Sivasubramanian Perinkulam Old memories surface. I was born in the ‘Edam’ ( house ) of Atchan, Palakkad Raja, behind this gramam, at the opposite end to the temple. That was what my parents told me proudly. I don’t, however, remember! But I do remember, the location of the house near the temple, where my Papamai, … Read more
“Anna, I want a Gingera,” requested my brother, while we were searching for some Krishna idols to be carried to America, in the Guruvayoour shops. Gingera, as you know is Tambourine , a circular percussion musical instrument, with a leather top and jingles at the central rim which produce tinkling sound when moved or shaken. … Read more
‘Konjam Ovaltine tharavaa?’ Kindly enquired Shanthamma( that is how Ishaan calls his grandma) Ovaltine! Where have I heard that name? I rubbed my eyes and it took a minute to go back several years to my childhood days, when my mom, used to give that drink. I never had it later. My mom perhaps, wanted … Read more
“Is there any relationship between us, other than husband- wife, Ammalu?” “Ye, dude. You ‘r the dad of our children and me, their mom” “Your answer is not in Indian style” “Was your question in Indian style, dude?” “Dude, dude! What a rude way to talk to husband! Remember, I’m your Pathideva, God, Ammalu” “So, … Read more
“Old people are like toddlers, innocent and freedom-loving. Agreed, son?’ “They are like kids but not as innocent, dad. Yes, all would like to have freedom, young or old” “Thank you, my son. Even partial agreement from your generation is a boon for us” “Appa, come on. You ask for something. What is that?” “I … Read more
“Ammalu, don’t know whether you have noticed or not that there is rhythm, music, melody, poetry, beauty when some women walk”. “No, I see only the back of their legs and not any melody or music . But, I can tell you one thing. Ammini has arthritic legs. Pattu’s problem is cervical spondylosis. Varicose veins … Read more
Some Accounts -men see only accounts in everything. Life is a ledger of credits and debit columns for them. My friend Muthukrishnan was an auditor with good credit balance of expertise. Mostly, he used to be on tour and during the few days having food at home, his wife, affectionately used to stand by his … Read more
“Ammalu, drop the idea forever that I’m your dependent. I can open a pan shop and live happily here. You can go and stay with your children luxuriously” “I want to stay with you only but luxuriously” “Then, I should open a jewelry shop for which your mother should finance” “Wonder why should She, SP, … Read more
“Ammalu, your mom bought me for a throwaway price, say Rupees Ten. Now, I’m worth a lac and more. Does you mother know this phenomenal increase in my value?” “I think she does. Otherwise she wouldn’t have asked me to dispose you off to the highest bidder” “Are you joking Ammalu?” “I’m not. The problem … Read more
Farewell now, River Hudson, will be back soon only to meet you, not Sri. or Me. Your calm beauty reminds the one who bid adieu to me for ever. When your chill breeze whispered in my ear last night, ‘was it she?’ I thought. No, the gods are not so kind, every weapon they used … Read more