What a start of the series of weekend outings! – Return journey to Chennai!

As we came down we got to know that the train was getting delayed but not sure how late. We still got in an auto and headed to the station. At the station we rushed to the platform and spotted A2B. Her train had arrived then at the platform. She looked worried for us as the train was delayed by 5 hours. All our jaws dropped 5 feet down. We still managed to laugh at it as if nothing bothered us. We comforted A2B and allowed her board the train. We got to the TTR and got to know the train was delayed by 12 hours. Which means we are stuck for the night and will get the train only at 5.50 am next day.

We started exploring options – Bus, Flight alternative train. All seemed in vain as the costs were high and it was definitely not worth according to us. We took a reservation form and wrote the details on it to book alternative train. The booking was closed. We then were told Suvidha train will have 2 general coaches getting attached additionally. We were not quite comfortable with the idea and went out of the station with long faces. Still contemplating what to do, I informed my manager on whatsapp msg about the mess. Then we decided to stay at the station and headed to enquire about the station dormitory.

The person in-charge at the office spoke like one irresponsible person. I wonder how come railway stations have such lousy people and expect passengers to get help from them. We were irritated with him and stepped out of the office and tried checking if he was cheating too much with the cost. He was asking only little more than the actual cost and so we accepted. We were not allowed to wait outside and office and so we came back to the waiting area.

We found place to be seated. Satz and I wanted to charge our mobiles and so we started looking for charging points. We left behind Christy and Kim at the waiting lounge. We were talking random topics. One passer by enquired about Alleppey express being cancelled. Satz with expression “same peeling” was guiding the passer by. Exactly at the same time we could see a train coming to the platform and halting. Satz then read the board and said it loud” this is Suvidha express. Look for seats here as there is general compartments added”. May be that was his inner voice that spoke aloud to him too. He told me to keep a watch on the mobiles while charging and he wanted to check whether we will be able to get any seats to travel. He headed to the front of the train to check for seats. It was less than a minute and Satz’s phone rang. I avoided the first 2 rings thinking it must be from his wife Nithya. I wanted to avoid it because I would not have an answer as to when we were returning and thought maybe she would get worked up. Then I just glanced at the phone it was from Kim. I answered the cal. She says “ Come to the last coach of the Suvidha express we are boarding this train and leaving right away. I was awestruck. I couldn’t believe my ears “ we are leaving to Chennai right away”. I quickly looked in the direction that Satz headed and could figure a lean skinny person amidst the crowd. I screamed from where the mobiles were on charging, but in vain. I quickly unplugged both our mobiles and the chargers. I started waking swiftly and shouting “ Satti Satti”. Yet he couldn’t hear me. I took to me heals and ran at my pace calling his name “ Satti Satti”. All the people on the platform stared at me as if a girl was running behind a guy to convince him. Damn! Why can’t people mind their own business.

I screamed further at the top most pitch of my voice and there the guy turned and looked at me amazed as if asking why was I running and screaming. I told him that Kim and Christy have found some place in the last coach Suvidha express and we are leaving to Chennai. We took to heels again towards the last coach and spotted Kim trying to move the luggage. We grabbed our started our next round of screaming. This time “ Christy , Christy”. There we spotted him and quickly boarded the train. We made place for ourselves. Satz and Christy then went to take the ticket and dinner. They called from the shop to check for chips that is required.

While returning they also bought playing cards. Very impressive of Christy! Go getter!!

The train started and the journey began. We opened the pack of cards and started playing ASS. Game after game without surprise I would be the last one to finish and would earn myself an “A” card. Kim would ROFL followed by Christy and Satz. Sat and Christy played like masters of the game. However, Kim seemed to get jealous of me ad started getting “A” card in game after game. Finally, she earned herself all the four “A cards and won it! Definitely won it!

We took a break and I went to the restroom. Definitely crowded and I definitely learnt a good deal of lesson. I returned and Satz was very concerned as I seemed completely off. We still resumed playing and we were all laughs as I started the trend again. There was a good observation Christy made. Whenever I would earn 2 cards, the immediate next game, Kim would take on from me. This was amazing. This went on till 11 PM.

We then decided to eat dinner and relax. We got our mobile phones charged and I put on my earphones. Satz’ head kept bouncing in the air. Christy and I managed to keep moving as we were near the window seat. I was on whatsapp and also listening to songs. Every time I tried to sleep I could not and so I decided let’s no sleep. It was 6 in the morning and we could still see the crowd around us. I made my mind this is going to be the same until we off board.

