Darkest Cloud Has No Silverlining

LOVE LETTER (billet-doux) It’s Hemantha Rudhu. (Winter season) THE hibernal breeze was levitating through the big town, Thirur, where the people were at the lap of Morpheus and the sun was hiding behind the horizon waiting for the dawn but was enjoying the pleasantness of the coolness of the hibernal breeze. Except Agraharam, other areas of the town were immersed in silent atmosphere and the reason behind was the procession of devotees who were doing bajans during that early dawn and the hymns they were singing vocally with the devotional musical instrument namely,’ harmonium’ made the people wake up who were still sleeping and among them was our heroine, Sharmila. Yes, she’s Sharmila, one of the charming girls, born in a family of toiles by the freakish destiny and her mother, Rajammal like her husband, Sankaraiyer was immersed in somnolence (deep sleep) like Oormila, , wife of Lakshmana who accompanied with his brother, Lord Rama to the forest.(Please note down that OOrmila didn’t go to forest but her husband Lakshmana went to the forest with his elder brother, Rama) The weather was foggy as it’s on the pre-dawn that rendered the people cosiness to sleep deeply and our heroine, Sharmila was not exceptional to somnolency since she was a bit haggard (fatigue due to overwork) like her mother, Rajammal, a vicenarian as well as a housewife who was used to toil all day to earn a living by supplying idlies, a South Indian steamed cake of rice, usually served with Sāmbhar, spongy idlies crispy dosa, crumpet varieties, aromatic vadai and opsonium,( (Cookery) any food used as a relish, such as chutney) freshly prepared coconut chutney and tomato chutney to many houses by which she earned sufficient income to make a living while her father, a middle aged man, was working as an accountant in an oil mill, far away from their house. Her anxiety and concern over her daughter’s marriage was growing as her daughter was growing to reach the nubile age. ( Sexually mature; old enough for marriage.) The three souls had been living in that minuscule house(extremely small house) for twenty five years, a rented house with no facilities as the house rent was very low for their sake, Sharmila was working in a tutorial college as a part time tutor, teaching Mathematics to the dunces by which many times she felt it’s better to tend the buffaloes than teaching them the rare art. With the income she earned, she was studying B.Sc. Maths under Correspondence course. She deposited a part of the amount to the Chit fund company without knowing that it was a fraud and cheating company. After collecting a huge amount the owner of the chit fund company, one day disappeared from the town*(absconded) and emplaned to a foreign country. The shock she received was so heavy that she could not restore herself to the normal state for a long time. She attributed the incurring the heavy loss of hard earned money to the gods she relied on and inculpated the gods but not her capital foolishness in relying upon the incredulous chit fund company albeit her mother, a hard-headed woman advised her not to deposit the amount to the chit company but to the post office. Nothing could be done against the cheat as the owner of the chit fund company was a political leader and no legal action could be taken against him. He settled his life with his wife and draughts safely in a foreign country with the money he swindled from the public especially from the poor. When she heard the bad tidings that the Chit Fund Company absconded with the money, hard earned money of the people, Sharmila was in so despair that she was about to be fainted but what could she do when everything went against her like others? Having seen her trauma, a tricenarian woman took pity on her and began to comfort her. She introduced herself as ‘Prema’ and spoke to her:” We’ve forgotten the home truth that ‘ Covet all lose all’ and this harrowing incident teaches us a great lesson. I am also a depositor like you. What’s the use of crying over spilled milk? (To express regret about something that has already happened or cannot be changed) . How much amount did you deposit?” “Twenty thousand.” Her voice trailed away. “Do you know how much money I lost? One lakh. I also felt a thunder struck my head on hearing this news. But what to do? What’s the use of lamenting for it washed away from our hands? On seeing you, it reminds me of my sister who is also like you. You’re a split image of my sister. Don’t worry. I will try my best to help you to compensate your loss. Before