A Heavy-Hearted Tribute To Darshi

FOUR DECADES MARRIED LIFE JOURNEY

Darshi, a popular and nick name of Mrs. Sudershan Bajaj,

was born on 1st November, 1942 at Lyalpur, West Pakistan. Her

date of birth is not accurate and authentic but as per paper

records, we recognize it and have been celebrating it for the last

more than forty years. She was the fourth child of her parents,

three elders and two youngers. I do not know much about her

early period of life but before marriage her parents stayed at

Jind, Panipat, Amroha and Rampur. Her father was in Railways

working as P.W.I. and the transfer was very common to him. We

got married on 1st October, 1968 and from Arora she become

Bajaj and thus married life went on very smoothly. Her mother

and my father were cousins to each other and ours was an

arranged marriage to be celebrated at J-10/89, Rajouri Garden,

New Delhi. She was tall, slim and fair complexioned lady

resembling Asha Parekh at her prime youth period.

I was a regular Govt. teacher and part-time lecturer in

colleges. Despite her being qualified for a job, I did not insist her

to go for work and thus she was an absolute housewife and

housemaker, serving to my parents and family. We lived at C-18,

B.K. Dutt Colony (Karbala) till May 1974. Our first two children,

Shivendra and Monika were brought up there and she had to

nurse them and my parents too. Moreover, I used to work for

eighteen hours a day from early morn to late night and she did

full co-operation. Before marriage I was simply a trained

graduate but she persuaded me and I became double M.A. in

English and Hindi from Aligarh Muslim University, in the

capacity of teacher. There at Karbala, Shivendra, our first child

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born on 12th July, 1969 and we were profusely happy, having the

first male child in our whole family. My elder brother had two

daughters and no son and my parents particularly my father had

a great love for his grandson. At the time of Mundan Ceremony of

Shivendra, we organized a family get together party and that was

the first happy occasion for us after marriage. All our relatives

from both sides were invited and we took many photos there. On

23rd June, 1972, Monika, our second child was born, and the girl

proved to be very auspicious. My transfer from Kirti Nagar to

Defence Colony School was done and the grades were revised.

Shivendra and Monika both were happy to each other, and after a

bath they used to go to general merchant shop to carry Kishmish

and Phulian and it was considered a good omen for the

shopkeeper too. At the age of 2, Monika was disappeared for

some time but was found by my father sitting in a tent gathered

for a condolence function near our vicinity. Shivendra alias Pale

was sent to Sharma Montessori School, near Lodhi Colony

Railway Station through school rickshaw. The habit of reading

much in Shivendra was inculcated by my wife. She was fond of

reading all the time and had a deep interest in booklets and

fiction. Children books like Lot-Pot, Champak, Panchtantra etc.

were her favourites. On every Sundays and holidays, we in a

family used to go for movies, Biji’s House (my in-laws) at Rajouri

Garden, Behnji’s House (My sister in-laws) at Kailash Colony.

Moreover, we had seen almost all the historical and religious

places of Delhi and sight – seeing was our best time pass. On

every first day of every month i.e. pay day, we all enjoyed a lot in

sitting at restaurant to dine. And our neigbours and relatives

sometimes felt jealous of it but we never took notice of them. We

ceremonised all the important functions and festivals decently at

Karbala house till 74.

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After the disposal of the house in Rs. 24,000/- we were

shifted to C5C/5B Janakpuri. And it was allotted to us by DDA in a

lucky scheme. Moreover, it was a sample (model) flat for the

public to see in a Low Income Group. It was 1st Floor, Corner

House situated on the main road, near the bus stop. I got myself

transferred to Naraina, Govt. Sr. Sec. School in August, 1974 and

on 12th Sept., 1974, Sonika, our third child was born. Every

member of our family predicted that there would be a male child

but it happened not. Had it been the male child, my Bhabi

(Prithvi Raj’s Wife) would have adopted it. And it was the

commitment made between my wife and my Bhabi. Thank God, it

was not acceptable to the Almighty. Third child is generally taken

to be active and intelligent and it is applicable to Sonika, as my

wife thought. We had decorated the house with new fittings,

show piece, wooden work, many alterations from both sides and

purchased T.V., Fridge, New Sofa, Beds, Dinning and Dressing

Table etc. from the money we had got from selling the previous

house at Karbala. But the happiness did not last long and my

father expired on 5th August, 1975. All the last rites were

performed by my leder brother at his house, Karbala D-12. But

anyhow I was lucky to attend him at the last time at Safdarjung

Hospital and there was none else except me who had served him

day and night for the four days period. It was my wife’s boldness

and will power that she used to come to Karbala from Janakpuri

carrying three children during the period and did a lot of work in

kitchen. Despite being ill, she worked to the maximum.

Shivendra was sent to Cambridge Foundation School C-I,

Janakpuri and got his earlier education upto 6th Std. Monika and

Sonika were admitted to Gyan Deep Public School and there they

remained upto 4th Std. They both had a taste for dance and music

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and used to participate in every school activity. Wearing almost

same coloured dress and shoes, they danced well on the stage

and family functions and gatherings. My wife used to encourage

and support them on all occasions. Shivendra was studious from

the very beginning and wherever, we went, he used to read

something sitting all alone in a corner of the house. In the year

1979, I was transferred to Chhawla village school and it was very

hard duty starting at 7 AM and finishing at 6 PM. During this

period we had started our own Academy by the name of Tagore

Model School, Tilak Nagar. It was flourishing well in the

beginning and there was a good response. It was a five room

rented set on the ground floor at 23/15, OP Babbar’s sister house,

Tilak Nagar. It was very difficult to manage for the lady but she

never lost heart and supported me through thick and thin. It was

our crucial period and our family was being neglected. Thus we

had to wind up the academy up and closed it for ever. We could

not properly manage as our mother, being an old one, could not

stay alone at Janakpuri house. It was nobody’s fault and luck did

not favour us. But it proved to be a blessing a disguise as we the

whole family availed our first L.T.C. and went to Southern part of

India, while travelling Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujrat,

Hyderabad, Shirdi, Khujrao, Goa, Mysore, Bangalore, Madhya

Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and back to Delhi. Our children enjoyed

the trip and spent nearly three weeks very descently in sight

seeing and making merrily. From Chhawla Village to Karanpura, I

was transferred and got some relief but it was the morning shift

school and I had to start from 6 AM in the bus. It was my wife

who used to get up at 5 AM, sending Shivendra for Cambridge

Foundation School, Rajouri Garden in a charted school bus at 6

AM in winter season and then made Monika and Sonika ready for

C block, Govt. Girls School. To be wonder struck, Monika and

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Sonika didn’t qualify their 5th Std. and got admission directly in

6th class, English medium on test basis and affidavit grounds and

to some extent credit went to both of us. Shivendra got the first

prize in his 8th Class and got recognition from the school

authority. Cambridge Foundation School, Rajouri Garden was one

of the best schools in studies and activities in the whole city.

Our three children were school goers and there was only

one earning hand but because of her economical nature,

everything was going on well. She used to maintain daily

expenditure diary and did not waste even a single rupee. While

keeping records, once she lost eighty rupees and it was a great

concern for her, I knew how she felt it. In the year 1978, her

younger sister Shashi was married to Mohindra Nangia at Nangal

but her marriage was functioned at her elder brother Mr. D.B.

Arora’s House, Chandigarh. And we all of us attended it and

enjoyed the marriage ceremony. And in the year 1980, her

brother Ved Prakash working in DDA was married to Shashi, the

bank employee, and the marriage took place at Geeta Colony,

trans Yamuna area. My wife took great labour and managed all

preparations at Biji House, Tilak Nagar. She won the hearts of

everyone whosoever attended the function. She was recognized

as the tireless worker, playing the key role in the family. And

when Neelam, my niece was married at Karbala, she contributed

a lot and particularly the sarees which we had broght from

Kanchipuram, and Bombay during the LTC tour donated her and

did a lot of work of sewing and embroidery. Every one of our

family spoke high of her on both the occasions.

At C5C/5B house, we in the family used to go to Distt. Park,

Dushera Ground, Holy places and movies and led a happy life.

But sometimes we both quarreled over trifles and I had to pacify

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her and felt my mistake. She understood well and the married life

went on smoothly as ever. After my father’s death, my mother

remained with us and lived as the head of the family and was

contented with my wife’s behaviour. It looked nice when we all sit

together on the dinning table at night’s meal. I recall the day

when Sham, my friend’s brother Inder who had come from

Poland, was invited on dinner at my home and my wife prepared

the meal with eight vegetables and his family relished the dinner

and spoke words of praise. Sometimes, I had to got to Aligarh for

my Examination and being the semester system, twice in a year,

and she used to manage everything during my absence. She was

bold and hard-working lady.

In the year 1982, I felt some cardiac problem but I thought

it a gastic and acidity and it was my wrong notion. And on 1st

June, 82. I got heart attack for the first time. She alongwith her

brother Ved took me to the Safdarjung Hospital and got me

admitted there. I remained in the hospital as an indoor patient for

sixteen days and nights and she served me all the time. It was

very difficult for her to handle in this situation, to control the

family and look after me too. Thank God, it was summer vacation

period for me and my children. It was a financially down period

too. After my recovery from ailment, I took a bold step and

withdrew Shivendra from Cambridge Foundation School and got

him admitted in Govt. Sr. Sec. School, A-Block, Janakpuri in 9th

class English medium. It was very much affordable fees for all the

three school going children and we both were happy to send

them in Sarvodya School, English medium to our existing

circumstances. My heart attack at the age of 43 occurred

because of overwork and hypertension and my Dr. L.M. Ghoshal

of Jorbagh used to say that it was the disease of old age and I had

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developed it at my youth period. I at once gave up smoking which

I had been smoking for the last more than twenty five years

secretly and became health cautious.

From Karampura to Sagarpur School, I was transferred on

medical grounds and this gave us much relief as it was a

walkable distance. In our family we were reputed to attend all the

functions of joy and sorrow of any relative from any side. We

went to Rohtak early in the morning to attend the condolence

meeting on the death of her sister Chander’s third son, Kaku and

everyone was surprised to find us there. We attended the

marriage party of her sister Bimla’s first son Babu at Kailash

Colony and our family enjoyed a lot, as my wife was taken a

family member in Behnji’s house. It was only because she had

done many a work of the family and spent her study period with

them. Every member of the family had a deep affection to her.

At very early childhood days, Shivendra had a right foot flat

and he could not run fastly. My wife noticed it very minutely and

we both took him to the Safdarjung Hospital for the doctor’s

consultation. The doctor examined him and recommended to

wear a Baluja’s shoes and they were to be found only at Chandni

Chowk Shoe Emporium. We made him wear for six months and

Shivendra became all right. Then he faced another problem of

baldness when he was in his 8th class. She was much worried and

we took him to Mool Chand KR Hospital for Ayurvedic Treatment.

The concerned doctor took pain and with his medicines and

massage, Shivendra recovered from the problem of baldness and

his hair started growing as usual. Once he stumbled while getting

down from a bus at Lajwanti Crossing near D Block, Janapuri and

underwent for right leg plaster for three months. He became

perfectly fit only because of her constant care and precautions

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with service. Sonika our younger child was physically weak from

the very beginning and we used to give her treatment from the

child specialist Dr. B.K. Jain of Defence Colony and Gole Market.

She improved a lot and physically fit and removed deficiency day

by day. My wife took much pain of our children health and

upbringing. She used to give them on the spot medicine, multi

vitamin, nourishing food and fresh fruit regularly. She took much

care in their early studies and home work complete was her daily

routine. Sometimes she had to spend mid night oil for their

education.

At Sagarpur School in the year 1983, she used to send some

homely made snacks for me and sometimes in large quantity for

my staff members and they praised a lot. In the end of the year I

had a urine problem and it was found that there was a stone in

my gall bladder. On 25th December the Christmas Day, 1983, Dr.

Rajan Mathew of M.C.K.R. Hospital an eminent Eurogeolist, did

minor operation, removed the stone and sent me home in the

evening with some precautions. It was done only due to her

guidance and deep knowledge of medication. It was the vacation

period for me and children and I took rest at home and became

all right. She proved to be a good nurse.

The year 1984 is reminded even today because of Sikh riots

and during the period I was in the Sagarpur area where there

were the maximum casualties. But we all remember the fatal day

of 6th November, 1984 when Behn Bimla, the elder sister of my

wife, passed away. She became the victim of the emergency

period and she breathed her last in Mool Chand Hospital. Her

whole body was swallon and became poisonous due to abdominal

problem. She was very much adorable and treated my wife as one

of her children. My children used to call her Behnji and not Mausi

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and only because of unforgettable love. That was really an

unbearable loss to the whole family including us. It was a great

setback to my wife because her elder sister used to support us

sometimes financially as well as morally. There was a true

attachment between the two sisters. We were to some extent

financially tight and because of this reason we sometimes led a

cat and dog life. Moreover, there was my mother’s attitude

towards her and my children, it was not cordial and smooth. And

above all my temperament was not cool, it was because of my

harsh nature and economically not sound. My circumstances

were responsible because there was no other source of income

except only one pay and all the children were school goers. Now I

realise that she was not contented from the heart of heart and

had migraine pain because of deep thinking and the existing

atmosphere. The behaviour of my two sisters, Raj and Krishna

and my Bhabi, Prithvi’s wife and above all my mother, was not

satisfactory to her and she often grumbled me about them but I

generally paid her no heed and she became thoughtful and

pensive. She was over burdened with homely works but she faced

well and everything went on smoothly.

1984 year was important for Shivendra’s first board

examination, his 10th class but despite our efforts, his result was

not to the mark and he got poor second class marks. His result in

Maths and Science was third class but got good marks in English,

Hindi and Social Sciences i.e. my subjects. When enquired he put

all the blames on Mr. Iqbal Singh, my personally known teacher

and his tutor of Maths and Science. He concealed the facts and I

started him beating and that was the first time I gave him

punishment. Anyhow he got the admission in Maths, Science

Group B, Medical faculty, class XI and it was out of the way and

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my friend B.K. Nain’s efforts and latest eligibility rules. But I took

great concern in his XI class studies and he became serious and

responsible and his constant efforts bore fruit in XII Board

examination. His XII class teacher, Mr. Nijhawan was a friend of

me and he took much interest in his studies and with the result

he topped in his Medical Group getting distinctions in three

subjects. We both were puffed with joy finding his twelfth class

result. In the year 1985 when I was in Patel Nagar, School no. 3

for sometime say about six months we were sifted to Pushp Vihar,

Saket, I was allotted Delhi Govt. Flat No. 507, Sector –V and my

children got admission in Andrews Ganj School, and our

Janakpuri house was locked and it was difficult for me to come

and go from Pushp Vihar and Patel Nagar. Anyhow she did not

lose patience and cooperated me at every step. That house was

not sufficient for our family and my mother was also with us and

sometimes petty quarrels within our family went on. My family

was not happy at all in the circumstances and I had to surrender

the Govt. accommodation to the Deptt. And we all came back to

our Janakpuri house and heaved a sigh of relief.

The year 1986 was very important to our family and it was

full of events, good less and bad more. Sweety, my niece was

engaged with Vinay her cousin and we all attended the ceremony.

But we could not attend the wedding because I got heart attack

for the second time. I got down on the floor from my bed at night

and my blood pressure suddenly fell and it was 70 from the

higher side and 40 from the lower. It was very dangerous and Dr.

R.K. Ahuja of C3 was called in and due to his medicine, I

recovered from the ailment. So, in the present circumstances we

could not participate in the marriage ceremony. But my brother

and his wife, Pushpa in particular felt it so much that we were

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not in good relations for pretty a long time. My wife understood

well and realised the position but the members of my brother

family blamed us. To some extent my cousin Jeet and brother in

law Prakash, Raj’s husband were responsible and they had given

them the wrong reports against us. During the period, Monika my

daughter cleared her X class examination and Sonika, the

younger one passed 8th class. They both were average students in

studies but active in dance and music. Monika took part in music

programme at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, Pt. Ravi Shanker’s

Programme and got award too. They both used to participate in

all the school activities but in studies they were mediocres.

1986 proved to be bad because in the month of March, my

mother in law, Biji was no more and she died on the day when

Shivendra’s board examination Paper Physics was conducted.

Imagine, our family’s position and moreover Biji’s family were

living in C3, the walkable distance to us. She had to struggle

much but due to her will power, we came across all the

difficulties. During the occasion, the relations of the sisters,

brothers and their wives were not properly well but my wife

found no problem at all and her relations with them were cordial

even the last day. Chander, her elder sister, being the sensitive

could not properly adjust with the circumstances while she faced

no problem.

My children were on adolescence period and my mother

also wanted a separate room and the accommodation was not

sufficient to our family. Moreover, the flat was in the middle,

neither floor nor ceiling. The upper storey neighbour Mr.

Bhatnagar’s family was not cooperative to us and they often used

to disturb us and quarrel over trifles. Their two children tried to

harm us and the family did not allow us to go to the ceiling to

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check our water tank thinking it personal. And above all there

was always foul smell of sewer and the noise of bus stop. Anyhow

the circumstances compelled us to shift the house and luckily

there was a single – storey flat near the vicinity. We disposed the

house in the amount Rs. 1,70,000/- (one lakh and seventy

thousand) and purchased the new house in Rs. 2,30,000/-

(Rupees Two lakh Thirty thousand) through Mr. Trehan, the

property dealer. But later on we found that it was a disputed

property. We got possession of the house with great difficulty and

before Diwali in the year 1986 we shifted to C5A-145, Janakpuri.

It was a good house on the nice location, near the market and

mandir and a sun facing one. We all were happy to find the new

house and my wife lit the earthen lamps and worshipped the

Diwali festival with pomp and show. My mother got relief on

finding the separate portion for her. We made some alterations

and extensions of the house taking loan from the bank and chit

fund. Our financial position was very tight but she used to

encourage me through thick and thin and never lost patience. It

was a far better house than the previus one because there was

enough scope to extend the house. My children were very happy

to find themselves in a good company. Now Monika was in XI

class taking Arts subjecs with Economics and Pol. Science and

Sonika was in 9th class English medium, Shivendra had cleared

his twelfth science Group B i.e. Bio-Botany, Physics and

Chemistry. We both wanted him to be a Doctor and for this I went

to Rohtak and Fazilaka to get domicile certificate and with great

pursuation and efforts I got it from Fazilka. He took medical

examination from various universities but luck did not favour

him. Delhi Directorate sent him to Hyderabad for fishery and

Drug Inspector Course and I also accompanied him but there was

a strike period in the Usmania University and the authorities told

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us to come in the month of Sept. But he was not interested to join

for engineering medical and any other course except B.Sc.

Botany group. So we both agreed and he took admission in

Botany group at Shivaji College in the month of August, 1986. He

had already told us that he did not wish to become an Engineer

nor doctor but become Doctor in Science Faculty. Our children

were not good at Maths and opted for Arts. Shivendra was happy

to get his Choicest Group of Botany (Hons.) and we both and our

mother all were happay that he would be at Delhi and remain at

home before our eyes. He did his B.Sc. in three years and stood

third in the whole of the city. He had made friends with Santosh

Rawat, Popli, Dinesh, Sunita, Shanti, Suresh, Ranjana etc. and

they all used to come in our home and my wife felt happy to serve

them with hot and cold drinks. She was very much hospitable and

offered to eat whatever she found available at home. Similarly

Monika and Sonika had their friends circle and they also used to

come our house frequently. Monika was fond to cooking and she

was perfect in making Bread Pakora and Besan Barfi and Special

Tea. Shivendra’s friends, her own friends and our neighbours

particularly Mrs. Sareen and Mrs. Gulati often came to our house

and all of them used to speak high of Monika’s and wife’s

hospitability.

Time passed on swiftly and the day came when we started

our new Academy in the name of K.B. Academy on 10th October,

1988 on 1st Floor with five sheds providing all teaching furniture

and other relevant materials. K.B. name was suggested by my

friend Mr. Raj of Pitam Pura. He was expert in Astrology and told

us that “K” being common n all our names and “B” for Bajaj and

we both readily agreed to him and started working. I was at

Sarvodya School, Distt. Centre, Vikaspuri and remained there till

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my retirement in the year 1999, and my wife and my first two

children Shivendra and Monika supported me too much. She was

all in all in-charge of the institution and whatever she decided,

she did. She was completely busy from morn till night, rather

over burdened and took no time in her health. Ours was the first

academy in the whole of C block, Janakpuri and the students

sometimes used to come from distant areas. Being a Govt.

employee, I could not come to the front in the matters of the

academy, so she used to collect the fees and manage everything.

It was difficult for her to control over he teachers and students

and sometimes she became furious and irritable. Academy work

was a great burden to her and she found no time for her health.

Shivendra and Monika were helping hands for me in teaching and

she was performing well in administration. My mother and

Sonika remained at home in the ground floor doing domestic

work. The time came when all my three children had to appear

for final examinations. Shivendra was doing B.Sc. Botany (final)

Monika was appearing in Twelfth Board examination while

Sonika was taking the 10th class Board examination, so everyone

was busy in their studies and did not waste their time in going

outside of the house. That was why our children succeeded in

flying colours and did not create any problem for their higher

education. Shivendra joined for M.Sc. (Genetics), Monika got

admission in B.A. regular from Gargi College and Sonika in 11th

class from Rajouri Garden Sarvodya School. Thus there was no

big problem for their higher education and that was only because

of my wife’s strong base imparted to them. And upto twelfth class

education was my responsibility being in the same department of

eduation.

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During this period an uncommon incident happened which

gave trouble to my wife and that was the allegation of theft made

by Ved and Shashi for stealing golden ornaments from their

house at Biji’s time. We both were shocked to find the police

officers at our doorstep and they started searching out our house

and made many queries. It was a great slur on the part of

brother-Sister relationship. Really, it was amazing and painful to

both of us. Later on it was found that it was nothing but their own

internal matter. Her fault was only to meet her mother, Biji in the

afternoon during their absence because they both were office

goers and she was to look after Biji’s requirements. But Thank

God, the relations remained amicable and the credit went to

Darshi’s greatness.

Our academy responded well and the students started

coming in groups. We all were serious to their need and we

provided them the teacher efficient in their subjects. We had won

the name and fame particularly in PCMB i.e. Physics, Chemistry,

Maths and Biology and were recognized the utmost in the

Janakpuri vicinity. By the time many new coaching centres

started and it was the period of competition and year by year the

students started decreasing.

In the year 1990, Shivendra was studying in South Campus,

Dhaula Kuan, doing M.Sc. (Genetics) in the final year, Monika

was busy in college studies and Sonika in Class XI, from Rajouri

Garden school in the vocational group with health and beauty

culture. Shivandera was getting stipend from the University and

was not dependable to us in his higher studies while Monika and

Sonika had to spend much money from my income. Sonika’s

vocational course was very much expensive and Monika, being a

collegian spent lavishly and above all my mother’s nature and the

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burden of Academy work, all the circumstances had made her

temperament high. Moreover, I could not have the time on

domestic affairs being over busy in school duty, tuition work and

academy teaching and extra curricular work.

Sunita, Shivendras’s classmate in Genetics often came to

our house and started working at home like a family member and

was very affectionate to my mother. My mother used to tell us

about here becoming daughter-in-law and her prediction proved

to be true. Shivendra and Sunita had been co-students

continuously for eight years right from B.Sc. to Phd. Shivendra

had told us much about Sunita’s qualities of head and sharp

intellect. We didn’t know why he was telling and praising a lot at

that time. My wife was not much impressed by here talents and I

wanted a Punjabi girl from my circle. Anyhow our views were

almost similar about Shivendra’s would be life partner. Moreover,

they both were too young to be married. Monika had cleared here

graduation while Sonika passed here twelfth class in the year

1991. They both were ahead in their studies by one year to their

age. Monika had much inclination in computer study, while

Sonika preferred to join some professional course and they did to

their choice.

The year 1993 proved to be ill-omened for many reasons.

My health was deterioting as I had already suffered two hearth

attacks. On March 9, all of a sudden my blood pressure rose high

and we both went to C4E Mkt. and took some snacks in the

evening. At night 11 PM I felt unwell and had the problem of

breathing. Then suddenly vomiting started and there was blood

from my mouth on the bed and the floor. My family was shocked

and Dr. V.N. Verma was called in. My wife did not lsoe heart and

strengthened me a lot. The doctor injected me and gave the

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sleeping pill. In the morning, my wife took me to the Kartik Clinic

for my check up. Dr. Usha Shridhar, the heart specialist

examined me, called for the ambulance immediately and sent me

to G.B. Pant Hospital. She had come to know that it was a major

heart attack and did the wise step. In the hospital, my

angiography was done and found that all the three arteries were

blocked and advised us to go for Bye-Pass Surgery. My wife and

my son understood the situation and brought me to home. Then

they consulted to other doctors and sought their opinions. They

both came to know that AIIMS was the best hospital and Dr.

Venugopal was the unique in this respect. But he used to take the

referred cases and for this Shivendra’s friends helped a lot and

got the recommendation of Dr. H.D. Kaul, the head of Anesthesia

Deptt. Now the financial problem raised and how to arrange for

Rs. One lakh, was the major issue. It was all due to my wife’s

efforts and she collected Rs. Twenty thousand each form her

relatives say Mr. B.R. Bajaj, Ved, Shashi and Chander. The day

and date was fixed for my admission and operation. My wife had

a firm faith in God and having a strong will power and patience

she bade me bye standing outside of the Operation Theatre. From

13th April to 20th April, 93, I remained in the hospital for my

treatment. The operation was successful, blockage of cholesterol

was removed, and bye-pass surgery was done by Dr. Venugopal.

I was discharged from the hospital with some precautions

and diet chart. The doctor advised me to keep away from curry,

worry and hurry. But at the same time I had become a victim of

blood sugar. All of her relatives and Shivendra’s friends helped

me financially and blood collection respectively. How could I

repay their gratitude!

-17

My mother was so shocked that she could not recover from

the illness. It was a difficult period for my wife to handle such a

situation. My doctor strictly advised me to take bed rest at least

for two months, it being an infectious disease. My mother was

physically and mentally ill and became victim of indigestion.

Krishal Lal, the husband of younger sister Krishna, came and

brought my mother to my brother’s house at Patel Nagar. And

there she could not recover her health and here condition was

deterioting day by day. Probably she was not given the proper

treatment. Moreover, there was an age factor, being weak and

pale. At the age of 78, she passed away on 1st August, 1993 at

Baljeet Nagar, my brother Prithvi Raj’s house. It was all a matter

of chance that my mother lived with us for the whole of life, after

my father’s death but breathed her last at my brother’s home. It

was a shocking incident for all of us and we, the whole family

stayed there till the last rites. Not caring of my health, I took part

in all the ceremonies from first to last and my wife also was

beside me. Coming and going from Janakpuri to Patel Nagar with

family was a daily feature and she did not hesitate and co-

operated well.

Sonika had completed the Marketing and Management

Course from South Extension and luckily got the job on the day

when my mother died. She joined for Hero Honda Groups at

Nehru Place, in the administrative wing getting good salary at

the beginning. She proved to be a supporting hand for the family

and used to spend all her salary in decorating the house. At that

time, she was hardly 19, a working hand to us. Her income was

taken as an addition to the family and making dowry items for

Monika’s marriage. Monika had joined Computer classes from

NIIT, Raja Garden after graduation. She was doing three year

-18

course as a programmers in Hardware and side by side B.Ed. frm

Anna Malai University. She completed her B.Ed. and got the

degree in 1994. My friend, R.K. Gupta of Gagan Bharti School,

helped much in practical exams. So Monika, was fit for teaching

and computer programme job and this was a great achievement

for her. The year 1993 was a significant because it was the year

of our Silver Jubilee wedding anniversary to be held on 1st

October. On this auspicious day our children celebrated the

festivity at home and for us it was a gala day. All of us enjoyed

the day with outing, seeing movie and the dinner at some

restaurant. Our children gave us the small gifts while Shivendra

presented Titan Wrist Watches, both of us and they were costly

and good looking. Otherwise, every year on this day we all of us

used to go for movie and had the dinner or snacks at some

restaurant. I was fond of movies and outing and the same habit I

had developed in her and the family. Our neighbours and

relatives felt jealous and sometimes they used to say before us

not to waste money over these things but we turned deaf ear to

them.

In the year 1994, Shivendra was doing Ph.D. in Genetics,

Monika was in service of Computer at Karol Bagh and Sonika had

joined Whirlpool at Naraina. Monika was at the marriageable age

and this was a great tension for us. We wanted a suitable match

for her and for that we gave an advertisement in the matrimonial

column of H. Times. And there was a good response from the

paper ad we started further verifications. We both had a much

struggle and left no corner of Delhi for about one and half year.

Moreover we went many matrimonial centres running at Temples

and Arya Samaj Bhawans. At last, our efforts bore fruit and we

had found the suitable match at Nimri Colony and he was

-19

selected the best of all Sandeep and Monika were taken to be the

Choicest Couple and the further customary traditions started. At

that time, Sandeep was at Jhansi working as an Accounts Officer

in BHEL, Govt. undertaking Concern.

Their engagement was ceremonised at Swagat Banquet, BI,

Janakpuri and there was the gathering of almost hundred people

from both the sides. It was the first and foremost happy occasion

in our family and my wife was profusely happy and over-excited.

On the occasion, the marriage date was fixed and it was 6 th

September, 96. Being the first marriage at home, we had to

arrange many things and we did systematically. I collected money

from my GPF, savings and homely deposits. We spent a lot on this

marriage and beyond our expectations. Each and every

neighbour and relative was surprised to see such a wedding. It

was the best one from all angles. And on the marriage occasion of

my daughter, my wife looked to be extremely beautiful and to

look at her, some the ladies of our family felt envious and paid

comments at her face. How could I forget such satirical remarks!

Almost five hundred people graced the occasion and all of our

relatives attended it. Sunita and her parents were also invited

and they also appreciated the arrangements.

There was an offer made by Rockfeller Foundation, USA to

Shivendra for Post Doctorate in Plant Molecular and he had

already accepted it. Moreover Shivendra and Sunita had come

close together that only a marriage was the best solution. Though

we both were reluctant and I wanted the girl from my family but

we had to accept their will. And it was the right decision to get

them married before leaving for USA.

11th December, 96 was fixed for their marriage but there

was the short period. To collect money was a great problem but

-20

some or how the other, the arrangement was done and within

three months, we had to perform the marriage function of our

son. Being the only son of our family, we wanted to ceremonise

the marriage descently, but the time was too early to cherish.

