Tamil short stories

Tamil short stories written by Goutham Balasubramaniam.

(தமிழ் தெரியாத நண்பர்களுக்காக ஆங்கில வடிவில்)

(Transliterated in English for those who cant understand Tamil script)
Complete translation into English *Coming Soon*

       My Unforgettable Birthday That I forgot to celebrate

I couldnt remember much of our conversations. New year eve 2011..PG project phase 1 submission date was nearing. me and Premnath were still being reckless. still no idea of preparing the report.

We'd rented a home during 2nd year of our Master's degree course. 

5:30PM 1st Jan 2011.Arunkumar woke me up. I just remembered that We'd a plan to visit Nellaiappar temple on New year's eve.

Arun: Enna da oru madiri iruka.

Me: Project than.. Oru idea vum illa machi. innum 4 days than iruku submission ku.

Arun:Vidu machi pathukalam..

hmmm...

Arun: Dei.. Tiger ku call panni room ku vara sollu (Call to Prem and ask him to come to our room)

Me : Karthir varana?

Arun: Varuvanu ninaikiren.

Me : sari rendu perayum vara solliru.

Arun: ogei..

6.45PM

On the way to Nellaipar temple.

I was still depressed, obsessed, Bothered and everything bad about the project.

(எல்லாருக்கும் project இருக்கு. ஆனா report ரெடி பண்ண தெரில .. எனக்கும் prem கும் ப்ராஜெக்ட் ஏ இல்ல )

me : Dei. Prem.. Project ku enna da panrathu.

Prem : Summa vaa man. Ellam nadakum podhu nadakkum.

me :Dei ellarum inaiku night eh reporta ready panniruvanga da

Prem : adhellam panna matanga man.. avanga namma guys..

me : irundhalum avanga kita oru project irukuda..

Machi. . kammunu vaa. all is aleka..

me : Gumka

7.00 PM.

Call from Venkat ( Machi no offense)

Me : machi Venkatesh sollu da..

Venkat : aang. . Gautham.. machi oru help da..

Me : enne solra..

Venkat :Project ku idea yedhavadhu kududa.

(ஏற்கனவே என் டிரௌசெர் கிழியுது .. இதுல இவன் வேற சிரிப்பு காட்டிகிட்டு )

Me : machi.. nan project nallapadiya varanum nu kovil ku poren.. vandhu pesuren da..

Venkat : seri da.. ne free ya irukum podhu enaku unoda IEEE papers mail pannu da..

Me : ok machi.. kandippa anupuren..

8.30 PM. Mind was unstable.. A kind of distortion occupied my mind. though I was in the temple, i couldnt even get a single positive thought about tomorrow. May be I am Hyper sensitive to problems. Anyway, I dont want such whirling distortion.

8.45 PM

Augustin called.

Augustin  : Dei.. பங்கு .. வரும்போது. இருட்டு கடைல அல்வா வாங்கிட்டு வா டா ..

Me : ssshaabaa.. seri da.

9.15 PM.

Returning home.

Prakash :  Enanunga Goutham..

Me :Sollungna..

Prakash :Unga laptop kidaikuma.. project report type pannanum nga..

Me : ithelam kekanum.. yeduthukonga naa.

(ஆகா மொத்தம்.. நான் மட்டும் தான் வெட்டி ?? நோ நோ .. Prem உம் இருக்கானே .. )

At home.

Me : seri. yaarukellam sapadu venum.. sollunga nanum prem mum vangitu varom.

Arnii : Machi enaku 2 parota and one rava dosai.

Me : done machi..

others : .illa machi.. engaluku sapadu venam..

Me :Enda ??

others :sapta thookam varum. report work panna mudiathu..

avan avanuku projecte illayaam..ivanunga alumbukku alave ila da.. chai..

(கொஞ்சம் நேரம் காணாம போயிருந்த mind problem .. மறுபடியும் வந்துருச்சு.. ஏன்டா எனக்குனே வந்து வாச்சுருகிங்க .. )

night sapdave thonala..

but Prem niraya order pannan.. enakum konjam konjama pasika arambichuthu..

right-u..attack...

Nalla saptachu..

me : Arnu??? enna da panra..

Arun : Facebook machi.

me : Laptop eh terrace ku kondu va machi..

Arun : ogai.

12+ AM.

Me : seri machi project report nalaiku type panna arambikalam. ippo thoonguvom.

Next day. 2nd Jan 2011

Me : early morning .. lack of sleep. tired. Mottled eyes. hmmm..

என்ன டா இது எனக்கு மட்டும் ஏன் இப்படி கொழப்பமாவே இருக்கு.

Calling Prem.....

Me : Tiger ji..

Prem : Sollu baa...

Me : wat doing I Say..

Prem : Sleeping I Say

Me : Project ku enna da panrathu?/?

Prem : Pesama thoongu man.. nan room ku varen, aparam sapda povom. then shopping.

(என்ன?? project eh பத்தி மட்டும் பேசவே மாட்டேன்குறான்.. )

Me :Shopping?

Prem : ama man. vijay musicals la DVDs vanganum..

Me :sari evening povom.

Prem : saptu udane povom man. afternoon padam pakanum.

Me :sari machi. nan ready aguren.

Prem : But still everybody is sleeping. Ippadi poruppe illama thoonguranunga bloody fellows.

8.00AM

8.30

8.35

9.00

9.15

9.39

10.17...

