Voyage Two – World Cup on Wheels – Part 1
“Don’t scream yaar.If you want to go , go.But please let us sleep.”
That was precisely what Saxena uttered to Pradeep Rawat and “Daddu” Prince, when they came early morning to say good bye to us.He and “Daddu” Rajoria, were traveling by Jhelam Express Other guys were so tired that it was tough to bid even good bye to them with eyes kept open.Another noxious side effect was, the plan to start early for Chandigarh went South.
Did I say 'plan' ? Sory , sorry.It was a false cal.Time is not right to raise the curtain..Not yet...Sorry for premature exposure....
As usual, Atul Uprit woke up early in the morning.There was an extra cot in Roy’s room, which was spare since Rajoria migrated to room 210.Ajay Saxena brought it in our room and joined it with his cot.That was a nice arrangement for junior Saxena but my cot was pushed up to the door.That means, the door could not be opened without my cot being disturbed.First, “Daddu” Prince kicked the door early in the morning.
“Abhi tak so rahe ho kya (Still sleeping)? Hen Hen , hum log chale…(we are going) Thakur, tu bhi so raha hai(Thakur , you are also sleeping?) .Abe tu to movie nahin gaya tha (You did not go to the movie last night ..)”
Atul alone went outside to say some nice whispering bargain words to them.Others were still sleeping like logs.
Accepted …But ….
Accepted that they are marvelous player. But…
Accepted that they have scored mountains of runs …But…
Accepted that They have accumulated heap of wickets ..But…
Accepted that they earned N.P.M ( Note Printing Machines) ..But …
Accepted that they mastered “Doosaraa” (and in the process, forced ICC to change bowling rules) But…
Accepted that they paraded in steps with sultry ramp queens ..Every now and then adorn the chair of judges in beauty contest ...But…
Accepted that they open restaurants ( to provide delicious foods to creamy layers of society ) But…
Accepted that they pierced the ears for ear rings, grew beard , shaped it French cut, have long hair, used exclusive eye glasses while fielding ….. But…
Accepted… But….
Let us face it…
Accepted that they did everything which a worldly mortal being can do. But till today, they are not able to win a World Cup for India.
I don’t want to go into the depth of the reasons or the weakness of this generation of the Cricketers. I only know that they have everything, but not fire in their belly. They perform like God when sailing is smooth. But they show their feet of clay and fall like nine pins when wind blows in opposite direction.
This is not just my feeling.I would like to produce verbatim a comment from a young reader, who was born after 1983 world cup –
"Unfortunately I am from the generation that missed out on the most glorious day in the history Indian cricket because of the reason that i wasnt even born then. I was born and brought up on the staple diet of the Tendulkars and Gangulys. But still the piece evoked memories of my dad recounting that day.
Hope one day, I too will live to see such an occasion !! But when?"
Twenty eight years back, in our generation’s Cricketers, we saw one player who was brimming with the spirit of “Chuck De” and he inspired and challenged his team mates to show to the world that the “Dark Horse” was not in the race to complete the list of “also ran”. But the “Dark Horse” was there to put life in the meaning of “Dark Horse”.
He was our Hero, our beloved Haryanvi – Better known in Haryana as “Haryane Da Veer” – Praaji – Kapil Dev.
Things began to happen on 9th June 1983, when we were preparing for second last paper for our exam.
*************
Where to begin ?
Background ? India just came back from and arduous West Indian tour , where they were thrashed by the Caribbeans by 2-0 in test . However, that was the very tour, where they learnt to believe in themselves, when they beat mighty West Indies in one of the one day matches. That was played at Albion Sports Complex, Albion,Berbice, Guyana.
Believe the bookies ? Yes, it would be a nice precursor. When the tournament started the chances of India’s win was quoted as 66-1.
I think, they were benevolent to figure out that odds. In my own calculation, it would be 1000 -1 .When you have mighty Australia and omnipotent West Indies in your group, how could you fancy your chances to advance to even Semi Finals?That too, to obviate the rain play a spoilsport, the organizer decided to have the format of double league. I would be thoroughly content if India claimed legitimately the matches against Zimbabwe - at least one of those two ....
I don’t know, what prompted Australian captain Kim Hughes to label India as “Dark Horse”.How much serious was he – that was another question. And as you know, all these kind of stories emerged only when miracles happened.
Today, many of the players of the winning team proudly boasted that they knew it beforehand, they were confident – but you , I and everyone knew that each match of India was hard fought and not all the matches were won. India somehow survived to live just another day, each day throughout the tournament. In fact, in the middle stages of the tournament, India was all down, but out.And at the second match against Zimbabwe, India was like Amitabh Bachchan, back on the wall, pulled by rope around the neck, beaten ferociously in godown, ready to die and fry .But just like Amitabh, India somehow put his hand inside Peter’s shirt and got the key to escape.
...........Key to World Cup …
********************
9 th June 1983 ..........
When Atul was furious and irritated, he would take open book in hand, leave the room, go to the adjacent room of Roy and Baweja. Since after shifting of Rajoria to 210,it had one vacant cot ,to provide asylum to him.
Bizarre it was, he could tolerate singing of Baweja , but could not digest Kishore Kumar singing at Saxena’s transistor. That is a different thing that sometimes, Saxena hummed with the song( since he did not know much of the wordings).
But that day, all the fingers were pointing towards me.
The next day, we had the exam…
The transistor was lying on the study table but it was silent. But how long ?
“Saxena…May I switch on it ? Just a little…. Only score, then I’ll switch it off….Promise .......”
Saxena would flash his teeth which became as white as pearl since he was brushing it twice a day and once before going to sleep.
So I would switch on the transistor with Saxena’s overt blessing, deliberately ignoring Atul’s sulking.
Though four matches were being played simultaneously – England vs New Zealand,Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe Vs Australia …and ….and India Vs West Indies, I confined myself to the last one.
Direct telecast ? Forget it. Doordarshan bosses were thinking like me.Who would pay astronomical satellite bill, when India was indubitable to lose and lose badly .In fact, for the sake of argument, India’s last two world cup record was not dismal but abysmal. In
1975, they won one match out of three and 1979, they were vanquished in all the three.Yes, all three – that included a defeat against Sri Lanka who was not even recognized as a Test Playing nation at that time. Even “Akashvani” concluded that they had better
programs for large section of target audience. That included farmers, folk singers, poets,local stage artists, University Grant Commission, politicians and other news makers.
So, don’t even ask for direct telecast or All India Radio running commentary broadcast.
Rather, arrange the return tickets for India on June 20 – when they would finish the formality of playing the group matches and would be homesick by then.
B.B.C. was broadcasting the running commentary for the matches. But since four matches were being played simultaneously, they would cover each matches on round robin basis. The epoch of time , they were slicing was one hour. That meant they would cover India- West Indies match for fifteen minutes and then I could switch off transistor
for next forty five minutes. In the meanwhile, sometimes I search some sports news where I could get any updates about the match. That included “Khel Samachar” and “Sports News” at Akashwani, BBC London Hindi and Urdu service who liberally informed latest updates whenever something happened at the ground and news at Radio Pakistan.
That had irritated Atul Uprit and might be , first time at room no. 225, I was the culprit for his irk and migration .
Honestly, I could not resist. The match was really interesting. Can you recall the fearsome quartrate of West Indian pace battery ? Marshal, Holding, Garner ,Roberts – yes, all the four were playing on that day. There was no respite for Indian batsmen. If you remember, those were sixty over matches and each bowler was allowed to bowl twelve
over each.That means, forty eight overs of sizzling pace ! Rest twelve overs were to be divided by part time bowlers – Richards and Gomes.
Gavaskar and Shrikkanth started well.Well ? Just an opening partenership of 21 runs was considered “well” in front of those bowlers. Before the slice of fifteen minutes, Shikkanth scored quickfire 14 runes, smiled and satisfied that the job well done , edged a bowl from Holding and went to pavilion.
Next forty five minutes was complete blackout.The tranistor was silent. All the three room mates were studying.According to Indian time, it was around Four O’Clock. Secretly I just wished that those two room mates went for tea so that I could listen to the commentary without inviting any wrath.
Baweja came for my rescue. When Baweja called, no one normally refused.Going to khokha with Baweja was always full of fun. However, I had other interesting things to do.
So what had happened in those fifteen overs in between? India lost Gavaskar also, but it was not a collapse.Batsmen were trying constantly to study the ship and avoid further damages.It was interesting contest between Holding and Baba Amarnath, Roberts and
Sandeep Patil and so on.
Time for hour long BBC news followed by sports news and it was black out again.
In between, there was some intermittent interruption due to rain fall. However,the match continued. I was constantly scrapping all the resources to get the latest news.
It was about ten o‘clock night when finally I got the commentary of last few Indian overs.The score had crossed 250 marks.Wow ! Who was playing ? It was Pappu –Yashpal Sharma, who, alongwith the tailenders, managed to sew the innings and pull along.You said tailenders ? Hardly… That was the beauty of 1983 Indian World cup
team. Shastri came to bat after eight wickets were down.And Shastri was, by no means , a tail ender as per standard definition.By that time, he had even opened the innings for India.And in coming years, he became India’s regular one day opener.
So, the Indian score stopped at 262 in sixty overs.That was an achievement on its own –in front of West Indian pace battery.
=============================================================
It was inexorably certain that despite the score, India was going to lose the match by ten wickets.Might be, if not by ten then definitely by nine wicket.Or, it might happen that probably West Indies would lose one or two random wickets more .It was incredulous if they would settle for less than six wicket.If India could take five wickets, it would be victory for them.The batsmen stood tall in front of the pace battery .It was a challenge for the bowler to compliment their performance.But why morose thought overwhelmed my mind ? Just look at the batting line up - Greenidge and Haynes would open the innings.That would be followed by executioner Richards.Then Lloyd was there .If anything went wrong by any chance,uber-cool Gomes and Bacchus would steer the ship .I didn't think if West Indies would ever need the emergency services of Dujon and Marshall.But in case, they got the chance to bat, they would show that their batting skills could not be taken likely.In short, if at all any hope was there, it was very bleak and slim.
West Indies started their innings and rain came for the respite for India. As such , Indian innings was also interrupted by rain many a times.Ultimately when the play resumed,Greenidge and Haynes were pulling the score with ease .And suddenly , Haynes got out.At that time, the West Indies score was 49. Who took his wicket ? Hi Hi Hi, he was run out. Richards came on the pitch.Suddenly Sardaar Balwinder Singh Sandhu produced a beauty and timber behind Greenidge got disturbed. I was delighted. At least, India was not going to lose the match by ten or nine wickets.At least , they are not bequeathing the match on silver platter.
It was late night.Atul was already sleeping to wake up early morning. The next day, we had the exam.Even the players called it a day little later. At that time, West Indies were 67 for 2. Suddenly , the commentary was shifted to another venue and I received first profound tremor of the world cup.
The age has excellent whip of life which brought everyone on to his knees.It had happened even with Arjuna.After Mahabharata battle when he could not protect the women from trite dacoits.
Accepted that they are marvelous player. But…
Accepted that they have scored mountains of runs …But…
Accepted that They have accumulated heap of wickets ..But…
Accepted that they earned N.P.M ( Note Printing Machines) ..But …
Accepted that they mastered “Doosaraa” (and in the process, forced ICC to change bowling rules) But…
Accepted that they paraded in steps with sultry ramp queens ..Every now and then adorn the chair of judges in beauty contest ...But…
Accepted that they open restaurants ( to provide delicious foods to creamy layers of society ) But…
Accepted that they pierced the ears for ear rings, grew beard , shaped it French cut, have long hair, used exclusive eye glasses while fielding ….. But…
Accepted… But….
Let us face it…
Accepted that they did everything which a worldly mortal being can do. But till today, they are not able to win a World Cup for India.
I don’t want to go into the depth of the reasons or the weakness of this generation of the Cricketers. I only know that they have everything, but not fire in their belly. They perform like God when sailing is smooth. But they show their feet of clay and fall like nine pins when wind blows in opposite direction.
This is not just my feeling.I would like to produce verbatim a comment from a young reader, who was born after 1983 world cup –
"Unfortunately I am from the generation that missed out on the most glorious day in the history Indian cricket because of the reason that i wasnt even born then. I was born and brought up on the staple diet of the Tendulkars and Gangulys. But still the piece evoked memories of my dad recounting that day.
Hope one day, I too will live to see such an occasion !! But when?"
Twenty eight years back, in our generation’s Cricketers, we saw one player who was brimming with the spirit of “Chuck De” and he inspired and challenged his team mates to show to the world that the “Dark Horse” was not in the race to complete the list of “also ran”. But the “Dark Horse” was there to put life in the meaning of “Dark Horse”.
He was our Hero, our beloved Haryanvi – Better known in Haryana as “Haryane Da Veer” – Praaji – Kapil Dev.
Things began to happen on 9th June 1983, when we were preparing for second last paper for our exam.
*************
Where to begin ?
Background ? India just came back from and arduous West Indian tour , where they were thrashed by the Caribbeans by 2-0 in test . However, that was the very tour, where they learnt to believe in themselves, when they beat mighty West Indies in one of the one day matches. That was played at Albion Sports Complex, Albion,Berbice, Guyana.
Believe the bookies ? Yes, it would be a nice precursor. When the tournament started the chances of India’s win was quoted as 66-1.
I think, they were benevolent to figure out that odds. In my own calculation, it would be 1000 -1 .When you have mighty Australia and omnipotent West Indies in your group, how could you fancy your chances to advance to even Semi Finals?That too, to obviate the rain play a spoilsport, the organizer decided to have the format of double league. I would be thoroughly content if India claimed legitimately the matches against Zimbabwe - at least one of those two ....
I don’t know, what prompted Australian captain Kim Hughes to label India as “Dark Horse”.How much serious was he – that was another question. And as you know, all these kind of stories emerged only when miracles happened.
Today, many of the players of the winning team proudly boasted that they knew it beforehand, they were confident – but you , I and everyone knew that each match of India was hard fought and not all the matches were won. India somehow survived to live just another day, each day throughout the tournament. In fact, in the middle stages of the tournament, India was all down, but out.And at the second match against Zimbabwe, India was like Amitabh Bachchan, back on the wall, pulled by rope around the neck, beaten ferociously in godown, ready to die and fry .But just like Amitabh, India somehow put his hand inside Peter’s shirt and got the key to escape.
...........Key to World Cup …
********************
9 th June 1983 ..........
When Atul was furious and irritated, he would take open book in hand, leave the room, go to the adjacent room of Roy and Baweja. Since after shifting of Rajoria to 210,it had one vacant cot ,to provide asylum to him.
Bizarre it was, he could tolerate singing of Baweja , but could not digest Kishore Kumar singing at Saxena’s transistor. That is a different thing that sometimes, Saxena hummed with the song( since he did not know much of the wordings).
But that day, all the fingers were pointing towards me.
The next day, we had the exam…
The transistor was lying on the study table but it was silent. But how long ?
“Saxena…May I switch on it ? Just a little…. Only score, then I’ll switch it off….Promise .......”
Saxena would flash his teeth which became as white as pearl since he was brushing it twice a day and once before going to sleep.
So I would switch on the transistor with Saxena’s overt blessing, deliberately ignoring Atul’s sulking.
Though four matches were being played simultaneously – England vs New Zealand,Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe Vs Australia …and ….and India Vs West Indies, I confined myself to the last one.
Direct telecast ? Forget it. Doordarshan bosses were thinking like me.Who would pay astronomical satellite bill, when India was indubitable to lose and lose badly .In fact, for the sake of argument, India’s last two world cup record was not dismal but abysmal. In
1975, they won one match out of three and 1979, they were vanquished in all the three.Yes, all three – that included a defeat against Sri Lanka who was not even recognized as a Test Playing nation at that time. Even “Akashvani” concluded that they had better
programs for large section of target audience. That included farmers, folk singers, poets,local stage artists, University Grant Commission, politicians and other news makers.
So, don’t even ask for direct telecast or All India Radio running commentary broadcast.
Rather, arrange the return tickets for India on June 20 – when they would finish the formality of playing the group matches and would be homesick by then.
B.B.C. was broadcasting the running commentary for the matches. But since four matches were being played simultaneously, they would cover each matches on round robin basis. The epoch of time , they were slicing was one hour. That meant they would cover India- West Indies match for fifteen minutes and then I could switch off transistor
for next forty five minutes. In the meanwhile, sometimes I search some sports news where I could get any updates about the match. That included “Khel Samachar” and “Sports News” at Akashwani, BBC London Hindi and Urdu service who liberally informed latest updates whenever something happened at the ground and news at Radio Pakistan.
