A lavish holiday
Going on holiday not only makes you feel good while you're there - you reap the health benefits for months. Yes, that’s right, when you hear the word ‘Vacation’, ‘Trip’ or ‘Holiday’, suddenly out of nowhere a bunch of energy incites inside you. Not because it is a blessed word but because the excitement of you going out with your dear ones, is inexpressible.
The short but most memorable trip to Goa made me realize something I couldn’t forget my whole life, taught me something I wouldn’t miss. Friends, love, emotions, circumstances, etc. are the chains of life which are not in our hands but if we try to keep the chain-points together, then life can be a real fun. Narrating a holiday is auspicious and precious but I will detail every single moment, connecting it with the gist of our daily lives. How this life is valuable and why should we live every single day as if it’s our last?
I am optimistic and pessimistic, introvert and extrovert, totally emotionless and fully sentimental; I think I don’t know me, I love animals and adore materialism but I come across the fact that I might had but I lost it. I don’t fake and put a mask but yet I imitate and manipulate me. I love my life and this is how, I live it.
"Holiday”
Just like every other wanderlust, we wanted to go for a trip. Who would I go with on a holiday? Is it ever possible that I would go without my two soul-mates? The best thing about holidays is that you can narrate it to others and still feel the same fun. That is what I am going to do. I know everyone enjoys on their own, plans and schedules make their part on the memorable moments. We did the same. I am talking about ‘Us Three’; we call ourselves ‘3 Stooges’. Being a girl, it’s always difficult to plan ‘Girl’s Trip’ but we somehow managed it. I want you to hold your seat tight and embark into the jubilant journey of adventure, merriment and awe-inspiring fun.
I (Mishti) have been friends with Shruti and Sonam since childhood and we have had already a volume of memories together. This was something different. Why? Let’s find out.
Being born in a luxurious family, we have been blessed in getting the best education. We are nurtured in the most elegant and Beautiful ways. Of course, the restriction and liberty are two sides of coin and only few get the leverage to enjoy both at its respective time. Ahmedabad is known for its boldness, trendiness and cultural fluctuation; obviously, such attributes were impregnated in all the three. We just had one dream- to be free, for some time, under no influence of any guidelines or rules.
We are the girls who have held the motto, “Be the girl who isn’t afraid to laugh at herself, who still manages to pull off the worst of jokes, and can effortlessly brighten a room with the sound of her laughter. Be the girl who is self-aware and recognizes her own flaws. The girl who continually strives to better herself.”
It’s better to have few friends who are loyal than many friends who are liars. Be that as it may, I am the one who is prior in the list and have got the love of Shruti and Sonam like real sisters. Today, we are busy in our daily life; you know MNCs don’t give holidays.
It all started on Sunday when out of nowhere, a thought popped up in my mind. I wouldn’t blame my devil-creative mind but that spark has made me happy enough to express it in words. We planned to meet on Sunday evening at one of the popular cafes in the city - Selfie Café. The café had everything we loved- Live music, Hukkah, and Ambiance. Not to mention, it’s our ‘Adda’; not that we are popular girls there but manager already knows what we would order and we wouldn’t have to even bother about it. Yes, the lavish life- it begins; hold your seat.
The evening commenced with a meeting but it continued with dancing and chit-chatting. We couldn’t stop ourselves as the weather was so romantic. While dancing and looking at each other, we didn’t see that 15 years had passed in these encounters of meeting, being for each other forever and we felt nostalgic all of sudden.
People tried to interfere but ‘Uski kya majal ke hume tod sake’. It’s still intact with the same bonding force. The virtual adherence we have between us is robust, placid and smooth.
The big advantage of our get together would be that we would be able to meet often and talk about everything we want to. Sharing, laughing, eating, drinking and well, who knows? Out of the blue, I cracked a joke and stunned the two saying, “Let’s plan a trip somewhere far. Say like- NYC, Las Vegas, Switzerland, Huwaei, Thailand, Dubai, Mt. Abu, Goa.”
I still remember the expression they both gave it to me, then. After a pause of 2 seconds, they both burst out laughing. I was not dumb and couldn’t stop myself from holding their arms and say, “Oh, come on, you girls, we have been planning but failing lately, but this time, we really want to go. I bet you both that this time it won’t fail and we will be successful.
Both knew that I had that skill of convincing people. They say, “She has a cute voice, an adorable personality, and charisma to attract the person she is talking to.”
I was smart enough to put the data in my talk to convince them.
“Research shows that not only are vacations good for you but that they may also increase productivity meaning they’re good for the workplace and for your career as well”, I said, with the most serious expression on my face. I added, “Research has found that after taking a vacation workers are less tense and stressed, they are more likely to be in a good mood and to have higher levels of energy.”
They both uttered, “Ahhah, say more, we are listening.”
