Neues Leben 16

 It was sunset time. The twilit sky was displaying the plaintive notes of noted Sehanai artist Bismillakhan. The red and orange paints in the azure sky are melting inhaling the vapours of the turpentine sun. How soon the reddish sky turned into vermillion!” thought Kyra sitting alone in Pari Chowk Park at the heart of Greater Noida.

Greater noida is the name synonymous with flowers, fairies and fountains. Kyra looked at the fountain in the park. The pure water rises high. The park keeper turned on the lights arranged at the base of the fountain. The water appears in red, blue and green colors. Wow! Multi color fountain cried some children and ran to the fountain. The beholders are transfixed to the scenery. The denizens of Greater Noida are enjoying the water fountain. They are fortunate to have such fantastic providence.

Kyra looked at the fountain. The red looked like her agony, the blue looked like humiliation and the green looked like Manu’s envy. She was unable to enjoy the beauty of the sky or the nature. Her turbulent heart and grief stricken mind don’t let her eyes see the beauty before her eyes. She is in pensive mood. The aurora patches twisting in the sky are diluting into grey letting darkness in.

Kyra felt that her heart is twisted with pain. She had tears in her eyes. From the tears she could see the blurred shape of a lean girl coming towards her. Slowly the features of the girl became visible, smile on the face, eyes and nose. Finally when Kyra cleared off the tears the shape became vivid. It is Mapuii waving her hand. Kyra could not wave her hand.

Mapuii dashed herself beside Kyra in the lawn and kissed her on the cheek and said. “Beautiful girl!  Why are you crying?” Kyra remembered her mother.

Kyra: I can not look at colours. I can not think of beauty and joy.

Mapuii: why?

Kyra: Don’t you know my position? Should it be explained?

Mapuii: Shut up! I know your position and mind too. There is a book exhibition at Pragati Maidan. Let’s go.

Kyra: No, I don’t go to any book exhibition. Mapuii: But I don’t leave you!

Ky: why? Mapuii: because āmi tōmāẏa bhālōbāsi (I love you). She said in Bengali and winked at her. Kyra smiled. Mapuii relaxed. They both exited the park and got into Mapuii’s Volkswagen.

Volkswagen was running at 100 on Greater noida -Delhi express highway. The run of the car should be terrifying but the wide and smooth six track 24 kilometer road supports 100 kmph which is also the maximum speed limit.

Ky: Don’t cross hundred. Please. I canpt enjoy more speed.

Mapuii: I can’t do that. Vehicle speed is monitored based of the time between two tolls and if any vehicle crosses the speed limit, the owner is fined.

Suddenly they saw dozens of vintage cars going on the express highway. Mapuii slowed down and started driving slowly and parallel to a vintage car. She asked the owner of the car “why fleet of vintage cars going on this express highway?  Are you all going to the book exhibition at Delhi?”

He smiled and said it is 21 gun salute vintage car show. Mapuii thanked him and sped up again. The car reached 100 speed again. Kyra looked at mapuii and began speaking. “How unfair was Manu that she is turning Mayur to her by giving him money!” Mapuii slowed down. She was driving steady at 50 kmph.

Ma: My world seemed to be slow and dull without speed

Ky: My world seemed to be dull and tasteless without Mayur. She has stolen Mayur from me. I could not even ask her. I can’t give Mayur money because I am paying for the apartment. Kyra’s voice was giving up blaring and bursting into cries. Had it been somebody else I would have attacked, but I could not even ask her because she is Manu.

Mapuii looked dazed. “Why can’t you ask? Muttered Mapuii.

Kyra said “A time has come that I must tell you why I obey her. She started narrating the compelling and unforgettable help Manu had done to Kyra.  The car was cutting through the night air and silence.

                                                                      ***

Manu and I were working in Shadow technologies located in Prasanth Bhavan Apha 1 sector Greater Noida. We never thought our life in Prasanth Bhavan could be so stressful, dipressing and dangerous. Shadow technology is a bunch of unprofessional managers with low ethics and high office politics. 

