Major Mani

 

The Major family was a well know family in Aynavaram, Chennai. When other families spoke about their legacy of experiences, the Major family had stories of guns and bullets from war. The entire town cherished them. It started with Major Krishnan and was followed by his son Major Ragavan and his son Major Margo and finally, it was time for his son Manish.

When Margo planned to make Manish a Major in the military, Manish had his plans. He wanted to major in Baratha nattiyam. When Margo wanted his son to train hard, Manish danced hard. When Margo wanted him to wear a cargo outfit, Manish applied makeup and Mehandi for his performance.

This difference of interest brought a rift between the father and son. On Manish's 18^th birthday, Margo forced him to sign the application for military entrance. And from that day the Major’s family and Aynavaram lost Manish. They never heard from him again.

After 30 years –

A tall middle man with long hair entered Aynavaram. As soon as he stepped out of the Railway station, a line of automobiles swarmed him. He picked one and placed his luggage inside it.

Auto driver - Where do you want to go, sir?

The tall guy remained silent.

Sir?

Major’s Mansion – Replied the tall guy

The auto guy got excited and started his vehicle.

Auto Driver – it's great sir. After a long time, major's mansion got a visitor.

Tall guy – What?

Auto driver – Yes sir..

I still remember, when I was small the building would always get a lot of visitors.

Tall guy - What happened now?

Auto driver – Don’t you know?

Tall guy – No..

Auto driver – Sighs and says …

Margo sir is not well…

Tall guy – What happened to him?

Auto driver – I don’t know.

People say he got a little crazy. Some even say he got possessed. But, I feel it’s all because of his old age sir.

He is a good man sir. I think his problems started when his son Manish ran away.

The tall guy with subtle guilt in his tone – Yes, he is a good man.

Auto driver – Are you his friend from the military sir?

Tall guy – I am Manish.

The auto driver got surprised and stopped the auto. He stared at Manish for few seconds.

Manish responded to him with a simple smile.

 

Majors mansion-

Manish stood in front of the door. It was the same door he ran away from. He tried to raise his hand and ring the bell but the past burdens were heavy on his hands and it fell back. After almost a minute, he approached it again and rang it.

 

A lot of questions popped inside Manish’s head. What if he opens the door? Will he recognize me? Will he talk to me? How will he react? How will I react?  What is he going to say?

Before he knew the major opened the door.

They both stood there looking at each other for few seconds.

Major Margo gave a smile and welcomed him –

Come in!

Manish was puzzled at his reaction. He followed him to his living room.

Suddenly his mom was there in front of them. Even she couldn’t recognize Manish.

Major Margo – Meet my friend Major Mani from the Military.

Manish was shocked.

He did not say anything. Manish's mom greeted him and offered him a cup of tea. Major Margo started telling stories of him and Mani for the next few minutes to his wife. Manish did not know how to respond and how to react to him. He was blank and he had an empty face throughout the conversation. 

Major Margo turned towards Manish and asked him – So, how is your brother, Mr. Mani?

This question surprised Manish. Again all the fearful questions came to his mind. After few seconds of struggle, Manish tried to reply.

Manish – I am not …

Major Margo – Meet my friend Major Mani from the Military.

Before Manish could finish, Major started repeating the same scene…

This went on a couple of times…

Manish’s mother requested him to speak with her in private.

Mother – I am sorry…

Manish – What happened?

Mother – Dementia, stage 4

Manish – When did this happen?

Mother – In this stage, a person remembers just one aspect of their life and keeps repeating it. And this entire thing triggered when his friend Mani passed away a few years back.

Mother – Again …I am sorry

Manish – No, I am sorry …I am Manish…maaa

Manish’s mother froze. She couldn’t react to him. Tears started trickling down her cheek. Both sat down in silence. Manish stood up. Took his mom’s hands and walked towards his father. Manish’s mother was puzzled.

Major Margo was looking at Manish with confusion.

Manish – Major Margo, how are you? I am Major Mani.

Major Margo got happy and hugged him. Manish and Manish’s mother saw each other with an understanding. From that day, Manish became Major Mani and stayed with his father's side till the end.