Best Buddies - The last Singlet of the Triplet - Part 14

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.




Ranbir was back to Dubai and so was Ishaan. Even Ishita had landed in Dubai just a few hours back. So basically I was expecting life to hit normalcy soon and things to be back on track.

The first thing that Ranbir did after landing was to come to my place, and was taken by shock when he found out that I was almost hospitalized for low blood pressure, just because he broke the news of Ronak’s suicide to me. He then vowed never to break such news over the phone ever again.

Well, even I promised myself never to leave my friends, come what may. Stand by them at all times and remain friends forever. Its actually tests like these that help us realize what friendship means, and then people like Ishita, Ronak, Ranbir & Ishaan who add value to it. Still, I continued to consider myself a bad friend, no matter how much Sneha did try convincing me that I was a really good friend.

But things had changed a lot over the past week or so. Somehow Sneha dominated my thoughts, though totally as a friend and nothing more than that.

For instance, a huge party was thrown to mark the friendship day & celebrate the win of Ishaan and gang. I was initially hesitant to go, but somehow Sneha convinced me to go, just for the sake of my friends and for Ishaan, though Ranbir and Ishaan’s persuasion efforts failed earlier.

I was over the Ronak incident by now. And then suddenly Sneha arouse my so called hidden crush on Ishita. That also to such an extent that she even asked me to ask her out, before the friendship day bash, and go there as a couple.

Totally brainwashed by her, I totally acted as per her directions and in full enthusiasm without any normal consciousness asked her out, just for the party happening that night. She was taken aback, as she didn’t expect all this all of a sudden. And then Miss Diplomat very politely declined my proposal.

There the first girl I ever ask out rejects me. But somehow I didn’t feel so dejected. I took it very much sportingly as if nothing had actually happened. In real terms, somewhere deep inside my heart I was hurt; it’s just that I did not feel so. In real terms, I seriously don't think I had a crush on her. How can I?, she is such a sweet buddy, and thats about it.

Sneha convinced Ishita’s action by saying that probably she wasn’t ready for it, as I approached her without any signal of my having feelings for her. Girl’s are really smart at backing their counterparts very effectively, no matter if they have never met, or to whatever extent wrong they would be.


So I pulled myself together and got ready for the party. Di was like as if I was dressed up to see a girl or probably for my own marriage. And according to Sneha, the formals made my look like the most suited bridegroom of the day.

It was actually a bit embarrassing to be praised as a would be husband, but indeed I was flattered.

I was just outside the party hall waiting for Sneha, as we had decided to go together for the day. Actually Ranbir was gonna come with Sania & Ishaan with Bhavika, so, basically I just didn’t feel like going alone. It was a bit weird to go with a friend, but she had no issues, then why would I have.

Just then Miloni came along, alone. We spoke casually for a few minutes and then suddenly she goes like,

“Will you be my date tonight?”

I was just going to inform her that I have already a date for myself, when Sneha signaled from behind to go on with her. Somehow I was lost of thoughts so just went along with Miloni. Sneha knew about Miloni and my hidden infatuation towards her.

Somehow I was really pepped up, pairing up with Miloni that night. I danced like crazy that night. I had never enjoyed a party so much. Ishita, Ranbir and Ishaan were shocked to see me burning the dance floor with Miloni. It was a hell of a night.

Later on, after the party all of us went to the beach, as it was pretty close by and going back home was totally out of the question.

I was actually carrying out with Miloni, and the best part about it was that I myself was not informed about it.

Ishita, Ranbir & Ishaan were so dead sure that Miloni was just more than a date, they were even ready to bet on it, and were not at all ready to get off the stand they had taken. Somehow, after a really long deliberation by Sneha and intervention by Miloni, they agreed to the fact that I am still officially single, since birth.

It was a clear dark sky with the moon illuminated by the sun’s light. A perfect romantic night out. Miloni just then untied her hair, and she was looking gorgeous like never before in that navy blue gown.

Ranbir and Ishaan were just waiting for a chance.

“Somebody is in love.”, and soon Ishita, Bhavika, Sania and to my surprise even Sneha joined in.

I was out of words to defend myself again.

After a while, the girls were sitting together and discussing their usual stuff, and we guys were just staring at them.

Then suddenly out of nowhere, Ranbir got a rose and pushed it into my hand. And almost threw me towards the girls. I was really confused of what was going on around me.

There, Sania, Ishita, Miloni, Sneha & Bhavika, all stood in a semi-circle, with me at the center, and Ishaan & Ranbir behind me, kicking me on my back every few seconds to speak something.

And if all these sudden happenings were less, Sania pulled Ishita aside, and so did Bhavika pull Sneha. I guess they were indicated by Ranbir & Ishaan to do so.

There with the vast sea stretching behind us, the dark sky on top and the scintillating moon right over Miloni’s head, me kneeling down with the rose on one hand, and her hand on the other, I finally opened my mouth,

“Will the world’s most beautiful girl I have ever met, accept me as her boyfriend”

There was pin drop silence. The world around us as if came to a still.

“Yes.”, was all that she said.

And before even I stood up, rose petals came showering upon the two of us.

I had just given up the single tag, and these people were already as if in a mood to get the two of us married.

Ranbir and Ishaan congratulating me with the words,
“Enter the zone at your own risk.”

After all this, we all finally sat down by the seaside, exploiting the time and weather to its fullest extent.

Ishita began with the talks for the night,

“We dedicate this night to the newly weds, I mean the newly committed couple, Nikhil & Miloni. As the host for this midnight talk, my first question to the two of you, how did you people meet?”

I had just opened my mouth to reply, when Miloni started off, so I obviously had to shut up.

“Well, he was on his way to Kolkatta for the cricket tournament, and I was going there for a wedding. After some technical snag, my seat was shifted next to his. His face was worth seeing when I was seated next to him.”

But as far as I remember, I was sleeping. But she continued.

“His mouth was wide open. And what a dumbo he was, he did not even bother asking my name or anything. I only had to start the conversation. That’s how we met for the first time.”

Ishita then continued,
“That is true Nikhil style. Now it’s the turn of Bhavika & Ishaan. How did you people meet up?”

Is it that girls normally dominate in a relationship? I was literally sensing that. Here also, it was Bhavika who replied and not Ishaan,

“Well, we met a cousins wedding. He was from the groom’s side and I was from the bride’s. There is this ritual of hiding the groom’s shoes. So he was responsible for hiding them. He was looking really nice that day, probably the only time till date. I was told to get the shoes from him. I casually asked him for the shoes and he willingly gave them to me, realizing his blunder only after I left. After the wedding we met, and hit off really well. People already had started calling us a cute couple and they were like, how about two weddings today. And that’s how we are together today.”

Now, she went a step ahead of Miloni. It was actually an attempt to prove, their guy is better than that of others. And here, me and Ishaan scratching our heads, and thinking what was Sania going to come up with.

Ishita continued,
“So cute of Ishaan. Now, the third couple of the lot, Sania & Ranbir.”

And as expected, Sania spoke first,
“Jaanu, you want to tell or shall I.”, though it was a lovely way to ask, her eyes said it all, that you better reply in the negative.

Ranbir goes like, “Jaan, you shouldn’t even be asking, carry on.”

“Well, I was Nikhil’s date for the party at Spellbirds. There even Ranbir & Ishaan were present with their dates. Though I had come with Nikhil, I was more engrossed in a conversation with Ranbir. He was really a smart guy. We remained in touch for a while and then he asked me out before leaving for Bangalore, last month. Since then it’s been a great time.”

Well, frankly speaking that was really nice & sweet and the least exaggerating of the three and closer to reality. Hats off to Sania.


So basically that was all for one of the most memorable days of my life, as we took a cab back home, I dropped Miloni at her place, though the only thing missing that night was the goodnight kiss, probably some other day, well night.


...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Realising the importance - Part 13

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.





The journey back to Dubai was pretty smooth, basically like no hiccups during the travel. In the almost three hours flight, most of my time was spent smiling at the round of events happening in almost the last 2-3weeks.

The Jai-Ranbir friendship break up mystery, and leaving for Kolkatta just before the reality was going to be disclosed, then getting lost in the city, breaking the three instructions, losing the finals, back to Mumbai after months, then to Delhi, Ronak’s miserable life, Ranbir’s taunt, but to end on a happy note, Ishaan’s birthday.

Like its been said in popular movies, in the end, all’s always well, and if it’s not, then the movie is still left.

Post reaching Dubai, Mom had given me strict instructions to get back to the boards and make me realize that I was in 12th, the year that can make or break my life. My sports sir was like since this is your last year, prove your cricketing skills. And if this was less, Di goes like; in the last year in school also you will remain single.

My brain was already spinning with all this thoughts, when the movie of my life had another major turn awaiting me.

I was alone at home, and all of a sudden Ranbir called up.

“Hey, Nikhil, how was the flight back. Enjoyed with the airhostess on flight?”

“You got to be kidding dude. They were all those aunty types.”

“By the way, I wanted to give you some news.”

“Don’t tell me you are not coming back to Dubai soon. I will shoot you.”

“Dude, their is something more serious to talk about.”

I was feeling rather scared.

“What’s about it? Tell me.”

“Nikhil.”, and after an abnormally long pause, “Ronak committed suicide.”

“What?”
I had got the shock of my life. I was just not able to digest the news. And hundreds of questions like, why, how, when did all this happen came splashing into my brain.

