With the members disappearing as fast as an ozone layer, it was essential for MASK to get fresh blood into its streams. Initials of Manish, Aditya, Sudhir and Kailash formed the MASK Sports club back in the 1990’s. Those were the days when all four were in their early 20’s with a single dream of conquering the universe. They are accredited for encouraging the younger one’s to think sports as a serious event. Not only the field sports, but the in-house games like Pic-Pic and Vyapar got its fame. The smartest thing done by the fantastic four was adding up two youngsters in their Arsenal. First was the all-rounder Sagar, who has proved his style, class, stamina, elegance time and again. Another was Kunal. Some people need no introduction. Such is his persona & flair. Incidentally, the initial of both fits into MASK.
In the early 1990’s, the MASK saw its future in Sagar and Kunal. Both of them were chiseled under the able leadership of Kailash, famously know as KT, again for the initial’s i.e. Kailash Thakkar. In the late 1990’s Aditya, the computer expert and Sudhir, the business mastermind, unknowingly separated themselves from the club in chase of their corporate dream. KT was left with Manish and the two kids. Now Manish, the most FUN loving guy on earth, rose to the occasion, took responsibility and went on adding new members. In comes Amol. The bully. Then followed Rohit and Kedar. Rani, the only female member of the club joins. The club gets its new blood. Now the thoughts of conquering the outside world flow. So a trek into the great Himalayas is planed. Kailash, Aditya, Kunal & Sagar make a feast of the tour. Matheran, Lonavala, Astha Vinayak, Bordi, Narpad are conquered later.
In the same area, there lived a very subdued and shy little boy, who always had a smile on an innocent face. He was the most brilliant amongst all. The intelligent Dhawal. Though he wasn’t into the club, but was not far from the members. His entry into club was unknowing. In a very short period he earned respect and value in the club.
Today the MASK sports club has lost its existence. With the marriages & families of Kailash, Manish and Amol, they separated their association. Rest preferred their careers over running a club. The golden era of MASK sports club has come to an end. The members have grown far greater than the core values of club. The excellent value of TEAM is degraded from the members. Even the best of efforts made by Kunal and Dhawal could not bind them. Only thing remaining are memories of its glorious past. End of an empire.
Chapter 1 - Treasures
Since the December 2006 Goa tour the contact between Kailash, Amol, Sagar, Dhawal and me was not much. Amol parted ways and felt comfortable with other group. Kailash left for Chennai. Dhawal for Pune and Sagar plans for US. Still every one of us was thinking about another chance to take out time together and cherish the memories. Possibly for the final time in lifetime. We all felt comfortable with each other even after a long gap. Back of the minds everyone knew that once we get together, all the fun, excitement, charm and cheer will come back. Sagar decides for summer vacation. Dhawal takes out his map and searches for the destination. After wandering all across India, we decided that the time has come once again to visit the best destination ever visited. Goa. This time in mid of May heat. So starts our May 2008 Goa tour.
Sagar books six tickets way ahead in March. We always knew that some ticket will need to be cancelled. So was the case and only four of us made it. I, Sagar and Dhawal was accompanied with a young boy named Amogh. Amogh had just appeared his diploma examination and wanted to chill out. He being cousin of Sagar, we accepted him to be part of our team. I had my doubts about our tour being memorable. Dhawal was skeptical too. But this time it was Sagar who was encouraging us to accompany. Probably he wanted to be with us once before taking off to US. At last he valued our association. Finally a weekend prior to our journey Dhawal and I decides to go for the tour. He arrived from Pune a day before our travel date.
We didn’t plan much this time. Except Sagar, none of us even knew which train we were taking for Goa. Only in the evening of 13th May 2008, we know that Holiday special Mumbai-Karwar express will drop us in Goa. After getting back from office in evening, I quickly packed up and left home for Goa. On our way to Dadar station, we celebrated Dhawal’s birthday in local train. Thanks to him for the delicious chocolate cake he offered us. On reaching Dadar station we quickly settled into our train and switched-off lights biding good night. We came across the great working of the Indian railways soon, when a Travel Ticket Examiner, commonly know as TC, woke us up at two in midnight for checking our tickets. On satisfying his requirements we again slept on the upper berths. Around four o’clock I came out of my sleep to see a person sleeping underneath our seats with his body fully covered with bed sheet. He surly was blessed by TC and was traveling without into reservation coach. Amogh and I was disturbed by his existence and lost our sleep for the night.
