The crowd cheered NALINI! NALINI! NALINI.

The adulation and the response that Nalini received was overwhelming. The crowd intoxicated by the bold stance of the girls! ‘My God how brave she is! What is her name?’ ‘She Nalini, our own girl, Pilakool girl.’ Tellicherry had never seen such an explosive show of force by such tender and pretty girls. The bold girl, her fist raised towards the sky, chest out, uninhibited demonstration, and a rare courage that was raw and pure. Nalini raised her closed fist, the crowd in synchronous motion punched the atmosphere.

The crowd jumped and shrieked, it shattered the glass dome of their captivity. The constricting dome of Karnavar, the century old traditions and customs of the feudal times lay like dead leaves on the ground, withered and broken and with that the domination of the KARNAVAR stood demolished, at least symbolically. The old dilapidated dome lay broken, powerless and impotent. The power edifice no longer omniscient, and it lay lifeless and impotent. The grass on the ground was crushed by the thundering hoofs of youth power.
Nalini’s voice heard above the din, ‘Listen Please’. The crowd suddenly quiet.

Nalini ‘We are here to fight the Japanese, we are also here to fight the injustice, we oppose the domination of the Karnavar.’ The girls and boys exploded. They jumped high, so did their hearts. Nalini ‘We are ready to fight the Japanese! We are also free to marry the partner of our choice. Girls and boys you are free now. We are no more prisoners of our elders, we respect them, but it is our birth right to marry, the person of our choice. Baby! IT IS MY CHOICE.’

The crowd surged ahead, “IT’S IS MY CHOICE! IT’S IS MY CHOICE! …’ The girl power unleashed. Nalini spoke, words were not required, and not a single word could be heard. Youth power effervescent, it cannot be put back in the bottle, the bottle is crushed, broken, no one can ever put back the glass into shape. The girls and boys will take the shape. ‘Yes! Whatever shape we desire. BABY IT’S MY CHOICE’.

… xxx …

When Nalini reached home, she knew there would be explosion, despite the bold declaration, when she crossed the threshold of her house, her lips were trembling, her mother stood holding the wooden pillar for stability, a wounded Lioness ready to fight, and the young daughter stood glaring at her, she seemed ready to respond. Nalini glared back with the insolence of a challenger. Her legs spread out, both her fist closed and chest out. Shobha ‘How dare you go to the stadium? Shameless girl, what will the people say of you?’ Nalini ‘You should have seen what the crowd said of me. They have been cheering me, understand cheering me.’ Shobha ‘No one will marry you.’ Nalini ‘I don’t want to marry that Krishnan Kutty, the Army man with that big moustache. I hate moustache, once upon a time they used moustache to filter Toddy of ants and dust. That is why I hate moustache. Besides he is MISSING IN ACTION. He will never come back, he will be with that Burmese girl, yellow girl with a flat nose. One day the Moustache man will come with two fat babies, yes yellow babies, and say that he is prepared to marry your daughter. What will you say Mama? Will you say? Yes, we Tellicherry People will honour the engagement? Shobha ‘Shameless girl. No one will ever come seeking to marry you, will you go seeking a boy? I like that Gopal. Such a descent man.’ Nalini ‘I agree with you Mama’. Shobha ‘I don’t understand you. What you agreed?’ Nalini just smiled. ‘How can I explain, you will never understand the modern world?’ Shobha ‘Just walking around the streets and shouting at the boys will not make you what you call understand the world.’ Nalini ‘That is the problem Mama, you are buried in the past, you have no freedom, you cannot think for yourself, forever the Karnavar! The Boss Who has one wife and two keeps, he does not even know how many children he has. That is your great Karnavar. May I ask you something? Tell me how many children the previous Karnavar had? You will never know, you never seen them all in one place?’ Shobha ‘You are a shameless girl. You don’t respect tradition?’

Shobha ran to the Puja room, please save my daughter!’ Nalini ‘Mama, your daughter is already saved, the missing in action Moustache will never come Mama.’

Shobha kept repeating ‘MOOTHAPPA! MOOTHAPPA!’
Nalini ran upstairs to her room, she checked her face in the mirror, she smiled at herself, she raised her fist to the roof, chest out she cried out ‘BABY IT IS MY CHOICE’. Nalini was happy at her own performance. Nalini sat down to prepare for action, the next day.

… xxx …

The discussion in every kitchen was the same, the revolt of the Tellicherry girls. It found resonance in many a hearts. A slow rumble that seem to shake the very foundation of the family structure. Even the frustrated wives found sustenance in their hearts. Freedom from traditional bondage, yes the desire to be free of oppression, yes to be free in your heart to breathe the fresh air and thought. The unborn flower in the heart seem to blossom, the very thought seem to make them smile, they discreetly hid their smile. It was wonderful to be alive.

… xxx …

The crowd began to assemble. Gopal addressed the crowd. The urgent need to make preparation for war. We need to make trenches on the beach, deep and camouflage material. We need to stock Coconuts in hundreds. The crowd did not understand Coconuts. ‘Why Coconuts to fight Japanese?’ Gopal ‘Coconuts are God’s gift to Kerala. Coconut is a power house. Inside the dugout, we get water to drink, really nourishing water, and white pulp to eat, it is really nourishing and strength giving. Understand. Great gift, you can survive for days, just break the Coconut drink the nectar and eat. There was a slow murmur, ‘What Gopal said is true, and I can contribute a hundred Coconuts.’ Gopal ‘We need Bow and Arrows! We need them in hundreds.’

The girls did not come, it was getting dull, and the fizz was missing. The crowd were getting restless, they were thinking of going home. The crowd heard a distant sound, a rumble, a metallic sound, they turned and saw, they could not believe it, it was a crowd, an amazing gathering, and they were beating the kitchen utensils with short sticks. An all women force, young and old, and they were shouting in Malayalam ‘Break the bondage, fight the Japanese.’ Nalini leading the procession, she was carrying the big placard, in English and Malayalam. ‘IT’S MY CHOICE’.

A magnificent display of women power! Never seen in Tellicherry. They marched beating the utensil. An emphatic statement ‘We are free! We are liberated.’ Even older women joined, they too felt young again. House wives who never dared to walk the street alone, were now leading the charge. It was inconceivable and unthinkable. Even the timid were gesticulating with power and confidence. Grandmothers too joined in the movement. Chewing Tobacco they shouted ‘Karnavar! You sit tight on the veranda and chew Tobacco’.

