बोलण्याची पद्धत

मोहन कोठेकर

      बोलणे ही एक कला आहे.  बाळाला बोलणे शिकवावे लागते.  आई त्याला बोलायचे कसे, हे शिकविते.  जसे जसे वय वाढते तसे मुल बोलावयास लागते.  मुल वाक्य बोलायला लागला की सर्वांना आनंद होतो.  प्रारंभी बाळ बोबडे बोल बोलतो.  प्रत्येक बाळाच्या बोलण्याची पद्धत वेगळी असते.  बोलण्याची पद्धत कालांतराने बदलते.  परंतु, एकदा व्यक्ती प्रौढ झाली की सर्वसाधारणपणे बोलण्याची पद्धत बदलत नाही.  बोलण्याच्या पद्धती वरून आपण त्याला ओळखू शकतो. 

      मराठी साहित्याचे जाणकार तसेच भाषेचे शिक्षक यांचा भाषेचा अभ्यास असतो.  बोलण्याचे प्रकार किती या बद्धलची सविस्तर माहिती जाणकार सांगू शकतात.  ‘व्यक्ती तितक्या प्रकृती’ या नियमांनुसार प्रत्येकाचा बोलण्याचा प्रकार वेगळा असतो.  लाखातून एखादा असा असतो की त्याचे बोलणे ऐकले की हसावे की रडावे कळत नाही.  एकदा सहस्त्र चंद्र दर्शन सोहळ्याच्या समारंभाला गेलो होतो.  आसामी लोकप्रिय असल्यामुळे कार्यक्रमाला श्रोत्यांची भली मोठी गर्दी होती.  उत्सवमूर्तीच्या परिचयाची जवाबदारी सोपविवेल्या व्यक्तीने तासभर भाषण केले.  परिचयकर्ता वक्ता मराठी भाषेचा शिक्षक होता हे नंतर कळले.  भाषणात शिक्षक उत्सवमुर्तीची स्तुती करतो आहे की टिंगल-टवाळी करतो, या बद्धल श्रोते शाशंक झाले.  नमुना म्हणून भाषणातील वाक्ये अशी होती.  “आपण सर्व येथे कशाला जमलो आहोत. यांचे वय ८० वर्षाचे झाले म्हणून? नाही. अजिबात नाही!  यांचा अनुभव आपल्या पेक्षा जास्त आहे म्हणून? नाही. अजिबात नाही!  हे आपल्या पेक्षा हुशार आहेत म्हणून? नाही. अजिबात नाही!  हे लोकप्रिय आहेत म्हणून? नाही. अजिबात नाही!”  “नाही. अजिबात नाही” आणि नकारात्मक वाक्यांचा उच्चार आपल्या भाषणात गेल्याबाजार शंभरदा केला असावा.  कालांतराने कळले की शिक्षकाची बोलण्याची हीच पद्धत आहे.  संयोजकाने पुढील कांही आठवडे आपले श्रीमुख कोणाला दाखविले नाही.

      काहींना दरडावून प्रश्नार्थक पद्धतीने बोलण्याची सवय असते.  बोलताना समोरच्याचा हात पकडतात किंवा खिचतात किंवा झटकतात.  मित्राला, चहा प्यायला चलतोस काय? हे विचारायचे आहे, तर तो कसा बोलतो एक नमुना बघा.  “काय, समजले काय?(हाताला फटका).  पुन्हा सांगणार नाही, काय?(झटका).  चहा ढोसायला टपरीवर चालतो काय?(हिसका).  पुन्हा कोकलला तर याद राख?(फटका)”.  माणूस चांगला उंचपुरा आणि धष्टपुष्ट (पत्नी सोज्वळ आणि प्रेमळ असल्याचे लक्षण) असला तर अशा वागण्याने मित्रांना प्रत्येक वेळेस शारीरिक आणि मानसिक त्रास होतो.

      माजी पंतप्रधान आणि सर्वांचे लाडके श्रद्धेय अटल बिहारी वाचपेयी यांनी पाकिस्तानला उध्येशून कारगिल युद्धापूर्वी आपल्या भाषणात एक वाक्य बोलून गेले आणि ते वाक्य पुढे अमर झाले.  वाक्य होते “दोस्त बदल सकते है पर पडोसी नही|”  महाभारतातील युधीष्टीराच्या तोंडचे “नरो वा कुंजरो वा” वाक्याच्या तुलनेचे अटलजी यांचे हे वाक्य आहे.  शब्दप्रभू, बाल ब्रम्हचारी आणि संघाचे निस्सीम शिष्य अटलजी हे आपल्या आयुष्यात युधीष्टीरासारखे एकदाच खोटे बोललेत.  अटलजी यांना खरे तर असे म्हणायचे होते की “दोस्त और पडोसी कभीभी बदल सकते है पर पत्नी नाही.”  ते अत्यंत हुशार आहेत.  त्यांना कधी, कुठे, केंव्हा आणि काय बोलावे हे बालवयापासून नुसतेच कळले नाही तर वळले आहे.  सामान्य जनता नर्मदेचे गोटेच राहिलेत, त्यांना कळले आणि वळले असते तर किती बरे झाले असते?  जर हे अमर वाक्य आपल्या तारुण्याच्या कालखंडात अटलजीनी फक्त एकदाच उच्चारले असते तर आज जनसंख्येवर नियंत्रण आले असते आणि रामराज्य ही संकल्पना पूर्णत्वाने साकार झाली असती.

