When Love Is In Air

chapter 8

Its Friday today and we are finally leaving,sorry we will be finally leaving for our much awaited camp.I use the future tense because my friends have not yet shown up.

Not an unusual scene.

There are public pujas almost everywhere because of Shiv Jayanti and as a result, loudspeakers can be clearly heard blaring different marathi songs.

I glance at the clock as I sit on the sofa beside my perfectly ready bag.

The clock reads 10.We were going to start at 9.30. I doubt that my friends know the existence and the meaning of a word namely, punctuality.I sigh and do the most boring job in the world.

I wait.

The last week had flown quite quickly.Everyone followed their routine but I followed mine with extra enthusiasm.I was becoming euphoric about the camp with every passing day.I had never camped in a forest and now I was going to experience such a thrill with my dearest friends.What fun!

Dad and Shantanu could never get more busy.They were, especially Shantanu, completely submerged in their work.Dad atleast left a little late but Shantanu left early and returned late.When he returned, he would be so tired that after dinner,he would fall asleep in like, seconds.So, our talks were limited to 'how was your day?' 'do you need anything?' and 'good night'.

Reva stayed out of the house as before but now we knew where she would exactly be.So, that wasn't a matter of concern.

Dhruv was coming home tomorrow.Unfortunately,I wouldn't be at home.But Reva had shown me his picture and I have to admit, the guy deserved all the gaping of this world.

Mom had been busy with her own society meetings and such.Whenever she got spare time,she used it to discuss tomorrow's menu with either Reva, me or Mangal.

I, as usual attended my lectures and came home like a good girl.Yesterday, I went to the magzine's office to submit my assignment and got myself relaoded with another one.I tried to complete it yesterday night but I couldn't because fighting my drooping eyelids had become an impossible mission.Therefore,I wrapped up at 3 and dozed off.

Dad and Shantanu are home today as its a holiday.But they both try to cover up their sleep whenever they get any free time.So, they are sleeping still.

However,yesterday,when I was working on my assignment, Shantanu came to my room.He was there to tell me to have fun.We, again, couldn't talk much because I was working and Shantanu was continuously yawning.

At 10.10 I hear the honking of a car and I know immediately that its time.I grab my bag and go in the kitchen.

' Mom, I am leaving.I'll come back on Sunday evening,ok?' I call out.

' Yeah.Ria, be careful dear.Its a forest.' mom says with worry.

'I will,mom.Don't you worry.My cell phone might not have network there.So, I doubt that I' ll be able to call.Don't fret if I am not able to call you guys.Make Reva help you and Mangal in preparing tomorrow's grand luncheon.' I smirk. ' Tell dad and Shantanu to take some good amount of rest.' I say with a smile.

'Yeah.They really need that.' Mom smiles too.

'And last but not the least, say my hi to Dhruv.' Mom nods.

' Hey Mangal, bye.' I call out and Mangal waves her hand with a smile.I move towards the main door.

'Bye mom.' I say as I tie my shoe laces.

'Bye,Ria.Be careful.'

' I will,mom.' I say and sprint downstairs as Sam's car has been honking a lot.