Doped

How did we get here? I heard someone say as the bus rumbled along the highway,
where are we going? Might have been a better question right now. The voice sounded
distant, as if it was echoing across a valley, forgive me-but exaggerations have always
been my weak point. I pushed myself up so I could look out of the window, a cold drift
struck my hair, and it was a minute before I could focus as my eyes struggled to make a
picture out of the rushing landscape. They failed and I slumped back on my seat, grateful
to fall back in the darkness.
I want to know how I got here, RIGHT NOW. Sumit slapped the seat in front as he
asked. His loud voice sent nails through my head and I gave him a rough nudge in
retaliation, shut up man, Sumit, this isnt our room. Eshan said, The other guys arent
drunk here. I felt a wave of relief on hearing his voice. I opened an eye again and tried
to focus on my watch, it was close to 2 or maybe it was 3. I let my hand fall back in
resignation. Eshan being there was a consolation, he was the only 22 year old I knew who
had never touched Alcohol, and even though I had very little recollection of how the
night had panned out I would have bet my last Rupee that he was sober tonight too,
hopefully. I lay back further trying to melt into the seat, sleep crept in and I didnt fight it.

Eshan, Im dying Sumits scream jolted me out of my reverie, or rather it brought back
the nails in my head. I opened one eye to look at him. He did look to be in a bad state, his
blue shirt stuck to his body with sweat and he kept looking around with his bloodshot
eyes as if Lucifer, invisible to the rest of us, was actually circling his head.

Save me Eshan, I dont wanna die, Im only 19. Sumit screamed yet again.

The needles in my head made me wish he would die sooner and get it over with.

Dont worry brother, Ill save you. I heard Eshan say. The Ambulance has almost
reached.

My eyes fluttered open at the word Ambulance. This time I managed to pull myself up on
my elbow and looked outside. The signboards by the road flashed past us. Something
really bad must be up with Sumit for it to be driving this fast. I looked over at him again,
looking for signs. There wasnt any blood, at least none that was visible; I tried to
recollect what had happened earlier tonight. Mohits birthday party had been going fine
until Rahul had brought out those wrinkled cigarettes. I gagged at the taste in my mouth.
It all collapsed around me after that, I wasnt up to much more analysing tonight.

We were on the way to the hospital, the words rang around in my head, but why was I in
the ambulance with them? Obviously I wasnt capable of much moral support right now;
I wouldnt have been here unless something was wrong with me too.

Eshan I said aloud.

I got a kick for my effort, cut the racket dude. Sumit said.
Yeah, bit rich I would have said if I had had the strength.

Yeah brother. Eshan said, You dying too? he asked.

Am I?

I looked around the ambulance, I was lying on a stretcher, a tripod stand stood between
us and a couple of cylinders hung from it.

I cant breathe, can I have that oxygen mask. I managed to say.

Sure. Eshan said as he handed me the mask. I felt a wave of relief pass through me as I
took a few gulps.

I pulled down the mask, Eshan. I said

shhh, dont speak he said, pushing the mask back on, we are almost there, no worries
now. I was saved.

The ambulance stopped and Eshan helped me and Sumit out of the door.

We reached the hospital? Sumit asked.

Something was wrong; the building in front of me looked way too familiar.

We are back from the hospital dumbo. Eshan said. We are? Dont you feel all fine
and energized now?

Something was definitely not right. Saurabh materialized out of the darkness and put my
arm around his neck.

How was the ride around the campus? he asked

Fine, it was almost fun. Eshan replied.Dude, can you pay the autowallah 10 bucks,
Im out of change. He added.

Damn, so am I, lemme ask one of the guys. Saurabh replied, by the way, why does
Arjun have your protective cup on his nose.

I didnt hear the word, I never will.

Dont ask man, they are doped.

He shared a laugh with Saurabh as he pulled Sumit away.

You know what you are right, I do feel fine. Sumit said, Maybe I should try and walk
by myself. You are a life saver Eshan. He said as he fell down.
We looked down at his prone body as Eshan said, That my friend, I am

Authors note
Thanks, if youve got this far. This was inspired from a true story (not mine) with some
additional variations that I had to make to turn the one time incident into readable script.
Do get back to me with your comments and criticisms, you can connect with me on
facebook or look up more of my stuff on my blog atulrandev.blogspot.com. Id love to
hear from you.