Remembering Onam with Uma

Uma must be very happy now. But I am sure she must be iterating the memories of ONAM she had with me. Afterall, it's not a very far history. A couple of years is really just next. So, everything must be quite warm ... even now !
Let me wish her a Great Grand Happy ONAM !!

Onam greetings

Uma ... She's keeping mum. I've nothing to say, but to wish her good luck.
But I am sure she must be chewing those Onam days she spent with me. How can she forget them ?  She can't be that cruel.. I believe.
For me, those memories give me the feel of ONAM.  And nothing else. Another unfavourable situation is that Pai is not with me this time for Onam. He, for the last two years,  have been my driving force, in my personal life. But, he too is away now. He shifted back to his home town recently. Ionia too is not of any assistance to me these days. She has to take care of her mother (who is sick now, and needs full time assistance). But Ionia is kind enough to visit me occasionally. And she showers me a bit pleasureful moments at those occasions.

In the absence of any loved ones,  I didn't make any ONAM purchase. And so... no Onakkody !
But for the couple of persons working for me in my office, I gave them cash presents. That's all I have in my mind.

I wish UMA a very happy ONAM.
And let me also wish YOU all a happy Onam.  ഓണാശംസകള്‍ എല്ലാവര്ക്കും 

Onam ... it's all over !

Uma went hiding for over a week. It was on Thiruvonam that I had talked to her. Then she went "hiding". And, surprising... she called me yesterday night ! But didn't know how to react. That's why I was only a listener, and I made no attempts to probe on her "hiding". I'll come to that , may be, later.
But now, my worry is that I didn't make any post after Uthraadam day (ie on 1 Sept). It was not that I've been celebrating all the way, forgetting my responsibilities. It so happened.
If you ask me "how was Onam this time?", I'd answer ..."ok..fine ...but ...!"
Uthradam was certainly nice, with Pai's kindness, and Ionia's contribution. I think it's better if I log the important events here.
* On Uthradam evening, Ionia went back home. That was on her mother's call. In the night she informed me that she won't be able to come to me the next day (Thiruvonam), as her mother is sick.
* I decided to go out for my Thiruvonam. So, I've spent the daytime in a poorly lit cool silent hall, on a single's table. That was in a city hotel. Pai left me there in the morning hours, and he collected me back in the late evening.
* On Thursday, I decided to get back to my work in the office. So I spent the day there. Ionia called me in the evening, to inform me of the status. Since her mother was still sick, she prayed excuse for not coming down. I said i am coming to you.
* That night, Pai drove me down to Ionia. She was right, her mother was really sick, and was not able to move around. I showered them with good words, praying an early recovery. And I returned home.
* Friday onwards, I was back on my trail. Decided not to take the 8PM doses. So, it went on dry for the next seven days.
* Today, it's Saturday again. Ionia, today morning told me that she 'll be back to Office on Monday. Her mother is OK now. She also promised me company for an evening, that's on Monday itself.

So, what Onam this time ! ? Onam went by ... and so my desires for the eternal pleasures. Hoping for more, let me say "sorry" to my readers for not making any special Onam revelations.

Ionia's Uthradom

Uma is not aware of my Uthradam celebrations. I mean, celebrations with Ionia.

{ more to follow...}

Onam gift - Choodum choorum ( ചൂടും ചൂരും )

Uma's gift reached me on last Sunday evening. I was at home, when the courier man brought it. I opened the packet (in my room) . An expensive shirt ! I closed the pack and left in the cupboard, planning to wear it on Tuesday (Uthraadanaal).
"ഉത്രാടനാളുച്ചക്ക് കോടി ഉടുക്കണം' എന്നാണല്ലോ ചൊല്ല് ? So, I decided to wear it on Tuesday.
On Monday morning, I had a chat with Uma, for over 30 minutes. She asked me how the gift is , and whether I liked it. I said "sure... I'd like anything that you send ...". I also asked her why she close such an expensive one, while I prefer only moderate ones. She said that's not that expensive .. but the inside piece is really 'expensive" ! She also said "none else in this world would get this item ".
I didn't catch her. "What's that " I asked.
"Did you not open the shirt and see ?' she asked me.
"No .. I saw the shirt ... liked its color and collar-cut in particular... and put back the cover in the cupboard" I said.
"Oh... you missed it .. Please open and see the packet in full.... Then call me again" Uma said and closed the chat.
During the daytime, I was quite busy with my work, and the 'Onam preparations' for the people around me. In the evening, at home, I was relaxing with a dose of 8PM, and I suddenly remembered Uma's gift. I opened the packet... and opened up the shirt. Oh... there's something more inside. I carefully opened the shirt in full, and there came out a folded cloth ! ... a used cloth !.
I opened it ... and to my surprise, it was a thaar mundu .. used one... must have been in use for a month atleast... The thaar mundu itself had the "choodum choorum" of a thaar worn and just removed. Oh... this must have been worn overnight.. and packed in the morning... for not to lose it's choodum choorum. And then sent me ! Thank you Uma, I said. My words would have certainly reached her at he moment.

