On books and friends, I spend my money; For stones and bricks, I haven’t any.
– Ruskin Bond
It was the eve of New Years and I knew it was going to be just another day. After all, we weren’t stationed in a metropolitan city and did not have any pubs or discotheque or even a decent restaurant anywhere near vicinity. But then, the husband announced, “Pack your bags! We are leaving!” The husband and surprises do not go hand-in-hand. Often, it has turned out bad or I would easily KNOW when he acts all cool. This time though, he bowled me over.
Thus we drove up the Queen of hills, the hill station of Mussoorie. The plethora of sheer beauty, the winding roads, a handful of bakeries, an array of boarding schools and beautiful old bungalows brought in a sense of tranquility.
On this cold winter afternoon, I noticed that this beautiful place was brimming with tourists. We quickly took a bite at the Tavern- a restaurant you wouldn’t miss for it is bang on the Mall Road. The sizzlers is quite popular but no. I wouldn’t say it is a must-try. I have had better.
As we walked along the Mall Road, brushing past tourists and couples on honeymoon, I was taken aback by the beautiful architecture of the buildings, the stalls selling native shawls and sweaters and corn on the cob.
I settled with a cotton candy braving the chill in the air but found a monkey staring at me. Phew!
“Where are we going? We’ve been walking for ages!”, I whined.
“Come along. You’ll know”, his eyes sparkled.
Well, that’s unlike him! What’s he up to? I wondered. The uphill road was testing my fitness level and in no time I was huffing and puffing.
We took a sharp turn and I found a long queue of school kids, spilling the road. And to my right, it read ‘Cambridge Book Depot, Meet the author here, every Saturday‘. I squealed with joy and excitement and ran to join the never ending queue. While the husband bought two of my favorite Ruskin Bond books, I had a huge grin plastered on my face.
Whoa! I knew the author would be visiting this famous bookstore every Saturday evening from 4 pm to 6 pm (if he isn’t traveling), happily signing away copies of his books, posing for photographs and having a hearty chat with his fans.
How did it slip my mind? How did P know about it? He isn’t a bibliophile like me. There is no way he knew about this, unless….. And then realization struck. I had mentioned it months before when I knew we were stationed close to Dehradun and Mussoorie. How thoughtful of him!
Many passers-by did not have much clue as to what was happening. Few joined the line realizing the author was present. There were piles of books on the floor and a shelf is dedicated exclusively to the books written by the author. After hours of standing in the queue, my turn came. There he was, sitting among the crammed pile of books, facing the busy Mall Road. I found him laughing and talking to an excited child.
That’s what he does – to have a conversation or two with everyone who walks up to him. A wonderful man with a great sense of humor, he had once written about how he was mistaken as Rudyard Kipling and still signed The Jungle Book for the kid as Kipling.
As I walked up to him, he asked, “What brings you here?” and all I could say was “You”. He smiled and nodded as I gave my copy of ‘Love Among the Bookshelves’ and ‘The Night Train at Deoli’.
While he signed the books I nervously posed for a picture and told him about the surprise which the husband had planned and executed brilliantly (for the first time! The execution that is!). He called my husband over from the crowd to greet.
Neither did we take a ride on the ropeway to Gunhill Point, nor did we head to Kempty Falls. But, we had left the store and Mussoorie happy and content to have met the author who made my childhood worthwhile. Yes. Ticked off from the bucketlist!
I am taking my Alexa Rank to the next level with Blogchatter. This birthday month, #TravelWithKohlEyed to Uttarakhand.
Your husband is a keeper. What a delightful encounter, and surprise 🙂
Such a dream come true for you. So thoughtful of P.
Thsts A brilliant surprise .I can imagune your excitement .Your hubby knows how to make you happy.
That’s awesome… Appreciate your husband’s thought of giving you this surprise… And the happiness is reflecting in your smile 😃
Wow! This must have been amazing. This post has two of my favourite things, Sizzlers and Ruskin Bond! Maybe not in that order 🙂
This was lovely by your husband.. a beautiful gesture
I can understand how excited you must be meeting your favourite author face to face. I feel the same sense of awe when I meet any published author …. to be publicly acknowledged and recognised as one would be a great high. Though I must admit I’m not a fan of this Bond…. I prefer 007
That was so sweet of your husband! Very thoughtful of him and the happiness is writ large on your face 🙂
I am sure it would be a star moment for you. Gushing smiles and happiness bubbling from heart.
