Rediscovering Nikki...

“How come you are a Christian and don’t have hard drinks?”

A senior team mate declared in the midst of several other guys. This caused another round of loud laughter followed by cheers.  I tell you these appraisal parties are a very tricky. Especially if you are youngest.  The situation gets even more awkward when you were never programmed to consume alcohol.  Worst part was neither I belong to this situation nor was I dressed accordingly. Where all of them were in here chic party outfit I dragged myself in brown cargo and black tee.

With so many questions and no answer it was getting embarrassing with every passing minute. I gave a toilet excuse and quickly got away from my team mates who were having a gala time.  Raghuleela mall in Vashi has a one of kind structure. Especially the conically curved iron framed structure of it roof without a central support is splendid. One could spend hours trying to figure out how it was build. That some-one was me that day. Until…..

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“oh my god!!!!” a girl scremed from behind. I didn’t give emphasis to it as the place is always buzzing with college kids. And for them it’s a very common antique. Until……

Someone pulled my shoulder from back, now that a very uncommon thing for me.

“You bloody Mr. Artist… attitude dikhane ki adat abhi bhi nahi gayi teri” a girl was shouting on my face.

“Excuse me????” I replied curiously.

I started the elimination process in my mind. It was my department guys in college that called me Mr. Artist. But I wondered who is this lady and how did she know it. And then it just clicked.

“saali besan khichadi!!!!” was what came out of my mouth when I realize that she was nikki. The only Sindhi friend that I had in college. We never really talked to each other until we attended a workshop together in 7^thsem.

“What brings you here?” I asked.

“Choti ki birthday party…. And you?” she asked.

“Same pinch… office appraisal party” I answered.

“Oh ho… daru sharu… ladka bada ho gaya.” she giggled

“You have totally changed” I said. And the smile on her face increased by at least an inch.

“Lekin you haven’t changed, still hanging around in your cargo pants and white shoes” she added.

“Well bad habits don’t leave you easily… isn’t it?” .

“And by the way… saali when did I showed you attitude re….?” I inquired.

“Anyways leave it… how do I look?” she asked me out of nowhere.

For a guy like me it a very unexpected question because not many girls take their fashion tips from me. My own dressing sense is completely screwed up. She was wearing a very bright looking one piece. It was white in color, knee length and sleeveless.

“Where did you get such an outfit? It’s…..it’s good.” I modestly replied.

“Just while going around” she said while jumping forward. And she was even more happy and proud while doing so.

“Anyways white is my favorite color, so anything in white is good for me” I replied.

“Be maal ho gayi hu…. Voh toh dekh” she said while laughing.

Honestly I didn’t even notice until she mentioned it.  And yes she was actually looking very beautiful in that dress. It was hard to believe that a girl who missed her final year departmental forum just because she had to dry chilies in the sun would be wearing a one piece some day.

“Sahi boli… chava lag rahi hai” I answered with a loud laughter.

Both of us were really happy to see each other, but it felt she was a bit happier than me. We walked around the mall talking about the entire thing. But one thing was very clear; she was carrying herself in that dress amazingly. She was flawless in her walk and genuinely easy. 

It was followed by hour long chitchat about all the stupid things of college and work. I never thought even I would go around walking in mall with a lady in such a beautiful dress. The best part was neither she was feeling uncomfortable nor was I feeling awkward. In this hour I realized ki saali bilkul nahi badli hai.  

“I hate to say this but I have to take your leave now” I said

“Yar ladki mai hu aur ghar jane ki baat tu kar raha hai” she said sarcastically.

“I have a 7 am office madam” I replied. She was somewhat disappointed with my willingness to go.

I started to walk towards the escalator as she stood back for the party to get over.

“Oye sunn…” she shouted. And I turned back.

“By the way you are looking very handsome” which made me halt my decent and I turned back to look at her. And yes she looked even more beautiful and graceful now. Dark straight black hair, shining black eyes, very fair and glowing face and that amazing white dress. It was sight of an angel.

“You know..you are only the second girl till date that has asked me HOW DO I LOOK question” I shouted back.

“Oh ho thank you Mr Handsome” she replied me.

“And only the second person to call me HANDSOME… as well” I said with the same tone.

“I am very sure I won’t be the last one” she replied me with a wink.

Which brought a shy smile on my face and as I tried walking again she shouted from behind again.

“By the way who is the first person?” she inquired taking a few steps towards the escalator.

“Your black nail polish doesn’t go well with this white dress……..and she’s no longer a IS ….she’s a WAS now”. I replied her back with a wink. 

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(Later that night I pinged her on whatsapp.)

Iggy:- I am glad that I came out of that stupid party (And she replied)

Niki: So was I…..

Dedicated to all rediscovered lost relationships.

feedback and comments are welcomed.