By Bharati Chaturvedi/Facebook
New Delhi, March 2 – We have an Israeli neighbour. Even though we have never seen him, we know he is popular because he hosts parties where Punjab politicians or officials with heavily armed security guards show up. This is high drama on our sedate street.
However, we forget about our neighbour till today evening. Infact, I only remember this when the Housekeeper comes in and informs me the SHO-incharge of our local police station-is outside. I rush out, and yes, there is a police vehicle.
It sort of worries me-this veil of security that could disturb our tranquil, friendly lane. So, when Le C the Second is leaving to go home, I walk him to the gate to see what the latest development is.
I note that the police vehicle has left. This is good, because it means nothing violent is expected for now. The security guard next door walks up to me, outside my gate, and greets me cheerily. “There is a war these days, ” he informs me, assuming I spend the day keeping myself ill-informed. I nod, trying to let him know I am aware about this war. But he wants to ensure I stay better informed than I am. “The police came to check on the Israeli, if he was OK.” he adds. “Because they threw the first bombs.”
Opposite, two other guards, barely 5 meters away, start smiling. As does the guard who just gave me this information. All of them are staunch Hindus, which I know because of their love for early morning Bhajans on full volume, after night duty.
One of them shakes his head and pronounces “See? They bombed one country thinking it was easy. But now they’ve got scared because they are getting a response from everywhere-see how the public is protesting.”
“Yes,” concurred one of his guard colleagues. ” Everyone is shouting slogans against them on the roads. That’s why they called the police-to save him.”
All the guards seem amused but they dont speak.
Finally, one of them announces. “Yes, he must be thinking, protestors could just land up outside his house and then they won’t leave. But these countries should have thought of all this before bombing others”
They look at me for participation. I can’t. I am too depressed with the state of the world.
I take in this street analysis and wish them good night. I am glad to be able to live in a country where even blue collar workers keep up with geo-politics.
The Israeli had no car with diplomatic number plate.
END
