530. A Friendship Revived

"Your Majesty! We have received a message from Asokavarma, the King of Varuna country" said the Minister.

"What does he say? Is he threatening to invade our country?" asked King Magizhvanan.

"No, Your Majesty. He has sent a message seeking our friendship. He says he wants to be friendly with us again, as he was in the past. He has expressed his regret for having been estranged from us, during the past few years."

"The pain of a person who was friendly with us getting estranged for no reason is intense. I experienced such a pain because of Ashokavarma's sudden alienation. Now, I am heartened by his change of heart" said Magizvanan.

"That means..." asked the Minister.

"We have always considered Varuna country a friend. Send a reply to Ashokavarma that we welcome his change of heart and are ready to accept his extended hand of friendship."

After a few days, the Minister came to the King and asked him, "Your Majesty! Please pardon me for asking this. I had misgivings about your accepting Ashokavarma's offer of friendship, without ascertaining the reasons for his change of heart. But, you have now decided to send our troops to Varuna country. Is this act not dissonant with our accepting his offer of friendship? Will this not make Ashokavarma estranged once again?"

"You know that Ashoka Varma who was friendly with us became alienated as a result of getting instigated by the foxy Sutavarma, the King of Chenny country, who poisoned Asokavarma's mind, by making him believe that we were planning to annex Varuna country and thereby creating a distrust in his mind about us. 

"Though I accepted the hand of friendship extended by Asokavarma, I asked our Chief of Espionage to find out the reason for Ashokavarma's change of heart. He has ascertained that Ashoka Varma's change of heart was caused by the realization that Sutavarma's plan was to annex Varuna country, by making Ashokavarma break his friendship with me and thereby preventing us from coming to the help of Varuna country, when it would be invaded by the troops of Chenny country. 

"After seeing through the game plan of Sutavarma. Asokavarma regretted his action of alienating us and sought to restore his friendship with us. Obviously, Askokavarma expects that if he is friendly with me, we will come to his country's help, if it is invaded by Suthavarma's troops. I have sent our troops to Varuna country, only to fulfill the expectations of Ashokavarma."

Seeing the confused expression of the Minister, the King continued, "Our troops have gone to Varuna country, not to fight, but to guard that country. Our troops will be positioned near the border of Varna country. I have already apprised Ashoka Varma of my move. Knowing that our troops are positioned near the border of Varuna country, Sutavarma won't dare to invade Varuna country. Since I have fulfilled the purpose for which Ashoka Varma wanted to reestablish his friendship with us, he will ever remain friendly with us!"

There was a broad smile on King Magizhnan's face.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53
Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 530 (in Tamil):

uzhaip pirindhu kAraNaththin vandhAnai vEndhan
izhaththirundhu eNNik koLal.

Meaning:

If an estranged person returns to the king's fold for some reason, the king will render him the help needed and accept him in his fold, after making a proper assessment of him.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'mINdum thuLirththa natpu' by the same author.)

Verse 531 (Soon)
Verse 529

529. Getting Back with the brother

When Sudhakar returned home from the office, his wife Meena greeted him with the news, "There is a letter for you from your elder brother."

"I have been expecting a Money Order from him, but he has sent me a letter! Is he lamenting that due to poor harvest, he won't be able to send me any money?" asked Sudhakar, taking the letter from his wife's hand.

"You had a good education. You are living in a town, working on a job, with a fairly good salary. Unlike you, your brother had no education. He lives in the village and looks after the lands belonging to your family. He sends you a share of the income from the lands. This is an additional income for us. Instead of being satisfied with this, why do you keep finding fault with him?" asked Meena.

"We don't know how much is the yield from the lands. I have to accept my brother's statement about the yield. He gives an account of the income and expenses, takes his share and sends me a sum of money towards my share. I suspect that he may be cheating me. If I ask for any clarification on the accounts sent by him, he asks me whether I don't trust him and says he is hurt by my questioning him. I have no faith in him."

"People visiting our town from your village make it a point to meet you, say things about your brother and sow the seeds of suspicion in your mind. Whenever we visited your village, your brother and his wife treated us with kindness and affection. But, due to the suspicion you had developed on your brother, you skipped visiting your village for the las couple of years!"

As Meena was talking, Sudhakar read his brother's letter and told her, "He says since the yield from agriculture keeps coming down year after year, hereafter farming won't be a profitable activity. He plans to sell the lands and wants me to come to the village to finalize the sale."

"It could be a good idea. We can deposit the sale proceeds of the lands in the bank and keep the money as a reserve for our future needs. You won't have to suspect your brother any more! We will all be going to your village, won't we?"

"There is no need for you and the children to visit the village. After all, I don't want any relationship with my brother. I will go to the village and together with my brother, will finalize the sale and execute the sale deed. I will take my share of the sale proceeds and come back. After selling the lands, there will be no need for me to have any relationship with my brother" said Sudhakar.

After Sudhakar had returned from the village, he told Meena, "The lands have been sold. I have received my share of the sale proceeds. People in the village told me that given the market conditions in that region, we got a good price for our lands. Hereafter, I will have no truck with my brother. Goodbye to my village and goodbye to my brother!"

After several months, Sudhakar received a letter from his brother, inviting Sudhakar and his family for his daughter's marriage. A printed invitation was attached to the letter.

