THE AGONY OF CLIPPING NAILS

General Sundar Singh was old now; old enough to need help in most of his day to day activities. He felt that nails grow faster in old days or was it so because he found it unwieldy to clip his nails. He was not sure. The fact remained that he needed someone’s help to clip his nails, particularly the toe nails.

He also needed someone to operate a lift for him. He got confused over the numerous buttons on the panel of a multi-storeyed building. He would often press wrong buttons and get panicky when the lift stopped at unintended floors. It embarrassed him when the other passengers in the lift stared at him. Back in his room after the ordeal was over, he would often mumble within himself justifying his own actions.

Not my fault; the bloody ‘techies’ tend to make life complicated. And then he would grin inanely. But the fact was that on all such occasions he wished some help arrived to bail him out.

The old General had a granddaughter, Nandini.  By way of pleading, beseeching; sometimes happily and at times grudgingly young Nandini would listen to him. And for that he placated her with chocolates, snack packets, ice creams or small money at times.   In fact, he was now quite adept in getting his requests materialize. He fulfilled his side of deals in advance ensuring that Nandini remained in good humour. However, it was very true that the General loved his granddaughter dearly.

Old age showed on the General. Not many people are left now to talk of the charming persona of his young age. But there are several pictures in his album, which show him: tall, fair, lithe and handsome and his long flowing curls affirmed, he must have been popular among the ladies. In fact, he was an adroit dancer always favourite amongst the ladies as dancing partner.

Dancing was Nandini’s hobby and she had joined a Western Dance school. She was tall, slim, very agile and energetic and favourite of her dance teacher. Nandini was deeply involved in her hobby and in fact, wanted to take it up as her career. Her parents were not very happy over her choice for she was a bright student and both her parents wanted her to go for higher studies. Moreover, the family had limited income. Her mother was a housewife and her father because of his physical disability could not excel in his life. He was an accountant in a private firm. The family was dependent mostly on the fiscal support from the General.  Nandini’s mother wanted her to go for a career in medicine or become a civil servant. It was General Singh who persuaded her parents not to press the child against her wishes.

“In any case it is too early. She has still four years of regular schooling left. Let her continue with her hobby so long as it does not affect her academic performance and decide at the right moment,” the old patron was able to make Nandini’s parents relent but with demur. Nandini knew it was because of her grandfather that she was able to pursue her hobby and the fact that the old guard had agreed to pay the fee for the dance classes too.

After nearly six months of joining the dancing classes, the dance school wanted to make a ballet presentation before a national dance celebrity and wanted to give a lead role to Nandini. Her choreographer considered her to be the best bet. But there was a catch. The costume had to be provided by the parents and in this case it cost a fortune. Nandini was reluctant to talk to her parents because she was sure that her parents will never agree to bear the expense and she was diffident to talk to her grandfather. The General could see his granddaughter in a pensive mood and cajoled her to share her problem with him.

Nandini opened her heart to her grandfather. That it was a very important event, a rare opportunity, which can be a breakthrough in her dancing career. The General thought over for a few seconds and then asked Nandini.

“How much is the cost of the costume.”

Nandini was diffident to mention it. She paused as the General looked in to her eyes.

“Grandfather! It is fifteen thousand.”

General Singh didn’t take much time in responding.

“I will pay it. Collect the cheque from me tomorrow before going to the dance school.”

Nandini thanked the old man with a warm hug.

The programme was grand success. Lot of praise by the media and approbation by the dance critiques. Nandini was the toast of her friends and the dance school.

General Singh was very happy for his granddaughter. Nandini but gave credit to her hard work for her success. Soon event became a matter of past.

One evening General Singh had to go to his regimental mess for a formal function. He had been the Colonel Commandant of his regiment- a rare honour for any senior officer.  The General was very upset with one of his toe nails. It had protruded awkwardly making it painful to wear his shoes.

He called Nandini for help.

“Grandpa, please don’t disturb me. I am awfully busy. I have to get ready for a birthday party.”

“Please spare a minute. Just clip one of my toe nails. It is causing me too much of trouble. Can’t put on my shoes and you know I have to go for an official function.”

“No way today; I have to collect my new dress from the tailor. I am already very late.”

Nandini sauntered away.

General Singh sat motionless on his sofa with the nail clipper in his hand. His hands were shaky whenever he tried to clip his nails but more problematic was to reach the toe nails, which had become inaccessible after the paunch he had developed in his old age.

General Sundar Singh was hurt. He remembered his childhood days. How they respected and revered their elders. He fell in to a reverie.

