A Day To Remember

Veena was elated as she arrived in Coonoor to take up her very first assignment as the Branch Manager of a local bank there. It was a homecoming for her as she had spent most of her childhood among the vast tea and coffee plantations that had been handed down the generations by her forefathers. Their family still owned a few estates which had been leased out.

As she settled down in one of the guest houses in their estates, she listed out the “Things to do” as was her habit. While a decent accommodation was one of the priorities, she did not forget to note down the renewal of her dad’s gun licence. She had already spoken to the District Collector who was a family friend and he had given her an appointment the next evening. Sipping her coffee, she inhaled the pristine aroma of the coffee beans being roasted in the neighbourhood. It seemed as if it was a dream come true as never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she would one day pursue her career in the very place she had grown up.

She woke up very early the next morning to the cooing of the Whistling Thrush and other birds. Soon she had her breakfast and was ready to face the day. Clad in a stiffly starched cotton sari which enhanced her personality, she oozed self-confidence and spread radiance all around. The caretaker of the guest house had lent her his scooter for her use till such time as she got her own vehicle. She checked her handbag to ensure she carried all the introductory and appointment letters and also ran her hand through the bag to feel the holster with her dad’s revolver and the expired licence. Branches opened early in those parts but still she was the first to reach the bank and the key-holders followed much later. She then presented her credentials and was introduced to the staff. The process of handing over and taking charge was to be carried out during the day and so she just went around the branch getting a feel of it and making mental notes as to what changes she would like to make.

It was a quiet morning with few customers but the cash department staff had a pile of work to be done as a fresh remittance had just arrived. Veena helped in overseeing the cash being stacked in the bins. All of a sudden, there was a gunshot and two masked men had entered the branch and brandishing their pistols terrified the staff to hand over all the cash on the counters. They apparently knew the branch security system very well and had switched off the emergency alarm and were in full control of the situation. The bank guard was momentarily away from the main door as he had also accompanied the cash remittance to the strong room, which had given easy access to the masked duo.

With a gush of adrenaline, Veena quietly reached out to her dad’s revolver in her bag. One of the guys was naïve enough to place his pistol on the counter while he was filling his sack with currency notes from the counter. VeenaI signalled to the bank guard to pick up that weapon and tackle the guy. In the meanwhile, his partner had made his way to the strong room to force the cash custodian to hand over all the money which had just arrived. Veena sneaked in behind him and caught him unawares. As she pointed the revolver at him, a couple of staff mustered courage and caught him and pinned him to the ground. He was then dragged and locked up in the Safe Deposit Vault.

Mobiles went into action and very soon the police were on the scene.  A major dacoity had been averted. Needless to say, Veena was the heroine of the day and in no time, she was the talk of the town with press and media covering the event in great detail. The news went to the District Collector too and Veena’s meeting with him was preponed into a luncheon meeting! Heaps of praises were showered upon her for having boldly taking swift action and she was even told that her name would be proposed for a Bravery Award. By evening, Veena had taken charge of the branch and went home quite proud of herself. Her parents had already followed the news coverage on TV but eagerly listened to her narration of the day’s proceedings with rapt attention. Needless to say, they were very happy and overjoyed to know that their own “little” daughter had acted courageously. 

The next day as Veena was carrying out her duties, she was surprised to see their Regional Manager and a few senior officials walk in. Even before tea could be ordered for them, the Regional Manager handed her a sealed envelope. Veena was excited – it must surely be an appreciation letter, or maybe some Cash Award! Quickly she opened the envelope and pulled out the letter which read:

“…………. You are well aware that no firearms can be brought within the Bank’s premises. Further, the revolver in question did not belong to you, nor was there a valid licence in the name of the owner. Please explain as to why the Bank cannot take suitable action against you…..”

Veena could read no further.