Our Dear Deer Park

OUR DEAR, DEER PARK

I may not know Delhi too well...its quite vast as a matter of fact...and virtually impossible for any one to be familiar with , in its minutest detail. Surprisingly many do...I don't know how?

But,ask me anything about my dear, Deer Park... I can narrate tales after tales about it .Nature always has bountiful to offer and I have always come back enriched,with a story in my head. ..sometimes real and sometimes with my castles in the air. Feel so restless the day I miss my walk!

Now, let me give a brief introduction about it....

Deer Park comprises of three parks adjacent to each other. There is interconnectivity with all the three parks. Deer Park and District Park are in one row.These two parks are connected internally by few flight of steps on either side of a low level boundary dividing it... a nallah bridge ,followed by a narrow lane with a jungle patch on either side.The other end of the lane opens to the District park.

Rose garden , the third park is behind these two parks.A road running in between separates it from the other two parks.All three combined together is popularly known by one pet name, 'The Deer Park.'

Diwali time has just passed. Like every year this year too, made Rangoli for my my friend Illa .Secondly we never miss talking about our walk on Choti Diwali.We talk about it then laugh it off...

Lets go down the memory lane of that walk in the year 2012!

As usual my friend Illa and I were going towards District park for a walk.The only difference was that, that day her husband ,Rishabh Jain drove us in his car.From the roadside District park comes after crossing the Dear Park

It was one of those days when he did not go for his golf.A tall man with long strides always walked way ahead of us, leaving us to walk at our own pace , our ladies talk and our outburst of wisecracks.

With people doing yoga... an open gym, a sylyan park...there was lots to witness.

The green foliage...birds, peacocks, and their morning chatter all were like music to the ears.

We crossed half rectangle side of the park from the right side, and now were nearing the pond.

Yet another spectacle !

The geese gliding majestically and the little ones trailing behind like soft cotton balls , the cacaphony of their quacks were treat to the eyes..Her husband had taken the opposite side of the pond so that we could meet at the end point.Approaching us he suggested,"Why don't we go up to the rose garden today?

"Why not...We are a game to it we both said in unison."

So then taking the narrow passage in between the jungle, crossing the bridge ,climbing few stairs we descended into the Deer Park .Walking a little ahead took a right turn ,continuing few furlongs again, came out of the rear gate. Crossing the road ,entered the pathway of the garden leading to the rose garden which was nearly at the fag end.

For us ladies it was no less than a marathon, but we kept on spiritedly. Meandering road, laced with Eucalyptus trees, in between bushes of bogeinvillas had colourful spray...and a rectangle fullwidth park was in full bloom with various sizes of colour and hues.

We sat there for few minutes to catch our breaths and the eyes to savour the beauty of colourful roses.The fragrance from the garden entring our nostrils, soothened and revived us again.

The return was the same route as we came...like a lasso turn. Crossing the same stairs bridge we entered the narrow path. Rishabh ji had already crossed the passage and taken a right turn.

Suddenly Illa said, "Do you know , Kiren. ..yesterday Mrs Sood had gone to the bank to withdraw some money.When she entered the green park gate, a man came running and snatched her purse.."

Before I could react at the same instant a man dashing out of bushes from behind, ran towards my friend and caught her by the shoulders.She tried to move but he jerked her in a tight grip, grappling with her neck with strong hissing sound. She went stone standing there.

As for myself I thought some friend of hers is playing a prank on her.I looked at her to understand...she had no expressions...total pin drop silence except for the hissing and heavy breathing sound.

Something flashed in my mind.., without turning I took a backward step to get a look at the man.

Gosh that devilish Fierce look...The constant hissing sound..and his struggle to break open the chain.In his focus did not notice my movement.

OMG...my eyes ogled out...a chain snatcher...my voice choked...failed to utter a word.

That very instant...as if hypnotised...something happened.My right arm went around his neck like a snake slithering around...then in a tight noose...and I was hanging in the air...gripping his neck.

Like a gunny bag he lunged me down on the ground..and scampered off into the jungle..

Shock stricken and choked , our voices also betrayed us... could not even raise an alarm.

I quickly got up...shook my friend...who was still standing like a stone.

"Are you okay. ..Illa?...your chain and pendant...Jesus... its gone...and you shirt. ..its torn from the shoulder and neck area."

I looked around and saw that we were all alone in that passage.

Dazed but now she was talking.

