GOD and GUSTAD…..16. ……….AND SOLI WEDS SHIREEN.

It was 4.30 am as Soli leaned over the balcony and looked down at the early morning traffic below his house. He heard the BEST bus conductor ringing the bell signaling the driver to skip the empty bus stop at Nair Hospital. Across the road he saw three boys washing taxis and suddenly he remembered his days when he would do the same. Tears welled up in his eyes and he felt a lump in his throat. Just then Jeroo joined him holding two mugs of tea. She followed his gaze and understood why he had tears in his eyes. Wiping them she said gently  “ You have worked hard when your family needed you most, God Bless you dikra (son), we love you. Now you are starting your married life. Something I always wanted. God found Shireen , my sweet princess for you. She is very un- demanding and kind, you both will be happy with each other..”. Buster pushed the French window with his nose first , then his paw as he opened it to join them. He could feel the palpable happiness of his family today as he snuggled Soli’s leg urging to be petted.  As always, Soli obliged.

Gustad joined them on the balcony as everyone hugged a ‘goodmorning.’ “So Soli weds Shireen today, said Gustad raising his tea mug toasting the occasion. “Had a good sleep?”he asked his family lovingly. “We have a hectic day ahead , lunch is also at the baug and the families from Surat, Navsari, Udwada and Ahmedabad will be joining us, so Jeroo dear just tell us when to move.”

The sky lit up in an amber shade , then white and finally blue. The Gustad’s readied themselves to be in God’s presence one more time. Jeroo darted in quickly and came out tying a knot under her chin of the mathubanu ( head scarf) ,as she handed her husband and son two caps to cover their heads. Finally there was a bright flash of yellow and dark amber light and they saw Behram Yazad and God, together after a long time. The Gustads’ thanked The Almighty and His Ace Angel for coming to bless them on this red letter day in their lives. Both were smiling benignly at the trio as God spoke “ You all have been through thick and thin together we have come to bless you and just one small bit of advice…Gustad and Jeroo , your son will be a married man tonight. Please understand he will have his own share of responsibilities to HIS wife and family. Leave him to relish his married life going forward. And Jeroo, we have seen you demonstrate your love for Shireen. May you always continue doing so”. Behram Yazad looked dapper, dressed as he was in a silk shirt and flat front trousers. He was handsome to the core and his angelic face was always aglow with Gods’ grace. The Gustads’ bowed to them as they vanished into the blue sky that had begun to be visible as dawn faded gently into daylight.  

After the wedding ceremony was over, Gustad and Jeroo, alongwith Shireen’s parents accompanied the young couple to the Banaji  Atashbehram ( fire temple) just around the corner on Thakurdwar road. The Dagli and Fenta ( traditional wear) that Soli, his father-in-law and Gustad wore made them look distinguished. And the three ladies, the bride, her mother and Jeroo made for a pretty picture too. They bowed their heads in reverence to the holy AtashPadshah Sahib (Holy Fire) and sought His blessings.

Back at the venue, Gustad and Jeroo made sure his cab drivers and their families were the first to have dinner. All of them had been with Gustad for more than a decade. The oldest one was Munshi bhai, who was the first driver to join him when he bought his second cab. That was  20 years ago. He spoke ‘bawaese’ better than most bawas even though his mother tongue was Urdu. There was Alibhai, then Maheshbhai and a host of other parsis who turned the wheels of “Gustad Auto Services”. As they rose after polishing off the dessert they hugged Soli and Gustad numerous times and went on to bless the young couple. That is when Gustad and Jeroo gave them all a gold coin of 10 gms each. Munshibhai and most others had tears of joy in their eyes at this generosity.

Soli introduced Roxanne Bamboat to his parents, who were so keen to meet “the tiny taster”. “I’m a huge fan of yours dear Roxanne and I just love your blogs, also your effort Comida is sooo interesting. Let’s meet for a heart to heart chat sometime soon, Soli told me you were studying in college together as also Parinaz Billimoria, that girl who writes from her soul, you girls do your parents proud I must say”, gushed Jeroo as she gave a peck on her cheek. Parinaz was the next guest on stage to wish her friends on their wedding. She knew both Shireen and Soli. Of course, how could Jeroo miss out giving her a hug and a peck too?

