Granpa

It was grandpa's death anniversary on the 15th, a day sandwiched between mom's birthday and a cousin's birthday.

When I think of him, it was his prayer sessions in typical Orthodox Xian style with numerous prayers  that preceded his favourite song Ashwasame enikkere thingidunnu. Prayer nights were especially fun during the vacations when my first cousins came home. We would fight to sit on the edge of the sofa away from him, for whatever reason. Maybe because we could engage in non-prayer activities from that vantage point. 

For me, there is another touching memory about him. Dad used to call me on the eve of a term exam and ask me if I had prepared well. I would nod yes but when he took my book and asked questions, I wouldn't know a thing! I was a daydreamer who never listened in class or studied much (my home lessons were done sitting on the dining table and keeping one ear and both eyes open to mom and Amachi's talk in the kitchen). Dad would beat me black and blue (exaggerating a bit here) and pinch etc and I would hold on until Appachan pleaded from his room: edaa avale adikathe, kunjalle (dont beat her, she is a kid). Dad would retort, she's my daughter and I can beat.  I would start wailing loudly unable to bear the trauma. Then mom or Amachi would come to my aid chastising dad. Sometimes I was lucky enough to be let off after that. 😁😆 But I must say in dad's favour that it helped me bag second or third rank in primary school then.

My every night prayer  still includes granpa(a line taught by mom): "Dear God, please give eternal peace to granpa's soul." Now it often includes granny and Achachen (uncle).