एक ब्रेकिंग न्यूज़ है .. on hearing these words from Archana I was curious what is going to come now! I was all ears .. ” हम गोवा जा रहे है ” I was so glad to hear this, as my dear friend – Archana loves travelling and the Corona had completely cancelled all travel plans for more than a year but here came this wonderful news!

The plan came into action while just chatting with her sister-in-laws (10 of them) in their whatsapp group. Most of them okayed on the proposal and it was decided, whatever-happens, the trip to Goa is final. Tickets were booked for all the women, few from Pune, Few from Bhilai- Chattisgarh, and few from Delhi.

While I heard Archana bubbling with enthusiasm about the trip, I was a bit doubtful because अपने दोस्तों के साथ समझ आता है पर देवरानी- जिठानी लोगों के साथ गोवा !!! She herself was doubtful for anything would happen due to the COVID scare and the plan may fail.. so she said till I board the flight I will not be sure. I kept a neutral face and said – have a good trip!

Came Jan 27, 2021 and the women safely boarded the flight and reached Goa !!! Yahoo !!!! Pune gang had their own car and a driver to travel by road and they reached in 12 hours.

Eight women for three days in Goa .. bliss it was. The minute they all sat down together in Goa, plan for the next trip was in the making !!!!! I laughed out loud when I heard that. Who says Sister-in-laws together cannot gel well and have fun ? Age and ailments forgotten, these were women on mission-Fun@Goa.

They had booked a 3000 sq. ft Villa called “The Bay Watch” in Condolim, Goa for three days which had three bedrooms and a hall, and kitchen with essential services, also a pool and a small garden. The Villa became the Hero for these women. They loved the place for it had awesome corners to sit cozy, inside as well as outside. Recharge points in wonderful nooks to sit leisurely and read a book or yap with your bestie or laze in the garden chairs with a hot mug of coffee. The swimming pool was the masti point for every one, with its poolside sit-out. The best part of the stay here at the villa – yes you guessed it – the beach at 50 mtr. distance.

Day 1 was very special for it was birthday of Meera Vahini. But as the travel hangover trudged in, none of the girls wanted to venture out for dinner. Everyone wanted to postpone the late night outing – treat by the b’day Girl but then Archana said – चलो न चलते है .. few supported her और देखते देखते सब खड़ी हो गयी! Gowns and dresses came out with matching accessories and the girls were ready in a jiffy… What fun walking out on the streets of Goa by the sea breeze playing fiddle to the moonlight and all the worries of home and hearth forgotten. The open music band playing old and new songs was the much awaited attraction at the restaurant .. who could sit down in such charming atmosphere!! Almost all the girls who were crying out loud of tiredness an hour ago were up dancing merry, all is well – all is well !!!

Fun@Goa with Sis-in-Laws

Day 2 became memorable for the photography sessions planned very smartly by Vinda. Either it was a burmuda T-shirt or a Chiffon saree session .. the beach was vibrant with the laughter from the girls. So much so that a young bride who had come visiting Goa with her husband joined these girls for fun, let me also click a picture in a chiffon sari like you all !!! She was amazed by the fact these are sister-in-laws – from a Maharashtrian family.

Trips to other beaches, visiting an old church, a famous restaurant all happened by clock work. Pune gang would travelled by theirTaxi and rest took bikes and rode on all the roads, helped by GPS. Parasailing and motor boating in the sea was another venture ticked.

Day 3 flashed by in no time and soon it was time to be board the return flight.

The girls, confident by the success of the venture smiled to themselves – the trip was a feather in the cap for them! Nearly four to six decades each had sat besides their father/husband/brother and okayed for most decisions. It was the first time they had spent few days by themselves, without any worries of the family. These carefree hours spent roaming in the open, with themselves, was beginning to create a brand new Women – the one who knew it was okay to be happy.

As I sat hearing Archana’s “Goa-puraan”, I looked at Chavreji and asked – इतनी दोस्ती है आप भाइयों में -आप सब भाई लोग जाएंगे किसी ट्रिप पे? He clearly said – Nope and smiled…

I asked Archana – कुछ मसाले वाली कहानी और बताना – I was sure it cannot be all laughter on a trip. She smartly put me to place saying – what happens in Goa remains in Goa 😀

Congratulations to the Devrani-Jeethani-gang for making this dream come true 🙂