HALF WAY IN LOVE (CHAPTER 11)

Chapter 11

"This is a huge house, Dev"

Sarada remarked, struggling to sink it in that it was being built for them. Dev had taken Sundaram and Sarada on a visit to the construction site in Palakkad.

For Sarada, even their one room house, back in Tirupur had too much of space for their family. Even if all three lie down on the floor, there was still enough space for an almirah.

But this was really huge.

3400 Sqft of splendor.

It had five bedrooms, open courtyard, patio, Pooja room, living room, dining room and kitchen. Everything was being done aesthetically. Dev had roped in the best architect from Kochi for its design. It followed a mix of European, contemporary and gothic style. And it stood on its own ground of 2 acres.

The house was being built inside around 100 acres of land he had acquired for a bargain. It was bordering NH 566. He could get it for substantially low rate as most of it was wet land. But, there was a small stretch of dry land in that. Dev decided to make his house on that piece of land.

Rest of the land was earmarked for re classification from wet land to dry land. These lands were remaining of large fields, taken over by government for developing National Highway. Since their water flows were blocked at various places, farmers left it without cultivation. For many years now. Dev, wanted everything to be done according to law. He didn’t like to take short cuts. He wanted rest of the land to be declassified as wet land. Then only he thought of starting his operations there.

"Son, why you are going for this land development permit and all? Nobody has ever taken permit for subdivision of land here in Palakkad. Wasting time Dev. Divide, sell and get lost from that place."

Ramchandran asked one day.

He had brought files to Dev’s office, for onward submission at Panchayath. Dev’s signature were required in many places.

"Uncle, have you heard of KPBR 2011? Kerala panchayath Building Rules. There it clearly says that before subdividing any property, you have to get approval from concerned authorities. No shortcuts, Chandran uncle. Please. "

Dev, smiled at him.

Ramachandran looked at Dev with appreciation now. He clearly has done his homework.

Since his commitment, Ramachandran had arranged few lands for Dev. Some of them Dev resold for huge profits. Three pieces of land, which Dev thought to be prime, were not sold. The layout permits were being applied for these three lands. Dev had his plans.

Karthi came in with some files after Ramachandran had left. Export and clearing house related documents. Boxes were ready to be dispatched to Chennai for shipment. They were being moved next day.

"How is your mother now Karthi?"

Dev asked him while signing the documents. Karthi had gone home the previous day, soon after his lunch. His mother was not well.

"She is fine now sir. She had slight variations in ECG. But doctor said nothing to worry as blood test proved normal. Still, she is on medication. "

"Take care of her Karthi. Whenever there is a need, go home and see her. Don't wait for my approval."

"Thank you sir."

He smiled and went out.

Karthi was a graduate. He was a very honest guy too. Dev knew he could trust him. He had larger roles to play, if Dev shifted operations to Palakkad.

"How are you Sitaram sir? How is your daughter doing now? Last you told, she had fever and was hospitalised. "

"She is fine now sir. Hospitals in Pune are really good. She got well in three days. I was concerned as she was second time pregnant now".

"Let them be safe Sitaram sir. Convey my regards when she calls you next. Last time she came here, I couldn't meet."

He just smiled at him with gratitude. With age, people become wise and graceful. And grateful too.

Dev now walked out of his office, and started climbing the stairs to first and second floor of his company. Somehow, he missed walking up. Past few months he has been too preoccupied to look after production floors. That day, he decided to take a break. Soon, this will be an once in a month affair. Or may be even longer.

He went to the second floor first. The cutting, tailoring and checking sections functioned in the second floor. Arun and Ramdas, both his cousins, rose up from their tables and came to him.

"Hi Dev, long time you came here. All fine?"

He hugged them.

"All fine dears. Just that I have too many other things to look after too. Since you guys are here, I need not come up here often, just to see everything is ok; right no?"

He laughed.

It was true. Arun and Ramdas were a comfort for him. They managed production even when Dev never asked them to do. They both had a sense of ownership. And when they were around, even Karthi didn’t meddle there much.

He went to each table in turn and talked to them, for a minute each. Everyone was happy and doing well. They were the people who were contributing in big way for his success.

He walked down to first floor.

Karthi was busy there, looking after packing. He came running.

"Sir, anything?"

"Nothing particular Karthi, just wanted to have a look."

He answered, while walking in.

He went and stood near ironing table. Govindasamy Anna was ironing with heavy iron box.

Dev had been watching him ironing cloths without breaks for hours. Although he worked on piece rate, his dedication could never be questioned. There were three more ironing guys.

Few joined recently. All were happy to see Dev.

He looked at the packing section. All were busy putting garments into carton boxes and packing and sealing. Some new girls looked at him through corner of their eyes and smiled between them. Elder ladies seemed to admonish them with their eyes.

He walked out into the verandah and stood looking out over the skyline of Tirupur. Many small and big buildings had sprouted out all over.

He looked towards Sivan Theatre. Earlier it was visible without much effort. Now he had to crane his neck a bit to see it.

How many days, how many evenings, he has been there, as a kid; going to cinema, with wide happy eyes, along with Venkat Annan.

He will be leaving Tirupur Soon. Construction of his house at Palakkad was now finished and ready to move. He will be visiting Tirupur only once in a while. He was going to miss this place.

He missed Sukanya Now.

The one who made all this possible. The one who saved him from the ditches.

A dry hot Breeze flew in from outside and unsettled his hairs. While he was pulling it back in place, he saw Sukanya sliding in, on her scooty.

He, though happy, was bit nervous. He will have to break it to Sukanya today.

CONT : CHAPTER 12. NEXT WEEK