Calling Prem..

Me :dei.. engada iruka..

Prem : Ippa than da enthirichen..

Me :hmm.. seri sikiram vaa..

Prem : sari man. aei machi.. nan vandurren.. aparam sapda polam da..

(ippo ithu onnu than kurachal.. )

Me :sari sikiram kilambi va daa.

11.30AM.

Prem comes to room.

Prem : enne man kilambitiya .. polama..

Me : dei..

Prem : nan dan sonnen la.. saptu shopping polam nu.. va machi polam...

sari rightu.. saria thoongala.. tension.. sapadala.. breakfast lunch rendum onney..

Vijay musicals la DVD shopping and Bharathi hotel le lunch..

Back to room.

Prem : DVD eh podu machi padam papom..

(படம் செம மொக்க.. ரொம்ப நாளா வராத தூக்கம் ..இப்போ வந்துச்சு .. .)

Evening 6.30+.

Prem : va machi tea kudikka povom..

polam..

Me :  dei.. tea kadaiku than da polam nu sonna..

Prem : ama man.. we are going to the Archana bakery.

Me :  right-u da tiger ji..

Ipadiye night morning evening nu time waste aachu...

ORU NAAL..

3rd Jan 2011 afternoon..

Prem : dei gauti va en room ku polam..

.. at room..

Me :machi prem.. enaku oru idea thonuthu..

Prem : enna idea..

Me :Project ku oru idea..

Prem : enna nu sollu papom

.. sonnen.. he was impressed.. We sat together and extended our work. We did a paper work, lots of circuits, sensors, concepts on current and battery... ooohooo.. I am Einstein Part-2.

yeppadio.. oru project eh yosichu workout panni.. expand panni.. adha rendu project ah pirichu. aaluku onnu nu pirichukittom.

but (3rd Jan) night varaikum nanga work start pannala. Because, basically nanga rendu perum somberis.

2 days to project submission.

Sometime in 4th Jan 2011

work started ..lots of fear, problems technically and emotionally, decided not to take unnecessary breaks.

work continued..

it was 10 PM..

i was bit tired..

still longggg way to go..

wondering how many chapters prem would hav finished?????

oru vela niraya chapters mudichurupaano..

cha cha .. irukadhu!!

sari confirm pannikuvom..

Calling prem..

Me : dei. .tiger . room ku va..

...

Me : vaa.. enna velaya irundhalum inga vandhu pannu da..

..

Me :  no dinner.. only tea..

1AM ovvuru report chaptera complete aite irundhuchu..enaku ille... For prem. arun. augustin, and others..

nan innum 1st chapter la than irundhen..

hmm.. slow and steady wins the race da Gauti. commonn.. MOVEEE

so i seriously started working from 2 am of 4th JAN..

then i started a plan..pattern.. or a follow up for my Project work..

took my time.. put in all my experience on the WWW. to extract the data..

felt happy when i got the data.. they were probably wrong.. my Einstein Kidney said its wrong..

anyway i managed.. everything is Fair in Plagiarism or whatever..

We all sat together.. that was the best time we had together.. a perfect time to show our bond .. our effectiveness in team work.. itellam illa.. we were nagging .. bragging.. abusing each other.. but were working on our project.

SOooo. by 6AM of 6th JAN 2011. all of us had completed our project report.

THE WORST THING IS I'D NO IDEA HOW 5th JAN had passed just like that. and It was my birthday.

Birthday That I forgot to celebrate :-( 

OH bloddy crap..

Finally the report was ready. Everybody were busy i making final touches.

but I was simply wondering.. HOW THE HELL ON EARTH I MANAGED TO COMPLETE THIS DAMN REPORT. MANN.. ITS A MIRACLE..hmm..

Augusting : enna machi.. project mudichuta pola..

Prakash : kalakunga.. goutham..

HAPPYY DA SAAMMII...CHAIII.. veeta katti mudikira madri .. ene oru tension.. intha sappa matteru kaa??!

SHAME SHAME DAA..

MY MIND IS FREE.. FINALLY i mananged to smile..

took bath after two days.. Einstein takes bath..

                                                           SUDDENLY BRAIN SAID

" INNUM PROJECT eh GUIDE ACCEPT PANNALA THAMBI. avaru Project eh maatha sollitaaru na"

                                                            செத்தான் டா சேகரு

guide kitta kadha solli .. project OK pannathu oru thani kadhai.

___________________________________________________________

Project Pirantha Kadhai

INCIDENTS EXPLAINED IN THIS STORY ARE TRUE, BUT ARE NOT INTENDED TO HURT ANYONE's EMOTIONS.

hmmm.. oru valiya Project phase 1 report ready panni guide kitta kaati, 2 hours moochu thenara thenara explain panni yeppadiyo avaru satisfy aaitaru.. next day sign-um pannitaru.. apada.. nimmathi..

ini presentation ready panrathu mattum dhan vela. .

11th Jan 2011, 9.00am.

VIVA day vandhuchu. . ellarum presentationla pattaya kelapunanga.,aana veliya vandhu EXternal romba serious type niraya questions kekuraru nu sonnanga.. Enaku konjam konjama beedhi kelambuchu..

ellarum romba naala prepare pannitu vandhurupanga. nan nethu night dhan ppt eh mudichen.. hmm.. velanguna madiri dhan.

