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.’   

@@@@@@@@@@$$$$$$$$$$@@@@@@@@@@

      

The Indolent Mother

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

           

In India, once upon a time, travel by rail was almost apprehended as a torturous journey.  With the passing of time, some basic infrastructural amenities are developed but are still inadequate.  Advance reservation is essential for overnight journey, and for that one has to exert for ticket booking, at least a month earlier; otherwise, better not to travel or opt for another mode of transportation.  James Hills once said, ‘most men who have really lived have had, in some share, their great adventure.  This railway is mine.’  And, if a lazy and sluggish mother of hardly twenty one year old from semi-urban background carry a baby of eleventh month old with bags and baggage, then travel will coherently be full of torment and tribulation rather than joy and exhilaration.

While traveling from Pune to Nagpur in India, the co-passengers were the mother along with her eleventh month old son.  I was fortunate that the other passengers in the cabin were senior citizens of my age; of which one lady was with a medical background and another woman was a psychologist.  When I enter into the cabin, I saw a young couple, along with the child, were ventilating regarding family matters.  The boy was on the lap of a father and all the time the baby was defacto comfortable with the father.  It seems the couple was the co-traveler. 

As the train inchoate its journey at evening hours, all of a sudden, the husband handed over the boy to the spouse and gets down from the moving train.  Both the elderly passengers were pal and were debating about their personal matter.  The first ten minutes were passed with contentment and exhilaration; but, further sixteen hour journey was arduous and toilsome.  The baby speaks only two words, papa and grannie; he started crying.  We are being co-passenger naturally impromptu tried to solace and console him.  What we noticed, the mother did not heed and remained aloof and detached with reckless and indifferent attitude.  His constant and unremitting weeping and lamenting – papa, granny – the incantation continued.

The first salvo was from the medico, ‘is he your son?’  The girl politely said, ‘yes.’  The psychologist said, ‘from last one hour, we are trying to entertain him, and you are behaving as if you are no way concerned with the boy.  Why don’t you breastfed him?’  Her simple reply was, ‘I have no milk.’  Medico, ‘Have you tried any time?’  The girl said, ‘almost since birth, I have not breast fed him?’  I intervened and said, ‘give him biscuits and cow milk.’  The girl opened the bag and offered him milk and biscuits.  After ten minutes, same mantra continued; it was not only irritating to us, but to the nearby passengers.

After continuous and incessant firing from both the educated ladies, the girl narrated her story.  She is from semi-urban background and married with a boy from Pune.  She was hardly 40 – 45 kg at the time of her matrimony and gained a little more at the time of delivery.  She has compelled to breastfeed the boy – by the gynecologist - for the first week that is till she was in the hospital.  Later on, the charge of a boy lies with his granny and papa.  The medico asked, ‘what was your duty?’  ‘I was and I am looking after the household work, like cooking, cleaning, and other work,’ she said.  Psychologist, ‘see, this is your baby, it is your duty to look after your baby and not your husband and mother in law; they will support you.  First and foremost is to take this boy and allow him to sit on your lap.’  She said, ‘I am weak.’  ‘Do you think that weak mother never exhibit love and adoration to her child?’  Helplessly, the girl leashed the boy and allowed to sit on her lap.  Medico said, ‘hold him properly; your first duty is to cling and snuggle him to your chest and talk with him, kiss him; show love and affection.’  Both the ladies followed what Roy T. Bennett said, ‘focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses; focus on your character, not your reputation; focus on your blessings not your misfortunes.’

My role in the huddle was to cool down the dander and choler of both the ladies on one side and to regale and rejoice the girl on the other.  The girl followed elderly ladies advice without grumbling.  At the time of dinner, she showed callousness and ungenerous attitude towards her son.  Both the ladies were adamant, strict and disciplined; they educate her how to feed a baby bit by bit.  I casually asked the girl, ‘why your husband or mother-in-law is not accompanying you?’  Her reply was, ‘my husband’s office has not sanctioned his leave; my mother-in-law is likely to be traveled by tomorrow’s train.  She has not got the reservation on today’s train.’  ‘The boy would have traveled by tomorrow’s train!’  She said, ‘my mother in law’s ticket is yet to get confirmed.’

The girl has offered the lower birth and I opted for upper.  Hardly, within an hour time the boy wakes up and started his mantra loudly – papa, granny.  The medico ordered the girl, ‘get up, sit upright, fold your lap and breastfed him.’  Initially, she hesitated; however, she followed the instructions meticulously.  The psychologist told her, ‘breastfed him till he sleep; and, in no case you will beat him.’  The drama continued till morning, wakening, mewling, breastfeeding and sleeping; it was a sleepless night for one and all.  C. A. Struve affectionately stated, ‘a child not suckled by its mother is unfortunate.’ 

In the morning when the boy awaken; she has no other alternative than to get up; her first reaction was amazed and astonished.  In a nutshell, she not only cursed her husband and mother in law but abused and showered them.  In her opinion, the boy is totally dependent on his father and granny and both have spoiled son’s habits.  The ladies retorted, barbed and said it is she who has debauched his habits and not her husband and mother-in-law.  The physician told the young mother regarding how to nurture a baby; what are the advantages of breastfeeding, playing, cuddling, clinging and fondling.  She should fundamentally breastfed for next one year, although nature is not releasing the breast milk.  It is the duty of a mother to look after the child and no other. 

The psychologist explained emotional and psychological aspects of breastfeeding.  It is not only the physical transfer of milk from mother to child, but it is an emotional roller coaster; a mother feels confident due to regulation of hormones and thus develops a strong emotional bond with their baby.  She further explained the mother-child attachment and social anxiety symptoms.  A close relationship is needed between a boy and his mom to avoid further psychological complications such as school misconduct and social security.  She further explained the multiple benefits of playing between a mother and her son with respect to mental, physical and social health of a child.  The last but not the least, the advice given by both the ladies was - there is still time to rectify the mistake.

One thing that’s visible in the morning hours was that she herself has cuddled and fondled her son affectionately.  During breakfast; the mother took the initiative to feed her baby that was appreciated by one and all.  As and when he used to recurrence his papa and granny and whimper; the mother tried her best to console him.  She voluntarily breastfed the son when he started crying loudly; other ladies in the compartment supported her.  She followed the tenets of Carol Burnett, ‘only I can change my life, no one can do it for me.’

She received the phone call from her husband; she ventilated at length concerning her son and emphatically, bluntly and candidly told that she is capacious enough to handle the issue and there is no need to send her mother in law.  The itinerant applauded her firm credence and conviction.  The girl realized her mistake.  She opined that she remained formal towards her child and had intentionally kept a distance assuming that mother in law will look after the son and the rest of the household work she will do.  The mother in law initially objected and tried to force her to take care of a child, but she did not heed to her demand.  Both the ladies rightly pointed out the misdeed she committed and asked her to contact psychiatric for further emotional-social-physical complications.  ‘A newborn baby has only three demands.  They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence.  Breastfeeding satisfies all three,’ once Dick-Read said.

