The Faith

By George Vilson

“The Faith” is an exquisitely crafted and highly enriching novel, where the reader enjoys the fun and freedom of endless exploration. It is a magical synthesis of strangeness and beauty packed with suspense and surprise. The novel is a quest for the unknown, the unexplained. Guilt and remorse are watered down when the high priest of holy sacrament forgives and extends a hand to support and rescue the lame lamp.
Man and woman are made for each other, no doubt but how to search for the right partner to share the apple of knowledge with her. There the journey begins, but never ends. The life of Raajasekharan Nair was a quest for a comfort zone from the beginning. He has many superstitions, inhibitions, emotional weaknesses, and always thinks with his heart rather than head. It’s a story of those who think like him, when the unattended, unrestrained emotional thirst causes disturbances and ruin.
A marvellous story with wide implications to modern life is narrated with an ease and passion which is incomparable in contemporary literature, executed in brilliant style; that’s “The Faith.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd
• Release date: Nov 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9789388081528

George Vilson

Born toVazhappilly Lazar and Kunjilakutty Lazar, in a small village called, Kottapadi, Thrissur, Kerala, INDIA,but he was known as a person from Guruvayur.He wrote several stories about Migration, particularly from Kerala, to different parts of the world, and their living conditions, hardships, employment opportunities, etc. in the migrated countries and their parental homes back in Kerala in English and Malayalam. He had published around 9 books in Malayalam, compilation of short-stories [5], novelettes [1], screenplay [1] and novels [2] and a book in English, The Black Woman [compilation of short-stories].His wife is Lizy, daughter Liji and son, [e-mail]

Book preview

Prologue

The Nairs of Kerala are a group of Indian castes, described by Anthropologist Kathleen Gough as not a unitary group but a named category of castes. The Nair include several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom historically bore the name ‘Nair’. These people lived, and continue to live, in the area which is now the Indian State of Kerala. Their internal caste behaviors and systems are markedly different between the people in the northern and southern sections of the area.

Nairs are an integral part of Kerala’s culture and have a long and illustrious history. Nairs are the ‘Savarna’ Hindus, who consisted of warriors (martial nobility). They are similar to the Samurai of Japan. The word Nair is either derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nayaka’ (leader) or Naga (snakes, which the Nairs worshipped). The Nair class name also encompasses Menon, Panicker, Kurup, Pillai, Unni, Unnithan, Kartha, Thampan, Kaimal, Nayanar, Thambi, and Nambiar.

Historically, Nairs lived in large family units called Tharavad that housed descendants of one common female ancestor. These family units along with their unusual marriage customs, which are no longer practiced, have been much studied. Although the detail varied from one region to the next, the main points of interest to researchers of Nair marriage custom were the existence of two particular rituals – the pre-pubertal (‘thalikettu kalyanam’) and the later Sambandam – and the practice of polygamy in some areas. Some Nair women also practiced hypergamy with Namboodiri Brahmins from the Malabar region.

The Nair were historically involved in military conflicts in the region. Following hostilities between the Nair and the British in 1809, the British limited Nair participation in the British Indian Army. After India’s independence, the Nair Brigade of the Travancore State Force was merged into the Indian Army and became a part of the 9th Battalion, Madras Regiment, and the oldest battalion in the Indian Army.

The serpent is worshipped by Nair families as a guardian of the clan. The worship of snakes, a Dravidian custom is so prevalent in the areas that one anthropologist notes: in no part of the world is snake worship more general than in Kerala. Serpent groves were found in the southwestern corner of nearly every Nair compound. As per the Dharmasasthas, custom is an accepted way of behavior or doing things in a society or community. It can be a practice, a habit, a way of living or performance. Usually when learned men do something, others follow the same.

Customs begin when a society recognizes a set of rules intended for its common benefit. High-quality thoughts, ideologies and conduct rules are thus made customs through continuous practice and precedence. Customs teach mankind how to lead a life filled with truth, kindness, duty, love, devotion and affection. When these customs get the backing and support of religions they become unbreakable. These noble virtues are enabled him to watch and follow rules and rituals of neighboring locality/ country and accept whatever practices are good for his community. Hence, the desire of the people to keep such belief and practice without errors and omissions will persist.

