Chennai House Hunt 1

In search of a conversation starter, I found myself at a bustling tea shop on OMR, ordering a medium tea in the late morning. The tea master swiftly prepared my tea, getting multiple orders, and handed it to me.

Taking a sip, I casually asked, “Anna! Do you happen to know of any houses for rent nearby?” He paused for a moment, still busy in tea preparation, and inquired, “What’s your budget?” I replied, “Around 10 to 13 thousand.”

After a brief mental calculation, he responded, “There’s a good 1 BHK house for rent in **** Avenue. Take a right turn and look for a compound house surrounded by banana and coconut trees.”

The mention of banana and coconut trees intrigued me. Determined to explore the place, I started my bike and made my way to the indicated location.

True to the tea master’s description, I found a two-story house enveloped by lush banana and coconut trees. The architectural style hinted at the owner’s origins, likely from Kanyakumari district or its neighboring regions in Kerala.

I rang the doorbell attached to the compound wall and patiently waited for a response. After a few minutes, a 60-year-old woman emerged from the house, opened the gate, and inquired in our native slang, “What do you want?”.

Delighted to encounter someone from my hometown, West Kanyakumari, I explained, “I’m searching for a house. I heard that the 1 BHK portion here is vacant.” She requested wait for sometime, as her husband had gone out to buy vegetables. I obliged, settling myself on my bike.

Ten minutes later, she returned, opened the gate, and informed me, “Please wait a little longer. He’ll be back soon.” I replied, “That’s alright. Take your time.” With curiosity, she approached my bike and initiated a conversation.

“What’s your name?” she asked. “*****,” I replied.

“Are you a Christian?” she inquired. “No, I’m Hindu,” I answered.

“Do you work?” she continued. “Yes, in IT,” I confirmed.

“Where?” she probed. “Navalur,” I responded.

“What’s your native place?” she asked. “Marthandam, Kanyakumari District,” I revealed.

To my surprise, her excitement grew as she exclaimed, “We’re also from the same place!” Insisting that I come inside, she refused to let me wait outside any longer. She ushered me into the living room, where an array of photos and biblical verses adorned the walls. She kindly turned on the AC and offered, “Shall I prepare tea, son (mone)?” Gratefully, I declined, but she returned after a few minutes with a cup of tea.

As I drink the tea, my eyes intermittently scanned the gate. Sensing my restlessness, she proceeded to show me the first-floor apartment. It has a spacious hall, a well-equipped kitchen, a cozy bedroom with an attached bathroom, and a small balcony. It seemed perfect, and I was ready to make the advance payment on the spot.

During our conversation, she shared the stories about her family in Hometown and the precise location of their hometown—just five kilometers away from my native place.

Grateful for her warm hospitality and connection, I couldn’t help but feel blessed to have found a landlord like her. Renting this house would not only provide me a comfortable living space but also ensure that my parents, if they ever decide to stay with me in Chennai, won’t feel lonely. My mind permuted with optimism and possibilities.

After nearly 45 minutes, her husband returned home. She rushed to the gate, eagerly sharing my details with him. However, within moments, her reactions changed. Her husband approached me, shook my hand, and explained that they had already received an advance payment earlier that morning from another tenant, who, coincidentally, was also from Kanyakumari. He expressed his regret that he couldn’t return the advance since the new tenant would be moving in the very next day.

Smiling understandingly, I replied, “No problem.” I bid them farewell and left, acknowledging that some things are simply beyond our control.

Sandy Trails: Embarking on a Memorable Walk Along Chennai Beach

It’s an alluring early Saturday morning.

The sun hides in the sea shyly peeping out.

Tides are trying to elope from the sea. But fails.

Distant boats are cruising against the waves towards shore.

Fishermen are overjoyed eventhough they have slaughtered fishes.

Bitch Crabs entering into other’s sand holes.

Adamant dogs want to stay the whole day in the beach with its owner.

A group of friends started with selfie and drenched at the end.

The villagers poop. The waves flush it.

Kisses and mourns.!! Some lovers using beach as their bedroom.

No one cares the pity blossomed pohuehue.

Inner peace💆. Salt water cures all wounds.

