DEAR RAJU.................

............There was great apprehension (my wife not formally dressed for the auspicious day of Id) in our hearts as we neared Taratola, on our way to your home. The road condition was so treacherous that Piku and myself almost felt that the possibility of the visit going off well may be quite limited. But I really wanted to meet you - a much awaited meeting after a span of almost 27 years, leaving aside the two batch get-togethers and your visit to my mother's sraddha ceremony. I really wanted to rediscover you in your own surroundings and on reaching your place and as we warmed up to the coffee, I found the apprehension gone and we just started talking like old times.

Raju, I would say the informality of the whole visit was its real charm. Myself on the jhula, Piku and you on the sofa and your wife, Ruma on the carpet....... just talking and talking without any measures, inhibitions....... guidelines. It was pure talk (like pure deshi ghee) that rarely has a place in the modern civil society.

No doubt your wife is an excellent cook, the biriyani was too good but what really touched our hearts was the love and care with which Ruma packed the food for our son. I believe that such cranky behaviour is only acceptable from the wife of a dear friend of mine............