"I thought a mad man had struck me"

"And I thought a friend was playing prank on you...It was only when I back stepped I saw such fierceness on his face...that I realized he was a chain snatcher..."

I was blabbering,"I don't know how,but my arm encircled him by the neck..trying to stop him...Ooooh how I wish, I could save your chain..."

By now people were pouring from both sides. Hearing the commotion Rishabh ji had retreated and was consoling her.

One person reacted.."You are lucky madam...if the guy had any weapon ,you would have been dead by now."

Fear did grip me but was feeling bad that my efforts did not bore any result. Wish I could save her chain and the pendant.It was a heavy chain with an equally heavy diamond pendant.

People resumed their walk again consoling us. A lady went ahead from the side we had come..she bent down..picked up something and asked,"Madam...is this yours"

And there it was the chain and the pendant!

Yes yes we both shouted ,"Its her chain...Its mine."

Our voices intermingled.

A wave of happiness swept all around us.In the frenzy we hugged each other.Tears rolled down our happy faces...

"This is the true Dhanteras ..Illaji" and we hugged each other again.

In that struggle of freeing himself ,the chain must have slipped from that buggers hands.

It was the most happiest retreat back home , our hearts dancing with joy. As I sat in the car, felt a stinging pain in my knees..I then realized that I had fell on my knees and bruised thenm...deep red abrasions around both the knees...and they hurt badly.

"Let's go home...I'll do your dressing my dear friend...A hot cup of tea and crisp cheese toasts."

Both husband wife chorused..."We are lucky Kiren. ..and grateful to God...nothing untoward happened...otherwise we would be in the hospital and you howling in pain".

Oh come on, don't scare me...as it is, the tetenus needle is dangling in front of my eyes...oh I'm so sit scared of the injection...I don't know how all that happened...when it comes to valour..I am like a wet mouse...seriously..ask my daughter!"

They both burst laughing.

As for my daughter, when she heard the whole story quipped,"Wow.. my little...'Jhansi ki Rani'...wah wah"

The impact was so great that from that day...Rose garden was banned from our walking list.

Even today the sound of the fleeting step makes us both turn immediately, to see who is coming behind us.

Yet we talk about it every year...that eventful 'Dhanteras'.

Kiren Babal

14.11.2015

The Morning walk

Nanowrimo 3

My mornings always starts with an alarm Tring. ..Tring at 6 am.

Every morning when the alarm goes I curse myself, 'Why dont you change the time lazibones?"

Now,with the onset of winter I don't feel like getting up so early.So when the alarm rings, I quickly shut it off with one hand and with the other cover my head with my light quilt, going back into blissful sleep.

Yesterday's happiness had really soothed my nerves that I slept like a log.

For a change, I woke up with a happy gait on the first alarm itself. The feeling of going back to sleep did not overpower me , rather amused me surprisingly.

I jumped out of my bed, changed into my blue tracks , white T. Shirt and my Nike shoes which I wear with great joy...Ha ha..now this is funny!

Let me share it with you all.My feet are very small.Siddh my grandson, had outgrown his shoes which fitted me beautifully and most comfortably.And he was in splits seeing me wear his shoes. "Oh Nani...your feet are so small.Im in class five, look...my feet are longer than yours. ..Really you have kid size feet."

"Good so I have the benefit of wearing your shoes...isn't it great." I would happily declare.

So that's the kick of it...wearing your grandson' shoes!

There is so much joy and pride into it...at least I feel that way. May be ,someday you shall experience the same joy ,were you to be in the same situation.

As I opened the balcony door , the cold nip swept over me. Taking a stole for the wrap , I ran down the flight of stairs, with a small sling pouch running through the neck dangling sideways, to hold my mobile and car keys. Sitting in the car first tuned on the radio...Ah the morning ragas...I love to hear them in the morning...humming the tunes, drove my car and reached the park. I love this park..A very sylvan kind of a park!

Entering the park, descended few steps and started walking . As I walked through the gravel path the chilly morning air seemed to pierce my very being. My shawl slipped from the head onto the shoulders. Keeping pace with the steps I quickly covered my head tightly tucking the ends in the folds of the shawl.

My walking was now on fast pace.Suddenly from the corner of the eye it seemed something crossed my path and the next instant I stumbled over something. Thinking, that I must have stumbled over a stone, turned to throw it aside. One look at the object was enough to horrify me out of my wits end.

“Jesus!” I let out a long wail, “I stepped over a squirrel”?

