Animesh was studying in class 8. He was obedient and disciplined. Since his early days, he had been taught this lesson by his father that in order to succeed in life, one has to work hard. He often saw his father working day and night. His father was his role model and he tried to imbibe the lessons in his character. He always completed his home work in time. He was good not only at his study but he was also fairy good in extra curricular activities.
November month was going on. The winter season had already arrived. The cold had began to show it's effect in the weather. Early in the morning, traces of fogs were engulfing the trees and plants. He was very much serious for his upcoming annual exams, which was to take place in the month of December. Totally engrossed in his exam- for examination, he was reading his science book lurking inside the quilt.
In the meanwhile his mother , who was going for shopping, gave him a Rupee 2000.This money was meant to be handed over to his uncle, who was coming from his village. His uncle, who was coming from village , was in fact a farmer. Because of bad rainy season this year, his uncle was facing problems. He was in dire need of fertilizer for proper harvesting. One of uncle of Animesh was doing a private job in Delhi. The uncle of Animesh , who was doing a private job in Delhi, send those two thousand rupees to father of Animesh, in order to hand it over to his farmer uncle. Animesh put those 2000 rupees in one of his book and again his mind was totally engrossed in his preparation.
In the meanwhile, Rukmai came for doing cleaning utensils in the house. Rukmani was a home maid and was helping his mother in doing day to day domestic work . She came and prepared a cup of hot cup of tea and server Animesh. So much engrossed was Animesh in his study that even could not notice at as to when Rukmani came, cleaned the utensils and left the home.
When his uncle came from village, Animesh tried to find out those rupee 2000.But it turned out to be shock for him. Animesh tried hard find out those rupee 2000 but was unable trace it. When father and mother of Animesh became aware of this fact, both of them tried hard to find out the money, but in spite of their many attempts, those rupee 2000 could not be located. Neither the money were to be traced out, nor they were actually traced out. At last , father of Animesh given those two thousand rupees to his farmer uncle out of his own pocket.
Rukmani was about 50 years old poor woman. She was Muslim by religion. Old saree, black complexion, un-attractive face and scattered hairs were inseparable part of her character. She never cared about her outer appearance. What matters most for her , was her companion and that was chewing tobacco and cigarettes.She was infact addicted to chewing tobacco and cigarettes. Because of ill smells coming out of her body , no body liked to be in her close proximity.
Animesh was very obedient and honest student. Nobody could even nurture this thought that he would had stolen the money. But everybody was curious as ti where the money had gone.? It was Animesh only who was studying in the room. Then where those money had gone?
Suddenly a thought flickered across the mind of Animesh. He whispered in the ears of his mummy and said that when you were in the market, Rukmani came for hard domestic work. Now the focus was on Rukmini. She was the point of attention. The rays of hope for tracing money were revived.
As Rukmani was not beautiful, her husband married another young beautiful wife within 2 years of his marriage with Rukmani. Naturally Rukmani was not having any children. Chewing tobacco and Cigarettes were her companion in her loneliness. Whenever she felt alone, she used to smoke cigarette. Many times, she stolen money from the pocket of her husband for buying chewing tobacco and cigarette . When she was caught red handed, she was reprimanded by her husband. Her punishment was that , she had to manage herself for her livelihood. Forced by the circumstances, she began working as domestic maid.
Mother of Animesh summoned Rukmani and inquired about the Loss of money. Rukmani repeatedly denied her involvement in the loss of money. But no one was willing to believe her.
Everyone was forcing her to accept that it was she, who had stolen the money. All the neighbours got an opportunity to vent their anger and frustration on Rukmani. Somebody was having frustration in not getting promotion in his job. Somebody was fed up of his landlord. While somebody was not doing well in his business. Rukmani provided them an opportunity to vent their anger. Rukmani was questioned many the neighbors. She was interrogated and undressed by women. Finally ten packets of cigarettes were recovered from Rukmani. That was enough evidence for helping Rukmani guilty of theft.
In the meanwhile December came. Animesh appeared in the annual exam and his hard work paid. He stood first in the class. As a token if Reward, hus father given him a Bicycle. Animesh was very happy. Now Republic Day celebration was approaching soon in the school. Exams were already over. Animesh was having plenty of time to focus on cleanliness of his room. During the.process of cleaning his room and arranging his books, he found his lost 2000 rupees which were lying inside a book. It was again a shock for him but nevertheless it was pleasant one. He rushed to his village on bicycle and given those 2000 rupees to his mother, who had gone to village to celebrate holidays.
Now it was time for repent. When he inquired about Rukmani, his mother said that Rukmani had stopped coming home for past many days. Suddenly Animesh recalled that it's been that event of theft, Rukmani stopped coming in his house.He wanted to visit house of Rukmani as soon as possible.He was driving his bicycle very fast. He was anxious that whether the forgiveness he was looking for, would be granted to him or not? As soon as he approached the house of Rukmani his heartbeat went high.
When he reached the house of Rukmani and knocked the door, one man opened the door. Animesh asked about Rukmani. That man replied that Rukmani died almost two months ago because of TB infection.He was husband of Rukmani.
Further inquiry of Animesh revealed that she was unable to cope up with the disgrace she faced during the episode of that allegation of theft.Husband of Rukmani said that even on her death bed she kept on Repeating that she was not a thief.
Animesh was shocked. He came back his home. His father was surprised watching him returning home on his foot along with the bicycle. In fact he was so much engrossed in his thought that he even forgotten to ride on the bicycle. Instead of Ridding on his Bicycle , he was reached home on his foot.
Its been 40 years now, since the time Rukmani Died. Animesh is still carrying the burden of that sin in his heart. His quest for forgiveness was still haunting in his mind. It was in fact a repent unending.
Ajay Amitabh Suman:All Rights Reserved