      अनुभवावरून सांगतो की मुली ह्या मुलांच्या तुलनेत जास्तच बोलतात.  वयानुसार बोलण्याचे प्रमाण वाढते. लग्नानंतर हे प्रमाण विकोपाला जाते.  त्यात वाचाळ बायको मिळाली तर हरी हरी.  अखंड वाहणारा नायगारा धबधबा, थांबता थांबत नाही, थांब सांगितले तरीही थांबत नाही.  “आधीच मर्कट त्यात मद्य प्यालेले ” (वाचाळातील अर्क) बायकोची स्थिती असेल तर नवरा कायमचा अबोल होतो, त्याची बोबडी वळते, बोलण्याला मोका मिळत नाही, जीवनभर श्रोता बनतो.  कहर म्हणजे, बोलण्याची पद्धत सर्वसामान्य स्त्री सारखी नसेल तर पळून जावे की आत्महत्या करावी ह्याच संभ्रमात नवरा जीवन जगतो.  बायकोच्या आरसपानी सौंदर्याचा त्याला विसर पडतो.  आपल्या समोर एक नमुना पेश करतो.

      ती: “गेले. जायचे आहे.”  “गेले” हे शब्द नुसते ऐकले तरी घाम येतो, शरीरात कापर भरते, कोणाचा मृत्यू झाला असेल बरे! नवरा विचार करतो (लग्नानंतर पहिल्याच वर्षी, नंतर सवय होते), बायाकोकडील असेल तर सुस्कारा सोडतो, नवऱ्याकडील असेल तर वाईट वाटते.  तो: “कोण गेला. कधी जायचे.”  ती: “नारायणराव. आज.” तो: “अग सामान्य माणसाला सहजतेने समजेल अशा भाषेत बोल ना, मला तूझी भाषा कळत नाही, प्रत्येक वेळेस तू वाक्य उलट बोलतेस, तुला बोलायचं कसं हे शिकवलं नाही काय?” लगेचच निरर्थक धबधबा पुढील अर्धा तास अखंड सुरु असतो. त्यातील सामान्य वाचकांसाठी कांही वाक्ये.  ती: “ह्या घरात गेली कित्येक वर्षे बिनपगारी मोलकरीण आल्यापासून माझी हाडे झीझलीत त्या बरोबर जीभ सुद्धा झीझली. बर का.” किंवा “आजपर्यंत माझे तोंड दाबत राहिला ना, आता बोलणे विसरले, आता भोगा तुम्ही, बघते कोणाशी बोलता.” किंवा “मनाप्रमाणे या गंगाभटीणचे काहीही ऐकले नाही, आता ती कशी बोलेल, कांही दिवसातच ती मुकी होणार आहे, मग बरे वाटेल” किंवा “मेली मौज नाही, मजा नाही, खरेदी नाही, लाकडा ऐवजी जमा केलेले किसान विकास पत्र वापरा, लवकर चिता जळेल, मग आनंदच आनंद.” किंवा “मीच आहे म्हणून सगळे सहन करते, दुसरी असती तर आत्तापर्यंत पळून गेली असती, आजपासून बोलणे बंद.”  इत्यादी, नवऱ्याच्या मते वायफळ बायकोच्या मते महत्वाची बडबड.  संपूर्ण कुळाचा उद्धार केल्यानंतर आणि पूर्ण मरगळ ओकल्यानंतर तिचे मन शांत होते, मग गाडी रुळावर आल्यानंतर मूड असेल तरच संपूर्ण वृक्तांत कळतो. तो थोडक्यात असा.

“गेले” म्हणजे, शेजारचे नारायणराव कुटुंबासह संध्याकाळी चंद्रपूरला व्याह्या कडे गेले.  कांही दिवस आराम केल्यानंतर व्याघ्रदर्शनासाठी ताडोबाला जाणार. तेथून अमरावतीला लहान भावाकडे आराम करून दोन आठवड्याने घरी परतणार आहेत.  तेंव्हा नारायणरावाच्या घराची चौकीदारी आपल्याला करायची आहे.  “जायचे आहे” याचा अर्थ, आज आपल्याला संध्याकाळी कोथरूडला जोशी यांचे घरी जायचे आहे.  तेथून पुढे लक्ष्मि रोड आणि तुळशीबागेत फक्त फिरायला नाही तर नातलगाच्या लग्नाच्या कपड्यांच्या खरेदी साठी जायचे आहे.  सुजाण, जाणकार, अनुभवी आणि हुशार वाचकाला (नवऱ्याला) “जायचे आहे” चा वृक्तांत अजूनही अपुरा वाटतो.  यातील “संध्याकाळी” आणि “खरेदी” हे शब्द तिच्या साठी असतात हे अनुभवावरून कळते.  कारण, कोणतीही महिला स्वतःसाठी खरेदी केल्याशिवाय आणि श्रेयस किंवा पंचवटी मध्ये उदरभरण केल्या शिवाय कधीही घरी परतत नाही.  थोडक्यात, फक्त तीन शब्दांच्या घोळामुळे नवऱ्याला किमान पाच-सात हजार रुपयांचा फटका बसतो, वरतून बायकोची सतत बडबड ऐकावी लागते ती वेगळी.

