This day That age..

Joji in his loose khaki shorts and crew cut bent forward holding his large ears. No wonder he was called the elephant eared short boy in class. This was not an unusual sight in a joint family hustling with more than 15 school going kids. A conservative, Christian family living at the city's centre was well known for its hierarchy. Kids were quiet bored hearing stories of great grandfather in Travancore court or the generous men who returned the dowry of jewelers street when great grandmother’s brother was in debt. Grandfather lead the Chaldeans to make their own identity and appa was busy in and out with his high society club mates. After the men left for work in the morning, the day would start for Joji and his siblings. Being the eldest was no fun. All kids looked up to him and nothing could save you from amma’s wrath when she found any of the younger one has got hurt. Amma’s wrath came in the form of ladles, woks or even appam chetties from the kitchen. Not even a class bunk could be missed by her. She had spies everywhere. Rosy or ‘Roci’ as they say, would shout from her classroom, ‘Dii mary!’ (dii is colloquial word for hey/ you for female friends or younger ones) your son didn’t come for class today. CMS high school shared wall with the ancestral house.



The latest Malayalam flick had become a challenge for the 7th graders. The brightly painted posters showed Sujatha in her hero’s arms. The cycle rickshaw adorned with a large mouthpiece was thronged by kids collecting colorful pamphlets. English literature seemed so boring in front of Malayalam melodies; Scarlet o’ Hara can never become Sujatha who caught everyone’s heart with her doe eyes and dark tresses. Then what was the logic of literature class on Friday first show, thought Joji. Soon he was sharing the same enthusiasm with his group. So, it was decided no matter what, Sujatha would soon be conquered. A sick leave with amma’s forged signature will be the savior. Even if she finds out, it was easier to sort matters with amma; a long face and watery eyes would soon melt her heart. After all, being the first born matters.


It was not as easy at it seemed. It was a houseful. Pocket allowance was never a tradition in those days, only timely visits at the grandparents house could get you coins. And this time they were not enough to buy tickets in black. All hopes were shattered seeing the seniors from CMS heading towards the entrance. Babu turned and looked at them with sarcasm, bunch of losers were sitting on the iron railing. Scorching heat was soon turning to beads of sweat, the rattling of soda tray was inviting. Anyway the coins were of no use now thought joji. Gazing at the blue marble in soda, Joji was reminded of his last visit to the same hall with his father. Mr. Bannerjee the owner had invited them for the inauguration. Under the white tent he had proudly accompanied his father on the stage. It was the same soda now but the emotions had changed. Mr. Bannerjee, a dark hefty man.


Mr. Bannerjee?! In no time, a special request was made for six chairs to be laid in the balcony. It was dark inside the hall, but who could miss the fair Sujatha drying her long tresses. Interval bell rung, a peon marched in, with colas for the six. The feeling that followed was mere bliss. As if the whole world was looking up to Joji. Smiling with satisfaction, his heart swelled with pride. Sujatha was so near now. His friends could not have asked for a better mate, one who belonged to the high society, could get them inside without a single pie. Someone called out for Babu from top. Charming Joji waved at the seniors seated at the first row. Grinding teeth couldn’t have been louder.


Moist eyes bid farewell to dying Sujatha . With a lump in his throat, Joji got up to leave. In the darkness of the theatre he wriggled through the crowd, hand-in-hand with Venu. The exit door was like a flash of bulb in the eyes, the blazing bright sun. As the eyes adjusted to the light, he could feel Venu touching his ears and giving it a big clinch! Fiery eyed, he turned; only this time it was Appa.