MALLAYYA’S WIFE

Mallayya’s wife went
mad after his accidental
death in the course of
a train journey.
Mallayya, a sturdy, thick, dark
man, with a huge pepper-salt
moustache was soft-spoken
liked and respected by
neighbours.
Though he took to drinks
once in a while, he was
not at all a drunkard.
Mallayya’s wife, a lean, black
woman with a nose-stud and
a chain around the neck
was a silent cat always
confined to her apartment.
Their two sons were born after
years of prayers and offering of
oblations to God.
Both Mallayya and his wife
cared and loved them and attended
to all their needs.
In the mornings Mallayya
before departing for work,
woke them up and held
each of them close to
his chest which was
a heartening sight to
all neighbours.
Days of glory ended ever
since Mallayya met with
the train accident and
succumbed to grievous injuries.
His wife went mad and
no amount of treatment
could cure her.
Both sons stopped studies
and went astray.
Inside the silent apartment
two ash-coloured
cats appeared as permanent guests
and they like gate-keepers
sat at the window
and stared at the passers-by
reminding one of
death, death and death
alone.
Chest beatings, lamentations,
and throwing utensils
always heard from the background.