Its 27th of August 2007 , a warm and sunny day here in London and India take on England in the One Day international . This is the 3rd game in the 7 match Natwest series. After winning one and losing one game , the British media is now behind the England team to deliver the goods. All the papers have column written by experts commenting on how strong the England line up is and how it has the capability of beating the mighty Indians.
Well apart from the cricket match this day is a very significant day in each malayali's life. Today is Onam , the harvest festival of Kerala.Today is the day when every malayali rejoices the return of their beloved king Mahabali.Well as for me I remember this day when we used to get new clothes and lots of good food. My memories of Onam is taking a day off from office and having the Onam sadhya in a banana leaf.
This Onam will be different for us,and I guess Onam will never be the same again for us. I lost my grandfather earlier this year. Had he been around for Onam this year we would have celebrated Onam like as if it was the best Onam ever. I called every one in Kanahangad to wish them a very happy Onam.Every one was missing him. Specially the kids. They always get lots of clothes for Onam. I just wished I could rewind the time and celebrate one Onam with him or I just had a wish to bring him back.
Today I have realised how important it is to relish any happy moments in life.It is these happy moments that constantly move the chakra of life. I just wish that he is happy where ever he is .
I got up early this morning. Thanks to Divya as she wanted to wish me happy Onam and also wanted me to dictate a letter of absence for her to give to her teacher in college. I remember she used to torture me to write letters to her teacher while she was in school. Also spoke to Mahesh . He was his usual self.He had taken leave for Onam. Poor fellow had taken leave so that he could go to Kerala, but had to stick around since Divya didn't get leave from college. I called every one that I could know of and wished each one the best of wishes for Onam.Also called Rekha mami and wished her too . She was in her usual jovial mood. I also called Sunayana and wished her happy Onam. I then spoke to every one in Udma. All my cousins where there. Since it is Murali ellayappan's marriage on 30th all my cousins had come. I will be the only one here in London :( I am going to miss all the fun.
Well I didn't do much in the day as I was just killing the time by watching the cricket match.
England made a mammoth 281. I shut the TV off once we were 214 for 8 and realised that the match is over. I guess it was another frustrating day for the Indian fans.The myth of the Indian cricket team being the best will never turn to reality. Started my second shift at 4:00 and worked till midnight. Well technically 11:00 . After which I decided to write this post.
I guess this is my Onam here in London ,all by myself. But I just hope that this Onam bring lots of joy and happiness to everyone. May each one of your dreams come true.
