Sharing tales

**Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, inspired by real life. The names bear no resemblance to anyone living or deceased.

“Damn! These folks are noisy!” The man said to himself, as he passed the house. He looked at his watch. It was nearing midnight.

The cousins were meeting after four months. They had grown up together, spending most of their spare time at each other’s homes. Quite naturally, they were each other’s first friends and automatically, critics.

The Pawar residence was nestled just at the corner of the road. It had a clear view of the road and was far enough to avoid the vehicular noise. A small lawn separated the gate from the main entrance. This was where the cousins had decided to meet – Radhika and Raj, the two siblings, were hosting the rest.

Over the years, they had grown into fine young people, each moving to a career that interested them. They had all started with their standard office jobs and, after gathering enough experience, moved into the creative and adventurous line of work. The usual mode of communication was whatsapp, where they were boisterous enough. But meeting in person, supplemented by alcohol, the noise was at a different level. There were peals of laughter, loud voices, attempting to drown the other out and continuous, friendly, leg-pulling. As always, their favorite topic was their uncle – Shashidhar Pawar. He had always been fond of, by all of them. Namely because, he allowed them to ignore their books and play as much as they wanted whenever they were at his place. Shashidhar Pawar was a man who had pretty much, built everything that he had, from the ground up. He believed in the simple philosophy that life is about transactions. Every transaction needs to be honest. Of course, his method was always supported by colorful language and some laughter. Those who knew him well, knew this trait and it endeared him to them all the more. At the moment, the cousins were discussing an incident that involved their youngest cousin, Raj and Uncle Shashi, as they fondly addressed him.

“You guys remember the time when we all came here for Diwali?” Ryan asked, animatedly.

“Bro, we always come here for Diwali. Which year are you talking about?” Tony asked, somberly sipping his beer.

The others giggled at the tone. Tony was notorious for keeping a poker face in the funniest of situations.

“It was when this guy was a primary school kid”, Ryan said, pointing his glass towards Raj, amidst a mouthful of kebab.

Radhika laughed, throwing her head back. “I know which incident! You guys know it?”

The others looked at each other. Shiv, another of the cousins spoke, “I’m not sure we all know. But you can tell us once you stop laughing!”

Everyone looked at Ryan and Radhika, expecting one of them to continue.

“You go ahead”, Ryan said.

“No, you tell it better. You should”, Radhika shook her head at Ryan.

“For fuck’s sake! One of you talk! Pehle aap, pehle aap!” Ritu, another cousin burst out.

Ryan shook his head, “Alright! I’ll tell you guys. So, Raj was scheduled for a visit to the dentist. It was the day after Laxmi Puja, with everyone gathered here. Almost everyone was pretty intoxicated with the alcohol! Thanks to our combined DNA of Punjus, Catholics and Kumbhar Marathis, everyone can handle their booze! Later, in the afternoon, we left, post lunch. I had to leave to Pune, back to the hostel. Shiv was young, so he stayed back. Radhika wanted to meet a friend before she took off to Germany. Ritu was due to attend her lectures and she left too. Uncle Shashi and my father, suddenly remembered that Raj had to be taken to the dentist. They were sober by the time and decided to drive. Uncle Shashi backed the car out, my father got into the passenger seat and they drive off. I had reached home, when I realized that I did not have my key, so I decided to come back and take the key from mom. This was when the fun started! I saw these two gentlemen talking to each other in the car, driving. I waved and they stopped. So, I asked them, where they were off to. Nonchalantly, they replied that they were taking Raj to the dentist. I was a little stumped because I did not see Raj, but then, my father turned and asked him if he was okay. I thought he may have dozed off on the seat and nodded, riding here to take the key. Uncle Shashi said he would call home and have someone wait with the key outside, so I wouldn’t waste time. I reached here, and waiting for me, key in hand – was Raj! I was like, ‘Were you not supposed to be at the dentist?’ Raj replied saying that he was waiting for his father. I kept wondering, who was in the car with them and whom were they talking to in the back seat!”

By now, all the cousins were rolling with laughter. Ryan continued, “Wait, it’s not over yet! Uncle Shashi realized when they reached the dentist that the patient was not with them. My father decided to drive and they both got home. I had decided to wait back and watch the fun. Suddenly, Uncle Shashi comes in and says, ‘When did you get out of the car?’ Raj innocently shook his head saying he never got into the car in the first place. And then my father goes, ‘So who was I talking to in the back seat then??’ You guys should have seen the reaction on everyone’s faces! These two had forgotten to take Raj, reached the dentist, spent the time talking to nobody in the back seat and had no idea! That is the story!”

“Geez! What crazy tales we have!” Tony said, grinning. “I think between all of us, we can write a book of such stories!”

“Yeah, but eventually we will run out”, said Shiv, shaking his head.

Radhika cuffed him on the shoulder. “Knowing all of us, all our parents, I don’t think we will ever run out of funny stories and incidents.”

Raj looked at his watch. His parents were due to arrive home. They had finished their holiday and had decided to take the local train home. “Hey, let’s go pick up my parents from the rickshaw stand. I think they would have arrived.”

“Who is driving?” Asked Ritu. “I think I should, because all of you are pretty high already.”

She took the car keys and all of them piled in. The rickshaw stand was a short distance away and before they could roll down the windows, they were already there.

“Let’s wait”, said Tony. He did not have to wait long, and the rickshaw carrying the Pawar’s stopped right next to their car.

“Saheb! Itna nahi chalega!” The rickshaw driver was saying.

“Yeda samjha hai kya? Do seat ka itna hi hota hai. Abhi jaa, khush reh!” Uncle Pawar turned away, with the hapless rickshaw driver shaking his head.

Radhika whispered, “I think this may be our latest story to add! I sense something funny.”

Ritu and Shiv giggled. Their aunt looked at them and smiled, shaking her head.

“What happened?” Asked Raj.

“Don’t ask”, replied his mother. “I’ll tell you at home.”

The cousins grinned, looking at each other and piled the bags into the back of the big SUV.

“You were right!” Shiv said, looking at Radhika. “Knowing our folks, the stories will never end!”

They all laughed and prepared for some more storytelling.

**Copyright: Amit D'Souza