Creating A Return Trail

Friends,

I, hereby, declare my innings here. The score on the board, though not affluent, riding on the feel-good factor, considering the favourable pitch condition in India, accepted the challenge.

Yes, I have decided to return to India to serve my country to whatever extent possible, and whatever knowledge I have acquired here.

Well, it has been almost six years, passed by like

Whoooooooooooooooossse..., because enjoyed like Whaoooooooooooooooouuu....

I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all of you who accepted my mistakes, corrected my expressions, taught me to be positive, in attitude, showing good examples, without a word being spoken. I have learnt a lot from this very intelligent and resourceful Indians who shared their deep feelings and quality knowledge in almost all subjects. I, firmly believe, all these made me better prepared to face the world efficiently, calmly.

My family received spontaneous help from all families at difficult times when least expected; they would miss this cohesive community. We will miss Japan in every walk of life; more so we will miss you all, with whom, we always, felt at home, away from home.

Thank you all and wish good Health.

This is the message Bhaskar read out at his farewell function organised by Indian community in Japan.

Bhaskar wrote to memorise this message the night before. When wife, Chandrani turned her face towards light and found Bhaskar still awake, asked “what are you doing so late? Switch off the light, have to get up early”; Bhaskar remained silent. A dim light in pitch black darkness do irritate eyes, even when closed but not in sleep. Chandrani was not sleeping anyway.” What are you writing?” Chandrani asked, adjusting her pillow, lifting her head in a half sitting posture. “It’s the farewell message to my friends,” whispered Bhaskar. “You would not need this message to write, if you did not decide to leave this country. Let’s drop the idea of returning India,” Chandrani proposed, coming close to Bhaskar, softly shifting Pukki’s hand sideward from her belly.

“It’s done, just doing the final corrections.” Bhaskar wrote the “thank you all and wish good health”, saved and dropped the laptop screen, keeping it at side table and switched off the light. Checking Pukki fast asleep, Bhaskar raised his voice a notch and said,” it is easy to think off writing a farewell message and fantasising on what all would be writing, before actually writing it, and then find quite difficult when actually start to write. What to add, what to leave, whether to wish all equally or mention something specific who are close friends. Should not be too long, else loses it’s condensed form; too less would not mean much, at least should be that much elaborate to commensurate to six years of togetherness.” Chandrani murmured, “so many people are living abroad forever, visit the country, relatives once a year, come back and live eleven months in comfortable, peaceful, luxurious means. Was it really necessary to relocate?”

Late night in Japan is as good as complete noiselessness, occasional sound of water gushing at bathroom only. Bhaskar could clearly hear the murmur, pull her arm gently to bring her closer and asked, “do you remember what are the favourite food, snacks, vegetables you ate when last you visited India. Do you remember how many mangoes you ate each day. You may also recall that you continued your aspiration of eating more mangoes and tried to bring in few more kgs to be eaten here, unless, unfortunately, customs and quarantine took away all and you felt so sorry. Is it not the best idea to exercise all your food loving experiences at home all round the year, Mango in Summer, Cherry in Winter, Bhaji in rains, jalebi in Spring!” Bhaskar tries to make things light, intelligently, he is fully aware of Chandrani’s reluctance to return to India.

Mid night is not for jokes Bhaskar, Chandrani said; the joke is for anytime every time dear, Bhaskar said. The drunkard, that day, coming home midnight walking at middle of road with an sinusoidal amplitude upto drain on either side of the road was a joke, reminded Bhaskar, looking at Chandrani and with a smile. Attempt to returning India is a big decision backed by several reasons, my willingness to take chances. As time flows, we would see if the reasons are adequately justified or it is just an impulsive thought for relocation due some unknown unlikeliness here, the soil we were not born. Chandrani knew that for Bhaskar, a decision is a decision but still tried to protest. The protest is not to overturn the already taken decision but to make clear that she is not for this decision, deadly against it. She knew the arrow had left the bow already. Bhaskar did not counter, as it is unnecessary, remained silent.

Without getting any counter-response, Chandrani realised that she is into a fruitless argument, but wanted to continue taking.” Did you get the tickets the agent supposed to send you today evening?” asked Chandrani diverting the perennial question of the real reason for relocation and its real necessity. Bhaskar affirmed that he had done so. Chandrani realised that talking cannot go long as the response coming in are monosyllable from the other party, means he is not in a mood to talk.

One sided talk cannot continue for long, Chandrani dozed off after some wait. Bhaskar adjusted his pillow, kept the palms behind head, staring at the wooden ceiling, started thinking as to what exactly lead to this decision when all other Indians might not have made an attempt to initiate this thought, perhaps, kept aside at least until retirement age. He closed eyes to think deep, saw some “8” type of figures inside eye lids and nothing. Perhaps there is no reason, and most probably one reason, India is his own country, was born there; he can’t remain to be a mere visitor there.

