It all began when Rohit, Shital, Ruhi and I started to drive to St. Louis. The drive is not the most scenic but the billboards are. As soon as we left Oklahoma and entered Missouri, we were struck by the Universe’s best advertisements. Everything and almost every board read either “world’s best” or “planet’s best” or some else that was superlative. It ranged from “World’s largest toy shop” to “Planet’s rarest cave formation”. You could see boards of places that were rated “World famous” and I think even Google search cannot keep up with it. They even had several signs for adult entertainment including one that said, “Pleasure Zone; where Lovers come to Play.”
This new state that I visited was slightly different than rest; probably the first state where I didn’t see people smiling. Our server at Buffalo Wings and receptionist at the hotel are just few examples. We drove for about 6 hours before touching St. Louis and our hotel. We would have not hit the hotel if it was not for our dinner plans. We had made reservations at this place called “Top of the Riverfront” that needed business casuals. I am sure that people who know us are wondering... Business casuals and Rohit Datar don’t go hand in hand!!!
This brings us to the mid point of the trip and also the most hilarious part ever (I have to be superlative as I was in Missouri).
We changed into business casuals. Shital and Ruhi looked pretty in their attire while I fortunately had formals as I had come to Dallas on a business trip. If I am not fooled by my memory, then this was the first time in about 20 years that I have seen Rohit in formal wear. I don’t wear formal all the time but Rohit on the other hand doesn’t like it (so it seemed). The belt he was wearing was loose and didn’t hold the trouser in place. Finally after about 45 minutes we were ready to head out and get our first close glimpse at the arch and have enjoy fine dining.
Surprisingly, the park in which the arch is built is not the prettiest (superlative). Actually, there is nothing other than the structure over there. Even the lawn had patches of weeds. The arch was beautiful (the passage to the west). It stands high and tall and the massive steel structure glitters in the sunset; just awesome. It tells you a lot about the physics that must have gone behind building it. While we were admiring the arch, Ruhi was excited about the helicopters that were landing near the river. We sat near the stairs that went down near the river. We could see the helicopters landing from here. Our reservation at the restaurant was for 8 pm and we still had an hour to kill. Our plan to enjoy the riverfront and the park was killed as there was neither a good riverfront nor a great park. Rohit was already feeling uncomfortable in the formal attire. On the top of it he had to manage the trouser that was sliding down. Sitting on the stairs he noticed debris of black carbon like substance at his feet. At first it seemed like charcoal or some rubber tire residue. However, after close inspection he realized that the debris had something to do with his shoes. A quick glimpse at the bottom of the shoes revealed it all. The sole of his shoes were shedding skin. By this time, it had already discarded the heel side and he could see the lining of the sole giving away as well. Shital couldn’t stop laughing while Ruhi was still wondering what was going on.
We decided that we need to get going towards the restaurant. And as we walked across the park, Rohit left a trail of black rubber residue. The sole was giving way and now the sides of the sole had fallen off. Rohit was holding onto his loose trousers watching the misery of his shoes. Ruhi who was tired by now didn’t want to walk. So Rohit put her on his shoulders and started walking towards the restaurant. Shital was worried that Rohit would leave the trail in the classy restaurant. Hence after a bit of discussion, we decided to find a shoe store and buy a new pair of shoes.
The closest shop was a Macys that was 3-4 blocks in the direction opposite to that of the restaurant. So we started walking towards it. After about 20 minutes, we couldn’t locate any shop on the Saturday evening. By now Rohit was sweating profusely. Holding Ruhi with one hand and holding his trouser with another, Rohit was walking down St. Louis downtown leaving a trail of rubber. Hilarious will be a mild word over here. Shital and I were having a stomach aching laugh at Rohit’s cost.
“Aamhala jari majaa yet asli tari tyalaa nahi yet hoti”
We failed to locate any shop and finally decided to walk towards the restaurant.
“Top Of The RiverFront” is a revolving hotel that is located at the top of Millennium Hotel overseeing the St. Louis downtown and giving the best view of the arch. The food was as good as the view. The overall experience was great and all 4 of us had a great time. It was close to 10 pm when we decided to leave. Shital had read about this place called “Bailey’s chocolate bar restaurant” and it all sounded great. Shital and Ruhi stayed at the hotel lobby while Rohit and I walked to get the car. I lend my belt to Rohit and that made his life slightly better. It was a 15 min. walk and by now Rohit was almost walking barefoot. There was no sole left in his shoes and his socks were the only thing holding on to the leather shoes. Rohit was ready to shed away his shoes and trouser and walk on the streets in his boxers. This could probably be the last time I will see Rohit in formal attire.
In the last 4 hours, Rohit lad left mark everywhere in St. Louis; Debris in the park, pieces of rubber on the streets and even a big chunk of his sole near the bench across the street from the arch. I think Rohit truly loved the city because even if Rohit is now back in Oklahoma, his sole still lies somewhere in St. Louis. It seems like someone from our group has to leave something somewhere. First it was Sumeet who lost his glasses in upstate New York and now it was Rohit who left his sole in Missouri (world’s best everything). It could be an adventure expedition for Neel and Ruhi when they grow up; to find their parent’s belongings.
1 comment:
very well written... i couldnt stop laughing ...i would like to see Rohit chya shoe che fotu...
Post a Comment