So happy that Andal is coming back today – completing the missing piece in our jigsaw puzzle. We both think that we are like chalk & cheese, but others have always found similarities. Maybe we have some, we are both a bit moody, like art, museums, most forms of literature, politics and romantic comedies. Aditi is more like her paternal and maternal grandfathers, sensible, responsible, with no impulsive bone and with lot of love for numbers – and certainly no liking for museums unless they were natural history or have a planetarium. Aditi is a very Black and White person, brutally and effortlessly honest and crystal clear in her judgements. Andal is more sensitive, recognises and accepts the shades of grey in between, maybe even more than she should.
Since Appa’s ceremony last week, my mother-in-law has been after me for a Studio photograph (mind it, not a digital one taken on mobile) of Aditi – Yes, matchmaking in the air. I have been totally enjoying Aditi’s discomfort and opposition. She has such clarity on what she wants to do & when – work for 2 years, save up and apply for Post-graduation and then maybe, maybe after that, she will look for a life partner. Brings up a smile, I wish I had been like her.
But then, all of us are so different, in the choices we make and in our reactions to the good or bad those choices bring. Do you know, I have always thought my strongest trait has been acceptance. Acceptance is such an under rated quality be it in personal life or at work. And it is not about giving in or being a coward. I learnt early that it takes strength to accept a situation and in most cases, is half the battle won.
Aditi has a perfection solution – We will send your photo, Amma, you look so hot now after losing weight. And I act hurt – Haven’t I always been so. The banter continues, we laugh and enter the park.
There was again a disagreement among the Badminton players but this time, immediately one of them took the annoyed player aside, talked over and they returned back to resume the game, all within a few minutes. This role comes to some people naturally – haven’t we seen this at home, at work and also in our weddings and social functions – there will always be trouble makers and some blessed trouble shooter. They identify issues, take initiative and curb it in the bud stage itself – Are they leaders or team players? Also, isnt there a misconception that loud and aggressive people make good leaders. What do you think?
The Priest was near the Temple Gate receiving flowers for the Alankara – From the fragrant Jasmine and Sugandhraj to Kakra, Kankambhra and Shamantage – a palette of vibrant colours. Isnt it beautiful – the way the Deity is adorned. Where do the Priests learn this? My favourite is Narasimha adorned with Turmeric paste with just a Tulsi Mala, and Krishna coated in Butter. Which is your favourite?
Immediately after my marriage, one of the first tasks given to me, was to collect flowers from the garden every morning and to keep it in the Pooja room. My mother-in-law & her father-in-law had over the years, cultivated a beautiful garden with many flowering trees – we even had Parijata – Krishna’s favourite. We never had to buy flowers unless it was a festival. Do you know how to string flowers? Years back, I had pestered Durga into teaching me – I can manage – though not with the speed and expertise that she or flower sellers do.
I see two squirrels climbing up and down the trunk of an old tree and try to capture it on my phone. I have been told to take photos to complement my blog when I start one. Hopefully soon.
I am surprised to see a man sleeping on one of the benches. I have seen him walking too in the last few days. A nap in fresh air – not a bad idea at all. After two more laps, I notice him now awake, with a flask and a cup of what smells like coffee. I take a deep breath – taking in the aroma. I used to love walking past a coffee shop on the Sampige road – would always slow down and savour the rich aroma. What is with us coffee lovers? I even bought a Coffee & Cocoa Face wash from Mama Earth recently. My brother-in-law, when young, used to tell his mother, Harini that she always smelt like a fruit basket – if you guessed – she is a loyal Body shop customer.
Aditi has a 6 Km walk/run tomorrow morning but has not been well– with nausea and stomach cramps. I think it is food poisoning. She is upset that she might not be able to participate tomorrow. While we walk back home, we decide to wait & watch until tonight or tomorrow morning, and then make a decision.
By the way, Guess who dropped me home from office today. It was the same auto driver who had dropped me after the heavy rains last week. Again a Saturday – what a co-incidence.
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