Reyhan, Premith and Sukesh were thick friends. Every weekend they would spend the day together inspite of busy schedules. As usual, it was Sukesh who always cajoled his friends -for a breath of fresh air – far away from the suffocating city. He reminisced their frequent visits to Arambol and Aguada. Are beaches all over alike? The smell of Tsunami-rid waters… Driving, people watching, peanut eating, the ringing… of bells. Arguments, peals of laughter, crying babies, hawkers, a medley of crowds…What about a flash mob? Hmm…Who knows?

Last weekend too was as memorable as their previous jaunts. Premith manoeuvred the car deftly through an array of honking vehicles like Badshah Khan . ‘Kolaveri…’ and a mix of Samba music blared out of the stereo….’Why this soup song on a cool day?’, Sukesh asked. He was an utter glutton and savoured the succulent dishes awaiting him… Chicken Schezwan , chicken drumstick,hot chocolate icecream … Yummy!!! Mouthwatering!!! The train of thoughts broke when the car stopped abruptly. Lo! A dropping fuel tank… What a waste of energy! ‘Shall we fill up and come back ?’, Reyhan suggested. Sukesh looked dismayed and felt his tastebuds tickling … Ah! Bhelpuri beckons… Oh! No, we’ll stay here for a while. After all , we’ve reached Arambol,’ he said. Heyy! There’s a throng at the beach,’ Premith exclaimed. The trio went closer to the gathered congregation. A famous artist was sculpting in sand … A feast to the eye …. They moved towards the mandap – an open air exhibition of mobile photos – Scenes of a teddy bear field, kids’ antics,childhood innocence, grown up masquerades… rural/urban shots … a teacher’s successful attempt at capturing natural beauty in 6330/ Nikon D 40.

Twilight crept in slowly . The three friends beamed in delight. How wonderful to have such friends !! Who else would abandon everything for a friend ? True, beaches were their favourite haunts… A happy ending to the Beach Boys’ Day … ‘ Yo Boys I am singing song ….’