hamara ghosla

This mid-term break proved out to be a real blessing in more ways than one, the time that I got to spend with folks at home was indeed precious but there were other benefits as well. I own a small plot of land at Mhow, which was about to re-enact the “Khosla ka Ghosla”, “encroachment” for the ignoramuses who refrain from watching anything bollywood. Fortunately, I happened to be there just at the right time, when a small hutment was erected there; supposedly for watch-keeping of the neighbour’s construction material. My physical presence and perseverance finally saw me return triumphantly with the dwelling having been suitably relocated. But you know how these friendly(?!) neighbourhoods are, as a nation we have been at the receiving end all along; so one can’t be very sure of the intentions of these neighbours either. I naturally decided that it was about time for me to construct our very own “ashiyana”. The pay commission and the massive income tax deductions proving to be added incentives.
Most of us are aware that construction of a house in India is a once in a life time kind, because by the time you finish, you are also finished financially, mentally and of course physically. Although with the advent of modern townships these headaches can be avoided and one can settle for a readymade flat or a bungalow. But the charm associated with a villa in the countryside is unique and quite tempting. So here goes, I met an architect who could guide me on this whole process. The first question which he posed was what kind of a house did I have in mind. The question was a googly, foxing me totally. All these years one has barely even given this aspect any consideration, type of house was the last thing that you thought of as long as on was assured of a roof somewhere. Then all MES houses are alike in their feel, whether temporary or permanent.
But not wanting to look foolish, I said I would prefer an ethnic kind of a bungalow. That only was the starters, the questions simply multiplied exponentially and finally I surrendered meekly, just give me a decent place. In fact I was tempted to get him to visit MES houses, since we would naturally be more comfortable in these conditions, having lived all our lives here.