Q is for quirky
The word ‘quirky’ takes me back quite a number of years when I was the young mother of a three years old daughter. We had gone to Shimla during our summer vacations (Both of us were in the teaching profession.) Every day after breakfast, we strolled around, in the midst of summer rush on the ridge, where all activities happened. We’d sit on the benches, installed on either side of the ridge, bask in the mild sunshine, and enjoy the breezy weather.
One day it so happened that while coming up the ridge from the main bazaar, our daughter spied a monkey doing his tricks on the tree across the road. She excitedly pointed her finger towards the spot. In a matter of seconds, like a flash of lightning, the monkey landed on my husband’s turban, which got untied and fell on the road. The little one screamed with fright. Thanks to the locals behind us, who shoved him with their umbrella sticks and we were saved the wrath of the monkey. We immediately went back to the hotel to compose ourselves. The incident really shook us.
Later we were told never to point our finger or anything else toward the simian, as they feel threatened and attack the victim mercilessly. We learnt our lessons and became extra vigilant and more cautious thereon.
Now when we are in the hills during summer months, we dare not look at them straight. I run inside when I see a monkey in our balcony and I shoo it away by shouting, with eyes closed through the cover of the net door. How amusing, isn’t it? A case of 'once bitten twice shy'.
In the mountains, hordes of them roam about scaring children, destroying crops and spreading filth. Residents, of course, are helpless.
