Uma, did you not feel my anxiety on my partner for onasadya ? Yes, I am sure you did feel that.
Infact, on Saturday, I was too worried and anxious to locate someone to give me company on Onam day. Thank God, I was successful in getting one with me for the whole Onam day, for Onasadya and later for a celebration.
But who is that ? Uma, this time you can't guess that. And you know, I told you so, that its not Ionia.
But, who ??
On Saturday afternoon, after a tea at "Kuttan Pillai's thattukada", I began searching my telephone index book. Passing through pages, filtering numbers based on my need, I had to go until "R" ! I got stuck on the name !! That was 'Radi chechi'. Did you not meet her once at our bungalow, when she visited me ? That's a few years back. Yes, the retired teacher, who now lives alone in a posh flat at 171, Nihir Apartments. You'll be surprised ! She is 72 now. Hey.... Uma, I can see you laughing... Dating with a 72 year old buddie ... But Uma, don't laugh. She has the looks of may be 60 or 62, with her jet black hair and smart gestures and looks.
I decided to call her over the mobile. BSNL was not kind enough to connect that number. "number not reachable" !! I went online for the local BSNL telephone directory. Located the Nihir Apts, and got the office number. I rang them , got someone there, and asked for the lady's number.
"No sir, we are not supposed to give you the personal mobile number" Said that guy.
I told him that I know her number, but not getting connected. I told him the number, and asked "is that the right number"
"Yes" was his reply.
I kept on trying the number. After 5.30 in the evening, the bell rang, and she picked up. After the introduction, I told her that I want to meet her. She said "my mobile doen't work inside my flat. Now that I am outside, you got me. I am now going to the temple, and will be back by 7".
"Shall I come by 7.30 ? " I asked her.
"yes..yes ..." she replied.
I did not want to miss an opportunity. I rode my Maruti 800 for the 9 KMs to Nihir apts, and reached F 171 by 7.30 sharp.
Oh...what a sweet welcome..!
Chatting for over an hour , I invited her for Onasadya with me at the Hotel. But she said "our residents have a gettogther and sadya on Onam day noon. How can I come with you?"
I was disappointed. But my need made me more diplomatic and found it's right result. Finally she agreed to give me company. I told her that I'll pick her up at 11 am on Sunday (that's yesterday).
Ahoy... Yesterday, after my morning routines, I reached 171, Nihir Apts by 10.30 am. She was not ready. It took about 30 minutes for her to get ready. She looked very beautiful. The plumpy short wheatish beauty ! 72 year old beauty. We left Nihir Apts by 11.15 am to the Hotel, and reached there by 11.50.
It was quite easy to locate our table no. 124. That was in a side room (to the main dining hall). There were just three twin tables (all rerved for couples !). We took seat in 124 , beautifully arranged wih a flower pot at the centre. Now comes a bearer, with a colourfully printed greeting card and a slip inside. the slip said 'Please pay Rs. 900'. I put a 1K note in and sent him back.
We went out to the main hall, to see the "onappookkalam". Beautifully arranged ! many people were taking photographs with their dear ones , sittin or standing beside the floral decorations. I didnot miss that photo opportunity too. I too photos of her, and selfies with her
At 12.30 noon, the sadya started. A typical onasadya !
All along we were chatting with focus on her personal problems. You know, I am alone and Radichechi too !
To continue this post .....