Hullo! Enjoy your weekend. This video is on chapter six of ‘Ripples Roping Memories’.
Aunt Janaki sends unutilized rice, vegetables and eatables to be used in Rani’s house. She works as an accountant for Abita Mills. She dominates the family. Uncle Natesh fights against her domination. He behaves indecently with his wife in Rani’s presence. Karnesh experiences the golden moments of his childhood in Rani’s house. Rani’s father likes Karnesh. Father asks Karnesh to stand on the back of his body and massage by pressing his feet on the body. He does so by walking back and forth on the back of Rani’s father. Cousin Karnesh joins the boys playing cricket outside.
Aunt Hema pays some money to Rani’s mom to stay as a paying guest in her house. Her stay in the house benefits Rani. Aunt Hema sings Marathi songs melodiously. Bhav geets, film songs and Natya geets are her favorites. She has sung Marathi songs for Sompur Radio station. The stalwarts in the line recommend her to take part in the National competition for music. She receives a letter of invitation from the National Academy of Music. But her father, the grandfather of Rani declines it. Hema aunt sings melodious songs to put Rani to sleep. ‘Prabhati….. sur nabhi rangati, Dashadisha, bhoopali manathi….’ Another song describes Radha’s infatuation for Lord Krishna. ‘Radha— Krishnavari bhalali, Gujguj uthali Gokuli…..’ She sings a song which urges the lover to come to the beach. ‘Jithe sagara dharne milate, Tithe tujhi mi vaat pahathe, vaat pahathe… jithe sagara……..’ Rani develops a liking for Marathi songs. Aunt Hema pats her gently to put her to sleep. These are the golden moments Rani experiences motherly affection. Aunt Hema takes Rani to a trip to Blackboot in Sagarpur. Children in her school are delighted to see Rani. They speak Tamil because they are from Arul Vidyalaya, Chitragaon, a regional school started by Tamilians. Sagarpur fosters many cultures. One can get the whole nation in Sagarpur. Being a good teacher she get many English nursery rhymes from Rani to teach her children in school. She arranges a trip to Sompur. She takes Rani along with her to Sompur. Rani is happy with aunt Hema because she takes care of her. Rani enjoys the train travel by looking out of the window. Rani plays and roams about in Sompur. The government quarters in Sompur have lovely gardens in front of them. Families of Central Government employees from all over India reside in Central Government quarters. Rani’s return from Sompur marks the end of happy holidays. She boards the train. When the train is about to leave the platform, she hears a melancholic song in Hindi emanating from houses near the station. ‘Chal ri sajni ab kya soche, Kajra na behajaye rote rote…chal ri sajni …’ Rani does not understand the meaning of the song but she feels sad listening to it. Aunt Hema manages in midst of quarrels between Rani’s parents. She tries to intervene. Rani’s father hurls a cycle pedal at the mother but it lands on aunt’s feet.
We meet again for the next video. Goodbye!
( Video can be viewed on You tube by typing ‘Ripples Roping Memories’)