Hiya! As I was returning home from my new workplace to home to celebrate Diwali with my family.. initially I was frustrated with traffic delays and all the people whizzing past me in their cars and even scooties and bikes, everyone in a hurry. But that’s when it occurred to me.. maybe that’s what this festival is all about…to return to home..to be with the family and loved ones as Lord Rama…returned home from the exile..eons ago to be at his home, to be with loved ones. To thank the gods for what we have and to pray for their benevolence and blessings for prosperity and happiness of the family. So I hope everyone reached safely and wish Happy Diwali to all.
I hope those who are away from home Happy Diwali and wish they be with their loved ones in the future.
May your wealth grow like rising dollar 💰 May you overcome all your adversities . Let the minds be enlightened, hearts be contended and inner light in you always shine. May you always be blessed by both Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Sarswati.
India has made tremendous progress in the past three decades or so, of that there is no doubt in my mind. But there is a story that our previous generation has to tell. Every elder in the household has a favorite story of their own. Be it of going kilometers to attend to the school on foot (sometimes often crossing the river swimming or something akin) or taking their wares and go selling house to house to earn before they were able to set up a proper business or studying under lamp posts. These stories are told again and again in every household with added emphasis on “In our times/ when I was your age or you should be thankful”. Today I am sharing with you one such story and how it shaped not only the destiny but also perspective on life of a man. Though the story is ordinary,but the takeaway which I derived from it is huge in my opinion. What you guys think of it is your perspective.
Me and Mr.K were sitting in our usual joint one fine evening having a cup of tea. We were by ourselves as our usual coterie didn’t turn up. Our conversation veered from one topic to another. ‘What is the one thing that your Pop said that influenced you the most?’ Asked Mr.K all of a sudden. Me and Mr.K share a common bond in that we both lost our fathers at identical stages in our life and under similar circumstances. Having lived with both my grandparents and parents I can surely tell a story or two, but today I am going to tell you what Mr.K shared with me. Following is the narrative of Mr.K.
It was March of 2018. After a long time, I was posted near home. So, on a fine Sunday afternoon, I was sitting in the verandah with my then two-year-old daughter playing with my father who seemed much bemused by her antics. Father was diagnosed with leukemia a few years ago which had returned some time back after a brief period of remission and was getting worse symptomatically despite monthly chemotherapy. He always knew the outcome but never made any fuss about it. I think we were more afraid than he was. With all that in the back of my mind, I was particularly peeved that day. I don’t even remember what it was about. Maybe I was generally frustrated by everything and was whining a lot. It was then that my father put my daughter down from his lap, turned towards me and narrated an incident from his life, and then told me something in his own matter of fact manner that I will never forget.
Although he had narrated this incident a couple of times earlier, it was at that perfect moment and what he followed it up with, that made both the perfect sense of it and left a lasting impact. The incidence went like this: Much of the state of Himachal Pradesh as it is of now, was a part of Punjab. My father had done his pre-medical from Punjab University and wanted to be a doctor. So as was the norm those days he applied for a seat, at the newly opened Govt. Medical College Shimla ( now IGMC). The second batch was to be admitted. As he had decent marks he was confident of getting admission. He forgot to follow it up. A few days later, as chance would have it, my Grandpa and his younger brother had to go to Shimla because of a separate work-related matter. Now in those days travel wasn’t easy. Though there was a bus, it took about a full day and the journey jolted every bone in your body. Anyhow they decided to go. The next day after finishing their work, they perchance went to the admissions office casually and checked upon the status of the application of father. It was the last day of receipt of applications. As they inquired about Dad’s application they were shocked to know from the clerk that the application wasn’t there. A senior superintendent at the office overheard them. He came over and rummaged through the dustbin and came out with the application. The application was discarded as it didn’t have a Re 1 stamp affixed. He told them that the boy stood a good chance of making it into the merit as he had a good score. Somehow my grandfather rushed, got the stamp, and resubmitted the application. This incident was told to my father much later. He got his admission and became a doctor who served his state.