She thanks us for the right advice at a right time we tendered.  She promised us that she will take due care of her son and not to commit the mistake.  H. G. Wells said, ‘if you fell down yesterday, stand up today.’  Yes, the past cannot be changed; the future is yet in your power.  Once the train reaches Nagpur Railway Station, we all departed to our destinations only after the blessings and adoration to the mother and the child.

@@@@@@@@@@$$$$$$$$$$@@@@@@@@@@

  

The Girl in the black skirt

Mohan Kothekar

Blogger and Writer

            It is the fate that decides the destiny of an individual.  How I get involved as an instrument of the cause for her fortune and predisposition due to interlocution is a mystery, never I thought before.  In true sense, I was no way concerned with an episode, but, somehow the incident happened in such a quick succession that time has not permitted to rectify it and our educational institute in general becomes the looser.  After superannuation from the active service, I still get astonished, the way wizardry incidence occurs within a minute time.

 

            It was the rainy day at 14.00 on the first July 1986, when I alone was in the admission hall and engrossed in scrutiny of admission forms.  It was a lunch break.  I was being one of the junior most academic staff members of the committee, who have bestowed the responsibility of entire admission forms of first year graduate course.  My head of the department, who happened to be the Chairman of the admission committee, has allotted to segregate the admission forms of those students who have sought the admission.  To sunder the admission forms into two groups without any flaw and that too according to the merit list and alone was not a joke.  Since morning without any break I have been doing the said job.

            The third of each July is the day of commencement of first year classes; thus, as per the University time table, the institute has to finish admission process in 15.00 hours on the first of July.  So, students and parents get thronged at the eleventh hour and create huddle and commotion.  Their difficulties are genuine; a separate cell of senior academicians was looking after the duties of the liaison officer.  During those days, the admission schedule for the first year degree course of entire government colleges was the same.  It has added the oil in the disorderly act that resulted in complete chaos – most of the time – and confusion among the budding students and their parents.  The drizzling at the eleventh hour responsible for the muddle and turbulence; the additional staff was co-opted to support the committee.

            During the lunch break, there was a lull, even the subordinate staff had gone and I was alone; I noticed a whisper and the footsteps blurry sound; I did not heed; it seems they were in confusion.  What I noticed from the corner of my eye - while doing my arduous and painstaking job – was two individuals, one in trouser and another in black skirt were standing on the front door and slowly approaching towards me.  When they reached near the table, I ask the gentleman to sit and watched with a little annoyance.  A lower middle class father and his a thin, bony, hardly five feet tall daughter politely requested me regarding permission to ask the question.  I nodded.  ‘Sir, my daughter’s name is in the admission list of your institute as well as Government Science College.  Sir, please advise us in which college, my ward should take the admission.’  For a fraction of a second, I gazed at a lean and tender girl and said, ‘had I been a father of this child, I would have preferred the Government Science College.’  In a fraction of a second, he stands and both hurriedly started their return journey; that moment I was senseless and immediately came out of the subconscious mind.  I yelled, ‘sir, sir, sir, please meet the Chairman.’  His reply not only consternation but affright me.  ‘The word ‘father’ is the essence and the gist of an essay.’  The person who said an axiom, all of a sudden disperses in oblivion.

            It was a shocking incidence; I started thinking regarding the advice proffer; had I committed a mistake?  Why I have given the advice?  Shall I entitle to offer the advice?  I should have waited for the Chairman to offer his experience comments.  Why Government Science college and not our institute?   A series of questions strikes the mind.   The probable reason may be my spouse is the degree holder from that college and the college is in the heart of the city.  The second reason, in the recent past, the girl students are joining our institute that was once the male bastion and at outskirts of the city.  The third and most important reason might be the health of the child that was not fit for the courses we offered.  Whatever be the reasons, my subconscious mind has offered the advice.

            The Chairman was the first to arrive after lunch; I out rightly explained the whole story.  His first reaction was baroque, ‘you are a donkey.’  He continued, ‘I was waiting for this girl.  You know, she stood eighth in order of the merit from the state board examination.  We lost the precious and priceless gift.  For god sake, keep mum.’  I was fortunate that no official action has been proposed and no memo was issued.

            My wife has a bad habit as that of other wives, to force me to accompany her for shopping.  So, we both along with our one year old son while rambling through Mall Street came across with a couple having a girl child almost of the same age of ours.  Naturally, I was staring at the lady who was cute and classy.  My spouse adept and versed for nasty and sarcastic comments that awaken me, ‘are you looking at future daughter in law or our son’s future mother in law?’  I am intelligent enough not to answer her crooked and crafty questions.  Before any obnoxious and dastardly comment offered by my spouse, we hurriedly cross the street; all of a sudden, a gentleman with spectacles said, ‘Hello, sir, is you remember me?’  I said, ‘I am trying to recollect; please, pardon me.’ 

            He introduced me as a salesman in nearby shop; and, three years before he along with his daughter met me on the day of the admission.  I recollected at once the incidence and asked him where about and welfare of his daughter.  He said the girl is in the third year of the Science Stream of the Government Science College that is a walking distance from his shop.  I introduced the gentleman to my wife and told him that my wife was the student of the same college.  She did a master’s degree in Statistics from the same institute.  He proudly said to my wife that because of me his daughter got the right advice at a proper time and in both years she stood first in order of the merit from the University.  He accolade and complimented my fatherly advice comment; by wiping eyes, he told my wife that because of me, he could continue the education of his daughter in a meager pay.  At least for a moment, she felt proud of her husband who happened to be useless all the time as per her firm convictions and certitudes.

            I had an opportunity to meet the mannerly gentleman again on the same street.  The girl received the bachelor degree in science with flying colour and joined the same institute for post-graduate studies in Statistics.  She was in the second year of the master’s degree program.  I emphatically told him to apply for doctoral degree courses in the US.  He assured me, he will allow his daughter to study till her satisfaction.  I told him, Biostatistics is the new emerging subject and if interested she may do research in the said subject.  We discussed at length and departed.

            The third meeting between us was after five years.  He narrated the story.  The girl obtained a first class first position in the University in bachelor’s as well as a master’s degree program.  She received the fellowship and went to New York for the doctoral degree program in Biostatistics; this is her fourth year.  In the recent past, she married with a boy from the same University and blessed with a daughter.  He said, ‘the credit goes for your fatherly advice.’

            One and half decade is passed, I could not meet him; intentionally, I loiter on the street, I am still waiting for the fourth meeting to know the welfare of a girl in the black skirt.

