The guest

You are here at the best time,8221; was a constant refrain on our recent trip to Mandu.

You are here at the best time,8221; was a constant refrain on our recent trip to Mandu. Mandu is magical during the monsoon season. But strangely, after getting back, the strongest memory I have is of Bandu. nbsp;

Of course, I8217;ll never forget the green roads from Indore to Omkareshwar. There was light green, new green, yellow-green, field-green, shadow-green, dark-green, far-green, wet-green, baobab-green, leaf-green, moss-green, river-green, endless green. And at Maheshwar, the grey clouds hung low, highlighting the vibrant green all around as the Narmada flowed before us. A ride on a curiously shaped boat lasted about an hour but it will remain etched in my mind for a long time. From the boat I could see large egrets, common coots, cormorants and pheasant-tailed jacanas frolicking in the weeds. It seemed to me that they knew more about life than I did. nbsp;

Then at Mandu, in the midst of Mughal history and the impressive baobabs, as the car was driving up to Roopmati8217;s Mahal, the driver switched on the FM radio. 8220;Aaja mere khwaja, dil me samaja,8221; the radio played. I wondered how much one could carry in one8217;s heart. And then I came across Bandu at the hotel. He was standing in front of the reception desk, his eyes all wet. He had this expression of calm mixed with a quiet friendliness.

8220;Hello, there,8221; I said to him and he walked towards me. I could tell he was quite old. I petted his damp fur and he leaned against me and started grunting.

8220;He8217;s been here the longest,8221; said a guesthouse employee. 8220;All the other dogs around here are his offspring, and now they bully him, but he doesn8217;t mind it too much. He has the nature of a sage. He understands everything we say to him.8221;

8220;Well, now, do you, Bandu?8221; I asked him. To my surprise, he looked at me with his 10-year-old droopy eyes, wagged his tail a couple of times and responded with a low grunt that sounded like 8220;Hmmm8230;8221;

Visit Mandu during the monsoons, they8217;ll tell you. But do say a quiet hello to Bandu on my behalf while you are there. He lives at Hotel Malwa Resort. His real name is Bandya.nbsp;