Passion India

I just finished reading this book, and I found it pretty unputdownable. Javier Moro, seems to have done full justice to the real life story of Anita Delgado- the Spanish dancer who became one of the queens of Kapurthala.

I liked the ease with which the author weaves in the story- part of which indeed does sound like a fairytale- with facts about the Indian politics of that time. It is not an attempt to outline the latter so don't pick it up hoping to get an in depth inside into the preindependence India. But you do get to know various interesting facts about a myriad of things- the lifestyles and eccentricities of the Rajahs, the state of Kapurthala- i would like to visit it one day or even the origin of the legendary Rolls Royce logo!

It is a simple yet captivating narrative rendered all the more interesting as it is about real life people. This is the first time I read Moro and I will definitely head for other books of his in the future.

The only downer- the printing quality! That and the book cover itself could have been swankier and more in keeping with the quality of writing. When are Indian publishers going to wake up to the fact that good writing requires good printing.

Oh Baby!

Yes it's true...having a baby changes your life. Completely. Irrevocably. Maddeningly. Deliciously.

Nothing prepares you for the suddenly overwhelming onslaught on your senses- or whatever's left of them after the long and often uncomfortable pregnancy. In fact, I do remember my own daydreams kind of stopped at the point where I look down smilingly at the tiny bundle handed over to me by a smiling nurse!
As I had a c- section, and was not even allowed to get up; holding my precious little newborn was one thing- not even able to look at him was quite another. And a sad one at that!

Anyway, fast forward to a year later- corroboration of opening statement:

Number of nights with uninterrupted sleep- Zero

Number of old friends who want to hang out with a baby toting you- Three

Number of old friends who give you up- Almost everyone

Number of night outs- Zero

Number of peaceful meals in restos- One

Number of given up things- Have lost count (and breastfeeding moms do include coffee in this list)

Number of movies at the theatre- Zero

Number of lazy days- Zero


BUT and this is a pretty big but...the biggest upside to all these obvious downsides is the unparalleled joy of having your baby reward you with the biggest of smiles or even the hint of one.
The first time they make a sound that is not a cry of hunger; the first time they move their head; the very first time they hold their necks steady or the first time they sit up- these are just some points in your baby's life that make YOU feel so proud; almost as if these are important milestones achieved not by a small-doesn't-even-have-teeth-human being but by your own self.

I have spent the last two years of my life completely devoted to my son- the first waiting for him and preparing for his arrival and the second looking after him.
There were days I went without any adult conversation, simply because my husband was away on work and none of my friends wanted anything to do with a baby!
Even at my worst moments, exhausted both emotionally and physically by the continuous demands of my five month old baby, I never once wished for a different situation.

At this point I have to break my train of thought and say a big "WELL DONE" to all the single mothers out there. Those who have a baby know what I'm talking about and those who don't; well you can't even imagine what a herculean task it is to raise a child all by yourself. And in this I include all those mothers who have absolutely non cooperating husbands or partners.

Going back to the delicious thought of sharing a laugh with my one year old- as I just said - it's simply delicious.
When I think of what my life was before my son- I think it was fun, lots of fun.
My life now- even more so, with the thought of introducing him to the joys that we know of already!