4th Oct 2015 – 10th Oct 2015 [Back to School]

 

What is the blessing from the almighty?

Only one answer. BABY

Not what you are thinking, I meant, for example, 'KhushiRam'.

6^th Oct: Akshay surprise birthday was planned by Muskan with great gusto. And surprise of all surprise is that she was able to keep this party secret from Akshay. All the family members, Dhwani’s Mum and two partners of Akshay, Kamal Khetan and Ali also joined us, to celebrate his birthday. For the first time we shifted our sitting arrangement to terrace area. Excellent weather, superlative food and cordial atmosphere made up a great birthday party for Akshay. It was most relaxing and cool party. Muskan had made Paneer, [9/10 score], Manju made her patented Pulao [8/10], Pinky made Dal [8/10]. Mummy had made Gulab Jamuns for ‘ladla’ grandson. In short all food items surpassed the distinction marks. And with the excellent fruit cake, duly endorsed by Muskan, who never touches 'Fruit' cake. This was made of KK neighbor, who has made her hobby of cake making into a business venture.

  And “Sone Pee Suhaga” was arrival of Ankit & Pallavi after dinner. They joined us for chatter, some snipping of ice cream. Ankit is nowadays looking quite fit and healthy, and as Pallavi is pure Punjabi ‘kudi’, laughing and enjoying life to full and growing health…ier.

7^th Oct: Coldwell has training program for senior management of its franchisees. Full day we sat in class room in Mumbai, [somehow I was not able to connect to my school days at Sind Cosmopolitian High School] went through 6 modules, had plenty of chat, heavy lunch with 2 coffee cups. All the lessons taught were same old things, but presented in fresh cloths, communicated clearly and highlighted properly. The full impact will be felt only after its implementation and results. Soon we will be starting this venture, with our figures crossed.

On our return journey, after gap of six months, Shyam uncle, Ratna aunty and Moni joined us. Recently, aunty had gone through a serious health scare, thankfully she has fully recovered from it. Though she has lost weight in big way, she looked relaxed and vibrant. Uncle and Moni must be feeling great as a major challenge has been accepted and conquered.    

And, Khushiram is growing fast. He is in hurry to grow. He just completed 4 months in this week and he is already getting ready to crawl. Mummy says, the babies normally start crawling when they are at least six months old. And we all are devoting big chunk of time on him like his Great Dadi, Dadi, Nani, Parents, Akki, Niki and above all, his most favorite person, Dada. He is diplomat in big way. He has instant and big smile for Dadi and Nani only.

9^th Oct: Kunal Narang accepted Dhwani – Muskan invitation and came over to Pune for overnight stay. He is odd man out in current mold of new generation. Today’s generation is more made of materialistic matter, running after elusive targets and more and more consumer products. Here is a boy, give him, his laptop, access to net, model cars and he is happy as a child. He talks about money a lot, but is away from money culture, for sure. He is ‘shewadhari’ of Radha Swami, taking his duties seriously.

Nice boy, currently life is turning him into a hard, sad, lonely man. But I can see, he has good family support, so hopefully, he will come out of it.

Last night after ages I was wide awake, till 1 O’clock. Learning how to handle Andriod Phone. Akshay is my ‘How to use’ teacher, whereas, Kashyap is my ‘Technique’ teacher.

This week for me was ‘Back to School’ week.
 
by P G Dodeja

24th Aug – 30rd Aug 2015 [Birthday week]

Sun:  Sleeping time. Akshay is busy watching Pro-Kabadi, it is in second year of its inception. After Cricket, it is turn of Kabadi to catch eye balls of Indian Public. Actors, Industrialist are all promoting and buying teams and participating in competition, Star Channel is gathering huge TRP’s by airing the matches on prime time. Few weeks event takes place leading to final match. Owners, TV Channel, players, advertisers all make big bucks in this process and get good publicity. So like lakhs of Indians, Akshay has also taken to this game. As I am getting ready to sleep as it is past 10.15 pm, Akshay shouts in his booming voice, Papa, Mussu, come soon.

As his tone is not panic filled, I think, he wants to show us some action replay scene, so I take my time. But, again his shouts piercer the peaceful home, ‘come fast’. Muskan, who has reached hall and saw TV, is now more excited than Akshay. She keeps shouting, ‘Papa, come see this.’

I reach and see on TV a crowd scene being zoomed out. ‘What is great about this crowd scene? This is what you made me run?’

