INDI A

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M A L AY S I A

Copyright © Anusha NirmalVel 2022 All Rights Reserved. ISBN 979-8-88704-338-8 This book has been published with all efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. However, the author and the publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. While every effort has been made to avoid any mistake or omission, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that neither the author nor the publishers or printers would be liable in any manner to any person by reason of any mistake or omission in this publication or for any action taken or omitted to be taken or advice rendered or accepted on the basis of this work. For any defect in printing or binding the publishers will be liable only to replace the defective copy by another copy of this work then available.

Om Gham Ganapatiye Namaha

All praise and glory to my Lord Vinayaka. You sat with me, held my hand, and crossed the hurdles with me. Without your benevolence Oh Lord I am but a lump of clay

This book is dedicated to my Hubby. My darling who said “Go ahead. You have it in you” My heartfelt thanks and love.

Synopsis

Life comes full circle. A family saga filled with ambition, love, bitterness, hope and realisations – which as in all cases comes with choices – both tough and easy. Vik’s life could have been easy and familiar. The path he chooses is neither. Travel into the drama and delve into the many strings being pulled between family and friends.A young man leaves and returns to his cherished motherland to a legacy of bitterness and hate. Will a young boy live up to his father’s name, or will he choose the wider and easier path? Does love only pertain to everything familiar? Could it pierce through the tough fabric of attachment? Take a peek and find out.

Acknowledgements

My friend, confidante, editor - Chithu. You went beyond the call of duty and service. Pandi Chithappa who willingly supplied me with info -no questions asked. Thanks a ton Chithappa. Mum and Dad for their strong support since memory.

PART 1

VIK’S STORY “FORTUNE AND LOVE FAVOUR THE BRAVE” – OVID

Chapter 1

Today is a fabulous day. A day that although won’t go down in the pages of history will always be remembered generations hence in a small rural town- Theni by a close knit family. Today Vignesh Chandrashekar was on the verge of making an entrance into this world. Keeping up with the fabulous news was the weather- neither hot nor cloudy, a day when the cool, south western monsoon winds blew gently and constantly; thus reducing the fierceness of the sun’s rays. Today the near and dear, the not so near and dear, in fact the whole clan of Chandrashekar had gathered in the “Sundari Nursing Home” one of the leading hospitals in South India. It boasted of professional, competent nursing care; clean, hygienic and spacious rooms and most importantly Dr. Sundari who was regarded as the doyenne of Gynaecologists - revered among her peers and adored by her patients. People from far and near, the rich and poor were all accorded equally with genuine concern and a need to heal. It was rumoured she had yet to see death. She was the attending physician to the labouring Mrs. Rathinam Chandrashekar who was valiantly trying to deliver the heir of a 3000 acre plantation. The waiting rooms were filled with a few excited hearts, slightly envious ones. They came in all sizes, ages. The old ladies namely Chandrasekhar’s aunts had formed a circle gleefully cackling, gossip was being tossed back and forth. Their daughters and daughters-inlaw i.e., the next generation maintaining a respectful distance but having a reunion nevertheless. The children were let loose in the colourful gardens under the eagle eye of their nannies. It was the 1950’s, everyone worth their salt had a retinue of servants. 11

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The menfolk were scattered, some on the grounds, some in the canteen. All of them unwittingly dragged by their wives. The ones closer to Mr. Chandrashekar a.k.a. Mr. C surrounded him outside the delivery room. “C, you’re drilling a hole in the carpet. Why don’t you take a deep breath for heaven’s sake?” his cousin remarked quite perkily. “It’s a new father’s prerogative to forget to breathe. Let him be. Your wife’s a trooper. She will come through in flying colours,” another one put forward his two pence worth of solicitation. Just then a tortuous wail, a particularly ear splitting one had C looking nauseous and pale. He flopped into the nearest chair, “and the great wise seer had to open his fat mouth,” the first joker continued blithely. “He needs a cigarette and a bloody whiskey. Badly!” “You need your head examined. This is a hospital. Furthermore the ‘Awful One’ is having her session down the corridor. Even a whiff of smoke or booze will bring her down charging like a possessed harridan. Do you want that? Do you seriously want that?” asked Ravi to Vasanth. Both cousins (the closer ones) were lending their shoulders in support to the father-to-be. “Harridan! She’s long past that name! You mean a rogue elephant, a mad bull…” Chandrashekar meanwhile was shooting anxious glances towards the delivery room, half convinced that his wife was dying. Ready to tear out his hair in frustration he growled “Are you two giggling? You got to be kidding me! This is not a damn picnic! Why don’t you leave-------” “Relax C, we are trying to lighten the atmosphere. No harm is being done,” said Vasanth when he was interrupted by C who had sprung up. The door of the delivery room had opened. Dr. Sundari walked wearing her scrubs. Mocha coloured, medium height – it was her pair of dark twinkling eyes that set her apart. Removing her mask she said, “Mr. Chandrashekar, you are the father of an 11 pound baby boy. Time of birth 11:30 am. After 5 hours of labour your family eagerly awaits you.” She patted him on the back “Go welcome your son!” He needed no more urging. Faint with relief he breathed out his thanks. Happiness coursed through 12

