Ayyapan reads a post on Facebook titled "ONE PICTURE – TWO FAMILIES – THREE DECADES." As he reads, a power failure hits, typical for the rainy season. He falls asleep in his armchair. Raindrops patter against the window, waking him slightly. Using his walking stick, he moves towards the window and opens the door. As the rain stops, the sky clears, allowing the sun to cast its rays over the skyscrapers. Birds, which had taken shelter in the trees, start returning to their regular habitats, filling the air with their calls. A vibrant rainbow appears, symbolizing not only joy but also the myriad emotions people experience.
An elderly man, his face etched with wrinkles, looks deeply troubled. He is a banana vendor who lost his son and daughter-in-law to a heavy downpour a year ago, leaving him as the sole caregiver for his five-year-old grandson. To cover the daily expenses for his wife and grandson, he relies heavily on his banana sales. However, heavy rains deter customers from venturing out to buy bananas, leaving him depressed, his hand resting on his head.
The banana vendor shares a strong bond with this locality as it marks the beginning of his life's journey. Coming from a poverty-stricken family in an area where agriculture had failed, he was forced to leave his home in search of a livelihood. With no plan and an empty stomach, he wandered the streets, searching for a way to survive. Under the scorching sun, he collapsed from hunger. It was during Vinayagar Chaturthi, and a crowd carrying a Ganesh idol spotted him unconscious. They revived him with water and some food, including bananas and lentils. Regaining strength, he resumed his search for sustenance, finally arriving at a local bus stop.
With his dirty shirt and tattered trousers, people mistook him for a beggar and threw him coins. Initially hesitant, he accepted the offerings out of necessity. Eventually, begging became his profession, and he regularly stationed himself near a bustling fruit stall. Over time, he became familiar with the stall's operations, including its opening and closing times and lunch breaks.
As his begging income declined, he grew desperate. With no money and an empty stomach, he decided to rob the fruit stall. Entering with an anxious face, he tried to smile his way through inquiries from the staff. He hastily grabbed bunches of bananas and approached the exit. The barcode detector beeped, alerting the staff, who caught him. In the ensuing confrontation, he confessed his desperation and asked for a job. The owner, after some deliberation, offered him a temporary position.
On his first day, his colleagues viewed him with suspicion, but over time, he earned their trust. His main issue was finding shelter. A female colleague offered him a reduced-rent house, and they grew close, eventually becoming lovers. Their increasing absences from work raised suspicions, and they confessed their relationship to the owner, who advised them to save money for their future.
Pressure from the girl's family, who opposed their inter-caste relationship, forced them to leave her home. They took refuge in a park where the man used to sleep. The park's watchman, a friend, allowed them to stay for a bribe. They continued their work, seeking the manager's assistance for a home. The manager arranged for them to stay in his guest house temporarily, promising to find a permanent solution soon.
As they adjusted to their new life, the manager and his wife warmly welcomed them. The manager's wife, adorned in a beautiful red saree, made a lasting impression on the woman. After dinner, they were shown to the guest house, where they rested and discussed their future plans.
The next day, they resumed work, anxiously waiting for a response from a house broker. The broker eventually found a house that met their needs, but they needed to pay a substantial advance. They approached the manager for help, who, after some hesitation, agreed to assist.
Years passed, and the couple had a son. The man's son got married and had a child, making him a grandfather. However, tragedy struck when his son's family perished in a downpour, leaving him as the sole provider for his grandson and wife. Despite his sorrow, he continued his work, expanding his market through Facebook.
Meanwhile, the manager who had once helped him returned to the city with his family. They reconnected on Facebook, reminiscing about their past and planning a reunion. When they finally met, they captured a photo that perfectly encapsulated their shared history, posting it with the caption, "ONE PICTURE – TWO FAMILIES – THREE DECADES."
This story, rich with emotion and history, highlights the resilience and interconnectedness of human lives across decades.