My 'Malgudi Days'

I always thought that TGIF was an overrated phrase, but since last couple of weeks, I have known the ‘emotional importance’ of that term.

After another hectic day (& week & month), I returned to my casa…to say, the moment I entered was blissful, would be an understatement. Thanks to Facebook, I got the news of our Little Master’s century of century, so watched his video. I still remember his first game against Pakistan. He was only 16 in 1989…and I was 11!!

Those were the days of Ek…Do…Teen and One Two ka Four. Those were the days of Hero Rangers and BSA-SLR bicycles. Those were the days of lying at home to playing cricket, at every nook and corner of the street and any available open space. Those were the days of sitting with friends and discussing the strategies for the Indian Cricket team. Those were the days of ‘trusting’ your friends to ‘lie’ for you in school & tuition for the ‘sick’ days. Those were the days of doing your homework from Guide books & Digests, which were frowned upon by both teachers and parents. Those were the days of riding triples and friples (quadruples) on a Bajaj Chetak, Luna and Sunny. Those were the days of ‘not’ riding the bicycles when entering the school premises, but walk along with it. Those were the days of skipping the school/tuition to go to watch a movie with loose change (coins). Those were the days of your ‘first’ love. Those were the days of (excuse my language) ‘Maal’ & ‘Dao’. Those were the days of tagging along with a friend for hours, just so that he could have a glimpse of his ‘soul mate’.  Those were the days of taking a friend along to talk to a girl. Those were the days of going to the Convent & Rosary fun fare in the best possible wardrobe. Those were the days of exchanging the audio tapes of the latest Bollywood chartbusters with friends & neighbors. Those were the days of the family trips to Ajwa Nimeta. Those were the days of celebrating a friend’s birthday in Kamati baug.

Those were the days of unintentional friendships. Those were the days of innocent eyes dreaming to win the world over. Those were the days…Those were the days…

Pal, Rahe Ya Na Rahe Kaal…Kaal yaad Aayege ye Pal!!