'Kumud...Kumud...Your dad just called up to say that the first list of colleges is out,' Kumud's mom screamed from the kitchen.
Kumud was addicted to her BlackBerry Messenger and was busy chatting with her friends in her bedroom.
'Kumud...Keep your phone aside. Your BBM is not going to help you secure admission anywhere. You need a degree in BMM, not BBM. Stop that right away and check the list on the website,' she continued screaming.
Realizing her mom was not going to stop till she succeeds in stopping her, she kept her phone aside. She looked irritated at having been asked to stop chatting since she was expecting a confirmation message from one of her friends for a late night house party. She turned on the monitor and logged on to the website. Simultaneously, she opened a separate tab for Facebook.
Born and brought in Gujarat, Kumud was the only child of her parents. They were Desai's and her parents saw to it that she was thoroughly pampered. She was extremely beautiful, so much so that no one could ever get tired of looking at her. She was as picturesque as a sunset on the ocean shore. Her eyes twinkled and glittered, her lips were luscious and glossy, and they had the power to mesmerize anyone. Her smile was enough to lighten up the whole of Gujarat. She was like a hot summer's day which could make one sweat. She was not a fashion freak, but knew how to carry herself gracefully. Not only did she possess looks to die for, she also had equally sharp brains which made her an instant hit wherever she went. She was one of the toppers of her college and had aimed to do her graduation from the dream city - Mumbai.
It was decision day for her. She entered her application number and closed her eyes for a minute, praying for the best.
Nielsen College, Mumbai
Kumud shouted in happiness so loudly that her mother came running from the kitchen.
Yay mom, I made it,' shouted Kumud jumping on her bed.
Her mom gave her a tight hug and went to share the news with her father over the phone. After a long discussion with her parents, it was decided that Kumud would soon fly to Mumbai and take up admission in Nielsen College. Kumud's dream was finally coming ture and they decided to call for a short family get-together as a success and farewell party for Kumud.
Relatives and friends gathered at their house the following evening for mocktails and diner. Kumud wanted the party to get over soon because she had to join her friends for another party. Kumud's dad was busy chatting with his friend Mr. Shah about accommodation options for his daughter when Mr. Shah suggested Kumud could stay with his own daughter who was working in Mumbai.
Don't worry. They say good people and opportunities meet when they are supposed to. As you know, my daughter Kusum is also working in Mumbai. It just so happens that even Kusum is looking for someone to share the apartment with. So Kusum can stay with her, if you agree. I assure you, it will be safe and secure home for Kusum,' Mr. Shah suggested.
Without giving it a second thought, Kumud's parents agreed to let their daughter stay with Kusum. They believed that staying with Kusum would be the best possible option for Kusum since they had known the Shah's for almost a decade. Kumud herself had wanted to stay alone so she could enjoy her freedom in the city nightlife. She had no option but to concede to her parent's wishes. Also, she was in a hurry to leave for the late night house party. An argument there and then would have been a waste of time, which she wanted to avoid.
After all the after dinner formalities were over, Kumud took their permission to go out with her friends and left with the promise that she will be back for yet another boring family bonding over drinks. She had been waiting for the late night party all evening. It was going to be the last time she was going to meet her best buddies before setting off for Mumbai. After the party, she bid a final goodbye to them, and soon it was time to head for Mumbai.
Dad I have just landed in Mumbai. Kusum is waiting at the arrivals gate. I will call you back once I am settled,' Kumud spoke on the phone while bringing down her luggage from the conveyor belt.
After collecting her luggage, she headed eagerly towards the arrivals gate. She was searching for Kusum when suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulders.
Kusum Shah'
Hey, I have been looking for you. What's up?' Kumud asked with a broad smile on her face.
Let's leave. The car is waiting. I have to get back to office,' Kusum said in a rush, choosing to ignore Kumud's pleasantries. Her cold behavior made Kumud feel awkward, but she recollected what her dad had told her,'Kusum is an independent girl and doesn't like too much interference in her personal life, though she is very active socially.'
They walked towards the car together. Within a few minutes, the car was cruising on Mumbai's roads.
Kumud was trying to soak in the city. She poked her head out of the car and let the breeze run through her hair. She closed her eyes as she felt the air on her face. The car halted abruptly at a red light and broke her spell. Kusum instructed the driver to put on the A.C. Kumud glanced sideways at Kusum to find her busily working on her laptop. She told Kumud that she had come to pick her up during office hours and being one of the managers in the office, she had to be on her toes, at least during office hours.
