ePykiy nts;isah;fs; (xU vjph;fhy ehty;) fp.gp. 2185 Mk; Mz ...€¦ · ePykiy nts;isah;fs; (xU vjph;fhy ehty;) fp.gp. 2185 Mk; Mz;by; [pahh;[; ];kpj; vd;Dk; Mq;fpNyah; ePykiy nts;isah;fisf;

ePykiy nts;isah;fs;

(xU vjph;fhy ehty;)

fp.gp. 2185 Mk; Mz;by; [pahh;[; ];kpj; vd;Dk; Mq;fpNyah; ePykiy nts;isah;fisf; fhz ek; ehl;Lf;F te;jhh;. mtUila gpuahd tuyhW ,J. nrd;w ,UE}W Mz;L cyf rhpj;jpuj;jpw;F ,e;j tuyhW xU Kf;fpa %y rhrdkhf mike;Js;sJ. NkYk; mf;fhyj;jpa ,U Nfhs kf;fspd; kNdhepiyiaAk; cwTfisAk; ajhh;j;jkhf rpj;jhpf;fpwJ. MfNt ,e;j tuyhw;iw jkpopy; ntspapLtjpy; ngUikg;gLfpNwhk;.

(fijapy; tUtd fw;gidg; ngah;fs;. ,e;jg; ghj;jpuq;fs; ahUk; ,d;Dk; gpwf;ftpy;iy.)

mj;jpahak; xd;W

ehd; yz;ld; efhpy; cs;s Mjpfhy rhpj;jpu Muha;r;rpf; $lj;jpy; gzp Ghpe;J te;Njd;. me;j epWtdj;jpd; Fwpf;Nfhs; mZFz;L fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa (m.K) ek; Kd;Ndhh; vg;gb tho;e;jhh;fs;> mth;fSila gof;f tof;fq;fs;> ek;gpf;iffs;> kdg;ghd;ikfs;> cwTfs; ,itfisg; gw;wp Muha;tJjhd;. mk;khjphpahd Muha;r;rp ek; %jhijfs; nra;j gpiofis ehk; jtph;g;gjw;Fk;> ek; vjph;fhyj;ij eph;zapg;gjw;Fk; cjtpaha; ,Uf;Fk;. ,e;j Muha;r;rp mf;fhyj;jpa Gj;jfq;fs;> Gifg; glq;fs;> jpiug;glq;fs;> NubNah Ngr;R thh;j;ijfs; kl;Lkpd;wp> njhy;nghUs;fs; %ykhfTk; elj;jg;gl;L te;jJ. kNdhjj;Jt rh];jpuj;J gphpj;jDFk; Kiwfs; thapyhf mth;fSila vz;zq;fs;> rpe;jidfs; Kjypatw;iwg; gw;wp mwpe;Jf;nfhs;s KbAk;. ,k;khjphpahf gioa fhyj;ijj; njspthf;Ftjpy; Vuhskhd nra;jpfs;> nghUs;fs; ,Ue;jhYk; mtw;iw rhpahf gy Nfhzq;fspypUe;J ghh;j;J cz;ikia mwptJ kpfTk; fbdkhd fhhpak;.

vkJ epWtdj;jpy; ,e;j Muha;r;rp Kiwfisf; ifahStjpy; mjpf Kd;Ndw;wk; mile;jpUe;Njhk;. Mdhy; vk; fUj;Jf;fisNah my;yJ KbTfisNah ntspapltpy;iy. fhuzk; ,k;khjphpahd Muha;r;rpf;F muR Cf;fkspf;ftpy;iy. rpy rkaq;fspy; vq;fs; ntspaPLfSf;F jLg;Gk; tpjpf;fg;gl;lJ. gioa fhy Nghuhl;lq;fisg; gw;wpAk; Ngjq;fisg; gw;wpAk; vOjpdhy; tpQ;Qhdj;jhy; gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;l ,d;iwa kf;fspd; kdk; rPh;Fiyayhk; vd;Wk;> gioa Nghuhl;l czh;r;rpfs; kWgbAk; jiynaLf;fyhk; vd;Wk; fUjg;gl;lJ. ,jd;

fhuzkhf gy Mz;Lfs; vq;fs; epWtdKk; %lg;gl;lJ. rkPg fhyj;jpy; fpof;F – Nkw;F Nfhsq;fs; xd;whd gpwFjhd; ehq;fs; kWgbAk; nray;glj; Jtq;fpNdhk;. MfNt vq;fisg; gw;wp nghJ kf;fSf;F xd;WNk njhpahJ.

Nghd tUlk;> m.gp.218 Mk; Mz;by; (m.gp vd;why; mZFz;Lf;Fg; gpwF vd;W

mh;j;jk;) – mjhtJ fp.gp.2163 Mk; Mz;L nrd;idapYs;s [Pt kNdhjj;Jt epWtdj;jpy;

,Ue;J vq;fSf;F fPo;f;fz;l fbjk; te;jJ. ‘ePq;fs; mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa (m.K.)

rhpj;jpu Muha;r;rpapy; <Lgl;bUg;gjhf mwpfpNwhk;. mg;gbnad;why; ,q;F ‘Mq;fpNyah;fs;’ vd;W $wpf;nfhs;Sk; xU tFg;gpdiug; gw;wp ePq;fs; njhpe;J nfhs;s Ntz;baJ mtrpak;. mth;fs; ,g;NghJk; mZ fhyj;Jf;Fk; Ke;jpa gz;ghl;bNyNa tho;e;J tUfpwhh;fs;. ,e;j ,UE}W Mz;Lfshf Vw;gl;l Kd;Ndw;wq;fs; mth;fis ,d;Dk; njhltpy;iy. cjhuzkhf ,aw;if KiwapNyNa mth;fs; fh;g;gk; jhpj;J Foe;ij ngWfpwhh;fs;. khdpl tho;f;ifapd; juj;ij cah;j;JtJ gw;wpAk; mjw;fhf [Ptpa Njh;e;njLg;G gw;wpAk; mth;fSf;F xd;WNk njhpahJ. fy;tp fw;gJ ,d;Wk; Qhgf hPjpapy;jhd;. ek; Kd;Ndhh;fSila Nghuhl;lq;fSk; rhpj;jpufhy czh;r;rpfSk; ,d;Wk; mth;fs; kdjpy; Fbnfhz;Ls;sd.

mth;fs; ,q;Fs;s ePykiyg; gFjpapy; tho;e;J tUfpwhh;fs;. ekJ etPd gz;ghl;Lf;F jpBnud;W mth;fisf; nfhz;L te;jhy; mJ mth;fSf;F xU nghpa mjph;r;rpahf ,Uf;Fk; vd;gjhy; ehq;fs; ,d;Dk; mth;fis jdpikapy; itj;jpUf;fpNwhk;. Mdhy; rpwpJ fhyj;jpy; mth;fs; ek; tho;f;ifapy; ,uz;luf; fye;J kiwe;J tpLthh;fs; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy. mJ Vw;gLtjw;F Kd;dhy; mth;fSila tho;f;ifiaAk; r%f cwTfisAk; gw;wp Neubahf Muha;tJ eyk; vd;W ehq;fs; fUJfpNwhk;. gioa fhy tho;f;ifiag; gw;wpAk; xU ,we;j ehfhPfj;ijAk; gw;wp mwpe;Jnfhs;s ,J xU Neub tha;g;G.

Mdhy; ehq;fNs ,e;j Muha;r;rpia Nkw;nfhs;Stjpy; xU f\;lk; ,Uf;fpwJ. ,e;j tFg;gpdh; jhk; Mjp fhyj;jpy; ,q;fpyhe;J ehl;by; gpwe;jth;fnsd;Wk; me;ehl;L kf;fspd;

re;jjpfs; vd;Wk; $wpf;nfhs;fpwhh;fs;. ‘Mq;fpNyah;’ vd;Dk; ngaNu ‘,q;fpyhe;J’ vd;Dk; nkhopapypUe;J Vw;gl;l jphpghFk;. ,e;jpahtpy; ,Uf;Fk; #o;epiy mth;fSf;F xU tpNuhjkhfj; njd;gLfpwJ. ehq;fs; ,e;j Muha;r;rpapy; Kw;gl;lhy; mth;fs; ,d;iwa r%fj;Jld; ,iztJ fbdkhFk;. MfNt ,e;j Muha;r;rpia ePq;fs; Nkw;nfhz;lhy;

cq;fSf;F Ntz;ba vy;yh rYiffisAk; nfhLj;Jjt ehq;fs; tpUk;GfpNwhk;……

ehq;fs; Nrh;j;J itj;jpUe;j gioa Fwpg;GfspYk; j];jhNt[{fspYk; Njba NghJ ,e;j fbjj;jpy; fz;bUe;j tFg;gpdiug; gw;wpa cz;ikfs; njhpa te;jd. MfNt nrd;id epWtdj;jplkpUe;J te;j miog;G clNd Vw;Wf;nfhs;sg;gl;lJ. ePykiy nts;isah;fisg; gw;wp Muha;tjw;F vq;fs; epWtdj;jpd; nghpNahh;fs; vd;idj; Njh;e;njLj;jhh;fs;. mjw;Ff; fhuzk; vd;dntd;why; mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa nkhopfspy; ehd; ghz;bj;jpak;

ngw;wpUe;Njd;. NkYk; me;j ePykiy kf;fs; jq;fis ‘nts;isah;’ vd;Wk; $wpf;nfhs;tjhy;

ehDk; xU ‘nts;isad;;’ Mf ,Ue;Njd;. vd; jiy kaph; $l ntz;ikahf ,Uf;Fk;.

gioa nkhopapy; ‘gshz;l;’ (Blonde) vd;W nrhy;thh;fs;. MfNt ePykiy kf;fSld; cwT nfhz;lhLtjpy; vdf;F vt;tpj f\;lKk; ,Uf;fhJ.

xU tpjj;jpy; ,e;j Fwpg;G vd; gpuahzj;jpd; tuyhW vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. Muha;r;rp epGzh;fSf;fhf ehd; ,ij vOjtpy;iy. nghJ kf;fSf;fhfj;jhd; ,ij vOjpapUf;fpNwd;. ,ij vOJtjpy; ,e;j E}W Mz;Lfshf ,Uf;Fk; rl;lq;fisAk; epajpfisAk; ehd; kPwp ,Uf;fpNwd; vd;gJk; vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. ,k;khjphp kPwpajw;F fhuzk; vdf;F Vw;gl;l xU

xg;gw;w mDgtNk MFk;. nraw;ifahf gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;l vd; kdKk;. ‘ehd;’ vd;Dk; jd;ey kdg;ghd;ikia xopf;f Kw;gLk; ek; r%fKk; ,e;j Mo;e;j GJ mDgt czh;r;rpf;F Kd;dhy; #hpaidf; fz;l gdp khjphp kiwe;Jtpl;ld. ,k;khjphp mgpg;gpuhaq;fNs ek; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; xU ehl;Lj; JNuhfkhFk;. ,jw;fhf ehd; f\;lg;glTk; Neuyhk;. ,J vd;

mDgtj;jhy; Neh;e;jjy;yntd;Wk; vd; [Ptpa mbg;gilapNyNa (gesses) VNjh Fw;wkpUf;fpwnjd;Wk; $l epidj;J vd;id KbT fl;b tplyhk;. xUtUila Mo;e;j mDgtq;fisAk; mtw;why; Vw;gl;l czh;T vOr;rpfisAk; ntspapLtJ Fw;wnkd;why; ehd; Fw;wthspjhd;. ehd; vd;idNa ngUikg;gLj;jpf;nfhs;s ,e;j tuyhw;iw vOjtpy;iy vd;gij Ch;[pjg;gLj;j ,ij ehd; vd; ngahpy; vOjtpy;iy. vd; ngah; cl;gl vy;yhNk Gid ngah;fs;.

,g;gpuahzj;jpd; fhuzkhf vdf;F xU nghpa Gul;rpfukhd kdkhWjy; Vw;gl;bUg;gpDk;> mjw;F Kd;dhy; ehd; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpd; tpRthrkhd gpui[ahfNt ,Ue;Njd;. fh;t tpahgfkhd ajhh;j;jthj jj;Jtj;ij KO kdNjhL filg;gpbj;Njd;. ,ij

vq;fs; nkhopapy; Philosophy of Universal Pragmatism vd;W nrhy;thh;fs;. RUf;fkhf gg;

(PUP) mJjhd; vq;fs; kjk;> jj;Jtk;> nfhs;if. vd; kdKk; kNdhjj;Jt thapyhf ed;whf Nrhjidr; rhiyapy; gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;lJ. vjph;g;G kdg;ghd;ik mZtsTk; vdf;Ff; fpilahJ. mg;gb ,y;iynad;why; ,e;jg; gpuahzj;Jf;F vd;idj; Njh;e;njLj;jpUf;f khl;lhh;fs;.

***************

nrd;id N`ypNghh;l;by; [Pt kNdhjj;Jt epWtdj;jpd; gpujpepjp vd;id re;jpj;jhh;.

“vd; ngah; ‘r;rf;’ ” vd;W mwpKfk; nra;Jnfhz;L clNd tp\aj;Jf;F te;jhh;.

“ePq;fs; rpy khjq;fSf;F mZTf;F Ke;jpa fhy epiyikapy; ,Uf;fg; NghfpwPh;fs;. cq;fSila clk;G khWgLk; rPNjh\;z epiyf;F rhpf;fl;l Ntz;bapUf;Fk;. gy khWgl;l Mfhuq;fis rhg;gpl;L ePq;fs; [Puzk; nra;a Ntz;bapUf;Fk;. MfNt me;j #o;epiyf;F cq;fis rhpg;gLj;j xU fpspdpf;Ff;F ePq;fs; Ngha; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W KbT

nra;ag;gl;bUf;fpwJ>” vd;W r;rf; tpsf;fpdhh;.

“vd;dplk; vdf;F Ntz;ba czTr; rj;Jf;fs; ,Uf;fpd;wdNt>” vd;Nwd;.

“ePq;fs; re;jpf;fg; NghFk; kf;fs; mth;fSila Nfspf;iffspy; ePq;fs; gq;F nfhs;tPh; vd;W vjph;ghh;g;ghh;fs;. ePq;fs; me;j re;jpg;ig xU tpQ;Qhd Muha;r;rpahf ghtpj;jhYk;> mth;fs; mij xU rpNef ghtj;Jld; tuNtw;ghh;fs;. me;j vz;zj;ij ehk;

J}z;LtJ mtrpak;. mg;nghOJjhd; mth;fis ekJ GJ r%fj;NjhL ,izf;f KbAk;.”

,ijg;gw;wp ehd; nfhQ;rk; Nahrid nra;Njd;. Mdhy; r;rf; kWgbAk; Ngrpf;

nfhz;Nl Nghdhh;. “cq;fs; kNdhgf;Ftk; ,jdhy; ghjpf;fg;gLk; vd;W epidf;f Ntz;lhk;. mij gyg;gLj;jTk; ehq;fs; eltbf;if vLf;fg; NghfpNwhk;. mq;Nf ,Uf;Fk;NghJ cq;fSila jd;Dzh;r;rp gytpj mOj;jq;fSf;Fk; cl;gl Ntz;bapUf;Fk;. yz;ldpy; ,k;khjphp rkaq;fspy; cgNahfg;gLj;jg;gLk; kNdhgf;Ft Kiwfs; vdf;F ed;whfj; njhpAk;. vq;fSila Kiwfs; mtw;iw tpl nfhQ;rk; Kd;Ndw;wk; mile;Js;sJ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;.

cq;fSila <.B.v]; (Ego Data Sheet) jd;Zdh;r;rp Gs;sp tptuj;jhs; nfhz;L

te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs; my;yth?”

“Mk;”

“mg;nghOJ gpur;rid xd;Wk; ,Uf;fhJ. mij vq;fs; <.B.v]; fk;gpA+lhpy;

Cl;bdhy; cq;fSf;F Ntz;ba msT kNdhgf;Ftk; elf;Fk;.”

MfNt ehd; xU #o;epiy khWghl;L fpspdpf;Fg; Ngha; mq;Nf rpy ehl;fs; ,Ue;Njd;. tpz;ntspapy; gwf;Fk; tPuh;fSf;Fg; NghyNt vdf;Fk; gytpj rPNjh\;z];jpfspYk; fhw;W mOj;jq;fspYk; f\;lkpy;yhky; ,Ug;gjw;F Ntz;ba rpfpr;ir mspf;fg;gl;lJ. jw;fhy tho;f;if Kiwapdhy; ,aq;fhky; ,Ue;j cs; cUg;Gfis ,aq;FkhW trjpfs; nra;ag;gl;ld. tpahjpfisg; gug;Gk; fpUkpfs; vd; clk;ig ghjpf;fhky; ,Uf;f gy Crpfs; Nghlg;gl;ld. gytpj czTfisAk; kJghd tiffisAk; cl;nfhs;Stjw;F VJthf vd; [Puz rf;jpAk; tYthf;fg;gl;lJ. VO ehl;fSf;fg;Gwk; ePykiy kf;fspd; tpUe;Njhk;gYf;Fk;> rPNjh\;zj;Jf;Fk;> jFjpahf;fg;gl;L me;j fpspdpf;fpy; ,Ue;J ntspNawpNdd;.

ehd; re;jpf;fg; NghFk; kf;fSila czh;r;rpfSk;> kdg;Nghf;FfSk; vd;id ghjpf;fhkypUf;fTk;> vd; ghugl;rkw;w epiyik khwhky; ,Ug;gjw;fhfTk; vd; kNdhjj;Jt gf;Ftg;ghl;Lf;Fk; Vw;ghL nra;ag;gl;lJ. filrpahf vdf;F ,Utpj khj;jpiufisAk; mspj;jhh;fs;. xd;W clk;Gf;F Neha; tuhky; ,Ug;gjw;fhf> ,d;ndhd;W kNdhjj;Jt gf;Ftk; nflhky; ,Ug;gjw;fhf. Ntz;baNghJ nrd;idAld; njhlh;G nfhs;Stjw;fhf xU FW miy (Micro – wave) NghNdh tp\Dk; vdf;F mspf;fg;gl;lJ. tof;fkhf xU jlit cgNahfpj;J vwpe;JtpLk; MilfSf;Fg; gjpyhf gioa fhyj;Jf;F Vw;w cilfis jahhpj;J r;rf; vdf;F mspj;jhh;.

‘ePykiy nts;isah;fs; khjphpNa ePq;fSk; cil cLj;jhy;jhd; mth;fs; ePq;fs; xU

cz;ikahd Mq;fpNyah; vd;W ek;Gthh;fs;>’ vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L ePykiy ehl;Lg; gzKk; mspj;jhh;.

r;rf; jhd; vd;id ePykiyf;F mioj;Jf;nfhz;L Nghdhh;. ehd; mq;F Ngha; Nrh;e;j gpwF ntsp cyfj;Jld; mth; %ykhfj;jhd; njhlh;G nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. xU rpW n`hth;fhg;lhpy; ehq;fs; ,UtUk; Gwg;gl;Nlhk;. r;rf;jhd; mij Xl;bdhh;.

“vg;gb ,Uf;fpwPh;fs;?” vd;W r;rf; tprhhpj;jhh;.

“ed;whfj;jhd; ,Uf;fpNwd;. Vd; Nfl;fpwPh;fs;?” vd;Nwd;.

r;rf; rphpj;jhh;. “ePq;fs; Mok; njhpahky; jz;zPhpy; ,wq;fg; NghfpwPh;fs;. mq;Fs;s gpur;ridfs; ePq;fs; epidg;gijtpl nuhk;g rpf;fyhf ,Uf;Fk;. mJ ekJ etPd r%fk;

khjphp my;y.”

“vdf;Fj;jhd; vy;yh ghJfhg;GfSk; ,Uf;fpd;wdNt. clk;Gk;> kdJk; ,uz;Lk;

ed;whf gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;bUf;fpd;wd ,y;iyah?”

“,Jjhd; etPd tpQ;Qhdj;jpy; cs;s xU Fiw>” vd;whh; r;rf;. “ekf;F vy;yhk; njhpAk; vd;Dk; kdg;ghd;ikia mJ J}z;LfpwJ. ,e;j Nehf;NfhL ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ ehk;

mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa ekJ %jhijfistpl Nkhrk;. kNdh jj;Jtj;Jf;Fk; [Ptpa jj;Jtj;Jf;Fk; cs;s g+uz cwitg; gw;wp ehk; ,d;Dk; ed;whf mwpe;J nfhs;stpy;iy.

,e;j cwtpy; czh;r;rpapDila gq;Fk; ekf;Fj; njhpahJ.”

r;rf;fpd; rpe;jid vdf;F xU Gjpuha; ,Ue;jJ. “vg;gbapUe;jhYk; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk;

Kiwfs; Kd;Ndwp ,Uf;fpd;wd my;yth?” vd;Nwd;.

“ekf;Fj; njhpe;j gpur;ridfSf;nfy;yhk; mJ xU ey;y kUe;Jjhd;. Mdhy; ekf;Fj; njhpahj gpur;ridfSf;Fk; ek; mDgtj;Jf;F mg;ghw;gl;l rpe;jidfSf;Fk; mJ cjTkh? NkYk; ePq;fs; ,we;j fhyj;Jf;Fs; nry;fpwPh;fs;. fh;g;gg; igAf;Fs; jpUk;gpg; NghtJ khjphp. mq;fpUe;J ,uz;lhtJ jlitahf kWgbAk; tsh;tJ khjphp. ,J xU xg;gw;w> Kd;G

mwpahj epiyik.”

r;rf;fpd; Ngr;R vdf;F ftiy je;jJ. Vd; ,g;gb NgRfpwhh; vd;W Nahrpj;Njd;. vd; Nky; ,Uf;Fk; mDjhgj;jhyh my;yJ vd; gf;Ftg;ghL gw;wp mtUf;F re;Njfk; ,Uf;fpwjh? xU Ntis ehd; Vw;Wf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; rthYf;F Ntz;ba jpwik vdf;F ,y;iynad;wh? ,ijg;gw;wp ehd; Nfl;Nld;.

mth; rphpj;jhh;. “cq;fs; gf;Ftg;ghL ed;whf ,Uf;fpwjh vd;W ehd; njhpe;J nfhs;s Ntz;lhkh? ckJ gpuahzj;jpYk; ePykiy nts;isah;fis re;jpg;gjpYk; ve;jtpjkhd gOJk; ,Uf;ff; $lhJ. Vndd;why; ePykiy kf;fis ek; r%fj;Jld; gpur;ridapd;wp ,izf;f Ntz;Lk;. mg;gb ,izf;f Kbahtpl;lhy; mth;fis mopj;JtpLtij tpl NtW

topapy;iy. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpd; ‘gg;’ jj;Jtj;Jf;F mJ Vw;wjhf ,Ue;jhYk;> vq;fSf;F mJ gpbf;ftpy;iy. fpof;F Nfhsj;jpy; gr;rhjhgk;> kdf;fpsh;r;rp Kjypa czh;Tfs; ,d;Dk;

,Uf;fpd;wd.”

NkYk; vd;id Nrhjid nra;fpwhuh vd;Dk; re;Njfk; vdf;F Vw;gl;lJ. “gg; jhd;

Kbthd cz;ik. mjw;fg;Gwk; xd;WNk fpilahJ>” vd;Nwd;.

gpwF mth; Ngr;ir NtW gf;fk; jpUg;gpdhh;. “cq;fs; Muha;r;rpiag; gw;wp nfhQ;rk; nrhy;Yq;fs;. ePq;fs; mq;Nf ghh;itahsuhf kl;Lk; NghfpwPh;fsh my;yJ gq;nfLj;Jf;

nfhs;sg; NghfpwPh;fsh?”

“ehd; xU jpwe;j kdg;ghd;ikNahL NghfpNwd;. epiyikf;Fj; jFe;jthW ele;J

nfhs;SNtd;>” ,itnay;yhk; ‘gg;’ jj;Jtj;jpypUe;J ehd; njhpe;J nfhz;l tpilfs;.

“czh;r;rp trg;glhky; vy;yh cwTfspYk; fye;J nfhz;lhy;jhd; ey;y KbTfSf;F

tuyhk;.”

“Mk;>” vd;W ehd; jiyairj;Njd;.

“ehd; nrhy;tJ rhp vd;W cq;fSf;Fj; Njhd;wpdhy; ,e;j FspiffisAk; ePq;fs;

itj;Jf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;>” vd;W r;rf; xU rpW nghl;lyj;ij mspj;jhh;.

“,it vd;d?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“,itfis ‘fhjy; kUe;J’ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. Mz;-ngz; cwTfSf;F ,it nuhk;g

Kf;fpak;.”

ehd; kpfTk; Mr;rhpag;gl;Nld;. r;rf; epWtdj;jpd; tpUe;jhspahf ehd; te;jpUe;jhYk; Muha;r;rpiag; nghWj;jtiuapy; mJ vd; KOg; nghWg;G. mth;fs; ve;j tpjj;jpYk; jiyaplf;$lhJ. ,ij r;rf; Vd; ,g;nghOJ khw;w Kay;fpwhh;? fpof;F Nfhsj;jpd; kdg;ghd;ikAk; njhopy; KiwfisAk; ehd; mwpe;J nfhs;stpy;iyah? mtHfSila

jj;Jtk; rpe;jid fl;Lg;ghL (Thought Control or b.rp ) gw;wp ed;whf mwpe;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;Dk; KbTf;F te;Njd;.

“b.rp njhpe;jpUg;gjpd; xU mD$yk; vd;dntd;why;> cq;fs; kdj;jpy; epidg;gij

ehd; mwpe;J nfhs;s KbAk;>” vd;whh; r;rf;. “,ijg; nghWj;jtiuapy; Nkw;F Nfhsj;ijtpl jhq;fs; mjpfkhf Kd;NdwpapUf;fpNwhk;. ePq;fs; ,g;nghOJ vd;d epidf;fpwPh;fs; vd;why;>

‘r;rf; Vd; ,e;j rhpj;jpu fhy Muha;r;rpapy; FWf;fpLfpwhh;. Nky; mjpfhhpfs; nra;j

Vw;ghl;ilf; Fiyf;fg; ghh;f;fpwhh;?’ ,y;iyah?”

vd; kdjpYs;s vz;zq;fis vg;gb mwpe;J nfhz;lhh; vd;W ehd; Mr;rhpag;gl;Nld;. mth; nrhd;dJ cz;ikjhd;. ,th;fs; Nkw;F Nfhsj;ijtpl mjpfk; Kd;NdwpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; Mz;-ngz; cwitg; nghUj;jtiuapy;> ngz; fh;g;gg; ig ,y;yhkNyNa tpQ;Qhd Kiwapy; Foe;ij cw;gj;jp Vw;gl;l fhyj;jpypUe;J jpUkzk; Ntz;bajpy;iy vd;whfptp;l;lJ. gg; jj;Jtj;jpy; Mh;tKs;sth;fs; jpUkzj;Jf;F vjpuhf gpur;rhuk; nra;J Kg;gJ Mz;LfSf;F Kd;dhy; mij rl;l tpNuhjkhf;fptpl;lhh;fs;. xU ngz; - xU Mz; vd;gJ nghJ Nehf;Ff;F tpNuhjnkd;gJk; jdpik kdg;ghd;ikia tsh;f;Fk; vd;gJk;jhd; ,jw;Ff; fhuzk;. jpUkzk; vd;gJ mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa xU %l ek;gpf;if vd;whfptpl;lJ. rh;t tpahgfkhd gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfspdhy; ,e;j fUj;Jf;fis vy;yh kf;fSk; rPf;fpuk; Mh;tj;Jld; filgpbf;fyhdhh;fs;. ,e;jf; fhuzq;fspdhy; Mz; - ngz; cwTfs; kpff; Fiwe;Jtpl;ld.

“vg;gbapUe;jhYk; vdf;F ,e;j khj;jpiufs; Njitapy;iy>” vd;Nwd;.

“mit cq;fSf;F fz;bg;ghf Njitg;gLk;>” vd;whh; r;rf;. mg;Gwk; mij

njspTgLj;jpdhh;. “ePq;fs; ftdpj;jpUf;fyhk;. ,aw;if Kiwapy; gpwe;jth;fSf;F nraw;if Kiwapy; gpwe;jth;fis tpl nrf;]; mjpfk; Njitg;gLfpwJ. ePq;fs; re;jpf;fg; NghFk;

tFg;gpdh; vy;NyhUk; ,aw;if Kiwapy; fUj;jhpj;Jg; gpwe;jth;fs;.”

“kp];lH r;rf;> ehd; ,g;nghOJ tpQ;Qhd Nrhjid Kiwapy; xU Guhjd kf;fspd; tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp Muha;tjw;fhd ,q;Nf te;Js;Nsd;. me;j Ntiy Kbe;j clNd yz;lDf;F jpUk;gpr; nrd;W vdJ mwpf;ifia rkh;g;gp;g;Ngd;. ,e;j epiyapy; nrf;]; tp\ak;

vo ve;j tpjj;jpYk; epahak; ,y;iy.” ehd; nfhQ;rk; fz;bg;ghfNt NgrpNdd;.

“me;j kf;fSila Mz; - ngz; cwTfisg; gw;wp ePq;fs; Neubahf njhpe;J

nfhs;shtpl;lhy; ckJ mwpf;if vg;gb g+Hj;jpahFk;>” r;rf; tpLtjha; ,y;iy. Vd; ,e;j tp\aj;ijg; gw;wp NgRfpwhh; vd;W vdf;Fg; Ghpatpy;iy. vd; vz;zq;fs; mtUf;Fj; njhpAk; Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; mtUila Fwpf;Nfhs; vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy.

“ehd; VNjh kdjpy; itj;Jf;nfhz;L cq;fisj; J}z;Ltjhf epidf;f Ntz;lhk;>”

r;rf; Ngrpf;nfhz;Nl Nghdhh;. “nraw;if [Ptpa cw;gj;jp epGzd; vd;Dk; Kiwapy; fpof;F Nfhsj;jpy; gpwf;Fk; Foe;ijfspy; ju fl;L;g;ghLf;F ehd;jhd; nghWg;G. rpyfhykhf kyLfspd; vz;zpf;if mjpfkhfpf; nfhz;L tUtijg; gw;wp ehd; ftiyg;gLfpNwd;. nraw;if Kiwapy; gpwe;j jiyKiwfs; mjpfkhf Mf kyLfspd; rjtpfpjKk; mjpfkhfpf; nfhz;Nl NghfpwJ. ,g;gbNa Ngha;f;nfhz;bUe;jhy; ,d;Dk; xU E}w;whz;by; kdpj th;f;fNk

,y;yhky; Ngha;tpLk;.”

,J vdf;F nfhQ;rk; ftiy je;jJ. ehNd nraw;if Kiwapy; %d;whtJ

jiyKiw. “nfhQ;rk; tptukhf nrhy;Yq;fs;>” vd;Nwd;.

“cjhuzkhf re;jpu Nfhsj;jpy; gpwe;j Foe;ijfs; xU jiyKiwjhd; nraw;if Kiwapy; gpwe;jth;fs;. MfNt mq;Nf kyLfs; mjpfk; ,y;iy. kdpj juj;ij cah;j;j [Ptpa tpQ;Qhdk; nra;j Kaw;rp filrpapy; kdpj th;f;fj;ijNa xopj;Jf; fl;bdhy; mJ xU

nghpa Vkhw;wkhfp tpLk;.”

“mnjg;gb KbAk;? Ke;jpa jiyKiwfis tpl ehk; vy;yh tifapYk;

cah;e;jth;fs; Mapw;Nw?”

“kdpj juj;ij cah;j;Jtjw;fhfj;jhd; [Ptpa rh];jpu KbTfisAk; fk;g;a+l;lh; KiwfisAk; xd;W Nrh;j;J Foe;ijfis nraw;if Kiwapy; cw;gj;jp nra;Njhk;. Mdhy;

[Ptpa fbfhuj;ij (Biological clock) khw;wptpl;Nlhk;. xd;gJ khjk; fUj;jhpg;gjw;F gjpyhf mij Kg;gJ ehl;fSf;F Fiwj;Jtpl;Nlhk;. xU Ntis ,aw;ifahd fh;g;gg; igapypUf;Fk; Kf;fpakhd rpy jhJg; nghUs;fs; ehk; cUthf;fpa nraw;ifg; igfspy; ,y;iyNah

vd;dNkh vdf;Fj; njhpahJ.”

“gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfs; ,jw;Ff; fhuzkhf ,Uf;fyhkh?”

“xd;Wk; njhpatpy;iy. ,uz;L Nfhsq;fspYKs;s kNdhjj;Jt epGzh;fs;

,uz;Lf;Fk; rk;ge;jk; ,y;iynad;W nrhy;fpwhh;fs;>” r;rf; jd; Ngr;ir epWj;jp rpy tpdhbfs;

Nahrid nra;jhh;. gpwF> “mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jp /g;uha;l; vd;W xU kNdh jj;Jt epGzh; ,Ue;jhh;. mth; nrf;];Rf;Fk; czh;r;rpf;Fk; mjpf njhlh;G cz;nld;Wk; nrf;];jhd; czHr;rpf;Nf mbg;gil vd;Wk; $wpapUe;jhh;. mJ cz;ik vd;why; ek; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfs; czh;r;rpfisnay;yhk; ePf;fptpLfpd;wd. mjdhy;jhd; nrf;]; Mh;tKk; Fiwfpd;wJ.

mjdhy; mJ kyLfisAk; cz;lhf;fyhk; my;yth?”

“,e;jg; gpur;ridiag; gw;wp ehd; nkw;F nfhsj;jpy; nfs;tpg;gl;ljpy;iy” vd;nwd;.

“mq;NfAk; ,Nj khjphpjhd;>” vd;W r;rf; gjpyspj;jhh;. “mq;Fs;s tpQ;QhdpfSld; ehd; njhlh;G nfhz;bUf;fpNwd;. mth;fSk; ,ijg; gw;wp ftiy nfhz;bUf;fpwhh;fs;.

“xU rhpj;jpu Muha;r;rpahsd; vd;Dk; Kiwapy; ,e;jg; gpur;ridapy; vdf;F nuhk;g mf;fiw ,Uf;fpwJ. Guhjd rhpj;jpuj;jpy; gy rkaq;fspy; xU rpwpa tFg;gpdh; kdpj th;f;fj;ijNa mopthfhky; fhg;ghw;wpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. cq;fSila re;Njfq;fs; Ch;[pjkhdhy; ePykiy nts;isah;fs; kdpj r%fj;ijNa moptpypUe;J fhg;ghw;WNthh;fshf mikayhk;

,y;iyah?”

“ehd; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufspd; Kf;fpaj;Jtk; ,g;nghOJ cq;fSf;Fg; Ghpfpwjh? “

vd;whh; r;rf;. ,e;jg; Ngr;R %ykhf r;rf; ,lk; vdf;F md;Gk; mDjhgKk; vo Muk;gpj;jJ. ,J gf;Ftg;gLj;jYf;F tpNuhjkhFk; vd;gJ vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. kdpj cwtpy; tpUg;G ntWg;G xd;Wk; ,Uf;ff; $lhJ vd;gJjhd; gg; jj;Jtj;jpd; Kf;fpakhd tpjp.

r;rf; kWgbAk; Ngrp;f; nfhz;Nl Nghdhh;. “nraw;if Kiwapy; gpwe;jth;fs; %d;W ehd;F jiyKiwfSf;Fg; gpd;G Mz; - ngz; cwTfspy; <Lgl KbAkh vd;W ehd;

njhpe;Jnfhs;s tpUk;GfpNwd;.”

“ePq;;fNs ,e;j Nrhjidia elj;jyhNk” vd;W jpUg;gpf; Nfl;Nld;.

“mJ cz;ikjhd;. Mdhy; ePykiythrpfSf;F ,q;fpyhe;jpd; Nky; kp;f;f md;Gk; Mh;tKk; cz;L. ,q;fpyhe;Jjhd; mth;fSila jha; ehL vd;W fUJfpwhh;fs;. mq;fpUe;J te;jtiu jq;fs; ,UE}W tUlkhf fhzhjpUe;j cwtpdwhf cq;fis tuNtw;ghh;fs;.

MfNt ePykiy ngz;fSld; cwT nfhs;tjw;F cq;fSf;F epiwa tha;g;G ,Uf;Fk;.”

r;rf; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufis ehd; gj;jpukhf vd; igapy; itj;Jf;nfhz;Nld;.

“mitfis vg;gb cgNahfg;gLj;JtJ vd;Wk; tptuq;fs; cs;Ns ,Uf;fpd;wd,”

vd;whh; r;rf;.

ehq;fs; Ntfkhfg; gwe;J nfhz;bUe;Njhk;. ePykiy nts;isah;fis gw;wp NkYk;

tptuq;fisf; Nfl;Nld;. “,e;j tFg;gpdh; ,q;Nf jdpNa FbNaw tpUk;gpanghOJ ehq;fs;

mjw;F xj;Jf; nfhz;ljw;F fhuzk; vd;dntd;why; mth;fs; vg;gb Kd;NdWthh;fs; vd;W ehq;fs; ghh;f;f tpUk;gpNdhk;. ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfshf mth;fis irf;Nfhtp\d; %ykhf ftdpj;J tUfpNwhk;. vq;fs; irf;Nfhtp\dpd; GJik vd;dntd;why; xsp> rj;jk; kl;Lkpd;wp rpe;jidfs; czh;r;rpfs; Kjypatw;iwAk; mJ gpujpgypf;fpwJ. ,t;tsT Ez;zpakhf mth;fis ftdpj;J tUfpNwhk; vd;W mth;fSf;Fj; njhpahJ. njhpe;jpUe;jhy; Ml;Nrgq;fs; te;jpUf;Fk;. mth;fs; ,d;Dk; mZfhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa yl;rpaq;fisAk;

kdg;Nghf;FfisAk; filg;gpbf;fpwhh;fs;. rpy tp\aq;fs; ‘Gdpjkhd’njd;Wk; xU jdp

kdpjdpd; ‘chpik’ vd;Wk; mtw;iw kw;wth;fNsh murhq;fNkh Mf;fpukpf;ff; $lhnjd;Wk; epidf;fpwhh;fs;.

