Picture story 4

             Can a person be so wrapped up in his  own affairs that he cannot see or hear what is happening around him. 

          These were Meenakshi’s thoughts every time the children had a verbal duel that was fast turning into a physical one. Her husband Krishnan would be sitting right there  , the day’s Newspaper in front of his face. 

         Even I go through the newspaper in the morning , what is so engrossing ??. Do we need that information overload in our lives. Why not keep an eye on the children , see that they finish their homework. Play some game ,or watch a program on TV with them. In other words be a hands on dad while I am busy in the kitchen. Meenakshi only got a grunt in reply whenever she tried to point this out. The face behind the Newspaper . That was what he was. 

         It was the same story when on the rare occasion they went out together. All this till about 2 months back.

          With a smile Meenakshi went back to that incident . She could now laugh in retrospect . At that time she was completely frustrated. Seems like a lesson was learnt . A small shake up.

          Krishnan got to know from a friend of a friend about a plot coming up for sale just outside the city . Wonder of wonders he asked Meenakshi to accompany him . So leaving the children at home they go  by bike  . A few kilometers away from the city . Off the bus road into  another side road . Again off that road into a dirt  track. 

           A casuarina grove some stunted teak trees. Only an old man about . Would this be the place ? They get down and ask him for directions. He says he is the caretaker for this property and yes his mudalali is thinking of selling. 

           

             What is that small building there? That is my quarters. I have all facilities. So leaving the bike  there , they walk up to his quarters . Not bad , his mudalali has provided well for him. . His old wife is in the small kitchen. So while Krishnan is talking with the old man , Meenakshi goes in and as only women can , cozys up to her.

            The old lady shows off her vegetable and flower garden at the backof the house. The land here is very fertile she says. The old man peeps in . 

             Amma , ayya has left , but you are still here.!!  As fast as her calcaneal  spurred foot would allow and shouting  out EANGA ! EANGA  !Meenakshi comes round the small house after Krishnan . No he is in some other world. He starts his bike and off he goes without even once lifting his head. 

            

                Krishnan reaches home and tells the children, Amma va  tattu poda sollu. Where is Amma? She left with you. Oh!! He searches for his mobile. It is with Meena ! He rushes out again.

          

               Meanwhile Meenakshi walks upto the main road dragging her foot. Stops an auto. Head starting to pound , so no bargaining. She does see Krishnan flying on the other side midway  ,but ignores him . At least a cover over my head she convinces herself. 

            

                Well this is the best chance you will ever get Meena , says her mind voice .  Use it judiciously. Oh why did you go out again in the sun, I could easily have come home ,  I had to only walk   upto the main road, she says as soon as Krishnan returns home . Come come let us eat. 

            

                  The children whisper , “Amma va tattu poda sollu “, then loudly and laugh uproariously and  Meenakshi joins in. I am not a great psychiatrist  or a psychologist that I can analyse all the feelings that go through a person when they are the target of good natured ribbing. 

            I can only tell you that the children found it easier now to pull Appa down for their games and into their feuds. Meenakshi too found it easier to laugh with him.

# படக்கதை/ கவிதை 2020