Happy Hours @Brigade Road

SEASON 1: The Summer.

"Have you ever guessed how heaven would look like??..neither did I.But i am damn sure it would exactly look like my college."

"Hi ..this is Pranay." An ordinary guy with less complicated dreams but with extraordinarily mind boggling friends.This is our second year at Christ college in Bangalore. I am with B.Sc Physics. John with BBA. Kumble with Maths and Mayuri with Physics. Hold on....Hold on..just a clarification,,Mayuri is no A Beautiful girl. We were not that blessed to owe one such in our gang and that says...THIS IS OUR GANG(without a girl). We are united with life but divided with dreams.
To have a simple life. This is my wish
Mayuri.."the sporting soul". You name the sport..he would know about it and would give a half an hour lecture. He is the richest person in our gang.Son of a Minister(and that clarifies the previous statement). A freak and lives the life for the day.
Kumble.."The Hunk",,. Whether he is dressed or not but you can always see a guitar, clinging to his shoulders. To become a lead guitarist, his dream
John..."to put a ding in the universe". That's his tagline. Money and More money..to be a successful entrepreneur.
Reality is far from all these taglines. Lingering around the college, We managed to complete one successful year of college life. Our academics was less eventful but rest, we made it sure and MADE IT LARGE. We share the Hostel room, the tea, share the dresses,  share the Kings and share the Life. We game, play cricket, chit-chat, watch movies .We had no competition among ourselves, but for one thing. When it comes to NFS Most Wanted, We become wild and fight with our heart and soul for the mighty PRO title.

It was another chill evening at Bangalore. We  gathered in usual tea shop outside the college.
Mayuri started the hot topic.
"Doodes, you know whats happening with Kumble?"
Kumble blushed. Others puzzled and exclaimed.
"yesterday, a girl rang to him and proposed him".
I was taken aback and in fact my tea cup slipped and spoiled my shirt.
"Who is that girl Kumble?"
"I don't know. She addressed herself as Jenny and she told she saw me at the canteen and second time when i was performing in the college cultural. She appreciated my guitar skills and she fell in love with both me and my guitar."
It was that day i decided, to learn Guitar. Girls always have a soft corner towards "music" guys and i decided to capitalize on it.
"So, What you have decided?" i questioned him.
"Don't know..she will meet me this Tuesday. if i like her i will tell a yes " finished Kumble.
"Bravo,,That's it!!I am throwing a party tonight on behalf of Kumble" boasted Mayuri
"Are you game!!!!" was the energy.

                       -----------
It was half past seven,evening. We got ready for Mayuri's party. After an half an hour intense research, we zeroed Hard Rock Cafe(It was the cheapest we could find,C'Mon...its Mayuri's party). Drinking and driving is dangerous, so we opted for Bangalore Metropolitan Transport. In no less than half an hour we reached the destination.  Kumble,John,Mayuri and I were in good spirits.Laughing and chafing,we went inside the cafe and got a corner table for four of us.Hard Rock Cafe was brimming with energy.The dim-light aambiance delighted the senses,absolute rock music  energised the ear drums and beautiful girls increased our pulse rate. In short...it was heaven.We started to pour in our orders to the waiter..actually we were torturing him.
If my memory goes right and if i sequence it correctly this is what happened after that...
Level 1- This  round was for Kumble. After all, its the main reason for this party. We wished him long and happy love-life.
Level 2- This one was for our Gang...long live our friendship,..
Level 3- This was for Anna Hazare(I really dont know how on this earth this topic cropped up). In fact we even decided to take part in the Mass Movement.
Level 4- This one was for Sachin Tendulkar..i remember some match was going on that time..

