Some things never change and some don’t remain the same. Every time we return home to Mumbai after a vacation or trip to our hometown for a few weeks, there’s a feeling of returning to chaotic domesticity that has a familiar nostalgic ring to it. In today’s world to find things (and people) in perfect shape as we left them, is a bit of an anachronism !
During the last two trips, our returns have been greeted in the first instance, by one of our ‘older’ Ceiling Fans noiselessly ceasing to rotate. In the second case, our Car battery refused to respond & was declared ‘kaput’ by experts, with no hope of revival. Veterans at adversity, we wondered what new breakdown was in store in keeping with tradition. All appeared normal (other than dust), till our maid broke the sad news – our venerable 15 year old ‘doorbell’ since we owned the flat, had gone silent, possibly due to old age !
The doorbell is an under-rated appliance that all take for granted till it stops working. Suddenly we then cease to exist to the outside world. In olden days, one would gently knock on one’s door or tap on the ‘makaan ka kunda’, today if the bell isn’t responded in 10 seconds, it’s felt you’re not home or gone away or something happened to you ! In our case, the doorbell gave us yeoman service without complaints, standing the test of time unlike today’s smart phones that conk off in three years or are outdated and home appliances – toasters, micro ovens, purifiers etc forever pampered by visits of engineers.
The sounds of the doorbell chimes, musical tunes or hardy ‘ding-dong’ have their own themes. Routinely, the first ones herald arrival of a brand new day by newspaper boy (& ‘doodh–wala’), followed by the service men, dhobi, courier/delivery guys. But they are music to the ears when you’re eagerly waiting for a loved one to arrive. Mothers set the clock for kids to return from school and fret when hubby’s getting late returning from work. A ring in the middle of the night spells trouble (Sir, Car ka light is on ?!) and if you’re in a lonely, desolate place it can become eerie. Security measures dictate one uses the keyhole to check first. In Societies, sleepy watchmen are expected to keep vigil.
Figuratively speaking, there are lessons to be learnt from the humble doorbell. Stuck in an unobtrusive corner, it emits a clear call that’s addressed to anyone inside the house, without discrimination. There’s no subterfuge (no furtive knocks on the door) and the ring has openness to it unlike people. In high-rise buildings, with the TVs on, constant repairs in floors below, horns blaring outside, noise levels high, it’s tough but the Mrs with sharp ears always hears the doorbell ! I miss it at times, that’s excusable at my age.
Our door now has a notice ‘We have a new doorbell, don’t knock until you’ve tried it ‘!
Working on Living 