Living with an Ex-NDA; A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

by Nikhil Nambiar on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 7:58am

A note written by a wife of an Ex-NDA

 
I have been surrounded by ex-NDA officers for as long as I can remember. My father, my brother,
and now my husband and father-in-law too. All products of that fine establishment, the maker of men
– the National Defence Academy . In the course of my life among these officers and gentlemen, I
have come to some conclusions. Conclusions which could prove priceless advice for some naïve
young thing about to get associated with a man from above said breed.
 
To start with, there’s the Squadron. One of the fifteen first alphabets expanded into their telegraphic
full form, to which each ex-NDA swears undying loyalty. A fellow in arms who belonged to the same
squadron at any point of time since the inception of the Academy is a buddy. Needless to say, the
senior among the two ‘Squadron types’ is obliged to favour the junior with more liberty than he would
have otherwise received. Always remember your ex-NDA’s squadron, it’s traditions, it’s strengths (it
never had any weaknesses) and the names of his Divisional Officers or DivOs. Never, ever criticize
anything even remotely connected with his squadron unless you want to earn an instant battle or
frigid silence, depending on the temperament of the man. His squadron is the supreme body of the
supreme establishment which made him a man.
 
Next is the matter of hierarchy. There are many approaches to establishing the pecking order, which
is never vulgarly obvious, but sacred nonetheless. “He’s from the twentieth course, man! Way, way
beyond our league.”, “Oh, he was just an OC”, “He’s a General- both times discipline”, “Swimming
Blazer. Did the Peacock Bay on campfire night for the tipsy”, “Arrey yaar, he’s a RIMCO. He’ll get it
done through his network.”.. Make yourself familiar with the terminology and never get confused
between a course and a term. Remember his place in the hierarchy and along with him, sneer at
those below and display appropriate awe towards those above.
 
Of all the physical events at the NDA, the two most dissected and rehashed by all ex-NDAs
nostalgically are the Cross Country race and Swimming. No matter if he was a cross country medalist
or a dead sinker, your man will never tire of discussing each visit to the pool and the usual six cross
country races in excruciating detail. Listen with wide eyed interest and remember the best enclosure
he ever achieved. Never, ever, ever compare your Asian Games gold medal in decathalon with his
cross country participation. Never. A cross country in which he participated was sacred and at least
one cadet died in the race during at least one of his six terms. You could never have died doing a
shitty decathalon.
 
Term privileges are hard won freedoms which differ from one ex-NDA to another, depending on his
Squadron. He will often use the same principle in the disciplining of his children. If it worked for the
kids there, why not for his own? And trust me, it usually does… So if the man doesn’t take you for
that long awaited movie just because you sewed the button on the wrong side of the cuff, forgive
him. That sort of logic is only his training speaking. Likewise, he will also understand the principle of
extra privileges and withholding privileges in your dealing with him.
 
Like all establishments, the NDA has its own jargon. OC is not the Officer Commanding like you would
imagine, and FL is not Fairy Lights. GCI is not General Cleanliness Inspection and Cabin Cupboard is
not a piece of furniture in a cosy little cottage. Patti Parade is not first aid practice and Fall In is not
the opposite of a Fall Out. Bewildering though this unique language of the Ex-NDA may seem to you,
never display any sign of scorn or boredom. Unless you want to be left out at every occasion when he
meets a brother, pick up the terminology as quickly as you can. It is not too difficult. Most Ex-NDAs
only need subtle encouragement to start a class.
 
And last, but most important of all, never underestimate the power of ‘Tipsy Pudding’. This one sweet
factor to the life of an Ex-NDA cadet is like ambrosia on a parched tongue. Don’t even think of trying
to whip it up in your kitchen, and take comfort in the fact that even the Queen’s kitchen cannot
produce the item which he will accept as the ‘real’ Tipsy Pudding. No. The only real Tipsy Pudding is
the one he licked off his filthy fingers out of a half full ‘pateela’ in which one of his coursemates stood
knee-deep in fruits, nuts, cream and rum soaked cake, ladling out the treasure with his bare hands. If
you have understood the passion which drove those young boys trembling on the brink of manhood
and accept with a philosophical shrug that somewhere deep down, that boy is crystallized in his Tipsy
driven optimism, then you will have no problems. For only a man who can doggedly claw his way
through three years of weathering will surely in the light of your acceptance, stay doggedly by your
side.
 
