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...