1 down, 9 to go

That was in reference to the things I *MUST* do before I conclusively meet my maker. So in my unfeverish (in line with my indisputable vulnerability to procrastination) quest to finish off with the darn list, when Shikhz invited me to this concert at NITIE, Powai where Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy were scheduled to perform, I almost yelled, 'Hell, YEAH'! (Well, SEL are not Coldplay....but they'll do). Here was something breezing my way and that too, I didn't need to shell out a dime for it! So Shikhz, Deeps and me set out to witness what concerts are ALL about! None of us had ever done that before, so there was a throbbing anticipation in all of us.

As usual, Deeps was 'deeply' late, the day of the concert also being her last day at her organization. She was mauled by her ardent colleagues, all wishing to have a pie of her before she left for greener pastures (her exact words). Shikhz and myself hurried across the beautiful campus of NITIE, dragging our horribly-late selves on a steep, ascending trail (the college being situated on a freakin' mountain). But to our delight, we learned that we'd missed only 3 songs. So we chirruped our way, nudging and jostling to the front of the crowd (mostly comprising charged-up & extremely sweaty, but genial NITIEans). We soon found ourselves in the midst of the moshpit, with a ballistic mob all around us. And then, amidst flailing hands and sweaty heads, we spotted the stars of the night - Shankar anna, Ehsaan bhai & Loy uncle (the suffixes are merely for respect). The highly talented trio (with their equally-gifted band) regaled us with some of their chartbusters, the most popular of them being from the movie 'Rock On'. Though shrill demands for the bizarre song 'Zahreelay Saap' from the same movie were not met, the remaining songs took the crowd by storm. Esp, 'Peechle Saat Dinon Mein' and of course, 'Rock On'. Shankar also added in his trademark classical touch, by improvising on some songs and indulging in some jugalbandi with the crowd. Awesome stuff! Loy mesmerized us with some magic on the piano & also the harmonica! Ehsaan was fabulous on the guitar and looked dashing too. Some mellow songs were also played, which the crowd digested hesitatingly, but when Shankar told us to take out our respective mobiles and light up the dark night with the glow from them, the atmosphere took on a beautiful panoramic sight. Truly, a night to remember!

End result: My legs protested (those damn two inchers again!) plus I had my feet trampled on by atleast 20 people. My eardrums were completely torpedoed (we were standing right near some wickedly enormous subwoofers). My neck hurt from extending it to the highest possible point over the frenzied crowd. And my stomach growled, complaining over the lack of dinner. But despite this, the heart was content. Satisfied that I had a awfully great time at this concert. Thank you Shikhz (and her cousin Mayank for the free passes!) for I had a golly good experience that will be remembered for many days.

Here's to the next concert!