Appanu Kappa Mathi

Here again, another journey through the memory line….

At the outset, let me confess, I might have been more comfortable scripting the below memoir, had IT been in the language of my heart, Malayalam. I know there is Malayalam script in the computer. But if I chose to converse in Malayalam through this media, I would give up midway. So it is better to use the convenient tool. Nevertheless, the fact is that English is a language I adore, advocate others to learn, as I feel English has been, is and will be the language of the millennium.

I recollect a short story, I read in my youth days, which had appeared in a popular Malayalam weekly, I do not remember the name of the author. The given abstract is only an outline of the original story.

The story might have happened in the Meenachil Taluk, near or around Kuravilangadu (Kottayam). The man, fondly called “Appan”(father) by his children, was a farmer. His occupation was ‘Kappa” (Tapioca) cultivation.. Besides Kappa, farmers cultivated Inchi(Ginger), Kachil, Chena, Chempu (All undergrond stems rich with carbohydrate) etc. Rubber was not yet took much root in the Tehsil of Meenachil. Those were the days, small farmers were finding it tough to meet two ends as crops hardly yielded enough revenue for a living.

Appan’ was determined to make his children come up well in life. So, no matter he was hard pressed for cash at times, he sent all his six children to school and college. He was conscious about the tremendous hard work his dear children were to put in to achieve his dream goal. Therefore, Appan was so determined to ensure his children get nutritious and sufficient food, so that all of them remain healthy which in turn will boost their appetite for knowledge and studies.

Given his circumstances, this was a Herculean task to accomplish. But Appan stayed put and refused to give up his dream project.

At times he had to struggle hard to make this great mission possible, so much so, that the daily rice was not enough to serve the entire family. Appan realized this situation of the kitchen, which Ammachi (mother)–his wife– had to face. Appan, therefore, decided to shoulder a part of this burden. He, with the tactic consent of his wife, entered a bad habit. He decided of switching over to “Kappa” for all his meals. Initially children wondered, then Appan convinced them with the statement “Appanu Kappa mathi” (Appan relishes kappa the most).Gradually all his children got used to this phrase and this special liking of their father and stopped bothering him. Only Ammachi was concerned, and used to remind him to go for rice like others in the family. He not only made her agree to his ‘Kappa’ eating habit, but also not to let his children know of this secret covenant. After all, who else, but him, knew the treasury secrets.

Much water has flown through the Meenachil river…..Trees shed leaves and worn new leaves after every major rain, year after year. Even his dear wife adopted to Appan’s habit and it became a phrase at the dining table “Appanu Kappa Mathi..”
Appan’s children grew up, healthy, wealthy and in to respectable positions in life. All of them were well settled in life. Appan felt happy and was satisfied being the proud father of successful children who have made best of their life as envisaged by him.

On a fine day Appan decided to visit his dearest son who was always closer to him the most. The thought got Appan so thrilled and he imagined of the excitement, his son and daughter-in-law would have, on seeing him at their place. His thought was proved to be true. His dear son, daughter-in-law, and grand-children were excited and were overwhelmed with joy seeing Appan, the surprise visitor, standing at his door step. They decided to make it a day of celebration. “Appan” was enthralled and could not control tears of joy. Pleasantries were exchanged. Nostalgic memory lines were opened and it was all fun for all.

The dining table was plentiful with delicacies which Appan has not had for a long time.

He made the prayer with the sign of cross on his forehead, nose + lips and then chest with a murmured gratitude in a few words to the Lord, Our Father, for this day. A true Christian (Sathya Kristhyani) ought to perform this ritual before every meal.

The table was with plentiful delicacies, which Appan was looking forward to and has not had for a long time. But, Appan’s enthusiasm did not last long. His daughter-in-law carefully placed a plate full of “Kappa” before him with a statement “ Appanu Kappa Mathi” ennu Enickariyam” The son was very careful in passing on Appan’s passion for Kappa. The daughter-in-law then proudly and fondly claimed the credit and said. Look Appan, I have not forgotten.

You are right, my daughter; with a concealed pale smile, Appan consumed his delicacy.