Shaji was in Kochi for three days, on an assignment from his
company to conduct an audit of the local branch. He had left his wife ,Smitha and his 2 -year daughter, Mini, in his hometown, Trivanndrum.
The little girl, Mini ,was so close to Shaji that she always opposed
his tours. Even his going to work every day was against Mini's wishes.
She compromised only because her mother was a housewife, and didn't
go to work. At the weekend, Mini was very happy because she had her
father entirely under her control.
On the second day of Shaji's stay in Kochi, a sudden ' Bandh ( Shutdown) was announced by the Opposition Alliance, apparently
to protest against ' police brutality'. As usual, the organizers of the
' Bandh' exempted newspapers, milk , weddings and funerals.
The city was paralyzed . A few private cars, bikes and autos were
seen on the road. Generally, the people didn't dare to travel, for fear
of stone-throwing and intimidation.
Shaji took the risk and went to the office. Many workers were absent.
He worked extra hours to finish his work. He wanted to return early
in the morning, on Saturday. Otherwise Mini would be cross with him.
He had to keep his promise.
The Bandh was from 6 a.m to 6 p.m, according to Kerala custom.
Even though the deadline had passed, that day was a ' write-off ' because
it started to rain. The streets were deserted, except for a few cars, bikes
'autos' and a few unlucky travellers who were stranded in the city due
to the 'bandh'. Some of them were carrying heavy bags, and were looking
for 'lift' to reach their destinations.
As Shaji entered Golf View Road, the rain intensified. The wind and
rain wreaked havoc, pounding the windscreen, reducing visibility.
The headlights and the overworking wipers were no match for the
invading downpour. Despite the poor visibility, Shaji spotted a young
girl on the sidewalk, with a heavy backpack and a bag in the left
hand, looking back , looking for a lift. She waved her right hand, begging
for a lift.
' Must I help this helpless girl? Does it concern me in anyway, if this
girl is in difficulty? In this land of gender segregation, anything
associated with women is fraught with risks. Even if a woman bled
to death, in view of the public, no one would dare to help, for fear of
dire consequences. Why should I help? " Shaji thought, and drove
past her.
After 10 metres, Shaji slowed down because there were some big
potholes in front of him. Due to the heavy downpour, the potholes
were full, and they were linking rapidly, forming a pool. The girl
thought that Shaji had stopped for her. Close to the left side, Shaji
saw the dizzy figure of the girl. He opened the door quickly, and
the girl got in. She was about 20 years old, and beautiful. She wore
blue jeans and white T shirt.
'' Where to ? " Shaji asked.
'' 27, Golf View,'' the girl said.
'' Coming from?''
" From Bangalore. I am Bindu, IT student. My parents live at 27, Golf
View. "
" I shall drop you there.''
After a few minutes, Bindu said,
" The house on the right side.''
It was a big compound, with the name ' Adarsh' written on the gate.
The rain was pouring unabated. Bindu phoned her father.
Shaji had no intention to enter the compound, but he obliged due to
the merciless downpour.
The automatic gate opened. It was a big compound , with mango trees
and coconut trees. A 1980s sort of mansion. An old Mercedes was
parked in the garage. A tall man, about 70 years old, and his wife, about
45 years old, emerged from the house.
'' Why didn't you call from the Railway Station? I could have
come there to collect you,'' the man said.
" I didn't want to put you at risk,'' Bindu said.
The couple helped Bindu to carry her luggage into the house.
The man introduced himself.
" I am retired Major Raveendra Varma. This is my wife , Karthika
Thampuratty. Of the famed Poonjar Kovilakam. Thanks for helping
my daughter. Thanks for all the trouble for dropping her safely here.
You know, nowadays a girl isn't safe in Kerala.''
The Major was a towering personality, like the veteran Malayalam
actor, Jose Prakash, in some of his positive roles, as captain, doctor etc
Some old characters flashed through Shaji's mind, and he tried to
pinpoint that character. Like Jose Prakash, Raveendra Varma smoked
a pipe.The huge age gap between him and Karthika Thampuratty
was an anomaly. Maybe , a late marriage, or a second marriage.
''Glad to meet you. I'm in a hurry.''
'' Please, have a cup of tea. Please.... ,'' Major said.
There were old photos of Major displayed on the wall. All in
military regalia. There were medals, cups and certificates in the
cupboard.
'' Took part in the Bengladesh war of Independence. Witnessed
the surrender of the Pakistan Army,'' Major said, pointing
at a photo on the wall.
'' Great,'' Shaji expressed his admiration.
