30th January, 2008
We left for Bikaner city after the visit to Karni Mata Mandir and 3:30 pm we entered the city. There were a couple of things that I had lined up to do in Bikaner:
1: Visit the Fort
2. Visit the Saras Dairy plant (to get my stock of cow's ghee)
3. Look for and eat the authentic Laal Maans.
4. Eat rosogullas and pack some for home
5. Buy Namkeen and Bajre ka Atta for wife
None of them got accomplished except item #:1 partly. I shall tell you why. Bikaner city is crowded. Narrow roads, heavy traffic minus road sense. Some roads leading to the Fort were like that of Delhi's; wide and 4 laned. I proceeded towards the Fort asking for directions; sadly, signboards to Fort were few.
At one intersection, where I was waiting for the signal to turn green, a young man approached. I became wary of him thinking that like in all other tourist places he must be offering his guide services. My lines were ready and well-rehearsed.
Young Man: "Sir, are you from Team-BHP?"
I (surprised): "Yes, why?"
You might ask as to how did he know. The Bull's rear number plate has TBHP sticker..
Young Man: "I'm also a member of Team-BHP, but not very active"
I (delighted): "Oh great, what's your handle?"
Young Man: "Same as my name - Maheep Gupta".
I (trying to recall): "Sorry, not able to recall."
Maheep: "If you have time, we can have a coffee."
I: Would love to maheep, but hard pressed for time. On way to Gurgaon after seeing Fort. Maybe some other time."
Maheep: "No problem. pleasure meeting you."
Signal turns green. I: "Same here. Bye."
I head towards Fort, reached. A very imposing Fort with a vast expanse. A little history about this Fort:
Junagarh Fort is an impressive fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built on a hilltop and never conquered.
It was built under the supervison of Karan Chand the prime minister of Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD. Construction of the walls and associated moat commenced in 1588 and were completed in 1593.
Went inside those massive gates and reached a designated parking place.
Parked, took out my camera, asked the guard about the ticket window and the guide and told wife to go and get entry tickets as well as for the still camera. I told her that since the Fort guide is with a group, I'll go and get a private guide from outside.
I still have to fathom as to why she has aversion to guides when neither she nor I know the history.
Wife: What is the need for a guide?
I: Why not? Do you know the details of this Fort?
Wife: We can follow the group.
I: No, we won't be able to see and enjoy at leisure. Is there a problem? It has to be done my way or no point going inside.
Wife: Theek hai. Chalo vapas. Mujhe to koi ineterest nahi tha.
I (livid): Ok. let's go.
Fuming, I got in the car, feeling sad for daughter who couldn't see the fort and I don't know if I'll come to Bikaner again. Moved out of the Fort with tyres spinning on the gravel and hit the road to Delhi. Items #: 2-4 be damned.
It was 4:45 pm and I spotted a mile marker that said Delhi - left and 450 kms. Turned viciously on that road and floored. Deathly silence in the car.
I should've taken Bikaner - fatehpur - Churu - Jhunjhunu - Narnaul & then to NH8. But it got dark and rage clouded my brain. Instead, from Dungargarh turned towards Sardarshahar and then onto Rajgarh - Hissar - Rohtak - Gohana - Panipat - Sonepat - Delhi - GGN.
After crossing Rajgarh, I hit a wall of very dense fog, that stayed with me right till gurgaon. The drive turned into a crawl on a single lane road without inhabitation for miles. It was one hell of a scary drive. Reached home at 4 am on 31st December. A drive that I shall not forget in hurry.
Epilogue
On 31st morning after I got up, immediately took The Buul to garage. The dashboard was to be opened to remove the rotting rodent. As soon as the housing of the music system was removed, we saw a beautiful cosy nest of paper cuttings and some wires and in the midst of them was this rodent.
Thank you so much for staying with me all this while and hope you enjoyed....