Everything was fit and fine till that time ..till I saw the remote table. In the dim-light, I saw a girl sitting all alone  and having a drink. I invited myself to the that table and sat opposite to her. She raised her head to see me and she was kinda surprised. She blinked.
"Who are you...?" she exclaimed.
"An another ordinary guy" after giving  a long pause "did you come here alone??"
"S"... was her reply
"If you don't mind...you can join our gang..." I offered
"Thanks and  I do mind and I want to be alone.." She replied in a frustrated tone,
"Ok.cool".
 I did not say anything for next few minutes. I was simply watching her.She had a round face, fair complexioned,dark eyes and she was kinda not lean.She wore a pink t-shirt and a blue Jean.  She was busy with her drinks. I did not disturb her. I also noticed,her eyes were red. and she was trying to hide the tears,  In one hand she was clutching the glass and other hand she was holding her mobile phone.
"My parents opted for a divorce"..she herself started the conversation.
"Thats really bad. Is it their final decision?" I tried to learn the situation.
"Yes.Many times i contemplated them to change the decision. I forced them, begged to them..all in vain.."
"Some are blessed to stay with them always...some have the opportunity to stay with them till they get married..some may get an occasional chance to meet them...and a few people never meet their parents in their entire life..its all what we cannot decide...try to live with what we are offered".I finished...
"So among these which category you fall??" she questioned..
After a pause for couple of minutes...I stabilized my voice and replied..."The last one"..
"You never met your father and mother till now??" she puzzled.
"Yes... when I was 8 months old, they died in a road accident.
Never I felt their warmth...
Never I tasted my Mom's food...
Never I spoke with them..laughed with them....
Never felt how it would be when father boasts your confidence....
I miss them,,,,miss them badly...I would rather say you are blessed to some extent" ... My eyes frequently forced me use the tissue paper.
"I don't know what to say"..she said in a broken voice...
"Ok...If you don't mind..I am leaving"  I said.
"Yes,you can carry on..." she nodded/
I managed to reach my table. I was totally clueless in which level these guys were.Mayuri settled the bills.
It was twelve thirty. We hit the road and reached the hostel.

SEASON 2: The Winter
It was exactly three months later i met her once again. Lunch was over, we tried to catch some fresh air. Mayuri and I were roaming in and around brigade road. It was exactly opposite to Rex theatre I saw her. She was alone and was busy in selecting ear rings in the road-side shop. I told a short bye to Mayuri and crossed the road to meet her.

I said a "Hi" to her, which she neglected and continued her "selection process".She was done with the ear rings, paid, packed ,ignored me, crossed me and started walking towards the next shop.
I was hundred percent sure , she did it on purpose.
"Then why the hell did you kiss me on the other day??" I shouted at her.
She slowly reduced the pace and finally stopped walking and turned towards me and finally saw me.
"Are you speaking to me"  she questioned.
"S" I replied in a tighter tone.
"Don't you dare tell me that." she refuted.
"No. You did kiss me."
"Look, I am conscious even when I am drunk". I was literally threatened by her beaming eyes.
"Then Why you behave as if  we did not meet"
"Yes, I do know you. But that does not mean i should speak and entertain you whenever you speak to me."
"Very clever answer. Ok bye" I started walking away. I was totally clueless and was busy in decoding the situation. She was acting as if she is smart and totally irritated me.
"Stop" was the sound. I turned back to see, she was waving hands to me.
"Now what??" were the words from me out of  frustration.
"Care for a coffee.??"
"Are you mad???"
"Hope so"..she was smiling.
I felt as if  watching INCEPTION back to back, totally confused but liked the way it was going.
"Ok fine,we will go to CCD but you should pay the bill" I warned her.
"Never mind"
I another couple of minutes we reached the CCD at brigade road. CCD, indeed was happening. After a few minutes wait we got a seat. I dint speak to her. I was waiting for her to start the topic as I was not sure about her state of mind. She was wearing a white t-shirt, a black jeans and a sling bag. She was not exactly the way she looked at Hard rock cafe and the change was in a good sense.
"So what do you want?" she started
"I will go with cool blue".
She  ordered a cool blue and an espresso.
We were waiting for drinks.
"So what you people did on that night?"  she said in a much lighter tone.
"As usual. We started  in another ten minutes after I said a bye to you. What did you do?"
"Same.I left as soon as you people left. You came with another three friends right?? Any special occasion or yet another boozing sessions??"
"It was special.One my friend was expected  to be in a relationship."
Our orders were delivered. I was sipping the cool blue and she had espresso.
"Oh cool.Which college you are from?"
"Christ and you"
"The same" was her reply. It was indeed a surprise as I have never seen her in the college.
"So who is that girl with whom your friend is going to be paired?"
"Jenny. you know her?"
She was surprised to hear the name and was having a huge laughter. Once again I was confused. I totally hate these confusing conversations.
"Now why the hell are you laughing like a madcap" I shouted at her.
"Your friend name is Kumble right". This time I got irritated to the core and felt like giving a tight slap.But one thing was bothering me and that was how does she know my friend's name.
"How the hell do you know his name"
"It was a hoax" was her reply.
"Hoax?? why the hell you played with him and who all were involved in this" I refuted.
I felt sorry for Kumble. I was guessing what sort of reactions he would give for such things but I was sure he would take it light and continued the conversation.
"It was one fine night, we decided to give a prank call to Kumble as we were curious to know, how he would react for such things" She explained.
"What's your name"  I questioned.
"All this while, you did not know my name. ok take it.My name is Surya" she responded.
"Surya, You are sick". I was totally displeased  with her behaviour.
"Cool it, Why should boys have all the fun. If you want I will say a personal sorry to him as he is your friend and as we both are friends. We are friends right?" she questioned with a corner smile.
Now the million dollar confusion. Whether to ignore her or to extend the friendship hand. I decided to do the latter and extended my hand. We  hand a brief handshake.
As per the memorandum of understanding, she paid the bills and we left the CCD.
We hit the road. She said a bye and left the place. I went back to hostel and explained the story to our GANG.

