Scattered Fates by Ram Garikipati (ebook reader ink TXT) 📖

white towel.

‘I am fine,’ Moon said, as he painfully pulled himself up on the bed.

‘You shouldn't be getting up, the doctor has advised complete bedrest. Don't worry, I will clean it up, and make you a hot cup of filter coffee.’

Subbaiah rushed in a moment later, newspaper in hand.

‘Moon, how are you feeling now?’

‘Not very good, my body still pains. Sir, how did I get here?’

‘You almost died in the stampede. I am sorry for forcing you to attend the meeting, we should have anticipated this.’

‘Where did you find me?’

‘You were lying in the hospital. The police couldn't find any ID on you and guessed that you may be university student. Inspector Balasubramanium who knows Ganapathy contacted us. At first they wouldn't allow us to bring you here, but after we convinced them you are a foreigner, they let us go.’

‘What happened yesterday? Did Anna and your leaders come?’

‘No, they were not allowed. The police have banned all public meetings. You can read about everything here,’ he said handing Moon the newspaper.

Nine people died, and thousands were injured when police firing sparked a stampede on Marina Beach, just minutes before Mr. C. N. Annadurai was expected to address his supporters. The meeting was organized to protest the Prime Minister's announcement that Hindi will be made the sole national language, starting August 1st, 1965.

The police blamed some 'unruly' elements in the crowd who attacked the police with stones and soda bottles, which provoked the firing. Eyewitnesses, including this reporter, did not see any evidence to these claims...

The 7000-strong crowd that started gathering at the venue from afternoon were given strict instructions not to indulge in violence, so there was a festive atmosphere, with singing, dancing and sloganeering…

Police Commissioner Thambidurai, took the stage at 6.20 pm and announced that the meeting had been banned because of possible law and order problems. It was at this time that the crowd got restive and protested...

‘Sir, what is going to happen now?’

‘It has already begun. People have started protesting, burning public buildings, trains and buses.’

‘What is your party planning to do?’

‘Anna believes in nonviolence. I don't know whether there is a change in plans now. I will call the party office after sometime. It is too early now and I do not want to disturb Ganapathy.’

‘I think we should go back to Hyderabad for a few days. It is not very safe here,’ Malathi said, as she came in, handed Moon a cup of coffee and started mopping the wet floor with a dry cloth.

‘Malathi, please don't overreact. Everything will be fine. In any case, the University campus is very safe, and there will be no violence here.’

‘What about our food? The rice is getting over and we do not have any fresh vegetables. If you don't hurry, the shops will all be closed, we have to get enough provisions.’

‘You are right. What time does Mohan open his shop?’

‘Mohan's shop is open at six everyday. He also sells milk. Why don't you hurry up and get us enough milk and rice?’

‘Anything else?’

‘If there are some fresh vegetables, get whatever you like...also some eggs. Do you have enough money?’

‘I don't think so. Let me check... I have to go to the bank today, only 20 rupees in my wallet.’

‘Don't worry, I have some money that I saved for emergencies,’ Malathi said going to the kitchen. She pulled out the rice container and dug in. Pulling out three ten- rupee notes, she said, ‘I think that should be more than enough.’

‘Where did you get the money?’

I have been saving from your salary. Don't complain now. If I hadn't, we would be starving.’

‘Oh, women...I will be back soon. I will also call up Senthil on the way back. Ganapathy should be awake by then.’

‘Maa’m, where is the bathroom?’ Moon asked, as Subbaiah left the room.

‘It is in the other room. Careful, let me help you get up, you look very weak.’

‘‘Thank you, I am really grateful to you and sir for taking care of me. I don't know what I would have done.’

‘Don't worry. You would do the same if we were in trouble. Wouldn't you?’

‘Of course,’ Moon said, as he limped towards the bathroom.

‘I will get you a fresh towel and soap, there is a new toothbrush in the bathroom.’

#

Thirty minuets later, Subbaiah came back panting, carrying a week’s provisions from Mohan’s store.

‘I just spoke to Senthil we have a meeting at ten’ he shouted out to Malathi, who was in the kitchen preparing dosas for breakfast.

‘What did he say?’

‘We are going to have another demonstration on Marina Beach in the evening?’

‘Are they crazy?’ Malathi responded, coming out.

‘No, Indira is. She does not know how strong we are.’

‘Public meetings have been banned. How will Anna and everyone come there? They were prevented last night, you think the police will allow people there today?’

‘In disguise. Public meetings have been banned, but people are still free to stroll on the beach. We will not have any stage.’

‘They will find out the plan.’

‘So what? We will still have a meeting. We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship like Soviet Union.’

‘Sir, is it safe?’ Moon asked, emerging from his room limping.

‘There is a lot of risk, but if we do not protest, they will force Hindi down our throats. We have to show at least some resistance.’

‘The police might shoot again.’

‘A few sacrifices are inevitable in revolutions. Nine innocent people died yesterday, and thousands were injured, including you,’ Subbaiah retorted.

‘What else did Senthil say?’ Malathi asked.

‘There were violent protests in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Cochin this morning. A few protests were also reported from Bombay and Calcutta. This time, we are not alone.’

‘Nothing was announced in the 8 o'Clock news. I just switched off the radio.’

‘Not surprising, as Indira controls All India Radio, I will try BBC Overseas Service, they are the most reliable for domestic news,’ he said fiddling with the knobs until the reception was loud and clear.

