CAME THOMAS _ CHAPTER – 6

CAME THOMAS  _ CHAPTER – 6

It is not an exaggeration to say that I least expected Miriam in my house.

Indeed, in my heart of hearts there lies that all – pervading wish to bring her to be forever in my home. But, I know also that it can never be possible.

 For him who is born a Brahmin, many rules and regulations are laid down. Of them it is indeed easy only to break many. Nobody would say anything if one keeps his trespassing a secret, fearing the people around, going with his head hung. For instance, there is my father. That he womanizes is an open secret. But, as long as he keeps going with his head hung as if in shame and pretends to worry over his reputation, none says anything against it.

Not daring to play mischief in the Brahmin Street, he had connection with many low-caste born women. No monetary means. Hence, can’t go to whores. He is of that type who, knowing that he is handsome and that his  amoral behavior would stir and cause joy at least in some women, would explore that knowledge to his advantage and so satiate his appetite.

For me, such shrewdness has never been within the reach. Till date I have never contemplated on the opposite sex, I must say. In all these full thirty years I have not experienced anything. Because of the conventional outlook that I should marry some girl and approach her as a hundred – percent bachelor. After coming to know Valluvan and through him going to his house and getting to know his mother Aadhi and his wife Vasuki I wish to a marry a girl who, apart from being a blend of these two, possesses patience, like my mother, and never tries to project herself.

Though epics do not say anything in this respect, people believe that Lord Vinayaga eternally sits at the street – corners and on the banks of ponds and lakes, searching for a wife who would have the noble traits of his mother Parvathi.

As for me, from the moment I saw Miriam for the first time, some ripples, some sort of restlessness which had never been before, have come to stay within.

I remember distinctly the place, time and occasion of the first meeting between us. In the fisherman colony someone was lying on the streets. Valluvan and myself, who were wading through the dirt and dust, enjoying the cool breeze, hearing the hue and cry, went to that spot. It was exactly at the same time of our reaching the spot, there came a lady and a girl called Miriam. Someone had beaten black and blue the man who was lying there, only half – alive.

Without the least bit of hesitation or reservation the elderly lady was taking out medicinal herbs and a stone to crush them evenly, from out of the bag of the younger one who had come along with her, and getting water from one of the huts turned the herbs into a lotion like thing and was applying it on the bruises with her own beautiful fingers. Calling that young girl  by her name Miriam she was asking her to run home and bring a medicine, naming it. I couldn’t understand their language. But, the name that she called out, Miriam, got stuck in my memory. That afternoon, after she took leave, suddenly darkness came to prevail. When she came back it was like the dawn reborn!

I am very much aware of the fact that the ripples within me regarding Miriam is absolutely of no use. She is the youngest child of the rich Ezekial. She looks beautiful too. There doesn’t seem to be much of a restriction for her. There won’t be any chance at all for them to consider me as their son-in-law. Moreover, she is of a different religious faith. Has come from an alien and. I who belong to that group of Brahmins who boast of their caste and creed, can never hope to marry her. Knowing fully well that there is not the least bit of chance for that, why the restlessness within...?

 ‘Have I also taken after my father?

  Going after each and every female….

But, I am not able to place Miriam in that ‘all and sundry’ category. . . what am I to do. . . .

“Mother will become alright. No need to worry,” – said Miriam. “Sit here,” said she further, gesturing me to sit next her on the swing. It was I who lacked the courage to do so.

“Sister Lizzath has gone to her the medicine. I stayed back, not wanting to leave mother alone. For, no one else is in the house.” Said Miriam, and then began saying, “Your friend Valluvan. . . . . .”

“He is not permitted to enter this region. He is of a low-caste born. In this Brahmin street even his breath is strictly prohibited, so they insist” – thus I gave vent to my impotent rage in some way.

“Amidst us also there are very many similar rules and regulations. Food habits, who we should be friendly with, who should we get married to, who we should lend help in imparting knowledge, who we can treat...like these, we have very many dos and don’ts. Because what we call Jesus – Community is not existing here we are able to come out of our house casually and freely – and move with all, easily.”

“It is indeed a must to have rules and adhering to them,” observed mother in a weak tone. That she was keenly following the conversation that went on between us and even took part in it, gave me great satisfaction.

“Some can never refrain themselves from breaking the laws, as is the case with me,” – said Miriam. This she didn’t say either in pride or in shame. After a moment she said,” Even your son seems to be one such.”

“My husband too,” said mother with her voice expressing the bitterness within.

“The verdict as to who is in the right and who in the wrong depends on what laws they break,” I intervened hurriedly. For, I felt that though Miriam was aware of all about my father  my mother shouldn’t speak ill of her husband i.e.., my father, to her.

Fortunately, casting it aside, Miriam started talking of something else. “In my place, from God knows where, there exists a hope that in our religion a Messiah would be born and having come to Earth he would build the Religion of God for the whole world to stand united and bound by love.”