” Though that was then and it is now, it’s my life in a continuum. I am contended and have no regrets. I am happy for all the things in my life. You go on and live your own life”. He told me. Two months later he passed on.
Slowly it began to make sense. It may appear pretty mundane and repetitive to you in this era of Life coaches and the internet Gyan, many of you must have much more interesting stories to tell, but to me, it was most extraordinary. To weigh all the good and bad in your life on a balance of scales objectively, to believe that you have raised a decent progeny who is capable on his own two feet, to know that your family is provided for and no debts are being left behind, to be happy in what is rather than fret what isn’t or what-ifs, to be at peace with yourself and those around you at the end and being able to say, as, a matter of fact, That I have no regrets, that certainly is life, both well-lived and worth striving for.
drkck
Disclaimer: The author just narrates his own reflections. He doesn't claim to be a life coach and respects the view that everyone has and is entitled to his/her own personal opinions.
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Pretty recently I had an opportunity to spend a few days in Goa with my family. It’s no doubt a wonderful place. I am definitely in love with the place and the people. There’s something for everybody. Honeymooners, people seeking solitude, escape artists, college students, Gamblers. With people like us who are from the diametrically opposite sides of India and who aren’t used to the Sea, it is all the more fascinating. Nothing I thought would capture the joy of our trip more than this video. Yep..not the cruises or the casinos or nighttime beach soirees (they definitely have their own charm).
As I shared this video of my daughter dancing to the tunes of the waves with my family back home I was berated for leaving the child so near to the sea alone. I had to convince them that a lifeguard was not 10 meters away from her just out of shot and I was not as further away as the video would suggest.
But to tell you the truth I was a bit captivated by her sheer joy at the moment. She needed no other music, the rhythm of the waves was music enough for her to dance. Even when the Sea pushed a bit more menacingly towards her at a particular moment and she backed and fell, she got up kicked in, and continued her dance. Maybe that’s the way life should be lived I thought. And indeed it would be wonderful if we could face the sea of life in such a child-like jocund manner.
Though our trip was wonderful with some very sweet memories, it is this particular memory that will be etched in my mind the longest because of the joy and innocence of my sweet little daughter that also taught me to realize something important, that all our joys and for all that matter all our sorrows and struggles are within and not without. Learn to dance with life. drkck
PS: The presence of the Lifeguard nearby did certainly quell my fear at that particular moment and the full video is certainly a bit longer.
Disclaimer:- The author respects that the readers may have a differing point of view and respects that. He simply is narrating his emotions. The author also firmly believes that no life was at risk during the length of the video. You can read about Goa in the following books (Associate Links)
24th November was the 98th Birth Anniversary of my maternal grandfather Dr. Vishwa Chander Ohri. As I was remembering him I typed his name into Google, and I was pleasantly surprised to get lots of results pertaining to his literary works and newspaper articles in his memory. To us, he was our Dear Bauji. I deeply revered (still do) him and admire his literary achievements, but his politeness and humility were his hallmarks. Though how persevering and possessor of a keenly inquisitive mind he was, you can gauge from a brief look into his life. He was born in Jhelum( Now Pakistan) in 1923. The family shifted to Chamba while he was still a child. Some family circumstances forced him to leave the education after High School. That did not deter him from doing B.A., M.A, and then Ph.D., while still earning for his family. I can only imagine doing a Ph.D. in those days, doing research and all that as the knowledge and information weren’t available on fingertips or could be had at the click of a button as they can be now. That earned him a job in Education Department. But as he possessed a keen, inquisitive mind, and Chamba was or rather still is an