Disclaimer: Let’s get one thing straight – this story is as fictional as you can already imagine. Just wanted to give a shoutout to Arun Verma, the Founder of Creative Garh, at the Athoor Resort for giving me the green light to write this. And let’s not forget Mihika, who I got permission from during a deep meditation session. She may be young in age, but spiritually she’s light-years ahead of me. Big shoutout to her!
Now, Harish, my buddy and roommate from the Goa Retreat, I didn’t even need a permission slip. What a stand-up guy. Cheers to you, Harish!
Sending a huge thank you and warm greetings to all the CGR folks, staff, and logistics supporters. You guys rock!
This is Ram from Chennai here, a proud participant of the infamous Goa Retreat. Can’t wait for the next adventure! So, read on…
The Story
My good friend Arun Verma decided to take it easy this week, especially since it’s Sunday. After attending so many retreats, meditations, and dealing with countless participants, he needed a break. He had recently started a “Deep Retreat “and was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the emotions coming to the surface. So, he decided it was time to do something a little silly, something out of the ordinary.
To add to the excitement, Arun found out that Mihika was in Delhi for a short visit after her marriage. And as if that wasn’t surprising enough, he also received a call from Harish, who was in town to visit a relative. Arun saw this as the perfect opportunity to catch up with both of them.
He suggested meeting at Dominos Pizza at the Community Centre in Okhla Phase-I.
Mihika and Harish were less than thrilled with the choice of venue, hoping for something a bit more upscale like a resto bar. But, as we all know, the boss (Arun) is always right. They reluctantly agreed and said, “Chalo, all is well,” deciding to meet at 11:30 am.
So, with a mix of excitement and curiosity, Arun prepared for what promised to be an interesting and unexpected get-together with his friends.
Arun struts in like he owns the place, and lucky for him, finds a prime spot at the center table. He may think he’s the star of the show, but let’s not burst his bubble just yet. He flags down the waiter, who approaches with a grin, looking fresh as a daisy on this lazy Sunday morning.
Arun: “One ginger chai, please. We’re expecting a couple more guys. I’ll hold off on ordering the pizza for now.”
Waiter: “Sir, may I suggest taking a look at our beverage menu? We’ve got Lipton ice tea, Seven Up, and Pepsi Black.”
Arun: “Excuse me? Are you telling me you can’t whip up a simple ginger chai in the heart of Delhi? Come on buddy, life is full of choices. I reinvented myself at 32, just like you. I had options, and I chose the path less traveled. The Universe was on my side all along. By the way, do you play any sports?”
Waiter: “Yes, sir, I play a bit of cricket, but I’m more of a spectator. I prefer watching the game from the comfort of my couch.”
Arun : What? You watch cricket. I have played cricket with Dravid, man. You know Dravid. Yes or No. The guy Dravid, who comes to bat and leaves after two days. The same Dravid.
Waiter : Sorry sir. Forgive me. I have to go, the Manager Saab , see there, he is calling me, he will shout.
Arun : Wait, wait a second. You know what Joy is. Be the joy spotter and not the stopper. Ginger and tea are joy makers. It will have a distinct aroma that every home has. It will smell strong, more pungent , far from the comfort of plain vanilla and chocolate with no middle notes. The chef who prepares this is a God’s child. See there. Just see there.
Waiter : Where sir?
Arun : The AC. The hum of the air conditioner. The hmmmmmmm. Just listen. Quiet.
HmmmmAaaaooooummmm. That is Aum. The sound of the Universe. You are in that.
Waiter : That AC makes the same noise always sir.
Arun : Fantastic. Look at the clock : It’s 11.11. There’s a fellow called Ram, in Chennai. He loves these angel numbers and always asks me what these numbers are. I promptly say I don’t know. Neither does he.
Waiter : Thank you sir. When you were explaining , I ordered ginger chai from my home for you. It will come in a few minutes. Let me go now. My name is Mukul.
Arun : Mukul, How nice of you to do that. The angels brought you in front of me today. Its sheer joy, joy, joy. Please bring the chai, when it comes. Thank you.
Mukul quickly leaves, to meet his Manager who was staring all along.
Manager : Arrey kya hua. One order, 25 minutes you took. Today is Sunday, just look at the crowd. Krpaya baad mein apane rishtedaaron se baat karen.
Waiter : No Bhaiya, he is not my relative. He says he is from the Universe. Also, two more people are going to come.
Manager : Shut up. Move.
