(Based on my evening walk experiences in a Gurgaon neighbourhood)
I begin my walk at 6 pm.
The sky is dusky and the air, pleasant! I am about to see some people. I meet them every evening. But, we have never spoken. They are anonymous. Silently, I have titled them with special names that seem to rhyme with their disposition.
Aha! Hello Ms. Rhea. You must be in your late thirties, I guess. You look perfect from head to toe - the streaked bouncy hair and smooth cheeks give you a fresh salon look. The branded jogging shorts coupled with your bra sports top accentuate your sleek body. Your waxed legs perfectly justify those expensive sports shoes. You just might give the budding models a run for their money.
Pray, why don’t you ever respond to the main gate security guard who salutes us with such fervour, “Good Ebheening, Madam ji”? You also seem to look through me, choosing to ignore my smiles. I try hard to look beyond your well-kept fringe...don’t seem to reach anywhere! I also wish to see the family, your kids and husband – who are never seen around you... even on weekends.
Bye, Madame Rhea, for now.
Who do I stumble upon next? Well. Here comes this small group of lively male senior citizens. Greetings of the day to you all! Awasthi Uncle, Gupta Uncle, Sehgal Uncle. What do I see? Loud bouts of laughter and a slow contended walk. Hmm! What a relief it is indeed to have completed all duties in life. Are the kids settled well? And, is your sugar and blood pressure under control? Weren’t the tax savings great this year? I know it is quite enjoyable to have a good time reading the daily newspaper, watching the daily soap and eyeing the daily share trading trends. And, of course, bird-watching Madame Rhea among others! Your old yet hungry eyes share some mischievous glances with each other each time she rushes past you.
But wait! Why have you left Awasthi Auntie, Gupta Auntie and Sehgal Auntie behind? Remember those long years when she took such good care of you and the children? Did you ask her a cup of tea this morning?
Take care, till we meet again!
There! Now, I spot Awasthi Auntie, Gupta Auntie and Sehgal Auntie amid many more Aunties. They are doing something sitting quietly in a circle. Shhh! You all are meditating. I hope my presence didn’t disturb you. And what is that young lady in a white sari talking about? Spirituality, I see. She’s teaching how to detach oneself from worldly affairs, increase self-realisation through prayers that calm the mind and soul. You have lived a good and comfortable life. Haven't you? Now, you are looking for a higher self-existence, I guess. Or is it some kind of vacuum that pushes you to seek happiness and peace here. How are the kids? Did they call you this weekend?
The devotional songs sung by you are so soothing. Please carry on.
Good gracious! Another set of Aunties, angry ones this time. Why do you sound so bitter? Aha! I know. The maid missed work today or was it your son’s wife who put too much salt in the curry? Your boys are such perfect men. They deserve perfect wives. But, your daughter-in-law is so full of venom to complain everyday about the mundane life to her husband. After all, you can rightfully get all cooking, washing and cleaning done by her. You have done the same in your heydays. Now, dare she rebel! Listen carefully to Dutta Auntie. She has quite a few tips to share on taming bahus. What? She was crying over the phone today while talking to her parents? That was so wicked of her. Don't worry. She cannot flee and will continue to serve you as long as you want.
But, where is she? I have never seen her come out for fresh air!
Who do I meet next?
Hi Diya! I hope your board exams went off well. You turn slim and shapely with each passing day. Not surprising though. You go for endless ‘walks and talks’. You also miss those high calorie ice-creams that your friends eat at the corner shop. But, why do you blush red and pink as you chat endlessly over your mobile phone? Are you talking with your first boyfriend? Or, is it a crush? You want to tell him all about what happened with you today and how you kept missing him terribly. What innocent talks and giggles! Enjoy these first flushes of teen hormones and romance as long as they last. Sheer Bliss! But, please don’t lose the loving connect with your parents as well.
Be Happy! Bye bye.
Here comes the best part of my walk. Good evening to all you kids at the park.
Muaah! Pucch!!
Your joyful cries and happy shrieks can be heard from far. You make your surroundings so joyful infecting everyone with a carefree spirit and an infectious laughter. There goes the swing, up and down, down and up, with your long queue waiting for turns. A swing is the most disputed park equipment. You all want it, and all the time. And then, there are the noisy hinges of see-saw that screech as you scream. What fun to see you little apes climb up and down the monkey ladder. Wow! The sand castles strewn all over the sand play area look so delightful.
God bless you all, my darlings!
Phew! I feel tired. What is the time now? Almost quarter to seven...time for me to return home.
Kriti must be getting restless, considering that she doesn’t allow me to go out of sight even for a minute. But, she better get used to my evening walks. I love snatching these few moments of relaxation and imagination. After all, how much is an hour out of twenty four? Come on, be reasonable, my dear girl.
As I walk hurriedly towards home, there is a sudden flow of energy and joy surging through my blood.
I am coming home Kriti. We will play the best game, eat the best dinner and read the best bedtime story together!
