Before N After

I speculated over and over again, before deciding to move back to Bangalore. It was never gonna be easy after four long ‘independent’ years or shall I say, ‘The Frenzy’ years. Me and my best friend brainstormed about all the possible problems I would face. We obviously came out with an overflowing list of negatives and some positives. Having to think about living a better life, it was always a best bet to come back to the city where I spent most of my life and where, probably, I would decide the next course of my life.

Changes happened and happened all too soon. Ten days now, and am ready with a list of ‘Before’ and ‘After’.

Before

Wake up, heat water, iron clothes, make tea, fresh up and leave!

After

Wake up, switch on TV, read paper like to mug up all columns, steaming hot tea served, ask the geaser to be switched on, freshen up, yell at mom for not ironing the clothes, move to breakfast table, complain about having idli and chutney everyday, frown and get out of the house.

Before

Gather friends, book tickets for 10 pm show, spend Rs 200 on a good dinner, head to theater, enjoy or crib about the movie, head for coffee at 1 am, yap yap yap and go to bed.

After

1 PM: call home no matter where. Answer the following questions:

Where are you?

What are you doing?

Whom are you with?

When will you be back?

8 PM rush from wherever you are at the maximum speed to get home quick. On the way, think about the possible excuses. Jammed traffic, cheh! traffic jam on Hosur road. Met a friend, went for a coffee. Naaa… then will have to say who, why, what. Decided: Traffic Jam it is!

9 PM: Reach home and start swearing at the city roads, autorickshaws, cops and all possible creatures on earth. Make no eye contact. Rush to the room, change and order for dinner to be served. All eyes on me. Simply ignore maadi. Turn towards niece and start playing with her. Within ten mins tension in the air is eased. Wait for the statement, “Better be early next time!” Nod, smile and pat urself ;)

Before

Wednesdays & Saturdays were a blast. Wednesday: Ladies night. Hit the pub at 8, get a drink, enjoy the karaoke, sing along, dance along, shake that ass man, bully friends, feel happy feel sad or vice versa and head back to your messy room where clothes are all around. Dump them on the wash basket and snore.

After

Wednesday: Be a good daughter and help around the household. Dad, mum – happy. Me: So very Happy (Grrrr)

Saturday: Temple, Pooja and Cooking. All set for the Future wife to be. (Fiiish)

Ten days… and counting…