Is Procrastination healthy?

Procrastination is an act of delaying things. People enacting it believe: If something can be done tomorrow then why not try it doing the day after. It is taken as an act of laziness and is generally not appreciated. In an acute sense, it may cause frustration, depression, bad taste to the person and people around.

Let’s see cases where Procrastination can be bliss.
-          If you are doing something more pleasant, engaging like thinking about a new idea, finding your eureka moment or even thinking about your hobby or new vacation.                                   


-                If you are stressed out, procrastination surely helps. Wait for some time till you are in your senses.


-          You can procrastinate if you are on the verge of taking a Big decision. Dilly Dallying helps in thinking through and helps in better judgment.



It helps to keep a procrastinator in your team. While everyone will be bullish on where to move next, he will be coming out with new reasons on why should you Not move. This would help in improvements, refinements and probably a better decision.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy.
You are not going to miss the bus. Even you do, there is going to be Another One


photo courtesy: ms word, pexels.com

Forget Passion, It’s the Talent

Every day more than 2000 people land in Mumbai to try their luck in Bollywood. Few go back to their home within a few weeks or months but a lot of them continue to struggle for years altogether, waiting for a “chance” to be in the front or behind the camera. These strugglers eat, dream and sleep “films”. They have “passion”, probably “talent” but yearn for a chance.

A young lad with the next neighborhood boy looks lands in a “reality show”. He does not win the show, however, gets an opportunity to sing a song in a Bollywood film which had newcomers. The song becomes an instant hit and movie a blockbuster.   

The movie was “Aashiqui2” and the singer “Arijit Singh”. Arijit won the “best male playback singer” award by “Filmfare”. Arijit never looked back after that.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/reality-show-contestants-who-made-it-big-in-playback-singing-arijit-singh-neeti-mohan-monali-thakur/1/488044.html

We all are “passionate” about something or the other. We all work hard or smart to get our dream home, car, position, holiday and what not. Why do we not get it, even when we are so crazy for it? Are we not passionate? Our psyche has been attuned to what some “self-help gurus” preach - “passion” is the means of acquiring whatever you look out for. Their reasoning: If you have passion, you will work hard to get it. Period!!

What do you think? 

All of the 2000 people who land in Mumbai every day or lakhs of participants in the reality show lack “passion”. No, I don’t think so. I feel somewhere they did not have that kind of talent to become a “shining star”. Talent can be acquired by constant practice but more importantly, it’s innate. It’s what you get as “God’s Gift” when you are born. You work on your talent to reach to the glory.

Next time whenever somebody says: You lack Passion. Tell him: You lack the talent to spot my talent.

Move ON………….. 


free picture : pexels.com

It's Destiny, My Love - Free First 3 Chapters

The College

This was my last year in the college and all of my classmates were damn serious, but I was not able to figure out, for what?

I studied in the Manohar Lal Bhau Sahib Engineering College in Maharashtra. The college was located in a green belt. On one side was a beautiful lake and a few kilometers away was a mountain range. The college was located near Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. The locals had requested the MLA to set up a college for their kids as they had to send them to Pune or Mumbai. The college had built its reputation over a period of time and it attracted students not only from Maharashtra but even from big cities like Delhi, Pune, Jammu and Mumbai.

My father nicknamed Tiger (this name was given by me. Shhh only my mother knows about it) used to boast about me as if I was a student of an IIT. Tiger was working as a LDC (Lower Division Clerk) in a government department, but behaved (always) like a Collector. He always said – if you want to become something then first start behaving like one. We i.e. Tiger, my beautiful Mom and I used to stay in a 1 BHK flat in Kalkaji in New Delhi.

Err. This story is not about Tiger becoming a Collector or my Mom joining Bollywood. This story is about me… Aditya. Aditya Pathak.

My class of engineering had 120 students. We had seats 40 each in computers, electronics and mechanical. I studied in the electronics section (Tiger is to be blamed for that) but had friends from all over. I always wanted to study in Delhi University as the girls were more beautiful there. Engineering does not attract the best of the beauties. May be they feel that it's better to be technically qualified if you are not cosmetically qualified.

My friends -

Paramjeet Singh (Param in short) was in Mechanical. If I were the principal then I would not have given admission to this "stupid blockhead". His aim in life was to get a degree and marry his childhood sweetheart. His father had a good auto part manufacturing business in Pune and he was all set to join him.

Why was he my friend? He had a heart of gold. If I would remember somebody at a time of a crisis it would always be him.

Sandeep Kumar Gupta – Sandeep was with me in Electronics. His father was a senior executive in a private company in Mumbai. He had everything he could ask for. Sometimes I felt why Tiger was not so rich? Well, even if he was, I would have still remained poor.

Sandeep was a good guy. I liked him a lot but, our gang of friends did not like him. They said that he was too self-centered and arrogant. It did not matter to me that he was selfish; I liked him so much to hate him.

Vandana was also in Electronics. Her father was an Air Commodore with Air Force. She was one of the brightest students in the college. All students looked at her in awe. She was a bundle of energy always onto something. She had her head on her shoulders and exactly in between them. If anybody needed advice then she would suggest a very mature and workable solution. She was the pillar of our friendship. We all remained together just because of her.

We all joined at the canteen to discuss our participation at the Annual Function.

‘Hey guys, this is our last year at the college. Why aren't we doing something spectacular to make this moment a memorable one?’ said Vandana.

