Day Two: 30th May, 2005

Ah.....Day two, now that was something.

Centurion Medusa knew that it was gonna be a bad day, but in actuality, it turned out to be really funny, all thanks to the aforementioned Shiamak instructors and their hilarious antics and priceless rules. Read on.....

So, my throat was FUCKED, although it wasnt as bad as day 3, it was still pathetic. Was coughing all day, had a cold and a fever with a BAAAD headache. Had gone to work like that, taken a half day, and landed up in St.Andrews auditorium. The journey comprised of Thane to Nariman Point to Bandra, a total of 2 hrs. In Bombay local trains. In summer. Those who stay here will know that my mental and physical state must ve been as good as Saddam Hussein's the day he was captured. Anyway, needed a paracetamol ASAP. Crocin, preferably, as it is the MILDEST. Stressing on that point very much.
And hence, after determining that none of my fellow dancers carried one, I did the next most logical thing and asked one of the instuctors. Apparently, logic was having a picnic with sanity in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park when the SDIPA Rules were drafted. The conversation took place as follows:

ME: Erm..Excuse me? Hi, *cough* listen, *sniff sniff* I really need a crocin , m not feelin too well *cough cough cough* . Can you please help me out here?
Shiamak Davar's Braindead Instuctor (SDBI) : We cannot give you one. We will need written permission from your parents.
Me: (rubbing her ears vigorously to ensure that no earwax is blocking hearing) ermm.... WAAHHHHT?!?!?!?!?! YOU NEED WHAT FOR A CROCIN????
SDBI: Er written permission from your parents, or we cant give it to you, sorry.
Me :*cough cough* So it is ok if I pass out on the stage and make a spectacle of myself(and the bloddy dance) but you wont give me a tab? *sniff*
SDBI: Er....yeah, something like that.
At this point I am so irritated that i decide i will not test my patience and stop arguing with the SDBI, lest I decide to strangle her with my precious silver sequin studded scarf.
Me: Ok then, *cough cough cough* I need it right now, *SNEEZE SNEEZE* and there is no way I can get written permission right now, so tell me what needs to be done*sniff*
SDBI: Ask your mom/dad/distant relative to speak to us on the phone.
Me: Fine....
And a prompt call is placed to father dearest and the situation is explained to him, who speaks to the SDBI.
Dad: Yeah, just give her the goddamn crocin.
SDBI: But we will need written permission from you sir... Could you give it to us when you come to pick her up?
At this point I lose control and yell , "I AM FUCKING NINETEEN!!!"
SDBI freaks out and tells Dad that she will give me a tab. Hangs up and astonishes me further.
SDBI: Ok I will need a letter written by you that you take full responsibility for taking the tab and that we have spoken to at least one of your parent for permission.
Me: (beyond all levels of incredulity) OK

And presented before you today is a word by word reproduction of the letter written on that day, after being sent back three times to make 1456676 additions in it. It must be noted that while writing that letter I was asked by at least 6 of my fellow dancers if I was writing it because I was leaving Shiamak and not doing the remaning shows. Wish I could describe the looks on their faces when I told them that it was for a tab.
The letter, then:

To whomsoever this may concern.
I, miss Anuya (19), from the beginners batch, Matunga, am taking full responsibility for the consumption of one paracetamol tablet (Crocin) owing to a sudden bout of ill health. I hereby assure you that permission has been sought regarding the same from my father who has been kind enough to reply in the affirmative. I also confirm that I have taken the tablet before and have neither displayed any symptoms of an allergic reaction nor have I lost my life, because well if I would have, who would have written this letter? So please, I will be highly obliged if the aforementioned matter is settled as soon as possible, lest some other ridiculous rule is added to the plethora of existing ones.
Thanking You.
Yours sincerely,
Anuya

Well, I have a warped sense of humour, like so many of my fellow NBSites...hehe.

So letter is submitted, scrutinised and I'm asked to wait for a loooooong time till frustrated and defeated, I try looking for one of my own instructors, hoping to cajole them into giving me the godforsaken tab, when i meet my saviour , who is the boyfriend of one of my classmates. His name is Sumit and he is in the Special Potential Batch - 1 and hence enjoys certain privileges. I had met him twice before,the first time at Symbi and next at Mallu's Holi Party. He could have hurled a brick at me when I asked him for help, coz i had called him Sanjay the first time I saw him at Shaimak. But he was sweet enough to promptly get me a crocin, enquire about my health all the remaining days and compliment me after every performance, however horrible I was. In case I didnt say it before, I m extremely grateful to him.Thanks dude. Hope you and Sasha have a long courtship, a dream wedding and 10 kids.... hehe Gunk effect.

*Sigh* It is such a difficult life. Made at least two major gaffes onstage, but given my state of mind and body, i will say it was an achievement. And after the performance, the waiting period for the 12 year olds mother shrank from 2 hrs to one hour 15 mins. So victory was mine, there.


Sheeeeesh.