MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

                                 

                                                 

We had a very interesting chat session yesterday. ‘We’ means the ladies of our colony, which includes all sorts, like the wives of bank officers, business people, government officials and what not. You see, we cultivated this very healthy habit of gathering at some place every now and then in order to exchange some juicy tidbits of news about the people in the vicinity. But don’t jump to the conclusion that we are just a bunch of gossip mongers. We are not, by all means. We do discuss the national and international scenario also. This is where we learn about the country’s foreign policy, financial scene, cricket debacles, latest films and teleserials etc, etc. Of course, we also know about illnesses, marital quarrels, fixing of marriages, impending childbirths- in short almost everything under the sun about our colony members. I, like everybody else, look forward to these sessions very eagerly.

So, we met yesterday at the house of Sunita. Our group is sort of an assorted one. It takes all the types to make this world, isn’t it? For example, Vidya is a self professed avid newspaper reader. More than reading the daily paper, she takes elaborate pains to announce the fact to all and sundry – in other words, to all of us.

She sighed and said something about reading in the paper that one of the numerous miracle- making godmen of the country landed in the jail as a State Guest.

Deepa immediately closed her eyes and folded her hands discreetly. Her lips were moving in a silent prayer. This lady is an ardent devotee of  almost all the gods and godmen. I came to know about her devout nature during our very first meeting itself.

She made a courtesy call on me when I was new to that colony. Pleased with her friendly gesture, I offered her some home made snacks. She closed her eyes and folded her hands a little discreetly and her lips moved in what was obviously a silent prayer. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and ventured to eat. I took it as a serious  affront to my culinary skills. Nevertheless, that being our first meeting, I refrained from offending her by making any adverse comment. I offered her a hot cup of tea and then also she followed the same ritual. But when the same routine preceded her accepting supari, I felt intrigued and could not control my irritation as well as curiosity. I asked her what was the matter. Then she explained that it is her habit to thank god before putting anything into her mouth. Such is her devoutness!

So, naturally she was very disturbed with that piece of bad news and felt sorry for the godman. But not so Asha who is an atheist to the core. She firmly follows the dictum that “ Seeing is Believing” to the last letter. For us, simple folks, the guiding principle in life is, “Hearing is Believing.” As a result, she does not believe in more than half of the things which we do believe. Naturally, she is an arch rival of  Deepa. We were witness to their heated debates regarding the existence of god many times before.

She cleared her throat and declared in a definite no-nonsense tone, “I don’t believe in godmen and their miracles.” The rest of us are not so eloquent or vocal about our views. In almost every matter, we are more or less ‘middle-of-the-pathers’ like a majority of Indians. For example, we are all believers but not that staunch worshippers. I too follow the same tradition. About miracles- well, I never gave the topic any serious thought till then.

But somehow I appreciate both the ladies for their ideological obstinacy. They have clear views and do not mince words when it comes to defend their beliefs.

Deepa glared at Asha. “How can you dismiss so summarily? Miracles do happen. Didn’t you hear about the milk – consuming idols?” she thundered.

“Of course I ‘heard’ about that. But I never saw with my own eyes any miracle happening. Did you?” she inquired sarcastically.

By that time all of us warmed to the subject. It is clear that a majority of the ladies have faith in miracles. So there followed an unending stream of tales of miraculous happenings.

But the adamant Asha was unimpressed. “Don’t talk rubbish. If you have seen any miracle with your own eyes, then only tell me. I will get convinced only then.” She almost challenged all of us.

Normally I don’t argue much. Like Shakespeare’s Polonius says, I “give every man (or woman) mine ears but few my voice; and my thoughts, no voice” I don’t like to offend people by contradicting them. The main advantage of this policy is that I displease none and no one is my enemy. But the flip side is that I please none and no one is my friend either.

I ventured to ask her “What, in your opinion is a miracle?”

She pondered for a while. “A miracle is an unusual happening which cannot be explained by science or logic- which we never expect to happen and is very different from normal.”

That rang a bell in my mind. Recently I felt much on similar lines about some incident. But dimwitted that I was, I could not recollect quickly.

