The day had begun quite early and by 7, Padmakumar, Rema, Achu, Lekha and I were off to the Olavakode railway station to board the Coimbatore-Mangalore Intercity Express for our journey to Payyannur. We're on our way to offer our belated condolences to Midhun's eldest aunt's children on the passing away of their mother, twenty nine days ago. The sad fact was that we could find time for this moment - only now - thanks to the busy official schedules of Padmakumar and Achu, coupled with a few of our activities that could not be missed!
Thanks to the newly installed elevator, Lekha did not have much to walk and the train had fetched up on the dot and it maintained its schedule to the dot till 10' past 12, when we got off at Payyannur. Midhun's brother, Appu was at hand to receive us with a vehicle that was hired for our move for the day. He took us straight to their home where his mom had prepared a scrumptious lunch for us and we'd a very interesting conversation with his dad.
There were two adorable kids of a handsome couple - Farhad, studying in class I and Riya - travelling along with us. The kids got to be friendly with us and Farhad was bought a key chain with a gun as per his requirement. They're travelling from Ottapalam to attend a wedding at Kannur and returning by the evening train, earlier than ours, as the little one had his Christmas examination tomorrow. They entertained us with their songs and said "Salam Alaikum" as they were disembarking.....well brought up kids!
Soon after, we headed for Kanayi to spend time with the bereaved family. The children, Mridula, studying in class IX(She wants to become a bank officer) and Abhinav in class V had shed their shyness and interacted with us much more freely than during the previous occasions. Their grandmother - all of 67 years - was their friend and she doted on them. The family is relieved that their mother/grandmother had a peaceful end, though early!
Also, came across small betel nuts, for the first time, which is cultivated in northern Kerala along with the ones that we come across, usually, all over the state. Soon it was time to leave for Poduval Mashu's house at Kaithapram where a high tea was awaiting us. I think I must have disappointed young Sree Parvathy by asking her as to what her name was. I did try to soften the faux pas but to what results I can't venture to predict!
During our fairly long run to Kannur, we did not come across any traffic snarl, predicted by many. We reached one hour in advance to the departure of the Kannur-Yeshwantpur Superfast train that we're reserved on. There was a doubt as to whether the hired car guy had fleeced me off more money but the fact of the matter was that we'd a smooth movement all through the day. The train had started 10' late and kept on getting delayed as we progressed to our destination and enroute at Kozhikode, I got duped.
We'd got down to buy packed dinner, a box of 'tender coconut halwa' and bottles of drinking water. The shopkeeper had palmed off another flavoured delicacy, much to my annoyance, as we're all looking forward to the tender coconut one. He did the hoodwinking, fully well knowing that I wouldn't return to question him. I was really disappointed with myself for not spotting out his wiliness!
We arrived at Palakkad an hour late and by the time we reached home it was a half past 11. All in all, it was a day well spent!
Tailpiece.
Mohanachandran's medical bulletin.
"Condition stable........sat up for 21/2 hours.......with both eyes open........watched photos of his dog with keen interest........showing some response to physiotherapy. Still in 'Dangerously Ill List'.
Thanks to the newly installed elevator, Lekha did not have much to walk and the train had fetched up on the dot and it maintained its schedule to the dot till 10' past 12, when we got off at Payyannur. Midhun's brother, Appu was at hand to receive us with a vehicle that was hired for our move for the day. He took us straight to their home where his mom had prepared a scrumptious lunch for us and we'd a very interesting conversation with his dad.
There were two adorable kids of a handsome couple - Farhad, studying in class I and Riya - travelling along with us. The kids got to be friendly with us and Farhad was bought a key chain with a gun as per his requirement. They're travelling from Ottapalam to attend a wedding at Kannur and returning by the evening train, earlier than ours, as the little one had his Christmas examination tomorrow. They entertained us with their songs and said "Salam Alaikum" as they were disembarking.....well brought up kids!
Soon after, we headed for Kanayi to spend time with the bereaved family. The children, Mridula, studying in class IX(She wants to become a bank officer) and Abhinav in class V had shed their shyness and interacted with us much more freely than during the previous occasions. Their grandmother - all of 67 years - was their friend and she doted on them. The family is relieved that their mother/grandmother had a peaceful end, though early!
Also, came across small betel nuts, for the first time, which is cultivated in northern Kerala along with the ones that we come across, usually, all over the state. Soon it was time to leave for Poduval Mashu's house at Kaithapram where a high tea was awaiting us. I think I must have disappointed young Sree Parvathy by asking her as to what her name was. I did try to soften the faux pas but to what results I can't venture to predict!
During our fairly long run to Kannur, we did not come across any traffic snarl, predicted by many. We reached one hour in advance to the departure of the Kannur-Yeshwantpur Superfast train that we're reserved on. There was a doubt as to whether the hired car guy had fleeced me off more money but the fact of the matter was that we'd a smooth movement all through the day. The train had started 10' late and kept on getting delayed as we progressed to our destination and enroute at Kozhikode, I got duped.
We'd got down to buy packed dinner, a box of 'tender coconut halwa' and bottles of drinking water. The shopkeeper had palmed off another flavoured delicacy, much to my annoyance, as we're all looking forward to the tender coconut one. He did the hoodwinking, fully well knowing that I wouldn't return to question him. I was really disappointed with myself for not spotting out his wiliness!
We arrived at Palakkad an hour late and by the time we reached home it was a half past 11. All in all, it was a day well spent!
Tailpiece.
Mohanachandran's medical bulletin.
"Condition stable........sat up for 21/2 hours.......with both eyes open........watched photos of his dog with keen interest........showing some response to physiotherapy. Still in 'Dangerously Ill List'.
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