking out other ornaments, for
their design, and not for their dazzle. She called me and held out three necklaces
in her hand.

Which one? she said, with her gaze fixated on the emerald studded necklace.
Obviously she didnt want my choice. Just my affirmation.
I think the emerald one is really nice. But then again depends on the rate and the
occasion! I said picking up the necklace from her hand, just to seem like that my
choice was not fluke but had some scientific bearing to it.
Occasion? These are artificial gold. There wont be any occasion for wearing them.
These are just casual wear! she said feeling the design of the other two.
Madam! You can be rest assured of their quality. It wouldnt be entirely wrong to
wear them at any suitable occasion. Weve crafted them to serve the purpose! the
old man spoke in such proper English, that would put any self-obsessed Game of
Thrones fan to shame. Geetika looked stunned for the first time in the day, and
smiled meekly at him. That effectively won him the war, and Geetika bought two
necklaces, including the emerald one and the silver locket as well.

You did like that right? The emerald one I mean! I asked Geetika, as we walked
out
That obvious huh? It actually is my birth gem! And also my birth colour
So you actually believe in those stuff? I hardly ever follow my own Birthday, let
alone anything else! I said hopping over a manhole. The Kebabs being tenderly
burnt over coals at the corner were starting to kick-start my hunger engine.
Geetika saw me visually drooling over the Kebabs, and reassured me that we would
indulge in those tastes on our return journey.
Emerald? Whats the zodiac thats associated with that? I asked her, less out of
curiosity, but more out of escaping the inescapable scents of Deccani cuisine.
Im a Gemini! If you mean to ask! she said winking at me.
The twins! Ah, two personalities in one person, that actually explains a lot many
things I said preparing myself with a solid defence for the statement that I had
shot out.
It does. Hmmm, I was actually about to. she said as we walked further into the
bazar, which had started to become a bit more complex, with converging alleyways
and forking roads.
I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket, and took it out to read the text. It was
Pinni. Apparently she had lost her key and now wanted me to pick he rup at Care
Hospital on my way back. I turned to Geetika and told her what my probable next
destination would be.
So I guess we should take the cab there. You can drop me off at the hospital and
carry on to the apartment I said turning back to leave.

Actually I cant come to the hospital. Im sorry! Its not that I dont want to,
but its, I am Well, its a personal thing! she said as we started walking back,
crossing the kebab stalls and the jewellery stores. A faint outline of Charminar
appeared beyond the buildings, and therefore I needed to call Yusuf Bhai and make
sure he was ready to leave.

Yeah no, of course. You dont have to. Just drop me off there I said scrolling
down my call logs slightly.
Well thats the thing actually. Ill take an auto and head back home. I cant come
anywhere near that hospital she said My Ex works there! and she looked away.

1905 to 1945 Hours:

It had taken a pretty good effort to convince her to come along. Finally she did
come.We struck a deal, that Id drop her off at the nearest bus stop before we
arrived at the hospital. She would take an auto from there. A stupid logic, yes,
but got her to say yes. So all in all, it worked out pretty well.

Something seemed different in me. I let my right hand, which until that point was
just leaning on the back of my seat, as I conversed with her, drop down and rest on
the seat beside her, right next to her left hand. She looked at my hand and closed
her eyes momentarily. It wasnt as if I was making a move or something. But still
it was odd and weird, even to my own standards. I couldnt explain why I did that,
but I started touching her hand with mine.

There is so much more to this city than the cliched Charminar..! she said rubbing
her forefinger over my nails.
See! Yes, But then you have to start there right, Admiring the history and stuff!
I said now somehow getting a bit comfortable with the whole scenario. And also with
the way we two had started playing with each others fingers.
Admiration or otherwise? she said as our fingers intertwined after all the
foreplay
Admiration and Importance. Im sure I wouldnt visit Charminar for a real long
time. Maybe Only after we meet again.. I continued, as I took a bolder step
forward by raising my right hand along with hers. The movement, of utter idiocy,
made our hands part, but fortunately enough, our need to touch each other had only
just begun.
That has to be Jane Austen! she said sliding a bit forward, and placing her hand
on my shoulder
Jane who? I said leaning a bit backwards, towards her.
Pride and Prejudice! I mean come on, who doesnt know Jane Austen?
The majority of people travelling in this car, Id assume I said pushing back a
few strands of her hair involuntarily veiling her neck, in order to feel her
tattoo.

Will you stop with that English, its hard to reply to that after a point.. Nice
no? she said holding my fingers and guiding them over the tattoo.

It looks incredible. But I dont really know what that is. Thats the second thing
I dont know. Are you sapping my knowledge, my lady? I said realizing that I was
turning less witty and more stupid. Having said that I did manage to change the
topic from Jane Austen to her Tattoo.
I would know if I was. Its called Angel in African dialect, the long streak of
ink at the end, can you see? she said moving an inch closer, her brown eyes
fixated upon me, trying to answer a hundred or more questions at once , and giving
rise to a thousand more at the same time
Yes I can, but why the double dashes , a loud honk by Yusuf Bhai, brought us
back to our senses, before we could proceed any further. She turned to look outside
the window, which immediately changed her expression. She didnt have to utter a
word to tell me that we were nearing the hospital. And it was time to mentally
prepare myself to part with her. Shed take an auto back home, and Id spend the
next few hours at the hospital. But the fact that shed be gone when I returned,
started to suddenly become an inescapable fact, one which I could not hide behind
my unexpressed hope and unending wit. One which, I knew, I had to live with, for as
long as I stayed in this city. I turned forward, my eyes fixated on a fat guy
riding an pretty meek looking Scooty, and tried to come up with some sort of
amusing thought about it, but just couldnt manage to do that, all because I just
couldnt afford to look at her anymore. I wanted her to stay. And for that very
reason I wanted her to leave. I could offer her nothing. Nothing that would
compensate for her loss if she stayed back. At that moment I vowed that Id one day
become something much more than what I was at that moment. Someday I would be
deserving enough for her to come back to me.

