Just your usual day at home...

“She will raise hell...” Harjeet said with a chuckle as he saw the breakfast for the day and sat down at the dining table with his wife Meeta.

Sure enough, when their daughter Anushka joined them at the table, she took one look at the plates and frowned. “Ma, parathas?? I told you not to make any more of them... where is my usual breakfast?”

“Eat your parathas for now. I will bring a fresh box of your cornflakes today evening.” Meeta calmly replied.

“But Ma... these are laden with butter... I can’t eat them!”

“It won’t make any difference if you eat butter for one day. Don’t make a fuss and eat now.” Harjeet said calmly yet firmly and saw Anushka trying to hold a retort which no doubt would be sharp enough. After a few seconds she glanced at his plate and then picked up one paratha.

“One is not enough. God knows when you would be having lunch. Eat more.”

“Papa, one is enough...” Anushka said in a clipped tone that showed suppressed frustration.

Harjeet simply shrugged and continued eating. They ate in silence for a while. He glanced at Anushka and noticed that she was wearing her usual formal wear for office.

“Why don’t you wear chudidaar for office sometimes? Don’t you get tired of wearing formals every day?”

“Nobody wears chudidaar in my office Papa. I am a software programmer and need to dress formally every day.”

“It won’t hurt to dress like a girl sometimes.”

Anushka stared at him and shook her head, trying to laugh off her shock. “Dress like a girl? Who talks like that now-a-days, Papa? This is not your 17^th century where...”

Harjeet raised a hand to stop her from talking more. “Please reserve your independence and liberation speech for your boyfriend/husband.” And that is another issue to talk about, he thought. 

“I am your father and if I wish to see you in our traditional wear, what is wrong about that? I have always raised you just like I would raise a son. So what is the big deal about the century if I tell you to wear chudidaar for a change? I just thought you would look good in traditional wear too.”

Anushka looked at him for few seconds and just when he thought she would put up a fight, she gave an exasperated sigh and concentrated on her paratha.

Meeta was silently watching the spectacle and wisely refrained from saying anything. She was used to the daily arguments between dad and daughter and never contributed anything from her side to add fuel to the fire. She waited patiently, fully knowing that the fight would be short-lived.

Anushka hastily ate her single paratha and got up. Within minutes she readied herself and after slinging her bag across her shoulders she hugged Meeta and shot a cold look towards Harjeet who tried to hide his smile.

“Bye people. See you in the evening.” So saying she rushed out of the house.

Harjeet looked at Meeta and smiled sheepishly when she stared daggers at him.

“Do you have to argue every day?” She folded her hands and looked at him with a tired expression.

He thought over her question for a few seconds and spoke sadly “It is not that I want to fight with her. But she takes offense at almost everything I say. Tell me, did I say anything wrong today?”

“Oh please... do not drag me into your baseless arguments. The problem with you both is the lack of communication or rather, lack of a proper way to communicate. Whatever you say feels like an order. Whatever she does feels like a rebellion. I don’t know what to do with both of you.”

“Stubborn little brat... I wonder who does she take after?” He muttered and when he saw Meeta looking at him with raised eyebrows, he tried to hide his smile and the surge of pride he felt. He could never show it but Anushka was the sunshine of his life.

“She wasn’t so difficult when she was a child. So sweet, so good natured... and she loved me so much! I often had to beg her to leave me alone for some time to get my work done.” He said wistfully, his eyes sad with longing. “And today? The girl hardly has time for her Papa. Work, gym, hanging out with friends and that dreadful mobile of hers...”

“And whatever little time we get together, you both spend it arguing and fighting...” Meeta reminded him.

“Can’t help it... I am a dad and will behave like one.” Harjeet muttered with a mutinous look in his face. Meeta simply shook her head. Some things will never change... she thought sadly as she cleared the table and went to work inside the kitchen.

After some time, Harjeet came into the kitchen and told her. “Which brand of cornflakes does she eat? I am going to the super-market and will get it for her.”

Meeta looked at him with ill-concealed amusement and said “It is called K cornflakes.”

He looked at her with a totally baffled expression and she laughed. “Believe me, that is the name. Special K cornflakes.”

“K??? I don’t understand... They use K in numbers, they use it at the end of a sentence and now apparently it is the name of a brand!... May be I am growing old...” Harjeet said and Meeta felt a surge of love for her husband. She walked towards him and ruffled his head. “No, you are not growing old. Growing handsomer for sure... but never old.”

