Chapter 8

It was around 7.40 when Deepa silently crept back to the gate, made some noise as if she was locking away the cycle at the shed and rang the bell. Ratna, by now, properly dressed, opened the door and let her in. Deepa asked her, "Amma, enna 'velai ellam' mudinjudha? Appa enge? Ravi vandhuttaana? Neenga rendu perum enna saapitenngala? Ille, engalukkaaga kaathikittu irukeengala?" "Mom, have you finished all your 'work'? Where's dad? Has Ravi reached home? Have you taken dinner or just waiting for us?"

"Illedi, innum Ravi varalle. Naanum appavum konja neram TV paathuttu irundhom. Raviyum vandhuttaanna sappida vendiyadhudhaan." "No dear, Ravi has not reached home yet. We were watching TV and we'll have dinner on Ravi's arrival."

"Edhaavadhu pudhu idea unda saapiduradhukku? Neeyum Raviyum onnavum, naanum appavum thaniyavum saapidara maadhiri edhavadhu programme unda enna?" "Any new plans to eat? Hope there must some programme for You and Ravi together and Dad and I together."

Ratna asked in a disturbing tone, "Ennadi pudhusaa ennennamo kekkira? Saapiduradhula enna pudhusa programme?" "What new plans are involved in eating? I don't understand."

"Edho thonicchu kaetten. Sari, naan poyi seekirama kulicchutt varren. Pasikkudhu." "Oh, nothing... just like that I asked... okay ma, I'll quickly have a bath. Feel so hungry."

"Ippo edhukku kulikkanum?" "What's the need for a bath now?"

"Ennamo thonudhu; appothaan, saapidumbodhu konjam freshaa irukkum ille. Ennappa, neengale sollunga, naan freshaa irundha ungallukku romba pidikkum illaiya?" "I want to freshen up before we eat. Dad, won't you like it better if I freshen up?"

Mani was also taken aback to hear this statement from his daughte; but, he tried to maintain his cool and said, "okay, poyi seekirama kuli. Ravi vandhuduvaan, saapidalam. Naanum..." "okay, quickly have your bath. We'll have dinner on Ravi's return. In the meanwhile, let me also..."

"Neengalum kulikka poreengala? Yenn? Naandhaan veliye cyclele sutthittu vandhirukken, orey dust moonjiyellam. Ungalukku enna? Rombavum viyarvaiya vera irukku. Sari vaanga kulikkalam." Do you also want to have a bath? Why? I had been out on cycle and accumulated dust all over my face. What did you do and why are you so drenched in sweat? It's okay, come on, let's go and bathe."

Ratna could not control her emotions and blurted out, "Ennadi Deepa rombave overaa pesare? Eppadi nee appava onna kulikka koopiduve?" "Deepa, are you in your senses? You and dad in the same bath room?"

"Aiyo amma, ippove poraamaipaduriye. Naan appavai avar bathroomile kulikka sonnen. Ennoda onna kulikkava koopitten? Adhuvum innikkeva koopiduven? Adhukku innum..." and she did not complete the sentence, and slowly let the silence hit them about the hidden meaning in it. "Oh no mom, why do you feel so jealous right now? I told him to go to his bathroom. Did I call him to my bathroom to have a combined bath? Do you think I would call him so soon, and just today? There's time for it..."

"Deepa varavara nee pesuradhu engalukku onnum puriyale... sari vetti pecchu pesaama seekirama kulicchhuttu dress maathikittu vaa." "Deepa, of late, we can't understand any of your blabberings. Okay, quickly finish your bath, change into something comfortable and join us for dinner soon."

"Appa, naan endha maadhiri dress potta innikki raathirikku porutthamaa irukkum? Yenna, Ravikkum pidikkanum ille? Naan miniskirtum sleeveless tops, adhuvum thoppul theriya maattikkattuma? Ravikkum romba pidikkum," "Dad, what dress should I wear for this special night? Ravi must also like it. May I change to a mini-skirt with sleeveless tops, showing off my bellybutton? Ravi likes it very much!" and with that she danced into her room. After a while, she bathed herself and changed into a short skirt, barely upto her knees, and a thin sleeveless cotton tops, running just above her navel. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, secured with a rubberband. She applied very little make-up and emerged out of her room. By the time, Ravi had just returned from the library. He was seemingly tired after an exhaustive reference and intensive study with his friend about some computer programme that he was assigned to execute.

