IF THOU MUST BE A JABRA FAN….!!!

As I avidly waited for Shah Rukh Khan’s latest teaser of #Fan…as Fandom had hit me just about. As the teaser and song unfolded the famous Sonnet by Elizabeth Barret Browning sailed in my being…

“If thou must love me, let it be for nought except for love’s sake only!” If every Fan were to read these lines and etch them in their hearts things would be rosy always for them and their object of love…for the Love Story of a Fan always almost is a sacred private affair between their Icon and themselves.

 It’s Akin to any and every Love Story that always walks in almost any one’s life except that in most cases it takes two to tango but here in the world called Fandom it is only one person super active and fertile with imaginations ripe…It is an interesting phenomenon that Shahrukh dares to broach…but in his inimitable style adds his own modern take and content!

My Heart romped as the looney toon cute Gaurav Channa broke into an ecstatic “Jabra Fan Ho Gaya!!” …I know the feeling of that Classic Connection and wanting to Celebrate!!! When he euphorically and naively states…he will give a jhappi to his Icon and give his Trophy to His GOD THE ARYAN KHANNA…

I stood with a lopsided smile and a sigh…hmmm…another one living in the “Delusion of Grandeur” of being the only one. Still my heart crushed and mashed at the flabbergasted, crestfallen realisation on his face when he is amongst the Mob outside his Icon’s Residence. It puts one in stage of Denial and aggression for not being recognised…for up until Now his imagination plinth had only him and the ICON and the other ones who laughed and mocked…they just had to be fended off…they did not share the admiration...in fact infused his loyalty even more in Defending…but Now he has to Leverage against a horde…claiming to be his “Jabra Fan” and another Important Force the ICON…who is idolised so far…when he says…

“You are not my fan!”…ohhhh…The earth could crumble and swallow open …the delicate, fragile veil lifts and splinters go far and wide…in most cases…Fan would get into disillusionment…feel hurt and withdraw from any further activity…if on media may go around spewing venomous comments and abuse…and then be lost in the crowd of ever changing kaleidoscope of myriad options this world is…Rarely goes One to the path of Vindicating…or Revenge…Rarely…and the movie focuses on the very Rare one…

How it unfolds is yet to be seen…how the Fan from a small town acquires almost Super human power to jump from rooftops…or become a threat enough to the Icon for him to merit a Press Conference…and warn about the impending Disasters…question is why would a Fan who will see no wrong in their Icon as to turn against and declare… “Gaurav he toh tum ho…varna nahin…”

I have been a Fan too…but I went forward to do something that will contribute to his (the star’s) well-being…why would I cross that line as to push the Icon to the line where the feeling is…YOU ARE NOT MY FAN…!!!

It is entirely our own responsibility to Adore and admire someone…why shift the mantle of acknowledging it and feel indebted??? Tricky Debate…Without a Fan …star is nothing…and in front of so many...now a FAN IS NOTHING…Most accept that…what happens when one does not…hopefully the film shall bring answers and entertainment for all its Fans…

Years back a movie by Hrishida also dealt with Jaya Bhaduri’s fandom for Dharmendra that overrode her sense of reality and benevolent icon had to step in to sort of wean her out…Things were simpler then for the Icons… They existed in newspapers and screens and a distant dreamland called Mumbai.

Reaching them was unheard of or not ever considered…all one could strive for was to write in a
letter…very rarely was one clicked with their Icons…they just had to make do with autographs…Today in the world of connectivity its Selfie time and every single one wants a Selfie with their Star… it is much more complicated…complex…layered with debate that can storm the nation for a while…

I grew up on stories with girls marrying with the photograph of Rajesh Khanna or Amitabh Bachchan…people writing letters to their icons with blood to convince them of their love…desperate measures I would say…

One wonders why would one individual resort to hurting self to please someone. What makes them think that this should put the Icon in debt to return their feelings??? And how would that Icon handle several blood soaked missives landing up at his doors???

This tangled tangy relationship ought to be analysed a little I would say…To be a Fan is a soft and dreamy feel…let us see the various stages that it might envelop you…

CONNECTION STAGE:

 A person sees their Icon…be it a cricketer…film star... singer…Dancer…and instantly feels connected. He or she likes what he sees and wants to repeatedly connect again for the heady feeling it gives. It grows steadily as maybe an aphrodisiac “feel good” high. Each time the icon appears before them, in front of them…most often their TV sets or Film screens it lights up their hearts…puts a twinkle in their hearts…buoys their spirits and soothes their nerves. It’s a cocoon that wraps around and creates an entirely different realm where none exist except them and their Icon.

WOOING STAGE:

This is the stage where viewing on Television increases. Now there is YouTube and other Avenues where repeat viewing is abundantly available. Make no mistake when we say wooing…it’s all one sided and ever expanding into every Zone of the individual. A fan now openly proclaims their affection for all and sundry. Pictures are collected from whichever corners possible.

Newspapers…magazines…in our times we had postcards of 50 paise each…we traded and bartered home works and lies over this…Today Fans have Twitter…Facebook…Instagram to follow and vie for latest pictures and day to day life events actually doled out to them in minutest precision. No place is safe for the Icons these days…and it is the Fan’s delight to get their pictures in every hue possible for increasing their ever expanding collection which they can flaunt to claim their “JABRA FANDOM”

EUPHORIC HAPPINESS:

A breezy happiness pervades the Fan for it has brought in a flavour of Love with it. Each one sings “Main Jabra FAN Ho Gaya!” and goes about life imitating as much as they can in!

Clothes…habits…actions from their popular phases…A perpetual smile plays on their faces and countenances all the time. They TALK mentally to them, share their frustrations…ups and downs...long drawn conversations in front of their Object of love. Any hurt seems to be absorbed by the ever smiling face of the collected pictures or huge posters around them if they are allowed in their houses.

