If you haven’t shown some love already to the first parts of this story,
please consider part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5
It usually takes decades for ordinary mango trees to grow and flower. Thus, those who planted them may not have the chance to eat the fruits from them. However, that does not seem to stop many from planting mango trees. They do the sowing for others; others could enjoy the fruits of their labour. Achachan had wondered if newer generations would do plant parenting like his generation.
Rajesh and his family have been in the car for about three hours. The roads were getting noisy with vehicles. The rain receded for the sun that was reluctant to shine initially. Their journey was about to end. They were getting closer and closer to their home. Rajesh could feel his heartbeats rise. Rima’s tears became more often and her silent cries filled the car. She could not visit her father last summer. Since Rajesh was away in England, Devendran and she went on a trip to Thailand. They were planning to visit their home a few months later to celebrate Onam. But, sometimes things do not go as planned. And, Rima was regretting her decision.
The car moved from the tarred roads to the muddy village ones. The journey was rough and bumpy. The rainwater from last night covered the roads. The vehicle moved ahead splashing muddy water onto the sides. The fresh rays from the sun kissed the drenched roads, like a mother caressing her child.
The car stopped in front of their gate. They got out of it. A blue tarpaulin was installed in the yard and people crowded under it. The green bushes on the sides showed that Achachan had cut and maintained them the previous evening before his tea break. The ornamental plants were still fresh and shining under the new rays of sunlight after the rain. Rima’s mouth could no longer imprison her cries. She wept like a child and stood there devoid of any movement. Devendran moved close to her and consoled her. She wept in his arms. He walked her into the house. Rajesh walked past them carrying the luggage. With every step, Rima’s cries grew louder. Rajesh had never seen her cry. His memories failed to trace back to a crying mother in the annals of their past. Even the news of her first husband’s demise did not cause her eyes to pour. But, she had to cry now. It was her father and he could no longer breathe or respond to her in this world.
Sympathy filled the eyes of everyone who had gathered there. They looked at the family who came from Singapore and felt sorry for them. Death can unite people. Men and women, who had barely spoken to one another due to a disagreement, could be seen coming together and joining the last rites of their rival. Their disparities and disputes would be forgotten for once. They would close up the chasms that they had created. They would prioritise being present for the family to endure the hard times together.
to be continued…
