TAMIL
Variations on a theme
P. SUNDARESAN
SANIKKIZHAMAI VIBATHTHU: Indra Soundarrajan; Thirumagal Nilayam, 16 (Old No.55) Venkatanarayana Road, T. Nagar, Chennai-600017. Rs. 60.
BOTH THE novellas in this book are variations on the theme of a titanic struggle between good and evil. They drive home the point that those who jump to conclusions realise their folly after a surprising turn of events. The title story depicts a traumatic experience of Sivakumar, an enfant terrible in computer software working for a Chennai sunrise industry. Love match, consequent on saving the life of one another after a devastating fire in a trade fair, with the Mumbai-based business tycoon Jamnalal’s only daughter and the heroine Nirosha coupled with her father’s professional enmity caused him to doubt a road accident on any Saturday as a schematic plot to strike the hero. How the relationship between dad and daughter turned sour due to his love affair and how Jamnalal was quick to effect a compromise with the Sivakumars and remained a tower of strength to them unfold.
The other novella “Olinthirukkirane” which reflects the after-effects of voicing concern about bribery and corruption rampant in the office as well as domestic chaos due to wife’s craze for lottery tickets and her moves for separation has all the makings of a classic. What looms large in our mind is the husband’s way of meeting laudatory objectives with a relentless pursuit of truth, honesty, grit and sacrifice. The thought-provoking book brings out in bold relief that glory can be achieved through the furnaces of tribulation.
