The Umbrella

On this father's day remembering my Acchan I would like to write down some memorable moments of my life. I don't know why a single day is being marked as a remberance for your loved ones?  For, the one who dwells in your heart doesn't need a day to be remembered. He is always there, alive, in some part of your brain. Don't know why so?? But I feel, the connectivity, or the bond is never broken, may be the soul is always connected. My Acchan as I have introduced to you all before, was a big hearted man, always loved and adored by everyone in our Kudumbam. He was that "Umbrella" who will protect his near and dear from the showers of pain and sadness even if the umbrella has a hole in it. He was so generous that he will give away whatever he has to the one in front of him even if he doesn't have enough for his family. He always used to count the needy first, than his needs. He is still remembered and loved by all. I would love to pen down an incident. This was the year I think may be 1977 or '78 when a major flood took place in Calcutta. The life in the city came to a stand still. It was pouring day in and out for weeks and the whole city was completely submerged in water and all places where the eyes can see, was water, water and only  water. The city was completely water logged and the water level on streets rose to a height of around second floor buildings. This was the time when boats were sailing on the roads helping out the estranged souls, and were also, giving out the medicines, to be safe from cholera. As kids we were all excited and really enjoyed the sight of boats on roads. All the houses on the ground floor and first floor were evacuated and people were shifted to care centers and shelter homes.  The situation was such that no daily commodities was reachable and the livelihood of the citizens came to a complete halt. It was during this period that my cousins, who were staying seperately after getting jobs  were finding it difficult to survive these odds. Their house, where they used to stay, all got submerged and they got stuck themselves in their offices. Their only ray of hope was my Accha. Their "Umbrella." They called him for help with utmost difficulty since telephone lines too were disconnected. My acchan made arrangements for their safety and when the water level receded, approached them to come over to our house. Our  home being on the third floor of the building was not much effected. So my cousins along with their room mates arrived and stayed in our home. The availability of gas or gasoline too was very difficult. Amma, and we all for the first time in our life used the chulha. Aduppu or wooden fire place of kitchen in Kerala, was entirely different from a Chulha. Chulha once ignited burns out the coal very easily, so one has to be ready with all the preparations of cooking first and then set up the flames of the chulha. It cooks very quickly and your meal get ready in no time. The best part is that it gives out warmth while cooling down  thus a remorse, from the dampness, because of continuous raining. We used to cling around, Amma in the evening when she used to make dinner to get the warmth from the chulha. My Amma did the cooking for everyone with whatever little could be managed by Acchan. The prior indication of rain and storm in the papers helped Amma to arrange for the groceries primarily, and all such necessary stuffs were stocked in advance. Thus we all, though having tough times, could have our stomach full. It took a month or two to get the life back on tracks. All my cousins and their friends were happy and were very obliged. They thanked my Acchan and Amma. Life went by as usual and years passed by, we all sisters by now were married and settled. 

It's so happened that my Amma and Accha were on a trip to Kerela.  Oh! I forget to mention one wonderful habit of my Acchan. My Acchan was a person living in the present. He never plans anything. He goes on with his life, as the life takes him. My Amma and Acchan were on their return journey to Calcutta, as said, my Acchan checked the tickets only when he reached the station and lol !! The tickets were not confirmed and more over the boarding station too was very far. They had to board a local train to reach their boarding destination. Now  Amma was loosing her cool  and Accha was trying to find a solution. In this haphazard situation of theirs out came a solace to them in person and helped them. Any guess??........

As said by the learnt, your good deeds always comes back to you as your karma. This person was none other;  He was one of those friends of my cousins who took shelter in our home during floods.  He was stationed as a Station Master in that Railway Station. He was overwhelmed seeing my Amma and Acchan. He now arranged a stay for them in  the Railyatri Niwas and also booked a confirmed ticket for them for their safe journey. The "Umbrella" was once again unflured but this time the other way.

I never liked Accha's haphazard way of handling things. But he always used to just smile and say "take it easy". Life is just to live so live fully. Acchan lived his life fully, being just simple, loveable and caring for others. And I am still trying to imbibe these values into my kids and myself for  experiencing life better. May be, because of this lively spirit, I could withstand this lockdown period so cooly.