The cab passed a crossroads preceding, as I was informed, the left turn which would
take us to the hospital. Anytime now she would speak up, ask us to stop the cab and
get down. And I saw in front of the fat guy, a truck which carried a red draped
Camel. It seemed like the same Camel that I had seen earlier, but somehow its
costume had changed a bit from darker shade of green to lighter Red with golden
streaks. God was in some sort of Quentin Tarantino kinda joking mood. Or maybe
watching his movies over and over again, had screwed up my mind, and I was
imagining totally desolate things to involuntarily amuse myself.

Whats the charge up to this point? Geetika said trying to get a peek at the
dashboard in front of Yusuf Bhai.
Why whats the matter? I asked her coming back from all the movie reference
drift.
Just ask him the fare until now. Well split that, and Ill give you my share here
only she said taking out her mobile phone, and looked at it as if she was
expecting it convert into some kinda Transformer
The thing is, I booked this cab, under a ten hour package, and considering the
fact that we wont be needing it anymore after the hospital, I think the fare comes
to 650 per person I replied, as she got herself busy with texting something.
Cool! Here take this! My share she said handing me a five hundred and two hundred
notes. I promptly took them. Yup it was rude of me, and you dont have to think
about lecturing me about it, because that was totally made aware, in the following
conversation
You arent that Chivalrous, are you? she said with a smirk that I was finding
attractive now that I had gotten used to it.
That, there, is an extremely well-guarded secret. How did you come about that, I
wonder! I said trying to hold on to the last strand of humour, tired and boring as
it may
Oh Im so sorry! I never meant to make you feel like a dick about it. One should
realize that by himself! , she winked and laughed. The cab turned to the left road
and Yusuf for some reason looked out through the rear view mirrors. And after a few
moments, shifted his gaze back to the default position.
Haha! It wasnt that big a secret. You never opened the door for me today, so yeah
that bit was apparent she brought in a pretty worthy point. To me the whole
process of being chivalrous seemed devious. And then there was the issue of gender
equality, right? I mean whatever happened to that!
Oh you did observe that? Ill remember that next time I meet an interesting
girl..
Ill need to get down here, Im sorry she said deliberately looking away from me.
Immediately I asked Yusuf Bhai to stop the cab on a side.
Once the cab came to a halt, we both got down and walked towards an almost deserted
bus stop. It was a good hundred meters from where the cab had stopped, which gave
us an opportunity to bid adieu in a proper manner. Cars and motorcycles whizzed
past us, through the gentle night, warm wind blowing around and the young cracking
jokes, running to catch up with their buses and go back home. Going back home was
as simple as that. What was funny was that both Geetika and I had been talking all
day long, and now when we needed to just say a goodbye, we fell silent. She would
go away, to some other part of the world and I, for all I knew would lead my life
in this part of it. An auto slowly moved towards us, and Geetika waved her hand at
it. She asked him if hed come to Srinagar colony, and he agreed. She asked me for
the keys for the flat, placed them in the wallet, looked at me and said bye. And
that was it, she got into the auto and left.

It was a pretty anticlimactic ending to the whole story that was graciously
unravelling. Some would say, it was lame. But then such is life. With these
thoughts I walked back to the cab and got into it.

Yusuf Bhai! Hospital kitna door hai yaha se? , (Yusuf! How far is the hospital
from here? ) I asked my companion.

Dus minute lagte, Sir! he said as he started the cab and drove.
After the hospital visit, Id call Vikky and go have dinner at her place. And then
most probably, reach the flat, by that time Geetika would have long left.

And there in hung the tale!!

1955 to 2037 Hours:

Chalo Bhai, aap yahi pe rok do! (All right! You can stop here!) I asked my
charioteer, Yusuf Bhai, who as he did all this day, smoothly brought the cab to a
stop, just outside the Entry gate of the hospital. I got off the cab, shook his
hand and wanted to take his number, for any further need, but then I didnt. There
is a thing about booking cabs that I really like. The randomness. Maybe Ill meet
him, randomly someday when I call in a cab, like some old song in a shuffle
playlist, which inadvertently brings about a nostalgic smile to your face. Id look
forward to that day, and of that I was sure, as I walked in.

One vehicle that I always wanted to check out, growing up in an unruly

neighbourhood for a couple of years, was an Ambulance. The sense of urgency that
came along with it and of being highly exclusive and elusive, made me want to
always chase it down and get into one. I walked in through an automatic glass door
which slid open as I approached it. And then I was reminded why I always hated
hospital. The mashed up dizzying smells of Crocin, Digene,Cough syrups, Dettol
Antiseptic Cleaning Spirits, Vials of Medicated Alcohol, Harpic Floor cleaner, Some
sort of Varnish somewhere, and million other unrecognizable constituents, which
were potent enough to actually make any healthy man fall sick instantaneously, were
the culprits here . Am I making you uncomfortable? Hang in there, because Im sure
I saw a really good looking Doctor at the reception. In my defence, I did have a
good enough reason to actually go to the reception and maybe strike up a
conversation with her. As soon as I approached the help desk at reception, I knew
something was absolutely different. Trying to be funny and witty was my way of
escaping from dealing with all the seriousness and sadness around me. That was my
mask and I felt it, as I walked up to the reception, slowly fading away. I was
tired of looking away, tired of stepping back, tired of lying to myself that
everything was OK. I then realized that Geetika had not left empty handed. She had
taken something that I held precious. Memories of my failures, of destroyed hopes
and botched dreams, which I had managed to precariously keep at bay for so long,
stormed into my heart voraciously, destroying everything in their path.

Excuse me! Where is the ICU I finally spoke softly, feeling somewhat sad in my
heart. The receptionist was still in a very animated conversation about some
patient with the good looking doctor and therefore I was left unnoticed for the
next few seconds. I decided to ask the same question, this time with a bit more
volume and clarity. That attempt thankfully brought them to notice my plight and
the pretty doctor told me that ICU was on third floor. Also I was given direction
to it, that I could meet Pinni in the next ten minutes. I took the walk upstairs,
as all I was left to tick off in my day scheduler was to get to Vikkys place with
Pinni and head back to the flat after dinner. In the dizzying smells and amidst
uncontrollable coughs and sneezes, I took a chair in the waiting corridor which led
up to the ICU chambers, Labs, General Wards etc. I somehow felt that I would throw
up my throat. Therefore, I needed to find something to amuse me, and started
scanning the room. There was sickness everywhere, and weaknesses too. Luckily,
however a 3 year old kid was being held in arms by her mother in the chair beside
me, leaving one between us. The kid, a girl I assumed, although she was wearing a
tiny polka dotted t-shirt and a pant underneath, was looking at me curiously with
her big black eyes accompanied with the cutest expression on her face.