“When did all this happen. And any idea why did he do so?”, I some how picked up myself and the courage to ask Ranbir this. I was actually in totters.


“The next day after you left, some policemen went to Ronak’s house for some investigation related purpose. That’s when they revealed the entire happening. Just a few days before the accident some guys tried misbehaving with Sejal and Ronak had called in the cops and got them arrested. After their release, they were seeking revenge. That day, after Ronak dropped Sejal, these guys followed her with acid in their hand. She was trying to run away from them, and accidentally stepped on the road, when the speeding car, threw her away.”

I was already in shatters, after hear about Ronak’s suicide, and this just made matters worse. I was gradually losing control over myself.

Ranbir continued, unaware of my mental status.
“Ronak’s parents had decided not to tell Ronak the truth, but he had overheard the entire conversation. He locked himself into his room. When he did not open the room for several hours, his Mom got worried and they broke the door. But, then it was already to late. Ronak’s had etched out Sejal on his hand, which also cut his nerves. There was blood all over the floor, and Ronak was no more.”

I guess, my brain and heart had reached their saturation point.

I just shouted,
“He killed himself, because of me.”, and then slammed the phone down.

Actually the phone slipped of my hand, I had fainted for the first time in my life.

I don’t even faintly remember, but after a few hours when I got back to my senses, around 10 people surrounded me. Mom was crying, Dad was tensed, and Di expressionless.

The Doctor then said that I was fine now and listed down a few medicines.

I knew I had loads of questions to answer, I could actually see them on their faces. A couple of my aunts and neighbors also filled in my room. All staring at me, and me turning my head from left to right just like in a tennis match with no clue what’s happening and like a typical saas-bahu serial, what’s going to happen next mystery.

Thanks to Di, they all left the room soon and I felt a bit relaxed. Actually for a while I did forgot about Ronak’s suicide till Di, closed the room and asked me,

“What’s wrong Nikhil? Your blood pressure was really low. How could you be so careless.”

And then I came face to face with reality, Ronak was no more.

I told Di in brief about everything from what Monica told me, to what Ranbir did.

She anyways knew Ronak and was also taken aback and couldn’t come to terms with what happened.

But then I somehow began to blame myself for his life. If only I had not left him alone in these times, maybe he would not have taken such an extreme step.

I was actually being a too harsh on myself and hit myself a couple of times till Di stopped me. I began crying like a small baby and slept on her laps for a while.


It actually took me a few days to get back to a bit of normalcy and that also just because I began moving out a bit. For the initial days I was totally under house arrest.

But it was a totally different me. Hundred percent silence, no interest on what’s happening around me and at times I wouldn’t even know that some person is next to me. I was lost in my own world.

In the mean time I backed out from a forthcoming Cricket tourney also, and that surely didn’t go down well with the team and officials, thinking that I was being really unprofessional and not being sporty. But surely things were not in my hand and not at all under my control.

I was given strict instructions by the doctor to not to be carried away emotionally as that could actually do a lot of damage to my brain. And with those instructions Mom made life all the more difficult for me, with one hundred and one restrictions imposed upon me.

During these times, I did miss Ishaan and Ranbir a lot. Ishita also was not in town. The loneliness actually began to eat me and failing to realize that this is actually what Ronak had gone through. Every few minutes I could see the helpless face of Ronak in front of me.

Walking alone to tuitions and back with no one to speak to. I was gradually being isolated as I surely was not in any mood to make any new friends whom I could spend some time with. It was really difficult for me to spend every minute as Mom put even a restriction on cricket, so catching up with teammates was also out of question.

Life was never so bad. I somehow mentally balanced myself as the week passed by and understood the trauma that Ronak would have faced. Whatever happened, the untimely death of Ronak and to some extent even that Sejal did hurt.

All this actually did help me realize the importance of Ronak and his friendship in my life. He help a special place in my heart, which no one would ever be able to replace.

That’s when I met Sneha. She was Mom’s school friend’s daughter. They had come over for dinner and she was actually from my school. Basically that was the first day after Ronak’s death that I had smile, that’s what Mom felt, I rather not comment anything on that.

She was a good looking, decent and smart girl but somehow I was least interested. I just didn’t bother about who she was. The most annoying part was when Mom goes like, ‘Why don’t the two of you go on a walk to the creek.’

I was not even in a mood but Di forced me to go, and helplessly I did. But this was actually a turning point. I really felt better that day when I spoke to some one, and we actually were together for a couple of hours and I did speak my heart out. We went and sat at my favorite place and I really enjoyed the time spent. I did not even realize when did the time fly by, till Di called me up to come back soon.

I was really feeling lighter after the walk and conversation. Somehow it was nothing less than magic. It was a very different and refreshing feel that I was going through. Thanks to Sneha, for whatever she did.

The next days I totally spent in her company and she did help me realize that it wasn’t my entire fault after all for what Ronak faced though I actually convinced her that somewhere I could have stopped it. Sneha, I can say actually totally brainwashed my thinking process. She gave me a new perspective and approach to life and brought me back to reality from my dream world.

I enjoyed her company and got over Ronak and even missed Ishaan and Ranbir less frequently, as according to her, it was a time of transition in our friendship, so that I actually realize the actual value of my friends that I have always failed to realize. I stopped taking friendship for granted from then onwards.
A new Nikhil was in the making, rejuvenated and transformed.


...to be continued...

Best Buddies - The Birthday Gift - Part 12

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.


A long drive on the roads of Delhi, especially in the night is just indescribable. The clear dark sky, with stars twinkling and straight traffic free roads is just and added advantage.

Later on we all i.e. Ranbir, Ronak, Monica and me sat on the terrace of Ranbir’s house. Just then it struck Ranbir and me sort of at the same time that preparations for Ishaan’s surprise birthday party was yet to be made.

We sat there staring at the sky wishing if some idea could strike us soon. And then out of nowhere Monica jumped up and goes like,

“He is participating in Youth Cult Fest right?”

I staring at Ranbir, giving the expression like what’s wrong and then reply to her,

“Yes.”

“Your work is done guys. Your surprise will be planned. Give me time till tomorrow morning.”

Ranbir prompted in,

“What you thinking to do?”

“Guys just leave it to me. The entire plan will be sketched and told to you in the morning. Can we go to sleep now, Please.”

“So you told that just so that you could go to sleep. How selfish?”

“Shut up Ranbir. Leave it to me. Goodnight Guys.”

Monica and Ronak got up and went to sleep downstairs.

I and Ranbir stayed up for a while, trying to enjoy the last few days in Delhi and the vacation.

But the sadness of Ronak condition caught over my face. Somehow all the while, with the aim of giving support to Ronak I hid it, but couldn’t help it any further.

And if my situation was so difficult, then imagine how difficult it must have been to bring the smile on his face.

Ranbir saw it on my face and was like,

“Nikhil, whom do you love the most, at present.”

Going into a deep thought. What was that supposed to mean? On second thoughts, I love my family, friends, couldn’t think of anything else.

“Common answer Nikhil. Be specific, and please don’t be a diplomat.”

That created all the more the trouble. Specifically, who?

“Don’t take so long. Lets put it this way. Who has always been your support and you always look upto whether you are sad or happy.”

“It got to be Di. She has actually been a support system for me many a times.”

“And how much have you missed her in the past few days.”

“Actually a lot at times but then things around me helped not to remember her a lot. I mean in Kolkatta the team was there and with a few I share a good rapport. And then you have been here in Delhi all the while so hardly I remember her.”

“That’s what the whole point is. You have friends all over you so you don’t miss the person you love the most and on top you know that you will be with her in a few days from now.”

Ranbir was talking more than just common sense. He was not just the usual himself.

“Imagine his situation. New to Delhi, hardly made any friends, no family support, met Sejal, and she gave him the life he missed all the while. More than a girlfriend he saw a friend in her.”

This statement actually hurt me. I mean I have never been able to realize that there are some people who will always need you, no matter however far you are away from them. They see you as a lifelong friend and you just don’t tend to realize the truth, and when you realize its to late as that person feels that you are not going to be back and they decide to move ahead and then you end up staying there hoping for things to turn in your favor, repenting your earlier action.

“And accept it or not. He missed your entire group of Mumbai. You people were his lifeline. And he couldn’t see anyone taking your place in Delhi and that’s what made him lonely. His parents are working and spent really less time with him and even they couldn’t keep their married life happy. So the best moments of his life have been with you people. You considered him your best friend. Dude, he was totally dependent on you.”

He was hitting out so badly to me. I mean I just couldn’t stand all this any longer.

“I am not sure if you noticed or not, but his face did brighten up on seeing you, but just he couldn’t express it, as he was in a deep shock already.”

He was right. I seriously didn’t notice all that. How could I be such a fool? It’s said that if you listen to your heart carefully then you will always hear the voice of your near and dear one’s. Probably I failed to hear myself.

“Sorry if you felt bad, but that’s the truth buddy. The earlier you accept it, the better for you. Anyways me off to sleep. I know you will not be able to sleep tonight, but if you feel like talking to someone, you can always come to me. And don’t bother to think that did Ranbir say all that.”

Just when he was walking downstairs he goes like,

“By the way, I didn’t find a good time to tell you, but I am dating Sania. Details later on. Goodnight.”

For a minute, I was shocked, but then I had others thinks to ponder over, so I somehow postponed the thinking on this topic for an indefinite period.

It actually took me a while to get over all the attacking words of Ranbir. But then actually he wasn’t wrong.

