To Kayamkulam and back.

Our day had begun at a half past 3, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. We went through the chores and were ready by a 20' past 5. This time it was I who delayed our departure. Meanwhile, Kittu and the two kittens were present at the front portico and they were given their food, which Lekha had prepared. Kittu seemed to be totally flummoxed seeing both of us dressed up and ready to leave.

Lekha's sister, later, confirmed to us that he ate very little. Probably, because of the jitters as he saw us leave. Sajeesh, our chauffeur, was at our gate, on the dot at 5. Apologised to him for being the cause of the delay. We went via the SBI ATM and then headed straight for Moonnupeedika to round off to the Anand Bhavan, at Kaladi.

However, there was a slight setback as the security-in-charge told us that the restaurant would open only by a 10 past 7 and we'd reached there by a 5' to 7. We decided not to waste time and pressed on with our journey and had our breakfast at the spruced up Saravana Bhavan, at Kalamasserry. Raja looked after us well and also saw us off, by escorting Lekha and me with an umbrella, to our car. Damn sweet of him. 

There was rain at almost all the places that we passed enroute and we reached the location of today's event by a half past 10. My cousin, Kala and her husband, Parameswaran Pillai were having their HP Retail outlet inaugurated by the MP of Alappuzha, AM Ariff. There were certain unique aspects about the pump which are :-

* It is neither on an NH nor even on an SH. 

* It is on an inner road and the majority of its customers would be from the local area. Would it give the proprietor his share of profits due to the limitations in the volume of customers, from outside?

* Both Parameswaran and Kala are retired teachers and they'd decided to set up the petrol bunk for serving the people.

* The representation of leaders from across the political spectrum only reiterated Parameswaran's wide acceptance among the public.

The program began at a half past 12 and went on to a quarter to 2, after which we were treated to lunch that consisted of fried rice, chicken curry and salad, at Kala's residence. 

The biggest advantage was that Lekha and I could meet up with everyone from the family on an occasion of gaiety! 

We began our return trip by a quarter past 2 and reached The Quarterdeck by a quarter past 8, stopping at Alappuzha, around a half past 3, for a piping hot cup of tea and snacks.  

Tailpiece.

Also got ready for my trip to Thiruvananthapuram, tomorrow morning, to attend Sree Kochachhan's 1st Remembrance Day on Sunday and to steer the forthcoming programs in connection with the Reading Month celebrations.