A lovely matchmaker

Siripathy Jayamaha

Three decades back, the Kandy Express was speeding past the Kelaniya level crossing. Mahes and Indu were the first on the 'to' Kandy side. Mahes closed his eyes and turned his head aside. Indu knew why. A sheaf of papers flew out of a window. A fair hand tried to retrieve them. No luck. The hand belonged to a pretty lady. The papers wafted towards Indu's car. He collected the set. Gates opened. Mahes and Indu were on their way to see Indu's Kethelay Malla, who happened to be Mahes' sister.

The papers consisted of a number of verses written on faded letterhead. Mahes was fascinated. Four verses each on childhood and the unseen beauty of Lanka. On a sheet of music and with the aid of his mouth organ Mahes began to compose tunes in keeping the subjects in the lyrics. Mahes was a musician and composer par excellence.

"We have the address, so why not we give these people a happy surprise." Both agreed. They stopped for a snack at the Paradeniya Rest House. They were under the porch of a lovely bungalow up on Heerasagala Hill. It's belonged to Titus Mayadunne, Architect. Indu told them that there were documents to be hand over. Mahes opted to remain in the car. His foot. Indu told them as to how they came by the letterheads. Daughter was thrilled to get the verses. Doubly thrilled in seeing the musical settings. She sang while playing the piano. Mahes was in the car. Listening. Fantastic. All were by the car. Surprise. Mahes' mother had taught Shyama Mayadunne in a prestigious school in Kandy. She owed her upper second class in Zoology because of her dinner? Politely declined. Dinner ready at Matale. On their way.

"I have a happy feeling", said Indu.

"That we may have to make many more trips up Heerasagala Hill."

"May be Indu", sighed Mahes. "A replica of the Beauty and the Beast. Difference. No fairy tale endings," Indu was silent. At home, Indu narrated their story. 'Yes', Mrs Mayadunne could remember a very bright pupil Shyama pretty, simple was the Head Prefect. Smiles and hopes for many.

Mahes' sister Enoka and Indu conspired. Became coordinators in a conspiracy of hearts.

Formal visits gave way to many informal ones. Long chats between the parents. Many tears. Mahes and Shyama shed many a tear. So did Enoka and Indu. It was agreed. Eye brows were raised by Shyama's relatives. They wanted to know, how? why? However, Mahes and Shyama knew that Cupids arrows were flying between the Heerasagala Hill of Kandy and the Wilshire Hill of Matale with gay abandon. They were wed. Enoka, Indu and Sarath. Shyama's brother were a part of the bridal retinue. The ceremony was in Colombo. Hotels for the couple in Dambulla and Trincomalee. However, Shayama had wanted the going away to commence from her home. A home where she had been loved and pampered from her infancy. Agreed. A toast by one of Mahes' Campus Professors.

Mahes had been 14. At the Getambe level crossing with the family. A little child had suddenly run on to the tracks. His elder brother had run after him. A wailing mother followed. Mahes had got out of the car and amidst shouts, had run on to the tracks and literally dragged the mother and the kids. Saved. The Kandy princess braked to a halt. People froze. Mahes was rushed to hospital. His left leg was severed above the knee. Shoulder was dislocated. A miracle escape.

The school, the railway and the state honoured him for his gallentry. When Shyama had been told about his physical handicap she had said "Sweet Desdemona ran into the arms of dark and sooty moor because she saw his visage in his mind. So, Mahes belongs to me." The invitees, the staff. management and even the foreign tourists were wiping their tears. The hall erupted into thunderous applause. While thanking his professor and all others. Mahes said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"My dear Shyama, don't worry, 'mama oya kiyana ohna deyak eka paing karanawa.' With tears in her eyes, Shayam embraced Mahes and said. "I am your other limb. I shall carry you on our journey in making a new home." That beautiful hall would never have or never will experience the tears and applause as on that day. The management invited the foreign friends to partake in the banquet. All on the house. Never done before.

The blessed conspirators were joined by the Railway personnel. Indu was driving Enoka beside her. The new couple in the rear. Gates were closed for the Mahanuwara express. Mahes and Shyama were puzzled. Their car was directed to the head of the line of traffic. The speedy princes halted. People were watching. The train crew headed by the GMR walked up to the car. The newly weds got out. Then the fairytale. The family of the mother and children whom Mahes had rescued from certain tragedy nearly fourteen years ago ran from the train with betel leaves and tears. Gifts from all. Enoka and Indu reciprocated.

Back to the train. Crackers. A emotional bridal couple was on their way. Now on board their Magul Kapuwa. A happy princess.

It was a wonderful conspiracy of many lovely hearts that made two righteous hearts to be united in love. This was long before Valentines Day became a 'DAY' in Sri Lanka.