I, to myself, “Yeah, you would, my bitches. I have already prepared a draft to win over your head and heart.”
I continued my speech and they were listening to me like a child paying attention to a lullaby.
Everything was going right until Sonam said, “Darling, I totally understand what you just said but this ain’t a dream world and we won’t be able to plan such a lavish holiday irrespective of us coming from rich families. We are not angels or our life is not a fairy-tale. You think you are Cinderella. Mishti, stop dreaming as we live in Indian culture and you know that our parents will never allow us for this.”
There was a pin drop silence as we wanted to go but didn’t have the guts to take action. Thank God, I had a natural instinct during those crucial moments. I was the only optimistic; I stick to it.
Shruti spoke in between, “Girls, it is a matter of money. How can we plan for money? Even if we convince our family, how will manage?”
She murmured, “We can do anything in Ahmedabad but I don’t know if we can do it away.”
I released my Brahmastra then. It’s time to use the technology as we are living in 21st century. It was the perfect time to open Goibibo, makemytrip and booking.com since they had the most amazing and cheapest offers of holiday packages. You wouldn’t believe that they just scrolled and scrolled again in the website pages.
I was sure that a day will come when this trip will come real soon. Then comes an emotional, adorable torture dialogue, “Please, my honey bees, cutie pies. Just look at the packages and just imagine the fun we will have.”
I still remember that scene when I, like a magician, gestured them to imagine a scene of us together on beaches, bars and everywhere in Goa. I miss it, and every single conversation we had.
My first sweet prey was Sonam as she entered into the plan and supported me with the utmost interest I had, for the trip.
The talk went on and on.
It came to a conclusion but the places were not finalized. After half an hour of searching, we decided to go to Thailand but it hosted 1 lakh. Vegas and NYC was far from our expectations so, we omitted it out. Abut seemed near but not that much fun. What could have been the next destination- Affordable, Adventurous and Astounding? Yes, Goa it is.
Shruti: It is difficult but not impossible.
I: Yes, that is what I m saying.
Sonam: Isn't it exciting. I am already getting Goosebumps.
I: Same pinch, Sonam. I am really excited about this all. Please, don’t let any hurdles break our confidence.
Shruti: But…
I: No if, no but, just hold on with the thoughts that pops to your mind when you think about Goa.
We started dreaming already. I mean there is no doubt about our exterior beauty. We all are hot. At least guys call us and we were fantasizing about the hell-fun we will have.
We all finally came to a decision and guess what; we named it,”Girly Holiday in Goa.”
I said,
“Let’s be a girl who is comfortable in her own skin; the girl that doesn’t let her insecurities stand in the way of her happiness. Be the girl who knows it’s okay to have insecurities but it’s not okay to give those insecurities the power to eat away at her. Be the girl who is willing to take risks. Be the girl who can experiment and try new things without losing sight of her values. We should be dauntless who knows how to choose her battles wisely. Be the girl who will fight for what she believes in. Let’s swear to be a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve, and is not afraid of any hurdles. Let’s be shrewd and smart enough to know when it’s time to let someone go. We should be that girl that can take her own advice. Be the girl who looks for an equal in a romantic partner, and owns her sexuality.”
Sonam and Shruti were not blinking their eyes. I even didn’t know where the hell had that came from but I was sure that the trip is on.
Sonam and Shruti agreed. The momentum gained the acceleration.
We began our hunt for all the awesome places in Goa- basically all beaches, sea side places and something like Mini-Miami beach.
“Mishti : Karim beach, north Goa; Anjuna beach a famous beach especially for foreigners, Baga beach- all good restaurateurs are there, Morjim- the fun unlimited place.”
We decided the budget. We also checked with flight tickets for us and can make it possible.
It was late evening and we decided to continue that discussion after 2 days. We headed back to home.
After leaving for home, the three of us were only thinking about the trip and the mind blowing lavishness we are going to have.
The technology comes into action again. Yes, Yes! We started discussing on Whatsapp group.
Sonam: I want to go no matter what happens
I: I am with you. I am really excited.
Shruti: Come on, girls. Wear your boots and get ready to roll.
I: Hey, my bitches. Don’t forget to thank me since I was the one who raised the topic and your eyebrow. Hahaha.
Next day morning
I called one of my acquaintances who was working in ‘Tours & Travel Company’ and asked him about all the details. Hurriedly, I collected the list of hotels and tourist hotspots. We planned to meet again and this time, it was the ‘Full & Final’ plan to make it to Goa.
On Tuesday noon, they took the half day off and directly went to our Adda. Since I went through the entire budget package I asked my friend, I told Shruti and Sonam about it. They both liked it. They went home with huge confidence.
Still, I knew the ‘Supreme Court’ judgment is pending. Fingers crossed. Everybody is going to approach their family and get the ‘Flat Yes’ or ‘Direct No’.
