The Stranger on Holi

 

ROMITA is having a blast this Holi. #RANGBARSE all over her mind. She is studying Political science 3rd year At Basanti Devi College Kolkata. All the college friends are in unidentifiable face status as everyone is playing Holi. But deep down inside among all this rocking group of friends, Romita is missing her childhood buddy Rajesh . They are born and brought up in Malda town and Romita moved to Kolkata for studies. Rajesh is studying in Malda only. It's almost 3 years since they met.

Every year Rajesh promises to come to Kolkata but never does so. In the meantime, it's evening time. All college buddies are tired and exhausted playing Holi since morning. It is tough to recognize them as such a colored avatar as their faces are fathomed of versatile combinations of colors. Romita can understand that all the people near her are from her own college. Romita wished goodbye to all her friends and started returning to her PG where she stays. 

She noticed an unknown figure has been following her since she left the holi celebration place. Every face around Romita has colored thanks to holi but this one particular face is so well shaded with color that it's impossible to determine whose face it is. Romita kept walking towards her PG keeping a steady speed and momentum but the shadowy figure kept following her at the exact same speed and pace at which Romita is walking. Romita did not stop. The city is absolutely great. But instances are there when Kolkata has experienced sad incidents of girls being harassed, molested. It is of prime importance for all girls to learn basic self-defense.

Romita has been taking Kickboxing classes for the last 3 years. All of a sudden when Romita is unmindful a group of rowdy boys singing at the top of their voice riding in bikes went past her. All are drunk to their knees and their faces are colored. It is a habit among young boys to drink on occasions like this and ride on the road. Romita is shocked for few moments as her mind was in deep thought. She regained her nerve and started walking faster. The shadowy figure is still following her and the distance between them is slowly decreasing slowly. Holi being a celebration, festival of color the one and only disadvantage being no one can identify you in one go. Neither you can identify someone. #RANGBARSE is indeed the main flavor but this festival gives a scope to do the crime. The only weapon is to stay alert.

That shadowy figure is just behind Romita . Romita knew that she cannot just escape and run like a coward. Romita turned back and gave the stranger a sidekick on his belly. The stranger fell on the road with that sudden and strong hit. Romita did not stop and is getting ready for her next karate move when the shadowy figured stranger shouted, " Are you like crazy or what. That's how you welcome your hometown buddies. " Romita realized her idiotic blunder. It is none other than RAJESH. He came all along from MALDA to give her a surprise. visit. Romita literally cried," I am so sorry dear hit you. You are also stupid. Why did you not just have called me instead of following me like this. "

" I am sorry I wanted to surprise you but you only gave it back to me. I wanted to wish you a happy birthday in advance." Romita is totally shocked and ashamed of her impulsive move. She just ran and tightly hugged Rajesh in her arms. " Listen you are not going anywhere. I accept my mistake and I am sorry. Let's continue in some cafeteria now for dinner. And please next time no such evening surprises. And no sudden visit on a day like holi. Rajesh laughed.

#RANGBARSE got a new color of friendship. It is pure, white, and innocent. Two childhood buddies are destined to meet like this in such a strange but memorable way. Rajesh laughed and nodded.