$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!!!!$$$$$$$$$$

The Dead End

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

          At the end of second year tutorial session, I asked, ‘who is Swati?’  The bashful and ordinary visible damsel from the solitude seat slow, crummy, and dejectedly raised her hand, as if she is going to be punished or she is suffering from contagious and deadly disease.  I congratulated her for the highest marks she received in my course in the mid-semester examination.  She nodded her head and sat down.  I invited her in my chamber.

         In the next session, I asked Swati, why not she came to my chamber, she did not reply.  It was my habit of asking questions during the class so that students will remain attentive.  That day, I intentionally asked a byzantine question; after a minute of pin drop silence, Swati stands patiently and in minimum words she replied.  I appreciated her endeavor.

         In practical class, the numbers of student are arduously twenty and hence the teacher receives an opportunity to interact with the pupil in a better way.  The instructor gets delivered to have leisure parlance with the students so as to maintain a personal rapport.  The first thing I did is I paid heed to her handwriting.  The Swati’s handwriting was better than a typed script – like a pearl.  She was not reticent but tight lipped in her reply.  After the class, I enquired from other girl students regarding Swati’s behavior.  The only riposte I concede, she was uncommunicative and taciturn, however, extraordinarily brilliant.  My colleague faces the same problem of liaison with the prodigy.

         The mode of communication between me and Swati was only one and that too hard questions.  Never had she let down her head in shame.  One fine morning, she caressingly knocks the cabin door; she came in and politely asked me the reply of previous day difficulty.  She told me that she tried to find the answer from the text and reference books but could not find the answer.  I told her that I started asking the questions more and more difficult so that a day will come when she will be compelled to come to my cabin.  For the first time, I find a smile on her face.

          I asked her the intent for negation of my invitation, the day she awarded the highest marks; she remained mum.  In a casual aspirate, I inquired her about family background.  I came to know that her father and my father were serving in the same office.  I appreciate her clean-cut handwriting.  She said that her handwriting from birth was like that of the typewriting machine script and for which she has received many small time awards.  There was a huge gap between the teacher and the scholar.

         When I narrated the story, my daddy told me that Swati papa’s attitude was pragmatic, stickler and headstrong; once he decides he never budge and has autocratic behavior.  Father added to my knowledge that he has not received further promotions due to his conflicting tendency with the higher ups.

         Due to submissive, chicken-hearted and funky nature, the top ranking girl has faced lots with difficulties in the course seminar.  How to train a girl for the seminar course was an open challenge.  Her preparation was up to the mark; the problem lies with the presentation.  I told her to come one hour early so that I will take additional efforts.  My first duty was to create a confidence in her.  I called all the assistant of my department to attend the rehearsal.  The first day, when I asked her to stand on the podium and have a glance at the audience; she started shuddering, trembling.  I did not allow her to come down till she stops sobbing.  The next day drama continues with a little success that she told her name to the audience ten times.  On the third day, each one of us asked her the personal question so as to bring confidence in her.  It took one month of additional efforts to remove from her mind the fear psyche.  On the day of the seminar, Swati touched my feet for blessings.  Her presentation was par excellence.  As usual, she received the highest marks.  She gets regaled because of her presentation; since then, the new chapter in her life began.

          I was her educator for the second and third year.  At the end of third year, I told her to frame for All India post-graduate entrance test examination.  I emphatically told her that if she stood in order of merit, then she will get Junior Research Fellowship along with admission to the top University.  She used to seek my support in the fourth and fifth year of her graduation as well as entrance examination preparation.  I have provided her text and reference books.

         In the concluding year her kinship with me was like a father and a daughter.  In tenth semester, Swati came into my chamber impetuously and in jubilant and hilarious mood and told me that she stood first in order of merit in the All India Entrance Examination.  I congratulate and pat her; she took my blessing and started whimpering.  It was difficult for me to leash her feelings.  She narrated her tribulation; her daddy was a stony-hearted man and in no case he will allow her to pursue her cherished desire.  The father wants to get rid by marrying her as quickly as possible.

         Our institute has a tradition to arrange a reception for those students who stood in the merit list at All India Entrance Examination.  In that year, Miss Swati was the guest of honor.  Personally, I requested the authority to invite her parents for the function; the Dean was well acquainted with the personal problem of Miss Swati.  Her father attended the function.  The Dean took the lead and requested her father to continue her education.  It is an honor not to the institute, but to the beholder of the fellowship.  Somehow, the father reluctantly gave her permission to pursue her desire.

         Before the departure, she met me and took the blessings; I have handed over the personal letter to the head of the department of the national level institute to look after her lodging and boarding arrangements.  On and often Swati used to write me the letter.  During Dipawali and year-end holidays it was her routine to visit our college and to meet me.  Once, she came to my cabin and requested me to give fatherly advice.  She received a proposal from her classmate who happened to be my student.  I asked her two questions.  One is she dating with the boy and second did her parents ready to solemnize her marriage.  She at once negated the facts.  My simple answer was ‘no,’ as blessing of parents is more important than marriage.  Later on, she rejected the proposal out rightly.

         She stood first in order of merit at national level.  She received a Senior Research Fellowship to continue her doctoral level degree work.  By the time she completed a master’s degree program, Swati was quite bold to argue and defend.  On one fine morning, her father came to meet me.  I told my intention, Swati was an extraordinary intelligent girl and if she joined the doctoral courses, she will become national and international level scientist and contribute in the field of biological science.  The father radically and altogether denounced me for the delay in her marriage.  He started arguing and fighting loudly as if I have committed a crime.  I tender my apology and said it is she and her parents to take the final decision.  Swati, later on, told me that she fought with her father who reprimands and slapped her for the arrogance she exhibited.

            

         In the meantime, she received the degree as well as award for excellent post graduate research work.  After a month or so, she invited me to marriage.  After matrimony, she joined the groom; I lost the contact and I remained busy in my work.

         Two decades have passed; a middle aged lady along with her two sons gently knocked the cabin door.  In the first instance I could not recognize her; I offer Swati Tea and Snacks.  When I asked about her whereabouts she said ‘I am a housewife and doing nothing since marriage.’  ‘Why did not continue the doctoral research work?’  ‘That time, the Indian girls were not as bold as they are today,’ was her reply.  When I asked about her sons, the elder son with a gloomy and cheerless face said, ‘we both are mediocre.  We are unfortunate; we have not received the same set of genes as mummy possessed.’  She said, ‘After marriage, I am coming for the first time.’  ‘Why.’  ‘My father expires; my conflict was with his soul and not with the physical body.  Since then, I never saw my father’s face.’  I solaced and consoled, ‘as a teacher, when we try to encourage millions of students, the nation rarely finds one Mashelkar, Abdul Kalam, C. N. R. Rao, M. G. K. Menon and M. S. Swaminathan like personalities.’  She said at once, ‘I am a progenitor, but could not become a creator.  The marriage was the dead end of the career.’

@@@@@@@@@@

  

The Blind Faith

Story

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

Two years before:

Kolkata: The office landline phone rang: ‘Hello!’