“Gdpjk;> chpik vd;why; vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. Mdhy; ‘Mf;fpukpg;G’ vd;why; vd;d?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“kw;wtHfspd; Gdpjk; vd;W fUJtij cijj;Jj; js;StJjhd; Mf;fpukpg;G. NkYk; mth;fis jdpahf itj;jpUg;gJ fbdk;. mth;fSf;F Mf;fpukpg;G kdg;ghd;ik mjpfk;. ek;khjphp mth;fs; jiyKiw jiyKiwahf gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gltpy;iy. mth;fSila r%fj;jpypUe;J Nghuhl;l kdg;ghd;ikAk; czHr;rptrg;glYk; ,d;Dk; ePf;fg;gltpy;iy. xU tpdhbapy; mth;fis ehrk; nra;Ak; rf;jp ek;kplk; ,Uf;fpwJ vd;W njhpahky; ek;kPJ gilnaLj;J Rw;wpAs;s epyq;fis Mf;fpukpf;f tpUk;Gfpwhh;fs;. MfNt ekf;F ,uz;L topfs;jhd; cz;L. xd;W mth;fis ek; r%fj;Jld; ,izj;J ek; nfhs;iffis Vw;Wf; nfhs;Sk;gb nra;jy; my;yJ mth;fis g+uzkhf mopj;J tpLjy;. Mdhy; ehd; Kd;G

nrhd;d [Ptpa tpQ;Qhd fhuzq;fSf;fhf mth;fis ,izj;jhf Ntz;Lk;.”

“mth;fis vg;nghOjhtJ gf;Ftg;gLj;j Kaw;rp nra;atpy;iyah?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“mth;fs; mjw;F ,iratpy;iy. xUth; kdJf;F vjpuhf gf;Ftk; nra;tJ nuhk;g

fbdk;. mg;gb nra;jhYk; mJ epiyf;fhJ. ePq;fs; mth;fSila ‘jha; ehl;byp’Ue;J

tUtjhy; mth;fis ,izg;gjw;F ePq;fs; cjtpaha; ,Uf;fyhk; vd;W epidf;fpNwhk;.”

“,d;Dk; rpy fhyj;Jf;F mth;fis jdpahf tpl;Ltpl Kbahjh?”

“,y;iy. Vndd;why; mth;fisr; Rw;wpAs;s kpd;rhu jlq;fy;fs; ,UNfhs xg;ge;jg;gb ePf;fg;gl;Ltpl;ld. Rw;Wg;Gwq;fspy; mth;fs; jq;fs; kdg;ghd;ikiag; gug;gp epk;kjpiaf; Fiyf;f Muk;gpj;jhh;fs;. MfNt kWgbAk; jlq;fy;fs; Nghl;bUf;fpNwhk;. Mdhy; mit

jw;Nghijf;Fj;jhd;.”

“ehd; epiwa Gjpa thh;j;ijfisf; fw;f Muk;gpj;jpUf;fpNwd;.” vd;Nwd;.

“,itfs; Gjpa thh;j;ijfs; my;y. vy;yhk; mZfhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpait; ehd; kwe;Jtpl;l thh;j;ijfs;. Mq;fpNyah;fis re;jpf;Fk;NghJ ,d;Dk; gy thh;j;ijfisf;

fw;gPh;fs;>” vd;whh; r;rf;.

“ekJ gpuahzj;Jf;F VjhtJ vjph;g;G ,Uf;Fkh?”

“ckf;F ey;y tuNtw;G ,Uf;Fk;>” vd; Jizth; cWjpaspj;jhh;. “mth;fs; ,q;fpyhe;ij jk; jha; ehlhf fUJtjpdhy; cq;fis xU cwtpdh; vd;Wk; J}Jth; vd;Wk; fUJthh;fs;. mth;fSila nfhs;iffSk; murpay; epWtdq;fSk; mZfhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa ,q;fpyhe;ijg; NghyNt ,Uf;Fk;. mth;fs; Nkw;F Nfhsj;ijr; Nrh;e;jth;fnsd;Wk; fpof;F Nfhsj;jpd; tpNuhjpfs; vd;Wk; fUJfpwhh;fs;. ePq;fs; mth;fSf;F ,uj;j rk;ge;j

cwtpdh;…..”

“,uj;j rk;ge;jnkd;why;?” ehd; FWf;fpl;Nld;.

“mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa tof;fg;gb xNu %jhijapypUe;J [PtpakhdJ vd;W

nfhs;syhk;. MfNt ck;ik kpfTk; ngUikg;gLj;jp tuNtw;ghh;fs;.”

“mJ ek; ,uz;L Nfhsq;fspd; nfhs;iffSf;Fk; tpNuhjkhapw;Nw?” vd;Nwd;.

“Mk;. cz;ikjhd; Mdhy; ePykiy nts;isah;fs; ekJ rl;lq;fSf;Fk;

nfhs;iffSf;Fk; mg;ghw;gl;lth;fs;. mth;fis mZFk;NghJ ekf;F NtW topapy;iy.”

ehq;fs; ,g;NghJ xU tdhe;jpuj;jpd; kPJ gwe;J nfhz;bUg;gjhf Njhd;wpaJ. ,aw;ifapd; third tPrpaJ. nrbnfhb ,y;yhj xU ePz;l epyk; fz;Zf;Fj; njhpe;jJ.

“mNjh ghUq;fs; mq;Nfjhd; ehq;fs; kpd;rhu jlq;fy; Nghl;bUe;Njhk;. ,q;F mZj; jlq;fy;

Ntz;bapUf;ftpy;iy. kpd;rhu fk;gpfNs NghJkhdjha; ,Ue;jJ.”

mq;fpUe;J ehq;fs; kiyr; rhuy;fspd; NkNy gwe;Njhk;. N`hth;fhg;lh; epyj;jpypUe;J rpy kPl;lh; cauj;jpy;jhd; gwe;jJ. MfNt fPNo cs;s vy;yhtw;iwAk; ed;whf ghh;f;f Kbe;jJ. mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa kpUfq;fs; mq;Nf jphpe;J nfhz;bUe;jd. etPd Kd;Ndw;wq;fs; xd;WNk mq;Nf fpilahJ. ,e;j fhl;rpNa vd; euk;Gfisf; nfhQ;rk; rpYrpYf;f itj;jJ. cah;e;j kiyfisAk; Mo;e;j gs;sj;jhf;FfisAk; ehd; Kjy; jlitahf ghh;j;Njd;.

“,e;jf; fhl;rp ek; gf;Ftj;ijf; nfhQ;rk; rPh;Fiyf;ftpy;iyah?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“mq;F Ngha; NrUk;NghJ ghUq;fs;!” vd;whh; r;rf;.

ehq;fs; NkYk; caukhfr; nrd;Nwhk;. nrb nfhb ,y;yhj ePz;l fUg;G epyq;fs; rpy rkaq;fspy; njhpe;jd.

“mJjhd; gioa fhyg; ghij m.K. fhyj;jpy; mjd; Nky; thfdq;fs; nry;Yk;. cyfNk mk;khjphpahd ghijfshy; Rw;wp tisf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. mjw;Nf jdpahd rl;ljpl;lq;fs; ,Ue;jJ. xU ghijapy; ,lJ gf;fk; nry;y Ntz;Lkh my;yJ tyJ gf;fkhf

nry;y Ntz;Lkh vd;gNj xU nghpa gpur;ridaha; ,Ue;jJ.”

[Ptpa tpQ;Qhdj;ijg; gw;wpNah my;yJ ePykiy Mq;fpNyah;fisg; gw;wpNah r;rf; nrhy;tijf; Nfl;f ehd; jahuha; ,Ue;Njd;. Mdhy; mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa fhy rhpj;jpuj;ijg; gw;wp vdf;F mtiutpl mjpf mwpT cz;L. ,e;j tp\aq;fis mth; tpsf;f

Kw;gLtJ vdf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. “,njy;yhk; vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. ehk; ghh;f;Fk; epyq;fs;

rhjhuz ghijfs; my;y. mitfSf;F ‘nkf;fhlk;’ vd;W ngah;. gpd;dhy; mitfis

‘Nkhl;lhh; Nt’ vd;W nrhy;thh;fs;. mitfis cgNahfpf;Fk; thfdq;fSf;F ‘Nkhl;lhh; fhh;’ vd;W ngah;.

r;rf; rphpj;jhh;. “mNjh me;j ,Ug;Gg; ghij njhpfpwNj> mjd; Nky;jhd; nuapy;

ngl;bfs; nrd;wd.” vd;Nwd;.

“nfhQ;rk; gf;Ft khj;jpiufis rhg;gpLq;fs;>” vd;W r;rf; epjhdkhf nrhd;dhh;.

“jdpad;> ehd; vd;Dk; kdg;ghd;ik nfhQ;rk; jiynaLf;fpwJ. ,d;Dk; NkNy nry;yr;

nry;y mJ mjpfkhFk;. cq;fs; euk;GfSf;F mjpf njhe;juT $lhJ.”

“Vd;…?” ehd; thjhl vj;jdpj;Njd;. Mdhy; clNd r;rf; nrhy;tJ rhp vd;W vdf;Fg;

gl;lJ. ,uz;L khj;jpiufis thapy; Nghl;Lf;nfhz;L “ePq;fs; vg;gb rkhspf;fpwPh;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ehd; ,q;F mbf;fb tUtjhy; vdf;F jhdhfNt xU ,aw;if ghJfhg;G ,Uf;fpwJ.”

,g;nghOJ ehq;fs; NkNy Vwhtpl;lhYk; epyk; NkL gs;sq;fshf ,Ue;jJ. tdhe;juj;Jf;F gjpyhf tay;fSk; Gy; jiufSk; ,Ue;jd. ,itnay;yhk; ehd; vq;fs; epWtdj;jpy; ghh;j;j gioa rpdpkh glq;fis epidTWj;jpd. fPNo ele;J Ngha;f;nfhz;bUe;j xU kdpjd; vq;fisf; fz;lJk; xU fy;nyLj;J vq;fs; thfdj;jpd; Nky; tPrpdhd;. rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; ehq;fs; xU rpW efuj;jpd; Nky; gwe;Njhk;. mq;Nf xU jpwe;j Gy; ntspapy; vq;fis tuNtw;f xU $l;lk; $bapUe;jJ. vq;fs; NubNahtp\dpy; Nfl;lNghJ mJ xU tuNtw;G Muthuk; vd;W njhpate;jJ.

me;j ikjhdj;jpYs;s fhyp epyj;jpy; r;rf; vq;fs; N`hth;fhg;liu ,wf;fpdhh;. mjpypUe;J ehq;fs; ntspNa te;jNghJ vdf;F xUtpjkhd eLf;fk; Njhd;wpaJ. r;rf; nrhd;dJ rhpjhd;. ,J xU gioa fh;g;gg; igapf;Fs; GFe;J kWgbAk; gpwf;Fk; kWgpwg;G khjphpjhd;.

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mj;jpahak; ,uz;L

,e;j tuyhW thrfh;fSf;F nfhQ;rk; mwpaf; $lhjjhf ,Uf;fyhk;. mjw;Ff; fhuzk; vd;dntd;why; gy tUlq;fshf rhpj;jpuk; xU ghlkhf ahUf;FNk fw;gpf;fg;gLtjpy;iy. rhpj;jpuk; gioa NtWghLfisAk; Nghuhl;lq;fisAk; kf;fSf;F epidTgLj;jp r%f epk;kjpiaf; Fiyf;Fk; vd;gJ murpd; KbT. MfNt ,e;j ,uz;L E}w;whz;Lfspy; ele;j rk;gtq;fisg; gw;wp tpsf;fk; jUtJ mtrpak;. mg;nghOJjhd; vd; ePykiyg; gpuahzj;jpd; fhuzq;fisAk; #o;epiyiaAk; g+uzkhf mwpe;J nfhs;s KbAk;.

***************

Mjpfhyj;jpy; ,q;fpyhe;ijr; Nrh;e;j xU rpW tFg;gpdh; - mth;fSila [dj;njhif xU yl;rj;Jf;Fk; Fiwthfj;jhd; ,Uf;Fk; - vg;gb ,e;jpahtpy; jq;fptpl Neh;e;jJ? mJTk; cyf Kd;Ndw;wg; ghijapypUe;J tpyfp xU jdpikahd #o;epiyapy; vg;gb ,Uf;f Kbe;jJ? ,th;fisg; gw;wp ,JtiuapYk; Vd; ahUk; Nfs;tpg;gltpy;iy? ,e;jf; Nfs;tpfSf;nfy;yhk; tpil Ntz;Lnkd;why; mZ fhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa rhpj;jpuj;jpd; thapyhfj;jhd; fpilf;Fk;. ,g;nghOJjhd; ,e;j rhpj;jpuk; Kjyhtjhf vOjg;gLfpwJ. MfNt thrfh;fSf;F ,J xU nghpa mjph;r;rpahf ,Uf;fyhk;.

mZ fhyj;jpd; Kjy; Ik;gJ Mz;Lfs; cyfk; KOtjpYNk Fog;gk; fytuk; epiwe;j fhykhf ,Ue;jJ. nfhs;ifg; Nghuhl;lq;fSk;> tFg;Gg; Nghuhl;lq;fSk;> cs;ehl;L ntspehl;L Aj;jq;fSk; kpFe;jpUe;jd. vz;iz> czT> Kjypa Kf;fpakhd %yg; nghUs;fis gq;fpLtjpYk;> gz;lkhw;wq;fspYk;> xU ehl;bdh; kw;wth;fis Mf;fpukpg;gjpYk; epwNgj JNt\j;jpYk; gy rr;ruTfs; vOe;jd. ,e;j fhuzq;fspdhy; cyfpd; gy ghfq;fspYk; Fl;b Aj;jq;fSk; Gul;rpfSk; Vw;gl;Lf; nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jd. kj;jpa fpof;fpYk;> njd; mnkhpf;fhtpYk;> fPo; INuhg;ghtpYk;> njd; fpof;F MrpahtpYk; gy Nghuhl;lq;fs; jiynaLj;jhbd. filrpahf jpBnud;W m.gp Ik;gj;jhwhk; Mz;by; (mjhtJ fp.gp 2001 Mk; Mz;L) mJ xU cyf Aj;jkhfptpl;lJ.

,uz;lhtJ mZ Aj;jk; Muk;gpj;J khdpl th;f;fNk mopAk; epiyapy; ,Ue;jNghJ

,uz;L gf;fq;fspYk; cs;s mwpQh;fs;, tpQ;Qhdpfs;> fiyQh;fs;> vd;[pdpah;fs; Mfpa vy;NyhUk; jhkhfNt Ntiy epWj;jk; nra;jhh;fs;. mjhtJ jkJ jpwikiaAk;> Mw;wiyAk; Aj;jj;Jf;F msp;f;f kWj;Jtpl;lhh;fs;. ,jd; fhuzkhf tho;f;if ];jk;gpj;J tpl;lJ. murhq;fq;fs; nray;gl Kbatpy;iy. Aj;jj;jpy; ,wq;fpa gilfSf;F jsthlq;fNsh czTg; nghUs;fNsh Ngha;r; Nrutpy;iy. vy;yh ehLfspYk; Fog;gk;. mikjpapd;ik> gl;bdp. Mdhy; kdpj th;f;fk; g+z;NlhL xopahJ vd;Dk; ek;gp;f;ifAk; tsu Muk;gpj;jJ.

Ntiy epWj;jk; nra;jth;fs; tpLj;j Nfhhpf;iffs; gb rkhjhdj;ij cUthf;Ftjw;fhf xU cyf kfhehL $l;lg;gl;lJ. Mdhy; mf;fhyj;jpa jiyth;fSf;F vg;gb Nghuhl;lq;fisAk; kdNtWghLfisAk; jtph;;g;gJ vd;W njhpatpy;iy. Nghuhl;lNk ,aw;ifapd; rl;lk; vd;W epidj;jdh;. Xt;nthUtUk; jk;Kila nry;ykhd yl;rpaq;fisAk;> rpuj;ijfisAk; tpl;Lf; nfhLf;ftpy;iy. Aj;jk; epd;w gpwFk; $l mth;fspilNa Ngr;rpYk; Nghf;fpYk; gyhj;fhuk; gpujpgypj;jJ. Mf;fpukpg;G kdg;ghd;ik ,Ue;jNj jtpu tpl;Lf;nfhLf;Fk; kdg;ghd;ik ,y;iy.

,k;khjphpahd rpe;jidfspy; gpwe;J tsh;e;J te;jth;fSf;F vf;fhyj;jpYk; rkhjhdk;> epk;kjp vd;gjpNyh> khdpl th;f;fj;jpd; jpl;lkpl;l Kd;Ndw;wk; vd;gjpNyh ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. MfNt xU tUlk; ele;Jk; cyf kfhehL ve;j KbTf;Fk; tutpy;iy. fhfpjq;fSk; Nfrl; Nlg;GfSk;jhd; epiwa Ftpe;jd. Ntiy epWj;jk; nra;j mwpthspfSk;> kf;fSk; ftiyNahL fhj;jpUe;jdh;.

filrpahf cyfj;ij fpof;F Nfhsnkd;Wk; Nkw;F Nfhsnkd;Wk ,uz;lhf gq;F Nghl;Lf; nfhs;tJ vd;Dk; KbT vLf;fg;gl;lJ. ,uz;Lf;Fk; eLtpy; xU rf;fp tha;e;j mZ

Fz;L jlq;fy; ,Uf;Fk;. xU Nfhsj;Jf;Fk; ,d;ndhU Nfhsj;Jf;Fk; ve;jkhjphpahd Ngr;Rthh;j;ijNah> Nghf;Ftuj;Njh> tpahghuNkh ,Uf;ff;$lhJ vd;Wk; KbT nra;ag;gl;lJ. ,uz;L jdp cyfq;fs; Vw;gl;ld. fpof;F Nfhsk; Mrpah> Mg;gphpf;fh> fpof;F INuhg;gh

,itfisf; nfhz;ljhFk;. mZ jlq;fs; tlf;F JUtj;jpypUe;J A+uy; kiyfs;> nkblNudpad; fly;> ml;yhz;bf; rKj;jpuk; topahf njd;JUtj;Jf;Fr; nrd;W grpgpf; rKj;jpuj;jpd; topahf kWkbAk; tlf;F JUtj;ij mile;jJ. Nkw;F INuhg;gh> mnkhpf;fhf;fs;> M];jpNuypah> epA+rpnyz;l Kjypa ehLfs; Nkw;F Nfhsj;ijr; Nrh;e;jit.

,e;j nghpa gq;fPL rhrdj;jpd; xU gphpT rpWghd;ikNahiug; gw;wpajhFk;. gy Mapu INuhg;gpah;fs; - Kf;fpakhf Mq;fpNyah;fs;-Mrpahtpy; mf;fhyj;jpy; tho;e;J te;jdh;. mth;fSf;F ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Nfh my;yJ INuhg;ghTf;Nfh jpUk;g tpUg;gkpy;iy. ,Ue;jhYk; mth;fs; jq;fs; tho;f;ifiaj; jq;fs; gz;ghl;Lf;fpzq;f elj;j tpUk;gp jkf;F xU jdp ,y;yk; Ntz;Lk; vd;W thjhbdh;. fpof;F Nfhs muR mth;fs; Nky; Mjp;f;fk; nrYj;jf;$lhnjd;Wk; jkf;F G+uz Rje;jpuk; - fpof;F Nfhsj;jpNyNa Ntz;Lnkd;Wk; Nfhhpdh;. ,e;j gpur;rid xU rkaj;jpy; kfhehl;bd; xg;ge;jj;ijNa rPh;Fiyf;FNkh vd;W Mfptpl;lJ. filrpahf fpof;F Nfhsj; jiyth;fs; mth;fSf;F xU jdp ehL mspg;gjhf xj;Jf;nfhz;ldh;. ,jw;fhf njd; ,e;jpahtpYs;s ePykiy gpuNjrj;ijj; Njh;e;njLj;jhh;fs;. mq;F rP;Njh\;d ];jpjp ed;whf ,Uf;Fk;. me;j [dj; njhiff;Fg; Nghjpa epyKk; tsKk; ,Ue;jJ.

ePykiyfspd; rPNjh\;zk; vg;nghOJNk ,q;fpyhe;jpYs;s nta;aw;fhyk; Nghy;

,Uf;Fk;. MfNt fp.gp. 19–Mk; E}w;whz;by; ,e;jpahtpypUe;j gy Mq;fpNyah;fs; mq;F Rfthrj;Jf;fhf nry;tJz;L. ,e;jpah Rje;jpuk; mile;j gpwF $l mq;Nf Mq;fpNya thrid nfhQ;rk; tPrpf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F jpUk;gpg; Nghf ,;\;lkpy;yhj gy Mq;fpNyah;fs; mq;F FbNawpdhh;fs;. mjdhy; mij mth;fs; jkJ FbNaw;w ,y;ykhf xg;Gf;nfhz;ljpy; Mr;rhpakpy;iy.

nghpa gq;fPL ele;j mNj rkaj;jpy; ,e;j rpwpa gq;fPLk; ele;jJ. Mq;fpy th;f;fj;jpdUk; mth;fisr; rhh;e;jth;fSk; ePy kiyapy; FbNawp jkJ tho;f;ifia Rje;jpukhf elj;jp te;jdh;. Kjypy; rpy fhyk; mth;fSf;Fk; mth;fis Rw;wpAs;s gpuNjrj;Jf;Fk; nfhQ;rk; Nghf;Ftuj;J ,Ue;J te;jJ. fpof;F Nfhs muRk; mth;fSf;F rpy rYiffis msp;j;jJ. Mdhy; ehshtl;lj;jpy; vy;yhk; epd;W mth;fs; G+uzkhf jdpj;J ,Ue;jhh;fs;. nrd;w E}w;iwk;gJ tUl fhykhf jkJ yl;rpaq;fSlDk; nfhs;iffSlDk;> cwTfSlDk; me;j rpW epyg;gug;gpy; mth;fs; tho;;e;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. mJ xU rpW cyfk;> mZTf;Fg; gpe;jpa etPd cyfpy;> mZTf;F Ke;jpa cyfk;. ,e;j etPd cyfpy; rhpj;jpuj;ijj; jil nra;jjd; fhuzj;jhy;jhd; ,JtiuapYk; ,th;fs; ,Ug;gJ ahUf;FNk njhpatpy;iy.

**********

ehd; gioa rhpj;jpuj;ij nrhy;y Muk;gpj;jgpwF> ,JtiuapYk; ele;Js;s kw;w khWjy;fisg; gw;wpAk; tpthpf;fyhk; vd;W epidf;fpNwd;.

nghpa gq;fPl;L rhrdk; mKYf;F te;jTld; mf;fhyj;jpy; muR elj;jp te;j murpay;thjpfs; vd;Nghiu mwpthspfs; vy;NyhUk; Nrh;e;J ntspaDg;gptpl;ldh;. murpaYk; mjpfhuKk; kdpjth;f;fj;jpd; mopitj; jtph;j;j tpQ;QhdpfsplKk;> nghUshjhu epGzh;fsplKk; xg;gilf;fg;gl;lJ. ,uz;L Nfhsq;fisg; gphpf;Fk; mZ jpiujhd; Kjypy; mth;;fspd; guhkhpg;gpy; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; ehshtl;lj;jpy; vy;yh eph;thfj;ijANk mth;fs; Vw;Wf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. nghpa gphptpidf;F Kd;dhy; vq;F ghh;j;jhYk; fpsh;r;rpfSk;> ];jpukpd;ikAk;> td;ikAk; epiwe;jpUe;jd. mj;jpahtrpa nghUl;fs; fpilg;gjpy;iy. vq;F ghh;j;jhYk; Neha; gl;bdp> xU tFg;gpdUf;Fk; ,d;ndhU tFg;gpdUf;Fk; Vw;wj;jho;T mjpfk;. Nghl;b> nghwhik> rz;il - ,d;W ,e;j thh;j;ijfNs ek; mfuhjpapy; ,y;iy. r%fj;jpy; jhz;ltkhbd.

mjpfhuk; jk; iff;F te;jTlNd me;j mwpthspfs; ,uz;L nghpa FOf;fis

epakpj;jdh;. xd;W nghUs;fs; tsh;r;rpf; FO ( Material Progress group M.P.G vk;.gp.[p).

kw;nwhd;W mwpT tsh;r;rpf; FO (Intellectual Progress group I.P.G I.gp.[p). vk;.gp.[p nghUl;fs; cw;gj;jpf;Fk; tpdpNahfj;Jf;Fk; nghWg;G Vw;wJ. Ie;J tUlq;fSf;Fs; mth;fs; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; vy;NyhUf;Fk; Nghjpa czT> cil> ,y;yk;> Nfspf;if Kjypa vy;yh JiwfspYk; NghJkhd msTf;F cw;gj;jpia ngUf;fp epahakhf tpdpNahfk; nra;a Vw;ghL nra;Jtpl;lhh;fs;. mZ fhyj;Jf;Fg; gpd; Vw;gl;l gy Kd;Ndw;wq;fSf;F mth;fs;jhd;

fhuzk; vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. nraw;if czT nghUl;fs; cw;gj;jpahy; ehk; tptrhaj;ij ek;gpapUf;f Ntz;bajpy;iy. rk rPNjh\;d cilfs;> g];> uapy;fSf;F gjpyhf efUk; Nkilfs; nraw;iff; Foe;ij cw;gj;jp Kiw> #o;epiyapy; gpuhd thAit mjpfhpj;jy;> G+uz Neha; jLg;G ,itfnsy;yhk; xd;wd;gpd; xd;whf te;J kf;fspd; tho;Tj; juj;ij gbg;gbahf cah;j;jpd. re;jpudpy; FbNaWtjw;Fk; ,th;fs;jhd; Kjy; Kaw;rp vLj;jhh;fs;.

Mdhy; ,jdhnyy;yhk; nghJ kf;fSf;F jpUg;jp Vw;gltpy;iy. xt;nthUtUk; jkf;F mjpfk; Ntz;Lk; vd;W thjhbdhh;fs;. mJkl;Lkpd;wp kw;wth;fSf;F mjpf rYiffs; vd;W Fiw $wpdh;. xU tFg;gpdUf;Fk; ,d;ndhU tFg;gpdUf;Fk;> khtl;lq;fs; ,ilNaAk; KiwaPLfSk; Gfhh;fSk; tsh;e;jd. ,e;j epiyikia rkhspg;gJ mwpT tsh;r;rpf; FOtpd; I.gp.[p. nghUg;ghapw;W.

I.gp.[p. apy; kNdh jj;Jt epGzh;fSk; lhf;lh;fSk;jhd; mjpfkhf ,lk;ngw;wpUe;jhh;fs;. gpd;dhy; kw;w rpy mwpthspfSk; mjpy; Nrh;f;fg;gl;lhh;fs;. xUth; Nky; xUth; Fw;wk; rhl;LtijAk;> r%f Nghuhl;lq;fisAk; jtph;g;gJNk mth;fSila Kf;fpa Fwpf;Nfhs; MfpaJ. gy nghUshjhu fhuzq;fshYk;> kdNeha; fhuzq;fshYk;jhd; r%fj;jpy; jfuhWfs; Vw;gLfpd;wd vd;W mth;fs; fUjpdhh;fs;. MfNt mtw;iw r%fj;jpypUe;J fise;J tpLtJjhd; mth;fspd; Kjy; Ntiyahf Nkw;nfhs;sg;gl;lJ. yl;rpak;> Nfhl;ghLfs;> tpRthrk;> ehl;Lg;gw;W> kuG> FLk;g ghrk; - ,itfs;jhd; %y fhuzk;

vd;Wk; mth;fs; NrhjidfspypUe;J njhpa te;jJ. NkYk; ‘ehd;’ vd;Dk; kdg;ghd;ik> Mir> me;j];J> r%fj;jpy; cau Ntz;Lk; vd;Dk; Fwpf;Nfhs;> Nrit kdg;ghd;ik Mfpa Fzq;fSk;> NkYk; Kf;fpakhf czh;r;rptrg;gLjYk; epk;kjpia rPh;Fiyg;gjhf Ch;[pjkhapw;W. ,e;j Fzq;fSk; mgpyhi\fSk; xU kdpjid jh;f;f hPjpahf ,aq;f Kbahky; nra;Jtpl;ld. MfNt mtDila elj;ijiaAk; Kd;$l;b nrhy;y Kbahky; Ngha;tpl;lJ. ,itnay;yhk; xd;W Nrh;e;Jjhd; mZfhyj;Jf;F Ke;jpa gyhj;fhu #o;epiyia Vw;gLj;jpaJ vd;Dk; KbTf;F ,e;j FO te;J Nrh;e;jJ.

I.gp.[p. ,aq;fp te;j Kjy; rpy Mz;Lfs; vd;d nra;a Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg; gw;wp mwpthspfspilNa tpthjq;fs; ,Ue;J te;jd. Mdhy; ehshf Mf ntWk; Ngr;rpNyNa fhyk; flg;gjhf jPtputhjpfs; fUjpdhh;fs;. tpthjq;fNs tpNuhj kdg;ghd;ikia tsh;g;gjhfTk; jdp kdpjh;fSila Kf;fpaj;Jtj;ij mjpfg;gLj;JtjhfTk; Fw;wk; rhl;bdhh;fs;. MfNt tpthjkpd;wpNa KbTfs; nra;aNtz;Lk; vd;W jPh;khdpf;fg;gl;lJ.

gs;spf;Foe;ijfSf;F $l;L kNdhjj;Jt itj;jpak;jhd; (Psychological group Therophy) Kjy; gbahf Nkw;nfhs;sg;gl;lJ. gpd;dhy; mNj Kiwfis taJ te;NjhUf;Fk; J}z;Ljypd;wp mspf;fg;gl;lJ. ,e;j Kiwfnsy;yhk; nky;y te;jjdhYk;;; mijg;gw;wp mjpf gpuRuk; nra;ahjjhYk; vd;d elf;fpwJ vd;W ahUf;FNk njhpatpy;iy. vy;NyhUk; mwpe;Jnfhs;Sk; Kd;Ng ghjpf;F Nkw;gl;lth;fs; ,;e;j Kiwfspd; thapyhf gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;L tpl;lhh;fs;.

gyjug;gl;l Kd;Ndw;wq;fSk; ,e;j Nghuhl;l jtph;Gf;F cle;ijaha; ,Ue;jd. nraw;if Kiwfspy; Foe;ij cw;gj;jpAk;> [Ptpa rh];jpu %ykhf ngw;Nwhh; Njh;e;njLg;Gk;>

cs; kdJ( Sub conscious mind) thapyhf fy;tp fw;gpg;Gk; kd khw;wYf;Fk; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jtjw;Fk; VJtha; Vw;gl;ld. gpwF gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfspy; Vw;gl;l khWjy;fspdhy; xU jdp kdpjDila Qhgfj;ijAk;> Mir mgpyhi\fisAk;> vg;nghOJk; xNu fl;Lf;flq;fpa epiy ,Uf;FkhW nra;a Kbe;jJ. ,J vy;yhk; nra;J Kbtjw;F nghpa gphptpidf;Fg; gpwF [k;gJ Mz;Lfs; Mfpd. gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfs; - ,d;W$l E}w;Wf;F E}W ntw;wp vd;W nrhy;tjw;fpy;iy. mjdhy; Vw;gLk; jtWfshy; %is epue;jukhf rpy rkaq;fspy; ghjpf;fg;gLfpwJ. Mdhy; r%fj;jpypUe;J czh;r;rpia fise;njLj;Jtpl;ljhy; mk;khjphp jtWfisg; gw;wp ftiyg;glNth vjph;g;G njhptpf;fNth ahUk; ,y;iy.

[dj;njhif vz;zpf;ifapy; mitfs; ‘fOtpg; nghUs; rjtpfpjk;’ vd;w fhl;lg;gLfpd;wd.

,e;j rPh;jpUj;jq;fSf;nfy;yhk; vjph;g;G ,Uf;ftpy;iy vd;W epidg;gJ jtwhFk;. Kjypy; kjj;jpd; NguhYk;> Rje;jpuj;jpd; NguhYk;> [dehafj;jpd; ngauhYk; vjph;g;GfSk; Ml;Nrgq;fSk; Njhd;wpd. ,e;j Ml;Nrgq;fSf;nfy;yhk; gphptpidf;F Kd;G Aj;jj;ij Muk;gpf;f Kad;wth;fs; Kd; epd;W njhptpj;jjhy; mijahUk; mjpfkhf ek;gtpy;iy. Mdhy; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiw tYj;jNghJ I.gp.[p mq;fj;jpdh;fs; aNjr;rhjpfhuk; cs;sth;fs; Mfptpl;ldh;. gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;l Kjy; jiyKiwAk; mth;fs; gf;fk; rhh;e;Jtpl;lJ.

,e;j gytpj Kiwfspdhy; I.gp.[p xU Gjpa kdpj th;f;fj;ijNa rpU\;bj;Jtpl;lJ

vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. mth;fs; f\;lg;gl;L Ntiy nra;jhh;fs;;;;;;;; rl;lj;Jf;F cl;gl;L ele;jhh;fs;;;;;;;; mth;fSf;F ve;jtpjkhd FiwfSk; fpilahJ. Mdhy; xU Gjpa fhhpaj;ijj; Jtq;Fk; ijhpaNkh> cw;rhfNkh> jpwikNah> Mh;tNkh ,y;iy. jpahf kdg;ghd;ikNah> fw;gid rf;jpNah> mghaj;ij vjph;Nehf;Fk; JzpNth mth;fSf;F vd;dntd;Nw njhpahJ. jpUg;jpapd;ik> nghUs; Nrkpf;Fk; Mir> Mf;fpukpg;G Mh;tk; vy;yhk; rKfj;jpypUe;J fise;njhpag;gl;ld. ntspr;rk; ,Ul;L> ,uz;L ,y;yhj xU kq;fyhd tho;f;ifapy;> Mir> Vkhw;wk;> ,uz;L ,d;wp kf;fs; tho;e;J te;jdh;.

,;e;j khWjy;fs; vy;yhk; Vw;gl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;j rkaj;jpy; ,itfs; vy;yhk; NghjhJ

vd;W I.gp.[p.apYs;s jPtputhjpfSf;Fj; Njhd;wpaJ. ,e;j ‘Kd;Ndw;wq;fs;’ vy;yhk; Ntz;lhjtw;iw xJf;Ftjha; ,Ue;jdNt jtpu Ntz;ba ey;y Fzq;fis rpU\;b nra;tjhf ,y;iy. mth;fs; rhjhuz kf;fSf;F ,e;j khWjy;fspy; vy;yhk; ek;gpf;if Cl;lf;$ba xU Gjpa kjj;ij cUthf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W vz;zpdhh;fs;. ,jd;

fhuzkhfj;jhd; rh;t tpahgfkhd ajhhj;;jthj jj;Jtk; (philosophy of Universal Pragmatism P

U P) cz;lhf;fg;gl;lJ. mij RUf;fkhf vy;NyhUk; gg; vd;Wk; mtw;iw Nghjpj;J

te;jth;fis ‘gg;gpfs;’ vd;Wk; nrhy;tJ tof;fk;. mth;fs; Nghjpj;Jte;j tpjpfSf;F gg; bf;l; vd;Wk; ngah; Vw;gl;lJ. ehshtl;lj;jpy; I.gp.[p.apy; gg;gpfs;jhd; Kf;fpa];jh;fshf jpfo;e;jhh;fs;. mth;fSila gg;bf;l;fs; rpghhpRfshfNt ntspaplg;gl;lhYk; mjpfhhpfs; mitfis nja;tPf fl;lisfshfNt ghtpj;jhh;fs;. gg; bf;Lfspd; rpy cjhuzq;fs;.

‘yl;rpaq;fs; r%fj;ij Fog;Gfpd;wd. Mifahy; vy;yh

yl;rpaq;fisAk; uj;J nra;a Ntz;Lk;.’

‘czh;r;rpNa Nghuhl;lj;Jf;F Mzp Nth;. tho;f;ifapypUe;J

mij mg;Gwg;gLj;j Ntz;Lk;.’

‘ehd;’ vd;Dk; kdg;ghd;ik jPq;F. mij mlf;f Ntz;Lk;.

‘jh;f;fthjk;jhd; tho;f;ifapd; mbg;gil gg;thjk;jhd;

rpwe;j thjk;.’

‘jk;ikNa jpahfk; nra;gth;fs; kw;wth;fisAk; jpahfk;

nra;a jaq;f khl;lhh;fs;. vy;yhj; jpahfKk; tPNz.’

‘epahak; mepahak; ,uz;L r%f tpNuhjpfs;. ,uz;ilAk;

fise;J vwpa Ntz;Lk;.’

nrd;w E}W tUlq;fspy; Mapuf;fzf;fhd gg; bf;;l;Lfs; gy jiykiw gg;gpfshy; ntspaplg;gl;L te;jd. Mdhy; xU rh;t tpahgfkhd gg; bf;l; rpy tUlq;fSf;F Kd;dhy;jhd; ntspte;jJ. mJ RUf;fkhfTk; Neh;j;jpahfTk; ,Ue;jijj; jtpu gg; jj;Jtj;ij xU khj;jpiu khjphp nra;jJ.

