Why?

Wrote these lines for a friend's composition...

I wanna ask you to
dance along with me..
I wanna ask you to
sing a song with me...

On the highways,
not caring when cars speed by...
on a desert,
our bare feet fried deep red and shy...

Why I ask...do I feel this way?
Why you agree to whatever I say?

You can ask for my heart, soul
and everything I own
give me a nod
and I will be yours to own....

I wanna ask you to
dance along with me...
I wanna ask you to
sing a song with me...

On the mountain top,
when the clouds storm with force...
Under the Sea,
where corals gape and scrape our sole...

Why I ask...do I feel this way?
Why you agree to whatever I say?

I wanna ask you to
dance along with me...
I wanna ask you to
sing a song with me...

Forced Agoraphobia!

Disclaimer: This is not about the normal me! This is all about, what Viji had been through the past week.

For people who wonder, how can a person who loves to be with people and whose favorite hang out are malls, can turn out to be an Agoraphobic person.  Re-read the first part of the title.  I forced myself, rather was forced in to such a position. I can't imagine, a week away from my office, my colleagues, friends, music, reading...But I did just that.

I fell "head over heels" literally, while climbing down the staircase and hurt my neck and back. Now, my chance to visit the handsome doc staying close to my place,  its been almost 2 months since I visited him.  After 15 mts chat, my hubby got irritated with the small talk (gently reminded us about other patients waiting) and finally the Doc gave me some pills and as I was about to leave, advised me to have an X-ray just in case... and naturally he had to review the X-ray next day.

But, I never expected what a pain on the back this episode could be! I couldn't move to my right or left or lie down straight or crooked.  Half an inch, if i try to move my neck, a shock went over my spine to my head... Trust me! I am not talking about the doc here. After 3 visits and his goddamn smile, I started to loathe him. The man smiles at the most awkward moments.  I told him that it is difficult for me to eat and he smiled.... difficult for me to go to the loo and he smiled... difficult for me to read books and he smiled... difficult for me to watch TV and he smiled and told me to talk less and save energy for other things, coz it will be that way till the muscle pull rights itself out... and there! there! did I see a small smile on Sure's face?  Still it hurts, when I am writing this post, I had to stretch and yelp... It's like a brand new cardboard stiff and not so supple and am sure will break, if try to stretch a little.

Ani wanted to visit EA, which is just a stone's throw away from our house.  I yielded and sat on the bike and 50 feet away from our house, Sure's bike farted and made so much sound that people turned and looked at us. No wonder! Add 60+60+70 (in KGs) any bike would die a fast death, when it was made to carry that much of load. My husband weighs 60 Kgs and am not telling you who weighs 70... How much ever I am sick, my weight never goes down, the weighing machine always point to 69.5 or 70... (I know "Gotcha"!) and somehow we reached the mall, our bike panting for breath and sighed and heaved with relief when Sure switched the engine off.

Now getting down the bike was the most difficult thing... my legs froze, my back refused to listen and like a fool, I sat and didn't know how to get down. Ani and Sure were restless and asked what my problem was and I told them that I was trying to get down, but don't know how. Sure sighed and Ani waited, not with much patience. I slowly lifted my foot and felt perfectly alright till I raised myself from the seat. The moment I did, I bit my tongue to stop from screaming and I started to cry. There was one girl, a nice looking lad who came to my help, she gently helped me to get down from the bike.  The wonderful kid of mine was suddenly so silent and started to be very kind to me.  No wonder! the reason could be this other woman standing next to him and who does not happen to be his sis or mom.

We saw the huge Christmas tree, beautifully adorned and started to move towards the escalator, please don't ask me what happened after that.  Wherever I went, the pain gripped at me and I had to stifle the screams, which resulted as moans and there were couple of people who looked at me in a weird way, thinking what I would have thought, if I was in the same position.  I dreaded EA and wanted to go home and confine myself to my small dungeon (my room, which also is my library).  For the first time, I didn't stop to buy anything, I didn't stop even for butterscotch ice cream :( I didn't stop to look at my favorite spot, a silver jewelery, designer sari and carpet shop. I didn't enter the book shop.  First time, I couldn't enjoy the "Jingle bells... jingle all the way" music. I saw red everywhere and it struck me, why so much of red for Christmas?  Why can't it be any other colour?  My forced Agoraphobia should be the reason.

I know long post... but, can't help but moan with pain while typing this post!

Do I see red?

I am done... I am done...

Just one question! No! make it two....Was Jingle bells originally written for Thanksgiving? Can you get to hear this music in the United Kingdom?

Good night folks and Merry Christmas to you all !

Measured steps; failed climb!

