A hit and run case

It was drizzling heavily and the sky was dark being a new moon day.Ananthu felt he should have left for home much earlier.The rain showed no sign of abatement rather it looked a heavy down pour was soon to follow.The wind was strong.He had told his wife he would be back early in the evening and would not stay for the cocktail party after the conference at a far off beach resort in the East coast road.She had wanted him to accompany her to her cousin’s place for a birthday party.But he could leave only very late but earlier than others.
He could not see even short distance ahead and the lights from the oncoming lorries were blinding.He did not want to stay for the cocktails but could not refuse when his senior boss insisted that he stay back when his colleagues failed to persuade him.He didn’t want to drink much.. The music was loud,, someone was dancing and the atmosphere very cheerful.But once he started drinking,he did not know when to stop.Not that he became totally drunk but he was tired and feeling tipsy after the day long deliberations and the head was heavy
After some distance the traffic thinned down when the rain became heavier.Despite the wiper in feverish action ,he had to squint his eyes to keep himself on the highway.He was passing thro some villages possibly as he saw the dim lights from the scattered hurricane lamps from yonder .He wished he had not started driving in such an unfavourable weather.
It was then he heard something hit his bumper. He got out and saw a white figure under the tire.It was dark and raining heavily he could not make out. But it was motionless, possibly dead. He became terribly afraid that he had killed someone.His heart beat so fast that he thought it would busrt. He was scared bonestiff and his immediate reaction was to run away from the scene,.If he were smart he would have got down and gone to help whoever was hit. Instead the coward in him made him run away.He backed the car a little and drove fast straight for a few miles till his heart calmed down.
He was afraid to go back.He knew hit and run case is far more serious than hitting.He did not go home as he was afraid police would be after him.he was not in a frame of mind to analyse. He took a room in a small hotel in a suburb and never stirred out for two days.He was afarid of calling his wife as his mobile would be traced.He never thought rationally that there were no one around at that time.He thought his life was ruined and that he cannot avoid jail.It was misearable staying in that dingy room watching TV for news about the accident.The papers also carried no news item. Still the burden of his sin weighed heavily on him. He pleaded to God to forgive him for not helping the injured person in After two days he decided to go home and tell his wife what all had happened before surrendering to the police.
When he went home late in the evening after it was dark, Ananthu found his wife lying down with face swollen with crying and worry.The house was in disarray and the children quiet in their rooms. When she saw him haggard in his two day old dress, she was greatly surprised and hugged him sobbing at the same time without a word.
After what appeared etenity she asked”What happened and where had you gone without informing? Do you know the amount of worry and suspense you had put us all into? We even lodged a complaint with police that you were missing.I was afaid you were involved in some road accident as that highway is notorious for.”
Ananthu narrated what had happened and his apprehension that victim’s people would be after the police to trace him.He said “I just came to inform you before going to police and surrender telling that I had hit a person in the darkenss of the night and did not stop to give him aid. I cannot bear the guilt anymore.It is making me sleepless and mad”
It was then Ananthu’s wife broke into laughter.This irritated him.
“What is there to laugh about? I had committed a blunder by hitting and running.I will set it right by surrendering”
She replied “Do you know that very night we had the police do extensive verification for any possible accident on the highway after you left the conference hall? It was found there was only one accident during the rain when a life was lost due to careless driving”
“Did I ot tell you? Whose life was it? Was the victim a man or a woman? Ananthu asked
Ananthu’s wife roared again with laughter and said it was that of a white calf.