That had irritated Atul Uprit and might be , first time at room no. 225, I was the culprit for his irk and migration .
Honestly, I could not resist. The match was really interesting. Can you recall the fearsome quartrate of West Indian pace battery ? Marshal, Holding, Garner ,Roberts – yes, all the four were playing on that day. There was no respite for Indian batsmen. If you remember, those were sixty over matches and each bowler was allowed to bowl twelve
over each.That means, forty eight overs of sizzling pace ! Rest twelve overs were to be divided by part time bowlers – Richards and Gomes.
Gavaskar and Shrikkanth started well.Well ? Just an opening partenership of 21 runs was considered “well” in front of those bowlers. Before the slice of fifteen minutes, Shikkanth scored quickfire 14 runes, smiled and satisfied that the job well done , edged a bowl from Holding and went to pavilion.
Next forty five minutes was complete blackout.The tranistor was silent. All the three room mates were studying.According to Indian time, it was around Four O’Clock. Secretly I just wished that those two room mates went for tea so that I could listen to the commentary without inviting any wrath.
Baweja came for my rescue. When Baweja called, no one normally refused.Going to khokha with Baweja was always full of fun. However, I had other interesting things to do.
So what had happened in those fifteen overs in between? India lost Gavaskar also, but it was not a collapse.Batsmen were trying constantly to study the ship and avoid further damages.It was interesting contest between Holding and Baba Amarnath, Roberts and
Sandeep Patil and so on.
Time for hour long BBC news followed by sports news and it was black out again.
In between, there was some intermittent interruption due to rain fall. However,the match continued. I was constantly scrapping all the resources to get the latest news.
It was about ten o‘clock night when finally I got the commentary of last few Indian overs.The score had crossed 250 marks.Wow ! Who was playing ? It was Pappu –Yashpal Sharma, who, alongwith the tailenders, managed to sew the innings and pull along.You said tailenders ? Hardly… That was the beauty of 1983 Indian World cup
team. Shastri came to bat after eight wickets were down.And Shastri was, by no means , a tail ender as per standard definition.By that time, he had even opened the innings for India.And in coming years, he became India’s regular one day opener.
So, the Indian score stopped at 262 in sixty overs.That was an achievement on its own –in front of West Indian pace battery.
=============================================================
It was inexorably certain that despite the score, India was going to lose the match by ten wickets.Might be, if not by ten then definitely by nine wicket.Or, it might happen that probably West Indies would lose one or two random wickets more .It was incredulous if they would settle for less than six wicket.If India could take five wickets, it would be victory for them.The batsmen stood tall in front of the pace battery .It was a challenge for the bowler to compliment their performance.But why morose thought overwhelmed my mind ? Just look at the batting line up - Greenidge and Haynes would open the innings.That would be followed by executioner Richards.Then Lloyd was there .If anything went wrong by any chance,uber-cool Gomes and Bacchus would steer the ship .I didn't think if West Indies would ever need the emergency services of Dujon and Marshall.But in case, they got the chance to bat, they would show that their batting skills could not be taken likely.In short, if at all any hope was there, it was very bleak and slim.
West Indies started their innings and rain came for the respite for India. As such , Indian innings was also interrupted by rain many a times.Ultimately when the play resumed,Greenidge and Haynes were pulling the score with ease .And suddenly , Haynes got out.At that time, the West Indies score was 49. Who took his wicket ? Hi Hi Hi, he was run out. Richards came on the pitch.Suddenly Sardaar Balwinder Singh Sandhu produced a beauty and timber behind Greenidge got disturbed. I was delighted. At least, India was not going to lose the match by ten or nine wickets.At least , they are not bequeathing the match on silver platter.
It was late night.Atul was already sleeping to wake up early morning. The next day, we had the exam.Even the players called it a day little later. At that time, West Indies were 67 for 2. Suddenly , the commentary was shifted to another venue and I received first profound tremor of the world cup.
The age has excellent whip of life which brought everyone on to his knees.It had happened even with Arjuna.After Mahabharata battle when he could not protect the women from trite dacoits.
That day it happened to great Thomson, Lilly and Rodney Marsh. It was not less than a bombshell that star studded team of Australia lost to Zimbabwe .
Sometimes, it did not matter, sometimes it looked revelation, sometimes , something to ponder, but let me specify the margin of defeat. The margin was just 13 runs. Again, Australia was not all out.They had lost seven wickets. The partnership of eighth wicket between Marsh and Hogg was unfinished and it was worth 50 runs. How did it happen that Australia, who had batsmen like - Kim Hughes , Boarder,Hookes in their team, could not score 239 runs and could make just 226 in 60 overs? Lillee took two wickets in his 12 overs , but he gave 47 runs.Thomson did not buy any wicket in his 11 overs and he spent 46 runs.The inclusion of Lily Thomson and Marsh was lashed out in Australian media, that they were encumbered with the lame horses .That was the last time, when the fearsome trio of Lillee, Thomson and Marsh played together. After that, Lillee played two more matches, but Thomson played none.
I am cent percent sure that if Paul Condon's anti corruption unit for match fixing existed in those days, this match would have been very much under its microscope.
****************************************************************
How was the exam next day ?
Honestly , I can not recall.It was in the afternoon, i.e., from 1 to 4 slot . After having heavy brunch, we went to write the exam.But I do remember that when I came back and switch on the transistor West Indies had squandered seven wickets.Seven wickets ?Astounding ... By the time, I tried to absorb the shock ,the omnipotent finger of umpire showed stubborn Lloyd the way to hut.130 for 8 ?My joy knew no bounds.At the down stairs,the guys were tallying the answers and I was just waiting if the commentator would read the score card, just for me.It was too shocking to comprehend.How did it happen ? Who put the ginny inside the bottle? What happened to mighty Richards and company ?
Who was at the crease then ? Long handle players Roberts and Holding.West Indies had not even touch the half way mark.They had long way to go.But those two played sensibly to give some anxious moment and frustration to India. Roger Binny and Patil were bowling. Those two tailenders had already added 27 crucial runs.
Suddenly, Kapil tossed The ball towards Shastri and Shstri provided the breakthrough. India was just one wicket away from the major upset. The wicket proved elusive. Roberts and Garner started bombarding the Indian bowling.
To rub the salt further, BBC stopped the commentary and it was the time for World News followed by Sports News. Time to go out and see the world around me. I saw Manish Gupta, standing on the ground between common room and B block, having transistor glued in his ears.There was small crowd gathered around him. Definitely,Manish Gupta was not the music lover who could tune to filmi song so attentively and others looked at his face with some anticipation of magic words to drop out from his mouth any moment. But what was he listening? It was the time for world news in BBC and it would be followed by sports news.That would cover Soccer,Rugby ,Athletics, Cycling , Boxing,Canoeing , Archery and Cricket. In Cricket also, they would cover scores of country wide county matches and they would say a few sentences about today's world cup match.But Manish Gupta was keen .Since India needed just one wicket , those few sentences would have that news. Nothing happened. Probably, it was
raining again. I joined the crowd near Manish Gupta, watching his face, nothing happen.
Probably, things happened only on Saxena's transistor - I concluded and headed for my room. Yes, it was almost one hour and no exclaimation from Manish Gupta.That was really a cause of worry. I switched on the transistor, it was tuned to B.B.C, undisturbed.
But still, it was transistor of yesteryears. If you switch off and switch on after a while,you had to do at least some fine tuning to get the station again. I was just doing the fine tuning , then I heard the shout from Manish Gupta and group. Yes, Shastri was called as a change bowler.And on his very first ball, Garner stepped out and ever ready Kirmani did the stumping. India won the match by 34 runs.Right, that last wicket partnership was looking ominous. It added 71 runs. But at last, somehow something happened.
===============================================================
Hey, you wanted me to describe the delirious scene in hostel ?
Sorry, if you recall, there were none, except some shouting from Manish Gupta and party which was eventually muffled in the hush of the evening.Most of the guys had already left for the city for after exam freak out. That included my room mates. Both of them.
I really doubt , even Indian players had celebrated the spectacular win with their hearts content.They had to play the next match at very next day.
I am not sure about you guys ,but I relished the first of three days gap each time.It was always the part of extended relaxation.
What to say if it included a tension free one day match against lowly minnows.
Monnows? They had beaten Australia just the other day.Well, let us put it in this way, the weakest opponent for India in that group.
I had a lot of 'rajma' (kidney beans) at the lunch, had a nice afternoon nap.Got up in time , stretched full length and pounced over the transistor.
Considering the fact that both had upset the mighty teams in opening encounter of group "B", exciting contest was in the offing. Though it turned out to be hardly any contest,(even naming it 'contest' was trifle exaggeration.), I could hardly complain.
India won the toss and put Zimbabwe in .
Zimbabwe kept on losing the wickets at regular interval and by 8 p.m., the whole team was folded, packed and sealed on 155.Nothing about that innings is worth mentioning.
Yes , Indian wicket keeper Sayed Kirmani pouched five catches.That was a world record at that time.
India's chase began.Commentator was telling again and again the Zimbabwe's fielding was top class. The intention of emphsising the fact in a banal repeatation was, 155 runs should be considered equivalent to 200.
Gavaskar fell cheaply on 4 runs.Srikkanth scored fast food like 20 and then joined Gavaskar in pavilion. Baba Amarnath and Sandeep Patil played sensibly. Patil completed his half century Then he thought ,he had done his bit He would like to join others in hut and give new batsmen some chance to warm up .However, just withing 37 overs, India scampered through the match.
After that , Saxena had ample time to listen his favourite songs on Vividh Bharti, sing side by side and bob his head like a noddy toy on the tune. By the way, if you recall,in those days, Vividh Bharti pulled down the shutters by 11 O'Clock. And when Saxena took over the tranistor, Chhaya Geet , the program about thematic song was on, which used to be on air between 10 to 10-30.Now, you can imagine how easy the victory was.
Plenty of the time was spared for the listeners, viewers and spectators.
=========================================================
I am cent percent sure that if Paul Condon's anti corruption unit for match fixing existed in those days, this match would have been very much under its microscope.
****************************************************************
How was the exam next day ?
Honestly , I can not recall.It was in the afternoon, i.e., from 1 to 4 slot . After having heavy brunch, we went to write the exam.But I do remember that when I came back and switch on the transistor West Indies had squandered seven wickets.Seven wickets ?Astounding ... By the time, I tried to absorb the shock ,the omnipotent finger of umpire showed stubborn Lloyd the way to hut.130 for 8 ?My joy knew no bounds.At the down stairs,the guys were tallying the answers and I was just waiting if the commentator would read the score card, just for me.It was too shocking to comprehend.How did it happen ? Who put the ginny inside the bottle? What happened to mighty Richards and company ?
Who was at the crease then ? Long handle players Roberts and Holding.West Indies had not even touch the half way mark.They had long way to go.But those two played sensibly to give some anxious moment and frustration to India. Roger Binny and Patil were bowling. Those two tailenders had already added 27 crucial runs.
Suddenly, Kapil tossed The ball towards Shastri and Shstri provided the breakthrough. India was just one wicket away from the major upset. The wicket proved elusive. Roberts and Garner started bombarding the Indian bowling.
To rub the salt further, BBC stopped the commentary and it was the time for World News followed by Sports News. Time to go out and see the world around me. I saw Manish Gupta, standing on the ground between common room and B block, having transistor glued in his ears.There was small crowd gathered around him. Definitely,Manish Gupta was not the music lover who could tune to filmi song so attentively and others looked at his face with some anticipation of magic words to drop out from his mouth any moment. But what was he listening? It was the time for world news in BBC and it would be followed by sports news.That would cover Soccer,Rugby ,Athletics, Cycling , Boxing,Canoeing , Archery and Cricket. In Cricket also, they would cover scores of country wide county matches and they would say a few sentences about today's world cup match.But Manish Gupta was keen .Since India needed just one wicket , those few sentences would have that news. Nothing happened. Probably, it was
raining again. I joined the crowd near Manish Gupta, watching his face, nothing happen.
Probably, things happened only on Saxena's transistor - I concluded and headed for my room. Yes, it was almost one hour and no exclaimation from Manish Gupta.That was really a cause of worry. I switched on the transistor, it was tuned to B.B.C, undisturbed.
But still, it was transistor of yesteryears. If you switch off and switch on after a while,you had to do at least some fine tuning to get the station again. I was just doing the fine tuning , then I heard the shout from Manish Gupta and group. Yes, Shastri was called as a change bowler.And on his very first ball, Garner stepped out and ever ready Kirmani did the stumping. India won the match by 34 runs.Right, that last wicket partnership was looking ominous. It added 71 runs. But at last, somehow something happened.
===============================================================
Hey, you wanted me to describe the delirious scene in hostel ?
Sorry, if you recall, there were none, except some shouting from Manish Gupta and party which was eventually muffled in the hush of the evening.Most of the guys had already left for the city for after exam freak out. That included my room mates. Both of them.
I really doubt , even Indian players had celebrated the spectacular win with their hearts content.They had to play the next match at very next day.
I am not sure about you guys ,but I relished the first of three days gap each time.It was always the part of extended relaxation.
What to say if it included a tension free one day match against lowly minnows.
Monnows? They had beaten Australia just the other day.Well, let us put it in this way, the weakest opponent for India in that group.
I had a lot of 'rajma' (kidney beans) at the lunch, had a nice afternoon nap.Got up in time , stretched full length and pounced over the transistor.
Considering the fact that both had upset the mighty teams in opening encounter of group "B", exciting contest was in the offing. Though it turned out to be hardly any contest,(even naming it 'contest' was trifle exaggeration.), I could hardly complain.
India won the toss and put Zimbabwe in .
Zimbabwe kept on losing the wickets at regular interval and by 8 p.m., the whole team was folded, packed and sealed on 155.Nothing about that innings is worth mentioning.
Yes , Indian wicket keeper Sayed Kirmani pouched five catches.That was a world record at that time.
India's chase began.Commentator was telling again and again the Zimbabwe's fielding was top class. The intention of emphsising the fact in a banal repeatation was, 155 runs should be considered equivalent to 200.
Gavaskar fell cheaply on 4 runs.Srikkanth scored fast food like 20 and then joined Gavaskar in pavilion. Baba Amarnath and Sandeep Patil played sensibly. Patil completed his half century Then he thought ,he had done his bit He would like to join others in hut and give new batsmen some chance to warm up .However, just withing 37 overs, India scampered through the match.
After that , Saxena had ample time to listen his favourite songs on Vividh Bharti, sing side by side and bob his head like a noddy toy on the tune. By the way, if you recall,in those days, Vividh Bharti pulled down the shutters by 11 O'Clock. And when Saxena took over the tranistor, Chhaya Geet , the program about thematic song was on, which used to be on air between 10 to 10-30.Now, you can imagine how easy the victory was.
Plenty of the time was spared for the listeners, viewers and spectators.
=========================================================
Meanwhile, Yes, meanwhile let me warn you.The plan was cooking up.
Daily Saxena and Roy were seen busy in adding the finer details in already fine tuned and intricate plan and Atul joined them. So far as I was concerned, I gave my endorsement about joining it right from the beginning , but I was not that kind of guy who believes too much in micro management. I was the most mis-managed person after Baweja.For me,anything they came up with was ok.But Baweja ? I don't know why, he always got annoyed when he saw something brewing under his nose.Rawat and Rajoria were also skeptical about the plan and they steered clear.
Slowly and steadily, the last paper was coming near. So was the time to execute the plan and so was another nerve-racking match - India Vs Australia.
India had killed one giant indeed.Now , everyone was expecting - they would at least stand up in front of another giant. At least I was not so optimistic that miracle would happen second time.Just two years back, In one of the World Series Cricket match, India was folded against Australians for paltry 63 runs just two years back.
************************
"Hello I am Vijay." He chirped with big grin over his face.
"I am also Vijay." I replied cautiously ,"but who are you ?"
"I am Vijay.",He repeated , somewhat puzzled.
"Accepted. But how did you come in ?"
What had happened ?
We were in exam hall for last three hours, writing the last paper-Engineering Chemistry.
When I reached at the room,to my bewilderment , the door was locked, not from the outside, but from inside. Normally, it was my habit that after any paper, without discussing questions with others and tallying, then ruing about the answer - thus effectuating the mood off - I always dashed for the room. So, invariably , I would be the first to reach the room, ahead of Saxena and Uprit.
