So finally we have moved into our permanent dwelling at Indore, having led a nomadic life for 47 long years, it was finally time to settle down. Although, in the same breath, there is nothing which is permanent in this world, but still we would like to believe that this is the final destination, or should I say last but one as the final one, we all know takes us beyond the world.
Please don’t get me wrong, this blog is not philosophical, this one is about the trials and tribulations of renovation of the house, which has endured fifteen tears of tyranny of tenants. Let me begin from where the story of House Number 550 actually started. I was posted in Wellington, when this newly constructed four bed room duplex was found by my father, which he found quite suitable for us. I was given two days’ leave to come and sign the title deed, which was managed quite efficiently by the lawyers of course at a price. Parents moved in here along with my younger sibling Sujay’s family who were in Indore during that time. But soon, they moved on to Nagpur and my parents found this too big for the two of them, so moved out into Sujay’s flat in Indore itself. Now the tenants story unfolds, one after the other, this place was ravaged and brutalised by over ten of them, barring the last one who was a retired High Court Judge, ensured that we spent better part of the rent received on its maintenance and upkeep sometimes they left the place infested with termites, sometimes with rats, sometimes with broken doors and windows and sometimes with outstanding rents for months along with unpaid bills for electricity and piped gas connection etc.
Anyway, now that we had finally retired, we decided to renovate it to our tastes and try to undo all the pain which has been inflicted on this poor structure. So it commenced with just the windows to be replaced and a new modular kitchen to be installed but then it gradually took on the complete overhaul of wash rooms, all the doors, windows and installation of a new railing for the stairs as well. When I realised that I am already spending so much doing it up, I might as well create a small cosy study for myself, where I can seek refuge in the garb of indulging in my favourite pastime from time to time. We thought we could manage it sitting pretty at Mhow without having to get into the pit and getting dirty avoiding the usual duels with the labour with our weekly visits to the site, as it was handed over to a highly recommended architect.
The work commenced in April and we were expected to be here by mid August, which seemed to be adequate period for it to be completed. But it was end August, we were to vacate the govt premises allotted and retained as permitted for six months by mid September and the work seemed as good as finished from the outside. So finally we took the plunge on 4th September night, as there were predictions of a heavy spate of rainfall after that. The shifting commenced in the evening and finally culminated at 0400 h in the morning. But the situation seemed overwhelming, as the whole place was piled up with boxes and cartons and the renovation work still seemed to need a couple of days effort.
Now the ordeal began, first the unpacking without our domestic helps and the driver who were with us at Mhow, who had promised to accompany us here, ditched us at the eleventh hour. The fact that the plumber, the electrician, the carpenter and the mason were still around trying to complete their unfinished tasks we were in the pit literally. Each one of them had put in their bit to beautify the place but as we say in the Army, non-adherence to time lines jeopardises the operation. So for the last fifteen days, it is a daily flight of 40 stairs with ten rounds up and down making it quite an exercise in cardio and strengthening of thigh muscles, climbing the tower to check the water tanks on top to descending down to the underground sump, the bourgeois and the proletariat rolled into one. My knees are knocking, shoulders are sagging with all the lifting having been caught plumb by the plumber, screwed by the carpenter, the electrician all but electrocuted us in the bargain, it appears as though the architect had her designs on us. This reminds of the cross country runs of the academies, the damn thing just goes on and on, with finish line still not in sight. We are still hopeful that the Glider Dome will soon appear on the horizon, when we can begin sprinting and then savour the pure bliss of having come out winners. With apologies to Mr Naipaul for having borrowed and tweaked the title of his classic “A House for Mr Biswas”, mine can be aptly described as “A House for Brig Suyash”
29 thoughts on “A House for Brig Suyash”
I understand what you’ve just been through. Harrowing!
But mark my words, you will savour and celebrate your time in the Home Sweet Home — for Suyash and Preeti
Your words are marked Ramesh, just waiting for the ordeal to end
👍 All the Best
Suyash, Congrats for your new abode!
