Last weekend, after a hectic week of work, Ramu the dreamer was in deep sleep when his dreams took flight.
He was at the Goa airport catching a flight to Chennai since he wanted a break, some South Indian food, may go to Rajinikanth’s house and see the superstar’s main gate. While checking in he saw some familiar figures, 5 MLAs of the Bongress party.
Excited Ramu went up to them and asked half in jest, if they were not just changing parties, but changing their state too. The MLAs, a little irritated said they were taking a little break, as they wanted a change of taste- food of course. A weekend of sambar and not Xacuti.
His seat was just behind the row where the Bongress MLAs sat and he could hear them speak about food, shopping and a visit to the Church, like excited schoolboys. One of them said his wife’s birthday was around the corner and he needed to check out some nice Kanjeevaram sarees for her.
On landing, Ramu was surprised to see that their visit was indeed well organised. Swanky cars waited for them as they were whisked off to their five-star resort, where their holiday started in royal splendour with a lot of … well… ahem!!- spirit.
Lo and behold, Ramu found himself in a smaller hotel that overlooked the five-star hotel of the Bongress MLAs. He saw them having a super time, in the swimming pool, chasing each other and having a laugh. Life was indeed fun.
The next day, (though Ramu was in the same continuous dream) he found himself to be the driver of one of the cars carrying the MLAs, as they headed for their day out. First stop, St Thomas Cathedral Basilica at the San Thome neighbourhood, where four of them wanted to pray. Ramu got a feeling that they were a little tense and scared as they entered the grand cathedral built in the memory of the Apostle St Thomas.
Perhaps some of them were thinking about their actions, behaviour, and future steps.
Of course, the quiet moments turned to joy a little later as they went shopping, checking out the saree shops of their better halves. Back in the car, they discussed more pressing concerns at hand. One of the Bongress MLAs was offered ministership in the Progressive Janta Party (PJP) government while another was offered a more humble but lucrative Chairmanship. The Chairman candidate called his wife who immediately asked what his other colleague was getting.
Ramu who was keenly watching the MLAs through the rear view mirror noticed from his expression that his wife’s mind wasn’t too happy about the Chairmanship offer when the other dude was getting a Ministership.
But the MLA thought, in this grab game, a grab is a grab, something is better than nothing.
The next day, it was time to get back to Goa. Ramu was the driver again. On the way back to the airport, Ramu stopped the car to take a loo break. When he returned, he heard the MLAs in a serious discussion about what they would tell the waiting media about the purpose of their visit. They decided that “rest and relaxation” would be the best explanation.
But all their plans turned into cold sambar as they arrived. Ramu meanwhile was transported from being a driver to a waiting reporter at Goa airport. Each MLA gave a different reason, one saying he went with his wife for her birthday, another saying he went to chill, while their Desk head spilled the beans that they had gone to be “safe”.
Safe from whom? Ramu wondered.