Gopal seeing the crowd climbed down and hugged the old toothless lady, the girls moved aside, some girls saluted Gopal. Captain Gopal. The Military Commander. Gopal climbed the stage. He raised his hands for silence. Suddenly the crowd became silent. This was Military discipline. No General more effective than Captain Gopal. A forceful personality. They would give their lives for him. Gopal shouted with renewed confidence ‘we require men, we require guns, if we have no guns, then we will fight with Bows and Arrows. Our Arrows will kill the enemy silently, we come unseen. We will defeat the enemy.

The crowd roared in rapture. The whole stadium saluted in rapture. The undisputed leader. Gopal ‘Come back tomorrow, we will take out a march to awaken Tellicherry for battle.’ In a dramatic gesture, Gopal gave the Nalini Fist Salute. The crowd responded in a crescendo. Boys and girls cheered, they laughed. The sweat of girls and boys intoxicating. It was exhilarating to be young and free.

… xxx …

Parvathy saw it all, the amazing rise of Nalini. Parvathy was happy. Parvathy was shrewd and her analysis brilliant. The more Nalini becomes popular, the more Nalini will love herself. She will have less time to love Gopal. Nalini will want attention, yes plenty of attention from Gopal. The more Gopal gets into the war scenario, the less time Gopal has for Nalini, for that matter for any girl. Nalini will become impatient. I have plenty of patience, after all Gopal is in my den. The Mangaden house.

To be Continued…

His days were filled with sorrows, until the day he met her, while he was flipping his fingers through the guitar. She wanted to congratulate him for the song that he played for the Christmas Eve, and she couldn’t see his face as his black hair was almost covering it. She walked onto the stage and stretched out her hand, thanking him for the beautiful night and said that he should hit his guitars quite often to please the broken hearts. He loved her smile and the statement which she made lifted his forlorn spirits. He looked for her whenever he played shows with his band for the events that took place in the college.

The days passed by, and one day he realized he’d fallen in love with her. There were thousands of students in the campus, but just one girl named Sara had touched his heart. He used to wait for her to arrive on campus every day, and as she arrived, he smiled and said a few word before leaving for his practice. One day, he wrote a note in his diary, “If I was given a chance to love you, I would live to love you for the rest of my life”.

The empty streets of the barren land had no lights to guide travelers through to the next street of bliss. But people used to walk to find a way to the next lane, and in every dark room, there whould be a light to brighten up lives. Jeremy found Sara as his light. He fell in love with her, but he never wanted to tell her because he didn’t want to lose the only light in his life. They start talking to each other on the phone. They started getting close to one another. But somehow he couldn’t find the courage to tell her about the feelings that he had towards her.

She was a soft-spoken person. She spoke like a sweet, innocent infant. She was always a curious child. Her dreams were filled with green pastures and rainy seasons. She loved nature, and she used to tell her mother quite often about the kind of man she wanted to fall in love with. And she found that in Jeremy, but she never told him since her friend Mary told her about the craziness she heard about Jeremy from her fellow friends. That built a distance between Sara and Jeremy, and the hurt soul in Jeremy never urged to reason with her. He kept silent and wrote more painful songs. And the days passed by…The nights faded away…Until the day they were destined to meet for the final time.

The bells rang for the final classes…Jeremy woke up from his short nap and walked away from the hall to see the empty classes. All the students were busy practicing their final show for the senior students. Some of them were sitting in a corner and crying. Some of them were kissing each other in the empty classrooms. Some of them were running with their autograph journals. Jeremy walked to witness the places that he admired over the three years. In one classroom he found Steve and a girl. He stood there for a while. A teardrop made his cheek wet. He didn’t speak a word. He didn’t let Steve know that he was in there, watching his girl being kissed by another man.

To be continued…

The War Council met again the next day at Haridas house, Nalini was there as charming as he remembered. They did not call it the War Council, and they did not know that such a Phrase exists. Gopal was well prepared, and he made a brilliant presentation. Gopal was still in khaki Uniform and continued to wear the Army Cap, and it gave him confidence to mould his thoughts into the Army way of thinking. Gopal was precise and frugal with words, his analysis of the threat was masterful, and his logic infallible. Gopal spent hours at the Town Library to understand the Art of War. Gopal laid out the Aim of the present war.

Adolf Hitler propounded the concept of the Aryan Superiority. The Nazi Germany that would rule the world for a thousand years. The total subjugation of Mankind to serve Nazi Germany. The superior race would be the masters. The rest of mankind would be slaves and the old, infirm and the sick have no right to exist. They would be killed or exterminated. They are developing new technology for mass killing. Young girls would serve the new Masters.

Benito Mussolini their partners in the new world order. Japan the Far East Partner was advancing towards India, they have landed in Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands. Soon they would reach India, they were advancing from Burma. The British Army, mostly Indians were engaged in a fierce battle in Africa. Krishnan Kutty the Army man engaged to Nalini, was declared as ‘Missing in Action’.

Gopal had declared that the threat to Kerala was not from the north, the Japanese would come from the sea. Gopal was emphatic, the battle for Tellicherry would be fought on the beaches. ‘We must make preparation on a war footings’.
… xxx …

Parvathy knew something was brewing at Haridas house, she also knew that Nalini was an attractive girl, it was also known that she was not interested in marrying the Army man. This was potentially dangerous, this was an immediate threat to her plans, Parvathy took serious view of such developments. War was not important, Parvathy had laid the Red line, no one to cross that line Gopal was hers’.

Parvathy sent agents to the meeting. They were to report everything that was happening at Haridas house. The report came. Gopal was only person who spoke of the developments of the War, the rest of the audience had no clue of what was happening. Yes there were discussion and they all dispersed. The Agent saw that Nalini offered Tea to Gopal. They talked for a long time. Nalini was smiling and looked pretty. The reports burned a hole in her heart.

Parvathy shouted to herself ‘No wonder! No wonder, Gopal did not take her Tea and the Banana fry, she had made it with such sincerity. You will regret it Gopal, yes regret it.’ Parvathy waited, she saw Gopal coming back late in the night. Gopal parked his Raleigh Cycle and walked phlegmatically and his gait listless.

