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(Short
 
 

ONS OF L
Stories)

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Reflections of Life
(Short Stories)
R. Nadarajah

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Short Stories
1. The Dream
2. The Twins
3. The Luck
4. The Flight
5. The Life after Death
R. Nadarajah 202, 4/5, W.A.Silva Mawatha Colombo 6, Sri Lanka Telephone: 01123.67822 email.ramalingamnadarajah Gigmail.com

Reflections of Life
Dedication:
Dedicated to all those who are suffering in some way or another in their daily life.

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Acknowledgement:
It is not just one; but many who have helped me to bring this book out and to all of them I say a big thank you.

Reflections of Life
The Dream
For Ranjith, the 14 year old sweep ticket seller, it was a hard day.
Not only are people losing faith in lottery system, they are also demanding refunds for non-winning tickets on the basis that everything is a fraud.
He had his dinner, which was leftover of his breakfast of bread and 'Pol Sambol. He was so tired even to remember whether he had anything for his lunch.
His father deserted him and his mother, no sooner he was born. At 4 years, his mother entrusted him to her mother and went to Jordan to work in a garment factory and got lost ten years ago.

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His present thoughts were about his grandmother in their village and his cousin Sunil, a driver who had given him accommodation at his employer's garage near the Town Hall in Colombo 7.
With those thoughts, he dozed off.....!
Dr. Ranjith Perera working for a popular private hospital in Colombo was going through the medical reports of patients on whom he was to perform Surgery that day.
With a knock on the door, the theatre sister walked in and said: “Doctor, we have prepared the first patient for the surgery and your team is ready and waiting for you'.
“Thank you, I will be there in five minutes,” the doctor told her and as he got up his mobile phone beeped. It was his wife Sandra. She said: “Today is Putha's birthday; please try to come home early”.
The doctor replied: “Thank you dear, for reminding me about the birthday, but looking at today's surgery list, I don't think I will be able to make it; Buy him a good birthday gift; something useful to him; don't worry about the cost”.
Having put his mobile phone on silence, he walked in to the operating theatre. Being a Senior Surgeon,
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Reflections of Life
his arrival was marked with due respect by all those present.
In between surgeries, he had made himself available for consultation by other patients in batches.
When it was time for the second surgery, one of the first batches of patients booked to consult him was still waiting to be called. She had to wait there for another two hours till he completed his second surgery. At the end of the long wait, she was told that according to the reports her problem was not that serious requiring surgery.
One other patient who had waited for more than an hour to consult another specialist doctor said: “I think all of us should suggest to the management of the hospital to install a “complaint box” and collect the complaint chits and hand them over to the respective doctors when settling their fees. It may help them to understand the suffering of the patients who go to consult them”.
Another patient who was also waiting for a longtime remarked:
“At this rate, I don’t think they will have the time to read them”.

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Despite their pain and anger all the patients had a good laugh.
Unlike other doctors, Dr. Ranjith Perera spends more time with his patients. In order to save time the hospital management had provided the doctors with pre-printed forms for various LAB Tests required for proper diagnosis. It is now a matter of ticking off against the required tests.
Dr. Ranjith Perera had also learned by experience that more ticks there were, the greater the confidence the patients had in him.
Another experience of the doctor had been to prescribe the latest drugs introduced in the market in place of the earlier ones, irrespective of their effectiveness. That way, most of his patients felt that they were updated with their medication.
It was 10.30 p.m. when the doctor came out of the operation theatre after the last surgery. Some relatives of the patient were waiting near the entrance.
His smile gave the message - “Don’t worry, he will be all right”.
Looking at them, he said: “I have done my part; the rest is in God's hand. Pray for him; good night”.

Reflections of Life
In the process of running between the operating theatre and the consultation rooms, he had forgotten to switch on his mobile phone. When he did that on
his way to the car park there was a missed call from his wife Sandra.
When he called her, there was no response and it was not something unusual; so he took his own time and drove home around 11 p.m.
When he rang the doorbell, again there was no response. He always carried the spare key with him with which he opened the door. There were no signs of anyone being at home.
He called out “Sandra, Sandra, Rohan, Rohan' The only response was some noise from a room next to the kitchen used by the house servants.
He walked in and saw the old cook woman sleeping. He shouted at her: “Soma, Soma.” Somawathi got up with lot of excitement.
The doctor asked her, “Where is. Nona?”
“Nona took baby mahathaya to the hospital” Soma replied.
“To hospital?'an anxious doctor asked: “Why, what happened?”

