“Mamma,
she called me- STUPID and a BAD GIRL!”
Oh no! Not
again!! “Please don’t go down to play with her” I say.
A simple dialogue
from me is met with a HUGE uproar by my kids….almost seems like it’s the
beginning of an earthquake.
MAN is a
social animal and likewise little men and women too. Our kids cannot live
without meeting their apartment friends and their daily dose of quarreling and
making up is mandatory.
We live in a
big community or a Tribe as I call it- 4 blocks of about 150 apartments with 100
families all living harmoniously- or maybe not completely in harmony… but
pretty much happily coexisting OR…. Well, you get the picture right? So let’s
begin…
Why a TRIBE?-
I call it so because like in a tribe,
here too we have a Headman, a Chieftain, The Head Priestess, The Sorcerer, The
Warriors, The Spies, The Traders etc. All take their self-assigned roles
seriously and perform tasks so all the community members benefit. HA
HA!!
Each
morning, my day begins with the alarm of the “Chirping Birds”. No, this is not
a ringtone on my smartphone - but it is the sound of pleasant chatter of a
group of Ladies who walk and talk around the 4 blocks. They have excellent
stamina and complete a one hour routine daily.
As I step
down, ambling along to pick up the milk from the gate- I’m greeted by the “Girl
Gang”. This is the young bunch of pretty fitness enthusiasts who jog or cycle
all around the blocks. They perform Surya Namaskar and Vajra asana in the park
and also do a self-choreographed Zumba routine! Their smiling exuberant faces
could brighten up even your dullest mornings.
On the way to
the main compound entrance I exchange pleasantries with other passersby- some
in their lazy stupor like me: some heading to work and others who are
just taking in the sun. We all observe one other and judge the way each person walks,
looks and behaves. Mr. V looks incredibly forlorn – did he have another fight
with his wife last night? Iyer Uncle and his dog have an extra spring in their
step… whatever could be the matter?? Wondering, I carry on.
A bright
and bustling bazaar awaits me at the Entrance. A motley group of residents are gathered
around the Vegetable Vendor Van and the “Keerai Lady”.
Whatsapp
messages are updated on the community group informing everyone about their
arrival.
The bright
ladies and a few gentlemen queue to buy their stock of healthy greens and fresh
vegetables and meanwhile also exchange recipes. We all knows what’s cooking in
whose kitchen for lunch that day. A perfect start to your day with a dollop of greens
and gossip!
In the sunny
afternoons you won’t see much common activity except for the Housekeeping Staff
who would be cleaning the staircases, lifts and common area. Now THEY are the
real backbone of the Tribe. These very important ladies also know what is
conspiring in each house mind you! Who is seeing whom, who is quarreling with
whom etc., they are aware of ALL which the rest of us are not.
Their
leader is the “Handyman” of the Tribe. He is your go to man for anything and
everything under the Apartment Sun. He is available 24*7 but mind you, don’t
ever rub him the wrong way!
The Evening
brings everyone out of their homes. Children run down to play in the park or
the clubhouse. Cycling enthusiasts speed around the compound. The beautiful
breeze gets young and old all into a carefree fun mood. All the different groups or clans appear. The paatis sit and exchange their daily woes on the
park bench. The extremely fit uncles walk in duos never missing their evening
walks together. The ladies walking groups are set and airtight. You cannot
break into any group or merge into another by unwritten law.
Young
mothers who bring their toddlers down for their playtime are happy as they chat
with other mums. Each of them struggling with their “just kids and home”
routine.
Everyone
loves the little friendly kid who is the youngest member of the tribe and a
real Darling. The day she hurt her head while playing near the swing everyone
was upset. Anxious families visited the little girl bringing her sweets and
good wishes. Everyone prayed for her speedy recovery.
Any mishap
or illness in any particular house brings the Tribe together. All try and help the
affected family in their own possible ways. We even have common prayer meets
organized to generate positivity.
WHAT’S THAT? A loud noise coming from the direction of the Clubhouse.
The
commotion is regarding a glass table that has been smashed to pieces. The
question is by whom?
Some kids
were seen playing there a while ago. Their names are called out. The kids
obviously deny it. Their parents are summoned. They are defensive and the blame
game starts! The quarrel moves in a tangent with respective forefathers and
lineage called in.
“You don’t
know the family I come from!” shouts an enraged man.
“You don’t
know how many factories I have... I could buy the likes of you within
minutes!!!”
They could
have gone to blows had some non-participating others not intervened. Phew!!!
The matter
goes on for a week with full tamasha. The CCTV footage reveals nothing as the
camera was not working. “Thank God “I say.
It’s really
“Thank God” as the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival helps to restore peace and
calm back in the Tribe.
The common
Ganesh Temple situated beneath the Peepal tree is beautifully decorated. All
the men, women and children step down in their finest to seek the Elephant
Lord’s blessings. The sweet prasadam distributed brings cheer and smiles on
everyone’s faces. Beautiful Bhajans are sung by children dressed like
princesses. Everyone joins in to chant Jai Ganesha!
God bless
the Tribe! May their tales and tamasha continue unabated.