He smiled and pinched her cheeks affectionately. “Thanks for the compliment Madam. Anything else you want apart from K cornflakes?” She laughed and said “That’s all, Sir.” With a smile and a wave he left the house.

He is so sweet, Meeta thought with affection. But what happens to the dad Harjeet when his daughter is around? She would never find a logical explanation for it in this life.

An hour later, they both were sitting on their sofa and sipping tea.

“There is some sale going on.” Harjeet said as he read the newspaper. “Show this to Anu. May be she can buy those trousers which she is so obviously fond of...They don’t stand a chance against our traditional wear.”

Hid behind the paper, he didn’t see the smile on Meeta’s face. Just then her mobile beeped. There were messages from Anushka.

Hey Ma... reached office K... Meeta again laughed silently at the ‘K’ and continued reading.

By the way Ma... did you notice? Papa ate 4 parathas today... He is not supposed to eat that much of butter! It is not good for his heart. Please do not make parathas from tomorrow ok...

I checked his cabinet today. His BP medicine needs to be re-stocked. I will get it today while coming from office.

And ha... please check whether my pink salwar suit is ironed... if not, can you give it for laundry today? We are having traditional day at office tomorrow...

Meeta replied back to her. Traditional day tomorrow? Isn’t it a wonderful coincidence that just today your dad was talking about chudidaars and traditional wear and you get a traditional day at office tomorrow?

Anushka’s reply came almost immediately. Ma... please... can u check the salwar?

Ya ok I will... Don’t worry...

Meeta’s phone rang then. It was a call from her sister. She answered and her sister asked her “Hey Meet... What’s up..?”

Her heart swelling with love and affection for the two most precious people in her life, Meeta replied with a smile, “Oh nothing... just your usual day at home, you know...”

The Making...

He had to tell them today. It couldn’t be put off any longer. Varun waited till everyone had finished their dinner. His father and grandfather were just about to get up when he cleared his throat and announced “I want to talk to you about something.”

His mother, who had already started clearing the table, sat in a chair and Varun tensed as three pairs of eyes looked at him expectantly – His parents and his grandfather.

“I have decided to join the army. “

A shocked silence greeted his statement. Varun’s first instinct was to look at his mother who was clutching a plate in her hand very tightly. Pure fear and sorrow radiated in her eyes. He couldn’t look at her any further and turned his attention towards his father who was staring at his empty plate, his face totally devoid of any expression. His grandfather then got up from his chair, walked towards him and placed his hand on Varun’s head, blessing him. He then went out of the room.

Okay, one down, two to go... Varun thought, a bit relieved.

Without another word, his parents left the table. Varun saw his mother angrily clear the table of all plates and dishes. He waited for few minutes to give her some time to calm down and then went inside the kitchen where she was washing the dishes at the sink, a bit too vigorously.

“Ma, I really want to do this.” He said slowly and waited for her reply. She gave no indication of having heard what he said and continued washing the dishes.

“Ma, please try to understand... This is the only job that gives me a purpose to live. It is a honour to serve my country and my people and to fight for them too.”

She again said nothing. Varun couldn’t bear it any longer. “Please say something Ma. Your silence is killing me.”

She then looked at him and to Varun’s utter disbelief, tears filled up in her eyes. He had never seen her cry before and it hurt him a lot to see her so. “Ma, please...”

She raised a hand to stop him and took several long deep breaths to control her emotions. When she spoke, her voice quivered with suppressed sorrow. “I have seen what our army men are subject to now-a-days. There is no safety for them. Almost every day they get killed. As if that is not enough, they get killed very barbarically... “At this her self-control broke down and she started sobbing, her whole body shaking with the weight of her sorrow.

Varun immediately went and hugged her, wishing he could say something that could allay her fears. But what could he say? That such things won’t happen to him? That he will be very safe and secure? He knew the dangers that lay facing him but they did nothing to divert his mind from his decision. There was no other work that he would like to do, now that he had decided to join the army.

“Ma, you are worrying unnecessarily. I won’t be facing any real danger immediately. I will be at the IMA in Dehradun, undertaking training for at least a year. The real fun will start after that.” He added playfully, hoping to lighten her mood. It somewhat worked, for she softly hit his arm and withdrew herself from his embrace. She looked at his face with pure tender love and Varun had to control himself to not to break down.

“I am being a very ungrateful Indian, isn’t it? Here my boy wishes to join the army and I am reacting like a typical self-centred mother. I can’t help it Varun. Every day I am going to spend worrying about you. Please think of doing something else. There are many other options for you. You don’t have to do this!” She said with lots of desperation and frustration.

