Rohan's Sendoff Party

Rohan's sendoff was fun. After the previous nights dinner (and clearing up), we woke up late on Sunday. By the time we crawled out of bed and ate some breakfast, it struck me that the maid hadn't come as yet. A frantic call to her husband confirmed that she wasn't coming. So I was forced to shrug off all laziness and get to work. Adiv got music to dance to, Ro went for his bath, and I hoped I'd be able to finish washing all the vessels. I gave up eventually, because we were getting late. Ro got Adiv ready, and I cleaned up. To cut the long story short, by the time we were ready to go it was 1.30.

"Hopefully the barbeque is still on", i said. But knowing the family's penchant for good food, we could also be sure that there would be a LOT of it, even if we were late. So when we got there, the barbeque was still on, and more food was still being brought onto the table. The guest of honour hadn't arrived as yet, but everyone was tucking into generous helpings of pork chops and chicken with honeyed-onion salad. Meanwhile, Nisha was bringing out Alexchayen's potato skins (with huge helpings of bacon), buns (home-made), fish (with an unusual, citrous flavor), Lathukocchamma's Shepherd's pie, Maekocchamma's spinach and corn bake, mutton curry, mixed salad and saffron rice. The table was full, and once we were done with lunch, a few plates were pushed aside for the desserts. Lemon meringue, apricot mousse, and cheese cake! Without revealing too much, I will just say I had more than one helping....of each!

The highlight of the afternoon was the entertainment. After a full meal, just when most people were settling down comfortably for a nap, the kids decided to start a band. Instruments were handed out, and everyone began playing. Mrinal gave this music some tune with his flute. Eventually the group settled for dance music. CDs were taken out, and one was selected. Then all eyes were turned to Adiv. Everyone was waiting for his twists.
Adiv who is usually oblivious to people staring at him, now seemed very conscious. He lowered his eyes, gave everyone a coy smile, moved his hip once or twice, and then gave up. The family decided to encourage him by dancing along. Soumtro, Mrinal, Alexchayen, Lathukoch..everyone began moving to the beat. Adiv merely smiled and ran for cover. He wasn't going to perform.

The day wasn't going too well for him. Except for Mrinal, the girls were playing games he didn't want to play. Shalaka suggested they play "marriage marriage", and Tia took out her makeup kit to dress up the girls. In turns she put on lipstick, eye shadow and rouge. Yana was the first one to get dressed up. Then Trisha, who was very excited and willing, though not very sure about what eye shadow was. Shalaka went last, and she finished her new look with a pair of funny glasses and a brightly colored dupatta. The girls then posed for pictures, before Mrinal decided to get creative with the makeup. He gave himself a black eye and then went upstairs and returned with more makeup. This time he looked like he'd been beaten up purple, blue, red...! He definitely has the talent for an alternate career.

The day ended with some tea, after which we set off to get a new rug and cushions for Adiv's room. That's another story.