Anyhow the marriage was functioned with both the customs and

traditions of Punjabi and Bengali. It was performed at Palam,

Banquet Hall with Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian meals

separately and everyone enjoyed it. We both were happy that

ultimately they had bound together and before their departure to

USA. After the marriage on 10th January’97, it was very cold and

chilly. On the way back to our home from Palam, my wife felt cold

and fever and in the morning she had to take the medicine from

Kartik Clinic. She got well soon but the weakness persisted.

Anyhow she was internally happy and relaxed because within

three months, two marriages had conducted decently. It was not

a Child’s play and everyone wondered particularly the ladies from

our families.

Our Academy work continued but it was the period of

Competition being opened new coaching centres in our vicinity.

Shivendra had made up mind to leave for USA for Post – Doctrate

studies and on the basis of earning while learning. We felt no

objection and ultimately Shivendra and Sunita left for Ithaca,

USA for three years period. Monika and Sandeep were at Jhansi

and we three, including Sonika felt loneliness. Depression started

to my wife feeling loneliness. She took it to heart, how it all

happened. She could not tolerate their departure to America and

the neighbours also teased her saying the only son had deserted

us at the age. We were helpless and they went to America on 30 th

June, 1997.

Before Shivendra’s marriage on 11th Dec’96 and Monika’s

on 6th Sept ’96, we had already attended the marriage of my

-21

sister’s son Manoj and her sister’s son Manoj and she had no

problem at all. But on the marriage of Sonia, my sister’s

daughter, my wife did not feel well and we could not attend the

wedding. On October’97 she underwent cataract operation and it

was operated by Dr. Thadani at Tilak Nagar. It was successful

and she felt relief. We were feeling alone as both Shivendra and

Monika had gone to different places. But we three including

Sonika were leading peaceful happy life. Moreover our academy

was going well but not like that of the previous state. Even then

we were getting and gaining.

On 20th November’97, we got very good news that we had

become grand parents and we named the girl Srishti. Luckily the

name was also suggested by Sunita’s parents. Being summer

vacation, I was free and I had been to Jhansi, Monika’s house

from 7th May to 13th May. While my wife and Sonika remained at

home and found no problem.

On 30th October, 1998, the marriage of Sonika and Dheeraj was

fixed and it was celebrated at MCD Banquet Hall, C2B, Janakpuri.

It was newly constructed building and ground and First floor both

were booked for the occasion. Shivendra, Sunita and Srishti had

already come from USA. The function was attended by almost all

the VIPs of Janakpuri aera and Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, the MLA, was

also present there. My wife was over joyed to see such a great

and grand gentry. After the marriage celebrity, Shivendra went

back to USA all alone and Sunita and Srishti stayed with us till

20th Nov 1998 after celebrating her Ist Happy Birthday. The birth

day of srishti was performed descently. It was like a marriage day

celebration and everyone was surprised to look at the nice

arrangement.

In the month of Sept’98 we had stopped Academy work

because the number of students were decreasing. We could not

-22

pay proper attention to the work because of Sonika’s marriage.

My wife was fed up with the monotonous routine and her health

did not allow to do such an additional work. Moreover it was not

a profitable work to continue. To wind up the Academy was taken

to be a wise step.

My wife’s health got down in Feb’99 for a lady trouble. Her

overy and uterus were removed from Kartik Clinic but she got not

a permanent relief. Then it was tested from Verma’s Laboratory

and found some symptoms of early Cancer. Lady Dr. Sunita of

Noble Medicos, C2B suggested us to go for the treatment from

AIIMS. But first of all we went to Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute,

Rohini and my wife got the treatment from lady Dr. Kataria, the

RT head and got many tests from there but could not continue

because of the doctor’s harsh temperament. So we then went to

AIIMS and started their treatment. In March’99, she underwent

Radiotherapy for the first time and it continued for 27 times till

June’99. After RT strong doses then she was given Sorbio. She

was put on heavy Electric Machine in a special room and its

connection was from outside given by the doctor. She had a firm

will power and tolerated everything. During the process Sonika

and Dheeraj and sometimes Monika also helped us and I

remained with her day in and day out.

In the middle of June’99, Shivendra alongwith his family had

come back to India for good from the States. He got the Job in

Monsanto Company through America with all the comforts like

accommodation, Vehicle, Laptop, Telephone, Mobile and Medical

LTC etc. On 24th June’99 Shivendra took both of us and my

brother Prithvi Raj and his wife to Jaipur to attend my brother in

law Prakash’s death Ceremony. My wife was not feeling well but

realized the situation and accompanied. After RT and Sorbio, She

felt some relief from her ailment but check up from time to time

-23

continued. In the month of July’99, we shifted from C5A to BI-

573, Janakpuri on the rent of Rs. 8000/- per month through

Shivendra’s Company deed agreement for eleven months. We all

were happy living together in a new five room set and my wife

and Sunita faced no problem.

On 31st October’99, I was retired from School, Shivendra

and Sunita took me to home and there at home it was a great

celebrity. The arrangement of Tent and Halwai was already done.

More then a hundred people were invited and almost all our

relatives, neighbours and friends attended the function. My wife

was beautified like a newly wedded bride and she gadlanded me

on the front gate welcoming us. It was really a good scan to look

at! The unforgettable memory is still with us in the shape of

photos. On my retirement I got nearly about 5.25 Lacs and the

Construction work at C5A-145 house started on 10th October’99.

We got the loan of 4.5 Lacs from H.D.F.C. for the house extension

and spent more than 10 Lakhs on the three floor building. We

both used to go to the house in the morning and come back at

night. And the process continued till May ending 2000. Had she

not been supporting hand, I would not have completed such a

nice building. The credit hundred percent went to her.

On 15th December 1999, Sherya Sonika’s daughter was born and

we the whole family went to Ghaziabd at Nagar Hospital. Srishti,

our grand daughter felt overjoyed to see her new sister and same

was the position of all of us. My wife performed all the Customary

rituals on the arrival of new babe. Shivendra and Sunita

accompanied us too. During construction work on 25th March

2000. I again got a mild heart attack and my wife accompanied

by Sunita and Mr. Gulati took me at Amar Leela Hospital, BI

Janakpuri for treatment and she stayed with me for a week day in

and day out.

-24

On 1st May,2000. Monika’s son Daksh got birth at Jeevodya

Hospital, Ashok Vihar and on the occasion Shivendra and Sunita

did a great job for them. On 21st May 2000. We all attended the

function and party hosted by Sandeep’s parents at Rani Bagh

Banquet and there too my wife performed the traditional customs

by presenting golden chain to the newly born male child.

On 28th May, 2000 we did Greh Pravesh at our own home with a

small gathering. On the auspicious occasion, the Havan pooja

was performed by us attended by Shivendra, Monika, Sonika and

their families. My wife was very happy looking at the three

storeyed newly constructed home and we all shared to her.

Lease finished from BI-573 and on 19th June 2000 we shifted to

our own home through Aggarwal movers. IInd Floor house was

given on lease to Syndicate Bank employee from Ist July for three

years. In the month of Sept.2000, my wife got the same lady

trouble and was admitted to AIIMS in RCHS Ward and remained

there for thirty five days upto Oct.2000. She got little bit relief

and was released by the Hospital. In Nov’2000 REKI treatment

was given by Dr. Narula at Satya NIketan and from December

2000 to March 2001 another treatment was done by Dr. Mrs.

Chopra at Green Park, but she was not completely cured. An

Ayurvedic treatment was started by Dr. Qadri of Patte Wali

Masjid at Nizamuddin and then she was given Homeopathic

treatment for three months by Tibetan Institute, Nizamuddin, and

got some improvement except the trouble of Homo Globin.

In the month of December Sunita got the job in Park Royal Hotel

as a Hygiene Manager, with good post and salary and she got us

visiting to Five Star Hotels. In the month of March’2001,

Namrata, the maid servant joined us and she gave us much

comforts in cleaning the house and preparing the meals too. We

were on the ground floor while Shivendra’s family was living at

-25

First Floor and the Kitchen was also on the First floor. From April

20 to May 2001, we both went to Jhansi, Monika’s house and

attended Daksh’s Ist year Birth Day Ceremony. She did a lot of

work there in the field of sanitation and setting things right at

right place and then came back. On May 3 and 4 we were busy to

attend the weddings of my Cousin Harish’s and Davendra’s sons.

Then in June, 2001 we also attended the marriage function of my

cousin Krishan Lals’ daughter at Delhi Cantt. Banquet Hall. We

always tried not to miss any function of our family. In the month

of June ending, I got the same trouble of heart and the treatment

was done by the famous cardiologist Dr. Karoli, but I got

temporarily relief and from July 15 to 21st. I had been admitted to

Saroj Hospital under the treatment of Dr. Natrajan. At everytime

in the hospital, my wife helped and nursed me well and similarly I

used to stay with her on such occasions.

Around 15th August 2001, my elder sister Raj came to our home

from Jaipur and met us only for ten minutes and my wife

welcomed her with open arms. On 31st August, 2001 we came to

know my sister Raj was no more and Shivendra took us including

my brother, his wife to Jaipur in his car. We all attended the

death ceremony function and came back in Shivendra’s car.

Indeed, it was a great loss to the family. On 12th September 2001,

Shivendra, Sunita and Srishti left for Mumbai and go for LTC

tour for ten days and came back on 23rd Sept. And on 24th Sept.

the Monday I alongwith my wife went to AIIMS for her routine

check up.

On January 11, 2002 the angiography of my heart occurred at

AIIMS Hospital and during the process, chest pain started and I

was admitted there for two days and then released on 14th

January, 2002. The film showed that two atteries had almost

completely blocked and the third was 25% working and the Dr.

-26

M.L. Talwar suggested for IInd Byepass Surgery. My wife and the

members of my family also recommended and the preparations

started. The money and blood was arranged and I was admitted

there in a Pvt. Ward on 5th Feb. 2002. On 19th February, the

operation was done and it was the successful one and was

released on 28th Feb 2002. Shivendra, Sunita and my wife did so

contribution that my life was saved for the IInd time. She had a

strong will power and blind faith in God. By the end of March,

Shivendra had decided to leave for New Zealand and we felt no

objection. On 31st March Monika’s family had come to see off

Shivendra’s family. On the night of 15th April, 2002, Shivendra,

Sunita and Shrishti flew off for Auckland, N.Z. We were left all

alone and had started Chaliswa from 9th April to 18th May, 2002.

It was our daily routine to go to Mata Santoshi Temple, Hari

Nagar for the said period. It proved to be successful and no

hurdle came during the interval. On 22nd April Monika alongwith

her family had gone to Jhansi because Daksh 2nd Birthday was

drawing near to be held on Ist May. The Hemoglobin of my wife

was low and she had to be admitted in Kartik clinic on 25 th April.

There she was given two bottled of blood and four injections of

Glucose. And she got recovery very soon. Namrata, the maid left

our house and at the time of departure she was given Rs. 5500/-

alongwith railway ticket etc.

From Ist May 2002 the Ground floor was rented out to Mr.

Johnson, the Syndicate Bank employee and from Ist June, the IInd

floor was vacated. On IInd May, we attended Neelam’s of Saket

son marriage at Batra Banquet Hall, Naraina. On 24th May,

Dheeraj’s uncle M.K. Khanna expired at Vikas Kunj and we both

attended the condolence meeting at their house. On 25th May’

2002 there was a routine check ups of my heart problem at

AIIMS and they did not judge of my jaundice fever. We could not

-27

attend Sandeep’s Cousin Marriage on 30th May 2002 at

Pitampura. On 31st May 2002. I had been to Dr. Verma’s

Laboratory for blood test ands on Ist June, it was recognized and

found Jaundice by Dr. Usha Kartik. It was blood infected

Hypertide B which was very dangerous and my wife had already

alarmed me and since then at least for a month I remained on

bed rest and weekly check up continued. My wife was always ay

my service day and night. On Monika;s Birthday, Sonika, Dheeraj

and Shreya went to Jhansi on 23rd June, morning by Shtabdi

express and stayed with them for a couple of days. On Ist May

2002 G.floor was rented to Mr. Johnsons, the Chief Manager,

Syndicate Bank and on 2nd June, the 2nd floor tenant Mr. Abdul

left the house and transferred to Vijaywada and since then the

portion left vacant. In the mean time my wife was admitted to

Kartik Nursing Home for six times i.e. 1st May, 5th May, 7th May,

31st May, 11th July and 30th July for her stomach problem and her

Homoglobin was 8.2. In weakness, she was doing all homely

activities. My jaundice was completely recovered on 12th August

2002. During the period we both were patients sitting at home all

alone. Such hard days we spent in the absence of Shivendra’s

family. But his calls and letters we used to receive every week.

Monika and her family came to us on 11th Sept. 2002 and stayed

with us for a week. On 14th Sept 2002 the Saturday, “Mata Di

Chowki” was performed at our home and all the relatives nearly

70 attended the function. It was conducted because of my

recovery from Bye pass Surgery and the family welfare.

Everything did well and we were showered blessings by Mata

Vaishno Devi and the Kirtan Mandli. On 27th Sept 2002 we went

to Shakti Vihar to attend the Uthavni ceremony of Chander’s, her

sister mother in law. On 28th Sept. we went to Wellington

Hospital to enquire about Monika’s father in law’s health who

-28

was hospitalized there because of heart problem. On 12th

Oct’2002 we left for Jhansi and remained there at Monika’s house

for about a week and there we attended the Dushera festival at

BHEL Colony on 14th October and enjoyed the period in sight

seeing places. On 19th October 2002 we came back to Delhi and

celebrated the Diwali festival on 4th November 2002. She used to

put the first earthen lamp at DESU Colony Temple. We

celebrated the function at night but without any family member.

-29

On 25th December 2002 we both went to Ghaziabad to

attend Shreya’s birth day and all of us enjoyed the festivity

merrily. It was attended by more then 30 children and my wife

was overjoyed but missing Srishti much. On 13th January, it was

Lohri festival, Punjabi’s great day and Sunita’s parents visited

our home and we exchanged words of thanks to each other. The

whole month it was cold and for the first time it was the coldest

one after 40 years and January 2003 would be remembered as

the chilly coldest Month. She could not tolerate extreme cold and

hot weathers. On 17th January 2003 Ved’s mother-in-law expired

and I alone attended the Uthavni Ceremony at Shiv Puri. while

she remained at home, being very cold evening. A good news for

all that on 25th January 2003, Sandeep was transferred to Delhi

from Jhansi and Monika’s family stayed with us at our home. A

sad news occurred on 3rd Feb 2003 that Sonika’s father in law Sh.

D.N. Khanna expired, and the Uthanvi Ceremony was on 14th Feb

2003 and we were present there on both the occasions. It was a

great setback to Dheeraj and his family. On January 27, 2003 we

received the sponsership letter sent by Shivendra and on 5th

Feb’03 we submitted our application for getting Visa in the

Embassy of New Zealand and on Monday, the 10th Feb, we

collected it from there and started packing. On 21st Feb’2003 I

had been to AIIMS for my routine check up. But on the next day

the 22nd Feb I was feeling unwell because of cough cold and fever

and till March 2nd. I was not in normal health. On March Ist, the

Saturday, the Shiv Ratri day, Dheeraj Family including his

mother, brother, bhabhi, Sonika and their children came to our

house on Phera and my wife did all the arrangements and left no

stone unturned to welcome and entertain them with a heavy

lunch. Monika also helped her in Kitchen work. On 18th March,

the Holi Festival, we attended the function at P&R.P. Association,

-30

BI Janakpuri and we were also busy to leave for New Zealand. on

28th March for six months. On 26th march, Prithvi Raj, my brother

alongwith his wife and Praveen Chawla, his son in law came to

our house to see us off and Sham Lal alongwith his daughter too

came to us.