I have known Ronak for quite a lot of a time now. But somehow he was acting strange and a lot changed. He was not the same guy I was a friend with.

Then actually putting the puzzle pieces of Ranbir’s words together, I realized the mistake of my life. I had left Ishita alone when she needed me the most, and then Ronak.

I descended down the stairs into Ronak’s room. I was quite sure he would be awake.

I went and sat next to him, where he was sleeping. But I was wrong. He was sleeping soundly and as per what Monica had mentioned it’s been time that he would be sleeping so well.

I sat next to him for a while, remembering the time we spent together. The school life was way to good to be forgotten and the time spent is just unforgettable.

I remembered the incident, when we are playing around in the science lab and a glass broke and smoke was going up the air and the fear on our faces. Inspite of knowing that we were not at fault we were so scared that we sat in our class for the entire day without uttering a word. Slowly and gradually the incidents just came flashing by and me lost in them.

It was really late so then I decided to go to bed. Just when I stood up, came in these words from Ronak,

“Nikhil. You will leave without even saying a word.”

I was stunned. He was actually awake.

“Ronak, its just that you were sleeping peacefully so just didn’t feel like waking you up.”

“Remember when you came to my place first time for a stay over and when I was so badly in need of sleep and you people would not even let me close my eyes.”

“I very well remember. You wanted to sleep because next day you had your first date.”

“Shut up. It was nothing like that.”

We started discussing all those moments, laughing at those incidents and time went passing by and we didn’t even realize when did we time pass by and we dosed off.

The next morning I woke up with the loud noise of Monica.

“Nikhiiiiiiiil. Ranbiiiiiiiiiiiir. Where are you guys?”, shouting at the top of her voice.

I woke up with a sprang and rushed out.

Even Ranbir came running in.

“What’s wrong Monica?”, I asked.

“You people are not even concerned that tomorrow is your friends birthday.”

“Ohh. Yeah. You said you are planning to do something. What’s the plan? Atleast tell us now.”

“Fine listen.”

“Tomorrow is the finals of the Youth Cult Fest at the Delhi National School. Vipul, my friend is one of the organizers at the event. So he has just told me that, The Indian School from Dubai has qualified for the final round.”

“That’s great news. Finals on his birthday.”

“The Trophy will be a perfect gift for him, I guess.” added in Ranbir.

“You are right.”

“Can I please continue with the plan?”, I and Ranbir nodded in the affirmative.

“It’s highly likely that they will be practicing past midnight tonight as the final show needs to be put up tomorrow afternoon. So basically that would be the best time to give him a break of some time and get in his birthday in style.”

“She is right.” I prompted in, although it was uncalled for.

“But frankly speaking he would not even prefer wasting a minute on all this. This trophy and event is really close to his heart.” Came in Ranbir’s comments.

“Guys relax. Alls set. At around 11p.m. tonight, Vipul has called in a meeting with the school coordinators to discuss the final line of events. That’s when through special permission you people enter the school premises. You have just less than an hour to decorate and put things in order, and all this without disturbing the school atmosphere, practice sessions and schedules. It’s a big risk sort off on Vipul’s head.”

“But then how do we manage all?” asked Ranbir.

“”See, the meeting gets over at 15 minutes to twelve. And it takes almost the same time to reach the main hall where your school would be practicing. Some people from the organizing school will be there to help you and update you with help from Vipul. And actually you will not even need to do anything. Vipul will try and have arranged a majority of the work internally already before your arrival. You just need to spring in the surprise at 12.”

The plan was really well made. But the only concern was about the finals the next day. I had lost the final cricket match and so had Ranbir lost the final football match. Will he win or lose in the finals? It was really weird to think about it and a sudden gush of blood flowing through my body made me feel all the more scared.



That night everything was so well formulated that things happened the way they were supposed to even before we thought of an alternative. Ranbir and I were just waiting to spring upon the surprise on Ishaan.

Ronak also joined in on my pressure, as I thought it would be a good change for him.

The last fifteen minutes before twelve were those when we just couldn’t control our emotions and that’s when we were signaled that Ishaan was on his way to the hall. The entire hall had been decorated and the practice had been halted for the next half an hour.

Ishaan came in earlier than expected, in short, before twelve. This was something not in our hands so we had to change the idea a bit at the last minute.

We sent Shaina, the assistant co-ordinator out to stop him still twelve. But this guy just wouldn’t stop.

“How come the practice has stopped?”

“Ishaan, we had a scheduled break at this time, if you forgot.”

“Fine, just come along with me, we need to decide on certain things.”, and with that even before poor Shaina could do anything, Ishaan pushed into the room.

Luckily the hours hand just slid under the minute’s hand, it was twelve. He switched on the lights and turned back.

Ranbir and I came running in with the entire team singing the Happy Birthday music in the background. He was surely astonished at what he was seeing.

After a round of wishes and hugs and gifts, and the usual cake cutting ceremony we sat down at a corner for a cup of coffee.

“How the hell did you guys land up here?”

“Indian Domestic airlines have really good coverage.”, came in Ranbir’s reply.

“Ya right. Very funny. By the way guys, guess what, we have reached the finals and it happens in a few hours from now, I am really excited and nervous at the same time.”

Hats of to Ishaan. He didn’t even bother about his Eighteenth birthday. Probably if it was not for us, then he wouldn’t have even celebrated it. He deserves a pat on his back. I haven’t seen a guy with so much sincerity and dedication to work.

“By the way, what happened to your tournaments.”

And as if I had taken a silent vow, Ranbir replied,

“We both lost in the finals.”

Now, that surely wasn’t encouraging. The smile on Ishaan’s face gradually faded away.

I guess the feeling that ‘what if even I lost the finals like them’ crossed his mind.

He took leave from us, but asked us to stay back, and watch them rehearse and suggest points of improvements from the audience point of view.

He was working really hard to grab that trophy the next day.



The event started off with a bang of performances followed by the presentation of the acts of the two final teams. They were said to be on a head on clash right from the start till the just concluded last set of events.

I must admit that the opponent had an upper hand in terms of the over all performance. They had put up a really impressive act beyond imagination. But my gut feeling supported my school and Ishaan. And also, though over all they were a better performing side, they had a few glitches in their act that could cost them a lot of points and that could turn things in our favor. But frankly, ours was also out and out a really splendid put up.

The results were to be declared in just a few minutes and my heart beat rate was faster than normal. I had not got this feeling even while playing the finals a few days back in Kolkatta.

The three of us held our hands tight just when the results were to be announced.

“And the time has finally arrived to bring this event to a close. As it’s said all good things come to an end, and so the Youth Cult Fest is also over. But we make sure that it does end in style. A time that we remember by as the audience and surely the teams that clashed on this very stage. And then on this stage, I will declare the winner in a few minutes from now, and this very stage will be thrown open for the party for the winning team.”

Why do these hosts have this habit of exaggerating things beyond a limit? I just felt like snatching that card from his hands and declaring the winner.

“And not wasting any further time, I declare the winner. Well before that, any guesses?”

Why doesn’t this loser on earth understand that there is no time for guesses and I will faint of excitement if he doesn’t declare the winner now.

“Yes you are right. It is the team from overseas, The Indian School, Dubai.”

The three of us jumped together in joy, Ishaan hugged the two of us and ran to the stage with the rest of the team to put his hands on that trophy.

Finally we shall be taking the winners trophy home. And surely this was the best birthday gift, Ishaan could ever ask for.

We partied hard that night till late. And as the host had said, as all good things come to an end, I was going to leave Delhi the very next night.

I had earlier planned to delay the flight, just in case Ronak did not normalize soon, but all was well, so I was going to leave as per schedule.

Ronak was gradually reaching his normal best and recovering really fast from the incident.

Ranbir was going to spend some time with his relatives and then turn back to Dubai, while Ishaan had to attend a wedding in Delhi and then return back.

So basically I was going to be alone in Dubai for a while. Well, no issues I boarded the flight back to Dubai, happy, satisfied and after a really memorable trip from Kolkatta to Mumbai to Delhi.

Best Buddies - Expect the unexpected - Part 11

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.



Leaving behind friends in Mumbai, I headed to Delhi with those memories, which I will surely not forget for this lifetime.

After landing in Delhi I waited outside for almost and hour for this Mr. Late Lateef to come. Ranbir had promised me that he would be on time but as usual he was late.

And then I was just thinking what excuse would he be giving today. Traffic Jam or the airport enquiry had said that the flight has been delayed by an hour.

I was like he was surely going to have it badly from me this time. How much can you make a person wait?

Well, in this time just glancing around I saw a familiar face. It was I guess the same girl in the flight from Dubai to Kolkatta. I had actually forgotten her name.

Just when I almost reached her, she took a cab and headed off and that’s when her name struck my head, ‘Miloni’.

And then I turned around to be at the place where Ranbir had asked me to wait for him. Just then he came banging into me.

“Dude who were you running behind in that cab?”

“Which cab?”, and then before he asks me another,

“Ohh wait…that one. I will tell you that. But can you please tell me what stopped you from coming on time?”

“I actually landed a few hours back so went home and dozed off. And then the great alarm ditched me, so that’s why I got late. Sorry buddy.”

“Its okay. Anyway are you planning to just keep chatting here only or to take me home also.”

“Ohh…yeah…almost forgot. Come along the car’s parked on the other side.”

So after walking for almost 30minutes we found the car. I guess Ranbir was trying his best to get on my nerves.

And then when we had just reached half way through the airport to his home, the car broke down. My head was actually even spinning now with the turn of the events.

