Decisions taken in life are sometime really awesome and some are heart breaking. Life will always stand in front of you for many decisions. You never know the decision you take will be right one for the situation or is go wrong. But the situation makes you take decisions. Many decisions in my life have been the best and some have gone worse. I believe this is part of life and decisions cannot always be correct. Certain decisions which makes myself proud and some of them which are lesson in life are put down....
Decision of a lifetime....
One of the most proudest decision I have taken over my life was kind of a life saving. And I really mean life saving. That too my dad's. Don't remember the year. It was a few years ago. Dad had been on his vacation as usual for a month. Like anytime we had a good time with movies, cousins visits, hotels, temples and many more.
The previous day to his departure we had been to our cousin's house in Kongad (a small village in Palakkad district in Kerala). I remember it was raining on that morning. We had reached there at around 9am. I was as usual bored with the company since I was alone of my age. Mom and her group of ladies in the house and Dad his his as well. Ladies were busy talking and cooking in the kitchen. I saw all men going upstairs for something. I guessed it could be for something USUAL things. I went up to see the surprise. This time and for the first time my Dad was ARRACK (the kerala version of liquor). We use to take him some bottles of whiskey or any other drink while we go from here. But I was quiet sure he hasn't tried ARRACK ever. Even though my Mom was least interested in his decision to have it but still finally didn't care to bother them. The day went with usual talks and lunch and moreover to give a real feel it was raining as well. We left for the day and everyone bid Dad a good stay back in Dubai.
The last day came for his month long vacation and we were not in a good mood to bid him good bye for a year long stay back in Dubai (where had been for 36 years). If I remember the flight was at around 9 or 10pm from Calicut Airport. We had arranged for a taxi to drop him at the airport. The taxi and the driver was a nearby guy and moreover a friendly person. Mom, Dad and myself went to airport to see him off. By this time my brother had grown up to real man who had started earning his life back in Dubai.
We started off from home around 6:30pm so that Dad could reach airport by 7:30pm. He was always stringent that while you make an international travel you should report to airport 3 hours before departure. Even though he has traveled atleast not less than 40 times in the same route over 36 years he still insists to be there 2 hours prior to departure. Moreover he also insists us to reach airport around 3 hours before departure which we manage not to do.
We started our journey to the airport with our driver busy with all local news and talks. This helped us to make sure that there are no emotional talks within the car since Dad was leaving back to work.
Before we reached second nearest town from our home, Dad was feeling discomfort and asked our driver to stop for a while. Driver immediately managed to stop the car towards the road side. It was slightly drizzling that time but still we could manage the situation. Dad rushed to the side of a tree as he had a vomiting sensation. I could see my Moms's eyes filled in tension but was not crying. I rushed to Dad to see if he was alright. I could feel he was not well. Moreover to my surprise I saw he was bleeding. He was vomiting blood. The real blood shed I have ever seen in my life. I was really shocked to see my Dad shedding blood. The driver got some water for him and he managed to get well. My Mom told her in mind and also to my Dad that this was the affect of yesterday's ARRACK. But the car didn't go more when Dad again wanted to stop the car. This time we stopped the car but the scene was worse than before. We rushed him to the nearest clinic where he was given immediate medication. But then I needed to take the decision of my lifetime. I took the decision that Dad is not going Dubai for today. Dad was not happy with my decision and he wanted to go back to his work place. He had never delayed being to work from vacation ever in his work life. He was so much obsessed with his work and he would never take a decision to go late to work. But I had decided in my mind that he is not going for the day. From the clinic I called my brother in Dubai and told him the situation is not so good for him to travel alone to Dubai. He was upset about the condition here but I told him I will keep him posted about the condition of our Dad and better let him inform Dad's boss about his situation and Dad will not be able to come for work. After immediate medication the clinic authorities asked us to take him to a better hospital where they could him treat him since the clinic was a small entity which could not cater big health issues. The driver helped us reach the hospital on time and rest we gave it up to the doctors to take care of our Dad.
If I remember his health issues went on for a week or so and he was hospitalized for nearly 3-4 days so that he comes back in better health condition. After some medication he was as good as the perfect Dad ever and flew to Dubai to join back his duty.
I still feel the decision I took to stop him from leaving to work in Dubai was one of the most proudest decisions in my life which I mentioned as - Decision of a Lifetime.......
To begin my career....
Starting of career is everybody's turning point in life. That's the time where you feel yourself matured enough to start taking decisions of your one. Before starting my career in 2008 in Dubai I had many questions in my mind which was unanswered. I had many opinions from my relatives and friends which I had to listen to. Being a young chap who has just completed his college I was owed to listen to them but at the end of the final decision was mine. My parents and brother were totally supporting me on any decision I would go with.
By the time I was in my final year of college my brother was already working in Dubai. I remember he had bought me a tie from Dubai once he was on his leave. This started making me dream of start working. My final year exams were just a month to go and we had study leave. I was at home studying (the name sake to prove my Mom) but was busy thinking of my future. Wearing a well pressed outfit with a tie and working and earning my life. This picture haunted me in my dreams and that was just another reason for me to give least concentration on my final year exams.