Deepa could not find the appropriate time to talk to Ravi about the issues and decided to talk at night, if her dad did not open the topic at dinner. If he did, she thought, there would be no need for her to go into the details. She just waited with fingers crossed.

The family, each one immensed in his/her own thoughts, headed to the dining room for dinner. Both the couples sat at the table, Deepa opposite Ravi and Mani sat opposite Ratna. Ratna set the plates and started serving the dishes. They started to eat in silence. Ratna broke the silence with "Ennanga... Ravi Deepa vishayamaa ennamo sollanumnu sonneengale. Ippo solluradhudhaane?" Dear, you wanted to discuss something about Deepa and Ravi... why not start it now?"

Iru Ratna, sollathaane poren. Ravi, naan Bhubaneswar pakkam transfer-kku try panna poren. Anga irukkira branchle 'transfer on promotion'-kku thayaraannu ennoda office-le konja naalaikku munnaale kaettaanga. Appo naan office-le uruppadiya badhil sollalle. Aana, ippo 2-3 naalave nalla yosichu paathadhile, transfer ponaa namma ellarukkum adhu nalladhunnu padudhu. Deepa, Ravi, eppadi namma 'ellarukkum' nalludhunnu yosicheengala?" "Wait darling, I'm about to open it now. Ravi, I would like to get transferred to Bhubaneswar. Do you know, a few weeks ago, I was asked to submit my willingness to go to the Bhubaneswar branch on transfer on promotion; I did not give any substantive reply then. But, for the last two three days, on detailed consideration of 'several' issues, I think it would certainly benefit 'all' of us if I opt to go there on transfer. Deepa and Ravi, can you guess how this would benefit us all?"

Though Deepa knew how it would be beneficial to all, as Ravi was not aware of anything, he simply started at his parents. Deepa kept quite as if she was too anxious to know how it would be.

Mani continued, "Naan transferkku sammadhikkiradhukke neenga rendu perumdhaan kaaranam." "You two are instrumental for my option to go there on transfer."

Seemingly annoyed, Ravi interrupted "Naangala? Naanga eppadi kaaranamaaga mudiyum? Enakku theriyum, neenga edho trick panni enga rendu peraiyum pirikka try panreengala? Neenga enna panninaalum naanum Deepavum ippadiyedhaan iruppom. Adhu nicchayam." "We? How? I know, you are just planning some tricks to separate us from each other. However hard you try, you won't succeed and we're very determined in our decision."

Mani tried to pacify him, "Ravi, konjam avasarapadaama naan solluradha kelu. Yellam unga nalladhukkaagatthan naan solluren. Ippo..." "Ravi, don't rush to conclusions. Just calm down and listen to me. I try to do everything to keep you all happy. Just listen to now."

Before he could complete, Ravi just lost his control and started yelling, "Appa, 20 varushatthukku munnadiye neengalum enga ammavum annan-thangachiya irundhum kooda kaadhalicheenga; unga appa ammavai edhutthukkittu kalyaanam senjeenga; ooru vittu vera ooru vandhu unga vaazhkkaiya aarambicheenga. Ungalukku adhu sariyinnu pattudhu. Aana, adhey maadhiri, naanum Deepavum ippo love pannuradhu unga rendu perukkum thappa padudha? Idhu nyayamdhaana?" "Dad, 20 years ago, in spite of being siblings, you and mom fell in love, against the wishes of your parents, you two eloped from your home, went to a new town, got married and started a new life. You feel what you did 20 years ago is right; but, when the same thing repeats in our family, Deepa and I want to do the same thing, you sternly oppose and put a big fight. Do you think it's right and justified?"

Both Mani and Ratna, as they doubted that somehow Ravi knew their darkside, took it coolly in their stride. Ratna got up, stroked Ravi's head lovingly, and said, "Ravi, porumaiya iru, avasarappadadheyda. Appa enna solla varraarunnu nidhaanama kelu. Avar unga rendu pirikkaporrennu ungitta ippo sonnaara?" "Ravi, cool down, just listen to you dad; let him complete. Have patience. Did he ever mention that he intends to separate you both?"

