ABOUT KAROOR SOMAN
കാരൂര് സോമന്
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Streets on Fire
The Ocean
The Human Ocean
It looked like a huge ocean.
A great ocean in which differently coloured people from diverse places move forward swaying and swinging like waves. Those who have travelled together till now, rush forward quickly, unmindful of the companions as they have to reach different shores quickly. An army of the nameless. They have arrived from various countries, travelling for many hours. Black, white brown and fair. The red lips and eyes of the half-dressed beauties are as beautiful as blooming flowers. Some are wearing the traditional costumes of their countries. Every moment the ocean is undulating in numerous folds in different places, growing and surging up.
Since he got down from plane at the Heathrow airport in London, Jacky felt that he had stepped into a dream world. Hariharan with the pet name Jacky. He himself has forgotten his real name Hariharan. That is an interesting story.
Jacky stood and stared at the magical world that was the Heathrow Airport. He has come from a land where there is greenery everywhere round the year. How many beautiful, bright planes are taking off and landing, waving their shining wings! There too the sound is similar to that of the beating waves. Jacky walked towards the Immigration gazing at the planes of different countries with interest. They proclaim the fame of their countries. Even after reaching the Immigration he could not wipe off the long lines of planes from his mind. He did not see so many planes even in the airport of Dubai. The young man and a woman are walking in front of him as if swimming in the ocean of love. Jacky’s mind was filled with anxiety. He had all the necessary papers in hand. Still he did not know what sort of questions they are going to ask him. Will they ask so many questions to a student? I have come here to study, not to spread religious feelings or terrorism he thought.
In the Immigration too, people arrive like soaring waves. People who own British or European Passport do not have to wait long. They have separate doors. Those who have British Passports have machines in five different rooms. The immigration work is done by them. When the main page of the passports is pressed against the machine the face appears on the screen. Then the door for exit opens. A black woman stands near it for help. Eyes of the surveillance cameras copy everyone’s movements. There are police men in some places. When a British citizen goes out in a minute, people from others countries have to wait for more than an hour. The white man who sat beside Jackey in the plane had said that those who hold, British or American passport can travel in many countries without visa. Jacky remembered how people suffer in the cruel hands of the demon called casteism in his own native country. Just like that, are poor countries being treated as low caste and the rich as high caste in the international sphere? He recalled the words of Jesus Christ and the Gurudeva. Christ said.” Love your neighbour as you love yourselves”. Gurudeva said- “One caste one religion and one God for all. “Are there any other sayings deeper and sweeter than these, capable of wiping off the malignant nature of man and filling him with joy?
People of all countries should be able to travel as freely as the British and American Passport holders. That is equal justice to all. Then only the heavenly love of Christ, the single caste of Gurudeva and the virtues of Rama can be celebrated. Otherwise human beings will have to live as the prisoners of caste, separatism and the evils that time brings to us in its never ceasing flow.
After the normal procedures at the Immigration, Jockey went towards the conveyor belt to collect his luggage. Then he understood one thing. That region was protected against even a huge flood. Travellers stood waiting for their luggage. The numbers of the planes were being announced. He went towards the place where luggage from the Dubai flight would arrive. Within a short time Jacky received his luggage. As he walked towards the exit with it, he gazed at the rows of shops inside the airport. You can buy anything and take it out. Many shops with different kinds of goods. A book stall was the busiest place. The British had grown through centuries by their reading habit. Their literature has spread everywhere in the world. Book reading has an important place in their culture. As we say, only a swimmer knows the depth of the river; only those who have knowledge can progress in life.
Jacky walked towards the place where people waited to receive those who had arrived. Everybody had a placard with the name of the guest written on it. Some had bouquets and flowers in their hands. People from all countries were there. Suddenly he heard a call from behind. He turned and looked. His eyes bloomed with happiness. He asked gently, Are you not Daniel Sir? “Yes. I am Daniel, known as Dani.” The stranger said in Malayalam with a smile. Jacky took both of his hands with respect.
