Change is possible if you decide to-PART 2

 

Kadhiresan’s Regret

Kadhiresan took a lungi, tied it around his waist, washed his hands and legs, and came to sit down to eat. The delicious aroma of curry had pulled him in. From the kitchen, Jyothi came with food and curry to serve. Seeing her, Kadhiresan felt a bit confused.

“What’s this? Today she looks unexpectedly beautiful. Is there some special occasion today? Even her saree looks new. She said we don’t have much money, but it seems like she suddenly got a lot,” he thought to himself.

Jyothi served food to Kadhiresan and their son Anbu. Both started eating. While eating, Jyothi gently said:

“Listen, nowadays prices are rising everywhere. The money you give is just enough for vegetables and groceries. Electricity bills and gas cylinder rates have also gone up. I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while… If I too start working and earn some money, things will be better. What do you think?”

Already in a confused state, Kadhiresan became irritated hearing this and said:

“What’s the urgency for that? I’m managing fine. It’s not necessary for you to work. Even if you do, what will you do? Where will you go for work?”

Jyothi replied calmly:

“You know our Annachi (shopkeeper), right? He said a security guard he knows works in a flat where they’re looking for someone to help with cooking. I came to ask your permission before accepting it.”

Kadhiresan shot back angrily:

“Oh, so you’ve already decided and come here to ask me? Then why even ask? Go if you want! Go wherever you want for work!”

Their argument escalated. Words turned into shouting. In his drunken rage, Kadhiresan started speaking ill of Jyothi, targeting her looks and her makeup from that day. This hurt Jyothi deeply and she became visibly upset.

Anbu, their son, shouted:

“Hey! Don’t speak like that about mom. If you talk like that again, you’ll see what happens!”

Kadhiresan screamed back:

“Why are you yelling here? I’ll say what I want about your mother! I’ll even hit her if needed!”

Saying that, he pushed Jyothi violently. She fell and hit her head on the grinder near her, and blood started flowing from her forehead.

Anbu, unable to bear the sight, ran in panic, picked up the phone and dialed 108 (emergency). He tied a cloth around her forehead to control the bleeding. Kadhiresan, in his drunken state, passed out.

An ambulance soon arrived and took Jyothi and Anbu to the government hospital. Jyothi was admitted to the emergency ward. Anbu sat outside the room anxiously. After some time, the doctors came out and said:

“Don’t worry. She lost a lot of blood, but it’s only an external injury. We’ve arranged for a blood transfusion. She’ll be fine, little brother.”

They took note of what happened as Anbu explained everything. The doctors replied:

“Alright. She’s out of danger. She’ll be shifted to a regular ward by morning.”

 

The Morning After

The next day, Kadhiresan woke up with a headache. Slowly, memories of the previous night returned to him. Shocked, he jumped up and started shouting:

“Jyothi… Jyothi… Anbu… Anbu…”

He rushed outside to look for them, but they were nowhere to be seen. He went next door and asked. The neighbor lady said:

“I wanted to ask Jyothi too. What happened last night? An ambulance came and took her away. Now you’re asking about her. Was there a problem?”

He stammered:

“Yeah… something like that. I’ll tell you later.”

And rushed back into the house in shock.

He thought:

“Surely the ambulance must have gone to the government hospital. I don’t know what exactly happened… Should I go? Anbu’s gone alone… I have to go immediately. No matter what, I shouldn’t have raised my hand.”

He felt full of guilt.

Taking the little money he had, and thinking there might be expenses at the hospital, he gathered some belongings and headed to the pawn shop to get some extra cash before going to see Jyothi.