(ஒரு வேல எல்லாருக்கும் இப்படி தான் இருக்குமோ!!)

VIVA oru prechanayum illama smootha poiruchu.

oru kustam mudinchathu..

13th Jan 2011, 9.45PM.

Arun raj called..

dei gauti FORD ku poniye enna da achu..

...

apadiya?? innum late aguma?

...

vera engayavadhu try pannuda!!

(Try பண்ணிடாலும்)

hmm.. ne phase 2 enna da panna pora??

nan BHEL le try pannitu iruken da machi.. Feb le project start airum da..

super ba. kalaku kalaku.

21st Jan 2011, 5am.

Me, Arun and Prem at driver's colony house.

Dei..

enna da..

Prem room ku poitanaa

(Prem)

Prem ta than da pesitu iruka..

Dei tigerji phase 2 ku enne da panrathu...

ippadi than ne phase 1 ku polambite irundha.. ippo phase 2 kum polambura man nee..

tension ah iruku machi..

sari.. ne apadiye thoongu. nan room ku poi ready aitu varen..

ready aagi??

college ku poi **** sir eh papom..

adhellam workout agara madiri therila machi..

aagum .. Dont worry man..

இதுக்கு பேரு தான் confidence :P

11.30 Am. Annauniversity.

ore kolappam.. irundha ore oru idea vayum phase 1 la pottachu, ipo enne panradhu.. hmmm.. sari prem solra madiri **** sir eh poi paapom. college ku ponaa.. avaru leave vaam.

call panatuma??

venam gauti..avaru personal matter ah poirupaaru.

ogai. nan poi****sir eh pathutu vandhen..

வந்தா project ஓட வா தம்பி .. இல்லனா நான் சொல்ற project பண்ணு .

avaru sonnathu oru core mechanical engineering project. enaku en field eh mulusa theriathu. ithula Mechanical engineering veraya. adhunaala nan vera project panrenu solliten. guide kadupaaitaru.

23rd Jan 2011

Arunraj project ku ippove kelambi poitaan. Arunkumar and Co. Visteon ku kilambi poitanga. Prakash anna cbe poitaru. ippo nan mattum thaniyaa, ivlo periya veetla.

cha. pona vaaram namma veedu yeppadi irundhuchu.. ippo verum veedaa iruke..

Tirunelveli ku vandha pudhusula ippadi than thaniya irundhen :( adhu oru 12x5 room than. adhula thaniya nan mattum. worst days of my life. hmm..

ippo adhe thanimai.

summa veliya ukkandhu.. veetla ku opposite la irundha ground eh vedikai pathutu irundhen..

romba neram vedikkai pathathula thookam vandhuruchu.. ulla poi thoongiten.

6.30+ pm

Prem called..

de nanba..

sollu prem..

room le power ille, engayavadhu veliya povoma.

Kandipaa.. நான் வேணாம்னா சொல்லபோறேன்..

veliya poitu.. nalla saptutu.. vazhakkam pola vijay musicals la DVDs vangitu veetuku vandhu padam paathom.

25th Night..

dei gauti.. nalaiku oru idathuku porom da..

enga machi??

Amba samudhiram.. iyer hotel ku da. polama.

Mr. Tiger

Yes Mr. Gauti..

sapadu vishayamna.. intha gauti enga kooptalum varuvan,,

26th Jan 2011, around 2 pm.

Ambai road..

dei gauti.. solla marandhuten..

enna machi..

bike la head lamp fuse poiruchu..

Ai jolly...

Hahahhehhey.. sikiram saptutu return airuvom tiger ji..

Yes baa..

Pogira vazhiyellam.. sariya vandi ottathavangala thitikitte vandhaan prem.

.. ambai ku ponathum iyer hotel la saptutu return aagum podhu. it was getting dark. no head lamp in prem's bike.. indicator eh vechu samalichu nellai ku vandhu room la settle aanom.

27th early morning ..

Unknown no.. calling..

dei manguni..

yaaru??

dei.. vignesh pesuren da..

endha vignesh??

BE Onna padichome..

DEI... jimmy... yepadi da iruka..

thambi.. ippa pesa neram illa.. ne pesama nalaiku Thenkasi ku vaa..

thenkasi??? anga enna da panra.??

reliance energy limited le iruken machi.. oru project vishayama vandhen..

ogai done.. tomoro tenkasi le meet pannuvom..

Nanum Vignesh um romba close. first sem le.. aparam romba touch ille.. romba naal kalichu nanbana pakapora sandhosam..ithu endha Android o, apple-o kuduka mudiathu.. friend naala mattum varum..

That morning.. prem called..

Gauti vaa nellaiapar kovil ku polam.. namaku avaru arulala than project idea vandhuchu.. come on i say..

~ஓ வாட் எ செண்டிமெண்ட் !!!~

so. nanum prem-um Nellaiapar kovil ku poitu, prem tenkasi ku enne bus yethi anupitaan..

tenkasi le irunguna udane..

dei.. goutham.. porambokku.. inga paaru da. .

turned to the direction and saw the buddy..

rendu perum sernthu padam pathutu.. Tenkasi vishwanathar kovil ku poitu vandhom.. night eh nan nellaiku vandhuten.. adhuku apuram vignesh nan paakave illa :(

கதையே இனி தான் ஆரம்பம் ..