“So, how was you football finals dude. The trophy must be at home I guess.”

“The final was just awesome dude. It was the best match I have ever been a part of. We had two players injured in the midst when we were leading 2-0. Then after half time, their captain ended up with a Red Card. It was a superb match and an amazing experience. I so wished you people were their.”

“Dude. Who won?”

“The opponent team. 3-2.”
And I started laughing like crazy forgetting that I was pissed off with him a while back. I even forgot that I had just lost a finals and he was the captain of the losing side.

Instead of supporting him, I just couldn’t control myself. And he looked a bit embarrassed.

“Dude, Shut up. I was awarded the best sportsman of the tournament.”

“Sorry. I just couldn’t help it re. Congrats for that award, I will check out the trophy at home.”

The car was repaired and we drove back home. Ishaan’s birthday was the day after tomorrow so loads of planning and arrangements needed to be made.

A refreshing bath was followed by a heavy breakfast cum lunch. And I was so tired that without saying anything further I just dozed off.

Later on in the evening we decided to go and meet Ronak first and help us with the preparations.

And so smart of the two of us that being totally unaware of the city we just left off with the driver in search of his residence as if he was some rockstar and every second person in the city knew where he lived.

After driving around for almost and hour we reached the place where we had been atleast 10 times in the last 60minutes.

He stayed on the 10th floor. Just when we were entering the building the useless security guard was like, where do you want to go? He was going to call up to inform him that I was coming up.

He even called up, but luckily for us no one picked up at the other end. He was like Ronak is not there so come later on. We knew that arguing with him was of no use.

So we finally gave up and took the turn back, when a girl came in shouting,

“You are Nikhil right? Ronak’s friend.”

“Well. Yeah. But how do you know me?”

“Ronak keeps speaking about your group and how much fun you all had together”

“Ohh.. Where is he now?”

“Why you didn’t meet him. He must be at home only. I thought you people must have met him and then leaving.”

“No. Actually that security guy was like he is not at home.”

“He is crazy. The intercom system has some problem these days. Come lets go upstairs. He will be really happy to see you here. Have you told him that you are here?”

“No. Thought of directly dropping in and giving him a surprise.”

“Ahaan. That’s nice.”

So she took us up in the lift.

“I am sorry but your name please?” I asked. Now obviously I can’t call her Didiji.

“Ooops..sorry. I am Monica, I stay in this building only. Ronak’s neighbor.”

“Well. He is Ranbir, my friend.”

And then Ranbir kept her busy; our hero was at his flirting tactics.

I rang the bell, and Ronak opened the door.

And he was like obviously shocked to see me there.

“Nikhil. You in Delhi? What a pleasant surprise.”
But somehow there was a different face he was hiding behind that surprised, puzzled look of me being there.

Now that left me wondering, what was he actually upto?

Then Monica prompted in,
“That useless security guard had asked them to leave, just because of that useless intercom of our building. Luckily I recollected Nikhil’s face from the snaps you showed me of the two of you and got him up.”

“Ohh… That’s so sweet of you Monica.”

“Guys actually Mom isn’t at home so …what you people want to have?”

“Dude. First sit. Nikhil and you are meeting after so long. Talk to him for a while.”
“Fine. Miss Monica Madame. I will just get coke if you don’t mind.”

“Permitted.”

Ronak dashed off to the kitchen and Ranbir got a call, so he got busy with it.

I finally got the time to speak to Monica of the indifferent behavior of Ronak.

“Monica, what’s wrong with him? He has never been like this. So silent, that’s surely not the Ronak I have known for such a long time.”

“You haven’t been in touch with him for some time I guess. Do you know Sejal?”

“Yeah. Like duh. My cutesi bhabhijaan. I had seen pictures of them both and Ronak had told me a lot about her.”

“She’s no more.”

“What?” I was more shocked than Ronak was shocked on seeing me here.

“She died a few days back in a road accident.”

I was speechless.

“His parents are now at her home. Her parents are devastated. But somehow they don’t realize what Ronak is going through. They were in a relationship for more than a year and were deep in love. There wasn’t a day when they didn’t call each other. Even when they were angry, they would just call each other up and remain silent. Even both of their parents approved of their relationship. They were even planning to get them engaged on Ronak’s 18th birthday, a surprise for him, just so that they can officially go around. Ronak & Sejal had planned to meet up as usual for a weekend. After the movie Sejal was returning home when this mishap happened. A drunk truck driver. Ronak wasn’t informed. He kept calling her and her cell was off. She was cremated and he was not even aware about it. He kept waiting for her call. He didn’t even get to see her for the last time. When she didn’t call for a few days, on one of the rituals after her death he landed up at her home and saw the garland hanging on her photo and everyone crying. That’s when he realized what had happened.”

I was stunned at the turn of events. I could do nothing more than sympathize with Ronak. I just could not imagine myself in his place, leaving trying to visualize what he must be going through.

“When he came to know, he just left that place and locked himself in his room for 24hours. We all were scared and wished that he doesn’t take any wrong step. He stopped eating for some days and just started talking a bit yesterday.”

I had no words to speak.

“Have his parents tried speaking to him?”

“Everyone has tried their bit. But you know what I think. He needs to cry to let the thing out of his heart.”

“You mean he didn’t cry at all when he found out.”

“No he just became quiet since he found out. Not a tear from his eye. He doesn’t cry, doesn’t smile, and hardly talks. Remains alone the entire day in his room. His parents keep crying, as they can’t see their son this way. But then what can even Ronak do?”

I just stood up and went to the kitchen.

“Ronak, remember how we used to try cooking at our home with the recipe book whenever our mom’s used to go for their kitty parties.”

No reaction from him.

“Can’t even give a fake smile, Ronak. Still the same yaar, Mr. Original.” After a brief pause, “Monica told me everything.”

And the very next minute he hugs me and starts crying. Somehow it made me feel better because I knew that this would reduce the weight on his heart.

He continued to sob for almost an hour. But we didn’t even bother stopping him. I was still wondering how come he controlled himself from crying for the past so many days.

He was a really strong guy from within. I had seen this in school. But this side was something relatively knew for me.

And then once he stopped crying, Ranbir and Monica did the job of bringing the much-awaited smile on his face.

He was surely not at his normal best but according to what Monica said; he was behaving way better than before.
It felt really nice, that I could play a part in helping my buddy get over his sadness.

...to be continued...

PS. : WISHING ALL THE READERS AN AWESOME DIWALI AND A SESKI NEW YEAR.

Best Buddies - Back to Mumbai - Part 10

Part - 9
Part - 8
Part - 7
Part - 6
Part - 5
Part - 4
Part - 3
Part - 2
Part - 1

“Heyy… What’s up Buddy?”

“Ranbir. What a surprise. Nothing much dude. You tell me how’s Bangalore treating you?”

“Well. Bangalore is just too good for words. And by the way we have reached the finals of the tournament happening day after. By the way how many trophies have you added to your collection.”

“We lost in the finals but I won the Man of the Match. So it’s okay. So what’s you calling me now. And how did you know I am in this hotel.”

“Ohh..crap. Thanks I had almost forgotten. Dude its Ishaan’s birthday this week. I hope you remember.”, sounding really excited.

“Yeah. I do. Like duh. And all of us are in different parts of India so we will not be able to have a blast and bring in his eighteenth birthday in style.”, sounding a bit low.

“What if we can? Why don’t we get together?”

“You must be kidding Ranbir.”

“No re. I am damn serious. I mean instead of going back to Dubai catch a flight to Delhi, I do the same and we have a blast on his birthday and then head back to Dubai. What say.”

“Its an awesome idea dude. But..”, taking a brief pause so as to think if it actually is so simple as he is saying.

“No buts dude. Common anyways there is nothing to do in Dubai. And then Ishaan will not even expect us there.”

“You are right. I am in for it.”

“Finally. Anyways bye dude, I got to go for the party happening. Meet ya in Delhi.”

“Bye. All the best for the finals.”

And all of a sudden after the talk my mood just sprang up and I went downstairs for the party and had a blast of a night at Kolkatta forgetting the loss behind.

The first thing I do next morning is go and find a travel agent. But should I call it my bad luck or something else, due to certain unknown reasons there was no direct flight to Delhi for the next 48hrs.

But I was so keen on going to Delhi anyhow, so I booked a flight via Mumbai, left with no other option.

The thought of being back in Mumbai even just for a few hours made me feel nostalgic. I will be back in my city after I say just around 4-5 months. Actually that just was much more than just that ‘Just.’

Suddenly all those days in college and school and most importantly the feeling of being surrounded with friends 24/7 came flashing back to my mind.

And the thoughts are totally incomplete without thinking of how Ronak became my best buddy.

Flashback

“And after a very long time, we have a new first ranker in our school. Congrats Ronak. And Nikhil you have come second in this exam. Study hard next term, you have got some competition now.”

I was totally shocked. How can this guy who has just joined school beat me in his very first exam in school. He must have cheated or he is some teacher’s relative. I cannot come second.

I was really irritated and frustrated. And then all of a sudden after the teacher left, everyone went and surrounded Ronak. No one came to me. This all the more got on my nerves.

But then Ronak came to me, obviously unexpectedly. And before even he could say anything, I just slapped him right across his face, a tight one. This was totally spontaneous and I have no clue what prompted me to do so.

Everyone in the class started calling names to me. “Nikhil is a bad loser.”, became the Class Anthem.

