Dipak and Mukesh, this one's for you...
Let me clear something first, names mentioned above are in alphabetical order only. I know when this post goes online you are going to call me up and ask me tens of questions why I did that. I am also sure that though no explanation is necessary above answer is not sufficient to make you stop from calling me and asking it anyway.
When I decide to write something, usually, I keep thinking about it consciously or subconsciously. I don't decide tone of the writing, it just keeps coming to me. So this time, when we started our ride towards Madikeri it hit me that I should write for you two. I kept thinking of all the time we spent during college. Common studies, meeting each other after college at home, short outings, movies, birthday celebrations, hospitalizations and what not! I also kept thinking of last four years, after college, our meetings after we started job. And I was thinking maybe I'll pull some funny incidents from our past and make this post a humorous. When I actually started writing, after I wrote two paragraphs yesterday, I didn't have anything to say more. And those two paragraphs were not funny, they were emotional. So I discarded them. But I was restless, so here it's, a post for you, humorous or not, like it or not, a post that I'll write and you will read. Jo ukhadna hai ukhad lo. You are thinking now that you will call me and tell me you didn't read this post. :)
It's been more than seven years we are best friends. From all what we have been through, it's a miracle, we are not zombies yet. I mean when there is a constant attack from a zombie maker it's a big deal to survive - right Mukesh? Every time Dipak opened his mouth he either speaks something which will make every one roll on the floor laughing or make Mukesh and me look at each other trying to look as if we didn't hear a word or Dipak is chewing someone's finger - literally! Dipak has transformed himself from a village boy to really good software professional. From a 55 kg boy to 90 kg giant, but one thing never changed - his mellow heart, his caring nature and capability to comfort people and of course his sense of humor - it's still the same as if he never grew up :P I remember talking to Dipak first in college, because we both joined in second year after our diploma. We bonded on that and the fact that we both had same HoD - of course during different years.
Mukesh and I met for the first time with this introduction "Ye karodpati hai, pata hai tuze?" We bonded on annoyance of person who introduced us. Dipak if you really wonder why your stomach remained upset while you were in Amravati - think of all the times you ate at Mukesh's home or in Raghuveer. Now you see oil they manufacture and use must be the culprit. I mean our bodies don't have tolerance to that much of pure stuff. Venkatesh brand is not available in Pune so you are fine now. As my mom say, Mukesh don't really look like a millionaire. He and his family are very down to earth and humble. These marwadi people - like elephants - khane ke daant alag hai, aur chabane ke alag. When we were in Goa, I tried to be like Mukesh, I tried to save a few bucks by getting us bikes instead of a car - and ended up with wounded leg. That was the time I decided not to think or do like anyone else again. The best gift Mukesh has got is patience and skill to explain even complex things to commons. Like he demonstrated in Indore railway station - explaining robot and gears to rural people with little or no education.
I still remember when we watched movie Oye Lucky Lucky Oye and felt a little embarrassed because girls were with us. The time when Dipak prepared Mirchi chi Bhaaji (curry). The time when I had my first drink and Mukesh told his father. Late night study sessions at Mukesh's home and calling out 'No talk for next one hour' and still talking. These and many those crazy, funny things that we did. So why am I recalling all this now? The latest trip was special for a reason. We have been planning it for long. It is most probably the last trip while all three of us are bachelor. Dipak has started bride hunt and likely to get married soon. Sooner or later all of us will be married. Who knows how 'crazy tolerant' our wives will be? Who knows whether we will get time to see each other at least as often as we did after college. However, one thing is certain - we will continue be same good friends as we are now, same as we were all through these years.
This trip also makes me realise - when we have the determination to meet, we can take time out of busy schedule, forget all worries and enjoy the time. Journey through those hilly, curvy roads reminds me of life's journey. Cool air and smooth roads made otherwise long journey pleasurable. Good friends bring pleasure to life.
Let me just stop here, cherish the memories and raise a toast, to the life ahead.