All the guests enjoyed the Gustads’ hospitality, it was genuine and unadulterated. Shireen was beaming as the effervescent bride as her parents and sister stood by her side and posed for pictures.

After the ‘chanto-pani’( booze and soft drinks) guests were moving to the dining tables in turns. Tannaz Godiwalla was supervising every detail so all the Gustads’ were required to do, was the handshake and ‘jumjoji’ (please eat well) routine.

It was time for the last ‘paanth’ ( round of food) usually when the ‘ghernao’ (the hosts and their close family members) sit for dinner. Soli had gone thrice already to check on Buster, who was moving around obediently backstage. Tannaz, had ensured he had his fill. Some of the guests and their children had been petting him on and off. So much affection was more than Buster expected, but he enjoyed himself and loved every moment of it.

It was past mid-night as they wound up at the baug. After the hugs and kisses Gustad and Shireen’s dad drove the newly weds to The Taj @ Apollo Bunder where they were to spend the first three days of married life. Then they would be off to Switzerland and some European countries, that Gustad had insisted Shireen and Sohrab decide for themselves.

Just as they retired to bed Jeroo and Gustad uttered “Tamara lakh lakh sugrana, Prabhu”( thank you for everything God) as they bowed and touched the ground , and a few miles away so did their son and his bride.

And thus started a new chapter in ALL their lives.

GOD and GUSTAD……………… 15. YOUR THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS.

The cool breeze on the balcony of the 15^th floor flat was pleasant, as Shireen and Sohrab sat facing each other in cane chairs suspended from the ceiling. The two had been going steady for the past month and had fallen madly in love with each other. Both their sets of parents were scurrying around preparing for their wedding. The Albless baug had been booked , Tannaz Godiwalla had agreed to the catering and Khushnuma florists, the floral decorations. God was making everything fall into place. The only thing that was keeping them engaged was sending the invites, personally, on the ‘phone and by mail. Shireen had already asked Soli to repeat the divine sequence of events that had occurred just before they were introduced by her uncle Keka, at Pak Iransha, over a hundred times. This was an accurate demonstration of the adage “marriages are made in heaven.” She loved listening to Soli describe the angel , cupid. Also Soli told her about the time when God had helped him meet Psy. She assumed he was pulling her leg on this one. Soli was at pains to explain it was true. Seeing her skepticism he closed his eyes and prayed to God to make an appearance to convince her. It was 7.30 in the evening and dark now, as Jeroo and Gustad opened the French window and stepped out to join them, holding a tray of soft-drinks and some snacks for all.

Jeroo didn’t need a reason to plant a kiss on Shireen’s cheek, whom she called her princess. “ Mom Dad, your ‘princess’ finds it hard to believe we have a hotline to God ”said Soli, as they all settled down with their snacks , around the small table in the balcony. “ Dikri, Khodaiji aapra baddha na dil maj rahej, to pan evan ne log jindgi bhar sodhyaj karej” ( my child, God is resident in all our hearts, yet people keep searching for him through their whole lifetime), said Gustad. “I need to go off-line for awhile and make you better appreciate God, Shireen. The strongest law of the universe , since the stone age, mind you, till date has been The Law of Attraction. It affects one and all of us regardless of our ignorance or awareness of its existence. Our thoughts are the second most powerful energy God has given us. When we combine these and work- the entire Universe gets booted to make our wishes come true. It is the law that determines the complete order in the Universe, every moment of your life, and every single thing you experience in your life. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, the law of attraction is forming your entire life experience, and this all powerful law is doing that THROUGH YOUR THOUGHTS. You are the one who calls the law of attraction into ACTION, and you do it through your thoughts. Being able to see God in physical terms has been one of the oldest desires of mankind. And what I’m now going to say may even sound very simplistic on the surface, however it requires only one single factor from us . FAITH !... even at this moment , as Soli says, you find it hard to believe- you just triggered the law of attraction to ensure you do not see God in his physical form. Because this is nature’s law. Your belief system directly attracts or repels objects and people to you or from you.”

