The Year that Was.-:)

Then(when?..sometime ago)- There was still the odd dream that college would include racing about in an open car with the wind rushing past you... (sheesh. bollywood i tell you!)

Now- The wind whips the shivering body in the auto as an attempt is made to reach home post-sleepover the night before... (almost true)

Then- There was the idea that one would know what to do after Bachelors.

Now- We laugh at the dreams of ignorant children.

Then- Romance was a possibility lurking around the corner

Now- We laugh some more, roll over and play dead. (wuff?...*nudge*)

Then- Booze, bonfire and boys, all together on the windy terrace of a pals house sounded like the 'coolest' things. (chortles)

Now- The bonfire flickers and dies out, the booze is ignored for the diet-pepsi and the boys... boys just matter not. (really)

Then- Walcott sounded like an easy poet to study

Now- Those lectures gone by enjoy my heartfelt respect.

Then- College, *sigh* college sounded like a world unknown.. unexplored in its full potential.

Now- Now, i know... i know that it was AS magical as it had seemed from a distance.

Cheers i say, cheers to those 300 cups of cold-coffee, 216 mini-cups of hot soup, 59 hours of waiting for the 2-minute maggie to be cooked...

Cheers to the many days we slept with friends, those 10 paise phone calls till 3... the joy of just lazing in the field while moss sprouted around our discarded bags..

Cheers to the grass that stuck to our sweaters... to the cold water for which we longed (and swati refused to give)

Cheers to the time we all spent together... there was really nothing quite like it.
2008... an introduction was made by you to So many people...yet, what 7 stuck around?
But for those 7..or maybe 9... i thankyou. i thankyou so very much.

For they will last, long after I've left that grassy patch...shrugged off 80% of dry twigs clinging on...walked away from activities most loved... They will last long after the bhel-puri wale bhaiya' been crossed... the overpriced Mithas strolled past... the odd directions to our new 'home' have been taken...
for they won't follow...or tag my steps... but four winters down...when im drinking soup and thinking of today....all that'll be needed is the speed dial, to find the people i seek. They will last and that is why i thank you. again. :)

Ps- the picture, the bonfire that was. :)