Aadab-Lucknow … Fond Memories

By Kamlesh Tripathi and Sujata Tripathi

See the simplicity of Lucknow in the form of a dozen insignia as described by Shaukat Tangewala (a horse-buggy driver). Imambara-to-see . . . Evening-in-Ganj-Hazratganj . . . Kababs-to-eat . . . Chikan-to-wear . . . Attar-for-fragrance . . . Ikka-buggy-to-roam . . . Kite-to-fly . . . Cocks-to-fight . . . Pigeons-to-fly . . . Hospitality-by-leaf-Betel-Leaf . . . Sweet-tongue . . . And the great Lakhnawi (Lucknow) pride . . . After-you-after-you.

Aadab-Lucknow . . . Fond Memories is a unique fiction on homecoming in the backdrop of Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. It describes Lucknow in detail in terms of its seamless culture, folklore, facades, monuments, institutions, cuisines, Tehzeeb, and its greatest assetHindu-Muslim amity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Oct 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781482810592

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Copyright © 2013 by Kamlesh Tripathi/Sujata Tripathi.

ISBN:                   Ebook                  978-1-4828-1059-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Contents

About The Author

Co-Author

Feelings

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Glossary

We DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO our LATE SON ‘SHRAVAN’

 . . . our GUIDING FORCE.

Khuda aabad rakhe

lucknow phir bhi ganimat hai

nazar koi na koi acchi surat

aahi jati hai

(God, Lucknow is still better, so let it flourish. In trying times she shows decent possibilities of dealing with life)

Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah

Descendant of the Royal Family of Awadh.

About The Author

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Kamlesh Tripathi has been in the Corporate arena for more than 35 years. He has worked for Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Escorts Ltd., Reliance Industries Ltd., and Reliance Retail Ltd. During his long career, he has held important positions, assignments and worked in many states and cities across India.

He happens to be the son of Late Mr K. P. Tripathi, member of the first Parliament of India and Finance Minister of Assam.

His first title, ‘GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE’ is a real life story of his late son ‘Shravan’ a child cancer patient. This title has been catalogued in various libraries such as, THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Washington DC., USA-vide catalogue number: 2010317751. AMES LIBRARY, University of Minnesota, USA—vide RC.265.6.s68t 752011. LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES OF CANADA—vide amacus number 38964501 and the Library of CANCER AID AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION, Mumbai.

His second successful title launched recently, ‘ONE TO TANGO… RIA’S ODYSSEY’ is on ‘singlehood’ a topic relevant in contemporary times and a burning social issue.

He is nostalgic about his hometown Lucknow. And, as a mark of respect he has penned his third title, ‘AADAB-LUCKNOW… fond memories’ in honour of this great city of Nawabs.

He lives with his wife Sujata and son Kartik (Crowe). Loves reading, enjoys music and is a golfer. He is a member of Lucknow Golf Club, Aravali Golf Club, Faridabad and an alumnus of IIM (MDP) Ahmedabad.

Kamlesh, has lived in Shillong, Lucknow, Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Chennai and Mumbai. He has also travelled extensively both in India and overseas.

He also runs his Trust—NGO, ‘SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION’ that works for children suffering from life-threatening diseases. The proceeds of this book too would be spent on such children.

Visit our website: www.shravancharitymission.com to donate for the cause.

E-mail: [e-mail]

Co-Author

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Dr Sujata Tripathi, is an ardent personality, keen teacher, loving mother and a devoted wife. Ph.D in Education from Banaras Hindu University is presently, Principal of Ramanujan College of Education.

A determined battler, who, for sixteen years fought ‘brain-cancer’ that afflicted ‘Shravan’ her younger son. She understands pain, so works for the cause of economically deprived children suffering from life threatening diseases through her NGO—‘SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION.’

Lucknow fascinates her. An alumni of (IT) Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow. She decides to join Kamlesh her husband in penning, ‘Aadab-Lucknow… fond memories’ to re-live those memorable years.

Reader, writer and music lover. She is a keen traveler and has travelled extensively both in India and abroad. A quick learner of languages, speaks Nepali, Punjabi, Dogri, Tamil, Hindi and English. Her interest is ‘linguistics’ and has also authored a book on ‘Methodology of English Teaching.’