I really love you so much. I am because you are.
I begin my walk at 6 pm.
The sky is dusky and the air, pleasant! I am about to see some people. I meet them every evening. But, we have never spoken. They are anonymous. Silently, I have titled them with special names that seem to rhyme with their disposition.
Aha! Hello Ms. Rhea. You must be in your late thirties, I guess. You look perfect from head to toe - the streaked bouncy hair and smooth cheeks give you a fresh salon look. The branded jogging shorts coupled with your bra sports top accentuate your sleek body. Your waxed legs perfectly justify those expensive sports shoes. You just might give the budding models a run for their money.
Pray, why don’t you ever respond to the main gate security guard who salutes us with such fervour, “Good Ebheening, Madam ji”? You also seem to look through me, choosing to ignore my smiles. I try hard to look beyond your well-kept fringe...don’t seem to reach anywhere! I also wish to see the family, your kids and husband – who are never seen around you... even on weekends.
Bye, Madame Rhea, for now.
Who do I stumble upon next? Well. Here comes this small group of lively male senior citizens. Greetings of the day to you all! Awasthi Uncle, Gupta Uncle, Sehgal Uncle. What do I see? Loud bouts of laughter and a slow contended walk. Hmm! What a relief it is indeed to have completed all duties in life. Are the kids settled well? And, is your sugar and blood pressure under control? Weren’t the tax savings great this year? I know it is quite enjoyable to have a good time reading the daily newspaper, watching the daily soap and eyeing the daily share trading trends. And, of course, bird-watching Madame Rhea among others! Your old yet hungry eyes share some mischievous glances with each other each time she rushes past you.
But wait! Why have you left Awasthi Auntie, Gupta Auntie and Sehgal Auntie behind? Remember those long years when she took such good care of you and the children? Did you ask her a cup of tea this morning?
Take care, till we meet again!
There! Now, I spot Awasthi Auntie, Gupta Auntie and Sehgal Auntie amid many more Aunties. They are doing something sitting quietly in a circle. Shhh! You all are meditating. I hope my presence didn’t disturb you. And what is that young lady in a white sari talking about? Spirituality, I see. She’s teaching how to detach oneself from worldly affairs, increase self-realisation through prayers that calm the mind and soul. You have lived a good and comfortable life. Haven't you? Now, you are looking for a higher self-existence, I guess. Or is it some kind of vacuum that pushes you to seek happiness and peace here. How are the kids? Did they call you this weekend?
The devotional songs sung by you are so soothing. Please carry on.
Good gracious! Another set of Aunties, angry ones this time. Why do you sound so bitter? Aha! I know. The maid missed work today or was it your son’s wife who put too much salt in the curry? Your boys are such perfect men. They deserve perfect wives. But, your daughter-in-law is so full of venom to complain everyday about the mundane life to her husband. After all, you can rightfully get all cooking, washing and cleaning done by her. You have done the same in your heydays. Now, dare she rebel! Listen carefully to Dutta Auntie. She has quite a few tips to share on taming bahus. What? She was crying over the phone today while talking to her parents? That was so wicked of her. Don't worry. She cannot flee and will continue to serve you as long as you want.
But, where is she? I have never seen her come out for fresh air!
Who do I meet next?
Hi Diya! I hope your board exams went off well. You turn slim and shapely with each passing day. Not surprising though. You go for endless ‘walks and talks’. You also miss those high calorie ice-creams that your friends eat at the corner shop. But, why do you blush red and pink as you chat endlessly over your mobile phone? Are you talking with your first boyfriend? Or, is it a crush? You want to tell him all about what happened with you today and how you kept missing him terribly. What innocent talks and giggles! Enjoy these first flushes of teen hormones and romance as long as they last. Sheer Bliss! But, please don’t lose the loving connect with your parents as well.
Be Happy! Bye bye.
Here comes the best part of my walk. Good evening to all you kids at the park.
Muaah! Pucch!!
Your joyful cries and happy shrieks can be heard from far. You make your surroundings so joyful infecting everyone with a carefree spirit and an infectious laughter. There goes the swing, up and down, down and up, with your long queue waiting for turns. A swing is the most disputed park equipment. You all want it, and all the time. And then, there are the noisy hinges of see-saw that screech as you scream. What fun to see you little apes climb up and down the monkey ladder. Wow! The sand castles strewn all over the sand play area look so delightful.
God bless you all, my darlings!
Phew! I feel tired. What is the time now? Almost quarter to seven...time for me to return home.
Kriti must be getting restless, considering that she doesn’t allow me to go out of sight even for a minute. But, she better get used to my evening walks. I love snatching these few moments of relaxation and imagination. After all, how much is an hour out of twenty four? Come on, be reasonable, my dear girl.
As I walk hurriedly towards home, there is a sudden flow of energy and joy surging through my blood.
I am coming home Kriti. We will play the best game, eat the best dinner and read the best bedtime story together!
I really love you so much. I am because you are.
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