Parvathy placed black Tea on the table and withdrew. There was no Banana fry. Gopal did not touch the Tea. Parvathy hissed in silence, ‘So you like Nalini’s Tea, I will show you how Nalini’s Tea tastes.’
… xxx …

Parvathy could not sleep, the threat from Nalini was real, something should be done about it, and the Idea of something came to her early in the morning. “Deny access to Nalini”. The idea was brilliant and original. Parvathy gathered the young men of her neighbourhood and gave them the secret.’ The British Government had made Gopal, the Captain of the Resistance Force to fight the Burmese. If the Burmese succeed, then all you men will be slaves and work like donkeys till death. All the girls will be taken to Japan. The British had given some secret plan to Gopal, he cannot reveal the entire plan, but the young men are to assist Gopal to defeat the Enemy. Phase one of the plan was an enormous success.

Parvathi decided, it was time now to execute Phase 2. Parvathi directed her men to declare that the entire community gather in the Stadium as that place was an ideal place for the general Public to hear Gopal, after all the war effects all of them. Gopal could explain the plan to fight the battle of Tellicherry to all the citizens
It was proposed and unanimously accepted. The Meeting venue to be shifted to the Sports Stadium.
‘Will they all get the Guns to fight?’
Everyone agreed that the Stadium was the best place to gather.
… xxx …

Posters appeared all over the Town,
CAPTAIN GOPAL WILL SPEAK ABOUT THE WAR
THE JAPANESE THREAT TO TELLICHERRY
ALL ARE WELCOME”
VENUE .. SPORTS STADIUM, TELLICHERRY.
Time: 5PM.

The fear about the Japanese, the stories of torture and rape, the news spread like wild fire. Where to hide, what to eat and how to fight. Men gathered to listen. Who is this Captain Gopal? “I don’t know ‘was the common answer, some said it was Postman Gopal. Then who made him Captain?’ Answers were in plenty, speculations were also in plenty. Everyman claimed their version was the True source. The crowd gathered in large numbers.

… xxx …

Nalini wanted to go to the Football ground to listen to Gopal. Shobha, Nalini’s mother made an emphatic ‘NO’. Nalini ‘But I am part of Tellicherry, I want to take part in the defence of our Tellicherry.’ Shobha ‘Girls don’t have any role to fight. This is a Man’s job. Only men came here to listen to Gopal, did any girl come here to listen to Gopal?’ ‘Nalini Keep quiet, remember! You are engaged to marry Krishnan Kutty.’ Nalini prayed to Muthappa ‘Muthappa! Let Krishnan kutty never come back.’ On second thought Nalini clarified to Lord Muthappa ‘Muthappa! Let Krishnan Kutty not die, let a Burmese girl help him escape.’ In gratitude let him marry the Burmese Girl, yes the yellow girl with a flat nose, and have plenty of kids and let Krishnan Kutty never come back’. Nalini felt happy at the correction to her request to Lord Muthappa. Nalini tried again ‘Mama I just want to find out as to the direction from where the Japanese would come? We can then make our escape plan.’ Shobha ‘I am giving you my final warning! You will not go. Engaged girls are the property of the In Law’s. Shobha ‘The Japanese may come, you may become what they call ‘Missing in Action! Understand Missing in Action.’ As it is we have a problem with one missing in Action! Understand? After marriage, you can take your Husband’s permission and go to Burma or fight the Germans in Africa or climb Mount Everest or be MISSING IN ACTION’.

… xxx …

Parvathi was delighted, the separation so meticulously planned came true. The meeting at the Sports Stadium was a grand success. When Gopal spoke, the Public listened with rapt attention. Tellicherry never witnessed a war, this was going to be terrible. The British were fighting desperately in many sectors. They had no Army to fight in Tellicherry.
It was unanimously decided to elect Gopal as their Military Leader. There were thunderous cheers. The stadium burst out CAPT. GOPAL … CAPT. GOPAL…Gopal humbly accepted the great responsibility to lead the fight against the Burmese Army. Gopal formally announced the formation of the TELLICHERRY RESISTANCE ARMY. (TRA). Gopal the Captain of TRA.

… xxx …

Parvathi was clearing the old shelf, she discovered a small box, and in that box was an old British Medal. The ribbon was in tatters. An idea flashed through Parvathi’s mind. Yes a Medal for Gopal. Parvathi polished the Medal, it shone brightly, it was pure silver, must have been an important medal. Parvathi bought a striped Ribbon to match the original.

Parvathi also bought a Brown shoe, somewhere she heard that the Army Officers wear Brown shoes and the soldiers wear Black shoes. The accoutrement now complete. Parvathi specifically requested Gopal to come home before going to the Stadium. Gopal’s mind was burdened with plans to defend Tellicherry, make Trenches on the Beach, there were no guns, make Bow and Arrow, yes a Silent Weapon, yes they need to be trained, yes secondary defence lines. It was in such burdened mind he reached his home. Parvathi laid out her plan. The Army Captains Uniform. The old Cap washed, the old belt now polished brown, the new Brown Leather Shoe. The Shirt and Pant starched and stiff. The Medal with a new ribbon.

Gopal ‘This Medal I cannot wear! How can I? It does not belong to me.’
Parvathi ‘Gopal Chetta! This is war, to win war you have to anything to make victory possible. If by wearing this Medal, you can get the people to fight for our Motherland, you are doing a great service to the Nation, if you are defeated, the Medal will get buried with you, if you win you will get a real Medal, you will become a Hero! We never had a Tellicherry hero. You will become a Hero, I say wear it, may be the spirits of our ancestors will bless you, you job is to defend the girls of Tellicherry! Imagine what will happen to the girls? Just imagine?’ Gopal ‘OK! I will wear it, and when the war is ended, I will make a Public confession, that this Medal is not mine, I wore to raise the morale of the fighters.’

There were tears in Parvathi’s eyes. She just murmured ‘What an honest Man! My God Protect Gopal’. Gopal ‘So you put the Posters?’ Parvathi ‘Yes! It was my idea, then only people will rally behind you’.

Gopal thought ’Parvathi was indeed smart, she could think even beyond him, she wanted him to win’. The crowd was waiting, they had gathered in large numbers. Gopal climbed the Stage wearing the the magnificent Military Uniform, the Medal shining in the setting sun. The crowd burst out’ Captain! Captain! They would not stop’ Gopal addressed the gathering, the uniform gave him confidence! We will win the battle!

Gopal gave a rousing speech, ‘The need to get every man and women in the battle effort. We don’t have guns! But we have the will. We will fight with Bows and Arrows, we will stay buried in the sand, behind sand dunes, the guns will make noise, but our arrows will kill them silently. We have the skill, we have the Blessings of our Great Warrior Muthappa! We have to make thousands of Arrows. We will make an awareness march. All of us will march from the Stadium to Saidar Palli Junction, turn to Ckirakkera and return via the Bus Stand.

