CALCUTTA TO THIRUVARPPU – WORLDS APART (Memoir series – Story 7)

Our house by the stream

This new world is amazing! The trees are dancing, and the boats are gliding. And Mummy expects me to sit all cool and calm. How can I, when there’s so much awesomeness all around?

Calcutta was such a happening and bustling place. And here in Thiruvarppu, it’s so calm and peaceful. This is such a huge change in our life.

I’m right in the middle of the boat, safely away from the edge, just like Mummy said. She warns me to close my mouth or flies would zoom right in. Oopsie, I didn’t realize my mouth and eyes were wide open!

And hey, take a look at the boatman. He’s wearing a lungi tied super tightly to his waist. No shirt, no vest, no shoes, nothing! My mouth starts to open wide in awe, but I catch myself just in time. I know Mummy’s got her eyes on me, even when she seems to be looking somewhere else.

Then, the man steps onto the boat and grabs this super long yellow pole right next to it. He sticks one end of the pole into the water and pushes the boat away from the riverbank. That’s how our river adventure begins.

Our boat moves silently, except for the splashy sound of water each time the pole goes in, and the thud it makes against the side of the boat. Oh, and check out those green plants floating lazily in the water. Mummy says they’re called “African Paayal” (floating aquatic ferns).

We soon cross a wide stretch of water and enter a narrow part of the river. There are women and kids in front of the houses on both sides. They all seem to know Daddy. Our boat glides so slowly, it’s perfect for quick and fun conversations with everyone.

During the chatting, their attention starts to shift toward me, and I give them the most polite smile ever. Mummy’s doing the same. We’re like a team, spreading happiness everywhere we go. As long as I follow her lead, everything’s easy-peasy.

Everyone knows everyone here, and they’re all so happy and relaxed. And guess what? I’m the only one bursting with uncontrollable excitement in this whole place. Mummy’s keeping a close eye on me, making sure I don’t go overboard with all the fun.

I really wish my friends back in Calcutta could see me now, surrounded by all this greenery and nature. They’d be so jealous!

Finally, I can make out that we are reaching our ancestral home. A few country boats of different sizes lie tied to trees. And my cousin sights us from the distance and calls out – “Valliammachee!!” He’s letting Granny know that we’re here.

By the time the boat gets docked onto the side, we are greeted by my cousins and Aunt. There are so many people and I’m confused about where to look. And I’m clinging on to Mummy’s saree for comfort.

We walk beside a mountain of coconuts gathered together into a big heap. And as we step into the inner compound, the wooden doorway frames Granny’s graceful presence.

She’s wearing her traditional white attire. Granny’s mundu is folded into pleats like a paper fan to fit around the waist. I can’t help but run towards her and give her the tightest hug. The scent of oil on her body feels so strange yet comforting. It’s like a warm embrace in itself.

But you know what catches my attention the most? Granny’s earrings! They’re round and as thick as my fingers, dangling from her ear lobes that have a big roundish gap. They sway with every movement, shining and sparkling. I can’t take my eyes off them. They’re like little treasures hanging from Granny’s ears, making her look even more magical.

Two short and hefty dogs wag their tails intensely but politely keep their distance. Granny lets them walk free but doesn’t like them licking everyone, you see. And there’s another big dog in a cage, barking ferociously.

As I glance around, I see hens and ducks strutting around carefree and happy, exploring the surroundings and pecking at things. And there’s a cow crying out from somewhere nearby. She sounds like she’s hungry.

That reminds me. I wonder what’s there to eat. The minute I look at Mummy she knows what I’m thinking.

Luckily, on the dining table, a few plates are piled up with snacks and sweets I’ve never seen before. Granny and my Aunty have made Kerala delicacies with fancy names such as Kuzhalappam, Churuttu, etc.

I slyly whisper to Mom, “Can I have some Rosogollas?” She smiles and explains that in Kerala the delicacies are different from those in Calcutta.

Granny’s home is like a world of its own.  I’ve got cousins of all sizes, from big to small, and they’re roaming around like little explorers. They don’t need permission to have fun. It’s so amazing!

And just when I thought things couldn’t get crazier, I hear my cousins screaming by the riverbank.

And then, BAM! A thunderous splash echoes through the air!

I can’t resist the temptation to find out what the hullabaloo is all about. So, I put on my best puppy dog eyes and beg Mummy for permission to investigate. But oh no, she’s not falling for it! She knows better than to let a little adventurer like me wander off alone.

So it’s going to be a case for the dynamic duo. The curious kid and the cautious Mom!