Page 53 - Microsoft Word - My story of Pathyil Kalluvelil as told by Joseph Pathyil

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in Kurumulloor and the blessing and housewarming took place. Lukose had clearly
instructed his brother not to serve alcohol on the premises as he was the advocate of
abstinence. But, unbeknown to Lukose, his brother secretly served liquor in the kitchen to
a few selected people. The next day the news spread in Kurumulloor, and the priest asked
his trusted lieutenant if that was true. Lukose, being ignorant of what had transpired,
denied it vehemently. They fell out, and Lukose resumed his old habits.( The priest was
to meet him again before Lukose’s death and they were reconciled.)

Xavi studied in Kaipuzha most of the time, and having completed his school final
examination, Lukose sent him for telegraphic training to Madura. Xavi soon joined the
military for a period of time. The army made “a man” of him. When he came back, Xavi
joined his two uncles in PWD contract work. He also embarked on businesses
independently. He was most helpful to his parents (he considered his step-mother as his
own, and she loved him like her own.) Life in Kurumulloor had its difficulties as the
children were growing. Valsa was given in marriage to Chackochan Uppoottil in 1963.
Others had to be educated, fed, clothed, and kept in some semblance of comfort.
Alyamma’s family was a great help. But Lukose found himself frustrated by his attempts
to have a steady income. He became the victim of scams that he would never have
recommended to others. For example, someone cheated him out of a huge amount of
money by promising to multiply his cash. It was during those days of hardship that
Swamy - a rich industrialist -came to Kurumulloor looking for some land to start a
spinning mill. He invited Lukose to help him locate the land. In characteristic fashion,
Lukose went about the acquisition of land. A huge piece of land that had belonged to his
father and which had been given to him(in trust) and his brother, was sold to Swamy,
with the permission and blessing of Abraham. . Along with that more land was acquired.
The spinning mill was to begin its operations in 1965, and Lukose was promised an
important position in the organization.

In March 1964, Alyamma detected a swelling on Lukose’s throat. He went to Kottayam
General Hospital, where it was incised and he was sent home. He wrote to his brother in
Kazipet and his sister in Bhilai about the minor surgery and that he was feeling well
again. But as the wound was not healing, he went back for more tests. The doctors
suspected cancer. He was taken to Trivandrum for radiation. The disease however had
spread rapidly and the doctors could not contain it. The pain from the wound was acute.
In May 1964, he was discharged from the hospital, as they could do no more. One of the
cottages in Kaipuzha Hospital was rented for the duration. Lukose stayed there, tended by
the hospital staff, and by his own people. Alyamma was by his side day and night. The
children managed to do things at home as best as they could. Lukose’s sister -
Theyamma- came home to be with him. His brother -Joseph- spent a few days at home
too. His son Dani came from Hyderabad and spent a few poignant days with his father. A
steady stream of visitors came to the hospital. Through it all, Alyamma remained the
valiant woman. Lukose met and reconciled with all of his creditors. He also made his
peace with his God. Lukose was calm and consoling during the last few days. He
comforted those who came to bid farewell to him. On June 1, 1964, surrounded by his
wife and children, by his parents, by his brothers and sisters, Lukose breathed his last. He
was 48 years old. But he had sucked the marrow of life. He was a role model to his

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