By
Flt Lt (Retd) (Mrs) Sugandha Thakran
 
cabins
The flight had landed at Chennai. One bus took the passengers from the aircraft to the airport. I was
feeling too good. I was going to meet my sweetheart after a long time of over six months. Only 15
minutes, yet it was a long time. How will she look, how will I receive her; these questions were
lingering through my mind. I could see next conveyer belt flashing my darling‘s flight. That meant I
could receive her at arrival lobby itself. I had already collected my bag. Suddenly one sexy babe
popped up in front of my eyes. High heels, blue jeans and white full sleeve top. How would my
darling look in these clothes I thought. Now I could see few passengers coming close to next
conveyer belt. Flight from Bangalore had landed. I fixed my eyes at the entrance till the last person
arrived. I dint find her. May be I missed her when I was staring at the babe. I moved around the belt
but dint find her. May be she does not have container baggage and moved out. May be another
flight is coming from Bangalore. Mind tried to console the paining heart.

I enquired but it was the last flight arriving at Chennai tonight and there was no other way of moving
out. I was worried now. May be she is waiting outside. I was optimistic as it suited me. I moved to
exit gate and looked everywhere, trying to look beyond taxi driver and hotel owners gathered
around all arriving passengers. She was not there. My worries had gone high. I went inside cursing
myself why I don’t possess a mobile connection right now. I went to a tele booth but I dint have a
coin. I moved to second booth and called her. She was one call away. I will tell her to come to Air
India ticketing counter. The bell was ringing and the heart pounding.

Where r u baby?

I missed the flight.

It was something I was expecting but tried not to get it in my thoughts. How can someone do that?
All the happiness seemed to have turned down to moroseness. I should shout or weep; the energy
left didn’t permit either. I will take a train for Delhi and get air ticket cancelled. I thought.

I would reach tomorrow by so and so flight. I was barely listening.

You note down your PNR number. This time I had to listen carefully.

She told me the reason of missing the flight. It appeared logical but I was not interested. I paid the
bill and moved ahead to ticket counter. I need not go where night halt arrangements were made but
would I be allowed night halt at airport because my flight is scheduled for tomorrow. I took my
baggage and moved ahead. I made myself comfortable at a seat. One khaata peeta khalsa pariwar
was also sitting nearby. But they were happy unlike me. Now I was thinking what must be going on
in her mind after missing the flight. I thanked in my mind the person who managed the air tickets
again. I never had any problems in sleeping and could sleep sitting comfortably. But I could not sleep
that night. Whenever I got up from little nap checked something is not coming out of mouth. It did
not. So I tried to sleep again. Suddenly noise appeared to have increased. I checked the time it was
time to get boarding pass. Oversized family in terms of weight also had the same destination. I
choose window seat and got one.

This time TV screen in front was working and I could choose channel between movies houseful and
judaii. Other channels telecasted a fashion show and black and white era movie songs. I looked
outside window but blue ocean view was monotonous and I found no charm in it. I chose houseful.
Breakfast was being served by airhostess with below average looks. I kept peeping outside the
window and the white clouds presented different shapes over the blue background. As the plane
approached Andaman’s it presented marvellous scenery outside. Tiny islands with green cover were
placed on deep blue sea without ant pattern. One road connected small masses of land separated by
water. I could notice few yacht and ships. Lovely beeches caught the attention of the eyes. And the
water looked green at the shore. It was a lovely image of Andaman’s. The trip would definitely be
great fun, I thought. A cab was waiting for us which my friend had sent. It took me to his room. I felt
good to meet him after a long time but I was here to meet someone else. He went to his office and I
moved to bathroom for bath and change. Still one hour was left for arrival of the stupid girl who
missed her flight. I could not stay alone for that time. I went to friend’s office and desperately waited
for one hour to pass. It looked to me as if I am still on duty sitting in the office. Cold coffee was good
and reminded of sweet old days but I was not interested in initiating that discussion. Incidentally the
discussion never took place in the entire trip. It was a strange thing as those moments were
unforgettable. One hour passed and it was time to meet my sweetheart. I sat in black ambassador. I
should not get late.

How much time will it take to reach airport?

Ten minutes.

