OpenMeans Forum
Welcome, Guest
Recent activity
MG Singh created new article The Last of the Fascists was General Francisco Franco of Spain.
Fascism is a philosophy that is as old as history. It really means that when there is chaos in society then the government must take over with an Iron hand. This theory of Fascism comes down to modern times from the Roman era. In the 20th century when in Europe there was an economic recession and people were wondering what to do and Italy and Germany were struck by unemployment and lack of real wages, the stage was set for an extremist philosophy. In this scenario, Europe became the breeding ground of. fascism.
Fascism
Fascism rose in Italy under Benito Mussolini. He was a great man in his own way but his wayward life let him down. Towards the end of the war, he was a broken man who almost became a running boy of Hitler. He met a sad end as partison fighters shot him dead and his body was hung in the public square in Milan. Another place where Fascism grew is Germany. The First World War had so crippled Germany, that even buying a loaf of bread was a torture . WIth all round economic stagnation, Adolf Hitler rode to power on the theory of Fascism and German Pride. Hitler formed the Nazi party and within a span of half dozen he had control overy almost the entire Eurone.
He turned his attention to Spain where another Fascost general Francisco Franco was fighting the Royalists in a civil war.
Hitler and Franco
Hitler thought his this duty to help Franco and he dispatched guns and volunteers to help the Spanish leader. Franco believed in Fascism and he won the Civil war in Spain . The forces of general Franco were able to consolocate his rule and by mid-thirties, Franco became Caudillo or the leader of Spain. In 1940 Adolf Hitler made a train journey after the conquest of France to meet the Caudillo . He came with the idea of asking Spain to help him in the war
Franco was a shrewd man and though he made some verbal promises, he did not commit on the dotted line to Hitler and Mussolini. I do not know if he had a Sixth Sense but probably he had a feeling that the bubble may burst anytime and it would harm him. Therefore he did not actively take part in the war on the side of Hitler though he was a Fascist to the core.
Shrewd leader
The fact that general Franco did not join Hitler and Mussolini in World War II was a factor that saved him at the end of the war. With Mussolini and Hitler dead, general Franco was the last surviving fascist. Franco ruled for almost 40 years and during this period he made some very far reaching decisions. One of his decisions was that after his death the Spanish royal house would be restored and Spain would become a monarchy again. Ths was in my view a very great decision and Franco must take credit for it. He could have easily asked one of his children to succeed in him but Franco was a changed man after World War II. To show the United States and UK that he was on their side and to ensure his own survival he joined NATO
During the four decades of Franco's rule, the one gift that he bestowed on the Spanish people was stability. He suppressed all the seperatist tendencies and Catalonia which wanted independence was boxed in. What's next? He believed in the unity of Spain and it is on record that Franco rarely went out of Spain.
One reason for this was that he had the stigma of being the last surviving fascist companion of Hitler and Mussolini. He was lonely but story records he not only survived in Spain but continued ruling four decades. This is no mean achievement.Franco remains one of the most enduring rulers in Europe during the 20th century.Franco has a permanent place in world history as he was the only fascist who died a natural death.The Spanish people sometime must be wondering how Franco who was a designated friend of Hitler and Mussolini survived.
Place in history
Franco has a permanent place in the history of Spain.Many people still remember him as a strong man- as a man who brought order in society but now with Franco dead and gone, fissiparous tendencies have come up in Spain and people sometimes wonder whether Franco's rule was good or bad for Spain.
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article Stalin deserves the title ' the Great'.
Joseph Stalin was the president of the Communist Party, also referred to as the first secretary of the Russian Communist Party and the supreme ruler of Russia from 1924 to 1953. Stalin died of a brain stroke and people around him were so scared to touch him that he was taken to hospital very late. He passed away by then, nevertheless, during his 29 years in power in Russia, he was instrumental in taking the Russian state out of the clutch of obscurantism and backwardness to a modern age where Russia became the rival of the United States of America as a global power.
WWII and Stalin
Stalin also is instrumental in winning the Second World War against Hitler. This is no mean achievement as Hitler had built up a formidable war machine and the western powers had been unable to counter it. One cannot forget that he was almost a military genius, who planned the battle of France and occupation of Norway. France was destroyed in 40 days and Hitler landed troops in Norway at 5 places to completely outfox the English. He also mustered 3 massive Army groups that invaded Russia and almost brought Russia to its knees. If at that time Russia had surrendered then the West would have no choice but to accept Hitler as the most powerful person on earth. The man who stood between Hitler and Glory, Hitler and victory was Joseph Stalin.
Though Western historians are reluctant to acknowledge or concede that the victory of the allies was due to Russia and Stalin yet many eminent military historians like Major General JFC Fuller and Liddel Hart have said that if Stalin was not there, the war was as good as lost. One will remember that in the winter of 1942, with the German Army just 30 miles short of Moscow, Stalin was advised to escape beyond the Urals and continue the battle against Nazi Germany from there. True to his character he refused and he took a decision to hold a victory parade in Red Square where he himself took the salute of Russian troops marching to the front to fight the Germans.
Victory
One can well imagine how this affected the common Russian.The word spread, Stalin their leader will stay in Moscow and then we must fight for Stalin. History records that the German Army was halted at the gates of Moscow and then in the counter-invasion, Hitler's army was pushed back into Germany. Victory in the great war is enough to guarantee the title "great".But Stalin did a lot more.He was the man who conceived of the five-year plan to Industrialize Russia.
Russia had always been the laggard of Europe but Stalin changed all that as Russian scientists and engineers began making great advances in science. This resulted in the first man-made satellite Sputnik 1 which was launched in 1957. Russian army and Airforce were modernized and this so alarmed General Eisenhower, the US President that he ordered Russia to be ringed by bases.
Stalin and Russia
Stalin was no ordinary man one can see he was not an intellectual like Lenin but he was a man with a lot of horse sense who even Winston Churchill praised after meeting him at the Yalta conference. Stalin had his faults, he was a megalomaniac and many persons were sent to the concentration camps which was the brainchild of Leon Trotsky and Lenin. Many writers have written that life in Russia during the time he was in power only human-robot were created. This really does not stand to reason as Stalin was the first man who allowed the flowering of science. He was harsh on literature and so sent Boris Pasternak into exile. Yet the greatest advances in science and latest aircraft and bombers were produced because of the policy of Stalin. Robots cannot produce anything.
Assessment
Stalin is no more and despite his faults, the Russians are nostalgic about him. They remember him with respect and I have no doubt that he deserves the title "the Great" in world history. The only ones who differ with this assessment are men like Gandhi and western historians who focus not on his achievements but on the negatives adduced to his name.
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article Evaluating Lenin in the Indian context.
Vladimir Lenin has an important place in the 20th century. Unfortunately, his name is associated with more negative qualities than positive qualities. He was an intellectual with a formidable brain and he wrote many books and papers during his time in Russia. He ushered in what is called the communist state but that state created by him collapse within 5 decades of his death and now Russians feel that Lenin led them up the garden path into a state which was tyrannical and restricted personal freedom.
Lenin and Russia
Lenin remains a historical figure in Russia and his body on his death was embalmed and kept in the mausoleum in Red Square. Any dignitary visiting Russia was dutifully taken to visit the mausoleum of Lenin on Red Square After the collapse of communism and the breakup of Russia into 18 countries the realization dawned on the Russian people that Lenin had led them up the garden path. There were many who wanted the body from the mausoleum to be removed and like Stalin. People will reconnect that Stalin's body was also kept in the mausoleum in Red Square along with that of Lenin but after Nikita Khrushchev became first Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party, the body was removed and is now buried in the crypt in the Kremlin wall
The mausoleum of Lenin is no longer a place of pilgrimage for those who come to Moscow and the Russian government spends no money to maintain the mausoleum. It is maintained by the Communist Party of Russia with its own funds. it's a moot point how long the body will remain in Red Square as there are many demands to remove the body from there. There is no doubt that Lenin did electrify the world in 1917, in what is known as the as the October revolution. This revolution which was supposed to give a lot of hope to the Russian people, unfortunately, did exactly the opposite. The Russian people came under the jack boots of the Communist Party through the Secret police, the NKVD and people began to fear the Midnight knock. Lenin was responsible for creating the police state so excellently brought out brought out by George Orwell in his book 1984.
