Manikantan Has Enough

Jul 17, 2026

Uploaded by Riley

Manikantan ends a long day with sore shoulders and an even worse headache, while an amulet around his neck and the objects in his home speak to him. His coffee table directs him to store his schoolbag properly, and the room questions his wellbeing. Concern leads to preparations for chai and pakodas, as other house items keep reminding him to get comfortable and tidy up. As he drifts toward sleep, he reflects on Anandpuram and the seasons that once made him feel at home.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Manikantan’s long day

Talking house objects

The amulet and his headache

Memory of Anandpuram

Manikantan Has Enough Author: Anil Menon Illustrator: Upamanyu Bhattacharyya English Story Book Manikantan Has Enough Author: Anil Menon Illustrator: Upamanyu Bhattacharyya Reformatted for Bloom By: Cara Ediger Pratham Books English Manikantan Has Enough Author: Anil Menon Illustrator: Upamanyu Bhattacharyya Copyright © 2015, Pratham Books You are free to make commercial use of this work. You may adapt and add to this work. You must keep the copyright and credits for authors, illustrators, etc. Mani put his Schoolbag down on the Coffee Table and groaned. His shoulders hurt, but his head hurt even more. It had been a long day. The Amulet around his neck flashed once. “Manikantan, put your Schoolbag where it belongs,”said the Coffee Table. “Yes Manikantan,” agreed the Schoolbag,“I don’t belong here. I suggest you put me in your Room in a proper place.” Mani knew better than to argue. He picked up the Schoolbag and trudged towards his Room. He put away his Schoolbag on the Desk, kicked off his Shoes, and then lay down on the Bed. He groaned. “Are you not feeling well, Manikantan?” asked the Room. “I’m fine. Leave me alone.” Mani moved the Amulet to the back of his neck. He longed to throw it into the Trash. The objects in the House would still be able to spy on him but at least they wouldn’t be able to talk to him.“You groaned twice.” The Room’s voice sounded muffled.“Do you have a headache, Manikantan?” “Leave me alone.” Then after a pause, Mani added,“Yes.” “Tsk, tsk. So sorry to hear that, Manikantan.” The Room sounded very sympathetic.“I have let your Amma know. Perhaps you are hungry. That may be why you’re having a headache. How about a nice hot cup of chai and some pakodas?” Chai and pakodas would be nice, though Mani wished the Room hadn’t told amma he had a headache. Now she would worry. “Okay.” “Great. I have told the Kitchen. And Manikantan, put your Shoes in the ShoeRack.” “Yes,” said the ShoeRack,“I have plenty of space. Waiting.” Mani knew he should get up, but he didn’t feel like it. Maybe he should just sleep a little. He was so tired. “Waiting,” said the ShoeRack. Mani closed his eyes and thought of Anandpuram. His Amma called it a village, but to Mani it was home. He recalled the graceful sway of the tall palm trees and the vast rose-blue sky. In the morning the gentle gusts of wind carried the wonderful smell of porottas cooking over charcoal fires. The winter months were the best. The cool air was nothing like the air-conditioned air in Smart City’s buildings. No, wait, the rainy season was the best! It was such fun to watch the fat heavy warm droplets splish-sploshinto the river Periyar. Oh, how he’d enjoyed sitting by the riverbank. So quiet, so peaceful. If only things could go back to the way they had been.

FAQs

Why does Manikantan feel unwell at the start of the story?

Manikantan has sore shoulders and a severe headache after a long day. The amulet around his neck flashes once as he groans.

How do the house objects respond when Manikantan is not feeling well?

The coffee table tells him where to put his schoolbag, and the room asks if he has a headache. The room then suggests chai and pakodas and informs his Amma.

What does Manikantan think about after he lies down?

He closes his eyes and recalls Anandpuram, describing the palm trees, morning air, seasonal weather, and peaceful memories by the river.

Jul 17, 2026

Uploaded by Riley