Best Buddies - New Era - Part 6

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

Ranbir was drunk, so all he needed was a bed to lie his body on. He wouldn't have even minded a thorn woven mattress to sleep upon, as if he would even realise it.


I and Ishaan sat on his bed talking about loads of different aspects of life.

We very often had this type of general discussion, very much like that mature people talk. It was as if the burden of taking care of half the world had crest fallen on us.

We were getting bored in the room, so we went to the balcony to enjoy the fresh air breezing through.

"This people in U.S. are so useless. They can't do a single thing by themselves, need our help at every move, and still blame us for all world crisis."
Ishaan started of with his hatred for the States.

Somehow he had this seed of hatred towards all Americans growing within him. There should be some reason behind it, but I still haven't dared to ask him. No idea why.

"Actually you are right. What right do they have to blame us for all this inflation."
Just adding fuel to the fire. I was really bad to start a topic for conversation and way bad at changing an on-going one. People normally got offended when I even attempted doing so. So, I rather prefered playing it safe.

"Those losers, keep attacking other nations for fun, hamper the World peace and then play the blame game."
You can give him a few minutes of preparations and he can speak against US for hours non-stop.

"Because of them the oil prices have shot up and they blame the Middle East for controlling oil supply.", I said, adding to what he just said

"If ever I got access to nuclear power, even by mistake, the first thing I would do is blow up America. If no American will be alive, then what the hell will they be able to do."

I just smiled a bit. It was actually getting way to heavy for me. And I thought I better take the risk of changing the topic.

Silence prevailed for sometime, luck was in my favour I thought so.


"So, what plans after 12th?"

"Nothing decided. Might study here or back to India."

I guess that was quite obvious, as he wouldn't go to US or there allies like UK or Australia for sure.

"What have you thought? Here or back to India."

Mom-Dad were planing to send me abroad like a few of my cousins who had moved out a year or two back. But I better don't say that, else he will think me as an American and kill me on the spot.

"Same case dude. Nothing decided as of yet."


Again after a few minutes of silence.
"I haven't asked this to you ever, I guess. How do you feel here in a new country?"

"New city, new people, new friends, altogether a completely new beginning. Frankly speaking, its very different from India. A complete change of life style and environment. The only thing common is that 24/7 you are surrounded by Indians."

"So where do you find it better?"

"I can't comment on that. I have lived there for like 17years, so I surely find it better there. But Dubai is also good. And surely friends like you and Ranbir will make things better for me."
I am rather a Diplomat you see. I can't hurt anyone's feelings ever, so as usual play it on the safer side.

Ishaan replied with a laugh.
"Any doubt. By the way, I somehow feel that you like someone. Just an intution, not sure if its true. Eyeing someone?"



Now is it some serious talk or casual or has Ranbir opened his mouth. Does he know or he doesn't know. I was hell confused, should I tell him the truth? Is it the right time? I kept thinking, and completely forgot that I had a question to answer to.

"So temme dude.", Ishaan asked again, kicking me.

And spontaneously all my thoughts vanished and the reply to tackle this question at this point of time, also went missing.

"Yeah, I had a crush on a girl, and she is dating someone else."
Wait a minute. Did i actually tell that? Isn't Ranbir supposed to be drunk. Then why am I acting as one.

"So here finally come's the revealation. Whose the lucky girl?"
I wish I had opted to sleep and not chit-chat at this time of the night. Why do such questions come at such odd hours?

"Let's go to sleep Ishaan. I am feeling sleepy.", trying to yawn I said that, although I was completely woken up by the last few minutes of conversation, and I could also see my attempt going down the drain.

"Shut up, sit there, and tell me."

I can't lie and it was my time to die.

"Bhavika.", another quick reply. Am i gone crazy? I replied without even being aware of what am I saying.

Ishaan stared at me for a minute as if getting ready to spring upon me. And then he started laughing. I also tried to smile, though I was getting to feel uncormfortable. It felt like the silence before the storm.
But he continued to laugh and fell of his chair.

Did I crack a joke or I said something that he didn't understand.

I also continued to smile, though in a very awkward position.

"So why did you not tell me this before."

"I..I..."I was looking for words. All the words from my brains dictionary seemed to have vanished.

"Don't hesitate dude, say it. I am your friend after all. You won't share with me, then with whom will you share it."

He was right. Very few people understood me so well. And he was one of them, atleast that's what I think as of now. And gradually I started feeling better.

"Frankly speaking, I wasn't sure of your reaction. Coz initially I didn't know you so well, and then lately I didn't want a girl to cause problem's in our friendship. And I am very bad at making people understand the reality. They usually tend to not to believe me and then the friendship eventually breaks."

