BEAUTY OF INNOCENCE

The sad demise of Koinmenika was an irreparable loss for her niece. The sole companion she had for everything was no more. She couldn't bear up the vacuum created in her world. She thought whether she was born to this world only to embrace suffering. Tears rolled down her cheeks like a stream. Only the tears could explain her mental agony. Periyavar tried his best to calm her down, yet her sobs were more powerful than his effort. Bernard decided not to allow the remains to be taken anywhere else. Arrangements were made to keep the remains in the first floor of the bungalow. A few relatives of Koinmenika came to pay last respect; none of them had known who Nandana Menike was. In the meantime Bernard had sent a messenger to Ulhitiya to convey the message to Kapilasena. No sooner he got the message; he came as early as possible. It was however mid night when he reached the bungalow. He buried his face in his hands and wept being unable to bear up the loss. He suffered a lot mentally as he thought that the Ulhitiya journey could have been the cause for her death.

At the post-mortem, it was revealed that she had died of heart attack. Since Yasawathi's arrival was not certain, no need arose to delay the funeral arrangements. Bernard clearly explained to Kapilasena the futility of delaying, as there wasn't any clue about Yasawathi. As the closest relative of the deceased, Kapilasena agreed to have the final funeral arrangements on the following day. Before the public cemetery was buried in the reservoir, the ground was prepared for the burial of Koinmenika. She was buried in close proximity of the Justine's grave.

Nandana Menike being not fully recovered from her illness spent the last two days in a state of amnesia. After the funeral, the relatives and the neighbors came back to the bungalow and the 'Malabatha' was served. Most of them left the place along with the sunset. The only companion who remained with mourning Nandana Menike was Peter's wife. Kapilasena rearranged the first floor with the help of Periyavar. Bernard fulfilled his obligation to all who attended the funeral leaving no room for anyone to know how things happened.

"What happened really…? Can't even think of it… The problem is who is going to take care of Menike…?" There was a serious look on Kapilasena's face. That enigmatic question simmered inside him and wanted to release that pressure by telling it to Periyavar.

"That is what I was also thinking of…"

"If Yasawathi is located…?"

Both understood that the only solution to the problem was locating Yasawathi. Yet, how that could be done was a puzzle.

"There would have been a solution to each and every problem, if Sandra Hamu had been here in the bungalow…" Periyavar grieved for the absence of Sandra in the bungalow at a crucial moment of that nature.

"For a few days… I suppose, Nandana Menike will have to be kept at Peter's house… Ulhitiya house is still yet not completed… Even if it is completed, how can I keep a young girl all alone without a female guardian…?" Kapilasena had realized the seriousness of taking care of her future under such circumstances.

"Whatever it is… let's first ask Bernard Hamu…"

Bernard was Sandra's husband and Sandra was Nandana Menike's aunty. Though their relationships were not openly pronounced, it was not a secret for Periyavar and Kapilasena.

Peter's wife, on request, stayed at the bungalow that night for no other better companion could be found for Nandana Menike. Periyavar and a few others remained in the first floor throughout the night providing protection for Nandana Menike.

To go to Ulhitiya, Kapilasena got ready early morning. Before he left, he went up to the second floor to meet Bernard to get permission. It was the first time he set foot onto the second floor.

"What, if you wait until the seventh day alms giving…?"

While sipping his tea, he looked at Kapilasena from the corner of his eyes. Kapilasena kept standing beside him paying due respect.

"I got this news while the boundaries of the paddy field being demarcated… I will come tomorrow being ready for the almsgiving…"

"There's nothing in particular to get ready for that… Since the day she came to the estate, what a lot of work she accomplished for all of us in the bungalow… I'll see to all the alms giving matters… That's our obligation and duty as well…" Kapilasena smiled with a deep sense of gratitude.

"Then come back soon after the demarcation…"

Kapilasena took leave from him and Bernard went down to the first floor to inquire about how Nandana Menike was. He observed that her mental health was worse than physical health.

"Nanda…, how are you now…? What about your drugs…? Are they over or do we have to get more…?"

She raised her head slightly and shook indicating the availability of them.

"Give her drugs on time and help her have meals as well…" Bernard said to Peter's wife.

"I'll Hamu… Even Periyavar is on alert…"

"Until alms giving is over, you can stay here with Nanda…"

"Thought of going home today Hamu… Only the two children and their father at home… Have to feed the cow also…" She told him in a low voice.

In addition, she had been entrusted with the duty of providing grass to the cow, by Kapilasena.

"Hmmm… then leave around ten o'clock and come in the evening… No problem of taking your two children also here…"

She looked down rather uncomfortably indicating as if there was another problem.

"Aha… I can guess what is in your mind… If Peter stays at home all alone, you are scared that he will join the clique over there and get drunk… Ok, ok… ask him also to come here…"

Peter's wife nodded her head with a smile. Bernard stroked Nandana Menike's head affectionately before leaving the room. Unknowingly her eyes wetted when she glanced at Bernard ascending the flight of steps leading to the second floor.

Bernard went out of the bungalow and shortly afterwards, Periyavar came running in search of Nandana Menike to tell her of an incoming call from Sandra. In fact, Nandana Menike had an urgent need to speak to her. She hurried to the phone and lifted the receiver impatiently.

"Hamu Nona…!"

"Nanda, I feel very sorry for the sad demise of Koinamma… Are you alright darling…?" She spoke to her affectionately.

Sandra realized Nandana Menike's mental agony over the loss of her dearest grandma, through her long sighs with sobs.

"Where's Bernard now…?"

"Don't know… I thought he was in…" She looked around while answering.

"What about your mother…? Didn't she come back…?"

"No…"

She again released a long deep breath implying the absence of any clue about her mother.

"Victor had tried to attend the funeral, but his mother had not allowed him…"

The response was a long sigh.

"What are you thinking of now…?"

"No idea…"

It was no surprise for Sandra as she knew Nandana Menike's inability to think of anything about her future at that juncture. Sandra understood that Nandana Menike's world had turned from bad to worse.

"Don't go anywhere… Stay at the bungalow… We two will look after you… Sandra gave an assurance about the custody of Nandana Menike.

"When are you coming Hamu Nona…?"

Sandra did understand what Nandana Menike really wanted to know from her.

"Coming soon… don't worry… my child…"

From that point onwards, Sandra tried to pacify Nandana Menike's confused mind.

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