She has lived in Birganj, Kathmandu, Jammu-Tawi, Lucknow, Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Chennai and Mumbai.

E-mail: [e-mail]

Feelings

Hometown, mother-of-towns, my-my-Lucknow. Sweet, suave and serene, where our whole being resonates. Located in the region of Awadh-Avadh-Oudh. Though, tiny on the world map. Mind you, it is no one-horse-town.

‘Zeitgeist’ . . . (in the spirit of times) Muskuraiya-ki-aap Lucknow mein-hain (smile that you are in Lucknow) a visible slogan, we often read as a child on a wall of Lucknow, as you approached Charbagh Railway Station. Is it still there? We wonder.

A city of mazes, monuments and minarets, redolent of divinatory—geomancy, it woos the ‘science of the sand.’

Isn’t Lucknow the world’s showcase of Hindu-Muslim amity? Do you have any doubts? We have none. It forms a human chain of brother-hood that other cities need to learn and relish. Even though the mortmain of time still lingers on in Lucknow, picture the eidos of cultural mosaic—never had a Hindu-Muslim riot, not even during the Partition… kudos! And, yes, it is here only that the Ram’s and Rahim’s continue to fight the vicissitudes of life in unity and for the benefit of mankind. However, some self-proclaimed ‘Lucknow-lovers’ like us often dare to question the health of Lucknow for the love of it. And so, we may ask, ‘How is brand Lucknow doing?’

What is Lucknow up to? Smiling, giggling, laughing or weeping. Let’s figure out. How old is she? In her youth, middle-age, old-age, dying or decaying? Spirited or dispirited?

Battered, abused, unsung and never cheered. Does she still smile, rock or merely cries? Who knows and who cares? but we want to know and we care. How does it matter? No, it matters to us as our souls have a link with this great city of the Nawabs which is beginning to stretch and snap. Let’s revive her, if it is a case in point.

The epicentre of Indian politics. Lucknow was left behind in the race of budding metros of India. Who all are the architects of this time warp, we wonder. The mystery still lies unraveled. Perhaps, she got cowed down under the ominous-drumbeats of the scheming Indian Politics.

We often wonder what had inspired William Howard Russell, world’s first war correspondent who came to Awadh from Crimea to cover the uprising of 1857 only to say ‘Not Rome, not Athens, not Constantinople; not any city I have seen appears to me so striking and beautiful as this, and the more I gaze, the more its beauties grow upon me.’

We wonder, if Rusell will hold the same opinion about Lucknow, even today. While Rome, Athens and Constantinople, the modern-day Istanbul, appear to be in the winner’s circle we seem to be languishing at the rear. Do we? The reason may not be difficult to define. The rulers of erstwhile Lucknow, were they more city savvy than the rulers of today? You follow me, Watson. What else can explain the difference? If not, then why are we not like Rome, Athens and Istanbul? Food for thought, ain’t a criticism.

This one is not to console: Speaking in a more contemporary language, the hardware of Lucknow may have deteriorated but the software ‘Tehzeeb’ is still world class, and we are sure, Russell would have surely agreed with it. Mind you this is no blue-sky thinking.

As we walk along life we find time to look back at our family, friends, schools, colleges and alumni. But we rarely find time to spare a thought for our hometown. Such unrefined work is best left to the Government.

While we acknowledge the stress that our country has battled with, in making us a worthy Bhumiputra we seldom recognise the efforts of our hometown in shaping our persona. What a shame! Should we call it sheer ingratitude, ‘stronger than a traitor’s arm?’

Lucknow forms a triangle with Delhi and Agra. Unfortunately, tourists don’t complete the triangle as they remain in the Delhi-Agra straight line from where they are lured, perhaps to A, J’s and U (Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur) of Rajasthan.