A Morning Encounter: Not everyone deserves our energy

Some individuals struggle to fall asleep at night, while others have no trouble falling asleep but face the challenge of waking up too early in the morning.

On one early Sunday morning, I found myself waking up at 5:45 AM, undisturbed by external factors. The only sound that filled the bedroom was the melodious chirping of a Cuckoo from the Cannonball tree just outside the apartment. Despite having slept for nearly nine hours, attempting to fall back asleep seemed difficult.

With curiosity, I opened the balcony door, allowing the energetic chorus of the Cuckoos to reach on the bedroom while the crows joined in. The sun had risen early, a characteristic of the summer season, and the streets were tranquil, with early morning joggers, milkmen, and apartment security guards making their rounds. The morning held the promise of joyous walks along the streets, seeking out a cozy tea shop to savor a hot cup of tea, observing the sleepy street dogs, and experiencing the rarity of traffic-free roads. Thus, I decided to embark on a walk.

As I moved to close the balcony door, I noticed a beetle amidst the shoes we had left there, struggling to regain its footing. The beetle had fallen onto the balcony, its legs waving in desperate to me appeal for help. An empathy washed over me as I pondered how long the beetle had been fighting to regain its composure. None of its fellow beetles or family members had come to its aid. In that moment, I saw myself as its savior and resolved to assist the beetle.

Returning to my room, I retrieved a piece of paper from my cupboard, intending to gently place the beetle on it and release it from the second-floor balcony, allowing it to take flight before reaching the ground. I whispered to the beetle, “Remember your savior,” and delicately released it into the open air, using the paper as a vessel.

To my dismay, the beetle did not attempt to fly through the sky. Even a newly hatched insect taking its maiden flight would have unfurled its wings in anticipation. But this beetle did not. I heard the disheartening thud of its collision with the ground from my second-floor balcony. Zooming in for a closer look, I feared that its fragile head shattered, and its delicate legs fractured.

After a few minutes, I detected slight movements from the seemingly lifeless beetle. The gods had shown mercy! Urgently, I hurried downstairs to reach the ground floor. However, in the interval, a crow perched on the Cannonball tree descended upon the scene, extending its sharp beaks. In an instant, it snatched the beetle and ascended to the terrace of another apartment building. The gods have no mercy.

The thought of walking along the street faded from my mind. Instead, I sought rest in my bed, closing my eyes, hoping to sleep until the afternoon. By now, the crow had likely concluded its breakfast with the unfortunate beetle. Would the beetle remember its ill-fated savior until its last breath? I felt distressed, realizing that I should have left the beetle on the balcony, allowing nature to take its course.

Not everyone deserves our energy or intervention.

A Night on the Train: Guilty

I woke up abruptly in panic as if I had just escaped a nightmare. However, I soon realized that it was the loud snoring of a fellow passenger that had disturbed my sleep.

I was traveling from Chennai to Nagercoil on the Kanyakumari Superfast Express, occupying a sleeper class middle berth. However, upon a fellow passenger’s request, I had agreed to switch to the upper berth.

It was 1:30 AM, and as the train rumbled past Dindigul railway station, I found myself wide awake. To my surprise, none of the other passengers seemed bothered by the snoring, sleeping peacefully. I was not only irritated by the noise but also exhausted from a long day at the office.

Deciding to take action, I descended from my berth and attempted to wake the snorer. However, my efforts to rouse him were in vain; he continued snoring undisturbed. After a couple of minutes of attempts, I resorted to a more direct approach—I gently tapped him on the back. Startled, he awoke and asked, “What do you want?”

With a sense of annoyance, I responded, “Sir, please try to control your snoring. I am unable to sleep.” In a surprisingly kind manner, he replied, “I sincerely apologize, sir. I underwent throat surgery last month, and since then, I’ve been unable to sleep without snoring. I will make an effort to reduce it. Please return to your berth.”

Feeling a rush of guilt, I realized that his response, whether genuine or not, was unexpectedly considerate. I struggled to find sleep for the next hour, for my impulsive action. Strangely, during that time, I didn’t hear his snoring either.

Drool and Dreams: Adventures on the Rails

When traveling alone on a train, one often finds themselves inadvertently eavesdropping on the conversations of fellow passengers, whether they are personal or not.

