Sujata and I reached Barista first and occupied the comfiest sofa in the corner. Almost miraculously for Barista, the place was almost empty! Sujata was looking beautiful as usual and I had to compliment her style. We had hardly started talking when in sailed Swati, full of hugs and smiles. Behind her a trotted a little bundle of energy – Surprise! It was Abhijay!

Swati is a very friendly person and we hit it off almost instantly. Of course, the conversation immediately turned to MS. The new star writers were discussed and Sujata was congratulated. Just then, Sweety and Nidhi walked in together. I had met Sweety earlier but was zapped to see she had changed her hairstyle and was looking wonderful! It was like meeting old friends.

As usual, Barista had no service to talk about. As soon as we had had insisted on being served, the lights went out! And so did the air-conditioning (on this blistering hot summer day). As we waited over the next half an hour in the humid confines, we were informed that the maintenance people were taking a look at things. Wow, wow!

A little 20 minutes down the line, we were told that the drinks we had ordered were out of the question as well. Giving up hope, all of us squeezed in to Swati’s car and headed to South Ex. Part II. Where else, but McD for Abhijay? As expected, it was crowded, cramped but oh yess, cool.

Apart from Abhijay, the surprise was Nidhi. This cool lady who looks like a pretty little girl is anything but. She bonded immediately with Abhijay and had the little lamb eating out of her hands in no time. She was very, very poised and elegant.

So, the conversation was funnee, funnee and scintillating. Suj and Sweety were full of wisecracks. We talked about all the previous meets, the ms members and we had already met. It was over all too soon and Swati had to rush away. I got some wonderful snaps that have been posted to everyone.

Our drive to LN was all too short. We had hardly gotten started and there was so much more to talk about.

But it was a fun outing overall and I really wish we do this again, soon. Are you listening, girls?