Lakshmi in Chennai

Lakshmi was a bundle of mixed feelings that evening. She just realized that her guardian Muthu, was taking her to the city - Chennai. Not that Lakshmi had a cheerful life in Pazhanjanallur, her native village, but, she had lived there all through her life and got used to it. Though, she had to slog it out for food, get beaten up and chided by Muthu, she could escape into the landscape, roam around with friends and return late in the evening. Her friends, Shenbagam and Gauri had also gone to Chennai, but she never heard from them again. Being an orphan, she didn't think she had much choice. However, she was excited about the journey! This is her first long travel or probably the first travel outside the village. Though, she was disappointed about Muthu taking her in a cement truck, she was thrilled enough to stay awake the whole night.

It was obvious, that Muthu was going to sell her off or hire her out to some domestic household in the city. Her only prayer was that, she should get a kind master. The truck dropped them off in some road at around 4.00 AM and the driver told Muthu, that they could walk to the house. They went to a tea shop and Muthu bought a tea for himself. He cared a damn about Lakshmi's hunger. Her sleeplessness, hunger and fear had made her so weak and meek, that she could hardly look around.

They walked for about an hour and the only thing that excited Lakshmi a little was the numerous film posters. Film posters were rare in Pazhanjanallur. Even if they stuck a few, it would be at an un-reachable height or the kids, would have already torn them to stick it in their houses. Lakshmi thought, when I am left alone, I should definitely come looking for these posters.

Muthu and Lakshmi finally reached a huge gate around 5.00AM. The one hour walk in hunger had made Lakshmi so tired, that she almost fainted. She feebly heard Muthu talking with the security guard. After about 10 mins, they were called in. She met her master, Srinivasan sir, and his wife, Kamala amma, at the enterance. They had a kind and sympathetic look on their face. Kamala amma almost immdeiately realised that Lakshmi was tired, hungry and scared. They summoned Padma akka, their cook, and told her to take Lakshmi to the out-house. When Laksmi last saw Muthu, he was counting currency notes with a sly grin. 'Good Riddens Muthu Anna' she thought!

The out-house was relatively very clean and Lakshmi stayed there for a couple of days. She realized that her master was giving her time to muster energy. They gave her food at regular hours and though it was left-overs and dry food, she thought, it was the best. She had never had better food in her life. In these 2 days, she understood that there were 2 kids also in the house - Rahul and Raji - Her master's kids. Lakshmi loved to play with the kids, but they didn't play with her. They go to school and in the evenings, occasionally peeped into the out-house. Lakshmi decided that she should befriend them soon and probably they will take her out.

Though Lakshmi didn't have a chance to step out of the house, she thought Chennai was the best thing that ever happened in life. She decided to be very good and earn her master's goodwill. Just when she thought her life was going smooth, she heard Kamala amma talking to her husband. She said, 'Our neighbor, Krishnan, wanted to know if Lakshmi could go to his house for clearing their garden. Chinni and Raja from the Police Colony are also going. Shall I send Lakshmi over? He wants to clear it out completely and plant new plants' Srini sir just nodded his approval. He also added, 'Tell them to have an eye on her and keep the gate closed. I don't wanna go searching for her in the roads'

With all the necessary warnings, Lakshmi was sent to Krishnan's house. With all the nurturing and rest, Lakshmi was looking very beautiful. The phrase 'Lakshmi-kalai'* fitted her aptly. Kamala amma and Padma akka mentioned that, and Lakshmi was proud. She was thrilled about meeting Chinni and Raja. ‘They must be like me, but living in the city for a longer time’, she thought.

When Lakshmi went there, Chinni and Raja were engrossed in their work. It was obvious, that Chinni and Raja were friends and that it might take some time for Lakshmi to break the ice. But she was determined in making friends with them. Chinni and Raja lifted their heads up, looked at her. Chinni went back to work, but Lakshmi could see from the corner of her eyes that Raja was looking at her. She also realized that Chinni was turning green with envy at Raja’s new-found interest.

It was a full day’s work, and throughout the day, Raja was trying to make a pass at her. He seemed to be too interested in her and wanted her to share her Pazhanjanallur experiences with him. Raja also offered to help Lakshmi in places where the grass was very rough and sharp. Though Lakshmi thought Raja was smart and handsome, she did not want to give him any ideas. She didn’t want to get into any trouble the new place. What will her master’s family think of her?!

Lakshmi was very happy that day and came back home hopping. Just when she was passing by the patio, she heard Kamala amma talk. Kamala amma told her husband, ‘Annamma from the police colony had come. She said that Raja seemed to be okay with Lakshmi. We could send Lakshmi to their place whenever we want’

Lakshmi was SHOCKED to the core!!! Yes, she liked Raja and he was sweet to her. But, Isn’t this too early? How can Kamala amma ever think of this? What did she come to Chennai for? Lakshmi got all worried. She couldn’t concentrate on anything else for the rest of the night. She sat there, alone thinking.

In the morning, Lakshmi was very clear. She had realized, that being an orphan, sold to somebody in Chennai, she does not have too much of a choice. She also realized that she was indeed bought and brought for this. She will have to succumb and prove her worth for survival. Does a ‘karavai-pasumaadu’** from Pazhanjanallur have any other choice?

She thought to herself, ‘Should demand Raja for some film posters. Unlike dry hay and left-overs, they are very tasty and spicy'.


*'Lakshmi-kalai' - The beauty of wealth and serenity in one's face
**'karavai-pasumaadu' - a Cow that gives milk