K M Mani and Kuttiyamma were inseparable like the two leaves, the symbol of his party, Kerala Congress (M).

Mani has lauded his wife for steering the family even when he was busy with the party or the government.

Kuttiyamma, in turn, insisted that Mani remained a family man despite his hectic career. Mani made it a point to dine with his family no matter how late it was, his children reminisce.

Kuttiyamma is the niece of P T Chacko, the Congress stalwart whose supporters eventually formed the Kerala Congress. During a visit to Kuttiyamma's home, Mani's father was so impressed with the way the girl took care of her younger siblings that he fancied her to be his son's wife. Mani also liked her.

Growing up in the shadow of her illustrious uncle, Kuttiyamma always wanted to marry a politician. She also wanted her future husband to practise law and sport a moustache. Mani was an ideal choice.

They married on November 28, 1957.

The couple's choice of honeymoon destination was Ernakulam. "It was like you going to Dubai nowadays. What we enjoyed most was the boat ride from Ernakulam to Vaikom," Mani had said in an interview.

The couple attributed their harmonious life to divine blessings. "We love and trust each other. We speak about everything to each other," they have told reporters who wanted to know the secret of their successful family life.

Mani seldom missed a family function. He found time to spend with his family. He has said that his children and their spouses used to criticise his political stands sometimes and even provide him with new ideas.

Mani's characteristic voice was the product of his heavy smoking days. It took him years to chuck the habit.

He was a finance minister when his oldest daughter Elsamma was admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College for delivery.

He panicked when the doctors told him about some complications. He prayed and vowed not to smoke again. The delivery went smooth. Mani threw away the cigarette pack forever.

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