I asked the 'autorikshaw' driver to drop me just outside the 'Hotel Sunshine' gate; the tall smart guards would not have let it slip in as a policy. I walked through the porch towards the entrance, the doorman gave me a strange look - I was dressed in a worn-out shirt and a distressed jeans. I politely said hi to him as I walked past him and he returned my greetings with a smile - slightly embarrassed. I went straight to Neena; she was busy behind the counter. She flashed her best smile and directed me to Mr Raj - the GM.
Mr Raj was a middle aged balding fellow whose love for fancy cars was evident from the fleet of imported cars daintily parked in the parking lot of the hotel. Mr Raj appeared arrogant and spoke haughtily but softly. He was ambitious and beautifully laid out his dream of taking 'Hotel Sunshine' to great heights. He asked me a few customary questions and quizzed me on my understanding of the Italian cuisine. He appeared a hard task master to me. He already had a menu and a plan to launch the event. I made some suggestion in the menu which were shot down by Mr Raj citing the reason that we need to give them what they want rather then what we want.
The head chef of the hotel was comparatively gracious and polite in his manners. He showed me around, I was impressed by the layout of the kitchen and his staff members appeared to respond well to him. He discussed the details on procuring material and indented for the stuff required. Most of the items on the menu were plucked from the menu of the coffee house and the staff was skilled in preparing them at a bark. I make suggestions to improve the overall appearances, taste and texture of some of the dishes after carefully studying the recipes and the chef readily agreed to it.
All this while I hid my identity and passed myself as a touring chef who is working on a book on the different tastes of India and Dehradun apparently fell on my itinerary. Mr Raj agreed to pay me Rs/-10,000 or 10% of the total sales (whichever would be higher) for the job - weekend lunch and dinner Italian buffet. On my way out I whispered 'ten thousand' into Neena's ear and in return she puckered her lips and blew a kiss in my direction.
The first session (lunch) of the Italian food festival was a tough one. 21 dishes were redone, 7 orders were late and 2 customers complained about the food. Dinner was quieter with poor footfall. The cashier counted Rs/-22856 in the till at day end. The team did a fantastic job but the event seemed to lack the buzz. I rang Mr Raj and told him about the situation and asked him to give me a free hand in running the show. He finally gave in when I assured that if my attempts fail to take the sales over 1 lac I would not ask for compensation.
I called a meeting before we left for home to debrief the team. I had a completely new menu for them which was designed to appeal to all the age groups. Earlier, I had asked Neena to print fliers, I handed out 20 each to everyone present and asked them to hand them out to anybody who they feel could be a potential guest to the food festival. I asked chef to pull some strings and plant a story on the food festival in the morning paper through his freeloader journalist friends.
The next day antipasti, minestrone, risotto, ravioli, lasagna, tiramisu flowed from the kitchen into the lunch/dining area. We made a gross sale of 1.57 lac - the highest ever in the history of 'Hotel Sunshine'. Neena and Joe were also among the guests.
The two days experience at 'Hotel Sunshine' took me back to 'The Nights Tail', I felt a bit nostalgic; I overcame my emotions and was looking forward to the Challenge 3 of 'The Big Race'.
[SHARK IN THE POND]
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Chapter 7 - Challenge Two
We all let out a collective gasp and made gesture of frustration after reading the Challenge Two card. It attracted the attention of the people around; they all looked at us in unison. It made me nervous and I felt a bit stupid. When the news of Challenge Two had sunk a bit we all fished out the change from our pockets and handed it to Neena. She counted the money diligently like a bank cashier and announced we had Rs/-4785 left with us.
Two more challenges and God know how many more days to live off Rs/-4785. First thing we did was to look for a cheap accommodation. We were directed here and there and finally found a 'dharamshala' near the Clock Tower. It was to charge us Rs/-200 for each night/room.
We settled for a spacious but crumby room with an extra bed and blankets for which we were to be charged Rs/-50 for each night. Neena made a decision to reserve the room for five night and made an advance payment for the amount just in case we happen to run out of it; it would save us from spending the night huddled somewhere in the street.