“Ma, working in the army is the highest honour for any Indian. Do you really think I can let go of this and rather do something else? I have been dreaming about this since a year. This is in my blood now. There is nothing that I can do other than this.” He said firmly and yet slowly to allow it to sink in her mother’s mind.

She hugged him again and held on to him for a long time, sobbing at times and taking long breaths to control herself. Varun helplessly held her, wishing that it were easier for both of them. They both stood like that for a long time without saying anything.

“Promise me you will come home whenever it is possible for you.” She said softly and Varun didn’t have the heart to tell her that from this point onwards, there was nothing that he could promise.

“I promise Ma, I will come home as and when I am allowed to. You know I can’t stay away from you for long.”

She then smiled at him and said “Go and talk to your dad. He won’t let you off as easily as I did.”

Varun nodded sadly and went to his parents’ room thinking that this one would test his strength and courage like none other.

His dad was standing near the window of their room and gazing out, his arms folded loosely and a pensive expression on his face. He looked fit, Varun thought proudly. He was immensely glad that his parents were very active and healthy middle-aged people about whose health he won’t have to worry about for a long time. His father managed a very successful IT company and had provided his family with all the comforts and luxuries that rich people could afford. That was another relief for Varun that his family was financially strong and he didn’t have to worry about income.

“Papa... Are you angry with me?” Varun asked him, standing beside the window and looking at him with a pleading expression.

“When did you decide to join the army?” His father asked quietly, his steady voice betraying nothing.

“I have been thinking about this since a year. And two months ago, I attempted the UPSC exam for defence services. I thought I would inform you after I get cleared.”

“Do you know what is in store for you? And I am not talking about wars and battles. I am trying to tell you about the struggles that you will face every day of your life as an army man. The training, the camps, the constant vigilance... You have been raised with luxury. It is one thing to sleep in an air-conditioned room and another thing to sleep in a small hollow at Siachen. Have you thought about this?”  His father asked him, his face radiating pure anger and sorrow at the thought of the hardships his son would have to face.

“I have thought about this, Papa. It doesn’t matter to me. I will be fine anywhere and anyhow. This job makes my life meaningful. I will have the satisfaction of having made a difference to the world in my own small way.”

“Difference to the world? And what about your immediate family? What about your parents and your grandfather? Do we mean nothing to you?” His father asked, his voice breaking with emotion.

Varun swallowed the lump in his throat and replied softly. “You already know the answer to this, Papa. You three are my world and will always be. I can serve my nation, keeping you three in my heart. Wherever I may be, my thoughts will be with only you. I will talk to you all as and whenever possible. Please don’t make it any more difficult for me and let me go with your blessings, Papa...”

His father blinked away the tears that formed in his eyes and asked gruffly, “What about some girlfriend of yours who can persuade you to stay?”

Varun smiled and said, “I don’t have a girlfriend Papa. May be I was pre-destined to be an army man.”

His father then broke out into tears and Varun only held his shoulder, feeling more and more miserable watching his father cry.

“When do you have to leave?” His father asked after he had spent himself crying and wiped his eyes and face.

“In three weeks, Papa. I will be undertaking training at Dehradun. It will be for a year and then...” He left it unspoken, not wanting to upset his dad anymore.

His father nodded, considerably calm by now. With a tired sigh he said, “I forgot to say, I am very proud of you son. You will be fine; I know it in my heart...” Varun could only smile and nod as the lump in his throat prevented him from saying anything.

The three weeks seem to fly by. Already Varun felt like a stranger in his home and amongst his friends. They had first supported his decision heartily and encouraged him. But as the day of his departure neared, he found he had lesser and lesser to talk with them. It was as if he had already been singled out and couldn’t find anything to talk to them. His friends also started maintaining a certain distance, as if scared of getting hurt if they got too close to him. In a way, it made it easier for Varun as he already had to face the pain of saying goodbye to his family.

The situation in his home was miserable. His mother joked with him at times and when she thought no one was looking, he had caught her crying in her room or at their balcony. His father seemed cool enough outwardly, but Varun could see that he had withdrawn into himself, talking only if required and staying inside his room most of the times. Only his grandfather stayed unaffected, carrying out his daily routine with his usual vigour.

Soon the day of departure came. On his last day at home, his mother made his favourite dishes for lunch. He ate them with relish, trying not to think about his next home made meal. Silence and sorrow weighed heavy in his home and he got an inclination of how his home would be after he left. He concentrated on the present moment and managed not to break down.

