Lalita sat in the courtyard picking stones from rice when
Nair saar walked in along with
next-door Venu who was visibly seething in anger."Lalita
Chechi, did
you hear supreme court has decided to legalize live-in relationship! Am I glad I
didn’t give into Geetha’s vain arguments and settle down in
Guruvayoor
before little Shalu started her high school. At least here she will be far far
away from live-in and other urban maladies" Venu went on. Lalita smiled indulgently as
she silently offered him a glass of
kattan that brewed through the day in her
kitchen – ready for Venu and many other young men who came in at all hours of
the day to have a word with Nair Saar.
It was a visibly relaxed Venu who stepped out a few minutes later! As Lalita
locked the gate after him, she saw Nair looking out with furtive glance. She
knew exactly what Nair saar must be thinking now – a thought that had been
troubling Lalita since this debate of legalizing live-in has erupted. Would
this Venu and other minions in this temple town look up to Nair Saar if they
ever knew that this octogenarian couple was never ever officially married!
Saar - In many parts of Kerala, "sir" is colloquially referred to as "saar"
Chechi - elder sister
Guruvayoor - A temple town in Kerala. Off late its been a haven for retired couples
Kattan - Black tea\coffee
This 9 sentence fiction is for
Day 1 of WT fest of words 3
That's a nice story...I know how much a live in relationship needs more than a marriage, not that I am negating marriage, but that kid of set up take more commitment I feel. I have gone through both and I know, that's how. Thanks
ReplyDeletehaha.. good one :D
ReplyDeleteHypocrisy is a real part and parcel of our culture, ain't it?
We seem to be doing everything that we pretend to shun. Just that we do not dare to do it in public eye.
ReplyDeleteNice take on the prompt!
Such a nice story Meens!!
ReplyDeleteHmm.. food for thought there. It's takes courage to go against the norms society sets out for us. And it is way easier to hide it all away.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this one... also learning some Kerala - language:-) And so true... people believe what they are told sometimes... if only they knew right?:-)
ReplyDeleteOoh! Lovely, lovely take. I like the sneakiness in her demeanour. Naughty at nearly ninety, aren't they? :D
ReplyDeleteThe debate on live-in relationships have to looked at from all angles and pros and cons evaluated. There have been LIRs from times immemorial these these relationships were never given their due.
ReplyDeleteI liked this one.How does it matter for the couple who have been loving and faithful to each other if they are married or not? It is much better than being married and in quarrel often.
ReplyDeletehere in New Zealand a de-facto relationship is a legal union so this does not shock me at all. But yes Nair Saar is now in a hot soup!
ReplyDeleteThat's a revelation in the end! nice story! The debate on Live-in Relationships never end!
ReplyDeleteI guess society is more open minded about this now….but it's still frowned upon. I wonder too, if they would look up to Nair!
ReplyDeleteHa ha...poor Mr Nair, indeed! You brought out the hypocrisy of these societal norms really well, Meena.
ReplyDeleteaaha ....that was a different take on the prompt. Yes, if the couple are comfortable living the way they are, why trouble them. If a live-in suits them, so be it !
ReplyDeleteMothathil nalla kaduppathiloru kattan kudicha feel :) :P
Wonderful post, Meena. I've heard about contract marriages in Gujarat - which are renewable. This is news to me.
ReplyDeleteLoved the punch line at the end... I expected it and was happy to see it!
Meena this was a superb tale!
ReplyDeleteHaha wonderful, i think it's better to never marry and still be in love with each other than be married and lunge at each other's throat every living minute. Cool couple, this Lalita and Nair Saar :)
ReplyDeleteI can well imagine what Nair Saar will have to bear if his relationship with Lalitha is revealed.
ReplyDeleteVery good one. It's tough to make rural folks change their perspective
ReplyDeleteWith age came wisdom but no marriage registration :) What a secret secret it was!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see someone blog on live in since it's one of the things I honestly believe in. Lovely take. What matters is the right to live and I am aghast how society treat gay and live-in couples.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant story. I think people should stop judging people based on their choice of living. Loved the narration. The smooth flow with which the story progresses.
ReplyDeleteloved the way you narrated this one...a very sensitive theme handled well..
ReplyDeleteHow lovely meena you conjured a story around a lovely topic.
ReplyDeleteRicha
Loved the twist in the tale. Poor Nair saar!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Secret hidden away safely. Actually I have often wondered about these high profile "saars".
ReplyDelete