“At this moment, convincing her with an example will be more than a miracle.” Someone whispered.

Immediately it clicked. Same words I told my husband the previous day. That day the gas-boy arrived with the new cylinder. Normally he rings the bell incessantly till I open the door. But that day he just rang once and waited. Not only that, when I gave him the big note for want of change, he tendered the exact change to the last paisa and left – to my utter disbelief. Usually he has this habit of rounding off the bill to the nearest ten rupees. Over and above that, quite unabashedly, he demands some ‘baksheesh’ for doing the work for which he gets paid. That day he did none. It was in this context that I remarked to my husband, “His behaviour today is more than a miracle.”

Confident of convincing her, I narrated the incident. Taking a cue from me, others followed with their own experiences.

 “Since one week, my servant maid did not take leave. As she is not in the habit of working for even five days continuously, I was sure that she will bunk today. But surprisingly she came on the stroke of ten today and without frowning at the heap of vessels in the kitchen sink or the wash load in the bathroom, she finished everything silently. Imagine- not even a single grunt or grumble could be heard from her! Very unlike her indeed! Not only that, she even bestowed a smile upon me while leaving!” “Two days back when I went to Miyapur, the auto fellow charged exactly as per the meter- no full return or half return. Really surprising, Isn’t it?”

Asha vetoed everyone. “Quite unusual, I agree. These type of incidents are very rare and surprise us, no doubt. But I don’t consider them as miracles. At the most they can be termed as eighth wonders. You see, these people are capable of good behaviour but don’t bother. Just because they choose to be good for a change on some rare occasions, we cannot call it a miracle. It is nothing beyond their capacity.”

“When I was sorting junk yesterday, I found a five hundred  rupee note in a discarded handbag. Quite miraculous, isn’t it?”

This time, not Asha but Deepa herself pooh-poohed the lady. “Who would call finding money in the least expected places, a miracle?”

Now it was the turn of  Vidya. In a very confident tone, she declared “I am pretty sure this really qualifies to be a miracle.” She paused for effect. “Yesterday, I saw Mr. Easwar coming home from office before sunset. Not only that, he came with empty hands without the ever present bundle of files.” She sounded triumphant.

Mr. Easwar is her neighbour. Easwari, his wife is a very reserved lady and is never a part of our group. But that never stopped us from being observant of their movements. He is the only big executive from our office other than my husband, residing in the same colony. All are aware of the late- coming and files- carrying habits of both of them and wonder about this peculiar practice of the senior executives of our office.

So they were all surprised to hear that piece of news. Not just surprised- they were in fact shocked because such a possibility is never thought of. Asha was also equally dumbfound. As Easwari was not there, she looked at me for confirmation. I nodded my head. And of course, quite a few others also recollected noticing that special event the previous day.

So in a resigned tone accepting defeat, she said, “Well, yes….er….so….if really Mr. Easwar came home by sunset, if not before, without a single file, that surely is a miracle. So, miracles do happen, I agree.”

For no logical reason, we all felt happy and satisfied for being able to convince her at last. Still some were curious about the reasons. “How did it happen actually? Will it occur again? Does it mean that we can look forward to the same miracle in your home also?”

I sighed and shook my head gravely. “No, dear. I don’t wish it in my house. And there is no chance of it repeating there either.”

They were all puzzled. “How can you be so sure about it?”

I replied “Because yesterday was the last day of his service. He was fired.”

REAL FESTIVAL

                    

Subhadra felt very happy. She was confined to bed since almost ten months. And was feeling down and dejected and depressed. But today, on this festival day, Vasantha, her daughter in law made her wear a new sari and pulling an easy chair to the kitchen, sat her in it. She was preparing the festival lunch with a couple of delicacies, taking her advice and chatting with her.  Murali was surprised to see his mother in the kitchen after a long time. He sat at her feet with moist eyes. Bablu, her grandson was elated at the unusual sight. He too joined the others and together they presented a perfect family picture.

Vasantha raised her voice and shrieked, "That is why I always say she should get down from the bed. But why does she, she is a queen while I am here to cater to all her needs singlehandedly..."

