In a quiet village in Kerala, I found myself thrust into a world I had never known before—one filled with warmth, laughter, and people who, despite being strangers, treated me like family. It all started when I was hired as a driver for a large family. My role was simple, but little did I know that the journey I would take with them would change the course of my life.
On the first morning of my stay, I was woken up early by someone who seemed to care about my well-being, but I was too exhausted to respond. Slowly, the warmth of the sun began to coax me from my deep slumber. By 12:30 PM, I realized I was starving, and I slowly emerged from the comfort of my bed to make my way to the bathroom. My routine was interrupted by a friendly face—Michael, the eldest son of the family, who had just returned from the market.
With a bright smile, Michael greeted me and mentioned that Mariya, his sister, had tried to wake me up earlier. I apologized for sleeping in too long, but Michael, ever the gracious host, told me not to worry. "You're our guest, we’ll take care of you," he said kindly. Then he invited me to join him for a river bath at the back of the house, a ritual that was new to me but seemed to be a cherished tradition for the family.
As we walked to the river, I couldn’t help but notice the preparations for a grand festival—the Palayoor St. Thomas Major Archiepiscopal Church festival, a significant event that drew people from all corners of the region. Michael shared the fascinating history of the church, founded by St. Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD, and the magical belief that anyone who visited the church on the festival day would have their prayers answered.
When we reached the river, I was amazed by the peacefulness of the scene. As we soaked in the refreshing waters, the conversation flowed freely. Michael told me about his two brothers: Sebastian, the elder brother settled in Kuwait with his family, and Joseph, who was married to Mariya. Their bond was strong, and I could sense the pride Michael had for his family.
After a relaxing bath, we returned to the house, where the dining table was set, and the aroma of food filled the air. Michael's mother, Mariya, and the rest of the family made sure I felt like a part of their world. But then, something unexpected happened: as I sat down to eat, the family’s uncles and aunts began to recognize me as the driver who had helped them on their journey. They showered me with gratitude, offering hugs and calling me their "son."
The affection was overwhelming, but what struck me most was how their warmth made me feel like I wasn’t just a hired driver anymore—I was family. I tried to escape the attention, but each time I looked up, someone new was giving me a hug or offering a compliment. I was overwhelmed by their kindness, and even Jessie, a member of the family I hadn’t quite connected with yet, caught my eye. I was embarrassed but couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this connection than I realized.
As the evening wore on, Mariya, noticing I was a little flustered, whispered to me, "You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?" In shock, I realized that the entire family had indulged in a little too much alcohol during the celebrations. Despite the heavy drinking, I could see how this family loved each other deeply, and the bonds between them were unbreakable.
Though I felt like an outsider at the beginning of my journey, I now felt like a part of something much larger—a family united by love, tradition, and a sense of belonging. The day had begun with a simple river bath, but by the time I left, I had discovered that sometimes, the most unexpected journeys lead to the most meaningful connections.
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