Long weekend summarized in three words. It was lurking in
mind for quite some time that I need to visit my octogenarian aunt who stays in
Agra, these days. Almost a decade back she used to stay in the suburbs of the
city of joy. On casual afternoons, used to take a quick decision, boarded local
train and paid sudden visit to her place. Defying age she used to brew two cups
of tea. Setting sun, Darjeeling tea and like minded individuals can make
evenings so memorable! She is one such in my life. One such evening came to know that she was a school going student when the country became independent.
My aunt read lot about India and abroad, however the farthest
that she traveled was from Kolkata to Agra. India progressed. I was fortunate to enjoy
a more liberal world, which respected my views, gave me opportunities to see
more than she could. Every country I visited for some purpose had loads of
stories for her. She enjoyed every ounce of it and drowned in the feelings as
if it was she who had been moving with me. The vociferous reader today can hardly
read, but her exuberance to bounce in the wave of stories that I still blabber
remained the same. Celebrated this Independence Day with her in the city that
epitomizes eternal love! It was Friday and Taj was closed. Curdling on the old
king size bed we spend a day together basking in the old and new happenings of
life involving people who matters and who don’t.
When you leave someone close not knowing when you would meet once more it is a very open ended pain. “Suhana Safar” on Big FM in the rented car echoed the emotion, when the rubbers meet the road over Yamuna expressway. The 165 kilometer, 6 lane state of art infrastructure zipped off fast on the way back. The journey of memory lane suddenly entered the hussle-buzzle of Palam airport, Delhi. After a vigilant chase I managed a chair near the retail space. WhatsApp tone kept buzzing from all corners. No wonder India is digital. I shared aerospace with a score of Kabadi players who had amazing hair style – almost no hair except some left over to allure others to pull. Landed on a rainy city and starting from the airport sweet corner could feel the pulse of Janmastami celebration.
Sunday began - common person with common needs. Bedding
store guy turned up on a phone call as I was looking for a new mattress. He is
my customized flipkart man. Today he came with a packet of sweets – big size
gulab jamun. “ Arre Bhaiya , ye sab kyu?”..With
a broad smile he said “Meeting you after Eid, so a small celebration.” Ordinary
day with an extra ordinary feelings!
After a full-filling lunch, to soak in pleasure of true
freedom of time and thought picked up a favorite mystery movie from the great
story teller – Satyajit Ray. You guessed it right. Once read the three characters
– Feluda the sueth, his uncle Siddhu Jetha and his cousin Topshe were in authors mind the same soul in three
stages of life. Hence they reflect the same thought but at different maturity. But
can’t say how much I often end up enjoying the nervous Jatayu and his innocuous
sense of humor in this series of Satyajit creation. Jatayu’s love of writing combating
all his knowledge deficiencies is a big inspiration for me to pick up the
virtual pen once more today.