Three people always have views on my writing. I always listen to them. Sometimes half-listen. On the previous post Total Eclipse of Reason written in haste (so excuse some blabbering) as visitors were expected and in a slightly angry mood too, the youngest of the three, daughter’s view was that it was too direct – translating into hurting others feelings. Friend’s opinion was slightly bald and ‘don’t fret’. Sister said it was honest like ‘Sach ka Samna’. The latter two take the sting out of the first. Yes, one has to be direct sometimes, beti.
This news item in Deccan Herald today was heartening as well as…unusual (?)
Breaking the shackles of superstition, the grandchildren of an orthodox man, who never allowed his children to witness the solar eclipse had their bit of freedom on Wednesday…Almost thirty years later when his father is no more, Sarvesh with his wife and two children came to Lalbagh to see the celestial event with the dead man’s X-ray film, which was cut into four pieces.
Although I have imposed no such restrictions, I think I shall take my x-rays along and deposit them at the pearly gates locker for safekeeping.
This news item in Deccan Herald today was heartening as well as…unusual (?)
Breaking the shackles of superstition, the grandchildren of an orthodox man, who never allowed his children to witness the solar eclipse had their bit of freedom on Wednesday…Almost thirty years later when his father is no more, Sarvesh with his wife and two children came to Lalbagh to see the celestial event with the dead man’s X-ray film, which was cut into four pieces.
Although I have imposed no such restrictions, I think I shall take my x-rays along and deposit them at the pearly gates locker for safekeeping.
Why not?
ReplyDeleteWhat better way for a science teacher than to leave these for future generations.
You know of a collect point?
Since such is not forbidden God knows what innovative use my x-ra (govt. hospital) will be put to.
ReplyDeleteOn second thoughts, I don’t think this person meant to be disrespectful to the memory of his dead parent. He just picked up the x-ray film - perhaps the only one around and surely one that had no more use. Then these goady reporters prodded him.
‘So why are you here today?’
‘I always wanted to see an eclipse.’
‘Have you seen one before?’
‘No, first time.’
‘Why not? Is this a new interest?’
‘No, I’ve always wanted to but my Pitaji –God bless his soul, you know, he was a little superstitious. He said it would not be nice.’
‘Your dad forbade you to see the eclipse? What else did he do?’
‘Dear Pitaji, God bless his soul, he made us draw the curtains and cover all inlets of light and air. Dear Pitaji, he was so concerned about us.’
‘I see that you’re all holding what looks like pieces of an x-ray film?’
‘Yeah, we came to know that we could see the eclipse through this without damaging our eyesight.’
‘By the way, whose x-ray is that?’
‘It is old. Of no use. So we cut it.’
‘I see a rib cage. Is that yours?’
‘Actually no. It’s Pitaji’s, God bless his soul.’
Wow, thought this reporter. Today’s job is done!
This is funny; I can actually see the reporter questioning the happy family.
ReplyDeleteWow, these reporters have interesting ways of creating stories one loves to read.
What obituary they will write for me, … in her relentless endeavors to promote science education she even gave away her X Rays. I would love that.
What nobody would know is that I always wanted to get rid of the piles of X rays (for two of us + for children every time they apply for student visa) we have in huge brown envelops. These envelops are not easy to stack on shelves, almaris, … and as such collect dust and often topple standing diagonally on spaces not meant for them .