Bugging guests

Uma feels very happy to have her father here. But not regarding her kunjamma. I’ve, last day, specifically reminded Uma, not to express any displeasure on her while they are here. She agreed. May be that, she is slowly improving her mood; and that’s visible. She now talks well and smiles during the chat with her Kunjamma. I am sure, Kunjamma too would have realized the situation !

Remember, Vasu and his wife came here on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning, Vasu and Kunjamma went to the doctor. Uma accompanied them. Ofcourse, it was Pai who had taken them there, in the car.

By the way, I didn't tell you much about Pai. He is a nice person. He’s like a family member to us now. He is a retired government employee, dependable and honest.

Vasus and Uma were back home, after consultation, by evening, all bearing a happy mood. Uma came to me and told that they had been to our Ganapathy temple, on their return from the Doctor. Later in the evening, Vasu was with me for over three hours. We had a very detailed discussion on family matters, and the treatment that would follow now.

I hope you remember that Uma is an Antharjanam, as her mother is a Nampoothiry lady (she is no more). Her kunjamma, however, is a Nair lady. Uma is not generally very ‘caste-conscious’, but she reminds me off her kunjamma’s “achi” status. Achi is the usual term referring to being a Nair lady. And, achi means wife. Uma sees her kunjamma (step-mother) as ‘achi of his father’ only. She conveniently forgets that her father is a Nair. That’s what I’ve been trying to change. On many an occasion, I’ve reminded and advised Uma to see and treat Kunjamma as her own (or atleast equivalent to ) her own mother. Uma , however, has certain ill feelings over her kunjamma. May be, I can reduce the level of her anger, and can make their (both) life better. Uma keeps telling me all silly reasons to look at her like an enemy. But, I am sure, over these two days (Thursday and Friday) things have changed a lot.

Yesterday (Friday) night, during our chat (over spirits), Vasu mentioned to me that he sees a major change in Uma’s behaviour. Attitudes, in general, and towards him and his wife, have changed a lot. He pointed out that ‘expression of her happiness, through smiles’ clearly shows the positive change in Uma. He thanked me for influencing Uma, for a better change. I smiled and said : “it’s all god decided, not mine “. In fact, I was feeling better, on his words. But, had I been not over spirits, I would have become hyper tensed.. You know there are sufficient reasons for me to be tensed, and afraid of. Thank god, my ‘innocent relationship’ is god decided.

Today morning, while I was on my breakfast, Uma came to me . I asked her (in a very low voice) “How’s your achi ?”. She smiled at me and said, in a very low tone , : “You are watching everything … and you are asking me .. Kochu kallaa .. “. What she was referring is about my ‘virtual eyes’ in their bed room.

On Friday morning, I could plant my remote eyes in their room.

The guests were on a trip to some of the city temples and the beach. So, practically they were not at home in the whole of afternoon. Uma did not accompany them. Pai took them out, with my instructions to take them where ever they want. In the afternoon, I reached home very early. I got sometime to chat with Uma, and had a good time with her.. she was scared though.. that they may come at anytime.. I expressed my wish to bug Vasu’s room. Uma, happily agreed.. and she assisted me in replanting two of my wireless cameras in the upper bedroom (which Vasus are occupying). Uma’s room is in the ground floor, next to the dining. Of the two bed rooms in the first floor, one is always for the guests (the other is mine !). The bugging installation was over in an hour. Remani happened to see my work, and asked me about that. I gave a convincing reply that the lights and fans seem to make some problem, and I am checking them out. Remani is not aware of my virtual eyes. The only other person aware of this is Uma. I’ve shown all my four virtual eyes, planted at various locations (including one in her bed room and one in the kitchen) to Uma. She must be enjoying.. that she is being seen .. in all her moments and moods… and that too by someone she loves ! I told you, she loves to be seen.. and so has the instincts of exhibitionism.