I couldn’t bear all of this so I just ran out of the class. I was in a situation that nor could I react neither could I cry.

I went and sat on the terrace staring at the sky far away. I usually came here, as it was really silent and nice here. And then this is the only rule I enjoyed breaking or basically the only rule I ever broke in my school life till date till 9th.

Actually we weren’t allowed to go to the terrace for whatsoever reason.

I was actually feeling guilty of slapping Ronak then. In anger we just do anything without even thinking of its consequence. But then I can’t even help it. It was impromptu.

What more I liked about sitting there was speaking to myself aloud.

“I shouldn’t have reacted that way. What must be Ronak and other students thinking about me.”

And then someone spoke from my back. I got really scared as I though it must be some peon. I was already given a warning once for being caught leaving from the terrace.

“Its okay Nikhil. You don’t need to be sorry. You just wanted to let your anger out and you did so.”

It was Ronak. Seeing him there my anger actually was coming back. How dare he beat me in the exams. No one has ever done so. It is as if my birthright to top the class.

“I know it feels bad to come second after so many years.”

While he was speaking, I was mentally preparing myself for the next exam and to prove to all that I am the best.

“Even I was in your situation once and I reacted in a worse manner. I went and hit that guy with a blade. He was not able to write the next exam. And then what happened. I came first again. But I lost all my friends and the respect in front of the teachers. No one spoke to me then. I was alone.”
And tears began rolling down his cheeks.

I felt bad for him but also the message passed through my head.

“Ronak, I have come second so I should be crying, why are you.”

I wiped of his tears and told him sorry and we left the terrace.

On the way back I asked him,
“You told me that story to make me feel better or asking me not to cut your hand with a blade.”

We laughed our way back to the class and everyone in the class was shocked and as if their life came to a standstill seeing both of us together.


Back to Present.

Ronak has played the most crucial role as a friend in those two years of our friendship. He is actually responsible for a large extent for what I am today. He taught me patience and how to control my anger and leave my ego behind and be friends with all.

Actually after 10th he moved to Delhi and I stayed in Mumbai. So then things took a different turn. But we made sure we spoke atleast once a week. But gradually we ended up speaking just once a month.

The last I had spoken to him was when I left for Dubai. I haven’t spoken to him since then.

I then felt the urge to speak to him now. I picked up the phone and even dialed his number. But then I disconnected the line. I decided to meet him personally when I go to Delhi.

I was so looking forward to meeting him in Delhi.

Also I was really keen on being back to Mumbai, my home city.


So that night as all my teammates and coach boarded a flight back to Dubai, I caught the flight to Mumbai with my final destination being Delhi.

Next morning I must say, ‘Back to Mumbai!’

I landed in Mumbai early in the morning and had almost 6-7 hours in hand before boarding my flight ahead to Delhi.

The first thing I do after leaving the airport is go to college. I knew that I would find my entire group their. Obviously I missed all the fun I had with them and life had been so nice all the while.

And there at the entrance I meet my ex-crush turned really good friend Sonam. She just couldn’t believe her eyes that I was standing in front of her.

“Nikhil. You are in Mumbai. When did you come? No call no message.”

I started laughing and she was going red.

“Arey..Relax. I just came down today and am leaving in a few hours for Delhi.”

“You didn’t get anyone to fool since morning. You just came today and leaving today.”

“I will tell ya everything re. Can we just sit down and talk. And then where’s everyone re. Call them also naa. I so want to meet everyone.”

Just as we took a seat in the college canteen, came in Roadside Romeo Rohit from behind. And his style of wishing me was still the same, a kick on my back and then a hug.

“What’s up Dude. Welcome back to Mumbai. When did ya come? No call also re. This is only our friendship or what? And when are you going back.”

He asked all that in as far as I remember in a single breath. And then before I could even recollect and answer any of them, popped in Sonam.

“He is leaving in a few hours. That’s what he told me. Maybe he will tell you the truth.”

“Is she right Nikhil?”

“Yeah. I just came in from Kolkatta and heading to Delhi in a few hours. That’s why I dropped in to meet all of you people.”

“Kolkatta…Delhi…what… Are you on some airport hopping session?”

I started laughing at that one.

“No re. I had a cricket tournament in Kolkatta. And its one of my friends birthday in Delhi, so going there. I didn’t get a direct flight so I am in Mumbai.”

“Oh..so you have limited hours in hand. Any specific plans or you are at leisure.”

“Well. Yeah. I have some plans. To spend the time with you guys. Where’s the rest of the gang re?”

“Actually theirs a function at Priya’s place so everyone’s there. Both of us had some work in college so we are here. We are also heading straight there.”

“So whom are we waiting for. Lets leave.”

So we left for Priya’s home. The last I had gone to her place was also for a Pooja itself.

I was just waiting to see the reaction of the rest of the gang on seeing me there. They will be stunned for sure.

I entered the living room and Priya just screamed on seeing me.

Everyone just turned back to see as if a terrorist with a live bomb had entered.

After the Pooja at her place we decided to go back to our school and spend some time their.

The school was just the same, I mean how much would it even change in say around more than a year.. Basically all of us had changed a lot in this time.

We missed bunking classes, running around the campus, gossiping under the tree’s, the teachers and on top of that all of us being Together.

Ronak had moved to Delhi and me to Dubai. And the rest weren’t in the same college. Gradually we lost touch. We used to spend a major portion of the day together during those school days and then later on it was just a weekend or two out.

Suddenly Amit came up with this question,

“Why do we have to separate, just when we began to get better as friends?”

He was totally right. Just when we were matured enough to understand the meaning of friendship we had to part ways.

That statement of Amit just cropped up the silent topic.

Why do we even have to split in the first place?

Then we went and met our schoolteachers. It’s really difficult to have such teachers today. I have never seen any teacher so dedicated to their subject and students. We could actually depend on them for anything and everything. Many a times they even helped us solve our personal problems be it about a friend, family or girlfriend.

They indeed deserved the high regard that they commanded within us even after more than a year of leaving school and surely would continue to do so.

Then moving to the canteen sipping that cutting tea, it actually brought a lot of old memories back.

It was then turn for the library. Just moving hands over the place where we normally used to sit for hours just days before the exams and scratching our heads in tension. The vivid faces of different reactions whenever we failed to do a sum without looking at the solution came flashing.

Today we just laughed over it but these is what actually school life was filled with.

Breaking the rules was fun just because there was a restriction on something. Though I never broke a rule as far as I remember but someway or the other I used to help them out of trouble and so can be held responsible to an extent.

The sports room was indeed the best place to hang out. After school we used to spend a good portion of the day there. Though it wasn’t ultra modern but it was a good way to chill out after regular studies in the morning.

Lastly we went to the place where I started playing cricket and where the coach saw me play and selected me. It was in the backyard of the main building where hardly anyone used to go. Only a few of us went there and used to play. Seeing it in just the same mess as we had left it more than a year back had almost brought tears to my eyes.

It was now time to leave. The only person missing in today’s reunion was Ronak. His jolly nature was missed the most. He had this inbuilt talent to make anyone smile anyhow and his on the spot answers were a rare combination, adding his academic proficiency.

He could speak alone for hours and we would never get bored. Though many times we used to just wish he would shut up so that others could speak.

Well, from school we directly headed to the airport. All of them actually came down to drop me to the airport.

And that made leaving Mumbai all the more difficult for me this time. Everyone on the other side of the fence waving me a goodbye, with a desire to meet again but no idea when. Giving it a second thought I just felt like staying back and not go to Delhi or Dubai.

I just wished that time could be turned back and these good old school days came back and stayed the way we wanted as long as we wanted them to stay.

That’s when I remembered one of my friends line,
‘We do not bid goodbye to separate, it’s just a farewell to meet again.’

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Cricket means parties- Part 9

Part - 8
Part - 7
Part - 6
Part - 5
Part - 4
Part - 3
Part - 2
Part - 1

“Please do not leave your seats. We have returned to the Dubai airport due to some technical fault in the airline. We will back on the runway in 30minutes from now. There is nothing to panic about and kindly co-operate with the crew. Thank You.” came in the announcement of the pilot from the cockpit.

But as expected everyone in the plane did panic. There was loads of confusion and chaos. The noise was beginning to get on my nerves. I mean can’t just these people relax. They have landed back for their safety only and these people know their work. Can’t they let them do it by themselves? Everyone wants to try their hands in every new field.

I quietly put on my I-pod earphones and began to listen to the music. My seat was away from the rest of the team just because of some goof-up by the airline people. And then I just casually closed my eyes but then did not even realize when did I fall asleep.

Then came in the announcement, which woke me up.
“Please use your seat belts as we are ready to take off.”

I turned around to check if everything was in order and then turned back to tie the seat belt.

But wait, before I went to sleep some small girl was sitting next to me. Now all of a sudden she looked like one of my age. And then she looked beautiful in the sky blue dress that she was wearing.

And then she goes like,
“You are Nikhil from the school cricket team right?”

“Umm…..yeah.”, trying to act a bit over-smart.
Now whose she? And how does she know me.

“Hi. I am Miloni. The Indian School. 11th grade.”

I looked at her face, expressionless.

“Oh…so you are from my school. So where you heading to in Kolkatta.”

“To check you out.” And then after a brief pause, “playing cricket of course. You are going for the CBSE Annual Meet right?”

“Yeah. You seem to know a lot about me.”

“More then you can think of.”

And then the conversation kicked of which lasted for the rest of the flight.

