Pareekutty said, ‘You took me to the shores when I was a boy and turned me into a trader of fish. I can’t trade in anything else. I don’t know how to.’
‘But you lost even the principal; all that we invested in it!’
Pareekutty had his justification for even that. ‘But don’t you see Vaapa, there will be both profit and loss in any trade! And sometimes even the principal would be lost!’
‘And what if there are more losses?’
Pareekutty had only one answer to that. ‘Why don’t you give me my share of the inheritance? You don’t have to give me anything thereafter!’
‘But what is left for me to give you? A plot of land is all there is!’
Abdullah has many troubles. Once he was a man of wealth. But all of it was gone now. And he had a daughter to wed. She was betrothed. Abdullah described his predicament. But Pareekutty wouldn’t change his mind.
Karuthamma noticed that in Pareekutty’s shack there was none of the hustle and bustle that happened before the chakara. He wasn’t buying the mats or the baskets with handles. The cauldrons were not mended either. Nor was he building the hearth. She told her mother that now was the time to give Pareekutty what they owed him. If they felt any gratitude for what he had done for them, now was the time to help him out.
Chakki began pestering Chembankunju. It was of no use; worse, it only seemed to irritate him. That was when Karuthamma knew for certain that her father would never return Pareekutty’s money. That was when she arrived at a few decisions of her own.
One day, she told her mother, ‘My body can’t bear this burden any more.’
At first, her mother didn’t comprehend. ‘What burden is your body having to lug?’
Karuthamma wept. Chakki consoled her. But Karuthamma was insistent, ‘I am going to tell Achan – everything and all – I know then that money will be found.’
Chakki was shaken. ‘My daughter! You mustn’t!’
Chakki feared Chembankunju’s wrath if he were to know what she had done. She didn’t even dare think about it. And from Karuthamma’s tone of voice and choice of words, she worried that there was so much she didn’t know.
In a solitary moment, Karuthamma’s mind wandered. She loved Pareekutty. There would be no place for another man in her heart. She wished she could forget him, their relationship for just one moment. For she was born a fisherwoman. And she would have to die as a fisherman’s wife. That was how it should be, she knew. So shouldn’t she have to forget Pareekutty?
If they could pay the money back, free themselves from that debt, she believed she would be able to forget Pareekutty. She couldn’t bear to see him desolate and ruined because of her. In fact, it was this image of him that haunted her.
As the days went by, nothing changed. Chembankunju didn’t return the money.
Seven
The fisherfolk waited with much eagerness. Every day in every home as people survived on boiled tapioca and gruel, all of them turned their eyes seawards with the same question. Oh mother of the sea, when will we be able to eat a proper meal? When will we be able to shape little balls of rice for each mouthful?
They knew the answer themselves: when the chakara season arrives! It had been so long since they had eaten a fillet of fish.
When the tea-shop owner stopped giving credit, the fisherman confronted him with a, ‘One day, soon, the big catch will happen!’
The women wore faded, tattered, much patched clothes. And when they complained, they were told: ‘Let the big catch happen, and I’ll buy you the finest of mal-mal cloth!’
All needs and desires would be fulfilled then.
Karuthamma too had a desire. Or, was it a need? She told her mother about it. There would be much money made during the big catch season. Apart from that, they ought to set aside a big share from their everyday takings. And with that they would be able to repay Pareekutty. Chakki too would like to build a capital. But with that, she hoped to do something else. Buy gold.
Karuthamma said, ‘I don’t want gold or baubles! I just want you to repay the loan.’
Chakki said, ‘But isn’t that debt your father’s responsibility?’
‘But he won’t repay it!’
Chakki agreed. And so Karuthamma made her plans. Panchami too had a plan. She would pick the small fry from the nets. Besides that her father had promised her a basket of fish from each catch.
Pareekutty too made some decisions. Abdullah mortgaged his house and land to a moneylender, the setu, for two thousand rupees. If he were to plan the big catch sale well that year, they would be able to pay off the debt and get his sister married off. That was his resolve.
