Scene 1
Going by the weather forecast, I decided to pack an extra pair of clothes, an umbrella and medicine for cold and running nose in a water proof bag. The tickets were booked and the stay was already taken care. Unlike other trips, I decided to pack only hours before the travel, and not days!
Scene 2
Shorts, umbrella, sweat shirt, and a travel bag – I thought I looked like an exotic species of traveler. Lesson number 1 – when people travel they have enough and more things to keep them occupied rather than exotic species of travelers. Boarded the bus, mind you a sleeper coach, and where you could sleep like a log as in a train. I was soon dozing off, oblivious of Smitha’s shrieks and jolts from the berth below me. She was possessed by the travel ‘spirit’ which haunts her during travel and comforts her otherwise. This ‘spirit’ has a special thing with creativity and each trip a different sort of haunting and hallucination. Those of my fellow travelers, who have been mute witnesses, would vouch for it.
Scene 3
By the time I figured out whether I was supposed to feel cold or frozen, (remember my special attire, with my lower body exposed), it was time to haggle with the auto fellows. The good thing about Pondy haggling with auto guys is that it is always 15, 20, or 30. The guy at the reception at Soorya International was stunned to see us for the third time in a row. He wanted us to actually see the rooms; he was sure that he had not renovated the place, and it was exactly how we had left it since the visit before, and the one before that. Little did he know that his was the only number we had for checking out for a stay at Pondy!
Scene 4
Buffet breakfast was quick, walk down to Ashram, I ask for the map, the woman at the counter checks – Oriya map? I quickly realized that one’s self affirmations can be quite deceptive. Nothing English about me everything desi. I was looking at Rashmi’s quizzical expression, when she asked me, “Why do you have to be silent at the Samadhi?” I offered an explanation, didn’t seem to be logical to her. I gave up. I hear she also asked why there are so many firangs in Pondy. Nobody offered any explanations.
Scene 5
Quick walk to the promenade en route visit the ‘Fleur and Fern’, ‘Aurofurn’, ‘Centre for International Education’, and the ‘Embroidery Department’. During the hop at Splendor, I end up picking belts which I might need if I decide to buy footwear of that color. (I have knack for planning for future). I consult the map; soon discover that Thapar has a natural flair with maps and directions with elaborate explanations as to why the selected route is better. While all are muttering curses on our walk from Splendor to Rendezvous under the sweltering sun, I pray that Rendezvous lives up to its expectations. Surprisingly it exceeds our expectations, the ‘chilly beef green onion’, ‘seer steak’ and ‘fish richeado’ go well with everyone. On our way back to the hotel we stop by at ‘Hot Breads’ for some delicious pastries and dough nuts. We sleep for good three hours in our rooms.
Scene 6
Now we begin the shopping escapade – Auroboutique, Cottage Industry, Auroshikha, Shabd, Vak, Kalki, Casablanca, Hidesign Factory outlet... Though most of escaped the shopping spree unscathed, Sudipta could not just stop himself from buying for Munmun. He was ready to buy the clothes from the kids section too! Finally we settle for dinner at Annachi and we savor - prawns masala, prawns fry, prawns biryani, and kothu parotha. Mind you all this walking up and down while it is drizzling non-stop, is done by five adults with two umbrellas. The various combinations of whose going to be in whose umbrella lead to a lot of pouting, frowning, and muffled laughter from us as well as the bystanders.
Scene 7
Next day morning – Sudipta and Jose – ashram followed by breakfast at Rendezvous – omelet, ham, sausage, fruits, pancake with honey, unlimited tea and coffee. The others breakfast at Cottage restaurant – Brown crispy vada dipped in delicious sambar, ghee roast with pure coconut chutney, hot piping coffee. (Nobody could decide which was a better breakfast) After that we went to the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, only to find it closed.
On our way back, cupid leads Jose to the humble dwellings of Pujarini at Bindaas Café. Quite mesmerized by the charm of the lady, Jose is left speechless. He decides to let the lady know of his literary prowess by reading out aloud articles from the French magazine. (Pujarini tries hard to turn on the music). She absent mindedly invites the gang to a Bollywood dance practice with Norwegians girls and looks at Jose with straying eyes. That was the last the gang heard or saw Jose in senses; who was instantly turned into an ardent devotee of Pujarini.
All he can now hear, clear and loud is her laughter; and that is what will remain close to his heart for the days to come....
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