2008
Camera zooms out for a view of the city, then the planet, then the Milky Way, then the binary-star system of zionbudfestinwers, then another planet, then the aliens seen so often before and stops overlooking the earth. The earth begins to rotate vigorously towards the west and stops after sometime. Camera zooms back in
1987
Our beloved Bangalore is a calm, hospitable and a peaceful city. Autodriver greets the passenger; the roads are empty; An old couple walking hand in hand in the park; Woman buys kanakambari flower from the smiling florist; “Ide Naadu, Ide Bhashe yendendu nannadagirali” plays in Akashavani; Children walking to school with Grand Dad; Couples gossiping in the Red BMTC bus; “Hey nimbe haNNinantha huDugi bantu noDu” hums a college student, Premaloka is realsing next week; Everybody are happy, content and the city is green and pollution free
Florence English School, Section A
Aua.. aua.. aua.. aua.. aua.. children crying around aua.. aua.. aua.. aua..
One boy makes no noise and has a gritty look.
Shobha Ma’m: Aya, aya.. aya.. 1st standard huDuga illi en maaDtha iddane?
Ayaji: Illa madam, avanu ee class e
Boy: Naanu Naanu.. Naanu ee Class (Biting his teeth)
A toddler is sitting next to him sucking his thumb
Toddler: nin hesar enu?
Boy: (stares for a long time, toddler is about to cry) Pradeep, nindu
Toddler: Bondu, James Bondu
(Ok, that’s yours truly)
Few years later, In standard 3:
A thin, white, pale looking boy walks into the class and is shivering.
Nirmala Ma’m: Meet Manohar
Manohar , not lifting his head up walks up and sits next to me
Manohar: ee school alli mestru kooDa uniform haakotara?
Me: Muhahahahahha.. avanu Pradeep anta!
Few Years later at a function at my place. My aunt is outside, welcoming guests
Pradeep: Rakesh iddana?
Aunt: Banni Saar, olgaDe iddane, OlgaDe banni saar, alli iddare noDi Gowdru (my Dad)
Me: Ayyo, ivanu nan friendu!
Few more years later in 10th std: Infront of my house (with football in his hand)
Pradeep: Rakesh, rakesh.. baaro football ge
My 4yr old cousin who started school last year walks up to me and in a mild tone
“Anna, nim PT Saar bandiddare”