Achakunju too would like to profit from this big catch. He hoped to become a boat owner as well. The sea’s long drawn-out barenness had been unexpected. And they had starved during that time.
Achakunju approached Ousep. He too wanted to buy a boat and nets. He was ready for any kind of arrangement. ‘I too want to stand at the helm of a boat and go to sea. And my wife too must come to shore waiting for me to return.’
Ousep asked, ‘What do you have in hand, Achakunju?’
‘Nothing,’ Achakunju replied.
‘So how do you expect to do it?’
In the end Ousep came up with a plan. He would save the money Achakunju made during the big catch. When the season was over, the boat could be bought. And Ousep would subsidize what was needed.
‘But there’s one thing! The boat and nets will be in my name. I will only give you a share of the takings, Achakunju. The share due to the boat owner will be mine. But you will receive the captain’s share. So will you make over to me the money you make during the big catch season? I’ll safeguard it!’
Achakunju agreed. That was customary on the seaside. He went home and told Nallapennu about it. ‘You must also give me your earnings from your sale in the east,’ he said.
‘But why? You give me your share.’
‘You stupid cow, I intend to give both our earnings to Ousepachan.’
Nallapennu wasn’t too happy about this. She asked, ‘How did Chembankunju chettan buy his boat and nets? He gave everything to Chakki.’
However, in the end, they decided to entrust everything to Ousepachan.
Achakunju told everyone that he too was going to buy a boat and nets.
And as they waited with much expectations, the fallow season came to an end. The head of the storm broke. The ensuing currents made them decide that this year the big catch would be on their shores. The eyes of the fishermen lit up with the radiance of hope. Soon, the shore bustled with activity. It had transformed into a little city. Little huts popped up on either side. Tea shops, tailor shops, textile shops, jewellery shops – all of it was there. That year, they were even going to harness power using a generator. So there would be electric lights as well!
The second storm too broke. The sea turned and tossed. Everyone leapt in joy. Dreams burst into bud. When the churning seas settled, it would give rise to their prosperity.
The sea became calm. Boats arrived from distant shores. It was the season of rains. Winds rose, dense grey clouds gathered. But the sea lay tranquil as a pond.
Chembankunju’s workers were quick. He had honed their skills even better. Chembankunju rode the stern with a great vigour. It was always a sight to watch and marvel at.
On the first day, the catch wasn’t much. The fish were still waiting for the seas to temper down. Nevertheless, all the boats were out at sea. That day Chembankunju had the best catch.
Ayankunju opined that it was because Chembankunju had set out earlier than anyone else. However, Raman Moopan was of a different point of view. ‘He’s bought with the boat Pallikunnath’s good fortune as well!’
All the other boat owners swore that even if they couldn’t better their catch significantly, it would have to at least match Chembankunju’s. In truth, he was an inspiration to them.
Ayankunju spurred his men on. ‘Don’t make me holler for you. You must be her
e before dawn breaks. Hey, don’t you have any pride?’
Each one of them felt a competitive sap leap in them. They would try and match Chembankunju’s catch.
Contrary to custom, people gathered on the shores earlier than ever. But some of them still had to be shouted awake and urged to come. The tea shops too began their business earlier than usual. That day Chembankunju’s boat set out late. He hadn’t known About the Author leaving ahead.
From the movement of the boats, it was quite evident that it was a good catch day. Traders and vendors went to the shores. Pareekutty was restless. He seemed to be expecting someone. He had only a little cash in hand. The setu’s manager had promised to come with the money. But he hadn’t arrived yet. Pareekutty was waiting for him.
In every way, it was a day of fortuitous events. The sea was bustling with fish and apart from that it was a bright and sunny day. If shrimps were steamed, it would dry quickly enough. He would be able to make some money that day.
