Clandestine meeting

It was past 12 in the night. It has been drizzling since evening.Sharmila sat comfortably in the taxi for this long drive to the palatial house on the outskirts of the city. The taxi driver was known to her and knew the place. She always employed him for these midnight visits. The person she was to meet is a prominent figure and took care to avoid any adverse publicity. He insisted that they meet only during late hours when the city slept. She visited him once or twice a month as he was very busy with state affairs and surrounded by countless secretaries and officials even at his residence

These meetings are known only to the two and very discreetly arranged especially when his wife was sent away on some pretext to another city. Sharmila did not like these nocturnal meetings and the secrecy that accompanied them. She was willing to meet him like any other in the day time at his private room. But he was not agreeable and insisted on the clandestine meetings.

Sharmila, hardly 25, was an attractive brunette, tall and with a golden skin that glowed. She knew that she was a head turner and made the hearts of young men flutter and smiled to herself with satisfaction at the admiration she received whenever she walked in the mall or public places.

“Can you please drive faster? I have an appointment at 1am and I cannot afford to be late even by a minute” she said to the driver

“It is drizzling Ma’m and the road is not good. Still I will be able to reach there in ten minutes, don’t worry” the driver assured.

She became silent, adjusted her hair, had quick touch up and applied on her face and neck Chloé fragrance from the tiny perfume bottle in her bag. As if they knew in advance, the gate was open and the taxi drove straight to the portico.

“Do wait. It will not take more than one hour” she told the driver as she quickly and silently walked in to take the stairs to the first floor. She gently knocked the door and lingered for a few seconds before she entered.

“Come in my child. You are on dot even when it is raining. Come and sit close to me, my dear” the politician said.

As she snuggled close to him with his arms wrapped around her, she started sobbing and telling “Grand pa, I hate this secrecy. It does not look good. Why don’t you make known to everybody our relationship? Why are you scared?”

“My sweet little girl, it is not so easy. There are many vested interests trying to oust me from this position. If a scandal were to break out that is the end. You know my wife. She is a termagant and will hit the roof if she knows our relationship. I cannot tell her that your late mom is an illegitimate daughter of mine. Please wait for an opportune moment. Stop crying. Take this wad of money and the other gifts” he said as he affectionately passed his hands over the head of his grandchild.

The telephone call

I was reading some spiritual book explaining the Karma theory that our past actions follow us like a shadow through the cycle of births and deaths. I took comfort in the thought that my omissions and commissions in this life can be attributed to the past and there was little that I could have done to avoid them. My mood lifted up when I found myself grinning at .escaping from the personal responsibility for my problems. It was then the phone rang.

“Hello, is it Sarvadaman’s house?” asked a male voice

“Yes, I am his father speaking” I said

“Sorry Sir, your son has been arrested by the police about 30 minutes back and taken to the station. I don’t know where. They would not give him time to telephone you or talk to anyone of us” the voice said.

I was confused and asked him “Any idea why he was arrested? Did he ask you to telephone me? Who are you, Sir?”

“No Sir, he did not ask .He was very perturbed and shaken. I am also working in Telecom department with him. I don’t know why he was picked. You know the intense probe that is going on.Infact no one knows that I am informing you.” the voice replied

“There is something wrong here. My son is a clean chap. I don’t think he is in any way connected with the wrong things happening.Infact we discuss the news daily and he is very much perturbed. By the way, what is your good name and how did you find my number?” I asked

“I am Mahesh Sharma. I checked the office telephone directory and found his name with residence number” he replied

I rang up my son’s mobile number. It was silent and was switched off. I became a little concerned.

“Thank you. Just for confirming that it is my son, can you give me details like how he looks like, to which state he belongs to and such like?”I asked

“He is a tall guy and not very fair or dark. Medium complexion I would say. He wears specs. Will this suffice?”he replied

I was a little worried now and started panicking. I said “Yes your description fits him. I will start right away to find his whereabouts. Thanks for informing. His wife and children would be greatly upset. Thank you again” I said before I continued as an afterthought “You didn’t say which state he hailed from”

“He is a Punjabi from Batinda, Sir” he replied

“Are you sure?”I persisted

“Hundred percent. He has partaken in many Punjabi dramas and programmes in our office” he said

“Thanks a bunch Sharmaji.My son is Sarvadhaman Swaminathan iyer, a Tamilian.I have heard my son telling me that his namesake had joined recently in the Ministry. Please try to find out his number as he may not be listed in the old telephone directory and inform his family” I said as I heaved a sigh of relief.

Gossip

Ambujam mami knew almost everyone in that complex of more than six blocks of 16 houses each. She had the knack of befriending all with her pleasant conversation. Always well dressed, she was a picture of grace wearing always a smile in her face. She had a small family of husband and an office going daughter in her early 20s.Her husband who generally left in the mornings came late.Ambujam spent most of the time talking to one or the other in the lobbies, play area or in the pathway while she went for walk twice a day. Nothing happened in the complex without her knowledge. She knew which apartment had new tenants, which lady is in family way, where the kids are studying or working and which one had gone astray and which family is breaking up. The possession of this knowledge has fetched her albeit wrongly a label as a gossip. It is not her fault that she knew the happenings in the complex and that she shared the news with other friends. There were some occupants who avoided her like a plague.

