20th July 2014 – 26th July 2014 [Carnama - 3]

• On Spending: If you spend money on things which you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.    
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• On Honesty: Honesty is a very expensive gift, do not expect from cheap people. 

Third car in our family came with the economical revolution in India. In early 80's when India shifted gears and moved towards robust, proactive, aggressive model of economic development, first sign of development was "Maruti Udyog Ltd". However, people in general were septic, saying let the production start, let’s see how strong and good cars are, how they will service those modern cars, then we will think of buying. On last day of advance booking, I finally disagreed with this viewpoint of Dad & Thakurdas and took proactive step. Just few minutes before closing time after Dada's consent (so that Dad & TMM do not take objection), I submitted two forms, one in my name and other in Bansi uncles name with 10K draft. It was for first time in India, that Maruti delivered Van-Car not on first come, first serve basis but on lottery system. 

Bansi Uncle’s Van arrived in first lot and my Van arrived in 5^th Lot. And most probably it was first Van in Ghatkopar. It was fun to see all eyes diverted on humble Van at signals and parking lots in those early days, curious citizens asking many questions. 

With Arrival of Van, our picnic’s which were getting less and less, jumped up. On drop of hat, we will make picnics and short trips. Khandala – Pune – Palgar –Secundrabad – Ghanpati Phule – Mahableshwar – Panhala – Goa - Vadgaon etc were visited during early years of High Roof Van’s arrival. We clocked more than 2.0 Lakhs km in Vans life span with us. Finally I sold Van with heavy heart to ex-staff of Noble Printer after brief bargaining standing outside Prabhat Cinema at 80% of original purchase price!

Akshay learned steering wheel handling at age of three, sitting on my lap, in Maruti Van. Mummy and Bindiya liked the leg space it provided. I loved it because if needed we can easily accommodate Chandan family for Aarey Milk Colony etc picnics. And yes, this was the vehicle in which I first time crossed 100 km speed. Wow!    

Chinky goes to College: The standard sentence should be, how time flies. Girls really grow faster then the boys. Just look at her photo. Chinky completed her school and started college life with no funfair, but in most sober, serious way.

This is on record as first week of Chinky’s College life. We were more excited about her then Chinky. On her first day She attended all lectures which Akshay was not able to digest. He kept guiding her that you should bunk at least few lectures daily, as he and Muskan had done. For Chinky there were no jitters, no excitement, no new friends nor any adventure. In her words, 'Boring'. However by end of the week, she has already formed her group of 4 girls, whose names Rinky can recite, it looks Rinky has already started her college life as 'Proxy Chinky'.

She will soon be using two wheeler, till than old trusty ‘Riksha’ is her mode of travel. Poor Rinky is already missing her sister very much.

  Lali & Sharat returned from Singapore in Saturday. Hopefully the trip was good for them. Will know about it on Monday, when Lali comes to office. How times have changed. In recent past, a foreign trip was considered a major event and immediate and extended family was all excited and involved. Plans would be made for send-off, guests would drop in to say hello. No such activity nowadays. Today, such trips are considered as a visit to Laxmi Road. Well, may be for some, foreign trips are more frequent than visit to Laxmi Road or say Shaniwar Wada. 

by P G Dodeja

18th Junly - 20th July [Skit Weekend]

In my mind I was going for the weekend at Khandala with Chawla family, as usual.

But I forgot, this extended weekend was organized by Mona because Pinky had planned to conceive, create and rehearse the full skit during weekend. Kunal Narang’s wedding preparations were full on. Venue was set, invitations were on its way, menu was fixed, dress selection was over and sequence of functions was set. Now only thing left was to execute all things as planned. This wedding has being planned as Holiday Wedding, i.e. all events will take place in single resort in Goa. Goa is very beautiful in rains, hopefully rain God will contribute and make this memorable wedding.

Skit practice is one thing which requires presence off maximum participants, in this case all cousins. Earlier Pashu-Dimpi-Pinky team was enough for entertaining skit, with Dimpi in England, this responsibility has fallen on other two. However, Kashyap-Dhwani have joined the team in big way.

