The Incident:
To the curious bystander it was nothing new when one afternoon they saw a woman of around thirty years run, screaming hysterically after a young lad of around 12 years who had a ladies purse with him. Snatching was a common occurrence over there. There was a slum cluster nearby. The locality was not well to do either. No one bothered to help .None batted an eyelid. The boy was fast but amazingly the lady was faster. And after turning a bend, she caught him, but the purse was gone. The little rascal must have hidden it by stashing it somewhere near the bend. She did not hit him, though she was furious enough and looked as if she might be having an apoplectic shock. She screamed out all her frustration at him. After all she gave him a toffee and a coin everyday out of compassion. And today when she was handing it out to him, he snatched her bag and ran away.
A few people crowded around them. She was hysterical. The contents were precious to her. She was screaming. Sobbing.Threatening.Begging and providing the assembled crowd quite an entertaining show. The lad simply kept on shaking his head denoting that he knew nothing. A burly man intervened and tried to calm her down. He was acting as an interrogator and a pacifier, sometimes asking her a question and sometimes turning to the boy. But everything was a cacophony of noises as many things kept on happening at once. Her cries, His admonishing, the boy’s sobs.
Then a younger boy of around 8 to 9 years of age came and handed her the purse. It seems it was hidden in the empty plot of land nearby carelessly flung behind some wild bushes… She retrieved her bag, checked the contents and satisfied; she calmed down considerably to thank the pacifier. She was thanking him profusely to the point of looking obsequious. (Though he had done nothing of help exactly). But his countenance had changed. He seemed irritated – Was it because of her over reaction – and rudely asked her to leave. She did not press charges. The boy was too young and the crowd looked too wild. She quietly left perplexed, with the glare of the hostile crowd behind her. The helping little boy followed her chanting,” Auntie, I found the bag”
What happens next and what goes in their heads away from the prying eyes of the bystander will be narrated from the three character’s perspective in 55 words.
The Man: “That was a narrow escape. Chotu was about to give me away today. And that stupid lady. I have to leave this business. Not a lucrative one anymore. I think I will take up that offer to join their rebellion. A bit risky but they pay well. Yes! I will be part of their rebellion”
The Woman: “It’s a jungle out here! Just a moment’s distraction to hand him the toffee and he runs away with my purse… Why did that man glare at me? … I have to let go of my too trusting nature. My naiveté. …Why you kid? Following me?” Slap! “That’s my first step of rebellion against humaneness.”
The child: “Chotu. is bad so I avoid him. Auntie was crying for the bag. I knew where it was and got it for her. Will she say “thank you” and “good boy” like my teacher?” Slap! The slap stung his face and soul. The first seed of rebellion against the society was planted in his mind”
Short story by Mani Padma
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The story packs a solid punch ! Kind of art movie flow of thoughts
What are you tryingto say? It has slipped from my bald head….
Read it again ! Even first time amidst work when I read it, I failed to get the plot ! but next time when I read it, the story hit me hard with its plot !
Thanks Mr Rajan.. I read it again, this time, I have understood the all the three perspective. Well written Mani…
great
if we see everyone’s perspective, it would always be that no one is wrong
Man seldom think that they are wrong. They always have a justification for everything. It is sort of a denial. And perspectives, well they keep on changing depending on situations , the reactions , the psych of an individual. Human minds are the most unpredictable of all.For example The whole thoughts of the above characters can be changed with another incident. ( may be! You never know) Then Maybe again there will be another story- First seeds of redemption.:-)
I can imagine the situation as I witnessed a similar one. The wordings used to describe the plot were really good. you deserve appreciation.
when we think from point A, B can be right or wrong. When we think from point B, B can always be right… Depends on people and situation.
Rashomon style narrative!
And you said you didn’t watch movies. Rashomon.Eh? You intrigue me! What are you ? An Elitist?
@ Venu. Thanks a lot. You must be new here. Keep visiting for more exchanges.
@ Abhilash. Thanks for your appreciation.I am glad that our perspectives match.
too good…
rebellion is in our blood
too good…woah osssum
Mani, i love ur stye of writting….so percise and crisp.