The Fan kind of Co exists with them every moment as if it were right there with them. It is a world constructed which has room only for them and the smiling stylish…smart and everything wonderful object of love…it is there with them when they get up to when they sleep…Their conversations often veer to their Fandom and often they are teased for them…

So far so good…if we were to stay in the zone where it’s all about “YOU and ME” but Human NATURE loves to create its own expedition beyond horizons…in Arenas best left untouched…in spaces left unviolated…for where the Fandom loses its cosy corner and enters the Human Jungle of “Law of the fittest surviving!” …Caution is largely written on each milestone…lucky is the one who heeds it…vulnerable are the ones who will lose it…sometimes their sense of self…and court depression or obsession…that is our next stage…

POSSESSION AND NEED FOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Each FAN feels he or she is the biggest Fan alive of their Icon and no other can rival it. In today’s time there are ways, so they look for it…try to reach to their star and declare “I am your Jabra Fan” and want to be declared “Jabra Fan” by all. Sadly and contrary to their belief they are just a vast sea of humans claiming the same with their wares out in the open…

Some write poems…some make paintings…some make picture edits and collages…some make merchandise of their stars…some even down South in our country have temples dedicated with daily prayers offered…

Now in these Modern times and easy connectivity, temples of Stars are replaced by a new phenomenon called “FANCLUBS” made and maintained to offer the daily dose of Hero worship. The rituals used are Tweets…Facebook updates…Instagram edits and collages on important days of worship like movie release…award functions…show appearances...there are special “Trends” offered and created. Longer the trend more popular is the Star, more popular the “FANDOM”!

The fan clubs pride themselves in their power to show support to their chosen Icon and God forbid those who dare to speak even a word against the coveted God…public bashing and outright verbal abuse will rule the Media handle for a long long time…for at times the Fan Clubs come to identify the Star they subscribe to...it is a status of being a Semi God given to them…and if the Icon is available than there is a war footing preparations to get a like...reply or comment from them…

The reverence has reached worship levels…where whether or not it is solicited or accepted, it becomes the need to offer…offer tokens of love…offer words of praise…which often will go unheard…not because they have no ears but in the cacophony of Jabra fans it is a huge Din…and it is a dissolved whoofff which dies its own death…the myth that one is a Jabra Fan hits one harder and stares in their faces with biting and anguished heart break…and they refuse or  get on the denial stage where they have to get in person meet with their Icon and somehow change the reality…Zones best left untouched…for the FAN ought to know something…

This person you idolised is a Human…with flaws…imperfections…with pressures that cannot be shared…schedules that have to be met…tasks that have to be carried out…spaces that he or she cannot give you…so it broke my heart to see Gaurav…break down with “Esa mat bolo…kya mujhe aapke paanch minute bhi nahi mil sukte??”

Yet there was a poignant pause in my reasoning to say wait a minute…is he at fault here somehow?

Fans do so much for their stars!!!

True; without Fans a star’s popularity cannot be complete. They need them to come in the theatres or cricket grounds to invest in them…but,

Have they not worked the entire probably year off practicing for that film…practising for that Match…for that song…dance…that is what made you the fan now did it not??? You spend money to watch them…they spend efforts to create a happy package for you…why do they owe you more than that???

Fans love them so much they want to know everything about them…

When we create an account on the media we tend to keep our profile only for friends…when we celebrate festivals we invite only our near and dear ones…do we call the entire colony or the complex??? But when we gather around their house in a crowd are we not invading their privacy??? 

Do we want to not have a breath taking view of our balcony??? But do we not deprive the stars from doing just the very thing??? Do we have a right to create House arrest kind of situation for them???

You do not ever wish to divulge private details of your wife…son…daughter…husband…then why do we hound them for their numbers and pictures inside their house or in their private moments…want to know why they are divorcing the spouse or dating someone??? Would we give out those details or discuss those matters…with strangers…?

No one loves you more than me…I am your Jabra Fan…I do so much for you…

“Neither love me for thine own dear pity’s wiping my cheeks dry!” appeal to pity and tears is the worst manipulative device to hold a person captive and resentful. The person out of guilt shall not be able to hurt you openly and yet will hate you secretly for that power you exercise…

Give me your five minutes only….

When a child goes out to play we remind them…Do not ever take anything from a stranger…do not speak to people you do not know!!!
Yet we expect this individual to simply accept a person proclaiming to be a Fan and take whatever he offers you in adulation with complete trust and reverence…Did he ask for it??? Did she need it???

Was he or she there when you did it??? Whatever you did out of being the Jabra Fan is the need you had within yourself towards pleasing someone you knew nothing about personally…sometimes your friends too do not realise what you want and end up with gifts you do not like…but simply because this Icon is in the Public Arena…as a Celebrity…it is blindly expected they take whatever you offer…and even make provisions to declare that they are suitably pleased…

So if Aryan Khanna and Gaurav Chandna were to talk this, is how it could go:

Gaurav:  Main aapka Jabra fan hun

Aryan: Dhanyavaad aapne meri kala ko saraaha…usko samjha. Aage bhi aap mujhse ese hi pyaar karte rahe ummeed karta hun…

Gaurav: Maine aapke liye kuch kiya he jo duniyaa main koi nahi kar sukta!

Aryan: Aap mere liye itna kar rahe he, thank you firse!

Gaurav: Lekin aapko meri parvaah nahi…aapne mera phone nahi uthatya jab mene aapko film ki badhai deni chahi…subah ke saat baje sabse pehle uthke mene phone kiya tha!

Aryan: Meri shooting raat ko do chaar baje tak chal rahi thi bhaiii…

Gaurav: Kya mujhe aapke paanch minute bhi nahi mil sukte???

Aryan: Dost mere paanch minute mujhe khud nahi milte aapse kya bahas karu??? Main bhi chahta hun kabhi paanch minute aankhen mund kar kuch naa karu…pur ye paanch minute hi mere hisse nahi…aapko kaha se laake du???

Gaurav: Ye itne logo se toh aap milte ho roz mujhse kyun nahi???

Aryan: Inhe main jaanta hun…vo mujhe...mere paanch minute par unka huqq he jo mere he…aap mere liye ajnabi…kyun du main vo paanch second bhi???

Gaurav: Hum fans nahi toh aap kuch bhi nahi…kaun chillayega aapke liye..kaun twitter pe trend karega aapke liye…Hum hain toh tum ho…

Aryan: Dost uske liye main din raat ek karke apni adakaari pesh karta hun…jo muskaan ya aansu aap dekhte ho…jo sur aapko choo jaate hai…unke liye hum ghunto mehnat karte hain…sirf aapke liye…hum rote hain apke liye…hum hunste he aapke liye…aap jiisse pyar karte hain vo sunahre pardon par he…main nahi…is paar ki ye zindagi meri hain, aapki nahi…

YOU KNOW THE ONE WHO HAS WALKED THE PATH TO POSSESSION WILL SAY STILL…

Esa mut bolo…

…for each one of us decides what lines shall we cross…what lines shall we maintain…true Fans make a human God…but he does not become God…he is still a mere Human…

Fans would continue their inner Fairy land…the zone will remain glossy, pretty and untangled…

Love them…adore them…talk to them…compliment them, in your inner world and if you are connected on media handles…through your creativity…without the sense of competition or without the Grade card expectations from the Star himself or Herself…you will live happily Ever after…else you will turn the very icon who was your Raison d’etre…bitter and embarrassed…

Choice always was and is Ours…

“But love me for love’s sake, that evermore,

                                                     Thou may’st love on, through love’s eternity!”   