‘gg;gp mJf;Fk; $l Rj;jkhd mOf;F.’

mjhtJ> cz;ikahd gg;gpaha; ,Ue;jhy; Fw;wk; nra;a KbahJ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. ,ijg; gw;wp gy tpsf;fq;fs; NghNdh tp\dpYk; kw;w KiwfspYk; nfhLf;fg;gl;ld. ,jw;Fg; gpwF kw;w gg; bf;l;LfSf;F mtrpak; ,y;yhky; Ngha;tpl;lJ. ,J vq;F ghh;j;jhYk; cs;Sk; ntspapYk; gpujpgypj;jJ. kf;fspd; cs; kdjpy; gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; %ykhf Mzp itj;J mbj;j khjphp gjpf;fg; ngw;wJ. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpYs;s rpe;jidapYk; ,J xU epue;ju cz;ikahfj; jpfo;e;jJ.

ehDk; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; gpwe;J cz;ikahd gg;gp jj;Jtj;ij gpd;gw;Wgtdhf ,Ue;Jk; mijg; gw;wp vg;gb ,t;tsT ghFghL nra;J vOJfpNwd; vd;W ePq;fs; Nfl;fyhk;. NkYk; ,g; Gj;jfj;ij vg;gb gpuRhpf;fg; NghfpNwd;> ahh; tpepNahfk; nra;ag; Nghfpwhh;fs; vd;Wk; Nfl;fyhk;. Kjy; Nfs;tpf;F tpil nuhk;g Rygk;. ehd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ePykiy nts;isah;fs; me;jkhjphpjhd; jk; ehl;ilf; Fwpg;gpLfpwhh;fs; - rpy fhyk; ,Ue;j gpwFjhd; ,e;j tuyhiw vOj Muk;gpj;Njd;. vdJ gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; Kw;wpYk; Nja;e;Jtpl;lJ. ,aw;ifahd czh;r;rpfSk;> MirfSk;> rpe;jidfSk; jpUk;gptpl;ld. NkYk; gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; vd;gJ gioa fhyj;jpy; mk;ik jLg;Gf;F Crp NghLtJ khjphp> rpyUf;f Nfl;Fk; rpyUf;F Nfl;Fk; rpyUf;F Nfl;fhJ. NkYk; mjd; tpir MW khjq;fSf;FNky; ,Uf;fhJ. ehd; ,q;F te;jgpwF me;j khj;jpiufis rhg;gpLtJ$l epWj;jptpl;Nld;. NkYk; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpYk; $l ,k;khjphp gf;Ftg;glhky; gyh; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W ehd; fUJfpNwd;. epue;jukhf Nghijapy; ,Ug;gijtpl ufrpakhf jk; f\;lq;fis mDgtpg;gJ Nky; vd;W fUJfpwth;fs; mth;fs;. Mdhy; mij ntspapy; fhl;bdhy; kWgbAk; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; epWtdq;fSf;F mioj;J nry;yg;gl;L rpj;jputijf;F cl;gl Ntz;Lk; vd;w vz;zj;jhy; mij ntspapy; fhl;bf;nfhs;tjpy;iy. mth;fSf;fhfj;jhd; ,e;j tuyhw;iw vOJfpNwd; vd;W $l nrhy;yhk;. Mdhy; ,ij mth;fSf;F vg;gb Nrh;g;gJ vd;Dk; gpur;rid vOjp Kbe;jjw;fg;;Gwk;jhd; KbT nra;a Ntz;Lk;.

************

,e;j mZfhy rhpj;jpuj;ij Muk;gpj;j gpwF> gpd;dhy; ele;j tp\aq;fisAk; $wptplyhk; vd;W fUJfpNwd;. ,uz;L Nfhsq;fspYk; gphptpidf;Fg; gpwF jdpg;gl;l Kd;Ndw;wk; ele;J te;jJ. mZj; jlq;fy; ,Ue;jjhy; xU Nfhsj;jpy; vd;d elf;fpwJ vd;W ,d;ndhU Nfhsj;jpdUf;F gy Mz;Lfs; njhpatpy;iy. ,Ue;jhYk;> Kd;Ndw;wq;fs; vy;yhk; Vwf;Fiwa xNu khjphpjhd; ,Ue;jd. Mdhy; tpz;ntspg; gpuahzk; Muk;gkhd gpwF ,uz;L Nfhsj;jth;fSk; re;jpudpy; re;jpf;f Muk;gpj;jdh;. tpz;ntspapy; ,U rhuhUk; cgfpuzq;fisg; gjpa itj;jNghJ mijg;gw;wpAk;> re;jpudpy; FbNaWtJ gw;wpAk; xU xg;ge;jk; nra;J nfhs;s Ntz;ba #o;epiy Vw;gl;lJ. Mdhy; mjpYk; jdp Kd;Ndw;wf; nfhs;ifjhd; filg;gpbf;fg;gl;lJ.

tpz;ntspapy; gpuahzk; nra;gth;fnsy;yhk; xU jdp gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; Kiwf;F Mshf;fg;gl;lhh;fs;. mg;gbapUe;Jk; mth;fs; elj;ijia ntspAyfpy; fl;Lg;gLj;JtJ muRf;F f\;lkhf ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; jpUk;gp te;jgpwF tpz;ntsp mDgtk; mth;fis ghjpf;fhky; ,Uf;f mth;fs; xU fpspdpf;fpy; rpy ehs; jq;f Ntz;Lk;. ,k;khjphpahd Kd; vr;rhpf;iffs; vLj;Jk;$l ,uz;L Nfhsq;fspypUe;J nrd;w tpz; gpuahzpfs; re;jpudpy; re;jpj;J jk; mDgtq;fis gfph;e;J nfhz;lhh;fs;. xUtiug; gw;wp xUth; njhpe;Jnfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;w Mh;tk; mth;fisj; J}z;baJ. m.gp.E}whk; Mz;by; re;jpudpy; FbNawpdth;fspd; Kjy; [dj;njhif vz;zpf;if vLf;fg;gl;lNghJ fzf;fpypy;yhj gy Foe;ijfs; gpwe;jpUe;jJ njhpate;jJ. ,aw;if fUj;jhpg;G Kiwia jil nra;jpUe;Jk; $l ,f; Foe;ijfs; gpwe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ,jpy; ,d;ndhU tpNr\k; vd;dntd;why; ,f; Foe;ijfs;

vy;NyhUyNk fpof;F – Nkw;F Nfhs jpUkzq;fs; %ykhf gpwe;jth;fs;. ve;jtpjkhd gf;Ftg;gLj;jYk; ,y;yhky; ,aw;ifahfNt ,th;fs; tho;e;J tsh;e;J te;jhh;fs;. rz;il gpbg;gJk;> jk; md;GfisAk; MirfisAk; $r;rkp;y;yhky; ntspg;gLj;Jtk; mth;fSf;F rhjhuzkhf ,Ue;jJ. mth;fspilNa Fw;wq;fSk; jiynaLf;f Muk;gpj;jd.

,e;j epiyik ,U murhq;fq;fSf;Fk; xU rq;flkhd epiyikia cz;lhf;fpaJ. ,t;Tyifg; nghWj;jtiuapy; rh;t tpahJf gf;Ftg;gLj;Jtjpdhy; fhty; gilfSk; ePjp

kd;wq;fSk; rpiwr;rhiyfSk; gy tUlq;fshf %lg;gl;bUe;jd. ,f; Foe;ijfspd; ngw;NwhiuAk; jz;bf;f Kbatpy;iy. jha; my;yJ jfg;gd; - ,Uthpy; xUth; - ,d;ndhU Nfhsj;ijr; Nrh;e;jth;fs;. MfNt epiyikia mg;gbNa tpl;LtpLtnjd;Wk; Mdhy; vjph;fhyj;jpy; fl;Lg;ghLfis jPtpukhf mky;gLj;Jtnjd;Wk; KbT nra;ag;gl;lJ.

Mdhy; re;jpu fpufj;jpy; gpwe;e Foe;ijfis gf;Ftg;gLj;Jjy; kpfTk; f\;lkhf ,Ue;jJ. mth;fs; gf;Ftkhfptpl;ljhf ebj;Jtpl;L ntspNa NghdTld; FUk;Gj;jdkhf ele;J nfhz;lhh;fs;. ,jw;Fg; gpwFjhd; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpNyNa gpwe;jth;fs; $l gyh; gf;Ftg;glhky; ,Ue;jhh;fs; vd;gJk; njhpa te;jJ. MfNt gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfs; jpUj;jp jPtpukhf;fg;gl;ld. ,jd; fhuzkhf gyh; caph; ,of;Fk;gbAk; Nehpl;lJ.

gphptpidf; nfhs;if tpz;ntspapYk; mky;gLj;jyhkh vd;W ,U murhq;fq;fSk; Nahrid nra;jd. ntspAyfpy; mZ jlq;fNyh jpiuNah eph;khzp;g;gJ mt;tsT Rygky;y. gpuahzj;Jf;Fk; mJ jlq;fyha; ,Uf;Fk;. NkYk; ,U murhq;fq;fSf;fpilapy; Ngr;R thh;j;ijNa ,y;yhjjpdhy; xd;Wk; nra;atpy;iy. tpz;ntsp ehshtl;lj;jpy; ,U jug;gpYk; cs;s ijhparhypfSf;F xU ufrpa re;jpg;G ,lkhf Vw;gl;lJ. ,U murhq;fq;fSk; xUth; Nky; xUth; csT ghh;f;fTk; ,J cjtpahf ,Ue;jJ. ehshtl;lj;jpy; ,U murhq;fq;fSk; ,U Nfhs jpUkzq;fis mjpfhu G+h;tkhf mq;fPfhpf;fhtpl;lhYk; mtw;iw jLf;ftpy;iy. fztd; kidtpkhh;fSk; mth;fSila Foe;ijfSk; jdpg;gl;l Kiwapy; tpz;ntsp khh;f;fkhf xU Nfhsj;jpypUe;J ,d;ndhU Nfhsj;Jf;Fr; nry;y Muk;gpj;jdh;. ,jw;F tpz;ntsp tpkhdpfSk; cle;ij. ,ijg;gw;wpnay;yhk; mf;fhyj;jpa ufrpa j];jhNt[_fspy; epiwa Gs;sp tptuq;fs; cs;sd.

filrpahf muR eltbf;if vLf;f Ntz;ba eph;g;ge;jk; Vw;gl;lJ. gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; mj;jhl;rp> tpz;ntspg; gpuahd mj;jhl;rp> gpwe;jnghOJ ,l;l Fwp Kjypatw;iwf; nfhz;L tpz;ntspapy; - Kf;fpakhd re;jpudpy; - gpwe;jth;fisAk; mth;fSila Foe;ijfisAk; fz;Lgpbf;f Kbe;jJ. Mdhy; ,e;j jPtpu fz;fhzpg;gpdhy; tpz;ntspf;fhuUf;F kl;Lkpd;wp vy;NyhUf;FNk ftiyAk; mikjpapd;ikAk; Vw;gl;lJ. ,Nj epiyikjhd; fpof;F Nfhsj;jpYk; Vw;gl;bUf;f Ntz;Lk;. Vndd;why; ,U muRfSk; jq;fs; csthspfs; %ykhf tpz;ntspapy; ,e;jg; gpur;ridiag; gw;wp xU ufrpa $l;lk; elj;jpdhh;fs;. me;j $l;lj;jpy; xU Nfhsj;jpypUe;J ,d;ndhU Nfhsj;Jf;Fg; Nghf gh];Nghh;l; trjpfSk;> tpz;ntspapy; gpwe;j Foe;ijfisg; gjpT nra;tjw;Fk; Vw;ghLfs; nra;ag;gl;ld. Mdhy; ,e;j trjpfs; ,U Nfhs kzk; nra;J nfhz;lth;fSf;F kl;LNk fpilj;jJ. vjph;fhyj;jpy; mk;khjphp jpUkzk; nra;Jnfhz;lth;fs; Foe;ijfs; ngwf;$lhJ vd;Wk; KbT nra;ag;gl;lJ.

,e;j re;jpg;gpy; fye;Jnfhz;l ,Uju [d fl;Lg;ghL mjpfhhpfs; ez;gh;fs; Mdhh;fs;. MfNt mth;fs; VNjh fhuzq;fis itj;Jf;nfhz;L mbf;fb re;jpj;jhh;fs;. ,e;j cwtpdhy; ,U Nfhsq;fspYk; Vw;gl;l Kd;Ndw;wq;fisg; gw;wp xUtUf;nfhUth; mwpe;J nfhs;s Kbe;jJ. NkYk; gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; Kiwfshy; Nghuhl;l kdg;ghd;ik khwp xj;Jiog;G kdg;ghd;ik NtW}d;wp ,Ug;gijAk; ,U jug;gpdUk; mwpe;J nfhz;ldh;. ,U Nfhsq;fSk; xd;Wgl tha;g;G ,Ug;gJk; njhpate;jJ. ,Ue;jhYk; NkYk; rpy Mz;Lfs; ,U rhuhUk; jaq;fpdhh;;fs;. gpwF Nghf;Ftuj;Jf;F trjpahf ,Uf;f mZ jpiuapy; rpy topfs; tplg;gl;;ld. xU Nfhsj;jpy; ,Ue;j ,d;ndhU Nfhsj;Jf;Fg; Nghf tpz;ntspf;Fr; nry;y Ntz;b ,Uf;ftpy;iy. gpwF ,U Nfhsq;fSf;Fk; tpahghuk; Jtq;fpaJ. nrythzp ehzaq;fs; xd;whf;fg;gl;ld. tpQ;Qhdk;> fiy Jiwfspy; epGzh; FOf;fis khw;wpf;nfhz;ldh;. filrpahf rpy tUlq;fSf;F Kd;G E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;LfSf;F Kd; Nghlg;gl;l mZ jpiuAk; tpyf;fg;gl;lJ.

,jw;F gpwFjhd; ‘rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy;’ trpf;Fk; nts;isah;fisg; gw;wpj; njhpe;Jnfhs;s ehd; ePykiyf;F te;Njd;. vdJ gpur;ridfSk; Muk;gkhapd.

mj;jpahak; %d;W

N`hth;fhg;lh; xU jpwe;j Gy;ntspapy; ,wq;fpaJ. mJ xd;Wjhd; rkG+kp vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. Rw;wpYk; gRikahd Fd;Wfs;. m.K. fhyj;jpy; mjw;F ge;ija ikjhdk; ngah; vd;Wk;> ve;jd; Fjpiu Ntfkhf XLk; vd;W Nrhjpg;gjw;fhf mJ cgNahfpf;fg;gl;L te;jnjd;Wk; gpd;dhy; njhpe;J nfhz;Nld;. ve;jf; Fjpiu Ntfkhf xLk;; vd;Dk; mgpg;gpuhaj;ij xt;nthUtUk; jk; gzk; fl;b Ch;[pjg;gLj;Jth;. mg;gb Ch;[pjkhdhy; mjpf gzk; fpilf;Fk;. mth;fSila mgpg;gpuhak; jg;ghdhy; nfhLj;j gzk; Ngha;tpLk;. ,J xU Nfspf;ifahf fUjg;gl;L te;jJ. ehDk; r;rf;Fk; thfdj;jpy; ,Ue;J ,wq;fpNdhk;.

mq;Nf Rkhh; Mapuk; Ngh; $bapUe;jdh;. vy;NyhUf;Fk; m.K. Milfspy; ,Ue;jdh;. vy;yhk; epyj;jpy; tpise;j gQ;rpypUe;Jk; Ml;L Nuhkq;fspypUe;Jk; nra;ag;gl;l Milfs;. vy;NyhUk; kfpo;r;rpAld; vq;fis vjph;ghh;g;gjhf njhpe;jJ. ehq;fs; ,wq;Fk;NghJ ,Ue;j MuthuKk; rphpg;Gk; mlq;fp epk;kjp Fbnfhz;lJ.

me;j ePykiy Rw;wg;Guj;jpy; cs;s thAtpYk; ,sk; nta;aypYk; ehd; gpuNtrpj;jJk; rpW fhw;W vd; Kfj;jpy; tPrpaJ. me;j nta;aYk;> ke;j khUjKk; vdf;F xU GJtpjkhd vOr;rpiaj; je;jJ. Kjypy; mJ mh;j;jkhftpy;iy. ntsp #o;epiyf;F ehd; te;jpUe;jJ ,Jjhd; Kjy; jlit. Gjpa czh;r;rpfis mJ fpsg;gptpl;lJ. vd; kdj;jpy; xU cw;rhfKk; ftiyAk; Nrh;e;J Njhd;wpd. ,f;fhy m.gp. nkhopfspy; ,e;j czh;r;rpfis

tpthpf;f jFjpahd thh;j;ijfNs ,y;iy. “ePq;fs; czh;r;rp trg;gl;bUf;fpwPh;fs;. rpWJ

fhyj;jpy; rhpahfptpLk;>” vd;W r;rf; KZ KZj;jhh;.

mg;nghOJ mq;F $bapUe;j $l;lj;jpypUe;J gphpe;J xU kdpjh; vq;fsplk; te;Jnfhz;bUe;jhh;. ifapy; xU kyh;fshyhd tisaj;ij itj;jpUe;jhh;. mth; gf;fj;Jf;F tutu mtuJ Kfj;ijf; fz;L ehd; nfhQ;rk; Mr;rhpag;gl;Nld;. Mq;fpNyah; vd;why;

ntz;ik epwkhf ,Ug;ghh;fs;. jiykaph; gOg;ghfNth my;yJ ntz;ik (Blond) ahfNth ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; mth; KfNk gOg;G epwkhfj;jhd; ,Ue;jJ. jiykaph; kl;Lk; nfhQ;rk;

nrk;gl;il epwkhf fhl;rp mspj;jJ. mth; new;wpapy; xU rpYit (Cross) mr;rbj;jkhjphp gbe;jpUe;jJ. gf;fj;Jf;F te;J mth; rpwpJ jaq;fpdhh;. ahh; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ,Ue;J te;jth; vd;w re;Njfk; NghYk;. gpwF vdJ nts;is Kfj;ijf;fz;L Neuhf vd;dplk; te;jhh;.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J kf;fspd; rhh;gpy;> khl;rpik jhq;fpa ekJ rf;futh;j;jpapd; J}Jtiu

ehd; kfpo;NthL tuNtw;fpNwd;” vd;W nrhy;yp me;j kyh; tisaj;ij vd; fOj;jpy; khl;bdhh;.

ey;yNtisahf vdf;F m.K. fhyj;jpa rhpj;jpuk; ed;whf njhpAk;. Mdhy; murhq;fj;jpd; gpujpepjp vd;Dk; Kiwapy; ehd; tutpy;iy vd;W nrhy;y vj;jdpj;Njd;. Mdhy; r;rf; mij A+fpj;J vd;id nfhQ;rk; Nehz;bdhh;. ehd; xd;Wk; Ngrtpy;iy. gioa fhy tof;fg;gb ,UtUk; if FYf;fpNdhk;.

“jq;fSila ngah; nrhy;y KbAkh? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ehd;jhd; rh; tpd;;];ld; ghy;Ltpd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; gpujk ke;jphp. jq;fSila

ehkNjak;? ”

vdf;F Mr;rhpakhf ,Ue;jJ. ‘rh;’ ‘yhh;l;’ vd;Dk; gl;lq;fs; m.gp. Ik;gjhk; Mz;bNyNa uj;J nra;ag;gl;ld. Nkw;F Nfhs r%fj;jpy; xt;nthU jdp kdpjDf;Fk; xU ek;gh;jhd; ,Uf;Fk;. ngah;fs; ,Ue;jhYk; mitfSf;F mjpfhuG+h;tkhf mDkjp fpilahJ.

‘ehd;’ vd;Dk; mfk;ghtj;ijg; Nghf;fbf;fj;jhd; ,e;j top ifahsg;gl;lJ. vd;idg;

nghUj;jtiuapy; vd; milahsr; rPl;by; GB 145 APNH 628 vd;W ,Ue;jJ. GB vd;why;

fpNul; gphpl;ld;. A yz;lidf; Fwpf;Fk;. PNH gphp epAf;fpspah; `p];lhp> 628 jhd; ehd;.

Mdhy; vd; rpy ez;gh;fs; rpy rkaq;fspy; ‘[pahh;[;’ vd;W miog;gJ tof;fk;.

“vd; ngah; ‘[pahh;[; ];kpj;’ ” vd;W gjpyspj;Njd;.

rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; gpujkh; Mr;rhpag;gl;lhh;. “khl;rpik jhq;fpa Mq;fpy murpd; jdpj; J}Jth; mt;tsT rhjhuzkhd ngaUlNdah ,Ug;ghh;! ,q;NfAk; ];kpj;fs; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;.

Mdhy; mth;fs; gpNsf;];kpj; MfNth my;yJ Nfhy;l;];kpj; MfNthjhd; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;.”

mth; NgRtJ vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy. ehd; r;rf;if ftdpj;Njd;. mth;> ePq;fs;

,tiu ‘];kpj;Nrhdpad;’ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;>” vd;whh;.

“,jpy; VNjh xU rpwpa gprF ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whh; gpujkh;> “Mjpapy; cq;fs;

ngah; ‘Nrhdpad; - ];kpj;’ vd;W ,Ue;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. cah; FLk;gj;jpy; gpwe;jth;fSf;F vg;nghOJk; mk;khjphp ,ul;ilg; ngah;fs; ,Uf;Fk;. vdJ %jhij xUtUf;F r];]f;rp;y; xU Nrhdpad; - ];kpj;ijj; njhpAk;. mJ xU ngUikf;Fhpa ngah;;. ehq;fs; cq;fis ,dpNky; rh;. [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; vd;Wjhd; miof;fg; NghfpNwhk;. cq;fSf;F

Ml;Nrgiz ,y;iyNa?”

ehd; Nahrid nra;Njd;. mth; ‘rh;’ gl;lk; itj;Jf;nfhz;lhy; ehd; Vd; itj;Jf;

nfhs;sf; $lhJ? gg;gpd; jj;JtNk mJjhNd. vg;gb ,Ue;jhYk; ‘vd; ngah;’ 145 628’ vd;W xU gioa fhy ek;gh; khjhp nrhy;tij tpl ,J nuhk;g guthapy;iy.

“ckJ ez;gh;….. mtUila ngah;?” gpujkh; r;rf;ifg; gw;wp tprhhpj;jhh;.

“ehd; r;rf;;;futh;j;jp’. ePq;fs; vd;id ‘r;rf;;’ vd;W $g;gplyhk;.”

“M! ePq;fs; filrp Mq;fpy itruhahf ,Ue;j rf;futh;j;jp

uh[Nfhghyhr;rhhpapDila thhpR ,y;iyah? ” vd;whh; gpujkh;.

“ehd; rPf;fpuk; jpUk;g Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh; r;rf;. gpwF vd;idg; ghh;j;J “ckf;F VjhtJ cjtp Ntz;bapUe;jhy; my;yJ ckJ Ntiy ,q;Nf Kbe;jhy; vd;Dld; njhlh;G

nfhs;sTk;>” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L if FYf;fptpl;Lg; Ngha;tpl;lhh;. vdJ ehl;lth;> cwtpdh; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhs;Sk; kf;fSf;fpilNa ehd; jdpad; MNdd;.

“ek; rlq;Ffis Muk;gpf;fyhky;yth?” vd;whh; rh; tpd;];ld;. gioa fhyj;jpy; mg;gbj;jhd; gl;lKs;sth;fisf; $g;gpLtJ tof;fk;.

“Mk;” vd;Nwd;. Mdhy; vd;d rlq;Ffs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy.

ehq;fs; mq;F fl;lg;gl;bUe;j xU Nkilf;Fr; nrd;Nwhk;. mjd; Nky; nuhk;g Nja;e;j gioa fk;gsk; tphpf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ.

“,e;j fk;gsk; muR ,y;yj;jpw;F nrhe;jkhdJ. filrp Mq;fpy fth;dh; rh; Mh;rpghy;l; eha;jhd; ,ij filrpahf cgNahfpj;jth;. MfNt ,e;jf; fk;gsj;jpd; kPJ rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; cs;s vy;NyhUf;FNk xU jdp kdf;fpsh;r;rp cz;L. cq;fs; tUiff;fhf

,ij ,d;W ,q;F tphpj;jpUf;fpNwhk;>” gpwF gpujkh; jk; Ngr;ir Muk;gpj;jhh;.

“,q;F $bAs;s gpuGf;fNs> nghpNahh;fNs> jha;khh;fNs>

rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; kf;fs; rhh;gpYk; murhq;fj;jpd; rhh;gpYk;> ek;kpilNa te;jpUf;Fk; khl;rpik jhq;fpa Mq;fpy murhq;fj;jpd; J}Jtiu ehd; kdjhu tuNtw;fpNwd;. ,J xU rhpj;jpu Kf;fpaj;Jtk; tha;e;j ehs;. E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;LfSf;F Kd;G ehk; ,q;F gyhj;fhukhf FbNaw;wg;gl;L ,e;j ePykiyfspy; milf;fg;gl;Nlhk;. mg;nghOjpUe;J ,e;j ehis ehk; vjph;ghh;j;J te;jpUf;fpNwhk;. ek; jha; ehNlhL If;fpakhFk; Gdpj

ehs; rPf;fpuk; te;JtpLk;. ekJ E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfspd; mgpyhl;irfs; G+h;j;jpailAk; vd;gjw;F milahskhfj;jhd; rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; ];kpj; J}Jtuhf te;jpUf;fpwhh;.

,e;j nghpa uh[ je;jpu ntw;wpf;F vdJ murhq;fk; ngUikg;gLfpwJ……”

,g;gbNa mth; Rkhh; gj;J epkplq;fs; Ngrpdhh;. gpwF>

“MfNt ekJ jha; ehl;bypUe;J te;jpUf;Fk; J}Jtiu tUf! tUf! vd tuNtw;fpd;Nwd;. ekJ gpur;ridfisg; gw;wpAk; f\;lq;fisg; gw;wpAk; mth; ed;whf mwpe;J Mq;fpy rhk;uh[;a muRld; nrhy;thh; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy. ek; rhpj;jpuj;jpy; ,th; tUifapdhy; xU nghpa jpUg;gk; Vw;gl;bUf;fpwJ. MfNt ehk;

vy;NyhUk; mtiu Muthuj;Jld; tuNtw;Nghkhf.”

vy;NyhUk; vOj;J epd;W if jl;b Muthuk; nra;jhh;fs;. vd;d gjpy; nrhy;tJ vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; Vw;gl;Ls;s Gul;rpfukhd khWjy;fisg; gw;wp ,th;fSf;F xd;WNk njhpahJ vd;gJ njsptha; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; mtw;iwg; gw;wp ,g;NghJ NgRtJ mt;tsT cfe;jjhfj; njhpatpy;iy. mJ xU nghpa mjph;r;rpahf ,Uf;Fk;. MfNt

ehDk; ‘khl;rpik jhq;fpa Mq;fpy murpd;’ J}Jtuhf ele;J nfhs;s KbT nra;Njd;.

mJjhd; ‘gg;’ jj;Jtj;jpd; top. ehd; vOe;J epd;W Ngr Muk;gpj;jJk; $l;lj;jpy; mikjp epytpaJ.

‘nghpNahh;fNs> jha;khh;fNs

ehd; ck;kpilNa te;J ,Ug;gjpy; kpfTk; kfpo;r;rp milfpNwd;. ehd; ,q;F ,Uf;Fk;NghJ cq;fs; tho;ifiag; gw;wpAk; gpur;ridfisg; gw;wpAk; rhjidfisg; gw;wpAk; mwpe;J nfhs;s Mirg;gLfpNwd;. ,q;fpyhe;ijg; nghWj;jtiuapy; ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfspy; gy khWjy;fs; Vw;gl;bUf;fpd;wd. ,itfs; cq;fSf;F Mr;rhpaj;ijj; juyhk;. rhpahd re;jh;g;gk; fpilf;Fk;NghJ mtw;iwg; gw;wpAk; cq;fSld; tpthjpf;f tpUk;GfpNwd;. cq;fSf;Fk; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fk; xU epue;jpu njhlh;G Vw;gLj;Jtijg; gw;wpAk; ehd; Nahrid nra;J tUfpNwd;. vdf;F mspj;j tuNtw;Gf;fhfTk; vd; Nky; itf;Fk; md;gpw;fhfTk; cq;fSf;Fk;> cq;fs;

gpujkUf;Fk; vdJ Mo;e;j ed;wp”.

ehd; Ngrp Kbj;jTld; fuNfh\Kk; MuthuKk; xypj;jd. gg;gpd; nghpa jj;Jtthjp $l ,ijtpl ey;y uh[je;jpu Kiwapy; NgrpapUf;f KbahJ vd;W vd; kdk; G+hpj;jJ.

gpwF vdf;F uhZt khpahij mspf;fg;gl;lJ. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; rpg;gha;fs; ePz;l> cWtpa fj;jpfSld; thpirahf epd;W vdf;F khpahij nrYj;jpdhh;fs;. ,e;j Guhjd tof;fq;fs; vy;yhk; ,g;NghJ Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; ,y;yhtpl;lhYk; vdJ rhpj;jpu mwptpdhy; ,tw;iwnay;yhk; njhpe;Jnfhs;s Kbe;jJ.

gpwF ehDk; gpujkh; rh; tpd;];lDk; ehl;bd; Kf;fpa];jh;fs; $bapUe;j xU $lhuj;Jf;Fg; NghNdhk;. gyUf;F ehd; mwpKfk; nra;J itf;fg;gl;Nld;. B vd;Dk; ghdk; vy;NyhUf;Fk; tof;fg;gl;lJ. mij rhg;gpl;Lf; nfhz;L ,Ue;jNghJ xU kdpjh; vd;id

fpof;F – Nkw;F Nfhs cwitg; gw;wpAk;> ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fspy; Vw;gl;l khWjy;fisg; gw;wpAk; Nfs;tpfs; Nfl;Lf;nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jhh;. ehd; RUf;fkhf ve;j tpjj;jpYk; gpb nfhlhky; gjpyspj;Njd;. Mdhy; mth; tpLtjha; ,y;iy.

“rh; [pahh;[;! ,q;fpyhe;jpy; Fbaurh my;yJ ,d;Dk; Kb muR ,Uf;fpwjh? ,J xU

Rygkhd Nfs;tpjhNd. ,jw;fhtJ gjpy; nrhy;yf; $lhjh?”

“kp];lh; \h jhd; ,e;j Ch; gj;jphpf;if Mrphpah;.” rh; tpd;];ld; tpsf;fk; je;jhh;.

“KbauR %d;whk; rhh;y];Rf;Fg; gpwF uj;J nra;ag;gl;lJ” vd;Nwd;.

“vdf;F rhpj;jpuk; njhpe;jtiuapy; murh;jhd; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; gl;lq;fs; toq;FtJ tof;fk;. KbauR uj;J nra;ag;gl;lNghJ gl;lq;fSk; uj;jhfpapUf;FNk. mg;gbnad;why;

cq;fSf;F vg;gb ‘rh;’ gl;lk; te;jJ?

,J xU rq;flkhd epiyikahf ,Ue;jJ. ,Ue;jhYk; gg; vd; cjtpf;F te;jJ.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J xU Kbaurh?”vd;W jpUg;gpf; Nfl;Nld;.

“,y;iy”

“mg;gbnad;why; cq;fs; gpujk ke;jphp vg;gb ‘rh;’ gl;lk; ngw;whh;?

gj;jphpf;if Mrphpah; \hTf;F NkYk; vd;d Nfl;gJ vd;W njhpatpy;iy Rk;kh ,Ue;Jtpl;lhh;. vdJ Nkyjpfhhpfs; kl;Lk; ehd; epiyikia vg;gb rkhspj;Njd; vd;W njhpe;Jnfhz;lhy; vdf;F ,d;Dk; nghWg;ghd Ntiyfisf; nfhLg;ghh;fs;. Mdhy; ghuhl;l khl;lhh;fs;. mJ gg; jj;Jtj;jpw;F tpNuhjk;. ,Ue;jhYk; ehd; nfhQ;rk; ngUikg;gl;Nld;.

vdf;F mspf;fg;gl;l tuNtw;G Kbe;j gpwF ehd; ‘Nkhl;lhh; fhh;’ vd;Dk; xU thfdj;Jf;F mioj;Jr; nry;yg;gl;Nld;. me;j thfdj;jpy; xU tpNr\k; vd;dntd;why; mJ ehd;F Fjpiufshy; ,Of;fg;gl;lJ. ehDk; gpujkh; rh; tpd;];lDk; mjpy; Vwpf; nfhz;Nlhk;. tz;b xU nrq;Fj;jhd ghijapy; efu Muk;gpj;jJ. ghijapd; ,U gf;fq;fspYk; epd;W

nfhz;bUe;j [dq;fs; ‘A+dpad; [hf;’ vd;Dk; nfhbia – m.K. ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F mJjhd;

uh[;a rpd;dkha; ,Ue;jJ – Ml;b vd;id tuNtw;whh;fs;. ,Jtiuapy; ehd; ghh;j;j vy;NyhUNk jk; new;wpfspy; xU rpYitia mzpe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. Mz;fs; itj;jpUe;j rpYitfs; vy;yhk; fUg;ghf ,Ue;jd. Mdhy; ngz;fs; mitfis gy epwq;fspy; mzpe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. rkak; fpilj;j NghJ ,jw;F fhuzk; njhpe;Jnfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;W ehd; KbT nra;Njd;.

gj;J epkplj;Jf;Fg; gpwF ehq;fs; xU gioa fl;bl Eio thapYf;Fs; nrd;Nwhk;.

me;j %iyapy; rpyh; epd;Wnfhz;L fUg;Gf; nfhbfis Ml;bdhh;fs;. ‘Vfhjpgj;jpathjpNa

jpUk;gpg;Ngh!’ vd;Wk; ‘,e;jpahTld; ,iz!’ vd;Dk; Nfh\q;fis vOg;gpdhh;fs;.

rh; tpd;];ld; nfhQ;rk; rq;flg;gl;lhh;. “[dehafj;jpd; jd;ikfspy; ,JTk; xd;W. xU rpW gFjpapdh; ,e;j ehL ,e;jpahTld; ,iza Ntz;Lk; vd;W tpUk;Gfpd;wdh;. mjw;fhf mth;fs; $r;ry; Nghl;Lk; $l;lk; Nghl;Lk; jk; mgpg;gpuhaq;fis kw;wth;fs; Nky; jpzpf;fg;

ghh;f;fpwhh;fs;.”

mth; kpfTk; czh;r;rpahy; ghjpf;fg;gLtjhf njhpe;jJ. ,k;khjphpahd kdf; ftiyNah gpur;ridfNsh Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; E}W Mz;LfSf;F Nkyhf fpilahJ.

mtUila f\;lj;ijg; ghh;f;f vdf;Fk; vg;gbNah ,Ue;jJ. ,jw;Fj;jhd; ‘ghpT’ ‘mDjhgk;’ vd;Dk; ngah;fNsh> vdf;Fj; njhpahj cs; kdj;jpypUe;j ,e;j thh;j;ijfs; ntspte;jd.

rh; tpd;];ld; kPz;Lk; Ngryhdhh;. “ePq;fs; kd;dpf;f Ntz;Lk;. ,ijg;gw;wp ehd; nuhk;g cWjpNahL ,Uf;fpNwd;. ePq;fs; te;j Kjy; ehNs ,ijg;gw;wp cq;fSld; tpthjpf;f tpUk;gtpy;iy. ,q;fpyhe;J vq;;fs; jha; ehlhdhYk; xU ntsp ehlhdjpdhy; ,e;jg;

gpur;ridf;F ePq;fs; xU gf;fKk; Nruhky; ,Ug;gJ ey;yJ.”

“cq;fSila vy;yh gpur;ridfisg; gw;wpAk; ehd; njhpe;J nfhs;s tpUk;GfpNwd;” vd;W ehd; gjpyspj;Njd;.

“mjw;F cq;fSf;F epiwa rka re;jh;g;gq;fs; ,Uf;Fk;.” vdJ gjpy; mtUf;F

kfpo;r;rpia mspj;jJ. “cq;fis fTutpf;fTk; vq;fs; tho;f;ifia cq;fSf;F mwpKfg;gLj;jTk; gy epfo;r;rpfis ehq;fs; Vw;ghL nra;jpUf;fpNwhk;. vq;fs; r%fk;> gz;ghL

vy;yhtw;iwAk; mwpe;Jnfhs;s cq;fSf;F tha;g;G ,Uf;Fk;.”

“N`k;ld; Nfhh;l; vd;Dk; khspifia cq;fs; tpLjpahf Vw;ghL nra;jpUf;fpNwhk;” vd;W NkYk; nrhd;dhh; rh; tpd;];ld;> gf;fpq;̀ hk; Ngyir tpl mJ rTfhpakhf ,Uf;Fk;. cq;fis re;jpf;f tpUk;GNthh;fis ghh;;g;gjw;Fk; mJ trjpahf ,Uf;Fk;. ePq;fs; ,q;Nf

,Uf;Fk; tiuapy; murhq;f tpUe;jpduhf ,Ug;gPh;fs;.”

“gf;fpq;̀ hk; Ngyrh? ” vd;W ehs; re;Njfj;Jld; Nfl;Nld;.

“nghpa gphptpidf;Fg; gpd;G> ,q;fpyhe;J vq;fis myl;rpakhf xJf;fptpl;lhYk;

vq;fSf;F ehl;Lg; gw;W mjpfk; cz;L.” mth; kdk;tpl;Lg;Ngrpdhh;. “MfNt ehq;fs; ,q;F xU [dehaf muR Vw;gLj;jpa clNd Mq;fpy ];jhgdq;fisAk; Mq;fpy gz;ghl;ilAk; epue;jukhf ghJfhf;f tpUk;gpNdhk;. MfNt ,q;Fs;s fl;blq;fs;> rhiyfs;> ];jhgdq;fs;> vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; Mq;fpy ngah; #l;bNdhk;. vq;fs; jdp tho;tpYk; nghJ eltbf;iffspYk; Mq;fpy KiwfisNa ifahz;Nlhk;. ePykiyfs; fpNul; gphpl;lDf;F gjpyhf rpW ,q;fpyhe;J Mfptpl;lJ. ,q;NfAk; `T]; Mg; yhh;l;Lk; `T]; Mg; fhkd;Dk; ,Uf;fpd;wd. uh[;gtd; gf;fpq;̀ hk; Ngy]; Mapw;W. ilsdpq; ];l;hPl;Lk; xa;l; `hYk; ,q;NfAk; cz;L. Mdhy; yz;ld; efh; G+Nfhsj;Jf;Fk; vq;fs; G+Nfhsj;Jf;F nuhk;g khWjy;fs; ,Uf;Fk;. ehq;fs; vq;fs; murhq;fj;ij xU KbaurhfNt fUJfpNwhk;. Mdhy; murh; epue;jukhf ntspehl;by; ,Ug;gjhy; ehq;fs; xU it];uhia epakpj;jpUf;fpNwhk;. ,tw;iwnay;yhk; xd;W Nrh;j;Jg; ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ vq;fSf;F ehk; jha; ehl;by;jhd; ,Uf;fpNwhk;> njhlh;G tpl;Lg;

Nghftpy;iynad;Dk; Xh; czh;r;rp gpwf;fpwJ.”

,d;iwa yz;lid ,th;fs; ghh;j;jhy; vd;d epidg;ghh;fs; vd;W vdf;Fg; gl;lJ.

ehq;fs; N`k;ld; Nfhh;l; khspifapy; Nghh;bNfhit mile;Njhk;. mq;F MW Ntiyahl;fs; thpirahf epd;W vdf;F tzf;fk; njhptpj;jhh;fs;. rh; tpd;];ld; rkpf;if nra;jJk; mth;fspy; xUtd; Kd;dhy; te;jhd;.