He had strictly forbidden his parents from coming to the station to drop him off. He knew it would be very difficult for all of them to bear that moment. So when the time came to leave his home, he tried to leave without making a big fuss. However it didn’t turn out to be as simple as he had thought.

His mom sobbed uncontrollably while holding on to him. He held her, trying to say something to soothe her but her sobs drowned out whatever he wanted to say. Seeing the futility of speech, he just held her tightly and allowed her to cry her heart out.

“It’s okay Ma, I will call you every day all right... No more tears please... I can’t see you like this... For my sake, please stop crying Ma... “He said miserably and his mother somehow collected herself and managed to calm down. By this time his father and grandfather had also started crying. He just couldn’t find anything more to say and hugged them both one after another. Without saying another word and a final look at his home, he left for the station.

An hour later, Varun boarded the train and kept his luggage securely beneath his seat. He sat down and looked at his beloved city from the train’s window and kept on looking at it as the train left the station slowly. He then went to refresh himself.

And there, inside the toilet of the train to Dehradun, the boy Varun who was yet to become a soldier, cried unashamedly. He allowed the tears to flow freely as he cried for his parents and his grandfather. He cried for all his friends whom he had left behind and for a part of his life that he knew he would never get back.

It took him a while to calm down even after he returned to his seat. As he kept looking outside the window, he saw one pretty scenery after another flash in front of him. Farms, hills and valleys presented themselves to him, as if to soothe his pain and gradually he felt an immense sense of peace flood his mind. He thought with a smile, you called me my Motherland, and here I come... He finally let go of the boy within him to make way for a soldier in the making.

Just another Indian

“Yes Mangalam, the car has arrived and I am just about to get in. Why are you so worried? I told you I will be fine.”

After a brief pause while he listened to his wife over the phone, Iyer told her “Okay I will call you after reaching the airport. Bye.”

The cab driver got out of the car to assist Iyer in keeping the luggage inside. Iyer was surprised to see that the driver was very young and looked very sophisticated in formal wear. Even his shoes were neat and shiny and everything about him spelled classy.

“May I have the OTP for the ride Sir?” The driver asked in impeccable English and Iyer informed the number that his neighbour had written down in a paper and given to him after booking the cab for him. Iyer had no experience in booking the cabs through his mobile and had taken the help of his neighbour.

“What is your name?” Iyer asked him curiously.

“Ahmed Iqbal, Sir.” Came the soft and swift reply.

“Oh.” Iyer replied with trepidation and sat inside the car wondering why he had to get ‘that’ driver of all the drivers in the world. If Ahmed noticed his reaction, he didn’t say anything. He focused completely on the road ahead and drove swiftly and efficiently.

Iyer looked out of the window and prayed silently to reach the airport as soon as possible. He never trusted ‘these’ people and didn’t do how to deal with them if he ever had to interact with anyone of ‘them’.

After a while, Ahmed cleared his throat and asked him. “Off on an official tour Sir?”

“No. My daughter is expecting her second child. She is staying in Bangalore. My wife has been staying with her since the last one month to help her. The baby is due in this week and I just want to be there when it arrives.” He replied politely and unwilling to talk further, he looked outside the window.

His phone rang for the tenth time since morning and he had to control his irritation at his wife Mangalam who had been constantly calling him to take regular ‘updates’. With a tired sigh, he received the call. “Yes we have left the building and are on the way to the airport. I should reach there in an hour and half.”

He listened to her and then replied. “I may have taken it. Wait let me check.” So saying he started searching his bag for something and then told her “I guess I forgot. I will buy it at the airport and shall take the medicine there.”

Again he listened patiently while his wife went on for few seconds and then he said “Just a bottle, Mangalam. I forgot a freaking water bottle. Why are you fussing so much over that? It will not make any difference if I take the medicine an hour later than usual.”

Apparently his wife was not satisfied and went on speaking for a while, not giving him any chance to reply. Iyer looked outside the window in frustration. To his surprise, Ahmed stopped the car to a side and after a brief gesture to him to wait inside, he went out.

Fear gripped Iyer as he looked around and saw that they were in a small lane with few shops and few commuters. What is his plan, he wondered miserably.

“I will call you after some time.” Before his wife could answer, he cut off the call and started looking around frantically. Ahmed came from the other side and got inside the car. He handed over a bottle of water to Iyer who first felt relief and then surprise and slightly guilty.

“Thanks.” He muttered, realising that the water was not cold. It surprised him to see that the boy had actually paid attention to his age while buying water. “Off course, you can add this to your bill.”