important historical town with rich heritage and culture, he was drawn to history and art. Chamba Museum (http://bhurisinghmuseumchamba.in/) was established in 1908 by Sir John Marshall. I am of the firm belief that opportunity does present to us in different guises. It’s your decision or rather your preparedness that determines what you do with it. As chance would have it one such opportunity did present to Bauji in his life and it was as if destiny was preparing him for his calling in life. He was always very particular about having a thorough knowledge and that was what propelled his career into the art world. What happened was that in the year 1954, Bauji answered a question posed by the then PM, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who was visiting Chamba Museum, which the then Curator ( honorarily a post held by Inspector Of Schools) couldn’t and glanced towards Bauji for answer. The rest of the tour of the Museum for Panditji was conducted by Bauji. This led to Bauji’s deputation for technical training regarding Museum Work and conservation of manuscripts and historical artifacts. The training paved the way for him to be appointed as Technical Assistant at Chamba Museum. In the year 1963, after a tough UPSC interview, Bauji was appointed as the Curator of the Chamba Museum. There were limited resources at those times. He painstakingly restored many miniature paintings and acquired artifacts often traveling to interiors of the state on foot and also collaborating with the National Museum Delhi. His hard work rewarded him as during his painstaking work he was able to make several important discoveries on Pahari Miniature paintings and scripts. In1973 he was transferred to Shimla for establishing a new State Museum there while the charge of Chamba Museum was also entrusted with him from 1976. He worked with the same zeal and diligence in his new endeavor.
The State Museum is atop Inveram Hill Shimla. It is a beautiful building. The residence of the curator used to be on the upper floor of the building. Many of my happy childhood memories are from that building as we invariably went to Shimla in our summer vacations. Bauji was very fond of his grandkids. I was always coaxing him to take me to play video games on the Mall Road and we would invariably pick up some pastries or ice cream of which I am still fond. Many a time he would be my savior by protecting me from a beating by my mother after I would have done some devious mischief. My punishment sometimes included Bichu Buti (Stinging Nettle), Bauji would almost always rush with antidote/salve. Another thing I truly admired about him was how he would nudge you towards positivity even in troubling times. I distinctly remember, at one time I was having some troubles at college and was also suffering a bad injury and was very disturbed. He in his own smiling way told me that sometimes it is good that all the troubles come together. That way you would never be able to tell which problem is bigger and before you know it, you would have passed your trials. That was him, reminding you of your positive side even when you doubted yourselves. He believed in the good in people and has in a very self unassuming way mentored/ charted the course of life of many master craftspersons/artists. The State recognised his contributions in the field of art and culture and awarded him with Himachal Gaurav award in the year 2009. He was a very caring and affectionate person. Grandma always used to receive toffees even when they were in their Eighties and had no teeth. In his later years, he seldom could venture out of his home in Shimla as he was unable to traverse the tough terrain of Shimla. He was suffering from macular degeneration but never did that stop him from reading and commenting upon various manuscripts and studies which he received, with the help of a magnifying glass that he always carried with him. He left us in February 2016, leaving the world richer with his contribution to the world of art, heritage, and being a Gem Of A Person.
Miss the clickety-clack of Bauji’s Typewriter
PS: Dr. Vishwa Chander Ohri authored, co-authored, and edited several books. Some of his works are available on Amazon to which the links are below.
drkck
Disclaimer: The author narrates his memories and anecdotes told to him by his elders. He readily acknowledges that many people have contributions to the success of people. Affiliate Links: The post contains affiliate links. Purchases made may lead to earning of commissions to the author.
