Vijay Likhite

Abstract Drama Classics

4  

Vijay Likhite

Abstract Drama Classics

BHAU SAHEB

BHAU SAHEB

4 mins
393



Bhausaheb, aged 70, was sitting on the balcony of his flat on the first floor. He, lost in thoughts, was staring directly into the mild setting sun.

“Feeling relieved now. Out of tension! But this should not have happened.”

The Sunset. Twilight with golden color occupied the atmosphere. Soon Venus started shining brilliantly on the western horizon. Bhausaheb came back into his room.

Ramakaku was talking to Sakhu, the domestic help.

“Whatever has happened has happened for good. How much he was slogging! For whom? What for? I told him several times. The society members don’t care for him. Why should he take so much trouble? Only to receive criticism? Bhausaheb put sweat and blood to run the society. He used to say, 'After all, we belong to this society. Our society. Is it not our responsibility to ensure the smooth running of our society?' "

Seeing Bhausaheb entering the room, Ramakaku changed the topic. But Bhausaheb had overheard her. He thought, ‘what is the point in changing the topic? Don’t I know what is bothering you?

When I used to get immersed in the work of accounts of society, you only used to help me. The committee meetings were being held in our house, usually on Saturday nights for the convenience of employed working members of the committee. Late-night hours, heated arguments amongst the committee members ensuring their rights to prove their authority, your sleep used to get disturbed. But you never complained. On the contrary, you used to make tea for the members if the meeting extended beyond a couple of hours, which was a regular affair. Not only that, you used to help me in maintaining the files and arranging them. It was not an easy matter to maintain accounts of 60 members, collection of monthly charges, bank matters, attending the regular complaints of maintenance such as water supply, cleaning services, arrange an electrician for power complaints, etc.

All this we were volunteering as I was the only retired person in this housing society.

Despite all this slogging, if any member used to face a little inconvenience due to delayed attendance of the complaint, he used to come charging and in a very high voice used to question the delay. Abusive words were being thrown at me.

You used to get upset by this treatment. To pacify you I used to say, "Rama, social service always involves the arrogant behavior of some members. We have to tolerate all this."'

Bhausaheb entered the room which was spared for the accounts work of the society. Today, the room was very clean devoid of all the files, voucher books, etc.

Bhausaheb remembered. Four years ago, when his son, Ajit working for Air Force, had booked a three-bedroom flat for them in this newly formed co-operative housing society. A working committee was formed. Being the only retired person available, Bhausaheb was given the responsibility of managing society maintenance. All other young, working members of society assured support to Bhausaheb. And Bhausaheb took charge of their flat and also the voluntary secretary position of the society.

The new society had not built a separate office for the day-to-day operation. Since Ajit was then not married and he had to stay at the airbase, one room of Ajit’s flat was used for keeping the files of society accounts and all the requirements for the running of society.

Today, after four years the room was emptied.

During the audit this year, the shortage of 500 rupees could not be accounted for. Bhausaheb looked for the vouchers high and low. But he could not get them. Immediately gossip started among the members saying Bhausaheb had used Rs.500 for his personal use. He was alleged with corrupt practice. Some members demanded resignation from Bhausaheb. The members who did not come forward to help Bhausaheb in day-to-day work were leading a protest campaign. Bhausaheb was disgusted by the behavior of some members. Few members even marched towards his flat asking for an explanation for Rs.500. Bhausaheb was so much upset that he refused to meet these members. The members then shouted derogatory slogans. They passed a protesting resolution against Bhausaheb

Bhausaheb put up his resignation. That was immediately accepted. A new committee was formed. Bhausaheb handed over the books of account to the new committee. The room of his flat, used for the work of society, was vacated by the new committee.

After a few days., Ajit returned from his duty. Bhausaheb and Ramakaku were pleased to see him. Talking about general happenings around, Ramakaku skillfully avoided the topic of Society. Ajit spoke about the thrills of maneuvering fighter aircraft newly added to the air force.

Suddenly Ajit opened his suitcase. Took out two vouchers and while handing them over to Bhausaheb, he said, “Bhau, these vouchers of society account had inadvertently come in my suitcase. A very small amount. But I thought, they might be needed by you. So preserved them and brought them along.”

Bhausaheb looked at the vouchers. These were responsible for the blemish he had received. But at the same time, he was satisfied that he had severed the link with the society matters, society of the ungrateful, selfish members.

 


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