Best Buddies - Friendship Blooms - Part 2

Part - 1

"Ishaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan......", someone had shouted.


I woke up with a sprang, with a sudden sense of shock, as if an earthquake had just hit the city. But as far as I know, Dubai, isn't prone to earthquakes.


And then I guess I had hardly slept for a few hours.



At the other end Ranbir fell of his bed, as if fighting a monster in his dreams, with hands and legs both in the air, before he took the plunge of the bed.


But, Ishaan didn't react. Now, how the heck, is he still fast asleep, after that cracker of a noise.




Then, all of a sudden, some women, entered the room. Directly heading towards, Ishaan's bed, removed the cotton buds from his ear, and again came.
"Ishaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan......wake up."

Wait, when the hell did he put those buds.


Now, who was she. Ishaan's mom? No ways, she looked way to young, maybe his sister then.


Ishaan, woke up, took a deep breath, a longer yawn, and said,
"Yes, Mom."


'MOM', I and Ranbir were staring at each other, maybe the same thought even crossed his mind.



Well, Ishaan, was the first to get off the bed, and he was staring at both of us, for almost a minute, as if he didn't remember where the hell from had we landed in his room. He stood their confused, and the silence continued.




Then me looking at Ranbir, "Ranbir, he is Ishaan, and you are currently at his place.", I knew I had to break the silence.



"And, Ishaan, he is Ranbir, the drunkard you brought home last night." Ranbir stood up, and walked to Ishaan, to give him an early morning hand-shake.



"Thanks, dude.", maybe he guessed it somewhat, what happened last night.


"Its fine.", then looking at me, "Both of you, freshen up, and come to the living room."





I was wondering, how will Ishaan introduce us. I mean,... like, he would say, this girl Bhavika, told me to get them home, so I did. And his Mom would be like, great, you did a great job, I am so proud of you.





But things weren't as bad as I thought. He had already told something to his Mom. We freshened up, had a light breakfast, and the food was so tasty, that we ate as if we were hungry for years. The alu parothas were, just the best on earth.



After that, back to his room. We told Ranbir, about what happened last night, and he felt guilty, atleast for that minute.


But, Ranbir was doing, I guess what he does the best. Emotional Blackmail. I had known this was on its way, as I knew him for a while now.

"Guys, please don't tell anyone, about it. Please....."pleaded Ranbir.


We had just given a partial nod, and he raised his hand in front,
"Promise?"
Yes, we also put our hands upon it and, shouted out loud, in a chorus


"Hip Hip Hurray!!!"

Now, I have still got no clue, what was that supposed to be for.


Anyways, soon after that, we went back home, and I just jumped on my bed, like Ishaan did last night, and dozed off, in my so called Dream World.




It was around 6p.m., and my cell started ringing. It was irritating, I turned from one end of the bed to another, covered my head with the pillow, but the cell wouldn't stop ringing. I wish I would just say CANCEL, and the call would be cancelled.


Well, had no other option, but pick up. It was Ranbir calling. Now what was he upto. I was in no mood for another mess up.


I accepted the call.

"Dude, get ready in 10 minutes. We are going to the corniche to play cricket. Even, Ishaan is coming. So, come down in flat 10 minutes. Bye.", and the line is disconnected.

He is always in some sort of hurry, while speaking on the phone. But, the word cricket, was refreshing.

Today, my 'gully' cricket was gonna be tested.



There were like 12 of us. Ranbir, Ishaan and me were in the same team. I was new out there, so no one wanted to risk me in there team, so I was the last to be selected.

And then I learnt, that Ranbir is in the school football team, and Ishaan is one of the best dancer and actor, the school has got. This was all in the chit-chat we did, when we weren't on field.


Well, we had lost the toss, and were fielding first. First ball and I drop a catch. And no one said anything, I was relieved, but that was just beacuse, they didn't know me. The next time I drop, I was surely gonna have a gala time, listening to their worldwide acclaimed abuses.


To top this, I was given a over to ball, and was hit for 6 fours. Now that was way to bad for a school team captain. I was hardly smashed for a four, in school matches sixes were far away.
I am not a bowler, but yet, even a new bowler would have done better.
Staying a few months away from the game, was showing its affect.


They had scored, 99runs in, 10overs. Now, that was a huge score to be chased, and chance of winning was 1 on 10. I knew I can bat well, and have opened on most occasions for my school and won matches, but after the debacle on field, I better didn't open my mouth.