He started laughing again. What the hell wrong did I say now?

"I never knew that my Mumbaiwala friend took friendship so seriously."

"Well, I am that way only.", trying to act as if it was something to be taken lightly and was rather some sort of an achievment.



So finally I guess there is someone I can confide in. I am normally scared to tell things to people, thinking that as if they are already in excess of problems and why to add mine to there ever growing list. And some people take in the wrong way, assuming that I don't trust them. What they fail to understand that I am that way only and nothing on earth can change me.

"Nikhil, what if I tell you, I already knew this?"
And again he started to laugh on my shocking expression.

"I just wanted to hear it from your mouth, just to make you feel comfortable. Ranbir told me this sometime back."

"I am gonna shoot Ranbir dead."

"Why don't you trust me."

"Its not the matter of trust. But then still...", I paused, I had no arguments to defend myself.

"Still, what? Dude, there should be nothing hidden between the three of us."

"I will try me best."

It's great to have people like Ishaan around. So cool, simple yet they are special, unique. And they put you at such an ease that you just keep spilling everything out of your brain to them.

I have hardly had any friends to talk to me in this manner. I guess it was the beginning of a new era of friendship.

"Nikhil, I guess we better sleep now, else we might not wake up tomorrow for the big day."

Both of us started laughing and went off to bed.



I and Ishaan woke up early the next morning, well afternoon.
We woke up Ranbir who was still fast asleep.

Ishaan started off,
"Ranbir your Mom is in the next room. Your, mine and Nikhil's mom are discussing something. Have you any clue?"

Ranbir sprang up as if it was an electric shock.
"What's Mom doing here?"


And then I added.
"Ishaan, remember his mom saw him drunk last night."

Whatever left sleep he had also vanished.

"Maybe his Mom wants to stop all his outings from now on."

"That's not fair. I don't drink everyday. Its just occasionally."

"Improve your english. It's not drink, its Drunk."

And I and Ishaan started laughing.

"Nikhil, when was the last time you saw someone being beaten by a broomstick."

"Its been ages."

"Then see it live in a few minutes from now, directly from Ishaan's residence that is my residence."

Ranbir was going red already.

"What useless friends you both are. Instead of thinking of helping me, you are laughing that in some time I will be royally screwed."

I felt like telling him, that I would have been royally screwed last night, if Ishaan had a different outlook to the Bhavika case.

"Let's just go and meet your mom, right Ranbir?"


"Nowayz. Are you gone crazy? Even if mom asks what am I doing, tell her I am asleep."



"We can't lie to your Mom, right Ishaan?"



Ishaan was playing around with his cell, I guess calling someone. As soon as he left the cellphone, came a cracking of a voice,


"Ranbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrr."


"Screwed." Thats all Ranbir said before going below his blanket, trying to act to sleep.


"Ranbir, your mom is calling. Lets go."


Ishaan started pulling him off his bed.



Ranbir came with us to the other room, actually hiding behind us. I guess the only person of whom he has always been scared of is his Mom.

But I found his Mom really sweet, nice and caring. I mean which Mom was going to allow her son to drink often, keep shifting girlfriends and yet hardly say anything.



"What do you think Ranbir you are doing hiding behind there backs?", shouted out Ranbir's Mom. She seemed in a ferocious mood.



I and Ishaan split open and Ranbir stood straight facing his Mom.



"Let Dad come back from China. I will tell him what his son has been upto."

Ranbir stayed there quiet.

Normally he blabbered that much nonsense that he could easily beat girls in the non-stop speaking competetion. And now this wild horse was quiet.



'Craaaaccckkkk...', suddenly a cracker burst right below Ranbir's leg and he immediatelly jumped up shouting out loud.



And almost a dozen people came pushing themselves into the room from wide angles and different corners and a few of them picked him up from his hands and few caught his leg.



And began the ever so musical,



"Happy Birthday to you....Happy Birthday dear Ranbir....Happy Birthday to you."

And the birthday song continued.

Ranbir swang from east to west and soon up and down.

As soon as the song got over, began the 18kicks on his back, that also halfway in the air.





And if that was less, he was thrown up in the air and left to fall flat on the floor. That would have been the worst fall ever.



And that was just the start of the roller coaster ride for a b'day filled with surprise. This was just the start. I guess the brromstick would have been less painful.



His mom then gifted him a new laptop, that he wanted to buy for more then a year.

And all his friends, including me and Ishaan gifted him a Cell phone. He was even wanting a new handset for sometime.



