The deal was to go catch the sunset at the private beach in Jumeirah 2. At 5:17 p.m. I started my car to go to the beach. It almost felt like a race because Dubai traffic picks up after 5 p.m. and since, winter is soon approaching, the sun sets around 5:30 p.m. With each meter that my car covered, the sun moved an inch downwards. There were quite a few hard brakes. I felt restless and my hand smelt of onion which I had chopped for dinner last night. I couldn't help looking through the gaps of the various buildings to ensure that the sun is still there. It almost felt like a game of hide and seek (I miss playing it).
At 5:42 p.m. I stopped my car at the spot where I usually park. Old days with friends drowned me. Technically, I was dry but I felt drenched. As I switched off the engine and opened the door, this amazingly nice-feeling wind welcomed me. There was nothing exceptional about this gust of wind except its timing to thwack me. It felt like a close friend's hug. Legs out, I looked longingly at the sky but alas! the big ball of orange had gone to sleep (quite a few have or I have put them to). A freaky pathan driving a Mitsubishi pick-up waved at me as he left (Chotu Tsunami memories, peace disruption). Anyway, what was left was faded light orange sitting on top of a grey sheet. Although, the ambiance was still bright.
I locked the car and started walking away from the direction of the already set sun. I felt like this cool kid - no balance on mobile, massive DJ headphones, basketball jersey, comfortable 3/4ths, oshos and a lot of dreams yet to be fulfilled while I walked away to nowhere. Suddenly, everything had just slowed down contrary to the school and college life that whooshed away so quickly. The orange kept fading and black started taking over the gray.
As I retreated my path to the car, I stood before the latter for a bit, admiring. This subtle smile came to my lips. I unlocked the car and dusted my oshos outside.
It was 6:22 p.m. when I started my car and left.
