The Poisonous Pen
Yasmin Jaldin
Mala worked as a Nurse at the Base Hospital, Nuwara Eliya. Her
parents disliked her job due to night shifts, but she loved her
profession.
Nuwara Eliya was a hub of activity for the April season. Some Police
Officers decided to spend their vacation in the hills. Reaching Nanu Oya
late night the van taking the bend uphill turned turtle.
The screams of the officers were heard by some workers and the
injured were rushed to the base Hospital.
Having heard the emergency siren Mala reported immediately to the
operating theatre.
A badly bruised man was wheeled into the theatre.
An immediate operation was performed but his right leg could not be
saved; it was amputated.
Anil, the sturdy Sub-Inspector was unaware that he was minus a limb
and that Mala had donated blood to save his life. The doctor informed
Anil that he had a miraculous escape since his rare blood group was
received in the nick of time donated by Mala. This gesture was to be
anonymous, but the doctor had spilled the beans to Anil.
After Anil's discharge from hospital Mala noticed a void in her life.
Two months later, she saw a person approaching her but could not
apprehend the figure.
In appreciation of her magnanimous gesture, Anil presented her a
token. She refused acceptance but he was adamant that she take it. He
had gifted her a gold chain.
At their next meeting, Anil professed that he wished to marry her.
Two weeks later, along with his parents he met her family. Her mother
liked him the instant she was introduced, however her father being the
strict disciplinarian disapproved matrimony immediately, since he wanted
the horoscopes to be read, and even though they matched perfectly,
marriage was taboo for another year.
Anil's parents agreed to whatever their son said, they wanted his
happiness. He was not prepared to wait an year, come what may, he told
his mother he wished to get married soon.
In late December, Anil and Mala tied the nuptial knot.
He disliked her night shifts, but she reminded him that their
get-together was through her job.
By and by, they were blessed with a daughter. In the meantime, the
young sub Inspector was elevated to the position of Inspector and was
due to leave for training overseas.
Mala hid her distress knowing she would miss her husband terribly,
more so, the little daughter who was beginning to recognise the father.
Anil left, requesting his sincere friend Gemunu to keep an eye on his
family.
Gemunu was a bachelor, he secretly admired Mala's efficiency.
Whenever he was off-duty, he visited Anil's family.
Meanwhile, a poisonous pen had informed Anil of Gemunu's frequent
visits, which disturbed him. His period of training was due to expire in
a month's time and he thought he should barge in.
That week-end Gemunu paid his usual visit.
The sudden arrival of a rushed vehicle in the frontyard was seen.
Having seen another parked vehicle aroused his suspicion and he fumed
with jealousy. He strode into the house in a wicked temper.
Even though Mala greeted him warmly, Anil ignored her and gave a nod
to his friend throwing his baggage unceremoniously.
Gemunu was quick to notice Anil's attitude and left immediately.
"Why did you behave like that" Mala questioned her husband.
"I will tell you the reason, you bad woman" and he shook her, showing
her the epistle he had received.
'You believed this was her cry and how could you think of me in that
way, you have mistrusted me,' she said;.
'What is the use now?, she said and ran towards the first aid box.
Spilling out a dozen sleeping tablets she tried to swallow them; at
the nick of time, Anil averted a serious tragedy by nudging her.
Having realized his folly, he apologized and pleaded forgiveness.
Amidst a tearful reunion, the loving couple burned the poisonous
letter sent by a jealous person.
Gemunu was invited to dinner the following day. |
