Pappu's mother suggested that he should be sent to school, so that at least during daytime there would be some relief from his harassment. The customary permission was obtained from the landlord, whose paddy fields Pappu's parents had taken on lease.

Pappu liked going to school more because he was free to play there, than to learn. He soon became the leader of the group of students including the landlord's grandson. One day while punishing the entire class for a trivial mischief the teacher exempted the landlord's grandson. Pappu could not tolerate this gross injustice and vehemently opposed the attitude of the teacher. He was expelled from school and soon from his house. Pappu spend most of his time on the hilltop with a few of his friends, creating all sorts of problems for the villagers. Slowly he became isolated. One day the landlord's son pounced upon him and kicked upon his chest. By the time Pappu recovered from the shock, the man had gone. As a revenge Pappu let loose the cows to the paddy field of the landlord. The whole crop was lost. As Pappu was about to be caught, he made off from the village.

The life in the city offered a mixed experience to Pappu. Hunger was his main problem. He wanted some job. He worked as a coolie, then as a beedi-maker and finally as a weaver in a textile mill. Everywhere he met with oppression and that was what Pappu could not stand. On a salary day at the textile mill Pappu found his wages being reduced by two rupees. On questioning this, he was beaten-up by the manager. But when he regained himself police arrested him and was sentenced to jail.

After fourteen months when he was released Pappu had no place to go. The past or future was no concern for him. He thought only of his next meal. He took a rikshaw on hire and became a rikshaw-wallah, Pappu liked his job from the day one. His speed and courtous manners made him the most sought after rikshaw-wallah in town. Pappu made good money each day and he deposited the money with the owner of the teashop from where he had his food and where he spends the night. The shop owner would deduct whatever were Pappu's expenses and would keep the balance safe with him. In due time Pappu bought his own rikshaw from out of his own savings.

One day there was an accident. Pappu's rikshaw hit a girl down to a gutter along with the rice, salt and chilli she was carrying home to cook the supper. Pappu had a passenger on the rikshaw. Pappu recovered the girl from the gutter, consoled her and asked her to stay there. He then took his passenger to the destination and returned. The girl had not even had a meal the whole day and the rice for supper lay spilled over the gutter. Pappu felt sympathy for her, bought her some food and all the grocery. Before she went Pappu told her that he would like to meet her the next day. For the first time, Pappu thought of tomorrow. Till then he had only 'today' in his mind. Her name was Lakshmy daughter of Kalyani.

Accidentally, one day Pappu visited Lakshmy at her dilapidated hutment and he met Kalyani too. They were, by circumstances of unavoidable calamity, reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty. Pappu decided to stay with them at Lakshmy's affectionate behest. Things slowly started to improve with Lakshmy and her widowed mother. The hutment was modified, they got new clothes and above all they were able to have at least one square meal a day. Pappu send Lakshmy to school. She was good at studies. He saw to it that her fees were paid regularly and that she was able to dress herself elegantly like girls from well-to-do families. Pappu worked hard and earned more. Kalyani supplemented the family income, growing vegetable and maintaining poultry.

Lakshmy was good looking and besides being a good student was also proficient in elocution and music, she was a favorite of her teachers and kept company of students from rich families. She felt belittled only by her own humble circumstances. She avoided Pappu at home as well as outside. There were hardly any conversations between them. Lakshmy confined herself to her room. Kalyani and Pappu noted the change in Lakshmy's attitude. Pappu, however, was not disturbed, for, he never expected any respect or gratitude in return for what he did. As Lakshmy was promoted in each class the expenses also were mounting. Pappu had to work all the time. His health was on the decline. What little Kalyani had saved for her beloved's treatment was also spend to meet Lakshmy's demands.

Lakshmy and Gopi were in love with each other. Gopi was a rich man and Pappu had known him. He was a man of character, a respectable person. Lakshmy's association with Gopi changed her attitude towards Pappu. She realized the true value of the man who had toiled the whole life for her sake. She now repented for her rash behaviour.