Rich man's legacy

He was a very wealthy man and had all the material things that one could aspire for. Yet he was a sad man burdened with a young son who was a polio affected cripple and mentally retarded to add to the misery. He needed constant assistance and supervision even for basic chores. He was given to tantrums and needless howling for no reason. The old man’s wife had passed away some eight years back. He had of course many relatives and friends who visited him regularly. He knew that they were all there lured only by the sumptuous feasts thrown in, costly gifts given and their desire to be seen with the famous and rich. They seldom visited the son who remained in his secluded room engrossed in his own world of fantasy. Even the very few who went to the boy’s room did so very visibly to the wealthy man.
There was a distant relation of his thro his wife who was in difficult financial circumstances. He and his family used to visit frequently when the rich man’s wife was alive and mostly when he was away at his work. They were very good people who empathized with his late wife and were genuinely attached to the hapless boy. Very shy by nature and apprehensive that they would be mistaken for some ulterior motive for their frequent visits, they reduced their trips considerably after the demise of the lady. The old man thought with the passing away of his wife, possibly the bond had weakened. But they still visited the son at least once a month. The boy also from what the father had seen enjoyed their company and was very quiet during their visits.
The paid servants were impersonal, distant and sometimes rude to the cripple when the man was away. He even suspected that they beat the young boy whenever he was adamant or defiant. For this reason he never stirred out except on urgent business. His poor health was bothering him and the constant worry told upon his weak heart that had already suffered an attack. He feared his days were numbered and wanted some security for the son.
When he broached this subject to a few relatives of his who frequented his house and claimed intimacy with him, he was appalled at their suggestion that he be put in a well equipped home for the disabled and to give the home a rich donation. They assured that they would keep an eye on the boy and his well-being though they kept silent on their expectations in his legacy. He disliked their artificial tone of concern and the fake warmth for the boy. He distrusted them totally.
It was then he approached the poor relative of his wife and his family and begged them to stay permanently in the house with him and his son. He told them of his sleepless nights troubled by the thought of boy’s future after he passed away. He assured them that they would be paid each month a good amount for their help and to compensate for shifting from another town leaving the earlier job. The relative explained that they are agreeable to this only out of affection and memory for the lady relative and their genuine liking of the boy. He refused to accept any payment and also made the stipulation that he would continue to work as before and that he would find a new job soon in this town. His wife and he would take care of the boy as if he were their own son for their entire life. This was agreed upon and soon they moved in. The arrangement worked well and he could witness a welcome change in the boy. He was well clad always, trim and was seen playing with the other children at home. He was no more sulking or morose. The boy also grew better in health in a short period.
It was then tragedy struck. The wealthy man could not survive a massive attack despite medical attention. After the obsequies were over, the lawyer spoke to the assembled relatives who were eager and curious to know how the rich man left his legacy. The lawyer who did not see the poor relation in the crowd had him brought. His wife was not present. He said his client had not bequeathed any money for any of them present. He had willed away his wealth after the son’s death to charitable institutions and hospitals. He has appointed his relative who is residing in the house as the trustee. The income from his wealth would be spent for household and other expenses at his sole discretion. His client was confident that the interests and the well being of the boy were safe in his hands. Fully aware that the relative would not touch a penny out of the income for his personal use, he had directed certain amount to be paid to him monthly for taking care of his son.
What the lawyer did not reveal then at the express wish of his client was the legacy of a sizable fortune in favour of the wife of the relative. It was this lady not connected thro blood who has been showering all her affection on the boy without any expectation. Knowing their nature well he had left twenty five percent of his wealth to her and her children. This fact would also be revealed to the lady and her husband only at the appropriate time by the lawyer.
Kpartha12@hotmail.com