Turns out the youngest Dodeja was selected in the crowd and shown on TV. LP [Kosha's husband] is involved with Star TV’s team in organizing this event. So he had invited all Shah’s and Kashyap Dodeja with family for final match. And commentator trained camera on Kabir and family, and commented on national TV, ‘See the popularity of Pro-Kabadi, two month old kid to 80 years old are in the audience!’ So, unknowingly and luck by chance, Kabir created history by making first Dodeja boy appearance on TV at such a tender age. Non of male members have ever appeared on TV. Whereas Pinky and Vibha had participated in some TV game show, many years back. Kashyap's name was flashed way back on TV as sub-editor.

Wed: I set my feet in Mumbai after many months. We seven were on Office – Training – Social – Personal visit. This was Dad type trip. Xylo was fully occupied with three staff members and four family members, Dad would never allow us to take Car to Pune without minimum of four members, dickey filled with Books – Paper – Press material. And keeping the old ways in mind, we had brief ‘Nasta’ halts at Duta Wada while going and at Kamat’s while returning.

After dropping staff for training at Sanapada, we reached CB office for marathon four meetings. Meeting were good and we made some commitments. What will be net result? Only time will tell. This can turn into a major game changer.

Guarav Raheja  yesterday was blessed with baby girl. And as we were just few buildings away, Muskan insisted on flying visit. I said no way, we will get very late. She finally promised, ‘I will push you all out in five minutes.’ With this assurance, we made a visit to hospital. Meena’s MIL was happy to see us all, asked for Mummy [she is her first cousin] and she forced me take Mithai packet. Just few hours back, Muskan had wished for Elco Market Pani Puri and I for Tharu’s ‘Singar ji Mithai’ and here my wish was being full filled.

At hospital entrance we met Mona – Gulu – Amar and Sharda. Said hi and bye, and rushed out to Xylo.

Visit to Santacruze – Sindhu wadi – Matunga were cancelled, as it was 6 in evening and we were already running late by one hour, we reached home by 11.30 after simple but tasty dinner at Kamat, with ‘Batata Wada’ included.

Sat: And in total contrast to our Wednesday Mumbai trip, was Akshay's Mumbai trip on Sat. 

Akshay – Muskan – Mummy left for Mumbai round trip for Rakhi at 9.0 am, whereas Lali – Manju – Sharat left for one day over night trip to Mumbai at 6.30 am. One more example of high handedness of Mumbai traffic is like this. Akshay returned at 2.0 am on Sunday. That is 17 hours trip. And in this 17 hour trip, he spent 1 hour with his sisters in Bandra, 1 hour Muskan spent time with her brother and family in Mira Road, and 1 hour they spent in Santacruze with Mummy’s brothers. Rest of the time was in Xylo, pushing car from 1^st to 2^nd gear in Mumbai traffic.

Thankfully, there was no land slide, so expressway was open. 
by P G Dodeja

8th March 2015 – 14th March 2015 [ Birthday]

 

Just tick the items which are part of you already and start working of un-ticked items. You will feel the difference soon.

Signs of Happy People

·         1: Prioritizing Happiness

·         2: Seeing Beyond Success and Failure

·         3: Not compromising Self-Worth

·         4: Living by your own rules

·         5: Being Optimistic about goals

·         6: Not blaming circumstances

·         7: Happy to accept help

·         8: Being Open-Minded

·         9: Never forgetting your Goals

·         10: Living in the Moments

 That was Gyan Ghosti....

I quote:

Friday the 13th, also known as Black Friday, is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday. Wikipedia

So what happened on 13^th Friday in our family members life, was it unlucky?

 It was routine working day. When I say routine, I meant for myself. I am able to stick to my fixed timings. From 8.18 am, when alarm rings I start rolling. I get ready for office. Subject to morning breakfast availability, I reach office by 9.10 am plus minus few minutes. By 5.00 pm I start closing my desk. Mostly I am out of the office by 5.15 pm. Many people visit Mandir while they return from office, I visit ‘Varsha’ Bhel, opposite our office. I make call for orders, Mummy asks for ‘Sukha Bhel’, Bindiya if in mood will ask for ‘Dhabeli’. Muskan & Dhwani will take some bite if in mood. Whereas I enjoy Pani Pori or Dhabeli. I buy some fruit and then detour to Just Books for magazine or book, and I am in B-7 around 6.15 pm. And on this 13^th same routine was followed, no change.

What about other family members?

Sharat has more or less fixed routine like me, only difference being he has ‘over time in office’ which I do not indulge in, much. His return to Home timing is bit uncertain. 