Sundar Singh was born in a poor family but he was always proud of his lineage for his grandfather was a renowned scholar who had served for a decade in the court of the Nawab of Rampur. The old wizard was respected by the Nawab and the courtiers for his knowledge and wisdom though he was known to be whimsical and opium addict.

Young Sundar had spent most of his childhood in the company of his grandfather. Sundar remembered his grandfather was a chronic arthritis patient. At times his pain was unbearable and he would scream. Sundar Singh was always there on such moments; giving him hot water fomentation, turmeric laced hot milk, making his hookah of opium fill and massaging his aching bones for hours together.

Sundar never thought of asking anything in return. On the contrary, his grandfather had become senile and developed an acerbic tongue. More often than not, he would curse Sundar for being lax.

“You are the lousiest bum I have ever come across,” he would whine. Sundar would simply smile and continue with his work.

When the old man knew that the end was nearing, he called all his folks around him.

“I leave no wealth or property for you other than an invaluable jewel in Sundar. He will take care of the family. He served me with exemplary dedication. God will reward him and you all will be rewarded through him.”

Sundar came over to Delhi for his schooling. He was a bright student and at the end of his schooling, he qualified the entrance examination of the National Defence Academy, Poona. He was a conscientious cadet who worked hard and passed out of the Academy with honours. After a year’s training in the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, he was commissioned in the Armoured Corps as Second Lieutenant. A couple of years later Captain Sundar married a beautiful girl; the daughter of his General Officer Commanding.

The unfortunate turn in his life came when a son with spinal deformity was born to them.  The doctors were unsure if it was advisable to go for a second child. Sundar and his wife also decided not to go for a second child. 

Years rolled on.

Sundar Singh rose to be a Lieutenant General and retired with battle honours and commendations galore.

He felt nostalgic as he remembered his days with his grandfather. The contrast between the bonding he had with his grandfather and Nandini, his granddaughter Nandini dawned on him. He recalled number of occasions when his grandfather would send him on an errand asking to run to the place and he would obey the old man meticulously. And yet, at the end the day, the old man would call him clumsy.  Still, notwithstanding the admonishment from his grandfather, young Sundar would be ever ready to do anything his grandfather.

General Singh came out of the reverie. He was saddened by the behaviour of his granddaughter. He just wanted a minute of her.

He threw the nail clipper away. The soldier in him would not let him dither from his responsibilities.

“What the hell. Pain or no pain, I am going ahead; can’t let down my regiment,” he grimaced as he put on his shoes.

AN UNFINISHED STORY

I had become a regular to the city park. Not that I was an early riser and fond of morning walk but that my blood sugar had shot up in spite of insulin jabs twice a day. My physician had therefore suggested ‘morning walk’ at least five days a week.

          “You must walk at least 5 kilometres every day. That is the only way to manage your sugar level.”

It was a Doctor’s order. Couldn’t be defied. I accepted it even if grudgingly. In implementing this regimen, my wife Malini played a major role. She would coax him out of bed at five in the morning and place my walking kit before me.

          “Have at least five rounds of the park, you lousy bum.”

          I started following the regimen reluctantly but gradually I started liking it. The lab tests were encouraging. My sugar level had come down; I was elated by the results.  

There were young, middle, past middle and old age people in the park. A few jogged, some walked briskly, others walked and some rambled leisurely; everyone to his own comfort level. Some of the ‘walkers’ listened to music with earphones plugged in; the elderly few had walking sticks to steady their walking.  

          A week later I noticed an elderly person walking with a middle age lady. They too were regular. The old man and the lady would take two rounds of the park. Then the old man would sit on a bench and read newspaper and the lady would plug in her earphones and start jogging. I observed that the lady took five to six rounds non-stop and every time she passed by the old man, she would whisper something to him. The old man would nod his head and gesture her to continue. I was curious to find out about the odd couple. One day I stopped by the old man and wished him. The latter simply nodded his head. 

“I am Professor Arvind, have started coming to the park recently.” I said extending my hand.

The old man stared at me and after a long awkward pause whispered, “Prof Ankit Shukla, years back taught Chemistry in Hindu College.”

“I taught History in Government College, Patiala. Have shifted to Delhi recently,”

Thereafter we two often met in the park; exchanged niceties but there was no word about the lady accompanying the old man. I deemed it proper to let the matter rest at that.

“Come over to my place sometime. We can chat over coffee,” the elderly professor suggested one day giving out his address to me.

