Indian Stand: Champions Trophy

                                                                                    Mohan Kothekar

It has been decided by the Board of Control for Cricket of India to participate in Champions Trophy to be held in England and Wales from 1^st to 18^th June, 2017.  Pakistan is also participating in the eight nation tournament.  In the present scenario the Indian stand should be:

1. India should participate in the Champions Trophy tournament.
2. However, India should announce in advance not to play with Pakistan.
3. The press announcement should be made by the Sports Minister of India.
4. The Sports Minister should explain the reasons of non-participation with Pakistan.

It gives a strong message at the International arena regarding Pakistan role in state sponsored terrorism.  It will have positive impact on isolation of Pakistan at every forum.  Pakistani press and public at large are already against the present Sharif Government especially military & ISI intervention in day to day life.  It will have direct and positive impact of our policy against state sponsored terrorism in Kashmir.

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Pakistan: Why Denial

Mohan Kothekar

The Pakistani army and government spokespersons denied surgical strikes in the recent past.  On the contrary, Indian military and government owes the responsibility and publicized the killings at the western border.  What are the probable reasons?  It needs to be scrutinized.

The radicalization of the society in the name of Islam is the first and foremost reason.  They born and brought up for the religion and dies for the religion.  The radicalization is propagated and preached in the society as and when the number of Muslims exceeds in the region than the local.  The minority community in the Pakistan is already wiped out or converted.

The internal political turmoil in the Pakistan is the other reason of denial.  If the tension at border is escalated beyond the limit, the chances of takeover of power by the military General are eminent.  Panama leak has already doomed the image of Nawaz Sharif.  Military, Imran Khan’s party, High Court bar association, media and general public are against the present Prime Minister.

I

t is known to the Pakistani military establishment that any acceptance of failure leads to loosing of hold over the public administration.  In Pakistan, the government is run by the military and ISI administration directly and indirectly.  In the media there is hue and cry against the interference of forces in day to day administration.

When so called pro-Pakistani leaders and political parties of India deny the military surgical strikes and all the time spitting the venom at each forum, it supports the claim of denial even if official military circulate the video officially.

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The Game Changer

Mohan Kothekar

Be a game changer the world has enough followers.

Those who swim against the current, of which, very few turned into the game changers.  Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was tossed out of the first class train compartment in South Africa; it was the pirouette point journey of his career from man to mahatma.  He was in South Africa for 21 years and uninterruptedly confronted the severe racial discrimination from whites.  He tussled for social injustice, the movement endured in India till the independence.  It was the personal and intimate revenge against the British government.  The mass movement was the brain child of Bapu; that was never been used forcefully and energetically by the contemporaries; the instrument of human force – the mass protest - was efficaciously utilized against the British government’s every misdeed.  The non-violent protest – the Satyagraha - against the British raj in South Africa emanated in to harsh and rigid punishment to the protesters that culminated into public outcry.  Mohandas Gandhi learned from every mass movement, how effectively the British government is to bring to the negotiation table to fulfill the public demands.  His education in the field of law and jurisprudence, mastery and ascendancy over oratory, negotiation skill, the so called simple leaving, relinquishment and sacrifice, staunch leadership, public contact and many more personal qualities has rounded off into a huge public strength.  Mohandas Gandhi was well equipped, experience and specialist in the field of mass communication; after return from South Africa he judiciously used the instruments of mass protest and become the messiah of undivided India.

In the year 1915, he was invited by then the Congress party leaders to lead the independent movement; in the year 1920, Gandhi became the unchallenged, undisputed and undoubted hero of the congress party and Indian independence movement.  His predominance, grip, supremacy and pre-eminence over the non-violent movement were of great extent, he became an unopposed and an unstoppable leader of the congress party till his assassination.  The critics within the family and in the public life painted him as an adamant and arrogant, charlatan, hypocrite, quarrelsome, clever politician, dictator, British agent, anti-Hindu, villain of partition and aftermath massacre and many more adjectives were affixed to describe him.  His immense and elephantine popularity in the uneducated rural masses to join the non-violent freedom struggle was unthinkable and unquestionable though the historians have criticized him for his supremacy over the stalwarts of equal repute such as Subhash Chandra Bose, Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar and Vallabhbhai Patel etc. and unremitting support to Jawaharlal Nehru.  Gandhi intentionally and vehemently opposed the freedom struggle of right Hindu fundamentalist, aggressive youth force, freedom fighters and mutiny from armed forces to maintain his command and dominance over the freedom struggle.  Had he been in principle supported these fundamental forces the nation would have been Independent in the third decade of the twentieth century.                    

Mahatma Gandhi was an adroit, parlous and shrewd politician; he did not allow and concede losing his grip over common uneducated rural masses and congress party.  Many instances from the history can be illustrated to support the claim.  On 13^th April 1919, Colonel Dyer massacred more than thousand non-violent protesters and equal number of civilians was injured in Jallianwala Bagh case.  Gandhi and his associates should have openly revolted against the killing of Satyagrahis; Indian soldiers from British army were eager to take the revenge; however, Gandhi has not supported the aftermath violence in Punjab and other provinces.  Winston Churchill described the attack as ‘monstrous’ indicated the impact of Colonel Dyer’s brutality; Gandhian symbolic protest was not at all the answer, befitting reply was the expectation from general masses as did by Udham Singh on 13^th March 1940 who shot and killed Michael O’Dwyer who endorsed Colonel Dyer’s outrageous and barbaric act.

Punjab Kesari - Lala Lajpat Rai protested against the Simon Commission on 30^th October 1928 at Lahore, the peaceful and silent procession was mercilessly lathi (cane) charged by James A. Scott, then Superintendent of Police in which Lalaji - the lion of Punjab – was barbarously assaulted and injured.  On 17^th November 1928 he died due to physical injuries and mental agony apart from heart attack.  His noble quote was ‘elevation of the doctrine of ahimsa to the highest position contributed to the downfall of India.’  He opposed the exaggerated practice of ahimsa synchronized with bereft of many virtues; though he followed basic tenets of non-violence during the peaceful procession.  Mahatma Gandhi’s articles on Lalaji after his death (Young India and Navajivan, November 1928) can be summarized in two words as ‘crocodile tears,’ had the incidence could have happened in western country it would have revolutionized the whole scenario.  Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdeo Thapar and Chandra Shekhar Azad have shown courage by mistakenly killing Saunders instead of James Scott, the act of reprisal and vengeance.

The quadruple took the revenge of death of Punjab Kesari – Lala Lajpat Rai by mistakenly killing Assistant Superintendent of Police, Lahore - Mr John Saunders - and owned the responsibility of the assassination.  The Congress party in general and Mahatma Gandhi in particular remained unresponsive and aloof from the saving the life of the martyrdom.  Cohesion and collaboration between non-violent satyagrahis and staunch extremist would have been a better combination or merger during independent movement; the noble concept was rooted out from the bud by the leaders of the so called hypocrite organization.  Mahatma Gandhi – a lawyer - has not intervened or mediated or meddle to plead the case of the martyred to the Viceroy.  The youths have shown black flags to Mahatma Gandhi during Karachi convention of Congress party and shouted the slogans ‘Down with Gandhi.’  It is said that Gandhi could have prevented the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdeo but he intentionally desisted from commutation of death sentence.

Despite the fact that Mahatma Gandhi was the ardent supporter of non-violent civil disobedience movements against British Raj and adversary, antagonist and opponent of armed rebellion revolutionary movement, he was a charismatic and appealing captain of common masses.  His weapons were Satyagraha, hunger strike, disobedience and non-violence that are easily, effortlessly, painlessly and permissively accepted by one and all against British Raj.  Thousands and lakhs of people joined his mission for Dandi Salt, Quit India, Simon Commission, Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha, Khilafat and other non-cooperation strikes.  His popularity disintegrated and eroded to a certain extent after independence due to his affinity and inclination towards Pakistan, especially when Indian government refused to hand over the balance of Rs 55 crore.  However, he remained the game changer throughout his life that was proved from the tides of more than two million people attended his funeral.

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Aftermath of GBU-43B bomb drop

Mohan Kothekar

The American forces enforced to drop a gargantuan non-nuclear bomb called ‘mother of all bombs’ to subdue the maneuver of Islamic State militants on 13^th April, 2017.  During the preliminary investigation a total of 96 IS militants were killed in the Achin district of Nangarhar region of North-East Afghanistan, the body count is likely to increase.  The purlieus are full of tunnels and caves have been targeted to ravage; the province has been used by the ISIS for various subversive, insurgent and incendiary activities against Afghan and American forces.  It is an assertion and enunciation that none of the civilian was killed in the air raid.  The bomb weighed 9.8 tons of almost 9.1 meter length with a manufacturing cost of $ 0.45 million.

The air strike is not going to disentangle and un-riddle the primitive issue of militancy from its root.  But, it will cocksure and sanguinely create fear and affright in the mind of militia that the distressed countries definitely use the state of the art weapons of mass destruction.  The use of chemical weapons during the Syrian civil war, in the recent past, was another incidence wherein the arm conflict against Islamic belligerent and brawler militants has been escalated and tried to dislodge.  At present, the Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and many other Muslim countries are the epicenter of apprehensive and terror activities.  Pakistan is officially supporting the Muslim militia as their state policy.  The general comprehension is the militant activities get temporarily halted; however, militants under the upcoming leadership again regrouped and start subversive activities.    

Why militancy is noticed in the Muslim dominated Islamic countries?  The basic tenets and ideology of the Islam is to reject the democracy, personal freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of press, liberty, gender equality and other religion.  Religious policing is rampant in Islamic states in all walks of life to maintain Islamic and Sharia laws.  There is no place for non-Muslims in Islamic country.  Thousands of the reasons can be enlisted; the major reasons need to be known.  First, the modern educational technology has out rightly been rejected in those regions where militancy has its peak in Islamic states.  The literacy rate has recorded the lowest in Islamic countries that lead to the cessation of catechism and erudition and thus major obstruction in the process of modern civilization.   The mindset of the Muslim society is such that barring Islam preaches through the madrasa the rest is unwarranted and disliked; the primary educational facilities are totally lacking; needless to discuss about higher education.  The consequence is, the Muslim population is not exposed to the modern ethos, ideology and philosophy; they are aloof from the mainstream and thus they have no ambitions and aspirations.  Young children are ready to die for Islam than to learn the science or technology, commerce or literature.  The other observation is, even the educated masses from the Muslim states have more or less accepted and imbibed the Islamic teachings as the main goal of their life.  Many European and American Muslims have joined the ISIS subversive activities; the modern educational system has not altered their attitude, mentality, behavior and psyche.  The religion is far more important to them and thus radical groups have the upper hand over the minority liberal.  Adherence to Islam is a shared factor that affects their life to a varying degree.      

Second, the girls at the age of 13-14 years are emphatically used as child generating machines; Muslims treat their women like sex slaves and they are producing as much as possible children like a pig, irrespective of health endangerment and mental status.  In a entirely male dominated orthodox Islamic society the ladies are being treated as their property and treatment meted to them as second class citizen.  Hence, gender equality is lacking in Muslim sect and resulted in suppression of a woman’s voice as silent spectators, choice-less and voiceless; gender based violence and discrimination is a global based problem.   On the other hand, male children of the equal age are joining the militant groups to fight for Islamic causes.  The psyche of the Muslim community is to stick up to the age old traditions Koran and Sharia laws.  The Muslim would kill anybody in the name of ‘Allah’ rather than to lead a normal and peaceful life.  Family planning is unacceptable to the Muslim community; advantages of small family size are not known to them.  The objectives of life are limited; hence they did not want to improve.  The ladies are acting as progenitor and males are losing their life for radical causes; so, there is no adverse effect of the bombings on reduction in militant number; radicalization and recruitment by Islamist continues unabated.  Young Muslims are being courted by Islamist propaganda. 

Third, the Muslims are eager to die for religion.  The Mullahs, Ulemas, Clerics and the Imams have cent per cent ascendancy and impact over the Muslim masses; they are the guardians of legal and religious traditions.  The preaching and moralizing is such that if a person dies for Islam, then he will go to the Jannah (paradise or heaven) and enjoy the beauty.  Madrasa – religious school - is meant to impart, inculcate and transmit the true Islamic religious teaching and not for irrelevant non-scientific preaching.  The consequence of discourse at the tender age is such an enormous and monstrous that psychologically the youngsters are ready to sacrifice their life for religion.  The other common observation is educated or uneducated masses are all the time discusses regarding the Islam religion, its sanctity, publicity, dissemination and perseverance by hook or crook method.  The number of Islamic countries in the world is more than fifty five and the population growth is exorbitant.  Barring one or two, all Muslim countries are underdeveloped due to strict religious laws; so the question of upbringing of the communities does not arise.

Fourth, the latest electronic gadgets are being used for destruction, devastation and damnation.  The publicity, dissemination and propaganda are through computers, mobile phones, satellite phones, etc.  It is practically difficult to detect, isolate, control and eliminate the subversive activities; sophisticated instruments along with a huge fleet of experts from different arenas of are required to control rebellious, riotous and destructive activities.   The militants alter and adapt the varied ways and means, thus, for state detective and investigative agencies it has become tremendous, overwhelming and dreadful job to minimize the spread of aggressive, combative, bellicose and subversive activities.  Most of the time the messages are in coded form using different Apps; to decode them is practically difficult.  The detection and neutralization of Osama Bin Laden from Abbottabad, Pakistan required almost a decade for American Detective Agencies (CIA) is a live example to understand the veracity, hardship and catastrophe.  Billions of dollars were required along with trained manpower to undertake such a unilateral military action; it is like finding the needle from the haystack.

Fifth, the Islamic militants are utilizing refined and sophisticated arms and ammunition.  The weapons and armaments are produced by terrorist organizations and supplied by different militant groups.  The Palestinian Sunni Islamic Fundamentalist Organization – Hamas – is the militant group that has the technical competence, skill and ability to manufacture short range homemade rockets.  North West Frontier Province of Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is one of the manufacturing hubs of the latest arm production.  Taliban, ISIS, militant groups has their own production units and are laced with modern armaments.  America has provided the ultra modern military equipment to the Taliban and other radical groups during the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan.  It is said that, now a days, the Russia is supporting and furnishing them the needed technical support and requirement.  North Korea had successfully tested intercontinental nuclear ballistic missiles.  In Mosul city of Iraq, the ISIS has recently used chemical weapons to create terror among fleeing local population.  The Syrian conflict is entered in the seventh year.  A half million of Syrian has already been killed; a million injured and 12 million Syrians have been displaced from home.  Notwithstanding the US intervention, the conflict is still continuing on the streets due to uninterrupted supply of arms and ammunition from several Arab states, Turkey and terrorist groups.  The new rebel groups laced with modern arms are joining the militancy at one or the other place.  In the event of receipt of nuclear armaments – dirty bomb - by the ISIS or Taliban or Hamas type of established terrorist organization, it is likely that the world will have to face severe catastrophe after Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic explosions.  The militants are the experienced fighter and thus years of hardship will be required to eliminate them by the state agencies.  In Syria, during ceasefire the militants have killed more than a hundred women and children is the another example of use of latest chemical devastating technology.
   
Sixth, in the recent past, some of the developing and developed countries have given shelter to the refugees.  Thousands and millions of refugees have been displaced and seeking asylum in recipient countries. The consequence of the benefaction is that the militancy has enhanced in those countries; France, Briton, Spain, Australia and Germany and many more countries are the victims.  The threat level in the western countries has escalated to a higher level and poses threat to law enforcement agencies.  Canada made a determination to accommodate Muslim refugees from seven Muslim majority countries affected by the Trump executive order; the country is likely to endure and go through the ordeal in the near future as it is practically difficult to isolate militants from others.  In whatever place the Islamic refugees will get settled, the militant activities, terrorism, jihad and indiscriminate violence will be cropping up due to pathological mindset; it seems the terrorism is in DNA of Muslim community and has become a global epidemic.  It is astonishing to note that none of the Islamic country has entertained these refugees; on the contrary, they are providing financial and logistic support for militant groups for rebellious activities.  Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai, UAE and many more Islamic countries are directly and indirectly responsible for ethnic disturbances.  It is an axiom that the refugees are unacceptable to the Islamic nations; what a strange it is?

Seventh, Muslim radicals is accustomed to accommodate without modern amenities; prefer caves, tunnels, barren lands, deserts and wilderness as their permanent hideouts.  Two times meals along with the Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle, bullets, rockets, grenades, etc. is adequate for the militant families to sustain their own world.  Their requirements are minimal; a madrasa, poppy fields, meat, cereals, pulses, vegetables, GPS, satellite mobile, arms and ammunition.  The economy of militants depends on production and smuggling of heroin, marijuana, cocaine, etc.  The militants are bound by Islamic laws; the traditional arm conflict continues decades together.        

So, there is no effect of bombing on militant activities.  It will continue in one or the other farm.  The threat perception after the GBU-43B bombing has enhanced manifold for America, developed and developing countries rather than to the Islamic world.  Pakistan, Iran and North Korea are the nuclear states.  It is likely that militants will procure crude atomic bomb and use ruthlessly in big cities.  More and more radical Muslims are likely to join the Taliban, ISIS and other radical groups, thus, the threat has increased to the civilized society.  Militancy is the curse of the mother earth and it will continue generations after generations in one or other form.  Militancy will only be curbed if Muslim changes their mindset.

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The Mute Spectator

 Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

‘The four stages of man are infancy, childhood, adolescence and obsolescence,’ as stated by Art Linkletter.  The life is a complex and complicated eventuality from birth to death and in quick succession; one has to stay placid and tranquil as a mute spectator.  In the infant stages, as a baby, you have an opportunity to cry or to squall; obviously, the parents apparently reprimand and sometimes spank you irrespective of your sentiments.  As a toddler, each one of us ascertains the things that stumble upon, since the touch, taste, olfaction, flavour, shape, colour, sensation etc. is being a new proposition.  Like God Krishna, the baby and toddler prefer to engulf or chew rather than to relish and appreciate like a gentleman, even if it is alive and seldom dangerous object.  But, slowly and undeviatingly one tries to become a mute spectator in lieu of the active participation in his future life.  As the age advances, he prefers to remain a silent spectator. 

                   

The perception of speechless spectator is being educated by the elders especially parents.  Their only mantra is ‘please does not touch, do not disturb, keep silence, stay at one place like a god.’  They won’t allow you to play, entertain or perform with the expensive toys as if you are going to dismantle or smashed or trashed it instantaneously.  For instance, if the object is hot (like milk), a lad is asked to remain in a frozen state and motionless unless the object is of consumable temperature.  A couple won’t grant the young one to touch or handle any object in super bazaar or in a mall or in the shop.  A little fuss, hassle and commotion are unacceptable, distasteful and repugnant from kindergarten onward by the tribe described under the auspicious name a teacher.  The prime lesson is taught in the primitive stage of the student career under the luminous name discipline or restraint is to remain composed and tranquil.  Parents and teacher did not hesitate to chastise if a toddler exhibit unwarranted mobility.  ‘Be patient, everything comes to you at the right moment,’ what the Buddha preached during infirmity is compelled to be followed at the toddler age.  Who will tell them the individual is not the almighty, but the normal human being; however, the discourse continues.

The life is full of dos and don’ts; one has to grasp, pursue and comprehend otherwise the individual is typecast as indiscipline pupil and has to undergo a lot of hardship.  As Michael B. Johnson said, ‘silence is the best way to confabulate with the unseen,’ one has to enjoy muteness and aphasia than to participate.  Take an instance, on a football ground only those are allowed to shed the sweat regularly and not those who wants to enjoy; they remain the silent spectators.  That who receives the awards exerts and has to share part of their precious life for the cause, but for the others the door is closed as a watertight compartment.  On bus stand or on railway station the parents are extra vigilant as if every locomotive is going to crush their baby; he has to sit idle as a worthless and ineffective lad.

Child psychology is a specialized department in the international Universities.  The salient conclusion of each and every research work is letting the child to do what they want; however, it is preamble with a list of ifs and buts for children besides parents for the sake of the elation, peace and prosperity of the offspring.  A child born and brought up in the USA or in the European countries has rights to call the police if parents chide them.  In Norway, the authority segregates the minor from the parents and punishes them for the slightest rebuke.  On the contrary, in underdeveloped and developing countries bashing and thrashing to a juvenile is a routine feature; a decade ago, it was used as a weapon to maintain discipline in the schools of Indian peninsula.  A US green card holder lady soundly thrashed her seven year son mercilessly on the lounge of Mumbai International Airport.  The kid threatened her regarding police, she kicked him and asked him to call the cop.  The onlookers intervened, she narrated that the boy is puffed up even for the slightest admonishment, the boy used to threaten her regarding police complaint.  The child remained as a mute spectator and obedient son, not only in India, but later on in America due to fear, affright and dismay.

A teenage girl has to face a lot of taunting and also physical and mental abuse and misdeed, including molestation from the road side Romeo; she has no other alternative than to remain calm; others remain as mute spectator.  Once upon a time, to assist a victim was considered as a crime; he has to undergo the ordeal from the goons as well as a police force.  It was thought of better to remain aloof from the crime scene rather than to intervene as a mediator or to assist the wounded individual.  In the recent past, the Supreme Court of India has passed the judgment that the commuters will not be harassed in the event of assistance to those who suffer different types of physical and mental hardships.  After seventy years of independence, henceforth, the sufferers are getting medical treatment in time from the roadside hospitals; they used to reject the patients on the plea that it is sheer a medico legal case.

Michel de Montaigne has rightly stated, ‘a good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband.’  Most of the time, both have no other alternative than to stay together; friction, conflict, altercation and brawl have become a regular phenomenon.  In India, socially and judicially, separation is a curse and scourge.  If both the parties are well educated and offer the consent, then after a year or two they get happily separated; but, if one is averse, stubborn and unwilling then the life transformed to mourning, sorrow and unhappiness.  Domestic Violence Act of India is being abused by the weaker sex with such a barbaric and ferocious way that the gentlemen from the society handcuffed and send behind the bar with stringent physical and mental punishment for a meager cause.  If the couple is blessed with the child, then things turn into further complexity.  So, if one wants to marry, then he must know that the marital life is full of adjustments, where one has to become a follower and another has to lead.  The mute spectator and dormant behavior are the good qualities and properties for a married couple.

Mute spectator is the first and cardinal step to accept injustice, oppression and victimization.  It happens when one has to work under a crazy, deranged, disturbed, unhinged and stupid officer.  A boss creates fear, fixes the blame and makes the work drudgery, an old quote says.  Discipline makes a man well educated and a responsible citizen; so the boss wants you to be more punctual, hard worker, ameliorate, reformist, updated and sincere so that he will be benefited and you will be the looser.  Most of the time his decisions are unethical, undemocratic, eccentric and useless; then also like a mute spectator one has to follow his instructions.  Estranged wife and deranged boss are the worst combination; may almighty give the strength and courage to face them.

The generation gap is so wide that one faces adversity in coping with the eccentric, insane and kinky demands of the children.  The new generation is intelligent, clairvoyant, sensitive, responsive, but lunatic and psychic.  They play with the expensive electronic gadget.  If they are asked to desist from a smartphone, then there will be a hue and cry.  As the age advances their demand accrued dimensionally.  The slightest negation resulted into extreme and adverse steps; parents prefer to remain a mute spectator.  Open any national newspaper; you will often come across with the news wherein the teenager has lost his precious life simply because of a trifle matter or banality reason.  A tenth standard girl threatened her parents to commit suicide when they asked her to study than to play e-games consistently.  Death is not the solution for each and every problem; life must be enjoyed to the fullest extent.

One should get retired, but not tired.  The old age is not the malediction, but benediction; it is the period when one can enjoy the way he likes; he should fulfill his unresolved dreams.  Forget the past and enjoy the present, old age should never be the regret; it is the gift of the nature to the beholder.  Senility may be physical, but never be eternal.  Do not poke your nose in the day to day activities of the offspring; however, a positive support, advice and assistance to be given, if demanded.  Be a mute spectator. 

‘Some people have been spectators all their life. They have never taken a step to be on the field of play. However, they are good judges of those that take bold steps to make a difference in their lives.’
Oscar Bimpong.                     

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April Fool

Short Story

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

After her arrival from the home town, Seema was in a jubilant mood; she distributed the sweets; everybody congratulated her.  The office colleagues and the nearest and the dearest friends demanded the party.  On the same day, the party was arranged at Hotel Radisson.  All have attended the party, except Aditya, her friend from the first year of the college.

When contacted, his phone was switched off.  The next day when asked, he said, he was not well.  His face was gloom, he was in a dejected mood, and he didn’t talk with anybody.  His college friends Shekhar and Aparna met Aditya during lunch break and inquired about his health.  Aparna smelled fishy in the matter; her inner voice said that the matter is certainly related with Seema.  She has decided to investigate the matter.

Neeta and Sandy (Sandeep), married in the last year of the college days, had a different narration.  They forced Aditya to accompany them to the physician; but he refused.  When persistently asked the reason, in a grouch and umbrage mood he avoided further discussion.  It happened for the first time in eight years of their friendship.

The general perception was that Aditya was avoiding his intimate friend circle.  A boy who is talkative and of the tattle-tattle nature, and all of a sudden become mute and elinquid, is a serious matter.  At last, the friend circle has decided to meet him after office hours and that too at his apartment.  Shekhar was the right person to handle the complex issues.

Shekhar, without circumlocutions directly touched the core issue.  He fired the first salvo and it smashed the main target.  His first question was, ‘Are you in love with Seema?’  Instead of answering a query he started whimpering.  His second attack was, ‘If sobbing is the solution for each and every matter, by now all would have started crying.’  Next two hours were full of agony, tribulations and sufferance; his suppleness, ethereal and frail association; his eternal love, all shattered at once.  He conceded that he is in a devout love with Seema.  However, he never expressed it.

Seema is a totally different type of girl.  She is a straight forward girl.  Once she decides she never changes her decision.  She did not like if somebody speaks lies.  Due to belligerent and the brawler attitude of the small and trifle matters, generally, nobody likes to argue except her college friends; however, by heart she is a gentle lady.

The question is who will bell the cat.  It was decided that Neeta will open the topic.  By hook or crook, Neeta agreed to face the first bombardment.  She casually opened the topic and said, ‘Aditya is not well.  What happened to him I didn’t know.  Have you asked?’  Seema retorted with sarcastic remarks, ‘No.  I knew why he has not attended the banquet.’   In a casual manner Neeta said, ‘He was having headaches.’  Seema said, ‘In final year college social gathering at the eleventh hour he suffered from headache.  He must be a chronic patient of migraine.  I feel dejected when he has not attended my party.’  Just to open the topic, Neeta said, ‘Yesterday night, Shekhar had been at the Aditya’s apartment.  What a spacious apartment; four and half BHK with all the amenities including society swimming pool and gym; he is lucky that his parents had purchased it before we join the college.’  Seema said, ‘He is from a well to do family.  Have you not seen his parent’s bungalow during the Diwali vacation? it was like a palace.  His parents have no vanity for the wealth they possess.’  Neeta did not want to deviate from the main issue.  So, after a small chat she said, ‘Shekhar said he was in a dismal and doleful mood.’  Seema added, ‘Something is wrong, when I offered him sweet he refused and said he is not well.  It is likely that he must have family tension.  I inquired, but he did not reply.’

Neeta could not open the subject, even after an hour of discussion.  At last with courage, fortitude and conviction she said, ‘Please Seemu (Seema), promise me, you will not hit me.’  Seema said, ‘why I will kick you?’  Neeta patiently said, ‘Aditya loves you.’  At once, Seema left the cabin.  Aditya was discussing with his boss.  She entered in the cabin, kicked and shoved him and left the office.  Neeta followed her.  She tried to block her passage; Seema pushed her and hired the auto.

Neeta immediately contacted her hubby; both went to Seema’s apartment.  When they threatened to call police, finally, Seema opened the front door.  There was no discussion for the first the ten minutes.  Sandy said, ‘It is very hot.  Please start Air Conditioner.’  Neeta jokingly and jestingly said, ‘Now-a-days everything is hot, sorry, it is extra hot.’  When Seema stared at her, Neeta laughed loudly and added to the knowledge of Sandy, ‘Seemu kicked Adu (Aditya) in the presence of his boss.  Hai…. Hai… Hii… Huuu…. Huh…  Adu fell down; the boss was aghast and jumpy, poor Adu.  Hai… Huuuu… Haaa….’  Both started laughing loudly; Semu only once joined the chorus and remained calm; Sandy promptly asked, ‘but, why?’  Neetu (Neeta) said, ‘ask her.  Huh… Hiii…. Huh…’  Seema threw the pillow and roared, ‘Neetu, don’t laugh, otherwise, I will beat you.’  Sandy, ‘Neetu, please, do not laugh.’  He asked Seema, ‘why you kicked and pushed him and that too during office hours?’  Seema said, ‘ask your beloved wife.’  He continued, ‘from the last eight years we never fight at the physical level, we may have differences of opinion.  You should control your fury.’  Her straight forward reply was, ‘I have not called you, please leave.’  Neetu added, ‘You may throw us from the apartment but not from your heart.’

The abrupt and spurt in the laughing session has smoothened the tense situation.  After two hours, Aparna joined the group.  ‘Each and every executive is asking me why Seemu trounced Adu mercilessly?  I asked Adu, he didn’t reply.  You are likely to be fired,’ Aparna asked.  ‘I don’t bother, I am going to leave the job,’ was the Seema’s reply.  Neeta intentionally asked, ‘Was Adu injured?’ and the couple started laughing like a thunderstorm.  Seema said, ‘Neeta and Sandy, from last two hours you are laughing, please for god sake keep quiet; otherwise, leave the apartment at once.  I am very serious, my anger is simmering and I may kill you.’  Aparna smiled for a minute and said, ‘Seemu please control your anger.  You are on and often exhibiting the exasperation for the sundry matter.  Just imagine if somebody kicked and pushed you what will be your first reaction.’ 

Seema said, ‘It was the most serious matter.  I was in a joyous mood.  Neetu has spoiled my day dreaming.  My marriage is fixed and she said Aditva loves me.  What he was doing for last eight years.’  Aparna, ‘It doesn’t mean that you should hit Adu.  Tell me frankly, after marriage if you behave in the same fashion, then it will culminate into a horrible situation.  You want a calm and quiet life partner.  Aditya is the best choice for you.’  Seema forthwith asked the question to Aparna, ‘why don’t you marry with Adu?’  Sandy replied, ‘see, you know the answer.  She is the disciple of Swami Vivekananda.  She wants to devote her time for Ramkrishna math activities.’

Seema said, ‘I am from a reputed family.  Please listen, this is not a movie.  If I reject the proposal, then my parents will not see my ugly face again.’  Neetu replied, ‘who say you are ugly? You are not at all ugly you are a horrible angry, resentful and agonizing young girl, Adu a pitiable boy gets injured.  For god sake, you are not a karate champion; by now Aditya would have been in a trauma hospital.’  Aparna said, ‘Neetu, please, don’t crack the jokes.’  Sandy said, ‘Ok, we are going to the office again, we will meet at night.  Good bye…’     

Aparna continued, ‘Look Seema, there is a scope for reconsideration.’  Seema replied, ‘Question of rethinking does not arise.  I have due regard for Aditya.’  Aparna further pleaded the case, ‘From last eight years we all are friends with indissoluble and unbroken friendship.  Neetu and Sandy is a married couple from last four years and they behave like a mature married couple.  I was dreaming that one day, Aditya and you will lead a peaceful life.’

Now, Seema was looking quite normal, she realized that she should not have hit Aditya during office hours.  She expressed her apology for the incident caused.  Aparna took the thread, ‘you have accepted that you have committed a mistake, it is your duty to say sorry to Adu and not to me.’  Seema retorted, ‘No I will not express apology.  I was furious because Aditya has not considered me as his best friend.  I felt it as my personal insult when Neetu told me that he expressed love and affection to Shekhar.’  Aparna exhibited maturity and said, ‘if Aditya expresses apology and proposed then will you accept?’  Seema replied, ‘Question does not arise.  I did not want to betray and renegade my parents.’

After office hours, Shekhar joined the discussion.  Shekhar said, ‘Aditya did not utter a single word.  He left the office for home.  I told him to accompany, but he refused.’  Aparna added, ‘See Seemu, you should at least talk with him.’  Seema was adamant and said, ‘Why should I?’  Shekhar intervened, ‘my humble request is you should reconsider.  You had been to the parent’s house for four days.  You have given your consent; you are not physically or mentally engaged with the boy.’  Seema replied, ‘on which basis you made this statement.  You all knew well; once I decide it indicate no further change.  I have shown our lovely photographs.’  Shekher earnestly requested, ‘Aditya has proposed you.’  Seema said, ‘Mister Shekhar, sorry, he has not proposed, he has conveyed this message through you.’  Aparna poked her nose, ‘If Aditya proposes, then?’  Seema said, ‘I cannot give any guarantee. Tell me, Miss Aparna why you have not accepted Shekhar’s marriage proposal?’  Aparna all of a sudden said, ‘If I accept Shekhar’s marriage proposal, are you ready to marry with Adu?’

Seema waited for a minute and replied, ‘Are you serious?  Will you leave Ramkrishna mission work?’  Shekhar pick up the point and said, ‘She will do those activities after marriage.’  Aparna again asked, ‘My straight question is if we both marry, then are you ready to marry with Adu?’  Seema, ‘It is difficult to say no to the bride’s family once said yes.  It maligns the image of our family in the society.  Second, if he was so much interested in me then why Aditya has not proposed?’  Aparna retorted, ‘why you have not proposed?  The fifty percent fault lies with you.  Second, you are strong headed and lunatic; without any reason you kicked him and not ready to apologize.  How he will propose to you?’

Mr Shekher intervened and said, ‘If I call Adu will you please allow him.’  Seema said, ‘My apartment is open for friends and foes.  The space is not new for you people.’  Aparna said, ‘Give Promise, you should not beat him.’  Seema said, ‘I never give the promise, however, I will try to control.  I am not lunatic, I won’t like if somebody tries to fool me.’  Seema continued, ‘since the beginning, he is dormant and indolent, never had he expressed his love and adoration.’  Skekhar added, ‘When you get food poisoned, for a week he was near your bed and nurse you like a small baby; the way of expression differs from person to person, you are straight forward and dominant, he is introvert but hard working.’ 

Aparna continued the story, ‘from the last eight years, he is helping you; in examination days he took lots of care, you alone could not have completed the office project in a given time had Aditya has not helped you; in return, what is your contribution, almost zero.’  Shekhar told, ‘you know Seemu, yesterday he was crying all the time, to console him was a difficult task.’  Seema said, ‘don’t try to emotionally blackmail me.’  Aparna said, ‘we are not emotionally blackmailing you, we are trying to tell you the truth, love and affection for you.’

Shekhar and Aparna convinced her to call Aditya.  After half an hour, Sandy, Neetu and Aditya came.  After a minute of silence Aditya said, ‘Seemu, I am sorry.’  For the first time in last eight years Seema started crying.  Everybody tried to console her.  It took them half an hour to console her.  She washed her face, she regained the lost energy, the first thing she did is she went near the Aditya and hit him mercilessly.  After thrashing session is over she shouted, ‘you mangy, you blackguard, you rascal; why you told to Shekhar that you are in love with me, why not to me directly?’  And, again Seema started beating him but with love and affection.  She slowly whispers, ‘Adu… I am sorry.’  Neetu in a hilarious tone announced, ‘it is 10.00 P.M., the time to sleep, cuddle and fondle, let us move; let them enjoy the whole night.’

Aparna asked Sandy, ‘how you manage with such a funny girl?’  Sandy replied, ‘after your marriage you will understand how to adjust.’  Neetu said, ‘Adu, you have still time to think, three times beating by a nefarious girl and that too in a day is a horrible task.  How you will manage?’  All started laughing, laughing and laughing.  Immediately, the atmosphere become serious due to Seema’s utterance, ‘I only said sorry.  What about reputation of my family if I said no to my parents.  It is the duty of you all to go to my parents and would be bride’s parents and convince them.  After that my family must receive the proposal from Aditya’s family.  If both the families agree, then I will marry with this lazy and sluggish goat.’

Neetu at once said, ‘He Ram, I thought the story ended, it is the beginning.  Seemu, better marry with the bride.  Good bye…’  Shekhar said, ‘Neetu, behaves like a mature lady.’  The discussion continued for a further one hour.  At last, it was decided that Aditya will make a call to his parent and open the subject.  If the parents get convinced then the team will go to Seema’s and the bride’s parents and express apology.  If an apology is accepted, then the new proposal will take its own shape.  Somehow Aditya gets ready to call his parents.  When he tried to dial the number Seema intervened and said, ‘Aditya, there is no need to ring your parents at midnight, phone them tomorrow.’  Neetu intervened and said, ‘No…, No…, by tomorrow morning her mood may get changed.’  For the first time everybody agrees to Neetu’s suggestion.

