Lately, we had been being pressed hard to visit Noida homes of both Vandana and Vivek, come what may! The pressure so built, resulted in finalizing the visit of both of us, on 27th of Jun 2021, when suddenly Vivek and Preeti arrived at Panipat home, without prior notice though, and pressed us to come along with them to Noida for a week or so. Preeti, also brought for me a nice sleeve less winter Jacket, and an unstitched suit piece for mom.
On 27th
evening, Preeti, Vivek and Joshua tried sleeping haphazardly, some of us on bed
and Preeti, Vivek adjusted themselves on
the floor, in order to test and have a feel of newly installed Career split AC
by Vivek. It was, however okey by them. After discussions on the matter, On 28th
Jun 2021, finally we were, at last, compelled and were made ready to get into
the car. Our going to Noida, after all, materialized after two long years of
‘kash-mkash’! Reason being, Rama’s allergic attitude not to get out of house
easily for a day or two outing! Like
they say, “Oont ko rail me bithana aur Rama ko ghar se bahar laana, dono ek
samaan.
As everyone occupied the car, hurriedly, I closed the doors, unknown of the fact that you are forgetting behind certain necessary items of daily use, like tooth brushes, towel, shaving kit, drinking water bottle, slippers and so on. Before driving down straight to Noida from home, a visit to a local SBI bank branch was to be made, where Preeti has an account inoperative for years. This account was to be transferred to SBI, Noida. Reached at the bank at 10.30. After having parked the car in front of the bank, both Preeti & Vivek went inside the bank leaving three of us in the car. It took nearly 45 minutes for them to complete the formalities from one counter to another. By this time, it was 11.30. When Preeti-Vivek were inside the bank, myself, Rama and Joshua were in the car. The AC was on.
After about 20 minutes, Joshua also went inside the bank to inform Vivek about a phone call that was received by Joshua on Vivek’s phone in the car. After a while, an ordinarily looking, village type person knocked at the driver’s side and asked “if he could move our car a little forward so that he could take out his own car”, whereas our car was hardly obstructing any other vehicle. I straightaway said “NO” to him. The man disappeared within no time and was never seen again. There was no another car around either. He might be or may not be a car thief! That is what I thought!
While on the highway, first thing was the drinking water that was needed, but when someone said that water bottle was left behind at home. Now, the big question. Who left the bottle behind? All quiet. Actually, it was my mistake because I locked the door before leaving. At the same moment, Joshua passed on a packet of his share of breakfast from behind, saying “Dadu please you eat it because I have no appetite” I took hold the packet, opened it, unwrapped the foil, put some bhindi sabzi, rolled it and had it all in a minute! I felt the urge of water now. At the time of leaving Panipat home, while closing the door in a hurry, not only I failed to check the room if anything is left by the family members but I also did not realize that the ceiling fan was also not put off by me, the fact that it came to be known only on return. It was really another blunder which was committed by me.
Sitting quietly on the passenger’s seat, I cursed myself at heart twice, as due to my sheer negligence, I could not collect the water bottle. Joshua was thirsty, so was I. Preeti asked Vivek to stop the car as and when any road side hut selling water is seen. Vivek said, “Certainly I shall get the water before we join the EPE”. Preeti said, “ No, Vivek EPE is too far from here. I need water immediately”. While they were talking, Vivek said, “Lo aa gaya paani” and he smoothly had a left cut, and screeched the car to a halt before a hut selling snacks, cold drinks and water. Preeti immediately got down and bought two water bottles.
Sitting on the passenger’s
seat I saw Preeti walking back towards the car with two bottles of water.
Seeing the water, I too had a feeling of deep thirst and before Preeti could enter
into the car, I licked my lips for a mouthful of water! But actually, I am not habitual of taking
water immediately after eating so, I did not react much. Preeti settled at the
back seat in the car with Joshua and Vivek had a swift right turn and got on
the road and headed straight to Eastern Periphery Expressway. I had a glass full of water only on reaching home!
Within a short period of time, we reached home and Vivek dropped us at the entrance of Sharon, residential tower, and turned back to fetch Roxy from where he had been left for dog sitting. Four of us got into the house, had some cold drinks and then some of us lay flat on sofa for a while. It took half an hour for Vivek to come home along with Roxy. On seeing us, Roxy became excited and started jumping all over madly showing its love, affection and concern. Roxy knows both of us very well and becomes uncontrollable, running around all over, back and forth!