I am fortunate enough to have a very diverse group of friends. That includes some doctors and health care providers. These days due to ongoing pandemic the role of a doctor/ healthcare provider is very much highlighted. We all have varying opinions regarding them. As I was sitting and having a cup of tea with a couple of my Doctor friends. They shared some of their thoughts with me. I was struck by their thoughts. Now it is a nonsecret that the input required to become one doctor is tremendous. You have to undergo approximately 5 years of rigorous training only to find out that it is not enough to launch a career. Then you undergo 3 years of PG and maybe another 3 years of residency to get somewhere worthwhile. After that, you may start on your own or get a job at a beginner’s level. Add to it there is a varying degree of pressure of expectations from family, friends, or society as a whole. One of the friends, during the discussion, made a very valid point( at least I think so). He says that almost in every field of Medicine and even during the patient being on ventilators the Doctor’s job is to take care of the patient until the Physiology of the person can overtake the Pathology. He said it so plainly but on deeper thought, I think that is the crux of healing. It is a job that requires a lifetime of training, immense mental forte and calm. I have decided to let them be and not pester them with my trivial queries about their jobs, their salaries, the state of government healthcare, the high cost of private healthcare and other such afflictions. Let them do their jobs in peace and know that they are mere mortals too who have high pressure jobs and most of them are trying their best while trying to maintain a balance in their personal lives. I hereby share with you a poem by my Good Friend Dr. Rajesh Verma which I think catches the gist of what I am trying to say.
Himachal Pradesh has been always been blessed with divine beauty…be it be physical ( read .. geographical ) or people residing here. The rhythm of life here has always been lyrically simple but melodiously rich. Such is the life in this pristine piece of land on Earth. Though it is in its own unhurried pace, getting accustomed to acceleration in the life of neighboring states, the background base of rhythm remains the same. So it was pleasant serendipity to find an internet radio station playing soothing Pahari songs. It is a delight to share with you all living all over the planet..a link to a Himachali Geet radio station which I hope will keep all of you connected to your roots the world over.
Disclaimer: The author doesn’t claim to be an expert, these are just his opinions and the link is true until the publishing of the post. Some of the pics in the post are web-derived and the author doesn’t claim copyright over them. The author at the time of writing the post declares no financial interests with the mentioned link. The post is for general information only. You should check local charges in your respective regions before clicking on any links.
Total Area – 1066.35 Sq Mtrs Two floors Floor 1- 4 BR , three bath room , kitchen ,dinning room , drawing room , front and back varanada :- Constructed area about -2400 Sq fts on foundations of about 63 X 43
Floor -2 has two bed rooms , 2 bath, one drawing room , one dining room , kitchen Floor 2- Constructed area around 1300/1400 Sq fts Best location in Hamirpur (H.P.)
Contact Information (Owner): nandasurinder@yahoo.co.in Call (watsapp call only ) : 9915188992 Call timings (IST) From8 pm(evening) to 8:30 AM(morning) Currently leased to Public Corporation as a Camp Transit Rest House. Lease expiring next month. drkck
Disclaimer: The post is for information purposes only. Kindly verify all necessary information before you enter any kind of deal. ( Home) Website or the author won’t be responsible for any kind of loss incurred by anyone.
The government in my state recently announced the opening up of schools from class 6th onwards. I didn’t know what to feel. There was relief in my mind on one hand and yet on another, there was consternation because the COVID cases are still coming and because of the predicted Third Wave. With the kids living in house 24/7 and requiring constant attention, I think it was chipping away slowly not only at parents’ nerves but also kids’ social skills. Many households with both parents working were in a quandary as the offices more or less had opened but the children had to be left behind with their laptops or mobiles for online classes. So the kids have to be left behind glued to their electronic devices hoping that they are studying. Many a time, from my various intelligence sources ( primarily my little daughter, Missy), I would come to know that Junior would attend to his online classes in his full cricket attire, pitching his skills against imaginary Bumrahs, Shane Bonds and Mitchell Starks, blasting them away and winning the day for his team all the while teacher was sincerely explaining Integers. At other times he would be raining Free Fire on other players/ villains on another