Our preparations were complete and on 28th March at 5:30

A.M. Our aeroplane boarded for Hong Kong and then to Auckland

landed at 11 a.m. on 29th March 2003. Shivendra and his family

were waiting for us anxiously and they welcomed us and took us

to home. The same evening we went to Hare Ram Hare Krishan

temple and at night we attended one Indian Family child birthday

party. On Sunday the 14th April, we again went to Hare Ram Hare

Krishan Temple and the Big Flee Market like Janakpuri Saturday

Mkt. and had the lunch in the temple. We were glad to meet

some Indian families there and most of them were Gujraties,

Bengalies and Punjabis. We ceremonised there Ashtami at home

and Halva Puri were prepared by my wife and Sunita and served

to Kanjakas. On 19th April, the Saturday there was a Bar-Be-Que

Programme at our house and it was a good gathering of say

about 30 persons known to Shivendra and Sunita and they all

wished us with Indian Style. On 3rd May the Saturday we spent

our time in attending Rabindranath Tagores Jayanti in some big

hall. There was a great and grand cultural programme in which

our grand daughter Srishti took part in dancing. On 4th and 5th

May we had been to Rotorna and Tapuhs, the cities of hot spring

water and there the Maoris were in abundant, and both the cities

were important for resort and lake. On 12th May we went to

Sunita’s library in the University of Auckland, the world fame and

spent there much time in seeing and had there heavy breakfast.

On 17th May we went to Waitkere Sr. Citizens Association

and met there Fiji Indians presided by Nalini D. Chandra and Mr.

-31

Naidu. They appreciated my views on Yoga and day to day Indian

politics. On 24th the Saturday we attended the meeting of Annual

Day Sr. Citizens Indian Association representative and met Mr.

Ashraf Choudhary, the member of Parliament Indians

representative, belonging to Sialkot living in New Zealand for the

last 27 years and we discussed with him to get permanent Visa

and gave him the application later on. It was a nice cultural

programme attended by 200-250 Indians and met many

Shivendra’s friends too. On 25th the Sunday we all went to two

Gurudwras at Otahuhu and Papa Toetoe, calling Sikh temple, and

Dashmesh Darbar respectively and after bowing to the Almighty,

we took there heavy lunch. Our grand daughter, Srishti

accompanied by my wife was looking cheerful and Sunita took

there many snaps. On 2nd June, the Queen II Elizabeth 77th

Birthday, my wife, got stomach pain and she was hospitalized for

sometime and our son paid $52 at that moment. On 7th June, the

Saturday, Shivendra took all of us to a big cultural Shanti Nivas

Annual Day function. It was really a gala day where International

Countries participants performed the function organized by Mrs.

Indu Bajaj and we all met her after the show. On 8th the Sunday,

they all went to lady saloon and other Indian shops while I

remained at home busy in reading and writing work. On 10th

June, Sunita’s birthday, the Tuesday, we distributed the Prasad

and had a chat with Sonika, Monika and Dheeraj and Sandeep

and their children. We spent there time in watching T.V. Indian

Programmes and many movies. On 29th, June the Sunday we

again went to Dashmesh Darbar Gurudwara at Papa Toetoe and

spent there three hours and took there Guru ka Langar. On 30th

June, Monday, Mrs. and Mr. Grewal, my friend came to our home

at tea. On 1st, July we all had been to Ware House for shopping

and purchased a lot of clothes for Monika and Sonika and their

-32

families. And on the same day we got two news, one that Sonika

had cleared her English test and second that Monika purchased

computer set with camera, mike and had fixed A.C. in their car.

On 3rd, July, after lunch, my wife had got the stomach pain and

she had to be hospitalised and was given pain killer injection. It

was the second chance since we came to N.Z. On 2nd, we had

attended two programmes, one at Grewal’s house and the other

was at Mr. Shanker’s house and both were with heavy meals. On

5th, the Saturday we were invited to Mr. Chakerverty’s house on

dinner and on 6th, they all went to Hare Ram Krishna Temple

while I stayed at home and the 6th July on Sunday was the coldest

night and the temperature was 3 degrees.

On 12th July, Shivendra’s birthday, we celebrated it at Mt.

Roskell’s Hall by giving a heavy dinner to around 70 persons and

each and every veg and non-veg items were prepared by Sunita

and my wife helped her a little bit. On 13th the Sunday, there was

a Satya Narain Katha at our home and it was celebrated very

piously, Prasad and heavy breakfast was served to nearly 40

persons and on this day one of Shivendra’s friend Mr.

Chakarverty, the palmist predicted about our future saying my

life was longer than my wife. On 21st, July, it was the day of

Srishti’s Operation of ear which took half an hour and we all were

standing outside the operation theatre and my wife felt nervous

but it was successful and we all returned home thanking God.

Our home at Henderson was quite near to the hospital and on

walking distance. On 26th, July, the Saturday, we had been to

“Sky Tower” the biggest centre for theatre, Casino and

entertainments in Auckland and in the evening to Peninsula,

water from three sides, place and it only happened because of

Shivendra’s love to us, specially to his mother. On 6th, August, I

went to my class at Henderson Velley and on the way to Yoga

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Ashram run by the German Lady, Hridaykamal, the disciple of

Swami Maheshwar Anand. On 8th, my wife and my daughter-in-

law with Srishti, went to Mrs. Grewal’s hosue while I remained at

home. On 12th, the Tuesday, the Rakhi Day, the German Lady

whom I took as my elder sister tied Rakhi, sent by Monika and

Sonika on my wrist and I paid her some money. On 17th, August I

attended the programme at Civic Theatre, which was organized

by Indians to celebrate 56th Independence Day and the Prime

Minister, Madam Helen Clerk was the chief guest.

On 22nd, August, the Friday, a wonderful incident happened

at Shivendra’s house that a lady came to our house and my wife

at once recognized her telling here name Krishna. She became

wonder struck and they were friends together meeting after 35

years. They both were classmates and neighbours living at

Rajouri Garden and thus they hugged together. On 28th, August,

we were invited by Mrs. Krishna and her family to tea and her

husband Mr. Ram Pal Sharma became my close friend there and

on 30th, again we were invited by them on lunch. We stayed there

for four hours and did full justice to the lunch. Mrs. Ram pal and

my wife were close friends for ten years at Rajouri Garden. We

had to go to Wellington, the capital from 5th to 7th, Sept. but it

was dropped because my wife was not feeling well. Moreover, the

weather was not favourable and the gusty winds wee blowing and

it was raining too. On 13th, the Saturday, the lucky and auspicious

day for us because the German lady, Hriday Kamal and the group

were invited by us to hold the “Lady Satsang” to be sung by them

and the music party, the sacred hymns were sung. It looked like

heavenly day and all of us were blessed by the holy Sadhvi and

we served them the good dinner. On 18th, Sept. our tickets to go

back to India was confirmed. On Sunday the 21st, Sept. we had

been to Kelly Tarton’s Antarctic Encounter Underworld, very

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magnificient and worth seeing undersea world with the tickets of

$18 each, them to Balmore Temple for my parents Shrad

ceremony and then to Sri Krishan temple, all three places in one

day – a very busy day for five hours. On 22nd, the Monday we

were invited to Mr. Grewal’s house and on 23rd, we attended the

lunch party hosted by Mr. Rampal’s family and on the night my

wife got a little trouble of high pelpitation and chest pain. After

taking some medicine of heart, she took a sound sleep. During

the interval of six months, we saw 43 movies and the last one was

“Namaste London”. On 25th, the Tuesday, Shivendra and Sunita’s

friends Raj Da, Kar Da and Mr. Grewal’s family came to our

house to say Good Bye and it was the day of final packings. On

26th morning at 7 AM we left the house and the country and

completed all the formalities at Auckland Airport to get the

boarding ticket for Hongkong. Shivendra, Sunita and Shristi bade

us Good Bye with warm eyes.

We boarded the aeroplane for Hongkong and landed at 5.30

PM and then at standford Hillview Hotel at 8 PM. Sooner the

moment we entered the hotel lounge, my handbag kept on the

sofa beside my wife, was robbed, it contained cash, important

documents, insurance papers. Thank God, the tickets and Visas

were with me. We lodged the complaint of robbery at the police

station but all in vain. It was a bad night for us because we

suffered the loss of nearly Rs. 60,000/- and the papers also. On

27th evening, we got the boarding ticket with the help of Sri

Lankan Sindhi gentleman, boarded the aeroplane ultimately and

reached Delhi at 10 PM. At the airport, Monika, Sandeep, Sonika,

Dheeraj and their kids Daksh and Shreya were there to receive

us. We reached our home at 12 PM and came back with the

memories of six months spending at Auckland on 28th Sept at

home, we took rest and felt giddy, dreaming of New Zeeland and

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in the evening, we unpacked our luggage and handed over the

items to Monika, Sonika and their families. We felt happy when

they started triffling over the dresses because the dresses were

costly and not easily available in India, after feeling relaxed, we

started to live a normal life.

On 8th, we saw Dushera and celebrated Kanjak and Ram

Navmi festivities at home. On 10th Oct, we went to Sunita’s

parents house on the inauguration of their new home at Dwarka.

On 21st Oct., 03, I alongwith my wife went to AIIMS for my

routine checkup and got the next date too. On 23rd, Oct, 03 my

maternal uncle Lakh Raj expired and we both attended the last

rites ceremony. On 24th my wife’s elder sister Chander came to

our house and felt happy to see us in high spirits and felt jealousy

when Darshi talked of New Zeeland qualities. Actually there was

a great love between the two sisters. On 25th Oct, 03 there was a

great and grand Hindu festival, Diwali and we celebrated at our

home descently, went to temple and to Ved’s house too. Sandeep

and Monika came to us from Nimri Colony for a while and they

came back. On 26th Oct. we arrived at Connaught Place and there

Dheeraj came to pick up us for Ghaziabad and there we had to

stay for a week because they were to leave for Jabalpur to attend

Dheeraj’s cousin’s marriage. On 29th they came back and I

attended the marriage reception on the night but my wife could

not attend the function being unwell. On 30th Oct., 03 we came

back home after spending five days and on 31st Oct. I alone went

to Mama Lakh Raj’s Uthawni ceremony at Ram Mandir,

Safdarjung Enclave and met my sister, Krishna there. On 6th Nov.

03, we both went to Kailash Colony to attend Behn Bimla’s Death

anniversary and after having a light refreshment we came back

home and every year we used to attend the ceremony since

Behn’s death. On 14th Nov. the Friday we both went to Patel

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Nagar, to my brother’s house to give them some gifts and sweets

as a customary tradition.

On 25th Nov. night Sunita alongwith Srishti came to India

from New Zeeland for two months and stayed some time with us

and sometimes at her parents house, Dwarka. On 2nd Dec., 2003,

we all hired a taxi for Ghaziabad to Sonika’s House and Sunita

handed over some gifts to them. And on 3rd Dec. we again hired a

taxi for Nimri Colony, Monika’s house and we handed over some

items to them too. On 7th Dec. Monika and Sandeep shifted to

their own house at Sector XI, Rohni and left our home which they

had occupied during our absence. And on 16th we all including

Sunita and Srishti went to Monika’s house and spent there the

whole day and we both liked their newly constructed house

much. On 23rd December, we both went to Ghaziabad to attend

the function of Dheeraj’s father 1st Death anniversary. And then

again went to Sonika’s house on 28th and stayed there upto 2nd

January 04 after coming back on 3rd January, the Saturday, my

wife did not feel well at night she had to be admitted at Kartik

Nursing Home for stomach problem and vomiting, dysentery also

were added. From 1st to 4th Jan I was also not feeling well and

Suntia came from Dwarka and served us for three days but on

Saturday the troubled night there was none with us and we felt

lonely at that moment. She being unwell, I had to stay at home

and we both did not attend the function organized by my sister’s

grand sons arrival while Sunita, Monika and Sonika alongwith

their families attended at Panchsheel Banquet Hall on 8th

January, 04. On 11th the Sunday we all including Sonika’s family

went to Sunita’s parents home at Dwarka on lunch and it was my

wife’s choicest one. On 13th January the Lohri night, Sunita’s

parents visited our house and we all ceremonised the function

nicely but missed Shivendra’s absence. On 14th, the Makar

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Sankranti Day, the Leap Year also, after taking bath, performed

the rice and pulse ceremony and donated to the needy persons

alongwith other things and cash too. On 23rd Jan. we all went to

Panchsheel Club on Sh. B.R. Bajaj’s Diamond Jubilee Birth Day

alongwith Sunita and Srishti and on 24th they both mother and

daughter flew off to New Zeeland and via Bangkok and Australia

and reached Auckland on 26th Jan.

on 10th Feb. 2004, we went to AIIMS for my wife’s routine

checkup and on the way back to home, we went to my sister

Krishna’s house, Sarojini Nagar. On 17th Feb. Tuesday, we went

to janta X-ray, Tilak Nagar, for my wife’s CT Scan and luckily it

was the normal report. On 2nd, March 2004 it was a happy day

because Monika and Sonika both alongwith their families met

together after at least one month. One 7th March , the Dulhandi

Day after Holi we celebrated the function first at home, then

went to Ved’s home and in the evening we had a chat with

Shivendra and his family. On 9th March, my wife had an acute

abdominal pain and was admitted to Kartik Nursing Home and

then was discharged on the next day after her recovery. On 20th

Saturday we went to Deen Dayal Hospital as our medical Card for

the whole life had been issued from the Deptt. For our checkup

and got the medicine for a month and on the way back we

deposited Rs. 501/- annually to the Santoshi Mata Temple, Hari

Nagar. On 11th May Tuesday I purchased a new Mobile Nokia

worth Rs. 3570/- as the previous one was heavy and not of proper

use. On 17th May the Fair Deal Property Dealer, Gagan Arora

came to our home alongwith the party and handed over Rs.

10,000/- as the token money for the sale of ground floor and on

21st Mr. Ashok Kumar paid us Rs. 90,000/- as the earnest money.

On 27th June the Sunday night my wife got stomach pain and she

had to be admitted to Khastiger Nursing Home and on 28th she

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was discharged and this was the third time in a month. On 3rd

July, I went to DDU Hospital and asked about Mr. Ram Pal’s

Health as he had been admitted there because of some injuries

and Shivendra had asked me to do so. On 15th I was asked to

meet S. Samarjeet Singh, Beena’s father at Vikaspuri and on the

next day morning he came to us and we welcomed him with open

arms being our guest coming from New Zeeland. On 17th Monika

and Sonika both came to our home and they enjoyed a lot

because there was a great attraction of Tub Bath for Daksh and

Shreya and on the next day they went back to their respective

homes. From 13th August to 21st Sept. there was Chalisa at

Mandir performed by my wife. On 20th August there was an

agreement for the sale of 2nd floor with Mr. Sandeep Aggarwal

and Sonika alongwith her mother were ready for the deed while I

was reluctant but I had to agree with their consent. On 30th

August, 2004 it was the day of “Rakhi” and Monika, Sonika

alongwith their families came to our house and my wife felt

happiness to be found them at home. On 25th Sept. we went to

Patel Nagar to ask about Neelam’s Husband Praveen Chawla who

had undergone bye-pass surgery and there my wife gave some

instructions to Neelam and Praveen. On 15th Oct 01 according to

the family wishes I went to Distt. Centre, West Delhi Court to get

money from Sandeep Aggarwal for the 2nd floor registration. On

20th Sonika, alongwith my wife went to Karol Bagh for some

shopping and on the same evening, my wife had a stomach pain

and was injected by Sunita Sharma, the sister of Kartik Nursing

Home. On 21st Monika and Sonika alongwith their families came

to our house and they got some money from my wife as it was a

good omen because of the sale deed. On 22nd the Dushera Day

and there was a Greh Pravesh for Sandeep Aggarwal family and

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we both attended the celebrity and on 25th Oct. we also attended

the marriage function of Pinki’s daughter at Karol Bagh.