One day as usual I was at my studies on the upper floor of our house this picture again came to my mind. I made sure Mom was busy at kitchen and also make sure that she feels that I am busy studying. I opened the cupboard and took the yellow colored tie which my brother gifted me. I stared at it for a while and thought why not I try to wear it and just see how I look myself. I didn't know to wear a tie nor didn't have internet connection at home to check on youtube. But somehow I made to wear it even though it was weird in looks. I dressed up like a professional and went down to surprise Mom. At the first sight Mom was like WOW, but then she realized that I was on my study leave and was supposed to be studying instead of thinking about my future career. She told me that this is all fine but that I need to concentrate on my studies now instead of career. If I don't score well in my exams all my dreams would be shattered; which took me back to my studies.
April 2008, I was finally free from my college, studies and books. I flew to Dubai with Mom for my vacation. I had planned to start my career in Dubai. But again the concern was my final year college results. Since I was too STUDIOUS people including me was not sure if I would go through my results well. By god's grace or my parents pray the results came out in May 2008 as good. Of course it was the best a college going guy could get but for me and my parents this was my best. They knew what I am capable of and I proved them correct. I passed out with a decent first class from University of Calicut. This helped me to finalize that I will begin my career in Dubai soon. Before leaving to Dubai I was ready with a fresher's CV and also the tie which my brother had given me. A fresher's CV is good as a white paper because there is nothing to mention other than your final year project works and hobbies. I just wanted to make sure that I use some good catchy words in the CV so that companies would see it and call me for an interview. Finally in July 2008, I started my first job in Haji Commercial Company, Dubai as a Sales Executive. Since then I didn't have to turn back.
The decision to start my career soon after my degree was just to be with my parents. Since my class 1 I have not been with my parents. I don't blame them for keeping us separated from them because their situation then was that it was difficult for them. Moreover we are happy and proud that we grew up in Kerala knowing the ups and downs of life in the best possible way. I was one of most luckiest person in the world to have started my career being with my parents. It is a blessing to stay with your parents while you go for work.
The mornings were busy for Mom since all three of us went to work almost at different times. Dad left home around 6:30am and me and my brother use to leave at 7:30am. Mom might have been literally busy at kitchen since she had to keep everything ready for breakfast and also she use to keep even lunch ready. My Dad wanted my Mom to have her bath before he left for work. This was because he wanted to see her seeing him off through our window. This is one of the best scenes my Dad would have ever seen throughout his life. She has managed to see him off for atleast 30+ years through our window. I don't think there was a day (other than when she wasn't in Dubai) in her life that she has not looked through the window. Also my Dad a habit of horning from his car before he left for the day which was a sign of good bye. This was part of his routine and which he even follows today. This is one trait which I have copied and pasted in my life. Moreover, he repeats the same at exaclty 3:20pm while he comes back. This is sign for Mom to make the table ready for lunch. By the time Dad would come up home and get refreshed the food would be ready on table and they have it together.
When I bought my first car in 2009, I use to do the same horning so that Mom could know that I was leaving for work. She would look through the window till I leave her sight. The best thing of being together with parents during your work is everyday you kiss your Mom before leaving for work. Since my office near to home it was more a blessing that I could go home for lunch and have lunch with her. Now I regret for that because for her it was a practice to have her lunch with Dad at 3:30pm. But then nor Mom or Dad has told that as a problem. She enjoyed the lunch with me as well.
If I would have chose to take up my higher studies instead of working I am sure I would have missed all these. Because my Dad was on the verge of retirement in another 2 years and my brother was getting old enough to find his life partner. So I said to myself this 2 years in life would be the best time to be with parents. So I decided to take my career at a tender age of 21 which is one of the best Decisions I have been able to take......
Marriage...
Decision of a lifetime....
One of the most proudest decision I have taken over my life was kind of a life saving. And I really mean life saving. That too my dad's. Don't remember the year. It was a few years ago. Dad had been on his vacation as usual for a month. Like anytime we had a good time with movies, cousins visits, hotels, temples and many more.
The previous day to his departure we had been to our cousin's house in Kongad (a small village in Palakkad district in Kerala). I remember it was raining on that morning. We had reached there at around 9am. I was as usual bored with the company since I was alone of my age. Mom and her group of ladies in the house and Dad his his as well. Ladies were busy talking and cooking in the kitchen. I saw all men going upstairs for something. I guessed it could be for something USUAL things. I went up to see the surprise. This time and for the first time my Dad was ARRACK (the kerala version of liquor). We use to take him some bottles of whiskey or any other drink while we go from here. But I was quiet sure he hasn't tried ARRACK ever. Even though my Mom was least interested in his decision to have it but still finally didn't care to bother them. The day went with usual talks and lunch and moreover to give a real feel it was raining as well. We left for the day and everyone bid Dad a good stay back in Dubai.
The last day came for his month long vacation and we were not in a good mood to bid him good bye for a year long stay back in Dubai (where had been for 36 years). If I remember the flight was at around 9 or 10pm from Calicut Airport. We had arranged for a taxi to drop him at the airport. The taxi and the driver was a nearby guy and moreover a friendly person. Mom, Dad and myself went to airport to see him off. By this time my brother had grown up to real man who had started earning his life back in Dubai.