पुलं (देशपांडे) यांना हा नमुना त्यांच्या हयातीत भेटला असता तर त्यांनी ‘तुज आहे तुजपाशी’ पेक्षा कितीतरी सरस मराठी नाटक लिहिले असते आणि पुलं नक्कीच नोबेल पारितोषिकाचे मानकरी झाले असते.

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मोहन कोठेकर

लेखक आणि ब्लोग्गर

     

पनामा पेपर लिक प्रकरणात जगातील मात्तबर मंडळीचे भविष्य पणाला लागले आहे.  नवाझ शरीफांच्या चार मुलांपैकी तीन अपत्यांची नावे पाकिस्तान मधील प्रसार माध्यमांनी प्रकाशित केल्या नंतर समाजात खळबळ निर्माण झाली आहे. तसे बघता मियां नवाझ शरीफ यांचे घराणे हे पाकिस्तानातील अत्यंत श्रीमंत घराण्यातील एक घराणे म्हणून सर्वश्रुत आहे.  खानदानी श्रीमंतीत वाढलेला नवाझ राजकारणात शिरल्यानंतर एक दिवस प्रधानमंत्री होईल या बद्धल कोणतीही शंका नव्हती.  नावाझांचा इत्तेफाक ग्रुपचा व्यापारी संबंध पाकिस्तानापुरती मर्यादित न राहता तो सातासमुद्र पार केंव्हाचा पोहोचला आहे.  लंडन मधील टोलेजंग हवेल्या ही त्यातील एक.  त्यांचे उत्पन्न प्रती वर्ष दोन बिलियन डॉलरचे आहे.  प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी यांच्या शपतविधी समारंभात त्यांची भेट भारतातील औधोगिक घराण्यातील मंडळींशी झाली होती.  तेंव्हा पाकिस्तानी वाहिन्यांनी शरीफ यांनी भारतातील औधोगिक घराण्यातील मंडळींशी समझोते केल्याचे प्रसारित झाले होते.  मोदींच्या अचानक पाकिस्तान भेटीमागे शरीफच्या भारतातील व्यापारी संबंध हे महत्वाचे कारण असल्याची बोंब प्रसार माध्यमांनी केली होती.  आता तर प्रसार माध्यमांना नवाब शरीफांच्या विरुद्ध अपप्रचार करण्यास नव्याने संधी मिळाली आहे.  त्यात ते कितपत यशस्वी होतात एवढे बघायचे.

पनामा पेपर लिक प्रकरणानंतर सर्व राजकारणी करतात तसेच शरीफांनी केले.  सर्वप्रथम पनामा पेपर लिक प्रकरणाशी स्वतःचा संबंध नसल्याचे जाहीर केले.  हाच कित्ता भारतातील सिनेतारकांनी व इतरांनी गिरविला आहे याची कृपया नोंद घ्या.  या नंतर शरीफांनी सर्वोच्य न्यायालयाच्या न्यायधीशाच्या अद्यक्षतेखाली एक कमिटी स्थापन केली.  ही समिती संपूर्ण प्रकरणाची चौकशी करणार आहे.  याचा  साधा आणि सरळ अर्थ हा होतो की हे प्रकरण जास्तीतजास्त रेंगाळत ठेवायचं व सरते शेवटी गुंडाळायचे.  ही राजकार्ण्यांची खेळी सर्वांना कळते.  तसे बघता सर्व राजकारणी मुलतः बेरड असतात.  एकदा लंगोटी काढली की सर्व आलवेल.  तुरुंगात जरी गेलेत तरी तेथेही तरफदारी करणारे मिळतात.  सगळ कस गुडीगुडी असत.  हे आपण नुकतेच विविध वाहिन्यांवर बघतो आहोत.  जनतेची स्मृती अल्प असते याचा फायदा ही मंडळी उठवतात.  थोडक्यात त्यांचा जळी स्थळी काष्ठी आणि पाषाणी उदो उदो  होतो.  तेंव्हा आपल्या मुलाचं नाव पनामा पेपर लिक प्रकरणात आल्याचा दुखः मियां शरीफांना झाले असेल असे वाटत नाही.        

        

      भारतातील लष्कराचा सहभाग हा सीमेचे रक्षण करणे व गरज भासल्यास सरकारला अंतर्गत भागात शांतता राखण्यासाठी, नैसर्गिक आपत्तीवर मात करण्यासाठी केला जातो.  इतर कोणत्याही कारणांसाठी लष्कराचा उपयोग नसतो.  पाकिस्तानात लष्कराची भूमिका इतर देशांच्या लष्कराच्या तुलनेत वेगळी आहे.  सरकारच्या दैनंदिन कारभारात पाकिस्तानी लष्कराची लुडबुड चालू असते.  कोणताही महत्वाचा सरकारी निर्णय लष्कराची संमती घेतल्या शिवाय सरकारला अमलात आणता येत नाही.  यामुळे पाकिस्तानी सरकारला लष्करा समोर झुकावे लागते.  त्यातच नवाझ शरीफांनी मोठ्या पदावरील नऊ लष्करी अधिकार्यांना निलंबित करण्याचा निर्णय घेतला यामुळे लष्कर शरीफांवर नाराज आहे.  फक्त लष्कर प्रमुख हा पाकिस्तानात सर्वेसर्वा असतो.  त्याला सरकार नाराज करीत नाही.  हे भाग्य नौदल प्रमुख आणि वायुदल प्रमुखांना लाभलेले नाही.  लष्कर प्रमुखापाठोपाठ आय एस आय च्या प्रमुखाला पाकिस्तानात मान आहे.  या नंतर अलगाववादीचा दबदबा असतो.  तेंव्हा हाती आलेली संधी लष्कर प्रमुख सोडतील असे प्रथम दर्शनी वाटत नव्हते.  यात एक मेख आहे.  पाकिस्तानच्या न्यायालयांनी माजी लष्कर प्रमुख श्री मुशर्रफ यांना सन २००७ साली त्यांनी अंदाजे साठापेक्षा जास्त न्यायाधीशांना पांच महिन्यांसाठी बंदिस्तवस्तेत ठेवल्याबद्दलच्या खटल्यात आरोपी करार केले आहे.  ते परदेशात आरोग्य सुधारणेसाठी (पळून) गेलेले आहे.  तेंव्हा राहील लष्कर प्रमुख धाडसी निर्णय घेतील असे वाटत नाही.  तसे झाल्यास न्यायालय कणखर भूमिका घेवू शकते.  एकून न्यायालयाला पाकिस्तानात पुनः चांगले दिवस आले आहेत असे वाटते.  परंतु, गरज पडल्यास प्रधानमंत्री बदलण्यात लष्कर प्रमुख प्रमुख यांचा सहभाग राहील हे निश्चित.                             

     

       सन १९९० ते १९९३ आणि सन १९९७ ते १९९९ पर्यंत नवाझ शरीफ पाकिस्तानचे पंतप्रधान होते.  ही त्यांची तिसरी वेळ आहे.  ते पाकिस्तान मुस्लीम लीग पार्टी तर्फे प्रथम सन १९८० साली निवडून आले.  सन १९८५ साली वयाच्या ३६व्या वर्षी ते पंजाब प्रांताचे मुख्यमंत्री बनले.  आदरणीय अटलजी यांनी सन १९९८ ला पाकिस्तानला भेट दिली होती.  त्यानंतर दोन्ही देशातील संबंध सुधारले होते.  परंतु कारगिल युद्धात श्री शरीफ यांनी जी भूमिका बजाविली त्यावर लष्कर नाराज होते.  श्री शरीफ यांनी मुशर्रफ यांना बरखास्त करण्याचे ठरविले होते.  ही बातमी मुशर्राफ यांना श्रीलन्केवरून येतांना विमानात कळल्याबरोबर त्यांनी तख्त पालट केला व स्वतः राष्ट्रपती बनले.  श्री शरीफ सौदी अरेबिया यथे सन १९९९ ते २००८ पर्यंत होते.  यानंतर ते राजकारणात नव्याने सक्रीय झाले.  सन २००८ ते २०१३ पर्यंत ते विरोधी पक्षाचे नेते होते.  सन २०१३ च्या निवडणुकीत ते प्रचंड मतांनी निवडून आलेत व तिसऱ्यांदा पंतप्रधान बनले.

      विविध आतंकवादी संघटनांचा सुळसुळाट पाकिस्तानात दिसून येतो.  या संघटना सरकारनी स्वतः च्या हितासाठी जोपासाल्यात.  या संघटनांच्या माध्यमातून पाकिस्तान सरकारने राजकारण केले.  त्यांचा उपयोग अफगाणिस्तान मध्ये सोविएत युनियन विरुद्ध केला.  हे करीत असतांना त्यांना अमेरिकेकडून मिळालेली पैसे आणि आधुनिक शास्त्रात्रे आतंकवादी संघटनांना पुरविली.  त्याच वेळेस काश्मीर आणि पंजाब मध्ये या आतन्कवाद्याकडून वाटेल तसा धुडघूस घातला.  गेली तीस पेक्षा जास्त वर्षापासून भारतात आतंकवादी घटनांमागे पाकिस्तानचा हात आहे.  याच संघटना पाकिस्तानमध्ये आपल्या कारवाया करीत आहेत.  पेशावरमधील शाळेवरचा हल्ला किंव्हा लाहोर येथे ख्रिस्तींवर केलेला हल्ला या घटना आतंकवादी संघटनेचा सरकारवर असलेला दबाव दर्शवितो.  या शिवाय पाकिस्तानपुढे निःसंशयपणे प्रचंड समस्या आहेत.  भीषण आणि वाढती बंडाळी, पराकोटीचे दारिद्रय, गुन्हेगारी, बेघर, बेकारी, रोजगार, शिक्षण, प्राथ्रमिक सुविधांची कमतरता, महिलांचे अधिकार, सिंध व बलुचिस्तान मधील अलगाववाद आणि पराकोटीची मुस्लीम धर्मांधता इत्यादी समस्यांनी देश पोखरला आहे.  यातील एकही समस्याचे समाधान शरीफांचे सरकार करू शकले नाही.  यामुळे जनता सरकारवर नाराज आहे.  प्रसार माध्यमे या गोष्टीचा पुरेपूर फायदा उचलून सरकारला धारेवर धरीत आहेत.  त्यात पनामाचे कोलीत त्यांना मिळाल्यामुळे वर्तमानपत्र तसेच वाहिन्यातून सरकार विरुद्ध अपप्रचार होतो आहे.  हे असले तरी शरीफांना घाम फुटलेला नाही.  प्रचार माध्यमांचा दबाव सरकारवर किती पडतो यावर शरीफांचे भविष्य अवलंबून आहे.  हे निश्चित की नवाझ शरीफाची लोकप्रियता घटलेली आहे.

