Yes home at last ! And nothing can better describe the feeling of being in the surroundings than the effect of possession. This is the place that I possess, I own, that is mine. It may not be five star or have the comforts of professional living, but it is my home and I love it. And I love it that my daughter comes back with the children… extreme bliss !!

Anticipation always takes longer than you would wish it to. And even though the flight from Singapore was a respectable 4 and a half hours, because you wish to get in like within minutes, it takes forever. The flight path tracker just refuses to move and nothing can take up your attention to make time move swiftly - not the movie that you watch half heartedly, nor the repeated efforts by the stewards to draw attention to the menu, or that desperate attempt to steal a few winks.

The kids trouped in a few hours after I landed and their excitement and chatter right from the airport, where I had gone to pick them up, to the house, is one non stop breathless information of all that has transpired since they were last here.

And then …

The power ranger and the stationery take over and its a sight to believe. The screams and squeals and yelps of joy. The hugs and the kisses of affection and the pre prepared thank you cards… such fun …

And Shanouk … he still does not know what has hit him .. so confused with this sudden presence of everyone in his life after such a long gap … hasn’t stopped charging around banging against the furniture and the settings, furiously moving from one place to the other in his own little excitement ..

Home … such a wonderful place to be back in. There is a smile on the staff, and the kitchen works animatedly to cook all the favorites. And Sushila, the maid looks on with wondered expressions. She had come into the house the day Shweta was born, a short plump little two plaits 18 year old , now married and herself with kids and still fussing over the first born of the house. She is the oldest employee with us. Over 35 years of service. Indeed 90% of the staff has been with us for over 25 years. There is something about staff that has been with you for so long. They become one with the family and from being just an employee when they come in, over the years, assume the position of decision makers. And no one dare say a word against them. They tell you what is good and correct, what has been overlooked and neglected, what has skipped attention and where what has been kept. What would we do without them !!

My friend left today as well and is back in Delhi almost at the same time. It has been a miracle that he survived and I would like to thank all those that sent in their wishes for his recovery.

I rest today and wait to give more time to Agastya and Navya. Oh..! And I forgot .. the delay in departure from Delhi of the children was because Agastya had to go for his football trials… and he got selected for his school team… yipeeeeee !!

More football followed …. Man U, Agastya’s team beat Man City in a thriller 4-3 and Abhishek and I directed Chelsea into a 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hot Spurs.

My DAY ends here today. The temptation to be with ‘them’ is overpowering. My distraction is justified and I know that FmXt would not have wished for any other ..

Till the morning then, with love ..

Amitabh Bachchan