Boeing was roaring through the clouds, fighting against the
sea winds every time the aircraft took a bump by hitting an air pocket Pratham’s
hand supported Kanya preventing her to feel the jerk and disrupting her in the
sleep. It was still a long way to Madrid and Pratham was preparing a list in
his mind palace. The full dos and don’ts were framed and rules were set, which
was topped by, no alcohol and El Classico. Both Pratham and Aarav were
childhood buddies but only thing that can create any difference in this
friendship were the two Spanish clubs, FC Barcelona & Real Madrid.
And both of them dreamt many times of being there in Spain attending
the clash between them which is rightfully named as El Classico, because of the
passion and quality of the players it is a treat to even a non-football fan’s
eyes. Fantasizing about enjoying the game Pratham also dozed off, resting his
head over Kanya’s.
“Hey
there out of dreamland already? Morning…” Pratham greeted Kanya with the sky
getting auburn outside
“Yea
just woke up realizing you were all over me.”
“Excuse
me?” Pratham was shocked with that kind of response
“Oh
sorry, I didn’t mean that. Oh dear god it sounded different in my head. I meant
your hand which was covering me from wobbles throughout the night I guess.” She
cleared her statement.
“Glad
to hear that, if it would have been otherwise, it would be difficult to explain
that I took advantage of a drunken girl or not.” Pratham sighed and laughed
“Morning
sir, Would you like some Coffee?” Air hostess asked while interrupting them
again
“Yea
for sure, and this time for her also.” Pratham said
“Oh
did you just asked me for a coffee? Like a coffee date?” Kanya asked with a
wink
“What
if I did asked you then? Were you going to say no?”
“Oh I
have to think about it then… Maybe I would prefer being in with you than rather
going out.”
“What?”
Pratham was just about to spill his coffee again
“Oh
dear lord, I better keep my mouth shut something’s gotten in me.”
“Never
mind we are there almost.” Pratham plugged in his earpieces back in
Few minutes were left now between
these guys and Madrid; cruising for almost whole night they were now able to see
land. The runway running backwards and the tires touched down making the
screeching sound followed by the roar of engine pulling back the craft trying
to reduce the speed of the free flyer.
“Not
much of luggage?” Pratham asked Kanya observing she had only her handbag
“Yea I
am here just for a meeting, flying back with the same craft tomorrow morning.”
“Hah…
frequent flyer…” Pratham teased her and type a text
‘In Spain, my
dream destination…’
Rashi was the obvious choice to the phone so poor thing
suggested her name on the top of the favorites, but instead of this generous
gesture by Pratham’s priced possession he over ruled the advice and decided to
send the text to Sonal.
“Ohho…
Dude’s got girlfriend? Damn it all the cute guys are taken. Oops did I said it
out loud?” this time Kanya was pulling his leg
“No,
friend of fiancée.” He replied back
“Wait
there I don’t wanna hear where this is going.”
“It’s
nothing what you are imagining. I am giving Rashi, my fiancée a dose of her own
medicine.”
“Whatever,
it that your friend? Flirting with those two girls over there?” Kanya pointed
to Aarav and Pratham knew he had to be stopped or else their Spain tour will be
restricted to the misses’ choice only.
“Buddy
your wife is waiting outside, come let’s go.” Pratham asked him
“You
marry?” one of the girl tried to speak all of the English she knew, it’s funny
when the lady understands what matters to her even when it’s not in her native
language.
“Oh
no, not any a… wife? Dude what the hell?” Aarav was little upset because of all
the tough time he had conversing with them
“They
are not gonna ruin our trip.” Pratham was getting anxious to land his feet on
the Spanish soil
“And
she is not going to do the same? As Sonal did to Goa?” Aarav fumed in fury
“Sonal
your fiancée? No wait I was something with R, Ruby? Ruchi? Yea Rashi.” Kanya
interrupted
“Sir..
Mam… This way please.” The air hostess guided them off the craft.
“She
is gonna remember you for a long time.” Kanya said to Pratham indicating to the
giggling air hostess who was standing to greet them at the door.