We started off from home around 6:30pm so that Dad could reach airport by 7:30pm. He was always stringent that while you make an international travel you should report to airport 3 hours before departure. Even though he has traveled atleast not less than 40 times in the same route over 36 years he still insists to be there 2 hours prior to departure. Moreover he also insists us to reach airport around 3 hours before departure which we manage not to do.
We started our journey to the airport with our driver busy with all local news and talks. This helped us to make sure that there are no emotional talks within the car since Dad was leaving back to work.
Before we reached second nearest town from our home, Dad was feeling discomfort and asked our driver to stop for a while. Driver immediately managed to stop the car towards the road side. It was slightly drizzling that time but still we could manage the situation. Dad rushed to the side of a tree as he had a vomiting sensation. I could see my Moms's eyes filled in tension but was not crying. I rushed to Dad to see if he was alright. I could feel he was not well. Moreover to my surprise I saw he was bleeding. He was vomiting blood. The real blood shed I have ever seen in my life. I was really shocked to see my Dad shedding blood. The driver got some water for him and he managed to get well. My Mom told her in mind and also to my Dad that this was the affect of yesterday's ARRACK. But the car didn't go more when Dad again wanted to stop the car. This time we stopped the car but the scene was worse than before. We rushed him to the nearest clinic where he was given immediate medication. But then I needed to take the decision of my lifetime. I took the decision that Dad is not going Dubai for today. Dad was not happy with my decision and he wanted to go back to his work place. He had never delayed being to work from vacation ever in his work life. He was so much obsessed with his work and he would never take a decision to go late to work. But I had decided in my mind that he is not going for the day. From the clinic I called my brother in Dubai and told him the situation is not so good for him to travel alone to Dubai. He was upset about the condition here but I told him I will keep him posted about the condition of our Dad and better let him inform Dad's boss about his situation and Dad will not be able to come for work. After immediate medication the clinic authorities asked us to take him to a better hospital where they could him treat him since the clinic was a small entity which could not cater big health issues. The driver helped us reach the hospital on time and rest we gave it up to the doctors to take care of our Dad.
If I remember his health issues went on for a week or so and he was hospitalized for nearly 3-4 days so that he comes back in better health condition. After some medication he was as good as the perfect Dad ever and flew to Dubai to join back his duty.
I still feel the decision I took to stop him from leaving to work in Dubai was one of the most proudest decisions in my life which I mentioned as - Decision of a Lifetime.......
To begin my career....
Starting of career is everybody's turning point in life. That's the time where you feel yourself matured enough to start taking decisions of your one. Before starting my career in 2008 in Dubai I had many questions in my mind which was unanswered. I had many opinions from my relatives and friends which I had to listen to. Being a young chap who has just completed his college I was owed to listen to them but at the end of the final decision was mine. My parents and brother were totally supporting me on any decision I would go with.
By the time I was in my final year of college my brother was already working in Dubai. I remember he had bought me a tie from Dubai once he was on his leave. This started making me dream of start working. My final year exams were just a month to go and we had study leave. I was at home studying (the name sake to prove my Mom) but was busy thinking of my future. Wearing a well pressed outfit with a tie and working and earning my life. This picture haunted me in my dreams and that was just another reason for me to give least concentration on my final year exams.
One day as usual I was at my studies on the upper floor of our house this picture again came to my mind. I made sure Mom was busy at kitchen and also make sure that she feels that I am busy studying. I opened the cupboard and took the yellow colored tie which my brother gifted me. I stared at it for a while and thought why not I try to wear it and just see how I look myself. I didn't know to wear a tie nor didn't have internet connection at home to check on youtube. But somehow I made to wear it even though it was weird in looks. I dressed up like a professional and went down to surprise Mom. At the first sight Mom was like WOW, but then she realized that I was on my study leave and was supposed to be studying instead of thinking about my future career. She told me that this is all fine but that I need to concentrate on my studies now instead of career. If I don't score well in my exams all my dreams would be shattered; which took me back to my studies.
April 2008, I was finally free from my college, studies and books. I flew to Dubai with Mom for my vacation. I had planned to start my career in Dubai. But again the concern was my final year college results. Since I was too STUDIOUS people including me was not sure if I would go through my results well. By god's grace or my parents pray the results came out in May 2008 as good. Of course it was the best a college going guy could get but for me and my parents this was my best. They knew what I am capable of and I proved them correct. I passed out with a decent first class from University of Calicut. This helped me to finalize that I will begin my career in Dubai soon. Before leaving to Dubai I was ready with a fresher's CV and also the tie which my brother had given me. A fresher's CV is good as a white paper because there is nothing to mention other than your final year project works and hobbies. I just wanted to make sure that I use some good catchy words in the CV so that companies would see it and call me for an interview. Finally in July 2008, I started my first job in Haji Commercial Company, Dubai as a Sales Executive. Since then I didn't have to turn back.