‘Why don't we do a fashion show?’, said Sandeep.

‘That's a good idea Sandeep’, remarked Vandana.

‘We need to arrange dresses for the fashion show. Getting them from Pune or Mumbai is going to be a challenge’, I said.

‘You're right Aditya but, we can use our existing wardrobe’, said Sandeep.

‘It's not practically possible to do the fashion show due to logistic issues’, Param reasoned with Sandeep.

‘Param you always try to sideline me. Why can't we do it?’ Sandeep got irritated.

‘Hey Guys, why don’t we do a "Bhangra" on the Annual Day?’, said Param.

‘Param you will always have some "old ghissa pitta" idea. Why don't you bring a truck in the college and we will all do "Bhangra" on it. Hey Guys, do not listen to Paramjeet. He is nuts and will not think through his mind. Oh! I forgot somebody can think of a great idea only when if he has a great mind.’ Sandeed said and started laughing.

Vandana and I were banging our heads. It's going to be a bloody war again. Today Sandeep has crossed every limit. Where was Param? Was it a lull before the storm?

Suddenly I saw Sandeep's shirt getting wet. It looked like Ganges was flowing down his body. Some droplets had even fallen on my body. I picked one drop and kept it on my tongue and exclaimed "lemonade". I raised my head to see the origin of the Ganges and saw Param with the bottle.

Everybody was dumb struck watching Param doing this ghastly act.

I was meanwhile trying to imagine (as a typical lower middle class mentality) what would be our punishment. Before it became awful, Vandana started clapping and singing "Happy Birthday to you" "Happy Birthday to you, dear Sandeep" and looked towards me.

I also started clapping with her. Vandana winked at me to take Param out of the canteen. Once out we ran like mosquitoes exposed to smoke.

Sandeep was shocked. He did not know what to say and do. He just followed Vandana who also came out. Param was furious like hell. I had never seen him like this before.

 ‘Aditya I will break Sandeep's nose. How could he talk about me like this?’, said Param.

‘What did you do Param? We all are friends and you must not lose your temper like this. This is humiliating to Sandeep.’ I reasoned with Param.

‘Do you know that nobody likes him in the class? We are with him because of you. You are so simple that you just do not understand that he is selfish and arrogant.’ Param said to me.

‘I know Param but I strongly feel for him as a friend first. I hope and wish that he will grow up’. I wanted the situation to normalize.

I could see Vandana and Sandeep coming towards us.

‘How are you now?’ Vandana asked Param.

‘I am really sorry!’ Sandeep extended his hand towards Param.

 Param hugged Sandeep and started crying like a baby.

Vandana and I who were bystanders also hugged them.

‘Hey guys! I have some great news for all of you’ exclaimed Vandana.

‘What’s it?’ We all jumped and encircled Vandana. 

‘Hmm… My dad has been invited for an Air Show’ said Vandana.

‘Wow!’ we started begging her to take us with her.

‘See guys. I have one extra ticket. Now whoever will flatter me the most can come with me.’ said Vandana.

It's going to be a great event. We will see latest Aircrafts flying high, outsmarting each other. Vandana's family has always been fun. They took good care of us whenever we visited them. I was especially fond of his dad who also liked me.

‘Hey Vandana, It's going to be a great event but you will not enjoy it alone.’ I reasoned with Vandana.

‘Aditya is right. Vandana, you will feel so bored alone. Don't you feel so?’ Param was at his wackiest best.

I could see Vandana getting tensed. I signaled to Sandeep.

‘Vandana I am sure that you will not accept this offer. You can sacrifice for friends. I have seen this show before so why don't you give your ticket to Aditya? Sandeep could not have been better.

 ‘"You Rascals" shouted Vandana. You all are so mean. You have come to know my plans.

 ‘Vandana never ever tell a lie in front of Aditya. He will always catch you’. Param burst out in laughter.

‘We all are going for the Air Show. I have already spoken to dad and he is fine with it.’ said Vandana.

They all rejoiced but I was worried.

‘Hey Aditya what happened’? Param stared into my eyes.

‘I will not be able to come. You know my father is very strict. I have to take his permission to visit Pune.’ I was nervous to face Tiger.

‘Adi Grow Up! You will start working in a year. Organizations nowadays do not only see your skill set, they also see how you carry yourself. I think if your boss calls you outside for dinner then you will say: ‘Wait let me call my Papa first and seek his permission’’, said Param smiling.

‘Param, Tiger (my friends also know my father's pet name) is not going to agree. He will say education is like "tapasya" (penance). With time it gets tougher.’ I did not know how to handle the situation.

‘What does it mean?’ Param asked me.

‘It means that it’s better to do hard work early in life. If you delay then you have to put much more effort to achieve the same.’ I replied to Param.

‘True! If Aditya studies hard he will become a techie else he will become a technician’, poked Vandana.

Everybody started laughing.

‘No Yaar! I do not want to become a techie. That's not my cup of tea’, I said.

Everybody was surprised.

Sandeep was curious. ‘What do you want to do?’

‘I don't know. I am not IIT stuff so no fun in doing something you are not good at.’ I was confused.

Vandana came closer to me and said, ’Aditya it is not true that only engineers from IIT are successful. People who did not have any formal education have also done big in life. Your success is not known by your education, but through your knowledge and application of the same. We will talk about it later. The big question is how will you get your dad's approval? I hope your father will be available tomorrow?

