January 10. “Button, I can’t figure how I missed telling you about an incident that happened in Kolkata when the four of us were there last month!”

“Tell me now.”

“I almost took the flight back to Mumbai.”

“Was the incident that grave? Were you angry or did something happen back in Mumbai to trigger such an extreme step!”

“The four of us were getting cosy at a table by the pool at the Grand where we had put up to have our evening cuppa. The weather was nice and cold. As I was about to pull my chair in and sit, Dost let out a loud aaaa…aaaaa…choo that left me damp all over.”

“What are you saying?”

“You know the aachoos he lets lose from time to time—don’t you?”

“I know what you are talking about.”

“For a moment, the incident left me stunned. I sat in my chair unable to move or say a word. And then I let go a barrage of words.”

“What stopped you from packing and returning to Mumbai?”

“The fact that the four of us were on a short break after a very long time and I didn’t have the heart to ruin everybody’s vacation.”

“Should we write a story on the man who aachooed his way through life? It might be fun.”

“Why not! And it’s just turned 12: Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you, Button. But where’s my hug?”

PS: Dost let out an aachoo some time back. I could have got drenched in it again. Fortunately for me, I was a wee bit outside its range!