GP is married

Geetha Priya V.C. – She held the roll number (04MW06) just before mine in MSc – Software Engineering attendance list. “GP” had become her actual alias in college since day one. We had shared the same room for duration of 6 months during college and had accompanied her everywhere through the post graduation. Being a very popular figure (have used it sarcastically but she surely was a famous entity) in college for many reasons like:

1) Intelligence (Worked with Intel)
2) Hard work (Ranked among the few class toppers)
3) Orator- ship (Had a great command on Tamil and English)
4) Singing skill (Achacho Punnagai)
5) Dancing skill (Skirt Dance)
6) Novel choice (Mills and Boons, Ramani Chandran)

GP got married to Vijay on Nov 2, 2011in Neyveli. I had decided to take part in it for many reasons including an opportunity to meet my old friends and to take a break from the usual back breaking daily schedule.

It rained through the night heavily and so it made the process of waking up very troublesome. I managed to get up from the bed by 3:20 AM after three alarm snoozes. When I got ready to leave, the clock ticked 4:00 AM. My dad decided to drop me at CMBT in two-wheeler. Alas..! mid way it started raining heavily. When we reached the bus stand we were shivering as we were completely drenched.

The first bus to Neyveli was at 5 AM and so we decided to wait till then. Close to 5, a Neyveli TownShip bus arrived at the platform and the driver informed that the bus would leave in few minutes. I boarded it and sat in a personally chosen window seat. No travel description guys because within a few minutes I dozed off. When I opened my eyes the next time, the bus was moving (I wish I could use the term racing) in the GST road. The climate was really awesome and the soft drizzle kept the windows designed.

I managed to keep myself awake with the “Just Friends” novel of Samrit Shahi but failed now and then. When the bus reached ‘Pandruti’ we were already late by an hour. When this detail had irritated me to the core, something unexpected happened consecutively which made me clinch with the seat in fear. The travel from there to the TownShip Central bus stand was a funky, scary, weird, unexpected, tiresome, painful lullaby. The bus moved through the roads swaying side to side, making the passengers scream in fear.

When I got down at the TownShip terminus, it was 10:40 AM – which meant it was ten minutes since the auspicious time had passed. I walked towards the marriage hall after a quick enquiry. Luckily, I met TD’s parents and JP (Sorry guys. Full of short forms. TD – Dhivya Thayanithi and JP – J. Pavithra) close to the hall main entrance. TD’s mom added to my disappointment saying that Latch (Lakshmi) would have left to the Guest House by then. I walked into the marriage hall in hesitation and embarrassment as I was looking really like a clown amidst the well-dressed big shots who were there as GP’s dad belonged to the Senior Admin Section of NLC.

The Hall was decorated really well with flowers and balloons and was already half empty. When I looked around, there she was – GP was with Vijay on the dais, dressed in bright maroon saree and jewellery talking and taking wishes from few elders. She was married…! I looked around for some known figure in the hall. I was indeed relieved to find Latch who was engrossed in viewing the ceremony. I stealthily moved and covered her eyes from behind. She felt my hands and uttered… “Hema” :-)

I sat and chatted with her for few minutes enquiring about others from our batch and her travel. She suggested to refresh soon and meet Mrs. GP Vijay and I abided. In the next three minutes, another disappointment was awaiting. When I got out after refreshing, there was none on the dais. :-(

Latch walked with me to the bridegroom’s room where the couples were seated. On the way I met GP’s mom who identified me in the first go. She directed me inside and there they were seated… GP and Vijay. GP’s face brightened seeing me. “Hema…!” She addressed me in her usual tone and expression and extended her arms towards me. I walked close to her and my heart felt heavy for some reason. She made usual queries about health and travel and then introduced me to her husband (It is still unbelievable. Sorry Vijay). She showed her mehandi designed hands and reminded me that I had broken my promise. We had a formal conversation (actually an informal one through our eyes) and then I hugged her tight wishing her a very happy married life. When I was about to leave, she held my hands and said, “I missed you”. A contented smile cropped upon my face. The effort that I had taken for the visit didn’t go waste.

Latch and me assisted GP to eat but what she could push down her mouth was only a few pieces of one Dosa. She was guided to a well-decorated car for the “House Warming” ceremony at Vijay’s place. When she had left I clicked a few photos in Ram Anna’s camera and he did acknowledge my skill of photography. I had got an appreciation from a great photographer. Thanks Ram Anna…! Please share the pictures.

I spoke to Maddy on phone and assured that I would make GP talk to her before I left the place. Latch, Ram anna and me sat and spoke about everything till GP got back. Then we all made it to the dining hall while GP rested in the room. The food was really awesome. I didn’t say it just because I was really hungry then. After lunch, I spoke to GP for a few minutes and offered her to talk to Maddy. Then I clicked a few pictures as a memory of the wedding. I hugged GP again and kissed her to say bye. My heart sank again and my eyes became wet.

I sent off Latch and Ram anna. I had made preparations to leave and when I was done spoke a few words with GP’s mom, dad and Dhari. I left the marriage hall but all my thoughts pointed towards my college days. I took bus back to Chennai by 2 PM.

And...

Through the way back, the sky cried happily…!

Wishing you a very happy married life Mrs. GP Vijay…!