Kumud wanted to stop the car near the seaside and watch the sunset, but she knew Kusum was getting late. They finally reached Kusum's Churchgate apartment. It had two bedroom, which made Kumud sigh in relief since that meant she didn't have to share her bedroom with Kusum.
Kumud, you can settle down. I have to leave for office. I will return around 8 pm in the evening. If you want something to eat, then there are some snacks in the fridge, or you can even place an order at the nearby snacks corner. Their menu card is kept on the dining table. Chal bye, I am leaving. Take care.'
Kumud listened to all the instructions and nodded in agreement.
Lying on the bed, she could not believe that she was finally in Mumbai. She had a quick nap and then called up her parents. After unpacking, she couldn't resist her urge to update status on Facebook and connect with her friends back home whom she was missing already. She also updated her BBM status.
She dropped a message in the group chat.
I am extremely happy and super excited to be in the city of dream. But feels like I have left a part of me in Gujarat. I miss papa, maa, and all you guys. Before this day, I never thought that a few hours of separation could hurt so much. Miss you all. Suddenly I find myself thinking about my childhood and the time when I was learning to ride a bicycle. I fell and bruised myself several times but never gave up. You all used to tease me a lot and would make me cry until I stopped. Now I remember all the fun we had during Navratri. You all stood by me for so many years which made me strong from within. Here, there is no one yet but yes, if I get my prince charming here, I will surely let you know. Bye everyone. Miss me and if possible, go and see papa and maa. Love you all. Muaahhh 😊
It had been a week since her arrival, but with each passing day, Kumud kept feeling more and more homesick. She still had couple of days before her college to start and all the admission formalities to be completed. It was Saturday evening and she had convince Kusum, who was still not very friendly, to take her for an outing. Surprisingly, Kusum had agreed, which made Kumud super excited as she was going to witness Mumbai's nightlife for the first time. She looked in the mirror and thought of what to wear to the outing. She decided to wear a knee-length black one-piece dress with wooden bangles and minimal make up-a little lipgloss and black eyeliner.
On their way, Kumud asked Kusum,'Kusum di, you must be used to nightlife of Mumbai by now, right?' Kumud was trying to be not so personal in her questions for she knew that Kusum was a bit reserved.
Call me just Kusum. And yes, I've been in Mumbai for a long time now. But from the last couple of years, if you exclude a few discos and food joints, everything shuts down before 2 am,' Kusum smiled.
It was perhaps the first time Kusum had let her guard down in front of Kumud. Her informality made Kumud smile. She had made it clear to Kumud from the first day itself that she was the reserved sorts and didn't like anyone interfering in her personal life too much. So the reply from Kusum came as a pleasant surprise to Kumud.
Both of them had a ball during the outing, and spent some good time together at Malabar Hills. They then wnet to The Pizzeria' at Nariman Point for dinner. After dinner Kumud insisted they go for drinks at a nearby discotheque. Kusum thought about it and decided to take Kumud to the happening Thrive' disc in Colaba.
It was Saturday night and the disc was as crowded as the Virar local train. It was full of college students who came in to party late at night, already piss drunk. Those who say there is a certain age limit for drinking will find their perceptions tested once they enter this place.
When Kumud and Kusum entered the disc, the scene was no different. It was a typical Thrive weekend night. Smoke filled the air and the teenagers were grooving madly to the latest songs being played by the DJ. Kusum ordered a drink for Kumud and herself. Time flew, soon both of them were three shots down.
Kusum got a call from office and she excused herself and went outside, as it was impossible to answer the call with such a loud music playing in the background. Kumud was busy dancing and enjoying her drink when an unknown guys came up on the dance floor and started grooving right next to her. She didn't really mind his proximity to her since she was enjoying herself too much to bother and was also under the influence of alcohol.
Hi. My name is...' Shouted the boy, trying his best to tell her his name over the loud music.
But Kumud couldn't hear a word of what he was saying. Plus, the song being played was her favorite Honey Singh number.
Is this your first time here? I'm quite a regular here and I've never seen you before.'
Dude, this style of flirting and starting a conversation is so ancient. Don't try it on me,' Kumud retorted.
So you like modern, "Yo-type" guys? Then let me ask you directly-which drink should I get you Miss...May I know you name please? I am...' He was about to say his name when Kumud interrupted him.
For a moment, they both stared at each other and didn't spoke a word. He kept thinking what Kumud would say. He didn't want to miss the chance of introducing himself to, who he thought, was the most gorgeous girl present in the disc. Her black sequined dress was shining in the dim disco lights and her skin glowing like a star. Her eyes had that sparke which was enough to seduce anyone. He already was. He couldn't even utter his own name after Kumud interrupted him. He just kept staring at her. His name was...
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
