Planning A Trip To Puducherry
I finish my homework and get up with an excited grin on my face. I pick up the phone to see Shravan calling me. I smiled and picked up the call. "What's up?", Shravan asks in his normal cheerful tone.
I sit on the bed. "Nothing much. Just doing my work", I say. "I got the circular like you said. Puducherry", I say and he laughs. "I told you. And I know you are saying yes", his tone turns hopeful.
My smile drops. I adjust a bit on the place I am sitting and he asks me, "What's wrong?", in a concerned filled voice. I sigh heavily. "Umm. Don't get angry but Shravan, this is a very expensive trip", I tell him.
"But...", he tries to say back in protest and I cut him off. "No. First listen to me", I say. "Shravan. See, ten thousand is a very big amount and I just can't demand anything from my parents. I know them. They will not show it in front of me but I know how hard it would be", I tell him calmly looking at the circular.
"Suman. Honestly, I feel that this trip is the last trip we all are going there together too. And that's why we should fill up the forms no matter how expensive it is. Looking at the details, I can definitely say that ten thousand is a logical amount they asked for. Please don't refuse", he tells me.
"I know that Shravan. It's just to have fun with my friends, I don't want to bother my parents", I tell him. "You always surprise me with your mature thinking. But you know what parents love taking troubles for their kids", he says to me.
"And then this the school trip and school hosts trips like these rarely so if you don't go for it, your parents will be upset because they really won't want you to miss all the fun and then they will see other kids enjoying so they will be sad as you won't be a part of it", he explains to me.
"Also, even if you are making this decision thinking about your parents, you must tell them about it. Demanding to go there is something else and telling them about it is something else. Let it be in their hands if they want to send you or not but even this is a big decision which your parents should be a part of", he tells me.
"Don't hide it from them as they will be upset. Whether it is marks, mistakes or trip circulars, hiding something from parents is wrong", he says wisely, making me smile. "Ok. I will tell them. But I am still telling you that it can a be no from my side", I warn him.
"I won't be a kid, Suman. Even though I will miss you, I will respect your decision. Just ask them for this once. Please", he says. "Ok", I smile.
"If we take it a yes, tell me your plans about it", I ask him. "Look. I have visited Puducherry once with my family and I am going there again as going with friends on a trip is a bliss and I really don't want to miss this brilliant opportunity", he tells me. "So don't worry madam. You already have the best tour guide with you in the group", I giggle hearing it.
"What we will do is, I will take you to all the famous places there and also the museums. You know there are many famous temples there and even churches. And food...it is the best food you will ever taste", he says and I giggle. He goes on telling me about what all we will find there. "Rest you will come to know during the trip. I don't want to ruin the fun but hey. You came to know everything. I am dumb. I shouldn't have ranted about it", he says going sad.
"Don't be. There is a big difference between listening and seeing it from your own eyes, Shravan", I tell him. "I need to go to the market to buy some groceries, Shravan", I say checking the watch. "Right now?", he asks. "Yes", I stood up from the bed and took out my shoes. "But I was having so much fun", he whines.
"In what?", I ask. "Talking to you. Can't you delay it?", he asks. I chuckle at him. "My mum is gonna kill me, Shravan. I promised her that I will bring the stuff", I say sadly. "Why not do one thing? You complete all your pending tasks and I will bring the stuff. As soon as I am back home, I will call you, ok?", I ask him.
"But Suman. Tonight is a family event and I can't miss that", he tells me. "Grumpy bear, we are going to meet in school tomorrow. We can talk to each other there", I tell him. "Ok. Ask about the trip and keep your answer ready. The sooner the better and if you don't then I will come to your home to ask your parents about it", he says.
I laugh loudly. "Done. Now bye", I say. "Suman...", he says just as I am about to cut the call. "You are a sweet friend. Thank you for being my friend. I feel so light after talking to you", he says sweetly and my heart flutters hearing it. "You are also one of the cutest things happened to me. A fun and positive guy and very helpful and understanding too. Thank you for being friends with me, Shravan", I tell him. "I don't have a habit of compliments and hearing this feels so good", he says slowly.
"I can compliment you, every day", I tell him as I pick up my phone and keep it in my pocket. "Thanks. Bye", he whispers
. "Bye", I say, ending the call.