I spent almost an hour inhaling the honey-like odour of her thaar. The creases on the thaar mundu were a feast for my eyes ! The valuable gift was on my face and chest for the whole night that day.

Onam Greetings ഓണാശംസകള്

Uma wishes you a VERY HAPPY ONAM !
Today is Thiruvonam. A day to celebrate. Let's all celebrate the spirit of Onam !
Afterall, any festival is to celebrate. Celebrations depend on your state of mind. Infact , any celebration itself is a state of mind. But, it's very important for one to keep himself/herself a clear mind ... so that he/she attains a state of mind, the celebration.
That's how I celebrate. In spite of many issues of life, and problems, I try to keep myself in a 'celebration mode'.
That's the case with Uma too. She keeps herself in high spirits, and celebrates. You may recollect that once she told me : "create opportunities to celebrate... and celebrate". Missing any opportunity is missing one's life. So... go ahead and celebrate ! Enjoy !! keep everything else aside. We may not be doing it everyday, so do it every occasion that comes your way.

Did I bore you ? If not, please read on . If I did, please pardon me, as this good lesson of life is from Uma. And I follow that !

Thus, I decided to celebrate. And I am celebrating. I wanted to share with you all that I celebrated. But today, I am able to give you only a few highlights. Please follow me ....

Suspense !

Uma didnot disclose what she shopped yesterday. I talked to her today early morning. But she kept mum on the gift . She said .."watch out ... you'll get a surprise this week end.. " .. and she laughed.
OK...OK...I'll wait, as you know ! It must be something interesting. Else why did she say 'surprise' ?

Onam ... readiness

Uma, while chatting yesterday, asked me "....are you ready with your Onam stuff ?". I said ".... yeah...but ... I depend on others for all that ... you know ..."
She coolly told me "that's OK ... atleast you have someone to take care of your interests ... "
And suddenly she asked me " did you invite Ionia ? "
I was not really surprised. However, I didn't tell her all that happened on Saturday.
On Saturday, I'd been to my Office. Pai reminded me of going to BEVCO. I told him to manage the 'liquid gold' from BEVCO during any gap in the office hours. He did it in the morning hours. But , 'liquid gold' was not available, nor the 'green label'. At about 11.30, I got a call from him and asked whether 8PM is ok, in the absence of others. I had no other choice and so I had to consent to it. Pai collected enough stock for the season, duly accounting guests too.

Later in the afternoon, I called Ionia. She was too happy to come to me, that she was actually running down to my room. After the usual office queries and chat, I asked her what her Onam plans are. She said , with a smile.." I am waiting for the "Onam bonus... " Then only I can plan anything. That clicked me about paying my people well in advance. Our usual system is an 'Onam gift" just before the Onam holidays. But, Ionia's words made me think to pay the gift much early. Immediately I called Pillachettan, and asked him to plan payment on Monday, and to collect the money positively on Monday morning (that's today) for payment of gifts. Ionia was a witness to my arrangements. She looked very thrilled.
The I asked Ionia "I am inviting you to my place for Onam.. will you come to me for a couple of days .."
"yes ... sure... but I'll ask Mummy ..." was her reply. I asked to talk to her immediately and confirm.
She went out, and came an hour later. She had a smile on her face when she came in.
"Mummy says.. you are alone ... and she said both of us would come to you. Otherwise Mummy would be alone .. !..."
I was a bit down (frankly), but I agreed. Ok... let both of them be there. On further chat, ionia agreed to come down to my place on 30th Sunday (after the visit to their Church). And they would be with me for two days.

Today evening, I'll give an extra gift to Ionia, for purchasing two Jeans and top sets. And she knows what kind I would prefer.
Today morning ( a few minutes ago ) I told her of this plan. She would leave off earlier from office, and would come down to me in the evening. Just to show me how the new stuff fits her.

May be, I'll tell you tomorrow how the new jeans and other stuff fits her.

Expectations ... the motivator

Uma's promise will be fulfilled this week. I am talking about the promise she made last day regarding an Onam gift. Infact, yesterday too, when I talked to her, she didn't disclose what it would be. So I left it to my imaginations. Whatever it would be, I love it so much, and it would certainly kick start my emotional surges. I am eagerly looking forward to receiving that ! May be, by Thusday or Friday, I would be receiving that. Uma told me that she is planning to shop today (that's Monday). She is going to Ernakulam today morning, but with Padma, for Onam shopping. Vasu would take care of their shop today.
In the meantime, I thought of reciprocating the same. I've been thinking of what I would send her for Onam. I suggested, and asked her whether to send a good 'settu mundu' or 'set saree' from Karalkada. But she declined to that. She said : "Please don't send anything ... that may trigger a new series of firings and complications .." . And she continued "I'll get your gifts next time I visit you...." She also told me that she has to confidentially arrage for sending the gift to me. She would easily manage that.
That left me with a good feel . She has a hope (and may be a plan !) to meet me ! That's a good hope. I told you I have been trying to bring her back. But my strategies failed miserably ... and that's why I left the idea. Uma , as you know, didnot take an active role in a reunion either. That killed all my efforts, and the hopes.
Now that her words are encouraging, I'll wait... and hope for a new life to my relationship with Uma.

