Musings

Every family has some  features which are  unique, pertaining to them only.  Such features make  a family different from others. Our family also has its separate identity very much  different  from  a common family. We speak four languages in our house. We prepare fusion food, a mix of  South Indian and Punjabi. Whereas we make Idli, Dosais, Sambhar Avial etc,  we also make  Paranthas stuffed with potato, cauliflower,and radish. We relish Sarson ka saag and makkai ki roti  as also murrukus and banana chips.
        My son's marriage was held  like a Malayali wedding and my daughter's marriage was like any Punjabi  marriage. We celebrate Diwali, Holi,   with the same fervour as Onam, and Vishu. My grand sons have Malayali  nick names, Unni and Appan and grand daughters  are nicknamed Gudiya and Rom. Both grand sons have two surnames ie. 'Menon,Suri' and grand daughters are known by  single 'Menon''
         We pray to Guruvayoor Appan and Ayyappa  with the same devotion as Ram, Krishna and Hanuman. My grand  daughter was born on Ganesha Chaturthi and grand son was born on Janamashtami. We are  deeply religious.
 Today is Diwali. My son was born on Diwali night. I was taken to the hospital when the festivities were in full swing.Young, old and very old were  bursting crackers merrily. Bombs and rockets were  making deafening sounds. Ladies  were making preparations for the Puja. In the midst of all this commotion, I raised an alarm. The baby, growing within me felt restless, perhaps excited to see what was happening in the world outside, struggled to  witness and  experience  the festive activities.We reached the hospital without any delay. The nurse, who took me in the wheelchair, said,"Beti Diwali ki raat aayi ho,bache ka naam Deepak rakhna.(you have come on Diwali night,name the baby Deepak). So the naming ceremony  was performed.
                                                 According to  date of birth, it was my birthday also. Every one wished me 'happy  birthday', with a comment that I had got a beautiful  birthday.gift. I was elated.  It is interesting that after that day, I always had a company for cutting a cake. On our 'common' birthday  we two, mother and son cut a cake jointly, and on my wedding anniversary with my hubby. I enjoy this  special attraction. Similarly  Deepak too  cuts a cake jointly with me and his better half.
  My  grand daughters speak immaculate  Malayalam with their Nani and with equal ease in Hindi and English with others.
I just jotted  down all this in a reflective mood.