Keya's Workbook

As Keya said

On a winter afternoon, Keya’s mother-in-law passed away due to a heart attack in Delhi. But as the old lady lived in Kolkata, her children wanted the last rites to be performed there. There was a huge controversy as two of her children resided in Delhi, and the mother was lastly looked after by Keya and her husband.  So the eldest son had his say that in the last years of his mother's life, he and his wife had shouldered the responsibility, and the rites would be done in Delhi.

The Kolkata side held more weight, as three sons and all the relatives were residing in the city. Their disagreements escalated to the point where Minoti Devi chose to live her years. It was always the City of Joy. It was her final wish to be cremated in the place she called home. Although the cremation could not be performed, the 'Shraddho' ceremony would take place in Kolkata. Ultimately, Keya and her husband had to concede, and the eldest son travelled to Kolkata the following day. Keya and her sister-in-law also went to the city a few days later.

Kolkata has undergone many changes, and the road to Keya’s brother-in-law's house was confusing.  Keya asked the driver to get assistance from the traffic policeman. The driver was a humble man from Bihar who came to the city to earn a living.

This is what the driver said, ‘Dada, can you please help me find the way to the Bansdroni interior near the girls’ school?  I am a bit confused. The junior traffic policeman, a 22-year-old, came near the car but was raging with anger. The man was furious and told the poor driver, ‘How dare you call me? you should have parked the car and come to me to solve your problem.

Keya was baffled by the behaviour of the policeman. She got down and told the man, ‘On this busy road, where can the driver find a place to park the car, and he was on one side, so there was no issue for the other vehicles to pass. Why are you raising your voice?’ By this time, the man had come down to his senses and made a face by leaving the question unanswered. Keya told the driver to take the car further and then ask a local who could help him find the way.

Finally, they arrived at the correct destination, but when Keya got down, the driver was shivering with fear. ‘ Didi, if the man takes revenge as he must have noted down the taxi number and easily can blame me falsely, which will make me lose my job.’ Keya gave her mobile number and told him not to be afraid. If the man created any more problems, she would help him.

The foolish man had brought into play using his power on a poor, helpless man.

Moral:  Know your rights. Do not be afraid if you are correct. The traffic policeman on duty has to help the drivers who need it, and also help the pedestrians on the road.

Chakraborty Meenakshi