that, tell me what you are.” Her soft words and benign tendency brought about Sharmila take a shine to Prema. She told her about her family and her biography. “Oh, you are a Maths Graduate. Good. You’ve a bright future. The loss you incurred is going to be compensated within two months. I will arrange a Home-tuition’ for you. He is our neighbour having a son and a daughter. His son is studying Intermediate first year and his daughter is studying tenth standard. His daughter is somewhat better comparing to the son. But both are not good at studies. Both are ineducable and hopelessly inept students. You can choose any time either in the morning or evening. Generally, morning hours won’t suit to you as well to them. So evening hours will be suitable to you both. Here’s my address. Take note of it and meet me today evening. I will introduce you to them. He is a business man and won’t be at home for the most of the days but his wife is a kind and good lady. She is very anxious of the future of her children. They’ll treat you well and pay the tuition fee regularly. They are ready to pay ten thousand per month. Do you agree?” As the fruit slipped and fell into the milk ( பழம் நழுவி பாலில் விழுந்தது போல , Shaarmila felt The delectation which was inexpressible as well as inexplicable too. From that moment onwards, she began to idolise Prema. She readily agreed to her and received her residential address. It’s a blessing in disguise. Sharmila told her parents about the accidental incidents, serendipity which conduced them to glee. Sharmila realised the value as well as the truth of the discourse that His. Holiness, Sivasankara Baba discoursed that God is used to succour to His Devotees in the human form or any form. She believed that God succoured to her in the form of Prema and she thanked God. On the same day evening, Sharmila went to the residence of Prema , matter of two kilometres away from her residence and at the sight of Sharmila, a beam of happiness spread over Prema ‘s face , held her hand lovingly and led her to the main hall. Let’s know the prosopography and Alembic of Prema and Sharmila in the ensuing chapter. It’s an individual bungalow with all facilities and comforts. Around the house on three sides of the compound wall, there were a number of tees and flower gardens and at the back of the house, there was a deep well from which the water for garden was used by pipe settings. There were two bed rooms and a kitchen and a dining hall and a main hall used as a reception hall. Sharmila understood the status of her friend, Prema. “Would you like to take any snacks now?” Prema asked Sharmila by sitting in front of her on the sofa. “After fulfilling my work here…” “Ok, let’s go and meet the madam, now.” Prema took her to the next house where she had to tutor the dunce students. The house lady was very generous and kind and provided them with hospitality. Prema introduced the house lady to Sharmila and Sharmila greeted her. In return the house lady greeted Sharmila and Prema and offered her a seat to be seated. “She is Sharmila, my chum coming from Agraharam. She is a graduate in Mathematics and undertaking tuitions in that area. You have already told me that you have been searching for a good teacher to teach your children. She is the fittest person. I can give guarantee.” The house lady seemed to be pleased with her introduction. She asked Sharmila,” Are you working anywhere?” “At present I am undertaking tuition. I haven’t tried for any job outside.” “What are your parents?” Sharmila met the eyes of Prema who winked her eyes and spoke something through her eyes. Sharmila understood what she implied. In a trice, Sharmila planned what should be replied to the lady’s question. “My father is working in TVS Company. My mother is a housewife. I am only the daughter to my parents.” “My son is Santhosh. He is always Santhosh except in studies. He has gone to play cricket. No problem that he has much interest in cricket but he doesn’t have the same interest in his studies. His ambition is to become an Electrical Engineer but he has to work hard in that subject and very poor in Maths and English. That is his problem. My request is to make him fit for the entrance examination and fulfil his ambition. Next case is my daughter, Subha. She is very careless in all her works. She is blessed with deep sleep from the God as a boon. Even she doesn’t know herself when she will sleep. She is a student tenth standard. Both are studying in the Central Government School, CBSE syllabus. But both don’t show any interest in their