Ayush Homam.

Update: Click here for Ashu's photos at the Ayush Homam.

Chennai was hot. I mean really HOT. You go to Chennai in Summer, or any other time for that matter, spend a few days, attend a wedding or an engagement or an Ayush Homam and then go back to wherever you are from, all you will remember is the horrible weather and the sweating. The mosquitoes, the lack of respect by the auto wallas, porters, etc.., the in-laws are just some added perks. I mean with this kind of a weather all year through, I don't blame them for being nasty. I would be too. For Gods sake, a person cant even come out of the shower without sweating like a pig. I don't know why people even bother to shower in the first place. All you need is a deodorant stick.

Anyway, the Ayush homam/star birthday of Ashu went well. HD and I had to sit by the Homam (Holy Fire) for one hour straight and what can be more cruel than that in Madras at its hottest peak. Added to that, we were in our traditional attires. He in his Silk Dhoti with bare chest glistening with sweat and me in a Silk 9 yards Saree with my huge tummy confusing my guests whether it was the Sreemadham(the pregnancy function)! After a while, Ashu had to sit in our laps and she was hell bent on helping the priests by throwing things into the fire. We endured all this in the only hope that Ashu will live to be hundred and share her Wimbledon prize money with her parents! Lets see. We will have a Video proof of our misery to blackmail her anyway.

Ashu was wearing silk paavadai(skirt) and was glittering from top to toe in various jeweleries. My mom got very upset that I did nt make her wear the Tiara she bought for Ashu. Yeah Right, Mom! Can somebody please tell her she had her chance to dress up babies and its my turn now? And I might get only one chance to do so? And if she actually listens to you, try your luck on my MIL too. But a different message for her. That she has got her first and only chance to dress up a baby girl and to actually show or at least fake some interest. I mean for 5 years I was listening to "Is there any good news" every week(!) and all for this lack of interest? I hope at least Ashu is in your will, MIL! (Hey, that rhymes!)

To add to the misery, Ashu got her ears pierced. I got so many mixed feedbacks about the gunshot method, that I decided to go with the traditional piercing with a copper needle. My dad bought a Spray and an ointment which will make the ears go numb. He applied it in his hands and after 15 minutes, asked me to pinch him. I did and he screamed. So he got very upset and locked himself in an AC(!) room. He did nt come out until Ashus ears were pierced. I am very sure Ashu is in his will! :) Ashu sat on my cousins lap and while HD and I held her head, hands and legs, the Aasaari(ear piercer) pierced her ears. HD turned his head away as he cud nt bring himself to look at Ashu crying in pain. I did nt feel anything. Guess, women/mothers are made for this. I just plopped the milk bottle in Ashus mouth and she quietened down immediately. Thats when I felt pity. Poor thing! Whats the need to pierce her ears, I don't know? Guess, we are just going with the flow and doing what we are supposed to do. I felt very bad that I did nt have the guts to rebel! And in a couple of months, we have to shave her head! Oh God! Why?

ps. Sorry for the long delay. Was busy with a million things!