Triple Talaq: Ultra Modern Style

Short Story

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

‘Enough is enough, Talaq…. Talaq…. Talaq ……’ said Anita, age 26 years, and left her home sweet home along with her son after slamming the front door.  She was upset, disturbed and mentally fatigued; the reasons best known to her.  After her departure from home, both Anita and her son Anshu, age four years, strolled in a nearby garden for an hour.  She took rest under the shadow of the tree; Anshu also got exhausted and sat on the mother’s lap and said, ‘Mama, I am hungry and thirsty, we will go to the ice-cream parlor.’

Butter Scotch Ice-cream was really tasty and mouth watering.  Later on, Anshu ordered a scoop of fig and pistachio Ice-cream.  The Ice-cream owner cum intimate family friend, Shekhar, asked in sotto tone, ‘Fourth time?’  Anshu nods his head left and right and raised a palm with fingers open.  After third scoop, Anita’s mental health improved due to arousal of nerves, gets contented due to fresh Ice-cream; she spat the Anshu and uttered, ‘Why we left the home?’  While rubbing his head Anshu replied, ‘No idea, Papa and I were playing with toys, you came and pulled me.’  Anita tweaked him and questioned, ‘Why you have not resisted?  It was your duty.  While drinking morning milk you oppose, pesters, teases and vexed me.’  Now, it is the time for Anshu to reply, ‘Mummy, don’t beat me, otherwise, I am going!’

This is the right time for the Shekhar to intervene; he grasped that the situation is just reserve of that of the Abhimanyu of Mahabharata.  Abhimanyu knew how to enter in the Chakravyuh (one of the ancient battle tactics) but didn’t know how to come out of it.  Shekhar said, ‘Anita, there is no fun in beating the boy.  You have taken the decision sudden and haphazardly, like Modiji’s demonetization policy, without any prior consultation and arrangement.’  He continued, ‘Have you seen famous Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep movie Kramer vs. Kramer or the Israeli movie, Gett, the trial of Viviane Amsalem?’  Anita nodded negatively.  Shekhar elaborated, ‘When you reach home, please see it on YouTube, both movies are extraordinary and grotesque, you and Aditya together must watch the movie.’  Anita said, ‘Really?  Certainly we will see it.  Don’t be so smart Mister Shekhar! No…..  I have given Triple Talaq.  My decision is final, means final……’  She further explained, ‘When our Prime Minister Modiji has not rolled back demonetization policy and when he is steadfast on his decision, towing on the same line, I have no second thought!’

In the meantime, tinny international spy, Sherlock Holmes, conveyed the breaking news to his beloved Granny (father’s mother) and Grand Ma (mother’s mother) on WhatsApp; by the grace of god both were at the same premises.  Grand Ma feverishly responded, ‘Anshu, listen, we both are coming by evening flight.’  The detective grandson immediately reposted, ‘No Grand Ma No; it is not so urgent.  If required, I will call you.’  Grand Ma said to Granny, ‘See, even small kid has maturity, what happened to my daughter I don’t understand?’  In a dismal disposition, she continued, ‘My son-in-law is a nice gentleman, from a single child family; he has no baleful habits, IIT graduate, highly qualified, soft spoken, it is difficult to get such a family, actually she is lucky to have mother-in-law like you.’  Grand Ma continued while sobbing, ‘Tell me, what qualities my daughter possesses?  Nothing!  She is simply graduate and nothing.’

‘You see…. There……!  That small cockroach… is not playing with a smart phone.  I have given birth to this lad.  But, he is a great spy, sycophant and spoon of those two aged ladies.  By now news must have been viral.  Defamation and vilification are only written in my fate; and…., that man….., my so called ex-husband!, is now reading The Times of India newspaper…., you go and see…, Rs 100/- bet, it is my open challenge, you will find him sitting leisurely, he has no worry…  He will not go and search…, where is his wife, his son.., whether eloped with somebody?  Are they hungry?  No…., no…, he behaves like a singleton!  He has confidence, both will come back!’ Anita described her worst predestination.  She said, ‘No… No… This time I have decided not to return…  Talaq means Talaq, Shekhar….. Please search a good house for us.’  She continued her story, ‘Just…. see my life, there is no pleasure, contentment and happiness.  Get up in the morning at seven o’clock; keep an eye on the fleet of servants, help Aditya in his business, gym and beauty parlor, Anshu’s homework and sleep, nothing more than this; no excitement, no pleasure, my future is bleak, disappointing and cheerless!’