studies. This is their problem in studies. So far, five tutors tried their level best to tutor these buffaloes but all tutors absconded without receiving their tuition fees. So, you are the sixth tutor. You try your best and do the needful efforts.” Sharmila and Prema tittered when the madam mentioned their children as ‘buffaloes’ “Can you call your daughter to come here?” Sharmila wanted to see Subha. “Have you ever heard anyone sleeping after taking bath? My daughter is the best example for exception. After school, she took bath and went to bed to sleep. Only God knows when she will wake up.” Now Sharmila sussed out why the Madam was ready to pay ten thousand rupees as tuition fees. “Don’t mistake me as I made fun of my wards calling them as buffaloes. Lakshmi is with us in this mansion but Saraswathi is not willing to remain with Lakshmi. What can I do?” Sharmila assured her:” Don’t worry, Madam. I have much experience in teaching the dunces. Day after tomorrow is an auspicious day and I start teaching them from six to eight in the evening. Once you handover the responsibility to me, hereafter you need not be anxious about your children in their studies. Encouraged by her averment, Madam was very much pleased with Sharmila. So, she asked Sharmila whether she was in need of advance amount for which Sharmila replied humbly that she won’t need the advance amount but it could be paid after a month. On an auspicious day, Sharmila started tutoring or coaching the dunces and struggled with them. But the dunes struggled with her to learn Maths since they didn’t know the fundamental knowledge. Now Sharmila understood rather realized pragmatically why the previous tuition masters absconded. She determined to continue teaching till she’d compensate the loss amount and in two months she received ten thousand rupees. Prema suggested to continue tuition irrespective of the failure in inculcating in their minds fundamental knowledge in Maths. Sharmila had been teaching, tutoring and coaching the dunces for six months but all her efforts were in vain. As a scrupulous girl she felt very sad but Prema directed her how to take the matter easily and emphasised that it’s her duty to teach them sincerely but the result is to be left with the God. SIX MONTHS PASSED. One day “Rati” entered into her life and shot an arrow towards her. ( Rati ( Sanskrit : रति , Rati) is the Hindu goddess of love , carnal desire, lust, passion and s****l pleasure. [2][3][4][5] Usually described as the daughter of Prajapati Daksha , Rati is the female counterpart, the chief consort and the assistant of Kama (Kamadeva), the god of love. A constant companion of Kama, she is often depicted with him in legend and temple sculpture. She also enjoys worship along with Kama. The Hindu scriptures stress Rati's beauty and sensuality. They depict her as a maiden who has the power to enchant the god of love. When the god Shiva burnt her husband to ashes, it was Rati, whose beseeching or penance, leads to the promise of Kama's resurrection. Often, this resurrection occurs when Kama is reborn as Pradyumna , the son of Krishna . Rati – under the name of Mayavati – plays a critical role in the upbringing of Pradyumna, who is separated from his parents at birth. She acts as his nanny, as well as his lover, and tells him the way to return to his parents by slaying the demon-king, who is destined to die at his hands. Later, Kama-Pradyumna accepts Rati-Mayavati as his wife.) A few seconds before her ‘menarche’, Pothos , god of s****l longing, yearning, and desire, glanced at her and made her fappable .( Something that is sexually desirable , or deemed high enough quality that it can be used for m**********n purposes.) while taking oil bath in the john. As she had obtained birds and bees at the age of ten, she was not affected by fear or shame but took it normal. The Nature made her to have acquaintance with the knowledge of “tickle the taco’ during her solitary time. All her age mates with whom she befriended were the fetishist of iconolagnia ( Iconolagnia = a paraphilia which consists in pursuing pleasure through pornography.) and se began to indulge in watching porno with them. Her mother was not aware of her secret watching as she was up to her brim as well welting in her domestic work. Sharmila had a desire to get up early morning and paid a visit to the famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna for Hosanna (prayer for blessing) where she happened to meet our hero, Baskar who was also used to pay a visit to the temple, not for worshipping and