20th Mon: This Diwali is turning into uncertain
Diwali, unplanned Diwali, filled with twists Diwali of decade. Planning of
Diwali week was done with great gusto, but at implement stage things have gone
haywire. After 7 years, I was able to get affirmation from all my cousins for
Diwali Dinner. In all 40 members gave confirmation. This is going to be high
point of this Diwali. But… Location, based on certain budget is a challenge.
Options are getting narrower, will we miss this dinner?
21st Tue: (Dhan Teras) Kashyap – Dhwani are in
Mumbai, for meeting. Suddenly on Sunday night, Dhwani’s grand father was
hospitalized for food poising. Last year also he spent Diwali week in hospital.
Return of Kashyap-Dhwani is based on his health report. All the activities,
which we had planned are in suspended state. ‘Kila Competition’, ‘Photo Hunt’,
Cocking Competition’, ‘Teen Patti’, ‘Shooting for DD2’, ‘Saras Baug Visit’,
‘Laxmi Road Visit’, ‘Cousins Diwali Party’ will any of these things take place?
22nd Wed: Early morning, I called Kashyap to know
about Bapuji’s condition. He was critical. Kashyap said, ‘He just passed away.’
One more episode of uncertainty appeared during this Diwali. Whatever plans I
had were put on hold and I made program for Mumbai with Lali. Neha was going to
Mumbai for Diwali Pooja at Valecha Chambers, her driver had left Mumbai for
Pune to drive her to Mumbai! Lali and myself joined her and reached Matinga
around 1 O’clock. We used this opportunity, like Dad used to do, and visited V
K Munyal at Laxmi Nivas, Sion. I was visiting this place after years. After
spending good time with VKM and Dhama, eating Pakoras, Mitahi, Fruit and tea,
we returned to Matunga for Dhwani’s Granddad, ‘Bapuji’s’ last rituals. He was in
spite of his health and other conditions, till end full with life. Always
willing to joke, he never took things and life seriously. During Meeth’s
engagement, I saw his relatives respect for him, his jovial nature. He had
lungs problem, but he never gave up smoking ‘Beedi’ packet in a day! His
argument being, ‘Beedi’ or no Beedi, I am going to die, so why sacrifice? Kashyap
used to make him skip one or two Beedi, which he would skip for present by saying,
‘How can I say no to jamai!’ And then go and smoke one in balcony. He died of
multiple organ failure, in other words, old age. After final rituals, Kashyap –
Dhwani joined us and we returned in Xylo. This Diwali is different, no two
thoughts. We chatted for a while, I said Happy Diwali and Happy birthday to
Muskan, as it was past 12.30 am. We were into Diwali Day. When I hit the
pillow, after waking Bindiya, it was 3.30 am! I drifted to deep sleep, wit the
thought, This Diwali will stay with us for decades.
Call it early morning or late night. One huge twist,
something which we will all keep repeating for decades!
23rd Thu: This year Diwali Pooja was done in such
a way that, family should become more disciplined. Being late, keeping
irregular hours, taking all things for granted etc has become daily bane. So
this is also an part of ‘different’ Diwali. We started Pooja bang on time fixed
by Deepak Maharaj, that is 11.0 O’clock. This is for first time we skipped
bonus for few of our staff, to bring some accountability to performance. Again
a first step.
25th Sat: Bang on Day. This day, made this Diwali
more memorable for more than one reason. The reason will be engraved in Dodeja history,
mark my word. Yes, after struggle of 7 years, we, managed to have all Pune
Dodeja’s [Lokram Dodeja’s decedents] together for dinner party. Every one
enjoyed it. Here is just the present mark picture. Rest will follow in future
blog.
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| Pune Dodeja's [Decedants of Lokram Dodeja] |
by P G Dodeja
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