Pune: ‘See, We have not received machines.  You promised us to dispatch it, the day before yesterday.’

Kolkata: ‘Please listen…’

Pune: ‘My Manager wants to talk to higher authority.  Please connect...’

Kolkata: Senior Engineer: ‘Good afternoon!’

Pune: Manager, speak loudly with churlish and blah tone: ‘Madam… We are facing the wrath of the customers.  The customers are using abusive language.  It is spoiling the image and reputation of our company and unnecessarily the company held us responsible.’

Kolkata: Senior Engineer in a cool tone: ‘Sir, Please, give me fifteen minutes, I will let you know in detail.  I tender my apology.’

……….

Kolkata:  Office phone: ‘May I speak with the Manager?’

Pune: Manager in angry tone: ‘Yes. I am waiting for your phone call from one hour.’

Kolkata: Senior Engineer spoke patiently: ‘Sir, I checked the location of a truck via GPS.  All the machines will reach the warehouse within two hours.’

Pune: Manager in anguish voice: ‘Even if it reaches the warehouse by tomorrow evening I will be happy.’

Kolkata: ‘Sir, please, with folded hand, I tender my apology for the inconvenience.’

Pune: Manager continued: ‘No!  No!  Madam!  It is easy to apologize from the head office and that too by the lady Senior Engineer from the air conditioned cabin.  You people have not faced the customer’s choler; then you will realize the exact meaning of an apology.  Henceforth, we have no other alternative than to report it to MD for which we should not be held responsible.’

……….

Kolkata: Senior Engineer: ‘May I speak with the Manager?’

Pune: Manager, ‘Yes! Please.’

Kolkata: ‘Sir.  Let me tender apology from the core of my heart for getting goods late.’

Pune: In a cool and frigid tone: ‘Don’t be under wrong impression, sometimes, for the sake of office, we have to talk with each other in a harsh tone; we are not the enemies but the friends.  We are the partners in the progress.  You should not take it at personal level.’

Kolkata: ‘We use to give the information on the basis of the advice received the transportation company.  Now, I am providing you the direct GPS link so that you will get the exact location of the trucks.’   

Pune: ‘Thank you very much, for the personal efforts.’

Kolkata: ‘Please, do not make our complaint to a higher authority.  I will lose my job.’

Pune: Remember Albert Einstein famous quote, ‘Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.’

Kolkata: ‘Thank you, for kind support.’

……….

Pune: ‘Now, there is no problem.  We know the exact location of the truck, and on the basis of GPS link we are providing updated information to the customer.  Thank you for personal efforts.’

Kolkata:  ‘Sir, that day, you were so upset!  I thought I lost my job.’

Pune: ‘I have already apologized, generally, I never get angry.  What happened, the customers have lodged the complaint with GM so I have no other alternative than to talk to you angrily.’

Kolkata: ‘Anger is the gateway for many metabolic and non-metabolic diseases.’

Pune: ‘It adds to my knowledge.  I will try to control my anger so that I will get protected from the deadly diseases.’

……….

Kolkata: ‘The finance department has asked me to contact you; the cheque of the last consignment has not received.  Please, look into the matter and call me.’

Pune: ‘The cheque has already been dispatched to the finance department by Currier - just a second - yesterday.  Please, convey to the finance department that they will get it within three days.’

She: ‘I will pass on your message.  The atmosphere is quite sultry; AC is not working properly.’

He: ‘You are still angry on my remarks!  Do not heed it.’

She: ‘No… Not at all, by God, it is sultry!  You know our head office is near the bank of Hooghly River; sweating is common; and the Kolkata population, unimaginable, it is exceeding more than 14 million; actually, I want to run away from this city.  Engineers from your office told me that Pune is quite cold.’

He: ‘Pune is comparatively cold and breezy!  Once upon a time it was quite a cold senior citizen city, but, due to the industrialization, temperature during summer is comparatively high.’

She: ‘Just a minute, please!  I have just received e-mail from our DGM that I am in-charge of the Pune region.’

He: ‘Congratulations!  Here onward you are our boss.’

She: ‘Please, do not make a fun out of it.  For any matter, feel free to contact me.  I will always be at your disposal.’

He: ‘Thank you.’

Conversation between He and She has become a routine affair.

……….

He: ‘The piston is not working properly.  I have personally visited and checked those machines.  Study the piston design and give us the appropriate solution.’

She: ‘I will make a call after four days; actually we will require three days for this work, but, I want one more day, because, my past performance is not up to the mark’

He: ‘It seems my image is not up to the mark, I will try to improve it.’

She: ‘Shri Ramana Maharshi once said self-reform automatically brings about social reforms.’

He: ‘quite interesting!’

She: ‘Can you spare few moments?’

He: ‘Why not?’

She: ‘Being in-charge, on and often I have to call you, I am junior and less experience and not exposed to field problems, so please support me.’

He: ‘No need to worry.  I am with you.  Always keep in your mind what Buddha said, your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to you.’

She: ‘I am delighted and regaled.’

……….

She: ‘Sorry for delay.’

He: ‘I am habitual.’

She: The olden quote says, ‘It takes a strong person to say sorry, and an even stronger person to forgive.’

He: ‘What about machine fault?’

She: ‘Philosophically, all machines are in-born faulty including you and me.’

He: ‘Talk about fault first.  We will discuss at a length on philosophy.’       

She: ‘One should not be so workaholic, the company never pays more than what we work; one should enjoy all the facets of life.  I have emailed you ten minutes before; you will get the readymade solution.’

He: ‘Thank you for your support and philosophical discourse.’

She: ‘It’s my pleasure.’

He: ‘It seems you are in a festive mood; you are quite intelligent, you have deliberately missed the first part of the famous quote; Forgiveness is the best form of love, it takes a strong person…..’

She: ‘I didn’t know you are so romantic and knowledgeable!’

……….

She: ‘I am a bachelor; call me Miss.’

He: ‘How are you Miss?’

She: ‘Enjoying lunch.  What about you?’

He: ‘Our courtyard brinjal and tomato curry with chapatti.’

She: ‘You are lucky, you are living in a house and having courtyard; we are in ancestral home without courtyard.  A home grown fresh and green vegetable is not in our fate.’

He: ‘Complete credit of gardening goes to parents.  Gardening is their hobby, especially my sweet mother.’

She: ‘What is your contribution?’

He: ‘A little; there is paucity of time!’

She: ‘Even the Prime Minister has time to support their parents.  I don’t like such persons who never support and respect their parents.’

……….^^^^^……….

One and half year before:

She: ‘I have received your parcel.’

He: ‘Tell me, frankly, whether you like my gift?’

She: ‘Is it come under the definition of the gift, and, that too, for the first time to a charming fair looking girl?  Seven small size brinjal, of which one is defaced; eleven chilly of which seven are green and four red;  and five tomato, two red and three green and one tennis ball size pumpkin!’

He: ‘If you did not like my gift, send it back; I myself have produced these vegetables…’

She: ‘Thank you, I did not know you have taken my words so seriously.’

He: ‘You have given me a series of lectures on how to support parents.  What’s an innuendo, quip and barb the discourse was?  You girls are famous for passing sarcastic and jeer remarks.’

She: ‘Sending the parcel without writing my name?  Is it not my foul and frightful insult?  Your accountant came and shouted in public, who is the lady Senior Engineer looking after Pune region?’ 

He: ‘Have you told your name?’ 

She: ‘Have you asked?  It is the boy who has to take the lead in all walks of life and girl follows it.’

He: ‘It is a new lesson.’

She: ‘Everybody from our section was curious; and what I received is green vegetables?’

He: ‘You are fiery and flippant on me, I can produce vegetables and we have a courtyard.’

She: In affectionate and caressing tone: ‘I thought I would get an expensive gift form humdrum and cold blooded boy of Pune, you letdown me completely.’

……….

She: ‘Debashree speaking.’

He: ‘What a suave, melodious, sweet and cherubic name!’

Debashree: ‘Have you told your name?’

He: ‘No. Why?’

Debashree: ‘No need.’

He: ‘Why?’

Debashree: ‘It is our trade secret.  Not a single girl on the earth makes friendship without prior detail investigation.’

He: ‘You are talking from headquarter.  You have my complete resume.’

Debashree: ‘By the way, the vegetables were lovely and awesome. Bye Avinash.’

……….

Debashree: ‘How are you?’

Avinash: ‘Fine! How is the life?’

Debashree: ‘My parents called me Chiku!’

Avinash: ‘It is very common to pronounce my nickname as Avi!  But, never in my life had my father called me by my pet name!’

Chiku: ‘What about your mother?’

Avi: ‘She has thousands of pet names for me in her treasury.  Mummy is still enquiring about who has stolen her green vegetables.  Now, she is extra vigilant.’

Chiku: ‘If aunty knew about our clandestine and crypto act, then she will beat us!’

……….

A call at 23.00 hours:

Avi in a disgust, aversion and abomination mood: ‘Who is speaking?’

Chiku: ‘The Rome is burning and the Romeo is not only sleeping but snoring loudly!’

Avi: ‘Is this a time to call?  Who has given you my mobile number?’

Chiku: ‘The source is already revealed.  Hey… I am calling from my mobile.  Congratulations!’

Avi: ‘For what?’

Chiku: ‘From Pune region you have received highest bonus and pay rise along with appreciation certificate.’

Avi: ‘Are you joking?’

Chiku: ‘I never speak lies.  I am waiting for a junket and expensive gift.’

……….

Avi: ‘Papa and Mummy have gone for shopping.  Now you can talk as much as you can.’

Chiku: ‘We are five.  My father Soumitra Banerjee is a Principal and my mother Aperna Banerjee is Senior Professor in the same college; and before any sarcastic comment, let me tell you, it was a love marriage.  My younger brother Pratyush is a third year IIT student and already selected in campus interview; and, me and my Piku, a lovely parrot.’

Avi: ‘A close knitted and well educated family.’

Chiku: ‘You are not revealing any information about your family.’

Avi: ‘You are having all the detailed information.’

Chiku: ‘I knew only those things that you have written in your resume; except photograph.  Spies from Pune and Kolkata provide me the updated information.’

Avi: ‘It seems you are extraordinarily intelligent!’

Chiku: ‘Indeed, I am engineering graduate from NIIT institute and I have completed three and half years of service in this organization.’

Avi: ‘We are higher middle class Maharashtrian Brahmin family.  My father Suresh Dattatray Deshpande is Deputy General Manager in nationalized bank and mother Shobha is a homemaker.  And listen… it was an arranged marriage.’

Chiku: ‘Relieved, our caste is same.’

Avi: ‘Radha, my elder sister MBBS and MD, settled in Boston.  She married to Dr Ajay Ranade and the couple have lovely and chubby one year old baby girl IRA.  After graduation and post-graduation from famous and old College of Engineering Pune, I joined this organization six years before.  We have no parrot, dog or cat.’

Chiku: ‘Verified from the horse’s mouth.’

Avi: ‘Whatever scanty information you have provided, I am keeping cent per cent faith on it; without any distrust and dubitation.’

Chiku: ‘That’s like a good boy.  A classic quote says, I never really had the classic struggle, I had the faith.’

Avi: ‘What D. L. Moody said a little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.’

Chiku: ‘You are an accomplished sportsman in quick retorting.’

Avi: ‘Shall I consider it as a praise or curse?’

……….^^^^^……….

Chiku: ‘Mummy and Daddy were discussing about matrimony.’

Avi: ‘Such type of discussion is going on in our house.’

Chiku: ‘How you are managing?’

Avi: ‘Career is more important.’

Chiku: ‘Did not tell them about us?’

Avi: ‘No courage and strength.’

Chiku: ‘My family keeps an eye on our routine call.’

Avi: ‘My mother is suspicious about our call.  Better to change the timings.’

Chiku: ‘The best timing is during office travel.’

Avi: ‘Why you are not speaking to your parents?’

Chiku: ‘I will prefer to jump in Hooghly.’

Avi in a laughing tone: ‘Take a dip in Hooghly and if survive, then open the topic!’

Chiku: ‘It is a serious matter; for god sake, do not laugh.’

……….

Chiku: ‘I lost 11 kg weight.’

Avi: ‘How heavy you were?’

Chiku: ‘Wise person never ask about ladies weight and age.’

Avi: ‘When you started gym and dieting?’

Chiku: ‘The day I received the parcel.  Why don’t we elope?’

Avi: ‘My parents are more important to me than marriage.  In that event, I will prefer to remain single.’  

Chiku: ‘That’s like a good boy.  My choice is not wrong; I want such a boy who has a conviction and assurance for the noble cause; my salutations for your trustworthiness!’

Avi: ‘Marriage should always with the blessing of parents, relatives and well-wisher.’

……….

Avi: ‘What about weight?’

Chiku: ‘Only 15 kg loss.’

 Avi: ‘What is your target?’

Chiku: ‘Further fifteen Kg, before marriage.’

Avi: ‘After marriage double the gain?’

Chiku: ‘Who bother?  Khao, pio aur ash karo… (Eat, drink and enjoy…)’

Avi: ‘I will have to shell money on these three items.’   

Chiku: ‘I will be the earning member; there is no need to spend money on me and my Piku.  I like twins!’

Avi: ‘Doesn’t dream during day time.  We have not seen each other; we have not exchanged our photographs; our parents have not given their consent.’

Chiku: ‘There are advantages of twins; both can be reared at a time; they play with each other; Mama and Daddy will take care of babies; and we will be free for everlasting romance.  Two time pregnancy will change my charming figure.’

Avi: ‘My parents are not meant for baby-sitting!  What are your parent’s duties?  Only marriage! They will have to take fifty percent responsibility.’

……….

Chiku: ‘One thing I have noticed… my parents are not asking anything about marriage.  Actually, I was mad of their nagging behavior.  What about you?’

Avi: ‘Ma and Papa are daily going for shopping from last one week.  And, another development is… when I asked about shopping…they remained mum! They stared at me!’

Chiku: ‘Mummy and Papa are on leave from last four days… cleanliness drive is going on… when asked, they said… for Durga Puja festival… still three months for Durga Puja… Tinku is not responding…’

Avi: ‘Who is this Tinku?’

Chiku: ‘Pratyush!’

Avi: ‘In Bengal… everything ends with ‘U’, Chiku… Piku… Tinku…’

Chiku: ‘No regional spirit…’

Avi: ‘By the way… what will be my pet name?’

Chiku: ‘Aku…’

Avi: ‘You know, what it means in Marathi? A dog…’

Chiku: ‘Dog!  Funny!  Hii… Hii… Hii…Hii… Hii… After all, you are my pet!’

……….

Chiku in bilious and hasty tone: ‘You bloody fool!’

Avi: ‘What!’

Chiku: ‘You scoundrel…’

Avi: ‘Anything wrong?’

Chiku: ‘My hands and legs are trembling and shivering…’

Avi: ‘What happened?’

Chiku: ‘I am in the bathroom, let me pee… lingerie is already wet…’

Avi: ‘How much time you take for pee?  And, you are constantly abusing…’

Chiku: ‘Earthquake… Diarrhea…’

Avi: ‘Earthquake?  Run away at once… Diarrhea, later on…’

Chiku: ‘No… Not possible… Sweating… Softie’

Avi: ‘From where talking…’

Chiku: ‘Home… sweating… whole body shuddering… You beguile!’

Avi: ‘Please consult a physician at once… you are not well…you need treatment…’

Chiku: ‘No need!  I am already dead!’

Avi: ‘What happened?’

Chiku: ‘You big liar… your Mummy and Papa is hereeeeee!!!!!’

Avi: ‘Whatttttt??????’

……….

Chiku: ‘Why you have not told me in advance that your parents are coming?’

Avi: ‘I have no idea!’

Chiku: ‘When you have given address, parent’s mobile number?’

Avi: ‘You never share this information with me!’

Chiku: ‘How they knew about us?’

Avi: ‘I swear to Mother, I have no idea!’

Chiku: ‘You did not know their travel plan?’

Avi: ‘Never!  How they knew about our affairs?  God promise, not the slightest knowledge I have.  Ever you have uttered regarding our friendship?’

Chiku: ‘Do you think I am insane?  I have taken due care during flirting.’

Avi: ‘We will discuss on this issue later on.  At what time my parents arrived?’

Chiku: ‘When I came from office your Mummy and Papa were already here along with bags and baggage.  My in-laws have given me costly presents! Guess, Baby, Guess!’

Avi: ‘Miss! Four hours before, you were shivering, sweating, pissing, lingerie wetting and what not; and now you are in jubilant mood.’

Chiku: ‘When I came from the office, my parents introduced me; your parents kissed me, that time I realized that they were your parents.  It was a shocking incidence.  I ran away in bathroom… you knew what happened afterward.’

Avi: ‘What present the queen of the day received?’

Chiku: ‘My adorable peacock colour saree, pure golden necklace, branded makeup kit, branded lipstick set, office casuals, dresses, jeans, pants, tops, shorts, French deodorant, imported scent and what not.  My parents and Tinku also received the costly gifts.’

Avi: ‘What is the source?  Who is the spy?’

Chiku: ‘Forget, whosoever he/she may be… I am enjoying the gift.  My Father-in-law is a gentleman, soft spoken and knowledgeable and my Mother-in-law is cute, misti (sugary) and glamorous.’

Avi: ‘What is this misti?’

Chiku: ‘You half-Bengali Babu, you must know the meaning of misti.’

Avi: ‘You black magician, I did not know that you have bewitched my parents.  They have not simply phoned me?’

Chiku: ‘I forgot to tell you their message that they will come back after a week stay.  I had one to one discussion with Radha on WhatsApp; and, my dear future Hubby, I am getting a pack of gifts from Boston.  Bye… Bye…’

……….

Chiku: ‘I am a busy bee.  No need to call me again and again.  I am on leave till yours Mummy Papa is here.  We all are busy; my relatives, neighbors, well-wishers have invited us for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Listen… both the ladies taught me how to drape a saree!  Message from my mother-in-law, take due care of plants, do not eat in eatery, close the door before sleep and give flying kiss daily to their daughter in law.’

Avi: ‘The last one is an addendum from her daughter-in-law.  Who is the spy?’

Chiku: ‘I swear of God, father, mother, brother and Piku, I have not revealed any information.  Who so ever has done, it is good for us; we both are coward, sissy, craven and spineless to express our love to parents.  For your information I asked this question to my mother, she has not replied.  So, with a flying kiss, bye… bye…’

……….

Avi: ‘Parents arrived.’

Chiku: ‘What they were talking about me?’

Avi: ‘Very bad!’

Chiku: ‘Shall I delete your phone number permanently or you are telling me the truth.’

Avi: ‘They have high regards to your family.’

Chiku: ‘Tell me about me!’

Avi: ‘You are fair, smart, but little fleshy.  You are a typical Bengali looking girl with round face; a good natured girl and have excellent manners.’

Chiku: ‘Over?’

Avi: ‘Madam, from last seven hours there is only one mantra, my Debashree… mazi sunbai… mazi sunbai…(my daughter in law)’

Chiku: ‘Mazi sunbai mean….’

Avi: ‘By now, you must be an expert in Marathi language.’

Chiku: ‘What about you, Mr Babu Moshay? By now, you should have mastery over Bengali literature.’

Avi: ‘I have not received any return gift?  I did not know why you people are so miser and niggard.’

Chiku: ‘Gifts are only meant for girls, not boys.  They are going to you give a big size live gift along with my Piku.’

……….

Chiku: ‘Parents and brother enjoyed one week stay at Pune.  Your SASU MA (mother-in-law) is especially happy.  To add to your knowledge, Mrs Debashree Avinash Deshpande’s weight has been reduced by twenty two point six Kg.’

Avi: ‘I am lucky that I received the call.’

Chiku: ‘I am a busy girl.  In the morning gym, noon hours office, during lunch hour WhatsApp video discussion with your Mummy, evening hours reserved for teachers who teaches me how to do routine household work, especially Maharashtrian style dishes, during the night WhatsApp call from Boston.  Marriage is not an easy task; you have to shed lots of calories.  To the other side, I am on a low calorie diet; nobody is ready to massage my aching body.  You scoundrel you are enjoying.’

