Nurungukal....contd...

        After a concerted search I succeeded in locating a few of my old friends in Ponani. They were very happy about the unexpected reunion and gladly accepted my invitation. A goldsmith who was my father’s trusted artisan agreed to make my wedding ring. He had shifted his place of work to the veranda of a jewellery shop. Earlier he carried on  his work in his house and extended his service only to some discrete customers. I had seen him in action many a time in our veranda, sitting flat on the floor and blowing the fire to mould intricate designs in gold. It was a common scene in our house, a few days before a marriage. Mother was very particular either to polish or remake some of her old pieces. Another occasion he showed his face was when there was an ear piercing ceremony. I ordered for a simple and traditional piece.

             Mother desired to offer a gold chain to the bride. To purchase gold ornaments in those days we depended on the jewellers in Trichur. Chakolas was the trusted choice. My sister and eldest sister-in-law accompanied me. They selected one with a pair of swans as pendant. I liked the pendant as it resembled the pair of swans floating gracefully, in a painting depicting Shakuntala lying on the nearby grass, resting her head on the left hand and writing a love letter on a lotus leaf. This piece of art was my mother’s precious collection. I thought it was the best symbol of expressing my love to the would be wife. She still  adore it. A pair of silk sarees, to be offered as pudava was also purchased, pink and off white in colour.

    The ceremony was to take place in Guruvayoor temple on 3rd September. All arrangements were completed including the to and fro transportation of relatives and close friends. There was a small gathering  on the previous day. Mother’s  old veteran cook Achuthan nair was in charge and he did his job fairly well. When compared to the celebrations of the previous day of my sister’s marriage years ago , mine lacked tempo, no doubt. Yet personally I was at the altar of joy and anxiety.....contd....