      मध्यावधी निवडणुकीचे चिंन्ह दिसू लागले होते.  जर मध्यावधी निवडणुका झाल्यात तर नवाझ शरीफ यांना पुन्हा निवडून येणे कठीण जाईल.  त्यांच्या पाकिस्तान मुस्लीम लीग पार्टीला बहुमत मिळणे कठीण जाईल.  भुत्तो यांच्या पाकिस्तान पीपल्स पार्टीला जनतेत पाठींबा नाही.  कारण बिलावल भुत्तो हे परदेशी वास्तव्व्यात आहेत आणि त्यांची पकड जनमानसात हवी तशी नाही.  जरदारी यांच्या कारकिर्दीत जनता खुश नव्हती.  इम्रान खान यांना प्रसिद्धीचे वलय आहे.  पाकिस्तान तेहेरिक ए इन्साफ पार्टीचे ते सर्वेसर्वा आहेत.  त्यांना अजून पर्यंत शासन करण्याचा अनुभव नाही.  यामुळे जनता त्यांना निवडून देवू शकते.  लोकांत असाही प्रवाह आहे की पुढील निवडणुकीत एकदम नवीन व्यक्तींना निवडून द्यायचे.  उशिरा का होईना जनतेला आपली ताकत कळली आहे हे प्रसार माध्यमातून कळते.  तेंव्हा शरीफांचे देऊळ पाण्यात आहे हे निश्चित.  बघूया नजीकच्या भविष्यात शरीफांचे पानिपत होते की काय.  असे झाल्यास राजकारण्यांना एक धडा मिळेल.

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The Sibling

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

I still recall the exact date and time of my first encounter with the slim and cute toddler who happened to be our immediate neighbour and has occupied newly constructed apartment a week before our possession.  It was 26^th October, 1991 at 14.30 hours, a year old girl in her birth suit emerged from her apartment and entered in our flat slowly and steadily, and in one go inspected the newcomer and his sundry luggage scattered in different rooms.  After thorough inspection, the silent spectator returned back with goose stepping without the slightest reaction.  From the day one, we never heard a little bit of noise from the next door as if only adults are the occupant.  The next door single tiny tot used to give a smile to a passer-by; but does not like if someone touch, cajole or up-raise her.  The toddler captured the heart of one and all as the most comely angel on the earth.

 

As age advanced, her look attractive and having a charming face as if she is the perfect model for advertisement of baby products.  She used to play with other timid lads within the boundary of our society.  Her mother was lucky; there was no need for her to take extra care of a baby.  The only unlawful activity she had inadvertently committed once in her life was when she was brought back from a furlong distance at an age of four.  How she crossed the road and entered in by lane is still a mystery; otherwise, the toddler was considered to be the most pleasant and law abiding baby.

Divya’s pet name ‘Dolly’ speaks a multitude about her identity and personality of a doll girl.  The girl never gets squalled, shouted nor created any baneful and untoward rumpus.  Her glamorous look and ingenious attitude has culminated into her permanent place in the lap of the beholder.  A pleasant, fair, beautiful, smart looking girl never gabs and conversed more than required; her activities were limited to herself.  Her food intake from the beginning was that of a ramp model’s diet.  The only point of dispute between her mother and the beloved daughter was the meal; her denial and negation for food consumption compel it to show her existence on the earth as a timid girl.  I still recollect the daily scenario where the mother is running after the girl with a dinner plate.

At the age of seven year, Dolly became an elder sister of a neonatal girl.  The younger sister was equally beautiful, but chubby and roly-poly.  Nursing a small baby was her hobby.  Dolly used to take all the precautionary measures one has to perform as a big sister.  Her activities were never less than a trained nurse.  Her missionary zeal has added a feather in her cap.  She was an asset rather than liability for the parents.  Everybody wishes to speak good about Dolly’s demeanour and conduct.  The thing noticed from the birth that the little sister was naughty, mischievous and impish.

        

          

           When Dolly was an eight year old, we observed a sudden and abrupt alteration in her personality.  The girl once upon a time was a chaste, guileless, shy and simple one was found in a disturbed tone.  The girl whose voice never been heard years together started yelling, screaming and skirling.  Payal, her little sister, was just opposite in nature; she has tended to tease, peeve and harass the elder sister.  Dolly used to spend the majority of time and energy on taming her sister; nevertheless, Payal never inculcated any of her elder sister’s virtues of courtesy, etiquette and mannerism.  She was always in a conflicting and combating mood.  It seems, Payal has not received the same set of genes as that of Dolly.  Well wisher of Ms Dolly advised her not to involve in brawl; she accepted the elder suggestions and instead of spending time on fighting, she preferred to retreat.  However, naughty younger sister does not allow any activity the elder wishes to perform including her homework.  The drama continued with the passage of time; the intensity of confrontation enhanced due strength the little sister gained because of her robust and sturdy health.  How a tender looking adolescent fight with a tiny sumo wrestler?

