AULD LANG SYNE PART 3

 It's very difficult to get inspiration. Osam and Munu have come up with such lovely stories. It became quite a challenge for Mriga to actually make it up. Well, she has a basket full of them and never takes time to cook it up. Well, none of us would ever get the truth.

So Mriga wants to tell a tale which is also about her grandpa or Dadu. She fondly called him Grand, as his name and stature both revealed the wealth and simplicity of this one person. Grand never spoke much, he was a man of few words. He was a stern believer of Karma. A man of fewer words was he. 

So, Mriga begins the story with the grand intro of her Grand. Grand was a person who had knowledge and wisdom. Mriga tells that her Grand not only belonged to the yore days of Zamindars or Rajas but also had a rich education. Though a doctor by profession his interests in Geography subject were enthralling. He would very often speak to Mriga about the Parsi culture and how they dispose of the dead. It's a very unique thing, which can be spoken in detail later. But Mriga wants to stick to the story of her Grand right now. 

So, Mriga says that being with her Grand was fun as he would allow her to sneak a rock of salt from his secret box and enjoy it. He would also make her sit beside her bedside and speak on how to learn and understand Geography. But Alas!! the fun was short-lived. She told Osam and Munu that the story she would narrate is a very recent one. She saw her Grand just before her Geography exam in a strange way. 

The night before the Geography test, when Mriga was all worried and tensed as she just couldn't get the volcanoes and earthquakes lesson complete. She could never ask her elder sibling to help and that day especially she couldn't, as she had been to a party with their parents, and Mriga was home alone.  Mriga's friends were already aware of how scared she was of dark. Well, when the going gets tough the tough gets going. Her luck that night wasn't in her favour, for sure. Yes, it was a load-shedding just in the middle of the night. Though Mriga was a smart girl, well-prepared with a candle along her side, she sure didn't have the matchbox to light it. OH! in that pitch dark of  'Happy Home', Mriga was very scared ( well that's an understatement) She was freaking out!!! She was trying every possible hymn every possible mantra , she felt claustrophobic ; She felt every possible dark object approaching towards her , the haunting silence of teh surrounding, She just didnt faint ,and that surely made her worry. 

Suddenly she could see a small candle light a few steps ahead. She couldnt exactly understand how did a light suddenly appear from nowhere. But that light was surely the light of life and hope for her. She in her dilema realised a cold hand touching her and with a feeble smile made her sit on the sofa that she was studying on. Argh!!.. she realised it was her Grand. She called out to him, but he was leaving her. She ran behind him so as to talk to him. She faintly saw the same white attire that he would always wear, the walking stick with the same rythm of tic-toc. Mriga paused for a moment , when Osum continued, "that's when you said that you saw  your Grand and we laughed at you at school. Is it not?" 

Yes said Mriga. There was a long silence after this. 

Auld Lang Syne - Part 2

 So after Munu, its either Osam or Mriga's turn. But Mriga wanted to keep her story for the last. she flaunted that she had the knack of it better than others. But here we had a new addition too Syon, he too had many to share. But the girls were too dominating. Syon hinted that it would be a nail biting one, still it was in vain. Nevertheless Osam got the chance now and she began describing her village scenario where one could clearly hear the whisper of the winds and chattering of the birds, long trails of tall trees and the dusty roads, in such a village was a huge three storeyed "Daak Bungla" or a palatial house . Osam belonged to a rich clan of the society. Her story was of more to do with glitters. She spoke about the Daak Bangla which had plenty of rooms, in the first two floors  and the third floor was more like an open terrace with a couple of rooms. One such room, beside the terrace, was used by her Grandfather. He had a huge sofa, though not very comfortable but had a strong solidified armrest. Grandfather loved that room and very few had permission to enter it. 

             

Osam began the story ," I was always fascinated about this room and as the eldest daughter of that generation, I was the favourite too. And thus, had complete access to that room apart from Granny and our servant Chotu. My Grandfather had a collection of stoneware belonging to his ancestors and many more such valuable items. Amongst all these non living valuables , one chattel or a living being was also a treasure of that room.That was Grandpa's Tikktiki, yes Tikk-tikki, no not a squirrel or any mouse. It was a house-lizard". 

All the girls together," Whatttttt?" 