Deepa was worried by Ravi's abrupt outburst. She feared that it might even provoke them and work out adversely as their parents have almost accepted their indecent proposal; so, she too came to Ratna's assistance and said, "Ravi, amma sollura maadhiri porumaiya iru. Nicchayama appa nammalai pirikka ninaikkale. Namma ellaraiyum 'sekka' ninaikkiraarunnudhaan enakku thonudhu. Please cool down and let him explain. Avasarappadadhey, darling," "Ravi, mom is right and listen patiently. I'm sure, dad would never like to separate us and I feel that he wants us 'all' to be united. Just be patient and listen cooly darling," and slowly sat by his side and laid her hands on his shoulders. His left arm was brushing her right boob under the flimsy sleeveless tops.

"Aama, naanum unga ammavum orey vayithule porandha anna thangai dhaan. Appo 20 varushathukku munnaleye naanga love panninom. Veetai vittu veliye vandhudhaan kalyanam panninom. Aaana adhukku naanga kodutha vilaiyo romba adhigam. Kalyanam aana pudhusule vaazhkkai romba sugamadhaan irundhadhu. Aana yaarumilladha anaadhaiga maadhiri naanga rendu perum rombavum kashtapattoam. Ippo enga rendu perukkum unga rendu peraiyum vitta vera sondhamnu sollikka yaarumillai. Andha maadhiri kashtam ungallukkum venuma? Veetaiyum ooraiyum edhutthu enga poveenga? Naanavadha velaile irundhen, unga ammavai nalla padiya kaapattha mudinjadhu. Unakku ippo oru nilayaa velai edhuvum kidaiyadhu. Unakku oru permanent velai unda; seekiram kidaichudumnu solladhey, adhuvaraikkum? Adhanaale..." Yes, your mom and I were siblings born to the same parents. It's true that 20 years ago, we loved each other, eloped from home to get married. But, we paid a very heavy price for that. Though we enjoyed our married life in the beginning, we faced a lot of difficulties like orphans without any support from any corner. We have none other than you two. I don't want the same to happen in your case too. You cannot fight against the society. At least, I had a job when I married your mom. You have not secured a permanent job; don't tell me you'll get one soon. But, till then? So..."

Again, Ravi interrupted impatiently, "Adhanaale? Deepavai evano naala velai irukkiravana paathu katti kudukka ennama? Nadakkadhu, nadakka vidamaatten!" and tried to get up. "So, you intend to marry off Deepa to a person who has secured a permanent job? It won't happen and I won't let it happen,"

Deepa pulled him by his vest and made him sit down on the chair and whispered in his ears that their parents have decided to accept the marriage between the siblings and no need to panic; go with the tide. This made Ravi jump with joy and he shot a grateful glance at his father.

Both Ratna and Mani, not aware that their daughter had overheard their discussion earlier that evening, were confused at this sudden change of Ravi's behaviour. Ratna asked "Deepa, ennadi sonna avan kaadhule?" "What did you whisper in his ears, Deepa?"

"Naan enna sonnennu therinjukaradaha vida neenga enna sollaporeengannu therinjukkadhaan naanum Raviyum kaathu irukkom. Seekirama sollunga, please!" "What I whispered is of not significance; but what you going to tell us matters the most and we are eagerly waiting for the cat to come out of the bag. Out with it, please," and showed an eager and innocent appearance.

"Adhu ennanna, appakku..." "Hmm... it's... dad says..."

"Iru Ratna, naaney sollidaren. Ravi, Deepa, nalla gavaninga. Indha oorrule nammala paththi ellarukkum theriyum. Ennoda friends, unga ammavoda friends, yenn, ungaloda friends ellar madhiyileyum namma kudumbatthai paththi nalla mariyaadhai irukku. Adhu ellatthaiyum indha oru vishayam..." "Wait Ratna, let me tell them. Ravi, Deepa, please listen. Everyone in this town knows us well. Friends of mine, your mom's friends, why even your friends too respect our family. But, this... your affair would..."

Immediately, Ravi interrupted, "yenn indha oru vishayam mattumma? Unga vishayamkooda veliye varumdhaan." "Why only this affair? Your affair too would come out in the open soon."

