Ahmedabad. What a lovely city, Mi. Do you remember how we wanted to visit? Unexpectedly I got an invitation for a tour of the Tata Nano factory at Sanand and was urged by my loves to accept – and I did. I am glad I listened.
I thought of you so much as I packed. Today, as I woke up at 2.45 am to get the coffee started so I could leave by 4 am to catch the 6.15 flight, I imagined you hustling me out of the house. I also laughed to myself, thinking of how I had made certain strategic food item and kept them in the fridge for V and S to heat and eat, just in case they didn’t feel inclined to make anything over the next two days.
The rush is usually when V has college at 7.30 am, as that means waking up early and leaving early, too. Of course, you won’t be surprised to know that they manage pretty well. I am also smiling to think that the kitchen sink will be thoughtfully empty when I am back the day after tomorrow.
Gujarat reminds me of your school colleague in Madras whose house we would visit. What yummy snacks they served. Funny thing – how his wife never moved her pallu from her head! I don’t ever remember seeing her face. But so much love in their house. That’s what I kept thinking of. And how well you spoke Gujarati!
We visited the Adalaj stepwell – so beautiful – and then went to Sabarmati Ashram after which we had an authentic Gujarati meal for lunch. Very yum.
How I wish we’d gone together! Especially while walking along Law market looking at the street side shops – I imagined you wanting to buy those pretty fabrics and decorations. I fondly thought of your own red mirrored and embroidered bag that you loved so much.
Life does go on, eh? I am looking forward to a fab evening. Today’s highlight was, of course, meeting Ravi, even if only for a short time. I feel so lucky that I have such solid friends permanently residing in my heart.