He was a middle aged man, wearing spectacles. His pleasant expression itself evoked respect. Touching Jacky’s shoulder he said “come, let us leave.” They walked forward and reached the car park in the lift. The car made two or three turnings and came down to the road. It was only then that Jacky realized that the parking area was so high. While travelling Daniel asked him various questions about his family, journey to Great Britain and the heavy rain and the great flood that occurred in Kerala recently. The most painful piece of news was about the deaths of so many people due to the flood and soil erosion. There was no flood or danger in Charummoodu and Thamarakulam. Jacky and his friends went to Chengannur and engaged in flood relief work. Dani congratulated him on hearing that. Youth should come forward on such occasions of danger and disaster. A deluge was necessary to make Malayalees forget their difference in religion caste and politics and to become a single force to fight against the calamity. Now the foreign Malayalees are proud about their countrymen. Otherwise there is no meaning in announcing that it is God’s own country. The injustice, violence and other impurities that were present there have been washed off by the flood and the land is purified. Jocky’s conclusion about this great catastrophe was like this: “Man was cruel to Nature. The rich were proud and ignored or destroyed Nature. Now the rivers have immersed them in fathomless sorrow. “Dani was also thinking about it. Why did Nature become so destructive? Why did it wipe and the charm of this splendid, fascinating land of greenery, which had been the seat of ravishing beauty? He could not find an answer to it. How quickly was god’s own land made vacant? Jacky felt that he was still hearing the helpless screams of people who were seeing death face to face. Dani told him:
“This is the age of Kali”
India is a land of many gods. But no god or prophet appeared to save people from this deluge. It is in the countries where the strength of caste, religion and power are very high and the people who wield them lead luxurious lives that suffering and misery are showered over the common folk. The government should try to avoid disasters, first. Secondly, if a disaster occurs, the government should learn the means to face it, observing other countries like America or Japan. In those countries houses are built keeping in tune with nature. Authorities never allow anyone to build a house to his own liking, on the basis of bribes. I hope that the recent experiences will change our country in to a new Kerala. If the unity and co-operation displayed at the time of the flood is continued, Kerala will become a model to the whole world. Don’t you think so, Jacky? Jacky agreed. He said
“God does not need much time to destroy a city or a country. What we saw were days of god’s revenge. But sir, Malayali will not learn a lesson from even that.”
Jacky realized that Dani Sir was an ordinary man with no vanity organs. He had a spiritual bend of mind. During the journey Jacky lost himself in the beautiful road side scenes. A police Vehicle flew by raising a loud siren. He never thought that this great city of kings and queens was so attractive. The whole environment seemed as if bathed in moonlight. Is this strange light that spreads everywhere from the blue sky, from the rays of the sun or of moon?
They travelled for one and a half hours from the airport and reached a beautiful garden where flowers stood smiling. There were many two or three storied buildings here and there in the compound. They stood among leafy trees. There was also a nice vegetable garden in one side. There were trees growing oranges, apples and pears. Beauty of nature was visible everywhere. It was evident that all these were cultivated with great care. Some women were walking towards them.
Their car stopped in front of a beautiful house. Jacky got out of the car and looked all around with great enthusiasm. All sights were interesting. The front part of all the houses were captivating. Windows had glass panes. There were a few cars in the park. Some women came down from another two-storied building. All of them stared at Jacky and his companion. Some other women were peeping from a window. He felt that there was something strange and wrong in the glitter of those eyes. He had heard that there were many prostitutes here. Their movements too supported his doubts. One could notice, in their eyes and lips, the eagerness to kiss and hug a male.
Dani Sir pressed the calling bell. He looked at Jacky. He did not show any sign of fatigue of having travelled for thirteen hours. He looked pleasant.
A shadow could be seen behind the glass pane of the front door. Jacky thought that it was Sister Carmel. But the door was opened by a voluptuous white woman. She had a shapely figure. Some sketches were drawn above her breasts and on her arms. She was about thirty or thirty five. She was wearing a chain of rudraksha, no ear studs or make up. The hair was brownish. A woman of attractive physical appearance. Jacky understood that she was dumb when she gestured to them. That sweet face looked sad and frustrated. Was her life downtrodden by some cruel person?
It appeared that she recognized the visitor. She welcomed them and gestured them to sit in the chairs in the drawing room. There was a picture of crucified Christ in the room. Then she went out.
Dani told Jacky about that woman. She was Merlin, the secretary of Sister Carmel. She was performing all the duties in the office. He added
“Merlin has gone to inform the Sister of our arrival”. Jacky turned the pages of the newspapers on the teapoy.
