Wages of Wrong Doing

Dorai, as he was called, was known for his innovative ways of marketing.  His company in a short time grew in size and volume acquiring such a name and fame in business world that it was the most sought after by the local brands. He encashed on his talent as opportunities arose and the company became a byword in the engineering colleges and business schools for campus selections.

Dorai came from a humble background, where giving and sharing was ingrained.  With time as his wealth grew, his charitable activities also increased but sadly there was also a disconnect with his attitude.

It was a privilege for many young talented professionals  to be employed at his firm.  Dorai ensured that his office was equipped with the latest technology and that there was no dearth of facilities.  To the outsider, it gave an impression of concern and competence, in reality, Dorai was stern and autocratic in his dealings

He scouted professional institutions to tap young talent, painted a rosy picture, hired the cream by offering them fancy salary packages.  The deal was that freshers will be taken as interns and offered training and opportunities to develop their talent and subsequently absorbed in the rolls of the company.   The freshers were carried away by the internship program.  The only transparent process was deputing interns to overseas institutes because these institutes selected the interns.

Dorai’s true colors were seen when their services had to be confirmed, they were made to sign contracts that were binding them to serve the company, had   violation clauses were severe and  also insisted on  deposit of all their original certificates. The interns had no choice but to work for Dorai.

 Dorai was manipulative too as he always kept the government officials well greased.  He ensured in a subtle manner that his charitable activities got publicity.  So to the commoner, it was picture perfect, Dorai the philanthropist, entrepreneur, an inspiration to the youth and so on. He greased his way to receive the State award for Philanthropy & Youth Encouragement.  The many paid interviews by the media only strengthened his popular personality.. 

It was from one of the many establishments that Kirti’s name came to his notice.  She was a bundle of talents, sensible and intelligent.   But Kirti had other plans of becoming an activist.  Dorai was keen to have her in company’s rolls for he realized her potential and persuaded her to change her mind.  It was during this meeting that Kirti felt something was amiss with this man and his company. Though she was not carried away by Dorai persuasive  tactics, she realized this could be platform to launch herself as an activist.  Much to Dorai’s happiness, she agreed to join as an intern.   It did not take her long to figure out the injustice being meted out to the recruits and the stringent clauses in the agreement.  When confronted, Dorai brushed her off saying it was common business tactics and the system required it.  The more Kirti tried to change, the more she failed and was mocked at by all.  Kirti had no remorse as, she was determined to show the world the true picture of the employer behind the façade of  business ethics and vaulted reputation.

A God sent opportunity for Kirti came in the way by her being selected by the overseas institute, though it eventually meant trouble for Dorai.  During her stint with the overseas institute, Kirti won the praise and support of many due to her affable ways and talent

 Before her departure she made one more attempt with Dorai to change the regressive ways the professionals were treated with a view to retain them. She pleaded with him to do way with signing of contracts, deposition of original certificates and his other mean tactics. She suggested constructive ways of retaining talent but Dorai not only refused but in a bravado justified each one of his unfair tactics and the entire unethical process of confirmation little knowing that   Kirti was video recording  her conversation with Dorai. 

When she shared the recording on a social network site, it shocked the entire business word, bringing his reputation to mud. The academic authorities took note of the wrong practices employed. Dorai‘s world crumbled  to naught when he could not face the world.

Why Pray ?

For most of us the day begins with a prayer.

But many times, doubts assail in my mind why should we begin the day praying or rather thanking God? What if I do not, will I have terrible day? Is it a sin? , while such questions rage in mind, how many have the courage to skip the morning ritual?

We agree that God is omnipresent and all powerful and is in complete control of everything, but still we pray for health, wealth, forgiveness and sustenance . But the question is when God is in control, why at all we need to pray?

For one, I am sure, God does not have to be impressed upon, the sequence of life’s happenings are preordained , as some say based on karma, then why pray? I am told that the effects of the purva karma,good or bad, will have to be passed through and even god does not interfere with that.

In my mind we pray because we want to connect to God, tell what is on our minds, have that intimate dependence , to deepen our relationship with God. This profound relationship nutures us, gives us stability. Prayer makes our mind clean and keeps us away from evil thoughts.We do not add to the bad karma.

