A walk to remember

The count down has begun. Soon, I will no longer be part of the hustling and bustling in Mumbai. Yet, I hadn't experienced the charm of Mumbai. Until one day, nature decided to show mes the romantic side of the city's madness. Indeed, I had fallen in love with the city of dreams.

       It was another hot Saturday afternoon. After spending many hours before my portable idiot box (the laptop),  I was determined to step out of the walls of my tiny room, and breathe some fresh air. I began dialing every number I could recall, wondering if anybody would like to accompany me to some of the city's most scenic spots. While one spoke of visiting a colleague the other had blatantly denied the invite saying that he had too many clothes to wash. Some others refused to answer my call. And then there was the group I did not want to enjoy my last Saturday evening in Mumbai with, primarily because I wanted stay away from the world I was associated with for too long.

     An hour or two later, I decided to ask Brijesh to accompany me to one of the most fascinating and serene places of Mumbai- Powai. 'Well, my friend is coming by, but I should be free by six thirty. However if you are busy window shopping with some other women, then carry on. My buddies and I are going to explore HRC,' said a rather excited Brijesh. The confused yet pre-occupied tone had stirred a tinge of anger. It was not long before I chose to scream as loud as I could. 'LOOK buddy, I can't tolerate the sight of clothes, shoes and bags. I want to be able to have some fun my way. So I hope to see you at the lake,' and I set out as fast I could.

The journey lasted for 30 minutes. And before I could say, WOW! I saw Brijesh dressed in a set of casuals wondering what his lost wanderer friend was upto. 'Hey! What's up?' and thus, began the most memorable walk of a lifetime. Brijesh began talking to me about his major weekend plans while I continued to complain and  mock the strange mannerisms of the world around me. It was not long before a couple of drastic changes in Brijesh's weekend plans had forced him to stay back for another hour. Sure, I mocked him. But at heart, I was on cloud 9. For I finally had a chance share some of my most satisfactory moments with a person with a 'LIVE LIFE KING SIZE' attitude. There I was a midst the blaring traffic, enjoying the most mesmerising sight of a lake, with a man who let me speak my heart out, act silly but most of all I had fun. All of a sudden, I felt a tinge of surprise. After all this time, I finally found a buddy. A person who not only valued my views, but who ensured that I value his too. And as we both walked around the lake, we began talking of a personalities, movies, careers, and a lot of random topics.

       The sight was beautiful. It was dusk. And in the distant oblivion I could see the hills craving for the moon to shower its light through the gaps of two luxurious apartments. 'LOOK at that,' and Brijesh stood still staring at the full moon which appeared to be bigger and brighter than the usual. Time flew. It was time for us to part ways. While he remained jovial until the very end, I began sensing a certain degree of sadness. I was sad for now I am sure these moments of high hopes and fantasy will soon become a mere memory and that it will have to be shelved for a very long time. I tried to hide my emotions. I wanted the night to stay still. It was the first time, I was ME. I loved myself. And I adored the way in which I chose to play my cards in the game of life.

  We soon bid adieu. As I recalled the night I realised that time works in wondrous ways. While I struggled to make a mark for myself and see the world around me, a superior power felt that 'NOW' was the time for me to enjoy the world around me. Smile and bring smiles on the faces of people. Was it Brijesh or was it the moment? I do not know. Guess, sometimes mysteries and questions can remain unanswered. It does make the tale more exciting.