Had called up Hameed: his auto rickshaw was getting back from repairs only tomorrow but the sweet guy that he is, borrowed someone else's and took me to the western 'nada' of the Guruvayur temple. Had to get some sweets from the Ganesh Stores - for Leela chittamma, Salini and the children - that is known for its sweets made in pure ghee. Returned home soon after.
We had a quick bite and Kittu was given his lunch. And, as usual, he saw us leave from the roof of our neighbour's barn and the time was a quarter past 1! The getaway was swift, the road was freer with comparatively less traffic but by the time we were traversing through Thrissur town, it was choc-a-bloc with vehicles! And again, by my rotten luck, I'd driven into the wrong lane and had to wait considerably longer, at the Paliyekkara toll gate, for clearance.
The drive through the highway was smooth and we stopped at the Essar Petrol pump enroute for using the rest room. Short of Kalamasserry, I'd turned into the Container Road so as to reach Chittamma's house, at Kunninpuram - with the least amount of hassles. We were at her door by a quarter past 4 and as I secured my Chevy alongside and entered the house, a massive rain had begun.
Over piping hot cups of coffee and snack, our yakkittiyak had begun in right earnest! Had caught up with chittamma and then, Vivek joined us to give us the details of his recent trip to Dubai backed up with photographs and video clips on his phone. He and Lakshmi wanted to hear about my adventures while in the IN and I didn't disappoint them.
Supper was promptly served at 2100 hrs and it was a boisterous one. Chittamma had ensured a lavish vegetarian spread, with dishes that I liked. Damn sweet of her! The thread of conversation continued all the while!
Tailpiece.
Earlier, before we'd left Guruvayur, Dr Mallan had called up to say that he and his team would be ready to meet us on arrival tomorrow.
Adieu Nedumudi Venu! A versatile actor of the Malayalam film word. My tears and prayers!
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