We reached airport in ten minutes. Flight from Bangalore had landed just now. I was anxiously
waiting. What dress she will be wearing? Possibly a Three fourth. How will she sport her latest hair
style? I had to watch. I tried to move inside but the guard did not let me go inside. I stood nearest to
the gate where I could see maximum passengers coming out of the airport even at a long range. My
eye sight is okay but still I could not find her. How can she become so fat? I thought, looking at a girl
who matched her height. No, this girl had long hair. Suddenly I saw one hand waving at me. It was
the girl who made me wait for so long and what was her attire, Least expected. She was wearing a
yellow designer salwar and a yellow t shirt. Maroon colour stoll matched the dress. Black kajal in her
eyes and a hair style similar to Deepika Padukone in Chandni Chowk to China presented looks of an
Arabian girl. Airport authorities were so confused that they asked for her passport to establish her
nationality. She came out pushing luggage trolley and we gave each other a small and passionate
hug. We needed privacy to convey our feelings. I could see the happiness dominating over tired face
and I am sure she would have noticed mine. We occupied rear seats of air conditioned car. We were
holding each other’s hand and the car was moving to friend’s room following a slightly bigger route
along the sea. I was not bothered about the long distance which was to be covered as long I was in
her company. Andaman trip had started in a real sense. After reaching home moti asked for
breakfast. She bathed and changed after having her breakfast. Gossips and it was time for lunch.
Kadhi which is her favourite dish, kept the image of standards of cookhouse food high. She can
sustain that in near future. We had a little rest in afternoon thereafter We dressed up for first outing
at amazing Andaman’s. Cab was already placed for us. We were heading for cellular jail. We reached
cellular jail called so because of number of cells made to keep prisoners. We liked the architect but
hated the punishments which were given by bririshers.the scenery from the roof was eye catching.
My friend captured some mini skirt moments in the camera. Healthy khalsa parivaar was present
here also.
I would come to this place again with buaaji. She said.

We were happy coming to this place.

It was quite humid now but breeze at the roof was so refreshing. We did not carry water so came
out, sat in the little garden outside the jail. She was afraid of little lizards so kept running left and
right. After finding a place to sit she was describing us what is a bunker from her internet studies. I
don’t know when she will stop climbing on some ones injured toe. It was time to move inside to
witness the history of cellular jail with synchronised lights show. It was a touching storey. Light
showers started between the shows but luckily didn’t last for long. It was a wonderful show and the
trip had started with patriotic feelings. Rains were started so we moved back to the room.

What next? After two hours we will go for dinner.

Luckily my friend got a call from someone who invited him for squash. We got much needed privacy
after a separation period of over six months.

Ting tong.... ting tong...... STOP IT.

My friend had returned after sweating out at squash court. Memsaab was sleeping. For sweating
out we need not go to playfields.

What are these marks man? He asked despite knowing.

Kuch nhi. Your room is full of mosquitoes. I had to say something.

Mosquito, not mosquitoes.

Friend moved to bathroom for change and left me struggling with my efforts to wake up her
highness.

Oooooommnn.. kya hai.

Wake up baby.

Ahennnn. You don’t let me sleep. Ganda bachha.

Gandi bachhi , get up and get ready for dinner.

We moved for dinner. I exactly don’t remember the menu but it was good. After dinner we were
enjoying commonwealth games. Red wine was waiting for those who liked it. I preferred to sleep.in
the morning sweetheart got ready very early. We still had more than one hour to leave for Neil
Island when my friend left for office. I was not ready till now. I wanted to spend maximum time with
cutipie how could I go to bath alone. We got ready just in time to leave for the island but rarely gave
a thought as what all should we carry. We dint have time to do so. We had better things to do.
It was too hot and humid outside. Ship was at the jetty and passengers had started moving in. Her
highness felt the thirst of water but we dint carry. It was very hot inside and one crew member
directed us to first floor, ahead of captain’s cabin. It was a wonderful view. Water waves seen from
far were looking beautiful.

Close your eyes and listen the sound of waves.

I listen with my ears not eyes.

Shut up and close your eyes to feel the nature.

We could see some fish jumping over water for long. Initially we were confused with some bird.

It is lovely creation of god.

Ya, it is.

But the water waves are good to see if it is for a small time otherwise it is monotonous and the
swirls in the ship can make you sick. The girl who was enjoying till now had turned pale. She was not
feeling well. Luckily a cabin was arranged for us. It gave her some relaxation.

Bachha, we will reach soon.

I was desperately waiting for the shore now.

Get your baggage. I got the baggage. Sea shore was visible now and it gave me a sigh of relief. Speed
of the ship had slowed down and we were at the shore. We were last to get down. Anything we
could speak after stepping out and watch the view was amazing. We dint forget thanking captain of
ship for providing a cabin.

The beuti of neil island and cool breeze under cloud cover did not take much time to refresh the
lady. Daab pani slaked the thirst we had for long. Muddy features at the shore were corals. Jetty was
deep in the sea. Sea had a long beech area we could see long stretches of sand.weather was too
good. After some time it looked a forlorn position and we dint get anyone who could click
photograph of the couple. We had to cover a few places so we moved towards the gate. A cab
driver was waiting for us with a name tab in his hand. The police man had some doubts over the
nationality of smartly dressed cute girl

How do i look like a foreigner?