Ranbir came and sat next to me.
"Cool it. Its just a game. Who cares. No one is gonna remember it tomorrow."


Our side began to bat. Ishaan opened. And out on the first ball. Three overs, we were 25runs, and lost the 4th wicket on the last ball. I was the last man in. Ranbir was at the other end. Nothing was expected of me, like duh. The bowlers and fielders became casual.

Just then, Ishaan came and whispered in my ears,
"Show them who you are."


I guess that was enough. I and Ranbir were going good, and it was the last wicket, so we had to be careful. 7 overs up, we were still just 42runs. Now, the pressure was building up.
Eighth over, I was on strike. The bowler, was the one, who had hit me for those six fours.

"I need to prove myself.", I murmured.

First ball, bang six, over the bowler.
Everyone was just staring at me.

Second ball, six, over the captain.
The captain, stands there stunned, had no other option.

Third ball, six, the fielder drops it.
Now, he was bound to be abused.

Fourth ball, coming down the track, six again.
I had levelled the score he had hit me for, 24runs.
A round of applause welcomed that six.

Fifth ball, the ball nicks the bat, another six.
Ishaan, and Ranbir were shocked, and so were the others as if I was having a spring in my bat.

Expectations, were high.
The chorus was loud."We want a six. We want a six."

Last ball, I guess I was gonna just defend it, that made sense, as a six was expected of me.

All of a sudden, some familiar women perfume smell, hit my nose. And like a typical bollywood film, I closed my eyes and got engrosed in it. It so felt like Bhavika being around.


All of a sudden Ranbir shouted, "Nikhil, bowl."


I opened my eyes, saw the bowl coming and played it. The bowler just didn't care about my dream world. But, luckily the ball flew up in the air, as if destined to cross the boundary line, SIX.



Six Sixes, now that was Nikhil back in action.


I breathed a sigh of relief, and within few seconds, I was standing in between the circle, formed by other players.
One after the other I turned around to see each one, and there eyes asking that,
"What have you done?"
Everyone, suurounded me, and lifted me in the air, and the opposite team, stood there in despair.
Last over, 10runs to win, and Ranbir did the needful. An unexpected win.


Ranbir and Ishaan came up to me, staring at me.
"What was that dude?", asked Ranbir, as if he had been dreaming all the while.

"People are not going to forget this one."

We left after the match, as no one was on a mood to play the next one, after such an exciting match for sure.


Ishaan patted on my back, as if I had just won the World cup. Well, maybe.


We were walking back home, when all of a sudden Ranbir, spoke
"Dude, you should be in the school team. You are just awesome. The school needs a player like you. I will recommend your name to, the sports in-charge."


"Hey...thanks a lot."


"But, how did you manage those sixes on your debut."asked Ishaan.


"Debut...Well, I have captained my school, back in India."

Now, that was another shock. I surely didn't look like a cricketer, leave being a captain.


I guess, we had enough shocks for the day, so we walked back home, with the general talks, which included, India's defeat in the tri-series final's, school's re-opening in a week and the useless teachers, boring routine, the attitude freak girls, the latest laptops and cellphones, Katrina Kaif, and all sorts of other non-sense.

A week had passed by, and we spent a hefty time together. Daily rounds to the corniche, at times for playing cricket, at times just for a stroll, then stayovers, playing cards, PS, and doing all sorts of non-sense.

We actually got to know each other better, this way. We knew each others parents, and they were releived, if we were together, which was the case almost each and everytime.

I had that goodguy, image in Ranbir's and Ishaan's family.

Ranbir was known as the most mischevious.

And Ishaan as the most matured of all three of us.

Well, we bonded really well, and understood each other so well, that we could so easily cover up for each other.

The friendship was blooming.

Like, once Ranbir wanted to go on a date, and he told his Mom that he was going out with me. And that loser, didn't bother telling me.

His Mom calls me up,

"Beta, give the phone to Ranbir, his phone is coming off."

Ranbir, what the hell, I have no clue where is he, what am I supposed to say.

But, somehow, i just told her, that he's not around, and she agreed, with counter questioning me, thanks to me Good Boy image.

So, we actually complemented each other, and that just made the difference.

The time passed by, and the school re-opened.

The school, was like heaven. I mean like, it surely looked much more than just a school. It had such a huge playground, the best events hall in town, a huge canteen and an equally huge library. It was like I had not come to a school, and was rather in some other world.

If you call this a school, then what shall you call the schools located in India.

