When Kali did not visit in the last two years or so, the tree’s arms reached towards the sky. You can only notice a tree’s growth when it is little. It continues to expand, but invisibly, as it becomes larger. Kali, on the other hand, could always gauge the size of a tree. He could now see, for example, that they had pruned a branch that had exceeded the yard and had begun to reach into the house. It appeared to be a malformed bodily portion. They had to do it to get some sun so they could dry something. But he stood there for a time, staring at the tree’s wound. Ponnayi had not visited in two years since he had not visited in two years. Muthu, her brother, had come specifically to invite them this year. He arrived in Tiruchengode on the first day of the festival, when the flag was hoisted and the festivities began. He was insistent about them coming this year. Kali couldn’t say no. So he dispatched Ponnayi on the day the chariot was paraded. However, he planned to go on the last day—the day the deities returned to the hill—so that he might remain another day, feast on the meat, and return home with Ponnayi. After all, even though he was the one who had planted the tree, how long could he lie under its cover and stare at its canopy? Muthu, his brother-in-law, was a boyhood acquaintance of his. In fact, they were so close that he felt free to remark, “I want to marry your sister.” However, once they married and became brothers-in-law, they drifted apart. Over the years, the chasm between them seemed to widen, but there was little that could be done about it. People would openly mock him if he stayed here and worked the crops. ‘See!’ they’d say. He works as a slave for his father-in-law!’ He’d also have to leave everything behind to come here. For a few days, his mother might be able to look after the cow, calves, and goats. But after that, she’d undoubtedly start abusing him. ‘Does he believe that if he sits on his haunches in his father-in-house law’s and eats away, the cows here will somehow feed themselves? Isn’t it reasonable for a Vellala to feel concerned about these unfortunate creatures? You can only dump everything and flee like way as long as this Marayi is alive. I could die at any moment. ‘What would you do in that case?’ He had a good idea when she’d start hurling insults at him. If he waited even a day or two longer, her foul mouth would erupt with venomous comments. Like a mirage in the afternoon sun, his father’s visage would emerge before his eyes. That was the only memory he had of his father. His mother was the one who had raised him. And she made certain that no one could suggest that a child raised by a widow would be worthless. She was adamant that they be treated the same as the rest of the population. From ploughing the ground to getting water for the farms, she understood it all. She would remark things like, ‘We shouldn’t rely on anyone.’ She couldn’t find somebody to sow seeds one year. ‘Nothing grows when seeded by a woman in white,’ they added, clearly referring to her widow’s clothing. She attempted to contact a few folks but was unsuccessful. ‘Let whatever grows grow,’ she added. Alternatively, perhaps nothing will. That’s fine as well. ‘I don’t give a damn.’ She also planted the seedlings herself. There was nothing unusual about her yield; it was as good as everybody else’s. Kali gave him the basket when she was strong enough to carry it. She was there to assist him until he mastered the technique of evenly sowing, but it was then his responsibility. Kali, on the other hand, was under his mother’s influence everywhere he went. He was a free spirit before he married. On days when there was no employment, it was difficult to reach him. ‘Where can that dog go?’ Marayi would say if someone inquired. It must have dug up a shady area and is currently resting there. Otherwise, it must be wandering aimlessly and growing fatigued. It will return to eat at night, wherever it is.’ He never abused her trust, and in the field, he gave it his all. He would tend to his field and stay to himself even today. He would not go somewhere to laze around with anyone since that he had moved away from the minions of his youth. His lot was this walled area. That was just the way things were at the time.