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| Rohu (Carp) fish curry. |
-Brian Mendonca
There was a bit of uncertainty whether today or tomorrow is Holi. As it happens, the holiday was given today.
Wallowing in a low mood, I reached for the Bible as soon as I got up. I was moved to see that it was as though the universe read my thoughts. The lines 'Come now. Let us set things right, says the Lord.' (Isaiah 1:18) seemed to be written for me. My spirits lifted. I was determined to practise some self- love.
I had to drop Dwayne for his class at 9. I got back and jumped in the pool. (I had kept my swim gear in the car to save time.) I kept my target the usual 20 laps of a mid-sized pool.
The water level in the pool was too low, I noticed. As I sadly made my way back, who should I chance upon but Porob - our estate manager. I quickly apprised him of the same and both of us marched back to the pool.
Porob said in Konkani that the level was enough for my height. He would pump water in the pool, he said. By the time I changed the level came up to my chest at the deepest end.
Swimming after a long time was a joy. The newly-done up pool; the lambent morning sun which I welcomed with a yoga pose in the pool; and the forest of trees in the glen made me feel in tune with myself.
I stepped out after 20 laps at 10.30 a.m. It was time to pick up Dwayne at 11. Going home I changed and drove out.
Having picked up Dwayne we stepped into Magsons on CHOGM road, Porvorim on the way back. After buying a bunch of bananas I was walking towards my car - but stopped in my tracks
The spicy aroma of rohu fish being fried in mustard oil from a wayside eatery, assailed my nostrils. It was in the vicinity of 12 midday. Should I buy the fish? I asked for two pieces with curry. We had it at home with white rice. It was very tasty. I remember Kallol's mother had made it for us in Delhi and we sat on the floor and ate it.
In the evening I dusted my book shelf and cleared the clutter on my window sill. It was a good day to de-stress.
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