Colorful Holi ( 2 short stories) ..

Two short stories are about Pinku, the painter who has discovered  his suppressed talent and Dimple, the scooter who received new life during Holi celebration.

Pinku the painter

Pinku(M 26) came to Mumbai from small town of Bihar appx. ten years ago to earn money. His father died at very early age and Pinku, as elder brother had responsibility for his sister’s marriage and Sahukar’s debt, his father has taken to start new business. Unfortunately his father died suddenly before establishing his business. Money had been spent, debt had not been repaid and business terminated without taking off. Pinku had no choice than to travel to Mumbai and earn money for his family.

From childhood, Pinku had talent to paint. Colors charmed him. He saw a character in each color. Whenever he saw cinema, he never interested in Hero, songs or dialog, but keenly watching colors and textures of the movie. When he painted his room with just clay and chalk, entire village had appreciated his work. If he had taken birth to rich parents, he could have been a famous painter. But unfortunately, due to his illiteracy, rural background and lack of knowledge of outer world,   he did not realize the true potential of his talent. To satisfy his need to work with colors, he decided to be a painter .. to color house walls, in fact.

As he arrived at Mumbai, his friend had found him job of assistant painter. He supposed to assist the painter, in color mixing, scrubbing the wall and cleaning up at end. Slowly Pinku started showing his talent in painting.. He liked colors and his job required to be with colors and shades.. He enjoyed his job. Within year, he established himself as painter and need not required to work as assistant any longer.

Pinku had eye for details. He never left smallest corner untouched. When he was painting wall, he was painting as true artist paint their canvass. Each wall he faced, each day, was new canvass for him, alas nobody had noticed his hidden talent. He received few words of  appreciation and few hundreds rupees extra as tip. He was satisfied with that.

Pinku’s reputation grew as passionate painter in his circle and color contractors wanted to hire him for expensive projects. He painted numerous celebrities houses and five star hotel’s ball rooms. In spite of all this success, Pinku had a pain in his heart. He never allowed to paint colors he liked. He had to follow the orders of his masters. Sometimes, house owners select pathetic color schemes and his artist heart used to cry but he remained calm and suffered. He knew his boundaries as small painter, very well. One day..

That day, Pinku was scheduled to paint a well-known painter’s house. That Painter namely Abuzak, was so busy in painting for clients and international art-galleries that he did not had time to paint his own house. When Pinku reached to his house, Abuzak had not purchased any paint or decided color scheme. Abuzak had so many things in his brain that he did not had time to think about this petty thing.. He handed over bundle of cash to  Pinku and told “ you can color whatever you want. It should look nice. I will be back after two days and I wanted painting to be finished by that.. I want everything to be clean, when I return.. “ He handed over entire house to Pinku and left. Pinku was amazed by his weird attitude.  First time Pinku had chance to paint as per his likings. He had been given freedom to express his suppressed talent.  

Abuzak’s house was furnished with very meager furniture and it was not well taken care of.. Pinku felt feeling of sadness, feeling of being ignored, emanating from the house.  House was crying for change and he decided to makeover. He bought colors and brushes as per his color schemes.  He selected colors which brings freshness to the house. He combined various colors and created new colors, which nobody has seen before. He immersed into his painting, pouring his heart on to the walls. That day painter’s house has witnessed another painter with same passion and intensity, the difference is one was internationally known, rich, intellectual painter, while another was just a…..painter. 

During his lunch break, Pinku saw few painting of Abuzak. He could not understand meaning  of it but he felt that those painting had something which drawing him deeper,,,, something which could not be interpreted  but still appealing to him !!!!

Pinku painted for two days constantly day and night. When he finished his artwork, he took final look at his work, painted walls. As any artist, he was not satisfied with his work and he thought about possible improvements but he did not have time. House was beaming with new colors and had become a master piece in itself.

When Abuzak arrived, he was astonished. He was speechless. He saw colors and patterns he has never seen before. He felt like he is moving into an art gallery and enjoying best performances of artists. He never imagined that dull walls also can be canvass for creation. He felt the true potential of Pinku’s talent. He saw Pinku in his colorful shirt and face full of various color drops… He asked “ I am sure you have not slept for two days”..

