Life in a Metro

Everyday I leave office, take out my phone and dial some random number from recently dialed contacts. I love to talk with my friends (My friends are my treasure!). I don’t feel guilty for talking for hours, spending a handsome amount on my phone bills. Because I know, I don’t spend money like water in all those silly-girly-things like lip-glosses or dresses with exorbitant prices. (Causeway or Linking Road are indeed some smart shopping options for me!)
But today was a different day!
I called Madhav, he was busy with his shoot as usual. Since he joined this new office, I found that he calls me very rarely. No problem! I can understand. Same thing happened with me... new office, new place, lots of new things to learn! I won’t complain, because it’s very human! The second number in the list was of course Rohit’s. Rohit, my bessssst friend. He was there for me every time I needed a friend to share every little secret, a shoulder to rely upon and cry my heart out!
“Hi, wazup?”
“Nothing much! You say. Left office?
“Yeah... Ok tell me... where are you?”
“At home!”
“Can we meet?”
“Now? Ok! But where?”
“Phoenix? That’ll be better for me to reach home in time”
“Umm... can you come to Dadar? We can have a good time at CCD!”
“Ok! I’ll catch a cab then! See you in next 10 minutes”
After sharing goodbyes, I started heading towards Dadar, trying to catch a cab.
One, Two, Three... Five! I hailed for the sixth one.
“Dadar?”
He gave some excuses and told that he’s heading towards Lower Parel station and that he can drop me till there.
I grudgingly got into the vehicle, rolling towards Lower Parel station.
Bumper to bumper traffic and its constant honking were maddening me.
I called Rohit and asked him whether he could come to Parel. He was not refusing the idea. But the tone of his voice made me comprehend that he’s not willing to come all the way to Parel.
I did nothing but disconnected the phone.
Rage, disappointment, Despondency... all the off-putting feelings were swarming.
I was on the bus stop. Trying to sink in what I went through few moments back. I realised that I behaved very standoffishly by disconnecting the call. But, that outburst was spurred by disappointment, not rage.
And this is when I realised for the first time, how lonely I was... how aloof I am... forlorn from the world and its earthly feelings of care and concern!
“Last stop!” The conductor almost roared. I, very mechanically got down of the bus and found myself humming a beautiful song from Life in a Metro.. “Rishtey to nahi Rishto ki Parchaayiaan miley...”