Nurungukal  contd..................

                                My father and mother were poles apart in behaviour. He was a man of few words. Were as mother was vociferous and a continuous performer. She was a social being, involving in welfare activities. She maintained a friendly relationship with one and all, irrespective of their social status.  Father had his own reservations in mingling , but respected values. There used to be one or two visitors every day, from different walks of life. She had long sessions of talk with each one which very often prolonged till she bade them  farewell at the gate. I have seen, if it is a close relative they continue the chat after taking one or two strides between gate and the house !. And she would come back running to attend father  who would be relaxing on an easy chair . In fact I am yet to find a pair with such contrasts,living in perfect harmony.

                                One frequent visitor was Chathettan who was a distant relative of us. He was our neighbour. He was short and robust. We enjoyed his way of walking, taking short steps and his finger made a TUP TUP noise. I think he should have been awarded a KARSHAKASHREE if the Govt had such a one at that point of time. I learnt the basic lessons of paddy cultivation from him. From early in the morning we can hear his loud calls alerting the workers about he day’s work. Then the team usually accompanied by many pairs of buffaloes will set to the fields .His return will be late in the evening or if there is not much work by noon.  After a  luxurious bath in the pond and belly full of rice porridge the days news paper will be read siting in the gate house which we enjoyed. By 6 pm he will reach our house with out fail and the long session starts. The trio, father mother and Chathettan will be seated in their regular places i.e, father on easy chair, mother on the WOODEN PADI and Chathettan  on the floor.Mother would serve a  big glass of coffee to all. The conversation will touch upon each and every latest topic and some times on his past experiences in north India. A phrase he very often used was  Ammukutiye ninakunda kattu kutugniyittu. And by about 7.30 pm he will take leave making the same stride and TUP TUP sound.None of them are with us now . But I feel their presence  while brushing up such memories.