The Golden Necklace

Disclaimer: Any names, characters, places, events, incidents and situations are purely fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, places and events are coincidental. The story doesn’t intend to defame any community, group or caste and is the author's imagination.

It’s quarter past six of a fine misty morning. Calm and serene breeze embraced the chirping birds; the rivers flew with the divine spirit and temple bells rang to sanctify the panorama around. The aroma and fragrance of camphor and agarbattis from the temple allied with the enchanting redolence of freshly plucked Ixora and Nerium. The elegant mighty sun rays gleamed the clouds humbly. The glory of the imperatorial sun bashfully allured the diety in praise.

I stood with my mother and a milling crowd to offer prayers. But as usual customary, we can enter only after the aristocratic conventional family members of “Padmalayam” are over with their offerings. Once the family recedes, the temple gate opens for others. Jostling, rushing and stormy air runs around. We kids succumbed to tumble and my mother manages to raise me amidst all odds. Everyone makes maximum effort and expresses strength to perceive a single pious note of the worshipped idol.

At the age of three, I stood as an obedient son, without understanding why hundreds of destitutes were kept on tarry only to ensure an undisturbed comfortable zone for five affluents. As I grew my hostility too.

Padmalayam is perhaps the most titled brood of our hamlet. The villa was a miraculous mansion. A perfect rectangular tharavaad with tiled roof which resembled the forehead of a valiant spirit and verandah on four side along the length of tharavad with oil lamps hanging at equal distance. Another idiosyncratic mark is the presence of naalukettu inside. Naalukettu refers to typical feature of Kerala’s ancestoral home wherein four blocks resembled north, south, east and west. The most charming feature of naalukettu is that it has no roof and moreover it rains inside the home too. They were built in accordance to the ancient thach shastra (science of architecture).The mansion was invigorated with expensive wood and had an elegant collection of antiques and artifacts. Most of the belongings had some customary or traditional tale associated with it. The front yard had linearly arranged coconut and areca palm. Black pepper vines twisted and trailed mischievously on them, some of the vines were bearing and a few have turned red coloured too. Artistically and skillfully laid front garden harboured hundreds of butterflies on vinca rose, rose, jasmine, chrysanthemum, Asoka, and chempakam. The feudalistic landlords owned hectares of paddy fields too wherein numerous labourers were employed. Bananas, nutmeg, jack, mango, guava, and cherries also accommodated themselves precisely.

The mansion had a matriarchal system of inheritance where the mother is the head of the family. The right to inherit and decision-making rests with the female.

Meenakshi thampurathi was the prime controller of the tharavad. Thampurathi along with her daughter Padma would go to the temple every morning. Meenakshi was no less than a divine beauty. A lady of early thirties wearing a finery white set Saari walked briskly. She held a small basket with flowers in one hand and little Padma on another hand. Her features were sharp with dark eyes and long hair. Her fair complexion glistened in the morning rays. A red bindi on her forehead and sindoor along the parting line added charms to her royal classic lineage.

During my childhood days, I thought of Meenakshi Thampurathi as the goddess for whom the entire village would make way and wait. Of late only I realised the facts that humans are also worshipped, as a part of rituals and superstitions.

I invoked the charms and menace of the mansion from a forbidden distance, lest I was not allowed to enter the holy land without any incarnating compelling reason. Both my parents ended up their days, months, years and lives doing the outdoor duties and chores for the Thampurathi without any utter of disagreement. A single frosty nosed stare from the Thampurathi would freeze their veins, without knowing the epoch of punishments that may follow.

At the age of eighteen my father held my hands and took me to Padmalayam. My father wanted me to take his place;the crown of a loyal servant who would starve his life for the master. I accompanied my father only to engrave my hostility. My father started his work at six in the morning by climbing coconut palms, harvesting them, collecting and carrying them into the storage yards. Perhaps more than a man could do. But my father seemed much more energetic and readily climbed on the five meter high areca palm. He harvested the arecanuts and to my surprise without coming down from the palm he bent the palm on which he was sitting by making some special movements and successfully landed onto the palm nearby. He continued harvesting and moved from one palm to another in about fifty palms. I kept my eyes wide open. I assisted him in collecting the nuts and we placed them safely.