Uncontrollable cough bothered Pappu. His health deteriorated further. He did not have enough strength to pull the rikshaw and knowing that, the passengers avoided him. But money was needed. Pappu sold his rikshaw and realised the money, which came in handy to pay up the final examination fee for Lakshmy.

Pappu did not rest. He went about in search of a job. The many who knew him had pity for him but he shunned their help. He wouldn't even accept a cup of tea offered by a sympathetic friend. He held his head high amidst adversities. He secured a job of spinning coir yarn.

The marriage between Gopi and Lakshmy was decided upon. Pappu was also happy of that alliance. But he had a feeling that he is loosing his hold on that for which his entire life was spent.

Persistent cough bothered him much. Lakshmy pleaded that he stayed home and took rest. Pappu has never obeyed anyone in his life and he had never tasted the bread of charity. He was like a ship, which had undertaken many voyages through turbulent seas. It had rescued two souls from the killer whale of abject poverty. But now the ship is not able to stay stable. It might sink any moment, but yet it was moving ahead.

The marriage between Gopi and Lakshmy went off well. Pappu did not participate in the festivities but he blessed the couple and went about his way to sell coir yarn, coughing and coughing.

Pappu could not rest that night. Coughing and shivering he walked through empty streets. He walked past the gutter from where years ago he picked up a girl in her rags. The ship that had taken her across stormy seas has run aground and lay shattered. The sound of coughing pierced the silence of the night. It was heard by the newly weds on their first night.

Paramu, Ouseph and Adraman were teenage friends. Paramu was a little girlish. Ouseph was short in stature and Adraman was lame. Playing marble was their past time. Paramu's father Kuttan Pillai, a police constable died at the hands of a thug. Paramu's mother Madhavi Amma and sister Gowri stayed in a hutment but Paramu used to spend the night at Sankara Panickers tea-shop. Panickers bachelorhood and Paramus feminine features combined to give their relationship an illicit colour in the eyes of the villagers. Certain comments from his own mother about this affair made him flee from the village.

Paramu returned after few years, grown up into manhood. But he was not readily accepted by his family. He met his friends Ouseph and Adraman, Ouseph did not do anything worthwhile. But he sported a knife and was some-how making both ends meet. Adraman has become a beedi-maker. That was his livelihood. Paramu was dejected and penniless. One day he stole Ousephs knife and ran-away hoping that he could sell it and have a hearty meal. He was chased by Ouseph and others but nobody dared to go near him as he was armed. It was then that he realized the value of that weapon, which kept the people at bay. Paramu thus became Paramu Chattambi (Paramu the rowdy). Ouseph became Paramus spokesman. Thrilling stories started spreading about Paramus valour and courage. They soon got a patron also- Karattu Govinda Kurup.

Another rowdy Kaimal Chattampi under the patronage of Kunju Panicker was also gaining strength. Stories about his physical fitness and fearlessness were also gaining popularity. A confrontation between the two rowdies was imminent. Only the victor could remain Chattambi. In fact it was a prime need of the villagers too. They could not afford to sustain too many rowdies. It was decided that they fight a dual as was the local custom it was to be held on the day of the festival of Munddankavu Bhagavathy Temple. The festivities were full of pomp and splendour. Though Paramu lost the first bout he recovered from the shock, pulled open his knife and stabbed Kaimal on his chest. He died on the spot. Paramu was sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment. Before he got arrested Paramu entrusted the knife with Ouseph for safe-keeping.

Three years was a period of change for the village. New shops came up and the existing ones had a face lift. Of the new arrivals, "Sree Bhoothanatha Vilasom Nair Hotel and Tea-shop" was the one that became a landmark. The new hotel was owned by Pappu Nair. Pappu Nair was an ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappan and hence people called him Periasamy. The establishment was looked after by his wife Sankariamma, daughters Devayani and Saraswathy and son Bhaskaran who was also a student. Periaswamy's business flourished, but that made other jealous of him and they did their best to tarnish him and to malign the reputation of his daughters.

