Diwali is a special occasion for all of us. Saturday- concluding day of this special occasion, and with an intention to have something for memories to be re-called in future, we decided to spend it with a dinner outside.
Out of four friends, two backed out leaving with two of us who had made it for the grand finale. One of the two was offcourse me. Lets name my accomplice ‘X’. Thereby, X and me set out in search of a restaurant with a thought to leave some crazy imprints, which would remind us of the lovely time we had spent.
On our search of our destination, we came across a hawker, who was selling lovely dolls.He had a variety of them…You name it, he had it, ranging from hi-tech Barbie’s to Clay models to Wooden one’s. We stood there watching those lifeless ‘creatures’ which moved ,walked and danced in tune to the movement of the key.
No sooner, did our stomach’s remind us of our journey ahead and we walked away from those dancers. By then, I was reminded of a ‘Bay Leaf’, round the corner( For those who don’t know what Bay Leaf is, it’s a restaurant where you get servings of veg as well as non-veg).
On a previous occasion, we colleagues had landed up there (where the expense was being borne by my office).With no inhibitions, we lavishly dined and had ordered for the most expensive menu then.
But now, we had to pay from our pockets which naturally needs thinking thrice. X and me finally crossed the well carved wooden door of ‘Bay Leaf’ and were in. Ambience in the evening hours was too good. Dim lights, well managed interiors, and courteous staff had simply made our day and we had already thought this Diwali is going to be the best of all years.
Meanwhile, a steward approached us and gave us a tumbler of water each and gracefully placed the menu cards on either sides.
I opened the menu card…….i happened to see beverages with names whisky, rum, vodka……..realised was a card exclusively for beverages. Beneath that, was another card for food. Satisfied that we had found our destination, we opened it. And the menu read like Chicken Gobi, Alu tikka, Gobi baadshai and so on and so forth. Happened to look at the price…..Gosh………..What did I read? Re-read over and over…..Oophs…..Whatta shock? Prices were beyond thoughts and our pockets.
X and I, din’t want to have very big hole in our pockets by spending such a lot of money, therefore, we drank the water kept in tumbler beside and were fidgeting on what to do.We din’t want to make a mock of ourselves either.
Immediately an idea struck my mind.
My phone started ringing. I said ‘we are coming out’ in a loud voice so that people near us could hear me, and we got up to go out. Another steward who had been watching us asked me ‘What happened Ma’am?’ I had to tell him sorry and walk off. A sigh of relief on our faces as we came out of Bay Leaf.
X asked who’s call was it? I had to tell her, it was a gimmick to get out and there was no phone call. It was only me who had been making all the talk and nobody on the other end.
She burst out laughing………’Witty’ she proclaimed.
Later, we had good dinner within our budget and happily lived thereafter that evening. Indeed a memorable Diwali. Isn’t it?