Mapuii: Office politics! I have heard of office politics but I have not yet experienced them. How and why they people play office politics?

Backbiting- gossiping or spreading rumors about others, backstabbing, blackmailing and the like are office politics. You are lucky because you are working in a small company. Your CEO works with you but in our company the owner has put his money and faith in the Managers. He lives in America.  He actually believes in his childhood friend Sanjay Dhingra

Sanjay is TL. He was boorish. He comes from Jalandhar. He has unfair face and criminal technological skills such as hacking. His developer skills were average and his people skills were nonexistent. He would constantly berate and belittle employees in the presence of others and the morale of the employees was in the gutter. But the company owner, who was based in Chicago, loved him and backed him no matter how badly he treated her people.

The HR manager Yash Gupta looked somewhat kind.  He is from Amritsar. He’d talk to the employees and try to smooth things over when the TL ruffled feathers. First I was working in the software development team. It took 8 months for me to develop new software they asked for. When it was in place the TL refused it showing a minor problem although there is a chance to correct it.  I know the reason behind all this. I checked his advances and more over attacked him when he scolded me before all employees. These are the grave mistakes I have done. All employees knew he was wrong but they would not open their lips. It was Manu who raised her voice when everybody was silent. I first came to know that she is the lady with guts and she is also living in Greater noida.

After that I was transferred to testing department. The HR offered me higher salary on the recommendation of the TL. Sanjay asked me for the party for the salary elevation. I invited him with all colleagues. But he wanted a separate party. He wanted to drink with me in Scarlet bar. I did not like to drink with him.  I invited him to Akash Restaurant in Greater Noida where we ate north Indian food. He did not do anything immediately but a week later Sanjay again raised a complaint and started shouting at me. I argued that I was doing the work assigned to me correctly.

The next day “Kyra the HR manager is calling you said the team lead Sanjay Dhingra. “I was scared of his office politics.   As anticipated it was a firing warning. But it concluded with “If you are not in good terms with your TL it is taken as insubordination.” I understood what it meant.  I was going out with my colleagues but never accepted outing with him. The relation was only professional. I never spoke with him any private things.

I think you could not cope with his manners. Said Mapuii.

No, I could not stand his shitty bossism. I went on leave the following day. Everybody thought I would stop. On that day Manu went up to the HR Yash and explained him what is happening. He promised to look into the matter and resolve it.

There was a meeting in the office the next day. Manu and I sat side by side. While HR was addressing all the staff was listening to him empathetically. Next the TL started in his own style I had a severe stomach pain. I went out of the meeting and lay in her cabin. After a while Manu came to me observed my position and went back to join the meeting.

Sanjay made it a big issue. I was fired. At that time we were not living in the same apartment.  Manu came to me and forced me to move into her apartment. I was jobless for six months. But she treated me like my mother. She even went to HR manager and requested him to use his number as reference. He agreed and gave his number. I should not forget Manu’s Help. Kyra stopped.

So you go a good job? Asked Mapuii

Ha ha ha the story began just now. Mapuii looked surprised. Kyra laughed again and started

I was trying for jobs, approaching different companies.  I never felt any stress during the period of my intense job trials. Everywhere I used to give HR reference – his number.

I lost job after job. After losing 6 opportunities one day I thought I should not give any reference. It was the last interview. During the interview I told the interviewer “ I can not give you any reference , you may not get any positive remarks.” In spite of my saying that interviewer called the HR Yash. I was shocked to hear his remarks. He was saying completely negative. I realized that he was a snake in the grass. (hidden enemy). Later he called Sanjay when I heard Sanjay I was double shocked. ”She is good at work she has excellent skill set, but it is the problem of integrity that led to her ousting.”

He switched on the speaker. Sanjay was hear loud in the tranquil room.

