Sunday Specials

By Yuti Kalro

In my opinion, being in the right place at the right time brings together the right kind of people to live happily.

Ronav preferred spending his summer vacations with his grandparents. The itinerary for the week was planned. It started with a walk with grandpa at the nearby park at 7:30 am. Lunch was always a delightful treat for Ronav as he was pampered with the most exquisite yet simple hearty konkani meals whipped up by grandma. Afternoons were spent exploring his creative side at the summer camp activities in the society club. In the evening, he would either visit his cousins who lived nearby or visit the market with his aunt to buy provisions. It may sound like any other day but Ronav was always eagerly waiting for his time with his grandparents and aunt while they mirrored the exact same sentiment. Sundays, however, were the most special of all days! How different can any “holiday” be from the other you may ask, but Sunday brought with it a new story enthusiastically narrated by Ajja at breakfast. It was so momentous that the day was referred to as “Sunday special”. The smell of freshly brewed filter coffee wafting from the kitchen at 6am woke a smiling Ronav up. He quickly brushed his teeth, washed his face and rushed to the breakfast table. Awaiting him was Ajja’s endearing smile and a cup of hot filter coffee with freshly baked buttered kadak pav. Ammama smiled as he lunged for the bread and bit off a huge mouthful. Tell me today’s story Ajja, he pleaded in between bites. Ah yes! So this story dates back to the 1950s, when I was about 20 years old. Independence Day was soon approaching so me and my NCC (National Cadet Corps) friends were practicing for the armed exhibition drill. We were informed that an honorable chief guest with a high standing will grace the event. We meticulously chalked out a schedule to practice and religiously practiced for a week. Finally the Day had arrived! I changed into my NCC uniform, mine being different as my rank was that of a Corporal. I had a red sash and red rank slides on the shoulder strap of my uniform. Here see! Ajja presented a black and white photograph where I was shocked to see how much I resembled Ajja! “You may not be able to

decipher the color here obviously but I wanted to share my love for the cadet corps with you,'' said Ajja. “That’s wonderful, Ajja,” marveled Ronav. Ajja continued, “I motioned my squad to assemble as we waited for the Chief Guest. Rao Bahadur D. V. Nadkarni, the then administrative head of Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) was welcomed with a standing ovation as he made his way to his seat on the stage. I signaled my squad to begin with the drill. The coordination and the mesmerizing tricks attracted a lot of awe from the audience. Rao Bahadur D. V. Nadkarni, was extremely delighted to witness such a grand display that he came over and handed me a token. A commemorative coin bearing the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar, which was the first of its kind to represent the coinage of Republic India. My joy knew no bounds and I remember the scene vividly to this day,” said Ajja. I asked Ajja how he thought of sharing this story in particular today? He continued, “This was just a part of the fun bit! A decade hence my mother was beaming with joy as she had finally found a well educated girl for me to marry. Your grandmother obviously! Ajja said with a wide grin. When the families decided to meet up, guess who I found in her house! It’s Rao Bahadur D. V. Nadkarni. Oh my! That’s such a great coincidence! said Ronav. Serendipity is what I would call it! exclaimed Ajja. I showed him the coin that he had gifted me to break his surprised gaze. I could see the emotion on his face change to a pleasant one, rather to a happier one. Ronav was so elated to hear this story that he went and hugged his grandparents. Thank you Ajja for this really amazing Sunday special story!

By Yuti Kalro