SEASON 3: The Love.

I got the opportunity to move in close quarters with her as we were in the same college. It was one month after the CCD incident , she asked my name. It looked kinda weird to me but I liked the weirdness in her. What initially sounded like a "hi" and "bye" turned to "hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii" and "byeeeeeeeeeeee" . The upper limit of 100 SMS per day seemed very less for us. I was totally occupied with her and the same was with her. Mornings appeared like extended nights and we became the esteemed customers for AIRTEL,PVR,CCD and Barista. As she promised, She said a sorry to John and sooner she was considered  as a part of our GANG(with a girl).
I very well knew this is love,but what with her?How does she feel?Considering her weird nature into picture, these questions tortured me. Finally decided to pour out my emotions to her.
It was exactly  6 months later, we went to the CCD at brigade road. We got the same seat that we got when we came 6 months back and this time I promised her that I would pay the bill.
We placed a few orders and waited for the delivery.
"How is your preparations for the semester Pranay" she started the conversation.
"Very average, how about you?" I responded
"Good and planning to give GRE"
"Oh Cool". I replied. Is this the right time to break the ice? Shall I postpone it by 10 minutes? such questions kept circling around my head and finally I decided to speak out.

"I want to give my warmth to you..
 I want to cook for you everyday...
 I want to speak with you all the time....
 I want to laugh with you
 I want to boast your confidence when you are down...
 I want to be your side...day and night..." she said holding my hands tightly.

YES, IT WAS SHE WHO SAID.
The joy of tears started to peep out from our eyes.I held her hand tightly and looked her eyes for the next couple of minutes. Those minutes were really divine.It was sublime. Indeed it was heaven like. How does it feel like when you wanted to propose , the girl stops you and she says those beautiful words. It was a feeling of content. I decided to do what my heart desperately wanted at that time.Unmindful of the CCD atmosphere, i held her hands tightly and leaped to reach her lips. She remained motionless. I placed my lips on her lips. I saw her closing her eyes and I could sense my tears rolling through my eyes and hit her cheeks.
Such moments make the life more meaningful and indeed life is nothing but a collection of such beautiful moments.
The camera slowly zooms out of CCD and the curtain falls.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

3 Acts of Love. Act 3 : Bangalore-Chennai-Hyderabad

The Juice of Act 1 and Act 2.
Nikhil , a software engineer by profession works at Bangalore. Travels to Chennai for his sister’s wedding. He meets Aradhana at the wedding.
Through his uncle Raju Mama ,Nikhil gets the opportunity to accompany Aradhana. Avoiding his sisters “mapillai azhaipu”, Nikhil takes Aradhana to city center to purchase a gift for Aradhana’s cousin. Nikhil capitalizes this stage and takes Aradhana to Marina.

