My maiden US visit last chapter. Kangaroo Kamakshi. Boarding time for the US flight was announced and BIG BEN hugged us like a big bear, clearing her moist eyes and flashing a forced smile . ” Have an enjoyable trip,” she wished us, “and soon after you are free from jet log, I will meet … Read more
” Oh, no. I never wanted you to break away from your family ” the bride’s mother assured Muthamma” the children will anyway, live separately and we will not be visiting sambandhies every alternate day , but at the most, once or twice a year . We will eat and come, then or eat in … Read more
I became like a child in a dreamless slumber. Don’t remember how long I remained like that. “What happened to him, madam, any help ?” inquired Pushpa. “Don’t worry Pushpa,” consoled Ammalu. “20 % effect of intoxication and 80% drama. Anyway, get some black tea with no sugar, please” “Look through the window and … Read more
My maiden US visit. Chapter. 9 Not a single cockroach in Hyderabad “Your impromptu songs are innovative and infectious,” Big Ben complimented me albeit with a caveat,”though the credit goes to the cocktail of Pushpa” “Big Ben, why don’t you sing one more song of your tribal days,” Ammalu requested. She sang the first line … Read more
Soma juice “Searching for soma juice, again,” asked BB, while I bent my head down and searched my handbag. “No BB, looking for a companion for the Pushpa product” “Chutta pappadam- baked Pappad ?” Enquired Ammalu. “Cheedai, Ammalu. I removed a few balls from the packet you had stocked deep below your clothes in your … Read more
Sitting in a corner, sipping and talking. Pushpalatha came to our seat pushing the cart of drinks and BB asked me what I would like to have, ”wine or whiskey?” “SambAram , oru peria tumblerle ” I replied showing her, the size of the tumbler I would prefer, completely forgetting my daughter’s instruction that no … Read more
Mind is not a sealed cement tank. “This is the picture of my Appa, Ramaiyer or Ramappa for others” BB extended the black and white photo of a middle aged smiling face, forehead brightened by vibhoothi-chandanam marks. “Abba, what a relief!” Parasu sighed. “I suspected an honest man uncharitably ” “Crows everywhere are equally black,” … Read more
The story of Big Ben. Pushpalatha ( that is the name of the air hostess ) guided a huge woman with a small, smiling face, towards us and showed the seat next to ours. “Hei, can I sit here please?,” she asked politely turning to Ammalu, who invited her to occupy the seat next to … Read more
Ammalu gets another daughter Clad in a colourful sari, the air hostess, standing erect at the entrance of the flight, like a lamp post wrapped with colour papers, greeted me with a warm “Namaskar” and folded hands. I was pleased by her gesture, unusual for a girl of her age and blessed her, “Deergha sumaghali … Read more
Chapter 3 – Sambharam and Sarpagandhi “As a security measure, Pantalu garu,” remarked the smiling man on the counter when we went for check- in, “we want to ensure that you packed your suitcases, yourself ” “No, sir. I didn’t.” My reply was curt and with my standard head shake to emphasize my point. … Read more