Day 5 (1st Jan 2008)
Rohit and the rats 
Sonati 
Me and the smallie
I wake up early on new year’s day for a change. My father would be proud of me. Madhavan in a rash moment had promised to come with the kids and me for a ramble on some hills this morning. It takes some reminding, but he does come with us, muttering to himself about 8 brats (counting me that is!) There’s not much time as Rohit and I and the kids are about to leave for Salem at 12:30 pm. So we have a stricter deadline this morning. Madhavan is wearing a watch and so subtly it becomes his responsibility to herd us back on time. He also chivvies Akash along, so I am truly free to walk at my own pace, smell the roses, and not worry about Ak or the time.
Appa’s girl 
Lavanya does some body art – that’s a sandal with roller blades! 
We walk along a path which is lined by tall bushes on either side. Lavanya has named this section the tunnel. Lavanya and I walk together for a while. We go past the first evening’s boulders, and I see the kids ahead of me have stopped – Badri has a thorn in his foot. I try removing it, then Madhavan tries, then I try and we somehow remove it. A small sense of achievement!
The thorn removal operation 
We come to an opening and see a stream – an unexpected treat for the kids. The water is about 50 feet down from the path. I settle down on some rocks and watch the kids play in the stream. I request Dino and Nikhil to watch Akash in the stream. He is fairly sure footed and careful so I don’t worry much. He’s completely in the buff, totally enjoying his time in the water. Madhavan takes some close-up pictures of him. Mostly he plays by himself, as the older kids cross and re-cross the stream, go up the opposite hill for a bit, and fool around in their own way. Frisky the dog has accompanied us and is also content lying in the sun on the rocks. Today’s picnic is murukku and apples. I am surprised that the kids ask for the apple slices as much as the murukku. Finally time is called, and we march back home. The rest are just uneventful details of last minute packing, goodbyes and a 3 hour car ride to Salem, quick stop at Sunder’s parents’ place, and a 5 hour train ride to B’lore.
