I love, love, love your pic, Pabz. How sweet of you to wish me! I want to tell you that (call me an old lady if you like), every single day, when we awake in the morning, is a birthday. You are right about life being precious, because we know not what the next day will bring. Therefore, be nice, be kind, be polite. It matters. There is nothing worse than regretting saying or doing something. Ok – enough of the sermon – just wanted to share what I have often realized the hard way.

Hugggs baby! and nuzzle, nuzzle, nuzzle!

Happy Bud-day Vidya

Hey Vidz – Long time no write no….I’m still in recovery. My ‘episode’ was kind of life-changing and made me realize how precious life is….and how I must treasure all my relationships…especially our friendship. Thanks for being my bestest buddy…..and have a very Happy Birthday…..

An extra lick from

Pablo

Get well soon!

Pabz,

I got all shaken up when Corinne told me last night that you got the household all shaken up! How are you doing today? I heard you were sleeping off your trauma. This morning, when I lit the lamp as usual, I especially prayed for you, my friend.

So I thought I’d send off a quick message to tell you that you will be okay, prayers certainly help, and that you will have a much better day today.

Hugs and cuddles,

Vidya

Get well soon!

Pablo’s got a blog!

Hey Pablo,

Pablozgotmail eh? Fancy that! We’ve got our very own space on the web now to um…interact and keep in touch, bless us! I’ll bet that a. you’re the youngest boxer to have his own website b. you’re the youngest ‘literate’ boxer . Am I glad we are acquainted! At least we are both net savvy now – and that’s really cool.

Just don’t hesitate to ask me if you need help finding your way around. Most of what I’ve learned is through a lot of trial and thankfully fewer errors – my curiosity gets me everywhere.

But while its good to be curious, remember, Pablo – being inquisitive is not always good. You have to respect other people’s feelings and not always probe too much. Of course, when you are best friends like Corinne and me – then you can go a bit further. Still, you have to gauge when the time is right. You’ll know what I mean when you actually face a situation – and I am pretty confident you’ll do the proper thing. Just remember – ‘respect’ is important.

It’s been raining where I live quite heavily – somehow it seems to conspire against me – because it rains precisely at the time when I go to pick up Vidur from school at 2.30 pm. Now – in case you are smiling at me gently as though to say, ‘oh, come on’ – then let me tell you that when Vidur’s school used to finish earlier and I had to go at 1.30, it would rain exactly then. Now, I ask you – if that is not a conspiracy, I’d seriously like to know what is?

Hey incidentally, talking of Vidur, we had a nice surprise last week. He represented his House at school in a Hindi recitation competition. They persuaded him to participate the day before – and he did. Guess what – he got First Prize! Cool eh? My mommy-heart is pretty thrilled. Right now his unit tests (once in two months) are going on – the last one is tomorrow. We are quite keyed up about having Sunday and Monday off. After that – there’s just two and a half more days of school – and then – the next ten days are holidays for the Dassera festival!.

There’s a bit of sadness though. His dad is visiting Mumbai in the first week of October – and a few months ago we were quite hopeful of joining him, because that meant we’d come and be with you. Unfortunately my mom is in no condition to manage on her own…so I guess it will have to be another time!

Ok Pabz – I gotta go now. Got a bit of this and that to do before I settle down to watch my favorite weekend program on Zee TV called Li’l Champs – Saregamapa. Kids under 12 sing beautifully and I really love it. More about it some time.

You, young friend, be good. Remember, health is wealth. Hugs and cuddles,

Vidya

Too long….

Too long since I wrote, Vidz (if you call me Pabz…..). I’ve been meaning to write for ages…but have been too busy growing up to do. so….forgive me.

I’ve decided that we need to write to each other more often. I love reading your long, newsy notes. So I’ve got myself a blog – when you feel like it, post me a note here and I’ll write right ( write/right = are homophones, in case, you didn’t know!) back to you.

So now it’s your turn to write back ……….just kidding, no turns in friendship, right? But I do look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Love and licks
Pabz

You know what?

10 July 2009

Hey Pablo,

You know what, man? I was just making a list of things to do today – all kinds of
itsy bitsy stuff but kind of time-consuming-but-cant-avoid type you know? So – even as I was doing this, I wondered, pen in hair, what I could do for 5 minutes that would put me in a good mood – and presto! I thought I would write to you.

Pablo – long ago – in my teen years (okay…so that should be in the MiddleAges ) I realized that there is no such thing as you-write-i-reply-i-wrote-three-times-you-wrote-only -twice type; in friendship you don’t keep score. It does not matter who did what, what matters is that it gets done. Okay – you still have to be wary of those who make you do it always – and just lie back and enjoy. One of my friend’s dad would say “its a give and take relationship. you give i take”. While that’s supposed to be funny when not in context, I can guarantee that you will crack so much as a smile when it is in context. That said (rambled, more like…) I want to tell you that dont you ever worry, you little fella, or ever feel guilty about not writing where I am concerned.

