Scattered Fates - a novel on the second partition of India

by Ram Garikipati

Chapter 10: CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS

  Moon opened his eyes to the strains of devotional music and tinkling of bells. His whole body was aching, left arm wrapped in plaster feeling sore. Drenched in sweat, he tried getting up, but had no strength.

  ‘What happened? Where am I? How did I get here?’

  He noticed that the clothes he was wearing were not his, a half sleeve vest that was two times his size and a colorful striped lungi wound around his waist.

  Moon heard some singing, and more tinkling of bells, as sweet incense smell wafted in. Desperate to find out, he painfully rose up and tried getting out of bed again, but his legs were asleep. The body was not willing to cooperate, and he stumbled, upsetting a stainless steel pail of water on a stool near the cot.

  ‘Are you OK?’ a concerned voice shouted from outside.

  Professor Subbaiah's wife!

  Malathi came rushing in, still holding the prayer bell in her hand, with her wet hair wrapped in a 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.’