Unplanned Journeys

By the way writing this column every other week is no miniature task. It isn’t about writing per se, it’s about finding what to write about first that daunts me. Like this time. You see, it isn’t like I’ve been writing forever…only after we moved to DehraDun. Also; it’s tough to type while driving a car. I’m in Jaipur as I write, and for the last 3 days or so have been (literally) on the road . Doon to Delhi, then onwards to Jaipur…and no, I’m not on vacation, actually quite the contrary. Vacations are different. After experiencing Dehradun’s weather and people, every other place looks and feels second grade. In fact one doesn’t need to go too far…just cross Biharigarh; and you’ll know what I mean. OK, so message one is: I hate leaving DehraDun. The question that follows of course is why am I not in Doon then? And the answer is, because; I’m married. Yes, it has a lot to do with my marriage. The ‘Mrs.’ traces her so called ‘royal’ ancestry to a place called “Jothwara” a little ah...

Letter 1 To MC (Mr. Chaudhary). Dear Mr. Chaudhary (MC), I understand you moved to DehraDun within the last decade from our neighboring towns like Muzzafarnagar, Roorkee, Meerut, Saharanpur, Yamunanagar etc.; and found this town to be both peaceful and lucrative. I also understand that you had substantial agricultural income that you used; to buy land and commercial properties in DehraDun at prices that no local could afford. I am sure your 130 KG body and 6 feet; well built frame ,has also come in handy , while bidding for liquor licenses, government contracts, and generally to keep the typical 72 KG and 5 feet 7 inches ‘local’ away from where you think , he should keep away. The point is…today, you and your sons, nephews and cousins are all over our once quite town, driving bigger and meaner cars, getting into brawls with people on the road and generally making a “Muzzafarnagar” out of Doon. I also understand violent and rude behavior comes naturally to you. I understand. ...