Page 1
|- C |× C ƆƆ |- o | || ||
W
 

Page 2
His stories reveal the deep seated caste untouchability and a firm attachment to tradio religious tenets even in the midst of the desir caused by the ethnic war and their tendency adieu to feelings of humanism. The stories split in anger against such trends.
li nails our false sense of pride about how the disp
Tamils are earning in thousands and lakhs andle high standard of lives. These stories shock us and us Flabbergasted. They provoke thought and a out a new light.
Nomokko S.Indio. 2O2
When I read my friend Elangovan's stories, the uncompromising realism is the one that suggest to me. The mental state described by Elango
very clear. He simply tears open the distressing disagreeable state of affairs resulting from disp life. France has a firm place in the refugee
iterary history. When one takes an objective loo from likes and dislikes, one can see a deep multife dimension in France's refugee Tamiliterature. We
to admit that this short story collection of Elango does provide an extension to that dimension.
congratulate Elangovan for the exc Characterization in evidence in these shor storie
Professor. Karthigesu Sival
 

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ories from
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Chennai-600 109. I9 umi.infobooks0gmail.Com

Page 4
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Tamil Stories from Franc
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Page 5
Fore
I received training in old Ta itself very early in life.
Yes... I had heard any numb mythological, epic and moral sto basic education.
My parents, who knew by a knack of quoting and explainir I can say that it is this which to develop a flair for and familia
It seems that my (Thirunavakkarasan) used to Sabatham” (vow of Panajali) et mother would explain its meanin
Thus did we grow.l
I wrote a few short storie seventies and showed them to c Along with social outloc enrichment of life and infuse obscene descriptions do not pt "your poetry is good. So, continu At that time, a few stories g I remember that a story w conducted by the Tamil associat Writings born out of mental turned out to be poems.
In the country and after di poems recited in Radio and T

Word
mil classic literature in the cradle
er of old literary poems, stories ries from my mother who lacked
heart thousands of poems had ng them at opportune moments. h caused members of our family rity with literature.
eldest brother Naventhan read poet Bharathi's "Panjali ven at the age of ten and my
용
es and a novel in the middle omrade K. Daniel.
ok, they must guide one- in hope. We must be careful that edominate, he said. He added, le to payattention toit.’’ ot published. "on a prize in the competition on of Colombo University. turmoil and emotional outburst
splacement too, the number of levision seminars were plenty.
3

Page 6
I had to write a lot of poems time, I did not write short stori
On coming to Paris, I cor literary pages of "Paris Eelan: Mr. S. S. Kuhanathan who is ar
Although I have been livin for over twenty one years, I do literary trips.
The city of Toulouse is famous for the manufacture O beautiful and peaceful place.
Friends used to ask me, Amidst all the pressures of an awake till dawn at times and w mind for a long time. They w stories written earlier. I could the seventies.
Although I had been put politics by my elder brothers 1 was given to self thoughts whi was attracted by progressive lit
We brought into our lit with the help of the camar: comrade K. Daniel, “Palkalai ʻʼBharathinesanʼ V. Sinnatham
I could also serve as the se of arts and literature, which ha
Although I have already poetry and a few collections all, I derive a special satisfactic collections.
All the stories found in of imagination. They are the e interacting with people.
4

for these. For a short period of
CS.
ntributed my mite to enhance the udu” at the request of the editor
intimate friend of mine.
gin Paris and the city of Toulouse visit several parts of Europe on
situated in south France and is f the best planes - Airbus. It is a
why I did not write that much. hechanical life, I managed to keep rote a few stories moulded in my ere published. I also added a few
not locate some stories written in
in the way of arts, literature and right from my childhood, when I ch brought in me an awakening, I erary movement.
erary team a lot of youngsters derie and friendship of bosom venthan” Sillaiyur Selvarajan, and mby. 'cretary of the people's association tid K. Daniel as president.
published three anthologies of of articles numbering sixteen in on in publishing these short story
this collection are not born out xperiences gained from living and

Page 7
I have put in black and whi emotions and outbursts.
These stories comprise the v displaced folk, their desire for co occurring in their family lives once and evidence of humanism being
Earning money by any 1 tendencies...
In the midst of such folk who the very thought of trying to liv may look strange to a few.... Wh along...
I must emphasize a few trut
The People's literature is defi the people and returned to the sa
My thanks to the editors of sites for publishing my stories rea
My thanks are also due to of the leading Indian novelists collection. Professor K. Sivathan stories and Professor S. Chandr encouraging me in my endeavou
having brought out the original T
Now readers SSSSLSSSSLS SS0LL S0LSS S0S
vtelangovanG)yahoo.fr 0033950 49 3232
O033 601 73 82 27

te the expression of real life
virtues and defects of ordinary mforts of life and the change : they attain a comfortable level
given the go-by.
means false prestige foolish
plough such a tortuous furrow e as a writer full of humanism at to do..... A life that has run
ns. It may be bitter to some.
ned as one which is taken from me in a moulded form.
journals, magazines and webdily,
K. Chinnappa Bharathi, one for providing a preface to this hby for giving his views on my asekaran who has always been Cs. And to UMI publishers for amil book so grandly.
Solicit your views.
— V. T. ELANGOVAN
(France)

Page 8


Page 9
Translato
While translating this colle Elangovan, I found that an avi longs for normalcy and peace : riots. When he finds this elusi happiness from the fact that the living in countries like France, But this joy of his is short lived : decadence which wealth has brol
Betrayals, elopements, ex concept of live- in couples and children leave him utterly anguish society are thrown to the winds :
This kind of nosedive afts native soil by some of the cruell mankind makes one wonder if : frying pan into the fire.
The first story talks of a disenchanted with her life due to to be released from a jail-like lif
Then we have a father’s vai
son who invokes the law agains himself to his lot.
An association meeting is di and small talk.
A man who goes out of his hit by a vehicle in a cruel quirko

r's Notes
ction of stories penned by Mr. id average Tamil of Sri Lanka in the land besieged by ethnic ve, he derives some solace and displaced Tamils make a decent Canada, London and Australia. as he is dismayed by the cultural ught with it.
tra-conjugal relationships, the the law protecting disobedient ned. Traditionalvalues of Tamil and moral turpitude holds sway.
Sr being hounded out of their est ethnic riots in the history of it has been a case of from the
sulky old woman thoroughly failing health awaiting her end,
ص
in attempt to correct an earring it him. And the father resigns
epicted as being a drinking bout
way to help people dies by being f an unfair destiny.
7

Page 10
A man finds himself un family of a close friend killed
One Udayan ditches a g once his marriage is arranged
Then we have Sridevi le and dry as she flits from on down with one younger than
And Sakunthala abando marriage to be a live- in cou distraught Nathan vomits blo when he learns Sakunthala is delivery.
Another story finds old n feel young as he is excited abo from abroad.
The next story relates w daughter has got used to alert bomber attack in war ravaged
Story number 11 finds B death as he continues on his redeem his elder sister's lands
The twelfth story is abou return and reunion with them
Story 13 finds Anandan, ; the cause of the people to get
has to contend with the foreig them.
Thiyagar runs a restaur. after having failed to get his sc wife narats his tale of woes a customer admires the culture the 14th story.
8

able to offer adequate help to the by a bullet.
irl after having had his fill of her,
aving her would -be husband high e man to another until she settles her.
hs her husband Nathan soon after ple with one Jegan, his friend. A pod as he is taken to the hospital
admitted in a maternity clinic for
han Karthikesu master beginning to ut the arrival of his granddaughter
ith poignancy how a five year old ing people at home about possible
Sri Lanka.
alasingam making light of his wife's mission of toil to earn enough to as she has four daughters to settle.
t the pining of a girl for her father's
from abroad.
a government servant championing them their civic amenities. And he in peacekeeping forces who harass
ant in France. A french customer on to his custody from his divorced nd gets consoled by Thiyagar. The and the family life of the Tamil in

Page 11
15th is a kind of love story.
16th and the last story is all bully is pulled up by a wine shop and points out his follies.
The author Elangovan’s ch these stories and he is rather blu foibles of his fellow men as he iss of values. He employs a lucid st
Let us hope and pray that E and comfortable life of dignity their own land and a return to : would soon be fulfilled.

about local politics and how a Owner who calls a spade a spade
aracterization stands out in all unt in drawing attention to the addened by their maladjustment ylein his writing langovan's dream of a peaceful and honour for his people in an exalted life based on values
- S. Visweswaran Chennai - 600 041

Page 12
ܕܘ
Short story is a very imp able to take up a single incide across right in front of one's man's life. This must be done and style of language must p; must be in evidence. It mu jugglery of words and needlk that hang from the body. It the nerves taut. To ensure training and memory power for command of language.
More than this a healthy and capacity for love and af cause in the reader’s mind a ti
I got the opportunity to first time at the international in Colombo in 2010. I could writers from various countries impressed me were Udayanan Paris. But after the Colombo him has become rare like a m me a few books there. I had 1 points and minus points. I novel, narrating his wide expe of being talked about. I recei
Suddenly last month, Elangovan of Paris; I have co
10

2face
ortant literary genre. One must be nt from real-life happenings come eyes and bring out the realities of : in a clear cut manner. The words ack punch and economy of words st be like lithe physique shorn of 2ss details which are veritable flab must be like a healthy body with this, one needs extensive literary born of scholarship so necessary
outlook on life a capacity for love fection and noble intention must ngling restlessness of thought.
meet my friend Elangovan for the conference of Tamil writers held meet a number of displaced Tamil there. Notable among those who of London and V.T. Elangovan of meeting with Elangovan, meeting 2eting during travel. He had given ead them and pointed out the plus had suggested that if he wrote a riences it will become one worthy ved no reply.
he telephoned and said, "I am me to Chennai.” He visited me at

Page 13
my house. It was then that he req a book of short stories which he
Today, whether it is a novel realism which would bring out all life, which is a literary trend. Inst ruins the human personality or m and bathing it in praise such perve It looks as if that such terms as socialistic realism and such ide. thoughts of critics and writers s progressive writers substituting w in place of realistic literature. Anc what exactly they mean by it.
Today in this world we fir is wearing a mask over is exp privatization, liberalization and g face of exploitation. One wonder about with a mask to oppose real cruel face of exploiters consisting and globalization is spreading its The writers who are unable to rea rising against this modern explo protests are washing their hands they are engaging themselves in tv modernism and post modernism.
In this complex problem, a outlook and ideological thought one gets a feeling of consolation C Lankan Tamil writers and others that continues.
Most of their creations com
their keenness and indignation t to safeguard their lives, culture
consequence of their long strugg

lested me to give a foreword to was going to publish.
or a short story, they discard the manifestations of human ead, they create an illusion that akes it sick. Hailing this trend ‘rsities come to be worshipped. realism, critical realism and as are disappearing from the lowly but surely. We see even hat they call modern literature one is at a loss to understand
id that monarchial capitalism loitation and parading it as lobalization and is masking its s if modernism also is moving ism and socialist realism. The of privatization, liberalization hand of modern exploitation. lize that the toiling masses are itation through struggles and off realism. One wonders if visting the ideas in the name of
midst such scarcity of social among the progressive writers, on finding that the displaced Sri are exhibiting a healthy trend
e to our notice as an outlet for o express their determination and values. This is a direct
le to secure their rights.

Page 14
His stories reveal the de and a firm attachment to tra the midst of the destruction tendency to bid adieu to feel fire and anger against such tr
On the other side his led by their displaced peop culture and tradition based o children without caring to in Choosing to live with anothe sticking to him as long as h the sexes, indulging in drunl body in order to get money alimony from the husband is to maintain self and children crime of such a woman by p the children impertinently di local law against violence agai on and so forth. One can see discontent and the urge to things are dealt with.
It nails our false sense Tamils are earning in thousa high standard. These stories They provoke thought and al
It is the vicissitudes o for people to achieve great understand them in the right begun to get moving. Let us without belying it. Let us wis
Aff
Namakkal, South India. 01 - 05 - 2012 12

:ep seated casteism, untouchability Ldition and religious tenets even in caused by the ethnic war and their ings of humanism. The stories spit ends.
stories expose the false lives being ble. Showing contempt for their n values, we find women begetting laintain the structure called family. r man as though in a rented house, e is wealthy and then parting both Ken revelry a readiness to sell their for leading a life of luxury, seeking and when divorcing him in order , the husband or lover abetting the aying up as per the law of the land, sobeying parents and invoking the inst children if they are pulled up, so in his stories all the misery, tragedy, ive at all costs- such unacceptable
of pride about how the displaced nds and lakhs and leading a life of shock us and leave us flabbergasted. so throw out a new light.
f life which would pave the way things provided of course, they : perspective. Thus has Elangovan expect he would live up to our faith sh him success.
:ctionately
- K. Chinnappa Bharathi
(Novelist)

Page 15
the aft lost in sticky
grew clearec
and ti other
tOW2. littlew
the cu out t flowe gettin
flowe:
 

it was the month of February; -time was about four thirty in zernoon. Thangamma who was thought seated on the sofa, felt a sensation in her throat. Her eyes misty and tear-drops fell. She her throat and checked herself.
he caught her hip with one hand he corner of the sofa with the and got up. She slowly walked ls the kitchen table and drank a rater kept on it.
he returned to the hall, pushed rtain near the balcony and looked hrough the glass door. Snow s were flying about in the sky g into the beauty of the hazy
they looked like so many coconut s poured from the sky.
13

Page 16
"Oh, what a lovely sight worries and lost herself in adt Even as her face touched the g and felt ice cool, she did not t,
Only as the stiffness cause along the spinal cord causingp, off the scene and slowly mov her seat.
That sofa could accomm stretched her legs, improvised t and lay down.
"Although it is a beautiful can it ever be like our country...?
arrested and locked up in prisof this...P’
Once again, her eyes grew
"If only my husband had this? Oh... my God..... He had food..... Not even half an hou from the cot and became un leaving us..... With this month passed.”
"How many scenes have The agony undergone by me a with his pension from his teach life due to the good yields from garden, maintained all the fami children with considerable diffi
"When he died my son w; survive to see the good and ba
"How many times did my when he was alive will you giv Shall take her with me and brin
14

99
O. O.
Thangamma forgot all her iring the faling of dew-flowers. ass that had congealed in the cold ke her eyes off.
in herheel reached hershoulder in, did Thangamma take her eyes d towards the sofa and resumed
odate three persons. She slowly he cushion as pillow for her head
sight, this kind of snow falling, They say our children have been 1. Will that prison life also be like
moist.
been alive, will my plight be like just gone to take'rest after taking ur would have passed... ... He fell zonscious..... He had gone away of May, twenty four years have
I witnessed with this small eye? s I tried to bring up my children ling job. We could maintain our the fields. I also put up a house ly members and brought up the ulty”
is sixteen. He was not gifted to
in our lives.”
elder brother Kannaiah ask him me your pretty girl Vasantha...? her up with due care.

Page 17
Once he died we have becc the three children of my elder b a result of the number of times to give Vasantha in marriage to developed the pain in my heel”
"In the end, the boy could it is he who wrote to me asking f is of my own blood. Even for t how much cash I would give..... rupees. Did I send her without house and property in her name per custom.”
“The girl is also now in Cau off. She has two children also. the pension money also from m also failed in studies... What to c him up without allowing him to into bad company and picked u hearing the gossip of the people
“My son... .. do not roam also becoming worse.....Finds life.....'
I cried my heart out and pl
"Oh mother... Arrange fo ship...' He told me one day.
"How could I raise the mo off my fields..... for a low pr possession like the sacred nupti, I had in my husband's memory. and choker; only a single string
He got employed in the Colombo for six months. Thu No letters; for a longtime; there of Gods.

me too low for everyone. All rother are in Canada... It is as I walked to his house in order his middle son that I must have
not find a suitable match. And or Vasantha's hand. My nephew hat my brother wanted to know He insisted and got four lakhs dowry? I had transferred the and also given a lot of jewels as
nada fairly comfortable and well It is my son Balan who grabbed he and played out his trick. He lo?I pampered him and brought move with anyone. But, he fell p all the vices and I felt uneasy
about like this. The country is ome job and take care of your
aded with him daily.
r money..... I am going into the
ney demanded by him...? I sold ice. I sold all the jewels in my l ornament made of gold which ... Two pairs of bangles, chain chain remained in my neck.
ship only after having lived in did he write to me in Bombay. after I had prayed to any number
15

Page 18
It was neighbour Rasal was also becoming chaotic.. also decreased.
One year later, a boy frc said he was working with Bal leave. He gave a letter and r Bala. I thanked Lord Murug
"Madam.....I am goingt the ship. The ship will go t Balan and I would get down refugee asylum there. It facilities there... ... Do not w as soon as we alight at Franc comforting to hear.....
Now it is sixteen years si
Within two years, he is try ... things are very bad in our p things Pell-mell; who knows w other properties.
We have been in Colomb places. My pension money wil Vasantha some time sends r that only..... Not much exi temples there..... I offered f my children safe.....
That time a family next had three girls.... One of then The second one had a love af going to Swiss. They also ha Canada sends money now a
"I do not know what Ian ...' 'Thus would the mothers
No jewel to adorn even then 16

ima who helped me. The country I heard postal communication had
m Kalviankadu came home... He in the ship and had come down on upees twenty five thousand sent by
and received it.'
Bombay next month and boarding Egypt and from there to France. there. It seems we can apply for eems that there are employment orry for anything. Balan will write e... That boy told me... It was so
nce Balan came to France.
ing to make me shift to Colombo... lace... We had come away leaving that has happened to the house and
bo for eleven years in two different l suffice for me only..... Daughter noney. He also used to send like enditure for me... ... I went to all owers and prayed the God to keep
door got introduced to us... They is married and settled in Canada... air or something; she said she was l no father.... Only the girl from d then it seems.....”
going to do with these children... hed tears whenever she saw me.... se, she would say...