Madhavan and the ghost

Madhavan Namboodiri in his early forties was a pious man given to religious ways and spiritual pursuits. A great devotee of Guruvayurappan, he remained a bachelor much to the chagrin of his aged mother and sister. He worked in a clerical position in a central government office in Kerala for many years. With some reorganization in the department, the setup in Kerala was wound up and he was transferred to some nondescript town in Chattisgarh.He didn’t make much fuss and quietly accepted the transfer. It was a small town and he had no friends there. When he reached the place early one morning a colleague by name Mohanti had come to receive him. All his possessions were a medium sized box, bedding and a shoulder bag.
He was given the option to choose one of the two accommodations available. One was close to bazaar in a thickly populated area. The other one was slightly away but closer to a temple. It was in a secluded spot with houses scattered in the area. Madhavan chose the latter for the quiet surroundings and the proximity to the temple. There was a kitchen that suited him as he cooked his own food.
The colleague looked hesitant to proceed further. Madhavan asked him “Why what is the problem? This is a small independent house. I can pursue my religious and spiritual activities unhampered. The rent is also much lower though an independent house. I prefer this.”
Mohanti said, ” I understand your reasons. Do you know why the rent is low though the house is independent? “
“Tell me whatever be the reason” he replied
Mohanti in hushed tone whispered, “People say this house is haunted and visited by a ghost. That is why this remains unoccupied for long. You are new to the place and alone. Secondly this house is very old and dilapidated by long disuse. I would advise you to choose the other one till you find a good place.”
“Please do not worry. I am not afraid of ghosts. I can tackle them when they appear” Madhavan replied with a smile.
Madhavan moved in after the house was cleaned. In the evening he lit the lamp before the picture of Guruvayurappan and prayed for sometime. The night passed off peacefully with no incident. Mohanti when he heard of this heaved a sigh of relief.
The next day Madhavan retired to bed after the usual prayers of recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam and Spartan dinner. It was around twelve he woke up with an uneasy feeling of heaviness on the chest. He sat up and drank water. He felt better. When he lied down, he felt some heavy object pressing him as if someone was sitting on him. He knew that this had nothing to do with his body and was inclined to agree with Mohanti.But Madhavan was a brave man not easily ruffled. He sat up and recited Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.The heaviness left immediately. He went on reciting the sloka till 2am.When he went to bed again there was no such recurrence. He did not mention this to Mohanti.But this continued in the subsequent days too. He prayed with greater fervour to his God to free him from this unwelcome attention by the strange nocturnal visitor. Madhavan had to sit up and continue with recitation till 2am.His sleep was disturbed but he hoped that ‘it’ would give up harassing him.
It was on the fifth day when he lied down to sleep at 2am, the heaviness and choking feeling came with greater force. He felt he was being crushed by unbearable weight. He could not even sit up. He cried repeatedly “Oh Guruvayurappa! Why are you putting me through all this hardship? I leave it in your hands”
Whether it was in answer to his prayer or not, he felt the pressure fade away. He could discern yonder in the room near the door a form white in colour signaling him with its hand to follow him. When he sat still stupefied at the apparition, it continued to beckon him frantically to get up and follow it
Madhavan got up uttering the name ‘Narayana, Narayana’ repeatedly even as he followed it. When he came out of the house behind it, he saw it vanished abruptly to his great surprise. He simultaneously heard a great rumbling sound behind him and witnessed as he turned the house collapsing completely into rubbles.
He was shocked beyond words unable to realize the full impact of the incident. It was bizarre and supernatural. What was the form that beckoned him out apparently to save him? Was it the one who sat on his chest causing unbearable physical and mental strain? Could it be a messenger of God whom he had been incessantly praying coming to his succour? Was it a ghost as mentioned by Mohanti unrelated to the incident and the collapse a coincidence?
He had no answer and would leave it to you to unravel.