Kim and I took turns and stood for some time. It was painful to sit that long. We reached Arakkonam around 7 and the engine driver dint seem to like the idea of reaching on-time or before time. He would start the engine and after moving for a minute would switch off the engine. This happened for an hour and we finally read the board on the station we entered as Arakkonam.

From here it was about an hour or so. The train started after half hour. Christy decided to get off in Perambur and he did so. We passed on his chips cover through the window for his ease.  We waved him good-bye and continued as the train started. We then entered Chennai station and got our suitcases out. We got ready to off board and suddenly glanced at the hanger near the window. We almost forgot about our chips packets. We quickly grabbed that too and off boarded the train. Kim booked the cab to Vadapalani and was trying to add a stop in between to her house. The network seems to have some problem. Satz also got his drive to his house. Kim and I got in the cab and kept trying nothing worked. She dropped me at home and in the same cab booked for her home drop.

It was laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs and laughs only all through the trip.

 I wished the clock stayed still for some more time!!!

What a start of the series of weekend outings! – Post wedding: Fun Unlimited!

We reached Lu Lu mall in about half hour or lesser than that. We entered the mall which looked just the same as any other mall. Up to the first floor in the escalator, we got into a shop which read Lu Lu shop. We struggled getting a groupie done there. We managed yet. The selfie stick made it happen.

Christ headed to the kids section, Kim picked one kurti. Satz and I were still wondering what to look for. We looked at jewellery for Nithya. He then said let’s look for bangles. At the bangles session the sales person was kind enough as Satz was doing his selection. He chose about 3-4 sets. I picked set of bands as they were big enough to bun my hair as a pony. We got the billing done and saw Kim waving at us. She thought we were playing hide and seek with her. Seriously!!!! :P

She looked for something at the earring session and bought herself a pair of wooden earrings. Christy until then was still stuck with his choices. Then we quickly helped him with his decision and got out of the Lulu Mall. We crossed and got to the other end of the road. The real fun this was. The vehicles were disciplined enough. Why? The vehicles that intended to take the bridge were free to go while those who dint want to take the bridge, they lined themselves one behind the other closer to the left side of the road. We kept waiting for share auto and when we got one they were charging double the cost.

We almost let go of 2 autos hoping to find the 3^rd one. We couldn’t see one coming any closer. We then got to the middle of the road and were waiting for the auto. Awesomely insane it seemed. There came an auto which was followed by bigger cars. Satz was only enquiring the rate and the cars started honking. The driver asked us to jump in first and we can negotiate on the way. What an experience. We all got into the running auto. I couldn’t relate anything else but jab we met. OMG! Can you seriously do something like this. We then got the negotiation done and settled for amount that we felt was fine. It was a breezy drive and we enjoyed giggling all the way. There was an anxiety because we had our train scheduled at 5.50 pm and we had only an hour left. The moment we reached the hotel, we settled the auto driver and took to heels and reached the hotel room to pack and start.

What a start of the series of weekend outings! - Jhuu’s wedding : D-Day!

We got to our rooms. Changed into comfortable wear and sat down to chat for some time. This was shortest of the discussion duration. We then bid good night to the gentlemen and got on bed. I was staring at my mobile and Kim at hers. I quite dint realise when I slept off after my chat on whatsapp as usual.

I woke up and looked at the watch. It was only 8.00 am. Ghosh! I wanted to wake up at 6.00 am and go for a long walk. I still dint stop myself. I brushed my teeth, had some water and was set to start the walk. I woke up Kim and told her I will take a quick walk around and return. I knocked at the boys’ room door and told them the same. It was a beautiful morning for sure. I walked towards the left side from the hotel and dint quite like the idea of walking as it was too busy a road and led to the main road with too many vehicles around. I took my route back and chose the road on the right side of the hotel.

It felt so nice to take a stroll as the breeze brushed along my cheek side. It smelled really refreshing. I called mom to check on her. It was Rangoli watching time with Mum on Sunday. Mom as usual dint answer the call. But returned the call in no time and yelled at me for not waiting until she could reach her mobile and answer it. We then laughed over silly topic and hung the call. I walked about 15 mins away from the hotel and then decided to walk back as I was not sure I would remember the way back beyond that point. Back in the hotel, checked on the boys and they said we can have our breakfast. I informed Kim the same and we took shower and were ready.

