Naeem said, ‘Permission to talk with Mrs Kailas alone.’
Kailas slapped Naeem. ‘There you go again! You’ve seen her a hundred times. Is she an apsara?’
Naeem said, ‘Whatever she may be, you want a compromise, you have to do it my way. But remember, I want to meet her in private.’
Kailas agreed. ‘All right. But after this, if you ask for money for the decree, I’ll skin you alive.’
Naeem nodded in agreement.
‘But she’s a delicate, timid woman, don’t indulge in crass humour with her,’ said Kailas.
‘Don’t tell me what to do,’ said Naeem. ‘Just take me to her room.’
Kailas said, ‘Keep your head bowed.’
‘You can blindfold me if you wish,’ said Naeem.
Kailas’s wife, Uma, did not wear a veil. She sat lost in thought, and was astonished to see Naeem together with Kailas. She greeted Naeem, ‘Welcome, Mirzaji. We haven’t seen you in so many days.’
Kailas left them together and stepped out of the room. However, he hid behind the curtain to overhear their conversation. His intentions were not bad, he was just curious. Naeem was replying to Uma’s query. ‘We government people hardly find the time. I had to collect the money for the decree, so I came over.’
Uma’s face went white. She answered solemnly, ‘We too have been worried all these days. There’s no hope of getting it from anywhere, and he’s too self-respecting to appeal to the public for it.’
Naeem smiled, ‘What are you saying? I’ve taken every penny of that money.’ Uma was speechless. ‘Really? Where did he get the money from?’
Naeem replied, ‘That’s his habit. He must have told you that he hasn’t got a penny. But I got it out of him in a minute. Please rise, and prepare the meal.’
Uma was disbelieving. ‘How could he have given you the money?’
Naeem said, ‘You’re simple, and he’s crafty. I know him only too well. He must have fooled you by constantly whining about his poverty.’
Kailas entered the room, smiling. ‘Come out, Naeem! You couldn’t resist playing a prank this time too?’
Naeem continued with a straight face, ‘Shall I write out a receipt for the money?’
Uma intervened, ‘You’ve paid the money? Where did you get it from?’
Kailas replied, ’I’ll tell you later. Come out, Naeem.’
Uma was adamant, ‘Why don’t you tell me? Nothing’s hidden from Mirzaji.’
Kailas looked at Naeem. ‘You want to embarrass me in front of my wife?’
Naeem smiled, ‘You didn’t think twice before embarrassing me in front of the whole world.’
Kailas smiled back. ‘Well, haven’t I paid twenty thousand for that already?’
Naeem said, ‘I’ll pay you back in the same coin then. Uma, I’ve got my money. Let Kailas’s secret be safe with me.’
Translated from the Hindi by Urvashi Sabu
The Condemned1
Orphaned early and a widow now, Maani had nothing to fall back on except her tears. She was only five when her father died. At sixteen, her mother, who had somehow raised her, managed to get her married off with the help of the neighbours. But within a year, Maani lost both her mother and her husband. In this crisis, she could think of no one who could give her shelter except her uncle Vanshidhar. So far, Vanshidhar had behaved in a manner that left little hope for a peaceful existence with him. But she was ready to endure anything. She would tolerate all his abuses, scolding and beatings. At least no one would suspect or accuse her falsely of any wrongdoing. She would be protected from scoundrels and ruffians. Vanshidhar, somewhat concerned about his family honour, was unable to turn down Maani’s request.
But within a month or two Maani realized she would not be able to survive in this place for long. She did all the housework, danced to everyone’s tune and tried to keep everyone happy, but for some unknown reason, her uncle and aunt remained bitter. They got rid of the maidservant the moment Maani arrived. Even the boy who used to wash and clean was dismissed. But in spite of all this relief, her uncle and aunt didn’t treat her with kindness. Chacha directed threats at her, chachi called her names and her cousin Lalita cursed her at any given opportunity. In the entire household, only her cousin Gokul was sympathetic towards her. Only his words conveyed to her a sense of closeness and affection. Gokul knew his mother’s nature. If he tried to make her understand the situation or supported Maani openly, she would have found it impossible to continue living in the house. That is why his sympathy remained limited to just comforting Maani. He would say, ‘Sister, let me get a job and that will be the end of your troubles. Then I will see who looks at you with scorn. Your bad times will last only as long I am a student.’ Maani would be thrilled at these words of affection, and she would bless Gokul from every pore of her being.2
It was the day of Lalita’s wedding. Guests had been pouring in since morning. The house resounded with the jingle of ornaments. Seeing the guests Maani too felt elated. She had no ornaments on her body, she had not received any pretty dresses, yet her face was brimming with joy.
It was the middle of the night; the auspicious hour for the nuptials had arrived. Gifts for the bride had come from the groom’s quarters. Women were restless with curiosity to catch a glimpse of the gifts. Lalita was being adorned with ornaments. Maani had an intense desire to go and see the bride. She could not resist the craving to see yesterday’s little girl transformed into a bride. Smilingly, she entered the room. Suddenly she heard chachi shouting, ‘Who called you here? Go, get out of this place.’
Maani had gone through a lot of suffering in life but this scolding pierced her heart like an arrow. She began to curse herself. This is the reward you get for your childish behaviour. What was the need for