Pinku shyly replied “Yes”.. Abuzak wondered “How you did this..? How did you.. combined colors ?..” Pinku replied “ I knew.. “.. Abuzak thought at bit and asked him “Will you work for me.. ?” Pinku asked” what should I paint ?” Abuzak pointed to his painting “ These… you just paint for me, fill my canvass with your colors… I will get your painting sold “…

Illiterate painter from Bihar, did not understood world of professional paintings. He simply asked “ Will I earn 6000 Rs. per month ?” Abuzak smiled and put his hand on his shoulder .. “Don’t worry my friend,, you will earn much more than that.. I assure you I will pay you 15,000 per month.. You just paint. Show me your talent,, explore yourself.. I will teach you emotions,, you teach me colors.. “

Even though Pinku could not understand what Abuzak told, but he had calling. He knew that those paintings can be his future, the only future he had..  He agreed and they decided to start his new assignment from tomorrow.

When Pinku left Abuzak’s house, in excitement, he forgot that his cloths and face were filled by various colors. He thought to return and change the cloths.. but he did not because today was HOLI. Whole world is celebrating with colors, thing he loved most…

On the road, people were playing Holi with each other and throwing colors. Nobody touched him since he was already filled by colors, TRUE colors… Amidst the enjoying crowd he spread his arms and looked at sky. He saw various colors, emanating from his arms, are filling the clean blue sky… He felt liberated and his journey to explore his talent has begun. He wished Abuzak, ,” Happy Holi”…

Dimple the Scooter

Her owner used to take care of her pretty well. She used to wash her every day, feed oil and patrol when needed. She used to love her and given her name, Dimple. Dimple had pure white body with flashy lights and loud-mouthed horn. She was proud scooter till one day.

That day her owner suddenly disappeared. She was waited whole day, but her owner did not turn up. From that day, nobody had touched Dimple. She was lying in corner with no hopes. Her white body was littered by garbage, dust and bird droppings. There was time when she was best looking among the scooters but now she has been thrown to the corner just to rot. She cried to God to give her an owner. But who wants to own a shabby, dirty scooter, who has not been used for years !!! Dimple, residing at the corner of society parking, passing her days by awaiting an owner or a scrap dealer !

Bikram and Janvi was newly married couple. They fell in love and got married and marriage ruined their love story. After marriage to pay the EMI and credit card bills, both of them started working and working hard. Bikram started his new side business which was taking up his after-office hours. Because of lake of time for each other, they started drifting away from each other. Physical separation was converting into emotional separation.

That day Bikram came late as usual and Janvi was asleep. When Bikram saw his wife, he thought that “Is this girl I loved and sworn to live together forever ? Where is that girl, who used to wait for me till midnight for dinner ? Where is that girl, who had love in her eyes for me !! Where is the love.? What’s happening to my married life ? “ As he thought more about his ruining married life, he realized  that its’ not only Janvi who, had changed, he also had become static husband. He realized that if he is not able to get his married life back on track now, surely he might lose it forever !!!

Next morning, Janvi was watching other playing Holi from her balcony and as always, Bikram was sleeping. Janvi remembered that how they used to play Holi prior to marriage with their friends ! How Bikram used to throw bucket of water despite her requests and threats… all these romantic moments have confined to memories only.. Life has changed and changed for the worse.

While Janvi was lost in such depressive thoughts, suddenly a hand rubbed her cheek with red color.. Janvi shocked and saw Bikram.. She got angry ..” What are you doing ? You are spoiling my cloths.. It’s brand new dress…”… Bikram got disappointed by her reply.. He turned down his face with sad sorry.. He left the room..

Red-faced Janvi realized that she had chance to revive their lost love.. It was her opportunity to energize their married life.. A spoiled dress can make their life happy once again.. and she lost the chance.. she lost it..

Disappointed Bikram went to take bath.. When he came out and he saw Janvi with full of water bucket waiting for him.. !!! He resisted “ Look Janvi.. don’t be stupid.. you are going to drench TV… “ Suddenly he realized .. “This is the chance stupid.. grab it.. hell with TV.. “.. He rushed into the bathroom and came out with another bucket full of water.. Janvi scremt “NO Bikram.. I don’t like water.. (actually she did.. J) and ran out of house.. Bikram followed her..

At outside Birkam spotted Janvi and threw the water on her… She ducked and gush of water fell on Dimple, the scooter.. Stream of water had washed her.. all the dirt and mess was removed.. Bikram emptied another water bucket, hitting Dimple again.. Two buckets of water had washed Dimple and she regained her elegant white color.. She became graceful again.