While checking out at the airport, I asked her to come watch me play at a match and she had promised to do so.

I had my fingers crossed as I deeply wished her to come see me play.
Talking to her so felt like those days in India with Ishita and some of my other friends.


After landing in Kolkatta, while collecting our luggage their was another goof-up with the luggage’s as we were not aware where could we collect our luggage from and nor were the airport officials aware.

But soon things were sorted. All’s well that ends well.

But who said this was the end. This was I can say just the trailer. The movie is still left.

We caught the rickshaws for the hotel. It was early evening when we actually totally checked out of the airport so it was peak time and huge traffic jams.


And then our rickshaw driving trying to act smart to beat the traffic lost the follow up of the rickshaw in front of us, which had our coach who was aware of the route.

So we were lost in Kolkatta on the day of arrival itself. And also lost with us was another rick following us. So six of us lost in a new city. And then on top of this, it was that most of them were coming to India after ages and they expected me to find a solution as I have lived in India for so many years and these people assumed every place to be same like Dubai, in short Mumbai and Kolkatta is just the same with different names.

We went around the city for like almost for an hour hunting for the hotel. And then suddenly it stuck Namit, the fast bowler of the team that he has the address in his bag.

“Don’t you think you remembered it really fast.” Came in frustration from another teammate.

“Be happy, atleast he remembered guys.” Came in another and then we joked off the matter.

I took the address paper in my hand and after asking a few people we realized that we were standing right outside the hotel entrance and searching for.

Then came in Namit,

“Actually, I wanted to take you people on a ride around Kolkatta.”

Ya, right.

Luckily for him most of us were half dead or else he would have been.

So tired with the day’s happenings that we just dropped the bags in our room and off to sleep, skipping dinner.

And then the very next day we also had our practice match against some local school.

It was a rather weird climate out there. Just when we would think its going to rain, the sun will come out, shining bright.

But then it was indeed a good match. The ground was really well maintained and so was the pitch. A rather simple win I must say. The warm up session gave us a lot of confidence and an idea of what can we expect from weather, pitch and the ball.

The tournament was scheduled to get over within a fortnight.

Each team plays seven matches, in all eight teams, top four play the semi-finals in the knockout format and the winners of the semi-finals battle it out for the top slot.
Not really as simple as it sounds.

We were going to play the best teams from North, South, East and West India. In India cricket is indeed a religion. I mean if people are crazy in India about anything then it got to be Sensex, Bollywood, and Cricket. I had seen the fantasy behind all this, living 17years in Mumbai was enough to know this.

For people in India, they just die for a chance to be in a cricket tourney. Once in, they forget everything else, family and school is of no importance leave giving it even a second thought.


Well, after the trials we had some time to relax so just went around the hotel and a lot of timepass. The swimming pool was on the top floor, with Sauna and Jacuzzi. We all were having a blast of a time. I mean we just didn’t realize that time was flying by and we had an important inaugural match the very next day.


The day’s activity had kept us so busy that none of us had even bothered calling up back home that we have reached safely. So pretty late in the night when we realized, all of us ran to the nearest ISD booth.

Almost everyone of us got a nice hearing. But then it was time to pay for the calls.

“What none of us have carried our wallets?” came in Ansh.

“Wait Namit has his wallet.” Replied a teammate.

“Then pay the bill dude, we will give you back in the hotel.” Said Ansh.

“Will 50 Rupees be enough.” Asked Namit.

“You better had not brought the wallet.” Ansh expressing his anger.

In a hurry to make the call, we just left the hotels in a rush, with none of us bothering to carry our wallets.

Just when Sanjay and I offered to go back to the hotel and get the cash, our coach happened to be passing by and paid off the bill.

We went back to our respective hotel rooms. I was sharing the room with Sanjay and Manek. Just before sleeping we all started laughing off like crazy over the incident.

The inaugural match was supposed to be an exciting and a tough match for us, but we had it off with a simple win and the party had just begun.

A simple first match got us really a lot in the party mood. We would just wait to get back to the hotel and hog all the food laid out for us, enjoy at the disc for a while, lay down in the swimming pool, watch movies. It was like we had not come here for a high level tournament rather for a holiday. The only restriction being all of us stayed indoors within the hotel premises.

We ate like crazy and everything and anything served was over in just minutes after being laid down. I am sure the hotelkeepers were having a tough time keeping up with us.

So basically I broke the first instruction from Mom about being careful about my eating habits. I mean I was just dragged towards the food so I just couldn’t help it. After the first match we enjoyed like we had win the cup.

So the next day was a huge shock for us. We were thrashed in a manner similar to which we had beaten the other team in the inaugural match. It surely did the job of getting us on our toes. So we again got back to our practice sessions.

The third match we played hard and did snatch of a win. We really tried and covered up the mistakes of the previous outing. And so the fun rounds started all over again without bothering for the next match.

The fourth match had a nail-biting finish. It was the last over and I was trembling as we needed just 10runs to win. They had their best bowler in the attack. And somehow I gave away my weakness to him in the first two balls. But I managed to get 6runs with a ball to spare. I was really nervous, as I knew he knows what to bowl to me and I wasn’t wrong. Just with 4runs away from a win, I was bowled.

With this I broke the instruction of my coach of not letting away the weakness. I was really sad that day. The entire teams hopes were pinned upon me and I just couldn’t see those dejected faces of letting them down.

Four matches over, we had won two and lost two.

And then I was rested for the fifth match or basically dropped. That made me feel even more low. My mood became really bad. We won this encounter.

So that evening I just left the hotel on a stroll.

That was breaking dad’s instruction of not going out alone.

Around after 10minutes or so it started raining heavily out of nowhere. The hotel was way back and I would be completely wet by then.

A rickshaw driver offered to drop me back to the hotel but God only knows where all he took me. Some unknown street in this unknown city. My blood was like just freezing. And then he started of with some of his story tales about some murder and crimes.

I was already scared of him and on top of that all this. Then suddenly he stopped somewhere in between some chawl type of house and he goes like,

“Here normally all types of guns are kept”

Then he drove met out to another chawl,

“Saheb, want to try something tonight.”

“Nahin, just take me to the hotel.”, having no idea what he meant. I realized much later that he was talking about drugs.

He dropped me back at the same place where he had picked me up from and I felt like banging his head right their. But scared with the outing I quietly paid him the cash and left.

But the rains continued and there was no way I could reach the hotel.

Then someone pulled me below a roof.

Initially I thought it would be someone I know but then when I turned back, I didn’t recognize him. How would have I even, I had never met that person earlier.

I was feeling a bit scared now as I was new to the place and getting back to the hotel would be difficult as it was really getting dark then. And then that rickshaw Walla.


Luckily the rains stopped and I just rushed back to the hotel without even thanking the person. Actually it was also because of his presence I was feeling scared as thinking he would me some person related to that rickshaw Walla.

After reaching the hotel, that same person greeted me. He was the hotel manager. He had recognized me, but I had not. I thanked him and returned to my room.

Sanjay and Manek were just going out to ask if anyone had seen me as I was missing from the hotel since more than an hour now.

I told them what had happened and they just couldn’t help laughing. But I promised myself of never venturing out alone in this city.

I didn’t even play the sixth match as I myself opted to stay out. I was in a mental trauma.
Unfortunately we lost this game and the last match of the first round became all the more crucial.

We were playing our rivals from the Gulf. The winner was assured a seat in the semis and the loser would have to pack their bags. I was playing this match.

I surely did not pack mine. The opponent team was already exhausted, as they did not rotate the playing 11 and that clicked for us. We had a comfortable win and cruised in the semifinals.

In the semis we had lost to all the other three teams qualified so it would become really tough from now onwards. As the team in the semis would be tough to get over, and even if we did, it would be really tough to topple the opponent in the final.

But time would have its say.

For the time being the party fever was back but not so much fun as the seven back to back matches had drained all the energy out of us.

We paid back the opponents in the same coin. Basically we beat them in a similar fashion they had beaten us in the first round and we cruised into the CBSE Annual Meet finals.

We achieved this after 20years. 20years back we had reached the finals, and also won it. So expectations were really high upon us to achieve this feat once again.

The finals was going to be enthralling end to the tournament with loads more than just cricket going to happen their. It was going to be massive closing ceremony to the event.

But we all had the eyes on the trophy to take it back on that plane to Dubai. I was already thinking of how exciting it would be to have won that cup 20years back and got carried away to myself having got to hold it.

The finals started in a manner we had just desired. We won the toss and elected to bat first. All started well with giving a target of 225 in 25overs. The match also saw the first century of the tournament by me. I left my heart back in Dubai and played the knock I was longing to play for a really long time.

Victory was almost sealed with that target, as those were the highest runs ever on board on that ground.

But the second innings wasn’t as good for me as the first one. I dropped a crucial catch of the wicketkeeper captain of the opposite team who was in full form in the tournament. If I had caught that he would have been back in the pavilion for just 7runs.

Some how we got back into the game and their wickets kept falling. We were more interested in sending them back to the pavilions and just ignored the fashion or speed with which their score was building up.

It was in the last 5overs we actually realized that they needed just 30runs in the last five overs, with 3wickets in hand. So we had to decide upon a strategy, either to get them all over or waste the last 5overs. Their captain was still on crease.

Ansh was of the view that it would be really tough to hang them on for next 30 balls. So decided to attack to get the lower order out. I and Sanjay were of the view that not to let the captain take strike and waste the balls. But it was really difficult to make him understand and so we just dropped it.

