624. TV Service Centre

Nandagopal was working as a Television service technician in the repairs and service section of a reputed home appliances showroom.

Finding that repairing television sets was not a profitable activity, the showroom decided to discontinue the service and repairs activity. 

As a consequence of the dealer's decision, Nandagopal and two other technicians working with him, Anbu and Satish, suddenly found themselves out of a job.

Losing his job was a big blow to Nandagopal. Getting a job in a good company like the one he had been working in was difficult. He could get a job in a small firm engaged in service and repairs of electronic equipment. But, the pay would be less and the tenure of the job would also be uncertain.

Nandagopal discussed the problem with Satish and Anbu.

"Why don't the three of us together start an electronics service centre?" asked Nandagopal.

"Are you joking? Do we have the capital needed to start such a business? We can't even afford to hire a place" said Satish.

"We can use a room in my house for the activity. It has a window facing the street. If we keep a board outside the window, people walking on the street will be able to see the board. Though I reside in a rented house, I will be able to get the consent of my landlord for running a TV service centre at my house" said Nandagopal.

"What about the investment needed for buying tools and equipment?" asked Anbu.

"We can buy the tools and equipment from the showroom we worked for, at a low price. If the showroom tries to sell them to others, it will be able to sell only at the scrap rate. The showroom manager is a reasonable person. We can convince him to sell us the tools and equipment at a price better than what the scrap dealers will offer. The showroom has also a fairly large quantity of spares in stock, which it won't be able to dispose of. If we offer to buy the spare parts entirely over a period, buying in small quantities at a time, the manager will agree. We can also request the manager to furnish the contact details of the people who have bought the electronic appliances from the showroom. We can contact those buyers and request them to contact us for any service requirement."

"I don't think it will work out for me. I will go for a job" said Satish.

After thinking for a while, Anbu said, "I won't be able to invest any money. I will join with you in your venture. Depending on the revenue earned in the business, you can pay me whatever you think is appropriate. But, if I get a good job offer, I will leave. I will also leave, if I don't get sufficient income from the business."

Two moths passed since Nandagopal started his service centre, along with Anbu.

They didn't get much business in the first month. But, there was a considerable improvement in the second month.

Nandagopal was confident that in the next couple of months, they would be able to earn a substantial revenue.

But, they received an unexpected jolt in the form of the lockdown on account of the COVID epidemic.

"It is over. We cannot recover from this blow" said Anbu, feeling dejected.

"Let us see!" said Nandagopal.

"What is there for us to see? What is the basis for your confidence?" asked Anbu, showing his irritation.

"Anbu! Look at the situation this way. Now, there is a complete lockdown. People will be confined to their homes. They will watch TV more. Therefore, there will be a greater need for TV service. Some people who have kept defective TV sets unrepaired will be motivated to get the TV sets repaired. During the lockdown, all big shops and service centres will be closed. So, there will be more opportunities for small service units like ours" said Nandagopal.

Anbu looked at his friend with surprise and admiration. 

As predicted by Nadagopal, they received a number of calls for servicing TV sets. 

The two of them carried the essential tools and small equipment in a suitcase, went to the homes and repaired the TV sets on the spot.

After a few weeks, they ran out of some spare parts.

Nandagopal rang up to the manager of the showroom and requested him to supply the spare parts needed by them.

The manager not only declined Nandagopal's request, citing the lockdown restrictions but also vented out his frustration.

"Well. I could have sold all the spare parts to someone. I accepted your offer to buy the spare parts from us over a period, purely out of a desire to help you. Now, the spare parts are still lying with us. Because of the lockdown, we are unable to sell the spares either to you or to others. We are stuck up with the stock. I don't know when the lockdown will be over. The resale value of the stocks would have fallen considerably by the time the lockdown is lifted. Our proprietor is going to blame me for the loss" he lamented.

Nandagopal and Anbu spent the next two days, feeling tense and helpless. People who had asked them to repair their TV sets called them up and expressed their concern about the delay.

"Sir, because of the lockdown, we are unable to get the spare parts. Please give us two more days" Nandagopal, pleaded. 

"Just when I felt releived that we have been managing things, new problems are cropping up" said Anbu.

Nandagopal called up the manager of the showroom again.