After reading the letter, Sudhakar told Meena, "Let all of us go to the village for the wedding. We will stay with my brother for a week. I will apply for leave from my office" said Sudhakar, enthusiastically.

"After getting your lands sold, you said that you won't have any truck with your brother!" asked Meena, in surprise.

"It was because of the lands commonly owned by us that my relationship with my brother became strained. Now that the lands have been sold, I have no issues with my brother. Even if he had cheated me in the past, I could disregard the past and have a good relationship with him!" said Sudhakar.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53

Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 529 (in Tamil):

thamarAgith than thuRandhAr suRRam amarAmaik
kAraNam inRi varum.

Meaning:

Well-wishers who had broken with you before, will return if the cause for resentment is rectified.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'en aNNan' by the same author.)

Verse 530
Verse 528

528. Bharani's Apprehensions

"Launching a political party, contesting the elections and registering a win is no mean feat. You did it!" Dhamu told Bharani, in a commending tone.

"Hey, every one! We are all friends, alright. But, Bharani is going to be the Chief Minister. So, we can't address him the way we have been doing in the past. He has to be addressed, with the respect due to his position. Though I am elder to all of you, including Bharani, I will also address him only respectfully" said Chakrapani. 

"What, uncle? Are you trying to lure Bharani to make you the Deputy Chief Minister?" Natarajan taunted Chakrapani, affectionately called 'uncle' by the group, because he was elder to every one in the group.

"What uncle says is correct. Already, there is a talk that we had started the political party for fun, but that people craving for a change voted for us, taking us seriously. Therefore, we should be careful to avoid acting like greenhorns and do things the way wise, mature and responsible people will. Though the party was launched by the efforts of the six of us, many people from other parties, celebrities and other kinds of people have joined our party, subsequently. Therefore, we should avoid creating the impression that the party belongs to the six of us and make every one in the party feel at home" said Aravindan.

"Does it mean that uncle is not getting the post of the Deputy Chief Minister?" quipped Suresh. Every one including Chakrapani, laughed genially. 

"It is because of the efforts of all of you that our party grew so fast, resulting in our winning the election and coming to power. It is only due to your initiative and support that the party has chosen me to be the Chief Minister. The friendship between the six of us will always remain strong. But, as some of you have pointed out, we should earn a good name from other people in the party and from the public. Only then, we will be able to carry out the objectives for which we had launched the party. I request that all of you understand the rationale behind my actions and back me in running the government" said Bharani.

Six months had passed since Bharani formed the government. One day, he asked Chakrapani, when the two were alone, "How are things going for us, uncle?"

"Everything is going on well, Bharani. People appreciate your approach and style of governance. They are happy about the schemes you have launched. Our state is progressing in all areas. I feel very proud of my association with you" said Chakrapani.

"Uncle! Among our friends, I have offered ministerial berth only to Aravindan. Many people expected that I would make you the Deputy Chief Minister..."

"But, I didn't!" said Chakrapani, interrupting Bharani.

"You are not disappointed by my decision!" asked Bharani, with a sense of embarrassment.

"Definitely, not. I told you I didn't expect you to offer that position to me!"

"I hope you are not saying this out of anger or sorrow!"

"No. I am being truthful. I knew how your thinking would be. At the time we launched the party, none of us had any experience in politics. Your becoming the Chief Minister was natural, because you were our leader. But, you could have offered ministerial berths only to those who had the requisite skills and the capacity to function as a minister. I expected you to follow that approach. All of us have known that in our group, Aravindan is a genius. So, making him a minister was the right decision."

"I am relieved that you have understood my line of thinking and approach. But I am not sure whether our other friends have understood me correctly. Since you are a person who can look at things in the proper perspective, I spoke to you openly. But, I wonder whether I will be able to talk to others and convince him."

"You don't have to worry about it, Bharani. Everyone has understood you correctly. Moreover, you have given us responsibilities in the party. You have carefully assessed the strength of each of us and given appropriate responsibilities. All of us appreciate your objective approach and your acting without showing any favouritism or special consideration to your friends. All of us admire the way you do things, by weighing the pros and cons of every option before you. We are all proud to be your friends. You can talk to any of our friends. They will confirm what I have said" said Chakrapani, his tone conveying his pride.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53
Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 528 (in Tamil):

podhu nOkkAn vEndhan varisaiyA nOkkin
adhu nOkki vAzhvAr palar.

Meaning:

A king, who avoids an undifferentiated approach, but tailors his approach to suit differing capabilities, will retain the goodwill of many who will appreciate his approach.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'pudhiya mannargaL' by the same author.)

Verse 529
Verse 527

124. The Star Speaks

"Actor Sowmyan has said that he will be making an announcement today, about his entry into politics. What do you think his decision will be?" asked Shankar.

"No marks for guessing what his decision is going to be. Undoubtedly, he is going to reveal that he will be launching a political party. If he had decided not to enter politics, he would have just issued a statement. When he is making a show of his announcement by scheduling a date and calling a press conference, it is obvious that he is going to announce his entry into politics" said Nataraj.

Shankar and Nataraj are press reporters. Though working for different publications, both would often meet and exchange their views on current affairs and political developments.

"If he were to do so, he will go down in my esteem!" remarked Shankar.

"Why do you say so? You don't like Sowmyan entering politics?" asked Nataraj.