I guess you’re growing quite rapidly! Are you getting naughtier by the day as well? I am quite keen to hear all about it. Actually I was quite eager, thinking that I might pay you a visit in October when Sury visits Mumbai (TIFR) on work – but it all depends on my mother, who’s having a pretty tough time coping. Cant let her manage by herself. Sigh. Still, let’s see. I do believe that everything happens for a purpose – and it all works out in good time.

Incidentally, I am feeling rather down this morning. Not least because of the weather – its so dull out here. The sun cant seem to decide whether to shine or not – and the rain, well, the rain is also undecided about its plan for the day. Other than a token drizzle -nothing has happened. We have a power cut from 12 noon to 2 pm, which is not fun. On the other hand, thanks to the weather, at least we are not sweating like one would in – say – Chennai.

I hear its pouring in Mumbai – how are you keeping yourself occupied? Hey you know what? The day before yesterday I was on my way to school to pick Vidur up. I was cruising along on my bike when an autorickshaw fellow literally smashed into me – his handle bar hurt my left hand badly. Ripped the skin off one finger and it bled. Furious, I let fly at him, verbally. No use though, he didnt even react – I suspect he was drunk. He had no right to suddenly shoot out of the petrol pump there. The upshot is, I went to school and after meeting Vidur, quickly took out the first aid box in my bike. Yes, I have one. Now dont laugh. Its useful. I ripped open a sterile gauze and moved the sticky skin back on the wound and bundled it up. Could barely hold the handlebar – I’ve sprained the ring and little finger in my right hand as well. But where to leave the bike? So we got back home.

Later in the evening I went to the doc and got an anti-tetanus shot. Pablo, my left upper arm is all swollen, man, and it hurts. I’ve got painkillers. But I dont remember an anti-tt being so painful. Well – what to say – perhaps old age. Yesterday morning was far worse – I was all stiff when I got up from my bed. Thing is – I cant wallow in it and lie down and chill – there is so much to do. In some sense, it is better this way as there is really not much choice.

Anyway – I am thinking of clearing up some stuff from the house. Some gut feeling tells me it will do my soul a lot of good. In fact, these days I have a policy – I always carry something each time I leave my home and give it away to someone. Clothes, food, footwear, bedsheets…whatever.

Hmmm….Fingers are complaining. So I’ll stop here and write again later, okay?

Now, you be good and take good care of Corinne, God bless her.

Hugs cuddles and mmmuah!

Your pal,

Vidya

Bizz the Lizz

27 May 2009

Hey Pabz,

(yeah, i have this irritating habit of ‘z’-ing names half way – and ended up with vidz – what to do)

My apologies for this delayed response – so don’t bother ever saying ’sorry’ to me if YOU delay, ok?
Anyway, I must tell you that with the people I really care for, I don’t expect them to be extra-courteous.
But no…this feeling comes only when you are a fossil like me. So I’d say, for now, young fella, you practice
courtesy at all times – no matter how familiar a person might be. You’ll be amazed how you’ll be remembered
for it. You know, I always say ‘namaskaram’ to any elderly person – and it is a habit. Recently, during one of my meetings, I was pleasantly surprised to hear someone referring specially to this. These are life’s easy feel-good things – and who’s complaining when someone is blessing you, eh?

Ever since I got your email, I’ve been visualizing you and the things you might do. Incidentally, your ‘gas production’ ability is not just special to boxers. You must share the credit with kids also – because I have Vidur at home who freaks out with laughter each time there’s an emittance. And I must confess – i also tend to be rather mentally juvenile when it comes to talking about silly things like farts and all. Why grow up, sometimes, I think. At least it keeps us mentally ventilated! Considering how bogged down we get with daily trivia like dripping taps, powercuts and what not – God knows we could do with the comic relief, however smelly!

This morning was really weird, Pablo. Let me tell you about it. I woke up as usual and got the coffee going. You know how it is – the filter drips. The milk boils. Then we marry off the decoction to the milk and savor it. Just as I was fantasizing, enjoying the aroma – I saw a lizard on the other side of the kitchen window glass. Did get me a bit nervous, but I thought heck – its on the other side – and I wont open the window. Even as temporary relief washed in, i sensed a movement on the inside groove of the sliding window. My adrenaline rush peaked – for I saw a lizard inside as well. It was no optical illusion. What to do? I thought I’d just slide the window a bit and let it escape. Gosh, how optimistic could I get, because the idiot lizard bypassed the route and raced across the kitchen slab. I got into quick action (after I switched off the stove of course – clever me) and tried to get the lizard to retrace its path back towards the window. Pablo – if someone ever tells you that lizards stick to walls, they are lying. This creepy crawy just coolly went off under the kitchen slab – to go and hide in one of the nooks there. Disgusted (and scared) I emptied the shelf, washed everything there (no – am not obsessive-compulsive). Just then, the doorbell rang – and my dhobi stood there. He asked me what was wrong, astute fellow. I told him about the lizard and guess what he said? Pour hot water on it! As if I could do that. He said it will make it emerge from its hiding place and then you can kill it. Ugh, enough said.

