There must be several ways of going back in time, but at the moment (!) I can only think of a couple, going westwards and looking up in the stars. The latter is less obvious, but we are part of a huge Milky Way, and Universe with many Suns and no doubt has planets with life. And the light from the Sun takes approximately 8 minutes to reach us, and much longer from the stars. So that which has hit you now came back from time.
Going westward today is also of huge significance, it is Amee’s wedding the younger daughter of my eldest brother Vinod and Ushabhabhi. In 2010 we had the momentous ‘going forward’ wedding of my niece Trina to Sanjeev. This was held in Dipikafai’s garden and was a very proud occasion for the Sodha family. It is now a lovely family, with two siblings Sana and Neya.
So sitting on the plane going back in time is going to capture a significant occasion for our family. Kakas and Kakis, Fuvas and faibas, Bhaiyo and bhenno, cousins, Friends have all reserved this momentous week to head toward the wedding. And likewise we hope to welcome the Kapoor’s Amee’s side.
So a few reflections on Amee…this girl is amazing. She is a sensitive, empathetic, loving daughter, sister, aunt, neice, cousin, has embraced east and west with grace. She has come to Birmingham when she was very young ( remember the Bus rides with dada?) and has constant laughter, and hay-fever. . She has trained as a doctor, and met her match with her Ashish, a handsome young doctor!
I vividly remember my first time in California in the early 1980’s variously as a backpacker, student, and a ‘tour’ guide. The state is just amazing with a fantastic temperate climate, with the sea, cities, mountains, parks, and almost every colourful species, whether bird, animal, or plant abounding here. There is so much variety, and the place is truly inspirational.No wonder it has produced Hollywood, and probably has more celebrities living here than anywhere else in the world. It’s creative energy is reflected with its huge technological contribution, and the State is really the harbinger of the future. I am glad my brothers and families live here.
So from LAX, we took a taxi ride (friendly Nigerian) to the Marriot at Marina del Rey, and walked along the sidewalk, via the broad walk toward Venice beach with skaters, surfers, bars, and tried to keep in touch with everybody via Amee’s Jalsa. The plan was to ten visit Vinu at Beverley Hills. By 6.30 we were knackered, and Meena rapidly started snoring.
I tried to stay up, and reflected on a Shakespearian quote..’ Brevity is the the soul of wit’ and a the possibility of a green card, but the usual blast propelled me into slumber.