WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: A NEEDLE BIT OF JOY

The past two times that I have worked with a needle and thread, I noticed a deep concentration and an odd kind of commitment I felt to finishing what I started. How literally, ‘in my hands’ it is to start and finish or not! There’s no one watching you sewing that button, darning a tear or embroidering something and so there is no expectation … but something interesting happens; you notice how patient you are with yourself.

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WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: BID SOME TRICKS!

I have two distinct images of people playing cards, my college mates, smoking, downing beers and biryani, gambling behind their parent’s backs, in noisy laughter and talk. The other, soirées hosted on felted mahogany card tables, cigar-in the-mouth, suited gentlemen wafting trails of Old Spice and Tabac, and perfumed, chiffon clad, coiffured ladies, bidding in even tones, as gloved bearers, served delectable tea and refreshments on shining silverware.

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WAX & WANE WITH NEERJA: THE PERFUMED TERRACE

“My maternal grandfather Lala Kailashpati Singhania’s home was a lovely bungalow with a beautiful garden, inspired by the English garden landscapes. The large open lawns were dotted with exotic flower beds; a greenhouse for his rare Orchids nestled amidst tall trees on one side and stone archways laden with Madhu Malti creepers on the other led to a swimming pool and the glasshouse where he entertained guests.”

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