The first day was good. The only part being bad, is the different buildings for boys and girls. But, Ranbir, the hearthrob, knew 101ways, to enter the other block, and meet his girlfriends. I enjoyed that part, imagine sneaking out on the first day itself.

But, what happens, when a Fool tries to make a foolproof plan. Thanks to Ranbir, we were caught. We had no reason, to be in that section, and there was no way out.

Some proffessor shouted,

"What you two boys doing here?"

We stayed silent. What would have we said.

"Why keeping quiet. Tell me, what here doing?

We somehow controlled our laughter, at her English.

"Come, supervisor with me. You lesson need to learn."

We had just taken a step front when, someone shouted from our back.

"Ranbir, Nikhil, did you meet Ms.Pereira? Did you handover the certificates?"

Now who was that. I and Ranbir turned back. 'Ishaan, Thank God.''

"Yes, Ishaan", I replied quickly, so that the teacher couldn't doubt us.

"Ishaan, you send them?", turning to us, "You should told this to me. Get back to classes, fast", and she walked off.

"Thanks Ishaan, you saved us", I and Ranbir said it in a chorus.

"Only thanks. I need a treat guys."

We didn't understand, what was he upto.

"Relax guys, there's some good news. I have been selected as the chief co-ordinator for the school, in next month's 'Youth Cult Fest'. He sounded so happy, as if there was something more left to say, like maybe he had just asked a girl out, and she said yes.

That was the first good news of the day.

"Thats, amazing. Now who should actually be giving a party.", I asked.

"Fine, this weekend, Spellbird's. Anyways, let me go and give the certificates. Catchya later on."
and he ran off.

I and Ranbir stood there amazed. 'Spellbirds', did we hear it right?

While running off, he added these words,
"Get your girl along. Stags not allowed."

"Is he gone nuts?", Ranbir asked me, while walking back to our class.

I just nodded, in the positive, "I guess so." I also kept wondering, whether he was in that block only to give the certificates.

Then, the entire day, Ishaan was missing from the class, so couldn't find out, what was he upto.

After school, Ranbir took me to meet, Mr. Sinhal, the sports in-charge. Ranbir knew him personally, and after all Ranbir was well known in school.

We went to his office. He was deciding a strategy for the next match, of no idea which sport, with a student.

Ranbir knocked on the door and entered.

"Morning Sir."

"So, how's the practice going Ranbir. The 'Football Mania' starts next month. We have won all tournaments, so far. We need to win this one, we have lost in the final for three consecutive years. We have got the best team ever, we can't afford to lose this time."

"Sir, we have no other option, except winning the cup this time."

"Good. And also, Niraj has resigned as the captain. So, for the friendly match happening next week, you captain the side, and then maybe Football Mania also."

"Sir, you serious. Thank you so much."

That was the second good news in the day.

"Sir, this is Nikhil. He has just joined school today. He wants to join the cricket team."

"We are anyways overflowing with players. We don't need new players, the team has already been decided.", the other guy interrupted, rather rudely.

"He has captained his school, in India, and won the inter's last year. Do you want to hear anything else."

"I captain the cricket side, so I decide."

It was going to be a heated argument, I thought. But then Sinhal Sir interrupted.

"We are resting the seniors for the Thursday match, right Ansh. So, lets try him in that match."

And unwillingly Ansh, the cricket team captain nodded affirmative.

"So, Nikhil Thursday morning, 7a.m. sharp, school ground."

And this was the third good news of the day.

"Yes...Sir"

Ranbir had done his work, and I had to just live up to his and the coach's expectations, in the match. Tension was building up, though I had played enough cricket already.

And then, the captain was going to be weary of my presence, so that was another thing I would have to set straight.

After school, Ranbir was busy with football practice, and Ishaan with the events lined up, so I went back home alone.

All the way back home, my thoughts kept jumping between Youth Cult Fest, Football Mania, Cricket, and obviously my very own Bhavika.

I told Di about everything that happened in school. I also told her about Bhavika, including what happened that night at the booze party.

And the next thing she does is,

"Mamma, good news. Nikhil has selected your daughter in law."

I was so angry. How could she do that.

After 5minutes of all this, she told me that Mom was not at home.

And what a fool i thought of myself.

"Di! Ishaan is giving a party this weekend. And he is like stags not allowed. What should I do?"

"Simple. Take me."

"Diiiii....."

"Take Bhavika."

"I don't even know her Di."