“It seems that some believe the Messiah to have already arrived” – said I. “It was regarding that – though to some extent it was all above my head – your father and Valluvan were discussing. I was listening to them in silence.”

“True, many regard he who is called Jesus, one who lived for 32 to 33 years and finally bid goodbye to this world, having been branded a convict by the Jews and was crucified, as the Christ and the much-awaited Messiah. But, still, his advent doesn’t seem to have served the purpose of bringing love and peace” – said Miriam. “Contrary to that, quarrels and conflicts have become more frequent among the Jews, it is said. Don’t know which is the truth,”

“Truth is something which can never be perceived with precision and clarity – says Valluvan. He often says that one should hail those alone that never hurt other as Truths,” ­ said I. Speaking about Valluvan helped me come out of my thoughts regarding my own self.

 “Doesn’t Valluvan belong to your religion?”

 “No, some say that his religion has been there even before the Brahmins and Vedic religion came into being. But, for Valluvan, no religion is perfect and fully acceptable. He says that there should be a Universal ideology endowed with humaneness and go beyond the boundaries of the prevailing religions and concept.”

“Why don’t you start searching for it?” – asked Miriam and laughed. There was pathos in the laughter. Also, her ability to think could be perceived in that; and a sort of wholesomeness which go beyond all thoughts. It could be because of the soft-corner that I had for Miriam that  things appeared to me so.

I yearned to go on talking to her in this vein this forever and ever. But then, my father came. “How is mother Vaadhoo? What is it, you are standing here, chatting?” – enquired he as if condemning his own fault in me.

Mother answered his query herself. “I am alright now. You don’t have to worry about me so much. There are still more days to suffer.”

“Ok,ok – don’t start grumbling. Let you become alright” – saying so father looked up at Miriam. I didn’t like the way he looked at her. But, how to say that...

“You are the daughter of the Jewish merchant Ezekial, are’t you? Asked father.

“Yes, sister of Lizzeth who came here to treat your wife” – replied Miriam looking at him straight in his eye.

“Why don’t you ask your father to give some job for this fellow in his business concern?.At this age he is just loafing around, without any worry” – said father.

I felt miserable as if treading on some filth.

Miriam laughed aloud. “He has got enough work alright. There is no need for him to get job in a business concern. He is in search of a way for the betterment of humanity. He won’t come to our house as a servant.” Said she.

I was taken aback. This girl is indeed very mischievous… ‘How come she could read what was in my heart? Will it be that Valluvan would have told her  that which he has guessed….’

Miriam continued. “If you are really concerned about your son, choose a girl from you caste itself and get him married to her a early as possible. Otherwise. . .the way you go in search of next street Anjalai, the situation would go out of hand.”

The realization that Miriam knew about the Anjalai of the adjacent street sort of silenced father at once. But then, it was not that much of a secret. Rather, it was an open secret.

“There, my sister comes. But, let me tell another thing also. I’m well – versed in astrology and foretelling the future. That is why I predicted so.” – said Miriam.

When Lizzath came inside with her medical-kit, taking that opportunity father left the place hurriedly. After giving me the required medicines and telling me in detail as to how to give them to mother, Lizzath observed: “Your mother is yearning for your love and affection. Don’t starve her” Thus, advising me like an elderly lady and looking at her younger sister, she asked, “Have you done some mischief here too as is your usual practice?,” as if scolding her, and, without waiting for an answer, began to leave, accompanied by Miriam.

Mother rose and sat on the ‘Visupalaga’, and,  swallowing the medicine that I gave her, said, “I like that young girl very much. What a hearty laugh! What innocent words! She looks pleasant too. There is wealth also. Her father is a millionaire, you know. She or her sister – how they shower love on others! Willingly coming to me and treating, without asking even a pie. Who will have such a magnanimity?” – And, she heaved a huge sigh.

I could very well interpret mother’s long sigh. But, what else could be there for me to do except sighing along with her? I sat on the swing, where Miriam was sitting a little while ago and heaved a huge sigh. Mother was looking at me intently.

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CAME THOMAS Chapter _ 7

CAME THOMAS 

Chapter _ 7

A Novel in Thamizh by KA.NAA.SUBRAMANIAN

 Translated into English by Latha Ramakrishnan

Though they talk of things like rules and regulations, norms and codes the lives of Brahmins are not all that similar. If one has the will he can be a personification of Vedas and move around into all the nooks and corners of justice and righteousness. If not, with half – knowledge, going about murmuring that which is laid down in Vedas, as suits his convenience, laying great emphasis to the rhyme and rhythm of chanting them and to the learning of Vedas by heart, without knowing their meaning, and without caring to learn their meaning, the concepts and ideas that they propagate, their end, principle, course anything, one can just while away the time.

