It takes the spirited self to fight the self…a six yard fight within!

It so happened that I had to attend threading ceremony. My family and me, were to join the celebrations in the temple right from early morning. I was elated as it was going to be an out and out South Indian affair (my friend is a pucca* South India Tam Bram), starting from breakfast and peaking right with the Southern flavored banana leaf lunch. Another reason was the chance to dress up in traditional attire!

A day before, however, I got busy in I-don’t-know-what. It left no room for me to decide on the clothes and jewellery to suit the occasion. Though my hands were busy in mundane chores, the free-floating mind however was already trying out different combinations.

First thing that I reminded myself was about the blazing heat! Naughty mind, then prodded me to wear ‘one-piece’. I got the chuckle when I imaged myself in the knee length one piece surrounded by heavily decked Kanjeevaram beauties! Coupled with many such distractions, the day ended without any concrete decision on what to wear front.

The D-day saw a great hustle and bustle. One family member after the other was getting ready. The location being closer to our house my son and daughter left for the venue. After giving instructions to the cook and the house help, here I was standing in front of my wardrobe.

I pulled out a few saree folders. First one had “nine yards” in it. At one point, I even day dreamed to drape one. It’s a celebration at close friend’s place and South Indians do wear “nine yards” was my justification.  A thought, of me as the piece straight out of museum, thwarted nine yards day dreams.

Next folder had all fancy six yards (sarees). I picked up a ‘half-and-half’ styled one. I was about to search for the matching jewelry, a doubt loomed over. What about the blouse? Think of the devil and devil is there! My doubt turned out to be a striking reality. The blouse was missing. I then pushed my head deep in to the corner of the wardrobe and pulled out a stack of blouses. As luck could have it, I got the matching blouse almost at the bottom of the stack.

By the way, have you ever thought of this…why do we get things that we are looking for only in the end? Simple…because we stop searching any further!

Sorry for that small detour. Coming back to my story…

I was elated at the discovery. But it was short lived. It was a sleeveless one with a deep plunging neck as well as back! Faces of all “Mamis*” staring my bare back, with disgust, flashed across my mind. Hopes of me draping this saree died the natural death.

Then came the folder with all Kanjeevarams. Blaming myself for wasting so much of time, I quickly browsed through the stack. Zeroing in on one, I checked for the blouse. Surprisingly, it was at its place, tucked well in the saree fold! My happiness knew no bounds. I then rushed to choose the jewelry. It was done in jiffy! Thanks to my wandering mind, it had done this homework, the day before.

In between, better half had knocked on the door twice. First one was gentle. Second time the knock was accompanied with a question “Any problem in there?”.

Now was the time to drape the saree. As I took the blouse in my hand, I realised that one of its hook had come out loose. Reaching out to the sewing kit, I had no option but to fix it. I got one more chance to reprimand ‘negligent self’ and sympathize with it moments later!

Time was running out…not for the celebration but for the breakfast at the venue.

A shocking discovery awaited me. Pushing right hand into the sleeve, the blouse denied coming up the elbow level. Like a stubborn, it was stuck there. I gave it a gentle push. Tried twisting and turning it. But it did not yield. I used little bit of force. No use.

It simply stayed mid-way.

I did not wish to register that I have put on and add insult to injury. Blaming the sweat, I consoled my poor self.

I sat down to loosen the hems and make myself comfortable. Finally, it was done. When I wore it, it was none less than a dangling tank top with half sleeves! My heart sank at the sight.

There was a third knock on the door followed by the request, “Shall I go ahead?”

My spirit was about to be drenched in tears. I was going to miss the authentic south Indian breakfast! In the feat of rage, I threw my saree aside and sat on the bed with head hanging low. A faint voice was heard inside. “So what if the blouse is not perfect fit? No one is going to scrutinize you under the microscope. All will be busy in discussing sarees and jewellery or in gossiping. Come on get up and wear that saree”.

I extended a helping a hand to the dying faint voice. In no time, I was ready, clad in six yards and out with my better half. Before hitting the road, my spirit was back to normal. Pausing midway, I wore the last jewelry piece, my everyday accessory… “smile”!

And yes, we did reach well in time to attend the ceremony, enjoyed scrumptious breakfast and “banana leaf” lunch!



Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers

*Pucca: 100 percent
*Tam Bram – Tamilian Brahmin
*Mami: Its a practice to call the elder ladies of the family as “Mami” in most of the households, in the Tamil parts of India

22 Comments

syncwithdeep · May 11, 2018 at 5:30 pm

Hahhaa.. Me belong to the mami and tambrahm.. Loved the connection with saree and indirectly quoting the weight issue..