"Wait, let me think. Take along Sania, I will speak to her. She will bear you for one night, I mean one day.", and started giggling as if that was supposed to be funny.

"As you say Di.."I sounded so obedient, and I was actually just wishing that Di, suggests her name. She was the hottest girl among Di's friends.

I was almost gonna sleep, when Ishaan called up.

"Yes, Mr Cult, whats up so late?"

"Congratz! buddy, I heard you are in the cricket team. I just spoke to Ranbir, even he has become the football team captain. So, how was the first day at school."

And we kick started our usual talks. The day at school, was the hottest topic that night. I couldn't ask for a better start, having three good news, for me and my best buddies.

"So, dude thursday night, Spellbird's. Don't forget, to get a girl along. A surprise awaits you people there. Anyways bye, Mom's calling. Good night."

"Bye, good night."

I was, just gonna ask him, what's with the girl condition, but he disconnected, maybe next time.

And what's with the surprise.

Next day school was boring, as I had to sit in the class the entire day. And on top, Ranbir and Ishaan were also not in class.

Things were more or less the same for the next few days. BORING. Ranbir and Ishaan were busy with there stuff, and happily bunked classes. I was stuck in those boring lectures, though it was fun at times, like a lot of non-sense talk cropping up in between lectures.

Also, I didn't have the guts to go the girls block, to find out if Bhavika was in the same school.

Well, Bhavika was the only things that I hadn't shared with Ranbir and Ishaan. I just felt shy discussing about my crush.

Ranbir called up, that night. And before I could say anything.

"Dude, I broke up with Kajal. Now, I have no clue, whom shall I get for tommorow's night out."

Wow, what a guy, he's least bothered about the break up, he is more concerned about finding a girl for the next day's party. Hats off to him.

Actually it wasn't his fault. This was his third break up in that week. He was used to this.

"Arey, get some other girl along. You have many friends. Some one will surely come along."

"Actually, you are right. Thanks. Bye."

Then all of a sudden I remembered, what about my girl.

"Di.........", she was sleeping.

"Whaatttss....wwrrooonnggg Niksss...?"

"Diiii....did..you..ask Sania..?"

"Saniaaaa...said yes, now let me sleep."

Okay, so I have a date, and I go blush blush.

The next morning, Ranbir rang me up at 6:00. I was like, what's wrong with him. Why can't he just let me sleep in peace ever?

With a long yawn,"What's up with you so early, Ranbir?"

"Don't tell me you...you are still sleeping?"

"Let me sleep, and you also sleep. The party's in the night. Bye good night."

"Today is your cricket match, and its already 6:00A.M.", with a bit louder tone.

"Oh...shit. I will catch you down, in 15minutes. Bye Bye."

I sprang up from my bed, had a bath, took my kit, drank milk, and ran down.

We reached dot on time, thanks to Ranbir for waking me up. He had come along, just to be my motivator. Ishaan was going to turn up after half the match.

Ansh, wasn't captaining the side, but acted like a non-playing captain.

We lost the toss, and that was just the start of the negatives of the day. We were asked to field first. Our team had mostly new players, who had never represented the school, and we were playing one of the weakest school teams , Janpath School.

Our bowling was miserable, and we failed to get break throughs, and partnerships continued to happen. It was like, we were the minnows and they were the champs.

In the 25overs match, they scored 217runs, with the loss of just 3 wickets. Sanjay, who was captaining the side had his head down, all the while, till we left the ground. Ansh was furious. The bowling, was like we playing with new born babies, fielding was poor and the simplest of catches were dropped. I was also no better than most of them.

We were already down on morale, and this Ansh was such a.....ummm.....just felt like hitting the bat on his head.

The coach was silent. All he said was,

"The field is set for you, just prove yourself."

Now, had Ishaan given him some tips, on how to motivate me.

The fielders were ready and so the openers went down to bat. But, both of them were back, even before we could decide a strategy to score those runs on board.

10 overs down, we were struggling at 40/4. Janpath, had never won a match, and we had hardly ever lost to any team.

But, I guess it was time for things to change.

I was sent to bat. Sanjay was at the other end. A lot was expected out of us both.

Sanjay came up to me, and said, "Just relax, keep your wicket safe, runs will keep flowing in."

He was right.

We had played our role. 24overs up, we scored 200 runs. Last over, 18runs needed to win, and Sanjay was on strike.

The best bowler of Janpath, was supposed to bowl the over. That's when Ishaan and Bhavika came in. I was over-joyed to see Bhavika there.