As far as I know, no matter how it had all been in the ancient time, today, of the twenty-two Brahmins in this Brahmin street, only one or at the most two, have some knowledge of the meaning and course of Vedas, and the significance and ideals of the Brahmin concept of Life and the way they are to live it. I say this with certainty. The rest, though they call themselves Brahmins, boast of it sometimes, all that they do is just nod their head when required, say ‘sprinkle the ‘atchadhai’ (sacred – rice) on my head’ and save and invest the money thus  acquired.

Boasting is hereditary. ‘Why don’t these no – gooders like my father realize that they by their deeds cause damage to this pride and to their creed?’ – So I ask myself. One can take pride in being a Brahmin. But when? Only when one acts having a full knowledge of what he is doing. Seeing those who like my father indulge in wrong– doings and evil-acts and consider hiding their misdeeds as the sole aim of life, I regret having been born a Brahmin. If one wants to feel proud of himself, he should engage himself in doing things which are worthy of such pride. Should do deeds which are praiseworthy.

“Those who achieve great things are great-men. Small ones are those who cannot achieve so.” – says Valluvan. It is indeed profoundly true

‘It is not because of the rules and regulations, nor because they have chalked out narrow paths to journey through life that I am dissatisfied with Brahmanism. But, all that I am ashamed of is the way they indulge in all sort of evil-pursuits and cleverly hide them, and also boast around claiming that it is only because of them that justice and virtue flourish on earth. As long as Brahminism doesn’t keep vigil on those who are to live as model human beings but who indulge in shameful activities, what is the use of Brahmin-cult? The fact that I am a Brahmin, instead of making me feel proud, fills me with a deep sense of shame’.

Valluvan counters me often:- “If you feel that your father conducts himself so meanly which makes you suffer a sense of shame of why don’t you live an ideal life, admired and looked up to, even by the Brahmins?” – So he sternly advises me.

It is not that I haven’t tried. I have tried with all my heart to get myself involved wholly in the learning by heart and chanting process of Vedas and in knowing the rituals and ceremonies laid out in Vedas, its mantras and the various paths advocated in them. But, though I have learnt as much as there is to learn, using my brains, enlightenment evaded me. Why is it said that things are to be done  in such and such a manner alone? What if it is done in a different way? Why do they say that we have to accept, without questioning, that which is said in Vedas? Why so? Is it wrong to question? But, how can on understand things clearly and fully, without questioning?’

Valluvan says: “In all religions they have set a boundary line beyond which it is unwise to ask any question. The boundary line that Brahmanism has, sort of, covers most of its area. In Jainism, it appears to me that I am a Jain by birth, why, even the religion of Buddha, Ezekial’s Jewish religion too, when approaching to certain sections of Enlightenment, say that beyond a particular point one shouldn’t ask questions.”

“Can there be parts and sections, quarter, half and so on, in Enlightenment too? – I asked.

For a minute even Valluvan was wholly taken aback and was unable to answer. Then, he straightened himself and answered: “True, Wisdom and Enlightenment are indeed something that happens in its totality. It seems that during Buddha’s time a wise–man who lived somewhere in some foreign land said, ‘I consider that realization whereby I know nothing, as complete’. Likewise, in the eastern countries, a sage who lived more or less in the same period had said. ‘Any Enlightenment or knowledge which is of no use in man’s daily life is unfit to be called so’ - so I have heard from the learned men of those lands”.

“This is not an answer to my query” – I said.

“That means...?”

“That,  whether it is correct to hold that one can question only up to certain point and beyond that it is wrong to do so.”

“Even if we are to consider it incorrect and unfair, man’s brain and knowledge and the realization and Enlightenment that result out of it cannot be complete. In fact, it is because of this alone that there are so many religions, ways of living, philosophies on this Earth. To our knowledge itself there exist some twenty various, different religions. And also, many more schools of thoughts, concepts of life would be there in different lands, and at different times. Apart from those that were and are, in the days to come in this never–ending passage of time, how many more conflicts and chaos, Faiths and religions, rituals, acceptances would result out of hopes and ceremonies – who can foretell? Thinking on these lines instills in me fear and apprehension” – said Valluvan.

“For me they all seem to be great matters – above my head. I don’t have the strength to contemplate on the destiny of Humanity and its brain and do something about it – to reform it or sympathize with it or shed tears over. But, when I wander through the streets of this  Mylai city – true, nowhere I feel like resting, at peace – my father’s shameful deeds steadily follow me. Barking like the way the street dogs do, on seeing a stranger – they seem to ask me. ‘Oh, you are a Brahmin? Really?’ Whatever I do would go a waste…..so I feel. Whatever is done – getting educated, going ahead towards the goal and principle, or being only half–attached, developing a kind of ‘detached–attachment’ – they would be of absolutely no use, so it appears…”

Valluvan has an answer for this too. “It is you who has to decide that which is called your destiny, your path, your path, your fate (karma). Why should you think of, having as a scape–goat, your father’s foul deeds, that you suffer because of them and that whatever you do would go waste?” – So he asked one day.