praying. To her surprise, our hero didn’t turn to her or had a glance to her by which she was attracted to invite his attention towards her. But our hero who was affected by ennui (mental weariness from lack of occupation or interest) didn’t respond to her amorous glances. Rajammal got a suspicion on her for Sharmila made her wont to get up early morning, took bath in ice water and start walking to the nearby temple. “What’s wrong with her for having abrupt devotion to Lord Krishna? Has Lord Krishna instructed her to come to the temple and worship Him daily? Any votive prayer? Being a slugabed, how she changed into a pious lady all of a sudden?” When Sharmila was free, her mother asked her, ”Sharmila, I want to ask you one thing. Do you have any votive prayer to Lord Krishna?” . Sharmila found out that suspicion had entered into her mother’s mind. So she casually told her a lie,” I want to be a dux in the university in Maths. The Final year examination falls on next Monday. So, I must ace the examination in d istinction. That’s why I am praying to Lord Krishna.” Rajammal tittered but she simulated as if she had believed her words. As usual next day in the morning, Sharmila got up early, finished her ablution and walked down the street towards the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna with a resolution to express her love to him. Lord Krishna was spectating at them from His Adytum in the sanctum sanctorum. As soon as Sharmila entered into the temple premises, her eyes were searching for Baskar but he was late. Then after ten minutes, Baskar in his dhoti and full sleeved shirt came to the temple where Sharmila was waiting for him. He didn’t notice that a girl was watching him daily. He didn’t know how long Sharmila had been longing for him. Yes, Sharmila was very much enamoured of him, his fair complexion and above all his unresponsiveness to her eager, amorous glance and lovely look. She didn’t know how much he was vexed with his present life and he didn’t know how far she was longing for him to propose him. The more he became unresponsive to her , the more she began to long for him and her love grew intense and she was expecting the moment to express her love to him for she had chosen the sentence,” I cherish the day you walked into my life. While Baskar was circumambulating the internal sanctum, Sharmila followed him. Very few devotees were present at the temple and it was a right time for her to express her love or pop the question since there was none in the internal sanctum except them. “Excuse me.” Her sweet voice made him turn towards her side. He was doubtful whether she called him or someone. So, he looked around him whether she called someone else but when he found none, he confirmed that she called him. In a moment, he was slack-jawed and conveyed her same emotion through his look. “Did you call me?” Baskar’s lips opened to utter such words while his eyes dilated by looking at her as her beauty tranced his heart. In a trice his mind captured her like a camera and her figure stamped firmly into his subconscious mind as an engramma. . “Oh! What a beautiful girl she is! “He exclaimed himself. Her face, stunning comely face, looked like a plenilune and like a cascade, her hair was on fleek, long and she coiffed her long ebony or sable curly hair. Her forehead was broad as if it were smoothed with sandal paste; a sandal paste stuck with vermilion at her glabella added to her pulchritude. Above all, her eyes, sable eyes like whirling wasps around the fragrant flowers, were a most alluring weapon to trance anyone’s heart and drive them mad after her. Her eyes can display the” Navarasas” namely,” Sringara (Love, Hasya (comic), Karuna ( compassion) ,Raudra ( anger), Veera (valour), bhayanaka (fear), Bhi Bhatsa) disgust, Adbutha ( wonder), and finally Shantha (tranquility).Baskar felt that her eyes emitted amatory words at him. Her nose was sharp to imply that she was very strict and passionate in all matters. It seemed whether it was carved like the marble statue of Cleopatra or Helen. Her cheeks were of fair complexion with dimples on both sides by which it tempts anyone to osculate and basciate them. Her ears were like shell and were adorned with ear-studs. Her lips were pink to seem as flake of orange fruit. She was ravishing in her lehenga and tight blouse so as to expose the contour of her spathic and boobez. He found the excelity in her femininity. In toto, she was a sylph. ( A sylph is a lovely, slim young woman or girl. You could describe a row of graceful ballerinas as sylphs. A sylph