1st ball, we took quick two runs.

2nd ball, Sanjay smashed it straight down for four runs.

3rd ball, another four, and the pressure is still on both of us.

4th ball, it was a bouncer, and Sanjay missed it, basically had to.

5th ball, first a wide, then we ran, tried two, but got just one.

Last ball, I had to face, six runs needed. In the entire match no six was hit, and then I hadn't even faced the bowler before. I was already sweating with the heat, and this was making me feel all the more worse.

And then Ishaan's line in the gully cricket match, the coach's motivating statement just before we set to back, and Bhavika's smile got me in full power. I just prayed to God, to help me make it happen.

The bowler took his run up, and I knew I had to play just one shot, a huge six, and yes that's what happened, down the track, and the ball disappears. I had done it. We had beaten them, by six wickets.

The entire team, came running in, and lifted me up in the air, as if I was the trophy.

Even my happiness knew no bounds. I was sure, this performance was enough to book a seat in the school team, and the coach didn't delay confirming the same.

I went back, and gave a 'jadoo ki jhappi', to both Ishaan, and Ranbir. They were also way to happy for me.

But, wait a minute, where's Bhavika? She had gone missing. Bad luck, couldn't talk to her, once again.

Today, was the most awaited party of my life I guess. I was so excited to go to a disc, plus it being Spellbird's, one of the best dining place in town. I was getting restless.

And as usual, I am too bad at my dressing sense. Thank God, he made Di, well I should also thank my parents.

"Di, what should I wear today."

"Umm...what''s Bhavika bhahi's favourite colour?", she was too good at talking rubbish.

"Bhabhi...Di, have you lost it. And Sania is my date tonight, not Bhavika."

"Sania, who said, I never asked her."

"Shut-up Di, you told me last night."

"Oh...then its okay. She loves black, so, wear the black jeans, and the black shirt you bought last week."

I changed into the party wear, and the last minute touch ups by my ever so make-up addict Di. Powder, cream, perfume, she had done it all for me. It was as if some girl was going to check me out for marriage today, actually I didn't mind if it was Bhavika.

I picked up Sania, from her place, and left for Spellbird's. Ranbir was coming with Dia, his ex-girlfriend.

But, wait who was Ishaan's date tonight. That was still a suspense.

I met Ranbir at the entrance. Dia, was looking gorgeous, but my date was better, she better was.

Ishaan had booked a table for six. The place was fabulous. The lighting was dim, yet it left a mark. Also the interiors were just undescribeable.

I, Sania, Ranbir and Dia, were seated at the cornermost table.

I and Ranbir got up, to get the girls and ourselves a drink, till Ishaan comes in.

We had just got the drinks, when I saw Bhavika.

"Hey, hi... Bhavika."

"Hi, guys."

"What are you doing here baby?" asked Ranbir

Before she could even answer, some guy, pushed between me and Ranbir, and hugged her.

I was so angry, so felt like kicking his back.

And then the face turns, ISHAAN.

I and Ranbir, stood there with our mouths open, staring at Ishaan and each other alternatively.

Then Ishaan, spoke, "Guys, here's the surprise. Meet Bhavika, my girlfriend and my date this night."

That was an unexpected major blow. I didn't know how to react. My mood changed. I became so motionless. I was not in a condition to see Ranbir's reaction.

We walked back to the table. We had some starters, and then hit the dance floor.

I wasn't in a mood for anything, but I better didn't play a spoilt sport. Things showed on my face, but somehow things went smoothly.

The music rocked, and the food was indeed mouthwatering. The place lived upto its expectation, and its popularity. And then, this was the first time I took in alcohol, just probably to feel better.

I was the only odd person out in the world, who would not have enjoyed at such a happening place. The news of Ishaan-Bhavika, relationship had taken a toll on me.

That night I just kept thinking about it.

I should have actually seen it coming.

The booze party; Ishaan in the girls block; the over happy reaction for Youth Cult Fest; treat at Spellbird's; stags not allowed; a surprise by Ishaan; Bhavika at the match in the morning.

I was a fool, that I didn't put the links together. And then I fell for her just over a smile, and took that vicious smile as green signal.

It was all my fault, and I knew I had to set things straight. It was gonna be tough.

My eyes were damp, and this was something I can't tell Ranbir or Ishaan, what would I even tell them. I felt so low.

This was surely a night I wouldn't forget.

...to be continued...