One day, as the transport bus stopped in front of Pappu Niars hotel, there elighted from the bus, Paramu Chattambi. Ouseph and others gave him a hero's welcome. Again stories started spreading about Paramu Chattambi. Paramu retrieved his knife and went about harassing people for his food and comforts. Periaswamy however did not bother. But his wife Sankariamma thought it to be wiser to befriend Paramu because his friendship will silence the scandal mongers. Sankariamma invited Paramu for lunch and the daughters attended on him. It became a daily routine. Periaswamy and son Bhaskaran could not stand this humiliation and they left the village.

Paramu Chattambi started running the shop and it was not many days before the hotel was closed down. But Parmu stayed on. Paramu begot a child in Devayani. He was named Vasu. Eventually Paramu was driven out by Devayani. Periaswamy returned and restarted the hotel in a humble way.

Years passed by. Paramu Chattampi was feared by all but nobody had any respect or affection for him. His hey days were bygone. But in his mind he remained a Chattambi. On day with the slightest provocation he entered into a brawl with his one time bosom friend Ouseph and killed him inside Periaswamy's hotal. Another accomplice pulled out the knife and stabbed Paramu Chattampi, in front of his son Vasu. Vasu took his father in his arms and pulled out the knife. Paramu breathed his last, but not before advising his son to get rid of the knife.

Kochuraman and Neeli belonging to two different castes ran away from their parents and their native village, to fulfill their desire to get married. They arrived at Alleppey and Kochuraman got employed in a coir factory. Soon they fell prey for the Christian Missionaries and get converted into Christianity- Kochuraman became Varkey and Neeli became Aley. In due time three children were born to them; Antony, Rocky and Anna. The sons had their primary education and enrolled themselves as workers in the coir factory where their father worked. Antony was of a sober character and evinced a desire to acquire knowledge. Rocky on the other hand was impulsive in temperament. Varkey and Aley were God fearing and maintained unflinching loyalty to the owner of the factory.

The situation of the working class during those days was pitiable. Primarily they were ignorant of their rights and privileges and the management exploited their ignorance. There was no system of equal wages for equal work. All the employees were in one way or the other obliged to the owners. Workers were not united hence they could not collectively bargain for anything better. The employees of the Coir factory were in a miserable plight and the management threatened to close down factories saying that the wages have to be reduced. They protested and the owner's goondas intervened. Police worked in collusion with the owners. Antony, Rocky and a few others were arrested. Varkey died after being manhandled by police. One worker named Velayudhan died in police custody but the post mortem certificate issued by the doctor testified his death as suicide.

It was at this time of unrest that a person arrived in town. Nobody knew where he came from or to where he was heading. But he mingled with the working class, listened to them sincerely and when he spoke they all listened to him in rapt attention. He told the workers "you have nothing to lose but chains of slavery". He was frail and tall. Nobody knew his name. They called him Kattu (wind). Truly so, he came in like wind to smooth. Sometimes he was like a cyclone. Whatever it was, he was the wind of change for the village and its working class.

Anna was left alone while Antony and Rocky were in prison. But "Kattu" kept vigil and he was giving her rice and provisions. The release of Antony, Rocky and others was a big affair. A meeting was organized to give them welcome befitting heroes of the working class. Anna had also gone to attend that meeting. Many comrades spoke. But Anna could not make out much. As the meeting was in progress Anna's house was set fire "Kattu" appeared at the scene. But he was beaten up and tied up to a coconut tree. Rocky found out the man behind the heinous crime. He went to the Managers house and dragged him out and beat him up. Rocky went underground. Antony and several others were arrested.