"It is not about my liking or not liking his entry into politics. All these years, he has been focused on his profession, taking care not to wander in other areas. Even with respect to films, he has been saying that other than acting, he knows nothing about other areas of film making and that even with respect to acting, he has a lot to learn. If he decides to enter politics, enthused by the clamour of his fans and some other people urging him to enter politics, it will go against his ethos of knowing where his talents lie and what his boundaries are. This is my view."

"Let us see what he is going to do. We will know in an hour."

The press conference of Sowmyan was arranged in a public hall. The hall was overflowing with media persons.

Sowmya began to speak exactly at 11 a.m, the scheduled time.

"Please pardon me for having brought you to this hall. I could have made this announcement by releasing a statement from my home. But, I arranged for this media conference, with a view to speaking my mind elaborately on certain aspects.

"I am not well-educated. If I had gone for a job, I would have got only a low-paying, mediocre job. It was my good fortune that I was catapulted into the film world. I was acting in plays staged by an amateur group of friends, of which I was a part. Mr. Narayanan, the film director, whom I hold in high esteem, happened to watch one of our plays. He liked my acting and gave me a role in one of his films. With people liking my acting, I became a popular actor and rose to become a big star. But, even today, while witnessing the acting of of several other actors much more talented than me, I often tell myself, 'I am no match to these people.' I have also expressed this feeling in public, several times.

"If I were to make an announcement that I am going to manufacture automobiles, what will people say? If I approach a bank and ask for a loan, what will the bank officials say? Won't they ask me, 'What is your expertise in this line and what is your experience in this field?' But if I act in an advertisement film, promoting a particular brand of car, and say. 'this is the best car available in the market,' no one will ask me, 'What do you know about cars?' This is an advantage of being a star! The opinion of a person like me who knows nothing about cars will carry more weight than the considered opinion of a qualified automobile engineer! This is the reason I have turned down offers to act in ad films.

"Like many other people, I have been observing political developments. I have been voting in elections. But, till now, I have not expressed my views on any political development. I have never spoken either in support of or against any political party, or political leader.

"The political leaders we see today started as political workers, rose through the ranks and emerged as leaders. The idea of an actor starting a political party and coming to power, using his film popularity, is like someone entering a house by descending on the terrace of the house on a helicopter. I believe that one should enter a house only through the front door.

"Do people ever suggest that a political leader should become an industrialist or an actor? Never! So, why do some people suggest that a film star should become a political leader? Does it mean that if one is an actor, he has the capacity to function in any field?

"If I ever decide to enter politics, I will join a political party whose ideology and action plans appeal to me the most. If I don't find any such party, then I won't enter politics. Since I am not with any political party now, it doesn't mean that I don't like any political party. It only means that at present, I have no interest in entering politics.

"One practice I have been following in my life all these years is to make an assessment of my capabilities and my position and then act in conformity with them. As an actor, I can paly any role. I may act as a king, a prime minister, the American President or even as Mahatma Gandhi. But, I will always remember that I am an actor. I believe that this outlook of mine is responsible for the recognition I have got as an actor.

"Therefore, I am not launching any political party. Like all of you, I will be observing politics and exercising my choice through my vote, during elections. I am grateful to the people for the confidence they have reposed in me. I earned this confidence by the way I conducted myself as an actor and as a human being. Continuing to function in the same way will be the appropriate response from me for the faith and goodwill people have towards me." 

After reading out his statement, Sowmyan thanked everyone, by raising his hand, and left the hall. He didn't answer any question posed to him by the media persons, who followed him till he got into his car.

"Sowmyan has not disappointed me. He has gone up much higher in my esteem" Shankar told Nataraj. 

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 13
Restraint

Verse 124 (In Tamil)

nilaiyin thiriyAdhu adangiyAn thORRam
malaiyinum mANap peridhu.

Meaning:

The stature of one, who doesn’t diverge from the right path

and remains restrained, will be much higher than that of a mountain.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'arasiyal pravEsam' by the same author)

Verse 125 (Soon)
Verse 123

527. When Perumal got food from the Perumal temple...

When Perumal returned home, his wife Sita was sitting near the door, awaiting him. 

Looking at the fatigued expression on Perumal's face, Sita knew the situation.

Perumal had not earned any income that day!

After Perumal came inside the house and sat down, Sita asked him, "Did you have some coffee or tea?"

Sita's concern for him, while she herself had been starving for the entire day and had just learnt that she won't have anything to eat for the night too, made it difficult to Perumal to control his feelings.

"Has Gita slept?" asked Perumal.

Sita nodded her head affirmatively.

"Did she go to sleep on an empty stomach?"

"When she went to Alagammai's house to play, Alagammai gave her two dosas*" said Sita. "Alagammai knows about our situation and wants to help us. But, she knows that if she offers us food, we won't accept it. Otherwise, she would have given some food for us too!" said Sita, with a sigh. 

Perumal got up from his seat and told Sita, "Give me a vessel."

By the time Perumal reached the temple, after walking two kilometers, the priest Sadagopan was about to close the temple.

Seeing Perumal, Sadagopan exclaimed, "Oh! Perumal has come to see Perumal**!" and smiled, enjoying his own pun.

"Sadagopan! Every day I return home only by 9 o' clock in the night. So, I don't find the time to visit the temple. That I need to walk two kilometers to the temple from my home is another reason why I don't visit the temple often" said Perumal.

Perumal and Sadagopan had studied together in the primary school in that village. After completing their schooling, both settled down in that village.

