Chennai express -2

I waited, with my body bloated with gas, and my head as heavy as my bag for Avinash, my neighbour during graudation days and presently part of a Human resource team for a reputed software firm. Avi, that's what i call him, is no stranger to chennai, being there for over a decade took just 4 minutes to arrive at the bus stand and pick me up;

After 2 changed gears and a left turn later , i found myself at Avi's new residence, which was adjoining the wall of the corporation school. I was at home and was ready for the day ahead. My program was fixed; i would, check Avi's office campus and then we would both together go to Satyams movie complex. It was decided that once the movie was over, we would be having dinner outside.

All was set and little did i realise that the movie complex has copletey changed. 4 years back when i bunked my college to catch the first part of the Matrix triology , a ticket costed me 10 Rs, the seat being in the first row jus few yard away from the screen, but it did not stop us from having our regular quota of movie shows; enter 2005, the theatre has been revamped into a multiplex and now i find myself seated in a lush cusioned seat with a cone shaped popcorn pack stuffed in my left hand and a pepsi can on the other. The movie comes at a price - a whooping 100 Rs/-.

After 3 hours of melodrama and mayhem we finally make it to hotel Vrindavan to revitalize ourselves. Our special guest on this occasion is Avi's cousin who's freshly arrived from Tanzania.
The menu startedwith rasai vada, a tasty retreat and ended with sweet lassi.

We discussed on various issues, from Avi's first crush to Tanzania's teenage pregnancy rates and how AIDS is rampant and how the garment industry is closing down with emergence of china and india in the textile sector. Finally i was of the impression that tanzanians are close to animals than we are, (what are your thoughts...depends wether you have visited tanzania...)

The day ended with me, hitting the bed, after my regular dose of Ayn randd and so does this blog ... Chennai express to continue

Chennai express - 1

Yes
Believe it or not, i finally made it to Chennai. The bus i took was stuffed with drunken monks and i was at the fag end of the bus seated with a geek and a six footer guy who called himself Senthil, a very familiar name in these parts of the country. It was 10: 42 pm and the bus left the busy Majestic bus terminal, leaving me with no choice, but to close my eyes and dream about my 2 days stint in Chennai. after 6 long hours of strained back and heavy head, i could see the familiar sight of line of wine shops with dark enclosed sit outs. Felt at home and knew i was in the suburbs of Chennai.

The bus finally arrived at a Airport like terminus, which is called Koyembedu bus stand and legend has it that it's the largest bus stand in Asia. For my bit, i took my Witchcraft bag and started to walk to the nearby local bus stand , where in i was shocked to find that there are no buses running so early in the morning and then had to come to terms with the fact that i have now to bargain with one of the most notorious creed of guys - The auto drivers , who are like demi gods at this wee hours of morning.

I felt like decapitating him, this guy - a young auto wallah, stops the 3 wheeler on the way and tries to talk in half english - half tamil slang , saying that his meter is not working and it would be better to decide the price right now; after 20 minutes of arguing and 120 Rs later, i found myself at Thiruvanmiyur bus stand, the bus stand where i spent 4 years of my graduation days , waiting for the first plate of idly to be served before i caught my bus 1c.

Chennai express to continue........