Mangaden Veetil or Mangaden house was an old house, some say it is 200 years old. The house had seen many ups and downs, many towering personalities, their Portrait paintings and Portrait photos, still adorn the drawing room. Raj Bahadur Titles given by the British Empire. The ancestors standing erect for the photo, they could not have stood like that all the time. They had big stomach, it indicated prosperity. The Coat and Tie, the Medal round the neck, dhoti at the bottom, evidently they did not like the pant. But shoe they had and it was shining.
Those who did not sit on the wall were mostly forgotten, except those who left a mark of their existence by their integrity and character. The house was probably built solid, the existence of the main frame indicates how firm the foundation was laid. There were additions that were not in conformity with the main Architectural structure. Some portions were added and some demolished to make an extension, it was left incomplete, the astrologer must have said, that the Vastu was not in harmony. The man continued disregarding the warning of the Astrologer. It is said that he died in the same incomplete structure.
It was left incomplete and grotesque. It could not even be demolished, the fear of the dead spirit was such, lest he gets angry and calls on you in your dream.
Some extensions had direct access to the Kitchen. Others were denied this privilege.
All modifications and extensions need the approval of Moothamma, the senior mother or you may call her the Mother Superior. She decides everything inside the house. She wields enormous powers. Kitchen is the place where life begins for the day, Moothamma dominates the kitchen, she alone decides what need to be cooked and how. She stands with her long stick, it was for support and also to exercise her authority. The young bride works meekly and obsequiously, she resolves silently that one day she will break the stick.
Moothamma did not like her smile without a cause. ‘Why are you smiling?’ The bride looks at the stick and says ‘Nothing! Just like that’.
Moothamma did not like the smile or the answer. She expressed her displeasure with her nose.
The Karnavar, the Lord and Master ate alone. Moothamma will herself go and call the Karnavar from the veranda, where he sits awaiting the call. Karnavar sits in a designated place, a special carved platform on the ground, there were no tables, the ancient science says, sitting and eating on the ground is the best posture for eating. A large plank where in are placed hot steaming food. A large silver plate, it is said that this Silver plate had been there for more than a century. Moothamma will serve, it is her prerogative, Karnavar’s wife has to be in attendance and standing when the Karnavar eats.
When he is happy with her, the Karnavar will help himself for more food, including fried fish or Prawns. The wife has the privilege to eat the leftover food. She cannot serve herself for more. The dishes are removed when the Karnavar gets up.
When the Karnavar is happy with his wife, he leaves a large portion behind, and the reverse when she does not make him happy. Confidentiality is maintained, no one will know how much fish the wife had. The wife will wash the silver plate and keeps it in a safe cupboard, it is always under lock and key.
Moothamma practically runs the entire house, the gents come next, then the children, followed by the female members of the family. The servants come last. Total members may exceed twenty or more. It was a large extended family.
POSTMAN GOPALAN.
Gopalan never wanted to be a Postman. He wanted to be a Policeman, the Policeman was a respected man in Tellicherry. That was before the Independence. Police and the Thasildar were men of Authority, Law and judiciary. The strong arm of the government. Shop Keepers stood up as they passed. Gopal approached the Karnavar when he passed the Matriculation. That was the last degree, the certificate for the completion of education. No one sent their children for higher education that was meant for bigger cities. Karnavar’s children rarely crossed the Eighth Standard, by that time they had grown up, they had other things in mind. Gopal ‘Karnavar I passed Matriculation.’ He paused and he had difficulty to formulate the words. Golal blurted out ‘I want to be a Policeman.’
The Karnavar emptied out the Beetle Juice into the Spittoon, it is always kept at his side. Karnavar knew having a Policeman at home was a doubled edged sword. It could swing both ways. Karnavar took out a fresh piece of Tobacco, he carefully placed it on the side of his cheek, he took his time to understand the problem, only then he could come to a conclusion, the Tobacco juice slowly trickled, and it entered his nervous system through his stomach. Karnavar pulled in his stomach, he does that when the matter is important.
Karnavar ‘Gopal! To be a Policeman is not easy. You have to chase criminals in the forest, if you find a dead body in the forest, you have to sit with the dead body in the night till the Ambulance arrives. You spend one night under the Banyan Tree in our plot, the one where The Grand Karnaver was cremated, where his ashes are buried. Do you know the place?’ Gopal ‘Yes Karnavar.
Moothamma lights the lamp there in the evening.’ Karnavar ‘Yes. Go and sit there, the full night. Meet me tomorrow.’
