BLURRED VISION: June 2016

Newsletter No. 6

April 2016.

It has only been a week since I last wrote. Yet I have a lot to share. That was written even as I was in the midst of another episode of fever, congestion etc. So I quickly wrapped up the loose ends and hot footed to Ashiana Utsav Lavasa.

Within couple of days, the symptoms relented and am feeling quite fit and energetic. Of course I completed the course of medication. The doc had reiterated the importance of Physiotherapy i.e. deep breathing exercises to literally vacuum the lungs. I confess I had neglected that and given myself an alibi: I am now fed up.

I am Not.

The clean air of Lavasa, does me good. My lungs are happy.

Of course I came here alone. Our house maid is getting married and we had to find to another. Sukhjit thinks she has got the right one. She would like her to work for a while before closing the house n joining me in Lavasa.

So I am here on single status and am mingling.

I have become familiar with almost a dozen families. They come from all corners of the country and with diverse backgrounds and interests. The Club is a focal point where we run into each other. There is the Gym, Pool, card room, etc.

I have a neighbor giving me lessons in playing Bridge. Another is helping with accu-pressure to heal my lungs.

Yet another (asthmatic) demonstrated how he is doing deep breathing and that has reinforced my resolve.

Baisakhi was a great occasion for meeting people and spending time with them. I requested a neighbor to bring sweets from Pune. I went around sharing them with our neighbours. Then I was at the receiving end of their hospitality: Take something they would say: It was anjeer barfi at one place; nice juicy melon slices in another home; home made chewra and chhas at another and topped it off with a beer n lunch at yet another neighbor’s.

I made a bold attempt to host a drinks party for 9 of our neighbours on my own. I managed to make Gobhi Pakoras and cheese sandwiches and ordered Chicken Sate from Venky’s Exp’s. Had earlier requested a neighbou to buy me from Dorabjee’s in Pune, beer and munchies. On the day of the party, I had requested another neighbor to buy me some desi whiskey. Pune is the place from where all these goodies come. I do believe the guests had a good time and had a good word for my ‘bachelor’ effort.

Hospitality apart, in these interactions, we were able to get to know each other and a bit of their life’s journey that brought them to Lavasa.

And they are a fascinating mix.

I learned my lesson and have been reasonably regular about my deep breathing exercises. Also on most mornings I enjoyed a 2 km long walk along the lake front in the company of another neighbor.

Our sister Jasbir had turned 75 last year. We got the family together and had a great meal together at home.

Back in Lavasa on 2^nd May.

Come the Mothers’ Day, the ladies decked out in party clothes and had a ball of their own. Me, the escort had to chill in the chill air off the Lake while the girls partied.

Sukhjit and I spent ten days as Lavasa and returned on 12^th May ahead of our 55^th anniversary. While in Lavasa, We hosted a few neighbours; and in turn were invited to a couple of homes.

While the physical environment of Lavasa is quite inviting, the warmth and love of the neighbours makes us a great community.

May 14 onwards

This was our 55^th marriage anniversary. I marvel how it seemed only yesterday that we had a great celebration of our 50^th. Thank you Lord for your Mercies and the Love of our Family.

Anu n Vicky hosted us to a fabulous dinner at the Salt Water Café nearby. For once we had four desserts on the table. That was a huge meal. It got followed up with another on May 15: our neighbours in Lavasa, Kochhar family had been asking us out; and this time the timing worked for us. Another heavy meal and even half portion of dessert was …uff… heavy.

More importantly: the event that we have been waiting for happened on May 15: Simran, our elder grandson, graduated from Wharton School UPenn. Much as we would have liked to be present, the long journey was too intimidating.

Fortunately Mickey, Venus and Harkirat were there in full force to applaud Simran’s walk up the ramp. He was the No. 2 to be called up. First up was someone with surname Adam. That is the alphabet roulette.

Mickey sent us a video clip and our hearts beat faster seeing Simran stride up the ramp, collect his Certificate and lead the procession back to their seats. Mickey also sent a whole lot of pictures including Venus and Harkirat. These gave us a proxy sense of participation.

We Love you Simran. Hark is coming up right behind you.

Hurrah for our Side. Three cheers of Mickey, Venus, Simran n Harkirat.

And within a month of the Graduation Ceremony, Simran came visiting us in Mumbai. That gave us another occasion to get the Khandan together to celebrate his achievement.

Picture Gallery Follows:-

Please pardon any errors in captions.
Please do point out any errors.

SOCIAL LIFE IN ASHIANA UTSAV LAVASA