At the dining table, to my query on her achi, Uma didn’t answer. She made a naughty comment referring to my virtual eyes. She is right. I’ve been watching my guests in their room. Yeah.. there were many interesting views and disclosures, making me feel more innocent. The views, and not any actions, in the night were inspiring. I am eagerly awaiting tonight !

They are here !

Uma had a sigh of relief. That's today morning. She was so stressed that a volcano would errupt ! But nothing happened.. Everything's as cool as it should be ! Vasu and his wife reached us yesterday.

Pai was so punctual, he came at 4 pm. After his routine checkup and cleanup, ( and chat with our kitchen), he took the car to the railway station. Yeah, Uma went to the station to receive them. I didn't go.. I've spent the time at my office. However, I was home by 6.30pm. ( I wanted to see the serial in the Amritha TV.. Aranazhika neram.. at 7 in the evening ! ).  They reached home by 8 pm , as the train was late by an hour.

After watching the serial, I thought of having a 'small'. Yeah , I had two 'smalls' between 7.30 and 8, before their arrival. When the car reached our gate, Remani gave me a signal as to their arrival. I decided to receive them right at the entrance. So, I went to the car park (garage) to receive them. Vasu was so happy to be with me. On getting down from the car, he came to me and embraced.. an old friend reinforcing the friendship...  I responded in the same manner. Uma took the lead to introduce her Kunjamma. She came to me and said "Maamma... this is my Kunjamma....  You haven't seen her earlier , I know ...". Kunjamma smiled at me and I too responded with a smile. I invited them in. Remani was at the drawing room... and they came in.

Kunjamma, looked different, certainly beyond my imagination. My image about Kunjamma was that of a stout tall tough lady. But I am wrong... She is lean and short, beautiful and soft spoken lady. She has a large circular bright face ... a large red bindi ('pottu') adorns that. Looks great... grand. And she, with a pale complexion, is beautiful. But I think her sense of color is poor; she was wearing a mismatch in colors. I'll talk to Uma on that ...

I shall tell you more later... Await !!!

We are our problems

Uma was waiting for me. I could reach home only by 2.30 pm (I am talking about Tuesday). I went straight to the dining, for lunch. She joined me on the table. We had lunch (Rice, sambar, rasam, more, achaar.. what else !). She was sitting quiet, but looking at me frequently, as if waiting for me to open the talk, but quite impatient. “Uma , why are you so dull ? “ I asked. “You are not telling me anything.. I am scared” she said. “For what? “ I continued. “What will they feel ?” she put an incomplete question. I got her mind, and decided to give her a comforting answer. She is confused and scared as to whether her father and kunjamma would sense our ‘intimate interactions’.

With a pause, I told her : “When they are here, behave very cautiously. Keep a distance when you talk to me, and transact the least. Rest you leave to me. I’ll take care.”.

She was listening to me, looking at my face. “Don’t be afraid of anyone. You are a mature and bold girl. And you already made up your mind about how you want to be yourself”. She looked more confused. So, I put in a question to her. “Uma, are you thinking of a marriage ?”. “No, I’ll be with you Mamma for ever” she quickly replied.

“If you have made up your mind, then its fine. But you have a bright future, with marrying someone.. and settling” I said, blunt at her. “No. maamma, you promised me to be with me… for ever… then why all this talk?” She was hurt it looked. “That’s still and for ever right. But your father should not know this now. And that’s what exactly important now”.

We continued our analysis of the immediate problem. We took a final resolution to be “ being just a Maammen to her and being the niece to me”. We finished our chat, and I got up to the wash. Suddenly, Uma asked me “will Remany chechi create any problem.. in her words.. or ..”. “No, I’ll talk to her.. to be very cautious ... she is my lady you know well !”.

In the evening, I went to the kitchen, looking for Remani. She was in the courtyard, watering the plants. I went to her. “Entaa chetta….” she was so sweet in welcoming me there. I talked to her about our domestic matters and about her personal matters. And ofcourse about the guests and Uma’s concerns.

neither Uma, nor anyone of you know Remani. True.. Remani is my first love ! She came to my family as a home maid, at the age of 14; when I was 19. Our love life was with many tornadoes, and earthquakes.. and hide and seek. Destiny didn’t allow us to be together, for many years.. But the same destiny made us together since the last four years. But not as life partners. Remani knows me well, and I know her well too. She knows everything about me … and even my relationship with Uma. She loves me so much, and takes even my sins. I am Remani’s guardian now.