When the door opened, someone, who claimed himself as Vijay was already in the room. So, it was legitimate for me to ask him that how he entered inside.
" No, Key was there. At the top of the door.I picked it from there."
That was our understanding .Though each one of us had room key, many of the times,specially during exam days, we notice that someone or the other room mate had forgotten his bunch of key. It was very straightforward to figure out. Most of the time, the bunch of the key was hanging on his cupboard's key hole. Sometimes, it was laying on the table. Then the other room mate would detach the room key from his key ring and keep it above the door.
"But how did you know where to find the key ?"Though it was unwrapped secret in hostel ,yet it was not universal truth. That fellow was outsider. "No, Raju Bhaiya told me."
Ok, so , he was the sibling of either Uprit or Saxena whomsoever was having
nickname "Raju". If I looked at him closely, it would not have been convoluted task to untangle it, but I was rather preoccupied somewhat .
Anyway, it did not take long to figure out whose sibling he was. Saxena came in the room with Roy. "Raju Bhaiya".Another Vijay exclaimed.
"Oye Titu." Ajay Saxena said. Raju and Titu were embracing each other.The looming inscrutability ended there.
He was Ajay Saxena's brother Vijay Saxena who joined RECK three years later in 86 batch .Incidently,in Physics department, there was a research scholar from Bhopal, who later joined the lecturership.. Dr. Kamra became Ajay Saxena's friend during our first year itself . Ajay Saxena had invited him for lunch many times. Three and a half year later, when he saw Vijay Saxena as first year student in Physics lab, he just looked at him closely and called him.Without referring to roll call register, he exclaimed with certain degree of conviction,"But, you look like Ajay Saxena's brother...."
Morale is - I confess- my observation and recognition power is very myopic.
==============================================================
I hope your observation power is not that bad.
You must have noted down that solitary excuses I could present for non-recognizing junior Saxena was , 'I was preoccupied'.
You might ask, where was I preoccupied ?
That was June 13, 1983, when India was playing against Australia at Nottingham,whose forests, once upon a time, were known for Robin Hood.
Surprises , surprises...the Australians had decided to drop Lilli and Thompson from their team. Had they gone mad ? Do you imagine today's Indian team where Zahir and Bajji , dropped from the team , if they failed to take wicket in one or two matches ? No sir, that was always Australia. They won't recognize past glory for combating on present day. Agreed that you guys formed the
formidable opening bowling pair in 1975, but you played badly in first match against Zimbabwe. So, they were cooling their heels in dressing room.
But we Indians always known for respecting venerated names. We were awestruck by his batting, just because his name was Chappell. For rest of the world, he was better known as 'under armed bowler' because he bowled last ball under-armed against New Zealand in one of the one days two years back ( as per the instruction of the captain who happened to be his 'another' glorious brother), but for India our bowlers were simply enthralled because he was Chappell. It did not matter that he was just a shadow of his more illustrious brothers - Greg and Ian .Traver Chappell opened the innings You might be curious to know how many centuries that Chappell had scored in his International Cricket ( i.e. one days and test matches) life ? Believe me, that number is 'uno'- he scored just one century. That was against India at Nottingham on 13 June 1983.Yes, sir, I am talking out that match. By the
time, Ajay Saxena, Baweja , Roy and Uprit took Junior Saxena to Khoka , the time they were treating him with Milk cake, precisely , at the same time, I was listening in frustration, how artfully Trevor Martin Chappell was milking the Indian bowlers.As such , Kapil Paji scalped Wessels in initial overs, just for five. But after that captain Kim Hughes and Chappell took the score to 155.
Since it was the last exam, Baweja proposed the guys to show Junior Saxena a movie in one of the Kurukshetra theatres.You might think that arranging some bicycles would not have any problem since most of the Haryanvi might have left . But the fact was, it did not matter, since most of the Haryanvis did not have bicycle. They in fact hardly needed it. We used bicycle to venture out to city and come back to the hostel after fulfilling hearts and tummy's content. Haryanvis went to city on rikshaw and from there , they boarded on the buses for their respective towns.When they traced the path back, they would get rikshaw at bus stop and come back to the hostel. That was all. So, that was the last exam. Everyone went to city.Even those, who had early morning train next day, had gone to adorn one of the movie theatres in city.But it was Baweja's knack to secure and arrange the bicycles. However, at the Nottingham, the other Haryanvi was not able to secure wickets and restrain flow of runs to a respectable limit. As such, only three players scored - Travor
Chappell, Kim Hughes and Graham Yellop.But the score had crossed three hundred mark and it stopped at 320.It was meaningless that Kapil Paji took five wickets.However, if you look at the score card today, it looked slightly preponderous that Ravi Shastri sent down just two overs and part time bowler- Patil was used for six overs.
Anyway, when I went to mess for the last supper of first year, I did not find many guys who could relish the importance of 'Last Supper'.In fact,I asked Darshan Lal, if dinner would be served that evening.
"Khana taiyar hai ji (Food is ready)." He said,"But no one is there to eat."
Unlike the match on June 9, all the other matches were on expected lines. West Indies against Zimbabwe, England against Pakistan and New Zealand against Sri Lanka were all firmly in command. They dismissed their opponents cheaply. Sadly, this match was also on expected line to certain extent. However, I expected some fireworks from India. I took the transistor at mess.Though Saxena told me many a times not to carry the transistor outside the room, it was one of those days, when all the rules were relaxed.
"Is this Saxena's transistor?" Two Biharis, two 'Rajivs', Rajiv Mishra and Rajiv Yadav were sitting with me.
"Yes", I replied.
"What is the score?"Rajiv Yadav asked.
"320." I replied. "Too much. What will India do ? Problem is Gavaskar is not playing too."He replied.
"What ? Gavaskar? Not playing?Why?"I was shocked.
"God knows.Kapil Dev is Jaatu Haryanvi.He knows better."
But that underlined the guts of Haryanvi Kapil.Without bothering about reputation and past glory, just like Australian, he did something which was best for his country. After the world cup, there were many theories why Gavaskar did not play those two matches which India lost.The theory floated that he was not 'fit'.But I personally felt that he was 'dropped'.Though it was not less than bombshell,that was logical also.Even in those matches which he played in that World cup, his contribution was scanty.He looked sort of, out of place in one day squad.Would you like to see the scores of the 'Greatest
Sportsperson of the Century- voted in sometimes back concluded CNN - IBN poll? Those interesting figures would pop up your eyes -
First Match (Vs West Indies) – 19 runs in 44 ball
Second Match (Vs Zimbabwe) – 4 runs in 11 balls
Third and forth match – dropped from the team
Fifth Match (vs Zimbabwe) – 0 in 2 balls
Sixth Match (vs Australia) – 9 runs in 10 balls
Semi Final (vs England) 25 in 41 balls (highest score)
Final(vs West Indies) 2 runs in 12 balls
Ok, let us come back to the match.Shastri (who played at number 10 in first match) and Srikkanth started the Indian innings.Till the time, I was on dinner table and 15 min slot of commentary was allotted to India's match, everything looked good. Shastri and Srikkanth were negotiating confidently the bowling of Lawson and Hogg. So, where did the plot go wrong? Once I left the mess table and went back to the room ...
As such , 320 was mammoth score. It was certain that sooner or later,
India would bend, buckle and crumble under the pressure. But the way they capitulated , was really horrendous..
He was the second change bowler.The name was Ken MacLeay.
"Never heard of" , I heard you saying.
What exactly did he do ? He scalped six wickets in the bargain of 39 runs.
The time, when Baweja and company was watching and enjoying Jayaprada dancing in the tune of Jitendra in one of the Luxurious theatre of Kurukshetra , I was tuned to another dance, which Indian team was performing in the spellbound tune of Ken Macleay. The movie and Indian Innings finished almost same time..But while Baweja and party had satisfaction of "Paisa wasool" writ large on their faces, I was appalled by pathetic performance by the Indian team.The team was folded on just 158. Kapil Praji top scored with 40 run in 27 balls.
*************************************
Sabere waali gaadi se chale jayenge….”(we will go by morning tain) “Don’t scream yaar.If you want to go , go.But please let us sleep.”
That was precisely what Saxena uttered to Pradeep Rawat and “Daddu” Prince, when they came early morning to say good bye to us.He and “Daddu” Rajoria, were traveling by Jhelam Express Other guys were so tired that it was tough to bid even good bye to them with eyes kept open.Another noxious side effect was, the plan to start early for Chandigarh went South.
Did I say 'plan' ? Sory , sorry.It was a false cal.Time is not right to raise the curtain..Not yet...Sorry for premature exposure....
As usual, Atul Uprit woke up early in the morning.There was an extra cot in Roy’s room, which was spare since Rajoria migrated to room 210.Ajay Saxena brought it in our room and joined it with his cot.That was a nice arrangement for junior Saxena but my cot was pushed up to the door.That means, the door could not be opened without my cot being disturbed.First, “Daddu” Prince kicked the door early in the morning.
“Abhi tak so rahe ho kya (Still sleeping)? Hen Hen , hum log chale…(we are going) Thakur, tu bhi so raha hai(Thakur , you are also sleeping?) .Abe tu to movie nahin gaya tha (You did not go to the movie last night ..)”
Atul alone went outside to say some nice whispering bargain words to them.Others were still sleeping like logs.
*********************
=====
Starting the journey late had its own advantage.We got extra time to persuade Baweja to join us, but he did not buzz.
“But Baweja, why are you not coming ? “
“I am not going to Bhopal either.” The angry young man roared.
“Precisely.Come with us.What is there in Bhiwani ?”That was desperate last ditch effort to persuade him.I took him to one corner.
“What is the matter Baweja?You know, we have already decided to make a most economical arrangement.Don’t worry too much about expenditure.”
“Paise ka sawal hi kahan uthataa hai mere bhai (Where is the question of bucks , my brother)?” Baweja replied,”I am annoyed with the way they asked me – Chalanaa hai to chal, koi manayegaa nahin tujhe (If you want to come, then come.No one will request you )…Is this the way to ask a room mate or your friend ?”
“Baweja,forget it "
"Yaar.See, I am requesting you.Well, if you are not going , I’ll not go."
”tu jaa yaar.(You go , Pal)” He pushed me, “why altering your plan due to my problem ? "
"No ???" I was expecting a pause, a hesitation, a fraction of cogitation.But I got a bowlers back drive like a bullet.
“No, Have fun..”
Baweja was slightly touchy.It required little delicacy to handle his mood.But that day, he was simply pissed off. He said ‘No’ since the plan was floated and discussed.Atul tried a lot to persuade him since last week or so. In fact, after the second raid, Baweja became more adamant, edgy and little sentimental.
That day, he helped us in packing .He carried some of our bags to mess , called therikshaw. But he did not go.
Sometimes, I felt that I need another birth to understand an enigma, whose name was Baweja….
*******************************************************************
So, the number - SIX ...
Six guys at last started their journey for Chandigarh six hours behind the schedule(if there existed any,not sure).Six ? yes, if count and include myself - If I counted, including myself, we were six. Ashok Kumar Kakkad, Atul Uprit , Sanjay Roy , Saxena brothers and yours truly.
That was a hot summer afternoon. Mansoon might have hit elsewhere, but India is a big country.The trip from Pipli to Chandigarh in summer afternoon, that too in Haryana Roadways crowded bus- just think of it and you will sweat. The steel roof, steel floor steel walls of bus , all were good conductor and capicitor of heat energy. In the name of air conditioner, you could open the window and fresh air alongwith the dust would blow in. Even though the
traffic was normal, the number of guys in standing would match with number of fortunate once sitting on the seat.Though we did not get seat immediately , but after Ambala, we were definitely sitting, though not exactly in the adjacent or nearby seats but some scattered around the bus..
However, as the bus approached near Chandigarh and and lot of guys got down by then, we six sat together.
“Where will we stay in Chandigarh?”
“Anywhere, where could stay economically.” Atul replied.
“But comfortably.” Kakkad added.
Both the points were valid - but unfortunately, contrast to each other.We were student, traveling with our own saving. So economy would always take the precedence. However, why were we traveling ? To have little fun .But if economy were in back of our mind, could we live comfortably ?
It seemed both could never marry .But we stayed Chandigarh, economically and comfortably.
How ?
***************
Flashback –
That was just one month back.I was in Chandigarh for Roorkee Engineering exam.
If you guys remember, when it was time for filling up IIT JEE form, we were writing our first semester exam.I could not fill up the form, since it required Father’s signature.By the time I sent it home and it came back, the last date was over.
See, those were not the days of courier services or speed mail.Probably I could have made it in time,if I had known about it a little early.But ok, it was not in my fate to appear in JEE even once , so that was all.
When it came to Roorkee, I did the smart but practical thing. I pull out the RECK admission form from my bag, located father’s signature..Then hold it on the glass of window, where sun light was coming from opposite direction, put the Roorkee Application form on top of that .Now, father’s signature was visible .I simply traced it.
Now , today many of you guys might tell the Roorkee was not worth of that much trouble.In fact, many of our batch mates had even offer for Roorkee but they preferred to join RECK, mostly, because they were not getting good branches.It was true that Roorkee had lost much of its shine over the years, but my elder brother always challenged me about Roorkee and that was something I had to try.
Well, my centre for Roorkee exam was Chandigarh.
Jugraj, the room mate of Chhabda and Tilak Raj, was also appearing for exam.He saw my application form and exclaimed,”Oh, your centre is DAV? Mine is also DAV.”
He briefed me about how to reach DAV and said at the end,”Ok, see you at DAV.”
I knew that D.A.V. college was Kapil’s college. Forget about Roorkee entrance, I was rather thrilled to see the ground where he would practiced before his induction to Indian team.
Just few days back, there was a bomb blast at Chandigarh Bus stand.The trouble days had just begun.So, when I got down, my initial reaction was, to get away from bus stand.It was interesting to see the buses from many states . There were PEPSU buses, which had the symbol of flying horse painted on them.There were green with yellow strip buses of DTC.There were buses from Himachal roadways and then, there were buses from Haryana Roadways.I was just fascinated .After the ISBT in Delhi, that bus stop looked quite mesmorizing.
“Trng, trng”, just observing me looking here and there, one rikshaw wala came and asked,”Where do you want to go saab?”
Where did I want to go ? I myself did not know.And as you know, in India , in any city, be it Jabalpur, Raipur, Bhopal , Indore or Jhumritalaiya – if you leave it to rikshawwala, they would take you to some luxurious hotel.
He took me to some remote hotel, where the charge was Rs. 120/- per day.
I had just Rs. 250/- in pocket and I had to stay for two days. And I would have to have budget for food , local transport and return ticket as well.
“Two hundred Rupees deposit”.The clerk on the counter said.
So, I was left with fifty rupees.
I did not have any other option , but to search for a different hotel after checking in that hotel.I did not have any time on the following day since I had to write two papers , one in morning , one in evening.
So, instead of concentrating on paper the next day, I had to search for another hotel, just to live for another day. I was just wandering about. Asking for the rates here and there.Four five guys were sitting under a tree, chewing paan.
Mostly, in India, those bunch of guys are huge resources of local information.I explained my situation.
“But why do you want to leave that hotel?” One of them suspected.
“It is costly.” I was a shy alright, but now it was a situation for survival.I had to tell them the truth.
“Where are you from ?”
“I am from M.P.” I said.
“M.P.? Then why are you here ? “ one of them got suspicious.
“No, I mean, I want appear in engineering entrance exam.” I was not sure even if they heard of the name of Roorkee.
“You said you are a student.What do you study.”
“I am studying in an engineering college.”
“Huh, you study in an engineering college and you are appearing for the entrance test of an engineering college.Sorry , please tell us who you are.Otherwise, we can not help you.”
“Believe me.That is true.” Then I explained them that Rorrkee was the much reputed college.That it was the first engeering college in India and it was a prestigious college.
“So your college in not prestigious.Which college is that?”
“No, it is not like that .But Roorkee is … I mean a prestigious college.”
“Where do you study now?”
“Kurukshettar.” I tried to match their accent.
That was a mistake.They grew more suspicious.
“You said you are from M.P.But your accent does not seem like the guys from M.P.It is more like western U.P.In fact, it does not even seem to cross Haryana boarder.Would you mind coming to police station?”
I had no other option, but pull out my identity card. Just looking into that convinced them immediately.They directed me to Bharat Seva Sangh.
