To be like Velcro.

So, I'm building these sliding doors. Yes, not the most interesting of conversation starters, but ... bear with me a sec. They have wood, responsibility of carpenter, and they have upholstery, responsibility of upholsterer. So at some point, the two need meet. For Various things like, measurements, widths, where the Velcro will fit to consolidate this relationship, and so forth. So I ask Ratilal (70 year old upholsterer, age old resident of Dhobi Talao, long trusted upholster in our family - in fact I think he has our family crest on his visiting card, by appointment of their excellencies the Bode clan since 1706) to come and meet the carpenters where the work is going on, down in the basement.

"Ratilal, meet Shamsh--ud-din."

The Carpenter gets up, politely wipes his hand on his trouser, and shakes the Upholsters hand. A meeting of two craftsmen, in pursuit of one goal, to create a work of wood and fabric, in perfect unity. They look over plans, they discuss various things, the width of the wood, the nap of the cloth, the points of attachment. This is a true meeting of artisans. The conversation verges on the melody of a jugalbandi. I, being the kind of person who loves to bring people together, feel, oddly proud, even pleased with myself for arranging this.

"You two should give each other work when the opportunity comes along,you both do very high quality work that you can be proud of."

Chests rise, pleasantries are exchanged and departing noises are made. As we walk up the stairs, on the outside of the building that looks at this mandir on the land below ours, I start to enjoy the temple view, and think of the good that has been done today. Ratilal, adds his casual observation, almost like a thought out loud to himself.

"Accha tho musalmaan hai."