The crowd cheered. When Gopal reached the Stadium, the crowd was ready, they had War Drums ready, and they displayed Bows and arrows. The crowd swelled, as they reached Pilakool, Parvathi was standing behind a tree, she saw Gopal.

Gopal had become a Hero! It was indeed beyond her expectations. She could not even wave at him, her heart was palpitating wildly. ‘My God! our Gopal’.

The crowd swelled as they moved. The drum beat faster, the crowd realised that it was a call to defend the Nation, they too jumped in! The sheer exuberance was palpable.
Gopal looked resplendent with the Medal. Just as the procession was reaching the stadium, there was a loud cheer. No one could discern the cause of the stir.

Suddenly the crowd opened up. There were about twenty girls, all smartly dressed. They carried placards ‘DEFEND TELLICHERRY DEFEAT JAPAN. GIRLS OF TELLICHERRY’.

Right in front was Nalini, her right hand fist raised, she marched.
It was a stunning show. Nalini was the scintillating Star. The crowd surged. They clapped wildly. The girls climbed the stadium. They stood like warriors. The crowd burst out ‘NALINI NALINI NALINI’.

To be Contd…

Time flew by. In seven hours, the farewell night would arrive. Jeremy kept his head down and reeled in the memories that he had in his life. A note from his diary spoke a lot about his childhood. On one page, it read “I don’t really know what hurts me. I don’t know… I lost my mother when I was ten. And my father left me alone in a hostel. I grew up there with all my sorrows. Later I got used to it. I treated myself as a friend in despair. But now, when I see her, my heart aches… I don’t know if it’s pain. But I’ve started to feel again, and I guess I am not numb anymore. Perhaps, I love her… Well, maybe…”

Jeremy grew up seeing his mother beaten by his father. He never had the courage to stop him, because he was an ill-tempered, militant man. He often found his mother crying. He never knew how to console her. His hatred towards life and his father made him a vagrant. He used to leave his house early morning and come back at night. His father used to burn the metal plates and burn his hands. When his classmates used to ask about it, he often smiled and told them, it was a game he played with fire.

Everything changed drastically when his mother was killed by his father when he was ten years old. He didn’t cry. He didn’t speak to anyone. He sat near her grave in the cemetery for days. He didn’t lose his temper. He touched her tomb and slept beside it for days. And one day, someone who came to dig a new grave for an old widow, noticed the half-dead body of Jeremy and took him to the hospital. When he woke up, he found himself in an orphanage, and the priest told him that his father had come to see him, that he was sleeping, and later arranged to shift him to this orphanage as he was going for a war. Jeremy spent his days in that orphanage, playing an old rusty guitar the priest had given him.

And he used to sing,

“Thought I oughta bare my naked feelings,

Thought I oughta tear the curtain down.

I held the blade in trembling hands

Prepared to make it but just then the phone rang

I never had the nerve to make the final cut.”

To be continued…

Krishnan Kutty’s family received a Telegram from British Army. Achudhan knew a little bit of English, he had studied up to Sixth Standard. Achudhan read it carefully, it read “Regret to inform Sergeant. Krishnan Kutty. No KK 0036234 M. Missing in Action. Will inform after investigation.”

Achudhan only understood only one word ‘Missing’, and he was in deep thought in analysing the message, ‘Missing, it could mean that Kutty had run away. Why should he run? He had a good job, now a promotion to Sergeant, really a big man. Kamala, his wife came running, what did the Postman bring, a letter? Kutty coming?’ Achundhan ‘No it is a Telegram.’ Kamala; ‘What is Thelegrom? We never got any Thelegrom! Tell me when is my Unni coming?’ Achudhan ‘Telegram! Means special word from Army, British Army, and they sent word to inform us that he is missing. Missing means he is not there.’ Kamala ‘What do you mean, he is not there?Achudhan was in deep thought! He could not find any answers. He just wiped his face, still no answers came. He raised his hands and said ‘I don’t know.’ Kamala wound her sari, around her waist and approached him ready for battle, ‘I know where he is! What did you say, he is in Barma? He is just like you, remember how you ran away with that Muslim girl, what is her name, yes Fathima! Same blood, he must have run away with a Barma Girl, the Barma girls I have seen their photo, the girls wearing Lungi, nothing on top, shameless girls.’ Achudhan ‘This is British Army Message. It did not say anything about Burmese girl. Kamala ‘Go immediately to that Post Master. He is will know, go immediately! And remember don’t tell anyone. Total secret, understand? If people come to know that he has run away with a Barma girl that is the end of Unni’s marriage. All girls are not like me, to tolerate a shameless man who ran away with a Muslim girl, Fathima! She spat on the ground. Her vehemence more emphatic.

Achudhan thought ‘What can I do? Fathima was a good looking girl, she had come crying ‘My husband is marrying another girl, and he is trying to kill me. Please save my life, please I cannot commit suicide, it is Haram in Koran.’ What could he do? She was pretty and he agreed to go to Kochi, she lead Achudhan to a house in Mattancherry in Fort Kochi, a handsome bearded Muslim man received them at the door, Fathima went inside, and the door was barred for Achudhan and he had a lot of problem to explain, and the fact that he had come back alone convinced them he was indeed a fool. Kamala ‘Thank God! They did not kill you, sometimes I wish they had killed you. My son would not have had this problem. My Unni ‘Where are you? Give up that Barma girl, I will find you a better girl, Muthappa! Muthappa, please save my son, Five rupees Archana for you Muthappa!’ Before things get out of control, Achudhan ran to the Post Office. The Post Master had no clue in this matter, this was the first time he had seen such a message.

Achudhan came back disappointed, ‘That Post Master does not know, he says he had never read such a message.’ Kamala ‘I know that Post Master knows nothing, he always walks looking at the ground, he is afraid someone may ask a question.’
Kamala ‘Now what do you do? I told you not to fix a marriage, the Broker told you she is a pretty girl, so you went, and the Broker had free Toddy! You tell me?’ Yes it was true, the Broker had a good amount of free Toddy, yet the girl Nalini was a Pretty girl. He liked her, she was simple and sweet, not like this fighter Cock’. Kamala ‘Show the Tellicherry people this Paper! What you say Thelegram? And say Marriage we fix, when Unni comes.

