Tanvi was pleasantly surprised when the thud-thud of metallic beauty Thunderbird came to a halt. It was a ‘kothi’ as they say in Chandigarh – A palatial house with a huge black gate and a sentry sitting outside protecting the house. Sentry gave a crisp salute and opened one half of the gate for sahib. A beautifully manicured garden stood lined with mushroom shaped lights all through the pathway culminating into an inviting swing.
The doors of the house opened into a spacious drawing room that bespoke of elegance. A zen corner with collection of artistic Buddha statues, expensive crystal decoration pieces, intrinsically carved rotating bar and a marble dining table, and most importantly not a speck of dust anywhere.
One wall painted in orange caught Tanvi’s attention. It had framed pictures of proud men in uniform receiving awards and trophies with interesting designs. “I am a third generation soldier. Everyone in my family and extended family, even brother-in-laws serve in Army.”, said Major Dalbir swelling in pride. And then he began telling Tanvi about the importance and story of each piece of item on the wall of fame.
Tanvi was enjoying all the stories filled with patriotism interjected with humorous anecdotes. Dalbir’s sense of humour and extrovert attitude was charming, to say the least.
“Did you offer the pretty girl anything to drink or you are simply boring her to death with your fauji stories”, the duo’s conversation was interrupted by the lady in her tracksuits whose hair was tied tight in a high ponytail.
Major Dalbir introduced Tanvi to his mom and told her how they met.
“Oh yes! You must stay with us. And, please be comfortable. I will get the guest room prepared and will also send over some snacks”; Dalbir’s mom left the room soon.
Tanvi’s faith in humanity was restored.
Major Dalbir offered to show her Chandigarh and commanded that she takes some rest today and from the next day onwards he will be Tanvi’s humble tourist guide. Dalbir also arranged to get Tanvi’s car and luggage picked up from the gurudwara.
The guest room was no less than a luxury suite. Windows were looking out to the backyard garden sprawling with trees. There was a study table with a lamp, few books, a pen and notepad in one corner of the room. Two huge swords criss-crossing each other pinned on the wall ensured that she remembers that she is staying in an Army officer’s house and Tanvi should not forget her formal etiquettes.
It was a cozy and comfortable room. Clean jaipuri bedsheet and a comfortable nokha razai, Tanvi fell asleep in no time.
There was a hard knock on the door.
Read the previous post here – Chapter 12 – Fantastico Hospitality of Chandigarh
Read the next post here – Chapter 14 – Navigating Towards – Love Or Crush?
This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.
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[…] Read the previous post here – Chapter 13 – Tanvi’s Stay At Major Dalbir’s Fantastico House […]