After breakfast, I joined Haris Ahsani in the quest to inquire about the availability of motor boats venturing into the sea for fishing. However, upon reaching the harbour, our hopes dwindled as it lay empty, and fishermen shared that the previous day's rain had dampened the prospects for a fruitful catch. On our return, Ahsani guided me to the residence of Shahjahan, an elderly man and former secretary of the Valiyappalli Juma Masjid.
Engaging in conversations that traversed the bygone era of Perumathura, family genealogies, coir production, and the evolution of the harbour, Shahjahan's wife also joined our discussions. Notably, he unveiled the identity of the author of Faqeeran Mala as a Musliyar from his family named Abdul Khader. Following this enlightening
conversation, Ahsani dropped me at Perumathura junction, from where I proceeded to Azhoor bridge with the hope of experiencing authentic fishing in the
Kadinamkulam backwater. Arriving at the bridge, my excitement heightened upon seeing numerous young individuals of my age equipped with rods, hooks, and prawn baits. They welcomed my participation in their fishing venture. Drawing on my past experience in rod fishing, I swiftly caught a few medium to small-sized fishes, which I gladly handed over to them. After that, I approached boat fishermen in the backwater, observing their technique with nets. Inquisitive, I inquired if I could join them, but the boatman, citing the small size of his boat and my lack of experience, politely declined. Nonetheless, he generously explained their method of catching fish in the backwater and the various species they catch.
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