Madrid, capital of Spain, was an altogether a different city
comprising of both mediaeval architectures to the most modern ones from the
Royal Palace of Madrid to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid.
The third largest city of Europe has a lot of things to offer to its visitors,
be it food, fashion, monuments, football or the prominent nightlife.
The nightlife in Madrid is one of
the city's main attractions. Tapas bars, cocktail bars, clubs, jazz lounges,
live music venues, flamenco theatres and establishments of all kinds cater to
all. Every night, venues pertaining to the Live Music Venues Association host a
wide range of live music shows. Everything from acclaimed to up-and-coming
artists, singer-songwriters to rock bands, jazz concerts or electronic music
sessions to enjoy music at its best.
What is also popular is the practice
of meeting in parks or streets with friends and drinking alcohol together (this
is called botellón, from botella, 'bottle'), but in recent years, drinking in
the street is punished with a fine and now young ones drink together all around
the city instead of in better-known places.
Usually in Madrid people do not go
out until later in the evening, and do not return home until early in the
morning. A typical evening out could not start before 12:00 AM and end at 6:30
AM. And for the boys this was the second most thrilling thing on this tour.
They had plenty of time to catch the El classico which was on Sunday and it was
just Thursday then.
“So party planner what net we still have 3 days and you
scared away those chicks which I think will be needed now. I hereby officially
change your designation from party planner to the spoil sport.” Aarav asked for
what next they were going to do
“Let me think about it and till then why don’t you show off
your little camera tricks?” Pratham answered back while clicking a selfie with
moody Aarav which indeed made him smile his DSLR against tiny-miny android
camera. Not just that first text to Sonal but this selfie was also flying back
through the networks just to buzz her phone once again. The boys departed their way thanking Kanya once again, she
went to the sister hotel and the dashing duo started exploring Madrid.
The first scavenger task for them was to find a nice comfy
hotel, with of course on a down side of spending. Roaming the city couple of
thing which they noticed were the residents were quite helpful and the girls
whom were giving directions were imagining Pratham & Aarav as a couple
which got quite funny at times…
“Hey
excuse me there, could you please tell me where I can find this address?” Aarav
flashed the hotel address to a waitress of a restaurant on the alley.
“Oh
yes, but if you two don’t mind the place is not suited for a lovely couple like
you.” She answered in a Spanish accent
“No
you are mistaken we are not a couple. So can you please direct us to there?”
Pratham cleared her perception.
“Oh
sorry it is way right down the road.” She said blushing
“Dude
we need a girl right here in between us I cannot suffer this torture whole
time.” Aarav said
“Yes
may I help this lovely couple?” The receptionist welcomed them
“For
the last time and on the records, WE ARE NOT A COUPLE.” Pratham lost his
composure this time
“Chill
man! If you aren’t a couple may be you should hang out with girls, its gay
parade time here.”
“Yea
well I told him the same, he has his finance at home and me I am here to just
have fun. So can we have keys to our rooms then?” Aarav banged the table there.
‘Scavenger
Hunt going on for a nice hotel here…’ Pratham
texted Sonal this was now starting as a habit whenever they did something there
was either a selfie or a text to Sonal.
They passed their time till the
evening before hitting the road, searching for some fun. Pratham was delighted
just be there and dreamt of the match, while Aarav was capturing both the
beauty of Spain and beauties of Spain in his camera. They reached a souvenir’s
shop, just for the sake of some fun Pratham was trying out the hats which were
put on for displays and posing some mad poses until someone photo-bombed his
cool dude picture…
“That
doesn’t look good.” Aarav said while Pratham was still unfamiliar of the
photo-bomb
“Well
that’s my style to greet my friends.” Kanya was standing there with a fake
moustache on
“Woah
miss do I know you?” Pratham asked acting surprised and hugged her
“Yes
you do, actually I spent a whole night with you.” Kanya said and in an instance
regretted saying the same looking at both of the boy’s reaction
“I
didn’t meant that you two are dogs. And I need to work on my public speech.”
She continued feeling embarrassed
“Anyway
you were about to attain a meeting I guess? How come are you still here?”
