Mulanthurathy

Last week, we drove down to my mom's ancestral home in Mulanthurathy. We were in Cochin for a wedding, and we'd kept aside one day to eat at the Grand, and do some sight seeing. So when a cousin suggested we drive down to Mulanthurathy, we agreed immediately. Adiv slept peacefully in the car, while we enjoyed tales from the distant past. 45 minutes later, we drove in to what seemed like a developing town; shops, beauty parlors, offices! However, our disappointment was soon replaced with excitement when we turned into the road leading to the house. Suddenly it was dark, and the narrow winding road seemed surrounded by rubber trees and old homes. Part of the road had been tarred, but mostly it was a kutcha road.
As we approached the house, we saw it from a distance, standing in dignified silence. An old aging house that had witnessed several births and deaths, good times and bad, it now lay vacant. It however continued to have an aura of mystery surrounding it. The pictures in the house just made it more interesting.

My great grandfather, Kunjikora Chaly

Kunjokorah Chaly's father, Kochukorah Chaly
Kochukorah Chaly was a visionary in his time. Educated and friend to the Cochin Maharaja, he built roads, a hospital, and a school in Mulanthurathy. He did however use his influence to his advantage, when he transfered the Parimala Thirumeni from the Mulanthurathy church. The Thirumeni left, giving the family a curse. Then began the downfall of the Chalys. However, the Thirumeni also blessed another poor family who offered him rest and food in their house. That started the rise of the well known Kandathil family in Kerala.
The naalu kettu or inner courtyard

Wooden staircase leading to the top floor

Upstairs window overlooking the naalu kettu

We enjoyed this Jackfruit later Surrounded by rubber trees
We also went to this older ancestral tharavadu that wasn't very far from the house we'd visited. Supposedly haunted by the spirit of a manservant who was murdered centuries ago, this house has been desserted for years. Noone lives here anymore, and not many children come and play within its compounds. Legend has it that 6 pots of gold were hidden in this house. 4 of these pots were recovered and displayed in various homes. 2 are yet to be discovered. A house with a separate building that once housed soldiers and stables for horses and an elephant, now stands alone, an aging, tired, decrepit soul. We walked around the house, soaking up the silence and all the legendary tales that surrounded it.

Then, after this short halt, we were off to Cochin, to our next destination; Karimeen at the Grand!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the man who taught me how to tie my shoelaces and sharpen my pencils. He always held my hand while crossing the road, and when eagerly awaiting an approaching wave at the beach. He taught me how to be organized, and always be loyal to family. He taught me that no matter what your means are, you can always help someone who needs it. He gave me ambition and his temper. But he also gave me his sentimental streak and fondness for hindi songs. He taught me that money comes and goes, but family stays.

Happy Father's Day to my father.

SURPRISE!!!

In the last year, surprise parties have become a way of life. It began with an aunt, who was whisked away for lunch and a movie, while her family arranged an elaborate party with friends, family, and exotic food. Suspecting nothing, she returned to a house full of people who screamed surprise. It was fun! So when Ro's sister was due to have a birthday weeks later, we decided we'd give her a surprise too.

Ro's parents were visiting then, so they were let in on our plans. The rest of the family was invited with strict instructions on when they should arrive. We got some party hats everyone, a chocolate mousse cake, and lots of kebabs and biriyani. To be absolutely sure she wouldn't suspect a thing, we decided to have the party on a weekend before her birthday.

On that day, we were all set ahead of time. The guests arrived on time, and when we heard she'd come, we all hid in the kitchen. Rohit let her in, and she came in innocently, asking where Adiv was. A few more steps, and we shocked her with our loud "SURPRISE", and a lot of blinding flashes. She seemed embarassed, but the rest of us couldn't stop laughing. We got her to cut her cake, before everyone settled down for starters and eventually dinner. The party had been a success.

Another month passed, and the next birthday was due. Ro's uncle was turning 60, and the family wanted to give him a surprise. His wife and sons made arrangements in a nearby resort, and again made sure everyone knew when they had to make an appearance. This uncle was having guests on that day, so he generously decided to take them out for dinner. His sons knowingly suggested the resort. So he walked in with his guests, sons, and wife. The steward guided him to the top floor, and before he knew it, he saw a lot of familiar faces scream, "Surprise". He seemed visibly surprised, and was at a loss for words. Everyone ran forward to congratulate him and hand him presents, before his grand nephew recited a self written poem, his grand nieces sang him songs, and his son made a speech. What followed was champagne, a lot of alchohol, cake, and a lot of food. Incidentally, his wife who was celebrating her birthday the next day, also got her own cake to cut. A fun evening!