The workers movement gained momentum. New leaders arrived at Alappuzha, of them Comrade Neelakantan created a new awareness among the working class. The slogan "Inquilab - Zindabad" reverberated throughout the length and breadth of the town. The Russian revolution and the doctrines of Karl Marx were the topics of discussion in the meetings of the workers. They slowly became an organized lot, aware of their rights and privileges.

"Kattu", the man who preached revolution, the man who indoctrinated the workers about their rights and privileges was often mistaken to be one who was instigating everyone to kill and get killed. But concealed deep inside this tough and frail looking man there was a heart full of love - love for Anna. But then the revolution had begun.

Viswanathan Muthalali was returning after a tour in his car. It was around midnight. Suddenly the driver stopped the car as a young lady stood at the middle of the road. She was holding a small cat close to her bosom. The lady pleaded Viswanathan that she may be taken along with him and he agreed for a moment, Viswanathan thought it was a dream.

She was brought to Viswanathan's home. In a couple of days she was found to be getting along well with Viswanathan's mother, Nani. Nani was for a few years leading a silent and gloomy life after her husband's demise. But with the arrival of Gowri-that was her name- changes were visible in Nani Amma. She became cheerful and there was good rapport between the two. Nani Amma treated her like one from a respectable family. But her whereabouts remained a mystery.

Scandals spread wide involving Gowri and Viswanathan. Viswanathan's elder brother one day came home and made a scene insisting that Gowri be sent back forthwith. But he could not be blamed because Viswanathan's past was not without any blemishes. Also that he was a big automobile workshop owner and a leading civil contractor helped spread such scandals very fast, especially since Viswanathan was a bachelor.

Viswanathan one day was approached by one of his friends requesting him to accept the construction of a home for a person living in Bombay. The plan and other details indicated that it was an expensive house meant for a lady. Viswanathan took up the contract and soon the construction was in progress.

Gowri continued to stay there. Nani Amma was very fond of her. She was good at cooking as she was in singing prayer songs. And if Viswanathan developed a likeness for Gowri, it was only natural.

After much persuation, one day Gowri told her story to Viswanathan. "Gowri went to the town for the first time with her father to join the college. She then observed a dark slim youth keenly watching her. Days passed by as Gowri continued her studies. Besides studies, she was interested in literature also. She read and byhearted the poems of Bindu. At a meeting of the Literary Club, Bindu the poet was invited as Chief Guest. But he did not arrive in time. So Gowri was asked to recite his poems to fill the gap. As Gowri was reciting the poems Bindu arrived. Excited to find his poems rendered exquisitely, Bindu exclaimed, "Look, this is my poetry". Gowri suddenly recognized the poet Bindu as the man who was watching her the day she came to the town for joining the college. After that incident she was known in the campus as "Bindu's Poetry". As she was leaving the hostel on Xmas vacation, Bindu was there to accompany her home. He expressed his love for her. Bindu kept writing to her. But all the letters were received by her father and Gowri did not see any of them. Gowri's father was a poor agriculturist whose only ambition in life was to see her daughter well settled in life.

One day Bindu the poet approached Gowri's father and expressed his desire to marry her. Gowri's father did not approve of him and told him to make some money for a living. Gowri's father soon fell ill and died. Gowri's brother who had been away for a long time and who had not taken any interest about his father or Gowri returned. He assumed charge of the household. He brought his friend, an army personnel to marry Gowri. Gowri did not like the man and his attitudes. One night she ran out of her home to escape the advances of that man and stood at the middle of the road along with a cat she picked up from the road side".

Viswanathan had completed the house for which he has accepted the contract. The owner of the building was to arrive by train. Viswanathan received him at the railway station and took him to the newly built house. He was apparently disillusioned. He said then that he did not require that home any more.

To Viswanathan, the owner of the building recited his story. The same story he heard from Gowri. The person was Bindu. Viswanathan was in mental agony. But when he went home. Gowri asked, "Has he gone".

