Cabbie: You young lady, write that down for me..
(Karan rolls his eyes while I am eager to pen my thoughts down)
Me: Sure, but what would you do with this, write another song?
Cabbie: You got it.. it would be something like-
Don't let that fire in you burn out,
Don't let that charm fade away..
Don't let that passion breeze out,
Don't change, I like it this way....
(He is half time looking at me for response and the other half, at the road ahead.)
Me: You are genius, reallllllly talented. Wow. Why don't you go for one of these reality talent shows? I am sure you will go a long way!
(I doubt within. He's old. Obese. And the way he's panting and sweating as he sings now, God forbid me for the thought- a high note or two might not be good for his lungs at all.)
Cabbie: Do you think I can win?
(He's looking at Karan for reassurance. I am still in doubt.)
Karan: Who knows? You should give it a try.
Cabbie: Huh, well you know how it is, they have these auditions in specific cities .. its not that affordable all the time. It will take lot of money. I don't know if its worth it in the end.
Karan:
Me:
Sid:
Sush:
Yes, its one of the times when you are tongue tied. You want to encourage, you want to transcend the harsh realities of life, you want to support, but you don't know what to say!
Me: Oh, here we are. Can you take a left turn here?
(Relief, on all the four faces except his. He's thinking. We don't want to know what.)
Karan: Hey, Vikas text-ed. You want to go to his apartment for tea now. They all are gathering there.
(We and our late night tea-sessions! I can't look her way but I know Sush must be rolling her eyes right now.)
Me: Sure. Sush, you will come?
(I already know the answer.)
Sush: No, I think am a bit tipsy. I will go and sleep.
(I knew it!)
Me: Alright. So we will drop you here and we can walk back to Vikas' place.
Sush nods.
Karan: Can you please stop here.
Cabbie: You don't go to your aptt.?
(looking at me)
Me: No, we all friends gonna have tea together.
Cabbie: I like tea.
Me: Hmnn. Nice.
(Is he expecting more than that?)
Cabbie: Yup. I like ginger flavor... I have had Chinese tea too.
Sid: Shweta, lets go.
( He's mumbling. That means he's bored!)
Cabbie: Where are you all going?
( I can see Sid smirking, Karan hurrying up through his wallet. Sush is long gone.)
Me: Oh, to our friend's place.
Cabbie: Where does he live?
Me: He's at the../ CUT
Karan: He lives right around the corner. And thanks, we enjoyed the ride thoroughly.
Me: Yaaa..We so enjoyed. Can I get a picture with you?
(Why's everybody staring at me?)
Cabbie: Sure.
Karan clicks a pic. I know what Sid is thinking- Why the hell aren't we moving?
Me: Thank you.
(Smiling generously at the cabbie)
Karan: Hey man, here's your money. Have a good one buddy.
Cabbie: You know what.. take my number. Call me next time you need a cab.
He takes the business card out of his pocket. Karan tries to take the card. Cabbie keeps looking at me making his choice obvious.
Me: Thanks
(as I take the card)
Karan: Man, here's your money. Goodnight. Take care.
(He's not taken his money yet, I notice. Guess he's 3-4 levels up on a flattery trip.)
Sid tugs my elbow and Karan pats on my shoulder. I don't know why am looking at him, still smiling, thinking he's a good soul while Sid is too close to thinking of the old guy as some cheesy con and Karan is growing irked every minute.
I want to invite him for the tea but I know I will be snapped at, even before I suggest. I turn away, waving and I start walking with Sid and Karan. I hear him leaving.
We all are silent as we stroll towards Peninsula apartments.
After a second or two, I see the two men by my side a little more relaxed. Is it because the cabbie is nowhere in the sight now.
Me: Wasn't he awesome?
(Beaming again, I look at Karan)
Karan: He was!
(finally..but genuinely, he smiles back. I look at Sid with the same questioning gaze.)
Sid: He was!
( I know him well. He's thinking- Isn't this what you want to hear? )
_____
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