"Sari, sari, namma vishayam unga vishayam pechhey vendaam. Kelunga! Unga rendu perukku kalyanam panna engalukku sammadham. Aana onnu, enga vishayam ungalukku therinjadhaala naanga bayandhu poyi idhukku sammadhikkalai. Unga paasatthaiyum kaadhalaiyum madhicchu, unga nanmayya munnittudhaan 'sari'nnu sollrom. Puriyudha. Aaana indha oorule adhu nadakkadhu; nadakkavum koodadhu; mudiyavum mudiyadhu. Namma mariyadhaya naam kappathikkanumna, naan Bhubaneswar pakkama 'transfer on promotion' chance-ai enn use pannikkakoodaadhu? Andha transfer kidaichaal, kidaichaal enna, kidaichaachunney sollalam; appadi oora vittu poyittomna, anga nammalai yarukku theriya pogudhu? Poga pora idamo sariyaana pattikkadu; ennaiyum serthu mottham 5 officers thaan, adhilum thamizh pesa therinja orey kudumbam namma kudumbamthaan. Adhanaale, mudhalle naan, Ratna, appuram Deepa moonu perum ange poyidarom. Nee konjam vaaram, adhavadhu 2-3 maasam kazhinju anga vaa; unnai Deepavoda maapillainnu solli unga kalyaanatthai mudichudalam. Idha thavira enakku vera vazhi theriyalle. Vera vazhi irundhaa suggest pannunga, yosikkalam. Sandoshama, kannungala?" Okay, okay, we'll never discuss about your or our affairs. Listen, Mom and I have decided to accept your marriage. But, never think that we have accepted just because you came to know of our own dark secret; before we arrived at this decision, we really reconciled all factors - your true love, affection and above all, your well being and happiness. Understand? However, the marriage can't - and should not - happen in this town, lest we lose our respect and dignity. So, I thought why not I utilise the opportunity of going to Bhubaneswar on transfer? If this transfer materialises - no doubt, it will - we may leave this town and go to Bhubaneswar where no one would ever know u and our family's dark secrets. Moreover, the place I'm talking about, is a quiet village located outside Bhubaneswar; there'll be just five officers including me in that branch; ours will be one and only family who could speak Tamil. So, I think, I should utilise this golden opportunity! Your mom, Deepa and I should leave this town immediately and reach there. Ravi, you can join us after some time, say two-three months later. We can easily arrange to introduce you as our would-be son-in-law and solemnise your marriage soon thereafter. I cannot think of any other better idea. Or, in case any of you have a better idea than this, please suggest. Are you all happy, darlings?"

Deepa jumped up with joy and said "Appa, nijamava sollureenga? Ayyo, ippo enakku varra sandhoshatthula, ungalai appadiye katti pidichhu muththam kodukkalaamannu thonudhu. Enna, Raviyum, ammavum enna solluvaangalonnudhaan thayangaren." "Dad, do you really mean it? Oh God, I can't control my happines. I wish, I could hug you hard and kiss you deeply on your lips... But, I am only concerned about mom and Ravi, what they might say if I do that?"

Ravi was quite sceptical and asked "Sari, nalla yosanaidhaan, aana Appa, idhula vera endha vagaiyilum neenga 'ikku' veikkalaiye? Nice-a ooru maathi poga yosanai solli, adhukku munnale vera silmisham panna ninaicheenga..." "It seems to be a really good idea, dad. But, dad, I believe, there's no hidden tricks in this plan of yours. After going there, if you and mom connive in hatching up a different plot..."

Even before he ccould complete, "Chee poda, paitthiyam. Enna silmisham panna mudiyumnu ninaikkire? Appadiye panninaalum, unnala ninaichhu paakka mudiyadha silmishamdhaan nadakkum, adhuvum unnoda sammadham irundhaathaan," "You silly fool, what nasty plans that we could think of? If at all there is any nasty plan, you could have never imagined that; and, that would certainly need your committed involvement!" Ratna replied with a bit of shy and embarrassment.

"Adhu ennama avanoda sammadham irundhaa nadakkura silmisham?" Deepa inquired anxiously. "Mom, what do you mean by demanding his committed involvement?"

"Solluren. Ille, Ratna nee solluraiya?" Mani asked her. "Wait Deepa, let me tell you... or Ratna, do you want to?"

"Hmm... naane sollava? Hmm... illeenga, neengale sollidunga; enakku romba koochchama irukku." "Hmm, do you want me to... no, hmm... no, I'm too shy... please you reveal it now."

"Ennamma, Ravi un payyandhaane? Avankitte ippove enna koochcham? Innum evvalavo irukke? Sari, naane solliduren; Ravi Deepa nalla kelunga. Indha veetule inime 'incest'-ngra vaarthai ketta vaarthai ille; adhudhaan namma ellaraiyum sandhoshappadutha pogudhu. Ellarum ellarukkum sondham. Puriyudha?" "Dear, why do you feel so shy; Ravi is after all your son. There's a lot more that lie ahead of us in future. Okay, let me tell you all. Ravi and Deepa, listen carefully. From now, in our home, 'incest' is nothing to be ashamed of or to be avoided. Contrarily, incest is going to flourish and would make all of us happier persons. Each for all and all for each! Do you get my point?"