No, you look like an Indian to me. We moved in the white omni.

Bhayya , take us to the resort and tell us visitng program.

Chaliye memsaab

We reached at the resort in a short while . it was a beautiful place at the sea coast. Some huts were
facing the sea. We moved to have a look at our hut for tonight. It was good. We waited at their
dining open air hall. Room was not ready for moving in.

Menu available left us a choice of aloo paratha and dal. We ordered it. After lunch
Night at Neil Island

I was trying to prepare for my forthcoming exams. In between I called her and after the call again her
thought occupied my mind. I could not concentrate on studies. Sudden thought of night we spent at
Neil Island came to mind when I made her weep. I wanted to study and not cry over the fact that I
made her weep I switched on my laptop to register the memories of that night.

Neil Island is a small island with its beeches and visiting places nearby. We realized that it was a
better option if we move by bicycles rather than the hired cab. With this thought we left the cab at a
beech and decided to go back to our resort on foot along the sea beech or the track. My darling had
told me about her fantasy long time back that relates to a beech. It was a high tide and in few
minutes the water had reached very close to us. The wooden planks and roots fallen near the coast
stared to merge in the water. And at last boundary of snow land was forested with small sea
creatures moving on them I didn’t want moti to have a look at them. So we decided to move back to
resort following the track. It was a walk to remember. We were holding each other hand, talking
romance and planning about next day for hiring bicycles if weather permitted. We had quite a fun
also as the jazzy jatni tried her muscle power by lifting me. I need not mention she couldn’t lift this
Haryana lad. The romantic walk had become a bit tiring when we saw few lights glowing near us and
gave us a hint that we are near our resort. We had reached near a different resort and I suggested
having light snacks at this place but I think that she noticed something about the crowd at this good
looking resort that she refused and told to move ahead.

After some time we reached our resort and ordered our dinner to be served at nine. Again it was
aloo ka paratha little choice we had that matched the taste of jatni chhori.

We moved to our resort .it didn’t have a latch from inside and did not have any points for hanging
mosquito net. The arrangements had to be made for a long night. We placed Chairs ahead of door
from inside, though it was not a right block but psychologically satisfied us that it is latched now. For
tying mosquito net more efforts were to be made. Only option left was to shift the bed to other
location.

Her caring words “don’t lift bed otherwise you will hurt yourself” were so sweet. With combined
efforts of the couple we could manage erecting mosquito net. Two hours were still left for the
dinner. I wanted to download picture we clicked today in my laptop but found the chip for memory
card missing. How casual, and I knew it. It had annoyed her along with some other deeds of mine
which I could not help. Her charming face had turned morose. May be a glass of wine at dinner
makes her feel easy? I could only hope. Or maybe could have done something for which I was either
not aware of or not capable of. I was simply waiting for nine. And it was ten minutes passed nine so I
decided to go and check. I went to reception and told them to deliver dinner we ordered. After
coming back I and the better half shifted the heap of clothes and other gazettes to get the table and
chairs outside our hut. Dinner had been served. Green chillies, tomatoes and onions filled the salad
plate.

Her face told the storey of her frustration and unhappy state of mind. I had to escape eye contact
sometime as I didn’t have strength to see her this way. I want to see her happy, giggling and dancing,
not only now but always.
Mosquitoes were biting the lady but to bite the man they had to pass through layers of hair. I gave
the lady a shawl from inside to wrap around her feet. I had a solution of protecting her from
mosquitoes but wished I could do something which was going on in her mind. When sweet girl ate
hot chillies I tried onions instead. Stupid man.. Must paste your teeth now. Ya, I will. Glass of wine
really helped to divert her attention. After having our dinner I proposed to move towards sea beech
to spend some time at the jhoola which was tied there. Few dogs were moving around us giving
tension to the girl. We knew Dogs move in the night in that area. We were moving towards beech
with mobile torch light but one high water wave and its roaring sound along with darkness and
presence of doggies instilled fear in the mind of otherwise brave girl. We decided to move back. We
spent some good time moving to and fro from our hut to reception of the resort. She must have
enjoyed the cool breeze as her attire facilitated easy circulation in upper body. After some romantic
round of walk we moved back to our hut which was a little warm. Few people are incorrigible and so
was the lad with this sweet girl. I annoyed her again with a stupid deed and this time she could resist
and burst into tears. I could control for some time but not for long. I could not see her crying. She
continued weeping and I knew it was difficult for her. I can understand the pain to an extent but
cannot put to words. We slept hugging each other, weeping. It was the most difficult moment of this
entire trip. And for her, it is for sure situation was even worse. Whatsoever may be the situation we
loved each other and we knew it. We slept, as a new morning; a new day was waiting for us.