Shekhar replied, ‘Anita, we will discuss your story at a length afterward; the first and foremost point is how to enter inside the house?  What reason should be given when Aditya will ask the reason?’  Anita argued, ‘Hey… look… Aditya will never ask such silly and daffy questions!  He will never implore and plead!’  Shekhar questioned, ‘Look…. have you given him divorce? No!’ Anita said, ‘I have already given him Triple Talaq!’ Shekhar wearily said, ‘Anita….. You know well that Triple Talaq is given in the Muslim community and not in Hindu…..’  ‘So what…. Ours is a secular nation.  When we Indians enjoy Diwali, Dasara, Id, Christmas and many more festivals together then there is no objection on any section of the society!  Hun….’ Anita continued her argument, ‘Now-a-days during marriages, we all girls – in spite of different religion - decorate hands and legs with Mehndi.  You know Mehndi originates from Hindu Vedic time!  Go anywhere, girls are wearing jeans and trousers; tell me, jeans and trousers are original Hindu or Muslim attire?  Go to any marriage…. The buffet is common, nobody has time to serve, tell me…. fifty years before it was a custom in your religion?  You know….. Mr….. Shekhar…… proverb says Let the noble thoughts comes to us from all over the Universe!  On the same analogy, I have given triple Talaq!  It is instant; no need to wait for years together as that of your divorce!’  She added to Shekhar’s knowledge, ‘Have you any knowledge…., even the Supreme court of India is slowly and steadily supporting Uniform Civil Code so that there will be no caste, creed and religion differences with regards to civil laws.’

          

Granny inquired with the boy, ‘My chick…. My boy….. Your mother is all right?  Beta… Take care of your mother!!!  We both are worried….’  Smart Anshu replied, ‘Granny, no need to worry, Shekhar Dada is handling the case… He has experience to handle such cases…’  Granny said to Grand Ma, ‘Anita is surely and veritably a chivalrous and gentle girl.  In last five years she had never retorted; she respects elders.  She is handsome, tall, smart, cute, fair colour, good looking and having smiling face; we are lucky that we got such a beautiful and diligent daughter-in-law!  We are fortunate that both the families were known to each other and marriage was fixed within a fraction of a second.  The fault lies with my son.  I have decided to scold him…… I am going to debar him from property rights; after me Anita and Anshu will be the owner!’  I do not want to see Aditya’s face!’  Grand Ma wiped Granny’s tear and said, ‘Please……. Sister…… does not utter bad words during evening hours…..’

    

‘Ok…  Let us assume that Triple Talaq is valid in other religion also……’ Shekhar consoled…, ‘But, Madam, you know…. it has to be given by the men and not by the women!’  Anita retorted and jeered, ‘I knew you male bastion will object on women’s Triple Talaq….. Tell me frankly….. Whose Attorney you are?  Tell me frankly.., mine… or Aditya’s… or entire Muslim world…. Tell me the truth….. You have no answer……  You know we Hindus are Idol worshipper, Muslims are not; in Islam everything is based on moon position, while, in Hindus it is based on Sun position…. So everything is just opposite in these two religions…. Hence, my brother…… in Hindu religion only Women are entitled to give Triple Talaq and not the men….. Therefore, I have pronounced Triple Talaq!’

Anita expressed her forlorn and sorrow, ‘Look… Life is without charm, monotonous, and easy going, no tension and worries, things are goody… goody… I am unfortunate and pained that there is no excitement in my life… My mother-in-law behaves with me like a true mother; I have no Nanand, Devrani, Bahurani (sister-in-laws) to fight.  Open any Indian channel, watch any Opera!  It is always full of conspiracy and contradiction against each other; separation and divorce is very common in those dramas.  Brother…, just compare with my life…, I am not enjoying a thriller in my life.  Some change is required.  No Triple Talaq…. No excitement!’

Shekhar calmly replied, ‘Look Anita.  Life in TV show and reality is totally different; my sincere advice to you is, please for god sake does not watch the TV opera.  You know, divorce has become a mockery in modern society; it is fashion to take divorce; for silly reasons couples are knocking the court door.’  He continued, ‘You know, once upon a time, there was absolutely no work in family court… now-a-days, the number of family courts has increased manifold…’ ‘Second,’ Skekhar added to Anita’s knowledge, ‘The Supreme Court of India has constituted five judges constitutional bench.  All the cases related to Triple Talaq are under constitutional bench review, henceforth, laid down procedure will be required to follow before grant of triple Talaq.’  Anita replied, ‘I knew the latest development… hence I have given Triple Talaq before any legal complications in the Supreme Court.  My decision is firm and irrevocable.  I have full confidence that Aditya is not going to appeal in the Supreme Court…’

      

‘OK…. I agree that…… women from the other religion have the right to give Triple Talaq to her husband…… but, the basic question remained the same; why you want to give Triple Talaq?  Aditya is the most adorable…. and noble gentleman…., it is difficult to get such a handsome husband……, Sister; you are among the luckiest girl, with folded hands, I am requesting you, do not commit the blunder the fifth time…’ Shekhar pleaded and continued his submission, ‘Sister…… Keep in your mind, Mr William Shatner words; Divorce is probably as painful as death…’  Anita replied, ‘All men are the same including your Shatner….. You know my brother…. Aditya is not behaving like a husband… but like a friend, he is a henpecked husband and he has no control over his wife… he should maintain some standard… he has never opposed….’ She continued, ‘had I been at his place…… by now….. I would have broken my wife’s leg.  Tell me….. How wife dared to give Triple Talaq?  It is the husband’s duty to straighten his wife….. This is the fifth time…… What a strange?  So far, Aditya has not taken any action against me….. Vidya is better than me!’  Shekhar enquired, ‘Who is this Vidya?’