“She was involved in the testing  online retail sales platform and used that testing access to steal “currency stored value” (CSV) such as digital gift cards.  Kyra resold the value on the internet, she stole smaller amounts  using her own account access. Small or big stealing is stealing. Shadow technologies has filed a case against her.  Sanjay Dhingra was still saying something my senses stopped. Mapuii held her breath. What happened later? She asked curiously.

We changed the apartment. We moved to Jal Vayu which is very bigger and more comfortable than the previous apartment. Said Kyra. Mapuii looked at her angrily. Kyra laughed and resumed. During those days Manalini never slept. She kept thinking of legal and technical remedies to get out of the problem. She met many experts in noida and Greater Noida and finally but most people in Noida and greater Noida are known to Sanjay. She thought it was not safe.  Finally she reached Delhi and started learning cyber security course.  There she a met man called Vivek pandit. He has a big name in crime investigation. His cyber expert team hacked into the Sanjay’s computer and accessed the data. I did not know that Manu has accomplished the data.  

Mean time there was a rumour in the office that she bought a new flat. Everybody was surprised. Some people were shocked even. She took it as an advantage and invited all the colleagues to the flat and offered a feast. Yash had gone to Amritsar. Sanjay came late in the afternoon. By then the staff had gone. I was in the bedroom Manu served food to Sanjay.

After he finished eating, Manu and Sanjay were discussing my job. Manu was demanding that  I be reinstated and charges levied against me be withdrawn. Gradually the argument grew worse. A few minutes later I heard Manu saying “I have proof that you broke into kyra’s system through a remote comuter. She was showing how he achieved it through pishing e mail.   I entered the livingroom and saw Manu and Sanjay before the system. Sanjy ceased speaking. “There are experts in Cyber crime police  I am not going to keep quiet.”. Manu stopped Kyra and said

“Sanjay knows it better than us. Manu gave him a pair of clothes along with a pack of currency. You can count it. It is 3 lakhs. According to IT act 47 this is the maximum penalty.  I am giving you now as a gift. It is not a bribe. All I am asking you is to with draw the case against Kyra. He did not take the money but I was reinstated. Kyra finished the story when the car reached Pragati Maidan.

They got into the building where there were book stalls. Mapuii and Kyra reached a stall and saw Manalini with May in the opposite stall. May called Mapuii. Mapuii left Kyra’s company and went to May. Manalini was glad to see May and Mapuii speaking with each other jolly. Manalini and Kyra remained indifferent but Mapuii and May pushed them closer. 

Mapuii asked Manalini to take Mayank’s phone number. May told Kyra that it is only mapuii’s suspicion that Mayur is playing double game. Mayank and Mayur may be different.  I will finalize that ASAP till then don’t fight. They all walked to the group of students and journalists with a banner “Paul Robeson fance.’

ora aamader gaan gaite deyna …negro bhai aamar paul robeson

aamra amader gaan gai…ora chay na ora chay na

negro bhai aamar paul robeson…ora bhoy peyechhe robeson

aamader kuchkaoaje bhoy peyechhe…..nigro bhai haien hamaraa robson

 The electric guitar is playing loud and the boys and girls are dancing. The song and dance have rejuvenated Kyra and Manu. They all walked to the car. The car soon was passing on Delhi Greater Noida Express highway. Manu said “Mapuii, I need that tonic you once gave me. I want to sleep happily to night.” Mapui told the name of the tonic. All laughed.

Neues Leben -15

Meghana brought two cups of tea. She gave one cup to Manu and she started sipping sitting beside her in sofa. “I could not go for seva(social work)” lamented Manu. Stop it Manu, I'm sorry, Manalini, please take rest at least when you are not well. 

“I am doing social work for my peace of mind.  Kyra is not staying at home she often goes out. I know that she has a problem. Perhaps I have hurt her without my knowledge. She can not tell me. I don’t understand unless she tells me. I don’t know what happened.” Manu was talking and talking. Shhhh… now the time is 11 O’ clock, I wil give you medicine take it and sleep. You are thinking too much. You need rest” said meghana once more.    “ I am very restful I am simply sitting.”

