Happy Birthday Madhu

It was around 7 pm of December 8th. Tired and exhausted of my usual hectic schedule, I decided to go for a stroll so that I could rejuvenate my drooping spirits. P'haps going for a walk would clear my thoughts and lift the pall of gloom-- I thought to myself. The sky was sombre and starless. But no sooner did the cool breeze started to hit my face, than I felt pretty refreshed. An aura of undefined happiness ascended. I was feeling refreshed (for no particular reason). Tring tring!! my phone began to ring. It was "Madhu". Holy Christ! I scolded myself a dozen times as soon as I saw the display name. How the hell did I forget to wish her? After all, it was her birthday today- and that too, the happy one.

Extremely sorry folks, for not to have introduced you all to my sweet friend Madhu. Well, she is a very close friend of mine. Having known her for about seven years from now, I could say that the word "close" would be an understatement. All along these years, we have been friends through thick and thin (touch wood). Simple she is, unmasked, but a subtle persona, capable enough to win your trust- loves spinning yarns and telling stories (read- "garrulous" at times). Sometimes, her mood vacillates between mania and depression (which of course, is very rare). It is then, when she has a penchant for reclusion and is left with no other option rather to face the yawning boredom of solitary confinement. I do not remember any instance, when I have seen her losing her self-esteem.In short, she is a woman of virtue and high moral standards. She wont give it a second thought to reprimand you for your misconduct (if any); on the contrary, she will stand beside you even at the times of adversity when everyone on your side has left you alone. Thats "Madhu". (I guess- by now, you would be having a clear picture of her persona). Sorry folks, we deviated from the main topic.

Oh yes! I got a call from Madhu.

Before I could check whether my larynx wasn't affected because of the change in weather- I was interrupted by her voice. "Hi Romi, not to mention- as I have my birthday today (which obviously, you have forgotten), I have a small get-together at my place."

She promptly reeled off a list of programs and read out the list of her friends and colleagues whom she had invited. "All evocative impressionable stuff- don't ask for more meaning"- she retorted.

I had no option left than to say yes.

"Good, see you in 30 minutes. Bye"- She hung up the call.

Not happening Romi- I told to myself. I wasn't happy- certainly not. It wasn't because I did not like to be with Madhu on her birthday- not at all. It was solely because, I was the only guy in the flock of ladies, whom Madhu had invited. 'I would be taken as a lunatic- a turkey. (Thanks to the inept capability of being friendly with unknown females). Its depressing stuff man! Totally uncool!"- I thought to myself.

Few minutes later, I was at her doorsteps. Believe me readers- I kid you not- it was a surrealistic setting to say the least. A more perfect backdrop wouldn't have been possible. Wanted to thank the impresario for this stupendous decoration (was still in my thoughts)- I was interrupted by a young lady, dressed in an immaculate maroon salwar-kameez- looking as fresh as ever. She was looking straight into my eyes and had a refreshing smile on her face. Oh Jesus! it was Madhu@her best- the birthday girl. I wished her and handed over the bouquet that I had brought for her.

"Please come in. Let me introduce you to my friends"- she said.The anxiety and the happiness in her tone could easily be sensed.

Upon entering her drawing room, I felt like a complete alien. There were women all around, all  donned in maroon, which was decided to be their dress-code (except the one- who was in black). The aura of feminine perfumes was a delight to my olfactory receptors. (Well, jokes aside for a while). Slow music being played at the background, smell of delicacies at the kitchen, a bunch of good-looking ladies all around- some cosily resting on each other... everything seemed to be be good till, within a few seconds, I noticed that everyone was staring at me. Madhu asked me to be comfortable and showed me the place where I could sit.

For a moment, I thought as if Mr.Shahid Kapoor might have felt when he was made to sing at Kareena's engagement ceremony in the movie Jab We Met. (sorry, can't think of any comparison at this moment)

"Anyways, enough is enough"- I thought to myself. "Common man, you are a stud, a dude, a champ. Its no big deal speaking with unknown ladies. I ain't gynophobic- am I?- I reconciled myself. 

In no time, I found myself out of the cocoon of shyness and was feeling lively and energetic. (From where did I get the energy to mingle with those ladies will always remain a conundrum to me!)

To begin with, there was a girl of slim stature- dusky in complexion, but seemed to be bindaas and fun-loving.  Her name was "Rolly". She was pretty bubbly and I kinda liked the way she interacted with me. "So Rolly, you are like so happy-go-lucky, full of zest and humour- do you ever think that you did something which you shouldn't have done at this age"- I asked with a tone to test her wit. "Oh yes! several times indeed- there are numerous instances of my gauche conduct, impetuous decisions and stuff like that. But frankly speaking- who needs wisdom at early 20s? I've been a risk taker.In fact, what I believe, a certain level of recklessness is essential in life- how dull and monotonous would it be otherwise?"- she replied with a natural smile on her face.

I was flabbergasted at her reply. She was bold and confident- and moreover, she knew what she was doing. Upon further chit-o-chat with her, I came to know that she enjoyed the company of enthusiastic people- people who were like her- who lived life up to the hilt. Good one Rolly, I said to myself.

Oh God! how did I miss her? A few yards from me, there she was, sitting still like a rubber doll. She seemed to be a very good observer- as if she was silently making an observation of my verbal and non-verbal skills. "Tipi" was her name. To give a bit of my mind, I'ld confess that she was a poetic delight- tons of lines could be written in praise of her beauty. She exuded a blissful air of serenity. She had sharp, hazel eyes coupled with long, flying, luxuriant hair and a whiff of perfume she had worn, added to her charisma. In a nut-shell, she was a girl of pleasant disposition. Very often, Madhu used to give me a detailed explanation of  her proximity with Tipi- she used to make use of all superlatives describing her possessiveness, her emotional factor and stuff like that. I liked her company (although it was for a short duration though)

By the time, I was having some conversation with Tipi, there was a girl- quite noticeable to be unnoticed- who was standing besides Tipi and listening to us. She seemed to be pretty friendly with everybody. She too, had a cheerful body-language to add to her curly hair and slim-built. Her name was "Indu". She was one of Madhu's   room-mates. There were other girls too- including Nupur, Usha and Dipti- with whom I interacted. Everyone was having a blast- smiling, laughing, pulling each other's legs- and having great fun. A few minutes later, someone played the latest Bollywood dance numbers, and soon- I could see, everyone setting the room on fire by their gyrating moves. It was a visual delight to see a couple of these folks dancing with smiles on their faces. They pulled Madhu onto the group and made her dance. I had never seen Madhu dance- never ever imagined to see her dancing. Happy she was, laughing, giggling, like a child- her face suggested that she was really thrilled and was enjoying it full-throttle.

Few minutes after, I wished Madhu and all her friends a good bye and took an exit. On my way back, I was filled with an ineffable sense of happiness and satisfaction. It was a great day indeed and guess what- it will remain evergreen, ever-faded, untarnished down the memory lane of my life.........