Saturday, 10 October 2015

OH1. LIVING IN ORCHID HARMONY : DEC 14 TO SEPT 15

Dear life,
We were in Faridabad since 1993, when we constructed a house there in HUDA sector 28. Faridabad was then a small sleepy town which was safer than NOIDA, where we were living in company's flat. Possessing a house is one major achievement and we became proud owner of a mid size banglow in our early thirties. The house was a labour of love. We have invested all the money we had at that point of time and worked hard to make it our dream house. The designs were simple, straight lined and user friendly. Comfort and convenience were our main thrust in designing. High full wall big windows, sleek straight line furniture in a north facing plot was a very convenient house. My children grew up there and we have many happy memories associated with this faridabad home. When we shifted to Faridabad in 1993 there were no water or electricity issues. Both water and electricity were 24 hours, except during rains or thunderstorms. A peaceful, pollution free town! Slowly things getting worsen as population increases. Electricity cuts increased from fixed time to any time and any length. Sometimes the cuts were 5 to 10 hours. Inverters entered in the homes. Most of the conversations among people are around bijali, paani and sadak. The whole city has turned into a big pothole with nil electricity and very low water supply.

On one of the postings, we moved to "Modi's Gujarat".  The comfort of 24 hours electricity and water along with safe rides any time of day and night was blessing! The city freed my soul. Instead of planning household work around availability of electricity, I joined many classes to learn things I wanted to learn like photography, vegetable carving etc. During our tenure of 5 years, we have decided to finally settle down in Ahmedabad.

It was a tough decision, as we have a house..a beautiful house with memories of children's childhood associated with it. Most of the relatives were there in Delhi and NCR. My only sister was 200 km away. We discussed with our sons. They also supported the decision of moving out. We finally decided to move to Ahmedabad.

On September 17, 2014, we have shifted to Ahmedabad with bag and baggage. The household goods were transported through a movers and transporter firm while we both drove down in our car, Chevrolet SPARK. Our little car has been a great companion on our innumerable road trips.  With a night halt in Jaipur, we reached on 18th September to Ahmedabad. It was such a relief.

We perched ourselves in a rented accommodation till we could select a place for our permanent abode. Then began the house hunting. Orchid Harmony was love at first sight. Serene, quiet and very positive vibes.

I along with my husband have shifted to orchid harmony on 15 Dec, 14 in a record time of 7 weeks after taking possession. We hired carpenter Kheta Ram to do all the wood work, which he did in a record time of 7 weeks.

 Christmas on 25th December, 2014 was the first festival, which we attended to meet people. Though the programme was very amateurish... the host, the selection of items, presentation and everything, dinner was somewhat  saving grace. But these are the baby steps of growth of a society.

Settling down in a new city has it's own challenges.  I love them unlike my husband.

First few months were busy in setting up the house. It was like setting up a new home as we have disposed off all old furniture, utensils, personal utilities items either by selling or by donation. I wanted a new home. I detest the household getting older with it's inmates.

My father who had shifted with my sister due to our shifting , searching and finalisation of a house in Ahmedabad arrived in January 15th  2015. After my mother's demise on Nov 28, 1996, my father shifted with me from Hisar, where he had a grand house. On my first floor, he constructed a two bedroom, hall kitchen portion with  a big roof area. The arrangement was working fine. He used kitchen for tea etc but otherwise all his needs were taken care by me. In Faridabad, papa had an independent unit on a separate floor. In my sister's palatial house, he had a full room to himself with large open spaces all around. He has never lived in a flat and that too on 7th floor.

Adjusting with each other in adulthood was a challenge. Our habits and interests vary a lot. My dad is a TV buff and we both do not switch on TV for days together. Our eating habits and time were different. Papa has a very routine life. I do not want to be guided by the alarms and clock any more. All three of us really worked hard to set up systems so that no one interferes in other's life. With little teething problems all adjusted well. Being eldest of the two , I felt very responsible towards my dad. My younger sister is having some health issues so she can't take responsibility of papa. I want him to be happy and peaceful. He is running into 85th year . I wish  a happy and healthy life for him.

As we were in the process of settling down in society life, my elder son Vaibhav informed us of his decision of taking a break from his job. He came on March 2nd to upgrade himself professionally. During his two and half month's stay, he discussed about his marriage, the girl of his choice etc. My younger son is studying in USA and he comes only once a year. So it was mutually decided between both the families that wedding has to be celebrated before Vibhor goes back to his university. His wedding date was finalized on 31st July, 2015. Vaibhav's stay, his wedding preparation, Vibhor's stay , all kept me so busy that there was almost no time to think of anything else.

We left for Kanpur from Ahmedabad on 28th June, 2015 and reached Kanpur on 31st July along with our extended family. We came back on 2nd August, a reception on 3rd August was organised for local friends and relatives. Newlyweds left on 4th morning and Vibhor on 11th August.

And now my life is coming back to routine. My morning walks and gym sessions have been restarted. Afternoon meetings over green tea were rejuvenating. Kitty in society had helped me to have a good circle of friends. We have started meeting over Pot luck dinners in our tower.

August 15, Independence day of India was planned to be celebrated in OH. The collection was done. The programme was total flop though the organisors spent much more than what appeared to be spent. There was anger at being cheated. The undercurrents started and came into full bloom on a meeting called by self proclaimed leaders. I was one of the persons who spoke against the arrangements. Besides me, two more  women came out in open and spoke against the arrangements. The reactions from the so called education and moneyed people were beyond my perception. Many were of the opinion that women should not speak in such matters. Women should not be allowed to come into such meetings of in society's committe, as they donot let any decision to be taken. In short, they have no respect of women in general and their wives , daughters and daughters-in law in. Disgusting  MCPs. It's very well said that one can't choose their relations and neighbours !

The discussion about taking over the society from builder has been warming up these days. In a general body meeting ( most of the meetings are attended by just 25 - 40 people) it was decided to form a central committe with three  representatives from each of six towers. Our tower elected two men and a lady. So the trend has set in. Now moost of the towers are sending one women representative. Good step.

Ganesh Chturathi, a festival of social participation started with a very negative note on women's whatsapp group. Self proclaimed leader posted about the celebtration without any consultation with any of the residents. Again hot discussions helped reach on cool agreements. For the first time in society, effort was for social participation rather than collection. the things are going on fine. All interested people have been activaly participating and whole atmosphere is festive these days. The discussions are around decoration, music, prasaad, lightening etc. Feels good!

This year, I have also brought my Ganesha for the first time. I have made an eco Ganesha with terracota . For a first timer and with no artistic sense, I think I have done a marvellous job. I have a different equation with God. He is my BEST friend. While surfing internet to know about celebration of Ganesh chaturthi, I decided I will do it my way. Since I have made eco Ganesha, I will try to use eco friendly and energy conservation products in pooja. I have made a simple sitting for Lord with a corrugated box and hand made paper. I am loving it and I am sure my Ganesha will love it too. I will mostly use flowers for decoration. For prasad, I will use peda or laddoo. I will go out and get some today. I will do an aarti in the morning around 8.30 am. No, I donot know the arti, I will play the record and read through the aarti book.  I will keep Ganesha for one and half days. Since it's an eco friendly , I will immerse it in a bucket full of water and then spread the water in the vegetation.


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