I have just re read last nights post and I have to admit that there is need to make a sincere apology to all my EF .. the text the thought, the writing is just such a jumble of obscure and incoherent thought that it would require the most abstract and convoluted minds to make any sense of it. So I extend my hands for forgiveness. What it contains is simply a lot of balderdash !

I think it has been a while when a day off in my life has been spent wondering what I should do ! This comes about often when we are confronted with a situation which seemingly denies us the liberty of programmed and scheduled work. It could well be the same if there were to be a change in programmed and scheduled holiday. But then that is another story. So what does one do ? There was no cricket of the World Cup to follow, no immediate dvd’s of missed films to see, or office paper work to complete. So … we did something that required us to visit neighbors. Not in the sense that most of us see it, but to pay our respect and for ‘aphsos’. A condolence visit. Our neighbors on either side of Prateeksha have had a death in the family. The wives of both have passed away within a span of a few days. A sad moment for both. Yes they were of age, well almost, in their 70’s, but the uniqueness of both were, that they passed away peacefully and most suddenly. Just sitting in the house normal and involved in daily activity, sat back, and they were gone ! They had been with us from the time we moved in and built Prateeksha in 1975 and today with so many memories of their presence amongst us - gone !

Visits to such homes is painful. The days spent together, the festivals and marriages in each others family, the chats across the boundary walls, the solidarity and cooperation in times of trial and tribulation, all come back in quick succession and the loss is deepened even further. But what does one do at moments like this, except, offer our regret and recollect those delicate episodes spent together. Neighbors are an essence in our lives. They may live apart but live as one with us. One can almost reach out and touch their premise, call out to them from respective homes, seek for a shortage that may have befallen or compensate for them what they may lack. Its a healthy give and take and the strength of that association transfers itself into so many facets of friendship, care and togetherness.

There is a predominant feel in this metropolis that the city because of its disposition, pace and life tends to ignore the most basic fact of wondering who our neighbor is. Many among us, for years, never ever find out or even attempt to know, who the next door belongs to. Its been bandied as a very insular society that connects and concerns itself with ones own personal agenda and no more. But I shall refute that and say that that is not quite true. At least not in our environment. And also in some of the other regions that I drive past during the course of my movement around. I find particularly on weekends and holidays people venturing out even in congested areas to the nearby street or park to associate, exchange and spend time with their neighbor. The elderly in particular are the initiators. They form their contacts through the early morning walks in the park or by the sea. Their routines are unshakable. Their discipline faultless, no matter what. And if on some day a member is missing, there is concern on his welfare. When I drive out or at times cycle out early morning to the gym I notice the groups the individuals stepping out of their homes. At times I am able to time my drive according to their positioning. They are the same people, out at the same spot, grouping with the same people and at times on the same spot as the previous day - the group of elders on the bench, the younger lot gathered around at the corner of a crossing. The cleaners of the street and that small little side store opening up its window for the days business, all almost robotic in fashion, without change. Its a wonderful world at that time of the day. Simple, warm in spirit and with the feel of togetherness !

On Wednesday we play Pakistan in the World Cup semi final in Mohali in Chandigarh. The winner goes to the final. There is an unbelievable frenzy on this match. The entire country shall be coming to a stop while it is on. As will Pakistan. The stadium has been sold out long before the start of the game. Touts are making a killing on the tickets. Tv channels are building this up to the hilt. Nothing on any channel is of relevance except the cricket to happen on Wednesday. There is nothing that occupies anyones conversation, but the game.

Pakistan is our neighbor. How we all wish that it were ’simple, warm in spirit and with togetherness’ !

Good night !

Amitabh Bachchan