Anirudh- The Story Of A Misread Barrister

Chapter-20: The Jewellery Thief

In the evening, when the eastern part of the earth was slowly heading towards darkness, leaving the sun behind, I was sitting in the front verandah with my case studies, making a note of the pleasant bluish white sky painting itself with hues of orange. It was an indication for me to get ready with the lanterns to light my house. It was also a cue for me to pack my things up and get inside the house, in order to protect myself from the impending torture of the winter mosquitoes, which are usually in a full swing to extract my blood. Wherever I may roam across the country, my blood donation to mosquitoes is one social service that I would end up doing involuntarily without fail. However, now that I am a little short of blood, I have decided to preserve the leftover for serving my country. So, gathering all my books and other stuff, I was about to go inside the house when I saw Subbu coming towards me.

"What's up, barrister babu?", he asked patting my shoulder gently. "It seems today you had a leisure.", he went on.

"Yeah, I didn't have many cases. Well, you seems to be worked up.", I commented hovering my gaze all across his tired face.

"You are right, friend. I am in an immediate need of a hot water bath and a cup of coffee.", he grumbled.

"I understand, although I am wondering why you rushed to me straight from the court, even without relaxing for a while. Is there anything important?", I enquired in a concerned tone.

"Indeed, I have a news for you.", he continued, "Today, when I went to the police station regarding one of my cases, I came to know that a suspect in the fire accident case of the forbidden area has been taken into custody. His name is Chennimalai or something."

"What?!!!", I exclaimed in shock.

"He had approached me for help, to provide him the justice. How did he become the suspect?", I asked, quite surprised at the way the case was turning.

"The Superintendent told me that some of his neighbors have witnessed him smoking a cigar and throwing it carelessly onto the thatched roof of his hut, which had resulted in the massive spread of fire and also the death of many people including his father.", Subbu gave all the information that he had gathered.

"But, I have heard a different story altogether.", I muttered.

"We shall leisurely discuss about this tomorrow. Grant me a leave for now, zamindar babu.", saying this he walked towards his house, while I stood with my eyes on the retreating figure and thoughts on Chennimalai.

"I should go to the police station at the earliest; otherwise, I won't get sleep tonight.", I thought.

Lost in my own thoughts, I stepped into the house, only to find it well lit and bright. Ramu kaka and Laxmi kaki had already retired for the day. I looked all around to make out who would have lit the house without my instruction.

"It's me sakha babu.", I heard the much needed sound and looked in that direction.

"How did I forget you, my guardian?", I uttered with questioning eyes and a wide smile, making her burst into laughter.

"You didn't forget me, my savior. It is just that your mind is busy thinking something else, that it sidelined me for a moment. At least this is what I would like to believe.", she replied in a confident tone, moving her hands according to her words. She trusted me to that level.

She was such an expressive kid that she generally puts her whole body to work while talking. I have always noticed her hands speaking simultaneously with her mouth. For instance, she hits her forehead when she thinks she made a mistake, she places her hands on her waist when she had to question or initiate a 'tark', and moves them rhythmically while talking. Well, after listening to her reply, it was my turn to laugh heartily.