The last two days were abuzz with activity for Sameer. Getting through the introductory session organized by the International Students office at the University followed by an hour long registration procedure, was a tough ask. The brouhaha amidst serpentine queues, unending photocopies of documents and swarm of unknown faces, both excited & confused Sameer to the hilt. Students from all around the globe with towering hopes and myriad dreams, trotted around. For them, the world seemed to originate and exist only on the few tables laid out in the Tardymann University Center of the University, on main-street. Attending to students, on these tables, were the officials who were regularizing students records like I-20, I-94, Visa, Passport details and other relevant certificates. The huge sigh of relief was palpable when Sameer ultimately got done with the formalities and headed out to Skyline Chili at Jefferson-Clifton crossing for his lunch with Yenal, his Turkish roommate at the dormitory.
Sameer could hardly wait to get in, when the white Altima pulled up in front of him near the dormitory. Pramit, who was behind the wheels, raised his hand and indicated to him to put the luggage in the boot of the car while he tucked the provisions that Sameer and Priti had got the other day, onto the backseat. As they settled on the front seats adjacent to each other, Pramit let out his hand and said, "Hi, Sameer bhai, heard so much about you". Sameer greeted back. They were meeting each other for the first time. Pramit mentioned that Priti and her colleague were expecting them at Ikea in West Chester for lunch and shopping for Sameer, thereafter. Their first halt was at Sameer's studio to drop the luggage and rest of the articles. They finished the errand deftly and were on their way to Ikea, soon after. After the customary exchange of pleasantries, Sameer started to gorge on Swedish Meatballs and Apple-cake with vanilla. This was followed by choosing the necessary furniture for Sameer's apartment. Next, they proceeded for check-out and sensing his dilemma how and where to process the order and swipe his credit card, Priti shared some vital tips for him to act upon. Finally, they stopped at the home-delivery counter to turn in their items to be told that those would get delivered in a week's time. Sameer couldn't help but marvel the efficient and adept handling of the entire episode by Pramit & Priti.
It was 6.30 pm. Sameer was at Priti's home, with Pramit and their little son Avik. The effervescent little champ was busy narrating his experiences at the daycare, for the day. He seemed to take an instant liking for the new person around. On the other hand, Sameer was delighted with Avik's company. The little one had so much to say, so much to share. In between his giggle and minor pause for breath, Avik seemed to traverse through his past and present. Sameer was having oodles of fun. The added incentive for him was, Sameer was feeling himself in Simba's company. Catching up with Priti and Pramit seemed endless. Priti and Pramit had so much to tell Sameer and vice versa. Pramit was also busy raking up his gourmet cuisine, the awadhi Biryani. They were chatting their hearts out. Yes, Sameer was truly living the moment.
A loud gurgle emanated as Pramit poured into the Stolzle Glencairn crystal glasses which already had ice cubes in it. He described that Bourbon was a much sought after drink in the state of Kentucky. As the expanse of the golden gleam on the crystal rocks widened, as they clinked their glasses to a loud cheers, Sameer's heart pounded with excitement. His flight to Minneapolis was scheduled for 11 am, the next day. Sarika, her two year old daughter Janki and husband Sharat resided there. Sameer would be seeing Janki in person, for the first time. As he took the first sip of his drink, the pensive mood that had engulfed Sameer and his daub of sorrow for the past few days, both seemed to get diluted. Even though momentary, it was a welcome respite after what seemed like an aeon of pain.
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