The coconuts of Ambilezhathu estate were a prized commodity, known for their sweetness and abundance. Yet, a mystery had begun to trouble the estate\u2014coconuts were disappearing without a trace. Workers reported no broken husks or fallen shells, only the eerie absence of the fruit. Whispers of supernatural involvement spread, but Mathevan Channar suspected a more earthly culprit.
One moonlit night, armed with a lantern and his sharp instincts, Channar decided to uncover the truth. He made his way to the tallest palm tree in the grove, its silhouette stretching against the starlit sky. Taking a seat beneath its broad canopy, he waited, his ears attuned to the slightest sound.
Hours passed, and the estate lay silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. Then, just as the moon reached its zenith, Channar heard the faint rustling of palm fronds above. He looked up to see a shadowy figure climbing the tree, moving stealthily but with purpose.
\u201cWho dares steal from this land?\u201d Channar\u2019s voice rang out, cutting through the stillness like a blade.
The figure froze, its hands gripping the tree trunk. Before it could respond, Channar began chanting, his words heavy with power. The thief, a young man dressed in tattered clothes, found himself unable to move. His limbs stiffened, and his breathing quickened as he clung to the tree, suspended between escape and confession.
Channar stepped forward, his lantern casting long, menacing shadows. \u201cCome down and reveal yourself,\u201d he commanded. \u201cOr remain bound to this tree by the weight of your guilt.\u201d
The thief whimpered, \u201cForgive me, Channar. I only took the coconuts to feed my family.\u201d
Channar\u2019s expression softened, though his voice remained firm. \u201cNeed does not justify theft,\u201d he said. Raising his hand, he released the thief from the mantra. The young man slid down the tree, collapsing to his knees before Channar.
\u201cI swear I will never steal again,\u201d the thief pleaded. \u201cPlease show mercy.\u201d
Channar placed a hand on the man\u2019s shoulder. \u201cTake these,\u201d he said, gesturing to a basket of coconuts he had prepared earlier. \u201cBut remember, the fruits of dishonesty carry a bitter taste. Seek help with honesty, and you will find it.\u201d
The thief bowed deeply, his gratitude evident, and left with the basket. The next morning, workers found the tree marked with blackened lines, remnants of Channar\u2019s incantation. It stood as a silent warning, and no coconuts were ever stolen from the estate again. The tale of the thief in the palm tree became a legend, a testament to Channar\u2019s wisdom and justice.
