In our US trip, Dussehra, Occurred on Monday, which meant it could not be celebrated on weekend and also with entire family. We, particularly ladies were trying to polish a normal day into an Auspicious Day. They were making their own efforts. Priti and Jaya, at Stamford and Preeti and her aai, at East Windsor were putting in best efforts to give it an auspicious touch.
Though there was Puranpoli in menu ( made by Priti) but was no Pangat at home. There were no much of friends or nearest and dearest to visit to exchange wishes and Gold ( Aptyachi Pane ie symbolic "Gold" on the eve). Telephonic wishes of Dussehra were continuously on from all near and dear ones.
In the noon, I took a nap for a long time , as an unavoidable hangover of Puranpoli made by Priti. The things were going on but still , it felt that something was missing, something was lost. The feelings might not have been noted yesterday but I am realizing it while putting it on paper.
In the evening we had decided to visit Gannu’s house to meet them and take blessings of Kamal Tai being an elder one. At their place, Vinu, Santu were out for work . Ladies were busy in chatting. TV was on but watching it was a boring job and I was getting isolated. I also feared that “Depression” might start now.
Door bell rang and I thought that Santu or Vinu might have come. Due to heavy head it was not possible for me to think the alternatives and other possibilities. In some seconds, I heard mixed voices of Shiku ,Preeti, Ram and Kole Bhauji and Vahini. It was a surprise visit which really shocked us. Immediately Preeti ,Shiku touched my leg and came in to my lap . Ram also came and hugged me. My eyes were wet, unable to see the things ( I am not such a emotional , but now a days I am becoming sentimental). Yes it’s true that seldom we all met and spent time together. It is hard to describe ,how I felt at that moment,. Its like sky with joy and happiness came to us. We all were in such a position ,what to talk and what not.
Shiku- Preeti’s surprise visit was beyond imagination and that too making it prior rather than visiting a temple.
We came back home. As like in India “Simolanghan” bringing Sone (symbolic gold) was neither done nor possible here. Ladies arranged AARTI- OWALNI of gents. Jaya started it from Sau, he came with some money to put it in OWALNI. Aie told him that it’s not necessary to put money on this occasion. Next turn was of Ram. He shouted “wait-wait, I do have money and I am bringing it”. We all were watching him. He opened his travel bag took out some coins from his money purse which he carried with him like an essential items of travel without knowledge of any body. He dropped the coins in OWALNI to Jaya all were stunned to see Ram’s act. These are the Gold coins gifted by Ram. I call it gold coins as Gold is deeply related with Dussehra, else the coins are priceless being a momentum of this Dussehra in USA. On this Dussehra ,Our wet eyes were full of joy and satisfaction along with a little drop of sorrow, thats for Anu . We missed Anu ! .Still the occasion is memorable. Evening passed in lot of talks and Ram’s various acts . He also brought his camara taken our photos with different comments , which we enjoyed a lot. On-the-spot, Ram sketched greetings for all of us and distributed it one by one with loveliest hugs. I prayed God to keep my family always happy ,satisfied and loving all.