Subhadra opened her eyes with a start. ‘So, was it all a dream? An unfulfilled dream?’ She looked at her old shabby sari and sighed.

Vasantha was shouting, “Look, we are all going to my brother's house for lunch.  Some items are in the fridge. It should be sufficient for you. Will you be kind enough to warm them for lunch”

Subhadra mumbled, "You know, Vasantha, I cannot even walk upto the kitchen. How can I..."

"I know, you will say the same thing. So I have to do everything for you before going. You never allow me any rest or respite.  What a bother!"

Murali heard everything and said in a firm tone,  "Today is festival, Vasantha. As it is, we are going out leaving mother alone. Why leftovers for her? At least cook something fresh and keep by her bed."

Vasantha frowned and went away grumbling.

After a while, Murali came to her with a hot pack. He placed that on the bedside table within her reach along with water and plate. He sat by her and holding her hands said, "We have to go, mother. If there is any need, call me. We will be back soon."

She nodded with a forced smile. She knew they will come home only late in the evening. She remembered her husband who left them all long back when Murali was still in high school. Since then she struggled with her meagre income as a school teacher to bring him up and educate him. After getting a good job, he married Vasantha. Until she was bedridden ten months back, she alone managed both the household as well as her own job. But now with her sickness, she had to stop working and became a burden to Vasantha. She closed her eyes. Without realising she dozed off.

Suddenly she woke up. She felt somebody was near her door. "Who is that?" she called.

A cute face appeared peeping at the door. "Are you sleeping, grandma?"

She smiled at Bablu. "Why, Bablu, are you people back already?"

He came in and sat by her. "I did not go, grandma. I dont like it there. Nobody there to talk or play with. So boring. I sat to study but I feel scared in my room. Shall I stay here with you in your room? I will bring my homework and do it."

She could imagine the anger of Vasantha and the scene she must have created when Bablu wanted to stay back. Murali must have persuaded her to agree. All that must have happened while she fell asleep.

Subhadra helped Bablu with his work and together they completed the task.

"Bablu, are you not hungry? Come, we will have food."

"Father kept my lunchbox on the dining table, grandma. Wait, I will bring that here and we shall eat together."

The lunch was simple without any specials. Still she felt highly contented eating together with the grandson. Bablu looked at her and whispered  in a low tone, "Shall I tell you a secret?"

She nodded.

"It is Father who told me to stay back with you. We entered a deal. When he goes out to give company to my mother, I should take care of his mother here. Good deal, no? I too liked the idea. So I am here with you!"

She smiled and kissed him. 'I can never forget this day..ever. The happiest day and the grandest.

GREEN AND BLUE

                        

I just came home after a hectic day at office. Meena greeted me with a hot cup of coffee in her hand and a sweet smile on her radiant face. I relaxed in the sofa and started sipping the aromatic beverage.

Suddenly there was a thundering knock on the door. No, not just 'a knock.' It was continuous pounding. I was startled. Meena just smiled. "Must be your friend, Govind",  she said while going to open the door. The moment she opened the door, in barged my good friend, Govind, like a fierce hurricane. He plonked himself in the sofa and held his head in his hands. I just kept staring at him. I know about his frequent outbursts since our school days. I need not make any enquiries. Slowly he himself will come out with everything.

After a while he lifted his head and glared at me. "Here I am so disturbed and there you are coolly sipping your whatever it is. Are you not going to ask me at least what is the matter? Quite a friend you are!"

I kept quiet. Meena brought coffee for him and sat beside me.

He shuffled impatiently. "OK, I myself will tell you. No use, Kishore, I am going to divorce Durga." He declared and started drinking the coffee.

We were not expecting that! He married her only 7-8 months back after moving heaven and earth. And we know how much he loves her. Suddenly what happened to force him towards that drastic decision?

"Why? What happened?" Meena asked.

Govind did not speak for a while. Then he sighed deeply.

"Do you remember, Kishore, the day we went to 'see' Durga?"

"Of course, I remember very vividly, why not! You forced us to accompany you saying that we are seniors, you need our advice etc, etc! Just because we tied the knot one year before!"

