The countdown to 2008 had begun right from December 30, 2007. There was no end to excitement. Be it conversations, arguments or mere discussions; means to celebrate the New Year occupied a prime position in every other thing. I have never been fascinated with the entire concept of ushering in the New Year. For me, it is the excitement of unveiling the new calendar. Earlier I was the first to receive a copy of the year’s first calendar. Now the expectations are scarce. I don’t even expect a diary to come my way. Thanks to my Mom who manages to get one for me.
My friends asked me, “What’s your New Year Resolution?” I replied, “None”. Then they inquired, “What’s the plan tonight?” I replied, “None”. I was not interested in divulging my plans as I held it too personal. But quite selfishly I took keen interest in eavesdropping about what others were planning for 31st night.
After having left office a little early I eagerly anticipated boarding a vacant train. To my surprise, the trains were running behind schedule and were packed to the core. Reasons cited for the delay and overcrowding was a derailment which occurred in the morning. Accepting the fact so closely witnessed in the morning, I managed to cut through the crowd and was smartly pushed towards the window which separates the ladies first class from the compartment flooded by men. Though people deny not fancying to this lucky spot, I frankly say 98% of them lie. There is immense curiosity to stick to that place. I too stuck there without a sign of apprehension on my face and without any guilt in my heart. In my hand, I held the latest issue of ‘The Sunday Indian’ which showcased the year 2007. On other days I listen to a bunch of songs stored in my Sony Ericsson W700i but today I chose to shun the melodious songs. I stood there near the window which is also regarded the video coach in many of the suburban locals. The entire compartment was abuzz with conversations and plans to usher in the New Year. After having left Byculla, the train’s next halt was at Dadar. Just like their mighty male counterparts, females rushed into their first class compartment; screaming, yelling and arguing for a better place. Amongst them a young female managed to occupy the position bang opposite the window I was standing and looking at the hara-kiri. Without paying any heed to what was going around she fished out her mobile and started speaking. The first line she spoke in Marathi was, “Kuthe Aahes Tu?” (Where are you?). On learning the destination of the person on the other hand, she said, “You should have boarded the same local. You have to understand that I have told my parents that I am going to a friend’s place for some work. They aren’t aware about my plans of spending the night at a resort located in Karjat. Do one thing; make it a point to board this same local from Kalyan where you had your meeting.”
I had never come across souls so desperate to usher in the New Year with such excitement. I just wished secretly that the female stays safe tonight and returns home safely to her parents the other day. Luckily her conversation lasted only for 7 minutes.
The train slowly reached Kurla. A very loudly dressed lady boarded the train. Looking at the way she boarded the first class compartment, she sent out loud signals that she wasn’t a frequenter. After 10 minutes her phone rang. She answered the call in broken Hindi with a heavy Bengali accent. The first lines she spoke were – “Abhi bola gadi Thane mein layega. Aur abhi bolta hai ki rickshaw se aao” (You just said that you will be bringing the vehicle to Thane. And now you say that I have to come by rickshaw). Then she continued that she will not be charging a penny less for services that would be sought from her. She repeatedly inquired about at least three hotels which are located on the Ghodbunder road in Thane. That confirmed my doubts that she was a prostitute who had been paid the advance to entertain some unknown guests during the New Year eve. After disconnecting she dialled some more numbers and spoke in fluent Bengali. She said, “Ora bolche aro teente aurat lagbe” (They need three more women). Bangladeshis always make it a point to include Hindi words in their otherwise Bengali conversations. Then she disconnected saying, “Thik ache kalke ashey commission diye debo” (Ok! I will give you your commission on my return tomorrow).
The unpleasant conversations made it apparent that she was on her way to entertain some clients and had already arranged for some more girls to extend an olive branch to some pleasant guests. It was interesting to know that people still find it so interesting to experiment when India is already showing early signs of being a nation highly susceptible to the spread of HIV/AIDS virus.
With every New Years Eve we are exposed to a new evil in the society. This year I discovered them in these two females. One female was making herself available at a cost while the other was falling prey to the intentions of a friend she might have known for long. What needs to be understood that what might have happened to both of them on the other day? As far as the prostitute is concerned she might have walked back with loads of money and gifts in her kitty. But what about the pretty female who was over excited to spend the night out with her male friend, fiancé, acquaintance, office colleague or a blind date???