"Sir! Please have trust in us and give us the keys of the showroom. We will collect the keys from your house, open the showroom, take the spare parts needed by us and return the keys to you within an hour. We will also pay for them immediately. I assure you that We will buy all the spare parts within the next six months. You will not incur any lass" said Nandagopal.

After hesitating for a moment, the Manager said, "Okay. You can come to my house and collect the keys from me."

Six months passed since the lockdown had been imposed.

"Not bad. We have managed to run our business for six months, during the lockdown. I hope that we will be able to carry on" said Anbu.

When Anbu was carrying a TV set from a customer's house to the service centre, for getting it repaired, he was intercepted by a policeman.

"From where did you steal the TV?" asked the policeman.

"I didn't steal it. I am taking it to our service centre for repairing it, sir" said Anbu.

"It is still worse. Keeping your service centre open during the lockdown is an offense. Come with me to the station." said the policeman.

After receiving a call from Anbu, Nandagopal went to the police station..

He explained to the policeman how they had been operating.

"Sir, usually, we visit the customer's home and carry out the repair there. Only this time, it became necessary for us to bring the TV set to our service centre. When I say service centre, I am referring to my house. We do the service inside the house, keeping the outer door closed."

"Your partner was caught on the road, when he was carrying the TV set. Now, you have joined him on your own. I think both of you are going to be sentenced to six months' imprisonment, for violating the lockdown rules. Let the inspector come" said the policeman.

Presently, the inspector came to the station.

After listening to the constable's complaint and Nadagopal's explanation, the inspector said, "The lockdown rules have to be followed. Hereafter, don't roam about the streets, carrying TV sets."

He let them off, after warning them orally.

After they stepped out of the police station, Nandagopal told Anbu, "Usually, you will be upset, even if a small problem surfaces. But today, you are so calm!"

"I have been observing things for the past several months. We encountered one obstacle after another. But you have remained unperturbed. The obstacles have become scared of you and been running away. Hereafter, I am not going to be perturbed, either."

Even before Anbu had completed saying this, a police constable came running towards them from inside the police station. "Guys! The inspector is calling you."

"Just after my saying that obstacles have begun to run away from you, another obstacle seems to be showing up. Go and see what it is. I will wait for you here" said Anbu. 

Nandagopal, came out of the station and joined Anbu after a couple of minutes,.

He told anbu, "The inspector has a TV in his hose that needs repairing. He couldn't find anyone to repair it. So he wants us to go to his house and repair it. He also told me that if anyone else in the police department requires repairing of their TV sets, he would ask them to approach us."

Seeing the worrying expression on Anbu's face, Nandagopal added, "He said that he would pay us our charges!"

Nandagopal then laughed aloud. 

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 63
Unfazed in the Face of Trouble

Verse 624 (in Tamil):
maduththa vAy ellAm pagadu annAn uRRa
idukkaN idarppAdu udaiththu

Meaning:

If one chugs along like a bull that keeps pulling the cart even when it is stuck in a mire, troubles facing him will be distressed.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'ingE TV rippEr seyyappadum' by the same author.) 

Verse 625 (Soon)
Verse 623

622. When Adversity Strikes...

"How is your father?" Sampath asked his friend Bhaskar.

"He had been brisk and active all along, but he suddenly had a heart attack. After getting treated in the hospital for a few days, he was brought home only a couple of days back. The doctor has advised him bed rest for a few months" replied Bhaskar.

"Oh, God! Should this happen at this time?"

"It should be considered a blessing in disguise. Since I was home, being under suspension, I was able to take him to the hospital immediately. I also had the time to be near him and attend to him. If I had been working, getting leave from the company would have been difficult" said Bhaskar, smiling.

"It is amazing to me how you manage to be cheerful, after what has happened you. Every one in our company knows that our Manager has made you a scapegoat, to cover up his wrongdoing. Everybody is sympathetic towards you and angry with our Manager, for the injustice he has done to you."

"Oh, I am grateful to all of you for your trust in me. I hope that the truth will come out during the enquiry and that I will be restored in my position. But I may have to wait for a couple of months for this to happen."

"How will you manage till that time? You have to take care of the medical expenses of your father also."

"Yes. It is going to be a problem. My father was going for a part-time job and earning some money. That income has stopped now. Since I am under suspension, I will get only fifty percent of my pay. My finances are going to be tight" said Bhaskar, in a matter of fact manner.