What I got for my wedding anniversary

Our wedding anniversary fell on a Monday.I decided to surprise my husband Naresh working at Pondicherry by paying a visit to him instead of his coming down to Chennai.It was Saturday.He normally leaves for Chennai at 3pm and I will be there by 10am. I thought we can spend three days in a hotel as we had done a couple of times earlier.In case he wished to spend the weekend at Chennai I was ready to return along with him ..As I was driving my car with my two children, I was lost in the thought of this incomparable man who had all the good qualities that any young woman would wish for.When I met him ten years ago at the University, he was my senior.A very handsome,tall and muscular man , he had the gift of the gab and abundant sense of humour.Many women were falling for him then.An intelligent guy ,he impressed me at the first meeting so much that it turned out to be a case of love at first sight.After two years of serious friendship, we married.We both had good jobs and life was very pleasant.
It was then he was promoted and posted out of Chennai as per his company’s norms.I was a lecturer in a college and could not leave the job.We had some financial and social commitments that we both had to necessarily stay apart.But he managed to come on alternate weekends and our wonderful married life of love and affection continued.We had two children who doted on their father and he in turn showered his affection on them with gifts on each visit and outings to various eateries , parks and places of entertainment.We thus stayed apart for almost eight years.He always came to Chennai instead of my going as he said he was staying with his office colleagues. The two daughters were excited at the prospect of meeting their father and a stay in a hotel
When I reached Pondicherry around 11am, I gave a ring to his office to tell that we are in town and would soon be meeting him at his office.I visualised the immense surprise and joy he would be in at the prospect of meeting us .It was a bit of a shock for me when I heard the operator telling that he had not come to office that day.Though I had not visited him at his place of residence as he was staying with some colleagues,I had a vague memory of his address.When I asked the operator to give the correct door number, she asked me to wait and gave me the full address.
I was a little worried whether he had fallen sick.When I reached the place, I found it to be an apartment in a posh area.When I pressed the bell with my two children in tow, a young lady of my age opened the door.She was strikingly fetching to look at.Two young children were playing behind on the floor.When I asked about Naresh, I could see a trace of bewilderment and confusion.She asked me to come inside.I explained who I was and the object of my visit having been told that he had not attended office.Meanwhile one of her children cried and I turned to see on the wall behind a photo of Naresh with the lady and the two kids.Shocked as I was, I went near.It was unmistakably Naresh.I could see the deception clearly.I was trembling in fear with a sense of anger,shame and being cheated.
The young lady’s face became grim,taut and agitated.But she maintained her calm.I could see she sized up the situation rather quickly.
She said softly ”I think we both have been deceived.I am sorry for you and me too.He has gone out to buy some medicine and is planning to go to Chennai.I never knew he was coming to you people.He had told me that he lost his wife and two children in Tsunami when they were all in a beach resort.The truth seems different.Wait,I hear him coming.”
When Naresh saw me along with children standing by the lady,his face went pale with horror and he stood petrified without uttering one word shifting his eyes from me to her and back repeatedly.He knew he was caught red handed and had no answer.
After a while, he tried to smile and said “Hello, you never told me you are coming.You knew I was coming to Chennai”
His sentence was cut short by the lady ”Stop it,you filthy cheater.You are a cheapster and a dirty liar.You have no understanding of the sanctity of marriage and even when your loving wife and children were alive , you had the temerity to bluff they were dead all in love for this body of mine.Fie upon you.I would never like to set my eyes on you.”
When he turned his face towards me,I said”You had ruined the life of this young person let alone me.Why did you do that.If you had uncontrollable urge, you could have gone to a whore.Why spoil the life of an innocent young one by uttering a lie.Aren’t you ashamed to stand before us?.”
He had the temerity to interject and say ”Yes,I agree there has been a mistake committed by me. I should have been frank and told the truth.What do you want me to do ,now?Having two wives, is it an unpardonable crime?.’
The other lady interrupted to say ”There is nothing that you should do.It is for us to take action.We have to decide on three things
Firstly to hand you over to the police complaining that you have cheated us and committed a bigamy.You will be behind bars.I will not shed a tear for you.If my sister here agrees, this is what I would prefer.You deserve no sympathy
Secondly, whether you are handed over to police or not, you are out of my life for ever.My sister too I hope would not condone your deception.

The thrid is if my sister agrees with me we would like to go to a lawyer to extract from you all your wealth and income after a proper divorce.
I was touched by the fairness and firmness in her statements and could not but agree.I watched her with admiration as she went to the telephone to ring for police.

