During the aforementioned prayers, both the grandmothers were present. And apparently Mdm K (paternal) told Mdm R (maternal) that there was a shrine for the "Datuk", the Chinese demi-God, quaint mini-shrines of which, bejewel every possible corner around small streets on mainland Penang. And a similar shrine stood right outside this particular Hindu temple. Before I move on, Mdm R is a very insecure person whose emotions get stirred at the slightest of unforeseen troubles. Troubles can mean as simple as my mom catching a cold (which happened a few hours ago). According to Mdm R, she has been having sleepless nights because she failed to acknowledge the "Datuk" and because she was perturbed of something she saw while she was washing her feet.
*eyebrows raised*
This wasn't the first episode; with me, this was the third (and God knows how many more such episodes with others, her son and my elder cousin brother, for instance). I can only imagine their agitation. Mdm R can be quite a handful when she's in this mode of hers.
*eyebrows raised*
This wasn't the first episode; with me, this was the third (and God knows how many more such episodes with others, her son and my elder cousin brother, for instance). I can only imagine their agitation. Mdm R can be quite a handful when she's in this mode of hers.
Episode #1
Mdm R and her 2nd daugther (naturally, my aunt) wanted to attend a wedding reception held in Peaceful Suburb. My aunt didn't know the route and so employed my knowledge of the location to fulfill her doings. Mdm R came, or rather tagged along (she is also known to be fiercely loyal to the extended, extended family; the second ring of relatives after the immediate uncles, aunts, cousins etc. where keeping in touch was concerned). A few days after that occasion she called me up (I am gathering every inch of self-restrain to avoid cursing her daughter-another aunt of mine- whom bought her her first cell phone) and says that she had an appointment with the dentist. I, unsuspectingly drove her out assuming that a boring day was in store. But, alas, she told me, only when we were safely away from the Taman we live in, that she came out under false pretenses. And that is how I got to know the dark side of Mdm R. I drove her, not knowing how to turn her down and completely clueless as to why the journey to Peaceful Suburb was even necessary. As we drew closer to the border of the two states, she reveals that it was her intention to see the hall where the wedding reception was held. Get this; the woman gets out of the car, walks to the entrance, caresses the door and the doorknobs of the hall entrance, rubs her feet (with her sandals on of course) on the carpeting leading away from the entrance looks around, caresses the door and doorknobs several times more and then declares that she is ready to leave. Wait, there's more, at least 500 metres off the premises, she begs me to drive her back only to do the exact thing again!!!
Episode #2
During the Fire-walking Ceremony of the famed temple of the district, a chariot procession takes place as the end of the day draws near. Mdm R was present at the customary, waiting-for-the-chariot, which arrives at several pit-stops where devotees hold offerings in the form of fruits (bananas and a coconut are a must). The chariot hoists the stone image of Mariamman, a Goddess that is revered by the Hindus that live in the district. Post ceremony, Mdm R gives me a call. This time a branch from a tree where we stood waiting, apparently, brushed off her head, it seems. Mdm R goes on about how she is having another bout of sleepless nights and has a dying urge to see, touch, and yes, why not, caress the tree, its leaves and its branches. So yes, I oblige. And heck yeah, she makes me drive back to the spot not once but twice to do the same thing and this time around forces me to do the same. Good Lord, I just told God, if its one thing You do its not to have anyone that can recognise me drive through that street. It didn't help that it was a busy street and parking was only available across the street from the crime scene. Guiding and old lady across the street isn't as easy at it looks.
Episode #3
And this one comes with a date, October 21st, 2010. Yes, only yesterday. The story continues from the 2nd paragraph. Upon reaching the temple, she walks straight to the cubicle-like space where two PVC pipes are installed to enable devotees to wash their feet prior to entering the temple; a customary practice of cleansing
the body of negative energies. Mdm R washes her hands repeatedly as she caressed both the pipes like she was actually worshiping it, touching the pipes and subsequently touching her head!!! The weird actions I can take but her words took the disconcerting feelings in me to a whole new level;
*in Tamil*
Mdm R: You see, this is what is called "gila" (mad in Bahasa Malaysia)!!! Aiyooooo, I am "gila" already!!!! (repeats this several times)
Luckily this time round, the second round of the weird happenings took place before we drove away from the temple premises. Just as we were walking towards the car she pauses;
*in Tamil*
Mdm R: Waitlah aiya (affectionate way of calling a guy *sweats*), I wanna wash my hands one more time. *scurries off to the pipes*
I have never resented doing these favours for her. If for any reason, it is probably because I kind of understand her worries. She's ageing, almost at death's grasp. Surely, if one is longing for something, he/she would like to see/touch/feel/experience it for one last time before his/her demise. I guess that's all she wants to do. Probably a fear has crept in her that she may never wake up the next day. Do any of us ever know, that we WOULD wake up the next day??? Any day could be our last...
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