Lovesick the Series :

4 - The address

Noh was in the studio, as usual working hard on the new album that was going to be released soon. It was their first album with BB & Boys and expectations had soared. He was more nervous than usual and worked long hours to get everything perfect. Ohm called him out of the blues - it was just past midnight. 

'Ohm, what is it? I am right now in the middle of something important Ohm, so make it snappy.' 

'Noh, I called Mick. I found him. Noh, he is still in the country. Noh, I need to go and meet him.'

Noh dropped everything in the studio and drove over to Ohm's place. When Ohm talks about Mick, Noh knew better than to ignore or belittle that concern. Noh found Ohm in a mess. He was staring at the number on his phone. Ohm had just finished crying. His red eyes gave away. Noh hugged a very distraught Ohm and without saying a word, he took Ohm's phone and scrolled through the numbers. He identified Mick's number. He saved that number on his own phone. Ohm slowly revealed all that he learnt about Mick in the next 15 minutes. Married? 5 years? Noh was speechless. Noh didn't know how to console Ohm. Noh stayed with Ohm for a while. He ordered in food, beer and they listened to some classics while Noh tried to tidy up Ohm's place a bit. They fell asleep in the living room. 

Noh's phone rang early and it was Phun. He left a sleeping Ohm and went home to change clothes. Phun was getting used to Noh's erratic routine and unhealthy lifestyle. Phun had the fridge stocked with tonics and vitamin drinks just for Noh. Noh filled in Phun about Mick and Ohm's state of things while he was taking his shower. Phun laid out his breakfast on the table and left the apartment to start his day. Noh found a note along with the breakfast. It read, 'Don't encourage Ohm. He needs to understand that Mick is a married man, has a wife and a responsibility.' It was typical of Phun to leave notes like that when he couldn't voice his opinion upfront. Noh knew Phun made sense but Ohm wouldn't be so easy to pacify with a reasoning like this.

While he was at his breakfast, Ohm called him and asked about the album preparation. They would meet at the studio in another hour's time. Ohm seemed to have recovered from last night's saga. Noh felt better after hearing Ohm. They worked hard at the studio - Noh and Ohm had back to back meetings with the producers, the designers, the marketing folks, the promoters, the events people and few more. They worked round the clock. Noh and Ohm threw themselves at work tirelessly.

When they finally found some time to slurp on instant noodles, Noh mentioned Mick. Ohm shook his head and said, 'he is a married guy and I don't want to ruffle the feathers. It's going to be hard, I know but I should respect the distance he created.' Noh patted Ohm's back as consolation. 'BUT WHY NOW, out of the blues, would he enter the contest and write a fucking 'Horn' as the answer,' Ohm erupted, startling Noh beside him. 'Why? All these years, he managed to stay away from me. He got married and was doing fine, why bother me now? Did he send you a wedding invite, Noh? I didn't get any. He must be lying to avoid me. That guy must be having another affair somewhere in the countryside. So what is he trying to do to me?' Noh realized his mistake and said, 'Ohm, lets give Mick a break for now. He said he'll call you when he is ready. I think we should respect that. Let's just give our heart and soul to the new album. We have to shoot a music video soon, so let's just concentrate on that for now. Ok?'

Ohm calmed down, finished his noodles and went home. Noh did the same but Noh wondered about the same points that Ohm had made. Why now? He quickly dialled Mick's number. Mick answered. Noh was silent for a while. 'Mick? This is Noh. How are you doing?' 

'Noh... its good to hear from you. Its been ages since we last connected.'

'Mick, I called because I wanted to congratulate you - Ohm told me that you're married now. Wow, that was quite a shocker - well, we all have to get married eventually but I am happy that you've settled down. So how is married life treating you?' 

'Noh - how is Ohm doing?' Straight to the point and Noh mumbled something into the phone which let Mick know that Ohm wasn't doing so good after the phone call.' Mick didn't waste time or beat around the bush. He liked straight conversation and he liked them honest. 'Noh, it was my mistake participating in that contest and I didn't expect a call from Ohm that day. I honestly didn't. I consider myself a fan amongst a million others but Ohm called me on that day and had already guessed it was me. I swear, I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I was just doing what any regular fan would do. Noh, can you please tell Ohm and let him know that I am sorry for suddenly showing up like I did. What we had is all in the past and I don't think I have the strength to go through all that again. I will stay away from Ohm. Please take care of him.'

'Mick, don't hang up yet. Mick, what you say is all very sensible and yes, we're super busy with the release of our new album. Ohm will be alright and come back to his senses soon once the album is released. Mick, if you don't mind, please let me have your home address. No, its not for Ohm. I want to send you a signed copy of our album when it gets released.' Clever Noh.

Mick sent his address. Noh texted a thank you note back. Noh updated Phun later that night about Mick and his whereabouts. Phun realized Noh wasn't going to listen to his advise and support his friend, Ohm!