Kamala could not visualise the scenario, the broad nose yellow skin girl, improperly covering her chest so shamelessly. Her daughter in law, never! Kamala will never permit. This I swear by Muthappa!. Kamala’s instructions continued. ‘Stand straight when you go there, you are the boys party! Remember, they should bend not you’.

Achudhan could not fight back, it was he who initiated the marriage, now it was his problem! It has always been his problem. The moment he raises his voice, she comes out with that Fathima stuff.

… xxx …

Kamala sent her husband to the Barber, to get his unruly hair trimmed, clean shaven and dressed with freshly washed clothes and starched with indigo. Achudan looked handsome. Strangely he also looked educated. Achudhan departed, Kamala was apprehensive, her Husband was actually a simple and honest man, and the task at hand was complicated. She had briefed him thoroughly. The mission was a delicate one. Achudhan agreed to all the conditions. But he lacked confidence, he also knew the solution. He went straight to his Toddy Shop, the Shop was closed, he went inside and took out the bottle from his secret reservoir, a French Brandy, his favourite and he gulped a large swig straight from the bottle. He took another large Swig, in went straight inside like honey. It was pure heaven, and he almost raised for a third swig. ‘No Acudhan No’! He complied with his own instructions. Achudhan went behind the shop, he had cultivated a Lemon Tree, specifically for this purpose. He plucked a raw Lemon and chewed the skin, the taste was bitter, but he smelled of lemon.

Achudhan boarded the Bus from Kannur Bus Stand, bus direct to Tellicherry. He kept repeating the instructions and the dialogue in his mind, the Bus stopped near a village, a good looking women entered the Bus. She asked Achudan ‘Chetta! Bus to Tellicherry?’ No answer. ‘Chetta! Does this bus go to Tellicherry?’ Achudan was forced to reply, he did ‘Yes Tellicherry’. She sat in front of him. She had flowers in her hair. Achudan forgot his sentence, the flowers were fragrant.

… xxx …

Achudan called a shared Horse Tonga, he reached close to Nalini’s house, and he knew the house, as he had been there. Nalini’s father Haridas, himself a handsome and elegant man saw Achudan, he rushed out to meet the future Father- in- law of Nalini. Nalini’s mother Shobha too rushed in, Shobha liked him, a simple man with an elegant smile. Achudan was actually nervous, all the phrases and words that he had memorised deserted him. He was struck with just the first word, he delivered with compunction and perturbation. Achudan ‘Unnikrishnan!…Haridas ‘Yes! When is Unni coming?’ Achudan failed to formulate a reply, and he just took out the piece of paper, the Telegram and showed it to Haridas. Haridas took the pink paper, the Telegram Paper and read slowly. Haridas murmured ‘Missing in Action…’

Nalini’s mother Shoba heard nothing, she was hard of hearing. Shoba asked her Husband loudly ‘What does it say? Why can’t you read properly! She was getting nervous. Shoba ‘Nalini! Come down immediately.’ Nalini came down, she was looking pretty. She read ‘It says Unnikrishnan Missing in Action’. My God! Thought Nalini, this was serious and wonderful, but she still could not elaborate properly. Shoba ‘Nalini tell properly? OK, Say it in Malayalam. Nalini again made an effort, missing in Action, does not make any sense. What is the meaning of ACTION? Nandu, the neighbour’s kid was present, nobody saw him enter, but he was carefully monitoring the situation. Nandu ‘I know Action, yes I saw Action’.

Nandu was confident, he was allowed to speak. Nandu ‘I saw Film shooting at the beach, ‘The director shouted ‘Camera Roll, the camera rolled. Director shouted ‘Action’, the Hero Jumped! God promise Hero Jumped’. They were all confused.
‘If Action was jumping, why was Unni missing? The neighbour Babu too knew English, he was called urgently, Babu came immediately, he managed to change into a better shirt, he calls it the lucky shirt, the Pants was not given the same degree of importance. Babu was given the piece of Paper, now it has become an important piece of Document. Babu read it, once silently, then a second time loudly. He too could not figure out the context of the word ACTION. Without saying a word, Babu ran back into his house, he came back panting, the excitement was evident, a tiny sweat was trickling down his sideburn. He did not wipe it, he had no time for that. Babu held in his hand an old OXFORD Dictionary. It was in tatters, ‘My Father’s’ He proclaimed it proudly. ‘Yes, let me see’, he could not see properly, it was getting dark. Babu moved towards the window ‘Yes, here it is, he read it loudly’ Yes Actioin, it says “Process of doing something or functioning thing done”. ‘Yes this is what Oxford Dictionary says. Any Doubts?’ They realised, being the owner of the Dictionary, Babu was more confused than them.

Shobha decided to take initiative, after all it was the marriage of her only daughter. Shobha said ‘We must consult Vasudevan, he worked in Madras, he should know’. The youngster was asked to call Vasu Uncle, it was an urgent matter. Vasudevan, delighted to be consulted upon a serious matter, washed his face, applied the black eye shadow pencil, to cover his grey hair, combed his hair, put on his best dress and walked out with his new footwear.

Vasudevan studied the Telegram carefully, then he wiped his glasses, read it again, he gave a deep thought. The entire congregation in silent mode. Vasudevan cleared his ears, scratched his nose and delivered his opinion. ‘Enemy has taken him away’ Vasudevan sat in silence. Shoba ‘Enemy who?’ Gopal was also present, he promptly said ‘JAPANESE’. Gopal was the war expert, the first man to alert them of the dangers of the Japanese advance through Burma. This was serious business. Whatever Gopal said has come true. They all looked at Gopal with a new respect and guidance. Haridas ‘Will they come to Tellicherry? Will they come from Burma?’

Gopal was emphatic, he said it firmly ‘They will not come from Burma, they will come from the Sea. The beaches are the greatest danger point.’ They asked in unison ‘We should run towards the mountains.’ Gopal’ No run, we should defend the beaches, we should not allow them to land on the beaches.’ Gopal ‘The battle will be fought here on the beaches of Tellicherry’.

Nalini was delighted. Gopal was the Leader. He was giving the problem a serious thought, he seem to have worked on the problem’. With the Khaki Uniform, Gopal looked like a General, an Army General. It was a war council. The Marriage was forgotten.

To be Continued….

Seven years ago.