Act 3

The person who was God like to Nikhil a few hours ago, turned to be his Villain.
It was “Raju Mama” who was calling him. Nikhil was in double mind, whether to attend the call or ignore it. Aradhana insisted him to attend the call. Nikhil finally decided to attend the call and he pressed the answer button.
“Nikhil, where are you. It’s been 2 hours since you and Aradhana left. Where are you and where is Aradhana. Did you forget about yours sisters mapillai azhaipu. People are asking for you and Aradhana. Start immediately and reach mandapam as soon as possible” shouted Raju Mama.
“Ya ya. We are on the way. We got stuck up in the traffic. We will reach in another half an hour.” Stammered Nikhil.
“Fast, but you have to answer many people.” said raju mama and he cut the phone angrily.
“Any problem??” questioned Aradhana.
“Ya ya.. I had to do some rituals in my sister’s “mapillai azhaipu”. My parents were searching for me. I was not available. Now they are angry on me.” Said Nikhil.
“I am extremely sorry.” Said Aradhana in a much sweeter voice.
“Not an issue. Actually I loved this evening. I have to thank you.” Flirted Nikhil.
Aradhana responded with a smile.
“We will leave” said Ardhana.
Nikhil halfheartedly left Marina.
They reached City Centre parking area. Nikhil started his bike and she sat behind him.
The traffic was very high but there was no traffic between Nikhil and Aradhana.
There was a dead silence between them.
There was a red signal ahead. Nikhil stopped the bike.
“In how much time we will reach the Mandapam” asked Ardhana.
Nikhil turned back and he saw her face and started speaking.
“In another ten minutes. And I LOVE YOU” said Nikhil in a breaking voice.
Finally the Ice was broken. He was waiting for her reply. Aradhana was puzzled and she didn’t expect Nikhil would be this brutal in proposing her in a busy traffic signal. She started sweltering, not because of Chennai’s hot Sun rays but because of Nikhil’s striking words.
Buses ,bikes and Cars started to horn. Unmindful of the signal, Nikhil kept looking at her.
“ Hey hey hey Green Signal” shouted Aradhana.
Nikhil started the bike. Once again there was a dead silence .
This time Nikhil started the conversation. “Was that Green Signal for me?”
“That was for the road. You are riding .Kindly concentrate on the road and not on me .” pleaded Aradhana.
Aradhana was restless.
They reached the mandapam. Mapillai Azhaipu was over and reception was going on.
Mandapam was flooded with people. Loads of bright decorative lights. Loads of people. Loads of events. Everyone seemed to be busy.
As soon as they reached the mandapam, Ardhana said a bye to him and walked towards her room in the Mandapam.
Consequences of Nikhil’ s action:
• Poor raju mama was loathed by Nikhils parents for sending him out.
• It was only during school times Nikhil was scolded this bad. He was treated like how a Pakistani terrorist would be treated in the Indian Prison. Nikhil’s entire family abused him.
• Finally, Ardhana. Ardhana’s parents advised her not to move with strangers.
Nikhil finished his dinner and was sitting in the mandapam balcony. He was expecting a reply from Aradhana. Couple of times he tried to contact her but she was with her parents. He was lost in thought. He was lost to Aradhana. He slept, sitting in the chair.
Next day Early Morning.
It’s the D day. It was an early Muhurtham (the most auspicious hour) for her sister, scheduled at 5.30 AM. The purest nadhaswaram and the resounding mridangam created a beautiful medley and broke the morning silence.
His family as well as bride’s family were all set for the grand occasion. Nikhil hastily got ready for the upcoming important ritual. He should not and did not want to miss this. Nikhil was wearing a cream color trousers and a blue shirt.
It was exactly quarter to five, Nikhil saw Aradhana at the Main hall, for the first time on that day.
She was climbing down the stairs. She was wearing a light red silk cotton sari, let loose her hair, lips were glossy. Her eyes were as bright as the morning sun. She carried a pleasant smile which could mesmerize anyone. Nikhil was no exception. He fell flat seeing her on sari. He felt like proposing her once again. His ego stopped. He continued with his assigned work.

