A Boat in the Storm (புயலிலே ஒருதோணி) by Pa. Singaram Chapter 7: Three Friends

Translated into English by Saravanan Karmegam. 

Chapter 7: Three Friends

Those three men entered Kimlee Garden Tiffin Centre located in the south of Prince Hendrix Street. The shop keeper greeted them.

“Welcome Sir..sir”

“Hello, Master”

Kimlee led them into a circle shaped wreath like structure made with thickly grown flowers. Pandian sat facing the north. Thangaiah and Thillaimuthu sat facing him.

The attendant boy approached them, almost came running. Order was placed to bring Meekoreng, eggs, pine apple, Papaya and coffee. After they entered the tiffin centre, a couple of Chinese men and Indonesians entered the hotel from the street.

“Who’s that? Is it Paavannaa? (First letter of Pandian)

Navannaa, first cash section attendant of 8^th number godown, peeked out and called him out.

“Please come…come..”

“Yes…I am in…to sit with you”

Navannaa removed his spectacle and placed it on the table. He appeared to be older than them. His shiny eyes and crooked cuts of his mouth announced his sense of humour.

“Is your father alright in Penang? He turned his attention to Thangaiah and asked him, “What about the letter?”

“He is fine. Received the letter from the boat”

“It is said that they are going to change the name of Charter Bank and run it as Yokohoma Bank. Then what will happen to your job?”

“The order has been passed. Thillaimuthu will also join there.”

“Why? Doesn’t he like teaching in school? Then the students will have to look after only donkeys till the war is over. Right?”

“Here donkeys aren’t available. They can herd pigs” – the former teacher of Methodist school, Thillaimuthu retorted. The hotel attendant brought a plate full of savouries, coffee cups and saucers. He was asked to bring similar items for Navannaa too.

“Pavannaa, look at that side. Are you able to see a Malay woman walking like a bull found in Northern side?”

“Who’s that?” he glanced that side and sat again.

“You are asking who she is. Aren’t you? She is Yasmin, the lady with golden anklet. See how voluptuous her body looks. She must be forty five years old”

“What! Is she that aged?”

“Hold your words, man” He shortened his articulation and started speaking in Chettinad slang. “If you remove her dress, you will find her breasts taut like solid Vibhoothi bag of Lord Shiva. She has five children”

“I heard that she has six children” Thillaimuthu corrected Navannaa’s words.

“Oh…good heavens! See how naughty this guy is! We shouldn’t judge anyone by his appearance” He rolled his eyes and said, “Now see for yourself how much our school teacher is updated in such matters.”

“Thillaimuthu is a dump thief” Thangaiah said.

“Yes…Yes…you are right. Leave it aside. Let us not divert our talk from the main topic. Pavannaa, all from our business communities throng her house like a herd of sheep even today.”

“Leave her. Stinking skunk! Aren’t you getting into Penang business?”

“I need neither Penang business nor any business. It would be enough if I am able to take this body intact home. Are you sure about the business with Penang?”

“You are still unsure about it. Aren’t you? After discussions, procurement has also started”

“Nothing wrong in doing business with Penang. You need to be extra careful. That is it.”

“Why? Any issue with that business?”

“Our people have a bad habit of bringing a big wooden plank to insert into a tiny space given to them out of benevolence. They used to give lame excuses that they would be able to manage if something goes out of hand. Be careful. If Japanese men find you out there doing anything funny, they will chop off your head and keep it in the middle of street”

“They will do it only with white men who oppose their ways. Not with us, the ones who are already accustomed with chopping heads”

“I just told out of genuine concern. Let everything go as planned. Leave it aside. Why haven’t you started having your meals yet?”

“Let your food come. Then we can start together”

“Pavannaa, do you know Piranmalai Kalyani?’

“Yes…I know. She used to dance every year in our temple function.”

“How’s that chick piece? Another one here very closely resembling her is wearing lungi and blouse and flirting around every one from yesterday. Who’s that?”

The hotel attendant boy brought the plate full of savouries and coffee mug. They started eating.