Soon we had the cake cutting ceremony. And instead of us eating it, as it happens in every other party, it was more used for make-up purposes.

Ranbir actually looked a perfect clown in the make-up, specially with the red nose. We all did our best as make-up artists, hopefully it was appreciated.



That was indeed an eventful afternoon. Even post the surprise party, he still was half-unconscious all the while, as if he was in some other world surrounded by dragons and dracula's.

He was still trying to recover from the days shock, totally caught unaware with the irregularity of the days happenings.



Well, the entire credit goes to his Mom and Ishaan for the awesome idea. I mean it was something different, rather unexpected. A lot went behind keeping it hidden from him. Ishaan seriously did an awesome job with it. He was a true buddy. Ever ready to do anything for friends.



Ranbir didn't even realise that it was all cooked up, still the last minute.



His expressions were the catch of the day. From the news of his mom seeing him last night, to the the cracker burst, it was a motion of unmissable and unique chain of emotions and expressions.



Well so it was eventually declared a HIT surprise party.



Well, later in the day we went out for a game of pool and obvously I and Ishaan didn't carry any cash, as we had the ATM on foot for the day with us.

Anything was just a call away. And he got everthing we asked for in the very first shot.



But then things had an unusual turn there.

We were having our game there, when some roadside gangsters came in and began to act oversmart.



And Ishaan was pissed. I found out later that earlier also he had a fight with them and a heated argument kick started.

If that was less, then I guess Ranbir also thought it was the right time to clear off old debts.





I was the only one left to enter the league, but it made more sense to not to enter into action.

After all I trusted Ishaan and Ranbir with there potential.

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - How they met - Part 5

Part - 4
Part - 3
Part - 2
Part - 1

It was around 1:30 in the night.


Mom-dad had gone to sleep and Di had left for her friends place.


So the room was all mine, but wait, ofcourse I had Ranbir and Ishaan for torture.





Even before I could lay my back on the bed, came the first arrow out of Ranbir's bow,


"Dude, who was she?"


And me like an innocent guy, as if not knowing anything,


"She...Who?"


And then came in the chorus, like the final warning,


"Ishita."




Flashback: Around two years back, when I met Ishita for the first time.





I and few of my friends were sitting in the college canteen.


A girl had just given two tight slaps to one of my friends.


I jumped in, to his rescue, or else maybe he would have had a couple of them more.





"What do you think you are doing?", I asked the girl.





And some guy from the back shouted,


"That's her style of breaking up."

Wow, what a style to say the final good-bye.

Before I could even react, she just walked off.


I started wondering how did my friend spend the last few days with her, she must have been a torture, whoever she was.








A few days later, I saw her at a railway station, arguing at the ticket window. She did not have change and the person at the desk was not ready to give her change for 100Rs. So, she took the entire station on her head.

"You people don't even know how to treat women. I will take a rally out against you people. You people think you have the right to do anything. I will start a camapign against you all. You will loose your job."

She blabbered non-stop for like 10minutes. The person at the window had to finally repent his action and gave her change from his own pocket and pleaded her to leave.

Luckily, there was the glass in the middle or else even he would have had experienced her slap.

But the on-lookers had a good time.

That's the advantage girls have, shout at the top of your voice and the world bows down to you.

A few days later, I saw her arguing with a rickshaw driver. He didn't have a rupee to give back to her, and she started non stop.



"All you drivers are the same. Inspite of having change you people don't give it. Just want to earn money by cheating."

And the lecture continues for another 5minutes.
I was just thinking, when does the slap come in. Maybe the driver had a good day.
When the driver felt that he was beating his head against a wall, he somehow managed to get a rupee and gave it to her.

And what she does, in front of the driver, gives it to a small poor boy begging on the roads.



Once incidentally she was with her friends at an ice-cream parlour, where even I was with my friends.

Some other guys also, I guess from my college were present there. They started whistling and passing comments.



A minute later, we hear three slaps back to back. We turn back, and its this was the same girl in action. The guys quietly left the place.



Now, she was a horror in my eyes. Friendship with her was impossible. How could anyone be friends with her? She spoke less with her mouth and more with her hands.



But I was wrong.



One weekend, I was on my monthly social visit to a orphanage, where I teach children.

There even she was there. Playing, laughing and enjoying with children.



I was shocked to see her there. A girl of this nature, at a place like this was impossible to think about.

Well, that was the first time I met her face to face.

The father of the school introduced the both of us.



Ishita, that was her name.

We just smiled at each other, and moved on.



But that smile was surely everlasting, she looked so sweet with that smile on her face, rather than that horrifying look she normally carries.