Osam continued, "Yes, it would visit Grandpa daily sharp at 7 a.m, when he would have his first cup of tea in his favourite room. Tikktikki would crawl down wait near the armrest and sip tea from the saucer, which Grandpa would pour for him ... from the same cup. 

Tikktikki would not appear in front of anyone else but Grandpa. One such morning, I, in my own merrily mood, dancing and hopping around, entered in that room and was freaked out at this sight.

Mriga," What sight? What did you see ?"

Munu, "Stop talking Mriga, let us listen. You are breaking the momentum."                                              

Osam continued more confidently, "My Grandpa introduced me to its pet-lizard as if it could understand the language too. 

I too asked my part of formal question, What's his name Grandpa? Grandpa simply smiled and replied,"why tikk-tikki!"

From that day onward this tea -sipping sight was merriful for me. I would be regular and punctual to take a glance".

Then Osam paused and suddenly seemed flustered, she told her friends, "Tikktikki doesnt come now as Grandfather too has left us a few months ago. I tried to search and offer the same tea like Grandpa did every morning but Tikktikki refused to appear ever again".

Auld Lang Syne

Hello readers!!! 

Mriga is back. Her kittenish nature would attract many and envy many too... Her happy-go-lucky nature always made her the center of  attraction in her girls gang. They would admire her short stories which were more of a bluff, which the gang could easily guess. As the days passed by, her gang members grew fond of her story-telling nature as those days there were very few running shows that could attract the last staged teenage girls. Her new rendition was her visit to her grandpa's place in her native city.  As she distributed the relish that evening, they decided that each one would share their own unique story or incident about their natives or relative. 
As always, all heads turned towards Mriga. But she simply refused and replied," The best is for the last". So first came Munu with her unique style, she spoke about her Nani. She started with describing her ancestral house which was not just big but also a maze. The ancestral house had as many doors as windows, i.e. so much so that, one would feel as if entered a maze where one knows the entry point but very difficult to search for exit. 
She continued saying, "one late afternoon when all were sleeping,whereas Granny still awake and completing her chores. Suddenly she hears a sobbing from the kitchen outlet. She is scared as its quite a lonely afternoon and sobbing sounds are scary when one is alone... isn't it? Munu says her Granny, though scared, shook herself and approached the weeping sound. She was surprised to see a complete stranger sitting on the ground and weeping. The man rushed to the old lady and grabbed her feet and begged." Maaji, please show me the way out , I'm lost in this house".       
Granny asked", Why did you enter at the first place and who are you? "
Stranger replied," Am a robber, I had come here to rob something. Please help me. I promise I shall never return. please save me ."
Granny asks, "Why didn't you leave then? Who stopped you?"

Robber (now that Granny knows who he is)makes a confounded face and replies ," How do I leave , I lost my way.. I can see doors but none lead me towards outdoors  😖",".

Munu stopped and all the girls started laughing their hearts out. 

                   

The other girls are waiting to share their stories. Wanna hear them?

Miles to go ... before ... we eat!!

 

                                           

To have a sip of early morning hot Darjeeling Tea refreshes your mind and soul. But in those days we (feminine genders) were not allowed to have tea as it darkens the skin tone or they may say so. Now don't take yourself to the black and white era, this "those days" are  not very old, say the mid 90s.  Oops!! that is long back. Anyways, I still remember when my mom would let me cheat, as am Milk intolerant(not health-wise, lazy about good things😛😝) I would generally  generously add half a cup of tea to half cup milk and proudly call it "dudhchaa"

One such morning my Dad approaches me and asks if I would like to join some vocational class. I readily agree as I always need reasons to go out independently. Yes, back in "those days" it was ultimate freedom that my Di and I had. The rebellious that I was , my father wasn't of course unaware, so he tags my elder sis along, my Di.