Over a quick breakfast we tried to figure out the plans for our tour. Thivim was selected as our destination railway station from where we could land up in heart of Baga. The thought of coming back at Baga thrilled us. Immediately the memories returned. The greenish coastline, the coconut trees, the adjacent hill, the shacks, the awesome king fish curry and the soft sand on the beach. Add to it a glass of wine. Those were wonderful thoughts which were shattered soon when we came to know that our train was late by four hours. Into the heat of konkan, we were roasted in the train. Never board a holiday special train henceforth as it is the least respected train by the railways. It kept on getting aside of every other passing train.
Atlast at two o’clock we thanked the Mumbai-Karwar express for reaching us at Thivim. The horrifying times were still to come. We were astonished to find such a horrible heat outside. The air was oven heated. I, Sagar and Dhawal worried about the complexion of our skin. Amogh didn’t bother much about it. The sunscreen was forgotten and we were here to be toasted. Soon we took an auto and in fourty five minutes reached Baga. The sight of Baga beach in the afternoon pleased and calmed us. Unlike the last occasion, we found much silence around. On selecting a hotel room opposite to a beach sight we settled in. The room belonged to Mr Francis who let us an AC room at a cheap rate. After a shower we felt hungry. Soon into a nearby hotel, the sea food was consumed gleefully. King fish curry with plain rice was going to be our main cuisine. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. Post lunch a desert was gulped.
Getting back into an AC room, Sagar and Dhawal took out their writing pads. I took out mine. Sagar planned the next four days. Dhawal the budget. Rs. 1000 was provided per meal. We already had spent Rs. 865 for lunch and knew that dinner will cost more. On a fight Sagar brought down the per meal budget to Rs. 800. To buy time, I agreed and accounted the expenses until then. Amogh had no choice.
Today was the day to experience water sports. We set across for a parasailing glide onto the Baga beach. Underneath the steaming Sun, the glide excited us par below our expectations. Although the motor boat ride thrilled us, the Rs. 1200 we spent was not worth. Sagar and Dhawal soon jump into water. Amogh follows. About 5:30 PM we came back to our AC room. The Sun was ready to set. We were getting a little excited for enjoying dinner. Over a quick nap, we headed towards our favourite shack on the Baga beach. That night, the Mumbai Indians were playing for their existence in the Indian Premier League against the Chennai Super Kings with Tendulkar playing his first game of the league. A huge screen was set by the shack owner. That evening very little did us knew that both our passions viz. Cricket and Food would taste delicious. Dhawal was to treat us this evening on the eve of his birthday a day before. King fish curry, squid, plain rice and dal was ordered post a bottle of wine. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. As the splendid food settles into our stomach, Jaisurya makes a mockery of the Super Kings bowling attack. It rained sixes at Wankhede stadium that night. We all saw an old Sanath Jaisurya that night sitting far away on the Baga beach. Instantly the prominent words ‘Jaisurya Talapla’ came out. In the late 90’s those two words narrated an essay by itself, stating that this legendary batsman from Srilanka has enjoyed a feast over the opposition bowling attack. Often it was India at the receiving end with Venkatesh Prasad, Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble torn apart. Mumbai Indians won their first game in the IPL and so did we win our first day at Goa. Post dinner we took a long walk along the coastline. Banana cake and pastries were consumed as desert. At around 12 o’clock we felt asleep within our AC room by putting the AC temperature to mere 16 degrees.
Since we got the AC room at cheap rate, we received only three bedsheets to cover up. I sacrificed and let others take on the three available bedsheets. The AC room freezes in the midnight. I tried to pull up Sagar’s bedsheet. He immediately sensed the danger and locks himself around the bed sheet. I had no other option then putting off the AC of an AC room. Ahhh I said, and slept. The outside temperature was hot. Soon it merges with our AC room’s temperature and all of us start to sweat. Our bed and pillow drenches in sweat. Dhawal and Sagar found it uncomfortable into the bedsheet. Both of them got up and to their astonishment find AC in switch off mode. They start to wonder the reason behind it. Dhawal see an AC remote next to me and immediately figures out that it must have been me who has put off the AC. He kicks and curses me for my deed, puts on the AC, snatches the remote and gets back to his wet bed. This time Sagar religiously shares his bedsheet with me. Sweet Dreams.