is always young, female, and slender, moving with an almost otherworldly lightness and grace. The original meaning of sylph was a mythical fairy-like creature, an air spirit that's mentioned by the poet Alexander Pope and appears in several Shakespeare plays as well. The 19th century French ballet "La Sylphide" is thought to have led to the use of sylph to describe slender girls, especially ballet dancers. Like ‘toxophilite w hen his cupidinous arrows of eyes were shot at her bust, the damsel felt as if his eyes pierced through her bust like a man cling to Mazophilia, she felt horripilation by which she could not reply to his question asked, ‘Did you call me?” As there was none in the surrounding place, he confirmed that it must be the sylph that she wanted to tell him something but when she saw her mettle, overwhelming mettle, he sussed out the reason and hence he reminded her of the question she posed to him. “Ms, is it you that you called me?” On hearing his question, she controlled her emotions and nodded. Next moment, he was shocked to see her further action. Yes, the sylph slid her fingers insider her blouse and took out an office envelope, stretching out towards him, and said:” This is the envelope that fell from your book yesterday which you didn’t notice. I tried to call you to remind you of this but you left the place quickly. “ With perplexed mind, Baskar received the envelope from her and while receiving the envelope, his eyes found out her fapworthy fingers, which were nail polished. On seeing that envelope, he found out that it’s not his envelope that he missed carelessly. At that time, Sharmila smiled coyly and flexed her head by which Baskar sussed out that it must be a billet-doux . His doubt was not cleared off. “Is this billet-doux addressed to me or to someone so that I have to act as a messenger? Did she want me to use me as a messenger to give her lover in person? Is there anyone in the world to be enamoured of me? Is it essential for me to fall in love with any girl since I am jobless?” Baskar in his unusual tone asked her,” Is it addressed to me?” Sharmila was wreathed in smiles and nodded. “What for?” “You can understand after reading it.” She darted amorous arrows at him Baskar was about to open the letter but Sharmila hurried to prevent him from opening the envelope and inhibited,” Don’t open it now. Leisurely open it and read it.” Baskar understood what she meant and asked her,” Your good name, please?” She gesticulated to him that her name was in the letter. Then she began to circumambulate the inner sanctum while he stayed back. Baskar was burning with impatience to read the billet-doux; so, he walked swiftly towards Ibrahim Park where he could read the letter calmly. There were some kids playing in the park and he found out a vacant seat nearby the tank and sat comfortably. He opened the letter and began to read silently. It was written in English neatly calligraphically. My dear Lover, Trust this letter of mine finds you in the state of oblectation on reading this ‘Love-Letter”. I would like to introduce myself as Sharmila, born in a family of toilers and remain jobless for the past one year. Due to the poor economic status of my family, I couldn’t pursue my studies in the college. I am only the daughter of my parents, my father being an accountant in an oil company at Gandhi Market, earns a meagre income and in order to make a living, my mother is supplying snack items to the needy. This is my family status. I have been watching you in this temple daily .I don’t know what makes me fall in love on you. Yes, I love you very much. You have tranced my heart. I tried my best to convey my love orally but some inhibition prevented me from doing so; so I am speaking my mind through this letter. I am dotty about you,,,,,,,, I don’t find words to express my depth of love on you. I will be arrided if you acknowledge my love. Moreover, If you accept my love, I request you to have our tryst at the following address. “MISS. D. PREMA, 45, NORTH AGRAHARAM STREET, THILLAI NAGAR Ms Prema is my chum, bread and cheese friend , and she gave me this idea to contact you by letter. I will be waiting for you today by ten. If you accept my love, please meet me there so that we can exchange our hearts and speak our minds. If not … No, I don’t want to receiver negative reply from you. If you sweep aside my love or keeping silence to this letter,, I have no other options except to commit suicide. Your lover, Sharmila Baskar read the letter many times and memorized every word in that letter. (Continued)