Cafeteria

 A mid-week party announced on a Wednesday,

Those days’ parties were just a call away,

The venues to be decided on everyone’s say,

The intention was to be together and enjoy the day.

 

The gang of four men had graduated a few months ago

One friend was to fly to the US to continue his education show

Time had come when they chose paths to survive and grow

The bonding would never cease, everyone knew though.

 

Leopold or Mondegar were the options clear

They decided to move to Mondegar for their favourite beer

Around 8:30pm, they chinked their glasses to cheer

Fun was in the air, all friends enjoying without any fear

 

Suddenly, the waiters pulled down the curtains

The boys received calls for their locations certain

Still, they took it easy, as nothing looked uncertain

Some murmurs around expected situations to worsen

 

As the news flashed a major clash between two gang

The boys thought it’s a regular Mumbaiya affair which would boomerang

The boys continued their party, one of them even sang

Inside the Cafeteria, the customers did not hear any clang

 

 

The scene was different as the boys stepped out

There was widespread panic and lot of shout

They now got information it was not about a bout

There was a terrorist attack with gun firing without a doubt

 

The last two hours they enjoyed within the cafe

Was pure bliss having all worries at the bay

As the facts of the evening dawned, the four began to pray

They understood the reality, & understood it was not a child’s play.

 

With no transportation mode visible around

The boys started making moves covering the available ground

The public sentiments were negative, they doubted anyone found

Taking risks, the boys managed to reach their compound.

 

As they reached home, they put on the television

The entire episode of the planned attacks was on exhibition

The boys thanked their stars for their ‘café’ decision

As ‘Leopold’ was on the list to be destroyed as per terrorist mission

 

The next three days, Mumbai came to a standstill

Every Mumbaikar prayed for those who were part of the drill

Then the resilient Mumbaikar exhibited a strong will

Within the next few days, activities resumed from shops to mill

 

 

In a normal person, the entire episode still erupts waves of emotions

The bigger question looms, who was responsible for the commotions?

Could the terrorist attack be negated by proper precautions?

 Can the personal vendetta of vested politicians be put in the oceans?

Author’s note: It is 13 years since the havoc happened, but the wounds are still fresh in my mind. The tale about the party of 4 boys is fiction but it is inspired by a very similar incident that was put up by a family in an interview post 26/11. When I listen to the word ‘Cafeteria’, Leopold hits my mind invariably and hence this submission.