Newerways

I had conveniently forgotten to return “Midnights Children” to my friend who had passed it on to me to read. Glad that I was, of not having returned the book I started reading it all over again more than twenty years down the line. As page by page I progressed I travelled back in time just like the author, down the memory lane. Ours too was a big joint family with three generations, of all ages living together. I could visualize every evening with a hectic preparation in the verandah and the kitchen as clock was ticking too fast and my grandfather was about to return from his office. A chair with armrest was laid out and seating arrangements made. Then came nana ji and we all came running to join him. Someone brought him a glass of water and this was followed by tea. Tea time was wonderful for not only was tea served there was also “aloo ki tikki”chaat with three colored chutneys (every day the menu was different). While we were busy gorging Granny was busy in the kitchen and nan