I can’t blame those guys.The trouble time had just begun and Chandigarh was rocked by a bomb blast some days back.
Now, you might ask , what happened to my Roorkee exam.Before I wound up , I would like to narrate what happened next day.
Next day, first thing I did was, checked out early morning from the hotel , since check out time was 11 O’Clock, shifted to Bharat Seva Sangh and then went to D.A.V., as per Juggu’s direction.
I found Juggu at the exam centre, attired in sky blue shirt and dark blue jeans, looking fresh and raring to go.
“There is the sitting arrangement.” He pointed a number of boards, arranged side by side, where printouts of the the sitting arrangements were pasted.
I searched once , twice and thrice- my number was not there.
“Juggu, my number is missing.”I panicked.
“What ? Inform immediately to centre head.But let me check.Show me your admit card.Let me check”
He looked closely at my admit card,”Thakur.You have come to a wrong place.Your centre is D.A.V. school.This is D.A.V. college.Rush….rush… you still have tome.You can make it…”
As per Murphy’s law, whenever things go against you, you would not find any aid.I could not see any rikshaw near by, no auto..I just ran on the street, asking the guys here and there, where was D.A.V. school.It was not so near. Ultimately I got a rikshaw.By the time, I reached the centre, I was 25 minutes late.If I were late by another five minutes, I would not have allowed to go in.
When I reached to my seat huffing and puffing, sardaar invigilator went outside and hawled,”Paani laana ji jara, thanda thanda paani…ek candidate ko chahiye….(Please bring the water.Cold water. One candidate needs it iimediately)”
You can well imagine how I fared in the exam.To be frank, I was not prepared at the first place.These kinds of exam require special prepapration.That is possible only when you are in school.When you are in a hostel, that too, in another engineering college, it is absolutely difficult, if not impossible. I conclude that Juggu was was exceptional..period.....
************************************************************************
=====
Starting the journey late had its own advantage.We got extra time to persuade Baweja to join us, but he did not buzz.
“But Baweja, why are you not coming ? “
“I am not going to Bhopal either.” The angry young man roared.
“Precisely.Come with us.What is there in Bhiwani ?”That was desperate last ditch effort to persuade him.I took him to one corner.
“What is the matter Baweja?You know, we have already decided to make a most economical arrangement.Don’t worry too much about expenditure.”
“Paise ka sawal hi kahan uthataa hai mere bhai (Where is the question of bucks , my brother)?” Baweja replied,”I am annoyed with the way they asked me – Chalanaa hai to chal, koi manayegaa nahin tujhe (If you want to come, then come.No one will request you )…Is this the way to ask a room mate or your friend ?”
“Baweja,forget it "
"Yaar.See, I am requesting you.Well, if you are not going , I’ll not go."
”tu jaa yaar.(You go , Pal)” He pushed me, “why altering your plan due to my problem ? "
"No ???" I was expecting a pause, a hesitation, a fraction of cogitation.But I got a bowlers back drive like a bullet.
“No, Have fun..”
Baweja was slightly touchy.It required little delicacy to handle his mood.But that day, he was simply pissed off. He said ‘No’ since the plan was floated and discussed.Atul tried a lot to persuade him since last week or so. In fact, after the second raid, Baweja became more adamant, edgy and little sentimental.
That day, he helped us in packing .He carried some of our bags to mess , called therikshaw. But he did not go.
Sometimes, I felt that I need another birth to understand an enigma, whose name was Baweja….
*******************************************************************
So, the number - SIX ...
Six guys at last started their journey for Chandigarh six hours behind the schedule(if there existed any,not sure).Six ? yes, if count and include myself - If I counted, including myself, we were six. Ashok Kumar Kakkad, Atul Uprit , Sanjay Roy , Saxena brothers and yours truly.
That was a hot summer afternoon. Mansoon might have hit elsewhere, but India is a big country.The trip from Pipli to Chandigarh in summer afternoon, that too in Haryana Roadways crowded bus- just think of it and you will sweat. The steel roof, steel floor steel walls of bus , all were good conductor and capicitor of heat energy. In the name of air conditioner, you could open the window and fresh air alongwith the dust would blow in. Even though the
traffic was normal, the number of guys in standing would match with number of fortunate once sitting on the seat.Though we did not get seat immediately , but after Ambala, we were definitely sitting, though not exactly in the adjacent or nearby seats but some scattered around the bus..
However, as the bus approached near Chandigarh and and lot of guys got down by then, we six sat together.
“Where will we stay in Chandigarh?”
“Anywhere, where could stay economically.” Atul replied.
“But comfortably.” Kakkad added.
Both the points were valid - but unfortunately, contrast to each other.We were student, traveling with our own saving. So economy would always take the precedence. However, why were we traveling ? To have little fun .But if economy were in back of our mind, could we live comfortably ?
It seemed both could never marry .But we stayed Chandigarh, economically and comfortably.
How ?
***************
Flashback –
That was just one month back.I was in Chandigarh for Roorkee Engineering exam.
If you guys remember, when it was time for filling up IIT JEE form, we were writing our first semester exam.I could not fill up the form, since it required Father’s signature.By the time I sent it home and it came back, the last date was over.
See, those were not the days of courier services or speed mail.Probably I could have made it in time,if I had known about it a little early.But ok, it was not in my fate to appear in JEE even once , so that was all.
When it came to Roorkee, I did the smart but practical thing. I pull out the RECK admission form from my bag, located father’s signature..Then hold it on the glass of window, where sun light was coming from opposite direction, put the Roorkee Application form on top of that .Now, father’s signature was visible .I simply traced it.
Now , today many of you guys might tell the Roorkee was not worth of that much trouble.In fact, many of our batch mates had even offer for Roorkee but they preferred to join RECK, mostly, because they were not getting good branches.It was true that Roorkee had lost much of its shine over the years, but my elder brother always challenged me about Roorkee and that was something I had to try.
Well, my centre for Roorkee exam was Chandigarh.
Jugraj, the room mate of Chhabda and Tilak Raj, was also appearing for exam.He saw my application form and exclaimed,”Oh, your centre is DAV? Mine is also DAV.”
He briefed me about how to reach DAV and said at the end,”Ok, see you at DAV.”
I knew that D.A.V. college was Kapil’s college. Forget about Roorkee entrance, I was rather thrilled to see the ground where he would practiced before his induction to Indian team.
Just few days back, there was a bomb blast at Chandigarh Bus stand.The trouble days had just begun.So, when I got down, my initial reaction was, to get away from bus stand.It was interesting to see the buses from many states . There were PEPSU buses, which had the symbol of flying horse painted on them.There were green with yellow strip buses of DTC.There were buses from Himachal roadways and then, there were buses from Haryana Roadways.I was just fascinated .After the ISBT in Delhi, that bus stop looked quite mesmorizing.
“Trng, trng”, just observing me looking here and there, one rikshaw wala came and asked,”Where do you want to go saab?”
Where did I want to go ? I myself did not know.And as you know, in India , in any city, be it Jabalpur, Raipur, Bhopal , Indore or Jhumritalaiya – if you leave it to rikshawwala, they would take you to some luxurious hotel.
He took me to some remote hotel, where the charge was Rs. 120/- per day.
I had just Rs. 250/- in pocket and I had to stay for two days. And I would have to have budget for food , local transport and return ticket as well.
“Two hundred Rupees deposit”.The clerk on the counter said.
So, I was left with fifty rupees.
I did not have any other option , but to search for a different hotel after checking in that hotel.I did not have any time on the following day since I had to write two papers , one in morning , one in evening.
So, instead of concentrating on paper the next day, I had to search for another hotel, just to live for another day. I was just wandering about. Asking for the rates here and there.Four five guys were sitting under a tree, chewing paan.
Mostly, in India, those bunch of guys are huge resources of local information.I explained my situation.
“But why do you want to leave that hotel?” One of them suspected.
“It is costly.” I was a shy alright, but now it was a situation for survival.I had to tell them the truth.
“Where are you from ?”
“I am from M.P.” I said.
“M.P.? Then why are you here ? “ one of them got suspicious.
“No, I mean, I want appear in engineering entrance exam.” I was not sure even if they heard of the name of Roorkee.
“You said you are a student.What do you study.”
“I am studying in an engineering college.”
“Huh, you study in an engineering college and you are appearing for the entrance test of an engineering college.Sorry , please tell us who you are.Otherwise, we can not help you.”
“Believe me.That is true.” Then I explained them that Rorrkee was the much reputed college.That it was the first engeering college in India and it was a prestigious college.
“So your college in not prestigious.Which college is that?”
“No, it is not like that .But Roorkee is … I mean a prestigious college.”
“Where do you study now?”
“Kurukshettar.” I tried to match their accent.
That was a mistake.They grew more suspicious.
“You said you are from M.P.But your accent does not seem like the guys from M.P.It is more like western U.P.In fact, it does not even seem to cross Haryana boarder.Would you mind coming to police station?”
I had no other option, but pull out my identity card. Just looking into that convinced them immediately.They directed me to Bharat Seva Sangh.
I can’t blame those guys.The trouble time had just begun and Chandigarh was rocked by a bomb blast some days back.
Now, you might ask , what happened to my Roorkee exam.Before I wound up , I would like to narrate what happened next day.
Next day, first thing I did was, checked out early morning from the hotel , since check out time was 11 O’Clock, shifted to Bharat Seva Sangh and then went to D.A.V., as per Juggu’s direction.
I found Juggu at the exam centre, attired in sky blue shirt and dark blue jeans, looking fresh and raring to go.
“There is the sitting arrangement.” He pointed a number of boards, arranged side by side, where printouts of the the sitting arrangements were pasted.
I searched once , twice and thrice- my number was not there.
“Juggu, my number is missing.”I panicked.
“What ? Inform immediately to centre head.But let me check.Show me your admit card.Let me check”
He looked closely at my admit card,”Thakur.You have come to a wrong place.Your centre is D.A.V. school.This is D.A.V. college.Rush….rush… you still have tome.You can make it…”
As per Murphy’s law, whenever things go against you, you would not find any aid.I could not see any rikshaw near by, no auto..I just ran on the street, asking the guys here and there, where was D.A.V. school.It was not so near. Ultimately I got a rikshaw.By the time, I reached the centre, I was 25 minutes late.If I were late by another five minutes, I would not have allowed to go in.
When I reached to my seat huffing and puffing, sardaar invigilator went outside and hawled,”Paani laana ji jara, thanda thanda paani…ek candidate ko chahiye….(Please bring the water.Cold water. One candidate needs it iimediately)”
You can well imagine how I fared in the exam.To be frank, I was not prepared at the first place.These kinds of exam require special prepapration.That is possible only when you are in school.When you are in a hostel, that too, in another engineering college, it is absolutely difficult, if not impossible. I conclude that Juggu was was exceptional..period.....
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Back to present –
So, that was how we landed up in Bharat Seva Sangh.It was economical and comfortable.
As such Bharat Seva Sangh was a nice arrangement.The rooms were clean, the bathrooms were clean, the utensils for the dinner were clean.The only problem was... We had to have dinner in time,we could not go out after nine in the evening and we had to follow the strict discipline of the Ashram.That included don't cry, don't laugh..., sit cross legged on floor, observe silence while eating, cleaning of utensils and place after dinner , not to venture around meditation room, if not interested, cleaning the room before leaving .Of course, MaCho and Bacho (abusive words) were banned.No doubt, whenever Begalis went for any public sector exams, they used to stay Bharat Seva Sangh in Delhi.
Next day morning, Kakkad propose one thing,"We stayed comfortably here.It does notlook nice if we depart just like that.We should donate some money to the Ashram..."
How much? Rs. 10/- per head was added to 60/-.
We packed our bags , came down,Roy went to the Registrar, talked something in Bengali and then grinned.
He came back with the money in hand.
"What is the matter?" Kakkad asked.
"He said, they don't accept money from students.They accept money only from Grihastha (family person) or those, who earn."
Atul rolled his sleeve ,"Come with me .Let me see."
He went with Roy and talked to the registrar.He tried to convince him that it would not be any burden on us and we were contributing as our offerings.
The Registrar thought a little , then said, "Ok, let Maharaj comes.Whatever he decides, we accept ."
"Where is he now ?"
"He is in meditation."
"How much time will it take ?"
He looked at the clock then said ,"another half an hour."
Believe it or not, we waited there patiently.
When he came, Registrar told him the the fact, he called all of us inside the chamber.
Then he said,"I hope you understand that it is not a hotel.It is Bharat Seva Ashram.You are all students ?"
"Yes", Atul said,"Please don't take it otherwise.It is our small contribution for the maintenance of the Ashram.We are just students, so we could contribute only..."
He interrupted, "Got it.Nice, very nice.It will be nicer if you guys develop a sense of helping any needy person....."
That was the beginning of forty five minutes long lecture.
But again, believe it or not, we listened to whatever he said , siting cross legged in front of him without showing any sign of discomfort.
They accepted the money at the end and gave us receipt too.
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I don't know, why Ajay Saxena insisted in watching "Himmatwala" to be added in the list of 'To Do' items in Chandigarh.
And he was getting support from Sanjay Roy.
I was alarmed.
I did not reveal directly that I did not want to step in cinema hall because of ‘some reason’. I knew, there was no point in playing the "Bin" in front of "buffalos".I would rather tried to divert their attention ,"Hey Saxena!Liste buddy.You can watch Himmatwala or Rikshawala or whatever , in Bhopal also.Don't you ? There are many interesting things to see in Chandigarh. Abhi tumne dekha hi kya hai (What have you seen so far)? "
"Ok, we will see everything.But we will see Himmatwala also." He said,"Tell me where will we go ?"
"There is a nice lake ... Sukhna lake..."
There Saxena laughedHe kept on laughing.Roy also joined him.Kakkad just smiled.
"What is so funny?" I asked.
"Are we in Chandigarh to see lake?"
"What is wrong in that? It is three miles long."
"We have much bigger lakes in Bhopal . Chhota Talab and Bada Talab..If
You want, this time , you get down at Bhopal, stay with us, we will show you those bigTalabs.I think, we cn skip lakes and go to 'Himmatwala'.What else ?"
"There is a Rose Garden."
"How nice.Yes, we wil go to Rose Garden.Have a quick round. And then go to 'Himmatwala'. What else ?"
"There is a 'Rock Garden'."
Before Saxena could say anything and Roy support him, Kakkad
declared,"Let us go to 'Rock Garden'."
Nek Chand never thought that one day, liking of Saxena and Roy would rock his dream Rock Garden. Rock Garden was built with the crumbs of broken clay utensils , industrial wastes , plastics.Just imagine, it took sixteen long years to that fellow to make his dream realized.And Roy and Saxena moved around and appreciated his creation of industrial wastes and broken china clay,stones/
“Wow, great, nice…Just look at it….Chha gaye…Simply great….” They kept on saying and moved like a whirlwind.Even they completed the photo session in no time.From end to end, it hardly took sixteen minutes !
There came the declaration,”Yes, Nek Chand and his Rock Garden is simply great.... astounding ... fabulous ...There is no doubt about that.Now it is time to proceed for ‘Himmatwala’.”
By the time they were busy in moving around like top, my mind was working like mixure to churn out the counter plan to pull the wind out of the ‘Himmatwaala’ plan. Scuttling it was need of the hour.Attack was the best form of defense .
“Andha Kanoon” I shouted.
“What ? What ‘Andha Kanoon’.” , Saxena was surprised by the counter attack
“Nothing, if we have to spend three hours in picture hall, then why ‘Himmatwala’ ? Let us go to ‘Andha Kanoon’”
“What is there in ‘Andha Kanoon’ ? “ Roy joined , obviously in support of Saxena.
“What is there ? Amitabh , Amitabh and Amitabh. And what is there in ‘Himmatwala’? Jitendra and that thigh girl what is her name – Sridevi – and their ‘Thumka’ And Kadar Khan’s dialogue... That’s all.” , I kept my blitzkrieg on. The relentless bombing soften the target.
“But, in ‘Andha Kanoon’, Amitabh’s role is very limited. Rajnikant is the main hero.Amitabh is on the screen just for half an hour.” Vijay Saxena came openly to defend his brother.
“So what ? In that half an hour, Amitabh sings two songs ,performs one murder with perfection, that too in court room. What else do you want ?”
“Well, Thakur sahab, it is better that we go to ‘Himmatwala’ and you go your Amitabh ,Amitabh and Amitabh’s ‘Andha Kanoon’.We will meet at the bus stand.”
