The Calf’s Condolence

“Greetings Mother. I heard that your calf has died. I felt sad on hearing the news. The village sarpanch was telling us that the calf was close to everyone in the village. In these testing times, I am with your family and I pray to god that the calf may rest in peace. Nothing can replace your calf’s absence. Here are five thousand rupees that you can use to buy fodder for your buffalo. The buffalo must be very sad too.”

This was election time and the leader Roshan Singh was talking to a village woman called Kesari with folded hands. Kesari had a large family.

“Son, you are visiting the village after five years. Please buy a cycle for your son with this money. Last summer, my grandson died due to Cholera that he got from drinking contaminated water. He was very fond of riding a bicycle.”

“Son! Ramprasad, please get a glass of water to our beloved leader.”

“Ohh.. Mother. I have some urgent appointments. I have to leave now.”