Granny discussed at a length with Grand Ma regarding Aditya, she said, ‘I want to ask Aditya, why Anita gets annoyed all the time?  She is beautiful, educated, looking after the house, give due attention to Anshu!  What else he want?  She is not daughter-in-law but my daughter; it is my duty to keep her happy!  This time I am going to tell him straight way that I am having capacity to look after the welfare of my daughter-in-law and grandson!  Hereafter….. Anita and Anshu will stay with me only…..’  Grand Ma gets perturbed and said, ‘Sister, don’t get fazed, you know Aditya is as good as my son, it is my duty to convince him…… Ok……’

‘Brother, you don’t know Vidya?  Vidya Sinha, what a great Hindi actress!’  Anita added to Shekhar’s knowledge, ‘in Rajanigandha film, Amol looks very ordinary, but he behaves like a true traditional Indian husband…. He controls Vidya by using different tack tick….. What a beautiful song, it was!  Vidya’s rendition of a song for her lover was superb?’

      

‘अधिकार ये जब से साजन का हर धडकन पर माना मैने

मै जब से उनके साथ बंधी, ये भेद तभी जाना मैने

कितना सुख है बंधन में’

Anita continued her saga, ‘you know.., my brother…., let me tell you the top secret; go anywhere and ask any lady from this Universe…., she gets delighted when she remained under husband’s control, leash and bridle, like Vidya!  It is the prime duty of the Husband to draw a Lakshaman Rekha (demarcation line); she never tries to cross it, she respects it.  Once in a blue moon she relishes a small bash.., buff.., bump.., drub and smack from her husband.  You know, threshing once in a leap year is considered as auspicious and propitious for married woman.  Ladies conglomerate those incidences as an ornamental memory.  See…. I am a free bird…; there is no control over me…; no lifelong memories…, no beating…. Nothing… Nothing…. Nothing…. Hence, I have given Triple Talaq….’

 

Granny and Grand Ma both were listening and observing Anita’s live show.  Grand Ma’s anger was simmering!  Grand Ma has lost her temper and shouted loudly, ‘Anita! I am coming by the latest flight…, and…, then I will show you how to bash…, buff…, bump… drub and smack!  Be ready…. you will remember throughout your life… the meaning of beating, belting, thudding!  Not only I will break your leg…, but, hand… neck… and each and every bone…., I am coming…’  Anshu being a clever boy, immediately closed the live telecast…  Anita was unaware of the latest development at the other end, as, she gets engrossed in lucid discussion.  To the other end, to control the Grand Ma has become the most difficult job; Grand Ma became insane and lunatic.

Shekhar said, ‘There are laid down rules and regulations with regard to atrocities against women especially married ladies.  The Human rights commission, The National Commission for Women, Local Ladies bodies etc. is looking after the welfare of Indian Women.  The Parliament has passed the stringent laws in favor of women.  No violence from men over women is legally acceptable.  The accused even gets life imprisonment.’  Anita retorted, ‘Why there is no National Commission for Men… the laws are not in favor of men?’  She continued, ‘Because of stringent laws, the women flock is taking undue advantage of the simplicity of the men!  Why men are not raising this issue on a different forum, in Parliament?  You have no answer…. I am taking advantage of those laws… Therefore, my instant Triple Talaq is valid and non-negotiable….’

The Phone bell rang; there was an urgent and crucial discussion between Anshu and Granny; grandson did not understand what to do….  He yelled, ‘Run…. Mummy…. Run…’  Anita enquired, ‘Why…’  Anshu, ‘Grand Ma is coming…. Tsunami… Tsunami…’  Anita, ‘When….’  Anshu, ‘Right now…’  Anita, ‘For what…’  Anshu dragged Anita, ‘Grand Ma has taken Bhishmapratigya (oath) to thrash you mercilessly!!! To break all your bones!!  To smash your head against the wall!! Don’t waste time… Run like a sprinter!!!  Anita, ‘Granny coming???? Anshu, ‘Not at all…. Run fast…. Anita, ‘Where…’  Anshu, ‘Towards our home…’ Anita shouted, ‘What about my Triple Talaq…’  While running with mother, Anshu screamed, ‘Forget Triple Talaq forever…. Save blood, bone, skin, head and life first…. Take Papa’s shelter… Hide behind Papa… Take Papa’s shield…. Pray god…. Only Papa can save you from Tsunami…. Nobody else…. Not even the Supreme Court ….’

Looking at the present scenario, Shekhar simply murmured, ‘This is probably the best and correct antidote to desist the new generation couples from childish ultra modern Triple Talaq.’

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The Saga of Departed Wife

Short Story

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

       It is indeed the responsibility of the Indian parents to bolster children, even when they became adult and married.  It is imbibed in the Indian ethos and culture; no doubt, in the modern era fractures and fissures has partly shattered the traditional Indian institution and psyche, however, the proportion is minimal.  If the couple is a senior citizen and a retired lot, then practically it is easy to manage the show; the travel plan synchronizes as per the schedule, provided the children are out stationed.  But, if one is in the service or in the business and the other is a homemaker, then things are little different and if the children are residing in Trump’s country then it is practically difficult to plan a tour.

