A VISIT THAT CHANGED ME
Today I happened to visit one of my senior
friends Mr. Gopal (changed his name for convenience). I had a totally different
experience at his house. You know generally people in Kerala welcomes guests in
several ways. In fact, there is a beautiful song by Sri. P. Bhaskaran, a girl
is expecting some guest, after seeing a crow sitting on a banana leaf and
started making “craw craw” sound which is believed to be an omen on arrival of
a visitor. If visitor is a young man, she will prepare all sorts of delicious
food with sweets, if it is an old man she will give areca nut and beetle leaf. Similarly,
if it’s a day of an auspicious function, ladies woke up early have a head bath.
Don’t be offended please, ladies always waking up early and doing all house
hold chores meticulously. But what I wanted to tell is on auspicious days they
definitely woke up early. Please leave me unharmed. They will alert lazy gent
folks, ok, and ask them to prepare for the welcome function. All will be
decently dressed as if it’s an everyday habit. With full 70 mm smile they will
be at front door to invite guests inside. Some guests used to visit without any
invitation probably they may be on visit to a nearby temple or place close to your
house. Two light beams will pass through the slit of the door towards front
gate which is making rattling sound to make understand who is there at door
step. All folks inside will be alerted as if there is a tiger’s presence then
monkeys and some birds’ alerts others with peculiar sounds and warning them
imminent attacks. Gents will rush to find some cloths as they will be in one
single piece dress lungi leaving bare top portion, and immersed in TV or
mobile, however single piece dress of ladies, nighty, will cover fully so no
problem, they will be busy in arranging misplaced items in the drawing room.
They will find time by telling husband or son “Hey somebody has come please go
and see who is there” this they tell in a louder voice as the guest should here
and should take time to ring the bell. They pull one shawl from air like a
magician, put over and suddenly will appear as newly dressed. From some distance one can here “coming,
coming…”. Interestingly whole house knows who has come but wanted take some
time for quick fix arrangements.
I visited this friend for some work, normally
types of work which retired people will be engaged, like temple collection, old
age meeting preparation etc. type jobs. However, I told him in advance about my
visit. Ok, you visit what is big thing in it maybe you are thinking. It was a casual visit, just wanted to do some
work together, to my surprise I saw him dressed in a neatly ironed full sleeve
shirt tucked in ironed trousers. “Are you planning to go somewhere?” I asked by
seeing his dress. “No, I am waiting for you” he squashed my doubt. “I doubted because of the way you dressed” I
replied. “What is wrong with me? we should wear neatly ironed cloths even if
you are not going to office, don’t feel you are retired from life, wear good
cloths, go for shopping mingle with friends…try to do some social works, if
possible, enjoy your time”.
So, I had a sudden awakening, what to say, a
bliss of new shine passed through my mind. Yes, just by looking at him itself I
am getting a positive energy at least I am very much pleased and comfortable. His
attitude impressed me so much. I just have a look around. Everything was neatly
arranged. Books in the shelf are arranged based on topics, flower vases are at
right place and no flying sheets of newspapers around.
I peeped outside, he not only having a good
garden also have a terrace garden, where vegetable plants are happily waving their
fruits and flowers appealingly. All plants are well watered and nourished; you
can judge by seeing their health. It’s a wonderful delight for your eyes.
I returned home after finishing the work with a
resolution in my mind that you know I will also change. But only God knows how
long it will last. Any how I had a nice experience which I feel to be emulated.