Will Akshay be in Pune or Mumbai? He, himself was not aware of this, so by the end of day, rather date, he returned from Mumbai. He left for Mumbai in afternoon, attended few meetings and returned on 14^th [1.0 am]. \

Muskan, was feeling getter, healthwise so came to office for few hours. Dhwani has a visit to Ruby Hall fixed. Kashyap has returned from Goa last night and he is in full form, targeting all his edits, so that he is free in first week of June. So he was prompt and attended office and worked with intensity and dedication. 

Lali is working on one more order from Singapore. Press is keeping him busy and happy to certain extend, this trend continued on 13^th. Avi is enjoying working in Landson office as Business Adviser, in full attire. i.e. full suit without tie [Landson dress code] and as some fresh leads are expected, he was gearing up for handling those leads. 

Rest of the ladies also stayed tuned to usual routine. So all in all it was not unlucky day for any of us.

I would rather say, this day can turn out very lucky day, depending on the net result of what started on 13^th. How? Here are day’s highlights.

I start my day by making few collection calls. One such client is named ‘Hinglaj’. He calls me after not picking my call, I start my spiel but he cuts me short and in his most sweet tone tells me, “Tell me you are still looking for a flat?” I tell him Yes, still looking for it. “Good, I have very nice place. Come at gate, I will show you.” Ashok Dhawle, our first friend in Parmar Park has the keys. Secondly, Lali calls Ramesh Oswal, who has shown some interest in plot, for one more meeting, which is fixed for Saturday. [On Saturday one step forward was taken.] Best part is, Tele caller team was shaken up for doing shoddy job in last two weeks. Hope this will infuse some positive energy and bring some good results.

So what is your take on Friday 13^th being unlucky day?

Birthday Ladies Pics from my Personal Desk Top calender for 2015.  Both share same birthdate, 15th March

 P G Dodeja

5th Jan 2015 – 11th Jan 2015 [Sikh Wedding]

 

Mon: Fresh air, fresh mind, fresh people, fresh ideas, fresh happenings, fresh year. I need to start this year with fresh story, fresh project. And I have two of them. But first one is not for public consumption, second is.

Sindhu Films and Cut-it Studio is soon going to announce its first ever, video channel on You tube. This can be precursor to a movie making project in future. Bravo. Script is ready, actors have being approached, and production department is ready. Soon shooting will start soon.

Kashyap and myself attempted a photography tricks experiment called by us ‘Playing with lights’. And here is one shot of Shyamlal Bathija, who volunteered to pose for us. This is a very good start of the year. And I am looking forward to next week Khandala stay at Mona’s Bunglow. So if that works out, the year starts in big way.

9^th Jan: Friday: First Sikh wedding which I attained was of Amit – Guneet way back in 90’s. During that wedding, we all sat on chairs, in pin drop silence, as brief ceremony was performed, in presence of all Sindhi’s with one Shikhni present, i.e. Gunit!

Kosha Shah, who works in Art Department of TV Serial Production company got married to Pure Sikh boy, Lovepreet. Wedding was arranged at Guru Nanak Darbar, Andheri (East) at 11.00 am. This wedding was similar, but again different also. Present as Bharaties were, Sikhs, Punjabis, Sindhis and Gujraties! In short, reflecting the current social mixing culture of this century in India.

Sikh wedding is a simple, elegant, colorful, happy event. After ‘Milni’ [which we missed], everyone gathered in Darbar, on first floor. Granthi said few ‘Vachan’, sang some bhajan’s, asked couple to pay obeisance to Granth Sahib. Shawl and ‘var malla’ was gifted by Granthi to couple, they signed a register and bingo, marriage was over. All ‘baratis’ sat on floor, some exchanging greeting, some making merry and some in serious mood. All got over in 40 minutes flat, and after exchange of ‘Bhadai’s’ we shifted to ground floor to eat excellent Punjabi Food. This week, Mumbai was cool, no perspiration or heat in afternoon, wow. Pune is going through lowest temperature of winter.   