‘Yes Vandana.’ I remained tensed. I was not sure what Vandana was up to.

‘Do not worry Aditya. I will come to your hostel tomorrow and handle it.’ Vandana said confidently.

There was a sigh of relief on my face. Vandana has been great at handling tough situations coolly. I think it must be due to her defense upbringing. Hmm forget it, she will handle it.

I was forced to wake up at 7.00 a.m. in the morning. There was a call on the hostels landline from home.

 It was Mom. ‘Adi, Good Morning. You did not tell us that you have been invited for the Air Show.’

‘a a Ma. Yes, Yes Yes Ma.’ I stammered. I did not know what to say.

‘Your friend Vandana had called up yesterday night. She said companies from across the world are participating in the show. They will show latest aeroplanes and technologies available. Why are you not attending the event?’ said Mom.

‘Ma I do not want my studies to suffer.’ I could not think of anything else.

Small drops of perspiration appeared on my forehead even though the weather was pleasant. I did not know what story Vandana had told my parents. I wanted to catch hold of Tiger and Mom's feet asking for pardon, but still had faith in Vandana.

‘Haan Haan. It's OK Adi. Go and enjoy.’ Mom said to me.

‘Thanks Mom.’ I was excited like hell.

I was sure that Tiger would have been around; reading his newspaper. His ears focused on our conversation. However the situation was not under his control as Royal Bengal Tigress was around. It's only she who could tame him.

I was damn impressed with Vandana. I do not know how she did it. she managed the situation with confidence and conviction. The best or greatest part was that she knew that she will be able to handle it.

The Air Show and Destiny

I was excited and tensed at the same time with just the thought of attending the Air Show.

 I had loved aeroplanes since was a kid. I do not remember if I had bought any other toy apart from a plane. I was so obsessed with planes that the definition of a toy for me was ‘aeroplane’ and anything else would be in the dustbin. If I was not doing anything meant I was making paper planes. I experimented with all types of designs and paper quality. Mom hid her magazines and similarly Tiger carried his newspaper to the office as they were sure that they will not get the same in one piece in the evening. I tried every aspect of aeroplane making, flat or pointed nose, large or small wings, with tail or without. I blew air into the aeroplane expecting it to fly higher and longer. Mom, in fact, used to tell her friends; ‘See I predict he will fly planes one day.’ They were amused but it did not have any effect on her. Tiger used to get upset with me as he thought that my passion for aeroplanes was unfounded. His view was that we are not rich people and we should not aim high. Be contended and be happy. Mom's presence dissuaded him to stop me from enjoying my hobby. He would often crib that Mom's love was making me worthless.

We had only 2 rooms in the 1 BHK flat we lived and it was next to impossible to find a place where there was no photograph, poster or sticker of an aeroplane. Our small 14 inch TV had a small sticker, moms ‘almirah’ had a large poster, tiger's shaving brush, comb, mirror, my plate had aeroplane stickers on them. Even our door bell had a small color-changing aeroplane sticker.

‘Oh! Who was banging the room at this hour?’ I woke up to find nobody. Hmm… I was too excited for the event. I woke up Param and Sandeep (my roommates) to get ready.

I, Param and Sandeep boarded a ST (state transport) bus at 6.00 am from Shirdi to Pune. Vandana had already left for Pune last evening and would be at the bus stand to pick us up. We will then straight head towards the venue for the Air Show.

‘Hey Aditya, how are you son?’ said Vandana's father who had come to pick us.

‘Namaste Uncle, I am doing fine.’

‘Come On, board the jeep.’ said Vandana’s father.

We all boarded the jeep where Vandana was already sitting. We all were super excited and wanted to scream on top of our voices.

‘Hey Vandana Good Morning’, I greeted Vandana with full energy.

Vandana clasped my hand and pulled me to sit beside her.

Sandeep and Param showed their "Big Smile" as if they had brushed their teeth today only.

I was amazed to see what motivation could do to people. Every day we fight with ourselves to reach the college. In college when somebody greets us then we make faces as if he had asked for our kidneys in return. Today everybody was super fresh, all raring to go.

‘You seem to be very excited Vandana?’ I asked her.

‘Yes, I am Adi, aren't you?’ She said cheerfully. Vandana came close to me; clasped my hand again. ‘Adi, it makes it a great moment to be with you.’

Sandeep & Param were looking at us with their eyes wide open.

 ‘I mean…. all of you guys make it a special moment for me. Param, Adi & Sandeep, you know life would have been so boring, had you guys not been around.’ Vandana said to everybody.

We stopped at Vandana's home for breakfast. We wanted to move to the venue as soon as possible. Vandana's dad had made special arrangements for us such that we enjoy the event to the fullest.

The Air Show was supposed to be a very big event. There were more than 400 companies from all over the world showcasing their latest and best machines. They had Jet liners, fighter aircrafts, helicopters, transportation planes as well corporate jets. The Air Show was unique as there was an entire range for defense, corporate as well as of personal use. Lot of respected industrialists as well as top politicians were also expected at the event. This made the event all the more important with full coverage in the print as well as electronic media.

