22nd Dec 2014 – 28th Dec 2014 [Winter in Pune]

 

Wed: 24^th Due to sever winter, I am getting late in morning, around 7.0 clock. So I was rushing to get ready for office, when I was wonder struck. Akshay – Muskan and Chinky geared up in warm jackets for early morning walk! Akshay takes up challenge of health maintenance now and then. To start with, we used Swimming pool of Sacred Heart for two summer seasons, Akshay to maintain health, I for enjoyment. Then we gave it up. Akshay took to cycling during one winter, in the evenings, and stopped swimming. When novelty of cycling was worn out, after few months break again he restarted going to gym with Ashish [distributor for VIP]. This was his third attempt in Gym. I felt this setting will last, as Akshay always complained that he has no friend, hence was not going to gym. Now with Ashish as good friend and health conscious youth, he will last for long in Gym. But no such luck, Ashish has to give up Gyming for health reason(!), and so did Akshay.

He has gone through this process of Health maintenance for last six years. Like father, like son. I also do not have sustaining power. I had also gone through this type of erratic responses, in early years of my life. Early morning walks with Madon, yoga excises on terrace, joining Talwarker Gym, being member of Oden Swimming pool, again joining Gym with Ashok Bherwani. All were for limited period.

But what worked for me finally is basic day to day habit of taking staircase whenever one can, walking instead of taking rickshaw, going for physical straining picnics, exercise when ever in mood, one day picnics in places like Sinhgadh etc.   

  Mummy and Chinky are staying with us, as Avi – Megha – Rinky have gone for a week’s stay in Chennai. Muskan who is not keeping well since mid October, made a ‘farmaish’, let’s go to M G Road for Christmas. Bathija's are in Pune, Neha and kids are in Pune, so except for Mummy and Bindiya all agreed.  Sweaters, Caps, pullovers were taken out, all got ready to roll.

We parked Xylo near Virwani Plaza and walked to SGS mall to meet Lali and group. However, they were struck in traffic. Muskan who had just recovered from unknown illness, again felt uneasy and said she wants to return home. All the razzle and dazzle of Christmas, the fiercely blinking lights, red caps, great crowd, vedors selling smiles and Christmas products, loud music failed to cheer up Muskan. We waited for Lali and group for some time and then decided to have dinner and return. M G Road was so crowded that we have to take baby step to keep up with pushing people around us!

We were finishing dinner at Badshah, [dinner was 3 on scale of 10], without meeting Lali and group and returned home. So finally the Pune has turned into metropolis like Mumbai. Noise, crowd, parking problem, pollution problems have arrived. Long live New Pune!

This year winter has blessed us and giving very good days and nights. Thanks to almighty for such a chilly and at the same time not so chilly winter. I regret missing so many Pune winters.

 

 

by P G Dodeja

15th Dec 2014 – 21st Dec 2014 [Chilling time]

 

Thu: Xrbia again placed Advertisement for its 7 projects and for the first time in last six months, all Six tele callers and sales executives were busy throughout the day. Impact of advertisement is very high. But then the range of products offered is also good and with the financial offers which are very attractive, this becomes most lucrative, desirable deal. This century is of high tech way of doing business, internet business models, Tele Calling, advertisement blitzkrieg, Exhibition sale, all things are geared up to bring results in 7 days time. Work round the clock for seven days and then chill out! If successful, you enjoy, else plan for next attack!

  

We are truly now living in 21^st Century, living style has changed, priorities have changed, happy life requirements have changed. With very high stress, fragile relationships, everyone is looking for entertainment, the needs of living are now not ‘Roti – Kapda – Makan’ any more, but latest mobiles, fancy cars, foreign trips, in short more goodies which give you short span happiness, driving your attention from surmounting routine problems, to false sense of achievement . Eating out has become compulsory requirement, even if the options are tasteless, unhealthy junk food. And mind you, this is happening in all strata of social structure. That is why, from 7 star hotels restaurants to Small ‘Thela selling Pani Puri’ guy are doing great business. Even our office boy, Vithal works at two places, driver Raju runs two rickshaw along with doing 9 to 6 jobs at Noble.

