Shades of Emotions - 2

I wrote this story as a proof to young people (my students of Nishtha and BSA) that we all feel multiple emotions each day- we are just not paying attention to them. An increased emotional vocabulary often means an increased control on reactions to emotions.

It never ceases to surprise me that most of my students are totally unaware of emotional vocabulary beyong Happy, Sad and Angry. In this story, students recognize these emotions: Frustration/annoyance, Compassion, Irritation, Relief, Contentment, Joy, Embarrassment, Regret, Envy, Arrogance, Guilt, Relief, Excitement. 

This is the second story along the themes above- this time the protaganist is a girl. 

A Day in the Life of...

I woke up while it was still dark. I hated getting out of the warm bed, but it had to be done. I had volunteered to cook for the family today because mummy needed to rest. She had been in so much pain last night.

I saw Anuj sleeping soundly in his bed. He wasn't at the dinner table last night. He must have to come in after I was already fast asleep. This was the third night in a row when he hadn't eaten dinner with us. It was for some planning he had to do with his friends for a college festival, he said. As usual, everyone believed whatever he said, and allowed him everything he wanted to do. 

But when it came to me, it was a different story. I wasn't even allowed to stay back at Rohini's to prepare for an exam last month. It was so unfair because it's not as if Rohini and her family are strangers to our family. I had literally begged mummy to let me go, but to no avail. Anuj kept sitting quietly when all this was going on, never once saying a word in my favour. I promised myself I will never forget his "support"! Things had not been the same between us after that incident. 

I entered the freezing kitchen as quietly as I could and spent the next hour making everyone's breakfast and lunch. Before getting ready for college, I peeped inside mummy's room to make sure she was okay. I couldn't see her face, but it seemed she was sleeping soundly. 

The bus was late! I hated being late, but what could I do? The only saving grace was that eight other students from my class took the same bus, so I would not be the only one in trouble with Mahajan sir. Thank God! 

I met Rohini at our usual spot under the tree and we rushed to the class together. Mahajan sir was himself late, so we were spared the lecture about discipline and punctuality. I couldn't help but notice that he didn't apologise for his late arrival. All the rules are meant only for us students, it seems! 

Later, Rohini and I sat together and had our lunch. I told her about Anuj and his late evening meetings. She agreed with me that he could just be partying with his friends in the name of planning. Boys were like that, always misusing their freedom, while we girls were denied even the smallest of liberties. I felt good knowing that there was at least one person who had the same misgivings about him as I. 

She then told me a naughty joke she had heard from her bus mates. I laughed so hard that a few students turned around to look at me. I suddenly became aware of how I sounded and wished I could be more sophisticated, like Shanaya!  

Talk of the devil. Shanaya was walking out of the canteen and coming towards us. Dressed in a flowy kurta and loose pants, with a duppata thrown casually over her shoulders, she was a picture of elegance. As always, there was a retinue of two to three minions walking behind her. Proper princess! 

Rohini stood up. That was the reaction of most people when Shanaya walked by. But not me. I had more dignity than that. She may be the resident beauty queen, but she was no better than the rest of us in every other way. She was certainly no better than me in academics. Hadn't I topped the class twice in a row? 

I pulled Rohini down and tried to distract her. Just then, to my surprise, Shanaya addressed me directly. She asked if Anuj from the boys' college was my brother. When I said yes, she gave me a sickly sweet smile and asked me to give him a message. 

A message? To Anuj? From the princess? For a moment, I was disoriented.  

She then told me to ask Anuj to move the fashion show to the afternoon on the 14th. It was scheduled for the morning, but she was busy then. Thus the request! She then added that it was important that I convey the message to Anuj today itself because the finalised schedule was to be posted first thing tomorrow. 

I nodded despite myself, though later it would occur to me that it was just like her to ask the world to adjust according to her convenience. 14th morning was inconvenient to her, so she wanted the schedule to be changed! As if the fashion show couldn't or shouldn't proceed without Her Majesty! 

After she left, I looked awkwardly at Rohini. Anuj wasn't partying after all. He was actually busy with festival planning! I had let my anger and hurt cloud my judgment about him. 

When I reached home, I saw to my delight that mummy was up and about. She told me that she had been to the doctor and was feeling better after taking the medication. Then she thanked me for helping her out this morning. I couldn't say anything. I hugged her tightly, wiping my eyes dry on her shoulders. 

That night, I stayed up till late so I could talk to Anuj. It was almost midnight when he returned home. He looked surprised when I asked him about the festival, but was quick to share with me the detailed schedule. He also talked about the efforts they were making to make the event different and special. His excitement was infectious. He was especially kicked about the elaborate runway being set up for the fashion show on 14th morning. Hmm...14th! Morning! 

