Grihapravesham on 29-Apr-2007 ::: Part 01

A minimum 1.5 years behind schedule, I finally got to celebrate the Grihapravesham of my new house at Shollinganallur. The delay was only due to the builder doing his level best in not completing the house on schedule. We didn't have any issues with him throughout and probably because we didn't have any, he took it easy and caused the delay.

Anyways, the event was held on the 29th of April 2007. I was on leave on the 27th (Friday) and was able to do my small bit towards the preparations. My parents had taken care of most of the things and I turned my attention to whatever little was left.

Friday evening, all 3 of us went to the new house in the evening. Main agenda was to "put the kolam" with "arisi maavu" and "kaavi". In the world of kolams, the wet "maavu" and "kaavi" are used for special occasions.




Obviously, my dad and I had no contributions to make in the drawing of the kolam. At best we were carriers of the maavu dabba from one place to another.

We also brought some odd knick-knacks for the function. But Saturday (28th) was going to be the main day for moving most of the goods from Besant Nagar to the new place. We packed both cars with stuff and went there. And in the evening, I had to go back there, because our plumber was coming to the new place to inspect couple of points where water was leaking.

He promised to come at 6 PM, which then became 6.30 PM and when he finally showed up, it was 7.50 PM. After a quick check of the easily accessible leakage points, he fixed up something. I finally came back home at 9.30 PM or so.

On Saturday evening, a chithappa, chithi and cousin from my mother's side had come over to my place, to accompany us for the function on Sunday. So, after working out the logistics, it was decided that I could sleep in the hall and watch TV till 11 PM only, since I was supposed to get up early the next day.

I watched the Finals till 11.30 PM or thereabouts (basically till the first wicket fell) and then I went to sleep on the sofa itself. That sofa is quite a heaven-send for sleeping and I slept well.

But I was woken up at 4.15 AM itself. I consider that an unearthly hour and when I sleep-climbed the stairs to my room, I saw my father in the hall - he was practically ready to leave, having taken his bath et al. That sight really jolted me and I actually woke only then.

We all left in the Baleno by 5.45 AM and reached the venue by 6.15 AM.