“Perefect.Just give me the transistor.”I could not hide my delight.
“What ?” Roy frowned,”You are going to listen commentary in cinema hall?”
Gosh, he figured it out that it was the day when India was playing to West Indies.
“Better, let us have lunch and then we will go to Rose Garden.” Kakkad decided, “No Amitabh , no Jitendra or thigh girl…..”
The Rose Garden offered something better to Saxena and Roy.In that largest Rose Garden of Asia, situated I sector 16, offered more than sixteen hundred varieties of roses.This time, the visit did not last for sixteen minutes.They were mesmorized by diffent variety and colours and used their black and white camera to the fullest extent to capture the images of those colourful flowers.If some beautiful girl was passing by, they delayed the clicking till last moment when the girl came nicely in photo frame
Thank God, they had forgotten everything.
***********************************************************************
You might be just wondering , why I lingered on the trivial fight of "Andha Kannon" vs "Himmatwala".I should have stick on the topic which I started at the top.Time and again ,
you might feel that probably Cricket was the last thing in my mind.
But diverting from the topic was not without any reason. I just wanted you guys to take some deep breath and go to rest room if you want, or smoke a cigarette outside in cool air before facing a marauder, murderer, executioner whose name was Vivian Richards - Sir Vivian Richards, as he was known in later years.
I still remember Kakkad's comment about his batting ,"When he plays, he will play. His getting out was always 'all of a sudden'." Probably, that was the best remark I ever heard about his batting.Till he was at the crease, he would totally dominate and decimate any kind of bowling - spin, fast, super fast, in swing, outswing, late swing, cutter, flighted .floater, flatter, flipper,googly, chinaman, armour or anything. You would be clueless, how to get him out.There was no pattern to set a ploy - otherwise, he won't be "Sir". As Kakkad mentioned, his getting out was marked with an event, mostly associated with surprise and with an element of relief.If someone dropped his catch, he would surely be dropped in the next match, since Richards rarely gave a chance, second chance was a distant thing.
In the dark evening of Chandigarh, I was listening with dismay the murderous batting of Richards.It was India's bad luck that Greenidge fell cheaply and Richards came to the crease early on.He completed a century stand with Haynes then another about three quarter century partnership with Lloyd.When he was out on 119, the score was 240.That meant , half the contribution came from his bat.It did not matter that West Indian Innings,just three other fellow could two digit mark.They scored 282 in allotted sixty overs.
What were others doing? Just laughing on the streets of Chandigarh, commenting on the hair style and dresses of girls, taking some photographs I murky light, which they themselves knew that it would come .Then suddenly they realized that India was not doing well, they kept on asking for score every now and then and giggling.
***************
I can not forget that dinner in Chandigarh.
That was nothing, but a road side hand cart (Thela') near Chandigarh bus stand.
What would you normally expect at road side 'Thela'? Probably you may imagine anything from Samosa to puri to Parotha to even Dosa.
No, it was plain 'roti'.
Yes, that fellow was selling plain roro , not the 'Tandoori one, but simple tawa style,
without any ounce of oil or grease.That was fresh and hot from tawa, in front of your own eyes.Alongwith that, he served traditional popato subji without curry.Don’t tell me when you are hungry even the ordinary stuffs looked sumptuous.
It was really delicious.By that time, Mohinder Amarnath and Vengsarkar were playing and hopes were not dried.The score had crossed hundred run marks and both did some damage control and consolidating the innings.Only if those lofty hopes sustained for a while. Afte dinner, we were wndering on the streets of Chandigarh.That was just aimless walk.The streets were cal and quite.The transistor was playing guitar master Sumeet Ganguli's tune on famous Gazal,"Hungama hai kyon barapa?"
Forty five minutes later, when the turn for India's match came, 'Hungama' had happened.
India had lost Patil and Yashpal whereas Vengasarkar was injured, never to return not only in this match, but the whole tournament.As usual, Baba Amarnath was rock solid and Kapil Praji was playing frentically.Now, the score 282 looked slightly far but not impossible.
*********************************************************************
That was a late night bus . Still, it was jam packed.At that time, the match was at the last stage.India had all but lost the match.There was no scope for any recovery or resurrect.
Still, I had hope against hope.When we boarded on the bus, it was eight down.Vegsarakar was injured , so there was no chance of his batting again.Soon it was all over.My all the enthusiasm about going to Simla was deflated.Though , it was true that right from the beginning, I did not have high hopes from Indian team.It was quite obvious that Australia and West Indies were going to make it to Semi Final from group B.India lost two consecutive matches - in the hands of mercurial Australia and mighty West Indies.Everything was on expected line.Still, defeat was defeat, it could not bring any joy . It alway brought tears in those days when people waited for the event like world cup for months.Not sure about it nowadays when teams are playing three hundred days international Cricket in a year ..
The driver switched off the lights.Those who were sitting on back seats, some long bearded guys, the started the demand of "Quawaali" from driver.
Quawaali ? That was strange for me.I thought he was going to play some Hindi Film songs. If it were new, it would be "Mammy ne meri tumhen chaay pe bulaya hai (my mom has called you for a cup of tea)".If it was old, it might be Lata's serious "Yun hasraton ke daag Muhabbat main dho liye (This the way I washed the desire of love)..."If he were Amitabh fan, like most of us , then anything from "Zanzeer" to "Shakti" would do. Even "Naastik" ,"Mahaan" or "Pukar" was passable.However, not even in my dream, I imagined that the guys demanded for "Quawaali" and the driver would comply.Not only that, that was not some famous Quawaali, like "Bhar de jholi" or "Dhalta Suraj, it was completely out of syllabus.Other five were trying to sleep, but Quawaali was not "Lori".For me, I hardly slept.Still, trying to absorb the pain of recently concluded match.
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“Chhod do Ji....(Leave us sir)”
I know, you guys need a break a here.After all, the saga of World Cup was mind boggling and you guys were still reeling under the two consecutive losses.
I Got it ... No You got it..
Let us enjoy the break . For a while.I am not going to mention anything about the world cup.There were interesting things around.
Simla, Simla, Simla....
No sooner than we got ou from bus, we could feel the chill of Shimla.
Yes, it was cold.Unexpectedly chilli.The first thing we did , was, opened up the bags and pulled out the sweaters.
"Economical and comfortable" was the mantra.And we were in Shimla.That too, it was well inside the summer vacation.As soon as we step inside the clerk on the other side of counter would say,"Full hai ji.Jagah nahin hai.Yeh to season hai.(No vacancy. This is season time)".It might sound a little rude, but honestly,we could dare to go only at those places , since we were observing the rule. At last , we got a room near Mall road.
The room was barely furnished but who cared.It had a carpet.There, the tired guys spread their bedsheet and slept.
=======================================================================
It was morning, very early morning.
We were strolling at the Mall road and it looked different.... Different than what we heard of.. Different than what we imagined.. Different than what we found it a couple of hours later.No, at that time, it was calm.It was nice t see the clean , polished wooden shops and emporiums.The windows were made of the glass .I learnt the term "window shopping" many years later, but the concept was the same.
We would come back to Mal road again and again but let u go a little ahead.
Wow! Just look at the church.It was Christ Church.
Jakhu was on the top of the hill. So far,I have seen many places.At the top of the hill, you will always find a temple of incarnation of Durga.That was different.
And Lakkad bazaar ?Yes Lakkad bazaar…
Weather was excellent.Even the sun shine looked to have a shade lighter than that of the plains.We kept on strolling at the mall road.And in the afternoon, we decided to scale Zakhu.
Temple on the top of the hills, lots of monkeys hovering around – that was a usual seen you may find anywhere in India.However, the climbing was not through staircase or winding narrow ‘pagadandi’.It was a nice tar road.If you drive you can go to the top of the hill by car.
The acclivity was sharp, the monkeys were fearsome.It was cold , chilli and windy atmosphere.When we reached to the top, it was a sense of satisfaction.
Wow ! What a sceninic beauty .The panaromic view all round, the Viceregal Lodge and other buildings, green pastures and snow-capped peaks – you guys know it all. You might want to know, if I had any wish, asked for anything inside. I don’t want to say much.Only thing is – I got much much more than I asked. What I asked was what was the size of ‘Jholi’ (bag) of my imagination. All I could wish for was not beyond ‘graceful exit’ but I never thought of ‘grand ending’, not even in my wildest dream.
Over the years, once in after every four, I wish to the same Jakhu temple and ask the same thing.But not sure, probably, I am not that pure and innocent anymore, whose voice Hanumanji will listen. May be, probably, my "jholi" of expectations had grown after that from "Graceful exit" to something higher, which Hanumanji feels, Indians like me do not deserve since we clap for a team , whose performance hardly meets to the potential.
*************************
What did we buy from Mall of Shimla.
“If you want to buy some souvenirs” Kakkad said, “It should be the walking stick.”
We went inside one of the emporiums in the Mall Road.Different guys were looking for different things – Carpet to Himachal silk to handicrafts to Shilajeet to herbal tea …
“What you guys are searching for?” Sales girl asked with business smile plastered on her face.
“NNNothing…Some hand carved wooden arts, like toys, show piece and walking stick..”
“They are at that corner”.
We saw the price tag first, before admiring the elegance of walking stick and came out one by one, silently, avoiding the the gaze of sales girl.
Well, we got some good walking sticks near Lakkad Bazar. The prices were of the size of our pockets and they looked quite natural.
We were sitting near the Christ Church. Probably Bhutto and Mrs. Gandhi must have visited that place during Simla summit after Indo Pak war. Rudyard Kipling might have inspired while walking up and down in those Mall.
My eyes were searching the railway station of Simla which was shown in “Mukaddar Ka Sikandar” but what was he looking for ?
“Yaar, I am looking for a love tree which was shown in Rajesh Khanna’s film ‘Kudrat’”.
Then he went on to explain the love scene of Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini in the film, the burning house and Parveen Sultana’s ‘Hamen tumse pyar kitna’ song.
There, I revealed a teeenager’s dream to another teenager.
“Kakkad, let me earn some money , then we will make a film.Woul you like to work with Amitabh?”
He startled.”Who will be the heroin?”
“No, it will be a unique film.There will be no heroin.”
“You can not make a film like this.No heroin? Who will go to see that movie?”
“That is a challenge.I want to break to the set patterns of Hindi cinema.There would be no heroin.You pitted against Amitabh.”
“That is not possible.You will have to keep heroin.If not for dancing or getting wet in rain, then at least as a mother, as sister as teacher.Well, I may work but Amitabh will not work without a heroin.”
So the movie was shelved and buried there, near Mall road, near Post Office, near Christ Church.
===============================================================
Let there be no confusion. It was a toy train. No, it was not luxurious state of art, royal, Shiwalik Express, it was a passenger train.It was supposed to take six hours from Simla to Kalka.Since it was a passenger train, you could always assume that you would travel with apple vendors , carrying the sack of apples which were heavier than them, poor students in cheap rubber slippers torn books tugged under their arms ,businessmen and some penny saver tourists like us.
Well, no doubt, it was an august ride. It was really awesome. Just watch the landscapes of majestic lush green Himaliyan forest of pine, oak , deodar trees. Only complain was, the speed was too slow. Hardly 15 to 20 km per hour.In that case, you always feel challenged. I rushed towards the door.
"Where are you going ?" Kakkad asked.
"Let me run along the railway trek." I declared.
Kakkad pulled me back,"Abe, Bhutani ke.You want to ..."His sentence was incomplete and there was a complete dark inside for another two to three miniutes.When the tunnel ended, he explained,"See? And you wanted to go outside...Every now and then , you will find a tunnel , some short and some long.And we are sitting on the last bogie.If you try to circumvent the tunnel from outside and reach to the train again, you are gone.Better you seat..." No sooner did he complete the sentence, the train entered into another tunnel.
When it came out, it was passing on a bridge.
Tunnel and bridges, tunnel and tunnels... .For the record, there were 103 tunnels (as Roy informed us later) and around 950 bridges….forest on both the sides.And when you feel that train had gained some speed, you would find a station right over there.
It was not that we were not talking.Our conversation was full of words like
,"traction, power, energy , momemtum, cantilever, atmospheric pressure, density, arches, flow , transmission , signal" etc. Then Atul saw the altitude from sea level at some small station was mentioned in Feet. He went on to convert it into Metres. Our co pessangers were listening to our talk with certain degree of amusement.One of them, some middle aged guy, enquired, "Are you guys engineers ?"
"No Sir" , Atul replied,"not yet.But some day, yes...We are in first year."
"Good", he replied" I am a Engineer and working in Kathgodam maintenance
division."
Those were the days, when some value was attached with engineers.Guys were not ashamed of announcing proudly and unabashedly that they were engineers.Rather, in any kind of journey, I found them rather they were itching to reveal it to co passengers.And the unfortunate part was, if they identify another fellow as engineer, the language of conversation suddenly turned from Hindi to English.
That turned me off.I was just looking outside the verdant , panoramic view of rhapsody.
He kept on euliging the work of Britishers done two centuries back while digging the tunnel.two centuries back ? I woke up suddenly.I asked with curiousity,"Sir, how old is that track ?"
He informed, "The first train was started at 1775."
"1775?Wow" I said, "that was 208 years old.You mean, from that time,it was this diesel engine ?"
"No" He announced with derision,"Diesel engine came in 1850.Before that it was steam engine only."
He continued with his story.Roy and Saxena kept on saying "Yeah, Yeah".Then he got up and picked up his coat,"I had to get down." Just out of habbit, Roy ulled out his small diary,"Can you please write down your address sir ?"
He said while obliging , " Well, it is not required.Whenever you guys have a chance to visit Kathgodam, just go to railway workshop and ask Kulwant Khanna. Every one knows me."
The train stopped at Kathgodam station and left.
Well, it was just a matter of surprise, nothing else.I asked,Roy, ,"The whole world knows that the first train in India was run at 1853 from Bombay to Thane and that fellow said,Simla Kalka train started at 1775."
Every one burst into laugher.Kakkad added,"And first diesel train started in 1850."
Beside the sleek rail services, the train stops at or run past Jabli, Dharampur, Barog, Solan, Salogra, Kandaghat and Taradevi, broad gauge terminates and the two foot six inch narrow gauge begins.
**********************
One heavy bag hanging on one shoulder, on the other hand, we had a hand carved walking stick… We were strolling with ‘Rajsi Chaal’ (Royal walk) in that Royal Garden with ‘Nawaabi Chhadi (Royal stick)” in one hand.
Moreover , there was restriction for plucking the flower or mango,spitting, throwing garbage here and there, playing Cricket, Football , Hockey, Kabaddi or Kho-Kho in main lawns, but there was no restriction in listening the commentary. And transistor was in my possession. Moreover, the match was against Zimbabwe, which was (supposed to be) tension free match.Agreed that they beat Strong Australia in first match and gave one or two anxious moment even to West Indies,but India had trounced them comprehensively in their earlier encounter .
************************
That was life.What else could I ask for ?
We were inside the Pinjore Garden .The date was June 18, 1983.
I don’t know why, the name Tunbridge was ringing in my ears since second World Cup.I don’t know, how , in the second world cup , I had the intuition that if India played a match in Tunbridge, then things would change dramatically for Indian team.Well, in second world cup, no match featuring India was scheduled at that place, but that day, in the current version of the World cup, India was pitted against Zimbabwe.
Did I shrugged off the the nightmare of two earlier defeat ? Oh God, please don’t remind
me.I was worried that we tried to forget it in Simla, but it should not be playing in the mind of the players.What if they lose some early wickets ? Oh God, please …Please.., India should not bat first.
**********************************
As per Murphy’s Law, that was what precisely happened.
Saxena brothers, Roy , Uprit – everyone was thrilled while walking on the cool,shaddy pathways which ran upto the creepers on the outer wall. A watercourse traipsing from level to level was sparkling in the sunlight. Tinkling fountains, luxuriant green lawns and murmuring watercourse, limpid pools, shady walks and colorful flowerbeds,Shady groves of bonsai mango trees ,, which had more mangoes than leaves – all at the mouth watering height – that too at the warm summer afternoon – ‘wah-wah’...
Tell me, what else do you want my dear ..!
That was enough for them.They had enough immunition in terms of black wand white reels of the camera.That was our last stop before returning to Kurukshetra.What else they needed ?
