The dreaded 'N' word...

It is again that time of the year when I receive strict diktats from my parents on issues pertaining to my lifestyle. 1999, was when for the first time I left my home for my studies and since then I may have stayed just about 2.5 years with my parents. Times away from home are the ones when guys like me pick up "virtues" of "spirits" and "partying".

Belonging to a moderate Hindu family has its own benefits, you are allowed to enjoy your life with little limitations. However, when those "limits" are exercised you may not feel great about it. Such is the power of 1 word for me, which I hear at least twice a year. And the word is "Navratras!!!", hindus get busy preaching and fasting in order to please gods and goddesses. While my mom gets busy with her reminders about how it is now "Navratras" and I should give up on booze and non-vegetarian stuff for the 9 days/nights twice an year.

While I was at IIT, mobile phones were a rarity. I used to hardly get calls from my home because our hostel of 400 guys had just 1 phone line. Therefore, it was a huge task to get through that queue for your phone call. I used to make a customary call once a week, informing my parents of my well being. But, let the Navratras come and I would get the phone call from my Mom "beta ab navratras chalooo ho rahe hai, ab chicken nai khana and whiskey nai peena" (son, navratras are here and its time you give up on relishing those chicken legs and alchohol) strangely though I never boozed in front of her all that time still she was aware.

So what would I do? would I quit all that, which makes most of my evenings? Few could be 1, 2, 4, 5.....9!!! That was and is a huge huge ask. So when 2 days back and then yesterday and then again today morning I was made to realise that the sacred (read restricted) period has commenced I was nostalgic of those 22 times in the past years my mom would have drilled into my mind the ills I may end up committing if I booze during Navratras.

Somethings dont change!! or do they? this is precisely I love these reminders..not that I would follow any of those its just a feel good and motherly touch to your day/s!!!