The man
Lenin was an intellectual, nobody will deny that but his mind was warped and there are some facts which cannot be condoned. There is some evidence that when he was the dictator of Russia, he may have ordered the murder of Tsar Nicholas II and his children in Siberia. The Tsar who was a prisoner of the Communist Party was shot dead along with his family on the pretext or being taken for a family photo. The house of Romanoff was finished and many Russians even now shudder at this.
Lenin has another distinction is the first man in world history to have brought into work the concentration camp or the good luck this is very sad as Russia has a great tradition and certainly having a good lawyer concentration camp is not one of them directions hours were always on autocratic but but sober so many Indian Kings during that period because in that area autocracy and monarchy when hand in hand
Lenin was not much concerned about India there is no evidence that he mentioned about India anytime in any of his writings or speeches. For him, India was a nonexistent country and he always considered it to be a part of the British Empire. Lenin had no respect for any of the Indian leaders during his time for any of the Indian leaders during his time including Gandhi, Tilak, or Gokhale. In India, we have the Communist Party of India which initially was an extension of the Russian Communist Party. This party is known to have been an anti-Nationalist party and during the famous Quit India Movement of 1942 Communist Party of India supported the British. This is a historical fact and most of the communist leaders on direction from Moscow supported the British rule at that time.Britain was an ally of Russia in the battle against Nazi Germany and the Russian government had instructed the Communist Party of India not to create trouble for the British.
Lenin and India
The Communist Party of India was just like a fifth column in the Indian subcontinent, Even in the 1962 war with China the Communist Party of India never came out in support of Indian case against China and generally supported China. These facts of history and cannot be brushed under the carpet. This party claiming to be an intellectual party and considering Bengalis themselves to be more intellectual repeatedly voted them into power. The CPI agenda was simple - to create a separate state in India and hence very little development was done. The purpose was to create a divide in the country. The party generally lionized Lenin. I have already written Lenin was never interested in India or Indian Independence. There is no record that Lenin ever said that India should be a free country. These facts are in the history books. Lenin died in 1924 and was succeeded by Joseph Stalin. Even Stalin was not interested in India until his death in 1953. He considered Indian leaders like Gandhi and Nehru as the running dogs of British imperialism
The state created by Lenin had no permanence and within 5 to 6 decades of his death, the communist state created by him collapsed like a pack of cards. Russian's realized that there was no personal freedom and the entire Russian was like a massive concentration camp so nicely brought out by Boris Pasternak and Alexander Solzetsysian. They brought to light in their books and novels a state which is built on sand and was bound to collapse and the Russian State built by Lenin collapsed. Lenin cannot have a permanent place in history because he was basically a failure. The title of the great will elude him for all time to come
Last word
In India we have lopsided properties and when the BJP which came to power in Tripura and toppled two statues Of Lenin there has been a hue and cry as if Lenin was very much part of the Indian psyche. The real fact is that he was not interested in India. yet it is a matter of great regret that Lenin being greater importance in India than in Russia. Can anyone forget that over 150 Statues Of Lenin were toppled in Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism? Lenin was certainly a historical figure and an important figure of the 20 century but he probably falls in the same bracket as Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo and that is not a very happy thought
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article True Tale; Adventure in the Sand.
When I was posted to Uttarlai, I was friends with a few central government officers. Utarlai is a small village about 15 km from Barmer and houses an FBSU, a front line base against Pakistan. There is a rail line from Barmar to Munabao, which is right on the border, so this is a strategically important place. In olden days the train went straight from Jaipur to Hyderabad( Sind) through Munabao. I was posted as the commander of the base and I landed by train from Jaipur( there is a direct train from Jaipur).
I was received at the railway station by the chief admin officer and conducted to the officer's mess. This was all routine and I was well aware of everything. I wanted to have a look at the base and I asked for my Gypsy to take me around. The vehicle duly arrived with my driver and I drove straight to the airfield and the air traffic control tower. I had a look at the hangers where the MIGs were parked and was pleased with their look. I had earlier carried out an informal study of Uttarlai and Barmer was aware that the BSF maintained a lovely desert Golf Course. Such golf courses in the desert do not have any greens which are replaced by fine sand vetted with oiL. The BSF used discarded engine oil for their Golf Course
I resolved to make the most of my time in the desert and play golf also.After settling down my driver drove me to the Golf Course where I had my first introduction with a man called Rathore. He introduced himself as the local head of the Indian Intelligence. Later on, I came to know that he was from RAW. We became good friends and more often met on the course.I also invited him as the commander of the base to the Air Force Station and we had a couple of large pegs of scotch whiskey in the bar in the officer's mess
One day Rathore rang me up and asked me "Captain are you free tomorrow?"
I was intrigued by the question.
" yes" I replied "of course"
"Ok Capt "he replied" I will come tomorrow early morning and pick you up but look, friend, we will travel in my jeep and not in your staff vehicle. I hope you will have no objection "
Though surprised I agreed.
" One more thing Capt don't come in uniform and I request you to come in Mufti." As you all know Mufti is the term used in the military for the ordinary civil dress.
The next day I got ready for the trip with a T-shirt and jeans. Just as I was leaving a sixth sense warned me to take my service revolver with me. So I instructed the driver to drive to the armory, where I drew my .38 Webley Scott. I collected six rounds as well and loaded my weapons and rotated the cylinder and found the weapon in good condition and oiled. The armorer had done a good job.
The honking of the jeep and a call from the guardroom informed me that Rathore had come. I drove to the guard room and saw Rathore there sitting in a jeep. It was a Wrangler and rarely seen in India, but it's a great vehicle to drive in the sand with its 4x4 drive.
"Come captain" Rathore waved to me"let's get cracking"
I settled into the jeep and asked: " you going to drive, no driver..?"
He laughed "Captain we are on a mission and I don't need a driver"
"fine, " I said" I can lend a hand if required"
He smiled and said softly"Captain, you have read Sherlock Holmes?. Do you know when Holmes was on a trail he would say 'Watson the game is afoot'."
" Yes," I replied, " but what is all this".
He put the wrangler into gear and the Jeep softly moved forward. We moved past the dunes on way to Munabao.
" You haven't answered my question, " I said.
As the wrangler sped forward, Rathore looked at me with an enigmatic smile and said: " captain we are on to Munabao where a rep of Murtaza Bhutto is to meet us". I was thrilled" But why take me ...?".
"I got clearance from RAW director to take you as you are an Air Force officer and I need someone for a back up as this is not only an important but dangerous mission. "
Rathore was silent for some time as the vehicle sped forward in the dusty road made by the border roads organization. He accelerated and the jeep sped forward.
" I will let you know something about this mission. I have received a large suitcase from the headquarters. I don't know what is in it, but it is important that this suitcase is delivered to a man at Munabao who will be a rep of the leader Murtaza Bhutto. Our job is to hand over the suitcase and get back. But the jr Bhutto has a lot of enemies and there could be some sharpshooters around".
He had just uttered these words when I saw a camel sitting right in the center of the road. Rathore brought the jeep to a halt and shouted to a man sitting close to the camel
" Take that camel of the road".
"Ji Huzoor" the man replied and got up.
My trained eye thought his movements were suspicious and I caught the butt of my revolver. The man walked to Rathore and when he was close he pulled out a pistol and fired. It was quick action, but I had also fired and the man was hit by my bullet and his pistol fell from his hand as he collapsed on the road I looked at Rathore and saw the bullet had hit his arm and he was bleeding.
" What next?" I asked " I should get you to a hospital"
"No, no" he shouted " drop me here and I will be safe. I will radio for help, but you carry on to Munabao. Remember the man will be wearing a red color salwar Kameez and the password is " Ek cup Chai".( one cup of tea).