India won the toss and that Hayanvi Kapil decided to bat.Oh no…,And Vengsarkar did not recover from the injury against West Indies, Gavaskar was back in team.And if Gavaskar was in the team , then he would be one of the openers.And if he was one of the openers, then given by his record in the World cup, it would be tension time for you.And hey listen…he was out ….yes, he was out on the second ball of the match…
Baba Amarnath came to bat .Both the opening bowlers, Rowan and Curren were bowling beautifully.Time and again Srikkanth tried to break the shackle and missed .At last his agonizing innings came to an end tragically .He pulled a ball from Curren and miscued it.The ball ballooned in the air and Butchart ran for about thirty metres and took the catch.
Did I not tell you that Zimbabwe’s fielding was great , close to the greatest.
“Ha , Ha , Haaa !” Saxena brothers, Roy and Uprit were playing with the water near fountain and laughing.
They were still laughing when Baba Amarnath also fell on the same score , the age old Indian desease – fishing outside the of stump.
“Click, Click” – Now, the play birds were busy in clicking the photographs in different pose.
Oh, got it.Why wickets were felling like this.No, 25 metre band was not auspicious for India today.I immediately switched to 31 metre band.
“Thakur wanted.” Ajay Saxena shouted ,”Oye Thakur, come here , be with us.You will be lost.” Saxena shouted from about fifty metres away.
I was rushing to join them and in the meanwhile , Sandeep Patil got out.Same fishing,same pouching the catch by wicket keeper Houghton.
“Thakur, that’s right.Come let us have a photograph of we room mates.”
I felt like swing my leg and kick Saxena’s butt.
“Hey Come on.” and dancing, they went upto the water course.
“Come Thakur.”They kept a space for me.
I was not interested.I was just standing there.Junior Saxena jumped and stand at that place.
“Click” Roy clicked the camera.
“Howzad”, Zimbabwe fielders shouted and Yashpal Sharma was on his way to pavilion.
The score was five wickets down for seventeen runs.B.B.C. was magnanimous because other match was delayed .Now, the other match started and B.B.C. just switched to the other match.Before moving there, the commentator mentioned that lowest score for India in one day was 63 and at that time, top half of the team was in pavilion for a score of 17…..
It was a shock so profound that in the distant background the very first win against West
Indies looked grotesque . Zeal stifled, enthusiasm muffled.
......
..........
..............
“Hun, waiting for us … - Dhishung…”
Anitabh’’s back was on the wall, a noose was tied around his neck and he was pulled around , kicked and punched…
“Jeb se chhabi nikaalega…Haaan…Kya bola tha , darwaaja kholega
…hun…Dhishung…..(pull out the key from the pocket ... that was what he boasted .. will open the door... $#@ )
Kapil Dev came on the crease and took guard…
=============================================================
I don’t know how the next forty five minutes was passed.
The most agonizing moment in complete blackout. Did India crossed 63 or 50 or even 25 ?
At last the turn of India’s match came in round robin B.B.C. commentary India was seventy five for five.
“Huph….” That was a sigh of relief.
“Did you say anything?” Saxena asked.
“No , nothing.India crossed its minimum score mark.”
“And you are happy?” Roy laughed.
And Roger Binny got out .The score was 76.
I thought I would be irritated. But surprisingly, I was calm. India crossed its minimum score mark. Eventually , they would loss the match. Conclusion – what is left in the match? Better , laugh with them.
I tried to laugh , but chocked air could not come out of my lungs. I just coughed.
Roy laughed and Ravi Shastri got out.Gosh, that fellow scored just one run.
**********************
No, now I got the solution for the problem. If I don’t listen commentary, India is safe. The moment I got the commentary reached my ears, one or the other wicket would fall. I switched off the transistor.
Some boys were playing Cricket in nearby ground. I was not thrilled to see future Kapil.Why were they playing? Was there any future for Cricket in India ?
Silent transistor was solace at that point of time.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The grove of Bonsai mangoes was full of mangoes, warning board and 'shayary'(couplets).
So, when Roy pointed out to me,"Just look at this.",My initial reaction was ,"Yeah, nice mangoes."
"Oh no dummy" He pointing finger wavered towards targeted direction in an attempt to be more specific ,"Not Mangoes.Just look at this.What is written ?"
"Rs. 50 fine.That is for plucking or touching the mangoes.",I read out correctly.
"You pumpkinhead, I wanted you to read the finer prints ..Bah! look at that.. that.. a little above "
Oh , he wanted me to read the 'shayari'.As I mentioned, the grove was full of 'shayari' to underline and highlight the warning. Nice way tomblink lights around warning boards.
Anyway, I read out the warning which Roy had pointed out ,It was rather ‘Tukbandi’....
"Jahan main Kuchh log eise bhi hote hain.
Jo Mehfil main hansate hain aur tanhai main rote hain."
(There are some people in this world.Who laugh in parties, but cry when alone).
He said,"Got it ? Kuchh log eise 'hi' hote hain, jo mehfil main bhi rote hain and aur tanhai main bhi rote hain .(there are some people in this world like this.They cry in the party and cry when alone).Why are you so grumpy? Gam ko gale laga , jee khol ke hans...ek din...(accept the gloom, and laugh ... and laugh..)"
"Stop it...", I said,"Aur kitne gam ko gale lagana padega (how many times I need to embrass gloom)? Man bhar gaya is hansi se (got fed up with this laughter)... Kab tak khokhale kahkahe lagaoun (until when I need to laugh like this)? Kab tak (until when... ) ..?"
By that time, I sometimes, I switched on the transistor, then immediately switched it off. I did not want India to loss any further wicket. But was there any left? Hour long world news was on .B.B.C. followed it by sports news. At last , I mustered the courage and switched on .But no, I immediately switched off the transistor.Sometimes, I was afraid that the on-off knob would popped out in my hand.
We came out of Pinjore garden and headed towards the bus stop.There, I switched on the transistor.The commentary for New Zealand Sri Lanka were going on. Suddenly, it was interrupted and the co-ordinator announced, "Let us go to Tunbridge where Kapil Dev was heading for his century."
"What?" I could not believe in my ears. That was the danger of accidently discovering a exquisite diamond by a poor man on pathway. It was too good to be true. Probably,I misinterpreted what he said. I humbly admit that my English was poor. But no, he really meant what he said and what I understood.
Kapil was playing on 98 at that time. He nudged the ball gently for a single. On 99.I could hear clapping and roaring in the ground in anticipationThen in next over, he hit the ball and he and Kirmani ran for two .
Kirmani ? Yes, Kirmani was playing with him.India was eight down for about one seventy. As a strip teaser who puts her skirt down after showing something in flash, after his century B.B.C. immediately reverted back to New Zealand Sri Lanka match.
From Pinjore, we went to Chandigarh bus stop. Fuelled by fresh coal of enthusiasm,I was trying frantically to get some news- any new would do. At least, 'Khel Samachar' at some place. But as per Murpy's law, I was hitting all other radio station, who were broadcasting variety of the programs, from Krishi Jagat to classical Indian music.
We were waiting for the bus at Chandigarh bus stand. At last,I reverted back to B.B.C.
By that time, the turn for India's match came.
"What?" Eavesdropper Roy frown, "The match is not yet over."
"Kapil hit a century." I made a public announcement for the benefit of them.I don’t know why,it was rather loud and those , who standing around me set their gaze at me and the transistor.
"What ? Kapil hit a century ?" Now shocked Roy was equally blaring .
In that sports loving city of Chandigarh , one uncle approached me with his young son.
"What is the score?"
"226 for eight", Suddenly Kapil pulled and immediately I corrected ,"232 for eight."
"Gosh, who else played ?Amazing .. No ? When I was at home, India lost seven wickets. I thought ,Koi fayda nahin(it is o no use) , bachche ko ghuma ke late hain(let us go to the garden and play with kids).Who else played ?"
"Kapil hit a century and Madan and Kirmani hold the other end."
Still, I was not sure of Kapil's score. But was that required ?All of a sudden , Kapil looked like ubiquitous conjurer. His assiduity paid off.
Suddenly Kakkad signal us to board on the bus.We lifted our heavy bags,the 'Nawabi (royal) stick' of Simla and boarded on a Haryana Roadways bus, which was barely lit from inside.We got the seat. Still, there was sometime for bus to start.The suspense of Kapil's score was still looming in my mind..
=======================================================================
Goodbye Chandigarh….We will meet again and again.”Is Anjuman main aapko aana hai bar bar..Deewaro dar ko gour se pahchaan lijiye..(You will visit this garden again and again, recognize the doors and walls well)”
The bus was passing by "Tribune" newspaper's building.They had a giant display board , showing the main news. Most of the times, political headlines hit that display board. Sometimes, some bomb blast, sometimes, water dispute , sometimes what the prime minister says ....
That day it was showing something like 'Kapil'.I adjusted my spects again and again. No, that was not possible ,probably the number of my spectacles had changed. Ajay Saxena was sitting beside me.I asked , "Saxena, can you read it for me?What is written?something ..Kapil ...Not clear."
Saxena looked, squinted his eyes till his eyebrows joined , rubbed it again and said,"Sorry Thakur,it seems my eyesight has gone back. Sorry."
"What is the figure? Did you see 175?"
"Oh you also see it 175 ? But how is it possible?"
********************************
As Doordarshan used to exasperate in those years, ”Rukavat ke liye khed hai….Sorry for the interruption…”
With due respect, I would like to stat that – in the absence of any matching
performance over the years, that innings attained legendary status , ensconced almost like a folklore.So many stories are associated with that epic innings …soo many that I would like stop you here for a while .
That was one of the rarest day when B.B.C. television crew was on strike.If you watch any video of 1983 world, you won’t get any clip for that innings. In retrospect,even Kapil rued that it was never shown live and never recorded visually.
Some amateur Indian spectator had a video camera.He recorded part of the innings , single camera , single point shaky hands amateur recording.But Kapil paid him handsomely and bought his recording.
When India was five down for 17 runs, Srikkanth , as usual jovial Srikkanth was all relieved and lighthearted. He stepped out to phone his friend that the match was going to be over soon, so they could sneak out for dinner somewhere. Apparently , the friend was some girl friend, so he spent quite some time over the phone. In the meanwhile, India did not lose any other wicket so the guys in dressing room thought that it was Srikkanth’s bad luck charm in dressing room which had affected India’s fortune. When he returned, he was not allowed to enter by his team mates. He had to stay outside in cold for remaining part of the innings.
The pitch at the ground of Tunbridge was not exactly at the centre.On one side the boundary was so long that batsmen could run four runs before the ball touched the rope.On the other side, they could run hardly two runs for the similar effort. Zimbabwe wicketkeep Haughton later recalled that most of Kapil’s sixers were over long boundary.After reching his century, he called for a new bat, which had tapered shoulders,somewhat similar to baseball bat.With that he assaulted even more ferociously.
Ali Shah, one of the members of Zimbabwe team, recalled that at the close of the innigs, when Kapil was coming out of the ground, Gavaskar met him with a cup of water in the midway.It was a nice gesture for someone of Gavaskar’s stature.
===================================================================
Yes, Kapil slammed 175 ,studded with sixteen fours and six sixes. That was
announced at the "Akashwani" news at 8.45.By the end of the news, it also said India made 262 .That looked like a defendable total if not outright winning one. It was true that India rose up from ashes that evening and managed to stand up … barely stand up …
Zimbabwe innings began with a strong reply . They were some 40 odd with loss in frantic run chase.That was ominous. The bus was rushing in the darkness .By the time, the English news was closing, at around 9-15, it informed that Zimbabwe had lost two wickets and both of them were run out.
That brought some respite to me.
The voice of the news was intermingled with the profound snoring sound from the guys sleeping around me. They had a long day, starting from the toy train in Simla and then Pinjore and now, going back to Kurukshetra. Tomorrow, they had to get morning train , Jhelam , to go back home, sweet home.
I desperately rotated the knob from one corner to the other in the search of some news or comemntory. But as you know, in the running bus, the signals were not always strong.Even though it was short wave, I had to turn the direction of transistor constantly.
Still,everything was feeble and intermittent, just to add to bewilderment and trepidation ...Problem was, no news was good news. Zimbabwe was also scoring at brisk pace.
By the time bus halted at Ambala and I could tune the transistor again, it was a greater relief. Zimbabwe had lost six wickets and the score was just 113.
"What a relief" I thought.
But there was no respite , as I learnt when we got down from the bus , again at Pipli. The roller caster ride was still on.Curran was striving to emulate Kapil for Zimbabwe and they were some 180 for seven. Plenty of overs were at their disposal , plenty of time left. Those who were predicting ‘the match is over’ since morning were proved wrong again..
Ultimately , we reached Kurukshetra.Back to the hostel.
Zimbabwe were 225 for eight. Hardly forty runs separated them from the victory and dangerous Curran was still playing.
But overs seemed to be running out of them and sense of urgency was eminent.
Kapil praji was wicketless till that time. How poignant it was ! Praji , at least take one wicket. Strangely, "Yeh dil Mange more" was valid even in those days.
The sense of urgency sucked Curran .He pulled Madanlal towards longer boundary and Ravi Shastri took the catch.
Just one more wicket.... Come on... Madan , leave the last wicket for Kapil praaji.
And at the end, yes , it was a poetic justice. The last man Tricos. offered a return catch to Kapil and that was all over..
===============================================================
All over ? No...
Amitabh wringled with all his might and could manage to free himself from the tangling rope.He punched , kicked , boxed and blowed hard. panting , huffing and puffing… like a wounded tiger… and broke free ...
But still, he had to pull the key out from the pocket of Peter...
Key to the world cup....
Almost oblivious from the happening, Junior, Senior Saxena and Uprit were packing for next day's morning train...Jhelam Express....
==============================================================
(Contd)
So, that was how we landed up in Bharat Seva Sangh.It was economical and comfortable.
As such Bharat Seva Sangh was a nice arrangement.The rooms were clean, the bathrooms were clean, the utensils for the dinner were clean.The only problem was... We had to have dinner in time,we could not go out after nine in the evening and we had to follow the strict discipline of the Ashram.That included don't cry, don't laugh..., sit cross legged on floor, observe silence while eating, cleaning of utensils and place after dinner , not to venture around meditation room, if not interested, cleaning the room before leaving .Of course, MaCho and Bacho (abusive words) were banned.No doubt, whenever Begalis went for any public sector exams, they used to stay Bharat Seva Sangh in Delhi.
Next day morning, Kakkad propose one thing,"We stayed comfortably here.It does notlook nice if we depart just like that.We should donate some money to the Ashram..."
How much? Rs. 10/- per head was added to 60/-.
We packed our bags , came down,Roy went to the Registrar, talked something in Bengali and then grinned.
He came back with the money in hand.
"What is the matter?" Kakkad asked.
"He said, they don't accept money from students.They accept money only from Grihastha (family person) or those, who earn."
Atul rolled his sleeve ,"Come with me .Let me see."
He went with Roy and talked to the registrar.He tried to convince him that it would not be any burden on us and we were contributing as our offerings.
The Registrar thought a little , then said, "Ok, let Maharaj comes.Whatever he decides, we accept ."
"Where is he now ?"
"He is in meditation."
"How much time will it take ?"
He looked at the clock then said ,"another half an hour."
Believe it or not, we waited there patiently.
When he came, Registrar told him the the fact, he called all of us inside the chamber.
Then he said,"I hope you understand that it is not a hotel.It is Bharat Seva Ashram.You are all students ?"
"Yes", Atul said,"Please don't take it otherwise.It is our small contribution for the maintenance of the Ashram.We are just students, so we could contribute only..."
He interrupted, "Got it.Nice, very nice.It will be nicer if you guys develop a sense of helping any needy person....."
That was the beginning of forty five minutes long lecture.
But again, believe it or not, we listened to whatever he said , siting cross legged in front of him without showing any sign of discomfort.
They accepted the money at the end and gave us receipt too.
************************************************************************
I don't know, why Ajay Saxena insisted in watching "Himmatwala" to be added in the list of 'To Do' items in Chandigarh.
And he was getting support from Sanjay Roy.
I was alarmed.
I did not reveal directly that I did not want to step in cinema hall because of ‘some reason’. I knew, there was no point in playing the "Bin" in front of "buffalos".I would rather tried to divert their attention ,"Hey Saxena!Liste buddy.You can watch Himmatwala or Rikshawala or whatever , in Bhopal also.Don't you ? There are many interesting things to see in Chandigarh. Abhi tumne dekha hi kya hai (What have you seen so far)? "
"Ok, we will see everything.But we will see Himmatwala also." He said,"Tell me where will we go ?"
