Haji was ready for his destination. He wore the best Kurta Pajama he had...the one he wore in his wedding. Putting on his Mojidi and praying one last time for success in his mission he walked out of the house.
The first glimpse of the gentle sun could be seen from the mountains.
But also in full view was Kulsum, standing beneath the Mango tree with a small red Potli.
“Here keep this” Kulsum said, “It has some rotis and achaar. Eat it only when you are very hungry. Don’t give it to someone on the way. Take Ali with you if you can. Also…”
Haji interrupted her “Kulsum. Kuch nahi hoga. Don’t worry. I will be back. Inshallah. Soon.
He kissed her forehead and walked away to his dream.
She went back in the hut and lied down besides her children who were not aware that their father was off to a place he did not know how to go.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Chapter 5
But Haji did have an idea. He had seen a river. And the closest river from his village was Gomai Nadi. He knew that to reach it may take one full day. He thought of borrowing a horse or a mule but that would have cost him. Hence he relied on his legs and thought of walking all the way.
The sun was warming up for its daily journey through the skies. Haji had just walked out of his village and was on the narrow lane which took people to the cities. He had not been to one yet. Mairaj used to tell him so many things about the city. The bazaar, the lights, the energy, the city girls. So confident and so pretty, the English Memsaabs, the money. But somehow Haji had never left the village as he could not survive without seeing his kids and Kulsum.This was the first time he was leaving them and had no idea when he will come back.
Mairaj would have certainly laughed at his foolishness. Running after a dream .Crazy.
Haji smiled.
He passed the British Cantonment which had set its base at the outskirts of his village. Seeing the company flag fluttering he said in contempt “Chorwa saale”
He met Hari Bhai on the way who had just milked his cows and was walking with a huge tumbler on his head.
“Where are you off to, Haji.”
“Will tell you when I get back”. He did not want to lie. He fastened the pace so that he doesn’t have to put up with more questioning.
Kulsum meanwhile had bought some Rice and Dal from the bazaar.
Murtuza, her son was asked to take care of his sister, Badar.
Both were surprised not to see their farther who hugged and kissed them every sunrise.
Had he come in the night? Where has he gone? He had promised me he would get me something in the night. Did he? Murtuza demanded to know.
Badar was too small to ask questions but she reacted with howling cries and copious tears.
Even Lajjo had started may-may hing moving her neck vigorously, wanting to break the rope which tied her to the mango tree. If she only knew she was about to be sold to the plump Chand Bi, she would have kept silent and not moved a muscle.
When the sun was at its fiercest best, Haji stopped in his tracks. He had asked for directions from some villagers and was told to take a “Tanga” as it was just too far. Luckily one showed him the way where he could find a bridge which passes over the river.
Haji opened up the Potli to take a bite. He realized Kulsum must have made them while he had gone for Fajr prayers and the acchaar was from her mother in law. The last time she had come she was in a sarcastic mood. Her look was of disgust and seemed to be repenting for getting her pretty daughter married to this good for nothing.
But all this will change.Haji reminded himself. He ate a little, offered his Zohar Namaaz and was back to walking towards the river.
Kulsum was sitting beneath the tree ,her eyes searching for her husband. Her kids were playing in front.
“It’s too Hot Murtuza, Get in the house. Chalo” as she lifted Badar.
The sun was loosing its brightness gradually.Haji was taking a little rest sitting in the shade for some time. As he was massaging his weary legs, he heard the tick tock of a horse dragging a Tonga along with him.
Haji got up in desperation and waved his hands to it.
A poor Tonga driver looked at him and asked, “Where are you going”
“Gomai Nadi”
“Teen Kawdi”
“I have no money”
“Then what do you have”, looking at his thin Potli.
Haji hurriedly opened up the potli “I have some Rotis and a little something”.
The Tonga drivers hunger got the better of him. His master had asked him to fetch his friends but that was way too far. He could surely help this underprivileged man to his destination.
And have some rotis.
Kulsum at the same time had finished with the lunch. Murtuza had gone out to his friend and Badar was fast asleep.
