Trammel of Decisions!

The winter chill was settling in. Sameer knew his life in Houston was coming to an end, for the time being. He finished his school assignment and also gave up the CSR job. He was to stay with Sarika until he relocated to his next destination. A big task at hand was also to see to it that the entire amount of $43000, as part of his medical bills (hospitalization/surgery/equipment cost/metal transplant), was paid up (thanks to the insurance coverage and financial aid received from the Hamilton County). In the 3rd week of December, 2012, Sameer received his EAD (employment authorization document), since he was on OPT (optional practical training), which was required for him to seek a job outside his school and also continue to be a legal resident in the US.

Sharat had taken the day off, since he was driving to Houston. He started early in order to be at Sameer's place by late evening. Long drives, especially if alone, is always a tough proposition. With all his household stuff packed, Sameer was waiting for Sharat to arrive, dump his stuff in Sharat's car, and head to Priti's place for the night. It was going to be a long night since Nanda, Jit and their little son Gugul would also be there. Anil too had promised to catch up. As always, after dinner, it was the usual kerfuffle. Although some of the opinions would sound intransigent, all the same it would be mellifluous. At 2.30 am, it was time to hit bed, since Sameer & Sharat had planned to start their long drive very early. With merely 4 hours of sleep, as both of them headed to the kitchen for coffee, a rare sight awaited them. Everyone was there, resembling a claque, with Nanda at the helm of affairs. They were busy dishing out hot pooris with potatoes. An hour later, Sameer and Sharat were on their way. 

The morning Sun rays were a diaphanous streak. Both Sharat and Sameer took turns driving the car. It was a long journey ahead, through Chicago & Wisconsin. The GPS in the car indicated, they would arrive at their destination, late in the night. As he looked at the road ahead, Sameer gauged he was probably trammelled by his own decisions and no guidance. The journey seemed very long and uncertain. With logic to ruse his mind, Sameer stepped on the gas, unsure of his final destination and the miles therewith.