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.

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.

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.”

Nithari Lurking..............?

Guru was one of the many maintenance staff at Tranquil Paradise, a new gated community in the suburbs of Bangalore. Guru in his 40’s was hefty and had a good knowledge of the plumbing, electrical and maintenance work. He helped the families at Tranquil in running errands and attending to sundry repair work. He was much sought after and liked by all.

He loved children and was always seen in the play area playing with them. Mehta‘s a family had just moved into Tranquil Paradise. The couple were working professionals and had employed Rani, to look after Sasha, their seven year old daughter. In no time Guru won their confidence and many a time Sasha was seen playing with him.

One day, while Rani was busy watching TV serials, Sasha slipped out without her knowledge to play. After a while, Rani went to the play area and was shocked to find Sasha missing there. In panic she checked with other kids there, only to be told that they neither saw her nor know her whereabouts. Rani alerted Mehta’s and the security guards. The security searched in vain all places including the swimming pool, club and skating rinks. They said it was impossible that Sasha could have gone outside.

The police were called in who began to interrogate Rani, guards and the housekeeping and maintenance staff. Failing to get a clue, the police quizzed Mehta whether they had any hostility. No ransom calls were also received. The police were flummoxed though they felt it must be the handiwork of someone within the community.

The play area which was once a beehive of activity wore a deserted appearance with no kids seen. One month had elapsed with no progress in the case. Then again Shreya a nine year old girl of Kumars went missing while playing in the lawns opposite her house.

This time around the police brought sniffer dogs that led them to the pump house near the sump. Shreya’s Barbie doll was found but there was trace of Shreya. It was feared that Shreya might have drowned but was not found after search.

The pump house staff were questioned and that led to Guru who frequented the place. Ravi the Inspector had a doubt on Guru looking at his obsequious demeanour. He checked with both Kumars & Mehtas about Guru and was given a good chit as very trustworthy staff in the community. They also added that he often played with their kids and was most crestfallen about their disappearance. Yet Ravi’s mind failed to accept it, as he felt that Guru had something to do with both disappearances. To buttress his doubt he learnt that on the days the kids disappeared Guru too had gone earlier.

The inspector made discreet enquiries about Guru near his tenement that was about three miles away from the community.. He gathered that he lived alone, that his family had deserted him taking away his daughter with her and that he never mixed with anybody in the neighbourhood. He rarely stepped outside the house other than to buy groceries. Ravi checked with grocer. The grocer said he was a decent man who kept to himself but of late he was surprised to find him buying a lot of chocolates, biscuits and kids’ stuff. He said he even bought the stuff the previous day. This set the inspectors fears about the safety of the girls at rest. But he was worried whether he could be a pedophile. With no ransom call, Ravi was sure the man was hurting the kids in his lust. He kept some policemen in plain clothes like villagers around the place.

It was 7 o’clock in the evening and it was getting dark, Guru was seen going to grocer to buy bread biscuits and candies before he went towards his home Guru entered his house and quickly closed the door behind. The policemen and Ravi circled the house only to hear Guru begging the girls to eat.”You must both be hungry. I cannot see you both starve.Sasha, you look just like my daughter. She is also of your age. To provide company and a play mate I brought Shreya too. Please eat this. Stay with me for a few days and I will take you home myself” he was heard pleading. The kids in turn were sobbing and appealing “Please uncle let us go home. We are not your daughters and do not want to be with you even for a day ’. The inspector heard them whimpering “Mamma, Mamma, take us away from here’ whereupon he heard Guru imploring “Listen to me my children .No harm will come to you. I will take you myself tomorrow and leave you at the gate. I would not like to see you both crying.” Please have your food.”Guru was heard sobbing and telling he had made a mistake

Ravi realized that the kids were safe in his custody but his duty impelled him to recover the children and hand over to the parents immediately. However to ensure the safety of children, he had to make Guru open the door. He struck upon an idea and asked his assistant to bark like a dog. The sudden and repeated barking of a stray dog brought out Guru whereupon the police men pounced on him.