We again met at the library a few days on. She was trying to reach for a book, and I offered to get it for her.


"You guys, just need a chance to hit on a girl. Just saw a girl alone, and you come up to try and hit on her."

I surely didn't have any such intentions. I was stunned. With a hand on my cheeks, just to avoid the slap.

"I am sorry, but I was just trying to help you out."

"Help, my foot. I very well know guys like you."

I went and sat at the table, and began reading a newspaper, to shocked to even stabilise soon.


How did people even tolerate her for a second?



Next day she was on the same train I was in.

All of a sudden she came to me.

I was scared and jumped back, thinking she came here to slap me, which she forgot yesterday.



"I am sorry for yesterday. I was actually in a bad mood, and thought all guys are the same."

And again that killer smile and she left.

I was so addicted to such suicidal smiles.

That weekend, we again met, and that to again co-incidentally. She had come with her friends to watch the movie, and I was with my friends.





We just excahnged quick smiles and Hi's and moved into our seats.


As if meeting at the theatre wasn't enough, she was seated right next to me.


It was a romantic movie, and I was wondering what was she doing there.

And hopefully she wasn't in a bad mood today, or that would have been the end of me.





Somewhere toward the middle of the movie, her cell started ringing, and while trying to reach for her cell, she slipped all the coke and pop-corn on me.


And as if I had just appointed some advocates, my friends started screaming on her.



She was so shocked, that she just left the hall, and I guess with tears in her eyes.


I also went behind her, having no clue what pulled me out. I tried to console her, but stopping a girl cry is surely not my cup of tea.



But somehow, she stopped crying. But it was too late, I guess. The movie was over and people were moving out.


I offered to drop her back home, and we left walking.




That's when I actually found out, who the real Ishita was.


She surely was not that egoistic, angry young girl, I had seen her all this while as.


She was cool, frank, zero attitude, chatterbox, just like the girl next door.


She would easy mingle around, but was really short tempered.


Two extremes of her, from where its extremely difficult to get her back was, her anger and her emotions.


We soon became really good friends. Hanged around together, fought with each other, played pranks on each other and every sort of nonsense possible.




Once I went to her place.

If the daughter was like this, how would the rest of the family be, I just kept wondering till I finally met them.

"So, how many guys has she slapped so far.", asked her mom.

"First ask him, how many as he received so far.", interrupted her dad.

"I haven't slapped him yet.", came in Ishita's reply.

"That's why he had the guts to be here.", this one was from Ishita's sister.

"Nikhil, they are all gone crazy.", came in Ishita's quick response defending herself.

Getting in the mood, I also blabbered something.

"After all they are related to you."

She got so angry, that she ran behind me in the entire house.

Maybe that was her style to show me her house.

A few days later she dropped in at my place.

She had been there for like an hour, and Mom and she were chatting for like past entire time.

"Nikhil, why didn't you get her home before.", asked my mom, just when I entered the house.

I just didn't reply. What would have I even said.

Mom was busy talking that she forgot she had to even cook dinner, so she just decided to get it ordered from outside.

"Congratz, you won the bet, now out.", speaking ti Ishita, when Mom wasn't around.

I was just trying to get her out. God only knows what all she might have told mom, in my absence.

But mom just would not let her go. And I sat right across, just trying to bring that fake smile, every time my name came up.

Luckily time flied by that day and she went home.

My mom was so very impressed with her.

But my sister and dad were so dreaded by her presence that they gave me a warning never to get her back home. Mom had just forgotten everything including that we were also at home.

But, I had never seen Mom so happy in the past year or so.

Ishita surely had some magic in her.

We spent most of the time with each other and almost everyone in the school felt we were dating.
Once a guy came and asked Ishita,
"How is that loser boyfriend Nikhil...of yours doing?"
And came in Ishita's favourite reply.

A tight slap across his face, and she made sure he never showed his face to her again.

So no-one dare opened there mouth, or else they would have been royally screwed by our very own Ishita. The school was as if haunted by her and feared her as if she was the Ghost Principal or something.






But, I knew her in and out. She was like a coconut, hard from outside but tender and soft from inside. It was heaven to have a friend like her. She was the creator of most problems, and she had solutions to all problems.





Once she was angry with the entire class of ours. So she somehow convinced the History proffesor to keep a test the very next day.


And for the next 24hrs everyone kept abusing her like crazy.


No-one in the class was prepared for the test, and neither was she. So she came to the rescue of the class. She only convinced the proffesor again to delay the test by one week.




