Its been a week that I got back from India now and feels like a month already... If you did not know as yet, the initial reason I made this quick trip was for my cousin sister (Dad's brother's daughter), Tiji's Engagement (Held on May 28, pics@ http://www.flickr.com/gp/49735604@N00/iGQ228) and her Wedding thereafter which was held on May 31, 2007 (pics@ http://www.flickr.com/gp/49735604@N00/T7SRLr).
Both the engagement and wedding went off very well. I had missed my elder cousin sisters Wedding back in Dec '04 (because I had just got to UK then, and could not make it back), so I was determined to go for this one. I reached Mumbai on May 26th, and left for Kerala the very next day. Midst busy schedules, we made it a point to do some house visiting too. To go meet relatives and especially to meet my great grandmother (pics@ http://www.flickr.com/gp/49735604@N00/Q0049d). The last time I visited her in Aug '06 she was not bright at all and was really down. I'm so glad that she was still doing well and was in all smiles this time, because so many of us went to visit her.
It's really sad that we all end up in distance lands, when family and friends are far away and we tend to miss important days... There were 3 other weddings of close friends (on May 4th, 12th & 13th), and I was trying my best to at least make it up for the ones on 12th and 13th. Put a lot of requests in to my Manager to give me an additional week off, or to permit me to work from India. Thing is that I had only 2 weeks of leave left and I needed 3 weeks to make it from 12th May to 31st May. But then it was all planned from above that my requests were turned down and that I went to India later. Thats why I said my initial or rather planned reason to go to India was the marriage, turned out to be something totally unexpected...
Because that is how I was able to be there with Diana-paati, my grandmother (mom's mom) during her last day. She was active till the very last day, that it made us all reflect upon her silent and calm passing. That day, we all gathered together for lunch and she had prepared a great meal as usual. She had made my favorite coconut sweets for me to get back. I still have 3-4 pieces left and I am relishing them slowly. Not going to get it ever again now! Not in this life atleast... She then complained of chest pain and slight left hand pain. We reckoned it was because of the severe vomiting she was having. If it were a heart attack she would not be able to move her left arm... At least that's what we thought. Our family doctor came over and checked her too, and said that everything was ok. But advised to take her to the Hospital if the pain continued. And that's what we did later in the evening. She was as usual not willing to go...
After seeing the ECG reports, the Cardio Doctors claimed that because she was diabetic, the pain was not known. And infact it was the 2nd attack she had in the afternoon. 1st one being a week ago. The 3rd attack was at midnight and she passed away silently then. Peacefully... It was God's grace that I was there at the time. How horrible it would have been if I had not made this trip or this happened after I returned back. She passed away on June 7, 2007, again on a lucky day... :) The funeral was done on the same day at Sewri cemetery (pics@ http://www.flickr.com/gp/49735604@N00/724zH4). I can't help but believe that the main reason for my visit this time was for her. You know, I had taken a camera for my Uncle... And his son, my cousin was trying it out. I never like standing in pictures, but I actually asked for my picture to be taken with paati. I'm still waiting to get that picture, shall post it when I get it...
You may ask why the cheesy subject line? Well, just to grab your attention maybe... And there was this other wedding too. Abbey & Sneha. Abbey is Tiji's first cousin (on her mom's side). This was held on June 2, 2007, again in Kerala. Was a grand wedding (pics@ http://www.flickr.com/gp/49735604@N00/vK497v) thanks to the high profile parents... :)
I do not know what would sound better, saying that the trip was a good one or a sad one. But I feel it was simply awesome that I was there at the time. Yes, it was great to attend the weddings with family and all around. But I am extremely glad I could be there with paati... She will be deeply missed by all, family, relatives and friends, but she has given us so many memories to cherish for life...
