Telegram

by K.G. Wijeratne

Chooty Putha, youngest son of Loku Bandara, Retired Principal of a mixed school in Nawalapitiya Town, showed his father the approaching postman. He had got down from his bicycle and was cutting across the Paddy field to reach their house. He had left the bicycle by the side of the road close to the public where people gathered to wash their cloths and bathe.

The principal's eldest child, a daughter was washing her clothes at the public well. The postman cut across the paddy field and walked down to a point from where had to walk about 100 yards uphill to the house. The public well where the girl was washing her clothes could be seen from the compound at a distance of about 200 yard.

Chooty Putha was the youngest child of the family and there was a 20-year gap between him and his sister, who was the oldest in the family. Mother was an Asthmatic patient, and there was a strong belief in the family and elsewhere in the vicinity, that Asthma was infectious. The old folk advised the family members not to allow Chooty Putha to go to mother's room.

Cried

This meant Chooty Putha spent a lot of time with his sister. He slept with her and never allowed to go the mother even when he cried till morning. In other words, the sister was the mother who brought up Chooty Putha. This situation created a strong bond of attachment which was akin to the relationship between mother and child.

The postman handed over the telegram and with due respect asked the Principal, "Sir may I pluck a king coconut and drink, I am thirsty".

"Yes you may if you can," the Principal responded. Then Chooty Putha's 11-year-old bother, asked the postman to pluck five more king coconuts, which the postman did immediately. He then brought two knives, a big one and one small, and gave both to the postman who cut small piece from the bottom of king coconut, to be used for eating the fleshy kernel. The postman cleaned the top portion of the fruit and made a hole and gave it to Chooty Putha, who drank it eagerly. The postman followed suit and later cut the coconuts into halves, giving it to the brothers to enjoy the kernel leisurely.

Time

This was the month of July, which was a hot time. Chooty Putha's mother didn't get sick during the hot days. Her good health lent to the festive atmosphere in the house. But the reason for the festivity was known mother and father and the two big brothers, both of who were Sub Inspectors at the Kandy Police Station.

That particular day was a Sunday and both Sub Inspectors were at home. Mother and father went into the house with the telegram. Suddenly father was heard saying, "Get into to my car and go. Take something to punchi amma (Aunty - mother's younger sister)".

Chooty Putha and his brother hurried in to see what was happening. He asked his mother where they were going. She said "They went to see a friend." Chooty Putha was satisfied with the answer.

There was a serious problem in the family: mother and father had to be careful.

In about 45 minutes the two older brothers went to aunty's house with a cake. Aunty opened the door when they knocked on it, and they respectfully prostrated at her feet before greeting her in the normal Kandyan way and handing over the cake. They greeted the uncle in a similar manner and handed over the telegram. Reading it, he asked, "How can we get Rs. 40,000/= in 10 days," and said, "I will get a nice boy for Kumana, your sister. Don't worry. I have a friend and he is a manager of a group of Company Estates. He has two sons who are both Assistant Superintendents at the Namunukula Estate, in fact. My friend has asked me to get two brides for them. You too change and relax."

Dressed

Uncle got dressed and drove to his friend's house, taking a cake with him. He greeted his friend and handed over the cake to the lady of the house. Later, explain his visit, he said, "I brought a proposal for one of your sons. The bride is my wife's elder sister's daughter. She is 25 years old and is a special trained teacher. Your elder son is 30 years and I feel she would be a good bride for your son. "The friend said his son was at home, called his over and said "This uncle has brought a proposal for you."

After greetings were exchanged, uncle said, "I brought a good proposal for you. The bride is my wife's elder sister's daughter. She is 25 years and a special trained teacher. She is at the moment teaching in a government school. I feel she is a suitable bride for you," and showed the photograph. He looked at it for about three minutes and said, "I will marry her".

Uncle then discussed the date, time and other details of the wedding, expressed his thanks and took his leave.

When he came home half an hour later, he found the two nephews in a relaxed mode. He showed the photograph of the would be groom, dressed as a Kandyan Chieftain. The two nephews were very happy and were eager to rush home to clear any doubt in the minds of the father and mother regarding the success of their mission. So after lunch, they got dressed and rushed home, profusely thanking aunty and uncle.

Father and mother were very happy with the news, but they did not divulge it to any one. However, the carried on with preparations for the ceremony. Uncle gave a telephone call immediately after he had made the final arrangements regarding the entourage bringing the bridegroom.

Wedding

The day of the wedding dawned, and sharp on time, six cars came to a halt by the side of the road, close to the public well. Tom Tom heaters, dancers and other went to the road and ceremoniously ushered in the bridegroom and his people to the house.

Tea was served. The relations on both sides began talking to each other about family ties and resultant friendships, till the poruwa ceremony began. After the completion the rituals and the auspices in accordance with the Sinhala Buddhist culture, lunch was served.

All those who attended the wedding were relations and as such the relations had much to talk about. The celebrations continued through tea, and speeches from both the bride's and groom's sides. Finally the bride and groom walked hand in hand to the road amidst burning of crackers and hearty cheers.

It was a very happy wedding ceremony due to good relations the bride's parents had.