The mother turned to me, following her babys gaze and gave out a smile. I
responded in equal measure. Just as I was about to strike up a conversation with
her, my mobile phone rang. It was Pinni who called to inform me that she had gone
out to bring some medicines and shed return in further half an hour. A nurse
walked towards us. I noticed that she was carrying a syringe in her aprons front
pocket. The mother talked continuously to her baby and gently turned her to look
away from the nurse, and carefully pulled up the babys shirt sleeve. I knew what
was going to happen, but what was making the whole scene even more woeful was that
the kid was staring at me and I felt morally obligated to maintain the eye contact,
lest she turned to see that she was being given an injection. Though she would know
that eventually, all I was doing here was delaying the inevitable. And take off at
zero, counting down please,
TEN: The petite nurse fills up the syringe with the medicine from a colourless vial
NINE: The baby looks at me like Im some kind of a high thinking genetically
modified ape from Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Movie
EIGHT: The petite nurse takes out a cotton swab and rubs on the babys arm. Its
all touch and go now
SEVEN: The baby gives me the Whatchulooking at look and challenges me to hold on
to the stare. Oh yeah game on!
SIX: The petite nurse, holds the syringe in position on the babys arm with only
the tip hovering about the vein
FIVE: The babys at me like Whats wrong with you, Dawg! Ive seen worse shit, All
right!
FOUR: The petite nurse prepares for impact. The metallic pinpoint touches the skin
smoothly. The Eagle has landed.
THREE: The first change of expression recorded. The baby goes from I dont give a
damn! to What the fish is going on and who is this Katherine Heigl trying to act
cute here? In under five milliseconds
TWO: The petite nurse now has the window of opportunity here. Her job is to find
the babys vein before the baby finds hers. And she does.
ONE: Incoming!
And then it all started. The baby screamed first, then gave a screeching sound, and
then cried like all hell just broke loose. And that reminded me why I hated kids.
But for what it was worth, the baby did bring me back to my nonsensical senses.
Enough to come up with a weird theory, of how humans should develop a time warp
technology wherein people can give birth to people, not babies. I mean, I do
realise that they are cute and all, and make for some insanely high grossing funny
YouTube videos, but literally they dont exactly serve any purpose. So my point is
that they should be, after they are born, be exposed to some sort of gamma rays,
which accelerates their aging process, and makes them a teenager in a matter of few
seconds. Then theyll start to matter and stop crying. And maybe I could then
brainwash them into becoming my personal Bio hazardous army and rule the world.
Hehehahaha!!!

So anyways, I still had an unapologetically crying baby to deal with. At this point
of time, I got inspired from a Vodafone advertisement that I saw before leaving
my place. The guy in the ad shows some funny cartoon video to the crying baby and
the baby stops crying. Now it definitely seemed worth a shot. So without further
ado, I took out my mobile, activated the data connection (in roaming mind you! See
Im the good guy) and searched for playful cats videos. I took the seat beside the
babys and held the phone up with full volume. The baby instinctively looked at the
mobile, crying all the while. The video also piqued the interest of her mom, just
like in the ad. Now what was definitely not just like in the ad, was the baby
trying to reach out and grab my phone. Though, it wasnt an iPhone, it still had a
good life and had served me well from time to time. And the fair skinned baby
wasnt going to torture it. Not now. Not today. My job of retracting my mobile and
trying to switch it off, met with disastrous consequences, as every time I tried
doing that, the screeching volume of the babys crying went all Dolby digital. What
was even worse, was that the mom started giving me the look, which was subtly
using the F word and silently ordering at me to give the effing mobile to her kid.
So much for being a decent lad, I thought to myself, as I inched the mobile closer
to the baby. The baby thankfully stopped crying and showed the first signs of
smiling, as she watched the video. And then it happened. The video stopped for
buffering and the baby went mad. She grabbed the mobile from my hand, and threw it.
Yup, she threw it. She threw my 10 grand mobile on to the solid marble floor. I was
still in awe of the sheer audacity the baby had on display here, when I heard a
thud, followed by a crack, followed by the breaking of the mobile, as its
components spilled all over. I looked at the mom trying to find some sort of
sorryful expression or some kinda remorse on her face, but all I was met with was
solemn detachment , that kinda said, you got what you deserved, moron!
After my faith in world annihilation was reinstated I fell to my knees on to the
floor and started picking up what was left of the valiant warrior. The armour was
breached, bones were broken, and the blood spilt and yet the hope to survive still
persisted. I carefully tended to its wounds, replacing the components to where
they belonged. The moment I had physically bought it to its original form, a
nervous chill went down my spine, as I long pressed the power button. The mobile
vibrated for a second but nothing appeared on the screen. The screen was gone. Not
a piece shattered on it, not even a scratch on it, and yet it showed no signs of
life. My mobile had just gone blind. Adding to the ominous effect was the walking
away of the mother and kid as if nothing was wrong. I swear to God that I saw a
little smirk on the kids face. I picked up my phone and tried everything I could
to bring back the screen to life, but what was gone was gone. I sat there, the
total nervous wreck that I was, as the pretty doctor that I saw a few moments back,
walked past me, into the ICU ward. Something told me that the pretty Doctor had a
role to play here. My pondering was disturbed by the early arrival of Pinni,
carrying two plastic bags of Oranges, Bananas etc. See I never knew the logic
behind that. Why would someone who is battling with life want to confront the fact
that, all he could eat now was Bananas. Id die rather if it were me.
So how was your trip ? she asked me handing me a cover and ushering me towards
to room 107.

Yeah My trip isnt yet over,, this is just the halt I said as I saw a reflection
a few feet away from me. Of a woman, that I knew I could be myself with. Geetika
had chosen to return.
2038 to 2100 Hours:

And as it were, I handed over the key to my pinni and returned to the waiting area.
I couldnt see the screen smashing kid and her mother at the waiting area. Instead
those seats were now occupied by a woman, and an old couple beside her. Instead of
walking out of the hospital, I decided to hang out at the waiting area for a bit
longer. I walked up to the seats, knelt before the woman.

