The doubtful loan (1190 words)

                                                      A  story for Halloween month

Govindram, who hails from Rajasthan, was Periasami’s neighbour for five years in Tiruppur. When Govindram moved to the southern town, Periasami’s family was helpful initially. He did not know the customs and language of the new place.

 Though wealthy, he never lent money as he was not in a money-lending business. But his usual caution gave way when his wife pleaded with him on behalf of Periasami’s family. She fell for the sob story of pressing need from Mrs Periasami and her assurance that the loan of Rs 25,000 would be returned in a few months. Even after a year, there was no sign of money being returned. Gentle reminders proved to little avail. There was no documentary evidence for the loan given. Being soft by nature Govindram relied only on polite demands for repayment even by instalments. While Periasami did not deny the liability, he always requested more time.

After learning, the nuances of manufacturing and marketing of hosiery goods, Govindram shifted to Jaipur to start his own business. Periasami assured him that his money was safe with him and that he would return in four instalments without fail with the repayment commencing after three months. It was more than three years since Govindram left. He did not get a penny. Though Govindram had lost hope of getting back the money and was reconciled to write it off, he kept reminding Periasami at regular intervals.

Mani, a 12-year-old boy, had come on summer vacation for two months to stay with his uncle Periasami and aunt at Tiruppur. The boy knew from the casual conversations between his uncle and aunt about the loan they owed to a North Indian Marwari and his frequent reminders and their inability to return.

 During this period, Govindram had to visit Tiruppur in connection with a big order he had secured. He decided to meet Periasami to recover the money or at least take something in writing as proof of the loan taken.

When he knocked at the door one evening at 7 PM, Mani opened the door.

“Where are Periasamis? Are they in the house? I have not seen you earlier,” asked Govindram in broken Tamil. Mani could immediately identify him as the person his uncle owed money to.

“I am Mani, nephew of Periasami uncle. My aunt has gone out and should return in an hour or so. What is your name, Sir, for me to inform my aunt?” replied the youngster.

“Where is your uncle? Call him,” instructed Govindram.

“He is no more. Are you not aware that he died of a sudden heart attack about two years back? As my aunt was afraid to stay alone, my parents sent me here,” replied Mani

“Oh, oh, my God, I never knew. There was no intimation too from your aunt. I will wait for her. I hope she will come soon, “said Govindram in a softened tone.

“Please come in and sit. It is not advisable to stay outside here after it gets dark. Can you tell me, if it is alright, what for you wished to meet my uncle or aunt?” asked the young boy.

“They owe me some money for more than five years. I came to ask them to return the amount. By the way, why did you say it is not safe to stay outside? Any menace from stray dogs” asked Govindram with anxiety on his face.

“The threat is not from dogs but something … worse.,” Mani whispered, his voice taking on a spooky tone. Ever since my uncle died, a ghost has been frequenting this house after dusk and barges in loudly even if the door or windows are closed. You can see then things getting scattered as if being thrown about in anger like it’s searching for something,” Mani paused dramatically before continuing,” Aunt thinks it’s looking for someone who owes it something. She even suspects it could be violent from the manner it enters and behaves in the house. After a short while it disappears, though on a few occasions, it has visited more than once the same night especially if there are visitors,” explained the boy gratuitously in great detail.

Govindram’s anxiety shot up several notches. “Was there any ghost earlier before your uncle’s demise? Whose spirit could this be, could your aunt guess,” asked Govindram

“Initially she had no idea. After repeated visits, she felt, from the way the ghost moved to different rooms with ease, angrily throwing the clothes about from the closets, and the way it lingered in the bedroom, it could be uncle revisiting his home. She has told me once that my uncle is visiting fearing the lender or his recovery agents, may cause trouble for her. For this reason, my aunt wished that I stay with her and my father readily agreed as there is also a good school nearby,” said Mani.

Govindram looked nervously at his watch showing 7.35 PM. It was dark and silent outside and he could hear only the patter of a drizzle. He was twiddling his fingers in vague fear.

It was then there was a knock on the door. Govindram started perspiring. Unperturbed, Mani looked through a peephole and opened the door for his aunt Ms Periasami. A relief washed over Govindram and after customary salutation expressed his sadness at the passing away of her husband Periasami.

Shocked, she wiped her eyes with her sari even as she looked at Mani nodding slightly and pleading with his eyes and then turned to Govindram to say,” Nothing is in our hands. We are helpless. ”

“I agree with you there are things beyond our control. I am concerned to hear that you are being troubled by nocturnal visits of a ghost almost daily. Do you believe it could be your late husband, as your nephew tells me? He also mentioned that it seemed prone to violence against those who displeased it,” asked Govindram.

Before she could respond, there was the unmistakable sound of the gate opening, followed by loud, slurred curses. Heavy knocks rattled the door, and Mani peered through the peephole again.

“It’s him,” he said gravely, turning to his aunt. “He’s back. And he’s angry.”

Govindram’s face turned pale. “H-him? Who’s him?”

Without batting an eyelid, Mani said, “Uncle...”

Govindram’s legs turned to jelly. Peering through the peephole, he saw the silhouette of a figure waving a walking stick and howling like a drunk. The sight was enough to send Govindram into a panic.

The next moment, he ran towards the rear door vowing never to return.

Mani opened the door to let a drunk Periasami in with his aunt screaming at her husband,” You worthless man, you have absolutely no shame in not repaying the loan you took years ago and yet squander money on drinking daily. That Marwadi neighbour came just now looking for you. I do not know what Mani told him and he ran away in mortal fear.”

When Mani’s bluff sunk in, all the three roared in laughter not knowing Govindram had tripped at the rear entrance and was lying on the ground hearing their boisterous jubilation.