There were many occasions when Haridas was scolded badly by his father on minor issues for not working according to his wishes. For this reason, he was depressed and wished to work in other mills where he could see his ideas taking shape.
Devaki said sympathetically, ‘Why are you troubling yourself? Do as he is saying. What will he say if you work elsewhere? Even if he doesn’t say anything out of anger, what will the world say?’
Devaki was not a beneficiary of new education. She had not studied the lesson of self-interest but her husband was a prestigious member of his alma mater. He had confidence in his capabilities. He wanted to earn a name for himself. And that is why he would lose his patience seeing his father’s traditional ways. He did not care if the world criticized him for utilizing his qualifications for a profitable venture. Annoyed, he answered, ‘I haven’t drunk nectar that I can continue waiting for him to die. Should I waste my life in fear of the comments of people? I know some people of my age who do not have the capabilities that I have. But those people move in cars, live in bungalows and lead lives of splendour. Should I just keep sitting with my hands in my lap, watching life go by? The age of patience has gone. This is the age of struggle. I also know that it is my duty to respect my father. But in matters of principles, I will not surrender to anyone.’
In the meantime, the palanquin bearer came, ‘Lalaji is asking for his food.’
Harnamdas was very particular about Hindu rituals. But he had been spared from making visits to the kitchen because of his old age. Earlier he would eat puris at night in the winters. As they were difficult to digest, he would ask for chapattis in the living room. Harnamdas was compelled to do what was beyond argument.
Devaki served food for Haridas as well. Initially, the gentleman looked sad, but the aroma wafting from the kitchen perked him up. Very often, we use our eyes and ears for digestion.2
Harnamdas was hale and hearty when he went to sleep. However, either because of his son’s mistakes or because of the slump in his business and his old age, he was under great stress and had a paralytic attack before dawn.
His speech was affected and his face stiffened. Haridas ran to get the doctor. He came, saw the patient and said, ‘There is nothing to fear. He’ll regain his health but it will not take less than three months. This attack happened because he has been worrying too much. We must see to it that he sleeps well and he isn’t speaking even when his tongue relaxes.’
Poor Devaki was sitting and sobbing. Haridas came and consoled her. Then he fetched the medicine from the doctor and gave it to her. After a while, the patient regained consciousness. He looked around with searching eyes as if he wished to say something and indicated that he needed some paper. Haridas handed him a paper and a pencil. The old lala wrote very carefully—The management should remain in the hands of Dinanath.
These words cut through Haridas’s heart. Even now he doesn’t trust me. It means that Dinanath will be my master and I his slave. This won’t happen!
He came to Devaki with the paper. ‘Lalaji has made Dinanath the manager. He doesn’t have any trust in me. But I will not let this opportunity pass. I am saddened by his illness but maybe God has given me an opportunity to prove my worth. And I will take advantage of it.’
The workers at the mill were worried when they heard of this incident. There were many worthless and lazy workers who only indulged in flattery. The mistris picked up work at other workshops and would escape, giving some excuse or the other. The fireman and the other workers would while away their time pretending to clean the mill through the day and would work at night to get overtime. Although Dinanath was a clever and experienced person, he too enjoyed saying ‘Yes, sir’. Harnamdas was stingy with payments and would often deduct money. He considered this to be a good principle of business.
The moment Haridas reached the mill, he made it clear that the workers would have to work hard. ‘I will monitor the work this month and promote everyone. But I will not accept any excuses. All those who have problems with this can leave.’
Haridas called Dinanath and said, ‘Bhai Sahib, I know very well that you are efficient and intelligent. You’ve been working according to the culture here. But now I require your experience and hard work. Go through the accounts. It will be my responsibility to get work, but you will have to look after the management here. You will get a cut of the profits. I want to do some good work in the absence of my father.’
The result of this promptness and smartness was soon visible. Haridas had many advertising pamphlets distributed. This resulted in more work. Due to Dinanath’s efficiency, the customers got their flour on time and at reasonable rates. Before the first month came to an end, Haridas ordered a new machine. He also hired a couple of experienced workers. The city was abuzz with talk of this mill. Haridas would treat his customers
