Toasted

Alcohol and I have always been like the two sides of the same coin. My flat-mates have always had a fondness for sparkling white wines, whiskeys, vodkas and beers...

Even second-hand drinking kills

Alcohol and I have always been like the two sides of the same coin. My flat-mates have always had a fondness for sparkling white wines, whiskeys, vodkas and beers, and ironically enough, I haven8217;t been too much of a booze lover. But living with three of my roomies so far, there have been occasions where I have gotten drunk almost, at times to prove my friendship to them and at other times to give them company in the quiet confines of our apartment.

It was two years ago that I moved into this house in Kalina. With my first roommate came the first bottle of scotch into my kitchen drawer, which still continues to be there. When she felt low, she drank. When she was happy, she drank. The only time she didn8217;t drink was when her parents were in town. Once I asked her why. 8220;It isn8217;t cool to drink with parents around you see,8221; she said. Well, her perseverance didn8217;t last long. On one of the family outings, when all of us stuck to iced teas and soft drinks, this girl ordered for a cup of Irish coffee. In times of deprivation, I guess even a hint of alcohol is good enough.

Soon she got married and moved out; the next one who came in was one step ahead. She would hoard bottles and bottles of wine in the fridge and sip on some everyday along with some potato wedges. One day, all the bottles were empty so we went out. At Mondegar, she drank beer after beer, while

I was still sipping on my first mug. After almost eight glasses, she was punch drunk. Dancing on the top of the table and eating French fries from other people8217;s plates, she embarrassed herself and us endlessly. We avoided Mondy8217;s for the next six months but the presence of the manager continues to bother me.

What I hated the most was buying alcohol from wine shops for her, because she was shy. While she innocently stood behind me, I8217;d order four pints of beer, obviously announcing myself as the alcoholic. One day as I was leaving the shop, I heard the owner remark: 8220;Ladki hoke kitna peeti hai8221;. I was flabbergasted. But my misery did not end there.

When the raddiwala came to take away the bottles, he had a piece of advice for me. 8220;Itna mat piyo madam, liver kharaab ho jaayega.8221;

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When this one returned to her hometown, I was a bit disappointed8212;there was still a bottle of wine lying in my fridge. But my new and third roommate made me accompany her corkscrew-shopping as soon as she checked in. One week later, the bottle was polished off.

I wonder if I can locate an Alcoholics Anonymous in the city. For passive alcoholics like me, that is.

priyanka.pereiraexpressindia.com