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"Baby mahathaya met with an accident in his motor bike” Soma replied.
"His motorbike?he never had one; how come?” the doctor asked her with confusion.
“Nona bought him one for his birthday” Soma replied.
"Oh! My God, it was my fault” the doctor said to himself and drove to the hospital.
When he arrived at the accident service of the Government Hospital, some of his colleagues recognised him and took him to the unit where his son was warded.
His wife and son were happy to see him; but they were afraid.
He went closer to them and asked: “What have you both done?'
Both his wife and son remained silent to avoid any confrontation.
He looked at the bed head ticket and was relieved that the injury was not serious to be worried about.
After speaking to the doctor on duty he was driving back home, but he was not steady with his driving.
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His son's accident was still in his mind and he failed to observe the red light signal at the entrance to the cross road near his home. A speeding vehicle knocked against his car with a huge sound.....
Ranjith who was dreaming, woke up when he heard someone calling out “Putha, Putha'. As he opened the door, he saw his cousin Sunil together with a woman who appeared to be sick.
It took some time before Ranjith recognised that it was his own mother Kusum who got lost in Jordan ten years ago.
Two days back, she had returned to Sri Lanka and
told her tragic story to her mother. She got Sunil's address from her and arrived in Colombo early that morning.
Ranjith and Sunil listened to her story.
On arrival at Jordan, she started working in a garment factory. At the end of the first working day, her Supervisor, a Sri Lankan very friendly with the owner of the factory, told her to go to his quarters, which
was within the factory premises and clean up the place.
Kusum reluctantly agreed and while cleaning the Supervisor walked in. He appeared to be after liquor.
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Kusum got suspicious of his behaviour and was planning to escape from there. The supervisor realised that and prevented her from leaving, and tried to molest her.
Kusum saw an iron bar near the entrance door. She took it and struck the supervisor's head with it. He died on the spot. She ran to the factory and told the owner about the incident. The police was called in and after an inquiry; she was arrested and charged in a court of law.
She was found guilty of the murder; but taking in to consideration the circumstances under which she committed the murder she was sentenced to a jail term often years. During this period, she was not permitted to communicate with the outside world.
Ranjith thanked his cousin Sunil for all the help he gave him during his stay in Colombo and left the
place with his mother to their village to begin a new life.
What will be his new life; will his dream of working as a specialist doctor come true?
Like everything else, it is in God's hands.
We will have to wait and see.
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O The Twins
It was the fifth wedding anniversary of Rajasekar
(Raja) and Maheswari (Maaye). They share their love
with each other; but their happiness had little or no meaning for them.
They had no children and had to face several embarrassing questions from their friends and relatives. The enormous wealth their ancestors left behind, including their ancestor's home at Ward Place, Colombo was of little use to them.
All these made them realise that wealth alone will not make their life complete. Both medically and astrologically they have been told that they will not have any children on their own.
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One astrologer, however after reading their horoscopes told them that at a distance he was able to see Small children playing about in their house. He said: “When and how this will happen is in the hands of “God Kataragama.”
Consequent to this prediction, they made two trips to Kataragama but the outcome was not positive. Therefore, this time on their wedding anniversary they decided to spend more time in Kataragama. Accordingly, they reserved a room at the Mission Rest and travelled all the way in their car. During the first five days, they attended all the Poojas at the main Murugan temple and on the sixth day they climbed the mountain and prayed at the mountain temple. During their earlier trips, they could not visit the Sella Kataragama temple because, at that time the roads were not motorable.
Even this time, it was so, but they were determined to make it and walked along the footpath used by the other people. A few others joined them and it was a new experience for Raja and Maaye. On arrival at Sella Kataragama, they had a bath in the river and attended the Pooja at the Sri Ganesha temple.
Unlike in the main temple at Kataragama, there were
not many people seen at the Sella Kataragama temple.
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However, they decided to stay there till evening. At around 4.00 p.m., they started their return journey. Since most others have already left, they had to walk alone taking the same footpath they used in the morning.
After walking for about half an hour they decided to rest for a while. Suddenly an old man appeared from the opposite direction and told them in a warning tone, “Don’t take this path; there is an elephant behaving violently; you may be attacked”.
“We don't know any other way” the anxious Raja told the old man.
"I am going to the main temple, if you like, you may follow me” the oldman told them in a helpfull mood, and turned to his right and walked straight.
Raja and Maaye followed him till they reached another footpath going parallel to the earlier one. At this point they decided to rest again and lost sight of the old man.
Just as they were getting ready to start again, they heard the cry of a baby. As they walked further the cry became louder; they stopped and looked around. They found not one baby but two babies wrapped up separately in old used cloths.
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Raja and Maaye were shocked and speechless. A while later Maaye asked Raja, “What do you think we should do now?'
"I don't know; have you got any idea?” Raja asked her with an innocent look.
Maaye said: “We can't just leave them here and go; we will have to wait for sometime and see whether any one is coming to claim the babies'.
“All right, we will wait” Raja replied.
As there were no signs of anyone coming, even after their wait for more than ten minutes, Raja called out, “Is there anyone here? Cán you hear me? Whose babies are these?” Still there was no response and they were desperate.
They waited for another ten minutes and decided to take the babies with them and hand them over at the police post in Kataragama.
They reported the matter to the police sergeant who was in change of the police post.
After recording their statements, he called a police constable and instructed him to take them to the nearby government medical centre.
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At the medical centre, the apothecary and his assistant attended to the medical needs of the two babies.
It was only at this point Raja and Maaye noticed for the first time that both babies were girls. As they needed indoor treatment, which was not available at this medical centre, he suggested to Raja and Maaye to take them to the Tissamaharamaya hospital.
Raja and Maaye readily agreed.
With a letter given by the apothecary and the police report they took the babies to the hospital.
On arrival there, the O.P.D doctor looked at those documents and examined the babies. Thereafter, he approved their admission to the baby ward of the hospital.
He requested Raja to report the admission at the hospital police post.
At the police post, after recording another statement from Raja, the police officer visited the baby ward and looked at the two babies.
The ward doctor told the police officer that the babies could be discharged only after twenty four hours from the time of admission.
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The police for purpose of identification marked the two babies - baby (A) and baby (B) and told Raja and Maaye to leave the hospital and be present at the Tissamaharama Magistrate Court on Monday at 9.00 a.m. Raja and Maaye went back to the Mission Rest at Kataragama.
The following day they returned to Colombo and contacted their family Lawyer.
They explained matters to him and arranged with him to represent them at the Courts on Monday.
When the Chief Magistrate and the Additional District Judge came on to the Bench at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, Raja and Maaye together with their Lawyer were present at the Courts. When their case was taken up, the police produced the two marked babies and submitted their report.
After perusing the report, the Magistrate commended the action of Raja and Maaye in taking the two abandoned babies to the police post and then to the hospital. He looked at Raja and asked him, “How many children you have?” Raja hesitantly said, “My Lord, we have no children”
The surprised Magistrate had a closer look at the two babies and then looked at Raja and Maaye and asked, “Do you like to adopt these two babies?”
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Raja and Maaye, without answering the Judge, looked at their Lawyer.
At this point their Lawyer stood up and marked his appearance for them and said, "My lord, my clients have not given me any instructions with regard to the adoption of these two babies. If the court grants me little time I shall get their instructions and respond to the court'.
The judge said, "All right, I will call this case again in the afternoon.” and gave the case file to the Court Registrar.
Even before they came our of the court room, Maaye had decided on the adoption of the two babies and expressed her wish to Raja as they came out.
“I fully agree with your decision'. A happy Raja told her and reminded Maaye of the astrologers prediction.
“What was his prediction?” their Lawyer anxiously asked him.
“That we will not have any children on our own; but Kataragama God will find one for us' was Raja's response.
"He had found not one but two; one each for both of you.” the Lawyer said with a hearty laugh.
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When the case was taken up in the afternoon, their Lawyer stood up and said,
"My Lord, my clients have decided to accept your suggestion to adopt these two babies; if your Lordship approved the adoption, we shall proceed with the legal formalities at the court office”.
The Judge with a smiling face dictated his order.
“I hereby approve the adoption of these two baby girls marked baby (A) and baby (B) by Selvaratnam Rajasekar and his wife Maheshwari Rajasekar of Ward Place, Colombo from today.”
The order with the case file was sent to the chief clerk of the District Court with instructions to proceed with the adoption formalities.
Their lawyer got up and said; "My Lord, thank you very much; my clients will be grateful to you forever'.
In reply, the Judge said, “I am very happy that I was able to find a safe home for these two babies; please tell your clients to look after them without giving room for any complaints in the future”
“Thank you my Lord for your advice; my clients will certainly do that' The Lawyer responded and left the court room followed by Raja and Maaye.
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At the District Court office the documents relating to adoption were duly signed by Raja and Maaye and in the process they were requested to name the two babies.
Accordingly, Raja and Maaye named baby marked (A) as Anumathi (Anu) and baby marked (B) as Banumathi (Banu). Raja and Maaye in their joyful mood took Anu and Banu to Kataragama to thank the “Kataragama God for finding the two babies for them. They could not make it to Sella Kataragama due to non motorable roads; but made a vow to visit “Sri Ganesha” when Anu and Banu were fit enough to travel the distance by the footpath. After making donations to the temples in the name of Anu and Banu, they returned to Colombo to their ancestor's home at Ward Place.
News got out so fast, when they arrived, a good number of their friends and relations were there to give them a warm welcome.
Immediately on arrival they employed two baby sitters and arranged with their family doctor to look after the medical needs of the two babies.
Things moved so smoothly that Raja and Maaye began to believe, the two babies were their own.
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Nearing their sixth wedding anniversary they planed their next trip to Kataragama.
Since they were taking Anu and Banu with them, they invited two of their friends to join them.
On arrival at the Kataragama temple, they attended the day Pooja and rested at the Mission Rest. The following morning they proceeded to the Sella Kataragama temple taking the same footpath they used during their last visit.
As planned earlier, they got the heads of Anu and Banu shaved, bathed them in the river and attended the noon Pooja at the Sri Ganesha temple.
In the evening after making donations in the name of Anu and Banu, they returned to Kataragama.
Having spent the night at the Mission Rest they returned to Colombo the following day.
With one year over, life returned to normal to almost every one. Raja and Maaye continued with their normal work. Anu and Banu were being looked after by their newly appointed Ayaas. Raja and Maaye did everything possible to keep them happy and comfortable.
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When Anu and Banu reached the age of three and half years, they were admitted to the Montessori section of a popular girl's school in Colombo. On reaching five years of age, they were automatically admitted to grade 1 in the same school.
From the Montessori days, they showed signs of intelligence in their studies. They became model students and were very popular among their teachers and other students. Apart from studies, they took keen interest in all other extra curricular activities of the school. They received several gold medals for their all round performances in school. On completing their secondary level of education at this school and with good results, Raja and Maaye, on the advice of the school teachers and some of their relatives in the UK, decided to send Anu and Banu to England to join a university to further their studies.
