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today because of this rain. Even the bridge has gone under water.’ I did not have much
option.

I felt a little uncomfortable staying with someone I had never even met.

By that time the chairman Mr. Aithappa came with an umbrella to call me. He had been
caught up in some important work and not been able to attend the function.

His house was huge. It was functional without much decoration. There was a big granary
room and a storage place for coconuts and vegetables. It had red oxide flooring and was
like many traditional houses of South Canara where there was an inside courtyard. Water
had to be drawn from a well at the side of the kitchen. There were a few bedrooms on
the ground floor and the first floor. There was a cowshed at the back, along with a large

vegetable garden. That was all I could see as it was already dark and the raindrops were
hitting me like pebbles hard on my feet.

As soon as I entered, the lady of the house came with a warm smile and towels to wipe
myself. Her smile put me instantly at ease. Without much ceremony she said, ‘Please feel
comfortable. Dinner will be ready in half an hour.’

I changed my dress and came to the dining hall. In the huge hall
there were only four people including me, the couple and their Do you think
the old lady went
elderly mother. Plantain leaves were laid on the floor and the cook to school?
Just a Minute!
was serving. There were innumerable food items and I did not
know where to start. The old lady of the house was very gracious.
She reminded me of my large-hearted grandmother. After dinner plantain: a type of banana
I wanted to chat with her. When I told her, she said, ‘If you want large-hearted: sympathetic

and generous

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