A jobless stranger at work

It was a big bungalow with the building far from the gate. It was guarded by a security man. The house did not appear to have been occupied by many occupants. No children were seen playing around in the lawn. There were no women appearing to live in the house. Occasionally some cars used to come only to go back soon. There was no specific time; it could be mid day or late nights. The gate remained always locked. Some new buildings were coming up in the posh area.
A fat man in white Kurta pyjama walking on the long verandah noticed a man sitting on the culvert on the opposite side of the road. The man had a few days stub on his face. His shirt was dirty and frayed at the collar. The fat man wondered why he was sitting there doing nothing. When he came out to the verandah after some time, he saw the same man still loitering there. He was seen frequenting a tea shop nearby. In the days that followed, he found this man always there. His suspicions were aroused as he thought he could be a burglar reconnoitering the area. It was not a very comfortable thought. He asked the durwan about the stranger who confirmed that he too saw him for the last one week but he seemed harmless. May be he came daily along with someone working in the new building that was coming up.
He asked the durwan to call him. When he came, the fat man asked “What are you doing here daily? I have been seeing you for a week doing nothing except sitting on the culvert or sipping tea in the teashop. What brings you here?” He replied in very deferential tone “Saheb, I come here daily hoping to get some work in the new buildings. I am a plumber and electrician but have no work for a fortnight. The tea shop owner is from my village and I take my food there.”
The fat man though not fully pleased with the answer told him that was fine though he felt he was wasting his time here. The stranger replied “I agree, Saheb, but will give it a try for a few more days. I think I will succeed in getting what I want.” He became stress-free when the stranger was not seen from the next day.
It was past noon a few days later, the fat man noticed that no stranger was visible on the culvert. He became a little relaxed and talked to some one on his mobile. In a few minutes a black sedan came and the gate was opened to allow the car inside. The fat man came down to receive the visitor. When the door did not open and the glass was drawn down by a few centimeters, the fat man spoke in hushed tone “Hurry up, I don’t see any stranger outside the gate. Be quick to unload the stuff and get away fast.”
The door opened and the driver came out with a dazed look. There was fear in his eyes. The fat man shouted “You fool, what has happened to you? Carry the stuff quickly to the first floor. I will kill you if you play any dirty tricks.” When the driver looked behind his shoulder, the stranger in tatters accompanied by three armed men in police uniform stepped out. “Your game is up and my job is completed. Yes, your suspicions were well founded. I had tips about the goings on here and I intercepted the car today. There are several police vans outside at the street corner. Do not attempt any tricks.” The constables promptly hand cuffed the fat man. The driver took them to the first floor along with the packets in the car. When the entire stack of contraband stuff was seized, the Superintendent of Police in frayed collar smiled happily.

The value of trust

I was transferred to Kolkata (Calcutta those days) all of a sudden sometime in September in early Seventies. My first priority was to find a flat around LakeMarket area that South Indians generally preferred. It was very difficult to get one in the middle of the year. I was losing patience as a week went by with little progress. Luckily the broker rang up the next day asking me to meet immediately the land lady of a certain house near the market.
The Bengali lady in her early sixties, short and plump, chewing pan, with a prominent red bindi on her forehead and with a smile on her charming face evoked instant respect. Wife of a Zamindar, she knew only Bengali and a little of Hindi. After ascertaining that I am a Madrasi with a small family, she was willing to give me the flat. I told her that I could not afford more than Rs.300 against Rs.350 she demanded with one month’s advance. I pleaded with her to reduce the rent as I had some family commitments. She said many were willing to pay more than the amount she demanded from me and asked me to confirm my willingness latest by next day.
The other tenants in the building whom I met told me that she was a difficult woman. Abusive and loud mouthed she would shout if she saw litter on the stair case. She would also keep asking for increase in rent. Though the picture portrayed was a bit scary I decided to finalize the flat on her terms.
When I went the next evening and said that I was agreeable to her demand, she broke into a laughter. She told me another Madrasi had come seeking the flat at a higher rent and that she refused telling that she had already given her word to me. She said that she valued the promises she made and that mutual trust was very important for her. I was touched by her gesture and gave her Rs. 700 towards a month’s rent and advance...She smiled again and said that I seemed a simple person with a scared look. She wanted me to see the flat first and tell her whether I wished some additional facilities. She promised to have the flat painted within two days and readily agreed for some minor improvements.

When I asked her about lease agreement, she said that my word was good enough for her and that she didn't need any. Flabbergasted I was hesitant to ask for a receipt for the amount paid by me. When I stood up to take leave of her, she thrust a hundred rupee note into my pocket saying that since I had mentioned about some family it was enough for me pay Rs.300 now and when I got a raise in salary I can pay her more. She said that she was particular about a good tenant and money was secondary to her. She found me to be a soft and good natured person and that she decided in my favour the previous day itself but wanted to make sure that I was keen on the flat.
How different she was from the picture painted by the other tenants who I subsequently learnt were paying a paltry rents for years but fighting frequently with her on some petty issues... She became very close to my wife and never failed to drop in for a few minutes daily bringing often rasagollas and sandesh for the children. A very pious and orthodox lady, she would not eat anything in our house. I heard that she neither went to her village nor talked to her husband for years as she could not forgive him for his liaison with a woman of another caste. When I was transferred after eight years, she was very unhappy and cried.
When we returned to Kolkata after three years, we went to pay our respects to her. Her son received us and said that his mom was no more. Soon after we left Kolkata, his papa had come from village wishing to patch up the differences with her. She would have nothing of it. Trust is one quality she valued most and could never reconcile to his betrayal. His dad went back heart broken and soon passed away. His mom though angry with him could not bear the loss. She too followed him in a few months. Till her last days, he said, she used to be talking frequently about us all.

