Episode 75 : Goodnight, Madras!

It was in the year 1998 that I first announced my plan to leave Madras and do my post-graduation elsewhere.

It never happened.

I had two opportunities to move out of Madras and work. One in Bangalore, and one in Bombay. The first did not happen, and I did not accept the second.

After 8 long years, it is finally happening.

Frasier: We all knew we weren't going to stay together forever. I mean, that's not what life is about. Cry, if you must, but I assure you, when I pass through that Golden Gate I will be smiling!
Martin: [in utter misery, thinking Frasier is dying] Golden Gate?
Frasier: Yes! That's where I'm moving to! San Francisco!
Niles: What?
Frasier: My new job. I start next week. Now don't just sit there choking back the tears. Go ahead, let them out.

Everybody laugh in hysterical relief.

When I first started planning a move, and that was over two years ago, it was to move westwards. The only reason then was that X-girlfriend was there...

When this year began, I started looking at other places too. Hyderabad became the leading contender. And I thought "Hyde in Hyderabad" would suit me well...

Niles: We're happy for you.
Frasier: I'm happy for myself. And scared too. But it's a good scared. Sort of the way I felt when I came here from Boston.

It starts out with a feeling of excitement. Then the planning- what to take, what not to take and what to discard. My waste paper basket had to be emptied every other day!

And then an anxiety sets in, when people tell you horror stories of friends who moved out and did not know how to manage. While I drew strength from the times I learnt to do things on my own.

But then, only if I cut off the moorings can my ship sail.

Frasier: [to his co-passenger Anne] We had a big party that night. It was all very sweet.
Anne: I think it's great what you're doing.
Frasier: Well, I just know I'd always regret it if I didn't take the chance.

The MBMC is celebrating its fourth anniversary this weekend. And we will have a big party that night. After that, I will leave for my destination.

Pilot: [voice over] Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Chicago...

It ends with a twist.

Frasier: Wish me luck.

Goodnight, Madras!

Afterthought : This is probably the right time to end Season One. Season Two will start soon, but from a different location. Till then... thank you for reading.

Hey baby, I hear the blues a-callin'
Tossed salad and scrambled eggs
Oh my! Mercy!
And maybe I seem a bit confused,
Yeah maybe, but I got you pegged!
Ha ha ha ha!
But I don’t know what to do with those tossed salads and scrambled eggs.
They’re callin’ again.
Hyde has left the building!