EK AJNABI HASEENA SE, YUNHI MULAQAAT HO GAYEE, FIR KIYA HUA? YEH NA PUCHO......

After the initial shock,I realised within seconds,that I had tucked in a major portion of my money in a hidden pocket in my underwear.Oh my god!Really you are there to help a person in trouble.In situations like this,we feel your presence more.Thereafter ,the bus journey to Vasco was beautiful.Through goan country side,villages,beautiful and colourful bunglows,Churches and crossing the river in a ferry,which can carry a bus also.Local folks,beautiful girls,liquior shops,bars,local markets,each of them gives a specific character to this place.It does not seems to be india but a foreign land.

Praveen was supposed to wait for me in Hotel Rodrigues.It is on the main road just before the Vasco city.Praveen has taken leave for me.I got down and as I entered the hotel lobby,I saw Praveen at the reception.It was a feeling I can not describe.We rushed at  each other,with open arms to hug heavily.Afterall,we were meeting after two months.The closeness we developed during our training period was no less than like a family member,though we belong to different areas of India. Praveen said-Boss,it feels so good to see you again.I nodded and said-You have become a little  thin.Praveen laughed and said-good for me.

We reached Praveen's apartment in his mobike.It was small but compact.I suddenly felt tired.We had a light lunch and I took a long nap.I woke up as Praveen was shaking and calling me.He was saying -Beta,you have come here to sleep only or what?Get up.-We got ready and started for the city.The Vasco city is like small town.It consists of two main road crossing each other.We roamed around and then settled for a bar.In Goa,if you throw a pebble,it will either hit a Church or a bar/wine shop.We ordered Fenny-a local drink.it was strong.I remarked -The stuff is good , just like local beauties.Praveen gave a laugh and said- Boss,tomorrow we will go to my office,I want to show you something.I have so much to tell you.-Why not now?- I asked.-No, first you visit my office-He was adament.

Next day,we went to his office.It was very nice, at fourth floor,with a glass wall on one side, overlooking Murmagao Harbour.Most of the employees are ladies.I was taking a look around,suddenly I saw her walking in.She was stunning-in a light blue top and blue denim,she looked like a movie star or a model.I felt a tap on my shoulder.Praveen said-Bachchu,got floored?I wanted to show her to you.How is she?Can't explain but who is she?-I  asked.She is working with me.Her name is Nidhi.Nidhi Kamath.-said Praveen.Can I  exchange my office with you?-I asked.Praveen laughed and said-No way,darling.come ,let me introduce you to her.

Nidhi!Meet my friend and batchmate,Siddharth-Sidd,as we call him.He is in our Aurangabad office.Nidhi gave a flashing smile and shook my hand.As long as we were talking I observed Praveen's face.It was radiantly glowing.

Later,we were discussing only her.It was very difficult to take her out of our mind.During lunch time, Praveen confessed that he has fallen for her but yet to propose  her.I asked-what was   her response to you.I think she likes me-He said.Then propose her-I said.I didnot have the guts to do that.Now ,since you are here,I can risk it.If I  fail,you will be there to console me.-He said.I  thought silently-Oh god!My current luck, you know-It should not pass on to Praveen.Praveen asked-Why are you so silent?Tomorrow, we have a holiday for Chrismas eve.I am planning to get a car and visit Benaulim beach.I want to ask her to accompany us.What do you say?I remarked-Fine,fine,it will be a pleasure.

It all went on as planned .She readily agreed to accompany us.Next morning,we started for Benaulim.It is one of the most wonderful beach of south Goa-remote,less crowded.On the way we picked her up from her home in Margao.She was as sweet a person as she looked.The whole day went on in fun,gossip and frolic.The beach was beautiful,like a half moon,with two hillocks at both end.We drove hired mobikes on the beach on the sand.Had wonderful rawa fried Squids washed down with beer,in nearby shack hotels.Suddenly, I could not find them.I  was searching for them everywhere,when  suddenly I saw both of them walking hand in hand,at far, on the sand.I was about to call them but I thought otherwise.

It was the hour of Sunset with a crimson sky.The water of the sea was glistening like orange crystals and the roar of the waves was breaking the silence.At a distance,in some fishermen's cove,some local songs are being sung.A tune very known,which I  recognised latter.It was the song -Na maangu sona chaandi-From the film Bobby,but being sung in konkani.

Latter,at Martin' s Corner,in the midst of diners, a  live Band was singing beautiful Chrismas songs,when I saw love was blooming fully.Sometimes, it is the atmosphere and surroundings, that brings love to you.It complements your mood and mind.

I suddenly felt alone---I also wished if I could have  had someone at that moment, touching my hand and looking at my eyes...sitting beside me.... near the sea.....

Well, Santa did not have any gift for me.

[CONCLUDED]

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