“I have planted them with such a spacing that harvesting is made very easy.” My father giggled showing his tobacco laden teeth in contentment,

My mothers story was no different. Her palms turned raw by washing dishes and laundry since morning. In the afternoon she accompanied the cattles and assisted in milking them. Also bringing fodder for them from the nearby plots rests with my mother. At about six in the evening both my parents were over with work. After a day full of insane drudgery they both walked briskly towards the verandah of kitchen. They washed their hands and sat on earth ground making holes. I stood astounded thinking what next surprise awaits me? After making a hole each they laid banana leaves on the hole, the maid from inside came with fervered food. She filled the hole with rice gruel, parippu and pickles. My parents jumped onto it and devoured as if they were starving for years. The holes were refilled twice or thrice till their guzzled belly surrendered. I could see gratification and contentment in my parents face.

Not even a seat or a plate for the downtrodden? Oh…slaves owe no right….my mother used to seethe in despair.

After finishing food they went to front verandah to meet the queen. My father’s posture depicted as if he is to beg something with a small towel on his shoulder. My mother almost hid herself in his shade. They were to meet the goddess of the home Meenakshi Thampurathi who was in her favourite easy chair perhaps resting.

“How many nuts in all Velu?” her soft yet commanding voice echoed.

“Thampurathi five thousand eight hundred from northern plot and two thousand six hundred from the eastern plot….” My father answered in his most submissive voice.

“Mmmmm….”Meenakshi didn’t answered.

“Padma is now eighteen. Next week we are having her Abhishekham. I wish to celebrate it with pomp and pride. You both should be here. The possession will start from our kaavu, the most sacred clench. You both do as instructed” Meenakshi said in her retiring voice.

My parents tongue was held within the throat, unable to reciprocate even a positive nod.

“Amma….time to lit lamp in kaavu….” Padma came running.

“Ohh…yes …we shouldn’t be late lest our holy diety will owe dislike…” Meenakshi rushed holding Padma.

My parents stood there speechless for some time. After sometime Mr Nair, the treasurer came and handed over few coins to them.

“Velu ….don’t go straight to toddy shop. Take care of your wife and son….” Mr Nair advised my father, though in vain.

Without any doubt my father straight way went to the toddy shop and expended his earnings without any guilt or grief. My mother accompanied me to home.

“Amma what is kaavu and possession. What about Abhishekham, they were talking about?” I asked my mother out of overriding curiosity.

“ Padmalayam is a matrarchial family. The right of inheritance rests with the woman folk. Meenakshi Thampurathi inherited her legacy and decree from her mother, Sarada Thampurathi. Now the legacy is passed on to Padma who is their legal heir. The ceremony is no less than a festival. Elephants, crackers, chariots and gold laden palanquin. Kaavu is the traditional name for sacred grooves, some are abode of snakes. Here it is mulamkaavu; full of bamboos only. Padma will receive gifts as gold and silver. Ever since she will become Padma Thampurathi once she attires; the golden anklet.” My mother said in a single breathe.

“Golden anklet……..??” my teen intellect interrogated.

“Yes…the golden anklet is some two hundred years old. The family believes it to be the foundation of their strength and fortunes. The anklet is kept safely in the kaavu. It is opened only on the day of abhishekham. Once Padma wears it she will be the queen.” My mother giggled. “Some are born with silver spoon and others………..” my mother intentionally left the words incomplete.

As usual my father reached home by nine in the night. Drunk and muddled….he spoke ill and made noises. My mother kept mumb at all his deeds without a word of opposition. Maybe to avoid a counter attack. After murmuring for about an hour, he slept unknowingly.