Shireen was beginning to see the truth in Gustad’s words…” Wow, dad what a lovely insight you have to life , yes I do thank God for everything good that’s happened, but I have also expressed anguish and hurt when things didn’t go my way. Now I realize by thanking him even for the times my desires have not occurred it was because of my own negativity , it was possibly an half hearted attempt , and the law of attraction sensed it and that was the reason for my failure.”

All three smiled at Shireen’s confession . “ My princess” cooed Jeroo as she hugged Shireen for the n^th time. “ I must tell you dears, everything is on schedule and Soli your good friend, Roxanne Bamboat, a.k.a. The Tiny Taster  had called to say she will be joining us. I love her blog even though dad and me have turned vegan, her pictures and write-ups make me drool”.

“ You tell her that when you meet her at the wedding mom…” replied Soli.

“ I am not surprised at all Shireen got the drift in the first shot itself, she is a smart girl,” complimented Gustad, as they rose for dinner, “ let me simply summarize this now – “Instead of focusing on the world’s problems, and your own, give your attention and energy to trust, love, abundance, education , peace and harmony. Praise and bless everything in the world, and you will DISSOLVE negativity and discord and align yourself with the highest frequency – love……….. and that makes me hungry can we have dinner now Jeroo?”

As they walked in from the balcony, the room was covered with white brightness in all corners. Shireen could see through the light just like the Gustads’ and felt each atom of her body relax. She had never experienced such calm and peace ever in her lifetime. Soli just held her hand as his parents took in the feeling of being in God’s presence again. Slowly as His image began to appear from within the white light, the Gustads’ bowed and Thanked Him. Shireen was dumbstruck, speechless and awed. She was not scared at all, just the first sight of God so close to her had a freezing effect. Soli held her hand from the floor he was kneeling on and then she too bowed down.

“So Soli you have met Shireen and are getting married next week, then why were you telling mom you wanted to wait another 2 years?” said God teasing Soli.

“ I…I…really….didn’t mean …..i mean”…..were the only words Soli could utter.

“ Now that Shireen has come to know you were not ready to marry, do you realize what the consequences can be?” God prodded further.

“ No..no…no My Lord, I love Shireen so much, when I said that to mom and dad I had not met her,” justified Soli.

“ That makes sense to me. Jeroo and Gustad you both look pleased with your son’s choice…. so be it”, as Shireen came forward and hugged him.

“I will always love this family, My Lord, thank you for showing me the way ” said a teary eyed Shireen.

“ One last word for you dear Shireen- mankind is now moving into a new era. It’s the era where the last frontier is not space, as “Star Trek” would say, but it is going to be THE MIND. Remember as humans you use , at most, 5% of your mind. One Hundred percent human potential is the result of proper education. So imagine a world where people are using their full mental and emotional potential. You can GO anywhere. You can DO anything.You can ACHIEVE anything.”

GOD AND GUSTAD…14. 15102013 ………………………………………….WHEN CUPID STRIKES!!!

The Gustad family were chatting happily as they drove towards Pak Iranshah , Udwada. Gustad was driving with Jeroo by his side and Soli was sitting comfortably in the back seat resting his right elbow on some bags and petting Buster , the stray he had rescued from the street when he was just 1 month old.

“You turn 26 today Soli”, said Jeroo fondly as she turned in her seat to look at her son and held his hand affectionately, “you have a good job now so ave koi saari chookri joi ne panni ja” ( so find a nice girl and get married ). Gustad smiled and decided to be a silent observer to the conversation between mother and son.

“ Don’t start that again mom, you’ve been saying that since the last two years” said Soli. “I’m in no hurry, I’ve just started paying my EMI’s for the flat I booked and it’ll be at least two more years before the builders give us possession. I would prefer to get married AFTER I have my own house, if you don’t mind mom, please don’t rush me because you want to see me married off. And as I’ve told you all, my appraisals are due next month , by March I may get promoted to Area Manager, there’s so much happening on my career front and all you can think of is marriage”. Then as he saw a tear roll down Jeroo’s eye he softened up, bent forward, put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek…” my sweet mom”…… and Jeroo smiled.

