It’s amazing how a great plan can be made over a great bottle of Cabernet.

On Saturday we were having out customary weekend drink when one curious drunken soul wondered aloud, "What are we going to do for the long weekend?” [Monday was India's 54th Republic Day and so a national holiday].  I, who had never taken his car out of town, volunteered to drive out to Jaipur. Within about 6 hours of our alcohol propelled decision, we were on our way.

Remember those days as school children when we went for the annual picnics? We did, as we sang a full-throated cacophony till our ear-drums could take it no more, and we pointed out cheerfully to sights we had always missed on our way to office. There was a sandwich casserole, thanks to my friend's wife, and a fruit basket which we picked into at regular intervals.

The road from Delhi to Jaipur is newly laid and has a beautiful construction. It’s a toll road, so the traffic is much regulated and moves at reasonably high speeds. There are mustard fields all through the way, and at many points, the road looks like it has been freshly pulled out from the looming hillocks. The sun played hide-and-seek with us as we sped through shadows of small but majestic, old and denuded mounds of earth. There were bougainvilleas planted on the road dividers that gave immense joy to the senses.

We were received by an old colleague who is also a dear friend. He whisked us immediately to a game of polo. It was the finals of the Sirmour Cup and was attended by the who's who of India's royalty. Let me confess here that while I have no particular weakness for celebrities of any kind (unlike my friend, Alpha’s mom!), blue blood always has held a special fascination.

When I saw Maharani Gayatri Devi, seated two rows ahead of us, I went week in the knees and I walked up to her, fearing the worst. She was kind and cordial and summoned a photographer! I am sure I must have been looking like a complete jackass and I hope it doesn’t show in the picture! She spoke with me for over 5 minutes and, boy, is she gorgeous! She has so much class and elegance… she must have been a stunner when she was young, at 85 or so, she has that sparkle in her eyes that makes hearts go round in circles. Thereafter my friend formally introduced to the Maharaja (a suave man in his 60s and the Maharani’s stepson) Brigadier Bhawani Singh, and it was a great experience too.

Rest of the trip was full of surprises. I met someone who I hadn’t met for 14 years and hadn’t expected to meet! We drove all the way to Chokhi Dhani only to be told that the place is booked for the evening. And the biggest surprise was the realization that I could drive for over 660 kms and not be fatigued at all! I love my Ikon!!

I am considering another break on the next weekend. Game? Mail me on yayaawar@yahoo.com.