Shocking Sunday!

When Kiran said she would be in town, I was of course ecstatic at the thought of meeting her. When the mad momma said she would be here as well, and Dipali, I just thought it was a bunch of coincidences, because, hello, its Chennai. Not party town Bangalore; or Bollywood's own Mumbai. Chennai. Of the jasmine flowers and early morning suprabhatham (ear splitting decibel levels) and the evil Tasmac. Of course, I said, would love to meet you all.

Kiran kindly gave me Itchy's number and I rang her and asked her if the meet was still on, and she was so surprised! I should have guessed that something major was on the cards, but of course, being the dork that I am, I thought, okay, coincidences, sunday lunch, meet a few people, and zip back home for the basketball game.

The day started well. I went for a long bike ride since Guns cancelled the morning run. I came back and we decided to do something strange and visit the temple. Which is walking distance from the house. So I decided to wear a sari, since that would give me the opportunity to try on my new blouse, an Orissa or Ikkat or something of that nature. Maroon in colour. Monster decked up in a new paavadai. We went over and returned home for Pongal. Then I decided to change my clothes as it was not that comfortable, and the blouse did not fit that well after all, and despite everything I looked as flat as ever. Monster decided to change too. I was appalled to find my skin coloured maroon (dammit). Anyway I stupidly chose a white (ish) shirt and wore it on top of the pinkish maroonish skin (dammit). A few hours later I discovered that the entire shirt was turning pink (ugh). We went to a store and I briefly considered buying a tshirt and changing into it. I bought a tshirt but gave up on the changing. I figured it would be dark and no one would notice...

So then we showed up at the designated restaurant RIGHT ON TIME. Which is normal for me, but SO not normal for the husband! We happened to be in the area though and he got tired of showing all his old hang-outs to us, plus the valet guy seemed over-enthusiastic to whisk away our car to where valets whisk away cars, so we went in.

I saw the number of guests listed as 20. TWENTY? My god. I knew Art lived here. I supposed Itchy lived in Chennai too. Knew Kiran would not make it. Who were all the rest supposed to be? I had no clue!!

After an initial very hilarious "You Who" "Who You" type meeting with Poppy, The room filled up with all the lovely ladies, the many kids, and the (relatively) so paavam husbands! Noise levels were immense. I spent a lot of time by Dipali's side mentally memorising names of the girls, and watching the Mintlet gurgle. The husband found a number of unexpected connections with the guys. The children were bubbling with joy. Somewhere in between some food and drink were ingested, photos were taken, gifts exchanged, and before we knew it it was time to scoot!

As far as an outside person could see (like for example, some really zapped zonked waiters), it would seem like we were all bosom buddies from when we were so high. While the truth was that this was absolutely the first time I met any of these girls (except for Ro; whom I had met briefly in Mumbai during an IndiaHelps thing). The best part is that inside me I really feel as if this was a big family function! I have already begun to miss everyone!