Merry Christmas !

Christmas didn't turn out to be the damp squib I had expected it to be.

Div flew in from Bombay on Friday to spend the Christmas weekend with us. Dude's lost a bit of health, but remains the party-meister he always was. Was seeing him for the 1st time in 7 months & I wish Neeral was present to complete the group.

My old friend, the cold virus started acting up again & I had a full blown cold by Christmas morning on Sunday. Daddy called up in the morning .... the round of parties back home had begun with lunch at Mamu's place. My misery seemed complete. But, ..... all was not lost. Soumya chose to drop in right then & we set off on what would be an enjoyable, albeit different, Christmas evening.

Sampled some fantastic home made wine that Soumya had managed to snag from some 'uncle' of his. Must say that after this, I've become a wine fan. Won't mind some more for sure. My teetotalling family members don't know what they're missing .... or do they? My head was spinning by the time I was through with 2 full glasses, & that's probably why I had no qualms 'stealing' Mars bars from the gift hamper that Saviona's family had sent her for Christmas.

Hopped it over to Sittu's soon & sampled Vipin's PlayStation 2. The much hyped GTA San Andreas delivers on the hype, but Burnout 3 was a disappointment .... or that's what it seemed like in my drunken stupor. Back home & the guys were busy playing endless rounds of 29, Flush & teen patti. Amid some free flowing Black Dog, a gentleman's agreement was reached .... we were all bunking office on Monday.

Also got a call from Swapnil in Goa. He wants me to come over as soon as possible .... I wish I could, if only it were that easy.

Woke up at 12:30 p.m. on Monday. The gang had decided to make some use of the free time & off it was to M.G. Road for a round of bowling, pool & drinks of course. It was the first time I went bowling & thorughly enjoyed it. Didn't do too badly either .... 3 strike 10s in a 10 round game is quite cool I think. Brigade & M.G. were decked out for the festive season & looked really great. Planet M was blasting out Christmas carols & one could really feel the festive spirit out there. Niiiiice.

Thank you God, for festivals & thanks even more for friends .... they're the best.