(This abridged transliteration has not succeeded to contain or reflect the poetic beauty of the narrative skill of the author - A.Jayapalan)

Someone was reading aloud a publicity notice of a wrestling competition at Papu Pillais tea-shop. "The bout you were anxiously awaiting". This introductory statement attracted the attention of Pappu Pillai as well as Adraman a beedi maker, next door. The reader continued, "Never before had there been such a prestigious fight and never will there be such a fight of fury". As he read on, it kindled the excitement of both Pappu Pillai and Adraman. They urged him to read out the names of the wrestlers. "All Kerala Gama, the all India fame-the prestigious fighter of Malayalees Mekkattu Nanu Pillai". Pappan Pillai jumped with happiness, he said "If it is Mekkattu Nanu Pillai, no doubt he would be the winner". Adraman the beedi-maker intervened "who is the opponent?". It was read out from the notice "The great champion-lion of Punjab-Mohammed Hussain". Kunjumoideen the pan-shop owner cheered aloud "Ha, Ha-Ha Hussain will beat Nanu Pillai". There were heated exchanges; Pappu Pillai would not imagine a wrestler of his own caste getting defeated at the hands of a Muslim. Adraman's feeling were not different. He could not even think of a wrestler of some other caste defeating Mohammed Hussain. Heated exchange of words, lead to physical assault. Pappu Pillai stabbed Kunjumoideen and Adraman killed Pappu Pillai.

The news spread like wild fire. Riots and street fighting started everywhere. It spared no one. Neighbours turned to each other to kill. Close friend became arch-enemies. Hindus and Muslims were killing each other. Nobody knew why they were fighting or why they were killing. But killing continued. Several homes were burnt down. Charred bodies were scattered around. The smell of burnt flesh filled the air.

In due time peace returned. But then practically everything was lost. Mohammed could find some bamboo and palm leaves with which he could put up a shelter. Mohammed was the son of Kunjumoideen the first victim of the excitement over some wrestling competition somewhere. Mohammed met Gopalan the younger brother of Pappu Pillai. Gopalan was also searching for what remained out of his brother's teashop. They decided to set up a single shop from out of what remained from the riot. But they could not make out the reason for such a riot. Before the inauguration, they put up a board in front of the shop. It read "No entry for the insane"

Nani bought a brass vessel from the Ochira Festival Ground. The vessel was priced four and half rupees but she bargained and got it at three rupees and three quarters. She was indeed proud of her possession and was happily returning home carrying the vessel on her head.

On her way home she saw Kalyani making coir yarn. Nani pretended not to have seen her.

"Oh! You bought it at Ochira?" Shouted Kalyani.

"Yah" replied Nani apparently not liking the question.

"What is the cost?" Kalyani enquired.

"I got it free" Nani replied sarcastically.

"Was the vendor your father to have given it free" Kalyani quipped.

There were some heated arguments. Kalyani was offended when Nani said that she couldn't even dream of buying such a brass vessel.

Kalyani's husband Gopalan was employed in Ceylon. He gave up his job and returned home. Gopalan soon exhausted all the savings he had. Every day he used to take a chakram from Kalyani to meet his personal expenses. He does not earn anything. But Kalyani is hard working. Infact she runs the family now. But to day Kalyani's feelings were hurt by Nani's words. Kalyani pledged upon God that at the next festival she would buy a brass vessel.

From the cost of the coir she sold, Kalyani saved two and a half chakram and bought a hen. It was a tough task taking care of it. Kalyani was happy when it laid the first egg. When she got about ten eggs she made them hatch. Kalyanis happiness knew no bounds. She became more alert protecting all the birds. In due time the birds grew up and started laying eggs. Kalyani dreamt of selling a number of eggs and making enough money and then buying a brass vessel and walking in front of Nani with the vessel on her head.