It was exactly at 5.30 A.M when Akash tied the Nuptial knots.
Nikhil was standing besides his sister.
“Ketty Melam”(the most auspicious music for the South Indian wedding) thundered the entire mandapam. It was at such an auspicious time, Nikhil felt someone touching his hand. He turned back to see ARADHANA. She came near to him and whispered “That Green Signal was for you and not for the Road”. She smiled and her eyes once again conveyed the love she had for him.
Nikhil was high. He smiled, shouted, cried, walked fast, ran slowly, spoke rubbish, he sang and finally his love was acknowledged and reciprocated with greater sense. He fast forwarded his life with Aradhana. He visualized their wedding, honey moon, sweet pillow talks, cool morning walks, refreshing shopping, watching movies, dining, their house, their kids and all the sweetest things in the world.
They met where ever and whenever it was possible. They had their time of life.
Lunch was over. His sister was free in her room. He decided to tell her about Ardahana.
Nikhil met his sister. He told her about all the things. Prarthana congratulated him for getting into a relationship .
“SO , You saw her when I was receiving Akash .You got to know her and started moving close with her when my reception was on. She accepted you during my Muhurtham. I could see lots of similarities between my wedding and your love story. ” said Prarthana.
“You are a genius Prarthana. That’s true. Even I did not notice.” Exclaimed Nikhil.
“Your love story seems to be very fast” said prarthana.
“I personally think it’s very slow” smiled Nikhil.
“Enough… Put a temporary pause. I will speak to parents. Now they are very angry on you. Till then wait patiently” advised prarthana.
“sorry, Prarthana I have already planned and I have some plans for tonight” .
Unmindful of Prarthana’s advise, Nikhil left the place.
It was surprisingly a cold evening at Chennai. Nikhil was searching for Aradhana. He wanted to have a hot coffee with her. Nikhil could not cut the mustard, and started dialing her number.
Aradhana attended his call.
“Hey Aradhana ,Where are you, I am searching for you”
“Sorry ,I am in my room. First floor. Nikhil I forgot to say .. I am leaving tonight to Hyderabad.”
“But you told me in the afternoon that you are starting by tomorrow!!”
“Yeah, but don’t know what parents thought. They are asking me to start tonight”
“This is unfair Aradhana. OK fine, with whom are you travelling?? Alone??”
“No!!! My uncle is travelling with me. Travelling by bus. Would you come with me for Sendoff??”
Nikhil got totally irritated with her response.
“No Aradhana. Got some work. Bye” Nikhil hung up the phone.
Nikhil never called it a day. He thought the day was still ON and even in his wildest imagination, he never thought Aradhana would draw such a plot. He wished to converse with her. He wanted to spend time with her. The HOT time, just after the proposal is always special. Nikhil never wanted to miss the sensational season. The only option left with Nikhil is travelling to Hyderabad, and he decided to do that.
Nikhil told his parents that he has to leave urgently to Bangalore. Unaware of Nikhil’s intentions his parents agreed. He told an express bye to everyone, including his Sister and left the mandpam .
It was half past eight. Nikhil reached Central Railway Station. He tried to get a ticket to Hyderabad but failed in the attempt. He managed to get a ticket in Bus. The bus was scheduled at 10. He boarded the bus in time. He took his phone and dialed Aradhana’s number. There was no answer to his call.
In a journey of 14 hours, Nikhil pulled out his phone 27 times to see if Aradhana called him back, but he was disappointed all the times.
The Next Day Morning.
It was a hot and sunny day at the Biryani City. Nikhil was at the Jubilee bus stand.
Here comes the million dollar question. How, When and Where he can meet Aradhana??
Nikhil dialed her number to get an answer for the million dollar question. Aradhana did attend the call and started to speak.
“Hi Nikhil, sorry for not dialing you back. I was busy. But I have one surprise to share!!” whacked Aradhana.
“What!! You too” puzzled Nikhil.
“Guess what!!! I am in Bangalore” surprised Aradhana.
“Hey whaattt!! Are you serious??” puzzled Nikhil.
“Yeah. I am serious. Yesterday, my uncle who was about to accompany me, cancelled his travel plans. So it became easy for me to change the direction. I wanted to spend time with you. So came to Bangalore. So tell me Nikhil, when and where we can meet?? How about lunch??”
“Aradhana, I am in Hyderabad.”
“Are you joking Nikhil??”
“No Aradhana, I came to Bangalore for the same reason , for which you went to Bangalore.”
“You have become insane Nikhil”
Nikhil was laughing like hell. He controlled his laugh and started to speak.
“You know the story of The Gift of Magi??”
“And what the hell is that Nikhil??”
“Della and Jim , a poor couple but left with loads of love for each other. In a Christmas eve, they wished to express their love through gifts. Della had a beautiful long hair, Jim had a gold watch. These were their only assets. Jim wanted to have a chain for his watch. Della decided to gift him a watch chain, but left with no money she decided to sell her long hair. She went to a parlor, cut her hair, and sold it. Della bought an attractive watch chain for Jim’s watch and presented him. Far from her expectation, Jim was shocked to see Della’s short hair and he was even more surprised to see Della’s gift. Jim, selling his gold watch, gifted Della a pair of fancy combs which Della wished to have for her long hair. ”
Aradhana interrupted.
“Stop the bullshit story Nikhil. I am leaving to Hyderabad tonight,9 P.M.I would be waiting for you at The Forum from 7 P.M onwards. Try to come before that. I want to KISS you”. She hung up the phone.
Nikhil could not believe what he heard. He glanced at his watch to see,11 A.M.
He asked the nearby person “HOW TO REACH THE AIRPORT.”