“Oh! She is Thebingthingi Rajammal.” He declared. “Her rate is very high. But if Pandian likes to have her, she might agree for free. Some people have luck written on their face”

“Why are you pulling Pavannaa into this matter?” Navannaa shortened his articulation again and began his slang. “If you have got a mole at an appropriate place, everything will fall on your way at an opportune time. Women will readily fall for him one after the other with silly excuses”

“Oh…is it so?” Pandian laughed at his comments.

Other too joined him and laughed.

“I think you guys will be leaving late. I have some urgent work” Navanna rose.

“You aren’t coming to Penang. Are you?”

“I’ll decide after a couple of months. Let me see. It is alright. Let me leave now. Bye”

“Bye”

“Eiii…you need coffee?” Thangaiah shouted.

“My regards! Brother!” Sari shop owner Marakkayar peeked out.

“Greetings Anna. Please come in. Have a cup of coffee”

“I have some urgent work brother. I can have the pleasure of having coffee with you at any time. Did the eight number Chettiar come here?”

“You mean Navannaa? Don’t you? He has just left.”

“Okay. I need to leave now. Bye”

“Bye Anna. See you soon again”

The attendant boy brought coffee cups.

“Why are you leaving for Penang at this critical time? Is your contractor insisting you to go there? Thangaiah asked him.

“The idea of doing business with Penang is my brain child. No matter who comes with me or who does not, my going there is very certain” Pandian drank coffee in one gulp.

“What’s the matter? Why this sudden obsession with Penang business?”

“I have got bored with Medan City. This city is relatively isolated. This place is not suitable during war time. You will feel suffocated as if you are caught in a burrow.”

“What about Penang?”

“In Penang we could meet people from Burma, Siam (Present Thailand) and Indonesia and do some constructive business. Here we are just whiling away our time, and roaming lazy. The world has been experiencing a lot of things and a lot of events happening around. Had we been there, at least we would be able to feel a bit of pulse what is going around us”

“We are no way related to the events happening around the world. Are we? Our destiny is being decided by the people, the shepherds, who are wielding the whip in their hands”

“If you prefer to remain quiet by folding your hands at rest, how then you can become a shepherd? We would then remain cattle for ever”

“Oho…! You mean if we board a boat to Malaya, we can become shepherds”

“Not exactly. At least we will be able to find the ways and means to become shepherds. There are a lot of youth from our country residing in Malaya. How many of us are here? How many of them are seriously concerned about these matters?”

“Planning such things does not indeed suit us”

“We have to change it”

“Oh! Tamils from all over the world. Unite! Devise a plan for the Tamil Community to walk on the path of progress” Thillaimuthu shrieked.  

“Thillaimuthu, one of my friends narrated a story. It was about the pride of Tamils and Tamil’s valour. You must know about it. Let me explain in brief” Pandian sat straight.

“One day the government passed an order that everyone should go to the village administrator to get three slaps with his slippers before they start their day in mornings. Next day early morning, all our chivalrous Tamil community from every village went to their respective village administrators and readily stood in front of his house displaying their bare back to him and insisted him to beat them quickly so that they could leave for their daily works early. Some of them were carrying an amount of bribe according to their financial positions so as to ensure quick delivery of slaps without wasting much of time. This is the present condition of our gallant Tamil community. It was their condition yesterday.”

“I am not aware of anything about Tamil Nadu. I boarded ship when I was very young. Now tell us what should be done to change this situation. Tell us that. ” Thangaiah told.

“Shock treatment. Not for the Tamil community alone. What is the foremost requirement that is needed for the entire population of India to open up their eyes to see the reality? It is nothing other than a ruthless execution of shock treatment”

“What is the tool for executing that shock treatment?”

“An army of brave youth and a leader with an indomitable courage”

“An autocratic rule of scoundrels after that. Is that what you mean?”

“No…It is for providing food, clothes and shelter to every one living on this earth”

“Ohooo…Quote from Manimegalai! (One of the five epic stories in Tamil). If you want to know what exactly righteousness means, listen to me fully. If you are unable to provide food, clothes and shelter to all living beings on this earth, be assured to listen to lectures, getting exhibited and being whipped”

“No…no…You have also joined in the group of people who believe in nihilism. The moment you get to know about your own inability, the faith sets in. The events that follow your faith will have no comparison, my friend. It is faith, a simple faith that matters. Comrade Lenin was able to capture Russia, a country with a population in billions, with some thousands of determined comrades. How was that possible? Faith. Trust. Unflinching trust. Unwavering trust.”