As Kalyani had expected the birds grew up and started laying eggs. Kalyani carefully saved the money with Madhavi, for she knew if she kept the money with herself, Gopalan will take it. Kalyani's savings were growing steadily and that made her happy to think that she would be able to fulfill her pledge at the coming Ochira Festival.

One day Gopalan fell ill. Kalyani had no other go than to withdraw some money from her savings for Gopalan's treatment. But Gopalan's condition deteriorated and Kalyani had to go in for better treatment. She had to draw more money from her savings. Kalyani became disillusioned and sad. She wondered whether she could fulfill her pledge. But she loved Gopalan. She remembered the days when Gopalan had looked after her well. He is a loving husband though he is not able to earn himself now.

Kalyani decided to sell the birds. She got sixty three and a half chakrams. Gopalan's treatment continued. He started showing improvement. Kalyani's head spinned as she thought about her monetary condition. Tears filled her eyes. Gopalan was now able to get up and move about.

It was Ochira Festival again. Madhavi yelled "Kalyani, we are going". Kalyani saw Nani also on her way. Kalyani's eyes filled with tears. She took another pledge upon God that at the next Ochira Festival.....

Mr Padmanabhan was in a hurry. In fact he was not walking, but running across the paddy field to catch the early morning bus to Kollam where he was working as a clerk in the Munsiff's Court. He was carrying his second child close to his chest. His elder daughter Leelavathy and wife Kamalakshy were trying their best to keep pace with him. Kamalakshy was really annoyed at Padmanabhan's haste.

Padmanabhan and the family were on a visit to his mother-in-law. He was planning to return the previous night. But Kamalakshy's mother suggested that they stay over night. Kamalakshy favoured his mother and Padmanabhan half-heartedly agreed hoping to leave early enough in the morning to catch the first bus available. But with the slow and stylish gait of his wife he was doubtful of catching the first bus. He was cursing his wife and she in turn retaliated the same way. They reached the road. As the husband and wife continued to blame each other they heard the horn of a bus coming towards them. They readied themselves to board the bus. The bus was approaching them but did not stop but speeded past. Padmanabhan was disappointed and his anger was aggravated.

The husband and wife started exchanging heated arguments. Pedestrians looked at them inquisitively. Another bus was at sight. The couple, for a moment, forgot their quarrels and again readied to board the bus. Padmanabhan stretched out his hand to signal the bus to stop. They thought they have made it. But the bus did not stop.

Padmanabhan took it as an insult. He could not stand it. He was shivering with anger. Kamalakshy tried to console her husband but that only flared up his anger and he started blaming her for all the mishaps.

Kamalakshy thought, may be her husband had something urgent connected with his job. Padmanabhan had cooled down a bit. He suggested that they walk to the nearby tea-shop and have a snack and tea. As they started walking they heard the sound of the horn. Padmanabhan stretched out his hand. The bus stopped. Padmanabhan boarded the bus and helped Kamalakshy to get in. They finally settled in their seats. Padmanabhan had a sigh of relief. Kamalakshy looked at her husband and smiled affectionately.

Vasu Pillai was a voracious reader. He used to read anything and everything he came across. Reading was such a passion for him. He was even prepared to "beg borrow or steal" to get something to read. He would walk any distance or wait for any amount of time to secure a book or a magazine. Vasu Pillai had no aim in life other than to start a library and reading room.

It was from Divakaran, Sankaran Muthali's son, that Vasu Pillai learned about the public library in the city. Vasu Pillai became restless. It was at that time that Vidwan Achuthan Nair married the daughter of Madhava Kurup the local money lender. So Vasu Pillai befriended Achuthan Nair and impressed upon him the need for a library. Vasu Pillai's untiring efforts started bearing fruit. A Committee was formed and a General meeting was convened. As insisted by Madhava Kurup Achuthan Nair was the guest of honour. Sankaran Muthalali and Madhava Kurup also addressed the gathering. Vasu Pillai proposed a vote of thanks. After much debate the library was named "Vijnana Chandrodayam Library and Reading Room": Several Committees were formed to raise funds, to locate a suitable building and to organize a drama to mark the inauguration of the Library. Prominent people became Chairman and members of the Committee. Vasu Pillai did not however bother about Committees. He went about doing all the work. Vasu Pillai located a small hutment which he thought would be suitable to start with. He went about from house to house collecting bamboo and palm leaves. In about a fortnight he collected enough of materials and along with that, much of insult also. People asked him "What will you get if you start a library"? Vasu Pillai said "It is not for me that I start a Library". "Then why can't you do something worthwhile"? They quipped.

