02/10/2024
It is not everyday that one gets to speak to Royalty and I, not just spoke to a member of the Royal Family, but I also candidly conversed with CHH. VRUSHALIRAJE BHONSLE. We have met in the past when she so casually dropped by to encourage MAANI Handloom. Having known that it is her birthday today, I took the chance, without an invitation, to drop by, carrying with me a bunch of beautiful Lillies, which I know are her favourite. With a lot of hesitance, I made my way to her residence. She swept me off my feet with her candid nature. One always tends to build images of those from Royal Families and Babyraje , as she is fondly called, was nothing like that. We spoke like we were long lost friends and she did everything in her capacity to make me feel comfortable. Never had I imagined that Her Highness would get up herself to increase the speed of the fan, looking at how much I was perspiring! Can she be that ‘common’? I kept asking myself. With every passing second, I realised that her down-to-earth persona is what truly makes her Royal. Any one who would have looked at us, would have felt that we had so much catching up do because that’s how indulgent she made me feel. Remembering her Mother today, I could see Babyraje's eyes mellow with her memories. To feel closer to her mother, she draped one of her Mother’s beautiful sarees. Emotions like those are not easy to express but she didn’t shy away. How that precious hour went by, I have no clue. Babyraje has on her birthday, given me the most cherished gift of such a beautiful memory. I also know that I have found in her a friend, who although older to me, is one to stay.
Thank you !
May you have a healthy, happy and a peaceful year and the most wonderful birthday!
