In fondest
memory of my Grandfather (Ajja), I write this sweet little incident which I, my
sister (Akka) and Dad (Appa) shared.
The most
treasured things in life are found in a treasure box called Memories. The more
we enjoy life, the more we fight, the more we forgive, the more we love and
laugh, the more we learn lessons, the only thing we are creating are priceless
memories.
It was a
usual day for the rest of them at home, but for me and Akka it was something
special because our guardian angel Ajja was at home. Our beloved Ajja was our
Guide, Guru and a protector from scolding’s of my parents, which was obvious
because of our naughtiness.
When Ajja
was around, it was like being with a walking and talking Santa. He was
grandchildren’s favourite as he got us whatever we asked for and he also made
sure that my parents get us what we asked for. As we are 80s kids, we did not
desire for something huge. Huge meaning, a phone/ tab/ laptop, etc. But our
demand was something simple. Simple for us, but for our parents it was
something very new.
We were
blessed to watch colour television. The ad pops up on the TV; me and Akka open
our mouth wide and watch this ad of KELLOGG’S
CORN FLAKES. The flakes are poured into a classic china, the cut fruits,
honey and the milk made it look so yummy that we could not close our wide open
mouth till the next ad started.
We knew
which God’s doors to knock when it came to get new stuffs or what we wanted. We
asked Ajja to order Appa to get the corn flakes right away. As Ajja was in a
very respectable position, Appa had to buy us what we wanted.
Appa called
me and Akka into the room, where Ajja couldn’t hear us and warned us about
buying corn flakes. There was this common rule at home, which we all followed
sincerely “No wasting Food”. Appa
was very strict about it and he was very sure that we were not accustomed to
this kind of food. As he always said when we were about to waste food, He told
in a thick voice, “If you don’t finish
what I get you, I will tie the food to your ear”. Ah! Who cares, all we had
in mind was mouth-watering corn flakes.
After listening to both the parties, our
beloved Judge Ajja passed the ordinance saying “treat my grandchildren with a
bowl of corn flakes which looks just like the one which comes on TV”. As we had
won the case after fighting very hard for our rightful bowl of corn flakes, the
only thing which was awaited was to eat and finish off the bowl full of yummy looking
corn flakes.
That’s it! Cornflakes bought- Check, Milk
poured-Check, Honey Mixed- Check, Cut fruits for the dressing-Check. Appa made
it look so yummy. He brought three bowls of cornflakes, one for the judge, one
each for the plaintiff’s. Indeed “don’t go by the looks”. Yes, we were trapped.
First spoon of cornflakes goes into our
mouth and we see each other’s face and say--- was it for this we fought so
much? Yeah, we were Idli, Vada and Masal Dosa people and not at all Corn flakes
people. Appa was so damn right.
Assuming all the consequences we might
face if at all we waste the food, I and Akka slowly vanished from the Dining
area and slipped near the attic to throw the yummiest looking food. As we were
about to throw, a thick voice shouts out our names, we panic, we fall down from
the attic, started to run thinking it was Appa who caught us. Realising our mistake,
we turn back to apologies, the next thing we see is, person standing behind us
was not Appa and Guess what? It was Ajja who was about to ask us to throw his
bowl of cornflakes as well with a disgusting look on his face. We finish our
act in a hurry.
Hush! Me, Akka and Ajja were so relieved
that Appa did not notice us while we did what we shouldn’t have done.
We all went to Appa and sincerely apologised
for pleading him to get cornflakes and we all shared a healthy laugh together.
Appa was happy that his kids and his Father-in-law would never pester him again
with things like this and cheerfully slipped into his work.
The next thing we see on TV is “CHOCOS ad
with yummy chocolate flakes falling into a bowl of milk”…. Of course, you know
what happens next!!
Signing off with my favourite quote--“When someone you
love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure”… Miss you Ajja.
Merry Christmas
and happy holiday’s folks… Have fun and go look for your Santa.
Ranju…