I was loathed to leave him but Rathore got out clutching his bleeding arm and began to dial his wireless.
" go, captain, go, this mission is important"
I saw the dead man on the road, the man who had pulled the gun on Rathore. I knew he was an enemy agent and maybe there were others as well. I put the jeep into gear and moved away. I saw the receding figure of Rathore as he waved me on.
I had gone a few miles when far away I saw two camels. I halted my jeep and took stock of the situation.I did not continue on the dusty road but put the jeep into its 4x4 drive and veered into the sand dunes. I had once driven in the sand dunes in Dubai, so I was not a novice. The jeep began to climb the dunes and then go down. It handled beautifully and far away I could see the camels. Two men were looking in my direction as I moved and then I heard a shout
" Mother fucker, he is trying to outwit us. Get him, Khalid".
The man had a rifle and he could easily pick me out. So I decided to drive towards the men and the camels. This surprised both of the men, who expected me to try and run away. There was a momentary lapse which was fatal for the man with the rifle. As I neared I opened fire with my Webley. The .38 is a lethal weapon and I was on target. I had hit the man in the arm and his rifle fell to the ground as he slumped down. I fired in quick succession, two more shots and one of them hit the other man. He fell on the road and it was obvious he had received a fatal shot.
I came close to the man sprawled on the ground clutching his arm.I said " Salaam" and drove away towards Munabao. The rest of the drive was easy and I reached the small village and located a tea shop. There was only one and sat down clutching the suitcase.
Then a Pathan, a large man wearing a red salwar Kameez appeared. he sat opposite me and boomed " Ek cup Chai". I know he was my man. I repeated the words and the man shook my hand.
" Barkhurdar, you have taken a great risk. But where is my friend Rathore?/ I hope he is OK"
He did not wait for an answer as the tea which had been brought was left untouched. He grabbed the suitcase and got up.
" Insha Allah, may god with you. Convey my regards to Rathore".
He left like a whirlwind and now I knew a desert storm was brewing as I got up, paid for the tea and left. I reached back without any incident. On the way back I did not see the injured man or the two men I had shot. I also did not see Rathore. When I reached the mess, I got a call. I answered and the voice at the other end answered "well-done captain, the job is done and I am safe, God willing we will meet again" Rathore never came back to Barmer and I never met him again. Was he now on another mission? who can tell?
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article The Will of the Pir- A tale of Celestial Love.
The beginning
I have been long wanting to write this tale but now that 20 years away elapsed I think I can put this lovely story on paper. Close to the place where I stay is a small Dargah. It is dedicated to Pir Badshimiya Qadri, but though I am not a Muslim, I would make it a point to visit this Dargah. I used to go to this Dargah in the morning and then continue to the office. Mostly my chauffeur drove my car but sometimes, when it was raining he would not come and then I would drive the car myself.
One day my driver came and told me that he needed about 40 days leave and requested me to sanction it, as he had some urgent work back over in Bihar. I agreed and let them and go and resolved to drive every day myself to the office in my Mercedes. As usual, I drove the car on the first day to the Mazar and after a brief salutation continued forward. However, when I entered that day, I was struck by a lovely perfume which seemed to float in the dargah.I let the incident pass thinking that this could be a figment of my imagination. As I drove my car forward the heavens broker asunder and a heavy rain began to fall all around me. The rain created an arithmetic pattern on the ground and visibility was greatly reduced. I slowed down and then all of a sudden the car stopped. I was wonderstruck that my Mercedes should have stopped, something that has never happened before. I was wondering what to do when I espied a small stall just about 10 feet away from where my car had stopped. I was wonder start that my car had stopped so close to a tea stall, for this was exactly a small tea stall. With the rain belting down, I was in the mood for a perfect cup of tea, yes very hot tea. I thought I would start the car later as I got out as I rushed towards the small tea stall. I went inside and found it was a neat place and at the corner of the store I saw a young girl. She was obviously managing the stall. I could make out that she was pretty young maybe about 20 or 22 and to top it she was extremely attractive. I will be a nerd if I tell you that I was not aroused at seeing such a beautiful girl in a tea stall with the rain belting all around. I asked her
" Can I have a cup of tea"
" Sure" she replied" yes, what happened. Did your car stop? "
"Yes," I replied" it stopped magically here only and I shall go soon. "
" OK" she replied and lit the stove to prepare the tea.
She prepared 2 cups of tea and I realized she was going to take one cup for her. I looked at her and observed she was slightly wet. Her blouse hugged her body accentuating her raisings. On the spur of the moment I asked her how was it that she was wet when she was inside the stall.
She replied "oh! I had been to the dargah and I had to run back as the rain started"
I just sat and watched as the rain continued, wondering what to do. She looked at me and smiled" Just sit here and relax till the rain stops. After some time I will make you another cup of tea"
The Tryst
As I sipped the second cup of tea, we got into an animated conversation. Then, I observed that on her back and neck there were welt marks.Obviously, she had been badly beaten. I wondered how a woman went to the Dargah with so much faith could be beaten. The Pir was supposed to protect her and I wondered about it.
I left that time and thought to let sleeping dogs lie. I wanted to get to with my work. I reached the office, but the incident at the tea stall remained in my memory and I somehow could not get out of the image of the lovely girl. I could make out that she would have been about 20 years younger to me but my heart fluttered and I felt an ache. I mused as to who had beaten her and wondered if it was her husband or somebody else.
The next day I again drove my Mercedes out of the garage as usual. I stopped by the dargah and wondered about the Invisible Pir. I prayed for myself and hoped I would be successful. When I was about to leave I once again had the feeling that there was a perfume in the Dargah I put it down to the weather and went to my car. Just as I entered my Merc, the heavens opened up and thunder and lightning flashed across the sky and thunderbolts boomed and boomed again.
I put the car into gear and it and it moved forward smoothly. I wondered about the events of yesterday and wondered why the car had stopped. I also remembered that the car started easily and yet the car had stopped as I was nearing the tea stall. This time again something unique happened, the car on its own spluttered and there was his loud bang from the silencer and the vehicle ground to a halt. To my wonder, it has stopped again at the small tea stall
The girl saw me and she looked happy as it was raining cats and dogs with thunderbolts flashing across the sky. She asked me to come into the store and spontaneously she caught my hand and pulled me inside the wooden structure.
"Come," he said "I will make you a cup of tea till the Thunderbolt go away"
She looked happy today and I asked her the reason for it. She replied "today I had been to the dargah and something strange happened"
She continued " You know sahib, there was a wonderful perfume and something tells me in my heart that I am going to get my wish"
Magic was in the air as I without thinking put my hand on her back.
Gift of the Pir?
How did this happen? I have asked but I have no explanation.I cannot explain as I gently caressed her bare back as an electric current began to flow. There was definitely some Supernatural force acting and then did something which I have never done in my life, I kissed her and used a little force to get her to open her mouth. As I was kissing now I realized that a supernatural force was acting and I could have done nothing to stop it. Obviously, something strange was happening the result of all this was inevitable and with the rain beating down on the ground and thunder flashing in the sky I ended up making love to the lovely girl. It was pristine pleasure and at the back of my mind was perhaps this was the handiwork of the Pir. After it was over I just got up and left
For the next 3 days, I continued to visit the tea stall. This time my Mercedes did not stop on its own but I always shut off the ignition myself. This entire incident began to look like a fairy tale. Everybody knows the monsoon in the Western Ghats is tremendous and with the rain going all over I thought meeting my lovely friend was the best thing in the world. It was a pristine delight as I felt strong as ever and again I marveled at the transformation. After 3 or 4 days I told her I would be gone for some official work but I would come back. I asked her " What will you do ?"
She gave an enigmatic answer, " I shall wait for what the Pir promised me".
The end
These words are history now and I wondered at that time what she meant by these words. I came back not after few days but almost a month as I was stuck up for some extra work in Dubai. On return, I started my Merc and went straight to the stall. I wanted to gather the girl in my arms. I was in for a shock as there was no girl there but an old woman. With a beating heart, I asked her about the girl.
