On the Jet Airways flight,they served a snack along with a very pretty pink 200ml water especially bottled by Himalaya. Yes,thats nothing to write a story on and publish in a blog..but,what was written very matter of factly on the pink and white label,urged me to ask the attendant for a pen,and start scribbling on the Valley View bill copy!" I look back on life..its funny how things turn".There could not have been a more apt timing,when I could have come across this simple line.You see, I am on a flight back from my college reunion :)
Not only is it funny how things turn,its weird that that it more or less turns around in the best direction,that could have been possible!I spent three years of a very vulnerable and formative periods in my life going to college in Manipal.Whatever added to my kitty of experiences,those three years,was what I collectively call 'growing up' :).Three affairs, two heart breaks,(..and one breaking a heart!),the first puff of dope..the most innovative lies,I have ever told my folks,the first sip of neat alcohol..and all the first-times one can imagine or even fantasize about..!
The moment I entered Cosmo Cafe,Nandz said,"You are a rock-star,Sam!The first ever re-union and you have two of the three boyfriends you had in college..present? :)" Yep..that was true!And now, when I got to spend some 'more' time with them..I realised how lucky I had been to be dumped by them in the first place!!! (Luckily, the one who I dumped,was not around..he was awaiting his wife to deliver their first child,back in Pune!). At the first available opportunity,I sms-ed Raju," You know what,I somehow wish I had dated you in college! You would have by far made the most active,romantic and sensitive boyfriend I ever would have had!!"
I now understand, that all my relationships,which I often used to term the 'best'...were all a matter of perceptions!While at Manipal,this weekend..strangely all I was missing was being with Raju. We were having a blast. The 'two' men were attempting once-in-a-while successful hitting lines..and I was temporarily charmed as well...but in the middle of all that, all I could think is ,'Shit,man..Raju even flirts better than these cartoons!!'. Now,although Raju never contributed to the memories that I must have collected stepping on those cobblestone years,and times..10 years,after those rocking years later,with two of the three men,associated with my being there,and contributing to snippets of memorable times spent there,who should have ideally brought back memories(if not sweet always!)..I am still stuck with thoughts of what Raju and me would have done..if he were here!:)
Back to the sms.So Raju(as slow as he is with sms-es!!) replied saying,"Baby,I was a 'kyabla' number one in college.What you got and saw was a much cooler character aware with worldly exposure:)"
"No,no..you dont know Manipal.."I screamed out!! "Every 'kyabla' who comes here becomes a lover..of the first order..even with the football and cricket practices and matches,the student-council commitments..and the boyish necessary interludes once in a while!!Everyone learns to go on 'duty' at 8pm,no matter what!!And I know,baby...you ARE a fast learner:)"
I think my life is perfect with Raju!
Of all the things,that the reunion did to me..the best that I like is that it made me fall in love with Raju,all over again!:)
