Pride and Joy

“Lobo, my child, please come here,” Granny called her grandson. She was cleaning the porch and the small portion of the garden in front of their ancestral house at the locality named Pernem. Albeit at first sight, she appeared very much like an average middle-aged Goan lady of the next-door household but she was already a grandma of a youth. Nearly a decade or so this house that belonged to the Fonseca family remained unused.

A cousin of Lobo’s granny once advised, “Magdu, send your grandson, Lobo, to Lisbon. You see, my friend D’Souza is there. He is a very good man and helpful too. He will surely help Lobo to get trained for the tourism business.”

Magdu has been witnessing the sea change around her small Goan village, especially in the last few decades. Many of her husband’s friends and acquaintances are running various kinds of businesses. Some such ventures she had never known before. She and her husband, Nikel Fonseca, used to run a small guest house, a wine shop, and some motorcycles to give on a hiring basis. They owned a cashew-nut orchard and some coconut trees too. However, the income from those trees was meager.

Lobo was talking to his friend. Both of them had bright tattoo marks on their neck and shoulder. The first button is mostly kept unfastened and as the wind blows, the upper part of their typical loose multicolored shirts flap revealing the neck and shoulders and flaunting their dazzling tattoos, their prized possessions indeed.

Lobo was talking to his friend. Both of them had bright tattoo marks on their neck and shoulder. Looking at the digital wristwatch he said, “Yeah, Granny, just a minute. I’m coming.”

These days Lobo would share with his friends the amazing experiences that he had in Lisbon, Portugal. After completion of his training, he worked out there for seven years. It’s a pretty long span of time for him and his granny as well. His friends started doing their respective businesses by then. All of them are well-settled.

Lanky D’silva is looking after their family-owned hotel on the bank of the Chapora River in the South of Pernem. They have renovated and modernized the rooms of their hotel. Bulky Gomes is running a travel agency and Dacosta has started an adventure water sports and a cruise ride for tourists in a location that is close to the bank of the Tiracol River in the North of Pernem. Tall and handsome D’Souza has renovated their old hotel, close to the Colva beach.

As per the demands of the new-age customers, hotel owners are renovating and remodeling from time to time. It’s a process that goes on and on ceaselessly.

After having a nice conversation with his friend, Lobo came very near to his granny. And he said, “Granny, you called me. Wanna tell me something?”

“Yes, my child, your Rosario uncle was telling me yesterday that we need to renovate the rooms of our hotel. What do you say?”

-“Yeah, granny, surely we need to update as per the taste of today’s tourists. But tell me, granny, why are you taking on all these troubles? We can call the professionals. And you know, they’ll do all your cleaning work as you want.”

Granny smiled sedately and commented, “Yes, my child, I know that but still …”

-“Still what?”

-“This house is too dear to me, my child …”

-“Why it is so?”

-“Your dad was born here. Right here, he used to play. Look at these rows of turmeric plants—Do you remember how on every Konsachen feast and the feast of Sao Joao we used to enjoy Patoleo, the sweet rice cakes steamed in leaves of turmeric with a filling of shredded coconut and palm jaggery?”

She was delirious with joy while narrating these.

-“Oh, my dear Granny, don’t be disheartened. You know, Granny, I’m planning to make this cottage an attractive ‘Homestay.’ After renovation, I’m sure that four small families can stay here comfortably. I’ll add all sorts of modern amenities.

-My child, who will run this? 

-Granny, I have already planned. I am going to hire a caretaker and a chef. That’s all. Two persons can easily manage this. I will come intermittently to supervise. And sometimes, you too can come here. You can relax, and chitchat with the kids and young couples who will be staying here. How is it? Do you like my plan?

-Yes my child. It’s a very good plan.

-Now sit here, beside me. Rest a while. Granny, you know, I missed the fried Kalamari (squids) in Lisbon.”

-“Tell your Julie aunty to buy some fresh Kalamari. I’ll prepare for you today.”