She was way to good at it. She had that strength to even melt stone with water. I always wondered how she did all this, that also so easily.


No-one ever said NO when she asked for help and she would always stand by you when you needed her.





She once started a revolt against a proffesor who had slapped one of our classmate's. Within a week's time she forced the principal to give a warning to that proffesor.
Once she starts, you just cant stop her.




No matter how dreadful she could be, people always praised her for she would stand by the truth always. She hated lies.

Her friends usually called her, 'Angel in Disguise.'




She never let her friends down, and never let them feel bored.


Back to present.

"So, basically that's how I met her, my first impression, and how our friendship grew."

Ranbir and Ishaan were just staring at me.

"What's wrong guys?"

Silence.

And then in a chorus.

"Do you like her?"

"You people want to be slapped or you want me to be slapped. She's just a friend."

"The typical Page 3 dialogue. We are just good friends.", popped in Ranbir.

The entire night I and Ishita were talked about like Breaking News on news channels that continues for atleast 24hrs.

Apart from that, loads of PS, movies, cards and nonsense talk was what we did the entire night.

It was one of the best ways to spent the first night after exams. Well the vacations have just begun.

A few days later, when the three of us were hanging out at the creek, we received messages of the inter-school events we were going to take part in.

Ishaan got confirmation for Youth Cult Fest and he was going to be in Delhi for the event in mid-July, thats 2weeks from now.

Ranbir was going to lead the footbal team in Football Mania at the grounds in Bangalore, towards the third week of July.

And then, surprisingly I was selected for the school team going to Kolkatta towards the second half of July for the CBSE annual Cricket Meet.

So, these were surely going to be some of the most awaited things in the near future.

After getting such awesome news in the day, we decided to party hard in the night.

And as usual Ranbir was drunk, and we carried him back home, reminding me of my first night out in Dubai.

But while entering the building, from no where Ranbir's mom saw us. We some how managed to rush into Ishaan's place, but a round of interrogation can be expected tomorrow.

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Re-entry of past - Part 4

Part - 3
Part - 2
Part - 1

Rubbing my eyes,

"Ishi..Dubai..How come..when..here..how?" I was going crazy.

She started laughing and just came and hugged me.

"Relax Nikhu. You aren't dreaming. You needed me and here I am."

"All of a sudden, over here."

"Remember my promise."

Flashback : A month before I left for Dubai.






I was walking back home, after a cricket match, we had won. I was so happy.

That morning I had a fight with Ishita, and yes she is right as usual, I can't stay a day without speaking to her.


'God! damn, pick up the phone.'

This was the tenth time I tried ringing her up in the past two minutes.

And the same old response.
'There is no response on the number you are trying to call.'



I had crossed the saturation point of frustration.

What the hell is wrong with her?


Somehow I felt a sudden gush of warm blood rushing through my body as if something unexpected had happened.




I again tried her cell, and the same reply continued.


In the morning she had come over to my place to take me out for shopping and I wanted to go for a cricket match. A long debate ended, with she walking out of the house.


And I was just wondering, whether I did the right thing by going for the match and not go for shopping, my cell phone started ringing.


The name Ishita flashed on the screen.

"Where the hell are you? I have been trying your cell since when. How can you treat me this way. Come let's go shopping and then for dinner. Speak something Ishiiii..."



"Nikhil I am Ishita's mother."

"Ohh!! sorry aunty. I thought it was Ishita. Where is she aunty?"

"She is in hospital Nikhil. Can you come now. Shivaji Hospital Room No. 233"


"Hospital....What happened?....But morning she was here....Whats wrong aunty?....Please tell me aunty."

"You come here, I will tell you. Come as soon as possible."


"Yes Aunty I am leaving"




I quickly put on the tee, wore in the slippers and rushed to the door.


"Di. Ishi is in hospital, I am going there. Tell Mom, I will be late."


She said something, but I had already left, to far to understand what she said.

I reached the hospital, and dodged all the obstacles and ran to find her room from left to right.

All the while, I still didn't understand, why was Ishi in hospital.


My brain was already going crazy with the thousands of unwanted thoughts running up and down my mind.


Finally I found her room.
But the room was empty.


Now, where was she, ran away from the hospital also. She is too good at running away.


Then I was just moving out of the room, when someone was coming in on a wheel chair.

"IIIIssssssshhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......."

"See mummy, I told you na, that he will shout to wake up the entire hospital."

And Ishi and aunty started laughing as if she had just cracked a joke.


She moved up to the bed.

And I was getting restless.

Aunty went out to get medicenes.

I sat next to her, and took her hands on my hands.