Now I dont know if the liz is still there or not. Each time I enter the kitchen, am warily looking around like someone with a severe mood disorder. Sigh. By the way, remember I told you about my friend’s pups? She had a garden, and naturally, lizards. The moment one was sighted, those guys would chase them around like crazy. Have you seen a lizard yet, Pablo? I am curious to know your reaction to the different species you meet on your walks, as well.

Incidentally, I thought about you lots yesterday – and guess why? I made gulab jamuns! Our Vidur is very fond of them. I made three divisions – soft ones, medium ones and hard ones. Hard ones means – I dip them in the syrup and take them out the moment they soak – so that they are sweet, yet there’s no messy syrup making a puddle around them. I dont have a sweet tooth, but I like gulab jamuns. Am not very sure that you should eat too many sweets Pablo, so watch out. You listen to what Corinne and Jose tell you, okay? Mischief is okay, but as far as food goes, they know exactly what is good for you – for your maximum health. Hugs, fella, I know you will.

Okay – I dont want to bore you to death with a very lengthy email. Reminds me of a professor who would say the same thing and go on to repeat himself twice.

I must congratulate you – for your very first email – I thought you did a fab job. Keep it up – I love to receive them – and I promise to always write back.

Hugs – and be good. If you can’t be good – then be BETTER!

haha

Vidya

I’m online!

23 May 2009

Dear Vidya

Thank you for your mail – it was such a pleasant surprise and I really enjoyed it. Corinne insisted that I get my own email address and I quote: ‘You’re old enough to write your own mails!”

So here I am, writing to you.

I’m glad that you want to see me soon – I suggest you hop on to the next flight and come visit if you don’t want to miss out on this ‘cutie’ phase I’m going through. I’m growing real fast and even went for my first official walk the day before yesterday – more about that later.

I have heard a lot about you from Corinne – mostly good stuff – although she has warned me about your ‘mad’ streak. Between you and me, she’s pretty crazy too – but just hides it better than us!

I got your point about making sure I eat. The thing is that I can’t understand why ‘they’ (Jose and Corinne) are feeding me with dry kibbles day in and day out. By now they know that I have sweet tooth and much prefer fruit fresh and dry. In fact the other day I had to resort to stealing ‘jaamuns’ from a bowl on the bed! Of course, I made sure not to drop the bowl and fooled Jose in to thinking I had taken two (which he promptly confiscated). What he didn’t realise, till much later, is that I had hidden four! After all the effort, though, I managed to eat only one whole! No reward for hard work and quick thinking in this house!!

I haven’t yet got in to music though an occasional tune on TV catches my ear. Frankly, I have much better things to do with my time – chase an empty bottle, chew on a stick and find ways and means to get the clothes off the bed etc.

My walks are turning out to be fun – I get to attack dogs bigger than me and also introduce myself to passersby. Their reactions, I must say, are rather mixed. However, my main fascination is with cycles – the sight of those wheels turning slowly really gets me.

Of late, Corinne has been complaining about the very smelly gases that I emit – but she had been warned that we boxers have a thing with wind! Thankfully, Jose’s sense of smell doesn’t work any more and he’s oblivious to my ‘offerings’.

It’s getting time for my evening walk, Vidya, so I’ll best be off. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Love and licks

Pablo

Hello!

22 May 2009
Dear Pablo,

I’ve been meaning to write to you for a while now.In fact, last Sunday when Vidur went to music class, I accompanied him part of the way and went to get some stuff.I saw a lady walking her pup and thought about you, trying to visualize how you might enjoy your walk. I am quite fond of pups. A classmate of mine had three, who I used to dote on. My special favorite was Kitty (now don’t go asking me why anyone would name a cute dachshund Kitty – but that was my crazy friend).

I’m dying to see you – and I hope to, soon. It’s just that things are a bit hectic at home, but I guess everything will work out in good time. My only regret is, you’ll be growing up so fast, I’ll miss this childhood phase. Sigh. I saw your pictures on Corinne’s blog a few days ago – and I found them so endearing. You look so lovable.

By the way, I heard that you were feeling a bit cranky last week – not eating well, that sort of thing. Listen – one thing I’ve learned from life is whether you are happy, sad, angry, whatever, always eat well, okay? You can’t turn the clock back anyway. So – no matter what, nourishment is important. I know you’ll be a darling and understand this.

You’ll be experiencing your first Mumbai monsoon this year – usually begins around June 10. Don’t let it put you off…sometimes a change in season is a good time to sit back and think. Plus, you’ve got great company – Corinne and Jose.

Incidentally, I wondered if you liked music. What do you listen to?

When I was about 10, we had a kind of community pup called Tommy who was a very friendly chap. I remember I was very upset when the other kids poured color on him during Holi, a festival. The purple color wouldn’t wash off at all for a long time and Tommy’s lovely creamy fur looked weird for months.

Hmm…that’s all for now, Pablo. You be a good fella and if you feel like, do keep in touch. We’ll meet up one of these days.

Hugs, cuddles, tickles and smooches,

Your pal,

Vidya

PS: If Corinne tells you I am nuts, she’s probably right. But don’t let that bother you.