Saturday, December 3, 2016

Off to Palakkad.

Was up with the lark as usual and after lighting the lamp, went about shutting down 'The Quarterdeck' as a prelude to our long journey. Saw a missed call from Jayettan, whose daughter had got married here, the day before yesterday, but connecting up with him seemed to be impossible because there was a continuous engaged tone emanating from his telephone. It was only when my cousin had called up from Kochi, that the fog had lifted, because he'd wanted to confirm as to whether I could make myself available at the Hotel Devaragam to be one of the witnesses for the marriage certificate of Sreevidya and Pradeep, that was to be issued by the Municipality.

I found the environment in the office quite stifling. Many of the overhead lights were not switched on, neither were the fans(Perhaps, it was to prevent the documents from flying off) nor were the air conditioners. Wonder how the staff can work in such stuffy conditions? We'd reached the place by a half past 11 and could leave with the certificate only by a quarter to two! Despite a proliferation of computers, the delay in transactions was mysterious to my restless mind. The reason was actually quite simple, it's an average Indian's - especially, a Malayalee's - attitude of keeping people waiting because he derives a strange 'sense of power' out of it! Sad!!

After a quick lunch, we'd set off for Palakkad. This was for the first time that we're doing this route after mom's passing away and that thought was hanging heavy. I'd even glanced behind at the rear seat to have a glimpse of mom by some sort of miracle!.......What's that old saying, "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride". Mom, I really missed you!

The traffic was quite easy despite the fact that it was a weekend and we reached my sister's house before 4. Madhavan, the security man and my sister were at hand to receive us. It was nice to interact with Achu after what has been a long time. He seems to be enjoying his new job at Marico and is proud of the responsibilities that the company has assigned to him! The gawky lad is slowly transforming to a confident man, who laughs easily!!

Padmakumar had come from his office by a quarter to 7. Over another hot cup of tea with him, we discussed the details, threadbare, of what we'd talk with Ammu's fiance's folks. It was comparatively an early evening to cater for the long day ahead, tomorrow!


Tailpiece.

Ikka, next door, is quite impressed with our travel itinerary. What I realised was that he misses us when we go out on our short forays! I've given him a rundown of our journey this time.



       

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