Flashback

8:45 pm

Parking my car in the side street, I rapidly stride towards my destination, a mere twenty metres away. In the patio of the establishment, overlooking Fourth Main Rd., Besant Nagar, a few patrons sit at scattered tables smoking cigarettes and sipping coffee. A cursory glance is all I give them, as I pull open the clear glass door. Striding through the air-conditioned room lined with comfortable sofas, I wave hello to some of the waiters, familiar faces to me.

The back door: a more secluded world beckons. A haven for a chosen few, those unlike the mortal incumbents on the indoors. Where the elite sit and discuss life, the universe & everything.

Scented smoke draws me, moth to a flame.

Seated at a table, shaking off workday blues with friends, we call for a Mint.
As we eagerly await its arrival, we continue our conversation - Aravind's sparkling wit and dazzling storytelling prowess besotting us; Pranav & Nagu's timely interjections adding to the humour.

It arrives - seated at the centre of the table, towering above us. We are invited to verify its perfection, customarily indicated by a circle of thumb & forefinger, with the other three fingers extended; in our case, an oft-repeated gesture. A drag taken, the pipe handed to the next in line and we enjoy the silence as each of us takes their first turn. A few moments later we resume conversation, a little more mellow. A cloud from me, an invisible exhalation from Pranav and a column of smoke from Nagu, our distinct styles melt away into the night air, according the occasion a special huzun.

We puff away until late hours, with occasional calls for food, drink and new coal; our heads swayed by a pleasant buzz from the narcotic, our hearts lighter from the mirth.

(Inspired by a conversation Nagu & I had on Monday, March 12th)