“I am going out for a run.” said Anees. Mandeep just
growled. “In this heat?” he asked. Part to hide his laziness, part to
discourage Anees so that he could have a partner to share the cigarette. Anees said
yes, determinedly. He did not want to miss the run for anything. Leave alone a
cigarette.
“Ah! Whatever man. I will got to the common room and watch
the India-Australia test series on TV instead of following live scores on the
internet.” And with that Mandeep got up and left. Anees glanced at him. Mandeep’s
boxers were way too below the socially accepted decency lines. He know that
Mandeep thought it was charming of him to do a skin-show so he decided to not
comment on it.
Just as Mandeep was leaving, Pratham entered. He was all
sweaty and breathing heavily from the recently completed run. He too could not
help but notice Mandeep’s waistline and winked at Anees. Anees gestured, leave
him alone, with a wave of hand. Pratham knew that it was hopeless advising
Mandeep. So he just let it be.
“How was the run today?” asked Anees.
“Excellent! Lot of pretty girls today.” Anees knew that
Pratham only went for a run on Marine Drive to gaze at pretty girls. Marine
Drive, situated at one of the most posh location on Mumbai, is a sight on its
own. Shaped a perfect semi-circle, along the Arabian Sea, this place is
unmissable for someone visiting Mumbai. Fondly called as The Queen’s Necklace
since the illuminated road, when looked at from an elevated point at night,
resembles pearls on a necklace. It is arguably the favorite place to relax for everyone
in Mumbai. From families living in cramped apartments, to the boss-tormented
corporate slaves. From college kids wanting to hangout, to lovers wanting some privacy.
Ironically, there is hardly any privacy on Marine Drive but do the people in
love care? The place is literally alive 24x7. The ocean provides much needed serenity
to the noise tormented people of the metropolis.
On the promenade parallel to the road, many people come for
a run. Pratham was one of them. He was hardly health conscious, but was aware
that those were his last few days in Mumbai and wanted to make the best out of
it. One thing he was sure he would miss the most was Marine Drive. He had many
lovely memories here. India’s cricket world cup win in 2011, Holi celebrations
with his hostel mates, late night walks were a few of them. He was also
influenced by Anees’ discipline towards health. Anees being from an army family
was very conscious of his health.
Anees, Pratham and Mandeep were roommates. They were studying
at a premier management institute located in south Mumbai. The college had
hostel facility situated just along Marine Drive. For students who had hometown
out of Mumbai, the hostel was a blessing. Charging merely Rs. 8000 for a year, the
hostel provided stay at the place which boasted most expensive rental properties
in Mumbai.
“So the plan is on, isn’t it?” Asked Pratham.
“Absolutely man. Hardik, Ahmed and Mahesh have also
confirmed. We leave on 22nd morning and will be back by 23rd
evening. We will catch a local train to Thane and a bus from there to Khubi Phata. Have breakfast there and
start the trek.”
“Awesome! It will be great fun. I have heard a lot about Harishchandragarh. They say the trek is
extremely difficult and the view from the top is extremely beautiful.”
“Yes. I have heard that too. The trek can be very
challenging for amateurs. Especially the part with the rock climb. The climb is
steep, and the trail very narrow. I have forewarned the others too. They seemed
a little nervous, but they will be fine I guess.”
“I am really looking forward to it.” Pratham said.
He had no idea that this trek is going to change his life.
Forever.
(...to be continued)
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