A report on vanita ice (guys, it’s not vanilla ice)

After a 50m walk in the blazing sun, u reach the entrance, where they proclaim “ 30 Rs”, a 5 re hike from before . Unlike last time, no free pens, shampoo sachets or toffees were being given. The rude woman at the counter snatches ur ticket. The loud boys then ask u to fill in ur name an address, “u may win an lg flatron tv”

Enter the ac halls. no changes have been made to the order of the stall. After the consumer goods (plasma tv, dishwasher etc etc) you encounter the furniture (5 stalls). There is an interesting offer at Faberge, 22k for a full sofa set and tea table. There is one stall for nonstick cookware.

Then we see the socks at the same corner stall where they were last time. Moving on, you are accosted by various kitchen appliances people.

There were 2 stalls selling girl-stuff. The first one, on the right, is totally knife! 80 rs for an earring (big size). 40 rs (medium size – but not good quality) then 30 rs(thin small ones – these were ok) this stall also had cosmetics. The next stall, on the left was better, mainly as the salesman spoke Malayalam. They had nice hairclips(10,20,30,40 rs) and similarly priced earrings. They also had those fancy things u hang on ur hair. Key chains were also there. Here’s one for all our smokers. There were very realistic kechains featuring a burning cigarette.

There were about 2 stalls selling cotton clothes, Kutras etc. nothing great. Rajasthani bed sheets, Kashmiri embroidery, Grasim cool fabrics, etc.

I was then accosted by the aquaguard guy, who spent 3 mins explaining how amoeba, viruses and bacteria were mercilessly destroyed by his product. (we boil water at home). The thing costs nearly 7k and you have to get it serviced there every 6 months for 130 rs. If u were to go and give it at the office for servicing, it is free. Also, if u chose to book one on the spot, you get “ madam, kuda, umbrella, free!!”

Suddenly, you see the bright sun shining outside. Many women exclaimed,” is it over?!”

But it was not. It was just a trick diversion. Ccd coffee, ice cream. Then u turn into another aisle, back into the ac. Moving on, you see the knives stall.

Here in the second section, you see two stalls for jewellery, some more cotton clothes. There is a mehndi stall – one hand 15 rs.

The clothes stalls are reasonable for kerala standards – kashmiri embroider – 200rs. Mirror work-150.

Finally, there is a delicious rajasthani achar stall – mouthwatering. 50 rs for 300 gm is the rate for most types. There is a Reynolds stall nearby.

There are 2 fake watch stalls in all. The first one has range 150-250-300. But the selection seemed poor. I saw priyanka’s white leaf shaped watch here. The second stall sells them at 150-300. But here u get more decent watches that don’t look too fake. I saw the exact replica of bilky’s watch here [J]. This shop was handing out free entrance coupons, but then again, u cn take them from ur newspaper too.

We exit into the blinding sunlight- coffee, ice cream, chaat and sugarcane juice. The chaat, at 20rs a plate is a miserable excuse for food. It is too salty. There are the other regular items too.

Verdict – go if u have free coupons. Not worth rs 30 per head.

wedding - renu's brother's

The day started at 0430 when my mom woke me up to say she was leaving. The alarm didn’t wake me up at 0830 and I woke to a surge of panic at 0909. Then I realized that I wasn’t supposed to be anywhere before 12! I hobbled out to the door to retrieve my newspapers. What would the neighbours think – asleep till 9! Oh the shame!

I scooted past the Sunday walkers and meat buyers and into the parking space at toll. Into a bus and at high court at 1143. There, I saw a deep red car with flowers on it. I mused on the possibility that this might, indeed be the car bearing Renu and her family. Had I been Unni, I would have surely walked over, rapped on the flowered window and terrified the inhabitants. After a while, the car pulled up from the kerb and passed into the side lane. It was indeed Renu inside. She seemed preoccupied.

At 1202, I saw Lisa and Smitha pass by in a bus. Lisa was superbly turned out, as everyone would later acclaim – Bilky included. Here’s an interesting anecdote: Lisa had gone with her bro to the shoe store to buy herself new shoes. The attendant, in what we must assume is the local style of kottayam, asked her,” is it your engagement?”

Lisa was at a loss for words. She later thought that if she had worn more jewellery, he might have asked,” is it your marriage?” the sandals in question, however, are not at all engagement like. White with multicolor patters.

But I wander from the main plot. On reaching the church (after passing the kappal palli) I was reminded by Lisa that I could wish for 3 things when I enter a church for the first time. She said that she wanted to visit all the 3 churches so that she could wish for 9 things. I don’t think god appreciates greed. [:-)]

We entered and saw royden and Renu. She looked smashing in her deep purple sari with embroidered mango motifs et al with sequins and stones. Her bangles too were done tastefully.

Smitha led us to the “girls “side of the church where we would take our seats. We got seats almost immediately. Lisa mentioned that the bench was too narrow. But I said to myself at that time, “it isn’t a park.. and perhaps too much comfort might induce sleep.”

The bride and groom looked awesome.

The service was reminiscent of sports day at school.

there is supposed to be a beach trip on monday - i wonder if any of the fundamentalists will turn up. many girls may not come. i wonder then, if i may go myself.

mom's gonna be away with n. she's rather scared to leave me alone. and she knows that there is nothing i can do that is against her 'laws'. i wonder what to wear on sunday. it's a christian wedding. mom says that they usually dress with classic elegance or whatever. but r's sari is rather ornate. i like wearing saris . y can't i then? hm. there is the feeling of awkardness. but shd i really care? can't i just wear what i feel like. or will they think i'm bein too self important. argh. indian dress codes. really!

one is often uncomfortable putting across to the general public thought which shd , well, be . oh forget it.
i think i shall use this medium more constructively. muhhahaha