It’s always amazing to meet authors and a million times more when it’s those you love.I still remember reading Malgudi days at school.
You are lucky not because you met Ruskin Bond but because you have a husband who takes care of your every little happiness thingy.
Meeting Mr. bond is in my bucket list too and for now my daddy know it is in my bucket list so hoping to meet him one day standing in the crowd and enjoying that fan moment
You lucky girl! Hubby ki nazar utaarna, okay?
How excited you must have been, I can so imagine. I myself had a wide grin on my face as I read this post! Whoaaaa! :))
What a fan moment it would have been? I always feel like I am seeing my granddad when seeing seeing pics. Such a beautiful soul and soulful writings.
I want to go on a Saturday to Meet Ruskin Bond is what I am going to tell my husband today. Having just written for the Ruskin bond Times of India write india contest, and reading his collection of horror books edited by him,right now ; this post is like triple treat of Ruskin ness.
I want to go on a Saturday to Meet Ruskin Bond is what I am going to tell my husband today. Having just written for the Ruskin bond Times of India write india contest, and reading his collection of horror books edited by him,right now ; this post is like triple treat of Ruskin ness.
This is like the dream come true situation. The place, the food, the company and Mr. Bond.
What an amazing husband to take note of your comment and remember it months later.
The whole day sounds wonderful—the trip, the town, and meeting a favorite author. How lucky!
OMG your husband is such a darling… So thoughtful of him for taking you there. And I am so envious… It’s incredible when you meet an author like Ruskin Bond.
I am sure you must have felt surreal even after the meeting for months…Can understand your excitement ☺
Meeting Ruskin Bond himself must’ve been quite a thrill! You do look like you’re having your fan-girl moment there.
Mussoorie is a beautiful place. I went there once as a child and want to go again.
Getting a copy signed by the author is just so exciting – no!! Lovely pics Shalzz and you do look bowled over in them. Bet the hubby got loads of goodies from you after this 😉 What a sweety he is!! Bless you both!!
What a cute little account of what happened. indeed, very sweet and thoughtful of your husband
Reading this makes me so happy. A very thoughtful and well executed surprise. You are truly blessed!
Ruskin has that magic in him- Enjoyed your post a lot
You r a lucky chica! How thoughtful of your husband to plan this surprise! Nonetheless, hello from a fellow army brat 🙂
Your husband is a keeper.
Read this post with a child like glee
Love
P.
What a lovely encounter Shalzz. I had a similar one too with him, just about less than a year back. But this time not at Moussourie but here in Gurgaon itself. I went to watch him speak, and I was enamoured to say the least. I was reeling under writers block and wanting to find my way back into writing for over 11-12 years and he gave me the sanest advice. Well, now you have inspired me to write a post, outlining the same. 🙂 And yes he’s my favourite author too.
https://natashamusing.com/2017/09/lifes-looking-lustrous-wanderlustwednesday/
What better way to spend your New Year Shalini. I English guide in school used to have interesting short stories from Ruskin Bond. Some were horror too. That’s when he caught my attention and there is still no looking back. In fact, he spoke to him so well. I think I will search for my voice if I ever get a chance to meet him.
Thats a lovely surprise your hubby planned, your joy is so evident on meeting Ruskin bond. And such an apt title
How star struck you must have been and how thoughtful of how husband to plan it all! I can’t imagine how he managed to keep it a surprise for so long!
This is delightful. That it was surprise makes it even better. I’ve been to Mussouri a few times. I didn’t much care for it because it was so crowded or maybe because I’ve always visited it during the tourist season. But Ruskin Bond’s presence makes it just perfect.
Oh … that’s an awesome moment to meet the author we love. And signed copy of the books are extra toppings for your excitement. And did I tel you that you pose well? Kudos to your hubby for being so thoughtful and helped a way to tick off one thing in your bucket list. Happy to join with for #MyFriendAlexa.
I am sure you would have enjoyed a lot meeting your favorite author!! Surprises from the person we love makes our day!!