Page 19
I was reminded of somet neighborhood .... She turned
OUÍS. . . . .
I got the horoscope of the my sonwent to the Dehiwela pri were suitable for marriage.
He said there was eighty per could be solemnized.”
"I finalized the alliance telephone... then, he had not asked me to send the girl to Sin health. I sent the girl along with the expenses of marriage includ be meted out by me.
However, the marriage wet law came back to Colombo.”
“Balan also got nationality after this, daughter in law also ha of my daughter-in-law expres hands. She is a good type.”
"Two years back from now somehow or other managed to
When I come here and see and night saying he works in are saying she also works there..... all the strain due to their posses:
"She has given birth to two problematic. They eat lunch at afternoon... It is I who keep fo
They won't eat rice and cur sandwich and give them... or v it with a big ball of meat for s

hing then... I enquired in the out to be a distant relation of
girl and with the horoscope of est to assess if those horoscopes
cent agreement and the marriage
when my son spoke on the got even the nationality. He gapore. I could not go due to ill h her elder cousin brother... All ing the jewels for the girl had to
nt off well and my daughter-in
a few days later... Six months ad gone to France. The mother sed her gratitude with folded
my son came to Colombo, and take me to France.
he is always roaming about day
staurant. She also does the same May be they are able to manage sing a car... .”
naughty boys... They are very school and come only in the od cooked and ready...
ry at night..... I have to prepare we have to roast bread and give ide dish .... We have to fry it
17

Page 20
along with small pieces cut fr them.... At bed time we mu powder.”
“They will watch TV till As soon as they hear the kn themselves and go to sleep. grandma did not give us foo She adds salt with milk... . . not know where they got this
“He would come at midr time... As usual II will not b news. Similarly I shall watc company... When they go o remote... . Of course I do ni it. One day... they seem to destruction on TV... Did you You did not see that mummy. I say, I could not find the rer
She said. "If she goes day time, how much will the e I heard a verbal fray ensuing
For one week she was at one who had-adorned her wi here.... Now she wants to ch
"It is due to her frugali plot... They also buy Jeweller happy.
As for me... I wish to d last... I am wearing one so remain in this country and die
I have had to leave my co
18

»m anothersuch meat ball and give st boil milk mixed with chocolate
their parents return at midnight... ck on the door, they would cover . If I complain... They would say l.... The food is also not good.... thus would they carry tales... I do kind of character from... ... 99
light and watch Tamil TV for some e able to sleep. I shall watch the h news in the morning also in his ut, daughter-in-law would hide the ot try to find it. He does not know have shown Tsunami and all the see.... He asked; I did not reply... He asked repeatedly; what could mote I said.”
on watching TV right throughout lectric bill escalate....” That night between them in their room.....
loggerheads with me..... I was the th nose studs, and all and sent her 2ck the expenses caused by me.
y they have purchased house and y and live well... I have seen them
le where my husband breathed his ks over another here.... Should II : in this cold....?
untry when will the problem end...?

Page 21
A long sigh.....
"There is terrible pain in m ... when I saw the doctor he saic has given me medicine. My nos head-ache... Heavy cold and co eyes and sleep even for a minute. the daytime and cry in my heart.
My daughter Vasantha also is Once she visited me here. If it is the cold in Canada, I refused to c
How long, this jail life in thi mm...'
水冰米米米米

y feet, the nerves are tugging I am afflicted by diabetes and 2 and eyes are watery. ... Also ngestion. Unable to close my ... I take five six tablets during ... Thinking of this and that.....
askingmeto come to Canada... so cold here..... Hearing about ountenance a trip there.....
s way..... How will I die... m
米米米米

Page 22
20 =

Page 23
of N templ Pung would the sa Europ
migra Russi,
via MI
the s
stayec Paris.
of tw
with
 

Pilippit, used to flock in great numbers to the car festival ainativu Nagabooshani amman e, those days. Kurikattuvan of ldutivu and the ports of Iruppitti overflow with crowds. In ime way, the Tamils flocked to pe in the eighties.
t was the time when they were ting to Berlin by the flight an Aeroflot plane at reduced rates
OSCOV. . .
Selvaratnam also came to Berlin ame way. From the camp he l here and there before reaching
He squeezed into a room as one elve inmates.
He ran from pillar to post, pleaded several people and registered for
21

Page 24
visa with the police. He pa application for asylum in Tat Francs for translating into asylum. Those days, refuge Of the Tamils who applied, a accepted. When visa card fo ecstatic as if he had won a lal
One who had been work for 14 hours, approached se once he received the visa ca his visa. He was greatly sat festaurant.
He had to wash the u wipe them and arrange heaps
vegetables, onion and all. He chef.
Chef was in charge of th to him. Two assistants next, people would work in the kitc a huge restaurant situated nea
As he got his job confi gave one thousand Francs to UN office of refugees with hi. his family struggling in Colon
Selvaratnam's wife and in the house of a Tamil far Colombo. He sent 1500 Fran be converted as 15000 rupees
He took up on rent in th house in the sixth and last flo 2800 Francs.
After paying for the air house, it took thirteen month he was happy beyond limit. 22

d thousand Francs for writing the hil and one thousand two hundred French and applied for refugee s had been given warm welcome. large number got their applications r ten years given Selvaratnam felt h of money in the sweep.
ng In a restaurant for a small salary veral restaurants already contacted rd. He asked for a job showing sfied in getting a job in a French
sed cups, glasses, spades and all of them in order. He had to cut : must carry out the orders of the
e kitchen. Three others were next there were two others Thus eight hen by turns day and night. It was ara famous junction in Paris.
(med on getting the visa card, he an important person, went to the
m and gave an application to bring hbo.
daughter were staying in a room hily living in the Wattala area of cs to them every month. It would at their end.
e outskirts of Paris a small studio or in an old building. The rent was
passage by showing that he had a for his family to reach there. Still

Page 25
He worked day and night : savings system.
He put his wife in a scho teaching was gratis to the foreig find social service organizations school was also got through thei
But, even three months c Thangamalar learn even the Fr her to a school for teaching Fre months.
Now, Thangamalar had lea numbers and fill in name and a
language. She had also got u purchases.
She also got a job in a sm She would work there for fourh Thangamalar, who had became wanted only a male baby.
A facility for all free tests r of delivery.
The doctor scanned her it could be a boy. Selvaratnam an of aborting the childbirth if it v had planned it would not ham earning money. But, when they cheerfully decided to bring it up,
They worked hard, adopt bought an apartment house with saved through savings system.
The elder daughter Malini * fifteenth year. Their love ripeni to live separatley. Now, she work

ind was paying 1500 Francs for
pol for studying French where gners. He was able to trace and and get some help. The French ir recommendations.
of attendance could not make ench alphabets. Then, he sent inch run by the Tamils for three
irrit to express greetings, count ddress in documents in French ised to shopping and making
all hotel as a cleaner of rooms. ours along with two Tamil ladies. 2 pregnant in the mean time,
ight from pregnancy to the time
h the fourth month and said it d Thangamalar had been talking vas going to be a girl baby. They per both of them working and came to know it was a boy they
2d a frugal life style and also three rooms through the money
was struck by cupid even in her ng in two years, they went away is as a cashier in a supermarket.
23

Page 26
They did not approve of Moreover, they did not kno Thus did they wail.
They who had said we began to get somewhat close was born. They wished to se
Selvaratnam’s son Niresl college. A pampered child for
He does not like rice a Mcdonald's food and Pizza. slowly but surely.
He drinks in the compan lot of people complained to of Niresh many a time. His talking tough and shouting bl
Any food desired by hit curry ... School canteen foc
One had to pay money at home. Only Mcdonalds Sometimes, he would telephol
Not only in food. He als money like mad on cigarett financially...
One day, Selvaratnam w the Metro after a tiring day's far away from the metro sta four 'o' clock in the afternoon and start again at six o'clock
There was a park neartl four young fellows. They v looked closely. A dark fellov and his son Niresh with them. and Beerbottles lay on the be
24

them. A Christian Boy. it seemed. w which caste he belonged to... .
have washed our hands off them, to them on hearing that a grandson e the grandson often.
his now fourteen. He is studying in whom they buy whatever he wants.
nd vegetables. His favourites are He was now ruining their income
y of his friends and also smokes. A Selvaratnam thus. He had enquired answer was silence. He also tried
m must be provided. No rice and d in the afternoon.
for it Sandwich must be prepared food and Pizza now and then.... he and get "Pizza delivered at home.
o teamed up with friends and spent , Beer and all, ruining the family
'alked home after getting down at work. His apartment was not too ion just about 250 metres, It was . He had to take some rest at home
le street; seated in the bench were vere talking aloud. Selvarathinam , An Arab boy and a French chap All had cigarettes in their hands.... nch.

Page 27
Selvaratnam was furious.
"Niresh... your dad is comin
“ I have told him several tiu affairs... This is our freedom...) this side.....'
“Let him come home... I walked homewards raving mad.
“Thangam..... See how yol him as the only boy... ... I bri heat of the kitchen and in sno he wanted... I brought up the exclusive attention... She wen traditional respect and honour. the little grandson... This fellow even at such a small age...
Thangamalar kept her mol hot. She shed tears as she prepar he picked up the tea cup, Niresl
The tea cup went flying witl got up, caught hold of Niresh's of anger.
“What kind of habit are y company are you mixing with.. cigarette, beer and all at this age. Also in the balcony.... Have yC he slapped him twice on his che back by catching hold of his hai
"Oh... Lord Muruga... don Thangam intercepted took a few the boy into the room and close
Breathing hard and noisily, sofa and switched on the TV Ta

g.” said one of the boys.
mes... Do not intervene in our Don't worry... He will not come
shall show him..... Selvaratnam
u have spoilt him by pampering ng everything by toiling in the w - cold..... I bought whatever elder one with great care and it away blowing in air all my ... I survived due to my love for v... He is recklessly going astray
uth shut on finding her man so ed and brought tea for him. As h entered.
h a noise in the kitchen table. He shirt and shook him hard full
ou developing.? What sort of . Such a disgrace... you need PI find cigarettes in your table... ou become so big...?” So saying, ek and then thrashed him on his r and bending him...
't kill the child.” Shouting thus, hits on herself and then pushed d the door.
Selvaratnam came and sat on the mil channal.
25

Page 28
Hardly ten minutes late Thangam opened the door.
“Who is Niresh... what i
"I am the one who telep house daily... Every day, r me... see how he has hit m hand impression in my face.
I feel great pain on my b not able to study in peace... any one... I want freedom.
“No problem with my problem.”
Niresh complained in Fr
Selvaratnam was taken t as he deposed in the enquiry his children after having show
"It is a crime to beat ch charge against you so far, we your position...” So saying, t the law of the land, the righ about five "o clock the next c
They also told him he ha at the familywing of the soci
Selvaratnam who came He also applied for leave to health. After receiving advic confined himself at home...
He would watch TV Tar hall ... and also lay in it...
He did not have the min he live alone. Could he live
26

معحیم
r, there was a knock on the door. Three policemen entered.
s the problem...?' They enquired.
phoned... There is problem in this ny dad shouts at me. Tries to hit e in my face now... There is the
ack also due to the thrashing. I am He orders that I should not meet
mother. Explain to him; he is my
ench language.
O the police station. He shed tears that he was suffering a lot due to vered love and affection on them.
ildren... Since there has been no are releasing you. We understand he police explained in along lecture |ts of children and released him at lay evening.
l to seek advice from the consultant al service centre.
home did not stir out for a week. the restaurant on grounds of ill 2 from the social service centre, he
nil channal seated in the sofa in the
d to drive his son out... Nor could without seeing the children...?

Page 29
He felt sad on seeing his v plight...
After a week, he shaved work... on his way back home. from the Italian shop.
Opening the door, his son planted a kiss on his father and pizza box.
After a few days Selvaratr work was carried out in the rest the evening on Saturday.
"Dad, three friends are c. pizza, coco cola and sandwich. sandwich.'
Niresh said in a mix of Fre
And Selvaratnam took the
Street,
水水水米壮

life Thangam... similar was her
his prickly beard and went to he bought two big pizza pieces
came and said "thanks a lot. He went back to his room with the
Lam got a week's leave as repair aurant. It was seven' o'clock in
oming today... Run up and get Mummy has to make good
ench and Tamil.
basket and got down into the
t米水米米米
27

Page 30
28

Page 31
An Administrative committee meets
 

Efforts are in full swing conduct the meeting. The norary secretary has already ormed the members through ephone two days earlier. It s customary for the members attend the meeting without fail. facilitated everyone that the :eting was held on a Sunday.
The president of the ociation Anandan started as ly as nine in the morning... He ught the necessary items and ived at the meeting venue atten nutes past ten.
The secretary informed over telephone he would be coming e due to an unforeseen problem
it had cropped up.
29

Page 32
"Look at this man. He he comes late. The presid
Usually, the meeting w convener of the associatiot was held in the homes of ot and there will be heated ar course object to the meetin
Convener Kullaratna alone. Although he belongs wonderful heart. Two big 1
- free place.
A long table in the hal its side in which three can s brought by him to Kularatn them on the table.
Treasurer Paul Raj : "ceurbier wine” brought b with a smile of sorts. He to the table there. He was a tre. ends there. That is his lot. veritable song of poverty. will not speak much at the r would ask a few questions a
The convener asked t the secretary will come a l Vijayabala who had gone to What do you think this
Schools of Sri Lanka v an old students' association
They conduct adn They advertise get-togethe competitions. In those sc
30

asks everyone to come on time. But :nt vented his feelings.
ill be conducted at the house of the l, Kularatna. Problems will arise if it hers. Sparks would fly at the meeting guments. The housewives would of gs being held in their houses...
calls himself a bachelor. He lives to the brother community, he has a 'ooms, a big hall, kitchen... a problem
l. Eight chairs around it. A sofa by it. The president handed the basket a. He took out the contents and laid
also arrived. He gave a bottle of y him to Kularatna who received it ok it to the kitchen and left it under asurer justin name. His contribution If asked about it, he would recite a But, He was a harmless man... He meeting. Sometimes at the climax, he s if in a Listeners' request session.
he president to start the meeting as ittle late. A few members including
gambling also arrived.
association meeting is about...?
thich have up to fifth standard have in the displaced countries.
inistrative committee meetings. rs. They announce a number of
hools, those who have studied fifth

Page 33
standard or lower class act as a convert the money earned by all currency, they themselves becc realizing it themselves. And a What to do?
They arrange a number of photographs of themselves clad to many newspapers. They fr reports and hang them at the ent
This "Humanists Associat They would hold a meeting onc kinds of international matters wo Strong views will be expressed. up there. All the members wou friends without any bitterness... as usual.
Kularatna kept the Johnny president Anandan and the Perr for the meeting to begin.
This association does not differences. Friendship is conside some members do let slip some it in the heat of the moment. O or secretary would intervene and
A few glasses also were clea president looked sharply at them
Of course they are all well cl language. And the president lau
The President opened the equal amounts in each glass.
Everyone picked up the glz for your health...' and then ki began their first sip after dashing

dministrators. If one were to kinds of toil to the Sri Lankan me wonder - struck without crogance and stiff neck result.
f get- together functions, take in coat and suit and send them ame the published photos and rance of their houses.
ion' is one with a difference. e every month on a Sunday. All ould be discussed there in depth.
Silly matters will not be taken uld disperse in the end only as Again on a Sunday next month
walker whisky bottle brought by ier soda on the table and called
entertain ethnic and religious :red paramount. Still, sometimes racial remarks without realizing in these occasions, the president make them retract such words.
ned and kept on the table. The
ها
محس~حستی
eaned. Said kularatna in French ghed.
whisky bottle and poured it in
asses. They said "ching ching. eeping the glass raised, eagerly g their glasses mildly.
31

Page 34
The president had broug and four kilos of beef mixe Dunhill cigarette case' whicl
Kularatna preferred only did not agree with a few... had grown weary... Oil fat their health was such...
“Machang... Ananth... yo prepare dhal curry, coconut Ꮕk ..??
President Anandan bega Although already cut as small ensuring that there was not the bones.
Secretary Ulaganathan a to an end.
"Sorry... people had c to send them away and br askance.... you know that... . brigade stands at every juncti “Adayars.”
You have started the me seems.”
Anandan kept a glass ne; soda and whisky to it in prop
Anandan poured a little salt, onion, chili powder that and some spices and condim settle for a while.
Kularatna mixed pepper the dhal curry and made it ta pepper, dried fish powder, from the Chinese shop, tom 32

ht a bottle of Johnny walker whisky d with bones. He also had the " h he usually smoked...
beef. So also the others... mutton Chicken was a thing of which they would not agree with all of them;
ou prepare the meat curry... I shall sambal and rice already cooked...
n cutting the meat into small pieces. pieces, he cut them again perfectly 2ven a little fat deposit sticking to
rrived as the first round was coming
ome home suddenly. I managed ought my car... Children looked Book problem... The “three letter” ons... The problem is due to this
:etings oh, half the bottle is over, it
arUlaganathan. Ulaganathan mixed ortion and consumed in one gulp.
sun flower oil to the meal, a little was Jaffna special, a bit of aniseed ents. Stirring them well, he left it to
and Maldives dried fish powder to sty. He took some coconut flower, salt and chili-paste-mixer bought ato and small onion.

