Friday, April 22, 2011

Memorable Gettogether: Short & Sweet

Finally she set her foot on Indian soil,on a lovely and bright saturday, fascinated to see a magnificiant elephant on the highway, on the 26th of March 2011; when we wanted to be in the airport. But we had to wait till the 27th., to have the first glimpse of her when we were going to Athirappilly.Ah! it was a dream come true! Was it real or just a dream? Did patiences really pay? Well, yes says the photographs, for I belive that the technology is yet to develop, such that we can capture pictures of our dreams.

The view from the Rainforest Hotel was lovely, we went both to the starting point till the falls below, and returned in the scrotching sun; which was indeed too hot, it turned her red, but she was the first to return and I was the last to make the uphill climb. The explantion was thought provoking, just get it done, and then you dont have to worry about it, it is over. After lunch, we went to Vazhachal, and there it started drizzling, and then rain. Wow! Both sun & rain on the same day. Father was happy that she visited our house, while returning. She was surprised to see the crowd in the oberon mall, at 8pm. She wanted to buy a ray ban glass, but settled for fasttrack. Well it is the fast track one which I liked. See I am not a brand freak.

Next day, when she came to office, she had brought for us, Milk chocolate delights; mini eggs; from a magical Carury world. It was yummy milk chocolate inside and crisp sugar shells outside; and then we had meetings for days, and lots of work.

Well then it was the cricket time, cricket cricket everywhere, biddings, guessings, practicals and theory. The India, Pakistan match reminded of the old fights, where kings from two different countries would come to watch it, and here was the primeministers of both the countries sitting and watching at Mohali. Our meetings and presentations had the crickinfo ie minimised, to keep us updated. But we could be home to watch the climax, and listen to Sachin say something like: Focus, give your best not worring about the result and the rest will follow.

She said lovely cards to both her mothers, it being Mothers day, on the comming sunday, and birthday cards to Gareth and Claire. Yes it was Claire's birthday, the next day; and she emailed me saying all great people were born in March!

It was great to have her here, with me to share my birthday (I had already celebrated by malayalam birthday/Piranal which I share with my grandmother), when she presented me with a beautiful Kashmiri shawl! Wishing me may Joy & Love be yours Always! Her presence was my best present!

We could begin yet another close with her, in her presence.

As we were getting ready to watch the war(match) between 'Ram Sena'(India) and 'Ravan Sena'(Sri lanka) in the land of 'Siv Sena'(Mumbai), Fss team won the practicals in the morning. She and me, went to Kodanad, and were lucky enough to find 5 elephants of differnt age group, both male and female; having their morning shower, in a river, surrounded by beautiful scenery.We had to return soon, as there was this appointment for this special body massage at Anjaneaya Ayurveda Vaidyasala; but that I believe was something not very positive about the trip, as the massage did not turn out to be as expected living some marks; the ones on hands were clearly visible and heartning. We then did some window shopping at kalyan silks and she helped me but some things for my nephew. We went around Fort Kochi and Marine Drive. As the 2011 calender is a replica of 1983; so where the Cricket results! India won the world cup again, bringing tears of joy, in the eyes of the millions. Sachin could finally kiss the cup; and so also many others!

Next day, was her lovely and memorable treat, at the house boat in Allapuzha; with typical kerala food. Then she invited us for the evening tea, at the Taj Malabar where she stayed. Even there there were two lovely big elephants. From there we could see Mattanchery, Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, marina. It was the whole team with family: AP family; my father; and our marketing solutions team in whole. It was mother's day in UK. She had her mother's and daughter in UK, and missed them.

Then began the long month end, with its ups and downs, whatever had to go wrong, went wrong, which was sad. But all days are not the same. The next day was again better, a good day! We felt blessed to be part of the call, where the results were discussed. It gave us an insight to what actually happened.

We had lovely Paw Baji, Fish Birayani and Kheer, made my Pravin's wife, Prachi. Chicken and Chapathi made my Cynthia. Team dinner at the Park.She even enjoyed the Pooram at the Kakkanad devi temple, where there was five elephants beautifully decorated like a bride. Shopping at kalyan silk, Bhima jewellery, and oberon malls. It was lovely to see her in the Salwar Kameez, Bindhi (Third eye) & Payal (Anklets). Then there was the semi finals and finals of the WL cricket team. Our FSS team won the semi finals, and she was there to watch both the matches and give the trophy to the winning team! (Our team was the runner up). After the finals, they had been to Cherai beach and had dinner today. But I had to be home, waiting anxiously to see my mother, sister and Neil! Next day she was going to Chennai, and had an adventure, when due to bad weather, the flight could not land in Kochi, and as it was running out of fuel, had to go for refilling to Banglore. We could even exchanged few books, in this short span of time.

She learned Anna & Kakka when she was here, and called my bag, Mary Poppins's!

She said, she wanted the team to remain the same, for atleast next one year! But the best of her advice as I take it is: There would be problems and failures, dont learn to just leave with it!

On her last day in office, she presented all of her team members with a lovely gift: Pen hand turned by a gentleman named Ian Darbyshire in East Yorkshire(ian@handturnedpens.co.uk)(www.handturnedpens.co.uk). The wood used to make the pen is Bog Oak, that are 1000 years old having been preserved in a local peat bog.

There was a piece for us to see.

Note said: I hope when you use them you remember our time together with fondness:

Santhi

Sharynx

She was.

Yes we would:


Guess what? As I had just finished typing this, there was a courier from Amazon: Yet another surprise: (Including the courier charges!)

All of us had yet another gift from her:

1. Penguins stopped play: Eleven Village Cricketers Take on the world:For Pravin,

2. The Power of One: By Bryce Courtenay for me:
And this is her favourate book. She has a statue of garndpa chook in her garden to honour Peekay!!! Is that not lovely! would love to see a pic. of it. (Who knows, one day may be in person too!!)

3. Not Dark Yet: A very funny book about a very serious game: For Jay.

Things come to an end: Bad and good; and this too had come to an end; for the time. With prayers; to see again in an years time. A lot can and will happen between now and then; with regard to house, relations and other things. Fingures crossed!

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