Week 42 / 2025: Monday 13th Oct – Sunday 19th Oct

 

Yay! This week we are in Kabbe, at my parents’ house. Being in Kabbe is always fun because we get to meet and interact with so many people. Our home in Hosalli, on the other hand, is quite isolated; there are no houses within almost a kilometre, and we rarely visit the few neighbours nearby. But here in Kabbe, there are plenty of people around.

When I was in college, I was an introvert. I used to hate seeing people’s faces and would rarely step out of my room. But now, being married, having a child, and living in an isolated place, I actually crave social gatherings. I love talking to people and being around them. Have I become an extrovert now? Maybe it’s the age, maybe it’s the situation… or perhaps a bit of both.

We visited the Varadeshwara Temple, which is located in the heart of Kabbe. It’s just a short walk of about half a kilometre from my parents’ house, along sugarcane and paddy fields. Dhruva was, as always, busy rubbing off the rangoli, his all-time favourite activity!

There’s no one of my age here in Kabbe, but I still enjoy staying here because Dhruva gets to spend time with his grandparents and great-grandparents. In today’s times, when most parents have just one child (and I myself am an only daughter), it’s such a joy for them to have a little one around. They feel young again, and it’s such a satisfying feeling to see that sparkle in their eyes.

Dhruva playing with neighbor Satyajji

I also get a bit more free time when I’m here, as my parents take care of Dhruva. I try to put that time to productive use. At home, I barely get time for myself, only when Dhruva sleeps, which is about half an hour twice a day. But that time usually goes in catching up on sleep myself or watching reels. This week, I even managed to complete my column for Shramajeevi well in advance, since it was a continuation of the previous article and didn’t require much brainstorming. Also, I compiled all the articles I have written so far under a single blog head, here. I was thrilled to count that they make to 80+ numbers.

Then came a new obsession! Sindhu atte, one of our neighbours in Kabbe, returned from the USA recently. She’s not my age. Her daughter is in sixth grade. but we connect really well. I didn’t know she did crocheting until I saw her new Instagram page. I’d been wanting to learn crochet for a long time, so I asked her if she could teach me.  and bingo! I haven’t been this excited in a while. I spent almost the entire week crocheting! I can now make basic stitches, a five-petaled flower, and a tiny leaf. My Instagram feed is now flooded with crochet reels and ads. I’m fantasizing about making sling bags, laptop sleeves, keychains, car charms, flowers, plants, amigurumi toys, you name it! I know this excitement might fade soon, but for now, it’s pure joy.

I crocheted this flower

Appa bought a new EV — a TVS Orbiter. He already has two vehicles: a bike, TVS Radeon (bought last year) and a scooter, TVS Wego (bought way back in 2014 for me to go to college). Amma still rides the Wego, but it’s been giving her a lot of trouble lately. So, he’s selling it and got this new EV instead. I suggested getting another petrol scooter, but he said he wanted to “upgrade”. so, an EV it is. After our experiences with the Ola and MG Comet, I personally don’t recommend EVs to anyone. They’re overpriced, overhyped, and not really worth the investment. Their lifespan is short too. But still, I couldn’t discourage Appa’s enthusiasm, it’s his choice, after all. Coincidentally, the tricycle I’d ordered for Dhruva also arrived the same day! So now both Ajja and mommaga have their new vaahanas — and they’re having a great time riding them together.

Ajja and mommaga with their new vaahanas

Next week is Deepavali, which means we’ll be heading back home; heavy-hearted, of course.
See you from home next week!