The decision to start my career soon after my degree was just to be with my parents. Since my class 1 I have not been with my parents. I don't blame them for keeping us separated from them because their situation then was that it was difficult for them. Moreover we are happy and proud that we grew up in Kerala knowing the ups and downs of life in the best possible way. I was one of most luckiest person in the world to have started my career being with my parents. It is a blessing to stay with your parents while you go for work.
The mornings were busy for Mom since all three of us went to work almost at different times. Dad left home around 6:30am and me and my brother use to leave at 7:30am. Mom might have been literally busy at kitchen since she had to keep everything ready for breakfast and also she use to keep even lunch ready. My Dad wanted my Mom to have her bath before he left for work. This was because he wanted to see her seeing him off through our window. This is one of the best scenes my Dad would have ever seen throughout his life. She has managed to see him off for atleast 30+ years through our window. I don't think there was a day (other than when she wasn't in Dubai) in her life that she has not looked through the window. Also my Dad a habit of horning from his car before he left for the day which was a sign of good bye. This was part of his routine and which he even follows today. This is one trait which I have copied and pasted in my life. Moreover, he repeats the same at exaclty 3:20pm while he comes back. This is sign for Mom to make the table ready for lunch. By the time Dad would come up home and get refreshed the food would be ready on table and they have it together.
When I bought my first car in 2009, I use to do the same horning so that Mom could know that I was leaving for work. She would look through the window till I leave her sight. The best thing of being together with parents during your work is everyday you kiss your Mom before leaving for work. Since my office near to home it was more a blessing that I could go home for lunch and have lunch with her. Now I regret for that because for her it was a practice to have her lunch with Dad at 3:30pm. But then nor Mom or Dad has told that as a problem. She enjoyed the lunch with me as well.
If I would have chose to take up my higher studies instead of working I am sure I would have missed all these. Because my Dad was on the verge of retirement in another 2 years and my brother was getting old enough to find his life partner. So I said to myself this 2 years in life would be the best time to be with parents. So I decided to take my career at a tender age of 21 which is one of the best Decisions I have been able to take......
Marriage...
The most happiest decision and the decision that will make me happy over my life. When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of the life to start as soon as possible" (line from the 1989 famous American romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally). I just decided this. I realized from the people around me and from the culture I was bought up, that in marriage there is no second innings. You aught to keep playing the complete innings till the last breath.
2014 the year I got married. I use to tell as a joke during my childhood that I am ready to get married even after I completed my class 10. But for sure that would have been too early to be a long term relationship since at that age you don't know the world around you. You only know the small world of your friends and parents. You can't think a world beyond that.
2013 sometime in May if I remember my cousin Vineeth got engaged and they decided to get married in 2014 January. Since he got engaged obviously mine was the next in line as per family customs. He is elder to me by 2 years but as a family custom the next person in line to get married was me. I hadn't planned of a marriage but I had this though of getting married soon. Since Vineeth got engaged we cousins planned for a get together to celebrate his bachelor party. We filtered and ended up to meet at Chennai at another cousin's place. We planned and finally did the bachelor party successfully in Chennai. It was fun with cousins talking about Vineeth's future life after marriage and making fun of everything related to that. I was sure during the 3 day tenure one day would be for me who is next in line. I was mentally prepared for the cousin's battle for my future discussion. As expected the day came when all cousins checking on my future requirements for my would be life partner. As I believe myself a romantic guy all my cousins were curious to discuss about my plans. What my would be should look like, what should be her qualification, what qualities do I wish should have in her and many more questions. I enjoyed the session and managed to provide answers for all possible questions.
January 2014, Vineeth got married and I started preparing myself mentally that anytime from now I will be hooked. I had always requested my parents that I didn't want a long time gap from my engagement to marriage. The maximum I wished was just 6 months and I believed its enough for us to know each other. Sometime in early Feb, during a usual weekend call to parents they were asking about my interests and if I was mentally and financially ready to bring a partner to my life. Due to my character, my parents feared that I would find a partner of my own and then tell them that this is my life partner. But somehow I managed not to get into that and told them I am mentally prepared for it. I could see the glow in my mom's eyes when I said I will give you chance to go around in the city to look for my partner. Long time back I remember my dad tell that he wanted to roam around in the city, discuss with his friends and relatives about an alliance for me and then finalise the same. I regret to the fact that I couldn't give them many chances to look for my life partner because I happened to finalise my girl with less thoughts. One of my biggest dreams about my marriage since long was to at least to see 3-4 girls, go to their home, have tea (which is a custom in Kerala...heheh), come out and talk with the girl in private (again part of a custom) and then go home and tell parents "Not this mom. She is not matching my thoughts so I will opt for someone else". Fortunately in my case, I had finalised my girl just by a first look in Skype.
March 2014 - preparations which started off in early 2014 got its fire in March. I had already registered myself with matrimony sites which was accessed by my parents, brother, sister in law and myself. Discussions use to happen on a daily basis of that girl is ok, this girl is not so on and so far. Many proposals had come from many parts of Kerala and also from people settled in Muscat since I was based in Muscat then. Finally the matrimony site gave us the name Shruthi Raveendran. My parents went into details of the girl and the family. The result was awesome and moreover they were from my ancestral home town in Palakkad, Kerala. Parents started discussing with her parents, exchanged horoscopes and started positive discussions with family members and friends. I was also excited to know that I am soon going to get married. I started talking about my proposals to my friends and relatives and it all went well.
