Meena's ransom

“I need some money urgently. There is practically no balance in my account,” said Meena.”

“How much? I gave you the usual amount at the beginning of the month,” replied Kesav who was leisurely sipping the morning tea in the balcony with a newspaper on hand.

“15000 rupees. Due to this Covid virus, I have bought more than the usual quantity of groceries and various other items, “said Meena as she placed her cup on the side table.

“For all the extra things you have been buying, you have been using my card. Have you forgotten or what? “he asked in a surprised manner.

“May be, I have not kept track of all these but the fact is my account is having no balance. I need the money urgently,” she replied with some acerbity.

“What for? What is the urgent requirement?” asked Kesav.

“I do not need your money if I am asked to give account as if I am your accountant. When you spend heavily, do I ever ask you any question? “she asked angrily.

“Am I obliged to explain you how I spend my earnings? Funny you make a statement like that,” he said somewhat amused.

 “Enough, I feel I have no dignity in this house after I left my lucrative job in deference to your wishes. Keep your earnings with you. I am going presently to my mother’s place. I may return only late afternoon. You cook something for yourself,” she said as she left in a huff without heeding his plea to sit.

It was past 12 and he was dozing on the sofa after eating the hurriedly made pasta. The TV was on narrating the latest statistics on Covid19. His mobile rang loudly and it was a call from Meena.

“Meena, are you still angry? I hope you had no problem in reaching your amma’s place<” asked Kesav

“Sorry Sir, this is not your wife. I have borrowed her phone for a while. I am sorry to disturb you on an important matter,” said the voice

“Who is speaking? How did you get my wife’s phone? Where is she?” asked Kesav anxiously.

“My name does not matter. Your wife is very much here beside me. Are you Kesav?” asked the voice in a gruff tone.

“I am Kesav. What is it you want? Tell me right away where you are speaking from? How did my wife come there?Can you give the phone to her?” he asked in commanding manner.

“You would not talk to me in this tone if you hear what I wish to say,” said the voice in other end and continued, “ The matter relates to your wife. She is presently safe in my custody. There is a small matter to be settled between us before she is released. It does not brook any delay  if you keep in mind the well being of your good looking wife,”

“Tell me quickly,” urged Kesav.

“Transfer 25000 rupees to your wife’s account this moment.I find it has no money. You must thank your stars that I have not made a large demand. This should be done within 10 minutes. I will release her within five minutes after I get the message of credit in her mobile. Exactly 10 minutes I give you," and added

"One word of warning. Do not try to be smart tracing my whereabouts or thinking of police if you wish her to remain unharmed in any manner. Remember the deadline Do you understand the gravity of the situation?” said the voice as the call was cut.

He transferred the money immediately and sent a message about the remittance. He was filled with remorse for not complying with her request in the morning itself and now having to pay an unknown rascal a huge amount.

In 10 minutes there was a message from Meena,” Do not worry.I am safe and on my way home. Could you eat anything? Shall I bring something?”

Kesav was waiting anxiously at the door and was jubilant when he saw her with a mask on her two wheeler. He hugged her happily as he led her inside living room.

She snuggled closer and said “Thank you for acting quickly to make things safe for me.” There was a smug smile on her face even as she was in his tight embrace  thinking of getting a good gift for her young nephew for his histrionic ability.