Chapter 2 - Triumph
Witnessing Sunrise on the beach too is an experience in itself. On the second day i.e. 15th May 2008, I got up early at 6:30 am. Others were still in their sweet dreams. My efforts to wake them up went in vain as all the three wrapped themselves tightly into the bedsheet. So I decided to witness the sunrise alone. Below our room was a pastry shop. I ordered 4 cup’s of tea. One for me and three for others who were still tight in bed. I thought for a bed-tea treat for them. To my astonishment I received a bill of Rs. 80. It was shocking. Rs. 20 for a cup of tea that tasted horrible (not for the amount spent) was too much. On consuming it I took the steep road towards the beach.
The beach was quieter then prior evening. The atmosphere was pleasant. Soft pre sunrise light was pleasing. The calm waves touching the coastline were leaving the delicate surf-line towards the border. Birds sang on the nearby trees. Cool breeze added to the fantasy. Soon the sun rose from the east, opposite the coastline. The raw sun rays added a golden touch in the atmosphere. I felt blissful in those moments. Across the coastline, the shack owners were dressing up their shacks for the day ahead. I settled in one of the shack for another round of tea & breakfast. Here I witnessed the hard work of the shack boys. For nearly 18 hours a day, 4 months a year, they were into these shacks and trying to make a living for another year. Their effort was worth saying Bravo. Relaxing on chair, I felt calm inside myself.
As the day progressed, more people came to the beach. Most of them took a long walk towards the hill. I consumed my breakfast as slow as a snail would cross a 100 foot road. In about hour’s time I set myself back to the room. I was astonished to see all three still tight in those bed sheets. This time I didn’t bothered to wake them up. The three glasses of tea I purchased for them were freezing in the cold AC room. In about half hours time I was ready for another day. Amogh had waked up by that time. Over a brush he drinks the medicine like cold tea out of no choice. 20 Rs. more were utilized. He pulls out Sagar’s camera and shoots the beach from the corridor of the room. My generous efforts to wake up Sagar and Dhawal paid 50% dividends as Sagar woke up. This was a day to explore Goa over a motor bike. I set myself outside the room in search of the bikes. A young boy staying in the same building, opposite side ground floor, let us two Honda Activa of his. In next one hour we all pulled our socks to witness true life of Goa. Dhawal & Sagar shared one Activa with Dhawal serving as a rider, and Amogh, with no choice, took the rear seat of the Activa that I rode.
My Activa was a sort of follower. The leader Activa was the one taken over by Dhawal & Sagar. I don’t know why, but I simply obeyed the marching orders of them on those beautiful narrow Goan roads. Every little turn, every little speed- breaker was surpassed as per the orders of Sagar. Without any plan in mind, I just followed them. Rather I didn’t bother about any plan. I was calm inside and was wandering like the free bird. Or beast. As they call me. For a second I thought about resigning myself from the self imposed captaincy of the cluster.
Outside Baga, we rode across the beautiful river. To snap the scene Dhawal halted near a science garden owned by a south Indian doctor. He respectfully allowed us to wander through the upcoming science garden with him serving as a doctor cum guide. Dhawal snapped all of us in the scenic frames. The doctor added to another frame with us. Promising to email the photograph, Dhawal exchanged cards. Sagar seeks road and here we ride again. The destination is fort Chapora.
Enrooted to fort Chapora we took several U-Turns for missing the narrowest of the roads. Others felt the heat and their urge to consume breakfast increased. In a small restaurant we ordered for a light breakfast with tea. Riding further we took few more U-Turns & the V-Turns to reach the base of fort Chapora. The time must be about 11 o’clock. The heat was ferocious. I actually felt the sun burns. The fasttracks cooled us off a bit. Atleast we had protection for the eyes from the bright sunlight & heat. It was a tiresome way up to the fort. On reaching the gates, we relaxed for few moments. Dhawal snapped us. With various angles. Tilting himself more then the camera. The scenes from top of the fort were simply awesome. The sea water was having a greenish touch towards the coastline and bluish shade deep inside. Towards the eastern side the bird sanctuary was visible with coconut tree belt stretched beneath the fort. Towards the northern side the beautiful beaches were visible. And to the south lays the rocky beaches of Vagator & Anjuna. Nature has painted a perfect sketch in this part of Goa. We relaxed for a while onto the fort wall facing the Arabian Sea. Sagar snapped the trick photographs wherein the faces of all were portrayed in my glares. Dhawal captured the surrounding scenic beauties.