          

                                                                                          -By Sonnal Pardiwala

© Sonnal Pardiwala. All Rights Reserved.

*The writer claims no rights over the images used in this post.

Being Arjun…

Way back in childhood, we were told this story. Guru Drona was teaching Pandava-Kaurava children archery. One day he asked his students to aim at the bird’s eye. Before they did he questioned what did they see? Each student failed the test as they saw the trees…branches…bird’s face…only Arjun was allowed to Aim when he said “I see only the Bird’s eye!”

Formula for success…Focus clearly on what you want. Go after it with single- minded- laser- point- pin- headed penetrating-precision…

Hail then our modern gen Arjun…He has been gently kinda growing on me!!! He is the sharpest aspirant in Bollywood and steadily getting towards his goal…the ultimate bird’s eye…the Numero Uno position…

He is steadfast…he is everywhere…he is witty…articulate…and he knows society is changing and so he needs to market himself exactly to suit today’s sensibility…

The audience no longer wants to see a Hero who is willing to waste himself behind a Paro…in a bottle of alcohol…Today the male is super practical...there always is another Paro with whom he need not perish instead go paragliding some place cool…

Today‘s hero is no longer the revenge driven unemployed system hurt embittered glorified poor…today the Male concerns are far different…he has had a cool educational background…an understanding wise doting or maybe a little orthodox parent but does not get in the way in any which way…Paying bills is not his concern now….paying court to his lady love in the most sophisticated way is…

Today the audience no longer loves to see an upright righteous police officer fighting a system for justice…In today’s male they simply brush shoulders with law if they have broken a traffic signal or have no PUC…beyond that their world is pretty much laid out in neat patterns…what is muddled is the relationship equation…guess somebody told that to our Arjun today…

Cinema is fast moving to real life circumstances with the day to day challenges making interesting topic and fodder for cinema.

Today the lady is not unrealistic in wishing her Man to be a Greek chiselled God …they look cool in Sculptures …and stories of yonder age. Today she is more interested in knowing how he will deal with her when she has an off day…how will he wipe tears…he does not have to slay villains or uncouth dragons…he has to allay her fears and insecurities…who will understand her need for independence and cover her need for interdependence.

Hail our Modern Arjun then…look at him in Ki and Ka ka trailer…and he puts forth a perfect recipe of a Friend and a companion that a Lady needs today…

No wonder the Trailer has shaken few long held stereo types…of what a man does and what a female does…essentially we are individuals who have our challenges that goes beyond the physical attributes and organs…and requires an open thought and flexible approach to living today…so what do we like about Arjun…

HIS WRY SENSE OF HUMOUR

He is willing to self- deprecate. He has no upright or uptight image to hold on to like stars of the past…he is what his film demands and he will gladly crack a joke or two on himself. “Mujhe bawarchi bana diya.” quips our Uber cool male in a press conference. He makes no bones on screen or off screen about this avatar. He can laugh and be laughed at.

He himself is cracking and admitting to his weaknesses laced in wry sense of humour…like he confesses in Khatron ke Khiladi’s first episode…I am also nervous…clear and transparent...communicating with a joke or two. There is always a drawl in his voice and mischief lurking in his eyes…even if there is anger or annoyance it is cleverly masked with tons of icing of intelligent snipes and barbs...it is visible on his sharp Twitter remarks too!

HIS DEDICATED ADAPTIVE MODE

Whatever his role demands…he will get in the skin of it. We used to generally hear from Naseer Sir or OMPURI actually going and staying in an area where they could feel the character…So does Arjun learn to cut vegetables with a mastery of a connoisseur  and learn the mannerisms to get into the authenticity of it all? Make no mistake Sir…Today’s Arjuna is clued into his work and will go nonchalantly after it.

The trailer shows Aficionado types playing with pots and pans and broomsticks…as if he does it every day…we are so focused on the bird’s eye…now are we not???

HE HAS A MIND AND INTELLIGENT WORLD VIEW

He can essay the role of a house husband with efficiency because he is again a well-bred and well-read person. He has understood this character and so he brings forth the burning questions with ease…I do not wish to do a sex change…he declares…simply because I like cooking and cleaning. “I LIKE Women and whiskey…just am not ambitious…corporate wise…!!!

It was and is a challenging concept in a country like India which changes in emotional matters at a snail’s pace. He has understood his character enough to answer at a press conference a profound query “Do you think Women empowerment exists only on Internet hashtags and articles and cinema?” He promptly and sombrely offers…change is happening…the number of female journalist is increasing…women are choosing to live a life of their choice…slowly and surely…he exhorts the society to shed the myopic view and look beyond...very very sensitive and very very intelligent…He has understood his role alright and the ins and outs of it all…

HE IS KISSABLE…

So much ado about the amount of kisses shared…but It is so comfortable when he does it…you do not want to look away…or feel anything untoward…he smooches with an understanding of I know who I am and who you are…its most of the time camaraderie being expressed…its natural…and he carries it so neatly…

I so wish these kinda films came when I was young…it would redefine kiss as a token of affection and not always a prelude to passion. It’s Arjun who makes it sound so non-threatening and cute!!! Forgive me but I love the casual smooch...cooch and welcome or bye bye…the Kiss actually smiles…you do not believe me…?

Okkk see the trailer again…try it in your practical life…you may find out you have either over done it…or underdone it…Arjun does it just right!!! So sweetly all embracing natural thing to do…God I cannot ask him to marry me…so I will simply ask my Hubby dear to well….observe…

HE FLIRTS…

It is his oxygen. He cannot survive without it. He flirts around everywhere. He may not leave the bhaajiwali at the turn of the street he may meet. He flirts with Paro…Sana..on the sets of Khatron Ke Khiladi and all know he is not to be taken seriously.

But that kind of light sense of humour and everything is fun and light makes all kind of work so interesting…Fun it would be to work with someone who will keep you flattered and make you feel good. That is then the reason of sparkle on KAREENA’S face. She has the glow of “Jab We Met” on her face which was missing for a long while in many films…IS Arjun’s easy go flirt always attitude?? Of course SAIF Ali khan cannot be left out…he has made her a happy woman…and we will be a happy audience.

