A Matter of principle

Manju took off his shoes. The look on his face…was morose as he told his mom that he had not cleared the exams…but the smile in his eyes gave him away. His mother didn’t care about Infosys but she did care about her son’s happiness..so she was glad for him. He lifted her off her feet taking her into the kitchen. he set her down there..sat on the kitchen sill..and told her the whole story as he sipped on the hot tea she made for him. She knew how important this was for him. He was one of the few who didn’t get placed among his friends. He was smart…but he studied in a college which didn’t have campus recruiting. It had hurt him to feel left out…when he saw people less worthy than him getting placed; His father had not helped-being sarcastic..underrating his capabilities..taunting him everyday. She has slowly seen him withdraw into his shell..the quick smile never to be seen gracing his face.

But that afternoon..he seemed like his old self..her son seemed happy..and that was all she desired.

He had an interview three days later, and she told herself to go temple tomorrow and pray for his success.

She saw him in his room..humming some song..and the sound of his happy voice cheered her heart.

It was twilight and it was almost time for her husband to come home…and a frown creased her eyebrows. Her husband had a caustic tongue.28 years of marriage had left her immune to it…but her son..who was not only sensitive but was on the early years of manhood..disliked being treated to such verbal cruelty. She didn’t want her husband to dampen her son’s spirits with his sour remarks and she hoped to heaven that her husband will be nice to their son at least today…

Her husband came in, mumbled something to himself..gave her the bag of vegetables and took god’s name and sat on the chair. She got him a glass of water as was the custom of many years standing. He drank the water and said in a loud voice-“Kanta,I am tired of working like a donkey to feed these ungrateful dogs! nobody even bothers to drop in and say hello to their father after he comes from office….probably they expect me to go their rooms and wish them in person! Most people have their kids working for them…maybe I never brought such luck along! I only have to slog. sigh!”

She was flustered. She was not strong enough to reproach him but she knew her son must have heard his father’s ranting. She could almost see that happy expression dying in his face and the frown settling on his brows. So, to stop her husband’s cruel ranting..she tells him how he has cleared the written exam for Infosys.

Her husband goes “hmmmmph!” and goes into the bedroom to change into his panche.

The TV was running and Manju did not come down from his room. The dinner was set and his mom timidly called everybody to come to the dining table.

Manju came in silently and sat ..avoiding his father’s stare and sat down. His sister was busy watching some TV serial …so she had excused herself from the dinner table.

His father stared at Manju’s bent head for a while…and then slowly asked him about his infosys interview.

“Don’t bungle up this as well! I cant support you till you turn 40.Study well…and do what you have to. Go cleanly dressed. I have a friend in Infosys..My school classmate. I will talk to him. Left to your own devices, you will mess up this chance as well”. Manju stiffened at this criticism. He kept his head bent and said in a low voice “Appa, I don’t need you to use your influence..I will manage!”.

His father bristled at this and said..”Do you want to ruin even this opportunity? This is not a time to be proud! You wont get the job unless you do well..but if my friend drops in a friendly hint..they might be a little lenient..thats all”.

Manju now had a mulish look on his face and told in an emotional voice

”leave me alone! Stop interfering in my life” and he got up and went off to his room slamming the door.

Against her protests Manju’s dad called his friend and told him abt the interview. He clearly believed that he was helping his son.

Manju knew about the call his father had made, but somehow he didn’t seem to care. He dressed mechanically on the day of the interview and left without taking his leave from anyone.

He went to Laalabagh and removed his shoes and walked over the grass. His father would never understand. He badly wanted a job..but a job which he got on his own merit..not by influence. He was stupid to let go of a chance like this…but then he had to live with himself. He could not live with a fact that he had not won the job entirely on his own merit. Chances were today he would have cleared the exams without his dad’s help, but his dad had chosen to intervene. His dad’s intentions were good. but most crimes in this world are committed with good intentions

He looked at the greenery around and sat staring into the nothingness inside his head for the next 5 hours.

Then he got up and made his way back home. He was humming a song when he came in. His mom was happy to listen to his cheerful voice and asked him about how the interview went. He jovially replied “very well..amma..very well!”.