"You are stating your problems, as if narrating the problems of someone else. If I were to face such problems, I would go mad. You are facing your situation calmly. I am sorry that I am not in a position to offer you any help. I can lend you a small amount of money, if you need" said Sampath, apologetically.

"I feel gratified by your intention to help me. I will ask you, if I feel the need. I hope that things will become normal soon" said Bhaskar.

"How did you meet the hospital expenses? Did your father have any medical insurance?"

"No. There was no medical insurance. I may get a small amount from our company's Family Welfare Scheme. But I can't apply for the aid, when I am under suspension. My wife had some jewels given to her by her father as marriage gift. And, there are pawn shops to finance against pledge of gold jewelry! So I had managed. I have managed the situation till today. I don't know how the situation will be tomorrow, but I am hopeful that the path will keep getting cleared, as I move forward."

"When I try to imagine how I would have coped with a situation like the one you are in, I feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge. Seeing how you have been facing the challenges without getting perturbed even a little, I feel that I should learn to emulate your approach at least to a small extent" said Sampath, in a voice choked by emotion.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 63
Unfazed in the Face of Trouble

Verse 623 (in Tamil):
veLLaththu anaiya idumbai aRivudaiyAn
uLLaththin uLLak kedum.

Meaning:

Floods of tribulation will be wiped away,

when the wise set their minds on overcoming it.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'GnAyiRRuk kizhamai paper' by the same author.) 

Verse 624 (Soon)
Verse 622

623. In the Aftermath of the Accident

When Kalpana received a phone call about the accident that had happened to her husband Rathnam, when he was working in the factory, she felt devastated. 

When she unconsciously kept her palm over her chest, she sensed that her heart was beating very fast. For a moment, she wondered whether her heart would explode.

She thought about her son and daughter, who had been to the school. Realizing that with Rathnam having been hospitalized following the accident, she had the sole responsibility of taking care of her family, she consoled herself quickly.

The accident had happened anyway. She prayed to God for early recovery of her husband and rushed to the hospital.

When Kalpana reached the hospital, Rathnam's colleagues, who were in the hospital, noticed that despite feeling perturbed and anxious, Kalpana retained a sense of sobriety.

Rathnam underwent treatment at the hospital for about a month. His company claimed that the accident had happened because of negligence on the part of Rathnam. However, it came forward to bear his hospitalization expenses, as a goodwill gesture.

When Rathnam was discharged from the hospital after a month, his left leg had become disabled, as a result of the injury caused by the accident. 

Since Rathnam became incapacitated to work in the factory, his company paid him a modest sum, as compensation. The company made it clear that it was not lawfully obliged to give any compensation to Rathnam and that the compensation had been paid, purely on humanitarian grounds.

A few days after Rathnam returned home from the hospital, Manickam, the trade union leader of Rathnam's company, came to Rathnam's house.

"The company has to pay you compensation. But it is refusing to do so. Instead, the management is offering your wife a job, on compassionate grounds. If we take up the matter with the Labour Commissioner, there are good chances of the Labour Commissioner ordering that a compensation be paid to you" he told Rathnam.

"Okay. I will appeal to the Labour Commissioner" said Rathnam.

Kalpana asked Manickam, "In case we lose our case after appealing to the Labour Commissioner, will the company still give me a job?"

"It won't. Once I file an appeal before the Labour Commissioner seeking compensation, the company will become hostile to me" said Rathnam.

"So, does it not make sense for us to accept the company's offer of a job to me?"  asked Kalpana.

"You don't understand, Kalpana. The company has an obligation to compensate me for the accident that happened when I was working in the factory. The company is shirking its responsibility and offering you a job, in the form of charity. Should we accept this?" said Rathnam, angrily.

"Rathnam! I think that what your wife says makes sense" said Manickam. "If the company claims that the accident happened due to your negligence, it will be difficult for us to disprove that claim. Considering that the company came forward to bear your hospitalization expenses and also paid you a small sum of money as compensation, the Labour Commissioner may rule in favour of the company. So, your wife's suggestion that we accept the job offer made to her, appears to be wise."

"Kalpana is an educated lady. She will be able to get a good job elsewhere. Why should we accept the charity offer made by the company?" asked Rathnam.

Kalpana could not control her sobs.