Nikhil, reached bangalore in time and got his first KISS.
------------The Happy Ending--------:)

3 Acts of Love

Act 1 | Nikhil goes to Chennai


7 PM, Friday,21st November,2010.
International Tech Park, Bangalore was hustling and bustling as it always used to be. Baffled Software Engineers on one side and Selfish Managers on the other side, there was no shortage for events and happenings. Nikhil was glued to his seat in the 6th floor at Pioneer building. He knew the clock was ticking and it might get late for his bus. He has to reach Madivala by 8 PM to catch his bus to Chennai.
He was assigned the task of resolving a high priority issue. He tried all possible solutions but nothing worked. With loads of frustration, he decided to go out for a smoke. An idea struck him when he was smoking, not on how to solve it but how to get rid of it. In the software industry, you might not know how to solve but you should always know how to get rid of it and make it as “OTHERS BABY”. He convinced his poor fellow colleague and outsourced the work to him. With a sigh of relief, Nikhil took his bag, came outta his office and started towards Madivala.
Nikhil reached in time and boarded the Chennai bus. He got a window seat. He always loved window seats .It was a cool and pleasant night. The white lady in the dark sky, peeping through the window, gentle cool breeze caressing his face and with soothing melodies turned on in the head phones, Nikhil always loved such journeys. It’s a seven hours travel. The bus was sailing through the busy roads. Nikhil was sailing through his thoughts. He was very excited about the next three days. He is going for his sister’s wedding. He thought, next three days would be promisingly great fun for him. His sister Prarthana is getting married this Sunday. He sensed that his phone was ringing. He took the phone from his pocket to see that it’s his sister who was calling. He attended the phone.”
“Hi Nikhil where are you?” she questioned.
“The bus started, will be reaching by tomorrow morning” He replied.
“OK, come safe, I would wake up soon to receive my sweet brother” she smiled.
“Who is that stupid fellow??” Nikhil questioned with a corner smile.
“A stupid fellow who is travelling from Bangalore to Chennai for attend his sister wedding”. She said and cut the phone.
Nikhil laughed inside and put the blanket over his head and started sleeping.
Next day Morning.
The bus reached Koyambedu in its scheduled time. Nikhil got a bus to adyar and reached his home.
Two huge banana trees were affixed at both ends of the gate. Its customary to do that as it signals to others that a family function is coming up shortly .Main door of the house was decorated with the continuous streak of mango leaves tied along a rope. Nikhil got excited to see all such decorations and entered the house. Their house was flooded with relatives. He greeted everyone and went to kitchen to kiss his Mom. As Nikhil expected, his mother assigned him high priority works and this time he cannot dodge. He patiently listened to his mother and gave her an affirmation that he would complete the work. He asked for his father and sister. His mother replied that father has gone to the Mandapam(Marriage Hall) and sister is in the bedroom. He rushed to the bedroom to see his sister.
She is the hero for the near future. Prarthana was surrounded by old age buddies of the family.
Prarthanas face blossomed on seeing Nikhil. He acknowledged it with a smile.
“Yesterday, I forgot to ask a question. Who was sitting nearby you in the bus Nikhil?” she exclaimed.
“You know right, that I am an unlucky person in such things. An old man prarthana”. He frowned.
“Don’t worry , you will get a girl in this wedding occasion.” Prarthana assured.
“If such a thing happens then I will give you…… sorry WE will give you a grand treat in Le Meridian….Deal”
“Sure??” prarthana asked for a confirmation.
“Sure, by the way what’s the plan for the day?” he asked.
We will be shifting to the Mandapam shortly, then at 10 am there is a ritual.
Whats that?
“A small ritual in which our family will invite the bridegroom and his family to the Mandapam”.
“Tell it straight that it’s to welcome your sweet heart” Nikhil laughed.
Prarthana blushed.
A Wedding Occasion is always distinctly special to everyone. For the parents, it’s an occasion filled with responsibilities and a deep inner joy. For the old people, it’s the time they can see their thick and thin and speak about the black and white times. For the children, it’s the time they would be set free for endless fun and shuttling themselves through the Mandapam.
What this occasion is gonna bring for Nikhil….???
With such thoughts, Nikhil sat in a window seat in the Tempo Traveller, and started towards the mandapam. Amidst the busy streets of T.Nagar, they managed to reach the mandapam in time.
His parents were arranging for the upcoming Himalayan Task of receiving their In-Laws.
We can even have a debate on which is more stressful- Launching a rocket or Receiving the In-Laws. There is nothing to wonder even if the latter wins in the debate.
The function stared. Mridangam and Nadhaswaram alarmed the people that the functioned has started.
Nikhil’s parents where in highly tensed mood as if India -Pakistan match was running high.
Nikhil’s sister ‘s in-laws arrived to the Mandapam at the right time.
A grand “Arati” was performed to the bride by Nikhil’s parents. A warm welcome was given to the in-laws.
Prathana received his would-be Akash with a gentle smile.
A black Chevrolet sedan stormed the Mandapam. Nikhil was standing at the entrance of the mandapam.
A middle aged couple got down from the car followed by a young, charming ( include all possible positive adjectives in English ) GIRL. He intentionally received her with a bigger version of smile. She acknowledged with a gentle nod. His heart and mind were perfectly in sync with each other in playing all hit love songs. It took some time for Nikhil to come to ground state from excited state. He liked the feeling and cherished every second.
She crossed him and went inside the Mandapam with her parents.
Now the million dollar question is how to approach her and how to move close with her????.
“Mapillai alzhaipu” and Betrothal function were scheduled for the evening and there were Six hours more for the function.
While his parents and sister were occupied with the marriage tension, Nikhil was completely in a different world. He got to know that her name is Aradhana. He kept followed her like a Hutch Dog. This graceful work occasionally disturbed by Nikhil’s parents and relatives as they assigned some work to him.
It was when half an hour to go for the start of the function; Nikhil was told by his maternal uncle that “Raju mama” was asking for him. Nikhil , very reluctantly snailed through the steps and reached first floor to meet “Raju mama”.
Mr.Raju, a man of forties, tall and an active gentleman. Nikhil greeted “Raju mama”. “You have to do me a favour Nikhil, Will you do??” questioned Raju mama. Nikhil told a half hearted “yes” to him and asked for what he should do. “A person from In-law side wants to buy a gift and the person is new to Chennai , so can you assist ??” thus raju finished.
He did not want to miss her sister’s betrothal and “Mapillai azhaipu”.
“Prarthana’s function would begin shortly and I don1’t want to miss that .I should be here mama” told Nikhil.
“Oh.. is it.. ok.. I will tell her” said Raju mama.
The key word for Nikhil in the last sentence was “ HER“.
His heart was pounding inside and he portrayed himself to be very casual and asked
“WWWho is that mama??”
“You might not be knowing her. She is Aradhana”. Replied Raju mama.
As soon as he heard the word “Aradhana” ,Nikhil was reacting like how a hard core rock music lover would react when Linkin Park does a live performance with this high voltage bass guitar.
Raju was wonderstuck to see Nkhil’s reaction and he thought Nikhil was suffering from any serious disorder.
“Are you OK” resounded Raju.
Nikhil controlled his emotions and replied “yes am alright and I won’t mind in assisting her , I will make sure I would be back before the function.”
“That’s cool Nikhil, I was very much worried about how I would say a no to the in-laws, wait I will introduce her to you” said Raju Mama


