April 1, 2008

You’re kidding me!

Most of you know of my unfaltering love of B’bay and how much I have been wanting to back, of late. Fortnight ago, a friend of mine moved to B’bay, after a stint in B’lore [where we met], to join a publishing house. She has been slightly nervous about the big, overwhelming city. In turn, I have been missing her lots since we were movie-buddies and used to mall-crawl and she used to put up with my tantrums [the last point being of most importance].
In B’bay since 2 weeks, she was at the company guest house, looking for a place, and had nearly found one in Bandra; except for some un-agreeable terms by the owner.
Incidentally, I called her today, while she was on her way to a cousin’s place, where she is shacking up till she finds a place. We were incessantly talking as she gave instructions to the auto-driver.
She: "Juhu Galli" to the auto-driver
Me: "Is that where you cousin lives?"
She: "Yeha!"
Me: "Dude! That’s where my place in Mumbai is. I grew up there." Unable to contain the suspense, I ask, "Where in Juhu Galli does your cuz live?"
She: "Gulshan"
Long silence followed by a drawn breath. Words cannot replace my reaction.
She: "You are kidding me!"
Me: "Nope. That’s where I grew up. What is the flat number?"
She: "They live in B"
Me: Bigger gasp
She: "OMG!"
Once she reaches the building I get her to stand in front of the name board and locate my flat. I can’t sit still. SHE is there, and I am not! L
Frantic! Panic! Joy! All confused. Too excited.
I ask her if the old neighbours I played and grew up with are still about. Obviously, she doesn’t know, but does her best to pacify my excited.
Weee! I want to go to B’bay.
Now! Now! Now!

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