Farewell party was over as usual, at the same rhythm of earlier farewell parties. Now a days, farewell parties lost its charm after a few, who relocated to India earlier, again relocated to Japan recently; it was too much for them to tolerate dust, noise, tax, and politics there. There was no compromise on food quality and enjoyment at the party, party ended with the phone, mail no. exchange and note from each one to meet in India, irrespective wherever, in India, they settle.

Couple of friends came to Osaka airport to see off Bhaskars, they were very close friends. They bid fare upto the point they could see, almost upto the immigration counter; there is no restriction for guests at airports there. Bhaskar had to stop waving hands, shifted attention to immigration counter, when the officer asked for passport and visa for stamping ‘out’ stamp. Bhaskar swayed his head towards the friends to see if they could still be seen, was waiting for the sound of stamping, when the officer sought attention to reminded Bhaskar that the visa would expire in few months and he should renew it once back at Japan. Bhaskar said, he does not need so, expressed his willingness to stamp ‘final departure’, if available. This was also intentional, as Visa cancel stamp would prevent him attempting a return relocation.

It’s seven hours’ flying from Osaka to Singapore. Bhaskar and Chandrani were silent all along the journey thus far, perhaps, Chandrani was repenting the loss of so many near and dear friends, not only Indians, but also Japanese. Thoughts of potential difficulties that have to be encountered everywhere in India gripped her mind. Staring at the deep blue sea beneath, Bhaskar realized that if he could manage six months in India, he could manage not relocating to Japan. He, therefore, felt the necessity to make some strategy. Trying to formulate a few immediately, mentally. First, have to search a house much bigger than the small one residing until morning today. It should be in a housing complex, safe for children. It should be upper floor, away from city centre to avoid noise and dust. Have to appoint two maids, one for household chores and another for looking after Pukki. The later one is for six months or so until Pukki get set to the surroundings.

Pukki’s schooling is few months away and hopefully would get set to surroundings by then. Have to buy inverter for uninterrupted electricity and water purifier immediately. If they can make daily life comfortable, much of the problem would be solved. Next challenge would be to adjust to new work place. This, Bhaskar thought, is completely in his hand. It is obvious and natural that there is no chance of quick acceptance at office of a new comer, he had to be practical. He could not expect an office culture similar to the Japanese one he attended until the previous day.

Bhaskar developed some strategy. First, no unasked opinion what so ever, second, no boasting of this and that of Japan, himself, no talking of Japan and it’s good things every now and then as a mean of comparison or proving superiority, atleast unless asked for. This is tempting to resist but have to adopt. In Indian working environment, ‘yes’ does not mean “yes”, “No” does not mean absolute “No” either. 10 am meeting does not mean reach venue before 10am, instead watch when others going and present himself according to the trend and no complaint. Do not object if someone speaking without knowing 100%, show acceptance of his opinion even though not accurate but take own decision silently, wisely. Need to absorb the fact that only Japanese gives proposals and suggestions when 100% confident and correct, not Indians.

Quite a few ships could be seen below from the window of aircraft, but Bhaskar could not recognise which direction were they going, all of them seems stationary to him, only a few shows trails of surf. May be they are the big ships or may be those are only moving others are not, as if big ships are moving to unite to the smaller ones, but they all returning home? Chandrani knocked Bhaskar’s elbow, asking; what was he seeing since the time they took off. “It’s the sea, deep blue sea” Bhaskar said. “As per Atlas map, Mariana trench, the deepest point on Earth, should be somewhere directly beneath us at this moment.” Bhaskar continued, “just thinking about association with Indians and Japanese for such a long time. We would certainly be missing all of them, truly so. Indians in India and Indians in Japan are genetically same species but different in generosity; they are cordial, affectionate, friendly, transparent and above all, no politics.

Conversely, Japanese comes better to Indians; they believe people at the land of Gautama Buddha and spread of Buddha’s preaching in Japan made Indians and Japanese think alike and have commonalities in behaviors. A memorable life and association,” Bhaskar paused with a sigh. Chandrani indicated, “we would come back if we cannot set in India.” Bhaskar reminded that he has cancelled visa at immigration counter. Chandrani looked at him raising her eyebrows, opening mouth!           