Then again, Lucknow falls in the straight line of Delhi and Varanasi: yet, tourists over-shoot Lucknow to witness ‘Live Hinduism’ in Varanasi. Many consider Lucknow to be the ‘Tehzeeb-high’ of the region, an oasis of pleasing lilt and tranquility, and easily passes off as the ‘culture capital’ of the region and so witnessing ‘Live Hinduism’ without getting the actual feel of the ‘culture capital’ will be a bit agee. We are sure; we will have many supporters to this hypothesis of ours. Our intent is not to downplay Varanasi, the land of famous Sant-Kabirdas but to upgrade the value package for tourists, so friends, add Lucknow to your itinerary.

All that Lucknow possesses and what all surrounds her, not many know; but believe in us it is worth exploring, nay, discovering. Reckon for a moment, the breath-taking historical monuments that were conceived, built and left by the Shia Nawabs of Awadh. These relics of the past reflect the culture and the warmth of the bygone era of the Nawabs and also point to their compassion, generosity and sensitivity towards their Riyaya. The story doesn’t end here.

Hindus and Muslims have stood by each other. There are instances where some mosques were built by Hindus and temples by Muslims for example, Jhaulal ka Imambara in Lucknow (Jhaulal was a Hindu) and Pandian ki Masjid (Pandian a colloquial of Pandey a Hindu Brahmin) in Aliganj and not to forget the Hanuman temple constructed by Begum Rabiya of Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah from the Royal family of the Nawabs. The last Nawab of Lucknow, Wajid-Ali-Shah celebrated Holi. Many Muslim Nawabs kept Hindu Prime Ministers and this helped in the inter-mingling of cultures into a seamless Lucknow culture, and there lies the difference.

Lucknow and surroundings are blessed with lovely shrines in terms of temples, mosques, dargahs, churches and gurudwaras. We will cover some as we take you along our story.

We may be inaccurate if we don’t include the good spread of wild life that exists around Lucknow and the wonderful mouth-watering Awadhi and Indian cuisine, and not to forget the rich collection of folklore that this city has collected over the years. Thanks to the erudite and witty legends.

Even though Lucknow was left behind in some ways, it is not a daggers-drawn city, as all sit and eat together. They say a family that eats together stays together. The simplicity and the divine flow of warmth, abound the arteries of Lucknow.

Through this endeavour, we merely want to disperse the ‘culture of brotherhood’ to the world and especially to cities and civilisations that believe in baring it all, merely to rip the other. Come, see and feel this great city and its citizenry which so much believes in peace and amity that tabloids despair of finding any raw material for yellow journalism to pin on them. Who are the creators of this backdrop of a long standing ductile fabric of reverence and amity, we often ask ourselves.

Logic tells us, citizens are the sum total of their ancestors, rulers, governance, tutors and the day-to-day trickle of values that swarm down upon them, generation after generation.

In this Eden of Love ‘Lucknow’ the vision of seeing life beyond death permeates its eidos and has a mellowing effect on human to human personality.

Let’s salute the ‘Ganga-Jamni-Tehzeeb.’ (co-existence of Hindu-Muslim culture) And, can we forget the bliss of churches and gurudwaras that have continuously blessed the spirit of the Lucknowites without offending the spirituality of any minority that we may have missed out.

As we move to the Preface of the book let us leave you with a challenging question. What will it take to make another Lucknow? Think.

Our answer would obviously be the composite values of Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman, the tolerant populace and the loving culture of the Nawabs . . . and above all, the local legends that established and converted person-to-person contact into a never-ending Utopian chain.

We guess some historians and writers may have criticised the Nawabs of their times on various accounts. Yet, we will give them the benefit of doubt as the culture of love and simplicity created by them finds more of relevance today than any time before, as the ‘seamless culture’ of Lucknow still prevails.

See how the simplicity of ‘Lucknow’ is narrated by Shaukat Tangewala who took us on a city tour from Bara Imambara:

‘Sahab . . . there are a dozen insignia of Lucknow.’

‘Can you please describe them,’ requested Sujata. He paused for a moment and then started humbly,

‘Bahut accha Behan . . . Dekhane-ko-Imambara . . . Hazratganj-ki-Shaam . . . Khane-mein-Kabab . . . Pehanne-ko-Chikan . . . Khusboo-mein-Attar . . . Ghoomne-ko-Ikka . . . Udane-ko-Patang . . . Ladaane-ko-Murga . . . Bazi-mein-Kabootarbazi . . . Mehmaan-nawazi-mein-Paan . . . Meethe-mein-Zaban-aur-Malai-Paan . . . aur mat bhoolna Lakhnawi Tehzeeb . . . Pehle-Aap-Pehle-Aap-ki-Shaan.’