On 2nd November, the Tuesday, Shivendra alongwith Sunita

and Srishti came to India and stayed with us upto 25th Nov. and

celebrated Diwali festival on 12th Friday and it was an

unforgettable event to ceremonise the festival with full family.

My wife had a true affection with Shristi and felt overjoyed to see

celebrating the gala day merrily. On 3rd December, the Friday we

had been to Monika’s new home, sector 15, Arya Apartments. On

19th the Sunday we went first to Monika’s house and then to

Sonika for Shreya’s birthday at Ghaziabad. On 1st January, 2005

Saturday I went to P&RP Office BI Janakpuri and paid them the

cheque of Rs. 1000/- for the victims affected by the Tsunami

Waves in the Indian Ocean. From 8th to 20th we stayed at

Ghaziabad, Sonika’s house and spent there time happily. There

we went to Dheeraj’s sister house and Ram Nagar, Pandit Ji

house as my wife had a faith in Pandit Ji’s prophecy. From 2nd to

5th Feb, 2005 we went to Monika’s house as Sandeep was on

official tour to Indore. We used to stay with our daughter’s

houses whenever they needed and on 6th we went to Sonika’s

house as her mother in law had gone to Lucknow, her elder son.

From 5th March to 17th March, 05 I was on tour to Mumbai,

Nasik, Goa, Shirdi and Mahabaleshwar through P & RP

Association while my wife remained at Sonika’s house. On 22nd

March, Monika, Sonika and their families stayed with us and

spent two days and two nights. On 24th we went to P & RP

Association Office BB Mandir to celebrate Holi and there I

presented my hand written detailed programme of the 12 days

spented on the tour. On 29th March I got the sad news of the

demise of my newphew Vijay’s death at Jaipur and on 1st April, I

alongwith Krishan Lal, Krishna, Neelam, Nanda and Bharjai

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attended the uthawni ceremony at Jaipur but my wife being

unwell did not attend it. On 6th April for my wife’s tooth problem

and on 7th too we went to DDU hospital and on the way back to

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Hari Nagar, to deposit Rs. 501/- for

Nav Ratre. On 10th May, the Mother’s Day, my wife was overjoyed

to get the parcel containing a diamond earballs sent by Shivendra

and Sunita. On 15th Monika, Sonika alongwith their families

turned up to us to ask about my health as I remained unwell

because of infection for more than one month. On 17th May we

went to AIIMS for her check up and on the way we also went to

Safdarjung Enclave, my maternal uncle’s house.

On 22nd May at Monika’s house, there was a grand function

celebrated on Daksh Birthday and nearly 150 persons were

invited and all our relatives attended it gracefully and we

remained there from 21st to 26th May. On 14th June we attended a

marriage function of Mahindra’s newphew at Peera Garhi Land

Mark Banquet Hall and there we met Bhayeji’s whole family. And

there she was pained to hear the satirical remarks uttered by the

foolish chap of their family. On 23rd June we had been to Nimri

Colony to ask about Sandeep’s father health and on the next day,

the construction work started in our house regarding stair case,

two small rooms, one extra toilet and above all the kitchen work

and it took two months to complete the work and the wood work

also included and finished it on 20th August, 2005. On 31st August,

we attended the Shagun Ceremony of Neelam’s son Bunty at

Batra Banquet and on 6th Sept. we attended the marriage party at

Vasant Kunj Farm House alongwith Sonika, Dheeraj and Shreya

and stayed at Ghaziabad.

On 1st October, 2005 with the help of Dheeraj, we left for

Haridwar staying at 4 star hotel U.P. Govt. and had a dip and

Asnan at Har Ki Pori and came back on 3rd morning to our home.

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On 7th Oct, my birthday I went to Puthkalan village Blind Ashram

and donated something there and in the evening cake cut and

dinner at Kovi Pitampura alongwith Monika and her family. On

11th Oct., Kanjak Ashtami was performed with the contribution of

Monika family at Rohini and on 12th the Dushera day at Swarn

Jayanti Park, we all witnessed. On 18th Oct. my wife was not

feeling well and got checked at Kartik Nursing Home and on 20th

there was Karva Choth and then on 21st Oct to 28th. We again had

been to Monika House. On 31st the Chhoti Diwali and on 1st Nov.

it was the holy festival of Diwali and we celebrated it as usual

and we exchanged the gifts to Bhaya Ji, Ved and our neighbours.

On 3rd the Tikka Day and the families of Monika and Sonika came

to our house and performed the festivity. On 22nd Nov. 05 I

attended the Uthawni ceremony of my Chachi Late Darbvari Lal’s

wife at Kiran Garden Temple but she being suffered from

stomach pain and loose motion, could not attend it. On 26th Nov.

the Saturday, my wife underwent for minor operation at Kartik

Nursing Home and in the evening we went to Ghaziabad

alongwiht Dheeraj and Sonika and there we stayed for a week.

After coming back on 3rd Dec. 05 we attended the marriage of Mr.

Bhatia’s daughter at Rohini. On 5th night the stiches were

removed by Dr. Sridhar but the mild pain still prevailed with my

wife. On 11th December, we congratulated Shivendra and Sunita

on their 9th Happy Marriage Anniversary and Sunita was busy in

packing to shift to their new owned house at Albany. On 25th

December, the Christmas Day we received Greeting Card, some

cash and gifts sent by Shivendra through Mr. Dipankar and his

family, and we also welcomed them with open arms. On 31st

December, we both went to P & RP meeting at BB Mandir

Janakpuri and there we had a heavy lunch. My wife felt happiness

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to be present in such a get together meetings and tried not to

miss them provided she was all right.

On 4th January 06 I alongwith my wife went to AIIMS for her

routine checkup and on 10th January we went to GMR Institute,

Green Park for my wife’s MRI check up and on the next day we

thanked God to collect the report being everything normal. We

celebrated the Lohri festival on 13th and on 15th Babbu and Neeru

from Kailash Colony came to our house and we as usual

welcomed them with high spirits. On 18th January, the Wednesday

we went to AIIMS and showed them all the reports they

demanded from my wife. On 22nd January, we went to Mission

School to attend the Health Check-up Camp and then to BID

Mandir for Senior Citizens Brotherhood Association Function and

had there heavy lunch. In he evening of 23rd January we went to

Rohini, Monika’s house and on 24th we went to Prashant Vihar

Balaji Temple and met Sadhvi Suman Sharma and she proclaimed

some prophecy about Monika and my wife too. On 28th Monika

was admitted to Jeevodya Hospital for her check-up as Dhruva

was expected to take birth. On 8th Feb. 06 we went to AIIMS

alongwith my wife’s echo report and after examination, we went

to Bhaiyeji’s house, Kailash Colony and had there lunch. On 23rd

Feb. 2006 we came to Rohini and on 24th at 9.38 PM we got the

happy news that Dhruva, the second of Monika’s son took birth

and on Sunday, the 26th we went to Jeevodya Hospital to

congratulate Monika and blessed the new born baba and thanked

the Almighty. On 8th March we came to Janakpuri as my wife had

completely exhausted and felt unwell because of hectic exertion

at Rohini. On 9th Monday, Sonika came to our home, did some

shopping with my wife at Tilak Nagar. On Tuesday the 14th,

March we went to P&RP Association meeting for holi celebration

and Shreya also accompanied us and there we had a heavy lunch.

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The next day, being Dulhandi, the colourful day we received a

call from Shivendra and Sunita and they congratulated us on this

day and for Monika’s new born son first festival and at night

Sonika, Dheeraj and Shreya left for Ghaziabad. From 14th to 19th

and particularly on 18th and 19th we found ourselves helpless and

did not move our from the house because we both had become

the victim of cough, fever and cold. On 20th we went to Kartik

Clinic for our treatment and medicine and on 23rd we both felt fit

and normal. From 30th March to 5th April 2006 it was the Nav

Ratre days and on 2nd April we were at Rohini and on 5th April it

was the Kanjak Day and there was also Bhandara in the society.

On 8th April we came back to our home and from 9th to 15th April

there was Swami Ram Dev Yoga Camp at Dwarka Sector-10 and I

alongwith Ashok Sachdeva, attended it. On 23rd the Sunday we all

went to Krishna Ratna, Raj Nagar and had there dinner and my

wife preferred to take Masala Dosa but not full. During this

period, we happened to visit Govindpuram flat booked for Sonika

and Dheeraj. On 7th May the Wednesday we came to Rohini to

attend Daksh Birth Day party and it was a nice celebration

attended by Sanjay, Neeraj and their mother. And Sonika and her

family were presented and after the function they dropped us to

Janakpuri. On 13th, Monika-Sandeep alongwith their family

stayedwith us for a week and they were provided all the facilities.

On 14th Sonika alongwith Shreya also turned up to our home and

both the sisters and their families felt overjoyed and seeing them

happily, my wife joys knew no bounds and she felt pleasure to

nurse their children descently. On 18th my cousin Charanjit came

to our home and discussed about the share business while my

wife had no interest in his talks. On 20th May 06 Shivendra’s

brother in law alongwith his mother and wife come to our home

and we all went to Paschim Vihar to Shanti’s Parents house and

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congratulated them on their youngest son’s marriage. On 21st we

got Sunita’s letter alongwith Shristi’s photos and my wife puffed

with joy to see Shristi’s snaps as she had the deepest affection

from the core of her heart with her and seeing her tall and slim,

she used to recall her own childhood. On 23rd the Thursday,

Shivendra’s in-laws the whole family came to our home in the

evening and seeing our newly renovated house, they appreciated

my wife’s architect’s hand. On 10th June, there was Shivendra’s

call and we congratulated Sunita on her birthday and luckily

Dheeraj, Sonika and Shreya came to our home. On 16th Guru

Arjun Dev’s Martyrdom Day, we went to Gurudwara and in the

evening Neeraj came to our home and met Pushpinder Singh and

asked about his prophecy.

On 26th, June Charanjit cme to our house with sweets and

invitation card on his daughter’s wedding to be held on 28th June

and on this day, we went to Monika’s house and alongwith Daksh,

we attended the marriage function at Khatir Banquet, Madipur

and there was a small gathering, even Charanjit’s mother and

brother and sisters were not invited but we were given warm

reception. On 12th July the Wednesday we made a call to

Shivendra and wished him on his birthday and on the same day

there was Shristi’s council operation and Thank God, luckily it

was all right and we celebrated it with the Prasad at DESU

Mandir. On 16th the Sunday we attended the marriage party at Le

Meridon, Connaught Place, of maternal uncle Lajpat Rai’s

grandson, Gulshan’s son with the Sikh family and it was the great

and grand ceremony to be attended. On 23rd the Sunday I went to

Satya Sri Ram International Centre, Lodhi Road to get my ID

Card for the journey to Sai Prashant Nilayam. And on 28th July at

9 PM I alongwith my group of around 20 persons, boarded

Karnata Express train for the pilgrimage to Prashant Nilayam

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and there we stayed upto 10th August, 06. We did service in the

Super Special Hospital and had a darshan daily of the divine Sai

Ram Ji sitting at the heavenly place.

On 13th August, the Sunday, Sonika, Dheeraj and Shreya

came to us on Rakhi and we all celebrated Janam Ashtami and

15th August descently. On 27th August, we both attended the

Medical check up camp at Sarswati Bal Mandir BI Janakpuri

organized by Khetarpal Hospital Staff through our Retired

Teachers Association and there we got checked all our health

problems. On 1st September, 06 I made a trip to South India

starting from 1st to 15th Sept. through our Senior Citizens

brotherhood, organized by Tamil Nadu Tourism Bus and travelled

for 15 days and nights seeing all the important places and

temples of South India and then back to Delhi on 15th. My wife

was not in position to travel such a long journey due to her

stomach problem otherwise local and short journeys she did. On

1st October my birthday, I distributed sweets to all the members

of our morning health club. On 2nd being the Dushera and Ved’s

birthday we ceremonised it by taking Jalenbi at home. On 22nd

October the Diwali day and we celebrated all the festivals with

great pomp and show. Then on Tikka Day, Monika came with

family but Sonika could not turn up to our house and Monika

being annoyed but at the time of departure, she became happy

and we all took dinner at Kadimi Restaurant. On 1st Nov. being

my wife’s birthday, we enjoyed the day by exchanging gifts. On

6th November we went to Kailash Colony for prayer and then we

went to Mr. Chopra my Guru Bhai Friends’ house at GK Part II.

On 8th November, 06 we both went to Passport Office at Chankya

Puri and got fulfilled all the formalities to go to abroad for the 2nd

time. On 16th Nov. I accompanied by my friends Mr. D.S. Negi

and Mr. Bagga, went to India Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan and did

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there shopping and brought gifts for my wife and children. The

day of Shivendra’s family of arrival to India was approaching and

the day of 27th November 06 came and the period was full of busy

schedule. First of al we celebrated Shristi’s happy birthday at

home and all the near and dear families were invited to grace the

occasion. Then on 5th December 06 Shivendra took us to

Amritsar, Golden Temple and there we saw many places like

Jallianwala Bagh, Bagha Border, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s

Panoroma at Ram Bagh and on 6th night we came back through

Shatabdi Express. The snaps taken at Bagha Border, Golden

Temple, of my wife and Shristi were praise worthy. From 12th to

16th Shivendra Sunita and Srishti had gone to Goa to meet Raja’s

family. On 17th we all went to Prithvi Raj’s house at Patel Nagar.

We also had been to Rajesh, Neeru’s house at Alaknanda. On 22nd

December, Shivendra went back to Auckland while Sunita and

Srishti stayed with her parents house at Dwarka. Our

preparations to go to Auckland started and I was very busy in

Telephone disconnection, insurance of medical, tickets collecting,

house insurance and packing etc. New year greeting cars were

also sent to our relatives and friends. Many shoppings were done

and on 12th Sunday I gave a small party to all my friends.

On 14th Tuesday I, my wife, Sunita and Srishti left for New

Zeeland and boarded Thai Aeroplane at 11 PM and reached at 4

AM on 15th at Bangkok. There we had a halt of twenty hours and

stayed at Ambassador Hotel, got there breakfast and lunch and at

7 PM. We took Thai Airways again and at 2 PM on 16th. We

reached Auckland and there Shivendra was already there and we

reached Albany, his new house. We both were overjoyed to see

our son’s house, having a big swimming pool, greenery all

around, with fruit trees and vegetables and adjoining public

school fences. We both used to have a stroll to Albany main road

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and Beechorth Senior Living Centre and sometimes to Albany

Junior School, Srishti’s School in the evening. On 27th January

Shivendra dropped us to Mr. Grewal’s house, my known fried and

then to Krishna’s House, here old friend and we had a long chat

and dinner. On 30th January my wife went to Sunita’s office at the

university and there was an Indian Women Health Camp. It was a

free health check up organized by the Massy University

Authorities. On 6th Feb. the Waiting Day on which the agreement

between the Maoris and the British Empire was done on 6th Feb,

1840, we went to Pahorea, Binu’s house met her brother, Raja

and her husband Tinku, stayed there for three hours and after

lunch we came back to our home. On 10th the Saturday, we all

went to Srishti’s Swimming pool and then to Mt. Wellington

Volcano and in the evening to Sri Lankan’s house and there we

had a heavy tea and my wife praised high of the descent family.