29th Jan 2011.

college lerndhu thedirnu call vandhuchu.. project matter le oru periya prechana airuchu.

itha udanadiya solve pannalana en matter over ..

Amma ku call pannen..

Maa.. enaku udane *** cements ku poganum, mama no. vangi kudunga..

nan than appove sonnenla..project le yaarayum nambathaa. *** la pannunu.. nan solratha ippavadhu kekaknum nu unaku butthi vandhuche..

maa. yen ippo tension pandringa.. no. vangi kudunga. nan inaiku night eh ooruku varen..

NIGHT Tirunelveli Bus stand.

prem enna send off panna vandhaan.

Machi. neeyavadhu oru nalla projecteh yeduthu sei da..

Prem, **** la kandippa project irukum da. HR te pesi paakuren.

hmm,, ne pesi paaru.. nanum try panren..

ogai machi.. kalaila phone panren.

bus moving out of nellai. Cha.. ellarume poitome.. Prem thaniya enna pannuvaan. thaniya romba kasta paduvaane.. innum 5 months iruku project mudikka.. adhu varaikum enna pannuvan.. enna than project work pannalum, romba bore adikume..ingaye irundha prem irupaan, vignesh ratheesh ellarayum pakalam.. erode le thaniya nan mattum enna panrathu.. prem kum serthu oru project ready pannanum..

அதுக்கு மொதல்ல **** cement factory குள்ள நம்மள விடணுமே ..hmm.. ரைட்டு டா ..

Inside factory office..

mama, factory ku vandhuten,,

ok da, ne waiting room le iru.. personal manager vandhu unna meet pannuvaaru..

romba neram aagiyum yaarum varala.. nane personal manager room ku poi...

door Knock Knock..

Knock knock..

dei manager ??? irukiya sethutiya da??

he couldnt hear me!!!

I just entered into his room.

He was looking at me like an awful thing ..

Sollunga enna venum..

Sir,, I am********************...

Okay..

i wish to do a project here .. here is my proposal sir.

looking puzzled at the proposals, the manager.

Oh, you are the kid reffered by Mr.***

yeah sir, he is my relative.

Oh, I see. U see Mr. goutham. u can pay an inital payment of Rs.*** and can do projects here.. and we'll give u the report. u can go print tat out.

But sir, my proposal...

adhellam theva illai thambi.. Sari Neenga BE enne course..

வெலங்கிரும்.. sir nan BE illa ME..

Ayayo thambi.. inga MA lam project panna mudiathu pa..

Sir MA ila ME ..EEE..

adhan pa.. andha range ku inga project illa..

okay, thank you sirji..

Mama kitta sollitu oruku kilambunen..

appo manasula ore kolappam, bayam, tension.. project kidaikala. guide nalla kazhuvi kazhuvi oothuvaaru. avangaluku enna badhil solrathu..

udane guide *** sir ku call pannen..

Sir, goutham pesuren..

sollu da..

inga project kidaikala sir.. ME ku illanu sollitanga..

sari college ku va.. pesikalam nu sollitu call eh cut panitaru..

inoru call panna balance illa.. sari recharge pannuvom..

naa aircel 100 ku EC pannunga..

தம்பி 500 க்கு சில்ர இல்ல .. போய் மாத்திட்டு வா

karur bus stand kulla kadai kadaiya eri irangiyum change kidaikalaye..

kadaisila oru bus conductor kudutharu..

சில்ர பொழப்பு டா.. ச்சை.. oru recharge ku kooda ippadi alayanumaa!!

enaku mattum yen than ippadilam nadakutho..

bus le yeri ukkandha udane.. oru kutty thookam + kanavu..

adhula...

Prem.. and Arun... were talking too much technical stuffs.. (இது சாத்தியம் இல்லைதான் .. பட் இது கனவு தானே )

adhula arun ennamo Simulation simulation nu solraan.

kanavu kalanchu.. nan prem ku call pannen.

Calling Prem..

Dei. machi..

enne man project kidaichutha??

illa da.. ne simulation nu oru thadava sollirkala..

ama.. matlab..

pesama namma Phase 1 project eh extend pannita enna machi???

itha than nan first lerndhu sollitu iruken.. ne than kekavae illa.. sari project enna achu..

inga ME ku project illayam.. pimpiliki pilapi..

right machi.. kilambi orruku va ba..

inaiku night enga veetla briyani da.. nalaiku night oruku kilambi varen.

aleka machi..

gumka the tiger ji..

வெளிய எவ்ளோ தேடியும் நமக்கு ஒரு விஷயம் கிடைக்கலனா .. அது நம்ம கிட்ட தான் இருக்குனு அர்த்தம் ன்னு Statistics சொல்லுது ..

Monday morning at nellai.

College la .. infornt of everyone.. *** sir was really annoyed with me and ignored my proposals and excuses.

neelam.. ennathuku da laayakku. oru project seyya mudiala.. poda.. nan unaku guide panna maten..

>>>aparam dhan enga thala.. savior of the day vandhaaru..*** Sir

what da gauti? *** enne sonnaru..

inime guide pannamaten nu sollitaru sir.

hmm..

enaku neenga project than vangi kudukala.. guide aavathu pannunga.. mathatha nan pathukuren..