“What should we believe in?”

“Believe in that light will appear after the darkness disappears”

“If the light doesn’t appear, do we have to believe darkness as light?”

“Light is nothing but the belief that it is light” Pandian smiled.

“It is alright. Leaving it aside, now tell me based on which criteria are you going to organise such a dedicated army of youth who would be providing food, clothes and shelter to every living being under the sun? How are you going to get it materialised?”

“I am yet to decide upon it. It is the decision that needs to be taken collectively after due consultation with others”

“Noble purpose anyway- But I don’t like the idea that is being abused to call the people as people of India” Thillaimuthu stretched out his legs and leaned on a chair. “If you want this ‘shock delivering army’ to taste victory, it should have none other than Tamils in its roll. The race of Tamil is the point where one can find pride and valour. The duty of every Tamil man is to work hard to uplift Tamil Nadu and Tamil people. Hell with what would happen to Gujaratis and Bengalis. We have nothing to do with them”

“Our sustenance depends on their wellbeing too” Pandian turned his attention to him. “If they fail, it will affect us as well.” he reasoned.

“Never…no matter they win or fail. Tamil Nadu will find itself a unique place in history with its pride, valour and uniqueness as its head looks up”

“Has it ever stood with pride, valour and uniqueness?”

“Why do you doubt it? Those who have read Sangam literature will never develop such a doubt. Only you and Thangaiah are exceptions to it as you both are fond of arguing without stuff”

“Thillaimuthu, you haven’t seen what actual Tamil Nadu is. You have seen it only in poetry. There is a phenomenon called imagination hiding in poetry. You must not forget it” Pandian’s voice got thicker. The Tamil valour that is being eulogised in old literary works are basically about petty squabbles. Was there any pride in Pandiya King conquering Kalaiyarkovil Vengaimarban? Both were Tamils. One was a king. Another one was a chieftain of some tiny village. The king won in a scuffle against the latter and abducted all his belongings and left him without land. Is there any pride in it?” he puffed his cigarette and emitted thick rings of smoke. “How many of those chivalrous Tamil warriors who retain their fame only in literary texts fought against the soldiers of Delhi Sultan when they descended on Tamil lands and went on rampaging, pillaging it? How many of them became martyrs? No one was found. Nowhere were they found. When the cavalry of Malik Kafur was fast approaching at a far off distance, our Southerner hero who ruled the entire South India after conquering the Ganges and Himalaya in the north, ran away and went into hiding in the hilly tracts of Neriyamangalam”

“Your vision is narrow as you keep judging everything with that Delhi Sultan narrative.” Thillaimuthu roared. “You should not insult an entire community with just one slip. Your vision lacks inclusiveness”

“Having inclusive vision more than required is precisely my problem. Not because of lacking it. Let us pause here. What did happen when the army of Vadugars backed by Vijaya Nagar Empire came to Tamil Nadu? The kingdom of Pandiyas was thrown out with the help of fellow Tamils. Who was that broker who arranged Tamil traitors to assist Vijaya Nagar king to bribe the soldiers of Pandiya king to align their side? It was Ariyanathan. He was a Tamil”

“According to our historians, the Rayars of Vijaya Nagar invaded on Tamil Nadu in order to uproot the Islamic influence and infuse fresh blood into Hindu religion. Is that correct? Thangaiah threw an inscrutable smile. “Do you disagree with it” he asked.

“Getting rid of Islamic influence! Nonsense. It is just a well-cooked fantasy. What they sought was nothing but the dominance of Vijaya Nagar king. The Rayar who betrayed his people as he was afraid of facing Sultan’s army in the battle field…The Rayar who surrendered before sultan’s army without staging a fight despite having well equipped large army at his command…Vijaya Nagar had been ruled by such Rayars. This is how they waged war ignominiously against Islamic domination”

“Let’s not talk about Vadugars. Your views on Tamils’ pride, and their gallant tradition are really dangerous. I will never accept your views. Any Tamil man having a sense of pride in him will never accept what you say” Thillaimuthu said.

