Invitation: Page 5

Troubled by his mistake, Pandit Moteram thought he could still make amends. He rose and addressed the rani-sahiba, "Madam, if I have your permission I would like to say something."

Rani-sahiba: "Don't hesitate, Panditji. Is something lacking?"

Moteram: "No, no! Nothing is lacking. I had never ever set my eyes on such sumptuous food before! I will spread the word of your graciousness all across the town. I have a friend, Pandit Chintamani. He is very learned. I had forgotten to invite him; if you allow me, I would like to bring him along."

Rani-sahiba: "You may bring him along if you wish to but the food has already been served and it will get late."

Moteram: "I will hurry and be back in a trice."

Rani-sahiba: "Take my car."

As Panditji was preparing to leave Sona asked him, "What's the matter with you? Why do you have to call him?"

Moteram: "There should be someone to keep me company."

Sona: "Am I a poor company?"

Panditji smiled and said, "You don't understand. This is not our home. You need an old hand here; it is not the work for a novice. What you need here is courage and not stamina."

Sona: "What if the boys fall asleep?"

Moteram: "I will wake them up; they will feel hungrier after a nap."

Sona: "Mark my words he will outdo you today; his stomach is an abyss."

Moteram: "Don't think there is no skill in eating; eating is also a science. The wise man arranges all his belongings in a small space, while the artless fumbles even if he has a wide space at his disposal. The stupid person gulps down the food at one go and then drinks a lot of water; the clever person eats with caution and does not require water to push the food down. Chintamani stands no chance against me!"

Chintamani sat sulking in his home. The person, whom he had regarded as his well-wisher and for whom he would have laid down his life, had betrayed him. What harm would Pandit Moteram have suffered if he had taken him along? Would the rani-sahiba have insulted him? Selfish man! Chintamani could imagine the rich repast that had been prepared; by now the food must have been served. Here comes a servant with tempting sweets! They look so enticing! They seem as though they would melt instantly when put into the mouth! Oh, my misfortune! Here I am suffering while there is such a wonderful spread there! Moteram you are heartless; I could never imagine you were capable of such treachery!

Just then he heard the sound of a car outside; the light thrown by the car's headlamp illuminated Chintamani's whole house. He peered through the window and saw Moteram alighting. The scoundrel has come to describe the feast after enjoying it all alone!

Chintamani's eldest wife, Imarti, called out, "Who is there disturbing us at such a late hour?"

Moteram: "It is me."

Imarti: "Go away. Says 'It is me'! Don't you have a name?"

Moteram: "Don't you recognize my voice? I am Pandit Moteram Shashtri."

Imartidevi unhitched the latch and said scornfully, "Oh, it is you! Why couldn't you tell your name? What is the matter?"

Moteram: "I have some good news for Chintamaniji. The rani-sahiba has invited him. Is he at home?"

Imarti: "What is the use of inviting him after the feast is over?"

Moteram: "The feast is not over. I spoke highly of Chintamaniji and told the rani-sahiba that he was very dedicated and wise; she was impressed and has invited him to the feast."

Chintamani was listening to the conversation. He wanted to go and touch Moteram's feet. All the bad thoughts about Moteram that had crowded his mind vanished. He felt deep remorse and began to weep.

"Dear brother, are you coming or do you wish to sleep?" Moteram asked coming near.

Chintamani: "Why didn't you take me along at the very beginning? You have come now after causing me much suffering. My back is still hurting!"

Moteram: "Come along; you will get to eat such wonderful food that all your aches and pains will vanish. Let's see who can eat more; I will beat you hands down today."

Chintamani: "Pooh, you and beat me! There is none in this town who can beat me."

Moteram: "I have practised for years and have perfected the art so well that I can clean up the entire kitchen and yet ask for more. I can eat till I cannot stand, leave alone walk; I have to be dropped home in a car.

Chintamani: "That's nothing. My belches after meals sound like explosives. Once the secret police, hearing me belch, even searched the house suspecting that bombs were hidden here."

Moteram: "That's a lie; no one can belch so loud."

Chintamani: "If you don't believe you may come and listen for yourself; but don't run away scared."

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