The ruling pattern of Kerala was based on Hindu principles and practices. The Kerala rulers accepted the code rules of the ancient books and the precedence followed as the basis for their administration. It was also believed that one who rejected the customs would not attain purity forever even though he was a scholar in four Vedas and six Vedangas. Many communities belong to Hindu religion inherited several Shodasacharas (16 customs from pregnancy to death) of Brahmins (Namboodiri). The only difference is that Brahmins practice them with hymns and rituals. However, the customs like untouchability, matrilineal system, Thalikettu Marriage, Sambandam, Pulappedi etc. came to an end. Other practices are still in force without major changes. To a certain extent, they got modified periodically in due course of time.

The life of Raajasekharan Nair (Nayakan or Leader) was a Quest for a Comfort Zone from the beginning. His Murapennu [customary would-be], a job with decent salary to help his father and buy decent clothes for his only sister, an appreciation from his lover-turned-wife, and an acceptance smile from his lover, but nothing happened. He was born in such an orthodox Nair family, in a typical village of Kerala. His ‘Tharawad’ is near to one of the famous temples there and its influence on Nair community in particular was great. He has many superstitions, inhibitions, emotional weaknesses, and always thinks with his heart rather than head. Finally, did he find what he was searching for … is there any Comfort Zone for Raajasekharan Nair?

‘The Group of Seven’ or the ‘The Naughty Seven’ children made Raajasekharan Nair as their Leader. They were truly naughty and made many maneuvers of childhood tantrums. Even after growing, those six sought his advice when they faced with critical moments of despondency in life and he led them, like a Nair.

Nair had a childhood fascination for Neermala, his uncle’s daughter, who, as per the Nair custom, was his Murapennu [customary would-be]. The childhood fascination became a liking for each other when they grown-up, with the blessings of both the family. They freely romanced and each dreamed about a romantic life together!

One of his closest friends, Peter, was born poor but strived very hard to achieve a wealthy post by showing his sincere loyalty to his employer. Peter became the right hand of Farukbhai and naturally his daughter, Asna adored Peter. They became husband and wife with the blessings of everyone.

Peter, Chairman of Saurashtra Group of Mills was not a greedy man but very intelligent, who shared his wealth, position and influence with his childhood mate and leader, Raajasekharan Nair. He used to say that God looks first into a man’s heart before he passes judgment on his faith."

Incidentally, Raada came into the life of Raajasekharan Nair. Life lessons made Laxmi Amma, mother of Raada, to marry off her only child to Nair in a haste. But their lives could not find a smooth path together. Although they had a child, Reema, things went off the guard.

In the absence of Raada and Reema, Raajasekharan Nair has to find solace in the friendship of Seeta, a widower, with serene beauty, who was living in his out-house. But Nair could not make it happen again in his life, he escaped to oblivion!

But life has its own twists and turns! Nair re-discovers his village beauty, Seeta, while working for Peter in Mumbai and they became made for each other.

While they were having a pleasant life together there was a SOS from Nair’s daughter, Reema. She sought her Dad’s help and protection. Reema was like a Ross flower to Raajasekharan Nair when she was a baby but that SOS made him to think otherwise.

Raajasekharan Nair continues his quest for life to reach a Comfort Zone, which again brings him face-to-face with his first wife, Raada. And he tries his best to restore peace into the lives of everyone with the help of Peter and the life goes on …

Novel

The Faith

George Vilson

I – Book of Aries

Chapter 1

I was counting the roof tiles, while smoking a cigarette. The only light in the room was from the cigarette butt. Its brightness pulsated, as I inhaled smoke, like the rhythm in a music system!

But I could not shed much light into my own life until now … The more I tried to do so, it filled with darkness.

It was a very pleasant morning today. Seeta went to the temple to make some offerings there to a Goddess, who is compassionate with lovers! But I did not ask her whether it’s for the young or for the people who had been married once … She even cooked a sumptuous lunch on the pretext that no one is going to interrupt our privacy!