After playing the holi with each other, couple regained their lost love. Looking at serene white scooter, Janvi asked Bikram.. “This scooter looks very beautiful… who owns it ?” Bikram replied that scooter belonged to someone who has migrated to Canada. Janvi replied that “ Can we buy this ? I really like this scooter… “ Bikram had no problem with that..

Dimple the scooter was listening to couple’s talk and thanking Holi to make her life again..

Regds

vadan

Corruption in Blood

As a writer I generally, take inspiration from my past incidents which I have heard or experienced. I still remember one such incident which was narrated by my brother 15 year ago when I was teenager and he was struggling to establish his first business. He told me that he has given bribe of Rs. one lakh to minister as part of the business deal. The minister had taken oath just few hours ago and it was his first bride deal after becoming minister. He was so excited and eager to feel the money that he called meeting at midnight to clear the papers. After clearing the papers at 1 am, he travelled 150 kms with my brother to collect the cash. When he touched the cash at 3 Am he relaxed as if he has got the fruit of his hard work. My story "Corruption in Blood" revolves around this real incident.

State Minister of heavy industry Murty Rai (MR, M 55)) had a meeting with Shah Business group. Shah group had business plan to invest 100 cr in the state mining industry. They wanted govt permission and assistance to establish the necessary infrastructure. MR and his bureaucratic team, were listening to the proposal, presented by Junior Shah. While Jr Shah was describing the benefits enthusiastically,  Senior Shah was observing MR's reaction. MR had done his homework and knew the financial strength and business intentions of Shah Group. Honestly, He arranged this meeting just to finalize the bribe amount. 

As Jr Shah was elaborating the proposals and its benefits to state people, MR grew impatient, as if he was least bothered about it. He intervened and asked " All these tech details you can discuss with my state secretary. ' Then he adjusted his glass, cleared his throat, hunched forward and whispered “ Explain, how will I benefit ? " It was quite upfront and naked exhibition of MR's immoral desire. 

Jr Mehta did not quite understood the meaning of MR’s question, but Sr Mehta red the wide open eyes of MR. He had dealt with many politicians like MR in past and red their greedy eyes many times.  He ordered his team to vacate the room and wait outside. When everybody left, MR felt like he is facing open vault filled with golden biscuits. He required just to fill his bags with biscuits. So tempting  !!

Sr Mehta offered partnership but MR was interested in raw cash. Finally after intense bargain one crore was decided. Half the amount should be paid in advance and half after proposal is passed. Knowing the MR's reputation Shah had brought 50 lakh with him. Money made MR happy and smile flickered on his face first time since morning. His attitude changed and become friendlier and warmer with Shah. He thanked and assured his help.

Shah's proposal file moved from table to table like a bullet train, very rare as per government standards. Money's magical power had charged up lazy bureaucrats and the proposal was passed within a week. Finally MR signed the proposal and granted legal license to Shah Group to commence the mining project. Sr Shah thanked MR for unbelievable efficiency shown by his team and promised to pay the balance fifty lakh next week when he will return to India. MR agreed. 


That afternoon MR supposed to attend his Party workers gathering at Azad maidan(Ground). He supposed to give inspirational speech to his party workers gathered from every part of the state. Internally he hated this kind of public function because of its dusty, hot environment and messiness. He was accustomed to air conditions, soft chairs and clean surroundings. But as party leader he had to do all these non-sense drill. He had to maintain impression of mass leader who had ability to attract, appeal and appease common man by his inspiring speeches. 

MR arrived at venue in his open jeep. The Azad ground was filled by party workers and he was greeted by his younger brother Subba Rai(M 45). Subba was very obedient young brother of MR. He was manager of his political activities and accountant of his black financial transactions. He kept track of all business deals of MR.  He had arranged this party meeting as routine PR activity. He handed over the speech to MR. Speech written by well known bollywood dialogue writer had all the emotional ingredients to impress the public.


While MR was mesmerizing people by his eloquence, professional sharp shooter Hayan targeting him from distance.  Hayan had focussed his rifle's focal lance on MR and waiting from perfect posture to shoot. As MR turned right his skull became clear to Hayan and he shoot..... First bullet hit MR's forehead and second bullet pierced his neck. MR fell down, agonizing in pain. 
Hayan disappeared soon after and every one was clueless about who fired the bullets. Subba rushed to his brother and placed his face on his lap. MR's blood was flowing profusely. Adding misery, his jeep also did not start due to technical error. Party workers rushed to arrange another vehicle to carry MR at nearest hospital. Suddenly all the vehicles were out of sight.