Fri: Welcome Dimpy. 

Dimpy Punjabi has come from London and brought with her one more Dimpy. Her daughter looks like carbon copy of Dimpi of 80's. Dimpi's life reflects how life can change unexpectedly, dramatically and in short period.

Just some year back, what I had visualized her life will be, is no more relevant today. It is totally different and opposite. It was time when, Lal, her father was struggling and working hard in USA, trying for Green Card (Which he got after many years of hard life), so that he can bring his family to USA. In India, Shoba her mother was living alone with two teenager kids, struggling day to day. Yes, she had very good support of her army of sisters, but at the end of day, you have to face your challenges yourself and solve your daily problems, one cannot ask for help in daily issues solutions, that was in late 90's.

 Today, Dimpy is happily married, having a cute baby and living in exotic London with a very loving husband, Ravi. Yes, living alone in foreign country is a big challenge, but the scene which I thought was going to take place is drastically different, as of now. It is like cheese and chalk. All credit should go to her mother and Dimpi for accepting and overcoming tough times.

It must have being very challenging growing up, in happening place like Lokhandwala, with lots of distractions, burdens, pressures, issues etc. Dimpi and Pashu are two most electrifying, energetic and lovely personalities among more than one dozen ‘Chawla’ cousins. Just presence of those two elevated the level of a simple party to great party. And I must say that Dimpi did not succumb to life pressure and maintains her vibrating happy, smiling personality. Way to go, girl.

Kashyap - Dhwani are back to Mumbai, getting ready for Dhwani’s sister Kosha’s wedding. 

Muskan – Akshay are having gala time at Vits, taking part in Xrbia Exbhition. 

Avi – Megha and kids are planning short Chennai Trip. 

Lali - Manju are now, finally aggressively engaged into Sharat’s matrimonial solutions. 

Rest of us are enjoying God’s gift i.e great weather, misty mornings, chilly afternoons and peaceful nights.

And all are waiting for eventful 2014 to end.

 

by P G Dodeja

8th Dec 2014 – 14th Dec 2014 [Freak Rains]

 

Thu: Chinky was very sensibly roped in by Muskan into Noble Group. She is skipping college, is hooked to books and computers in big way. She does not have any close friend. We keep her pushing to go out and play with friends, but she prefers cozy corner in her room and keeps reading.  Muskan came out with this idea of making her one of tele callers. This 2 hour activity will free her from her inhibitions for social contacts and at the same time, make her productive. And above all, divert her mind from Books and Computers for some time. This is one more proof that Muskan is very intelligent and caring person. Way to go.

Fri: We were watching Big Boss when Akshay knocked. He was fully drenched, even after having rain coat and helmet as protection and December being winter season. Akshay said, he has never being beaten hard with water before, as tonight. For last two days, evening’s are very cloudy and warm. So as a precaution, he took rain coat to Shivajinagar meeting. It had drizzled a bit, yesterday in Wanwadi. When he started for Wanwadi from Shivajinagar, it started raining. However, as he reached command hospital, the rains lashed him mercilessly as if beating him. And surprise of all, the next stretch from mess turning to Sacred Heart, it was totally dry! Next day, paper said, 50 mm rains were highest for December 2014 after 1942 December rains. Wow.

Sat: Bindiya’s three sisters, Mona – Meena – Shobha visited Sacred Heart, along with Nikhil. I had a meeting at Vashi, so I just made a flying visit, said hello and rushed to Vashi. Shobha has come down from USA and will be here for month or so.

Kashyap and Dhwani also returned fro Jamnagar wedding. It was a very posh, flashy and beautiful wedding. Dhwani has regained her weight, whereas Kashyap has lost some. Nowadays he is moving around as if lot of responsibility has being put on his shoulders.  

