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( 60 )
There came a marriage proposal for aunt Laly from a person whose father possessed 4 or 5 acres of land. He was the eldest son, having one younger brother and two younger sisters. There were many proposals but finally, this proposal was fixed. I remember aunt Laly wore only 40 gms of gold ornaments. This was purchased by aunt Molly alone. My parents gave her a ring. I don't remember how much did it cost. It was because of the advice of Puthiyaveettil house that they gave her that ring. Kochechi & vellumma ( Ms Mariamma) said to my mother that it was the duty of the elder sisters to give a ring to the younger ones.
( 60 )
There came a marriage proposal for aunt Laly from a person whose father possessed 4 or 5 acres of land. He was the eldest son, having one younger brother and two younger sisters. There were many proposals but finally, this proposal was fixed. I remember aunt Laly wore only 40 gms of gold ornaments. This was purchased by aunt Molly alone. My parents gave her a ring. I don't remember how much did it cost. It was because of the advice of Puthiyaveettil house that they gave her that ring. Kochechi & vellumma ( Ms Mariamma) said to my mother that it was the duty of the elder sisters to give a ring to the younger ones.
On the week of aunt Laly's marriage, my father was caught up with fever and admitted in Dr M P Jacob's hospital, Kolenchery. On the previous day of wedding, I, my mother, my brother, & my sister reached mother's house. Everyone was shocked when they heard that my father had been admitted to hospital. "Without his presence, how can this marriage be conducted?", aunt Molly & Laly were crying. I stood there without any emotions. I have got any individual relationship with my father. My mind was filled with the thoughts of learning, attain a job and escape from my family. This attitude had made me unfit among my relatives.
After the wedding, all the relatives who participated in the function came to the hospital. They looked sad seeing my father. My mother was running here and there , to remit the bills and she was a good hostess to all. I watched all her movements wonderfully and compared her behaviour in our home and in the hospital. Observing my silence, the relatives ( especially women ) started to say that I wouldn't talk to anyone. They wondered how did such a girl born to my mother who was very smart and beautiful. I wouldn't listen to such women's comments like this. Sometimes a woman might dare to ask me why I didn't talk to her. My reaction would be a burning look at her. After that I wouldn't look at her, her children and her husband. Then seeing their expression in their faces was very interesting. Then they would spread my behaviour among all the others. I wouldn't yield to anyone's comments. Why should I yield to anyone's comments ? I have my own individuality. I have my own freedom. That was my attitude towards my relatives.
After visiting my father in hospital, my cousin Rhyme asked me whether I would accompany with them or stay with my family. I said that I would accompany with them. Then I could see a distant relative ( an uncle ) expressing his anger and wonder on his face.
After the wedding, all the relatives who participated in the function came to the hospital. They looked sad seeing my father. My mother was running here and there , to remit the bills and she was a good hostess to all. I watched all her movements wonderfully and compared her behaviour in our home and in the hospital. Observing my silence, the relatives ( especially women ) started to say that I wouldn't talk to anyone. They wondered how did such a girl born to my mother who was very smart and beautiful. I wouldn't listen to such women's comments like this. Sometimes a woman might dare to ask me why I didn't talk to her. My reaction would be a burning look at her. After that I wouldn't look at her, her children and her husband. Then seeing their expression in their faces was very interesting. Then they would spread my behaviour among all the others. I wouldn't yield to anyone's comments. Why should I yield to anyone's comments ? I have my own individuality. I have my own freedom. That was my attitude towards my relatives.
After visiting my father in hospital, my cousin Rhyme asked me whether I would accompany with them or stay with my family. I said that I would accompany with them. Then I could see a distant relative ( an uncle ) expressing his anger and wonder on his face.
After returning to mother's house, there were Rhyme and aunt Molly. They didn't ask me any questions. They knew my behaviour very well. I think they knew why I behaved so but they wouldn't reveal it to anyone. We had to wash many vessels and return some shallow vessels made of bell- metal, to some of our neighbours, who were very rich. For one or two days, I didn't think about my family at all.
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