      After a lot of difficulties, the wife reaches America to support daughter-in-law during her delivery.  Before departing, she tried her level best to make all possible arrangements so that her husband, I mean myself, will not face any adversity during her absence.  The admonition continued for at least a fortnight to acquaint me about the location of each and every household material and also made me vigilant about cook and maid’s spurious activities.  The extra and unwanted things were already stored under lock and key; the cook and especially maid were abysmally threatened regarding punctuality and sincerity.  I was bitterly expostulating and chided for my generous and charitable disposition that has puffed up and insolent the entire household working force.  Last but not the least, the neighbors were told to look after the house and me as she has too little faith on her disheveled spouse.  With tears in eyes (not the crocodile tears) we reach the airport, but not without pile of reprimands to her better half.  This was her first journey without her spouse; she abused the state government for not granted leave to me during her voyage.

      The next morning began with ting tong bell sound.  Sweeper asked me about madam’s journey; whether she received vegetarian meal or not, etc.  The near and dear along with servants were equally worried about her excursion.  The first week was quite difficult to follow the daily rituals; I was compelled to take wife’s assistance through Skype, WhatsApp package so as to locate the goods but not without her cheesy speech.  The cook, maid and my immediate neighbors were well versed regarding location of household material rather than me, even though I am residing in the same house and with the same spouse from last three and half decades.

      One day the green grocer asked me ‘Uncle! Where is madam?’  I said, ‘she had gone to USA for daughter-in-law’s delivery.’  He charged me Rs 5 for 250 grams of lady finger.  Before I left the grocer’s stall, the nearby lady inquired me about madam’s journey and started purchasing a lady finger.  She asked the rate of lady finger.  The grocer replied ‘Rs 8.’  It was shocking for me.  The lady said, ‘you cheater, don’t make us fool, I will pay Rs 2 only.’  The Grocer said, ‘Sister, the inflation rate has increased; our purchasing cost is Rs 6, so, pay Rs 7.’  The lady said, ‘don’t tell me any reason, I will pay Rs 5 only, you looter!’  The lady left the shop by paying Rs 5.  The grocer said, ‘Sir, unless these ladies negotiates and cursed me, they never purchase, therefore the rate for ladies is Rs 8, your wife is a hard nut to break but is a caressing lady, she supports us as and when financial help is required, because of your wife I am depositing a fixed amount in the recurring account of our post office.’

     During a month’s time, many known and unknown faces inquired me regarding where about of my spouse.  Actually, I get bored to tell everybody the same story repeatedly.  That day the bakery owner was interrogating me, and, I told him that she divorced.  He laughed and in South Indian stylish tone said, ‘sir, you are joking sir, how she will get separated from you, sir, such a gentle and civilized lady she is, sir, she will come after delivery, sir, don’t get perturbed, sir.’ And added to my knowledge, ‘sir, have you opened Sukanya Samrudhi Youjana account (higher rate of interest deposit scheme for girl child) in nationalized bank for your granddaughter, sir?’ I replied, ‘No, I have no idea about such scheme?’  He continued, ‘Sir, all girls of our colony is account holder, sir, due to your wife, sir.  Your wife is a humble and descent lady, sir, she takes care of one and all, sir, you are lucky, sir, it is difficult to get such a company, sir, and, sir, you speak bad about her, sir!’

     

      We blessed with granddaughter; many known and unknown entities congratulated me; I have distributed more than five kg of sweets.  One fine morning, while clipping my hairs, Gents saloon owner accused me that I am a niggard as I have not shared joy and happiness by distributing sweets to him.  He further said, ‘I think by now aunt has visited LA and LV.’ ‘What stands for LA and LV?’ I queried.  ‘Uncle, don’t make me a fool, I mean Los Angles and Los Vegas!’ he said.  I asked him, ‘Is she your client?  How you know about my wife’s visit to USA?’ ‘No uncle, she is not my client, we are in this colony for years together, so, uncle, we knew each other. You know, uncle, because of aunt we are self sufficient.  Because of her efforts, we all shop owners have NPS from last five years.’ He said and continued, ‘Uncle, we have no lifelong pension like you, so we are depositing fixed amount every month in National Pension Scheme (NPS). So, after sixty years of age, we will get pension throughout our life. Aunt is a nice and cooperative lady, she would have definitely given sweets to me; she is not like you!’

 

      On Sunday afternoon when I was in deep slumber, the bell rang, unknown lady handed over Rs 500.  I asked, ‘Who are you? Why you are paying Rs 500?’ She could not answer properly.  Immediately, neighboring lady explained me the story in detail.  In colony self help group is formed to assist the servant class during financial stress.  My wife and few more ladies from the colony are maintaining the cash as well as the record.  In the initial stages, it started with Rs 1000, the amount then generously donated by right-minded ladies from the community.  The neighbor added to my knowledge that at present there are more than 300 ladies members and total transaction of amount in each month is in lacks.  I asked, ‘if any servant has not given the money back and ran away then?’  The neighbor said, ‘It never happens, the needing ladies compel her to pay the amount with paltry interest, otherwise, the chain will get broken and no-one will get benefited from the scheme.’