Time sped. The setu’s manager Pachupillai didn’t come. Pareekutty began to worry that he wouldn’t be able to profit from the big catch. The boats turned back to shore. Pareekutty became even more anxious. Others stood there with the necessary sums of cash. The shore rang with boisterous cries of celebration. In the restaurants, they laid out the banana leaves and began serving lunch onto them. When the boats drew closer to the shore, the people on the shore would rush to drag them onto the sand. In little hovels, fires were lit and tin-coated iron vessels were put on them. Not a moment could be wasted. Pareekutty’s workers also got ready.
The first boat to draw closer was Chembankunju’s. As always it rode the seas. Khadar Boss said, ‘Don’t even think of winning against him!’
Maideenkunju agreed.
One old fisherman said, ‘That is a god riding the stern!’
The boat drew closer to the shore. Shrimp. In all sizes.
Pareekutty leapt towards Chembankunju. What had happened the previous time had escaped his memory. But then anyone would forget in such a moment of excitement! Pareekutty requested, ‘Chembankunju, give me your catch!’
Without a trace of pity Chembankunju looked at Pareekutty’s face and retorted, ‘Do you have the money? Or scram!’
That too was customary behaviour from this fisherman when the boat reached the shore. But even before Pareekutty could find an answer, Khadar drew closer. Pareekutty knew for sure then that he wouldn’t get Chembankunju’s catch. Pareekutty ran seeking other boats.
As usual, Chembankunju was the one who decided the price of the fish for the day. The catch was good that day. And he had the biggest haul of them all. Pareekutty managed to buy one-third of the catch from another boat. That was all he could afford to buy.
Setting aside money for the expenses, Chembankunju divided the income between the workers. Suddenly he had a thought. He said, ‘Look, we had a really good day at sea; and look at the water … it’s shimmering in the sun. It is a perfect day. And the price is good!’
The men didn’t understand what he implied.
‘You asses, what I mean is you have to winnow when the wind is right. It is a good time to make money. What’s the point in stuffing your faces with rice and lying on your backs? I am ready to go back to sea for another haul!’
Achakunju who stood nearby heard what was being said. Even though Chembankunju hadn’t spoken to him, he said, ‘I can’t help but say this. Just because you can make money, you don’t empty the sea out.’
Besides, it wasn’t the accepted norm to go to sea twice a day. It wasn’t allowed.
Chembankunju said, ‘Think about it!’
The shore was resplendent with prosperity. It seemed as if gold had been flung around the hovels. Steamed shrimp was laid out to dry.
That day Achakunju didn’t go to the restaurant to eat. Hadn’t he made a decision on what his life would be like henceforth? He went home. That was the agreement. Nallapennu asked, ‘How come you are here? Haven’t you eaten your lunch?’
Achakunju was furious. ‘You won’t amount to much ever. You will never own a boat and nets.’
Achakunju turned and walked away. Even though she felt guilty, Nallapennu said, ‘Why didn’t you tell me when you left at dawn?’
‘Didn’t we clasp hands and agree upon this?’
That was the truth. As Achakunju walked away, Nallapennu said, ‘Take what you need for lunch and give me the rest. I’ll keep it. We can give it to Ousepachan later.’
Achakunju flung several notes and coins at her.
After he had eaten his lunch, Chembankunju returned to the shore. But none of his men came. So his dreams of making even more money that day came to nothing.
In the evening, boats came from Cheriazhikal, Trikunnapuzha and other such places. It rained heavily that night. The next day the boats set out only after dawn had broken.
Chembankunju scolded his men for not putting the boat out to sea earlier. That day too Chembankunju was ahead of everyone else. But there was another boat that was surging ahead, the boatman rowing strongly without pausing for breath. Everyone began asking whose boat it was. The boat was from Trikunnapuzha. The boatman’s name was Palani. A young man.
Chembankunju’s and Palani’s boats stood neck to neck. It seemed as if they were competing with each other to race ahead. With a determination veering towards doggedness, the two of them rowed powerfully; the steersmen prodding them on. It was a splendid sight.
It looked as if Chembankunju’s boat had fallen back a bit. Who would get the greater catch this day? It was difficult to decide based on where the boats were anchored and how the nets were flung.