“ehd; gl;yh; rhh;> cq;fSf;F Nrit nra;tJjhd; vd; flik” vd;whd;. gpwF vdJ rhkhd;fis fhhpypUe;J cs;Ns nfhz;Lte;jhd;. ehDk; rh; tpd;];lDk; nfhQ;rk; ed;whf ,Ue;j ,U ehw;fhypfspy; cl;fhh;e;J nfhz;Nlhk;. kw;w ehw;fhypfnsy;yhk; rha;e;Jk; tise;Jk; ,Ue;jd.

“ePq;fs; nfhQ;rk; xa;ntLj;Jf;nfhs;Sq;fs;. mjpfhuG+h;tkhd re;jpg;Gfnsy;yhk; ehisapypUe;J Muk;gkhFk;. ,e;j muz;kidapy; yz;ld; efuj;J etPdq;fs; ,y;yhtpl;lhYk; ePq;fs; ,Ug;gjw;F trjpahf ,Uf;Fk; vd;W fUJfpNwd;. NtW VjhtJ

Ntz;bapUf;Fkh?” vd;W rh; tpd;];ld; ghpNthL Nfl;lhh;.

“cq;fSf;Fk; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fk; E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfshf njhlh;G ,y;iy. cq;fSila rhpj;jpuj;ijg; gw;wpAk; Kd;Ndw;wq;fisg; gw;wpAk; vdf;F xd;WNk njhpahJ. kw;wth;fis re;jpf;Fk;NghJ vdJ mwptPdj;ij ntspg;gLj;jpdhy; ed;wha; ,Uf;fhJ. mjdhy; ahuhtJ vdf;F cq;fs; Ie;J jiyKiw rhpj;jpuj;ijg;gw;wpAk; ,q;F ehd; ele;J nfhs;sNtz;ba Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk; nrhy;ypitj;jhy; rTfhpakha; ,Uf;Fk;. ,ij ePq;fs;

Vw;ghL nra;a KbAkh?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“khz;Gkpf;f ntspehl;Lj; J}Jth; vd;Dk; me;j];j;Jf;F ePq;fs; ,jw;fhf xU E}y; epiyaj;Jf;Nfh my;yJ kpA+rpaj;Jf;Nfh Nghff;$lhJ. vq;fs; fiyf;$lj;jpd; fpA+Nuliu

cq;fSf;F Jiz mikr;ruhf (Minister in waiting) ehd; epakpj;jpUf;fpNwd;. MfNt mth; ck;kplNk ,Ue;J cq;fs; Nfs;tpfSf;nfy;yhk; gjpy; mspg;ghh;. mNj rkaj;jpy; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpypUf;Fk; ehq;fSk; jha; ehl;by; Vw;gl;bUf;Fk; Kd;Ndw;wq;fisg; gw;wp mwpe;Jnfhs;s Mtyha; ,Uf;fpNwhk;. vq;fis nuhk;g ehs; fhf;f itf;f khl;Bh;fs; vd;W

ek;GfpNwd;.”

“ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ nuhk;g rhp>” vd;W ehd; MNkhjpj;Njd;.

“ehisf;F cq;fs; Kjy; gzp ehl;Lf;F jk; MAis mh;g;gzk; nra;jth;fSf;F

mQ;ryp nrYj;Jjy;. gpwF ghh;ypnkz;l; rigfspd; $l;L $l;lj;jpy; Ngr Ntz;Lk;.”

“ghh;ypnkz;l; $l;lj;jpy; NgRtijf; nfhQ;rk; js;sp itf;fyhNk>” vd;Nwd;. “,e;j ehl;ilg; gw;wp ehd; nfhQ;rk; mwpe;J nfhz;lhy;> gpwF ed;whf gpur;ridfisAk; kdjpy;

itj;Jf;nfhz;L Ngryhk;.”

“rhp” vd;whh; rh; tpd;];ld;. “vjph; fl;rpf;fhuh;fsplk; ePq;fs; Ngrg; Nghtjhf mwptpj;jpUf;fpNwd;. ,g;NghJ ePq;fs; Ngrhtpl;lhy; ehd; VNjh cq;fSld; ufrpa Ngr;Rthh;j;ij elj;Jtjhf Fw;wk; rhl;Lthh;fs;. ,Ue;jhYk; mij vg;gb rkhspg;gJ vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. Mdhy; cq;fs; tUifia Kd;dpl;L gy tpohf;fis Vw;ghL

nra;jpUf;fpNwhk;. mtw;wpy; ePq;fs; jtwhky; fye;Jnfhs;s Ntz;Lk;.”

“nuhk;g re;Njh\k;. ehd; fz;bg;ghf fye;J nfhs;Ntd;” vd;Nwd;. “ehd; ,q;F

te;jpUg;gNj mjw;fhfj;jhNd.”

“rhp ehd; tpilngWfpNwd;>” vd;W rh; tpd;];ld;> vOe;jhh;. “ckf;F Ntz;ba

vy;yhtw;iwAk; gl;yh; ftdpj;Jf; nfhs;thd;>” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; gpujkh; tpilngw;whh;.

-------------------------------

mj;jpahak; ehd;F

,g;nghOJ vd; #o;epiyia ftdpf;f vdf;F tha;g;G fpilj;jJ. m.K. rhpj;jpu epGzd; vd;gjhy; vdf;F gphpl;b\; rhk;uh[;a fl;bl eph;khzpg;igg; gw;wp nfhQ;rk; njhpAk;. ehd; ,Ue;j fl;blk; me;j ghzpapy; eph;khzpf;fg;gl;lJ. cah;e;j J}z;fSk; fl;blj;jpd; %d;W Gwq;fspYk; ntuhz;lhTk; ,Ue;jd. kpfTk; gioa fl;blk;> mJTk; gy tUlq;fSf;F gOJ ghh;f;fg;glhj fl;blkhdjhy; gy ,lq;fspy; Rz;zhk;G$l ,y;yhky; nghhpe;J tpOe;J nfhz;bUg;gjhf Njhd;wpaJ. gpuk;G ehw;fhypfnsy;yhk; hpg;Ngh; nra;a Ntz;ba epiyapy; ,Ue;jd. cs;Ns `hypy; gioa fhy kpUfq;fspd; jiyfs; Rth;fs; kPJ khl;lg;gl;bUe;jd. [d;dy;fspy; gy ,lq;fspy; fz;zhbfs; ,y;yhky; ml;ilfshy; milf;fg;gl;bUe;jd. Nrhghf;fSk; njhq;ftplg;gl;l jpiufSk; kpFe;j mOf;Fgl;L ftdpg;ghh; ,y;yhjJNghy; Njhd;wpaJ.

gl;yh; kWgbAk; te;J vdf;F Ngr;Rf; nfhLj;jhd;. “ehd; cq;fSila rTfhpaj;Jf;fhfj;jhd; ,q;Nf ,Uf;fpNwd; rhh;. VjhtJ Ntz;bapUe;jhy; vd;idf;

$g;gpLq;fs;>” vd;W nrhd;dhd;.

mtid ehd; rpNefk; nra;Jnfhs;s tpUk;gpNdd;. ,U r%fj;jpDila gof;f tof;fq;fisj; njhpe;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;why; mjDila Ntiyahl;fs; %yk; cz;ikia ntF Rygkhf njhpe;J nfhs;syhk; vd;W rhpj;jpuj;jpy; gbj;jpUf;fpNwd;.

“cd; ngah; vd;dg;gh? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“gl;yh; rhh;.”

“mJ cd; ngauh my;yJ cd; njhopyh?”

“,uz;Lk;jhd; rhh;. ehd; gl;yh; njhopy; nra;fpNwd;. mjdhy; vd; ngaUk; gl;yh;.”

“,J nfhQ;rk; GJikaha; ,Uf;fpwNj!” vd;W tpae;Njd;.

“,y;iy rhh;. ,J GJik ,y;iy. nuhk;g gioa fhy tof;fk;;. ehd; gl;yh; Ntiy

nra;tjdhy; gl;yh;. jr;R Ntiy nra;gtdha; ,Ue;jhy; vd; ngah; ‘jr;rd;’ Mf ,Uf;Fk;.

,J xU Fog;gkhd gpur;ridaha; Njhd;wpaJ. Mdhy; mNjhL tpl;Ltpl;Nld;. #hpad; fPNo ,wq;fp epoy;fs; ePs Muk;gpj;jd. rpy epkplq;fs; Njhl;lj;ij Rw;wpg; ghh;j;Njd;. fl;blk; vg;gbapUe;jhYk; Njhl;lk; kpf;f mofhf njd;gl;lJ. ePz;l Gy; jiufSk;> G+ghj;jpfSk;> cah;e;j kuq;fSk; kpfTk; Neh;j;jpahf fhzg;gl;ld. me;j kuq;fspd; cauj;ijg; ghh;j;jhy; mitfs; m.K. fhyj;jpy; ehl;;lg;gl;bUf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W Njhd;wpaJ. Mdhy; vdf;F mg; G+f;fspd; ngah;fNsh kuq;fspd; ngah;fNsh njhpahJ. m.K. fhyj;jpa rhpj;jpuj;ijtpl Ntnuhd;WNk njhpahnjd;W nrhy;yyhk;. nky;y tPrpa fhw;W nfhQ;rk; Fspuhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. MAs; G+uhTk; nraw;iff; fhw;wpy; gpwe;J tsh;e;jtDf;F ,njy;yhk; nghpa khWjy;;fs;. kpfTk; mrhjhuzkhf ,Ue;jJ. mk;khjphp nraw;if #o;epiyapy; tho;e;jth;fSf;F ,aw;if rPNjh\;z ];jpjp khWjy;fs; kpf nfLjy; vd;Wk; mjw;F jFe;j ghJfhg;G Ntz;Lk; vd;Wk; nrd;id fpspdpf;fpy; mwpTWj;jp ,Ue;jhh;fs;. mjdhy; ehd; vdJ miwf;Fr; nrd;W FspUf;Nfw;w Jzpfis khw;wpf; nfhz;Nld;.

yz;ldpy; ehd; xU rpwpa miw - %d;W kPl;lh; ePsk; ,uz;L kPl;lh; mfyk; - xd;wpy; trpj;J te;Njd;. nraw;if ntspr;rKk; nraw;if fhw;Wk;jhd; mjpy; ,Ugj;jp ehd;F kzp NeuKk;. mjDld; xg;gpl;L ghh;f;Fk; nghOJ ,g;NghJ ehd; ,Uf;Fk; khspif gpukhz;lkhdjhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. Rw;wg;GwKs;s Njhw;wk; mofhfTk; fk;gPukhfTk; ,Ue;jJ. ,e;j ,aw;ifapd; moifAk; etPd r%fj;jpd; rTfhpaq;fisAk; xd;whf mDgtpf;f Kbe;jhy; vt;tsT ed;whf ,Uf;Fk; vd;W ehd; rpe;jpj;Njd;. Mdhy; ,e;j vz;zq;fnsy;yhk; gg;Gf;F Kuz;ghL vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. ehd; ,q;F xU Ntiy nra;a te;jpUf;fpNwd;.

Ntiy Kbe;jTld; jpUk;g Ntz;Lk;. kw;w rpe;jidfSf;F ,lk; juf; $lhJ. me;j rkaj;jpy; ehd; ,uz;L gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk;khj;jpiufis tpOq;fpapUf;f Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; VNdh kdJ tutpy;iy.

ehd; cs;Ns te;jTlNd> “rhh; cq;fSf;F xU ‘l;hpq;f;’ Ntz;Lkh? ” vd;W gl;yh; Nfl;lhd;.

“l;hpq;f;?” vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy.

“r;nrhlh ngf; rhh;” vd;whd;. mJ ,d;Dk; nghpa Gjpuhf ,Ue;jJ. gpwF ‘tp];fp>

gpuhz;b VjhtJ rhg;gpLfpwPh;fsh? ” vd;whd;.

,g;nghOJ Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; ‘Cf;fkspg;git’ (Stimulants) vd;gijNa m.K. fhyj;jpy; l;hpq;f;]; vd;W nrhy;ypte;jhh;fs; vd;gJ njhpe;jJ. Mdhy; ,f;fhyj;jpa nghUs;fis cgNahfpg;gjhy; xU uk;kpa czh;r;rpNa jtpu NtW nfLjy; xd;Wk; ,y;iy. gioa fhy kJ tiffs; jiytp> m[Puzk; Kjypa Neha;fisf; nfhLg;gjhf

mwpe;jpUe;Njd;. ,Ue;jhYk; mitfis Urp ghh;f;f Ntz;lhkh? “Mk;. nfhQ;rk; nfhz;L

th>” vd;Nwd;.

“tp];fp rhh;? ”

“rhp”

xU lk;sh; epiwa xU jq;f epwkhd ghdj;ij gl;yh; nfhz;L te;J itj;jhd;. ehd; mij vLj;J Fbj;Njd;. mJ vd; njhz;ilf;Fs;Sk; tapw;Wf;Fs;Sk; xU neUg;Gf; fl;b

khjphp nrd;wJ. tapW nky;y vhpa Muk;gpj;jJ. vd;idg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j gl;yh;> “xU

Ntis rh; [pahh;[_f;F jz;zPh; fyf;f Ntz;Lkh?” vd;W Nfl;lhd;.

“Mk;” vd;W jiyairj;Njd;.

mtd; lk;siu jpUg;gp vLj;Jf;nfhz;L Ngha; nfhQ;rk; jz;zPh; fye;J nfhz;L te;jhd;. mLj;j jlit Rkhuhf Fbf;f Kbe;jJ. thapf;F mt;tsT Urp ,y;yhtpbDk; clk;Gf;Fk; kdj;Jf;Fk; xUtpj uk;kpak; Vw;gl;lJ.

gl;yh; ,d;Dk; mq;NfNa epd;W nfhz;bUe;jhd;. ehd; Ntiy Ml;fisg; gw;wp rhpj;jpuj;jpy; gbj;jpUf;fpNwNd jtpu Ntnwhd;WNk njhpahJ. rh; [pahh;[; vd;Dk; me;j];Jld; vd;id ahUNk Kd;G $g;gpl;ljpy;iy. ,e;j mrhjhuz md;dpa ehl;by; vdf;F nuhk;g jdpikahf ,Ue;jJ. gl;yUf;Fk; Ngr Mir ,Ue;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;.

“,q;Nf NtW ahuhtJ ,Uf;fpwhh;fsh?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“,y;nyq;f rhh;. N`k;ld; Nfhh;l; gy Mz;Lfshf %b itf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. cq;fs;

tUiff;fhfj;jhd; mijj; jpwe;J Rj;jk; nra;J Ml;fisAk; mkh;j;jpapUf;fpNwhk;.”

“mg;ngh eP ,q;Nf GJR. ,y;iyah? ”

“tof;;fkhf ehd; gpujk ke;jphpf;Fj;jhd; Nrit nra;tJ tof;fk;>” gl;yh; ngUikahf

nrhy;ypf; nfhz;lhd;. “vd; %jhijfs; vy;NyhUk; gl;yh;fs;jhd;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;J gpujkhplk;jhd; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. mjw;Fk; Ke;jp vdJ VO jiyKiwg; ghl;ldhh; ,e;jpahtpd;

filrp itruha; yhh;l; kTz;l; vtu];blk; gl;yuha; ,Ue;jhh;.”

“kTz;l; vtu];l;? ”

“Mk; rhh;. mth; xU cah;e;j itruhahf ,Ue;jjhy; mtUf;F cah;e;j kiyapd; ngaUk; ,Ue;jJ. mtUila rpiy ,g;nghOJk; $l ePq;;fs; gpf;fnly;yp rh;f;f]py; ghh;f;fyhk;. ghh;ypnkz;l; rigf;F Kd;dhy; ,Uf;fpwJ.

“cdf;F gl;yh; Ntiyiaj; jtpu NtW Ntiy nra;a ,\;lkpy;iyah?”

“rhh;> vd; Ntiy r%fj;Jf;F Nrit>” vd;W ngUikNahL nrhd;dhd; gl;yh;. “,e;jj;

jiyKiwf;F mjpnyy;yhk; ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. Mdhy; mth;fs; Nrhk;Nghpfs;. ‘cd; new;wpapd;

tpah;itahy; cd; mhprpiaAk; gUg;igAk; rk;ghjpf;f Ntz;Lk;’ vd;W nja;tNk

nrhy;ypapUf;fpwhh;.”

gl;yh; xU jj;JtQhdp Nghy; Njhd;wpaJ. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpd; mtd; xU gg;gpahf

jpfo;e;jpUg;ghd;. MfNt mtd; kdj;ij NkYk; nfhQ;rk; JUtpNdd;. “eP vd;dg;gh `pe;Jth

fpwp];Jtdh?”

“ehd; fpwp];Jtd;jhd; rhh;. Kjy; Nfz;lh;ghp Mh;r;gp\g; ,Ue;jhuy;yth. `pe;J kjNk fpW];Jt kjj;jpypUe;Jjhd; gpwe;jJ vd;W ep&gpj;jth;. mtiug; gpd;gw;Wfpwtd;. mjhtJ nra;e;l; jhk];;> kTz;l; jhkrpypUe;J Ntjk; Xjpa nghOJjhd; `pe;J kjk; gpwe;jJ. kTz;l;

jhk];jhd; cyfj;jpNyNa kpFe;j Guhjd Nfhtpy;.” gpwF nfhQ;rk; Nahrid nra;J gl;yh;

kWgbAk; Ngryhdhd;. “ehd; nrhy;tjw;nfy;yhk; jFe;j ep&gzq;fs; ,Uf;fpd;wd. cjhuzkhf `pe;Jf;fspd; khhp mk;kDk; ekJ Nkhp mk;kDk; xNu flTs;. fpwp];JTf;Fk;

fpU\;zDf;Fk; nkhop Ngjj;jhy; Vw;gl;;l tpj;jpahrNk jtpu Ntnuhd;Wk; ,y;iy.”

“,e;j rpe;jidfis `pe;Jf;fSk; xj;Jf; nfhs;Sfpwhh;fsh?”

“,itfs; rpe;jidfs; ,y;iy rhh;. kWf;f Kbahj cz;ikfs;. ,uz;L kjq;fSk; xd;Wjhd;. Mdhy; vjpypUe;J vJ te;jJ vd;gjpy;jhd; thf;Fthjk;. ,q;fpUe;J gj;J fpNyh

kPl;lh; J}uj;jpy; xU Nahfp ,Uf;fpwhh;. mth; ‘fpwp];J ,rk;’ vd;Dk; xU GJ kjj;ij Nghjpf;fpwhh;. mjhtJ ,uz;bYk; cs;s Ntj thf;Ffis xd;W Nrh;j;J Nghjpf;fpwhh;.

‘nja;tj;jpd; kfDf;F mk;ik’ vd;Wjhd; ehq;fs; vy;NyhUk; mk;ikj; nja;tk; khhp mk;kidf; Fk;gpLfpNwhk;.

ehd; vg;nghOJNk rhpj;jpuj;jpy; vg;gb vz;zq;fSk;> rpe;jidfSk; khwp tsh;fpd;wd vd;gjpy; mf;fiu nfhz;bUe;Njd;. gl;yh; nrhd;dJ ,ijg; gw;wp ehd; itj;jpUe;j rpy Nfhl;ghLfis Ch;[pjg;gLj;jpaJ. Mdhy; NkYk; ,ijg; gw;wp mtDld; Ngrpg; gpuNah[dkpy;iy vd;W epidj;Njd;. rhpj;jpuj;ijg; gw;wp ed;whf mwpe;jth;fSld; ,ijg;gw;wp tpthjpf;f Ntz;Lk;.

vdJ lk;sh; fhypahf ,Ue;jJ. gl;yh; kWgbAk; epiwj;Jf; nfhz;L te;jhd;. gpwF>

“rhh; ehd; cq;fis VjhtJ Nfl;fyhkh? ” vd;W khpahijahf tpdtpdhd;.

“Nfl;fyhk;.”

“ePq;fs; cz;ikapNyNa ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J te;jpUf;fpwPh;fsh? ”

“Mk;. ehd; yz;ldpy; gpwe;J tsh;e;jtd;. ,q;F tUk;tiuapy; mq;Nfjhd; ,Ue;Njd;.

Vd; re;Njfk;? ”

“fil tPjpapy; ePq;fs; ,e;jpa murhq;fk; mDg;gpa xw;wh; vd;Wk; ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J te;jjhfr; nrhy;yp Vkhw;wp rpW ,q;fpyhe;ij Mf;fpukpf;fg; NghtjhfTk; xU tje;jp

,Uf;fpwJ.”

“mJ cz;ikay;y>” vd;Nwd;. ehd;. ,k;khjphpahd tje;jpfs; gutpdhy; vdJ

gpuahzj;jpd; Fwpf;NfhNs Kbahky; Ngha;tpLk;. “vdf;Fk; fpof;F Nfhs muRf;Fk;;

ve;jtpjkhd cwTk; fpilahJ. ,;q;Nf ehd; tUtjw;F Ntz;;ba trjpfs; mth;fs; nra;J

nfhLj;jhh;fs;. mt;tsTjhd;.”

“vdJ VohtJ ghl;ldhh; ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;Jjhd; te;jhh;.” gl;yh; rk;gh\iziaf;

nfhQ;rk; jpUg;gpdhd;. “me;ehl;L tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp mth; nuhk;g ngUikNahL NgRthuhk;. mJ ,d;Dk; vq;fs; FLk;gj;jpy; Qhgfk; itj;jpUf;fpNwhk;. mth; yhh;l; kTz;l; vtu];l; jq;fpapUe;j khspifapy;jhd; ,Ue;jhh;. vq;fs; FLk;gj;jpdh; vy;NyhUf;FNk ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;Lk; vd;W Mir. Mdhy; nghpa gphptpidf;Fg; gpwF mJ Kbatpy;iy. ,g;NghJ ePq;fs; jpUk;gpg; NghFk;NghJ vd;idAk; mioj;Jr; nrd;why; cq;fis ed;whf ftdpj;Jf;

nfhs;Ntd;.”

“,q;fpyhe;J Kd; khjphp my;y. ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfspy; mq;F gy khWjy;fs;

Vw;gl;bUf;fpd;wd. ,g;nghOJ eP mq;Nf Nghdhy;> cdf;F me;ehl;il gpbf;fhky; ,Uf;fyhk;.”

“Mq;fpy tho;f;if KiwiaNa ehq;fs; vg;nghOJk; Ngzp te;jpUf;fpNwhk;>” vd;whd;. mtDf;fhf ehd; mDjhgg;gl;Nld;.

,Ul;lhfptpl;lJ. gl;yh; iyl; Rtpl;r; Nghl;lhd;. ,uz;L gy;GfspypUe;J kq;fyhd xsp

tPrpaJ. “,e;j khspifapy;jhd; kpd;rhuk; ,Uf;fpwJ rhh;. mjdhy;jhd; cq;fis ,q;Nf

itj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. gf;fpq;̀ hk; Ngyrpy; $l kpd;rhuk; fpilahJ.”

“gf;fpq;̀ hk; Ngyrpy; ahh; trpf;fpwhh;fs;? ”

“epahakhf murh;jhd; mq;Nf jq;f Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; ,y;yhj fhuzj;jpdhy; mJ fhypahfj;jhd; ,Uf;fpwJ. Kf;fpakhd rlq;FfSf;Fj;jhd; mij cgNahfpf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; ,uz;lhtJ E}w;whz;by; murh; ,q;Nf tUthh; vd;W N[hrpah;fs;

nrhy;ypapUf;fpwhh;fs;.”

mg;nghOJ ,d;ndhU gzpahs; te;J “kp];lh; fpA+Nulh; jq;fisg; ghh;f;f

te;jpUf;fpwhh;>” vd;whd;.

xU caukhd kdpjh; mt;tsT Neh;j;jpaw;w cilfis mzpe;jth; cs;Ns te;J

vd;Dld; if FYf;fpdhh;. “ehd;jhd; fpA+Nulh;. vy;NyhUk; vd;id ‘fh;’ vd;W $g;gpLthh;fs;. ePq;fSk; mg;gbNa $g;gplyhk;. ehd; jhd; cq;fSf;F Jiz mikr;rh;. Mjyhy; ,dpNkyhtJ kw;wth;fs; vdf;F nfhQ;rk; khpahij fhl;Lthh;fs; vd;W epidf;fpNwd;. tof;fkhf Mq;fpy rhpj;jpu kpA+rpaj;ij ghh;j;Jf; nfhs;tJjhd; vd; Ntiy. ,e;j

E}w;iwk;gJ tUl rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; rhpj;jpuj;ij cq;fSf;F ehd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;.”

“cq;fis re;jpg;gjpy; vdf;F nuhk;g kfpo;r;rp. Mdhy; kw;wth;fs; khjphp ‘fh;’ vd;W $g;gpl;L cq;fis mtkhdg;gLj;j ehd; tpUk;gtpy;iy. cq;fs; tPl;by; ck;ik vg;gb

$g;gpLfpwhh;fs;.”

“tPl;by; vd; ngah; [hd;> ePq;fSk; mg;gbNa $g;gplyhk;.”

mth; gf;fj;jpypUe;j Nrhghtpy; mkh;e;J gl;yiuf; $g;gpl;lhh;. “gl;yh; vdf;F xU

gpuhz;b nfhz;L th>” vd;W mtdplk; xU Jz;L fhfpjj;ijf; nfhLj;jhh;.

“mJ vd;d? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“mjpfkhf Fbg;gJ ,e;j Chpy; XU nghpa gpur;ridahf ,Uf;fpwJ>” vd;W [hd;

tpsf;fk; je;jhh;. “mjw;fhf xU $g;gd; Kiwia murhq;fk; mky;gLj;jpapUf;fpwJ. Vjph;f;fl;rpf;fhuh; vy;NyhUf;Fk; G+uz kJ tpyf;F mky; gLj;j Ntz;Lk; vd;W

nrhy;fpwhh;fs;.”

“ehk; ,UtUk; gy thuq;fSf;F xd;wha; ,Uf;fg; NghfpNwhk;> “[hd; epiwe;j lk;siu

thq;fpf; nfhz;L NkYk; Ngryhdhh;. “ehd;jhd; cq;fSf;F ez;gdhfTk; cjtpahsdhfTk;

,Uf;fg; NghfpNwd;. xd;whf Fbj;Jg; gofpdhy;jhd; me;j el;G Ch;[pjkilAk;>” vd;W nrhy;yp jk; lk;shpypUe;J Fbj;jhh;. mtUila ghdk; vd;Dilaijtpl mjpf rf;jp tha;e;jjhf njhpe;jJ.

“rpah;];” vd;W nrhy;yp ehDk; xU thasT Fbj;Njd;.

“Kjypy; rpW ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wp vy;yhk; tptukhfr; nrhy;fpNwd;. gpwF ePq;fs; nghpa ,q;fpyhe;jpd; ,d;iwa epiyikiag; gw;wp vdf;F tpsf;fyhk;. iggpspy; nrhd;d

khjphp vz;zk; khw;Wjy; yQ;rkhfhJ>” vd;W rphpj;jhh;.

“cq;fs; E}w;iwk;gJ fhy tuyhw;wpy; cs;s Kf;fpa mk;rq;fisg; gw;wp Kjypy;

nrhy;Yq;fs;>” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“mJ xU nghpa fij” vd;W nrhy;yp kWgbAk; nfhQ;rk; Fbj;jhh;. “mg;nghOjpUe;j gyhj;fhuj;ijg; gw;wpAk;> gj;jpukpd;ikiag; gw;wpAk; ];jpukw;w #o;epiyiag; gw;wpAk;

cq;fSf;Fj; njhpAky;yth? ”

“nghpa gphptpidf;F Kd;gh?”

“Mk;”

“njhpAk;>” vd;Nwd;. “ehd; rpy fhyk; m.K. rhpj;jpu epWtdj;jpy; Ntiy nra;Njd;.

Nkw;F Nfhs fz;Nzhf;fpypUe;J njhpAk;.”

“mg;nghOJ ehk; ,UtUk; xNu khjphpjhd;” vd;whh;. “,e;jpahtpYk; kpFe;j Fog;gk; Vw;gl;lJ. gpuahzk; vd;whNy gak;. tPl;bNyNa ,Ue;jhYk; gj;jpuk; vd;W nrhy;tjw;fpy;iy. nghpa gphptpid KbT Vw;gl;L ,e;jpahtpYs;s Mq;fpNyah; vy;NyhUk; ePykiyfspy; FbNaWtJ vd;Dk; jPh;khdk; ntspaplg;gl;lJk; by;yp murhq;fk; cldbahf eltbf;if vLj;jJ. ,e;jpahtpYs;s vy;yh Mq;fpNyah;fSk; gj;jpukhf ,q;Nf nfhz;L te;J Nrh;f;fg;gl;lhh;fs;. ,q;F ,Ue;j ,e;jpah;fis ntspNaw;wp me;j tPLfnsy;yhk; Mq;fpNyah;fSf;F mspj;jhh;fs;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; vy;iyfs; xU $l;L fkp\dhy; eph;zapf;fg;gl;lJ. gpwF kw;wth;fs; cs;Ns tuhjpUf;f xU NtypAk; Nghl;lhh;fs;. xU tUlj;jpw;F Ntz;ba czT> Jzp> Kjypa mj;jpahtrpag; nghUs;fSk; Nrfhpj;J ,q;Nf vq;fs; %jhijfSf;F mspj;jhh;fs;. gpwF ePq;fs; ,dp cq;fs; ,\;lk;Nghy; ,Uf;fyhk;

vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L ,e;jpa mjpfhhpfs; ntspNawptpl;lhh;fs;.”

“,njy;yhk; ,t;tsT tptukhf cq;fSf;F vg;gbj; njhpAk;?”

“vg;nghOJNk Mq;fpNyah;fSf;F ey;y rhpj;jpu kdg;ghd;ik cz;L. mJ ek;Kila rhk;uh[;aj;ijg; gw;wp MdhYk; rhp my;yJ ePykiy fpsg;igg; gw;wp MdhYk; rhp. Kjy; rpy khjq;fs; ekf;F nly;yp murhq;fj;Jf;Fk; epiwa fbjg; Nghf;Ftuj;J ,Ue;jJ. me;j njhlh;G nfhz;bUe;jth; nghpa gphptpidiag; gw;wpAk; mij xl;b ,q;F Vw;gl;l rpwpa gphptpidia xl;bAk; vy;yh j];jhNt[_fisAk; mijg; gw;wpa gj;jphpf;if ntspaPLfisAk; jk; nrhe;j Fwpg;GfSld; gj;jpug;gLj;j itj;jpUe;jhh;. mitfs;jhd; vd; kpA+rpaj;jpy; Kf;fpa

,lk; ngw;Ws;sd. xU ehisf;F ePq;fs; mitfisg; ghh;f;f Ntz;Lk;.”

“ePykiyfspy; Mq;fpNyah; kl;Lk;jhd; FbNawpdhh;fsh my;yJ rpy ,e;jpah;fSk;

,q;NfNa jq;fptpl;lhh;fsh?”

“nuhk;g Rthu];akhd Nfs;tp>” vd;whh; [hd;. “,jpypUe;J cq;fSila rhpj;jpu

QhdKk; czh;Tk; ed;F tpsq;Ffpd;wd. ePq;fs; xU murpay; J}Jth; vd;W vdf;Fj;

njhpahtpl;lhy; xU cah;e;j rhpj;jpu Mrphpah; vd;W ehd; ge;ijak; fl;bapUg;Ngd;.”

vq;Nf cz;ik ntspNa te;JtpLNkh vd;W vdf;Ff; nfhQ;rk; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. “rhp

vd; Nfs;tpf;F gjpy; nrhy;ytpy;iyNa>” vd;Nwd;.

“gzf;fhu ,e;jpah;fnsy;yhk; Ngha;tpl;ldh;. Mdhy; rpy rpW tptrhapfs; jk; epyj;ij tpl;Lg;Nghf ,iratpy;iy. NkYk; Mq;fpNyah;fs; jk; gzp Ml;fis ,q;NfNa itj;Jf;nfhs;s tpUk;gpdh;. mth;fspd; [dj;njhif Rkhh; ,UgJ rjtpfpjk; ,Ue;jJ.

Mdhy; ,e;j Ie;J jiyKiwfspy; mth;fs; ek;iktpl mjpfhpj;J te;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;.”

mtUila lk;sh; fhypahf ,Ue;jJ. gl;yh; mij epug;gpf; nfhz;L te;J itj;jhd;. mNj rkaj;jpy; vdJ lk;siuAk; epug;gptpl;lhd;.

“,uz;L tp\aq;fs; vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy>” vd;Nwd;. “xd;W [dq;fSila epwk;. ,q;Fs;s Mq;fpNyah; vy;NyhUNk gOg;G epwkhf ,Uf;fpwhh;fNs jtpu nts;isahf ,y;iy. ,uz;lhtJ vy;yh Mq;fpNyah;fSk; jkJ new;wpapy; xU rpYit itj;jpUf;fpwhh;;fs;.

,tw;wpw;F ePq;fs; tpsf;fk; ju KbAkh?”

[hd; cw;rhfj;NjhL Ngrpdhh;. rk;gh\id> gpuhz;b - ,uz;Lk; me;j cw;rhfj;jpw;F

fhuzk;. gioa fhyj;ijg; gw;wp Ngr mtUf;F mjpf tha;g;G ,y;iy. “,tw;iw ePq;fs; ,t;tsT rPf;fpuk; ftdpj;jpUg;gJ cq;fs; Gj;jp rhJ}hpaj;ijf; fhl;LfpwJ. Mdhy; ehq;fs; mitfisg;gw;wp NgRtjpy;iy. ePykiyfs; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J Mfp Mq;fpNyah;fs; FbNawpaNghJ mth;fs; [dj;njhifapy; ngz;fs; Fiwthf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. vq;fs; vjph;fhyj;Jf;Nf ,J xU Kl;Lf;fl;ilahf ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; mg;NghJ vq;fSf;Fj; jiytuha; ,Ue;jth; vy;yh Mz;fisAk; $g;gpl;L xt;nthUtUk; gf;fj;J fpuhkq;fspypUe;J

,e;jpa ngz;fis kze;Jnfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;W mwpTWj;jpdhh;.”

“mth; ngah; vd;d?”

“mtUila kNdh cWjpahYk; Ngr;R td;ikahYk; vy;NyhUk; mtiu rh;r;rpy; vd;W mioj;jhh;fs;. mNj ngahpy;jhd; mth; rhpj;jpu Gj;jfq;fspYk; fhzg;gLfpwhh;. mth; cz;ikg; ngah; ahUf;FNk Qhgfk; ,y;iy. mg;nghOJ ,e;jpahTld; njhlh;G G+uzkhf Jz;bf;fg;gltpy;iy. ,q;fpUe;j Mq;fpy khjh;fSf;F mJ gpbf;ftpy;iy. Mdhy; ehl;bd; [dj;njhif FiwahjpUf;f Ntz;b mth;fSk; xj;Jf;nfhs;s Ntz;bajhapw;W. ,J nfhQ;rk; rq;flkhd gpur;ridahdjhy; ,ijg;gw;wp ahUk; NgRtjpy;iy. Mdhy; ehq;fs;

vy;NyhUNk ‘J}a;ikahd nts;isah;fs;’ vd;Wjhd; vz;zp tUfpNwhk;.”

“new;wpapypUf;Fk; rpYit?”

“vq;;fs; %jhijfs; ,e;jpag; ngz;fis kze;J nfhz;l NghJ me;jg; ngz;fnsy;yhk; jkJ kuGg;gb new;wpapy; nghl;L itj;Jf; nfhs;thh;fs;. mNj khjphp mth;fs; Foe;ijfSf;Fk; itg;ghh;fs;. itjPf fpwp];Jth;fSf;F ,e;j tof;fk; gpbf;ftpy;iy. Nfz;lh;ghp Mh;r; gp\g; ,jw;fhf xU $l;lk; Nghl;L vy;yh Foe;ijfSf;Fk; new;wpapy; nghl;L my;yJ tpG+jp> ehkk;> ,itfSf;F gjpyhf rpYit rpd;dj;;ijj;jhd; itf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W Mf;iQ gpwg;gpj;jhh;. mg;nghOjpypUe;J vy;NyhUk; rpYitr; rpd;dj;jhy; myq;fhpj;Jf;nfhs;tJ tof;fkhfp tpl;lJ. Mdhy; ,q;F trpf;Fk; ,e;jpah;fs;

new;wpia myq;fhpf;Fk; tof;fj;ijNa tpl;Ltpl;ldh;.”

[hDf;F rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; rhpj;jpuk; ed;whf njhpAk; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy. NkYk; mth; ghugl;rkpd;wp rk;gtq;fis tpthpj;jhh;. Mifahy; mtiu kPz;Lk; nfhQ;rk; JUtpg;

ghh;j;Njd;. “,e;j khWjy;fs; Vw;gl;L> Gjpa muR Vw;gLk; epiwa Fog;gk; ,Ue;jpUf;FNk?”

vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“mg;gb xd;Wk; ,Ue;jjhf njhpatpy;iy>” vd;whh;. “,e;jpa murhq;fk; Kjy; tUlk; Ntz;ba cjtpfs; mspj;jJ. ey;y Ntisahf vq;fs; %jhijfSk;> xOq;F> fl;Lg;ghL ,tw;iw Nkw;;nfhz;L ,Ue;jhh;fs;. rh;rpYDila Kd; Vw;ghl;lhy; MAj tiffSk; mth;fs;

itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;.”

“,Ue;jhYk; gy gpur;ridfs; ,Ue;jpUf;Fk;.”

“vy;yhtw;iwAk; Nrh;j;Jg; ghh;f;Fk;NghJ vq;fs; %jhijfs; mjpf njhe;juT ,y;yhky; epiyikia rkhspj;jhh;fs; vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. ekJ ehl;lhhplk; me;j

‘ld;fh;f;’ czh;r;rp vg;NghJk; ,Ue;jpUf;fpwJ. fhyj;Jf;F Vw;w jiyth;fSk; cUthfpwhh;fs;. gioa ,q;fpyhe;jpy; rh;r;rpy; ,Ue;j khjphp ,q;NfAk; xU rh;r;rpy; ,Ue;jhh;. Kjypy; mtNu vy;yhtw;iwAk; eph;tfpj;J elj;jp te;jhh;. rl;lj;;ij epiy ehl;l jw;fhypf NghyPirAk; ePjp kd;wj;ijAk; mth; cz;lhf;fpdhh;. GJ ehzaq;fSk; Ngg;gh; gzKk; Nghl;L ,e;jpa murhq;fj;jpd; cjtpAld; f[hdhit epug;gpdhh;. muRGhpa rptpy; mjpfhhpfisAk; epakpj;jhh;.