Page 35
One bottle over another ol a little hot. “Boss, meat curry w here... what do you say about th that the American is doing the ri mixed with Sinhalese.
Openingthe panin whichm it with the spoon, cutting tomat then lighting his Dunhill cigaret began to speak.
“The American thinks he is continues to indulge in atrocities. Japan and burnt lakhs of people. there are handicapped.
He did a lot of atrocities in Y any vegetation grows there for ye What happened in the end... H and fled the place in hasty retreat search missions to trace his mi he is trying to put on a brave f; produces pictures like Rambo an the world for a ride. They are t the countries... what business h; is a dictator, let his people or the care of it... or let the United Na to their whims take care... Wh
Did he not go to Afganist break concrete bases and penet In the mean time Taliban is also
Was he not the one who gave house in order to break up the R also help him with arms... Why gift to Sadam Hussain. But seein their exploitation and looting the

ne was opened. Vijayabala felt ill boil on its own... you come is Iraq problem... Do you think ght thing... He asked in French
eat was being heated and stirring to pieces and mixing them and te near the table, the president
the policeman of the world and He dropped the atom bomb in Even today, the children born
警
Vietnam and ensured no grass or ars, by dropping bombs there... Ie lost lakhs of his own people ... Even today, he is conducting ssing people there. And now, ce after a heavy defeat... He d is taking the gullible people of he root cause of problems in all as he in Iraq. If Sadam Husain neighbouring Arab people take itions organization which bends' y does he invade with his army?
an to test his bombs that can rate deep and other missiles... not acceptable...
a feast to Bin Laden at the white ussian troops in Afganistan and the Iran-Iraq war was also their g Hussain did not give room for y have started giving trouble.
33

Page 36
Sadam is a real Iraq army you know... These are the fig is what he has said... Wait at Vietnam for them...'
Everyone was listening nodding approval.
"What have you understo Although I do not understanc little... But for a few ... "
Kularatna said so with a smiled.
Anandan who went and "Luckily., a few more minutes base of the pan.” and put it d
Kularatna brought a little the table. Vijayabala who was picked up a few pieces with ki mouth. The president also tas shaped smoke.
Paulraj who always stretc and sat on the sofa with a glass He said "come on, sing a song
"Of course...” Ulagan
“Machang... .. when wil When will our people live w fertile country is being conve the sake of their own benefit
comes to power, they also do of the country are diminishin
As the president says the are in the background of ever drawled.
34

man... He refused to surrender, hting cocks and aggressors. That nd see Iraq is going to be another
to president Anandan's speech
iod that you must nod your heads.P Tamil, I could grasp the matter a
smile... President Anandan also
took a look at the meat curry said, and it would have got stuck to the lown.
meat curry in a cup and kept it on walking about in the Hall tensely, life and fork and put them into his ited it a little and was releasing ring
hed his body lazily all the time went . He felt uneasy about all this talk.
2. כ
athan was fond of singing
l the war end in our country...
ithout wars and problems..? Our rted into a cremation ground for :s and to grab power... Whoever
he same thing... People who think g in number...
world policemen and his relations ything... You know...” Kularatna

Page 37
The President felt like givin that, Paulraj said in a loud voic song.”
| Ulaganathan grabbed the op singing the song "For whom... I in hand as if he had excelled Siva danced and acted as he sang. He same girl I had seen in skirt and and he sang with great feeling. )
Quite possibly the songs Everyone including the Presiden also joined in the singing in a mi
Before the second bottle participant in the meeting Ind colleague at work Kanthan. Ind worked as mason on contractba Kanthan was his assistant.
Giving them the stuff in twc finished. To get the next bottle After all it was a Sunday... Tin and Kanthan wanted to go to w served them food. They ate in a would be. They will come som work and leave. No problem wi
Kullaratina brought a Bord under the cot. He always had a in stock.
Normally when whisky rar bottle of wine was doing the rol
“This man Theivendran ha I do not know what his intentio
"When did he ever stick t he was in Six places ... What u

g another explanation. Before e "no need for politics, sing a
portunity and got up. He began. : is for whom.....” with a glass ji Ganesan the matinee idol and followed it up with "Is this the half saree....” another hit song He did sing well.
had relevance to his life... t praised him greatly... Paul Raj ld voice from the sofa.
could be finished, occasional an showed up along with his 'an would work on Sundays. He isis in a construction company.
cups, the second bottle also got , one had to go a long distance. ne was 2.30 pm. Since Indran ork at three 'o' clock, Kularatna hurry and left. That is how they hetimes, they would finish their th them.
2aux wine bottle from the box box of wine, that had six bottles
out, wine would arrive. Third unds.
is gone to London with family. h is...?' drawled Ulaganathan.
o one place. Even in France, se is there in going to different
35

Page 38
places making a mess of the c President finished, the conven.
Variety of food items ca. Sambal, Acharu from Kaluthu themselves as they liked. Usu quanitity, firstup. He will notha was a food lover. He would e Ulaganathan would enjoy the f eat some rice and curry very fa was looking for something he finish even the first helping. I it became a problem for him.
Everyone finished eating. the president explaining it.... I difficult to continue the meetit
"Let us postpone... I am wishes, he can rest on this c embraced his work, that is slee asleep on the sofa... Vijayaba
fnext 10On...
Everyone got up after sev tea. Kularatna took them all respective homes.
Thus ended the humani peacefully, happily and with going to court, unlike the olds meetings.
米米米
36 =

child's education... ...' Before the or announced Lunch.
me to the table. Like rice, curry, irai and so on. Every one helped ally, Kularatna would take a huge ive a secondhelping. The president at a lot by taking two helpings... ood as he eats... Vijayabala would st and sit cigarette in hand as if he has lost. Paulraj would struggle to f he indulges in too much eating
... Some problem to be raised and f a stage was reached when it was
1용···
going to work... If the president ot ... Ok.” So saying, Kularatna p on the cot. Ulaganathan fell fast la and Paulraj did likewise in the
en p.m. in the evening. They took in his car to drop them at their
sts association monthly meeting out problems that necessitated students association administrative
xxxkxxxkxkxkxk

Page 39
How
unfair...!
Colo
tOWa
stop
V2V
Fort Trinc and 1
impC
2t a S
been
taugł From
taugł
 

he fast express train that had started from mbo Fort was speeding rds Kankesanthurai. It will only in Anurathapuram, niya and Jaffna stations. ar trains from Colombo ply to Thalaimannar, comalee, Batticaloa, Badula Ampanthota.
These fast trains have been rted from France. They run peed of 250 kms per hour.
New education policy has
implemented in Sri Lanka. la, English and Tamil are ht as compulsory languages. h the sixth year, the pupils are ht these two languages also in 37

Page 40
addition to their mother tonų study the subject in which he year. There are facilities for th
Sri Lanka has been divi regions. North-east region, F hilly Tamil region. Within the the muslims live in a majority.
Tamil and Sinhala langu: Government as languages fo1 made in all places only on th to interact with all parts of St Lanka shines as a secular cour be awarded for the racial, rel are considered as major crime state volunteer force, state po all active.
In the central governmen brought together on the basis volunteer forces and they eng respective regions. Rivers, po deepened, dams constructed, are undertaken. And steps ar. onslaught of the soil flood of
Agricultural activities in bye products have long sinc has been achieved in agricul products are being exported. famine stricken countries to t
Hospitals at every villag in every district. Siddha anc them with all facilities. Allopa consult each other and prescr
the necessary treatment. 38

gue. Every student is enabled to shows an aptitude from the ninth
hat.
ded into four administrative state Candy region, Coastal region and se, there is a separate stretch where
ages have been recognized by the : official work. Appointments are e basis of merit. There is facility i Lanka in both the languages. Sri ntry. Maximum punishment would igious and regional remarks which S. Central government armed force, lice force and municipal police are
tarmed force, all sorts of people are
of merit. They are joined by state age in development activities in the nds and small ponds of villages are water stored and irrigation works e also taken to safeguard from the
the hilly terrains.
full swing... Import of rice and e been stopped. Self sufficiency ture and rice and other food bye
Food products are being sent to heir suffering multitudes as gift.
ge and Hospitals with all facilities | Ayurvedic wings too function in thic, Siddha and Ayurvedic doctors ibe the relevant medicines and give

Page 41
Foreign students also unde Medical volunteers go house to initial steps in hygiene.
Child care centres and old ag of facilities. Average age is assess
Industrial growth is in abun everything is manufactured and g
President and two vice-p1 elections. If the president belo presidents will be from the m provision in the constitution fort to become president. Committin big crime. The Judiciary is the su
Along with the National flag in the states.
Mahavali Ganga merges witl
Nainativu island is visite Kathirgamam is always full o Sivanolipadha mountain. Buddh here to the shrines and worship
structure does not give priority their individual modes.
If one were to bring up news to the big Temples, Viharas and have to get the permission of the schemes are implemented for all t been drawn up as per needs. The are taken over by the state gove needy.
Facilities have been provide to maintain their culture and cart their mother tongue. Seeing pec

rgo training in these hospitals. house in the villages and take
e homes are provided with a lot ed as 91.
ilance. Right from pins to ship, ets ready for export.
‘esidents are chosen through ngs to the majority the viceinority community. There is he one from the minorities also g irregularities in elections is a preme power.
, the state flags are also hoisted
n Thondamanaru in the north.
d by thousands of people. f pilgrims. Same with the ist and Hindu devotees come in unity. Although the political to religions; people worship in
hrines for the public in addition Churches already existing, we State government. Employment he people. Salary structure has 2 surplus properties of families rnment and distributed to the
d to the people of each region yout all their activities through ple of all kinds living unitedly
39

Page 42
with affinity on the basis off the same mother in Sri Lanka
One man pined for such
"How human life has b power are converting the gol They fan the flame of ethn Our country is becoming abu think of the country's future in number. How can people growth of planned sabotag country becoming a hunting
Will the time never com with equal rights...?'
Thus would that man thoughts... My friend... yes. a native of Kaluthurai... H such a change.
He was born as the only and studied in the college in child of a rich family ... Tw of them is married also to a seems he had loved a girl wh inherited from his father. Sh secret regime in his reign... with a lot of stresses and pre to France in 1991.
He suffered a lot for a fi also in a similar plight. Then in a part time job, somewhat families closely. He would if and when he had financial elder sister who was in Lond
The name of this frienc man very innocent without 40

raternity and equality as the sons of , other countries are astounded.'
a change in Sri Lanka...
ecome so cheap. Selfish people in lden country into a mound of ash. ic divide and religious differences. unch of refugee camps. Those who and development have diminished with humanism put up with the e and destruction leading to our ground of domineering powers.
he when war ceases and people live
talk pouring out any number of he lived in Toulouse city of France, (e would often tell me to think of
brother of six sisters in Kaluthurai Colombo... He was the pampered o sisters. They are doctors... one doctor and lives in London... It en he was looking after the business e was killed by so called Premadasa's Shattered by the loss, the boy met ssures. And got displaced and came
w years in France. His friends were he learnt a little French and settled ... He moved only with a few Tamil eceive help only from those friends trouble or he would get it from his
Of.
d is Kularatna... He is a wonderful any ill will or malice or jealously in

Page 43
his mind... His pet name is Georg family in Toulouse city of Francev dear to all people. So sweet... C as far as he could be whenever an
It seems there were several ve of his father's business... So, he youth. He would be the one to friend's family wanted to go to sc from Toulouse.
Thus, when Ulaganathan’s fa drove the vehicle... It was early m stopped the car at a petrol bunk smoked cigarette and started aga drive, the car was going at a spe failed all of a sudden. He stoppe trying to start the engine. Thick fo November. visibility was so poor light of even the vehicles coming morning... The goods carrier ve the car on the side and smashed it
George was hit heavily on th passing out... Luckily Ulaganath only a minor injury.
“Oh my God.” Thus shou the door by his side open, help moaning with injuries in the bac called out "George Machchan... from him was a painful mumble Everything arrived and took them
Ulaganathan his wife and cl with injuries... But George, he w; her husband, the doctor couple, ca The day next to the beginning of passed away.

ge... There was no Sri Lankan tho did not know him. He was Good fellow... Always helpful f one of us approached him.
hicles in Sri Lanka on account was a good driver even in his drive the vehicle if any close me European country or city
mily went to Paris that day, he orning three 'o'clock... They on the highway, took coffee, in... Half an hour into the ed of 110 kmp. The engine d the car on the side and was »g outside. It was later part of that it was difficult to see the close... It was past 3.30 in the thicle coming from behind hit :... Lo and behold..!
e back of his head... He was an sitting in the front seat had
ting, Ulaganathan who kicked ed his wife and two children, k seat, to get down... As he George....” the only response ... Ambulance ... helicopter...
all to the hospital.
ildren came round somewhat is in coma. His elder sister and me from London to see him... the month of December, he
41

Page 44
I went to see his body k Toulouse at the final moment
I called out my friend.. I stood transfixed, lostin wave
As per his wish, his b cremated in Kaluthura... Hi But, we ... the family of Ulla endless grief thinking of him
When I last met him in not switch off the telephone Telephone is your only help., we will be scared... We willw
As I said this he replied, you people only will take care London. Send me to Kaluth oh, see how it has happened j
One and half years have that friend. I cannot forgeth reign in the motherland Sri mind.? We need equality an hoping.
米冰壮
42

ept 600 km away from the city of
cried bitterly... I shed tears... es of thought which came gushing.
ody was taken to Sri Lanka and is life had ended at the age of 52. ganathan, We are all immersed in
his house, I said, "Machchan... do when you sleep. You are alone. ... If the telephone does not work, onder what has happened to you...”
“Machang... if anything happens, you know, inform my elder sister in ura, ok...” Did he not say like this.. ust like that.
2 passed and I am still thinking of im. when will peace and tranquility Lanka which had preoccupied his il fraternity ... After all, life is but
Cxkxkxkxkxkxkxk

Page 45
The tale told
by a letter....
pec hac
16eV
bro
SCEC
rep
W2
 

T噶 W2VeS attacking... ... It is six
nths since it happened... some bple known to me in my village
written to me in detail.
That day, as soon as I saw the ws on TV, I telephoned to my others in Colombo and learnt all
: details.
My heart fluttered as the nes of destruction were flashed eatedly on TV.
Still, I am unable to forget it...
When I go to sleep..... Giant ves roaring. They come chasing
along with thousand people.
What a tragedy.
43

Page 46
I received a letter yesterd A comrade who had mo" I had gone to attend his
Loving wife. Two pretty girls were bo He was a good lliterary ei
He listened to my poem them.
He had been engaged in cycle shop.
One with a heart devoid C many times due to the activiti
Still, one day the gun c him.
I came to know the new
Even then... I could r family members.
The letter that came yest
It read; "Dear brother,yc few years have elapsed sincey surprise to you. I do not know
It is a good man who ki address. We have two daug them as little children... Our li
You would have come caught in the Military Securit and see. After living in severa backyard of a smalhouse du Vaddukkoddai.
We have been here for th
They have also indicate
given us strict notice to leave a 44

lay. ved with me in the seventies. marriage in 1981.
nthusiast.
hs in poetry seminars and praised
welding work and running a hire
of scheming, he had to get displaced es of the army.
of some unidentifiable person got
s only after a few months.
not know the whereabouts of his
erday was written by his wife.....
ou would have come to know that a our friend died. My letter will cause v the condition of your family.
nows you who gave me your Paris hters. You may remember seeing fe has become bad.
to know that our house has got y Zone. We cannot even go there l places, now we have settled in the e to the mercy of a house owner in
he past one year.
d that they find us disturbing and nd seek accommodation elsewhere.