On our way down, Sagar decides for a visit to Arambol beach. Thinking of the sweet memories of our last visit, I agreed. The road passed through extreme remote places. We witnessed real Goa passing through those little villages. Life seems to be tough all over the world. But people make it happier. The remote interiors of Goa are no exception to that. Local people are proud to be Goan. With their language, work ethic, faith, sport, culture and determination, they exhibit a life pattern.
It took us another fourty five minutes ride to reach Arambol beach in north Goa. Arambol beach coincide with the Baga beach. It too has beautiful coastline with a small hill on its northern side. Unlike Baga here you find most of the tourists are foreigners. The air here too was oven heated. We decided to settle in a shack. On cooling off with breezeirs and fruit juices, we ordered lunch. The vendor offered us three fishes. We settled for Rock fish as a starter. The preparation was so special that the taste of Rock fish dish will live till eternity. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. We crossed our lunch budget by a tall margin. Damm it. Who cares? Post lunch Sagar & Dhawal engaged themselves over a pool table. Amogh picked up the camera and sets towards the hill. I wandered alone across the coastline. Now I know the reason for my skin complexion turning dark on returning from Goa.
At about four o’clock, Sagar ordered to leave Arambol, destined to Calangute beach for the sunset. My Activa obeyed again. On instructions of Dhawal, we halted at Vagator & Anjuna beaches. Both beaches being rocky, tourist seldom visits here. With some great snaps onto the rocks, we set towards Calangute beach. To our astonishment, there were loads and loads of people gather on the beach. A thought of mistakenly visiting the Kelwa beach on a public holiday passed each one of us. It was so densely populated that it seemed all the beach lovers of the world have set up an evening show on the Calangute beach. We noticed that people speaking Hindi have come from north India. People speaking Tamil, Telugu, Kannad and whatever, have come from the South. Couple chanting in Bengali has come from East & the Gujarati family represented the western provinces of India.
As the sun sets for a set, Dhawal grabs his camera. Sagar follows. Soon I lost their sight as they diluted into the huge crowd. The motor boats sailing on the coastline and the para sailing deep inside added to the climax of the sunset. Sagar and Dhawal captured all the essentials of a wonderful sunset photo. The water scooter jumping over the water level with a pale orange background of setting sun was a perfect photo frame. Para sailor passing the half drowned sun against the pale orangey sky was another portrait image. I wonder if there was a Friends Oscar for photography, then Dhawal would have won Gold while Sagar grabbing Silver. None of us have a one% art in framing scenes except Sagar and Dhawal. God hasn’t imposed all talents in a lone person. It was evident.
We returned to our AC room on Baga beach at around 7 o’clock. The two glasses of morning tea that belonged to Sagar and Dhawal were poured. Rs. 40 washed off. Over a quick shower all of us parted to dine on our favourite shack of Baga. Underneath the electric tree we ordered yet again the sea food. Garlic Squid as starter, King fish curry and rice for main course. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. Seating over the talcum powder like sea shore sand, the delicious food was happily eaten at a snails pace along with a bottle of wine. We dinned for about 3 and half hours. On satisfying the senses we routed back to our AC room. Pastry was consumed on the way. AC on. Temperature 16 degrees. Lights off. Good night. Sleep tight. (wrapped inside the bed sheet).
Chapter 3 – Beat the heat
Day three was no different then the previous day. I woke at 7 o’clock. Soon left to Baga beach for a sun rise. The pleasant coastline was awe-inspiring. The joy of witnessing the calmness of early dawn beach is more to experience then to express. It was refreshing. The tiredness of roaming underneath the blazing hot sun vanished. Spending an hour in such a wonderful atmosphere and over a quick breakfast I came back to our AC room. Other have already got up. Dhawal had made up his plan to experience the thrill of riding again. The destination was central Goa. Capital Panjim, Dona Paula point, Miramar beach and the Mapusa market were next stops. Over a debate on which order to visit these places we left for the battle. Battle against the soaring heat. It was a day to wear helmets. More for the highway route which we took then for the heat. Dhawal’s ‘Horse’, Activa, gave the marching orders. My ‘Horse’ obediently followed. Surely I had lost my Admirals’ cap.
