Sudhin Speaks

Who's this Chandramukhi?

Who's this Chandramukhi?

(Adaptation of an old granny tale)

The green fields of Ambasamudram are swaying to the cold breeze. A huge gathering is waiting restlessly outside the Government Hospital. The police in the hospital premise have geared up heavy bandobast. The post-mortem report of Fr. Susai is expected today.

Fr. Susai, the vicar of St. Peter's Church is a well-known person in Ambasamudram. He was known for his compassionate attitude towards the needy. He almost knew everybody by name in his locality. Fr. Susai had a major say in some of the village decisions because of his sharp acumen. Fr. Joshua is the assistant Vicar and a close friend of Fr. Susai. Unlike Fr. Susai, Fr. Joshua is a reserved character but has a good rapport with the villagers.

One fine morning, when both the priests were on their way to Annai Orphanage and Seva Centre in Karthigaipatti, they met Muthuraman the son of Panchayat leader.

"Who's this Chandramukhi?", asked Muthuraman.

"You were telling its Rajnikanth's latest movie", shot back Fr. Susai.

"Yes father, it's about a girl influenced by a deceased spirit. But they say it's all about split-personality and no spirits." Muthuraman pauses for a while and asks again,"Do spirits exist and do they harm people?"

"Yes Muthu, spirits do exist, but they don't harm people as we read in books or see in movies."

Fr. Joshua who was silent all the while, "I beg to differ Father. Some spirits might harm people. I've also seen people possessed by demons."

Muthuraman had an important work and left the place, but the two ministers continued their discussion.

In the end Fr. Joshua came up with a challenge, "If you believe that spirits don't harm people, can you nail on the grave of Sahayam, who committed suicide last year, tonight?"

"That's a harsh punishment Father. But I accept the challenge."

Later that night, Fr. Susai geared up for the challenge and went to the church's cemetery. The celebrant who was brave till then started shivering as he approached Sahayam's grave. With a deep breath, he nailed down quickly on the grave and was about to rush out, when he felt that someone was pulling him back.

The next day Fr. Joshua woke up to the heavy noise outside the parsonage. When enquired he came to know that Fr. Susai was found dead on Sahayam's grave. The whole village was shocked over the incident, so was Fr. Joshua. Many stories started floating around the village.

"It was heart-attack." the inspector in-charge of the investigation came out. Fr. Joshua was enquired and he told about the challenge to the police.

"Hmmm... this could have been avoided Father. You know one thing, Fr.Susai nailed on his robe over the grave."

-Sudhin.

posted by Unknown @ 4:19 AM