'It's ok, Mama. Politics confuses me,' I said. 'I can't comment. We will help you.
You have saved our livelihood, we are forever indebted.'
'You are my kids. How can you be indebted to your father?' 'Business is down,
but on the revised loan instalments...,' but Mama cut me again.
'Forget it, sons. You faced a calamity. Pay when you can. And now you are
members of our party, right?'
Mama stood up to hug us. I half-heartedly hugged him back, I felt sick owing
people money. 'Mama, I am sorry. 1 was arrogant, rude and disrespectful. I
realise my destiny is this shop. Maybe God intended it this way and I accept it,' 1
said.
'We are all like that when young. But you have started believing in God?' Mama
said and beamed.
'I'm just less agnostic now.'
'Son, this is the best news I've heard today,' Mama said. 'Something good has
come out of all this loss.'
A man dragged a heavy wooden trunk into our shop. 'Who's that? Oh, Pandit-
ji?' I said.
Pandit-ji panted, his white face a rosy red. He arranged the trunk on the floor.
'A sports shop closed down. The guy could not pay. He paid me with trunks full of
goods. I need cash, so I thought I will bring this to you.'
'I have no cash either,' I said as I offered him a samosa. 'Pandit-ji, business is
terrible.'
'Who's asking you for cash now? Just keep it in your shop. I'll send one more
trunk. Whatever sells, you keep half and give me half. Just this one trunk is
worth ten thousand. I have six more at home. What say?'
I took in the trunks as I had no risk. We needed a miracle to move that many
goods. Of course, I wasn't aware that the second test match of the India Australia
series would be one.
Mama introduced himself to Pandit-ji. They started talking like grown-ups do,
exchanging hometowns, castes and sub-castes.
'We are late,' Ish whispered, but loud enough for Mama and Pandit-ji to hear.
'You have to go somewhere?' Mama said.
'Yes, to a cricket match. One of the students we coach is playing,' Ish said,
avoiding Ali's name.
Omi downed the shutters of the shop. Omi signalled and all of us bent to touch
Mama's feet.
'My sons,' Mama said as he held a palm over our heads and blessed us.
Don't worry about that idiot from that stupid team. You creamed them,' Ish
said to Ali.
We returned from a neighbourhood match. Ali's side had won with him scoring
the highest. Ali lasted eight overs. Ish looked pleased that the training was finally
showing results. However, our celebratory mood dampened as the opposing
team's captain kicked Ali in the knee before running away.
'Will they hurt me again?' Ali said.
'No, because I will hurt them before anyone touches you,' Ish said, kissing Ali's
forehead, Ish would make a good father. Not like his own father who never said
one pleasant sentence.
Omi picked up a limping Ali. 'I'll take him to the shop,' Omi said. 'And ask ma
to make him some turmeric milk. You guys get dinner, whatever he wants.'
avery
(avery)
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