Dei.. gauti.. come . I'll guide u throught this da..

aaahaa தெய்வம் சார் நீங்க nu avarkitta join panniten..

interestingly he told me to do a fish bone diagram.. aparam padi padiya project le circuits add panni.. simulate panni mudichachu..

our project was literally over by the end of FEB.. that means 20 days after joining *** Sir..

illatha oru circuita uruvaaki.. adha ellarum namba vechu.. dakalti panni.. project eh mudichomla..

but Final VIVA June 27th thanae???

adhu varaikum seyya yedhum illaye..

இருக்கே

.. to be continued..

___________________________________________________________

போலாமா ராமேஸ்வரம் 

INCIDENTS PORTRAITED IN THIS STORY ARE TRUE, BUT THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO HURT ANYONE'S EMOTIONS OR SOCIAL ISSUES.

My encounters when I once travelled from Tirunelveli district to Rameswaram, the birth place of Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

 i enjoy all my travels.. I am a touristtt !!!!

ithu nadanthathu May 2013 la.. date nybagam illa, but kandippa May than.

College le vacation lam mudinchu, oruvazhiya tirunelveli ku vadhu serndhen. chinna vayasula irundhe leave mudinchu school/college ku porathuna oru kaduppu. teaching job ku vandhum intha pazhakkam pogala.

Morning Appa call pannaaru.

dad: thambi ooruku poitiya.

....

dad: sari unga amma rameshwaram polam nu sonna..

Me : O.. dharalama polamae..

dad: unaku yeppa leave irukum nu sollu, poitu varuvom.

Me : ippo than vacation mudinchu join panniruken, udane leave poda venam, innum oru masam pogattum.

dad: sari..

(end of call)

2 days later..

Dad calling...

dad : enna da room ku vandhutiya..

...

dad : sari intha maasame leave irukuma??

...

dad : illa unga amma ku intha maasame rameshwaram poganumam!!

Me :  amma vuku mattuma?? illa namma family la ellaruma??

dad : ellarum dhan.. as usual amma dhan tour ku thalaivi..

Velangirum..

dad : hahahaa.. seri nee leave irukanu pathutu sollu.

Me : sari pa.

என்ன suddena ராமேஸ்வரம் ??? அதுவும் பரம்பரையே கிளம்பி வருது ..

my family sincerely plans and executes plans for such pilgrimages only. no happy trips or picnics :P. Kovilkuku porathuna mattum ellarum onnu serndhudu vanga.

Kandippa kovil trip la minimum 10 temples vandhurum. nammala paithiyam aakama vidamatanunga. car la periya pasangaluku ukkara idam irukadhu.. saria thoonga mudiyathu. sathama pesakoodathu. 3 idly ku mela vangithara matanunga. bayangara kaduppa irukum.

இதையெல்லாம் நினைச்சாலே சங்கடமா இருக்கு .. ம்ம்ம்ம்

the very next morning ..

Dad calls..

Dad : dei.. nee leave pottu tu erode ku vandhuru. nama inga irundhu kilambi rameshawaram poitu .. unna anga irundhu tirunelveli ku bus yethi vidrom.

me : appa! leave ..

dad : leave??

me : leave kidaikudhanu therila pa..

dad : ne innuma kekala..

me : pa.. nenga nethu evening thane pesuninga. nan inaiku college ku pona thane therium..

dad :dei. nan unta 3 days ah sollitu iruken.. u dis obedient fellow..

(Grrrrrrrr)

dad : sari.. afternoon phone panren..

நல்ல வேல காலேஜ் ல CL இருந்துச்சு. .

That Evening ..

Calling Dad..

me : Appa.. leave iruku.. nan nalaiku oruku kilambi varatuma??

dad :leave ezhuthi kuduthutiya??

me :illa pa..

dad :sari, yeppo kilambanum nu nan solren..

me : ogai..

One week..

Two weeks..

the Last week of May..

Dad Calling..

sollungapa..

dad : thambi ne friday kilambi ..

me : Kilambi..

dad : Rameshwaram vandhuru..

me :  ங!!!! Nan mattuma ?? nenga ellarum??

nanga car la varom da.. nee night kilambi rameshwaram vandhru..

me : sari..

அதான பாத்தேன் ..என்னடா நம்ம வீட்ல கரெக்டா பிளான்லாம் பண்றாங்களே ன்னு.. ஹிஹிஹி .. ஆரம்பிச்சுடானுங்க

dad :kelambitu unaku call panren.. ne time adjust bus yeridu..

me : sari pa.. enne sudden change plan la???

dad : adhelam unga amma va kettuko..

(எல்லாத்துக்கும் அம்மாவ கேளு .!!!)

me : sari.. nan kilambi varen..

The next day in college, college la vela seiratha illa leave apply panratha. nalla vela principal yedhum kekama leave sanction pannitaaru. nan thirumbhavum cabin ku poitu irundhen.. yedhir la oru tuticorin boy vandhaan..

me : Dei, thambi..

Student : Sir..

me : Nellai le irundhu Rameshwaram ku Mid night la bus irukuma??

Student :therila sir.. yarutayavadhu ketu sollren ..

me :  hmm...

Moments later..

Sir.. midnight la bus irukadham.. neenga bus change pannithan poganum.. Tuticorin illa na thiruchendoor pona rameshwaram bus kidaikum..

(ivan correct ah than solraana?? illa adichu vidrana??)

Student : Rameshwaram porathuku yedhuku tiruchendoor poganum.. paya namala suthalla vida pakurano..!!!! irukadhu..

me : ok da thanks..