What happened inside? she asked looking pretty concerned, with the concern levels
properly coming across through her big Brown eyes.
I just shook my head and shrugged my shoulders. I could see the old lady on my
right, staring at me for some reason. Why do the old always have to stare? Cant
they do other things that the normal people do with their eyes, you know, like
peek, glance, etc? Nope! They always have to stare at everything
How come you are here though? I said sitting cross legged before her. Frankly, I
was getting tired really. I could feel my internal battery falling to 21 percent,
and power saving mode kicking in.

I needed a proper goodbye too. I told you that my Ex works here right? she said
looking over and above me, and towards the door which led to ICU ward.
Well You might have mentioned something of that sort I said trying to sound
cool. The old lady shifted in her seat, moved a bit forward, and again, stared at
me. I had my fair share of quirky people today, and therefore decided to cut her
off immediately.

Em Kavali meeku? (What do you need?) I asked her blatantly. In Telugu that is.
Much to the surprise of Geetika.

Hey. Thats Thats You Moron You know Telugu..! she playfully slapped my
shoulder and smiled.

Well, to be honest. I knew bits and pieces, here and there. Enough to get me out
of trouble or buy me a drink. Not exactly enough to converse in it I said smiling
semi proudly at my hidden skills. The old lady shook her head sideways, and
shrugged her shoulders, but still found it necessary enough to continue staring at
the both of us. Just as I was about to ask her what she seeked so relentlessly, I
found my mobile ringing. I had no option but to pick it up, as I with a damaged
screen, I had no option of calling whoever it was, back later. As I picked up the
call, I saw Geetika smiling at the old lady, and indulging in formal His &
Hellos with her.

I turned to see two Doctors emerging out of the wards and into the corridor. One
was the pretty Doctor I had previously talked to, and another one, a handsome one
that I hadnt. The guy looked Dettol clean, and without a strand of hair on his
face. Now Geetika pointed at one of them and said he was Dr.Kartik. Therefore, my
doubts were just being confirmed, as Geetika shuffled in her seat on seeing the two
of them. He was her Ex afterall. And before I could respond to that information, I
got a call.
Bunny! Where the hell are you? Vikkys highly concerned screeching voice greeted
me.

Here and there, with Geetika, still. Listen have you got my SIM?
Oh yeah. Its a fancy number. Ill just message the number. And you can have your
SIM when you come home, whenever your girlfriend lets you to!
All right. Allright. Just give me the number now. Dont text it
Cool, so the number is

Wait a sec I said and turned to Geetika, and asked her for her mobile. She
looked at me quizzically but gave me the mobile phone all the same. As was expected
the phone was PinLock protected. She realized that, and whispered 7890, which I
punched in promptly. As Vikky started telling me my new Vodafone number, I typed in
the numbers and saved the contact with my name, in Geetikas Samsung S5. She would
want my new number eventually and I just took the liberty of storing it beforehand.
Geetika stood up and walked past me, and entered a lab room, which I knew was
already being occupied by the two Doctors. Obviously there was something that she
had to settle with the guy, and therefore I decided to wait outside. Geetika had
come back, for one reason or the other, but the main thing was she had. The funny
thing was that it never felt that she had left.

Everything was going great, except the staring, which was slowly and surely
starting to piss me off. I decided to give the old lady a proverbial taste of her
own medicine. And hence began the staring back at her. Challenge accepted.
Thankfully, after a minute or so, she found my staring uncomfortable and turned to
her husband. The husband didnt react much, but I knew I wasnt exactly being cool
here. Just as I was about to exact my revenge in a more subtle way, Geetikas
mobile in my left hand, started ringing. The display showed a picture of a young
woman, which was accompanied by a name, Bhargavi. I rejected the call. This
happened more than thrice, which eventually gave me a good enough reason to get
into the lab. So I walked up to the lab, waited for a few seconds, and knocked at
the door. Couple of moments later, the handsome Doctor opened the lab door, and
before he could inquire of my need, Geetika responded. She told them that I was
with her, and that they let me in. I walked into the lab, with all sorts of
advanced machinery whirring silently. The Doctor guy closed the door behind me.
Geetika walked up to me, and introduced me to the two Doctors.
This is Dr. Karthik. He is a cardiovascular surgeon here. Quite famous in the city
too , Geetika said introducing the obvious character to me.
And this is Dr. Samhita, one of the best gynaecologists in the city. And also my
Ex!! , Geetika said calmly, introducing the smiling pretty Doctor with whom I had
a pretty good conversation with, earlier. I smiled stupidly at her. The whole
scenario took a while to process and sink in. And when it did, it hit me like a
Hyperbolic Thunderbolt Shock wave. I handed Geetika her mobile, gave the Doctors a
half smile and a half smirk, bade them goodbye and walked out. Once out of the lab,
I saw the staring old lady breaking into a hysterical fit of laughter. I mean, what
in the whole wide world was happening here. Her being a lesbian, actually explained
nothing and nor did it further the story in any way. The old lady couldnt stop
laughing now, and reeled in her seat. After a few moments, Geetika emerged out of
the lab.
So where to now? she asked me casually.

You are I mean You are a Lesbian? I said trying to match up to her calmness.
Her preferences were her own, and I had nothing to do with that. What was bugging
me was the fact that, whether I had missed any clues?
Im not gay or Lesbian. Im actually a Bi! she said placing her mobile in her
back pocket and walking towards the exit door.

2100 to 2120 Hours:

Lets take an auto, Ive still got to pack my stuff and wait for the cab to
arrive! Geetika said as we walked on the footpath, which led to the Exit gate, and
where an army of autowalas were waiting to attack us.

Were you being serious, back in there? With the pretty doctor? I said, knowing
very well that such wonderment, would make me come across as a complete idiot.
Of course I was. Is there a problem? Cant I be a Bi? she said hopping on to the
road
No. I mean yes. I mean, Im totally cool with that. Its just that, I was, well,
could you please ask me to shut up before I say something stupid! I said meekly,
desperately trying to get back to safety, before a sandal or a pointed heel came
hurling at me.