Avi: ‘Who are the teachers?’

Chiku: ‘One is mine and other is your SASU MA, one is by birth teacher and dangerous; other behaves like a boss; both are churning me as if I am buttermilk.’

Avi: ‘Mrs Deshpande has not given any special gift to her husband.’

Chiku: ‘You must have received priceless and inestimable love and adoration along with a branded shirt.’

Avi: ‘We spent more than lakh rupees on your gift and in return I received a branded shirt.’

Chiku: ‘Hello… I have received these gifts from my in-laws and not from you; so far, I have received only one gift that is your green vegetables.  I promise, in return, I will give you twins.’

Avi: ‘Before marriage?’

Chiku: ‘I am not pregnant.  Bye… Doggy…’

……….^^^^^……….

Six months before:

Chiku in a dejected and crummy mood: ‘Yours and mine horoscope is not matching; why Mars planet is against us?  You know, my Mars is very strong (Manglic).’

Avi: ‘You read the literature on Mars planet you will understand the role of Mars planet and then you yourself will laugh.  Regarding churning, it is essential to know the ethics, culture, sense of responsibility to a betrothed.’

Chiku: ‘There is a small dispute between me and both elderly ladies regarding blouse.  Whose is going to marry?  It is I to decide regarding my blouse.’

Avi: ‘Does not wear a blouse at all.  Hiii… Hiii… Hiii… Hiii…Bye… Darling… Bye…’

……….

Chiku: ‘There is a big dispute between me and my parents.  They now realized that we have not seen and met each other; they are insisting that I should meet you at least once.  I denied.’

 Avi: ‘Same over here.  I told my parents that I like girl’s cherubic, canorous and melodious voice; face and figure is less important than family ascendency and virtues.’   

Chiku: ‘I told them outright that I will meet you during our marriage day.  I am adamant on this issue.  Tinku is teasing me that you are squint and paraplegic.  I kicked him.’

Avi: ‘Mother is trying to show me a series of your photographs, but, I prefer to close my eyes.  She is going to print your wall size photograph, I told her that in that event, I will prefer to die; she started crying, it took a day for me to solace.  One sentimental quote has transformed the scenario; a Mother is your first friend, your best friend and your forever friend; and… now… she feels pretentious and proud of my complete faith on her.  Look baby… how I manage my mama.’

……….

Avi: ‘Marriage preparations are on a war footing; additional maid has been appointed.  Invitation cards are ready.  Dad is busy is managing financial matters.  Radha is going to join a month before.  Flight tickets are likely to be booked in this week.  What SASU MA is doing?’

Chiku: ‘Your baneful, crazy and arrogant SASU MA is evaluating the answer sheets, she is just one foot away, teaching lessons are going on regarding how to behave politely with in-laws and husband; everyday non-stop discourse.  Sit ma sit, no need to go; your son-in-law must know how dangerous you are; except sound thrashing, this lady is using all the tools to defame and deface me?’

Avi: “It seems you are in hilarious mood.’

Chiku: ‘Just a second!  Moti (fatty) is relaxing in your SASU MA’s lap.  The whole house is in a complete mess, jumble and disorder; painting work is going on; side by side purchasing is going on.  Tinku is teasing me constantly, my daddy and uncle are busy in band, orchestra, marriage hall and what not booking.’

Avi: ‘Any clue?’

Chiku: ‘My mother is Byomkesh Bakshi of West Bengal.  For the first time in my life I have not taken her in confidence about our affair; she is taking revenge by not divulging the source.’

Avi: ‘O God, your mummy has any idea about twins?’

Chiku: ‘Indeed!  She is the witness of all our conversation the day secret gets exposed.  It is already decided, my mother will breast fed one baby and another baby by your mom.’

Avi: ‘are you joking!’

Chiku: ‘When they can breastfeed their children, why not grandchildren?  Ma, please, do not tweak my ear, it is paining!  See, she is laughing like a silly child.’

Avi: ‘You are horrible.’

Chiku: ‘Mother is well acquainting with your pet name Aku, I mean, my pet, doggy!  Look, she is smiling and clapping.  Ma is joyful when I call you doggy.’

Avi: ‘It is better to end the conversation.’

Chiku: ‘You know… We all are enjoying Manglik (Mars planet) joke.  When I told her actual meaning of Manglik that I will remain entirely dominant during everlasting honeymoon; Mamma’s chicks become more and more blush and abash.  Now, mummy is snuggling and clinging and not allowing me to talk.’

……….

Chiku: ‘How are the marriage preparations?  Mummy and Papa are awfully busy.  The day Mummy came back from Pune; we all are sleeping in the same bedroom.  During night hours I feel mummy’s wet eyes; she embraced me tightly; I have no alternative than to solace; seldom, I do start weeping and lamenting.’

Avi: ‘It is agonizing for the girl’s family to pass from such ordeals.  We have experienced the same five years before when Radha got married.  She is more than twelve thousand kilometers away from us.  Second, it is practically difficult to get a visa.  My mother and father received the visa and visited two times.  I have not received the visa.  That way, I am the unfortunate guy.’

Chiku: ‘I am lucky.  I will be two thousand kilometers away and any time I can visit Kolkata; just two hours flight.  Sometimes, I thought that, whether I have committed mistake?’

Avi: ‘Change the subject.  How is your father?’

Chiku: ‘He is the biggest looser.  I am emotionally attached to my father.  Men never express their sorrow physically and publicly; but, I know he is crying from inside.  Tinu and I both try to make mimic out of nothing, but he seldom participates and laugh.’

Avi: ‘My father is very sentimental about Radha.  Every day, the father has a video talk with Radha for at least five minutes.  I noticed one change in him, the day our marriage is fixed, I find significant change is his behavior; he looks jolly.  I knew he was talking to you daily; he will become the best friend of yours.  It seems they find Radha in you.  Somebodies loss is others gain.’

Chiku: ‘Yes, I endorsed your views.  I talk to your parents daily, both love me as if I am their daughter; your parent shares everything with me; your papa narrates funny stories from his office.’           

Avi: ‘Till date, I have not heard a single narration from his office.  How funny it is?  I am his son, but you are his intimate friend.  By the way, what is your impression about your SASU MA?’

Chiku: ‘You know, honey, in the present era, mother in law is not behaving like mingy, they do love daughter in law like daughter in every walk of life.’ 

……….

Avi: ‘Good morning baby!’

Chiku: ‘Good morning!’

Avi: ‘Radha arrived at 1.00 A.M.  Our festive season started.  What about you?’

Chiku: ‘Tomorrow first batch is arriving.  So mother and I are relaxing.’

Avi: ‘Good morning Mummy.’

Mother: “Good morning.’

Chiku: ‘Yesterday night, nine bags were packed and made ready for Pune destination.’

