Sruthi Art Studios

A village in Malabar in Southern India – the year 1935, Malabar was at that period a part of Madras Presidency – Kerala had not come into existence then. A palatial bungalow in a compound , the size of four football grounds, a garage which could accommodate two to three cars, drivers quarters, servants rooms, cattle, poultry – you name it, it was there – A property of a wealthy person.

Morning around 5 o’clock the servants were working in full swing. A maid was milking the cows, another sweeping the grounds of leaves and rubbish, the gardener tending to the beautiful garden of plants and flowers, the driver washing the cars – a Daimler and a Morris Ten – both finest cars of those days. Inside the house the servants were busy with their work.

The staff, the driver, gardener and the servants – all of them had high regard and respect for their Master. He was strict without hurting anyone, humane and a very generous gentleman. Being a workaholic himself, he expected them to do the work well. Shekar Menon had bought this property years ago. After working for several years in various capacities he came to the conclusion that he could do much better if he did something on his own. So with his fairly good earnings he purchased this land and as at that time the price was low, he went for a big plot.

When Menon built his house, as was his habit to go into every detail himself, he prepared the plan without missing anything. He had made ample provisions – every bedroom with attached bathroom, best furniture, bedside tables, built-in cupboards, lofts, attics – almost all necessary items. Also provision for guests, convenient bedroom and other facilities.

Menon’s wife was a very timid lady. She had much faith in her husband that she left everything to his decisions. She hardly interfered. She was a contented person.

Uma, his daughter, was a brilliant student. He gave her the best education and she completed it by finishing with a Post Graduate Degree from Madras Medical College – a prestigious institution those days.

Initially, to gain experience, Menon took her to a nearby city and there got her an opening in a very large hospital. As this hospital was always overflowing with patients with various diseases and illnesses – heart, lung, skin, fractures and what not – she was able to improve her knowledge and acquire experience.

After some years, Menon found a suitable mate for her – a Doctor working in a different hospital but in the same city.

The wedding was celebrated in a grand manner followed by a Mediterranean cruise for their honeymoon – all expenses met by Menon.

Menon wanted to start some business but he had no specific ideas. A suggestion from a friend – he thought he would try making bricks. But he did not know the ABC of brick making. Still when Menon gets an idea in to his head he will go all out collecting every information about it and be after it. Then he came to know of Hoffman kiln. He went on to acquire all information about this kiln. He spent quite a long time to get the know-how and after spending a hefty amount purchased a Hoffman kiln.

As a start he produced a small quantity of bricks of very good quality. He wanted to be thorough before he ventured in to this field full-fledged.  Then he went to a nearby town and met a builder – a friend of his. Menon offered him 100 bricks free, which the latter could come and collect. And it was done.

The outcome was unbelievable. The builder found the bricks so good that he placed a substantial order for bricks with Menon. Menon increased his brick production. However he was very strict as regards the quality – only good bricks to the customers.

Word spread that bricks of very fine and superior quality were available at Menon’s kiln and his business expanded. He sold only good bricks and the broken ones were given free to the needy people in the village. 

Menon’s brick business expanded like wild fire. Orders for the bricks started pouring in from various places. But whatever the urgency, he had his own strict rules. He would supply only good bricks and he would take his own time and the customer would have to wait – if he couldn’t he could try elsewhere. And wait they did because his bricks were the best.

Menon was in his late 40’s – lean, very healthy, active vigorous person. Because of his athletic activities during his educational days and the health he maintained since then he was fit.

Around 8.30am, a white Mercedes with a number plate of a different place arrived. Two gentlemen came out of the car; one was his best friend Reddy and the other, a stranger clad in white jubbah and pyjamas.

Menon came out to receive them. “Good morning … must have had a very tiresome drive.” Reddy said – “Yes it was. Let me introduce you to Baba”. “Very glad to meet you” said Menon and shook his hands.

After a brief wash-up he took them for a substantial breakfast. Menon had some of the finest teak furniture and his dining table was a beauty. In the side-board were the glasses, spoons, forks, knives of best quality.

Menon and Reddy being very close buddies and having not seen each other for years had plenty to talk to each other. Baba was totally silent and ate hardly anything.

When the breakfast was over, Menon took Baba to a side bedroom so that he could have some rest after the long drive.

When Menon saw the stranger, he had a strong feeling that he had seen somewhere but was unable to place where. It was just a vague memory. He was sure that if Daniel were to see Baba – well he may recognise him.

An hour after breakfast Reddy was ready to go – he had a long drive to get back to his place. “So Menon … keep in touch. Come over to my place and spend at least a fortnight there. I will be very happy.”

“Well you can see how busy I am here – what with one thing and another. A fortnight impossible, but let us see, I will come sometime for a short while”. 

With that Reddy got into his Merc.

After a short while, Daniel came. Daniel was one of the close friends of Menon. They would meet often and discuss matters and Daniel had high appreciation of Menon.

Without beating around the bush, Menon said “Daniel, I have a visitor or rather a guest. I want you to meet him or look at him. If he is awake I will introduce you to him”. 

Both went to Baba’s bedroom. Baba was having a nap, still they walked in quietly. When he saw Baba, Daniel had absolutely no doubts whatsoever – He knew who he was!

This is a short story written by my father – ‘the baba who came to stay’.

Its narrated over five chapters set in Kerala of the 1930s.

The painting is done in black inks.