Leaving the main road, we hired an auto rickshaw which, after about half an hour, took us to a godforsaken remote locality, with hardly any human habitation in sight. Then we had to walk, in the rain, because of the steep incline ahead. We decided to brave it. We were relieved by the sight of a huge iron gate, quite incongruous with the surroundings. Inside, the path was slippery, water freely flowing down the way. Occasionally some clearance could be seen, indicating cultivation in an area which looked like a virgin forest!
At one spot, there was a rectangular, well cut depression . Our guide explained that the stone placed above a platform at the centre is lord Ayyappa, the family deity,when their ancestors lived there. This and the open well were the only indication of the house which was dismantled when the family broke up.I wondered how they lived there in those days, without any means of transport, electricity, shops or neighbours.
A few minutes later, we entered the courtyard of the house,ankle deep in water, which was attached to the family pond.The area where people take bath in the open, is well protected by a roof.
When we entered the house, I was shocked by the sight of an old man, almost naked,with a rag covering his private parts.He could not speak. When I folded my hands in a NAMASTE, he returned the gesture.The dilapidated house, with many places leaking,gave the impression of a page from Dicken’s novel!I was fascinated.
Our guide explained that he is B.Sc.(agriculture),worked in the department for some time and earned a pension before he became mentally ill. His wife brought up his four sons, all fair and handsome.
Inside the house, his wife and his second son greeted us.The latter works as a school teacher.We talked about my book . I told him I should be perfectly happy if I could live in such a place, provided there is internet connection.
The other side of the place is green fields and R.Bharatapuzha with the railway line running in between .Mannanore is the nearest railway station.
A few minutes later, we entered the courtyard of the house,ankle deep in water, which was attached to the family pond.The area where people take bath in the open, is well protected by a roof.
When we entered the house, I was shocked by the sight of an old man, almost naked,with a rag covering his private parts.He could not speak. When I folded my hands in a NAMASTE, he returned the gesture.The dilapidated house, with many places leaking,gave the impression of a page from Dicken’s novel!I was fascinated.
Our guide explained that he is B.Sc.(agriculture),worked in the department for some time and earned a pension before he became mentally ill. His wife brought up his four sons, all fair and handsome.
Inside the house, his wife and his second son greeted us.The latter works as a school teacher.We talked about my book . I told him I should be perfectly happy if I could live in such a place, provided there is internet connection.
The other side of the place is green fields and R.Bharatapuzha with the railway line running in between .Mannanore is the nearest railway station.
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