          It is ridiculous to note that the Payal was chatter and shindy one and elder were of cool and composed category.  Her mother often remarked that had she has been known in advance about the nature, temperament and disposition of a little girl she would not have delivered such a demon and genii girl.  A lot of energy of Dolly was utilized in securing and hiding Pen, pencil, eraser, notebook, books and school bag from the undignified girl.  Dolly’s school mates were afraid, affright and dismay of Payal as she was practically difficult to control.  No one forgets the incidence, when Payal torn and tattered Dolly’s practical book into several pieces a week before her tenth standard board annual examination.

                 

            When Dolly was in twelfth standard, it was decided to purchase a moped.  The biggest question was how to save moped and rider from stickler, heady, pugnacious and a truculent attitude of Ms Payal.  At last, the moped was purchased and from that moment; there were a high degree of hassle and conflict between both the sisters.  Finally, Dolly accepted the defeat and handed over the keys to her eleven year sister.  She preferred to go to junior college on bicycle till the end of the twelfth standard board examination.  The duty of the neighbour was to engage Ms Payal in one or other activities so as to allow Dolly to complete her homework and to prepare for board examination.

She joined the graduate courses; that was the crucial period of her life.  Ancestors were migrated from the West Pakistan.  In their caste, education is presumed as secondary to the business; leave aside girl education.  Securing higher qualification was regarded as a stigma and disgrace for a girl, getting an educated groom is a hazardous task.  Major junk of boys get associated with their ancestral business immediately after matriculation and very few opted for professional courses.  In spite of the prevailing traditional family ethos, Dolly with conviction, announced that she will marry only after the graduation.  For the first time, she resisted and struggled with her parents and the nearest relatives like the goddess Durga.  Neighbour and well wisher convinced the family regarding importance of education in a life of an individual.  Dolly’s cherished dream was to join air hostess job after graduation; however, her utmost desire to remain in vain and unfruitful due constant negation.  After graduation, the very first proposal was finalised and her ring-ceremony was performed at the age of twenty one.  The businessman family from outstation has decided to accept her as their daughter in law.  We observed in her a happy go lucky attitude.  She never said no to anything, including the choice of a groom.

            Her fiance presented her the latest model of smartphone, the fourteen year sister-in-law brawled with the boy and compelled him to shell bucks for another smartphone of the same brand.  Dolly told her fiance that henceforth she should not be given any present.  Dolly never used to get privacy to share love and adoration with the boy.  During subsequent visits he presented articles in duplicate to avoid any confrontation.  He rightly understands the psyche of the naughty sister-in-law.

          The marriage was solemnized immediately after the graduation.  That was the day of happiness as well as sorrow for one and all.  There were a lull and calmness in the society.  Within a week the Dolly becomes darling of her in-laws.  Both the sisters were found chit chatting on mobile as if they are the close buddy.  Significant change was noticed in attitude of younger sibling as if she is a responsible and mature lady.  After a long gap, Dolly came to the maternal home with a smiling face.  A day had gone in jubilation, the next day the typical yelling and screaming sound registered her presence in the society.

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Friend or Foe

Mohan Kothekar

Writer and Blogger

      A proverb says marriages are settled in heaven and celebrated on earth; the same homogeneity is applicable for few personalities.  Let us take an instance, if your forthwith boss is lunatic and insane, then you have two options, accept the officer wholeheartedly or leave the job.  Tendering the resignation is practically flinty, so the best way is choosing the first option and curses the boss inwardly till he is in your horoscope.  In everybody’s life we come across with such personalities knowingly or unknowingly.

      One fine morning, Mr Prakash joined our department; since he was not having independent room, he was temporarily accommodated in my cabin.  When the interim arrangement has transmuted to permanent that is only known to the Almighty God; I have no other option than to adjust and endure with him.  Ours is an educational institute, where from degree to doctorate level courses are offered along with research and fieldwork; we remain in conjunction with students all the time.  Teaching and practical classes were a common feature in the life of a teacher; we remain engaged one after another session.

      Since, the student’s strength was proportionately higher and since varied activities were routinely undertaken, each academic staff member was bestowed with additional duties.  Mr Prakash was given extra charge of student’s welfare activities that he has willingly accepted without any hesitation; the activities related to the students were cumbersome, dangerous, harmful and troublesome and thus no-one relish to perform those duties.  Being in-charge of student welfare activities, he is always engrossed and encircled with students and their unending and perpetual problems.  My cabin, in which, generally no one dared to enter into unless called for, had become a hot spot of the student’s activities.  Forthwith, I have given him crystal clear instructions not to allow a single student to enter into the cabin prior to my permission; also he was strictly warned and counseled to desist himself from implicating and involving in personal matters of the students.  The general perception was that in my absence the gang used to occupy my cabin, however, my smallest presentiment compels them to vacate it along with their mentor.  After a few months, slowly and steadily I myself get adjusted with the changing scenario; some of the student’s personal problems were unique that aroused curiosity in me; sometimes he used to seek my advice while resolving the complicated and complex issues.

