We were supposed to have started for the temple at 9:30 a.m., but I am slowly learning the meaning of IST a.k.a. Indian Standard time. Vikram Mama was not even up by then and even after he awoke, the going was a bit slower than usual. I was up early, eager and excited to be going out. Finally Mama got the car from the garage and we were ready to embark upon our journey. By then it was already 11:30 a.m.,but Mama covered the distance in quick time to land us at 12:30 at Ambassador hotel for lunch.
Mama used to work at Ambassadors and we were treated very nicely by the staff. Lunch was a buffet spread of Indian cuisine. I showed what a fussy eater I can be. I think for the first time in her life, Mom was embarrased of me. You see, the food I didnt want to eat, I managed to splash all across the sofa and across Dad's shirt. Mom got annoyed, but equally concerned that I was not eating enough. Dad tried feeding me fruits, pieces of cottage cheese, bread etc, but I was a bit obstinate. I ate a bit of Apple Strudel which was fun. Mom theorizes that I am so used to my pastas and bakes, that I cant handle Indian food two days in a row. She promised to make pasta for me in the evening so that I can get back to normal.
I had fun with Vikram Mama the whole day. He took me to see the fishies and the Christmas tree in the hotel. I enjoyed it very much and I dragged Mom out of her seat to see the wonders. Soon we were off to visit the Gods, the first stop being Mahalaxmi. It is a very old temple in a very expensive locale in Mumbai. Dad and Mama went off to search for a parking space whilst Mom, Naani ,Naana & I went to the temple. Naana put a tikka on me and I was looking like a proper Hindu boy. Dad soon came on his own because Mama couldnt find a parking space and was waiting for us in his car. It was of little consequence though because he got a parking ticket anyways. He might as well have left his car and come with us. Anyway, when Dad came to the temple, I had an encore with the god again.
I am slowly learning why kids love going to temples. You see at the temple you usually get "Prasad" which are usually sweets. Mom had bought some fresh sweets as offerings, so it was fun eating those. As soon as we finished, we were off again this time to Siddhivinayak. It was again a bit of inconvinience for Vikram Mama as he could not find the parking space he needed and again dutifully dropped us off while he went elsewhere. Both the temples had high level of security and for the first time, I had a scanner run across my body. It was both amusing and sad at the same time, but such is the state of the world today.
SiddhiVinayak temple was a bit more crowded than usual and Dad managed to use his strength to jostle and bustle along the line so that I can come face to face with god. It was a bit of an hurried affair and not quite the peaceful journey of the past. Dad remembers coming to this temple when all it had was a tin roof . The place has grown so much in significance since then with every VIP paying it a customary visit. Siddhivinayak has become the god of the favored ones now.
After that we headed home. Dad was going to be dropped off at Urvi Fia's place because it is Fia's birthday tomorrow. I fell asleep on Nana's lap and when I woke up, I was surprisingly at Fia's house. She was overjoyed to see me and pleased at this surprise visit. I left soon after to go to Mama's place
...
No comments:
Post a Comment