“No no Sir. This is not a big deal. Please have your medicine.”

Iyer noticed that the boy didn’t start the car till he took his medicine. He felt ashamed of his unnecessary fear and tried to make small talk with him.

“You guys really get to drive nice cars isn’t it?”

“Thanks Sir, this is my own car. My father gifted it to me for clearing my CA exam right in the first attempt.” Ahmed said simply yet with a little hint of pride for the car.

“Oh, first attempt! Congratulations! What does your father do?” Iyer asked him, half-scared to hear the answer.

“He is a heart surgeon Sir. He is aged 65 and with Allah’s grace, going good and strong.”

A heart surgeon! Iyer thought thoroughly amazed. “So, the boy breaks hearts and the father mends them, ha...” He said with a wink and saw Ahmed smile shyly.

“But then... why are you driving a car? Aren’t you doing any job?”

“Yes Sir, I will be working soon but I am doing an extra correspondence course in Finance. It will help to make my resume stronger.”

“But surely your father would have objected to this?”

“No Sir, I have his full support. You see, I have an elder sister who would be marrying soon. When we were children, I had promised her that I would gift her a diamond on her marriage. I am working so that I can fulfil my promise.” Ahmed said with a smile.

“That’s... That’s really very nice of you. Very good.” Iyer couldn’t say much more than that and looked out of the window. His phone rang again and with an apologetic look at Ahmed, he answered it.

“Don’t worry. I will manage fine at the airport. So many people travel alone for the first time, even children do that now-a-days. I will seek someone out there to help me with the formalities. Please stop calling, you have already exhausted half of the battery!”

He saw Ahmed trying to hold back a smile and had to smile himself. After the call ended, he said to Ahmed. “By now you must have guessed. That’s my persistent wife Mangalam who has taken it as her life’s mission to protect me always. You see I have never travelled by plane alone. If this wasn’t an emergency...” He left it at there and looked outside with a worried expression on his face.

Ahmed cleared his throat and said “Sir, do you mind if I make a call?”

“Please go ahead.” Iyer replied without looking at him.

He heard Ahmed talk over the phone. “We will reach the airport in half-n-hour. Can you come out to meet me at the departure section? I need to introduce you to someone who needs help as he is travelling for the first time. Great. See you soon. I will call you after I reach there.” He ended the call and said “Sir, you need not worry. I have a friend who works at the airport. He will guide you through all the formalities. “

Iyer felt an immense sense of relief and said “Thank you so much! You don’t know what that means to me... I have been trying to put up a brave facade for my wife’s sake but I really was scared that I would miss something important at the airport...”

“No issues Sir. Now everything is taken care of. Don’t worry.”

Iyer was feeling more and more perplexed by now. Ahmed obviously belonged to ‘them’ and he was not supposed to be so good. But till now, he hadn’t done anything other than go out of his way to help Iyer and make him more and more ashamed for his thoughts and feelings towards him.

“You know, we just lost a match to you people recently. I am still angry over that.” Iyer said jokingly.

But the smile that he expected from Ahmed didn’t come. In fact for the first time he saw a hurtful expression on his face when he said softly “Sir, we too lost the match to Pakistan” and looked at him, daring to say something to contradict his statement.

Iyer then realised the full error of his statement and was totally flabbergasted. “I didn’t mean to say... you know... I didn’t...” He could find nothing that could salvage what he said.

“Sir, at the end of the day, I am just another Indian.” Ahmed said softly, still seemingly hurt by Iyer’s careless remark.

“I know Beta... I am sorry for that thoughtless statement.” Iyer replied, feeling too miserable to notice that he had addressed him as Beta, something which he would not have done before.

Ahmed smiled and said “No issues Sir. It is a very common mistake that people make. You are elder to me, please don’t apologize and make me a sinner. I just want to say that for one terrorist, there are ten loyal Indian Muslims here. We love our country, we love our countrymen and we definitely enjoy a good match with Pakistan. It is a really exhilarating feeling when we win and it surely hurts like hell when we lose.”

Iyer still couldn’t say anything. So Ahmed went ahead to say “It will take a long long time to forget this match, isn’t it Sir? Heart-breaking it was... “

“Yes, a real heart-breaker. It always hurts when we lose. But to lose so spectacularly... unimaginable!”

Ahmed smiled seeing Iyer’s spirits lifted as he kept a continuous tirade about which player should have done what properly.

They reached the airport soon. As committed by him, Ahmed called out his friend who came within minutes to meet them.