window while the teacher explained the nuances of poetry. What used to happen after we came to know these, I leave upon your imagination. We too used to run to games parlors to play Contra, Mario, etc is another matter altogether ( https://amzn.to/3oJDQU5https://amzn.to/2Z6g1x2). This is totally unacceptable. Add to it there’s a growing pressure to enroll kids into some online tutorials so that they are almost guaranteed a place in IITs or AIIMS ( that is if you start from 5th or 6th, otherwise you”ll miss the boat as I am constantly being reminded by one or another caller on behalf of online tutorial package providers). I am afraid of my son’s future as he outrightly rejected my proposal to enroll him in one such course and thus sitting 2-3 hours more in front of a screen. However coming back to our topic, I was worried that how would the kids react to the news regarding the opening of the schools. To my surprise, it was totally opposite to what I had anticipated. Yay! Junior jumped with joy allaying some of my fears. See as I said in my previous blog (https://mundanemiddleclass.in/2021/11/15/a-montana-2018/ ) to the effect that shackling freedom in chains makes us more aware of things we can’t do, he forgot about virtual reality life and was happy he was going to meet all his friends. He did wheedle us to buy his favorite Avenger’s bag (https://amzn.to/3x4A4Zbhttps://amzn.to/3HuQQWahttps://amzn.to/3x10Txi ) and new shoes (https://amzn.to/30ziPDb ), something about the motivation for getting up early. As for Missy who is in kindergarten (UKG to be exact), she is furious with the government for not opening up her school. She hates missing out on buying her favorite Frozen labeled bags ( https://amzn.to/3xbqhRihttps://amzn.to/3HFs5qj ) and new dresses. I think she”ll be missing her brother who helped her change the TV channels, downloaded mobile games for her, gave her piggyback rides, and occasionally read to her from her starter reading sets ( https://amzn.to/30yJXlLhttps://amzn.to/3cJQOMd ). I suspect that much of this was done because of mischievous blackmailing and being partners in crime and all that. There is no doubt in my mind that there is no limit to learning from online resources. But human interactions are a very important part of our overall growth and the value of personal interactions and teaching can’t be underscored enough. Most of us working-class people are cautiously optimistic at opening up schools and some do show their emotions of joy as shared by a recent story from The Indian Express ( https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/viral-videos-trending/delhi-family-hires-band-to-celebrate-school-reopening-video-viral-7621329/ ). I too am thinking of hiring a Dholi ( a traditional Indian drummer in Punjab and some adjoining states) when my daughter goes to school happily, gets to meet her old chums from Nursery, makes some new ones, and meets and greets and learns from her sweet teachers in person and her real schooling begins. PS: My son told me, only about 50-60% of his classmates are coming to school, the rest are continuing online. My hats off to the teachers and the staff who are managing this logistic nightmare. Post PS: Since The Indian Express news I mentioned got out, it so happens Delhi schools were shut down again, this time due to pollution! No matter what those at the helm or other intelligentsia say or lay blame upon, I believe it’s the responsibility of every citizen of this country and everyone is to be blamed, some for their actions and some for their torpor.
Disclaimer: The author is just expressing his own experiences and views and does not wish to be derogatory to any person or organization and apologizes if any sentiments are hurt by the post.
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Montana, 2018
Over the past couple of years, many plans have been made and unmade to travel over the world. Wanderlust has always been there, but it has become stronger over the past couple of years. When Freedom is suddenly shackled we become more acutely aware of things we lose the ability to do. The freedom to travel and to connect with other people has been curtailed in the recent pandemic. Hence the phenomenon of revenge travels and The Workationists. I have not been fortunate enough to have travelled widely as of yet. Yet I am fortunate enough to have a family member in almost every corner of this beautiful Blue Planet. One of my dear cous and his recently married wife in the USA are fond of taking road trips and my cous, quite a keen photographer that he is, captures some good images. So I pestered them both to compile something, mostly for my own satiety rather than for anything else. So here is Rishabh and Rachels account of their travels ( this part is pre-pandemic,with other parts to follow). { Most of the photos are taken with an iPhone (https://amzn.to/3nfn7skhttps://amzn.to/3254b7u ), but whenever he can he uses his Canon ( https://amzn.to/3qFWNd4https://amzn.to/3ovKMnF) with a tamron lens ( https://amzn.to/3nhuNdD ). } The following words are Rishabh’s.