(Alright sister, here we go… Imambara-to-see… Evening-in-Ganj-Hazratganj… Kababs-to-eat… Chikan-to-wear… Attar-for-fragrance… Ikka-buggy-to-roam… Kite-to-fly… Cocks-to-fight… Pigeons-to-fly… Hospitality-by-leaf-Betel-Leaf… Sweet-tongue… and the great Lakhnawi pride… after-you-after-you)

Preface

‘Aadab-Lucknow . . . fond memories’ Is a story of a group of friends who spend their childhood and part of their adolescence in Lucknow. They part ways for their career and future but the umbilical-cord remains intact and they connect after many years, attempting to re-live the city. In this murky—haze of speed we often lose our bearings and flounder like the rudderless ship. But we can’t deny, that we all owe it to our ground, home-town.

The anecdotes and events described in the book from page-to-page, hinge on the immortal theory of ‘homecoming’ against the backdrop of Lucknow. There is a thematic push towards Hindu-Muslim amity that naturally emanates through the simmering episodes and related stories. The protagonists are bubbly-cool-cats (BCC) and city-centric.

All is not lost… Chitra a banker, posted in Mumbai attempts to get around fellow-creators of their childhood ‘Langotia-Gang’ for a ‘homecoming-bash’ and terms it as ‘Aadab-Lucknow.’

Protagonists: A close gang of seven: five boys and two tomboys of their times, who have spent their college days together in Lucknow having fun; and not so much bothered about a bright future. After college, five out of seven leave Lucknow for careers. They all are past their prime now and think of re-aligning when they are somewhere in life. Let me briefly describe them to you:

Chitra: Has a thinking childhood with her Dad Rishi and Ammi-Jaan Zubeda. Works for a Bank in Mumbai, has one daughter and is recently divorced. She broaches the idea of a homecoming-meet in Lucknow with all her six friends.

Shahid: is a leading criminal lawyer with blue blood (Nawab) lineage. He stayed back in Lucknow after completing his law, and married Shehnaz. Describes, how he fights the political inadequacies of the State.

IV Singh aka ‘IV’: A blue blood who after college works in Mumbai for a decade and returns to Lucknow, has a political background, becomes an MLA, suffers a tragedy in terms of losing his wife. A keen golfer now runs an NGO to train students in skill building. He is much bothered about brand ‘Lucknow.’

Tribhuvan Trivedi aka ‘TT’: After completing his engineering, leaves for the US for an American MBA. Lively character; returns to Lucknow for the homecoming. Does social work behind the scenes.

Irfan: Son of a bureaucrat. A stage-actor by choice, who has acted in several plays for his uncle’s theatre-group in Lucknow. Joins Stephens Delhi and storms into the IAS. Belongs to a reputed Muslim family from old Lucknow. Currently posted in Delhi, comes for the homecoming along with his wife Waheeda.

Bobby aka Bob: Son of a prominent businessman of Lucknow. A junior State level table tennis player. Completes his B.Com and leaves for Delhi and starts a furniture business there. Marries a distant cousin and comes for the homecoming along with his wife Pinky.

Savita: One of the two tomboys. After completing her engineering, joins UPSEB and is currently posted in Varanasi with her husband Gautam. They both join ‘Aadab-Lucknow.’

Some other live-wire characters that join ‘Aadab-Lucknow’ are,

Claire: Of French origin, settled in London and a recent friend of Chitra. Same age group joins the party at Lucknow. She is single and works for a multinational bank.

Antriksh: A bachelor, falsely convicted for a murder of a boy who tries to eve-tease his muslim girlfriend. Serves the prison-sentence as he comes from a humble background and is unable to defend himself. Friend of IV and Shahid, in similar age group, also joins the homecoming. He now runs a hospital.

Brijnandan: Young bubbly tour guide who takes Langotia-gang around Lucknow. Anchors between the past, present and the glorious unknown.