"There is a nice lake ... Sukhna lake..."
There Saxena laughedHe kept on laughing.Roy also joined him.Kakkad just smiled.
"What is so funny?" I asked.
"Are we in Chandigarh to see lake?"
"What is wrong in that? It is three miles long."
"We have much bigger lakes in Bhopal . Chhota Talab and Bada Talab..If
You want, this time , you get down at Bhopal, stay with us, we will show you those bigTalabs.I think, we cn skip lakes and go to 'Himmatwala'.What else ?"
"There is a Rose Garden."
"How nice.Yes, we wil go to Rose Garden.Have a quick round. And then go to 'Himmatwala'. What else ?"
"There is a 'Rock Garden'."
Before Saxena could say anything and Roy support him, Kakkad
declared,"Let us go to 'Rock Garden'."
Nek Chand never thought that one day, liking of Saxena and Roy would rock his dream Rock Garden. Rock Garden was built with the crumbs of broken clay utensils , industrial wastes , plastics.Just imagine, it took sixteen long years to that fellow to make his dream realized.And Roy and Saxena moved around and appreciated his creation of industrial wastes and broken china clay,stones/
“Wow, great, nice…Just look at it….Chha gaye…Simply great….” They kept on saying and moved like a whirlwind.Even they completed the photo session in no time.From end to end, it hardly took sixteen minutes !
There came the declaration,”Yes, Nek Chand and his Rock Garden is simply great.... astounding ... fabulous ...There is no doubt about that.Now it is time to proceed for ‘Himmatwala’.”
By the time they were busy in moving around like top, my mind was working like mixure to churn out the counter plan to pull the wind out of the ‘Himmatwaala’ plan. Scuttling it was need of the hour.Attack was the best form of defense .
“Andha Kanoon” I shouted.
“What ? What ‘Andha Kanoon’.” , Saxena was surprised by the counter attack
“Nothing, if we have to spend three hours in picture hall, then why ‘Himmatwala’ ? Let us go to ‘Andha Kanoon’”
“What is there in ‘Andha Kanoon’ ? “ Roy joined , obviously in support of Saxena.
“What is there ? Amitabh , Amitabh and Amitabh. And what is there in ‘Himmatwala’? Jitendra and that thigh girl what is her name – Sridevi – and their ‘Thumka’ And Kadar Khan’s dialogue... That’s all.” , I kept my blitzkrieg on. The relentless bombing soften the target.
“But, in ‘Andha Kanoon’, Amitabh’s role is very limited. Rajnikant is the main hero.Amitabh is on the screen just for half an hour.” Vijay Saxena came openly to defend his brother.
“So what ? In that half an hour, Amitabh sings two songs ,performs one murder with perfection, that too in court room. What else do you want ?”
“Well, Thakur sahab, it is better that we go to ‘Himmatwala’ and you go your Amitabh ,Amitabh and Amitabh’s ‘Andha Kanoon’.We will meet at the bus stand.”
“Perefect.Just give me the transistor.”I could not hide my delight.
“What ?” Roy frowned,”You are going to listen commentary in cinema hall?”
Gosh, he figured it out that it was the day when India was playing to West Indies.
“Better, let us have lunch and then we will go to Rose Garden.” Kakkad decided, “No Amitabh , no Jitendra or thigh girl…..”
The Rose Garden offered something better to Saxena and Roy.In that largest Rose Garden of Asia, situated I sector 16, offered more than sixteen hundred varieties of roses.This time, the visit did not last for sixteen minutes.They were mesmorized by diffent variety and colours and used their black and white camera to the fullest extent to capture the images of those colourful flowers.If some beautiful girl was passing by, they delayed the clicking till last moment when the girl came nicely in photo frame
Thank God, they had forgotten everything.
***********************************************************************
You might be just wondering , why I lingered on the trivial fight of "Andha Kannon" vs "Himmatwala".I should have stick on the topic which I started at the top.Time and again ,
you might feel that probably Cricket was the last thing in my mind.
But diverting from the topic was not without any reason. I just wanted you guys to take some deep breath and go to rest room if you want, or smoke a cigarette outside in cool air before facing a marauder, murderer, executioner whose name was Vivian Richards - Sir Vivian Richards, as he was known in later years.
I still remember Kakkad's comment about his batting ,"When he plays, he will play. His getting out was always 'all of a sudden'." Probably, that was the best remark I ever heard about his batting.Till he was at the crease, he would totally dominate and decimate any kind of bowling - spin, fast, super fast, in swing, outswing, late swing, cutter, flighted .floater, flatter, flipper,googly, chinaman, armour or anything. You would be clueless, how to get him out.There was no pattern to set a ploy - otherwise, he won't be "Sir". As Kakkad mentioned, his getting out was marked with an event, mostly associated with surprise and with an element of relief.If someone dropped his catch, he would surely be dropped in the next match, since Richards rarely gave a chance, second chance was a distant thing.
In the dark evening of Chandigarh, I was listening with dismay the murderous batting of Richards.It was India's bad luck that Greenidge fell cheaply and Richards came to the crease early on.He completed a century stand with Haynes then another about three quarter century partnership with Lloyd.When he was out on 119, the score was 240.That meant , half the contribution came from his bat.It did not matter that West Indian Innings,just three other fellow could two digit mark.They scored 282 in allotted sixty overs.
What were others doing? Just laughing on the streets of Chandigarh, commenting on the hair style and dresses of girls, taking some photographs I murky light, which they themselves knew that it would come .Then suddenly they realized that India was not doing well, they kept on asking for score every now and then and giggling.
***************
I can not forget that dinner in Chandigarh.
That was nothing, but a road side hand cart (Thela') near Chandigarh bus stand.
What would you normally expect at road side 'Thela'? Probably you may imagine anything from Samosa to puri to Parotha to even Dosa.
No, it was plain 'roti'.
Yes, that fellow was selling plain roro , not the 'Tandoori one, but simple tawa style,
without any ounce of oil or grease.That was fresh and hot from tawa, in front of your own eyes.Alongwith that, he served traditional popato subji without curry.Don’t tell me when you are hungry even the ordinary stuffs looked sumptuous.
It was really delicious.By that time, Mohinder Amarnath and Vengsarkar were playing and hopes were not dried.The score had crossed hundred run marks and both did some damage control and consolidating the innings.Only if those lofty hopes sustained for a while. Afte dinner, we were wndering on the streets of Chandigarh.That was just aimless walk.The streets were cal and quite.The transistor was playing guitar master Sumeet Ganguli's tune on famous Gazal,"Hungama hai kyon barapa?"
Forty five minutes later, when the turn for India's match came, 'Hungama' had happened.
India had lost Patil and Yashpal whereas Vengasarkar was injured, never to return not only in this match, but the whole tournament.As usual, Baba Amarnath was rock solid and Kapil Praji was playing frentically.Now, the score 282 looked slightly far but not impossible.
*********************************************************************
That was a late night bus . Still, it was jam packed.At that time, the match was at the last stage.India had all but lost the match.There was no scope for any recovery or resurrect.
Still, I had hope against hope.When we boarded on the bus, it was eight down.Vegsarakar was injured , so there was no chance of his batting again.Soon it was all over.My all the enthusiasm about going to Simla was deflated.Though , it was true that right from the beginning, I did not have high hopes from Indian team.It was quite obvious that Australia and West Indies were going to make it to Semi Final from group B.India lost two consecutive matches - in the hands of mercurial Australia and mighty West Indies.Everything was on expected line.Still, defeat was defeat, it could not bring any joy . It alway brought tears in those days when people waited for the event like world cup for months.Not sure about it nowadays when teams are playing three hundred days international Cricket in a year ..
The driver switched off the lights.Those who were sitting on back seats, some long bearded guys, the started the demand of "Quawaali" from driver.
Quawaali ? That was strange for me.I thought he was going to play some Hindi Film songs. If it were new, it would be "Mammy ne meri tumhen chaay pe bulaya hai (my mom has called you for a cup of tea)".If it was old, it might be Lata's serious "Yun hasraton ke daag Muhabbat main dho liye (This the way I washed the desire of love)..."If he were Amitabh fan, like most of us , then anything from "Zanzeer" to "Shakti" would do. Even "Naastik" ,"Mahaan" or "Pukar" was passable.However, not even in my dream, I imagined that the guys demanded for "Quawaali" and the driver would comply.Not only that, that was not some famous Quawaali, like "Bhar de jholi" or "Dhalta Suraj, it was completely out of syllabus.Other five were trying to sleep, but Quawaali was not "Lori".For me, I hardly slept.Still, trying to absorb the pain of recently concluded match.
************************************************************************
“Chhod do Ji....(Leave us sir)”
I know, you guys need a break a here.After all, the saga of World Cup was mind boggling and you guys were still reeling under the two consecutive losses.
I Got it ... No You got it..
Let us enjoy the break . For a while.I am not going to mention anything about the world cup.There were interesting things around.
Simla, Simla, Simla....
No sooner than we got ou from bus, we could feel the chill of Shimla.
Yes, it was cold.Unexpectedly chilli.The first thing we did , was, opened up the bags and pulled out the sweaters.
"Economical and comfortable" was the mantra.And we were in Shimla.That too, it was well inside the summer vacation.As soon as we step inside the clerk on the other side of counter would say,"Full hai ji.Jagah nahin hai.Yeh to season hai.(No vacancy. This is season time)".It might sound a little rude, but honestly,we could dare to go only at those places , since we were observing the rule. At last , we got a room near Mall road.
The room was barely furnished but who cared.It had a carpet.There, the tired guys spread their bedsheet and slept.
=======================================================================
It was morning, very early morning.
We were strolling at the Mall road and it looked different.... Different than what we heard of.. Different than what we imagined.. Different than what we found it a couple of hours later.No, at that time, it was calm.It was nice t see the clean , polished wooden shops and emporiums.The windows were made of the glass .I learnt the term "window shopping" many years later, but the concept was the same.
We would come back to Mal road again and again but let u go a little ahead.
Wow! Just look at the church.It was Christ Church.
Jakhu was on the top of the hill. So far,I have seen many places.At the top of the hill, you will always find a temple of incarnation of Durga.That was different.
And Lakkad bazaar ?Yes Lakkad bazaar…
Weather was excellent.Even the sun shine looked to have a shade lighter than that of the plains.We kept on strolling at the mall road.And in the afternoon, we decided to scale Zakhu.
Temple on the top of the hills, lots of monkeys hovering around – that was a usual seen you may find anywhere in India.However, the climbing was not through staircase or winding narrow ‘pagadandi’.It was a nice tar road.If you drive you can go to the top of the hill by car.
The acclivity was sharp, the monkeys were fearsome.It was cold , chilli and windy atmosphere.When we reached to the top, it was a sense of satisfaction.
Wow ! What a sceninic beauty .The panaromic view all round, the Viceregal Lodge and other buildings, green pastures and snow-capped peaks – you guys know it all. You might want to know, if I had any wish, asked for anything inside. I don’t want to say much.Only thing is – I got much much more than I asked. What I asked was what was the size of ‘Jholi’ (bag) of my imagination. All I could wish for was not beyond ‘graceful exit’ but I never thought of ‘grand ending’, not even in my wildest dream.
Over the years, once in after every four, I wish to the same Jakhu temple and ask the same thing.But not sure, probably, I am not that pure and innocent anymore, whose voice Hanumanji will listen. May be, probably, my "jholi" of expectations had grown after that from "Graceful exit" to something higher, which Hanumanji feels, Indians like me do not deserve since we clap for a team , whose performance hardly meets to the potential.
*************************
What did we buy from Mall of Shimla.
“If you want to buy some souvenirs” Kakkad said, “It should be the walking stick.”
We went inside one of the emporiums in the Mall Road.Different guys were looking for different things – Carpet to Himachal silk to handicrafts to Shilajeet to herbal tea …
“What you guys are searching for?” Sales girl asked with business smile plastered on her face.
“NNNothing…Some hand carved wooden arts, like toys, show piece and walking stick..”
“They are at that corner”.
We saw the price tag first, before admiring the elegance of walking stick and came out one by one, silently, avoiding the the gaze of sales girl.
Well, we got some good walking sticks near Lakkad Bazar. The prices were of the size of our pockets and they looked quite natural.
We were sitting near the Christ Church. Probably Bhutto and Mrs. Gandhi must have visited that place during Simla summit after Indo Pak war. Rudyard Kipling might have inspired while walking up and down in those Mall.
My eyes were searching the railway station of Simla which was shown in “Mukaddar Ka Sikandar” but what was he looking for ?
“Yaar, I am looking for a love tree which was shown in Rajesh Khanna’s film ‘Kudrat’”.
Then he went on to explain the love scene of Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini in the film, the burning house and Parveen Sultana’s ‘Hamen tumse pyar kitna’ song.
There, I revealed a teeenager’s dream to another teenager.
“Kakkad, let me earn some money , then we will make a film.Woul you like to work with Amitabh?”
He startled.”Who will be the heroin?”
“No, it will be a unique film.There will be no heroin.”
“You can not make a film like this.No heroin? Who will go to see that movie?”
“That is a challenge.I want to break to the set patterns of Hindi cinema.There would be no heroin.You pitted against Amitabh.”
“That is not possible.You will have to keep heroin.If not for dancing or getting wet in rain, then at least as a mother, as sister as teacher.Well, I may work but Amitabh will not work without a heroin.”
So the movie was shelved and buried there, near Mall road, near Post Office, near Christ Church.
===============================================================
Let there be no confusion. It was a toy train. No, it was not luxurious state of art, royal, Shiwalik Express, it was a passenger train.It was supposed to take six hours from Simla to Kalka.Since it was a passenger train, you could always assume that you would travel with apple vendors , carrying the sack of apples which were heavier than them, poor students in cheap rubber slippers torn books tugged under their arms ,businessmen and some penny saver tourists like us.
Well, no doubt, it was an august ride. It was really awesome. Just watch the landscapes of majestic lush green Himaliyan forest of pine, oak , deodar trees. Only complain was, the speed was too slow. Hardly 15 to 20 km per hour.In that case, you always feel challenged. I rushed towards the door.
"Where are you going ?" Kakkad asked.
"Let me run along the railway trek." I declared.
Kakkad pulled me back,"Abe, Bhutani ke.You want to ..."His sentence was incomplete and there was a complete dark inside for another two to three miniutes.When the tunnel ended, he explained,"See? And you wanted to go outside...Every now and then , you will find a tunnel , some short and some long.And we are sitting on the last bogie.If you try to circumvent the tunnel from outside and reach to the train again, you are gone.Better you seat..." No sooner did he complete the sentence, the train entered into another tunnel.
When it came out, it was passing on a bridge.
Tunnel and bridges, tunnel and tunnels... .For the record, there were 103 tunnels (as Roy informed us later) and around 950 bridges….forest on both the sides.And when you feel that train had gained some speed, you would find a station right over there.
It was not that we were not talking.Our conversation was full of words like
,"traction, power, energy , momemtum, cantilever, atmospheric pressure, density, arches, flow , transmission , signal" etc. Then Atul saw the altitude from sea level at some small station was mentioned in Feet. He went on to convert it into Metres. Our co pessangers were listening to our talk with certain degree of amusement.One of them, some middle aged guy, enquired, "Are you guys engineers ?"
"No Sir" , Atul replied,"not yet.But some day, yes...We are in first year."
"Good", he replied" I am a Engineer and working in Kathgodam maintenance
division."
Those were the days, when some value was attached with engineers.Guys were not ashamed of announcing proudly and unabashedly that they were engineers.Rather, in any kind of journey, I found them rather they were itching to reveal it to co passengers.And the unfortunate part was, if they identify another fellow as engineer, the language of conversation suddenly turned from Hindi to English.
That turned me off.I was just looking outside the verdant , panoramic view of rhapsody.
He kept on euliging the work of Britishers done two centuries back while digging the tunnel.two centuries back ? I woke up suddenly.I asked with curiousity,"Sir, how old is that track ?"
He informed, "The first train was started at 1775."
"1775?Wow" I said, "that was 208 years old.You mean, from that time,it was this diesel engine ?"
"No" He announced with derision,"Diesel engine came in 1850.Before that it was steam engine only."
He continued with his story.Roy and Saxena kept on saying "Yeah, Yeah".Then he got up and picked up his coat,"I had to get down." Just out of habbit, Roy ulled out his small diary,"Can you please write down your address sir ?"