Even though we belonged to different disciplines, we blended well. In short, we became good friends and at times we stealthily managed beer sessions.  We discussed world events, the contemporary scientific developments world over and local politics. We spoke on various matters including increasing number of divorces and modern cult of ‘live-in’ but never spoke about the lady who chaperoned Professor Shukla. I understood that he was cagey about it and I thought it proper to leave the matter to his judgement.

One afternoon when we were having beer, Professor Shukla became emotional.  It was the death anniversary of his wife. It is then that he started narrating his story to me.

II

I was the Head of Department of Chemistry of Hindu College. There I met Ananya, the lady you see with me in the park. She was newly appointed as lecturer and was doing her PhD under my guidance. Ananya was a diligent and conscientious tutor with commendable academic profile. Her students respected her, which you would appreciate was no mean testimonial for a young lecturer. I was also pleased to get laudable feedback from her peers.

I was a married person, happy with my wife and two grown up children. Life was smooth and normal. Ananya sometimes came to my place. She was quite friendly with my children but my wife Malini kept a distance from her.  AnAN UNFINISHED STORY

I had become a regular to the city park. Not that I was an early riser and fond of morning walk but that my blood sugar had shot up in spite of insulin jabs twice a day. My physician had therefore suggested ‘morning walk’ at least five days a week.

“You must walk at least 5 kilometres every day. That is the only way to manage your sugar level.” 

It was a Doctor’s order. Couldn’t be defied. I accepted it even if grudgingly. In implementing this regimen, my wife Malini played a major role. She would coax him out of bed at five in the morning and place my walking kit before me.

“Have at least five rounds of the park, you lousy bum.” 

I started following the regimen reluctantly but gradually I started liking it. The lab tests were encouraging. My sugar level had come down; I was elated by the results.  

There were young, middle, past middle and old age people in the park. A few jogged, some walked briskly, others walked and some rambled leisurely; everyone to his own comfort level. Some of the ‘walkers’ listened to music with earphones plugged in; the elderly few had walking sticks to steady their walking.  

A week later I noticed an elderly person walking with a middle age lady. They too were regular. The old man and the lady would take two rounds of the park. Then the old man would sit on a bench and read newspaper and the lady would plug in her earphones and start jogging. I observed that the lady took five to six rounds non-stop and every time she passed by the old man, she would whisper something to him. The old man would nod his head and gesture her to continue. I was curious to find out about the odd couple. One day I stopped by the old man and wished him. The latter simply nodded his head.  

“I am Professor Arvind, have started coming to the park recently.” I said extending my hand. 

The old man stared at me and after a long awkward pause whispered, “Prof Ankit Shukla, years back taught Chemistry in Hindu College.” 

“I taught History in Government College, Patiala. Have shifted to Delhi recently,”

Thereafter we two often met in the park; exchanged niceties but there was no word about the lady accompanying the old man. I deemed it proper to let the matter rest at that. 

“Come over to my place sometime. We can chat over coffee,” the elderly professor suggested one day giving out his address to me. 

Even though we belonged to different disciplines, we blended well. In short, we became good friends and at times we stealthily managed beer sessions.  We discussed world events, the contemporary scientific developments world over and local politics. We spoke on various matters including increasing number of divorces and modern cult of ‘live-in’ but never spoke about the lady who chaperoned Professor Shukla. I understood that he was cagey about it and I thought it proper to leave the matter to his judgement. 

One afternoon when we were having beer, Professor Shukla became emotional.  It was the death anniversary of his wife. It is then that he started narrating his story to me. 

II

I was the Head of Department of Chemistry of Hindu College. There I met Ananya, the lady you see with me in the park. She was newly appointed as lecturer and was doing her PhD under my guidance. Ananya was a diligent and conscientious tutor with commendable academic profile. Her students respected her, which you would appreciate was no mean testimonial for a young lecturer. I was also pleased to get laudable feedback from her peers.

I was a married person, happy with my wife and two grown up children. Life was smooth and normal. Ananya sometimes came to my place. She was quite friendly with my children but my wife Malini kept a distance from her.  Ananya used to spend some time with me in my ‘study’ discussing her thesis. My wife had some reservation about it. According to her, there should be a distinction between office and home but she never let Ananya know her mind. Ananya, whenever she came, always brought snacks, which I devoured wholesomely. This made my wife uncomfortable. 

“She is a fantastic cook. I will add in your credentials,” I used to pull Ananya’s leg on such occasions.  Soon she became a good friend of my daughter Sonakshi who was a middle level executive with a multinational. Those days we were looking for a suitable match for Sonakshi in marriage portals after she had made amply clear to us that she didn’t have anyone in mind. 

