The Golden Girl

“Chug! Chug! Chug!”, the chants were reverberating across the pub. Beer battles were pretty common on Friday nights, but this day was different. The contest was pretty simple, first to down five mugs of the clear, golden-colored Budweiser Magnum. 

Five Mugs! I could never do that. Even without a contest. And the contender was a pretty huge guy and looks like a pro at it. But, I’m confident that today is not the day we lose. I’ve seen her chugging countless beers with ease. It’s not very common to see a girl on the other side of a chugging contest but she was different. She was the man in our relationship. As the golden liquid rapidly disappears into her throat, I went down the road the first time I saw her.

I was a pretty silent and timid kid from the start, trying to stay away from the loud parties as much as possible. But, that day, I got into Google and my pestering friends demanded a party. Not just in any typical restaurant but at the party hub of Mumbai, Hard Rock Café. As usual, they got down to business the moment we sat at our table. Alcohol was flowing like a river and they were dancing the hell out. I just sat there, drinking in the history of music hung over the walls of HRC.

 I was getting a little bored and excused myself to get some fresh air. It was a full moon tonight. Then, I saw her, glowing in the bright moonlight. The beauty struck me like a lightning bolt. I never knew I had these kinds of feelings and people would judge me for this. But, I was too awestruck to even let these thoughts occupy my mind. Coming from an orthodox Brahmin family, breaking stereotypes was not my thing. I knew I’d get into a lot of trouble for what I’m going to do but I threw everything down the drain and approached her. “Hi!”, I said. 

It’s been two years since I met Neha and I’ve never been this happy in my life. I learned to shield the insults from the society and Neha was really supportive all this time. She had the courage I’ve always needed and since we’ve met, ferociously protected my fragile soul. The sudden eruption of cheering dragged me back to the present. Everyone was cheering for her. I knew she’d defeat that guy. It was chaos at the pub. She stood up, came to me and kissed me then and there.  There was a steep drop in the noise around us. I could see the shock in their faces but I’ve got used to it. After that wonderful kiss, she pulled back a little and said,

“I love you Preeti!”.