Cheeru muthachi

THEKKEVEEDU -2

The steps led to the front yard. It was bordered with several flowering plants which were also allowed to grow wildly. She spotted peacock flower and mountain ebony at the end of the steps. Jungle geranium and various kinds of hibiscus flowers stood at one side. A light breeze carrying a sweet mind-altering smell made her head spin. Jasmine!! 

At one end of the courtyard, a jasmine vine had spread almost invasively on a mango tree. A bunch of flowers were fallen on the ground around it. It suddenly reminded her of her grandfather. ‘Jasmines are stars fallen to the earth enthralled by it’s beauty’. He used to say. ‘They passes through heaven. That is why they smell like heaven’. Grandfather Gopalan was a poet. She smiled to herself. She suddenly felt her mood boosted. Jasmines were her favorite. She also spotted a shrub type jasmine nearby. Hmm...this is not so bad at least. 

But in the middle of the yard her mother was frowning. Looking around Janu understood why. The yard was covered in fallen leaves and grown grass- one of the things her mother hated with a passion. At home the court-yard was broomed twice a day- at dawn and before dusk. Mother would have her head if she spotted a grass growing there. And cow dung water is sprayed at least once a week to ward of insects too.

“Seems like Mathu didn’t come.”

“Who is Math..”She didn’t get to finish her question before a voice called from behind.

“I am here edalamma.”