I am sure, regarding Uma’s concerns, Remani won’t make any problem at all. And I confirmed that with Remani. However, I reminded her to be very cautious in her talk and interactions with the guests.

See how we create our own problems. Problems are within us !

Oh.. they are coming …. Vasu and his wife.

Waiting for guests

Uma, talked to her father yesterday night. She talked to him for over 30 minutes, about their travel plans, and Kunjamma's treatment requirements. I heard her telling Vasu that "Maammen had talked to the Doctor, for an appointment on Thursday evening".

That's right. I had already fixed an appointment with the Ayurvedic doctor. He is known to me since long. May be, I'll go with them to the doctor, for first consultation.

Today, before my leaving home to office, Uma came to me for a chat. That's at the dining table. She said she had bought out all house-hold requirements ( for guests in mind ). Though I said "good", I was thinking why their visit makes Uma so tensed ? Afterall, its her father and kunjamma. If at all something is short, we can buyout any time and makeup. Uma certainly knows that her father is adjustable to any situations.. that too with me ! I am very firm that Uma must feel good about their stay here. I asked Uma to take cool of things. Uma still looked tense.

Yesterday evening, as promised to Uma, I couldnot chat in detail with her. I returned from office very late. I had some leisure activities with one of my earlier colleagues. That's very important ..isnt it?

That may be why Uma is tensed. While on the breakfast ...idly and sambar ! ... I talked briefly to Uma. But I know Uma is more worried about her relationship with me. She, I am sure, is afraid of someone hinting at the "intimate relationship" to her father. So, I decided to clear her mind off all such concerns. I told her ;" we'll discuss in the afternoon". Immediately she asked me "so, you'll be back for lunch ?". I said "yes". Uma felt happy.. that's why she smiled.

She's waiting for me for lunch. So, I've to get back home by around 2 pm.

Guests arriving

Uma didn't like the way I wrote about her theendary. She says, "that's something not sweet. When I get ill feelings about that, how can one enjoy that ?". I couldn't really get what she meant and wanted me to do. But I go with her, by not writing anything more on theendary. However, I wish to tell you all that, I did enjoy the art of .....  the next day. She was kind enough to participate in the festival.. only for a few minutes !

Yesterday, I had a chat with Uma about Rini's tricks. Throwing the dirty stuff off to the road ... . That's why she just packs the product and throw into our by-lane. May be, she enjoys someone picking the pack and opening and seeing the contents.  Exhibitionism, a kind of, may be a bit perverted too.

.....  Uma may not like inviting larger problem elements.

Yesterday night, Vasu called me.  He has decided to bring his wife (she, it seems, has an arthritis problem) for an ayurvedic consultation here. She may have to be here for a couple of days. I agreed instantly to his suggestion. I said "its nice you took the right decision.. bring her here.. we'll consult the doctor.. and Uma can take care of her  during the stay here".

Later I told Uma about her Kunjamma's visit.  She was not very happy. But on my firm words..  that I must help Vasu..  she agreed. I, jokingly told her ; "It will be a pleasure for me to have your father and Kunjamma here. I'll make that a pleasure for you too".

"How's that" asked Uma. "Don't worry.. I'll show you then", I said. I know Uma won't care much, as Kunjamma is only her father's wife and not her mother.

Today morning, Uma asked me to confirm her Kunjamma's programme. So, then I called Vasu, and asked him about their plan. Uma was right in initiating the programme.  Vasu confirmed his plan.. and they'll be here on Wednesday !

