company in east india - part II

Given the late night partying that preceded the first dawn in the great city I was up quite early, this could be attributed partly to my general disposition towards rising early and largely to the fact that the geography student in me was all eager to witness the ‘early’ dawn in the eastern climes. Of course all I got was Gujju’s ire because he simply refused to comprehend my enthusiasm an issued strict instructions curbing my verve.

Sandwiched between meeting the ‘to-be’ brother-in-law and the marriage of a colleague today unlike yesterday had an explicit agenda at the outset; that the lower loaf of this loosely concocted plan would fall flat was unknown.

Flurys the legendary tearoom on Park Street was founded in 1927 and has since become an institution; it’s their version of Koshy’s and it was here that I had fixed up my first meeting for the day – with the brother-in-law ‘to be’ aspirant. Arrived five minutes ahead of schedule and waited patiently. Arrival happens and the gift is handed over, pleasantries exchanged. It might be interesting to note here that Gujju had chosen to air his bluish tinted shades, and being prescription lensed could not be removed even within intimidating environments. Of all the days today had been especially chosen for Flurys the tearoom to be out of tea and even coffee for that matter. “Nothing hot!” we were informed. So a round of cold coffees had to be settled upon and conversation started. Grinders in mines have a protective coating on the walls was largely the crux of the session, which was an interesting collection of some really fascinating incidents like Gujju’s friends coming in and discussing my exploits at Tantra the night before (not that there were any to mention) and the girl winking as she walked past through the windows which opened to a spectacular view of the charming Park Street.

Several hours had passed since we had last used our molars and this is a considered a very severe situation in these parts so some food had to be consumed – lunch. The boy his friend his girl and her cousin (Gujju being the boy) after a little discussion proceeded towards B-B-Q. Gujju is a marshal in combat when within the precincts of restaurants, in a matter of minutes we had placed our order (S was smart enough to realize her folly when the kebabs she had ordered turned out to be rice, gravy and a little this and that). The nice leisurely lunch was followed up with a relaxed stroll, passing through St. Xavier’s we preceded towards SatC for a round of early afternoon tea. Upon returning back home I realized that it was way too late in the day to attempt a siesta and ensured that Gujju also realize the same. Between then and the visit to Varun’s house I basically did the following: chatted with aunty, went for a stroll with Gujju when the power went out, saw an amazing miniature Koran and ate moodhi.

The last session of the day had been reserved for the wedding. It took 3 seconds to alter it. Saurabh after much prodding had managed to strike gold and it being a direct sign from the Lord could not be ignored. The setting – a penthouse atop Tivoli Court; Tivoli Court: a landmark building at 1A-B-C Ballygunge Circular Road, Calcutta's very first multistoried complex. The only nuisance a nearly blind, evil looking extremely old dog, aptly named Caesar. A round of drinks followed by the herb with a spectacular view of the city, truly the city of joy!

Varun’s, Gujju’s cousin who had been played host till now, shifted gears, literally – he was now the driver (as he was the only one who had not indulged) and it was destination Arsalan, Marina Garden Court, 191 Park St. Dinner was royal as usual, some fantastic chaap and paranthas with mutton biryani followed by some not so great feerni. Came back home and crashed, it had been a terribly long day and I had to be up early, for the real vacation was yet to start – Shillong.