Nothing deterred Vasu Pillai from his dedication. He himself thatched the roof of the hut, did all the repairs. He some how secured a soft-wood box and stalked his own meagre collection of books and magazines. He put up a board written with a piece of charcoal. Committees met many times to draw out the programme for inauguration. Vasu Pillai was not involved in the collection of funds. He was delegated to locate a suitable VIP to inaugurate the Library and to make physical arrangements. The inaugural function proved a success. Vasu Pillai expected that the balance of funds collected would be entrusted to him for procurement of books. Vasu Pillai took the initiatives and summoned a meeting of the committee. Nobody turned up. Vasu Pillai was left alone.

In the meanwhile for some time the Library was taken over by the literary renaissance group headed by one goonda named Govindan. The library was then the platform of the "fighting literary men;" those who fought for the oppressed class. Vasu Pillai did not react, his only concern being the survival of the library.

Time passed by. The library slowly started growing. Membership increased so also the number of books. The library secured Government aid and now it is housed in its own premises. Vasu Pillai continues to be the Secretary. The same Vasu pillai humble and perhaps unaware that he is a great architect of a noble movement. Aren't there many around us like him?

(This abridged transliteration has not succeeded to contain or reflect the poetic beauty of the narrative skill of the author - A.Jayapalan)

"Cool Drink"! Cool Drink"! "The drink will cool you from tip to to...come and have a drink...Cool Drink!...". The vendor Ahmed was shouting at the top of his voice. Ahmed had a few bottles of sherbet, a few glasses and a few fruits of lime, which he kept one on top of each bottle. "Cool Drink...Cool Drink".

This sight fascinated Janu as she was returning home tired and sweating on that summer afternoon after selling away her can of milk. In fact she was longing for a drink to quench her thirst. As she was looking on, a worker came and asked for a drink. Ahmed started making a cool drink as he kept on talking about its merits. Janu was thrilled to watch how a cool drink was made. That made her desire to have a drink more and more irresistible. She asked "Could you give me a little of that?" Ahmed looked at her with contempt as he handed over the glass of cool drink to his customer. "What is the price of a drink?" She asked. "I have ten annas but I am accountable to my mother for the cost of milk I have sold." Ahmed felt pity for the girl and offered her a drink and said that she need not pay for that.

She relished the drink very much. She has never had a cool drink before. The taste lingered for a long time. The next day also she made it a point to stop at Ahmeds. "Will you give me a drink for half the price?" She asked. Ahmed did not respond. With much hesitation she gave him the price of the drink. Ahmed gave her a cool drink. She was sad and guilty that she has spent the money payable to her mother. She was about to leave without even saying thanks to Ahmed. She could not hold back her tears. Her mother would take her to task. Ahmed noticed this and gave her back the money and told her that she can have a drink from him every day free of any payment.

Visiting Ahmed became a regular routine for Janu. She used to clean up his table and the premises and run errands for him. Sometimes she used to bring something for Ahmed to eat. Days and weeks passed by. Monsoon started and the demand for cool drink became scarce. Ahmed told Janu that he was closing down the shop and going home. Janu looked at him in total disbelief.

Janu was there the next day as Ahmed packed everything. He offered Janu some money, which she did not accept. As Ahmed bid farewell and started walking tears rolled down her eyes. She stayed there looking at him till he was out of sight.