Old Monk & me...

 

Whenever I wanted to gulp it specially in winters even today however sip by sip now..😬

It simply takes me to memory down the lane that is too straight in a college basement (पाताल; as we call it) where our NCC office cum guest house to be and i got an opportunity to toast with some of our JCO's. (Junior Commissioned Officer) Instructor aka Drill Ustad.

Well; i may have had it for the first time back then but the vibes weren't new for me as being from an army family background. Some of my coursemates and i used to contribute for a small get together or to bid farewell to the appointment instructors each time . I remember those aluminium mugs/tumblers (नहाता-धोता-सुखाता..😜) and the electric cooking heater to prepare chicken variants as accompanies (#चकना). Some of the variants were Old Cask/Old Contessa XXX rum  in 1litre plastic bottle with a stamp FOR DEFENCE SERVICES ONLY. (The cap still denies to open properly..😁)

I used to be invited to their barracks after dinner while in camps to sing songs especially the patriotic ones; leaving numbed with love for me in their eyes..🥹

Also got an opportunity to dine with some of the CO's (commanding officers) Col. Parbatey Sahab while in RDC (Republic Day Camp) 2000-2003 assisting to Col. Tiwari Sahab as an instructor (cultural and drill) for those magical years.

I fondly remember one of the JCO's then Subedar Patil Sahab from Mahar Regiment. I loved to spend hours jamming with him as he was also fond of singing and also listening to his army life experiences. क्या महफ़िलें थी वो..🫂

Wish to meet him again soon... Still cherish those days; Counting Lifetime... Cheers..🤘🏼

Soldier At Heart; जयहिंद..🇮🇳🙏🏼❣️

#CheersToLife... #WinterWisdom... #RumInLukewarm... #MedicineForSoreThroat... #DrinkResponsibly... #RumBhuladeGum... कर्मकवी...