He then suggested that I, the nerdiest nerd, should participate in the Scrabble and Boggle competitions that were to be held in the afternoon on the 14th, soon after the fashion show. 

Of course I agreed. I agreed immediately! 

__________________________________________________________________

Here is the Hindi translation of the story done by Sonika. 

एक दिन प्रतिदिन 

जब अलार्म के तीखे शोर ने मुझे जगाया, तब अँधेरा ही था। मैंने जैसे तैसे अलार्म बंद किया और अपने गरम बिस्तर से निकली। आज खाना बनाने की ज़िम्मेदारी मैंने ली थी क्योंकि मम्मी की तबीयत ठीक नहीं थी। कल रात उनके पेट का दर्द कम ही नहीं हो रहा था। 

अनुज अपने बिस्तर पर गहरी नींद में सो रहा था। वो रात को कब आया, मुझे नहीं पता। पिछले तीन दिनों से उसने हमारे साथ डिनर नहीं किया। उसके मुताबिक़ वो अपने दोस्तों के साथ कॉलेज फेस्टिवल की प्लानिंग कर रहा था। कुछ भी! पर उसकी बात तो सब सच मान लेते हैं। जो करना है, करने देते हैं। 

मेरी बात और है। पिछले महीने, मुझे परीक्षा की तैयारी के लिए रोहिणी के घर रुकने की भी पर्मिशन नहीं मिली थी। रोहिणी और उसके परिवार को सब अच्छे तरह से जानते हैं, फिर भी मनाही? मैंने कितनी विनती करी थी, पर कोई फ़ायदा नहीं हुआ। अनुज उस वक़्त चुप-चाप सब सुनता रहा। उसके मुँह से मेरे पक्ष में एक शब्द नहीं निकला। मैंने भी सोच लिया कि मैं उसका यह “सहयोग” कभी नहीं भूलूंगी। उस दिन के बाद से हमारी बातचीत ना के बराबर ही थी। 

बिना शोर मचाये मैं ठंडी रसोई में गयी और अगले एक घंटे तक सबके लिए नाश्ता और दोपहर का खाना बनाती रही। कॉलेज के लिए तैयार होने से पहले मैंने मम्मी के कमरे में झाँककर देखा कि वे ठीक हैं या नहीं। मैं उनका चेहरा तो नहीं देख सकी, लेकिन मुझे ऐसा लगा कि वह आराम से सो रही थीं।

आज बस बहुत देर से आई! मुझे देर करना बिल्कुल पसंद नहीं, लेकिन मैं क्या कर सकती हूँ? यह सब मेरे हाथ में तो नहीं है। राहत की बात यह है कि मेरी कक्षा के आठ और छात्र भी उसी बस से आते हैं, इसलिए भगवान का शुक्र है कि मुझे अकेले ही महाजन सर की डाँट नहीं खानी पड़ेगी। मैं और रोहिणी हमारे रोज़ के ठिकाने, पेड़ के नीचे मिले और दौड़ते हुए कक्षा में पहुंचे। महाजन सर खुद ही देर से आए थे, इसलिए हमें अनुशासन और समय की पाबंदी पर भाषण नहीं सुनना पड़ा। खुद देर से आने की उन्होंने माफ़ी नहीं मांगी। लगता है सारे नियम सिर्फ़ हम छात्रों के लिए ही होते हैं!

लंच टाइम में रोहिणी और मैंने साथ बैठकर खाना खाया। मैंने उसे अनुज और उसकी देर शाम की मीटिंग्स के बारे में बताया। वो भी बोली कि ज़रूर अनुज दोस्तों के साथ मस्ती कर रहा होगा। यह प्लानिंग शानिंग तो एक बहाना लगता है। लड़के ऐसे ही होते है, अपनी आज़ादी का गलत फ़ायदा उठाते हैं, जबकि हम लड़कियों को छोटी-सी आज़ादी भी नहीं दी जाती। मैंने मन में सोचा “शुक्र है कोई और भी मेरी तरह सोचता है।"

फिर उसने मुझे अपने बस के साथियों से सुना हुआ एक नटखट सा चुटकुला सुनाया। मैं इतनी ज़ोर से हँसी कि कुछ छात्र मुड़ कर मुझे देखने लगे। अचानक मुझे एहसास हुआ कि मैं किस तरह हंस रही थी और मैंने मन में सोचा, काश, मैं भी शनाया की तरह ज़्यादा  सलीकेदार होती!