Page 47
Children are grown-up. I brought them up with extr
They gave a little amount a stopped that also.
No jewels with me. Only taking care of the children's educ
Both the children have pas Cannot afford higher studies.
Children and I are engaged i about managing to stay alive.
Now, our position has becot No dress for changing. Unable to
Some minor debt problems
| We have reached a stage wl sufferings.
Unable to approach anyone We would often feel like dyi or jumping into the well or pon not made us cowards.
Children must be brought u can live a disgraceful life whateve
You will know about your confidence...
It is his memories that are p
Can you help us for the sak as your sister...? We have to mov
I have to live by doing sor profession. What can I do, dear
I look forward to any possi staying at the above address until

ele C2C.
is relief fund. Now they have
by selling them, we have been ation and our life and honour.
ssed the G.C.E ordinary level.
in tailoring and catering and just
meworse... a life of starvation... sleep as I think of the children.
too... ..
hen we can no longer bear the
for help.
ing either by consuming poison d. But his life teachings have
p with honour..... No way we r our sufferings.
Eriend's good heart and his self
rotecting us...
2 of your friend considering me re to a different house.
ne small job engaging in some brother...?
ble help from you. We will be
the end of this month.'
45

Page 48
I see my friend's family
That letter is still in my Euros to a friend in Colomb to the woman.
The money would have twelve thousand rupees.
Will that money suffice Do they know my posi I have two girls... grow
I had taken bank loan t
Business has ended in cleared.
At present, I work in a
If I repay the bank du and all, not even some chan, the month.
I feel like helping... W. I cannot take a loan from ar
People here who have and more buying houses, comforts.
We cannot expect cons
After finishing the ni distance to take a bus. It is t is the last bus. I walk fast.
A pretty girl of about came towards me with a sm
What does she need fo
I walk to the bus termit seen her.
46

before me.
coat pocket. I have sent one hundred bo and requested him to hand it over
been received by her with a value of
: for even their minimum needs...?
tion...?
7n up.
o run a business.
loss. The bank loan has not been
food joint.
le, rent, electricity bill and for water ge will remain with me at the end of
hat can I do...? No money with me... hybody either.
money are keen on earning more vehicles... ... And acquiring more
cience and humanism from them...
ght's work, one has to walk some ten minutes to go for midnight. This
fifteen stood under a big tree and ile.
r life..?
nus rather fast pretending not to have

Page 49
et
2t
put do
foc
 

dayakumar pressed
the calling bell at the rance. It was half past eleven night. Sylvia who came forcibly tting on a smile opened the
O.
"Good evening Chéri... . mein.’shereceivedhimkissed n on his cheeks, embraced him i led him to the drawing room.
The nine year old Jessica was eping on a cot inside the room. the other cot the old mother s lying half asleep.
"Chéri... shall we take od...? She asked. He said,

Page 50
I have finished, but she peste
A little for my sake, atl him by his hand and led him
"Shall I give something
Give me some wine saic
She took out a bottle Udayan received it put it on sat down. She brought two them and handed over one g
Udayan consumed it in also sipped a little wine and 1
It is more than fifteen Four years have passed since
He had met Sylvia when as a cleaner, seven years ago.
One had to report at S. cleaning section. The wom rooms to be cleaned for thos four hours, six hours and sc rooms in one hour.
Udayan had been doing jobs in the beginning after cc as a result of a friend's reco. women and two men workec Udayan.
Before starting to clear meant for rooms, Towels, t glass and table, shampoo po arranged and piled up in a had to enter them in a regist dust removing machine. On
48

red him.
east sandwich. So saying, she took
to the kitchen.
to drink...?'
l Udayan.
of Borderux wine and opened it. the table in the drawing room and glasses. She poured the wine into lass to Udayan.
a single gulp and lit a cigarette. She ighted a cigarette.
years since Udayan came to Paris. he got his French citizenship.
he was working in a three star hotel
even O'clock in the morning at the an in charge there would allot the e who report. They would work for on. They would clean about four
g only a number of small part time oming to Paris. Then he got this job mmendation. There, more than six l. A Bengali also worked along with
1 and wash one had to collect rugs he liquids for cleaning bathrooms, ckets, small soap pieces and all well bush cart. Depending on needs one er and go to every room and use the Le had to change the blankets; rugs

Page 51
and pillow covers on the cots ar lavatory, spick and span.
Usually, some would take av discarded by inmates, concealed of them, then and there. If th under the pillow rather willingl Some would even steal costly t actin the past had caused an inq of two persons.
The friendship with Sylvia ago is still continuing. She lives
Now, Udayan is working ir nine in the morning to five in th also work overtime. Saturday af If one wishes on can work on S. where medicines and chemicals Udayan was concerned, it was than 1650 Euros per month.
Udayan had been investing people for the past few years. from itin the bank. He has also who is running a shop. Just lik Lankan citizen, his ambition is provision shop or a restaurant.
He has saved more than engaging in varied jobs. Of co in multiplying itinto Sri Lankan
No wasteful expenditure. free time. That too is mostly s
He is staying in a small st where he could go and alight Eesvaramoorthy is his roomma

d clean everything including the
ray leftovers of food in the room in a bag. They may not eat some e inmates had kept some change l, they would also be picked up. hings left in the room. Such an uiry to be conducted and sacking
whom he met there seven years in the suburb of Paris.
a factory. He has to work from e evening. Sometimes, he would ternoon and Sunday are holidays. aturday afternoon also. A factory were packed in boxes. As far as easy work. Good salary. More
g in two savings fund with some He has deposited the money got lent money on interest to a friend ce the common desire of any Sri
to buy a house and then run a
one lakh Euros in the bank by urse there is considerable delight currency as one goes to sleep....
Drinking bouts are there during
ponsored by someone.
udio room in Paris suburb from in the Metro. Distant relation
tC.
49

Page 52
Eesvaramoorthy works Sometimes it will be day duty Wife and children are in Colo. month.
Parents back home wer more than thirty eight years ir
They discussed an allia neighbouring village Urumpi Udayan.
The girl a fine arts gradu The alliance that had dragged and malefic planet mars in th now, The parents have finali; lakhs, house and so on.
Sylvia kept the sandwich over, another one is also gett She took Udayan to the nearb
Udayan tottered as he dis shirt and pant. Then he reclir
It was four thirty in the urine and returned to the cot played around on his black c He hugged her tightly and lay reddish hair at the back of he
"Chéri..... I wish to bege I been asking you... You ha wait until I start my own busi leave my present four hourj If a child is born, then, it w Jessica has completed nine ye. activities.
Sometimes, she is also as
50

as a watchman in a supermarket. and some other times night duty. mbo. He has to send money every
2 extremely worried that Udayan,
age, was yet to be married.
nce with a graduate girl of the 'ai and wrote a persuasive letter to
ate of Jaffna University was thirty. on due to issues like dowry problem e horoscope, has taken shape only zed on the basis of cash of twelve
on the table. One bottle of wine ing finished. He feels very sleepy. ycot leading him with an embrace.
robed himself and threw away the hed on the cot. Sylvia by his side...
: morning. He got up to pass
and lay down. Sylvia's fair hands hest that had bushy hair growth. there running his hands over the rhead... ..
t a child like you... How long have ve been dodging by saying let us less' If you start a business... I can ob and will help you, you know... ill not be a hindrance you see... irs of age... She can look after her
king for a brother...

Page 53
Come on Chéritell me...?”
"mm. mm. why not.?”
"Shall we go and get marrie like this...?'
"What about your old Port touch with him now...?'
“He is a mad cap, drink add and roll on the sofa...?'
“You are forty, But, still you So saying he hugged her tig "You have not answered my
"Alright..... I shall enquire date next month' He said.
She drew his dark lips with He flexed his body and spra
His limbs ached.
“Sylvi... Sylvi. Chéri..... g She got up, prepared coffee
As he finished the coffee ar. have any money...? I have not pa a letter... If you have money.
"I do not have the entire re. hundred Euros...” He gave wha
Udayan who will not spenc to lose money this way.
Sylvia would often cajole rent, electricity and water charg
It was five 'o'clock on Sun down on the cot in his room wi

l...? How long can we be friends
uguese friend...? Are you not in
cted old man... He would drink
| are like a ripe tomato...” htly and kissed her. 7 question...” She said coyly.
: at Municipal council and fix a
her mouth and kissed him.....
ng to life atten in the morning...
et up” : and brought it.
d got up, she asked him "do you id the rent... The agent has sent please give me... Chéri...'
ht amount now... I have only two the had.
money outside, will be inclined
him into giving her money for
lay afternoon... Udayan lay face
h his limbs stretched.
51

Page 54
Eesvaramoorthy entere radish, Drumstick, small onic and a few more things. He go
“He has not come to thi woman... Now, he has come
to himself.
He put down the meat ar and took out the water bottle the whisky bottle poured son water and drank it in a single g and woke up Udayan.
“Come on Udayan..... ge in the night and now you are mother has written a letter to wanted to talk to you... But, night....' drawled Eesvaran.
"What has she written...?'
"She wants me to advis marriage... Poor lady... The Do they know about your es boy. They have also agreed C kindness.
“I also received a letter di fellow...
I sent a reply saying 'yes' work...'
“Other work means you fleecing you... Don't squander
"With a purpose... She w the rent... If I give a cheque. I only give her cash. She wan me to register the marriage.
52

i carrying whisky bottle, horse n, mutton, broken Basumathi rice it wild looking at Udayan's state.
room at night. Has been to that nere and is weary...” He mumbled
ld other things on the kitchen table from the refrigerator. He opened he whisky into a glass, mixed cold ulp... He cleared his throat noisily
tup... you have gone to the woman thoroughly spent out... see... Your me... I got it only yesterday... I you did not come to the room at
s
e you and get you ready for this y are worried about your age... capades. Get married like a good in a fat dowry.” Eesvaran was all
ay before yesterday... Am I a mad
and then only I went away to other
went to her you know... She is away all your money'
"ould often ask for a cheque to pay in my name it will lead to danger. is to bear my child. She also orders of course, she has a motive... If

Page 55
a child is born, that means moi me for more money. She can all rent... That is her big plan. Won abandoned her since last night...
"Then... when do you go to not let your parents worry at the
"Don't I know all that...? Ih girl to Singapore by 15th of next 1 on telephone tomorrow. I hav agency to book the tickets to Si only, you will also understand m
Although he had citizenshi go to Sri Lanka. He had finished Jaffna Hindu college and passed had roamed about as part of sor kind of atrocities and collected s up. When the situation got worse lands at a throw- away price and he is still reluctant to go home.
His plan is to sponsor his w of months following the marria
“”All right... what is your pl
"The marriage takes place start a restaurant in October... I The girl will also come here soo to an agent for a newly built hol
Bank loan is also through. life in the new house... She will educated...? I shall not leave my I can leave the job later. I have girl in Mohan's shop. What do
"Oh you are a devil... Yo well. I work here and there a

hey... And she can also pester so prove that I paid money for tI see through all these? I have
29
your native place.? You should fag-end of life...”
ave written to them to bring the month... I shall also talk to them e also lined up with Madhavan's ingapore... Then what...? Now e well...” said Udayan.
p, Udayan was a little scared to l G. C. E. ordinary level exam in only in four subjects. Then, he me movement, indulged in some ome money and had just lived it , the parents had sold away their sent their son abroad. So now
ife’s trip to France after a couple ge in Singapore.
an after the marriage...?”
on the 20th of August... I shall have already paid the advance... her or later. I have paid advance
SC..
. After the wife comes, peaceful look after the shop... Is she not ob... If the restaurant picks up, ordered some jewellery for the you say now...?'
ou would do everything rather ld send money to my wife and
53

Page 56
children by toiling in this colc in Colombo. Will they know intelligent fellow. You will h your plans for this woman he
"I told you I have washe Nothing to do with her. He rotten. Should we not celebra wash and come. Do not fin cooking meat tastily... attend
Udayan went to the bat came back... He washed his Portuguese origin... And was
Both poured the whisky “sing-sing”. They drank it in colourful light of Paris throu
xkxkx
54

l. They live in comfort and luxury 7 about our struggle... You are an andle everything. Then, what are re...?'
d my hands off her since last night. reafter... she is like a tomato gone ute having abandoned her... I shall ish the whisky... You are good at
to that...”
hroom, had a thorough wash and mind and body off that Sylvia of hed her odour.
and finished the glass by uttering a single gulp. They looked at the gh the window and laughed.....
k水来水水水水水

Page 57
inaugural
Function
 

few months have
passed since that lodge was opened in Colombo. The proprietor Dharmabalan has become one of the leading Tamil businessmen in Colombo. The young man also owns a Textile mart. He holds a share in a Jewellery shop as well. He often flies to countries like Singapore, Kualalampur and Bangkok for business purpose.
Nandan is the husband of his elder sister. He is forty one. Father of three children. He has worked as manager in an export and import company for many years. Fat salary and profits. A big spendthrift. He
55

Page 58
would work until even eighto be drowned in alcohol befo) no habit of savings despite l sincere in work. A man with be disliked by the proprietor he chucked his job.
Dharmabalan who cam has lost his job asked him to
concentrate on business activ
Sridevi came to that lo stayed in a room with a dista
Next day, that man left f there. He was a teacher in seemed. As he left, he told t way to Paris; her marriage ha be has made travel arrangem for a few days before she lea got to go and attend to my w the man never returned.
Since there was not mu out with his friends even ir would ask Sridevi to look aft: acting like a good girl. Abo the lodge. Sridevi began to in the front at the ground fic
She would hug Nandan and put him to sleep. She v want to eat, she even fed it
wife.
When he was not in t Paris and speak. And Guna immersed in imagination abc He also had a few probl he came to Paris, he has not worked day and night and se
56

r nine at night. After that, he would ce going to sleep. A lot of friends; huge earnings. He was honest and a soft heart. His activities came to of the firm in course of time. And
le to know that his brother-in-law look after the lodge and began to rities. - odge one evening. She came and ntly related uncle.
or Hatton saying he had some work a school in Thalavakolla estate, it he manager Nandan, "She is on her s been settled. The bridegroom-toents from there. Let her stay here ves. She would paymoney. I have ork. Please take care of her'. But,
ch work in the lodge, Nandan went daytime on drinking bouts. He 2r the lodge as she impressed him by y from the hills also was assisting in administer from the enclosed space
O.
who came back drunk to his room vould give him food. If he did not into his mouth with affection like a
he lodge, she would telephone to catnam would talk to her from Paris out his would-be wife.
ems. Although it is eightyears since got his permanent visa. But he had nt a lot of money home.

Page 59
His parents had arranged agreed and booked with an agen
Although the girl was dark, twenty four. Buthe was thirtye
Gunam had to spend a lot charges for speaking to Colon request, he does not telephone talks for a longtime on the telep
When he returned drunk another bottle also. When he dr. the piece of meat from the foo fear of sleeping alone in her roc with him in his room like a wife.
Even as she was locked in ask Gunam in Paris, “when do y
“How long can Ibe here th only if I join you.” So would s would say, "do not cry darling'
Four months elapsed thus. of the lodge. Nandan was also intoxication.
As per the arrangement
Singapore with a few others, g reached Kualalampur.
Due to the arrangement house on the nineth floor of a and three girls in all in a Kualala
Along with othergirls Sride Although others had paid in lak sent all the money got in Colom
As per Gunam's arranger rupees was given to the agency

alliance with a girl and he had cy to bring her to Paris.
she was charming. She was past ght. of money by way of telephone ibo lodge often. At Sridevi's that much now. It is she who hone belonging to the lodge.
at night, Nandan would bring ank in the room, she would feed d into his mouth. She pleaded om and under that pretext, slept
embrace by Nandan, she would ou propose to calme...? inking of you? I will be in peace he coo. At that instant Nandan und pinch her mysteriously.
she simply sucked the earnings ) emaciated due to all kinds of
by the agency, she came to got the Malaysia visa there and
by the agency, they stayed in a multistoried building. Six boys mpur suburb.
riwas accorded special treatment. ns, Sridevi was the one who had bo to her home before leaving
ment from Paris, two lakhs of 's proxy if Colombo as advance
57

Page 60
for Sridevi. The balance would Paris as per the agreement with
People there have a num London, Canada and so on. S year old young man there...
She was disturbed by his h
All the six young men wou house. Girls were in a room... agency man would be staying between and give money to bu food.
Sridevi had her bed in the k to the sultriness in the room.
invite the well-built youngste him younger brother. He wa calling her elder sister. In a kitchen during nights.
The other youngsters go also put the agency man wise. by car to a forest and enquired the whole thing He was be: dress. The car sped away leav
Linganathan hid himself had left him at three thirty c. him home. He left him with :
The agency man Nadaraj and other related business. T
Sridevi began a new stor Nadarajan's native place and s relation of hers.
Agency Nadarajan is alw of her ilk had he taken from that house is not comfortable 58

be handed over, on her arrival in the agent's brother-in-law.
iber of dreams to go to Paris, ridevi had an eye on the twenty
eight and attractive appearance...
ld sleep in the central hall of that They would cook by turns. The in a hotel. He would come in y the victuals needed for cooking
titchen which was airy as opposed When she took food, she would r Linganathan to join her, caying is also drawn to her and he kept few days, she took him inside the
t wind of these goings on. They Next day, he came and took him Linganathan. Linganathan denied aten up and asked to take off his ing him nude. in the nude. The agency man who
me back at seven thirty and took
warning to behave himself.
in took Srideviaway citing passport hey took food in a restaurant.
y saying she had a close relation in aid thus Nadarajan was also a close
lys clever and cunning. How many country after country. He said, “if for you... You can stay in a hotel.”

