TRIP TO PUNE

I always had this faint realization that whenever I pre-plan things, they never tend to materialize but on the other hand if I take any impromptu decision, it always turns out to be great. This is precisely what this trip to Pune has proved to be.

Swapnil, now based in US is an ex-colleague. A few days back, he returned to India to get married (seems more than half of the Indian populace working in US are currently getting married in India ;) ). How can a marriage be consummated without a bachelor's party? So this dear friend of ours planned his bachelor's party in Pune (he is from there) for his ex-colleagues.

Thus 24th Dec, was decided very well in advance to be the date. I was eagerly looking forward to this party. But the inevitable had to happen. My infamous stomach bug struck again Sunday, 21st Dec. Doctor adviced a complete boycott of outside food. In addition to this, I was not feeling confident enough to travel 4 hours to reach Pune, fearing about the number of sojourns I might have to take to the loo on the way causing inconvenience to my fellow travellers. So with a very heavy heart I had to take this decision of not going to Pune.

But when on the 24th, my fellow colleagues were about to leave for Pune, I felt a deep urge to go as well as I knew this opportunity to be with Swapnil & others wouldn't come again. They were about leave the office building, when at 5.55 pm I finally took this impulsive decision of going to Pune & think about my stomach problems later. I am glad I did that.

So now finally our merry trip to Pune began at 6 pm. We were ten of us, packed in a Zen & a Santro. The traffic from Goregaon-to-Powai-to-Airoli was crawling. But after we reached the Pune express highway, the travel seemed so exhilarating. I was travelling in the Zen & it seemed that the car was flying when we reached about 140 kmph. Simply superb..

We reached Vir Da Dhaba in Pune at about 11 pm. All of us hugged Swapnil, for we were meeting him after about 9-10 months. Drinks started flowing ...starters arrived & the Bachelor's Party transformed into a Booze Party... how I wish I am able to witness the type of Bachelor's Party that they show in the movies.. ;)

The Dhaba had to close at 12.. we collected all the things that would be required for the long night ahead & headed to Swapnil's abode. The entire night was spent in drinking, wild singing, ragging, playing cards & more importantly office gossip. Some of us were in a zone of their own & they also managed to do a WAQAR. For those who don't have any idea of WAQAR is, its basically when you puke after drinking, the sound that resonates from the process is what its all about. :) The night ultimately ended as early as 6 am on the 25th. Merry Christmas !!!

All of us, somewhow managed to gather ourselves by about noon & then finally started our return journey at about 2. Finally I reached home at exactly 6 pm.These 24 hours have been great, a totally unforgettable experience.

And last but not the least, I have not seen a more gracious host than Swapnil. He gave each one of us his personal attention & saw to it that we were well taken care of. I wish him all the best for his married life & may his breed increase. :)

And finally, a resolution: I am looking forward to making some more impromptu decisions going ahead which would end in such great experiences as this trip.