“ve;j rl;lq;fis mky;gLj;jpdhh;fs;?”

“mg;nghOjpUe;j thjgpujpthjq;fnsy;yhk; epyg; gphptpid rk;ge;jg;gl;lit.

,itfspy; ePjpgjpfs; ‘,aw;if epahaf; Nfhl;ghLfs;’ (Principles of Natural Justice) vd;Dk; KiwiaNa ifahz;lhh;fs;. Mdhy; rh;r;rpy; $ba rPf;fpuj;jpy; xU murpay; eph;za rigiaf; $l;b xU murpay; rhrdj;ijAk; rpy Kf;fpakhd rl;lq;fisAk; epiwNtw;;wpdhh;. ,jpy; xU gpur;rid vd;dntd;why; ,q;fpUe;j Mq;fpNyah;fs; vy;NyhUk; tpahghhpfs; my;yJ B> fhg;gpapy; epGzj;Jtk; ngw;wth;fs;. mth;fSf;Fs; tf;fPy; xUth;$l ,y;iy.

MfNt ,e;jpah; cjtpia ehl Ntz;bapUe;jJ.”

vq;fs; lk;sh;fs; fhypahfptpl;ld. vq;fisNa ftpdpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j gl;yh; NkYk; ghdq;fisf; nfhz;L te;jhd;. vdf;F nfhQ;rk; jiy Rw;Wk; Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. ,Ue;jhYk; ePy kiyah;fisg; gw;wp mwpe;J nfhs;Sk; ,e;j tha;g;ig ehd; iftpl tpUk;gtpy;iy.

“ve;jkhjphpahd murpay; rhrdj;ij mth;fs; jahhpj;jhh;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ehl;Lg; gpjhf;fs; - mJjhd; mf;fhyj;jpa Kf;fpakhdth;fspd; ngah; - gy ehl;fs; tf;fPy;fSld; tpthjpj;jhh;fs;. filrpahf xU itrpuhAk;> kf;fs; rigAk; gpuGf;fs; rigAk;

,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W KbT nra;jhh;fs;. itrpuha; - murh; khjphp – MAl;fhyk; KOJk; gjtp tfpg;ghh;. gpujk ke;jphp gj;J Mz;LfSf;F nghJthf murpay; rhrdk; mt;tsT

Nkhrk; ,y;iy vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;.”

“,e;jpah;fSf;F cq;fs; ghh;ypnkz;by; gpujpepjpj;Jtk; cz;lh?”

“Kjypy; ,y;iy. gpd;dhy; nfhLf;fg;gl;lJ. “E}W Ngh; cs;s kf;fs; rigapy; mth;fs; gd;dpnuz;L Ngh; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fk; ,e;jpa murhq;fj;Jf;Fk; mf;fhyj;jpy; cwT vg;gb ,Ue;jJ?”

“Kjypy; nuhk;g ed;whfj;jhd; ,Ue;jJ. gpd;dhy; rpy Kuz;ghLfs; Vw;gl;ld. gphptpid xg;ge;jg;gb ehq;fs; jdpahfj;jhd; tho Ntz;Lk;. fpof;F Nfhs murhq;fk; Vw;gl;l gpwF mij cWjpahf mky; gLj;jpdhh;fs;. vq;fSf;Fk; Rw;Wg;GwKs;;s fpuhkq;fSf;Fk; ele;J te;j tpahghuj;ij epWj;jptpl;lhh;fs;. ,t;tsT cWjpahf mth;fs; ,Ug;ghh;fs; vd;W ehq;fs; epidf;ftpy;iy. nghpa gphptpidNa xU jw;fhypf xg;ge;jk;> ,U Nfhsq;fSk; rPf;fpuk; xd;whfptpLk; vd;W ehq;fs; epidj;Njhk;. ,y;iynad;why; ,e;jg; gphptpidf;Nf ehq;fs; xj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;f khl;Nlhk;. fpof;F Nfhs muR ,q;Nf ,Ue;j Rje;jpu kdg;ghd;ikia urpf;ftpy;iy vd;W epidf;fpNwd;. me;jg; gf;fj;jpy; rh;thjpfhuk;jhd; jhz;ltkhbaJ.

“mg;gb jdpikahf ,Uf;f Muk;gpj;jNghJ cq;fs; nghUshjhuk; nuhk;g

ghjpf;fg;gl;bUf;FNk?”

“Mk;. gioa VLfspypUe;J mJ xU nghpa ftiyf;Fhpa fhyk; vd;W njhpa tUfpwJ. ,q;Nf ve;j khjphpahd eph;g;ge;jq;fs; ,Uf;Fk; vd;W ehl;L gpjhf;fSf;F Kjypy; njhpatpy;iy. cjhuzkhf ePy kiyfspy; cNyhfq;fNs fpilahJ. ,q;fj;jpa tptrhak; Kf;fpakhf fhg;gp> B jhd;. NfhJk;gp> mhprp Kjypa mj;jpahtrpa czTg; nghUs;fs; mg;NghJ ,q;F tpisatpy;iy. gQ;R> fk;gsp Kjypa Jzpf;F Ntz;ba nghUl;fSk; ,y;;iy. Kjypy; mth;fs; fhg;gp B ia ,e;jpahTf;F tpw;W Ntz;batw;iw thq;fpf; nfhs;syhk; vd;W fUjpdhh;fs;. Mdhy; ghpG+uz jdpikia vq;fs; %jhijfs;

vjph;ghh;f;ftpy;iy.”

“mg;Gwk; vd;d Mapw;W?” ,th;fSila rhpj;jpuk; vd; kdijf; ftu Muk;gpj;jJ.

“xU tUlj;Jf;F mth;fs; mspj;jpUe;j czTg; nghUs;fs; Fiwe;J nfhz;L te;jd. Kjy; gpujkh; rh;r;rpy; epA+ nly;ypapypUe;J cjtp Nfhhpdhh;. mq;fpUe;j rpy mjpfhhpfs; te;J

ghh;j;J czTg; nghUs;fSk;> JzpkzpfSk;> njhopy;fSf;F – Kf;fpakhf kpd;rhu

cw;gj;jpf;F – Ntz;ba cgfuzq;fis mDg;gp itj;jhh;fs;. ,k;khjphp Xhpuz;L tUlq;fSf;F tpahghuk; ele;jJ. mg;nghOJjhd; ,e;jpa ngz;fis kzk; Ghptijg;

gw;wpAk; KbntLf;fg;gl;lJ.”

“mjw;F gpwF jd;epiwT ngw;W tpl;Bh;fsh? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

[hd; rphpj;jhh;. “ngz;fisg; nghUj;jtiuapy; ‘Mk;’ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. mth;fSila cw;rhfj;jpy; rpyh; ,uz;L kzq;fs;$l nra;J nfhz;ldh;. Mdhy; kw;w nghUs;fisg; nghUj;jtiuapy; epiyik nuhk;g Nkhrkhfj;jhd; ,Ue;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. vy;yh mj;jpahtrpag; nghUs;fSk; Nu\d; nra;ag;gl;ljhf mwpfpNwhk;. fpof;F Nfhsj;jpy; Vw;gl;l

khWjy;fspdhy; ehq;fs; G+uzkhf ntspAyfpypUe;J Jz;bf;fg;gl;Nlhk;.”

“,k;khjphp E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfshf ,e;j rpW ehl;by; jdpikahf ,Ug;gJ xU

tpNehjkhd czh;r;rp jutpy;iyah?”

“Kjy; jiyKiwf;F xU Ntis mg;gb ,Ue;jpUf;fyhk;. mth;fs; nghpa cyfpy; tho;e;jth;fs;. Mdhy; mLj;j jiyKiw mt;tsthf ghjpf;fg;gltpy;iy. mth;fSila cyfNk me;j kpd;rhuf; fk;gpf;F cs; mlq;fpaJjhd;. gioa cyfj;ijg; gw;wp mth;fSf;F ve;jtpj QhgfKk; ,y;iy. ,q;fpyhe;J vd;why; mJ xU Rth;f;fk; khjphp. Mdhy; gyUf;F Rth;f;fj;jpy; ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. nfhQ;rk; fw;gid rf;jp cs;sth;fisj;jhd; me;j Qhgfk; ghjpf;fpwJ. mJ xU fdT khjphp. ePq;fs; te;jjpdhy;jhd; ,d;W fdT edthf

MfpapUf;fpwJ.”

“gpwF cq;fs; nghUshjhu gpur;ridfis vg;gb rkhspj;jPh;fs;?” vd;W ehd; tp\aj;ij khw;wpNdd;.

“Kjy; gpujkh; rh;r;rpy; gytpjq;;fspy; xU rh;thjpfhhp vd;Nw nrhy;yyhk;. mth; epiyik mghafukhdJ vd;W mwpe;jhh;. Kjy; Ie;J tUl fhyj;jpy; jd;epiwT ngw Kaw;rp nra;J xusTf;F ntw;wpAk; fz;lhh;. mtuhy; gy f\;lkhd KbTfis vLf;f Ntz;bapUe;jJ. Kjyhtjhf fhg;gp> B gaph; nra;;tij jil nra;jhh;. czTg; gaph;fis eLtJ fl;lhakhf;fg;gl;lJ. Ml;Lg; gz;izfSf;Fk;> Nfhopg; gz;izfSf;Fk; khd;ak; mspf;fg;gl;lJ. kiyr; rhuy;fspd; mbthuq;fsp;y; gQ;R tpisr;rYf;F Vw;ghL nra;ag;gl;lJ. ML khLfs;> Fjpiufs; guhkhpg;Gf;Fk; rYiffs; jug;gl;ld. Kf;fpakhd NtiyfSf;F kl;LNk kpd;rhuk; mspf;fg;gl;lJ. E}w;G rf;fuq;fSk; ifj;jwpfSk; gy tPLfspy; Njhd;wyhapd. gy lhk;gPf nghUs;fis cw;gj;jp nra;Ak; Miyfis %btpl;L [dq;fs; tptrhaj;Jf;F mDg;gg;gl;;ldh;. epyf;fhpAk; cNyhfq;fSk; ,y;yhjjhy; ,Ue;j rpy

njhopy;fisf; $l %lNtz;ba epiyik Vw;gl;lJ.”

“,g;nghOJjhd; cq;fSila gpur;ridfs; vdf;F ed;whf mh;j;jkhfpwJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“me;j Kjy; Ie;J tUlq;fspy; Vwf;Fiwa vy;yh MiyfSk; epd;Wtpl;ld. ngl;Nuhy; ,y;yhjjhy; Nkhl;lhh; fhh;fs; epd;W tpl;ld. kpd;rhuk; ,Ue;jhYk; mjw;F Ntz;ba rhkhd;fs; vy;yhk; gOjilaj; njhlq;fpd. ae;jpug; Gul;rp gp;d;Ndhf;fpr; nry;y Muk;gpj;jJ. ehq;fs; ntF rPf;fpuj;jpy; xU tptrha ehL Mfptpl;Nlhk;. Mdhy; njhopy; mwpitAk; njhopy; Qhgfq;fisAk; kwf;f Kbatpy;iy. mwpT ,Ue;Jk; mij cgNahfg;gLj;j tha;;g;G

,y;iy”

mtUila njspthd rpe;jidfSk;> gpur;ridfis gphpj;jDFk; kdg;ghd;ikAk; vd;id Mr;rhpaj;jpy; mOj;jpd. ,t;tsT jh;f;f hPjpahd mwpT ,e;j #o;epiyapy; mtUf;F vg;gb te;jJ?

“Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpYk; ,k;khjphp xU nghpa gpur;rid vOe;jJ>” vd;Nwd; ehd;.

“vz;iz neUf;fb Vw;gl;L muG ehLfs; kw;wth;fSf;F vz;iz nfhLg;gjpy;iy vd;w KbTf;F te;jNghJ mq;NfAk; ,k;khjphp ae;jpug; Gul;rp gpd;Nehf;Fk; epiyik Vw;gl;lJ.

Mdhy; Gjpa tpQ;Qhd fz;Lgpbg;Gfshy; mg;gpur;rid rkhspf;fg;gl;lJ.”

“NgrpdhNy vdf;F jhfk; mjpfkhfpwJ>” vd;whh; [hd;. gl;yh; clNd te;J

lk;sh;fis epug;gpdhd;. Mdhy; ehd; kl;Lk; ‘Ntz;lhk;’ vd;W kWj;Jtpl;Nld;. “vdf;Fk;

,Jjhd; filrp>” vd;whh; [hd;. “gpwF ehd; fz;bg;ghf Nghf Ntz;Lk;.”

ehd; vd;d epidj;Njd; vd;W mth; A+fpj;Jf; nfhz;lhNuh vd;dNkh> “,e;jg; gioa fhy rhpj;jpuk; vy;yhk; vg;gb ,t;tsT tphpthf vdf;Fj; njhpAk; vd;W ePq;fs; Nahrid nra;ayhk;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;J murhq;fk; vLj;j Kjy; eltbf;if ehl;bypUe;j G];jfq;fisAk; j];jhNt[_fisAk; xd;W Nrh;j;J xU Njrpa E}yfj;ij Vw;gLj;jpaJjhd;. vdJ Ie;jhtJ ghl;ldhh;jhd; Kjy; fpA+Nuluhf epakpf;fg;gl;lhh;. mg;nghOjpUe;J me;j Ntiy vq;fs; FLk;gj;jpNyNa ,Ue;J te;jpUf;fpwJ. Mdhy; ,q;Nf gs;spf; $lq;fspy; ,ijnay;yhk; gw;wp mjpfk; fw;gpg;gjpy;iy. MfNt ,e;jg; gioa tuyhiw ghJfhg;gJjhd; vd; Ntiy. ,ijg; gw;wp vy;NyhUk; gbf;Fk;gbahd xU Gj;jfj;ij xU kpFe;j Muha;r;rpapd;

gpwF ehd; vOjp tUfpNwd;.”

“Mdhy; xt;nthUtUf;Fk; mtUila njhopNy Vd; mth; ngauhf mika Ntz;Lk;?”

vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“njhopy; tsh;r;rp milahj xU r%fj;jpy; tk;rhtspahf njhopy; nra;tjpy; gy

ed;ikfs; ,Uf;fpd;wd>” vd;W [hd; Muk;gpj;jhh;. mtUf;F nuhk;g Rthu];akhd xU tp\aj;ijg; gw;wp ehd; Nfl;Ltpl;Nld; vd;W njhpe;jJ. gpuhz;biaf; nfhQ;rk; Fbj;Jtpl;L Ngryhdhh;. mjpf tsk; my;yJ tsh;r;rp ,y;yhky; ,Uf;Fk; xU rpW [dj;njhifapy; njhopw; gapw;rp mspg;gJ f\;lk;. vy;NyhUk; mtuth;fSila jfg;gdhhplNk fw;Wf; nfhz;lhy; nryTk; FiwT. ed;whfTk; fw;Wf; nfhs;thh;fs;. ve;jj; jfg;gd; NtnwhU igaDf;F jd; njhopiy fw;Wf; nfhLg;ghd;? MfNt ehq;fs; Mjpfhy ,e;jpahtpy; ,Ue;j

‘FUFyk;’ vd;Dk; Kiwia mky;gLj;jpNdhk;. ,e;j Kiwahy; r%fj;jpypUf;Fk; gy

mLf;FfSf;Fs; rz;il rr;ruTfs; tUtjpy;iy.”

“ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ gioa fhyj;jpa ,e;jpahtpypUe;j rhjp tpj;jpahrk; khjphp

njhpfpwJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fSf;Fk; gioa rhpj;jpuj;jpy; ey;y ghpr;rpak; ,Uf;Fk; Nghy; ,Uf;fpwJ. Mk;. ehq;fs; ,e;Jf;fsplk; ,Ue;J ,ijf; fw;Wf; nfhz;Nlhk; vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. ,jdhy; kf;fSf;Fs; Nghl;b kdg;ghd;ik Fiwe;J tpl;lJ. Mjpfhy Mhpah;fs; vg;gb gyjug;gl;;l kf;fis itj;Jf; nfhz;L xU ,e;J r%fj;ij cUthf;fpdhh;fNsh mijNajhd; ehq;fSk; nra;jpUf;fpNwhk;. Mdhy; xU rhjpapdh; kw;wth;fis kzf;ff; $lhJ vd;W ehq;fs; jLg;G

tpjpf;ftpy;iy.”

vq;fs; tpthjj;jpd; NghJ ehq;fs; epiwa Fbj;J tpl;N;lhk;. vd;idtpl [hd; mjpfk; rhg;gpl;bUe;jhh;. mth; Kfk; me;j kq;fyhd xspapy; nfhQ;rk; rpfg;ghfj; Njhd;wpaJ.

fz;fspy; xU gpufhrk; ,Ue;jJ. MdhYk; mth; kdk; nuhk;g njspthf ,Ue;jJ. “ey;y Ntisahf kJ tiffs; nra;tjw;F ,q;Nf vy;yh trjpfSk; ,Uf;fpd;wd. tpahghuk; ,Ue;jhy; ];fhl;nyz;Lf;F $l vq;fshy; Vw;Wkjp nra;a KbAk;. Mdhy; ,q;NfAk; rpy

tp\kpfs; kJ tpyf;F Ntz;Lk; vd;W fpsh;r;rp nra;fpwhh;fs;.”

gpwF mth; jk; fbfhuj;ijg; ghh;j;jhh;. “nuhk;g Neukhfp tpl;lJ. Vd; gl;yh; ,d;Dk;

rhg;ghL nfhz;L tutpy;iy>” vd;whh;.

gl;yh; rhg;ghl;il jahuhf itj;jpUe;jhd;. ehq;fs; ,UtUk; rhg;gpl;Nlhk;. tWj;j NfhopAk; mhprp rhjKk; nuhk;g fhukhf ,Ue;jJ. tp];fpAk; rhg;gpl;l gpwF mJ tapw;iwg; Gul;baJ. gpwF gok; rhg;gpl;Nlhk;.

filrpahf [hd; tpilngw;W vOe;j NghJ nfhQ;rk; js;shb ele;jhh;. “xU

khiyapNyNa vdf;F cq;fs; ehl;ilg; gw;wp epiwa mwptpj;Jtpl;Bh;fs;. Njq;f;];” vd;Nwd;.

“mLj;j jlit ePq;;fs; ek; jha; ehl;ilg;gw;wp vdf;F nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;.”

“Mdhy; ehd; ,d;Dk; nuhk;g fw;f Ntz;bapUf;fpwNj? ” vd;Nwd;.

“ehk; fhiyapy; re;jpg;Nghk;.”

vd; gLf;if miwf;Fg; NghFk;NghJ ehDk; nfhQ;rk; js;shbajhfj; njhpe;jJ. Fspf;Fk; miw Vw;ghLfnsy;yhk; nuhk;g gioa fhyj;jpaJ vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. vd; cilfisf; Row;wpaNghJ Fsph; mjpfkhf Njhd;wpaJ. ey;y Ntisahf gl;yh; xU #lhd fy;iy vd; gLf;iff;Fs; itj;jpUe;jhd;. mg;gb ,Ue;Jk; vdf;F J}f;fk; tutpy;iy. Fbj;j tp];fpAk; rhg;gpl;l rhg;ghLk; tapw;iwf; Fog;gpd. ehd; gpwe;J tsh;e;j nraw;if tho;tpypUe;J ,k;khjphpahd ,aw;if tho;f;iff;F jpUk;GtJ f\;lnkd;Wk; rpy rkaq;fspy; mghafukhdnjd;Wk; fpspdpf;fpy; vr;rhpj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ehd; ,JtiuapYk; Kd;Ng [Puzpf;fg;gl;l Mfhuq;fisj;jhd; rhg;gpl;bUe;Njd;. FsphpNyh ntg;gj;jpNyh ,Ue;jjpy;iy. m[Puzk;> jiytyp ,itnay;yhk; vdf;F Gjpait. ,e;j thh;j;ijfs; $l mfuhjpapypUe;Jjhd; njhpANk jtpu mDgtpj;Jj; njhpahJ. kdJf;Nfh clk;Gf;Nfh rpwpJ NfhshW Vw;gl;lhYk; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; kidapy; rPf;fpuk; rhpg;gLj;jptpLthh;fs;. MfNt vd; epiyikiag; gw;wpAk; vjph;fhyj;ijg; gw;wpAk; kpfTk; ftiyg;gl;Nld;. ey;y Ntisahf fpspdpf;fpy; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufs; Qhgfj;Jf;F te;jd. xU khj;jpiuia rhg;gpl;lTld; tapw;Wf; NfhshW rPf;fpuk; epth;j;jpahfptpl;lJ.

,Ue;Jk; J}f;fk; tutpy;iy. md;iwa rk;gtq;isg; gw;wp epidj;Njd;. xU rhjhuz NtiyapypUe;J rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; MfTk;> ,q;fpyhe;jpd; J}JtuhfTk; MdJ

xU xg;gw;w mDgtk;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; xU ‘#gh; gg;gp’ Mtjw;F rkk; vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. ,g;nghOJ ehd; xU Kf;fpa];jdhfptpl;Nld;. ,Jehs; tiuAk; xU gpukhz;l fk;g;A+lhpy; xU Ez;zpa Gs;spahf ,Ue;jtDf;F ,J xU rhjhuz cah;T my;y. NkYk; ,we;j fhy tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp gbg;gJk; glq;fspy; ghh;g;gJk; xd;W. Mdhy; me;j tho;f;ifapy; Nehpy; gq;F nfhz;L mth;fSld; czh;NthL goFtJ Ntnwhd;W. ,J vdf;F xU vjph;ghuhj kd vOr;rpiaj; je;jJ. glq;fisg; ghh;g;gjw;Fk; tho;f;ifapy; gq;nfLj;Jf; nfhs;tjw;Fk; cs;s xU nghpa tpj;jpahrk; vd;dntd;why; ,J mwpit Cl;LtJ kl;Lk;md;wp czh;r;rpiaAk; J}z;Lfpd;wJ. rk;gtq;fisAk;; elj;ijfisAk; ghh;g;gJ kl;Lkd;wp mtw;iwnay;yhk; ek; trPfu rf;jpahy; khw;wyhk; vd;Wk; MirAk;; cz;lhfpwJ.

,e;j vOr;rpAk; czh;r;rpAk; MirAk;; gg; jj;Jtj;jpw;F kpfTk; tpNuhjkhdit vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. ghugl;rkpd;wp> czh;r;rpapd;wp gq;Fnfhs;tJjhd; gg; Kiw. mjdhy; vd; kNdh gf;Ftj;ij rhpg;gLj;Jtjw;F Ntz;ba khj;jpiufis clNd rhg;gpl;bUf;f Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; kpfTk; Ntz;baNghJjhd; rhg;gpl kdk; tutpy;iy. ,e;j czh;r;rp> Mir vy;yhk; GJ mDgtq;fs; mtw;iw vg;gb iftpLtJ. mtw;iw NkYk; NkYk; tpUj;jp nra;J

mDgtpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W vdf;Fj; gl;lJ. mg;gbg;gl;l mDgtq;fs; tho;f;ifia mh;j;jKs;sjhf Mf;Fk; vd vz;zpNdd;. clk;Gf;F czT vg;gbNah mg;gbj;jhd; kdJf;F czh;r;rp ,Uf;Fk;. vdJ gioa tho;f;ifapy;> czh;T> Mir> mth Kjypa ,r;irfSf;F nfhQ;rKk; ,lkpy;iy. MfNt ,d;iwa mDgtq;fs; vd; tho;f;ifapy; xU Gul;rpfukhd jpUg;gj;ij cz;lhf;fptpl;ld vd;W nrhy;yyhk;.

vdJ rpe;jidfs; vdf;Nf xU Mr;rhpaj;ij mspj;jd. ,e;jkhjphp vz;zq;fs; vd; cs; kdj;jpy; ,Uf;fpwnjd;Nw ,Jtiuf;Fk; vdf;Fj; njhpahJ. ,itfs; Kd;Ng mq;Nf xspe;jpUe;jdth my;yJ ,q;F te;j gpd;jhd; Njhd;wpdth? ,e;j ePykiyfspy; tPRk; J}a;ikahd fhw;Wjhd; ,itfSf;F fhuzkh? vdJ vz;zq;fis cUthf;f rhpahd thh;j;ijfisf; $l f\;lg;gl;Lj;jhd; ntspf; nfhzuNtz;bapUe;jJ. ,e;j topapy; mghak; epiwa ,Ug;gpDk; mit kdJf;F xU uk;kpaj;ij mspj;jd. ,k;khjphpahd tpghPjq;fs;> mjph;r;rpfs; Vw;gLk; vd;W ehd; Kd;Ng mwpe;jpUe;jjhy; ,e;j gpuahzj;jpw;Nf xj;Jf;

nfhz;bUf;fkhl;Nld;. mjw;F gjpyhf gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; kidf;Fr; nrd;W NkYk; ‘itj;jpak;’ NfhhpapUg;Ngd;.

,g;nghOJjhd; Kjy;Kjyhf ehd; gg; jj;Jtj;jpypUe;J tpLgl;Nld; vd;gijAk; mwpayhNdd;. ,e;j vz;zk; vdf;F xU GJ njk;igAk; cw;rhfj;ijAk; mspj;jJ. VNjh xU Gjpa fz;L gpbg;ghfj; Njhd;wpaJ. ,e;j re;Njh\j;jpdhYk; jd;epiwT ngw;Wtpl;Nlhk; vd;w vOr;rpapdhYk; ehd; gLf;ifapypUe;J vOe;J ghj;&Kf;Fg; Ngha; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; khj;jpiufis xg;gizapy; vwpe;Jtpl;Nld;. rpwpJ Neuj;jpw;Fg; gpwFjhd; ehd; nra;j fhhpaj;jpd; kfj;jhd tpisit G+uzkhf mwpe;J nfhs;s Kbe;jJ. me;j epkplj;jpypUe;J ehd; vd; rf;jpahy;> vd; jpwikahy;> vd; Kaw;rpahy;jhd; tho Ntz;Lk;. Vw;gLk; vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; ehd;jhd; nghWg;G. gg; jj;JtNkh my;yJ Nkw;F NfhsNkh vd; cjtpf;Nfh ghJfhg;Gf;Nfh tu khl;lhh;fs;. mJ kl;Lk; my;y. ehd; nra;j Fw;wj;ij mwpe;jhy; vd;id KbT fl;Ltij tpl NtW topapy;iy. ,Ue;Jk; $l vd; kdj;jpy; xU Gjpa Rje;jpu kdg;ghd;ik Fb nfhz;bUg;gij mwpe;Njd;. me;j Fsph;e;j ,utpy; [d;dy; topahf kpd;dpf; nfhz;bUe;j el;rj;jpuq;fisg; ghh;j;Njd;. cyfj;ijNa Kjy; Kjyhfg; ghh;g;gjhf vdf;F xU gpNuik cz;lhapw;W. xU Gjpa Nehf;Fld; cyfj;ijg; ghh;j;Njd;. xU kW gpwg;G khjphp Njhd;wpaJ.

,Ue;jhYk; gg; jj;Jtj;ij g+uzkhf iftpl Kbatpy;iy. tho;f;if KOJk; nehz;bf; nfhz;bUe;jtd; jpBnud;W Cd;W Nfhy; ,y;yhky; elf;f KbAkh? vg;gb etPd cilfisAk; nraw;if czTfisAk; jw;fhypfkhf tpl;Ltpl;NlNdh mNjkhjphpjhd; gg;igAk; tpl;Ltpl;ljhf nrhy;yp kdj;ij jplg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;Nld;. ,d;Dk; rpy thuq;fspy; r;rf;fpd; N`hth;fhg;lhpy; Vwpf;nfhz;L Ngha;tpLNtd;. clNd nrd;idapy; xU gf;Ft kidf;Fr; nrd;why; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpw;Fg; NghFKd; vy;yhk; rhpahfptpLk;. rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj;Jk;> rpW ,q;fpyhe;J kf;fSk; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwahy; vd; Qhgfj;jpy; $l ,Uf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. ehDk; gpuk;khz;l fk;g;A+lhpy; xU Gs;sp MfptpLNtd;. Mdhy; ,q;Nf ,Uf;Fk; tiuapy; nfhQ;rk; cz;h;r;rp trg;gl;bUe;jhy; mt;tsTf;F vd; Muha;r;rpAk; Mokhdjhf ,Uf;Fk;.

Mdhy; ,k;khjphp czh;r;rp trg;gLtjpd; xU Fiw vd;dntd;why; mwnewp gpur;ridfSk; vd;id ghjpj;jd. ehd; ,q;fpyhe;jpd; J}Jth; vd;Wk; rh;. [pahh;[; vd;Wk; nrhy;ypf; nfhs;tJ rhpah? epahakh? ,e;ehl;L ghku kf;fis Vkhw;Wtjhfhjh? rhp> jg;G> epahak;> mepahak; vd;Dk; czh;r;rpfSk; vd;id ghjpf;fj; njhlq;fptpl;ld. ,njy;yhk; Muha;r;rpf;fhf vd;W nrhy;yp kdij jplg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;Nld;. kdpj cs;sk; jd;

,r;irfisnay;yhk; ‘epahak;’ Mf;Fk; rf;jp tha;e;jJ vd;gijAk; ,e;j xU ehspy; njhpe;Njd;.

vOr;rp> ftiy> vjph;ghh;g;G vd;Dk; czh;r;rpfNshL J}q;fyhNdd;. -------------------

mj;jpahak; Ie;J

kWehs; fhiy vdJ Fspay; miwapy; ,uz;L gf;nfl; RL ePh; itf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. me;j miwapy; ,Ue;j kpd;rhu ePh; #L nra;Ak; fUtp Ntiy nra;tjha; ,y;iy. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ve;j xU fUtpAk; Ntiy nra;fpwjh ,y;iyah vd;gNj xU Gjpuhf ,Ue;jJ. ehd; xU khjphpahf Fspj;Jtpl;L krhy; Kl;il> nuhl;b> ntz;iz ,itfis rhg;gpl;Nld;.

gl;yh; kpfTk; mf;fiuAld; vd; eyj;ijg; gw;wp tprhhpj;jhd;. “kpsfha;g; nghb ,y;yhky;

rikay; nra;af; $lhjh? mJ vd; tapw;Wf;F xj;Jf; nfhs;tjpy;iy” vd;W Nahrid nrhd;Ndd;.

“rhh;> fwp gTlh;jhNd <];l; ,e;jpah fk;ngdp fhyj;jpypUe;J Mq;fpNyah;fSf;Fg; gpbj;j Urp. cq;fSf;F Mq;fpNya Mfhuj;ijj; jtpu Ntnwhd;Wk; nfhLf;ff; $lhJ vd;W

vdf;F cj;juT te;jpUf;fpwJ>” vd;whd; gl;yh;.

“,q;fpyhe;jpy; ,g;nghOJ epiyik khwptpl;lJ. mq;F ahUNk fwp gTlNuh kpsFg;

nghbNah rhg;gpLtjpy;iy.”

“ehd; gpujk ke;jphpapd; fhhpajhprpia Nfl;Lg; ghh;f;fpNwd;>” vd;W gjpyspj;jhd;.

***************

[hd; fhiyapy; rhpahf xd;gJ kzpf;F te;J Nrh;e;jhh;. vd;idg; ghh;j;jJk; jiy

Ml;bdhh;. “ehl;L jpahfpfspd; rkhjpapy; ,e;j cilapy; kyh; tisak; itf;f KbahJ>” vd;whh;.

vd;d nrhy;fpwhh; vd;Nw vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy. “vd; cilf;Fk; kyh; tisak;

itg;gjw;Fk; vd;d rk;ge;jk;? ” vd;Nwd;.

“ePq;fs; xU fphpf;nfl; Nkl;r; ghh;f;fg; NghtjhapUe;jhy; ,e;j cil rhp. Mdhy; ,q;fpyhe;J J}Jth; vd;w Kiwapy; ,e;j ehl;il fTutpf;fg; NghfpwPh;fs;. kuGf;Fj; jFe;j

cil cLj;jhtpl;lhy; ePq;fs; ,q;Nf fhyk; js;StJ f\;lkha; ,Uf;Fk;.”

“rlq;FfSf;F chpa cil vd;d vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpahNj>” vd;Nwd;. “,q;fpyhe;jpy;

,e;j tof;fq;fisnay;yhk; gy Mz;LfSf;F Kd;Ng kwe;J tpl;lhh;fs;.”

“ehq;fs; te;Jjhd; ,q;fpyhe;ij kWgbAk; ehfhPfkhf;f Ntz;Lk; Nghy; ,Uf;fpwJ.”

vd;W [hd; rphpj;jhh;. “rlq;F cilfspy; /Ng\Ndh khWjy;fNsh fpilahJ. ePq;fs;

‘nlapy;];’ mzpa Ntz;Lk;.”

“vd;d thy;fsh” vd;W mjpraj;NjhL Nfl;Nld;. “mjw;F Vd; mt;tsT Kf;fpaj;Jtk;

mspf;fpwPh;fs;? ”

“Milfspy; mrl;ilahf ,Ug;gJjhd; tho;f;ifapNyNa mrl;il vd;gjw;F Kjy; mwpFwp. ehk; ekf;Nf khpahij nrYj;jtpy;iynad;why; kw;wth;fs; ekf;F vg;gb khpahij

nrYj;Jthh;fs;? cah;e;j me;j];jpypUg;gth;fSf;F ,J nuhk;g Kf;fpak;.”

[hd; nrhd;djpypUe;J xU rq;flkhd epiyik Vw;gl;bUf;fpwJ vd;W ehd; czh;e;Njd;. ehd; ,q;Nf gq;F nfhs;Sk; Kjy; rlq;Ff;F rhpahd cil jhpf;ftpy;iynad;why; ,e;ehl;bdh; vd;d epidg;ghh;fs;. Vd; r;rf; $l ,ij ftdpf;ftpy;iy?

vd;W Nahrid nra;J gpwF “ehd; jFe;j Milfis thq;Fk; tiuapYk; rlq;ifj; js;sp

itf;fyhkh? ” vd;W [hid tprhhpj;Njd;.

Mdhy; vq;fs; Ngr;irf; Nfl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;j gl;yh; cs;Ns nrd;W Nfhbl;l fUg;G

l;nusrUk; ePz;l ‘nlapy;];’ cila Nfhl; xd;Wk; nfhz;L te;jhd;. me;j ‘nlapy;];’ ehd;

gioa glq;fspy; ghh;j;jij tpl nuhk;g ePskhf ,Ue;jd. mitfis kbj;J ifapy; itj;Jf;nfhs;tJ my;yJ Nkyhilahf Njhspd; Nky; Nghl;Lf; nfhs;tJjhd; tof;fk; vd;Wk; mth;fs; njhptpj;jhh;fs;. me;j cilfs; gy Mz;LfSf;F Kd;G mq;Nf jq;fpapUe;j xU Kf;fpa];jUf;F Nrh;e;jjha; ,Uf;fyhk;. vdf;F nfhQ;rk; gpbj;jkhf ,Ue;jJ. ,Ue;jhYk; mitfis mzpe;J nfhz;Nld;.

ehq;fs; ehd;F Fjpiufs; G+l;ba xU thfdj;jpy; gtdpahf xa;l; `hYf;Fg; NghNdhk;. mq;Nf vdf;F uhZt khpahij mspf;fg;gl;lJ. ehd; khpahij njhptpf;Fk; Kiwapy; vd; ifia cah;j;jp Neuhf epw;f Ntz;bapUe;jJ. ,e;j Kiwfisg; gw;wp ey;y Ntisahf [hd; vdf;F Kd;Ng mwptpj;jpUe;jhh;. xU uhZt mjpfhhp vOjp itj;jpUe;j jkJ Ngr;ir thrpj;jhh;.

“khl;rpik jq;fpa Mq;fpy murhpd; J}Jth; rh; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; mth;fNs> nghpNahh;fNs

rh;. [pahh;[; mth;fs; jpahfpfspd; rkhjp;f;F mQ;ryp nrYj;j te;Js;shh;. ,e;j rkhjp ek; ehl;L tPuh;fSf;fhf kl;Lky;y> ekJ jha;ehlhd ,q;fpyhe;J tPuh;fspd; tPuj;ijAk; jpahfj;ijAk; ekf;F epidT Cl;Ltjhf mike;Js;sJ. mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; gy fz;lq;fspYk; gy Aj;jq;fspYk; Nghh; Ghpe;J> ntw;wp fz;L tPu kuzk; va;jp cs;shh;fs;. ,g;nghOJ ekf;Fk; ek; jha; ehl;Lf;Fk; kWgbAk; Nghf;Ftuj;J Vw;gl;Ls;sjhy; gioa rhk;uh[;ak; kPz;Lk; cUthFk; vd;;gjpy; Iakpy;iy. gioa fhy Gfo; kPz;Lk; gpufhrpf;Fk;. me;j ek;gpf;ifNahL rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; -

];kpj;ij kyh; mQ;ryp nrYj;JkhW Ntz;LfpNwd;.”

ehd; Kd;Df;Fr; nrd;W xU rpg;gha; jahuhf itj;jpUe;j kyh; tisaj;ij thq;fp

rkhjpapd; Nky; itj;J khpahij nrYj;jpNdd;. “rpy thh;j;ijfs; Ngrpdhy; jFjpahfTk;

ed;whfTk; ,Uf;Fk;>” vd;W [hd; FR FRj;jhh;.

“gpujk ke;jphp mth;fNs Nrid jsgjp mth;fNs

,J xU gtpj;jpukhd epkplk;. ,we;jth;fSf;F mQ;rypAk; vjph;fhyj;Jf;F

ek;gpf;ifAk; njhptpf;Fk; epkplk;. ,jpy; gq;F nfhs;tjpy; ehd; ngUikg;gLfpNwd;.”

ehd; jpUk;gpg; NghFk;nghOJ [hd; nuhk;g gpukhjk;. rpy thh;j;ijfspy; xU

rfhg;jj;jpd; rhpj;jpuj;ijNa nrhy;yptpl;Bh;fs;” vd;whh;. “Mdhy; ,d;Dk; nfhQ;rk; ePskhf

,Ue;jpUf;fyhk;.”

“vdf;F mjpfkhf Ngrp tof;fkpy;iy.”