This year monsoon was late in coming but it did arrive and made our week end fabulous. In Pune instead of 6th June, rains arrived on 14th July, that also with lot of 'Nakras'. Daily Muskan-Dhwani will plan 'Kanda Bhaji' party, but in end will be canceled due to non arrival of rains.

In Mona Bunglow at Khandala, clouds literally walked in the living room of Bunglow, embraced us, gave us ‘pyar ki Jhapi’, moved around for some time and left us, feeling high!

Suddenly during the making of skit I realized that the people whom I consider as kids are grownups with lot of attitude, own personality, life and thinking. Out of 12 kids(!) present, 8 were married and that also for years. Most of them were working, having own career, personal demons, life outlook. It was a reminder that life has moved on.

And next day in morning, surprise of all was the ladies started talking about the age. Mona started by claimed she has crossed 60. Wow. One thing I can say for Chawla DNA. Most of them look at least younger by 10 years! Be it Mona, Bindiya or Kids, sorry young adults of family.

Some observation on how life dries up juices from your system. The spunkiness, the spontaneity, the youthfulness, the unbounded happiness which was trade mark in such gatherings in past, was coming in bits and pieces, not like earlier times in continuous flow. And yes, cell phone kept interrupting the flow.

But then life is such, it keeps moving and changing scenes. It is time for Mahek - Maher generation to take over, but where is their 'Sena'? 

On Friday, Pinky & Kash sat down and planned the skit for 12 – 15 minutes duration. Kashyap did the good job by downloading the songs, editing them in required length. Pinky kept repeating, ‘I know who will dance and who will not, I have planned my skit accordingly.’  What a sign of maturity. She was prime planner for all skits done till now for all cousins wedding. And then she made a big announcement. She said to my shock, ‘Now I am 37, please get married before I turn 40, I do not want to continue with this job in my 40’s!’

This ‘Skit Making’ is thankless job. Non dancers want out, lazy bugs want slow number, audience want fast number, moody people want impromptu number, all want others to do sync with them, some want old numbers and some latest. Thankfully, all were in for Hindi filmy songs only. And in all thisdifferent requirements we want something different. Are you ready for hard work? No.

Those on floor practicing got tired and retired by 2.0 am. However, Ashish – Sunny – Kunal – Pammy who were more of observers drank Coke, eat Maggie and went to sleep around 5.0 am. Saturday passed like a blink, planning – executing – practicing all songs. Day was glorious, comfortable, drizzling and cool. It was an excellent set up for such activity. I enjoyed the day thoroughly. And to make a evening more pleasant, Nanda dropped in suddenly late at night, with Khushboo & Karan, just for overnight stay. Their inclusion brought in new momentum and again we slept very late on Saturday.

On Sunday we returned, tired but happy.

 
by P G Dodeja

13th July 2014 – 19th July 2014 [Carnama - 2]

 

Car Stories:

 14 people of this Picture were passangers for Sunday Outing at Powai.  

• About Picture: This was taken just after Bhagwan Uncle - Maya Aunty wedding. Durga Bhabhi with Kids, Mohini Chachi with Kids, Mummy with her Kids. One can see Dad and this piture was shot by Bhagwan Uncle. How they all fit in car is beyond me. I was present, [that skinny boy entering car), but I hva eno recollection. In Our family it is possible as such feat was accomplished by Sanjay. He had stuffed 8 Adults in Maruti 800, for Lonavala Trip

MRX 8025, is easy number, favorite number, which I remember even today, whereas our first Maruti Van number or for that matter current Xylo number beats me. Dad used to say that Fait is my fifth child. And will talk about it very lovingly. I came to know via Fait story that Dad wanted a daughter very badly, but after failing to get daughter after four attempts, finally he adopted ‘Fait’ as his daughter! Maximum tours by road were done in this car. Mumbai-Pune trips, South India tour, Ahemdabad – Abu Tour, Hydrabad Tour, Nasik, Shirdi etc, were done when travelling by car was considered dangerous and adventure. We were never stranded on road due to engine or any other mechanical problem. Only issue used to be tire puncture! Which Lali and myself will change in flat 7 minutes! Once on Shirdi trip, engine developed oil leakage problem [tiny hole in engine block], but engine kept running till we reached 1306, pune, our destination. From that day on wards, I also thought that Fiat has ‘Jaan’ in it and in spite of all hardship to her, takes good care of family by taking all challenges like a mother does for her child! Of course today it sounds stupid, but in that innocent age, it was really good feeling, which gave strength to us for making such road trips.

