Mumbai to Goa

It was an early morning in Mumbai, and I left for a long trip. With my car, a classic 1970s Porsche Coupé, and my favorite four-legged best friend, Rocky. With shades on and Bon Jovi playing on my old cassettes, I left for the road trip. It has been a busy year with the stock exchange market crashing due to politicians and riots and getting back up. From the bonus I made last month, I promised myself to get this baby from Peter for quite a big sum, book a beachfront villa near Anjuna Beach, and 1 weekend without any calls or any emails, it'll be my New Year road trip. I wore a simple black floral shirt, tied my hair into a bun, brushed my beard, pulled up my harem pants, and with the sandals on, I was off the way. Along with the Bon Jovi remix, I got to have my trusty box of weed. Usually, year-long I use it for visiting cards, but now it'll serve other purposes. The first joint on my lips, and here we go.

I left from Panvel via NH 48, with my first stop already decided at my trusty German Wunderbar in Lonavla. It was 7 in the morning, the first hour when I reached there, went inside, and ordered myself a plate of egg Benedict, strong coffee, and some sourdough bread. With the breakfast in my tummy, and Rocky refilled on his water and food, we left for the next stop at my trusty Satara. There is this Shiv Dada, who runs a Poha stall, and his Poha is to die for. Literally, and metaphorically. He used to be a shooter in a now-finished gang back in the 1980s and served multiple jail times but because of lack of evidence, he always got out. Now, in his 70s, he runs that stall because that was his dream before getting into the gang, but that was Bombay back in the 80s, either you kill or get killed.

I reached Satara Junction, found him, and shouted with a smile, "Jai Shivaji Dada." He was happy to see me and gave me hugs. He asked why did it took me almost 6 months to come and meet him, and I replied, "Dada, Market ka bull aur bear ko mast deni thi." We laughed and caught up. He told me that he's getting old, and thinking of passing the shop over to his grandson. His grandson Sambal was a great kid and lost his dad in the Gang war. His grandfather made sure he wasn't pulled into one either. With Poha in my tummy, and Rocky getting his muscles relaxed. We were on our way to Belgaum, Karnataka. It was our last stop before Goa. On our way, we clicked many photos and made many memories. Rocky kept his head in my lap, and I was singing along the way. We were happy.

We got down at Belgaum, it was a classic Udupi Restaurant. We got freshened up, and Rocky got his lunch too. With Dosa, and Upma in my stomach and pedigree in his. This was our last stop. We went a few kilometers up the road to a petrol pump, and while we getting refilled, I saw a girl with her luggage walking down the road. I asked the guy to fill up the tank and went towards the girl. I asked her, "Out here alone in this crackling heat. Where you headed, maybe I can give you a lift." She took off her shades, and said in passive sound, "Sure, if you're headed to Goa." And I replied, "Well I am." She smiled, and said, "Are you sure? How do I believe you?" I replied, "Well that there is my car, in that car that floof is my dog, Rocky, here is my card, I might look like a hippie but I'm a stock trader in Mumbai." She took my card, and said, "Ooooh, I wasn't judging you. Anyway, I am Sarah, I'm a student here at NIFT Bangalore, and originally from Delhi. I planned on going to Goa with my boyfriend, but he dumped me so this was my solo trip. So, you mister, are a cherry on the top."

She put her luggage in the back, kissed Rocky, and of the way we three were to Goa. I passed her the joint, and she was courteous enough to keep it lit. Interestingly, I wasn't the only guy who loved Bon Jovi's remix, coz she was rocking to the beats. When we reached Porvolim Circle, I asked where you staying, and she replied, "I don't know. I'll ask around, and book some hostel." I thought for a second, and asked, "I've a villa for New Year's Eve, and I don't think you've any plans. Wanna continue the ride?" She gave a thought, let out a big yawn, and then looked right into my eyes, and said, "How can I say no to Rocky." I laughed, and we went to my place. I parked my car while the caretaker welcomed us, and asked for details. While I was filling in the forms, she took a look at the place and the beach and started running around. Rocky seeing her excitement followed her, and they both went to the pool. She took off her shorts, and the t-shirt and went straight in. Rocky followed her in, and they were splashing in the water. I took off my shirt and took a straight jump in as well. After cooling down in the pool, we went back to our rooms. We took a shower, and we were lying together on the bed. I said, "There are other rooms if you feel uncomfortable." She took off her bathing robe, came over to me, and kissed me. She asked, "Why would I leave such a handsome guy to be alone in Goa." We kissed for a few minutes and slept.