Aditi birth...

There was palpable excitement in the air. The delivery date was more or less known now. The near and dear ones were there to comfort me and share the happiness on this occasion.

The previous night the debate continued weather it was baby girl or baby boy. Fortunately there was no money at stake to win or lose. And also the bet would have been significantly important as the following dawn was the day they had tied the knot some three years back.

Next day morning on a journey which usually lasts an hour looked more than one. It was unusual that on this day few of my colleagues preferred to stay indoors and not report to duty. Taj Pasha our company pick up van driver had arrived some 5 clear minutes early at my stop at the Banashankari Ring road.

I had to hurry my steps and it looked as if I was galloping like a horse on a derby. Taj never liked people coming late. He never expressed his displeasure but his face was more than enough to communicate to vent his ire. As he had reach office just in time to avoid late mark.

Chilly Bangalore winter made matter worse. The chilly wind would discomfort any foolhardy driver. There was no one in the van except Taj the driver. Seizing the opportunity I proposed for a freshly brewed filter coffee. Taj was more than enthusiastic to agree. He never minced words while saying “ Yes”.

Displaying his driving skills Taj changed gears and slowly stopped the van opposite a darshani hotel on the Kamakhya circle. After paying in advance for the coffee I also ordered for Idli a taste neutral pan cake which is consumed mostly early in the morning in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states.

Just then the call came on my mobile. The number was familiar. It was my father-in-law on the other end. He gave the details how my wife was admitted to hospital in the middle of the night with the help of a auto driver who did’t even take the auto hire charges to Apollo Hospital in Mysore . I mentioned Taj about my wife hospitalization. His advice to me,” Saab! Tumhe hospital ko jao” ( Sir, go to the hospital - Hyderbadi Hindi)

Taj words of wisdom did very little to trace my steps backwards. The idea of sales co-ordination meeting was looming large on my face. The same words of wisdom echoed from other colleagues who later boarded the van en route to office. Rather hesitantly I called up my father in law who was carrying my wife mobile to know the latest on the matter.

He equally seemed exited about the whole matter. The doctor had said that it will happen by this afternoon. With a assurance to call back in next 45 mts . I was nervous a lot and within next 20mts the call came to my mobile .The news was that Savitha had delivered a healthy girl baby at 10 past 20 mts on 2nd Dec 2004.

What a rare co-incidence, we got married same time and same date 2 Dec 2001.