They talked for some time. When Shaji rose to depart, Major
said,'' You are staying nearby. Aren't you bored with hotel
food? Come on Friday for dinner here. Have some homely
Kerala food. Karthika is an expert cook. She even published
some cookery articles in Vanitha. Please come,''
" Thanks, Major Saab. I appreciate your kind gesture, but I
won't be able to come. My schedule can change anytime."
While in the office, Shaji received an SMS from Bindu.
" Daddy told me to remind you about our invitation for
dinner. Pls don't forget.''
Shaji reluctantly decided to go to Adarsh in the evening.
It was 7 PM. Bindu opened the door.
'' Welcome, uncle. Have a seat.''
She was dressed very attractively. She looked prettier than
when she was on Wednesday.
Her parents weren't present.
" Daddy and Mummy went to the house of an uncle who
died of a heart -attack. They'll be back soon in a few minutes,''
Bindu.
" Alright.''
" Uncle, what would you like to drink while we wait for them,''
" Not now, thank you.''
'' Just something soft, to pass time ? The dead person was an
army colleague.That's why they had to leave in a hurry. Be
patient.''
Bindu brought a small tray containing a glass filled with
Sprite and a small packet of cashew .
Shaji sipped the Sprite, watching TV.
Slowly he felt a strange sensation of dizziness. ..a dreamlike
experience. He was falling from outer space, to the Earth, which
was down, shining like a silver soccer ball. the fall was not
scary, but it was great fun, with red rose petals, balloons and
multi-coloured feathers surrounding him. Bindu joined him,
embracing him tightly. Her body was slender like the stem of
'Chembu', smooth and cool. She wore only a gossamer-thin ,white
nightie, with the front fully open.... even that one slipped as they
landed on the earth.
Shaji woke up from his trance. He was startled, realising that
he was on a bed, naked. Major Raveendra Varma, Karthika
Thampuratty and Bindu were nearby, laughing.
" What's going on? What have you done to me ? '' Shaji cried.
Major said nothing. He placed a laptop on the bed, and played
a CD .
Shaji turned his face away with revulsion, as the pornographic
images unfolded.
" This CD is worth Rs 1 crore, but I shall give you a discount
of 50 %. I give you one week to raise the money, and bring it
to Hotel Sea Shells before 8 P.M, next Saturday.''
" No, no, no. That is not possible. How can you, a member of the
noble family of Poonjar Kovilakam, do such a heinous thing
like this.''
" What Poonjar, what Kovilakam ?" Major laughed, and removed
his wig.
'' Don't report this to the police. If you do that, you and your family
will be an addition to the accident statistics. A small family
hit by a Tipper lorry.''
Shock waves flooded Shaji's mind. He left in a hurry.
For the next few days, Shaji was a changed man. He was always
deep in thought. He couldn't pay attention to anything.
Shaji couldn't concentrate on anything. " Why did this misfortune
fall on me? Did I do anything wrong? What to do now ?'' he
asked himself.
" Daddy doesn't want to play with me,'' Mini complained.
Shji locked his car keys inside the car. A mechanic was called
to take it out. While reversing, he hit a flowerpot, and broke it. when
he saw the broken pot, the scattered soil and the exposed roots, he saw
it as his own present state.
Shaji weighed his options. First, to disclose everything to Smitha. But
would she believe his version of the events? Second, raise the Rs 50 lakhs.
But where's the money. Third, to solve this problem by ending his own
life.
He opted for the third option. Friday, at dawn, before the Saturday deadline.
4.30 a.m. Shaji went to the bathroom, unnoticed by Smitha. He raised
the poison bottle to his mouth. Suddenly, he heard a cry from the
bedroom. He hid the bottle, and rushed to the bedroom. Mini was crying
at the top of her voice.He was suffering from some kind of severe
stomach pain. Smitha gave her some medicine, but it didn't work.Both
parents tried to soothe Mini's pain.
" Let us take her to the hospital, '' Smitha said.
At the hospital, Mini's pain subsided.
" Why did the little one develop a pain when I was going to die ?
Did some mysterious force hint to her that her Daddy was going to die?
It meant that Mini needed her Daddy. I was a coward to abandon my wife
and my child. I must disclose everything to Smitha, '' Shaji thought.
Time was passing, and the deadline was approaching. Finally, he
mustered the courage and faced Smitha.
" I have a terrible thing to disclose to you.I am sorry I didn't disclose
this earlier. I was wrong in keeping it as a secret for long, " Shaji said.
'' Tell me, whatever it is,'' Smitha said.
Shaji narrated the whole story. When it was over, there were some
minutes of silence.
" You did nothing wrong. Let's rush to the Police Station and report
this matter immediately,'' Smitha said.
