Good morning Bangalore, today Namma Bengaluru looked like the Bangalore of my childhood. Washed clean by rain and with a cool breeze welcoming me as I stepped out. Had to bribe Kaaju with a Yelakki banana though, he has been extremely annoyed with the two current women in his life, disappearing for an hour daily by themselves. I am sure he must have been grumbling about it to his friends, the Beagle on 1st floor and the Retriever and Husky in the front house. Believe me or not, they do have actual conversations. Also, have you watched a dog eating a banana?
There were few puddles on the walking path from last night’s showers, and while some avoided them diligently, others happily walked into them creating a mini splash. No guesses to which category I fall into. Belatedly realized that I would be wearing the same shoes to work and should have been less impulsive.
Have I told you about the exercise machines in the park. Such a lovely idea by BBMP, they are so sought after – the most eager are the elderly, in sarees and dhotis, who start tentatively and then gleefully workout. I am sure they must be bragging about it to their children and grand children. I noticed one of them taking a selfie while working out on an elliptical.
Today, we had Badminton and Volleyball being played, and suddenly a disagreement on the rules started between the doubles teams playing badminton, and one player just stormed out. Who says we do not take our sports seriously? But after a few laps, he was back there playing. Wish all disputes ended so fast.
Three middle aged men passed me ruing about a favourite restaurant that had closed down. It supposedly served the best Akki Roti and Ragi Roti in Bangalore. That’s the problem about snippets, sometimes you miss out the most important bit, in this case, the name of the restaurant. I then spent the next 5 minutes only thinking about Akki Rotis and what could have made it so special.
My Brinda aunty makes the best Akki roti that I have tasted, I used to sit on the kitchen floor with a plate, waiting for the steaming hot rotis. For some reason, also enjoyed the raw akki roti maav(batter) and used to smuggle a few balls of it, when she was not looking and still do like it. Have you tried cookie batter or Gulab Jamun batter, they surely taste better than the finished product. Andal would call it ‘Gross’.
My sister told me yesterday that the Presiding deity of the temple is Devi Sharada or Saraswathi, and the temple is part of the Sringeri Peetham of Sri Adi Shankara. I am sure the Goddess must have been amused by my chanting of shlokas of Krishna, Lakshmi and Ganesha to her, all these days. Will try to make it up to her. Why is Saraswathi always revered only during childhood?
By the way, Do you remember Saraswathi puje during Dasara. I would keep my Physics book on top of the pile, throughout my high school, for her special blessings. Tradition continued, Andal had Maths textbook and Aditi had Hindi textbook. What about you?
Both the masters of the park, Bhollu & Goollu were not in the best of moods today. Aditi says they reminded her of me before my first cup of coffee. Was last night’s thunderstorm and lightening the reason, I wondered? Max used to snuggle into my arms and neck, infact once climbed onto my head, during a thunderstorm. Even the mighty have their vulnerable moments, eh? Hope they have a more peaceful sleep tonight.
I look at my mobile – 4.4 kms and join Aditi who is waiting for me, rather impatiently, near the park gate. We still have not had the time to buy our regular coffee powder, and she with great reluctance agrees to try the Dark Chocolate coffee. Like Starbucks, we decide to give it a fancier name. Any recommendations?
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