Julie, the lady in her fifties, is the receptionist and caretaker of their hotel, which is located very close to Candolim Beach, Goa. Although she is a paid employee, her contribution is very significant. Granny used to express her gratitude and say, "I am very grateful to Julie; she is as good as my daughter."

Lobo tucked his hand inside the pocket and reached for the mobile to call Julie Aunty.

  *** *** ***

One afternoon, Julie and Granny had a leisurely conversation.

“Mausi, don’t you like to hear Lobo’s baby calling you ‘Ponji? It’s high time we should find a suitable girl for our Lobo. Isn’t it?”

Granny smiled sedately in her typical gesture and said, “Julie dear, are you sure that we have to find a suitable bride for the groom? I’m afraid; I suppose he has already found someone.”

-“How do you presume this?”

-“My presumption has come out so accurate. Julie, my dear, I had had no clues. I think that you know something, right? Please tell me.”

Julie said haltingly, “Actually, Mausi, my daughter, Monik came to know from her college and told me that one of her friends...”

-“Why are you beating around the bushes? Please tell me who is that? (Granny couldn’t keep her patience.)

-“My daughter told me. Her name is Rakel.”

-“Who, Rakel? Do you know her parents?”

-“Mausi, actually she belongs to the Alvis de’Silva family.”

“-‘Alvis de’Silva’, Did you say ‘Alvis de’Silva’? Repeating this family surname, Granny suddenly felt a sort of giddiness. And immediately she sat on the sofa, which was kept close to the reception table.

-“What has happened, Mausi? Are you alright?”

She came quite close to her, holding one hand and supporting the backside of her frail old body with another hand. She said, “Are you feeling okay now? Should I call a doctor?”

-“I’m ok dear. Please give me a glass of water.”

After drinking some water, she stared blankly for a few moments toward the street outside. On the street corner, there was a quite big printout copy of a famous mural painting of Mario Miranda, the well-known artist of Goa.

And then she started narrating the old story.

One of her grandfather’s sisters fell in love with a boy from the same Alvis de’Silva family. Granny said that she learned about it from her elders. They were extremely proud of their Roman Catholic ancestry. And thus, most of the relatives of the girl’s family didn’t agree with the matrimonial proposal.

She continued. The parents of her grandfather were very afraid. People say it was sixth sense. They feared that some kind of untoward incident was lurking in the dark. They were very simple and down-to-earth. People say that both the boy and the girl decided to flee. But one morning, both were found dead in front of a remote church. Their mute bodies were lying on the ground holding each other’s hands as if they were locked in an ‘Eternal Embrace’. People living close by had no clues about their deaths. Nobody noticed when exactly they reached there. Probably it was late at night.

After the police inquiry, post-mortem etcetera, it was flashed in the newspaper as a suicide case, due to poisoning. Many years have passed. And this ‘story’ has turned into almost a sort of legend. Julie too knew this anecdote, but she listened with rapt attention, which was definitely an example of her exemplary patience and her love & respect towards her employer Mrs. Magdu.

Julie consoled her, “But Mausi, days have changed now. Don’t you think so?”

-“Time, of course, changes, but do the mentalities of the people also change? Moreover, you know, people believe that there is a sort of bad omen. Knowing the past, how can we proceed? Julie, dear, I’m very worried.

*** *** ***

On the other side, both the parents and the grandparents of Rakel gradually became equally apprehensive about this relationship. Robert, one of Rakel’s uncles and the owner of a famous bar and restaurant, came to know about it through some reliable sources. He came to meet his parents. The old couple was enjoying their morning tea.

There, they talked about this budding relationship.

-Daddy, do you know that our Rakel loves a boy?

The old man, Mr Mingel, smiled and said, “She has grown up enough, and she can definitely do so.”

-But Dad the boy belongs to that family.

-Which family? Why are you worried so much?

-It’s the Fonseca family of Pernem.