"Where is the girl," I asked.The lady replied with a smile "She has gone to her village as she is with a child. You know Sahab her mother in law and husband used to beat her every day for not conceiving. She used to pray at the Dargah and the Pir Baba blessed her and give her a child".
My legs became jelly and I did not drink any tea as I rushed back to my car. With a thumping heart, I started the car as the realization dawned on me that the Pir had given her a gift which he had manifested through me. I drove away wondering at the superpower that had been manifested. My car stopping, the perfume, and the Dargah followed by ferocious love all were the hallmark of a super power. I went to the Dargah and this time it was filled with a lovely perfume. I knew it was Real. Two days later I got a senior appointment at Dubai and wondered, was it the Pir's way to reward me. It was an appointment I never expected. He had paid me for helping him fulfill the dreams of the girl. I never knew her name or where she went. It was a tryst as per the gods.
7 years ago
usha manohar created new article The Mysterious Incident at Akashdeep Estates - Part 7.
The Mysterious incident at Akashdeep estates - 7
Life at Akashdeep estate
Saturdays and Sundays were eagerly looked forward to, by the estate workers and other staff alike. Saturday was their pay day since the workers worked half day after which they were paid their weekly wages . They would leave soon after with their families to watch a movie at the tent cinema or probably eat out at one of the restaurants . Sunday was a day of rest and everything went on at a slow pace. Geeta and Nanjappa had their day off after breakfast . So, I and Rohini aunt cooked some rice and heated up the leftovers for lunch that Sunday.. Arvind never appeared until after lunch and Shalini came down for lunch, looked at the leftovers and left in a huff..I saw her later walking out of the estate gates while Mahesh anna was taking a nap. I too had found a favorite spot and I waked towards it hoping that I might come across Rohit , but no such luck !
The next day was Monday and it was my father's birthday. I woke up early and lay in bed thinking about him and my own interactions with him while he was alive. He would talk to us children on various subjects and encouraged us to discuss and ask questions. I missed him a lot and decided to call my mother . She too was missing him , I could tell by her tone. However, I felt much better after I spoke to her. After brushing and washing I decided to wear a silk hand loom saree that was gifted to me by papa . It had floral patterns in shades of pink, cream and light green and I loved wearing it.
When I came down, Rohini aunt smiled at me and said... " Wow , what a lovely saree , the color suits you perfectly "
Geeta too complimented me and so did Mahesh anna who came in from the office after having locked up the roll call register. We had breakfast and Mahesh anna went on some errand . Shalini had just come down wearing a crumpled night dress and it looked as if her alter ego had taken over , because she sat on the sofa fidgeting around without saying anything nor responding to either Geeta who asked her if she wanted coffee nor Rohini aunt, generally ignoring everyone . Mahesh anna came in right then and addressed me..
“ Anita , I am taking you to town with me , dont want you to get the feeling , I am all dressed up but I have nowhere to go …” I laughed heartily at that but felt very pleased with his offer, which I readily agreed to. Rohini aunt too said that it was a good idea to take me as she handed over a list to Mahesh anna. Since many varieties of vegetables , fruits and even spices were grown within the estate all that we needed to buy were stuff like rice, wheat ,.sugar and other essentials.
“ If you had told me earlier I too would have come “ this was from Shalini in a loud , clear voice and we all looked at her with surprise , more so because of her mercurial change of mood.
But Mahesh anna said that since he was in a hurry and could not wait until she got dressed , he would take her to town some other day which I felt was unfair but later realised why he had refused to take her with us.
Meeting Rohit
Anyway we set off , with Nanjappa driving the jeep and Mahesh anna sitting in the front with him and I sat at the back enjoying the drive through narrow winding roads that led to the town center which was located at a distance of about 4 kms. I was told it was where they had three banks and most of the estate transactions took place there. Mahesh anna was going to one of the banks to enquire about a loan he had applied for and Arvind who had gone earlier to the post office would meet us at the bank.
We had driven for about a kilometer in the same direction that I normally went for a walk and to my favorite spot , when I happened to see a pleasant looking lady standing by a gate beyond which I could see a small cottage but no coffee estate surrounding it . Both Mahesh anna and Nanjappa waved and smiled at her. She in turn smiled at them lifting her hand. Neighbors are far and apart in the coffee country so you get to know anyone and everyone who lives even a few kms down the road ..
We reached the town and Mahesh anna handed over the list at a largish grocery shop and requested them to pack the stuff to be collected on our way back. And then we proceeded to the bank. I sat at the reception area and waited while Mahesh anna tried to locate the manager. After a few minutes I saw him come out of the Manager’s cabin along with someone who had his back to me since he was talking to one of the staff. When he turned I saw that it was Rohit wearing a striped shirt, and trousers which made him look different , dignified and even more handsome. At last I knew who he was ! ..They came towards me and Mahesh anna introduced him. I was tongue tied in his presence. Then we had to leave since Arvind came and we had to collect the grocery and Mahesh anna had a hundred other jobs.
When we drove back , Arvind and I sat at the back and he seemed to be in one of his friendly moods . As we drove close to the cottage where we had seen the pleasant looking lady, Arvind pointed out and said that, that was where Rohit lived . I told him about the lady we had seen near the gate when we drove to the town in the morning.
“ That is Vidyakka, Rohit’s elder sister. She visits Rohit often . She lost her husband last year “
To this Mahesh anna added “ She and her two children live with their parents in Mysore “
Soon we were home and Mahesh anna gave an account of the days happening to Rohini aunt while I sat and istened and so did Shalini , with a keen interest in everything , so unlike her. When Mahesh anna mentioned about vidyakka , Rohini aunt smiled and said that she would take me to visit her one of these days.I got the feeling that Rohini aunt liked Vidyakka , but what about Rohit ? what did she think of him?
My day was complete and I felt that it was my father's blessing to me ..I did not want to dwell on Rohit or my confused feelings about him because there were too many whys, ifs and buts about him that disturbed me. I decided to take each day as it came without worrying about what the future held for me.
( to be continued )
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
suni51 wrote:MG Singh wrote:suni51...
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
MG Singh wrote:Many are saying Rahul is a puppet. Friends so many said the same thing about Indira Gandhi. Remember she was...
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
MG Singh wrote:suni51 wrote:What I feel is that whatever Rahul says or does in public...
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Part IV, Articles 36-51 of the Indian constitution. It enjoins the state to enact a uniform civil code. Should this proviso be scrapped?.
Modi had an excellent chance but he never moved one inch on civil code or article 370. I wish he had shown same zeal as he is showing in implementing Aadhar card.
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
Many are saying Rahul is a puppet. Friends so many said the same thing about Indira Gandhi. Remember she was referred to as " goongie gudiya".what happened? You all now better...
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
suni51 wrote:What I feel is that whatever Rahul says or does in public are neither his own views or acts but he only repeats what a...
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
jabeen wrote:MG Singh wrote:Arunima Singh...
7 years ago
suni51 answered the question Member of the week distinctions.
How do you know that you were at #1 in position and got only 25? The system is automated and can't go wrong. Maybe when you checked you were on top but someone else got more...
7 years ago
suni51 answered the question Favorite song from Backstreet Boys.
My favorite song from the gang is - I will never break your heart - sad and serious though!
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic Extending payment modes.
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:epraneeth77 wrote:Kalyani...
7 years ago
epraneeth77 wrote:Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:Welcome to boddunan Gaurav. Usha has already...
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
What I feel is that whatever Rahul says or does in public are neither his own views or acts but he only repeats what a group of advisers tell him to do. He is just a puppet...
7 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
A self centered person who thinks nothing of tearing up his own govts papers , has scant respect your r knowledge about hs own.country may be liked by Congress supporters bit...
7 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
MG Singh wrote:Arunima Singh wrote:vijay...