They drove to the Police Station as fast as it was possible.
* * * *
company to conduct an audit of the local branch. He had left his wife ,Smitha and his 2 -year daughter, Mini, in his hometown, Trivanndrum.
The little girl, Mini ,was so close to Shaji that she always opposed
his tours. Even his going to work every day was against Mini's wishes.
She compromised only because her mother was a housewife, and didn't
go to work. At the weekend, Mini was very happy because she had her
father entirely under her control.
On the second day of Shaji's stay in Kochi, a sudden ' Bandh ( Shutdown) was announced by the Opposition Alliance, apparently
to protest against ' police brutality'. As usual, the organizers of the
' Bandh' exempted newspapers, milk , weddings and funerals.
The city was paralyzed . A few private cars, bikes and autos were
seen on the road. Generally, the people didn't dare to travel, for fear
of stone-throwing and intimidation.
Shaji took the risk and went to the office. Many workers were absent.
He worked extra hours to finish his work. He wanted to return early
in the morning, on Saturday. Otherwise Mini would be cross with him.
He had to keep his promise.
The Bandh was from 6 a.m to 6 p.m, according to Kerala custom.
Even though the deadline had passed, that day was a ' write-off ' because
it started to rain. The streets were deserted, except for a few cars, bikes
'autos' and a few unlucky travellers who were stranded in the city due
to the 'bandh'. Some of them were carrying heavy bags, and were looking
for 'lift' to reach their destinations.
As Shaji entered Golf View Road, the rain intensified. The wind and
rain wreaked havoc, pounding the windscreen, reducing visibility.
The headlights and the overworking wipers were no match for the
invading downpour. Despite the poor visibility, Shaji spotted a young
girl on the sidewalk, with a heavy backpack and a bag in the left
hand, looking back , looking for a lift. She waved her right hand, begging
for a lift.
' Must I help this helpless girl? Does it concern me in anyway, if this
girl is in difficulty? In this land of gender segregation, anything
associated with women is fraught with risks. Even if a woman bled
to death, in view of the public, no one would dare to help, for fear of
dire consequences. Why should I help? " Shaji thought, and drove
past her.
After 10 metres, Shaji slowed down because there were some big
potholes in front of him. Due to the heavy downpour, the potholes
were full, and they were linking rapidly, forming a pool. The girl
thought that Shaji had stopped for her. Close to the left side, Shaji
saw the dizzy figure of the girl. He opened the door quickly, and
the girl got in. She was about 20 years old, and beautiful. She wore
blue jeans and white T shirt.
'' Where to ? " Shaji asked.
'' 27, Golf View,'' the girl said.
'' Coming from?''
" From Bangalore. I am Bindu, IT student. My parents live at 27, Golf
View. "
" I shall drop you there.''
After a few minutes, Bindu said,
" The house on the right side.''
It was a big compound, with the name ' Adarsh' written on the gate.
The rain was pouring unabated. Bindu phoned her father.
Shaji had no intention to enter the compound, but he obliged due to
the merciless downpour.
The automatic gate opened. It was a big compound , with mango trees
and coconut trees. A 1980s sort of mansion. An old Mercedes was
parked in the garage. A tall man, about 70 years old, and his wife, about
45 years old, emerged from the house.
'' Why didn't you call from the Railway Station? I could have
come there to collect you,'' the man said.
" I didn't want to put you at risk,'' Bindu said.
The couple helped Bindu to carry her luggage into the house.
The man introduced himself.
" I am retired Major Raveendra Varma. This is my wife , Karthika
Thampuratty. Of the famed Poonjar Kovilakam. Thanks for helping
my daughter. Thanks for all the trouble for dropping her safely here.
You know, nowadays a girl isn't safe in Kerala.''
The Major was a towering personality, like the veteran Malayalam
actor, Jose Prakash, in some of his positive roles, as captain, doctor etc
Some old characters flashed through Shaji's mind, and he tried to
pinpoint that character. Like Jose Prakash, Raveendra Varma smoked
a pipe.The huge age gap between him and Karthika Thampuratty
was an anomaly. Maybe , a late marriage, or a second marriage.
''Glad to meet you. I'm in a hurry.''
'' Please, have a cup of tea. Please.... ,'' Major said.
There were old photos of Major displayed on the wall. All in
military regalia. There were medals, cups and certificates in the
cupboard.
'' Took part in the Bengladesh war of Independence. Witnessed
the surrender of the Pakistan Army,'' Major said, pointing
at a photo on the wall.
'' Great,'' Shaji expressed his admiration.