“It is not dangerous. It is the truth. Tamil valour and Tamil civilization actually seem to be an inflated fantasy of some of our inebriated poets”

“Don’t talk rubbish. Senkuttuvan…Elaalan…Rajendran…Sundaran (Pandiay King Sadaiyavarman Sundara Pandian) Karunakaran….”

“Very old story…Very very old…Every community has such five or six titles to their credit. How far had they gone to achieve? Alexander conquered the entire land of Persians. In one sweep of  fury, Hitler subdued the combined forces of Britain, France, Belgium and Dutch and decimated them in a single blow. The frog living in a well, would experience the mighty Amazon River, the Pacific Ocean and the Great Himalayas only in the well in which it lives.

Thillaimuthu was staring at Pandian’s face with his decisive yes.

“Thillaimuthu, your research into this Tamil valour looks like a hungry man computing his old accounts.” Thangaiah said and rose.

“The race that finds happiness in its roots will also have an enormity of meanness about its present within it. It is the truth accorded by the wise men. Let us leave it aside” Thillaimuthu placed his left hand on Pandian’s shoulder. “Do inform me before you leave. My school friend Manikkam is now working in Thana Mera estate near Penang. To be right, he was working. I will give you a letter. Give it to him. He is a wonderful friend.”

Okay. Let us leave”

It had been long since the sun disappeared. The paper flower lamps wearing masks were twinkling moving in the air. It was thickly dark outside the garden.

They started walking on the street where the lamp posts stood without emitting light.

                                                    ***Ended***

Chapter 8: “Serdang Way” will be published soon.                   

A Boat in the Storm (புயலிலே ஒருதோணி) by Pa. Singaram Chapter 6: Arnemia River

Pa.Singaram

Translated into English by Saravanan Karmegam. 

Chapter 6: Arnemia River

The work of despatching sand from the Arnemia River was in full swing. The river was flowing towards North and the water in its upstream was rustling through the rocks standing erect. The downstream was a milky sand bed. Creepers and various plants were found intertwined along the trees standing taller on both sides of the river bank. On the South, was there a range of Coral Mountain in green and blue lying in folds. The patches of the Prasthaki road that ran around the mountain were looking like a thin grey line here and there. The Kabanjaho peak that was gleaming in violet hue at a distance seemed to be playing joyous hide and seek game behind the clouds by its recurring appearance and disappearance.

The Dutch Prisoners of war brought from the Kulukoor prison were filling sand in baskets, carrying it on their head and throwing it into bullock carts standing on the bank. Once the sand was filled to the required level, the columns of bullock carts dragged themselves hard on the newly made road, got onto the highway and then disappeared. At some distance in the northern direction, Tamil Javanese labourers headed by Supervisor Periyasamy were standing as a separate group and were busy loading sand into bullock carts.

Pandian and Lieutenant Kimiyori Nomura were sitting in foldable chairs, conversing in English under a fully grown Jumeirah tree standing on the northern bank of river with its expanse of shade under it.

Three columns of war planes, each column with five planes, were on their way flying above their heads. Their boom resonated in unison and sounded like waves of noise in synchronicity.

“Jiro…new generation flights” Nomura said, holding his palm above his eyes looking through the sky. He started narrating the credentials of the flight as he still looked up at the sky. Then he cleared his throat and turned to Pandian.

“Indians will be able to return to their mother land very soon. The North East region of India is going to be the graveyard of British Army. The Burmese General Kavabe is one of the best war strategists of our time.”

Pandian extended his hands to offer him a cigarette.

“Thank you”

Both of them lit their cigarettes, smoked it.

“Independence to all the Asian Countries, the cooperation among them, and making all the necessary arrangements for Asians to settle down in Northern Australia which is lying without human settlements now to facilitate the settlers doing agriculture. This is the grand war plan of the Great Japan”

Nomura puffed his cigarette.

Pandian took out his hand kerchief and wiped off his face and neck. Taking out the cigarette from his mouth, he told:

“Look at these Dutch guys. They ruled the entire Indonesia once upon a time. Cowards…cowards…In those days they were warriors and technically superior beings. But today…they just fight like street dogs for a piece of cigarette bud.”

