Some are honored, some ecstatic, some have older folks at home that talk of old times and require autographs, some complain of insufficient time, some on the malfunction of their recording machine but all end up very softly for that ID byte for their station or channel … that is the moment of greatest excitement for them and the broadest smiles. And I always oblige. Never refuse a journalist, so says another journalist, always respond even it is to say no. How immensely prosaic the unity and trust among the fraternity of the fourth estate. Scratch a journalist in Manali and the one in Timbucktoo shall wallop you. Envious, this trait. But what deep study in professional trust and demeanor. Impregnable, and impossible to destroy. Strong and faithful to the code and conduct. Glorious.

By the evening of course events change. Aishwarya has come back from the shoot in pain and distress. Doctors called, investigation done and medication registered to settle issues down, but it persists. There is high fever and an infection in the throat, cannot talk, cannot swallow. Sad and so concerned to see her in such a condition. Abhishek has been summoned from his shoot as Jaya and I attend to her.

Out of sheer concern for her commitments she wishes me to inform Kaveree Bamzai of India Today that she shall be unable to attend their function here in Mumbai, where she was to be awarded and asked to make a speech. I do.

Oh! God, Mr Bachchan what is going to happen to my show tomorrow. I will be finished.

Sorry Maam, she is in bad shape I am with the doctors, and I need to be with them, just thought it right to let you know well in advance that there is a situation. Thank you.

Moments later an sms - Could she not make it for just some time, please.

No ! I am sorry she is bed ridden.

After a while, another sms - Can you not come instead of her, to save face.

No, Maam I have other function commitments, it will not be possible.

A few minutes later - Can you not get either Mrs Bachchan or Abhishek to come and attend.

Kaveree …!! I find it extremely insensitive on your part that you pursue putting up requests for participation in your program knowing that there is a medical emergency in the house.. I am sorry I expected better from you !!

Not a word from the concerned lady on what the condition of Aishwarya is, or what ails her or how she is doing, nothing ! Its all about what is going to happen to her and her program, her problem, her panic situation, her face, her event. And Aishwarya be damned.

Guaranteed now, that there shall be negative stories in her magazine in her reviews, in her channel Headlines Today, to show her anger at the insolence of this old man of 68 who dares to express himself in this, his blog, in writing on this topic and her name. So .. sensitive to your own name fine ; insensitive to the others name and condition .. their prerogative !!

Our right and our name, our will and our desire, our preferences and modes of conduct, our actions and our acts, our deliberations, our needs, our sentiments, our likes and dislikes …

Not ours !!

They belong to others. We have no right. And don’t you dare ask for it. Just shut up Mr B and enjoy the profiling that we give you through our services. Be content that even that is forth coming. Follow our code or perish. We made you, we will destroy you.

There is no voice. There is no stand. Our voice must be the voice dictated to us, our stand a infirm crutch, ready to be snatched away at the whim and fancy of the enlightened. We shall be singular. We shall be alone. We shall suffer and learn to smile through it. Abuse and indignation shall be warmly welcomed through folded hands and if possible , feet. Express to yourself in the silence of your own private solitude. Dare you speak out your mind !! Dare !!

The only purity … Shanouk, my pet, my Pirana Dane, oblivious to all around him, sniffing his affection inches away from your face, snuggling his uncontrollably large frame along yours, alert at the whiff of any strange sound or intrusion, up and about to investigate personally where and how the danger lurks, a few warning barks, a few grunts of dissatisfaction and back to secure pastures at the feet of the master. Truer friend and companion there never was. Thank you Shanouk, for being there in the strength of your immense body and the sincerity of your drooping eyes, the rolls of pristine and soft skin and at times the affectionate saliva that drools all over our freshly washed clothing. It is a wonder that you do not talk, yet how well you understand. It is a wonder that you show concern and guard, without being asked to. It is a wonder that you obey and follow and perform on instruction.

Nobody does this Shanouk .. no one !! What you do no one else does that ! Are you aware of this ?You should be .. but you never express that you do. How does one describe you. You must be exceptional to all. Such a blessing that you are who you are … AND NOT A HUMAN !!

It is the love that a pet expresses that brings us emotion .. and all for what .. that we are able to give him his meal on time ???

Thats it ??

Lovely Shanouk … lovely FmXt … your emotions can never be challenged !!

Amitabh Bachchan