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article The Last of the Fascists was General Francisco Franco of Spain.
Fascism is a philosophy that is as old as history. It really means that when there is chaos in society then the government must take over with an Iron hand. This theory of Fascism comes down to modern times from the Roman era. In the 20th century when in Europe there was an economic recession and people were wondering what to do and Italy and Germany were struck by unemployment and lack of real wages, the stage was set for an extremist philosophy. In this scenario, Europe became the breeding ground of. fascism.
Fascism
Fascism rose in Italy under Benito Mussolini. He was a great man in his own way but his wayward life let him down. Towards the end of the war, he was a broken man who almost became a running boy of Hitler. He met a sad end as partison fighters shot him dead and his body was hung in the public square in Milan. Another place where Fascism grew is Germany. The First World War had so crippled Germany, that even buying a loaf of bread was a torture . WIth all round economic stagnation, Adolf Hitler rode to power on the theory of Fascism and German Pride. Hitler formed the Nazi party and within a span of half dozen he had control overy almost the entire Eurone.
He turned his attention to Spain where another Fascost general Francisco Franco was fighting the Royalists in a civil war.
Hitler and Franco
Hitler thought his this duty to help Franco and he dispatched guns and volunteers to help the Spanish leader. Franco believed in Fascism and he won the Civil war in Spain . The forces of general Franco were able to consolocate his rule and by mid-thirties, Franco became Caudillo or the leader of Spain. In 1940 Adolf Hitler made a train journey after the conquest of France to meet the Caudillo . He came with the idea of asking Spain to help him in the war
Franco was a shrewd man and though he made some verbal promises, he did not commit on the dotted line to Hitler and Mussolini. I do not know if he had a Sixth Sense but probably he had a feeling that the bubble may burst anytime and it would harm him. Therefore he did not actively take part in the war on the side of Hitler though he was a Fascist to the core.
Shrewd leader
The fact that general Franco did not join Hitler and Mussolini in World War II was a factor that saved him at the end of the war. With Mussolini and Hitler dead, general Franco was the last surviving fascist. Franco ruled for almost 40 years and during this period he made some very far reaching decisions. One of his decisions was that after his death the Spanish royal house would be restored and Spain would become a monarchy again. Ths was in my view a very great decision and Franco must take credit for it. He could have easily asked one of his children to succeed in him but Franco was a changed man after World War II. To show the United States and UK that he was on their side and to ensure his own survival he joined NATO
During the four decades of Franco's rule, the one gift that he bestowed on the Spanish people was stability. He suppressed all the seperatist tendencies and Catalonia which wanted independence was boxed in. What's next? He believed in the unity of Spain and it is on record that Franco rarely went out of Spain.
One reason for this was that he had the stigma of being the last surviving fascist companion of Hitler and Mussolini. He was lonely but story records he not only survived in Spain but continued ruling four decades. This is no mean achievement.Franco remains one of the most enduring rulers in Europe during the 20th century.Franco has a permanent place in world history as he was the only fascist who died a natural death.The Spanish people sometime must be wondering how Franco who was a designated friend of Hitler and Mussolini survived.
Place in history
Franco has a permanent place in the history of Spain.Many people still remember him as a strong man- as a man who brought order in society but now with Franco dead and gone, fissiparous tendencies have come up in Spain and people sometimes wonder whether Franco's rule was good or bad for Spain.
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article Stalin deserves the title ' the Great'.
Joseph Stalin was the president of the Communist Party, also referred to as the first secretary of the Russian Communist Party and the supreme ruler of Russia from 1924 to 1953. Stalin died of a brain stroke and people around him were so scared to touch him that he was taken to hospital very late. He passed away by then, nevertheless, during his 29 years in power in Russia, he was instrumental in taking the Russian state out of the clutch of obscurantism and backwardness to a modern age where Russia became the rival of the United States of America as a global power.
WWII and Stalin
Stalin also is instrumental in winning the Second World War against Hitler. This is no mean achievement as Hitler had built up a formidable war machine and the western powers had been unable to counter it. One cannot forget that he was almost a military genius, who planned the battle of France and occupation of Norway. France was destroyed in 40 days and Hitler landed troops in Norway at 5 places to completely outfox the English. He also mustered 3 massive Army groups that invaded Russia and almost brought Russia to its knees. If at that time Russia had surrendered then the West would have no choice but to accept Hitler as the most powerful person on earth. The man who stood between Hitler and Glory, Hitler and victory was Joseph Stalin.
Though Western historians are reluctant to acknowledge or concede that the victory of the allies was due to Russia and Stalin yet many eminent military historians like Major General JFC Fuller and Liddel Hart have said that if Stalin was not there, the war was as good as lost. One will remember that in the winter of 1942, with the German Army just 30 miles short of Moscow, Stalin was advised to escape beyond the Urals and continue the battle against Nazi Germany from there. True to his character he refused and he took a decision to hold a victory parade in Red Square where he himself took the salute of Russian troops marching to the front to fight the Germans.
Victory
One can well imagine how this affected the common Russian.The word spread, Stalin their leader will stay in Moscow and then we must fight for Stalin. History records that the German Army was halted at the gates of Moscow and then in the counter-invasion, Hitler's army was pushed back into Germany. Victory in the great war is enough to guarantee the title "great".But Stalin did a lot more.He was the man who conceived of the five-year plan to Industrialize Russia.
Russia had always been the laggard of Europe but Stalin changed all that as Russian scientists and engineers began making great advances in science. This resulted in the first man-made satellite Sputnik 1 which was launched in 1957. Russian army and Airforce were modernized and this so alarmed General Eisenhower, the US President that he ordered Russia to be ringed by bases.
Stalin and Russia
Stalin was no ordinary man one can see he was not an intellectual like Lenin but he was a man with a lot of horse sense who even Winston Churchill praised after meeting him at the Yalta conference. Stalin had his faults, he was a megalomaniac and many persons were sent to the concentration camps which was the brainchild of Leon Trotsky and Lenin. Many writers have written that life in Russia during the time he was in power only human-robot were created. This really does not stand to reason as Stalin was the first man who allowed the flowering of science. He was harsh on literature and so sent Boris Pasternak into exile. Yet the greatest advances in science and latest aircraft and bombers were produced because of the policy of Stalin. Robots cannot produce anything.
Assessment
Stalin is no more and despite his faults, the Russians are nostalgic about him. They remember him with respect and I have no doubt that he deserves the title "the Great" in world history. The only ones who differ with this assessment are men like Gandhi and western historians who focus not on his achievements but on the negatives adduced to his name.
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article Evaluating Lenin in the Indian context.
Vladimir Lenin has an important place in the 20th century. Unfortunately, his name is associated with more negative qualities than positive qualities. He was an intellectual with a formidable brain and he wrote many books and papers during his time in Russia. He ushered in what is called the communist state but that state created by him collapse within 5 decades of his death and now Russians feel that Lenin led them up the garden path into a state which was tyrannical and restricted personal freedom.
Lenin and Russia
Lenin remains a historical figure in Russia and his body on his death was embalmed and kept in the mausoleum in Red Square. Any dignitary visiting Russia was dutifully taken to visit the mausoleum of Lenin on Red Square After the collapse of communism and the breakup of Russia into 18 countries the realization dawned on the Russian people that Lenin had led them up the garden path. There were many who wanted the body from the mausoleum to be removed and like Stalin. People will reconnect that Stalin's body was also kept in the mausoleum in Red Square along with that of Lenin but after Nikita Khrushchev became first Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party, the body was removed and is now buried in the crypt in the Kremlin wall
The mausoleum of Lenin is no longer a place of pilgrimage for those who come to Moscow and the Russian government spends no money to maintain the mausoleum. It is maintained by the Communist Party of Russia with its own funds. it's a moot point how long the body will remain in Red Square as there are many demands to remove the body from there. There is no doubt that Lenin did electrify the world in 1917, in what is known as the as the October revolution. This revolution which was supposed to give a lot of hope to the Russian people, unfortunately, did exactly the opposite. The Russian people came under the jack boots of the Communist Party through the Secret police, the NKVD and people began to fear the Midnight knock. Lenin was responsible for creating the police state so excellently brought out brought out by George Orwell in his book 1984.
