Om Shanthi – Peace
Like the name says it was an abode of peace for me, I miss saying it as my home. It was indeed a struggle to change my address from Aadhar Card to Zomato, Aadhar Card being the a bit difficult one!
From where shall I begin?
Well I think it all starts with a hate for something which gradually becomes one of the integral parts of your life be it a person, place or an activity for that matter. Probably 18 years back I hated the fact that I’m going to shift to this new building called Om Shanti although the place I resided before was just 2 mins walk from here but still leaving behind all the people who’ve seen me since day one was a difficult part for me.
January 2003
I remember More uncle introducing me to his daughter Jagruti and she being the first person I befriended then gradually Manali, Sanjana, Vrushab and Shravani became my friends. Our typical “Bhandi-kundi khel” was worth remembering, from discussing when to start to who should bring what the play continued till from morning to late evening. Mostly every eatable was arranged by Manali since her home was nearest to the place where we played. Parle-G biscuit’s choora and murmura was our scrumptious daal-chawal. And bringing everyone’s mother’s odhni to cover the place just to feel it like a proper and beautiful home. That was our HOME!
Apart from that khaam-khaam, lappa-chuppi, pakda pakdi and what not we had played in that four-storey building.
The epic scene happens after every Holi, decorating the walls and passages with every possible shade and post then our Gunjal Kaka and Pawaskar Kaku saying
“Agli baar se koi holi nai khelega building mai” which was never really obeyed.
Oh and how can I miss out on the 26th January celebration, the previous night routine of cutting vegetables, conducting sports and preparing for the onstage performance which was mostly the latest song of that year and this song would be repeatedly heard from all other nearby buildings on loop. The food and the sheera prasad prepared on that particular day tasted heavenly.
Then coming on to our Diwali celebration,our khila(fort) making ,those beautiful lighting, diyaas and kandil (lantern) in front of everyone’s door which was indeed a treat to our eyes. Also the faral exchange programme,it was the toughest thing to say whose besanche laadoo, shankarpali and chakli were the tastiest ones.
During Ganesh festival it was a sheer confusion as to when and at whose place we should go for having a feast.
The entire building reverberated with divine chants of Ganpati
“Jaidev jaidev jay mangalmurti” at an interval of 2-3 hours.
I miss Chandane Uncle’s toothless smile while entering the gate.
The creak of the gate, the old letter box and the notice board.
Pawaskar kaku’s “Kal paani nai ayega, kamm wapro”
Maity aunty calling her son’s name in her high-pitched voice “Ae rudraaaaaa”
Manali calling me “Ae opplayy” I believe my contact is still saved in her phone by this name.
Siddharth calling Aadi in his bass voice “Aaditya khelneko aana”
Watching beautiful kolams in front of Natrajan aunty’s flat.
And last but not the least my Ajoba and Aaji knocking on our door at least 10 times a day asking
“Ae amu tula lasun chutney deu ka?
Ae Munna tula tikat-ambat amti dete thamb, jevu nako” etcetera..
I miss Ajoba offering me delicious kokam sarbat, I bet no one can compete with him on this and his loud voice which reaches till the ground floor saying
“Hey bhagwaan teri maaya
Kabhi dhoop kabhi chaaya”
Om Shanti will always have a special place in my heart.