10rd Aug 2014 – 16nd Aug 2014 [CarNama – 6]

 

Outskirts of Pune in November.

Shining Like Dulhan

       

Xylo: SUV from Mahendra. With coming of this huge vehicle, we shifted from Maruti Brand to Mahendra after 25 years! We also started using diesel as fuel for first time. Frankly, I agreed for this vehicle because our Mumbai – Pune trips were getting more irregular as of time schedule. One day return has become a norm, even if we have to start late at night and reach Pune in early hours of morning.  I was bit reluctant to drive this car, but gradually I also love to drive it. Keeping family tradition alive, Akshay had already made long trip to Mahableshwar, Banglore,  Cheanai  and Goa . Kashyap has made trips to Dhapoli – Silvasa etc. I have stopped counting Mumbai – Pune trips as they can be now practically put into local trip category. So with arrival of this vehicle our family’s trading of road journey has opened up.

Good thing about this car is that full family can most comfortably travel in it, all together. We still have space left for few kids.

Mon:  Ample rains have made ‘Vayumundal’ very pleasant.  Sunshine visited our area after 10 days or so. But it kept playing hide and seeks. Just like Dhwani was playing. She had gone to Mumbai for ‘Rakhi’ directly from Goa, [After attending Kunal – Aarti Wedding]. Kashyap reached home on Sunday. Mummy told Dhwani will come on Sunday. I said, no on Monday as per my information. Then Kashyap said, maybe on Tuesday as per latest information. This process went on and continued for two days. Her mother had caught some fever and investigation was going on. Dhwani, after confirming the recovery of her mother’s health, left for Pune on Tuesday. These hide and seek finally ended on Tuesday night.

  

Tue: Earnestly, our Diwali season program planning is on. As it is, we Indians like to celebrate in big way.  Festival season starts with coming of good rains. They have come, bring happiness and joy. This year, Rinky is in forefront and aggressively campaigning for Mahableshwar. Whereas, rest of us are just warming up for Diwali plans. Let’s see how things turn up.

 गणपति बापा मौर्य

Relishing Sujata Mastani with daughters

Yes, the preparations have started earnestly. Muskan - Dhwani & myself went for booking मूर्ति. We selected 2 idols and decided to book in morning. Then we went for walk and ended up at 'Sujata Mastani' ice cream parlour. This is new 22nd outlet of Sujata in Pune, the first one is at Sadhashiv Peth, which we used to frequent in 70's. Prahlad Uncle had introduced us to Mango Mastani during one of our vacation visits. And after 44 years I am still remembering Uncle and enjoying 'Mastani', a combination of Milk + Ice cream + Real fruit. I introduced Muskan & Dhwani to old stories and also to Mastani.

Fri: Independence Day. Muskan left for Mumbai, to tie Rakhi. She was in Goa on Rakshabandan Day, so this delayed celebration. As Manju is in Singapore, Lali & Sharat eat lunch and dinner with us. So after lunch we all sat down and planned proper decoration theme and setting. However when we went to book idol, all the short listed were booked! So the process of hunting proper मूर्ति is on.     

Sat: Neha came down to Pune for weekend with Umesh and kids. As luck would have it, they have to drive for 7 hours to reach Pune, so the day one of holiday goes in the car only. And next day, i.e. Sat, they immediately have to rush back to Mumbai. Umesh's Chachi, who was not keeping well, expired! Such are the vagaries of fate.

Sun: For a change, Akshay - Kashyap - Dhwani left for Mumbai at 5 O'clock in morning. Akshay sounded very happy, two reasons, early morning drive and just few hours away from Muskan. Daddy must be pleased to see his grandson taking car journey early in morning.
Muskan was in Mumbai for Rakhi. Arnav, her आंख का apple, keeps all family members busy. Latest report from her says, he fell down from bed. His mother cried, seeing her cry, his father cried and finally his grandmother joined the group. And what was his aunty doing? Laughing away.... 

Well to end this series of Car nama, I present below the options for Future cars. Kids, which one do you like?

 This is ideal for Peth areas, And yes, Muskan will be able to buy Vegetables easily. No need to request 'Bhajiwalla' to kick her scooter.

 Kashy & Dhwani can use this vehicle for odd trips in Lavasa, Adventure Club, Hirve or where ever it pleases them.

 This is good for Lali and Myself. Maybe Manu can join us and we can go for long trip, this time in south direction.

  This is a Must. A full family Bus, ideal for every weekend, for Movies, Picnics, Short trips.

  Any other suggestions? We are not living in era when choice was between bullock cart, Fiat and Ambassador. We are spoilt with plenty. Keep dreaming. More the merrier.


by P G Dodeja