I took the measured steps,

Scotland Sand

Stroll

Allow me!
Allow me to take the few steps with you...
My right foot and your right,
My left foot and your left....
Looking at every step we took.
Measured steps
Mesmerizing...
The way you tried to match mine
And I yours.
Allow me!
Allow me to take more steps..
And you watch our feet,
Their hesitant steps...
Our feet,
Greedy for more
Slowing down at the end of the street.
Hesitating, wanting more.
Lets stroll till the end of the globe.
Lets make tiny steps,
And I promise to match yours!

Epilogue - Manoj and Yamuna's wedding

I called this play of mine and labelled it as a Tamil wedding.  I started it as a play and wanted to write it as a light hearted humorous play, while it became a traditional and emotional one. Can't help it! I love weddings and everytime I attend a wedding, I end up with tears in my eyes.

Disclaimer:  Everything stated in this play is truth and truth only.  In case if you have any doubts in this, you can drop in to "My best friend's wedding" in Guruvayoor and yes, it's going to happen in a Tamil Brahmin way and yeah! you can witness the Scene 9 too.



Just wondering, where he starts and where she ends? Don't they look like a glued pieces from a jigsaw???? I can't love them enough! God bless!


Manoj and Yamuna are getting wedded,
This December 12th with pomp and grace...

The day has come, as it stands in good stead,
Let's witness their joy and tranced state.

Let's toast for their health and happiness,
Let's cheer for their unlimited fun...

Let's cry a little when they tie the knot,
Let's smile when they fumble for words...

Man and Wife and smiles all the while...
I couldn't be happier, they are friends for life...

Wishing them more happiness,
Wishing them more fun.

Wishing them loads of sunshine,
Wishing them cold nights...

If love can be measured
with a yard stick or tape,
I would say theirs would
make the tape fade...

Let's chill out at Kerala
For Breakfast, lunch and Dinner,
Hop in in the next train, and I promise,
Manoj, will meet you at the train...

His Invite for you:

Scene 12

Scene - 12


Sidd, held Swetha's hand and guided her to the wedding panthal (Stage), the nadhaswaram and thavil thundered and every face wreathed with smile, looking at the happy couple.

Kitta mama, along with his disciples started to chant vedic mantras. The Agni in the avabasanam (the brick stove, where flames are lit and ghee was added to keep it aflame) hurt Sidd's and Swetha's eyes.
Swetha's wedding sari (Koorai pudavai) was given to her by Venu and Priya and was led by Harini to assist Swetha in changing to the traditional nine yard sari.

Aunt: Girls, don't forget to sing "varanam aayiram", while tying sari...
Geetha: Swetha, get in fast! the auspicious time to tie the thirumangalyam(mangal sutra) is nearing.
Priya: Swetha, my sister, your aunty is a pro when it comes to tying 9 yard sari... take her with you.
Swetha: Ok, aunty

Inside the bride's room:
Swetha's friends were found holding a screen, Swetha's aunt grabbed the screen and threw it away...
Aunt: If she is shy amidst women, then how she is going to feel when she is alone with Sidd or when she would give birth to her child.  First thing Swetha, shed your shyness...
One person was seen dragging her sari, while other held her long plait.

Aunt: Swetha! let me teach you how to wear this... Tie it the way I say, so that you will not need assistance next time.Harini, the way you are eyeing Praveen, I am sure your wedding will happen soon too.. so you too learn.
Harini: (Blushing) Nothing of that sort. I want to stay a spinster. But I am eager to know how to ties our traditional sari.
Aunt: (smiling) Girls! sing Andal varanamayiram now...
At the back ground:

vAraNam Ayiram SUzha valam Seidu
nAraNan nambi naDakkinRAn enRedir
pUraNa poRkuDam vaittup puRam e~ngum
tOraNam nAttak kanAk kaNdEN tOzhi nAn

Aunt to Swetha:
Step1: Wrap the saree around the waist with one end of the saree on the right and the rest of the saree on to the left.
Step 2: Tie a knot firmly around the waist towards your left side with the two portions of the saree.
Step 3: Gather the saree near the waist.
Step 4: Tuck a bit of the saree in (near the right side of the waist)
Step 5: Pleat the saree from the end tucked to the waist Step 6: Tuck the pleats to the waist firmly.
Step 7: Fold the rest of the saree to 4 or 5 folds, each fold measuring 3/4th of the hand
Step 8: Bring the pleated portion behind, gathering the folded saree between the legs
Step 9: Arrange the folds properly.
Step 10: Tuck them firmly at the back.
Step 11: The rest of the saree is brought to the front from the right side.
Step 12: Make a small tuck in the front to make sure the saree is firmly around the waist.
Step 13: Gather the rest of the saree.
Step 14: Wrap it on to the left shoulder.
Step 15: The rest of the saree falls on to the back.
Step 16: Bring the end of the saree around the waist and tuck it on to the left side

Harini: OMG Swetha! you look lovely... I am very happy to have your for my sis-in-law
Swetha: Harini, I should say Praveen is lucky ;)
Sripriya: Hurry up, Swetha! just 15 minutes left for the auspicious time to end...

