A Good day!
* A short story
Gaurav returned from the matinee movie show. It was
nothing different from a usual light hearted bollywood movie, but had a feel
good factor to it. It was his routine - a movie on Sunday evening with friends.
But every time he returned from the movie, it reminded him of having to go for
work next morning. According to him, whoever said “Pick something you love to
do and you will never feel like you are working” has never worked in their
life. He slept off reading ‘The Namesake’, a book recommended by his girlfriend
Priya.
After the morning cup of tea, he rushed to the
station picking up the day’s paper on the way. By now, the ‘paper wala’ knows
his preference and sets it aside so as to waste not even a second. The station
was not crowded by Bombay standards. Although back home, it will take the whole
of his village to crowd the platforms as much. Braving an uncle and his gang of
friends, he managed to hop on to the second door of the first class compartment
of his usual 8:40 local.
Shekhar was waiting for him. “Hey check out this new
song.” Shekhar is as crazy for music as Gaurav is of books. That’s why ‘Landmark’
eats up a large chunk of both their salary. He tried to talk about the Teach
India initiative launched by a leading daily. But Shekhar never cared of any
such things. It was a very novel idea which implored the youth to take up
teaching for the under privileged. He wanted to be associated with this cause.
But when he enquired, it became clear that it will clash with his weekend
movies and workout sessions. He couldn’t cancel any of them.
Priya boarded after 15 minutes. He always wonders
how she stays as beautiful and perfect in spite of the crowd at the station. He
loses all the freshness the moment he sets foot in the station. As usual, she
was all smiles and cheer. She is the one who makes his days come alive, today
and every day. The train started moving and she said “Gaurav, Listen Listen”.
She gave one end of the headphone to him. It was the song of the first film
they went together. It brought a smile on his face.
The TTE came in at Kurla station. Gaurav has no
respect for people who travel without ticket. How rich will a person get out of
saving a ticket’s worth! It is not just about money. It is about principles.
The TTE asked him for ticket. He took out his wallet and showed. His is a
season ticket. TTE stared at him. “Your ticket is invalid. The last date was
yesterday.” The passengers started staring at him. “Sir, here is the ticket”,
said Shekhar. “I knew you will forget! I reminded you after the movie also
yesterday. Thank me at the Mc Donald’s today evening!” He let out a sigh of
relief. Before he could say anything, Priya took over “Ohhhh that’s so sweet of
you Shekhar”. Shekhar was always like this. In his own words, “A Just In Time
friend.”
He did not speak much that day although Priya and
Shekhar were busy with their office politics. Yes, they both were colleagues.
All of them got down at VT station (CST these days, but he liked to call it VT
just like he called the city Bombay and not Mumbai).
Was he a little late to reach office? No, it’s still
10 minutes to 9. But everyone has already reached and has started working. He
looked at the corner cabin. The boss is IN. That’s why the silence. Uma is his
cubicle mate in office. They are good friends so far, thanks to not being
allotted the same project yet. He has heard she is a bit tough to work with.
But as far as he knows, she is a good friend. After the routine work, he was
about to do some prep for the upcoming project. He badly wanted to be
associated with that project. It is then that Uma called, “Motu….”. That meant
she has brought something from home. He turned 180 degrees, all smiles and
asked “What have u brought today?” “Roshgullaaa” Uma declared in her
unadulterated Bengali. Those were his favorite. He couldn’t thank Uma enough.
It was then that Boss called him to the cabin. It
was a monologue like always. “Gaurav, I came to know that you are interested in
the upcoming project. I have been hearing some good things about you from your
peers. You will be working with Mr.Swaminathan’s team for the new project. Keep
up the good work. That will be all”. Gaurav
had a wide grin on his face.
After office, he headed to McD for the treat he
promised to Shekhar. As he was beginning to dip the French fries in the sauce,
he heard “Pandu!!” Secretly wishing Shekhar and Priya didn’t hear that name, he
turned and saw Ani, his college friend. They were roommates in UG hostel. Both
of them hugged each other. It had been a long time. He was extremely happy to
have met Ani. He asked Ani to join at their table. They caught up on the good
old days. They cracked up over college jokes, some he wished Shekhar and
especially Priya did not hear.
All three of them got in to their usual 7.45 local
from the last platform. Meeting up old friends is always fun. Isn’t it? Gaurav
asked. “Yes Pandu!!!” Priya and Shekhar said in chorus. He couldn’t hide his
smile.
The train started moving and someone played an old
song which made Gaurav nostalgic. He held Priya’s hands. “So Mr.Pandu, did you
send the money order for your secret good – hearted work?” Asked Priya. It was then
that Gaurav realized he forgot to send the money for Diya’s tuition, a girl
whose education he was sponsoring. “How did you come to know about that, Priya?”
“Hello, thank me first. Saw the post it on your table yesterday before we left
for the movie. So on the way, I did it and you are welcome!” chirped away Priya.
“Thank you so much shona”. “Yea, go and
try the Bengali on your Uma!” Priya said playfully. Gaurav felt lucky to have Priya
in his life.
Gaurav opened his door and switched on the TV. After
changing in to a t shirt and shorts, he plunged in to the bean bag. There was
some TV show on air and the anchor said “It is the smaller things in Life which
need to be celebrated. It is the little blessings that make your life worth it.
If someone made you smile today, be thankful. If someone took care of you today,
be thankful. Be thankful that you had a Good day”. Gaurav could feel his smile
reaching his eyes and said “I am thankful for today :) :) ”.
Arun Babu.
