KSS PILLAI
Manufacturers worldwide have been moving with time to survive. Those who refused to do so, though enjoying a good market share, had to shut their shops. I know many tile factories downing their shutters as customers patronised others when they did not change their product. That has been the case with those who produce mobile phones and many such things. Even the humble bicycle, the poor man’s transport, now appears quite different with several new features that have taken it beyond his reach.
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With age creeping upon me, I am happy when other family members, like my son or grandson, perform chores like going to the bank to do transactions on my behalf or withdraw money from the ATM.
Sometimes, they purchase dresses for me that are not to my liking, or the womenfolk prepare dishes I dislike. Though I felt sidelined initially when decisions, some concerning me, were made without consulting me, I didn’t mind later. I know that widowers like me should be more cautious and make adjustments to suit the changed circumstances. Adhering to the dos and don’ts of various sources to the aged, I don’t criticise, and life goes on without tussle. What is important is to live the rest of my life peacefully.
Our house was more than 20 years old, with most of the materials used gone out of fashion. When my son told me it was time we renovated the house, I had no hesitation in nodding as I knew he had already decided to do so and was asking my opinion only as a formality.
The renovation meant almost a reconstruction that took more than three months. The things replaced were many: tiles, ceiling fans, television sets, windows, furniture, cots, bathroom fittings, switchboards, air conditioners with remote controls, doors with their frames, devices in the kitchen, and even water bottles. Most of them were functioning well but had disappeared from the market as the manufacturers had switched to new models. Some of the changes like replacing the bulky television sets with sleek models with several features like better picture quality, had my support. So were the old curtains replaced with blinds with beautiful pictures.
The whole building was repainted, giving it a modern look. Some rooms were painted with multiple colours. The changes were not confined to the interior of the house. The lawn was renovated with new tiles and potted plants. The grass in the lawn was changed to green plastic ones that did not require constant attention. The partly rusted water pipes were also replaced.
All the old things had disappeared, but I didn’t want to know how they were disposed of. I had suspicions, but as my old ways of thinking were well-known, I didn’t expect any honest answer.
I knew the changes were costly and wondered how much they might have cost, but I refrained from seeking any explanation as I knew the new generation didn’t like to be questioned.
The changes were breathtaking, but if it were up to me, I would have had the non-functioning fittings repaired, postponing their replacement to the last, but I would never have done so in one go.