"How is your business going?" asked Sadagopan.

"As you know, the profession of being a cattle broker is tough. Somedays, I earn well and some days, I earn nil. Today was a bad day. Hope you have been getting enough income by way of contributions from people who visit the temple" said Perumal.

"Well, most of the days, I am alone in the temple, with only the Lord giving me company. Since this temple is situated at a place far from the residential area, the temple attracts only a few visitors. It is good you have come. Have a good vision of the Lord."

Sadagopan lighted a camphor and held it close to the face of the deity.

Perumal had a good vision of the deity's face, brightened by the glow of the camphor flame and paid obeisance to the Lord.

As Perumal was about to leave, without asking for help from Sadagopan as he had intended, Sadagopan told him, "Today, a devotee had arranged for offering of food to be made to the Lord. As per his wish, I prepared pongal and offered it to the Lord. The devotee didn't take the offering with him, since his family members were not home. He asked me to distribute the offering to the devotees. But since no one has visited the temple today, I have not been able to distribute the offering. With my wife and I being the only people living in our house, I have been wondering what to do with the offering. Fortunately, you have come. I see that you have brought a vessel. Is it for buying oil from the shop? Give that vessel to me. I will fill it with the offering and give you."

Sadagopan took the vessel from Perumal's hand, went inside, filled it with the pongal offered to the Lord, brought it back and gave it to Perumal.

Perumal was overwhelmed with emotions. He was not sure whether wat he was feeling could be called happiness, astonishment or gratitude.

Earlier, he had paid obeisance to the Lord in a mechanical way, but he now worshipped the Lord heartily, with a spontaneous feeling of devotion and gratitude.

He then took leave of Sadagopan.

Sira looked at the vessel handed to her by Perumal and said, "Your friend has given us a sumptuous quantity of pongal."

"Yes, It will be enough for both of us. If Gita can be woken up, we can feed her too."

"She is asleep. Let us not wake her up. Anyway, she had taken dosa and would have been satiated" replied Sita, and then transferred about half the quantity of the pongal to another vessel.

"Are you keeping aside some quantity for tomorrow?" asked Perumal, puzzled by her action.

"No. We don't have a fridge in our home, after all! This evening, your elder sister came here. Her family has also nothing to eat for the night. She wanted to borrow some rice from us. But our rice container being empty, I couldn't oblige her. Her family members will also be starving. So, I will give this food to them and come back. Her house being in the next street, I will be back soon. In the meanwhile, you may please start eating, without waiting for me to return, since you are very hungry."

Sita left home with the container of pongal, without waiting for his response.

* dosa, pongal - dishes often made in South Indian homes. Pongal is one of the preferred offerings made to Hindu Gods.

** Perumal - Vishnu temples are usually referred to as Perumal temples, Perumal being a popular name by which the Hindu God Vishnu is known. With the protagonist having the name Perumal, Sadagopan makes a pun on his name!

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53
Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 527 (in Tamil):

kAkkai karavA karaindhuNNum Akkamum
anna nIrArkkE uLa.

Meaning:

The crow never conceals food but cries out for company for sharing the food it has found; wealth and progress stay only with people of such quality.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kOvil prasAdham' by the same author.)

Verse 528
Verse 526

123. Junior, Junior!

"Hope our senior has not yet walked in!" asked Rajesh, in a whispering voice, as he entered the office.

"Not yet, luckily for you. You are late, today also!" said Siva.

"Well, if we can leave the office in time, we can also come in time in the morning. Every day, it is about 8 or 9 pm, when we leave the office. I am not even able to go for an evening show, with my lover!"

"Oh, you have a lover. You never told me!"

"Not really. I just made it up. I am yet to scout for one, but where do I have the time or it, when I am working as a junior for our great lawyer? I can't be wedded to the job, the way you are. Sometimes, I curse myself for having studied law. People who do other courses in the college land a job, earn a salary and live happily. It is only in our profession that we, after studying law, have to work as an intern under a lawyer for a few years, before we can practice as a lawyer."

"Hey! Don't speak in a loud voice. The senior may walk in any time. Fortunately, Suganthi, the typist is on leave today" said Siva.

Even as he was saying this, Ramadurai, the senior lawyer entered the office.

Seeing Siva and Rajesh get up from their seats, Ramadurai said, "Sit down. Siva, have you prepared the brief I asked you to ?"

"Yes, sir. I have kept the brief on your table."

"Ok. What are you  working on now?"

"Sir! Mahadevan's property matter is coming up for hearing, next week. I am collecting the reference judgements for that case."

"Good. If you don't get a good reference in our library, go to the High Court Library and check. Tomorrow, I will go through the references collected by you and tell you whether anything more is needed. Rajesh, what are you doing?"

"Sir, I am arranging the papers for Mr. Ramakrishnan's insurance case."

"This is what you have been saying for the last three days! It appears that you don't do any work, when I am not in the office."

"No, sir. There are a large number of documents to be checked and compiled."

"Don't I know? It shouldn't take more than two hours. Working as a Junior under a busy lawyer like me is a great opportunity. If you don't make use of it, you will be the loser. Ok. I am leaving for the court now. I will come in the evening and check what you people have done. If anyone comes to see me on any important matter, give me a call."

Ramadurai left the office, after giving the above instructions. 

