A Red-necked Green Bird by Ambai

Author:Ambai
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: S&S India
Published: 2021-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Arun’s Will was clearly written. The house was hers. For her to use in any manner. He also left her the two cars, Maruti Swift and Hyundai. He had left half his savings and shares to her and the other half he had divided equally between Amrit and Naren. When he wrote the Will, she told him that Amrit and Naren could get upset with him because of it, but he was steadfast in his decision. She should not have to depend on anyone. She should not lack anything. She should live out her life without any worries. With her help, he had given a good education to Amrit and Naren. They couldn’t have any complaints. They were good children. They would understand him. Throughout her life, she should be comfortable, without any shortage of money. In her lifetime, she could use the money anyhow, spend it anyhow. She should live as she wanted to. She could sell the house if she wanted. She could do anything. She was his. His Shanti. Only after her came other people, other things.

When he said this in a voice weakened by illness, grasping her hands, and with all his love for her stored in his eyes, grief rose like a mountain in her. She embraced him, without causing him any pain, along with the many tubes that spread over his body like snakes.

And it was Amrit and Naren who were now suggesting that she go to the events organised by Swayamvar to find herself a companion. ‘We will never send you to an Old People’s Home. We are broad-minded. You can have a companion for your comfort. An arrangement between two elderly people. We will also be without worries then. But to avoid any problems arising later, you should decide on the property and money right now.’ This was their incessant request oozing with love.

But the love she knew was different. It was a love branded by Arun and also Nandu. A vast ocean. A huge mountain. An expansive space. A whirlwind. It took on many forms of nature. One of Appa’s close friends was the Thamizh poet Navukkarasar. Appa had great interest in Thamizh. When Amma lamented what she had seen in Arun to fall in love with, Navukkarasar gave as answer the verse from Kamba Ramayanam, ‘kadalo mazhaiyo muzhu neelakallo kaaya narumbotho padar poonguvalai naan malaro neelorpalamo.’ Raman seemed like the ocean, like black clouds, like mountains, like all the flowers that she knew like kuvalai and neelothpalam to Sita. Similes that referred to strength, sweep, tenderness and softness. Amma had grown up in Andhra country. She didn’t understand Thamizh too well. ‘Whatever it means, it just sounds good,’ she said wearily. Appa then said, ‘Bharati says “Payumoli nee enakku” (you are the leaping light for me) and he also goes on to refer to rain, ocean, and all that. Gowri doesn’t like the beard. That is all that she can see.’ And he began to converse about poetry with Navukkarasar.

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