She started thinking if it was a good decision to send Haji like that. But there was no harm. She knew he would sit there waiting doing nothing till Mairaj came. The stock of Handicrafts which he had prepared was kept in the corner. He was good at his job, she thought as she checked some of his work. Kulsum just hoped he would come back soon.
The sun was warming up for its daily journey through the skies. Haji had just walked out of his village and was on the narrow lane which took people to the cities. He had not been to one yet. Mairaj used to tell him so many things about the city. The bazaar, the lights, the energy, the city girls. So confident and so pretty, the English Memsaabs, the money. But somehow Haji had never left the village as he could not survive without seeing his kids and Kulsum.This was the first time he was leaving them and had no idea when he will come back.
Mairaj would have certainly laughed at his foolishness. Running after a dream .Crazy.
Haji smiled.
He passed the British Cantonment which had set its base at the outskirts of his village. Seeing the company flag fluttering he said in contempt “Chorwa saale”
He met Hari Bhai on the way who had just milked his cows and was walking with a huge tumbler on his head.
“Where are you off to, Haji.”
“Will tell you when I get back”. He did not want to lie. He fastened the pace so that he doesn’t have to put up with more questioning.
Kulsum meanwhile had bought some Rice and Dal from the bazaar.
Murtuza, her son was asked to take care of his sister, Badar.
Both were surprised not to see their farther who hugged and kissed them every sunrise.
Had he come in the night? Where has he gone? He had promised me he would get me something in the night. Did he? Murtuza demanded to know.
Badar was too small to ask questions but she reacted with howling cries and copious tears.
Even Lajjo had started may-may hing moving her neck vigorously, wanting to break the rope which tied her to the mango tree. If she only knew she was about to be sold to the plump Chand Bi, she would have kept silent and not moved a muscle.
When the sun was at its fiercest best, Haji stopped in his tracks. He had asked for directions from some villagers and was told to take a “Tanga” as it was just too far. Luckily one showed him the way where he could find a bridge which passes over the river.
Haji opened up the Potli to take a bite. He realized Kulsum must have made them while he had gone for Fajr prayers and the acchaar was from her mother in law. The last time she had come she was in a sarcastic mood. Her look was of disgust and seemed to be repenting for getting her pretty daughter married to this good for nothing.
But all this will change.Haji reminded himself. He ate a little, offered his Zohar Namaaz and was back to walking towards the river.
Kulsum was sitting beneath the tree ,her eyes searching for her husband. Her kids were playing in front.
“It’s too Hot Murtuza, Get in the house. Chalo” as she lifted Badar.
The sun was loosing its brightness gradually.Haji was taking a little rest sitting in the shade for some time. As he was massaging his weary legs, he heard the tick tock of a horse dragging a Tonga along with him.
Haji got up in desperation and waved his hands to it.
A poor Tonga driver looked at him and asked, “Where are you going”
“Gomai Nadi”
“Teen Kawdi”
“I have no money”
“Then what do you have”, looking at his thin Potli.
Haji hurriedly opened up the potli “I have some Rotis and a little something”.
The Tonga drivers hunger got the better of him. His master had asked him to fetch his friends but that was way too far. He could surely help this underprivileged man to his destination.
And have some rotis.
Kulsum at the same time had finished with the lunch. Murtuza had gone out to his friend and Badar was fast asleep.
She started thinking if it was a good decision to send Haji like that. But there was no harm. She knew he would sit there waiting doing nothing till Mairaj came. The stock of Handicrafts which he had prepared was kept in the corner. He was good at his job, she thought as she checked some of his work. Kulsum just hoped he would come back soon.
Chapter 6
The Tonga left him on the way. Haji thanked him. It would take at least an hour for the retreating sun to vanish, Haji told himself. The fed driver had asked him to walk through the narrow lane for a few minutes to find the bridge.
Amidst the huge trees and green foliage he finally saw the bridge. But it did not look similar. It was a little broader and made of stones. Haji had seen the dream enough times to realize that his bridge looked like being made of naturally fallen logs that could support one at a time. The kind that could get washed away from strong currents. He stood there tired at the centre of the sturdy bridge leaning down looking at the gushing river eager to meet the hushed sea.
“Hey you”. a villager shouted.
Haji stood back.
