After graduation, Naeem got a senior position as an officer in the administrative services, though he had secured a third division. Kailas had a first division, yet he couldn’t find a job despite years of toil and struggle. In desperation, he took up his pen and started a newspaper. One took the privileged route, which aims only at amassing riches; the other went the way of social service, which initially brings fame, but ends in troubles and prison. No one knew Naeem outside the office, but he lived in a spacious bungalow, travelled in an open car, went to the theatre, and holidayed in Nainital. Kailas was known everywhere, yet he lived in a ramshackle cottage and had only his two feet for conveyance. It was difficult for him to even procure milk for his children, and vegetables were hard to come by with the money he brought home. Naeem was fortunate enough to be blessed with only one son. Kailas’s misfortune was to be encumbered with progeny of such a large number that prosperity was out of the question. Both friends corresponded regularly with each other and met occasionally. During these meetings, Naeem would say to Kailas, ‘You’re doing so great! You’re at least doing some service to the nation and the community. I haven’t done a thing except fill my stomach.’
Kailas understood that these words were merely an expression of Naeem’s courtesy. He knew that Naeem wanted to offer him some consolation for his sorry condition, hence he would make an effort to conceal it from Naeem.
There was pandemonium in the estate of Vishnupur. The manager of the estate had been murdered in his bungalow in broad daylight, and in full view of hundreds of people. Although the assassin had escaped, suspicion pointed towards the crown prince. As he had not yet come of age, the estate was managed by the Court of Wards. The manager was also responsible for the care of the crown prince, but the luxury-loving prince found his attentions cumbersome. Both had been at loggerheads for years, and had even exchanged harsh words on numerous occasions. It was natural therefore for the crown prince to be regarded as the prime suspect in this case. The district collector appointed Naeem to look into the case, as having a police officer investigate it would have been humiliating for the prince.
For Naeem, this was the golden opportunity that he had been waiting for. He was neither wise, nor of a sacrificing nature. Everyone was aware of the weaknesses of his character, everyone, that is, except the officers who had handed him this case. The crown prince found in Naeem the answer to his prayers. When Naeem reached Vishnupur, he was given a spectacular welcome. Gifts began pouring in. The lower officials in his retinue found themselves deluged with presents. They were treated like sons-in-law of the estate.
One morning, the prince’s mother arrived and stood with folded hands before Naeem. He had been reclining comfortably, smoking a hookah. When he saw this veritable glowing image of restraint and penance, he sat up immediately.
The queen looked at him with eyes filled with motherly love, and spoke, ‘Sir, my son’s life and fate are in your hands. In the name of the mother whose illustrious son you are, I beg of you to protect my son. I leave everything in your hands.’ Pity and self-interest collectively possessed Naeem.3
It was during this period that Kailas came to meet Naeem. Both hugged each other with great affection. During the course of the conversation, Naeem narrated the whole story to Kailas, and tried to justify his act.
Kailas said, ‘In my opinion, whatever garb you may clothe it in, it’s still a sin.’ Naeem retorted, ‘I feel that if it can save a life, it’s not a sin but a good deed of the highest order. The prince is a young man, talented, intelligent, generous, and magnanimous. You’ll be happy to meet him. He’s extremely polite and courteous. That manager was an evil man who harangued the prince on the slightest pretext. So much so that he neither requested a car nor accepted the money for it. I don’t condone what the prince has done. But the debate now is, should he be declared a criminal and sentenced to prison, or should his life be saved through an acquittal. Nothing is hidden from you,’ he continued, ‘it’s a packet worth twenty thousand rupees. All I have to do is state in my report that this incident happened because of personal enmity, and that the prince has nothing to do with it. I’ve destroyed whatever evidence I could find.’ He went on, ‘There was another reason why I was appointed to look into this matter. The prince being a Hindu, the collector deliberately chose me and not a Hindu official. This communal difference is enough to prove me innocent. On one or two occasions I have been partial towards Muslims, and now the opinion is that I am against Hindus. In fact, Hindus think of me as the very epitome of partiality. This misconception is enough to save me from any accusations. Now tell me, am I fortunate or not?’
Kailas was hesitant. ‘What if all this comes to light?’ Naeem was quick to reply, ‘Then this will be the greatest failure of my intelligence, the fault of my research and a perfect example of the eternal law of human nature. I’m not omniscient. No one will suspect my motives or accuse me of having been