Page 61
She stayed in the same roof
She stayed in the apartment Nadarajan in the hotel at nightf
After six months, Srideviw She reached Paris after one mont in the group showed respect to that Nadarajan was a close relati
She would talk to Linga Linganathan who had been thoroughly run down as if he ha malarial fever.
Two of Linganathan's elde more than twenty years. They lot of money to Agency Natar: asked him to send Linganathan
After Sridevi came to Paris rest of the money to Nadaraja through chit also proved futile. Paris along with others in a plac
It was planned that Linga train with another person. Sri money from London through 1 send her also to London at onc amount and handed over them
Nadarajan was wonderstru much money...? Of course, he bothered...? Money should com
Sridevi, Linganathan and a by train with Malaysian passport A journey without any hitch.
- Gunam in paris. Look of pining. No permanent vi

m with Nadarajan in the hotel.
house during day time and with or a few days.
as sent from there with a group. h via Iran and Turkey. Everyone Sridevi. For, she had bluffed
on of hers...
nathan with special affection. hefty and attractive returned ld been suffering from about of
er brothers were in London for were well off... They had paid a ajans binami(representative) and to London early.
, Gunam was notable to pay the
n immediately. Attempts to pay Sridevi stayed in the suburb of
e arranged by Nadarajan.
nathan would go to London by devi who had received a lot of Linganathan, asked Nadarajan to e and promised to pay the whole oney to Nadarajan.
ck. How did she come into so could guess... But how was he e, that is all.....
nother person on way to London s containing their photographs...
ng lost and despondent; full sa. The girl sent by his people
59

Page 62
back home... causing so mu Blabbering thus, he hit the bo
Sridevi has acquired refug in luxury and comfort in the younger than her.
She sends money to her month. Linganathan is runni day and night.
"Devi textiles' will soo: London.
A nine year old girl is to dance stage in London.
The famous Tamil film ac
to take part in this as Chief opening ceremony also.
米米米》
60

ch expenditure and flying away... ttle hard and true.....
gee status in London. She is living
house of Linganathan four years
parents at home in Sri Lanka every ing about and slogging in two jobs
n have its opening ceremony in
make her first appearance on the
:tress who was coming to London guest, would participate in the
帐米米米来冰冰

Page 63
lapse
 
 

athan who returned
from work, took a urried bath and put on the ant and shirt which he had kept olded under the mattress. He rould wear them only rarely on pecial occasions.
He removed the socks inside he shoes which was emitting a ad odour. He threw it under a orner of the cot and changed nto washed tennis socks and also vore tennis shoes that was in a easonably good condition.
He telephoned to friend egan to remind him to come fast tithin half an hour.
He stood in front of the nirror, combed his hair, studied 61

Page 64
his reflection from different a looked at himself again and a
"This fellow Jegan has nc airport in time. How many ti should not find fault with him.
When I take his van, am fill petrol... I have to adjust t in Orly airport by 5.30 pm. N will become jammed... I do no
Mysaku. Would comeh not go in time, she would be
Nathan was restless walki and was clearly tense.
“”Sadha machchan will ( would leave for another job a at work than in the room... F airport. He cannot take leave to live in this room due to his at the age of thirty nine... N. that Saku is joining me... Sad
As soon as he heard t locked the room in a flash a
the sixth floor.
Jegan's Renault van sp between, it had to crawl too.
"The road has become c. when we are going to reach.”
They could reach the air and took a look at the timing from Colombo had landed...
was twenty minutes late. 62

ngles to check if he was young and gain.
otcome yet... We have to go to the mes should I tell him...? Anyway, I
l.
I paying him...? Sometimes I will o him... I told him we have to be low, it is four 'o' clock... The road ot know if we can reach in time...
ere very much exhausted... If I do scared.
ing to and fro, looking at the mirror
zome only at 6.00 pm. Then he it eight p.m. He spends more time He cannot find time to come to the 2 also... Somehow, I have managed mercy... He is slogging like a bull o marriage yet... How happy he is ha is a real good fellow... .”
he sound of horn downstairs, he nd bounded down the stairs from
ed towards the Orly airport. In
rowded even at 4.30. I do not know
Nathan mumbled to himself.
port only at five thirty. Jegan ran in chart to check if the plane expected Heinformed Nathan that the plane

Page 65
It was past six. The passe suitcases and other luggage. Na He walked here and there and k.
"Machchan. Jegan., why kept asking Jegan who said, "
99
OW.
'Jegan... see there... Some Saku.”
"Oh, in a Punjabi dress. from our country.”
Nathan's face glowed as if
"She comes so fast, But, else?' Nathan asked with a cer
“You do not understand Russian Aeroflot as if by a bul Paris, you seem to have come little patient... I do not know got married there. She has to That is why sister is standing th
As Jegan said, Nathan laugh
2. WO2. -
Sakunthala was dragging h and was keeping her shoulder struggled to carry them. And sl
“Saku..., saku.” Nathan shedding tears and Sakunthala her sobs, she said, "please pull t
“Why do you cry?' asked tears but felt a little shy to do so. her and tried to pull the suitcase
It felt terribly heavy like a

angers were going out dragging than could not stay in one spot. ept looking inside.
Saku is not coming yet...?' He Be patient, she will come right
body in green dress. It looks like
Somebody comes looking like
struck by hundred lightnings.
why does she stand somewhere tain pining.
these things... You came by lock cart. In ten years stay in to the airport only today. Be a how you went to Colombo and ) collect her luggage and come. ere...'
ned rather shyly and elegantly like
her huge suitcase with difficulty bag down now and then as she he walked slowly.
shouted emotionally and was was also in tears. Fighting back his suitcase.'
Nathan. He felt like wiping her . He took the shoulder bag from
huge rock.
63

Page 66
"How did you bring it tough.”
“I shall tell all that later.
"Jegan please help... . came by his van...”
'Hello sister...'
They both draggedittog
"Terribly tired Jegan. stop at the Tamil Restaurant something.”
On the way. Sakuntha sky-high multistoried buildi lights casting a magic spell, posters and the over bridges run underground. And Saku from the van began to sweat
Sakuntala said aplain te
"See this is a Tamil shop too...” But she turned down of nausea.
It was nine 'o' clock at r
There were signs that Sa second job. His dhotie was
That house was a studio building. There was a big rol
A small kitchen at the ( one side of the kitchen. Ad
If we open the door an there was a cloth curtain divi old cot in the room. If yo
64

...? You must have found it very
Please drag it for now.”
Saku., this is my friendJegan... I
gether, gotitinto the van and started.
Saku also looks very tired. Let us : at the coming junction and drink
la saw long and broad streets, tall ngs with steam outlets, colourful a few half nude publicity cut out across the rivers which appeared to nthala who had been watching these even in that slight chillness.
a would suffice for her.
... You can have a few native snacks
the offer saying she had a feeling
light when they reached home.
dha had come home and left for his found thrown on the cot.
in the sixth and last floor of an old
O.
corner of the room. Bathroom on oor opening out near that.
d take two footsteps, a room. Now, ding the room and the kitchen. An u sat on it, it produced a creaking

Page 67
noise. Behind the cota cupboard small cupboard, a picture containi Goddess Lakshmi together and inside, all of which had a covering pairs of old shoes and a few dirty
The kitchen in the corner ha an old aluminium vessel fog - s vessel that had the scars of years iron vessel and four glasses showi other side of the table, a gas coc it a gas cylinder.
Close to the spot where t kitchen and the room there was chairs.
"So, this is the house where
Sakunthala who asked as she small house with one room back
Jegan who drank the tea pre he would meet them later and lef
His new Renault car, the preventing Nathan from paying attractive looks and kind talk did him in Sakunthala's mind.
“You do not know how rat in Paris. I am sticking to this pl Sadha. He is a good man who kr me to stay here as if it is my ow little I am paying.
I am the one who stays lon time to work. If one were to one has to show a pay slip for 1 a month. The rent; we will har

with old cracks. On top of that ng Lord Vinayaka, Muruga and a picture of mother Lourdes of smoke. Under the cot, two socks were emitting an odour.
d an old rickety table, beside it meared with coal and old iron with scratches. A similar small nga dye of tea in them. On the ker with two stoves and under
he curtain hung between the a folded table and two folded
you live...?”
: entered the room thought, our home is much better.
pared by Nathan in a hurry, said t.
stylish way he drove it, his for tea and paying himself, his create a good impression about
e it is to find accommodation ace due to the mercy of friend lows everything. He is allowing in house without minding what
g here... He runs about all the take a house like this on rent, more than ten thousand Francs re to pay an advance for three
65

Page 68
months or more. The rentw More than that electricity ch be there causing heavy expe recommend us to the agenc we would be given houses v that we have to run from p. will be eight of our kind eve
All right.., let those thi change your dress... Your w food for you darling meanw
"How can I change my
“Why do you feel shy...? be here near the kitchen.' S old Fridge near the table an the tub.
"Oh, the water is ice co
“Wait a little. Open til one with a blue mark to the temperature.”
'How will it be to bathe Thinking thus, Sakunthala struggling in heat and cold.
Nathan finished maki curry, dhalcurry and chilly f
As sakunthala wiped he asked her, “shall we eat...?'
“Will the man of this h
“He will come only afte
“You have learnt to coc
It was eleven thirty at n
“This is the cot. He ha
bed sheet on the floor and sl 66

ill come to more or less 3500 Francs. arges, residence tax and all will also nditure. Even so, somebody should y for letting out houses. Then only, tithout minding our skin. Even for llar to post and work for it. There n in such houses. That is our lot...
ngs be as they are. You bathe and eariness will go away. I shall prepare hile...', said Nathan.
dress here...?'
Pull the curtain and change... I will o saying, he took a chicken from the d put it into the water in the pot in
ld.” Shouted Sakunthala...
he pipe with the red mark and the correct level and bathe in normal
: in the garden well back at home...?' managed to finish her bath after
ng yellow American rice, chicken ty in a short while.
r hair, combed it and came, Nathan
ouse come to eat now...?”
r two thirty. Let us eat now.” k tasty food.” ght when they finished eating
given it to me. Usually, I spread a :ep on it. Now only he has fixed the

Page 69
curtain at the entrance. He has a sheet and rug near the curtain. W
As Sadha came and switche kitchen tub, he found the aromac nostrils. He left his shoes nearth and had a go at the gram and chic to him.
Soon, he switched off the s his head in the direction of the towards the door.
In that still night, the cot in rat even as whispering sounds v went into deep sleep. He had morning. He would start sleepin His snoring echoed everywhere i
Nathan was sleeping on a c house of the small village. It was hundred kilometers from Paris." was visible like a film in his drean
Suddenly, he appeared to fi had a van, in the garb of newly r being blessed with the holy rice' he got up angrily shouting "yc vomitted blood.
Nathan hadgone to Colomb brought the girl of "Sempaatu vi her spending his own money.
Sakunthala had worn just came to Colombo on that day...
In nine years time Sakunth two children. She owns two hol Restaurant and a Provision sho license and purchased a new Re vans for the work related to the s

sked me to keep his pillow bed le can lie on this cot...”
d on the tube light above the f chicken curry penetrating his e door, changed into his dhotie ken broth. It tasted like a feast
mall tube light, lay down with curtain and stretched his legs
nade screeching noises like the vere heard in between. Sadha to go to work at seven in the g right away due to the fatigue. in the house like the train noise.
ot in the hygienic hostel in the situated in a hilly terrain some The first day of that family life
.
ind Sakunthala and Jegan who married couple. And they were by elders. Thoroughly shocked, u betraying prostitute.” He
o soon after getting Citizenship, llage' to Colombo and married
four plastic bangles when she ... Today.....?
ala has become the mother of uses. She also owns an Indian p. She has also got a driving inault car. There are also two hop.
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When she came to Paris, She got many friends. She al with Jegan's help, for a while a three room apartment as separate house in the outskirt
Nathan lived with heron) One, who used to keep his di the bottle reasoning that it w also one that was useful in i worse. For more or less four sometimes the street was his ruined and he had to be in ho
When he desired to see
sent him away saying they we
After changing many ho health centre until death.
In the public functions ii is to be found in the VIP row
Already married and for Sri Lanka, Jegan was moving Sakunthala lived in the same fault them, it seems. This is
Sakunthala is in a materi “women's liberation.' She is Since it was the third child, sh
News of Sakunthala ha delivery reached Nathan's ear
The Ambulance that was following blood vomitting, w
xkxk:
68

she learnt the primary level French. so got the job of Bureau cleaning . Again with his help, she bought well. Then, she also purchased a is of Paris.
ly for five years with some problems. stance from drunkards, he now hit ras medicine for mental worry and nducing sleep. His condition grew years hospital, friends' houses and refuge. The liver got completely )spital all the time vomitting blood. : the children, she seemed to have re not his children.
spitals, now, he is being kept in the
nvolving Tamils in Paris, Sakunthala
7 now a days.....
saking his wife and two children in g about rather pompously in Paris. house with him. And nobody can European life style.
hity ward with a book in hand titled to deliver a baby in a few hours. he did not feel the agony that much.
ving been admitted in hospital for s also.
carrying Nathan who had swooned as heading rapidly to the hospital.
K米米米米米米米

Page 71
Streak of
Light
 

t was past three 'o'clock in the afternoon. It was sultry de the house... He switched the Radio that was piercing ears. Shaking the towel and owing it on his shoulder, and ping his stick, Karthikesu ster got down the steps of the ise and started walking.
The "Karutha Kolumban” ngo tree has yielded plentifully time. Fruits of the wood le tree are lying scattered on ground. The jack tree also has wn well with a big yield.
Eyes have dimmed a lot. ion is not clear. It will look like reak of light in the morning. It ifficult to identify any objectintlight.
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He can move to any sp in measured steps withouth the mango tree a little and sl leaf came and hit his chest. travelled to the past... .
Eldest daughter Tham memories of having carried mind-screen... A certain kir cleared his throat once nois of heart.
Karthikesu was a traine high school later and retired. wife Yogeswari who had a su her short-tempered husband
The first and last childre He educated the two girls in in Jaffna. The eldest daught advance level examination h She tried composing a few Book release function in the had studied, with her frienc stage filled her heart. The feelings and his appearance
Until that day, Karth nineteen year old daughter, brought some sweet or fr school. He would delighti
He was shocked to heat He could not believe it. whom he had been raining a few days. In his unshave could not speak to his teach and friend Veluppillai asked
70

otwith his walking stick by moving toh. He tapped the easy chair under owly reclined on it. A dried mango As he pushed it down, his thoughts
araiselvi... Her three dear girls... them and their lisping flit across his ld of sobbing. Eyes felt heavy. He ly. He tried decreasing the burden
d teacher who became principal of a Unbending stubborn nature... His
bmissive heart, never talked back to
:n were girls. Three boys in between. the leading famous women's college er Selviwho had passed the G. C. E. had a great flair for Tamil literature. poems. She had gone to attend a educational institution in which she l. The poet who thundered on the way he pronounced the poems, the
kesu master used to consider his ull of youthful beauty as a child and uit for her while coming back from calling her "Selvi" with fondness.
about the love affair of his daughter. He could not face his daughter on affection. He struggled to eat for face the beard began to prick. He er colleagues as usual. His colleague during the lunch interval...

