It was a cold afternoon.Of course, as usual, I was at Starbucks, Cyber Hub. Seated amidst aroma of roasting beans and warm sandwiches, I was watching people pass by. I looked at my watch and cursed her. Why can’t she be on time?
“I know I will live for hundred years.” She hastily walked towards me, unknotting her pink scarf. “Traffic.”“At least, think of some new excuse.” I berated her.“I swear, near the underpass the traffic was heavy. Ok, let me make up for it. Let me buy you a coffee.”The deal was tempting but then I knew how to better it.“Two should be fine.”“Done.” She smiled and walked towards the counter.
“You know what, I have some bad news.” She placed small plastic card that announced our order number. I looked at it. Damn, why it has to be 13 every time. I got back to the conversation.“Bad news?” My bile churned.“Yes, the Padamshri and bhushan award list is out and your name is not there.” She flashed her trademark wicked smile.“Ah.” I heaved a sigh of relief as I was anticipating something worst.“Everyone has made it, Priyanka, Ajay and even Anupam Kher.” “That’s ok, just get me Padma Lakshmi and I should be happy.” I grinned.“High hopes, you would not be able to afford even her coffee.”“You are being mean.” I defended the entire writer fraternity.“No, but on a serious note, why are all these film stars being conferred these awards?” She was clearly not a Bollywood fan.
“Why shouldn’t they be?” They work hard, are talented and have every right.”“My foot. I mean can you beat that Priyanka is getting this award and is also the top runner for being the brand ambassador for Incredible India campaign.”“I don’t see any harm in that.” I sipped the foam, trying to reach the coffee.“All men are the same.”“Now that was a gender biased comment. And I seriously think Priyanka has the right cred to endorse India.”
“You mean there is no one better in a country of 1.6 billion to represent us?” She was agitated. I knew a woman could never stand another woman, that too as gorgeous and successful as Priyanka. “There would be many. But I know a little about the lady in question and I firmly believe that she has it all to represent the country, specially during these turbulent times.”“I know you like her.” She sulked.“I like you too.” I flattered.“Please elucidate.”“On Priyanka’s cred or why do I like you.”“You are a rascal.” She sniggered.“Ok, so let this rascal tell you the credible story of Priyanka. Of course we all know her meteoric rise—from a beauty pageant to Bollywood and then essaying roles of all stature and genre and proving her grit and talent beyond any doubt. I mean how many of Bollywood heroines have the guts to play a Mary Kom?”“I am with you on that one. I loved her for that.” She was buying my line of logic.
“You would love her more when I tell you that her new TV series, Quantico is being aired across the globe, reaching out to thirty or more countries. She is the first Indian lady to play an American in an American series. Do you think that to be a mean feat? Ain’t we should be proud of her?“Well, she got lucky.”“And a PadamShri at 30?”“Well…”“And I hope that you are aware that it takes real talent to get PadamShri so early in life.”“Hmmm.”“And would you still maintain that hmmm when I tell you that she has a fan base of more than 10 million?”“Really?” She gasped“Check her FB page and twitter handle.”“Wow, I never knew that.”
“Are you aware that her family is a happy mix of Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Brahmin and more. A complete Manmohan Desai saga.”“What do you mean?”“Well, she has strong Christian lineage on her mother’s side, also a few of her relatives are married into Muslim families or have married Muslims. Not to mention Punjabis.”“So what does that make her?”“A true Indian.”She looked at me. I smiled and elaborated upon my point of view.“I mean, an Indian who understand the rich tapestry of this country, respects every religion for what they bring to our lives and salutes the great spirit of this incredible nation.”“You mean that makes her a great Indian who is the perfect choice for Incredible India campaign?” She quizzed me.“What do you say?” I returned the volley.“Well, yes if you say so.” She smiled. “Some coffee?” I smiled back.“Who would pay for it? Your new Incredible India brand ambassador?”“No, I would love to pay on the behalf of our Incredible India brand ambassador.”“You men…”