I also opine that praying is not asking/begging for favours, There is nothing wrong in asking, but don’t persist. I would ask for a blessing and leave to God’s will, for he knows best. By accepting God’s will, irrespective of the outcome, we would have garnered the spiritual strength and perhaps get more marvelous things! The trust in god gives us the confidence and positive attitude so necessary for success.

It reminds us of our place of humility, and that there is a divine force above, guiding us.In today’s fast paced times, we hardly want to spend time with God but yet expect that all our whims and fancies are granted, which is unfair. It is like any other relationship, you get what you give .

For me, prayers is not only by going to places of worship, chanting religious verses, performing rituals.While these help in focusing the mind and disciplining it, it is not a prerequisite. But thinking of God, sharing your thoughts with him, sincerity in the work we dowithout worrying about the outcome is real prayer.

Prayers done with good intent and honesty will always be answered in His own mysterious ways.But one must remember that god helps those who help themselves.One's sincere effort is a must for god to grant the wishes."Trust in god but keep the gunpowder dry" said Oliver Cromwell to his soldiers.

Light at the end of Tunnel?

Rina and Ritu were charming twins born with silver spoon in their mouths. Money was never an issue. Their parents had little time for them even from young age and were Page 3 personalities ever after celebrities, social activities and parties. Left to fend for themselves with practically no monitoring, the two girls found thrill initially in shopping, partying and dining at the best places. Gradually they fell into bad company and drawn into drugs and other pleasures.

They had a younger sister totally different from them.Mita was a studious type, focused on her aim and eventually became an intern in a hospital. She resisted the persuasions of her sisters to join them in the fun. Initially she chose to ignore the indulgences of her twin sisters but as they went down the slide, she decided to talk to them. Her attempts to correct them were scoffed at. Rina said in a mocking tone“You are jealous of our beauty and the fun we have with our friends. Why don’t you join us?”  When Mita pointed out that they have neglected their studies and have fallen into bad ways, Ritu said “Mind your business. We are mature enough to handle ourselves and you have no brief to monitor us when even our parents do not say a word.”

With time, the adverse effects showed up. They did not attend classes, failed to appear for exams.  The college revoked the admission of the twins. Their health deteriorated with sunken eyes and shrunk cheeks. They were often in the basement smoking something or out in joints with bad guys.  Mita’s heart wrenched, she decided to bring it to the notice of her parents.   With the father lost in the world of politics and mother in social activities and parties, they ignored her words. Instead they took her to task for complaining about sisters. All attempts by her to broach the topic again and again were in vain. It was then she chose to seek the help of counselor to advise her ways to go about the situation placing all facts before the counselor.

After having googled the various counseling centres, she zeroed on   one that was talked about most.Mita reached the counseling centre and was asked to wait.  While she waited, she engaged herself in conversation with others waiting for their turn.  They bolstered her hopes saying it was one of the best counseling centres and had dedicated  and qualified  counselors who work selflessly for a cause. One of the waiting persons said “We admire their dedication and how lucky their children must be to be endowed with such great and caring mothers.”

The receptionist chipped in to add “Today is indeed a lucky day for you people as the Chief Counselor herself is  here.   She is an epitome of service, support and encouragement to bring together broken families. I hear that she is likely to get a social award for distinguished service to the hapless addicts.”

Mita could see a light at the end of tunnel.. When her turn came, she walked into the Chief Counselor’s cabin only to come out hastily! It was her well dressed mother who had not completed class 10 and whose general knowledge was abysmally poor sitting as Chief Counselor.

Should Demonstrations cause Inconvenience ?

It happened in Bangalore on this Tuesday ( Jan 17th).  As a  part of an agitation around  300 advocates assembled together and blocked the City’s center that  resulted in a massive traffic  jam and untold inconvenience to commuters for more than six hours.

The provocation for this flash demonstration of solidarity amongst the advocates was that on January 14  three lawyers and two  cops had an altercation regarding traffic violation  that led to mutual assault. Both the lawyers and police have their own versions of the incident.  Instead of taking a lawful route to resolve the issue the lawyers resorted to a flash agitation on a working day in the heart of Bangalore at SBM Circle. 