They talked for some time. When Shaji rose to depart, Major
said,'' You are staying nearby. Aren't you bored with hotel
food? Come on Friday for dinner here. Have some homely
Kerala food. Karthika is an expert cook. She even published
some cookery articles in Vanitha. Please come,''
" Thanks, Major Saab. I appreciate your kind gesture, but I
won't be able to come. My schedule can change anytime."
While in the office, Shaji received an SMS from Bindu.
" Daddy told me to remind you about our invitation for
dinner. Pls don't forget.''
Shaji reluctantly decided to go to Adarsh in the evening.
It was 7 PM. Bindu opened the door.
'' Welcome, uncle. Have a seat.''
She was dressed very attractively. She looked prettier than
when she was on Wednesday.
Her parents weren't present.
" Daddy and Mummy went to the house of an uncle who
died of a heart -attack. They'll be back soon in a few minutes,''
Bindu.
" Alright.''
" Uncle, what would you like to drink while we wait for them,''
" Not now, thank you.''
'' Just something soft, to pass time ? The dead person was an
army colleague.That's why they had to leave in a hurry. Be
patient.''
Bindu brought a small tray containing a glass filled with
Sprite and a small packet of cashew .
Shaji sipped the Sprite, watching TV.
Slowly he felt a strange sensation of dizziness. ..a dreamlike
experience. He was falling from outer space, to the Earth, which
was down, shining like a silver soccer ball. the fall was not
scary, but it was great fun, with red rose petals, balloons and
multi-coloured feathers surrounding him. Bindu joined him,
embracing him tightly. Her body was slender like the stem of
'Chembu', smooth and cool. She wore only a gossamer-thin ,white
nightie, with the front fully open.... even that one slipped as they
landed on the earth.
Shaji woke up from his trance. He was startled, realising that
he was on a bed, naked. Major Raveendra Varma, Karthika
Thampuratty and Bindu were nearby, laughing.
" What's going on? What have you done to me ? '' Shaji cried.
Major said nothing. He placed a laptop on the bed, and played
a CD .
Shaji turned his face away with revulsion, as the pornographic
images unfolded.
" This CD is worth Rs 1 crore, but I shall give you a discount
of 50 %. I give you one week to raise the money, and bring it
to Hotel Sea Shells before 8 P.M, next Saturday.''
" No, no, no. That is not possible. How can you, a member of the
noble family of Poonjar Kovilakam, do such a heinous thing
like this.''
" What Poonjar, what Kovilakam ?" Major laughed, and removed
his wig.
'' Don't report this to the police. If you do that, you and your family
will be an addition to the accident statistics. A small family
hit by a Tipper lorry.''
Shock waves flooded Shaji's mind. He left in a hurry.
For the next few days, Shaji was a changed man. He was always
deep in thought. He couldn't pay attention to anything.
Shaji couldn't concentrate on anything. " Why did this misfortune
fall on me? Did I do anything wrong? What to do now ?'' he
asked himself.
" Daddy doesn't want to play with me,'' Mini complained.
Shji locked his car keys inside the car. A mechanic was called
to take it out. While reversing, he hit a flowerpot, and broke it. when
he saw the broken pot, the scattered soil and the exposed roots, he saw
it as his own present state.
Shaji weighed his options. First, to disclose everything to Smitha. But
would she believe his version of the events? Second, raise the Rs 50 lakhs.
But where's the money. Third, to solve this problem by ending his own
life.
He opted for the third option. Friday, at dawn, before the Saturday deadline.
4.30 a.m. Shaji went to the bathroom, unnoticed by Smitha. He raised
the poison bottle to his mouth. Suddenly, he heard a cry from the
bedroom. He hid the bottle, and rushed to the bedroom. Mini was crying
at the top of her voice.He was suffering from some kind of severe
stomach pain. Smitha gave her some medicine, but it didn't work.Both
parents tried to soothe Mini's pain.
" Let us take her to the hospital, '' Smitha said.
At the hospital, Mini's pain subsided.
" Why did the little one develop a pain when I was going to die ?
Did some mysterious force hint to her that her Daddy was going to die?
and my child. I must disclose everything to Smitha, '' Shaji thought.
Time was passing, and the deadline was approaching. Finally, he
mustered the courage and faced Smitha.
" I have a terrible thing to disclose to you.I am sorry I didn't disclose
this earlier. I was wrong in keeping it as a secret for long, " Shaji said.
'' Tell me, whatever it is,'' Smitha said.
Shaji narrated the whole story. When it was over, there were some
minutes of silence.
" You did nothing wrong. Let's rush to the Police Station and report
this matter immediately,'' Smitha said.
They drove to the Police Station as fast as it was possible.
* * * *
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