Rama Moondra

Melbourne has all the ingredients of a big city, Old world charm of jazz theatres and new pubs, Ornate Victorian era furniture and leafy boulevards.

But two things I loved about it. One was GLBTI (Gay – Lesbian -bisexual-transgender-intersexes) scene. It’s like true spirit of original Melbourne. Slightly hard to find and identify but definitely and understatedly out and showy. Melbourne has a GAY radio station called Joy FM. The famous (?) Candy Bar plays special GLTBI music on Sunday nights.

It has NGO support and amazingly friendly culture towards gays and lesbians even much before Article 377.

One lazy afternoon when I had stuffed myself with , oh so very popular,uptown talked about Veggie Bar lunch and decided to walk back instead hopping on bus, I saw some people with glazed looks and dazed eyes..

I followed their tranced look only to bump in to Khalid. khlid Shorbini is one of the oldest ‘choco – salon’ in Melbourne.

Chocolate is international language. Khalid sure is a linguist. He makes the best drink I had in Australia. Choco-chilly – noire!

Rich dark cocoa skillfully blended with red chilly. It may sound deadly but it sure is a trip to heaven without dying physically.Chocolate tapas and Chilly noire.. one needs to undo a notch on belt And go tucking.

To me, Melbourne will be like this drink. Sweet,hot and sizzling flavour of life brimming througha desiner cuppa and wishfull bent of spoon.

This confession dates back to last century, (or at least it looks like).
I was a die hard fan of Shashi Kapoor. The yesteryear actor  ruled many hearts at college but mine was most fragile then. I posted his photographs on my room walls and always dreamt of confessing my love to him.

I now sincerely believe that there is a mechanism of dreams comes true. Sooner or later.

I walked in Prithvi theatre in Mumbai. Ashish is a true companion in Mumbai. He loves watching plays and everything that I want to do when I am around. So, here we go and saw Shashi Kapoor sitting quietly. Ashish gladly clicked my picture and we walked in.

And the dawn cracked.”.Ashish..I have to tell him how I felt for him. Life may not give me  second chance”.

“Sure” ,he said and we ran out, Ashish managed the doorman and I walked up to Shashi.

I held his hand and I told,” I know you must have heard it many times but for me it’s so very important to tell you that I loved you head over heals. Had my mom shouting and hide your pics in my books.”

My voice choked. I saw Shashi’s eyes filled with moist and his smile, very content. I kissed his hand and walked back in theatre .Me and Ashish looked at each other and smiled as contented as Shashi did.

After all, its not everyday one gets to hold hand of her first crush and say “I love you Shashi”