"What he is paying us is pittance. But the amount of work we have to do keeps piling up" said Rajesh, with disgust.

"Did he not tell you just now that this is a learning opportunity? If we make proper use of this, we will then get the earning opportunity!" said Siva.

"If you are so gullible, people will continue to exploit you. We have been Mr. Ramadurai's juniors for the past six months. What has he taught us during this period?" asked Rajesh.

"Rajesh! This is not a college, where professors will teach us the subjects. We have to learn things by doing the tasks given to us by our Senior. If we work in this office patiently for two years, doing the tasks given to us and learning things by concentrating on our work and by observing our Senior, we will gain the competence to practice on our own" said Siva.

"That is what you think! Our Senior will keep practicing till the age of ninety and you will be working as his Junior, till the end. Neither will he allow you to practice on your own, nor will you leave him and start your practice."

"Ok. But, what are you going to do?"

"I have waited for six months. He doesn't pay us well. Nor does he give us important tasks that will help us to learn. We can only sit next to him in the court and give him the papers that he wants. We will never be able to argue a case in the court. You will see that in two month's time, I will get a client of my own and start my practice!"

After two months, Rajesh quit as Ramadurai's Junior and started his own practice.

After about a year, Siva met Rajesh in a function.

"How is your practice going?" asked Siva.

"It didn't go as per my expectation. So, I have become a Junior of Lawyer Swaminathan."

"I have not heard his name. Is he having a good practice?"

"What can I say? He doesn't have many cases. So, I don't have much work either. Since his income is irregular, he has not been paying me regularly. I should have continued to work under Mr. Ramadurai. I now feel that I took a hasty decision and quit my job. But, how are you?"

"As you know, Mr. Ramadurai is a busy lawyer, with a number of cases to attend to. So, I have a lot of work to do. In the process, I have been able to learn a lot. Mr. Ramadurai told me that by next year, I would be able to practice independently. So, to equip me for my practice, for the past two months, he has been giving me opportunities to argue cases in the court."

"You are a lucky person" said Rajesh.

"I don't know whether I am lucky. But I have believed that if I remained patient, worked hard and learnt things, I would be able to come up in my profession. I am hopeful that my belief will come true."

"Once you start practicing on your own, I will work under you as your junior!" said Rajesh.

Siva was not sure whether Rajesh said it in a lighter vein or he really meant it.

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 13
Restraint

Verse 123 (In Tamil)

seRivu aRindhu sIrmai payakkum aRivu aRindhu
ARRin adangap peRin.

Meaning:

The greatness of one, who is wise and follows the right path

by being restrained, will be recognized and appreciated.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'junior junior' by the same author)

Verse 124
Verse 122

526. Prabhu's Anger

"Prabhu is a benefactor. He helps every one, particularly his relatives. That's why all his relatives consider him a member of their family."

"Yes, I have noticed that he is often visited by his relatives. Well, if one is wealthy, it is only natural that he is flocked by his kith and kin."

"No, not that way. It is true that wealthy people are respected by people around him. I also have wealthy relatives. If I meet them occasionally, I just greet them and move away. I have no regards or affection for them. Prabhu is different in that he loves his relatives and helps them in many ways. That is the reason for the intimacy between him and his relatives."

"I agree that Prabhu has been helping his relatives. But, I have heard that he is an irascible person. He often bursts out at his relatives and uses harsh words against them. His relatives have been putting up with his irascibility, only because he is wealthy."

"I don't think it is true. There is a difference between tolerating a person and being affectionate towards him. We have to put up with our boss in the office, whatever may be his behaviour towards us. But if the boss, rather than display his authority, treats us with kindness and consideration, won't we have a liking for him? The affection Prabhu's relatives have towards him is similar to that."

"Going by your own example, if our boss is cantankerous, will we have respect or concern for him? We will just be tolerating him, because we have no choice. I think Prabhu's relatives tolerating him is also similar to this."

"How do you say Prabhu is cantankerous? As far as I have observed, he has been genial towards all."

"I will share an anecdote I heard about him. Once, when there was a delay in his getting an approval from a government department, he went to that office and shouted at the official concerned. Hearing his yelling, all employees rushed to the spot. The public visiting that office also witnessed his outburst. Rattled by his angry outburst, the official pacified him by promising to look into his case immediately and kept his promise by giving the approval in a couple of days. Prabhu's anger is so notorious!"

"I have also heard about this anecdote. But there is a twist to this narrative. The official concerned had demanded a bribe for giving the approval. That is what made Prabhu angry. In fact, I have heard people close to Prabhu remark that Prabhu displayed his anger in public, only to expose the official and make him behave. So, Prabhu is not an irascible person at all. It is only because Prabhu is kind and helpful that his relatives flock to him, not because he is wealthy."

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 526 (in Tamil):

perum kodaiyAn pENAn veguLi avanin
marungudaiyAr mAnilaththu il.

Meaning:

None on this earth can have better kin than a person who gives generously and is free of anger.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'prabhuvin kObham' by the same author.)

Verse 527
Verse 525

525. Wealthy Relatives!

When the car stopped in front of the marriage hall, several people came out from the hall to receive Murthy and his wife Meenakshi, who got down from the car. They received the couple with respect, led them to the marriage hall and got them seated.

No sooner than Murthy and Meenakshi took their seats, one person came near them and told them politely, "Please have your breakfast first" and took them to the dining hall. 

He made them sit in a row of tables, not occupied by anyone, called the servers and told them, "Serve them!"

Sensing that the two people seated in a separate row were important people, the servers hurried up to the table, carrying the vessels filled with the breakfast dishes.

The person, who had led the couple to the dining hall, was standing nearby and ensuring that the duo were being served properly.

Murthy told him, "Please carry on with your activities. We will have the breakfast and come back to the hall."

But, the person continued to stand there.

Even as Murthy and Meenakshi were having their breakfast, a few people - their relatives - came to them and greeted them. 

Velu, the bride's father also came there.

"Welcome, Murthy and Meenakshi! I am happy that you are attending the function" said Velu.

"Velu! You are the bride's father. You will have many chores to attend to. Why do you have to leave your tasks and come here?" asked Murthy. However, his face showed his pride at the importance being given to him, by every one.

"Oh, it's fine. Greeting guests like you is also one of my duties" said Velu.

"Has Sivaraman come?" asked Murthy.

"Yes, he has. He just had his breakfast. He is sitting in the hall."

"Ok. You may be wanted at the stage. Go ahead and attend to your tasks" said Murthy.

Velu took leave of him, saying, "I will meet you, after the ceremony is over."

After Velu had left, Meenakshi asked Murthy, in a whispering voice, "Why did you particularly ask about Sivaraman?"

"As you know, among Velu's relatives, only Sivaraman and I are well-to-do people. Others are of modest economic status. Both Sivaraman and I make it a habit to attend all the functions in the families of our relatives and show our bonding with them. I knew that Sivaraman would attend this function. I just wanted to check whether he had come already" said Murthy.

After coming home from the wedding, Meenakshi told Murthy, "I observed one thing. Your relatives showed you a lot of respect, alright. But, they appeared to have more intimacy with Sivaraman. Have you ever observed this?"

"Yes, I have noticed it. Though my relatives are poor, I attend all the functions in their families. I give them gift cheques for a considerable sum rather than give expensive gifts, so that the money could be useful to them. I invite every one to the functions in our family and extend my hospitality to them. I also oblige them, if they seek financial help, from me. I think Sivaraman also treats them in the same way. But, people seem to be more intimate with Sivaraman, than they are with me. If Sivaraman and I were to contest an election, most of my relatives would vote for Sivaraman! But I don't understand the reason for this. Perhaps, Sivaraman has a kind of charisma, which I don't have" said Murthy, smiling.

'Sivaraman has the habit of using pleasant words, while speaking to people. You don't use sweet words, even when you speak to me or our children. How will you speak pleasantly with your relatives? You don't understand what you are lacking!' thought Meenakshi. 

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53
Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 525 (in Tamil):

koduththalum insolum ARRin adukkiya
suRRaththAl suRRappadum.

Meaning:

One who practices generosity and uses kind words will be encircled by an extended family.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'paNakkAra uRavinargaL' by the same author.)

Verse 526
Verse 524

524. Visiting A Relative

"How much time is there for the flight?" asked Arulmozhi.

"We will have to leave for the airport in about one hour from now" said his Personal Secretary Muthiah.

"In that case, we should leave immediately. I need to go to my relative's house too!"

"Sir! That house is located in the opposite direction. If we go there and then leave for the airport from there, we will be delayed."

"We have one hour time. It will take only 20 minutes for us to go there and another 20 minutes to come back. I am going to be there only for 10 minutes. That still leaves us a cushion of 10 minutes."

Arulmozhi and Muthiah got down from the car and walked to the house that was situated in a narrow street.

When Arulmozhi rang the doorbell, the elderly man who opened the door, expressed surprise at seeing Arulmozhi on his doorstep and said, "Hey, Arul! When did you come to Coimbatore? Come in."

He also greeted Muthiah asking him, "Come in Mr. Muthiah! How are you?"

Even as Muthiah replied, "I am fine, Sir," his eyes reflexively looked at his wrist watch.

"When did I come to Coimbatore? I am departing from Coimbatore! I have got just five minutes for you. Please don't offer me coffee or tea. I have to catch my flight. I have squeezed in a few minutes just to see all of you" said Arulmozhi, as he stepped into the house. He turned to Muthiah and said, "Only five minutes, precisely." 

Muthiah nodded his head and went out.

Arulmozhi spent exactly five minutes talking to his relatives and came out of the house. He joined Muthiah, who was anxiously waiting for him outside the house. Both walked fast to the car.

After getting into the car, Arulmozhi looked at his watch and asked Muthiah, "Hope we can make it to the airport in time."

Muthiah nodded his head, more in hope than in certainty and said reluctantly, "Sir, I am aware of your habit of visiting your relatives living in the places we travel to, on business. But today, the time was quite tight. That was why I expressed my reservation when you started for this place." 

"Most of my relatives are poor. I am the only person who became a businessman and attained a higher economic status. But I want to be intimate with all of my relatives. They are understandably reluctant to move with me, daunted by my higher economic status. It only for the purpose of removing their reluctance and making them feel comfortable to move with me as a relative that I have been visiting my relatives as often as I can and keeping my relationship with them strong" said Arulmozhi.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53
Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 524 (in Tamil):

suRRaththAl suRRappada ozhugal selvandhAn
peRRaththAl peRRa payan.

Meaning:

To live surrounded by the kin is the benefit gained by acquiring wealth.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'nEram illai Ayinum' by the same author.)