On their way back to the shore, too, the boats raced each other. If the helms drew any closer, it would end in a tussle. When the helms brushed, everyone quailed in fright.
Karuthamma asked, ‘Ammachi, why is Achan so stubborn?’
Chakki too was anxious.
Let the catch be over and done with. But why be stubborn about it? Chembankunju wasn’t young. If the helms crashed, anything could happen. Each one of those moments stretched like an epoch. Whew! The boats were finally nearing the shore.
There was much jubilation on the shore. No one won. Nor had anyone lost. They were on par. There was enough fish in both boats.
The boats drew closer. Karuthamma looked carefully at a bandana-wearing Palani who jumped onto the sands holding a huge oar in his hand. He was a young man of splendid and sturdy proportions. Chembankunju embraced Palani. He said, ‘You are the sea’s prince, my boy!’
Palani didn’t speak.
That day it was Palani’s catch which fetched the best price. And so Chembankunju suffered a small loss.
Chembankunju asked Palani, ‘What’s your name, my boy?’
The sturdy young man was shy. The man who stood before Chembankunju wasn’t the young god who had lorded the stern with such vigour. He wasn’t the young man who stood holding an oar larger than Chembankunju’s and with his eye fixed on the horizon. Now he was a bashful boy. Where did all that dignity disappear?
The young man said, ‘Palani.’
‘You know your job, my boy! It isn’t enough if you are born a fisherman, you must know how to fish the waters.’
Palani continued to be silent.
Chembankunju asked, ‘What’s your father’s name?’
‘Velu. He’s dead!’
‘And your mother?’
‘She’s also dead!’
‘So who else do you have?’
‘No one.’
Chembankunju asked in surprise, ‘No one?’
Palani was quiet.
When Chembankunju went home, Chakki asked him, ‘You may think you are young but is this any way to behave?’
Chembankunju didn’t seem to hear her. A new big thought had entered his head. The oblivion he felt when he rode the stern of his boat at sea was something he could talk to her about. But that wasn’t what he wanted to tell her. He had an important subject to bring up with his wife.
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br /> Chembankunju told his wife quietly, ‘Did you see that boy who stood at the stern of the boat?’
‘I did.’
‘He’s a smart boy, isn’t he?’
Chakki too was drawn towards him. Not just her, everyone else on that shore felt the same about the young man.
Chakki asked, ‘What is it?’
‘It would be good if we can get him.’
Chakki didn’t speak.
Chembankunju continued, ‘I asked him. He says he is all alone. Nothing wrong with that. Probably it’s even good.’
Chakki asked, ‘So why didn’t you invite him home to eat with us?’
‘I didn’t think of it.’
In fact, Chakki felt relief course through her. Chembankunju had found a boy for their girl. It meant he hadn’t forgotten his duty as a father.
That young man was a prize. Someone would snatch him away. Chembankunju too was worried about that. After lunch, Chembankunju went back to the shore.
Palani and others were asleep under a coconut palm. Chembankunju wasn’t able to talk to him that day.
The next day, too, the competition raged at sea. Chembankunju lost. Palani had the greater catch.
Chembankunju’s workers grew even more aggressive. Karuthakunju said, ‘Let them not come to our shore and show off.’
Kunjuvava would have liked to have challenged their boat. But it would end in a squabble.
Chembankunju intervened. ‘What’s this? Are you jealous when you see men who know how to work well? What’s it for? If you want to win, try working harder.’
At that point, Chembankunju’s workers had another thought. If not at sea, they would have to take on the outsiders on land. Velutha protested. ‘If they are here on our shore now; tomorrow we’ll be on theirs.’
That didn’t matter. Something had to be done. It was a time when money brimmed their palms. If it ended in a police case, so be it. That was their attitude. It was a state of mind Chembankunju was familiar with – and which was the reason for his anguish. It wasn’t just Chembankunju’s workers. All the other men on the shore too were jealous. No one ought to be that smart! they said. Nevertheless, there were many people who opposed this as well.
Chemmeen Page 7
