The woollen elephant doll was gifted to me by Abida beneath this tree. It was brought by her father from Malaysia. It had been dear to her. Even then it was given to me. It was this same tree beneath which I slipped a ring made of grass onto her golden finger. A swing would usually be made on the branch of this very tree. That swing showed me the beauty of her feet draped in anklets and legs usually covered in long flowing skirts. I vividly remember mannan Krishnan who'd unmask himself after every poothamkettu and take rest below this tree. He used to narrate stories of the victories of Bhagavathy.

Commonwealth Literature Journal, Akamveedu, Woollen Elephant Doll, Golden Finger, Bird Community, Moothaashari, Mannan Krishnan, Banyan Trees, Mango Trees.