10^th Jan: Dhwani’s birthday. This was dinner cum cake cutting day. After wedding, Dhwani – Kash – Akki – Niki stayed over in Mumbai and returned on 10^th. Dinner was planned with cake cutting. Dhwani had lots of gossip to exchange so her chatter was on, even after us requesting her, ‘Please take some breath in between the sentences. Pause is also great expression, use it.’ Cake was arranged from latest new bakery in Shivaji nagar. Some thing called ‘Chocolate Cup Cake’. It was very elegantly made with sculptured look. Great. Our anticipation level was raised high. But first bite dashed all our hope of eating excellent cake, in big way. Like Rajiv Masand says for movie review, my review for cake is, ‘I will give this 1 out of 5, that also for its look.’ But I am sure, this Bakery will do well, because it has learned the art of hype. Product itself is immaterial, they are selling exclusiveness, decoration, unique item design, up market feel.

Muskan & Rinky made us play few party games as suggested by Sharat. We turned of Comedy Night with Kapil Sharma on TV and laughed more during these games!  

Just as 10^th Jan turned into 11^th , we all wished once again ‘Happy Birthday, Dhwani’.        

 

by P G Dodeja

24th Aug 2014 – 30th Aug 2014 [Ganpati Bapa Mourya]

 

Tue: Lali & Myself left Wanwadi at 10.00 am. Object, Show plots to One Mr Chadha.

 Wanwadi – Dhapodi – Chakan – Rajguru Nagar – Mancha – Malshi Ghat – DHOLEKHAM. Xylo covered this 275 km route in 5 hours after 'Missal' lunch. Roads are excellent, but narrow at some points, vehicle can touch 120 km speed on these roads, but good sense prevailed and I kept the speed under 100. On this route, all vehicle drivers have total disregard for traffic law. On one way highway, you kept seeing a vehicle rushing in your direction from left / right side of the road from wrong direction!

‘Ghat’ section of 35 km was heaven. Twisting roads, slight drizzle all the way, heavy fog and cool climate. It was an enthralling experience. There was no heavy traffic on this section. Enterprising people have made sit-outs at scenic points, or near waterfalls, where young couples and families were enjoying picnic even on a working day! It was so tempting. Mr Chadha was late, so we had a tea at ‘DholeKhambh’ zero milestone, walked towards 'Kasara Ghats' road, like it was tourist spot, in short, we chilled out in green valley in ‘Halki Bonda Bari’. For return route we took, Murbad – Neral –Karjat – Khalapur – Expressway to Pune. Day trip was on zig-zag roads, swinging at 80 km, turning and twisting in most pleasant atmosphere. With Heavy Fog, droplets dashing on wind screen, smooth wind whistling and blowing through slightly open window, the trip turned out memorable. In return journey, we took Murbad – Karjat road. This distance of 44 km was mostly in pitch darkness. We hardly saw the glimmering distant light bulb challenging darkness. Few of the villages we crossed had black out, few shops glowing with back-up power. This section is very sparsely populated, but under the powerful headlamps of Xylo, we devoured distance at 80 km. Wow! Instinct driving had taken over. Like Mr Chadha told Lali, it seemed the twisting road was like never ending ‘Hanumans Pooch.’

Both of us had a very late night dinner at ‘Sadanandh’. Our host of night was Suresh who still has fond memories of Kashyap’s wedding held in his Hotel, he gave us treat of excellent dinner.  

Thu: We have developed this tradition in Pune. On Diwali and during Ganpati, we visit 'Peth' area to enjoy the festival arrival scenes, shopping is mere an excuse. The hectic activity on Laxmi road, buying spree at 'Mandai', heavy pedestrian rush, continuous honking of cars, search for parking space, colorful stalls make this unique experience. This year Bathija family also joined Muskan – Myself and Chinky. Till this year, mummy also used to come, but due to her knee trouble, this time she opted out. Our first stop is ‘Chitle Bandhu’.  It is really an achievement, the kind of patronage they have. For generations they have maintained quality and loyalty of old faithful. After tasting few varieties, we settled on Jumbo Pedas and Moong Ka Halwa. Chinky devoured ‘Dhoklas’ as she had skipped lunch in college.

Our main objective was to buy Ganpati’s Decoration items. What to buy? How to decorate? All these questions were not answered. So Intelligent Muskan suggested, why not make something out of natural product like Bamboo? What about Bamboo ‘Chatia’. Moni is being eco-supporter, strongly supported her. With these two going strongly, we hardly had any chance to suggest anything. So be it.

Construction process started after excellent dinner of Panner Palak. Except for Avi-Pinky [ill health] all got involved, including Bathija's. 

