It was another quiet day. The weather was gummy and the sky overcast, giving a gloomy outlook. The plumber was asked to give us an estimate of replacing the overhead fresh water tank that has sprung a leak. He has been told to finish the task within the shortest possible time.
Rajamma chechi, who was my mom's help once upon a time, was the first on the line of visitors who'd come to look up mom. All of 70 yrs, she has aged gracefully and laughs more often. As kids, I and my sisters had seen her sobbing while telling my parents about her alcohol-addict husband who used to fight with her and thrash their children - five in all, two boys and three girls - every evening, for no rhyme or reason. The paradox was that he was a good farmhand, looking after all the jobs assigned by dad. So, my dad's predicament was understandable when mom wanted him to be reined in.
My parents, finally, had worked out an acceptable solution for all. The children, as per their seniority, were adopted into the family with emphasis on their education. In return, each of them had helped mom and ran errands. My parents' perseverance paid off and the kids had grown up to be capable men and women, before branching off with their own families!
But Rajamma chechi's woes seemed to never end as her husband had gone from bad to worse, fighting with the family almost everyday! And one day, alcohol had consumed him. Period! The family, however, held fast and successfully did overcome the nightmare. Her children are doing well and is contended with her brood of grandchildren - all doing well academically. She wishes that her husband was alive to see this day.
Her parting shot to mom was and I quote, "He never enjoyed his life ever. How I wish that he was with us now?" Her misty eyes told us that she has long forgiven him for his follies!
Tailpiece.
Why wasn't Manian Pillai affable with his family while he was so with us? One would never know.
Rajamma chechi, who was my mom's help once upon a time, was the first on the line of visitors who'd come to look up mom. All of 70 yrs, she has aged gracefully and laughs more often. As kids, I and my sisters had seen her sobbing while telling my parents about her alcohol-addict husband who used to fight with her and thrash their children - five in all, two boys and three girls - every evening, for no rhyme or reason. The paradox was that he was a good farmhand, looking after all the jobs assigned by dad. So, my dad's predicament was understandable when mom wanted him to be reined in.
My parents, finally, had worked out an acceptable solution for all. The children, as per their seniority, were adopted into the family with emphasis on their education. In return, each of them had helped mom and ran errands. My parents' perseverance paid off and the kids had grown up to be capable men and women, before branching off with their own families!
But Rajamma chechi's woes seemed to never end as her husband had gone from bad to worse, fighting with the family almost everyday! And one day, alcohol had consumed him. Period! The family, however, held fast and successfully did overcome the nightmare. Her children are doing well and is contended with her brood of grandchildren - all doing well academically. She wishes that her husband was alive to see this day.
Her parting shot to mom was and I quote, "He never enjoyed his life ever. How I wish that he was with us now?" Her misty eyes told us that she has long forgiven him for his follies!
Tailpiece.
Why wasn't Manian Pillai affable with his family while he was so with us? One would never know.
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