That day was fixed by his father who lives in Vizag, their hometown. They were shown a girl in some marriage function discreetly and they liked her. So now Govind has to see and approve her. The girl and her parents live here in Hyderabad. He forced me and Meena also to come with him.

We were received cordially and soon the girl was called. Meena, to justify her presence started chatting with the girl and her mother and other ladies. Govind whispered in my ear, "Without being obvious, look at the girl standing behind them. The girl in green and blue sari."

I casually looked at a young girl behind the  bride and nodded.

"I like her, tell them I want to marry her."

I stared at him bewildered. How can I tell them so? "Please!" He pleaded.

I leaned towards Meena and told her briefly to know her details first. She hesitated a little. Then she coughed and stood up. "Can I have some water?" She asked the girl. The girl nodded and went inside. Meena followed her enquiring in a low tone, "Show me the toilet also." She spent some time with her inside and then joined us.

After a while we started home, promising the hosts that we will keep in touch. Govind, understanding my silent order, kept quiet in the auto. But the moment we reached our home, he rained continuous questions, anxious to know the details from Meena who did a fine job.

The girl is the bride's cousin from Vizag on a brief visit here. "Vizag! Our Vizag!" Govind cried.

She is studying there. And most importantly, she is unmarried.

But we had to struggle a lot to convince his parents. "What will they think? They will feel offended if we say we want the other girl and not the one originally proposed. They will spit on my face! I cannot do that!" His father was adamant.

"How can we, the groom's side, approach total strangers seeking their daughter's hand? It is below our dignity. They will take advantage and look us down!" His mother added enraged.

But Govind persisted, pleaded, cajoled, threatened and sobbed. And finally they relented.

The girl's family was also suspicious about this unusual and sudden proposal and even doubted his credentials.

Ultimately after a lot of hard work he could succeed with great help and support from both of us and tie the knot with Durga with the approval of both the families. And they were living happily thereafter. At least till today we thought so. Before this sudden bolt from blue!

"But why? Why do you want to leave her? After going through all the trouble just a few months back?"

He sighed. Then grunted. And then gnashed his teeth. Finally beat his forehead. "How can I tell you? Nobody can understand my plight!" He paused and then continued.  "Do you remember, we did not know her name in the beginning?"

"Why not! You were annoyed with me for not asking her name! Even after I did so much for you by gathering all her details and even her father's address without arousing any suspicion in her. Just because I did not bother about  her name!" Meena pouted.

"Isn't it? So we used to refer her as 'the girl in green and blue', didn't we?"

"Of course. Only at the time of printing the invites we asked for her name. Till then she was 'the girl in green and blue' "

"And Meena, was it not you who told Durga about that nickname?"

Meena looked puzzled. "Of course, why not? Is it supposed to be kept as a secret?"

Govind tore his hair. "If only you kept it so!"

We looked at him blankly. I recovered first and raising my voice, said bluntly. "Arre, idiot! Tell the matter quickly without throwing riddles. What is the matter? Say briefly. Or go to hell."

He sighed. "You know very well how I hated that sari with that horrible colour combination that day! In fact that was the only thing I detested about her."

We agreed. In fact he said something to the effect that no sensible person on earth prefers the combination of parrot green with ink blue like that girl. Meena consoled him saying that after marriage, any girl will understand the likes and dislikes of the husband. And after that she may not go for any sari with those colours, she assured him.

"You assured me, but she didn't behave so!" He lamented. "Even after I told her several times, she is not willing to realise. She preserved that sari as a precious memento and off and on wears it as a special treat for me. Did you hear, as a 'Special' for me! In all these seven months or so, do you know what she bought? A blue sari with green border for her birthday, a green sari with blue checks for Dasera, a blue sari with green dots for Deepavali,  one with blue and green stripes, green with blue flowers and blue with green print....oh, the list is endless! When I tell her bluntly not to go for those colours she is in tears, saying I am changed and no longer loving her, blah blah blah! And finally today she bought a green kanjeevaram sari with blue border and thread work...costing nearly ten thousand bucks! What shall I do? No respite for me from this green and blue!"

He held his head in his hands and almost on the verge of tears.

"It is a very rare colour combination! Where on earth is she able to find so many saris with those particular shades?" Meena wondered aloud. Then looking at his face, she stopped and clucked her tongue in sympathy.

He looked at her pleadingly. "Meena, do something. Drive some sense into that hard nut. Please, you alone can do that. Otherwise I will renounce everything and become a sanyasi. No alternative for me."

The next day Meena met her and explained his predicament to her. "She is very understanding and apologetic. She now repents her folly. She promised me, she will never wear any sari with those colours. Then she wondered what to do with all those. I told her to give them away to someone or buy some steel or just throw them away, any thing. Now Govind can relax and need not worry." She sighed. "I wonder what she will do with all those new saris! Very expensive ones too! Especially that Kanjevaram! Terrible!"

We both felt relieved that his woes are gone forever.

But it was not so. After two days again he came, this time like a tsunami. "No use, friends, I am leaving her and you all too. I am going away" He declared.

We were dumbstruck. "Why, what happened? She promised  me she will never go against your wish! Didn't she keep her word?  Stupid girl!" Meena enquired in an angry tone.

Suddenly we heard Durga's sobs. She came in running. "See, see, Meena! How he has changed! I told you! He no longer likes me, I know. These are all just excuses to get rid of me. I have no option but to end my life." She wailed.

"No, Durga, don't say that. Sit here and tell us calmly what happened. We will find out a good solution. Control yourself. Don't cry, stop that first." Meena tried to pacify her.

Govind was gnashing his teeth still.

Durga calmed down a little.

"Now, tell me, did you again wear any green and blue sari or did you buy any?"

Durga shook her head. "How can I, Meena, after giving you my word?"

"Then didn't you throw them away?"

"How can I, they are all so new. I didn't feel like giving them all to the maid even!"

"Then, did you exchange them for any steel utensils? What did you get for all of those almost new saris?" Meena enquired curiously.

Durga shook her head. "I got a better idea. Today I sat down the whole day and tearing them all, I stitched curtains for all the windows and doors of the house. For the drawing room, bed room..."

"....dining room, kitchen...wherever I turn, those blue and green curtains are piercing my eyes. She did not leave the the toilets even..." Govind thundered.

We both looked at each other and could not help bursting out laughing. Poor Govind!

KILLERS AND THE KILLED

THE KILLERS AND THE KILLED

(a story with two alternate endings)

PART I

It is eight o'clock in the evening. It is the house of the rich businessman, Jagannadham.

Bhaskar, son of Jagannadham is very impatient. Sometime back the family lawyer told him a shocking news that his father is very angry with him and called him the next day to change his will. Bhaskar, all these years was thinking that the whole property will be his one day, being the only son. 'I have to do something before it is too late. Otherwise he will give it all to that devil of his second wife!' He opened the drawer and checked the revolver. 'I cant wait anymore. Tonight will be the last night for him.' he decided.

Revathi, Bhaskar's wife is brooding. Though her husband is a good-for-nothing drunkard, she enjoys her luxurious life. But now she heard the lawyer was called. It appears like the old man is going to disinherit them. She shuddered at the prospect. 'I will not allow it. Tonight I will see his end. If possible, his wife's too. After that it is easy to get hold of the property from Bhaskar.' she smiled, remembering the small poison bottle she got secretly.

Suguna, Jagannadham's wife is disturbed. She is very upset with her husband for quite sometime. And now he called the lawyer too! She cursed her father for marrying her to a widower almost twenty years older than her and with a son! Ever since that day she was crying. Until Diwakar came into her life. Her face lit with joy just by remembering him. He is ready to do anything for her sake. Like getting the cyanide pill with great difficulty. Tonight she will give it to the old man replacing one of his regular tablets. By tomorrow she will be the queen of the house! And Diwakar, the king.

Diwakar, the manager is looking at the clock. He will wait a couple of hours before going to the house of his boss. True, he was disloyal and finding the old man disinterested and ailing with age related problems, pilferred large amounts of company money. But he underestimated the boss. He found out his treachery and threatened with police case and arrest. And though he did not mention, it seems he suspected about him and Suguna too. Tonight will be the end to all this. 'Suguna should succeed with the cyanide pill. Otherwise, I can easily throttle him with my own hands.' he smiled. 'Then it will be the turn of Suguna, the nag! And then all others too!'

Chandu, the driver is in the outhouse, his home. He is boiling with rage. In fact, ever since Mallika, his wife of six months, told him about the roving eye of the master, he was burning with fury! The disgusting old rat! How dare he sets his eyes on his young and beautiful wife ! He remembered the sharp knife he hid secretly. Tonight he will end the brute's life so that he will never look at his Mallika again.

Mallika checked the packet of insecticide once again. That will teach that old rascal a fitting lesson for his seemilgly innocent overtures with her. As if she cannot guess his wicked intentions! Tonight she will mix it in the juice the old man has the habit of taking daily after dinner. Then she and Chandu can have a heavenly life!

Johny, a thief, is in search of a good fortune. He chose the house of Jagannadham for his purpose. He studied the house well and decided to strike tonight. He knew where the bedroom of the master is. Though he never killed anyone before, he will not hesitate to kill if the old man tries to raise an alarm. He put a long plastic rope in his pocket and started for the house.

Next morning, the local police station received a call reporting about the multiple murders in Jagannadham'a house. "How many?" The constable asked the Inspector on the way. "No idea. We will go and find out who are the killer and the killed." he said.

ENDING  I

THE  NIGHT  BEFORE:

Bhaskar entered his father's bedroom. He was not in his bed. He heard a slight movement in the adjoining balcony. He went to the dark balcony, looking for his father. He saw somebody hiding there, not his father. Before he could open his mouth or pull out the revolver from his pocket, Johny pounced upon him and tightened the rope around his neck. Bhaskar, after some struggle, went limp. 

Johny is now alarmed. 'O God! Why did I kill him?' He panicked at the sudden turn of events and wanted to flee. Sweating, he climbed down the balcony with the drain pipe just the same way he entered. And started running towards the back gate. 

Suddenly he bumped into Diwakar and both fell down. Diwakar fell on a sharp rock which smashed his head. He died immediately even before realising what happened to him. 

Chandu, on the way to the house, heard the commotion. He sensed some danger and quickly ran towards the noise with a hand on the knife in his pocket. Johny was still dazed. But he recovered quickly and out of desperation he caught hold of Chandu's neck in a tight grip. Chandu, though struggling, took out the knife and stabbed the thief with force. Johny gasped but even while dying he did not leave Chandu's throat. Chandu coughed a little and breathed his last.

Then it was all quiet!

Suguna went to her husband's room. He was not in the bed. She quickly opened his daily medicines and put them in a small plate as usual. But unlike everyday, she put the cyanide pill in the place of one of the regular ones. Jagannadham came out from the toilet and sat on the bed. "Suguna, I don't feel like having the juice today. Bring me a glass of milk." he said. She looked at the tablets. "I will take them later."

Mallika mixed the insecticide in the juice for the old man. She heated the milk for Suguna and kept both the glasses in a tray on the kitchen table for Suguna to come and collect. Then she took the soiled dishes outside to clean.

Revathi was loitering in the dining room wondering how to achieve her goal. Just then Suguna came and sat there. "Revathi, tell Mallika to get milk for your uncle instead of juice."

Revathi was overjoyed. She went into the kitchen. Mallika was outside washing the dishes. Revathi heated some milk and poured into a glass. She noticed the tray kept by Mallika with juice and milk. 'What a golden chance for me! I can eliminate both of them with one shot! And celebrate with this juice!' She emptied the poison in both the milk glasses and came out with the tray. Suguna took the milk glasses and went to her husband. Revathi went to her room with the juice and humming happily, started drinking.

Suguna found her husband still sitting on the bed. The tablets were still there. He grimaced. "I feel very uneasy, Suguna. Better I will skip the milk too. You have yours and go to bed." He followed her glance and waved his hand. "Oh, dont worry about the tablets. I will take them without fail."