Neena did the maths and shared her finding. We are left with Rs/-3500, that means Rs/-700 for every day and if we cut back our expenses by Rs/-200 we could save Rs/-1000 for Challenge Three.
We all slept well that night without any fear of the spirits of the dead British soldiers and officers from the graveyard in Kotgarh.
Next day we all went job hunting. Neena didn't had difficulty finding a job. All she had to do was smile and loosen the top button. She found a temporary work as a receptionist at a small hotel for Rs/-500 as daily wages. Joe with his technical skills and background joined a beat up computer coaching centre as a guest lecturer for Rs/-400 and I had no takers. I roamed around and tried hard to convince people that I can cook but none was interested in trying me out. My mates consoled me and asked me to try again tomorrow.
I stayed in and slept the whole day. When Neena and Joe came back from work, I could sense that they had patched up - I was relieved. Seeing me in bed huddled in a blanket they lost it. I calmed them by pretending that I was not feeling well. In fact I was not feeling good after the rejection.
"I have good news for you. I talked about you to the hotel GM and he is interested in promoting the 'Italian Food Festival' using your name". Hearing this I jumped out of the bed and hugged Neena and kissed her on the cheeks. Joe pretending to look the other side and coughed signaling he was not comfortable and wanted me to get off Neena immediately. I winked at Joe and left them alone. On my way out I borrowed some money from Neena - I hadn’t drunk in years.
I jumped on to the 'autoriksha' and asked the driver to show me the town and finally drop me at the best bar in the town. He took me first to I.M.A (Indian Military Academy) and F.R.I Forest Research Institute), the grandest of the institution in India. Coincidentally, these two grand institutes share the boundary wall.
Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun was established as Imperial Forest Research Institute in 1906. The Institute's history is virtually synonymous with the evolution and development of scientific forestry, not only in India, but over the entire Indian sub-continent. And The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is the premier officer training school of the Indian Army. They didn't let me in but I swelled with pride looking at the smart cadets cross the road.
Then he motored the 'autorikshaw' through the Mall Road, Circuit House past the Raj Bhavan (the residence of the Governor of state) and stopped at Rajpur Road. It was the hippest of the places and the 'Hotel Sunshine' was also located somewhere on this road where I was to showcase my skills.
I decided against going into the hip bar and waste money; I picked up two chilled beer bottles from a local liquor vendor. I loitered around for a while and hailed an 'autorikshaw' back to the room at 'dharamshala' hoping my team mates would have got their rocks off by then.
[SHARK IN A POND]
Two more challenges and God know how many more days to live off Rs/-4785. First thing we did was to look for a cheap accommodation. We were directed here and there and finally found a 'dharamshala' near the Clock Tower. It was to charge us Rs/-200 for each night/room.
We settled for a spacious but crumby room with an extra bed and blankets for which we were to be charged Rs/-50 for each night. Neena made a decision to reserve the room for five night and made an advance payment for the amount just in case we happen to run out of it; it would save us from spending the night huddled somewhere in the street.
Neena did the maths and shared her finding. We are left with Rs/-3500, that means Rs/-700 for every day and if we cut back our expenses by Rs/-200 we could save Rs/-1000 for Challenge Three.
We all slept well that night without any fear of the spirits of the dead British soldiers and officers from the graveyard in Kotgarh.
Next day we all went job hunting. Neena didn't had difficulty finding a job. All she had to do was smile and loosen the top button. She found a temporary work as a receptionist at a small hotel for Rs/-500 as daily wages. Joe with his technical skills and background joined a beat up computer coaching centre as a guest lecturer for Rs/-400 and I had no takers. I roamed around and tried hard to convince people that I can cook but none was interested in trying me out. My mates consoled me and asked me to try again tomorrow.
I stayed in and slept the whole day. When Neena and Joe came back from work, I could sense that they had patched up - I was relieved. Seeing me in bed huddled in a blanket they lost it. I calmed them by pretending that I was not feeling well. In fact I was not feeling good after the rejection.