We selected few names and then made enquiries and finally we zeroed on two boys. One evening we were discussing the two options since Sonakshi was not able to make up her mind even though she had met both the boys and had been out with them. Ananya too was present there. 

“Both are nice, suave and well placed professionally. Both are from good families and both are handsome,” Sonakshi said, blushing a little. 

    “But I really can’t choose between the two,” Sonakshi continued and then suddenly turning towards Ananya she said, “Ananya! Tell me if you were in my place, what you would look for in them.”

Ananya’s reply was spontaneous. “Look! I will grade the guy who nears your father’s perfect ten.” 

I was embarrassed at Ananya’s compliment, rather unsettled; gaped at Sonakshi who bore a meaningful smile. And then I looked peevishly at my wife. She was looking at the ceiling, seemingly not amused. 

As mentioned earlier, Malini had some reservations over Ananya’s visit to my place. She even sometimes entered my ‘study’ when I was with Ananya. I noticed it but ignored it because my conscience was clear. I was just helping my student professionally. For me Ananya was just a junior, a young affable colleague. I had no inkling or intuition of what she felt about me. And yet to my utter dismay, I found Malini changed since that evening. She was glum and non-participative in our day to day talks. 

Ananya was tall, lithe and fair. She had long black hair reaching her curves.  She had told me that she was a basket ball player in her college days. That night I couldn’t sleep comfortably. I failed to wean my thoughts away from Ananya and I noticed a change even in Malini; not sleeping like she usually did. Normally, Malini would sleep like a log the moment she hit the bed. 

Till that evening I had never realized that Ananya was remarkably beautiful and attractive. Next morning when she came to my room during recess, I found she was not merely beautiful; she was awfully beautiful, charming and desirable. And then I remembered the previous evening’s episode. 

“You should have been careful. I am not sure what Sonakshi thinks about it but Malini is surely not pleased.”

Ananya suddenly became serious. I saw tears at the corner of her eyes. I was quick to realize that it could be another moment of embarrassment if anyone entered my room at that moment. 

“Please control yourself. Let’s not create a scene here too,” I spoke gruffly.

“Sorry sir. I am very sorry ... please forgive me,” she whispered and left the room. 

Ananya didn’t come to the college for a week. I was worried but couldn’t share my concern with anyone. I thought of ringing her; thought of going to her place but could not muster enough courage. I even thought of relinquishing to be her ‘guide’ but that would have hurt her. I didn’t want that. 

I had lost my sleep. 

Then one morning Ananya came to my room, wished me briefly and left the room leaving an envelope on my table. I didn’t have courage to open the envelope then and there even though I was quite inquisitive. I decided to open it during lunch hours. 

It was a short letter. It read:

Sir, 

It is not easy for me to justify what transpired that evening at your place. Equally difficult is to explain what I feel for you and why I should have developed these feelings. 

The fact is that I fell in love with you in our very first meeting when you were explaining the academic curriculum to me. I knew you were an elderly person with a family. I always knew it was absolute foolishness on my part but I couldn’t stop myself. The fact is that you are ensconced deep in my mind, heart and soul. I tried to reason it out with myself several times but have failed.  But now I assure you. Never shall I cause discomforting moments for you. 

Please forgive me, this one time.

Ananya

Ananya completed her PhD under my guidance. Then she had a change of job. She was appointed in the nearby Ramjas College. It was only chance meeting that we saw each other. I learnt from some of the colleagues that she was not interested in marriage and had told her parents accordingly. 

Professor Shukla had a long sip of beer and continued as I sat spellbound. 

Sonakshi got married and shifted to America with her husband. My son got a job in Australia. He married a local girl and settled there. 

I am not sure whether Malini forgave me. She never talked of that eventful evening and she never talked of Ananya with me even though Ananya came on the marriage ceremony of both our children; wishing them and presenting them exclusive gifts. There was a message in my wife’s silence. 

I retired from teaching and shifted to the present flat. We were a lonely couple and unfortunately, I became a loner after Malini suddenly died of pneumonia couple of years later.  

After the funeral Ananya came to my place with other colleagues and expressed condolence.  Ananya stayed back as others left. Quietly, she started taking care of the house and of the mourners.  My children reached two days after the cremation. Ananya took care of them and their children. We hardly spoke.

 My children returned after a month. My daughter wanted me to accompany her but I was so attached to the place and the memories associated with it that I didn’t want to leave. Moreover, I wanted to retain my freedom. 

Professor Shukla paused, looked at the sky; there was a lump in his throat. A little later he continued. 

