AN UNUSUAL FAMILY DISPUTE

Cheeru and Kumaran were a couple living in my locality. They were both known to me personally. Both toil hard to make money. Cheeru would give Kumaran her wages too to buy provisions and other necessities for the house. Kumaran had a weakness for liquor. When he earns a little extra money he would spent his week-ends dropping in from one toddy shop, one bar, to the next, switching over from his usual local toddy to foreign liquor. He used to be in a fine mood till he reached his house. The real trouble would begin after that. Cheeru would shout and scream, and make numerous measured quips, aspersions, and perfectly timed digs at him. A wordy altercation between them would commence leading to physical assaults like beating her up and then the grand finale where one could hear the sound of pots breaking one after the other. None of their neighbours interfered as it was a ritual. Early in the morning, Kumaran remorsefully would admit his fault; Cheeru would forgive and forget his weaknesses and shortcomings; they would embrace; he would kill her with kindness and they would become great friends once again. The couple would go together and buy new ones to replace the old pots, which were broken by Kumaran the previous night. Would these pots end up with the same plight at the outbreak of another bickering between these married couples!

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

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