      It was brought to my notice that Mr Prakash has not engaged the class; there was hullabaloo in the corridor.  So, I have engaged his period.  After inquiry I came to know from the horse’s mouth that two students were having some personality clashes so Mr Prakash was busy in resolving the issue.  I get cogently furious and told him that henceforth he should look after his classes; the lame excuses will not be tolerated.  He was not serious about official duties; his dubitation approach towards it was tragic; notwithstanding, his nature was extraordinarily fine.  I get resentful and angry due to his casual and neglectful attitude; he was hard nut to break.

      He was a great shirker; due to laziness, he never used to do routine activities, his main avocation was to read the newspaper daily that too for at least two hours.  I asked him, ‘why you are not reading newspaper at home?’  His response was unique; ‘see, I am reading the newspaper for the welfare of the student community and hence I am reading it in the institute.’  I questioned, ‘how it is useful to the students?’ His riposte was unexpected, ‘the students are the pillar of the nation and they must get updated with the latest developments.’  I retorted, ‘let them read, why you are reading?’  I get fumbled due of his instant reply, ‘you know I have given the responsibility of the student’s welfare and that I am doing whole heartedly.  Reading the newspaper is the part and parcel of my duty.  Students have no time; hence, I interact with them and give updated information.’  I squeezed, ‘but, you have little inclination to conduct the classes.’  He laughed and said, ‘technical education is not important, the social, economical and political knowledge is directly related with their two times a meal!’

    

      His nature seems to be weirdly and freaky but always having a smiling face; his behavior sometimes socialist and seldom communist but never harmful and detrimental.  He was popular in our institute especially in academic staff circle due to his conspicuous nature.  May what happen, in crucial academic staff meetings he alone will defend students like an experience and senior advocate even if student commit the mistakes after mistakes.  He was having a soft corner for the student community.  Once, the Dean demanded reply from him about his unique association with the student community his answer was simple; proudly he said ‘Sir, with due regards, I am the in-charge of student welfare and my duty is to look after the welfare of the students of our institute.’  The whole session becomes speechless and soundless.

      His popularity among the student fraternity was simply unstoppable.  He received the over-whelming support from them.  He remained awfully busy during social gathering, games and sports, cultural events, student’s strike and conflicts, seminar and conferences, extra-mural tours, birth and death anniversary of leaders so on and so forth.  During those days his headquarter happened to be a student’s hostel.  His presence boosted the spirits of the rank and file.  He achieved the objectives in letter and spirit and thus the programs were always successful.  However, the narrative was same that his involvement in day to day office matter was insignificant.  It was also noticed that the students used to take undue advantage of his simplicity for which he has to shell few bucks from his pocket.

           

      Another facet of his conduct was to annoy and provoke a person during simple chit chatting, debate, discussion and deliberation; he used to do it deliberately and purposely.  Daily, during tea time, he will intentionally open a controversial subject of national or international importance and argue, quarrel and resist with the mob like a lonely tiger.  Innumerable time I asked him, ‘why you are fighting? What you get out of it? Why you create controversy, unnecessarily?’  His answer was straight and simple, ‘see, I never fight with anybody, my aim is to get acquainted with the subject from all sides.  Everybody contributes in a deliberate as and when I purposefully pinch his conscience, so that I will add to the knowledge of the students in a better way.’  I continued, ‘but, it spoils your image and reputation.  Your image has become negative in the society, sometime anti-national, and all speaks badly about you.’  He responded, ‘I never bother about my reputation, unless I tease them how they will apply their brain to defeat me?’  I have no other alternative than to salute him.

                   

      The Dean of the institute urgently instructed me to do a compilation work of the research activities of the institute for which it took nearly one and half month of my valuable time.  While submission of the report inadvertently Mr Prakash was in the cabin.  After going through the report, the Dean complimented me and said in laughing tone that this work was initially allotted to Mr Prakash, but he politely declined with the request that I am the right person from the institute who will give proper justice to the work.  I said, ‘sir, he is all the time reading the newspaper and chit chatting with the student community and fighting with the staff and not doing any duties neither of my department nor our institute.  He is fit for nothing.  You are not allotting any work to him.’  The Dean laughed loudly and said, ‘You know, as and when I allot him a particular job, he takes two days time and come back with the solution that who is the suitable person from the institute to do the said job.  You know, I am not unaware of the situation, but, he is controlling the complicated section of the institute that is, the student mob; he is engrossed in student politics and provides the authority the problems and its answer in advance.  Are you or anybody from the academic circle is ready to take his additional charge?  If the answer is yes, then I will see that he will be busy all the time.’  Needless to say, the discussion abruptly ends without further argument.  In a nutshell, all staff members were heavily burdened except my friend, you may call him foe.

      As usual and accustomed, he was engrossed in reading the newspaper in the library calm and quietly.  I went to the library to search the references; all of a sudden the conflict erupted between girls and boys the reason best known to them; from literally verbal argument and discord it culminated in a physical exchange of blows.  Immediately, the staff members present in the library intervened in the brawl and separated both the parties; at once, other staff members also joined to resolve the issue.  Some of the staff members received the scratches, others bear the blows.  What was surprising was that Mr Prakash was still reading the newspaper as if nothing had happened.  He remained aloof from the mob during the fight; when angrily the reason was sought, all get aghast and stunned from his answer.  He replied, ‘you people are lacking in knowledge with respect to science of mob mentality.  Let them fight; let them break their heads, once the strife is over, later on the students will come to us for justice; that is the right time to intervene.  Even cops never reached the spot during the conflict.’

