Kollam:
As India and Italy spar over the killing of two Kerala fishermen, allegedly by Italian Marines, one family is completely shattered.
Seventeen-year-old Derrick finds his hard to believe he won't see his father again, Jelastin, one of the two slain fishermen. Jelastin had been at sea for over a week and his family was looking forward to his return.
"He told me when he went that he will come with money so that I can pay my school fees that was long overdue," said Derrick.
Derrick's younger brother Jeen is only 10. As he plays in school, unaware of the tragedy, he believes his father will return soon.
Their mother, Dora, is clueless as the family's only earning member is gone. Jelastin had returned from the Middle East 10 years ago after doing odd jobs there. With some savings and a lot of loans, he built a small house. Rs 5 lakh still needs to be paid to moneylenders.
"We have no other source of income. My children need to be educated. For the last nine days, we've been surviving with whatever little savings my husband had," she said.
For nearly a week now, these fishing boats have been lying idle at the harbour. Fishermen in Kollam are in a state of fear. They are refusing to venture out into the sea fearing they will also meet the same fate.
"A sense of fear is still there among the fishermen. They have lost the courage to venture into the sea," said Robin, a fisherman.
If Kollam is shaken, another family in mourning in Kanyakumari.
Abinaya and Avuna, who were orphaned six years ago, have now their elder brother. Nineteen-year-old Ajish was the other fisherman, allegedly killed by Italian guards.
The sisters dropped out of school after Class X; their brother Ajish was supporting his aunt whose husband has cancer.
"Only with his support were we surviving. I'm unable to look after them. It will help us if the girls are given jobs and we are given a house," said Jellet Mary, Ajish's aunt.
Their loss is irreparable. Both families have demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore each. The Kerala high court will hear the appeal on Monday.