Dehradun, Nov. 2 -- Internet

As I walk past Jharpani's Fairlawn Palace and its baluster-edged walkways, memories, lighter than dragonflies, flit across my mind, bringing alive the life and times of the last of the Ranas of Nepal. This was once home to the young Dhawal S. B. J. Rana and Pratima, who was a royal from the Tripura family. They were both students in the college where I taught. Falling in love, what better place could there be than Madelessa House, the home of his ancestors, to bring a blushing bride home? How I wish I knew more about the depth of the daughter/ daughter-in-law bonds that bind us to our northern neighbour! For generations, our erstwhile royal houses have met and mingled.

Later, in Lodge Dalhousie, I spot an ol...