Fri:  “Alla Ree Alla, Ganpati Bapa Alla.” We have become pro in welcoming the GanRaj. After years of experience, finally we followed Muskans suggestion and made a decent and lovable shelter for God. But does he need one? This setup was built with very little debates and the completed in record time and appreciated. Our new neighbor also a sindhi family has also kept Ganpati, their two kids aged 8 - 10 have started coming to our home. After first Aarti we sat down and played ‘Stock Exchange.’ Thus the first day vanished in ‘Akha Chimb.’

Sat: Today is Kashyap birthday. He is 28 years and it is high time he should not treat himself as youngest and most pampered child. We need fresh kids in the family. Chinky has started going to College, so she is not a kid anymore. Rinky is from start only, was more mature, sensitive and grown up then Chinky, so there is vacancy in Kids department.

Cake was very much innovative, movie spool with chocolate chair of director. Now Kashyap will have to start thinking of directing a movie also. 

What is he thinking? Is it, from tomorrow, Dhwani will break her 'moun vrat', should I buy ear plugs?

Stock exchange game is getting very popular in family. We started game at 10.30 with idea that we will play for half hour, but it continued till 1.30! Even Shyam uncle and Moni enjoyed it.

Sun: Today, full family sat down for 'Satya Narayan' pooja, seriously. And all agreed with Sharat that among all kind of prasad, this podia's prasad is most awesome.  

 

by P G Dodeja

20th Jan 2014 – 26th Jan 2014 [Bithday ]

 

23^rd Jan : Netaji Subhas & Bindiya were born on 23^rd January. Muskan loves to celebrate birthdays. So on this day, as Bindiya was not willing to go out for dinner, she called Mummy and Kids for Pizza Party. And as the luck would have it, Bal from Secundrabad and Reshma from Pune dropped in for surprise visit. Actually Bal wanted to meet Mummy and as mummy was at B-7, they also came to meet her. It was nice to see Bal in her normal, laughing, mode. Like Manu we have very nice memories connected with her. We have never fought and had harsh words for each other. We had plenty of laughing marathons at various occasions, best being at one wedding in Holiday Inn, Mumbai, when one jealous guest told me, ‘wow, you four laugh a lot and loudly.’ Our grandfather used to scold us for laughing loudly and continuously, disturbing others. He would, ‘Batiha Tahak Dina tav, Chatiha Dafa Rouano Poundav.’ You have laughed 32 times, you will cry for 36 times now! This is philosophy of life. Thankfully, we have not yet cried, our laughter marathon continues.

The moment I saw her, as I had not expected to see her, for an instant, I saw my grandmother sitting there! I was taken back. I remember my Grandmother as white haired, sari wearing lady, whereas Bal has black hair and wears Punjabi suit, still I had this very strong vision. Mind keeps playing such games. She is well settled now in life, with daughter married off to a boy whom her daughter loved very much and is happy with her kids growing. Her son Manish recently married and having a good job, earning decent money. Srichand had some financial trouble few years back, now he is out of it and doing good. Her health issues are also for time being sorted out and thankfully, she is keeping good health. All in all, ALL IS WELL.

We celebrated Bindiya Birthday with Pizza Party. Somehow it seems we have learned to find happiness in tiny things and not in elaborated expensive, big, showy setting and activities. Instead of enjoying  family outing to some posh restaurant for dinner in glamorous surroundings, I find such simple celebrations relaxing and very much enjoyable. We all made our choice of pizza with different stuffing. Made Bal & Reshma to eat pizza.   

25th Jan: Mona has being asking for Khandala Visit. She regularly spends her two weekends of every month at Khandala, tendering her garden and enjoying weather. She loves to take care of her Bunglow also, which keeps her very busy. Pashu and Kunal give her company. This time Bindiya – Kashyap & Dhwani dashed to Khandala for overnight stay. Kashyap-Dhwani have become relativly free now. Muskan wanted to spend night at Khandala, but I said no. Our Xrbia target is very far off and we are near month end. I do not want to miss on any opportunity. And Saturday – Sunday are main days for getting some response. With half family in Khandala, we decided to have dinner out in ‘Rajdhani’. This is at Phenix, Yervada. Thali is served with 11 varieties of Dal-Sabzi, Dahi wada, farsan, rice, roti, lassi, and two varieties of sweets. How Muskan enjoys this is beyond me. Out of eleven dishes she didn’t touch seven of them! Her food selection is very much stringent and exclusive. i.e. lot of items are excluded from her list of eatables! Akshay & Myself enjoyed the variety, I enjoyed for a change 'Over eating'. Nowadays I have disciplined myself in this department. Though the quality off food was not up to the mark, as an experience it was good.
  




by P G Dodeja