Suguna came out cursing him. She put one of the glasses on the kitchen table and called to Mallika, "You have this milk, Mallika." And she went to her room sipping the milk from the other glass.

Mallika finished her work and came into the kitchen. She shrugged on seeing the milk. Suguna insists on the milk everyday and most of the time leaves it untouched. She drank the milk and went to the outhouse, her home.

Jagannadham sighed. 'What a life! Bhaskar is a waste fellow. And his wife a spendthrift. Then this Diwakar is a thief and cheating me along with Suguna. Ever since I called the lawyer, these people are behaving in a suspicious manner. Perhaps they knew about that. I can no longer trust anyone.' He looked at the tablets. 'Why is Suguna glancing at them repeatedly? Are they safe? No guarantee.' He threw them in the dustbin and took his usual medicines himself from the almirah. 

He thought about Mallika. 'Very sweet and innocent girl! If only I had a daughter like that! She and Chandu are a cute couple. But nowadays they are also aloof and indifferent with me.' He shook his head. 'Why bother? Anyway tomorrow the lawyer will come. As per my plan, I will just leave enough for the maintenance of Suguna and Bhaskar and give away everything else in charity and move to an old age home. Hope I will have a peaceful life there at least!'

Next morning, Jagannadham called the local police station to report about the multiple murders in his house. "How many?" The constable asked the Inspector on the way. "No idea. We will go and find out who are the killer and the killed." he said.

OR.....
              

ENDING  II

(AFTER  PART  I)

NEXT  MORNING:

"I am Chakrapani, the lawyer of Jagannadham. I called you in the morning." The man told the Inspector Pratap. "Sorry, Inspector, nobody is dead. I saw them lying in blood and called you thinking they are all dead. But afterwards when I went near, I found them all alive and struggling. I called the doctor and he is doing the needful."

Pratap nodded his head. He noticed some men and women around, moaning and  scared. The doctor, with the help of a nurse was attending on them. The lawyer continued. "One man, who is unconscious, is unknown to me. All others are known. Doctor says there is no danger to their lives."

"Can you tell me what happened, young man?" Pratap asked Chandu who appeared to be in a better condition than the others.

Chandu recalled what happened the previous night.

After dinner, Jagannadham called them all to the drawing room including Chandu, Mallika and Diwakar too. "I have something to tell you all. I want to spend the rest of my life in an ashram in Rishikesh. I've made all arrangements. Tomorrow the lawyer will come to finalise my will. I want to give the outhouse and a cash of five lakhs to Chandu and Mallika. They are very sincere. I consider her as my daughter and I hope they will not refuse."

Chandu and Mallika stared at each other, surprised.

"The rest of my property is to be divided equally between Suguna and Bhaskar. The lawyer will work out the details. And they are free to do whatever they want about continuing with Diwakar as manager. If they remove him then he will get some monthly pension, due to his lengthy service to us." He stopped.

All were in a shock.

"What about you?" Bhaskar asked after a while.

"I will keep a small amount for myself. The interest will be enough for me."

Then as the impact of his words was sinking fully, they all started protesting

against his decision.

Suddenly there was some commotion. A man, apparently a thief, jumped into the hall from the back window and was surprised to see people there, wide awake.

Bhaskar took out the revolver and Chandu the knife. They all pounced upon him and a long scuffle followed. The thief took the revolver from Bhaskar and fired wildly two or three times. Ultimately, Bhaskar could snatch the revolver from the thief and hit him on the head. The thief fell down. They were all injured due to the firing and the fighting and were bleeding.

The doctor declared all of them out of danger. Jagannadham, a heart patient was put on sedation. The bullets were removed from Bhaskar and Suguna, none fatal. Revathi and Mallika were in a shock with minor injuries. Diwakar received some heavy blows on his body and not fully conscious but there is no threat to his life. Chandu had some cuts and bruises but nothing serious. The thief, Johny was still unconscious and had to be shifted to the hospital. There is a good chance of his surviving.

Pratap, after recording the statements of all, left the house. Filled with

remorse and repentance, they all started praying and waiting for Jagannadham to open his eyes.