HE IS SO...UMMM…UNKEMPT…

Now you will ask me…why should you like unkempt??? The image of a suit and boot well combed man is so ewww...so worn out…and when men are at home…well that is one thing they would like to forget…combing hair…shaving….dressing to perfection.

Our Arjun represents this casual man…and still manages to look decently adorable because you are busy observing the criss cross wrinkles of humour rippling all around…so whether Khatron Ke Khiladi or Ki and Ka …he has the stubble and hair care ignored look…and lovable…

NOT A DIDACTIC PREACHER…

For all the new concepts that he is doling out, he is pretty cool about his persona. Besides the gentle appeal of be equal, he does not sermonise. He leaves it to the audience with a simple “It is a choice two individuals have made…why should anyone raise issues to what each one does in their the relationship equation?” No outward rebellion but a simple acceptance of what he or she is…that is how a society is supposed to be…let all be.

 The multi changing fast paced world is no longer about reforming the world with heavy messages or vitriolic remarks on the system or stagnant ways…only A CHOICE…MADE…

A MISANDRIST would find it so utterly hard to hate him…no one can accuse him of hinting at a bend to MISOGYNY either!!!

FIRST HE WEARS A MANGALSUTRA

 NOW HIGH HEELSSSSS…OH MY!

Goddddd…OMGGGGG…BREAK THAT STEREOTYPE TOO…and I am sure he will break few hearts and the splinters will fly Far…Each change reflects in the Cinema and who better than Arjun…A new individual surfaces …if you do not like him in heels ...well you grew up thinking a certain gender adorns it…he does not think so…Different is the new “in” and fitting in is the new “ out” .

You accept it…scoff at it…reject it…troll it…love it…he has done it…without a hint of earlier remarks at a certain gender preferring the other adornments hitherto a domain of another as…well…less than adorable…less than reputed…less worthy of attention. He stands fully as an individual…whole and healthy and happy…whether he has a broom…a knife…a mangalsutra...a red heel…asking for money to run the house…touching the feet of mom in law…to giving a whack to goons if needed…Dharmendra ishtyyyyllleeee….

So are these reasons enough to peg Arjuna competent to be allowed to play the Game of Archery??? Fans Applause being his Bird’s eye…I think Yessssssss!!

                                                                                                           By Sonnal Pardiwala

The writer claims no rights over the images used in this post.

Neerja- A Nation’s Pride but A Mother’s Agony…

I went to the Cinema Hall, with shrugging and grudging resignation of a wife who has an avid movie buff for a husband and son. Ever since my 15-year-old did his backup research for his Review of Preview section on YouTube he was keen to watch it…first day first show so that reviews pouring around do not kill his enthusiasm.

So Friday being the bank Holiday, we booked tickets and here we were…I SOMEHOW half ready to sail through.  I expected filmy back-up stories of how each plane commuter had a life and was squashed mercilessly…over the top violence and a female courageously fending them off…with clever dumbness…

What unfolded was a teary eyed afternoon for me…and two women ruled the screen and my heart’s strings.

Neerja essayed by Sonam Kapoor won my heart with her simplicity. 

There was no screaming or depending on another to get your protection across. A simpleton who had her share of upheavals in her personal life and setbacks yet an efficiently trained individual who rose to the occasion’s demands and left a mark. One correct step…one bold manoeuvre …one resolve …went on to save many lives. Sonam effortlessly slips into having us believe she is the tender and timid Neerja …trying to appease her husband who is having an angst of being let down…yet she rises beyond this setback and walks out of the marriage…

No teary-eyed confessions or heavy Dialogues…simple reading of few letters and well chosen words to express an abusive marriage. She retains the lessons she learned in those moments and has moved forward…painful and fearful past moments…draws courage from those moments…an important lesson for all of us.

Each moment teaches us a valuable code to life, you may use it to create or destroy…

Neerja loves Our legendary “KAKA” and philosophically uses his words to summarise her life fundamentals….she leaves his famous and immortal words for her Mom…Pushpa I hate tears…a selfless message knowing what a loss it would be for her mom…and a selfless individual would leave that sensitive message telling her Mom…I know you will grieve but I did what I had to do…

Maybe that was her life purpose…a short little life specially engineered to save lives …set an example for generations to  come and then be gone in this eternal universe…craving no laurels…no awards…no recognition…

The Onus now was on Sonam Kapoor  to make the soul and spirit of Neerja alive for us…to leave an indelible mark on Indian psyche...to make the audience feel the agony of those few hours that they battled death and faced their fears and waged a war both inside and outside. The choices were many…to flee…to look for one’s safety first..to freeze…

She thought quick on her heels and sent “Hijack” code to the Pilots which enabled them to escape and avoided the plane to be taken away at the mercy of mercenary terrorists. 

She could have been shot there and then!!! She did freeze there for a while…and Sonam does give us a peek into the terror she must have felt. The vacillating of the spirit…of self-defense to beckoning of the duty…it all reflects on her vulnerable face and big eyes…and I marvel at the swift decision that plays on her terrified dignity. 

She composes herself and gets down to steps that bring a semblance of coherence in the insanely murderous cloud of violence surrounding them…

She takes those life-saving decisions of hiding the American passports…opening the exit door…and waiting till the last moment to evacuate the last passenger…and offering her back to save three  kids from being shot…

Her vulnerable frame confesses to the kid…durr lag raha he…mujhe bhi…child says...I want to go to my Mom…she echoes tearily…mujhe bhi…how each one wished that nightmare would get over…

Even though I knew the outcome, I was still hoping…she survives...and I cried…when her Coffin arrived…

For I am a Mom…and the One stalwart who wordlessly made my Lenses swim and my eyes flood…is Shabana Azmi. She begins with a doting mother all have. She like all worrying mothers confesses…Aapka Plane jab take off hota he humara BP badh jaata he…and plane ke saath hi utar aata he…She reckons that why risk a life when modelling offers a cool remuneration? She quips “ Take a Sick leave” It would be a lifelong regret..why did she not insist a little more???

The wordless classic expression of devastation she depicts on her worst expectations affirmed of Neerja in the Hijack plane…had my eyes brimming. She touches that chord of a Mom…who sends her kids out in the world yet sighs with relief only when they return back with a grin. I am a Mom and I face this too whenever my kids step out of the house …for all the non-chalant Smiles I send their way…each minute they spend away my heart gently beats with a tremor …an unexplained fear…

Of course, we are the Modern Ones…we cannot express such emotions lest we be pegged as clinging, orthodox Moms….but it is true…as the minutes tick by...I look over the shoulder to check how much more time that they will be out…can I call and affirm that they are safe and on the way??? So to feel the lurch in the Mother’s heart when she comes to know her child is unsafe…

Shabana immortalises that moment with her disoriented look. 