In the midst of sobs, she told Rathnam, "The moment I heard the news about the accident, I decided that I should take up some job, to earn money needed to run our family. My vigorous efforts to get a suitable job were not successful. After attending a few interviews, I have realized that despite my educational qualifications, my lack of experience and my having been a housewife for the past few years stand in the way of my getting a good job. At a time I have reconciled to the reality that I could be employed only as a cook or as a housemaid, this opportunity has come. Can we afford to fritter this away? If you don't get a favourable decision from the Labour Commissioner, what are we going to do? Even if you are awarded a substantial sum as compensation, will it be sufficient to take care of our needs for the rest of our life?"

Kalpana went into an adjoining room, her sobs still continuing.

"Rathnam! Even after such a big shock, your wife did not get heart-broken, but managed to keep her cool. She has calmly thought about the future of your family and taken steps, within her means, to get a job so that she could compensate for the loss of your income. You are fortunate to have such a pragmatic and prudent person as your wife" said Manickam

aThirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 63
Unfazed in the Face of Trouble

Verse 623 (in Tamil):
idumbaikku idumbai paduppar idumbaikku
idumbai padAdhavar.

Meaning:

Those who don't get tormented by adversity will cause the adversity to suffer.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'GnAyiRRuk kizhamai paper' by the same author.) 

Verse 624 (Soon)
Verse 622

621. The Sunday Newspaper

After Paramu's father Sivam's demise, several people met the family members and condoled Sivam's death. Condolences also poured in through messages sent by mail and phone.

"A man with a strong will!"

"He would face any problem boldly."

"He had a fine sense of humour."

These were some of the observations made by people, about the late Sivam.

A few days after Sivam had passed away, Paramu asked his mother Uma, "I find many people describing dad as a person who was not easily perturbed. Is this true or, is it a ceremonial tribute paid to a departed person?"

"Why do you ask this question? Don't you know about your father?" asked Uma.

"I know that dad was a cheerful person. But, if he encountered some serious problem, he would lock himself into his room and come out only after half an hour or so. So, I used to think that dad was easily put out by problems and that he didn't have the mental strength to face or withstand challenges and difficult situations."

"What you had observed is true. But, did you notice what his mood would be, after coming out of the room?"

"Yes. I had observed that he would have a calm expression on his face. He would even be smiling."

"Did you think about the reason for the change in his state of mind?"

"I assumed that he would cry, after locking himself into the room. Perhaps, he regained a sense of placidness as a result of the crying."

"Paramu! Since you had studied in a residential school and hence been away from home for long periods, you didn't have the opportunity to watch your father closely. Okay. What kind of books did your father suggest that you read?" asked Uma. 

"He had advised me to read books with humourous content. But, I was not interested in reading books of authors recommended by him, like PG Wodehouse in English and Kalki, Devan, Bhagyam Ramaswamy etc. in Tamil, renowned for their humourous writing. I was interested in reading crime thrillers. But, dad didn't press me to read works of humour. He stopped with making the recommendation. But, why do you ask this now?"

"Going by the advice given to you by your father, didn't you realize that he was a person with a sense of humour?"

"That may be the case. But the fact remains that he didn't have the mental stamina to face adversities."

"Are you not able to guess what your father did, when he went into his room and remained there for several minutes?"

"Would he read some books? But the book shelf is in the living room. The room he would retire to has only a table and a chair!"

Uma heard someone calling her from the entrance of the house.

"Ok. You step into the room and see what is inside the drawer of the table. The waste paper dealer is at our doorstep. I will dispose of the old papers and come back" said Uma and went to the doorstep.

When Uma came to the room, after dealing with the waste paper trader, Paramu was having a large sized notebook in his hands and reading it. She observed that he was smiling and also chuckling intermittently.

Looking at Uma, Paramu said, "This is a treasure house of humour. The pages of the notebook have cuttings of cartoons and jokes affixed to them. One can't help bursting out in laughter. I think that even if one reads them several times, the humour will remain fresh. Did dad come to this room for the purpose of browsing these cartoons?"

"Yes. If he was upset by some problem or some tragic happening, he would come to this room, immerse himself in these cartoons for about half an hour and come out feeling fresh and energetic. He had told me many times that after having a hearty laugh after reading these humourous pieces, he would gain a sense of confidence about overcoming any obstacle.

"Madam! I have discarded papers that have clippings cut off from them. I will take the other papers and weigh them" the old newspaper merchant said loudly.