Buster loved Udwada , specially the open spaces he could romp about in. Also the campus of the Dharamshala was huge and the owners and staff recognized him and played with him every time he visited . He loved to show off some tricks Soli had taught him painstakingly over the years. That is what endeared him to everyone around the place. He was well trained and very affectionate and obedient. While the Gustad family visited  Pak Iranshah , Buster was pampered by the owner and staff and of course …… he loved it.

As they reached Udwada late evening, the owner came out hugged Gustad and Soli, wished Jeroo and  led them to their room. Dinner was ready and just before serving it the owner, Keka  , marched in holding a huge birthday cake,with ‘Happy Birthday Sohrab’written across its’ face. The Gustad’s were taken by surprise and a bit embarrassed with this generosity on Keka’s part and thanked him profusely for remembering. “ Sohrab has been coming here with you since he was  a child, Gustad and Jeroo I’ve known both of you since your first visit here after your wedding, in your fiat taxi. Soli is like a son to me, I have some rights too don’t I?”said Keka, as he thrust an envelope with Saal Mubarak written on it in Soli’s hand and hugged him affectionately. Gustad and Jeroo smiled as they opened their bag and pulled out a gift they had carried for Keka. “This is for you Keka” they chorused as more hugs were exchanged. Buster was darting around the campus and when he was satisfied he had covered all the corners, went to Keka’s reception counter and started licking his hand. A guest who was just checking- in with his family asked Keka “ Ai kutro kadto to nathi?” ( hope this dog doesn’t bite)? “ Te tamara chaal chalan par aadhar”( that depends on your intentions) replied Keka as the guest’s 10 year old son came closer and began petting Buster, who licked his hand right back. The guest and keka burst out laughing as they climbed the wooden staircase leading to their room.

Morning 8 am, and Soli was ready to visit Pak Iransha. He wanted to go in early as he loved the ambience inside and would wait for his parents there to join him. As he bought the sukhad ( sandalwood) and paid for the divas ( lamps), a mounting sense of peace enveloped him. Also he felt something BIG in his life was about to occur, but could not place a finger on it. As he entered the main hall of prayer he bowed to the holy fire and offered the sukhad in the thali (tray) kept for the purpose. Moving back he turned right towards a large window with brass bars running vertically where he could pray to the holy fire and also see it directly. Then he felt and saw the brightest white light surround him from head to toe. He felt complete peace and harmony as he uttered “ Thank you Atash Padshah Sahib for everything you have given us”. He was beginning to feel some presence above his head and he looked up straight up directly into the bright white light. Then he saw an image of an angel holding a bow and arrow aimed at his heart. The angel descended to the carpet of the holy temple and embraced Soli with her wings. Soli felt completely awed but wanted this angel to hug him eternally. A while later the angel and the light rose above his head and he saw them move to the right. They then  hovered above a girl who was praying with her eyes firmly shut and who was standing a little ahead of Soli, so he could’nt see her face. The girl was not aware of the angel’s presence or the white light, but Soli could see both. Soli was surprised to hear the girl utter exactly the same sentence he had just said….“ Thank you Atash Padshah Sahib for everything you have given us”, and she was just repeating this over and over again. Soli looked up at the angel and they smiled at each other. The Angel’s words rang out in his ears…” This is your future wife” as the light and angel faded away. They were the only two people standing in the prayer hall. Out of sheer curiosity Soli ventured forward to look at the girls’ face clearly. She was beautiful, and with the mathoobanoo ( head scarf worn by Parsi Irani Zoroastrian women) she looked exactly like the angel he had just seen. He felt nervous and his palms began to sweat as his hands trembled. There was still nobody else in the prayer hall as they both stood together, the girl still repeating the same sentence of thanksgiving. Soli sat down on the carpet as he could no longer stand. Just then Gustad and Jeroo arrived followed by the girl’s parents. Jeroo could sense Soli was disturbed, and as soon as she finished her thanksgiving prayer led him out of the hall into the next room , where she seated him on a huge wooden bench.

Gustad joined them a few minutes later. Soli had regained his composure now and taking a deep breath told his parents……” Mom Dad the girl I want to marry is the one praying inside” as he explained the sequence of events to them both.