MR was losing his life. He opened his mouth to utter last words .. " 20 lakh Ruia " he murmured, Subba was listening intently. "  40 lakh Kotak " he continued.  Subba nodded "yes and .. " MR assembled his left over energies and groaned"  50 lakh Mehta and …one crore...." Subba asked impatiently "One crore WHOM !!?”

But before MR could answer He passed away, leaving Subba fuming. "He should have told about One crore at first  " He angrily murmured and dumped his brother's dead body on ground. Very next moment he realized the situation. He grabbed MR's dead body and started crying loudly. 

Once MR dead body was taken, Subba went to reporters and told them  about MR’s last words  before dying  “ Bhaiyaaji apologized everyone for not able to serve any longer and he thanked God for everything. He gave me his blessing to fulfil his dreams.”  Thus He was indirectly nominating him as his political heir. The party workers started crying, listening to Subba’s statement. Well as we know his brother's last words were about his due bribe transactions and nothing else. He lived for money and died with money in his heart. He had corruption in his blood.

As expected Subba won the election and lobbied hard for his brothers ministerial berth. He succeeded and become heavy industry minister as his brother. His dream came true. After swearing in ceremony he resumed his duty as minister for first time. His first task was to collect balance amount from Ruia, Kotak and Shah. He also wanted to fish out one crore details.



Even though Subba has been part of numerous bribe transactions of MR, he has not received any bribe as minister, for himself. Till now he has acted as agent of his brother, from today he will be Master and collecting money for himself. He had planned out every details: How to raise bribe rates, How to attract more business deals? What is unexplored business area ? Where to invest ? etc… He was very much eager to get his first bribe as minister.

While he was engrossed in such thinking, he received call from Sr Shah. Shah offered his consolation for MR’s death. Subba was least interested on MR’s death but waiting to talk about 50 Lakh and Shah was not sure whether to take matter with Subba or not ! Finally breaking the mould of hesitation, Subba asked him about fifty lakh’s donation, MR has told about. Shah replied that he can give the donation amount, whenever he wants. Subba was excited by the offer. He could not hide his greed to own fifty lakhs. Subba replied that he wanted his donation by tonight. Shah replied that cash is lying at his house at Bandongri and by he will arrange somebody to deliver cash to Subba’s residence tomorrow but Subba could not wait for tomorrow. Bandongri is hill station 150 Km, far from Subba’s residence. He replied that he will travel 150 Km tonight only to receive the cash. Sr Shah was amazed by Subba’s hunger for Money.

That night, forgetting all ego and ministerial proud, Subba Rai travelled 150 Km in his private vehicle to Bandongri. In the path, he did not see the poor slum, queue of women at water tap, hungry roadside children, tattered govt school, potholes on roads…. he was busy in financial planning of his 50 Lakhs instead.

When he reached to Shah’s house, he sent his driver to collect the cash. Those last minutes was unbearable.. he could not wait any longer.. his heart was thumping for. Money .. money .. my money!! He was wondering what will be the colour of suitcase !! Red, black.. and he blushed.. Finally driver returned, holding the black suitcase along with Jr Shah.

As driver reached, Subba just snatched the suitcase. He opened it and felt the smell of money… Jr Shah invited the minister for dinner but he did not have time. Without answering or looking at Jr Mehta,  He just got into his car and drove off.

His car stopped at one shabby apartment. His driver came out with same suitcase. He went inside the apartment. He knocked the door and one shabby hand came out. He handed over the cash. Hand grabbed the suitcase and door was closed. Driver returned to the car and drove off.

That hand belonged to Hayan. MR’s non functional jeep and delay in arranging other vehicle at time of his death, was not accidental, incidental.



Written By

Vadan

Two Drops of Life !!

At 8 AM, She arrived at railway station. Trains were on schedule so far. People were sipping tea, Coolies are preparing for new day and never sleeping railway station was on it’s way to greet new day.  She was the first person to arrive from her team. She prepared her kit, wore the campaign cap and without waiting for other team members, she began her work,, to spot the children.

Laxmi(F 65) was working as volunteer for Polio day campaign, a campaign planned by India to eradicate polio from the country. The health workers and volunteers on Polio day, assemble at public places, with their polio kit and vaccinate the child, by two drops of life as they advertise.