The man
Lenin was an intellectual, nobody will deny that but his mind was warped and there are some facts which cannot be condoned. There is some evidence that when he was the dictator of Russia, he may have ordered the murder of Tsar Nicholas II and his children in Siberia. The Tsar who was a prisoner of the Communist Party was shot dead along with his family on the pretext or being taken for a family photo. The house of Romanoff was finished and many Russians even now shudder at this.
Lenin has another distinction is the first man in world history to have brought into work the concentration camp or the good luck this is very sad as Russia has a great tradition and certainly having a good lawyer concentration camp is not one of them directions hours were always on autocratic but but sober so many Indian Kings during that period because in that area autocracy and monarchy when hand in hand
Lenin was not much concerned about India there is no evidence that he mentioned about India anytime in any of his writings or speeches. For him, India was a nonexistent country and he always considered it to be a part of the British Empire. Lenin had no respect for any of the Indian leaders during his time for any of the Indian leaders during his time including Gandhi, Tilak, or Gokhale. In India, we have the Communist Party of India which initially was an extension of the Russian Communist Party. This party is known to have been an anti-Nationalist party and during the famous Quit India Movement of 1942 Communist Party of India supported the British. This is a historical fact and most of the communist leaders on direction from Moscow supported the British rule at that time.Britain was an ally of Russia in the battle against Nazi Germany and the Russian government had instructed the Communist Party of India not to create trouble for the British.
Lenin and India
The Communist Party of India was just like a fifth column in the Indian subcontinent, Even in the 1962 war with China the Communist Party of India never came out in support of Indian case against China and generally supported China. These facts of history and cannot be brushed under the carpet. This party claiming to be an intellectual party and considering Bengalis themselves to be more intellectual repeatedly voted them into power. The CPI agenda was simple - to create a separate state in India and hence very little development was done. The purpose was to create a divide in the country. The party generally lionized Lenin. I have already written Lenin was never interested in India or Indian Independence. There is no record that Lenin ever said that India should be a free country. These facts are in the history books. Lenin died in 1924 and was succeeded by Joseph Stalin. Even Stalin was not interested in India until his death in 1953. He considered Indian leaders like Gandhi and Nehru as the running dogs of British imperialism
The state created by Lenin had no permanence and within 5 to 6 decades of his death, the communist state created by him collapsed like a pack of cards. Russian's realized that there was no personal freedom and the entire Russian was like a massive concentration camp so nicely brought out by Boris Pasternak and Alexander Solzetsysian. They brought to light in their books and novels a state which is built on sand and was bound to collapse and the Russian State built by Lenin collapsed. Lenin cannot have a permanent place in history because he was basically a failure. The title of the great will elude him for all time to come
Last word
In India we have lopsided properties and when the BJP which came to power in Tripura and toppled two statues Of Lenin there has been a hue and cry as if Lenin was very much part of the Indian psyche. The real fact is that he was not interested in India. yet it is a matter of great regret that Lenin being greater importance in India than in Russia. Can anyone forget that over 150 Statues Of Lenin were toppled in Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism? Lenin was certainly a historical figure and an important figure of the 20 century but he probably falls in the same bracket as Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo and that is not a very happy thought
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article True Tale; Adventure in the Sand.
When I was posted to Uttarlai, I was friends with a few central government officers. Utarlai is a small village about 15 km from Barmer and houses an FBSU, a front line base against Pakistan. There is a rail line from Barmar to Munabao, which is right on the border, so this is a strategically important place. In olden days the train went straight from Jaipur to Hyderabad( Sind) through Munabao. I was posted as the commander of the base and I landed by train from Jaipur( there is a direct train from Jaipur).
I was received at the railway station by the chief admin officer and conducted to the officer's mess. This was all routine and I was well aware of everything. I wanted to have a look at the base and I asked for my Gypsy to take me around. The vehicle duly arrived with my driver and I drove straight to the airfield and the air traffic control tower. I had a look at the hangers where the MIGs were parked and was pleased with their look. I had earlier carried out an informal study of Uttarlai and Barmer was aware that the BSF maintained a lovely desert Golf Course. Such golf courses in the desert do not have any greens which are replaced by fine sand vetted with oiL. The BSF used discarded engine oil for their Golf Course
I resolved to make the most of my time in the desert and play golf also.After settling down my driver drove me to the Golf Course where I had my first introduction with a man called Rathore. He introduced himself as the local head of the Indian Intelligence. Later on, I came to know that he was from RAW. We became good friends and more often met on the course.I also invited him as the commander of the base to the Air Force Station and we had a couple of large pegs of scotch whiskey in the bar in the officer's mess
One day Rathore rang me up and asked me "Captain are you free tomorrow?"
I was intrigued by the question.
" yes" I replied "of course"
"Ok Capt "he replied" I will come tomorrow early morning and pick you up but look, friend, we will travel in my jeep and not in your staff vehicle. I hope you will have no objection "
Though surprised I agreed.
" One more thing Capt don't come in uniform and I request you to come in Mufti." As you all know Mufti is the term used in the military for the ordinary civil dress.
The next day I got ready for the trip with a T-shirt and jeans. Just as I was leaving a sixth sense warned me to take my service revolver with me. So I instructed the driver to drive to the armory, where I drew my .38 Webley Scott. I collected six rounds as well and loaded my weapons and rotated the cylinder and found the weapon in good condition and oiled. The armorer had done a good job.
The honking of the jeep and a call from the guardroom informed me that Rathore had come. I drove to the guard room and saw Rathore there sitting in a jeep. It was a Wrangler and rarely seen in India, but it's a great vehicle to drive in the sand with its 4x4 drive.
"Come captain" Rathore waved to me"let's get cracking"
I settled into the jeep and asked: " you going to drive, no driver..?"
He laughed "Captain we are on a mission and I don't need a driver"
"fine, " I said" I can lend a hand if required"
He smiled and said softly"Captain, you have read Sherlock Holmes?. Do you know when Holmes was on a trail he would say 'Watson the game is afoot'."
" Yes," I replied, " but what is all this".
He put the wrangler into gear and the Jeep softly moved forward. We moved past the dunes on way to Munabao.
" You haven't answered my question, " I said.
As the wrangler sped forward, Rathore looked at me with an enigmatic smile and said: " captain we are on to Munabao where a rep of Murtaza Bhutto is to meet us". I was thrilled" But why take me ...?".
"I got clearance from RAW director to take you as you are an Air Force officer and I need someone for a back up as this is not only an important but dangerous mission. "
Rathore was silent for some time as the vehicle sped forward in the dusty road made by the border roads organization. He accelerated and the jeep sped forward.
" I will let you know something about this mission. I have received a large suitcase from the headquarters. I don't know what is in it, but it is important that this suitcase is delivered to a man at Munabao who will be a rep of the leader Murtaza Bhutto. Our job is to hand over the suitcase and get back. But the jr Bhutto has a lot of enemies and there could be some sharpshooters around".
He had just uttered these words when I saw a camel sitting right in the center of the road. Rathore brought the jeep to a halt and shouted to a man sitting close to the camel
" Take that camel of the road".
"Ji Huzoor" the man replied and got up.
My trained eye thought his movements were suspicious and I caught the butt of my revolver. The man walked to Rathore and when he was close he pulled out a pistol and fired. It was quick action, but I had also fired and the man was hit by my bullet and his pistol fell from his hand as he collapsed on the road I looked at Rathore and saw the bullet had hit his arm and he was bleeding.
" What next?" I asked " I should get you to a hospital"
"No, no" he shouted " drop me here and I will be safe. I will radio for help, but you carry on to Munabao. Remember the man will be wearing a red color salwar Kameez and the password is " Ek cup Chai".( one cup of tea).
