Mom's first Remembrance Day by the Malayalam calendar.

   

Dateline 25 Aug.

The day'd begun at 5 and we’re ready by a half past 6 and reached the thirumeni’s house  well within time. We did the ‘bali tharpanam’ under the careful guidance of the avuncular and ascetic looking thirumeni. The crows came almost immediately to peck at the offerings. The thirumeni had offered us a cup of tea and chatted with us. He’s Narendran kochachhan’s classmate. As we drove off, Sanil was handed over a brinjal sapling as he’d asked for, by the thirumeni’s wife. Damn sweet of them! And while we’re driving homeward, I was reminded about the ‘til homam’ that had to be offered in mom’s name and so, we went to the Thathamangalam temple nearby.

A homam on the occasion of ‘Ganesh chathurthi’ was on and the til homam was also carried out. Since the temple staff did not have change, a til homam on dad’s name was also offered! Thanks to my namesake, the temple administrator, we’re given the ‘prasadam’ without much wait.

Mini and Sanil left off for Vaniyamkulam by 10. They’d an appointment with the doctor fixed up by David, his colleague at school. Rema, Padmakumar, Lekha and I reached the ‘Snehatheeram’ at the appointed hour. It was a nicely conducted visit with Sisters Daya Jesus, Ansalina and Catherine along with MSW qualified Aswathi and Dilsha. We’re able to interact with a few of the inmates and the lunch that we’d sponsored seemed to be enjoyed by all.

We, then, went to mom’s bank to clarify certain doubts regarding the life time arrears that she was due and I must put it on record that the deputy manager, looking after the pensioners’ section, was more than helpful and I did tell her so before taking leave of her. We spent about an hour with Pidavoor amma after dropping Rema and Padmakumar, there.

Raj Nivas looked suddenly empty and Lekha and I’d a quiet, yet early evening. Lekha had rustled up instant noodles for dinner which was simply great and light!

Tailpiece.

Sleep was beckoning as we’d skipped the siesta!