I have written diaries on MS about my father, my mother and myself . But I have not shared much about my wife. So, this one's for my lady.
On the eve of her birthday this year, I was planning to do something special. I thought to myself, Yaar, gifts and treats are okay, but how about making her special day memorable. Can I gift her with some unique experience, one that she will cherish for a long time?
Well by God's grace, there came a Mentos moment rather quickly. I zeroed down on Floatel - a floating hotel 'n restaurant on the Ganges. Yes friends, it's located in Kolkata only. I had been to Floatel to attend a family party once in my childhood. I still vividly remember the pleasant experience. I quickly made the arrangements.
My wife enjoys the little joys of life, and she becomes genuinely happy even if I give her an inconspicuous treat, say something like Fuchka (Golgappa or Paanipuri to some of you). So she was really happy and excited when I told her where we were going. Floatel has two parts - the entrance, reception, and a small lobby is on the banks, and the rest of the hotel is floating on water. You have to cross through a small pool. While crossing the pool we saw the stretch of waters on both sides - the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu also stood in style right in front of our eyes. She exclaimed "Wow" and smiled happily.
We took the elevator and went straight to the restaurant - "The Bridge". We took the buffet, which was a lavish spread. We had Soup, Rice, Lachha Paratha, three to four varities of Vegetables, Fish fry, Chicken and Mutton. There were three to four varities of sweet dishes too. While I happily gorged on and filled myself, my wife was carefully choosy, and ate to her limits. But of course, she enjoyed the meal.
We then set out to explore Floatel further. There was a huge Mariner's Compass just outside the restaurant. We studied it a little and tried to understand the directions. On the other side there was a hanging balcony and rooftop. We went there and were awestruck to see the vast expanse of Ganges. At a distance we could see the Howrah Railway Station, little boats and streamers on the waters, and the age-old buoys. We also saw how Floatel was chained and anchored to the riverbed. The sunrays glistened on the rippling waves, and tinged our hearts too with happiness.
We came downstairs and explored a small art gallery within the hotel. There were a few lovely paintings. On an open stretch in the ground floor, the waves almost caressed the floors. It was time for the high tides. We went to the open stretch and could see some Launches, shuttling from Howrah to Babughat in Kolkata, ferrying local passengers. My wife said, why don't we try it too. I was a bit reluctant, maybe it would be dirty, how will the co-passengers be? But anyway, I agreed.
We went to the Fairly Place Ghat next to Floatel and boarded a launch to Babughat. God, the ticket charge was just Rs. 4/- each! It was another unique experience. We giggled when we felt the tremors of the Launch hitting the Jetty. We smiled and were jumping in our hearts when we were on board. The small Launch steered swiftly through the river waters. A pleasant breeze swept past us. I started humming one of my favorite Rabindra Sangeet - "Tomar khola hawa, lagiye paale, tomar khola hawa/ Tukro kore kachhi ami dubte raji achi, ami dubte raji achi/ Tomar khola haway..." (Your open wind on the sail of my boat, your open wind/ I can tear apart the rope in parts, and I can drown, I can drown in your open wind...)
It felt so nice to see her smile. She was almost flying across the waters, head held high. And then she looked at me and uttered the best line I have ever heard - "For you, I have a Ganges full of Love in my Heart."
Well, what can I say my lady? I can drown, ohh, I can drown...