The mild wind from the West gently pressed the rose flowers in the backyard. The month of November was filled with laughter and sorrow. Soon the sun would descend, or one would need to ascend to find a haven. The rant of young students in the campus made the background break free from silence. Every wall had an ear to hear the hum of musings in this place. The heart of college lay with the students, and the college was built in rock with vivid shape of symbols. Students from different parts of the globe arrived to witness the beauty of this place as it was known for its absolute scenic beauty. The hostel that was situated at the topmost hill attracted many tourists – just to feel the warmth of stirring clouds. Beyond the hostel there was no path – it was the end point. People called it “Dead Cliff”.

Days passed by. November was colorful, like a rose flower with many shades, but the same month contained another, sadder scene just around the corner. The farewell night for senior students. Well, people come and go; no one is destined to stay forever. That is life. That is sad. But also true.

Room 207 was occupied by three musicians. The dark wall of this room was adorned with old posters, bulbs, and bells. Jeremy was a strange character unlike Steve or Richard. He loved fairy tales, and had lived his whole life with music and his favorite musician’s history. Nobody really knew him much on the campus because he was always in a different world. He was a loner. But Richard and Steve knew that he loved a girl because he used to write songs about a mystery girl. Yet he never spoke a word about her.

The empty lawn had a wooden chair. Students used to rush in to see the beauty of the morning clouds. Room 207 had a backyard, and the chair belonged to Jeremy. He used to write notes and play guitar when nobody was around. He often said, “Music is an unknown feeling. People listen to it, relate to it, and shed tears of joy because of it. And it comes out good only with the blessings of nature”.

The days passed by…the clouds rolled away…until one dawn, a ray of sunshine slipped in and woke Jeremy from his deep sleep. He rose, walked towards the desk where his notes were scattered around, picked up a diary from the lot, opened to page number 56, wrote a note, and got ready to leave for the classes. The breeze from the unknown skies is always set to blow many a heart, and it blew the papers on the desk, making its way through the holes of a broken windowpane, toward the next door occupant who never knew anything about Jeremy or his life. He snatched the paper and read between the lines. It read, “Today, she will be there, like a fresh flower that spreads the scent of tomorrow. But tonight, we will be gone, like a feather in the wind.”

The dark road was far, yet many walked to glimpse the ray of lights. No one really gave up. No one really lost hope. They walked, until the light was thrust upon their dreams.

The empty auditorium of the college had many quotes. Most of them were inspirational quotes because students came to learn. They did not want to fall in love with anybody and fail, but in the long run, no one had control of their heart. Jeremy was one of them. He never believed in love. He never had the urge to be loved. Richard and Steve found him strange, like a person who always wanted to end his life. He was full of hatred; and he walked through the lone corridor and sat in the corner of the auditorium where the sun’s rays heaved through with dusty haze. Tonight, the farewell, and he would walk away like another stranger with no memories to cherish. He came, learned, and would leave. But nobody really wanted to do it.

The campus had more than thousand students, and his guitar always bled for his songs. Many a time Richard insisted he sing a song since he could break the walls with his incredible voice. None heard it. No one really got to hear the good. They looked for the ones that were available. The ones that were always around.

To be continued….

Gopal had a pleasant disposition, he was always smiling. The new uniform fitted him admirably, it was Parvathy who washed and pressed his uniform, it was stiff like a Military uniform. She watched him depart till the gate and smiled to herself.

An Englishman Robert William, the Manager of Pierce and Leslie Tea Company was retiring and going back to England. He liked Gopal and he liked people in uniform. He could not join the Royal Navy. Williams said ‘Gopal I like your honesty and sincerity, I am giving you my favourite Raleigh Cycle, It is imported and it is made in England.’ Gopal ‘Sir I don’t have the money.’ Williams ‘Post Master, I am giving you free.’

Gopal could not believe it. How, why and he had many more questions. None asked, he could not hug Williams. English people do not like to be hugged, they do not like Indian smell. Gopal shook his hands and placed his hands on his forehead, as a mark of respect and gratitude.
It was the Englishman who hugged Gopal and said ‘I like you Gopal. You deserve it, and take care.’

The Englishman handed the keys and went away. Walking erect, a burden relieved, this was the way he wanted to bid goodbye to his favorite cycle.

… xxx …

Gopal and the Raleigh Cycle became a mobile Post Office. It was a modern concept, he took no one’s permission, in Tellicherry he was the Boss. Instead of the people coming to the Post Office, the Post Office went around. He was the only one in Tellicherry with Raleigh the imported cycle. The cycle had an imported Rubber Horn, it gave a musical sound, and it announced the Post Office as he rode in the bylanes. People would rush out to check if they had any letters, and also to hear any news, there were no newspapers then, Gopal gave them the running commentary of the world happenings and of Tellicherry.
1942, the Second World War was at its Peak, Germany had invaded Russia, there was a fear of Japan landing by the sea and take over Malabar. They would make the Indians as Slaves and make them work, and they would take all the girls to Japan. No one had a clear idea as to what they must do. They had no guns and the people of Tellicherry do not like war, they were actually scared of firing a gun, what if it explodes in our hand? The questions were enormous, Gopal had answers to some of them, not all, but he calmly said, ‘Nothing will happen, no needs to worry, Englishman Matthew told me that English Warships are coming. We are safe. No one had this secret information, in the absence of any other information, this was considered authentic.’

Gopal was planning to hide Nalini in Wayanad Caves. It was his secret plan. Gopal’s Mobile Post Office was a wonderful idea, instead of the people coming to the Post Office, the Post Office reached them, and it reached them in a wonderful way. On hearing the horn, people would rush out, not only for letters, but also to hear about the news of the WAR, as also of the local gossip.

Most people do not know how to write, they knew how to read and write, but not letter writing. Letter writing was beyond them, Gopal had the stationery, he wrote the reply as given by the customers, and mostly it was Gopal’s suggestion that finally went into the reply. Gopal did not charge them anything, except the cost of the Stamp. They insist that he take Tea, he politely declined stating that he just had Tea at the Koya’s Tea Shop. They hear the news sitting and standing, when it came to war, they always stood up. War was such deserving respect. Gopal also gave them good news.

Jayaraj Uppot got a Job in Bombay. His parents are coming from to Tellicherry to look for a girl for Jayaraj. That was important information. Uppot Family, yes a well-known family. Yes Bombay big city. Beautiful roads, tall building and big shops. Yes they get running water, the girls do not have to pull up water from the well like our girls. The message spreads fast.