Page 73
“What is this master...? Why have been asking you for a week. is your problem...? Tell me... I sh;
“Nothing”. Karthikesu's ey child the eldest daughter... How the time... She says she loves som
His voice sounded like it was
Veluppillai sat erect...
"Karthi... Is this all...Pareyol matter. And brooding...? It is quit Such things do intervene at a cet thing... marry off the child.”
"To whom should I marryh little loud.
“You advise her and marryh
“I had discussed with my eld that after she grows up and star marriage to her son. Now, when it. She is a small child. Even school, she asked me, Daddy..., h me...? How could she...?'
“What is this man...? You tall are fifty two. What is her age no years old...
"All right do as I said. Do
the child is stubborn, try advising too much... Do not talk harshly. about the boy and marry the two.
Veluppillai drawled.
“Ienduired our friend Pandi to be from a good family... Pand

this kind of dejected look...? I ... You say it is nothing. What ull help you if I can.” He said.
es became moist. “master... my I brought her up pampering all nebody."
coming from inside the well.
a growing a beard for this small e normal in these times man... tain age. Shall I tell you one
er.” Karthikesus voice was a
her to a good boy'.
ler sister and givenword to her ts working, I shall give her in I heard this I could not believe ast week, when I went to her ave you brought chocolate for
k like a small child although you w. She is a big girl. Nineteen
not think about anything... If her... Otherwise, do not think She is a modern girl... Enquire
99
o
tNallathambi. The boy seems it's relation, it seems.'
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“Then what....? Why a of intellectuals... Well educat Finish the whole thing... Velu
Karthikesu became a lit with a packet of cantos. H gave it to her.
After a week, now only affection. Wife Yogeswari daughter was firm, Karthikes six years for the marriage to b the parties in the proper way.
Daughter and son-in-law jobs. Three grandchildren in
"Eldest granddaughter E yellow complexion. She was intelligencemadehereverybod Lovely like grapes, favourite on the shoulder of the grand seems. The third one was lik
As he thinks of all these, He closes and opens his eye hand... Clears his throat re
lane.
War clouds... cruelties. Daily it is depression; life in precedence...
Daughter's family has sons, The last daughter havi got married, settled down a Yogeswari. Empty life... Let
Even if a dog and a catw he would listen to it keenly My grand daughters are comi
72 se

|l this thinking. They are a family ed. Everything will go on well... uppilai concluded.
tle clear in mind. Hewent home e called his daughter lovingly and
he is talking to his daughter with also felt happy. Seeing that the l indicated his consent. But it took be finished following talks between
had startedworkinginCovernment succession... ..girls.
Elanila... like a papaya fruit... Light everybody's pet. Her beauty and ly's darling Second granddaughter. of the grandfather... Only if she is son day and night, she can sleep it e moulded painting.
he is unable to fight back his tears. s... He closes his mouth with his peatedly and goes down memory
Human lives have become cheap... he bunker... weapons have gained
got displaced. So also the three ng become a fine arts graduate has nd got displaced too... Only wife ters are the only link.
valk on the dry leaves causing noise, thinking. "Somebody is coming.
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All the children are married have arrived.
"I am able to pass my time Yogeswari. Children and grand or thrice. But..... My eldest chilc
“Her fourth boy... I am un Let us see... They would also com I will be alive until then... M.m.1
"Although my eye sight had She died of fever one day with Like a lamp getting extinguished suddenly... Now, Ilive on talkingt years ago, I was attending to all Now this stick...
"In the afternoon... he came toddy... Now, there is scarcity fo of arrack in order to get sleep a proper sleep.
"After seeing the letter rec excited. My eldest daughter is granddaughter... How Elanila w she has finished university educ seems. I hear she speaks Englis going to do some research in La brother here who is a professor about the National Law of Jaffr going to stay here for some time,
"After that letter was read
younger.
"All right..., I shall make comfortable stay here next week jack fruits ready... I must ask myl cocks... I have to spruce up the h

i and thirteen grand children
somewhat by taking to wife children come to see me twice
is notable to come yet...
able to see that grandson yet. le when they find time... I think
...
dimmed, Yogesh was my eye. nout uttering a single word... in a sudden wind... She died o my walking stick... Even two he work by riding my bicycle.
and gave me a bottle of Palmyra ir that also... I take a little glass t night... But I am not getting
:eived yesterday, I feel a little coming with her family. My ould have grown... I hear that ation. She has studied Law it h and French so well... She is w with the help of her father's of Law faculty. It seems it is a... My granddaughter... she is it seems...
out to me, I feel thirty years
all arrangements for their . I have to keep mangoes and house maid to buy chickens and
ouse and keep it neat...”
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With a loud clearing of the radio in measured stel switched on the radio.
"From tomorrow there service between Colombo an function only in Omanthai. without any difficulty....”
Thus went the news bu
Master's eyes shone wit of a few lightnings.
He got up, took out a within reach of his hands little clearing of throat he cal by a lady living there. Ando
Maybe, he has re
米米
74 sm

throat, Karthikesu walked towards ps swinging his walking stick and
: is going to be a regular deluxe bus ld Jaffna city. The checkpoint would Passengers can travel day and night
lletin.
h a bright streak of light like a flash
bottle of Mendis arrack which was and consumed it at one go. With a sefully took the food left on the table nly after a few days he ate it fully.
ally grown younger.....!
kkkkkkkkk

Page 77
They are fanning the flames
 

know him for alongtime. The villages in which we were born, were adjacentislands.
He first took up a job as eacher in our village.
It was the same Ganesha Maha vidyalaya in which my orother worked as principal.
He had a love marriage in he same village where I too had my love marriage.
Now his house is in front of ours.
The latter part of 1990 was period when the bombers and Helicopters” wrought havoc
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and destruction in all sorts of 11 afternoon.
I had gone to sign in the in Chankanai. Three bomber The office and shops were shu looking for shelter. My frien office and I had stopped at returning. The bombers went
Visible from the narrow were four bombers diving do again and flying one mile away
A pining and restlessness sub-post office, Nada gave mi who were waiting for charity í
My friend asked a boy v “where did the bombs fall...?'
“All the four bombs fell is gone. A young girl too... to see it...'
Both of us went running cut to pieces, it seems.” Som
It was then that some p. carrying him.
"A small piece got lodge
on the spot” I could not beli say so.
My friend Ravilay there had oozed into the cloth tied
I burst out crying alou brother Nalathambi who sto
We had talked standing previous night. ۔
76

places. One day the time was about
Asst. Government Agent's office
s' came making considerable noise. it. People scattered running away d Nada, post master of sub-post a corner in a building and were round twice in a long circle.
lane along which we were walking own with a great noise, going up.
W.
in the mind. After we reached the oney to two poor old people there und.
who was coming along in a cycle,
at the junction... Your master Ravi Two small children... cannot bear
"The young girl and children were e passerby was saying.
eople brought Ravi into the house
d in his stomach. The death was eve it as I heard somebody nearby
with a cheerful face. Lot of blood around the stomach.
as I stroked his head. His cood close-by embraced me.
near the gate until midnight, the

Page 79
“People are struggling for All of you must co-operate...,’ he
He did not engage in politic job in government. He thought
He had been going by cycle Kodikamam and such places at had arranged to distribute them cheap rate. A place was selected Many villages followed this exam
"Should bombs be dropped distributed...? With everyone run you who helped the poor and th women who had come to fetch t
A thousand thought-streak
“Of course, we had a big d our principle. But, he loved pe them. He would speak with an him... Friendship.”
As per law the body had t hospital in order to be preservec Death Certificate after examinati family. He had a lot of responsi children. Who will bear these re.
There was nobody there wh
Our view was that the Go secured, would help his children For, he was a government serve
failed in his duties.
Many at home were not for
We took the body to the ho car. On the way, bombers and

food articles. We have to help.
said.
'al work. He had done a sincere only about people.
with friends to Chavakachcheri, hd purchasing food stuff. He to each house in the village at a at the junction to disburse them. ple.
when food products are being ning away seeking a hiding place, le innocent boys and the young hem, have fallen victims...”
s in my mind...
ifference of opinion as regards ople. He badly wanted to help open mind... So, a respect for
o be taken to the government l until the next day and to get a on. He was the eldest son in the bilities. He also had three small sponsibilities.?
Lo had not thought of this.
vernment Death Certificate, if at some later stage in their life. int. A good teacher who never
it. That was the situation...
bspital in Tellipalai by a friend's helicopters were flying about.
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Helicopter chased the car o shooting.
The speed at which the c trees... We were lying on the after a shooting spree. The
great speed. Everything feltl
It was past seven thirty home after getting the body ex:
There was no light for lightning speed. It was the ef traffic also was scarce... My w She had been worried about 1 the courtyard she asked me.
"where did you go...?"
"Nallathambi is unwell. hospital alone at this time...? speak. My eyes were filled wit
My three year old elde "Dad..., I hear weeping noise it happened...?”
I could not speak. Tear shirt. As Ravi and I were ta. courtyard of his house, hown and his only daughter Geetha
After many days had p. up with a start at midnight at dead...? Will he never come ag like me... Poor girl.”
My eyes would shed tear
Now, my daughter has n
alerts everyone to run into ti 78

ver a long distance. They kept
arran hid it among the Tamarind 2 ground. The "heli” went away n, the car entered the hospital at ike a dream.
in the evening when we returned amined and securing the certificate.
the car. But, it reached home at ficiency of the driver. Of course,
ife did not know where I had been. my absence. When she saw me in
Should we leave him to go to the Moreover, Ravi....' I could not th tears.
est daughter came and told me, n my friend Geetha's house. What
s welled up and drops fell on the lking about a lot of things in the hany days they, my eldest daughter would be playing under the lights.
assed., my daughter would wake ld ask me 'Dad, is Geetha's dad gain...? Geetha is also a father's pet
s as I hugged my daughter tightly.
ot completed even five years. She he bunker if the bomber noise is

Page 81
heard. She also picks up the yo year old and runs into the bunke
Toys inside the bunker also.
“The bomber that had kille Geethacry... One day...” The t was in her hand.
The plane manufactured in the barrel bomb somewhere with
The noise has not left my e. and looks up.
xkxkxkxkxk

unger sister who is not yet one
.
i her father... That made sister oy gun which was Chinese make
china flies away after dropping h great noise.
arsyet. My daughter comes out
k米米米米
79

Page 82
80s

Page 83
rơ>< bO & "O„Noi. , & s) !! ȚIJ Oso
Operation
 
 

"Slowly..... Slowly lay own carefully...
Do not worry boy... Cure ourself in Colombo. It is a reat thing that we could get an mbulance at this juncture. Lay own safely.
Should not cry. You must ave faith...'
As she laid the stretcher the ambulance and sent him way, these kind words from that urse with her eyes moist. His hind was grieving. He looked at hat nurse with gratitude with his wn eyes reflecting sorrow.
"Will I see them again...? Why are they trying to revive
81

Page 84
me...? Why should I live. F experienced agony like me...?
Is there a God...? If so, v
What harm did I cause to wealth.
My Mano... my darling you...? I have also lost the child parrot.
Why should I live now...? and cry...oh....”
The ambulance speeds p
At the spot where the pass out, in that opening, the shouting in pain. He told the
"Please detach this tube
The ambulance stopped doctor came and looked at th Then, he looked at him.
“I will not detach it. Tak is addressed to Colombo hos
The ambulance runs aga
“Should there be so mu alone survive...? If only I had live..., I would have put up wit that I am... Why such a pligh
It is not even ten days s fighting and problems everyv heard before...
Thousands of incidents.
82

or whom...? Would anybody have
why so much suffering for me...?
o anyone...? Oh..., I have lost all my
... Should I be alive after losing
s
lborne by you who was like a little
To whom can I recount my plight
ast the Paranthan junction.
tube had been fixed for urine to ære is unbearable pain. He felt like man by his side.
once.'
at the Kilinochchi hospital. The e paper given at the Jaffna hospital.
: him to Colombo. The instruction pital. I should not handle this.”
in. He feels as if he is dying
ch trouble undertaken to make me been sure my wife and child would h any amount of suffering. Sinner t for me...?'
ince the child was born. There is where. Noises that have not been
... Shouting in Hindi language.

Page 85
How long can one keep th the hospital in the hiding trench
The shell goes flying abov sound.
It falls somewhere in then are heard once or twice...
She shivers with fever. The cotton. Rather scared to go o also heard. Gettinghold of a c a nearby village. He begged an in a house. Then, he took them would not attend. The main ho
With great difficulty, he b1 and admitted them in award. T for all the wards. Problem ther
That doctor was also abse1 also. Many people chose to stay
A nurse came to him anc capsules. Two capsules to be g took a close look at the patie building.
Now, he was a veritable r wife and helped others also to
He helped her to sit, wi capsules. He washed the beds in bed. He was giving the food:
She could not feed breast 1 not be fed to the child. That is
He sent the child home th
Within four days, the c problem increasing and decreas

emother and child brought from h..?
e the roof with a shrill whistling
eighborhood; frightening noises
2 child always has ears closed with n like this. Shooting noises are ar after a search, he took them to d got accommodation for a while to the hospital in Manipai. They spital was the only refuge now.
"ought them to the main hospital here was only one doctor on duty
'e t0O.
ht the next day. Shortage of staff in the hospital. Scared to go out.
i gave a handful of Ampicilline iven every six hours. The nurse nt and literally flew to the other
urse there. He took care of his the extent possible.
ped her tears and gave the two ores caused by continuously lying supplied in the ward and Horlicks.
milk to the baby. Her milk should
what the nurse had said.
rough a known person.
hild developed fever. With the ing in between, he could not take
83

Page 86
the child to the Ayurvedic phy died on the fifth day. He did 1
The nurse who came to with pity and said: "Balasingal said it is fifteen months since
Now, a worm has got in proper care. No doctors he doctor was not available here nurses are also unable to con more or less an orphan. Tha that serving people is a servi unlikely she would survive. F if possible. Even cremation give these capsules as I had in
His head began to spin.
"Oh..., the shell fallinge head...? If it does, I shall alsc struggle and bring her here fo
That morning her eyes food.” she said. She also wi some food from some part of
He felt a little surprised had refused food and water w
He took her in his arms, her mouth, like she was a child not take more.
Tears fell down from he them.
He felt as if he was wita marriage up to now. Tears fe from wet towel hung for dryi
84

7sician. No proper food. The child not know.
the ward on that day looked at him m... I feel sad looking at you... You you got married.
to her blood. It is due to lack of re. Your bad time is that the good when you came. He has left. The he regularly. I stay here only. I am t is my life. I am here in the belief ce ordained for me by God. It is ace it bravely. Try taking her home will be difficult here. Continue to structed. Do not worry.'
lsewhere, should it not fall on my o die along with my darling. Did I or this...?'
opened a little clearly. “Give me ped his tears. He managed to bring f the ward.
and also encouraged that she who as now asking for food.
hugged her and fed the food into l. She took two handfuls but could
r eyes. He consoled her and wiped
lessing all the incidents since their |l from his eyes like drops of water
go

Page 87
She was lying reclined on came gushing.
“I have no parents. You a allow you to go and work far av have to be here. You are form
She had said so when givir he was laid up with fever six mo
He washed her mouth.
Looking into his eyes, sh perturbed. You must be well. fields somehow. They are suffe Mano..., you know. Keep your h could not speak further.
He kept touching her han her nose. He would embrace he would shed tears. It was about No breath from her. Her eyes:
He cried aloud. Not ma
few moving about. Some peop consoled him.
The nurse came: "Balasing has to be done. Do you have th to Villoondi and cremate her...? is a problem on the way. Doo bodies in this hospital premises
“You also do the same by not hesitate; we have to see wil
come. Let us try to get the pert explaining the situation, permis
They roamed around in broken cotlegs, wooden piece discarded cotton-heaps and c.
 

his chest. All sorts of memories
ure everything to me. I will not vay. Whatever our suffering, you e and I am for you..”
ng him water and medicine when onths ago.
e said, “ Do not cry... ... I feel . We must retrieve your sister's ring. Think about it. I am your ands in mine and close it...' She
ds. He would keep his hand on
er. He would check her chest. He three 'o' clock in the afternoon.
stared at him transfixed.
ny people in the ward except a le from the next ward came and
gam, do not cry. Think of what he money to take her by a vehicle That is also difficult now. There ne thing. They have burnt a few
getting special permission. Do hat has to be done. Get up and mission for that'. With that nurse sion was got somehow.
the hospital campus gathered s, sticks, batons, dried leaves and remated her under a big tree.
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Page 88
Throughout the night w for the body to be reduced to in that bottle for funeral rites
He stayed in the hospit near his pillow. After things the nurse came, spoke to Although he refused to receiv give you only this much now. what is to be done next.'
She pressed the money i "It is due to such nice p
Another shock for him of the child's death. He rem knowing what to do.
A satisfaction in having f husband.
“The last words of my field mortgaged for junior sist came to forty thousand withi it. I must be alive if only to
As he thought of it, his a few people brought him ho attend to him. The only brot his elder sister's home. So m
“If my darling had been
He underwent treatment
Blood clot in the head, t major operation was necessa
helped him. They sent him to The ambulance stopped "Oh my god..., please de lifted him and laid him in th
86

ith an empty Jam bottle, he waited ash. He collected the bone-ashes
al for two days with the ash bottle became somewhat normal outside, him and gave a hundred rupees. 7e it, she said, "This sister is able to , take this. Go home and attend to
into his hand and went away.
eople...”
as he reached home. The news lained at home for one month not
inished the funeral rites with sister's
darling were that the elder sister's ter’s marriage must be redeemed. It interest. How can I toil and redeem redeem it.'
head spun. As he fell off the cycle, me. There was no one at home to her-in-law took him by a vehicle to uch for that manʼs humanism.
there, will it be like this...?' : in the main hospital for a week.
hey said, some boil. An emergency ty. That nurse recognized him and the General Hospital in Colombo.
at the gate in the Colombo hospital.
:ach this.' An attendant came. He e stretcher and detached the urine