:)

.. Friday night ..

Dad calls..

dad : dei. nanga kelambitom.. early morning vandhurvom.. ne kilambi vandhuru..

hmmm..

dad :rameshwaram vandhutu call pannu.. vandi anupuren..

hmmm hmm..

That same Night..

Arun raj & me  Me went for having dinner at our regular hotel. annaikunu paathu hotel super super items ah serve pannitu irundhaga.. ai jolly nu sapda order panna arambichen.

Arun : machi.. night travel pana pora.. niraya sapdatha daa..

yen??

stomach valikkum.. travell pana mudiathu..

(Sari kammiya ve sapduvom)

2 idlies and a banana..

dei arun 11.30 ku alarm vechuruken.. elupi vitruda..

sari machi.. nanum mulichurundha unna elupi vidren..

ம்ம்ம்க்கும் ...

nalla thongitu irundhen..

Deiii ... Deiii ...

machiiiee Deiii ...Deiii ...Deiii ...machieee... elundridaaa.....deeiiii...

... ..... .. . .. .. .. .

faint noise..

who is the DISTURBANCE..

mulichu paakum podhu Time 12.30AM..

dei venna.. enda enna elupala..

podanggg.. unna 11 mani le irundhu elupite iruken.. nee dhan maadu madiri thongura..

sari sari.. tension agatha..ipo enne vidincha pochu..

(ஓ யாரோ தூரத்துல மச்சி மச்சி ன்னு கூபுட்ற மாதிரி இருந்துச்சே ..அது இவன் தானா )

Sari machi.. nan kilamburen.. nalaiku night vandhurren..

Ok. da..

So my journey started.. 

இனி எத்தன பஸ் மாதி போகணுமோ .. எத்தன கிலோமீட்டர் போகணுமோ யாருக்கு தெரியும் .. அண்டாவா ..அற தூக்கத்துல இப்படி அல கழிக்குறாங்களே ..

room le irundhu bus stand ku poitu irundhen.. 12.50Am exactly. room vittu pogum podhu time eh pakuradhu.. en habit I say..

Appoo..

walking down to bus stand.

ஆரம்பமே அசத்தல்

Sudden ah power cut. ada cha.. itha yosichu than 11.30ku kelambalam nu nenachen. ippo late panni power cut matikitene. sari ..

...குத்து மதிப்பா நடப்போம் ..

nalla vela.. bus stand kitta konjam light iruku. there is a hospital near to bus stand, they must have a generator. i got some light..

road eh cross pannum podhu, i felt i was not alone. Yeah, I got company. I turned around to see who was that. Couldnt see the face, but its a woman in saree carrying a handbag..

i slowed down a bit to see her clearly. hmm.. yeah thats a woman alright :D.

i slowed down to let her pass. We were nearing the auto stand inside the bus stand. and now its very dark..

But now I heard foot steps behind me.. i turned back but couldnt see the people coming..but like shadows.

That lady who was walking just ahead of me, suddenly stopped and turn around..

WHY?

my heart beat pounded fast.. an auto rickshaw came from the back side.. now i was able to see her face clearly.

IT's NOT HER.. IT's HIM.. OH no .. this not good.. that person was a transgender. She turned and came walking to me .. and signalled me for ******

உலகத்துல எத்தனையோ தொழில் இருக்கே .. இதத்தான் பண்ணனுமா.

that transgender looked stronger.. like a bodybuilder. Even if I say NO. she may snatch my chain, wallet and my wrist watch. OMG!! i need to run.

Chai... i need to get away from these people, bus stand la, theatre la, train la.. Intha madiri sila transgenders tholla thanga mudiala. ooru ku train la thaniya poravanga kitta asingama pesurathe ithungaluku velaya pochu.

Gear eh maathu da gauti.. anga oda arambichavan.. tuticorin bus platformla than ninen..

sari .. namma rameshwaram poganumla.. adha marandura koodathu.

time 1.00am aagiyum rameshwaram bus um varala. tuticorin bus um illa..

time keeper te keten. rameshwaram ku last bus poiruchu paa. early morning thaan tuticorin kum bus...

சூப்பர் !!!! நான் அப்போவே நெனச்சேன் .. ஆரம்பமே அசத்தல்

thoongama irundirundha.. rameshwaram bus eh pidichurukalam.. poche.. vada poche.. ippo thookam poi., midnight eh thaandi road le nikkuren..

sari ippo ore oru alternative than iruku.

nellai->madurai->Rameshwaram. enna oru 200 Km extra varum pola. vara vazhi illama.. madurai ku polam nu mudivu panni.. madurai platform ku ponen..

summa solla koodathu.. andha time la kooda summa jay jay nu kootam..

inaiku nan bus yeri.. madurai ku poi .. anga oru bus kidaichu..கிழிஞ்சுது...

but for my luck i got a seat in a bus very soon.. Finally the journey started by 2 hrs delay.

texted dad..

Ive Crossed tuticorin.

..

put mobile in pockets and slept for while.. when i woke up.. bus was at Kovilpatti bus stand. This time .. a REAL beautiful girl walked in. .

 I AM BAADDDDD MAANN..