In England, they completed their law studies and were called to the Bar at Middle Temple. They remained there for another year and during this period, began to miss their parents-Raja and Maaye. Their parents also missed them. With a total stay of six years in England they decided to return to Ceylon. After arriving, they took their Oaths as Advocates in Ceylon.Thereafter, they started their practice under
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a legal Luminary V. Sivalingam Q.C who was known to Rajasekar's family for a long time.
From day one Anu and Banu showed their brilliance in their legal work. Raja's family background kept Anu and Banu always in the limelight both in their professional and social activities.
After a few years with Sivalingam Q.C and on his advice Anu and Banu set up their own Chambers. Within a short period of time, they became very popular. Most of the leading instructing lawyers and law firms were after them with their briefs. This situation gave them no time to think about marriage and settling down in life.
All attempts made by Raja and Maaye to give them in marriage failed. Their very high earnings as practicing lawyers increased the family wealth of Raja and Maaye.
The thirty fifth wedding anniversary of Raja and Maaye was due soon and Anu and Banu planned to do something for them. They discussed their idea with Raja and Maaye and decided to form a trust in their name to mark their wedding anniversary.
Accordingly, a trust named "Rajamaaye Trust” was formed on the anniversary day. A leading law firm
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and a foreign bank with which Rajasekar's family had been associated with for a long time were appointed as trustees.
The primary objective of the trust was to provide care for destitute women and children in the area of education, health and self employment. The trust became very popular and several families known to Raja and Maaye and other known philanthropists contributed in different ways to the trust.
Seeing the rapid growth of the Trust and its Successful working gave immense pleasure to the twins- Anu and Banu.
For the same reason, Raja and Maaye were also happy and proud of their twins.
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The Luck
The twenty first birthday is something that is looked forward to and celebrated by the present generation; Kumara was an exception, in that he had decided to end his life.
At the time of his birth, his mother died and his father Premalal single handed, brought him up.
Two years later, looking at Premalal's difficulties, his friends suggested he should get married again so that his new wife will help him to bring up his son whom he loved very dearly. Premalal reluctantly agreed and a very simple wedding ceremony took place.
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On the third day after the wedding when Premalal returned home after visiting a friend, he found his son Kumara not at home. He asked his new wife Namali, “Where is Kumara?”
A somewhat surprised Namali replied,
“I thought you took him with you when you went out'
“No, I did not take him; are you mad? I want my son,” Premalal cried out.
With no response from Namali, he went outlooking for his son.
Namali remained at home, somewhat unconcerned. This created some doubts in the minds of their neighbours who have gathered there after hearing the commotion.
Premalal went all over the place looking for his son but without any success. Finally, he went to meet the Grama Niladari who was personally known to him.
After listening to Premalal's story, he sends word to Namali to call over at his office.
Namalion arrival, maintained her earlier position, in that,she was under the impression that her husband
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took Kumara with him when he went out in the morning. She also added, “I have heard, even before he married me, he used to take his son with him whenever he went out'.
After listening to Namali's story the Grama Niladari decided to take them to the area police station to lodge a complaint about the missing child.
When they arrived at the police station, a surprise awaited them.
Kumara was seated in the lap of a woman police constable. Although Kumara was two years old, he could not speak properly.
On seeing Premalal, he tried to say something to the police woman but she did not understand anything; but from the body language she understood that the child knew Premalal.
The Grama Niladari went closer to the police woman and told her, “We have come to make a complaint about this missing child. His name is Kumara, son of Premalal who is here'. The woman constable said, “Someone had seen him near the river bank and brought him here. Please go in and meet the officerin-charge and get an order to release the child'.
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The Grama Niladari took Premalal and Namali to the O.I.C's room and explained the case. As is usual, the O.I.C yelled at them and demanded proof from Premalal and Namali that the child was theirs.
The Grama Niladari said, "Sir, I know Premalal personally and I can confirm that he is his son; I have seen this child always with him”.
“What do you mean by,” his son; always seen with him?"Why don't you say their son; always seen with them?” the O.I.C. asked the Grama Niladari.
"Sir, this lady is his second wife; the mother of this child died at the time of his birth. About two years ago her death was recorded in this police station” the Grama Niladari answered.
"Oh! that creates a new problem for us. We have to inquire about the child being found near the river. One of them may have purposefully left him there.” the O.I.C. remarked.
"No sir, then he would not have come to make a complaint to you,” the Grama Niladari said. “What about her; she may have done it to get rid of him to live happily with the new husband” the O.I.C. said and added. “We had seen several cases like this”. At once, Premalal said; "No sir, she had no reason to do
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such a thing; she loved the child just like me; she agreed to marry me with the full knowledge of this child being with me'
“Then, how did the child go alone up to the river” the O.I.C demanded to know from them. Premalal replied; “After I left the house in the morning, Namali thinking like in the earlier days that I had taken my son with me would have been busy with other work. My son may have seen me leaving the house and followed me and got lost near the river. Today is the first time I left the house after the marriage”
“Did you go near the river this morning?” the O.I.C asked Premalal.
“Yes sir, I had to pass the river to get on to the main road” replied Premalal.
The O.I.C thought for a moment and said, "Alright, you may take the child home; but the inquiry is not over. Don't leave the village without informing me; and every time I call you, both of you will have to come with the child; if you lose the child again, I will lock up both of you.”
Premalal and Namali agreed to all conditions, thanked the O.I.C and the woman police constable and left the police station with Kumara.
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Although Premalal defended Namali at the police station, he, like the O.I.C., had some doubts about her involvement in the disappearance of his son. He, therefore, kept a closer watch on Namali's movements. Also he continued to take his son with him every time he went out. This created misunderstanding between them and after sometime Namali left Premalal and went to live with her parents.
All efforts made by their friends to reconcile their differences failed.
Premalal had properties in the village which brought him income and he was living in comfort. But he didn't have a permanent job.
The village Kade Mudalali has been looking for someone reliable to make weekly purchases at the Pettah whole sale market for his business and he approached Premalal. He was prepared to help him but he had a problem in looking after his son Kumara during his absence. It was not possible for him to take his son every time he went for purchases.
Realizing his difficulty, the Mudalali and his wife undertook to look after Kumara during his absence. This arrangement worked well for almost three years.
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When Kumara was five years old, while on a purchase trip, the lorry Premalal was travelling met with an accident and unfortunately he and the driver of the lorry died on the spot.
The Mudalali and his wife were obliged to bring up Kumara which they did faithfully. The Mudalali family also had a son, Nirmal older in age to Kumara; both grow up like brothers.
As time went by, the Mudalali encouraged his son to concentrate more on his studies and Kumara to get involved in his business.
After the ordinary level examination, Kumara dropped out of school and got involved fully in the business; but Nirmal went to Colombo to continue his studies.
A few years later, Nirmal on completing his studies got a job as a production executive in a foreign owned garment factory in Katunayake.
Kumara continued to be involved in the business and expanded it to a great extent.
Kumara will be twenty one years old on 12 April that year. On 11 April, the day prior to his birthday he as usual, went to the shop. He found to his surprise
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that the shop had been broken and goods to the valve of overrupees one hundred thousand had been stolen. He immediately informed the Mudalali about the theft.
The Mudalali and his wife blamed Kumara and suspected his hand in the robbery. Since Kumara was innocent, he was disappointed with their attitude and walked away without saying anything; but he feared that they may get the police to harass him.
Everyone in the village knew that Kumara and his father Premalal worked very hard to improve the Mudalali's business; now they are blaming Kumara for the robbery.
Kumara went to his father's old house and remained there the whole day.
In the morning it was his twenty first birthday. The early morning talk in the village was about two people getting drowned in the village river while bathing. They had come to the village to celebrate the Sinhala New Year on 13 April with their parents.
Kumara having decided to end his life and with the hope that he himself will get drowned while bathing, walked towards the river.
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At a distance, he saw Nirmal, the Mudalali's son coming home to celebrate the New Year with his parents. At first Kumara wanted to avoid him but later he decided to meet him and explain his unfortunate plight.
Nirmal, unaware of the latest development at home, saw Kumara and asked, "Kumara malli, where are you going so early in the morning?”
"I am going some where, never to return” Kumara replied.
A surprised Nirmal asked, "Why malli what had happened?”
Kumara related his sorrowful story and started crying.
Even before discussing with his father, Nirmal
realised the innocence of Kumara and said,
”Malli, I know you are innocent; my fatherhaderred in hisjudgement about you. To err is human. Please forgive him and come home with me; I will sort out things for you”
Kumara was hesitant and Nirmal under stood his position. He said, "Malli, forget everything; goback
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to your father's house; you have a full day to think it over. Tomorrow is our new year; come home in the morning; we should celebrate it together like last year”
Kumara agreed and returned home.
Nirmal went home and told his father about his meeting with Kumara. Initially, the Mudalali insisted that Kumara had a hand in the robbery but after Nirmal's reasoning he admitted, he may have made a mistake in blaming Kumara. Just then information was received by them that a man, after liquor (day prior to the New Year) confessed to the robbery at the Mudalali's shop.
On receipt of this information the Mudalali felt guilty. He realized that his wealth and status as a village Mudalali had made him to make an incorrect opinion of Kumara.
The next morning Kumara arrived, unaware that a man had confessed to the robbery.
All of them welcomed Kumara and celebrated the New Year. In the afternoon Nirmal and Kumara were engaged in a discussion with regard to the future of Kumara. Nirmal suggested that he continue to work
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in their shop. Kumara said, “The whole village will look at me as a thief; I don't want to stay here anymore. Could you please find me a job in your place of work"?
Realizing Kumara was not aware of the confession of the robber, Nirmal told him about it. Kumara was very happy to hear that news, but still wanted a change. Nirmal said; "Finding a job in our factory without any qualification and experience in that field will be very difficult; now that you have enough experience in running a business, why don't you start one on your own?”
Kumara replied, “I will need some capital to start a new business; I have not got any at the moment'.
“Why don't you dispose one of your father's properties and raise the required capital” asked Nirmal.
“That is a good idea; but I do not know how to get about” replied Kumara.
"Malli, come with me; letus discussthis matter with my father. He may be able to find a way out for you” Nirmal suggested and took Kumara closer to where his father was seated.
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On seeing Kumara, the Mudalali said, “Kumara putha, arrange to open the shop on an auspicious day after the New Year celebrations; you may have to change the locks”
Nirmal interrupted his father and said, “No, No thaththa, Kumara malli has some other ideas. He wanted me to find him a job in our factory, but I told him it is difficult without qualification and experience. I suggested to him to start a business on his own because he has enough experience in running a business. He like the idea but his problem is to find the capital. I suggested to him to sell one of his father's properties but he says he does not know how
to get about with it. Could you please help him with the Sale?'
The Mudalali was surprised, he thought for a little while, had a discussion with his wife and said: “That won't be necessary; we will gift him our shop; let him run it as his own from the New Year'.
Although surprised, everyone was happy with that decision.
Kumara thought to himself that the New Year had brought him “LUCK".
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The Flight
Theresa was a very popular mathematics teacher at St. Mary's Convent; but she had a continuous battle with the Mother Superior of the school over her total disregard for punctuality.
She explained that she was living far away from the school and had to depend on public transport for travelling to school. On the surface, it sounded a reasonable excuse but for the school's trade mark of discipline, it was not acceptable.
Theresa's husband, Samuel, also a teacher in another school approached a powerful politician of the area to work out a transfer to his wife closer to her home; but it did not work the way they thought because
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none of the schools closer to her home had a vacancy for a mathematics teacher with her qualification and experience.
Realizing their usefulness for his politics, the best the politician could do was to find them a house closer to the convent. Left with no other alternative, Theresa, Samuel, son Nicholson and daughter Annita moved to the new house during the school holidays.
On the second day in their new home, they were arranging their things in some order when it started raining heavily. In no time, the whole house got flooded with rain water seeping through the roof of the house. When the rain ceased, Samuel got on to the roofto find the cause for the leak.
Unfortunately, he slipped on the roof and it gave way. He fell on the cemented floor and it caused very serious injurious to his head. With the help of a new neighbour, Theresa and her children rushed him to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after admission. A large crowd, including teachers and students from all the schools in the area attended the funeral of Samuel Master and shared their grief with his family. Soon after the funeral, Theresa and her children decided to move back to their own home.
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After the holidays when Theresa teacher went to school she was viewed with sympathy by the school management, but she did not take advantage of the situation. She re-scheduled her programme of work and went to school on time. With her salary and her husband's pension she was able to provide for her children’s education. For the next ten years or so their life went on like that and they did not face any unusual problem other than what was common to all others in their area.
Nicholson sat for his advanced level examination and his mother was very disappointed with his results. Although he passed the examination, he did not score enough marks to enter the university.
Samuel's desire was to make him an engineer and he had told Theresa about it when he was alive. Theresa did not want to see the dream of her husband fail; so she mortgaged her house to a local money lender and sent her son to England to study engineering.
On arrival in UK, he selected a university and enrolled for a four year degree programme.
Having obtained his first degree in software engineering, he proceeded further and earned his
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Masters in information technology. During his university days, he had to engage in part time jobs of all description to fund his education. On completing the four year degree programme, the university engaged him as a grade one lecturer on a two year contract. From his earnings, Nicholson remitted money to his mother who was in Sri Lanka. Theresa used those remittances to redeem the mortgage of her house.
At the end of the two year contract, Nicholson left the university andjoined the Information Technology Industry as a production Engineer in a software development company. He was remunerated very well and he continued to remit more money to his mother. Theresa used those remittances to purchase an apartment in Colombo.
When Annita passed her advanced level examination, she was selected to follow a course in Business Management at the University of Colombo. Theresa also retired and moved to Colombo and lived with Annita in their newly purchased apartment. During her free time, Theresa gave tuition in mathematics to students and earned enough money to live a very comfortable life in Colombo.
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After Annita passed out from the university and on the day of the convocation Theresa met a lady who had also come for the same convocation. After the initial introduction, the lady proposed herson Stanley to Annita. Theresa was surprised but she got away from an embarrassing situation by saying she had to discuss the proposal with her son, Nicholson in UK.
Late in the night, Theresa spoke to Annita about the incident and leant that she had known Stanley for some time and had in fact had a liking for him.
The following day Theresa spoke to Nicholson on the telephone and told him about the proposal for Annita and its background.
Nicholson was very clear when he said that he did not want to go against Annita's wishes but requested his mother to make full inquiry about Stanley's family and his personal character. Since it was a reasonable and necessary request, Theresa agreed to do so immediately.
Theresa did not lose any time; she acted very fast and got all the information. Since she was satisfied with both she E-mailed the information, including particulars of Stanley's relatives living in UK.
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Nicholson happy with the information received, followed it up by personally contacting Stanley's relatives in the UK. Once he was satisfied with every thing he informed his mother about his agreement. He however wanted her to look into the possibility of having the wedding after Stanley found a suitable job. After usual visits and exchange of ideas, both parties agreed with Nicholson's request to wait till Stanley found suitable employment to fix the date for the wedding.
Before Theresa spoke to Nicholson about Annita's marriage proposal, he was planning a short holiday in Sri Lanka to be with his mother and sister; but the changed situation made him to postpone his trip until after some finality is reached with regard to Annita's marriage.
Stanley with his first class degree in Business Management was able to secure employment as an executive in a foreign owned insurance company branched out in Sri Lanka. His job description covered six month's training in their head office in the UK.
Annita, like her mother's flair for mathematics, wanted to be an accountant. She therefore signed up with a reputed firm of chartered accountants and commenced working with them.
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Now, being in a position to make their own decisions, Stanley and Annita decided to think about their marriage at the end of one year from the date of their
employment. Every one was happy with their decision.
Nicholson, who was planning a change in his present job, changed his mind and decided to stay on for another year.
At the end of one year in their employment, Stanley's parents and Annita's mother met and decided on the date for the wedding of Stanley and Annita.
They made all the arrangements and duly informed Nicholson. Since Nicholson was already working on the change of his job, he was going to be in Sri Lanka only for two weeks. One week before and one week after the wedding.
A friend of Nicholson made all travel arrangements for him. The flight from London to Colombo was in transit in Dubai.
At the Dubai International Air Port the transit time being two hours, Nicholson did a quick duty free shopping and was having a cup of tea at the departure lounge. A gentleman in full suit walked up to him and introduced himself:
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*Hi! I am Dulal from Sri Lanka, working here. This morning I received a message from my brother in Sri Lanka that my mother has been diagnosed with cancer and urgently in need of some injections which are presently not available there.”
Nicholson was little confused. He was wondering why he was saying all those to him. He thought, may be he had mistaken him for someone else. He said:
“I am sorry, I don't understand why you are saying all these things to me'
Dulal looking pathetic showed a box in his hand to Nicholson and said:
“I managed to buy the injections and wanted to take this flight to Colombo. I am told the flight is full and only if there is a last minute cancellation I could be given a seat”
Nicholson still confused, asked: "What can I do about it’
Dulal continued to be in that pathetic mood and replied: “I don't know who you are; but as a human being I want to make a humble request; please cancel your ticket: “I will pay for a new ticket in the next
flight. Also I will take care of your hotel accommodation for the day'.
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Nicholson, after listening to his story, said: “I am Sorry, being a transit passenger, my cancelling the ticket will not help you; you will have to approach someone who is booked to fly from here to Colombo'.
Dulal who was waiting for that moment said: “My friend, it is really not necessary for me to take this flight; if I can send these injections through someone in this flight, I could take the next flight to Colombo to see my mother in hospital”
Dulal was waiting for a response from Nicholson but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Dulal, showing some desperation asked Nicholson “My friend, will you please take this box and hand it over to my brother who will meet you at the Colombo Air Port'
Nicholson, still confused asked; “How will I identify him?” Dulal quickly said:
“I will call him now and tell him to meet you at the
arrival lounge; He will carry aboard with your name on it'
Nicholson was hesitant to respond. Dulal asked, “May I know your name please'.
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“I am Nicholson” he replied.
Just then the announcement came for the passengers of that flight to report at the departure counter.
Dulal used that opportunistic moment to hand over the box to Nicholson and he put inside his hand luggage without any forethought.
Dulal said: “Thank you very much Nicholson; you are going to save my mother's life; May God bless you”
He left the place immediately.
Till the flight arrived in Colombo Nicholson's thoughts were about his mother and sister and her marriage; in the process, the box got out of his mind.
On arrival at the Colombo airport, the senior customs
officer asked Nicholson whether he had anything to declare.
"Nothing Sir, these are all my personal items' replied Nicholson.
His innocent look convinced the customs officer that he was a clean passenger. He said:
"All right, you may go”.
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One of the officers heard to remark to the other officer, " It is the usual stuff' giving the meaning that it is the same old explanation of everyone when caught up in a crime of this kind.
Nicholson's further plea of innocence did not go well with the two officers. When they were about to take him back to their boss, he spotted his mother and sister waiting for his arrival. Nicholson requested the officers to permit him to speak to them.
The officers agreed and took him to where his mother and sister were waiting. He went closer to them and said:
“I have a small problem to be sorted out with the customs; I will be back soon' and went back with the two officers to the senior officer's room.
An inquiry was held and based on the estimated value of the heroin seized, he was fined Rs.10 million.” The officer also made an order to produce him at the Narcotics division at the airport for further investigation.
As the inquiry took a longtime, Theresa and Annita waiting for the arrival of Nicholson got alarmed and used their mobile phone to contact Mahen, an Ex. Customs Officer known to them.
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Mahen moved quickly into the matter and got the details of the case from the customs officers at the airport. He informed Theresa and Annita about it and advised them to return home and that he will go to the airport with a lawyer and sort out the problem.
Mahen contacted Mark a lawyer friend and together they went to the airport. Mark being familiar with these types of cases moved fast and after negotiation reached an understanding with the customs; that is, on payment of the fine of Rs.10 million, Nicholson will be freed from any further investigation and prosecution. Mahen and Mark explained the advantage of such an understanding to Nicholson and with his consent spoke to Theresa and Annita and got their approval. On the basis of an appeal made by Mark, an agreement was signed between the parties to pay the fine of Rs.10 million within a period of seven working days.
On being released, Nicholson went home with Mahen and Mark. Theresa and Annita welcomed him with smiles and tears; it was a mixed sign of both happiness and sadness.
The following morning close family members met and took a decision to go ahead with the wedding of Stanley and Annita as planned earlier.
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On the question of paying the fine of Rs.10 million, several suggestions were made but it was Stanley's father who came out with a practical one. He told Theresa to sell their apartment for immediate cash. At this suggestion, Nicholson asked Stanley's father,
“How can we do that; we have already promised this apartment as a gift to Annita and Stanley on the occasion of their wedding.”
Stanley's father very casually said:
“Stanley is my son, he will not want to accept a gift when you have a problem which could be solved with that gift; I am sure Annita will also not think of a gift now”
“Yes uncle, we don't want any gift; we only want Nicholson's problem solved; that will be the real gift” Annita responded.
At this point Mahen and Mark also joined at the discussion and they too agreed, the only way to raise Rs. 10 million immediately was to dispose the apartment.
All having agreed on that, Mahen entrusted the sale to lawyer Mark. On being told that they paid Rs. 12
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million for the apartment a year ago, Mark contacted one of his clients who was in the real estate business.
Having got all the details of the apartment, his client promised to call him back. While waiting for the call, they discussed other matters and finalised the arrangements for the wedding. Mark’s client telephoned and told him that he had found a buyer for the apartment ready with Rs10 million in cash.
Mark recommended the sale on the following terms:-
1. A sale agreement with full payment to be made
within two days.
2. Signing of the transfer deed and giving vacant possession of the apartment within thirty days from the date of sale agreement.
As these terms were acceptable and Mark was requested to finalise the deal.
The wedding of Stanley and Annita took place as planned with no hiccups. Theresa and Nicholson were very happy about it; but Nicholson felt very hurt about what happened to him at the Dubai and Colombo airports.