Uma looked worried.. and asked me "Maamma, when they are here, how do we go about?" . I took her concern seriously, and asked her to plan out what's needed. I called Remani and instructed her about 'being hosts for a few days'. She said..  looking and and smiling at us both .. "Don't worry, I'll take care."  I told Uma , to do all those necessary...  and leave the arrangements to Remani... but keep a track.  Let Remani be here all time.. unless she has some urgency at her home. I immediately called Pai (our office driver) to be here from Wednesday morning, and until the guests return. Pai agreed to.

A few minutes back, Uma came to me and said Remani agreed to be here all day long, as long as needed. They are planning to go shopping in the evening. I said "OK".

Uma sat near me ( I was on my Laptop, doing some work for my office). She looked gloomy and was looking at me, as if inviting my full attention on her. "Ooom.. Kya huvaa my girl ? " I jokingly put a Hindi tone. "Maamma, when they are here, how do we go about?".  The same question she asked me a few minutes ago !  Yeah.. I understood what she meant.  I wanted to give her a motivating answer.. to keep her in good mood.. And ofcourse, I couldnot answer straightaway. I said "We'll see.. ",  and with a long pause, "tonight". Uma didn't move.. she sat there looking away.

"Umaaa....."  that's Remani calling her..  it looks Remani is already on her toes to receive the guests.

Theendary

Uma was not in good mood yesterday. She was getting angry with many things.

Yesterday morning, Vasu called me ( Vasu, I hope you remember, is Uma's father). He wanted her to get back to him, as his wife is not well (Uma's step mother). I talked to Vasu for some time, and then called Uma to talk to him. She got wild. "I don't want to talk to anyone. If Kunjamma (that's how she calls her step-mother) is not well, she herself should take care. I am not their servant to take care of anyone". She didn't take the phone, and walked away. I tried to calm her down, and told Vasu on the phone " Uma's not here right now... may be somewhere outside.... I'll ask her to call you later". Vasu hung up the phone.

I went in to the kitchen, looking for Uma. But Remani was there in the kitchen, cooking something. "Where's Uma" I asked Remani. "I don't know Chettaa.. (that's how Remani calls me) , but she was with you now". I didn't respond, and went in to her room. There she was, on her bed. I sat on the bed beside her.. She was looking very tired and weak. I asked her "What's wrong Uma ?".

"No.. Nothing Maamma.. I am not well" she told me in a weak tone. "Tell me what's wrong.. I'll get you the medicine.. Or, shall we go to a doctor ? " I was tensed.

"No..No.. I am alright.. I'll be Ok by tomorrow.. its like that everytime.." I got a clue. I smiled and looked at her dress. She was wearing a short paavada and shirt. ...  She tried to stop my hands.. and nodded her head. "Oh.. its no time to play Maamma.. This's the periodic ritual... I've my theendari.."

I said "OK.. take rest.. tell Remani to take care all.. . tell me when you are feeling better.." and I went out.

Yesterday, I had a lot of work in my office. Being busy for almost all the day, I couldnot keep a track of Uma, and her health. In the evening, I called Uma in her mobile (that's strictly for my private calls.. and is so confidential.. ). She said she is alright. I've asked her to instruct Remani to stay back, and be with Uma.

I reached home by 7.30 pm. Remani was in the sitout, and she did all the routines. Even before asking Remani, she said, with a smile (you know why !) "Uma is fine. She is taking her bath". I didn't respond to that clever comment, and went in to my room.

I've not told you about the Theendari. Theendari (തീണ്ടാരി) is the malayalam word for the monthly "Periods". Uma used to have her (theendari) periods regular, but she is very tired over those three or four days. ............

Ok..fine.. if she likes that, let it be so.. Isn't it ?

I've decided to take her to a doctor, for any possible solution to her tiredness and off-mood during those days.

Hungry tigress

Uma, the hungry tigress, threw her shawl on to the chair, and thrown herself on to the bed  ....

I don't know when we slept.

Next day morning, Uma woke me up at about 7 am. She was in a settumundu then, with her hair tied with a towel.. that's after her bath. Smiling and tapping on my chin, she signed me to get up. I obeyed her.