Arun : Ha Ha. There comes the duo. Hi Harish. What’s up Mihika? So good to see you. I badly needed a break. Don’t yell at me for bringing you to Domino’s. Once in a while, we have to move along with the jalapeno’s.
Mihika and Harish smile and exchange hugs with Arun. Harish laughs loudly and shows a thumbs up.
Harish : Arun, Nice to see you man. I mean you look so fit. After a long break in communication, four phone conversations prior, some of the longest I’ve had.
Beautiful and intriguing, these Sundays, precious moments carved out of my life, a fascinating inner world you possess, you are like a firecracker to me, calling me all the way to Dominos , all that I can say is “ Amigo, Amigo “
Arun : Harish, Harish ……….Please wait. Have you finished? Just look at Mukul. He is quietly standing behind you waiting to take the order. I thought you will never finish. He brought me ginger chai from his home. it’s not on the list here. So sweet of him. So you know the aura of Creative Garh. Common.
Harish and Mihika laugh loudly and clap, attracting attention from the next table. A middle aged gentleman from that table looks at them and smiles sheepishly.
Arun : Mihika, what are you waiting for?
Mihika : But Arun, is it ok. I mean is it okay to do it here? Did you double check?
Arun : Mihika, Arrey we don’t double check all these things, you have been on so many retreats with me. Please stand up and execute.
Mihika gets up reluctantly and walks to the corner of the restaurant with a small pouch in her hand.
Waiter : Madam, the rest room is on the right corner.
Mihika : No, I just need this corner table for two minutes.
She takes out a small pot , a match box and some camphor tablets. She gently lights the camphor, and takes out a gong bell stick and swerves it around. She places her hand in anjali mudra and closes her eyes for a few minutes. The strong smell of camphor engulfs the restaurant quickly to the surprise of many diners. The Manager comes running from the counter.
Manager : Madam, what are you doing? You can’t light this here. It’s not allowed.
Mihika : Look . This smell of camphor will clear the negative stuck energy from this place quickly. Your billing’s will rise. The abundance will overflow . We are very experienced people and we know what we are doing.
Mihika triumphantly walks back to the table to join Arun and Harish.
Arun : Thank you Mihika for being who you are.
Mihika : Arun, Isn’t this too much? Luckily I brought very little stuff with me.
Arun : Harish, we have had enough. So you please place an order for all three of us. One large pizza of your choice will do.
Harish : Oh, Pizza, how you bring delight, in every slice, a pure delight. A culinary treasure, so divine, Forever cherished, for all time. I’m topping our Pizza with mountains of cheese, with acres of peppers, pimentos, and peas, with mushrooms, tomatoes, and sausage galore, with every last olive they had at the store. Our Pizza is sure to be one of a kind, our Pizza will leave other pizzas behind, our pizza will be a delectable treat that all who love Pizza are welcome to eat.
Arun : Harish. Wait. I told you to order a Pizza. You have started again .The time is 1 pm. I came in at 11 am.
Mihika : Arun, don’t worry. I had already ordered ours when Harish was reciting the pizza poem. So just relax.
Meanwhile the Manager and the waiter Mukul were surrounded by other members of staff to enquire what was going on. They were explaining the happenings from the morning.
The pizza arrives and the trio enjoy it to their heart’s content.
Waiter : Sir, I hope you enjoyed your lunch. Please ring the bell over there while you exit. It leaves a happy note to all of us.
Arun : Mukul you are mistaken. We don’t ring others’ bells. We bring our own. It’s called the “Inner Child “. Have a look . These are wonderful beings representing our young age.
Arun, Mihika and Harish take out the inner child dolls and give it a loud shake. The ching ching sound gathers momentum and the waiter is startled.
Waiter : Wow Sir. So nice, can I have one of those?
Arun : Mukul. Yes you can but before that you must join our Creative Garh retreat and we give each participant a beautiful piece. Here is my card. Call me and we will speak.
Waiter : Thank you. What will you teach there sir.
Arun : We teach everything and nothing. Out of nothing comes everything. Let’s make it simple Mukul. After you attend the retreat, and come back to work, you may also leave your work.
Waiter : Sir, I have to earn for my family. I can’t leave.
Arun : Just wait, say you come back to work and take orders for your pizza. They will fly out like 500 rupee notes. You will run out of stock. Or you will start your own pizza making store and invite me to inaugurate it.
Waiter : Definitely I will come, Sir. I will also bring my Manager. If we leave we can resign together.
Arun : All the best Mukul. Have a nice day.
Arun, Mihika and Harish leave Domino’s Pizza, with a contented smile.
You can catch them at Creativegarh.com
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