Thousands of office-goers, outstation passengers, school children, college students had a harrowing time. Several ambulances ferrying critical patients ground to a halt in the traffic jam, The advocates shouted slogans and emotions ruled high. There were stone pelting at public transport and police vehicles.  They resorted to rasta roko unmoved by the pleas of police and the stranded public. It was finally resolved with the police agreeing to suspend the two cops involved.

About three years back, a former CM of Karnataka held a rally at Palace Grounds to which busloads of people came from all over the state. When the rally ended around 4:00 p.m., hundreds of buses carrying the participants along with city’s regular traffic created a  grid lock, forcing school children, office goers and public to walk home.  Children reached home as late 8 o’clock in the night!

When such flash agitations occur, it is the public at large, who are least involved with the agitating issue, who are most inconvenienced.  The organizers of such rallies or  protesters are well aware of the chaos these agitations would cause  but they still go ahead with their programme to create the maximum dislocations as possible hoping that government would listen only then.

 Imagine the anxious moments of family whose member is in the ambulance needing immediate medical attention ,  the apprehensive moments of a mother waiting for her child or  impatience of passengers trying to catch their train or their flight.  I see no reason why people should suffer for no fault of theirs. These agitations provide the ideal climate for unsocial elements to join the fray leading to looting of shops..

  
In my perspective, all of us have a right to protest, ensure our voice is heard and corrective action taken.  But It should be  done in peaceful manner holding placards and wearing black badges,  Even  designated places can be earmarked for such protests even if they are for popular causes like   Anna movement as was done  at Freedom Park at Bangalore. Alternatively, adequate notice should be given to the official machinery for taking suitable traffic diversions, informing the public, schools and colleges. Taking law into one’s own hands and causing disruption would only result losing public support for the causes,.  The concerns should be voiced by peaceful means through various medium such, newspapers, TVs, and social networking sites,  The means adopted is as important as the ends.

The Bequest

The car was nearing Athahalli village, some 150 miles away from Bangalore. It was evening and the sky was overcast. Vijay turned to his wife Aparna and said "We should be able to reach my aunt’s place before the sky breaks into rain”.

“Have you visited her anytime? I remember your telling that it is decades since you had visited your native place” she asked.   “May be when I was a kid when my parents were living. I have only hazy memory of her, a short and slim woman who had no children and who lived alone. Yes it is nearly two decades and I was in US”

“Nice that she remembered you and sent for you. Is she your dad’s cousin?”Aparna asked

“Yes, I don’t know why she has sent for me. I remember she was living alone even when my parents were alive.   I got a call in my office yesterday from her asking me to visit her immediately. I wonder how she knew I was here and got my number. Strange it is. We will know soon” he said

He had no difficulty in locating the house that was a little away from the other houses. There was no one around in the village street. The evening light was dull and the overcast sky made it worse. The house looked dilapidated with broken windows. The walls were dark with greenish moss having never seen a white wash He pushed the rickety and squeaking gate open. He found dry leaves and droppings of birds along the pathway to the house. There was no semblance of inhabitation.

Aparna shivered when she saw the walkway unkempt with weeds and creepers all over.”It gives me creepy feeling, Vijay. Are you sure this is the house?”Aparna asked

Vijay did not answer. He knocked the door and again loudly when there was no response.

After sometime what looked like eternity, it opened.   A frail old lady in a white sari with silver white hair and hollow eyes in her ashen wrinkled face said “Welcome, Vijay. Is she your wife? Sorry the house is not presentable. I have no help and am too old to tend to it.”

“Yes Aunty, she is Aparna.  It is almost two decades or more since I had been here.  It was a surprise to receive your call yesterday. In view of the urgency in your tone, I made it today.  Please have these fruits. What is it you wanted to say?  I could not make out as your voice was not clear” he said.

“Thank you so much. Your uncle had passed away years ago.  Now my time is over and being childless, I wish to bequeath my house and lands to you. I have made a will in your favour and is in my steel box in the first floor room. Can you bring it down? I am unable to climb the steps. Let me rest in the easy chair meanwhile” she said in a voice that was a whisper from her toothless mouth.

