Behind the Scenes of the reStore Bazaar

A report in lighter vein about a normal day of packing—by Meera Rammohan

Sajji told me that there was a 'kolam competition' on and the Vishranti paatis would come for cleaning ragi only after 2 pm. There wasn't much packing because Sajji hadn't been able to get the 5 kg bags at Parrys yesterday!

Anyway, I just grabbed the Nikon and rushed to Vishranti to catch the paatis doing kolam! Too bad I was too late. However, the entire pathway was lined with a variety of kolams (decorative drawings on the ground using flour); some with colour powder and some more traditional; some with fishes and birds and so on! I quickly snapped a few with the green overhanging branches and the shady pathway.

Meanwhile the Lions CLub was holding games inside for the paatis—they were playing—can you guess? Musical chairs!! Sometimes they used chairs and sometimes they just walked round and round in circles trying to sneak in front of someone else! The others sitting round thought the whole thing quite hilarious so they were grinning and having the time of their lives! I pulled out the Nikon again and snapped some action.

Shekar and son—the Saga of the Covers
Shekar came along and said "Neenga pathengala; cover panniyachu!" (Did you see the covers we have made?) So I saw the butter paper covers and the double layer ones were pretty good; neatly done I thought. And the dual butter paper is actually stronger than the other for some odd reason! If you don't believe me just ask Sajji---he never lies! So I duly placed some sample orders with them for the coming week.

Neem Leaf Collection and Drying
Sajji got lots of neem leaves off the branches of the nearby tree by simply going up to the balcony of the home and plucking them. We strew them around to dry on the yellow tarpaulin. The green on the bright ochre looked striking!

Discovery of Spices (Not in 14th century India but inside the sacks of ragi, carefully hidden!)
Here we had thought there would be NO packing that day---but hey presto! As we unravelled the ragi sack strings out poured the spice bags (packed beautifully in plastic!) suddenly emerging from underneath. Sajji said, "Inga irukku paarunga—ellam—elakka,krambu,pattai,milagu." (Here they are—all the spices!) Ok, so we fished out the small butter paper covers and started off—weighing and finding out the pricing for the new ones etc.

Rukmini (a helper at the Infirmary) insisted on sitting CLOSE to me and sticking labels; she thinks it is really a prestigious job! Soon enough there was Shanta paati sitting down to pack and weigh too with Sajji! Kanaka paati and SUbbi said "Engala photo edunga! Podaikkum pothu than edukkanum!!" (Take our pictures—but only when we are winnowing.) So I pulled out the Nikon again. Of course by now Rukmini was bobbing up and down asking for HER photo! I said, "All of you should just do what you are doing, then only I will take!" That threat worked and they all set about looking really busy! Sajji looked slightly disapproving of all this fun, as though he was thinking, "I can just see MY work getting done today!"

Subbi paati meanwhile had pallu vali (tooth ache). She took some lavangam (cloves) in a small cover to keep on the tooth and chew. Meanwhile, all the spices were emanating a glorious aroma all round.

Arrival of Jaggery and Ud dal from CIKS
One chappee arrived on a scooter at about 4 o'clock loaded with two sacks on each side. He said he was Chandru from CIKS; we can expect groundnuts only Tuesday or Wednesday next week.