"How did this happen, Ishi"
I knew, that more than anything, she needed someone to speak to.


"After I left your house, I was walking back home, angrily. I was so lost in the anger that I didn't see the car coming in."


She caught her ears and like a baby doll said "Sorry!!"

"You always ask me to control my anger, but I never listen to you."

She was in tears and whenever I see a girl in tear, I just don't understand how to react and how to console them.



"Ishita, relax. You will get well soon. What did the doctor's say?"


"My both the legs are fractured, so I surely can't run away from here. They have taken some x-rays and tests now, reports will come in two-three days."


I spent the entire night in the hospital.


She could not stand on her feet, walking was far away.

I was scared as the worst could be expected. I had to be mentally stable to able to keep her strong.


Her reports were out after a couple of days.
I and aunty met the doctor.
He showed us the x-rays and the reports.
Aunty's tears burst out. And again I im in a dilemna, how to control her, especially when I myself was becoming mentally unstable.

The doctor just said a few words.

"Her bones have been fractured and muscles torn apart. Her walking on her own feet is highly unlikely. Rest leave it on God."

I then went to her room.
It wasn't going to be easy to tell her but, I would have to.


I went and quiety sat next to her.
"My tickets for Dubai are confirmed. I am leaving on 21st. Dad's job is confirmed."

She cared a least to reply. I guess she was already ready to hear the worst.


I hugged her, and softly put the news through her ears.

She didn't react. That entire day she stayed quiet. And I also didn't try speaking to her.

What would I have told her.
'Sorry, Ishi. I am leaving you in this condition and going miles away.'
How can I even think of telling her all this.




As the doctor suggested I took her for daily exercises.

After two weeks of exercise, she showed some interest and signs of improvement, but not upto the mark.

The doctor's had given there verdict, only in the rarest of cases she would be able to stand on her own feet.

I had to leave India in a week's time and Ishita is in hospital.

How can I go, when my friend need's me, the thought kept haunting me.
I don't deserve to be called a friend. I am like a blackmark on the beautiful world of 'friendship'.

I argued with mom and dad to postpone the flight, but they wouldn't agree.

I stayed lonely.
Di could not see me in this condition, but even she was helpless.

I usually stayed irritated throughout the day, and lose my cool on small issues.

Some answers in life are so difficult to find. Even the answers to the questions in exams aren't so difficult.

"Accept it or not. But this is life and you can hardly do anything about it. Just face it."

This was my Di's favourite statement whenever she had any problems in life.

Today, was the last day and I had decided I was not going to meet her.

I just couldn't build up the courage to face her.

Saying her goodbye was anyways going to be tough, but in this situation, even more.

I queitly sat in the car, and we left for the airport. My mood was low.

We reached the airport and I was just about to check in, when someone suddenly caught my hand.

I turned back in surprise.

"Ishita. What are you doing here?"

I dropped the bags I was carrying. She was there in front of me, on a wheel chair.

"You were leaving, without even meeting me. How dare you?"

I knelt down on my knee's. Water droplets pouring down my eyes and even hers.

"I...I...How could I Ishita?"

"That much only trust you have on your trust."

"Ishita..sorry."

"I want to tell you something."

"Tell naa."

"You didn't want to meet me just because you thought that you were leaving me behind in this condition. Nikhu, friendship does not demand physical presence always. Your friendship has always meant a lot to me and will continue to do so. So don't worry and happily continue with your journey."

"But..Ishu..."

"Nikz..all this while you have been trying to make me walk, but somewhere in my heart I had decided I wouldn't be able to walk. But now I promise you that whenever you need me I will be there for you, and I will be on my feet, without this wheelchair."

I took her hands in mine and gave her the final goodbye kiss. I didn't have any words to reply to her.

"Now, you better go and board that flight of yours now or else I will never let you go."

I gave her a hug, picked up my bags and left.

Back to Present.

"Ishitaaaaa.....you can walk."

And Ishita was up with a catwalk.

"See. I am on my legs."

I could hardly talk to her then.

Ishaan, Bhavika, Sania, Ansh and some other few of my friends turned up earlier then expected.

They are always late when you expect them on time, and always interrupt when you want some privacy.

Actually this was the first ever party at my place, so I wanted it to be different, and something to keep the exams miles away.

A light round of softdrinks started the evening.

Then loads of dance followed.

A bit of snacks and then came in the late Host.

Di did the honours of being the host.

After her entry, the party got even more livelier.

"So..lets start of with Paper Dance.", that was the first game Di started off with.

Ishaan and Bhavika, Me and Ishita, Ranbir and Sania, Ansh and Kajal & Ajay and Smriti were the dance couples for the evening.

And the real life couple, Ishaan and Bhavika made it through as the winners.

They really looked reaaly nice together.

Then a few other of my sister's favourite mastermind games.

Di had loads of surprises in store for us. It was rocking, and things had just started.

Loads of dance & music & dance.

Mom was handling the food department, as usual.

A heavy round of dinner that included garlic bread, pizza, pasta, bhel,and some other dishes I don't even know are they called.

'The food was mouth-watering.'

That's the best part of having a prty at home.

You get to eat a lot of varieties, which normally you don't get at home.

At around 12 everyone left.

Ishita left a bit early, and so couldn't speak to her a lot.

Ishaan and Ranbir were gonna stay over, and then I knew I was gonna be bombared with hundreds of questions, so was just mentally preparing myself.

For a while, we all sat in the living room, in short mom, dad, di, me, Ishaan and Ranbir.

The biggest mistake ever.

Mom & Dad started with there favourite question,

"What are you all planing to do after 12th?"

And when they start with the discussion, it just doesn't end.

For the next hour, that was like the hottest topic in town to be talked about.

Luckily after a while mom & dad felt the need of a sleep and we moved to my room, for the party for the three of us had just started.

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - This is Life!!! - Part 3

Part - 2
Part - 1

I woke up early the next morning, inspite of a late hangover. I guess it was obvious, I wouldn't have had a good sleep.





My mood still wasn't showing any signs of improvement.





Then suddenly Di came into my room.



"Nikhil bhaiya...", and I cut her right there.




"Di, what's wrong with you, why are you calling me bhaiya, all of a sudden, I don't sell vegetables or milk or wash clothes. Bhaiya Bhaiya Bhaiya." I was speaking non-sense.







Di, came over to me, first felt my pulse, then my heart beat, my temperature, and then,


"Are you still drunk?"




"What's with this bhaiya syndrome all of a sudden?"




She started laughing like I had cracked the biggest joke ever.


"Oh..that...Ranbir had come the other day naa. He asked me, where was my elder brother. He thought I was your younger sis. Leave all that, what's with your mood Nikzz..?"





I was just waiting to tell it to her. She patiently sat there next to me for the next 30minutes and listened to everything.

"Nikhil, stop taking things so seriously now. You are a teenagaer, enjoy your teen life. Love and all can wait. Friends are way more important than all this. Because of Bhavika, don't ruin your friendship with Ishaan. Enjoy school, cricket, and friends. Cheer up now and get ready, we are going for a long drive. I have just cleared my final driving exam."

Short, sweet and so TRUE.





She went out of the room, and I just sat there. How am I supposed to react. I was so happy about her clearing the test, but this Bhavika thing was still afresh in my minds.

We went out for a long drive, and we saw the true Dubai, its deserts.




Later in the afternoon, we went for lunch. Ishaan, Ranbir and Sania also joined in and we partied hard, so what if it was afternoon.




In the evening I felt so relaxed, like nothing had happened, last night.


Thanks to my Best Sister. Every guy should have a sister like her.

School was getting fun every passing day. New friends, new happenings, boring chapters, class background comments.





And then I got busy with my cricket practice sessions, Ranbir with football and Ishaan with dance & drama. Our schedules mis-matched.




Then even the first semester exams were coming up. Things were getting a toll of us.

Wake up, go to school, then practice sessions, tutions and sleep, the day just got over with all this. We missed out on loads of stuff. Life was getting boring, monotonous and stressful.

At times I wondered, why have things changed so much over time. Can't the world understand, that we are still too young to step into the actual world.

We met rarely, but today was one of those lucky days. We went out for coffee, as we had a bit of spare time today.

"So, all set for exams guys?" asked Ranbir, as if he was done with the portion.

"You actually think so. I haven't even opened the book for tommorow's tution test."I replied.

"How could you even think of asking this question, Ranbir?", came in Ishaan's question.

"Chuck it, sorry my fault. So, how'z bhabhiji doing?" popped in another question from Ranbir.

"She's all fine."replied Ishaan, trying to avoid the start of that topic.

And then discussions about all random stuff started, but somehow the chapter of school, books and other school activites, would never give up.

'I just hate that chapter.';

'That Sir is usless'.;

'How can we finish that textbook in one day.';

'School is getting boring.';

'That nerd sits with the book the entire day.';
'Teachers and mom-dad, are like full day, open your books and study.'

These were the most common statements in our conversations these days.

Studies and sports were just what we had in our minds, whether we were sleeping or we were awake. Life was so dead. No time for family, friends or any other outings.