Act 2 | Hyderabad becomes Dearer.


“Raju Mama”, The God for Nikhil now. It would never be an astonishing thing even if Nikhil raises a Big temple for the one and only “Raju Mama”.
He went inside the in-laws room and took Aradhana along with him.
“Hi Aradhana, he is Nikhil, Prarthana’s brother”
“Nikhil , she is Aradhana, Akash’s maternal uncle’s daughter” Raju introduced .
Nikhil controlled all his emotions and spoke in a very formal way to Aradhana.
“But how would I take her out” questioned Nikhil to Raju Mama.
“Don’t worry Nikhil, take my bike.Its parked before the Mandapam office room and the number is
TN 45 A 6349 ” said the one and only “Raju Mama”, the God for Nikhil.
“ Hi Aradhana.Its already four ‘o’ clock. we wil leave right now , is that ok??” questioned Nikhil to Aradhana.
“That’s perfectly fine with me. We will leave now” said Aradhana.
Nikhil imagined it would be a great ride in the bike and he personified himself to be Vettayadu Vilayadu Kamal Hassan and Aradhana to be Kamalini Mukherjee.
With all such “ROMANTIC” imaginations they came near the Mandapam office room .Nikhil got a big blow when he found ”Raju mama”’’s bike.
It was a rusty old
%%%%%%%%%% TVS 50 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%.