It is almost eight years Bhaskar family settled in India and finally did not need to relocate, though Chandrani still weighs life in Japan was better than India. Bhaskar, himself is well set at office, three promotions in nine years, daughter well set in school too, involved in the school cricket team and Chandrani engaged with Indian classical dance. She occasionally performs on stage with her group. Now, none of them can think of relocating outside India. Occasionally, at dining table, they discuss their life in Japan and cherish the sweet memories, memories of Cherry blossom, Christmas lighting, Fireworks festival, sightseeing, bullet train travel and also the experience of tremors during Earth Quakes. Once a month or so, Bhaskar calls his friends who continued living there. Bhaskar believes, apparently life in Japan was better and comfortable indeed, but if one can weigh all aspects of life, it is difficult to say which is better, of course, if due weightage of emotional part of patriotism is added.

It was a cold Sunday morning in December. Getting up early is the habit developed in Japan and still the habit for both Bhaskar and Chandrani. Chandrani made tea and sipping, sitting in their large drawing room. Chandrani reminded Bhaskar that it’s more than a month he dialed Japan and got up to look after the flower garden she nourished at their society garden. Japan being three and half hours ahead of India, it is just the right time to call. Finishing tea, Bhaskar ranged. He connected Mayukh, his wife Bakul picked the phone.

Hello..

It’s Bhaskar…

Oh Hi, how are you, how are Chandrani and Pukki? Where is Chandrani?

All fine. Chandrani is getting ready to go downstairs. Where is Mayukh?

He is in Toilet. Ok. Bakul, you talk to Chandrani, shall talk after you two finish.

Bakul: Chandrani there is a good news, we are relocating to India.

Chandrani: shouted with exclamatory sound, great, whaoo etc. etc., the once bosom friends conversed many things, exchanged news of here and there, there and here, good, bad, evil, children, education, cold, snowfall and many things for ten minutes uninterrupted, almost in single breathe and then gasping. Chandrani handed over the phone to Bhaskar and started heading towards their society garden.

Bhaskar: Instead of Hi or hello, started with an overwhelming shout and said ‘Mayukh, heard you are relocating India. Great news buddy. But what made you change mind after almost 15 years! You are almost at a point of no return.

Mayukh: “Finally called it a day Bhaskar, here at Japan.” Mayukh narrated all sorrowful things and reasons. Mayukh became emotional on the fact that his father expired last year and he could not do much for his father but now his mom is staying alone, wish to do something for mother.

Bhaskar interrupted to change the talking atmosphere. Mayukh, if I can remember correctly, you were at Toilet in my last couple of calls as well. Why so. Either you stay at Toilet all the time or it’s a coincidencce that I call you this time every time, allotted your toilet time; but I called you in the evening last time!

Mayukh could not find answer to this awkward co-incidence, but got relaxed and changed the tone of voice. He continued, actually, both myself and Bakul are feeling a sense of vacuum somewhere, a feeling of having everything but nothing. Insecurity of what to do after retirement, where to settle, how to adjust. The bonding with school and college friends, relatives, elders have already become very thin, down to a strengthless, bonding string. Some of elder dear and near ones have left for heavenly abode and most of them would be gone soon. It would not have any meaning to visit India then. This is the age of ours when we would be losing all our dearest parents, uncles, aunts, a very difficult time it is! If I remain here, I, intermittently, would just get a phone call “come soon”.

Observing Mayukh getting emotional again, Bhaskar changed the topic and proposed, I would write the draft of your farewell message. What special would you write that I cannot, Mayukh protested, after all it is my farewell and I have thought so much to express to. Bhaskar clarified, it will be you who would narrate on your name only, but I would write only a paragraph to convey some message and tips to the Indians in Japan, to those who, did yet not initiate thought of relocation to India. Mayukh agreed.

Before saying good Bye, Bhaskar advised Mayukh to cancel the Visa at Osaka airport and the rest of settlement strategies would be intimated later, in fact, they would visit them personally upon their arrival in India.

Friends,

A farewell get-together is always to part away. As you all know, I, along with my family have decided to relocate in India and not in USA. My Dear friends, these have been wonderful years to work and stay with you for almost fifteen years. We would be missing your towering presence, constant support, inspiriting words as a supportive colleagues and friends.

Whenever I have been low, you were there to uplift me. Thanking you is just not enough; you are my arousal. Chance made us colleagues but the fun and laughter we shared, made us friends. Destiny can steal my best friend away from me but nothing can take away the precious memories. All these years will be preserved at the album of memory and eyes throughout life.

Honestly, I came here to earn some quick money to lead a secured and comfortable life back home but the comfort here made me not think the main purpose for which I came here.

Bhaskar, our great friend, and his wife Chandrani had done something worthwhile for themselves and for fellow Indians, after returning India, which I and Bakul decided to follow. We have that larger duty of life, we have ignored but cannot ignore anymore. We’re late, but still have time, not too late. 