On the way to the venue we could see lot of banners and advertisements on the roadside, welcoming participants from India and abroad. The signboards were written in different languages such that participants from other countries could also understand. The road leading to the venue was all done up tastefully with school kids waving colored small flags to the visitors. We were amazed to see a huge gate installed at the venue entry to give it a massive look. The flags of all the participating countries were hoisted near the entrance. A big reception desk was erected next to the entrance gate for better coordination and ease to the visitors.

We stood with Vandana's father is a small queue for registrations. After some time I, Param and Sandeep were on cloud nine to see our "VIP PASS". Our respect for Vandana grew manifold, not because she is the daughter of a big man, but she was so humble. I really felt indebted to her as aeroplanes were very close to my heart.

‘Thanks Vandana’, I said to her. ‘I have not been treated like this ever before.’

Param also echoed same emotion. ‘Vandana, we all are indebted to you for bringing us here.’

Vandana felt amused and said smilingly, ‘I think you guys have seen some Bollywood movie recently. Do not do this drama. In fact I am so overwhelmed that you have come with me. Come, let's enjoy this show.’

I felt if my mom would have here she would have enjoyed the show so much. The thought of Tiger sent a shiver down my spine and I was back focusing on the air show instead.

A total of over 1 Lac square meters was taken over for the venue. There was an elaborate seating area near the runway where the planes would take off and land. On the left were the aeroplanes lined up on the tarmac preparing for the inaugural ceremony to take off. We all entered a small but special place with a close view to the airstrip where the air flights will take off. This was a VIP area with many foreigners sitting there. We all sat at our respective places together with Vandana in between us. Vandana's father and mother sat with some of their friends on the other side.

‘Hey Vandana! Why are so many foreigners sitting here?’ I was intrigued to know about it.

‘Adi, this show provides manufacturers and service providers in aviation and space industry an opportunity to showcase their products and meet the potential buyers. They are the senior people from the aircraft manufacturing companies competing with each other for new buyers. A lot of deals are expected to close at the event. In recent years this Air show has emerged as one of the most important and largest aviation exhibitions in whole of Asia. As we spoke the inauguration of the show was announced by the chief guest. We all held each other hands and were excited like small kids.

Three helicopters donning the Indian Flag approached from the left side. Before we could realize, what was happening, there was a shower of rose petals on us. We all looked at each other and there was a sense of pride in our eyes. This was immediately followed by a colorful aerobatics performance by helicopters, which made everyone spellbound during the inaugural function.

The next highlight was the splendid show of the might of these machines. Almost 10 planes were criss crossing each other on sky rocketing speed. The passed neatly between two closely placed poles. Our hearts sank as one plane flew next to us and crossed in between the poles with a whoosh… A few seconds away was the other plane moving at supersonic speed inching closer to the earlier entrant.

‘Ah…Ahhh… Hey guys, it almost touched.’

‘No No… It's safe. It's safe.’

‘AAeeyyy… See the other one joining in.’

‘I want to close my eyes…’

‘I love the movement… Haw it will fall down. See the acrobatics. The stunts performed by them are phenomenal.’

We all did not know; what were we saying. The fun was watching it; watching it together.

We were all super excited. We did not want to miss even a second of the two hours of show, showcasing the might of these machines, for which they were known for. Another aircraft was taking off from our left side and till it moved towards the ultimate right hand side and was lost in the clouds. The very next moment a new aircraft took off from the left following it inch by inch. It all looked like a Hollywood war movie being played exclusively for us. The Air Show ended in splendid style with different teams showing their skill sets in parachute jumping and sky diving.

The Air show also proved good for passenger aircraft manufacturers, as the number of inquiries, especially for the smaller and low-cost aircraft were made during the show was high. There were quite a number of high profile businessmen and industrialists who had come to see the personal jets for business and family.

We all headed for the exhibitors lounge where the participants had put their huge stalls to showcase the latest aeroplanes, helicopters, jets offered by them. In the meanwhile Param stopped us.

‘Hey guys lets go out and enjoy the Pune city’, said Param.

I could understand why Param wanted to move out as he wanted to meet his girlfriend in the city. He must have called her over at some location and wanted us all to come with him. Vandana and Sandeep agreed with Param and walked towards the exit gate.

‘Hey guys wait. Let's visit few stalls and see what's on offer? I pleaded.

‘Adi, we should go. See there are only few visitors at the stalls and I feel that they all are genuine customers, who want to buy aircrafts’, reasoned Param. ‘What will we do there? We cannot buy the planes and don't fit in with buyer persona as well’, he started laughing as if he had cracked a great joke. Vandana, Sandeep also joined him for a company.

‘We will all look like fools there Aditya’, said Sandeep. ‘Let's go out and have fun.’

Vandana also joined. ‘Sandeep is right. There is some serious business going out there. What will we do there, Aditya?’

‘Let’s visit the stalls and collect information about the aeroplanes’, I said.

‘Collect Information? Are you nuts? Param got agitated. ‘What will you do with this information Aditya?’

‘You guys are driving me crazy. It’s alright with me if you do not want to come. I will catch you at the guest house.’ I was furious and did not want to talk to them further.

Vandana behaved maturely, asked Param and Sandeep to proceed for the guest house while she headed home. As planned, Vandana reached the guesthouse in the evening.

‘Param where is Adi?’ Vandana pushed Param who was sleeping.

‘Oh Vandana! I don’t know. He must have come back from the venue?’ said Param.

‘He seems to be upset with all of us’, said Vandana.

