16th Monday: We
have finally updated our Parmar Park office. Ramanlal Shah, one of Sindhu's most loved customer used to say that Ladies attitude
and character is reflected in Kitchen set-up. How organized it is, how clean it
is etc. Similarly it is office set-up which reflects male’s character! And I
feel it not only reflects character but at the same time one’s attitude towards
life also.
During the process of
cleaning up, I came across few of Dad’s old files. And here is a Gem of brief
letter written by Shyam Uncle to Dad in 1956. It is a brief supporting letter
with subtle humor. It is in Sindhi. Mind you Uncle was just 16 years old at
that time.
‘Ahemdabad Jo Hal Ahwal Pari
Dhukh Thiyo. Pani Samdh Khan Badhtar Hondo. Coco Cola Samji Piyando Kar. …..
Adha Pano Jawab lai Khali Chade Rahyo Ahyan, Matan Kavarjee.’
Dad had complained about bad
quality of drinking water on Ahemdabad. In reply uncle tells him to drink it
thinking it is Coco Cola.
Dad used to write long
letters and in brief reply Shyam Uncle gives him moral support and avoids
writing long letter by adding, ‘I am leaving half space for you to reply!’
At Muskan's
request, we made a Ganpati Dharshan at Peth area program. It was last day before visarjan.
Few years back we used to park our vehicle at 1306 and walk out to Laxmi Road.
Now the crowd has increased so much that Bajirao Road itself has being closed down for all vehicles.
We have to park Xylo near Saras Baug and walk out.
Lali and myself told Dhwani
& Muskan our ‘Bachpan’ stories and we made a round lasting 3 hours. Huge
crowd, different activities, vendors selling small products, glaring music,
some enactments all in all a Mela atmosphere with huge crowds. Old city still holds its charm. While
returning we passed the Kalpana Bhel. Now he is charging 30/- rupees. We used
to buy bhel in early 70’s for 25 paise! Dada would give use 50 paise per
person. We will eat Kalpana Bhel and drink ‘Gane Ka Juice’ during our visit
to Saras Baug. This is Maa Manu, Akshay, Lali at Kalpana Bhel, enjoying Bhel at midnight.
Muskan
left by Deccan queen next day for Mumbai. A function for Kajal's Chora was arranged at Mumbai and
she has to attend it. And believe me, Akshay missed her so much that, when he
came to know that tomorrow office will be closed, he drove to Mumbai and returned next day!
Saturday: Here is a
story on which Dad would have defiantly written a long article, subject is Maid.
Currently
we are going through rough patch regarding Maids. Import-Export of maids is on.
Latest being a middle aged, psychologically disturbed, very lazy and most of
time sleeping maid was engaged. She can speak only ‘Sudh’ Marathi and our
Marathi is not up to the mark. So we all played ‘Burfi’ role on and off, to
communicate with her. In afternoon Muskan came rushing to office, all excited and
flushed. Even before I ask her, she rambled on. “Papa, Mausi left the job.
While leaving she hugged me so much that I am still finding it difficult to
breath.” She enjoying mimicking her 'Bidai' scene.
The parting was not restricted to hugging
only, maid profusely kissed her also. Then it was turn of Sarika. However,
Bindiya was spared this treatment. She got so emotional while leaving the job,
whereas, till 7 O’clock in morning, we had no such indication! Why she left,
was she happy, is there mental problem with her, was she forced by her DIL, all
these questions remain unanswered.
Sunday.
Today being Dad’s ‘Shrad Day’,
Pinky has arranged Luch at KK. It is nice way to keep departed elders
memory alive. A age old tradition kept alive. Brovo.
by P G Dodeja
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