Verse 525
Verse 523

523. Fighting Loneliness With Coffee!

"Want some coffee?" asked Mala.

"You know I had coffee only a few minutes back!" said Nathan, somewhat surprised. "There was a time when you would be annoyed, if I asked for coffee, and complain 'how many times in a day should I make coffee for you?' But now, you are asking me whether I want to have coffee!" he added.

"Those days, we had children growing up, whose needs I had to take care of. The household chores would be unending. I would have felt fatigued and shown my annoyance some times."

Nathan was quiet for a while. He then asked Mala, "Shall we go for a movie?"

"Only last week, we had been to a movie. Nowadays, we have a lot of movies on the TV. Movie on demand! I don't have the desire to go to a theatre to watch a movie. But, if you want to see a movie, then we can go" said Mala.

"No. I don't have any such desire. I asked you only for your sake."

After a few minutes, Mala came to the living room with a cup of coffee in her hand and handed it to Nathan.

"I told you I don't need coffee" said Nathan, even as he received the cup from Mala's hands. "Perhaps, you wanted to drink coffee!"

"No. But, I felt bored by sitting idle. So, I prepared fresh decoction and made some coffee."

"Usually, doing routine chores will be boring. But you say, you did some work to overcome boredom!" said Nathan, smiling, enjoying his own 'humour.'

"Yes. Sometimes, getting fatigued by doing some work is better than sitting idle, pined by thoughts that cause both mental and physical fatigue."

The smile on Nathan's face vanished immediately.

"What can we do? Our daughter has settled down in the U.S and our son in Australia. They call us whenever they have time. We can be happy for a few minutes talking to them. After the call, we could extend the happiness for some more time, by talking about what we talked to them! At other times, we just have to sit idle, gazing at the ceiling or the wall or at the idiot box. We soon get mentally fatigued" said Nathan.

"But, we don't have to be like this. I don't have any relatives from my side, but you have many relatives. But, you didn't allow any of them to get close to you. Eventually, we have lost touch with almost all of them. If we had been close with our relatives, they would be visiting us now and then and we would be visiting them too. We would also have been talking to them over phone occasionally" said Mala, in an accusing tone.

"My relatives were not well-to-do people. They were much below me in economic status. I thought that if I allowed them to get close to me, they would ask me for financial help or other favours or otherwise take advantage of my position and power to get things done for them. That was why I kept away from all of them. Only now, when we feel empty, do I realize that I should have maintained good relationship with them. If I try to reach out to my relatives now, they don't show any interest" said Nathan, feeling remorseful.

"We have received the invitation for the marriage of your father's brother's daughter' son, being held next week. Though the wedding is held at a far off place, we will attend that wedding. We will get a chance to meet some of our relatives, interact with them and get close to them."

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53

Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 523 (in Tamil):

aLavu aLAvu illAdhAn vAzhkkai kuLavu aLAk
kOdu inRi nIr niRaindhaRRu.

Meaning:

The life of a person who doesn't have intimate relationship with his kin will be like a tank full of water, but with no bund.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kAppi kudikkalAmA' by the same author.)

Verse 524
Verse 522

522. An Ode to the Kin

The Silver Jubilee function of Raju Enterprises was being conducted.

Raju, the founder of the firm, honoured the senior employees, the long-standing customers and suppliers and several others, who had contributed to the growth of the firm, by giving away prizes and mementos.

The dignitaries invited for the function narrated how, starting small, Raju built up the firm through his hard work, dedication and innovation.

At the end, Raju spoke, acknowledging the felicitations and thanking every one.

"I am very happy to have got an opportunity to honour various kinds of people, who had contributed to the growth of this firm. But, I have not been able to honour some others, who had also played great roles in building up this firm. They belong to two categories. One category includes banks, various government agencies, industry associations etc. The second category comprises my relatives!"

People listening to Raju were somewhat surprised by his mention of his relatives. Though it was customary for people to acknowledge the support given by their family members, Raju's mention of his relatives was intriguing. The audience was curious to know whom Raju specifically referred to by the term 'relatives.'

"When I said relatives, I meant not only my family members, but also my relatives, both from myside and my wife's side.

"At the time I set out to start my own business, I was holding a good position in a large company. Generally, if someone got a job in a company like that, people would say that that person's life was settled. This was because that kind of a job was expected to ensure lifelong job security, growth and comfortable living. 

"I was married and I had a five year old son. I didn't have my own house or any other property. I quit the good job I was holding and started this firm, using my savings as the capital. Both my wife and my mother were opposed to my decision. Their apprehension that I was putting the future of my family at risk was reasonable and understandable.

"Many of my relatives who learnt about my decision also thought that I was being reckless. Some of them, who had never visited my house earlier, came to my house and advised me to give up my decision. They narrated the experiences of people known to them, who had taken a similar step, but were ruined within a few years, by the setbacks they faced in their business. I was angry with my relatives who tried to dissuade me. I thought 'who are these people to advise me on my professional matters?'

Within a few years of my starting the business, I encountered several problems. At one stage, I even considered winding up my business and taking up a job. But my wife and mother, who had earlier opposed my decision to start my own business, encouraged me. 'You started the business with confidence. Continue to run it. You will be able to come out of the problems soon!' said my wife.

