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

18 A problem

Pranav and Dinesh looked in shock at the usually soft spoken Appukuttan.

"Appupa!" exclaimed Pranav.

"Pranav, when my granddaughter came to me and told me about your alliance, I didn't have to think twice. If she liked you, then you must be an amazing person. When I talked to you and met your family, I liked all of you. You seemed like a husband worthy of her. What I did not understand was what wealth and being wealthy means. I am a self-made person. I do not have a lot of education, but I turned my bones into water building whatever I have made. But you are wealthy beyond what I could imagine and so I do not understand how you acquire and keep that wealth. I did not realize that it has lot of things that goes against my character and nature to do it. But I still accept that at least Malukutty has an honest job and is beyond scrutiny. I failed to realize that what you and your family does reflects on her as well", he said. Malathi could hear what they were talking and she covered herself with a blanked to comfort herself and bear the words her grandfather was going to speak further.

"Malukutty had grown up in this house. Never in my life Thanka or I have hurt her either with words or with sticks. So when I see my child in that room, covered in bruises from head to toe, how do you think my heart feels?" he asked Pranav, who lowered his head. Dinesh looked at his brother's crestfallen face.

"What do you think being a husband means, Pranav? Does it mean to just provide food, clothing, shelter and protection to a wife and the kids you have? You failed in one of them, but its not just that. Everyone in this world says a wife should be like this, a wife should be like that, she should live a simple life and be respectable. What about a husband? Doesn't he have to live a life in which his actions should not negatively affect his wife? I know this is part of your life and in no way you can change it. Then at least protect her so that whatever you do does not affect her", he said.

Dinesh wanted to say that it was Malathi who refused his escort when she left, but a look from Pranav silenced him.

"Son, let this old mind of mine at least adjust to the way of life that is going to be the one for my child. Above all, let her rest and recover in here so that she is away from your home. I know that you can provide better treatment and care for her. But I can't let my child go in good conscience to a place where she could be attacked because she is your wife. She was, is and will remain your wife and she will come back to you when she is fit, just let her be here until then", said Appukuttan.

"Of course Appupa, as you wish", said Pranav, his voice laden with sadness.

"Etta, what are you saying?" countered Dinesh.

"I will take leave of your ettathi," said Pranav who went inside to meet a now sobbing Malathi. He took leave of her after kissing her forehead. 

On the way back, Pranav was silent and finally Dinesh, who was driving, said, "Etta, we should have brought ettathi. What will Amma, Achan and Achachan say when they hear about it".

"Let your ettathi recover in peace", said Pranav as he slipped into a deep thought. When they reached home, without saying a word to anyone Pranav went to his room and closed the door.

"Dinesh, where is your ettathi?" asked Sridevi in panic.

"Appupan refused to send her with us", said a dejected Dinesh who went on to tell the details of the attack and by the end of it Sridevi was sobbing uncontrollably and Bindu and Meena were comforting her.

"How did that low-life have the nerve to attack my daughter?" asked Prakashan too upset to even sit down.

"But why is Pranav not talking to us", said Sureshan.