My parents checked the horoscope and simultaneously her parents also checked it in Bangalore. Both of the sides had got opposite results. While one side the result was go ahead, the other side the result was not to go ahead. This again came to discussion and finally after second round of horoscope checking both the parents came to an agreement that we will go ahead with the same. The moment was just a blush on my face as I was sure this is my lady and I am going to live with her the rest of my life. My friends in Muscat told me that I am blushing after I decided the Decision of my life. When I look back to that day, I feel yes I was blushing the moment. By March 15th everything was finalised and we started our talks over the phone. I remember the first day I talked to her over the phone. My company is Muscat was hosting an event and all including me were busy in the preparations for that. The previous day I told my mom that next day I will call Shruthi sometime in the morning. I wanted to know what would be the best time for me to make my first call since she was doing her projects internship in some company in Bangalore. The event was supposed to happen in a hotel in Muscat where we all were getting prepared for the event. I managed to get a few minutes out of the busy day to have a first talk to my lady. I went down to the main lobby in order to have a good privacy while I talk to her. I made the call but unfortunately she didn't pick the call. Might be that time she was busy with something or she too wanted to have some privacy. I messaged her telling that just give me a miss call or message me once you are free. And after a while I got a reply saying that she is free now and could I call her. I didn't have a second thought on that and immediately made the first call to Shruthi. We talked for about 20 minutes if I remember. Just the initial talks, like what, where, when, how all sort of questions and answers. It was a nice moment talking to her which made me blush more. After the talk, I went back to the event which was happening in the first floor. As expected, my thought was least in the event and only my physical existence was there.
This phone conversation went on to be a habit which was part of my daily routine. We are keen to see for the first time. Since we were in two different parts of the world seeing in physically was not an option. All thanks to Internet and Skype. Some day during our telephonic conversation we finalised to have a Skype video chat. We were waiting to see each other, although we have seen our pics in Facebook and also other wise.
That was the moment. We didn't see till, but we and our parents were in full interest to take this proposal ahead. We fixed the date of March 25th to do the first Skype chat. I came from office, took a shower, (which was not usual) just made sure I look better (I know I look good as always...hehe) kept my laptop on charge, switched on the AC in the room and then messaged her that I am going online. As expected, our first video chat didn't work out well due to some connection troubles on the other end. But since we were so much eager to see, we planned to do it the next day. So on 26th evening, the same preparations were done and the Skype got connected. I found Shruthi sitting in between her parents wearing a yellow churidar like a very obedient good girl. My would be father in law was a huge man with a big beard and mom was like the daughter quite and simple looking. The first video chat was not the best since I could not talk free to Shruthi who was sandwiched between her parents. We talked for a while and called it a day. But then that day I was supposed to confirm to my parents on a YES or NO. I didn't have to think twice to pick up the call and tell mom...YES go ahead with the proposal. They were delighted and so I was. I decided to live my rest of life with Shruthi by just seeing her on Skype. My conscious said to me... "this is your girl". My parents asked me am I sure that I will go ahead with this or do I want to see the girl physically before we finalise. I said its a big YES from my side and I don't want to see physically again to reconfirm. I was sure that even if I go and see her my answer would not change. The excitement was even more at both ends. The parents decided to conduct an engagement ceremony on the 02nd of May'14 from Bangalore.
Meanwhile, my parents made their first ever visit to Oman, even though they lived in Dubai for 35 years. Now the excitement was doubled since I am getting engaged and moreover my parents are coming to Muscat to set me ready for my married life which was not so long to go. By then I managed to get an accommodation from my company. To my surprise I was given a 1BHK flat in the same building of my office. My office was in the 2nd floor and home at the 5th floor. This was really a blessing as I can reach home and office in not less than a minute. My house was getting ready to welcome the girl. I started dreaming about married life, things to do, things to buy for the new home and how to prepare myself for getting married and welcoming my lady to my life.
All set and the D day arrived. April 30th from Muscat my parents along with me flew to Bangalore via Sharjah. My brother joined us from Sharjah airport and my sister in law was supposed to travel to Bangalore the next day since she was working and was not in a position to take a day off. We landed Bengaluru International Airport around 2am on May 01st.The temperature around the city was ok but for me it seemed to be the best climate around since my mind was full of coolness. We completed our immigration processes and was on the way to pick our luggage. An official from the customs department in the airport stopped me immediately after our hand bags were scanned. He asked me to follow him but didn't mention as to where and for what. By then my parents were already about to reach downstairs to collect the luggage. I followed the dark fat guy all through the lift and reached down. He was quite and there was complete silence between us. I could guess out for what he took and why he took me. The lift reached the downstairs and the guy moved out started walking as slow as a snail. I followed the same way like an obedient boy. We stopped on the way and he saw my gold bracelet on my right hand wrist. He said without any doubts "yeh naya he" (this is a new one). I told him no it was at least 5 years old since that was the gold ornament I bought with my first salary in my life way back in 2008. His intention was not to stop me but to gain some extra money from me which I had no plans of giving. The walk continued till we reached another person whom I believe is the big boss. He asked me"kya huva" (what happened). I said I don't know and this guy asked me to follow him. They started talking in their language which I didn't understand but could make sure what could have they discussed. Before the big boss could have told anything more I told him the bracelet is an old thing and moreover I have a gold chain on my neck which I showed to him. I told him the next day was my engagement and I have come to attend the function and will leave the city the day after. Don't know what happened, soon after I told the fact of my engagement the officer was please enough to leave me and also he didn't forget to congratulate me on my engagement. I said a thanks and left out.