    Anagha Yatin · May 11, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    TamBram definitely yes. But Mami…not yet, you for sure Deepa.
    Thanks for visiting.

Jyoti Babel · May 11, 2018 at 6:15 pm

I love sarees. But heck i take soe much time wearing one, that I end up not wearing one often. Your post has inspired me sweetheart. and today I am going to audit my wardrobe and get all the blouses and other stuff in order. I am sure you looked you best with that smile on. can’t go wrong. can it? 😉

    Anagha Yatin · May 11, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    Hope that your audit gives you a clean chit Hena!
    Thanks for visiting and reflecting.

Shirley Corder · May 11, 2018 at 6:56 pm

I have never worn a saree, but as a woman I so identify with the panic over trying to fine the “right item” at the last minute. I also frequently leave too little time for the decision and then throw myself through my wardrobe in desperation! Thankful Thursday Week 19 and Tip on inviting folk to your blog.

    Anagha Yatin · May 11, 2018 at 7:14 pm

    Whether Saree or any other dress, getting ready for the occasion brings all the womenfolk to the same platform, I guess!
    Thanks Shirley for visiting and sharing your fight within.

Sudha · May 11, 2018 at 7:49 pm

Oh my god! You went through so much ordeal to attend my house function. I am so glad you arrived on time and found breakfast waiting for you. And yes you are the only one who can write an article about the whole six yards in such a cute way. Loved it!!

    Anagha Yatin · May 12, 2018 at 7:16 am

    Hehehe… every six yards always has a story to tell! Thanks Sudha for visiting and appreciating.

romagptasinha · May 12, 2018 at 11:20 am

Hehehe, I dint know how to drape one so I don’t face this battle ?. But yes I wear your last accessory always, you left me longing the banana leaf weddings I attended in Trichy ?

    Anagha Yatin · May 15, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    Thanks Roma

BellyBytes · May 13, 2018 at 8:58 am

I go through the six yard fight and the mystery of the shrinking blouse every time I decide to wear a sari. And yes , despite all my planning and plotting, even if I’m the first to get dressed , by the time the family is set to leave, my sari is crushed thanks to all the bending and stretching looking for/ helping the others to get ready . And my perfume is masked with the odour of sweat;( . How I dread dressing up for functions

    Anagha Yatin · May 15, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    Hahaha…you said it Sunita! “Mystery of shrinking blouse”!
    I could actually see you drenched in sweat while getting everyone ready and feeling exhausted even before venturing out for the function.
    Thanks for sharing.

Mayuri6 · May 13, 2018 at 12:20 pm

Only you can make an ordeal sound like a fun adventure, Anagha! Loved how you described what most of us who wear sarees rarely go through. Wish you had added a pic of you in the saree and ‘tank top’ though :)) Your posts always make me smile, God Bless you for that!

    Anagha Yatin · May 15, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Will share that pic in person Mayuri, coz I fear it will get viral…Hahahaha!
    Thank you so much for encouraging words dear.

mammaspeaks · May 13, 2018 at 1:06 pm

What a fun and delightful narration, Anagha! Firstly congratulations on possessing so many sarees. I have like 6-7, that’s it. And I am never in the mood to wear it. Your readiness to wear a saree on your friend’s occasion is so sweet. Glad you could reach in time for your breaky!! And that banana leaf breakfast is now making me hungry and crave for one! BTW, I agree with Mayuri, would have loved to see you in the tank top blouse !!

    Anagha Yatin · May 15, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    I love sarees and idolize cine star Rekhaji!
    It was the pull of the Southern aroma that made me reach in time.
    For not wanting to let it go “viral” on social media, I refrain myself from sharing it…ROFL!!!
    Thanks for visiting. I am obliged.

      mammaspeaks · May 19, 2018 at 10:04 pm

      I love reading your posts anagha 🙂

Bhavna Saurabh Sharma · June 20, 2018 at 10:55 pm

Read this blog to my mom <3
Coz she was in my mind right from the time I read the tile.
Her smile and laughter was the best reply I could send you …
<3

    Anagha Yatin · June 20, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    Overwhelmed! Please convey my sincere thanks to your mother Bhavna. It really made my day!
    Thanks for visiting.

      Bhavna Saurabh Sharma · June 20, 2018 at 11:03 pm

      Sure, Anagha. I am glad I stumbled across such a natural and beautiful blog of yours.

        Anagha Yatin · June 20, 2018 at 11:13 pm

        Aww… thank you so much Bhavna!

Leave a Reply to Anagha Yatin Cancel reply

%d bloggers like this: