Thursday, April 30, 2009
Statistically speaking.....
Statistics show that one out of every four people has a mental illness. A simple test can prove this. Think of your three closest friends, are they all ok? Then think of yourself.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The final shot
Shridhar nursed his beer. “Dey, Gowri, how about launching a project. Something for Mother India? You know, after all, we have done well here; we really should try to show some gratitude.”
Anand sat up, “Dey you know, I was having that very thought myself.”
“What do you have in mind?” Anil sounded mildly interested.
“I know. We'll get India her first Olympic gold,” Prem was excited.
“Dey, you're drunk. Even God can't help India in that,” Mike joked.
“Listen, I'm serious. We'll hire people. Real pros - to find the right sport and the right person. And we'll do whatever it takes to get that gold,” Prem had it all worked out.
“Let’s do it,” Shridhar raised his mug.
*
McIntyre had the plan. The group of ex IIT Desi Americans listened. It was clear that McIntyre was the right choice. If anyone could do it, McIntyre could. It was going to cost a bundle, but the group did not mind.
*
The search had yielded several possibilities. But the choice was clear. Archery. And the person - Munna, an Adivasi teenager from Bihar, who had never in her life left her village on the fringes of the jungle. She was a natural. But she needed technique. She needed polishing. And discipline. And Shankar Rao was the man to take care of all these. McIntyre was convinced that three years down the road, Munna would bag India's first Olympic gold, coached by Shankar Rao.
*
Munna was puzzled. The naïve girl wondered why these strangers were making such a fuss about her shooting arrows. Her father, Gollu, was shrewd. He knew that something big was coming. For Munna. Also, he could see the end to his family's life of poverty.
*
Munna’s exposure to the world was a wondrous experience. But she faced one serious problem. Shankar Rao. Munna hated and feared Shankar Rao. Something was not right with him. The way he looked at her. The way he touched her. And the other day, she caught him peeping when she was changing.
Munna told her father. But Gollu brushed it aside. “He is old enough to be your grandfather,” Gollu didn't want to lose it all.
*
London. Munna practiced day and night. She had to make it. For her country. For Shridhar sar, and his friends. They had made her what she was, from a nobody to a world renowned celebrity.
*
Munna awoke with a start. No. It couldn’t be. But it was. Shankar Rao was in her room. Pinning her down, and gagging her with the towel.
*
It was the climax event. Munna aimed. She prayed to Shri Ram, her personal God. And released the arrow. Bulls-eye. The cheers in the huge stadium were deafening. '”Jai Hind,” she raised her fists.
*
The strains of Jana Gana Mana echoed across the stadium. She could imagine the hundreds of millions of her fellow Indians, cheering and rejoicing , eyes glued to their TV sets. Munna stooped to take the gold medal. Her bow hung on her shoulder. As she turned, she could make out her father in the stands. Nearby were Shridhar sar, Anand sar, Prem sar and the rest of them. She waved to them happily. Then she saw Shankar Rao. He was walking towards her, smiling widely. Munna raised the bow. Shankar Rao's expression changed. There was momentary pin-drop silence. He stopped. Munna released the arrow. In a split second, it pierced Shankar Rao’s heart. Munna lowered her bow, as the screams of horror reverberated around the stadium.
Anand sat up, “Dey you know, I was having that very thought myself.”
“What do you have in mind?” Anil sounded mildly interested.
“I know. We'll get India her first Olympic gold,” Prem was excited.
“Dey, you're drunk. Even God can't help India in that,” Mike joked.
“Listen, I'm serious. We'll hire people. Real pros - to find the right sport and the right person. And we'll do whatever it takes to get that gold,” Prem had it all worked out.
“Let’s do it,” Shridhar raised his mug.
*
McIntyre had the plan. The group of ex IIT Desi Americans listened. It was clear that McIntyre was the right choice. If anyone could do it, McIntyre could. It was going to cost a bundle, but the group did not mind.
*
The search had yielded several possibilities. But the choice was clear. Archery. And the person - Munna, an Adivasi teenager from Bihar, who had never in her life left her village on the fringes of the jungle. She was a natural. But she needed technique. She needed polishing. And discipline. And Shankar Rao was the man to take care of all these. McIntyre was convinced that three years down the road, Munna would bag India's first Olympic gold, coached by Shankar Rao.
*
Munna was puzzled. The naïve girl wondered why these strangers were making such a fuss about her shooting arrows. Her father, Gollu, was shrewd. He knew that something big was coming. For Munna. Also, he could see the end to his family's life of poverty.
*
Munna’s exposure to the world was a wondrous experience. But she faced one serious problem. Shankar Rao. Munna hated and feared Shankar Rao. Something was not right with him. The way he looked at her. The way he touched her. And the other day, she caught him peeping when she was changing.
Munna told her father. But Gollu brushed it aside. “He is old enough to be your grandfather,” Gollu didn't want to lose it all.
*
London. Munna practiced day and night. She had to make it. For her country. For Shridhar sar, and his friends. They had made her what she was, from a nobody to a world renowned celebrity.
*
Munna awoke with a start. No. It couldn’t be. But it was. Shankar Rao was in her room. Pinning her down, and gagging her with the towel.
*
It was the climax event. Munna aimed. She prayed to Shri Ram, her personal God. And released the arrow. Bulls-eye. The cheers in the huge stadium were deafening. '”Jai Hind,” she raised her fists.
*
The strains of Jana Gana Mana echoed across the stadium. She could imagine the hundreds of millions of her fellow Indians, cheering and rejoicing , eyes glued to their TV sets. Munna stooped to take the gold medal. Her bow hung on her shoulder. As she turned, she could make out her father in the stands. Nearby were Shridhar sar, Anand sar, Prem sar and the rest of them. She waved to them happily. Then she saw Shankar Rao. He was walking towards her, smiling widely. Munna raised the bow. Shankar Rao's expression changed. There was momentary pin-drop silence. He stopped. Munna released the arrow. In a split second, it pierced Shankar Rao’s heart. Munna lowered her bow, as the screams of horror reverberated around the stadium.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Dirt
“Ennanga, come quick. Jagan is hurt.”
Eswaran jumped up and rushed over to the front of the house. Valli had her arm around Jagan. Jagan’s clothes were torn and dirty. His left eye was swollen and blood oozed from the corner of his mouth.
“What happened? Who did this?” Eswaran was incensed.
Jagan sobbed softly. “It’s nothing pa.”
“Ennada nothing? Your whole face is swollen. Come let’s go to the clinic.”
“Appa, its nothing.”
Valli hugged Jagan closer. “Come on Jagan. You got to see the doctor. Maybe get a jab.”
Later Jagan sat on the sofa, sandwiched between his parents.
“Tell me. What happened?” Eswaran was softly insistent.
Jagan shook his head.
His father squeezed his shoulders. “It’s ok. You can tell me.”
Jagan looked up for a moment. Then he looked down. “He… he insulted you.” He choked on his sobs.
“Who? What did he say?”
“Samuel. He taunted me. He said you are cheap and corrupted. How can he say that? Especially of you. I warned him. He kept repeating it. He even said his father had been paying you to get things done at your office.”
Eswaran swallowed. “Who is Samuel?”
“Samuel’s father is a big time developer. Robert Lam. You once said you know him.”
Eswaran gently took his arm from around his son. “OK, son, it’s over. Just forget it. Go take rest.”
Jagan walked to his room.
Valli looked at Eswaran. She didn’t say a word. Eswaran got up and walked to his room. He went into the shower and stood under the cold stream of water. In his clothes. But the dirt was stuck fast. It would not come off that easily.
Eswaran jumped up and rushed over to the front of the house. Valli had her arm around Jagan. Jagan’s clothes were torn and dirty. His left eye was swollen and blood oozed from the corner of his mouth.
“What happened? Who did this?” Eswaran was incensed.
Jagan sobbed softly. “It’s nothing pa.”
“Ennada nothing? Your whole face is swollen. Come let’s go to the clinic.”
“Appa, its nothing.”
Valli hugged Jagan closer. “Come on Jagan. You got to see the doctor. Maybe get a jab.”
Later Jagan sat on the sofa, sandwiched between his parents.
“Tell me. What happened?” Eswaran was softly insistent.
Jagan shook his head.
His father squeezed his shoulders. “It’s ok. You can tell me.”
Jagan looked up for a moment. Then he looked down. “He… he insulted you.” He choked on his sobs.
“Who? What did he say?”
“Samuel. He taunted me. He said you are cheap and corrupted. How can he say that? Especially of you. I warned him. He kept repeating it. He even said his father had been paying you to get things done at your office.”
Eswaran swallowed. “Who is Samuel?”
“Samuel’s father is a big time developer. Robert Lam. You once said you know him.”
Eswaran gently took his arm from around his son. “OK, son, it’s over. Just forget it. Go take rest.”
Jagan walked to his room.
Valli looked at Eswaran. She didn’t say a word. Eswaran got up and walked to his room. He went into the shower and stood under the cold stream of water. In his clothes. But the dirt was stuck fast. It would not come off that easily.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Lingan is no Lincoln
As Lingan got off the bicycle, and swung the heavy school bag on to his shoulder, Ponnalagu the gardener came up. “ஏண்டா உனக்கு வேற வேல இல்ல ? அது ஒரு மருந்து செடி. அதபோயி கொண்ணுட்ட?” 1
Lingan was speechless and tried to walk away. “அட நான் பாட்டுக்கு பேசிகிட்டு இருக்கேன் நீ போயிகிட்டே இருக்க?” 2
Just then Lingan’s father came out of the room. “என்னடா அவன போயி கேக்கற ? அவன் இப்பத்தான் school லேந்து வறான்.” 3
Lingan took the chance to slip away, casting an indignant look at Ponnalagu.
Until this day Lingan is ashamed that he never gathered the guts to own up to his father. That he did cut the plant down.
1 Enda, unakku vere vela illa ? Athu oru marunthu chedi. Atha poi konnutta? (Don’t you have anything better to do ? That is a medicinal plant, and yet you killed it?)
2 Ada nan pattukku pesikittu irukken, nee poikitteh irukke? (I am talking to you, and you are just walking away?)
3 Ennada avana poi kekkara ? Avan ippathan school lenthu varan. (Why are you asking him ? He is just coming back from school.)
Lingan was speechless and tried to walk away. “அட நான் பாட்டுக்கு பேசிகிட்டு இருக்கேன் நீ போயிகிட்டே இருக்க?” 2
Just then Lingan’s father came out of the room. “என்னடா அவன போயி கேக்கற ? அவன் இப்பத்தான் school லேந்து வறான்.” 3
Lingan took the chance to slip away, casting an indignant look at Ponnalagu.
Until this day Lingan is ashamed that he never gathered the guts to own up to his father. That he did cut the plant down.
1 Enda, unakku vere vela illa ? Athu oru marunthu chedi. Atha poi konnutta? (Don’t you have anything better to do ? That is a medicinal plant, and yet you killed it?)
2 Ada nan pattukku pesikittu irukken, nee poikitteh irukke? (I am talking to you, and you are just walking away?)
3 Ennada avana poi kekkara ? Avan ippathan school lenthu varan. (Why are you asking him ? He is just coming back from school.)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Adam's second chance
He was four months old, flourishing in the amniotic ambience of his mother’s womb. The human fetus, let’s call him Adam, had developed thoughts and, as the mind is but a collection of thoughts, he pondered on Existence. His life was perfect, complete. The conditions were just right. His mother provided warmth, security, food and nourishment. All his needs were taken care of without him having to move a muscle.
Then one day, while deep in thought, a voice spoke to Adam. And it was God. God said, "Adam, my son. You are just a young baby, four months into existence. You will be traveling much, acquiring knowledge and habits, shedding tears of joy and sorrow, making many friends and foes. At this time, in the haven of your mother’s womb, you need to prepare yourself for the world. You need to use this time to develop strong limbs, good eyes, ears and other organs, for they are the instruments that will guide and help you in your life.
Adam laughed and said, "But of what use are limbs and eye s and ears? I get all I need from my umbilical cord. That is the only important thing I need for myself! The other parts of my body are of no use at all!"
And God replied, "My son, this place is only temporary. There is a much bigger world out there. And for life in that world, you need strong limbs, good eyes, ears, proper speech and good conduct. Your umbilical cord, which you consider of utmost importance, will be of no use in the outer world. Heed my advice son, lest you shall regret later on.”
Adam was still convinced his life was perfect as it was, in his mother’s womb.
Several months later, Adam was born into the world. His precious umbilical cord was severed, cutting his links to his mother, and leaving him to fend for himself. As Adam grew older, his survival and well-being depended on his limbs and organs, just as God had said. As years passed, Adam became a businessman, chasing wealth and materialistic gains.
One day, God spoke to Adam again, "Adam, my son. You are going after riches, and material things, which you consider of paramount importance. Remember, this world is only another phase. There is more, after this life, and material riches will be of no use there. Prepare yourself, by developing love, and values, and treading the dharmic path. Only those will help you in the phases to come.
Adam laughed cynically. “Love? Values? Dharma?” Those are not the ingredients for success! Money gives me happiness, and that is my only motivation !”
And so again God patiently advised, like a gentle mother warning her child about the perils of life, but it was to no avail. But soon enough, all that he built crumbled. Adam resorted to the only solution that his feeble mind could muster – suicide.
As he gazed through the noose in front of his face, he pondered on what could have been. If ever there was life after death, he made a promise to himself: to live straight, and honor the values of dharma. With that thought, he kicked the chair away.
Suddenly, he heard a voice. The voice, all too familiar, spoke to him in a soothing tone. He said, “Adam, my son. You are just a young baby, four months into existence. You will be traveling much, acquiring knowledge and habits, shedding tears of joy and sorrow, making many friends and foes. At this time, in the haven of your mother’s womb, you need to prepare yourself for the world. You need to use this time to develop strong limbs, good eyes, ears and other organs, for they are the instruments that guide and help you in your life…..”
Adam laughed and said, "But of what use are limbs and eye s and ears? I get all I need from my umbilical cord....."
(plagiarised & adapted with apologies to Vijay D)
Then one day, while deep in thought, a voice spoke to Adam. And it was God. God said, "Adam, my son. You are just a young baby, four months into existence. You will be traveling much, acquiring knowledge and habits, shedding tears of joy and sorrow, making many friends and foes. At this time, in the haven of your mother’s womb, you need to prepare yourself for the world. You need to use this time to develop strong limbs, good eyes, ears and other organs, for they are the instruments that will guide and help you in your life.
Adam laughed and said, "But of what use are limbs and eye s and ears? I get all I need from my umbilical cord. That is the only important thing I need for myself! The other parts of my body are of no use at all!"
And God replied, "My son, this place is only temporary. There is a much bigger world out there. And for life in that world, you need strong limbs, good eyes, ears, proper speech and good conduct. Your umbilical cord, which you consider of utmost importance, will be of no use in the outer world. Heed my advice son, lest you shall regret later on.”
Adam was still convinced his life was perfect as it was, in his mother’s womb.
Several months later, Adam was born into the world. His precious umbilical cord was severed, cutting his links to his mother, and leaving him to fend for himself. As Adam grew older, his survival and well-being depended on his limbs and organs, just as God had said. As years passed, Adam became a businessman, chasing wealth and materialistic gains.
One day, God spoke to Adam again, "Adam, my son. You are going after riches, and material things, which you consider of paramount importance. Remember, this world is only another phase. There is more, after this life, and material riches will be of no use there. Prepare yourself, by developing love, and values, and treading the dharmic path. Only those will help you in the phases to come.
Adam laughed cynically. “Love? Values? Dharma?” Those are not the ingredients for success! Money gives me happiness, and that is my only motivation !”
And so again God patiently advised, like a gentle mother warning her child about the perils of life, but it was to no avail. But soon enough, all that he built crumbled. Adam resorted to the only solution that his feeble mind could muster – suicide.
As he gazed through the noose in front of his face, he pondered on what could have been. If ever there was life after death, he made a promise to himself: to live straight, and honor the values of dharma. With that thought, he kicked the chair away.
Suddenly, he heard a voice. The voice, all too familiar, spoke to him in a soothing tone. He said, “Adam, my son. You are just a young baby, four months into existence. You will be traveling much, acquiring knowledge and habits, shedding tears of joy and sorrow, making many friends and foes. At this time, in the haven of your mother’s womb, you need to prepare yourself for the world. You need to use this time to develop strong limbs, good eyes, ears and other organs, for they are the instruments that guide and help you in your life…..”
Adam laughed and said, "But of what use are limbs and eye s and ears? I get all I need from my umbilical cord....."
(plagiarised & adapted with apologies to Vijay D)
Khir's bleating
It was a terribly feeble attempt at righteousness. Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo gave an exclusive interview to the STAR last Sunday. The last question is particularly pathetic. Excerpts:
Q: What was the purpose of the trip to Miami & Hawaii?
A: We went to beaches (Miami and Hawaii) to learn how to develop these areas - like how many feet development should it be from the water and how to maintain the sand.
Q: How come PNSB paid RM110,000 for your presidential suite in Honolulu?
A: I am not sure. It was all organised by them. And I didn’t ask. I didn’t even get to enjoy the suite or the facilities. I just used it for sleeping. I returned from the programme at midnight and by 8am I am up.
Q: People are shocked by the RM1.7mil spent for the Disney trips?
A: That was decided by the management. I am actually a very simple man. I do not ask for these kind of things. Maybe they said as a chairman, that is my entitlement and they did that.
Q: You say you are a simple man but people would disagree because you fly first class and stay at expensive presidential suites?
A: You must remember when I was the (PNSB) chairman. I have my entitlement. If I were to reduce my entitlement to what an officer gets then what is the officer going to reduce to? I am the chairman. There is the deputy chairman, board of directors, government officers going along. If I fly business class (not first class), then what happens to my state secretary? He will complain. If I am traveling alone it is easier. But I am traveling with a group of people and if I downgrade myself - it’s a problem for the others. But I never ask (for the pricey presidential suites or first class flights). Whatever they provide, I go along with. I just tell them to give me a full itinerary on these trips. I want a full programme with investors and companies.
Q: But PNSB said they paid the flight for your children and maid for the trips?
A: As far as I am concerned I paid for my maid and children. I don’t know why she (Datin Khairiyah) would say they paid. Maybe she is against me. And why would the management pay? I paid for the flights. So why did the PNSB management pay again? Look, I am the chairman. I am not the management so I wouldn’t know if they paid for it again or not. But the management should take responsibility for that. They shouldn’t pay my personal expenses or flight tickets for my maid and children. If they pay for my family and don’t inform me, how am I supposed to know they did that (because I am not part of that decision making process).
Q: On that Jogjakarta trip, Malaysia paid RM10,000 to Indonesian dancers to welcome the Malaysian delegation. Isn’t that odd?
A: You shouldn’t ask me. I was there as a guest . I don’t know the details. I am the Mentri Besar and I don’t ask all that. I didn’t know RM10,000 was paid for the welcoming ceremony. All that was decided by management. That trip, the itinerary was all decided by the management. I am the chairman so I am in the board. The board meets only about three to four times a year but it is the management (of which I am not a part of) that runs the company. They meet almost monthly. I attend their meeting only three to four times a year.
Q: Your former chief secretary Norzatun Ain Mohd Kassim told the Selcat inquiry that you asked her to write a letter from your office on behalf Balkis to seek an AP bring in RM40,000 worth of imported Indonesian batik which was being held at Port Klang but this was finally rejected by MITI because it had to protect the local batik industry. But doesn’t this shows a misuse of your office?
A: In any case the AP was not approved, so it is a non issue.
Q: KDEB also paid RM17,000 for tickets for Balkis to go to China to buy artificial flowers and caps there when the company has a branch in Kepong. Why waste money when the ordering could have been done in Kepong?
A: I really don’t know. But it must have been approved by the KDEB management. It might be cheaper to fly there and order it from there. You know how cheap things are in China. What costs 10 sen there costs RM10 here. I know my wife very well. She is very careful about accounting. She’s far-sighted and always thinking about how to save money. Perhaps that’s why she bought so many flowers and caps for the welfare programmes one shot - to save money And she gets really frustrated when the public thinks otherwise.
Q: There was also this Chinese New Year event organised by Balkis that you went to officiate where your wife who is the Balkis president asked PNSB to sponsor a RM3,600 Summerman suit for you as a souvenir for officiating the function?
A: That is a token of appreciation. It was decided by the management. My wife would never make such a request. I am very sure of that. My wife doesn’t interfere at all. She doesn’t go to my office. When I officiate a function, I don’t have a clue what I would get as a souvenir. It is up to the management to decide what to give. And my wife is certainly not involved in the management of PNSB (so how can she influence a decision on gifts) Actually I appreciate books as a souvenir. For me that is best. If I attend a function and if they give me some other gift, it would be very rude to reject it. But I appreciate books most and I have my own library now.
Q: Do you think people will believe you?
A: I think so. I still got the number two spot in the Umno Youth Chief elections. As for the public, when I go around I still draw in crowds. For example when I went to campaign in the Bukit Gantang by-election, so many people came to my ceramah. This happens everywhere I go.
Q: What was the purpose of the trip to Miami & Hawaii?
A: We went to beaches (Miami and Hawaii) to learn how to develop these areas - like how many feet development should it be from the water and how to maintain the sand.
Q: How come PNSB paid RM110,000 for your presidential suite in Honolulu?
A: I am not sure. It was all organised by them. And I didn’t ask. I didn’t even get to enjoy the suite or the facilities. I just used it for sleeping. I returned from the programme at midnight and by 8am I am up.
Q: People are shocked by the RM1.7mil spent for the Disney trips?
A: That was decided by the management. I am actually a very simple man. I do not ask for these kind of things. Maybe they said as a chairman, that is my entitlement and they did that.
Q: You say you are a simple man but people would disagree because you fly first class and stay at expensive presidential suites?
A: You must remember when I was the (PNSB) chairman. I have my entitlement. If I were to reduce my entitlement to what an officer gets then what is the officer going to reduce to? I am the chairman. There is the deputy chairman, board of directors, government officers going along. If I fly business class (not first class), then what happens to my state secretary? He will complain. If I am traveling alone it is easier. But I am traveling with a group of people and if I downgrade myself - it’s a problem for the others. But I never ask (for the pricey presidential suites or first class flights). Whatever they provide, I go along with. I just tell them to give me a full itinerary on these trips. I want a full programme with investors and companies.
Q: But PNSB said they paid the flight for your children and maid for the trips?
A: As far as I am concerned I paid for my maid and children. I don’t know why she (Datin Khairiyah) would say they paid. Maybe she is against me. And why would the management pay? I paid for the flights. So why did the PNSB management pay again? Look, I am the chairman. I am not the management so I wouldn’t know if they paid for it again or not. But the management should take responsibility for that. They shouldn’t pay my personal expenses or flight tickets for my maid and children. If they pay for my family and don’t inform me, how am I supposed to know they did that (because I am not part of that decision making process).
Q: On that Jogjakarta trip, Malaysia paid RM10,000 to Indonesian dancers to welcome the Malaysian delegation. Isn’t that odd?
A: You shouldn’t ask me. I was there as a guest . I don’t know the details. I am the Mentri Besar and I don’t ask all that. I didn’t know RM10,000 was paid for the welcoming ceremony. All that was decided by management. That trip, the itinerary was all decided by the management. I am the chairman so I am in the board. The board meets only about three to four times a year but it is the management (of which I am not a part of) that runs the company. They meet almost monthly. I attend their meeting only three to four times a year.
Q: Your former chief secretary Norzatun Ain Mohd Kassim told the Selcat inquiry that you asked her to write a letter from your office on behalf Balkis to seek an AP bring in RM40,000 worth of imported Indonesian batik which was being held at Port Klang but this was finally rejected by MITI because it had to protect the local batik industry. But doesn’t this shows a misuse of your office?
A: In any case the AP was not approved, so it is a non issue.
Q: KDEB also paid RM17,000 for tickets for Balkis to go to China to buy artificial flowers and caps there when the company has a branch in Kepong. Why waste money when the ordering could have been done in Kepong?
A: I really don’t know. But it must have been approved by the KDEB management. It might be cheaper to fly there and order it from there. You know how cheap things are in China. What costs 10 sen there costs RM10 here. I know my wife very well. She is very careful about accounting. She’s far-sighted and always thinking about how to save money. Perhaps that’s why she bought so many flowers and caps for the welfare programmes one shot - to save money And she gets really frustrated when the public thinks otherwise.
Q: There was also this Chinese New Year event organised by Balkis that you went to officiate where your wife who is the Balkis president asked PNSB to sponsor a RM3,600 Summerman suit for you as a souvenir for officiating the function?
A: That is a token of appreciation. It was decided by the management. My wife would never make such a request. I am very sure of that. My wife doesn’t interfere at all. She doesn’t go to my office. When I officiate a function, I don’t have a clue what I would get as a souvenir. It is up to the management to decide what to give. And my wife is certainly not involved in the management of PNSB (so how can she influence a decision on gifts) Actually I appreciate books as a souvenir. For me that is best. If I attend a function and if they give me some other gift, it would be very rude to reject it. But I appreciate books most and I have my own library now.
Q: Do you think people will believe you?
A: I think so. I still got the number two spot in the Umno Youth Chief elections. As for the public, when I go around I still draw in crowds. For example when I went to campaign in the Bukit Gantang by-election, so many people came to my ceramah. This happens everywhere I go.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A loving story...
I was born in a secluded village on a mountain. Day by day, my parents plowed the yellow dry soil with their backs towards the sky. I have a brother who is 3 years younger than me. I wanted to buy a handkerchief, which all girls around me seemed to have. So, one day I stole 50 cents from my father's drawer. Father had discovered about the stolen money right away.He made me and my younger brother kneel against the wall as he held a bamboo stick in his hand. 'Who stole the money?' he asked. I was stunned, too afraid to talk. Neither of us admitted to the fault, so he said, 'Fine, if nobody wants to admit, you two should be beaten!'
He lifted up the bamboo stick. Suddenly, my younger brother gripped father's hand and said,' Dad, I was the one who did it!' The long stick smacked my brother's back repeatedly. Father was so angry that he kept on whipping my brother until he lost his breath. After that, he sat down on our stone bed and scolded my brother, 'You have learned to steal from your own house now. What other embarrassing things will you be possibly doing in the future? You should be beaten to death, you shameless thief!'
That night, my mother and I hugged my brother. His body was full of wounds from the beating but he never shed a single tear. In the middle of the night, all of sudden, I cried out loudly. My brother covered my mouth with his little hand and said, ' Sis, now don't cry anymore. Everything has happened.'
I still hate myself for not having enough courage to admit what I did. Years gone by, but the incident still seemed like it just happened yesterday. I will never forget my brother's expression when he protected me. That year, my brother was 8 years old and I was 11 years old. When my brother was in his last year of secondary school, he was accepted in an upper secondary school in the central. At the same time, I was accepted into a university in the province. That night, father squatted in the yard, smoking, packet by packet.I could hear him ask my mother, 'Both of our children, they have good results? very good results?' Mother wiped off her tears and sighed,' What is the use? How can we possibly finance both of them?' At that time, my brother walked out, he stood in front of father and said,’ Dad, I don't want to continue my study anymore, I have read enough books.' Father swung his hand and slapped my brother on his face. 'Why do you have a spirit so damn weak? Even if it means I have to beg for money on the streets, I will send you two to school until you have both finished your study!'
And then, he started to knock on every house in the village to borrow money. I stuck out my hand as gently as I can to my brother's swollen face, and told him, 'A boy has to continue his study; If not, he will not be able to overcome this poverty we are experiencing.' I, on the other hand, had decided not to further my study at the university. Nobody knew that on the next day, before dawn, my brother left the house with a few pieces of worn-out clothes and a few dry beans. He sneaked to my side of the bed and left a note on my pillow; 'Sis, getting into a university is not easy. I will go find a job and I will send money to you.'
I held the note while sitting on my bed, and cried until I lost my voice. That year, my brother was 17 years old; I was 20 years old. With the money father borrowed from the whole village, and the money my brother earned from carrying cement on his back at a construction site, finally, I managed to get to the third year of my study in the university. One day, while I was studying in my room, my roommate came in and told me,’ There’s a villager waiting for you outside!' Why would there be a villager looking for me? I walked out, and I saw my brother from afar. His whole body was covered with dirt, dust, cement and sand. I asked him, 'Why did you not tell my roommate that you are my brother?'
He replied with a smile,' Look at my appearance. What will they think if they would know that I am your brother? Won't they laugh at you?' I felt so touched, and tears filled my eyes. I swept away dirt and dust from my brother's body. And told him with a lump in my throat, ' I don't care what people would say! You are my brother no matter what your appearance is?' From his pocket, he took out a butterfly hair clip. He put it on my hair and said, 'I saw all the girls in town are wearing it. So, I think you should also have one.' I could not hold back myself anymore. I pulled my brother into my arms and cried. That year, my brother was 20 years old; I was 23 years old. I noticed that the broken window was repaired the first time I brought my boyfriend home. The house was scrubbed cleaned. After my boyfriend left, I danced like a little girl in front of my mother, 'Mom, you didn't have to spend so much time cleaning the house!' But she told me with a smile,'
It was your brother who went home early to clean the house. Didn't you see the wound on his hand? He hurt his hand while he was replacing the window.' I went into my brother's bedroom. Looking at his thin face, I felt like there are hundreds of needle pricked in my heart. I applied some ointment on his wound and put a bandage on it, 'Does it hurt? ' I asked him. 'No, it doesn't hurt. You know, when at the construction site, stones keep falling on my feet . Even that could not stop me from working.' In the middle of the sentence, he stopped. I turned my back on him and tears rolled down my face. That year, my brother was 23 years old; I was 26 years old. After I got married, I lived in the city. Many times my husband invited my parents to come and live with us, but they didn't want. They said, once they left the village, they wouldn't know what to do. My brother agreed with them. He said, 'Sis, you just take care of your parents-in-law. I will take care of mom and dad here.' My husband became the director of his factory. We asked my brother to accept the offer of being the manager in the maintenance department. But my brother rejected the offer. He insisted on working as a repairman instead for a start.
One day, my brother was on the top of a ladder repairing a cable, when he got electrocuted, and was sent to the hospital. My husband and I visited him at the hospital. Looking at the white gypsum on his leg, I grumbled, 'Why did you reject the offer of being a manager? Managers won't do something dangerous like that. Now look at you, You are suffering a serious injury. Why didn't you just listen to us?' With a serious expression on his face, he defended his decision, 'Think of brother-in-law. He just became the director, and I being uneducated, and would become a manager, what kind of rumors would fly around?' My husband's eyes filled up with tears, and then I said, 'But you lack in education only because of me!' 'Why do you talk about the past?' he said and then he held my hand. That year, he was 26 years old and I was 29 years old. My brother was 30 years old when he married a farmer girl from the village. During the wedding reception, the master of ceremonies asked him, 'Who is the one person you respect and love the most?'
Without even taking a time to think, he answered,' My sister.' He continued by telling a story I could not even remember. 'When I was in primary school, the school was in a different village. Everyday, my sister and I would walk for 2 hours to school and back home. One day, I lost the other pair of my gloves. My sister gave me one of hers. She wore only one glove and she had to walk far. When we got home, her hands were trembling because of the cold weather that she could not even hold her chopsticks.
From that day on, I swore that as long as I live, I would take care of my sister and will always be good to her.' Applause filled up the room. All guests turned their attention to me. I found it hard to speak, 'In my whole life, the one I would like to thank most is my brother,' And in this happy occasion, in front of the crowd, tears were rolling down my face again.
- Anonymous
He lifted up the bamboo stick. Suddenly, my younger brother gripped father's hand and said,' Dad, I was the one who did it!' The long stick smacked my brother's back repeatedly. Father was so angry that he kept on whipping my brother until he lost his breath. After that, he sat down on our stone bed and scolded my brother, 'You have learned to steal from your own house now. What other embarrassing things will you be possibly doing in the future? You should be beaten to death, you shameless thief!'
That night, my mother and I hugged my brother. His body was full of wounds from the beating but he never shed a single tear. In the middle of the night, all of sudden, I cried out loudly. My brother covered my mouth with his little hand and said, ' Sis, now don't cry anymore. Everything has happened.'
I still hate myself for not having enough courage to admit what I did. Years gone by, but the incident still seemed like it just happened yesterday. I will never forget my brother's expression when he protected me. That year, my brother was 8 years old and I was 11 years old. When my brother was in his last year of secondary school, he was accepted in an upper secondary school in the central. At the same time, I was accepted into a university in the province. That night, father squatted in the yard, smoking, packet by packet.I could hear him ask my mother, 'Both of our children, they have good results? very good results?' Mother wiped off her tears and sighed,' What is the use? How can we possibly finance both of them?' At that time, my brother walked out, he stood in front of father and said,’ Dad, I don't want to continue my study anymore, I have read enough books.' Father swung his hand and slapped my brother on his face. 'Why do you have a spirit so damn weak? Even if it means I have to beg for money on the streets, I will send you two to school until you have both finished your study!'
And then, he started to knock on every house in the village to borrow money. I stuck out my hand as gently as I can to my brother's swollen face, and told him, 'A boy has to continue his study; If not, he will not be able to overcome this poverty we are experiencing.' I, on the other hand, had decided not to further my study at the university. Nobody knew that on the next day, before dawn, my brother left the house with a few pieces of worn-out clothes and a few dry beans. He sneaked to my side of the bed and left a note on my pillow; 'Sis, getting into a university is not easy. I will go find a job and I will send money to you.'
I held the note while sitting on my bed, and cried until I lost my voice. That year, my brother was 17 years old; I was 20 years old. With the money father borrowed from the whole village, and the money my brother earned from carrying cement on his back at a construction site, finally, I managed to get to the third year of my study in the university. One day, while I was studying in my room, my roommate came in and told me,’ There’s a villager waiting for you outside!' Why would there be a villager looking for me? I walked out, and I saw my brother from afar. His whole body was covered with dirt, dust, cement and sand. I asked him, 'Why did you not tell my roommate that you are my brother?'
He replied with a smile,' Look at my appearance. What will they think if they would know that I am your brother? Won't they laugh at you?' I felt so touched, and tears filled my eyes. I swept away dirt and dust from my brother's body. And told him with a lump in my throat, ' I don't care what people would say! You are my brother no matter what your appearance is?' From his pocket, he took out a butterfly hair clip. He put it on my hair and said, 'I saw all the girls in town are wearing it. So, I think you should also have one.' I could not hold back myself anymore. I pulled my brother into my arms and cried. That year, my brother was 20 years old; I was 23 years old. I noticed that the broken window was repaired the first time I brought my boyfriend home. The house was scrubbed cleaned. After my boyfriend left, I danced like a little girl in front of my mother, 'Mom, you didn't have to spend so much time cleaning the house!' But she told me with a smile,'
It was your brother who went home early to clean the house. Didn't you see the wound on his hand? He hurt his hand while he was replacing the window.' I went into my brother's bedroom. Looking at his thin face, I felt like there are hundreds of needle pricked in my heart. I applied some ointment on his wound and put a bandage on it, 'Does it hurt? ' I asked him. 'No, it doesn't hurt. You know, when at the construction site, stones keep falling on my feet . Even that could not stop me from working.' In the middle of the sentence, he stopped. I turned my back on him and tears rolled down my face. That year, my brother was 23 years old; I was 26 years old. After I got married, I lived in the city. Many times my husband invited my parents to come and live with us, but they didn't want. They said, once they left the village, they wouldn't know what to do. My brother agreed with them. He said, 'Sis, you just take care of your parents-in-law. I will take care of mom and dad here.' My husband became the director of his factory. We asked my brother to accept the offer of being the manager in the maintenance department. But my brother rejected the offer. He insisted on working as a repairman instead for a start.
One day, my brother was on the top of a ladder repairing a cable, when he got electrocuted, and was sent to the hospital. My husband and I visited him at the hospital. Looking at the white gypsum on his leg, I grumbled, 'Why did you reject the offer of being a manager? Managers won't do something dangerous like that. Now look at you, You are suffering a serious injury. Why didn't you just listen to us?' With a serious expression on his face, he defended his decision, 'Think of brother-in-law. He just became the director, and I being uneducated, and would become a manager, what kind of rumors would fly around?' My husband's eyes filled up with tears, and then I said, 'But you lack in education only because of me!' 'Why do you talk about the past?' he said and then he held my hand. That year, he was 26 years old and I was 29 years old. My brother was 30 years old when he married a farmer girl from the village. During the wedding reception, the master of ceremonies asked him, 'Who is the one person you respect and love the most?'
Without even taking a time to think, he answered,' My sister.' He continued by telling a story I could not even remember. 'When I was in primary school, the school was in a different village. Everyday, my sister and I would walk for 2 hours to school and back home. One day, I lost the other pair of my gloves. My sister gave me one of hers. She wore only one glove and she had to walk far. When we got home, her hands were trembling because of the cold weather that she could not even hold her chopsticks.
From that day on, I swore that as long as I live, I would take care of my sister and will always be good to her.' Applause filled up the room. All guests turned their attention to me. I found it hard to speak, 'In my whole life, the one I would like to thank most is my brother,' And in this happy occasion, in front of the crowd, tears were rolling down my face again.
- Anonymous
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dharman
“Enge, namma intha varusham South Africa pogalamnu sonneengaleh ?” Hema sat on the sofa, near her husband, and leaned on him. Chief Inspector Dharman looked at her and grunted. “Pogalam”. Hema knew better than to pursue the matter further. She knew Dharman would make it happen. She smiled to herself as she switched the Astro channels. Dharman looked around “Where is Mohan?”.
“He said he was going to a friend’s house. “ Hema paused. “Did you notice he’s been a little down these days?”
Dharman looked up, a little startled, “What do you mean, down?”
“Well, he’s just very quiet.”
“Onkitte thaneh pesuvan. Pesi paru. Enna problem kelu”
She nodded. And started switching channels again.
*
Dharman was in plainclothes, as he sat in his car in the basement carpark. Minutes later the heavy set man knocked softly on the glass. Dharman looked at him. He took his time to wind down the window. The man was sweating. “Vanakkam anneh.” The gold teeth looked incongruous in his twisted mouth.
Dharman gestured to the man. A small parcel changed hands. “Pitchai annachi vanakkam solla sonnaru.” Dharman ignored him, and wound up the glass.
*
“Our South Africa trip is set. April 4th. Let’s take Mohan along.” Dharman said it casually. Hema was overjoyed. She smiled widely, came over and hugged her husband. Dharman was pleased. He loved it when he made his wife happy.
For a moment he remembered his father. Ramasamy Padayachi was a man of Gandhian principles. He had named his only son Dharman. He had a vision of his son being a beacon of virtue one day. “Truth will triumph,” Ramasamy would declare. But for all his proclamations, Ramasamy’s wife and children knew only poverty, misery and suffering all their lives.
Dharman had vowed that his own wife and children would never face the same fate. He gave them all the good things in life. Dharman’s methods would have broken Ramasamy’s heart. Fortunately Ramasamy died early.
*
“Enge, Mohan innum varaleh”, Hema sounded worried on the phone. Dharman looked at the clock. It was 2 am. “Don’t worry. Naan pathukkaren,” Dharman called Felix.
“Felix, my son Mohan, he went out and is not back yet. Can you check?”
“Ok boss.” Felix was a miracle worker. And Dharman’s trusted right hand man.
*
Dharman had fallen asleep at his desk. The telephone woke him. “Yah?”
“Sar, its Felix. We found your son. I think you better come over. Sentul, Samarinda Flats, 8-22. ”
“What’s the matter?”
“Sar, I am sorry. Your son… he’s …. gone. Drug overdose. It came from Pitchai’s man. You want me to get him ? ”
“He said he was going to a friend’s house. “ Hema paused. “Did you notice he’s been a little down these days?”
Dharman looked up, a little startled, “What do you mean, down?”
“Well, he’s just very quiet.”
“Onkitte thaneh pesuvan. Pesi paru. Enna problem kelu”
She nodded. And started switching channels again.
*
Dharman was in plainclothes, as he sat in his car in the basement carpark. Minutes later the heavy set man knocked softly on the glass. Dharman looked at him. He took his time to wind down the window. The man was sweating. “Vanakkam anneh.” The gold teeth looked incongruous in his twisted mouth.
Dharman gestured to the man. A small parcel changed hands. “Pitchai annachi vanakkam solla sonnaru.” Dharman ignored him, and wound up the glass.
*
“Our South Africa trip is set. April 4th. Let’s take Mohan along.” Dharman said it casually. Hema was overjoyed. She smiled widely, came over and hugged her husband. Dharman was pleased. He loved it when he made his wife happy.
For a moment he remembered his father. Ramasamy Padayachi was a man of Gandhian principles. He had named his only son Dharman. He had a vision of his son being a beacon of virtue one day. “Truth will triumph,” Ramasamy would declare. But for all his proclamations, Ramasamy’s wife and children knew only poverty, misery and suffering all their lives.
Dharman had vowed that his own wife and children would never face the same fate. He gave them all the good things in life. Dharman’s methods would have broken Ramasamy’s heart. Fortunately Ramasamy died early.
*
“Enge, Mohan innum varaleh”, Hema sounded worried on the phone. Dharman looked at the clock. It was 2 am. “Don’t worry. Naan pathukkaren,” Dharman called Felix.
“Felix, my son Mohan, he went out and is not back yet. Can you check?”
“Ok boss.” Felix was a miracle worker. And Dharman’s trusted right hand man.
*
Dharman had fallen asleep at his desk. The telephone woke him. “Yah?”
“Sar, its Felix. We found your son. I think you better come over. Sentul, Samarinda Flats, 8-22. ”
“What’s the matter?”
“Sar, I am sorry. Your son… he’s …. gone. Drug overdose. It came from Pitchai’s man. You want me to get him ? ”
Monday, April 13, 2009
Swami's washing machine.
It is wise for us to remember when we work with fellow devotees, that He is cleansing us.
He creates circumstances that can provoke old hurts, personality weakness, old programming etc.
For example, if you are prompt and organized; He could have you work with someone who is late and unorganized. If you have a strong personality; He may surround you with very sensitive personalities. If you get angry, He can match you with unreasonable behavior. if you have an authoritarian father, He could give you the same type of personality for you to work with. If you are tired and sick, He can give you such a responsible position that you must continue to work. If you are irritable under stress, He may give you stress.
He creates countless situations for each of us to look at ourselves and our egos. The very nature of this cleansing calls for great sensitivity on the part of all devotees
(Rita Bruce)
He creates circumstances that can provoke old hurts, personality weakness, old programming etc.
For example, if you are prompt and organized; He could have you work with someone who is late and unorganized. If you have a strong personality; He may surround you with very sensitive personalities. If you get angry, He can match you with unreasonable behavior. if you have an authoritarian father, He could give you the same type of personality for you to work with. If you are tired and sick, He can give you such a responsible position that you must continue to work. If you are irritable under stress, He may give you stress.
He creates countless situations for each of us to look at ourselves and our egos. The very nature of this cleansing calls for great sensitivity on the part of all devotees
(Rita Bruce)
Dear Thelma
Dear Thelma:
I am a 50 year old housewife. I am an only daughter, and I come from a well to do family. I married my husband after a brief love affair, when I was 20. Initially my parents were against my marriage, and had planned an arranged marriage instead, but in the end, my wish prevailed. My husband works as a middle level Government servant, and earns a low pay. He is unable to support me adequately and we live from hand to mouth. My parents supported us when we bought our house, our car and in many many other ways. My husband readily accepts whatever financial help my parents offer. In fact I think he has come to rely quite heavily on my parents to satisfy most of our needs, and thanks to my parents, we lead a comfortable life. My husband gives no indication that he appreciates this at all.
Now a problem has come up. My husband is seeing a young girl. This girl is unscrupulous, and is going after my husband knowing full well that he is a married man. I have proof that they were going out together after work, and my husband often drops her at her home. He has also been visiting her in her home !
Of late this has grown serious, and my husband has been coming home late. He also behaves coldly towards me. I also suspect he is giving this girl money.
Last week my husband made a big fuss because I had gone to my parents place and spent the weekend there. Can’t I even visit my parents ? I am very sure the girl is pitting my husband against me. I am really depressed because not only is she trying to entice my husband, but on top of that she is trying to drive a wedge between us. Please help Thelma.
Victim
Dear Victim. I can empathize with the situation you are in. Young girls enticing married women is happening too often, and looks like your husband is falling for it. Your husband sounds like a parasite, living off your parents. I suggest you have a talk with your husband. Maybe you should bring your parents in as well, and sort it out once and for all. Be firm, and make it clear you will not tolerate any nonsense. If he refuses to change his ways, just file for separation. He is not worth it, and you will be better off without him. I am sure your parents will welcome you back in their place.
Thelma
Dear Thelma,
I have a problem which I would like to seek your advise. I am married for 30 years now. The problem is that my wife comes from a rich family, and she is used to a luxurious life. I work in the Government, and I cannot afford the sort of life she expects. Although she married me after a period of romancing, soon after that she began to regret doing so. She often went back to her parents’ home, and they too could see that their daughter was missing the good life. They began offering financial help to us. Initially I did not like the idea of accepting anything from them. But later I realized that these were important for my wife, so I relented. This has been going on over the years. My wife frequently visits her parents, and stays over for days at a time. Although I can understand that she is close to her parents , I think she is overdoing it. Recently I found out that she is close to one of her parents’ neighbours, a man in his forties. Whenever she goes to her parents home, she spends more time with this man than her parents. Last week I confronted and questioned her about this, and she flew into a rage.
I have an office colleague, a young girl who is caring for her aged mother who is bedridden. She is such a nice girl, and I see in her the daughter I never had. She lost her father when she was very young, and I think she considers me like her father. I often send her home, and spend some time talking to her sick mother. Recently my wife found out and made a big hoo ha about this. She thought I was having an affair ! The sad thing is that my wife does not know me after all these years.
I am at a loss how to handle this matter. Please advise me Thelma.
Honest Joe
Dear Honest Joe,
I really think your wife is a spoilt brat. You have been bending over backwards trying to make her life comfortable. Maybe its time you took a firm stand. And you need to put her parents in their place too. Call them over for a heart to heart talk. Make it clear your wife must live within your means, and cannot continue to depend on her parents.
Make it clear that she is a married woman, and her place is at your home. She should stop flirting with other men.
You should also tell her that the girl in the office is like your daughter, and there is nothing else to it. Good luck.
Thelma
Dear Thelma,
I am a single girl, in my early twenties. I work at a Government Office, and live with my sick bedridden mother. There is this nice man Kumar (not his real name) who works in my office, who has been so kind to me, dropping me back home after work, and also spending time with my mother.
I have been very impressed with Kumar , who is simple yet kind and loving.
I recently found out that Kumar is unhappily married. His wife has been giving him hell, and she has got her rich parents on her side, and together they have been belittling Kumar and making is life unbearable. She is also having an affair with another man.
Although Kumar is in his early fifties, I am really attracted to him. I believe he is the right husband for me. My mother told me this too. Kumar does not know my feelings, and neither has he looked at me as anything other that a young girl in need of some kindness.
How should I go about this Thelma ?
Lucky Girl
Dear Lucky Girl,
From what you say it looks like his Kumar's wife is a witch , and Kumar certainly does not deserve her. If he is willing to divorce his wife, then the age difference between the 2 of you is something that you need to consider, although this need not really be an obstacle. Do have a heart-to heart talk with Kumar. Good luck lucky girl.
Thelma
I am a 50 year old housewife. I am an only daughter, and I come from a well to do family. I married my husband after a brief love affair, when I was 20. Initially my parents were against my marriage, and had planned an arranged marriage instead, but in the end, my wish prevailed. My husband works as a middle level Government servant, and earns a low pay. He is unable to support me adequately and we live from hand to mouth. My parents supported us when we bought our house, our car and in many many other ways. My husband readily accepts whatever financial help my parents offer. In fact I think he has come to rely quite heavily on my parents to satisfy most of our needs, and thanks to my parents, we lead a comfortable life. My husband gives no indication that he appreciates this at all.
Now a problem has come up. My husband is seeing a young girl. This girl is unscrupulous, and is going after my husband knowing full well that he is a married man. I have proof that they were going out together after work, and my husband often drops her at her home. He has also been visiting her in her home !
Of late this has grown serious, and my husband has been coming home late. He also behaves coldly towards me. I also suspect he is giving this girl money.
Last week my husband made a big fuss because I had gone to my parents place and spent the weekend there. Can’t I even visit my parents ? I am very sure the girl is pitting my husband against me. I am really depressed because not only is she trying to entice my husband, but on top of that she is trying to drive a wedge between us. Please help Thelma.
Victim
Dear Victim. I can empathize with the situation you are in. Young girls enticing married women is happening too often, and looks like your husband is falling for it. Your husband sounds like a parasite, living off your parents. I suggest you have a talk with your husband. Maybe you should bring your parents in as well, and sort it out once and for all. Be firm, and make it clear you will not tolerate any nonsense. If he refuses to change his ways, just file for separation. He is not worth it, and you will be better off without him. I am sure your parents will welcome you back in their place.
Thelma
Dear Thelma,
I have a problem which I would like to seek your advise. I am married for 30 years now. The problem is that my wife comes from a rich family, and she is used to a luxurious life. I work in the Government, and I cannot afford the sort of life she expects. Although she married me after a period of romancing, soon after that she began to regret doing so. She often went back to her parents’ home, and they too could see that their daughter was missing the good life. They began offering financial help to us. Initially I did not like the idea of accepting anything from them. But later I realized that these were important for my wife, so I relented. This has been going on over the years. My wife frequently visits her parents, and stays over for days at a time. Although I can understand that she is close to her parents , I think she is overdoing it. Recently I found out that she is close to one of her parents’ neighbours, a man in his forties. Whenever she goes to her parents home, she spends more time with this man than her parents. Last week I confronted and questioned her about this, and she flew into a rage.
I have an office colleague, a young girl who is caring for her aged mother who is bedridden. She is such a nice girl, and I see in her the daughter I never had. She lost her father when she was very young, and I think she considers me like her father. I often send her home, and spend some time talking to her sick mother. Recently my wife found out and made a big hoo ha about this. She thought I was having an affair ! The sad thing is that my wife does not know me after all these years.
I am at a loss how to handle this matter. Please advise me Thelma.
Honest Joe
Dear Honest Joe,
I really think your wife is a spoilt brat. You have been bending over backwards trying to make her life comfortable. Maybe its time you took a firm stand. And you need to put her parents in their place too. Call them over for a heart to heart talk. Make it clear your wife must live within your means, and cannot continue to depend on her parents.
Make it clear that she is a married woman, and her place is at your home. She should stop flirting with other men.
You should also tell her that the girl in the office is like your daughter, and there is nothing else to it. Good luck.
Thelma
Dear Thelma,
I am a single girl, in my early twenties. I work at a Government Office, and live with my sick bedridden mother. There is this nice man Kumar (not his real name) who works in my office, who has been so kind to me, dropping me back home after work, and also spending time with my mother.
I have been very impressed with Kumar , who is simple yet kind and loving.
I recently found out that Kumar is unhappily married. His wife has been giving him hell, and she has got her rich parents on her side, and together they have been belittling Kumar and making is life unbearable. She is also having an affair with another man.
Although Kumar is in his early fifties, I am really attracted to him. I believe he is the right husband for me. My mother told me this too. Kumar does not know my feelings, and neither has he looked at me as anything other that a young girl in need of some kindness.
How should I go about this Thelma ?
Lucky Girl
Dear Lucky Girl,
From what you say it looks like his Kumar's wife is a witch , and Kumar certainly does not deserve her. If he is willing to divorce his wife, then the age difference between the 2 of you is something that you need to consider, although this need not really be an obstacle. Do have a heart-to heart talk with Kumar. Good luck lucky girl.
Thelma
Friday, April 10, 2009
What can you expect ?
The matter had to be adjudicated. Still unnecessarily and excessively large and unwieldy formations are not really needed to stamp the authority where it matters. And really, wouldn’t I slash the numbers , so much so the hordes feel they are almost annihilated ? And all this merely to persuade them to return? Most certainly, the deciding factor is the propensity to nurture this strategic area ... hence the concession, the main players (strangely) deliberately marginalised. To add insult to injury, the protagonist has been permitted to 'bargain' his way into the strategic position, pontificating on the sure-fire indication of the kingmaker’s position. Made me wonder who was out to show their wrath for the betrayal of the masses. The arguments put forth are succinct, though disdainful. Well, there you have it: what else can you expect from politicians ?
Yaygahmburum's awakening
Yaygahmburum was at ground zero. His world revolved around him. Everything was about him. The pinnacle of selfishness. No one else mattered. His motto could have been “What’s in it for me?”
Then he started developing tinges of pity. Seeing less fortunate people, he actually started pitying them. But he stopped at that.
Next step was empathy. He could feel for these unfortunate ones. He started to realise how they felt. However, did nothing more.
As time went along, Yaygahmburum realised that he had to help these people. He would give them some money, or food. But he did it with a superior air. These people were somehow beneath him. He had been placed at a higher plane. He had to condescend to help them.
Yaygahmburum helped people, but in all transactions, he came first. His and his family’s needs had to be satisfied, and only if there was anything left would he give.
Every act of giving was remembered, and capitalised upon. Yaygahmburum never failed to mention, to whoever will listen, how he had given so much to so and so.
The rewards in the hereafter for all his “charity” was never far from his thoughts. He would include it in his prayers to remind the Almighty of all the charitable acts he had done, and what he expected the Almighty to do in return.
Yaygahmburum matured a little. He now realised that he had gotten the order wrong. In fact it was the Almighty who had given him all he had, and it had been given in trust, for Yaygahmburum to help anyone in need. Yaygahmburum was the Lord’s agent.
Spiritual dawn. Yaygahmburum surrendered to the Lord. He gave his time, money and life’s work to help those in need.
He was happy for his neighbour’s successes. He wished everyone well. He became an instrument of the Lord, accepting everything as the Lord’s gifts.
Yaygahmburum realised that his worldly possessions were not really his, and surrendered them at the Lord’s disposal, the Lord felt indebted to Yaygahmburum . He gave His all to Yaygahmburum. Divine Bliss.
Finally it dawned on Yaygahmburum. It had been his selfishness which had obstructed the divinity latent within him. Yaygahmburum had just moved aside the self to bring forth the SELF.
Then he started developing tinges of pity. Seeing less fortunate people, he actually started pitying them. But he stopped at that.
Next step was empathy. He could feel for these unfortunate ones. He started to realise how they felt. However, did nothing more.
As time went along, Yaygahmburum realised that he had to help these people. He would give them some money, or food. But he did it with a superior air. These people were somehow beneath him. He had been placed at a higher plane. He had to condescend to help them.
Yaygahmburum helped people, but in all transactions, he came first. His and his family’s needs had to be satisfied, and only if there was anything left would he give.
Every act of giving was remembered, and capitalised upon. Yaygahmburum never failed to mention, to whoever will listen, how he had given so much to so and so.
The rewards in the hereafter for all his “charity” was never far from his thoughts. He would include it in his prayers to remind the Almighty of all the charitable acts he had done, and what he expected the Almighty to do in return.
Yaygahmburum matured a little. He now realised that he had gotten the order wrong. In fact it was the Almighty who had given him all he had, and it had been given in trust, for Yaygahmburum to help anyone in need. Yaygahmburum was the Lord’s agent.
Spiritual dawn. Yaygahmburum surrendered to the Lord. He gave his time, money and life’s work to help those in need.
He was happy for his neighbour’s successes. He wished everyone well. He became an instrument of the Lord, accepting everything as the Lord’s gifts.
Yaygahmburum realised that his worldly possessions were not really his, and surrendered them at the Lord’s disposal, the Lord felt indebted to Yaygahmburum . He gave His all to Yaygahmburum. Divine Bliss.
Finally it dawned on Yaygahmburum. It had been his selfishness which had obstructed the divinity latent within him. Yaygahmburum had just moved aside the self to bring forth the SELF.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Dilpo's gift
Dilpo's bladder was at bursting point. He whined and beat his tail against the floor. He rose hopefully, hearing someone stirring. False alarm. Then shorty appeared at the head of the stairs. Dilpo was overjoyed. He stood and wagged his tail vigorously, whining urgently. Shorty took his time. Dilpo let out a yelp. “Ada chi, iru varen.”
Dilpo had a rash thought - to pee on the carpet. But good sense prevailed. He remembered the incident many years ago which got him a good beating.
At last shorty fastened the leash and opened the door, and then the gate. Dilpo dragged shorty to the tree. By God. What a relief. Then Dilpo moved to the kerb and did his business. Done, he moved aside, making way for shorty. Shorty scooped up the poo and deposited it in the bag.
Just then the brown dog from the corner house came by, held on a leash by the pale gangly guy who lived with him. The brown dog stopped at a safe distance from Dilpo. He kept his eyes on Dilpo cautiously as he too did his business, right in the middle of the road. The pale gangly guy collected the deposits and put it carefully into his bag. Then they went their way.
This was still a mystery to Dilpo, but he knew that his poo was precious to shorty, as it was to the pale guy and all humans. They diligently collected the stuff and took it home. Dilpo had thought a lot about it, and concluded that this was the primary reason the humans fed and housed dogs.
After a short walk around the block, they were back home. Soon shorty's two kids left on the bus. Then shorty himself and his fat companion left in their car. Dilpo had not figured out this one yet either. Where do the humans go all day? He lay down lazily, waiting for the evening to arrive, when the humans would come back and feed him, and let him out again. Sometimes Dilpo would reward them with more poo. After all, that was the least he could do for the humans.
Dilpo had a rash thought - to pee on the carpet. But good sense prevailed. He remembered the incident many years ago which got him a good beating.
At last shorty fastened the leash and opened the door, and then the gate. Dilpo dragged shorty to the tree. By God. What a relief. Then Dilpo moved to the kerb and did his business. Done, he moved aside, making way for shorty. Shorty scooped up the poo and deposited it in the bag.
Just then the brown dog from the corner house came by, held on a leash by the pale gangly guy who lived with him. The brown dog stopped at a safe distance from Dilpo. He kept his eyes on Dilpo cautiously as he too did his business, right in the middle of the road. The pale gangly guy collected the deposits and put it carefully into his bag. Then they went their way.
This was still a mystery to Dilpo, but he knew that his poo was precious to shorty, as it was to the pale guy and all humans. They diligently collected the stuff and took it home. Dilpo had thought a lot about it, and concluded that this was the primary reason the humans fed and housed dogs.
After a short walk around the block, they were back home. Soon shorty's two kids left on the bus. Then shorty himself and his fat companion left in their car. Dilpo had not figured out this one yet either. Where do the humans go all day? He lay down lazily, waiting for the evening to arrive, when the humans would come back and feed him, and let him out again. Sometimes Dilpo would reward them with more poo. After all, that was the least he could do for the humans.
Rashna's Hypothesis
The thunder and lightning was incessant.
Rashna looked at me. "Uncle, can I ask you a question?"
"Ok,"
"Why do we see the lightning before we hear the thunder?"
Before I could start explaining about the speed of light and sound, Rashna said, "And uncle, that's a trick question uncle."
That stumped me.
"Ok, I lose. Tell me why,"
"Because, our eyes are nearer than our ears. He he he he..."
I looked at her sheepishly.
Rashna looked at me. "Uncle, can I ask you a question?"
"Ok,"
"Why do we see the lightning before we hear the thunder?"
Before I could start explaining about the speed of light and sound, Rashna said, "And uncle, that's a trick question uncle."
That stumped me.
"Ok, I lose. Tell me why,"
"Because, our eyes are nearer than our ears. He he he he..."
I looked at her sheepishly.
BABU
Babu could not remember clearly how long it had been. It must have been during his pre-teen years. The humming had been irritating for a while in the beginning. But Babu had got used to it now. Just something he had to endure, like so many other things in his life.
One of his earliest memories was the day his father died. The fondness his father had showed for him seemed so unbelievable now. Did it really happen ? He wasn’t sure anymore. Soon after his father’s passing, Somappa had come into his life. He just moved in with Babu’s mother.
One night Babu had awoken with a start. There was a huge commotion. Somappa was screaming and beating his mother, and throwing whatever he could get hold of at her. Babu instinctively went to his mother’s aid. He tried to push Somappa away. That enraged Somappa. He grabbed the small boy and thrashed his little body until he lay still. Then he continued to whack Pechchayi.
Babu did not think much. He did not wonder why his mother tolerated this monster. He did not wonder why his own mother hated him. He did not miss his loving father. He just did not think about these things.
But when the humming came, he heard the voice. It told him things. He just listened. And soon after, put it out of his mind.
Pechchayi
Pechchayi cried herself to sleep, like she often did. Her life was a shambles. The times with her husband seemed like a distant dream. It had been a carefree life. Until her son was born. She cursed Babu under her breath. 'Saniyan'. Her husband doted on the boy. She was left alone , discarded. She felt violated and used. Then her husband died. She was emotionless. She was left tending to the useless Babu. Until she met Somappa. But he had turned out to be a rogue of the worst order. Daily beatings. A listless son who just roamed the town. Her life had become hell. She buried her face in the pillow. It smelt overpoweringly of sweat. She cried silently until she fell asleep.
Somappa
Somappa felt nauseous. His head felt like it would split any moment. He had to get a drink quick. He looked around. The boy was sitting in the doorway, looking at him blankly. Somappa's temper flared. "Dey, inga va". Babu continued to sit and stare. Somappa exploded. He charged at Babu and beat him with both fists. Babu cowered in the corner. 'Nandri ketta nayi'. Somappa looked around uncertain what to do next. Then he saw the five ringgit note under the vase. His eyes lighted up. He grabbed the money. The boy was forgotten. Somappa stumbled out of the house. The bright sunlight blinded him, and he felt dizzy for a moment. He crouched by the drain, and relieved himself. The dog lying nearby looked up at him for a moment. Somappa spat at it. “Chi, naye.” The dog moved off. Somappa stood up. He felt his pocket. Yes, the 5 ringgit note was still there. He stumbled along the lane to Chin Kee’s sundry shop.
Somappa sat in the five-foot way. He clutched the small bottle tightly. As the fiery liquid seared his throat he grimaced. Relief. Somappa wiped his lips, and leaned back against the wall. After a minute he took another swig.
Pechchayi
Pechchayi was in a sober mood. Somappa had stopped coming. She discovered that Somappa was in prison for theft. It was a relief not to have him around. But Babu was becoming impossible of late. He had not come back home last night.
She ate the dried bun, dipping it in the fish curry. She looked up. Babu was coming down the road. “Dey, nasama pora kaluthe… uruppida matte nee. Poda, poi nalu kasu sambathichu eduthuttu vannu sonna, engada poi tholanjeh ? Thandam, thandam”. She threw the slipper at him.
Babu slipped quietly into the house. His face appeared curiously different. Must have started drinking. The useless thug. “Dey, marketla poi Angamma kitta karuvadu vangittu va. Kolambu seyyaren, sappidu”, the maternal instinct in Pechchayi showed itself momentarily. Babu was silent. Pechchayi went inside. Babu was lying on the bed, face down. “Enda, nee uruppiduvaya ? Neththu ponavan, ippa than vare. Soru thanni sapida kanom? Ennada achu ?” Babu was silent.
“Onnakkelam poyi seyya nenakirenneh, enna seruppala adikkanam,” Pechchayi went back to her bun.
Somappa
The guard opened the gate for him. “Apa, Soma ? Apa nak buat sekarang ? Bila nak balik ?” he laughed. Soma smiled back. His throat was parched. He walked a few steps. Then he came back. “Tuan, boleh bagi 5 ringgit ka, lapar sangat la tuan?” The guard looked at him pitifully. He just waved him off. Soma walked down the road. Two little girls were standing at the corner, giggling. He walked up to them. Suddenly he grabbed one of them. The other screamed. He put his hand into the girl’s pocket, and fished out 2 ten-ringgit notes. He took one, and returned the other to the terrified girl. He let her go, and the two girls fled. Somappa headed towards Chin Kee’s shop.
Thiruchelvan
Thiruchelvan was tired, but he had to go on. He had been told that this family needed help. It was a single mother, struggling with a school drop-out son. He looked at Ravi, sitting in the passenger side. Ravi was a dynamo. He thrived on activity. A true karma yogi. “Next left brother.” The car turned into a small lane, with shanties on both sides. Children ran around, barefoot. Stray dogs lazed near the garbage heaps. “This is the house.” They stopped in front of the house. The woman came out smiling, patting down her hair and wiping her hands on her skirt.
“Vanga anneh,”
“Eppidi irukkeenga?”
“Enna anneh pannarathu. Payyan ethuvum uruppidiya illa. Etho neenga uthavi seyareenga, polachukkarom. Thanni kasu, letrik kasu kattanum. Gas vereh mudinjurichu”.
Ravi unloaded the provisions and carried then into the house. Pechchayi looked happy. “Anneh, gas vanganum. Letrik bil….” Ravi fished out two fifty ringgit notes and handed it to Pechchayi. She smiled.
Thiruchelvan looked at the boy. He was the same age as Thiruchelvan’s son, who had died in the accident a year ago. He smiled at the boy. Babu looked blankly at Thiruchelvan. Thiruchelvan glanced at Ravi and the woman. Then he slipped a fifty ringgit note to the boy. For a fleeting moment Babu had memories of his father flooding back.
Pechchayi
“Dey, engada avanga kudutha kasu ? Kudra.” Babu looked blank. Pechchayi knew the other man had given money to Babu. She grabbed Babu by the hair and shook him. Babu handed over the money. She pushed him away, and Babu fell in a heap in the corner.
Babu
The creaking door woke up Babu. Only his mother’s loud snores could be heard for a moment. As his eyes adjusted to the gloomy darkness of the room, the hunched shadowy figure was silhouetted against the outside moonlight. Heavy breathing. Babu watched the familiar scene unfold. Somappa stumbled in the dark, cursing in Tamil.
Suddenly, a scream, “Dey, nasama poga, yarda athu…”
“Ada chi, pesama padu..”
Pechchayi was fully awake, and seeing Somappa stumbling around, drunk, launched a tirade of choice Tamil words. She screamed at the top of her voice. Babu lay quietly, watching. Somappa lunged at her, almost falling over her prone body. He started landing blows on her, “Chi naye, vaya moodittu padu. Kaththu kaththala kathare… Onnu vachenna uyiru poyyudum”.
“ Dey, veenapona manusa, unna en veettukulla vittathukku enakku ithum venum, innamum venum. Ippathan jail lerunthu veliya vitturukkan, marupadiyum poka pakkiraya ? Emmele kai vecha….”
“Ennadi saval vidure…” he punched her face. Pechchayi grabbed the broom and whacked Somappa. He grabbed her hair and shook her.
Babu watched, lying quietly at the end of the room. After a while, Somappa collapsed in exhaustion, and promptly dozed off to sleep, snoring deeply. Pechchayi continued to ramble for a while before she too gave in to exhaustion.
When he awoke, the sun was up. Pechchayi and Somappa lay in awkward postures, still in deep sleep. He pushed his mat and pillow under the cupboard and went to the bathroom. A quick wash-up and he was ready to go. He grabbed his bag and stepped out. “Dey Babu, ennnada athukkule kelambitte. Poi roti vangittu va, pasiyara” Pechchayi sounded tired. “Enda nasama pora payaleh, oru vela sonna seyyaraya ? Eppidi nee uruppidiveh ? Itha irukke, veena pona erumai, ithu mathiri than neeyum varaporeh….” Babu moved out of earshot.
Pechchayi
It was afternoon when Pechchayi returned from the factory. Somappa was there, alone, sober for once. 'Endi, enge di poittu vareh, thiruttu kalutheh ? Oru paththu velli kudu. Oreh thagama irukku'.
Pechchayi started to say something, but thought better of it. She just shrugged. Somappa was enraged. He started shouting obscenities, and grabbed the wooden stool and charged at her.
Somappa stood over Pechchayi. She was on the floor, bleeding profusely from her head. But she was breathing. Somappa looked down at her. He felt the rage rising again. He rained another blow on her limp body. Then he sat down beside Pechchayi’s lifeless body.
Babu
The scene in the house brought on the throbbing hum. Seeing Babu, Somappa charged at him, carrying the stool. Babu stepped aside. Somappa stumbled and fell. The hum started. Babu heard the voice. The hum was deafening. The voice. It was very clear. Babu moved quickly. He caught Somappa in a stranglehold. Somappa’s eyes bulged. He looked strangely surprised. Babu felt him go limp. The humming stopped. Babu sat down. He felt a luxurious peace. He lay down beside Somappa’s lifeless body.
It was quiet and still. Babu looked at his mother’s body lying in a heap in one corner. And Somappa, dead too, lying nearby. Soon it was dark.
Babu carried the limp lifeless body of his mother and threw it into the garbage container. Next he went back and dragged Somappa’s body and climbing in himself, dragged the body in. Babu was panting and drenched in sweat. He sat for a moment. Then he carefully buried the two bodies in the garbage. He climbed out. The humming was gone. The voice too was gone. He felt a strange calm descend on him. He slept. He dreamt that he was a child again. With his father. Smiling. Happy.
Thiruchelvan
Thiruchelvan knocked on the door. It was a long minute before Babu opened the door and peered out. Thiruchelvan smiled. Babu looked blank. Babu opened the door and moved aside. Thiruchelvan stepped inside. “Eppidiya irukke ? Amma illeh ?” Babu did not answer. The house was strangely quiet.
Babu’s dream had come true. His father was back. And Thiruchelvan had found his lost son again.
One of his earliest memories was the day his father died. The fondness his father had showed for him seemed so unbelievable now. Did it really happen ? He wasn’t sure anymore. Soon after his father’s passing, Somappa had come into his life. He just moved in with Babu’s mother.
One night Babu had awoken with a start. There was a huge commotion. Somappa was screaming and beating his mother, and throwing whatever he could get hold of at her. Babu instinctively went to his mother’s aid. He tried to push Somappa away. That enraged Somappa. He grabbed the small boy and thrashed his little body until he lay still. Then he continued to whack Pechchayi.
Babu did not think much. He did not wonder why his mother tolerated this monster. He did not wonder why his own mother hated him. He did not miss his loving father. He just did not think about these things.
But when the humming came, he heard the voice. It told him things. He just listened. And soon after, put it out of his mind.
Pechchayi
Pechchayi cried herself to sleep, like she often did. Her life was a shambles. The times with her husband seemed like a distant dream. It had been a carefree life. Until her son was born. She cursed Babu under her breath. 'Saniyan'. Her husband doted on the boy. She was left alone , discarded. She felt violated and used. Then her husband died. She was emotionless. She was left tending to the useless Babu. Until she met Somappa. But he had turned out to be a rogue of the worst order. Daily beatings. A listless son who just roamed the town. Her life had become hell. She buried her face in the pillow. It smelt overpoweringly of sweat. She cried silently until she fell asleep.
Somappa
Somappa felt nauseous. His head felt like it would split any moment. He had to get a drink quick. He looked around. The boy was sitting in the doorway, looking at him blankly. Somappa's temper flared. "Dey, inga va". Babu continued to sit and stare. Somappa exploded. He charged at Babu and beat him with both fists. Babu cowered in the corner. 'Nandri ketta nayi'. Somappa looked around uncertain what to do next. Then he saw the five ringgit note under the vase. His eyes lighted up. He grabbed the money. The boy was forgotten. Somappa stumbled out of the house. The bright sunlight blinded him, and he felt dizzy for a moment. He crouched by the drain, and relieved himself. The dog lying nearby looked up at him for a moment. Somappa spat at it. “Chi, naye.” The dog moved off. Somappa stood up. He felt his pocket. Yes, the 5 ringgit note was still there. He stumbled along the lane to Chin Kee’s sundry shop.
Somappa sat in the five-foot way. He clutched the small bottle tightly. As the fiery liquid seared his throat he grimaced. Relief. Somappa wiped his lips, and leaned back against the wall. After a minute he took another swig.
Pechchayi
Pechchayi was in a sober mood. Somappa had stopped coming. She discovered that Somappa was in prison for theft. It was a relief not to have him around. But Babu was becoming impossible of late. He had not come back home last night.
She ate the dried bun, dipping it in the fish curry. She looked up. Babu was coming down the road. “Dey, nasama pora kaluthe… uruppida matte nee. Poda, poi nalu kasu sambathichu eduthuttu vannu sonna, engada poi tholanjeh ? Thandam, thandam”. She threw the slipper at him.
Babu slipped quietly into the house. His face appeared curiously different. Must have started drinking. The useless thug. “Dey, marketla poi Angamma kitta karuvadu vangittu va. Kolambu seyyaren, sappidu”, the maternal instinct in Pechchayi showed itself momentarily. Babu was silent. Pechchayi went inside. Babu was lying on the bed, face down. “Enda, nee uruppiduvaya ? Neththu ponavan, ippa than vare. Soru thanni sapida kanom? Ennada achu ?” Babu was silent.
“Onnakkelam poyi seyya nenakirenneh, enna seruppala adikkanam,” Pechchayi went back to her bun.
Somappa
The guard opened the gate for him. “Apa, Soma ? Apa nak buat sekarang ? Bila nak balik ?” he laughed. Soma smiled back. His throat was parched. He walked a few steps. Then he came back. “Tuan, boleh bagi 5 ringgit ka, lapar sangat la tuan?” The guard looked at him pitifully. He just waved him off. Soma walked down the road. Two little girls were standing at the corner, giggling. He walked up to them. Suddenly he grabbed one of them. The other screamed. He put his hand into the girl’s pocket, and fished out 2 ten-ringgit notes. He took one, and returned the other to the terrified girl. He let her go, and the two girls fled. Somappa headed towards Chin Kee’s shop.
Thiruchelvan
Thiruchelvan was tired, but he had to go on. He had been told that this family needed help. It was a single mother, struggling with a school drop-out son. He looked at Ravi, sitting in the passenger side. Ravi was a dynamo. He thrived on activity. A true karma yogi. “Next left brother.” The car turned into a small lane, with shanties on both sides. Children ran around, barefoot. Stray dogs lazed near the garbage heaps. “This is the house.” They stopped in front of the house. The woman came out smiling, patting down her hair and wiping her hands on her skirt.
“Vanga anneh,”
“Eppidi irukkeenga?”
“Enna anneh pannarathu. Payyan ethuvum uruppidiya illa. Etho neenga uthavi seyareenga, polachukkarom. Thanni kasu, letrik kasu kattanum. Gas vereh mudinjurichu”.
Ravi unloaded the provisions and carried then into the house. Pechchayi looked happy. “Anneh, gas vanganum. Letrik bil….” Ravi fished out two fifty ringgit notes and handed it to Pechchayi. She smiled.
Thiruchelvan looked at the boy. He was the same age as Thiruchelvan’s son, who had died in the accident a year ago. He smiled at the boy. Babu looked blankly at Thiruchelvan. Thiruchelvan glanced at Ravi and the woman. Then he slipped a fifty ringgit note to the boy. For a fleeting moment Babu had memories of his father flooding back.
Pechchayi
“Dey, engada avanga kudutha kasu ? Kudra.” Babu looked blank. Pechchayi knew the other man had given money to Babu. She grabbed Babu by the hair and shook him. Babu handed over the money. She pushed him away, and Babu fell in a heap in the corner.
Babu
The creaking door woke up Babu. Only his mother’s loud snores could be heard for a moment. As his eyes adjusted to the gloomy darkness of the room, the hunched shadowy figure was silhouetted against the outside moonlight. Heavy breathing. Babu watched the familiar scene unfold. Somappa stumbled in the dark, cursing in Tamil.
Suddenly, a scream, “Dey, nasama poga, yarda athu…”
“Ada chi, pesama padu..”
Pechchayi was fully awake, and seeing Somappa stumbling around, drunk, launched a tirade of choice Tamil words. She screamed at the top of her voice. Babu lay quietly, watching. Somappa lunged at her, almost falling over her prone body. He started landing blows on her, “Chi naye, vaya moodittu padu. Kaththu kaththala kathare… Onnu vachenna uyiru poyyudum”.
“ Dey, veenapona manusa, unna en veettukulla vittathukku enakku ithum venum, innamum venum. Ippathan jail lerunthu veliya vitturukkan, marupadiyum poka pakkiraya ? Emmele kai vecha….”
“Ennadi saval vidure…” he punched her face. Pechchayi grabbed the broom and whacked Somappa. He grabbed her hair and shook her.
Babu watched, lying quietly at the end of the room. After a while, Somappa collapsed in exhaustion, and promptly dozed off to sleep, snoring deeply. Pechchayi continued to ramble for a while before she too gave in to exhaustion.
When he awoke, the sun was up. Pechchayi and Somappa lay in awkward postures, still in deep sleep. He pushed his mat and pillow under the cupboard and went to the bathroom. A quick wash-up and he was ready to go. He grabbed his bag and stepped out. “Dey Babu, ennnada athukkule kelambitte. Poi roti vangittu va, pasiyara” Pechchayi sounded tired. “Enda nasama pora payaleh, oru vela sonna seyyaraya ? Eppidi nee uruppidiveh ? Itha irukke, veena pona erumai, ithu mathiri than neeyum varaporeh….” Babu moved out of earshot.
Pechchayi
It was afternoon when Pechchayi returned from the factory. Somappa was there, alone, sober for once. 'Endi, enge di poittu vareh, thiruttu kalutheh ? Oru paththu velli kudu. Oreh thagama irukku'.
Pechchayi started to say something, but thought better of it. She just shrugged. Somappa was enraged. He started shouting obscenities, and grabbed the wooden stool and charged at her.
Somappa stood over Pechchayi. She was on the floor, bleeding profusely from her head. But she was breathing. Somappa looked down at her. He felt the rage rising again. He rained another blow on her limp body. Then he sat down beside Pechchayi’s lifeless body.
Babu
The scene in the house brought on the throbbing hum. Seeing Babu, Somappa charged at him, carrying the stool. Babu stepped aside. Somappa stumbled and fell. The hum started. Babu heard the voice. The hum was deafening. The voice. It was very clear. Babu moved quickly. He caught Somappa in a stranglehold. Somappa’s eyes bulged. He looked strangely surprised. Babu felt him go limp. The humming stopped. Babu sat down. He felt a luxurious peace. He lay down beside Somappa’s lifeless body.
It was quiet and still. Babu looked at his mother’s body lying in a heap in one corner. And Somappa, dead too, lying nearby. Soon it was dark.
Babu carried the limp lifeless body of his mother and threw it into the garbage container. Next he went back and dragged Somappa’s body and climbing in himself, dragged the body in. Babu was panting and drenched in sweat. He sat for a moment. Then he carefully buried the two bodies in the garbage. He climbed out. The humming was gone. The voice too was gone. He felt a strange calm descend on him. He slept. He dreamt that he was a child again. With his father. Smiling. Happy.
Thiruchelvan
Thiruchelvan knocked on the door. It was a long minute before Babu opened the door and peered out. Thiruchelvan smiled. Babu looked blank. Babu opened the door and moved aside. Thiruchelvan stepped inside. “Eppidiya irukke ? Amma illeh ?” Babu did not answer. The house was strangely quiet.
Babu’s dream had come true. His father was back. And Thiruchelvan had found his lost son again.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Garden of Rays of Hope
Rajab sat leaning against the metal door frame. He shuddered momentarily. It was cold, but his body was used to it. Suddenly he felt a warmth around his thighs. He half opened his eyes and looked down. The yellowish brown liquid flowed around his legs. He shifted. The chain rubbed painfully against his wrists. Rajab did not feel any pain. His entire body was calloused and devoid of feeling.
The flurry of activity awoke him. The men were wearing gloves, aprons and boots. The metal door clanged open. The chains were unlocked. Two of the men carried Rajab to the bathroom. “Ayyoh. This guy is caked in shit la.”
The cool water splashed against Rajab’s body. Sporadic pangs of pain as his sores reopened. The men scrubbing him looked impassive. He went into a semi-hypnotic state. It felt like a hazy dream. Being carried to the drying mat, dried with towels, fed and carried back to the room.
When Rajab came to, he was once again chained to the metal gate. The room had been scrubbed clean of the excrement and urine, and smelled of soap and disinfectant. The men had left. The cacophony of sounds from the others in his cage was deafening, but to Rajab, it was very distant. He leaned against the bars and fell into an exhausted sleep. Naked and chained in the cold tiled cell with the stainless steel bar gates. In the garden of the Rays of Hope.
The flurry of activity awoke him. The men were wearing gloves, aprons and boots. The metal door clanged open. The chains were unlocked. Two of the men carried Rajab to the bathroom. “Ayyoh. This guy is caked in shit la.”
The cool water splashed against Rajab’s body. Sporadic pangs of pain as his sores reopened. The men scrubbing him looked impassive. He went into a semi-hypnotic state. It felt like a hazy dream. Being carried to the drying mat, dried with towels, fed and carried back to the room.
When Rajab came to, he was once again chained to the metal gate. The room had been scrubbed clean of the excrement and urine, and smelled of soap and disinfectant. The men had left. The cacophony of sounds from the others in his cage was deafening, but to Rajab, it was very distant. He leaned against the bars and fell into an exhausted sleep. Naked and chained in the cold tiled cell with the stainless steel bar gates. In the garden of the Rays of Hope.
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