 Ugh! it was tough for me as I wasn't allowed to smile or lift my head even when with Di. Thus Di was fondly called "Hitler."😋

Luckily the sun smiled and Di found her interest in a shorthand writing course or also called Stenography and I chose the Typewriting course. So, we would walk to the adjacent street and then take a rickshaw to reach the destination point. The first day of my typewriting class is still very fresh to me. Like all other teenagers, my eyes were spying on "something/someone good" 😈😜

The melody of the "takk takk" of the typewriter was mesmerizing then. I would enter as if it was my  Eden of Sanity. I felt like a boss working in a corporate.  I remember learning only few letters at the very initial classes,i.e ASDFG: from the left hand and  ;LKJH from the right-hand side. Nowadays it's proudly called Qwerty. Did you know in the late 1860s there would be two layers of keys one for uppercase and the other for a lowercase? Then a significant innovation was the shift key, introduced with the Remington No. 2 in 1878.  This is only for G.K.                                                                                 

Though for me this history and geography made no sense and I kept wondering why A ke baad B nahi aata? The new style of ABCD was quite a challenge for me. I, though, managed to make new friends among the hullabaloo of all learners. The whole intention of being in a vocational course was the class and the knowledge!!! Na!! Not for me.  

While I am getting used to this new pandemonium of travelling. My Di comes up this innovative idea of bargaining with the rickshaw -puller. Yes, in small towns they still do exist.  So we as always, start walking towards the nearest rickshaw stand, and like every other Indian, we felt it our birthright to bargain for mere 2 rupees.out of the total (though it meant a lot in those days) You won't believe what happens next... My Di makes me walk for a little more mile and convinces that we might find another one who agrees on our terms. We walk a little further,but we get none. So, Di suggests to walk a little  more further we might get one, I obey the orders. We finally got one... I was so relieved ,but suddenly the rickshaw personnel denies. "Excuse me," No one denies my Di, but it was in vain , the puller just turned and left. I felt as if I did not exist. That's it, sleeves up, comrade ready. I, in full rage assure Di , "I will get one" . I look here and there, everywhere, But did not give up. I was fuming but I was still walking towards home of course. 

                                         

Di looked tired and scared as we were getting late. My obedient Di dislikes anyone getting worried unnecessarily. But  we finally give up and try another option that is the local bus. Oh! after a wait for more than 15 long minutes which  seemed almost an hour, we gave up and started walking. We attained almost Nirvana when we found out that we had actually walked the whole route to Su casa. The house was just 2 minutes away , when Di turned and said," Look, lets walk till home, Maa has promised to make our favourite cake tonight, and with this money we  can buy her a bouquet." 

That was a splendid idea.  I could do anything for Maa 's home-made cake. I readily agree. And then after climbing 123 steps to my third floor apartment,(Yes, you guessed it right! ,No lift) finally reached home with a lovely bouquet. 

                                              Maa looked at us astonishingly as neither was it her birthday to receive any gift nor her anniversary. When I told her the details, she seemed quite surprised too, to know that she was given a surprise homework from my Di. Yes, it was a bluff!!! Just imagine. My Di and her money-saving policy. But yes, My mom did make a cake after all the walking we did. She hugged both of us and that love was all the reward one needs after walking that stressful walk. 

                                         

Nature Song

 

The Sky ,the trees that reach high 
the gushing of the canal nearby 
Ah! I call out to the earth 
The serenity, the beauty 
whom does it call , the mirth or the misery?
My heart seeks to know
the reason of this infidelity
the breach caused by the river and the sea
the hardships of the breeze or the wind
the gushings and thrushings play havoc in the mind
know not where and why.

Is it possible to render all thoughts 
and leave all to the almighty sky.
The mirth mocks while the misery cries.
The sky despises taking a shadow 
in between the clouds or two
playing hide n seek over the meadow
and gliding and wishing adieu
to the greens and the moor.

Waiting for the ushers of dewdrops 
or simply drop  few mistful rocks
The nature calls out to one and all
Make it shine do not let it fall
the storms are simply breezes 
which call out for mini eases
Let the life be it is, Just let it be
Just love all ,may you please?
x

Green Language

How significant is the ability of Human Language?

Talking to trees, bird and nature around is funny. isn’t it ? I just googled, it actually says that scientifically it has been proven that one can actually convey heart feelings to the natural surroundings and see a lot of difference. I have tried it, you should too. After being tied up for now more than 120 days in the confined walls of the “su casa mi casa “  am actually quite nettled. 

My life never followed any particular regime, but now in these last few days it has, more than ever.  I spoke to my son , yes.my adolescent  son has opinions on nothing unlike other kids. So I make a decision to let myself be free.

