This was not a planned trip to London.. its destiny i believe bcoz i think these 4 weeks will be remembered as one of the best times in my life.. a chapter in life..where i won some real good friends.....
I was awaiting for my US assignment..counting every minute in Powai, the feeling was awesome.. anxiety at its peak..and guess what..there came the news..of a new urgent requirement where my profile was claimed to be suited.. place - London.. for a moment..i was upset that i had lost the oppurtunity to visit US.. then i made up my mind..that am going back to my friends in UK.. ofcourse..it will be a enriching experience too since i will paid in pounds.. that was good enough to cheer me up.
Since this was not my first visit to London, i knew accomodation was not an issue.. had called up my friends to reserve my room, i did so & took a weeks vacation to my hometown.. finished off all the official procedures in time, Unfortunately didnt get much time with the family, had to fly to UK within 2 days.. everyone at home were upset as couldnt spent much time with them as desired.. lucky enough to have a good gathering at home.. you know guys.. the difficult moments are those in life.. when you part from your dear ones.. you turn your back on them & walk away & when the distance between you and the dear ones become broader ...it turns real ugly.. especially when ur not sure when you are going to meet them again.... i knw i am feeling nostalgic..but cant help it.. i did experience that moment..when my family stood at the door step..to bid farewell to me.. i felt ugly of losing their presence for the moment..it was terrible..
I took the jet to Mumbai..reached there by a hours delay.. Subu was there waiting to pick me up.. i was glad to see Sirish, who came in to see me off.. i had a flight to catch at midnight.. was moved to see these guys at airport cheering me for my flight..we had dinner together.. did spent time fooling around.. then it was time to check in my baggages & say bye to my roomies & to Mumbai.. i took BA to London, reached Heathrow thursday, 7th July, though it was a exhaustive flight i was keen to visit my old roomies.. i took a cab to Lewisham, which costs me 85 pounds.. costly enough that i never took my eyes off the meter..:)
Hemant was at home waiting for me... i could see some new faces.. was introduced to them- Sandeep & Jigna.
Soon i learnt that London had a traumatic experience the very same morning, yes - it was 7th July, the day when london witnessed series of blast in central london..
i called up my boss to intimate him abt my arrival.. i did so & was advised not to move out as it wasnt safe & had not to join office on the same day.. it was day off..
and believe me i never ever joined office.. thanks to the client who had made up his mind.. i would say.. he had a second thought may be.. so i used to remain in all day..
we were 7 people in a flat... my room was the same old one except new roomies..
room was furnished.. i found my roomies very resourceful & cooperative..
Good thing was i didnt have to worry abt cooking as the couple have taken care of that.. we were served with the delicious gujju cuisine..we all had an excellent time together..i would admit.. i never felt alone.. as always my roomies & my friends gave me company.. we used to wander around lewisham shopping..and the streets.. our pass time was watching movies.. and also eating delicous dishes..
And in the evening.. i had a luxury of calling up my friends..who were in london.. we work for the same firm... weekends were especially great..
My vacation was abruptly finished off by a call.. i had to fly to US for the assignment which i was waiting for when i was in mumbai.. but this time believe i had a different feeling that i was doing good in london.. may be that i had won good friends.. that could be the reason.. i was bit hesitant.. i could never imagine..
i could get such a warm farewell from those new friends..whom i met just couple of weeks ago.. one of the lovely breed of people i ever meet..
Last day .. i was flooded with calls from my friends.. cheering me up.. and wishing me luck for the flight.. till the last moment i was onboard Virgin Atlantic to US...am really fortunate i think to find good people around.. 4 weeks.. is definitely a short period.. but i have gathered moments to cherish.....
