Rathinirvedam (novel)

The story takes place in Cheppattumukku village near Kayamkulam, a small village surrounded by hills and valleys. Seventeen-year-old Pappu, awaiting school results and then college, has plenty of time on hand. His trouble is adolescence, but neither his mother nor his aunt can diagnose his affection. Everything round him excites and stimulates his sexual curiosity. Twenty-two-year-old Rathi, the girl next door, has been chechi (sister) to him since he was a child. Unaware of the stirrings of his desire, she dismisses his first overtures to her as boyish pranks. But soon her feelings change. She is sympathetic to the boy's confusion and goes to the sarppakkavu (cobra-shrine) to keep a midnight assignation with Pappu. It storms and thunders while Pappu makes love to Rathi. Only then does the storm within and without subside. Aghast at what has happened, Rathi stumbles to her feet but is bitten by a cobra and dies. Next morning Pappu leaves home for college and his new life.