"I have good news for you. I talked about you to the hotel GM and he is interested in promoting the 'Italian Food Festival' using your name". Hearing this I jumped out of the bed and hugged Neena and kissed her on the cheeks. Joe pretending to look the other side and coughed signaling he was not comfortable and wanted me to get off Neena immediately. I winked at Joe and left them alone. On my way out I borrowed some money from Neena - I hadn’t drunk in years.
I jumped on to the 'autoriksha' and asked the driver to show me the town and finally drop me at the best bar in the town. He took me first to I.M.A (Indian Military Academy) and F.R.I Forest Research Institute), the grandest of the institution in India. Coincidentally, these two grand institutes share the boundary wall.
Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun was established as Imperial Forest Research Institute in 1906. The Institute's history is virtually synonymous with the evolution and development of scientific forestry, not only in India, but over the entire Indian sub-continent. And The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is the premier officer training school of the Indian Army. They didn't let me in but I swelled with pride looking at the smart cadets cross the road.
Then he motored the 'autorikshaw' through the Mall Road, Circuit House past the Raj Bhavan (the residence of the Governor of state) and stopped at Rajpur Road. It was the hippest of the places and the 'Hotel Sunshine' was also located somewhere on this road where I was to showcase my skills.
I decided against going into the hip bar and waste money; I picked up two chilled beer bottles from a local liquor vendor. I loitered around for a while and hailed an 'autorikshaw' back to the room at 'dharamshala' hoping my team mates would have got their rocks off by then.
[SHARK IN A POND]
Friday, November 6, 2009
Chapter 6 - Leaving Kotgarh... Hello Dehradun
Leaving Kotgarh was difficult. The tough time we had was made up by the quite and the tranquil environ of Kotarh and the breaks filled in by Jawala Ram's tales. His hospitality won our hearts.
We started early, we couldn’t afford to linger longer. I left a piece of my heart there and in turn carried the sweet memories of the spooky house, pine forest and the apple orchard. I promised to come back and see if my efforts helped Jawala to improve the apple production. I had to explore its natural beauty; three days were too less to understand the gravity of the natures abundance in Kotgarh and its enchanting culture.
The bus meandered on the serpentine narrow road till Narkanda and thereafter it was a much better ride till Shimla. On the bus ride till Shimla, I watched culture get on and get off the bus. After every turn of the mountain the people had a different dialect and looked different but their basic nature didn't change - they all smiled at silly me and my team mates (inviting us to come back). From Shimla the best and the quickest way to reach Dehradun we were told was to go to Chandigarh and then hop on to the bus to Dehradun.
On my way to Chandigarh, I reflected on my last 7 days. I felt purged of the ennui, I felt I was alive, I felt there was more to see and experience. I felt hungry for more adventure.
We learned from co-travellers that Dehradun attracted a large number of tourists as it was en route to Mussoorie and the weather is slightly warm in summers but at this time of year we would have a good time in pleasant weather. I asked Neena to lookup and read where we have to be, I looked at my watch it was 15:30; we had time at hand. I took a large bite at the veg patty which Joe had picked in Chandigarh and guzzled coke to wash it down. It was quite an economy trip and we only spent Rs/- 2000 on this journey. Neena was sleepy and a bit sour with Joe, she shoved the 'the big race'packate into my hands.
'Be in Dehradun by 18:00. At the city bus stand you would be handed the details of Challenge Two'. City Bus Stand was outside the city, we had a good laugh. We were there by 17:30, we used the time to snack and freshen up and in these 30 mins I gathered some details on the places of importance.
-Rajpura Road
-Clock Tower
-Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
-Tibetan Temple
-Bhagirathi Resort
At sharp 18:00, someone handed 'the big race' packet to Neena. She couldn't describe him as she was not paying attention came a pat reply - I wanted Joe and Neena to patch up soon so that we can get on with the challenge.
