Thank God for Kamal Nath - the minister provided the only horse laugh during the dull as ditch water swearing in ceremony. The other stress buster was Robert Vadra sporting a jaunty polka dotted tie! The nation's son-in-law has been extraordinarily visible of late, and one wonders whether there is a plan behind the new high profile?? Is Vadra being primed for a bigger role in politics, now that the old man (his father) is dead? One will never know. The Gandhis move in mysterious ways, and even insiders remain outsiders when it comes to protecting family turf. One day, a desi Dan Brown will be born and only then will we get to know more about the angels and demons in Delhi.
In Mumbai, dark, inky, dense rain clouds have been gathering over the South Western horizon. I watch them every evening with growing interest. Last night there was a drizzle - as soon as the seductive fragrance of wet earth reached my nostrils, I jumped up to catch the first few drops as they wet the leaves of the peepul tree outside my fifth floor balcony. The golden oriole has long gone. Now all I can see are wet crows. As you know, the domestic sparrow is facing extinction worldwide. I miss those noisy, chirpy creatures and refuse to make friends with the aggressive crows.
It's friday night.... and I am blissed out. Babita, my energetic masseuse has just kneaded those tense muscles with a combo of rose and coconut oil - my own concoction. The house is quiet - very quiet. There's nobody home. Kiara is snoring at my feet... and I am looking forward to a leisurely, lone dinner. I 've asked for a new version of my favourite tarkari - tonight, I'll sample chunks of doodhi mixed with red pumpkin, tempered with red chillies, jeera and kaddi patta. Rock salt will provide the needed kick. I expect the vegetables to be mushy yet firm, cooked in their own juices with just a dash of olive oil . I may add a sprig of mint as a last minute garnish. If I'm sounding slightly loopy, blame it on the heat.... or on Kamal Nath.