Popping it in Puducherry

by Priya Misra (India)

I didn't expect to find India

27 January 2018. While the rest of the world slept, I discovered a part of me which I didn't think existed. But to tell you what I discovered, I must go back, and give you a lesson in Indian history. Republic Day, or the day India adopted its constitution, is celebrated in India on 26 January, every year. As important as this day is in Indian history, it was better in 2018, because in 2018, 26 January fell on a Friday. Shruti and I decided that it was time to take our friendship to the next level. So we decided to go on a weekend trip. The day of the trip arrived. I reached the Delhi airport early, cleared security and decided to get a coffee. After about 25 minutes of reading the newspaper while I sipped my cappuccino, I decided to check up on Shruti. She picked up at the seventh ring. "Hey! Sorry sorry sorry! I just cleared security but I think I need to do some last minute shopping. I'll see you at the boarding gate in 10, I promise!" When Shruti showed up 10 minutes later she looked frazzled. As we neared the boarding gate, she stopped, pulled at my sleeve, pointed at a tall man and said, "Look! He is so cute! Do you think he's on our flight? Oh I wish he sits next to me!" I smiled. I was used to this behaviour from Shruti. She had, extreme reactions about trivial things and she could oscillate between anxious and ecstatic in a matter of seconds. We reached Puducherry four hours later. Our BNB host had offered to pick us up. We found him after waiting for 15 minutes, and by this time, Shruti was already annoyed. I didn't think the attitude was necessary but I didn't say anything. Being the youngest in the family, I knew how to stay calm and manage people when they got overly emotional. A quality I didn't even realise I had till much later in life. Despite the bad temper, Shruti decided that partying was a good idea. Shruti tried out 10 outfits and it took some cajoling on my part to convince her that she looked good. As we neared the club, I started to almost get excited. The place was packed with people and DJ was playing the best pop music. I called the waiter to our table. "Two whiskey sours please!" As the waiter turned around, I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Could I have a dance with the lady?" I smiled at the stranger, and politely declined. I turned to talk to Shruti, She was sitting stiffly with her arms croosed, drink untouched. "Whats up?" I asked concerned. "Nothing. The music is giving me a headache. I think I am going to head" she said. "To head? Where? We are supposed to party tonight. Stay. Please. What do you need?" She mumbled something and looked away. I tried to get her to dance but she refused. We left soon after. I was left utterly confused and anxious at this sudden turn of events. Once we got home, Shruti went into her bedroom. To distract myself, I decided to shower. The hot water rolling down my back soothed my muscles and my soul. I got into my pyjamas and ventured out with a glass of whiskey, towards the terrace. As I stepped out, a cool gentle breeze greeted me and caressed my hair off my face. The view was beautiful. I could see the full moon, and the waves washing over the shore. I sat down at the ledge, and drew in a deep breath. This is what I had hoped for. This sense of serenity which one can only find in a far away land. I realised that I needed to live for myself a little more. I could not be happy if I kept worrying about other's happiness. I couldn't do this for anyone. Shruti would have to find this moment for herself. I looked at the moon and started humming an old tune from a Bollywood movie, "Ye shaam mastani, madhosh kiye jaye" (This night is joyful, its beauty intoxicates me).