Haha! Then! Shut up! Come on! she said gripping my hand and quickly crossing the
gate, before a really large SUV (Range Rover, if you will) blocked our way out.
Romance was back people! Though this time I knew it was going to be incredibly
short lived. We chose an auto, bargained the fare, as one should for everything in
our part of the world, even when the need far exceeds the price, and got into it,
still instinctively holding hands. Somehow, clichd and filmy as it may sound, it
never felt odd
Youve got rough palms, Geetika! I asked her, as she was adjusting her jeans near
her ankle, with her free hand.

Being a Chef isnt a soft job, boy. Obviously. Anyways werent you supposed to go
to your cousins place for dinner? Geetika replied with a question, which was
quite self explanatory.
I find them beautiful. Generally people have their destinies written. You, my
lady, have it carved I asked as a bolt of boldness struck me, and I let go of her
hand, sneaked it behind her back and held on to her waist on the other side.

Observant. And poetic. Go on..!!, she said placing her now free hand on my
thigh. Ever experienced the adrenaline / testosterone high which you get when
youve been given the permit to, you know, just go for it. Well I had exactly that,
as my hand couldnt get enough of touching her.

I slowly started pushing her t-shirt up for a bit, and feeling her skin. What she
lost with her palms, she more than made it up with her soft skin. She joined the
act, by helping my hand through the clothing.

We are here, because we were meant to be. Destiny. Everything else is just plain
crazy !!, she jumped in her seat. I instinctively retracted my hand.
Whats wrong? Did I do anything? I asked her. I knew I hadnt done anything, but
the jerky auto and the ditchy roads would have caused some trouble. She held my
hand up and smiled.

Its your watch. It pricked me. We should take a little detour here, what say?
she said peeping outside towards a shopping complex.
Why whats there? I asked unstrapping my watch, folding it and placing it in my
pocket.
Pharmacy of course! she said, and asked the auto driver to stop the auto for a
while
Oh Yes I mean Yeah Of course
Youve gotta useright?
If thats not a problem
Why would there be a problem?
I dont know. Just asking I said and got off the auto, followed by Geetika, who
adjusted her t-shirt as she got down. We asked the auto driver to wait for ten
minutes or so, and walked swiftly to the pharmacy. Though I dont know why Geetika
was following me, but then I was hardly thinking at that moment. We found the
pharmacy sandwiched in between a hardware/electrical works shop and a bakery of
some sort.

Yes sir? the chemist looked at me with the most formal customary salesman smile
ever, which reminded me of Jagdeesh, from Digital store. How many hours ago was
that? The day had been so long, that the start of it hovered in my mind as a
blurred memory and the end walked as an uncertain dream. I looked at Geetika, who
observing my discomfort, walked past me, further into the shop and started to
request for something from a sales woman there. This was my window of opportunity.

Just as I gathered enough courage to ask him what I wanted, another middle aged man
walked in with his school going kid. I decided to rush up my purchase before
anything became weird and awkward for everyone credited to be in the scene.

I need I You have Packets? I asked the chemist as clearly as I could. The kid
started plucking at Kinder Joy sticks which were neatly protruding out from its
retail packaging box, on the counter. The chemist in the process of stopping the
kid, couldnt hear my request.

I am sorry! What do you need? he again asked.

Yeah! Well, I need, some, well, Packets? , I asked him again
You mean.
Yes. Exactly
Company? Flavour?
Skore. Bring me some flavours
Ok ok! There is an offer on KS. Two for one he said pointing at a 12*24 poster
behind his desk, which showed a male model winking at the looker, and a couple of
women, swooning over him, because he was a Playa!!

Ill have only one, thank you! I said and stepped aside, so that the middle aged
man could place his purchase. He asked for a couple of antibiotics and a cough
syrup, which the chemist immediately gave him, before he could take up my case. The
boy however was only concerned with the Kinder Joy sticks. His father (the kid did
look like the man, hence the deduction), saw the bill and realised that he couldnt
afford all the medicines and stepped outside the shop to call someone. The chemist
found it prudent enough to deal with me now, and opened a drawer and took out a
dozen cases.

Skore has Chocolate, Apple & Vanilla. KS comes with Grape & Butterscotch. Fuel
comes with Strawberry & Blackcurrant. This also has an offer, 10 + 2 free!! he
said showing each box one by one. The kid suddenly turned towards the desk, as he
apparently heard the names of the ice cream flavours he loved. I could sense that
this Kid, was up to no good, and I quickly picked up Skore Chocolate Box. He caught
hold of KS Butterscotch, and started analysing the box. The chemist patiently asked
him to hand over the box, but he refused. He started opening the box, which is when
I got into the act. I knelt before him and tried winning him over

Hey! What do you think that is? , I asked him.

Choco Bars! I want Choco Bars! the kid replied. Do they still slap kids when they
go all whacky? Im not sure they do.
Thats not that. Now hand me over the box I said. He wouldnt, and I gave up.
Thankfully the chemist understood my plight and billed my purchase without any
further ado. I turned to see that Geetika had brought a 2 rupee plastic bag full of
medicines and miscellaneous necessities. Once we were done with picking up the
stuff we needed, we walked out of the pharmacy.

Are you hungry? I asked Geetika, trying to get her on board and make a little
stop at some modern chic eatery, who would strip us out of our money for the
smallest piece of bread there is. Obviously thats how the loaded lads roll, Yo!

Not really. Besides we need to get back to the flat ASAP. Are you hungry? Geetika
said adjusting the strip of her solar system sandal
Me? No? Not at all. I was just making sure you werent. Lets go already! I said
and grabbed her hand and sprinted towards the auto. Once we were inside the auto,
the auto driver, blasted his crappy sounding bass loaded speakers with hits of
Himesh Reshamiya. We got back to holding hands and being physically witty.

Thats the second time Im hearing his tracks today! God! Anyways, youve got what
you want? Geetika asked resting her head on my shoulder
Yup! Chocolate! I said challenging my minds SD card, to remember who the
superhero on her t-shirt before I took it off her.
Chocolate? So its settled then that I wont
Nope you wont. Though its your call totally
No but listen! Its a bit odd for me. I mean its been really long since I have,
you know, I hope you dont mind
Hey! Come on! Theres nothing really to it. I havent even given it a thought!
Ill be honest with you. Sam was very particular about these things. Shes a
really cool person otherwise
Geetika! This is a Romcom, dont make it sound like 50 shades now
Ha-ha! My bad! Im just saying. Are you always this chilled out, like for
everything she said placing her hand over my shoulder, and pecking my cheek
Nay! I pretend to be cool when Im with a cute chick, I mean girl! Otherwise Im
psychotic! I said, as our fingers intertwined.