‘Yes, I fell asleep when came back from venue. Where would he be? I hope he has not gone back to college.’ Param also got worried.

‘No, No. he will never do that’, remarked Vandana confidently. He knows that dad has invited you all for dinner at the Air Force mess. Sandeep also woke up and joined the conversation.

They looked at each other and ran out of the room frantically to search for me. All were restless and were shouting, ‘Aditya! Aditya! Where are you, buddy?’

They found me sitting on a bench in the guest house. I was totally mesmerized with the day's proceedings and did not see them.

 ‘You are here and we are searching for you all around. Where were you? Vandana asked me.

Vandana, Sandeep and Param looked at each other as I kept quiet. I was still in my dreams.

‘Aditya are you alright?’ Param kept his heavy hand on my shoulder.

Vandana came in the front; bent on her knees and said: ‘Aditya! Aditya! We are sorry friend. Don't be so rude. Talk to us.’

 ‘Oh!... Hi Vandana’, I woke from my dreams.

 ‘What happened?’ Vandana asked me.

I took almost a minute to take grip of myself.

‘This was the best day of my life. I could not have asked for more.’ All of them became silent; not knowing what will come next from me?

I stood on the bench with my hands up towards the sky and said: ‘you all are testimony to what I am saying friends.’

 ‘Continue Aditya, continue’, remarked Sandeep.

 ‘I want to tell you all that a day will come in my life which you all will witness. I will ride in my own Personal Jet Aeroplane one day.’

All of them started bursting with laughter. Sandeep sat down on the floor and was holding his tummy as if it was aching due to laughter. Param was laughing like a dirty dog. Vandana was also amused at my thoughts. I could not have expected this from my friends and looked into their eyes.

‘OK. OK. Adi… Don't get angry. We thought that you will say that you will own an Aeroplane… Aeroplane Toy one day.’ Sandeep was thoroughly enjoying it.

 ‘It's not buying a toy, Sandeep. It's a plane, Aeroplane my dear.’ I was damn serious.

Sandeep words got even harsher. ‘Aditya you must thank Vandana. It's because of her that you boarded a stationary Aeroplane for the first time. You never know, maybe this was your first and the last time. I can bet with you that you will never ever own a premium car, let alone an Aeroplane.’

In the meanwhile, Param came closer to me. ‘Adi, you are a good chap, sure you will do big things in life.’

‘Don't worry Aditya’, said Vandana. ‘Relax. You will get your Toy Aeroplane soon.’ All of them started laughing hysterically again.

‘Adi, I also feel the same. You have potential and can do a lot, but Aeroplane is something next to impossible in the lifetime. Only a few people with destiny written in gold can achieve the same’, said Param.

‘You guys are right. I do not know what happened to me today. Vandana, you are right, maybe it's because of the excitement. I want to have a simple life and don't have any big ambitions. If you ask me, I would love to become a teacher.

I was feeling restless and sat back on the bench. Vandana rushed to bring some medicine for me.

The Exam Fever

We carried back sweet memories of the Air Show.

Exams were round the corner. There was no need to attend the classes as we had to prepare for the university exams. This was good news for people like me and Param who were always ready to celebrate, with reason or without.

‘We must start taking things seriously now.’ Sandeep a good student wanted us to follow him.

 ‘What do you mean, Sandeep?’ asked Param.

‘Guys, the date sheet for the university exam has been announced. We have less than 30 days for our exams to go. Please take it seriously.’ Sandeep wanted to concentrate on his studies.

 ‘Sandeep, I am clear that I am going to join my dad's business so marks do not matter to me. In fact Aditya and you should be worried more than me’, said Param.

 ‘I am sure that I am not sure. This way Sandeep you must be serious.’ Param and I started laughing.

Sandeep picked up his books and left the hostel room in a huff.

‘You are crazy. Why did you tell Sandeep that only he needs to be serious?’ I said jokingly to Param and kept my hand on his shoulder.

 ‘I think you also told him the same.’ Param said and pinched my cheek.

We both started laughing at the top of our voices.

‘Hey Adi, I want to eat some good food today. I do not want to eat the bloody shit at the mess. It was difficult to find rajma in the curry today. Mess guys want to settle some old scores with us. I will not eat from mess today even if I was tortured. Let’s go out.’ Param was anxious.

Our college was on a deserted highway and there were no decent restaurants nearby. We had to either go to Shrirampur or Sangamner which were thirty odd kilometers away to eat decent Chinese or Continental food. There was a Punjabi Dhaba nearby called "Sohan Sher Singh Ka Dhaba". Sohan Singh was an old chap of 55 years of age who had a dhaba on the highway. He and his family consisting of wife and 7 kids – 3 sons and 4 daughters were staying at the dhaba. He made delicious dishes of Punjabi cuisine. He had some kind of affinity towards me as I was a "delhiwalla" and he could connect with me.

Sohan Singh used to send us a "Dibba" whenever we did not want to eat from the mess. Sohan Singh had a 1960 make moped Luna which was gifted to him by his laws. Sohan Singh was heavy built, height approx. 5 feet 10 inches, long and curved mustaches. If luck would have been in his favor, he would have got some decent role in Bollywood. He used to tell us that he wanted to become an actor and spent good time in Mumbai trying his luck. He finally decided to run this Dhaba to make a living.

 ‘Adi yaar, Lets go out. I am really feeling bored’, repeated Param.