Bending low I quickly picked up the poor creature. Taking it near a tap sprinkled some water. Making a cushion of my shawl, I placed the squirrel and gently wrapped it. Holding close to my bosom a fervent silent prayer kept running my lips, “Please God ..save this little creature…Please don’t let it die.”

Forgetting all about the walk, I ran to my car to take the poor little creature for some medical help. The vet did his job, administered some medicine, kept the squirrel in his clinic and asked me to come next day. My world had come to halt. The guilt of nearly killing the poor creature weighed heavy on my heart. Next day the biggest joy I got was when I saw the squirrel alive , nibbling something in the safe environs of the cage..In between it looked up straight into my eyes, as if saying,"Never step on a squirrel again you in nitwit! "

Almost reflexly my hand touched my neck blurting out,"Never again little one...I promise!"

The doctor amused at my plight said,"Don't worry ...It will find you someday in the park!

We laughed aloud and then took leave from the doc.

Sitting in the car I heaved a sigh of relief. My heart felt light again. A happy ending indeed!

Kiren Babal

10.11.2015

Little Mercies of life

Nanowrimo..1.

This is my first entry...hesitantly.

Little mercies of life

Sundays are always taken for as rest days. As usual, I got up late and coming to the balcony sat in my rocking chair to enjoy the fresh air and the chirrups of the birds...eyelids still heavy with the burden of sleep.

'Ah, a cup of coffee is the need of the hour!'

Getting up ,went into the kitchen, made a hot aromatic coffee, then reclining again into the mild rhythmic movement of the chair, took the first sip of the aromatic coffee. I took a long breath, filling my nostrils savoring the flavour with my closed eyes.

Morning cool breeze , hot cup of coffee, stress free Sunday, a moment no less than a paradise for me!The aroma rising soothed my nerves and the day dreamer that I was ,drifted in another realm of dreamy happy thoughts.

Suddenly a man standing near the gate caught my attention. A mediocre height, peppered hair, neatly dressed, looking up was waving his hands, to catch my attention. As my gaze met his, he blurted out,"Ma'am can I come up ...and talk to you for a minute. "

From my second floor balcony did not wish to make a conversation, hence gestured a nod with chagrin.

I had recently got attached an iron door to the front main wooden door of my house, for security purpose. With quick movements ,I opened the wooden door and locked the iron mesh door from inside. Probably he did see me locking the door but I didn't care.

With a stern questioning look I said,'Yes, what is it?"

"Ma'am , have you got your credit cards?"

I snapped him short,"Sorry I am not going to buy your sales gimmicks...trust you people to come on a Sunday and bother like this."

Before I could shut my wooden door, he raised his voice bar,"Ma'am, I'm not here to sell any cards to you. Just on my insistence ...please check your cards...do you have them?"

"Of course I have them...why are you concerned with it?" I countered.

"Ma'am I again request you...Please check."

Seeing my hesitation he smiled,"What are you scared of ...The door is locked from inside...and I can't come inside."

"Okay, give me a minute."

I locked the wooden door and went inside.Didn't expect my Sunday to be spoilt like this.Grumpily I opened my clutch purse.To my horror all the five cards were missing and I wasn't even aware of it..

I rushed back. Opening the wooden door I kind of shrieked, "Oh my God...All my five cards are missing....Who are you and what do you know about my cards...?"

"Ma'am relax...no need to panic...your cards are safe."

He took out five cards from his pocket and showed them to me,

" Are they yours?"

"Yes yes" my neck shook like Noddy .

I quickly opened the iron door and gestured ,"Please come in..."

"First you take the cards."

For a moment stood there muttering, my cards close to my chest, "Thank you so much...imagine I didn't even know my cards went missing."

Sitting in the drawing room he revealed everything."Ma'am my name is S.P Singh and I live in R.k.puram.Yesterday while walking in the Deer Park I found these five cards(three credit cards, licence card and a pancard) lying on the ground.

I tried calling ICICI and SBI banks to block them, but they refused as a policy matter. Your name and address was there on the licence. Night time did not want to disurb anyone, so today came specially to verify and hand over to the rightful person."

It then dawned to me that while walking yesterday, I had given my keys and purse to my maid, walking along with me. She also didn't realize, in her rhythmic walk,when the cards slipped out.The whole scene flashed in front of my eyes.

Realizing the seriousness of it, I got goose bumps.Had it fallen in wrong hands, my accounts would have been swindled by now.The man like a good samaritan saved me from so many implications.

