Page 13 of 12 Years

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‘Thanks for the invite.’

‘You’ll come?’

‘I’ll try my best to be there. I do need a break.’

‘That’s great. Up so late?’ I responded.

‘Yeah, still in office. Can you believe it?’

‘Now?’

‘Working on an investment memo. You’re lucky. You quit the rat race.’

‘Quitting has its own challenges though.’

‘Like what?’

‘Big event this Saturday. With star comics. I’m nervous.’

‘But good nervous, right?’

‘Good nervous?’

‘Many things can make us nervous. But some are “good nervous”. The good problems to have in life.’

‘As in?’

‘As in, you’re doing comedy. Think about it. This was your dream, and now you get to live it. That too, a show with other big names.’

‘Are you always this upbeat and supportive?’

‘Ha ha. For others, yes. Not for myself.’

‘Meaning?’

‘I’m hard on myself.’

‘Explain?’

‘Umm … like I feel I’m wasting my time chatting with you. I should get back to my proposal.’

‘Oh, I’m sorry. Yes, please do get back to work.’

‘Don’t be. It’s fine.’

‘Anyway, I’ll hopefully see you on Saturday. Good night.’

I kept my phone aside and closed my eyes. Thoughts of Payal floated around in my head. Did I have a chance with her? I continued to wonder as I drifted off to sleep.

‘Speak louder, Mummy,’ I said. ‘I’m on a train.’

I struggled to stand in the crowded compartment of the local train, using one hand to hold on to the handrail above me and the other to press the phone against my ear.

‘Train? Where are you going?’

‘Local train. It’s how people travel here. And I’m going to the comedy club in Parel. Ouch,’ I said as the man in front elbowed me.

‘What happened?’

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