Reached home past 8:40 PM today, after waiting for an auto for more than 45 minutes – it was raining cats and dogs, and our Bengaluru autodrivers, true to their element, and all vehicle options on Ola and Uber had failed me. Just as I was planning to return to my desk and wait it out, one auto stopped, the driver agreed and as I sat, put on the meter to my surprise. Can you believe that I had to insist on paying him a little more than the meter charge – maybe he had just landed from another planet. I am still smiling. Kindness comes in all forms, infact encountered it twice tonight.
Flashback to morning – waking up early is no longer a bother. We started on our walk an hour early, and Kaaju just turned away, when I told him that we were going for a walk. Either he was sulking or had given up or is doing something mischievous in our absence.
A beautiful morning and both Bhollu and Goollu were on their regular duties, one at the gate and the other parked in the middle of the path, scratching his ear. It was somehow comforting to see them that way. I hope they stay safe in tonight’s thunderstorm and lightening.
I have always envied people who make that extra effort to dress up for movies or morning walks- I have always shied away from both uncomfortable clothes and uncomfortable footwear. So, this lady who passed by me, at 6:30 am, was all dressed up in a bright green synthetic – looked like a designer saree and an inch high sandals. And I looked at myself, in my 8+ year old, very comfortable old cotton T-shirt and tracks, both with random paint stains. Yes, I get it, its her choice and right.
We had lost Appa 2 years back – difficult to express what he meant to me. We disagreed and still respected each other’s opinions, I never had to hide my feelings, most took me to be his daughter – we had spent many a nights and days together in different hospitals during his battles with heart ailments and cancer, discussing his childhood experiences to times as a mining engineer, he was not perfect but he had effortlessly slipped into a parent’s role after the death of my father and mother. Sesh was calling me to remind me, to be ready on time for the Pooja. He knew his wife well. The snooze on the mobile was created surely for me. But today, I was surprised with myself.
The morning walks have brought in a discipline in my life – I had got up an hour early, kept my clothes ready, cleaned the Pooja Mantapu and made the coffee in advance to save time. Hope this change lasts. I realised later that I had picked up a saree that Appa & Amma had given me, I guess in the first year of my marriage. Come to think of it, I can see a pattern in my saree selections. On almost all important occasions in my life, I have unintentionally worn my mother’s sarees. Odd, and yet not.
I subjected Goddess Sharada on every lap, to the two shlokas I remembered from my childhood and hope she was suitably happy with her devotee. The lady chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam in sync with MS, reminded me again of Appa. The day that Appa passed away, I was feeling very restless, unable to concentrate on anything, as Kareena so aptly describes in Jab We met – the feeling that you are going to miss the train. So, I had put on the Vishnu Sahasranamam with lyrics on my laptop, and was chanting along, when Amma called. Maybe it was just a co-incidence, but there is sometimes that sixth sense that tells you something is not right – makes you call your child, parent or a dear friend. I have had an aunt calling me atleast on two occasions just when I really wanted to talk to someone. Have you experienced it ever?
I love these Gazebos in the park. Had a full Panchayat under one today with a serious discussion on making a Will. A group of middle aged and old men were sharing their experiences – pros and cons. I too have been planning to make a will since last 4 years. Andal & Aditi used to joke that Mamma would leave it all to Max & now they say Kaaju. Aditi has anyway made it clear that all that she wants is my Blue Banarasi saree.
Speaking of Aditi, like her father, she reminds me that we need to hurry back and get ready for the Pooja.
And Yes, we finally bought our regular coffee powder and are very contented, happy souls. No compromise allowed with coffee.
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