Once we reached out I saw the big beard man coming towards us welcoming. I understood it was my would be father-in-law. We shook hands and then came a big black Scorpio (4 wheel driver from Mahindra). Since I was expecting my life partner to be in airport to receive me, my eyes were inside the car but to my unfortunateness it was Suraj who dropped down from the car; Shruthi's brother. My hopes and expectations of my life partner to come and pick me was no more since we got inside the car and we moved towards the city of Bangalore. We reached Jalahalli around 4am (if I remember). Our stay was arranged in a hotel where next day the function was supposed to happen. Once we got out of the car my mother-in-law and some aunt of hers came to me and said Hi. They were on their way to the temple and since they saw me they just thought of saying a Hi and go. They left for temple and we went inside the hotel and got our rooms. We had little time to sleep since it was already morning and we had to leave for the "pennu kanal" (seeing the girl for the first time) at around 9:30-10:00am. By 9:00 I could see our rooms filled with cousins all around. Vineeth was an unexpected surprise (although I knew it) and we slowly started moving towards Vaishnavi Ratnam apartments which was exactly opposite to our hotel. We crossed the roads in groups as we were not less than 50 people. Walked over to reach Block H and got into the lift. The lift was small just to accommodate 4-5 people of a standard physique. Someone pressed 5 on the board and we landed at the top most floor of the building. Immediate right of the lift was the house where I should be entering. I was shocked to see at least 150 number of shoes of chappals outside the house. I understood that the house is filled with people and was not even sure if I could see my "life" between them. We entered one by one to the house and as expected I could find many faces from kids to aunts to grandparents who were staring at me from all angles of the house. A few kids were running around the house and I was in tension with excitement. We were asked to be seated and all my cousins made sure that I sat almost on the end of the sofa. Once we were seated started coming people to me introducing themselves as "I am Shruthi's Dad's cousin, Mom's cousin....". I didn't even know who Shruthi was (since we haven't seen other than in Skype and other social media) but relatives started flowing towards me introducing themselves. I could only give a fake smile and say ohh.. ok...because my eyes were searching for her which I could not find. Everyone else came except her. I waited patiently till we were called for tea to the table. I seated myself on of the chairs which was close to the kitchen entrance. From the kitchen I could see a tray coming towards me. And yes it was my girl. Dressed in a pink churidar with bangles on her hands, bindi, earrings and a small chain on her neck. Shruthi came towards me with the tray of tea cups and I picked one among them. My brother was sitting opposite to me and I could see a small smile on his face which then busted out to a laughter among all of us. Me and my brother had discussed about this moment. I wanted my girl to hand over the tray of tea cups to me which was always a fantasy in mind. Even my brother had planned the same to do that during his Day, but unfortunately it didn't work out for him.
After the tea, as a custom we were given some free time to spend ourselves. We left the house and though will have a small walk around the building surroundings. We went downstairs spent around 30-40 minutes talking for the first time face to face. Once everyone was dispersed my family including me and hers including her planned for lunch get together somewhere outside so that we get to discuss on what is for future and how to do. It was again excitement for us both since we were again to get some time of our own. We went to Kamat restaurant which was nearby. We ordered some food and by the time the food reached on table me and her just left out from the senior citizens and went to a calm ambience within the restaurant area. We started talking but we were sure there could not be any end to it. Vineeth also had joined us so that my brother would not be alone in this group. Our first click was taken from there while we were seated on a bench and my brother took a snap for us.
May02 - we got engaged in front of which was not less than 200 people in a small hall. She was wearing a dark violet saree and I managed to get a similar color shade for my kurtha. We exchanged rings and we geared up to live together.
May03 - we officially got married in the court. We had planned this purposefully in order to get the marriage certificate. Marriage certificate was compulsory in Muscat in order to apply for a family visa. We got the certificate and I requested my father-in-law to drop us somewhere outside so that we can spent some more time between us since I had to pick the evening flight back to Muscat.
Time flew and the calendar touched Sept 04 where we really got married from Kerala with all tradition customs and moreover in front of a bigger crowd. The Decision to get married is always the sweetest decisions that I have ever taken in my life.....