Avi: ‘Listen, our house is not a tent or a big palace, it is home sweet home.’

Chiku: ‘Mister Doggy, see, she is laughing, this is the beginning!  These are my personal luggage.  I have not counted other things.  I am not alone going to join you; my Piku and my sweet mummy are accompanying me and that to permanently.  From last many months I become habitual to sleep with my mother, after marriage she will sleep between us.  I have no objection if your mother will join the team.  See again, she is laughing, beating, clinging.’

Avi: ‘Don’t you feel ashamed of talking such nasty things in the mother’s presence?’

Chiku: ‘Certainly not; we are friends!  We are going to Singapore for honey moon.’

Avi: ‘Whether a band party joining?’

Chiku: ‘Mama is saying that she is not joining, because, I have not accompanied her on her honeymoon trip.’

Avi: ‘Slowly and steadily I am realizing that you are not half mad but full mad.  You need psychiatric treatment.’

Chiku: ‘Don’t be so jealous!’

Avi: ‘If I speak in this language with my mother then she will thrash me mercilessly.’

Chiku: ‘Look, we four ladies are enjoying below the belt jokes from the day our marriage gets settled.  We are enjoying and laughing doggy, manglik, wet lingerie, moti, twins, and many more jokes.’

Avi: ‘You are not only full mad, but rascal and scoundrel!’

Chiku: ‘This is nothing.  The pumpkin joke… Hiiii… Haaaa… Hiii…. Let me laugh first, my mummy has not only closed eyes and ears tightly but hidden her face…’

Avi: ‘Pumpkin joke?’

Chiku: ‘You send me a green vegetable parcel along with small tennis ball size pumpkin.’

Avi: ‘Yes, I do remember, so, what about pumpkin?’

Chiku: ‘I told them that my pumpkins are bigger in size than the pumpkin I received… Hi… Ha… Hi… Ha… Huu… Hii… listen, Radha fell down due to continuous laughing and your mummy ran away!’

Avi abruptly ended the conversation.

……….

Avi: ‘Almost all arrangements are over.  Relatives are pouring in.  Bags and baggage are ready.  Air tickets are already booked.  All are in festive mood.  Singing and dancing is going on.  We all are busy.  What about your side?’

Chiku: ‘We are lucky that the relative, academic and ministerial staff of the college is assisting my parents.  Final touches are going on.’

Avi: ‘Some confusion is there regarding how to solemnize the marriage rituals, experts are scratching their heads, and they are trying to amalgamate the Bengali and Marathi rituals.’

Chiku: ‘Let them do their job, marriage is important whether this or that style; I am interested in a honeymoon.’

Avi: ‘No obscene and bawdy jokes.  At present, we are sixty seven.  At eleventh hour few may likely to get added.’

Chiku: ‘But, as decided earlier, we made arrangements of sixty only; you should have told us in advance.’

Avi: ‘We will make our own arrangement.  Ok.’

Chiku: ‘Look, we have already made additional arrangement; we are big and kind hearted.’

Avi: ‘I knew the size of your heart from pumpkin joke.  Really…, you cracked the pumpkin joke to Radha and my mother?  I don’t believe.’

Chiku: ‘Better you asked them.  They relish my juicy jokes.’

Avi: ‘Now I remember, why my mummy was laughing all the time during gardening.  Have you reduced the weight?’

Chiku: ‘Yes, I have reduced 29.4 Kg.  In one week I will accomplish my target.’

Avi: ‘One question I want to ask you at this juncture.  Never you thought of meeting me in person?’

Chiku: ‘No, never.  I am imagining the face behind that voice.  Your simplicity, innocence and family ambience are more important to me.

……….

Avi: ‘We are reaching Kolkata at evening hours.  My mother is a horrible lady.  Radha is adding oil in the fire.  The luggage is so heavy that it is better to book a Cargo plane!  Five large size bags are specially meant for you; gift costs more than Rs 8.00 lakhs.  Two ladies and two gents assistant are accompanying us.’

Chiku: ‘Honey, our budget is already exceeded; initial number was 60, it is increasing like Lord Hanumanji’s tail; now it has reached 91 + 4 = 95, keep it in mind, if the number surpasses hundred figures, then the extras will be accommodated in the canopy.’

Avi: ‘Ok.  The day Radha arrived, from that day we all are sleeping in the same room, clinging and cuddling.  I noticed that mother was soft, emotional and touchy.’

Chiku: ‘Try to share your emotions with her, she will feel lighter.’

Avi: ‘Definitely!  I will call you from Kolkata.’

……….

Avi: Hi! Chiku…’

Chiku: ‘How was the journey?’

Avi: ‘Fine.  What are you doing?’

Chiku: ‘At 23.45 hours I am sleeping with my mother.  Mehendi designers have taken three hours of my time.  Just a second, mummy, hold the phone properly, let me adjust, I am almost in the birth suit.’

Avi: ‘Please do not joke at night hours.’

Chiku: ‘Ask my mother.’

Avi: ‘Lucky girl.’

Chiku: ‘Both the pumpkins are designed and well decorated.’

Avi: ‘Don’t speak like a loafer girl.’

Chiku: ‘Mamma was there during designing.  If you think I am bluffing, ask her.’  

Avi: ‘How to behave with you is a question mark.’

Chiku: ‘Women flock from Pune came here to meet me.  We enjoyed a lot.  You know what happened, when I met Radha for the first time she yelled and said that pumpkins are of normal size.  Other ladies could not understand what she said; but we four laugh like a mad and insane.’

Avi: ‘That may be the reason, Radha was telling my mother that at lunch there is pumpkin curry dish and both started laughing.’

Chiku: ‘I am telling you the top secret.  In the morning, the Mehendi designer is going to draw a design on private parts of these three ladies.’

Avi: ‘Are you joking?’

Chiku: ‘I am not joking; if you have any doubt, ask your mother in law.’

Avi: ‘I dare.’

Chiku: ‘Just a second, let me hold the phone properly.  Mother, remove the blanket, open the eyes, remove the ear plugs, hug me properly and speak with your son in law and tell him the truth.  See… if you will not speak, then I will not come back to Kolkata, god promise.’

Mummy: ‘My Chiku never speaks lies.  She is a good girl and she will be the nightingale of your sweet home.  We are fortunate that my daughter received such a lovely proposal.  She is the beautiful and sweet girl; accept her as life partner.  I appreciate your and my daughter’s feelings that you two have decided to meet for the first time on the day of the marriage.  Both have strong will power, guts, volition and complete faith on parents.  Your blind faith in the old saying - nobody on earth can ever love you more than your parents – is the testimony of your love and affection for the parents.   One more, the secret will be revealed at a proper time.  You are going to meet my sweet, adorable and lovely daughter tomorrow at 8.00 hrs.  Our everlasting blessings are with you.  Till then, good night; bye… bye… bye… bye…’

……….^^^^^……….