Ansh trick paid of in the first over as their 8th wicket fell. But then their captain smartly kept the strike with him and went behind our bowlers and sealed of the win for them with 2overs and 2wickets to spare.

We had lost the match we should have won.

That was surely not the manner in which we desired to end the series. I was awared the man of the match but that was of less importance as I saw the trophy going to the opponents in front of my eyes.

That night again my mood was really low. Everyone was out partying trying to forget what happened.

I couldn’t go out with them, as somewhere I was to blame for the defeat by dropping that catch.

For a moment I felt so like quitting cricket.

I just wished if Ishaan and Ranbir would be their then. We wish so many thing to happen which never actually do happen.

Then again knocked at the door. I ran as if it was going to be Ishaan and Ranbir. I was crazy. It was Sanjay who was asking me to come down. I told him to carry on and I would join him in a few minutes.

Then again the phone rang. It would be someone or the other asking me to come down. I felt just like disconnecting the line.

I picked up the phone and just started of,
“I am coming down.”

But some one else replied. I mean it was from the reception.
“Sir there is a call for you.”


Call for me. Who would be calling me at like 10 in the night? No one even knows which hotel I am in.

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Time to forget & Leave - Part 8

Part - 7
Part - 6
Part - 5
Part - 4
Part - 3
Part - 2
Part - 1

The tournament and late night parties had left me exhausted and within a week I was to fly to India for the CBSE tournament. God knows how do Indian cricketers survive after so many matches.

Well, more then that I was interested in knowing the Jai-Ranbir friendship story.
I did feel like asking it directly to Ranbir and then dropped the plan.

But wait, I guess Ishita called up last night and she know’s the reason. Flip how the hell did I forget that.

The next thing I do, is try her number and it’s unavailable. Atleast 10 calls in a minute, just wishing that this time I might get through.

The suspense was beginning to kill me. I have no clue what the excitement was all about.

I again tried her cell after an hour and still off.

Why do these girls keep cell-phones when they want to keep it off? Just to show-off their fancy pouches.
And she doesn’t even have a landline to call up on.

Then back to cricket practice but calling up Ishita was all going on in my mind, so I was completely off play. And then we aren’t allowed to keep cell-phones on practice as it’s a source of distraction and now not having it was distracting me.

And the first thing I do after getting off the grounds is catch hold of my cell. And the unavailable saga continues.

I was actually getting frustrated to the core.



Today I decided to walk back home. Just felt like going on a long walk. So me and Sanjay decided to take on the walk.

There was more of cricket in our talks rather than anything else. Basically both of us have been vice-captains to the school teams in various matches and many a times my selection in the team has been doubtful like the one for CBSE Annual Meet.

On the way we decided to have a quick bite of a sandwich and so dropped in to a restaurant on the way.

We were just leaving the restaurant when all of a sudden Sanjay goes like,

“Hey Nikhil, that’s Ishita right, the girl we met at your party.”

I turned around with a sprang.

“And who’s that guy with her? I have seen him somewhere.”

“No idea. Lets leave. I am getting a bit late now.”

“Wait a sec. He is Jai, Science, our school only.”

Jai. What the hell? How the heck do Ishita and Jai know each other? I did not consider it wise to confront them now, so we just left the restaurant with the sandwich and a bottle of cold drink.

I was already confused with the Jai-Ranbir history and now there’s a new angle to it – Ishita.


“Jai and this guy Ranbir used to be really good friends. You would never see them separated. Then suddenly something happened that they could see each other’s face.”

Does Sanjay know something about them?

“Do you know the reason?” I asked.

He went in for a brief pause and then a car came honking and halted right next to us. It was Sanjay’s dad. So he boarded the car and left. I was alone walking, with so much of mess in my brains that I totally forgot that I had to leave for India, the very next day.

But again that thought vanished. Jai-Ranbir and now Jai-Ishita. What’s cooking? I was totally clueless.

Ishita was going to tell me, but her cell was off. And then I see her with Jai. I seriously don’t get the connection.

Well I was so getting bugged with this.

So next I do is call up Ishaan. I seriously needed a break. Even cricket, my passion couldn’t help me out. What’s wrong with me?


“Dude, where are you?”

“Practice buddy, you know naa..that I have that Youth Cult Fest happening in a fortnights time.”

“Ohh..yeah. By the way I am leaving tomorrow night for the CBSE Meet.”

“Awesome. That’s good news. But wait a minute, you don’t sound excited.”

“Actually…I am. But I don’t know, somehow I feel so low. I mean…I seriously have no clue why.”

“Dude,…you ok.”

I was silent. I was totally blank.

“Nikhil…you there? Listen, I am wrapping up the practice for the day. Meet you at our hotspot in 20minutes flat.”


Now that’s what I call true friendship. I knew that this event meant a lot for him. It was nothing less then a dream come true. But then he knew that I needed him urgently. And that’s why he was gonna be there.



And then there are people like Ishita who keep their cell off.


I reached the hotspot at the creek in 10minutes.
This was like the best place in town. You come here, alone or with friends; you are bound to go back happy.


The best about this place is that, everything around talks to you. I mean the passing water, that at times flashes up on your face, the birds that talk to each other, the breeze that blows by, the cool grass.


And everything of this has got a meaning a lesson to teach us.

The flowing water shows with its waves show us that life is just not the same. At times you love it, at times you hate it but that’s the fun of it.

The birds say that you are not alone. There is some one somewhere who cares for you and that person will always try to make sure that you never feel alone.

The breeze shows that you need to let things go by, specially those things which have turned up against you.

The grass tells us to be cool. Just because that’s the only time when we function normally.



“Want some fries?”

“Love you Ishaan.”

I just loved fries like crazy, and I was already feeling better.


“What have you been talking to yourself all this while about?”

“When did you come?”

“Since the time you have been in your deep-deep thoughts.”

I couldn’t help but just smiled.

“So still trying to unknot the Jai-Ranbir friendship mystery.”
“Actually,…yes.”
“That’s why I didn’t call up Ranbir. Because you would have been in an even more awkward position then.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
“Shut up Nikhil. Keep your thanks to yourself. Why are you so concerned about that? I mean its history, so why can’t you just let it remain an unsolved one?”

I again went silent. I did not have a reply.

“Nikhil, don’t you think more than that is required for a 17 year old guy.”

“I don’t know. But there is surely something that’s pulling me to it.”

“Why do you take things so seriously that they just lose the charm of it?”

“I am clueless yaar. I mean when I have heard something partially, I so feel like knowing everything about it. Its just the way I am. I just can’t help thinking about it.”

“And that’s why you have been messing up everything these days.”

“I didn’t get you.”

“Your cricket practices, your behavior at home, mood swings. Listen control your brain or else you will lose it forever.”

“But I have lived this way for the past 17years. And all’s well.”

“You must be kidding Nikhil. All’s well it seems. Dude nothing is well. Learn to ignore things, so what if it’s about your best friend. If he doesn’t bother anymore, if he doesn’t care, then why do you?”

“Even if he is wrong or has done something wrong or maybe is planning to.”

Ishaan went silent for the first time in today’s conversation.

“Reply Ishaan. How can you just see your friend ruining his damn life and stay silent. I mean I seriously cannot. No matter what it takes. I don’t care if considers me wrong or takes me in the wrong sense.”

“You are forgetting dude. You need to be in the system to change the system.”

“What system dude? Every second counts. By the time you try to enter the system only things change. By that time you might have actually lost your friend. So if in any case you are going to lose him, then why not by putting them on the right track.”


“Relax Nikhil. I think there is something more than Jai-Ranbir that’s bugging you.”

“Today I saw Jai with Ishita.”

“What?”

“Exactly I also gave the same reaction.”

“But just the other day she had told, that she knew no-one in our school.”

“No clue..Ishaan.”

“But so what, I mean like big deal.”

“Last night, Ishita had called me up and she told me that she knew the reason of their friendship split.”

“What rubbish. How’s that possible.”

“Now toh..even my curiosity is rising. So, did not she tell you the reason.”

“Actually my cell went off and the today since morning her cell is off.”

“Do you think that we should ask Ranbir straight?”

“I don’t think this would be the right time to as him. I mean we all are leaving for India in sometime. Maybe after that.”

“I guess you are right. But what about your mood. You are normalizing it or should I do the honours.”

“What you planning to do?”
Before I could even realize, splash water comes on my face from the bottle he was carrying.


And bang I almost run behind him the entire stretch of the creek, still outside our building.

“You are too slow Nikhil. God knows how they selected you in the cricket team.”

“Ya right. Its just that I injured my leg in the practice today.”

“Sporty reason. Anyways bye, its three in the night, go and sleep, you have to leave within 24hours.”


What the heck? It’s three. I had reached the creek at around 10. Time actually just flew by. And then now I was actually even feeling better. Thanks to Ishaan.

But wait. I was supposed to be home today before 10 or else Mom was going to kick me out or basically not let me in. Dead.

I was like Ishaan, I am coming over to sleep.



The next day I had an off from the practice sessions. Basically before killing a goat you feed them naa…same that way. Because after landing in Kolkatta I can’t even expect a single minute to chill-pill.


Well, that day I was busy like crazy. Instructions from Mom that don’t eat this, don’t try that, take care of yourself and a long list of do’s and don’ts.

Next in line was Dad. Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t go out alone. Don’t leave your rooms in the night. Kolkatta is not a very safe place and another list of Do’s and don’ts.