The boys we already waiting and we also joined them. The boys dint seem to be dressed for the occasion. I heard them say that we would leave after breakfast. But they said we will have breakfast and then return to the hotel to change into the wedding outfit. Kim starred at me I told her I heard it otherwise. She then consoled both of us - For once, we will be ready and wait for the gentlemen.

We went to a vegetarian restaurant nearby and sat at the empty table. We got the menu book (yes it was a book) and wanted to place the order. Ghee roast, Bullet Idli (it looked different name on the menu), normal idli and upma. The waiter said that normal idli is not available. I changed my order to bullet idli. We eagerly waited to know what bullet idli would look like. Satz and I couldn’t help it but stare at each other when bullet idli arrived. It was mini idli of HSB. We mocked at the menu for some time and got to the job. Filled our stomach with breakfast, we were on the road looking for a proper place to buy chips. 

We couldn’t find it and decided to head to the hotel and get head to the wedding. Kim and Christy visited ATM to withdraw cash and then we reached the hotel. The boys were ready in no time and we set to the church. We were looking for known faces and found one at few meters from the main gate of the church. He guided us to the hall by giving us directions.

The four of us were on one side of the corridor outside the hall. Kim then said lets go the other side of the corridor as we saw many women sitting on that side and we could wait there. The prayers were happening and the rituals too. Nothing I could relate much though except the smile and happiness on the face of the Bride and the Groom along with their family members.

Once done, we all entered the hall and wanted to wish Jhuu. Satz and Kim clicked lot of pics of the couple. The couple ws ready for the next custom to head to the hall for lunch. The moment the couple was out of the hall and waiting to get into the car to take them the hall, Kim / Christy thought, why not hand over the wedding gift to the couple and also click photos quickly. Without any second though, Kim grabbed Bezy and Mithun just before they could enter the car, handed over the gift envelope and clicked groupies. Hilarious moment. The whole family was waiting for the couple and we just jumped out of nowhere.  

We released the couple and they were headed to the hall. We reached the hall following the group. There was a beautifully set hall, the stage and there came the couple. Again we started our selfie session on the way itself we then moved into the hall and found ourselves a place near the stage to have a better view. The host shared with the Groom what the Bride knew about him and then vice versa. That was so cute. Then the host announced for the lunch to begin. We were closer to the counter, grabbed ourselves a plate each, served the biriyani, NV, pappadam, a bottle of water and found empty hairs at the rear end of the hall. We then also enjoyed the dessert. A2B got a bit emotional. She had to as she was seated with Jhuu for long before she had quit.

Having eaten stomach full, we got to the stage and clicked proper photos. We wished the couple a happy journey for their new beginning and took leave. We also wished the Jhuu’s father and family and bid them good-bye. At the entrance of the hall, a white piece of cloth was framed for friends and family to leave their message for the couple. We dint spare it either. We scribbled our bit of love and finally headed to the main road. In the share auto, we headed to the Lu Lu Mall.

What a start of the series of weekend outings! - Jhuu’s wedding : Long awaited Ernakkulum Junction and Family Fun!

Christy came over to our coach and asked if I needed anything. We had medhu vada and then sat together yapping. Satz’s phone rang and I woke him up. After the call, we trio had bhajji at Thrissur station. We saw Kim swinging like a pendulum on the seat. It is hard to imagine. I will make it simpler. She would sleep with her legs facing the window for some time, wake up and affirm that she is not able to sleep. Again sleep on the berth but this time with her head near the window. Once we reached Ernakkulum town, we got ready. A2B called in between and we coordinated for our accommodation. Through the journey as we got closer to the destination, I kept texting Bezy on Whatsapp and the information is again classifieds as she would shy off.

At the Ernakkulum junction station, we off-boarded the train and walked towards the exit and caught the share auto guy as it seemed to be cheaper than any taxi services. He got us to our destination and we met Bezy and A2B.

We got our rooms keys and entered to freshen up. A2B and Bezy told us about the plan of the evening function so that we can go around sightseeing if we wished to. Christy and Satz already bathed and told us to get ready too as we were all feeling hungry. Quickly freshened up and the four of us set out to look for a restaurant. We had Biryani, and appam and kadallai curry. Nothing matches the taste of Biryani in Chennai. After lunch, we decided to head to our hotel room for a small nap. It was just 2 hours nap and we started to Marine drive around 5.30 PM.

