AFVOA Newsletter 03 of 2020

Section 5 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 03 / 2020 Page 123 of 167 By now, Amma regained her composure and said, “ Both of you wait right here. I’ll be back with my husband. ” She returned to the room and looked panicky. I asked, “ Amma.. Enne aachu ?” ( Mother.. what happened?) “Nothing Sid. You be here and take care of Shreyas in case he wakes up. I’ll be in room next to ours. Let me know when Appa is back.” I wasn’t sure what to make of this situation. She hung the washed clothes on armrest of the chair and left the room. Dad returned in what seemed to be like an eternity clutching the diaper packet in this hand. “Where is Amma?” “She’s in the next room talking to someone. I’ll go get her.” I walked over to the next room and saw Amma consoling the lady while the man was prostrate on the bed. I had never seen a man with so many injuries and bandages in my life. Amma quickly realized that I was scandalized by the whole scene.. “Has Appa come back?” “Yes Amma. He’s back and I came to call you.” Amma took me by the hand and we left the room. I was only 11 then. However, the image of the heavily bandaged man is vividly clear in my head till today. Back in our room and Shreyas was wailing loudly. Dad took him in his arms and patted his back. He could sense that Amma was testy and worried. He asked her, “What happened?” “There is a couple in the next room. The man has a lot of injuries and bandages. They are taking the same train as us tomorrow morning. I’m not a doctor but I’m certain that they wouldn’t be able to travel tomorrow by train. The man’s sister is getting married in four days. ” Dad lay Shreyas onto the bed and walked over the next room. I followed Dad. Excited, worried and curious, I could feel the adrenaline rush through my body. He asked the lady, “Ma’am. My wife is the next room. Why don’t you go talk to her?” “Sid. Take aunty with you.” I wanted to be there to listen to the man’s story. Nevertheless, the lady walked towards me and I walked with her to our room.