The Eleventh Swan

It was a Saturday night. I was in my hometown, Dehradun, India. My friends arranged an MBA reunion in TONIC. It was a luxurious bar for smoking, drinking and dancing. I was excited to meet my friends. I chose to wear Levis logo print black crew neck t-shirt, rare-rabbit john-stretched blue denim jeans, good pair of Peter England lace ups casual shoes and a branded digital watch. For the first time, I combed my hairs nicely and the funny part is I reached there on time. I parked my car in the basement and made a grand entry inside the TONIC bar. I was in good mood.

“How much time will you all take to reach Tonic?” I texted in the Whatsapp group. Akshay, who was the admin of the group named it as 'MBA Reunion'.

I was feeling nervous and waiters were constantly staring at me as if I am ‘Order-Cheap-Beer-and–go-out-of-the-bar’ type of person. So I quickly signaled the waiter and started the ordering process.

“Sir.” I called the waiter, respectfully.

“Yes, Sir.” He said with regard.

“Please bring one strong beer.” I gave the order and lit a cigarette to remove my nervousness. My right leg was shaking due to sheer excitement.

“Don't smoke alone, my friend.” Someone took my half lit cigarette. “Wow, Classic regular.”

“Woah! Abhay and Akriti. You both are looking amazing.”

“Thanks, brother. Where are other batch-mates?” Abhay asked.

“Don't know. May be in the traffic.”

“Yeah, May be. Where is Appy?” Akriti asked. She was excited to meet my fiancée.

“She was at Salon when I called her.” I replied.

“Oh! I want to meet her.” Akriti's excitement was beyond the limits.

“And brother how is your book business going?” Abhay asked.

“Pretty good. London is a good place for writing-entrepreneurs. There, I am famous as Mr. Writer.”

“Yeah, our bestselling Author, ‘The Great Mr.Writer’. So proud of you, mate. I saw your London event online. Very helpful. I liked your concept that Life has many dimensions.”

“Thanks brother.” I smiled and then texted Appy : “Come fast. Where are you?”

she replied, “I am parking my car in the basement.”

“Appy is here.” I shouted. A broad smile came on my face.

“Wow but where is Akshay, Shraddha and Saurav?” Akriti asked..

“No Idea. I am dropping a message.” While I was texting Akshay, I saw a beautiful Garhwali girl entered in the bar.

“Look Akriti, your beautiful friend has come.”

“Wow, Appy you are looking gorgeous in this red kurti and white leggings. Ethnic as always.” She complimented her.