We took the share auto and reached marine drive. I was disappointed as I was imagining the Marine drive in Mumbai. My bad! We still had fun because all that mattered was we being together. We clicked lot of selfies. The sky seemed to darken and we thought it would be the usual dusk. Well, that’s not what it was. The clouds were getting darker as time passed by.

We finally decided to scoot out as we had real big droplets hitting us from the sky. Yes simply – Raining. It was so nice breeze that I mentioned to my friends – I wish we could ride when it is heavily raining. There came the heavy down pour as we crossed the road and ran to a shelter. As the rain took some break, Satz would approach the running auto to ask for drop. Kim followed him too. Christy and I waited under the shelter. The moment the auto wala was fine, kim entered and took to fleet and as the 2^nd one to jump into the auto. Then Christy and then Satz. So it was Kim and Satz who were seated at the end of the auto. Christy and I were not much affected by the downpour. Immediately Satz turned to me and mocked at me reiterating my statement – Is this how much you enjoy rain that you pushed me aside and ran inside the auto. We couldn’t stop laughing. As we neared our hotel, we took to heels again. Back in our rooms, we quickly changed into dryer clothing and assembled again to view the match. After that started out stories again. Classifieds!!! Please do not ask.

A2B called and said they were waiting for us at the function. Kim than told her we will come once the rain gets a little lighter. We quickly changed again and headed out of the hotel after 10 mins. We took an auto and reached Jhuu’s aunt’s place. The auto guy dropped us a few meters away. The sound of celebration was so loud that it led us to the right house.

The moment we were in, we could hear A2b screaming at the top of her voice. As usual excited HAK (Hyper active Kid). All the ladies were dressed alike. Jhuu still made it evident by wearing the sash which read – TO Be Bride! The whole family was singing and dancing. Every family person welcomed us with broad smile. I was so amazed to see even the children greeting us, as king our names and welcoming us. The warmth was so nice. Satz got special attention. He enjoyed it and got to have a quick glass of his drink. Christy had little vine. Satz was back with us too quick and then we had our dinner. There were dance movements and little gala time. The family dint seem to stop for the night. They took a quick nap for 15 mins yet the men of the family were singing all throughout.

Jhuu’s father was all smiles and sang his heart loud. We couldn’t understand and follow anything though. But a father’s happiness definitely knew no bounds and it reflected on his face. The fairly was back in action. Played songs, danced to the tunes of their heart though. 

Kim seemed to have problem with receiving network on her mobile. A2B guided her to the terrace and returned to us and said that Kim will be at the terrace for some time. Satz asked why not we all head to the terrace. We dint waste time and were there at the terrace. We spoke again unrelated happening. It took me by surprise when Satz mentioned about one of the wedding that was happening the next day. He lost it completely when I asked him why he never told me because he already told me that during our train travel. In fact he also showed me the pic of the to be couple too. The group just broke in big laughter at my reaction as I almost lost it and kept screaming – OMG KIM! OMG KIM! OMG KIM! OMG KIM!. I could not have been dumber I thought to myself.

Jhuu told us that one of her family member will drop us back. In about 15 mins we were set to leave. We had small topics to talk on our way. Uncle then mentioned that there was a shop close by which sold good Elaneer Shake. We were fine to try it. He took us to the shop but the shop was just shutting down. We decided to try it the next day.

What a start of the series of weekend outings! - Jhuu’s wedding : From boarding the auto till the we met Kim!

In my last post I wrote about how amazing planning works and you enjoy being out with friends and spend quality time. Well! Life just surprised me during this trip to Ernakulam. It may sound as if I am giving clue that this would have also worked. Well, that is not what I intend to say. Read along and enjoy the journey!

In March Satz calls up and shares the new that Jhuu is getting married. I was so happy to hear. It as a moment of another get together. When he mentioned that it is in Kochi and he was going to book tickets, I told him I need to check. He told that I have been giving excuses and I will find one even this time (Which is definitely not true). So, this time he will book the tickets and I have to come along. In the mean time I spoke to Mom and informed her that I have plans of traveling on 4^th May till 6^th May for Jhuu’s marriage. Jhuu calls me just after she will call me to invite personally. I congratulated her and comforted her saying, I will definitely make it this time.

