23rd Oct : Celebrations
One of the hottest days in this city, approx 23degrees & for everyone in this city, it is as good as being roasted in an Oven!!! However, for me, it is perfect, bright & sunny. I actually get to see the brightly lit skies filled with the Stars & Moon showing it’s existence in this city, with Mt. Rainier being seen clear as daylight!!!
Madhu & Joydeep make sure the laptop is clear of all virus with updated softwares!!! And then it is time for Rakhi. I know, Rakhi was in August, but then again, jab jage tab sawera ….. so , Rakhi in my books is today, since I am with Joydeep after ages. It’s happy time of celebration where I make sure he does his shastang pranam. And the best ofcourse is the Rakhi ka mullah, from Rs.11 , it has moved to $ 11!!! ;-)
24th Oct: Another first for me …
If the hottest day wasn’t enough, I am party to the California Fire, which rages on for 2 days And as usual, when there is any calamity, some people suffer while others take advantage … the Looters!!!
Also , witness the first heavy rainfall of this city, guess US of A, too is crying river loads of tears, since it is time for me to say Alvida to this land of Plenty!!!!
Arjun is not too well, so stays back to get pampered by both Joydeep & Me!!! Just before leaving for the airport, Joydeep makes the best Margarita , that’s the one that shall last me all the way till I reach Bombay!!!
It shall be a 30hr journey for me, before I reach home.
25th Oct: Stopover in London..
The 8 hour stopover in London, is interesting, with me checking out Fenu M’s new house, which she plans to rent out. Helping Mr.Sterling, Ravi, Sabrina & Fenu, set up the place for the tenants. A lovely meal at Southhall, a place I haven’t been to since my first visit in the 80’s , just after Fenu M got married. A visit to the biggest Gurdwara in London. And , then meeting Shaun & Bapi M at the airport for a cuppa coffee before taking the connecting flight to Bombay!
Oh boy, is this Heathrow or an over crowded railway station in India, where one doesn’t know whether you are coming or going!!! What utter confusion & chaos, it’s a miracle one can hear the announcements, find the right gate & board the right flight….. humara Bharat is more organized, I say!!!!
26th Oct: Home is where the Heart is!!!
Getting out of the aircraft & listening to Marathi is like a breathe of fresh air. I am back Home.
Rajesh & Vickram are there to receive me, which is perfect, coz I do need their company, afterall , my bags have decided to be the last to arrive!!!
Getting through with immigration , the bags ,& out in the open, meeting Mom, & the holiday seems a memory of distance past!!! The 5 months disappear, cant imagine I have been a way so long. Gosh, feel’s like I never left this place!!
Major surprise awaits me, Tinti da is at home to welcome me. How sweet is that … & he takes me for a pure desi sea food meal at Gajalee.
Holiday come to an end … or is this just a beginning for another Sabbatical, waiting to happen!!!!!
Keep a watch out for this space, you just never know, another sojourn shall find its place in the limelight of this Blog!!!
Cheers …..