Aradhana could not control his laughter. Nikhil was terribly embarrassed . He mumbled and managed the situation.
He asked her to wait there and he promised her he would return in another five minutes.
He managed to get a good REAL-bike from one of his relative and returned the TVS 50 key to Raju Mama.
Hopes of “Partha Mudal naley …..” was restored.
He ignited the bike’s engine and asked her to sit.
They hit the T.Nagar road and Aradhana started the conversation.
“Where are we going??”
“City Centre Landmark. You could find good gifts at landmark” said Nikhil.
“Landmark!! That’s cool” smiled Aradhana.
Nikhil enjoyed her smile through the rear view mirror.
Aradhana noticed when Nikhil was watching her through the rear view mirror.
She sensed he was bit restless. When a guy is restless, when a guy is ready to take a girl for a long ride even when his sister’s betrothal function is gonna occur in another half a hour, when he is watching her smile through the rear view mirror… what else can it be other than the beautiful four letter word.
Aradhana is not a dumb girl, not to notice all these things. She knew he is interested in her.
They reached City Centre. Parked the vehicle and walked towards Landmark.
“Raju mama told you are new to Chennai?? Is it” asked Nikhil.
“yeah, This is the first time I have come to Chennai. I was born and brought up at Hyderabad” said Aradhana.
“Oh, good, you are studying??”
“No, finished my engineering two years back and currently working at Deloitte, Hyderabad. And you??” questioned Aradhana.
“Finished my engineering three years back and currently working at IBM,Bangalore”.
“Bangalore!! Cool. I just love Bangalore” she exclaimed.
“You are most welcome to Bangalore. Come down once, I will be your official Travel Guide.” Knotted Nikhil.
“I have been to Bangalore many times” she retorted.
“Oh, that’s cool” managed Nikhil.
They entered Landmark.
“So,what are you gonna buy and for whom” asked Nikhil.
“ Gonna buy for Akash, you give me some suggestions” said Aradhana.
“How about a marble statue of a wedding couple??” questioned Nikhil.
Aradhana was pleased with Nikhil’s idea and credited him saying he has a good taste.
They started searching for such statues. After half an hour of intense search, they got a beautiful marble statue of a wedding couple. Aradhana billed and they climbed down to reach parking area .
“This is the first time you are coming to Chennai right. Merina Beach is near by only.Shall we go there” questioned Nikhil.
Aradhana was 200 percent sure about her guess. She was expecting he would propose to her at any time and she anticipated the probability of he proposing in a beach is very high.
“How far is it?” she questioned.
“Just a five minutes’ walk, we can return in an hour to the Mandapam”
“That must be fine ” said aradhana.
They started walking towards the Merina beach.
Road traffic was on its peak. For the first time Nikhik touched Aradhana. He held her hands and guided her while crossing the busy roads. Nikhil for the first time in his life appreciated Chennai Road Traffic as it helped him to touch her . He felt as if he had 10 continuous Takila’s. The feeling was immeasurable. Priceless. Beyond imagination and Divine. Nikhil enjoyed every moment.
They reached Merina. They sat in a least inhabited place. A beautiful evening in the beach and Aradhana besides him… what else he needs in his life. Nikhil was thoroughly enjoying every minute.
Ardhana started the converstion.
“Shall we leave…”
Nikhil was shocked as if she told the four letter bad word.
“Why so soon, just now we reached right” convinced Nikhil.
“Then It would be late for Mapillai Azhaipu” said Aradhana in a feather soft voice.
“That’s ok.. Never mind about that” said Nikhil without minding the consequences . He said an internal sorry to Prarthana for missing her Mapillai Azhaipu.
“You usually come here?” questioned Aradhana.
“Not frequently, If I come I prefer coming alone. It’s a beautiful feeling , relaxing before the busy waves and gazing the sky.”
“Oh… then now I must be disturbing your privacy ” said aradhana.
“Not really, I thought it would be good if we go to Merina” explained Nikhil.
“Am honored” said Aradhana.
“The pleasure is mine” reciprocated Nikhil.
There was a dead silence between them.
This time Nikhil started the second innings.
“When I first saw you at the mandapam entrance, I thought you would be a nerd, full of attitude and a bit rude but now you seem to be very calm, polite and adorable”
“thanks for the compliment and when I first saw you at the mandapam I thought you were working for that Happy Dent advertisement” giggled Aradhana.
“You noticed me when you entered the mandapam” questioned Nikhil.
“Ya ya…by the way anyone would have noticed you. I don’t now why but you were all smiles” exclaimed Aradhana.
Nikhil could imagine how he would have looked like when he was all smiles.
Nikhil thought this is the right time to tell her the “ALL SMILES” were just for you and he thought to propose to her.
When he was about to start, Nikhil discovered his phone was ringing aloud. He hastily took the phone from his jean pocket. Finally, Nikhil received that “Terrific ” call .
……… to be continued..