"That was your father's making. He would cut all the jokes and humourous cartoons from the Sunday newspapers" said Uma, smiling.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 63
Unfazed in the Face of Trouble

Verse 621 (in Tamil):
idukkaN varum kAl naguga adhanai
aduththu Urvadhu ahdhu oppadhu il.

Meaning:

Smile in times of trouble; there is nothing like that, to press upon and drive away sorrow.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'GnAyiRRuk kizhamai paper' by the same author.) 

Verse 622
Verse 620

144. The Professor's Demand

"For doing Ph.D, you need a good guide. Only then, you will be able to structure your thesis well. Your Ph.D. will also be valued high by other people, only if it is done under a reputed guide." 

This was the advice Sangeetha received from many of her well-wishers, when she announced her decision to do Ph.D.

Sangeetha decided to approach Dr. Parameswaran and request him to be her guide.

Dr. Parameswaran had a reputation at the national level as a leading scholar in History.

"Since a lot of people doing Ph.D apply to Dr. Parameswaran, requesting him to be their guide, he follows the practice of calling a select few, who have a good academic background, for a personal interview and select his students. Since you have an excellent academic background, you have a good chance of being selected by him" the principal of her college told Sangeetha, encouragingly.

Sangeetha received a call for interview from Parameswaran, within a few days of her sending her application.

After quickly going through Sabgeetha's profile, Parameswaran asked her, "What is the topic you have chosen for research?"

"I propose to do research on 'A Comparative Study of Chola and Pallava cultures.'"

"Interesting. How did you choose this topic?"

"When I visited some temples in Kanchipuram, I learnt that both the Chola kings and the Pallava kings had contributed to the structures of the temples at various times. I saw that elements of the styles and features of both the dynasties in the architecture and the sculptures in the temples. After having a glimpse of some of the features, I developed a desire to make a study comparing and contrasting the cultures of the two dynasties. I look up to you to guide me in understanding the scope for this study and devising an appropriate approach."

"Brilliant! I am impressed by your approach. In general, people who do research with the goal of getting an academic degree, do some superficial research, write something they call thesis and manage to get the degree! But you have decided to link something you have observed, with your academic studies and decided to do research, adopting a profound approach. I should feel proud of being your guide" said Parameswaran.

Sabgeetha was thrilled to hear this effusive praise from a scholar of repute. She noticed that while commending her approach, he had also conveyed his acceptance to be her guide.

"I am grateful to you, sir, for accepting me as your student. It is my good fortune" said Sangeetha, overwhelmed with excitement.

"But, Sangeetha, you have to offer me a Guru Dakshina*" said Parameswaran, smiling.

"What is it, sir?" asked Sangeetha, feeling apprehensive that he was going to ask for money, in return for accepting her as his student.

"There is only one thing that a beautiful woman like you can give to a man!" said Parameswaran, with a smirk.

Sangeetha felt as if a hot vapour was sweeping her body from head to feet. She noticed that he had dropped the "Mrs," while addressing her and begun to address her by her first name.

"What do you mean, sir" asked Sangeetha, finding it difficult to believe that the professor would make such an outrageous demand. 

"It is very simple, Sangeetha. I may seek your company now and then and you should readily oblige me."

"Sir! I am a married woman."

"Yes, of course. You have mentioned it in your profile. Don't worry. No one will come to know about your private encounters with me!"

Sangeetha was so shocked that she didn't know how to respond.

She got up from her seat.

"Just a minute" said Parameswaran. 

But Sangeetha ignored him and walked out.

Sangeetha did her Ph.D, choosing another professor as her guide. However, the memory of the bitter experience she had with Parameswaran was stuck in her mind like a piece of burning coal, constantly agonizing her. 

'Scoundrels like Parameswaran have been freely roaming about in the society, wearing the cloak of respectability. How many women would have succumbed to his pressure, realizing that they had no other alternative and silently suffered the humiliation and the pain!' Sangeetha would often reflect. 

She could not reveal to the outside world what Parameswaran demanded of her for consenting to be her guide. But she had a strong urge to expose him.

She had been thinking of a way to expose and humiliate Parameswaran. 

After thinking about this repeatedly, an idea occurred to her.

Malini, the Editor of 'Oh Woman,' a journal dedicated to issues relating to women, read the article written by Sangeetha.

"Is this a true story?" Malini asked Sangeetha, after reading the article.