Langotia-Gang: A group of ‘Underwear friends’ nay ‘childhood friends’ a metaphorical and peppy expression. The Langotians take you through the intrinsic essence of life.

Nostalgic Langotians recollect those touching tales of Lucknow that never left them. Lucknow revolves around the characters and the characters cuddle in the cozy confines of Lucknow. The Facades, Monuments, Institutions, Culinary and Tehzeeb; nothing has changed. Even the eyes and years are the same, but times have changed. The sinews don’t loosen. They connect and resurrect each time life tricks these Langotians. And, then they chant, ‘flying carpet, take me to Lucknow for that is where I come from.’

Arrive to leave, has been the story of many in Lucknow. The book unearths lack of opportunities that forces Lucknow lovers to leave and look for green pastures in tall-metros and booming-economies.

The book highlights the chronic political abuse of Lucknow by Politicians and Bureaucrats. Describes the arrogance of the establishment. Conveys, the sentiments of the young-brigade and advises Lucknow to wake up, ‘Jago-Lucknow-jago’ to the globalisation that is setting in.

Homecoming:

The group visits old monuments and shrines and has imperceptibly evolved a new perception about the city. They go through the eating joints, markets and fun places. Have story sessions and fun each evening including future-forecast by Pandit Brighu Pandey. Some also decide on their future.

In today’s life where human relationship has become so fragile, there is a continuous need to keep that connect with your hometown. This is what each member of the Langotia-gang realises, during the stay.

Remember: Hometowns may vary but your hometown won’t.

The book has many colloquial Hindi words, names of culinary dishes and sentences to keep up with the soul of the city and its citizenry. To our best, we have tried to translate many such words and sentences into English. (refer Glossary) Yet, some translations are loose and some we have not translated, where we felt the flavour changes and may confuse our readers. Kindly bear with us.

Acknowledgements

You helped us stitch the story. To you all, our deep gratitude.

Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah, Royal Family, Lucknow. Mr Ram Advani, Advani Booksellers, Lucknow. Chander Prakash, Universal Book Depot, Lucknow. Adesh Seth, socialite and captain, Lucknow Golf Club. H. N. Navrang, Director DD, Lucknow. Mr Rakeshwar Singh, Principal, Colvin Taluqdars College, Lucknow. Mohd Zohair Husain, Lorepur House, Lucknow. Dr N Samiuzzaman and Ms Obaida Samiuzzaman, Lucknow. V. V. Singh (Gyanu), Senior Corporate citizen, New Delhi. Dr Amita Mahajan, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Madhavi Kukreja-Sanatkada-Lucknow. Nagendra Singh, Executive Chef, Vivanta-Taj Lucknow. Dr Sabiha Anwar, Principal, Karamat Husain Muslim Girls Degree College, Lucknow. Aalam-A-Khan, Azam Ali Alam Ali, Lucknow. Dr S Rizvi, HoD, MIH LU, Lucknow. Dr P. K. Ghosh, LU, Lucknow. Atul Seth, socialite, Lucknow. Umair Siddiqui, socialite, Lucknow. A. N. Chaube (Suggi), Lucknow. Rana Pratap Singh, Seohara, Bijnor. Ravi Kapoor, photographer, Lucknow. Mamta Varma, food connoisseur, Lucknow. Athar Hussain, T. G. Bara Imambara, Lucknow. D. N. Singh UP Tourism, Lucknow. Tandon, King of Chaat, Lucknow. Sushma Misra, Principal, Universal Public College, Lucknow. Nantu Das-Radio and TV artist, Lucknow. Vishal Mehrotra, Lawyer, Lucknow. Pankaj, Ramasrey Sweets, Lucknow. A. P. Singh, Pratapgarh. P. D. Singh, Bijwa. Archana Seth, Lucknow. Sharia Zaman, Lucknow. Leela Pathak, Hardoi. Deepak Seth, New Delhi. B. N. Srivastava (Bachan), Lucknow. KC Misra IAS (Retd) Lucknow. Aolla Tripathi, Guwahati. A K Sharma, Delhi, Uma Misra, Lucknow. Suniti Sharma, Delhi. Shakuntala Tripathi, Lucknow. Gaurav Tripathi, Lucknow. Rohan Tripathi, Lucknow. Late Dilip Tripathi, Lucknow. Late Ram Pal Singh author’s childhood story-teller.