“Sir, this is Akshit. He will be helping you out with the formalities. Please guide him Akshit.” Ahmed said after he had assisted in taking out the luggage from the car and kept it in a trolley.

Iyer wanted to tip the boy handsomely and had tried to give him some additional money but Ahmed refused vehemently. “Just your blessings, Sir and the ride fee that’s all...” He said playfully.

Iyer patted his shoulder and told him “You are a good person Ahmed. I see a very bright future for you. May you be blessed always.”

“Thank you Sir. Please save my number in case you want any future rides... That is, if you are willing to...” Ahmed said with uncertainty, not sure about how Iyer would respond.

“Of course, I will be riding only in your car from now.” He said gruffly, his voice thick with emotion.

 

With a smile and a good-bye wave, Ahmed sent him off and Iyer watched him get inside his car, ready to take another call and change someone’s perspective forever.

True to his word, Akshit guided Iyer with all the formalities and said goodbye to him before the security clearance. Iyer thanked him for his help, silently thanking Ahmed too.

As he stepped inside the plane, he found that he was seated next to a guy with a long beard and dressed in traditional muslim attire. He waited for the feelings of distrust and fear to appear but realised that he didn’t feel anything. The guy saw the luggage in Iyer’s hand and immediately got up and helped him in keeping the luggage inside the slot.

As they both were seated, the guy received a call. He said “Assalaam Vaalekum. How are you? Yes I am seated inside the plane. You never came to meet me! Oh no, please don’t remind me about the match!! I am trying to forget our worst ever defeat!!”

Iyer smiled as the guy went on talking about the match as if he had suffered a personal heart-break. Just another Indian, he thought...

A little bit of everything...

“How do you manage to travel in this congested city every day?” Fred asked miserably as he sat inside Aditya’s car and waited for the signal to change.

“After a while you just get used to it.” Aditya replied with a smile.

“Oh I don’t think I will ever get used to this city.” Fred said with lot of disgust.

He had come to Mumbai from London to shoot for a TV commercial. It had been a good shoot and he had actually enjoyed the commercial.

What he hadn’t enjoyed was the venue. Firstly, it was the country India which he had never imagined he would have the misfortune to visit. Not only did the commercial require his visit and a ten-day stay in India, he had had to actually stay in the city called Mumbai which was a living nightmare. It showcased everything he dreaded about India. The poverty, the garbage, the awful traffic, noise-pollution, crowded places... He couldn’t wait to escape from the city and return to his lovely country with the clean roads and fresh air and lots and lots of countryside around you. Here he could see only buildings and slums and roads overflowing with vehicles and people.

The producer of the commercial Aditya had invited him to spend some time at his home before heading off to the airport. Fred had hesitated at first but it seemed a better option rather than spending hours at the airport as his flight was scheduled to depart only at midnight. He liked Aditya’s excellent sense of humour, easy-going attitude and simplicity.

They both were now heading towards Aditya’s home. Fred’s mood was soured with the number of traffic signals that they encountered and the sheer number of vehicles driving on the road.

“What is that thing called?” Fred pointed to a person selling some sort of a puffed ball when the car had stopped for a signal. People were eating the same with lots of relish.

“Oh, that is paani-puri! It is one of our favourite snacks. You haven’t tried it yet? Want to eat it now?” Aditya asked him happily unaware of Fred averting his eyes from the sight of the seller dipping his hand inside some gruesome-looking water with which he filled the puffed ball.

“No, I think I will give it a miss. That liquid looks downright poisonous and so un-hygienic! How do you people eat or drink that!!”

Aditya laughed at the look of consternation on Fred’s face and parked his car safely to a side.

“Why are you parking here? I said I don’t want to eat it!” Fred said with indignation.

“Relax, Freddie. Just see me eat it... or drink it ok. If you want you can try it too.”

That’s likely to happen, thought Fred as he got down from the car and shaded his eyes from the harsh sun. He and Aditya marched towards the stall. The owner immediately set a little brown basket made of dried leaves in front of both of them and before Fred could protest, he had put one soaked ball in each basket. He saw Aditya lift the ball and put it inside his mouth and close his eyes in silent appreciation.

Fred decided to take a great risk and gingerly lifted the ball and ingested it whole. His mouth exploded into a burst of flavours... spicy, tangy, cooling and sweet all at a time. He couldn’t believe that something that looked so gross could taste so awesome. To his immense happiness, he found that the seller had already kept another soaked ball... no, paani-puri (he would honour this delicacy by learning its proper name) in his basket. He eagerly gulped it and before he realised, both he and Aditya had gulped about six of them within few seconds.

