Time and Tide

Uma emphtically told her father " I am not coming... I'll get a job here..." and looked at Vasu. Vasu could not resist her look. Looking at me, he told Uma, "You are grown enough..  to decide your fate.. but don't make a decision in haste.. and shouldn't repent later..". I nodded my head, as if I am okaying his words. But Uma knew well, its my agreement with her decision. 

It was on last Monday(18th) , that Vasu and Padma returned home. Padma completed her treatment on saturday (16th august), and was to return on Sunday. And Vasu reached here on Saturday night, planning to take Padma with him on Sunday(17 thAugust) morning.  Vasu changed his programme and decided to stay till Monday morning, as I was not available here. 

As you would remember, I was on a trip in connection with my work. I was to reach here on Saturday morning. But I could reach only on Sunday early morning.

Sunday, 17th Aug, was Chingam First. I was keeping in touch with Uma all through my absence here. So, she knew my programmes exactly. Moreover, Remani was asked to be at home on early Sunday morning onwards, and hence she stayed overnight on saturday. By the time I reached here at 7.30 am (Pai was present with the car, smart.. and picked me up from Station), Uma was ready to go to the temple.  I, over a cup of hot tea from Remani, had a chat with Vasu and others, for some time. Then, Uma and Padma left for the temple. Both of them were in Kerala sarees.. looking very orthodox and beautiful. I was dreaming of the 'inside elements' of both. When she left, she asked me whether I am going to the temple. I know, its her instruction to me to go to the temple ( and not to the bed and sleep).  I decided to take Vasu too to the temple, and go by walk. Vasu agreed and followed me . We went by walk, at about 8.30. We didn't meet Uma and Padma enroute, they must have gone to another temple too.

On the way to the temple, Vasu started discussing about Uma. He expressed his intention to take her back home. He was too worried, that she is yet to be married, and is not employed either. I've tried to passify him. But, I was not convincing to him.. and you know .. I can't be convincing and firm in the present situation. Vasu's major concern was another fact. He happened to quote some of his close associates about Uma. It seems as if they suggested Vasu to take her back. Continuing at my place would invite bad name to the girl.  I could only listen to him. I didn't answer to him. On our return from the temple, Vasu confirmed that he is taking Uma back home. I was shocked. I said "Yes.. but you talk to her.. Let her understand the situation.. with her agreement, you take her.. Otherwise you'll face more negative experiences from Uma". 

Vasu was confused. He said "Padma had already talked to her and decided". How come ? I didn't know that. Nor, Uma gave me any hint ! I decided to talk to her before Vasu could talk to Uma. 

Immediately on reaching home, I called Uma in private. She came in to my room. I was so stressed, I could not even appreciate her good looks. I asked Uma " What's all this Vasu is talking ? ... Are you going home ?.. How come ?".  Uma lowering her voice, slowly said "Kunjamma did the trick. She wants me to return.. beacause she don't like me being here... I am not sure .. may be.. she smells something bad about me here.. anyhow.. Maamma, I'm not going. ..  Maamma, you please tell Achan". 

"How can I tell him not to take his daughter back home ? What right I have now to do so? .. No.. I cant..." I was in a ditch. I said "Tell him that you are about to get a job here.. and will decide on knowing its status.. I'll vouch your points".

"OK .. that may be good point to solve the crisis ..Let me try .." she said, and went back.

During breakfast, I made a casual comment to Vasu. "it's unfair to leave a home on such an auspicious day morning. It's better you go tomorrow. You can go to some local places for a visit. 

And I asked Uma 'Isn't it better ?" . To this she replied " that's correct, Achan and Kunjamma can go tomorrow.. Today, its a festival at the big Krishna temple ..."

Kunjamma suddenly asked her "are you coming?" ; to which Uma said "yes... but there's lot of work pending for me .. I've to complete them in a day or two.. .."

"Appol neee nangalude koode naattilekku varunnille ? " as if Padma got a hint from Uma's talk. 

"Njan varunnilla... enikku ivide thaamasichaal oru joly udane kittum... athaanu nallathu. .." with a pause, without facing Padma, she looked at her father. He raised his head and asked her "Why.. why.. what you'll do here.. Nee swantham theerumaanangal edukkaanda.. njan parayunnathu kettaal mathi". I knew it's about to grow and blow.  I interefered and said " anyhow, don't make this an issue... let her think of.. Uma, you listen to your father..  and decide.  But you know, your job is assured. Afterall,  I can put you in my office... or elsewhere..  but only with your father's permission. You don't have worry about the job.. ". I told Vasu "Joly oru prasnamalla .. Vasu sammathichaal mathi.. But Uma has to be here , if she has to get the job.. You decide that. ....

It was silence from all .. after a few moments, I said "Uma onnum ariyaatha kuttyonnumallallo ? Aval theerumanikkatte... Aa theerumaanam nallathallengil.. namukku nokkaam... enta ?" 

We concluded our breakfast session with the decision to take Vasu and Padma for a trip to the temple in the evening.  I passed on necessary instructions and arrangements to Pai through Uma. And the final decision was that Uma should decide by evening about her return, and in any case, Vasu and Padma would return on next day (Mon) early morning. 

In the evening, I decided to take a walk. Uma was busy with her sewing machine. Vasu and Padma  went to the temple. Pai was to take them to the Krishna temple and then to the Devi temple near the beach. They would return only by 8 pm. 

At 5 pm, I took a drink (Kuzhaloothukaarante swarnam !) and started walking. My body was walking but my mind was flying wild and turbulant. Will Uma decide to satify her father ? Will Uma decide satisfy herself ? Will she opt to stay back, inspite of a possible bad name for her ? What should I do ? Tell not to take her ? No, that I can't. Uma must decide to stay back ! Yes, I am confident she would do that. 

By 7.30, I was back. Uma was reciting her prayers (keerthanangal) with Remani. I went straight to my room.. had a bath followed by another golden drink. Vasus returned by 8pm. I called Vasu, and he came in. He was happy to join for the golden drinks. He had three (?). During the chat, I stressed that Uma's decision must be final . I shall arrange the job, but I wanted her to complete her Computer course. That would be over by Sept 15 and let her start her job after the Onam hlidays. Vasu was fairly convinced.. and agreed... However, a sigh came out .. "Padma entu parayumo .... ?".

On the dining table, as usual, during the dinner, the decisions percolated. Vasu agreed for Uma's stay back, though not very happy. I could see a smile on Uma's face. Padma was too unhappy.. it was evident from her mood. I commented "ithaanu nalla theerumaanam.. kurachu kazhinju namukku veendum nokkam.."  Hurray.. Hurray.. Uma looked at me ..  a deep and sharp look !

See, how problems get solved ? Afterall, time passes on . It can't wait .. for anything.. anybody..   so also the tides.