 ‘Why don't we eat at Sohan Singh Dhaba?’, I said to Param.

 ‘No yaar. We had Punjabi food in the afternoon. I want to have Chinese food now.’ Param was unrelenting.

 ‘OK, let's go to Sangamner. We will have a bowl of soup. How would we go? It's already 9.00 p.m. and we will not be able to get any local transport.’ I asked Param.

 ‘Let's go to Tejpal's room. He is the only one who will be willing to lend us his bike.’ Param said to me.

I and Param changed our clothes and headed to Tejpal's room. To our utter shock Sandeep was sitting in Tejpal's room. He was enjoying some ultra-cool pictures on his desktop. Listening to our plan Tejpal and Sandeep also joined in. We were four now with only one bike. I was given the task of speaking to one of our batch mates and arrange one more bike. I spoke to few batch mates, but they all were already having some plan or another for going out.

We all decided to follow our seniors trick, a dangerous one although. As necessity is the mother of invention and there was a great necessity of travelling 40 kilometers to have a ‘Cup of Soup’. We all decided to whisk away Sohan Singh's old Moped to go to Sangamner. We reached the Sohan Singh's "tapri" a synonym for "dhaba or roadside restaurants" in Maharashtra.

 ‘Aditya Ji, What would you like to have in food today?’ Sohan Singh welcomed us with a big smile.

His old eyes were staring at me and I felt weak in my legs. I was not able to answer him. Param immediately came to my rescue.

‘Sohan Singh Ji, We plan to go out and eat at Sangamner. We want to see a movie today and will have food there only. Could you please get us some "Pakoras with Chai"?’

Sohan Singh was financially weak, but a man of self-respect. He would take care of us like his own kids. We were all scared that how would he behave if he came to know that we will take his dear moped away. He used to often tell us that how much he loved his moped. Sohan Singh looked like a big elephant riding a small bicycle when he used to drive his moped.

I was not able to do my role properly; of keeping Sohan Singh busy in talks. My role was aptly done by Param. Param kept Sohan Singh busy in talks about his stint in Bollywood. He told Sohan Singh that he would have become a great hero, if he would have got one chance to act in movies. Sohan Singh was elevated and asked his son to give "maska paav" free with "chai" and "pakoras". Sohan Singh told Param that if luck would have been on his side then one of the top heroes of the Bollywood would have been out of the job due to him. Tejpal and I could not stop laughing, but we somehow kept our cool. We wanted to show that we were so pleased to hear his story.

Sandeep meanwhile, slipped away to do the task. He went to the backyard where Sohan Singh's moped was parked. We were not sure whether the moped would be able to take the load of two people like us. The only reason was that it was able to carry a bully like Sohan Singh. The plan was that Tejpal would wait on his bike some 100 meters away; Sandeep will tow Sohan Singh's moped without starting it towards Tejpal. Once Sandeep would have reached Tejpal then he will come on his bike to the "tapri", an indication for us to move. Param and I continued to talk to Sohan Singh.

Sohan Singh continued his one way extempore without fail. Meanwhile, there was a loud horn. Ah! It was Tejpal with a great smile. We could understand that the work is done. We ran towards Tejpal with "pakoras" and "maska paavs", we could get into our hands. Sohan Singh was surprised to see the turn of events and asked us to have our snacks and go.

‘Sohan Singh Ji, thanks for everything. We will have our food at Sangamner’, shouted Param while running towards Tejpal. Please write today's bill entry in the monthly diary.

He smiled and raised his hands to bless us. I felt touched, but was concerned that Sohan Singh will die in shock if he does not find his moped tomorrow morning. Sandeep was waiting for us at a distance. His hands were up in despair.

All of us asked in unison: ‘what happened?’

‘Guru Lag Gayi! We are doomed. The headlight of the moped is not working. How will we go forty kilometers from here?’ said Sandeep.

We were looking at each other in a confused state. All of us were feeling bad that our program will go kaput even after such a strong sense of achievement.

Tejpal struck an idea once again. He was best at doing this. ‘Sandeep we can manage with one headlight for two bikes.’

Sandeep was confused: ‘Tejpal you have gone crazy, how will it happen?’

Tejpal continued smiling. We were also looking at each other.

‘OK, OK, I understand, but that's very dangerous.’ Sandeep also smiled.

‘So you guys want to talk in some code language. I will go back to the hostel.’ I moved animatedly towards the college.

Sandeep caught hold of my hand and said:

‘Dear Champu, Tejpal is suggesting that Param and you board Sohan Singh's moped and be in front while we will follow you. Tejpal will put his headlight on a high beam for you guys to have a clear view, also sky is clear which will also help.’

‘That's very dangerous Sandeep. What if we lost touch?’ I was scared.

Sandeep boarded Sohan Singh's moped and said: ‘Come on Aditya! Learn to take some risk in life.’

Sandeep pulled me towards the moped. I felt slight uncomfortable when he held my hand. We all moved towards Sangamner, sang songs to enjoy the moment. Tejpal and Param were perfectly behind us to show us the way.

 We had simmering hot soups and other Chinese delicacies at the China Town restaurant. Another group of students also entered the restaurant.

One of them reached us and asked:

‘Hi, I am Mohit. I hail from Delhi and am studying here at Sangamner. Could I borrow Pan Masala from you as the shop outside has closed?’