I was loathed to leave him but Rathore got out clutching his bleeding arm and began to dial his wireless.
" go, captain, go, this mission is important"
I saw the dead man on the road, the man who had pulled the gun on Rathore. I knew he was an enemy agent and maybe there were others as well. I put the jeep into gear and moved away. I saw the receding figure of Rathore as he waved me on.
I had gone a few miles when far away I saw two camels. I halted my jeep and took stock of the situation.I did not continue on the dusty road but put the jeep into its 4x4 drive and veered into the sand dunes. I had once driven in the sand dunes in Dubai, so I was not a novice. The jeep began to climb the dunes and then go down. It handled beautifully and far away I could see the camels. Two men were looking in my direction as I moved and then I heard a shout
" Mother fucker, he is trying to outwit us. Get him, Khalid".
The man had a rifle and he could easily pick me out. So I decided to drive towards the men and the camels. This surprised both of the men, who expected me to try and run away. There was a momentary lapse which was fatal for the man with the rifle. As I neared I opened fire with my Webley. The .38 is a lethal weapon and I was on target. I had hit the man in the arm and his rifle fell to the ground as he slumped down. I fired in quick succession, two more shots and one of them hit the other man. He fell on the road and it was obvious he had received a fatal shot.
I came close to the man sprawled on the ground clutching his arm.I said " Salaam" and drove away towards Munabao. The rest of the drive was easy and I reached the small village and located a tea shop. There was only one and sat down clutching the suitcase.
Then a Pathan, a large man wearing a red salwar Kameez appeared. he sat opposite me and boomed " Ek cup Chai". I know he was my man. I repeated the words and the man shook my hand.
" Barkhurdar, you have taken a great risk. But where is my friend Rathore?/ I hope he is OK"
He did not wait for an answer as the tea which had been brought was left untouched. He grabbed the suitcase and got up.
" Insha Allah, may god with you. Convey my regards to Rathore".
He left like a whirlwind and now I knew a desert storm was brewing as I got up, paid for the tea and left. I reached back without any incident. On the way back I did not see the injured man or the two men I had shot. I also did not see Rathore. When I reached the mess, I got a call. I answered and the voice at the other end answered "well-done captain, the job is done and I am safe, God willing we will meet again" Rathore never came back to Barmer and I never met him again. Was he now on another mission? who can tell?
7 years ago
MG Singh created new article The Will of the Pir- A tale of Celestial Love.
The beginning
I have been long wanting to write this tale but now that 20 years away elapsed I think I can put this lovely story on paper. Close to the place where I stay is a small Dargah. It is dedicated to Pir Badshimiya Qadri, but though I am not a Muslim, I would make it a point to visit this Dargah. I used to go to this Dargah in the morning and then continue to the office. Mostly my chauffeur drove my car but sometimes, when it was raining he would not come and then I would drive the car myself.
One day my driver came and told me that he needed about 40 days leave and requested me to sanction it, as he had some urgent work back over in Bihar. I agreed and let them and go and resolved to drive every day myself to the office in my Mercedes. As usual, I drove the car on the first day to the Mazar and after a brief salutation continued forward. However, when I entered that day, I was struck by a lovely perfume which seemed to float in the dargah.I let the incident pass thinking that this could be a figment of my imagination. As I drove my car forward the heavens broker asunder and a heavy rain began to fall all around me. The rain created an arithmetic pattern on the ground and visibility was greatly reduced. I slowed down and then all of a sudden the car stopped. I was wonderstruck that my Mercedes should have stopped, something that has never happened before. I was wondering what to do when I espied a small stall just about 10 feet away from where my car had stopped. I was wonder start that my car had stopped so close to a tea stall, for this was exactly a small tea stall. With the rain belting down, I was in the mood for a perfect cup of tea, yes very hot tea. I thought I would start the car later as I got out as I rushed towards the small tea stall. I went inside and found it was a neat place and at the corner of the store I saw a young girl. She was obviously managing the stall. I could make out that she was pretty young maybe about 20 or 22 and to top it she was extremely attractive. I will be a nerd if I tell you that I was not aroused at seeing such a beautiful girl in a tea stall with the rain belting all around. I asked her
" Can I have a cup of tea"
" Sure" she replied" yes, what happened. Did your car stop? "
"Yes," I replied" it stopped magically here only and I shall go soon. "
" OK" she replied and lit the stove to prepare the tea.
She prepared 2 cups of tea and I realized she was going to take one cup for her. I looked at her and observed she was slightly wet. Her blouse hugged her body accentuating her raisings. On the spur of the moment I asked her how was it that she was wet when she was inside the stall.
She replied "oh! I had been to the dargah and I had to run back as the rain started"
I just sat and watched as the rain continued, wondering what to do. She looked at me and smiled" Just sit here and relax till the rain stops. After some time I will make you another cup of tea"
The Tryst
As I sipped the second cup of tea, we got into an animated conversation. Then, I observed that on her back and neck there were welt marks.Obviously, she had been badly beaten. I wondered how a woman went to the Dargah with so much faith could be beaten. The Pir was supposed to protect her and I wondered about it.
I left that time and thought to let sleeping dogs lie. I wanted to get to with my work. I reached the office, but the incident at the tea stall remained in my memory and I somehow could not get out of the image of the lovely girl. I could make out that she would have been about 20 years younger to me but my heart fluttered and I felt an ache. I mused as to who had beaten her and wondered if it was her husband or somebody else.
The next day I again drove my Mercedes out of the garage as usual. I stopped by the dargah and wondered about the Invisible Pir. I prayed for myself and hoped I would be successful. When I was about to leave I once again had the feeling that there was a perfume in the Dargah I put it down to the weather and went to my car. Just as I entered my Merc, the heavens opened up and thunder and lightning flashed across the sky and thunderbolts boomed and boomed again.
I put the car into gear and it and it moved forward smoothly. I wondered about the events of yesterday and wondered why the car had stopped. I also remembered that the car started easily and yet the car had stopped as I was nearing the tea stall. This time again something unique happened, the car on its own spluttered and there was his loud bang from the silencer and the vehicle ground to a halt. To my wonder, it has stopped again at the small tea stall
The girl saw me and she looked happy as it was raining cats and dogs with thunderbolts flashing across the sky. She asked me to come into the store and spontaneously she caught my hand and pulled me inside the wooden structure.
"Come," he said "I will make you a cup of tea till the Thunderbolt go away"
She looked happy today and I asked her the reason for it. She replied "today I had been to the dargah and something strange happened"
She continued " You know sahib, there was a wonderful perfume and something tells me in my heart that I am going to get my wish"
Magic was in the air as I without thinking put my hand on her back.
Gift of the Pir?
How did this happen? I have asked but I have no explanation.I cannot explain as I gently caressed her bare back as an electric current began to flow. There was definitely some Supernatural force acting and then did something which I have never done in my life, I kissed her and used a little force to get her to open her mouth. As I was kissing now I realized that a supernatural force was acting and I could have done nothing to stop it. Obviously, something strange was happening the result of all this was inevitable and with the rain beating down on the ground and thunder flashing in the sky I ended up making love to the lovely girl. It was pristine pleasure and at the back of my mind was perhaps this was the handiwork of the Pir. After it was over I just got up and left
For the next 3 days, I continued to visit the tea stall. This time my Mercedes did not stop on its own but I always shut off the ignition myself. This entire incident began to look like a fairy tale. Everybody knows the monsoon in the Western Ghats is tremendous and with the rain going all over I thought meeting my lovely friend was the best thing in the world. It was a pristine delight as I felt strong as ever and again I marveled at the transformation. After 3 or 4 days I told her I would be gone for some official work but I would come back. I asked her " What will you do ?"
She gave an enigmatic answer, " I shall wait for what the Pir promised me".
The end
These words are history now and I wondered at that time what she meant by these words. I came back not after few days but almost a month as I was stuck up for some extra work in Dubai. On return, I started my Merc and went straight to the stall. I wanted to gather the girl in my arms. I was in for a shock as there was no girl there but an old woman. With a beating heart, I asked her about the girl.