'In the next 5 days earn as much as you can by doing whatever you are good at. This money would help you in Challenge Three,' read the Big Race Challenge - Two.
[SHARK IN A POND]
We started early, we couldn’t afford to linger longer. I left a piece of my heart there and in turn carried the sweet memories of the spooky house, pine forest and the apple orchard. I promised to come back and see if my efforts helped Jawala to improve the apple production. I had to explore its natural beauty; three days were too less to understand the gravity of the natures abundance in Kotgarh and its enchanting culture.
The bus meandered on the serpentine narrow road till Narkanda and thereafter it was a much better ride till Shimla. On the bus ride till Shimla, I watched culture get on and get off the bus. After every turn of the mountain the people had a different dialect and looked different but their basic nature didn't change - they all smiled at silly me and my team mates (inviting us to come back). From Shimla the best and the quickest way to reach Dehradun we were told was to go to Chandigarh and then hop on to the bus to Dehradun.
On my way to Chandigarh, I reflected on my last 7 days. I felt purged of the ennui, I felt I was alive, I felt there was more to see and experience. I felt hungry for more adventure.
We learned from co-travellers that Dehradun attracted a large number of tourists as it was en route to Mussoorie and the weather is slightly warm in summers but at this time of year we would have a good time in pleasant weather. I asked Neena to lookup and read where we have to be, I looked at my watch it was 15:30; we had time at hand. I took a large bite at the veg patty which Joe had picked in Chandigarh and guzzled coke to wash it down. It was quite an economy trip and we only spent Rs/- 2000 on this journey. Neena was sleepy and a bit sour with Joe, she shoved the 'the big race'packate into my hands.
'Be in Dehradun by 18:00. At the city bus stand you would be handed the details of Challenge Two'. City Bus Stand was outside the city, we had a good laugh. We were there by 17:30, we used the time to snack and freshen up and in these 30 mins I gathered some details on the places of importance.
-Rajpura Road
-Clock Tower
-Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
-Tibetan Temple
-Bhagirathi Resort
At sharp 18:00, someone handed 'the big race' packet to Neena. She couldn't describe him as she was not paying attention came a pat reply - I wanted Joe and Neena to patch up soon so that we can get on with the challenge.
'In the next 5 days earn as much as you can by doing whatever you are good at. This money would help you in Challenge Three,' read the Big Race Challenge - Two.
[SHARK IN A POND]
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Chapter 5 - Challenge One
I was the last one to be out of bed the next morning. I checked my watch, it was 09:00. I looked around and saw neatly folded beddings of my two team mates. The sun was making the room warm and the rays sneaked into the room through the half closed door and the half covered broken window. The room had a wooden ceiling and wooden floor, the floor creaked under my feet as I made my way out of the room. I wondered how these old houses hold themselves straight for years without buckling under the snow and the shifting rocks underneath.
Jawala Ram was regaling Neena and Joe with his stories and they seem to have forgotten that I was also with them. I was a bit miffed with them but more with the uncomfortable night in the dilapidated house in Kotgarh. Jawala was the first to wish me morning when I joined them. He appeared strangely happy and pleased; for a moment I though it was him and his devilish friends who tested me last night. I didn't discuss my experience but they all senses something was not okay with me.
Ignoring them, I quickly grabbed the tea kettle and poured tea in a big steel glass. Jawala offered 'bhaturu' (leavened traditional Kotgarh bread) which I devoured in no time and asked for more. The 'bhaturu' tasted much better then the best of the fare I have had in my life. I had three and was stuffed for the rest of the day.
Later Jawala Ram handed us the 'big race' envelop. It read: The Big Race - Challenge One. 'Jawala Ram would host you for the next three days. You all would help him weed and till his apple orchard. In case you do not finish in three day, you could either return where you came from or carry on the race after you had paid Jawala Ram Rs/- 3000 to arrange for a help to complete the task. If you abandon the task then you can't carry on with the race. On successful completion of the task Jawala Ran would hand you the details for Challenge Two'. The though of spending three more nights petrified me.