I: Hey, Mom. I want to go to Goa with Shruti and Sonam.
Mom: It’s your age to roam. Don’t panic, I will ask your dad. But, don’t get too excited.
Sonam: Mom, can I get to Goa with Mishti and Shruti?
Mom: What? No ways.
Shruti: Papa, I want to ask you one thing. Please, think about it and answer.
Papa: Hey, why you do look so panicked? Ask me anything you want to.
Shruti: I want to go to Goa with Mishti and Sonam.
Papa: I will think and will talk to others’ parents and decide it later.
This all permission and denial, positive and negative, ups and down response continued for a week. Finally, I decided to make the big move and asked Dad about it.
Dad: How? With whom? When? Where? How many days?
I: Umm, Actually..Umm, Goa,,umm, with Shruti and Sonam. Umm. By Flight. After week. Dad, I just need 50k only for the trip. I already asked for the Goa trips and budget. They assure the safety, fun and luxury altogether.
Dad: Are their family ready?
I: Mostly, the final conformation is pending.
Dad: Okay! let me think. Let me see. Beta, I will tell you after 2 days.
It’s a genuine fact that daughters, sisters, mothers and professional ladies have to have this ‘Permission Granted’ thing right from the day when she is born. I am not blabbering about our Indian culture but there are so much of insecurities about the female category and the same is not with ‘Men’. I was thinking over and over again about the same.
Late that night, I sat near a huge picture window of my room, peeking outside at the stars and the moon. Tears had made my face wet and eyes red and swollen. I was sobbing in silence, as the worst feeling was hitting me time and again. The terrible feeling of watching my dreams getting crushed. But I never put the blame on them; they were just walking the talk. They were following what was prevalent in the society. But the worst sufferer was SHE, a girl, as usual. The whole night, I kept sitting there, as my thoughts kept drowning my spirit of living life to the fullest and enjoying. But in the morning, I got up, determined enough of changing things.
It was 4 days but she didn’t hear any reply from her Dad. She was worried about the program being cancelled after coming so close.
So, I decided to confirm with my dad, finally.
I: Dad, please think about it. This will be the first and last trip. I never force you for anything. I promise that I won’t, in future. This is something I want, for my happiness. Do you want to see your daughter happy?
Dad: Okay, you can but remember that security and precaution are the two best safety factors.
I: Yuhhhuuuuuuuuuuu. Thank you so much. I love you to the moon and back.
Dad: Which resort have you chosen?
I: Paradise beach resort in Goa.
Dad: No, wait. Go with our membership in Club Mahindra Varca beach.
I: Love you again, Dad. You are the best dad ever.
Next Day
To my surprise, he has prepared everything for me and planned every schedule. He said, “You guys will stay in club Mahindra, I already talked with the manager and will go by air. Once you will reach there, the driver which I booked will come to pick you up.
I: Wow! Dad. I am so lucky; you support me a lot. You made me really happy today. I am on cloud nine.
Dad: Chalo, no buttering. Hey, I should be supporting you. You are my ‘Lil’ Baby. But I should advise you that you girls have to take good care of yourself there when you go out.
I: Yes dad, certainly I will.
I shared this good news directly to my whatsapp group and urged both of them to convince their families as soon as possible so that we can quickly march to our dream destination. I was sleeping that night murmuring one sweet poem that was just forming itself and making the shape.
There was no traffic, no hornWhen an angel was about to born
With the wind blowing in fields of corn
As the splendid blue sky in the morn
In her childhood, she had no wingBut god recognized her elegant zing
She always sees"wings wala"birds sing
From then, she started to search her king
Time used to pass, when she fastShe was a lass, because she was the last
Angel felt "haaas" when she saw one nast
He was a bass, as she had no past
Dirty was that fellow, Wearing the yellowAlways a mellow, His heart was too shallow
Angel noticed poetic creativity of himWhen he wrote a poem in the dim
Pulling him aside behind the rim
She seemed full of vigor and vim
Getting the wings, she felt suddenlyFlying with her king, she went utterly
All I could understand is that life is full of surprises and shocks, days and nights, rights and wrongs, goods and bads. One night I cried looking at the window and another night me looking at the same window but with the ecstatic feeling.
Consequently, both girls convinced their parents and then, it was time to rejoice and live every single moment from them. We met at Chocolate room and as it was planned, the tickets were booked on February 2, 2015. We took leave permission from our respective offices.
We started counting the things we would carry to our dream place. The list was so huge that we couldn’t figure it out because of the excitement. But being the hot girls, we primarily managed to get our outfits ready- Shorts, shrug, t-shirts, pant, night cloths. We were planning to wear bikinis there; we didn’t want to miss that only chance to throw ourselves everywhere.
