A Tryst with Destiny
As aptly said, “…nobody knows what destiny beholds for you!…” ..inspirational example is Shashi Gupta (originally Susan Thomas), 82 years, resident of A-41, Friends Colony East, an excellent, home baker. Born, down south in Ernakulum, Susan Thomas was raised in Mumbai. A perfect student at the Bombay Scottish School, and gifted with gorgeous looks distracting several young boys, but but but the lucky one was Raj Kumar Gupta, her class fellow, who too was a ‘looker’. Lo destiny was decided, during that period itself! Raj and Susan became the best of friends and ooh… la la… their friendship continued, in college too!! Over the years, their “Friendship”, grew and they finally got married, as soon as they graduated despite opposition from respective families. An amazing soul..after marriage, to cheer her in-laws, she changed her name to “Shashi Gupta”. Soon children came along..two sons (Nikhil and Robin) and a daughter (Nilopher). Shashi enjoyed her parenting journey and was very happy and content with her life. After her older son Nikhil, who was resident in America, decided to get married, Shashi with husband flew to America, to be a part of the ceremony. Whilst in America, her eye fell on a hoarding, which mentioned “….come and learn baking at the chef’s baking class….”. Just out of curiosity, she and her newly married daughter-in-law, joined the classes. Lo bello! Thus started the baking journey! And there was no looking back. She returned back after culmination of the classes and mustered the courage to try and venture out in the world of baking. She began in the most modest and humble way with her baking journey and baked at home throughout the day….not with the intention of selling and making profit…but for gifting the baked items which included a variety of cakes, brownies, muffins, cookies, etc. to friends, relatives. Slowly, her plate was full with many orders for baking. At that time, the Chinese owner of Babalin, coaxed Shashi to be a vendor to him for cakes, brownies, cookies, muffins, etc. Extremely apprehensive Shashi decided to give it a shot with encouragement from Babablin and her family. In no time, Shashi became an absolute hit and started experimenting with more items to add to her list. “Money” was never the drive behind making cakes, for Shashi….it was always her “passion to bake”.
She speaks highly of her family, who had no qualms, about accepting, a Christian daughter-in-law, even during those times, when the society was pretty conservative, regarding such matters. Incidentally, her handsome husband, Raj Kumar Gupta, has played the lead role, in the movie “Jagriti”. He was randomly, picked up from his class, to play the role. Surprisingly, inspite of no acting background, he did very well. The movie was a hit. Currently Shashi Gupta wants to “just relax”, and spend her time, taking life easy. She has given up, taking orders, for cakes etc as it was becoming unmanageable, with health issues….but she still bakes only for the privileged ones !!! She is talent packed inside a nut shell, she can also sketch. She showed some painting, which her husband used to paint, as a hobby. She is also a swimming enthusiast, says she can swim, for hours. Currently, due to an arm injury, she is unable to swim or work, with her right hand. She lives, with her younger son and goes for rendezvous daily, to visit old friends. Shashiji came across, as a sweet and quiet person, who likes to keep to herself and mingle with only known people. It was lovely to know this talented, humble lady. She has, aged gracefully and one can imagine, how beautiful, she must have been, when she was young. Light coloured eyes and a lovely skin, she still is extremely beautiful!!