Pretty soon we found that the battle wouldn’t be easy. All of us were drenched in sweat. Unlike the other day, today’s route was passing through town. The tree less tar road was chucking severe heat. We could have easily succumbed to the heat. I was worried for my Activa didn’t look strong. The high temperature could easily blowup the engine. As this thought passed my mind, the gas emptied. With no help around Amogh and I were stranded. Sagar and Dhawal went on further in search of petrol. There was no point in hoping for the help. Instantly we both decided to carry on our journey. Amogh pushed from back and I steered the handle. We covered about a kilometer before they found petrol for us. Both of us felt lifeless with no energy to carry on. Somehow we kept the flame alive.
Crossing the huge bridge, we reached the capital city of Goa. Panjim. The beauty of the city was glowing in bright sun light. The main road passes parallel to creek. Ride on this road was much fun. Halting along a road side, Dhawal pulled out his camera and snapped us. The nearby beauty was captured too. A huge hotel surrounded with Gulmohor trees across the creek was a picture perfect frame. The beautiful party ships were parked on the banks. Dhawal didn’t waste time. I found some time to relax and was fresh to carry on. On satisfying the cameras thirst we set for Dona Paula point.
It took another thirty minutes to reach Dona Paula point. Nothing was found to be special here. The structure of the Dona Paula monument was undergoing repairs. Also the heat was making life uncomfortable over the monument. Sagar found a cold drink shop where we quenched our thirst with a wonderful Lime soda. Dhawal was busy with his camera. Some people find beauty in everything. Dhawal did found it here too. Amazing. With unsatisfied hearts we left the point. There was no point in visiting the point and we thought of wasting our precious time. The same could have been utilized relaxing in shack of a Baga beach. By then we had traveled too far. As the saying goes ‘The tired mind stops thinking’, I had lost all my thinking powers.
Sagar & Dhawal further decides for an old Goa trip. I wanted to oppose but also didn’t want to loose energy over a debate. Hence, I backed off. On our way we halted at Miramar beach. This beach too has a beautiful coastline. The tree garden and small play area add up the splendor. The white coloured stone structure which sits opposite the beach was a picture perfect frame. Immediately the cameras’ clicked. There was a specialty on this beach. Hundreds of wooden sheets were kept standing separating each other at a formally measured distance. We put our mind behind the reason of such organized structure and as always came up with another hundreds of ideas. Most of them vague. Sagar with a self timer captured us in his camera.
The break on Miramar beach was soothing. Except breakfast and lime soda nothing had gone into our bellies. All were very hungry. Somehow we continued the route to old Goa. An hour more on Activa and we landed into the famous church in old Goa. Unlike the last occasion in December 2006 when a fair was set up, we found less people around. We wandered along the church for few minutes and then laid ourselves onto the soft grass underneath a hugh banyan tree. A cool breeze flown underneath. Few beautiful birds whispered amongst themselves. The moment chilled us a bit. It was blessing in disguise. The satisfying affection of the tree inspired me. I immediately made my mind to plant a tree in my native which will provide warmth to others. It was a very noble plan which still is in its planning stage. Execution committee somehow has not found time for exhibition of the noble cause.
After relaxing for half and hour under the awesome banyan tree, we decided for a late lunch into a nearby restaurant. Another King fish dish with prawns curry, rice and Jain Omlette was consumed along with brezzers and fruit juice. Later we left towards Mapusa. This place is famous for typical Goan products shopping. Cashews, wines, dried fish and what not, can be purchased in the same area. Another hours ride and we reached Mapusa. Leaving aside the liquor shop, I and Dhawal engaged us into a cashew shop. Quality cashews were purchased with few chocolates. Sagar purchased wine bottles. Amogh happily carried them. Dhawal and Sagar showed there disapproval for me purchasing two Kg cashews for Pushkaraj. Both were upset on me being close to Pushkaraj more these days then to them. They even reminded me that Pushkaraj has no sister to whom I can think of marrying. I was in no fighting mood. Otherwise there surly would have been few broken bones and knocked teethes. Oops. I wanted to take on my old friends for a new one? Was I right? Never knew.
We came back to Baga after watching a local football match. These Goans are very passionate about their football. The pressure in atmosphere was immense. Crowd erupted when local team won. We cheered too.
