CONVERSATION WITH APPU AND RAM

It has been a long time since I have had any conversation with Appu,my cat and Ram, the yellow
weaver bird. Of late, Appu has become very lazy,due to the early cold signs of Winter, even
though Winter is far away. I'm not in talking terms with Ram because he has wasted 7 months building nests, only to dismantle them one by one. I don't know why he has toiled for 7 months. Now he has come full circle, ie he has
started a nest where he began in August last year. Most probably, he'll migrate after dismantling the present one.

In the past two months,North West Province has
been blessed with unpreceded, abundant rains.
In February, 300 mm rain fell here in 4 days.
There are high expectations of a bumper harvest
this year, which will be positive for the country's economy.

At noon, I sat with Appu and Ram, in my vegetable
garden.The heavy rains have transformed the garden into a centre of wild growth of tomatoes,
beans, okra,pumpkin, chilies etc.The
tomatoes are so big and juicy that 4-5 of them
make one kg. Nowadays Leelamma and I just walk
past the vegetable section of the local Supermarkets. We are vegetarians till June, when
the vegetables dry up due to frost.

Kuri

How are you guys? We haven't met for a long time.

Appu and Ram

Yea.It's been ages since we met. We are Ok.

Kuri

I'm glad to hear that. What's the news ?

Ram

I am working on a new nest. My 18th one.

Kuri

I'm really disillusioned with you. Why did you
destroy all those beautiful nests ? Why ?

Ram

The problem is that my wives always find fault
for the silliest reasons. I have to oblige them,
and dance to their tune..

Kuri

So you admit that you are a hen-pecked husband !

Ram

I am helpless. What can I do ?

Kuri.

Don't bite off more than what you can chew. Nowadays, even one wife is unaffordable.

Appu

What's the news lately ?

Kuri

The important news is that here and in India,
elections are taking place almost at the same
time. In Kerala, it's on 10th April, and here,
on 7th May.
Ram

What are your predictions about the outcome?

Kuri

Here, the outcome is a foregone conclusion. The ANC
and Jacob Zuma will win comfortably.

Appu

What about the outcome in India?

Kuri

It's unpredictable. There's no popularity swing
for any leader or party. Now, political parties
and leaders are very nervous. You know, Indian
voters are merciless when it comes to voting.
They don't spare anyone.

Ram

What's the situation in Kerala?

Kuri

It's unpredictable. What I can predict is that
some parties will become 'sampoojyar' or ' with
some zeroe

s'. There will be shock defeats and
shock wins.

Appu

Is it true that you are leaving your job ?

Kuri.

Yes. it's true. Now, I'm like a runner who has
heard the bell for the last lap of his race. All
will be over on 30 April.

Appu

What next ?

Kuri.

I'll be like a poor man who has won a jackpot
in a lottery, at a loss how to spend all that
money.

Appu.

What will you do with all the time available ?

Kuri.

Actually, the time won't be enough. I have missed
so many things due to the pressure of school work. For instance, books, films, music, sports etc etc. Anyway, I shall give you a party on
30 April.

Appu and Ram

That's fantastic.

Kuri.

Thanks, guys, for your time.

Appu and Ram.

Bye.