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Comedy of Errors

by Vimala Ramu
(Bangalore)

It is a very common phenomenon wherein the children resemble their parents. But, in certain cases the boys take on the features of uncles and girls take on the features of their aunts. So much so, it is no surprise if the two are mistaken for each other, more so when the perception is remote and hazy and they happen to be close to each other in age.



My grandmother was supposed to resemble her maternal aunt. Those were the days when women folk of a decent family hardly stood face to face and talked to the men folk of the family other than to their own husbands.


This great grand aunt of mine once visited her niece (that’s my grandma). As was usual in those days, the aunt offered to get the water from the well which was rather far from the house. After filling the pot with water and arranging it on her waist, she set off home with the pallu of the saree covering her head to keep away the sun. My grandfather, who was pottering around in the field nearby, saw her. Thinking it to be his wife, he followed her, talking to her all the while. Thank God, it was not any love talk. He was only giving her the household accounts and his plans.


The poor lady was so flustered. She was shrinking into her sari through sheer embarrassment. How to turn herself towards the son-in-law and reveal her face shamelessly? If she doesn’t do so, he will continue talking to her under the deception that it was his wife. What will he think once he comes to know the truth?


But it was well nigh impossible to let him know the truth. So, she walked on till she reached home. Just imagine my grandpa’s shock when he saw his wife coming from inside as soon as he entered the house.


For us grandchildren, the situation was nothing short of being hilarious. I wonder if such a situation will ever rise in the modern days and if it does, what would be the responses of the persons concerned!

The End



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Dec 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		thanks
by: vimala

That's true, Padmaja. That's where I get all my material from!!!
Dec 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		kamedy kamedy
by: padmaja

the best kamedy artistes the family!
Dec 20, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Times
by: vimala

Yes, isn't it fantastic how times and values have changed by leaps and bounds ?!
Dec 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A very interesting account...
by: Geetashree Chatterjee

Times have changed and I am sure the responses of gen now will be quite forthright and direct.

Thanks for taking us back to those good old days not because of the restrictions but because life was so much simpler and fun filled and children understood the value of being part of a joint family and respect which was due to elders.
Dec 18, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		etiquette
by: vimala

Yes,Isabel. The etiquette of those days seem nothing short of silly these days. Can you imagine my mother used to talk to her sons-in law, their fathers etc, standing behind a door?!!
Dec 18, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		comedy...
by: isabel

I could just imagine how your grand daddy's face and reaction! :)

If it was me? I can't promise not to giggle and reveal the truth [now, the present day and age]...but during those days girls were not allowed to smile nor giggle in public, I still remember that... Eyes should be cast down and communicate mostly with a respectful nod, not allowed to answer back either unless you were asked to. No wonder I was so timmid and shy compared to regular girls here (:))... Maternal aunts and teachers were so strict then.

Thank you again for this lovely read Vimala and holiday greetings to all here at Indus.
Dec 18, 2011
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starstarstarstar 		Comedy of Errors
by: Sneha

Yes, and your writings give me that insight. Into what being a loving family means. You're inspiration personified, Vimala.
Dec 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		fun
by: vimala

Yes, you are right. The present generation cannot even perhaps envisage the family fun we used to have with all the cousins and their parents.


Thank you Lakshmi for the new intimation about comments you have introduced.
Dec 17, 2011
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starstarstarstar 		Comedy of Errors
by: Sneha

For the responses, Vimala; there needs to be the same kind of joint family system and that much time. Our generation these days hardly has any time on hand; so much so; that money (due to our own attitude) has become everything for people. Very few and far between do the remaining 'few' engage in such beautiful and hilarious family togetherness. Apologies for such a 'serious' take on your otherwise funny anecdote.

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