To answer him, then and there, I didn’t have any. Pondering over the query  for a whole day. I indeed took my time and answered him only after two days: “The reason for my thinking on these lines is the fact that I am a Brahmin by birth. They think that the essence of Brahmanism comes to one by reason of birth. They believe so. The cause of my birth is my father. Hence, it is but natural that his deeds and ways and mentality do affect me. If they do not influence me fully, how can I be a Brahmin?”

Valluvan too accepted it as indeed true. “But, you are not the son of your father alone. Aren’t you the son of your mother also? Though she has no academic scholarship and the  knowledge of Vedas or worldly wisdom, there is in her the inherent good character and the principle of journeying through the righteous path alone, that which she has willingly taken upon herself to follow and uphold – isn’t it so? And, for her sake and because of her, you can strive to live the life of a righteous Brahmin.”

For that, I had no answer. What Valluvan said was indeed true only. But, from time immemorial this society has been treating women as non-entity, something not to be taken note of... not to be taken into account… may be, that is why, what Valluvan pointed out had not struck me earlier as something significant. The belief that man alone is important, only he should be so,’ has been in vogue generation after generation and we have been acting in accordance with that belief…

“Is there any society, any religion where man has given equal status to woman?” – asked I.

“There is isn’t any to point at proudly. Societies are born due to social and economic factors. Hence, right from the start the practice of considering he who made money for the family, as the head of the family and an important person of the household, has come to stay.There is nothing wrong in that notion. We cannot say that women have no significant and special place in our social – setup. To some extent, they are thought of in noble terms and held in high esteem only,” – said Valluvan.

“But, psychologically, mind – set, in our attitude?”

“Between man and women what differences can one find out and preach? Further, it won’t be wrong at all to claim that women play more important a role than that of man, in the work of creation.? Her duty does not end with bearing the child in her womb for ten long months and giving it birth. After delivering the baby also, at least for six or seven years, the children look up to the mother only for everything. When such being the case, why should we think that the mother’s role in a family is less significant? For your mother’s sake, to give her peace and fulfillment, you should mend the course of your life..”

It was only after the lengthy discussion with Valluvan that I began to grow attached to life. Prior to that, umpteen numbers of times I had contemplated on committing suicide – ending my life voluntarily by jumping into a river or a lake. Such thoughts had long since left me. To survive, living the life of a Brahmin (chanting mantras and conducting rituals) and so surviving is still something that I cannot come to terms with. I have no intention of living a life of hypocrisy – adhering to an ideal, thought–process and a way of life in which I do not have whole–hearted belief and faith, and thinking along the lines of the rest who pretend to believe in it whole–heartedly, and so be silent and thus live on cheating the world – even if my father insist and force, I have decided not to go to ‘Prohitham.’ This does not mean that all my learning and knowledge of the Vedas are considered a waste by me. The other Brahmins consider it as a viable means for minting money. But, though I have learnt it. I think that it is a futile knowledge which has no help for me and also has no meaning for today’s life….

I myself didn’t know how long I stayed so, swinging the ‘oonjal’ slightly. So lost in thoughts I was that I had forgotten even that  which I had told Valluvan - ‘I will come and tell you how mother is’. Probably mother was sleeping, for she too didn’t disturb my chain of thoughts. The afternoon had gone past and the shadows had started moving toward the east.

Mother, as if she had gone through a nightmare, woke up with a sudden jerk, and, raising herself up, she sat. There was no trace of fatigue; nor any signs of the fact that she had fainted a little while ago. “That girl has indeed given some good medicine. I will get up, and, after taking bath, will do the cooking” – said mother.

In mother’s heart there would surely be the hurt and pain for the way her husband is going after other women, like a dog in heat. That is human nature. Still, cooking food thrice a day for that very husband, and preparing meals to the taste of her son born of that man, the husband, and deriving satisfaction out of it, continue to be the way of woman’s life – things that would make one happy, and they as a whole are considered to be the virtue of womanhood…

I’m not hungry. Don’t prepare anything for my sake.” – said I.

“Oh, no. How can there be no hunger at this age? If your father comes he would shout at me saying that just because I am not feeling well he cannot forgo his lunch. There is still much time for the sun to retire for the day. I will finish taking bath in a minute and then I will prepare food in no time”– said she and got up hurriedly.

“If you can - prepare. If not, the sky won’t come down. If father goes without food for just one day, the world won’t turn upside down.”

Saying, “When there is a lady at home it should not be the case,” mother, as if thinking something else said, “If you marry a girl and bring her home to be of help to me, I will be ok”.

“For my daily–bread itself, I rely on my father. When such being the situation, I will be a fool to bring another girl too to eat out of his hand, leaving her half – hungry all the time.”