My balcony has 27 pots with varieties of plants some indoor, some outdoor plants. Some are flowery plants and some are simply leafy and colourful. But the best plant is my hibiscus plant,which actually corresponds to me.  So, one fine morning I decide to break free from my regular chores and take a holiday. I almost pack my bags with a bottle of sparkling water and set out dressed neat and elite. My son wonders but says none. I keep him informed and tell him about my new plan. But alas!! I am still scared of stepping out of the four safe and sanitized walls. I, therefore, decide to walk myself and my little pitaara towards my Balcony. Yes, the safest place to be right now.  My plants and I are totally made for each other. So I gently close the balcony door and  take a seat. Doting the beautiful scenario and the pure silence (thanks to the lock down – very few vehicles on the road rather than the regular hustle bustle) 

 I approach my favourite shrub and humbly ask it,” Why are you so dull nowadays? Why don’t you flower a few? You know its so difficult without the beautiful red hibiscus for offering?”

My little shrub just nods along with the cool breeze. I compare it with my Tabernaemontana Divaricata in short “sugandhbala “ in Hindi or “togor” in Bangla, the white flower, and argue continuously with my Hibiscus shrub ,” Look at Togor ful, how selflessly it blooms everyday with more than four to five lovely serene white ones,and you take weeks to bloom one single red.  Is it fair on your part to let me down though I love you so much. You get more water than the others and also have a special big pot”.

One of the stem slowly approaching me as if trying to caress and pacify me not to get angry. I calmly continue speak to my deaf n dumb and  then to my tango( burgundy red leafy plant) and not to forget my white and blue  aparajita climbers.

Thus, I successfully , have my so called “me time”  and then get back to work. 

To the same old routine life  I return

Hold and behold the caress , for which I run

Know not why or what my heart desires

searching for camps and bonfires

Any excuse to scurry hither and yon

wandering for something yet unknown

My heart and its freedom longs  

for the eternal greenery  strong

Let it stand erect and tall

no one to cut it or make it small

let our hearts out to them O dear ones

It's still we who win and let the pessimism be undone

AL and BL

No this article isn't about technology and how it took the human brains swiftly. I would  rather like to call it BL and AL ,i.e. Before Lock down and After Lock down . Lot of people were talking about the lock down been a boon for them and for some it was a curse. There were a section who believed in their own happiness and strategies. Some students were enjoying their long vacations while some students were totally getting mad over the locked up period. Some found solace in reading books and some found happiness in drawings and other creative skills. 

The whole pandemic situation can be differentiated in two points boon and curse. The boons can be many if not few and on the other hand the curses can be countable though the stress associated can be uncountable. {Am I being language bound?}

Point 1 --. The pandemic lock down showed a bizarre unity yet it was surreal. At one order from the highest honour made us stand together. The  after effect was it was soon forgotten, as if it never happened.

Point 2 --. The members of one family started to believe in the old concept of "the family that eats together stays together,smiles and plays indoor games together" . The curse or the side-effect of this it did not last wrong.{exceptions are always there, trust me they are my favourite}

Point 3 --. The city appeared clean and green. The hollering,honking and the chaotic life was all at a stand still. The bad side was there were heavy losses for the daily-wage earners. 👷💂💁

Point 4 --. The city saw birds which had chose to stay out of the city lights. The egregious of this was the vexatious of feeding them. The early mornings were melodious  and delightful once again. 

Point 5 --.  The regular  weekends were no more fun place for some but quite peaceful for the others.                           {Let's not get into details  😋}

 

Point 6 --. The other striking word that comes in both the situation whether pros or con  is Freedom . Due to the lockdown out most favourite aspect "freedom" was lost or rather captivated. Though this is completely my perspective.

Well, the list can go on and on . Do let me know your views. 

Till then just to soften up a little.... My new rendition:

Shoal of fish, in a box of glass

Some in gold, some in silver 

Some are black ,some are bright as white 

They love to dig the colourful stones 

They're all strong and iridescently  bright

The digging makes the aqua dirty 

Cleaning ,sometimes, makes feel me yucky 

Are you too, O' fish , down and locked 

As we humans seem to be blocked 

In just a trivial stay at home 

Nothing changed the way we roam

We love the outside when home 

We love the four walls when at Rome

Confused as we may seem ,we truly are.

O school of fish,  do not fight for  existence 

Water is for all as we all are for water 

Let us stay together

 some on earth some on water