During one such journey, I encountered a stubborn child occupying the lower berth who adamantly refused to sleep. His father, concerned for his safety, attempted to reason with him, explaining, “Son, it’s not a good idea for someone of your age to sleep alone in the upper berth. You might fall during the night.” Despite his father’s plea, the child insisted on sleeping in the upper berth and began crying. Just as the other passengers were growing impatient and on the verge of requesting the father to calm his son down, he asked the child why he refused the lower berth.

To everyone’s surprise, the child casually replied, “Well, what if the person in the middle berth drools on me while they sleep?”

At that moment, the father looked up, only to find me peacefully asleep in the middle berth, nestled between two blankets provided by IRCTC. I maintained my pretense, unaware of their conversation.

Beyond Rice and Spice: A Culinary Journey into the Art of Briyani

2007

I anxiously awaited the results of my 10th board exams, eager to embark on a new chapter of my education. Dissatisfied with the current state of my school, which lacked a vibrant student body, I approached my father with a request to transfer to a different institution. My goal was to create an environment with a handful of loyal friends and to explore the wonders of the Kanyakumari district.

After conducting thorough research and consulting with numerous schools in and around Marthandam, I narrowed down my options to three schools based on their academic coaching programs:

1. ChristuRaja Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Marthandam.

2. Good Shepherd Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Marthandam.

3. St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Thiruthuvapuram.

Although St. Joseph Higher Secondary School was located far from my home, I ultimately chose it due to the comparatively lower school fees, which made it a more viable option for my family.

The day to register my application at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School had finally arrived. The school had requested that all applicants arrive for registration before 10 AM, and both my father and I ensured that we were there well ahead of the designated time.

The school premises were teeming with students and parents, creating a bustling atmosphere during the registration process. The sheer number of students enrolling for 11th standard (higher secondary) led to a delay in completing the registrations. Over time, I overheard a teacher mentioning that the registration had reached section K. Finally, my turn came, and I was enrolled in the 11B Computer Science section.

Once the registration was complete, my father and I took a leisurely stroll around the school. I was impressed by the school’s appearance and facilities. By the time we finished our exploration, it was already 1:30 PM. We boarded a town bus from Thiruthuvapuram and arrived in Marthandam by 2 PM. At that time, the new bridge over the Kuzhithurai Thamiraparani River had not yet been constructed, so all vehicles had to cross the river using the old narrow bridge. I vividly recall my father tossing coins from the bus as we passed by the Nalloor Vettuvenni Kandan Sastha Temple (നല്ലൂ൪ വെട്ടുവെന്നി കണ്ട൯ ശാസ്താ ക്ഷേത്രം. நல்லூர் வெட்டுவென்னி கந்தன் சாஸ்தா கோவில்).

As it was getting late, my father decided to have lunch at a nearby hotel, a well-known establishment near the Marthandam bus station. He turned to me and asked, ‘What would you like to have?’ I hesitated for a moment, scanning the other tables for reference. It seemed that most people were enjoying Chicken Biryani. At that time, Chicken Biryani wasn’t something I commonly ate, but I made up my mind and told my father to order Chicken Biryani.

That moment has stayed with me for the past 16 years. Since that day, my father has never had to ask me about my order whenever we visit a hotel. Without fail, he automatically orders a full serving of Chicken Biryani for me.

The Unexpected Adventure: A Bus Journey to Remember

Getting train tickets during the summer can be quite challenging, especially for popular routes like the southbound trains to Chennai. They are often fully booked even a month in advance. As a result, I decided to opt for a bus journey this time.

Since I was traveling alone, I chose a low-budget non-AC semi-sleeper bus operated by Rathimeena Travels from Nagercoil. To my surprise, all the seats were already occupied right from the start of the journey. Nevertheless, the bus departed on time.

There was a large family on board, consisting of approximately ten members, predominantly females, with a grandmother who appeared to be in her mid-70s, were returning to Chennai after a trip to Nagercoil. The bus swiftly accelerated after leaving Nagercoil city. It has become a common trend for buses departing from Nagercoil to maintain a high speed until reaching Trichi. However, the speed decreased significantly from Trichi to Chennai due to road expansion work and the heavy traffic inflow towards the Chennai city.

