It started as a usual day for the five of them, and like always, none of them wanted to attend the class. Amit was feeling giddy at the thought of attending the HR class; Ira nauseous, while two more, Siddharth and Parul were having sympathy symptoms of a similar type. Only the last one was somewhat keen to attend it. “My attendance, and the fact that the assignment is to be submitted… none of you care about that I guess!” said Minisha to the group.
“Well, isn’t that a bit obvious that we honestly don’t care?” quipped Ira.
“Now that almost all of us have agreed on the fact that the classes are a waste of time, and we shouldn’t attend them,” said Amit, and three pairs of eyes, and one pair of glasses glared at Minisha, daring her to contradict. “It’s time to decide where to go,” continued Amit.
“We can decide that on the way. Right now, let’s just get in the car, out on the road, and burn some rubber!” screamed Ira; living up to the reputation of her usual overexcited self. The catcalls and in-group jeers led them to the parking lot, and they clambered into the car as fast as they could. Travelling at speeds to rival a rally sedan, the dilapidated tiny Alto sped along the highway, and all too soon they reached one of the many malls dotted around the NCR. Amit looked over at the stereotypical structure of the shopper’s haven, looked in the rear view mirror, and said “Ladies, no shopping please!”
Hooting with laughter, they entered the mall and headed straight for the food court. After placing the order for her favourite Paneer Pizza, Minisha made a beeline for the nearest accessories shop. “Hey! Wait Up. I wanna check out some tattoos that I can get done,” Siddharth exclaimed and followed her. The two of them got lost in the crowds, while the others placed their orders. Eating through the feast in front of them, they almost forgot the college, their studies, even the two friends who weren’t present at that time.
“You ate the Pizza too?” asked a shocked Minisha when she returned, while her poor unfed tummy growled in protest, and the others rolled around laughing.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get you a compensatory pizza,” said Parul. “Ice-cream, anyone?”
“Choco Chip for me,” said Ira
“Weren’t you on a diet?” asked Amit without looking at her, and promptly got a smack on his head for his quick wit.
Four ice creams and one pizza box accompanied them, as the incredible trip continued. The near perfect weather outside, topped up with a gentle breeze and a light drizzle jogged all brains to a common idea – long drive to India Gate. About one third down the way though, the five fickle minds changed track – one by one.
“Don’t you think India Gate’s a bit too far?” asked Parul in a small voice.
“Yeah, even I think so. I have to be back home a little early myself,” voiced Ira. “Plus, we keep going there almost every other week.”
“I’m tired!” yawned Siddharth.
“Are we going home already?” asked a bewildered Amit.
“Hmm, I guess. Anyway, what are you complaining about? You’ll still get your long drive. You have to drop off all of us remember, Mr. Driver?” teased Parul
“It’s getting dark already. I know a short cut from here to Ashram. We’ll reach in no time,” claimed Amit confidently.
At the next red light, just to be sure, Siddharth asked the person sitting in the car next to theirs if the road indeed led to Ashram. The man, probably in his late twenties, nodded his head in answer.
“See, I told you,” said Amit, and sped down the road.
“Always better to be sure, my man,” said Siddharth, while the small car bumped and jumped along what was clearly a Kuccha Road
“Guys, are you sure we’re going the right way?” asked Minisha, her eyes wide with a glimpse of terror reflected in them.
“Aah, you worry too much,” said Siddharth, turning and smiling at her.
At that precise moment, the car hit a small ditch that caused a round of small shrieks from the girls. Ira, who wasn’t really paying attention, was the most surprised to find themselves in the middle of a long dusty road that stretched forever ahead, and dark, looming banana trees, swaying eerily in the chilly, dark wind. Not a soul to be seen on either side, not a sound to be heard, except the soft whoosh of the wind blowing. The headlights flickered and died with a tiny ping, and a small “Oh Shit!” issued from Ira’s mouth.
The only light there now, was emanating from the five swanky cellphones.
“I think we should get down and look for someone, who can guide us out of this place,” Siddharth said, while proceeding to open the door.
“Are you crazy? You’ll get down here? God knows who or what might be out here!” Minisha said, holding his arm with all her strength. Everyone reflected on this for a few seconds, and it was only then that she realized she was still clutching his arm. Embarassed, she let go of it and settled back.
“But we can’t stay here forever guys!” said a visibily irritated Ira.
Once again, a round of silence followed. By now everyone’s cell phone lights had gone off, and none of them bothered to switch them on again.
In the pitch black silence, they heard another shriek and a thud.
Minisha had fainted.
~~~~~
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