Pratham asked
“Well
don’t tell anyone but I am on a paid holiday here.” She winked
“Yea
all the hidden extra charges you charged us back in Goa are paying off now, am
I correct or what Miss?” Aarav asked
“Dude
what’s your problem?” Pratham intervened
“There
are hot chicks out there and I am struck with two dumb one’s here. That’s my
problem…”
“Sorry
to say but he is not as dumb as he looks.” Kanya made her point at which the
newly formed group laughed.
After bumping into Kanya, they were
already moving towards one of the best clubs in the city of Madrid. The
Vertigo, located right in the suburbs, was one of the most happening places
after 7 PM and they were heading right at it.
“This
is the topmost club of the city, any chances we can bump into Ronaldo or Bale?”
Aarav asked teasing Pratham
“You
wish they’ll be at any club couple of night before El Classico? Must be having
nightmares of Neymar and Messi and by the way your sense of humor increased
quite a bit lately.”
“While
you two brag about football clubs, I can totally understand you’ll be dying to
get hands on the tickets, which in fact are lying right there in my purse.”
Kanya outsmarted the guys there
“You
have El Classico’s tickets right here?” Aarav was shocked
“Yes I
do, those are for my colleagues. They insisted me to buy it down as the ticket
counter was near my hotel.”
“Do
you have any idea that your handbag is about to be stolen?” Pratham asked her
“No
ways! I know what you meant there, and that is not going to happen.” She said
while tightening her grip over her bag
“Look
you already have one courtesy over us, why not go for another one?” Aarav was
getting curious now just to see if they can break her down
“What
do you mean by that?”
“You
booked our last minute tickets, and that felt good right? Come on just one last
favor, we’ll do whatever you say.” Pratham tried his best
“Are
you sure?”
“Yes
we are.”
“Fine
then, tomorrow night candle light dinner. And I’ll handover those tickets.” She
barter her wager
“Sorry
but you are mistaken, I have a fiancée waiting back at home.”
“Oh
honey, I wasn’t taking to you.” Kanya said pointing towards Aarav
“Wait
what? No ways! If you are thinking to trade me in for tickets, you owe me big
time for that.” Aarav said
“Buddy
you do owe me and I want you to pay it right now.” Pratham said indicating his
eye which was still little bruised up from the blow Aarav gave him
“Oh I
know about that, and became your fan since. So do you want them or not?” Kanya
asked
“Well
I didn’t know you were that smart.” Pratham said agreeing on the wager
“Wow
my best friend just sold me to an unknown person. Hey buddy! Does Spain have
any law against prostitution?” Aarav asked the driver
“Do
you wish to visit any?” he questioned back
“No,
straight to The Vertigo please.” Kanya said
There was an awkward silence in the cab after that sparkling
conversation. With them reaching the club, they were able to feel the ambiance
from the outside, big queue waiting out. It seemed impossible to get through
until midnight, but there she was rescuing them again. Kanya flashed her id
card and the doors opened for them.
“How
do you do all this stuffs? Air tickets, La Liga tickets, backdoor entry I mean
just how?” Aarav was amazed by her multitasking stuff
“That’s
my secret.” Kanya flaunted
“And I
am impressed.” Aarav winked
“And I
am looking like a stupid standing alone here, you have your date tomorrow today
both of you have to bear me.” Pratham said
“And
with bear, I remembered it is beer time.” Aarav said
“Last
time when I drank you knew where I ended up so please excuse me from this.”
“Please
only a pint, it won’t hurt.” Kanya insisted
“Yea
dude, think of it as another scavenger task.” Aarav joined in with couple of
bottles
That was the last thing they can collectively remember next
morning. The classic hangover was waiting to knock them off their stand. The
first one to get up was Aarav, finding it difficult to walk even one step he
got up and fumbled and fell over Kanya, which made her wake up and unknowingly
slapping him thinking of some Spanish guy trying to hit on her.
“If I
am drunk what do you think you have a chance on me?” and before even Aarav can
say anything his right cheek started to hurt.