இது நிஜம் தானா ,, இல்ல கனவா. .

she sat on the aisle beside my seat. agaa . kovilpatti la ivlo azhagana ponna?? sooobbeeeerr..

apadiye ava phone yedutha.. yeduthu..yarukko location share pannuchu.. udane call vandhuchu avaluku..
sanda poda arambicha.. pottukitte vandhaa.. madurai vanduruchu..

nan yeppavo seat maari ukkandhuten.. yedho bus full airuchunu oru ponnu vandhu ukkandhuchu.. adhum committed, also a mental. cha..

4.45am,at Madurai Maatuthaavani bus stand..

onna .. renda.. 8 platform vechurukanunga.. ithula nan rameshwaram bus enganun yeppadi kandu pidipen. :(..

ramnad bus irundhuchu.. adhula yeri ukkanden. oru co passenger eh paathu keten..

intha bus rameshawaram poguma ..

'pogathu' nu sollitu avan thoongitaan..

keezha poi conductor ta keten.. Rameshwaram pogathu. Ramnad than pogum nu sonnaru.

oho.. ramnad vera. rameshwaram veraya.. hmmm...

ippadiye.. madurai to ramnad then to rameshwaram nu poitu irundhen... madurai ie irundu oru second kooda thookame varala. buring eyes .. thirsty .. very tired. but couldnt get sleep.

i just reached rameshwaram by 7.50am.. temple is still far away.

விதி இனிமேல் தான் விளையாடும் ன்னு தெரியாமலே நான் பஸ்ல தூக்கம் வராம வேடிக்கை பாத்துட்டு இருந்தேன்..

hmm.. i was waiting for Paamban (பாம்பன் ) bridge to come. 2+Km ride :) 

Dad called.. 

dei.. mani 8 aachu innuma ne vandhu serala??

bus kidaikala pa.. adhan time airuchu..

sari enga iruka??

Pamban bridge la iruken..

Sari .. bridge mudincha udane.. left la oru bus stop la bus nikkum adhula irangiru..

left laya?? yen?

soldratha seida Useless fellow..

hmmm..

(he is a typical indian father)

pakkathu seat le oru navy man irundharu. avarukita rameshwaram temple ku yeppadi poganum nu keten.. 

he replied in a gentle and clear manner. I thanked him. 

Oh! innum rameshwaram porathuke 11Km iruku. anga irundhu oru town bus pidichu than temple ku poganumam.

Calling Dad..

He didnt pick up..

So i continued my journey.. rameshwaram pora vazhi la thaan INS*** iruku. oru vela andha navy man anga dhan poraro?? 

Later.. At Rameshwaram bus stand ..

bus stand ku vandha podhu time 8.15 irukum nalla pasi. thookam vera illa, tiredness pottu thaakuchu. ippo edhavadhu sapda kidaicha nalla irukume nu nenachen. kandipa yarum saptruka maatanga, avangaloda join pannikalam. 

Dad called..

appa .. nan.. bus st...

dei. anga oru town bus eh pidichu kovil ku vandhuru.. 

car anupurennu sonninga..

car laam varathu ivlo thooram vandhutela, appadiye bus pidichuva..

OK..

( I told u.. he is a typical indian)

Bus no.3 shed me to the main entrance of the temple.

direct sun made something to my eyes.. stomach brattled..

Again dad called and told me Come to the hotel Opposite to the temple entrance. I went there and searched every table.. no sign of  them. Called to dad and asked Where they were.

Dei.. u useless fellow.. how long should we wait in the hotel. Where were u roaming around. Cant u just find this  hotel.. Okay.. come to the road that leads to the ocean..

OH!!! Dear family u cant wait just 2 more min for me???? I travelled 400KM  and reached my destination with lots of wear and tear. Blaming me Useless.???? Nice, I say.. Gaut hold ur temper da..

I couldn’t find them on the road to ocean. Too much crowd..

Called to dad.. again he didn’t pick up..

என்ன டா இப்படி அலையவிடறீங்க

Oru china vishyatha communicate panna mudiala. Enna Useless nu sollringa..

உள்ளக்குள் ரொம்பவும் கோவம் வந்துச்சு ..என்ன பண்ணி தொலைய .. நான் என்ன தெரு பிள்ளையார் கோவிலுக்கா வந்துருக்கேன் உடனே வீட்டுக்கு திரும்பி போக .. வந்ததும் வந்துட்டோம் ..

Apadiye theditu vandhen..oru autorickshaw la Ammavum Chithiyum ponanga. Nalla vela Chithi enna pathutanga. Udane autova niruthi enna pick up pannitanga.. appo dad call pannaru,

Dei.. u ***** fellow. Engada pona??

Appa nan chithi kooda auto la poren..

Onnum venam . nera koviluku va..

What??? Nan saria thoongala, onnum sapadala. Ivlo thooram travel pannathula ore kasa kasanu iruku.. travel bag eh thookitu evanathu kovil ku povana??? Why is dad talking like this???

Amma phone eh vangi. Gouthama room ku kutitu porom. Konjam refresh aitu varatum nu sollitu cut pannitanga.

Hotel ponom.. apada konjam rest edukalam. Sapada edhvadhu irukum nu nenachen..

But for my bad luck.. Room key appa kita irundhuchu..

avaraku call panna tension anaaru... avaru vandhu key kuduthu.. nan refresh aga.. innum 30 min airuchu.

Kovil ku kootitu porom nu sollitu ..Tonsure section ku kutitu poi mottai adichanga..

இன்னும் என்னென பண்ண முடியுமோ எல்லாம் பண்ணுங்கடா..

