Weather department like every time has predicted a heavy downpour this time of the year in National Capital Region, and that meant there will be scarcity of rainfall again. But the weather was pleasant & it was smelling grass & soil all around like during first rain of the season when Ravi came out of select city walk, Saket, he was still thinking about the girl moving in front of her wearing just denim frock and giving a heartache to many, by the way she was moving, Ravi looked towards his friend & he gave a meaningful smile, and that was all to it.
It was 1 AM already, "what next?' asked Shantanu, "let's go to coffee shop, I am in no mood to hit bed so soon". "I wish everyone is dressed like that, world peace needs nothing more; no more bombing no tension just love" Ravi said with a smile looking like a philosopher, Shantanu still can see the sadness in those eyes but he didn't want to be the spoilt sport so he continued the game, "yeah right Mr. Philosopher! That is all you need in this mad city, you know 1 of every 4 rapes in Indian city takes place in Delhi, several dowry cases, molestations & over that Khap panchayat sitting on our cities neighbor killing every lover boy & girl in their society, as they claim it's illegal to love, while they prey to Shiva & Shakti the symbol of manhood & women's power". "You asshole, I am trying to go deep into a nice thought & you brought out your bull about terrorism, fanatics & police all in one statement" frowned Ravi, "Just go & take out the car, I will get some Cigarettes in the mean time".
Ravi & Shantanu were friends, roommates & colleagues, in that order, since last 4 years. On any other weekend Ravi would have been out with her sweetheart Smita but she got admission to IIM-A. Ravi & Smita were preparing for their CAT exams together, while Smita was sincere about her studies & preparation, it was Ravi who was always coming out with excuses not just to others; but to himself, It's too hectic back at office, I am tired, My parents demand too much from me, my cousin is coming to stay with me, This is an important invitation; I have to go, I cannot say no to my friend, he is here only once a year. Although Ravi forgets to consider the point that he is and always was a socially active person & unless he starts saying "NO" for a social get together he will stay busy everyday. Unlike Smita who stopped going out with Ravi or with her friend circle. The only time she spent with Ravi was, when they were group-studying. That was then, she left by mid-June, and took a promise from Ravi that he'll start taking preparation seriously. He will give his GMAT by August & apply everywhere. Yesterday, it was 15th July, and all Ravi had done till now was collecting books, he hasn't even opened one of them, last time when he would have sat to solve a paper was months ago with Smita. Smita who was managing a gruesome pressure at IIM-A was managing somehow to keep in touch with Ravi & kept encouraging him, but yesterday she lost patience. They had a terrible fight, and she dumped him saying, "Stop lying to yourself & wasting time, we will talk once you have decided what you want to do & start doing it." Ravi hung up, his face red in mix of anger & embarrassment.
"Ravi!!", Ravi came back to present, cigarette has disappeared into ash & Ravi was holding a burning butt, and Shantanu was sitting in drivers' seat of Dzire, honking & shouting Ravi's name. "Move your ass, I will drive today", said Ravi. "Ohh!! People generally say that when they are drunk, did you have a few shots while I was gone to get this car?". "No! Just move ", "Ok, I guess this is going to be a looooonngg drive", said Shantanu handing keys to Ravi, he was not worried that Ravi will be speeding or rash driving, but he won't go above 40 km/hr. In city like Delhi where everyone has a foot over accelerator, and speed dial over 80 km/hr, Ravi's drive was like a walk in park, at time frustrating.
"So! What have you decided?" Shantanu asked while lighting a Cigarette, "About what?" asked Ravi. "You know what Ravi, it's about time". "Can we not discuss about it, don't spoil my mood", saying that Ravi raised the volume of radio, 98.3 FM was playing old melody from the movie Guide, "Din dhal jaaye teri yaad na jaaye".
And while moving from Saket towards ring road, moving at super calm speed of 30kmpH Ravi was again lost in the sweet memories of past.
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