I call it unforgettable because I met the person whom I yearned to meet right from the day I read his book - Kane & Abel, incidentally my first book written by him and his best book so far. Now, no prize to you if you have rightly guessed whom I was talking about ;). Yes, Jeffrey Archer was in Bangalore to promote his new book 'Paths of Glory' and the event took place at Landmark in Garuda Swagat Mall, Jayanagar. I was so thrilled the whole day and not able to concentrate on anything except checking my watch often to see 6 pm so that I can start for the event. But alas, I managed to reach the place only by 7.15, courtesy bangalore traffic and the surprise rainfall. When I was just about to enter the mall, a benz car zoomed in and halted to a break, and within moments the great man came out and was greeting the few of us standing there with a 'good evening'. Well, my tongue was glued to the palate and it was diificult to speak. I joined the convoy waiting to welcome him and together with them, I bypassed the waiting crowd and managed to stand close to the dais. May be, not ethical but perfectly understandable; I can see you nodding. Thanks.

One thing, in fact two things, I could not help notice was his perfect timing sense and the sense of humour. He spoke for almost an hour studded with wisdom, experience and his trademark sarcasm we can see in his books.

When he explained the gimmicks used by his U.S. publishers to get him on the bestsellers' list, we were all rolling over the floor filled with laughter. Took his autograph in Kane&Abel and As the Crow Flies- two of my most favourite books, but even now, when I was standing just next to him, my tongue was less co-operative when I tried to speak, finally mumbling out 'Have a good time in India' with the second-half hardly audible to myself.

It was totally a memorable and unforgettable day and I am still on cloud nine. I suppose a new project or moule would bring me back to reality.