“Come on, do we really go without food? Not yet reached that stage! Moreover, the girl with a good horoscope could bring you luck. If she who comes happens to be “Lakshmi.” (The Goddess of wealth)...”

“Only her elder sister[goddess of misfortune] will come,” – said I.

“Don’t you speak such words. They sound ill” said mother.

“Oh, mother – uttering the word ‘Fire’ won’t burn your mouth.”

“True.But still, as your friend Valluvan holds, only good words should come from us,”  - mother pointed out.

“When there comes fulfillment in one’s life, automatically good words alone would come out of him or her.”

“But, then don’t you feel that each and everyone of us should struggle to seek and attain fulfillment in our lives. Without any initiative, if we just sit and wait for something good to befall us, how can that be?”

“Tell me mother, are you really satisfied with life?” – Slowly I asked her, with all my love.

Taken aback, she stared at me for a split – second. I could see in her eyes the reflection of the whole lot of love and affection that I had for her and it gave me a deep sense of satisfaction. For some ten seconds she stood there, holding on to the chains of the swing as if steadying herself, and then, straightening herself, she looked up, at me and said in a clear tone, “Vaadhoo, what is there for me to regret?  Both, in the house in which I was born and in that to which I had come as a bride, nothing is lacking. A good–looking husband, two daughters–they are living happily with their husbands, and a worthy son, one who has deep love for his mother!  What do I lack?” – asked she.

“If you are really happy and without regrets, that is happiness for me too.” – said I.

“I know why you are speaking so apprehensively, Vaadhoo... Those are all small and trivial regrets. There is nothing that great, which could drown one completely. Remember the song my father-in-law used to sing?. Vajra Oosi...”

I too remembered. That was a song speaking of man’s profound good fortune in being born without any handicap – not being blind, deaf, or lame, and staying without being afflicted with any ailment, and thanking god for that with infinite gratitude.

“They too have a similar song in their language– so Miriam was telling before you came–” said mother. “She sang melodiously and explained its meaning also. I’m not able to sing it. But its meaning ,the way she had interpreted it has found a place in my heart. ‘Oh, my Lord, with what profound Grace, Mercy, and Justice you treat me! As far as possible I will conduct myself wisely and humbly. I live with my heart hailing your noble advent.(Pslam 1010) – some king of their land sang, it seems.”

I was indeed surprised by the familiar manner in which mother spoke of Miriam. “Have you already met Miriam earlier mother? Where and when? For, you never step out of  house?” – I asked.

“Some four or five days back – it can be even a week – she came one evening, in search of me. Amidst many things, she spoke a lot about you and Valluvan too!” Mother involuntarily let out a deep sigh. “Good girl.”

“True. Good girl only. And also, a brave and courageous girl. Once she lashed out her horse-whip at someone who tried to misbehave with her!,” – said I.

“Indeed, many are in need horse-whip. Sad that they don’t get it!” – observed mother.

I felt proud of my mother.

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CAME THOMAS Chapter _ 9

CAME THOMAS 

Chapter _ 9

A Novel in Thamizh by KA.NAA.SUBRAMANIAN

 Translated into English by Latha Ramakrishnan

Whatever the case may be, it should be said that the Brahmins are indeed fortunate, at least to some extent, for, they are considered important by the society. Whatever one should say, only rarely does rain or thunder and lightning cause damage to their houses; unsettle those people. Their houses built by ‘Kaarai’, sand and stone stand unshakable, posing challenge to cyclone and the onslaught of wind and down–pour. In this area the Brahmin Street is the one and the only place along the sea–shore that has not suffered much damage. In several other streets also–where people who are more affluent than the Brahmins live – damages have been severe. When it comes to the fishermen huts, and, in the slums where those, who are considered the ‘low-caste born’ dwelt, the damages for the sheep and the cattle, cows, pigs, hens and, among the human being, for men and women, have always been intense and extensive.

That the thunders and lightening are cause by Lord Indhira and that when lightning plays deliriously across the sky and when the thunder roars frighteningly, if we are to chant the name of Indhira’s son Arjuna neither thunder nor lightning would harm us, so as not to be attacked by devils and evil forces, if they, without fail, chant mantras daily, holding their sacred – thread and its knot in the order 108 – 64 – 32 and so on, that would act as their shield and protect them from harm – so they say and believe. These appear to be foolish, superstitious beliefs only. Is this really my weakness? Whether superstitious beliefs or not, they do seem to be of some use and solace, aren’t they?

That night, cyclonic winds raged and lifted the sea waves as high as the coconut–tree. It looked like the sea–water would enter the streets any moment. All those who lived around the temple – there was no great distance between the sea–shore and the temple – were frightened to the core, and with the hope that Lord Kapali would save them they spent most of the later half of that night, there. In that area, many of the cows and calves did not suffer much damage. For, as soon as the symptoms for the oncoming storm surfaced, cows were taken to the eastern part (Keezhandai Saarugam) of the temple and were tied to the Mandap there.

