On an unexpectedly discordant note.

and the way forward! 

We were woken up at a quarter past 4 when Mini, Sanil and Mithun drove off to Ayur for the Ganapati puja. We went through our chores and drove off to the Kottarakkara Mahaganapati kshetram for an early morning darshan. Returned by a quarter past 7, changed and were off to Ayur after picking up Rema and Padmakumar. The caretaker's wife, Syamala was also with us.

Today happens to be the 30th wedding anniversary of my sister, Mini and Sanil. Wished them early in the morning. Was reminded of this day, thirty years ago, when all our near and dear ones were present, to conduct the grand event. Only Ammachi and of course, Appooppan and Ammoomma (dad's parents) were not there as they had already passed into the mist of time.

Reached 'Anjanam', the name Mini has christened her new house with. This was the name suggested by my mother, years back when Mini had bought her flat in Dwarka, New Delhi. The gaiety and the associated festivities were already on. Many of our relations were there along, with Sanil's. Made an effort to meet each and every one of them being the patriarch from Mini's side.

The ceremonial boiling of the milk - "paalukaachu" - commenced at a half past 9, with the priest guiding my sister at each step. The entire ceremony had gone off well, first three rounds of guests had gone around the double storeyed house - everyone was awed by the grandeur of the house; had something or the other to tell - during the course of the ceremonial lunch. It was then that we decided to move in.

Sanil had some difficulty, he was brought on to the table where he'd a bite of a banana, two gulps of salted 'nimboopani' and then he had passed out. Nandu (Sanil's nephew) was behind the wheel, Mithun and Somarajan (their family friend) were in the rear seat with Sanil (he'd passed out by then) and I rushed to the Azizia hospital, 9 km away. Nandu was efficient, literally sat on the horn and made it to the hospital by 13' flat through the traffic. Meanwhile, I'd coaxed Mithun to provide a chest massage and Somarajan to provide massage to the feet. 

Sanil was quickly wheeled into the emergency, I and Mithun briefed the doctor and a CT scan was taken. The doctors had anticipated a stroke/internal bleeding which were ruled out after the scan. With a saline drip on, Sanil was back to normal, asking to be discharged from the hospital! He would, however, spend the night at the ICU and we shall press for his discharge tomorrow. 

We returned to Anjanam by a half past 4 and after ensuring that Mini had secured everything in the new house, set off for Raj Nivas at a half past 8 after having our dinner. Dropped Padmakumar and Rema, Syamala before we reached our place by a half past 9. 

Tailpiece.

A day with dramatic events!