Good answer. Even Sam was pretty witty especially in bed she said looking away
from me.

Well, she sounded pretty serious to me, and I, well, nothing I said glancing at
the autos rear view mirror on the side. The world was going back in it. Whizzing
past out of sight, just like it did early this morning. And I fell silent, trying
to place all the events of the day, in the correct chronological order. Hunger and
Romance can do much more harm to your brain than anything else in this world.

Are you picturing me and Sam making out? You cheapo? Geetika said from somewhere.
Chicks have this notion that whenever we fall silent, we are invariably imagining
sex in all forms. Thats not true at all. 7.3% of times, we think about poetic
derivations, Xbox and superheroes too, and not necessarily in that order.
Well I was picturing you guys kissing. That my friend is a humongous turn on! I
winked at her, as she slapped my hand and laughed.
Stop doing that. I dont get whats so special about that. Its just two people
kissing she said running her fingers through my hair.
Its different. Girls look good doing that I suppose and its more to do

Kiss me! she said. And I was already on my way. I gently pulled her closer, and
our lips met. Brushing at first shyly and then deeply and passionately, like
nothing else mattered.

Thats an odd lip balm! I said placing our senses to order and physical need on
pause, as we entered the roads where the traffic thickened.
Its Vaseline actually. Ive stuffed away everything else. I only had this one
left out unpacked she said adjusting her hair, which I was guilty of making messy.

People still use that? And by the way where did you manage to get so many boxes
from? I asked finally. It was the first question that had popped up in my mind
when I entered the flat.

Sudheer brought them from his uncles stationary shop a couple of days back
Oh shuck! I was supposed to meet him at some point tonight. It just slipped out of
my mind. Can I use your phone?
Hard luck. Ive just run out of call balance. I couldnt even call back Bhargavi
earlier! Ive got only the data pack going on here. She wanted Sudheers number
she said rolling her mobile between her palms and sending Bhargavi (who ever that
was) the number she wanted. She paused for a moment whilst scrolling down the
contacts. But finished off the inadvertent hindrance in romance quickly.

Man! Anyway, thats cool. Guess well have to wait till he calls, which Im sure
he will I said, as I saw the auto enter an area that I could actually recognise.
Surely enough, we had eventually arrived at Srinagar colony, and Geetika navigated
the auto to take a shortcut from the main road, and magically appear right before
the gate of Sanchi Apartments.

The watchman here, looked suspiciously at the two of us. We werent in the mood to
pay attention to anything else, and after paying for the auto, almost sprinted to
the lift.

We need to be quick. The cab should arrive at 10:20! she said, closing the lift
door, and making the automated electronic voice of please close the door shut up.

Normally this statement could go against me, but yeah I can be quick. Dont you
worry. Im gonna make every second count I said as the lift jerked for a bit and
moved up to the 5th floor.

2120 to 2155 Hours:

It took us more than forty seconds to realize that the main door was still open. In
a liberated democratic country with a pretentious sort of freedom of speech, that
was a huge risk to take. Hence, I had to pull myself out of the ferocious hold of
hers, to calmly walk back to the main door and close it. Now, that few milliseconds
gave me precious time to catch some breath. I turned to find her just inches away
from me, which left me with no choice, but wrap my hands over waist and lift her
up. Her long legs, the first thing I fell in love with, about her earlier today,
wrapped around my thighs. The lifting was great and romantic, but I had no idea
what I supposed to do after that.

Do you she said kissing me on my lips for the, well, who was counting. I never
knew where it started. Was it the elevator? Or was it in the auto? I mean, frankly
who cared. Whod bother with the start when it felt like it would never end?

Ill just No problem I managed to say somewhere in between the wildest display
of affection. And started wading through to the bedroom with all my strength,
carrying her.
Hahaha you are hardly moving! Do you want me to get off? she said looking down at
my eyes and pulling my cheeks for some reason
Oh no no! I got this! I think, I said
Before I could surrender to the stress, Geetika saw the better sense and got off
me. I promised myself that Id have to score some really great number of Exp points
here before I hit the fifth base. We continued kissing, with our hands going on a
full throttle body exploration mode.
Be slow! This isnt a punishment. Go slow! Weve still got time , she said
leading me into the bedroom.

Nothing like th Wait a second thats Punisher right? I pulled up her t-shirt.
Indeed it was Punisher. Years of crappy comic books had made me some sort of an
expert in all things superhero.
Who? What? she said working on my jeans as we crashed on to the bed, with the
mattress with had that irritating plastic wrap over it. Come to think of it, the
mattress had actually made my day by not letting me sleep soundly. Or was it the
horrible tasting coffee that made it. Or that stupid fellow who messed up with
Geetikas flight booking. I mentally composed a snooze reminder to personally thank
the guy when and if I met him
The superhero on your t-shirt obviously! I said now removing her t-shirt and
inserting my palm in her jeans.

Oh that! I dont know much about superheroes and stuff. Actually Sam was more into
this kind of stuff and she gifted me this t-shirt she said, as she unbuttoned her
jeans and eased my hands to their desired destination.
Sam, the Doctor? Shes so pretty I tell you! I said kissing her pagan tattoo and
pulling off her jeans in one swift motion. I moved from her neck to further below,
as she gripped on to my hair tightly.

Oh yeah? Lets see what youve got to say now she said and unhooked her bra. I
was quick to seize the opportunity and exhibit some ingenious moves.
And the moves seemed to be working as her legs again, wrapped over my back, and
were forcefully pulling me into her. Her black nail polished fingers got inside my
trousers, as I was showing off my skills.

What Hahaha What are you doing? she laughed suddenly

I was just Happened I said looking up into her eyes, sweat starting to glisten
us both. Something which made her look even more beautiful and serene.