-Oh my God! Are you sure? How do you know this? In that case, Robert, I’m afraid we have to deal with this matter very very carefully. 

Mr Mingel was hemmed in by his son’s apprehension to take this issue seriously.

*** *** ***

One fine morning, Rakel was found missing.

Her parents, grandparents, and her two uncles started searching frantically. By the time it was around 11.30 a.m., Robert had decided to inform the police. The police collected all the details. Photographs were shared with the other police stations. And eventually, the coastal police were also briefed. Around 2 p.m., Rakel’s grandparents dropped by to meet Lobo’s grandmother at Pernem. And there they met Julie. One of Magdu’s cousins was also present. Granny never met Rakel’s grandparents. However, she welcomed the old couple, Mrs. and Mr. Mingel de Silva, and she requested, “Please come in.”

The old couple entered with small and tired steps.

-“Ma’am, we’re the grandparents of Rakel.”

-Soon after hearing Rakel’s name, instantly she said, “What has happened to Rakel?”

-“She is found missing,” said Mr Mingel.

-“What? Are you sure? Have you enquired every possible place where she might go?”

-“Yes, ma’am, since this morning we’ve been looking for her whereabouts, but in vain.”

Granny was in despair after learning about this news. “My child, Lobo, too, has gone somewhere without informing me”. Magdu spoke in a low voice. Her pupils were dilated in fear.

-Hope you aren’t lying, ma’am; who knows, maybe Lobo might have eloped. …;

-“My child will never do so. I know him very well. He is well-educated. He gives the utmost value to our culture and traditions. Moreover, sir, he is the son of Nikel Fonseca. Even today, people remember Nikel for his honesty and righteousness.” Before she could finish, Granny said immediately.

-“Yes, I know ma’am but, it is very difficult to trust people of this generation”, Mr. Mingel spoke haltingly.

He was exhausted from his exertion and anxiousness since the morning and was unable to think clearly.

“- But, sir, my child Lobo is very gentle and well-behaved,” Magdu spoke in a gentle and low voice.

- “Have you contacted his cell phone?” Mr Mingel asked calmly.

- “I have tried quite a number of times, but it’s out of network coverage. I understand very well that you people are at my throat right now because your child is missing. But trust me, sometimes my grandson goes to a few villages towards the East of Goa to procure quality spices. There is always a network issue on that side.”

-“Are you sure he has gone there? In the East, there are hills and dense woods too.” Mr Mingel calmly asked her again.

Granny sedately moved her head from side to side.

Mrs. and Mr. Mingel left after a while. Their steps were light and worn out.

*** *** ***

Twenty-four hours passed. Both families didn’t get any information about missing Lobo and missing Rakel as well. The police have started searching everywhere. Meanwhile, a particular news story went viral. It was about two bodies of a young couple that were fished out of a creek, surrounded by coconut glades towards the South, quite far from the din and bustle of crowds and traffic. It’s a secluded, quiet location, perfect for a honeymoon destination for young couples.

The cynic family friends and acquaintances of both the de’Silvas and Fonsecas started circulating their bitter comments through grapevines, “Look, these two families are definitely cursed.”

The police arrested Lobo while he and his friend Pinto were traveling in a hired cab. Just before an hour they actually met with a road accident in the East. Lobo’s mobile phone was badly damaged. And Pinto’s phone was lost.

The police interacted with them. Eventually, the policemen released them because they didn’t find anything suspicious clues.

The next morning, newspapers flashed the complete details of that sad news along with photographs of those two. Robert first read the news and found that the pictures of those two deceased didn’t resemble Lobo and Rakel at all.

- “Thank God, Rakel is alive. We have to search now.” He said to himself.

*** *** ***

Police released Lobo and his friend, Pinto, after prolonged cross-examination. It was already dark by that time. The two friends were looking for a place to stay overnight. Soon they noticed the campus of a particular missionary. Within it, there was a hospital, a school, some arable land, orchards, and a rest house too. At the entrance of that premises there was a small but impressive gate; on its top two words, "North Star", were engraved.