"Yes" said Sangeetha.

"I can publish your article entitled, 'Getting a doctorate - A Woman's Experience,' specifying it as a true incident. But this article doesn't carry the name of either the victim or the perpetrator. What do you expect to gain by getting this article published?"

"Madam! As you could have guessed, I am the victim. But as you know, revealing my name would only impact me adversely. If I were to mention the name of the professor, he would deny it. He might also file a defamation suit against you and me. I don't have any evidence to prove my allegation."

"I am aware of the implications of mentioning the names of the victim and the predator, in the article. But I am wondering what good will result, by my publishing this article in our magazine."

"Madam! After reading the article, were you able to guess the name of the professor?" asked Sangeetha.

"My guess is that it was Dr. Parameswaran!" said Malini, somewhat reluctantly.

"Correct. But how did you guess the name?"

"From the two things you have said about him. You have written that he is a professor with a reputation at the national level. Secondly, you have described yourself as a student of History. Taking these two details together, his name was the first one that popped out of my mind."

"Just as you were able to guess the identity of the professor, so will your readers be."

"Yes, I think so. At the same time, Parameswaran cannot claim that the article was about him. If he were to say so, it would amount to his admitting his wrongdoing. So, this article will hit him, but he won't be able to hit us back. I will publish the article" said Malini, enthusiastically.

"Thank you, madam" said Sangeetha.

After two weeks, Sangeetha received a phone call from Malini. 

"Mrs. Sangeetha! Your article has elicited a lot of response. Many readers have identified the professor referred to in the article as Dr. Parameswaran. Several women affected by him have shared their experiences through letters, emails and phone calls. I understand that the vice-chancellor of the university is also upset. Another surprising information is that the contents of your article have reached many places across the country. Parameswaran had earlier been chosen to preside over the History Researchers' Conference to be held in Delhi next month. Now, there is an official notification that the conference would be presided over by another person, without stating any reason for replacing Parameswaran by the other person. The blow delivered by you has hit Parameswaran very hard. Congratulations."

*Guru Dakshina - An offering by way of cash or a service made by a student to his teacher in the traditional Gurukula System that was in vogue in ancient India.

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 14
Possession of Propriety 

Verse 144 (In Tamil)

enaiththuNaiyar Ayinum ennAm thinaith thuNaiyum
thErAn piRan il pugal.

Meaning:

However great a person may be, what worth is his reputation if, without considering the impropriety of his action, he desires the wife of another?

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'peNNE nI vAzhga' by the same author)

Verse 145 (Soon)
Verse 143

620. Saturn's Early Exit!

"I have lost my job. So I have to make efforts to earn money. I can't be sitting at home idle" said Velu.

"You need to do something, alright. But in your attempts to establish a business, you have been squandering our savings. How are we going to make a living after our entire savings are lost in your business ventures? Our family has to end up being on the streets" said his wife Selvi.

"Listen to me, Velu. The planet Saturn is not favourable to you now. It is traversing a seven and a half year destructive phase, in your horoscope. That was the reason you lost your job. Whatever efforts you make during the present adverse period, they will end up in failure. Our astrologer has cautioned me that you should refrain from launching any venture, before the adverse phase of Saturn comes to an end" said Velu's mother Krishnaveni.

Unable to comprehend what the elders were talking about, Velu's three year old daughter Rajashree kept looking at the faces of the three of them, one after the other.

"If I were to sit idle for the next seven years, waiting for the adverse phase of Saturn to end, I may not be around, when the good phase begins!" quipped Velu, laughing.

He then looked at his wife and said, "I understand your concerns, Selvi. I have not pledged or sold any of your jewels or my mother's jewels, to raise money for my ventures. I have been taking out small amounts from my savings. This is something I have to do. In the beginning, I tried to take up some agencies, without investing any money. But I could not earn sufficient income from such ventures. I realized that I would be able to do good business and earn well, only if I take an agency with a reputed company. But, taking up an agency with a big company requires some investment on my part. Thus, to earn a good income, I need to invest some money. That is what I have been doing."

He then turned to his mother and said, "Mom! I don't want to discredit Astrology. Even assuming that what the astrologer told you is correct, is it not logical that when the times are bad, one should intensify one's efforts to overcome the adverse forces? If the astrologer goes through a seven and a half year adverse phase of Saturn, will he stop practicing Astrology for seven and a half years, acting on the conviction that he won't be able to earn during that phase?"