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Nicholson was not thinking in terms of any revenge; he decided to leave it to God to deal with them.
The Flight from London via Dubai to Colombo taught a lesson to Nicholson which every passenger has to learn and remember in his life.
The return flight from Colombo to London was
eventless and Nicholson was very happy and thankful to God.
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The Life After Death
Based on the Zscore ranking, enrolment of students to the universities commenced. Sandrika Kalapitigama and Dharman Angulana were among the students who were requested by the University Grants Commission to register at the University of Colombo for admission to the Faculty of Law. Sandrika had heard of ragging and other harassment by the senior students at the university. She was nervous and worried but had no other alternative but to face it. She got a bright idea and arrived very early at the university to escape the ragging.
The senior students were smarter and they were there long before Sandrika arrived. As she got off her father's car and walked towards the Registrar's
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office, about ten senior students, both male and female, blocked her path and inquired from her:
“Madam, where are you going?”
“I am going to the registrar's office” Sandrika replied.
“Why madam, are you getting married today?' asked one of the senior male students who appeared to be the leader of the group.”
"No...No... I am a first year student, I have come for registration” Sandrika replied with all excitement.
“Madam, you must then go to the university; this is the office of the registrar of marriages; we have all come to get married” a senior female student said with a smile. Sandrika knew that it was a rope; but showing some seriousness, she asked,
“Where is the university”?
Pointing at a building next to the university, the Senior female student said: “Over there' Sandrika with a sarcastic smile remained silent.
The group leader then asked her:
“Madam, what is your name'?
“I am Sandrika' she replied.
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“Matchang! Our presidenthas come; all ofyou salute her” the group leader told the other senior students.
"No.... No... I am not the president; I am Sandrika Kalapitigama; first year student. I have come for registration as a student. Please help me,” she pleaded.
“All right madam, we can do the spot registration; but you have to pay the registration fee of Rs. 1000/= "the group leader told her.
“I didn't bring any money” she replied.
“Have you got your ATM card'? the student leader asked her.
"No... I don't carry an ATM card with me' Sandrika replied.
“Then you will have to wait till some one bring the
money” the senior female student told her and took her to a side.
In the meantime, several first year students who came for registration were also subjected to similar ragging and other harassment.
When Dharman Angulana walked in, it was a senior female student who asked him:

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“What is your Name?” "I am Dharman Angulana” he replied. “What is your age?” she asked. "I am 18 years old” he replied.
“All right, you are qualified; have you brought your witnesses'? she asked.
“Witness for what” he queried. “To register your marriage.” she replied.
“What marriage? I have come to register me as a law student; I am a first year student” he replied with signs of emotion.
“You have then come to the wrong place” pointing at a building next to the university, she said, “You will have to go there for your registration'
The group leader intervened and suggested that he pay the registration fee of Rs.1000/- for spot registration.
“Then, what do we do with madam? She is waiting there to get married to this gentleman' the senior
female student asked the group leader pointing at Sandrika.
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Dharman in all excitement, asked "Which madam; what are you talking?'
Again pointing at Sandrika, the senior female student said:
“She told us about your love affair and wanted to get married to you'
“What nonsense is this? I don't even know her; what is happening here?” Dharman shouted.
"Be cool my friend; if you don't want to get married to her, it is no problem for us; but if you want on the spot registration as a student, you should pay the Rs.1000/-. The group leader told him with a smile.
Dharman realized that they were only interested in collecting Rs.1000/- from him. He thought, if by paying the Rs.1000/-, he could get away from further harassment, it was worth paying it.
He said: "All right, I will pay that amount to you” The senior female student then asked him:
“What about her Rs.1000/-? She says she has no money; why don't you help her”
Dharman did not know what to say; he had not known her and she had not known him. He looked at her with sympathy and said:
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“All right, I will pay”
Sandrika went closer to him and said:
“Thank you very much”
"Thanking alone is not enough; you must give him a kiss” the senior female student told her. At the unexpected request, Sandrika intelligently took his hand and kissed it. The eye contact was like lightning and was a signal for a better understanding between them.
Two weeks after the registration, the lectures commenced. In between there had been the usual boycott of lectures, demonstrations and protests against something or other. Dharman and Sandrika followed the lectures regularly, but they did not meet each other outside the lecture hall.
They had different mode of transport to and from the campus. Therefore, it took a long time to understand each other.
Sandrika is the only child in the family. Her father was a landed proprietor and they lived in comfort. Being conservatives, Sandrika's movements were restricted and mostly guided. The whole family believed in their religious teachings.
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Dharman had a sister younger in age. His father was in business with ups and downs; but he brought up his children in a disciplined way. Their family was also devoted to their religion.
At the end of the first year, at a social function in the university, Dharman and Sandrika spoke their minds. Not only did they belong to two different religions, there was disparity even in their caste.
Knowing that they would face serious objections, they were very cautious in their association; it was more like a close understanding than love, in a loose SCSC.
Dharman and Sandrika were brilliant students. They showed their excellence not only in their studies but also in other activities, including sports. In the final year, they passed out with a first class degree.
On his twenty first birthday, Dharman invited all his batch mates to dinner at a hotel in Colombo. Among the noticeable absentees was Sandrika.
Dharman was disappointed; but knowing the situation in which she was placed, it was not Something unexpected.
On the day of the convocation, Sandrika had the opportunity to explain the reason for not attending
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Dharman's birthday dinner and followed it up with a belated birthday wish.
The day they took oaths at the Supreme Court, she had another opportunity to meet Dharman. She explained two of her immediate problems to him.
The first being from her mother who owned most of their properties. She was interested in giving Sandrika in marriage to one of her relatives without much education but, like her mother, owned lot of properties. The second being from her farther who was planning to send her to England to read more on law. Sandrika was sandwiched between the two with no independent voice. Dharman only listened to her and did not offer any solution.
One day Sandrika returned home after attending courts. She looked very tired. Her mother Leelawathi (Leela) served her a fruit drink and said: “Sandrika, prepare yourself for marriage to Samal; “once that is done, you need not go to courts and get yourself
tired. You can stay at home and enjoy the rest of your life.”
Sandrika hated Samal and was angered by her mother's suggestion, but as usual she remained silent.
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Leela was not only her mother and wife to her father, Kalapitigama, but also their boss.
She always carried the remote control and put their mouth on silent mode whenever she made the decision for them. A week later, on a day when Sandrika was at home withoutgoing to courts Leela asked her: “Are you not going to courts today'?
“Courts are on vacation for a week” Sandrika replied.
“That is fine; Samal's mother wanted to meet you to discuss the wedding arrangements. I will tell her to come” Leela said.
"No, no, I won't be here all the time; I may be going to my senior's chambers for consultation whenever he calls me' Sandrika replied.
“Tell me the time you will be free, so that I can send word to her” ordered Leela.
Sandrika did not respond.
After the court vacation, Sandrika went to Hulftsdrop to meet Dharman. As usual Kalapitigama dropped her near the court complex and promised to pick her up at 2.30 p.m. Sandrika went from court room to courtroom looking for Dharman and finally saw him
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coming out of a courtroom with his senior. On seeing Sandrika, Dharman excused himself from his senior and took her to the law library.
Sandrika told Dharman about the latest developments at her home and desperately asked him:
“What should I do?'
“Why don't you tell your mother not to force you in to a marriage with someone whom you don't like; also tell her that you have the right to marry whomever you want and wheneveryou decide about it”. Dharman told her. Sandrika replied: “That kind of talk will not work with my mother” and explained her mother's true character to Dharman.
“Why don't you go through your father' asked Dharman.
“He will certainly listen to me; but will not have the guts to take it up with my mother Sandrika said.
“Why don’t you then speak to Samal directly; tell him that you are not interested in a wedded life with him' asked Dharman.
“I don't think Samal himselfis interested in a wedded life with me; he and his mother are only interested in my mother's properties; they are thinking in terms
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of adding our properties to theirs and my mother is also thinking in terms of adding their properties to hers; a happy wedded life (for me) is far away from their minds' replied Sandrika.
“How can these people think like that; you should teach them a good lesson in their life” said Dharman.
“What do you mean by a good lesson?' queried Sandrika.
“I am not sure; any lesson may be good for them,” replied Dharman.
Sandrika was disturbed and was deliberating over it for a long time. She looked at her watch, excused herself and walked towards the gate of the courts complex to be picked up by her father.
A week passed without any talk of the marriage and Sandrika was little relieved. During the weekend, when Sandrika's father was planning to go out on an errand, her mother came and almost ordered him to cancel his programme and said, "I am expecting Samal and his mother to visit us to discuss about Sandrika's wedding arrangement'.
Unaware of the latest developments, he innocently asked his wife:
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“Have you decided on the marriage?”
She replied: “Yes, that was a long time ago; I have told Sandrika to be ready for it; and that is, that'.
Sandrika's father only looked at his daughter and expectedly she did not respond.
A little later, when everyone was silent, Sandrika thought about what Dharman told her, collected sufficient courage and told her mother:
“Look Ammi, I don’t like Samal; they are only interested in your properties; Please don't force me into a marriage with someone whom I don't like; also I must have the freedom to marry whomever I want and whenever I decide about it'.
Both Sandrika's father and mother were shocked by her sudden reaction. Leela never thought that Sandrika had that kind of hidden courage. She suspected that someone was behind her and looked at her husband. He was still in shock and did not
say anything either in Support or against what Sandrika said.
With her usual sternness, Leela said: “Look baby, you can have that kind of lawyer's talkin your courts; but here, I am the Judge and I decide; you only have
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to obey my order, go up and do a change; they will be here at any time'.
Sandrika's father continued to be silent; more or less accepting his wife's orders.
Sandrika without saying anything further went upstairs; but instead of going to her room, she walked into her father's room.
Her father, being a landed proprietor, had a licence to possess a firearm and he kept it in his room.
Sandrika looked for it and found his revolver. She checked it and took it with her to her room.
A little later, she heard her mother welcoming Samal and his mother.
“Hello, come ... come...., we were waiting for you; Sandrika is up doing a quick change; please be seated. It is very hot; I got down some king coconuts from our estate; you can taste it. She continued............
They were all seated and discussed various things.
From the very start, it was Leela's show-Leela and Leela.
Sandrika’s father’s contribution at the discussion was very little with words like- “Yes; may be; possible,
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He walked into their prayer room and engaged himselfin prayers. A flashback of his first day at the university came to his mind. It started with the ragging and ended with Sandrika's kiss in his hand. An unrealistic desire of meeting Sandrika to say, “I love you' came to his mind.
Dharman came out of the prayer room and was making his way to his room when he found his father's room was opened. It was something unusual, because his father kept all his personal things in that room and always kept it locked whenever he went out of the house.
Dharman thought, his father had returned and walked in to share his grief with him; but he was not there. He saw his father's licensed firearm hanging on the wall behind his table in a beautiful leather cover. When he looked at it, Sandrika using her father's revolver to shoot herself came to his mind.
He thought, it was God's answer to his prayers and took it out. He walked with it to his room. Without giving his mind a chance to change, he immediately shot himself in his head. The servant boy, hearing the sound of the firearm ran towards Dharman's room and found him in a pool of blood. He immediately contacted Dharman's father on his cell phone and gave him the message.
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It was a shock to Dharman's parents. Every one was informed.
The same police investigation; the same magisterial inquiry; the same verdict; the same funeral arrangements like in Sandrika's death. Once everything was over their friends were thinking whether both deaths had anything to do with each other.
In the absence of any evidence, no one suspected it to be so. Their conclusion was, both deaths were unrelated.