Dani gave his mobile to Jacky and advised. “Call home and tell them about your arrival in London.” Jacky took the phone politely. He talked to his parents returned the phone and thanked Dani. Just then, an angelic nun walked up to them with a hearty smile. Jacky fact that her shining eyes were like a light. The cross hanging on her breast shone like gold. She was wearing a dress as white as moonlight. They stood up and bent their heads in reverence to her. After requesting them to be seated she too sat down. Then she turned to Jacky with a smile
“Hi! Jacky has arrived, I am sister Carmel. Was the journey comfortable?
“Yes.” He answered.
Jacky felt that he was sitting beside a mother. He gazed at that brilliant face. In spite of her age, how bright her eyes were! Her look spread peace in every heart. Her eyes and lips seemed to relieve him of some sort of tension. He sat with calm and clear mind. But there was no change in sister –Carmel’s expression. She sat with the same pleasant smile. That smile had the depth and vastness of a sea. Even in thick mist it would be luminous. Moments in which silence and meditation mingled together. These nuns are the lustrous stars of the earth, praying in deserts and snowy mountains for the wellbeing and safety of others.
“Jacky can stay here for a few days as my guest. Within that time a small job and proper lodging have to be found out. For that we need the help of Dani sir”
Dani said with a loud laugh. “Of course I will try. Isn’t Jacky our boy? Then let me now leave, Sister.” They all stood up.
Jacky held both his hand and said.
Thank you sir, Thank you very much.”
Dani bade them good bye.
Soon Merlin came with a file. She placed it on the table and sat down in a chair.
Sister Carmel introduced her to Jacky.
“Jacky, this is Merlin. She is the sole supporter of everyone here. Many of her classmates are working. She had to suffer cruelty at her own home, from her stepfather. Then she escaped from home and took shelter here. Now her stepfather is in jail. In this country those who torture women are given severe punishments. Do you know the name of this institution ‘Ladies Care Home’. Here men have no admission. Don’t you know that?
“I know that Sister!” Jacky said politely
“This is a charity institution. It gives shelter to the helpless girls and women who are have to lead a bad life due to the force of circumstance. They may fall into such pits either with or without their knowledge. We protect them and do everything for their healthy and decent life. It is not easy to reform or correct those who have practiced sin and wrong actions all their life. Still we try to educate them, love them and keep them with us mentally and physically. We try to lead them forward in prayer, education job and medical treatment. Many young women who had stayed here are now leading happy family lives with good jobs. I serve here as a doctor and charity worker. This is what I have to say about this Institution.
Jacky understood the social impact of such an institution. He said with enthusiasm. “Sister you are really the savior of these poor folk”.
Sister said with a smile. “There is no meaning in being called saviors. They should be able to do active service. I saw and heard how many people in Kerala became the salvagers of the victims of the recent flood. I was very much excited. I have no salary or other personal income. So I could not help financially. I fasted for a day and prayed God to save my people from this deluge.”
Jacky described how he and his friends helped the flood victims of Chengannur. Sister said. “Everything happens by God’s will. You were sent here also by God’s will. It was Fr. Michael my classmate for medicine in Italy, who told me about you. When I heard that there was nobody else to help you here I promised to give shelter to you for two weeks. It is usually religious people who take shelter here. Now you can go inside with Merlin, have some food, take a bath and get fresh. I have to go for a class. We shall meet later O.K.?”
Merlin had been typing something on the computer. Sister informed Merlin through gestures, of Jacky and went out.
Jacky considered it as a great good fortune to be able to sit beside a mother who was like an angel. She had devoted her life to the service of women who lead a malignant life. A mother who facts and prays for her mother land in the grip of danger. How many ascetics could fast and pray like this? Jacky had to thank Sharon for all this. He had got this opportunity through her uncle Fr. Michael in Italy. Some religious people are trying to get the blessings of godly men. But what does sister Carmel do? She is a Malayali nun in whom God’s grace and glory are visible. She is trying to save the women who have fallen in to the valley of sin! That too in foreign countries! These missionaries are like candles that burn away in the service of sinners. Jacky’s heart was filled with pride and respect.