After she got over the initial shock Jeroo was delirious, she sneaked into the prayer hall to have a glimpse of her destined future vahumai ( daughter-in-law). When she saw the girl she wanted to hug her and just carry her away. She came out excitedly and told Gustad, “her name is Shireen, I heard her mother call her by her name…. she is beautiful, just go have a look at her, she is soooooo beautiful”. Gustad felt a bit foolish but nevertheless , did as he was told. Joining his family on the bench he  wondered out loud “pan apre pehle vaat karvi padse” I just don’t know where to start ( but first we will have to talk it out with her parents and find out all the details) ?

 “ Leave that to me!!!”……… boomed God’s voice in the room.

And the Gustad’s fell on their knees and uttered together “ Pak Dadaar AhuraMazda tamara lakh lakh sugraana” ( God thanks a million times for everything you have done for us).

The Gustad family returned to the dharamshala. All three were relaxed and on their own trips. Soli was thinking of the angel and the girl “so her name is Shireen”. Jeroo was confident God would intervene, but in what way? she was agonizing. Gustad was more or less on the same frequency as his wife Jeroo “ How should we broach the subject? Where are they from? What if she is already married? Soli will be heart broken!”. Buster came panting as he saw his family return from the fire temple and went on to lick Soli’s hand happily.

It was time for lunch as Keka invited them to a special table he had laid out. He had prepared the menu very painstakingly and specially remembered Soli’s choice of food which was all there. “Jeroo, Gustad and Soli, as you all know I’ve been a bachelor all my life, but my cousin who stays in Mumbai has a daughter who is of a marriageable age. Coincidentally they are here in Udwada today and will be joining us for lunch, sorry I took that liberty. Till then let me show you a picture of my niece. Her name is Shireen!!!.”

God and Gustad…13© TU MAAN NA MAAN…MERA BHARAT MAHAAN…!!!

God smiled as he watched his Ace Angel, Behram Yazad ready himself for another trip to planet earth… “ You’re going to have a blast this time, aren’t you Behram?”. “ Depends on what you call a blast, these fellows in Mumbai just don’t seem to take the hint. Last time I had warned them about inviting your ire , they’re back to their old tricks again.” Said Behram, as he clicked his bag of tools shut after inspecting them for the last time. “ All in good time dear Behram, I give everyone a long rope. That is in the interest of being fair. I don’t like punishing people so I give them time to realize their choices and amend. Only when they keep repeating the same mistakes I dole out justice. Just remember to tell  ‘Pappo’ what we decided.”

“ Don’t I know that my Lord, that is the bottom line of this visit ?” said Behram as he  picked up his tool bag and headed to Gustad’s waiting cab.

“ Hi Gustad I’m back with you, let’s drive to the office”. On the way Gustad asked Behram, “ what is HYLOPATHISM ? I came across this fascinating word somewhere; I had never heard or read about it anywhere before, can you explain it to me please?”

Behram thought for a while then said ” Hylopathism, in philosophy- is the belief that some or all matter is sentient or that properties of matter in general give rise to subjective experience. It is opposed to the assertion that consciousness results exclusively from properties of specific types of matter, e.g. brain tissue.” Then smiled , “ Bet it hasn’t sunk in. I was  giving you the literal meaning. Actually this belief implies that everything created on earth HAS a life, is sentient. Your shadow, your aura, these fine grains of dust on your cars’ bonnet, ALL have a life cycle till such time as they are destroyed.”

“ This time we will be invisible for a while as we observe the office bearers.” There was really no need to as they were freaking out in the conference room, with a huge DO NOT DISTURB sign outside to discourage any sort of interruption to their revelry. Two of the ladies were gyrating to the strains of ‘Budttameez Dil’ and then ‘Chikni Chameli’ while their male counterparts clapped gleefully and thumped on the conference table. The fat guy was the only one “working.” ‘Passed and approved’ he signed the papers, on one he wrote  break down the buildings in XYZ baug and build towers. Then with a smile that split his freckled face into two uneven halves looked at it fondly. “ At last, my final kiss of joy before I retire ,and to hell with the rest .”