The apple orchard surrounded the houses. It was a beautiful small orchard fenced on two sides, it was well maintained but required the compulsory tilling and weeding. Jawala helped us understand what we had to do and handed us the tools. The first day we weeded a portion of the orchard which Jawala declared was 1/10 of the work we had to do. By evening we were tired uprooting the stubborn weeds, clearing the ominous bushes and the dried creepers. My whole body was sore and I admitted I might not survive three days. We had a rushed dinner and went to our corners, Neena and Joe dozed off. I remembered my last nights experience and was already sweating. I prayed till I fell asleep. The night went quietly for me.
When I woke up, I saw Joe huddled up on his bed and staring at the broken window. It appeared as if he had seen a ghost. I tried talking to him but he kept staring at the window. Neena was trying to comfort Joe but he appeared too shocked to notice her. I waved to Neena to step out, I told her what might have happened.
We discussed about these strange experiences with Jawala Ram who dismissed them as nightmares and assured us nobody in Kotgarh had ever experiences anything unusual and they were protected by the 'DEO', the village diety. His abode was the adjoining Mailan village. 'DEO Mailan' was the most powerful of all the Gods and he assured protection to who ever prayed to him. I sent out a silent prayer to 'DEO' to keep me safe.
Joe didn't step out until afternoon, Neena had to cajole him to have him lunch. He didn't join us on the orchard that day. Neena and I weeded and cleaned up the orchard of unwanted bushes and dry twigs and were left with one more day to till. We knew with Joe in shock we would not be able to complete the challenge. She did the maths and announced that after parting with Rs/- 3000 and we would be left with Rs/- 7000 for the remaining race. We agreed to take it easy and not waste ourselves tilling the orchard.
We asked Jawala to move us to some place else but he couldn't as it was the only room he had which was tidy enough to house us. With the option of moving out completely out of question we decided to stay up all night. We stayed up for a while but the days toil was too much for me - I dozed off. Last I remember was Neena comforting Joe who had his head against her shoulder.
Next morning, I was the first one to wake up and was happy that I was spared again. I sneaked out, the sun was still hiding behind the hill and the morning dew glistened on the dry grass and the trees, adding to the beauty of the cold morning. I went around Gorton Mission School, which had stood the time - the school was est. in 1943 when the British Missionaries tried to provide quality education in Kotgarh and also hoped to spread the Christian faith. In the schools compound is nestled the St Mary's Church. I felt proud to look at these two institutions. By that time the village had started walking up and I could see some of them on their way to the orchards and some soaking the morning sun with a hot cuppa. Kotgarh offered a beautiful view of the Sutlej valley and I could see the snow clad Himalayas glistening in the morning sun.
Joe joined us at work the third day. We tilled about one-forth of the orchard by sunset and were satisfied with our efforts. Back at the house, I talked about my morning visit. I had seem something which explained the nightly activities. On the other side of the fence behind the church was the graveyard - the jaws dropped when my team mates learned this. Neena feared that she might be targeted tonight. The pink on her cheeks disappeared and now it was Joe's turn to comfort her. I left them alone and went off to sleep.
Jawala Ram appeared pleased with the help we have extended. We graciously thanked him and as per the race rule handed him the money. He in turn handed us the 'big race' packet. The challenge two was to reach Dehradun by 18:00 on Nov 4th - we had 10 hrs to be there.
[SHARK IN A POND]
Jawala Ram was regaling Neena and Joe with his stories and they seem to have forgotten that I was also with them. I was a bit miffed with them but more with the uncomfortable night in the dilapidated house in Kotgarh. Jawala was the first to wish me morning when I joined them. He appeared strangely happy and pleased; for a moment I though it was him and his devilish friends who tested me last night. I didn't discuss my experience but they all senses something was not okay with me.
Ignoring them, I quickly grabbed the tea kettle and poured tea in a big steel glass. Jawala offered 'bhaturu' (leavened traditional Kotgarh bread) which I devoured in no time and asked for more. The 'bhaturu' tasted much better then the best of the fare I have had in my life. I had three and was stuffed for the rest of the day.
