39years being a son, 10 years of being a husband and now a father, are some of the things I am grateful to the Almighty for. A fulfilled life, to say the least. However, I am home alone, given that everyone is back in Mumbai was a real shocker. Returning from work to an empty home and none to share you days events, is no party, especially when you are not used to being a loner. Solitary bliss is something I craved for, but not for a period over 3 days. I started to "cold turkey" ! Evil and nasty thoughts started pouring in. Despite reassurances from my now Schizophrenic mind, telling me it was only a matter of time when I would be reunited with my loved ones, the other half-mind drilled me down. The internet was my solace (no surprise here) , but even social media could not salvage my current state.
Yesterday, a phone call from a friend, changed it all. He said that we should meet up. Non-alien as it might seem, it sure was alien to me. I had never gone to any occasion in the last 9 years alone. Nonetheless, long story short, I decided to venture out using public transportation.
We met downtown by Dundas Square at the "Queen and Beaver Public House". Impressively English, it has a fantastic atmosphere. Rustic to say the least, it had all the makings of a true English Pub. Sitting on the roof patio, we ordered the house special ale (honey-like and smooth) and the house "Pinot grigio". We started with fries and a delicate Curry sauce (a blend of Indian curry paste and ketchup...yummy !). Another friend joined us later accompanied by more Alcohol. Dinner was elegant - Rabbit in Lentils and Monk Fish with a potato pie (of sorts) doused in a creamy white sauce. Typical English fare- A bit bland to an Indian palate, yet nice.
The evening went on with catching up and laughs. We finally wound up in the strangest of places..a bubble tea shop called "Chatime". Great bubble teas and the pearl tapioca (Hindi translation-"Sabudana") was so fresh. It was a great evening.
It made me think (no affirmation needed here).... YOU NEED FRIENDS - Single, married or otherwise. With friends you bond and indirectly connect with your true self. You need to rekindle the inner fire, we so often forget, that gets dormant, as we age and bogged down with work. Hey, in my case, it was that fire that brought my wife and me together and will also make me a good father. I want to keep that fire burning till the day they drag me out from the "party of life" As Jim Carrey in the movie "The Mask" said "SOMEBODY STOP ME !!
Today, I am off to meet another friend I have not seen in 4 years. Things sure are looking up !.