‘Damn it, the BBC news just got over, we have to wait another hour.’

‘Sir all my luggage is in the hostel, I would like to go back since it is an unnecessary burden for you,’ Moon said.

‘Don't be silly. Give me your room key I will pick up your luggage after my meeting. You are not going anywhere until you recover.’

‘I lost my wallet and keys last night...’

‘Don't worry, I will ask the hostel warden and get your luggage. Feel at home here, I also bought some packets of Chinese noodles from Mohan’s store, you can tell Malathi how to prepare your soup.’

‘Sir, if you don't mind, please don't forget the toilet paper rolls in my room.’

‘Of course, how thoughtless of me. Malathi is breakfast ready? What are we having today, dosas?’

‘Yes, I just have to make four more.’

‘What is dosa?’ Moon asked.

‘It is a kind of pancake from rice and dal. South Indians normally eat dosa or idli for breakfast. We can have it with sambar and chutney. What do Coreans eat for breakfast?’

‘We do not have separate breakfast food. A normal breakfast consists of rice, a small bowl of soup or stew, and side dishes like kimchi.’

‘Rice? Then you can have it here too, though we may not get your side dishes here.’

‘That is fine sir. I would like to eat the same food you eat.’

‘That is the spirit. What is the use of living in a different country if you cannot experience their culture and food?’

‘When I was studying in Cambridge, my Indian friends used to visit the same Bangladeshi restaurant for all their meals. They never tried out British food.’

‘I heard British food is fish and chips, roast beef, porridge and potatoes.’

‘You are right, they have no imagination. They should adopt Indian curry as their national dish. There were a lot of European restaurants that provided variety. None of the Indians even ventured there, as they did not understand the concept of being exchange students. Never be like them.’

‘No sir, I am trying to understand the local culture. One day, I might even send my children to come here to study.’

‘That is thoughtful, but one does not know what is going to happen. Will India remain the same now?’

‘What do you mean, sir?’

‘Everything depends on tonight’s meeting. Other states have started protesting, and if we all join together, then Indira may change her mind. If she does not, there may be a lot of violence and the country can never recover from the shock.’

‘You mean all the states might secede, like the attempt by Southern states in American Civil War.’

‘I don't rule out that possibility.’

‘Will there be civil war here? Do you think the Prime Minister will allow that?’

‘She won't, but if she uses force more will die and the international community may have to intervene.’ Seeing the shocked look on Moons face he continued, ‘Don't worry, I will keep you safe and send you back to your country before the situation gets out of control.’

‘Breakfast is ready,’ Malathi shouted from the kitchen.

#

‘Hello young man,’ Ganapathy said from across yard, seeing Moon on the patio chair staring at the clouds with a blank expression on his face.

‘Hello sir,’ Moon replied startled.

How are you feeling now? Where is Subbaiah?’

‘I'm better. Professor Subbaiah has gone for a party meeting.’

‘That same nonsense again. What are they doing to our nation?’

‘Is the University closed today sir?’

‘Of course it is. There is so much violence no one will send their children to study. I will just put on my shirt and come there. I too am feeling a bit bored.’

A few minutes later, Ganapathy was by his side.’

‘Anni,’ he called out to Malathi who was listening to her favorite radio program inside.

‘Thammudu,’she replied coming out.

‘Can I have a nice cup of filter coffee?’ he requested, dragging a chair from inside.

‘Sure, I will be right back.’

‘Sir, you just called Maam Anni. What does it mean?’

It means elder sister-in-law in Tamil. I consider Subbaiah as my elder brother, she called me younger brother in Telugu.’

‘It is so strange. In Corean, Eonni means elder sister.’

‘That is a coincidence.’

‘I don't think so. I came across other words like amma and appa. We also have the similar words. How can we have the same words, is Tamil related to Corean?’

‘Not that I know of. Tamil is one of the longest surviving classical languages in the world and is the only Indian language other than Sanskrit to be considered as ancient and authentically original in its form.’

‘Is it possible that some Tamilians settled down in East Asia and influenced our language?’

‘That is possible, the Chola Dynasty which ruled from 9th to 13th century also expanded to Southeast Asia. They may have had a cultural influence on Corea.’

‘Chola dynasty?’

‘In ancient times there were three kingdoms in Southern Indian; Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas who were very powerful.’

‘Just like in Corea again. We too had three kingdoms -Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the peninsula.’

‘This is so strange. It appears that there are many similarities. I better alert Professor Dhandapani, I am sure he will find more. This needs more careful historical research.’

‘Yes sir, I am sure they will find a lot of similarities, except of course the looks.’

‘You are right,’ he smiled, as Malathi placed two cups of coffee on the small stool near them and went inside again. It somehow broke their conversation.

‘Sir, will everything be alright here?’ Moon asked trying to pick up a new thread.

‘I am afraid not. This time it is getting to be very serious, I only hope there is a peaceful solution.’

‘You mean if the Prime Minister takes back her announcement?’

‘No, I mean if the Tamil politicians accept Hindi, then we can carry on with our lives.’

‘The other day you explained to me that it is unfair to impose Hindi, just as it is unfair to impose German in Europe.’

‘Yes, I did, but India is not Europe. We became independent 18 years ago, and have already broken up our country once. This is a silly issue to fight for when we have so much poverty.