When I begin to reflect on thoughts of Kerala, what first comes to mind are Gapa and Gama. For me they represent the home, history and heritage that comes with Kerala and our family. Their relationship's endless love and generosity has always been the glue that has held this family together and they are the centre of the Valuparampil-Watacheril universe.
My fondest memories of visiting Gapa and Gama's abode is firstly getting there. As the car cuts through Thiruvalla town centre, then under the railway bridge, up T. K. road and then the Valuparampil abode, into the gate, up the slope and park at the front of the house. There on the doorstep is Gama awaiting our arrival in one of her lovely sarees with a solemn smile on her face. After the introductory hugs and kisses, our luggage is deposited into our rooms and then comes, what I like to call the 'Unpacking of Goodies', which is always one of my favourite aspects of the arrival process.
That is the start to a typical visit to Gapa and Gama's and onward ensues many fond and delectable memories such as Gama's culinary masterpieces that never fail to throttle appetites and expand stomach capacities to an inhuman scale. Or Gapa's late evening entertainment sessions where he will gather people's attention with mere rumble of his baritone voice, as he tells stories from his past - of youth spent in the British Navy; his banking days in Bombay, the Middle East and Hong Kong, to name a few. Then you have Gapa's elaboradte comedy routines regarding Sardarjees, and Vandaramu and many more charactres, that we love to hear and laugh at.
Between Gapa and Gama, you can see the clear difference in their personage - Gapa is the outgoing, extroverted personality who has the ability to command our attention and our amusement. Gama on the otherhand is cool and collected with her witty remarks and repartee with Gapa, her humour though well-disguised is subtle and potent. They both provide a perfect match for each other - she is the Yin for his Yang.
Both Gapa and Gama are strong figures in their own way too. Gama's strength and love is sturdy from the inside with a calming disposition, while Gapa's energy, passion and strong-will show through his aura and commanding presence.
Their love and strength conbined has perpetuated their relationship through thick, thin and an entire lifetime of 60 years. They have left their mark not only in all our lives but they have forged their relationship in the cast iron blocks of our family history.
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