"There was nothing surprising about my wife and my mother standing by me and motivating me. What was surprising to me was that even those relatives of mine, who had earlier advised me against starting my own business, provided moral support and encouragement to me at that time. 

On learning about my facing obstacles in my business, my relatives, rather than proudly gloat that they were proved right, encouraged me, saying, 'Don't worry. This is a passing phase. Things will become alright soon.' Some of them tried to boost my morale, by philosophizing about ups and downs being normal in a business. People who had earlier narrated the stories of those who were ruined by their dream of having their own business, now shared the stories of people who came out successfully, after facing what appeared to be insurmountable problems!

"While earlier I was angry with my relatives, for advising me on my decision to start a business, I was overwhelmed by the support and encouragement they gave me, when I was facing problems. I realized that on both the occasions, my relatives only acted out of their concern for me. I take this opportunity to convey my gratefulness to my relatives, who had kindness, concern and affection for me." 

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53
Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 522 (in Tamil):

viruppaRAch chuRRam iyaiyin aruppaRA
Akkam palavum tharum.

Meaning:

If one gets kin who never lose their love for him, he will get more and more good things in life.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'uRavugaL vAzhga' by the same author.)

Verse 523
Verse 521

521. House To Let

"How many more days do we have?" asked Sukanya.

"We just have one more week to vacate our house. We need to rent a house to move in before the deadline" said Alagesan.

"How are we going to manage? We have two school-going children too!" said Sukanya. She felt like crying.

Till a few months back, Alagesan's family was living a comfortable life. At least, that was how Sukanya had been thinking.

Alagesan didn't tell Sukanya about his business traversing a downward path since the past few years. Alagesan was in the grip of the blind faith held by people facing difficulties that somehow everything would be resolved soon enough.

However, the inevitable had happened. At one point of time, Alagesan realized that he won't be able to continue running his business, with the losses mounting day by day. 

It was only after he had decided to wind up his business, did Alagesan realize how disastrous his financial status had become. He had lost every thing, including the house he owned. He had to vacate his house and hand it over to the bank which had enforced the mortgage against his dues to the bank.  

He sold all his movable assets including his wife's jewels. There was hardly anything for him to take along, while moving out of the house. 

"What are we going to do?" asked Sukanya, feeling desperately concerned.

Alagesan felt overwhelmed by the concern and sense of shared responsibility that reflected in his wife's asking 'what ae WE going to do?' rather than 'what are YOU going to do?' in an accusing way.

'"Don't worry! I will go for a job and take care of the family" said Alageasan.

"I have no doubt that you will. I am asking about finding a place for us to move in after vacating this house. We don't even have the money to pay the rental deposit for the house we rent."

"That is the problem troubling me too. But one good thing is that we don't have household articles to be packed and carried in a transport vehicle. We can pack our clothes in a suitcase and walk out" said Alagesan, with a wry laughter.

The realization that Alagesan, despite being in a heart-broken state, was trying to be humorous only to mitigate her own grief made her agony even more accentuated. 

"He requested you to reduce the rent by one thousand rupees. You could have agreed to his request. He would have been a good tenant. Why didn't you consider his request?" asked Sumathy.

"Why should I reduce the rent? The rent we are asking for is lower than the rent prevailing in our area for a house like ours. Don't worry. We will get some other good tenant" said her husband.

"If you had agreed to reduce the rent even by five hundred rupees, he would have accepted."

"Why should I do so?"

"How are you, Anbu?" asked Alagesan.

"I am fine. You are my cousin. But it has been several months since we met. We have been seeing each other only in the family functions of our relatives. I don't even have your phone number. I got it from Murugan" said Anbu, speaking from the other end. 

"Yes, Anbu. I didn't have your number either."

"Let me come to the point. I heard that you have sold your house, due to some problem in your business and that you have been looking for a house to rent."

"Yes..."

"If you won't mistake me, I will make a suggestion. I have a house that has been vacant for some time. I didn't intend to give it for rent. You can stay in that house for some time."

"Thanks, Anbu. But..."

"I understand your situation, Alagesan. For the time being, you need not pay me any rent. We can talk about the rent, once your financial position improves, or, you can rent another house and move out."

"Anbu! I am overwhelmed by your kindness. This is a great help from you. I don't know how to express my feelings of gratitude for your gesture. I will be taking up some job soon. After that, I will pay you the accumulated rent in installments" said Alagesan, his voice choking with emotions.

"There is no need to talk about it now. After all, I am only letting you occupy a house that has been lying vacant. You may come to my house any time and collect the key from me" said Anbu.

"Well, when a prospective tenant asked you to reduce he rent by one thousand rupees, you were adamant about not reducing the rent even a bit. Now, you are giving our house free of rent to your cousin. You even told him that you didn't intend to let out the house!" said Sumathy. 

"As you have mentioned, I am only helping my cousin. When a relative faces a problem, should we not go to his rescue? Alagesan wouldn't have accepted my help, if he had known that I was losing the rent by asking him to occupy my house. That's why I told him that I didn't intend to let out the house" said Anbu.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 53

Cherishing One's Kith and Kin

Verse 521 (in Tamil):

paRRaRRa kaNNum pazhaimai pArAttudhal
suRRaththAr kaNNE uLa.

Meaning:

Even when all wealth is lost, it is the kin who will maintain their ties.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'chengalvarAyanin  chellap piLLai' by the same author.)

Verse 522
Verse 520