Really it was a new day. It was a long night and someone knocked at the door which was barely
blocked from inside. I dressed up quickly to entertain the visitor. It was cab driver who was given
time of nine. It was 15 minutes passed nine. I told him to wait till ten. We started getting ready and
reached reception cum open air dining hall by 1030. Receptionist told that new visitors are about to
check in so we have to vacate the room. We decided to do so after having breakfast. Can we leave
by eleven we thought enjoying our aloo ka paratha. Dal was not prepared by now so we had it with
mango pickle and tea. We were in a hurry and we managed it in that time. After packing our stuff we
moved to beech____. Cool breeze was blowing. Eyes scanned an area for keeping our baggage.
Table kept for placing baggage was wet so we rather she decided to move along the beach where we
could find none other than this couple. We found a place after crossing a foreign couple possibly
Australian. Their distinguished flesh tells their nationality. We kept our baggage and changed into
minimum possible clothes. The beech was so silent, without much crowd and yet so lively. Water
waves were approaching very slowly and water was too shallow. The Australian girl with camera was
moving into the sea and caught my eye. My darling felt jealous and I liked to hear it from her. We
could move into the sea for a long distance as it was very shallow. We enjoyed a lot. Firstly we
enjoyed in the sea and then at the shore. We did craziest actions of burying our self in sea shore
sand till our faces. This stupid girl had me posing for a known brand, next best thing to naked. I
erected a wooden log on the sea shore for clicking photograph and later it was used for drying little
clothes we wore. There was merely anyone else other than us so we enjoyed the way we wanted.
Even if someone was present we were not bothered at the moment. We enjoyed a lot but forgot
sand could find its way to all the restricted places and fortunately we had a bisleri water bottle which
met sea water after flowing through the body. It was too hot and humid now and we need to change
the place as it was packed with tree and bushes so there was no flow of air. I could feel the irritation
over her face. But I had to go again into the water to do washer man job. We packed up again as it
was time to say good bye to Neil islands. We liked its beeches and more so the loneliness, solitude
and privacy where one can enjoy the company of his companion. Cab driver was waiting for us to
take us to jetty for boarding a ship to Havelock Island. Will it be better than Neils or can it be the
place to fulfil someone’s fantasy? Can we get bicycle ride? We had to wait for some time for these
answers so we enjoyed nariyal paani at the moment.

ship

Radhanagar beech

We took the cab for radhanagar beech. It was a omni which does not have a comfortable ride.. has a
bumpy ride. The cab stopped a little distance away from the beech and we quickly scanned the
shops for a late lunch as it was quarter to four in evening. Poor first attempt for a healthy lunch and
standard of shops around made us think that the surroundings do not match the standards of Asia‘s
best beech. Localite driver made second attempt for us and we got a shop owned by a lady where
we had rice. Ya my sweetheart do not like rice but hunger and anxiety of visiting and enjoying at the
beech made us enjoy the meal which was really sumptuous. It was so good that my moti told me to
tip her which she does not like. A little interaction with the lady and showing the corporate way of
dealing, made us all set to reach the wonderful beech. Three, two and one. The first view and we
were stunned. My cute baby appreciated the beech by a loud vow and i started capturing the
scenic beauty with moti adding a sense to the pic. A well established author only can describe the
beauty of this beech which is rated as Asia’s best beech. In my words it was great. It was a long
beach with fine powdery sand. We could multi layers of water waves approaching us from far.
Sunset view added to the beauty and compensated for sunset point view we missed at Neil island
because of cloudy weather. Soft touch of my sweetheart and sweet giggling voice made it more
romantic. Definitely we were heading for a lovely evening. But right now we were searching for a
quiet place away from hundreds of visitors to enjoy company of each other. And we found that few
steps away from a foreign couple. We changed into beech wears and moved into waters. Walking on
powdery sand was simply enjoyable. We could move considerable distance in the sea. But it was
getting dark now. The impression of high tide with roaring waves we witnessed at Neil Island was still
at the back of our minds. Waves which reached us while receding took away the sand below our
feet. It was a two way pleasure. Receding sand tickled below my feet and brought my sweetie closer
to me with fear. She still has a fear of water and I have to wait when it will disappear. Me too, Not
comfortable at water was telling my bachha not to be afraid and enjoy the beauty. Time flew away.
We disturbed the foreign couple for a pic because any Indian wouldn’t have concentrated at the pic
but somewhere else. It was getting dark and very few people were at the beach. We also decided to
get out of range of fast moving water waves. The cutie darling took out her sleepers and started
moving bare foot. With a single glance at her face I could make out she was happy and enjoying the
moment. powdery sand, voice of water waves, cool breeze and the company of your love made it a
romantic evening .every young couple would like a secluded place without any disturbance and to
fulfil better half’s fantasy we did found a place. Overall it was a great evening. It was a Beautiful site
with pleasant weather and shining clouds bathing in dimming sunrays. Sweet bak bak of sexy babe
made up for the absence of chirping of birds. It was time to move back and we had memories of this
beech and a wonderful time we spent together. Slowly we moved back towards our cab where
driver was waiting for us. Though it was dark but it was near six in the evening.