"Where is the girl," I asked.The lady replied with a smile "She has gone to her village as she is with a child. You know Sahab her mother in law and husband used to beat her every day for not conceiving. She used to pray at the Dargah and the Pir Baba blessed her and give her a child".
My legs became jelly and I did not drink any tea as I rushed back to my car. With a thumping heart, I started the car as the realization dawned on me that the Pir had given her a gift which he had manifested through me. I drove away wondering at the superpower that had been manifested. My car stopping, the perfume, and the Dargah followed by ferocious love all were the hallmark of a super power. I went to the Dargah and this time it was filled with a lovely perfume. I knew it was Real. Two days later I got a senior appointment at Dubai and wondered, was it the Pir's way to reward me. It was an appointment I never expected. He had paid me for helping him fulfill the dreams of the girl. I never knew her name or where she went. It was a tryst as per the gods.
7 years ago
usha manohar created new article The Mysterious Incident at Akashdeep Estates - Part 7.
The Mysterious incident at Akashdeep estates - 7
Life at Akashdeep estate
Saturdays and Sundays were eagerly looked forward to, by the estate workers and other staff alike. Saturday was their pay day since the workers worked half day after which they were paid their weekly wages . They would leave soon after with their families to watch a movie at the tent cinema or probably eat out at one of the restaurants . Sunday was a day of rest and everything went on at a slow pace. Geeta and Nanjappa had their day off after breakfast . So, I and Rohini aunt cooked some rice and heated up the leftovers for lunch that Sunday.. Arvind never appeared until after lunch and Shalini came down for lunch, looked at the leftovers and left in a huff..I saw her later walking out of the estate gates while Mahesh anna was taking a nap. I too had found a favorite spot and I waked towards it hoping that I might come across Rohit , but no such luck !
The next day was Monday and it was my father's birthday. I woke up early and lay in bed thinking about him and my own interactions with him while he was alive. He would talk to us children on various subjects and encouraged us to discuss and ask questions. I missed him a lot and decided to call my mother . She too was missing him , I could tell by her tone. However, I felt much better after I spoke to her. After brushing and washing I decided to wear a silk hand loom saree that was gifted to me by papa . It had floral patterns in shades of pink, cream and light green and I loved wearing it.
When I came down, Rohini aunt smiled at me and said... " Wow , what a lovely saree , the color suits you perfectly "
Geeta too complimented me and so did Mahesh anna who came in from the office after having locked up the roll call register. We had breakfast and Mahesh anna went on some errand . Shalini had just come down wearing a crumpled night dress and it looked as if her alter ego had taken over , because she sat on the sofa fidgeting around without saying anything nor responding to either Geeta who asked her if she wanted coffee nor Rohini aunt, generally ignoring everyone . Mahesh anna came in right then and addressed me..
“ Anita , I am taking you to town with me , dont want you to get the feeling , I am all dressed up but I have nowhere to go …” I laughed heartily at that but felt very pleased with his offer, which I readily agreed to. Rohini aunt too said that it was a good idea to take me as she handed over a list to Mahesh anna. Since many varieties of vegetables , fruits and even spices were grown within the estate all that we needed to buy were stuff like rice, wheat ,.sugar and other essentials.
“ If you had told me earlier I too would have come “ this was from Shalini in a loud , clear voice and we all looked at her with surprise , more so because of her mercurial change of mood.
But Mahesh anna said that since he was in a hurry and could not wait until she got dressed , he would take her to town some other day which I felt was unfair but later realised why he had refused to take her with us.
Meeting Rohit
Anyway we set off , with Nanjappa driving the jeep and Mahesh anna sitting in the front with him and I sat at the back enjoying the drive through narrow winding roads that led to the town center which was located at a distance of about 4 kms. I was told it was where they had three banks and most of the estate transactions took place there. Mahesh anna was going to one of the banks to enquire about a loan he had applied for and Arvind who had gone earlier to the post office would meet us at the bank.
We had driven for about a kilometer in the same direction that I normally went for a walk and to my favorite spot , when I happened to see a pleasant looking lady standing by a gate beyond which I could see a small cottage but no coffee estate surrounding it . Both Mahesh anna and Nanjappa waved and smiled at her. She in turn smiled at them lifting her hand. Neighbors are far and apart in the coffee country so you get to know anyone and everyone who lives even a few kms down the road ..
We reached the town and Mahesh anna handed over the list at a largish grocery shop and requested them to pack the stuff to be collected on our way back. And then we proceeded to the bank. I sat at the reception area and waited while Mahesh anna tried to locate the manager. After a few minutes I saw him come out of the Manager’s cabin along with someone who had his back to me since he was talking to one of the staff. When he turned I saw that it was Rohit wearing a striped shirt, and trousers which made him look different , dignified and even more handsome. At last I knew who he was ! ..They came towards me and Mahesh anna introduced him. I was tongue tied in his presence. Then we had to leave since Arvind came and we had to collect the grocery and Mahesh anna had a hundred other jobs.
When we drove back , Arvind and I sat at the back and he seemed to be in one of his friendly moods . As we drove close to the cottage where we had seen the pleasant looking lady, Arvind pointed out and said that, that was where Rohit lived . I told him about the lady we had seen near the gate when we drove to the town in the morning.
“ That is Vidyakka, Rohit’s elder sister. She visits Rohit often . She lost her husband last year “
To this Mahesh anna added “ She and her two children live with their parents in Mysore “
Soon we were home and Mahesh anna gave an account of the days happening to Rohini aunt while I sat and istened and so did Shalini , with a keen interest in everything , so unlike her. When Mahesh anna mentioned about vidyakka , Rohini aunt smiled and said that she would take me to visit her one of these days.I got the feeling that Rohini aunt liked Vidyakka , but what about Rohit ? what did she think of him?
My day was complete and I felt that it was my father's blessing to me ..I did not want to dwell on Rohit or my confused feelings about him because there were too many whys, ifs and buts about him that disturbed me. I decided to take each day as it came without worrying about what the future held for me.
( to be continued )
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
suni51 wrote:MG Singh wrote:suni51...
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
MG Singh wrote:Many are saying Rahul is a puppet. Friends so many said the same thing about Indira Gandhi. Remember she was...
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
MG Singh wrote:suni51 wrote:What I feel is that whatever Rahul says or does in public...
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Part IV, Articles 36-51 of the Indian constitution. It enjoins the state to enact a uniform civil code. Should this proviso be scrapped?.
Modi had an excellent chance but he never moved one inch on civil code or article 370. I wish he had shown same zeal as he is showing in implementing Aadhar card.
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
Many are saying Rahul is a puppet. Friends so many said the same thing about Indira Gandhi. Remember she was referred to as " goongie gudiya".what happened? You all now better...
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
suni51 wrote:What I feel is that whatever Rahul says or does in public are neither his own views or acts but he only repeats what a...
7 years ago
MG Singh replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
jabeen wrote:MG Singh wrote:Arunima Singh...
7 years ago
suni51 answered the question Member of the week distinctions.
How do you know that you were at #1 in position and got only 25? The system is automated and can't go wrong. Maybe when you checked you were on top but someone else got more...
7 years ago
suni51 answered the question Favorite song from Backstreet Boys.
My favorite song from the gang is - I will never break your heart - sad and serious though!
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic Extending payment modes.
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:epraneeth77 wrote:Kalyani...
7 years ago
epraneeth77 wrote:Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:Welcome to boddunan Gaurav. Usha has already...
7 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
What I feel is that whatever Rahul says or does in public are neither his own views or acts but he only repeats what a group of advisers tell him to do. He is just a puppet...
7 years ago
usha manohar replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
A self centered person who thinks nothing of tearing up his own govts papers , has scant respect your r knowledge about hs own.country may be liked by Congress supporters bit...
7 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic The recent state election results and the future ...
MG Singh wrote:Arunima Singh wrote:vijay...
7 years ago