Ananya has hired a flat next door and has been taking care of me since then. She starts her day by dragging me out of bed and taking me to the park. She makes my breakfast and leaves instructions with the maid for the day. On certain evenings she comes and takes dinner with me before going to her place. 

I tell her repeatedly to find a suitable match and get married but she simply ignores me.

That is the end of our unfinished story. Professor Shukla said smiling feebly. 

It was a melancholic smile of an anguished soul. 

 “It is sheer madness. You saw how she comes to me after completing each round and asks me if I were ok,” Professor Shukla managed to say with lot of efforts, wiping the tears that had welled up in his eyes..  

I was virtually shaken. I had no words. We looked at each other in silence and as I got up to leave, Professor Shukla whispered. 

“You know Professor! Her extreme devotion really pains me.  It hurts me that her life has become an unfinished story because of me.” 

anya used to spend some time with me in my ‘study’ discussing her thesis. My wife had some reservation about it. According to her, there should be a distinction between office and home but she never let Ananya know her mind. Ananya, whenever she came, always brought snacks, which I devoured wholesomely. This made my wife uncomfortable.

“She is a fantastic cook. I will add in your credentials,” I used to pull Ananya’s leg on such occasions.  Soon she became a good friend of my daughter Sonakshi who was a middle level executive with a multinational. Those days we were looking for a suitable match for Sonakshi in marriage portals after she had made amply clear to us that she didn’t have anyone in mind.

We selected few names and then made enquiries and finally we zeroed on two boys. One evening we were discussing the two options since Sonakshi was not able to make up her mind even though she had met both the boys and had been out with them. Ananya too was present there.

“Both are nice, suave and well placed professionally. Both are from good families and both are handsome,” Sonakshi said, blushing a little.

    “But I really can’t choose between the two,” Sonakshi continued and then suddenly turning towards Ananya she said, “Ananya! Tell me if you were in my place, what you would look for in them.”

Ananya’s reply was spontaneous. “Look! I will grade the guy who nears your father’s perfect ten.”

I was embarrassed at Ananya’s compliment, rather unsettled; gaped at Sonakshi who bore a meaningful smile. And then I looked peevishly at my wife. She was looking at the ceiling, seemingly not amused.

As mentioned earlier, Malini had some reservations over Ananya’s visit to my place. She even sometimes entered my ‘study’ when I was with Ananya. I noticed it but ignored it because my conscience was clear. I was just helping my student professionally. For me Ananya was just a junior, a young affable colleague. I had no inkling or intuition of what she felt about me. And yet to my utter dismay, I found Malini changed since that evening. She was glum and non-participative in our day to day talks.

Ananya was tall, lithe and fair. She had long black hair reaching her curves.  She had told me that she was a basket ball player in her college days. That night I couldn’t sleep comfortably. I failed to wean my thoughts away from Ananya and I noticed a change even in Malini; not sleeping like she usually did. Normally, Malini would sleep like a log the moment she hit the bed.

Till that evening I had never realized that Ananya was remarkably beautiful and attractive. Next morning when she came to my room during recess, I found she was not merely beautiful; she was awfully beautiful, charming and desirable. And then I remembered the previous evening’s episode.

“You should have been careful. I am not sure what Sonakshi thinks about it but Malini is surely not pleased.”

Ananya suddenly became serious. I saw tears at the corner of her eyes. I was quick to realize that it could be another moment of embarrassment if anyone entered my room at that moment.

“Please control yourself. Let’s not create a scene here too,” I spoke gruffly.

“Sorry sir. I am very sorry ... please forgive me,” she whispered and left the room.

Ananya didn’t come to the college for a week. I was worried but couldn’t share my concern with anyone. I thought of ringing her; thought of going to her place but could not muster enough courage. I even thought of relinquishing to be her ‘guide’ but that would have hurt her. I didn’t want that.

I had lost my sleep.

Then one morning Ananya came to my room, wished me briefly and left the room leaving an envelope on my table. I didn’t have courage to open the envelope then and there even though I was quite inquisitive. I decided to open it during lunch hours.

It was a short letter. It read:

Sir,

It is not easy for me to justify what transpired that evening at your place. Equally difficult is to explain what I feel for you and why I should have developed these feelings.

The fact is that I fell in love with you in our very first meeting when you were explaining the academic curriculum to me. I knew you were an elderly person with a family. I always knew it was absolute foolishness on my part but I couldn’t stop myself. The fact is that you are ensconced deep in my mind, heart and soul. I tried to reason it out with myself several times but have failed.  But now I assure you. Never shall I cause discomforting moments for you.