Oh come on! Manu, I am sorry Manalini. Your mind needs rest.

You can call me Manu. I have no problem.

But I have a problem. I can not call you Manu.

Please May! don;t distance me! Asked Manalini earnestly. “Devaki has gone to Meerut.. while saying like that with Manu, Meghana went into kitchen and took her bag from the kitchen table. She took out Magic drops. And took sprite from the fridge and gave it to Manu.  While she was drinking May asked where Kyra had gone. 

“ perhaps to Dwaraka to meet her Bengali frined Ashitosh”  So you know why she goes to Dwarka? Asked Meghana. Manu started sipping the drink. “ Yes , it is natural to feel like going to people of her place and language. More over he is a far off relative to her.” said Manu after finishing the drink. May fixed another drink on the kitchen table, brought it to Manu gave her. Manu was sipping the second round. May asked her “How do you know all these things?” “ Kyra herself told me.” Said manu. May laughed and laughed.

May I heard that You and Manu are not at talking terms. Is she angry with you?

Yes, It happens now and then. Don’t take it seriously. But I am angry with her.

Why …. Megha…. Naaaa, magic drops made her sleepy. Meghana took her to bedroom and laid her on bed. What happened between you? please tell me. Said Manu. “ She told Kyra about my past history. Kyra must have told you also” said May.  Manu slipped into sleep. May went into kitchen and started cooking.

                                               ***  

Manu woke up and looked at the clock. It is 1 O’ clock. Food is ready. Manu said. The medicine is very effective. Tell me the name of the medicine. Asked Manu. May smiled and said “ when you need it phone me I will get you.” she said.  They sat at the dining table. Meghana prepared egg curry and sambar.  They started eating. Manalini said

“ If She tells about your past why are you so upset?”

Do you still remember the conversation?” said May.

 “Why I am not drunk or mad’ replied Manu.

 Yes , of course, but you see, It is a little secret I kept for myself.”

Manu stopped eating don’t worry we are friends and we should become more than friends. Manu pleased May in such a way that she agreed to visit Manu with Mapuii burying the hatchet. They sat in the sofa and started watching a movie. It was a love story. “The hero and heroine are in their forties and fifties. But they are acting like college students. In all languages it is same. They can act like their age. Why should they act like 20 or 25 years?”  Asked Manu.

మధ్య వయసు స్త్రీల జీవితం అంటే ఎవరికీ గౌరవం లేదు. వారు ప్రేమకి పనికిరారా? రెండవ వివాహం అంటే చులకన, కట్టు బానిసల్లాగైనా ఒకే వివాహంలో బ్రతకాలి , ఆత్మ వంచననే  పాతివ్రత్యం అనుకుంటూ కాలం వెళ్లదీయాలి. మోసపోయిన స్త్రీల కథలు అదే పరిస్థితులలో ఉన్నవాళ్ళకి కూడా నచ్చవు. పేదవాడంటే పేదవాడికి కూడా గౌరవం ఉండదు. 

What are you saying? Which language is that?

I am speaking in Telugu. Nobody has any respect for the middle aged woman. That is what I am saying.

You have understood the world very well. Everybody wants teenager’s romantic stories. Middle aged people are also humans.

Look at Devaki, she thinks that it is wrong to remarry. Fortunately She has a good son. Now many crime stories we watch on TV end up in murders … for one reason.. an unsatisfied woman has a desire. The reason is the husband but the pain and punishment are for the wife.

True we must tell a small secret to Devaki. She has been admired and adored  by a man who perhaps is in love with her. said Manu.

Wonderful, Let us celebrate!! It is a good news. said May

But I have no mood. Said Manalini.

I know your problem. I will solve it with your help. Kyra believes that you have trapped her lover Mayur.

OMG!! What is this!! How can she think like that?

While coming from the kitty party you went to Mayur and gave him one lakh. Is it ture or not? Only after that you might have seen change in Kyra. Am I right?