Ajit Tripathi for editing and E. Satyen for proof-reading. Ankit and Swati Sharma, Delhi for IT support.

Shaukat Tangewala and Ramkhilawan rickshaw-wala for taking us to those remote and congested areas of Lucknow. Peppy-chirpy students of Lucknow who gave us the ground perspective of modern Lucknow. Reservoir of information: Websites, books, Newspapers, movies and Libraries of Lucknow.

To our son Kartik and Prachi would be daughter-in-law for continuously motivating us to write.

And, nothing is complete without their blessings. Parents and in-laws, Late Mr K. P. Tripathi, Late Mrs R. K. Tripathi, Late Mr K. K. Sachdeva, Late Mrs Raj Sachdeva and late Mrs Saraswati Awasthi, (Mata) author’s maternal granny.

Chapter 1

It was late morning. Indra Veer Singh, better known as ‘IV’ was out in the lawn with his morning cup of tea and newspaper, in his bungalow located in the south of Lucknow, enjoying the overcast weather. The newspaper headline appeared catchy, digging deep into the ruthless monsoon and the havoc it had created in Mumbai once again. The front page picture showed the Western Express highway, marooned and office goers walking with their footwear in their hands, office bag on their shoulders and stalled cars along the highway. The sarcastic news headline above the picture read as… ‘Monsoon gift to Mumbaikars’—for making the highest contribution to India’s Income Tax kitty.

The news headline spirals old memories in IV and for a moment he thought of the ten long years he had spent in Mumbai, working; while recollecting the harsh monsoon each year. What a hectic life it was, yet he enjoyed most of it, except for some occasional taunts of being addressed as a ‘Bhaiya’ from U.P. It was a kind of colloquial which perhaps meant a simpleton, dodo or a kind of a disgraced introduction. Whatever, he absorbed in a sporting manner.

Will the brand of Lucknow ever change from a simpleton Bhaiya to a smart dude, he thought to himself in a bit of dismay.

There exists a difference between Mumbai and Lucknow… while Mumbai slogs, Lucknow sleeps. Is it? He asked himself. Could be. While Mumbaikars are out to work I am still with my first cup of tea in these scenic surroundings. There lies the difference, he thought to himself. Not in fact… maybe; I am sketching a difference which is not there. But why? Because I don’t know what came to Mumbai first, ‘the work’ or ‘the culture’ . . . Perhaps, the work in the form of trade through the sea route? Not too sure. What came to Lucknow first? Don’t know… could be, less of work, and more of culture-vulture. His inner call further rebounds.

‘Does culture and work have a correlation?’

‘Could be, more of work gives less time for culture, he thought to himself.’

His first round of cookies and tea were getting over, minimum were two.

Can I do something to reverse this trend of more ‘culture’ and less ‘work’ in Lucknow, he thought to himself as his second round was coming to an end.

His constant anguish was the work-related migration that took place from Lucknow to the metros. How do I stop this? ‘Culture’ flows and flourishes on its own while ‘work’ needs to be created. How do I create work for the people of Lucknow in Lucknow? A routine thought that touched his inner chord every day in the morning as a… prosaic dilemma.

He connects yet again to the catch phrase of ‘Langotia-gang*,’

‘whatever . . . whenever . . . Lucknow is forever.’

(*Gang of ‘very close friends’ who could even roam around in a langoti—an Indian style underwear. The connotation is more towards childhood friends)

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It was around 8 p.m. nearing dinner time. Shahid was strolling around his Haveli located in Qaisarbagh around Central Lucknow. His wife, Shehnaz was never fond of walking, so he was forced to complete this daily ritual, trudging alone, humming a favourite ghazal. His doctor had scared him; mutton, murgi and that too daily… start walking regularly or get ready for a heart-attack. His mobile-phone beeped and he took the call while walking and without seeing the number, and said, ‘Hello!’

‘Nawab-Sahab, how are you?’ was the reply. A familiar female voice, he thought to himself.