Are ‘Major Changes’ are round the corner? Well it seems they are. Xrbia has planned a major launching of Chakan Project in August End. They are planning to hand over 700 flats, 9 months in advance of Hinjewadi Project, unheard thing in construction business. They have also kept huge budget for advertisements for Chakan Project launching and Governments announcements about affordable housing and Home Loan rate benefit for affordable houses cannot come at better time. Intention is to create history by selling 700 flats in flat 7 days. Is it possible? If yes, our financial worries will diminish to large extend.

Secondly, Akshay for the first time got involved in meeting with management which lasted till 3.30 am! And he received a very lucrative offer also. Let’s see how serious that offer is or for that matter, how lucrative it is. Only future can revel the answer.

  

  Thirdly, the changing or shall we say shifting sands are presenting different layout on desert board. Dunes have changed shape, some have grown up, some have moved on, some are contemplating to move on and some are flattening out. [Wow, I like this sentence.] One can observe, reflect and see only. Can one modify the design set by the winds? No sir.

Tue: Rains finally arrived this week. In last 8 years in Pune I had not got wet as we used to get in Mumbai. But on the first day of good rains in Pune, I had to go for the meeting at Karve Road, while returning, I got totally drenched and enjoyed every minute of it. Welcome Indra Devta!  

Wed: Now that first Bahu’s sister got married, it was turn of Second Bahu’s sister to get ready for marriage. Both families (i.e Kachhi & Punjabi) meet and decided for engagement of Kosha with LP a Punjabi Boy, on Sunday. This will be second wedding in Shah Family this year. MEacnwhile, continuing with wedding season, we were invited to Khandala by Mona for 3 day week end. Object, Perpare the Skit for Kunal Narang Wedding.

This time, for the first time all six of us were in Khandala.

This weekend matter will be the part of Special Edition, as I have to insert many pictures.

by P G Dodeja

6th July 2014 – 12th July 2014 [CarNama]

 Car Stories

Dad - Mummy & Lali [60's?]

I start this week with story about Dad’s first car. This is also maybe the first picture clicked by me. Austin Minor. This 1^st four wheel vehicle was purchased second hand by Dad from the Gujrat Assembly speaker, in Ahmadabad. Hari Uncle used to say that we have travelled more by pushing this car than sitting in it. After failing to sell this car in Ahmadabad, a mechanic drove this to Bombay. Tulsidas mama sold this to a film producer, who destroyed this car for the movie!

Tue: I was with Akshay when I meet with group of people. Location was unique in its own way, appearances were deceptive and ‘Bol Bachans’ were in extremes. Literally I saw the tons of notes. The Bank account only handled crore number. Nothing less than that. This one meeting left a mark of an interest story line in my mind. So if ever I sit down and seriously think of writing my first book, it will be based on that experience. Suspense, Intrigue, Drama, Mystery, Philosophy.  All I need now is time and energy. Seed is sown. 

Wed: Kash-Dhwani entered in living room at 6.45. I was drinking my first cup of tea. Both looked terribly tired and exhausted. They have just returned from shooting a reception party in JW Marriot. A Sindhi-Gujrati wedding, one party is from Dubai, having all functions at JW Marriot. All events were conducted in ‘Sindhi Standard Time.’ i.e. 3 to 4 hours late and continued till wee hours of morning. All events decoration and dressing was theme based, not only the immediate family but all guests participated by wearing theme specific cloths! People are really indulging themselves in big way. More than 100 whiskey bottles were opened with 250 guests count, and no count of beer cans! Is this possible? Practically all major food styles [Thai – Morocco – Chinese – Continental – Punjabi etc] were consumed. And to see the decor and glamour one need to visit CIS site, where movie will be uploaded.

Fri: Lali – Maju – Sharat left for Singapore. Sharat – Lali will stay for 15 days and Manju will hopefully return before Diwali. Manju’s parents are in 80’s, and they are suffering from biggest curse of old age, Loneliness. During last two years, all sisters kept visiting Singapore for 2/3 months to keep company with them. After two years this process has started again and Lali & Family are leading this trip rally. Earlier Dayani’s had planned to visit India, but dropped the idea, keeping health issues in mind.

