It was a half day at school. One of our senior-most teachers was retiring so all the other teachers and the senior students had planned a farewell for her while all the juniors were sent home.
An unexpected half day was always welcome. It meant only one thing- more play time.
I told Dhruv, as we got down at the bus stop, to go home quickly, freshen up and come to my place. I was looking forward to a game of cricket. It had been a long time since the school reopened, and our muscles ached to be stretched. He was equally enthusiastic and rushed home.
As I reached home, I saw a truck standing outside Basu Dida's house. There were a few people unloading some furniture and other household articles from the truck and were taking them inside. This meant only one thing. There was a new tenant at dida's. This was a huge blow. New tenant simply meant that we had to look for a new playground. Our fun time had ended. And unexpectedly so.
I was anxious to inform Dhruv about it but I had to wait for his arrival. He came after about an hour and half in his usual t-shirt and three quarters.
"You have something to say to me, don't you ?",he asked, looking at the expression in my face.
"We're doomed. We've lost our playground", I said.
"WHAT ? HOW ?"
"There's this new tenant at dida's."
"So ?"
"Won't it get awkward now ?"
He stayed silent for some time, imploring my words and understanding the complete scenario. "Yeah. That's true", he said finally. His shoulders dropped down in dismay.
"So, what now ?"
"I don't know. What do you suggest ?"
"I am completely blank. Don't ask me."
"Maybe we should have a look first, you know. We can figure things out better that way."
"You're right. Ok then. After lunch. Today itself."
"Ok."
That day, Dhruv had lunch at my place. I had asked him to stay over. Although, we were not interested in the food at all. We sat together and impatiently counted down time.