“Their action wasn’t commensurate with the demonstration they displayed”

“It is just an empty demonstration. Had it been Japanese people, they would have dragged this matter till the end with their steadfast demonstration in Medan circle”

“You are right”

“You must see their original face in Kulukoor prison. Just to get a one more morsel of food or a cigarette, they betray their fellowmen with some unfounded charges. How petty their fights are! Sometimes one would complain that the other had stolen his slippers…and someone has stolen his piece of dried fish. You will never find such pathetic display of nonsense among Japanese people even while living under extremely pressing circumstances”

The sun was climbing upwards above head. The air around grew warmer. The sound of military vans treading on roads faintly fell into ears. The white men in shabby dresses and unkempt hair were carrying the sand collected from the river on their heads. They were bending down, frequently, rhythmically, with spades in their hands, scooped out sand, filled their baskets, lifted them muttering unintelligible complaints and walked.

Pandian’s threw his eyes towards the river front. He turned back and saw Nomura who was still under the spell of his cigarette smoke. He then, looked up and examined the tree tops and again settled on river. “Ah…how this life changes its colour so easily! Victory- failure, Prosperity- poverty, Pride-disgrace…” he pondered.

The time was up. The lieutenant rose, stood stiff, took out his whistle from his pocket and blew it aloud. Pandian too rose and stood aside.

All bullock carts, labourers, both Tamils and Javanese started walking towards the other side of the river.

The white men came to this side of the river, escorted by soldiers.

“Keire…eeii…” the Corporal yelled at them.

The soldiers saluted. The prisoners paid regards, bending their torso down to their waist level. The lieutenant counted their heads and asked the corporal something. He replied- reply in a louder voice.

The second whistle was blown- This is to announce meal time.

All started walking towards the plains lying on the eastern side of Jumeirah tree. A bulky frame, limping its left leg was walking behind them. Pale white hair, sharp bluish eyes, aahh…he was lawyer Dilton. Military goblets seen on him. Oh! He was a Reserve Major.

Dilton looked up, his face became brighter as a sign of satisfaction. He nodded his head gently and moved ahead.

The prisoners sat on ground and ate the ball of rice packed in dried banana leaves. The amount of rice was not even sufficient for one mouthful. The balls were dried up. They were given a tiny piece of dried fish.

Dilton was in charge of those prisoners. He didn’t have to work like others. He had sufficient leisure time as well. He sat aside, opened his banana leaf bundle, took out the rice ball and dried fish, and started eating.

The Japanese shepherds were driving the herds of prisoners again into the river.

Pandian and Nomura sat on their chairs under the Jumeirah tree and puffed their cigarettes silently.

Dilton completed his meals and opened the tobacco leaves, rolled it in crumbled piece of paper and started puffing out his handmade cigarette.

With sweat mixed with dirt flowing like flood on his body, the ‘Rolls Royce’ lawyer Dilton was sitting, facing the east, cuddling his knees with his hands like an orphan. Pandian could see his back visible through the holes of his torn shirt. He mumbled something to Nomura. The Japanese yelled at him furiously. Dilton turned his face at them. His eyes were glistening with fear.

Pandian puffed his cigarette nonchalantly, calmly staring at the lieutenant’s face. His silent eyes insisted an important message how one could help needy people without compromising his ethics of performing duty.  

The Japanese man stood astounded. He never faced such a dilemma before. ‘How daring this Indo man is! What a courage! What a composure! Is he thinking that I am also one among the merciless bastards?’

He was hesitant and explained the dangers of taking such a decision.

At last he conceded to Pandian’s demands, though unwillingly with a stern warning. “In case the soldiers get the whiff of it, I won’t open my mouth. It is sure that your head will roll”

Pandian then picked up the food bag and coffee mug kept at the bottom of tree and ran to Dilton.

“Please eat faster”

He stuffed two five rupiah currency notes into a Murat Cigarette packet and gave it to Dilton along with a match box. He turned to left and stood along the river.

Lawyer Dilton’s hands were trembling. His lips were shaking. He opened the bag- Poori, Dosa, mutton pieces, Chatni- he ate all amidst hiccups. He drank coffee from the mug. His entire body shuddered. He opened the cigarette box and found two currency notes stuffed into it. ‘Ten guilders’ Ein, Tway, Fiar, Jex, akt, Teen**- Thirteen types of cigarettes. Match box, that too in full. His eyes welled up with tears. He bent his head down, held it between his knees. ‘He must be the clerk who was working with fifth number Chettiar. He is a good soul. He attended one issue at Jathilan’s house. Name? I couldn’t recollect it. How did he come here? Is he working with the contractor?’ his lips were mumbling inaudibly.

