Bikes, a Blink and a Grin

At this moment, I’m feeling like that American youth of the 70s… long hair, faded Levi's, Hawaiian shirt, shades, the bike and my guitar. Out to explore the world with no specific destination… leaving behind a past.

Just had a chat with a dear buddy from high school… and felt like reliving those days. *Summer of 69 tune in the background*

We were a group of 4.
I, Aniruddha, Vijay and Deepali. We had our bicycles and had our crazy freedom. Outside college hours or bunking lectures at times, we rode out of the campus on our beloved bikes… wind ripping at our shirts.

Had long chats and laughed like mad after messing up the examinations. We did somehow manage to score well in the finals though. :P

We had our tangled love lives, screwed exams and yet found time to talk about everything but these. Not a care in the world… knowing we will pass out with good marks… having mild crushes here and there… those years were absolute fun which I realize now.

(Not that I don’t love RAIT, mind you. But I’m older now) :P

During our 20 minute chat (punctuated by giggles, loud laughs and question marks), Deepali reminded me of all the silly things we used to do.

I suddenly had a vivid image of Aniruddha cracking a joke while leaning on his bike and us having a good ol’ laugh.
I remembered how Vijay used to pull our prof’s legs. (Don’t get too literal)
Missed how I, Ruddha and Deepali took the longest route possible while going home after college.
Yeah, missed those days.

So I and the Maritime Chick made plans to meet when she comes down here next.
(She’s in Pune, Tolani Maritime Institute)

Past is so wonderful. We talked about the relationship I was in at that time. It all felt like yesterday. I felt 17 and the cold wind did nothing but encourage this strange feeling.

(I was dating a girl while the whole college thought I and Deepali were together. And we went out of the way to even convince my girl then) :P

And I felt I was in love with my ex all over again.

Past is so wonderful.
It clings to us even if we’re staring at the bright glare of Future.
It clings to us like a deep etched scar.
Healed and at peace.
Past is so wonderful.

I want to reach out to all those folks who made my two years in high school enjoyable.
They are my past.
I want to leave behind a past when I ride out towards my destiny.

The phone call ended with a grin. The excitement was too much to overcome and I fixed myself a strong cuppa.

While typing out the unsaid emotions, I saw a face before me… sweet, dark eyes, looking up at me and smiling… Damn, that angelic smile I’ll never forget.

My girl from high school, who isn’t a part of my life any more.

I blinked and she was gone.

Past is wonderful though, no?