When second time Aditya tried to contact his parents at midnight, Seema stopped him and said, ‘April fool, April fool, April fool.’  She started laughing and dancing.  It is first of April.  At last Seema said, ‘How I April fooled you?’  Sandy curiously asked, ‘Are you serious or joking?’  Seema replied, ‘I am not joking, I made you all fools.’  Aparna asked, ‘How?’  Seema continued, ‘I knew, Adu has no daring to propose me.  So, I told my parents to contact Aditya’s parents.  Since, both the families knew each other immediately the consents were given.  My only condition was that it is my prerogative to give breaking news to you all and my beloved fiancé.  When I came over here I flashed the news.  I told this news to the Aditya first.  He has not asked me with whom my marriage is fixed and went into hibernation.  Rest, you are part of the story.’  Shekhar asked, ‘what about photographs?’  Seema continued, ‘In all the photographs I am with Aditya, the face is morphed.  Not a single friend of mine recognized the Aditya’s photograph.’

Sandy asked, ‘Why you have bitten him?’  Seema replied, ‘First, he has not proposed, Second, he expresses his desire to marry me through Shekhar, Third, he has no courage and conviction, Fourth, it was the last chance to beat him, Fifth, he is my intimate and lovable friend,  Sixth, I will not beat him after marriage but bite him.  How I April fooled you?  Good bye… Good morning…. Have a sweet dream…’

                                                                                                                              

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The Destiny

Short Story

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

Destiny is a good thing to accept when it’s going your way. 

When it isn’t, don’t call it destiny;

call it injustice, treachery, simple bad luck.

American Novelist, Joseph Heller

‘Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future,’ Danish Physicist, Niels Bohr said decades ago is still applicable to those who stands in long serpentine queue – particularly from the developing countries - to obtain the American Visa.  In the recent past, to get the Visa is equivalent to receive the priceless treasure; it has become more difficult in Trump era.  Various permutations and combinations, unreal to real, fallacious to authentic ways and means are used to obtain the Visa.  One has to incur a lot of money and to prepare oneself for Visa interview as if he is appearing in the Indian Administrative Service Examination.  What are the criteria for rejection and issuance is a water tight secret.  Lucky guys come out of the embassy yelling Eureka… Eureka… in a louder hilarious and joyous mood than what Archimedes in 17^th century uttered when he hit upon the method of determining the purity of gold.  However, the number is so limited that once in blue moon such bang screaming is noticed.

The novel tribe of people – what we called in the present context as IT’s – has emerged under the leadership of stalwarts like N. R. Narayana Murthy, Premji Azim and associates from IIT’s and IIM’s; rushed for the greener pasture in the Nineties and the first decade of this century to Europe, America, Canada, Australia and other developed countries; most of them have conceded the new culture and environment as the epicenter of their work and life.  The adopted country has not only provided the latest know how in the field of specialization and awarded degrees and diplomas, but offered the employment opportunity that has transpired and churned the whole economy of the country of their choice.  The remnant migratory groups are joining the main flock.  IT companies are deputing the staff on H1B and other types of Visas; once they reach their destination, rarely they returned back unless it is warranted.

Great English Novelist of the 18^th Century, Samuel Richardson once quoted, ‘the difference in the education of men and women must give the former great advantages over the latter, even where geniuses are equal;’ the present century disproves his basic tenet and quiddity.  However, in the present world, the African proverb, ‘educate a boy and you educate an individual, educate a girl and you educate a community,’ is more practical.  Modern boys and girls are the great disciples of Nelson Mandela, he said, ‘education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.’  The world is transmuting with such a fast pace that no one has expected even a half century before.  The whole algebra, trigonometry, geometry and arithmetic of the mother planet have metamorphosed; once upon a time the things which were taboo had become the routine.

Half a century ago, if someone said that Mr Keshari Nath Tripathi from Hastinapur of Meerut district of Western Uttar Pradesh of India gets contented when scrumptious and palatable Idli was offered; Shanti Devi, who was uneducated and blessed with three sons and two daughters, her most favorite thing was South Indian Temples, its architect and intricate carvings, besides, a room exclusively reserved for God and chanting of mantras; the community would have declared him as daffy and foolish.  In the same way, well-educated and cultured T. V. Sundaram Iyengar of Chennai has affection and endearment for a Murrah breed of buffalo and also lush green fields of Northern India; and S. Jayanthi who blessed with a daughter and son and tries to become an expert chef in North Indian dishes and speaking in broken Hindi language; both would have been out caste and affirmed as betrayer and traitor of great Tamil culture.

In the twenty first century anything can happen.  Mr Sripati, the last offspring of Tripathi, and Mrunalini, the only daughter of Iyengar; while working on the same project have deputed for specific work in Los Angeles; they decided to marry after three years of friendship.  The youngsters of both the families have no hesitation and objection over the matrimonial issue; rather they act as a mediator between the elders.  After the initial hiccup, tribulation, turmoil and bustle both the families approved the wedlock proposal.  With the pride and conceit, the Tripathi family gets mesmerized due to South Indian culture; the only adversity was the Tamil language.  Haruki Murakami said, ‘learning another language is like becoming another person;’ so, the Iyengar family has developed an affinity for Hindi language, though hatred and embitterment still continued in Tamil Nadu.

Mr and Mrs Iyengar were quite contented when a glass full of Lassi (butter milk) was offered in the morning hours at Hastinapur; followed by milk, curd and paratha in breakfast, sumptuous ghee with Chapati and Rajma curry during lunch hours; Chole-Bhature at afternoon session and royal dinner with glass full of milk at night.  When Mr and Mrs Tripathi visited Chennai for the first time, the things were reciprocated with equal dignity, affection and amity.  Both were highly impressed due to Iyengar family’s command over English literature, sophisticated culture and varied South Indian dishes especially made from rice.  They were further en-grafted when a week pilgrimage tour was managed from Tirupati to Kanyakumari.  Settlement of marriage has become an easy task when dignified and noble treatment was tendered by both the sides.

Ms Mrunalini Iyengar, when became Mrs Tripathi, the first transformation realized at Hastinapur residency was courage and conviction for education rather than to follow routine traditional activities; age old ghunghat (Tulle) practice was abrogated at once; not only her sister in laws but nearby young married ladies extended thanks to her firm credence.  She gets handily accommodated in joint family culture; the first lady in the family who effortlessly became a trend setter; thanks for her command over fluent English.  Mr Sripati’s impression was par excellence due to his educational background, noble gestures and respects for elderly couples.  He became the role model during his stay in Chennai.  Mrs S. Jayanthi has special exorbitant adoration for her aloft, adroit and smart son in law who was bewitching and pretty fairer than her daughter; amalgamation of North and South Indian dishes along with Chapati was her first and foremost responsibility.   After the marriage, the couple joins their duties at LA; otherwise one should have found a new trend of culture in Hastinapur town – a city of Kauravas dynasty.

After four years of courtship, breaking news was flashed from LA was that Mrunalini and Sripati were going to become parents.  The first and foremost change observed at Hastinapur was the addition of one more Murrah breed of buffalo in the courtyard; her milk especially reserved for ghee production.  As per the age old Hastinapur tradition, a mother must consume a tin of ghee (sixteen Kg) in a span of three months immediately after delivery.  When the news of buffalo purchasing was back flashed, the affright, dismay and fear was noticed on Mrunalini’s face.  Had she has been well acquainted with such a nasty, disgust and repugnance age old tradition; she would not have dared to remain pregnant throughout her life.  She threatened her husband, if she forced to consume the ghee products, she will prefer to sue or will give diverse or will die at once.  Whether motherhood for Indian marrying girls is bane or ambrosia, hell or heaven, good or baleful, glee or sorrow she could not distinguish.   

The South Indian front was not lagging behind; it was the first occasion for Mr and Mrs Iyengar to become grandparents.  The pre and postnatal preparations were in full swing and that too on war footing.  Old clothing was already collected, cleaned with antiseptic, and dispatched to LA; In India, many people considered it inauspicious to do any shopping for the baby before the baby is born.  Indian enjoys festivals; one among them was Seemantham followed by Valaikaapu, the traditional South Indian samskara (ritual) festival and Godh Bharai a traditional North Indian festival meant for first time pregnant ladies.  The observations of a newly pregnant lady were fantastic; her South Asian friends were more traditional than their descendants in India.  In collaboration with adamant elderly ladies of India, her friends organized the grand gala function and the women flock from India joined them using Skype and WhatsApp. 

She remembers the H. S. Haskins’s words, ‘tradition is a prison with majority opinion the modern jailer.’  The family traditions are for joy or for punishment; Mrunalini could not able to distinguish.  She received such traditionally bounded flash news from both the destinations and compelled her to perform at LA; it has tarnished her endurance and fortitude.  The happy thing was that she was on the other side of the globe, few things were often declared done.  However, the modern electronic gadget has brought the world at a hand shaking distance.  Fortitude, pragmatic and experienced ladies of India had made her life miserable and forlorn.  She remembered Queen Victoria’s famous sentence, ‘being pregnant is an occupational hazard of being a wife.’  

As the pregnancy advanced, two pronged activities were carried out in Chennai and Hastinapur.  First, the complex and complicated arrangements for Visa; it was decided that the Chennai family will join the LA at the time of delivery and after six months Hastinapur family will replace them.  The cycle will continue till the baby attains six years of age.  Second, North Indian family was awfully busy in Gond (Gum), Suka Meva (Dry fruits), Methi (Fenugreek seeds), Halim (Watercress), Til (Sesame), Besan (Chick peas) and Dates laddoo (sweet) preparations in pure ghee; side by side, recipes from Bajra (Millet) ki roti, Dry Halva, Dry Paratha etcetera.  The South Indian family was equally enthusiastic; for breakfast, dry Idli, Dosai, Sevai and Soup; for lunch, a long list of different Kuzhambu, Sambhar, Rasam, Kootu, Podi, Fried Rice and other food recipes in abundant ghee followed by pickles and curd etc.  All recipes were dispatched to their destination well in advance, so as to avoid any complications during custom checking.

When the pregnancy reaches the eighth month, the first blow received from American Visa office.  The Visa of Mr and Mrs Iyengar was out rightly refused; the intents were the best known to the American administration.  That day was full of mourning and lamentation.  As a stop gap arrangement, Mr and Mrs Tripathi were ready as a night-watchman, they pre-pone their visit.  They received the date of appointment from the American Visa office, New-Delhi when Mrunalini was about to complete nine months of pregnancy.  The relatives, well-wishers, experience holders have tender them different shades of noble advice regarding how to obtain the Visa.  Mr Sripati was urgently sent to the Germany for the office work; he may likely to join LA after six months; Mrunalini was the lonely lady at home, her friends were inclined to support her during pre and postnatal period.     

The ‘D’ day has arrived; Mr and Mrs Tripathi were in a queue with all the credentials.  Shanti Devi was inwardly chanting Hanuman Chalisa mantras so as to get a Visa without any adversity and hesitation; Mr Tripathi was normal, physically and mentally.  The interview was officially arranged in Hindi language.  At the eleventh hour, Mr Tripathi decided to speak the truth with written proof; without bulging to the advice of near and dear.  The summarized English version of their discussion was, ‘my daughter-in-law has almost completed nine months of pregnancy and alone.  My son is in Germany for office work.  Nobody is there to look after the daughter-in-law.  If you allow us to join the girl then we will feel glad, if not then good-bye.  Before we leave, I want to quote what Andre Gide said, not everyone can be an orphan.’  With a minute pause, the American Officer asked Mr Tripathi in Hindi, ‘will Mrs Tripathi accompany you?’ Mr Tripathi answered for the first time in plain English. 

Mr Tripathi received Visa for ten years; he started his maiden voyage and reached the destination; on the same day, he became the grandpa of a girl child.  There was an unwritten agreement between Mrunalini and her father-in-law that he will enjoy each and every recipe specially made in pure ghee from India and in return, she will relish those nutritious dishes that maintain her figure.  One additional clause was added that every day she will prepare South Indian breakfast for her in law.  Only once, she dared to eat Methi (Fenugreek seeds) ladoo; it was so bitter that she never touched many of the recipes again; on the contrary, father in law has enjoyed and relished the pre and postnatal preparations as if he was pregnant and delivered a child.  She couldn’t imagine her figure, had there been forceful consumption of a tin of ghee in three months of time.  In true sense, Mrunalini and her father-in-law had enjoyed the so called delivery episode to the fullest extent.  They became the intimate friends of each other.             

Why Shanti Devi has not received the Visa is still the biggest question.  In her opinion, her spouse has played a major foxy, artful and villain role in not awarding her Visa.  What transpired between him and the American Officer in English were a conundrum and an enigma to the rest of the world.  After arrival, when Mr Tripathi was persistently asked what he said in English, his answer was, ‘yes sir.’  It is the chance that determines his destiny and not the choice.  So destiny plays an important role in the life of an individual.  As far as Mr Tripathi was concerned, the destiny played just the opposite role of what William Shakespeare wrote in golden letters, ‘it is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in our-selves.’   

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