After a quick shower, all of us got ready for another dinner. Suddenly the thought of dine refreshed us. On our way to our favourite shack on Baga beach beautiful pictures left behind by the setting sun were filmed. Tandori Tuna and Garlic Squid were ordered as starters to go with Tiger prawns and bottle of wine. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. Rice was consumed along with King fish curry. That night the curry tasted splendid as the Kolkata Knight-riders were literally butchered by the Mumbai Indians. With few more Mumbai Indian supporters around, the atmosphere was no less then a cricket stadium. We were roaring at top of our voice every time a Knight rider got out. And the roars were thick and fast. Knight riders, the initial team I supported, bundled out for mere 65 against the team I supported presently. The Lankan star, Jaisurya finished the match in mere five overs for the Mumbai Indians with a quick fire fifty. Crackers went ablaze onto the Baga beach that night and celebration continued long and strong. The combination of Tendulkar, Jaisurya and Pollock was going well for Mumbai Indians along with Nair, Kulkarni and Takawale punching well although Uthappa was struggling. Our combination of Tandori Tuna, Garlic Squid, King fish curry with rice and Jain Omlette too went very well with Tiger prawns a big disappointment.
Banana cake, Chocolate éclairs, a cup of Ice cream and we jumped into bed. I switched off the lights after finalizing the expenses. Very soon the sleep caught me. I thought of talking to myself in dreams, but was surprised when found that the other three were discussing hypothetical subjects that mid night. Amogh was deeply hurt and was speaking his heart out. Dhawal and Sagar were pulling him. After a laugh and my warning everyone slept. Good night.
Chapter 4 – Victory
Saturday, 17th May 2008 started with the same routine for me. I woke up at 6:30 AM. Amogh accompanied me today. The same warmth and calmness of the beach was experienced for the third day in a row. So rewarding was the experience to me than the demanding daily routine. It really relaxed me. By the time we came back to our AC room, Sagar and Dhawal were awaked. Soon we packed our bags, kept them into the safe custody of Mr Francis and checked out from the AC room. This day was our last day of our trip in Goa. So we wanted to take immense out of it. We unanimously decided to restore ourselves in one of the shack of the Baga beach. Sagar & Dhawal wore their Swiss T-Shirts. I was dressed fully into my denim’s. Amogh geared up too. Soon we took the front seats in a shack and relaxed. We had 5 hours to spare here before we come back to the real world. Our Goan fantasy was ending. As a sand sipping through from upper chamber to lower of an Hourglass.
Breakfast consisting of double omlette, bread butter, French fries and fried King fish was ordered with milkshakes & fruit juices. The consumption of bread was as slow as is the preparation of one. A fruit would have ripped by the time we drank a glass of juice. We were having no thoughts no action nothing whatsoever. All of us were comforting effortlessly. We seldom talk to each other in that period. Other than the noise that waves made along the coastline there was silence. People were sparse. The time had come to a stand still. Hourglass lying horizontal on table.
Dhawal was capturing images from time to time. Suddenly a little bird came nearby our table. We were surprised to see a Sparrow. After a long time. I remembered seeing a Sparrow last in my school days. Almost the bird had skipped from my memory. Sparrow probably is the first bird known to most of us as the mother’s repeated the Sparrow stories a number of times while feeding us. It does appear that these beautiful little birds are near extinction. But such a tiny they are, they almost get overlooked. Even by the environmentalist. I am yet to hear a ‘cry’ for saving Sparrow’s. Or may be the environment will loose balance on the extinction of big animals such as Tigers and Elephants only. Extinction of a small bird will make no harm to it. Sparrow represents the weaker community of humans’. It was severely taken advantage by the stronger ones for their own misery. Whatever it may be but it seems that other creatures on earth are losing fight in front of the greed of human being. We are proud of ourselves to be called best creation of God. But are we ruthlessly finishing his other creations?
Dhawal immediately clicked that Sparrow in frames. Sagar dropped few slices of bread for the little bird. In few moments the bird disappeared. Till now I am yet to see another Sparrow.
Couple of hours passed by. Few more people came to the beach. The loneliness felt earlier was suddenly gone. We took out a soft tennis ball and played high catches on the sand. After a few good catches and few fumbles I came back to my comfortable seat. Rest kept playing. Sagar bought a sea shell from a vendor. Blowing it few times, everyone settled into the shack. Dhawal and Sagar engaged themselves onto the pool table. I ordered food for the final time. King fish curry and rice was gulped with few brezeers and juices. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. The concept of Jain omlette itself is contradictory. First the Jains are pure vegetarian. Egg omlette is not. Amogh calls it ‘Jain omlette’ for like Jains he never consumes onion. And the Jain omlette does not contain onions. People are freak. We had an example along. While we happily treat ourselves, the Hourglass shelved all sand from the top chamber. The time was up to leave Baga. The town which has provided many sweet memories was bowed for the final time. Bidding farewell to Mr Francis we picked our baggage and took a cab to Thivim.