Onam ... it's almost here

Uma's ready for the Onam celebrations. She says, she's on a purchasing spree ! And you know, she's going to send me Onakkody by courier. I am told it will reach me sometime next week, well before Uthraadam.
You all are aware that 'Uthradam' day is very special for Onakkodi.
"uthraadamuchakku kodi udukkanam" is the saying
{ ഉത്രാടമുച്ചക്ക്‌ കോടി ഉടുക്കണം. }
Uma asked me to take special care on that ! and I am to wear what she sends me !!
"Yes.. sure ..." I said.
But I asked her "Do you remember how we spent Onam last year ?"
She said "yes...." with a deep breath. To the silence that followed, I said " Uma.... what Onam without you !?"

To my sad tinted tone, she said :
"No...no.. Maammaa, that's not right. You must celebrate Onam, even without me with you. Why should you be sad about it ? I know ... you would be smarter... if I am there .. and that would be certainly ... make more pleasures ...".
And she continued... " ... even without me, you can celebrate well... I know that... Invite your chumchaas... may be Ionia would like to be with you ... "
That made me think .. and plan for an Onam with Ionia (may be her mother too ). Today, I'll check with her whether she would spend two days with me. I'll invite her to do so.

But you know, Pai is already active ! He spends a lot of time in the evening with me . He does cleaning and some brushing up everything. In fact I told him to call someone to do all that chores. He said ..."that's not necessary.. I'll do it ...".
That reminded me that I must give him a good treat in advance. Treat means... some money for him. Tomorrow (Saturday) I'll take him to buy new cloths for him (and something for his family too). But I am sure he would refuse that. That will make me give him some money ... good enough to buy atleast a pair of good dresses for him and his wife. And I know I must do all that possible, because, Pai is so nice a person, he's not doing all these just for money. He says, he is paid as our driver, and that's good enough. But I know , he is much more than a driver.
That's why, he plans to visit the BEVCO shop at Statue Jn today, To to get a few 'liquid gold' bottles (Avoiding Onam rush). He is aware that I would need some, and ofcourse, I would have many guests (specially to gulp two/three measures of the 'liquid gold' ). Pai himself would enjoy one or two (may be everyday !).

I shall keep yuou posted of the Onam readiness tomorrow too. I hope I'll get the mood to do so. Uma asked me to be active and smart ! I have to !

Kashmiri girl

Uma looks Kashmiri. Kashmiri with a 'malayali cut' and Kerala spots on her face.
There are red and black patches on her face. Not elsewhere ! That too, in her white dress today, she looks real Kashmiri. She's with a white churidaar, and without the shawl. The top is so tight ! Oh.. God.. so sexy .. she looks ! But Remani's watching out, with her firing eyes !

Uma put pressure on me, for telling her about Remani. I said I am busy, and 'll tell you on Sunday. But on Sunday, I've been all the more busy with my work. So, today I am at home, spending good times with Uma. But Uma is preparing for her exams. She'll have her exams this week. I don't see her studying anything.. and I've not reminded her either. She knows well what to do. But I told her, that without an excellent rated certificate, she won't be getting a job- even if it's with my office. She smiled at my comment. I said I am serious.

Vasu rang me up yesterday. He's enquiring about her exams and job prospects. I said ther's nothing to worry. But now, I am worried. What'll this fellow do at my office. Chat with me in the office ? Or rub my balls all along ? Or show me her fun spots ? .. No..no.. that would bring in new problems for me and for her too. So, I've to be very strict with her in the office.
Uma asked me last night, "when am I joining the office? ". "You are not .. if it's like this.. Show me the certificate and then we'll see.. "I said. And, she already announced to Remani and Pai that she'll start going to the office after Onam.

Oh.. she's preparing for Onam. She already told Vasu that she's not coming, and is joing the office immdiately after Onam. That's Sept 15 Monday. So, Vasu may turnup during Onam holidays. I am sure, Padma would too join him.

Onathaar and Onakkodi

Uma likes to sing, Only when in a happy mood. That's why she started singing yesterday evening. She sang a few Onam songs.. two three lines each. One which I remember is "Onathaaraadi varunne.. onathaaraadi varunne... ".

Last day, she reminded me that Onam is around the corner. Then I told her to make her purchases early, before the heavy crowding in the shops. She agreed. That's how we decided to go for shopping.

We had been to the very famous traditional named shop, where excellent handloom cloths are available. Infact, that's the only shop in this City, where you get the right Onnaramundu. Moreover, Uma wanted to buy something special (traditional, aristocratic stuff !). That's how we went to that shop.

Uma bought a Kerala saree, and two settumundu, with all its matching materials. Ofcourse, onnaramundus, three of them, and a churidaar (kodi colour)

( I'll show you the stuff she bought, later )

Enroute returning home, we had been to the 'Sale', where all kinds of cheap cloths are available. For Uma, it's a place where some special, but cheap , materials are available. There, she bought a couple of bras and panties. Bra with moulded cup, ideal with churidaar, she says. I'll get the snaps, when she wears all these !

( Allpictures later, Please..)