“What do you think you are doing” the villager closed on him.
“I am searching”
“Searching what?”
“I am searching for a bridge and a cottage”
The villager looked at him quizzically.
“Someone is waiting for me there”, Haji replied, “Is there any other bridge, I mean smaller”.
The villager still did not understand him but decided to like Haji
“There is one, but way up there”, pointing to the huge mountain. “But no one stays that side. It’s too scary there in the night” the villager warned.
Haji thanked him and walked towards the mountain.
Kulsum had a guest at her house that evening. Some one coming regularly to meet her and was eyeing Lajjo as of now. Chand Bi was a plump nagging lady.
“Where has your Miya gone” Chand Bi demanded to know.
“I don’t know” a curt reply from Kulsum, making her hair.
“What work does he have? And why did he say no to 5 paisa? Does he think he can make more than that, sitting doing nothing?”
Kulsum trying to change the topic “That’s a nice earring Bibi”
Chandbi was surprised with the comment,” is it not? Touching them, she said” when was the last time Haji got something for you, How much does he really care to get something for you. Saying no to 5 paisa like that. And Look at your kids, thin and frail as if they haven’t eaten for weeks.”
Kulsum heaved a sigh. Out of respect for the aged lady she had kept quiet but now her patience was being tested.
Chand Bi Continued. “He did not tell you where he went. You must be aware of what he does. These men are like dogs. Keep a tight leash on him. There is a big Tamaasha happening in the other village tonight. He must have gone there to see the Nautch girls dancing. I am sure he is there”.
“Stop it Bibi” Kulsum took the lady by her arm and pushed her out of the house.
“My Husband is my concern”, she defiantly said and closed the creaking door.
Haji had climbed tirelessly for an hour on the steep mountains, his eyes on the spot where the villager had pointed to. Amidst the green shrubbery he could hear the distant sound of the river. And then finally he reached a plateau to find his dream coming true……
Amidst the huge trees and green foliage he finally saw the bridge. But it did not look similar. It was a little broader and made of stones. Haji had seen the dream enough times to realize that his bridge looked like being made of naturally fallen logs that could support one at a time. The kind that could get washed away from strong currents. He stood there tired at the centre of the sturdy bridge leaning down looking at the gushing river eager to meet the hushed sea.
“Hey you”. a villager shouted.
Haji stood back.
“What do you think you are doing” the villager closed on him.
“I am searching”
“Searching what?”
“I am searching for a bridge and a cottage”
The villager looked at him quizzically.
“Someone is waiting for me there”, Haji replied, “Is there any other bridge, I mean smaller”.
The villager still did not understand him but decided to like Haji
“There is one, but way up there”, pointing to the huge mountain. “But no one stays that side. It’s too scary there in the night” the villager warned.
Haji thanked him and walked towards the mountain.
Kulsum had a guest at her house that evening. Some one coming regularly to meet her and was eyeing Lajjo as of now. Chand Bi was a plump nagging lady.
“Where has your Miya gone” Chand Bi demanded to know.
“I don’t know” a curt reply from Kulsum, making her hair.
“What work does he have? And why did he say no to 5 paisa? Does he think he can make more than that, sitting doing nothing?”
Kulsum trying to change the topic “That’s a nice earring Bibi”
Chandbi was surprised with the comment,” is it not? Touching them, she said” when was the last time Haji got something for you, How much does he really care to get something for you. Saying no to 5 paisa like that. And Look at your kids, thin and frail as if they haven’t eaten for weeks.”
Kulsum heaved a sigh. Out of respect for the aged lady she had kept quiet but now her patience was being tested.
Chand Bi Continued. “He did not tell you where he went. You must be aware of what he does. These men are like dogs. Keep a tight leash on him. There is a big Tamaasha happening in the other village tonight. He must have gone there to see the Nautch girls dancing. I am sure he is there”.
“Stop it Bibi” Kulsum took the lady by her arm and pushed her out of the house.
“My Husband is my concern”, she defiantly said and closed the creaking door.
