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(This is an article / story contributed by a member of the public. This is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this article are the product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, and actual events is purely coincidental.)
Once upon a time in the 18th century, there lived an Ezhava family named Alummootil in central Travancore. Their written records were scarce, but they were known for their origins and the victimization they faced due to the Marumakkathayam system. The system suppressed the freedom of women and junior members, leading to strained relationships within the family.
Among the members of the Alummootil family, Sekharan Channar stood out with his enigmatic aura and compassionate nature. He was known for his kindness and benevolence, which were in stark contrast to the behavior of the previous Karanavans. Their callous attitude and self-centeredness had upset other members of the family, depriving them of the resources they needed to live comfortably.
Sekharan remained a silent observer of the world around him. He found solace in the beauty of the village and its people. One day, while wandering near the village temple, he caught a glimpse of a young woman named Kalyani. Her aura of kindness and unconditional love towards all beings in the world captivated Sekharan. From that moment, he became an unspoken admirer of Kalyani, watching her acts of compassion from afar.
As time went by, Sekharan's admiration for Kalyani only grew stronger. Her influence began to manifest in his actions, as he found himself drawn to selfless acts of kindness, much like Kalyani's. He longed to express his feelings, but societal norms and the fear of rejection held him back.
Every time passing the Evoor Krishna Swami Temple, Sekharan observed how Kalyani frequently arranged free food for people inside the temple, but there was no suitable place for them to peacefully sit and eat. He decided to take upon himself the task of funding the construction of a large dining hall called "Uttoopura," a place where people could enjoy the meals she provided with comfort and dignity.
As the dining hall took shape, Sekharan poured his heart and soul into the project, making sure every detail reflected Kalyani's compassionate spirit. The village marveled at the grandeur of the Uttoopura, but only Sekharan knew the true reason behind its creation.
However, fate had its own plans for Sekharan and Kalyani. One day, news reached Sekharan that Kalyani had to leave the village for reasons unknown. The revelation left Sekharan heartbroken, but he believed in her return one day. He continued to be an admirer of her kindness, cherishing the memories they had shared, even if it was from a distance.
The Uttoopura became a symbol of love and compassion in the village, drawing people from far and wide to partake in its offerings. His benevolence extended to other religions too and continued to inspire the Alummootil family and the entire community.
As the years passed, the story of Sekharan Channar and his secret admiration of Kalyani became a part of the village folklore, reminding everyone of the power of love and selflessness. And even though they never united in person, Sekharan held onto the belief that one day, their paths would cross again, for true love and kindness were bound to find their way back home.
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