The Wish

My Mind is a wanderer. When it should be silent and sleeping, it lands in old thoughts. Some pleasant and some not so pleasant. 

While resting today my mind took a plunge and made me recall a beautiful conversation with a 10-year-old I met at an orphanage.

Flashback to Mumbai, July 2018. My husband and I had been wanting to volunteer and do something for the underprivileged for a long time. We had discussed this many times but we would use our busy schedules to cover up for our laziness. 

We heard of ' St. Catherine of Siena School and Orphanage' from a friend. This was a school for orphans and destitutes. We decided to visit it and understand how we could volunteer there.

I remember it was a rainy day. This place was located next to Mount Mary Church in Bandra. A place I loved to frequent. But sadly never got to know of this orphanage. 

It was a Sunday, around 6 in the evening as we reached the place. We crossed the church and saw an iron gate. We checked with the guard and he confirmed we were at the right place.

He let us in and we walked some distance as we reached an old looking school. We found Brother Joseph there who was the care taker and had a long chat with him. 

He told us about the purpose of the school, the activities and how they were being managed. The school was serving the noble cause of providing primary education to orphans and destitute, who also resided there. Post that they had tie ups with other schools and these children would study there.

Brother Joseph was kind enough to spare almost an hour with us. He showed us the prospectus and shared about the other volunteers. Some of them had their internship there and some were like us who just wanted to do their bit in whatever free time they got.

He took us around the school. Every thing I saw made my heart bless Brother Joseph and the staff who worked there for a mediocre or no salary. The classrooms were very old but felt positive.

We told Brother Joseph that we would work out a list of topics beyond textbooks and would love to take sessions on Saturdays with these kids. He was more than happy to allow us. All he needed was a poster to be put on the information board to tell kids about what activity we had planned.

While that would have taken another 6 days to happen we asked him if we could help with something immediately. He showed us a list of essentials that were needed by the students. We told him he would buy that and come back.

As we stepped out of his cabin, we saw another family coming there with big containers. A staff member went to the residential wing and asked kids to assemble.

Some were in their rooms, some were playing. Many of them ran and stood in a straight line. They greeted Brother Joseph. Some of them greeted us and smiled too.

The family, in my assumption a man in his 50s, his wife and two adolescent kids, stood ready with the containers. Brother Joseph introduced the family to the kids and told them it was Mr. Aggarwal's birthday and he wanted to celebrate it with them. He had got some special food for all of them, made into packets which he would like to give to all of them. But before that, he reminded them to pray for his well being and wish him a Happy Birthday. 

The kids started, "Happpppyyyyy Biiirrtthhhdaayyy too youuu... " In a long, sing song fashion.

It was a cheerful sight. 

Then they sung, "Mayyyyy Goooodddd blllleeeesssss yoooouuu..." 

This is where my first year dropped and the rest followed in an unbroken chain. I excused myself and got aside.

My husband followed me and checked what was wrong. I told him, "Look at these kids, some don't have their parents and some are destitute. They are praying to the almighty to bless this man, who probably has all that he wants in life. God needs to bless these little kids more than anyone else."

When the birthday celebrations got over, kids got back to playing and some went back to their rooms. We were ready to leave to buy the essentials that Brother Joseph had indicated. A kid walked up to me and said, "Hello Didi, aap bhi yahan padhane aaoge?"

I smiled and asked, "kya naam hai tumhara? Kuch alag karna chahoge, padhai ke sath aur kuch seekhna?"

He said, "Rohan. I dance very well."

I was happy with this conversation. Then I asked him, "Do you like it here? Where are your parents?"

He told me his parents were vendors at a red light and couldn't afford his education. So he studied and lived there. On weekend he visits them. 

He was happy being there and told me that he wanted to go the big school also, the other center. But that is far off, in Vashi and he wouldn't be able to come back. 

We had become friends by then. I asked him, "bataya nahi tumne, kya alag karna chahiye humein yahan?"

His reply made me sad, the sorrow in his eyes could not be missed. He said, "sab yahan apna birthday manane aate hain, khana deke jaate hain, cake kaat te hain, dance karte hain. Mera birthday koi kyun nahi manata?"

I hugged him and asked him when his birthday was. It was on 11th January as he told me. I told him that I would try and come on his birthday to celebrate with him.

This conversation left me wondering, many of us celebrate our birthdays at orphanages, old age homes. These orphans and old people bless us and be happy in our celebrations. Little that we can do for them is ask their birthdays and celebrate it with them. 