Dada Karamchand, Dad’s uncle was very social person. He never failed to participate in every wedding for which he received invitation. He would pick up a card lying on his table and say, ‘We have to visit wedding in Sun and Sand, let’s start early. ’ He will never look for excuse, saying it is so far in other corner of city, my driver has not come or today being weekend, traffic will be heavy. Even in 70's he will drive his car himself and attend. In short, he was very punctual and regular.

But, I am not doing justice to his memory. I have 3 cards for 12^th – 14^th 15^th and I have not planned even one wedding attendance. Except for one wedding, I have no excuse for not attaining the weddings, which will take just hour or so of my time.

This year, all the resolutions made have yet to see the completion certificate. So sad. Keeping this experience in mind, I would request someone else to come out with unique resolutions to make, maybe his.her wish will be fulfilled.     

 

by P G Dodeja

3oth Nov 2014 – 6th Dec 2014 [Working Women]

Sun: A major decision was taken on Sunday.  The wind flowing in our direction is changing drastically, dramatically and sometimes dangerously. Without going into what, where, how, when, all I need to say is, 2015 is going to be landmark year, whatever be the outcome, or our projections, one thing is for sure, year 2015 is going to be THE YEAR. Brovo. Hope is eternal, enjoy.

Kashmir Valley is in news once again. The election this time is drawing huge crowd. Our neighbors are finding this very difficult to digest, so they sent in huge number of terrorists to disrupt the peace in valley. In one day, 7 Jawans gave their life to protect us, and in return they took out 12 terrorists. Modi will be addressing rally in Valley on 8^th. If he does that without any kind of misshape, it will be feather in cap of Army. This will be major win for India, lets hope for the best.

Hope is alive, the speed at which we register the progress in our mind and life is very slow, snails speed. But then when was world moving at our desired speed? Either, time moved slowly or very fast for us to enjoy it to fullest. One is never happy with times moment.

Akshay and his group achieved highest sale figure in terms of Xrbia units sold in Nov 2014. Now that Xrbia has added 5 new projects, inventory shortage is not going to be the problem as it was recently, and if they will keep performing as they did in November, month after month. Few more months of such performance, and our world will change in big way.

So, one can say, yes, world is changing, seed is sown and future is taking shape. Yah, but not at our desired speed, Can you argue with God?

Muskan and Akshay made a fast trip to Mumbai. The climate of Mumbai is not agreeing with Muskan, she has developed some kind of allergy, so when she is back, she has headache, running nose, feeling feverish. Doctor has advised her to stay away from Mumbai, but can she? No. Meanwhile, Dhwani has completed her sister Kosha's wedding plan, will go for shooting in Jamnagar with Kashyap, before returning to Pune. A long absence from Pune for her.  

Story of Lokram Dodeja Family Working Women.

Ritu returned from Ireland after completing her studies. Thankfully, she has not developed any ‘firangee’ mannerism nor has she developed any attitude. I would rather venture out and say, she has mellowed down in sober way. However, she is still like pure, hot blooded Dodeja. She has planned to return to Ireland for a very lucrative job offer. My grandfather would cringe at this though.

Just with passing of one generation, how traditions change, how living style changes, how priorities change and above all how people change.

I still remember, my Grandfather arguing against Savita taking up medical. ‘How can she work, even if she is doctor. How will she take care of her home?’ In this regard, Dad was cool, he would have accepted with reluctance.

In this decade, Dodeja  women had moved out of home and taken up jobs or professions. 

The very first name as working women I recall is of Vibha. She gave tutions and still is doing so in Mira society. Next two names are of Bhagwan Uncles two daughter in laws, [Saroj and Priya] running dress shops with help of husbands.
But in terms of doing serious full time job, at third party organization, first name will be of Megha Dodeja i.e Pinky.   

