A forceful holiday

It is not the usual scenario in the households of southern Chennai region to have vociferous discussion on a topic. The voices were too loud that it penetrated the neighborhood houses, deafening all the others in the street. One high pitched voice especially was ear-splitting. Everyone from opposite flats peeped out through their windows out of curiosity. Rather me out of embracement shut tight those old wooden windows and sealed them. It was anyways futile, but I was a little Panglossian those days to accept the harsh reality. I couldn’t believe the fact that, a sudden arrival of a confused clamorous family would stir a curiosity in the whole neighborhood. Being in nearest proximity I was technically the most affected of the serendipity. “Baaalaaaaa! Baala!” shouted Kamala…. She was wearing a long nighty kind or a night gown. She panted heavily, with a panicked expression came running down, her dress was dangling very similar to how a tent would dangle in a forceful wind. Well is it that rat again or is there a lizard? what is it this time? I opened the door quickly so that only Kamala could come in, I shut the door in haze so that not a single unfiltered sound with great intensity sound would come in without due permit. She came in and sat comfortably.” What is it? Is it a rat again?” I asked her.

Last time when Kamala appeared traumatized was when she spotted a rat in her kitchen and wanted to get rid of it desperately. I went in to help her and the security guard who were in ‘the mission impossible-the rat race’. When we decided it could be there in the chamber down the stove, it ran straight across the two and the well-equipped guard in fear shouted and kamala’s tank broke free out of anxiety. The next time, it was spotted was near me. In fear I dropped the tin dabba I was holding which knocked down the rat to unconscious state. The rat was thrown away out of the colony, but little did everyone know it was a mere accident. From that accident onward, Kamala had a great hope and confidence that I could shoo away any annoying existence on earth. You never know what it is now, a rat, a cockroach or a pigeon. Kamala would never arrive if there is no issue, other than mere greetings or some gossip stories which she would discuss outside the house peacefully with great interest, though the listener would not care. With curiosity I grazed into her face seriously.

She then cleared her throat and asked “U know what’s the matter with Sima’s house? Her grand mom came”. “I know… the world knows it…. She had been screaming and arguing with every living thing ever found in that house. This has also led the pet dog for competition. Ok so what do you what me to? Shoo them away too??” I thought. To change the topic, I asked “Do you want water?”. “What butter hu? Who needs butter?” she replied. “Water Kamala water, not butter” I shouted. The chaos in next house has made the whole colony go def. And you know, her sister is getting married next week. Her brother got married a monthago….” she said. “what?! Who montage? Who is it? I don’t know.” I asked. “A Month ago, Bala.” she clarified. “She is inviting everyone. Are you going to go? If so, I will come with you. Don’t forget. I must go now I have more chores to finish. Bye” she said and went out without hearing my goodbye. Oh my God. With just one grand mom, I am partially def. I couldn’t imagine going to Sima’s sister’s marriage, it would be like a traffic jam. Noises coming from all directions, you have nowhere to escape. It is more than my capability to tackle such situations. But if Sima, comes to invite, I would be forced by Sima and Kamala to attend it. “Let’s plan a holiday for a month and come back after situation returns to normal” I decided. I sat down to book tickets to a far away land with no noise to spend my small urgent holiday peacefully.