Nelamangalas 2.0
We, the third generation of Nelamangalas have a bloodline that we are proud of, which oozes knowledge, intelligence, principles and values.
The Pedigree and Legacy of our lineage is no less than a Royalty, except the pomp and show or display of wealth part, of course.
Memories of our younger days were marked with holidays at Ajji's house in Mysore which later shifted to Doddamma's house, predominantly revolving around Subbanna Mava's discourse and teachings.
Frequent visits to Palace, Exhibition, Zoo and obviously Phalamrutha Ice Cream parlour were our favourite things to do.
Ajji mane Road was the playground for us, we used to run around, go on cycle race and even play cricket. When the Ball used to hit our beloved Madi Ajji, she used to snatch it and hide it inside her saree..we were more scared of her than Kamala ajji. Still the affectionate Madi Ajji was our favourite, with her endless stories, kayyi thuthu, and many tricks in the books for home remedies.
Keshava was the affectionate big brother who took care of all of us, helped us learn cycling on Rented Bicycles. He pampered us kids, took us to movies, bought us Masala Puris, Churmuris. Keshava with his comic timing, funny moments and mimics kept us all entertained and laughing.
Malini who used to cry a lot when she was a kid and Keshava used to tease her fondly and made fun by calling her "aLamunji".
And when Malini got into her teens, she had lots of Pimples on her face and Keshava named her "Mosaic Floor", which she probably now remember and laughts at. A memorable incident when we had been to Abbur, and Malini ate Kempu Chatni despite everyone warning that it would be spicy. She started crying as she couldnt bare the spiciness, and by then Subbanna Mava scolded her and her crying was uncontrollable as we she was upset as well.
Back home in Bangalore, We shared a special bond with Ramya and Badari as We were neighbours as well. Myself, Malini, Ramya, Badari have loads of memories as We grew up together. I Remember the moments when We used to run to the roof, to catch up when the power went out. I Remember the "Mane aata" We 4 along with other kids in the neighbourhood used to play all the time.
"Benny Bunny" as Badari for fondly called, was the favourite young brother to all of us, who was chubby and a super cute baby.
As We turned teens, We became crying shoulders to each other and found an ear to share our emotions, teenage problems.
Ofcourse, Malini and Ramya were BFFs and shared bonding and closeness at a different level.
Even during summer holidays, when all we cousins wanted to spend our holidays away from Books, the strict teachers Narayana Mava and Veda mausi ensured they taught us Maths and Science atleast an hour a day. End of the day, We used to go through the pain of studying during Holidays, as We knew he would treat us with Masala Puris in the evening.
Our house (Manji mane) became a hub of activities at one stage. Guru and Keshava at different times, spent good years with us, building career before they took off. Those years it was great to have them around and spend more time with them.
When my parents went to US for 6 months, me and Keshava were alone at home. We used to goto Either Shanti's house or Vedi's house for food.
Guru - Annaji of our Generation, was an idol to many of us. He was someone whom We all looked upon. His sincerity, dedication, hard work and studious nature kept us inspired.
We saw Guru quickly build a successful Career and grew up the ladder, and was first in our generation to go abroad. As our parents refer to their happiness and excitement when JK and Annaji took their first flight, similar happiness and excitement was when Guru took his first flight to US and We were eager to help him pack and see him off at the Airport.
Rewinding few years back, Pavana was the darling child as he literally was born and grew up at our house. I did what Keshava did for us, I took care of him, helped him learn cycling, dropped him to School and played with him.
I have literally seen him grow as a kid to a handsome young brother, built an extremely successful career.
The day of Pavana's munji, it was Uma Doddamma and Doddappa's wedding anniversary. Keshava and Ramya went out and bought them some clothes as gifts and surprised them with a small celebration, which made Ummi emotional and was touched.
Rewinding further more, Shruthi - the Johny baby of the family. She was more like a doll than a baby for us, when she first visited. Her baby blabbers and chubby cheeks made her the central attraction.
Samhita had arrived during their next Visit and both sisters in their fully American Accent blabbers kept us entertained and we fondly started teasing them.
Dhadi-Beedi-Daddy became a famous phrase for the father-daughters combo.
Though Shruthi and Samhita sparingly visited India and very limited time that we could spend together to bond, the blood relation showed it's natural connect each time they visited.
I still remember the time I spent with Shruthi at Pramod's wedding. Though she was visiting after so many years, we were so strongly connected and spent hours together talking and even sharing our struggles and little secrets with each other.
Then came in Sakshi papa. She was the baby We all saw in the family after a really long time. And because of the love and excitement of playing with the baby, Though she is now grown up woman, independently flew to US to pursue her education and soon to be married, yet the poor girl suffers from the stigma of being a baby and is still addressed "Chachi papa".
Pramoda a.k.a Thunta. The unique name stuck on to him for his deeds as a teenager and his mischievous nature. It's bromance between me and Thunta, we have always been best friends more than cousins. Along with our common friends, we have spent maximum time together hanging out at Pubs and with friends.
We have spent many weekends together either at my place or his place. I have never seen someone partition and compartmentalize Fun, Study, Work so clearly and distinctively. He would go all out while partying or when with friends, and at the same time dedicate himself while studying or while at work.
Infact most boys of the family are now more of good friends than cousins. Me, Keshava, Thunta, Badari, Pavana have been to many trips with friends, have some memorable times when We partied hard together.
The trip JK arranged for to Udupi, Swadhe immediately after Thunta's munji was indeed a memorable time for us, as we played cricket even at Swadhe and joyous moments of travelling together on such long journeys.
Malini and Ramya are even today the favourite daughters to many uncles and aunts. Ramya putty even today is fondly addressed so, despite she and Malini have efficiently and independently carried their life, work and family.
They are the Heroes in the Eyes of Uncles and Aunts, and are cared like small girls even today.
Malini's and Ramya's weddings were indeed major events in our family and all of us came together and did our bit to make it a grand affair.
While mine and Malini's childhood was spent fighting and hitting each other, as we grew older are now emotional outlet to each other.
Though most of us, starting from Guru to Sakshi didn't have much struggles in life or had exposure to financial struggles as our parents went through in their early days, each of us have our own little struggles which we all fight and succeeded.
Be it the writing abilities of Keshava or mine, smartness of Ramya, Shruthi or academic prowess of Guru, Sakshi or be it intelligence of Thunta or obedience and duty boundedness of Badari, Pavana or be it the artistic Nature of Malini, Samhita, all of us are gifted with qualities and abilities that comes in our Genes.
Ramya, and Malini to a certain extent are constantly making efforts to learn and carry forward the knowledge and understanding of what our Thatha and Mavas have earned over their life to attain tattva gnana.
Each of us have done decently well in our lives and hope We have made our parents and the family proud. We hope we kept up the respect, grace and repute of Vedavyasachar's family tree.