“Oh so
you are left handed.” Aarav said and got up from her listening his voice Kanya
came to her senses
“Oh
shit! I thought…. You… oh no, I am really sorry for that. Let me see…” she
apologized the moment she realized what she had done
“No
that is completely fine. It was my fault I should have watched where I was
gonna step.”
“What
the hell are you two shouting about?” Pratham got up shaking his head
“Buenos
Dias” another voice broke in the room
“Who
was sleeping on that couch? And what did she just said?” Kanya asked
“Faltado
me carino?” she hugged Kanya and kissed her
“Get
away from me.” She yelled at her
“Woah
what did you two have done last night?” Aarav asked Kanya
“Sabia
que era alcohol.” And there she was storming out of the room with very few
pieces of clothes on her
“Please
someone pinch me, I seriously pray this is all a dream. What if I did make out
with that girl?” Kanya pleaded for this to be a dream
“That
is a little bit scary, and we were supposed to be on a dinner date tonight? Oh
boy it is complicated.” Aarav sighed
“Can
anyone please tell me what is going on?” Pratham was clueless about all what
was happening
“I
can’t recall anything but talking about some stupid scavenger thing.” Kanya
said
“Oh
yea I do remember it now, we were quite a few beers down and Pratham asked you
to hit on a girl who was grooving on the trance with us.” Aarav said
“Yea,
and what a DJ she was. I guess that trance was her favorite that’s why she came
all the way down to the floor.” Pratham continued
“And
you guys made me kiss her? OMG I made out with a DJ?” Kanya was confused as
hell
“I am
going to hit washroom.” Pratham got up and moved towards washroom. It was
complete awkward moment for Aarav & Kanya. She now knew she had a thing
about girls but was completely in fond of Aarav so that made it clear she was
into boys.
“Look
it was alcohol, I don’t drive that lane.” Kanya cleared
“I
know by the way you hit me. And I guess she was saying that too when she left.”
Aarav chuckled at it
“I am
glad that you can understand. I have never felt that much inside me.” She said
“Don’t
you think you talk without thinking?” Aarav asked her
“What
was wrong with that sentence?”
“Nothing
it’s just you are looking really messed up. Come on, get up.” Aarav offer his
hand but instead of helping her get up, she accidently pulled him towards
herself, and that was to moment where Aarav decided to show his trust and
approached her lips with his.
“Ahem…”
Pratham barged in breaking off them from their divine moment
“So
what is the time?” Kanya tried to divert everyone’s mind
“Time
for flight back home to leave, you were supposed to be on that.” Aarav asked
“Well
I have a valid reason to stay now.” She pulled Aarav towards herself
“Yes
you do and for the records, another couple in now.” Pratham took his phone and
clicked another selfie and sent it to Sonal of course. He was so enthusiastic
to tell everything what was happening that he forgot to text Rashi, not even one
message.
‘Miss Sherlock… look I found someone…’
This was the last message which Sonal read after getting up
from her hibernation, she somehow now knew that something was wrong with Rashi
and Pratham for sure, so she texted back him asking is everything alright?
‘Who’s that in the
center?’
‘Aarav’s someone…J’
Sonal was exciting to hear about it she called up Rashi and
told everything, and to her surprise Pratham had no contact with Rashi since he
had left goa. Sonal cheered her up saying that he’s mad at the time and was
texting her so that she can tell whereabouts of him to Rashi.
“But
didn’t you two were having a zing or something?” Rashi asked Sonal
“What
me? With whom?” Sonal got sacred thinking of her and Pratham
“Aarav,
of course else whom Pratham? Oh dear he did broke your heart.” Rashi was the
one who was jesting Sonal now
“Well
if he is happy with her who am I to ask anything, although may be it was a one
nighter only.” Sonal was relieved a bit know that Rashi did not knew anything
“Come
let’s go, I am meeting Ajinkya for coffee. You’ll have some quite nice time
with us.” Rashi offered Sonal
“Ajinkya
do know you are getting married next month right?” Sonal asked sensing
something
“Of
course he did know about it.” Rashi said and picked her dress from Sonal’s
wardrobe
Back there in Spain, there was still
a day to go for the big match so they decided to go for the drive through the
Spain. The group was headed towards north, the Beach of La Concha was their
first stop followed by Barcelona, and supposedly back to Madrid in time for the
El Classico. They rented a car which they were supposed to drop off at
Barcelona and get train from there to Madrid completing a triangle on the Spain’s
map.