Summa vae rameshwaram la 22 wells (கிணறு) irukum.. nanga ellathulayum kulichu.. mudikkum podhu.. enaku eppo venalum uyir pogura condition..  

கண்ண இருட்டிக்கிட்டு வந்துச்சு ..

Kadaisiya Ocean la kulikanum nu en thangachi sonnaa.. ellarum ocean ku poi kulichom..

En mottai thalaile ore erichal .. burning sensation b’cas of salt water.

..

Room ku vandhu kulichen.. sapada polam nu sonnanga.. ellarum hotel le nokki nadanthom. Nalla hotel eh kandipidichu sapda ukkandhom.

Ellartayum kettutu nan dhan order panna arambichen.. Appo..

Appa voda relative oruthar anga vandhaar..

Dad: vanga ukkarunga sapadalam

Relative : Ithu punniyasthalam.. inga vandhutu unga appavuku Pindam vekkama poga koodathu voi.

Dad : sari vechuralam..

Relative : sapada venam.. ippo vango pindam vechutu vandhu sapadalam..

Dad : sari, ellarum vanga polam.. pindam enga vekkanum???

Relative : vanga nan azhachundu poren.. 2 km dhan..

யோவ் .. குடுமி ..எங்க இருந்துயா வந்த?? பவானி, ஈரோடு ல தான் உங்க இம்ச தாங்க முடியல .. இப்போ ராமெஷ்வரதுலயுமா????

Me : appo sapadu???

Dad: vaa vandhu saptukalam..

Me: nan varala neenga ponga.. unga appa ku dhane pindam vekuringa. Nan varala..

Dad : u disobedient fellow..

Me: let me be. Im starving! Cant u see..

Dad: get lost..

Me: thank u!!

Avaru typical indian.. nan illa. I’m a badass.

Andha hotel la sapada enaku pidikala.. so appadiye veliya vandhen.. enala romba thooram nadaka mudiathu. Kandipa sapte aganum. Udane oruku kilambanum.. innum Main God eh pakala. Just theertham mattum dhan vangirukom (from the 22 wells). So ASAP I must have some food for my sake..

To my bad luck, entha hotel um open agala. Nan thirumbhavum  enga lodge ku ponen.. rest edukalamae. Thoongave illaye. Room key????

Its with dad, super!!! Sari.. apadiye reception  sofa le collapse aanen. Appo dhan paathen. Reception le oru refrigerator niraya Ice creams and softdrinks.

Oh ! Yeass Abhi!!

Rendu ice creams and oru mountain dew 1.5L vangi kuduchu mudichen. I need calories. Soft drinks arenot good for health. But they carry calories. Paravala ippo konjam nalla irundhuchu. Apadiye andha sofale light ah thoongiten.

Yaaro elupunanga..

Appa!??

Vaa room ku polam.. room ku vandhu thoongu.. konjam neram pindam vekkura varaikum unnala wait panna mudiathula??

….

என் நிலைமை எனக்கு தான் தெரியும் !

Room le thoongitu irundhen.. en thangachi elupi vitta..

Enne di ..

Intha..

Enna ithu.

Soan pappadi..

Mikka magilchi dear..

niraya soan pappadi sapten.. blood glucose level rises..

Again slept.

2 hrs  later..time was 2pm..

Sari ma, nan ooruku kilamburen. Anitha, manoj, chithi kitta sollirunga.

Appa vum amma vum bus yethivida varuvanganu nenachen.. aanaa yarum varala :( ellarukum thookam varutham. car la jollya vandha ungalukke thookam varuthe.. enaku yeppadi irukum :( 

You are a LONER da gauti..

Oru pechuku kooda bus stand ku varatuma nu yaarum sollala.. Mano vum anitha vum thoongitu irupangale. Sari disturb panna vendam.

Veliya vandhu bus stop enganu visarichutu bus le yeri ukkandhen..

Cha.. papa kita sollitu vandhurukalame. Nan sapadalnu soan papadi lam kuduthale..  sari.. evening call pannuvom..

Back to rameshwaram bus stand..

Tirunelveli ku straight bus illayam.. papanaasam (பாபநாசம்) bus irundhuchu.. adhule yerunen seats full..

Conductor: enga sir poganum..

me: Tirunelveli.

Conductor yaaryo iraki vittutu enne ukkara sonnaru..

Me: paravala nan adutha bus la varen.. avara yen iranga solringa???

Cond: avan, adutha stop irungiruvaan thambi, neenga ukkaarunga..

Hmm… yeppadiyo return journey start airuchu.. conductor um pakkathula ukkandu pesite vandhaaru,, konjam 

neram kalichu rush airuchu bus.. so avarum busy aitaaru.

Enaku konjam neram thoongunathu pathala.. ippo romba romba tired ah irundhuchu.. thoongavum mudiala.

Sari nu earphones edukka bag kull kai vitten..

ஆகா . ஆகா .. அருமை ..அருமை..

FM radio kettu embuttu naal aaguthu. apadiyee kanna moodunen. 

ராமன் ஆண்டாலும் ராவணன் ஆண்டாலும் . எனக்கொரு கவலை இல்ல .. 

nan nalla thoongiten.. romba asathi. lost too much fluids and calories.. 

கண்விழித்து பார்க்கும்போது...தூரத்தில்!!!  நெல்லை நகரம் ..

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