The parents of both girls were very happy and were all in praise of the Inspector. Initially they were angry at Guru who was brought before them by the policemen. When Ravi explained the motivation behind the abduction and Guru’s sad background, the parents decided not to press for any action against him. The girls told their parents that Guru never kept them hungry and gave them enough to eat and also provided toys. However Guru decided to go to his village in search of his wife and daughter

The moral in this story is that however noble one’s intentions are, nothing illegal should be done.

Two Timing

Geetha’s world comprised of Prasad and her kid and she believed she led a happy life. Both Geetha and Prasad were working in a bank. She was by nature hardworking and ambitious while Prasad was laid back in his attitude.  Geetha was fascinated by the opportunities the probationary officers’ examination offered and started preparing for the same. But this did not go well with Prasad who feared she may occupy higher positions and start disregarding him and the home. Much to her repugnance, he held conservative ideas that women should play a subordinate role to men and take care of home and children.  He had also no ambition to improve his position and was content to remain where he was whiling away his time playing cards and gossiping with friends. This made Geetha all the more determined to work hard to clear the examinations. This grit of hers had the tacit support of her in-laws. When she finally came out in flying colours  and posted in the same city to the happiness of all, Prasad was seen sulking.

Her success hurt his ego and was furious that she surpassed him and started earning much more than him besides controlling numerous staff. In his blind jealousy he even made the preposterous demand that she stop working and be a home maker. Geetha emphatically rejected his suggestion leading to frequent arguments between the couple affecting the family harmony. All the pleas of Geetha that the increased remuneration gave them a life of comfort, help his parents financially and also enabled them to put the child in a good school. Prasad wasn’t convinced arguing that there was no necessity for such fanciful expenses and they could do with less known school. When she persisted with her ways, he gradually moved away from her limiting his conversations with her.

In these circumstances he found greater comfort in the company of Chitra, a colleague of his. A spinster Chitra was taken in by Prasad’s good looks and consoled him with sweet words to gain his affection.. In due course what started as occasions to unburden his woes led to falling in the charms of Chitra. Prasad also on his part confided in her his desire to get separated from Geetha and fortify his relationship with Chitra. Thus started their steamy affair unknown to Geetha. Luckily for him Geetha was the head of another branch of the bank and had no occasion to know his friendship with Chitra and treachery.

Matters came to a head when Chitra insisted that Prasad marry her by hastening his divorce with Geetha. She started pressurizing him threatening to make their relationship public.  Prasad knew that Geetha had immense support of his parents who had a dim opinion of their son.  This was known to Prasad and he was hesitant to bring up the topic of divorce.  He pleaded with Chitra to give him some more time while he schemed to have his way. 

He wanted to be in the good books of his parents, get thrill from hurting Geetha and also enjoy the company of Chitra.  Scheming as he was, he devised a plan.  He along with Chitra managed to get transferred to a new branch away from the existing city   He managed to get a fake decree of divorce and pacified Chitra that he had divorced Geetha. They started living together happily by marrying her in a small temple. Except for his weekly visits to his home on the pretext of meeting parents, things were hunky dory.

Over a period of time, Geetha became the Zonal Head of the Bank and was an inspiration to many of the lady staff members.  She had to make an official visit as the zonal head to the branch where Prasad and Chitra worked.  There she was felicitated by the ladies of the branch.  During the exchange of pleasantries with Chitra, she said “Madam, you would not know me,but for your divorce with Prasad, I would not have been married to him” The words came as a sledge hammer to Geetha and her world came crumbling down.  Geetha who was dumb struck for while soon regained composure and said she would like to talk to her separately.   Later when, Geetha and Chitra met they realized that they were conned by Prasad.  When confronted by both of them together, Prasad realized his game was up.  He lost his freedom, his job, his parents, wife, friend and above all respect.