The family still hadn't had enough! The next surprise was Ro's. His uncle invited us allover for dinner, and Ro innocently walked in on another round of "SURPRISE"! The food was delicious (it always is).

Months later, the next birthday was due. Adiv turned one and we had a huge party for him. The surprise wasn't for him, but for my mother got to celebrate her 60th on that day. After Adiv cut his cake, her cake was brought out. She was mortified, but once everyone began singing for her, it was fun.

Days earlier, Rohit's aunt in Kerala, after correcting a few papers (she is a teacher) thought she was going out to lunch with her son, daughter-in-law, and daughter. Instead, she walked into a hall filled with family who'd come from allover, friends, and colleagues. Some entertained her with stories from the past, after which she cut a huge cake. Though we weren't there, i'm pretty sure the feast that followed was the best.

You'd think this was enough! But another aunt's birthday was due. Fearing such a surprise, she announced quite early on that she wanted no presents and surprises. She invited everyone over for brunch, making sure that there would be no surprise. But the family had other plans.

We all landed up in her house at 7 in the morning. Rohit's uncle and aunt came armed with coffee and breakfast. The birthday girl's daughter let us all in. We went in quietly and stood in the living room. And when the birthday girl wandered into the living room with her cup of coffee, she was welcomed with a huge round of SURPRISE! The cake was brought out, candles lit, and flowers handed out. She was thrilled! What followed was some delicious breakfast. The brunch/lunch still went on as planned.

Keeping in this tradition of surprising people on their birthdays, we are off to Chennai tomorrow. It is my Dad's birthday tomorrow, and he doesn't know we'll be coming over. I'm sure his expression will be worth capturing on camera!

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.

Happy Mother's Day!

From having to exchange my late mornings for several sleepless nights, relaxed lunches in restaurants for hurried bites in turns, Josh Groban singing Per Te for Raffi singing "We're on the way to Grandpa's farm", hours in the book store for hours in the play ground, an evening at a play for an evening in a house with kids......motherhood sure had changed my life quite a bit! Nevertheless, every milestone met, every smile, every dance move, every excitable clap, and every form of communication has brought with it oodles of satisfaction and pride. Being a mother was tough, and a good one even thougher. Nevertheless, it was best experience ever!

A lot has changed since my last mother's day. Adiv walks..sorry..runs! He says a few words (or atleast makes these attempts that Ro and I can comprehend), dances to popular Bollywood tunes (and Justin Timberlake), and screams Yaaaaaay (like his mother) every time the current comes. On a not-so-windy day, he enjoys his evenings splashing in the pool, and spends his days in, driving his inflatable car on the carpet. He knows cold (co) from hot (also co), and follows every gulp of juice with a satisfactory Aaaaaah. He still enjoys Elmo on Sesame street, but also knows a lot of the ads on TV (especially the ones with pretty women and cars). He loves his bikkis (biscuits) and is force-fed one nutritious meal, but is always ready for some yummy icecream or chee (cheese). He prefers fish, though he likes his chiya (chicken), and knows that anything he isn't allowed to drink (but others drink them) is followed by a "Yuck! That was horrible"! Brushing his teeth is fun, especially when it comes with the added perk of biting Mimi's fingers, and combing his hair is fun only when he is allowed to do it himself. He loves it when we play football, and hides his books when he has had enough ABCs and 123s for the day. He can spend hours talking on phone to noone in particular, and still be very silent when someone asks to speak to him on the phone. He isn't in the least bit shy of strangers, though he prefers young women to young men, and old men to old women! He can strike a bargain in the playfield (with a bigger 3-yr-old) by exchanging 3 pebbles for a ball he wanted, and still insist that you drink or eat something he loves. In short, the small baby is growing into an interesting, fun, and amusing character. Now, this is just the beginning!

I wrote a good omelet...and ate a hot poem

I wrote a good omelet...and ate a hot poem...
after loving you

Buttoned my car...and drove my coat home...in the
rain...
after loving you

I goed on red...and stopped on green....floating
somewhere in between...
being here and being there...
after loving you

I rolled my bed...turned down my hair...slightly
confused but...I don't care...
Laid out my teeth...and gargled my gown...then I stood
...and laid me down...
to sleep...
after loving you

-- Nikki Giovanni

Update to Adiv Says...

He calls me Ma-Ma or just Ma... and not Dada like i hoped he would ... that was just a one-off day. To top it off, R encourages him to call me that!!!
Maybe I'm his real "Mom"