It is said that nothing happens without the knowledge of God; but in the deaths of Sandrika and Dharman it was different. He got to know about it only after their deaths and he was of the view that they have not completed their assignment for which they were created by him. He, therefore, decided not to take them back home (Meaning heaven on hell) immediately.
He permitted them to stay in the land of their birth until they completed their original assignments.
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His permission was with six conditions:
One -
Two -
Three
Four
Five
Six eno
Their human form will disappear and only their souls will remain.
Their feeling of hunger, thirst and other natural activities as human will
C€aՏ€.
They can meet each other any time, anywhere but depart from meeting other human beings.
They can talk with each other but depart from talking to other human beings.
They could use a proxy (like a dream) to convey messages to human beings.
They could identify them as Sandrika and Dharman only among themselves.
A week after Sandrika's death, she (her soul) unaware that Dharman had also ended his life like her, decided to go to Hulftsdorp's court to watch the proceedings of a case in which she was working before her death. After the court session ended, she was waiting to
return home.
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She noticed a soul similar to that of Dharman. Even before she got over her shock, Dharman (his soul) came closer to her and said:
“Hello Sandrika, what are you doing here?'
“Dharman, I must ask you that question; how come you are here like me?”
That was Sandrika's response.
Dharman's response was:
“When I attended your funeral, I felt guilty; I could not guide you properly when you came to me with your problems. After the funeral, I went home and was praying for you. Just then, a flashback of our first meeting at the university came to my mind; and it ended up with your kissing my hand. Knowing you were dead, I still felt the need to meet you and say that "I love you' came to my mind.
At that time, my father was not at home, but I found his firearm in his room. Believing it was God's answer to my prayers, I took it out and shot myself.
I wanted to leave a note like yours but thought any delay in shooting may influence my mind to change and decided to do what I did and I am here with you?”
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"Do you still want to say, you love me?” asked Sandrika.
“Yes of course' Dharman answered and asked her: “What about you”
"I never ceased loving you since our first meeting at the university” Sandrika proudly responded.
Dharman was very happy that his decision to die to express his love to Sandrika had succeeded.
Without going into further formalities, they both decided to stay together.
The next decision they made together was to pay a visit to Sandrika's parents.
They took a bus to travel the distance. While inside the bus, they were able to see others but no body could see them.
It is the general believe that bus conductors, specially the private ones, play out the passengers either by not paying the balance or by paying a lesser amount.
What Sandrika and Dharman noticed that day was quite different. The passengers were playing out the conductors/owners by getting off the bus without paying the fare, specially the short distance
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passengers. In some cases, they saw passengers
paying for a short distance and travel a longer distance.
Thus they thought that cheating in bus travelling was a two way process.
They got off the bus near Sandrika's home and walked in. They found her father and mother seated in one place but they were not talking to each other.
Sandrika also saw one of her photographs (Enlarged
and Framed) kept in a prominent place with an oil lamp lit in front. While there, she heard their telephone ring. Her father was not interested in it; her mother took the receiver and said:
“Hello.... (Sandrika heard only her mother’s response) thank you; who told you, oh! I see; we still don't know why she did that; no there was nothing like that; if there was any, she would have told me about it; I was only trying to do some thing good for her; but by doing that she had only brought shame to our family. You know, I cannot face the people; the neighbours are looking at me as a killer. Yes, my husband is also blaming me; but they must
be in my position to understand whether what I did was correct or not.
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It continued like that and Sandrika realised that her mother had still not changed. She was not angry with her for she knew her mother too well. She only hoped for some change for better as soon as possible.
Sandrika's father also listened to the telephone conversation but, as usual, he did not make any comment. He was looking sad and perhaps feeling sorry for her death. Sandrika and Dharman decided to leave the place. As they came out, Dharman Suggested that they visit his parents. Sandrika agreed.
When they arrived, Dharman's parents were at prayers; and in the final part of their prayers, his father said;
“God, you created Dharman for us; and you have the right to call him back; you gave us notice of his creation; but did not do the same when you took him away; God, have we erred as his parents? We pray for an early response from you'
In saying, "Amen” his wife and daughter also joined him.
Only Dharman knew the answer to their prayers but he left it to God to respond to them.
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Three weeks later, Sandrika and Dharman visited her parents again. This time they were happy to see them talk to each other. They were in fact, planning the first month almsgiving.
They remained there till evening and when they were returning, Sandrika saw Samal in conversation with a lawyer known to Sandrika's family as a dishonest man. In fact, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka had disenrolled him as a lawyer. She decided to go closer and listened to their conversation.
Samal said: “Uncle I want your advice on a personal matter'
“It is always available; but it will cost you money” the lawyer replied.
"I know uncle, you are now without practice, so you
will need money; I agree to pay your fees' replied Samal.
“That is good; now tell me your problem” the lawyer told him.
"Uncle, you know Leela aunty's daughter Sandrika. She was proposed to me...” When Samal started saying, the lawyer interrupted him and said:
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“Yes, I know; the poor girl is now dead; was it a suicide or did Leela kill her'?
“It was a suicide; I saw the suicide note left by her but I am not sure why she did that; anyway that is not my problem” Samal replied. He continued: “When Leela aunty proposed Sandrika to me, she gave me the deeds of some of her properties which were going to be her wedding gift to Sandika. Those deeds are still with me and I am very keen in owning one of them; A property next to one of ours in the village. I can use it to put up a big factory'.
“Do you want it as a gift or for a consideration?” The lawyer casually asked Samal.
“I prefer it for a consideration”
Samal replied showing reasonableness in his criminality.
“You send me the original deed; I will organize the transfer for a cash consideration; by the way, how much do you think the property is worth'? The lawyer wanted to know.
“On today's market value, it is worth about Rs. 5 million” replied Samal.
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“So for the purpose of transfer, we will say that you paid Leela Rs. 2.5 million; that is the normal form and my fee will be calculated on that amount” The lawyer said with a squint smile, "That is all right uncle; thank you; I will send the deeds to you” Samal told him.
“All right Samal; call me whenever you need my services; I like to work with people like you” the lawyer said and went away.
Sandrika realized the danger and wanted that conveyed to her mother;
But how could she do that; she was in a confused State.
Dharman said, “Go into one of your mother's dream and warn her”
“My mother is not a believer in dreams; also she has lot of confidence in Samal and will not suspect him of any wrong doing” replied Sandrika.
“Then warn your father about it in his dream” Dharman suggested as an alternative.
"It may probably work” Sandrika agreed. Later in the night when Sandrika's father was fast asleep, she
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walked in his dream, had a cup of tea with him and warned him about Samal's plan.
Leela's snoring broke his dream and when he woke
up, he was perspiring and felt thirsty. He called out to Leela for some water.
Leela obliged and asked him, “Anything wrong with you”
“Sandrika came ....” he answered, “Are you mad'? She demanded to know.
“No, No, she came in my dream” he replied and told Leela about Sandrika's warning.
Knowing the true character of the particular lawyer, Leela really got frightened and for the first time admitted that she gave some title deeds to Samal; but she still believed that Samal won't do anything dirty on her.
“Anyway, to be on the safe side, you better collect those deeds from him as soon as possible” Kalapitigama told her and went to sleep again.
Leela could not sleep any longer. She was thinking about the past, including the death of Sandrika.
She felt, also for the first time, guilty of her behaviour towards Sandrika. The very next morning, without any warning she went to meet Samal.
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From a distance, she saw Samal with his mother near their gate; Samal also saw Leela comingtowards their residence. Believing Leela may have not seen him, he told his mother "Leela aunty is coming; don't know why; tell her, I am out of town” and locked himself in a room. When Leela stepped into their residence, Samal's mother warmly welcomed her and said “We are still feeling sorry about Sandrika's demise; we know how much it is for you; how is uncle Kalapitigama taking it up? He must be very sad; what to do, this is fate'
Leela sat down without responding to Samal's mother and asked “Where is Samal'?
“He is out of town; don't you know he is busy with business' Samal's mother replied.
Leela immediately smelt the rat. She did not want to talk about the deeds to Samal's mother. She said, “Yes, I know he has to be busy; if his marriage with Sandrika went through, she would have helped him with his work”
“That is very true; Samal used to always says that; after all she was a lawyer and that would have helped him in a big way,” replied Samal's mother.
Anyway, no point in talking about it now; I just came to check how things are with you and what plans
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you have about Samal's marriage” Leela wanted to end her conversation with her.
"Samal is still mourning the death of Sandrika; in no way will he agree to another marriage now, so we have just left it like that. We don't know what is in store for him” Samal's mother said. Leela wanted to say that the jail will have some space for him; but restrained herself and said; "Yes, no one could predict his future; let all good things happen to him” Leela told her and left the place.
On her way back, Leela was thinking about Samal and his mother's behaviour. This little episode confirmed to her what Sandrika told about them when she proposed Samal to her.
Leela felt very sad and it enhanced her feeling of guilt over Sandrika's death.
For the first time, perhaps in her married life, Leela cried when she related the drama which took place
at Samal's residence earlier in the morning to her husband.
“That serves you right” was her husband's angry response.
Now, with better understanding between them, they sat together and planned out their next move.
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Leela said; "I don't want to go there again; I will telephone and tell Samal to return those title deeds”
"Don't do it today; he is supposed to be out of town. Do it another day” her husband advised her.
Two days later, Leela telephoned Samal; both recognized their voices.
“Yes, Leela aunty, what I can do for you” Samal asked her.
“Samal, you remember I gave some of my property deeds to you....”
When Leela began her conversation, Samal interrupted and said’Yes, aunty Leela, they are with me very safely”
