The Euphoria

I never knew shopping can make me so happy!

I fear this time of the year, because I catch cold due to the change in climate and the unpredictable everyday weather, the sweaty me! It kind of makes me dull and sleepy and this year too I have cold.

With Navratri around the corner, I was thinking I didn't do any shopping, yet! Last year, we shopped together, my friend Hema made it so easy for me! This year I really missed her because she has a planned vacation and didn't want to shop. We too have decided to have the festival for the last 3 days, actually 2 as we are travelling.

So, I was thinking what all dolls to buy, the return gifts, neck sets and other accessories for little girls and also for our daughter. Every Chennaite's one stop shop during this season is Vijaya stores, Mylapore. As per Hema's suggestion, I went there by 10 so that I could finish early and come back before the kids returned.

Hema, is a ready reckoner and an expert! Any info on classes, school related, library, any tantrums, someone unwell, I would always call her! She would reply patiently and will give a working solution to every issue! My unborn elder sister! Love you, Hema!!

As I entered the shop, only two more women were shopping and so I quickly finished shopping, first the time consuming accessories for my daughter and then the usual return gifts choice in the ground floor along with comb, mirror, turmeric, etc.. All done! I'm now ready to buy dolls!

After packing my bag, I was really happy inside! It was as if Golu has started!

Mine is not an elaborate Golu but I love all the Bommai we have! Its the collection post 2015 floods and so each year we add to it.

When I came to the footpath where they line up the bommai, my eyes saw one particular Ranganathar lying down on the magnificent Adisesha! I got that and I don't know why I wanted to buy Andal along!! Last year I remember my hubby saying we should buy Acharyan but slightly did I remember he mentioned Andal. The Andal wasn't great with that vendor and so I started to scan for her in the next shops.

This old woman had 2 pieces, one wearing a blue sari and the other in green.I chose the green and got it. My radar scanned Chakrathzhvar but beeped when it found the signal pointing to my resort, my Appa, Srinivasa!! I actually wanted just the face of HIM in black and close-up but that wasn't available! But what did I find?! Both Appa and Amma together! The old woman said you say a price and I'll give you both. She also said she won't separate them both and I too expected it. I said I'll come later but she said you carry all in one shot, da! When they're coming, don't say NO!

I was amused! Though that may be her tactics of business, it kind of moved me. This was what I have been pestering HIM all these days to be with me, How will I leave HIM?! She accepted for a price and I was fine with it(thinking will I bargain in an expensive shop?! Even if she overquotes, its for her living) and finally all of them came home in an auto.

Some kind of joy, an excitement, a lightning feel inside me when I kept all of them together at home.

-Vishnupriya