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February 2012: Serving Customers Dec-Jan News |
A Short Story: A Tomb for Moti
A simple and poor farmer of Yellapur, ULLOORA by name had an extremely loyal and intelligent dog called MOTI. Ulloora was known to be living all by himself. This dog was almost human in his ability to understand human feelings and sensibilities. Often he could be seen shopping for his master. Proudly holding a specially woven bag of bamboo material with money and shopping list held within, he would leave for the market and return with all items and return change whatever all intact. And this indeed was a sight to see for the others. His love and loyalty for the master had become the talking point in and around Yellapur. Moneylender MALLAPPA SETTY of neighboring village, who was aware of this, had his eyes set on MOTI. Ulloora's failure to repay in time, a hand loan availed earlier, placed the moneylender in a commanding position. Ulloora, the poor farmer found himself in a helpless situation. He brought out whatever little valuables he could lay his hands on from within and sought for additional time for settling the dues. But then Mallappa Setty wouldn't agree. "I don't want any of these Ulloora", he rejected them all. "You give me what I want", he said. "Leave Moti with me until you settle the dues", was the reply that left Ulloora dumbstruck while Moti started protesting in a low groan. "So be it", the master said after a long drawn pause and Moti quickly hid himself behind the master. "Moti", the master started convincing. "Look. I know how painful it is for you. In fact it is equally painful for me. But then…" Moti wouldn't relent. Finally the master told him very firmly this time, "Look Moti. Time has come for you to save your master for whom honour is more important than life itself. I want you to go with him now. I shall get you released as early as possible and that is a promise. Till then you shall stay with him - however trying the circumstances be. You get it? This is my order" Moti slowly and reluctantly left the master to join Mallappa Setty. By way of parting instructions, the master once again said, "Another thing Moti. You shall not leave Setty's house unless and until I come there personally to have you released. You get that? Should you by any chance come back on your own, I warn you…I shall clobber your head" Mallappa Setty the miser, having acquired Moti, soon lost interest in him and started looking upon him as an additional mouth to feed - an avoidable drain on his resources. He would underfeed, harass, and wouldn't miss a single opportunity to beat him - poor Moti! Moti had taken complete charge of Lakshmipati - 8 month-old child of Mallappa Setty - and would guard him round the clock. While Mallappa Setty's wife was indifferent to Moti, his 5-year old daughter Lakshmi would always pat him lovingly and say soothing words in his ears and would regularly pass on to him her share of food, on the sly. One day the unexpected happened! Mallappa Setty's house was suddenly engulfed in a huge fire! Everybody had managed to come out of the house except the infant. While the whole family could do very little other than helplessly lamenting from a distance, Moti impervious to the leaping tongues of fire could somehow find his way blindly rushing into the house. He was back in a trice holding the baby by the front of its clothing, firmly in the grip of his strong teeth. Shopping chores done for his master for years had surely helped him in this near impossible task. The child of course was yelling its life out but more by reason of the sudden shock rather than any bodily hurt. Mallappa Setty who was praying before his Lord Venkataramana promising half his wealth to Him if only he could have his son back safely, just couldn't believe his own eyes when Moti appeared before him. He was simply overwhelmed. On seeing the burn injuries suffered by the dog he couldn't hold back his tears. He sent for sandal paste. He personally smeared it all over the burn injuries and told Moti lovingly, "Thank you my friend for such goodness although I have always been rude to you. To me you are the Lord Venkataramana Himself!! And I mean it. You are free now. You have saved my only son and I really don't know how to thank you. Go tell your master not only all his dues stand cleared but also that hereafter I shall remain indebted to you and your master for life. Go." An excited Moti left the village immediately for Yellapur. Although starving since morning neither hunger nor the burn injuries could hold him back from realizing his intense desire to join his master. Ulloora living all by himself had been saving every paisa in order to settle dues and get Moti released. Mallet in hand he was washing clothes, on seeing whom Moti rushed in his direction. As if wanting to spring a surprise on the master he appeared before him suddenly wagging his tail vigorously. But then the master was furious. To him there was much more at stake than Life itself. Honour!! This was the first ever occasion Moti had dared to disobey. He was seized by a fit of rage. Swearing, he raised his hand and in a flash the mallet came down heavily on poor Moti's head. There was no way, Ulloora could know the facts. For, the master soon helplessly fell on his knees and thereafter on the carcass that once was his dearest Moti. Only, the master had died with his eyes wide open. Both were buried at the same spot whereat this tomb has come up. Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
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