Obituary

“Well, we’ll have to purify the body by sprinkling ‘Gangajal’ on it. My wife’s aunt had brought it from Allahabad after paying Rs.50/-. Dinkar, you should participate in the events with full devotion. Only then will her soul rest in peace. We will have to pay Rs.500/- to the undertaker. They’ll arrange for the wood too. I’ve asked for sandalwood to be used. I know it’s costly but then it’s one’s last journey.
Don’t forget to give Rs.650/- to the driver. He has brought your wife’s relatives from Nandivaram. It’s fair enough. Everyone knows how far away that place is. I just don’t like people who keep saying money is important. After all money is only a tool in one’s hand. Don’t let money be your master, says the Bhagawad Gita.
Have you spoken to the priest about his fees? These days they charge you through the nose and they don’t even know the mantras properly. I bet he has not read the Maitreya Upanishad.”
“It’s called Taitreya Upanishad, not Maitreya...”
“ What difference does it make as long as you know he hasn’t even read it. I remember the priest who had performed my appa’s rituals. He was a pundit in the Vedas and Upanishads. His presence in the house would have sent appa’s soul to swargam. And he charged such low fees. Things have become so costly these days.”
“ But, haven’t the incomes grown too. Why don’t you see the glass half full?”
“ How can one, after we have lost all the land to those low-caste fellows? My blood boils whenever I see Krishnan walking head held high in front of me. So much arrogance. No humility.”
“ Why didn’t you give away some of your humility along with the land?”
“Okay, okay, it is time for the ceremony. Remember to wear that 2000-rupee dhoti. Let people know you are an IAS officer in Delhi. And ask your wife not to forget that Kanchevaram saree she bought the other day.”
“But...”
“ I know, you’re feeling bad because of the sad occasion. It is sad for me too. I can understand. But you see. People are people. You can’t change them. I’m sure you don’t expect people to see you in a cotton lungi. Don’t you remember 2000 people will be coming including people from my office? It’s not for nothing that I have hidden the fact that we have taken so many loans. My father always told me – keep your face even if you have to give your life away. I follow it till this very day.”