We, as a family hardly met all together on a happy occasion for a long long time. My younger brother Commodore Prasanna just became Rear Admiral in the Indian Navy. We all together just managed well the wedding of Bunny and Kasia on zoom in the mid-February. The WhatsApp pictures of beautiful peacocks, turtles and scary snakes received as daily visitors at the Mandovi mansion only made us more curious. Then the threat of their impending transfer out of Goa in ensuing May finally hurried us all. So, Mandovi's family get-together in March at Goa happened.
The excitement for the Goa trip for the entire family, the oldies and the kids alike built up and the hype kept on increasing as the D-day of travel approached. Luckily we all managed to get RT-PCR test negative reports before our embankment. On arrival at the Mandovi house, the snow-white towels folded beautifully in the form of a swan which was neatly placed on the well made up bed welcomed us. A re-run of our honey-moon days….!!!!!!
Mandovi house’s lush greens outside, swings in the backyard, the beautiful flowers all around was a feast to the eye. With so much scenic beauty around, Gayatri and Pallavi our beautiful daughters-in-law were excited to have their own photo-shoots. Enjoying the nature, they recorded some beautiful videos. The sight of the beautiful peacocks and peahens in the complex in groups and the male at times spreading it’s beautiful feathers was a sight to behold. The three domesticated turtles christened Nimbo, Jumbo and Dumbo in the small pond of the backyard were playful. The constant fear of snakes lurking in bushes, with many of
their pictures circulating in the social media, kept all of us on our toes. The few morning walks on the very well maintained roads and the brief jogging sessions there excited all of us. Our Valli, Mrs.Prasanna was at her usual loving best served us chole bhatures of the north, Chinese noodles, Goan sannas, Goa’s Poi bread , and the Italian pizzas. The daily yummy afternoon snacks ensured we all became a few kgs healthier.
The one week of togetherness between 26th March and 2nd April was jam packed with many activities and fun-filled celebrations. We celebrated festival of colours Holi, for the first time in Goa. The day began with lots of colours which we all applied to each other, children as always had a blast. Some bald heads of the naval officers who visited us to wish also were also not spared. Their bald heads were generously coloured. With Bollywood holi songs playing aloud had wonderful holi celebrations
We all visited the training centre of the Marine commandos of the Indian navy. Holding of AK-47 there thrilled us.We realised how tough and hard is the training for these commandos to keep them ever fit and alert always. The visit to the Tarini boat which sailed over all the continents of the world was interesting. The daredevilry and the adventurous spirit of the sailors was a revealing
Then we had birthday celebrations of my better half who just turned 16(turn16 to..61}on April fool’s day.
Bujji and Valli , as always ensured to make the day a memorable one. If we had a wonderful cake cutting on midnight of the birthday with lots of balloons and other decorations, the same evening was reserved for a beautifully arranged dinner in the green lawns outside with hot sizzlers for dinner, lovely music in the background. The timely power shut down enabled us to have candle-lit dinner. Dances, music followed and the highlight of the evening was impromptu English song by our little Barfi. It was stunning talent to see her sing with clear lyrics and melody. Amazing. So proud of her.
We, all the boys had late night talks some nights going till 3 am but thoroughly enjoyed them as we understood and came a little more closer to one another during these interesting conversations. Such chances to fully and freely spend together in the family are quite rare. The joining of Prudhvi raj, my special nephew has only added extra flavour to our group. Interactions with him were not only interesting but also enjoyable. His thoughts, ideas and the thinking process are interestingly different. With Dhruv, it is discussions of a different type, as he is very clear in his thoughts and does not waver. His interest and knowledge about automobiles is amazing, we are absolutely sure about his bright future ahead. The interactions with Dhron have always been very interesting. The best part about the interactions with Dhron is that he makes the others talk about their favourite topics and he remains cool and non-puzzled even if provoked. Conversations with him excite me.
For the bacha party,{Ref:Pic:5} if Bujji babai was Tata police, Rohini bamma was a teacher and Atchut babai was a funny Tata. For Aayra, the baby of the whole gang good was gudat and bad was badut.
some boys had facial sessions and head massages. children joined by the elders playing the interesting building game of jengo. Carrom and TT games kept us engaged. All the boys thoroughly enjoyed the TT games, specially the doubles as four of us could play together.
The veterans of the gang me and Rohini even participated successfully in the 5 km run of the’Station Mandovi half marathon’ on 4 th April, 2021. The Mandovi house has a tradition where the CO, the Commanding Officer residing in the house is expected to leave his mark in the improvement or betterment of the INS Mandovi house.
In our case the Mandovi house has left a mark of many sweet memories of one week family masti which we will keep discussing and ruminating for a long long time to come. Jai Mandovi…..Mera dil maange more…. Man..dole mera dil dole …Mandovi.
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