It was just the beginning of the year 1985. Fifth semester exams were over, and the next one had already started. Before the next semester would start on a serious note, there was some free time for regatta and cultural activities. Instead of being a passive observer in those activities, I wanted to do something more. “It is definitely not a time to go home.” I wondered. The visit to home was completed just a couple of months back. And the next one was not due for at least four more months. I was wondering about the best way to utilize the free time.
'Why don't you join us for a cycle trip to Ratnagiri?" asked Anil. It was a pleasant surprise. 'What? Are you joking? Do you know where it is?". I was familiar with the Konkan region and the roads, whereas Anil was from Vidarbha, and had never visited Konkan before.
"Well, we have been planning for some time. Everything is set, we have chalked out the route, we got our bicycles serviced, it will be a group of eight to ten friends and we will have a great time. Sushil has already left for Ratnagiri yesterday night by bus, and he is going to make arrangements for our stay."
I could very well imagine Sushil's reluctance to go on a bicycle. He knew the roads. He was wise to find an excuse, and go by bus. "Well, interesting proposal, let me think." was my immediate response. The option to join Sushil and travel by bus was already over. "There is no time to think, we are leaving very early tomorrow morning, if you want to join us, you need to get your cycle serviced / checked right away. It's already evening, we have no time". Anil was very quick to respond.
Thank god, there was no time to think. The thoughts would have discouraged me for sure. "Ok, where are you meeting tomorrow morning? And what is the plan? What do I need to carry?". I had a lot of questions. The thought of money did not touch my mind. Not that I was rich, but others were equally poor, and if they could afford the trip, I could very well make it. "Get your own clothes, everything else is taken care of. We will start from the hostels in the morning."
By the time I reached my room, I was more than excited. I had visited Ratnagiri once about ten years back. Those memories had faded. “I will be gone for ten to twelve days”, as I announced to my roommates, they were all surprised by our plans. Kishore who was from Goa, was well supportive of the plan. “You are going to have a lot of fun, my friend” was his first response.
No comments:
Post a Comment