“I can see you liked it. “ Aditya said with an amused look and caught Fred eyeing the puris with a longing expression on his face. He ordered for two more plates and saw Fred eagerly gulp the puris.

“I can’t believe I didn’t eat that dish till now.. It is just awesome.” Fred said with wonder as they both got inside the car.

“If Mumbai can teach you something, it is this, that, appearances may be deceptive.” Aditya said with a playful wink and left something for Fred to think about for the rest of their drive.

To his immense surprise, Fred saw that Aditya lived in a very simple residential building with four floors and roughly about 30 flats. He had somehow expected him to live in a posh bunglow with gigantic dogs guarding the same. As he looked around the building, Aditya seemed to read his thoughts and said with a smile “It is simple and just what I need. It is a place where I can leave my kid alone and still be contented that there would be someone who would keep an eye on him. I have been staying here since the past ten years and it has become my extended family now. Come, my house is on the third floor.”

Aditya’s house was situated just next to the lift. As he rang the bell, Fred felt a bit apprehensive and not sure about what to expect.

“Hey, I hope you have informed your family about my visit...”

Aditya shook his head and laughed. “It is not necessary. My family is always ready for everyone.”

“I don’t understand.” Fred said almost lazily as he and Aditya reclined over the sofa in Aditya’s living room. They both had had a sumptuous meal of Dosa and Sambar with whom Fred had fallen instantly in love with.

“What don’t you understand?” Aditya asked, amused.

“You invite a stranger, albeit one with whom you have been working for the last ten days, to your home for food and accommodation. Your wife reacts like another family member has come home and your dad actually addressed me as ‘son’ and told me that I have a ‘home’ here. How do you do this? How do you welcome people so heartily and so dangerously soon into your homes?”

Fred had been amazed at the warm welcome that he had got in Aditya’s home. His wife Shruti, who was a typical beautiful Indian lady had treated him with utmost respect and had won his heart with her impeccable manners, decent behaviour and delicious cooking. Their son Surya who was an extremely cute and chubby five-year old kid had shyly interacted with Fred, all the while hiding behind Aditya and sending out cute smiles towards Fred.

The most amazing part of the day had been when Aditya introduced Fred to his father.

The old man had offered his wrinkled hand to Fred and had asked gently “Where are you from, son?”

The word ‘Son’ had come out so smoothly from his mouth that it had taken a while for Fred to grasp it before answering. When Fred mentioned to him that Aditya had kindly invited him to stay at his home rather than spending hours at the airport, the old man had sharply retorted “Of course, why should you linger at the airport when you have a home here?”

If that wasn’t enough, he had gruffly told Aditya “Don’t let him leave without having food “and left the room with a brief yet kind smile.

Fred had never felt so much loved and cared for in any of his friends’ homes in London. Lunch or dinner parties were always so formal that he never believed any home could contain such warmth.

Aditya smiled at him and explained kindly. “You know Fred, there is a saying that we Indians take to our hearts. It is ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’. This is the Sanskrit version and what it actually implies is, treat your guests like God.”

Like God, Fred wondered.

“It is our custom to never let any guest leave our home without offering anything to him/her. You will find this kind of welcome almost everywhere in India. I don’t deny that there may be some exceptions, but mostly, guests are treated with utmost respect in India. And to clear the air, you aren’t a guest anymore. You came to my house, you ate and enjoyed your meal. That now makes you family.” Aditya said with a heart-warming smile.

There, that’s the welcoming spirit again... thought Fred. How soon had Aditya and his family accepted him! He was at a loss to understand the trust that this family had given him so easily.

Later in the evening Aditya took Fred to Marine Drive and they sat on the railing of the boulevard that overlooked the bay. It was a beautiful ‘C’ shaped road and as Aditya informed him, was named Queen’s Necklace as the street lights looked like pearls on a necklace, when seen from above.

Fred felt like he was standing in the middle of two worlds. If he turned towards his right, he saw the busy road with vehicles continuously passing by and keeping up a continuous stream of noise. On his left was the calm bay, with the occasional sound of the waves stirring the otherwise silent world that lay there. It was a side of Mumbai that he had never seen. But then he had never left his hotel room except for when he was shooting. He had been convinced that there won’t be anything good to see.