Near that gate, the very first house they found was a sort of waiting room. Nobody was there. Two sofas, a center table, and a few decorative art pieces were hung on the walls. Both of them sat there.

After a minute or so, a person came out to greet them. That man appeared to be a janitor. They asked that man, “Is there any possibility of getting a room? We need to rest the night only and tomorrow early morning we’ll leave.”

He said, “You can ask that to the madam. She will come soon.”

While leaving he asked again, “Should I bring tea or coffee? Do you want some snacks also?”

Since it was quite an urgent nature call, Lobo moved to a washroom nearby. And in the meantime, the madam entered. That man sidled back to the other door and went outside. Pinto observed her with furtive glances. He noticed her carefully, from head to toe. And to his utter surprise, she appeared very similar to Rakel. Her face was covered by a surgical mask. She talked very little.

A room was allotted to them for their night stay. Madam noted down the name and details of Pinto. And thereafter she left with gentle steps.

While enjoying tea and snacks suddenly Pinto’s eyes fell on that ill-famous ‘viral news’ in a copy of an old newspaper.

Almost immediately he blurted out, “Lobo, look at this news. Oh my God! I’m sure your granny and other relatives must be frantically looking for you. We must inform Granny as early as possible.”

-“Gosh, my mobile isn’t working. Let’s call that man.” Lobo said in a sad tone. Lobo noticed the hazy photograph taken from a long range. It appeared that their still bodies were lying on the ground holding each other’s hands as if they were locked in an ‘Eternal Embrace’.

Immediately, Pinto pressed the bell to call that man who showed them this room. From that man, they learned about the erratic network coverage out there. That man also conveyed to them that a lady and a young man rescued that madam from a dangerously steep hillside in the wilderness, which is ill-famous for suicides.

They were allotted a room with modest amenities but good enough to spend a night comfortably.

Pinto whispered to his friend, Lobo, the lady who allotted us the room, I think she is Rakel.”

-“Are you sure she is Rakel only?”

-“Lobo, I’m pretty sure. She doesn’t know me but I know her. I could easily recognize her.”

-“What should we do now?”

-“I’ve texted a message to Granny and Julie Aunty both using that man’s mobile. I hope they will understand the current situation and our predicaments.”

Lobo remembered the anecdote when he taught Rakel how to drape a sari in Konkani style. It was in fact her idea so that people may not be able to recognize her whenever both of them would go out and meet each other in a prescheduled spot. Practically he helped her to wear the sari. 

*** *** ***

Robert came to meet his father the next morning and said to his father.

- “Dad, the couple whose bodies were fished out weren’t Rakel and Lobo.”

-“Yes, my son, I too have read that news.”

“-What do you think? Are they together?”

-“I don’t know son, where they might have gone.”

- “Dad, after all these incidents, I think differently. We should forget all sorts of egos and sentiments. It’s better to accept their bond. Let them live happily. If they love each other, God will help and bless them. We shouldn’t oppose. Dad, what do you say?”

-“Do you really think so? What about the fear of bad omens? Son, I can’t endure the thought of losing our Rakel.”

At that instant, Robert received a call. He reached for his mobile immediately. He thought it must be from the police but it was from an unknown number. He said, “Hello, yes, sir, I’m Robert, Rakel’s uncle. Any news, sir?”

From the other end, Pinto said, “Sir, please note down this address. Police found Rakel. She is safe and sound. She was about to commit suicide; I mean, she attempted it, but she was rescued. I don’t know much. Please come to this address. I’m sending you the location on your WhatsApp. We’re also moving to that address right now.”

Soon the phone line got disconnected.

Rakel’s two uncles and grandpa, Mr. Mingel, were seated in a big car. The car started moving as fast as the driver could. Robert’s younger brother, Monti was driving the car. On the way, Robert received another call. That was from the missionaries. He was told that the police had already reached there.

