last week was a bonanza. After I met Ankolekar at talegaon, we decided to bring the other two, Tendulkar & Haridas in the loop of live contacts. Ankolekar took up the responsibility of coordinating with them and fixing up a date. I had already briefed him that Haridas would be in Mumbai in the first week of Feb and probably till 10th.
Things moved fast and favourably for us. Last Sunday was the Date. I reached Mumbai on Saturday. Initially I was to stay at Andheri but Ankolekar known for his persuasive capabilities, coaxed me to change my destination to Charkop. I was destined to be there and so finally I reached there. Eventually That proved to be a memorable night. Though I reached his home at about 10 in the night. His daughter, Poonam, Janabai - his maid servant and his grand daughter were all waiting.
I met Poonam for the first time, but it did not appear so. We met as if we have known each other for ages. She is simply a great company. We had a great dinner and talked at length on very many issues. She is a well read, smart and intelligent lady.
Next day Janabai prepared a sumptuous breakfast. We moved out for our next point on the agenda, the most important one, so to say. We reached Tendulkar's house at about 12 in the noon. He and his daughter - Anushri are no less of a host. Anushri had made Rangoli on both sides of the entrance to greet us, as told by Tendulkar. It was really touching.
The door opened on pressing of the door bell. And here we were, together, in front of each other. Our faces had undergone metamorphosis over the years. But for that we were both the same old guys. 4 decades went back wards in a flash. We hugged each other, had tears of joy. Gradually it all sank in and we settled. Haridas too joined soon. Again we went through the past. We all had changed physically, but our hearts and minds were the same. We were soon moving through the good old BEST days with camouflaged faces. Yes, because we had all changed physically over 4 decades.
Unfortunately Tendlya's wife had gone out for some family function. But Anushri quickly chipped in to fill up the vacuum. She greeted us with tea, followed by pakodas and then a great simple lunch. She is doing her MCA, but it appeared that cooking runs in her veins. She was simply superb. Every thing that was served had warmth, love and above all TASTE.
We all left at about 4 PM with a resolution - That of tracking Khadilkar, another member from our group. Tendulkar the CID, with his gang are on a new assignment now. I am sure that he will not fail this time too.
Thanks Tendlya once again. But I must say a big thank you to both the ladies - Poonam & Anushri.
Well done both of you dear. Keep the smile on your faces. God bless you both.
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