 As Laxmi spotted the first child of the day, she went to him and ask his parents “ Polio drops pilaya ?” Mother nodded negatively.  Laxmi poured two drops of Polio vaccine into baby’s mouth. While pouring the drops, Laxmi saw the eyes of child and found her God in it. Mother gave her thanking look and they boarded the train. Laxmi felt elated. She had just contributed in protecting a child from disease. It was fantastic feeling.

Slowly her team members arrived and they also joined the drill. At age of 65, Laxmi was most energetic worker among all. She was totally focussed on her work. She continuously spot children, inquire and if required feed them polio drops. Then get back to her seat and wait for another child.

She spotted a couple with a child, running to catch the train. Laxmi interrupted their rush and asked for Polio drops ! Mother wanted to stop, but impatient father urged her to forget and get on the train as they were late. Mother was confused. Laxmi understanding the predicament, with authoritarian voice ordered “ Stop, vaccinate your child”.. Father angrily replied “ we will miss the train” Laxmi replied in same manner “ So be it, don’t miss the train of life”.. Father was taken aback by Laxmi’s sheer authority and conviction. Lamxi poured the drops and couple hurriedly boarded the train. Mother winked her hands to Laxmi from window, thanking her. Laxmi  smiled in relief.

Shilpa, a young collegian girl in Laxmi’s team had very big competitive ego. She believed that life is competition and she has to win always..  Looking at Laxmi’s relentless pursuit of children and vigour to give them polio vaccine, her competitive urge invoked. She took Laxmi’s pursuit as challenge and decided to spot more children than her. She forgot that she is competing with woman much older and wiser. When Laxmi spotted a child, Shilpa used to follow her and reach to the child faster, giving winning look to Laxmi. She was finding match-winning fun in this.  Laxmi tolerated her childish behaviour silently. For her, child and polio drops were more important than anything else.

Acts without inner commitment and merely provoked by ego, fades fast. As story of hare and tortoise, Shilpa got tired at the evening and her ego dried out. Laxmi was tired too but she wanted to remain at station till her Polio kit was over. Shilpa urged her that their schedule timing is till 6 PM and they have to stop their campaign after that.  Laxmi was firm that she will not leave the station, till her kit is finished. Shipla urged other team members to persuade Laxmi to end-up the task as scheduled. She argued that if Laxmi stays back, then entire team also had to stay back as matter of principle. Getting into Shilpa’s argument, whole team urged Laxmi to finish, but Laxmi was firm and least bothered about her team. She bluntly told everyone that she will not leave the station, till she has last drop of Polio Kit. Team had no answer.

Shilpa hurt by her own ego, left the station in anger which had no impact on Laxmi. Slowly rest of the crew also left, leaving Laxmi behind.  Laxmi was busy in her noble task.

During Night time, Railway station became more lively, messy  and  filled by more passengers. In the crowd of passengers, it was difficult for Laxmi to reach out to needy children but she kept going. Trains were arriving and departing, passengers were moving haphazardly, burdened coolies, TCs surrounded by waitlisted passengers with money-filled fists, few baggers identifying their possible customers.. among all these Laxmi kept on finding her babies and pouring 2 drops of life. Her body was aching, her old legs were tired, her head was spinning in pain but she ignored her body cries and cribs. She kept her body dragging in pursuing her babies. When she felt giddy, she sat and drank a drop of water, ate a biscuit and re-energized again… She continued till 11.30 PM, till her kit was over. After pouring last drop into a baby’s mouth, she felt relieved and relaxed. She can excuse herself now. She has done what best she can do.

She knocked the door of her house and heard the noise of metallic leg braces. Puja, her younger daughter, opened the door.  Laxmi saw her daughter in leg braces, her legs were eaten by Polio. Laxmi who was vaccinating numerous babies on polio day, failed to vaccine her own daughter from Polio !!!

Twenty years ago, Laxmi was residing in small town. After giving measles vaccine, Puja got high fever. Town people told her that Gods were angry on her.. As result, Laxmi refrained from any other vaccination for her children. Laxmi ignored Polio dosage and but Polio did not spare Puja. Virus ate her legs and now Laxmi is regretting for not vaccinating Puja against Polio.

Now Whenever Laxmi looked at Puja in leg braces, she felt terrible guilt and felt responsible for her misery. She could not go to the past and correct her mistake, but surely can contribute in saving other children from becoming victim of Polio.

Tonight she slept, remembering faces of all the children, she has attended. She felt proud on herself and her guilt-ridden-soul relaxed bit.  

Two drops of life, can make or break the leg braces…

By

Vadan