        Our daily needs centre young boy of ten has a totally different story.  I simply asked him with an inquisitive gesture about the cost of the egg.  He replied with wrath, ‘uncle, if you will purchase the white potato, then I will make a call to aunt! If she scolds you in anger, then I shall not be held responsible!’  I ask ‘Why you will call her? What is white potato? What mistake I have committed? I am just asking you the price! Don’t threaten me, my boy!’  The young lad said, ‘Look, barring two families, ours is a pure vegetarian colony, it is a sin and offence to call it an egg, so, aunt named it white potato!  Uncle, I am not touching those eggs, otherwise, she will not allow me to assist her during Ganapati and Durga festival decoration!’  I inquired, ‘Your aunt knows how to decorate and manage?’  He added to my knowledge sarcastically and that too without fear and fervor, ‘Uncle, you must know, she is the best decorator and event manager; because of aunt all the programs in our colony are successfully arranged!  Otherwise, it is practically difficult to organize them!  You have to exert it.  She is not like you.  You simply come and go.  Your contribution is zero.  You behave like an officer; you are not doing any work at home; aunt is doing everything!’  I get clean bowled.

      One fine evening, one gentleman has knocked the front door.  He has given me invitation card and requested to attain the show.  He said, ‘Madam is in the USA so you come and join our program!’  I came to know from the gentleman that in nearby school the ladies of our colony take care of poor and intelligent students.  Each one has adopted one student and ladies are paying student’s fees, donate the books and uniform to them for the last two decades.  The selfless service they are rendering is noteworthy.  He continued, ‘In the selfish world to have such personalities is a rare commodity.  The zeal and zest with which these women are rendering their services is exemplary.  Most of the students do not know who is paying their fees; who is providing uniform, books, pencils and pens?’

         

      My general observation is my office driver who is tall, macho and bachelor has very high and cordial relations with my wife.  Every day, whenever he will come to our house, he will first go to the kitchen and discuss at length with my spouse while relishing his breakfast.  He will come out of the kitchen as and when the lunch box will be ready.  One day, I intentionally entered in kitchen and aghast to find that my driver was enjoying the meal.  Before I asked anything my wife retorted, ‘let him eat, he is alone, don’t disturb him, don’t rebuke him, he is like my son!’  I was speechless.  Whenever I was on tour, my spouse used to give two Tiffin boxes, a bigger one for my driver and the smaller one for me.  He has been instructed to take lunch on time; so, wherever we are at twelve noon, the driver will stop the vehicle and force me to take the lunch.  His other habit was to stop the car near the orchard or green field and pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals and grains by paying a small amount.  He used to take advantage of the famous quote ‘from producer to consumer.’  I often asked him about the payment, his fixed reply is, ‘It is our trade secret.  My duty is to provide the material and madam’s duty is to prepare dishes.  Sir, I have not seen such a lady in my life who is taking utmost care of her husband and his assistant equally!  In this era who love the driver like a son!  A big hearted individual having sympathy for the poor, her name is madam!’

   

      While strolling in the park, the unknown elderly man asked me, ‘When your wife is coming to India?  I have not seen her from the last few months.’ I said, ‘She will come after two months.  By the way, may I know about you please, sir?’  He introduced to me.  He was a staff serving in a nearby nursing home.  He narrated a totally different story.  My wife and a few ladies from our colony are collecting unused medicine from nearby societies and distributing it to the needy patients from his nursing home.  I purposefully asked, ‘Why you people are not collecting those unused medicines?’  He said quietly, ‘Brother, one must require guts and leadership qualities that I am lacking.  See, your wife is doing yeoman duties for the destitute with missionary zeal.  Sometimes, her group collects donations from the wealthy families and purchased medicines for the poor people.  You are lucky to have such a nice and kind hearted wife.  My salutations to her for noble duties, she performed.  God bless you both!’

      After three and half decades of my association with her, I did not know about her vast popularity.  She was far more decent, debonair, discreet and polite than the average lady.  Never in dream had I thought about my wife’s involvement in so many social activities.  Some of them were realized when I came in contact with the concerned public.  Her affection and love, breast and kindness for the below poverty line masses was par excellence.  She used to do charity and a support to students and patients by donating a paltry sum from her pocket money is outstanding and noteworthy.  I was unaware about her outlandish facet of her life; she was famous in the colony for the noble and lofty causes.  Her stature was princely and highborn.  What I knew is simply the darker side of her life.  My firm belief was that she is a belligerent, pugnacious, quarrelsome and brawler lady.  A short temper woman who is a miser and narrow minded who is basically having laggard and niggard qualities.  On and often I used to tease her regarding her daffy and brutish, goofy and lumpish attitude.  I inwardly used to murmur, ‘What an eccentric, bizarre and grotesque lady she is!’  Her temporary departure from my life has not only transformed my attitude, but altogether metamorphosed my views regarding her.  I am not sympathetic about her; however, I started to love her from the core of my heart.  The modern Romeo is anxiously waiting for his Juliet.

