Camel's Back Road

Keya’s notebook

Gargi and her first cousin were the same age and in the same class, but they lived in different cities. Minali lived with her parents in Kolkata, while Gargi lived in Mussoorie. Gargi's father was a senior gazetted officer, and they had a lovely house with a small, well-maintained garden that boasted a lively display of blossoms including bright crimson, yellow, and pink dahlias. When beauty is the pinnacle, nature whispers its best to the mountaintop.

During the Puja holidays, Minali’s parents visited Mussoorie to be with the family. Gargi’s father and Minali’s father were brothers; every year one met the other with family, going to Kolkata and the other coming to Mussoorie.

As usual, the families visited Kemty Falls and Bhatta Falls together and the next day spent at the mall doing shopping. Minali shared the same room as Gargi and the sisters chatted till late night. Though Gargi’s school was only closed for the weekends the sisters managed their talks well.

On a Saturday night after dinner, the sisters were having their glass of milk and switched on the room heater got on their beds and started talking. Gargi was studying in a reputed school in Mussoorie. She said that on several occasions, the schoolchildren had picnics, and on one outing, the teachers took them to Camel's Back Road. From Kulri Bazaar to Library Chowk, there's a 3 km long road known as Camel's Back Road.

From 8th grade onwards, boys and girls formed small groups and walked together along the long road. The weather was fine, so no one felt tired. With every group there were teachers. Gargi asked Minali, ‘Do you know why the road is called ‘Camel’s Back’?. Minali nodded her head to ‘No’. Well! On the side of the road, there are a few rocks which are shaped like a Camel’s hump on its back. Strange! Minali said aloud, ‘How can nature be so beautiful?’ Gargi

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said that the road is famous for its great sunset point also.

Now is the best part of the story. When the children were walking together, suddenly, Gargi stood still and told her friends, ‘Look from the opposite side Sachin Dev Burman is coming. He too must be taking a walk on the beautiful road.’ Her friends started pulling her leg and making fun of her. In those days there was no social media and so many people were not aware of things going around or know the famous people. Mostly the teachers were from Australia and so they didn’t know what to say. But Gargi was adamant that the gentleman coming was Sachin Dev Burman and with him was his friend.

Gargi felt bad as all were laughing at her and she being the junior class student the senior class students kept on teasing her. Then there was an Indian teacher and she confirmed that the tall gentleman was indeed Sachin Dev Burman. Though Gargi or the teacher did not speak to him they smiled at each other while crossing the path.

The others were rebuked especially the senior class children and their heads were down with shame. A few Australian teachers too recognized the Indian music director and singer.

When Gargi’s parents visited the school for Parents and Children Day, the school principal praised Gargi in front of everyone. In those days there was no computer or smartphone, so how did this girl of 12 recognize SD Burman? Gargi said that her parents encouraged her to read different books and also to read the newspaper. This increased her general knowledge.

Both the girls woke up late as the rest period could be used as much as they wanted to.

Epilogue: The story tells us, Gargi’s power of observation. And with determination and authority, she kept on saying, ‘He is Sachin Dev Burman’ while the others made fun of her.

Bravo! Gargi keep it up. Children like you shine in life.

Chakraborty Meenakshi