“I know it is very safe with you; but could you please return them to me through Punchi (Samal's servant Punchisingo) asked Leela.
“Yes, aunty Leela, I can do that' Samal replied and
hung up without giving any time for Leela to go into other details.
Samal did not expect this turn of events. He was
wondering as to why Leela suddenly thought of the deeds. He telephoned his lawyer.
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The lawyer replied: “Return all the deeds, except the one on which you have placed your eyes. I do not think she has a record of all her deeds. She will not know that you have not returned one”
Samal followed his advice and returned eight out of the nine set of deeds to Leela through Punchi.
The lawyer was correct in that, Leela had not maintained a record of her property deeds; but she remembered identifying nine properties for Sandrika. She was not able to identify the one that had not been returned. Leela discussed the problem with her husband and they decided to seek the assistance of their family lawyer.
The family lawyer with the help of his records was able to identify the missing one as the deed for the property next to the one owned by Samal in their village.
Their lawyer gave Leela a note giving the deed number and other details of the missing deed and told her to go personally and bring the matter to the notice of Samal.
The very next day, Leela without giving any warning walked into Samal's residence.
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To her surprise, Samal was at a discussion with his lawyer with whom he has planned the fraud.
Equally surprised was Samal and he asked Leela “Why aunty, I send those deeds through Punchi; did you not receive it'
“Thank you, but I got back only eight out of the nine sets I gave you', She gave Samal the note given by their Lawyer and said; “The details of the one missing are in this note'
Samal had a casual look at it and passed on to his lawyer. They realized that their game was over but showing some pretence, he said: "Can't be aunty Leela, I gave the whole lot to Punchi; I don't know whether he had lost any of them on his way to your place.
He is also getting old; he has been with us from our grandfather's days. Anyway, I will check once more and if it is here, I will bring it to you personally. Don't worry aunty Leela, nobody can touch your property with or without the deeds' Samal concluded.
As soon as Leela left, Samal looked at his lawyer and asked: “What do we do now?
“I think it is dangerous to make any move now. She had identified the property; she will now get her
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lawyer to have an eye at the land registry. Better you return it now; we will see whether something could be done with it later when everything settles down.”
Samal agreed and returned the deed through Punchi the following day to Leela without his going personally as promised to her the previous day. With the latest experience, a complete change was noticed in all Leela's is activities.
Sandrika and Dharman who were following those developments were very happy with the end results.
Dharman's parent's prayers remained unanswered.
Whenever they lost hope, their daughter encouraged them to be patient until God finds it convenient to answer their prayers.
One day when they were at their usual prayers, a neighbour who cared for them walked in. He waited until they finished their prayers and told them about his attending the annual feast of a Church in a coastal Village.
He said: “One day after the service, I saw a large crowd in a particular place and when I went closer, I saw an old woman about 80 years in age inside a cave like structure. On inquiry, I was told that she
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was blind and disabled from her birth; but she had the unique ability to talk to people who are dead.
People who lost their loved ones went to her and through her conveyed their remembrance to them. In addition, people who were not sure whether their loved ones were living or dead went to her and got confirmation of their living or death.
The neighbour suggested to Dharman's father to visit the old women and through her find the reason for Dharman's suicide. Highly motivated by the suggestion, Dharman's father and mother got the direction to the church from him and made the trip the very next day.
Prior to leaving, their neighbour warned them that getting the woman's attention on the same day itself might not be possible because of the large crowd waiting to meet her. He advised them to contact the priest of the Church, if overnight stay was necessary.
It was four hour drivejourney and when they arrived at the Church, the priest was speaking to some
visitors. They went inside the Church and joined others in prayers.
When they came out, the priest was free and they went and introduced themselves.
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After the introduction, he said: “This is our first visit to this Church”. The priest gave them a short history of the Church and asked them the purpose of their visit. “Is it only to pray”?
When they explained the main purpose, the priest like their neighbour said: “There are lot of people waiting to have an audience with her; you may not be able to see her today; may be I could speak to one of her helpers and arrange for the first meeting tomorrow morning. If you like, you can spend the night at the Church house. They will provide you with dinner.”
It was the best arrangement, ever made. They were very happy. They thanked the priest and went to the church house. The following day, when they went to meet the old women, she was seated very uncomfortably due to her disability; both her eyes were completely closed.
One of her helpers told them to sit on the ground in front of her. He gave a candle and told them to light it. When they did that he said: “Now you may tell her your problem.”
It took only five minutes for them to tell their story to her and wanted to know why Dharman shot himself.
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For the next ten minutes, there was complete silence.
She then started to talk:
“Dharman is dead; but he is still with us. God has not called him back. He was listening to all what
you told me. He is sorry, he could not tell you why he did, what he did”
She then told them about the conversation she had with Dharman.
It started with Dharman meeting Sandrika on the first day at the University and ended with his attending her funeral; also about his feeling of guilt over Sandrika's death and his decision to end his life to be with her in love.
Finally, she told them about God's decision to permit both of them to remain in the land of their birth until they completed their assignment for which He originally created them.
Now fully aware of what had happened, they thanked her and wanted to pay for her services.
She refused to accept any payment and requested them to make a donation to the Church, if they consider it necessary.
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They went back to the Church and thanked the priest for his assistance. When they offered a donation to the Church, the priest said: “Please, only if you considerit necessary; God is not demanding anything from you”
Dharman's father said “We want to be with God” and dropped an envelop containing some cash in a box marked “Donations” and left the Church.
Dharman who was following their movements was
very happy with the outcome of their visit to the Church.
Sandrika was little disappointed that her parents were still not aware of the reason for her suicide.
She thought the best way to inform them was through Dharman's parents. When she suggested to him, he asked: “How could I do it'
“Through one of your father's dream; tell him to visit my parents and explain matters to them” Sandrika replied.
“It is a good idea; I will do that today. Later in the night, when his father was fast asleep he appeared in his dream. His father saw him packing his law
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books and asked him as to where he was going. Dharman replied, “I am moving out of this place; I will be with Sandrika; why don't you come and meet me there” and he disappeared.
The following day Dharman's father spoke about his dream to his wife and they decided to visit Sandrika's parents.
A week later, with the help of one of Dharman's lawyer friend they got Sandrika's parents address and went there without any prior appointment.
It was a well designed bungalow with a large garden surrounded by trees to add beauty to the buildings.
When they got off their car, the place was very quiet. They walked towards the main door of the bungalow. Even before they rang the bell, the door was opened and Sandrika's father and mother came out.
Not knowing who they were Sandrika's father said: "Hello, good morning; “I am Kalapitigama and this is my wife Leela; have you come looking for some one in particular"?
"Yes, Mr. Kalapitigama, we came to meet you; “I am Angulana and this is my wife Christelle” he replied.
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Even without finding out the purpose of their visit, Kalapitigama said: “Please come in .....”
As they walked in, they saw a large framed photograph placed on a table with an oil lamp lit in front. Pointing at the photograph, Kalapitigama said: “Recently we had bereavement in our family”
“It is the death of your daughter Sandrika' Angulana instantly responded.
“How do you know?' asked Leela in a surprised tone.
“We also had bereavement in our family. It is the death of our son Dharman. Have you heard of him? It was Christelle’s response.
“No, we have not heard anything about him. We are sorry about his death; what really happened? asked Kalapitigama.
“He shot himself; it was a suicide” replied Angulana.
“My God! Sandrika also did the same thing; was ita coincidence'? asked Kalapitigama.
“Yes, we think so; and we got to know about it only last week. In fact, we are here to inform you about it' replied Angulana.
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Please sit down and tell us about all what you know' Kalapitigama pleaded. The situation was very tense. Fortunately, no outsiders were present there. Angulana and Christelle told them everything they knew, including their visit to the old woman at the coastal village Church.
With the sigh of relief, Leela said: “My God, I feel a lot of the weight on my head had been removed. Sandrika never told us anything about Dharman or about her liking him. Had she told us, we would have been only too pleased fulfil her wishes”.
Kalapitigama noted with surprise the complete change in Leela's attitude.
“Even Dharman never told us anything about Sandrika or about his liking her. If only he told us, like you, we would have been happy to bless their marriage.
I think they had some reservation about your/our reaction to their friendship. They kept it on hold until a good opportunity arrived to announce it; but that marriage proposal to Samal forced Sandrika to that hasty decision which eventually led to Dharman's death,” concluded Angulana.
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“There is nothing we can do about it now; let us leave everything to God. He will guide their souls, as he had been doing all these days. Let us befriends so that Sandrika and Dharman will be happy” concluded Kalapitigama.
Happy they were, on observing the latest developments and said; “Now let us wait for the final call from our creator.”
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Note by the writer:
These stories are fictional and written for private reading only.
By: R. Nadarajah.
202, 4/5, WA. Silva Mawatha,
Colombo 6,
Sri Lanka.
Tel 0II-2367822 E-mail: ramalingaminadarajah(a)gmail.com
Released on 19 August 2012, my 75". Birthday.
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People are now so busy, they do not even have the time to eat
the food they did not cook.
If you have found the time to read this book,
you are among those who still care for others.
May God Bless You.
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"LeSSOnS learnt more useful the learnt in Universit
In life, you learn everyday, but in a learning ends Wit
 
 
 
 
 

in life are far in the lessOnS ieS;
something new University your the COUrse"