A small step will give them bigger happiness. The ones who don't have a family, let us be theirs. Let us hold their hand and take them along. 

There are many Rohan's out there who need one day of our life with them. Let's give it to them.

Daddy's Little Girl

For most daughters the first Man in their lives is their Father! He is their Hero and Role model.
My Father, who I call 'Papa' is the Man behind whatever I am today. He gave me the liberty to be myself, study what I wanted and follow my career. He never told me to 'Be a Woman' or 'This is a Man's World.'

On his birthday i.e. 12th December, I wrote my heartfelt gratitude for him...

The best man of my life, you are,

My hero, you are my shining star.

The beautiful childhood that I owe you,

For Fathers like you are very few.

You cheer me up when I am sad,

Every daughter is not as lucky, dear Dad.

Blessed to have your trust and advice,

You make me bold, fearless and wise.

Patience, love and simplicity you bring,

There isn't a more humble being.

A lot more than a diamond or pearl,

Happiness is being Daddy's little Girl.

These are the things I don't always say,

That's my way of saying Happy Birthday!

Harrappa- Curse of the Blood River

The success of The Shiva trilogy, many authors are moving towards mythology. I personally like Mythology and the way Amish treats his books. I heard a few positive reviews about this book. The blurb and the cover further intrigued me in reading to see what ‘Harappa- Curse of the Blood River’ brings forth.  The title is apt and not many authors would have tried writing a historical-mythological-fantasy fiction that would need a lot of research. This is a good attempt by Vineet Bajpai.

The book revolves between 1700 BC and 2017 AD. The story is based on Vivasvan Pujari and Vidyut Shastri born in different eras, but something connects them. The story interlinks the two eras and the two characters. A phone call at an odd hour makes Vidyut travel to Kashi/ Banaras to see his dying great grandfather. There is a secret that he has kept all his life- a secret that changed the fate of mankind many years back.

Positives:

• The story moves brilliantly between the two eras and makes it an interesting read.
• It will give you a glimpse of three places or cultures- Rome, Banaras and Harappa.
• The genre is a mix of history, occult and thriller- if you like these, you can give this book a try.
• The plot is good, the character sketch for all the characters is well thought through. I personally liked the way Vivasvan Pujari’s character has been drawn and the culture of Harappa has been shared. The choice of words and expressions do justice to both.

Negatives:

• The narration is slow paced; it didn’t need 314 pages for this plot.
• There are a few grammatical errors and repetition of information like ‘Half Human, Half God’ on almost every other page.
• The secret was revealed in the beginning so that was a low point for me.
• The conversation between Vidyut and his wife Damini has not been handled well. Usage of words like yaa and baby are un-relatable.

Overall, a book you can pick up for the storyline.

My ratings:

•         Title: 5/5
•          Cover: 4/5
•          Blurb: 4/5
•          Characterization: 4/5
•          Plot: 4/5
•          Writing and Presentation: 3/5
•          Overall Rating: 3.5/5

The Birthday

"Oh it's your birthday baby, see what I have got for you!" Mom showered her love on me in the form of beautiful dresses, shoes and hand bags.

I saw my maid's daughter Meera wearing her ragged dress, the one I had given her a few months back.

"Mom, let me make this even more special", I told Mom as I handed over the red dress to Meera.

"You know Meera, it's my birthday today and it will be even more special if you wear this dress. You are beautiful and this will make you look like a princess." I told her and she gave me the best smile.

"I am proud and so happy for you, my love! Happy Birthday!" Mom exclaimed and a small tear escaped her eye.

The birthday became the best one, Meera's unsaid blessings did the magic.

The Black Dress

Rose was a beautiful 6 year old girl. She was the apple of her mother's eyes and her daddy's princess.
Her best friend at school was a pretty girl named Susan.

"Mom, pack 2 sandwiches, one for Susan as well." Rose told mommy as she got ready for school.
Mom smiled as she packed another sandwich. She drove her car to the school to drop Rose.

"Hi Susan!" Rose got out of the car and ran towards Susan as she spotted her. Rose's mommy was furious. She called out to Rose and said something that made her unhappy.

The next morning, While Rose was getting ready for school, she called out to her mommy.

"Mom, I am confused, should I wear the red dress or the black one?" Rose asked her mommy.

"My love, all colors are lovely, wear any of them. You will look good in any color you choose." Mommy replied.

