Bangalore is getting to be so hot and Air conditioners are no longer a luxury. I was surprised twelve years back, when I returned from Dubai and was advised to install ACs in my new flat. The loss of green cover is telling, infact screaming all around us. I really hope we are able to save and nurture the few lung spaces left in our city, its gardens and parks.
Today is Raghava’s birthday, he with Pramila aunty and then my Mom, took care of all my tantrums and cravings during the final trimester of my pregnancy. I cannot remember who connected him to us and how he came to stay with us, but it was meant to be – destiny. Sesh was posted to Abu Dhabi for a project for a few months and would come for all my checkups and in the weekends. Due to a twin pregnancy, a pre-mature delivery was expected. Everyone except me was worried. It was then, in Raghava, I discovered what it was to have a younger brother. In a family full of girl power, the two brothers closer in age, were both unfortunately distant, one by distance and the other by nature. Raghava and Kavitha, became an integral part of our family. I still do not know who enjoyed Tom & Jerry more – Andal, Aditi or him, I used to chuckle in the kitchen, hearing their collective laughter from the living room. Now, even though we are in the same city, we have not been able to meet for a few years, but every time we speak, there is the same warmth. Have you ever experienced it? We made plans to meet up for a walk followed by Kavitha’s Masala Dosa and Bangalore’s best Pineapple cake – Yes, his favourite.
I notice the lady again talking to Bhollu while he is reluctantly eating – maybe he too is a fussy eater like me. I have always had a long list of what I did not like, and also I have always wanted my food hot – would pester my mother for fresh chappatis or phulkas for every meal – no heating up, it had to be made fresh. Also, totally despised green leafy vegetables – would argue that they were meant for goats or people without teeth. So, during my Bangalore holidays, my aunts and Mom, would conspire and place my plate next to Shinu uncle knowing how scared I was of him. Needless to say, I would gulp down the entire palak sambhar without a word, but grumbling and seething inside. Now the same leafy vegetables are my staple food. But Brinjal or Bae-gun so rightfully called, I could not then and cannot still, appreciate in any form.
Isnt it amazing how some people have a knack for serving food – be it at home or even in a restaurant – they know when someone needs more rotis, rice, vegetables and also remember, that you like the extra chutney, sambhar, pickle or papad. I remember this small restaurant in Ghusais that we used to frequent, mostly for the Phulkas and the waiter who took an affront, if you ever ate less than 5 phulkas. He used to bring them like a sizzler to our tables with a generous dallop of fresh butter. Yes, I was a big fan. Then, there is the conversation. He was walking Cricket encyclopaedia and could easily outshine Harsha Bhogle.
There is a spirited discussion going on under one of the Gazebos among some middle aged women – on Politics. I am amused by their well informed and brutally candid assessments of our last three governments and ministers. Women may not be as vocal on politics as men, but I feel are more difficult to fool. They judge not by the trending hot topics, but by more basic and grounded issues – by what effects their monthly budget, their family income, education, employment and safety of their children and health needs of the elderly.
The misconceptions about what women watch and what women read has always irritated me. I have seen as many men addicted to Saas Bahu soaps as women – though they may outwardly claim that they have no choice and are just giving company to their wives. But don’t you feel that there has been, barring a few exceptions, a marked deterioration in the content – highlighting not what is best in us, but the worst side –with jealously, greed, intolerance ruling the scripts. They leave me more disturbed than entertained. Do you feel the same? Maybe a reflection of the society we are a part of.
Aditi completed her first 6 kms today, sadly 2 days later than her plan, but we decide to celebrate it. Today’s coffee was made with chocolate soya milk and I totally, totally recommend it. Also, another reason to celebrate – this is my tenth post.
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