He came back from these thoughts when Merlin approached him. She gestured him to follow her to the canteen. Some women were eating in a large hall. Some of them were almost nude. The Vasavadathas who had led a sinful life till now do not care for clothes. Those flirtatious women stared at Jacky. They might be seeing a man inside this building for the first time. Jacky’s mind was disturbed. Seeing their lecherous looks and expressions, his face contorted. They were women who had made money by selling their body. They might have yielded obediently to the wishes of the rich customers on their perfumed beds. Now they have given up their life of sinful deeds and are seeking a pure life. Still their appearance and looks are sexy. What is the reason for that? They purified their life and beauty through self-mortification. Leaving their decadent life they have reached an oasis. So, let us consider that look as something signifying their past misery; Jacky thought.
Merlin led him to a separate room. It was only then that his mind was cleared of the clouds of doubt and fear. Still he could see the half-naked women through the open door. Merlin went to the kitchen. Jacky looked around with curiosity. The dining tables of the prostitutes are kept very clean as if trying to keep off their sins. Whatever he saw there was new to him.
After sometime Merlin came with food in a white tray. Inviting him to eat by gesture, she went out. Jacky stared at the food for many minutes. What kind of food is this? Along with the spoon there is a fork and knife to eat with. One cannot insist that one should get the same food that one used to eat at home. There were green leaves, cooked fish and potato. Jacky could not identify the other items of food. He was very hungry. He peeped through the door. He did not know how to eat with the fork. Looking outside he ate everything with his hand. It was like a snake swallowing a frog. He drank the juice too. His thirst and hunger were quenched. Anyway nobody saw what he had done.
Merlin came and gesticulated. Jacky understood nothing. Still he smiled at her and followed her to the office. They reached the guestroom. Merlin was with him always, giving him the necessary help. After showing him around the room she returned to the office. Jacky closed the door and looked around. This is the refuge of prostitutes. One has to be very careful he thought skill all the women he saw here were graceful. There was no need to fear. Because they are led and controlled by a nun with unique grace.
He looked around the room once again. There were two beds, an elegant sofa and three chairs. A flower vase on the clean table. Two shelves close to the wall. On one side of the wall there was a picture of Christ’s last supper. There were also many other beautiful pictures on the wall. He took the towel and new dress and went to the bathroom.
Jacky felt fresh and revived after the bath. He switched on the T.V. But he could not listen to the B.B.C news on the T.V. His mind was at his own home and native place. Even though he could talk to his parents briefly he did not talk to Sharon who was responsible for his arrival here. He felt the prick of conscience. A new phone should be bought the next day itself. He switched off the T.V and lay on the bed. But he couldn’t sleep at all. He turned and tossed himself on the bed. Many thoughts were moving in his head. The most prominent was the thought about Sharon. His throat was dry. He got up and drank some water from the jug on the table. “This shelter of the harlots and its surroundings are all attractive. Still my mind is very much disturbed. When the sister comes I will call home from her phone.” He decided.
Just them Jacky heard someone knocking at the door. When he opened it there was the smiling Sister Carmel. She entered the room, sat on the sofa and asked.
“Did you have your lunch?”
“Yes Sister. I have also taken a bath”.
Jacky said politely. Sister bade him to sit down.
“Jacky, you should go to the university with Merlin, tomorrow. I have told her that already. Don’t forget to take all the certificates with you”
Jacky consented. “It will take some time for you to get adjusted to the new environments. Did you call home? Take this phone and call”.
Jacky felt very happy. He said” I have talked to my parents from Dani Sir’s phone. Now I have to call Kottaram Koshy sir and his daughter Sharon”.
Hearing the word ‘Kottaram’ something like an earthquake occurred in the Sisters head. That name shines in her mind always. She looked at Jacky’s face seriously.
“What is the house name? Is it ‘Kottaram’ Sister Carmel” mind dug deep into her memories of her past. She repeated with anxiety “Is it Kottaram”
“Yes. Koshy sir of Kottaram house is a living god for us.” When Jacky stopped talking about Koshy sir, the sister became quiet. Her heart throbs became faster. The memories of the relationship of the past became stronger. That innocent face was filled with strange expression. She was very quiet. But what was the feeling that frightened her eyes? Sorrow or joy?
(Cont’d)