Just then Behram Yazad and Gustad turned visible and they all froze in shock as they recognized the duo. They scampered to their seats and pretended to be busy listening . The fat man broke into a sweat. “ Not again Sir, please I’ve been good ever since your last visit. I have ONLY the communitys’ interest in mind”……….. “That is more than evident buddy!” said Behram as he ordered all to freeze in their chairs. There were just six bananas in the fruit basket today. Gustad began to skin one  and leaned on the window sill. “The last time I transmuted your brains I had programmed you to work for the benefit of the community. To return all your ill-gotten wealth and to stop harassing innocent people and undo your greed for power and pelf. You are doing everything contrary to that”, as he pulled out a sharp edged tool from his bag. Fatso could not move or protest. Behram moved towards him and touched the sword like tool to his heart. “ Going forward , if there is any wrong doing on your part you will turn into a pigeon”. Gustad was eating the third banana by now. Yezdi looked at the banana disappear, but this time Gustad did not offer him any. After all there were only six of them.

“ This is God’s command”, boomed Behram’s voice,  for the others he took out another tool that looked like a cell phone. Pointing it at each of them he pressed a few buttons. “And you guys will transform into cats”. Looking back at Fatso he said,” you must have heard of setting a cat amongst the pigeons, change that to 7cats for one pigeon !!!”

As they reached Pappoos’ palatial house in New Delhi, they found him in the kitchen with his mother…… eating bananas. Gustad was delighted. “ how did you get past security?” shrieked the mother as she slammed an emergency button in her necklace. “We didn’t , because they could’nt see us”, answered Behram Yazad, “Let me make this easier for you both, the two of us are messengers of God. He sent us to tell you to upturn the crazy legislation you have sanctioned which permits criminals to continue as politicians. Are we on the same page?” as four security guards rushed towards them, carbines ready to fire. Behram just raised his hand distractedly and they turned into ducks.  Pappoo screamed in delight at the sight. ” Mom , they seem to be illusionists, like the guy on TV…Dynamo…Magic Impossible………. can you turn them back to my security guys ?” he asked Behram delightedly. “ Sure , but my friend here loves bananas, can you share some with him?”. As the guards returned to normal, Pappoo asked them to leave and that his mom and he were just fine. Gustad got some bananas and started eating them right away. “ Actually I’ve had serious reservations about this myself. I’ve always felt this should not have been approved in the first place. It is so contradictory to the laws of democracy. Most of the time I do not interfere in Government issues, except for the odd train ride in Mumbai’s local trains, or sipping tea at some villager’s hut in UP. Actually I love fast cars, and we have this exclusive track at Noida where my friends and me drive souped up super cars. Also I love flying kites and playing marbles for atleast 6 – 7 hours a day. Now tell me where does that leave any time for me to indulge in governmental responsibilities?” as his mom looked on fondly at her Rajkumar (prince) beta. “ Will you  teach Pappoo some magic tricks after he changes the legislation?” she asked Behram.

“I am not a magician, but let’s wait till he returns from the press conference… then we’ll see . I am simply a messenger of God and will convey your wish to Him.” Replied Behram, as Gustad let out a burp after he had eaten the tenth banana. “excuse me for the burp, but I had eaten 6 already before coming here, I do not intend to offend, it’s just that I can’t resist this fruit. My wife makes banana milk shake, banana korma, banana soup, banana tea, banana par eedu , as we parsee’s love egg with anything, banana kebabs, banana bhajias ………” Behram and the mommy dearest looked quizzically at Gustad as he continued praising his wife’s propensity to whisk up so many dishes from the humble banana.

Just then they saw Pappoo on TV, barge into a news conference announce as “complete nonsense” the ordinance to save convicted legislators from disqualification. In a powerful intervention he sealed the fate of the contentious legislation. “ I will tell you what my opinion on the ordinance is” He thundered. “It is complete nonsense. It should be TORN UP AND THROWN AWAY. That is my personal opinion. As I am interested in what our government is doing. That is why what our government has done as far as THIS ordinance is concerned is WRONG.”

“Now will you teach him some magic tricks please?” asked mommy dearest.

“ He has already performed the biggest magic trick in this country’s political history, ma’am. Even Harry Houdini, the greatest magician the world has EVER seen,  would not have been able to surpass this. With this master stroke he has changed the direction the country was headed in. TRUST ME … GOD ABOVE IS SMILING !!!