31 August, 2000.

Today I met 'A' again. I had gone to Versova. My search of a house continues. 'A' started talking about someone's funeral. He said that almost everyone in his building had turned up to express their condolence when the guy had died. But none was to be seen at the funeral grounds except a relative, the gardener of the building and  the good samaritan 'A'.

'A' was quite upset about the insensitivity of the fellow residents. I told him it was normal and expected. People don't have time for such things these days. Only out of work types will think of visiting a funeral site. Since 'A' has nothing much to do in life except eating his meagre routine meals and prescription drugs, reading Times of India, watching Pakistani plays, smoking a cigarette or two, going down the building and feed Marie biscuits to stray dogs and bitches, and going to sleep at 4 am in the morning, he can also attend funerals as a matter of routine. 'A' did not like my commentary and said he had other things to do in life, like visiting a doctor for his BP measurement and worrying about stormy sea winds blowing away his underwear and pair of socks into the sea.

'A' mentioned that the gardener was saying nobody cares for a poor man's funeral. True. Funeral offers an opportunity to show solidarity with the friends and relatives of the deceased. It means continuance of a fruitful relationship. People generally do not like to have any relationship with the poor and the powerless as it is fruitless. It may also become quite burdensome on your pocket. Who knows you may be called upon to contribute towards the cost of funeral services? I know someone who understands this psyche very well. She keeps some money aside for her funeral. She would not like to be a burden on anyone. She also shrinks in size as she grows older. The weight of a dead body can also pose a problem for those who have to lend their shoulders to the 'Arthi', she may be thinking. Can you be more sensitive and understanding than this?

This reminded me of my own weight. I have put on quite a lot of it. I am increasing the burden of mother Earth. Things will certainly go out of hand if urgent measures are not taken. I met 'KJ' the other day. He mentioned about some herbal weight reduction regime to me on his own. It alarmed me. I refused to have tea at his place. I can fast without much problems. 'S' is going for a holiday. That may help. A 'regular meal' household is a sure shot way to putting on weight.

Tomorrow is Ganesh Chaturthi. 'V' has invited me to his place. It is becoming an annual affair. I have to have a sumptuous festival meal at his place. I am worried. I must not have breakfast.  I will just have  a cup of tea in the morning. That should help.