Funny Boy

Appa receives a letter from the widow of his old school friend, Buddy Parameswaran. The letter requests that Appa provide employment for Buddy’s son, Jegan, who was recently involved with the Gandhiyam movement aiding Tamil refugees displaced by violence. She also sends a message that Buddy and Appa wrote when they were children, which swore that they would always protect each other and their families. Appa is hesitant because he believes the Gandhiyam movement is associated with the Tamil Tigers. However, Jegan’s strong resemblance to Buddy causes Appa to forget his concerns, and he decides to give Jegan a job. Jegan catches Arjie staring at him, and smiles. Thirteen-year-old Arjie reflects on his sudden attraction to men and the changes happening to his body during puberty. Appa shares memories of Jegan’s father and his sorrows that they grew apart. Jegan moves into the family’s house.

Jegan and Appa become friends, and so do Jegan and Arjie. Appa reveals details of a white English lover that he had many years ago, and Jegan discusses his concerns about employees who resent him for being a Tamil in a position of power. Appa shares his worries with Jegan that Arjie is an unusual boy, and Jegan reassures him that Arjie is normal.