Please forgive me, this one time.

Ananya

Ananya completed her PhD under my guidance. Then she had a change of job. She was appointed in the nearby Ramjas College. It was only chance meeting that we saw each other. I learnt from some of the colleagues that she was not interested in marriage and had told her parents accordingly.

Professor Shukla had a long sip of beer and continued as I sat spellbound.

Sonakshi got married and shifted to America with her husband. My son got a job in Australia. He married a local girl and settled there.

I am not sure whether Malini forgave me. She never talked of that eventful evening and she never talked of Ananya with me even though Ananya came on the marriage ceremony of both our children; wishing them and presenting them exclusive gifts. There was a message in my wife’s silence.

I retired from teaching and shifted to the present flat. We were a lonely couple and unfortunately, I became a loner after Malini suddenly died of pneumonia couple of years later.  

After the funeral Ananya came to my place with other colleagues and expressed condolence.  Ananya stayed back as others left. Quietly, she started taking care of the house and of the mourners.  My children reached two days after the cremation. Ananya took care of them and their children. We hardly spoke.

 My children returned after a month. My daughter wanted me to accompany her but I was so attached to the place and the memories associated with it that I didn’t want to leave. Moreover, I wanted to retain my freedom.

Professor Shukla paused, looked at the sky; there was a lump in his throat. A little later he continued.

Ananya has hired a flat next door and has been taking care of me since then. She starts her day by dragging me out of bed and taking me to the park. She makes my breakfast and leaves instructions with the maid for the day. On certain evenings she comes and takes dinner with me before going to her place.

I tell her repeatedly to find a suitable match and get married but she simply ignores me.

That is the end of our unfinished story. Professor Shukla said smiling feebly.

It was a melancholic smile of an anguished soul.

 “It is sheer madness. You saw how she comes to me after completing each round and asks me if I were ok,” Professor Shukla managed to say with lot of efforts, wiping the tears that had welled up in his eyes..  

I was virtually shaken. I had no words. We looked at each other in silence and as I got up to leave, Professor Shukla whispered.

“You know Professor! Her extreme devotion really pains me.  It hurts me that her life has become an unfinished story because of me.”

MANUSMRITI PART- II

She had been working in my house for nearly a year. I understand my wife had a long talk with her during her first meeting before my wife engaged her. I remember it was a long interview followed by my wife’s talking to her previous employer; asking her all that can be asked about a female household help - the kaamwali. The new Kaamwali had a son by the name of Nandu so my wife started calling her ‘Nandu ki Amma’. That was her identity in our house. My son and daughter called her by that name and so did I even though over a period we had learnt that her name was Rajani. In any case, I never had any occasion to talk to Rajani. First, I used to leave my house in the morning before she came and I returned home late in the evening much after she had left. Besides, I considered it prudent not to get into trifles since our house hold ran on my wife’s dictate. My wife was happy with Rajani’s work and that is what mattered.

“Rajani is punctual and quick in uptake. She has learnt my likes and dislikes in a very short span. She knows,  I like floors and cupboards shining bright.  She knows, we like coffee in the morning and children like hot milk with Horlicks and that we like lesser use of edible oil and condiments,” my wife had mentioned on a Sunday morning while she was in an expansive mood after a delicious idli-dosa breakfast prepared by Rajani.

Rajani must be in her mid-forties - that was my guess. I had noticed her long jet black hair curling over her hind side and that she was tall, fair and voluptuous. Truthfully, I knew she had an exciting profile but I never crossed the safety line.

It was the eve of Holi festival. My wife had asked Rajani to come early and help her in making some snacks for the guests. Rajani didn’t come early; even her normal reporting time had gone past. My wife was annoyed even though my daughter had extended her a helping hand.

“She shouldn’t have promised to come early or should have at least come on regular time. It is mid noon and there is no trace of her. I don’t like such irresponsible behavior,” grumbled my wife forgetting all the earlier homilies she delivered in her praise.  

Our guests came. There were snacks cooked by my wife and daughter overly supplemented by those brought by my son from the nearby confectioner. In fact, no one was eager in picking up the home made snacks, which riled my wife a trifle bit.  We played Holi and then the guests departed. We decided to close the festivities and go for a wash. My wife was unhappy and still grumbling.

“So much of this left over will go waste. If Nandu’s Amma were here, she could have taken it to her family. Of late, this woman is becoming difficult,” my wife growled as she started arranging the household.

