The UNUSUAL Journey

People living in metros, especially Delhi carry a peculiar trait.They think they know it all!
From people to places, culture to history, they have a profound viewpoint on every singular issue. Ask them about Gujarat and without batting an eyelid they would share their selective perception of the state, which they were exposed to during the Gujarat advertising campaign. But have they ever tasted, felt or experienced the real Gujarat? Many of them would draw a blank.Fortunately for me, I have.
I was visiting Ahmedabad for launching my fourth title, Café Latte, in association with Ahmedabad Book Club. In the past, my brush with Gujarat or Gujaratis was restricted to my occasional visit to the famed restaurant, Rajdhani, serving the so called ‘authentic gujju food.’ It’s a different story that after this visit, I want to go and beat the dhokla out of the Rajdhani’s owner.
The morning was bright but Ahmedabad airport was cold and deserted. I hoped that it did not reflect on the city and people too. As the cab entered the city limit something changed. Wide roads, planned and neat look and there was something about the air too. Though hard to articulate but it had a different kind of energy—vibrant, up-tempo and fresh.
My first appointment went off well. On my way to the second; an interview with a leading newspaper, DNA, I had not much expectation. Yeah, journalists are supposed to be apathetic, hard-nosed and stiff upper lipped. So I was ready for it.
In she walks—young, pretty and with a big smile. “Hi, I’m Deepali. So glad that you could make it.” Honest and genuine voice can be disarming and in no time I knew that Delhi was the wrong yardstick to generalize anyone, especially journalists. The conversation transpired, from life to my titles, music to my future plans. Before I could realize, ninety minutes were up. Have you ever heard of a journalist who would walk down to see you off till the main door? Well, she did. Thank you Deepali for everything. Hope the coffee mug reminds you that even Dilliwalas are not that bad.
The hotel staff exuded warmth in place of professional curtness and plastic smiles. So long so good. A short call to Karan Khanna, a member of the Ahmedabad Book Club, ensured that he was kind enough to see me at the hotel to discuss the next day’s event. The same evening, I was supposed to meet other members of the club too, over dinner.
“Amit meet Amita.” Karan introduced me to a lady who was unusual in more than one way.“Hi, Amit. Good to see you.” Her beaming smile further accentuated the unusual charm.“Hi.” I fumbled.She was an average woman, but something made her extra ordinary. What was it? Her soft, kind and gorgeous face? That warm, exuberant smile? The most beautiful silver-and dull silver hair that I had ever seen? Or was it her aura? I am still not sure.
The rendezvous point, House of MG, proved another unusual place. This stately property, built in 1924 as a home for a wealthy textile magnate, has been tastefully restored to retain its old-world charm but with all the amenities and comforts of a world-class business hotel. The wooden staircase, period furniture, memories of a bygone era framed carefully and the impeccable green corners, made it like a dream come true.
We were to be joined by Priyanshi Patel, the founder of the book club. She marched in, and no time the reigns of the evening were firmly in her hand. The dainty, chic, LSE pass-out with her fiancée, Deep, together they made a pretty couple. I thought that the evening was all set. But then life is anything but usual. I was told that we are expecting another member; the unusual one.This member, who came and sat right next to me, left me me a wiser man after our brief interaction. Though I’m still confused if to address her as Khurshid Ma’am or Khurshid Aunty, but what a lady! It is rare to see such genuine, effortless, protective and motherly hospitality. She ensured not only that I had everything but in the right quantity too. Deep complimented her by adding his bit and feeding me more. Great company, great conversation, loads of smiles and laughter and awesome food.
This is the point where I would like to take a break, walk into Rajdhani, grab the owner and ask him ‘if the food at House of MG was Guajarati, what is that you serve us here?”
You know the unusual part? The table had no thepla, phepla or the yellow colored dhokla. Highlight of the evening: Panki, khichdi with red chilli and oil based chutney, bajra and methi roti with garlic chutney, the homemade lemon grass ice-cream, the very unusual paan, and the mesmerizing tour of the house conducted my Amita. With its open terraces, manicured lawns, indoor pool with mosaic work, understated vintage charm, the unbridled, magnificent look of the city, House of MG was like a fairy tale abode.
Don’t judge a book by its cover and never judge a restaurant by its name. Swati? Yes, this was the name of the restaurant where we had next day’s lunch. You have to be there to be overwhelmed by the culinary experience they have to offer. Amita suggested that we started off with sugarcane juice. I quite liked the idea and also the tall tumbler with fresh sugarcane juice. What was the spread like? I don’t even remember what all I had. But let me try. For sure there was Khicdi of few varieties, millet bread was also there, so was this light and green color dhokla, panki; which I tried unfolding from the banana leaf wrapper but failed, lemon grass ice cream again, as Deep suggested it, followed by saada paan. Phew, was stuffed like a pig and ready to burst.
As I sit here revisiting my experience, I have nothing but gratitude and fond memories. Thank you Ahmedabad Book Club for everything and for making me a better man and a better writer.
Priyanshi, give me some of your energy and leadership traits, Khurshid Aunty, firstly tell me what should I call you, aunty or maam, and then bless me with your kindness, warmth and a loving heart, Amita, give me a little of your elegance, charm and poise, Deep, I respect your patience and being there for the woman you love, Karan, taking a cue from you, I will try to smile more often and openly. Thank you everyone for making this trip a worthwhile experience. I am looking forward to being there soon.
P.S. Café Latte, my fourth title—and UNUSUAL compilation of 18 short stories was also launched at crossword on 5th of October, at 11.30 am. What was the UNUSUAL part there? Well, three to be precise. One, great reading done by Shubhrata and Khurshid Ma’am. Two, meeting Ilaxi Patel, charming, simple, giving and a cerebral powerhouse. Three, Crossword served frooti instead of Cafe Latte. Lol. Just kidding.