Memories

“Paagal!!! Kuch bhi kya bolti hai.. I will kill you..” – This was followed by a loud shriek and giggles..

Next I hear is a beep and my friend has cut the call. The giggles and the loud chatter continued.. I was in the train travelling back from work and a bunch of teenage girls were responsible for this “noise” pollution. I called her back and before I could say something, the background score started and B-E-E-P.. the call is cut again!

The 2 ladies sitting in front of me start laughing after seeing at my exasperated expression. I tried giving dirty looks to the ‘chuckling chicks’, to no avail. They go on and on. How can they talk so much and at such an irritating pitch! No peace even in the train. I was praying they get down as soon as possible, so that I could close my eyes and relax a bit.

“Paagal!!!!” And it starts again -

CC 1 - Arey problem 9 ka solution me, maine kuch to gochi kiya hai yaar – Did you get the right answer?
CC 2 – Kya tha question? Let me see.. Of course, ye to XXX sir ne karaaya tha class me! Don’t you remember, bozzo?!
CC 3 – (nodding sincerely) Yeah.. yeah..
CC 1 – When? Mujhe kyu yaad nahi..
CC 2 – Paagal!! It was the day.. Vishal had worn that nice black shirt.. and we were all saying he’s looking good..”
CC 3 – Eh?
CC 1 – Oh.. I remember thaaaaaaaat day, but.. haan, he was looking really good na.. he has Ranbir jaisa smile.. but he needs a hair-cut yaar!! By the way, did you guys see Ishita today? That top was so not suiting her, yaa..
CC 3 – Meri ma! We were discussing problem 9, I suppose.. and oh-shit.. it’s Ghatkopar already – get down!! Go.. go.. go!
CC 1 – Oh, yeah.. Byeeeeee.. Kal 8.42.. ok.. Bye
CC 2 – Yeah.. Bye.. Sambhalke ja.

And, suddenly I couldn’t stop smiling to myself.

I recollected the day, 2 years back, when I was travelling with 2 of my friends in the morning and one grumpy aunty said to another – “How much these girls talk! Didn’t even let me sleep. Ruined a perfect morning nap!” Of course, she was referring to us.. and one of us cattily remarked – “If people want quiet and peace, they shouldn’t travel by Mumbai’s local trains! It’s public transport, for God’s sake. We will talk if we want to..” And all 3 of us laughed..

This incident just made me miss those fun-filled days articleship days..
When all of us travelled together, pulling each others’ legs..
When random and abrupt plans were made for outings and all joined..
When we met almost every day at the station and talked and laughed..
When every alternate day, someone would be made the ‘bakra’ who would foot the bill for the chat/ ice-cream/ sandwich party..
When notes were exchanged, doubts were solved and bitched about our seniors..
When people were paired and teased to death..
When gossip was shared and speculated about..

Those days were amazing 3 years of my life – Had the most fun, unforgettable moments and made great friends..

Friends..

Hasn’t the recent fracas between the Sena and SRK taken up enough reams of paper, news reels and web-space? Hasn’t the focus conveniently shifted from more relevant issues?

Anyway, as I wouldn’t like to waste more time on what’s right and what’s wrong? Or what was done for publicity or maybe not. Let me not waste ‘web-space’ on the same topic.

Ever wonder, how you end up being friends with the most unlikely person. No offence to the person, of course, but just that, you wouldn’t have ever thought you would be bosom buddies! There have been friends like that in my life, wherein I have spent 3-4 years with that person being acquaintances, and some common ground throws you together making you the best of friends.

The common ground may be any of the following - the workplace, college, train (!), classes, school and many more. I am back to being ‘more than Orkut/ FB’ friends with my classmates from school, because of a school reunion and am I glad, that happened! Thanks to Ram, of course.. College/ classes buddies tend to stay in contact, considering the fact that you tend to have similar career aspirations. Bitching about the boss, the working conditions, the amount of work, favouritism, the furniture, the Air Conditioner.. the list is endless – wherein you end up finding a patient ear or maybe an impatient tongue.. Now, coming to the train friends – doesn’t the lady who offers you her seat hold a special place? There’s a daily dose of entertainment to be found in the train.. Someone’s birthday gets you a piece of cake (:D) – someone might tell you where you can find the best bags in town!! It’s a veritable (not always) source of information, I tell you – atleast the ladies compartment is.

What I am trying to say is, I am thankful to have all these “kinds” of friends – who make my life, the life it is. Love you all..