You are right. I have given the money to Mayank. May please tell me who has seen that?

Mapuii over heard Mayur saying that to his friend in the bar. 

She saw you with Mayur a few times. Actually She suspects that Mayur is a look like of Mayank. She thinks that it is the double game played by Mayur.

Manu was dumb. Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

Official Letter in French - une lettre d'emploi

Chennai le 7^e  juillet  2021

Monsieur ABC LTD
3,  MGR Rue, Annanagar West
Chennai 600040

Monsieur ABC

J'ai l'honneur de vous informer(open letter) que j'ai bien reçu votre lettre du 25 juin 2021 [confirm receipt]. C'est avec plaisir( express pleasure)que j'accepte le poste de dessinateur de votre entriprise  que vous m'offrez (accept/refuse offer ) Je regrette  vivement de ne pas pouvoir commencer immédiatement [express regret]. Je serais disponible à partir du 20 novembre [availability/contact info]. J'espère que vous voudrez bien me faire savoir si cette date vous conviendra [make request]. je vous remercie de la confiance que vous m'accordez,  je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur ABC  l'assurance de ma considération distinguée.

la signature

l’ adresse,

 mon numéro de téléphone

Neues Leben -14

 “Manu, Manu, come out!!” Kyra was shouting standing at the bathroom door. There was no response form Manalini. Kyra started knocking at the door. Hardly had she begun knocking when Manu opened the door. Ay kya bartameejee hein! Said Manu as she opened the door. How long you bath? Are alone or your somebody is there? Saying so she peeped in for fun. “Shut up rascal!”  Shouted Manu looking angrily at Kyra. “Don’t be so angry Manu, you have right to have a lover. “Don’t be silly Kyra.”  Said Manu. It is not silly. It is wise to enjoy everyday. Don’t wait for tomorrow your dreams my become regrets.

 Manu wrapped a towel around her body. Her breast looks like a pair of stiff tennis ball. Water is dripping off her hair and nose and falling in the cleavage. Ther cleavage was deep. Kyra looked down Manu’s thighs were strong like pillars. Her body is curvaceous like a well finished sculpture. Kyra said “You must get married soon. Tell me when areyou going to marry. “Shut up. Go and take bath. Devaki is coming I must get ready.” Manu came out Kyra went in.

When Kyra came out from bath wrapping a towel around she saw Devaki and Manu on the sofa. Manu is wearing the peech color saree.  Ay you are wearing my saree. Shouted Kyra. It is not your saree. It is orange colour. It is mine. Said manu. “You have awesome personality but if you don’t keep it covered it will be stolen.” Said Devaki.  Kyra wrapped her towel tightly. Manu switched on the tubelight and showed that it is not peech color saree. Kyra agreed that she was confused.  Why do you buy similar colours? They get changed.”Said Mapuii as she entered with May. “What is wrong if they wear each other’s saree by mistake.” Said Devaki.  “If sarees change there is no problem. The husbands are not changing. Right?”  Said Mapuii. All laughed.

 Devaki behin look Manu’s marriage must be celebrated as early as possible. Said Kyra. What is so urgent? she is in love with a boy anyway? Replied Devaki. “ Because my marriage depends on her marriage. We both want to marry at the same time.” said Kyra.

No first Devaki’s marriage, wo meri bade behin lagathaa hein.( First my elder sister’s marriage later my marriage.) Said Manu. All looked at Devaki. Devaki utted her usual “Hai hai how can I marry when I have a grown up son. Everybody shouted at her. She looked at everybody with fear filled eyes and said “ first my son’s marriage,then my marriage”all laughed and aughed. Finally you committed said  Manalini and walked with Devaki to the taxi.  Before going Manalini said Kyra “reach home early.”

