The Covenant of Water
by Abraham Verghese
Contents
CHAPTER 39
Overview
Philipose departs Cochin by train for Madras Christian College to study literature, despite Big Ammachi’s hopes for medicine. Uplift Master escorts him, then confronts nostalgia for Madras and mounting marital estrangement with Shoshamma. The sight of wartime troops sharpens the moment, and Uplift Master discovers toddy as an unexpected emotional refuge.
Summary
In 1943 Cochin, Uplift Master and Philipose scour tailors for college clothes, finally finding ready-mades in Jew Town and buying travel essentials. Uplift Master tries to lift Philipose’s spirits. Big Ammachi had hoped for medicine, but Philipose’s squeamishness and passion for books led him to Madras Christian College; admission brings joy that turns to predeparture anxiety.
At Ernakulam South station, heat hangs heavy as The Mail readies to depart. Soldiers of the Fourth Infantry surge onto the platform, their presence making the war immediate. Uplift Master passes Philipose a letter of introduction to Mohan Nair near Egmore. He reminisces about Madras and admits regret at leaving. The train pulls out; Uplift Master, proud yet worried about Philipose’s dread, waves until the carriage vanishes.
Left behind, Uplift Master’s thoughts split between the life he loved in Madras and the one he leads in Parambil. He recalls his office pride, Fridays at Marina Beach with Shoshamma, and even a harmless fantasy about a stenographer. In Parambil, Shoshamma’s piety and assertiveness grow; she sells their coconut harvest and is vindicated by a sudden price crash. A bedroom quarrel prompts Uplift Master’s vow never to initiate intimacy; because Shoshamma never initiates, the vow leads to a year of celibacy and simmering resentment.
Lonely after the farewell, Uplift Master follows a sign to a toddy shop and drinks alone for the first time. The toddy soothes his despondency, lifting a weight he has carried since the quarrel. He recognizes a new attachment taking hold—an inward “love” for the relief toddy provides—hinting at a private dependence as he returns to Village Uplift.
Who Appears
- Uplift MasterMentor from Parambil; escorts Philipose; longs for Madras; recounts marital rift and self-imposed celibacy; discovers toddy as emotional balm.
- PhiliposeBig Ammachi’s son; shops for college; rejects medicine, embraces literature; departs by train to Madras, anxious but determined.
- ShoshammaUplift Master’s wife; more devout in Parambil; sells coconuts profitably; rebuffs routine intimacy, prompting his vow not to initiate.
- Big AmmachiPhilipose’s mother; wanted him to study medicine; yields to his passion for literature.
- Fourth Infantry soldiersWar-hardened troops on the platform; their presence makes the war feel immediate.