She breaks into a delirious self-denial at having to face her own child’s unsafe status…a condition that heralds death and no return…she prays…she assures her son…actually herself, that nothing untoward is going to happen...her voice quavering…fluttering…dismantling …I stopped trying to control my tears…for a moment I was her…it is her power…and I accepted the anguish she was spilling in my heart. I found fresh tears surfacing with every restless move she made…she filled her moments with buying her favourite dress to requesting Gods…

What shall stay forever is her Honest Down to earth MOMLOGUE at her Bravery Award. Does the Mother feel proud as all expect her to be…? Maybe she does…but she expresses that puzzle she feels…at her daughter’s remarkable feat…she never trained her for that…infact she confesses to always advising her to look for self safety and self-concern first!!!

She expresses her incredulity at having spend a year without her…had she known that she would lose her she would have truly given her a huge hug...a longer hug…a sweeter kiss..or better still she would never let her go…

A simple Mother…Awards do not matter as they cannot Replace…take the place of a warm loving daughter…a girl she raised and cherished…she brokenly accepts that all the laurels…all the adulation is no condolence for a Mom’s Empty heart…they cannot fill the void that is now a  permanent space…only memories and few regrets…a mom lost a part of herself…she  bequeaths a lonely part while  life goes on and changes…only a Mom can know…and only Shabanaji could have done Justice to this simple and yet powerful rendition of the final Message she got from her girl “ Pushpa…I hate tears”

But Dear cast and crew of Neerja, especially Shabana Azmi and Sonam Kapoor, I had only Tears when I left the Cinema Hall at having closely known a brave Girl and her simple Mother who misses her, so…Salute!

                                                                           By Sonnal Pardiwala

I am no Techno person…I view a film emotionally …camera..screenplay..i do not understand..if a film makes me laugh…smile…cry with joy…or anguish…I say so…Meet you again…till another one tugs at my heart and makes me write about it.


*The writer claims no rights over the images used in the post.*

Reality or Imagination???

                     A Story that had to be told…

“My Grandma passed away peacefully…

Thank you Madam for being so kind. You will never know how grateful I am to you…” The message that flashed on her mobile was long and with each word goose-bumps rose on her hands, skin and her eyes brimmed with tears…one even trickled down and she blinked only when her lenses began to swim. She closed her eyes for a moment and sniffed. She looked around and found her husband immersed in watching the movie on the television. Her sons were playing on the Tab, a very engaging game and so not likely to look up to observe Mother dear and her near wet eyes. 

     They just assumed that “Mommy dear” was busy with her internet friends after a long time. She composed herself and read the message again. A long, painful and yet, a somehow happily content message. She began scrolling the other messages…spawning over three months…sometimes in a row…sometimes with a gap of a week or half!!! She had done what she had done without much thought to it but today when she read it again...it all sunk in as to what could have transpired….in that small hamlet …so far back in Gujarat or Rajasthan or border of Both the States!!!

       Being an Author of a Book had opened a different world for her and had send her way characters of different sorts. 

Her Book was on a Tele Star and his Fans were…just Fans…some in awe of her…for no one in the industry had ever come up with this sort. Some Jealous of her because she had actually been fortunate to meet the Telestar…some very Nasty…and downright cursed her, gossiped and openly abused her. 

         She had taken it all in her stride and Moved on with dignity embracing those who did adore the Book and love…but what she had been reading and what she read today broke all barriers of Fandom…at least from the ones who came across her way so far…She pieced the messages together and began with the first message few months back.

…

“Mrs. Pardiwala, I had purchased your book but the order is sent back…I need the book desperately …please can you help me??”

She had read that message and replied, “How can I help you?” However, she had received no reply. The message seemed to be authentic enough because the next day she did get the message from the online portal with which they had tied up. She had been a little furious with the online portal and had asked her husband to promptly look into the matter. The reason uncovered was that the village was so remote that it was not listed with them. Her husband had curtly reprimanded the person on the helpline who answered their query but shrugged away the whole thing. Sometimes it happens…

...

“Sony, I may not live longer you know?” granny had smiled at her young granddaughter in whose lap she was lying and her head being pressed gently.

“Shhh…Dadisaaaa…I never want you to go...” Sony trembled and stopped pressing and kissed her.

“I am old and definitely above 85 you know..?? Daadisa gave a toothless grin. “ I came to live in Parbhani with your grandfather and my half dozen Paltan…I know we never thought of family planning those days…First ten years of my marriage I remember being pregnant only...”

“Daadi…you have told me this history thousands of time and that you loved your Daadu so much that you now think he is calling you…and so you need to go…too many films you have grown up on…my filmy Daadisa…I will tell Daadusa..wait a little more…I need her more…”

“He was a very patient man. He would have loved you and pampered you so much if he was alive. He could not fulfil all my wishes but whenever he could, he did…especially he showed me all Dilip Kumar films…what days those were…whenever we dressed up, it felt like a festival…we did not have TV ..” she coughed heavily.

“Daadisa!!! Do not talk so much ...here, have the water…and be quiet…I know everything you will tell…you liked Dilip Kumar…Manoj Kumar…and you are proud of your Rajput Legacy…that your ancestors worked at the Chittorgarh fort for the Royal Family…your great grandmother served the queens…ohhh Daadima my entire childhood has gone …I can recite it like a parrot..”

Sighing deeply, Daadisa still continued, “Yes and the world of films and now serials on TV give me Solace…everything that I could not get in real life, I got in the world of films. Your daadu knew and so he never denied me at least that but after his death…”

“Hmm…my Daadisa found her daadu in Partaap…what you say…Mharo…partaap…yes Daadisaaaa…I wonder what would Daadu say if she knew you stare and stare and stare at Partaappp…” a shy smile spread on her wrinkled face and her eyes lit up with so much love. Only the Mention of Partap these days Granny’s sad musings would evaporate replacing a resplendent glow that made her realise her grandma would have been a beauty in her young Days.

