Malathi charitham (The history of Malathi) (Kalarikkal series - 2)

12. Stories from past

Malathi attended the meeting with the Collector on Monday which was quite hectic and finally, when she reached her office, her landline was ringing and was surprised to hear the voice of Vishnu on the other end.

"Vishnu etta, why are you calling me? We just met yesterday. And how did you get this number?" she asked.

"Malu, I got your office number from the directory. I wanted to warn you about what happened yesterday. Do you know that my family; Paarakkal, is not on good terms with your husband's family?" he asked.

"I didn't know that! My husband never told me anything", said Malu.

Vishnu winced at hearing about her 'husband'. "It a feud going on for the past fifty years and has been in many instances pretty violent", he said.

"What!" she exclaimed.

"I am sure that Pranav will be giving you their version of the details once he comes to know that we know each other. I don't know if I will ever get a chance to tell you our version, but it doesn't matter, all that matters for you will be the version he tells you. Yesterday when I saw you stranded on the side of the road, I debated a lot about whether to help you. But ultimately I decided to because one way or the other, he will come to know that I was your tenant, so no point in hiding it", he said.

"I guess you are right", she muttered.

"Malu, be careful of how you introduce to him the topic of how we know each other. It is your future on the line on this. And if he insists that you never speak to me, do as he says", he said.

"I guess you are right," she muttered.

"Living in Kaniyankara might not be a pleasant experience for you Malu when you get to know how the village works. All I have to say is, I won't cause any trouble for you and I will not be contacting you again" said Vishnu sounding concerned.

The entire week Pranav never gave a hint of knowing about the roadside incident. But the weekend Malathi came to Kaniyankara to stay with him, he decided to talk to her about it. The family had a pleasant dinner together that night and retired to their rooms. Malathi was arranging her clothes neatly in the wardrobe when Pranav entered and closed the door. He sat on the bed and asked her to sit beside him.

"I came to know from the boys that you know Vishnu Paarakkal", he said.

Malathi was prepared the answer since Monday.

"Yes, he used to be my grandfather's tenant", she replied.

"Really? You know him well?" he asked in surprise.

"Well, I knew him since my school days" she replied.

"And he used to be nice to your family?" he asked curiously.

"Yes. He paid rent on time and was cordial with us. He also helped me fill out my entrance exam form and whenever I used to have doubts about my studies he used to help me out. Once he came to visit me in my hostel as well. We never had any problems with him", she said nonchalantly.

"You have no idea how surprised I am! He and his family usually don't mix with anyone from our community", he replied.

"Really! We never faced any such issues", she lied. Of course, he was like that when they met in the initial days, she was the one who changed him.

"I did not know he had such a helpful side. What kind of a person is he?" asked Pranav.

Malathi wasn't prepared for this question! She thought for a second and said, "He is very intelligent, well-mannered, and kind and he speaks very well too. He had very good relations with the elders of our village even though he rarely spoke to anyone apart for my grandfather".