And then there seemed to be some commotion at our gate. I saw Rajani running in and a man chasing her with a hockey stick in his hand. The burly man was followed by an elderly boy and a teen aged girl.Rajani ran inside without talking to us. We were flabbergasted. The man and his children stopped short of our court yard. The man was fuming. It was obvious that he was overly drunk.

“This woman has been avoiding me since yesterday; refuses to come to me at night. And she has been dying to come to you since day break,” he said staring at me. 

I got damned scared and hastily rushed towards my room. 

The man won’t stop. Coming close to me he shouted, “You and your wife have been tempting her with money and gifts and I know what that means - you have been seducing her.”

At that point Rajani came out. She had bruises all around and there was blood oozing from her mouth. She was shrieking and shouting.

“You are an inhuman beast.  You treat me as if I were an animal. You want me to act like a bitch; always in heat. I don’t want to stay with you anymore.”

Then turning towards me she cried, “Sahib! See, how badly he has beaten me with the hockey stick. He is butcher, a demon.”

The brute jumped towards Rajani swinging the hockey stick but my son came in between. That made him furious.

“You think this old foggy will keep you? He will use you and kick your ass when he is tired of you. I know these bastards. They want a new woman every other day.”

I was furious at the accusation and I didn’t want to take it lying down. I asked my son to take out the car. “I am going to take Rajani to the police station. This scoundrel should not get scot free.”

I was emboldened when my wife joined me instantly. “Yes.  These rascals should not be left unpunished,” she said with a determined look.

We went to the police station and narrated the whole story to theSub Inspector on duty. Initially, the SI was quite reluctant to register a case.

‘Sahib! I know these people. They will fight one day and be friends the next day. It is a daily affair for these women to be thrashed by their husbands. In fact, they are proud of it in a funnier way. It is the sign of masculinity in men - to thrash their women once in a while.”

“Stop yapping. Record a FIR or else I will report the matter to your superior,” I snapped.

The SI knew I was in the media and lack of diligence could land him introuble. A FIR and Rajani’s statement was recorded and then she was sent to the government hospital for a medical check-up and I insisted that her husband was also tested for excessive intake of alcohol.

We returned to my place minus Rajani’s husband who was detained by the SI in the police station.

“We will get the medical report and present him before the city magistrate tomorrow morning,” the SI told me.

I was happy that the scoundrel will get good thrashing while in the police custody. My wife gave Rajani hot tea and snacks to eat. They were in conference while I took a shower and changed. It was agreed between them that Rajani will stay with her maternal uncle’s familywho lived nearby and continue working for us.

A week passed. I was busy like usual, moving in and out of the town. The case was taken up by the city magistrate and I got a court notice to be present in the court on the given date. I consulted Harsh, my school time friend, who was also the lawyer of my business concern. Harsh assured me that there was nothing to worry. You are supposed to strengthen the prosecution case.

 The court proceeding started. We were in for a shock. Rajani was narrating a different story.  I was getting out of my wits. I looked towards the SI and then Harsh in turn. Rajani’s version was miles away from the actual facts.

Rajani blamed me of harassing her sexually in the absence of my wife and that I had groped her several times. That I had often given her money to lieu of sexual favours and threatened her to remain quiet in the matter.

I was aghast to know that she had accused my wife as the one who abetted in the crime.

“Don’t you have any conscience? Aren’t you ashamed of accusing me and my wife of utter untruth,” I shouted.

I was admonished by the magistrate. “You will get enough opportunity to speak out your side of story. Please remain quiet or I will hold you liable for contempt of court.”

That was the first shock I ever got in my life; publically insulted and humiliated. After the court proceedings, we tried to speak to Rajani. She refused to talk to anyone of our family; not even to my wife. In fact, her husband never left her even for a moment. He forbade her to work in my house. She was virtually under house arrest.

After the above proceedings, I found even the SI shying away from me. “Sir! What can I do in the matter? It is between her and you. I am there to merely help in the investigation,

It was the biggest shock of my life. I was crestfallen, thoroughly depressed. I had till then led a pleasant proverbial happy go lucky life. Harsh said he will fight it out in the court but could never spell the future course of action though he had managed a bail for me.

Three days of utter agony and I don’t recollect the number of times and number of ways I thought of ending my life. And then on the fourth evening Harsh asked me to come to our club. “Rajani and her husband have agreed to talk you. The SI will also be there. We could discuss the case there without being disturbed,” This was Harsh, my close friend and lawyer.

“You see the case has turned topsy turvy. Instead of appreciating your help, Rajani has filed a complaint against you. That you molested her modesty several times and that you have been paying her money to keep quite.” That was the SI giving the prelude of the case diary that existed then.