Raaj, I am not a vessel waiting to be filled again … as you know, we both had a stint of married life before … If you are so sure about me, then I am yours forever! Take it or leave it …

She said very candidly. It’s true. Her husband met with a fatal accident while traveling on a motorbike. It so happened when they were so young and about to settle with a family life. Fortunately or unfortunately, he did not leave any mark on her womb. It was about three years ago.

My case is entirely different. I had to leave my wife and child in a very fancy atmosphere. Though some people said it’s a silly reason, but for me, it was a grave mistake on her part, which no husband could pardon. It was not a long time ago, but only six months before!

The other day, when I met Seeta for the first time we didn’t know that would culminate into such a sensational attachment between us …

Aneeta, Aneeta …

I was enjoying morning mist of December, in the comfort of a woolen blanket. Someone called aloud from outside, after pressing the doorbell a couple times. My bedroom is in upstairs where I could see anyone coming in and going out of the house, but none would notice me. It’s a much safer place for me, considering my situation!

Yes, what you want?

I opened the door and asked. I didn’t like someone disturbing my sleep especially in the mornings.

She did not utter a word, but was searching in me something that she missed earlier. She is beautiful. She was wearing a white sari and a few jasmine flowers in the hair, which is quite long, suits her skin the best. Indeed she is a tall girl of around twenty twenty-five.

Yes?

I made a better inquiry this time, rather polite in tone.

I was looking for Aneeta …

She answered softly. Her sound is heavy but there is a kind of music in it; without any rhythm. Certain instrument was playing on a low key while she was talking.

Sorry, she is not here.

Where is she now?

When I was about to turn away, she asked again. Who is she? Has she got any right to know where Aneeta is now? While my thoughts were wandering on these lines I politely answered her:

She had to go out on an emergency … our Uncle is dead.

My condolences … I hope she has gone with her Mother and Father …

I was getting annoyed in a way but at the same time, I did not wish to disappoint a beautiful girl in a pleasant morning.

By the way, who are you?

I am her friend, we work in the school together … and live in your outhouse.

Now I got it. My mother had told me that one of our very distant relatives is residing in the outhouse for the last couple of years and she is alone. But unfortunately I had not seen her before. In fact, I did not venture myself out much from my bedroom. I was afraid to face people with their inquisitive eyes and irritating questions.

Name?

I know, it’s Raaj, a good name too … but your star Aries, which is very sensitive!

She blushed, showing a dimple on her right cheek. The almond eyes opened up more with a shadow of rainbow in it.

I asked yours … how do you know all these?

She laughed, making a soft sound while showing off her white teeth.

You are like my Uncle, who asks two questions instead of answering one …

This time I was keyed in to laugh.

I am, Seeta.

She smiled at me. It was indeed nice to have a break from sleep with such a smart and beautiful visitor some time!

You are Aneeta’s brother, right? What were you doing in the day; I didn’t see you out at all …

I was rather expecting this question. It’s quite natural. The outhouse is only about a hundred meters or so away from our house, but in the same compound. Even then it’s quite surprising that we didn’t see each other for the last six long months!

I sleep …

My God, I have heard of people continuously sleeping, but not for six months together …

She laughed again and again, making all the musical instruments at work. I joined in with her. In a way it is true, but how could it be true? That made her to laugh. Me too! I wake up late in the morning and will have a heavy brunch, breakfast and lunch combo. Then I will go reading until four or five in the evening. Tea with light refreshments, followed with dinner and watching television programs until two or three in the morning. Did I sleep more than normal? No. But there is no need now to explain all these things to her. I kept quiet.

Thanks!

She went away.

I was alone at home yesterday too. My parents went to a far off Temple with my sister to attend a marriage ceremony there. The bride’s father, a very close relative of my mother, requested for my presence too. I didn’t go as I was still a bit afraid to face the public.

In the evening, when the sun was about to set, I had made up my mind to take a short stroll outside the house. If you stay inside a place, though moderately big and airy, you still have a sort of stale feelings. It’s a tiled square house constructed by my grandfather some one hundred or so years ago, but well maintained. There are different quarters for family living as it was a combined family then. Several rooms are there in the ground but only one portion has built