"Oh, no mommy. You told me not to speak with Susan, as she is black. Black must be bad."

Something died inside Rose's mother. She hugged Rose and cried, " No, my dear. Black is just as lovely as any other colour. I am Sorry."

The Gift

Parvati’s day typically started at 5am, when she would wake up and cook for her family. An hour later she would wake up the kids, get them ready for school and cook breakfast for them. She would then head off for work- She worked as a house maid.

At 30, she was mother to 4 kids, the eldest one was 15-years-old and the youngest was 8-years-old. She was petite and less than 5 feet in height but possessed the energy of a dynamite. Even after doing household chores for 5 houses, she would have the energy to cook for her family and manage her house. May be, it wasn’t the energy but the fact that she had no option. Her house was like many other houses in India where ‘Men’ didn’t help in household work.

Her earning was only Rs 10000 per month. Her husband worked as a labourer on construction sites. He didn’t have any fixed earning; it could be Rs 400 per day or nothing if he didn’t have work. Resources were scarce for this family but Parvati put in her best to ensure her kids got good education and upbringing.

Vedika got to know Parvati through her cook Anita. She desperately needed someone who would take care of dusting and cleaning her house. Anita introduced her to Parvati. She started with the cleaning job at her place in May 2017. She was taking care of the house like it was hers. In no time she felt like family.

For a woman, the maids are more important than the husband. A day without the maid is like hell.

A few days later, a little girl accompanied Parvati.

“Iski chhuttiyan chal rahi hain to le aai ki madad kara degi.(Her vacations are on, so I thought she can help me here.)” Parvati said as she introduced Babita, her daughter.

Babita was a bubbly 14-year-old, a regular teenage girl who loved spending time in her school and with her friends. Her friends fondly called her bak-bak, for she would speak for hours at a stretch. A little short in height for her age, but a lot more wise, that’s Babita for you.

She was a highly pampered kid at home, being the only sister to three brothers. With this pampering came some ground rules too, for they wanted to remind her that she was a girl. She was also her mother’s favourite kid as she was the only helping hand both at home and at work.

Vedika greeted Babita and got the best smile in response. Vedika asked her how old she was and she told her she was 14.

“Arre, ye to bilkul 14 ki nahi lalagti. Khelti nahi hai? (Oh, She doesn’t look like she is 14-year-old. Don’t you play?” Vedika asked.

“Khelti hun na meri friendon ke saath. (I play with my friends.)” She responded with a smile on her face. Vedika couldn’t stop smiling as she heard her say -friendon.

They talked for some more time, she told her that she loved Mathematics but was not too fond of Science and English. Vedika told her that she could come over to study Science and English from me. She was excited and told her that she would come to study.

Babita started coming regularly, along with studying she helped her in the kitchen and soon they became friends. She used to eat lunch at her place. One day Vedika had made pumpkin for lunch.

“Didi, main ye nahi khati. (Didi, I don’t eat this.)” She said as she looked disapprovingly at the pumkin.

“Oh, so what do you eat Ms Babita?” Vedika asked her in English, to see if she was getting better at it.

“I eat Maggi and Pasta, they are my favourite. Mummy tiffin mein deti hain. (Mummy packs these for lunch in school.) She replied innocently, clearly getting better at her spoken English.

Vedika felt happy and smiled. It is such a beautiful bond that a mother and child share. Parvati worked more than 14 hours a day and didn’t earn too well. She still managed to save enough to make her child feel loved and pamper her with her favourite food at times. Vedika cooked Maggi for her as she relished it.

A few days later, Parvati told her that Babita loved coming to her place. What she didn’t know was, Vedika loved Babita’s company equally. She didn’t know that Vedika was reliving her childhood with her and that she taught her one of the best lessons that somewhere we all forget as we grow up and start earning.

It was 22^nd May 2017 and Vedika’s brother’s birthday. She had spoken to him in advance about what he wanted for his birthday. He had given her a list of things to order from Amazon and Vedika had ordered them so that they reach him before his birthday.

“Babita, mere bhai ka birthday hai. (Babita, it’s my brother’s birthday.)” Vedika said as she offered her sweets.

“Arre waah, aaj to mere bhai bhi birthday hai, bade vale ka.(Oh nice! It is my brother’s birthday as well, my big brother.)” She responded as she stuffed her mouth with the ladoos.