 

      All the time, he was dependent on the department staff even for a trifle matter.  He has no confidence regarding official procedures.  If I allot any office work, he will sit in front of me and request me to dictate.  My contention was to make him independent; however, I failed in my duties in spite of persistent efforts.  He was basically intelligent, but not diligent.    He was awfully interested in share trading and thus his subject of interest was economics and finance rather than his own.  I have not seen him reading the text books or reference books related to his subject.  During leisure time he tried to beguile me to join the share trading business, but he couldn’t get success in this endeavor, since he was unable to reply my straight forward question, ‘show me your profit first?’  Some of the staff members purchased a substantial number of shares of the emerging companies; most of these companies were shut down due to one or the other reason.

      Mr Prakash asked me an intelligent question, ‘male buffaloes are unnecessarily slaughtered, so, why not to use buffalo power for electricity production?  It will solve nation’s problem; we have ample number of male buffalo.’  During those days, electricity shut down was quite a common phenomenon; no electricity was available for four hours a day.  He further elaborated that, ‘if we give a ready-made profitable model to farmers then they will be benefited from it.’  The proposal was quite interesting and so we discussed the project at a length and decided to work on the project till its completion.  The detailed exercise was carried out for a month or so and one fine morning when I opened the subject for further discussion, I get astonished and jiggered from his eccentric, wacky and kinky response.  He said, ‘why not to go for a cat breeding program?’  I asked him, ‘what about the electricity production project on which we are not only discussing from last month, but, we are on the verge of submission of the project for financial, administrative and technical sanction?’  He said, ‘forget!’  Again I asked, ‘are you not serious about electricity project?’  His answer was not only horrible and pathological, but screwy; he said calmly ‘I asked about it just for a fun! At least you get the updated knowledge of the subject!’  My condition was same as Leonard Cohen described, ‘It’s time that we began to laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again.’  I did not talk with him for next two months.  He apologized and said, ‘one should not take it seriously, enjoy the life.’  ‘It was my mistake to accommodate you in my cabin!’ said I.

      The other day he submitted an application for a casual leave.  I asked him the reason behind the casual leave.  He was hesitating and reluctant to discuss in the initial stages, but when I insisted his reply was unexpected.  He said, ‘the first year student from our college has eloped and married with an outside boy.’  I asked, ‘what you are going to do?  Have you opened matrimonial organization?’  He said, ‘look, the girl is from a poor family and she is the lone child to her mother, she has no father; I am going to meet her mother and request her to accept them as marriage couple.  It is an inter-caste marriage.’  I said, ‘you are not meant for such type of work. Your prime duty is to teach and not to involve yourself in such sundry matters!’  He retorted, ‘had she been your daughter then?  Shall I remain mum and silent?’  His leave was immediately granted.

      My perception and comprehension regarding him was that his approach towards life was not like a normal person, but, altogether different with firm belief and conviction.  In spite of repeated requests from colleague and family members he did not purchase a house but preferred to stay in ranted one.  The property rates were exorbitant enhanced during his tenure; however, he did not budge from his tenets.  Fools build houses and wise men to live in them; he was an ardent follower of this age old saying.  I have quoted another quote that a wise man can see more from the bottom of a well than a fool can from a mountain top; but, it has not changed his mind.  In the same fashion, he has committed many blunders in his life for which he never repented.  For instance, his conviction was God is omnipresent, so there is no need to go for pilgrimage, on the contrary, his wife was sober and god fearing and has an ardent desire to visit pilgrimage sites and also to enjoy the week end.  His spouse said once, ‘my husband has no interest in any activity except share market.  He pretends to show he is busy, but, he has no work.’  His firm credence was that one should not watch the TV telecast except news and share trading, the whole family suffered due to his whims and caprice nature.

      At home, his behavior and conduct was somewhat autocratic and stubborn.  His son was extraordinarily intelligent and having an inclination for sports; Mr Prakash did whatever possible for his son, however many a time due to his exaggeration and over enthusiasm the son could not able to pursue his career in games and sports.  His inurement was to read the latest literature and follow it blindly.  One day, he purchased a lot of apples; his argument was that apple supports essential nutrients required for sport so he purchased them; I said, ‘by force feeding an apple the performance will not going to improve, rather, wholesome meal is essential.’  The same principles he applied for carrot, pomegranate, banana and other food stuff.  Due to his eccentric and kinky nature the whole family used to get disturbed.

      Five years before superannuation, one fine morning, he tenders application for pre-mature retirement.  I asked him why he wants to resign.  He said, ‘Life is only once, at present, I have no responsibility and hence I want to retire.  I would engage myself in the matter of my interest.’  I failed to convince him regarding the importance of regular pay, increment, family responsibilities, pension benefits, etc.  Even, the authority could not able to convince him.  However, he has not revoked his decision and opted for retirement.  The way he came into my cabin, he left it without any remorse and penitence; to categorize him as a friend or a foe is practically difficult to differentiate when I remember his smiling and innocent face.

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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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