On 11th being the Sunday we all went to the Eskon temple,

donated something did prayer and had a heavy lunch. We met

there many Indian Families known to our son and daughter in law

and my wife appreciated a lot of their style of living. On 16th

February the Shiv Ratri we went to Bala Mora, the Bhartya

Mandir, the nicely decorated one, we performed Puja to Lord

Shiva and after having “Langar” we came back to home late at

night. On the next day, the 17th the Saturday we all five members

went to Mr. Ram Pal’s elder son house to attend the marriage

reception of his younger brother. We both presented them two

big gifts and took there heavy lunch. There we met 15 Indian

families including Ram Pal’s brother in law who had settled there

in 1930 with his grand parents.

On 21st the Wednesday we had a long chat on Telephone to

Sonika and also came to known about Sunita’s father’s Operation

of Prostrate and Harnia done well. On 22nd Feb. we all went to

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Mahadeva Temple and Mahatma Gandhi Convention Hall and

fixed the date of our home Mahurat with the Panditji and he had

agreed to be present to our place on 3rd March at 10 AM. On 25th

the Sunday we all went to Papa Toetoe Gurudwara, donated

something and had the Guru ka Langar. My wife alongwith

Srishti sitting side by side in the hall felt pleasure. On 3rd March,

the Thursday, very auspicious one and there was a good

gathering say about 30 persons at our Home Mahurat and the

panditji of Mahadeva Temple performed the Puja and did Satya

Narain Katha nad all the guests praised it and enjoyed the heavy

lunch. We both donated and blessed our son and daughter in law

and in the evening we also attended the birthday party of our

next door neighbour but it being a non – vegetarian one, my wife

didn’t touch anything and we came straight to our home. On the

next day the 4th March, it was Holi festival, put the Tilak to Lord

Krishna then to all of us and greeted to one another and at noon

we all went to Eskon Temple and after donation, we took there

lunch and met some Indian families. On 17th the Saturday our

Whites neighbours organized a nice party in our honour and

there were many and more vegetarian and non-vegetarian items

hosted by Mrs. Trudy and seven families more.

On 21st the Wednesday, my wife did not feel well and we

went to Medical shop to get her checked and the next day, she

became all right and did all the works of kitchen as usual. On 25 th

the Sunday we all were invited to Krishna’s House, my wife’s

childhood friend on tea and we exchanged the gifts to each other.

The next day, the 26th it was the Ashtami day and my wife

prepared all the items with the help of Sunita and traditionally

ceremonised the festivity, gave first Kanjak to Srishti and

Shivendra carried the Prasad to his office too. On 27th being Ram

Navmi we all went to the Bharti Temple, performed the Puja and

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got the Prasad and blessings from the Almighty. On 1st April, 07

the Sunday we all went to Otawa hoohoo Gurudwara, bowed to

Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and then had Guru Da Langer and then

on the way back, we all went to Devon Port to enjoy Ferry

journey which was like Cruise and enjoyed to our heart’s content.

On 13th April the Baisakhi Day, the Punjabi Festival, my wife

prepared Halwa with Desi Ghee and Puri also and we all took it

and our son Shivendra took it in large quantity to his office for his

colleagues. On 15th the Sunday we went to Manurewa Gurudwara

and had not seen such a big Gurudwara in abroad and there was

the gathering of at least 700 people and then to another

gurudwara at Takanini and it was nice to look, moreover, there

was the editor of “Kook” magazine and heard his lecture. It was

the Gurudwara Hall arrangement of the Langer distribution milk

sweets, drinks and fruits. My wife spoke very high of Gurudwara

and particularly their system of langer Prasad and we too

donated there much and carried the Prasad to home.

To us it was the second to the Golden temple, Amritsar in

size and grandeur. Its golden polish and the Nishan Sahib was

beyond description and after three years completion its

construction was still in progress. On 25th April 07 the Anzac Day

being a holiday we all went to Taposh, Shivendra’s friend’s house

and took their heavy tea and my wife, Sunita and her friend went

to parlour for hair cut while we he gents waited for them. On 1st

May we congratulated Daksh on his seventh birthday and had a

chat with Monika too. On 4th the Friday my wife did not feel well

and she had strong fever and shivering too. My son and daughter

in law both took half day leave and we all went to Mt. Roskell

Medical Clinic for her treatment. Dr. Mukul Dheish, an Indian

doctor examined her and gave her strong injection but her

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condition remained stable for four days and nights. She started

loose motions and got extreme weakness. Then with the passage

of time, she felt some improvement took rest and slept soundly on

13th May, the Mother Day, very auspicious day, our son, daughter

in law and Srishti wished good morning saying “Happy Mother

Day”, to my wife and presented an electric Automatic Kettle, with

greeting card and some cash on this day. My wife’s feelings were

beyond description and she blessed them whole heartedly. What

a nice day and the particular scene it was! On this day, Sonika,

Dheeraj, Monika, Sandeep, they all wished “Mother Day” and had

a long chat with my wife. On 20th May the Sunday we all went to

Mt. Roskell Medical Centre for my wife’s illness and the doctor

examined her BP, HB and checked fever also. Her HB got down

to 7.9 and the doctor gave her injection of double dose. Then we

came back home and in the evening, I alongwith Shivendra went

to Sherton Hotel to meet Mr. Sanjeev Prasad, Ravi Chopra’s

friend and discussed regarding immigration for Sonika and

Dheeraj. The Sunday night was unforgettable to my wife because

she and Sunita exchanged some hot words to each other but in

the morning they both were perfectly all right and Sunita went to

her duty smilingly saying “Bye” to my wife. On 24th May, I

alongwith my son went to Carry Park Henderson and brought

Srishti back to home after attending four days Scout Camp. On

4th June, the Monday, the Queen’s birthday the gala day for UK

and all the colonies of England including New Zeeland, we all five

members left for Pieroa, Beenu’s house to meet her parents who

had come from Jullandur getting PR of NZ. They all welcomed us,

amused us with good chatting and served with heavy lunch. My

wife felt happy to meet such a nice family and in the evening we

saw old movie, “C.I.D.” Dev Anand’s hit movie. On 10th June, the

birthday of Suntia we all went to Gurudwara at first, then to Mall

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and did a lot of shopping there. On the next day, the 11th we both

had a chat with Shashi and Mohinder and congratulated Mohita

on getting 82% marks in the 10th class. On 15th June at 10 PM

Shivendra left for Kualalampur, Malaysia for almost one week

conference and we all bade him “Bye”. On 23rd June, the

Saturday, Monika’s birthday and we had a chat with her and

luckily Shivendra had come back from Malaysia and brought

many gifts from there for all of us and they went to a friends

party on dinner and we both saw T.V. programmes of “Star Voice

of India” a popular show. On 29th I alonwtih srishti went to Kristin

School, near to our home to see the stage play, “West Side Story”

spending $50 say nearly Rs. 1500/- and I enjoyed the show

depicting the European Culture. On 30th June, my wife’s friend

Krishna alongwith her family of five members came to our house

on lunch party and she had brought many gifts alongwith $100

cash for my wife and we thanked them much. Our day of coming

back to India was approaching and we started preparations

already. On Sunday, the 8th July, very busy day. We visited many

places and first of all we went to Sri Lankan’s Budha Temple,

then to Shivendra’s office, took there coffee and I became

nervous and forgot the lift system ad then we went to Mt.

Roskell Medical Centre and there Dr. Mukul Dhish examined and

gave injection to my wife to increase Hemoglobin. After coming

back to home, we saw the TV best programme “Star Voice of

India”. On 10th July, we did the full and final preparation for

packing and Shivendra brought our passports, tickets and other

valuable things from the bank. It being Tuesday, we distributed

Prasad and then I rendered Mukesh’s two songs and my son and

daughter in law praised a lot. It was the scene of our departure to

India. In the evening of 11th July. We three including Shivendra

went to our neighbours houses to say them Good bye and gave

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them the birthday cake of Shivendra. And on 12th we both gave

Shivendram the birth day card with cash and after sometime I

alongwith Shivendra and my wife went to the neighbours houses

and presented them bottles of wine as according to their custome

and they hugged us and showed a nice see off. And at night

Shivendra and Suntia’s friends circle came to our house

alongwith many gifts for us and had a good dinne with us. At 11

AM after breakfast on the 12th July, we were on holiday and we all

left the house, went to Auckland airport, got our passports visa

checked to the immigration authorities and boarded for Bangkok

through TG990 Thai Airways saying Shivendra, Sunita and Srishti

“Good Bye”. It was the scene of heavy heart with tears in all our

eyes. At Bangkok, we stayed at Ambassador Hotel for one night,

took breakfast in the morning and went to Thai Market for some

shopping. In the evening at 6 PM Thai Airways TG 315 after all

formalities flew off for Delhi and at 11 PM we reached Delhi

Airport. There we were received by Monika, Sandeep and family

and reached Monika house at Rohini. Really it was better trip

than the previous one. In the morning on 14th July Sonika,

Dheeraj and Shreya come to Monika’s house to greet us and in

the evening left for Ghaziabad carrying their materials which we

had brought for them. On 17th Tuesday after taking breakfast, we

went to our home at Janakpuri. On 22nd the Sunday we attended

the Greh Pravesh of our Ground Floor flat owned by Mr.

Bhatnagar. On 31st July, we left for Monika’s house at Rohini. And

on 1st August, we went to the Society Temple, being my parents

Death Anniversary and handed Dakshna to the temple priest. On

4th August, we both went to the Astrologist, opposite to Monika’s

house and clarified our queries and predicted about us. Sandeep

was not feeling well and seeing his condition, my wife told him

that it was the disease of Harpiece and his doctor also confirmed

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and gave him the treatment. Had my wife not diagnosed, it would

have spread to the whole body, which was very dangerous. On 5th

August the birth day of Dheeraj, we left for Ghaziabad through

Metro and they took us to South Extension Market and there we

purchased three sets of footwears and then to Dheeraj’s sister

hosue at Sahibabad and after taking dinner at Krishna Sagar we

came to Sonika’s house. On 19th we came back to Janakpur and

took dinner Kadimi restaurant and masala dosa was my wife’s

favourite. On 28th August, being Raksha Bandhan day we both

along with Monika’s family went to Ved’s house living in C3 Block

and there we took breakfast to our heart’s content. In the

afternoon, Sunita’s elder sister Dalia, cme to our house and we

handed over the packet to her sent by Shivendra and Sunita. And

in the evening Sonika, Dheeraj and Shreya came to our house

and after taking dinner, We all went to Ghaziabad. On 1st

September the Saturday we all went to the Shipra Mall which is

the unique market for shopping and entertainment. On 2nd

September we set out for Rohini through Metro and there was

Monika’s family waiting for us at the Rohini West Station. On 6th

September being the marriage anniversary day of Monika and

Sandeep, we both wished them and blessed them for their happy

long life and on this day, a Panditji Prakash Sharma, the

astrologer came to their house and predicted many fore say for

us. On 8th night we all including Monika’s family went to attend

the Bhagwati Jaagran as invited by Usha and Satish Verma, the

sister in law of Ved and there we had a heavy dinner and took

Prasad at home too. It was like that of a marriage function and

Narinder Chanchal rendered many melodious hymns. On 12th

Sept the birthday of Sonika, we celebrated it in the evening at

Ghaziabad but being Dheeraj out of the station, we celebrated it

on Sunday, the 16th very gracefully. On 15th there was a call from

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Sandeep Aggarwal, our 2nd floor neighbour that Mr. Goswami,

our opposite neighbour had expired. On Monday, the 24th T20

final cricket match to be played between India and Pakistan in

which India got victory and declared to be world champions and

we both felt happy to see the match on T.V. On 1st October 07 our

39th marriage anniversary day we went to Satyam Distt. Centre

and saw the movie, “Dhamal” which was a big comedy and had a

dinner at Kadimi Restaurant. On 7th Oct. my birthday at

Ghaziabad we all had a lunch at Sukh Sagar restaurant, cut the

cake in the evening and at night Dheeraj left for Jaipur on

officially tour. On 17th Oct. 07 the Wednesday, we both went to

BB Block Mandir, Pand RP Office and boarded the bus for

Akshardham, the miracle piece of art, where there was the

history of India depicted with music and sound, multi coloured

watery fountains and seeing the gesture, my wife spoke very high

of it. On 18th Oct. there was a good atmosphere at our home

because Monika, Sonika alongwith their families had come to our

home to see the Sampuran Ramayan programme at Ram Leela

Ground which was a big entertaining for the children. On 21st

being the Dushera Day, we went to C5 Ram Leela Ground and

took Jalebi as a Prasad. On 29th the Monday, Karva Chowth Fast

day and my wife performing the puja, then we took dinner at

night at night. On 1st Nov. the Thursday, my wife’s birthday and

we remained busy from morn to night. Like mine birthday, we at

first went to Satyam Distt. Centre and saw the movie, “Bhool

Bhuliyan” which was our last move to see in the hall and then we

had a dinner at Kadimi Restaurant and she ordered for “Masala

Dosa” while I preferred “Idli” and we both shared together. On

3rd November, the Saturday, we hired an auto and went to Patel

Nagar, my elder brother’s hosue to give them “Baye” and there

we wonder struck to seem my Bhabi’s condition as she was

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completely bed ridden, unable to sit and stand properly. On 4th

Sunday we attended the senior citizens brotherhood meeting at B

block and had there lunch. On 6th November we could not got to

Kailash Colony, prayer for Behnji’s anniversary because my wife

was not feeling well on that day. On 9th Nov. 07 the pious Hindu

festival the Deepawali Day, we decorated our home with new

photos and distributed the sweets and other eatables to our

friends to our friends and neighbours and illuminated our home

as usual. On 11th Nov, the Bhaiya Dooj Festival and both the

families of Monika and Soniak came to our home and

ceremonised the festivity descently. Moreover there was a call

from Shivendra and we all of us had a long chat together. On 13th

we had confirmation about the tickets and on 15th November we

alongiwht Sonika nad Dheeraj, Shreya boarded the train at

Safdarjung Rly Station for the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi.