“xU uh[ je;jphp vd;Dk; Kiwapy; ePq;fs; mbf;fb Ngr Ntz;bapUf;FNk”

ehd; xd;WNk gjpy; nrhy;ytpy;iy.

gpwF mq;Nf Nghlg;gl;Ls;s ge;jypy; Kf;fpa];jh;fs; vy;NyhUk; B rhg;gpl;Nlhk;. mg;nghOJjhd; ehd; rpy ghh;ypnkz;l; mq;fj;jpdh;fis re;jpj;Njd;.

“ehd;jhd; rh; fpnsnkz;l; tpy;rd;. vjph;fl;rpj; jiyth;>” vd;W xUth; jhNk te;J

mwpKfg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;lhh;. “ePq;;fs; New;W te;jnghOJ cq;fis tuNtw;f ehd; tutpy;iy. mjw;;fhf kd;dpf;fTk;. Mdhy; mjw;F fhuzk; vd;dntd;why; gpujk ke;jphp cq;fs; tuit ehl;L ed;ikf;Fg; gad;gLj;jhky; mij jk; fl;rpapd; ntw;wpahf nfhz;lhLfpwhh;. cq;fs; tuitf; Fwpj;J vq;fisf; fye;J MNyhrpf;ftpy;iy. jha; ehl;Lj; J}Jth; vd;w Kiwapy;

ePq;fs; fl;rp Ngjk; fhl;lhky; ,Ug;gJ ey;yJ>” vd;W mwpTiu toq;fpdhh;.

**********

N`k;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;F jpUk;gp te;j gpwF [hd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; murpay; rpf;fy;fis

tpthpj;jhh;. “ehq;fs; xU Rje;jpu ehlhd gpwF xNu fl;rpjhd; ,Ue;jJ. rh;rpy;jhd; mjw;Fj; jiyth;. Mdhy; mtUf;;Fg; gpwF fl;rpapy; gpsT Vw;gl;L ,uz;L fl;rpfs; cjakhapd. ,UtUk; rh;rpypDila thhpRfs; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;ldh;. Mdhy; ehshtl;lj;jpy;

‘fd;rh;Ntnlhhp];’ vd;Wk; ‘Nyghnunlhhp];’ vd;Wk; ngah; itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfspy; fd;rh;Ntnlhhp];jhd; Kf;fhy;thrp muR Ghpe;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. ,uz;L jlitfs; jhd; NygNuhnlhhpy; mjpfhuj;Jf;F te;jhh;fs;. mJ xU nghpa rq;flkhfg; Ngha;tpl;lJ.

“,uz;L fl;rpfSf;Fk; vd;d nfhs;if tpj;jpahrk;?”

“fd;rh;Ntnlhhp]; goaijnay;yhk; mg;gbNa itj;Jg; ghJfhf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W

epidf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; nyghnunlhhp]; ajhh;j;jthjpfs;. ‘ngl;Nuhy; ,y;yhjnghOJ Nkhl;lhh; fhh;fis itj;jpUe;J vd;d gpuNah[dk;? Xlhj ae;jpuq;fSk; ,aq;fhj MiyfSk; vjw;fhf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;? murh; ,;y;yhjNghJ KbauR vd;W Vd; nrhy;ypf;nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;? vd;W Nfl;fpwhh;fs;. ,itnay;yhk; ek;ik ehNk Vkhw;wpf;nfhs;tJ vd;W nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; fd;rh;Ntnlhhp]; Kd;G xU Kiw ,q;fpyhe;J ,e;jpahit Mf;fpukpj;J rhk;uh[;aj;ij Vw;gLj;jpaJNghy; kWgbAk; ,uz;lhk; rhk;uh[;ak; tug;NghfpwJ> mg;nghOJ Nkhl;lhh; fhh;fSk; ae;jpuq;fSk; kwgbAk; xLk;. mjdhy; mtw;iw ghJfhf;f Ntz;Lk;. vd;fpwhh;fs;. MfNt Foe;ijfSf;F gs;spfspy; Nkhl;lh;fhh;fisg; gw;wpAk; ae;jpuq;fisg; gw;wpAk; fw;gpf;fg;gLfpwJ. ,itnay;yhk; xU Gjpa %l

ek;gpf;ifahf Vw;gl;Ltpl;lJ.”

“vdf;F nyghnunlhhp]; nfhs;ifjhd; rhpahdjhf Njhd;WfpwJ. gioa njhopy; El;gq;fisf; fw;W vd;d gpuNah[dk;? ntspAyFld; Nghf;Ftuj;J Muk;gpj;jhYk; $l

,itnay;yhk; ,we;j njhopy; El;gq;fshfj;jhd; ,Uf;Fk;.”

“ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ rhpjhd;>” vd;W [hd; xj;Jf;nfhz;lhh;. “Mdhy; xU ehl;bd; nfhs;iffs; vg;nghOJNk jh;f;f hPjpapy; tFf;fg;gLtjpy;iy. rhpj;jpuk; fw;w cq;fSf;F ehd; ,ij nrhy;y Ntz;bajpy;iy. NkYk; khdpl tho;f;ifapy; jiyKiwj; jj;Jtk;> IjPfk;> ,itfs; ngUk;gq;F nfhs;fpd;wd. ,ij fd;rh;Ntnlhhp]; ed;whf mwpe;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. gioa fhy Mq;fpy rhk;uh[;a GfioAk; ngUikiaAk; kPz;Lk; jpUk;gpf; nfhz;L tUtjhf nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. xlhj Nkhl;lhh; fhh;> ,aq;fhj ,ae;jpuk; ,itfnsy;yhk; me;j nfhs;ifapd; rpd;dq;fs;. tho;f;;ifapy; xU nghpa> ey;y jpUg;gk; tug;Nghtjhf gy Mz;Lfshf nrhy;ypf; nfhz;Nl ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. ,g;NghJ ePq;fs; te;jpUg;gJ me;j ek;gpf;ifiaAk;> mth;fspd; Kaw;rpfisAk; Ch;[pjg;gLj;Jfpd;wd. mjdhy;jhd; vjph;fl;rpf;fhuh;fs; cq;fs; tUifia

gpujkh; jk; fl;rp eyDf;fhf cgNahfpg;gjhf Fw;wk; rhl;Lfpwhh;fs;.”

“Ned;W vdf;F fUg;Gf; nfhb fhl;bath;fs; ahh;?” vd;W Ngr;irf; nfhQ;rk; jpUg;gpNdd;.

“mth;fs; jq;fis ,e;jpah;fs; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhs;Sfpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; [Ptpaj;ijg; nghUj;jtiuapy; mth;fSf;Fk; vq;fSf;Fk; xU tpj;jpahrKk; ,y;iy. Mdhy; mth;fs; rpWghd;ikapdh; vd;Wk; ,e;jpahTld; ,izj;jhy;jhd; jkf;F tpNkhrdk;; fpilf;Fnkd;Wk; epidf;fpwhh;fs;. ghh;ypnkz;by; jdp gpujpepjpj;Jtk; Ntz;Lnkd;Wk;> mth;fs; trpf;Fk; gpuNjrj;ij jdp ehlhf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;Wk; NfhUfpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; mth;fSf;F MjuT

,y;iy.”

“ehSf;F ehs; vdJ mwpT tsh;fpwJ. cq;fSila Ngr;Rk; kpfTk; Rthu];akha;

,Uf;fpwJ. ,d;W gpw;gfy; ehd; ghh;ypnkz;l; $l;lj;jpw;F tp[ak; nra;a KbAkh?”

“jhuhskhfg; Nghfyhk;. Kf;fpa];j;jh; NfyhpapypUe;J eltbf;iffisg; ghh;itapl

ehd; Vw;ghL nra;fpNwd;>” vd;W nrhy;yp [hd; tpil ngw;whh;.

gpw;gfy; [hd; jpUk;gp te;jTlNd> “ePq;fs; rthhp nra;tJz;lh?” vd;W Nfl;lhh;.

vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy.

“Fjpiur;rthhp>” vd;W tpsf;fk; je;jhh;. “ePq;fs; ,q;F gy ehl;fs; ,Uf;fg; Nghtjhy;> xU Fjpiu itj;Jf;nfhs;tJ ey;yJ. mjpfhuG+h;tkhd eltbf;iffSf;F murpd; tpUe;jpduhf cq;fSf;F thfdk; mDg;gg;gLk;. Mdhy; nrhe;j N`hjhtpy; ntspNa nry;y

Ntz;Lkhdhy; xU Nlhq;fh my;yJ Fjpiu ,Ug;gJ ey;yJ.”

“ehd; vg;nghOJNk Fjpiu Vwpajpy;iy>” vd;Nwd;.

“,q;fpye;jpy; ‘uhl;ld;Nuh’tpy; rthhp nra;tJ tof;fkhapw;Nw?”

“uhl;ld;Nuh vq;Nf ,Uf;fpwnjd;Nw vdf;Fj; njhpahJ.”

“uhl;ld;Nuh> i`l; ghh;f;> yz;ldpy; ,y;iynad;why; cyfNk jiyfPohf khwptpl;lJ

vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whh; [hd;.

gpwF ehq;fs; [htpd; Nlhq;fhtpy; ghh;ypnkz;l; $l;lj;Jf;Fg; NghNdhk;. [hd; me;j

fl;blj;jpd; tuyhw;iwg; gw;wp nrhd;dhh;. “gphptpizf;F Kd;dhy; ,J xU rpdpkh nfhl;;lifahf ,Ue;jJ. mnrk;gsp &k;]; vd;W ngah;. vq;fs; rl;l eph;za rig $l

,q;Nfjhd; $baJ. rh;r;rpy; jhd; jiyik jhq;fpdhh;.”

ehq;fs; ghy;fdpapy; Kf;fpa];jh;fs; mku Ntz;ba ,lj;jpy; mkh;e;J nfhz;Nlhk;.

gpujk ke;jphp Ngrpf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;. jkf;F Kd;dhy; ,Ue;j ‘ikf;’if rhp nra;J

nfhz;bUe;jhh;. “me;j ikf; Ntiy nra;tjpy;iy vd;W vy;;NyhUf;Fk; njhpAk;. ,Ue;jhYk;

mij rhp nra;tJ mtUila tof;fk;>” vd;W FRFRj;jhh; [hd;. gpujkh; Ngryhdhh;.

“khl;rpik jq;fpa Mq;fpy murpd; J}Jth; ek; ePz;l fhy Kaw;rpahy; ek; ehl;Lf;F tp[ak; nra;Js;shh; vd;Dk; ew;nra;jpia ehd; mwptpf;f tpUk;GfpNwd;. ,J xU rhpj;jpu Kf;fpaj;Jtk; tha;e;j tp[ak; vd;W ehd; fdk; mq;fj;jpdh;fSf;F nrhy;y Ntz;bajpy;iy. ,d;W mth; ghh;ypnkz;l; ,U rigfspd; $l;L $l;lj;jpy; NgRtjhf ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; mtUila ePz;l gpuahzj;jpd; Nrhh;tpdhYk; cly;eyf; FiwthYk;

mJ xj;jp itf;fg;gl;bUf;fpwJ.”

vjph; fl;rpj; jiyth; clNd vOe;jhh;. “fdk; gpujkh; cz;ikia kiwj;Jg; NgRtJ

rh;t rhjhuzk;. Mdhy; ,d;W mth; jk;ikNa kpQ;rp tpl;lhh;>” vd;W $wpdhh;.

clNd “ntl;fk;!” “ntl;fk;” vd;Wk; “thg]; thq;F!” vd;W murhq;f fl;rpf;fhuh;fsplkpUe;J Nfh\q;fs; fpsk;gpd. Mdhy; vjph;fl;rpj; jiyth; tpl;Lf;nfhLg;gjha;

,y;iy. “gpujkh; kl;Lk; jk; jiyiaf; nfhQ;rk; epkph;j;jp Nfyhpia Nehf;fpdhy; %f;Ff; fz;zhb $l ,y;yhkNyNa ,q;fpyhe;J J}Jth; cl;fhh;e;jpUg;gijg; ghh;f;fyhk;. mg;gbapUe;Jk; $l mtUf;F gpuahz Nrhh;T vd;Wk; cly;eyf; FiwT vd;Wk; ek;GkhW

ek;ik vjph;ghh;f;fpwhh;…….”

clNd gpujkh; FWf;fpl;lhh;. “ekJ eltbf;iffisg; ghh;f;f tuyhk;. Mdhy; $l;L

rigapy; NgRtjw;F Ntz;ba rf;jp Ntw tp\ak;.”

“gpujkUila kUj;Jt mwpit ehd; nkr;RfpNwd;>” vd;whh; rh; fpnsnkz;l;.

vjph;fl;rpapdh; Vsdkhf rphpj;jdh;. “Mdhy; ehd; gpujkiu xd;W Nfl;f tpUk;GfpNwd;.

,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J te;jpUg;gjhf nrhy;yg;gLk; ‘J}Jth;’ cz;ikapypNyNa mq;fpUe;J te;jtuh? mtiu me;j murhq;fk; mDg;gpajh? my;yJ nly;ypapypUe;J te;j csT Msh? mth; ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J te;jjw;F vd;d mj;jhl;rp? ,e;jf; Nfs;tpfSf;nfy;yhk; gpujkh;

gjpy; nrhy;thh; vd;W vjph; ghh;f;fpNwd;.”

“gjpy;! gjpy;!” vd;W vjph; fl;rpapdh; Nfh\kpl;ldh;.

“,k;khjphp xU Njhoik murhq;fj;ij mtkjpf;Fk; Nfs;tpfSf;F gjpy; nrhy;y ehd;

kWf;fpNwd;!” vd;W $wpdhh; gpujkh;.

Mdhy; mth; Ngr;R ,U fl;rp rhh;ghsUk; Nghl;l rj;jj;jpYk; Vw;gl;l Fog;gj;jpYk; ahUf;Fk; Nfl;ftpy;iy. mg;nghOJjhd; nfhQ;rk; fUg;G epwKs;s xUth; Ngr vOe;jhh;.

mth;jhd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; cs;s ,e;jpah;fspd; gpujpepjp vd;W mwpe;Njd;. “gpujkUf;Fk; vjph;fl;rpj; jiytUf;Fk; ehd; xd;W nrhy;y tpUk;Gfpd;Nwd;. ePq;fs; jdpahfNth my;yJ $l;Lr; Nrh;e;Njh ahUldhapYk; ve;jtpjkhd xg;ge;jq;fs; nra;J nfhz;lhYk; mJ vd;idAk; vd;id ,q;Nf mDg;gpa kf;fisAk; ve;j tpjj;jpYk; fl;Lg;gLj;jhJ vd;W vr;rhpf;f tpUk;GfpNwd;. vq;fSila nfhs;if njspthdJ. Kuz;ghlw;wJ. gz;ghl;bdhYk;> G+Nfhs hPjpapYk;> tk;rhtspahYk; ehk; vy;NyhUk; ,e;jpahtpd; xU gFjp. xU rhpj;jpuf; Nfhshhpdhy; jhd; ePykiyfs; jdp ehlhf Neh;e;jJ. me;jf; Nfhshiu NkYk; ePbf;f ehq;fs; tpUk;gtpy;iy. ,e;j mbg;gilahd cz;ikfis ,e;j muR kwe;jhy; mjd; tpisTfs;

kpfTk; mghafukhf KbAk; vd;W ehd; vr;rhpf;f tpUk;GfpNwd;.”

“ntl;fk;! ntl;fk;!” vd;W murhq;f fl;rpapdh; Nfh\pj;jdh;.

“ePq;fs; ,q;Nf ngUk;ghd;ikNahuha; ,Uf;fyhk;. Mdhy; ,e;jpahTld; xg;gpl;lhy; ePykiyfs; xU mZtsT vd;gij kwf;f Ntz;lhk;. mg;gb ePq;fs; jdp ehlhf ,Uf;f tpUk;gpdhy; mNj Rje;jpuk; ,q;Nf ,Uf;Fk; ,e;jpaUf;Fk; mspf;fg;gl Ntz;Lk;. njd; ePykiy xU jdp ehlhf Ntz;Lk;. ePq;fs; ,q;fpyhe;Jld; ,iza Ntz;Lnkd;why; ehq;fs;

Vd; ,e;jpahTld; ,izaf;$lhJ? ”

rigapy; NkYk; $r;ry; mjpfhpj;jJ. rghehafh; vt;tsT Kad;Wk; mikjpia epiyehl;l Kbatpy;iy. clNd mth; rigia xj;jpitj;Jtpl;L vOe;J nrd;whh;.

mth; nrd;w clNd Fog;gk; jzpe;jJ. ,JtiuapYk; tpNuhjpfs; khjphp rj;jk; Nghl;lth;fs; vjph; fl;rpapdNuhL NgrTk;> rphpf;fTk;> if FYf;fTk; Muk;gpj;jdh;. NfyhpapypUe;J ntspNa tUk;NghJ ,ijg;gw;wp ehd; gpu];jhgpj;Njd;.

“,e;jf; $l;lj;jpy; NgRtJ kpfTk; f\;lkha; ,Uf;Fk;>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fis mth;fs; mikjpAlDk; khpahijAlDk; Nfl;ghh;fs;>” vd;W [hd;

gjpyspj;jhh;. “nta;aw;fhy $l;lk; ,d;NwhL KbtilfpwJ. mjdhy; ePq;fs; rpy

thuq;fSf;Fg; gpwFjhd; Ngr Ntz;bapUf;Fk;.”

“N`k;ld; Nfhh;by; ehd; te;J ,wq;fpaJk; [hd; “,q;Fs;s Kf;fpa];jh;fs; gyh; cq;fis re;jpf;f tpUk;Gfpwhh;fs;. ePq;fs; fypahzkhfhjth; vd;gjhy; ngz;fSf;Fk;

cq;fis re;jpg;gjpy; nuhk;g mf;fiw. ePq;fs; kzkhfhjth;jhNd?” vd;whh;.

“Mk;”

“tpthfuj;J xd;Wk; ,y;iyNa?”

“,y;iy.”

“,q;Fs;s ngz;fs; eha;fSf;F gapw;rp nfhLg;gJ NghyNt fzth;fisAk; rpW tajpNyapUe;J jk; ,\;lg;gb tsh;g;Gg; gapw;rp mspg;gjhfg; NgRthh;fs;. MfNt ePq;fs;

xj;Jf; nfhz;lhy; Kjypy; vd; tPl;by; cq;fSf;F ,uT rhg;ghl;Lf;F Vw;ghL nra;fpNwd;.

cq;fs; Jiz ke;jphp vd;Dk; Kiwapy; vd; tPl;Lf;Fj;jhd; ePq;fs; Kjypy; tu Ntz;Lk;.”

nuhk;g kfpo;r;rp. mg;gbNa nra;Aq;fs;>” vd;Nwd;.

“ePq;fs; te;jhy; vd; kidtpAk; kfSk; nuhk;g re;Njh\g;gLthh;fs;. cq;fs; tp[ak; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpNyNa vq;fs; me;j];j;ij cah;j;Jk;. ehisf;F khiy VO kzpf;F vd;

Nlhq;fh cq;fSf;F tUk;>” vd;W nrhy;yp tpil ngw;whh;.

gl;yh; vdf;fhf fhj;jpUe;jhd;. Fspg;gjw;F RL ePh; nfhz;Lte;J itj;jhd;. ,k;khjphp rpuj;ijNahL ftdpf;fg;gLtJ vdf;f tof;fkpy;iy. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; clk;Gfs; Rj;jk; nra;Ak; ae;jpuj;jpd; %ykhfj;jhd; Rj;jkhFk;. xU jlit cLj;j Jzpfis kWgbAk; mzptjpy;iy. MfNt mitfisg; gpoptJ vd;Dk; gpur;ridNa fpilahJ. ,q;Nf khjphp ePh; Cw;wp Fspg;gJ xU Jz;lhy; gpwF clk;igj; Jilj;Jf; nfhs;tJ mt;tsT Rj;jkhd Kiwahfj; njhpatpy;iy. Jilf;Fk; Jz;by; Mapuf;fzf;fhd fpUkpfs; ,Uf;fyhk;. mg;gbapUe;Jk; RL ePhpy; Fspg;gJ kdj;Jf;F xU uk;kpaj;ij mspj;jJ. Fspj;Jtpl;L ntspNa te;jNghJ gl;yh; xU tp];fpia jahuhf itj;jpUe;jhd;.

“gl;yh;> eP ,e;jpa tk;rhtopapy; te;jtd;jhNd?” jpBnud;W ehd; Nfl;Nld;.

vd; Nfs;tpia gl;yh; vjph;ghh;f;ftpy;iy. nfhQ;rk; Nahrid nra;J gpwF “Mk; rhh;” vd;whd;.

“,g;nghOJ gphptpid uj;J nra;ag;gl;bUg;gjhy; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J ,e;jpahTld; Nru Ntz;Lkh my;yJ gioa ,q;fpyhe;Jld; Nru Ntz;Lkh?

gl;yh; Kfj;jpy; Ntjid Njhd;wpaJ. “ePq;fs; ,g;gb Nfl;fyhkh rhh;?” vd;whd;.

“Vd;? mjpy; vd;d Mr;rhpak;?”

“rhh; vd; epwk; fUg;gha; ,Ue;jhYk; vd; cs;sk; nts;isahdJ. VO jiyKiwfshf ehq;fs; Mq;fpy [jPfj;ijNa filgpbj;J te;jpUf;fpNwhk;. vd; tPl;by; $l Mq;fpyj;jpy;jhd; NgRtJ tof;fk;. fpA+Nulh; cq;fSld; nrhy;ypapUg;ghh;. ,q;Fs;s Mq;fpNyaUf;Fk; ,e;jpaUf;Fk; cs;s NtWghL epwj;jpy; ,y;iy rhh;. kdg;ghd;ikapYk; czh;r;rpapYk;jhd; ,Uf;fpwJ. ,e;j ehl;il ,e;jpah;fs; vLj;Jf;nfhs;tjha; ,Ue;jhy; ehd;

,q;fpyhe;jpy; Ngha; FbNaw ePq;fs; trjp nra;a Ntz;Lk;.”

vd; Nfs;tp mtd; cs;sj;ij ftiyapy; Mo;j;jp tpl;lJ Nghy; Njhd;wpaJ. “rhh;> vq;fs; FLk;gk; gy jiyKiwfshf Mq;fpNyaUf;F Nrit nra;jpUf;fpwJ. khl;rpik jq;fpa ,q;fpyhe;J murhpd; J}Jth; vdJ tpRthrj;ij re;Njfpg;ghh; vd;W ehd;

epidf;ftpy;iy.”

gl;yUila Mj;khNt xU Ntiyahspd; Mj;khthf Njhd;wpaJ. “ftiyg;glhNj.

cd; tpRthrj;ij ehd; re;Njfpf;ftpy;iy. cd; mgpg;gpuhaj;ijg; gw;wpj;jhd; Nfl;Nld;.”

“nuhk;g tzf;fk; rhh;” vd;whd;.

* * *

Xt;nthU ,uTk; gj;J kzpf;F Nky; gj;jiu kzpf;Fs;shf ehd; r;rf;if NubNah %ykhf $g;gpLtJ vd;W Vw;ghL nra;jpUe;Njhk;. vdJ tho;f;ifiag; gw;wpAk;> gpur;ridfisg; gw;wpAk; mtUld; tpthjpg;gJ mtrpak;; vd;W fUjpNdd;. Mdhy; Ke;jpa ,uT mjpfk; Fbj;jjhYk; m[Puzj;jhYk; kdf;fpsh;r;rpahYk;> mJ Qhgfk; tutpy;iy. Mdhy; ,d;W Neuj;jpNyNa rhg;gpl;Ltpl;L Ml;fs; vy;NyhUk; gLj;Jf;nfhz;l gpwF r;rf;if $g;gpl;Nld;.

“GB 145 cs;Nshir” vd;w ghpghi\NahL Muk;gpj;Njd;. mJjhd; vq;fSf;Fs; milahsk; fz;Lnfhs;Sk; top.

“MD 541 ntspNahir NgRq;fs;” vd;W njspthf r;rf;fplk; ,Ue;J gjpy; te;jJ.

“Kjy; Ntl;L tpLq;fs;” vd;whh; r;rf;. mth; vg;nghOJNk tpQ;Qhd tp\aq;fisg; gw;wpf; $l Rtuh];akha;g; NgRthh;. ,e;j tuyhw;iwg; gbg;NghUf;F me;j jpwik vdf;F ,y;iy vdj; njhpe;jpUf;Fk;. xU Ntis gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfspy; ,U Nfhsq;fSf;Fk; cs;s NtWghLfs; ,jw;F fhuzkha; ,Uf;fyhk;. fpof;F Nfhsj;jpy; jh;f;f mbg;gilf;F gjpyhf Nfspf;ifNa m];jpthukhf ,Ug;gJ Nghy; Njhd;wpaJ.

“xU cgNahfkhd ehs;. fpA+Nuliu vdf;F cjtpahsuhf mspj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. ,e;ehl;bd; tuyhw;iw vdf;F tphpthf vLj;Jiuj;jpUf;fpwhh;. fhiyapy; jpahfpfspd; rkhjpf;F mQ;ryp nrYj;jpNdd;. gpw;gfy; ghh;ypnkz;l; $l;lj;jpw;F nfsut tpUe;jpduhf nrd;Nwd;. vdJ tUifiag; gw;wp tpthjk; fhurhukhf ,Ue;jJ.

gpur;ridfs; xd;Wk; ,y;iy.”

“Ntiy nfhQ;rk; mjpfk; Nghy; njhpfpwJ. tpisahl;Lk; nfhQ;rk; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whh; r;rf;.

“ehis ,uT fpA+Nulh; vd;id rhg;ghl;Lf;F mioj;jpUf;fpwhh;.”

“mtUf;F VjhtJ taJte;j ngz;fs; cz;lh?”

“Mk;. xU kfs;”.

“gj;jpukha; ,Uq;fs;>” r;rf; rphpj;jhh;. “cq;fSila nts;is rpifAk; nts;is KfKk; mth;fSf;F kpfTk; trPfukhfj; Njhd;Wk;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;Jf;F kidtpNahL Nghdhy; mjd; tpisTfs; cq;fSf;Fj; njhpAk;. re;jpu kidtpfs; vg;gbNah

rhpf;fl;btpl;lhh;fs;. Mdhy; ePykiy kidtpfSf;F me;j rYiffs; fpilf;fhJ.”

r;rf; nrhy;tjpy; Nfspf;ifAld; xU vr;rhpf;ifAk; fye;jpUe;jJ. vdf;F Nfhgk;.

“,d;Dk; ehw;gj;jp vl;L kzp Neuj;Jf;Fg; gpwF njhlh;G nfhs;fpNwd;>” vd;Nwd;.

“ehd; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufis kwe;J tpl Ntz;lhk;>” vd;whh; r;rf; filrpahf.

-----------------

mj;jpahak; MW

md;W ,uT ed;whf J}q;fpNdd;. Vd; #o;epiyf;Fk; czTf;Fk; tof;fg;gl;Ltpl;ljhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. kWehs; fhiy Mwiu kzpf;F gl;yh; B nfhz;L te;jNghJjhd; J}f;fk; njspe;jJ.

“tzf;fk; rhh;!” vd;whd; gl;yh;. mtDk; nfhQ;rk; cw;rhfkhf ,Ug;gjhff;

fhzg;gl;lhd;. “ePq;fs; fhiy czTf;F Kd;dhy; elf;fpwPh;fsh my;yJ rthhp nra;fpwPh;fsh?

gpujkh; tPl;bypUe;J xU Fjpiu mDg;gpapUf;fpwhh;fs;.”

Fjpiur; rthhp nra;a MirapUe;jhYk;> nfhQ;rk; gaKk; vdf;F ,Ue;jJ. Fjpiu fPNo js;sptpLNkh vd;W Nahrid nra;Njd;. Mdhy; Fjpiur; rthhp njhpahnjd;W nrhd;dhy; ,e;j Chpy; mjpf kjpg;G ,Uf;fhJ vd;gijAk; mwpe;Njd;.

gl;yUf;F vd; rq;flk; njhpAk; Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. “ey;y> gofpa> rhJthd Fjpiu.

Foe;ijfs; $l rthhp nra;ayhk;>” vd;whd;.

“,d;iwf;F ehd; elf;fpNwd;>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fs; ,\;lk; Nghy; nra;ayhk;. ePq;fs; jpUk;gp tUk;NghJ fhiy czT jahuhf

,Uf;Fk;>” vd;whd; gl;yh;.

B rhg;gpl;l gpwF FspUf;fhf cy;yd; Jzpfisg; Nghl;Lf; nfhz;L ntspNa fpsk;gpNdd;.

#hpadpd; ,sk; nta;apy; ntg;gkhf ,Ue;jhYk; fhw;W ‘[py;’ vd;W Fspuha; tPrpaJ. fw;G+u kuq;fspd; thrid ghpkspj;jJ. ,itnay;yhk; xd;W Nrh;e;J Nrhh;e;j kdjpw;Ff;$l Gj;JapUk; njk;Gk; mspg;gjha; ,Ue;jd. thdj;ij mshtpa kuq;fspypUe;J gwitfspd; gytpj ehjq;fs; Nfl;;ld. rha;e;j Gy; jiufSk; gytpj G+ ghj;jpfSk; mofhf Rw;wpYk; glh;e;jpUe;jd. ,e;j uk;kpakhd #o;epiy vd; cs;sj;jpy; vd;Wk; fhzhj xU vOr;rpia Vw;gLj;jpaJ. ,e;j tho;f;ifia vdJ Nkw;F Nfhs tho;f;ifAld; xg;gpl;Lg; ghh;f;fhky; ,Uf;f Kbatpy;iy.

m.K. fhyj;jpy; xUtUila thr];jyk; vd;why; mq;F jd; FLk;gj;Jld; tho Ntz;Lk;. kidtp> Foe;ijfs;> ngw;Nwhh; Kjypath;fSld; tho Ntz;Lk;. me;j tho;f;ifapy; md;G> Mir> rphpg;G> Jf;fk; vy;yhk; ,uz;luf; fye;jpUf;Fk;. xUtUila clikfs;> Qhgfr; rpd;dq;fs; Rw;wpYk; ,Uf;Fk;. [jPfk;> kuG> epue;juk; ,itfs; vy;yhk; FLk;g tho;f;ifapy; gpujpgypf;Fk;. mijg;gw;wp nrhe;jk; ghuhl;l KbAk;. ePykiy thrpfSk; ,e;j tof;fg;gbjhd; tho;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; ,e;j mh;j;jj;jpy; ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ vdf;F nrhe;j tPNlh thr];jyNkh fpilahJ. J}q;Fk; miwAk; Ntiy nra;Ak; ,lq;fSe;jhd; ,Ue;jd my;yJ nghJthd Nfspf;if kidfSk; cz;L. ,itnay;yhNk jPBnud;W khwptpLk;. xUtUila MirfSf;Fk;> me;j];Jf;Fk; ,tw;wpw;Fk; ve;jtpjkhd rk;ge;jKk; fpilahJ. vy;NyhUk; ,d;iwf;fhfj;jhd; tho;e;jhh;fs;. gioa Qhgfq;fNsh vjph;fhy ek;gpf;iffNsh

fpilahJ. ‘cq;fs; Ch; vJ? cq;fs; tPL vq;Nf vd;W ahUk; Nfl;gjpy;iy. xUth; jpBnud;W

fhzhkw; Ngha;tpl;lhh;> ‘mth; vq;Nf?’ vd;W ahUk; Nfl;f khl;lhh;fs;. vd;d MfpapUf;fyhk; vd;W vy;NyhUf;Fk; njhpAk;.

,q;F tUKd;dhy; ehd; ,Ue;j rpW miwapy; ,uTf;Fk; gfYf;Fk;> nta;apy; fhyj;Jf;Fk;> Fsph;fhyj;Jf;Fk; tpj;jpahrkpy;iy. cl;fhUtjw;F xU ehw;fhypAk; gLf;f xU gLf;ifAk; ,Ue;jd. ghh;g;gjw;F xU Rtiuj; jtpu Ntnuhd;Wk; ,y;iy. mjd; Nky; xU gg; rpj;jpuk; tiuag;gl;bUe;jJ. mjd; fPNo rpy ae;jpu Ks;fSk;> ifg; gpbfSk;> jpUFfSk; ,Ue;jd. miwf;Fs; vd;d ele;jhYk; mtw;iwnay;yhk; gjpT nra;Ak; tha;g;G ,Ue;jJ. me;j gjpTfnsy;yhk; xU kj;jpa fk;g;A+l;lhpy; Nrfhpf;fg;gl;L gphpj;J myrp vdJ nrhe;j

ilhpapy; itf;fg;gLk;. mNj khjphp vd; Ntiyiag; gw;wpAk;> Nfspf;if ,lq;fspYk; vdJ elj;ijia hpfhh;l; nra;J vy;yhk; me;j fk;g;A+lUf;Fg; Ngha; NrUk;. ,e;j rkhr;rhuq;fisf; nfhz;Ljhd; vdJ gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiw tFf;fg;gLk;. Ehd; J}q;Fk;nghOJ gg; RNyhfq;fs; xypj;Jf; nfhz;Nl ,Uf;Fk;. mit vd; cs; kdjpy; GFe;J xU epk;kjpiaAk; tpRthrj;ijAk; Vw;gLj;Jk;. NtW ve;jtpjkhd czh;r;rpfNsh mjpUg;jpfNsh> MirfNsh kdj;jpy; Njhd;whJ. ehd; Ntiyf;Fg; NghdnghOJ rpy rkaq;fspy; ,e;j Nfspf;ifapy;

gq;nfLj;jy; ey;yJ vd;W xU ‘Nahrid’ vd; Nki[ kPJ itf;fg;gl;bUf;Fk;. my;yJ

‘ngz; njhlh;G nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;’ vd;W $l nrhy;yyhk;. mjpfkhf mOif tUk;gbNah my;yJ rphpf;Fk;gbNah ,Uf;Fk; ehlfj;ijg; ghh;f;fr; nrhy;yyhk;. Mdhy; ,jpnyy;yhk; xU Kf;fpaj;Jtk; vd;dntd;why; vdf;F xUtpj nghWg;Gk; fpilahJ. vy;yhtw;iwAk; gg; ftdpj;Jf;nfhs;Sk;. gg; jhd; khjh> gpjh> nja;tk;.

vd; ,we;j fhyj;ijg; gw;wp ehd; ghugl;rkpd;wp Ngr Ntz;Lk;. ehd; Rfthrpahf ,Ue;Njd;. ehf;Ff;F Ntz;ba Mfhuk;> clk;Gf;F Ntz;ba Jzp vy;yhk; ,Ue;jd. Neha;> nehb vd;w Ngr;Nr fpilahJ. Ntz;ba Nfspf;if Rygkhf fpilf;Fk;. vd; gLf;if xU fhw;wpd; Nky; gLg;gJ Nghy; mt;tsT Rfkhf ,Ue;jJ. ahUk; vd;id fz;bj;jNjh my;yJ tpkhprj;jNjh fpilahJ. ahuhtJ vd;Dld; rphpf;fNth Jf;fg;glNth my;yJ rz;il gpbf;fNth ,y;iy. ,q;Nf rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; vy;NyhUk; vg;nghOJ ghh;j;jhYk; rPNjh\;z ];jpjpiag;gw;wpAk;> kio nga;Akh nga;ahjh vd;gijg; gw;wpAk; tpthjpf;fpwhh;fs;.

vdJ vz;zq;fspNy Mo;e;J ehd; xU nghpa ghijia mile;Njd;. ghh;j;jth;fs; vy;NyhUk; rphpj;J tzf;fk; njhptpj;jhh;fs;. rpy kuq;fspd; kPJ ,Ue;j Fuq;Ffs; vd;id cw;W Nehf;fpd. xU tajhdth; vd;idg; ghh;j;jJk; epd;W Ngryhdhh;.

“ePq;fs;jhd; Mq;fpy J}Jtuh? ”

“Mk;>” vd;Nwd;.

“khl;rpik jq;fpa murUf;F vd; tzf;fj;ij mDg;Gq;fs;. ehd;jhd; yhh;l; tpz;l;rh;.

mq;Nf mur FLk;gj;jpw;F vdJ epyq;fSf;Fg; gf;fj;jpy; xU Nfhl;il ,Uf;fpwJ.”

ehd; mDg;Gtjhf xj;Jf;nfhz;Nld;. “vdf;F tajhfptpl;lJ. gpuahzk; nra;a KbahJ. rpW tajha; ,Ue;jhy; clNd jpUk;gpg; Ngha; murUf;F Nrit nra;Ntd;. vd; %jhijfs; ,q;fpyhe;ij n[a;j;j tpy;ypak; cld; te;jth;fs;. ,e;j Fb muR vd;Dk;

Fg;igj;njhl;bnay;yhk; mg;NghJ fpilahJ.”

************

vd; fhiy czT Kbe;jJk; gl;yh; te;jhd;.

“rhh; cq;fsplk; xU tp\aj;ij nrhy;y tpUk;GfpNwd;. kd;dpf;f Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whd;.

mth; Kfj;jpy; Gd; rphpg;G Njhd;wpaJ. “ePq;fs; ,d;W fhiyapy; gpujkh; tPl;Lf;Fg; Ngha; khpahij nrYj;jpdhy; mJ uh[je;jpu Kiwf;F Vw;wjha; ,Uf;Fk;. cq;fs; rd;dj;Jfis rkh;g;gpf;f Ntz;bajpy;iy. mjw;Fj; jFjpahd rkak; NtW. Mdhy; xU rpNdf tpUe;jpdh; vd;Dk; Kiwapy; mjpfhuG+h;tk; ,y;yhky; Ngha;tpl;L te;jhy; mJ cwit gyg;gLj;Jtjhf

,Uf;Fk;.”

“ey;y Nahrid jhd;”> vd;Nwd;.

“gy uh[je;jphpfs; vg;gb ele;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg; gw;wp mth;fspd; gzp Ml;fisj;jhd; ek;gpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. vd; %jhijfspy; xUth; - [Pt;]; vd;gth; - ,q;fpyhe;J Njrj;jpy; vy;yh gpuGf;fSk; vg;gb ele;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;W fw;gpj;jth;. ehDk; mth;

Vw;gLj;jpa Nfhl;ghl;bd; gbjhd; ele;J nfhs;SfpNwd;.”