It just tickled me! Dont worry! she said as my roving hand finally reached the
destination. The moment was here, stripped off every reason and logic. A moment
that wore a dreamy crown. A moment beyond time and life.
Are you sure? I said looking at her, as I tore open my guardian for the night.
She nodded her head shyly and closed her eyes. I decided to be perfect and poetic
about it, by kissing her reassuringly and

No! Stop actually! she said opening her eyes and holding my face between her
palms. Two words couldnt stop me. It had to be something more than that. My body
was no longer me. It was being controlled by overwhelming desire. I realized that
if I failed now, in this moment, I could never look at myself again. I had to
focus. I had to be more. I closed my eyes trying to get things under my control. A
sudden flash of rage bolted through my brain, but I desperately willed it to
absolve. I was better than this, and ultimately found the calmness in me to look
back at her again. And one look at her, and I suddenly felt proud of myself. That
was what I was supposed to do. And somehow it was what I did.

What happened? Anything wrong? I asked and kissed her forehead. A huge turmoil
was still lingering around the corner in my head. It now started to throb with
pain. I had get away from her.

Its nothing. I mean its stupid to say this now, but I think I cant do this! ,
she said hugging me tightly. No, please, let me go. Dont do this.
Oh! I mean, Ill just Thats cool! I said and did a finally pushed myself away,
to roll beside her, and just stared at the roof. One of the most gruelling things
to do in this world, was stopping your passion mid-way, even more so, when
everything else is going for you and there is a really beautiful person clutching
you and rolling and placing her head on your chest.

Im sorry! I totally am! Geetika whispered, slowly, as if she didnt want to hear
the apology herself.
I said its cool. Tough but cool. We dont have to I said finding her at her most
vulnerable, now after spending the whole day with her. I had managed to bring
myself to sense after all.
Is it something to do with Sam? If you dont mind that is? I went ahead and asked
her. I knew that it was totally her wish to partake or not, but still entertained
the thought that this might have something to do with her Ex. I needed to ask her
that, but I never wanted her to answer it.

No! No! Nothing about Sam! Its something confusing totally. If I do this, I wont
close out, you know! she said sitting up and roughly combing her hair with her
fingers and making it into a bun sort of thing.
Im sorry I dont follow! I said still laying, and still trying to, well, subside
into normalcy, if you know what I mean.
Well see. Me and Sam, couldnt work it out cause I didnt want to have something
to hold me back. I didnt want that nagging feeling that Im responsible for
someone here, to pull me back here. I want to leave the city with no unattended
businesses on my part. And with you, with this, Im again leaving a part of me
here, you get that? she said plucking the plastic cover with her fingers, finding
it comforting enough to not look me in the eye.
Ohk! Thats cool I think I get that, thank you! I said taking her hand in mine.
Haha! Yeah. Thanks for that!
Though I should ask you one last thing. Now leaving our business unfinished, and
not getting to Climax, wouldnt that nag you for long? Just offering another
viewpoint, is all I said winking at her, for which she finally smiled for a bit
and got out of the bed. My hands found something more to feel and love. Her breasts
emanated warmth that made sense of everything. She crossed her legs over mine.
Staying away was getting impossible.
Keep your viewpoints for when you write your next book! Ill be the first one to
buy that. I promise! she said running her fingers over my thighs
Haha! of course, youll definitely be in there.. I said kissing her neck for the
hundredth time. Her skin coyed shyly on my touch.

Sarcasm huh?
Maybe! depends on how you take it I said and withdrew myself. After sitting up
from our embrace, I picked up my jeans and walked out of the room. Any second
longer, control would have surely gone astray.
Yeah Yeah! she said as I left.
I do plan to write a novel and thereby let you know I said and walked out to the
hall, and drew the curtain behind me.

As I came out, I saw Geetikas mobile vibrating silently on one of the boxes. When
did we leave it there? Interesting that I didnt remember that. I promptly picked
up her mobile and passed it over to her through the curtain. She put a finger to
her lips, signalling me to shut up and keep quiet. I guessed it was a call from one
of her relatives or someone, who would make a big hoopla out of it if they found
out that she had company at this hour. I remained silent and dressed myself up. I
moved to the farthest corner of the hall, and sat on the ground beside a box, as
she continued to talk with whoever it was, swiftly in Tamil. At some point today it
had slipped from my mind that she was a Tamilian. We, or at least, she was good in
English, which allowed us to have a fantastic time together. As I leaned on the
Utensils labelled box beside me, and got lost in arranging the events of the day
in chronological order, I saw Geetika walk out of the room, as beautiful as she was
when she woke me up a million hours ago, to offer a cup of coffee, the taste of
which I couldnt remember now. It didnt really matter now, did it?

End of Time:

That was my dad! He is a bit of a sceptic himself Geetika said as she knelt down
and kissed me. She placed her mobile on the box near me, and crawled over me.
Couldnt you have come earlier, you idiot! she said as she kissed my forehead and
got up again. I reached out to her neck to return the debt.
Then, Im sure we wouldnt be having this moment. People tend to confirm that Im
psychotic, once they get to know me well enough I said, as I heard my phone ring.
I took it out of my pocket and immediately answered it.

Geetika planted a swift kiss on my cheek, and walked away, lifting some open boxes
in the process and taking them to the bedroom with her. She had already packed most
of the things, but still needed to seal some of them. I decided to join her in
packing stuff, after I was done with the call.

Hello, who is this? I answered the phone, rather very bluntly.

Im the human they call Sudheer!!
Holla! And now you finally call me, you Dickhead !! I said, knowing well enough
that he was busy with all sorts of Tax saving work.
At the flat? Ive heard that youve had a city tour with Gk!! And first things
first, do you like the flat?
Yes, yes, the flat is great, thank you. So is Geetika, shes awesome!
And lesbo, bro. So do not get any ideas, Alright. Gods must be crazy right,
mondo?
Oh! Is she? Thats Thats Thank you, man. I was about to ask her to add me on
Facebook, she seems super nice I responded at the WTF moment of the day being
broadcasted here.

Pity, shes not on Facebook, bro! Anyway I just called to tell you that, Ill pick
you up tomorrow morning. Well take a new SIM for you too, one that you asked for
yesterday!
Ive already purchased a SIM card, bro! Wait Ill just give you my new number I
said and picked up Geetikas mobile from the box near me. The pin lock welcomed me,
but I got past it quite quickly. I then went to the contacts and in the search bar,
typed S. All names starting with the letter S popped up. Except mine. I clearly
remembered storing it, between the names starting with Sa and So. I definitely
did that. But no! My number was gone. Or rather deleted. Voluntarily deleted. I got
off the call with Sudheer, and slowly closed my eyes, drifting off to some other
moment. Trying to find an answer for the act. But then I could never understand it.

