Once November arrives, the smell of nature changes. It is not only the second last month of the English calender but a month that takes a long time to pass by leaving behind a memory of a year fresh in mind. As the pain of getting older pricks inside, the only incentive that keeps the heart going is a bright December. The month which is so special specially for Christians. December is special for me because I celebrate my birthday and my parent's marriage anniversary. Needless to say I remember Lord Jesus too in this month from the 1st to the 25th. Somehow I feel sad on December 25. I can't explain why. Once I had been to a church on the 24th night, but I had to stand outside because of the crowd. But then December 25, the year if I remember, 1994 it was, was very cold. My father, my mother and I couldn't stand in that cold for too long. The fear was I might catch cold and then fall terribly ill. The December then and now is very different. Christmas in Calcutta during the 1990s used to be a big celebration. I hardly go out these days, so I really do not know if that is the same in Kolkata now. At least my Christian friends in Bangalore made me a lil Christian in thought:) Things have changed a lot over the years. Coming back to special December, the last few days are a big wait for the 31st. A day which was a frolic 10 years ago. Now, I wait to spend the day with my family.
Starmark. G block, city centre. So many times I had visited the mall, but never did I walk into the book store. Unfortunate I was. Now, I understand. The red posters of Women's Day messages like "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission" (I think I am not misquoting the quotes!) were still shining bright. They made me feel better. Ma was with me that day. Transparent doors (was it Gautier?) welcomed us. What struck me first was Gulzar, not in flesh and blood but his new book on lyrics...and the song that came to my mind..."Tere bina zindagi se koi, shikwa toh nehi..."Yes, the cover page was so apt, it was Gulzar with his patent spectacles and crisp white kurta, wah kya ada hain janab:). The next moment, the book was in my hand and I flipped through the pages. The left hand pages had the hindi lyrics and the right had English. For all Gulzar fans, the book is worth a read even if you don't have the money to buy. And needless to say, a gift fo...
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