An old-world briefcase

Grand-father-in-law was a very special person - if you were to hear his twin grandsons speak of their 'muthachan', you would agree readily too. Krishnan Kutty Menon was an agriculturist, who tended daily the small plot of land he had in Annanad, in central Kerala. He would escort the twins to school and back while patiently giving satisfactory answers and examples to (millions of questions)X2. One can easily attribute the twins' respect and regard for, and awe of, the land that feeds, nature that nourishes, trees that live and give - to this simple genuine villager who was untouched by material possessions.
Here are pictures of the single (singular!) item that dates to his lifetime, (most likely earlier), from the family home. It is a simple wooden briefcase (called kaipetti - a handy box of rosewood) that may be valueless, but is nevertheless priceless! The size is about 18X12X4 inches.





I wonder what those small nooks, crevasses, and other sections held. Whatever that was, it could never have been more precious than the old-world knowledge, wisdom and values that their owner passed on to the next generation. I missed meeting him by just three years, but his presence continues to be evident - in the trees that he planted, the home and village that he cared about, and his grandchildren's evergreen recollections.

And what would I wish everyone? - Hope you get to be a grandparent like him!
That was a glimpse into my world. Here are others who wish to share theirs.