Ni day scuba

Mackruz ship

We reached in time after packing hurriedly. It was a record packing time which took less than 10
minutes. After paying our bills we moved to our cab laughing and appreciating each other efforts for
this lightening 3G speed of packing. We were at jetty and cruise ship anchored ahead of us. Havelock
was beautiful and we were engaged in capturing the scenic beauty along with the ship in a camera. It
was ten minute to four in the evening so we boarded the ship. Inside, it was a amazing view. Air
conditioned ship with huge glass windows to look outside comfortably and a tea-coffee and snacks
shop. Bachhi has started having tea for past few days. So I took her to coffee shop. Though she did
not want to have it that time but had a cup of tea for me. Our seats were in the front row and view
of never ending sea was ahead of us though blocked by some of the passengers whose seats didn’t
permit to enjoy outside view like us. We had few kids sitting on our right. Turnout of a gentleman
sitting on our left revealed he belonged to defence and his wife clad in little short gave us a hint that
they associate with navy. On one side history of the ship was written which was inaugurated by LT
governor of Andaman’s. Over the windows stickers displayed advertisements of different hotels,
resorts and water sports agencies. Blue carpet was covering the floor and blue cushion on the seats
matched the flooring. An LCD screen was right ahead of us which displayed various life saving
demonstrations. Children sitting next to us made fun of that and we enjoyed their innocence. It was
four and the ship started moving. It was cruising at a high speed. The front row was vacated in a
short while. But fearless children and the lady in the short did not leave their seats. We could see the
ship moving up and down on the approaching water waves. Downward movement gave us a feel of
weightlessness and butter flying in the stomach. We could guess the upward or downward
movement by watching the waves ahead. Children were enjoying it like a see saa alongwith bum
bumbole..a song from aamir’ movie. To overcome the panic we decided to become children and
strted shouting. It helped diverting our attention. Lays tomato chips tasted good at this time. A
heavy lunch made me feel uneasy but at the moment i was worried about my better half who never
sat on fast moving jhoolas. Ride was for 90 minutes and we could see the shine of lighthouse and
the girl who was afraid of fast moving jhoolas, uncomfortable in water and suffered from seasickness
was the only girl who was sitting in the first row with view of scary water waves right in front.

Yes, she is afraid of small little things but can handle bigger problems with ease. An aunt from
nearby seat vomited and the ship was yet to reach at jetty. The way crew handled t he children and
interacted was very good. Scuba diving helped my cute darling to overcome her fears of water. May
be next time I meet her she says “let’s do swimming”. The ship had slowed down. We had reached at
the shore. We had returned from the Havelock Island and the site of land gave me a hint that the
trip is approaching to a end. But we still had a couple of days and I wanted to live these days to the
fullest in the company of girl i love. We stepped towards the cab which was to take us to our
residence.
I spoke to my sweetheart darling 15 minute’s back and she wants me to describe our intimating
moments we spent together. But I am hesitant to do that. She was getting late for college so left me
alone with my laptop where I am trying to put this wonderful trip to words which my sweetheart had
just rated better than us trips.

My darling had to check her mails if she received some new assignments. I moved from the internet
site for wash and change to provide freedom to check her mails without any disturbance. I
downloaded photographs of Neil and Havelock islands from web cam to laptop. Sweetheart was
through with her work and we were ready to go for a dinner. She needed her stall in case it was cold
outside. She had forgotten in where she was surfing net. I got it back. She was looking beautiful in
her black dress. She had showed me pink, black and black-white dress. I wanted her to wear black.
She was looking gorgeous. How could she manage to keep her cool after finding loads of new
assignments for her? We sat in black gypsy which was modified for entrance from front.