लो जी, जिस की चर्चा हो रही थी, वही शनाया कैंटीन से निकल कर हमारी तरफ़ चली आ रही थी। ढीला-ढाला कुर्ता, ढीली पैंट्स और कंधों पर सहजता से डाला हुआ दुपट्टा, वह पूरी तरह शालीनता की मिसाल लग रही थी। हमेशा की तरह, उसके पीछे दो-तीन चमचे चल रहे थे। बिल्कुल किसी राजकुमारी की तरह!

तभी रोहिणी खड़ी हो गई। शनाया के सामने ज़्यादातर लोग ऐसा ही करते हैं.  लेकिन मैं ऐसा नहीं करती। मुझमें इतनी गरिमा तो है। वह भले ही कॉलेज की सुंदरता की रानी हो, लेकिन हर मामले में हमसे बेहतर नहीं है। निश्चित तौर पर, पढ़ाई में तो वह मुझसे बिल्कुल भी बेहतर नहीं है। आखिर मैंने लगातार दो बार कक्षा में टॉप किया है!

मैंने रोहिणी को खींच कर बैठा दिया और उसका ध्यान भटकाने की कोशिश की। पर यह क्या? शनाया तो मुझसे ही बात करने लगी! उसने पूछा कि बॉयज़ कॉलेज का अनुज क्या मेरा भाई है। जब मैंने हाँ कहा, तो उसने एक बनावटी-सी मीठी मुस्कान दी और मुझसे उसे एक संदेश देने को कहा।

एक संदेश? अनुज को? उस राजकुमारी की तरफ़ से? मैं पल भर के लिए अचकचा गई।

उसने मुझसे कहा कि मैं अनुज से कहूँ कि 14 तारीख के फैशन शो का समय सुबह से बदलकर दोपहर को कर दे, क्योंकि वह सुबह खाली नहीं है। उसने ख़ास तौर पर ज़ोर देकर कहा कि यह संदेश आज ही पहुँचाना ज़रूरी है, क्योंकि तय किया गया फाइनल कार्यक्रम कल सुबह सब से पहले पोस्ट कर दिया जायेगा।

मैंने अनचाहे ही सिर हिला दिया, हालांकि, बाद में मुझे एहसास हुआ कि दुनिया को अपनी सुविधा के अनुसार ढालने की उसकी आदत थी। 14 तारीख़ की सुबह उसे ठीक नहीं लगी, तो उसके मुताबिक पूरा कार्यक्रम बदल दिया जाए! जैसे महारानी के बिना फैशन शो हो ही नहीं सकता!

उसके जाने के बाद, मैंने रोहिणी की ओर शर्मिंदा होके देखा। अनुज सच में पार्टी नहीं कर रहा था। वह वाकई फ़ेस्टिवल की प्लानिंग में व्यस्त था! क्योंकि मैं उससे नाराज़ थी, मैंने उस के बारे में गलत धारणा बना ली थी।

घर पहुँचकर मैंने देखा कि मम्मी धूप में बैठी हैं। डॉक्टर की दवा असर कर गई थी और अब उन्हें दर्द नहीं था। जब मम्मी ने मुझे खाना बनाने के लिए थैंक यू बोला, तो मैं निशब्द उनके गले लग गई और अपने आसूं उनके कन्धों पे पोंछ डाले।

उस रात मैं देर तक जागती रही ताकि अनुज से बात कर सकूँ। लगभग आधी रात को वह घर लौटा। जब मैंने उससे फ़ेस्टिवल के बारे में पूछा तो वह हैरान हुआ, लेकिन फिर उसने पूरे कार्यक्रम की जानकारी मुझ से शेयर की। उसने यह भी बताया कि वे इस आयोजन को खास और अलग बनाने के लिए कितनी मेहनत कर रहे हैं। उसका उत्साह मुझे भी उत्साहित कर गया। वह खास तौर पर 14 तारीख़ की सुबह होने वाले फैशन शो के लिए बनाए जा रहे, शानदार रैंप को लेकर बहुत उत्साहित था।

14 तारीख़! सुबह का समय!

फिर उसने सुझाव दिया कि मैं, सबसे बड़ी पढ़ाकू, 14 तारीख़ की दोपहर को, फैशन शो के बाद होने वाली स्क्रैबल और बॉगल प्रतियोगिताओं में हिस्सा लूँ।

और ज़ाहिर है, मैंने हाँ कह दिया। मैं एकदम मान गई!

The One that Got Away!

After six days in Gobi desert and one whole day of driving, we finally reached the Princess camp high up in the Gorkhi Terelj National Park in Mongolia. From dry flat planes to rugged mountains, from browns and grays to gurgling rivulets and lush greens, from 40 degrees to -5 degrees, all in a period of 12 hours! 