Deepa, though she was aware of this turn of events, shouted "What! What do you mean? 'Ellarukkum ellamum' appadinna... naanum ammavum enna 'common property'a? Appo Raviya ammavukkum enna ungalukkum..." "What do you mean by 'each for all and all for each'? Do you think mom and I are common property? Do you mean to share mom with Ravi and expect Ravi to share me with you?"

Ravi stood up and kicked the chair back... and shouted "Whose idea is this? Kevalama ille?" "Disgusting! Aren't you ashamed to proposed this?"

"Kevalama? Idhule ennappa kevalam? Annana thangaiy love pannalam, payyana amma love panna koodadha? Ille, ponna appadhaan panna koodadha? Enakku onnum un mela adangaadha aasaiyum ille, appavukku Deepa mela onnum veriyum ille; aana, ungalukku idhu oru test maadhiridhaan; unmayileye unga rendu perukkum irukkaradhu kaadhala ille summa 'sadhai pasiya'nnu therinjukka idhu oru chance. Indha conditionukku othkitta kalyanam. Illenna ille. Avvalavudhan!" "Disgusting? Ashamed? If there can be incest between siblings, why can't it be in the whole family? I certainly don't crave to fuck you and neither does your dad to fuck Deepa! I think it's just a test to you both - whether you really love each other or is that just lust between you two. If you accept this condition, you two will get married; otherwise, no marriage! That's it!!" said Ratna. Saying so, she went near Ravi and gently patted on his head trying to pacify him.

Ravi looked at Deepa and turned to Mani. "Nijamadhaan sollureengala Appa? Idhu Ammakkum samadhamaa? Naan Deepava kaadhalikkaradhu avaloda udambukkaga ille, nijamave ava manasukkagannu niroobikka idhukku naan endha conditionukkum otthukkuven. Aana, Deepa... Nijamave Deepavai naama rendu perum pangu pottukaradha? Ammavaiyuma? Deepa unakku sammadhama? Unakkum enakkum idayile yaarum varradhu unakkum sammadhamdhaana? Enakku endha vidhatthulayum poramaiyo kobamo kidaiyadhu. Aana, unnoda mudivum idhule romba mukkiyam. I leave it to you, my darling. Unakku sammadhamna enakkum... aana, Amma... enna solla... hmmm... neeyum indha vilayuttule undaa?" Dad, do you really mean it? And mom is also in it? I never lusted Deepa but I sincerely love her and I can prove it to you all by accepting this condition. But, Dad, do you really mean it that we two must share Deepa between us? And to share mom too? What's Deepa's opinion on this? Deepa do you accept this? Honestly Deepa, I don't want anyone to come between you and me; but, if it's okay with you, I certainly have no objection as your happiness is very important and your decision is very vital. I leave it to you and if you're willing, so am I. Mom... I don't know what to say... are you really in the game, Ma?"

"Ravi, enna appadi ketkira? Appa sonnadhume naan yosikka nerame edutthukkalaye. Avaroda sandhoshamum ungaloda sandhoshamumdhaanda enakku mukkiyam. Koodave bonusa neeyum enakku eppovavadhu virundhaa kidaikkumbodhu... ?" "Ravi, why do you have such a doubt! I never hesitated when dad proposed this to me. My happiness depends on the happiness of my husband and my children. And, all the more, when I can feast on my son, won't it be a bonus too?"

"Appo, unga moonu perume idhule indha maadhiri irundhaa naan mattum enna venddamna solla porren? I'm also game! Eppo enakku muhurtham? Mudhalle en annavodaya ille appovadayya?" "If you all three are in the game, what am I supposed to say? Do you think that I would go against it? I'm also game. So, when is the auspicious time of my union? Who is first - Brother or Dad?"Deepa said with a naughty giggle.

"Okay, okay, enakkum sammadham, yenna, ennoda Deepa kuttiye sammadhamnu solliyaachu. Okay, Deepa sonna maadhiriye, muhurtham mudhalle appavukkum Deepavukkuma ille naandhaana mudhalle?" "Okay, as Deepa darling is also in, it's okay with me too. Hmm... Deepa will be... with... will that be me first or dad?" asked Ravi looking at Ratna.