Page: 1
A STORY
R.K. Narayan has presented a very interesting character, in the
story. The postman is an ‘unusual postman’. He does his official duty but
simultaneously has a personal touch with the people of his village, during
his beat. He shares their joys and sorrows and is a part and parcel of
their life. In this story, he is so involved with Ramanujam’s family that he
risks his job and helps a worried father to get his daughter married.
Thanappa, the postman, was not just a postman of Vinayak Mudali
Street, but a friend and philospher to the people of all the houses. He was
very popular and was a part of their very existence.
He was intimately associated with Ramanujam. He knew that his
friend was very much worried about Kamakshi’s marriage. The father-in-
law’s accusation letters were more frequent that Ramanujam was not
making sufficient efforts for his daughter’s marriage. The old man was
ready to spend money but money could not do every thing in such matters.
Sometimes horoscopes didn’t agree or too much dowry was demanded.
Or the looks of the girl were not approved.
Ramanujam was very much disappointed as the marraige season
was drawing to a close but Thanappa assured him that he would find
a suitable match for Kamakshi.
One day Thanappa brought a proposal. The negotiations went off
well. The marriage was settled for 20th May - the last date of the current
marriage season. The period for the preparations was short but Thanappa
put his heart and soul in the the hectic arrangements.
At last the marriage was solemnized on the fixed date to everyone’s
relief.
Few days after the marriage, Thanappa handed over a letter and a
telegram to Ramanujam. The letter contained the note that Ramanujam’s
uncle was seriously ill. The telegram informed about his death. They were
dated 19th and 20th May - the marriage day. Ramanujam was angry at
this.
Thanappa had not delivered them in time. He knew it would be a
hindrance in the marriage, which was to be performed after several years
of efforts and disappointments.
He knew he had committed dereliction of duty but he had done the
crime knowingly out of his affection and concern for Kamakshi, whom
he loved like his own daughter. Ramanujam realising the nobleness behind
his action forgave him.