It is an oft asked question " Why is hot faster than cold?" The answer comes with a tickle " Since one can catch cold". In my case though I catch cold, it is not the best of my friends. It brings its ally in the form of cough which is left behind as a legacy by the cold which disappears without much ado. Friends and relatives pour out their suggestions for separating us. Turmeric roasted lightly on a tava, Turmeric in milk, a mixture of pepper, betel leaves and other leaves which is known as the ghas boos khashaya in our household, gargling in salt water, salt water bath, the list would seem endless. The recent bout of cough is no different with every soul around me turning in with a helpful counsel.
It was at this stage, I happened to view a programme which eulogised Surdaas for his ability to adapt into every role from Yashodha to Radha to enjoy the divinity of Lord Krishna. The imagination a la Anu Malik made me look at my present battle in a literary light.
The first role of cough was undoubtedly given to the mother. Caring and concerned, she refuses to budge even when told that her vatsalya was suffocating a la the ad in which the parents bid farewell to their adult son on a train journey more so when the co-passenger is a female. Apparently, the cough too did not want to leave its dear son in trouble and tried everything to stay by the son in his hour of need. The son was as usual not understanding and disrespectful in trying to evict her from his system.
The next role for the cough was that of a friend. The adage, a friend in need is a friend indeed haunted the cough from leaving its dear friend in dire straits. Even a Damocles sword is nothing compared to the sacrifices of the cough. The cough undergoes all the trauma of its own dear friend attempting to see its end but remains faithful without any ill feeling.
The third role is that of a lover. The saga of viraha vedane is told with aplomb on its every return after an eviction. Any mention of the time spent angers her into sulking with whooping bouts of cough. Any talk of separation leads her into one of those sob melodies such as kabhi alvida na kehna which makes one hit the cough syrup bottle a la Devdas. The real tug of war starts when she upstages me into proposing a everlasting marriage. Oh no!!! bouts of cough itself is unbearable but a life long one would not be an idea to relish or cherish. How does one tell this to the cough? The lack of poetic abilities to call a spade one without hurting the sentiments of the other is not the best available asset. Another brief adieu is in the offing but how long would this gap last? Only time can tell while the cough smiles and says "Sayanora" with a promise " I will be back". It is said that hell hath no fury than lady scorned and who could invite the wrath of one sitting so beningly in one's throat and aggravating the situation. This leads to a situation of placation with sugary syrups with a dash of alcohol to make things easier.
The next in the thought flow is that of the cough assuming the role of a visiting child. Children normally take some warm up time and as a gracious host one has to try to please the child so that the wards can have a peaceful time. As the time for leaving nears, the child warms up to the place and at the time of departure prefers to stay with the host. Bidding adieu to the child in a civilised mannerin itself would be a task worthy for every aspirant for diplomatic services. Now the child in question being the cough which has endeared itself to my throat does not show signs of retreat for me to feign welcome next time.
Who could ever say only Surdaas could do it? He only visualised while I have experienced it in this strange relationship with cough.
1 comment:
interesting story telling
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