Gopal does not give bad news like ‘Kutty’s wife ran away with Abdullah, the Travelling Salesman. It was poor Kutty’s problem.’ Why should I tell such news?’ Gopal knew the response ‘Kutty deserves it or I knew she would leave Kutty, She is so beautiful and Kutty is only interested in making money.’

Gopal had no time for Gossip. Gopal always turns towards the lane where Nalini lives. With or without letters, the Raleigh Cycle has a mind of his own. Gopal presses the horn, Nalini comes running and he loves to get a glimpse of Nalini. Nalini’s mother was hard of hearing. She does not hear the Musical sound of the Horn.
She does not understand as to why, suddenly Nalini runs outside. Nalini’s Mother says ‘Young girls should not run like that and you are improperly dressed.’ Nalini ‘Sometimes I feel like running Mama’.

Mama ‘All this running will stop when you get married, you know Krishnan Kutty, yes from Kottieth family, he is in the Army, yes British Army, regular British Job, good salary and they want to see you for their son. He is a good boy, if they like you it will be very good.’

Nalini suddenly got up and stamped her foot ‘I don’t to marry now’.
Mother ‘Who asked your consent? Karnavar will decide, I got married when I was 15, I saw your Papa at the Marriage Pandal. It took me two days for me to see him properly. Then I liked him.’

Nalini ran into the mirror, she made a face, ‘yes that is the face I will make’.
Nalini was not confident. I cannot even tell Gopal. She continued to comb her hair.

… xxx …

Once Gopal goes to the Post Office, Parvathi was relieved, her job done, the uniform looked good, the Cycle cleaned surreptitiously, because Gopal does not like anyone touching his cycle.

Parvathy knew Moothamma was the power center. Parvathy ‘Moothamma! Do you know how much Gopal earns?’ Moothamma ‘I don’t know.’ Parvathy ‘I know.’ Moothamma ‘How do you know? Did you ask him? Parvathy ‘No Moothy, how dare I ask him? I read his appointment letter, it says 70 Rs a Month, for the first three months, then it will be one hundred Rupees a month.’ Air escaped from Moothies mouth. ‘One hundred every month. A big salary, then we can look for a girl for Gopal from a good family. Parvathy made a wry face. ‘Moothamma! You do not understand anything.’ Moothamma ‘What did you say?’ Parvathi ‘I say, now a days you cannot see properly’.
Moothamma ‘No I can see, you have become fairer, your skin is glowing.’
Parvathi ‘That is what I said! You don’t understand.’ Moothamma ‘Understand what?’ Parvathi ‘Poor Gopalanchettan works full day, soon to earn one hundred rupees a month, and yet he does not even get a cup of tea, when he comes home.’ Moothamma ‘Now understand! You want to give him tea, good and are you sure that he will get me money, when he gets his salary.’ Parvathi ‘Why not Mootrhamma? He has no one, you are the one who brought him up.’

Moothamma liked her answer. Yes she told Parvathi, make a cup of Tea and also give him a snack, a Banana fry or something like that Parvathi smiled, another way to reach Gopalachettan. ‘Room given, room cleaned, Uniform washed and Starch pressed. Now Tea and snacks. ‘I must find out what he likes.’ Parvathi gave the crushed Tobacco and Beetle nut to Moothamma and hugged her.

… xxx …

When trouble approaches you, it does give a warning. Most of us are too deeply immersed in the present, the burden of the future unfolds slowly and imperceptibly. When you are dressing in the morning, a button falls off, it was a notice, you are too involved in the present and the future knocking your door is forgotten, you don’t even hear. That is what happened to Gopal that day. Gopal saw a black Cat cross his path, he ignored it, and his mind was occupied by Nalini. He pedalled slowly, he had an apprehension that something adverse was taking place.
It gnawed his heart. The heart was impermeable to adverse news. The future was bright, Nalini was waiting for him. But still he had a bitter taste in his mouth. As he turned into nalini’s lane, he saw a crowd at her gate, suddenly he was anxious. It was an indication of Celebration or Death. Gopal pushed at the pedal in panic. The Pedal broke. Gopal got down and picked the fallen pedal, placed it on top of his Carrier Box, under the band, and he continued to pedal furiously. In death People generally wear White, they are generally standing in small groups and in silence. Death was present, and people talk in whispers. Here they were brightly dressed, talking and showing their teeth in happiness.

Gopal stopped, still on the cycle asked ‘What is happening?’
One fellow replied ‘Don’t you know? Nalini is getting engaged today?’
Gopal ‘Who? ’Gopal could not make a complete sentence. ‘An Army man, Krishnan Kutty from Kannur. British Army, good job, The Maratha Regiment. You know famous Regiment. A job with Pension. Nalini is lucky, good family Kotieth house.
All data fell on Gopal like Molten Lava. He understood nothing, except that his Nalini was getting married. Gopal could not ask any other question, in fact the question could not be even formulated. The question stayed stuck in his mind ‘Marriage when?’ It was not asked, but it kept repeating in his brain, and it went back and forth, clashing in his skull.

Gopal scrambled to climb his Cycle, in fact he jumped on to his Cycle. The broken peddle fell off from the box. Gopal saw the broken peddle, it seem to speak like Nalini.

“I don’t want you,
I don’t care for you.”
Gopal caste a dirty glance at the Pedal and rode off furiously. On an impulse, Gopal returned to the pedal.
It lay in the red dust, unwanted, abandoned and unloved. Gopal stood near the pedal, he could not pick it up and he gave his final sermon. “Pedal this is your destiny, to lie in the dust, unloved and uncared, then he added ‘unkissed’.

Gopal turned back, he did not pick up the pedal. Gopal was peddling away, he had tears in his eyes, he did not know as to where he was going, his mind was blank. Destiny had deserted him, he peddled furiously and Gopal fell on the Tellicherry beach.

The Sun had set, the sky made beautiful patterns, the colours scintillating and breath-taking.
The Sea gulls were returning home.
Gopal clutched the Rupee Coin. The Sea breeze was cool, then it began to rain. Gopal collected his broken heart and the Cycle without one Pedal.
… xxx …

It was dark. A lamp was lit in the verandah. There was no one there, only behind the door stood Parvathi.
Parvathi ran inside and warmed the Tea and the Banana Fry. Parvathi placed them on his table. Parvathi went to the Veranda and awaited the call. After a long time Parvathy entered, she found him sitting on his chair, he had not changed, there was sand on his uniform, and he was fast asleep on his chair. The Tea and the snack cold and dead. Parvathy sat alone in the Verandah.

