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I opened one eye at a time. The distant sound of a clock ticking in an otherwise silent room. Disorientation. Confusion. A mild ache in my bones. Stiff feet. Cold panic! I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom mirror. Do I see wrinkles?! Oh no‼ I took a quick look at the back of my hands. Oh my God‼ I see veins. Green, prominent, protruding and mocking me as if to say “You old hag!” Nooo‼ It’s not the 9th of May! I can’t be 25‼ I’ve crossed over to the dark side now. I’m in the silver club and time seems to be flying at the speed of light! To quote Joey Tribbiani (F.R.I.E.N.D.S) , “Why God why! Why are you doing this to us!” Ok breathe. Of course I’m being a total drama queen, imagining wrinkles and visible veins! I’m turning into a hypochondriac! Wait, is hypochondria a sign of old age? Stop it Tej! Breathe again. Relax. Rewind to 48 hours earlier. Smile. :-)
I opened one eye at a time. The distant sound of a clock ticking in an otherwise silent room. Disorientation. Confusion. A mild ache in my bones. Stiff feet. Cold panic! I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom mirror. Do I see wrinkles?! Oh no‼ I took a quick look at the back of my hands. Oh my God‼ I see veins. Green, prominent, protruding and mocking me as if to say “You old hag!” Nooo‼ It’s not the 9th of May! I can’t be 25‼ I’ve crossed over to the dark side now. I’m in the silver club and time seems to be flying at the speed of light! To quote Joey Tribbiani (F.R.I.E.N.D.S) , “Why God why! Why are you doing this to us!” Ok breathe. Of course I’m being a total drama queen, imagining wrinkles and visible veins! I’m turning into a hypochondriac! Wait, is hypochondria a sign of old age? Stop it Tej! Breathe again. Relax. Rewind to 48 hours earlier. Smile. :-)
It’s 6 am and we’re all gorging on delicious potato curry and rice. We’re all partied out and my feet still hurt from all the dancing and the 45 minute walk to Marble Arch for the night bus home.
Darshana’s making potato curry and rice and desperately trying to persuade me to eat and then go to bed. But I’m old and tire easily. I just want to change into comfortable pyjamas and go to bed.
Santosh in between hiccups says “My grandmother told me to think of a random number and match it to a letter in the alphabet. So when you have hiccups, the person whose name begins with that letter is thinking of you really hard!” It’s funny how such random, juvenile talk can take your mind off the long, tedious journey home. My feet still hurt. Damn those uncomfortable heels!
Oh when will the bus come?! It’s 2.47 am and N207 should be at the stop any time now. I’m still smiling from the lovely party and sulking over the aging process at the same time.
I’m in Miami Biiitch! Oh how I love this song! And this was the third time it was being played! Does the DJ know it’s my birthday? I check my watch and smile. It still IS my birthday‼ Woohoo! So what if there are only 15 minutes to go? I’m still on the border separating youth from wannabe youth. I look around and see Darsh doing the “goin down low” competition with Pinca. Oops! Pinca spilled her drink AND Darshana’s! Everyone else was having a great time and dancing away to the wonderful music! I loved how all my friends came together to celebrate. Overwhelming and extremely touching.
We’re late! We were supposed to be at the FunkyBuddha at 10 and were on the way to the tube station at 9.45 pm‼ But would that prevent us from posing for pictures at the bus stop? No sir! Out comes the camera. Pose. Click. Flash. Change of pose.
Anne and Tabea come in singing “Happy Birthday” and what’s this? My gifts‼ Woop Woop! A beautiful lavender potted plant, a box of chocolates, a gorgeous top and a beautifully written note in a card. Aww‼ I was so touched.
It was 4.00 pm. SO many things to do! 8 hours to go before I get a hunchback and need a walking stick! I rushed to the temple (another sign of old age?) and made a few calls on the way to fix plans for the night. I hadn’t a clue where we would be going, who would be coming and what I would be wearing! Ok no, I did have a clue about the last bit. I found peace at the temple. Prayed and thanked God for everything He’s given me so far. I truly was grateful.
I woke up smiling. I loved the sound of 8th May. I loved how the previous night (errm morning had ended). We bowled like maniacs and laughed half our guts out. Darsh and I had sore throats from the fake Brit accent we had put on most of the night. Happy to entertain people on the bus ride home.
Yes! Gutterballs‼ Darsh and I made the perfect team. We had won the second round (backwards‼) :-D A quick photograph with the bouncer, a quick groove to Sean Paul and an even quicker round of photographs later, we were ready to call it a night..errm day (it was 3.00 am)
Oh my God‼ Is that a cake?? I couldn’t believe my eyes! Aww! My friends had a cake for me! I was so pleasantly surprised and elated at the same time, I couldn’t help bouncing around (Gajare,2010) with happiness!
Annnnd it’s midnight! We were on the 105 to Airport Bowl and my silver had arrived on the bus ride to the bowling alley. Memorable indeed! Lovely cards and a cheesy (but cute) “Birthday Girl” badge , hugs, kisses and a barrage of phone calls. :-D
Click. Click. Pose. Pose. I was ready to leave for the bowling alley. Darsh had styled my look and how‼ :-* for her. BTW, she looked like a million bucks as well!
Friday, the 7th. It’s my birthday weekend‼ Darsh had already started wishing me. In fact, I was woken up with “Get out of bed. Only 14 and a 1/2 hours to go‼” That made an impact…2 hours later :-P
Ok I feel better now. I can breathe. The past 48 hours had been unforgettable indeed. A long , nonstop party, wonderful friends and a lifetime supply of memories. Who cares about being 25? That’s not so bad! I know I’m never going to be 30 because WE (looking up threateningly at my friend above) have a new deal (quoting Joey Tribbiani again).
TD