Velu closed his eyes for a minute, reflecting. He then told both of them, "Please give me six months. Don't question my decisions or actions during this period. I will take care of the family's needs. If at the end of six months, my efforts have not succeeded, we three can sit together and decide what I should do."

Eight months had passed.

One day, Selvi asked Velu, "I observe that for the past few days, you have been dull. You come home late, appearing worn out. You don't eat well, or sleep well. You have always been thinking about some thing. A few days back, you prematurely canceled a fixed deposit for one lakh rupees. I am worried. Did you incur a huge loss in your business venture? The six months' period you had asked for is over already!"

Velu was silent for a few seconds and then said, "I thought of telling you this after a couple of days. Now that you have asked me about the situation, I will tell you about the developments. After taking up an agency with a big company, I struggled for about three months. After that, the business picked up. In the beginning, I was selling the company's products on commission basis. Impressed by my good performance, the company has offered to make me a stockist. The company will supply me the goods, without asking for any advance payment or deposit from me. I can pay for the goods after selling them. The profit margin will be higher under this arrangement. But I need a godown for stocking the goods. For the past several days, I was searching for a suitable place. I was looking for a place with a reasonable rent and a low rental deposit. After hectic efforts, I found a place at a reasonable rent. The owner of the building asked for a rental deposit of two lakh rupees. I had one lakh rupees with me, which I had saved from my earnings during the last eight months. This is after using part of the earnings for our family expenses. Since I needed one lakh rupees more, I had to prematurely close a fixed deposit. I will receive the stocks from the company in two days. After that, my business will go up. I will also be able to earn profits steadily."

Velu looked at Selvi with excitement and pride. 

"This is incredible. I was worried that something adverse could have happened, but, you have given me a pleasant surprise" said Selvi, elated.

"You should share this good news with your mother. She was worried a lot" she added.

"Yes. She can go to the astrologer to find an explanation for this favourable development. He may, after reexamining my horoscope, say that Saturn had some urgent business to attend to and hence made an early exit from my horoscope, giving up his plan to stay there for seven and a half years!" said Velu and laughed.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 62
Perseverance

Verse 620 (in Tamil):
Uzhaiyum uppakkam kANbar ulaivu inRith
thAzhAdhu ugnaRRubavar.

Meaning:

Those who persevere resolutely without respite will defeat fate and drive it away.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'viraivil vilagiya sani' by the same author.) 

Verse 621
Verse 619

619. An Unexpected Opportunity

Bhupathy, along with five of his friends, started a music troupe called 'Live with Music' 

After starting the group, the friends approached a number of music forums and clubs that claimed to be dedicated to the cause of music, requesting for an opportunity to perform in the music events organized by them. But, no one came forward to provide an opportunity to them.

Though the friends who started the troupe with a lot of excitement, were discouraged by their failure to get a chance to perform in any event, they decided to pursue their activity, adopting another course. 

They book concert halls for an evening and conducted music programs, that could be watched people free of cost. 

They also invited people running music clubs, music critics, film music artists and the media, for these programs. But, there was not much of a response to those invitations. 

Though the programs were offered free of cost to the public, they didn't attract a sizeable audience, since the troupe could not spend much for advertising the programs.

Bhupathy and his friends did experience some proud moments, when people who attended a program applauded their performance, with some people even coming to the stage, after the program was over and conveying their appreciation to the troupe. But these appreciations did not translate into any gain to the troupe.

Once, a review about one of their programs was published in an obscure journal. Its circulation being limited, not many people could have read that review. The review was profusely appreciative of the program. 

Bhupathy himself came to know about the review, only after the reviewer called him up and told him about it. Bhupathy procured a copy of the journal which was not sold in popular newsstands, with great difficulty and read the review. 

That review didn't create any tangible impact, since it did not come to the notice of a large number of people.

The energy and the enthusiasm the friends had had, when they started the troupe five years back, were fading gradually.

It was at a time Bhupathy and others were thinking about winding up that activity and focusing on something else, that an unexpected opportunity came their way.

Bhupathy received a phone call from the secretary of 'Deva Gana Sabha*,' one of the leading music forums of the city.

The secretary said that he had attended one of their programs recently and that impressed by the quality of their output, he wanted to give them a chance to perform in his Sabha. He proposed a date for the concert, which Bhupathy readily accepted.

