A Serendipitous Feast: Unexpected Blessings.

A Serendipitous Feast: Unexpected Blessings.

"There are two vested interests behind this story: one is to discourage less serious readers from reading this post, and the other is to drag out a post that could be completed in two lines. But let's get to the point now."

The specific year or month is insignificant, but it was a hot summer Sunday in Madras (now Chennai) many years ago. Jayan and I were staying in a mansion in the Triplicane area. It was the last day of the month, and our pockets were almost empty. We had already used up the last of our coupons for the month on lunch at the 'Saidoji' mess, so we were certain, we would have to go without dinner.

To pass the time in the evening, we went to the Congres Grounds in Teynampet, where an exhibition taking place. After spending some time there, feeling tired and hungry, we headed to the bus stop to catch a bus to Triplicane. At that moment, Jayan, who had been quiet despite being usually talkative and humorous, pointed out the glittering lights opposite the entrance gate to Abotsburry Hall. I suggested, we check it out since we had no money and no urgent need to return to our place other than to fill our stomachs before going to sleep. 

When we arrived at the Hall, near the Ganesha temple, it was crowded with many people. Most weekends, there are events such as wedding ceremonies, receptions, farewells, welcome parties, or corporate events in the adjacent banquet hall. We moved slowly, partly admiring the deity of the temple, and then entered the reception hall. We found seats on one of the benches set up for the next session without causing any disruption. The servings on a banana leaf started with Jalebi, Achar, Pachadi, Kichchadi, Kalan, Olan, and Toran items arriving one by one. Even though we didn't wash our hands before eating, we didn't stop praying this time.

The uncle seated next to us was looking at us suspiciously from time to time. 

"Is the uncle with the woman or the boy’s side? Your face looks familiar," Jayan asked boldly and unexpectedly.

The elder one looked at us with surprise. 

“We are related to the boy; there was some trouble with our travel...”

"Where’s uncle coming from?" Jayan asked, not waiting for a response.

This time, a mischievous smile spread across the elder's face.

"My children, today is my son-in-law's housewarming. This is his celebration, not a wedding feast."

The second round of rice was served on the leaf in front of us. We exchanged glances, and I nudged Jayan, whispering to him not to be too clever. We both finished the delicious meal and hurried out of the hall.

This time, before leaving the temple entrance, I stood before Sri Ganesha prayed, and thanked him with a full belly and mind. It is no wonder that He is revered as “Kshipra Prasada Gananayaka” and “Vigna Vinashahara Vigneswara”.!

There are only two situations in life when a person lets go of all their inhibitions - one is when traveling in the general compartment of a train, and the other is when facing hunger. It's easy to see how hunger has played a significant role in keeping influential people renowned. However, due to space constraints, I won't delve into a detailed analysis of this.