The saviour

The inner road was desolate and the road dark.Pramila quickened her steps to reach the brightly lit main road fast.The main road was some distance away.She could see two people following her.As she crossed to the other side , she could see that one was a neatly clad middle aged around fifty and the other in early twenties..The youngster was abridging the gap with her by hastening his step.She wished she were nearer the middle aged guy whom she felt would be reliable and safer to walk with than the younger man in his jeans and gaudy striped shirt.She stopped and turned back waiting for the middle aged man who was a little behind to join. Just then a Maruti Omni came and stopped by the older man and he got into it.
Pramila was now scared as only the young man was behind her.She started praying to God and wished some other passers by would appear.It was then the Maruti van came very close to her and in a jiffy before she realised what was happening she was pulled in and the vehicle sped away.She was immediately gagged and blindfolded.Her hands and legs were tied and she could from the odour of the alchohol and the physical proximity sense the presence of two men on either side of her.
After what looked liked an eternity, the vehicle stopped and she was dragged to the first floor and pushed on a bed.There was silence for a while therafter.She could not scream or see. Her hands were tied tight and she could do nothing with her teeth.The bed was soft.She was terrified at the likely harm that can befall her.She was an unmarried young woman of 23 years working in a private company.She was always afraid of that long stretch of dimly lit road and left office early.As ill luck would have it she was held up this day and others had left.
It was then she heard a creak of the door and sound of footsteps approaching the bed.Someone came and sat close by her side and caressed her hair gently.The stench of liquor assailed her nose.She tried to sit up but was pushed down with a ssssh.The man’s fingers stroked her cheeks and touched her lips.He then in a soft voice said “ I am sorry for you but I need you badly.I have been watching you for months and desired you.It was made possible only today.You can either make it a pleasurable experience if you do not resist or make it a struggle.The outcome in any case would be the same.Be smart and realise that there is no help nearby for you to access.My men are outside.I will give you good money and have you dropped near your residence within an hour if you quietly cooperate.”
She shook her head and tried to shout through her gagged mouth.Like a cat playing with a mouse, he ignored her muted pleas and started gradually disrobing her. He kept on talking in his soft voice telling her not to be afraid, that he would be gentle and that she would soon be free to go home.As his face came near hers to kiss her, she could not bear the stench and started getting the feeling of throwing up.Unmindful he went about his task of removing her upper garments and she could feel his fingers stroking her at inappropriate places. Bound as she was, she could do little to stop his advances and was aware that she would be ruined in a matter of few minutes.It was then she prayed intensely to God to save her from this ignominy.
Even as she gave up her struggle, as if in answer to her prayer, the door was pushed open.She could hear noises of booted steps and the odorous man being pulled away from her bare body.She could hear hard slaps on someone and orders from somebody to fasten the man’s hands.She did not know whether the men who had come were saviours or rivals and she was too afraid and shocked to undersatnd the happenings.
She could feel a strong hand remove the blindfold and untie the rope on her hands. She saw a young police man throwing a couple of bedsheets on her for covering and heard him tell her ”You are safe now.Lucky that we could come in the nick of time before any damage could be done.Lucky also the police control car was in the vicinity of the place of abduction.It was all possible thanks to a good Samaritan who noted down the van number and gave promptly 100 the information.It was his quick action and our being closeby helped in saving you.He is waiting outside.Dress yourself well as we stand outside.”
Once she was ready, he came in again and said “Please inform your home on my mobile.You must come with us along with the young man to the police station and give a written statement while we detain this scoundrel and his accomplices in our custody.It will be over in thirty minutes.Please obllige.”
As she came out of the room she saw to her amazement and surprise the young man, whom she feared and instead preferred the middle aged man, sitting on a chair.The policeman said ”He is your saviour.But for him you would have been ruined and possibly sold to a brothel in a distant state.”
Pramila realised her fooliishness in judging people in haste by appearance even as she folded her hands in namaste to the young man in etrnal gratitude..