The Ironical Jawani -Diwani

My love for Gujarati women was seamless; it was not like I did not like anyone from other parts of the country but everyone has a soft corner for something-mine was for Gujarati Women. I can't pin down a reason for the same, but all I knew was that I had a thing for the Mehta's and Shah's of my generation.

People have had fun of my affection, especially the effervescent Bhat and the playful Shetty. Shetty was my partner in crime, a friend indeed, he would walk with me for miles without knowing the danger that lies ahead. His fun filled child like features of climbing ropes, mazes in the garden was fun for all the Mehta's and Shah's who used to tag along with us. It helped me a lot as I seemed mature and stable in front of such madness. This certainly does not mean that I did not help Shetty in his endeavors, I did, I used to give him pointers to woo his lady, she was a smart Alec and so Shetty would cycle to the Study Library every evening just to impress her.

Bhat on the other hand was aloof from such tricks, he had his own issues with a girl who used to write letters for him in Red...Pen not blood....would 'fast' for his longevity and would openly express her love for him. Bhat was a celebrity in our school for mesmerizing a female to this extent.

I, on the other hand, to impress the Gujarati folks had taken some extreme steps- Stopped eating Non-veg for nearly five years (to compensate, I eat only Non veg now). It was a terrible time for me especially since it was the time that Bhat, Shetty and me had joined forces in Junior college and this was a jolly good time for the two Non Veg eaters(read:hoggers). I felt the mockery at every restaurant we visited together. There was one particular incident I remember which had 'Dirty' written all over it; Bhat, Ankit , Shetty and me had been to McDonald's and had take aways of our meals to enjoy at my place. Bhat and Ankit on the way home sneakily exchanged the veg and nov veg meals to make me realize what I have been missing (read: have their own little fun). Shetty and me had got the exchanged one's and unknowingly began eating, I knew something was wrong with the taste and Shetty knew his Chicken tasted very different but he ate the whole thing as I wondered,that's when Ankit and Bhat began their hysterical laughs and untold the mystery. An upset me was compensated with a free plate of Chole Samosa.

All through the two years of Junior college, Shetty would tease and torment me for falling for a Mehta, whereas Bhat would torment at a higher capacity- Gujarati. Whilst Shetty remained specific, Bhat had taken the generalist path.

Ironically, Life had taken a twist for our two tormentors when we were in our degree school's-Bhat's first GF was a GUJARATI (totally unexpected and "Ironic") and Shetty's first GF was a MEHTA ("Highly Ironic").........