My then-girlfriend, now wife and I, started taking trips together around 2018. Our first big trip centered around Glacier National Park in Northern Montana. My wife was at the University of Idaho for work and chose that as our starting point for our road trip to Glacier National Park.
While she was in Idaho, I flew into Spokane, Washington from New Jersey on the last day of her assignment. Rented a car from the airport (cheapest option available at the time) and drove through the lush landscapes of eastern Washington state into the Idaho panhandle where the University campus is located in the town of Moscow.
My wife, being an obsessive planner, had worked on a very detailed itinerary of towns, places to eat, hiking trails, museums, outdoor activities, and what not!! We made our way back through the Idaho panhandle, entered Montana through the southwestern corner, and drove through the rustic and magical mining towns along the way (http://www.goldmine-idaho.com/).That same day we stopped at a natural hot spring resort. It sat low on the valley along a rocky river valley known to be frequented by fly-fishermen. You’d know what I am talking about if you have even seen the movie A River Runs Through It.After a couple of hours of soaking and enjoying the rustic landscape, we got back on the road heading towards the county’s state fair that was happening at that time of the year. After browsing through cowboy gear at the fair and watching the children play carnival games it was time for the Rodeo.
At the Rodeo, we saw cow ropers, bull riders, and the bucking broncos. We learnt it was a professional-level sports event with top-performing cowboys from all over North America.
After our new experience of the rodeo, we made our way to the Airbnb, which was a yurt on the vast open prairie landscape inhabited by no humans and just wilderness. That night we woke to coyotes outside our tent which to us city slickers was thrilling to an extent but mostly terrifying. Our other fears were having bears roaming around so we decided to not leave the yurt till dawn.
So far into the trip the experience of driving through this part of the US was new and different not only to me but also to my American wife who btw has solo backpacked across South Asia and Central Asia.
We came to love the slow-paced life and allowing time to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Stay tuned for the second installment from this trip, where we’ll share our experience hiking in the Glacier National Park, spending nights in a Teepee tent, and kayaking the choppy waters of Flathead lake.
Disclaimer: The authors are just narrating their journeys and thoughts and under no circumstances are claiming to be experts. The readers are advised to do their own research before making any plans. Affiliate Links: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking and purchases made from the links may earn commissions to author. The reader is advised to do all the relevant research on his own end regarding sellers and the products.
As it’s the auspicious day of Diwali, messages and greetings are pouring in. I am replying with some cliche phrases ‘Same to you, ‘Have a prosperous Diwali’ etc. And then I wonder, what would the most wonderful Diwali wish be for myself, on this day of Mother Laxmi (Goddess of wealth). A story I read somewhere on Watsapp or some other site came to mind. With that in mind, I wish unto you and me that Maa Laxmi showers her blessings such that :-))
“That you be not bothered by inflation. That whenever you go to buy groceries, fuel, something your kids want; that whenever you have to pay school fee or tuition fee, that whenever your bills and your taxes and taxes on bills are paid in full, and after that, if you wish to indulge in something for your fun/ a little luxury, Goddess Laxmi bless you so that ‘ Whenever you put your hands in your pockets, it comes out with exactly the amount of money you need, every time’. Happy Diwali everyone!
drkck
Disclaimer: The author doesn’t mean for anyone to earn by illegal means. It is the duty of every person/organization to pay his/it’s/her’s taxes ( direct or indirect) honestly in National Interests.
Mr.K and I live in a small hill town. He told me this story about how he once drove to Delhi and then had never done so. Mr.K, in the year 2017 along with his family, had the good fortune of traveling to London and sightsee one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the world. He and his family saw much of London journeying on the tube and on foot. The thing that Mr.K was impressed with the most was, how the vehicles stopped and gave way to the pedestrians on crossings. Some even honked smilingly insisting that the K family cross first. The impression stuck with him.