Last night we saw pictures of two weddings. One was Nandani’s and other was Meeth’s. Due to digital revolution, number of pictures have grown up into 1000’s, but the quality has shrunk. Today, they just put camera in Burst mode, direct the camera towards couple and click. Setting, focusing, exposure etc are left for camera to do. So you do get technically good pics. But from 1000 pics I was able to say wow for just 2/3 frames. As they say, the good photograph is first created in mind of photographer. This requires some hard work, which few are willing to do. 

by P G Dodeja

29nd June 2014 – 5th July 2014

 

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.”

Once again it was proved that MAIDS are prime assets of any ‘Grahani’. This story is unique in its own way. Currently in our long list of changing maids after ‘Hira’, we have currently in our employment,  called ‘Komal’. She is not कोमल from any angle. I have never seen a servant working at such a break neck speed, as if some hard task master is behind her life.  She was appointed for day & night and after one week, she resigned, saying I do not have any work to do, I am getting bored! It was refreshing and revealing the psyche of current generation, bravo. So Muskan, who has become very good sales person after joining Xrbia tele caller department, used her skills and convinced her to work from 9 am to 5 pm. She agreed.

Now come’s the twist in story. 3-4-5 July are Meet Shah’s wedding dates at Silvasa. Kash-Dhwani are already in Silvasa with full Shah family. Muskan – Akshay – Avi & Family were supposed to join them at Silvasa on 3^rd for wedding. Due to Chinky’s college admission Avi & family dropped the plan and got busy in college admission. Sharat who was supposed to join them, but pulled out at last minute. However, Akki-Niki plans was on. So Bindiya & Muskan planned on war footing the 3 days management of home front. Komal was given detailed instructions, trained for the mission on war scale. On 2^nd afternoon, Komal took Muskan in a corner and said, ‘I am not ready for this mission. I resign.’ It was bolt from the blue for Muskan. After full on consultations with various parties, it was decided that ‘Silvasa’ attendance is cancelled for Akki-Niki.  Muskan had just previous night shopped for the dress and was excited to use it. This was bigger disappointment then missing on wedding! Shah’s were informed, Dhwani was put into loop.

I have to give full marks to Muskans capacity to talk on cell phone. She started her complain charter with Komals Mother at 6.30 that also against her daughter and continued till 7.30, and mind you she was complaining to her about her daughter! During this period, lights went off, she set the dinner table, heated the dinner, rolled the ‘chapaties’ and served the food, all through talking on cell. This is called multi tasking.

3^rd July: We had Pizza party and Mummy along with Chinky-Rinky joined us. Kids are growing fast. Chinky has started speaking in stylist accent. She is getting ready for College Life. Whereas, Rinky has taken big interest in Sharat’s wedding plans. Normally, I initiate this topic, this time Rinky took the charge and kept hampering on it, till we all got involved in it. She complained, 'Chachu, what is wrong, you always initiate and take forward these topics, why not today.' I must give credit to her for taking this topic so deep. She kept us busy for two hours, planning Menu – Selecting Songs on which to dance – Designing dresses – Fixing color combination – Planning location. It is wonderful to observe that this family trace of management style which I had seen in Grand Dad, Dad and myself, present in Rinky! We all love and enjoy planning more than actual event, be it wedding or travel or party.

For Muskan 5^th July is more important than her wedding anniversary! Like her birthday, which she celebrates twice, one according to Hindu Tithi and other according to English calendar. she celebrates 5^th July as AMD day, i.e. Akshay Meeting Day. Her logic is, if 5^th July had not come I would have not meet Akshay and I would have not married him!  Same logic applies to 4^th July also, isn't it, if 4th had not come, how 5th July could had come?  

Kashyap-Dhwani returned from Silvasa wedding late at night, around 12.30 and again will be shooting today in Pune. This is high profile wedding of Dubai Sindhi’s. Kashyap’s main worry is that they should keep the schedule as per IST and not as per Sindhi Standard Time.

Why I have this feeling that next week is going to bring major changes in our life? Any clue?

 by P G Dodeja