The day had begun at 0130h for me as my brother-in-law, Padmakumar, had fetched up from Palakkad by bus. After a brief exchange of news, we'd hit the bed only to get up at 4 to meet the day's requirements. To my surprise, mom was up and about much earlier. I tried to make tea for the three of us, only to find that the milk was spoiled because of an erratic refrigerator - of late, its compressor cools only the freezer and doesn't bother about the other areas! Will have to get it fixed after this unsettled phase is over. So, we'd to leave without the morning cuppa......Sorry, mom, sorry, Padmakumar!
Johnson, a newcomer, came in with his spanking new Renault Lodgy at a quarter to 5 and we're on the road by a quarter past 5, fifteen minutes past the deadline that I'd set for ourselves. We carried the 'poorie-bhaji' breakfast prepared by the maid, last evening. At Ernakulam, we're joined by my cousin and Ramakrishnan, in their car. The journey was fine, there were no hitches, whatsoever, and we reached Lekha's ancestral house by a few minutes past 10......and saw Lekha's dad immaculately dressed and lying in state in the hall of the house.
Met each of Lekha's relatives as the ceremony started only at a half past 10. Lekha's brother had reached by 6 after taking a night flight. By 1055 hrs, the red and golden shrouds were pulled over achhan's face at the cremation spot and his earthly form became memory. Soon the pyre was lit and the fire raged within the temporary steel furnace, erected for the purpose! I saw his elder brother and sister crying silently...... they seemed to be wondering as to why their 'kid' brother had to leave their midst earlier. Lekha couldn't control herself and was crying aloud and I just held her tight.....to convey, "Weep, because you must but I share your grief."
RIP VO Nair sir. You've left an indelible impression with the family.
Epilogue.
His gleaming, red wine coloured Tata Indigo stood at the porch as though waiting for his next trip. His personal effects, especially the artificial limb, were at their places as he'd left them but he'll never need them again.
After a quick bite of lunch, we'd set off on our return leg. Padmakumar, got off at Ernakulam, to catch his onward bus from Vytilla and reached Palakkad by 9.
Mom and I reached 'The Quarterdeck' a trifle before 6.
Tailpiece.
Today happens to be Bruno's 13th remembrance day. I remember that wretched day, 13 years back, when he passed into the mist of time......... Sleep well, Booney, but we miss you even to this day!
Johnson, a newcomer, came in with his spanking new Renault Lodgy at a quarter to 5 and we're on the road by a quarter past 5, fifteen minutes past the deadline that I'd set for ourselves. We carried the 'poorie-bhaji' breakfast prepared by the maid, last evening. At Ernakulam, we're joined by my cousin and Ramakrishnan, in their car. The journey was fine, there were no hitches, whatsoever, and we reached Lekha's ancestral house by a few minutes past 10......and saw Lekha's dad immaculately dressed and lying in state in the hall of the house.
Met each of Lekha's relatives as the ceremony started only at a half past 10. Lekha's brother had reached by 6 after taking a night flight. By 1055 hrs, the red and golden shrouds were pulled over achhan's face at the cremation spot and his earthly form became memory. Soon the pyre was lit and the fire raged within the temporary steel furnace, erected for the purpose! I saw his elder brother and sister crying silently...... they seemed to be wondering as to why their 'kid' brother had to leave their midst earlier. Lekha couldn't control herself and was crying aloud and I just held her tight.....to convey, "Weep, because you must but I share your grief."
RIP VO Nair sir. You've left an indelible impression with the family.
Epilogue.
His gleaming, red wine coloured Tata Indigo stood at the porch as though waiting for his next trip. His personal effects, especially the artificial limb, were at their places as he'd left them but he'll never need them again.
After a quick bite of lunch, we'd set off on our return leg. Padmakumar, got off at Ernakulam, to catch his onward bus from Vytilla and reached Palakkad by 9.
Mom and I reached 'The Quarterdeck' a trifle before 6.
Tailpiece.
Today happens to be Bruno's 13th remembrance day. I remember that wretched day, 13 years back, when he passed into the mist of time......... Sleep well, Booney, but we miss you even to this day!
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