He started climbing the shaky stairs leaving Aparna behind. She jumped and said “Let me also come with you. May be you may need my help.”  There were cobwebs all over, sparse old furniture covered with grime and dirt and a dim light flowed from the lone broken window.  There was no electricity and they had to look for the box with a pencil torch light.  Aparna felt a cold shudder in her spine and turned round to see some pictures on the wall hanging askew looking at her with penetrating eyes.  She said “Vijay, let us leave this creepy place soon. I am not comfortable. Let us go”

“Just one second. The box is here. It has no lid.  Here is the faded envelope.Come on, let us go down and swiftly take leave of her” he said.

As she came down the steps, Aparna felt something brushing her body but she could see none. She heard the howling wind in the rain and eerie sounds of laughter. They both clasped each other and went to the easy chair.  She was not to be found. They looked in the kitchen. There was none.”Aunty, aunty “ he called twice. There was no response save the cackle of a laughter that sent a panic. They rushed out of the house with the envelope in hand sweating with fear.   They ran till they found a man outside on the road.

He asked “Where are you coming from? That haunted bungalow.”

When they nodded their heads, he said “An old lady who was living alone in that house died long back. There is some relative of hers who is yet to claim the house”

Seema's Vow

Diya was a bubbly girl, all of 11 years.  She was thrilled and excited as it was Sunday that meant lot of fun with games and TV.   Seema, her mother was preoccupied with  routine chores.

After having played with her friends in the colony play area in the drizzle, she returned home with a headache and fever.  Seema dried her head with a towel, gave her hot soup and made her lie in a bed. But the head ache worsened and the temperature went up in the evening. Seema who was busy with some pressing work asked Diya to take one  Paracetamol tablet from the medicine box. Diya asked what colour.She said white.

Next morning there was no fever and Diya insisted on going to school though Seema was against it. At school, Diya felt difficulty in speaking and swallowing. What was initially bearable became worse with her tongue becoming swollen and immobile. She wrote on a piece of paper her condition and handed over to her classmate sitting by her side. Her parents were informed and she was rushed to the emergency room of a hospital.  The doctors could not make out this strange condition with her face and neck also swollen and immobile tongue that had a bluish tinge. As the pulse rate was falling, the doctors swung into action and administered medicines intravenously. As she had breathing difficulty, she was put on oxygen and connected to various monitors. The doctors surmised that some strong dosage of wrong medicine had been taken by her but they could not pinpoint. Her condition was causing worry with the pulse and pressure rapidly falling. The senior doctors were around her bed closely monitoring her health.

Meanwhile Seema went down to pray at a Ganesh temple at the ground floor. With tears flowing  profusely she prayed rather audibly with her eyes closed”Oh Maha Prabhu, Ganesha, please save my child from the danger and ensure no harm comes to her. Please make her normal. I am at fault. I should have given the medicine instead of allowing her to take .I feel guilty.Vigneshwara; I will break 108 coconuts before you. Please save my child.”

As she was praying, she heard the peal of bell and opened her eyes to see a fat and short boy of 10 years with ash mark on face, and a big tummy before her. There was a strange power of attraction towards him when he said ”Aunty, do not worry. Your daughter will be fine. Here is the vibhuthi (sacred ash). Please  apply this on her forehead and drop a little on her tongue. She will instantly talk”

“Thank you my child. I will do it immediately. It is as if Ganesha Himself has come to answer my prayers through you” she said.

“Do not forget the 108 coconuts you promised. I will watch your breaking them” he said with a smile.

Seema bent to take her bag and immediately turned towards the boy. Lo, he was not there. He had vanished in a trice. She asked the others around. They said they saw no boy at all and that too a stout boy. She was perplexed and turned to look at Ganesha inside the sanctum with the dim oil lamp glowing by His side. She felt infinite grace radiating from Him.

She rushed to the Emergency room. Her husband came and said with a beaming face “Seema, Everything is fine. Thanks to the doctors’ relentless efforts, Diya has miraculously recovered from the jaws of death. Even doctors are surprised at the sudden turn for the better when they were themselves losing hope.”

Seema rushed to Diya applied the ash on her forehead and dropped a little on her tongue. In a few minutes Diya called “Amma, I am able to talk now “Seema hugged the child and said “Wait a few minutes I will be back very soon”

She rushed to the temple and fell before Ganesha and said “I know it is only Your grace. That small boy is none else than You. I will come tomorrow with 108 coconuts to discharge my vow”

While Seema’s hubby was gloating at the great skill of doctors, Seema was certain that it was Divine intervention that saved her daughter.

