Paavam Britney

Recently on TV, I saw Britney Spears' first music video - (Hit Me) Baby One More Time. This song was a huge hit back in 1999 and a popular video often viewed at home by me, Anto and mummy. The video reminded me of an almost forgotten memory and reminiscing on the same brought a smile on my face or rather it was more of a giggle.

It was the time Grandma used to stay with us in Cochin. That means we had a different set of ground rules set by Dad to be followed as far as television viewing in her presence was concerned. We were not to watch MTV, Channel V, VH1 or any other English channels which would alarm the elders in the house, with specific reference to Grandma. Of course, this decision was not taken in the event of any instance that had alarmed Grandma in the past; I think it was more like my parents did not want to take the risk of anything happening at all.

One day, I was quickly browsing through the ‘forbidden’ TV channels before Grandma came to the hall when I came across Britney’s music video – Baby One More Time. I watched it for a minute or two and before I realised, Grandma had come and sat in front of the TV. I immediately changed the channel to some black and white Malayalam movie. But she insisted on switching back to what I was watching. Hesitantly, I changed the channel keeping one eye on Mummy who was giving me a look of disapproval. I watched my Grandma’s expressions and reactions. As usual, there was hardly any reaction from her on watching the video. She ended up seeing the video a couple more times during that week and made it quite clear that she did not want to see anything ‘Black and White’ much to my amusement and astonishment of my parents.

By the end of the week, it looked like Grandma didn't mind watching the Britney Spears video any number of times. One day, when the video almost ended, Grandma said, "Paavam kutty aazhcha motham chaadi chaadi vaiyathe aayi!!" which means "Poor girl is tired out with all that jumping all week!!". That statement led to quite a hilarious uproar at home. Grandma and her classic statements!

Have a look at Britney towards the end of the video!! :-D

Ammama

As Ammama’s (Grandma) third death anniversary nears, my mind goes back to a flashback of some memories. I recollect of an incident….

This was when Anto and I used to stay in Tripunithura for a couple of months. I was in 11th std and Anto was in 7th std. Ammama as usual used to think of both of us as incapable of walking by the side of Kerala roads as we still were very much labelled as the 'Brainless NRIs'. However, this incident just goes to show how influential Ammama was with people. :-)

This was the first time both of us set off for school in Tripunithura and were walking towards the SN junction where we could catch our school bus. I ensured we kept a safe distance from the vehicles passing by. I do have the habit of occasionally turning around just to have an idea who is walking behind us, for safety reasons. After a while, I noticed a milkman seemed to be following us. I kept telling myself that it was just my imagination but that feeling just grew stronger. I stepped up the pace and we walked faster and got on to the bus. I remember I let out a huge sigh of relief and looked at Anto who as usual was oblivious to what was happening and was enjoying the sights through the window seat.

We came back home that day and I hinted to Ammama what happened. She seemed to have a satisfied look on her face, which left me a little surprised. Later she revealed it was her master plan to send a spy to keep a watch on us and the milkman readily agreed to this assignment. I wish I knew about all her spies.

Yet another anniversary….and I miss her…

Image Courtesy: allposters.com

Gardens remind me of Grandma…..

In London, I live in an area that is full of greenery. There are many parks nearby. Spring is here and the gardens are blooming with flowers and gardeners are hard at work removing the weeds that have grown during the cold winter.

The back garden of my house is full of weeds among the overgrown grass. It is a nice garden and the owner had told us he would start maintaining the garden once summer starts. When I see the weeds I feel like pulling them out. My mind flashes back to the days I used to stay at my uncle’s place in Tripunithura. My brother and I used to help Grandma to pull out the weeds in the garden. It was nice to watch her passion for maintaining the garden. She knew a lot about plants and flowers. She used to scold us if we did not do things in the right way.

She would have loved to see all the gardens and parks out here. I used to like her smartness and quick-wittedness. Many a time her words used to hurt people but still I think she had a soft corner for me despite her words.

There is still a pang of sadness when I think of Grandma even though it has been two and half years since she passed away. She had a peaceful death and must be one of the few people who could have a last look at their most cherished possessions before closing their eyes forever. From what I heard, before she died, she took a stroll in her garden and had a good look around the garden, I guess she had a hint her time had come and then went to lie down on her bed. I feel one must be very lucky to do your favourite thing before you have taken your last breath. I miss her a lot. I believe she is looking down upon all of us all the time.