“My Lord! Please give him a long and prosperous life. Please stand guard to stop any troubles coming to him. My Lord! The omniscient! Please pay heed to the words of this unlucky soul and bless his life for ever. Amen”

He threw away the banana leaves into bush nearby, and approached Pandian as he walked towards the river.

“Brother! Who are you? What is your name?”

“I am Pandian. Now I am working as clerk in the office of Renovation contractor Khader Moideen. I was working under fifth number Chettiar earlier. Please keep moving. Don’t stand here”

Rolls Royce lawyer Dilton moved ahead, got into the river dragging his torn shoes from which his fingers were sticking out.

The work of sand loading from the Arnemia River went on continuously for twenty three days. Every day he provided Dilton food, coffee and cigarettes. As his luck would have it, no untoward incident happened so far.

                                                    ***Ended***

Chapter 7: “Three Friends” will be published soon.  

Note:

 **I assume that they are cigarette brands. I couldn’t get the actual spelling of these brands. The readers may assume their spellings and relish it the way I did.

A Boat in the Storm (புயலிலே ஒருதோணி) by Pa. Singaram Chapter 5: Moski Straat

 

Pa. Singaram

Translated into English by Saravanan Karmegam. 

Chapter 5: Moski Straat

The Tamils who were running pawn business entered Medan City* which was once known to them as Maidan. The different types of attendant boys were sitting at the cash section and were flipping the pages of accounts books and loan receipts. But the persons who had to repay the loans were not found anywhere around.

The Chetti Street, known as Moski Straat, was on its gradual decline losing its sheen. They were wearing dirty cloths as the daily washing service had long ago been stopped. Only one question was frequently hitting everyone’s brain sitting in the cash section – it was a three dimensional question of their livelihood- When would the war end? How to manage filling one’s tummy till the day war got over? And how long more they would be able to sustain with the available ration? 

The street that was once brimming with pride had now changed into nearly nothing.

In those days—

Every morning fragrance of jasmine, frankincense and paste of Aragaja used for daily puja would be wafting through the godowns. The attendants wearing washed cloths, with liberally applied Vibhoothi on their forehead would be busy flipping the pages of loan receipts and account books sitting behind the tables. The person at cash section sitting erect, stiff along the cash locker with his legs folded would be busy counting the cash and wrapping it in transparent polythene bags for depositing them in bank.

While doing their work the cash section boys used to fantasise the day when they would become attendants so that they could go out for “cash collection” and the attendants would fantasise to become supervisors so that they could wield ‘enormous powers’ to make everyone dance  at their whims.

The attendants would stretch their legs straight and find time to take rest when the supervisors were snoring cuddling the bunds and ‘Honest’ Soona Paana** was busy playing cards upstairs of the godown.  The frail back of the boys sitting at the cash section would also lean a bit behind for want of some rest. They would recollect their past and chatter incessantly how the car agents Junior Ibrahim and Samikkanu were wrestling on a petty issue in front of ‘vande Mataram’ Aiyar’s hotel, the scuffle between the gangs of Puduppatti and Tiruppathur in the matters of some women when Sundaramabal drama was run in Valamburi Theatre, and how the Vallalapatti Aiyan challenged taming of black colour bull of Mariyoor in a bet and tamed it in Siravayal Bull Taming arena.

The village would wear a festive mood during the arrival of letters by post. They would read them out to each other, and happily disclose its contents to each other.- ‘Brother, this time the village tank is full. So no need to worry about food this year. Maple, you are aware of a guy sitting in the cash section of Mr Seena Vaana Koonaa. Aren’t you? That single jawed guy, Nallamuthan, has stabbed his wife, killed her and committed suicide. Moona Roonaa, the son of our Periya Aiya is coming as supervisor to your shop. The salary bill has already been prepared. It is a secret information…’

The attendants were busy tallying the accounts with their account books sitting either upstairs or somewhere in the corner downstairs.