                                                                         ***

 Ky May and Ma reached Dwaraka by metro.   Dwaraka sector 6 Mayank Apartments: It is a beautiful place. Said Mapuii walking in the lawns of the Apartments. There is a park and and a fountain too. There is greenery all over. And  the greenery is promoting peace. They roamed and played outside apartment for an hour then entered the apartments. Ky has take the first floor. Her Number was 101. Mapuii looked through the glass windows. The nature reveals the romantic perspective of live. May looked down and saw a beautiful swimming pool. The construction work was almost over. They are giving the final touches. With all all conceivable modern amenities Mayank Apartment looks like a heaven.   The apartments are fantastic. How much does a Triple bedroom cost? asked May. “ One crore twenty five lakhs.” Said Kyra. You are paying a big price for the friendship sai May. Shut up May. I am expressing my gratitude in the biggest way possible to me. Both Mapuii and May clapped automatically.

They went out into dwaraka streets. They entered small shops. Kyra bought bangles and beads. May also bought small things like home sandles and nighties. May bought a saree for Mapuii. Mapuii wondered how she could wear.  Then they went to Miracle spa. Bengali babu Ashitosh greeted them and inquired why they are not visiting like before. Kyra smiled and kept quiet. Mapuii and May had massage.  May asked kyra not to lose fun just because she loved somebody. But kyra was unmoved. If you love somebody then tell me… before May answered the lady came to call them.  May and Ma  both went into different chambers.

 

The stress of walking and shopping is removed by the massage. Said May. They got back to metro station and entered Drool kitchen under metro station.  They have sit in a corner and waiting for the server. The Hotel was noisy because it was lunch hour and it was metro station. Why don’t we have beer said Mapuii. Kyra ordered beer and parotas and alu gobhi.three beers were brought and served. They said cheers for Myank apartments.  They started sipping slowly.  Did you have happy endings Kyra asked May. Happy endings with a lady?!  She asked me I said No thanks. I can have it at home also.” said May and winked at Mapuii.  Kyra laughed “So you two got physical? Said Kyra.  Mapuii got puzzled. Her face turned red.  “Nothing that sort we are not lesbians.  I was just kidding.” Clarified  May.  Mapuii took a breath and relaxed. May said to Mapuii “ May you are so perplexed when I said I had happy endings at home ( pleasure).” Because you said we have physical intimacy. Said Mapuii. Anyone who has sexual relation will not open up. It must be a joke.” Kyra said “ people exhibit at most hipocracy at sex. Nobody will tell you the truth.” Kyra appreciated May.   May then said to Kyra“ people have dangerous hypocricy even at marriage. “ Kyra is now perfectly puzzled. 

 

Sex is the greatest gift to man by god. But powerful people and wicked kings have robbed ordinary people of this pleasure.  Illegal and incest sex was common in all religions. But Hindus blame that Bible has incest immoral sex and Christians blame that Hindu Puranas has incest and immoral sex.   Gods of all religions had free sex.  Italy is the home of wife swapping. Today an estimated 500,000 couple are officially swapping partners in private sex clubs. A quarter of Italian couples regularly take part in wife swapping. It happens in car park to cemetery everywhere. If India is known for Kamasutra.  Italy is known for  Casanova. The former explained the theory and the latter showed it in practice. 

 Casanova, once said "cultivating whatever gave pleasure to my senses was always the chief business of my life; I never found any occupation more important". The kings either in Eurpoe or in India married for their politician gains. In most cultures, marriage was less about love or sex than it was about business and political relationships.

The beer was over. The lunch was over but without their knowledge. Kyra said “ your words are really thought provoking and engaging.”  “Because she spoke truth. And truth is spoken only to deserving people.  Truth comes only when the friendship stands the test and proves” Said Mapuii she looked at May with adoration and love. You were confused in the beginning that Maywas not open with you. Said Kyra. Mapuii admitted that it is true. And also also said " Now our friendship is so strong that I know things that you don't know.  Said Mapuii. Kyra had the look of disbelief.  "May was divorced and had a son in her place.” said Mapuii coolly.  Kyra felt like a bomb exploded in her head. Mapuii exploded the second bomb about Manalini. Kyra became numb. They got into the metro. The cool refreshing air has no influence of Kyra.  Kyra’s thiking stopped. She was listening to the metro sound.