Soon it was driving along the sea on smooth roads washed by recent rains. Climate and Surrounding
were good and so was the girl sitting beside me. Something was in air or in that black dress I felt too
romantic, liked whatever she talked, whatever she did. Holding her hand in mine was too touching. I
wanted to hold her hand forever. She wanted to drive but rules do not permit. She understood in a
single sentence. We had reached the hotel wild orchid. Around 100 meters from entrance we left
the gypsy and decided to walk. It was a cool breeze.

Green hedges were on the both sides of well maintained road. Lights placed on the both sides made
my girl look like a princess and the words said to her made blush. We entered an AC dining hall and
chose a seating away from direct AC air. We were away from the sand of beeches of Andaman’s and
the ambience was great. We ordered Lime juice but received lime soda. Dum aloo was also not fully
cooked and untrained waiter even dropped some gravy of methi malai kofta on the princess. He
served green salad with onions despite having told not to bring. I was not going to have these this
time. Jaws of princess were paining because of keeping SCUBA apparatus in mouth and tandoori roti
was difficult to eat. Poor service was rightly mentioned by princess in the feedback form. The silent
dinner came to an end and after spending really good time we stood up to return from this lovely
place. I wanted to live with her the way I lived today. Everything went well. The image of princess
could not be captured in camera because direct lights were falling on her pretty face but will stay
close to my heart for long. It was a lovely evening.

picnic
I was speaking to my sweetheart who was enjoying commonwealth games along with sips of tea.
After watching gymnastic TT final was being relayed. Indian duo clinched gold by defeating
Singapore players in TT doubles. After the match sweetie got ready to go to gym and I fell back in the
memories of past one week. I was lost in the memories of fortune group of hotels at Andaman where
we enjoyed TT.

We moved to hotel. On the entrance there was a tiny sculpture of a Zarava tribeman. Zarava is a
tribe at Zarava Island who still live without clothes. It can be called as the most backward tribe of the
country. As we entered inside the hall, we found it was a bar. All sorts of aromatic beverage were on
display. But off late piyakkad chhori had developed taste for a non alcoholic red wine so we moved
to first floor for a dinner. It was a well laid out hall with right amount of lights for a perfect dinner
with the partner. Display of food meal gave us a hint of buffet system. On demand we could be
served on table but we had to wait for minimum of half an hour. We decided to wait. My lovely
sweetheart has a restricted choice of meals and I had to order for her, it was difficult. I ordered tried
and tasted malai kofta ,peeli dal , mixed raita and crispy jaipuri bhindi and tawa roti with butter. To
spend half an hour we preferred sweet n sour lime juice which was excellent. I fed my betterhalf
with my own hands and my friend present their appreciated our love. Generally I am not
comfortable displaying love in public but that evening there were no hesitations. Was it because I
was coming out of my shell or because she was leaving next day, I could not decide and neither I
wanted to. I wanted to live that moment freely with my love. From the table we could see a jetty
which was in use before tsunami ruined the shore. We would love to move along that but right now
we were enjoying our meals. Standards at all places have gone so high that we feel bad when
reputed hotels don’t serve finger bowls at the end of meals and so did we. After dinner we could
notice a TT table but would we get rackets and ball, we thought while approaching the table. We
wanted ball and rackets to be there. Luckily we found these and my sweetheart and friend quickly
grabbed the rackets and started playing. I had nothing but to appreciate little water pool, resting
chairs and a jhoola kept nearby. My betterhalf plays well but lost to my friend. I wanted to defeat
him for the sake of my darling but racket held in the hand felt very strange and obviously I lost.

Thereafter I played with my darling. “I can easily win but will lose to her” I thought. But she played
well and went on winning the game. She felt elated and so did I. Perspiration have started after
playing the game and while moving down cool breeze refreshed us totally. Jetty we wanted to go
had no way for going. We started moving back in the black ambassador.

Chennai
And the flight landed at Chennai airport the airport looked familiar. Same bus with new faces ferried
us from aircraft to the airport. I find a old lady from Haryana whom we met at PortBlair.

Aunty aap bhi aa gyi,ho gyi chhuti khatam.

Haan beta.aapka frendd kahan hai.

Wo wahin hai,posted hai.

Aur aapki wife?

She ........ She is studying. So she has gone to Bangalore. The conversation ended.

The bus took us to departure hall.

The same conveyer belt beside which I was waiting for my luggage and more so for my sweetheart I
waited for some time and got my luggage and I started moving out. Airport was neat and clean with
shiny marble floor. I missed to notice its cleanliness while going. Reflection of lights made it pretty
shining. The maintenance could have fascinated anyone like me but at the moment it was just okay
as the heart and mind was somewhere else, not even in Andaman’s but somewhere in the tek city of
India. I move passed the tele booth where I could not call my darling and then airtel tele phone
booth where I could call her and high call rates in this cheap mobile era pinched me. It was at
Chennai airport when I decided that I have to write about this trip. The memories had fully occupied
my mind and I was least interested in things going around me or spotting lovely faces. I was thinking
only of my sweetheart. I had some time before next flight and I took out a pencil a small paper and
started writing it. It was the start of the narration.

