A Cottage in Swami Hills - 4. Valli

A Cottage in Swami Hills 

4. Valli

Valli was the first person whom we saw in the mornings. Whether it was summer or winter she was there at 6 AM and in a few minutes you could listen to the sound of her sprinkling water in the foot steps and in front of the house. She was punctual and was a great worker.

I did not know much about Valli in the beginning. My grandmother told me that she belonged to the Kallar race- the people who were hunters and as reported by some history writers- even robbers. She went for working in chunna factory and lost her teeth. She then came for household work. She lived in Melakaveri with her sisters. 

if her past intrigued me  her present fascinated me further. She had a tremendous capacity for repartee. Some of her two liners were terrific. I give one example when she spoke about a person who is of no use and only gave empty promises.she said " பதவிசு பச்சை மொளகா சாம்பாருக்கு ஏத்த மொளகா " ( He is a respectable and decent person just like the green chilly will suit a sambar.) The meaning is that the pepper will be spicy but the green chilly which looks nice can only suit for sambar-which is a mild version as compared to the kuzhambu. Another one I recall is when she said " வேளக் காரன்  செஞ்சத்துக்கு மோளக்காரன் என்ன செய்வான் "   The true meaning of this lies in the Chola period. In Chola period of 10th century, the army unit called Velakkaras guarded the King and they were given tremendous powers. They could kill any body at will. if in such an event a soldier kills a person, what is the point in faulting
a  person who blows the drum after the death.

Most of the days, Valli took food given by my grandmother at 2 PM. It used to be curd rice and a piece of jaggery. In fact, I have read that it is the habit of the martial people to have jaggery along with the rice. She followed it.

Valli used to wash the clothes the way that no one can do. They were just sparkling white. She asked for the best soap and "Sarap" (surf) but the clothes.spoke for her work.    

She treated every one in the house with love but had a soft corner for my last uncle Balu sithappa. She used to call him "Valiah".  She did not approve my moving with some of the boys in the street and promptly reported any such meeting to my grandmother. Once she told my grandmother that I used some bad words (which incidentally was not true) while playing with a boy next door. I think I must have been the only boy who had to explain this kind of accusation almost  to the extent of apologising for a false report given by a servant maid of the house. She had apparently misunderstood my conversation which was partly in English.

Valli became old but her energy and sharp wit remained the same. Lot of relatives were surprised at her loyalty and devotion.

I finished my studies and joined BHEL Trichy. One day i went to Kumbakonam house which was locked as my grandmother also had passed away. Valli washed the entire house and cleaned it. She probably expected some money from me. I could have easily given it. For some reason, I forgot to pay her. I regret it. I felt that she felt bad. Years of good behaviour can be destroyed by one action or inaction. In this case, it was my negligence to pay her the 10 Rupees with which she might have felt happy.

I have probably been a miser or plain insensitive which one I do not know,

 * Cottage in swami hills refers to the house in which we lived in Kumbakonam. This phrase was used once by my grandfather when I asked him that as some  people go in summer to Kodaikanal and Ooty where they have a cottage whether we would also be able to go and stay like them one day. My grandfather replied that he already has a cottage near swami Hills (swamimalai- he referred to his house) and there was no need for him to go anywhere.