Had met him after about 11 months. My school Principal. M T S, as we'd fondly call him. Was unable to write about the last meeting around last Christmas. This time round, was doubly happy when my cousin and myself saw the joy on his face when he knocked at his door.
That cosy south indian chennai home replete with its backyard, windows that are about three decades old, red-oxide flooring, a portico, simple interior and a spacious traditional kitchen that would remind you of your grandparents' home! He retired over a decade ago. But am still surprised how he maintains that youthful demeanor, how his wife so quietly manages the show at home, and how nothing has changed since he left, except that he's made that effort to grow wiser while his hairs turn silvery by the day.
We chatted about many things in between chai and biscuits that aunty made. He has just returned from a visit to his son in the United States and full of joy. That glee on his son's face on a portrait snap, the pride in his smile for being able to see his son there, his explanation of logic behind wedding rituals...wish our conversation went on and on.
Sir has not changed a bit. And said after his return from the company of warm people in that country, he found happiness only today when my cousin and I called on him.
Reaching Sir's house has always been an adventure, it's the fourth trip that me has made with a family member, with just as much as an address that I can recall -- No 7, tagore street, vijayalakshmipuram... The first time was a disaster, he was not around after all the walking in hot sun with my ever so helpful dad,..the second time -- a short and cordial, but happy meeting, the third, a warm return after 10 years. I had been too quick at losing his numbers after our last visit though, a muddlehead that I am.
Today's meeting, the fourth one, has been the most happy visits of all...my arguments about the ifs and buts of wedding rituals, questioning him on reason behind ritual, logic and lack of it, the constant jibes me and cousin Ranji exchanged with him...exchanging numbers...and most of all, his loving words of advice. The warmth of the sunshine couple is what I will cherish always.
Am happy I left several other things behind for these few moments of joy...what more joy than meeting a teacher you so loved at school! Is there any match from the contentment you get when you touch his feet and he blesses you? Hoping he makes it to the wedding:)
2 comments:
Nice ! I do remember him ! I also remember how once he had announced he would make surprise visits to our homes in the quarters to check if we are doing our homework ! All those childhood days of fun, now gone by, sure do invoke a sigh of nostalgia !
Post a Comment