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his veins as he rushed into the labour room. He halted. Stared in bemused wonder. There, lying on the cot was his wife gently cradling his son. For a minute C was motionless. Rathinam looked up. Her lovely face broke into an enchanting smile. She held out her hand, the adoration for her husband plainly written on her visage. Taking the necessary steps with trembling legs he held his wife’s hands like a lifeline. “Are you ok my dear?” he asked, curiously reluctant to see his son, when the time had actually come. Holding his hands in a firm clasp, she said “I’ve never felt better. Look at him. I’ve not been able to stop.” He took his first glance at his son. He lost his heart. Totally. Unequivocally. He looked at the squirming, mewling, red faced, perfect person whom he had procreated and felt a bliss that was almost divine. A tall, dark, black - haired man whose piercingly sharp eyes held a bedazzled expression that Rathinam had never previously seen in her husband’s eyes. She melted further. She offered a small prayer to all her Gods in silent gratitude and joy. The door opened interrupting their tender moment. “Quiet!” a loud voice boomed out. It was Janaki periamma. His aunt- the Awful One. The matriarch of the family. A bossy, strong – willed lady. “Everybody will get their turn,” she admonished. Still standing at the door “Latha,” she ordered her daughter, “Have you organized lunch to be sent over from your place for Rathinam? I thought I told you the coffee and the snacks that your husband bought for me from the canteen was especially vile. Lakshmi” she said pointing an imperious finger at her sister-in-law, “What are you staring at? After getting a peek at the baby, help Latha. Both of you make doubly sure that the food has no spices. Not applicable for the feeding mother and son.” She came inside trailed meekly by Vasanth and Ravi. The same ones who addressed her with such colourful monikers ‘The Awful One’ they had come up with that at the wise age of five and seven. 13

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Her demeanour visibly changed at the scene before her eyes. “Well! Well! Well! Look what we have here. My Chandra and his little one.” C who had lost both his parents had been reared, grilled, groomed and cared for by his maternal aunt Janaki. Pretending not to notice the small pout of annoyance formed on Rathinam’s lips proceeded to seat herself next to her son. Vasanth and Ravi gazed at their nephew, the latter remarked “I think he’s got his handsome looks from me. Lucky him.” “Yeah. Just imagine if he had inherited the bent nose and wobbly chin from C.” He gave a mock shudder. “Will you two goons stop? Now congratulate Chandra and I want you to spread the news to our not so dear ones. After all the heir has arrived.” Grinning, they extended their warm wishes to the brand - new parents and left. “Idiots,” she muttered under her breath. “Sometimes I tend to worry if they will ever take life seriously,” she said mentally shrugging it off. “Chandra, enough of them. This is your day. A day you are never going to forget. Come “she commanded.” Hold him. Support his neck. That’s it. Gently. Now hug him to your body” She went to stand by the window. “Bring him to me. Face eastwards.” She took out a small bottle of honey and a silver teaspoon. She placed a tiny drop of honey in her grandson’s mouth.” Traditions demand that he is served something sweet at the very beginning.” Janaki disclosed. Not stopping with that she took out a slightly worn out looking baby dress. “This was what you wore Chandra when you were a baby. Rathinam,” she turned around to actually acknowledge her daughter - in- law’s presence with a cool nod, “Slide this on your son with the help of your husband.” Similar to numerous households, possessiveness over the man playing a major role in their tug-of-war. Before performing his task C gently told his aunt, “Starting from today your sole duty is to pamper your grandson.” Her eyes blinked. Was that a tear in her eye? “You mean like you did?” 14

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She grinned, “Exactly!” Whilst helping his wife put on the dress he couldn’t help but whisper, “No day will pass without him knowing that he is loved and adored. Thank you my dear for this wondrous gift.” Was it hormones causing havoc with her emotions? Tears filled her eyes at seeing this dynamic man reduced to plain tender devotion of a father.

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