Hilarious Hot.....

August 2, 2004. I still remember my first day at work after I bacame Chartered Accountant. I had joined Cummins India Limited as retainer for SOx Compliance. On my first day itself I met a girl. She had not yet completed her CA. Even though she was Punjabi, she had small stature. In her own words she was lukkhi .. Fair complexion, average height, thin, dark curly hair, shining mischievous eyes, typical Punjabi accent. In office you would find her in Punjabi suits and on weekends she would be seen in denims.. Her mobile ring tone was a popular Dhoom movie tune. This girl was always happy and very chirpy. Due to her friendly attitude, in no time we mingled with each other. 

She would talk about newly released movie Dhoom a lot... She knew all the office gossip... She would play pranks with girls gang. Then entire day our girls gang would giggle. 

I was from vernacular medium. Though I understood and spoke English, it was more formal and bookish. I learnt girlish slang and even few swear words from her. 

She is from a typical Punjabi joint family. Her Dad is ex-army man and her mother is timid and calm home maker. She used to stay in big duplex bungalow with her parents, Maataji (her grandmother), bother Deepak, Chachaji, Chachi, Reena (who had featured on Page 3 in Pune Times) and Golu. 

During those days I used to ride Bajaj Caliber bike. Hence, she started calling me street hawk (inspired by popular TV show of the same name). She even saved my mobile number with the same  name. She used to love riding on bike. During our lean work period both of us used to go for long bike rides. The whole time used to be filled with gaity, laughter and unending chatter. 

She is simple and down to earth girl but at the same quirky about certain things. She would get her dresses stitched from Delhi from tailor located near her Nani's house (oh! these tailors in Pune can't stitch salwar properly!). She would go to some beauty parlour in Camp (very far from her house) just to get her eye brows done. I did my eye brows for the first time along with her from the same beauty parlour. She had done golden highlights on her hair. That's why she is "Hilarious Hot Sexy" to me. 

Eventually she became Chartered Accountant and both of started working together in AF Ferguson & Co. Our bonds grew stronger by passing days. After education and decent job, of course the next important milestone is marriage. Her family started looking out for alliances. One day she called me and told me, "mera band baj gaya!" (Finally my marriage is fixed). Her family was very happy and ecstatic about upcoming wedding. But within 10-12 days only she started getting uncomfortable. Her would be mother in law (MIL) used to call her frequently about something or the other and finally tell her that she is too lukkhi for a Punjabi girl. She was in a big dilemma. On one hand her happy ecstatic family and on the other hand very annoying and uncomfortable alliance. I couldn't bear seeing unhappy and encouraged her to talk to her father openly about it. I assured her that her parents would understand. Finally she spoke to her parents. They were not very happy but they understood and broke off the alliance. They say the marriages are made heaven. And that must be true. Because she finally married her friend of 8 years. All these years her groom was next to her but the moment of recognition came only after such a long time. Only her father had small regret that "Munda Punjabi nahi hai" But I am sure after all these years this regret has disappeared in thin air.

With increasing responsibilities our meetings grew infrequent. But whenever our girls gang used to meet the whole place used to ring with laughter. And it still does!! We have named our group as Laughter club. 

She had difficult pregnancy. But I never saw her cribbing about it.  She accepted her share without any complaints. She gave birth to a comely young boy. 

She shifted to Australia in couple of years. In few years, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a tough time. But with rock solid support from her husband and with blessings of her own good deeds, she fought it very bravely. The only concern she spoke about was metal well being of her son during this period. Cancer not only affects the patient but engulfs entire household. With surgery and Chemotherapy she recovered completely. She used to speak very openly about her journey, mental and emotional well being of self and family. I am so proud of her!! This illness has given lot of depth to her thoughts. 

They say if you remain friends for 7 years, you become friends for life. And that's true. We have spent very less time together. But every moment is golden and cherished forever. 

Waiting to meet again, to relive those golden moments and to create new memories together!!