Be that as it may, she had been noticing for the last few months a young man visiting the complex on his motorbike whenever she went out to visit her relatives during weekends. Clad in jeans and colorful shirts, he looked muscular and quite handsome. What intrigued mami was that Renuka of E block rushed out every time that young man came and was seen talking to him in a corner of the community hall..Renuka and Ambujam mami’s daughter Sumitra were close friends having studied together and living in the same complex. But she didn’t mention this to her daughter as she would get angry with her for her snooping trait. But mami relieved herself of the tension by telling a few other ladies. They also watched and confirmed her suspicion that Renuka was meeting him frequently without the knowledge of her parents. Mami even thought of bringing this to the notice of Renuka’s mom but dropped the idea as that lady was never warm with her

.
When mami went out to visit her relatives, Sumitra would invariably excuse herself pleading she needed rest. One Saturday when Ambujam mami was leaving, she saw Renuka in animated conversation with that young man .When she turned back to see her, she saw her pointing her hand at her and giggling with him. She could take no more of this nasty goings on and decided to tell her mom about the secret meetings.

The next Monday she took her close friend who lived in the opposite apartment with her and went to Renuka’s house. Luckily the young girl was not at home. Her mom welcomed them and said “A pleasant surprise your visit is. I know you as Sumitra’s mom but we have never mixed much. I am glad you came with your friend. Just a couple of minutes, I will get you some tea and biscuits.”

After the pleasantries Ambujam said “Actually I wanted to come earlier but was hesitant. I was not sure how you would react to the information that I wish to convey to you.”

“Why would I react? You can tell me freely without hesitation. I am actually eager to hear you” the lady said.

“You should not mistake me.Renuka is just like my daughter Sumitra.I am as much concerned about her as I am with my own daughter” Ambujam gently started broaching the subject.

“What about Renuka? Why should you be concerned with her? Did she do something for you to be upset with her?” she asked with a worried look.

“You are a mom like me. I just wanted to inform you that Renuka is meeting one young man near the community hall on weekends invariably and on some other occasions. They seem to talk enthusiastically. I do not know whether you are aware of this. I felt I should caution you about their secret liaison “she whispered to her.

“Frankly I am not aware. Let me check with Renuka.We are a liberal family and would not object to her choosing her own boy friend and eventually her partner. Since she hasn’t mentioned, let me find out” the lady said calmly.

It was then Renuka entered the house unexpectedly. Ambujam was taken aback and started to get up. The lady restrained her asking her “Please be seated. Let us ask Renuka in your presence. We will know the actual facts”

Renuka after hearing her mother turned towards Ambujam and said “Mami, hold your breath for the information that I am going to reveal may shock you. I would not have told you but for your bringing the matters to this head. That young man is coming to meet Sumitra.He is a common friend. They are great friends and have been dating for more than a year. He comes to meet Sumitra every weekend. He checks with me before going into your apartment whether you had left andt Sumitra is alone. He chats with me for a few minutes before going into your apartment for spending a couple of hours or taking her out. I learn they may tie the knot very soon.”

When Ambujam mami started fainting and was about to fall, the lady shouted “Renuka, get a glass of cool water and put the fan at high speed”