Haji had climbed tirelessly for an hour on the steep mountains, his eyes on the spot where the villager had pointed to. Amidst the green shrubbery he could hear the distant sound of the river. And then finally he reached a plateau to find his dream coming true……
Chapter 7
He saw it. It was there. In front of him. He was back in his dream again. The wooden bridge and in front the small white cottage. It was standing there as if waiting for him. The moon had come up; the moonlight falling on the cottage giving it a, mesmerizing effect. The river was still following its course lashing at the wooden bridge intermittently. He crossed the bridge in a daze. He could not believe his eyes. Could it really be true, Haji thought. Is it possible? And where is the old man. He was sitting there on the stairs. There is no one here. Even the cottage looked abandoned. Haji looked around searching for the old man
In the whole journey he used to talk to himself making stories.
The Old man would clutch his hand and ask him. “Have you come for the treasure”
Haji would say” Yes. I have”
The old man would smile, and lead him to the treasure.
He would open the lock to the cottage. Take him inside and would hand him over the treasure lying in the room and tell him “Take this. You have earned it. Go, your wife is waiting for u” and Haji would thank the old man and walk out to his beloved. He never thought what that treasure would be. He just knew it would be something special.
But all this did not happen.
There was no one to call him.
No one to ask him what was he doing there so late in the night.
He walked up to the stairs and looked through the windows. Absolutely nothing .Except darkness. A little dejected, Haji sat on the stairs and decided to wait for the old man. Half of his dream had come true. It’s the other half which was left to be realized.
“Sabar, Haji, Sabar”, he muttered to himself.
He waited and waited and then his tiring eyes closed on him and he slept a much needed sleep.
In the whole journey he used to talk to himself making stories.
The Old man would clutch his hand and ask him. “Have you come for the treasure”
Haji would say” Yes. I have”
The old man would smile, and lead him to the treasure.
He would open the lock to the cottage. Take him inside and would hand him over the treasure lying in the room and tell him “Take this. You have earned it. Go, your wife is waiting for u” and Haji would thank the old man and walk out to his beloved. He never thought what that treasure would be. He just knew it would be something special.
But all this did not happen.
There was no one to call him.
No one to ask him what was he doing there so late in the night.
He walked up to the stairs and looked through the windows. Absolutely nothing .Except darkness. A little dejected, Haji sat on the stairs and decided to wait for the old man. Half of his dream had come true. It’s the other half which was left to be realized.
“Sabar, Haji, Sabar”, he muttered to himself.
He waited and waited and then his tiring eyes closed on him and he slept a much needed sleep.
Chapter 8
Nagraj Yadav was a ruthless man. No one really messed with him. And tonight he was in a real bad mood. The British were looking for him and his group of thugs. As soon as they were to be found, the order was to hang them all. To avoid suspicion they had dispersed in small parties and were all planning to meet in Agra to become the uninvited guests of the landlord’s daughters wedding.
There we will kill, Nagraj told to himself.
He enjoyed killing. Tonight he was hiding on top of a certain mountain which had a river flowing through it. Accompanying Nagraj was Shera, another thug with untold records of killing and kidnapping against him. Both of them were dressed with checkered loongis and shirt jackets like the company sepoys. They possessed daggers, cords made of twisted leather, having a noose at the other end which if entangled on the horse or the man would result in his instant death.
They were expecting the British to be on the look out for them. But what they were not expecting was a seemingly poor man in a plain white kurta pajama sleeping on the stairs of a deserted cottage. The thugs closed upon him.
“He looks like a Farmer”
“What is he doing here?”
“He could be an informer, from the company.”
“But he is unarmed”
Shera grinned,” Do I care” and kicked the poor man in the stomach.
Nagraj taking lead took him by his collars and pushed him hard again to the ground.
Haji was taken by surprise. Nagraj slapped him hard, so hard that blood started oozing from his face. The thug then threw the cord on his neck and pulled it hard. Haji gasped for air.
“Why are u here”, Nagraj asked. It would mean nothing to him to kill this person but wanted to know what made this stupid man to sleep here.
“Why are u here”, Shera shouted again from behind.
“I…saw a dream”Haji just managed to speak.
Nagraj was intrigued. He loosened the chord.” What?”
“I saw a dream and I came here. An old man was to be here to tell me where I will find the treasure”
Shera burst in laughter. He fell down laughing, his hands on his stomach. He just couldn’t believe what he heard.