I got up from the floor, and decided to help her pack. A bit lost for the first
time in a pretty awesome day. It wasnt just being sad, but it was as if all the
happiness somehow had just vanished into thin air. I shouldve known. When she
talked about Sam, and how she felt that SAM could be a strand of past that could
hold her back, I shouldve known, that in the same breath, she was referring to me
as well. Somehow I felt that I was that important to her, that I was someone she
would feel about that way, someone that she had to get away from, to move forward.
Someone who could maybe bring her back. Now that thought, somehow stupidly brought
back a smile to my face. By deleting my number, she implied that I was important,
and all this that we had today, meant something to her. No one could get mad at
her, for doing that, could they? Still, there was a great deal of silence in me,
that wasnt listening to any kind of reason. Maybe my heart had arrived at a very
different conclusion than what my mind had arrived at. One which cried out loud
that maybe she never took these moments that we shared, as being important or
worthy. Two conflicting versions of the same story, two ends to a single beginning.
It all came down to which one Id like to believe in. That would become my memory.
That would become my reality.

And it was one of the best days of my life, and I decided not to mess it up with
what I expected out of it.
So, Geetika! How exactly do you plan to carry these many boxes? What are they
like, 20 in number? I said entering the bedroom and hugging her from behind.
17 actually. And no Im not gonna carry them. My cousin, Bhargavi is gonna take
away most of them in a couple of days and
Is she cute? Sorry auto..
I dare you. If I even hear that you are hitting on her, Ill come back and kick
your ass!

.Automated response. You didnt let me finish. But if thats gonna bring you
back, then I should probably flirt with her! She turned to face me and hugged me
tightly for a few seconds. And then just let go. She fell silent and suddenly
serious. She drew up the boxes that laid on the floor on to the bed, confirmed
herself that they were all packed and sealed again. She never looked at me the
whole time, as she pretended to be hyper busy, just as her mobile phone rang in the
other room. I was about to get it to her, but she literally rushed past me and
picked it up. I had enough hints now that I needed to get away and out of her
sight. She wasnt angry, she wasnt sad. But there was definitely something that
made her look like a different person altogether. And therefore, I walked past the
remaining boxes in the hall, picked up my mobile, and out of the flat and stood at
the far end of the corridor, at an opening which overlooked the next building and
the almost vacant roads. I placed my mobile phone back in my pocket, and gazed at
the skies and the stars, beyond the roof of the adjacent building. I had started my
journey a couple of days before, under the night sky which never spoke of moon, and
somehow halted here to look back at it again, which this time turn a bit more
generous.

I saw him walking out of the door, closing it behind him and let out a deep sigh.
It was as if I had been holding in a breath for a very long time.
Over the last couple of hours, one thing had been made crystal clear to me. He was
different. He was something more. More than Amit, more than Sam. He fitted in like
it had always been his place.

I knew he was hurt when I had asked him to stop but he had no idea how I felt. His
one touch had almost messed up everything. I had almost decided to stay back and
thats when I stopped him, against my will and his wish.
Now I knew what this was.not a joke, not a gift.it was a test. A test of resolve,
a test of perseverance, a test of the strength of my dreams.
How much would I be able to give up and for how long?

One dayhad it just been one daycan one day be so long yet so short?now the time
we had spent felt like minutes, even seconds.
I closed my eyes once and instantly a movie reel started playing in my mind, of my
future with him, in this city. It was gut wrenchingly beautiful. I couldnt see it
anymore.

I opened my eyes and a lone tear drop fell.

That tear drop brought out all of the confusion from my system and now I was
determined.
I knew what I had to do. And I will do it.

The doorbell rung and I hurriedly pulled down the kurti into which I was changing
and rushed to open the door. It was the watchman. The cab had arrived. I had to
leave. I dragged out all my suitcases to the watchman and went in again to bring
out my boxes. After I brought out everything, I closed the door behind me. I knew
he was standing there at the far end of the corridor looking at me, probably
waiting for me as much as I was to go to him. So I took a deep breath and walked up
to him determinedly.

I heard footsteps approaching the flat. It was the watchman knocking at the door.
Clearly Geetika was expecting him to come, as she instantly opened the door. The
watchman went inside, and reappeared after a minute or so, with two of her bags.
The cab had arrived five minutes before the scheduled booking time. I saw from the
end of the corridor, that slowly one by one all of her bags were being taken out
and placed in the elevator, by the watchman. The luggage would definitely exceed
the free flight load allowed for a single person, but I guessed it wouldnt be by
much. As I was mentally counting her luggage, she walked out. Adjusting her long
purse and her watch. She had changed into a more ethnic kind of long Kurti, which
made her look taller than she already was. She looked at me, and I instinctively
smiled at her. We were never going to meet each other again. Our lives would take
us somewhere else, millions of miles apart. I knew she was thinking about the same
as she slowly walked to me.

This is sad. I cant leave like this! she said holding my hand firmly
Well. This is it, I guess I said softly pushing her hair back from her face
Say something funny, no? Geetika said looking at the floor. I just saw her, never
hearing her say anything. I wasnt going to come up with something funny. It just
wasnt the moment. She turned and walked away. And a few seconds later she was
gone. Just as unexpectedly as we had met in the first place. I wanted to call her
back, but this was not the day. I couldnt afford her dreams, just as yet. I wanted
to get down with her, walk her to the cab, and kiss her goodbye. But rather I
preferred to get back to the flat and close the door behind me. I saw that all the
boxes that she had left behind, were neatly stacked up one over the other at one
corner. I hoped that one day, I would ask her to come back. And that one day she
would.

After washing my face and changing into my boxers, an hour later I lay on the bed
and thought to myself. What could I have said that would sound funny and witty?
Maybe I could tell her that she looked like a giraffe in that dress. Or maybe I
couldve mocked her coffee one last time. I couldve said so many things, but then
it would still turn out to be the same. This day was the Citadel, which stood
majestically right in the middle of the City of Time.
And I hoped that it looked beautiful on the other side