I offered the pack to him. We invited them to sit next to our table. A conversation struck between us on hot common topics college, girls and hostel.

We all joined tables and continued the gossip. Everybody wanted to boast about their drinking capacity, how they shared good relationship with the favorite girl of the college (she would not even know that they existed) and the big command they had on their juniors. The best part was that everybody was telling about their girlfriend at home (which never existed).

‘Hey guys this place is going to close by 12.00 a.m. Come, we will take you for a surprise.’ Mohit knew some good place in Sangamner.

Tejpal was excited, ‘what is the surprise man? Please tell me fast what can you do for us, friend?’

Mohit smiled, ‘hold on, hold on. I will show you something which you guys would not have seen in life so far.’

We were all looking at each other not knowing what to say, but we all were excited like hell.

Mohit understood, what was going on in our minds and started laughing. ‘Hey guys don't jump your guns. I will take you Royal Palace, where you would have the joy of life. I can promise that the experience is worth it.’

With all the suspense talk, Mohit was testing our patience.

‘Guru don't check our patience. Why don't you tell what is in store for us?’ It was really difficult for me to hold on my … patience.

Mohit said with an Élan, ‘Guys stand up. I will take you to "Royal Mujra House".’

We all stood up in disbelief – ‘MUJRA!’

Tejpal was not excited anymore, ‘have you gone crazy? What will we do there? Does is still happen somewhere?

‘Tejpal you will forget your girlfriend. Come On, I will take you guys for a heavenly ride.’ Mohit said with confidence.

We all sat on our respective bikes and followed Mohit to the hilt. On one side, we all were excited and on the other, were scared to hell. The place was stinking like rotten eggs. The area was strewn with leftovers, pan spits and whatnot. The place had an open rectangular area where we parked our bikes. This rectangular area was covered from three sides by buildings forming an inverted U.

‘Hey Mohit what is this place?’ I was inquisitive and nervous at the same time

Mohit replied, ‘this is called as "Kotha".’

Param interrupted Mohit by holding his hand. ‘Mohit lets go upstairs and have fun. Come on guys lets live our life to the fullest today.’

Sandeep was excited as well. I did not have any supporters so I also joined the gang and took the stairs to "Kotha No. 5" run by a lady called "Modena Aunty". We all entered a 20 feet by 12 feet room which could aptly be called a "jail kothri". The walls were painted in parrot green color, it had a "fanoos" in between which looked like picked up from a "b grade shaddi". As per Mohit the room was dimly lit to create the ambience, but it was dark like hell for all of us. I could hardly figure out who was sitting beside me.

Shortly "Modena Aunty" surfaced. She looked beautiful, even today. "Gori skin, truck tyres around her tummy, chubby faced". She must have been very beautiful in her hay days. Mohit spoke to her and told her that we all are his friends who have come to have some fun. "Modena Aunty" smiled and signaled a girl to start the show.

I got a shocker when a speaker behind my back started blaring music. A young girl whom "Modena Aunty" had signaled sometime back appeared in a "ghagra choli". She came towards us and extended her hand towards Mohit who kissed on the back of her palm. She was astonishingly beautiful, looked like a rustic "Gaon ki Chori".

The girl started dancing to the tunes of the old and new Bollywood songs. After sometime Param, Mohit, Sandeep and Tejpal joined her for a dance. I initially resisted joining them, but could not control myself after some time. We all had a gala time till 2.00 am. It was indeed as Mohit said, ‘a heavenly ride of a lifetime.’

We all were pushed out of the "Kotha No. 5" as it was too late at night. Whatever money we all had was given as tips to the young girl. She was also very happy but exhausted. We all wanted to stay there till the morning but "Modena Aunty" spoiled our plans.

‘Thanks a lot. You made this night a memorable one for a lifetime. I was elevated by seeing this live show.’ I said to Mohit.

Param, who was drunk, asked Mohit: ‘Why can't "Modena Aunty" join our college?’

With this Param sat on ground; staging "dharna" that until "Modena Aunty" joins his college, he is not going to move away. We all rushed towards Param to pick him up. The bouncers would have beaten us for creating a scene in front of the "kotha".

 ‘Hey Guys! Either "Modena Aunty" joins my college or else I would like to attend my classes here only.’ Param was fully drunk.

Sandeep as usual, was day dreaming. ‘Yaaron, I have been bestowed by the charm of the young girl.’

‘I suggest that we all go to my room and spend the night there. I have made a stereo system myself using earthen pots and car deck. Let's dance the whole night.’ Mohit's invitation was too tempting.

Param immediately agreed. ‘Let's go to Mohit’s room. Anyway, I do not want to attend the college tomorrow.’

‘Yes Param’, said Sandeep. ‘Let's have fun!’

‘No yaar. Let's go to our rooms. Sandeep, we have practical’s tomorrow.’ I reminded Sandeep.

‘Hmm. Sky will not fall down if we do not attend one practical, Aditya.’ Param did not want to move.

‘Come On guys. Why don't you remember… Sohan Singh's moped?’ I reminded them.

Sandeep, Param echoed together, ‘Oh no!’

Param gave Mohit a warm hug. ‘Thanks a lot dear. You made our evening memorable. Do come to our place someday, we will have fun together.’

Mohit was not feeling good that we were leaving. He embraced us and bid goodbye.