“gpujkh; NtW Ntiyapy; <Lgl;bUe;jhy; vd;d nra;tJ? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ehd; vy;yh Vw;ghLfSk; nra;Jtpl;Nld; rhh;. ,d;Dk; rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; Nlhq;fh tUk;.

gpujkh; cq;fis gj;J kzpf;F vjph;ghh;f;fpwhh;.”

“Njq;f;A+ gl;yh;>” vd;Nwd;.

“rhh; ehd; nrhy;tjw;fhf kd;dpf;f Ntz;Lk;. ePq;fs; mq;Nf Kjy; jlitahf nry;fpwPh;fs;. rk;gh\iz rhjhuz tp\aq;fisg; gw;wpj;jhd; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. Mo;e;j

murpay; tp\aq;fisg; gw;wp – mJTk; ngz;fs; ,Uf;Fk; NghJ – Ngrhky; ,Ug;gJ ey;yJ. ePq;fSk; miu kzp Neuj;Jf;F Nky; ,Uf;ff;$lhJ. Fbf;f VjhtJ nfhLj;jhy;

thq;fp rhg;gplyhk;. Mdhy; kjpa czTf;F jq;ff; $lhJ.”

gl;yh; nrhd;d Nahridfisnay;yhk; kdj;jpy; itj;Jf;nfhz;L ehd; gpujkh; tPl;Lf;F rhpahf gj;J kzpf;F te;J Nrh;e;Njd;. mtUila me;juq;f fhhpajhprp vd;id

tuNtw;whh;. “rhh;> vd;Dila ngah; gpl;nkd;. ehq;fs; cq;fis vjph;ghh;j;Jf;

nfhz;bUe;Njhk;>” vd;whh;.

gpujkUk; Nyb ghy;l;tpDk; vd;id vjph;ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fSila tPLk; Vwf;Fiwa N`k;ld; Nfhh;l; khjphpjhd; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; nfhQ;rk; Rj;jkhf ,Ue;jJ. rpy fiyg; nghUs;fSk; mth;fSila Kd; miwia myq;fhpj;jd.

“ekJ jha; ehL vg;gb ,Uf;fpwJ?” vd;W Nyb ghy;l;tpd; Nfl;lhh;. mth; xU

neUq;fpa ez;giug; gw;wp tprhhpg;gJ Nghy; vdf;Fj; Njhd;wpaJ. “,d;Dk; njhopyhspfs; Ntiy epWj;jk; nra;tjpNyNa <Lgl;bUf;fpwhh;fsh? vdJ ehd;fhk; ghl;b ,q;fpyhe;J

vd;gjw;F gjpy; ‘];l;iuf;yhe;J’ vd;W nrhy;tJ tof;fk;.”

“,g;NghJ mq;Nf Ntiy epWj;jq;fs; fpilahJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“mjdhy;jhd; ek; rhk;uh[;aNk ghoile;jJ>” vd;whh; me;j mk;khs;. “mjdhy;jhd; mnkhpf;fh;fs; ek;ik Mf;fpukpj;J me;j Kl;lhs;jdkhd gphptpidf;F xj;Jf;nfhs;s itj;jhh;fs;. ,e;jpah;fSk; gphptpid gpbf;ftpy;iy. ,J mnkhpf;fh;fSk; u\;ah;fSk; Nrh;e;J

ek; rhk;uh[;aj;ij xopf;f nra;j xU rjp vd;W ehd; ek;GfpNwd;.”

“ik bah;. rh; [pahh;[{f;F ,e;j mj;ij ghl;b fijnay;yhk; Vd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;?” vd;whh; rh;.tpd;];ld;.

“,njy;yhk; mj;ij ghl;b fij my;y>” vd;whh; Nyb ghy;l;tpd; gpbthjkhf. “ehd;

vd;d gj;jhk; gryp 1066 Mk; tU\j;ijg;gw;wpah NgRfpNwd;? ” gpwF kWgbAk; vd; gf;fk;

jpUk;gpdhh;. “rh; [pahh;[p> ,e;j gphptpizahy; ,e;jpahTf;Fk; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fk; Vw;gl;l

mepahaq;fisnay;yhk; ePq;fs;jhd; jPh;j;J itf;f Ntz;Lk;.”

‘vd;dhy; Kbe;jij nra;fpNwd;>” vd;Nwd; ehd;. Mo;e;j murpay; tp\aq;fisg; gw;wp Ngr Ntz;lhk; vd;W gl;yh; nrhd;d Nahridfs; vy;yhk; ,e;j mk;khs; Kd; elf;fhJNghy; Njhd;wpaJ.

“,q;NfAk; ,q;fpyhe;jpNyAk; ngz;fs; muR Vw;gl;lhy;jhd; vy;NyhUf;Fk; epahak; fpilf;Fk;. Kjy; vyprngj; fhyj;jpy;jhNd N\f;];gpaNu gpwe;jhh;! ehd; gpujkuha; ,Ue;jhy;

rpy ehl;fspy; vy;yh gpur;ridfisAk; xNu mbapy; jPh;j;Jf; fl;btpLNtd;.”

“re;NjfNk ,y;iy?” vd;Nwd;.

“ngz;fSf;F Ml;rp te;jhy; rpy ehspy; mLj;j cyf Aj;jj;ijNa

Muk;gpj;JtpLthh;fs;>” vd;whh; gpujkh;.

Mdhy; Nyb ghy;l;tpd; mth; nrhy;tij ftdpg;gjha; ,y;iy. “cq;fSf;F gphptpidf;F Ke;jpa r%f rhpj;jpuk; xU Ntis njhpe;jpUf;fyhk;. mf;fhyj;jpy; ngz;fs; Rje;jpuj;Jf;nfd;W xU jdp fl;rpapUe;jJ. mf;fl;rpapd; Kaw;rpapdhy;jhd; gy ehLfspy; ngz; gpujkh;fs; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. ,q;fpyhe;jpy; $l kpr]; Njr;rh; vd;Dk; gpujkh; ,Ue;jhh;. u\;ah;fSk; mnkhpf;fh;fSk; jhd; ngz;fis gjtpf;F tu mDkjpf;ftpy;iy. mjdhy;jhd;

gphptpidf;F mth;fs; fhuzk; vd;gJ njhpfpwJ…….”

me;j mk;khs; kWgbAk; Ngrpf; nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jpUg;ghh;. Mdhy; rh; tpd;];ld;

FWf;fpl;lhh;. “rh; [pahh;[; Kjy; jlitahf ,q;F te;jpUf;fpwhh;. xNu ehspy; ek; gpur;ridfisnay;yhk; mtUf;F nrhy;yptpl;lhy; mLj;j jlit mth; tUk;NghJ NgRtjw;F xd;Wk; ,Uf;fhNj. NkYk; mtUf;F jhf rhe;jpf;F VjhtJ mspf;f Ntz;lhkh?

“Mk; kwe;Jtpl;Nld;>” vd;W Nyb ghy;l;tpd;; vOe;jhh;. “mJjhd; ,d;W ngz;fSila

Ntiy. Mz;fSf;F jhf rhe;jpf;F mspg;gJ.”

gpujkh; ngU %r;Rtpl;lhh;. “vd; kidtpf;Fk; murpay; Mir nfhQ;rk; cz;L” vd;whh;.

“mjpfhu gPlj;Jf;Fg; gf;fj;jpy; ,Ug;gjhy; mJ ,aw;ifjhNd” vd;W gjpyspj;Njd;.

“vd; kidtp mjpfhu gPlj;Jf;Fg; gf;fj;jpy; ,Ug;gJ kl;Lk; my;y. mjpy;

cl;fhh;e;jpUf;fpwhh;” vd;whh; gpujkh;.

xU gzp Ms; ,uz;L lk;sh;fisAk; ghl;by;fisAk; nfhz;L te;J itj;jhd;. rh; tpd;;];ld; xU lk;sh; gpah; Cw;wpf; nfhz;L vdf;F xd;W mspj;jhh;.

“,q;fpyhe;jpy; fphpf;nfl; vg;gbapUf;fpwJ? ahh;f;\ah;jhd; tUlhtUlk; ntw;wp

ngWfpwhh;fsh?” vdf;F tpdhtpdhh;.

fphpf;nfl; vd;d vd;gNj kwe;Jtpl;Nld;. ey;y Ntisahf mth; Nfl;lJk; Qhgfk; te;jJ. vd;d? cq;fSf;F fphpf;nfl;by; mf;fiw ,y;iyah? vd;whh; gpujkh;.

“,g;NghJ mq;Nf ahUk; fphpf;nfl; tpisahLtjpy;iy. M];l;Nuypah;fSk; Nkw;F ,e;jpah;fSk; fphpf;nfl; MLtij tpl;Ltpl;lhh;fs;. ,e;jpahTk; ghf;fp];jhDk; fpof;F

Nfhsj;jpd; gFjp Mfptpl;ld. MfNt nl];l; Nkl;RfNs fpilahJ.”

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J xU Nfh\;bia mDg;gyhk; vd;W epidj;Njd;>” vd;whh; rh;

tpd;];ld;. “fphpf;nfl; ,y;yhj ,q;fpyhe;ij fw;gid nra;tNj f\;lkhf ,Uf;fpwJ vdf;F. ehd; ,;g;NghJ mq;Nf Nghdhy; xU md;dpad; khjphp xd;Wk; njhpahjtdhfj;jhd; ,Ug;Ngd;>

,y;iyah?”

mtUila Nfs;tpfSf;F gjpy; nrhy;tjw;F kpfTk; f\;lkhf ,Ue;jJ. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; Vw;gl;Ls;s gpuk;khz;lkhd khWjy;fisg; gw;wp ,th;fSf;F nfhQ;rk; nfhQ;rkhfj;jhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; kNdh mjph;r;rp jhq;f Kbahj msTf;F ,Uf;Fk;.

“,d;Dk; gpah; Fbf;fpwhh;fspy;iyah?” vd;W NkYk; Nfl;lhh; gpujkh;. “gpah; ,y;iynad;why;jhd; mq;Nf Gul;rp Vw;gLk; vd;W mf;fhyj;jpy; nrhy;tJz;L.

“Mk; vy;NyhUk; gpah; Fbf;fpwhh;fs;.”

“xt;nthU fpuhkj;jpYk; xU Fbf;Fk; ,lk; ,Uf;Fk;. Ch; tk;G vy;yhk; Ngr mJ

nuhk;g rTfhpak;.”

“ehd; yz;ldpy; gpwe;J tsh;e;jtd;. mjdhy; fpuhkq;fisg; gw;wp vdf;F mjpfk;

njhpahJ.”

jPBnud;W gpujkh; Ngr;ir khw;wpdhh;. “cq;fs; murhq;fk; vd;id mq;F miog;gjw;F

VjhtJ tha;g;G ,Uf;fpwjh?” vd;whh;.

“rpwpJ ehisf;Fg; gpwF epiyikia mDrhpj;J miog;gJ te;jhYk; tuyhk;.

Mdhy; ,g;NghJ xd;Wk; nrhy;tjw;fpy;iy.”

“ehd; mjpfhuG+h;tkhf ,e;jf; Nfs;tp Nfl;ftpy;iy. vd; nrhe;j N`hjhtpy;jhd; Nfl;Nld;. ePq;fSk; jdpg;gl;l Kiwapy; ,ijg;gw;wp tprhhpf;fyhk; vd;W epidf;fpNwd;. mth;fSila mgpg;gpuhak; njhpe;j gpwF mjpfhuG+h;tkhf tprhhpf;fyhk;. ,J nfhQ;rk;

ufrpakhfNt ,Uf;fl;Lk;.”

“rhp> mJjhd; ey;yJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“vd; %jhijfs; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ];nlhs;n`Q; vd;Dk; Chpy; ,Ue;J te;jth;fs;.

mg;NghJ vq;fs; FLk;g ngah; ‘vy;lh;ld;’ vd;gJ. Mdhy; murpay; fhuzq;fSf;fhf ehd;

mij khw;wpf; nfhz;Nld;.” rh; tpd;];ld; nfhQ;rk; ufrpakhf Ngryhdhh;. “vd; gioa jha; ehl;ilf; fhz vdf;F nuhk;g Mty;. gioa fpuhkj;Jf;Fr; nrd;W mq;Nf ,d;Dk; ahuhtJ

‘vy;lh;ld;’ vd;w ngaUld; ,Uf;fpwhh;fsh vd;W ghh;f;fyhk;. gioa j];jhNt[{fspd;gb

mq;Nf ‘[pahh;[; mz; l;Nufd;’ vd;Dk; xU Fbf;Fkplk; ,Ug;gjhf jfty;. mJ ,d;Dk;

,Uf;fpwjh vd;W cq;fSf;Fj; njhpAkh?”

“njhpahNj>” vd;Nwd;.

“yz;ld; khefhpy; ePq;fnsy;yhk; Nfspf;ifNahL tho;e;J tof;fg;gl;lth;fs;>” rh;

tpd;];ld; jhd; mijnay;yhk; Nehpy; ghh;j;jJ Nghy; Ngrpdhh;. “NrhN`htpd; ,uT

fspahl;lq;fSk; uh[hq;f tpUe;JfSk; vy;yhk; kpfTk; jkh\hf ,Uf;Fk;.”

yz;ld; khefhpy; vdJ tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp epidj;Njd;. “m.K.fhy tho;f;iff;Fk; ,d;iwa tho;f;iff;Fk; nuhk;g J}uk;. ePq;fs; ,g;nghOJ mq;Nf nrd;why; gy Mr;rhpaq;fSk; mjph;r;rpfSk; cq;fSf;F ,Uf;Fk;.

“Mk;. E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fspy; gy khWjy;fs; Vw;gl;bUf;Fk;. mJ

,aw;ifjhNd>”vd;whh; gpujkh; nfhQ;rk; rypg;Gld;. “rhp ,d;ndhU gpah; rhg;gpLq;fs;>”

“Ntz;lhk;. cq;fSf;F mjpf NtiyapUf;Fk;. ehd; tUfpNwd;>” vd;Nwd;.

“,q;Nf vt;tsT Neuk; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg; gw;wpnay;yhk; gl;yh;

nrhy;ypapUg;ghNd? ”

“Mk;”

“gzpahl;fs; ,y;yhtpl;lhy; tho;f;if nuhk;g Rygkhdjhf ,Uf;Fk;. ePq;fs; nfhQ;rk; m[hf;fpuijahf ,Ue;jhy; gl;yh; cq;fSf;F jpUkzk; $l Vw;ghL nra;J tpLthd;.

cq;fSf;F kzk; Mftpy;iyay;yth? ”

“,y;iy. kzk; nra;Jnfhs;Sk; cj;NjrKk; ,y;iy.” New;W [hd; NgrpajpypUe;J ,ij njspthf mwptpj;JtpLtJ ey;yJ vd;W epidj;Njd;.

“,e;j Ch; ngz;fis cq;fSf;Fj; njhpahJ. tiy tPRtjpy; epGzh;fs;>” vd;whh; gpujkh; rph;j;Jf;nfhz;Nl.

mNjhL ehd; tpilngw;Nwd;. gpl;nkd; vd;id topaDg;gpdhh;.

* * * * * * *

md;W khiy [hd; tPl;by; elf;Fk; tpUj;Jf;Fg; Nghf ehd; jahuhNdd;. mq;F Ngha;r; Nru vd;d Neuk; MFk; vd;W gl;yiu tprhhpj;Njd;. clNd gl;yh; mq;Nf ehd; vg;gb ele;Jnfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg;gw;wp ,d;ndhU ghlk; Gfl;bdhd;.

“rhh;> mq;FNgha; Nru gj;J epkplk; jhd; gpbf;Fk;. cq;fis Voiu kzpf;F $g;gpl;bUf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; rhpahf Voiuf;F mq;Nf Nghff; $lhJ. ePq;fs;jhd; Kf;fpa tpUe;jpdh;. kw;wth;fs; te;J Nrh;e;j gpwF ePq;fs; Ngha; Nrh;e;jhy; NghJk;. Mdhy; nuhk;g jhkjpj;Jr;nrd;whYk; mt;tsT ed;whf ,Uf;fhJ. mq;Nf VO ehw;gJf;F Nky; VO

ehw;gj;ije;Jf;Fs;shf Ngha;r; Nru Ntz;Lk;.”

vdJ fbfhuj;ijg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;Nl “rhp” vd;Nwd;.

“Nghtjw;F Kd;dhy; xU l;hpq;f; rhg;gpl;Ltpl;Lg; NghtJ ey;yJ. mg;NghJjhd; kdJ

uk;kpakhf ,Uf;Fk;>” vd;W nrhy;yp xU lk;sh; tp];fp nfhz;Lte;J itj;jhd;.

ehd; mijf; Fbj;Jf;nfhz;bUe;j NghJ NkYk; vg;gb ele;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg; gw;wpAk; nrhd;dhd;.

“tpUe;J rhg;gpl;l clNd ePq;fs; jpUk;gp tuf;$lhJ. Nlhq;fh Xl;Lgtd; rhg;gpLtjw;F gjpide;J my;yJ ,UgJ epkplq;fs; MFk;. mjdhy; miu kzp Neuk; fopj;J ePq;fs; Gwg;gl Ntz;Lk;. ePq;fs; tpilngw;w gpwFjhd; kw;wth;fSk; Gwg;gLthh;fs;. mjdhy; miu

kzp Neuj;jpw;F NkYk; ,Uf;ff; $lhJ.”

ehd; [hd; tPl;il mile;jnghOJ mq;Nf Rkhh; gj;J ngz;fSk; gj;J Mz;fSk; $bapUe;jdh;. Ngr;R Rthu];akhf ,Uf;Fk; Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; ehd; nrd;wJk; vy;NyhUk; Ngr;ir epWj;jp vd;idj; jpUk;gpg; ghh;j;jhh;fs;. [hd; vd;id mioj;Jf; nfhz;L Ngha; vy;NyhUf;Fk; mwpKfk; nra;J itj;jhh;.

“ntspAyf tpUe;jpdh;!” vd;whh; vdf;Fg; gf;fj;jpy; epd;W nfhz;bUe;jth;. Gnuhg]h;

Nth;l;];nthh;j; vd;W [hd; mtiu mwpKfg;gLj;jpdhh;. “cq;fSila ntF J}u cwtpdh;fs;

vg;gb ,Uf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W ghh;f;f te;jpUf;fpwPh;;fsh?”

“ehd; re;jpudpypUe;Njh nrt;thapypUe;Njh tutpy;iy. ,Nj cyfj;jpypUe;Jjhd;

te;jpUf;fpNwd;>” vd;Nwd;.

“vq;fisg; nghUj;jtiuapy; vy;yhk; xd;Wjhd;>” vd;whh; Gnuhg]h;. “cyfk; xU cUz;ilnad;Wk; mJ #hpaidr; Rw;wp tUfpwnjd;Wk; njhpAk;. Mdhy; vq;fisg; nghUj;jtiu mJ cUz;ilAk; ,y;iy jl;lhfTk; ,y;iy. fuL KulhfTk; FspuhfTk;jhd;

,Uf;fpwJ. ,e;j ePykiyfSf;F ntspNa vd;d ,Uf;fpwJ vd;W vq;fSf;Fj; njhpahJ.”

“ftiyg;glhjPh;fs; tpy;ypak;” vd;whh; mth; kidtp. “rh; [pahh;[;> Xa;Tf;fhf ,q;fpyhe;J nry;Yk;NghJ cq;fisAk; $l;bf;nfhz;L Ngha; vy;yhtw;iwAk; fhz;gpj;J

VNuhg;Nsdpy; gj;jpukhf $l;bf;nfhz;L tUthh;;.”

“vy;yhtw;iwAk; vjw;fhf ghh;f;f Ntz;Lk;? ” vd;whh; Gnuhg]h; Nth;l;];nthh;j;. “,e;j Ciu tpl;Lg; Nghf Ntz;Lkh vd;gNj xU rh;r;irf;Fhpa tp\ak;. Mdhy; Nghf Kbe;jhy; ey;yJjhd;. vdJ ngah; ngw;w me;j gioa ftp tho;e;j ,lj;ij

xU jlit ghh;j;Jtpl;lhy; NghJk;. mg;Gwk; clNd jpUk;gp te;JtpLNtd;.”

“mJ KbAkh rh; [pahh;[;? ” mth; kidtp tprhhpj;jhh;. KbAkhdhy; ehDk; mtUld; Ngha; Mf;];Nghh;l; tPjpapYk; hPn[z;l; tPjpapYk; cs;s filfisg; ghh;j;jhy; kdRf;F

nfhQ;rk; jpUg;jpapUf;Fk;.”

“,d;Dk; rpwpJ fhyj;Jf;Fg; gpwF xU Ntis Vw;ghL nra;a Kbayhk;>” vd;W gjpyspj;Njd;.

“uh[je;jphp ntF [hf;fpuijahf NgRfpwhh;>” rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl ahNuh nrhd;dhh;fs;.

“,q;fpyhe;J ePq;fs; epidf;fpwkhjphp ,Uf;Fk; vd;gjw;F vd;d Ch;[pjk;? ” rphpg;ig

myl;rpak; nra;Jtpl;L ehd; Nfl;Nld;. “me;j ehL ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfspy; fz;Zf;Fj; njhpahjgb khwpapUf;fyhk;. ,g;NghJ ePq;fs; mq;Nf nrd;why; gy Mr;rhpaq;fisAk;

Vkhw;wq;fisAk; vjph;ghh;f;fyhk;;.”

“ftiyg;gl Ntz;lhk; rh; [pahh;[;” vd;whs; xU ,sk; ngz;. mts;jhd; [hd; jk;gjpfSila kfs; \Pyh vd;W mwpe;Njd;. ghh;g;gjw;F mofhf ,y;yhtpl;lhYk;

mwpTs;stshfTk; Rje;jpu kdg;ghd;ik cilatshfTk; Njhd;wpdhs;. “,q;fpyhe;Jf;F bf;nfl; ,y;yhky; Nghf ehq;fs; tpUk;gtpy;iy. Rth;f;fj;ijg; gw;wp vg;gbNah mNj khjphpjhd; ehq;fs; ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wpAk; epidf;fpNwhk;. mJ xU vl;lhj ,lk;. Mdhy;

mq;Nf Ngha;tpl;lhy; mJ mt;tsT gpukhjkhf ,Uf;fhJ.”

mtUila Gj;jp $h;ikia ehd; nkr;rpNdd;. Mdhy; gjpy; nrhy;tjw;F Kd;

,d;ndhUth; rk;gh\izapy; ,ilkWj;jhh;. “,q;fpyhe;J Vd; khwNtz;Lk;. ,UE}W Mz;LfSf;F Kd; ,uz;lhtJ cyf Aj;jj;jpd;NghJ vy;NyhUk; ghba ghly; xd;W vd; Qhgfj;Jf;F tUfpwJ.

“,q;fpyhe;J vg;NghJk; mg;gbNa ,Uf;Fk;>” vd;W

“cq;fs; ngah; vd;d? ” vd;W ehd; tprhhpj;Njd;.

“,th;jhd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; murhq;ff; ftpQh; uhgh;l; f;Uf;>” vd;W [hd; mwpKfk; nra;J itj;jhh;.

ftpQh; jk; Nfs;tpf;F gjpy; vjph;ghh;f;ftpy;iy. NkYk; Ngryhdhh;.

“vt;tsTf;nft;tsT nghUs;fs; khWfpd;wdNth mt;tsTf;ft;tsT mitfs; Kd; Nghy; ,Uf;Fk;. ehk; xU tl;lj;jpy; Rw;wpf; nfhz;Nl ,Uf;fpNwhk;. vt;tsT J}uk; NghdhYk;

kPz;Lk; mNj ,lj;jpw;Fj;jhd; te;J NrUNthk;. mjw;Fj;jhd; Kd;Ndw;wk; vd;W ngah;.”

“ehk; ntWk; tl;lj;jpy; nry;tjpy;iy. tl;lkhd gbf;fl;Lfspy; nry;fpNwhk;. mNj

,lj;Jf;F jpUk;gp te;jhYk; nfhQ;rk; cah; kl;lj;jpy; tUfpNwhk;. mJ jhd; Kd;Ndw;wk;>” vd;whh; Gnuhg]h; Nth;l;];nthh;j;.

“Gnuhgrh; Nth;l;];nthh;j;jhd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; jj;Jt epGzh;>” vd;whh; \Pyh.

“Rk;kh uTz;ilg; gw;wp NgRfpwPh;fNs jtpu ,d;ndhU uTz;l; l;hpq;f;irj;jhd;

fhNzhk;>” vd;whh; kd;Nwh vd;Dk; tptrhap.

“mJ vd; jg;G. ,Njh nfhz;l tUfpNwd;>” vd;W $wp \Pyh kiwe;jhs;.

[hd; kidtp kp]]; fpA+Nulh;> “gzp Ml;fs; fpilg;gJ nuhk;g f\;lk;. mjw;fhfj;jhd; ,e;jpah;fis ,q;Nf ,Uf;f Mjpapy; mDkjpj;Njhk;. Mdhy; ,g;NghJ

mth;fs; tPl;L Ntiyf;F tu kWf;fpwhh;fs;” vd;whh;.

“ntF rPf;fpuj;jpy; ehk; mth;fsplk; Ntiyf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whh; kd;Nwh.

“mth;fs; Vd; ek;kplk; Ntiy nra;a Ntz;Lk;? ” vd;W Nfl;lhh; ftp uhgh;l; f;Uf;.

“,d;Dk; rpy Mz;Lfspy; mth;fNs ehl;ilf; ifg;gw;wp tpLthh;fs; Nghy; ,Uf;fpwJ.

ey;y Ntisahf ,q;Nf [dehafk;. ehk; ,d;Dk; ngUk;ghd;ikNahuhf ,Uf;fpNwhk;>” vd;whh; ,d;ndhUth;.

“nfhQ;rk; nghWq;fs;>” vd;whh; kd;Nwh. “mth;fSila [dj;njhif ek;iktpl mjpfk; ngUfpf;nfhz;L NghfpwJ. ,d;Dk; ,uz;L jiyKiwfspy; mth;fs; ek;ik kpQ;rp

tpLthh;fs;.”

“Mdhy; mjw;Fs;shf ,e;j gphptpid rkhrhuk; vy;yhk; khwptpLk;. ehk; ,q;fpyhe;jp;d;

xU gFjp MfptpLNthk;.”

xU tajhd fpoth; rk;gh\izapy; <Lgl;lhh;. mth; ngah; ];fpd;dh;. “,e;jpah;fs; f\;lg;gl;L Ntiy nra;fpwhh;fs;. Fbg;gNjh rPl;lhLtNjh ge;jak; fl;Lk; tof;fNkh

mth;;fsplk; fpilahJ. mth;fs; ,e;ehl;il Mz;lhy; nropf;Fk;.”

“ePq;fs; NgRtJ ehl;Lj; JNuhfk;>” vd;W kp]];.Nth;l;];nthh;j; $wpdhh;. “mth;fs;

Mz;lhy; ekf;F ehNl ,y;yhky; Ngha;tpLk;.”

ey;yNtisahf me;j rkaj;jp;y; \Pyh xU jl;lj;jpy; gy lk;sh;fs; epiwa ghdq;fNshL te;jhs; . vy;NyhUk; xt;nthU lk;sh; vLj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;. mNj rkaj;jpy; [hd;

te;J “rh;. [pahh;[; ePq;fs; kw;wth;fisAk; re;jpf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;W ,d;ndhU $l;lj;Jf;F mioj;Jr; nrd;whh;.

Kjypy; ghh;ypnkz;l; mq;fj;jpdh; tpf;fh;]; vd;gth; jk;ik mwpKfg;gLj;jpf;

nfhz;lhh;. “ePq;fs; yz;ldpypUe;J te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs; vd;W Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld; nuhk;g kfpo;r;rp. vd;idg; nghUj;jtiuapYk; yz;lDf;Fg; Ngha; rpy ehlfq;fisg; ghh;j;jhy; NghJk;. gpwF ghh;ypnkz;Lf;Fg; Ngha; mth;fs; Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk; nfhQ;rk; njhpe;Jnfhs;s Ntz;Lk;.

,q;F ehq;fs; ifg;gw;Wk; rpy Kiwfs; jtW vd;gJ vd; fUj;J>” cq;fSf;F

ghh;ypnkz;lhp Kiwfisg; gw;wp ghpr;rak; ,Uf;fpwjh? ”

“ ,y;iy” vd;Nwd;.

“ePq;fs; New;W fPo; rigf;F te;jpUe;jPh;fNs? vq;fisg; gw;wp vd;d epidf;fpwPh;fs;?

nt];l; kpdp];lh; msTf;F ehq;fs; tUNthkh? ”

“ghh;ypnkz;lhp Kiwapy; Ngr;R Rje;jpuk;jhd; Kf;fpak; vd;why; ePq;fs; gioa

,q;fpyhe;J ghh;ypnkz;Lf;F <lhdth;fs; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy.”

“,th; xU Nfs;tpf;Ff;$l Neuhd gjpy; nrhy;ytpy;iy>” vd;whh; ftpQh; f;&f;. mth;

vdf;Fg; gpd;dhNyNa te;jpUf;fpwhh;. “njhl;Lk; njhlhky; NgRfpwhh;. ,d;iwa ,q;fpyhe;J vg;gbapUf;fpwJ vd;gijg; gw;wp ,d;Dk; xU thh;j;ij $l nrhy;ytpy;iy. jhfrhe;jpiaj;

jtpu NtW topapy;iy>” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L kw;nwhU lk;siuj; Njbf;nfhz;L Nghdhh;.

“vy;yh gpur;ridfSf;Fk; jPh;T mJ xd;Wjhd;>” vd;W MNkhjpj;jhh; ghh;ypnkz;l; mq;fj;jpdh;.

“nt];l; kpdp];lh; vgpiaAk;> ghh;ypnkz;l; fl;blq;fisAk;> gf;fpq;̀ hk; muz;kidiaAk; xU jlit ghh;j;Jtpl;lhy; mg;Gwk; kfpo;r;rpahf ,we;Jtplyhk;. ek;

[dehafj;Jf;Nf mitfs;jhd; m];jpthuk;>” vd;W NkYk; tpf;fh;]; Ngrpdhh;. vy;yh murpay;thjpfSf;Fs;s Fiw mtUf;Fk; ,Ue;jJ. mjhtJ mjpfk; NgRtJ.

“murpay;thjpfs; vg;nghOJk; kpf rhjhuz tp\aq;fisg; gw;wpj;jhd; NgRthh;fs;.

mth;fSf;F Ntnuhd;Wk; njhpahJ” vd;W ftpQh; NkYk; Muk;gpj;jhh;. “gz;ghL vd;why;

vd;d> xU N\f;];gpah; ehlfk;> kpy;ldpd; ftpij> ,tw;iwnay;yhk; gw;wp nrhd;dhy; kPl;lh;

vd;d tpiy vd;Wjhd; Nfl;ghh;fs;.”

“ntl;b thf;Fthjk; Ntz;lhk;>” vd;whh; kp]]; Nth;l;];nthh;j;.

“gioafhy yz;lidg; gw;wp ,t;tsT tphpthf cq;fSf;F vg;gb QhgfkpUf;fpwJ?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“gioa fhyj;ijg;gw;wp epidg;gijtpl NtW ,q;F vd;d Ntiy? ” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“ePq;fs; te;jpUg;gjdhy; gioa Qhgfq;fnsy;yhk; Gjpa ek;gpf;iffshf cUntLf;fpd;wd.”

rk;gh\izapy; vy;NyhUk; gq;F nfhz;ldh;. cs;Sh; gpur;ridfs;> tpiythrpfs;> kJtpyf;F> gioa fy;tpf;Fk; GJ fy;tpf;Fk; ,Uf;Fk; Nghl;b ,tw;iwnay;yhk; gw;wp thf;Fthjk; ele;jJ. rpwpJ Neuk; ehd; ,Ug;gijNa kwe;Jtpl;lhh;fs;.

“vd; khzth;fs; xU GJ khjphp ghpl;ir Ntz;Lk; vd;W Nfl;fpwhh;fs;>” vd;whh;

Gnuhg]h; Nth;l;];nthh;j;. “Mrphpah;fs; Nfs;tp Nfl;L khh;f; NghLtjw;F gjpyhf xt;nthU khztDk; jd;idj;jhNd Nrhjpj;Jf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;gJ. fy;tpf;F KbT fl;Ltjw;F

mJjhd; ey;y top.”

,d;ndhUth; tptrha epWtdk; ifahy; ,aq;Fk; jz;zPh; gk;ig cw;gj;jp

nra;jpUg;gjhf nrhd;dhh;. ‘GJ njhopy; nfhs;if’ f;F ,J cjTkh vd;W tpthjpf;fg;gl;lJ. ,g;NghJ gphptpid ,y;iyahjyhy; ,e;jpahtpypUe;J Vd; cjtp Nfhuf;$lhJ vd;W xUth; Nfl;lhh;. Mdhy; ,J xU rh;tNjr gpur;rid MfptpLk; vd;W vy;NyhUk; epidj;jhh;fs;.

kJ tiffs; mjpfkhf Mf Ngr;R Rthu];akhapw;W. rphpg;Gk; rj;jKk; mjpfkhapd. ,uz;L Ngh; ghl Muk;gpj;jdh;. ghly;fnsy;yhk; m.K.fhyj;jit.

‘fhjy; jPu vd;idr;Nru thNjNdh? ’

vd;W xUth; Muk;gpj;jhh;. kw;wth;fSk; gpd;ghl;L ghl Muk;gpj;jdh;. mb mbahf ghbf;nfhz;Nl te;jdh;. ghl;L nuhk;g ePskhfj; Njhd;wpaJ.

“rh; [pahh;[;> ePq;fSk; Nrh;e;J ghLq;fs;>” Gnuhg]h; vd;idf; $g;gpl;lhh;.

“vdf;F ,e;j ghly;fs; xd;WNk njhpahJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“,y;iynad;why; Gjpa ghly;fis vq;fSf;F fw;gpf;f Ntz;Lk;!”

“vdf;F ghl;Nl njhpahJ>” vd;W if tphpj;Njd;. rPf;fpuk; vd;id kwe;Jtpl;L NtW ghly;fspy; <Lgl;lhh;fs;.

ntspNa ey;y Fsph;r;rpahf ,Ue;jhYk; tPl;Lf;Fs;Ns cg;Grkhf ,Ue;jJ. ghl;Lld; Ml;lKk; Nrh;e;jJ. vy;NyhUk; cw;rhfj;Jld; gq;F nfhz;lhh;fs;. \Pyh NkYk; kJ tiffisf; nfhz;L tur; nrd;whs;. ehd; fhw;W thq;f ntspapy; ntuhz;lhTf;Fr; nrd;Nwd;. rpy epkplq;fspy; \PyhTk; mq;Nf te;jhs;.

“ehq;fs; vy;yhk; fhl;L kpuhz;bfs; vd;W ePq;fs; epidg;gPh;fs;>” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“yz;ldpy; nuhk;g cah;e;j gz;ghl;ilAk; Nfspf;iffisAk; ghh;j;J mDgtpj;jgpwF vq;fs;

gioafhy Ml;lKk; ghl;Lk; cq;fSf;Fg; gpbf;fhJ.”

“,y;iy> ,y;iy>” vd;Nwd;.” vy;NyhUk; kfpo;NthLk; rpNef ghtj;NjhLk; ,k;khjphp ele;Jnfhs;tJ yz;ldpy; fpilahJ. md;G> czh;T> Mir vy;yhk; khwptpl;ld. ,J vdf;F

xU GJ njk;G mspf;fpwJ. “mq;Nf Nfspf;ifNa xU njhopy; khjphp Mfptpl;lJ.”

“njhopy; Nfspf;ifahfp tpl;ljh? ”

“,y;iy.”

“vq;fsplk; xU gioa fpuhkNghd; $l fpilahJ>” vd;whs; \Pyh tprdj;Jld;.

,q;fpUf;Fk; fpuhk Nghd;fSk; NubNahf;fSk; ntWk; myq;fhuq;fs;;;;;;; gioa fhyj;ij Qhgfg;gLj;Jk; rpd;dq;fs;. vq;fs; rq;fPj thj;aq;fs;$l gj;jhk;grypjhd;. ghl;Lfnsy;yhk;

,UE}W Mz;LfSf;F Ke;jpait.”

“fpuhkNghd; Ntiynra;tjpy;iy vd;W eP ftiyg;gl Ntz;lhk;>” vd;W MWjy;

nrhd;Ndd;. “cyf murpay; muq;fpy; ePq;fs; <L itf;fg;gl;Bh;fs;. mJ cq;fs; Fw;wk; my;y. vt;tsNth f\;lq;fSf;F cl;gl;Lk; $l cq;fs; jdpikiaAk; `h];a

czh;r;rpiaAk; ed;whf ghJfhj;J te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;.”

“,e;j ehl;by; xt;nthU FLk;gKk; jkJ tk;rhtspia kpfTk; gj;jpukhf vOjp

mijg; ghJfhj;J te;jpUf;fpd;wJ>” vd;whs; \Pyh. ,q;fpyhe;jpy; VO jiyKiwfSf;F Kd;G ve;j Chpy; gpwe;Njhk;> vd;d njhopy; nra;Njhk; vd;Dk; tptuq;fisnay;yhk; Nrfhpj;J itj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. ehq;fs; ngah;fis khw;wpf;nfhz;lNghJ $l gioa ngah;fis mg;Gj;jfq;fspy; vOjp itj;jpUf;fpNwhk;. ,we;j fhyj;jpa njhlh;ig ehq;fs; kwf;ftpy;iy. vq;fs; tho;f;ifNa xU ehlfk; khjphp Mfptpl;lJ. gioa fhyj;jpy; tho;fpNwhNk jtpu ,d;iwa cyfpy; ehq;fs; ,y;iy. gl;Lg; G+r;rp jdJ $Lf;Fs;Ns tho;tJ Nghy tho;e;J tUfpNwhk;. ,q;fpyhe;J kWgbAk; ,e;jpahit Mf;fpukpf;Fk; vd;W epidj;J ,e;Jf;fs; mLj;j mtjhuj;Jf;F fhj;jpUg;gJ Nghy ehq;fSk; fhj;jpUf;fpNwhk;. ePykiyfisr; Rw;wpAs;s rf;jp tha;e;j kpd;rhuf; fk;gpfs; vq;fSila vy;yh Mty;fisAk; Vkhw;wq;fisAk; jLj;J epWj;jptpl;ld. njhl;lngl;lh rpfuj;jpd; kPNjh igfhuh Kb kPNjh epd;Wnfhz;L J}uj;jpYs;s rkntspfisAk; mq;Nf Vw;gLk; khWjy;fisAk; ghh;g;gJjhd; vq;fSf;F Ntiy. E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf fzhf; fz;Lnfhz;Nl ,Ue;J tpl;Nlhk;. ePq;fs; te;Jjhd; vq;fs; epk;kjpia Fiyj;J tpl;Bh;fs;. epiwNtwhj vq;fs; MirfSf;Fk;

ek;gpf;iffSf;Fk; xU ifg;gpb nfhLj;JtPl;Bh;fs;.”