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My Yammy Gabula

Short Story

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

           

      Seldom, an outlandish incidence accidentally happens in the life of an individual.  It was betide in the Indian Maharashtrian Brahmin family from a metro city like an earthquake on one night that shattered the basic ethos of modern family style.  The man, an executive from the Public Sector Bank and a woman, homemaker, blessed with a daughter about a quarter century ago who is at present in final year (internship) of the medical degree course.  The trio are joyous and enjoying the life as if they are in the empyrean.  The daughter, Anu, had been a meritorious student since her childhood and therefore received admission in renowned and prestigious medical college in spite of rigorous and gruff caste based reservation policy.  Her cherished desire is to emulate in all India post graduate medical science entrance examination so as to secure admission in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New-Delhi in Gynecology and Obstetrics; Anu destined to get admission as she is working hard day and night to get theoretical and practical knowledge.

      The middle aged Indian ladies are genetically short but never slender and slim; generally fatty, bulky and roly-poly.  Females have adoration for saree draping – an Indian National Attire – and so it becomes practically difficult to perceive who is fleshier.  Sarika was from the roly-poly category soon after the birth of Anu as against the normal stature of her husband Suresh.  Anu and her father on and often tease Sarika regarding her health and advised her to join a gymnasium.  At last and with reluctance, Sarika started morning walk along with her intimate friend Mrs Deshpande; both were becoming a regular morning-goers.  In-spite-of punctual and orderly morning exercises Sarika started gaining weight, especially around the belly region.  Sarika reduced her diet intentionally due to which in the recent past she was looking gloomy and depressed.  In the last one and half month her weight was noticeably augmented; the lady was looking uncouth and ugly.

      In India, the word neighbor, society, colony and community have celestial and extraordinary ascendant on family matters.  The already fatty Sarika when became more bulky, she was forced to do fast on every Monday and Thursday by her neighbor, Mrs Tilak; the other neighbor, Mrs Kulkarni compels her to take Ayurvedic homemade preparations; the third member suggested acupuncture therapy, so on and so forth.  Mrs Joshi suggested medical advice will be the best remedy as high blood pressure and heart ailments are associated with fattiness.  Mrs Kale as usual poked her nose and lamented the story lucidly regarding the death of her farthest relative’s friend because of abdominal tumor.  As per the noble and forceful advice of lady assemblage, Sarika decided to visit clinic; there were other reasons like breathlessness, sleeplessness, depression, anorexia, mental stress, abdominal pain and whatnot prompted her to confirm the long pending prognosis.

      After uninterrupted and matchless persuasion by the ladies club and family members, on one fine evening, Sarika and Suresh went to Dr Bapat’s Heart Clinic to show her depleting health.  She was examined in detail for an hour by Dr Anurag Bapat, a Heart Surgeon, and at last due to some confusion in his mind regarding diagnosis, he asked his spouse, Dr Anjali Bapat, who happened to be the senior most Gynecologist and Obstetrics from the city, to examine the patient.  After thorough examination, Dr Anjali Bapat conveyed the diagnosis to the couple with mirth and thrill.  It was tsunami news; the couple gets trembled and tumbled with the aghast and gaunt look as if there was an adversity, catastrophe, misfortune and scourge all together in one nature’s thunder stroke.  The mental shock was so devastating and ravages that when they left the clinic and reached home, it was a mystery full of enigma.  Anu was waiting anxiously at home to know the exact diagnosis; both parents were speechless, dumb and deaf with funereal look.

      The mother started crying uninterruptedly having a tumescent face with bloated and reddish eyes; the symptoms of her papa were almost same as that of her mummy.  Anu thought that her mama is probably suffering from a severe heart element or malignant tumor or some incurable disease.  The more and more she inquired, higher and higher they were reluctant to utter a single word about the doctor’s diagnosis.  The only sentence mama blurred with lunatic accent is ‘I want to die; give me poison; I want to end my life.’ The scenario worsened till midnight.  Anu’s inquisitiveness reached to the highest degree.  At last, Anu announced calmly, ‘mama, let me examine! what happened to you!’  Sarita screamed ‘No! If you touch me, I will kill you!’  At last, Anu said, ‘Daddy! I am going to be the full fledged doctor soon, so, what is the harm in the examination? You don’t have confidence in me?’

       For the first time papa opined in a dejected mood, ‘Anu! We have cent per cent faith in you!’  Anu questioned frigidly, ‘Daddy! What is the problem? Don’t you want to share the sorrow and unhappiness with me? I am so indifferent and cursed?’  Suresh coolly said, ‘Anu! The time has come to tell you the truth!’  Anu said sarcastically, ‘Daddy! There is no fun in hiding!’  Suresh has taken a long pause; he looked at Sarita and very sadly said, ‘Anu….!’ again a long pause, ‘Anu…..! Look…….! Your mamaaaa…….! is seven and half month……… carrier!’  Anu yelled, skirled, yippee with astonishment and amazement, ‘Whatttt???????...... Mummyeeee!!!!!!!......... pregnanttttt????????.............,’ and with consternation she stared at mummy for a moment and started laughing loudly like an insane girl ‘Hi…. Hi…. Hi…… Ha… Ha…. Ha….. Hi…. Hi…. Hi….’   The saga interrupted when Anu received for the first time in her life a drub, a thud, a buff from her mama.  Sarita thundered, ‘Anu!!!!!! Go and bring the rope. I want to hang myself. I do not want to show my ugly face to the society!’

