She'd sit on her chair in the sitting room and interact with everyone who dropped by and she was known to quite a few people around the place, as she provided food and interacted with everyone. No one left the house without enjoying her hospitality. In other words, she had a huge fan following!
She was admitted at the NS Hospital, Ayathil at Kollam on 28 Jul, after having tested positive for Covid and was under treatment over the last couple of weeks. About five days back, she'd contracted Pneumonia which got worse and finally, took her away from us. Her body all wrapped up in polythene, except for the face - which was covered with a transparent piece - was brought into the house around a half past 12, this afternoon. She lay in state for two hours in the sitting room of the house that she'd lorded over the last so many years and was finally cremated behind the house at a spot adjacent to her husband's (Pidavoor Achhan - Vetteelazhikom Govinda Pillai) cremation point, who'd passed into the mist of time in the year 2000.
Pidavoor Amma is the mother of G Padmakumar, my sister, Rema's husband both of whom were at Pidavoor all this while.
I'd like to recall a few incidents that I'd the privilege of experiencing under her benevolent eyes. I'd first met her towards the run up to Rema-Padmakumar's wedding on 21 May 1989. From then on, there was no looking back as she'd developed a fondness for me and when Lekha joined me, she showered her with her love and affection.
She'd feed us with snack/food depending on the time of the day we fetched up and would be disappointed if we did not partake the delicacies on offer. Her trademark adieu was to stand with folded hands, blessing us as we drove out of her driveway. I used to feel very comfortable and safe during the journey because of that solid 'kavach' that protected us.
I'd listen to her conversations, experiences and the stories of her life which were interesting and there were occasions when I'd ask for a repeat or for more, at times, even losing track of time.
She was very possessive about us ever since the passing away of my parents and I always had this feeling that she took it upon herself to cater to our needs as she would perceive!
RIP Pidavoor Amme! Will miss your overwhelming presence when I reach there next. My salute, tears and prayers to an extraordinary lady who'd tremendous love and compassion towards everyone she came across! Here's wishing everyone of our near and dear ones to have the strength to pass through these difficult times.
Tailpiece.
Rema had sent me a message about the tragedy around a half past 1 at night. Didn't pass it on to Lekha then as I saw her sleeping peacefully and instead, informed her about it in the morning. The day was spent in calling people as well as answering calls.
Monitored the progress of work on our Chevy.
No comments:
Post a Comment