Ever since she had seen the Tele Character of young Partap in the teleserial her eyes had been Aglow with A rare kind of dreamy look. True the actor who was playing the role of young Maharana partap was well…really good. Grandma had taken to the Tele show and would refuse to sleep early just so she could catch the show. Those days when there was no electricity..she was morose…and the day the character ended in the tele show for a leap…Days on end she had not eaten properly. The family thought it was her flailing health but only her grand daughter knew what the real matter was…

She had found a glimpse of her husband in Him and for those few minutes she drank in the image of him and did not miss him… Sad the show had taken a leap and Grandma wrinkled her nose at the new replacement…

"Mharo Partap…yes…why did the show guys have to change him…otherwise in other shows the pregnancy lasts for one and a half year and marriages go on for months…"

Her eyes drooped and she fell into a silent drowsy sleep. Sony knew it was the result of the medicine she had given few minutes ago and now she will not rouse for another two hours…

Sony smiled and smoothed the Blanket on her grandma and left the room.

She had to copy her notes from her friend Vinita who had just returned from her city visit. Truth was she wanted to meet her as she was the only friend from childhood apart from her Grandma. Their family was close to each other and spend their joys and sadness together. Now children shared internet together and all her computer knowhow came from her. She liked to learn more and more...

She found her friend Vinita sprawled on her chaarpoi with her Mobile which she called a smart phone and some of the things it could do filled her with wonder.

“What new thing have you found out now to dazzle me?” she plonked besides her.

Vinita looked little dazed and involved and little removed from her. She got that look often when she was on the cell. She would explain she was chatting with someone. Sony closed her eyes and waited for her friend to return back from her net world.

“How is daadisa now??”

“She wants to die…and she is waiting to take my leave…!!”

“Oh Our filmy Daadisaa…and is she still missing her partap??”

Sony just sighed. It was a mistake to share with Vinita but she had sworn she will not tell anyone and kept the promise so far.

“Hey I actually wanted to tell you something…somebody has written a book on your Daadisa’s Partap…it is a Hit…people are buying it and putting up pictures with it…take a look”

“A whatttttt…..what are you saying??? City people do anything haa…!!!” She took the cell from her friend's hand and saw a young girl holding the book. “She is so young to write a book…she is not even in  her twenties...! “ She said somewhat incredulously….

“Stupid…she has bought the book not written it…you are so slowww…read the text…she is claiming she has purchased it and thanking the author for writing it!”

“Ohhh!! Okkkk!!! “ she read closely and the person was indeed thrilled and described the book highly…one page was visible in the pictures and the handsome Partap smiled back….

“Who is the Author??? What is in the book? Some Silly person out to earn money and publicity no doubt…” she scoffed.

“Whatever, but readers are quite taken to it by the updates and reviews I have seen so far…your Daadisa’s love kinda made me dig in a little more…The author is some Mrs. Pardiwala and is 41…its quite a story why and how she wrote the book!

“Why would anyone write a Book now?

“ It's about his character in that show you and your Daadi used to watch and there are lots of pictures she has put from the show. Lots and lots of it…I found some video links but could not open them in the slow net…”

“Someone had the time!!! Really people do anything these days…”

“Sonnyyyyyy….come down immediately…utensils are drying up in muck...when will you clean them???” Her Kaaki’s shrill voice startled both the friends and they both shared a knowing smile…rolled their eyes and she moved downstairs…she was half way through and another voice pulled up the whole houseee….randheeee…sonyyyy…viniiiii…kaakisaaa…look grandma…what happened to her…baapuuu…everyone from every corner of the house hurried to Grandmaa’s small corner where her charpoi lay…she was breathing fast and her eyes rolled and face contorted…

"She is getting the spasm again…doctor said...we will have to shift her to New Hospital in the City." Baapu was mumbling as others joined him and helped him pick her up and get her out. As if on cue there was an auto waiting of Ramlal kaka who had just come in for his lunch break at home…he took one look at the situation and got his auto there. 

In the little hamlet all helped everyone in need. No one needed invitations to come and help.

Sony had no place in the auto and was instructed to collect needful things and follow on the bullock cart to the city. It was an hour and half before the bullock cart reached the new Hospital. It was that part of the city that was developing and had all the facilities of modernity. Sony had no time to admire her surroundings…her little heart beating frantically. She was praying all the while. 

She cannot lose her grandma …not now…not yet…she had no one else…there were others…kaakisa…baapu...but after her mother’s death…it was daadisaa who had been her source of love…who knew her little nicks and corner..filled her lonely heart with tender hugs…affectionate words…shared her conspiracies…innocent ones…helped her steal pickles and bhakris for her cycling escapades…she had yet to tell her stories about Boy friends and how to be a good daughter in law…if Granny goes away…who will??? No …God cannot be so Unkind…she begged…prayed…bargained…and trembled while the doctors checked her…

They were not so well to do …they could not afford to pay the higher fees of the treatment there…all she could gather is doctors were asking her to be taken to Mumbai …her father nodding his head in despair…Sony dared not open her mouth in front of her Baapu…she rarely spoke to him…for he was not home most of the times…besides, he had become recluse after he lost his wife…he had entrusted his girl’s growth and caretaking to his mother…and had mourned…

Sony looked at the frail frame of her Daadisa...she opened her eyes and whispered something…her Kaakisa offered her a glass of water but she declined wordlessly all the time, looking at Sony… “Oh Sony Thank God you have come…please handle your Daadisa...I will go to the next lane and arrange tea for all of us…my relatives stay there…” She left leaving the duo alone…

“Oh Daadisa…are you ok?” Sony broke down with tears streaming down her cheeks…

Daadisa gave a cheeky smile and she was looking above her head…smiling impishly…knowing it well that she was finding something hilarious around she asked…"Daadiiii…I thought you were dying and I gave so much to God for you…and you are…what is it..??"

Daadisa’s twinkle would not go away and she asked Sony to turn around and look…her Face suffused with colour suddenly…Sony followed the directions…and was Aghast...THERE IT WAS…HANGING IN FULL GLORY…PICTURE OF PARTAPPP…with the Hospital staff…most likely the opening ceremony of the Hospital.

He was dressed in full glory of his tele show and stood there smiling…giving her grandma a reason to smile…

“Sony can I not see the show again?”

Only Daadisa could think and feel like that. She very well knew how smitten she was with that character…but how could she fulfil this wish?

The show was over...there was nothing she could do. She smiled affectionately and nodded her negation…all the colour left her face and every single line drooped. Her eyes were vacant and looked into the space above…adding even this loss to all the other losses she endured a lifetime. 

So often they had to give up one or other thing because they could not afford…they could not…they could not…they could not…Sony wrung her hand in despair at the melancholic frame of her grandmother…frail and lifetime of...not having what you wanted…lifetime of letting go…compromising…doing without…

Her grandma fell into a sleep due to the effects of the medicine…but her face had no zest...it was as lifeless as could be…she was breathing…going through life…but having no wish to live…no motivation to die either…a life of lack surrounded her...death beckoned and yet her granddaughter tugged her back…

Sony cried silently and her face was tear stained when Vinita arrived…consoling her again with a hand on her back. In the evening when Kaakisa came she sent the two girls for a walk.