Swetha opens the door and looked at Sidd, Sidd couldn't take his eyes off Swetha...
Iyer: Sidd
Iyer: Sidd
Iyer: Siddddddd
Sidd shook his head and said "Yes"
Iyer: Pour this ghee in the homam (flame)
Sidd looking at Swetha, poured the ghee and got his fingers singed by the flames...
Sidd: Ouch!
Swetha giggles

Iyer: Swetha now sit on your father's lap.

Iyer places the mangalyam in Sidd's hand and asked Swetha to look Sidd's eye.

"Ketti melam ketti melam"  (nadhaswaram and thavil started to play)

Iyer:
mAngalyam tantunAnena
mama jIvanA hethunA
kaNThe: badhnami subhage! sanjIva Sarada: Satam
(meaning: This is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck, O maiden having many auspicious attributes! May you live happily for a hundred years (with me).

Sidd tied the sacred knot on Swetha's neck and every one had tears in their eyes...

Nadhaswaram played:

Anandham anandham anandhamae
paramanandham anandham anandhamae

Sri ramanum manamagan aanarae
namma janaki manamagal aanalae
vandhavarkum parthavarkum aanandham
Seedhaikum ramanaukkum aanandham
naam seidha pooja palamum
endrae palithadhama


Anandham anandham anandhamae
paramanandham anandham anandhamae

People started to shake hands with the bride and the bridegroom and the photo session started.

Scene 11

Scene - 11


Location: At the entrance of wedding hall
Sidd and Swetha were made to stand near oonjal and the traditional Pidi Suthal was about to start.
Aunt: Geetha, Is everything ready??? 3 brass vessels, 3 small brass pitchers, 3 brass diyas, one big brass plate, milk and aarthi...
Geetha: Everything is ready.
Aunt: OK... now you can start the pidi suthal
(Pidi suthal is a ritual in Brahmin weddings, where cooked rice in various colours, red, yellow, white, with milk and aarathi, was kept in a huge plate and 5 married women, take little in their hand and flick their hands in a wide orbit before the young couple, thrice to the left and thrice to the right and throw them down, this is done to ward off the evil. After this ritual, aarathi(red water - mixture of lime, haldi, and water) also is taken and they pour it in such a way that it stains the dhothi and sari of the bridal pair... Then start the unjaal - swinging of bride and the groom)
Steve: (Clicking photographs) Hey! what's happening? Looks like women cricket, I could see these elderly aunts, swinging multi coloured balls.... but one thing I don't understand, is how does this all connected to a wedding. It looks like they are all having fun at the expense of the newly weds.
Aunt: You don't understand anything, son... Everything is done for a reason...
Steve: Can you explain, aunty?
Aunt: There are evil spirits everywhere, just waiting to catch hold of us, just to ward them off, we are using these coloured rice..These are holy colours and the evil spirits is scared of all these holy colours and they will not come near us. It's like you people holding cross to save yourself from Satan...
(Now, Steve started to understand and he smiled shaking his head vigorously, aunty grinning turned to arrange for the next ritual. Sidd and Swetha were seated in a swing and 3 or 4 kids from both the family also sat next to them and they were seen gently swaying the swing and the elderly women and the young girls started to sing)

Chorus:

Kannoonjal Aadi yirundaal
Kaanchana Maalai Mana maghizndaal (Kannoonjal)

Ponnoonjalil Poorithu Bhooshanangal Tharithu
Eswara naaridathil Aasaigal Romba Vaithu (Kannoonjal)

Asaindhu Sangili Aada Isaindu Taalangal Poda
Ugandhu Oorvasiyaada pankaja valli Kondaada(Kannoonjal)

Utthami Petra kumari Nithyam Sarvalangaari
Padhmathala Oyyaari Padhma mukha Singaari (Kannoonjal)

Kitta mama: Sidd hold Swetha's hand

(As if waiting for that, Sidd held Swetha's hand tightly and slightly pinched her palm, Swetha her face warm, smiled and lowered her head... Sidd was falling more and more in love with Swetha... Kitta mama, swinged a coconut with a lit camphor on top of it and Steve was surprised at the way Kitta mama swinged the coconut with the camphor, flame intact and dashed it on the floor and in one go, it was smashed to pieces. Steve's mouth formed an :O)