‘The borrower number one- Padmavathi, the wife of Yavarkara Kasaabaviro working as cook in Senior Sir’s house at number eighty eight,  Manga Lane in Davros. Debtor number two - the clerk working in lawyer Kotkens’ office. So the total stands with two persons, ten months instalment along with interest at two hundred and forty Rupiah (Dutch Guilder) ”

“mhhh”

“The interest received from the said person is forty rupees. The amount of debt on account of mortgaging a gold chain by the Chinese man, Dalbhushim staying at number ninety four in Teppang Straat Kederamba along with collateral security provided by Dav Lee Bhun, the sari shop keeper in Straat Market with twenty months instalments along with interest amount stands at Thousand two hundred and fifty”

“mhhh”

“The interest amount received from the said party is rupees Two hundred and fifty”

“mhhh”

“Anna! Yonder, that seventh godown bald headed man is walking with his legs spread. Is anything wrong with him? Had he been punctured?”

“He has some men’s disease. See…You mustn’t be frugal while whoring around. Mustn’t you? A British lady is whoring in Achin’s hotel. Isn’t she? It may be a wholesale procurement from her. Mmhhh”

“Two months of instalment amount is needed to close the account of Panajarkara Abdul Suber residing at number 119.”

“mhhh”

“The amount given to the said party after deducting the sundry expenses is rupees two”

“mhhh”

“Amount in debt for purchasing sowing machine is rupees three thousand”

“mhhh”

“This one is also in debt. The unrealised cheque on the date of debt for rupees eight hundred and ninety six paise”

Mhhh”

“Ok. Unrealised cheque for the amount to be received from Tibur Garden credit collector Maruthamuthu on his current account is rupees eight hundred and ninety six paise”

“mhhh”

“This one is related to procurement of Indian currency notes from Holland Bank. Hundred Five Rupees notes, hundred and fifty ten rupees notes totalling Indian currency notes valued at Thousand and Two hundred seventy five in the ratio of sixty three and three quarter to two thousand”

“Mhhh”

“In addition to it, the arrival of seeds worth Indian rupees four hundred fifty five in the ratio of six hundred fifty to seventy”

Mhhh”

“The credit from Holland bank and Indian currency notes procurement stand at Rupees Thousand two hundred and seventy five”

“Mhhh…Let me have a cup of coffee at Fat Goose’s shop. You may leave once I am back”

…

Some traders started their grocery business in their shops. They started procuring condiments like coffee seeds, nutmeg mace, cinnamon bark, tamarind, pepper and frankincense and selling them.

Exporting certain goods to Penang by wooden ships after obtaining a permission letter from the military government and importing certain types of goods permitted by Malaya customs officials to Sumathra were in vogue.  There was a rumour floating around that some Chinese traders were already into Penang merchandise.

Even the Moski Straat traders evinced some interest in business with Penang. Talks were under way. The renovation contractor offices became busy again with contracts.

There was a pressing need to provide sufficient number of daily wage labourers and bullock carts to Japanese contractors who were extremely busy in constructing military bases around an airstrip by means of expanding it. Another important task of sending sand from Arnemia River to assist a secret construction in a forest area along the Prasthaki road was also entrusted to them.

Pandian came out of the office and walked towards north on the road with dead end.

“Paavanna, it doesn't look good if you don’t visit me after coming over here. Please do come in” – senior attendant Kalimuthu called him out from the 13^th godown.

“Yes…I am coming” he went in and sat on a bench.

“Please have a seat”

“Come in brother, have a seat”- the helper boy greeted him and ran out to bring him coffee.

“I understand Japanese men have managed entry in India’s eastern side. Do you know anything about it?” Moona alias Muthusamy Pillai who had spent all his life time in cash sections, computing accounts with his arched back, asked him.

“Nothing appears like that”

“They did. It is being said that Kolkata city has been set ablaze. The war is still on just fifteen miles away from the city”.

The helper boy kept the coffee mug in the front.

“You need cigarette? Anna”

“No…my throat hurts.”

He drank coffee from the mug.

Muthusamy Pillai moved his hand box aside, spread his legs and started narrating the rumours about war he had collected from the Chinese men visiting the coffee shop. “The British army reached the northern shore of Malaya and captured the city of Alor Setar. A Chinese man disguising in Japanese army attire killed Japanese General Yamashitta”

Other cash section men were keenly listening to Muthusamy with their mouth wide open. Kalimuthu went very near to Pandian, bringing his mouth closer to his ears.