Those who worked in the temple and earned their livelihood in the name of God – the temple employees most of whom belong to that category considered ‘inferior–Brahmins’ – even among them there does exist these differences indeed – found asylum in the temple.

The houses of Mylapore merchants – with the exception of some, were soundly built with stone and concrete (Kaarai). In those streets where they lived there were not many trees. Generally all the thirty, forty houses were built with their walls touching one another. Either as Mandap or fashioned as a flat plate-like shape mostly all the houses had one or two upper floors. And, the doors and windows of the houses too _ as it was an affluent area _ were strong. These houses suffered no damage at all.The only possibility was that those small little things and clothes lying outside could have been lost, carried away by the wind. But, for the merchants that is not a great loss.

Apart from that, in the Brahmin street there were some fifty coconut trees standing tall and mighty in a row. Of them some ten or twenty came crashing down at a shocking speed. The plantain–trees at the backyard suffered heavy damage. One or two neem trees – in the Brahmin street they always grow neem trees on purpose – for, the wind produced by the trees is good for health – had fallen down. The tiles of many of the roof–tops had gone with the wind. It seemed like almost all houses needed a new roof. Leaving that, even in those timeworn houses, only dampness that remained as a sign of the storm and heavy downpour, and no damage as such. Even those coconut–trees that had fallen – had not fallen on any rooftops. That itself was a wonder indeed. But then, I have heard that the coconuts too possess three eyes – like Lord Siva. And, don’t they say that it would never fall on anybody’s head!

All of them – the Brahmins, merchants, and the temple–staff and the affluent ones are the bigwigs of the local society. But, it is also not wholly correct to claim that the storm has left them unscathed. Many of those merchants owned small ships and boats. They were – those standing in the Port – not to be seen and their whereabouts not known. Some of them could have been drowned. Some would have been taken away by the force of the wind mid-sea. They should be found and brought back. They said that the twelve boats and three ships of Ezekiel had disappeared without leaving a trace behind. The fate of those boats and ships which were voyaging in mid-sea and had been caught in the wind, and of the men in them, would be known only after several days.

Should say that all these put together formed only one fourth of the total population of our place. The rest, the remaining three–fourth were those living in huts, having nothing much by way of possessions and belongings. They lived on the outskirts of our village with several of them living in the region adjacent to the beach, building huts there. There were very many who, unable to protect and save, had lost their kith and kin and also their cattle comprising cows, and sheep, pigs, hens, dogs, and the like.

There were also some who died, with the walls, unable to bear the weight of the heavy down–pour, falling on their heads. Many died, caught under the heavy trees that swayed and fell down. In the huts along the seashore, when the sea–waves leapt dangerously and on their return entered the hutments – there were many elderly ones, men women and children who were carried off by the current, to some unknown land. In the slums where the people who worked in the fields, lived, not even a single hutment could withstand the onslaught of the cyclone. Next to that, the huts of those who worked as carpenters and building constructors, were also either wiped off by the rain or torn to shreds by the wind.

When the storm began its attack in full splendour, it was well over mid-night. Though signals for the oncoming storm appeared in the early hours of the night – a windless, sweaty and suffocating atmosphere, dark clouds in the sky - though it was a full-moon day the sky was cloudy with no trace of the moonlight – people were only intent on whiling away the hours, lying down safely in their houses – and none had a thought of those who would suffer and none felt like going out and do something to alleviate their distress.

When the storm started raging and screamed from under the roof, the thought of Valluvan came to me. Though he lived in the slum only, his house was a strong, storeyed, mandap–like building made of hard stones (Karungal) and bricks and with cement applied on them. That would not have succumbed to any kind of storm. Still, the area in which he dwelt was exposed and wide–opened for wind and sea–water. All the houses in its surroundings are huts only. When those who lived in the huts would be suffering, leaving their cattle, house and belongings, Valluvan or his father Baghavan would not stay idle. ‘They would bring home those who would be  suffering, and would be struggling hard to save their cattle, pigs, and hens and console the children’ – thought I.

I asked my own self whether it was fair on my part to be lying down safely at home, with a bed–sheet covering myself from head to foot comfortably, while the storm was raging outside. When I got up, and sitting on the bed, started thinking as to what I could do and whether I could go out to help those in distress, hearing the noise caused by a coconut–tree falling all over the street, my father and mother too woke up. ‘Hereafter, even if I say that I am going out they will not allow me. But then, in this storm what can anyone do even if he has access to go out?’

It looked like, in my thirty years of life on Earth neither in Mayavaram nor in Mylapore had I ever seen such a storm.