March 2014 - preparations which started off in early 2014 got its fire in March. I had already registered myself with matrimony sites which was accessed by my parents, brother, sister in law and myself. Discussions use to happen on a daily basis of that girl is ok, this girl is not so on and so far. Many proposals had come from many parts of Kerala and also from people settled in Muscat since I was based in Muscat then. Finally the matrimony site gave us the name Shruthi Raveendran. My parents went into details of the girl and the family. The result was awesome and moreover they were from my ancestral home town in Palakkad, Kerala. Parents started discussing with her parents, exchanged horoscopes and started positive discussions with family members and friends. I was also excited to know that I am soon going to get married. I started talking about my proposals to my friends and relatives and it all went well.
My parents checked the horoscope and simultaneously her parents also checked it in Bangalore. Both of the sides had got opposite results. While one side the result was go ahead, the other side the result was not to go ahead. This again came to discussion and finally after second round of horoscope checking both the parents came to an agreement that we will go ahead with the same. The moment was just a blush on my face as I was sure this is my lady and I am going to live with her the rest of my life. My friends in Muscat told me that I am blushing after I decided the Decision of my life. When I look back to that day, I feel yes I was blushing the moment. By March 15th everything was finalised and we started our talks over the phone. I remember the first day I talked to her over the phone. My company is Muscat was hosting an event and all including me were busy in the preparations for that. The previous day I told my mom that next day I will call Shruthi sometime in the morning. I wanted to know what would be the best time for me to make my first call since she was doing her projects internship in some company in Bangalore. The event was supposed to happen in a hotel in Muscat where we all were getting prepared for the event. I managed to get a few minutes out of the busy day to have a first talk to my lady. I went down to the main lobby in order to have a good privacy while I talk to her. I made the call but unfortunately she didn't pick the call. Might be that time she was busy with something or she too wanted to have some privacy. I messaged her telling that just give me a miss call or message me once you are free. And after a while I got a reply saying that she is free now and could I call her. I didn't have a second thought on that and immediately made the first call to Shruthi. We talked for about 20 minutes if I remember. Just the initial talks, like what, where, when, how all sort of questions and answers. It was a nice moment talking to her which made me blush more. After the talk, I went back to the event which was happening in the first floor. As expected, my thought was least in the event and only my physical existence was there.
This phone conversation went on to be a habit which was part of my daily routine. We are keen to see for the first time. Since we were in two different parts of the world seeing in physically was not an option. All thanks to Internet and Skype. Some day during our telephonic conversation we finalised to have a Skype video chat. We were waiting to see each other, although we have seen our pics in Facebook and also other wise.
That was the moment. We didn't see till, but we and our parents were in full interest to take this proposal ahead. We fixed the date of March 25th to do the first Skype chat. I came from office, took a shower, (which was not usual) just made sure I look better (I know I look good as always...hehe) kept my laptop on charge, switched on the AC in the room and then messaged her that I am going online. As expected, our first video chat didn't work out well due to some connection troubles on the other end. But since we were so much eager to see, we planned to do it the next day. So on 26th evening, the same preparations were done and the Skype got connected. I found Shruthi sitting in between her parents wearing a yellow churidar like a very obedient good girl. My would be father in law was a huge man with a big beard and mom was like the daughter quite and simple looking. The first video chat was not the best since I could not talk free to Shruthi who was sandwiched between her parents. We talked for a while and called it a day. But then that day I was supposed to confirm to my parents on a YES or NO. I didn't have to think twice to pick up the call and tell mom...YES go ahead with the proposal. They were delighted and so I was. I decided to live my rest of life with Shruthi by just seeing her on Skype. My conscious said to me... "this is your girl". My parents asked me am I sure that I will go ahead with this or do I want to see the girl physically before we finalise. I said its a big YES from my side and I don't want to see physically again to reconfirm. I was sure that even if I go and see her my answer would not change. The excitement was even more at both ends. The parents decided to conduct an engagement ceremony on the 02nd of May'14 from Bangalore.
Meanwhile, my parents made their first ever visit to Oman, even though they lived in Dubai for 35 years. Now the excitement was doubled since I am getting engaged and moreover my parents are coming to Muscat to set me ready for my married life which was not so long to go. By then I managed to get an accommodation from my company. To my surprise I was given a 1BHK flat in the same building of my office. My office was in the 2nd floor and home at the 5th floor. This was really a blessing as I can reach home and office in not less than a minute. My house was getting ready to welcome the girl. I started dreaming about married life, things to do, things to buy for the new home and how to prepare myself for getting married and welcoming my lady to my life.