But before reaching Jammu, we got the sad news of the death of

Sandeep’s father. We had the complete Darshan and my wife’s

long cherished wish was achieved. We were extremely overfoeyd

to see Mata Darbar and came back to Delhi via Rajasthan

Express. We thanked Dheeraj for the nice arrangement. On

Sunday at home being exhausted, she did a great labour and

arranged Kanjaka and after performing Puja and Kanjak, we both

went to Rohini, to console Sandeep and his family. On 19th

November, we attended the Uthaoni ceremony of Sandeep’s

father at Rohini and stayed there for six hours. There we met Vid,

Shashi, Raji, Rajinder, Sonika, Dheeraj, Sunita’s parents and

Monika’s in laws. We performed the ceremony traditionally and

after bidding “Bye” we came back to home. We were so tired that

without taking anything, we went to bed. The next day, the 20 th

November, Srishti’s birthday and e congratulated her on her

birth day and luckily our greetings had already been received by

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them. On 25th November we again went to Patel Nagar to ask

about my Bhabi’s health and to give them the Prasad of Mata

Vaishno Deviand on the way back we came through Metro. On

30th, Friday, there was a religious conference at our home and on

the topic of “Mind, Body and Soul” attended by eight persons, the

disciples of Sai Ramji, my wife had a spiritual joy and served

them tea with snacks. On 15th December, Shreya’s birthday, we

reached Sonika’s house attended the festivity and it was nice to

be present among 20 children, descently celebrated with Coke

and snacks and other eatables, enjoyed music and fun with

games. And on 17th Dheeraj dropped us at Dhaula Kuan and by

auto, we reached home at 8 PM. On 20th December 07 being the

coldest day of the season with the temperature 4.2. I remained at

home and could not got for trading. And at 7 PM, it started pain

to my wife and Suntia Sharma the sister was called in and she

gave her injection and my wife got some relief and had a sound

sleep. On the enxt day, the 21st the Eid Bakreed Monika, Sonika

and their families all came to us and on 22nd the Sunday we made

a call to Shivendra and asked about the earthquake that fell in

Giberton, New Zeeland and there was everything normal. On 25th

the Christmas Day at 3 PM we both went to Sanatan Dharm

Temple to attend the Uthaoni of Anu’s father alongwith Monika,

Sandeep and his mother. On 27th December, 07 we got the news

that Sonika’s mother in law who was admitted in the hospital got

operated for her two ankles and she was perfectly well. On 30th

the Sunday very busy scheduled, at firs ti attended the meeting at

Mr. Chhabra’s house, then to DESu Mandir and then alongwith

my wife went to P and RP Association programme and my wife

used to attend it every year.

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On 1st January, 08 New Year Day Shivendra, Sunita,

Srishtiwished us Happy New Year and we also exchanged good

wishes to them. On 6th the Sunday, we both went to Monika’s

house at Rohini and from there we all left for Ghaziabad to ask

about Sonika’s mother in law who had recently undergone ankles

operation and then on the way back we all went to Gurudwara

Moti Bagh, Historical important one and then they dropped us

home at Janakpuri. On 13th January the Lohri Day, I went to C4G

Gurudwara, had a lunch and took Prasad for my wife. On 18th the

Friday there was a cell from Shashi and Mohindra of Nangal and

on this day we both went to Chander’s hosue at Hasthal and

there we had an exchange of talks with Chander Krishan Gopal

and their son Inder Mani. On the next day the 19th we went to

Distt Centre shopping centre to buy Reebok shoes but there the

shop was closed and then we went to Rajouri Garden Market and

purchased the Reebok shoes and met Raji at her house. On 25 th

January we received a call form Shivendra and came to know that

they were going to depart for Australia to meet their friend for

three days. On 27th we got invitation for Raj-Prem’s daughter

marriage to be held on 1st February and they wanted our

accommodation for their guests. And accordingly, their guests

from Jammu stayed with us for four nights from 29th January to

2nd February. On 1st February 08 the Friday the marriage day and

we both went to C4G Park to attend it but we came earlier and

did not participate the function properly because of my wife ill

health and at night she had the problem of loose motions and

indigestion and at 12.30 night. She was given injection and then

she had a sleep. On 5th February the Tuesday I went o C5c/IC

house S Gobind Singh and then to CP Singh’s house to pay them

homage and on 8th we both went to S. Gobind Singh. On 17 the

Sunday I alongwith Mr. D.S. Bagga went to Gurudwara rakab

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Gunj and there after bowing my head to the Guru Granth Sahib

for my wife’s health, I had a longer there and purchased a good

suit for my wife from Baru Sahib Stall and that suit my wife wore

well. On 24th the Sunday we were ready to leave for Monika’s

house and luckily Mr. Amritpal Singh fo C5A-148 gave us lift to

Rohini, Monika’s house and they, husband and wife were happy

to meet Monika’s family. And in the evening there were 25

children of the society attended the 2 birthday of Dhruva and

there was a good arrangement of cake, snacks and heavy tea.

Sonika, Dheeraj, Shreya also had come from Ghaziabad to attend

the party. At night they went to their home but we stayed there

for the night and on the next day morning we reached our home.

On 29th February 08 it was the day of the General Budget

presented by P.Chidambram in the Parliament and it was the

nicest budget in the history of India but the opposite parties

called it a election budget. On 6th March being the “Mahashivratri

Day”. I read out the article written by me being the cultural

secretary of the Health and Laughing Club and all the 60

members appreciated it and on the next day the 7th March we

both went to Rajiv Gandhi Hospital to get my wife checked and

from there we went to Monika’s house but come back to our

home in the evening. On 9th March the Sunday I went to Green

Valley Flats near Faridabad to attend my guru bhai friend

Chopra’s “Greh Pravesh” ceremony but my wife stayed at home.

On 11th the Tuesday we went to DDU Hospital Hari Nagar to get

Medicine being the Delhi Govt. Medical Card Holder. On 13th

March Thursday my wife got herself checked at Verma’s

Laboratory of various tests like X-ray, Lever, Kidney, Hb Sugar as

prescribed by RGCI and luckily all the tests were O.K. On 18 th I

went t DDU Hospital and met Dr. Swami and Mr. Bakshi and got

information and procedures for the treatment of my wife from

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Rajiv Gandhi Hospital. On 21st we both went to DDU Hospital and

my wife got checked from the concerned doctor and the doctor in

charge signed and referred to the RGCI Hospital as we required.

Then we went to the P and RP Association, BI to attend “Holi

Function” met there known friends and had heavy lunch too. On

22nd the Duhlandi Day, in the morning I gave a speech on the

festival among my health club and we went to Ved’s house took

their breakfast and celebrated the festivity with friends and

nieghbours. On 23rd the Sunday there was a great pomp and

show in our house as Monika, Sonika and their families had

gathered and celebrated the day much and in the evening, they

all dispersed. On 24th we went to DDU t get the certificate with

all the formalities completed for Rajiv Gandhi Hospital treatment

and on 25th we went there and got the date for MRI but being in

haste, we on 26th went to Green Park GMRI and got done the

MRI got the report on 27th the Wednesday and showed to the

RGCI, Rohini on 28th and they also recommended for biopsy and

on 31st the Monday, they declared of the reoccurrence of the

same problem which was nine years before and there was

thickness found on the left side of the vagina and we both were

stunned to know. We immediately locked our house and set out

for Monika’s house at least for one month to get treatment from

RGCI. On 1st April the Tuesday all the tests done on my wife like

Biopsy, Sigma Doscopy, Nuclear Medicine Cytoscopy, Histopath

Lab., ECG, X-ray, Echo, All blood and Urine tests from the RT

Deptt. and then the case was discussed in the conference hall for

two times and there they concluded that Chemotherapy could be

given and the first dose fo chemo started on 14th April she was

admitted to the hospital on 14th for one day and night. And for

this Sandeep and Sonika helped a lot. On 17th April night

Shivendra came to us from New Zeeland for a month. From 7th

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April Mrityunjay Path had already been started from the Panditji

and his associates who lived opposite to Arya Apartments,

Monika’s house and for that he was given around ten thousand

rupees for 51,000 jaaps. It was performed as my wife wished. The

round of Chemotherapy of Type I started from 14th April and

finished on 14th June, 08 for seven time and each Chemo costed

nearly Rs. 25,000/- with day and night care and for that each and

every member of the family contributed but after the 7the

Chemotherapy the doctor concerned (Col.) Dr. Ranga Rao openly

told that the Chemotherapy did not effect but it spread more and

the new type II chemotherapy would be fixed on 28th June. On

19th June, we all went to Max Hospital to meet Dr. Amit

Bhargava, known to Dheeraj and he also did not satisfy us. On

24th June, Tuesday, we hired a taxi and reached AIIMS and met

Dr. Mohanty, HOD, radiation and got the 2nd opinion and he told

that the treatment given by RGCI was sufficiently good and there

was no other option. On 27th June, we both along with Sonika

went to RGCI and there all the concerned tests were completed

and got the room through Dr. Ranga Rao for the new Chema to

be given on 28th and there Ved and Shashi met my wife and

Sonika while I was busy in the hospital work. On the fixed date,

the chemotherapy started at 8 PM and remained upto 11:30 PM

and with no side effects and Sonika stayed at night with her

mother and on the next day at 2 PM, she was discharged from the

hospital and we stayed at Rohini. On 29th The Sunday morning,

we alongwith Monika, Sandeep and family went to Gulabi Bagh

mandir, had the Mata Darshan but could not participate the

Bhandara with them because my wife didn’t fell well and we both

immediately came back home on 4th July at 2 AM, midnight, my

wife got a severe pain at the stomach and was admitted in the

casualty ward at RGCI and I stayed at night while Dheeraj and

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Sandeep both donated blood to her and then on 5th. She was

given Chemotherapy 2nd dose in the morning and then was

discharged in the evening. On 12th July on a Shivendra’s birthday

there was a call from them and we congratulated him on his

birthday from Ghaziabad on 13th the Sunday, babu and Neeru

came to Ghaziabad to ask about my wife’s health and presented

her some gifts too. On 18th Friday we alongwith Dheeraj went to

RGCI, Rohini, but due to THC Cells week Chemo could not be

given and on 21st Monday we set out for RGCI from Ghazibad

and reached there for my wife’s next chemotherapy and after the

blood tests, it started chem. And after that in the evening we

came back to Monika’s house. And the same dose of

Chemotherapy was repeated on 28th July after all the blood tests

done. On 0th July the Maha Shivratri day at night my wife again

had the trouble of severe pain and lose motions, she had to admit

in the RGCI in the causality Ward and there she was given drip

and injections and on 31st in the evening she was discharged. On

5th August, we all were not feeling well and couldn’t celebrate

Dheeraj’s Birthday at Ghaziabad and on 9th August, the Saturday,

being a lucky day, we all went to Silver City Cinema Hall and saw

the movie “Singh in King” and we all particularly my wife enjoyed

the movie it being a great entertaining and comedy. On 10th the

Sunday there was a call from Shivendra and Shashi Mahindra of

Nangal made us call too.

On 12th Tuesday, we left for RGCI, Rohini alongwith Dheeraj and

got tested all tests, HB was down 8 degrees, on the next day, the

13th August, blood was givens by Suresh Gupta, Shivendra’s

friend and by Sweety, Ved’s daughter and then my wife was

admitted to Hospital for the next Chemotherapy for two days and

released on the 15th August’08. The next day, the 16th being Rakhi

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day there was a good gathering at Monika’s house as Bhaiya ji

from Kailash Colona, Sonika, Dheeraj family and Ved Shashi all

came to meet us at Monika’s house. On 21st August being the last

dose of Chemotherapy and it was given free of cost by the Delhi

Representative of Dr. Reddy’s Company and my wife was given in

the proper way and Dr. Ranga Rao gave us the next date of 3rd,

September’08 to meet. In between on 24th August we started the

Ayurvedic medicine prepared by the Vaid ji of Dichaon Jalan

Village near Nazafgarh and for that from Ghaziabad to the

village, we all went there met Pt. Hari Chand Ji Vaid and got the

medicine but in the first two three doses being not suited to my

wife, left it. On 3rd September’08, I along with my wife and

Dheeraj went to RGC & Rohini to meet the concerned doctor and

there MRI and other lab. Tests were done and then we went to

Rani bagh Pandit ji and gave him the balance of Rs. 15,850/- and

got the Ring for Dheeraj. On the next day, 4th September, we

collected the MRI and all the blood tests X-Ray reports and met

Dr. Ranga Rao and Dr. Sankhen and they both advised us to stop

chemotherapy for ever and gave oral capsule and other

medicines and called us to meet the next week and in between

the treatment given by Dr. Munir Khan of Bombay started and

the medicine sent by Sanjay Kumar was collected from Savita, his

wife at Noida, by Dheeraj and Sonika and made them the

payment of Rs. 15,000/-. On 18th September, we all Sonika,

Dreeraj, his mother too went to Janakpuri, our home and there

our all neighbours particularly Raj’s Wife, S. Amarjeet Singh,

Mrs. Gulati and Mrs. Yadav welcome us and they asked about my

wife’s health. And Dheeraj’s mother went to Nishant Jewellers to

purchase something and we all came backs to Ghaziabad.s On

23td September at night, my wife didn’t fell well, did vomiting

and felt stomach pain. She was so weak that she could not stand

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properly and found no relief with any of the medicine and the

treatment. She had reduced 5 kg weight, her face had become

mild pale and her health was going to deteriorate with

chemotherapy and Dr. Munir Khan medicine but what to do being

helpless. On Ist October’08 our 40th Marriage Anniversary, we

congratulated each other and our children wished us many

whishes, Shivendra and his family made a call, Monik and her

family too made a call to us and we both alongwith Sonika,

Dheeraj his mother and Shreya, Dheeraj his mother and Shreyas

went to Krishna Sagar Restaurant took their lunch ands on the

way back we all took Ice-cream and my wife was very happy to

ceremonise the occasion. And similarly on 7th Oct my birth day we

all took dinner to our fill at Krishna Sagar and took Ice-cream

from Narula, Raj Nagar.

On 9th October’08 a very special day Dushera Day, We hired a

taxi and reached Rohini to attend the Mundan Ceremony of

Dhruva, attended the Havan, then barbers work of cutting hairs

then heavy lunch and we both gave them sweets, fruit, cash and

above all Gold coins to Monika and Sonika families and it was my

wife’s long cherished wish. On 16th Oct’08 we both went to RGCI,

met the doctor and got the new oral medicine and on this day,

Rajji, her niece came to Monika’s house and we all met her. And

in the evening at 5 P.M., we hired a taxi and we all reached

Ghaziabad at 7 P.M. and we all went to Krishna Sagar, Raj Nagar

at night because of Dheeraj’s mother birth day and took eggless

pastry and my wife gave her some cash. On 17th Friday the Karva

Choth Day my wife performed all the ceremony but she was not

feeling well and at night she started vomiting and lose motions

but she took Dr. Munir Khan’s 12th dose. On 20th October again

she felt unwell and not in a position to stand and walk. Because

of cancerion pain she could not sleep soundly and always

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preferred to sleep all the time. No medicine seemed to be

effective and she reduced her weight from 54 to 48 in three

months.

The date of Shivendra’s coming to India was approaching and on

25th the Saturday, he came to Ghazibad from New Zealand via

Hyderabad and met all of us with open arms. And my wife was

profusely happy to see him and it looked as if she had no an

problem and there was a natural smile on her face after a pretty

long time. On 28th October’08, the Diwali Day, we three including

Shivendra hired a taxi and went to our Janakpuri home and there

we met Ved and Shashi and all our neighbours too and my wife

illuminated Diya and performed the Puja and came back to

Ghaziabad in the evening. And at Sonika’s house, we both the

families performed Deepavli Puja with systematic Hindu ways.

We also met Kapur Sahib and Reshma at their house. Shivendra,

Dheeraj, Sonika, Shreya and upper neighbours unfurled crackers

too and the Prasad was distributed to all.

On 30th October’08 on Bhaiya Dooj Festival my two daughters

along with their families and my son all assembled at Sonika’s

house and my wife was very happy to see all of them after a petty

long time celebrating this Tikka Festival and Shivendra had

brought many gifts for all of us and particularly for children. It

was also the day of Sonika, Dheeraj 10th Wedding Anniversary

and it added the charm of the function. On Ist November’08 the

Birth day of my wife and we all the members of three families

bade good morning as well as Happy Birthday to my wife. It was

her 66th birthday as per official records. At 8 P.M. we all went to

Sagar Ratna for dinner but my wife took almost nothing as she

was not properly well but we all enjoyed her birthday. That night

Shivendra could not even a wink of sleep because his ticket was

not confirmed due to some mistake. At the eleventh house it was

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done and he got ready for the USA flight, left the home at 7:30

A.M. and reached the airport for USA and then for New Zealand

too.

