Of Things, Here and There..

In the whirlwind of family visits, bustling markets, and late-night chats, my tranquil days suddenly transformed into a whirlwind of activity as my daughter and her family descended from USA upon India. With the imminent arrival of my second daughter from Mumbai and a string of family functions on the horizon, our once quiet existence burst into a symphony of laughter, gossip, and exploration. From the serene winter of the US to the scorching heat and chaotic traffic of India’s summer, the contrast couldn’t be more pronounced. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s a certain charm to navigating the local markets of Chandigarh, sampling delectable dishes at quaint restaurants, and capturing precious moments with family through endless snapshots.

Amidst the cacophony of city life, I still managed to steal moments for my morning walks, relishing the tranquility of the society premises and its surrounding areas. However, life on the ground floor comes with its own soundtrack – the distant murmur of TVs and the occasional echoes of life unfolding above. One particular tune, a melancholic Hindi song, played on repeat for hours from a neighboring apartment, piquing my curiosity. I did hear one song time and again the sound was coming from the second floor of a sad Hindi Song. “ ना ज़ाओ सइयाँ, छुड़ा के बइयाँ, क़सम तुम्हारी मैं रो पड़ूँगी”. I was curious to know as to why this sad song was being played for the last 6 hours. The security guard told me that that particular resident was probably drunk and thus listening to the same song. Was it a somber reflection of a troubled soul or merely a drunken melody? The security guard’s speculation offered little clarity, prompting me to respect the privacy of the unseen troubadour, though the melancholy refrain lingered in the air. Amidst these everyday vignettes, a subplot unfolded as a stray dog found their way into our society, prompting vigilant security guards to chase him away, adding a touch of unpredictability to our otherwise routine days.

In the tapestry of life, these moments, both mundane and extraordinary, weave together to form the fabric of our experiences. And so, as I sit down to pen these reflections, I’m reminded of the beauty found in the ebb and flow of life, encapsulated in the title “Of Things, Here and There” – a testament to the richness of our shared human experience, wherever it may take us.

Guchi.