Straight from the Heart

307. Fariyas The signboard to Fariyas can be seen from the highway itself but the last mile approach road is a little tricky, making its way over a tiny stream that seems to start from the clump of trees on the right and then losing itself into the clump of trees on the left. This stream and the narrow bridge evokes an immediate sense of peace and makes me want to let go of my muscles, taut from  passing through a congested Mumbai-Pune highway! A few twists and turns of the road following the sign boards and then you are there at your destination! There's something about Fariyas, the resort, that seems to grip you the moment you step into the spacious lobby. The spacious lobby appears even more spacious because it steps down into the main eating area, the buffet hall. The aroma of the food and the hustle bustle of people moving around in that area, chatting and laughing while they tuck into their food should definitely bring a sense of happiness into hearts of even the staunches...

C'mon! Everyone is entitled to a bad day. A day when nothing goes right and try as you might,    everything seems to be like it had just come under the impact of a tornado. Saturday probably was one such day for Abar Baithak and that was the day we decided to pay a visit to this place. Ever seen a marriage hall reserved for the bridegroom's kins to stay? The bridegroom's party is always larger than estimated, making any place reserved by the bride's parents look cramped. Abar Baithak looked, to us, just like such a place. There were people outside the house, young ones mainly, as if they had gathered outside for a smoke, away from the prying eyes of elders  ensconced inside the house. At an arm's length away from the band of these youngsters and sitting on chairs lining the walkway, were a few people, just like the workmen of decorators or lighting contractor who happen to sit down for an unscheduled break from decoration work, their feet stretched out and bodies...