My Grandfather from Guttavalli

This is the untold story of a village nestled in the embrace of lush greenery, far away from the city. In the courtyard, a granddaughter plays while, lying on a cot, a doll counts numerous stars listening to Grandpa's stories. The tales of seven princes and seven fishes begin in the moonlight, as the young princess indulges in dreams. Grandpa's cherished granddaughter, a source of joy for the entire village, becomes the center of attention, adorning her nails with red polish and captivating everyone with her presence. The village gathers in her courtyard to watch television, and Anandrao Master's granddaughter becomes the playmate for many families.

The highlight is the granddaughter's unique talent in adorning her nails, causing a stir in the village. People gather to witness the spectacle, and even Anandrao Ji proudly boasts about his granddaughter's accomplishments. The night brings laughter as everyone enjoys the show under a star-filled sky.

A nightly ritual involves earning a rupee by pressing someone's feet, a valuable amount in those days. The village's only famous shop, owned by Nagbhushan Uncle, is a popular spot where people discuss Anandrao Ji's elder son's daughter and jokingly suggest marrying her to the doctor's son.

Moving on, the granddaughter visits her grandmother's Telugu-speaking friend, Avulanamma, who shares stories and returns home after letting her cow graze freely. The granddaughter walks with such grace that even the village head is left amazed.

Anandrao Ji's house becomes a hub for prominent guests, introducing the granddaughter as someone living in Delhi, proficient in both English and Hindi. To showcase her talent, Anandrao Ji instructs her to write the alphabet on a slate, leading to an impressive display of self-confidence.

The night without stories or a blink from the granddaughter passes. Days turn into nights, and preparations for the journey to Delhi are underway. Soon, the quiet courtyard echoes with the sound of falling dry leaves. Anandrao Ji's cough intensifies, and a dark stream of smoke emerges from his lungs like clouds in the sky.

Written & Illustration by Swati Patnaik, swatipatnaik@yandex.com

Swati Balivada,

swatipatnaik@yandex.com

17-08-2020.