‘Who’s this? Your voice is familiar.’

‘Guess?’

‘Rings a bell, let me guess and don’t mind my over-familiar way of checking who you are,’ replied Shahid.

‘Agreed.’

‘Sexy! is that you?’ enquired Shahid.

‘How mean, shut up! take a second chance.’

‘Busty-Chitra… correct?’

‘Where is Shehnaz?’

‘Not around?’

‘No wonder. Yes, I am Chitra. Hi! And, what news of you and the Langotia-gang?’

‘Where are you?’ asked Shahid.

‘At Changi airport… Singapore. I am taking a flight back to Mumbai, had some free time, so just thought of connecting with you.’

‘Great! . . . It’s been long,’ replied Shahid.

‘Why don’t you give me a snap-shot of the gang as I am hooking after a long-long time, and where is sexy?’

‘Sexy! . . . Oh you mean, Savita? She is no more that sexy yaar, she has put on a lot of weight, has a huge butt. I met her last year. She is a General Manager with UPSEB in Varanasi.’ Replied Shahid.

‘You haven’t changed; still enjoy describing shapes and sizes of women, you bum. And, how is Bob?’

‘Bob! . . . Bob! . . . . Oh! Bobby Chadha. He is in Delhi running some bourgeois furniture business. Often calls to enquire about the ever famous Langotia-gang of Lucknow of which we are founder members. Keeps requesting for his favourite Tundey and Shaami Kababs from Chowk, Aminabad and Sakhawat near Gymkhana Club which I keep sending each time someone passes through Lucknow.’

‘And, Chairman-emeritus?’

‘Who?’

‘Chairman-emeritus… of langotia-gang?’

‘Oh! You mean IV… Indra Veer Singh… arrey, . . . he is fine. Kafi rise kiya. (rose quite a bit) Became a MLA from the ruling party in the last Assembly, and almost became a Minister. You know he comes from a political background, though he had a personal tragedy last year, he lost his wife. He has now started a NGO, by the name of ‘Gyan-Jyoti-Foundation’ to help poor youngsters of Lucknow in skill and personality development.’

‘Sad. I didn’t know and you never told me.’

‘Yeah, you are right, but he has now mellowed down a lot. Lost interest in active politics; spends more time in Lucknow Golf Club, and working for his NGO. We meet quite often. Couple of years ago we also went around the globe together. We celebrate together all major festivals like Holi, Diwali, Eid, Durga Puja, Dushera, Christmas and Baravafat and not to miss movies, theatres and other entertainment programmes in the city.’

‘That’s nice, and are you in touch with Antriksh Srivastava and Razia? Just wanted to know about them, in the sense what had happened finally?’

‘Will tell you later, when we meet.’

‘Okay!’ replied Chitra.

‘Forget all of that and tell me how are you?’ asked Shahid in a forceful tone.

‘Did you hear about my divorce?’

‘Yes, Savita told me. It was quite a painful affair, I believe?’

‘Yes, I told her, last when she called me. It was a traumatic experience and I was able to get out of it in about three years.’

‘So sad.’ Said Shahid.

‘And how are things… with you?’ asked Chitra.

‘Nothing great. Paid the price of staying back in Lucknow. Still nursing my unbending idealism that never helped.’

‘Why do you say so?’

‘Because of limited opportunities in Lucknow. Well, after we all passed out from college you did your MBA. Tribhuvan did his Engineering followed by an American MBA. IV got into a job and then joined politics. Bobby was never interested in academics so he got into his Dad’s business in Lucknow, fell in love with Pinky, a distant relative in Delhi, married her and chose to move out of Lucknow. Irfan—the Chikna always wanted to be an administrator; he joined St Stephen’s Delhi and got into the IAS. Savita after completing her Engineering got into the job-grind to stabilise as a General Manager… I stayed back.’ Replied Shahid.

‘Lots to talk about Lucknow, it’s been ages,’ interrupted Chitra, and then she softly enquired.

‘How do you feel about yourself?’

‘Well, got entangled in the upkeep of ancestral properties that never gave much and it is only my degree-in-law that saves me each time I encounter a bump. I hang, in between my estate and Lucknow.’