Around six months after their return, the K family had to go to Delhi. “I am not going on the bus, we’re taking our car” announced Mrs.K. Now, Mr.K is a terrific driver for the hills, all prudence, and patience. So much so, that I am persuading him to write a blog on driving in the hilly terrains. Driving in the big cities, entirely a different cup of tea. See, he was allegedly brought up on a legend (dubious in my view…I think) of traffic cops lying in the prowl behind a tree, a street light pole, or just around the turn, ready to pounce on any ‘bahar ka number'( another state’s license plate). Mr.K tried to logic against this diktat in his mute voice. But all his lame excuses were brusquely ignored by the respectable Home Ministry, not much different than our Finance Ministry rejects tax breaks for the middle class. So packing themselves in their stretched hatchback of a sedan, they drove on. Mr.K actually enjoyed the drive. The highways were new and smooth. But as the stream of traffic turned into a river and then into a sea, carrying them automatically on its currents near the Delhi border, the trepidation returned. Calmly, the Mrs opened up Google Maps and started navigating. As the tyre treads put miles behind, and the ears grew accustomed to the cacophonous music of blaring horns, the confidence started to surge back into Mr.K. So much so, that he started to remember his London experiences. At a traffic light and pedestrian crossing, Mr.K saw a family like his own waiting to cross. As the lights turned to yellow, he slowly stopped his car and smilingly started to nod to the family outside. Screech, Thack!! A jolt shook the car but thankfully it was low impact. He looked at his family and saw that everyone was fine. But he felt the gaze of those three sets of eyes as if imploring that he, a five and a half feet of a hunk of oozing machismo (albeit a wee pot-bellied), will do something. Spying in the rearview mirror, he saw an impressive SUV behind him. Obligated, but with a trembling heartbeat, he got down, went back, and observed a deep dent in the trunk of the car and then the steel guards in front of the SUV fender. ‘Why did you stop abruptly at yellow and that too with so much clear space up ahead’? A deep baritone demanded as the window of the SUV’s driver door rolled down. Mr.K turned towards the source of the voice and saw an Aviators sporting Terminator/Rambo combo rolled into one, on the driver’s seat. “Nothing Ji nothing, just a little dent and there’s a traffic jam behind us,” said Mr.K as he hurried back to his car. “The guy was apologetic,” he told his family offering a weak grin as they drove on watching the family that crossed. “Just two more traffic lights to cross,” said Mrs K echoing Google Maps as Mr.K drove on.
At the next traffic lights, there was that same exquisite moment, you know the one between the yellow and the red. Mr.K stopped just in time with half an eye still on the rearview mirror. Just as Mr.K’s focus shifted to the front, there he was, a tall dusky impressive looking fellow in blue and white. ‘Where the hell did he materialize from?’ Thought Mr.K, awestruck. “Sir JI, your tyres crossed the pedestrian crossing. Yahin bhugtoge yaa station pe? (will you pay the fine on the spot or at the station). The cop asked filling up his challan book. Mr.K looked upon his wife and kids and mumbled apologetically “Sir yahin pe” (on the spot) while getting down as another cop redirected the traffic.
Three and a half years later, on another occasion, the K family needed to go to Delhi after the COVID lockdown. Mrs K looked upon Mr.K pondering for a moment and told him “The economy is shattered. People with small businesses like taxi guys are hurting. We”ll take a cab from Chandigarh onwards.” Mr.K nodded affirmatively, appreciating the benevolence from the Missez.
These events are fictional and bear no resemblance to any event or person either living or dead. If any resemblance arises it is purely coincidental. The narrative is meant for entertainment purposes only and doesn’t intend to be of a derogatory nature or biased against any person or group of people, and if anyone feels offended the author sincerely apologises.
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