Sneha's Gaffe

Siddarth relocated to Bangalore for a better career.  He joined a company as a General Manager(Marketing). Sneha was working there as an Admin Executive and had a good knowledge of the policies and procedures of the company.  She was designated to assist Siddarth in his work.  From day one Sneha was drawn by Siddarth’s handsome looks and winsome ways. She felt a strange and pleasant sensation whenever he spoke to her in his soft masculine voice. She found every ruse to be by his side and gain his attention. Siddarth on the other hand was impressed by Sneha’s intelligence and her ability in assisting him in his work.. He could easily sense Sneha’s feelings for him. He also knew that she will be an asset to him in his work. While he mildly flirted with her, he took care not to encourage her overtly.

He could meet tough targets with   Sneha’s able assistance in coordinating with branches and other departments.  He realized that he could use Sneha’s weakness for him to his advantage and hence he too played along without crossing boundaries..  Sneha assumed that he was shy to express openly his love for her and was happy she had found love at last.  As days went by their work brought them closer and often went for lunch, dinners and parties.

 Little did Sneha know that Siddharth was just using her in his area of work and was friendly with her with no romantic feelings for her. Valentine’s Day was around the corner. Sneha purchased a rather expensive gift and decided to bare open her heart on this apt day.  He too had bought some nice gift for the occasion pleased as he was with her work. Come Valentine’s Day, she gave him the gift and expressed her love for him in no unmistakable terms. While he gave her his gift, he said he would react to her proposal later due to certain peculiar circumstances he was in. Shocked she was at his lukewarm response, she decided to wait and know what is preventing him to reciprocate fully. May be his parents or other domestic circumstances could be the reason for his reticence. In any case she decided to bide her time

At the half yearly review, the Directors were all praise for Siddarth for the record achievement and obliquely mentioned about the reward awaiting him for his good work. Sneha who was sitting on the rear chair was immensely happy. While thanking the directors, not once did he mention of the great help he got from Sneha though he mentioned many others. Later in the evening when they were together in his room, an overjoyed Siddarth told her that major share of the credit for this recognition went to her. This pacified her initial disappointment to some extent.

A couple of months later in one of the private moments, Sneha broached the topic again only to get an elusive reply buying more time.. For the first time Sneha was flustered and realized that he had not professed his love for her so openly as she did. He had neither spoken about his family nor about the circumstances that stood in the way of his openly reciprocating her feelings for him. Could it be that he loved someone else?  Siddarth sensed the change in the colour of her face and her discomfort in continuing the conversation. He tried to pacify her but she she pleaded headache and left for her home.

It was Siddarth's birthday. He had taken a day off. Sneha wanted to surprise him and in the evening on her way back home she dropped in at his residence with a gift in hand. When she rang the bell, a petite and elegant girl of her age opened the door. Sneha introduced herself and said she came to wish Siddarth for his birth day.

She replied softly with a smile in her face “I am Rohini, his wife. Please be seated. He will come in a little while. He has gone to collect the birthday cake. He has mentioned that you are his assistant and take much load off his back.”   Sneha was devastated at the man’s treachery and cunningness. She just wished to vanish from that place the very moment. She said as she stood up.”  I just wished to leave this gift. I am in a hurry. Please allow me to go.”  “Please wait. He will get upset if I send you away”Rohini pleaded.

Just then Siddarth entered the hall and was shell shocked when he found them together. A consummate actor he was cool and composed. With a broad smile he said “Hi Sneha what a surprise! How did you get to know my address? Thanks for the great gift. I wished to introduce Rohini to you but you both seem to have become friends already."  Sneha mumbled some words and left immediately. When Siddarth came to office the next day, he could not find Sneha. His secretary gave him an envelope marked confidential that contained her application for long leave along with a short note.

“I regret the day I met you. You are a cheat and an opportunist. You could have been frank on the first day about your marital status. Instead to get my help in your work, you gave me the impression that you are also in love with me and continued to flirt with me. Even on the second occasion you were elusive and did not have the mettle to declare that you are already married. You kept me in the dark to make me work for you more.

I am proceeding on long leave and have no intention to work in your department anymore.”