Gerald D'Cunha

I have been teaching the 17-year-old Jason for last six months or so. He is presently doing his class 12 (CBSE). He has twin sisters who are in school. Jason’s mom, Judith, had done the talking for his admission at my place. I haven’t met her, yet… But, every time I have spoken to her, she came about to me as a very warm and simple soul. She cared for her children immensely. In fact, when she first called me, one of the twins was undergoing a prolonged treatment in one of the hospitals in Mumbai and she was literally living day and night in the hospital. Later, when Jason had to be enrolled with me, his dad, Rajiv, accompanied him. “Jason’s elder brother?” I remember asking Rajiv. “I am his dad!” the confident smile had made me say, “Can’t believe that!” I learnt during the course of our discussion, that Rajiv, a top executive in an Insurance Major, had started a rigorous fitness programme. He looked young, dashing and energetic. I also learnt that, he was a popular Ch...

Pic.: Nishtha Narryani T wo days ago, I was talking to one of my friends. He started reminding me that I had to go on a holiday. “My friend, you need a break, you need a change… You need to go ‘out’ on a vacation… anywhere. You come back fresh…” My friend kept reminding me so much, that I not only began to feel guilty, I, also, began to get irritated with him. Well, my friend had meant good for me; he had good intention. But, I felt, he was pushing his idea of a ‘vacation’ and ‘change’ too much on me… Yes, who doesn’t long for a ‘break’? Who doesn’t long for a ‘vacation’? And, who doesn’t long to ‘come back fresh’? Presently, so many people I know are out on a vacation – most of them are at exotic places around the world. I see the pictures they have been positing – luxury hotels and cruise-liners, kingly meals and costumes… Their wives shop till they drop… and their kids are having fun of their life. Yes, it makes me envy them at times… But, a thou...