Adieu Group Captain Deepak Verma!

Dateline 14 Mar

Deepak Verma, three courses senior to me and my Squadron mate in the NDA was wheeled into the cardiac OT, of the Army Hospital - R&R, New Delhi -for an open heart bypass surgery yesterday morning. Post surgery, there were complications leading to organ failure and he passed into the mist of time, soon after.

A thorough gentleman and a genial senior, I remember him to be a helpful guy.

Adieu sir! My salute, tears and prayers. Here’s wishing your family the strength to tide over these trying times.

A welcome drizzle!

Dateline 13 Mar

It was a sizzling Lt hot day. Sometime toward noon, it drizzled rather heavily bringing about he much needed respite from the heat. Consequently, the night was quite cold.

Our Labernum has bloomed again!!

The Labernum at our courtyard has bloomed yet again. Last year it hadn’t flowered and on 25 Apr 2024, we lost Sanil due to his liver ailment. This time, therefore, we were wondering as to why it hadn’t shown signs of flowering. This morning, Lekha and the maid had seen quite a few clusters of the golden yellow flowers dotting the tree!

Got up at our usual time, went down to be with Lekha and in the process, had tea and took in the morning insulin injection.

Lekha had an early bath and did our Wednesday morning aa'rathi of the house. Breakfast at my usual time.

I was given my bath and the morning break's fruits and lassi.

Paid the KWA's water bill for the month.

RK Singh followed by Aniyan had called. Usha ammayi has gone to Thirupathi temple for darshan. She has shorned off her hair!

Afternoon lunch with a dash of Guruvayur temple's 'annual festivities' prasaadam' which was relished. Our gardener, Ramesan had brought it for us. Damn sweet of  him!

Tailpiece.

The evening drizzle brought the temperatures down, albeit for a short while.

A few jobs done.

Got up at our usual times, the chores and we began another new day. Lekha took a tumble in her room and thankfully there were no problems.

She met Dr (Mrs) Sodhi for her review. She has been provided with medicines for another five days.

Judiciously used the a/cs of the upper and the lower floors. Skipped the siesta to watch the Crime Patrol; Lekha had a good snooze instead.

After tea, Lekha had gone across to our ration stand to collect our dues for the month.

Wrote a post to Dr Mallan regarding our next meeting.

A quiet evening.

Ramachandrettan had called to know about my medical condition.

Tailpiece.

The caretaker has tied up with the local well-washers to wash down our well and tank at Raj Nivas. Another hot day!

The beginning of a new week.

Had got up at 6, the chores and similarly was Lekha as the house came alive with the morning sounds.

 

The nurse came at the appointed time, administered the insulin and left.

Had my breakfast at 8. Lekha had given me my bath at 9.

Ramesh, the gardener, had cleared the dried up palm and replaced it with a new plant that looks cute. The balcony looks good now. Told the maid that such callousness of not caring for the plants was unacceptable and I've slapped a fine on her to ensure that such mistakes never recur.

Roy, the electrician had come by to work on the inverter. Only hope that the error is on the change over switch!

The days continue to be warm and sizzling!

Spoke to Maman and Shekhar, who's planning to visit Guruvayur, on 07 May, to attend a friend's wedding.  

Tailpiece.

By 1930 hrs, Roy and his assistant, Vivek had installed the new inverter.

 

A quiet but warm Sunday!

Got up as usual, with Lekha opening up the ground floor while I did the first. Watched the musical program Rangoli after a long time.

Breakfast was by 8 and Lekha had given me my bath at 9. The surgical wound is healing slowly and steadily.

Gopi chittappan and gang didn't fetch up as they didn't want to 'give' us infection!

Lekha's cough has reduced in intensity but her voice has got subdued. She'll have to meet Dr (Mrs) Sodhi tomorrow, for review.

Tailpiece.

Paid the first instalment to the nurse.

Another quiet day!

The day began as usual; with me switching on the hymns at the top while Lekha started up her activities down below.

The nurse and the maid hade dropped by to do their work.

Our neighbours sent us a basket of apples.

Calls from the Banjos, Gopi chittappan-Jayanthi kunjamma and Rajasekharan-Indira.

A quiet Saturday!