Neues Leben - 13

It was 30th October.  Several software giants and other companies are celebrating Ethnic day. In IBM Noida the celebrations are on full swing. Different teams of software engineers joined together in the spirit of Ethnic day celebrations.  People coming from different regions dressed up in different colors of red, white, yellow, pink and green  but according their culture.  The office is vibrating with multi color and  ethnic style. IBM looked like a local carnival. 

The day began with people of Jharkhand welcoming others with their tribal dance.  People of Himachal performed  Nati, the folk dance of Himachal pradesh.  Ankita and Anasuya  who are from Himachal were among them.  The Tamilian men who came in lungis peformed Lungi dance with “ Lungi dance... Lungi dance. It was  Rajinikanth's modern filmy song. “Since it was not a traditional song they proscribed it. Later Bharatanatyam was performed by Tamil girls Kunjal and Deepali. Wonder they both look alike. Every body thought they were identical twins. But they are not.  But Yogesh told that they were dopplegangers. After the dance Manu put them side by side and observed there are slight differences between them in nose, chin and lips.

 

Manu performed rajastan folk dance.  Among the eight popular folk dances of Rajastan  Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, Bhavai, Kathputli , Kachchhi Ghodi, Gair, Chari and Chang, she selected Ghoomar. The HR Manager Manohar said " Recently Ghoomar became an internationally recognized folk dance." The dance involves graceful moves like clapping & swaying the hands and twirling around. It was mainly performed as entertainment for Kings in the ancient times.

There are problems in dancing. Nobody knows dances. They have no idea about their own folk dances. Some people don’t even know the names. of the dances. From some states there are two employees and from from some states there is only one.  So the men and women were  coordinating with the person who is able to dance. Be it any dance. This is how the dance was going on. When Manu began the Ghoomar dance her colleagues tried to follow her but as the dance progressed the movements got complicated they could not follow her twists and turns.  On the path of dance they dashed each other and fell down.  That has brought laughter. 

Manu announced that she would do Kalbeliya dance alone. “It is called snake dance or Sapera dance.”  Manu went into another room and changed to black dress. It was a body fit.  Somebody ran to his system and downloaded snake music and played it.  A full breasted woman Manu with a moon like face and charming curves is naturally attractive. In the black body tight dress she looked provocative. Any movement of her is gracious.  The music was slow at times and fast at times and Manu danced in accordance with the music.  Her body movements - back bending and stretching legs on the ground, rolling, twisting and crawling were agile.  She performed the traditional Sapera dance that stole the show and elated the spirits of the beholders.  

The Andhra people  did not dance but welcomed the day with delicious ethnic food  garelu’, ‘payasam’, ‘pulihora’,  ‘bobbatlu’ - the mouth watering dishes.  Everyone in joyous mood. They hugged their  traditions.  They decorated the surroundings it to make it look like a festival of their own. 

 

It was lunch time and the dances paused. The feast is going on. Everybody sat on the floor. Food is being served on banana leaves. "Is kalbelia a sensual dance?"  Anasuya asked Yogesh who is a jack of all trades . " Yes, it is. " said Yogesh. The Kalbelia tribe members have always had a spiritual connection with snakes. Ultimately, this history and connection paved way for the Kalbelia cultural dance. Snake dancing, culture and eroticism are entrancing elements of the Kalbelia dance.

After the feast is over they sat for a while narrating their folk stories. My mother told me the story of Panna Dhai when I was young. Said Manu.  It was the story of a maidservant. She had the duty of upbringing of the Rani Karnavati’s sons, Vikramaditya and Uday Singh.

Mewar was ruled at the time by King Vikramaditya, Rani Karnavati’s eldest son. Banvir, a valiant soldier, was chosen to be Vikramaditya’s protector. Instead of protecting the royalty, he took advantage of the situation to further his own ambition. He thouught “If   I kill Uday Singh and his brother there is no one in my way to become the king.” He secretly conspired to kill both. After he assassinated Vikramaditya, the maidservant saw Banvir coming for Uday sing. 