Then called up one of the coaches who was not coming along. Play this shot this way and don’t try this shot. Don’t let them know your weakness. This team is good at this. The pitches there are like this. The weather is going to be like that. One more list of Do & Don’ts.



I couldn’t help but listening to all this. And Di was busy laughing over me.


Then once packing was over Ishaan, Ranbir, Jai, Ishita, Bhavika and Sania came over to my place.

I was feeling like I was in the Indian Cricket Team and I was going to play the World Cup.


“So all set Nikhil.” started off Ranbir. To stay quiet is not in him.

“Yes, everything is fixed.”, I replied

“From now?”

“Yes. The hall, the date only the girl is left.”

“What you talking about?”

“You talking about my marriage only naa. All set it seems.”

And all of us started laughing and Ranbir was feeling so embarrassed.

That’s when Ishita came for the rescue.

“Why Nikhil? Very eager to get married. You are not even 18 yet.”

“Anything Ishita.”

Hearing her speak, it reminded me of Jai-Ranbir and Ishita knew the reason. But how and when would I ask her?

We were upto all sorts of time pass. Pulling each other’s leg. But then these are the moments I am going to miss for a month now.

Time passed by but I got no chance to speak to her alone. So the mystery was going to continue for atleast another month, still I return from India.

I left for the airport with Dad. And then Mom started crying as if I am going abroad for further studies and she wouldn’t see me for ages. Well that’s what you call Mom and you just can’t help it.

I checked in and Dad hugged me and was like,

“Go and make us feel proud.”

It felt so great to here those words. Dad would never express his feeling to us but I knew he was the best Dad on earth.

Once in, I called up everyone one after the other.
Here is what they had to say,

Ishita: “You better don’t come back without the cup.”

Ranbir: “Chak De.”

Ishaan: “Leave your heart back in Dubai and go.”

I boarded the flight and it was scheduled to depart on time. It was shocking that Air India was going to be on time and it actually even did.


But then around 10minutes after take off it landed back at the same airport.

A guy from behind my seat shouted.

“Kolkatta came. So fast. I did not even eat anything.”

But most of us were in a state of shock. I mean why the emergency landing.

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Surprises Continue - Part 7

Part - 6
Part - 5
Part - 4
Part - 3
Part - 2
Part - 1

‘What the hell is going on?’, I asked myself.

I was looking right and left, trying to figure out what is going to happen and what past happening is leading to this future happening.

Ranbir had actually had a fight with him some time back. They were really good friends at one point of time.

Ishaan decided to solve all their previous outstandings with a game of pool.

So instead of the usual meeting at the boxing ring, the pool table would act as one.
A game of pool was decided to act as the decider and the loser pays 100bucks straight and close all previous accounts.

And the game of pool started with Ranbir and Ishaan teaming up and facing one opponent.

It was not going to be a long game but promised to be an exciting one. Ishaan and Ranbir were good at the game as they usually had a game out.

But against their opponent, they stood nowhere. Although the game delivered to be an unforgettable one, Ishaan and Ranbir stood no chance of a win.

Ranbir had to shell out 100bucks for the loss. It was surely not a great evening for him I guess.

The loss did show on their face, but they just could not help it. I guess it hurt their ego.

Well I was in a good mood and in a mood to pull their legs,

"Were they your friends? And why did you gift them 100 bucks. You people never gave me even a single one."

Ishaan was as if just waiting to take his anger out on someone.
"Nikhil, shut up, are you in a mood to get beaten up by the two of us."

"Not fair. Now I know why you lost. You were two and he was one, still he won."

"Ranbir, don't you think he is talking a lot today."

And they ran behind me all the way still we reached a restaurant pre-decided by Ishaan and me.


Inside another surprise was awaiting Ranbir.

The same guy to whom Ranbir had just lost a game of pool too.

Jai was Ranbir's best friend at one point of time.

Jai-Ranbir were sort of an example of true and perfect friendship. Friendship like them was hardly ever seen. Both like complete opposites and yet so similar. They had known each other for almost 6years.
This is what I had heard about both of them from our classmates.

But then suddenly a few months back things took a weird turn and the two could not stand each other since then.

The only mystery surrounding this was the reason of the crack. The question was, what had happened that the two of them had to part ways. No one knows what had actually happened. The secret is locked deep in their hearts and it would be rather difficult to know the truth.

Jai confronted Ranbir,

“Sorry.”

I could see the emotions getting the hold of Ranbir.

Jai came forward and hugged Ranbir.
“Happy Birthday Casanova.”

Jadoo ki jhappi actually does work.

And I could see their damp eyes. I guess this was the best gift Ishaan and I could ever give Ranbir.

“Sorry Einsten.” Said Ranbir.

We still did not know the reason of what went wrong, but I guess things should never be so bad between friends.

So the four of us had a delicious dinner that night.

I had never seen this side of Ranbir before, so damn emotional. Who says guys don’t have heart and that guys are feelingless. Every damn guy has emotions within him; it’s just that he doesn’t show them.

But something more was awaited.

“Ranbir, I am going to States forever next week.”
This statement from Jai came as a shock for Ranbir.

“I just wanted to tell you that friends like you are scarce and wanted to only carry our good times to States and so I am here today. You are my best friend and will always remain.”

Ranbir was speechless.

We left the restaurant. Jai left for his house after handing over the 100 bucks he had won just a few hours back and then we left walking. A quiet walk on a summer evening.

Ranbir was not in a condition to say anything and we thought it was better to leave it to him to get over the stuff before we said anything. I could very well understand his state of mind at that point of time after all a similar situation had come up between me and Ishita, though I was on the other side of the fence then.

This was maybe the first 15minutes of our life, when all the three of us were together and no one uttered a word.

But half way through, Ranbir stopped all of a sudden.

“Whats wrong, Ranbir?”, enquired Ishaan

“Thanks a lot guys. You people really made my day.”

And then he raised his hand forward,

“Guys promise me that whatever happens, we will never break our friendship.”

And without waiting a second we put our hands on top of it, an agreement of lifetime vailidity of our friendship had just taken place.

Back to Wonder City, a quick Bye, Back to Home, and right to sleep.

Even on bed, I could not help myself from thinking, that what such thing must have happened that two best friends could not even stand each other, and if things were so bad, then how the hell that within a minute they forgot everything.

There surely must be some other reason attached to it. They surely didn’t break their friendship at their own free will, there is surely some other hidden fact.





The next morning I got a call from our cricket coach. The Dubai Under 18 Cup was starting in a weeks time and practice sessions would begin that very day.
Now the vacations were going to take a huge turn. After this tournament, next in line was the CBSE annual meet. The schedule was really going to be tight.

I guess Ranbir’s birthday was going to be the last happening outing of the current vacations. Because as soon as the Dubai Cup gets over, all three of us will be heading to India for our individual events.

But still the thing haunting me was the Jai-Ranbir debacle. I really wanted to get to the root of the problem.


And before I could think further came a phone call.

“Ishita, where are you? Since your surprise visit to my house, you have just gone missing.”

“Yaar, I had this Admission problem going on. So I was totally busy with it. I have finally got admission in your school.”

“Hey, that’s awesome.”

“Listen, then meet me for coffee at 8 at starbucks.”

“Done.”




It was after a long time that I was going to spend some time with her. I was feeling a bit weird also at the same time, no idea why.

We sat at the table facing the main road.

“So, found your Bride?”

No Hi, no hello, straight attack.

“I guess you are doing good, aren’t you.”

“Shut up Nikhu, I have told you so many times, that don’t even think of me.”

Well, then the usual discussion, how were you, missed me and how is everything going and so on.

I then told her everything about Ranbir and Ishaan, like how I met them and then about Bhavika, and also about Jai.

Even she was shocked to hear of such an unusual turn to a friendship.

Initially she totally denied accepting that such a thing could even happen.

But eventually she agreed to help me reach the core of the matter.

“Jai is leaving in a week’s time. So that’s the only time we have with us. Ranbir will not tell us, Jai is the only person who can.”

“Wait a minute. There surely is a third person who knows all this and that person is the centrepoint of this problem.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Give me some time I will let you know.”

“Arey, tell me now.”

“Have Patience Nikhil.”

As if this Jai-Ranbir mystery was not enough to ride a hurricane in my brain, she was adding more to it.

And then her phone rang, she told me Bye and just left.

What the hell? Confusion prevails and the mystery still continues.


I got busy with my practice sessions. Meanwhile even Ranbir was busy with his football team training sessions and Ishaan with the dance & drama. Also, Jai had delayed his flight by almost a fortnight so that surely gave us more time to find out.

The Dubai under 18 cup had started and we were considered one of the top contenders for the cup. But we lost in the finals by a close chase and the inaugural trophy just went of our hands. Well that did put us down a bit, but I did get the Best Player of the Tournament Award to boost my confidence.

Just post the match, Ishita called up.

“I have found out the reason behind the Jai-Ranbir friendship.”

“What, you serious? Tell me.”
There was a lot of noise in the background and I couldn’t hear clearly, still I kept the handset close to my ears, for whatever I could catch.

But then suddenly the handset went blank.

It was out of battery. The battery also had to get over now only. Why the hell didn’t I charge it?

I would not be able to speak to Ishita till tomorrow afternoon, just because of the after parties that followed the tournament.

Now again and again different thoughts kept running up and down my mind on what could actually be the reason.

And the thing I could not do, how did Ishita do it?

...to be continued...