The compassion

 

Mahalingam was not exactly henpecked though he did not do things which his wife Gowri disapproved of. One of the things she disliked was having his aged mother with them, as he was her only son.

“Maha, it is very chill these days during nights and I keep shivering. Can you get me a woollen blanket?” his mother asked him one morning

He was reading a newspaper and his wife was cutting vegetables by his side. He made a small non-committal grunt ’hmm’ to signify he heard her but said nothing more.

Three days past she again reminded him. ” Maha, I am unable to sleep. Bangalore is colder this year than in the past. I cover myself with my old saris too but they give no relief.”

A lump passed through his throat. He knew his wife was listening to the request and her silent look spoke enough. All he could say was only,” Amma, let me see. I am busy with a lot of work in the office. Close the windows in the night. The chill air would not enter.”

The old woman kept quiet and thereafter stopped asking him.

Two weeks later Mahalingam’s brother-in-law, Dandapani who had come on a short visit asked his sister “Gowri, what are these two big bundles in the hall for?”

She said with pride “Your brother-in-law is very particular that we distribute saris and dhoties each year at the old age home during winter. We have been doing these for several years. We will be going there this evening. Why don’t you accompany us?”

Her brother replied” I am very proud of you, sister, for your compassion”

In the background, the old woman lay huddled on the mat with an old sari doing the duty of a blanket and coughing nonstop.

As Dandapani was leaving the next evening, he went near the old lady bowed before her and said as he handed over a bundle,” Mami, I am Dandapani taking leave of you. Here is a token of my affection and respect for you. This woolen blanket will make your nights very comfortable.”

Mahalingam was seen with his head bent downward and Gowri cringing in shame.