“Anyone
else is feeling the nostalgic, Zindagi Na
Milegi Dobara, thing?” Kanya asked
“Oh
please try to be original.” Pratham teases her
“It is
a 5 hour drive to the beach and I can so much relate to that movie. You getting
married after we get back, I was on an official meeting and Aarav just here for
fun. Am I right or what?” Kanya said
“Hey
buddy do you know how to prevent a girl from blabbering?” Pratham asked
“Unfortunately
I don’t know it.”
“Well
I do, the only way to stop a girl from talking is to kiss her, so please will
you do the honor. I promise I won’t peek.” Pratham said and received a hit on the
back from Kanya
“I am
not talking anymore.” Kanya zipped her lips
The Beach of La Concha is a beach in the Bay of La Concha
meaning shell, in Spanish, due to its shape. It is one of the most famous urban
beaches in Europe. It is a sandy beach and shallow substrate, in which the tide
fluctuation affects greatly the area available for use. It can be considered an
urban beach in widespread use.
The road trip was a wonderful idea given that the weather was
amazing at that time of the year. They reached the beach parked the vehicle and
head straight to the changing rooms which were built on the beach. The boys
donned their boxers and put on some sunscreen along with goggles, but the peak
of the group was Kanya, she had put on bikini with a thin white top on it.
“Oh I
so much regret being engaged right now.” Pratham said
“Careful
dude that’s my girl.” Aarav told him
“Excuse
me but those aren’t, I was talking about those over there.” Pratham pointed to
a bunch of girls playing volleyball
“As
they say, boys will be boys. Go on join them.” Kanya united with them
“Yeah
surely, I am going.” Pratham said leaving the scene
“Let’s
go check the water.” Aarav said to Kanya noticing how racy she was looking
“Were
you just checking me out?” Kanya caught him red handedly
They spent quite a time there on the beach till the sun
kissed the bay of La Concha. Pratham was giving some quality time to the newly
formed couple, letting them to know each other well, as he judged from the
flight Kanya was a straight to the face person. She wasn’t the one to hold back
anything, very easygoing, easy to gel and on other hand Aarav was exact
opposite. But he knew they will be great together. Aarav and Kanya were walking
down the beach…
“Hey
turn around!” Aarav asked her
“What
for?” She turned and Aarav just snapped that moment
“Please
let me see it.” She requested
“It’s
not that good.” He said handing over the camera
“My
gosh! That is the nicest picture I have ever had. Mr. Aarav you do have some
talent in there.” She praised his photography skills
It was getting dark now so they went to their hotel and had
dinner and slept after a small session of chit chat. The next morning was
special for Pratham, just few more hours to reach Barcelona, the city of
dreams. They began their journey which was about the same time that’s 5 hours.
“Here
we are the city of best beach in the world, the city of best architectural
history, the city where the FC Barcelona belongs.” Pratham introduced the city
as they entered it
“Yea
well if you done your bragging, I am not in mood to visit any more beach so can
we just visit Camp Nou and leave?” Aarav asked
“Well
you know what I am tired too let’s just hit the stadium and leave.” Pratham confessed
Pratham was mesmerized to stand in the legendary stadium,
where the greats have shone to the occasion and many of the crowd which witnessed
history in the making. FC Barcelona is one of the most popular and wealthy
clubs in the club football.
“If
you are not planning to settle here can we leave?” Kanya asked Pratham
“Do
you even understand what it meant for me to be here and witness Messi scoring a
hattrick?”
“In
your dreams, now get up or else we are gonna miss Ronaldo’s hattrick back there
in Bernabéu.” Aarav taunted back
“We
will see about that.” Pratham answered back and Kanya was enjoying this little
friendly conversation.
They dropped the car at the vendor’s
Barcelona center and caught a train to Madrid which will drop them with ample
of time to reach the Bernabéu Stadium and attend the El Classico.
