The Rooftop Project

Felix and Vanessa share a quiet moment at the Roof Top Project.

 -Brian Mendonca

As February wound down to a close, there was a twist in the tail. We all landed up in Pune to celebrate my sister's birthday on 28th February.

Queenie scouted for fares and we got an agreeable deal. Our direct flight was at 2 a.m. on Saturday,
26th February from Dabolim airport, arriving Pune at 2.55 a.m. The flight was on schedule and we surprised my sis at 4 a.m. 

Her loving husband Felix asked my sister to open the door at that ungodly hour, knowing fully well who it was. It was a secret planned by Felix with logistic support by their daughter Maegan and a host of others.

The best part of it was that after we were let in, we munched hungrily on the roast sandwiches which we had brought along for the way - but which accidently wound up in the luggage. Nessa - my sister, Vanessa - made steaming cups of tea. Felix brandished a packet of biscuits.

On the day of the birthday Felix planned a get-together and dinner at The Rooftop Project at Pune Camp. It was just above the famed Marzorin which serves delicious snacks. Fond memories of my University days in the early-90's, came flooding back after I bounded down to order some rolls and sandwiches.

As I said the grace before meals, I made the point that the grace does not mention food. It instead says 'gifts.' This reminds us that we are grateful for the gift of Nessa in our lives. As we thank the Lord for the food we also thank God for the other bounteous gifts He has given us. Standing in solidarity with Nessa is a tribute to the fact that we have come through COVID - while so many didn't.

It was an evening of songs; games and good food. It was just family and close friends so Nessa felt comfortable. Needless to say, the celebrations hit the roof!

Throughout our brief stay in Pune, Nessa was on her feet, busy as ever. Whether it was to provide the morning cuppa tea; roll out the delicious rotis; shepherd us in the car for Mass; or make our bed at night, however weary she herself was - Nessa had not forgotten her role of the sister she always was. Gentle and caring. Before every outing she would unfailingly call out 'Anything to iron?' like she used to when we grew up in Vasco with mum and dad around us. 

As we warmed to our new surroundings I felt in tune with myself, whether it was greeting the rising sun on the spacious patio; inserting myself in a corner to catch up on my work; or just lazing and joining Dwayne and Maegan watch Spiderman - No Way Home and Far From Home. (I forgot which was which).

On Saturday, Felix took us to Poona Goan Institute (PGI) for dinner. Carnival was in the air, but we stuck to the lovely food in the restaurant. Midnight saw us scouring the roads for kulfi which we finally found on kaka's cart near Kondwa. 

We touched down in Goa on 1 March - in time for the red and black dance at Clube Nacional, Panjim.

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Pic taken at the Roof Top Project,  Pune Camp, on 28th February 2022. Courtesy Vanessa and Felix Mendonca. Updated 15 March 2022.