Thank you Mr. Singh from the bottom of my heart...but for you, all my money would have gone."

At such moment the least gratitude I could offer him was a hot aromatic coffee, to which he happily agreed

I must say no matter how corrupt and unsafe Delhi might be, it still strives , thrives and survives on the Good -Smaritans we have in the city . Undoubtedly Mr. Singh was one such Samaritan our Delhi is proud of!

#Kiren Babal

5.11.2015

The Balancing Act

Balancing Act

In a single day, witnessing both happy and sad coincidental incidents totally took me off the chair. Both stirred my soul from within and both are worth mentioning.Now the question is,which one should I narrate first, a good one or a bad one?

"Okay so let me do a toss!"

I took out a coin , resting it on my thumb supported with the forefinger, I tossed. There it flung in the air and with a tinkering sound fell flat on the ground.

"Yay..Heads!" I heard myself calling out.

Gosh so dramatic! Reminded me of Jay and Veeru of Sholay and l laughed at myself. Well then, I start with the first part of my story....

Yesterday, I had to go to Kailash colony. Coming out of the by-lanes of Green Park I hit the colony’s main exit road, eyes continuously strained in search of an auto. Spotting one, I walked in hasty steps. Not finding the driver in his seat, I looked around. Standing a little apart stood a man reading a hindi book, ’Rahim’. Hesitantly I asked him if he was the driver of the auto.

‘Yes,’ came a prompt reply.

“Will you take me to Kailash Colony market?”

He nodded and I sat in the auto. As the auto moved ahead, out of curiosity, I got into conversation with him. I asked him if he was fond of reading.

“Very much madam” he replied.

How much have you studied?

"Matric pass."

It was as if I had touched his pulse point. With great zeal he narrated his story, that he had seen great poverty in his life. As a child, he studied in a village school. Right from his childhood was very much interested in studies. Once, his Principal gave him a project. He, with the help of his class fellows made charts, wrote shlokas, and mounted them on the school walls. He then recited a Sanskrit shloka of that time, and explained the meaning, ‘education alone can make the person stand out in the world’. The principal was so happy that he made him the monitor of the class.

As we were nearing our destination, he recited another shloka in Sanskrit, saying that it was the turning point of his life, and made it a focal point thereafter. He then explained the meaning of the shloka:

“Where there is laziness there is no knowledge.

Where there is knowledge there is no rest.”

He made it a motto, to read any good literature that he laid his hands on. His family was against it but he did not give up. That ways, he kept learning and enhancing knowledge all his life.

I relished every part of his story and wanted it to go on , but the auto came to a halt as the driver announced,"Madam this is Kailash Market."

Walking towards my friends office contemplated what all he said.My mind felt light and spirited.

It is rightly said, “Education maketh a man, not the riches.”

In my eyes, he was truly educated. His being an auto driver, his poverty, did not deter him from the richness of education that he self generated. He was worth every honour.

Now for the second side of the story! After say two hours I came out of the office walked towards the Kailash market and looked for an auto for my return journey. Spotting one, I asked him if could take me to my destination...Green Park.

He refused saying that he could not go. Now this was quite irritating—I mean the auto was there, that too vacant, yet not ready to go...how absurd.

When I insisted as to why he would not take me, he blurted out, “The world is full of cheats. I don’t know whom to believe madam. "

"Why..what happened?" I enquired

"A lady got down from my auto... told me to wait... that she will come in five minutes and give me the money." and rattled on, "For mere fifty rupees, I’ve been waiting for past one hour...Now its past lunch time...I lost almost all the earnings for today."

The man was little short of crying. The pain of being cheated was writ large on his face.

In that instant, a thought flashed. I sat in the auto saying, “Chalo, I will give you the money.”

The back home journey was in complete silence.Every minute reminded me of the earlier ride.

There was a sense of relief on the auto-driver's face when I paid his dues plus fifty rupees. That smile of gratitude and the teary sparkle of his eyes penetrated deep into me. I vividly recall his face even today.

I was amazed at myself, but I could not stop questioning myself.

Why did I pay somebody else’s dues?

Was this a pichle janam ka hisab-kitab?

What joy did the lady get by cheating a poor man?Or

Was this some kind of cheap thrill?

Even if it was a past life balancing act, that night I had the most satisfying and peaceful sound sleep.

Kiren Babal

5.11.2015