Wanderers in Eternity – Chapter 1 (Page 12)
“Come here, daughter,” Suduhaminay called for the girl. “You must be hungry. Here, eat.”
When Janaki dug into the rice with greed, Thangamani started to wail.
“Don’t cry, woman,” Suduhaminay said. “You have to save your lives and go from here for your children’s sake. You gave me a meal… I will never forget that.”
Someone came through the gateway and walked towards the building. He carried a flashlight.
“What are you all doing here? Oh, it’s Suduhaminay.”
“Sir, this is my daughter.”
“Stay on, stay on. It’s raining. It’s raining endlessly.” The man turned around and walked away.
“That’s the watchman here.” Suduhaminay explained. “He doesn’t bother me at all. So you won’t be bothered either.” She stroked Janaki’s hair while the girl was still eating.
“The girl is very hungry. She is very lucky.” The words came out of her effortlessly.
“Yalpanam Yalpanam ” Thangamani murmured while beating on her chest. “We are coming, we are coming.”
The drizzle continued. After all these years, Suduhaminay was not alone this night. But this was a warmth limited only for this one night. Early next morning, Thangamani picked up Ranga and while Janaki followed her, started on their journey north.