I called Satz back and he says he already booked the tickets. He was really serious when he said “ You have to make it to the marriage – DOT!”. For about a month, absolute silence and as we neared the end of April, I got reminded of my May weekend plans. The first one was Jhuu’s marriage.

I called up Satz and asked for the tickets as I wanted to know the train timings. He shares a screenshot of the ticket after 2 days and still we haven’t discussed what plans as there was 2 days plan. We caught up on call on 4^th May and discussed about how to travel. The berths were still on RAC. I mentioned to get snacks so that we can kill time. Satz asked for movie too but I was sceptical to commit on it as I was not sure if my brother will have anything interesting. We hung up and confirmed to each other to catch up at the railway station.

At office it was a usual day. I however was over excited and looking forward to the travel to Ernakulam. The day passed by and by 6 PM I left office. Almost everyone could make out at office that I was excited about this weekend. I reached home by 6.30 PM and did the final touch to the packing. Mom gave me a cup of tea and I took her leave after informing Karu to take care of her and self.

Satz called up while I off boarded the auto. I already had reached and got the platform number for Alleppey express as D11. I informed the same to him and he mentioned it to Christy. Satz reached and again I was caught with not being able to direct him. He finally stands in front of me and stares at me . I understood his stare that he almost felt like knocking on my head. We wanted to get dinner for him and so we headed to the railway station canteen. Just to be sure, Satz looked at the board where the train numbers and platforms were displayed. Alas! I was dead. The platform was # 6 for Alleppey Express and I had seen it as platform 11. He stared at me and this time annoyed. How could you mention a wrong platform number. We then quickly got dinner for him, informed Christy about the platform number and headed to platform#6.

On the way Satz wished there were girls ll around in the coach. Well, I being myself, I said “ no ways. There will only be monkey crowd around”. And guess what – it was fact. Christy’s voice alone heard from a nearby distance, we started looking outside the window from him. Again he called out to us and asked to look on the opposite side. We found him there smiling and waving. It was emergency exit pane and so I asked him to jump in. The joke dint take off at all.

Christy then left his luggage with us and bought 2 water bottles. The engine whistled and we were on the way to Ernakulum. We were meeting after long and the whole night was a pandora of stories and stories and stories. What were they – Shhhhh! Classifieds! Hilarious though and we couldn’t stop talking at least until Satz felt hungry. After his dinner, we continued the stories again. I shared my bit of story which Christy was not aware and yet he held a very plain expression. Very fervently nodding though to acknowledge that he was all ears.

Around 12 Christy decided to get to his place as the TTR was on rounds. Somewhere around this time the TTR asked about our 4^th partner in crime. Kim was only going to board the train at Salem. Christy very calmly slipped the topic again under the carpet – Definitely Successfully.

Satz was on his mobile with Bahubali 2 and I was on my mobile listening to song and chatting on whatsapp with my friend. After 2 hours, Satz and I looked at each other. We again started the stories and little and kept each other awake as we were waiting for Kim to board. We had a cup of coffee each. It was little better as I was too hungry. After sometime, Satz would say 2-3 words in the sentence that he wants to talk and then hung his head. He was literally falling asleep. I told him to occupy the berth that was abandoned by the earlier passenger. Satz being the concerned Leo, he was insistent that only after Kim boarded the train, we can decide on sleeping. At 4.30 am, the train got herself into Salem station and Satz spotted Kim. We met and started yapping. Satz was too sleepy and so he dozed off. Kim placed her luggage on the berth and Satz took the 1/4^th of the berth to sleep around the luggage.

Throughout the journey from 12 am I kept pestering Satz that I was feeling hungry. All I could hear him say ”I already warned you that you will feel hungry”. Kim and I caught up on what we missed. Finally around 5.30 am at a station we saw the vendor selling biscuits. I quickly bought biscuits and jaggery-nuts snack and boarded the train. Once in, opened the biscuit and ate as much as required. Kim seemed to be feeling sleepy, found another berth vacant and stretched herself there. I couldn’t sleep as it pained in my stomach as I dint eat on time. By the time I decided to sleep it was 6.30 am. I hardly slept for an hour and could hear the vanar sena shout loud. I woke up with a heavy headache.