“Now I feel a bit better, Anna. The irritation has gone down greatly. But I am unable to get that medicine. Having problem in arranging money too”

“I’ll inform Yahya. He would bring it somehow. You can make payment later”

“Okay. Tomorrow we can meet in person and settle the things. All what I need is just the return of principle amount” Kalimuthu raised his voice this time.

“It is alright. I am getting late. Need to leave now.” He rose.  

“Okay. See you again”

“You are leaving. Aren’t you? Okay okay…Get going” – Ilangamani Pillai who was sitting quiet with his ears sharpened in an ultimate attempt of receiving at least some essence of their secret conversation as much as he could, raised his brows and said. He was the sole proprietor, owner, supervisor, attendant and helper of the second cash section.

“Yes sir…I will meet you all again sometime later. Now I need to leave.”

He left the place and walked towards north. He heard the voices of endearing greetings repeated on his way. He kept walking with courtly replies to each query and entered fifth godown.

The cash section boy jumped off the bench and offered him a chair. The attendant Nagalingam called out the cook to bring water.

“Eiii…I don’t need. Just a while ago I had”

“It is okay anna. Have a sip”

The cook came running from inside and extended his hands with a coffee cup.

“Chinnaiya Anna, do you know that coffee is bad for health? This is my sixth coffee” he received it form him and sipped it.

“Nothing will be bad for health Anna. This is the age you can kill a snake by just stomping on it with your leg” He turned back with the coffee tumbler, said, “Be here for some time. I will be back soon” and left.

Pandian enjoyed certain special privileges in this gogown by the virtue of being its erstwhile employee as an attendant before joining renovation contractor office.

“Pandiya, when will this nonsense called war be over?”

The one who asked this was Vavanna Kenaa Vaanaa (va.ke.va, i.e Vaazhnthu Vetta Valliyappa chettiyar- the Chettiar who once lived prosperous but a pauper now. He could run his business as an exception to the prevailing rule where the cash sections would necessarily function under the aegis of Pana Zhana kana runaa (Pazhakaru). He was the only one who assumed right over Pandian to address him in singular terms. Sitting behind the hand box placed along the wall at the end of the bench, he asked him that question.

“It will all be over very shortly”

“What our elders have predicted are actually happening now. You are also witnessing them happening. Aren’t you? The garbage gets to the height, and the towers get to nadir. The one who travelled in pleasure car is now on his foot and the ones who were on foot are now flying in aeroplanes. What sort of a noble soul your father was! He lived for truth and never betrayed his words. See now what had happened to him…mhhm…those who danced on the streets with comic costumes in festivals are now sitting as big shots in the town markets. The condition in abroad is also no way different. Nothing to be blamed other than the time we live in…”

‘The once prosperous and present pauper’ opened his hand box, took out a small chit of paper and put it in front as he kept on bemoaning. Then he took out a yellow colour velvet cloth pouch from his waist, untied it, scooped out some Vibhoothi in hand and applied liberally on his forehead and neck with a pious chant, “Muruga, Pazhaniyappa…”

“Did you receive letter from Nachiyappan? It was informed that two or three persons would receive letters due to the change of boats” Pandian asked.

“Nothing I received. I don’t know why. Everything will be taken care of by Thandayuthapani, Muruga…Pazhaniyappa…” Again chanted.

A boy from his office came there, informed him that the supervisor Aiyavu was waiting for him.   

Pandian bid adieu and left the godown. ‘Tomorrow is Wednesday. I will have to visit Arnemia River front frequently. Dealing with these Japanese blokes gives me a headache. Dutch Prisoners of war are also on the way. It is yet another nuisance.”     

                                                      ***Chapter 5 ended***

Chapter 6 : “Arnemia River” will be published soon.

Notes:

*This city was established by Sultanate kings from India. It was called Medan City. Its original name was Medan Dilli. Dilli was the capital city of Sultanate kings. Medan is distorted form of Maidan, an Urdu word.

**Short form of names with the first letters of words to address persons. For ex. Subbaiah Pandian as Su. Pa. (read as Soonaa Paanaa)