He said while obliging , " Well, it is not required.Whenever you guys have a chance to visit Kathgodam, just go to railway workshop and ask Kulwant Khanna. Every one knows me."
The train stopped at Kathgodam station and left.
Well, it was just a matter of surprise, nothing else.I asked,Roy, ,"The whole world knows that the first train in India was run at 1853 from Bombay to Thane and that fellow said,Simla Kalka train started at 1775."
Every one burst into laugher.Kakkad added,"And first diesel train started in 1850."
Beside the sleek rail services, the train stops at or run past Jabli, Dharampur, Barog, Solan, Salogra, Kandaghat and Taradevi, broad gauge terminates and the two foot six inch narrow gauge begins.
**********************
One heavy bag hanging on one shoulder, on the other hand, we had a hand carved walking stick… We were strolling with ‘Rajsi Chaal’ (Royal walk) in that Royal Garden with ‘Nawaabi Chhadi (Royal stick)” in one hand.
Moreover , there was restriction for plucking the flower or mango,spitting, throwing garbage here and there, playing Cricket, Football , Hockey, Kabaddi or Kho-Kho in main lawns, but there was no restriction in listening the commentary. And transistor was in my possession. Moreover, the match was against Zimbabwe, which was (supposed to be) tension free match.Agreed that they beat Strong Australia in first match and gave one or two anxious moment even to West Indies,but India had trounced them comprehensively in their earlier encounter .
************************
That was life.What else could I ask for ?
We were inside the Pinjore Garden .The date was June 18, 1983.
I don’t know why, the name Tunbridge was ringing in my ears since second World Cup.I don’t know, how , in the second world cup , I had the intuition that if India played a match in Tunbridge, then things would change dramatically for Indian team.Well, in second world cup, no match featuring India was scheduled at that place, but that day, in the current version of the World cup, India was pitted against Zimbabwe.
Did I shrugged off the the nightmare of two earlier defeat ? Oh God, please don’t remind
me.I was worried that we tried to forget it in Simla, but it should not be playing in the mind of the players.What if they lose some early wickets ? Oh God, please …Please.., India should not bat first.
**********************************
As per Murphy’s Law, that was what precisely happened.
Saxena brothers, Roy , Uprit – everyone was thrilled while walking on the cool,shaddy pathways which ran upto the creepers on the outer wall. A watercourse traipsing from level to level was sparkling in the sunlight. Tinkling fountains, luxuriant green lawns and murmuring watercourse, limpid pools, shady walks and colorful flowerbeds,Shady groves of bonsai mango trees ,, which had more mangoes than leaves – all at the mouth watering height – that too at the warm summer afternoon – ‘wah-wah’...
Tell me, what else do you want my dear ..!
That was enough for them.They had enough immunition in terms of black wand white reels of the camera.That was our last stop before returning to Kurukshetra.What else they needed ?
India won the toss and that Hayanvi Kapil decided to bat.Oh no…,And Vengsarkar did not recover from the injury against West Indies, Gavaskar was back in team.And if Gavaskar was in the team , then he would be one of the openers.And if he was one of the openers, then given by his record in the World cup, it would be tension time for you.And hey listen…he was out ….yes, he was out on the second ball of the match…
Baba Amarnath came to bat .Both the opening bowlers, Rowan and Curren were bowling beautifully.Time and again Srikkanth tried to break the shackle and missed .At last his agonizing innings came to an end tragically .He pulled a ball from Curren and miscued it.The ball ballooned in the air and Butchart ran for about thirty metres and took the catch.
Did I not tell you that Zimbabwe’s fielding was great , close to the greatest.
“Ha , Ha , Haaa !” Saxena brothers, Roy and Uprit were playing with the water near fountain and laughing.
They were still laughing when Baba Amarnath also fell on the same score , the age old Indian desease – fishing outside the of stump.
“Click, Click” – Now, the play birds were busy in clicking the photographs in different pose.
Oh, got it.Why wickets were felling like this.No, 25 metre band was not auspicious for India today.I immediately switched to 31 metre band.
“Thakur wanted.” Ajay Saxena shouted ,”Oye Thakur, come here , be with us.You will be lost.” Saxena shouted from about fifty metres away.
I was rushing to join them and in the meanwhile , Sandeep Patil got out.Same fishing,same pouching the catch by wicket keeper Houghton.
“Thakur, that’s right.Come let us have a photograph of we room mates.”
I felt like swing my leg and kick Saxena’s butt.
“Hey Come on.” and dancing, they went upto the water course.
“Come Thakur.”They kept a space for me.
I was not interested.I was just standing there.Junior Saxena jumped and stand at that place.
“Click” Roy clicked the camera.
“Howzad”, Zimbabwe fielders shouted and Yashpal Sharma was on his way to pavilion.
The score was five wickets down for seventeen runs.B.B.C. was magnanimous because other match was delayed .Now, the other match started and B.B.C. just switched to the other match.Before moving there, the commentator mentioned that lowest score for India in one day was 63 and at that time, top half of the team was in pavilion for a score of 17…..
It was a shock so profound that in the distant background the very first win against West
Indies looked grotesque . Zeal stifled, enthusiasm muffled.
......
..........
..............
“Hun, waiting for us … - Dhishung…”
Anitabh’’s back was on the wall, a noose was tied around his neck and he was pulled around , kicked and punched…
“Jeb se chhabi nikaalega…Haaan…Kya bola tha , darwaaja kholega
…hun…Dhishung…..(pull out the key from the pocket ... that was what he boasted .. will open the door... $#@ )
Kapil Dev came on the crease and took guard…
=============================================================
I don’t know how the next forty five minutes was passed.
The most agonizing moment in complete blackout. Did India crossed 63 or 50 or even 25 ?
At last the turn of India’s match came in round robin B.B.C. commentary India was seventy five for five.
“Huph….” That was a sigh of relief.
“Did you say anything?” Saxena asked.
“No , nothing.India crossed its minimum score mark.”
“And you are happy?” Roy laughed.
And Roger Binny got out .The score was 76.
I thought I would be irritated. But surprisingly, I was calm. India crossed its minimum score mark. Eventually , they would loss the match. Conclusion – what is left in the match? Better , laugh with them.
I tried to laugh , but chocked air could not come out of my lungs. I just coughed.
Roy laughed and Ravi Shastri got out.Gosh, that fellow scored just one run.
**********************
No, now I got the solution for the problem. If I don’t listen commentary, India is safe. The moment I got the commentary reached my ears, one or the other wicket would fall. I switched off the transistor.
Some boys were playing Cricket in nearby ground. I was not thrilled to see future Kapil.Why were they playing? Was there any future for Cricket in India ?
Silent transistor was solace at that point of time.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The grove of Bonsai mangoes was full of mangoes, warning board and 'shayary'(couplets).
So, when Roy pointed out to me,"Just look at this.",My initial reaction was ,"Yeah, nice mangoes."
"Oh no dummy" He pointing finger wavered towards targeted direction in an attempt to be more specific ,"Not Mangoes.Just look at this.What is written ?"
"Rs. 50 fine.That is for plucking or touching the mangoes.",I read out correctly.
"You pumpkinhead, I wanted you to read the finer prints ..Bah! look at that.. that.. a little above "
Oh , he wanted me to read the 'shayari'.As I mentioned, the grove was full of 'shayari' to underline and highlight the warning. Nice way tomblink lights around warning boards.
Anyway, I read out the warning which Roy had pointed out ,It was rather ‘Tukbandi’....
"Jahan main Kuchh log eise bhi hote hain.
Jo Mehfil main hansate hain aur tanhai main rote hain."
(There are some people in this world.Who laugh in parties, but cry when alone).
He said,"Got it ? Kuchh log eise 'hi' hote hain, jo mehfil main bhi rote hain and aur tanhai main bhi rote hain .(there are some people in this world like this.They cry in the party and cry when alone).Why are you so grumpy? Gam ko gale laga , jee khol ke hans...ek din...(accept the gloom, and laugh ... and laugh..)"
"Stop it...", I said,"Aur kitne gam ko gale lagana padega (how many times I need to embrass gloom)? Man bhar gaya is hansi se (got fed up with this laughter)... Kab tak khokhale kahkahe lagaoun (until when I need to laugh like this)? Kab tak (until when... ) ..?"
By that time, I sometimes, I switched on the transistor, then immediately switched it off. I did not want India to loss any further wicket. But was there any left? Hour long world news was on .B.B.C. followed it by sports news. At last , I mustered the courage and switched on .But no, I immediately switched off the transistor.Sometimes, I was afraid that the on-off knob would popped out in my hand.
We came out of Pinjore garden and headed towards the bus stop.There, I switched on the transistor.The commentary for New Zealand Sri Lanka were going on. Suddenly, it was interrupted and the co-ordinator announced, "Let us go to Tunbridge where Kapil Dev was heading for his century."
"What?" I could not believe in my ears. That was the danger of accidently discovering a exquisite diamond by a poor man on pathway. It was too good to be true. Probably,I misinterpreted what he said. I humbly admit that my English was poor. But no, he really meant what he said and what I understood.
Kapil was playing on 98 at that time. He nudged the ball gently for a single. On 99.I could hear clapping and roaring in the ground in anticipationThen in next over, he hit the ball and he and Kirmani ran for two .
Kirmani ? Yes, Kirmani was playing with him.India was eight down for about one seventy. As a strip teaser who puts her skirt down after showing something in flash, after his century B.B.C. immediately reverted back to New Zealand Sri Lanka match.
From Pinjore, we went to Chandigarh bus stop. Fuelled by fresh coal of enthusiasm,I was trying frantically to get some news- any new would do. At least, 'Khel Samachar' at some place. But as per Murpy's law, I was hitting all other radio station, who were broadcasting variety of the programs, from Krishi Jagat to classical Indian music.
We were waiting for the bus at Chandigarh bus stand. At last,I reverted back to B.B.C.
By that time, the turn for India's match came.
"What?" Eavesdropper Roy frown, "The match is not yet over."
"Kapil hit a century." I made a public announcement for the benefit of them.I don’t know why,it was rather loud and those , who standing around me set their gaze at me and the transistor.
"What ? Kapil hit a century ?" Now shocked Roy was equally blaring .
In that sports loving city of Chandigarh , one uncle approached me with his young son.
"What is the score?"
"226 for eight", Suddenly Kapil pulled and immediately I corrected ,"232 for eight."
"Gosh, who else played ?Amazing .. No ? When I was at home, India lost seven wickets. I thought ,Koi fayda nahin(it is o no use) , bachche ko ghuma ke late hain(let us go to the garden and play with kids).Who else played ?"
"Kapil hit a century and Madan and Kirmani hold the other end."
Still, I was not sure of Kapil's score. But was that required ?All of a sudden , Kapil looked like ubiquitous conjurer. His assiduity paid off.
Suddenly Kakkad signal us to board on the bus.We lifted our heavy bags,the 'Nawabi (royal) stick' of Simla and boarded on a Haryana Roadways bus, which was barely lit from inside.We got the seat. Still, there was sometime for bus to start.The suspense of Kapil's score was still looming in my mind..
=======================================================================
Goodbye Chandigarh….We will meet again and again.”Is Anjuman main aapko aana hai bar bar..Deewaro dar ko gour se pahchaan lijiye..(You will visit this garden again and again, recognize the doors and walls well)”
The bus was passing by "Tribune" newspaper's building.They had a giant display board , showing the main news. Most of the times, political headlines hit that display board. Sometimes, some bomb blast, sometimes, water dispute , sometimes what the prime minister says ....
That day it was showing something like 'Kapil'.I adjusted my spects again and again. No, that was not possible ,probably the number of my spectacles had changed. Ajay Saxena was sitting beside me.I asked , "Saxena, can you read it for me?What is written?something ..Kapil ...Not clear."
Saxena looked, squinted his eyes till his eyebrows joined , rubbed it again and said,"Sorry Thakur,it seems my eyesight has gone back. Sorry."
"What is the figure? Did you see 175?"
"Oh you also see it 175 ? But how is it possible?"
********************************
As Doordarshan used to exasperate in those years, ”Rukavat ke liye khed hai….Sorry for the interruption…”
With due respect, I would like to stat that – in the absence of any matching
performance over the years, that innings attained legendary status , ensconced almost like a folklore.So many stories are associated with that epic innings …soo many that I would like stop you here for a while .
That was one of the rarest day when B.B.C. television crew was on strike.If you watch any video of 1983 world, you won’t get any clip for that innings. In retrospect,even Kapil rued that it was never shown live and never recorded visually.
Some amateur Indian spectator had a video camera.He recorded part of the innings , single camera , single point shaky hands amateur recording.But Kapil paid him handsomely and bought his recording.
When India was five down for 17 runs, Srikkanth , as usual jovial Srikkanth was all relieved and lighthearted. He stepped out to phone his friend that the match was going to be over soon, so they could sneak out for dinner somewhere. Apparently , the friend was some girl friend, so he spent quite some time over the phone. In the meanwhile, India did not lose any other wicket so the guys in dressing room thought that it was Srikkanth’s bad luck charm in dressing room which had affected India’s fortune. When he returned, he was not allowed to enter by his team mates. He had to stay outside in cold for remaining part of the innings.
The pitch at the ground of Tunbridge was not exactly at the centre.On one side the boundary was so long that batsmen could run four runs before the ball touched the rope.On the other side, they could run hardly two runs for the similar effort. Zimbabwe wicketkeep Haughton later recalled that most of Kapil’s sixers were over long boundary.After reching his century, he called for a new bat, which had tapered shoulders,somewhat similar to baseball bat.With that he assaulted even more ferociously.
Ali Shah, one of the members of Zimbabwe team, recalled that at the close of the innigs, when Kapil was coming out of the ground, Gavaskar met him with a cup of water in the midway.It was a nice gesture for someone of Gavaskar’s stature.
===================================================================
Yes, Kapil slammed 175 ,studded with sixteen fours and six sixes. That was
announced at the "Akashwani" news at 8.45.By the end of the news, it also said India made 262 .That looked like a defendable total if not outright winning one. It was true that India rose up from ashes that evening and managed to stand up … barely stand up …
Zimbabwe innings began with a strong reply . They were some 40 odd with loss in frantic run chase.That was ominous. The bus was rushing in the darkness .By the time, the English news was closing, at around 9-15, it informed that Zimbabwe had lost two wickets and both of them were run out.
That brought some respite to me.
The voice of the news was intermingled with the profound snoring sound from the guys sleeping around me. They had a long day, starting from the toy train in Simla and then Pinjore and now, going back to Kurukshetra. Tomorrow, they had to get morning train , Jhelam , to go back home, sweet home.
I desperately rotated the knob from one corner to the other in the search of some news or comemntory. But as you know, in the running bus, the signals were not always strong.Even though it was short wave, I had to turn the direction of transistor constantly.
Still,everything was feeble and intermittent, just to add to bewilderment and trepidation ...Problem was, no news was good news. Zimbabwe was also scoring at brisk pace.
By the time bus halted at Ambala and I could tune the transistor again, it was a greater relief. Zimbabwe had lost six wickets and the score was just 113.
"What a relief" I thought.
But there was no respite , as I learnt when we got down from the bus , again at Pipli. The roller caster ride was still on.Curran was striving to emulate Kapil for Zimbabwe and they were some 180 for seven. Plenty of overs were at their disposal , plenty of time left. Those who were predicting ‘the match is over’ since morning were proved wrong again..
Ultimately , we reached Kurukshetra.Back to the hostel.
Zimbabwe were 225 for eight. Hardly forty runs separated them from the victory and dangerous Curran was still playing.
But overs seemed to be running out of them and sense of urgency was eminent.
Kapil praji was wicketless till that time. How poignant it was ! Praji , at least take one wicket. Strangely, "Yeh dil Mange more" was valid even in those days.
The sense of urgency sucked Curran .He pulled Madanlal towards longer boundary and Ravi Shastri took the catch.
Just one more wicket.... Come on... Madan , leave the last wicket for Kapil praaji.
And at the end, yes , it was a poetic justice. The last man Tricos. offered a return catch to Kapil and that was all over..
===============================================================
All over ? No...
Amitabh wringled with all his might and could manage to free himself from the tangling rope.He punched , kicked , boxed and blowed hard. panting , huffing and puffing… like a wounded tiger… and broke free ...
But still, he had to pull the key out from the pocket of Peter...
Key to the world cup....
Almost oblivious from the happening, Junior, Senior Saxena and Uprit were packing for next day's morning train...Jhelam Express....
==============================================================
(Contd)
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