LOST AND FOUND

"Why are you late for work?" Madam asked Bimal in an irritable voice. 

"I was knocked down by a cyclist and had to go home to change my clothes and apply Dettol to the bruises on my knees" Bimal pulled up his pants to show his bandaged knees stained with blood.

"Okay...go run and get the jalebis. The kids are waiting for breakfast." was her indifferent response. Bimal made a quick exit to visit the sweetmeat shop selling freshly made hot jalebis, a favorite breakfast with the Guptas washed down with glasses of hot milk.  

Ramlal's shop quickly ran out of the jalebis with the huge demand. Bimal was a regular, and noticing he had not arrived at his usual time, Ramlal kept aside his portion away from the sight of customers to avoid any unforeseen problem.  

When Bimal arrived there were other customers in the queue. Ramlal noticed him standing at the end of the line and raised his eyebrows as though to question why he was late. As Bimal reached the counter, he was sure the supply would have exhausted and he would have to face the ire of Mrs. Gupta. Ramlal saved his day, handing over the oil-stained brown paper packet from under the counter, whispering to him 'I have kept the normal quantity and added a few extras for you. When you get home, take out the extra portion and enjoy."

Observing the fourteen-year-old boy, he was reminded of his son, who had died of dengue fever. He knew Bimal had to work for a living and guessed he was not treated well by the Gupta household.  

Putting out the jalebis on a plate he placed it on the dining table. The overnight dishes in the sink have to be done and he forgot to eat the jalebis Ramlal had given him. Just when he was about to bite into the juicy sweet, Mrs. Gupta walked into the kitchen and exclaimed "You thief! How ungrateful of you. We employed you as our domestic help because our driver vouched you came from a good family with no bad habits. Pack your belongings and never come back. If you do, I will be forced to hand you over to the police."

Bimal wasn't even given a chance to explain as Madam stormed out of the kitchen to tell her husband and children of the incident. Shame-faced Bimal let himself out and walked aimlessly on the streets, not having the courage to tell his father that he had lost his job. Ramlal came to his rescue when Bimal narrated the events leading up to his being thrown out of the Gupta home.  

"Are beta...you don't have to worry. I will employ you in my shop. That way you will continue to earn money as well as learn how to make the best jalebis in this town." The relief on Bimal's face was visible.  

There was a spring in his step, despite the pain, when he walked home to announce to his parents the new employment that would fetch him more money.

Ramlal got back his dead son, in Bimal!