Milestones.

Adieu Appachi 

Mrs Parukkutty Amma, Lekha's 92 year old appachi passed into the mist of time yesterday afternoon - around a quarter past 12 - at her residence in PTP Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram - due to old-age related illnesses. She's the wife of the late P Kesava Pillai, the chairman of KSEB during whose tenure the Idukki hydro-electric project was commissioned.

They have three sons who live with their families in Kerala.

She's the only sister, elder to six brothers - Lekha's dad was the second brother.

Saw her for the first time at our wedding on 16 May 1991 and was immediately impressed with her calm and efficient demeanour. She had a special liking for Lekha and me.

Adieu appachi! Our tears and prayers. We shan't forget you!!

Adieu Sasi

Commader KP Sasidharan passed into the mist of time around a half past 1, yesterday afternoon, at his residence at Nettoor, Maradu, Ernakulam. 67 year old Sasi leaves behind his wife, Chitra, Arvind and Anusuya. He's an alumni of the 52nd course, NDA.

My first tryst with Sasi was in Apr '91 when we were together at the DSSC, Wellington to do the 47th Staff Course. We got along well and we used to go for sailing on most Sundays, at the Pykara lake.

He was knowledgeable and was clear as to what he would do after leaving the IN. He'd the Master's ticket in shipping and acquired an MBA degree, as backups. We used to meet quite often either at his house or mine, on the Gorkha Hill, as Lekha and Chitra had also become good friends. His children, Arvind and Anusuya were fond of us! The two of us also used to be part of the same car pool - he owned a Fiat while I, a Standard Herald Cleopatra!

After the course, we used to meet occasionally as we were posted at different stations.

Can't believe that he's no more. 

Adieu Sasi! Can never forget those nice times that we'd spent together when you used to speak about your future plans. May Chitra and the children have the strength to tide over these difficult times.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Lekha had made the morning cuppa.

Walked on the road in front of the house and recited my prayers. Got ready soon after and was off to the LF College, next door, for the inauguration of its renovated library. The recent Vayalar Rama Varma award winner, E Santhosh Kumar was the chief guest. 

Skipped the lunch, went to the bank for the following :-

     * rendered my Life Certificate as part of the pension formalities

     * renewed my internet banking password

     * corrected the Bhim App anomalies

     * collected my updated passbooks

Meanwhile, Sukesan had collected my renewed driving licence.

A quiet evening.