Gopalan thought about it, he had no one to consult. His ambition and his fear clashed, he went frequently to the toilet. He has to be brave. Yes I will sit with the dead body, this place there is no dead body, only ashes of the cremated, that too long back. Yet he was apprehensive. He drank water, uttered a prayer and went to sit on the Tomb stone. ‘I want to be a Policeman! I want to be a Policeman!’ he chanted, It was still and dark and he was half asleep, there was no wind, and not a leaf moved. Then he saw, yes a branch moved, then another branch, someone out there on the tree. It was dark, yet he saw something white, a figure was slowly coming down, a shroud of white cloth, the skeletal white hand, the bony fingers extended, it continued to extend. Gopal ran, the main door was closed, he banged in panic. It was moothamma who opened the door. He clasped her, he could not open his mouth, and he went with her and slept hugging her.
Gopal ‘Moothamma! I don’t want to be a Policeman.’ Moothamma ‘Gopal, you will become what Muthappan decides.’ Muthappa of Parasini Kadav Temple, is the presiding Deity of our family. He is the incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Pilakool Post Office was next to Mangaden house. They say it was a part of Mangaden plot. A Senior Karnavar had donated the plot for the post Office, he wanted to name the Post office as Mangaden Post Office. It was rejected by the Thasildar, he was from a lower caste. The Tahsildar was subsequently transferred to Wayanad. A dangerous place. The Karnavar those days were influential.
The Post Office next to Mangaden house was called Pilakool Post Office. The Post Master was retiring. He approached the Karanavar and the need to find a relief. It was a courtesy call.
Karnavar telephoned the Head Post Master, that a Temporary Post man is available. Till such time a suitable Post Master is found, he can appoint Gopal. Just a temporary measure.
Head Post Office sent an appointment letter, appointing Gopal as a Temporary Post Master. Being Matric Pass Gopal was qualified to do the Job. A months training with loss of pay was approved.
Gopal was quick to learn, it was a simple job, he could learn in two days, but here the requirements were different. The outgoing Post Master could visit each house to bid good bye. It was a Tellicherry routine.
Some places he would get tea, sometimes a meal, but also a cash gift, depending upon their financial status. Sometimes one Rupee, sometimes Ten Rupees. As Post Master, he was a part of the family, attending marriages, childbirth and death, he has seen it all, shared their joy and sorrow.
Finally on the last day, a function was organised, Karnavar the Chief Guest. Speeches were made, the incoming Post Master Gopal garlanded the outgoing Post Master. Karnavar gave a speech, he in full public view handed one hundred rupees. It was a big sum, greatly appreciated by all. He had spent 30 Years in that one room Post Office. There were tears in his eyes as he bid good bye.
The next day, early in the morning Gopal went to the Temple after taking bath in the house tank, it was cold and exhilarating. He prayed at the Thiruvangad Temple. The New Uniform was ready, a gift from Karnavar. Gopal looked handsome and smart. The Barber had trimmed his moustache and hair. Gopal was early for work, first day in office. Nalini wearing Skirt and blouse entered the Post Office. Gopal knew her name as also her house. She was looking pretty. Gopal did not know, whether to sit or stand, before he could decide she opened her mouth. Gopal could hear nothing, he kept staring at her. Nalini laughed and said ‘I want a Post Card’. Gopal knew where he had placed the stamps and the covers, yes the Post Card was also there in the same box. He found the Post Card and gave her one. ‘Ten Paise please.’ Nalini took out a Rupee coin and extended it towards Gopal. Gopal ‘I don’t have the change, you can give me later.’ Nalini ‘No! I require the change, Mummy will ask! Where is the change?’ Tell me what can I say, no change, will collect later?’ Then I can never come to this Post Office’. Gopal ‘OK Stay here, I will bring the change.’ Gopal went to the nearest Shop, and he got the change. When he entered the Post Office, he was shocked. Nalini was sitting on the Post Master’s Chair. Nalini jumped when she saw Gopal, but she smiled sweetly. Gopal gave her the change, Nalini did not count the change. She had absolute trust in Gopal. She was jumping as she walked away. There was spring in her stride.
Now that Gopal had a Job, his position at Mangaden house was elevated. Parvathi a distant relative had come to Mangaden, when her parents died in an accident. Parvathi was an efficient hand at Mangadan House. Moothamma had given her a job, to get the Eastern room, long since vacated, when the incumbent got a job in Dubai, to be cleaned, have a clean bed and pillow. These are not given to non-earning members. Parvathi took the job seriously, she cleaned the house meticulously, selected a good Cot and bed. Placed a chair in the room.
It was Parvathi who washed the New Khaki Uniform of the Post Master. She watched with pride, as he walked out in the new uniform, Gopal looked an Army man, Parvathi had found an old Army Cap, and it was worn by Gopal. He really looked confident and smart. Parvathy was blushing as he turned to bid good bye.
Gopal was not aware of Parvathi’s attention. Gopal walked home with the One Rupee coin in his pocket.
He said silently ‘My lucky coin, it was still warm. He continued to caress the coin, as he walked home. … …
To be Continued…
Trance Series 