But Nagraj was stunned.
“Do you see it everyday?”
“Yes” Haji replied, breathing heavily.
“And now did u see all this. This place. This bridge…”
“This cottage. I saw all this. Everything. In my dream every night”, continued Haji.
Shera could not understand what engaged Nag so much.
“Whats your interest? Kill Him. What we have in front of us is a mad man. And only a mad man could see such a dream. And only a mad would think of following it.”, he questioned Nag.
“No he is not. I see a dream everyday. Just like him.”
He looked at Haji who was badly bruised with blood running on his face.
“And what I see scares me. I don’t know what Durga Maa wants to tell me.”
Haji asked him,” What do you see.”
“I see that I am walking to a hut which is at the farthest corner of a dusty village. There is a mango tree in front of the hut. A goat is tied to this mango tree and she is restless. I walk towards the tree and see the goat has dug a small hole in the ground beneath her. I dug further and further and you know what I find. Do u know what I find? I find Gold. Gold. Lots of it. In a number of pots. Then suddenly I see the door of the hut opening and a pretty lady is standing there. She smiles and asks me “have you found the treasure”
And then I wake up. I am seeing this dream every night. It scares me so much that I don’t want to sleep.”
Shera was shocked with Nagrajs confession. He was his best friend and still was unaware of the turmoil going through him.
“Why did you not tell me?”
Nagraj had released haji. He sat down on the stairs and in deep thought said,” I thought Maa would tell me. Make it clear to me. And she has now. There is such a place and I have to find it. This man is here for a reason. He is here for me. To tell me to go search for this place as he has.”
“But he has failed. He did not find anything. There is no old man here.”Shera tried to reason
“But I Wont”, grinned Nagraj twirling his mustache.
“So what do we do with him”, Shera removing his dagger for just one signal from his friend.
“We leave him”. Nagraj said with finality,” Go traveler, you have done what you were destined to do, Run, before I change my mind.”
And Haji Ran…................
There we will kill, Nagraj told to himself.
He enjoyed killing. Tonight he was hiding on top of a certain mountain which had a river flowing through it. Accompanying Nagraj was Shera, another thug with untold records of killing and kidnapping against him. Both of them were dressed with checkered loongis and shirt jackets like the company sepoys. They possessed daggers, cords made of twisted leather, having a noose at the other end which if entangled on the horse or the man would result in his instant death.
They were expecting the British to be on the look out for them. But what they were not expecting was a seemingly poor man in a plain white kurta pajama sleeping on the stairs of a deserted cottage. The thugs closed upon him.
“He looks like a Farmer”
“What is he doing here?”
“He could be an informer, from the company.”
“But he is unarmed”
Shera grinned,” Do I care” and kicked the poor man in the stomach.
Nagraj taking lead took him by his collars and pushed him hard again to the ground.
Haji was taken by surprise. Nagraj slapped him hard, so hard that blood started oozing from his face. The thug then threw the cord on his neck and pulled it hard. Haji gasped for air.
“Why are u here”, Nagraj asked. It would mean nothing to him to kill this person but wanted to know what made this stupid man to sleep here.
“Why are u here”, Shera shouted again from behind.
“I…saw a dream”Haji just managed to speak.
Nagraj was intrigued. He loosened the chord.” What?”
“I saw a dream and I came here. An old man was to be here to tell me where I will find the treasure”
Shera burst in laughter. He fell down laughing, his hands on his stomach. He just couldn’t believe what he heard.
But Nagraj was stunned.
“Do you see it everyday?”
“Yes” Haji replied, breathing heavily.
“And now did u see all this. This place. This bridge…”
“This cottage. I saw all this. Everything. In my dream every night”, continued Haji.
Shera could not understand what engaged Nag so much.
“Whats your interest? Kill Him. What we have in front of us is a mad man. And only a mad man could see such a dream. And only a mad would think of following it.”, he questioned Nag.
“No he is not. I see a dream everyday. Just like him.”
He looked at Haji who was badly bruised with blood running on his face.
“And what I see scares me. I don’t know what Durga Maa wants to tell me.”