Our train, the holiday special Karwar-Mumbai express was late by couple of hours. With nothing much to do, Dhawal and Sagar played squash alongside the Thivim railway platform board. Later Sagar and I conquered the small steep hill that stands 80 degrees straight along the Thivim platform. Dhawal snaps few pictures. On arrival of the train we quickly settled. Dhawal goes to the other seat and switches on his mobile songs. Sagar and I finalize the budget of our trip. The entire tour cost us mere 16,000 Rs. Which mean Rs. 4,000 per head. That too the amount was from the savings done in year 2006. Considering the inflation we had enjoyed the trip in 2008 at a cost of 2006. That’s the power of savings. It multiplies the rewards in more than a way. The entire episode meant that the trip was almost free for all. Amogh had enjoyed a sponsored Goa trip.
To bid time we played cards on our return journey. A dinner, few snaps and we were fast asleep. The train which was late as expected reached Dadar station at 6:00 early morning. An hours journey in a local train and we reached home by 7:30 AM, thus concluding the 2008 Goa trip.
Chapter 5 - Destiny
From the next day daily routine started for me. Dhawal packed off to Pune in couple of days. Sagar’s was last week at his Job for he had already resigned. The sweet memories of Goa vanished quickly. May be the heat had caught us all.
World economy has always undergone changes. A couple of centuries back the Agrarian economy existed. Agricultural products ruled the market then. With the advancement in technical know-how the economy slowly shifted towards the Industrial Age. Rich people were known for the big industries they owned. Later few rich countries went through big recessions, the Capitalist took over the economy. They ruled over world market for about 70 years. In the early 1990’s the Berlin wall, which separated West Germany with East Germany, was brought down. The occasion is said to have broken the world boundaries and thus started the Information age. It has open immense opportunities for the member countries of the World Trade Organization with free trade between them.
We too were enjoying fruits of the Globalization. On 14th June 2008, Sagar packs for US. The event demarks a rise of new era for all of us. Now the world was wide open to be conquered. Sagar being the first soldier. The prior weekend we all planned a grand send-off for him as a tribute. Dhawal came from Pune a day before. I had a plan of shooting a short film which needed Dhawal’s approval and execution. The film would cover few incidences from our childhood. Like a flash back, I chalked down few interesting occurrences of us with Sagar. Cricket partnerships, Badminton matches, snacks atop pump house, studies, festivals, rainy days restaurant and what not did came out from the memory stock. The single wicket championships won either by him or by me, and the in house table tennis matches has a very special place in my memories. The thought of not having Sagar in my cricket team was a dreadful thought. Immediately the matches won single handedly by him flashed back. The Stephen Edberg’s and the Michael Sticsh’s along with Ganguly’s and Azaruddin’s were remembered. A Badminton tie I never won was against him. Carrom & Chess was never my cup of tea. I lost all the encounters brutally. I being a strong person rarely show up my emotions. But my eyes were watery while thinking of those wonderful passed moments. Mumbai Indians lost their way in the IPL and were eliminated in the league stage with some crucial losses.
On the send-off day i.e. 7th June 2008, I and Dhawal started early. We filmed a documentary with other friends. I edited the entire film adding up few songs. A Rang De Basanti touch was evident into it. Everyone enjoyed the film. I and Dhawal stayed at Sagar’s place. We talked and talked and talked that night. Our emotions were flowing as brisk as a flooded river. Loosing Sagar’s company, probably this close for ever, took a serious toll on us. A week later Sagar flows to US with I and Dhawal left back. God has a planned destiny for each one of us. We are here to follow his orders. The bitter truth was accepted and the life continued. It still continues.
To be honest, Sagar is yet to find place in the list of my very close friends. Not only for the unanswered phone calls, but there are many other reasons supporting my claim. Yet I did support his idea of Goa tour. More so I made a video honouring our friendship. Later, Balu asked me about the video. He questioned my intentions regarding the tribute and send-off treat. Did you bid same when Chirag flown to US? Was there a party when KT left for Chennai? Was Dhawal parted off in same way to Pune? Then why only for Sagar? And what not did he asked. He was right on asking these questions. I was speechless. And still has found any answer. And probably do not want any answer.
The beginning…
