Onathinu entha paraipaadi? A question that might be posted the most during the Onam season. Our own ‘Kootukaran’ Shibu asked the same question on Facebook. It was at that precise moment, I knew what am I going to do this Onam. So, I replied “I’m thinking of STAS Koottukaar USA East Coast Branch’s Ona Sadya”. Well, little I knew that it was easier said than done.
When should we have the sadya?
This was no easy job. Onam is on Friday. A working day. Saturday, we couldn’t have it because we had the Feast of Mother Mary in our church. Then there was a Sunday. Having sadya on Sunday wasn’t possible for some reason. The only option left was Sunday the 17th. But by then the spirit of Onam will die down. Both Sreejith and I tried to call Shibi to know his convenient date. But, the Atlas of Oracle Inc wouldn’t return to our calls. I got fed up with all the planning and called Sreejith and told him Ona is done, over, finished!
Friday – Onam.
Onam day. Rekha started preparing sadya for Trisha and me. Somewhere in Ewing, New Jersey Rashmi was preparing a surprise sadya for Sreejith. Only I didn’t know that. I was *working* from home that day. Rashmi and Rekha discussed their menu when a brilliant idea struck them. Why not have Ona sadya together the same night. The dishes will go old by Sunday. And neither of them were in any mood of repeating all this on Sunday too. So, I called Shibi. I should have taken NY state lottery that day. Maybe, I could have won. Because Shibi answered my call. What a lucky day! Shibi agreed to coming to Sreejith’s house for Onam Dinner friday night. I called Sreejith and told him about the change of plans. He told me that there’s nothing in his house to prepare a feast. I told him that Rashmi is preparing Ona Sadya for him. It was then that my dear wife decided to tell me that Rashmi was planning a surprise Onam Lunch! Sorry Rashmi. So, now we got the Date settled. Friday night it is.
Getting Shibi to Sreejith’s house.
Another hurdle. Because, Shibi lives at a place where public transport is limited. I couldn’t go to Shibi’s place and pick him up and it would take a lot of time. Finally we decided Shibi would take a train from a nearby town at 2 pm(note the time) and we’ll meet him at a railway station near Sreejith’s place by 5pm. I even sent him maps, step-by-step directions.
Rekha and Rashmi were preparing dishes after dishes. I helped with Banana Chips. I learnt life’s important lesson while helping Rekha with sharkara peratti. Never ever touch anything thats been on the hot seat for about half an hour. For sharkkara peratti, you need to stir the fried banana in syrup of Sharkkara. While doing this, one piece tried to escape. It jumped out of the wok. Like a dutiful officer I tried to nab the fugitive with my bare hands. The next thing I remember is me jumping up and down in pain. Seeing my performance Rekha asked. “What you doing honey?”. “I’m just so excited about this Ona Sadya darling!” I replied.
Lost in Secaucus.
5.30 pm. We’re almost ready to go. Shibi called. I thought he’s already half way through. But apparently he missed the 3.50 train to Secaucus. The next train is only at 9.30 pm. “Did I burn my hand for nothing?” Those were my exact thoughts. I asked him to hire a taxi to Secaucus railway station. From there he could get the train to Sreejith’s place any time. He was reluctant. I got angry and asked him not to come. But later he called and said he’s taken a cab to Secaucus.
5pm. We’re almost ready to go. I called Shibi to ask him where he has reached. He said he’s almost there. His driver is looking for the Railway station.
6.30pm We got everything packed and are ready to go. I called Shibi again. His driver is still searching for the railway station! I asked him to check his iPhone map and find his way.
7pm I asked Sreejith to call Shibi and see where he has reached. He said that he’s on board train. So, the day is saved. We’ll have full attendance.
We reached Sreejith’s place by 7.50pm and Shibi was just 10 minutes away from Hamilton Station. Its a 10-15 minute drive from Sreejith’s apartment. So, we unloaded food, Trisha and Rekha and went on our way to pick up the guest of honour.
We picked Shibi up from the railway station. On our way home Shibi told what happened with the cab driver. Apparantly the hispanic driver amigo had an old gps. So, it took round and round the secaucus station. Finally when they reached the station, the driver charged only the actual fare. $70. Shibi owner of a big heart that he is, tipped him $102. Oh wait. What? No, he mistook $100 for a $1 note. He wanted to tip the driver only $3.
Our own public correspondent Sreejith nair never takes vacation from his duty. He promptly informed the Chief Broadcaster Hitler RiKutty of Shibi’s plight. We all had a hearty laugh at Shibi’s expense.
Daddy a Monster!
Trisha is a person who takes first impression very seriously. She had become comfortable with Sreejith and Rashmi. She was in Sreejith’s hands when Shibi decided to make a lasting impression on Trisha. Sreejith said something which Shibi didn’t find amusing. He made an action like he was going to kick Sreejith. Poor Trisha though that the new man with a mouch was going to kick her! She initiated her defence mechanism. She cried. She wouldn’t look at Shibi’s face for a long time. It took a Snickers chocolate bar and many attempts for Trisha to be friends with Shibi.
The Sadya.
Finally we sat down for Sadya. Here’s the menu
- Parippu Curry
- Sambars (Both Rashmi and Rekha prepared)
- Moru Curry
- Inji Curry
- Thoran
- iShtu
- Avial
- Pavakka pachadi (has anyone had this before? it was my first time. too good)
- Chips
- Sharkkara peratti
- Parippu payasam
- Paal payasam
