In America

 "Ranjini is going to come, and she is going to scold everyone for not using the stand. We are all going to say it is Cinish's idea".  And so, a few of us started using the wall in the hall directly to do the decorations. Divya Vipin mentioned that Ranjini has arrived at the parking lot. I had recently watched "Jailer" (not "Petta") from theatres, and even Rajni had not got as much build up.  Meanwhile,  ladies were setting up the pookkalam on the stage. As part of the hall decoration, the circular top over which the pookkalam was to be put, got some expert level centering to position it at the middle of the stage, aligned with the "nettipattam". Ranjini was fine about the decision to use the wall, and not wait for the stand.  Divya Vipin said - "See how nicely she handled.". I think every single time I got to speak to Divya Vipin, it was all praise and adoration for Ranjini. Vijesh and Anoop had the most important task of bringing ...

The hall was bursting with activity - three rows of seating for the sadya,  women in kerala saree, men in white mundu, serving and eating a full plantain leaf of potluck homemade tasty and nostalgic dishes. What stood out on one corner was a photobooth in "vanji" theme.  Next up was cultural programs outside the hall, in the open lawn. Kids surfaced good talent in a guitar performance, and a duo song with traditional touch.  The vibe fun dance performance from the core guys hit a surprise note when maveli did not show up after heavy "maveli vanne.. " notes. As it turned out, kids had misplaced maveli's crown, and maveli decided to not show up instead of showing up without the crown.  I had turned up at Jacob's house for a group song practice yesterday. Bobby and Jacob had their laptop open, and were in a serious discussion against an excel sheet. They were not contemplating an investment decision, or doing office work. They were meticulously setting up rules...