       The next morning was not as usual, Anu and Papa solaced her throughout the night, both the daughter and father came out of the initial tremor, but, the mother was as good as bedridden.  The first and foremost worry was Sarika’s mental health.  How to convince her and prepare her mentally and physically for delivery was the biggest exigency.  Both ensure her to seek the help of psychiatric first otherwise she will have to go through the ordeal that will be harmful to both the mother and the baby.  Proverb says, ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going.’

       Strange suggestions were received from Sarika, like 1. Kill me. 2. I want a divorce. 3. Like ma Janaki, abandon me in the forest. 4. Forgo me. 5. We all will run away from this city and later on will tell the society that it is Anu’s child. 6. Tell others that I am a surrogate mother of Anu’s child. Etc.  All her admonitions were turned down after detailed persuasion and it was determined to face the new challenges, as Patricia Heaton said ‘A woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy also deserves to experience unplanned joy.’  Two pronged strategy was decided, one, to take society into the confidence, and two, to look after the health aspect; both the proposals were initially turned down by the expecting mother but after persistent efforts she accepted them.  Two unknown quotes are ‘Being a good mother has nothing to do with age, but more the size of your heart’ and ‘Unplanned does not mean unwanted or unloved, it just means life knew what I needed before even I did.’  A total of three days were wasted just to convince her.  In the mean time all the members of the lady gang were persistently inquiring about her health as Sarika was almost bedridden with gloomy face as if she is in the last stage.

       The fourth day was the litmus test day.  The question was, who will leak the story, because, this is the only thing on the planet that cannot be hidden.  At last, it was decided to tell the guarded secret first to Mrs Deshpande, as she is the closest friend of Sarika.  When Mrs Deshpande came to know from the horse’s mouth that Sarika is seven and half month pregnant her first reaction was typical a strange and outlandish look with wide open mouth that never shut till completion of the story.  The news gets viral like conflagration within next five minutes.  All the members of the ladies club thronged around Sarika like honeybees around the beehive.  The first half an hour after the narration of the story was like mourning and lamentation as if a loved one has just departed, however, further hours were funny and hilarious; it has eased tension on the family.

       The admonitions, advice, preaching, counseling, discourse, debate and deliberations were many; few are quoted for ready reference.  1. How it happened. 2. You were not using family planning measures.  3. Whether planned or unplanned.  4. Test for twins or triplets. 5. Who will take care? Whether Anu’s duty? What about education and settlement of new entrant? You have not thought of it before? 6. A lot of difficulties during delivery, being aged. 7. What Anu said? What Suresh said? 8. Are not you feeling shy? 9. Difficulties during Anu’s marriage? So on and so forth.  The witty and comic comments were many, few are quoted here.  1. You should have announced your plan earlier, we all would have joined the chorus and remained simultaneously pregnant.  Ha… Haa…. Haaa…..  2. We will celebrate your pregnancy in ladies club premises with the grand gala party. 3. Copper T is better.  Anu!!! Go!!! Don’t listen!!! No. Condom is safer.  No. No. Self control is the best control.  Huu… Haa…. Hii….

       It is said that fortune favors the bold; the women flock of the colony has decided unanimously to support Sarika from the core of their heart, even her dishonest and unpredictable maid supported the noble cause.  The whole colony was in festive mood for next one and half month.  From younger to elder, men and women, poor to rich all have decorated Sarika’s house, given her the precious gifts and uncalled advice, enjoyed the parties and celebrated the different functions associated with pregnancy like rendition of songs, played different games, charades, conundrum and cradle.  Sarika and her family have taken everything affirmatively and positively with sportsman spirit and thus Sarika quickly gained the lost confidence and so question of psychiatric support doesn’t arise.  She enjoyed the pregnancy to the fullest extent as if she is the first timer; pregnancy at the age of fifty and that too already having the marriageable daughter is not a joke, it is the laughing stock for the others.  The great Indian culture, ethos, traditions and rites were responsible to compel the whole colony to participate in each and every event.

       Finally, the ‘D’ day arrived.  In the morning Sarika was having uncomfortable feeling.  Barring Anu and male bastion, elders and experience holders from the colony debated on the issue of normal delivery verses caesarean operation.  Since the age was the unforgettable factor, finally it was decided to hand over the patient to the doctor as early as possible.  So, the whole procession reached the venue; looking at the large melee, the doctor asked ‘who is the patient?’  As all the women flock looks alike in shape and size, the question was eminent; Sarika comes forward.  Sarika departed as if somebody is going to shoot her, though second timer.  After the preliminary clinical tests, doctor decided to operate, the message conveyed to the gathering.  The affirmative decision was conveyed to the doctor, but not before the sarcastic remark, ‘now-a-days doctors become butchers.  It was not during our time.’