All set and the D day arrived. April 30th from Muscat my parents along with me flew to Bangalore via Sharjah. My brother joined us from Sharjah airport and my sister in law was supposed to travel to Bangalore the next day since she was working and was not in a position to take a day off. We landed Bengaluru International Airport around 2am on May 01st.The temperature around the city was ok but for me it seemed to be the best climate around since my mind was full of coolness. We completed our immigration processes and was on the way to pick our luggage. An official from the customs department in the airport stopped me immediately after our hand bags were scanned. He asked me to follow him but didn't mention as to where and for what. By then my parents were already about to reach downstairs to collect the luggage. I followed the dark fat guy all through the lift and reached down. He was quite and there was complete silence between us. I could guess out for what he took and why he took me. The lift reached the downstairs and the guy moved out started walking as slow as a snail. I followed the same way like an obedient boy. We stopped on the way and he saw my gold bracelet on my right hand wrist. He said without any doubts "yeh naya he" (this is a new one). I told him no it was at least 5 years old since that was the gold ornament I bought with my first salary in my life way back in 2008. His intention was not to stop me but to gain some extra money from me which I had no plans of giving. The walk continued till we reached another person whom I believe is the big boss. He asked me"kya huva" (what happened). I said I don't know and this guy asked me to follow him. They started talking in their language which I didn't understand but could make sure what could have they discussed. Before the big boss could have told anything more I told him the bracelet is an old thing and moreover I have a gold chain on my neck which I showed to him. I told him the next day was my engagement and I have come to attend the function and will leave the city the day after. Don't know what happened, soon after I told the fact of my engagement the officer was please enough to leave me and also he didn't forget to congratulate me on my engagement. I said a thanks and left out.
Once we reached out I saw the big beard man coming towards us welcoming. I understood it was my would be father-in-law. We shook hands and then came a big black Scorpio (4 wheel driver from Mahindra). Since I was expecting my life partner to be in airport to receive me, my eyes were inside the car but to my unfortunateness it was Suraj who dropped down from the car; Shruthi's brother. My hopes and expectations of my life partner to come and pick me was no more since we got inside the car and we moved towards the city of Bangalore. We reached Jalahalli around 4am (if I remember). Our stay was arranged in a hotel where next day the function was supposed to happen. Once we got out of the car my mother-in-law and some aunt of hers came to me and said Hi. They were on their way to the temple and since they saw me they just thought of saying a Hi and go. They left for temple and we went inside the hotel and got our rooms. We had little time to sleep since it was already morning and we had to leave for the "pennu kanal" (seeing the girl for the first time) at around 9:30-10:00am. By 9:00 I could see our rooms filled with cousins all around. Vineeth was an unexpected surprise (although I knew it) and we slowly started moving towards Vaishnavi Ratnam apartments which was exactly opposite to our hotel. We crossed the roads in groups as we were not less than 50 people. Walked over to reach Block H and got into the lift. The lift was small just to accommodate 4-5 people of a standard physique. Someone pressed 5 on the board and we landed at the top most floor of the building. Immediate right of the lift was the house where I should be entering. I was shocked to see at least 150 number of shoes of chappals outside the house. I understood that the house is filled with people and was not even sure if I could see my "life" between them. We entered one by one to the house and as expected I could find many faces from kids to aunts to grandparents who were staring at me from all angles of the house. A few kids were running around the house and I was in tension with excitement. We were asked to be seated and all my cousins made sure that I sat almost on the end of the sofa. Once we were seated started coming people to me introducing themselves as "I am Shruthi's Dad's cousin, Mom's cousin....". I didn't even know who Shruthi was (since we haven't seen other than in Skype and other social media) but relatives started flowing towards me introducing themselves. I could only give a fake smile and say ohh.. ok...because my eyes were searching for her which I could not find. Everyone else came except her. I waited patiently till we were called for tea to the table. I seated myself on of the chairs which was close to the kitchen entrance. From the kitchen I could see a tray coming towards me. And yes it was my girl. Dressed in a pink churidar with bangles on her hands, bindi, earrings and a small chain on her neck. Shruthi came towards me with the tray of tea cups and I picked one among them. My brother was sitting opposite to me and I could see a small smile on his face which then busted out to a laughter among all of us. Me and my brother had discussed about this moment. I wanted my girl to hand over the tray of tea cups to me which was always a fantasy in mind. Even my brother had planned the same to do that during his Day, but unfortunately it didn't work out for him.
After the tea, as a custom we were given some free time to spend ourselves. We left the house and though will have a small walk around the building surroundings. We went downstairs spent around 30-40 minutes talking for the first time face to face. Once everyone was dispersed my family including me and hers including her planned for lunch get together somewhere outside so that we get to discuss on what is for future and how to do. It was again excitement for us both since we were again to get some time of our own. We went to Kamat restaurant which was nearby. We ordered some food and by the time the food reached on table me and her just left out from the senior citizens and went to a calm ambience within the restaurant area. We started talking but we were sure there could not be any end to it. Vineeth also had joined us so that my brother would not be alone in this group. Our first click was taken from there while we were seated on a bench and my brother took a snap for us.
May02 - we got engaged in front of which was not less than 200 people in a small hall. She was wearing a dark violet saree and I managed to get a similar color shade for my kurtha. We exchanged rings and we geared up to live together.
May03 - we officially got married in the court. We had planned this purposefully in order to get the marriage certificate. Marriage certificate was compulsory in Muscat in order to apply for a family visa. We got the certificate and I requested my father-in-law to drop us somewhere outside so that we can spent some more time between us since I had to pick the evening flight back to Muscat.
Time flew and the calendar touched Sept 04 where we really got married from Kerala with all tradition customs and moreover in front of a bigger crowd. The Decision to get married is always the sweetest decisions that I have ever taken in my life.....
