June 13th, 2008 - I formally returned to the USA... I left most of the desi clothes, the image and the lifestyle behind - soon to become a memory as we all move onto new things and heal our bleeding hearts.
When the packers were in the house all 12 of them, and my 2 colleagues, and the 2 maids, Preeti's husband and 2 of his own helpers , and the 2 cousin's with their chauffeur and my chauffeur - and the packing was in full swing - my intrepid niece called.
She asked if I could talk - I told her about the packers - "its kind of important" she said...... "What's up ? " I asked - "Prashant" whom she has known for more than a year, "proposed last night - I wanted to talk it over with you ..." The protective aunt emerged from behind the packing cases and stuff - and we had a long chat - other people supervised the packers - now I can't tell which box has my saris.. It matters not - She can organize the sari for me along with all the other stuff she has to organize.
But back to the USA.
It is difficult to describe how I felt, returning to an empty house on the side of Stormville Mountain. The car battery had died. There was no edible food in the house. No one to fetch me food, and no one to talk to. No long distance service on the phone. Fortunately the cable tv and the wireless modem were still functional. It was quiet and peaceful, and the deer were running around in the distance.
I forced myself to call a garage and get the car started. I made an appointment to have the car serviced. I bought some long distance calling cards over the internet. Exhausted with the effort, I went to sleep.
Early next morning, cos the jet lag was still there, I drove to my favorite grocery store and picked out fresh fruit, like I had not had a chance to do in the past 3 years. I savored every minute of driving around the countryside.
My brother and sister-in-law who were in NY for a visit came upto visit. My niece Shruti carried the suitcases up, and her mother unpacked and helped me put all the stuff away. The suitcase now remains exactly where Shruti left it 3 Saturdays ago - in the hall waiting to be taken down to the basement.
I moped around the house for 2 weeks, getting various things set up and getting back into the mode of living by myself - I miss most my maid Salyani, who would put my stuff away.
Since last week I have been travelling into NY city, rediscovering the joy and independence that NYC offers. And there are people here - lots of people. I think I could get used to living here.
No comments:
Post a Comment