At times, when we get ready to leave for Panipat home and even try to drag our
bags, Roxy’s ears become tinnitus and he becomes sad and worried, not leaving
any chance to leave us alone, any second, following us everywhere in the house,
to make sure, and ensure that Dadu Dadi do not leave the house, thereby giving
us painful and disheartened feelings. Roxy is Joshua’s best friend and
protector too. Whenever Joshua gets scolding from his mom, Roxy, immediately
takes side of Joshua, covers him up, coo and barks lowly at the mom saying as
if, why shouting at Joshua! Sirrup..fllup..yaap huu huu!
At about
three, we all had a light lunch and then rested for some time until evening
tea. Myself and Vivek went to nearby shopping complex to buy dressed chicken, especially
for Roxy. We returned home quickly and then had some family domestic talking,
some naughty, funny and some playful, both with Joshua and his best and
obedient friend, Roxy! Vandana Vishal were informed of our arrival at Gaur
Soundariyam. In the evening Vandana, Vishal, Saisha and Kaiser
arrived to meet us. Vishalji brought an ‘hp’ laptop for me in order to help facilitate
in writing short stories.
On 29th evening, we all got together at Vandana’s residence at ATS Greens, in Noida itself. It was our second visit there, first being a short one to Mehras, a few years earlier. A beautiful panoramic view of high-rise building cluster, apparently an upper middle class residential area, surrounded by, and situated amidst the greenery of some tall, some small native trees and a mixture of smaller ones, perhaps brought in from other parts of country, forcefully attract one’s attention.
Flower bearing trees, some with multicolor leaves, bushes and shrubs of silken grass, geometrically maintained and manicured frontal and backyard lawns, flower beds look soothing at heart. Paved pathways connecting each tower, facilitate smooth and safe walks by residents and visitors alike all around. Another particular attraction being the bonsai type banyan tree line, on either side of the main approach road, connecting main entrance gate of ATS, thereby providing cool and soothing shade protecting from scorching hot sun in the blue skies and creating a pollution free environs!
The multi-layered security at the entrance and at the individual towers, provide and ensure constant life and property security, thereby enabling the residents live fearlessly and peacefully. Vandana’s parents in law, Vijai and Juhi Mehra who live next door in ATS, also walked in and joined us at the dinner hosted by Vandana and Vishal, thereby honoring the occasion. Apart from Vandana-Vishal, there are two more important members of the family, presence of which cannot be ignored. Saisha, the lovely young girl and the Kaiser, running around the house and welcoming the guests with woof,woof!
The unsung efforts of Vishalji in co-operating and helping Vandana, making the dinner party a success, should be given its due credit! After having gone through two mild rounds of beer and scotch, all were asked by Vandana to settle down at the dinner table. Vandana, apparently looked more jubilant, curious and confident over her laid out dinner items which, she had prepared herself. She had already convinced everyone individually, about her special items, that was, among other items, Kathal and Kundru ki sabzi.
Vandana had asked me specially to try my
hand on her most special non-veg preparation that was Mutton ‘Rogan Josh’ of
the day. First of all, I got my share of Rajasthani Rogan Josh, in plenty on my
platter, and enjoyed it at the most. It
was so delicious, aromatic, smoky and sizzling hot, soft like butter and having
thick and silky gravy, carrying dark brownish condimental hue! I enjoyed the
whole lot and forgot about Vandana’s Kathal & Kundru! Hahaha. We enjoyed
the get-together that evening after a very long interval. Everyone seemed happy,
joyous and satisfied. However, absence of both Jyoti-Kunchit was quite
conspicuous that evening!
At
ten in the evening, we returned to Gaur Soundariyam residence. Preeti and Joshua
reached home first and then myself and Vivek followed. Roxy was again brought
home from its old hide-out, who made lot of jumping around before settling down
for the night. Before going to bed, I had asked Vivek to book a cab in the
morning at 7.30 for us to leave for Panipat. On 30th, we got up at
5.30 AM and by 7.30, we were ready to leave. Roxy was noticing our movements. He
was quite sure that Dadu-Dadi are leaving any moment. I took pity and patted Roxy.
When the cab arrived down below, somehow, we gave ‘Chakma’ to poor Roxy and
entered into the lift! At about 10, we reached home safe & sound.
Now
it is likely that our next visit to Noida may be carried out in the last week
of August, 22 August being Vivek’s birthday! All are welcome!
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