Chapter 10

The telegram.

25^th December 1989.

PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SIX GUESTS. AROUND MID JANUARY. WILL CONFIRM LATER.

A.S.NATHAN.

For Parshuram such telegrams were common. Kimpri was a small village and had no hotel or any such place for visitors to stay. Parshuram would make arrangements for any tourists in the upper storey of the two storied Post Office. It afforded enough room and was partitioned into three spaces for privacy. There was a well kept bath and washroom but no kitchen. The food could be taken from a tea stall which formed a part of the lower storey of the Post Office building. The only hazard in the hall was the long tin covered exhausts of the five hamaams which stood like pillars between the floor and the roof. These were hot and would scald at a mere touch. But these also kept the place warm and were seen as a source of central heating rather than as a danger. To enter or leave the hall the occupants would have to climb down or up, a set of stairs which led directly outside the back wall of the post office. Access from inside it was not allowed. Ever since Parshuram allowed visitors to stay there, he received plenty of telegrams from neighbouring towns to book their stay. All neighbouring towns had functional Post Office buildings and they would keep in touch with Kimpri. The offer was no secret and no one objected.

The letter.

To

The Post Master

Post Office, Kimpri

Sir,

I am a professor of Geology in Palampur University. I along with my students wish to come to Kimpri to study hot water Geysers, which are reportedly situated in and around Shankli. Hence we would need to stay at Kimpri for about five days or so. The Post Master at Palampur, Mr. Chauhan, told me to contact you. Please do the needful.

Waiting for a positive reply.

Thank you,

A.S. Nathan.

Palampur Post Office had been contacted by Kimpri soon, and the message forwarded to Nathan. They could arrive by mid January. They had to get their own quilts and blankets. Food was no problem. Angithis would be arranged at extra expense.