Trip to Tirupathi

"Last weekend I went to Tirupathi". For almost everyone this could be a statement. But for me, it was an event.
Born an Iyengar, it may surprise many that I had not visited Tiruapathi, even once in my 52 long years. After umpteen failed attempts for the last 25 years, If I could visit Tirupathi, it cannot be called anything short of an event.
First time in '84, a well planned trip alongwith with my newly wedded sister and her inlaws, we took a train direct from Mumbai to Renigunta. (closest railway station to Tirupathi) The train was diverted from Guntakal (a station short of Renigunta).
Thereafter, I tried to join in with every possible person making a trip to Tirupathi. But it never materialised.
Sometime in the late 90's my husband casually said that he has booked a trip to Tirupathi by TTDC bus for the following morning. Probably, I was too exited about the trip and hada severe attack of asthma requiring hospitalisation.
I was so depressed that I just stopped planning or even thinking of a trip to Tirupathi.
Last weekend, without much plan, we set out to attend my sister's nephew's thread ceremony at Tirupathi.
And so finally, I set my foot on the seven hills and had a wonderful darshan not once but twice the same day - "Jab dheta hai to chappar phadke"

At the end of the trip, I can say, 'kurai onrum illai maraimurthy kanna'