“I have to write about this trip though it is captured in photographs. Pictures show the beauty of a
place but do not reflect the thinking, feelings that move in the mind. While taking air ticket at gate
no one I thought how difficult it is to articulate self feelings in writing. I wished I were a author who
could express his feelings in poetic way. As describing own love storey is so difficult as you may not
want some interesting incidents go in public. Well known author chetan bhagat also did not write
about his love storey in his first novel. It’s really a herculean task. (I am so pre occupied with the
thoughts of my sweetheart that mention of chetan also diverts my attention towards her as she
shares the same B school as him). I don’t want to emphasize on my love storey but want to capture
this lovely trip at lovely Andaman’s in my words. After security check I moved to waiting lounge.
There I tried to find any TV set telecast either of commonwealth games or ongoing India – Australia
cricket match. All TV sets were relaying local channels. My darling also waited here, searching for a
good channel. Everything, every single moment is somehow associated with my sweetheart, will she
be fine? I never wanted to be so sentimental and I never was. But now I am. Can I control it or
should I control it. I cannot decide at least for now may be sometime later. One channel was
telecasting news in local language and I could know Tendulkar hit 49 th test centuary. Tendulkar
diverted my mind for some time but not for long as the match is being played at Bangalore. Why
everything is associated to my chunky funky darling. What is chunky funky I do not know, I know that
I love her and can call her anything.”
It was 1230 and my flight was at 1300 hrs so I got up to check any proceedings .I took a small round
and sat down again. A girl sat next to me, when I came back, but I was not interested. I took out my
pencil and paper and started writing.

“The jeans trouser I was wearing is oversized and getting down every now and then. Wallet and I
card in the rear pocket make it uncomfortable while sitting and I have to pull it up. But today I don’t
know why I did not pull it. May be because someone liked it the way it is worn today. May be I
myself am comfortable like this but pull it up to irritate someone as a mark of hidden love. I really
don’t know. How stupid. But definitely I am making efforts not to irritate her by my words or deeds.
Wearing a watch, Oil in hair and correct words like wallet, floaters, data, shop, tickets. I can name
few more if I think. Now I cannot write more as the announcement for my flight IC 438 from Chennai
to Delhi has already been made. And the piece of paper which I initially used to write PNR number is
filled to its capacity despite my small handwriting. But writing here made me feel light hearted and i
feel like becoming Chetan Bhagat. I know chunky funky will get excited to make me one if she knows
it. As right now she is not only my better half but mentor also and she takes every pain to correct me
and improve my hobbies. I would try to make her sketch from the same pic I have on my desktop. No
more live writing. I wish I continue it and complete this task. I think I can as I need a start. second or
may be third announcement for the flight has already been made and the sharp corner of this
crumbled paper does not permit to write more. Class one gazetted officer writing on a tiny
crumbled paper supported against a closed laptop with a half length pencil, what a view? I don’t
care at the moment. It made me feel good.”

I boarded the flight in hurry. I had to move from first floor and I was not aware of it, so I quickly
rushed to it. The accelerator I used took me to a wrong place and I had to come back again. At last
reached the location in a comfortable situation and boarded the flight for New Delhi.

After reaching Delhi I had to cancel my air ticket to Jammu. After reaching Delhi generally I am
totally changed. What I do, I keep in mind my home and my parents. I reached home with a very
little joy as compared to one which reaches home after spending more than six months at a
forbidden place. But this small trip for about a week made more than required compensation. The
trip had come to an end. It was a beautiful place with pleasant weather and lovely beeches but
enjoyment and fun was not because of its weather or beauty but in the company of girl I love. It was
a chance to be with her, exclusively for her. For me it was a holiday but she had bunked a important
time of her college. Her currier could have been shaped in these days but she was with me. A good
feeling. Now I wish she gets success in all walks of her life and this beautiful trip does not end in
some negative happening.

I rarely write. I even picked up a fight with my sweetie for not writing diary. If I made the effort of
writing about this trip then it is because of one girl. I dedicate this reminiscence to her. Love u
sweetheart. May god bless you.
First night at andmaan.

Mov to neil.. experience at sea.

Mov to havlock

Night at havlock

Move to ross island

A night in pain.

A lonely night.