       Since the signature of the relatives is required before any surgical intervention, therefore, Anu and Papa received an opportunity to reach to the main spot.  Nursing staff tried to disperse the mob, however, they failed in their duties.  The operation was successful and Sarika blessed with the cute boy.  Everybody tried to have a first look, of course, Anu and Suresh could get the first glance, and Anu screamed and yelled loudly with glee and joy ‘My Yammy Gabula.’

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PET: The Sensual Baby

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

A dog is the only thing on earth loves you more than he loves himself.

Josh Billings.

The bottommost intent of an individual is the peace.  Even, the intention of a murderer is to acquire the solace.  From the morning to the late night the busy office goers reach home for want of contentment.  So, everybody is in search of an assuagement.  Only two tribes that give you calmness at any time are the infant and pet; remotely they displease and aggravate but never burdensome you.  Colour, appearance, stature and breed of the pet, do not make any difference in attitude and sentiment.  Innocence and sinless disappear once the neonate grows and exhibit selfish and egoist attitude, but it never lost in pets.  The brain of a pet is at par with the brain of an infant of a year, it never gets augmented further.  Thereof the pet is the consistent and dissoluble buddy of an individual.

“That most dangerous of opponents: the one who took pains to comprehend the position of his adversary,” Piers Anthony quoted.  Your intimate friend may forgo you during adversary, adversity, forlorn and miserable time but never the pet.  Anatole France perfectly quoted that “until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”  The thing needed is your adoration and endearment for the pet; more than your anticipation the dog will selflessly reciprocate it; presentation may differ from pet to pet.  How the pet listens, do conversation; give a cute glance, the sparkling eyes and the lambent body movements as if the pet is your glamorous baby, with whom you want to play, to hug and to osculate.   The panorama metamorphosed due to the presence of a puppy - a creation of healthy atmosphere with positive energy – and the happy go lucky family becomes busy a flock.  The staunch and steadfast opposition party in the beginning becomes the best pal of the pet alike chameleon who changes the colour within no time.  Simply tail wagging, yelping, flip flopping, wriggling and persistent bolting brings amusement in the distressed family and the puppy occupies the centre stage position.

The pets are naughty and mischievous; they demand passionate love and embrace, fondle and cuddle with delectation and contentment.  The homemaker behooves their best friend, philosopher and guide apart from milk and meal provider; the youngsters play and seldom annoy and the pet become the most obedient and respectful member of the family head.  They listen and follow the instructions meticulously and many a times retorts sarcastically if scolded angrily and shows obstinacy as pets are emotional companion.

One thing is crystal clear is that you have to talk with them; it should be a baby talk, but the conversation should be immediately after your arrival as they need urgent attention; the pet will respond with blubber, tail wagging along with summersault.  Pet do loves conversation when we talk with them in baby talking language.  So, pet owners persist in their own world of fiction and fantasy temporarily forgetting selfishness and depression the globe over.  Relaxation and solace with positive energy is the need of the day.

What the pet needed is affection, not the compassion; the frolic loving animal has numerous potentialities to enhance physical and mental health of the owner.  In the association of pets one forgets the loneliness, disquiet and stress; the whole atmosphere becomes more homely with exhilaration and endearment.  The security and companionship are the two most important aspects the pet possesses; the animal on whom one can rely during composure and battle.  No matter whether the pet is a mongrel or a well establish breed, both are equally true-hearted.  Some of the known breeds are furious like Great Dane, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Doberman, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Pit Bull etc. and should be avoided.  The accommodation, family size, space for pet or kennel size, neighbor, food habits, family attitude, separate budget, outlook, time for amusement cleanliness and play, comfort zone, play ground, diseases to owner are some of the important aspects that must be discussed at length with specialist before the arrival of a puppy.  Some breeds are prone for genetic diseases, bone related injuries, skin and coat elements.

The thumb rule is, small size breeds like Chihuahua, Dachshund, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Poodle etc. are currish, churlish and aggressive; vulnerable to various diseases; hates children the most but have great affection and love for the homemakers.  Children have a habit of playing with pets by teasing, harassing, pestering and annoying them that they do not accept easily.  Their expectations are high regarding adoration and love from owner.  Small breeds are good as and when family size is small with little or medium space and the utility is limited to call bell with minimal security expectations.

The medium size dog breed is generally meant for security.  The Labrador, Bulldog, German Shepherd, Doberman, Boxer and a group of breeds of Terrier, Spaniel and Hound can be reared in a homely atmosphere provided the house is specious to accommodate the new arrival; nearby playground is obligatory for physical exercise.  Labrador is the best companion breed.  The pets required training from the early age otherwise difficult to tame and become annoyed, aggressive, headache and a nuisance to the family.  Each breed has inborn problem; in German Shepherd breed hip dysplasia is a common element. 

            

If the house is independent and spacious with separate kennel then large size breeds can be reared.  Saint Bernard, Mastiff group, Afghan Hound, Great Dane is few breeds from large size category.  Expenditure is high on maintenance, especially on a diet.  These breeds are not so ferocious and easy to tame.  Saint Bernard is supposed to be the reliable one from all aspects.  The pet may be any size and shape, rely on their security to one and all especially the young neonate and aged.

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