930 PM, and no calls yet. We had decided to welcome the New Year together. Old friends, some on the verge of making new bonds, some ready to run on the mystic untrodden roads, and of course one lost and brimmed with self pity. All of us knew that the eve of 2011 would be the last New Year’s Eve we would spend together. Maybe that was going to make it special. Or would it? It’s crossed 930. The food of dinner buffets would’ve long gone cold and dancers at dance parties already high on booze. Maybe the second part a plus, but apprehension gripped me as I began to think that they might’ve forgotten me or thought of leaving me behind. Fear of impending grief is worse than grief itself.
The minute hand had just completed a full circle when the phone finally rang.
‘It’s an adult party, you sure you wanna join?’
The voice on the other side teased.
‘Come on dude! We grew up together, only because I don’t drink or smoke doesn’t mean I’m not an adult’
I reversed playfully, glad that they had not forgotten me. Maybe the fact that I was a full foot shorter and weighed 30 kilos less made him think I was still a kid, well that’ll have to stay with me for now or maybe forever, but it’s not something that deserves attention right now.
‘Where are we going?’
Came out a little too wary than it sounded in my head.
‘No idea. All pubs are full… maybe we’ll go to some dhaba or drink and puke on the streets. You just come down, we’re waiting outside.’
Sure, anarchy in numbers seems so much more rewarding than safety in solitude.
The crammed ’96 Maruti 800 took us on several straights and circles, thumbs down each dhaba. Close to midnight was when my nose first wrinkled. Bottles were raised and music played loud.
‘Happy New Year!’
Shouted the first one to lose his head.
‘There’s still 10 minutes left Akshay, just sit down.’ I said, finding myself useful for the first time.
More ‘male bonding’ followed and it was finally time for the countdown… I kicked and yelled at the already half asleep males and promptly started counting down.
Happy New Year!! I shouted... Again... Happy New Year!! Excited and slightly embarrassed at being the only one to shout I turned around expecting to see 4 sleeping logs, only to find that my half asleep friends had found a reason to stay awake and laugh their throats out. Joining in, I laughed a bit and cursed them for not welcoming 2011. Only after laughing for a few more minutes did one of them say that 2011 had descended an hour ago and I was late and began laughing again. With no reason to hold back, I joined them with a hearty laugh.
Though the year crept upon me undetected, it brought joy and laughter. Maybe that’s all that matters. The dates, goals or targets I met this year don’t significantly matter… When i turn around to look at 2011, All I would remember is the time spent with loved ones, places I went, smiles and laughs I had, and these I will treasure as the best of 2011.
Though the year crept upon me undetected, it brought joy and laughter. Maybe that’s all that matters. The dates, goals or targets I met this year don’t significantly matter… When i turn around to look at 2011, All I would remember is the time spent with loved ones, places I went, smiles and laughs I had, and these I will treasure as the best of 2011.