Just after crossing Aralvoimozhi, I suddenly heard the sound of someone vomiting from the back of the bus. It turned out to be a girl who was vomiting uncontrollably through the window. It was surprising to witness this happening merely 15 kilometers after leaving Nagercoil. Unfortunately, her vomiting episodes continued approximately every 30 minutes throughout the journey. The bus eventually made a stop at a motel near Kayathar for dinner and restroom breaks.

To my disappointment, two more passengers experienced bouts of sickness, this time within the bounds of the bus. The smell of vomit gradually became unbearable for the fellow travelers. Though no one uttered a word, it was evident that each person was silently preoccupied with their own discomfort. I couldn’t help but felt sorry for the elderly woman in her 70s who suffered throughout the journey.

The issue lies with both the trip planners and those susceptible to motion sickness. Prior to booking tickets, planners should consider the well-being of their fellow passengers whether they would be comfortable traveling by bus. If there are elderly individuals aged 70 or above in the group, it is advisable, without a second thought, to book train tickets. It has been observed that many people find train travel more comfortable compared to bus journeys.

On the other hand, individuals who experience motion sickness are aware of their condition and know that traveling by bus without taking precautions will likely lead to vomiting. However, many feel embarrassed to purchase anti-vomiting tablets before their journey.

To prevent motion sickness symptoms, the following steps can be taken:

1. Take motion sickness medicine one to two hours before embarking on the journey.

2. Choose a seat that provides ample fresh air and ventilation.

3. Avoid reading during travel.

4. Lie down or recline when feeling sick.

5. Refrain from consuming heavy meals before or during the journey. Instead, opt for small portions of plain food and avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods.

6. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

7. Consult with a doctor about alternative therapies, such as pressure bands worn on the wrists.

Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to managing motion sickness. For mild cases, medication can be effective. If you are aware of your susceptibility to motion sickness, it is recommended to plan ahead and take necessary precautions before embarking on your journey.

Train Conversations: Unforgettable Encounters on the Rails 2

After a long day at the office, I found myself waiting at Kazhakuttam railway station for the Parasuram Express to go to my home. The train, a day express running between Mangalore and Nagercoil, was always bustling with commuters, offering plenty of unreserved coaches for daily office travelers like me.

Right on schedule, the train arrived, and it was already teeming with passengers. As usual, a significant portion of them would disembark at Thiruvananthapuram railway station. Until we reached that stop, I stood near the door, observing my fellow travelers.

On the other side, I noticed five young individuals from Kanyakumari, presumably in their early twenties. Their sun-kissed skin and cricket jerseys hinted at their recent involvement in a match. They stood together, engaged in lively conversation while periodically scanning the train for any available seats after our scheduled stop at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah.

After departing from Thiruvananthapuram station, we all managed to secure seats. Four of them sat opposite me, while one took the seat beside me. As they continued their cricket discussion, I listened attentively, intrigued by their enthusiasm.

One of the guys eventually turned to me and asked if I worked in the IT industry. I replied with a “Yes.” He then assumed that I must be earning a salary of over 1 lakh per month. I corrected him, saying it wasn’t the case. This presumption stemmed from the way movies and social media often depict IT professionals differently.

With the ice broken, we engaged in conversation. I discovered that all five of these youngsters hailed from the western part of Kanyakumari district and had completed their degrees. Cricket consumed their lives with unwavering passion. Earlier that day, they had played a cricket match in Kollam, which unfortunately ended in defeat. They attributed their loss to their poor bowling performance.

They eagerly shared their upcoming schedule, revealing matches scheduled for the next day in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by Tenkasi, and then Chennai on next two day.

Their commitment to traveling by train and participating in cricket matches spanned across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and South Karnataka. They proudly displayed pictures of the trophies they had won and the cash prizes they had earned. Their ultimate dream was to secure an opportunity to enter the TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League). Playing matches across different states often led them to make connections with professional cricket coaches and clubs.

This glimpse into the lives of these young individuals left a lasting impression on me. I sincerely hope they achieve their aspirations.