All slept by I couldn’t. Why so much of discrimination? Why a few are always sabotaged in the clutches of fabricated customs? Why we all are not alike? My rebellious inner self spoke vivid and provocative visions. I am against these rituals, customs… I can never be their loyal servant. My consensus resonated with immense grief. I wish I could escape. But I am chained….i have no escape…unwillingly I carried the weigh beneath my grief. My young mind became rebellious….against the social standings…..so much of vivid pleasures and charms to a few and a lot of distress to others…why the power is confined to the clutches of a few…..why my mother has to work for whole day and night only to save the disturbing memories and stuff for nightmares…..My anguish and agony knew no bars. My physical stress turned into emotional torment…I couldn’t resist my tears which flew off uninterrupted from the eyses of a helpless boy. My vex turned into prodigious revolt within. Meenakshi Thampurathi and Padma became my brawny opponents. I made up my mind against the compelling dominance. I cried for whole night bitterly due to muscular pain, my mother helped me with hot water massage, my father didn’t know of my pain as he slept early for he earned more in account of my slavery too which he undoubtfully disposed in the toddy shop.

“Amma you were telling that woman dominates the family, but here in our home you have absolutely no rights….” I murmured amidst pain.

My mother giggled. “You need to grow a lot to learn the customs and rituals.”

Next morning my father woke up and demanded me to join his journey of unending misery. I had no words to oppose, lest my father will beat me.

But I had an aim…to somehow escape from this hell and to land at some far off place so that I can earn some bread for myself. But all I needed is money…how will I get it….My thoughts had roller coaster and at last I decided to sneak something precious. But what? And from where? And what if I am caught red handed….i must dare, otherwise I will have to bear for whole life. My inner mind consoled myself. I must wait till then glorious moment arrives.

While cleaning the kaavu, my eyes fell into something glittering and priceless…the golden anklet. I kept staring at it for some moment. I was disturbed by my friend “ Just clean the area fast, we have only two more days left for the Abhishekham of Padma Thampurathi.”

“Ohh…two more days….i think my time is here…”I thought.

I understood that the anklet is kept in the temple premises only locked in a box near the diety. The anklet is believed to be the fortune and good will of the family.

“Will any evil happen to the family if I sneak away the anklet..”My heart interrogated me.

“So what…let anything happen to them. They make us suffer hard and never treat us on par.” My mind reciprocated.

I had a perfect plan. I thought to enter the temple from the back gate a night before abhishekam. I intentionally kept the arms required in the aback gate. My heart beat with fear and fright. At about 11 pm I woke up. Without making any slightest noise, I walked out of home and staright way moved to the temple. My breathe and body became restless. I took the arms kept in the back gate and reached inside. I executed my plan perfectly. Now the golden anklet is in my hands. Perhaps my life. I must escape and run fast before anyone traces me. I have no moment to wait. I closed my eyes prayed to the diety to forgive me for all my ill deeds. This is just a race to survive and live. I opened my eyes to implement the next phase of my theft….to run away…

As I opened my eyes, I couldn’t believe what I saw. My heart collapsed out of panic and terror. I will be beaten to death. I knew I had no way to escape from the grave slip. Even my parents will never pardon me for the pluck of courage I took.

Meenakshi Thampurathi and Padma were standing in my front.

“Why you are here and what is in your hand?” Meenakshi raised her stern voice.

My legs got paralysed and my blood flow even stopped. Words died in my throat. My restlessness got hiked and I was struck for want of words and courage.

“Speak out….” The final call I got.

“Amma…please be calm. Let him speak.” Padma interrupted.

After gaining my consensus, I expressed my invigorating dislikes and antagonism of an educated youth. I went to school and learned to read and write. I was excellent in academics and extracurricular too. But still society wants me to take up my father’s role and end myself in savage misery of drudgery. I too wish to study like Padma, I too have ambitions. Why fortunes are laden for few and others are left in agony. I don’t know how I spoke. But I made them both think. They were lost in thoughts without uttering a word. Perhaps they were guilty.

After a moment of thought, Padma asked her mother submissively “Amma….from tomorrow morning I will be sweared as the Thampurathi, but I wish to make decision now. Can I ?”

