Gulf petti (box)

Sometime in the 1970s, mom arranged a temporary maid for granny's sister as her son was arriving from the Gulf. And granny took me along when she went to drop the maid  at her sister's place. I always loved going there as she had five sons, two of them still studying in college or in the early years of their work life then. 

The Gulf son soon arrived to everyone's excitement. While granny and her sis exchanged tales in the kitchen over chopping vegetables, I went to watch the Gulf suitcase of goodies being opened in the bedroom. I exclaimed excitedly when I saw two pretty skirts being taken out, fervently hoping one would come my way. The Gulf guy looked at the 8-year-old in embarassment and irritation while dishing out endless gifts for his brothers. Little did I know the skirts were meant for his cousin sisters. One of them asked me to get a glass of water, and off I went to the kitchen. But when I returned the door was locked from the inside, and no amount of knocking made them open. 

Granny smiled knowingly when a perplexed me explained the situation to her in the kitchen. When we returned home, I heard her tell mom about it. A few years later when we went to bid goodbye to the aunt  before departing for Tanzania, he aunt presented mom a pretty 'foreign' (nylon or free flowing) sari - I couldnt understand why she did so then; maybe she expected something when we returned (which mom promptly did).

I understood the mystery of the locked door as I grew up, and that box and door has always stayed in my memory. Haha... why do I only remember the negative things?  

I tend to remember this episode sometimes when we buy goodies to take home. Vinod in his typical generosity fills the boxes beyond their capacity to gift relatives, some of whom had been equally mean to him as the Gulf uncle above. I make it a point to buy something for each friend and relative, knowing how much I craved the same when I was in India. Today a liberalised India has equally good stuff but the fascination for the Gulf muttayi (candies/chocolates) from all around the world remains. Mother-in-law loves to watch the box being opened and today she will have that pleasure  - Vinod has gone home alone after nearly two longs years of Covid-induced travel restrictions. He filled the box beyond their capacity, paying duty for an excess 7 kg :)  

We were to go too but had to cancel owing to Ash's bifurcated Board exams this month. We now hope to go in March-April.

Today I know the Gulf goods are just the same as Indian - though the variety and reach are far more - and often many goods and clothes have a Made in India tag.  We also had siblings who satisfied our cravings for foreign stuff in the last 15-20 years - before we ourselves moved here in 2014. 

What I dont understand is where the smell of the Gulf box disappeared when we open our boxes. Probably because we carry less soaps and talcum powders and perfumed clothes. Or maybe the recipients and watchers get the fragrance still.