Train Conversations: Unforgettable Encounters on the Rails 1

As a frequent traveler on the Ananthapuri Express, I have many past events to write about.

The Ananthapuri Express is an express train that runs between Kollam and Chennai Egmore, and it is the only direct night train to Chennai for Neyyantinkara, Parassala, Kulitturai, and Eraniel passengers. The S11 coach of the 16824 Kollam – Chennai Egmore Ananthapuri Express is de-reserved between Kollam and Tirunelveli. This means that passengers can travel from Kollam to Tirunelveli in the S11 coach with an unreserved ticket. Since the train passes through Thiruvananthapuram during peak hours, this de-reserved coach is much needed to accommodate the extra passengers.

Unfortunately, on one of my journeys to Chennai, my reserved seat (Side Lower) was allotted in the S11 coach. The coach was almost full until it reached Nagercoil Town railway station. After this station, most of the passengers boarding were headed to Chennai. Usually, the ticket inspector checks the passengers’ seats after Tirunelveli station.

The ticket inspector asked a family of four to disembark at the upcoming station and board the general compartment as they had an unreserved ticket, which was only valid in the S11 coach until Tirunelveli. They were traveling from Trivandrum to Kovilpatti. Since Kovilpatti was the next stop of the train, the ticket inspector finally allowed them to travel in the S11 coach without disturbing the co-passengers.

After some time, two of them settled in my side lower seat while I was away washing my hands after dinner. They were a husband and wife speaking to each other in Tirunelveli slang, and they must have been between 60 and 65 years old. I didn’t see the other two.

They looked very tired. I thought they were returning after visiting a temple in Thiruvanthapuram. He asked his wife to take a nap in my side lower seat. With the remaining space, we started speaking with each other. He enquired about my family and my job. Then he began sharing his story.

He was a retired helper from Tuticorin Harbour and owned a house in Tuticorin. His three daughters were married and happily settled in and around Tuticorin and Kovilpatti, with children of their own. The other two traveling with them were his second daughter and her husband and they were on their way to his second daughter’s home.

He mentioned that he was so happy with his retirement because he had not been able to spend much time with his family while he was working at the harbor. He praised his wife for taking care of their daughters during his duty hours. Now, with his grandchildren, caring sons-in-law, and retirement savings, he was leading an enjoyable life. He even told me the names of his grandchildren.

I was happy to hear about his family. Then I asked about the purpose of their visit to Thiruvananthapuram.

His wife was deeply asleep. The train stopped at Maniyachi junction, even though the Ananthapuri Express doesn’t have a scheduled stop there, but to make way for the Pearl City Superfast Express train. Superfast trains always have priority over express trains. His son-in-law brought a bottle of water and then left.

After taking a few sips of water, he mentioned RCC. I was shocked. I didn’t want to hear his story any further, and I couldn’t divert his attention either.

He added that he had noticed a bulge under his tongue a long time ago. He didn’t pay much attention to it, thinking it was just a heat bump. Now, he couldn’t eat anything as it had started causing pain. After analyzing the biopsy report, the doctors in Tirunelveli recommended that he go to the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in Thiruvananthapuram. He underwent the biopsy again yesterday at the RCC and stayed in a hotel as it takes a day to generate the report. Today, the doctors at the RCC confirmed that he has stage 4 carcinoma. He started weeping, deeply concerned about his grandchildren as he may not have the strength to play with them anymore.

I calmed him down and tried to change the topic. The train started moving. We then talked about the Kulasekarapattinam temple. Since it is his favorite temple, he explained in detail about the Dasara festival celebrations there from day 1 to day 10. This year, he had made a vow for specific offerings (Nercha) to Kulasai Mutharamman Devi. I thought to myself that he had something to hold onto. He also invited me to visit the temple during Dasara.

His son-in-law came back, and he introduced me to him. He was equally disturbed by the report. As the next stop approached, he checked their bags and went to the restroom. His son-in-law informed me that the doctors at the RCC recommended to start the treatment as soon as possible. The treatment would involve the removal of the tongue, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Knowing this would be the procedure, as I had seen many patients before, I concerned and asked his son-in-law to follow the doctors’ advice.