Close Encounter

Jyotsna, Minal, and Miriam re-enact the juvenile high-jinks of their wild childhood. How can the rattled sensibilities of a conservative traffic policeman at Cross Maidan stand firm against their onslaught?

Jyotsna Dave was an independent, mini-skirted world traveler disguised as a demure woman in traditional chotis behind the travel desk at Globe Travels Pvt. Ltd. Minal Shirodkar was the powerhouse manager of Batliwala and Sons, plumbing and hardware wholesale suppliers. Swaggering builders and contractors routinely left her office sobbing. Miriam Jariwala was the mother of four beautiful children, though one wouldn’t think so, given her innocent, childlike looks, of which Minal was secretly envious.

The three had raised hell growing up together, first at J.B Petit High School for Girls and then at SNDT on the other side of Cross Maidan. Now they stood in poised, statuesque silence until Gopalrao Shinde, the pedestrian traffic constable also known as Mishya dada in a nod to his imposing whiskers, raised his hand to stop pedestrians from crossing the street. Then they stepped forward to the edge of the street. Mishya dada’s hands began to tingle as Minal’s jacket edged closer, almost within touching distance of his outstretched hand. Miriam’s very expensive perfume tickled his nostrils. He could hear their suppressed giggles.

His arm stiffened, his back straightened. He dared not breathe. He dared not move a muscle. The three women exchanged a mischievous glance. Miriam and Jyotsna stared at Minal pointedly. Minal looked at them askance before moving forward another imperceptible inch.

Mishya dada’s arm snapped down to his side, out of harm’s way. Pedestrians began to flow across the street. The peals of laughter kept ringing in his burning ears for a long time. His hand continued to tingle.