“Vini , Daadisa wants to see her partap…her one small wish I cannot fulfil…you said the show is on YouTube...can we not arrange for her to see it??”

“Sony…YouTube needs heavy net if you know what I mean…neither my phone nor anyone else’s here has it. Our village has so irregular electricity…where shall we get net from? We do not even have WiFi…they say it makes the net run faster...”

“Why did we have to be born here? Oh why are we not in a big city? My Baapu does not have money to treat Daadisa and take her to Mumbai…my Daadi will go with even this wish unfulfilled…she knows her son cannot afford her life…he will have to choose to let her go..”

The friends sat silently in their Agony. Vinita’s face suddenly brightened.. .

“Hey Sony…remember that book??? If we can buy that book…you know…it has lot of pictures of Partap and about that teleshow…I have seen people praise a lot …and it is available on GobbleKart now...you order it…it comes home then you pay..”

Sony too felt a thrill run into her spine. Yes…we can do that…I am sure from my savings I can buy the book...I have around 600 or 700 rupees…Can you help me?”

“Come with me Sony to my friends Place…she is in my college. Her house has WiFi...we can definitely request her to check the book”

That evening they hurried to the friend’s flat…Vinita had briefed her on phone what help was needed. On her Laptop they opened the site...and sat frozen for a full one minute…the book’s Price was rupees 2700…the digits on the screen blurred in front of her eyes…she sucked in her breath…she had never seen so much money in one go…A Book…so expensive??? Was it made of gold??? In one million years she would not be able to buy that Book…!!!

The  sea of despair seem to get darker and her violent sobs choked her…and screamed out in loud sobs…even though she was in someone else’s house. Vinita hugged her. She suddenly was feeling sorry for adding to her friend’s woes. They thanked her and took leave. Walking back slowly Sony realised what it meant to lack money…what it meant to keep giving up always what you wanted…she could feel her Grandma’s entire life filled with such sighs…and even her last moments not having any respite….she just saw and felt lack…

Back in the hospital she saw a worried Baapu sitting despondent. They had asked for few tests…so grandma will be here for atleast a couple of days…Grandma intermittently kept waking…her eyes squinting and drinking in the fading image of Her Partap…did it take her to her young days with her husband? Did she go back to the glorious past that once was? 

All Sony knew that each time she flickered open her eyes…she looked at the frame and gave the briefest inclination of Joy…and closed her eyes again…she was deciding…to die…or to wait little more…Sony selfishly wanted to let her stay…to whisper jokes…to tease her…who else would do it otherwise…her world would be so bleak…

The next morning she saw her Grandma’s eyes still…tears gathered at the corner and she was vacantly staring above her head…at first Sony’s heart lurched…was she no more…no no but she was crying silently…she was Alive…just staring…she never cried when she looked at Partap…why??? Sony turned around to investigate…and got a jump…where was the frame?? She quickly ran and asked the Nurse…she was informed that it fell and they had sent for another frame and the picture was spoiled .

There went another hurtful moment for Grandma…one thing that got her to smile…gone…just like that…she made a decision…

She went to her friend’s house and asked her "I have to pay the money now???"

"No only when they deliver!"

"And how many days will it take?"

"Maximum one week…to your village..in city it is faster..."

"Can you please place the order for me?"

"I will have to use my name…but you did not have the money…how will you buy?"

"I have some savings..I will manage."

"Ok then…I will be getting a notification...I will let Vinita know about the progress . We can track where the book is!" She said warmly.

Sony solemnly sat by her side while she placed the order. She was calculating something silently. She had some money and she had the gold earrings her Grandma had made for her out of her savings. They were tiny but surely they would fetch her 2000 atleast. 

Her Daadisa had given her for her wedding but she thought it was more important for her to weigh her happiness at the tether end of her life. Give her at least some semblance of victory before she bids her farewell to this life. She wanted the toothless grin of her Grandma back...and she would do anything…marriage was a far fetched possibility…and well her husband will never know a small earring went missing in the trousseau…

That evening her grandma’s condition stabilised and she was brought home with long list of instructions.

She went to the only jeweller the village had and cried…for half an hour! Jashnukaka was a kind man. He heard her out and though it was a far fetched story for him to sell a piece of jewellery…he agreed. He agreed for he knew Daadisa’s love for movies…he had often been helped by Daadisa when they fell ill…any function or occasion and Daadisa was always there with  her wise self to help. 

He offered exactly 1900 rupees and it still fell short…but she took it. She was determined to even beg from someone...if she had to...she insisted he give her 2000…he knew she was being foolish but she trusted him also to keep her secret. He indeed would as he had a brand new pair of gold earrings...for a little lesser price…besides if anyone got wind that he had taken the earring from a  young girl…he would be shamed…so it served him to be silent...

A week passed by with no word from her friend or book. She had told the book would come…Vinita had agreed to lend her the remaining 100…

Her Grandma spoke very little…ate very little and slid into a silence...all in the family simply waited in quavering patience for her to depart…Sony was getting Impatient..she decided to go with Vinita to the city and find out…

“Your order was cancelled as your address is not listed with them”

Sony felt like screaming…fainting…pallor rose on her face so fast…

“Why don’t you talk to the author herself? SHE is friendly you know…I have heard she replies every single query of the book…you too try na…!” The friend supplied sympathetically

"Why would an author talk to me?" She is a greedy woman who just wants to earn money And nothing Else…” Sony sobbed…

"I have observed her and she seems kind…she speaks to everyone regarding the book…No harm in trying…what have you to lose?" The friend offered. "I have been observing her from almost a month and she seems educated and her own story of why she began writing is very moving. Besides so many people are befriending her and talking about the book…she answers every single one of them…"

Sony had no hopes when she typed those words…I need the book desperately ma’am…she typed and waited…

Since she was there from early morning they suggested she take a nap…

“Sony, come fast…the author has replied…how can I help? come!”

Sony could barely believe it…she ran to the laptop…and began typing her side...how her grandma is dying and how the book might help…how the online portal will not send the book…

“OK This is the link…if you are serious about the book and you are telling the truth...I will make the price 2000 for you but you will have to make an online payment and I promise you We will send the book wherever you ask us But you have only 24 hours the link will revert to its original self1”

Sony sat baffled for a while…online payment??? How???