Haji asked him,” What do you see.”
“I see that I am walking to a hut which is at the farthest corner of a dusty village. There is a mango tree in front of the hut. A goat is tied to this mango tree and she is restless. I walk towards the tree and see the goat has dug a small hole in the ground beneath her. I dug further and further and you know what I find. Do u know what I find? I find Gold. Gold. Lots of it. In a number of pots. Then suddenly I see the door of the hut opening and a pretty lady is standing there. She smiles and asks me “have you found the treasure”
And then I wake up. I am seeing this dream every night. It scares me so much that I don’t want to sleep.”
Shera was shocked with Nagrajs confession. He was his best friend and still was unaware of the turmoil going through him.
“Why did you not tell me?”
Nagraj had released haji. He sat down on the stairs and in deep thought said,” I thought Maa would tell me. Make it clear to me. And she has now. There is such a place and I have to find it. This man is here for a reason. He is here for me. To tell me to go search for this place as he has.”
“But he has failed. He did not find anything. There is no old man here.”Shera tried to reason
“But I Wont”, grinned Nagraj twirling his mustache.
“So what do we do with him”, Shera removing his dagger for just one signal from his friend.
“We leave him”. Nagraj said with finality,” Go traveler, you have done what you were destined to do, Run, before I change my mind.”
And Haji Ran…................
Chapter 9
Haji reached the village in the late evening. He was too excited to realize he had walked all morning. There was his Hut. His mango tree. His Lajjo tied to the tree. He saw the small hole dug by the goat. He started digging with his bare hands.
Kulsum was weeping all night and the next morning. She thought of telling the sarpanch of Haji’s absence. But thought of waiting one more day.
She was lying in her hut when she heard some sound outside. Was it Chandbi trying to thief on her goat? She got up hurriedly and opened the door to her hut.
She found Haji there on his knees.
“Did you find the treasure”, Kulsum asked, relieved to see him.
Haji smiled which turn into a laugh showing his broken front tooth.
And then she saw Gold. Lots of Gold.
Kulsum smiled.
Mom: Kya Samjha?
Me: hmmm?
Mom: what’s the moral of the story?
Me: Follow your dreams.
Kulsum was weeping all night and the next morning. She thought of telling the sarpanch of Haji’s absence. But thought of waiting one more day.
She was lying in her hut when she heard some sound outside. Was it Chandbi trying to thief on her goat? She got up hurriedly and opened the door to her hut.
She found Haji there on his knees.
“Did you find the treasure”, Kulsum asked, relieved to see him.
Haji smiled which turn into a laugh showing his broken front tooth.
And then she saw Gold. Lots of Gold.
Kulsum smiled.
Mom: Kya Samjha?
Me: hmmm?
Mom: what’s the moral of the story?
Me: Follow your dreams.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A Travelers Guide from VT to Nariman Pt. (Part 1)
The train screeches to a tiring halt. I get up from my fourth seat (where you just about get to place your ass) in the second class compartment, after an arduous journey and get down the train.
When I get down the train, a proud feeling runs around in my body.
The Feeling of being a Bombaiite.
With so many legs walking strong, so many hands holding bags, so many eyes on the station clock, so many hearts left at home, you sense you are a part of this army, these middle class soldiers going to their various barracks on a war everyday, moving the whole of Bombay with their strength and it really makes you proud to be one of them.
And my Spirits are revived as I go through the most endearing journey from VT Station to my office in Nariman Point.
You know why it’s endearing? Coz I see the most beautiful things in that little trip of mine.
I see the blue uniformed “polishwala” sitting barefoot gazing at each and every shoe passing by, I see the ticket collectors standing lazy performing their daily ritual, and I see some fat rich men still sitting in the first class compartment waiting for the rush to disperse. I see unconcerned policemen sitting on chairs discussing their woes. I see among the hordes of people a few nice-looking girls guarding themselves from the lecherous crowd and a few boys having dreams of corporate success in their eyes, I see the permanent residents of the station begging early morning for their breakfast; I see sunlight shimmering through the circular transparent glasses across the stations and massaging some of the fatigued empty tracks. How I love this sight!