Suddenly Babita became sad. Her brother had gone to the village with their mother and was returning only after 2 days. She told her about the birthday party she was planning for him, but he wasn’t there.

“It’s ok. Kya gift de rahi hai bhai ko? (What are you gifting him?”

“Geometry box!” Her big eyes were bright and filled with excitement.

Vedika asked her why she was giving him that. She told her that he didn’t have one and they had to share. As a result, he would leave it for her and get scolded in his class.

It took Vedika back to her childhood, when her brother and she would do things for each other. It took her to the care and love hidden amidst the fights that only a brother and sister can understand. Vedika asked her if she had bought that already.

“Aaj lungi, 1 month se paise jod rahi hun. (No, I’ll buy it today. I was saving since a month.)” She replied with the same brightness in her eyes. Vedika asked her the price of the Geometry box.

“100 rupees!” She sounded proud of herself. When Vedika asked her more, she told her that she didn’t get any pocket money. Parvati gave her money as and when it was required. She saved this because of the small jobs she would do by helping her mother and earn 10 or 20 rupees.

This 14-year-old girl taught her the meaning of life. Someone’s necessity is luxury for someone else. Vedika gave her 100 rupees and told her to buy the Geometry box as a gift from her and not keep the 100 rupees with her-forever. She will cherish them when she will grow up.

Sometimes we forget who we are and how small things in life give us happiness. Happiness is not in luxury but in being what you are. Babita became an inseparable part of Vedika’s life for she sees herself in Babita.

My Electric 10

Someone asked me a few months back, what will you do if there is no electricity? I laughed and thought how this is even relevant in today’s time. Who wants to even think of this? We are in the 21^st century and why will we even wonder this? Aren’t we developed enough to ensure electricity as a basic need is provided to everyone?

That’s when he told me- you are forgetting the villages, summers in Delhi and rains when anything can go wrong. I was quick to realize- I was wrong!

“I can’t imagine what I will do. No Electricity is equal to darkness, sadness, oh my life will end!” I panicked.

But then, I saw my younger self, barely 10 or 11, looking content and not worried about all this. How did I live that phase in my childhood with no inverters and no electricity? How was life so much fun then?

Those dark nights, sleeping under the starry sky with parents and siblings, that I fondly remember, wasn’t that all because there was no electricity for days? There are so many villages where electricity is still a privilege.

And that’s when I thought Life is so much fun; it can be so electric without electricity and made my list- ‘My Electric 10, when there is no Electricity’

1. Why not hold hubby’s hand and tell him he is special? A candle light dinner will make it even more romantic. I shall try it out; the romantic in me tells me it will be awesome!
2. How about some me time? Sit in the balcony and do nothing. Come on, there is no electricity; I need to chill for some time. And for company- make Maggi, well that will not help with the heat. But come on, Maggi can solve a million problems, right. 
3. For a change, no news on television. I am sure dad will be so restless to know what is happening in UP with Yogi Adityanath or what is Kejriwal accusing Modiji of. I’ll call up dad and ask him how his day was. I am sure he will feel super happy and give Yogi Adityanath, Kejriwal and Modiji a break.
4. Go out for a walk, the breeze will be refreshing. Go to the park and take a quick walk. Even if it’s not breezy but sunny in the afternoon or dark in the night, a tree in the park will make the weather just fine.
5. Any time stress buster- Shopping OR watch a movie at the Mall? Malls do have invertors and generators + Retail therapy- it always works!
6. Call up my friends and talk to them-Is that guy still stalking her? How is the kid? Is the mom-in-law nagging her? OK, let’s talk about maids. They are the most important person in a woman’s life after all.
7. If its day grab a pen- sit and write OR pick up the pencils and the sketch book and get set go! There is no better way to express you than these.
8. Blind people have always had a special place in my heart. I would like to try my hand at ‘brail’. I have never tried that. Let’s feel how they feel. Let’s learn the way they learn.
9. Book a cab and head to a relative’s place. I may not catch up with them regularly, but random plans like these always end up to be so much fun.
10. The best of all- horror stories. This is my all-time favourite. All you need is a start and then everyone will have something to share.. hoo hoo… Can’t wait!

So, jot down your 10 things.

Recall- When was the last time you laughed at something which annoyed you a lot. Make a list of how you will handle that? As they say- when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

So get your checklist ready for the next time there is no electricity!

But hey, keep you torch or candles ready and keep your phones charged before you plan anything. J

Start living now. Electricity or No Electricity- life is what you make it.