I will ask my Father to help…he knows about your situation. Sony was always carrying the money with her…The author’s offer was unbelievable…besides she was actually willing to help…It was just Magical…some Angels were suddenly favouring her...Her Dad agreed to do the online payment in return of cash immediately. He received a mail telling him that the book will be delivered.

And it was…the prettiest book she ever Saw…Sony could not believe her eyes when she turned the pages of the book…every picture brought alive the scenes…Grandma’s favourite dialogues…favourite scenes…vividly described with Alive pictures...Oh it was a treasure!!!

How much had she cursed the Author as a greedy woman…selfish one...she felt so mortified...the book had reached her in five days flat…it was an afternoon and all were about napping around…she took the book to her Grandma…

“Dadisaa…I brought you your Partap…take a look…”

At the mention of Partaap…she squinted open her eyes…Sony was holding the picture of Partap in her hands…the bright radiant glowing warrior…Grandma’s face lit up…incredulous as the pages moved…she requested to get up…Sony fluffed up few pillows for her weak frame to sit upright…Grandma took it into her hands and turned pages…tears of gratitude…of relief…as if some dear valuable jewel had been handed…as a much coveted treasure…

"Mharo Partap…" she chortled with suppressed glee…she looked up once at Sony and then dug into the book…savouring the images as close proximity as much as her vision would allow…she hugged the book…opened it again…and one by one…took a steady glance at the page…Partap…hugging his mom…You used to hug me like that…Partap held her princess hand…you know when your Daadu got jealous...he nearly dragged me…you see he is crying for the princess is in pain…when I was delivering babies…he cried…just the same…

Each page had a memory…a happy memory of time begone…each alive picture brought glow on Daadisa’s face…each incident brought a chuckle to Daadisa’s whisper…you know he is proposing her…Daadu never proposed me…in our times we never met before marriage…so…once I had asked…pretend that you are asking me to marry you…he had proposed me then…wearing our wedding suit…he looked just…like this…Mharo partap…”

“I used to harass him just like this princess but your daadusa was so patient with all my nakhras..he used to call me nakhrali…Mharo partap is also so tender…so gentle…”

Grandma’s appetite increased with each passing day...although she was weak…she had a reason to get up...Sony read parts from the book for her in the afternoons and in the night. When there were visitors she would hide the book under the pillows. It was their little secret…For others came in her room for necessary visits…cleaning...offering food…mostly everything was given in the care of Sony…for all knew how much they bonded and also, no one else had the time…

“Sony the person who wrote this book..is very old..like me…or young like you?” One day she asked.

“She is 41..she has two sons…she lives in Mumbai.”

“She has taken so much pains and you know she solved our problem of electricity…it is there or not…the book always is…I can hug it and feel your Daadusa…mmharo partap…”

She opened the book…co-incidently it opened to The Wedding Chapter of the book...she sighed. “Ours was a simple wedding…no over the top stuff...is he not looking handsome?” She asked shyly…

Yes Daadi he is…you know he is just 18? Sony supplied for she had been given some information about him from her friend and also when she got to send a message to the author…she always replied and asked about her Grandma…

"Can we meet him??" Asked daadi one day after they read the chapter on his war.

"Daadi he lives so far…"

"Hmm…can I speak to the author..you say she is so friendly..??"

"Daadiiii…" Sony chided gently...her Daadi was getting too adventurous

Daadi replied back with a grin…her toothless grin which had become her world… "You know the author writes so  much about love and a woman’s power to bail her husband out…I thought, who will tell you about all this when you come of age? Now I ask you to read her version of love...sacrifice…obedience...and think…that your grandma is speaking to you…you are so young…"

Daadi you are going nowhere…Sony hated this talk…

Listen my Ladoorani…I have to go...your Daadusa seems to be calling me. 

He has been patient…very patient...I kept telling him no…for I had to train you to love…to teach you to be brave and loyal…never give up…Daadi’s voice had a soft and serene quality which was new for Sony…

Daadi it is late..sleep now…

No open the chapter where he first time tells her he loves her…by now 

Sony knew..what she was talking…she did…"Read for me…will you?" She complied…even she had come to love that version of love…

"Sony when you love you must find this same kind of love…with whom you can spend life…now read the part where she brings back Mharo Partap from death…Sony knew…she read…A woman’s love is strong and capable...you are like that…you sold the earrings I gave you...now, did you not??"

Sony's startled look gave her away…she turned crimson red.. "No child you have learned the equally valuable ideal of putting loved ones happiness first…" I am peaceful today…

Open the Marriage Chapter…She moved her hand on the handsome bridegroom…I wish and pray to God that someday a very Handsome and young man who can give you all the happiness comes to take you on the horse…just like Mharo Partap”

Daadi indicated Sony to come by her pillow side…she slept in her lap…hugged the book…"Sony…Tell the author thank you for this valuable treasure…that fulfilled my last days…it filled my imagination with colours...my soul with peace…my days with love…my Sony transformed into a mature woman from a girl in front of me. Her book...keep with you as my blessings…each time you need a lesson in love…loyalty…friendship…read the lessons we read together…know this…I am with you …I will never go far…always will be around...”

Sony too was filled with peace..her eyes streamed uncontrollably but Grandma’s voice had an incredible soothing power…they three were one…Daadi…Sony…the book…bonded …each one binded and yet willing to let the other go in peace…for they knew...they are all capable now to handle the realm they will move into…Daadisa with her Daadusa…Sony...ready to face the world without the physical form of daadi…the book with its immortal lessons on love and loyalty…

Daadi hugged the book...used it as her pillow in Sony’s lap…closed her eyes…for one last time…the peace on her face was something Sony would always keep…she cried for the form that left and sighed for all that filled her existence…she took the book gently…and repeated…Mharo Partap...

…

"I am grateful to you madam for all that your book brought…it helped my grandmother and me to make peace …she typed for the last time to the woman who had arranged for the book…written with a soul and brought so much worth to her life…"

Mrs. Pardiwala picked up her own Creation and wondered…Can a book contribute so much to someone’s life? Can a book have its own purpose in being ordained to fulfil lives..???

Can this be told...or is the sanctity in secrecy??? She decided to leave it up to her readers…for you never know…when your words will become healing balms for which wounds…some will scoff...some will marvel…some will be inspired…some will simply read…to all the readers…when I wrote the book…I never Knew...some old soul will...echo…Mharo Partap!!!

To quote her...Electricity is there or not…The book always is…

                                                           -By Sonnal Pardiwala

© Sonnal Pardiwala. All Rights Reserved.