“Mumbai confuses me. At one side, you have slums and on the other side, this beauty. That paani-puri water looks like a river from hell but tastes like food for divine beings. I don’t know whether I like Mumbai or not. “

Aditya laughed at Fred’s honest statement and said “We all have been there and done that buddy. There is never a time when I don’t decide to leave this city forever to escape from its maddening traffic and rush. But then I know that I can’t live elsewhere, now that I have lived here. This city is in my blood now. If there are re-births, I want to be born here every time.”

“Why? What makes you people so loyal to your city, your country, when there are other convenient places for you to live? I know every Indian cannot leave the country or city. But you have lived outside India for almost a year. You have an idea of the comfortable life that people in other countries lead. Then what makes you like this fast-paced, crowded and congested life?” Fred asked with amazement.

“Hmmm... it is complicated. Okay I know how to explain this now. Did you like Sambar?”

“I loved it!”

“You know how it is made? A little bit tangy, a little spicy, a little sweet and salt as needed. That is what makes it so delicious. Same with the dish that we call paani-puri... and same with my country and city... They both have a little bit of everything. “

“Ah... I get it.” Fred said with a smile.

“When it rains here, the train services get affected badly and thousands of commuters, who travel through trains every day to their office, get stranded for hours either in the trains or at platforms. They can’t reach their office and have to take the day off. This is the salt. And the sweet part? The train buddies gather together at stalls selling delicious hot tea and buns and have a great time. We people just love this and sometimes actually pray on Sunday nights to rain heavily so that we can enjoy a day off with our friends. Of course, my days with the local train are over now. I haven’t travelled by train since almost three years.” There was a wistful look on Aditya’s face as he said this sadly.

“You are a true Indian-Mumbai boy at heart, you know.”

At this Aditya laughed out loud. “Indian-Mumbai boy! I just love this! We here have a different term for this. We call ourselves Mumbaikars..”

Mumbaikars, thought Fred. What would my countrymen call themselves beside English, he thought 

 sadly.

Soon, too soon, it was time for Fred to leave for the airport. He politely declined any more food as his stomach was too full to eat anything more. He however enjoyed a steaming cup of filter coffee which Aditya himself prepared for them. There wasn’t much conversation but Fred tried to soak up the warm atmosphere as much as possible so that he would have something awesome to remember while living in his home alone.

Aditya had booked a cab for Fred to be dropped off at the airport. The cab arrived promptly within five minutes of booking and Fred took his luggage from Aditya’s room.

Aditya’s dad came out of his room to send him off. He again offered his hand and said “Have a safe journey, Son. Do visit us next time when you come to India, all right?”

‘

When’ you return to India, not ‘if’... thought Fred and shook his hand. He then did something which he had seen only in some Indian movie and never attempted himself. He bowed down and touched the old man’s feet to seek his blessings. The old man placed his hand on his head softly and beamed at him when he rose. He then patted his shoulder and said ‘God bless you always.’ Years of wisdom reflected from his eyes and Fred felt some emotion stir in him. Before he said or did something embarrassing, he left the room.

The bags were kept securely inside the car. It was time to leave. Fred offered his hand formally to Aditya and said “Thanks for an awesome time buddy.”

“Oh come on Freddie, we can do much better than this!” Aditya grabbed his shoulder and hugged him. Fred felt totally foolish at the emotion he experienced at being hugged like a brother. He hugged Aditya and said sadly “May be I will get some other shoot here to return to Mumbai.”

“Oh yes, you will. Everyone returns to Mumbai after they pass her first and only test.” Aditya said with a bright smile.

“And the test is..?”

“You only have to find one thing about Mumbai to like when she gives you only trouble and inconvenience. It could be food, it could be some place or it could be a person. If you find one thing to like about this city, there is no way you would never return back here.”

Fred felt a ray of hope light up his heart at the prospect of another visit to this city... the city of varied hues and shapes... varied people and places... the city which he had hated at first and then fallen in love with...all because of the warmth from one Mumbaikar’s family...

 He sat inside the car and waved goodbye to Aditya till he could see him.

Inside the flight he saw he was to sit beside his own country-fellow who seemed to be a jolly guy and greeted him with an exuberant ‘Hi!’. Fred kept looking outside the window before the plane took off hoping to feel the spirit of the city before he left it.

“So you liked it here?” The man asked him jovially. Fred nodded and asked him “What about you?”

“Oh what is not to like here? Great food, awesome beaches and really pretty girls!” He said with a wink and they both laughed. “Well, what did you like most here?” He asked Fred.

Fred took a while to answer and when he answered he said “Oh, a little bit of everything...”