“Yes…let me see how competent is my daughter to attire the crown of Thampurathi. Let me hear your words.” Meenakshi challenged Padma.

“Kanna…. I think we were mistaken in realising your worth. If you still wish to go away and make your fortune, I am willingly handovering my golden necklace to you. This is more precious than the golden anklet. It will surely fetch you more money to start your livelihood. But return me, my golden anklet. It’s a priced possession and only a legal heir could be the custodian of this valuable anklet.” Padma said flatly.

I thought about the offer. Yes….. indeed the golden necklace will fetch more. I can no longer stay in this village. I must accept this or else I will be beaten to death. Still I was in doubt. Is it a trick to lure me and get back the anklet. Anyway I am thief who has entered their premises without permission. I had no option other than to accept it.

I kept the anklet in the place where it was placed before and returned.

Padma untied her necklace and handed me. “Now run….don’t stay here….and never come back too….no one will spare you…..don’t waste time…..just run.”

I took the necklace in hand and ran for miles. I had no looking back. I ran hard with an aching heart. My legs starved for rest and my throat for a drop of water. But I didn’t stop. I knew this is a life-death marathon. I ran for some twenty miles hysterically. I fell and lost consciousness.

I woke up when sun rays glistened on me. Amidst all body pain, my heart smiled when I gazed at Padma’s necklace. Padma is now my iconic legend. Her empathy conquered me. Meenakshi Thampurathi also had no words of opposition. She was in line with Padma’s verdict. They are understanding and affectionate too. It is society that has widened the gap for no reason. Even if I asked them straight for help, they would have aided me. Their custom, culture and rituals have equipped them to be more human and liberal. My apprehensions were wrong. I kept on thinking about my wrong perceptions. Everything that is defined as evil is not always bad. It always endures some good.

 My heart didn’t allowed me to make use Padma’s necklace. I made up my mind to live without any disgrace and guilty. I worked as coolie, then labourer for loading and unloading. I saved every penny. I had a revenge with myself. I wanted to stand in front of Padma and Meenakshi Thampoorathi at my own stake. I worked for day and night. Slowly I was streamlined. I joined for evening classes. Strenuous and untiring work for the whole day and passionate studies in late hours . Moreover bread of my own hard work. It was a hopeful time. I was inspired and motivated to move forward. I completed my graduation and under the advice and guidance of a few good fellows of mine, I attempted for bank exams. My years of hard work and effort brought me results in flying colours. I got posted as clerk in a nationalised bank. The first thing I did was I touched the necklace of Padma which I had kept as a precious possession for last nine years.

I took the necklace in hand and straight way went to the mansion Padmalayam. My eyes and heart equally desired to have a glance of Padma.

I entered the mansion which has not undergone any changes much. I peeped from outside as usual.

“Who are you?” a man of late twenties asked me. I guess Padma got married and he may be her husband.

“I wanted to meet Padma Thampoorathi?” I somehow managed to speak.

“She left to Canada for her higher studies. She will be back only after a year.” The man replied flatly.

“Meenakshi Thampoorathi....?” My throat was choked.

“ Ohh....aunty passed away two years back. She met with an accident. “ the man said with a gloomy face.

“ May I know who are you?” I don’t know how I dared to stand and speak out so boldly in front of this ancestoral mansion.

“ I am Padma’s cousin brother.....Is there any thing urgent that I should communicate to Padma.” The man asked.

“No...no.... thanks.....” I held the necklace tight and kept it close to heart. The most precious possession that has inspired me to move forward and strive towards right. I think I need to refine myself and be more good till Padma is back. She gave me more time to streamline myself to strive for excellence

Padma Thampurathi is my goddess in disguise who has assisted me in my most tough times by shattering the social stigmas and man made barriers of rituals, custom and rites....perhaps the most benovelent and perfect human.

Glossary

Thampurathi – The queen

Kaavu – The sacred groove

Naalukettu – Keralaa’s ancestral home with four blocks

Tharavad – Ancestral home

Abhishekham – The swearing ceremony