ABSTRACT
Father, after a few years as Commissioner of the Presidency division, became Member, Board of Revenue. In 1925, before relinquishing charge as Commissioner he took six months’ leave. My parents decided they would spend the major part of their holiday in Kashmir, visiting Delhi, Agra and Lahore en route. I was delighted to get away from Calcutta and painful memories 65 . Our first stop was Delhi, where we stayed for about four or five days at Maiden’s Hotel in old Delhi. The hotel was most comfortable, the bedrooms were large and airy, the food good and the service prompt. Birukaka, my father’s youngest step–brother, was a homeopathic doctor practicing in old Delhi. He became our constant companion and guide during our stay in the city. Kaka’s home was a flat in Chandni Chowk, and we went there for lunch and had a delicious meal. I, for the first time, met my cousins Shiltu and Phultusi, who was a very pretty girl, and my Kakima; the younger children I cannot recall. Kaka gave me a box of Yardleys’ lavender soap and a large bottle of lavender toilet water. I was thrilled — never had I been given such lavish presents before and I profusely 119thanked Kaka for the gifts. Father was annoyed, saying Biru had needlessly spent a great deal of money.