“In my sixty–five years of age I have never seen such a severe storm. It goes to show that the world is going from bad to worse, day by day. The time of “Total Annihilation” is fast approaching. Such natural calamities arise because justice and virtue are becoming rarer and rarer and their opposite multiply” – 

said father as if he knew something solid. Why ‘as if..?” indeed he does know! For, isn’t he aware of all the wrongs that he keeps doing?

Neither mother nor myself answered him. He himself continued : “Those in the slum–dwellings and in fishermen colony they alone would suffer the most. God! How many cattle, houses and human – beings would be devovoured by this storm!” – said he.

That father too could entertain such thoughts proved indeed a surprise to me. Thinking that it was the right moment I said, “I feel like going out and seeing whether we can help some of the distressed”.

“What possible help can we render? Let the storm subside and you can go out and help in the morning. If you or your father venture out, the very thought of what would befall you would worry me to death,” his mother pleaded in fear and despair.

“Can’t we accommodate in our home those who have lost their houses?” – asked I.

“How can that be possible, I say? However great the danger or calamity will be, will they allow fishermen and other community people to enter our area – the Agraharam? Won’t the rest of the Brahmins blame us for it?” exclaimed father.

If the rest of the Brahmins too give shelter to at least ten or twenty in their houses we can easily weather the storm – can’t we? “ –  I argued.

“That is out of question” said father. “You are Valluvan’s friend… that’s why, caring a damn about our caste and religion, it seems you visit even Ezekial’s house, What is there that draws you like a magnet? Last week Ramachandra Sasthrigal went to the extent of asking me suspiciously whether you eat something in that household. I answered him firmly that you wouldn’t do such a thing” – he went on, as if teaching me a lesson.

Outside, it looked like the wind had slightly calmed down and it had started raining. “In such times where people are in need of help, Valluvan won’t be sleeping inside the four walls of his house, like us. Even the merchant Ezekial would be busy giving shelter to those who have lost their house and belongings, keeping the doors of his mansion wide–opened,”– I observed. That both of them are of that nature is of course a well – known fact.

“Even the merchant Ezekial or your Valluvan can do nothing by way of help, by venturing out. Within taking two steps he himself would land in trouble and need help” – said father.

It sounded true only. “Why does Nature play havoc in such a manner, causing sorrow to the people?” – I asked.

It was mother who answered first: “This is Nature’s Game. God’s  whims and fancies”.

 “Why can’t the whims of God aim at doing good to Humanity?” Asked I.

“How can anyone say for sure that out of this storm nothing good would come to nobody, nowhere?” countered mother.

True, the good fortune that was to come to me the next day was not known to me then. Somehow my mother had sensed it instinctively.

“In our ‘dharma sasthras’ it is said that the sea-water stands one feet (Muzham) above the surface of the Earth and that it is the bounty and the good–deeds of man that prevents the sea–water from flooding the Earth and destroy all” – said father.

“It doesn’t look like that the fairness and bounty of man reign so supreme today to save the Earth from being devoured by the sea-water,” I pointed out. Then, a bit boldly, I said sarcastically and deliberately – let father start a quarrel, I won’t mind – “Those who are known to us, all of them have in some way or other upheld the unfair and the immoral only.”

Outside, once again the wind was swirling round and round deliriously. In the uproar of the storm the noise of the downpour went unheard. ‘Or else, has the rain stopped?’ The noise of another tree falling down reached my ears. That didn’t sound like that of the coconut tree. Must be the neem tree. It might be of Mangalampatti’s household.

Only yesterday did she refer to it with pride, telling me that it was seventy years old and still going strong.

“Though the foul deeds of individuals stand out and appear as very many, still, by and large, there are more righteous men among the human species on Earth.” opined father.

Pausing for a while, he continued: “Can’t say that generally this is inclusive of Brahmin concept of morality and righteousness. Valluvan’ s father, though considered low by accident of birth, is still a noble man by way of righteousness and integrity. It is no surprise if Valluvan is also like him. But the jew Ezekial who, having come from some alien land earns money without deviating from fair means is also a righteous person only. Because of being born a Brahmin I am not able to move with them on an equal footing. If I am to be so, my livelihood itself will be gone. As you are not earning your livelihood as an orthodox Brahmin, performing rites and rituals, you are able to move freely with Valluvan and Ezekial. Sometimes I fear that your activities should endanger my means of livelihood. So, I try to reprimand you. But, truly speaking, the fact that you are friendly with them gives me great satisfaction.”

Listening to him it was indeed a surprise to hear him speak so. ‘Not bad…beyond the narrow straight-line drawn by the Brahmins father is able to think even on these lines, I wondered. ‘Seems like I can feel a little proud of even my father...’

“The Brahmins are kept under narrow boundary lines. That very same fences would – if not today, then on some other time, definitely prove to be their undoing” – observed my father.

By then I was wide awake. ‘I should myself tell this to Valluvan, and should listen to what he has to say about this.’