On 7th November we hired a taxi and left for Rohini and on the

way we dropped Dheeraj’s mother at Sahibabad and took the

appointment to meet Dr. Ranga Rao and on 8th he examined and

suggested to paste a Patch for pain relief and my wife did it.

Munir Khan’s medicine continued side by side. On 13th,

November, we handed over the Ring to Dheeraj by the Pandit Ji

of Rani Baghs and got the news from Sonika that Dheeraj got the

job from Videocon but the posting would be at Karnal. On the

next day, the 14th, my wife got sudden pain and she was rushed to

RGCI in the Causality Ward and then shifted to Room No. 354B.

There she was given drip injections, other procedures under the

guidance of Dr. Ranga Rao for t two days and then she was

discharged on 15th evening.

And on 17th, we collected the MRI report and found that it was

stable on 20th November, Srishti’s Birthday, we congratulated her

on the day and Shivendra made us call for three times asking my

wife’s health and she could not go to the Hospital to meet the

doctor. On 22nd the Saturday we got the bad and sad news of my

brother Prithvi Raj’s wife death and we three Sandeep and

Monika got ready for Patel Nagar and attended the funeral and to

Sant Nagar Cremation Ground but my wife couldn’t attend it

owing to utmost weakness. And on 24th, the Monday I went to

Patel Nagar, Neelam’s house and remained there till evening to

attend the Uthavni Ceremony of my Bhabhi, Monika, her mother-

in-law, Sonika, Dheeraj, Charanjit his wife, Bunty, Satinder his

mother, Krishna and her family were all present there and it was

the gathering of 200 persons at Lal Mandir, Patel Nagar. All the

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last rites ceremonies were performed by Neelam’s elder son,

Bunty(Sandeep).

On 26th, November’08 at night my wife got again abdomnel pain,

the componder was called in and he gave Boscopin injection and

then she got relief and slept. On 27th we at first went to ours

Janakpuri house, and in the same taxi, we left for Ghaizabad. On

the two days i.e. 26th and 27th November’08 there was heavy

blast and Counter attack by the Terrorists and the Military,

Police at Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and Nriman House at Mumbai

and there more than 200 lives lost and multi crores damage

occurred. Reaching Ghaziabad, my wife was given injection at the

Sarvodya Hospital and then she went to sleep. O n 4ths

December’08 at 9 PMs, Abdomnel pain started again to my wife

and at first went to Aastha Medical Centre and then at midnight,

same problem occurred and then she was admitted to the

Sarvodya Hospital and there she got the treatment and on the

next day at 1 PM, she was discharged from the Hospital.

On 11th December, being the marriage anniversary day of

Shivendra and Sunita, we made a call to them and wished them

Happy Marriage Anniversary Day but for the first time, we could

not send them the Greeting Card as being busy in the treatment

of my wife. On 12th, my wife did not feel well and had to be

admitted in the Sarvodya Hospital and then ultimately went to

Rajiv Gandhi Hospital by hiring a taxi and there the doctor

concerned Dr. Ranga Rao checked my wife’s condition, got the

medicine and came back to Ghaziabad in the same taxi.

On Sunday, the 14th, while coming back from the Gurudwara, I

stumbled down and got injuries at my ankles and hands and

thank God there was no fracture. Dheeraj took me to the

Sarvodya Hospital and there I ws infected and got the medicine.

On 15 th December, Shreya’s birthday, we gave 5 kg floor each to

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the both maids of Sonika’s house and donated some cash and

sweets too and they both blessed to my wife. On 19th December,

my wife had a problem of urine pass and a cute pain also in the

abdomnel and she had to be admitted in the RGCI, Rohini and

the Dr. Ranga Rao suggested to tie urine bag on her right side

and then she got some relief and the urine passed on but looking

awkward. Monika also accompanied us to the hospital and we

both came back to Ghaziabad in the evening.

On 24th December at 4 PM, Shivendra came to us from New

Zealand for ever and joined an American Company Dupont at

Hyderabad. It was a good news for all of us and my wife got

much relief and felt overjoyed. On 28th December, after Dheeraj’s

arrival from Karnal, we all celebrated Shreya’s Birthday and it

was a special day because Monika and her family, Reshma and

her family and almost 20s children had already gathered. There

was good arrangement of spl. Snacks, drinks, cake and dinner

and we including Shivendra enjoyed it to the maximum. On the

next day Dheeraj went to Karnel on duty and Shivendra went to

Dwarka to bring car of his in-laws. I paid Rs. 30,000/- through

PNB cheque to Monika for the double dose of Munir Khan’s

medicine to continue. On 30th December, my wife felt the same

problem of vomiting and lose motions and we hired a car to go to

RGCI, Rohini and there she remained for two days and then was

discharged on Ist January and there Monika and Shivendra both

did a lot to get relief to their mother. So the charm of New Years

Day had been vanished.

On 2nds and 3rd January, Shivendra and Sonika had to struggle to

search for a permanent maid for their mother and for that they

moved to Shakurpur and Palam Vihar Agenciess and ultimately

they successed to get the maid belonging to Darjelling, Nepal, my

wife’s choice. On 4th, the Sunday we both hired a taxi and

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reached our home at Janakpuri and Shivendra, Sonika along with

the maid were already there waiting for us and after our arrival,

my wife felt tremendous relief and happiness and it was our

cherished wish to be found at our sweet home, full of all

amenties.

On 7th, Ved and Shashi, on 8th Babu and Neeru and on 11th

Chander, they all came to meet my wife but she was deterioting

day by day and was unable to stand properly. Moreover she was

unable to change clothes herself and found difficulty in moving

independently. She was going in the stage of oblivion also and

started murmuring. On 13th January, the Lohri Days, important

festival for Punjabis and it happened for the first time that we

could not go to Monika and it happened for the first time that we

could not go to Monika and Sonika houses to present gifts and

they too realized the situation.

We along with Shivendra and our maid, Uma, celebrated the

festivity at night at our home, my wife participated but with great

difficulty and did the customary formalities. And similarly on 14th,

the Makar Sankrati Day, we did God’s prayer and donated to the

poor as we could. On 16th night at 11 PM, my wife felt again the

problem of acute pain, vomiting, indigestion and we all set out for

RGCI and there she was admitted in the Causality Ward and

remained there for five hours and in the morning at 4 AM on 17th.

We came back home. On 21st, Jeet, my cousin came to meet us

and was wonder struck to see my wife’s condition. On 23rd we all

went to RGCI as my wife felt the same problem and the doctor

after examining told us that in future Home Care Team would

come to our home to examine and needed not to come to the

Hospital and on 27th, the team alongwith the hospital van came

and checked her condition thoroughly and provided the help they

could. Raji had also came on this day. On 31st the Saturday,

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Sonika and Shreya came to our home and in the evening Ladi and

Arun came to our house to give us the invitation card and sweets

to attend the marriage of their son to be held on 19th Feb’08. On

11th February, Mrs. Gauri and in the evening Shivendra’s in-laws

came to our house to ask about my wife’s health and her

condition was going to be deterioted day by day despite being

given injections by Sunita Sharma on 12th Feb.

And on 13th Feb. in the morning the doctors team came from the

hospital and examineds my wife and in the evening at 5 PM my

wife got another complication and we immediately rushed to

RGCI in the causality ward and there the doctor alongwith

Surgeons examined and replaced the urine pipe. On the way back

to home she was so weak that she could not cross the stairs and

she had to crawl to get in the house and that scene looked to be

very touching but what to do. On 15th night Shivendra all alone

attended Usha’s daughter marriage at Hari Nagar Banquet Hall.

On 17th her condition was not good and she could not get food to

eat and there started swallowing on her feet and fell from the bed

while taking water on the stool.

At night 9 PM my wife didn’t feel well and we all went to Hospital

and there she was admitted first to causality and then to Ward

Room No.-107A and remained there for four nights and there she

was given medical supporting care and after many diagnosing

tests, she was given satisfactory medical care. Shivendra, myself

and Uma looked after her then she got some relief from the

problem and then discharged from the hospital. On 24th the

Tuesday the 3rd birthday of Dhruva was ceremonised at Rohini

and from our side Shivendra attended the function while we

could not because of my wife’s in capability. On 27th the Friday,

Home Care team from RGCI, Rohini came to our home to check

my wife’s health and gave her satisfactory treatment. On Ist

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March’08 my wife got stomach pain and was given injection by

the sister Sunita and again she had a problem of constipation and

was given Anima by the same sister. On 8th March, the Sunday,

there was a great hustle and bustle in our home because Monika

and Sonika alongwith their families had come and Dhruva’s

birthday was celebrated with cake, snacks and dinner and same

snaps were also taken. My wife was over whelmed with joy at

seeing the happy occasion. But in her heart she knew the fact. In

the evening Raji and Rajindra also came to our house and Sonika,

Dheeraj welcomed them in the absence of Shivendra as he had

gone to Hyderabad for his official meeting. On 9th March,

Chander, her sister came to ask about my wife’s health and she

was given due welcome by us.

On 10th and 11th the Holi and Dulhandi Days respectively. I paced

Tikka of Holi to Lord Krishna at home, then to my wife, Shivendra

and Uma and congratulated them on this Auspicious Day. On this

day Ved, Shashi and Sweety came alongwith Hujia and Pakores

and my wife took one Pakora being her favourite and we all

enjoyed the festivity much. Our neighbouring ladies had also

come to congratulate my wife but did not enjoy as in the previous

years. In the evening there started a mild pain to my wife and

Sunita, the sister gave injections of Boxopain and she got some

relief.

On 12th March’08, we made up our mind to go to RGCI, Rohini

and after lunch, we with great difficulty alighted the stairs

carrying my wife and she took back seat with the support of Um

and reached the hospital and at first in the Causality Ward and

then to rooms.

From 12th to 25th March, it was her last journey period and in the

hospital, she struggled with death. From Room No.-259B to ICU,

she was shifted on 17th being multiple problems of suffocation,

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cardiac, acute and unbearable pain in the cancerion part,

uneasiness, memory lost, unutterance and high blood pressure

and on 21st she was shifted to ward room no.-108B and there

also she did not improve and her pulse rate was shooting up, she

got breathing problem and actually going to the conditions of

helpnesses and mentally disordered being blood pressure not in

the normal position. She was not in the stage of fainting and

permanent silence and ultimately on 25th March at 3:05 PM she

breathed her last in the presence of Shivendra, Sunita and the

maid while I and Sonika had gone for lunch at Monika’s house.

Shivendra informed us on the mobile and we both reached there

on the spot and bade her “Good Bye” for ever.

We three, Sonika, Monika and Sandeep came to our home,

unlocked it and did the prior arrangements and in the mean time,

Shivendra, Sunita and the maid brought the body through

Emergency Ambulance Van and with all the traditional Hindu

rites at home and mandir, she was cremated at Delhi Cantt.

Cremation Ground, Pankha Road in the evening. There all our

family members, neighbous, friends reached in time and she was

given profound Hindu rituals and ceremonies for the last human

journey and all the last rites ceremonies were performed by me

and my son, Shivendra and she left for heavenly abode for ever

and gave us heavy set back and irreparable loss. Her

unforgettable image will be kept in our heart and the rest of my

life will be spent with her forty years past memories, shared joys

and sorrows, at all seasons and festivals.

For full four days I didn’t move out of my home and on 28th

morning at 8 AM, we the male family members gathered at the

cremation ground and performed the Phool Chuna Ceremony and

from 4 to 5:30 PM there was the Uthawni Ceremony at C3, Ram

Mandir, Janakpuri in the presence of almost 400 people. All my

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relatives, neighbours, friends and political, religions leaders were

present there. She was given homage with heavy hearts by the

Mandir Authority, our block secretary, Retd. Teachers

Association Dharmik Maha Sangh Secretary and Bhaiya ji Sh.

B.R. Bajaj and then it was Pagri Rasam and in the last light

refreshment.

On 29th March, the next day we four persons (myself, my son,

Sandeep and Dheeraj left for Haridwar carrying her immersions

and ashes and flowed them in the holy water, of the Ganga’s

River at Kankhal and we all took a dip and bath at Har ki Pori and

met our ancestral Purohit too. On 3rd April, being the 10th

Ceremony, we performed at Nigam Bodh Ghat, on 6th April being

the 13th day ceremony for the purification of the house, there

was a Havan by the Arya Smaj Pandit Jagmal Ji, Arya and then

the 13 Brahmans including one female were fed with heavy lunch

and were given donation alongwith nine items to each were also

given. And all our family members presented the occasion. And in

this way, she was bidden “Farewell” for good and forever.

To analyse Darshi’s personality, I can say that she was an ideal

housemaker. She loved her family much and that is why all the

members of our family loved her more. She had a deep affection

with Srishti, being the first child in our family and had an equal

love for others. She had better understanding with all the three

sisters in comparison to brothers. But she had a great admiration

for Behnji of Kailash colony. She was fond of reading but not

writing. She had a complex of having not good hand writing. That

is why she was jealous of my writing beautifully. She had an

enough stock of vocabulary and particularly household articles

and had formed a dictionary of English words for children. She

was introvert and did not like to be mixed up with all the ladies in

circle. To my mind, she never uttered a lie in life and used to

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speak spade a spade openly. She disliked gossip making among

women and was a reserved type of woman, confined to family and

household activities. She hesitated to go all alone for shopping

and preferred my company. She was always neat, clean and tidy

and did not like to visit remote, thickly-populated and backward

areas. She loved to see TV serials and specially based on society

like Bidaai, Krishna and Balika Vadhu and for this, she had a

separate TV in her bedroom. She had an extra knowledge of

construction, machinery and medicine. She took a great concern

when any of my ailment occured and took care of my regular diet

being myself the patient of diabetic and heart. She was broad

minded lady and did not like old rituals, orthodox, superstitions

and old dogmas like other old ladies around our vicinity. She was

religions but not fanatic and prejudice. To her Mandir, Arya

Samaj and gurudwara all were one and the same. She was not

only sensitive but also sensuous. To some extent she was

pessimistic and looked dark side of the world. She had a soft

corner for the poor and used to pay extra to the rickshaw pullers,

street vendors, washer man, sweeper, maids and other down

trodden people. That is why they miss her even today. She was

very much contented what she had and never wanted me to work

extra after my retirement. She believed in giving more and

expected less from relatives and friends on occasions of joy and

merriment. Being delicate, she did not want to indulge in fighting

over trifles with neghbours and others. She had a sweet voice

and did not like to speak loudly. She was very much hospitable

and did not differiante between her and my relatives and friends

to serve. Being tall and slim, clothes and ornaments suited to her

much and particularly on joyful occasions. She had two wishes-

one to dine at five-star hotel and other journey to abroad and

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thank God she had fulfilled the both in life with the support of our

son and daughter-in-law.

In short, she was a perfect virtuous lady to be an exemplary for

others. Need not to say any more.

Thus married life journey started on Ist October, 1968 and ended

on 25th March, 2009. May God grant peace and solace to the

departed soul and strengthen us to bear such an irreparable loss!

Written and Presented by :-

Jugal K. Bajaj

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