To be Continued….

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…

The grand highway is wet with the downpour. The sky is still set to pour. And the clouds cover the whole hills in gray. A blue car sped uphill with it’s fog lamps on. Each bough on each turn, danced with the breeze. And the lightening echoed with the sound of a soft thunder luring him to stop near a dale that lured many voyagers. And the sign board in green which was written with the phrase “Speed kills” turned to yellow with the reflection of fog lamps. He stopped the car near the edge of a cliff, unlocked the doors, turned off the lights, and walked out towards the end where sky touched the mount.

He is Richard. Richard is a musician who sings blues and plays guitar. Sunday is just a day away. And it is 2 p.m. His long black coat and his rough hair are soaked with the light rain. His grey beard and his pale eyes spoke about the pain that he carried over the years he lived. There is a story in everyone’s life. Some say them through their art. Some bury them in their heart. He sings blues, and shed tears. Richard, like the rest, had a story. But he never focused on his pain. His strength was his pain that he carried with him like a radio – to hear or feel, and find his muse.

When the skies start pouring heavily, and the lightening gave way to the thunder, and the leaves flew away with breeze, he stood still, thinking of a day that shook him seven years ago.

It was the day it all happened. It was the farewell night. It hurts to recall farewell nights. For Richard knew what that day could have done if everything worked as per his dreams. And to him a dream is like a castle made of sand in the beach. People crave it so beautifully, until the sea buries them all in her. The time just flew as the birds migrated from one sky to the other. Thirty minutes past two. He still admires the dale. And his body is wet, and he is feeling cold. The echoes of the distant hill lure his passion. Every bell that rhymed from the other hill pulls his desire to swim to the moon. He loved the light that came down from the moon which swept the wet roads in pearl white. Even the streetlamps get shunned by its glory. Then the mobile phone rings. He walks towards the car, opens the door and takes the call. And the silence drops in while the rainwater drips in. His body is cold. But his heart is warm. He spent with the other person on call for another thirty minutes. And the time is 3 p.m. He has promised to perform a musical concert in the same place from where he was graduated. But this time, there will be no known faces around to listen. There will be strangers and broken hearts around.

As the rain stopped from pouring, and the fog ascended the earth to color the place in peace, he started his undone journey towards the hill. Forty miles – away. And the music player played a song that they used to listen all the time. When it sang the same old song, the time travelled back seven years ago. And the scenes recurred in his memories.

To be continued…

Bengaluru’s whitefield area and the innumerable MNCs thriving there. Many graduates, post graduates and experienced professionals come to this area to enhance their career. This is the story of Tara and Abhimanyu who were in the same company but in different departments. He was a Senior System engineer and she was the head HR manager. The only interaction they had was in an HR meet or activity and Abhimanyu was called personally in her cabin to discuss about his appraisal and performance. It was at one of those occasions when a team activity was organized and different teams had to perform a set of tasks, which were a part of the solving of a puzzle. The one who could do it first, would be the winner.

The team in which Abhimanyu was a member was the winner but was not accepted due to some clash with the prescribed rules. But Abhimanyu was adamant and took the matter to Tara, who, on hearing his agitated voice, asked him to leave the room at once. This agitated him even more. As he went back to his desk, he received a message on internal chat portal. It was by Tara. The message stated- “Meet me at Pablo’s cafe around 8pm tonight. “Thank you, Tara”.

Abhimanyu was still in an annoyed state but Tara was as poised as she was known to be. She politely greeted him as if nothing had happened. That gesture somehow cooled him down, though the issue was not yet closed. He was about to talk about the morning incident, but Tara gently smiled and called the waiter, and asked Abhimanyu, what will he have?. He replied, “Just coffee, thats it”. She ordered for herself and for him too. He was taken aback by this act of hers. She looked at him with an angelic smile, and there was something in it, that pacified him everytime. Still he managed to talk about the morning issue, though now in a mellowed tone. And while explaining the incident, he himself realized how stupidly he had behaved, and been this way the entire day. He started giggling. She accompanied him in the jest. Both had a good time together and became friends. They started interacting more over messages, calls, and started meeting in office breaks and after office too.

Soon this interaction bloomed into love. But, as always when love awakens, it does not wake up alone, it brings along with a series of problems to deal with. Tara was a Muslim and Abhimanyu was a brahmin. Both were of a marriagable age, well settled, and more importantly loved and respected each other. The parents of both, Tara and Abhimanyu, were strict and orthodox, making the realization of marriage a distant dream and more of a nightmare as convincing them would involve drama, in fact melodrama, allegations, accusations, and even more, which history has shown time and again, making everything sour and eventually forcing them to go to a point that they have to do away with the relationship and part ways. They thought about this and came with a plan.

Tara’s father, after his retirement from the agricultural deptt, opened an NGO for the destitutes, be it the kids, the women, or the aged. He taught them to grow vegetables for themselves and a large part of the NGO premises was used to grow vegetables. It was originally their ancestral home, located in the Nagarbhavi area of Bengaluru near the famous national law university. His son, Aamir, happily married, found a job in the middle east and settled there. But he had filed a case against his father, to give him a share of the property and was using all illicit means to make sure that the NGO shuts down. He was disheartened by his son’s selfishness. Tara did not want to add to his tension. Abhimanyu’s mother was ailing and bed ridden due to the shock she received at the loss of her husband being shot dead by the goons while they were returning from a party. She survived the injuries but not the trauma. More than medical aid, she required love, affection, care and someone to be by her side.

Knowing about each other’s family situation, they decided to help each other’s family. In the meantime, Tara was reading about hindu marriage and the 7 vows. She was in tears after reading them. She proclaimed that “We will abide by each of the vows before we marry”. Saying this, Tara read the first vow aloud, now with a sense of deep joy in her voice – “It is a prayer to the almighty to provide us nourishment. The wife will ensure she provides a pure and healthy food to the family and the husband will take care of the family in terms of protection and strength, and both will be at par in holding these responsibilities.” She smiled at him with teary eyes, and he hugged her back. They started their mission of winning the respective families hearts by abiding by these vows.

Abhimanyu visited Tara’s house, met her father, and started helping him in the NGO on the weekends. He was gradually loved by all in the NGO except his father, who was a bit strict and reserved. Abhimanyu was patient. Tara visited Abhimanyu’s house, visited his mother and started taking care of her every weekend by cooking for her, showing her movies, taking her on wheelchair to the park. This continued for a while.

To be continued…..