"A perfect way to start the New Year, man!", Naveen remarked. I believed that I'd make it to the top ten in the writing task, but the second spot was a sweet shock. I was wondering why the English tutors literally 'boycotted' the activity. Anyway, my sincere thanks to them.
"You're the only person I know in the entire list of winners. So I'm not going without you", joked Rethna Ganesh. Once again I displayed my wretched punctuality. In my hurry, I spoiled the curry my cousin was trying to spoil. Thanks to Rethan for consuming it. He has always been a good friend of mine.
Getting down at Thiruvanmiyur, we searched for Naveen, only to find that he was not there. We recognized Mr. Abdur Rehman, who we have been torturing with our doubts during the training, and Kalai mam with her daughter. One more member was Shabana. Soon, Naveen joined us. Our journey started in an autorikshaw. The one who enjoyed the ride the most was the driver himself, as he could be seen nodding his head in tune with the rusty song of Rajinikanth. We were one of the groups that thronged the Dizzie World quite earlier. They tied a band which read 'VIP'. I thought it was a compliment for being early birds. Then I found out that everyone was wearing one around the wrist. Good start!
Time for confession. I've never been in a giant wheel or a roller coaster. I never revealed it to anyone. I occupied my place in the giant wheel ride and safely latched it and ... and...o my God! The giant wheel started rolling slowly. My stomach felt a dizzy feeling, not while going up but while coming down. I remembered how Dr. Ferguson, in the Jules Verne classic, "Five Weeks In a Balloon", helped Kennedy get rid of his fever by taking his balloon higher and higher where clean air could be breathed. I frantically swallowed some samples of air with the hope of getting rejuvenated.
The next ride was another merry-go-round, which took you around seated in an oblique position. I felt crazy when it seemed I was floating without any support. I managed a smile when the coach approached our friends who were watching me from the ground. I could realize why Rethan was seen with his lips locked so tightly and arms firmly holding the side bar. God! Who has the brake for this ride?
I never showed that I was a bit scared and felt dizzy, especially to Shabana, who seemed to be enjoying every moment. The next one was the Crazy Chairs where some fuzzy logic was at work. Intelligently, they had placed a wash basin to refresh yourself near the Crazy Chairs. I ran up to the wash basin and the rest is history.
All this time, Shabana and Naveen were harping on the adventure available in the roller coaster and something called Ranger. "Let's see!", I told Rethan. Mutual understanding? Roller Coaster was the first choice. They locked us with a seat belt. Mysteriously, the lock was in the rear, and you can't get yourself out even if you want to. I screamed when the roller coaster took me upside down. For the first time in life, I felt what 'shiver down your spine' is. For strange reasons, we wanted to have another trip. No wonder they call it the Dizzy World.
Shabana's favorite "The Ranger" was the one I really wanted to check out. This time the security was more sophisticated. We were literally locked in a rectangular cage. The operator was extremely calm. I wanted to shout at him, asking what the hell is scary in this worthless cage. The Ranger started swinging. People down were giving an impression like sending us off to an eternal journey. Who knows? We could even be in tomorrow's headlines! Each time the Ranger took us to the peak, I anxiously waited for it to get down. Who on earth would like to be left hanging upside down a hundred feet above the ground? When I wanted to pull the door up, get out and run screaming "I'd never get into that again!", something happened. Well, nothing happened. Everything came to a standstill. "Could it be a power-cut?", I asked Rethan. He was double scared. No words came from him. None would have come even if he had wished. They had stopped it for half a minute, leaving us hanging in an awkward position. At last, it seemed we understood what life is all about, but not exactly what it is.
We had a lunch, with laughter, partly thinking how fun it was, and partly due to a sort of relief. We went to the water sport area, and spent three good hours there. The only embarassment was the presence of some guys with their girlfriends. When we were out of water, Shabana gave us a shock asking "Shall we go for a ride in the ranger once again?" In particular, she wanted me to accompany her. When I was pretending to be searching for the trash, Rethan announced:"I'll come with you". They told us this time it was more scary, as the Ranger kept them hanging for a longer time.
Then we played some quick games, which none of us won. There was a stage on which anyone can dance. Naveen was the chief choreographer. Without our own knowledge, we had become the showmasters, and received occasional applause too! We had our money's worth, and something more than that. Well, what else can you expect in a day? Thank you TWWI!