She concealed Uday Singh in the basket. She covered him with fruits. Panna placed her own sleeping son Chandan, on the bed of Uday Singh, who was killed by Banvir. Panna Dhai saved the only living heir to the throne of Mewar Uday Singh and stood as a symbol of  ultimate sacrifice in the  memory of people for generations.

They had cultural programs in their auditorium till late evening. A skit was going on. The kannada group was performing it.  The Ethnic day was coming to an end. Mean time Yogesh who heard the news told the HR manager Mr Manohar about it. When Mr. Manohar announced it on the stage claps rained in the auditorium. It was the news of the chief Minister of U.P inviting Manalini to Lucknow to honour her service. The colourful ethnic day left a white track behind that looked like peace prevailing in the heart of Manalini.

 

  ***

Lavanya Apartments: Devaki was sitting in the corner on her bedroom. she bent her head onto her knees and hid her face.  The clock was showing 8.00 pm. Meghana brought food. She stopped at Devaki's door and was looking at the sorrowful face of Devaki. Devaki tried to smile but could not. A moment later Mapuii also came in. They sat beside her and asked her to eat. Devaki was reluctant to eat. "You did not eat in the afternoon, the food is still lying on the table. come on eat. I have brought fresh hot food for you." said Meghana.  Devaki did not budge.  "I am getting hungry. " pleaded meghana.

Devaki raised her head and looked at them. Meghana and Mapuii forced her to eat. Devaki started eating. Everyday you used to bring something for us. Today fortunately we have got an opportunity to bring food for you." Devaki was eating silently.   "When did this happen?" Asked Mapuii. "Afternoon at 2 O' clock"  Said Devaki. " We will go and lodge a police complaint. "Said Mapuii. “I am afraid we not complain, because he is my sister’s husband.” Said Devaki. “ O my God. Don’t show sister sentiment unnecessarily, when he has no sentiment.” Said May.   It is not a matter of sentiment, How many times I can go to the police? The material supplier had created the same  mess last week , we complained against him.

You know that  my garment’s contractor created the same mess last month. He forced me to accept monetary help.    I am ashamed seeking police help. so many times. The police are suspecting me."  "So what would you like to do?" Said Mapuii. “ tears were trickling down her swollen red eyes. " A woman without husband must die.” Said Devaki. “O my my how timid you are? Where is your kanhaya? What is he doing when his mother is facing all these hardships?” May shouted on her son.   “Don’t blame him. He remained unemployed for two years for me. Though he got jobs in other cities he did not join because I don’t want to leave Noida. after two long years I asked him to join anywhere.  Recently he got a job in Meerut. He live there and comes here weekly once to see me” Devaki said.   “Congrats to your kanhaya.  you go to your son he will take care of you. No, I cannot go because I lived with my husband here. I have the memories here. I can not leave.” said Devaki.   They were nonplussed. " Look how our literature has shaped the minds of women." said May. It is men who did it" replied Mapuii.   Silence reigned for a while.

Devaki started again " Ever since he finished his studies Kanhaya was always in search of two things either a job or a match". “Oh he was searching a match for himself?” “No he was searching a match for me. He used to baffle at the attacks when he was young. He could neither protect his mother nor console.  He always tells me “mom you beauty is a curse for me.”  “ That is why he asks me to get married." said Devaki.  He is very genuine.” Said May.

Devaki  finished eating and washed her hand. Why don't you get married? Mapuii said “Hai hai how can I marry now with a grown up son? If our relatives question me what answer I have? There is nothing wrong in getting married. Nobody is going to ask you anything. They don’t have so much of time. They have their own affairs, like you sister’s husband who jumped on you. Once we must meet kanhaya. He is a true son who want’s mom to live her life. He is one of his kind. Mapuii and May  left for their flat.