"As if there is no life beyond books.", said Ishaan angrily all of a sudden.

"Relax Ishaan. We just can't help it.", I trying to calm him down.

"We are actually born at the wrong time.", now Ranbir is indeed good at spoiling things.

Luckily the coffee got over, and we left. If the topic continued then surely Ishaan would have reached a boiling point and ended up doing something no one could ever expect, how he would react.

That night I couldn't sleep. Obviously Ishaan's wasn't wrong.

Have we just become puppets of the day. Can't we just change things in our favour?



And, what's the use if everyone is equally educated, another fight for survival begins.

A debate started of in my mind.

'Its a competitive world.'

'I am too small to face this selfish world'

'That's what you are being taught.'

The debate was like a mental torture. Imagine fighting yourself.

But, obviously thing's wouldn't change.



Days & nights passed in this fashion.

I was getting busy with the the Cricket matches. We had the Dubai Under 18 Cup lined up right after the semester exams. I had also sorted out differences with Ansh, and things were at ease between the two of us. And soon, I was promoted as the vice-captain of the side. Things were moving fast.

Ranbir was doing really well in football. They had won all the friendly matches they played, since his selection as the captain. The team spirit was really good, and Ranbir's attitude and approach towards the game had made the affect. Things were sailing easy.






Ishaan's practice was also in full swing. The group had recently won the first prize in Dance as well as Drama in the High School Fiesta. It is the most reputed event in the city.The expectations from the group was on the rise. Ishaan had also won the Best Performer Award at the event, and one of the girls in the group had bagged the Best Actress Award. Things were going smooth.

One weekend I felt like, enough now. I closed the dozens of books around me and that was just a few days before the unawaited exams.

Next second, I am ringing up Ranbir.

"Dude, get ready in 10minutes. We are going out for dinner. I don't care if you are tired or whatever. Bye."

And then Ishaan. And the same line, as if I had just mugged it for the exams.
"Dude, get ready in 10minutes. We are going out for dinner. I don't care if you are tired or whatever. Bye."

I am sure they must have thought, has he gone crazy.



But then what are your best friends for. They were there, when I wanted them.

We had a heavy dinner, and then went on a stroll. The weather was just awesome. A nice breeze, and then we had promised that the person who talks about school or books will have a nice kick on his back, from the rest two.



That evening we actually forgot about everything. School and books were miles away.



We had reached heights of stupidity.


Ranbir went and asked a passerby,



"Uncle, what's the time?"

"Its 1'o'clock."

"But in my watch its still 12:55 only."



Then we were playing football with small kids.


All of a sudden it started raining. So we started splashing water on each other.


We had become kids again.



We just didn't care about anything. We just wanted to have a care-free blast of a time, and we did just that. It was really fun to act childish again.



People around us though that we were drunk, but we gave a damn.






Around 5 in the morning we reached home, tired but after the best night out ever, all wet.

The exams started. More then the exams we were tensed about the major sports and cultural events lined up.


And after every exam, the standard dialogues,


'What a rubbish paper was set. The teacher who set it was useless.'



'I wish I just pass.'






And then some typical nerdo discussions.



'This time for sure I will not come first.'



'I did not get that one mark question'

And seeing all this I, Ranbir and Ishaan were like happy that atleast we shall manage to clear all.

After the last exam, we were supposed to meet at my place. Ranbir, Ishaan, Bhavika, Sania and few other friends were supposed to come. It was the much needed break.





Ranbir had come in early.



"Nikhil, I need your help."



"Tell naa.."



"I have a crush on Sania."



"Dude, are you gone nuts."



"I am serious."



"Let's see. But don't expect a lot from me."



"Arey..then who will help me. I will help you when you need any help. Promise."

And all of a sudden the Bhavika episode, right from the smile to the Spellbird's incident came in my mind as a flashback.



Ranbir saw my face, and asked



"Do you like someone?"



I couldn't hide it anymore from him. I just didn't feel like keeping it within me. It was high time I told him. After all he is my best friend, and had the right to know everything. I told him everything.



Ranbir didn't react. He was as shocked as I was at other night, at the party.



I was waiting for him to say something. I was out of words.



"There's nothing wrong in dreaming, just don't put the condition of its fulfillment."



That was the favourite line of my best friend in India.

Did Ranbir say that?

But wait, that was a girls voice.

Ranbir was staring at someone behind me.

I turned around.

"Iiiiiiiissssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttaaaaaaaaaa...."

I shouted as if a ghost was standing in front of me.

...to be continued...

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...