Selective Amnesia

Restraining order

I have been visiting a rather unwell relative of mine. A relative on my mother’s side, and he lives pretty far away – in a place called Pudukottai which is about 50 km from Trichy which is about 320 km from Madras which is about 300 odd km from Bangalore. (Alright, you know the place. OK!)

Now, this place Pudukottai (New Fort) is a pretty rural a place. Old style houses, farming the major occupation, and stuff. We lived in this uncle’s place. And had a pretty good time – considering the circumstances – visiting pre-historic and historic spots around the locality, and generally behaving like typical tourists.

The point of the matter is, why do people, especially in a rural area, go out of their way to ensure that you are comfortable. The people in my uncle’s place all bent over their backs to see we all had all that we would probably need. Beds and cots which would generally be set aside for the kids was commandeered for me. Feeding us to the brim, every 2 hours. Walking or cycling 20 kms to the nearest market to get us “city dwellers” a cool drink.

Please! Lay off! As it is, I feel like an intruder, disrupting your normal lives by staying with you folks. The best way you can make me feel comfortable is by going about with your usual routine, without trying hard to get me be comfortable. I feel like Genghis Khan, killing my way in, plundering and looting you. Just chill, and be the way you are.