Bhaskar and Chandrani had some distinguished happenings that they would have definitely missed out, had they stayed back in Japan.

Chandrani’s father lost vision on eyes due to high sugar level. Chandrani brought him to a well know Retina specialist, treated on time and partial vision was brought back. Their parents of both sides come to live with them for a month or so every year. Their families from both sides, totaling fourteen, visited Jammu and Kashmir. All of them cherish the memory and say, thus far, the best trip of their life, needless to mention the enjoyment they all had together. It is the togetherness that they cherish as much as the beauty at Jammu Kashmir. Chandrani and their daughter have become Indian classical dancers, an Indian dance teacher made them achieve this. Bhaskar has given office all the good things, practices learnt while living, working with Japanese.

These are part and parcel of life and not at all possible if stayed away from India. My usefulness is my success. I feel Bhaskar is successful as he has become a useful human being. Chandrani is successful in her way. Without her, father would have lost vision by now. She could not have forgiven herself, had she not acted on time. I am pretty sure, this would not be possible staying so far away. We, always, have the tendency to excuse oneself, subconscious self-defence always acts on us and build logic like someone else, cousin brother, sister, some relative would take care, am so far way. Yes, every action is replaceable by others, there is no vacuum on earth; someone or other, some matter, material, air, water would fill the vacuum. It is natural, but for aged parents, it’s really vacuum without children nearby. Near and dear relatives, friends do help, but not hundred percent; Parents are most comfortable with their own children only. Turning to the ladies, Mayukh continued, Chandrani wanted to be a classical dancer since her childhood. She could fulfill her dream by staying there, now she herself is performing, she is content. She has built a garden at their society, applying all that gardening tricks she learned from her Japanese lady neighbors. I have seen the picture of Bonsai plants she developed, Bhaskar sent me pictures of the entire Garden she made.

We learn many things through our work as our professional activities. We have learned many good things, practices, habits from these highly capable and disciplined Japanese. If I cannot spread my learning, would not get a professional satisfaction. I want to spread the blue colour I accumulated thus far, onto a clean aquarium water and silently wish to watch how it spreads to make the entire aquarium blue, I intent to see how the fishes look like in that blue aqua.

The party hall became silent, absolute silent, even the children stopped playing to listen to Mayukh. Mayukh paused, took a deep breathe. He turned to a camera mounted above the salad counter and announced; Bhaskar and Chandrani are online, seeing us live. All that I just said are mostly the words of Bhaskar. He wrote me his experience after settling India. My farewell message is actually his feeling; his suggestions not only to me but for all of us. We should return India some point of time, else parents would leave us bearing all the vacuum, loneliness but uttering nothing and someday, when too late, we would feel the need of becoming useful human being but would not get the clue how to become so.

Bhaskar stopped, thanking everyone to arrange this party, wishing good health, well being for all. All thronged towards the camera. All of them exchanged greetings with Bhaskar and Chandrani, this went on for a few minutes. Till then, Bhaskar was speechless on how beautifully Mayukh gave his farewell speech and how nicely had he described all the points to lure Indians returning India. It has been an impactful speech to ponder upon, some of them now definitely would initiate a relocation plan. Bhaskar recollected himself and added, “My friends, I am overwhelmed to see you all after so many years. Mayukh has really explained the need of relocation and benefits. It is really tough to adjust in Indian during first few months. The most important thing to a successful relocation is removal of tentativeness from mind, cut and cross all the return options. Secondly, make some strategy on settlement methodology, write down Dos and Don’ts and follow. India needs her intelligent, highly educated and capable sons and daughters to be at her soil for the development of her weaker sons and daughters”. Bhaskar stopped, enough is said by Mayukh already. Mayukh has been wonderful in his oration today. They exchanged good Night wishes and greetings, Bhaskar and Chandrani disconnect with friends’ permission.

Chandrani stared at Bhaskar for few seconds, expressed her feeling of thankfulness to Bhaskar to bringing her to India despite of her own resistance. She acknowledged that it is worthwhile to stay in India, if every aspect of meaning of life and the whole gamut of happiness taken into consideration. Chandrani acknowledged, we cannot be selfish, we were brought up in selflessness. Parents, uncles, Aunts gave up their ambitions, altered their priorities to bring us up and get us the best of their limited means. But Bhaskar, you never said that you have written something like this to Mayukh, shared photos of flowers, Bonsai, had so many plans and deep thoughts, strategies in mind.

Bhaskar said, these are not important to us anymore, so did not feel any need to discuss. Chandrani hugged Bhaskar and kissed him wrapping her arms over the neck in complete acceptance, liquefied herself to meet Bhaskar’s perceptive mind.