Back home from our month long holiday in south India, I am hard pressed by the sponsoring authorities to submit my report. They had conspired to make a memorable trip for us. I use the word ‘conspired’ because it was kept a secret from us till the very end out of fear that I would create some hurdle to sabotage their plan. Month of June was extremely oppressive in Gurgaon and getting away from here did not seem a bad idea, except for one hitch, - Budi. From my past experience I could see problems looming large in front of my eyes. When I tried to vent my apprehensions, MD snapped - “what’s your problem mother? I am going to put him on the train and ‘High Command’ will receive you at the station in Bangalore, so stop thinking negative! And remember you are taking just one suitcase, minimum clothes…as Budu will be another luggage which one of you will have to tackle”.
Meticulous planning it was. I could see hidden hands of AD behind this. She rules supreme in our house. Every one even Baba has to bow down before her wishes. MD often enquired from Delhi about our preparations and packing, to which I invariably retorted back - “What is there to pack?”
One day before the journey she came down from Delhi to find that nothing was done that gave any indication that we were going to travel the next day. She hurriedly assembled a few synthetic sarees and blouses for me, two trousers, a lungi and one photua for Baba. That was all. All Budu’s things - his brush, tick powder, pots and pans were taken, even his poo-poos occupied pride of place in the suitcase. Budu observed the whole operation very thoughtfully.
There were some anxious moments just before the journey as the status of our tickets and berths booked through the computer were still unknown. It was quite unnerving seeing MD making frantic calls to her friends to apply their sources so that we could get confirmed berths. We were told that the railway ministry was being contacted and we felt elated – it kept our hopes alive. Confirmation came at last. How could Mamta Banerjee ignore the plight of two senior citizens, that too Bengalees!! We had to thank somebody so we directed all our good wishes to her.
We came to the railway station. Budu was taken to the parcel room and put on the weighing scale. He weighed 15 kgs only but a ticket meant for big animals was slapped on him. There was no use arguing with insensitive, uncooperative railway men, who derive sadistic pleasure out of harassing people. As the train chugged out of the station, we heaved a sigh of relief. MD had discharged her duties marvelously again. She has high volt energy. One has to see her in action when she becomes Durga and Kali rolled in one. It is not that we cannot fend for ourselves, but when she is around, we just watch her. I thank God for the gift of a daughter.
Budu was quite dazed trying to understand what was happening around him. He was little panicky and insecure, not leaving Baba’s side and was trying to cling to him. Though inside the coupe yet he was not sure about his territory. Orderlies were coming and going bringing this and that. A turbaned man came to welcome us, presenting a red rose to each passenger in Maharaja style. He looked at Budu smilingly. Budu till now was in his best manners. When the T.T. came Budu looked really nervous and hid behind me. How did he know that this man had some powers in his hand? When he came to us Baba showed him all the three tickets. Satisfied, he darted a smile at Budu. This allayed his fears. Now Budu had gained his legitimacy. He was no ordinary person, but was a VIP. He also established his territorial rights over the coupe, which caused some embarrassment to us. Then he started taking his own decisions - who to entertain and who to snub. We were alerted when we saw Budu wagging his tail. What was the matter? We saw a khansama entering with a tray and a tong and sizzling hot red pakoras.
“Starters, Sir! veg or non veg?”
I leave you to imagine the rest.