Page 89
tube. He felt as if he was dyi simultaneously.
He got a bed in the ward.
The Sinhala language pick in Colombo in the past, came in
"Nerves in the head had b kept crying as he thought of his
His head was completely to
He presented a strange si Nobody can identify me, even if
The chief doctor was a Tan soon as he saw him. He narrate send him to Jaffna soon.
"Mr. Do not talk to me cannot help you directly. This is is the one who would perform tell him about you on telephone
They would suspect me too. Lo careful...'
His head was split into half the operation, they sent him awa needed operation in a private hos to get an x-ray by paying ten tho
The dowry house, sacred articles, the ring and whatever h all usurped by the wife's people cycle...
“Elder sister’s family... poc have to be redeemed Forty tho
told me as she breathed her last. be alive at least until then. I do n

ng Blood and urine came out
Food was not bad.
ed up while working in a shop handy. He managed somehow.
ulged. Boil... Operation...” He condition.
insured.
ght. He was a little happy.
they come here.”
nil. He went and greeted him as d his story and requested him to
like this... I pity you... But I s doctor Amaradeva's ward. He the operation on you. I shall !. Do not come to me like this. its of suspicious looks here. Be
near his cheek. A few days after y saying that the other half also pital in Colombo. He was asked usand rupees and get operated.
gold ornament, jewels, house e had bought through toil were He got nothing except his old
or lady. Four girls. Their fields usand with interest. My darling ... It must be retrieved. I must ot need any operation any more.
87

Page 90
If death comes, so be it. I hal
A mail came. It was the Hospital Jaffna. It said his wif
Early morning. Sun Balasingam gets up and ric Chunnakam market.
skxkxk
88

ve to toil and redeem it...”
death certificate from the General e died a natural death.
rise... sound of bullock carts. les on his old cycle towards the
xkxkxkxkxkxkxk

Page 91

“Dear father.
I received your letter bearing date of two months ago and he money.
Father..., be of brave heart. t is the same in our family as in thers...
Your second elder sister - ur dear aunt, died on 2nd of last nonth.
She had been to uncle Raja's Louse the previous day and eturned home.
She developed fever one light went to hospital the next lay. She died the same night. It ould be brain fever, they say.
89

Page 92
Raja uncle was shattered got a degree and were workin and famously. But, you have did he cry bitterly,
Auntys two children we and cried. I feel so sad overc write.
The last rites were perfo of office friends had come. died in glory.”
Altheislandteachersha There are classes being held Ladies College in the afterno
Mother is also teaching there by cycle. No rest form She has become dark and this attend to younger sisters. She and all. The younger sisters a let mother do any work. I wo But, she would not come to n Speaks well. Other sister is a carried.
"Everyone is affectionat Sometimes, I cry... If only da Am I not father's pet...? Lett ship and then delivered here. or two months later. I am stu for studies.
Aunty is finishing her ec starts staying at home, we wil "Dad... The girl from Ramanathan's granddaughter
Movement. You know her fa 90

“We have been proud that you had
gin a good job living prosperously gone away, at half the age.” Thus
re inconsolable. They hugged me .ome by weeping. I am not able to
irmed in Raja uncle's house. Lots Do not worry, father. Aunty has
re beenposted in Jaffna temporarily. for island children in the Hindu
O.
there. Kutty uncle will take her other. Of course, she is suffering h. Not eating properly. She has to : has to finish school work, training recausing confusion. They do not uld carry the smaller younger sister. he. She has already started walking pet of grandpa. Has to be always
e to me. But, I do not reciprocate. d was at home...? So I would think. ers are brought to Point-Pedro by. our letter reached here one month dying well. I am also helping sister
ucation in April. Of course if she
be very happy.
that house at the junction. Viji, ... She seems to have joined the her toiled in Switzerland for a long

Page 93
time and looked after the family.
G.C. E. Ordinary exam. She we caring to study Advance Level. I her that he would send money fo
“Writing individual letters ti question, If we do not liberate th to do it...?
“The mother felt if the le Switzerland, he would go out of
is always crying.
“Viji's elder brothers flying a alone joined the Movement.
“It seems the family of you to come to Canada by Mrs. Rav a bomb. They did not wish to weeping over his loss. Today 1 Geetha.
"Geetha is also father's pet. her father. I would recall to her ab their courtyard as you and Ravim all the world affairs; and politic would start crying.
“Also in the school each gi And make us cry.
“When will our crying stop,
“I feel sad looking at uncle pension, it seems. The loss of him badly. -
He had written a touching elder brother. One weeps as of
Now also, he drinks. When lovingly. I told him not to drinl Otherwise will I drink...? He said.

She had got good result in the nt away to the Movement not
t seems her dad had written to r her A.L. studies. She had left.
o both her parents posing the
is land now, when are we going
tter was sent to the father in his mind and held it back. She
way abroad rather selfishly. She
r friend Ravi master was asked i's sister after he was killed by go. How many days were you my companion is his daughter
She would often speak about bout how Geetha and I played in
laster satin chairs and discussed s until midnight. Both of us
rl would narrate a tale of woe.
daddy...?
Arasu. He has not yet got his the dear aunt has also affected
poem titled 'you would call me. he reads it.
he came home, he spoke to me t; not much hope of life here.
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Page 94
Lots of his neighbours from Palali. I asked them to come and stay here. His son) he did not go. uncle says it go abroad for higher studies. live separated from the child. is such.
Last month, three peopl were dropped at the junctiot uncle's shop. The upper fl thoroughly smashed into bits a cracks. But, he is still selling Kizhakkoor, injured in the bo
We have changed the ro then. But, we have not chang there is no need.
There is daily shelling fro fell in our area. But, a shell fe back. It seems father of t The mother and two children it seems.
Grandpa receives his pe would cycle there with difficu in the queue and push ones pressure one can draw only o
Suba's college of techno has applied for a different cou are not to start this year in Va she gets permission, she does
People are always expe in any time. They are dro Helicopter. They announce people belonging to the movi
92

have got displaced. A shell attack take a house near our place and Kannan got a job as librarian. But, will be better if he and elder sister But aunty cries saying she cannot ren. What to do...? Their situation
e died on the spot as four bombs h near our house close to Murthy oor of Murthy uncle’s shop was indpieces. The walls havedeveloped ; vegetables there. Visvalingam of mb blast, died yesterday.
of tiles of our house which broke ed the window glass. Grandpa said
m Karainagar Navy camp. Nothing ll on a house in the west, a few days he family died with his head split.
l, poor souls were seriously injured,
nsion from the bank in Jaffna. He ilty. It seems one has to be in front elf to get the pension. With such ne thousandrupees per day... .
logy examination has finished. She Irse of study there. It seems classes vuniya University College. Even if
not wish to go there.
cting that the army would march opping warning notices from the on the Radio also from Palali. The ement also are alert.

Page 95
People are under compulsi alternative, you know.? Where cz
Your friend Ratnam uncle cassette. They are wonderful. I grandpa would stop me saying t to the radio.
Mummy comforts us daily shortly: dad will call.” Of course
Thambi uncle is as he was b go to newspaper office daily by he goes to duty daily without fail
There is no news about A know about the loss of dear aun the island this week. Raja uncle know the details only on their rei
Sara aunty, uncle, cousin Th: island and are staying in the hous to Kopay Teachers' Training coll
Malar aunty is into studies : She gets through one test every y The Government Agent has spo Raja uncle has talked it over and her. Three lakhs rupees are net must also give and help.
“What do we have for giving the two bracelets and my chain Only the sacred gold ornament is sell it and help. What is your id everyone will be happy. Even it on dowry; see that...!
Daughter of Gunaratnam in Colombo to study, seeing the co to continue the studies. Her fa

on to face anything. No other un they run...?
's songs have come out in a like to hear them often. But, hat one needs battery to listen
7 saying “we can all go there 2, I want to be with dad.
before. Heart patient. He does cycle. Whatever the problem,
achi(grandma). She does not ty either. Red Cross is to go to has spoken to them. We can tuff.
asan and all have come from the e of cousin Balan. Thasan goes ege; uncle is also not well.
and work. She is flying about. rear. She got a transfer it seems. ken in Colombo and stopped it. finalized a marriage alliance for 2ded, it seems. Mummy said we
g.? You know that we had given towards the fund for struggle. there. Mummy said we have to ea...? If the marriage comes off, h such a situation, people insist
the northern house has gone to ndition here where it is difficult mily also has gone to Colombo
93

Page 96
last week. They would get m have gone to settle in Colon displaced from Kankesanthu
“We will soon join fathe to sleep with her eyes moist. silent.
I do not wish to come feels like that. But, she woul
How can we behappy if grandma, aunty, uncles, au friends, Geetha and all our p
"Dad... ... you only tau and our people . I have r rack. Daniel's Novel, "Kaal understand certain things. M of times in the past.
I am also studying my st
“Dad... you come here. people. Am I not father's wishes, you know...?
Leela Anta has joined meet and talk to them...? Has
Here there are lots of r to leave...? Come and see.
When will my dad be w
Vaddukkoddai Sri Lanka. 05 - 03 - 1992
94 -m-m-

oney from abroad, it seems. They bo. Now, we have made a family ai to stay there.
r.” So saying, mother is putting us I would feign sleep and cry as I lie
there, daddy. I think mother also d not write like that.
we come there leaving our grandpa, nties, sisters, brothers, Aachi, my 2ople, Dad...?
ght us that we must love our soil ead many books from your book hal' (mirage) Is great. We do not ummy said she had read it a number
chool lessons carefully.
Come fast. Let us live with other pet? You will understand all my
uncle there, you know...? Did you Anta's mummy reached Australia?
Lews daily. What to write and what
ith me...?
- Loving daughter, Elanila..

Page 97
Why did he
shift his place
 

Wy did he shift his
place...?
It is two days since Anandan t the letter of transfer. It seems has to travel to Colombo within elve days, He appealed to the ad office against the transfer.
He had completed only two irs in his native place. He had : right to serve here for four irs. But, this sudden transfer d come about.
He could not digest this nsfer. He was an officer in the al administrative body, invested h authority. In accordance h his doctrines and what he i learnt, all the people were the ne in his view. He tried to do duty to the best of his ability.
95

Page 98
He did the needful to drinking water. He helpe Library and all wherever nee like prevention of contagiou Ayurvedic medical service and
Anandan's close friend S When the foreign force was Selvam’s camera had photogra helped to get them published
Once, Selvam had not or video graphed the murderou marines on Kumuthini boat. victims. It is true that they rea Human rights organizations.
The atrocities perpetrate in the adjoining villages also also did not escape the eyes o
One day, he and two of h up in the peacekeeping force and tortures... People gather released. He was regarded a with those people.
More than hundred peop that big camp as if on an expe of Selvam and his friends who The reply got by them was of of the camp.
Anandan argued as much were not advocates of viole press. So release them.” Th
Still...? More than thirt children including Anandan of the camp. Firm warning 96

the people who suffered without d to set up Community Centre, ded. He also engaged in services is diseases, mother child welfare, lso on.
Selvam was a good photographer. "keeping peace' in that province, phed many incidents. Anandan had in local and foreign newspapers.
ly taken still photographs but also s attacks carried out by the naval He had captured the horror of the ched local and foreign journals and
d by the foreign forces locally and lid not escape Selvam's camera. It f the members of the force.
is friends were arrested and locked camp. Different kinds of enquiries ed in large numbers to get him s a good man. Anandan was also
ble, most of them women went to dition. They demanded the release had not indulged in any violence. lly a stern warning from the chief
1 as possible. "Selvam and friends nce. They were only helping the e result was a blank.
y men, fifty women, elders and 2ngaged in protest at the entrance s came from the forces now and

Page 99
then. Nobody really worried. morning to five in the evening. their spot; nobody stirred.
Around five thirty, the c Anandan aside. "It is all yourh
“No. it is, the people’s wil
The major snarled like w boiling oil.
He calmed down and enq
"I know you are a govert the strength of my faith in you in activities against us, my actic said thus.
Anandan knew of som released from the camp, were some unidentified few.
Not even two days had morning. Two jeeps and four of Anandan's house. They we was opened forcibly and his do
His wife was preparing t old daughter was sleeping with
The child woke up with : the knock on the door. Anand the door and the child taking (
" Run out and escape th neighbour. The demons have
“Do not fear'Anandan c the child.
His wife by his side. The asked him to come to the Maj

It went on from nine in the Once a truck tried going through
hief of the camp, major, called andiwork...?'
l.'', he said.
ater drop fallen on a vessel with
uired.
ment official. I release them on
... But, if they continue to engage in will be very severe.” The major
e instances when some people, sent to the place of no return by
passed. It was six 'o' clock in the trucks came and stopped in front 're full of troops. His house gate
or was knocked with a bang.
a in the kitchen. Their one year
one leg of hers on her dad's.
start due to the noise caused by an felt uneasy due to the knock on lff its leg. His wife came running.
rough the house of the Brahmin come'
ame and opened the door carrying
army men standing near the door or in the jeep at the gate.
97

Page 100
As he got down by the ste there like trees along with other
He went near the jeep. "What is the situation like. "No problem...”he said. "Is that so? Come with me
He could see several things were targeting him.
“Let us talk here.” he said.
“That is all right. Give the the jeep. Let us talk as we go.”
Meanwhile as one of tho child, another man caught hold hold of the child and shouted.
"Mr. Anandan, let us get sounded strict.
"I am unable to come no Excuse me.'
After a few seconds., Ana Do you think you can do anyt jeep...!”
Suddenly four or five of the
him. "They pushed the wife and girl called out "daddy...”
they dragged him towards
Everyone was stunned... from...? More than hundred; m
More than twenty women, jeep.
Anandan was surrouinded b
stood around all the vehicles. 98

is, he looked around. They were trees.
ליכ
. Let us talk as we go this side.” clearly. He understood that they
: child to your wife and get into
se men came and grabbed the of Anandan. His wife leapt, got
into the jeep.” Major's voice
w leaving the wife and child.
ndan., are you a bigman here..? ning against us..? Get into the
m fell on Anandan and dragged child against the fence. The pet
the jeep. Where did these people come
ost of them women.
hildren and students around the
7 the women. People came and

Page 101
The army men who sto running. As the army shouted v "Release Anandan.”
The major jumped out fro his waist belt as he looked up, their guns raised.
“If you want to shoot, sho man. Do not destroy our peop soil of the apostle of compassi
One young girl shouted at
"Do not touch our brothel
“What did Anandan do ag year old Brahmin lady screamin
The major laughed thinkin
“Do not lead away the chi shoot me. Do not harm Ananc
The priest Markandeyar seven years, told the major lean
All sorts of noises... Shol Some had their hands full of mu the people. Some people squat
“What is all this?, shouted
“Go back” retorted the p
The major said aloud that asked them to make way.
“This is my first such ex meet you later.” He told Anan
The vehicles crept alongs
"Foreign vultures should 1 must stand on our own legs'.

bd among the trees also came rarnings, the people also shouted
m the jeep. He had his hand on standing erect. The troops held
lotus... Do not touch the young le. You who were born in the on. Don't you have any...?'
the major. : Anandan.” the boys thundered.
gainst the law?” It was the sixty g at the major.
g of something.
ldren unfairly? If you want, you dan...”
of Sivan temple, all of seventy ing on his walking stick.
its... From among the women... d. Many troops lined up opposite ted around the vehicles.
the major.
eople.
he would not arrest anyone and
perience in my service... I shall dan in a low tone.
ονly.
lot be given room in our soil. We Shouted a girl student.
99

Page 102
The dust rising in the stre He was among the peopl His dear child sprang tow
The petition sent against response the next day.
It was a communication vavuniya office within a week.
He tried appealing agair union. But people advised hit accept the transfer under the p
Proceeding to Vavuniya Selvam, who went to Colombo about the services to be done
Selvam was making arran
米米米>
100

et hid the vehicles.
with tears in his eyes.....
ards him from his wife's hands.
the transfer brought some news in
asking him to join duty in the
lst this also through the labour in that it would be safe for him to present circumstances.
, He wrote a letter to his friend the very next day after his release, to the village.
gements to start for Germany.
k米米米米米米

Page 103
The western
man who
S
2
 

hiyagar was engaged in closing the restaurant fter lunch.
The restaurant Yathava was near the main railway station in the city called Toulouse ituated in the southern part of France. It was a South Indian Sri Lankan restaurant.
The Proprietor was Thiyagaraja called Thiyagar.
With him was his wife and servant. These three were the
nes running the restaurant. It was a small restaurant.
It had space for thirty
eople to eat at a time.
101

Page 104
That afternoon, nine pers took their food. Most of them of cash.
If these tickets are sentir money meant for them would commission amount. Thiyaga loan or payment.
This ticket book will b discount
We can say this would restaurant people.
Suddenly one man came i We can say that he was an una to North of France; pale blue
“Excuse me... I have con
Even if it is late, why lose said in the French that he knew
"Salad, vegetable Samosa, gram curry. And Bordeauxw. the visitor after reading the M good order, briskly and readily for afternoon lunch would opt and leave in a hurry.
Only a few among those c costly 'quality meal' along with that Thiyagar's profit would al.
Most of the money earn by the government as tax. An a insurance pension, at 19.6% as tax, tax for social donatio electricity and telephone. As tough making a profit in the p 102

ons from nearby offices came and paid through tickets given instead
bulk to the concerned office, the reach us after deducting a certain : will use the amount to clear some
2 given to office goers at a big
benefit both the customers and
n. A well built figure, well dressed. dulterated French man belonging eyes...
ne late... Can I eat?” he asked.
the income? So thinking, Thiyagar , “Yes, Sir. sit down, you can eat.”
, Tandoori chicken, Basmathi rice, ine bottle with all these.” Ordered enu” and Thiyagar also served the , Normally, most of those coming for fast food which was cheap, eat
:oming for dinner would order the varieties of wine. It is at that time so increase.
:d through toil will be taken away mount to be paid towards medical per one meal to the government ns, state, district, city taxes, gas, ter meeting these expenses, it is resent conditions.

