And, I'm watching the fireworks over Kowloon bay, Hong Kong. My first New Year away from an India, where there are 'phatakas' every day. This New Year's eve, more than any before, I find myself thinking of our country and its devolution. We've waited 18 months for acche din, and like Godot we wait.

I have my three cousins with me — Sunny, Dippy and 'Chicken or fish' (he used to fly for an international airline, hence the pet name) — they are three NRIs of different hues.