‘Don’t feel so low, Nawab sahab. Aren’t you one of the leading criminal lawyers of Lucknow? Isn’t that an achievement? So just relax, by the way are you on Facebook or Linked-in?’

‘Nawabs have become sons of impoverished lords… no, I’m in neither.’

‘Where is Bakait these days?’ Chitra asked in lighter vain.

‘Oh! you mean Tribhuvan Trivedi… TT?’

‘Yes.’

‘Now in the US.’

‘Okay, my flight is announced. I have something in mind, will call you in a day or two. In the meanwhile, can you text or e-mail the mobile and e-mail addresses of all the members. Bye for now, and of course, I need dope on Antriksh and Razia. It’s important to me.’

‘Why?’ asked Shahid.

‘Will tell you, all in good times… Colonel.’ Replied Chitra.

‘Oh God! You even remember my college nick-name. Before you disconnect I suggest, visit Lucknow. I am sure you’ll feel a lot better, we’ll go gallivanting all the old joints. Do you remember the ups and downs in the army driving track for beginners in Cantonment, where we used to go often?’

‘Who doesn’t, it is relevant to all and all go through these ups-and-downs,’ replied Chitra jokingly.

‘Naughty… you,’ shrieked Shahid.

‘Okay, do we go to ups and downs, with or without Shehnaz?’

‘As you say,’ replied Shahid.

‘You haven’t changed, eis age mein bhi laundia tehlana chahate ho?’ (even at this age you want to date hot women) She whispered on the phone and added. ‘Okay, let me think about it, and bye for now.’ And they disconnected.

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Chitra, was walking down the Jet-way with some kind of uncanny uncertainty. Antriksh and Razia were not leaving her mind and that too after a long time. What must have happened to them? Were they able to get together in life or they stood separated and suffered, she thought for a while as if in wilderness? She felt, some sort of terrestrial fangs were grabbing and shoving her into a syndrome of hypochondria. She now desperately wanted to know where they were and what had happened to them.

She had settled on her seat and the flight was ready to take-off, unlike her life that had landed and grounded on a desert. The picturesque sky-scrapers of Singapore were finally receding and the butterflies of office had started giving her that fluttery feeling in her stomach. Finally, she was close to deciding on a scotch that combats butterflies well, she thought in some kind of annoyance.

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Shahid was distracted by this probing and peppy call from Chitra, which reminded him of college days. Even though he enjoyed the sexy overtures of the conversation; not knowing what Chitra had in mind. His walk was coming to an end like the era of the last Nawab of Lucknow, Wajid-Ali-Shah, and he was now beginning to think about his high profile case in the High Court coming up tomorrow. He had to argue the case of Chandi Shukla, a politician who had murdered a lady Government officer. He had grown to be one of the foremost criminal lawyers of Lucknow, yet had not left his petty habit of cribbing on issues that did not impact his life anymore. This had somewhat besmirched his reputation amongst friends, well known to the Langotia-gang. His walk had slowed down and the ever enticing voice of Chitra was beginning to ring in his ears ever more.

Chapter 2

It was Sunday, early in the morning. Chitra was about to sit in her cab after landing in Mumbai. Her official cabby was there to pick her up. She had had a long and relaxed flight from Singapore, and now she had the whole day to herself to re-coup and join office next day. She was an MBA-finance, with a private bank. On checking her mobile… she found there was an e-mail from Shahid giving mobile numbers and e-mail IDs of all the gang members. That was truly prompt, she thought to herself.

As she sat in the car she dialed her daughter Mahima. After her parents’ divorce, Mahima chose to be neutral to both of them as she was an adult by now. Mahima’s phone rang.

‘Hi Mom! So you are back?’ she asked in a sleepy tone.

‘Yes, just called to tell you I have landed in Mumbai and am on my way home.’

‘How was the trip?’

‘Hectic and hollow. How are things with you? When is the next semester starting? MBA semesters are normally on time.’

‘Yeah! Mom. I’m too sleepy, will call you when I get up.’ And, they disconnected.

Chitra was home after almost a week. She stepped in with a great sense of relaxation with Lucknow