Book Title: Girl in Scarlet Hijab
Author: Suresh U Kumar
Publisher: Rupa Publication India
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-9361566714
Date Published: Dec. 5, 2024
Price: INR 314
Book Excerpt
Chapter 12
A Son’s Promise
THEY HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ALMOST 30 MINUTES SINCE leaving Karnan’s house. The sun had disappeared behind the clouds, and the overcast sky carried the lingering threat of rainfall. Vasu could sense that Karnan’s mind was preoccupied with memories of the past and anticipation of the evening’s event.
Karnan leaned forward to address Murali. ‘Son, it has been a long time since I heard you sing. Can you sing something for me?
It will help me relax a little before we get to Cochin.’
‘I have not sung in years, maamen,’ Murali protested. ‘Besides, I have forgotten the lyrics to the old nadaga gananal you like.’
‘What? A university music award winner has forgotten lyrics?’
Karnan teased. ‘You can tell that to others, not to me. Okay, forget drama songs. How about the song sung by Jayachandran that is on the radio every day, “Hridayeswari”?’
‘Oh, Murali sings that song very well,’ Vasu said.
‘All right, fine.’ Murali smiled. ‘At least I know the words.’
A few seconds passed before Murali’s melodious voice filled the car.
‘The one who reigns over my heart,
In your sigh I heard a sweet music…
The music of love…’
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As they approached the Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple, Vasu instructed Murali to stop near the entrance. He stepped out of the car and stood outside the front gate to say a silent prayer to the supreme deity.
O Lord Shiva, please accept the gratitude of this humble devotee. I thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed on my family and me. Today, I humbly ask for one more favour. Please extend your protection to my dear friend Karnan. Before returning to the car, Vasu glanced around at the old shops with red-tiled roofs that surrounded the temple. Not much had changed from the early 1950s when he had stayed in Vaikom. A flood of memories rushed into his mind as he recalled the stories he had heard during his brief stay. The small town was made famous by Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in March 1925, in a show of solidarity with the lower-caste Hindus demanding their right to enter the temple.
Vasu recalled the townspeople telling him it was here that Karnan, then just a 14-year-old boy, was the youngest protester in the Vaikom Satyagraha, which went on to become an important chapter in the Indian freedom struggle. It was on the unpaved roads leading to the temple that Karnan first cut his teeth into the rapidly unfolding saga of the Indian freedom movement, setting off a chain of events that would eventually lead to their paths crossing in a distant land.
‘Karnan chetta, I just remembered the phrase you often used: truth is stranger than fiction,’ Vasu said as he got back inside the car. When there was no response, he turned to look at Karnan and found him fast asleep, head slumped over his left shoulder. Vasu’s thoughts shifted to the event that lay ahead. He raised his wrist to check the time, only to realize that he had given Karnan his watch. Reaching forward under the driver’s seat, he grabbed the jute bag and removed the revolver with caution, unwrapping the cloth around it. The cool, hard metal of the weapon felt reassuring.
Vasu carefully opened the revolver and then the pouch containing the bullets. One by one, he placed five bullets into the magazine, leaving the chamber for the first bullet empty—a safety precaution he had learnt from General Mohan Singh. As Vasu placed the revolver back in the bag and slid it under the seat, he noticed Murali watching him through the rear-view mirror. ‘Son, I think I should carry the revolver today.’
Murali slapped his palm against the steering wheel. ‘There you go again!’
Karnan stirred, but did not wake up.
‘Shhh…let maamen get some rest,’ Vasu admonished.
Father and son were silent for several minutes, after which Vasu put his hand on Murali’s shoulder. ‘Son, I have made my decision. From this moment, Kali is yours. However, remember the promise you made to your mother…’
Murali glanced at his father, his face lighting up with a grin.
‘Yes, I know. I will not use the revolver unless there is no other choice.’
‘Yes, and remember to stay close to maamen tonight,’ Vasu added after a brief pause. ‘And never forget that Kali carries the burden of history. Promise me that you will always take care of her, just as I did. Do you hear me?’
‘Yes, I promise. Thank you, acha,’ Murali replied.
The dark clouds had returned to the sky, blocking the evening sun. A light rain fell again.
Excerpted with permission from Girl in Scarlet Hijab by Suresh U Kumar published by Rupa Publications India.
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