So much to do in so short a time. But I managed to squeeze in most of my engagements. After reaching Pune on the 2nd of July, I found the climate a welcome change from the heat and humidity of Delhi. The rains also opened up, adding to the already existing pleasant ambience. In fact most of the times over the past one month, I have not had to use a fan. Shyam has been posted to a place called Kankavli (in Sindhudurg district). He left a few days before I arrived. Although he helped me out with his scooter, the rains prevented me from venturing out. After he came down on leave for a week, we went over to Arshad’s place. The same evening we also saw the latest Harry Potter. I must read the series if I hope to understand the finer details of the story. I survived a stomach scare the day before a trip to Shirdi, thanks to divine intervention and some help from my friend ‘Norflox’.
This time around, we also went to the Balaji Temple, situated around 3 Kms off the Pune Bangalore Highway. The difference between Shirdi and this temple is startling. What strikes one the most is the level of cleanliness in the Balaji temple. Even though it was pouring and the water was washing away all the mud, there were these employees on their haunches, wearing raincoats and brushing the pavements! Not a speck of dirt anywhere. There are no hawkers here. Let's hope Shirdi reverts to the simplicity of the man we all worship!