Page 105
But, since he could not g this business with the help C independently.
He consumed a glass of w He drank a little more wine an very good.”
This is one of the good q If something is good, they The vegetable samosa o different from those supplied it It will be prepared like in mixing the "masala varieties als
frying the whole thing. Those the taste.
As the man was eating the curry and taking a bite of Tanc seen with his eyes moist. Thiya, pungent.
“Does the food taste very
“No. No. The food is ver son...” As he said so, his throa
He cleared his throat and
Wate.
“Are you from India or Sri
“We are Sri Lankan Tamil
“Is that so...? You have a wonderful.
“My friend has married : lives there. He would come or a year. I have been there twice.

st a suitable job, Thiyagar started f bank loan to be able to live
rine and finished eating the salad. date the samosa. He said, “it is
lalities of the French.
would praise with an open mind.
f Yathava restaurant is a little nother Indian restaurants.
the house by diluting the flour, png with the roasted potato and who ate this used to praise it for
mix of Basmathi rice and gram loori chicken in between, he was gar wonderedif the food was too
pungent”?
y good... I was reminded of my t was suffocated.
coughed aloud. He drank some
Lanka?.
99
good culture. Your family life is
Tamil girl of Pondicherry and ce here during the holidays once
103

Page 106
“He runs an Industriales French there. He knows both
“He is also learning F medicine, to a certain extent.
children.
He finished eating and
little.
“You said you were remi
"That is a big story... If in mind, because you only wi And understand affection'.
He sips the wine. Theb “I belong to the Strasbol “Do you know Strasbou
“Yes... I have come the countrymen there known to r
"I am the managing dire more than four thousand Eur
“I loved a girl for two ye
“She worked as receptiot as a secretary in my firm. On
“We had a baby boy. I w
“But, she would spend away her salary too.”
“She tried to live, oblivio about thrift. She would not a
"She also began to drink “She needed my salary a
“It was I who had to p. feed him and put him in bed.
"She spent recklessly on 104=

tablishment there. He also teaches
English and Tamil well.
indu philosophy and Ayurvedic I praised their happy life with two
also drank the rest of the wine a
nded of your son. where is he'?
I tell you that, I will feel a little easy ill know the value of family life...
lue eyes shed tears. urg city in the north east of France. rg city?ʼ re twice. There are some of our
29
C.
ctor of a company there. Salary is Os and perks too.
ars and married her.”
hist in another firm. I got her a job e year passed happily.
as very happy. my salary extravagantly and spend
us of the family. She knew nothing ttend even to the son's needs.
a lot.'
lone'.
repare the son to start for school,
disco, casino and the like.'

Page 107
“This led to problems in til
“She would say I should would roam about with new fri night... I put up with all these the son.
“Give me another small w.
He drank the wine and col
“One day, I lost my pe emotional due to her words, Is
“She called the police ato “The police took me to th
“She went away somewhe refused to go away from me.”
The Police asked me to h But, the son told them he was
“She argued that the son judgment was that the son mus
“And the son went with h
“I felt as if my life had be
“I spent any number of s. I saw my son's toys.”
“My lawyer explained m permission for me to see my sc
“But, this did not continu
“I am paying a big amount I hear that she spends that mc with new friends...'
“Did you not get a divorc
“I have to prove in the co friend.

he family.
hot interfere in her freedom and ends and return home late in the for some months for the sake of
ine bottle... ...”
ntinued again.
tience. Provoked and getting lapped her twice on her face.
nce”
e court.'
re with her new friend. The son
and over the son to the mother. going to be with father.
must be given to her. And the it be given to the mother.”
er crying” engrabbed from me'.
leepless nights. I cried whenever
ly plight in the court and got on once in a month.”
e beyond a month.”
for her and my son every month. oney on drinks and is living it up
???
urt that she is living with her new
105

Page 108
"only if I do so, I shall get
"The laws here are such.'
"They give a lot of freedo
“ All shouts of women's li
“It is the men who have n
“Only if one looks at the of a father like me, it can be un
“Law should not be invok He was in tears. He wiped
"She has run away and co her new friend.'
I have not been able to see It was when I applied to the coi
“I came here to see my so police alleging that I tried to ass
"I was produced in court. judge asked why I tried to attacl
“I went up to the entrance I called him. She hid him and c.
I sadly expressed my worr would be harmed by her.
"Keeping in view the sor mother for a certain period of cause problems. You can com son once a month”, said that ju
thing called affection.
“First, show me my son”, bring him next time. It happen
This month was like one y
106

he divorce. It is not an easy job.”
m to women and spoil them.”
beration are false.'
ot received justice. What to do...?
problem from the point of view derstood...”
din problems of attachment”.
them.
me into Toulouse city here with
my son for the past few months. urt that I learnt she is here.
n. She hid him and brought the ault her.
She had also come there. The kher.
of her house only to see my son. alled the police.” I told the truth.
y that my son so attached to me
's safety, he has to be with the time. Do not visit the house and here to this court and see your dge who did not understand this
I shouted. She said she would 2d only last month.
22.

Page 109
They brought my son to r “My dear son came and ei
“My son was with me or He stroked my face and said:
“Daddy, do not worry. Iw completed seven years now. W will come to you. Law cannot I narrated my woes to my teach me to the psychology teacher. gave me some instructions. I c. am studying well now. Do not
"Dad, you must eat well a would pass quickly... come and You should not worry. Dad...'
“Can Icome here to the col away every month?
“I have so much work ther
He sobs and he is struckb
I was invoked of a heartha and my eyes became moisty.
“Do not worry... five ye son is an intelligent boy. He ha should not worry. You must b your son.” I spoke words of co
“Indian soil is sacred... on as a matter of pride... I like the
"of course there would be
“But that earth... After my to Pondicherry every year takin will help in all ways.

le only this morning hbraced me calling out “Daddy'.
ly until the court session ended.
ill always be your dear son. I have lait for five more years. Then, I separate me from you thereafter. er at school also, Heintroduced He listened to my problems and un be with dad after five years. I worry about mummy's activities.
nd keep good health. Five years see me here when you find time.
s
urt from one thousand kilometers
99
e. This court and laws... our.
y hiccups.
unting feeling beyond expression
rs would pass very fast... Your s asked you not to worry... You e patient if only for the sake of nsolation to him wholeheartedly.
must consider being born there culture there.'
a few dissidents everywhere.
son comes to me, I intend going g him with me. My friend there
107

Page 110
“I know... there are pc too... So, lots of your people
“If the problems end the
“Most of us are keenly ex I said.
Paying five “Euros' mor man shook hands with me anc
米米米>
108

litical problems in your country have come here.
re, we would go there too.”
pecting when that day will dawn',
e than the price of the meal, that
took leave.
k米米米米米米

Page 111
Smile that
waited
 

t was the latter part of the seventies...
Prevention of terrorism act had been in force.
A Brigadier had been specially sent to Jaffna to quell terrorism in the Northern region within six months.
It was the beginning of the dark period when people coming by a black car kidnapped many people.
Two people of the same house in Navaly had been kidnapped at midnight by a black car and were tortured in unspeakable ways. They were thrown after death on Allaipitty - Pannai street. The news had shaken the people of the northern region.
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Page 112
Sivanandan was one of division of that college. He wa teachers. One of the subjects
The Sanskrit teacher prai told him that by learning San language would be enriched. Sanskrit.
Prizes would await Sivanar drama festivals held in the colle
Another Similar one Swat keeping with her name.
She also shone in such col
Although Sivanandan and class, they were rivals in everytl
The Sanskrit class was qu boy students will be less in num will be in majority.
The competitions and fun for them to forget each other i.
It was the college principa history. He liked that period v.
One day, Siva flipped thr history notes book and read ab As he took a cursory look at sentence written in English th
W2VCS...
“Remember Swarna until
The writing kept swaying
Still..... more than that...
Not even four month tog
110

the students of the senior arts is an outstanding student liked by studied by him was Sanskrit.
sed his knowledge of Tamil and skrit, his literary knowledge and And he compelled him to learn
ndan in many arts and literary and
*ge.
nalatha... A beautiful creeper in
mpetitions.
Swarnalatha studied in the same ning
ite handy for their debates. For, ber at that time only. Girl students
|ctions were making it impossible in their hearts.
il who taught the class European ry much.
Ough the pages of his European out the French revolution eagerly. the inside flap of the book, the nere set him floating in thought
death.’
in his mind.
o for the examination.

Page 113
The principal and teache high grades in science and arts conducted in April.
Sivanandan had reformist love of Tamil in abundance. literary mastery.
In the same way, his bro literary field.
Swarna did not like these to look for ways for livelihood. family situation was also like th
Examination in April.
Sivanandan and two of since Christmas.
Swarna was extremely agit,
“You have gone away with She cried in her mind. Whene mother on Fridays, she would p
Siva roamed for many mo forests and all. He met the peo
He had to semi starve a Although he faced dangers in s inteligence and shrewdness. Se also.
He lost many companions
Continuous anarchy, atroc He had considerable humanism
He remembered everyth: the literary field. Although he writing stories, essays and poe was burning inside him.

s thought that many would get groups in the examination to be
thoughts, ideas, racial sprit and His parents had considerable
hers also were interested in the
extremist tendencies... We have She had clear views on this. Her
at.
nis classmates were absconding
ated.
out uttering a single word Siva...” ver she went to temple with her ray for Siva's welfare.
nths in all parts of the country, ple.
nd sometimes starve fully too. uccession, he escaped due to his veral months were spent in India
and friends.
ties and murders made him sad.
ng and was concentrating on consoled himself somewhat by ns under his pseudonym, a fire
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Page 114
His family often spoke o such talk strictly. He could no in a magazine. He also faced s
He got a chance to go to L. conference.
He visited many countrie friends. He decided to stay in friends.
Marriage talks went on university graduate. "The bric saw the photograph. He doe lucky'. The broker was all swe
Of course, Swarna who h thought her mother happily.
Swarna came to Paris at who had French citizenship an relative.
Within a month, Dharma have a reception with friends take a small house on rent.
It was not even ten days s was a telephone call.
A young girl called Jennif
The girl who came with ac had been living in a house for
She said that Dharmaraja old daughter Olivia' and shov they were together. And she
She said that her parents that her fathers ancestors wer
She said she was conduc as possible. She said she was r him.
112=

f his marriage. He discouraged : forget Swarna. He was working everal problems.
ondon to participate in a Journalist
is in Europe at the invitation of Europe due to the insistence of
for Swarna who had become legroom liked her as soon as he s not want dowry also. You are etifeSS.
as lost her father is lucky in this,
: the invitation of Dharmarajan d stayed in the house of a distant
rajan had told her that they could alone and he also said they could
ince Swarna came to Paris. There
er said she would like to meet her.
hild said that she and Dharmarajan five years as husband and wife.
n was the father of her three year ved several photographs in which shed tears.
belonged to reunion islands and
e from Tamil Nadu.
ting herself as a Tamil girl as far ot causing any disenchantment to

Page 115
She requested Swarna not his evil designs and betray her. English and Tamil.
Swarna felt uneasy. Her hea “Go without any worries'.
She checked with the relativ she was staying. After getting c Dharmarajan.
Initially, he denied the who
“It is a small matter. I move is a cross breed also.
“You are the bride. Why do will be over in two weeks. We w. get confused by listening to the drawled thus, Swarna got wild.
After shouting at him for a said.
Now, Swarna had acquirec studied some French also and g. also took Tamil tuition on Sund
One day after two years.
There was a book release f to attend it at the request of a T.
The advertisement said t would preside. But, the man on 1
Swarna was happy in a way.
She went close to the stage break.
“Are you not Siva...?' she as

to allow the man to carry out She spoke in a mix of French
d ached.
She sent her away saying thus.
2 girls of hers in the house where onfirmation, she telephoned to
ething and then said, 'd with her only as a friend. She
you have doubts..? The marriage ill go to a good house... Do not stories told by people.” As he
while “Ring off, you rascal', she
refugee status also. She had ot a job in a 'supermarket. She
ys.
inction in Paris. When she went mill teacher, a shock awaited her.
hat a popular writer Anandan he dais with the name Anandanl
surprised.
and greeted Anandan during a
κed.
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Page 116
“Yes, Swarna. I saw you as drawled.
“What is all that “but... I But, the man runs a family here. decided not to marry and I have I am also working.”
“How many years since II ł about you... I agreed to come h Now... there is in it a .....'
Sivanandan smiled and gaνε he got on with the function.
"How long in order to see
Swarna was floating in bliss
冰冰冰米米
114

soon as you arrived but..." He
came here to get married. .... ... After I came to know that, I been staying here with my aunt.
have seen you... No news at all here only due to mother's cry...
: her his telephone number. And
this smile...'
米米冰米米

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e known Mr. W.T. Elangovan since more than two des back. He is a poet and one of the pioneers of progressive front. He has wide experience in the s of medicine, literature and journalism. He has ibuted immensely to these fields. Despite living placed life, he never forgets his sacred land. He been hailed as a versatile king of the younger roton
govan who has won several awards as a volunteer nited Nations (UNV) in Philippines had served as ary of the pioneer of Dali literature, K. Daniel's
ble's art and literary forum
er, speaker, poet, critic, this multifaceted onality's book resulting from his progressive Ing would be welcomed and hailed by the Tami
y world. That is my firm hope
Professor S. Congresser
Media Integrators No. 6th In Man Road Vaishnav Natal his nullivoval | heրրոլ ԻՐ malum infoboksamall O'N
O
978-98-88051-25
9.383 II05 1

Page 120
Elangovan living Pungudutivu in nor physician in the islan have won the Srion Is the Degn of the C a writer. Elangovan
Elaingovan begd his fifteenth year like as Correspondent in editor of the journal Then, he worked as worked in Theevag
He published mc root) and Sangap
He worked as Government of No. programmes in Rad
Serving as a vo several owords the See Governments
He has publishe story, criticism and
His Elangovan lakkyo valo virtud circle) award.
This book wors Treleased in Wash;
is worth no nce also serve co People's Art and K Danie WGS P of the Paris Munnot Paris - Tamil)
 

in Paris with French nationality was born at Sri Lanka. His father was a famous Ayurvedic S. He has three eller brothers. Two eder Brothers an sahitya mandala awards. His younger brother ulty of Law in the Colombo university. He is also s wife too is involved in writing
n writing in newspapers and magazines even in he swimming of a young fish. He began working front rank Newspapers and Radio. He worked as Tamizhan with the guidance of his eldest brother chief editor of the daily Namnadu". And also m“ newspaper and the magazine Noventhan/
gazines Waakai" (garland of victory) Mooligol alakai (Divine Tamil sect)
editor in the Training & Personnel division he East province. He also worked as producer of o and Television.
unteer of United Nations in Philippines, he won e including the Western Mindanovo autonomous Chief ministers were
more than nineteen books in Poetry, essays, short hildren's literature
stories' has won the langai lakkiya Peroval
2006 (Srilankan literary association literary
ranslated into Hindi las year (2012) and was all Nehru University, Delhi, in September
ghat Elangovan who is a progressive thinker secretary of Makkal Kalai lakkiya Perumanram une association) for which he famous novelis ent. A present, he is serving as the President galakkiya vatam (The Pioneers literary circle of
Si Korolopilo