Hello Dearest Reader,
We are done with May.The heat gave us no respite but as is human nature, I found a few things endearing about it.The Krisnachura or the Flame tree dotting Arey (open land just behind our society) turned blood red with blooms. It almost seems that the trees converted the raging sun rays into vermilion flowers. Swimming in the pool have become an indulgence for the soul. On a lonely summer afternoon cooing cuckoos evoke nostalgia of long gone summer holidays of our growing up years. Summer also brings our kids back home for their break. The walls which had turned meditative in their absence suddenly starts echoing with laughter and chatter. So summer is not all that bad. There are pockets of joy amidst the blaze.
I started the month in Kolkata, my home town. The state election was the hottest topic that rocked the country.Hotter than this sweltering summer. I went there to fulfil my duty as a citizen and cast my vote. As I contemplated on the frenzy around the event, I realised that I was born when the State was ruled by Red, spent my youth when it turned Green and that I’m nearing my middle age, it has turned Saffron. Significant colour change if we co-relate with life. Whichever colour it turned, it was always ruled by inhabitants of the state. And my only prayer is that whoever sits on that chair, focuses on giving back to the land and its people. It’s time when we should be able say that the Government “Of the people, By the people and For the people”. Last one being the show clincher..
After my return to Mumbai, a half baked idea started playing in mind. I always enjoy company of people. However very rarely my crazy work schedule allows me to indulge in such get togethers. Our society harbours gorgeous women, fabulous in their own rights. Superlative professionals to fitness enthusiasts, musical talents to artists, we have it all. And like our childhood days of evening adda (chat sessions) I opened my doors to usher in whoever could make it, to an evening of shared bonhomie. And by Jove, what a laughter and song filled evening we spent together. From cooking to fitness tips, from meditation to beautiful renditions of Rabindrasangeet (it was the Bard’s birthday that day ), the time spent was a celebration of spontaneous joys of life. It was so heartwarming to hear stories from the bunch of lovely ladies, their insecurities and struggles, how they managed empty nests to how they managed their children, aging parents, healing bodies and the recipes, it was a kaleidoscope of colourful memories. We were from different age groups but a common thread tied us all together.
As a tribe we traversed life and picked up pebbles of lessons. Like a tribe we exchanged them so that each one of us could go back enriched. With jhalmuri (bhel) and singara (samosas), with chai and sherbet and cold coffee, the evening packed in so much of fun, that I’m seriously contemplating doing a monsoon special. May reminded me of meye bela (girlhood day) in a beautiful way. I really feel this camaraderie and warmth is what sustains us women. Each one of us, like Hercules shoulders so much weight, it probably is comforting to lay down the burden and share it with compatriots. Not to judge but to tell each other that you are not alone.
There comes brutal moments when you realise there was never a place for you in someone’s life. You can explain it away, be mature about it, tell yourself it makes sense - but it still guts you to know that they don’t even have a room for your shadow in their minds. And then, you seek out your tribe. Seek out people who let you be. Sit with you to share a cup of tea and some laughter without any questions.I feel blessed to have experienced that warmth.
My dearest reader, I hope the coming month treats you well. If are in the South Asian subcontinent, then may the rains soak you till you feel alive. Find your tribe, find folks with whom you can have “nirbhejal adda” (undiluted conversation). When you’re lost or tired, they will look out for you.
Always yours,
Pocket full of life
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