We sat on the bikes. Sandeep was driving Tejpal's bike and Tejpal was sitting behind. I wanted to drive Sohan Singh's moped, but Param did not allow me even after I pushed him hard for same. I was little scared as Param was heavily drunk.

‘Do not worry Adi. You are in safe hands. Nothing's going to happen to you. I love you and will always care for your life first and then mine.’ Param always said this to me as he loved me to the core.

I hugged him. I had a strange feeling when I hugged him. Something was not alright or was I also drunk?

‘Param, I also love you my friend.’ Sandeep and Tejpal were behind us to show us the way. I was riding pillion to Param.

‘Param we should not have taken such a big risk of bringing Sohan Singh's moped.’ I said to him.

‘It's alright Adi. We can explain to Sohan Singh Ji. Life is a thrill, live it to enjoy it.’ I was shit scared as Param was not in his senses.

‘No. I am not talking about this. The moped without the headlight is a risky business.’ I cautioned Param.

‘Hmm hmm. Don't worry Adi. You are in safe hands’, said Param.

There was a silence for a few seconds as there was a speeding truck coming from the other side.

‘Hey Param. Take care.’ I said to him.

‘Yes… Yes… Adi. Do not worry. You are in safe hands.’ After brief silence Param spoke again, ‘Adi, I want to talk to you about something.’

‘What?’

‘Do you like Vandana?’

‘What sort of question is this?’ I felt irritated with Param.

‘Answer me Adi. Don't dodge the question.’ Param pushed me for an answer.

‘I am not dodging the question Param. I am not able to understand why are you asking me this question?

‘Answer my question, Adi.’ Param pushed me harder.

‘Ok Ok. She is a friend.’ I replied to ease him.

‘She’s only a friend?’ Param asked annoyingly.

‘What do you mean Param? She is a very good friend. We all are friends to her.’ I still did not understand why was Param pushing me?

‘Adi, I must say that you are using Vandana.’

‘I am using Vandana. What shit are you talking Param.’ I gave back to Param.

‘Adi, why can you not understand my bholenath?’ Param’s tone was calmer.

‘What's there to understand, Param?’

‘Hey Adi, whatever you say she does it. Whenever you are in trouble she is there for you.’ Param wanted to give me a cue which I did not understand.

‘………Your dreams are her dreams.’ Param seemed to be lost somewhere. Do you know why she arranged a visit for all of us to the air show?’ asked Param.

‘She got free tickets from her father.’ I said coolly.

‘No, she got them for you Adi, for you only’ Param words stunned me.

‘No. No. She did not mean this. Don't you remember that she helped you when you had a fight with Sandeep. You are mistaken Param, she is a gem of a person and is very helpful to people around her.’

‘It's not that Adi. Why don't you understand?’ Param was irritated.

‘What is there to understand Param?’ It was getting onto my nerves.

‘Adi, Vandana cares a lot about you. You are the person for whom she cares about the most.’

‘Param, how can you say that? I am sure you are mistaken.’ I said in disbelief.

‘She said something to me, Adi.’ Param did not want to leave it like this.

‘What Param, what did she say? Don't take me for a ride.’ I was tensed.

‘She……’. There was a big thud. We had been hit. Oh My God. Param Param …

There was a big silence….

Thank God I opened my eyes… I was dumbfounded to see my mom beside me. I was in the ICU ward of the Manohar Lal Bhau Sahib Medical College.

‘Thank god. I am happy that I able to see you, son. You are my only reason for life. Mom started weeping inconsolably.

‘Mom I know you are trying to corner Tiger. Where is he? He must have come.’

‘He is coming son’. Tears started rolling down her cheeks… again…

‘Mom, it's Ok. Please understand. I was with Param and something came in front. Where is he? He must have also broken a few bones like me. Ah!’ There was pain in my collar bone.

Vandana entered the room with medicines for me. ‘Hi Vandana. How are you? What's the plan for the annual day?’

There was no reply from Vandana. I grabbed her hand.

‘Vandana, what happened? I am sorry. We should not have done it. God promise we will not do it again. Where is Param? Ask him to meet me.’

Tears started rolling down Vandana's cheeks.

‘Oh!…I understand. He must also be lying in the hospital somewhere… Please take me. Please take me there. I want to meet him.’ I wanted to meet Param immediately.

The silence was killing…

‘God dammit. Why does not anyone tell me what's the issue? Are we expelled from the college? Has Param dropped out from the college? What's the issue, why don't you tell me?’ I shouted at her.

‘There will be no annual day this year Adi’, said Vandana.

‘Ha. Ha Ha .Ok. Ok. College must be saving on the money.’ Don't worry Vandana. We will have our own senior party and star of the show would be "Bhangra" by Param.

‘There would be "No Bhangra" Adi.’ Vandana said plainly.

‘Vandana you are hiding something from me? I am now getting tensed. What's it Vandana, tell me? Where is Param?’

‘There would be “No Bhangra”, Adi, as there is no Param to act in it. We have lost Param, Adi. We have lost Param.’ Vandana started crying with Mom.

.

.

.

.

.

We have lost Param…Adi… We have lost him…We have lost him…

Things will not be the same; I have lost a close one. Really someone close..

Every day was becoming like a punishment for me. Everybody asked me about that fateful night. Just remembering it was taking on a toll on me.

 I wanted to move out of the place fast, really fast.

Exams were round the corner. I started focusing on studies.