The very next day, Bhupathy received a confirmation email from the Sabha, giving details of the date of the program, the remuneration that would be paid to them and other terms.

The friends were awestruck when they looked at the figure mentioned as remuneration. They never expected to receive such a large sum as remuneration for a two hour performance.

"After so many years, we have received such a wonderful opportunity. If we make the best use of this, we can expect to get more such opportunities" said Bhupathy.

"Our program being held in the prestigious Deva Gana Sabha is a good publicity, by itself. We will become known to a wide circle of people" said Bhaskar, one of the other five members of the troupe.

"We have two months' time. We should do a vigorous rehearsal and present a stunning performance" said Bhupathy.

The very next day, they started the rehearsal.

A week before the program was scheduled, Bhupathy received an email from Deva Gana Sabha. It carried a terse message:

'Due to unexpected reasons, your program scheduled to take place on xx-xx-xxxx has been cancelled.'

Upset by the email, Bhupathy immediately went to the office of Deva Gana Sabha, taking Bhaskar with him. 

A number of people were waiting outside the president's room to meet him.

The secretary was not in his room. Bhupathy presumed that the secretary could be sitting with the president, in the latter's room.

One by one, the visitors went into the president's room and came back after a few minutes. The face expression of the people who came out of the president's room was gloomy.

Bhupathy and Bhaskar went into the president's room, when their turn came.

"The person who was holding the office of the secretary of this Sabha has committed some financial irregularities. He is now under suspension. The programs fixed by him have all been cancelled, pending a detailed enquiry into the fraud committed by him. We have given a complaint to the police. Only after the police enquiry is completed, will we be able to resume our activities. We don't know how many months it will take. I am sorry for the inconvenience" said the president.

"Sir! You can't trivialize this as an inconvenience! You confirmed our program through email. Only after getting your confirmation, we started our rehearsal. We have worked very hard during the last two months. For every rehearsal, we have paid rent for the place and remuneration to the instrument players. We also had to pay for transporting the instruments from the players' homes to the place where rehearsals were held and back. Apart from spending a considerable amount of money, we have also invested our time and toiled hard. How can you go back on your commitment and just say sorry?" asked Bhupathy, indignantly

The president smiled and said, "There is a sentence in the email stating that the program can be cancelled any time without assigning any reason and that no compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation. Did you not read it? We are acting as per the advice of our lawyer. I won't be able to help you."

"This is a bog blow to us. We have never rehearsed so vigorously for any of our programs in the past. It is depressing that all our efforts have become wasted" said Bhaskar, unable to stomach the disappointment.

"What can we do? This is the way our luck works. Or, call it fate, if you want. It appears that none of us have been blessed with good luck!" said Bhupathy.

Bhupathy's mobile phone rang.

"Yes...Please tell me. Oh, really? Which date?... No, that is not a problem. We can make it. Thanks a lot."

"Who was on the phone? Is Deva Gana Sabha offering to have our program on a different date?" asked Bhaskar. mockingly.

"Not exactly. But something similar to that! The person who called me is the secretary of the Youth Literary Association. It seems he has seen us when we were in Deva Gana Sabha. He had booked the Sabha's hall for a program and his booking has been cancelled. He has now booked another hall for his program. He asked me whether we can present an one hour music program at the end of his association's program. He said that he would be able to offer us only a small amount as remuneration. I think it would cover the expenses we have incurred for our rehearsal. But, there will be a large audience for their program. So, that will give us good publicity, which may help us in future. I have accepted his offer" said Bhupathy, beaming.

"Oh, what a relief! Though we may not get any profit from this program, we will at least be able to recover the amount spent by us. Though our efforts have not been rewarded, they have not been wasted. And, as you say, our performance in front of a large audience may bring us popularity and recognition, which in turn may bring us more opportunities in future" said Bhaskar, sharing the enthusiasm of his friend.

*Sabha - a concert hall

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 62
Perseverance

Verse 619 (in Tamil):
deyvaththAn AgAdhu eninum muyaRchi than
mey varuththak kUli tharum.

Meaning:

Even if efforts don't bring in the expected results because of God's will, perseverance will pay the wages for one’s efforts.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'thAnAga vandha vAyppu' by the same author.) 

Verse 620
Verse 618