Curious and concerned I stayed awake till 1 a.m. to welcome 2008. Being a holiday I spent the entire day doing other household chores and on January 2, I am back to work but still the thought revolving around both the females are lingering in my mind. What a beginning to 2008?
I expect others also to think with me..........................
My friends asked me, “What’s your New Year Resolution?” I replied, “None”. Then they inquired, “What’s the plan tonight?” I replied, “None”. I was not interested in divulging my plans as I held it too personal. But quite selfishly I took keen interest in eavesdropping about what others were planning for 31st night.
After having left office a little early I eagerly anticipated boarding a vacant train. To my surprise, the trains were running behind schedule and were packed to the core. Reasons cited for the delay and overcrowding was a derailment which occurred in the morning. Accepting the fact so closely witnessed in the morning, I managed to cut through the crowd and was smartly pushed towards the window which separates the ladies first class from the compartment flooded by men. Though people deny not fancying to this lucky spot, I frankly say 98% of them lie. There is immense curiosity to stick to that place. I too stuck there without a sign of apprehension on my face and without any guilt in my heart. In my hand, I held the latest issue of ‘The Sunday Indian’ which showcased the year 2007. On other days I listen to a bunch of songs stored in my Sony Ericsson W700i but today I chose to shun the melodious songs. I stood there near the window which is also regarded the video coach in many of the suburban locals. The entire compartment was abuzz with conversations and plans to usher in the New Year. After having left Byculla, the train’s next halt was at Dadar. Just like their mighty male counterparts, females rushed into their first class compartment; screaming, yelling and arguing for a better place. Amongst them a young female managed to occupy the position bang opposite the window I was standing and looking at the hara-kiri. Without paying any heed to what was going around she fished out her mobile and started speaking. The first line she spoke in Marathi was, “Kuthe Aahes Tu?” (Where are you?). On learning the destination of the person on the other hand, she said, “You should have boarded the same local. You have to understand that I have told my parents that I am going to a friend’s place for some work. They aren’t aware about my plans of spending the night at a resort located in Karjat. Do one thing; make it a point to board this same local from Kalyan where you had your meeting.”
I had never come across souls so desperate to usher in the New Year with such excitement. I just wished secretly that the female stays safe tonight and returns home safely to her parents the other day. Luckily her conversation lasted only for 7 minutes.
The train slowly reached Kurla. A very loudly dressed lady boarded the train. Looking at the way she boarded the first class compartment, she sent out loud signals that she wasn’t a frequenter. After 10 minutes her phone rang. She answered the call in broken Hindi with a heavy Bengali accent. The first lines she spoke were – “Abhi bola gadi Thane mein layega. Aur abhi bolta hai ki rickshaw se aao” (You just said that you will be bringing the vehicle to Thane. And now you say that I have to come by rickshaw). Then she continued that she will not be charging a penny less for services that would be sought from her. She repeatedly inquired about at least three hotels which are located on the Ghodbunder road in Thane. That confirmed my doubts that she was a prostitute who had been paid the advance to entertain some unknown guests during the New Year eve. After disconnecting she dialled some more numbers and spoke in fluent Bengali. She said, “Ora bolche aro teente aurat lagbe” (They need three more women). Bangladeshis always make it a point to include Hindi words in their otherwise Bengali conversations. Then she disconnected saying, “Thik ache kalke ashey commission diye debo” (Ok! I will give you your commission on my return tomorrow).
The unpleasant conversations made it apparent that she was on her way to entertain some clients and had already arranged for some more girls to extend an olive branch to some pleasant guests. It was interesting to know that people still find it so interesting to experiment when India is already showing early signs of being a nation highly susceptible to the spread of HIV/AIDS virus.
With every New Years Eve we are exposed to a new evil in the society. This year I discovered them in these two females. One female was making herself available at a cost while the other was falling prey to the intentions of a friend she might have known for long. What needs to be understood that what might have happened to both of them on the other day? As far as the prostitute is concerned she might have walked back with loads of money and gifts in her kitty. But what about the pretty female who was over excited to spend the night out with her male friend, fiancé, acquaintance, office colleague or a blind date???
Curious and concerned I stayed awake till 1 a.m. to welcome 2008. Being a holiday I spent the entire day doing other household chores and on January 2, I am back to work but still the thought revolving around both the females are lingering in my mind. What a beginning to 2008?
I expect others also to think with me..........................
Any ways, wishing you all A Happy New Year and announcing my comeback on the blog circuit.
Expect more such practical and very real stories to come your way.
Vociferous
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