Father continued:“The way Ezekial conducts himself, as the very personification of righteousness and integrity, is no surprise to me. It is the fact that even his sons and daughters have taken after him in this regard – being righteous is what surprises me greatly” ­ said he.

“Ezekial will be allowing inside his house all those who have suffered due to the storm and his daughters Lizzath and Miriam will be either giving treatment to the wounded or consoling those who have lost their near and dears ones – so it seems to me.”

“Both Lizzath and Miriam are good girls. I had apprehensions about them and their behaviors as they are from a different land. But, indeed how good they are! – said mother, half asleep.

The cyclonic winds went on dancing devilishly, with a fury unleashed. Joining the wind’s uproar, the roar of the sea–waves was producing a frightening music. Good if one could get sleep. But sleep proved elusive. Shouldn’t blurt out something about Miriam under the influence of feeling sleepy.

Father too didn’t sleep. He was plunged deep in some thought. Mother said: “That Miriam said a thing which surprised me. One day, in their house, Valluvan was arguing with her father against preparing and eating non-vegetarian  food in their household, condemning the habit of killing animals, birds, deer and the like, to further our growth, and hence, from then onwards she had stopped relishing meat, it seems. Now, she is a pure vegetarian only!” – said she! Having a separate kitchen for her, she eats only rice and vegetables, you know! When she said that, I felt greatly surprised” – said mother, yawning sleepily.

I didn’t say anything. Father too didn’t reply, Mother alone continued : “If only that girl were a Brahmin..”

“Why? Will you marry her to your son?” – asked father sarcastically. “They are rich people; business–folk. Even tomorrow they might leave this place itself. Deekshidhar is willing to marry his daughter to Vaadhoolan.”

 “Who, the gambling Deekshidhar?” ­ asked I.

“What if he plays cards and gambles? His daughter won’t do that.”

“Which daughter? He has got five daughters. Only the eldest daughter is married,” enquired mother.

“Mangalam is the name he mentioned. I think it is the second daughter,” – said father.

“Oh no, she is just a dud; good for ­ nothing girl, don’t you know!” – exclaimed mother. ”She would always say something stupid when the elders would be busy discussing some important matter. The third one at least is, to some extent, an intelligent girl. Abayam is her name.”

“It is good to marry a stupid and foolish girl only. For, that would stay dumb whatever the husband does, being ignorant,” – said I.

Mother laughed. She was afraid that, as it was a straight hit, my father would become angry.

But, by then father was fast asleep.

Storm went on raging with a vengeance, using all its might.

Added to all that wind and rain, when thunder and lightning too started, only then, when it was only two hours for dawn – did I wake up. I myself didn’t know when I plunged into sleep.

Mother was still sleeping. When I woke up and looked around father was not to be found in the place where he was lying down. Seemed like,  he had gone out. For a moment the thought that whether he had gone to enquire after the safety of one of his numerous darlings, crossed my mind. But then, the goodwill resulted out of his words uttered in the night, prevailed and I consoled myself thinking that he would have gone only to help someone in distress.

When I hurriedly approached the doors that were not closed, mother too woke up. “The storm has gone, but there is thunder and lightning still. If you are going outside, please go carefully. Go with someone. Don’t go alone, – were the words of caution uttered by her, first and foremost.

“First, I am going in search of Valluvan. Only then, the rest” – so replying when I came out. I looked up and down at the havocs caused by the storm in the Agraharam. Some houses there looked damaged. The opposite house – but they had made a roof, one with thatch for the time–being – stood there with its roof–top gone and the wall on the eastern side lay there, the storm having uprooted it, and the inhabitants of the house, though crowded in a corner of the hall, looked as though they were standing outside, on the streets. ‘They at least could have been given shelter in my house while the storm was raging’ – so I felt.

Before I could say anything, mother, who had followed me and saw the pitiable condition of the house said. “Ask them to come here for shelter, Vaadhoo. Here, there is enough space, “ – so saying to me, she, without wasting time, went down the street and brought home the lady of the opposite house along with her two daughters and a child, speaking something to them.

There was not even much to save and rescue out of their household. When Seetharama Iyer and myself brought home what little they had, and after placing them in the hall of my house safely, when I was about to leave, saying, “I’ll also come. God knows what all they suffer. He who fails to render help in such times of need is not at all human,” Seetharama Iyer also accompanied me.

For me, his company seemed a hindrance. For, he wouldn’t come to the place where I was going. ‘Further, he would prevent me also from going there’ thought I.

But, midway, when someone who proved a good match for him came along, enquiring,‘Hello Sharma? How is your place? Heavy loss?” he just went off, leaving me to myself. That of course suited me too.

The storm had indeed caused severe damage to our area. That which they call ‘The Dance of Destiny’ (Oozhikoothu), Oorthuva Thandava ‘Is it this? But then, this is Nature’s Game only – Not God’s.

‘When the result of this itself is such, what would be that of the ‘Dance of Destiny!’.                               

               

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