Thottam house weakens!

Around 1984
“Koshava! Koshakumbara!”, the ever-rambunctious Ramettan chases the naughty lad (all of 6 years). Eventually the chase ends and Ramettan fondly embraces the lad. Favourite amongst all of Amma’s siblings, Ramettan always does his best to keep the lad and his sister in good spirits.

                                                                                                                                        

Around 1984 too
Chief amongst Ramettan’s chores is tending to the Cow and her calf. Every morning presents an invite to the lad to hop onto Ramettan’s able shoulders and scamper around Chandrashekarapuram. “Bada, bada!” Ramettan yells during the rounds.

                                                                                                                                 

Since first memories
“Mottai! Poovu parichiya?”The moniker (Mottai is a tonsured head, a custom followed upon the death of an elder) held good for either of the fraternal twins – Rama and Lakshmana. They acquired the name after the sad demise of Swarnam – Thottam house’s matriarch. Every morning, the twins take turns to tidy the numerous deities that adorned the ‘Swami room’. Flowers dotted the 21 cent-premise of Thottam house and every morning a sample of each would be presented at your feet.

                                                                                                                            


With time

Changing tides witness Ramettan switch over to medicine, as a med-representative. Every morning after the ritualistic ‘poojai’, he’d put on the un-ironed shirt over the ‘veshti’, hop over the ancient Hercules and race up to ‘paadhai’ (for convenience sake, the main road). Hardworking, he’d return only after an arduous 12-14 hrs at work. Sundays were meant for extra money via the occasional catering services’ call. A recent payslip (more like a crumb) reads his salary – Rs. 5121/- after all deductions!!!! How does one survive on such a paltry income in the 21^st century! Between managing a falling house, a kid’s school and tuition fees and some meager savings, there is only so much.

                                                                                                                                              

1-Aug-2013

The peace across his face is palpable. And yet, even as he undertakes the sojourn from Thottam House, you can feel the energy, see him smile! It is time, time to get out of the make-shift bed and undertake a whole new journey. Amidst raging fires, Ramettan departs!

                                                                                                                                           

Dear God, 

Ramettan would present himself at the station every trip (to and fro). Fond memories of that radiant smile added to the promise of a pleasant stay at Thottam House.  August 2012 was the last time he'd be at the station. A terrible accident had rendered him unconscious for over 24 hours until death became him. ‘Ettan’ (read Ayton) is a common Malayali address for the elder.  I will miss the affection, the warmth you showered upon me, Raman Mama. You are like the vital limb that is now lost. Coming home to Thottam is never going to be the same again. 

Memories are all that remain. The above mentioned are, but, just fragments.

Despite several hardships, I cannot recall one instance when he stretched his hand out for help. Such was his steadfast grit. It was in his character to be cheerful and spread cheer. Pity! you needed him earlier than his time.