What s lovely surprise :))
That is one hell of a surprise, you sure are one lucky woman.
thats nice , u got a lovely surprise from ur hubby , and u cud fulfill one of ur bucket list wishes , bytheway what does kohl mean
This feeling must be great !!
You met Ruskin Bond….wow…I am sure this journey you will cherish life long
Fan Girl moment for anyone who reads books. I’m sure you would’ve wanted to spend some more time. Lovely experience,
This is such a delightful surprise for you and you are very lucky girl. I used to dream to meet him in my childhood days
For a book lover it really is a dream come true to meet an author. And when the author is Ruskin bond, you can keep rejoicing about it for the rest of your lives. Was a great read and enjoyed the pictures too.
I’m glad you got to meet him in person, T. I love his writing, and I have two books that are signed by him though I have not met him.
Tell me that you did a little joy dance after coming to know about the surprise, lucky you!!
Wow! I so envy you. I love his books! And it was so nice of your husband to plan such a lovely surprise!
Lovely post-Shalini. So glad you could meet him at the Cambridge store. I was there earlier this year and could pick up an autographed copy as we had to return to Delhi on Friday. To meet Mr. Bond at his home turf remains unticked on my travel bucket list.
Wow. this is one brilliant surprise! Your hubby surely knows how to impress his lady. 🙂
I love his books and I loved the way you write. You have a flair of weaving stories and making simple events so interesting. Glad to come across your blog..
By the way lovely surprise by your husband and loved the way he executed it 🙂 ..
Neha ( Sharing Our Experiences)
You are so lucky Shalini to have met THE Ruskin Bond. Happy Alexa season to you.
Woah! You met the real Mr. Bond. Amazing, Shalini. 😊 I attended a lit fest last month where he came for a book launch and interacted with the public for 1 hr. He is in mid 80s and still his humor is unmatchable! Lovely pics, Shalz! 😊
This is true SURPRISE meeting him in person.. lovely. Lucky you gal.
I missed meeting him on my first trip
Still waiting for the next chance.
You look so happy in the pics.
Mall road is beautiful, isn’t it? I loved the bookstores there 🙂
How sweet is P? What planning! I’m sure you were elated and cooked his favorite food for him once back 🙂
Wow, Shalini! The Ruskin Bond…The one and only! What a thoughtful husband and lucky lady! Wonderful narrative and even more wonderful pictures. I loved each and every one of them. The happiness and excitement is evident in your writing and snaps. Thanks for sharing with us. Hugs!
Super sweet of P ! And I am smiling more seeing your face than Ruskin Bond (truth be told)- you clearly look like this happy bubble kindergarten child 🙂
And Mussooriee Oh I love that place – wonder why I didn’t know about it- this author visiting thing.
Hahahah, that was fun to read about his surprise – take out! How wonderful! Happy for you- that you got to meet one of your favourite writers:-) And have a great day out! A good memory to keep:-)
Wow, You are one lucky lady! I was in Mussoorie twice in the past few years but both the times he was visiting Delhi 🙂 I hope to meet him this time during The BNLF .
Wow! Seeing your smile, I am sure that was a delightful surprise :D.
You have no idea how lucky you’ve been (an dhow jealous I’m going)!! 😛
I don’t think there’s hardly any soul in India who doesn’t like Ruskin Bond and I’m no exception. Absolutely adore his writing, the ever-so-relatable characters!
I planned so many visits to have a tete-a-tete with him, even an interview approved by his family, and still couldn’t make it because of my own family 😀 so yeah, you’ve been very lucky and I hope you get to meet more of your favourite writers very soon. It was a great surprise by your husband and a great narration by you. Keep it up! (And dare I say, keep my meeting with this Bond in your prayers?) 😛
It feels like Deja Vu as i read this post. I remember reading and commenting on this post of yours. Nevertheless let me do it again i thought.
My hands and feet would have gone dumb and i would stand still motionless when i meet my favorite Bond! I am a fan of his work and i grew up reading his books which left an impact on my life. Lucky you indeed! You got to meet him and get an autographed book 🙂
Meeting an author you love is no lesser than meeting a star, sure makes you jump with joy and even tear up. I know how that feels. I also do feel jealous and wish I will meet Ruskin Bond too someday. Felt super happy reading your post. 🙂
Oh wow! You actually met the Bond! Ruskin Bond! Wow!!