“Phool...Phool..5
rupee ka rose hai..bas 5 rupee ka...” he repeated as he went on to the
seats where a boy and a girl sat together. Their eyes were fixed upon the
beauty of the roses, but purchasing it was a farfetched option . Hearts had not
grown fond enough to exchange roses. The titillation, shyness and the rush of
blood was clearly visible in their eyes. Some were ashamed on the prospect of
considering a love relation with the seat mate. They rudely threw a NO to the
seller. Mannu was smiling. He felt it easy to be saved from this moment of
expression. Inside he became nervous when he imagined Pia in front and a rose
in his hand. The bus moved with a jerk and that brought him back to reality.
The city was warm, but colourful. The hotels that passed through were designed
as palaces. Even the names were palatial. The streets were broader compared to
Lucknow and much better organized. The street side market was restricted to
some areas. Only food stalls took the space during rush hours. The bus crossed Jal Mahal. Mannu was in dreams. He
started imagining a walk with Pia with a coffee in their hands. The lake had
got some water and the hovering mountain had given birth to some greenery. The
beauty of the monument offered romance.
Soon the bus reached the city area as was visible by rows of
pink painted shops. Truly is the name pink city! The markets were divided and
named accordingly. After passing through several traffic jams and waiting for
the cows, after every few metres, to stand and find space away from the driving
lane, the bus halted at chaura rasta.
There were temples and food shops all around. Aroma of incense sticks filled
the minds of the walkers. Mannu felt an essence of Pia on the streets. They
seemed familiar to him.
“On the left you can buy stationary and on the right there
are clothing shops. Boys have to get a hair cut also. Find some decent barber.”
Came the voice of the senior. For the time being the first year were left
alone. He went on with Gargi. No other girl was allowed.
“Phew...Such a confusing place. Where has he brought
us?”Nitesh spoke to the group.
“Let’s keep walking. First let’s have something to
eat.”replied Shubh and they found a stall of pav bhaji. It was delicious. Three girls also accompanied them and
the round of introduction continued while relishing the dish. Shubh took the
lead and they all went to a handloom store. The size and the price were clearly
mentioned on all the clothes, price being the major factor for consideration.
The girls went upstairs for the purchase. Shubh accompanied them. He was making
the best use of the opportunity. The products were on discount and a bulk
purchase came soft on the pockets. Mannu had paid a few hundred for Nitesh. He
paid for a kulfi. Nearby, the
grooming of the boys was also done. There too they got a group discount added
upon a student discount. The shopping was done and all were asked to wait in
the bus. Gargi came with the senior. She had several bags of famed brands in
her hand. The other girls were looking at theirs and pretending not to be
jealous. While waiting for others to get groomed Mannu had purchased a handmade
diary for Pia. She had given the news to Mannu that her family was palnning to
visit the city next month to celebrate Diwali. Mannu was very anxious about the
trip but he had to absorb the happiness within himself. There had not been any
talk between them to discuss about the trip. The new life and its rustle had
absorbed Mannu’s conscience.
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