“The FIR stands revised based on Rajani’s statement recorded before the magistrate. You may be in trouble and that too serious one.” That was the pith and substance of the case according to Harsh.

“But you know I am innocent. Never ever looked at the female. Never touched her.”

“That is your truth. The Law is an ass. A blind ass. And unfortunately, provisions’ of law relating to outraging the modesty of women have been made very stringent. Even her statement is enough to put you behind the bar. No additional evidence required.” This was SI again.

“What do you suggest?” I asked the SI.

“The bastard wants ten lakhs to withdraw the complaint,” the SI spoke in a casual way as if there was nothing unusual about it.

I would have fainted but for the presence of my son on my side.

“So- I have been trapped,” I managed to speak.

“Leave that to me and your lawyer. If you are agreeable to shell out the money, we will try to close the case taking the magistrate is with us. Incidentally, the bastard has demanded one lakh,” the SI added, wanting to give credibility to the deal.

“And how much you two bastards get out of it?” I asked Harsh, my life time buddy in utter frustration.

“Breach of Trust - between a lawyer and his client.” Harsh quipped. And then he whispered, I don’t mind having her ass for once.”

My son took the initiative. Next day he went to the SI and called Rajani and her husband there. Harsh was there to help him. The SI and Harsh had drafted a loan document signed by Rajani and her husband agreeing to have taken a loan of ten lakhs from my son. That was the guarantee SI, the law enforcing authority had arranged as safeguard if Rajani or her husband defied the agreement.

A fresh statement was recorded absolving me of all allegations. It stated that Rajani had got hurt during a street fight with unknown Holi revelers over some trifle issue. I was lucky to skip the jail.

Time passed.

We tried to forget the issue. My daughter was married off. My wife and my son and luckily for us, his wife too decided never to appoint any kaamwali. We decided to share the responsibilities between ourselves. I didn’t know where the fault lay. Was it in the changed social system heralding women’s lib or was it in our recently modified law, which had castigated the freedom of male members of the society?

We have to abide by Manusmriti Part II.  I tried to convince myself and my family. 

We wanted to shift from the present location but property matters being complex, couldn’t do so. One day, while buying fresh from vegetable market, I suddenly saw, Rajani squatting on the ground. There were filthy, oily rags wrapped around her knees and she was begging for alms. I was dismayed. My first reaction was that she must be out of job since everyone in our colony believed that she had cheated us; no one engaged her any more. Bad reputation spreads faster than the good one.

Our eyes met and then I hurriedly looked other way. I wanted to get away from the place. I dumped the bag in the boot of my car and came in front. I was perplexed.

Rajani hurriedly dragged herself in front of my car.

What could be her next ploy? I was worried.

As I opened the door of my car, she dragged closer and folded her hands in namastey.

“What do you want now? I don’t want to talk to you. Get away,” I could not keep my cool.

“Sahib! Please forgive me. I know I have been very mean to you but please believe me it was the doing of my husband and the SI. They both schemed to trap you and extort money from you. My husband beat me mercilessly and threatened to kill me if I didn’t follow his orders.”

“Sahib! The SI took two lakhs out of the money you gave and a lakh was given to the magistrate to withdraw the case. My husband squandered the remaining money within few months and then he wanted me to work for another rich family. He wanted to repeat the same story. The SI had taken him to one of his colleagues who was willing to be the part of next episode.  

“Sahib! I refused to be a party to another game plan and you see the result. He broke both my knees and has thrown me out. I am on the streets for last one week. I knew you come here to buy vegetables. I wanted to seek your forgiveness before I leave this town.”

“Sahib! I couldn’t have left the town with so much of burden on my conscience. Please forgive me. I have been punished enough for my sins and I am willing to accept the remaining retribution.

“Where are you going now?”

“I don’t know. I pray for death but it doesn’t come so easily to a sinner like me. I want to go to Haridwar. They say mother Ganga accepts every sinner and forgives him.”

I was stupefied. I hated this woman for all her miss-doings. And here before me was a victim of male brutality; beaten and forced to commit one wrong after another.

“Rajani! I wish I could do something for you. Ironically, we are sailing in the same boat. You are the victim of the ancient social law and I am the victim of its modern version. The Manusmriti – the ancient law was blind towards women; berated the modesty of women and so is its new version- arrogantly belligerent towards men.”

I took out a five hundred rupee note and gave it to her.  “Be God with you,” I whispered while getting into my car leaving behind the hapless woman, her hands folded in supplication.