Later Jawala Ram handed us the 'big race' envelop. It read: The Big Race - Challenge One. 'Jawala Ram would host you for the next three days. You all would help him weed and till his apple orchard. In case you do not finish in three day, you could either return where you came from or carry on the race after you had paid Jawala Ram Rs/- 3000 to arrange for a help to complete the task. If you abandon the task then you can't carry on with the race. On successful completion of the task Jawala Ran would hand you the details for Challenge Two'. The though of spending three more nights petrified me.
The apple orchard surrounded the houses. It was a beautiful small orchard fenced on two sides, it was well maintained but required the compulsory tilling and weeding. Jawala helped us understand what we had to do and handed us the tools. The first day we weeded a portion of the orchard which Jawala declared was 1/10 of the work we had to do. By evening we were tired uprooting the stubborn weeds, clearing the ominous bushes and the dried creepers. My whole body was sore and I admitted I might not survive three days. We had a rushed dinner and went to our corners, Neena and Joe dozed off. I remembered my last nights experience and was already sweating. I prayed till I fell asleep. The night went quietly for me.
When I woke up, I saw Joe huddled up on his bed and staring at the broken window. It appeared as if he had seen a ghost. I tried talking to him but he kept staring at the window. Neena was trying to comfort Joe but he appeared too shocked to notice her. I waved to Neena to step out, I told her what might have happened.
We discussed about these strange experiences with Jawala Ram who dismissed them as nightmares and assured us nobody in Kotgarh had ever experiences anything unusual and they were protected by the 'DEO', the village diety. His abode was the adjoining Mailan village. 'DEO Mailan' was the most powerful of all the Gods and he assured protection to who ever prayed to him. I sent out a silent prayer to 'DEO' to keep me safe.
Joe didn't step out until afternoon, Neena had to cajole him to have him lunch. He didn't join us on the orchard that day. Neena and I weeded and cleaned up the orchard of unwanted bushes and dry twigs and were left with one more day to till. We knew with Joe in shock we would not be able to complete the challenge. She did the maths and announced that after parting with Rs/- 3000 and we would be left with Rs/- 7000 for the remaining race. We agreed to take it easy and not waste ourselves tilling the orchard.
We asked Jawala to move us to some place else but he couldn't as it was the only room he had which was tidy enough to house us. With the option of moving out completely out of question we decided to stay up all night. We stayed up for a while but the days toil was too much for me - I dozed off. Last I remember was Neena comforting Joe who had his head against her shoulder.
Next morning, I was the first one to wake up and was happy that I was spared again. I sneaked out, the sun was still hiding behind the hill and the morning dew glistened on the dry grass and the trees, adding to the beauty of the cold morning. I went around Gorton Mission School, which had stood the time - the school was est. in 1943 when the British Missionaries tried to provide quality education in Kotgarh and also hoped to spread the Christian faith. In the schools compound is nestled the St Mary's Church. I felt proud to look at these two institutions. By that time the village had started walking up and I could see some of them on their way to the orchards and some soaking the morning sun with a hot cuppa. Kotgarh offered a beautiful view of the Sutlej valley and I could see the snow clad Himalayas glistening in the morning sun.
Joe joined us at work the third day. We tilled about one-forth of the orchard by sunset and were satisfied with our efforts. Back at the house, I talked about my morning visit. I had seem something which explained the nightly activities. On the other side of the fence behind the church was the graveyard - the jaws dropped when my team mates learned this. Neena feared that she might be targeted tonight. The pink on her cheeks disappeared and now it was Joe's turn to comfort her. I left them alone and went off to sleep.
Jawala Ram appeared pleased with the help we have extended. We graciously thanked him and as per the race rule handed him the money. He in turn handed us the 'big race' packet. The challenge two was to reach Dehradun by 18:00 on Nov 4th - we had 10 hrs to be there.
[SHARK IN A POND]
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