Scattered Fates - a novel on the second partition of India

by Ram Garikipati

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  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.