Foresight

Chapter IX

The sizzling of the of the buns is felt, flipping of paratha's in the tawa and banging of the ladle in the wok is heard. The trio settle down in one of the tables as the cleaner boy wipes their table with a wipe-cloth which hasn't seen a wash in days. "Kya loge saab"( what will you have sir), the cleaner boy asks with an enthusiasm in his tone, doubling as the waiter. "4 aloo paratha"(potato stuffed wheat pancakes), replies Rajesh with a assertiveness in his tone, showing confidence that he doesn't need to ask Tarun about his order. As he gives the order, he glances at Tarun, who is smoking away, outside the highway stall they have stopped for a quick lunch, before hopping back on the road. "First we need to find a decent lodge and stuff our bags there", suggests Neeraj, stating the obvious of any poorly planned vacation. "Yeah. Then we can roam around the place and hunt for chicks", Rajesh finishes off with an excitement. "I think we better block a separate room, just in case one of gets lucky" Neeraj adds. " As long as we are on that topic, did any of you two guys bring protection?" Rajesh enquires with a concern in his face. Neeraj gives him a poker face and Rajesh gets it.

Tarun gets back from his cigarette, just as the food hits their table. All of them pounce on the food without another word, as if they have been starving since years. Twenty minutes later, they are done with their food and Rajesh bolts out for a quick puff before they start off again. Neeraj joins him and they both share a cigarette.

"Another 70kms and we will be at the destination" Tarun announces as they get into the car. "My father has given me a contact information and address of a small lodge. He said we will sure get a room" Tarun breaks open the news.

"We will block one more separate room for the night, in case 'Romeo' here turns up with a one night stand" says Neeraj, sarcastically stating Tarun's habit of turning up with dates at the unexpected hour at the unexpected place.

"Well I'm not gay like you"

"F**k you"

"Chill guys" Rajesh tries to calm the situation before it escalates too much. "Lets first concentrate on tonight's booze. We will think about girls when we sober up tomorrow"

"Right on point, dude" Tarun shoots out while trying to concentrate on the road.