Payback

I am not a devout person. I never went to temples nor made obeisance to god men. I am not an atheist though. I just felt there was some power much beyond us to keep the sun and moon to rise without fail, the planets not falling or colliding with each other and the seas kept restrained within their shores. But my acknowledgement of this power beyond did not however inhibit me from many distasteful things that I indulged in. You see I am a small fry in politics but with vaulting ambitions to make it big. I had the necessary mental makeup. I was ruthless, cunning, ambitious, and greedy. I had all the vices that a man in good health can possibly have. I had hitched myself to a rising star in a political party and was slowly growing in importance.
As ill luck would have it, the leader to whom I had linked my fortune and future had a serious setback when he was caught in a big murder case and put behind bars. Luckily I was out of the suspect list though I had a minor role as his sidekick. His fall from grace of the opportunistic higher-ups and my identification with him were threatening my future and even my livelihood. It was then I heard of this god man who was making headlines and attracting a huge following of thousands to his abode. I heard if one is lucky enough to get an audience with him, he had the panacea for all the troubles. Stories abounded about how he cured chronic ailments given up by doctors, restored broken family relationships by a mere benediction, secured high positions, wealth, victory in difficult tasks and what not. I too wished to meet him and have my doubts resolved whether I should change loyalties or stick with the one who has caught himself in deep trouble. A wrong move may hurt me and my future considerably. I needed a steady flow of money.
With much effort, I was ushered to his august presence in the incense filled room. Clad in ochre robe with magnetic eyes and a winsome smile, he evoked an instant awe. After I prostrated full length and made my obeisance, he said in a soft voice that was almost a whisper”I know your problems. Patience is a virtue that helps. Have this to protect you” he said as he handed over a small Ganesh idol in gold that he contrived out of thin air by just waving his hand.
Wonder struck I looked at the idol that was shining in my hand and was quickly assessing mentally its weight and value. As if he read my mind he said ‘Yes it is pure gold. If you need quick results within a fortnight you must spend a couple of lakhs for doing special puja and for the silver amulet. Tomorrow is most auspicious and we can have it done, if you so wish.”
The next moment I was sort of dismissed and led outside by his disciples as a new devotee with his family entered the room. My attempts to catch his eyes were futile as thereafter he totally ignored my presence.
The same night I mustered two and half lakhs rupees from a money lender at usurious rate. I knew how to tackle these men. The money given to the god man, I was asked to come the next day to collect the amulet. I could not meet the god man again but was given an amulet to wear by his office. I could not go home as I had some paid job to evict a recalcitrant tenant from a house in the neighboring town. There was a sense of confidence in my steps after I wore the amulet till a week later I was tipped by my friend to stay away and that police were visiting my house daily to nab me in connection with the murder. I was alarmed and involuntarily felt the amulet I was wearing on my right arm and also ran my fingers on the Ganesh idol that I carried always. Stung by a doubt at the adverse turn of events, I rushed to a goldsmith and found the Ganesh idol was made of cheap brass. I knew I was duped and rushed to the God man’s place only to find from a distance a large number of policemen standing outside.
It was then I felt an arm on my shoulder. Taken aback I turned to see the moneylender breathing on my neck with a policeman in tow.

The encounter

“I have been watching you. You cannot overcome your bad mood by drowning yourself in liquor. What is bothering you? Since last night I have seen you turning on your bed without sleep and now you have started drinking heavily even early in the day” asked Selvi
Inspector Kesavan, his eyes bloodshot, turned towards her but did not reply.
“I know you have a problem. I hate this wretched profession of yours always hunting criminals but I cannot allow you to spoil your health. Please confide in me” pleaded Selvi..
“I killed a young man last evening cold bloodedly when he least expected. There was no fig leaf of a fight as justification as he was unarmed” replied Kesavan
“This is nothing unusual for you. You have killed innumerable persons ruthlessly calling them encounters. Why shed tears in this case?” Selvi asked
“In most cases we chase them and they attempt to defend themselves by shooting. Such encounters are justified as in self defense and the authorities are aware but gloss over such incidents” he said
“Why then this guilt now?”asked Selvi
“No, Selvi.This is different. If the man I had killed were the ruthless criminal involved in many murders, holdups, ransom and what not, I would have no regrets for killing him. He was a menace to society. But the man who tipped us had made a grievous mistake. It was a case of mistaken identity. The guy whom we killed is a small time criminal acting as recovery agent for private debts. There are no serious charges against him though the police were looking for him. It was the pathetic cry of this man’s wife whom I saw after the shooting that fills my heart with remorse. Hardly 25 she was in advanced stage of pregnancy. Her long and shrill wail on seeing the bullet ridden body of her husband is still ringing in my ears. I am unable to get over, Selvi” Kesavan was seen sobbing.
“Oh, oh, I feel so sorry for the poor woman” Selvi said.
“Actually we inveigled him out of the house by asking his confidant to warn him on mobile that police would be soon there to nab him and that he should escape. This fool misled us unwittingly though. The poor chap trusted his friend and came out of the house. We followed him till he was what we thought out of sight of his wife but never knew she was watching him leaving from the terrace. We surprised him and shot at him when he tried to run back and planted a gun in his hand” he said
“How sad” she remarked
“The woman had seen the cold blooded murder and screamed beating her chest and head. She is very young almost my younger sister’s age. It will take a long time for me to forget her face filled with horror and shock” he added
“Forget it as a bad dream. This is one of the hazards of the profession. Ask for a change to another department and be done with killing. I will also have peace of mind. You do not know how much tense I am daily till I see you back in home” Selvi said.
“I have already asked the departmental head for a transfer. I wish to help later that woman indirectly to salve my conscience. Where is Arjun?” he asked.
“Dad, I am here. I came in a few minutes ago and overheard the conversation between you two. The only saving grace in this sordid episode is that you had not killed him intentionally. There had been a mistake though you should have made doubly sure about the identity. Grieve not for it was not a deliberate act. But the wrong done to that young woman cannot be easily brushed aside. As your son I will make suitable amends for it after the furor dies down. I may even given her life time protection as atonement” said Arjun the 27 year old young man.
Wiping the tears from his eyes, Kesavan straightened his shoulders and looked at his grown up son with immense pride.