Wayanad, 01 Nov (H.S)

For Radha and Nabeesa, a rehabilitation township for survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide promises more than permanent homes. It offers a chance to renew the everyday companionship that sustained their friendship for over half a century before the disaster separated them.

The two women, who grew up together and shared decades of happiness and hardship, have been allotted houses in the second phase of the township’s housing draw. The allotments have brought renewed hope after nearly two years spent in separate rented accommodation.

Their friendship had long transcended religious differences, finding expression in shared meals, celebrations and the reassuring presence of each other through life’s difficulties.

During Onam, Radha’s home would host the traditional sadya, with Nabeesa joining the celebrations. For Eid, the gathering would shift to Nabeesa’s house, where the friends celebrated together. These occasions became cherished traditions in a relationship rooted in affection and mutual support.

The landslide abruptly disrupted that familiar life. Displaced by the disaster, the women sought shelter in different places, losing the ease of meeting regularly and sharing their worries and everyday experiences.

Radha moved into a rented house at Kunnampetta, while Nabeesa found accommodation at Vengappally. The separation added an emotional burden to the uncertainty of rebuilding their lives.

Now, the second-phase allotment list has given their friendship the prospect of a shared neighbourhood once again.

Nabeesa has been allotted house number 140 in K Cluster of Zone One. Radha will have house number 308 in A Cluster of Zone Five.

Although their homes are in different sections, living within the same township holds the promise of reconnecting more easily.

Both look forward to celebrating Onam and Eid together again. For them, rehabilitation means recovering not just a home, but also the companionship that made their earlier lives feel whole.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman