La Viola Vino : Part 2

MYRA

'Che diavolo!' A havoc was created near the immigration counters, Italian men shouted their lungs out. At least that's how the situation looked to me. Alcohol's effect kicked in, my head was y and eyes nearly shut. At that very moment I could sleep on the airport floor.
'I'm sober for the entire trip' whined Naina, who consumed as much wine as all of us combined. Except for Shaneela everybody was hungover.  For some odd antibiotic treatment, she was barred from alcohol consumption.



I scanned the airport for assistance, English speaking assistance to be precise. Finally, a young, curly haired man holding the badge of Airport Staff caught my eye.
'Excuse me? Where can I get luggage for flight EK7'. Obviously he didn't register my accent. Through weird gestures and actions, I gathered few knowledge about immigration and baggage process. Kia's skin tone was pale. And now it looked even more paler. 'Are you about to throw up?' I asked when suddenly Naina vomited. There we were, six girls and some vomit on floor. 'I'm sorry' Naina replied in uneasiness. The people nearby people stared at us and at the vomit. 'Are you fucking crazy? Not seen someones vomit!' snapped Bhoomi at a woman. Bhoomi's apparently the most civilised creature I have ever known. 'Bhoomi, relax. Give me a napkin from my bag' and Bhoomi took out a wet tissue. My precious, expensive, sunscreen protected skin tissues were being used for clearing Naina's waste. I wondered how the trip was going to end if this was the beginning. Shaneela managed us all with Akshara (who seemed to have got alright, though her head still ached) till the immigration counter.

'Listen girls, here are your passports. Don't talk much and avoid contact. Alcohol breath is not a good sign of a responsible citizen' Shaneela gave us her tips. We stood separately in six lines for immigration. The immigration officer on my side was an old lady named Serena. 'Pur-pose ov vizit' she murmured. I just gathered the "visit". 'Tourist' I answered. I carefully opened my mouth, to avoid any tag of "irresponsible citizen". A few stamps on the passport, information into the computer and a drunk photo. Immigration was peaceful for all of us. The airport air conditioning was quite cold, and I started to sneeze.
'Lets get out of here' and everybody agreed.
But how could we, our baggage took another toll on us. Since, we all were hungover. The airport security grabbed Naina and Bhoomi for a narcotics check. Luckily, nothing was found even by mistake. Considering our time from landing till now, anything could go wrong.
'Al can leeve' said the security official, a big bulky man with a belly to support his double chin.

My head felt lighter as soon as we got out of the airport. The open felt fresh but it was chaotic because of the taxi traffic. We drank all the water that was left with us as we had to dispose some of our clutter. A new bottle was for bloody six euros. No way the precious water from India go in the Italian drain.
  
Taxi was not a problem at Leonardo da Vinci airport of Roma. However, communication with the driver was. Akshara showed him the hotel address. 'How on earth are we going to fit in one taxi?' I asked because the car was too small for the six of us. And I was right, it was indeed too small. Luckily, we found another one quickly. Shaneela, Naina and Kia went first. Bhoomi, Akshara and I came in the second taxi. Most luggage was taken by the first car. I took out my camera from the handbag. A few pictures of my friends and so many pictures on the way. Finally, we arrived at hotel Virgilio. Naina had already checked in the room we shared. I looked out of the window and a panoramic view of Roma shone in front of me.
 ***
SHANEELA

I woke up with the fear of letting it out and indeed I did. I went straight into the washroom and puked. It was gross. There was a sudden urge to cry as well. Why was this happening to me? Was it because of the fight I had with my husband? I was clueless. Definitely his words had hit me hard and they weren't even necessary or were they? Had I been selfish and self centred? Guilt was killing me. I should have never come for this trip. But isn't it too late to think now? Í heard Kia enter the washroom. I realised I never locked it.
'What's wrong?' she asked with concern.
'Nothing' I replied with an unconvincing smile. Oh! lord, why Kia ? The one who knew me the best.

'You know you have to stop behaving like this with me' there was clear distaste in Kia's words.
'Like what?' the shrewdness in my words disgusted me. I didn't want to fight my way through this trip. At least both Kia and Myra didn't deserve this.
'Is it about Saurav?' Kia finally asked.
'Kia, its nothing' I snapped, again.
'Fine, if you want to sulk your way through this trip, then go ahead. Just please don't spoil it for us!'
Those were the words I was most regretting, and they hurt me. Kia took her luggage and stormed out of the room. There was a weird belief. No matter how much we fight, she comes back. And I was hoping that this time she does too. However, she didn't. Akshara entered the room with her luggage.
'This room is definitely more bright' she happily said.
'Where is Kia?' I asked.
'Ah, she came to our room. She complained that her room was too bright, I found my room very gloomy, so we exchanged. I hope you don't have a problem?'
'Me? Are you crazy, bitch? Why would I have a problem? Bring it on!'
'Perfect' Akshara was the happy-go-lucky chick in our group. She could bring a smile even on the worst PMS days.
'Akshara, I need to talk'
***
KIA

No, I am not going to be affected. I have too much on my plate already. My savings were all used up. I had no financial security, I would probably on the streets when I get back. No way Shaneela's problem was bigger than mine. Despite all my efforts, she wouldn't open up. 'It's a recreational trip', I reminded myself. Bhoomi was fast asleep and I wanted to talk to someone. I went to Myra and Naina's  room. Before I knocked, the door flung open. 'And I was coming to get you!' Naina's voice boomed with excitement. I saw Myra on the other side of the room Skyping Shashrek.
'I love you too' she said and closed her Ipad.
'Urgh! Can you not keep your mush-mush away for a week?' Naina said in disgust. I giggled, even I found it a bit odd. Of course she loves him, no need for a reminder. Though, love and I were not exactly together. All I knew was that Myra was happy. Naina got everyone else going. Within minutes we all were at the front desk.
'What now?' I asked.
'We go ROME-ING!' and that's how the party began. Keeping aside all the mental drama.


To be continued...