The Princess camp was yet another Ger camp, no different from that in Gobi, except that it was freezing cold. There was a large coal heater with the chimney going out from the center of the Ger. Our hosts entered the Ger every few hours to reload the coal to keep us warm, while we tried to sleep. Their intrusion, initially shocking, was very soon welcomed! 

The next day, our guide told us we would be going for a picnic to an old ruin some 10 km away. There were horses for those who wanted to ride, much to the delight of Atreya and Shalini, and an ox-cart for those who couldn't- mom and me. By now it was snowing lightly. We wore sweaters and jackets offered to us by our very maternal hosts, all men by the way, but the cold was bone-chilling. They then trussed mom and me in a blanket each, with a rope tied around us to hold it in place. 

We were then picked up and placed on the ox-cart, the keyword being "on". Our seat was a flat plank of wood that was somehow attached to the yoke around the neck of the large black and white ox. There were no side railing or any back rest. Like everything that was thrown our way in this unusual fascinating country, we took it in our stride. 

A few hundred yards into the rough drive, with no arms free to prop ourselves up, we found ourselves less and less vertical and more and more horizontal on the wooden platform. With snow now drifting onto our faces and mouths, mom and I looked at each other helplessly. No promised beautiful scenery to be seen. All we could see was gray skies and each other's pitiable faces.

Suddenly, there was a jerk and a shout. The wooden platform stood at an odd angle. I managed to get my arms out of the blanket, propped myself up and turned around to see what the commotion was about. Our ox-cart was sans the ox! There was just the wooden plank somehow balanced on the slushy muddy path, with mom and me somehow still on it!

I could see our ox-cart driver running and shouting after the ox who had decided enough was enough. All this while we thought we were uncomfortable, but who knew that the ox was the real victim here, carrying us two through the snow and slush! 

It was a funny site seeing the ox running away, but not more than the site we presented to our horse riding friend and family, who could be heard laughing loudly and calling out to the driver. 

Noticing how precariously we were perched, the driver discontinued the ox chase and returned to help us. With no English-speaking guide nearby to translate for us, it was somehow agreed that he would carry mom on his back across the slushy path where the ox had abandoned us. While he did that, I shook off the blanket, hopped off the cart and made my way gingerly to dry land. No way I would let that man take on the burden of carrying me across, however sturdy he may be! Certainly, he couldn't be sturdier than the ox! 

After making sure we were safe, he once again ran to get the ox back, who was now happily chewing on some dry grass. After much pulling and cajoling, he was brought back to the cart and yoked again. We hopped back on top of the plank, this time with the blankets only loosely wrapped around us. 

I don't remember much of the ruins or the picnic, or the trip back, but this episode from 20 years ago of the ox shaking us off is as fresh in my mind as if it happened just yesterday. 

The ox-cart being readied for us! 

The ox that got away! 

Say What?

There is a drive to push Hindi usage in government offices. There is also a drive to go digital, but some drives, like cars, move faster than others. So, we still receive my father's pension-related information from Delhi via snail mail, not e-mail. But there is clear evidence of the other drive in full momentum. 

This is a letter we received recently. To clarify, the address my mother gave them was this:

Firmly Rooted Bungalow 

Village Sidhbari

PO Rakkar 

HP....

Here is what came as the address on the letter. 

The only field translated into Hindi was "Firmly Rooted". The words Village and PO were not 

So, mind you, you are right now in a Bungla called Majbooti se Jad Diya! 

Talking of translation, let me recount another episode from a couple of years ago. Actually, I was reminded of it because of the Vote Fraud issue currently in the news. A few years ago, I was trying to find the locations of our voting booth for the local elections. I was majorly impressed when I was told that the information was available online. Online! Wow! That's my world. I can navigate that! 

So, I went to the website. But everything is in Hindi. Shuddh Hindi. As is my habit, I look for a way to see the information in English. Lo and behold- there is a button that says English. I press it and the information is in English! Yay! 

But wait! What the hell is this? Who is Moon Bliss? And Love Creeper? And Diametre?

Any software person will tell you that when developing software apps, we mark certain fields as non-translating fields. Well, obviously, the persons making this website wasn't aware of it and so all the names had been translated into English. Absolutely wonderful! 

Rather than talk about it, let's do a short quiz. Guess what this name would be in Hindi?

Rich Goddess

Omen

Love Creeper?

Country Rule 

Dream

Peacock

Saffron

Smell

Pass through 

Like Ram

Critique 

Teenager

Drank (Father Peacock)

Light up

Good Luck

Sick

Original Secret

Omnipotent Goddess

Sapphire

Bum God

Love Creeper

Illuminating

Lamp

Like Ram