STORY-HARASSED HUSBAND

HUSBAND

Life was becoming unbearable, with children quarreling , wife cursing the ever increasing cost of living and my limited income as a school teacher. “I want two hundred rupees,” she told me. I set out, to see Madam., on my old bicycle. She is my only hope of getting money. Not that I borrow from all sundry; sundry, far from that; She was my student and knew my plight. I have only to mention the amount and she gives it gladly. Once she wanted to marry me, but her rich parents refused. They are businessmen and considered the school to be unfit, as their son-in-law. So they have given her freedom to help me, as she wanted. It was good, otherwise, I would have been their slave. She brought a mirror and placed it before my face:”At least, comb your hair and shave your beard, which is becoming grey in patches.” She combed my hair:”Now it looks better. I do not like the stubby beard. And the old cycle; buy a scooter, I will give the money. How much?” She gave a blank cheque.

When I said I am buying a scooter, all became happy. My eldest daughter, who was working as a sales hand, came with me.

Madam phoned me:”I have discussed with my father; you know computer work. We have a vast business. I suggested that the accounting may be computerized . Father has agreed. Come directly from the school and work up to 8 PM. Is it OK?” I called my wife and she agreed; so I replied:”yes” This was really nice. I made up my face every day and went to her even on Sundays. The program I made, was such as to make the whole annual account, from the cash book.

“This software itself can fetch a few lakhs,” I told Madam. She was very pleased. “I will give you fifty thousand,” she told me.

Soon, the marriage of my daughters took place; only my son remained a question mark. He was unemployed.

Years passed. Madam was so happy, except for one thing-she had no issues! I consoled her:”God does not give everything.” She clung to me and whispered in  my ears:”You can help.” She embraced me and awakened my feelings. Then we did it, as we were sitting in her room. It became our routine and within one year, showed results. Doctors confirmed pregnancy.

Alas! She could not see the face of her girl child; she died during delivery…