Pinky is in a sense pioneer by taking a job in school. For her it was very difficult task, as she was not trained for it, nor she has any qualifications, nor had she any experience before marriage, nor anyone has ever done a job in her circle. Whereas Muskan – Dhwani continued doing what they were doing before marriage, Muskan helping Akshay and Dhwani doing her counseling and helping Kashyap.  

And now my Grandfathers, great grand daughter Ritu, is thinking of doing a job in foreign land, all alone, where not a single soul you know as friend or relative.  

 

by P G Dodeja

23rd Nov 2014 – 29th Nov 2014 [Dosti Ke Din]

 

Sun: Property division requires Saturday and Sunday should be kept as working days. During launching of a project you need to visit Site, do meetings, take training and work 14 hours a day to convert calls into booking.  Press & Distribution work is usual working days with Sunday as holiday. Cut-it studio working is very erratic and uncertain. For a week you are idle, with nothing to do and then suddenly for 4 days you work 18 hours a day to complete the project.  This, is in short working pattern of 21^st Century. Gone are the days when one can take paid holiday from work for 10 days, for long trip or wedding event. Or if you are cricket buff, 5 days holiday when cricket match was held at CCI, Mumbai. Inevitably every tom – dick – harry is working 24X7 due to mobile connectivity.

Lali nowadays believes that Stars do play a role in our life. For last so many weeks, first three days of week give us high hopes of major deals being completed, and next three days bring the sad news of those deals fizzling out. Keeping this statement in mind, I give below the recent activity details.

On Friday, Cut-it studio AV formed its own life, kept all of us on toes and kept even Akshay busy till it is delivered by 27^th. Xrbia pre-launch period was ending on Sunday, so again our office worked from 9.0 am O’clock to 9.30 pm, handling calls, planning site visits, making sale pitch and converting into bookings. Even Lali has to go for Site visit and all this pat good dividend.

Distribution section received major stock on Saturday from Virat Ind. Our C&F agency’s first delivery started this week, which kept our staff busy for 2 days.   

Press was after long time, busy on Sunday, Lali & Avi preparing quotations. It has been long time, when we have this opportunity of preparing elaborated quote. Let’s see, if that is approved and makes some good profit for us.  Best part keeping 21st century attitude in mind, all jobs are quick jobs, to be completed within a week.

Major Deal’s division was again busy, with ususal work, i.e. meetings, meetings and meetings1

In short, Lali’s contention that Stars do act gets more strength and we are left wondering, how much their impact?

Xrbia has spent  crores in launching of its 4 new projects. A major Exbhition is currently being held at Mumbai, BKC with collaboration of TOI. We are also receiving many enquiries due to this exposure in Pune. They have plan to conduct similar expo in Pune also, where we would be participating. It is extremely busy time and also wedding time.

On last count I collected 5 wedding cards. Relatives [via Bajaj & Sanjay Dodeja], friends [via Kashyap], business [via Paper & Property Business]. 

Meet Doshi, currently settled in Dubai, is ‘Langotya Yaar’ of Kashyap. I call him, little master. He is the last one to get married from Kashyap’s ‘Ghatkopar’ friends group, [School Friends] is now fully booked and cooked. I had fond memories of playing with them, making fool of myself and those 7/8 years old kids. Making them dance on Salman Khan number, playing computer games and taking some pictures. They have practically grown in front of me. Soon they will be visiting Pune with kids in tow. How time gathers momentum!

Sat: Pinakin, also belongs to same group, more so as our home was second home for him. Illa was second mother for Akshay and Bindiya was second mother for Pinakin. I must have scolded/ argued with Illa few times, and always for her strict handling of Pinakin. Akshay & Pinakin are today also thick friends, and more so, Kashyap & Dhwani have become buddy with Payal and Pinakin in big way. In some odd way, Kashyap is 'Ladla' of Illa.

Today i.e. 29^th Nov is birthday of Pinakin’s twins, born last year. If we had continued living in Sindhi building, I am sure, I would have had one impromptu party during this week. But then some you win, some you lose.  

 by P G Dodeja