Yes We Can

I have tasted the best paneer. For that I will be cheesed off, knowing I can never have that good a paneer EVER outside of Indian shores. The land had been kind to me and even more so, it's people, who go against the odds everyday. They are survivors. And I was merely an admirer.

I got home at 8 in the morning that Saturday and left that afternoon, craving for familiar company. It had been a while since I was back and I was looking forward to seeing everyone and of course, Guitar Hero.

Homecoming is awkward. Especially when you know, things have changed though still the same. And "all knowing" looks give away the nostalgia of loss in polite banter. I had never felt away from home nor have I felt unwelcomed throughout my stays there. Almost one year on, the familiarity never became routine.

Startled re-introductions led to awkward rhymes but night and sleep managed to provide calm to both of us. When I awoke after being thoroughly spent from travelling, I accepted an invitation to the familiar. This time, a name, close to my stomach, Raju. Boy, does he know how to tempt 'em.

Over music, anecdotes and narrations, the distance that had separated, that I had placed and now that I had travelled, finally seemed to close the gap between us. In between sighs, laughter and head bobbing over Run DMC, it was a taunt that finally broke the ice. Tiger Woods PGA 09. Raju and now Tiger Woods PGA 09. Boy, does he know how to bait 'em.

That night, he gave me Stevie Wonder on 37". Raju, Tiger Woods PGA 09 and Stevie Wonder. Boy, does he know how to trap 'em.

We spoke about what both of us had already known all along all this time, but maybe along the way, forgot the words or lacked the courage and trust in each other to say it. One thing though, we had never been less than honest. Even at the expense of hurting the other. Only the best will come of it. That, and bragging rights for beating him at Tiger Woods PGA 09. Damn, I'm good.

We are starting again. Game on!