As he was talking to the caller, Mr. Mingel couldn’t keep his patience and buzzed in quite loudly, “Robert, you ask them, did they find Lobo?”

After the call, Robert conveyed, “Rakel was alone when they rescued her. The caller didn’t tell me anything about Lobo. Let us go there; we’ll come to know all the details.”

*** *** ***

Right at the entrance of that premises, the security guard noted down the necessary details in a big register. They were steered to that same waiting room by that same person.

One elderly lady and a young man came to greet them.

With folded hands, the elderly lady said, “I hope you all are fine. Please rest a while. Don’t worry. She is perfectly okay. We request that you please do not discuss any issues that may cause uncalled-for stress. The doctor advised us not to do so. We encourage her to remain busy. I tell you, she is a very gentle and nice girl.”

Thereafter, the lady instructed that man to bring tea and snacks for the guests.

-“May we meet Rakel now?” Mr Mingel asked anxiously.

“Nothing to worry about, uncle; she is fine. You can talk to her, but please follow the doctor’s words that Madam told you.” The young man said.

Meanwhile, Monti was strolling aimlessly outside. And suddenly he noticed Lobo and three other people coming towards the waiting room. Having seen their uniforms, he recognized that two of them were police officers. Immediately he rushed inside the room and said quite loudly, "Robert, Robert, I think Lobo is involved in this incident."

The lady calmly said, "Please, sir, have patience. The police will give you all the details. Two people from our campus found Rakel and rescued her. She was all alone at that time. Mr. Lobo and his friend, Pinto, came here much later. They actually met with a road accident on the way."

Leaving the sofa, old Mingel stood up and reached his hand inside the pocket. Robert thought he must be checking his mobile.

-“Dad, are you looking for your mobile?”

- “No, son, I don’t need that now. Right now, I think I need this. It may appear to you as an act of sheer platitude. Your Mom handed me this thing just before our journey to this place.” Saying this, he showed them a beautifully decorated small box. And from the inside of that box, he took out its contents. It was an attractive wedding ring.

-"But then, Dad; what about our relatives' sayings?" Robert said with caution in his voice.

Mr. Mingel blurted out then and there, “Let’s not bother all such silly comments. Your mom told me that we should only see what’s essential for our very own Rakel, and nothing else.”

Leaving the sofa, old Mingel stood up once again and reached his hands inside both the pockets of his blazer.

Seeing that Robert said, “Dad, what are you searching now?”

-“Son, this time I need the mobile because I have to make an urgent call. See, I would like to follow our customs with all the ‘Pride and Joy’. We will celebrate the Sourik (engagement) ceremony here. Lobo’s friend Pinto, will play the role of Raibari for our family. Monti will drive our car and take Pinto with him. I will tell him to go to Lobo’s house and invite Mrs. Magdu Fonseca on our behalf and request her to come to this place. I have to talk to Pinto right now. That’s why I need my mobile phone, my son. ”

*** *** ***

Pinto and Monti escorted both Mrs Magdu and Julie with utmost care and respect to that missionary premises from home. They all had a fine get together and the important meeting over there. 

Old Mingel said to Mrs Magdu, "I have a girl and a boy too and ma'am you have a boy and a girl too. I have brought to you ma'am the marriage proposal for these two sets of bride and groom."

Upon hearing these words from him, Mrs. Magdu and Julie looked at each other's bewildered faces. 

Old Mingel further said smilingly, "I'm going to solve your confusion. My first proposal is for Lobo and Rakel. And the next one is for Ponti and Monik." 

He further continued, "I'm indebted to Ponti for he agreed to become the Raibari for the marriage proposal of Lobo and Rakel. Moreover, I had a wonderful conversation with him. I learned an amazing lesson from him. He told me, "Sir, trust God, like a bird that keeps her eggs in a nest that is placed on a branch which swings desperately even with simple wind. Thus, I agreed to accept the role of Raibari for his marriage with Monik."  

                                     *******