As we start another year in paradise!!
Today was one of those days that seemed determined to test my patience, my coordination and possibly my marriage—all before lunch.
It began with ginger.
I was crushing it for my tea when a tiny piece launched itself straight into my eye. It stung so badly that I could almost hear it saying, “How dare you pound me, lady?” I had no time to argue with the ginger. I was too busy blinking furiously and wondering how something so small could have such a dramatic effect.
Then the dog decided that staying upstairs was not on his agenda. He bolted down to the first floor and vanished behind a stack of chairs. Naturally, this became an expedition involving calling, searching and trying to persuade one very determined dog that his day of exploration was over.
The washing machine had its own plans. I pressed the start button lightly. Nothing. I pressed it again. Still nothing. Apparently, it wanted a firmer push – a little more conviction, perhaps a declaration of intent. After silently sniggering at my gentle attempts, it finally agreed to start an hour later. Darn thing.
But the day’s grandest performance came while I was packing Diwali hampers for my dear friends.
I began with one for my favourite person, Dr Usha Aunty. My driver set off to her residence -but without the hamper. When I called to ask why he wasn’t coming upstairs to collect the gift bag, he explained that Aunty wasn’t home. So he was waiting to ask someone responsible at the residence to hand him the hamper.
Apparently, he had already gone there and announced, “Anjali Madam has sent me to collect the Diwali hamper.”
I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me whole. Preferably a very deep hole. Never before had my personal staff gone around asking for a Diwali hamper – “hafta,” as my horrified imagination immediately labelled it. Thank goodness Usha Aunty wasn’t home to hear the original announcement. Though, once I told her the story, she laughed louder than anyone. She is that kind of sport.
Ravi, meanwhile, advised me to apologise as soon as possible. Which I did, with all the dignity one can muster after discovering that one’s driver has accidentally turned a gift delivery into a hamper collection operation.
And yet, somehow, I did well.
I survived the ginger attack. I located the adventurous dog. I eventually persuaded the washing machine to cooperate. I sent hampers to my friends – though one nearly went out without the hamper and I made it through the day with my sense of humour intact.
It was also a day of milestones. Ravi and I have spent close to four decades tolerating each other, lovingly, of course, and with the occasional urgent instruction to apologise to one’s friends. That has to count for something.
So, after everything the day threw at me, I can say with confidence: I did well.
Happy anniversary to us!
