Nurungukal.......contd....

    The chirping of the birds and the cry of a crow from the top of a coconut tree woke me up to face the D-Day in my life, September 3^rd in 1970. My wedding day. I was unusually fresh and energetic. I had spent the previous night nurturing and fondling the sweetness of the impending episode. The rest of the family was in the process of getting ready. All were in a happy mood. Achuthan Nair as usual had prepared uppumavu and steamed plantain fruits, the easiest items on such occasions for break fast.  A few relatives whom mother had decided to accompany us and some of my old friends were ready on time. I do not remember how many were there. Some had already left by bus. The vehicle we had arranged was not very comfortable, still it was the best available in those days in Ponani. As the function had to take place inside the temple I adopted a  formal dress code. Mother preferred to stay back. My younger brother could not make to attend. The eldest was at his best in cracking jokes,were as sister and brother-in-law were busy in ushering us to the vehicle. It was a very jovial and noisy journey and we reached Guruvayoor in time. Inside the temple there was a fairly big crowd. The marriage of my bride’s cousin sister was also to place simultaneously. Her bridegroom was an engineer in telephones. He had wide circle of relatives and friends. Virtually they were a dominant group in the venue. Only my height helped me to standout. As both the pairs had to do the traditional procedures simultaneously there was some confusion, prompting the onlookers to make fun of us. But among the crowd I noticed her uncle attending the function in full divinity and silently showering best wishes to both the couples. For a few moments we were like puppets ready to comply with  any instruction.Gradually a silent urge crept in me and I was blissfully happy to hold her hand and commence a long journey. ..... contd...