A trip back home


 

The months of July & August always brings with it a sense of excitement, a shift in the winds, the birds’ tweets sound a little brighter, the warm dry weather characteristic of the Middle East is more bearable to say the least. Every weekend is filled with trips to the glitzy glamorous shopping malls in search of bright, beautiful and luxurious gifts to take home for our loved ones. Towards the last few weeks before the journey, the trips spill over to the weekdays as well. Truth be told, the suitcases can never carry enough for our loved ones which is why multiple plastic bags adorn a weary but excited traveller.

As we await our call for boarding, my feet tread on their own to the duty free shops in search of those last minute gifts…Every item displayed on the racks find a place in my heart be it.. The classy Marlboro that would make my brother smile or the quintessential bottles of alcohol that would make the receiver smile like they are blessed. Or is it that pack of puzzles that I know my nieces would go crazy about or is it that set of perfectly packed Marc Jacobs nude lipsticks for my sisters. I pick it all with a smile intact knowing that happiness and smiles await me at home.

The flight prepares for takeoff and there is so much anticipation of what lies ahead that my feet can feel the flight wheels pack in , I lay my head back on the seat and look out the window at the fading lights of my Doha & slowly close my eyes imagining the landing in my country. Eyes fill up as the captain announces the temperature in Kerala but of course with rain expected anytime … The long queues at immigration don’t matter , the long wait for luggage doesn’t matter because I am just seconds away from walking to the gate that opens into my country ,my home. As I walk out of the airport , I give my best smile to the police officer stationed at the gates, I smile at the sky , I smile at our taxi driver- he knows he understands that smile because I AM HOME. I tell him to stop at the  tea stall next to the gates and relish that first sip of the tastiest brew which by all means is accompanied by a couple of the crunchiest masala vadas. This moment is all that matters. The view of the dark sky through the steam from my tea glass , the sway of coconut trees knowing that rain is around the corner . The street lamps light up as I get back into the car. Our driver of course has to give me the updates from each sector including politics, infrastructure, movies and I tune in to his monologue sometimes but tune out mostly with just an occasional nod or hmmm so that he knows I am listening to him. As the rain drops form a magical dewy film on my window pane , I know amma is waiting for me with our dining table laid out with her most delicious  sambhar which every relative visiting our house has vouched for as the best they have tasted , her recently fried jackfruit chips which of course took almost an entire day , the mouth watering amla pickle that only she knows how to make  and most importantly her love.

Two hours later , the car enters the round in Thrissur and just a few milliseconds away is my home but my eyes search for the clearing amongst the trees for that first glimpse of Vadakunathan. There ..I saw the Thekke Nada… I pray , I thank , I promise I will come the very next morning to see my gods .. The car turns left and 2 metres away I first spot the top of the gates and lo I have reached . In haste , I roll the window down and scream Achhhaaaa .. My tall man waves and pats my head ,I crash land on him and he touches his pocket to pay my driver but its already paid for  and he immediately wants to know how much …Amma is at the door wearing the most coziest double mundu which I deeply inhale as I hug her like a python.. I turn back to see Achan lifting my luggage calculating its weight and the questions begin.. did you pay extra.. was the flight okay .. How is your boss … But first lets tackle the steaming hot sambhar and jackfruit chips mashed with rice and oh in between amma gets hugs on her tummy as she serves me these just like when I was a little girl….I am really home ,aren’t I ?

To be Continued…..

Location: Thrissur, Kerala, India

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