VT station was built in 1887-88 by Frederick Williams and if I had the opportunity I would kiss his hands for constructing this magnificent medieval castle. I am certain this chap had many pets and loved hunting. I am sure he stayed once on the Baker Street and loved playing Hide and Seek, because this station is one of the biggest play boards where you see something distinct one day and the next day you find something more interesting.
Let me give you an example. When you walk towards the ticket counter and move to your right you will see glorious doors opening to the heart of Bombay. You will listen to the taxis chirping, buses grunting, cars neighing but that’s not what I really want you to concentrate on. As soon as you come out, look back at the corners of these doors.
You will see a monkey hiding under the stones, a sly fox looking at you, a peacock trying to cover herself...Ahahah…that’s not enough. Look closely. Look closely. Do you see the monkey holding a vase, the fox is amidst the grapes and the peacock is hiding behind a huge pineapple. It also made me realize this gentleman sure loved eating fruits and maybe drank from a vase.
There is another creature I still have not been able to identify, leaping at you. It’s an eerie animal winged with demonic features: with horns, tail, and talons.In fact this creature (help me name it when u see it) is leaping out from every nook and corner of this building. Initially I dint understand the purpose of these “unrecognized” creature but recently on a rainy day, I noticed water coming out from the mouths of one of them. Then it dawned on me that at its best all these creatures were gargoyles in this huge fountain of a building.
Right opposite Vt station you have a very important building like the BMC, another Ethereal structure designed in the Gothic style of Architecture. But what I would like you to see in this building are two dragons holding a shield on which is written...(Oops!that is something I missed). Personally to me these dragons signify the British Raj in India and they sure look horrible with their eyes looking fiercely at you. Lately they are being painted on account of Independence Day.
Infact Vt Station is made in the Christian style with the towers more squarish and lean (forgive me for my weak understanding of architecture) and surprisingly the BMC towers are made with Domes of a Masjid and they stand proud in front of each other.
On the BMC Building you will see our national flag fluttering and right in front there is a statue of Sir Ferozeshah Mehta, who was an inspiration for young Indians of British Era to educate themselves and inspired them to join politics. Written in bold letters you will see “1845-1905” and below it “A True Patriot” marked in English, Hindi and Gujurati.
Now turn your attention to the Capitol Theatre.You will surely not miss it. Every one acts as if they have not paid attention to the soft porn flick poster put up on this theatre but there are sure furtive glances on the cleavage of the struggling actress or on the passionate kiss shared by the onscreen duo or on the promising title like “Hawas” or “Pyaas” which tries to seduce the audience to the seats on paying a paltry sum of 25.
Just for your information there was a Capitol theatre in every major city of the world, some died out and some still functioning.
Let’s move ahead towards the bus stop and on the way, you will see the main gate of VT, on which “Madhya Railway” (Central Railway) is emblazoned. There is a Lion and a Lioness sitting proud on both sides of the gate. They look content, as if they had been fed a sumptuous meal by Mr. Frederick before being asked to sit on the top to immortality. I have noticed the mane of the lion reaching his reclining body. Every Morning I greet the couple which a slight nod of my head. I am sure they must be pleased that at least their presence is being acknowledged in this busy world.
In fact this place is the best place to view VT station and its grandeur. Right at the top you have a Lady a la statue of Liberty but prettier unaffected by the ageing city in front of it.
Below it you have three more ladies, all dressed in white. One standing in the middle and the two sitting besides her. (I need a binocular to understand what’s happening up there).
And on the VT building you have large portraits sculpted in marble of important gentlemen. One looked like the figure of “Mr. Tilak” but I am not sure if British loved him so much to have his picture engraved there.
Overall now when I see VT Station closely, it runs a creepy sensation down my spine. It disturbs me, because of the indelible print which the English have left on Bombay, on me.
They bloody came, conquered, ruled, looted us, shook hands and left leaving us some Monuments so that we can remember them.
Shit! I should hate this Station but I can’t. I like this Monument so much. With a sense of irritation I move ahead.
To Be Continued……
(This Blog is dedicated to my dear brother, Sajid Siddiqui who helped me understand the Beauty of Bombay and the common love which we share for the city.)
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