I think very few have a hassle free handover of your dream home as per your desire if you are making or renovating one. We were to move in end March but finally we did the same in mid May but it is worth every single day spent extra. Enjoy your lovely home Suyash Sir😊
I could witness the transition agony, Don’t worry this shall also pass away. Rip the fruit now
Thanks Sudhir
Dear Sir,
Your vivid account of transforming your dream home is a testament to your resilience and determination. The trials and tribulations you’ve faced during the renovation process are palpable, yet your humor and wit shine through, making the narrative an engaging read.
Kudos to you for capturing the chaos and challenges of renovation with such eloquence! Your writing is a delightful blend of humor, humility, and honesty. You’ve managed to turn a potentially frustrating experience into a humorous and relatable story. Well done, sir! Your ‘House for Brig Suyash’ is a true masterpiece.”
You will soon learn that it is a never ending story. I started with the interior work well in time before my retirement. I was told it will take 3 months, I was happy that I had 7 months left to retire so had adequate cushion period. Believe you me, even when we moved in the work was incomplete. Some work shoddy, which you realise only once you start living in it. It has been 2 years now of my shifting in but….. it is a never ending story
Well written
Sir,your empathy gives me some consolation, I have just about started to see some light at the end of this loong tunnel
Tough times Sir… I can see the Glider Dome now… all the best….
Thanks Ulhas the pace is gradually picking up for sure
What a wonderful blog, sir! After 47 years of traversing the length and breadth of our country—from glaciers to mountains, plains, and deserts—this marks your final permanent duty move. I hope you won’t miss the familiar comforts of MES accommodations. In fact, I often feel that in the Army we’ve made them sound far more notorious than they really are, mostly by our constant cribbing and adding a dash of salt and pepper to the stories. Wishing you the very best as you settle into your new abode!
Welcome home Sir and best wishes for the reorientation capsule. By the end of it and soon enough, you will once again be the master of the house with your indispensable footprints all over.
Ghar ghar ki Kahani!! Lage raho, Sir😀. It’s a never ending story…just like a TV serial!!
Congratulations Suyash- a nicely put saga of the tenants & renovation rollercoaster; Wishing you all the very best and a good stay in the house-Arun
Jo bhi ho, apna ghar apna hi hota hai! Congratulations Suyash.
An elaborate portrayal of the trials & tribulations that you have been facing during the transition! My father(also being a retired fauji), always told me anecdotes of retirement and post- retirement resettlement toil.
Being your neighbours, we have witnessed the hustle you both were going through, but this write up is surely a detailed report of it all!
As they say, All’s well that ends well.
I wish you happy and peaceful days ahead!
Amazing as always Suyash!
Welcome to Reality! 🙂
The first peaceful Sleep resting under your own roof after years of toil and nomadic moves from all kinds of accn ranging from Dorms,Single Offrs,Basha,Temp,SF,Dhoks,Married,Auth/Unauth etc etc …is something to be experienced …Words cannot describe it…Chain aur Sukoon ki Neende..
Excellent writing, as always.
Heartiest Congratulations Suyash on getting into your own abode. Hope you have got your Study in place so that we keep getting our regular dose of your magical word weaving.
You cannot run away from staying fit – fit you will remain either through exercise or going up and down on the flight of stairs. All The Best.
दिन में चुपके से दाखिल होते धूप के टुकड़े,
रात में लटकता चाँद खिड़की की चौखट पर,
आवारा सी घूमती हवाएं कमरों के दरम्यान,
लगता है, अपने घर में आ गया हूँ मैं. !!
गिरिजेश व्यास
Wish you happy stay. May Almighty God bless the Vastu n the occupants with choicest of blessings.
Relatable!!
Ashu saab and bhabhi many congratulations on the new home! Also moving mission, accomplished🎊🙏
Hilarious summation of settling woes..
m8mhy1
Hi Suyash, I can relate to it 100 percent.It has been 20 yrs since I constructed a small place for my self.Blieve you me we have been customising it even now, probably n’th time.I would recommend to stay in rented accommodation.Fool make houses and wise men live in them.Virander
Ghar Ghar ki kahani,
Retired officer ki zubani!
Suyesh, majority of us have suffered the same ordeal. And then realise that our MES is very good in comparison.
The end is always beautiful.
No more shifting. Sweet abode..550..