.jpg)
The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is an all-seater football
stadium in Madrid, Spain. It was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 and is owned
by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. It has a current capacity of 81,044 spectators.
El Bernabéu, renamed in honor of their former chairman
Santiago Bernabéu Yeste, is one of the world’s most famous and prestigious
football venues. It has hosted the European Cup final on four occasions: in
1957, 1969, 1980, and the UEFA Champions League Final in 2010. The finals for
the 1964 European Nations' Cup and the 1982 FIFA World Cup have also been held
at the Bernabéu.
The Bernabéu is both the second-largest stadium in Spain and
the second-largest stadium home to a top-flight European club, behind only Camp
Nou, home to rival Barcelona. In 2013, the redevelopment project which would
increase the capacity from 81,000 to about 88,500 was estimated to cost about
€300 million.
“Finally
we reached on time.”
“Guys
we are early it’s 2 hours before kick-off.” Kanya said just before she caught the
glimpse of mile long queue.
“Are
we early Miss Smarty?” Aarav asked
“I did
not know people are this much mad about football match.” She took back her
words about being early
That was an unforgettable game. Just as Barca did in 2009,
2010 and 2012, took three points from the Santiago Bernabeu to blow the league
title race wide open. Di María and Benzema looked to have claimed glory, but in
the end it was Leo Messi, with yet another hat trick who took the plaudits as
Barça won an action packed and enthralling contest.
The intense start gave due notice that we were in for a
special night, Madrid laid down their marker with some aggressive pressing, but
it was Barça who got the opener, when Messi slipped a clever ball through to
Iniesta on the left and the Spanish midfielder smashed home past Diego Lopez.
Benzema then missed a great chance to equalise on 12 minutes before Messi and
Neymar both had the opportunity to put the visitors even further ahead.
Madrid were working the left flank as they tried to get in
behind the Barça defense and Di Maria linked up brilliantly with Benzema for
two quick goals to turn the game around on 20 and 25 minutes. Soon after, the
Frenchman nearly got a first half hat trick, only for Piqué to clear off the
line. As the half drew to an end, the pace dropped a bit until a lovely piece
of skill in the box gave Messi the equalizer after good work in the box from
Neymar. There was a bit of argy bargy between Pepe and Cesc after the goal and
there was even time for Benzema to fluff yet another great chance before the
break.
Barça improved their possession at the start of the second
half, as Madrid looked to their own more direct game, which appeared to be
paying dividends as Valdes was called on to save from Benzema and Ronaldo then
won a dodgy looking penalty after Alves appeared to have brought him down
outside the box(54 minutes).
At 3-2 up, Madrid’s confidence began
to grow, but just past the hour mark Ramos brought Neymar down as he was haring
in on goal and the ref had no doubts about awarding the penalty and sending the
Madrid defender off. Messi put the spot kick away and Benzema was replaced by
Varane, as Ancelloti aimed to secure at least a point. Martino responded by
bringing on Pedro for Neymar.
Now Barça saw the chance to pounce and with Madrid sitting
ever deeper, Alves nearly put the visitors ahead on 73 minutes with a pile
driver that came back off the woodwork, but the winner finally came on 84
minutes when Iniesta was brought down in the area and Messi again silenced the
Madrid crowd, hitting home the penalty to mark yet another hat trick and yet
another epic victory at the Bernabeu.
“4-3
what a game to watch live.” Pratham was on cloud nine
“Yea completely.
Now I know why everyone is crazy about this.” Kanya said
“Messi’s
hattrick? Did I just saw what I betted on?” Pratham was now teasing Aarav who
was in despair
“Hey don’t
be such a spoil sport.” Kanya calmed Aarav
With the scavenger hunt going down the wire with a thrilling
win for Barcelona in the away El Classico, the status quo had begun to change. The
winds were changing the game here, and a big blow was expected to arrive in the
life of six interlinked souls. Finally Aarav had someone with him, Kanya being
out of the world was as charming as she could get, Sonal was in a misery to
tell the truth, Rashi was getting quite nicely along with Ajinkya but Pratham was
going to catch all of them pretty soon.
-The Other Me
No comments:
Post a Comment