“Mk;. ehd; te;jJk; cq;fs; jdpik Kbe;Jtpl;lJ. mJ cWjp.”

“vq;fs; jdpik Ngha;tpl;lJ vd;why; vq;fs; Rje;jpuKk;> xw;WikAk;

Ngha;tpLky;yth?” vd;whs; \Pyh. “vq;fSila fdTfSk;> ehlf tho;Tk; Ngha;tpLNk? Gjpa> nfhûkhd ajhh;j;j tho;tpy; vq;fshy; tho KbAkh? vdf;nfd;dNth vjph;fhyj;ijg; gw;wp

epidj;jhNy gaq;fukhfj; Njhd;WfpwJ.”

gg;gpd; ajhh;j;jthjk; vd; epidTf;F te;jJ. “Mk;. cz;ikjhd;>” vd;Nwd;.

“vq;fs; tpjpNa cq;fs; ifapy;jhd; ,Uf;fpd;wJ.” \Pyh nkJthf Ngrpdhs;.

“NaRehjh; kWgbAk; tug;Nghtjhf iggpspy; nrhy;yapUf;fpwJ. me;jkhjphpjhd; ePq;fs; te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;. cq;fSila mwpf;ifiag; nghUj;Jj;jhd; vq;fs; jiynaOj;J eph;zapf;fg;gLk;. mij mwpe;J nfhs;shky; ehq;fs; cq;fs; cjtpahy; ,q;fpyhe;J Nghf

KbAkh vd;W Nfl;Lf;nfhz;bUf;fpNwhk;.”

“vdJ tUiff;F eP nuhk;g Kf;fpaj;Jtk; mspf;fpwha;.”

“cs;Ns ,Ug;gth;fs; xt;nthUtUk; jk;jk; rpwpa Mirfis itj;Jf; nfhz;L mtw;iw epiwNtw;w Kaw;rpf;fpwhh;fNs jtpu ckJ tUifapd; cz;ikiaNah

Kf;fpaj;Jtj;ijNah mwpe;Jnfhs;stpy;iy. gpujkUf;Ff;$l njhpAkh vd;gJ re;Njfk;jhd;.”

\Pyhtpd; Kfk; me;j kq;fyhd xspapy; gpufhrpj;jJ mtSila cs;sj;jpd; vOr;rpfs;. Mty;fs; mtd; fz;fspy; gpujpgypj;jJ. mtSila rpe;jidfSk;> czh;TfSk; vd; cs;sj;ijf; fpshpd. mtis mizj;J Kj;jkpl Ntz;Lk; vd;W Njhd;wpaJ. ey;y

Ntiyahf vd; ,r;iria mlf;fpf; nfhz;Nld;. mq;fpUe;j vy;NyhiuAk;tpl mtSila gphpj;jZFk; rf;jpAk; vjph;fhyj;ijg; gw;wpa fw;gidAk; mts; mwpit ntspg;gLj;jpaJ. mtSld; cz;ikiar; nrhy;yyhkh> ehd; mur J}Jtd; my;y. vdJ mwpf;ifia ahUk; ghh;f;fg;Nghtjpy;iy vd;W ntspg;gilahf xg;Gf;nfhs;syhkh vd;W xU epkplk; Nahrpj;Njd;. mjw;F Ntz;ba ijhpak; vdf;F ,y;iy.

“ehshtl;lj;jpy; vy;yhk; rhpahfptpLk;>” vd;w MWjy; $wpNdd;.

“ehshtl;lj;jpy; vy;NyhUk; ,we;JtpLNthk;> ,y;iyah?” vd;whs; Nrhfr; rphpg;Gld;.

gpwF “rhg;ghl;ilg; gw;wp ftdpf;f Ntz;Lk;>” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L cs;Ns nrd;Wtpl;lhs;.

\PyhTld; Ngrpa gpwFjhd; vd;Dila rq;flkhd epiyik vdf;F njspthfg;

gl;lJ. mg;nghOJjhd; Gnuhg]h; Nth;l;];nthh;j; ntspNa te;jhh;. “rh; [pahh;[; cq;fisj;jhd; Njbf;nfhz;L te;Njd;. M];jhd ftpQh; jkJ Gjpa ftpia muq;Nfw;wk;

nra;ag; Nghfpwhh;. ePq;fs; te;J Nfl;f Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; mtUf;F Nfhgk; te;JtpLk;>” vd;W vd;id cs;Ns mioj;Jr; nrd;whh;.

uhgh;l; f;&f; jkJ ftpijia thrpj;jhh;. Kbe;jJk; vy;NyhUk; fuNfh\k; nra;jhh;fs;.

gpwF vy;NyhUk; rhg;gpLk; miwf;Fr; nrd;Nwhk;. jl;lq;fSk;> fj;jp Ks;SfSk; xU Nki[ NkYk; gytifg;gl;l gjhh;j;jq;fs; ,d;ndhU Nki[ NkYk; ,Ue;jd. xt;nthUtUk; xU jl;lj;ij vLj;J jkf;F Ntz;ba czTg; nghUs;fis vLj;Jf;nfhs;syhk;. Kf;fpa tpUe;jpdh; vd;Dk; Kiwapy; ehd; jhd; Kjypy; vLj;Jf;nfhs;s Ntz;bapUe;jJ. [hdpd; kidtp vJ Urpahf ,Uf;Fk; vd;W vdf;F tpthpj;jhh;. Rth;fspd; Nky; rpy jl;lq;fs; myq;fhukhf itf;fg;gl;bUe;jd. jdJ MwhtJ ghl;b ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J nfhz;Lte;j jl;lq;fs; vd;W ngUikahf me;j mk;khs; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;lhs;.

“Mk;. mitfs; kpfTk; mg+h;tkhdit. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; NtW ahhplj;jpYk;

,k;khjphp jl;lq;fs; fpilahJ” vd;W Gnuhg]h; kidtp MNkhjpj;jhh;.

“mitfis ed;whf itj;jpUg;gJ njhe;juTjhd;. ahh; jpUbf;nfhz;L Ngha;

tpLthh;fNsh vd;Dk; gak; Ntw>” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“mit ek; tk;rhtspiaf; fhl;LfpwJ. jha;ehl;Lld; ,Uf;Fk; njhlh;Gf;F milahsk;.

gz kjpg;G ,y;yhtpl;lhYk; kNdh vOr;rp tpiy mjpfk;>” vd;whh; mts; mk;kh.

rhg;gpl;l gpwF vdf;F gl;yhpd; mwpTiu Qhgfj;Jf;F te;jJ. miu kzp Neuj;Jf;Fg; gpwF vy;NyhUlDk; ifFYf;fp tpilngw;Nwd;.

“ehd; nrhd;dijnay;yhk; nuhk;g Kf;fpaj;Jtkhf vLj;Jf; nfhs;shjPh;fs;>” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“ngz;fs; nrhy;tjw;F vg;nghOJNk ehd; Kf;fpaj;Jtk; mspg;gjpy;iy>” vd;Nwd; jkh\hf.

“,q;fj;J Mz;fSf;Fk; cq;fSf;Fk; tpj;jahrk; ,y;iy Nghy; njhpfpwJ>” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“,Ue;jhYk; ek; rk;gh\iz nuhk;g Rthu];akhf ,Ue;jJ.”

“ehd; xU Kl;lhs; vd;W epidf;fhky; ,Ue;jhy; rhp.”

“ek; rk;gh\iz kWgbAk; njhlu Ntz;Lk; vd;gJjhd; vd; tpUg;gk;>” vd;Nwd;.

“xU Ntis ehisf;F khjh Nfhtpypy; re;jpg;Nghk;>” vd;W tpilngw;whs; \Pyh.

mj;jpahak; VO

Qhapw;Wf; fpoik Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; gg; jj;Jtj;Jf;F mw;gzk; nra;;j khjphp rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; mJ flTSf;F mw;gzk; nra;ag;gl;lJ. nlyptp\d; NubNah Kjypa rhjdq;fs; ,y;yhtpl;lhYk; ,q;F kuGk; ek;gpf;ifAk; Vuhskhf ,Ue;jd. Fbf;Fk; ,lq;fSk; ge;jhLk; ,lq;fSk;> kw;w Nfspf;if ,y;yq;fSk; md;W %lg;gl;ld. Vwf;Fiwa vy;NyhUNk ,uz;L jlit NfhtpYf;Fg; Nghthh;fs;. ,J xU r%f Kf;fpaj;Jtk; ngw;wJ vd;Nw nrhy;yyhk;. mtuth;fSila rpNdfpjh;fis re;jpg;gJ> Nfhtpy; Gy; jiuapy; mth;fSld; ciuahLtJ> gpwF mth;fisAk; $l;bf;nfhz;L tPl;Lf;Fg; Ngha; gpah; rhg;gpLtJ - ,itnay;yhk; thuhthuk; elf;Fk; rlq;Ffs; khjphp. gl;yh; nrhd;d gpufhuk; ehd; nrz;l; ghy;]; nfjpl;uy; vd;Dk; NfhtpYf;F ele;J nrd;Nwd;. gpujk ke;jphpapypUe;J efhpd; Kf;fpa];jh;fs; vy;NyhUk; mq;Nfjhd; topgLthh;fs; vd;W gl;yh; mwptpj;jpUe;jhd;. vy;NyhUk; mtuth;fs; FLk;gq;fSld; jkf;fhf xJf;fg;gl;bUe;j Mrdq;fspy; mkh;e;jpUe;jdh;. vdf;Fk; ,uz;lhtJ thpirapy; fpA+Nulhpd; Mrdj;Jf;F mUfpy; xU ehw;fhyp itf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ.

topghL nuhk;g Neuk; Mapw;W. gp\g; jkJ ciuapy; vdJ tUifiag; gw;wpAk; vjph;fhy khWjy;fisg; gw;wpAk; eh#f;fhf Rl;bf; fhl;bdhh;. Nkh]]; jkJ kf;fis <[pg;bypUe;J ,];NuYf;F $l;br;nrd;wJ Nghy ehDk; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J thrpfis nghpa gphpl;;lDf;F $l;bf;nfhz;L Nghf te;jpUg;gjhf nrhd;dhh;.

topghL Kbe;j gpwF vy;NyhUk; ntspNa te;J Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;Njhk;. “GJ Nkhr]; vd;W xUth; vd;id mioj;jhh;. Mdhy; mijg;gw;wp ehd; mf;fiu nra;atpy;iy.

“Nkhr]; khjhp gj;J GJ fl;;lisfisf; nfhz;L te;jpUf;fpwPh;fsh rh; [pahh;[;?”

vd;W xUth; Nfl;lhh;. “gioa fl;;lisfis mky;gLj;JtNj f\;lkhf ,Uf;fpwNj.”

“iggpisg; gbj;jpUe;jhy; cq;fSf;Nf njhpANk? ”vd;whh; [hd;. “mitfs; gpd;dhy; tUk;. ePq;fs; jha;ehL Nghd gpwF.

“mg;gbnad;why; ehd; ,q;NfNa ,Ue;JtpLfpNwd;>” vd;whh; mth;.

“ePq;fs; gioa fl;lisfisNa ,d;Dk; mky;gLj;jtpy;iy. Mifahy;

Gjpaitfisg; gw;wp Vd; ftiyg;gLfpwPh;fs;? ” vd;whh; [hd;. vy;NyhUk; rphpj;jhh;fs;.

ehq;fs; efh;e;jNghJ \Pyh te;jhs;. “,t;tsT mjpfhuk; ,Ug;gJ kdJf;F vg;gbj;

Njhd;WfpwJ?” vd;whs;.

“eP nrhy;tJ mh;j;jkhftpy;iyNa” vd;Nwd;.

“,e;ehl;bd; vjph;fhyNk cq;fs; cs;sq;ifapy;jhNd ,Uf;fpwJ.”

“cz;ikahfr; nrhd;dhy;> ehd; vg;NghJNk mjpfhuj;ij cgNahfg; gLj;jpajpy;iy>” vd;Nwd;. vd; gioa tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp mth;fSf;F njhpe;jhy; vd;idg; gw;wp ghpjhgg;gLthh;fNs jtpu nghwhikg;gl khl;lhh;fs;.

“Mdhy; cq;fSf;F mjpfhuk; ,Uf;fpwJ vd;W ehq;fs; epidf;fpNwhk;. mJjhNd

Kf;fpak;? ” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“mk;khjphp jg;ghd mgpg;gpuhaj;ij ehd; Vw;gLj;jtpy;iyNa? ” vd;Nwd;.

“vq;fs; mgpg;gpuhak; ePq;fs; elg;gijg; nghUj;J ,y;iy. cq;fSila me;j];j;ijg; nghUj;jJ. ePq;fs; Mq;fpy murhq;fj;jpd; J}Jth; vd;W vq;fSf;Fj; njhpAk;. epiyikia

mwpe;J vq;fis vd;d nra;a Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg; gw;wp KbT nra;aj;jhd; cq;fis mDg;gpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. mg;gbapy;iy vd;why; fpof;F Nfhs murhq;fk; ePq;fs; tUtjw;F

Ntz;ba Vw;ghLfis nra;jpUf;fkhl;lhh;fs;.”

“\Pyh> ,e;j cyfk; eP epidg;gijtpl nuhk;g rpf;fyhdJ>” vd;W ehd;

mwpTWj;jpNdd;. “,q;fpUg;gth;fs; ahUNk ,d;iwa ,q;fpyhe;jpy; re;Njh\khf ,Uf;f

KbahJ.”

“A+jh;fis Nkhr]; ,;];NuYf;F $l;br; nrd;wNghJ mth;fs; re;Njh\khf

,Ue;jhh;fsh?” \Pyh jpUg;gpf; Nfl;lhs;. “mJ mth;fs; tpjp. mNj khjphp ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;baJk; vq;fs; tpjp. vq;fis mq;Nf $l;bf;nfhz;L NghtJ cq;fs; nghWg;G.

cq;fisg; gw;wp ehd; nuhk;g ngUikg;gLfpNwd;>” vd;W nrhy;yp md;NghL jd; ifia vd; if kPJ itj;jhs;.

me;j epkplj;jpy; ehd; vd;Wk; ,y;yhj Mde;jk; mile;Njd;. tajhdth;fs; jq;fs; Mirfis epiwNtw;Wtjw;fhf vd;idg; ngUikg;gLj;jpg; NgRtJ Kf;fpaky;y. Mdhy; jd; ehl;Lf;fhf xU ,sk; ngz; thjhbdhy; vg;gb kWf;f KbAk;? mJTk; md;G fhl;bf; Nfl;lhy; vd;;d nrhy;tJ? ehDk; mts; ifia nfhQ;rk; mOj;jpNdd;.

“kjpa czTf;F vq;fNshL thUq;fs;>” vd;W \Pyh mioj;jhs;. “mg;gh mij

nuhk;g tpUk;Gthh;.”

“gl;yh; vd;id vjph;ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUg;ghNd>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fs; tho;f;ifia gl;yhplk; xg;gpj;Jtpl Ntz;lhk;. vq;fNshL rhg;gpLtjhf

mtDf;F nra;jp mDg;gptplyhk;.”

ehd; fpA+Nulh; FLk;gj;jpdUld; mth;fs; tPl;Lf;Fg; NghNdd;. \Pyh vd;id jdJ clik Mf;fpf;nfhz;lJ Nghyj; Njhd;wpaJ. ,sk; ngz;fs; cs;s kw;w ngw;Nwhh;fs; ehq;fs; Nghtij $h;ikahf ftdpj;jdh;.

“tof;fkhf Qhapud;W ehq;fs; kJtiffis cgNahfpg;gjpy;iy. Mdhy; xU Kf;fpa

tpUe;jpdh; ,Uf;Fk;NghJ mjw;F tpyf;fspf;fyhk;>” vd;W nrhy;yp [hd; ,uz;L lk;sh; gpah; nfhz;L te;jhh;. ,k;khjphp Fbg;gJ vdf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. Mdhy; tpUe;jpdh; vd;w Kiwapy; Ntz;lhk; vd;W nrhy;yTk; kdk; tutpy;iy. xU lk;sUf;Fg; gpwF kw;nwhd;Wk; te;jJ. filrpahf rhg;gpl cl;fhh;e;jnghOJ vdf;F vd;idAk; kPwp J}f;fk; tUk;Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. vd;d rhg;gpl;Nlhk; vd;Nw Qhgfk; ,y;iy.

“ePq;fs; ,UtUk; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUq;fs;. ehq;fs; tajhdth;fs;. nfhQ;rk; J}q;fg;

NghfpNwhk;” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L [hd; jk;gjpfs; mth;fs; miuf;Fg; Ngha;tpl;lhh;fs;.

\PyhTk; ehDk; jdpahf ,Ue;Njhk;. epiyik vdf;F xU Gjpuhf ,Ue;jJ. \PyhTf;F vd;Nky; md;G vd;Wk; mij mts; ngw;Nwhh;fSk; tpUk;Gfpwhh;fs; vd;Wk; ehd; njhpe;J nfhz;Nld;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; ,e;j khjphpahd gpur;ridfNs fpilahJ. xU MZk; ngz;Zk; xUtiunahUth; tpUk;gpdhy; mth;fs; clNd nrf;]; njhlh;G itj;Jf; nfhs;thh;fs;. mJ xU ehs;> xU thuk; my;yJ ,uz;L thuk; ePsyhk;. mjw;F Nky; Nghtij gg; tpUk;gtpy;iy. epue;jpu cwT r%f JNuhfk; vd;gJ gg; jj;Jtj;jpd; xU Kf;fpa mk;rk;. jpUkzKk;> FLk;gKk; uj;J nra;ag;gl;l gpd; mk;khjphp cwTfSf;F mtrpak; ,y;yhky; Ngha;tpl;lJ. Mdhy; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; gioa kuGfSk;> ePjpfSk; kf;fs; cs;sq;fis fth;e;jpUe;jd. ehd; ,q;Nf ntWk; ghh;itahsdhf ,Ug;gJ f\;lk; vd;Wk; mwpe;Njd;. r;rf; md;W nrhd;dJ cz;ikjhd;. czh;r;rptrg;glhky; gq;Fnfhs;tJjhd; ey;yJ. Mdhy; vt;tsT J}uk; gq;F nfhs;syhk;? mJTk; jpUkzj;jpy; <Lglhky;? m.K gof;ftof;fq;fisg; gw;wp glq;fspy; ghh;g;gJk; Gj;jfq;fspy; gbg;gJk; xd;W. Mdhy; gq;F nfhs;tJ kpfTk; rpf;fyhdJ vd;W njhpe;jJ.

“ePq;fs; uh[je;jphp Mtjw;F Kd;G gpuhjd rhpj;jpuj;jpy; mf;fiu

nfhz;bUe;jPh;fshNk? ” vd;W \Pyh Nfl;lhs;.

“cdf;F vg;gbj; njhpAk;?”

“mijg;gw;wp ePq;fs; ntl;fg;gl Ntz;bajpy;iy>” \Pyh rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl nrhd;dhs;.

“,q;Nf cq;fis mioj;J te;jth; jkJ ,e;jpa ez;gh;fSld; nrhy;ypapUg;ghh;Nghy; ,Uf;fpwJ. nra;jpfs; ,q;Nf rPf;fpuk; guTk;. ,q;fpyhe;J rhpj;jpuj;jpy; cq;fSf;F mf;fiuapUe;jhy; ePq;fs; ,e;j G];jfj;ijg; gbf;f Ntz;Lk;. ehq;fs; vy;NyhUk;

,jpypUe;Jjhd; gioa rhpj;jpuj;ijf; fw;fpNwhk;>” vdf;F xU rpW G];jfj;ij nfhLj;jhs;.

mJ Mq;fpy rhpj;jpuj;ij `h];a czh;Tld; vOjpa Gj;jfk;. “ehd; gbf;fpNwd;” vd;W thq;fpf; nfhz;Nld;.

ehq;fs; xNu Nrhghtpy;jhd; cl;fhh;e;jpUe;Njhk;. \Pyh nky;y nky;y efh;e;J vd;

gf;fj;jpy; mkh;e;jhs;. “,g;NghJ ,q;fpyhe;jpy; vy;yhk; vg;gb vd;W nrhy;Yq;fNsd;?” vd;W

vd; Njhs; kPJ jd; ifiag; Nghl;lhs;;. “vd;dplk; kl;Lk; nrhy;Yq;fs;. ehd; ahUlDk;

mijg; gw;wp Ngr khl;Nld;>” vd; Njhis nfhQ;rk; mOj;jpdhs;.

“vq;Nf Muk;gpg;gJ vd;Nw vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy>” vd;Nwd;. “vy;yhk; mt;tsT khwptpl;ld. ,q;Nf ,Ug;gth;fSf;F mij fw;gid nra;tNj f\;lkhf ,Uf;Fk;. mq;Nf

ePq;fs; ahuhtJ Nghdhy; mJ xU nghpa mjph;r;rpahf ,Uf;Fk;.”

“,Ue;jhYk; nrhy;Yq;fs;>” mts; nfhQ;rpdhs;. “Mz;fSk; ngz;fSk; ,g;NghJk; jdp ,lq;fSf;Fg; Nghtjpy;iyah? rpdpkhtpy; gp;d; thpirapy; cl;fhh;e;J nfhz;L Kj;jk;

itg;gjpy;iyah? ,Wf;fg; gpbj;J eldkhLtjpy;iyah? ”

mtSila clk;G ];ghprk; vdf;Fg; gl;lJ. Mdhy; kJTk;> czTk; xU Nrhh;itAk; cz;lhf;fpaJ. \Pyh NkYk; Nfs;tpfisf; Nfl;Lf;nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jhs;.

“,q;fpyhe;J Kd;khjphp ,g;NghJ jdp ehly;y. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpd; xU gFjp> mJTk;

xU rpwpa gFjp>” vd;Nwd;.

mijr; nrhd;dJk; ‘Vd; nrhd;Ndhk;’ vd;W Mfptpl;lJ. ‘,q;fpyhe;J xU Rje;jpu ehL

my;y vd;why; ePq;fs; vg;gb me;ehl;L J}Jtuhf tuyhk;? ” vd;W \Pyh clNd jpUg;gpf; Nfl;bUf;fyhk;. ey;y Ntisahf mts; kdJ NtW jpf;fpy; nrd;W nfhz;bUe;jJ.

“jdp ehly;yntd;why;> uh[FLk;gk;> ghh;ypnkz;l;> xd;WNk ,y;iyah? ”

“,y;iy”

“Mdhy; Mly; ghly;fSk; Nfspf;iffSk; gpukhjkhf ,Uf;FNk?”

nghJ Nfspf;iffisg; gw;wpAk; GJtpj nlyptp\d;> Mfhu tiffs;> itj;jpaj;jpy; Vw;gl;l Kd;Ndw;wq;fs;> Mz;ngz; cwT Rje;jpuk;> Mfpatw;iwg; gw;wpnay;yhk; nrhd;Ndd;.

“mg;gbah? ” vd;whs; \Pyh Mr;rhpaj;Jld;. “Mz; ngz; cwtpy; xU tpjp> xOq;F> tpRthrk;> ek;gpf;if> fhjy; xd;WNk fpilahjh? jpUkzk; vd;gjw;F xU J}a;ik>

Gdpjj;jd;ik vd;gNj ,y;iyah? ”

“J}a;ik> Gdpjj;jd;ik kl;Lky;y. jpUkzNk fpilahJ. Rkhh; [k;gJ tUlq;fSf;F Kd; kzk; rl;l tpNuhjkhf;fg;gl;lJ. ,Uth; Ntz;Lnkd;why; xd;whf ,Uf;fyhk;. Mdhy;

muRf;F ve;jtpjkhd epue;ju cwTk; $lhnjd;gJjhd; nfhs;if.”

“,e;j epiyikapy; Foe;ijfis vg;gb tsh;f;fpwhh;fs;? ” Nfl;lhs; \Pyh.

mjdhy; ehd; nraw;if Kiw Foe;ijfisg; gw;wpAk;> [dj;njhif fl;Lg;ghLgw;wpAk;> GJ Kiwf; fy;tpiag; gw;wpAk; nrhy;y Ntz;b Neh;e;jJ. \PyhTf;F ,itnay;yhk; nfhQ;rk; gaq;fukhf Njhd;wpapUf;f Ntz;Lk;. vd;dplk; ,Ue;J nfhQ;fk; js;sp cl;fhh;e;J nfhz;lhs;. Mdhy; ehd; gg; jj;Jtj;ijg; gw;wpAk; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk; xd;Wk; nrhy;ytpy;iy. ,Jtiu nrhd;dNj mtSf;F nghpa mjph;r;rpaha; ,Ue;jJ vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy.

rpwpJ Neuk; \Pyh Ngrtpy;iy. nky;y nky;y Kfj;jpy; nfhQ;rk; xsp tPr

Muk;gpj;jJ. “ePq;fs; nrhd;dnjy;yhk; nghpa Mr;rhpak;jhd;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; mjw;nfy;yhk; tpyf;fy;yth? vq;fs; gioa gz;ghL cq;fSf;F gpbj;jpUg;gjhf vdf;Fj; njhpfpwJ

,y;iyah?”

ehd; Guhjd rhpj;jpuj;ijf; fw;wtd;. Mjdhy; ehd; ,uz;L gz;ghLfSf;Fk; rhp nra;J nfhs;Ntd;.

“Mdhy; cq;fSf;F vJ gpbj;jJ? ”

“,q;Nf ,Ug;gJjhd; vdf;Fg; gpbj;jJ. vd; tho;f;ifapy; Kjy; jlitahf kdpjhgpkhdk; vd;why; vd;d vd;W mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;. ae;jpuq;fSf;Fk;> tpQ;Qhdj;Jf;Fk;> ehk; mbikahtijtpl mitfis ekf;F mbikahf;FtJjhd; Nky; vd mwpe;J

nfhz;Nld;. Mdhy; kdj;jpy;> Gdpjj; jd;ikapy; vdf;F ek;gpf;ifapy;iy>” vd;Nwd;.

“,q;fpyhe;jpYs;s kf;fs; vy;NyhUk; mwpT kpFjpahf tsh;e;j kpUfq;fsha; ,Uf;f

Ntz;Lk;>” vd;W \Pyh $wpdhs;. “ePjp> Neh;ik> r%f fz;zpak;> Kjypait mth;fSf;F

,y;iyNghy; ,Uf;fpwJ. Mdhy; ehq;fs; mq;Nf nrd;why; mijnay;yhk; khw;wptpLNthk;!”

jk; tho;f;ifapd; cah; juj;jpy; mtSf;F vt;tsT ek;;gpf;if ,Ue;jJ!

mg;Gwk; Ngr;R vg;gbj;jpUk;gpaJ vd;W vdf;F Qhgfkpy;iy. \Pyhtpd; kb kPJ jiy

itj;J ehd; cwq;fp tpl;Nld; vOe;jTld; kd;dpg;G Nfl;Nld;. Mdhy; \Pyh “ePq;fs; nuhk;g Nrhh;e;J Ngha; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk.; cq;fis vOg;g vdf;F kdk; tutpy;iy. Mdhy; kWgbAk;

re;jpj;J ek; Rthu];akhd rk;gh\iziaj; njhlu Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whs;.

* * *

md;W ,uT ehd; r;rf;Fld; njhlh;G nfhz;Nld;. ghpghi\ %yk; xUtiunahUth; njhpe;Jnfhz;l gpwF NgryhNdhk;.

vd; eltbf;iffisg; gw;wp mthplk; RUf;fkhf nrhd;Ndd;. Kf;fpahf ghh;ypnkz;l; tp[aj;ijg; gw;wp nrhd;Ndd;.

“fhw;W igfs; fplf;fl;L;;k;. ey;y ngz;fis re;jpj;jPh;fsh? ” vd;whh; mth;.

gpwF [hd; tPl;L tpUe;ijg; gw;wpAk;> khjh NfhtpYf;Fg; Nghdijg; gw;wpAk;

\Pyhitg; gw;wpAk; nrhd;Ndd;. “ehd; m.K rhpj;jpu Mrphpah; vd;W Vd; nrhd;dPh;fs;? vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“cq;fSf;F xU ey;y #o;epiyia Vw;gLj;Jtjw;fhfj;jhd;” vd;whh; r;rf;. “cq;fs;

njhopiyg; gw;wp nrhd;dhy;jhd; kw;wth;fSf;F cq;fs; Nky; nfhQ;rk; mf;fiw ,Uf;Fk;.”

“\Pyh ey;y mwpthsp. ey;y Ntisahf vd;id ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wp FWf;F

tprhuiz nra;atpy;iy>” vd;W ele;jij njspthf nrhd;Ndd;.

vd; ftiyia r;rf; ftdpj;jjhf njhpatpy;iy>” \Pyhit ,g;nghONj nuhk;g

gpbj;Jtpl;ljh? ” vd;whh;.

“,y;iy> ,y;iy. ehd;jhd; gg;igg; gpd;gw;Wgtd; Mapw;Nw.”

“ghh;g;gjw;F ed;whf ,Ug;ghsh? ”

“guthapy;iy>” vd;Nwd;.

“mtSila mwpTf;fhf kl;LNkjhd; nrf;]h? ”

“nrf;i]j; jtpu cq;fSf;F Ntw epidg;Ng ,y;iyah? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ehd; Kd;Ng cq;fSf;F njspthf nrhy;ypagb ,njy;yhk; tpQ;Qhd

Nritf;fhfj;jhd;>” vd;whh; r;rf;. “cq;fs; kfpo;r;rpf;fhfTk; $l vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. ehd;

nfhLj;j khj;jpiufis kwe;Jtpl Ntz;lhk;.”

“mitfs; Njitg;gLkh vd;gJ re;Njfk;” vd;Nwd;. “,dpNky; xt;nthU Qhapw;Wf;

fpoikAk; cq;fisf; $g;gpLfpNwd;.”

“ePq;fs; vg;gb nrhd;dhYk; rhp.” vd;W r;rf; Ngr;ir Kbj;jhh;.

* * *

mLj;j rpy thuq;fspy; vd; #o;epiyia ed;whf mwpe;Jnfhs;s tha;g;G fpilj;J. ghh;ypnkz;l; $l;lk; xj;jp itf;fg;gl;ljdhYk; gpujkh; xa;T vLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jjdhYk; vdf;F Ntiyapy;iy. vdJ rd;dj;Jfis rkh;g;gpg;gJk; js;spitf;fg;gl;lJ. gl;yhpd; J}z;Ljypd; Nghpy; ehd; Fjpiur; rthhp nra;af; fw;Wf; nfhz;Nld;. gpwF vq;fhtJ nry;y Ntz;Lnkd;why; Nlhq;fhit ek;gpapUf;f Ntz;bajpy;iy. vd; tho;ehs; KOJk; gpukhz;l fk;g;A+l;liuj; jtpu NtW ahUk; ftdpf;fhky;; Rw;wpg; gofpatDf;F vg;nghOJNk $l Nlhq;;fh xl;Lgtd; ,Ue;jhy; mJ njhe;jutspj;jJ. vy;yh rk;gtq;fSk; Nghf;Ftuj;JfSk; gg; %yk; gjpT nra;ag;gl;lhYk;> $lNt xU kdpjd; ,Ug;gJ vdf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy.

gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; khj;jpiufSk; ,y;yhky; ‘uh[hq;f J}Jth;’ Mf ebg;gJk; nfhQ;rk; f\;lkha; ,Ue;jJ. Fjpiu NkNyh> ele;Njh> jdpahf Rw;WtJ kdJf;F MWjiy mspj;jJ.

rpW tdq;fspYk; NkLgs;sq;fspYk; fpuhkg;Gwq;fspYk; jdpahf Rw;wpNdd;. ghoile;j njhopw;rhiyfSk;> kpd;rhuk; ,y;yhjfk;gpfSk; tpsf;Fkuq;fSk;> ae;jpu ghfq;fSk; gy ,lq;fspy; rpjwpf; fple;jd. Mdhy; B Njhl;lq;fs; Neh;j;jpahf guhkhpf;fg;gl;L te;jd. rpy rkaq;fspy; xU GJ tPL njhpAk;. Rw;wpYKs;s ghoile;j #o;epiyf;F mJ xU jpU\;b ghpfhuhk;Nghy; ,Uf;Fk;. kiyfspd; fPo; kl;lq;fspy; ney; tay;fSk;> fha;fwpj;Njhl;lq;fSk; ,Ue;jd. gy f\;lq;fSk; ,ilA+WfSk; ,Ue;Jk; tho;f;ifapy; kfpo;r;rpAk; rphpg;Gk; epiwa ,Uf;fpwkhjphp Njhd;wpaJ. kf;fSf;F ve;jtpjkhd ftiyAk; ,Ug;gjhfj; njhpatpy;iy. rpy rkaq;fspy; Ngr;Rk; $r;rYk; rz;il rr;ruTfSk; khdpl cwtpy; epiwe;jpUe;jJ. Mdhy; gak;> re;Njfk; vd;gNj mth;fsplk; ,y;iy. tho;ehs; G+uhTk; Nfs;tp Nfl;fhky; nrhd;dgb nra;Jte;j vdf;F ,e;j Rje;jpuk; Kjypy; xU nghpa mjph;r;rpahfTk; gpd;dhy; xU kd

vOr;rpahfTk; njhpe;jJ. ‘Rje;jpuk; Kd;Ndw;wj;Jf;F vjphp’ vd;Wk; gg; bf; ilg; gpd;gw;wpatDf;F ,k;khjphp Rje;jpukhf kf;fs; tho KbAkh vd;w Mr;rhpak; Vw;gl;lJ. ,e;j Kuz;ghLfs; vdf;F kpFe;j Ntjid mspj;jd.

rpy rkaq;fspy; fpuhkg;Guq;fspy; ehd; rpy kf;fis re;jpj;Njd;. vd; nts;isj; jiykapUk; nts;is KfKk; mth;fis re;Njfj;jpy; Mo;j;jpd. mth;fSf;Fs;NsNa Ngrpf; nfhs;thh;fs;.

“mJ ahh; me;j Ms;? ”

“cdf;Fj; njhpahjh? ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J te;j J}Jtiug; gw;wp eP

Nfs;tpg;gltpy;iyah? ”

“fk;gpf;F mg;ghy; ,Ue;J te;jtd; vd;why; jPh;j;JtpLNtd;.”

“ghh;j;jhy; mg;gbah ,Uf;fpwhh;? ”

xU jlit xU ngz; vd;idg; ghh;j;J> “,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J jq;fk; VjhtJ nfhz;L

te;jPh;fsh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhs;.

clNd mts; fztd;> “jq;fj;jhy; vd;d cgNahfk;. lh;igDf;F cgfuzq;fs;

nfhz;Lte;jpUe;jhy; gpuNah[dk; ,Uf;Fk;>” vd;whh;.

“kpd;rhuj;ijg; gw;wp vdf;F ftiyapy;iy. jq;fk; ,Ue;jhy; ,e;jpa ngz;fs; khjphp

ehDk; eif itj;Jf;nfhs;syhk;.”

nghJthf fpuhk kf;fs; rpNdfghtj;NjhL ,Ue;jhh;fs;. B my;yJ fhg;gp Fbf;f

mioj;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; Foe;ijfSf;F vd;idf; fhz;gpj;J> “ghh; jha; ehl;bypUe;J

te;jth;” vd;W ngUikNahL nrhd;dhh;fs;. jiyefhpy; ,Ue;jth;fistpl nuhk;g ghku kf;fshf Njhd;wpdh;.

Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; ,Ue;j ve;j xU rTfhpaKk; ,q;Nf vdf;F ,y;iy. 3-D

nlyptp\d;> J}ug; Ngr;Rf;F NghNdhtp\d;> rPNjh\;zfl;Lg;ghL> gykl;lq;fspy; XL;k; ghiw thfdq;fs;> Nfspf;if kidfs;> Rygkhd> rpf;fy; ,y;yhj nrf;]; tho;f;if> ,it xd;WNk ,y;iy. cyfj;jpNyNa kpf [d neUf;fKs;s efuj;jpy; ehd; gpwe;J tsh;e;jpUe;jhYk; mq;F jdpik ,Ue;jNj jtpu Njhoik> md;dpNahd;ak;> md;GwT> ,it fpilahJ. Mdhy; ehd; jdpikaha; ,Ue;Njd; vd;W ,q;F tUk;tiuf;Fk; vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy. ehd;kl;Lky;y Nkw;FNfhsj;jpYs;s xt;nthUtUk; xU jPT khjphp. ghe;jk; vd;gNj fpilahJ. Mdhy; ,q;Nf cwT> md;G> Rje;jpuk;> njhlh;G ,itfs;jhd; Kf;fpakhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. kdpj r%fk;, kdpj mgpkhdk; vd;wtw;iw ,q;F te;jgpd;jhd; ehd; czh;e;Njd;. Neha;fs;> tpgj;Jfs;> rhTfs; epiwa ,Ue;jhYk;> nghwhik> ntWg;G> rz;il Kjypaitfs; ,Ue;jhYk; md;G> tpRthrk;> jpahfk; ,it vy;yhtw;wpf;Fk; Nkyhf ey;yJ nfl;lJ vd;gjw;F tpj;jpahrk; ,e;j Fzq;fSk; ,th;fsplk; epiwa ,Ue;jd. Kjypy; ,it vdf;F ed;whf Ghpahtpl;lhYk; ehshtl;lj;jpy; ,itfnsy;yhk; vdf;F tho;f;ifapy; xU GJ cw;rhfj;ij cz;lhf;fpd;.

tpthjk;jhd; ,th;fSila %r;rhf ,Ue;jJ. xUtiug; gw;wp ,d;ndhUth; vd;d nrhd;dhYk; rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; mij kwe;Jtpl;L ifFYf;fp jkh\hf Ngrp ez;gh;fs; MfptpLthh;fs;. [dj;njhif rpwpjhapUe;jhYk; vg;nghOJ ghh;j;jhYk; rz;il gpbg;gJk; rpNdfkhtJNkh mth;fs; njhopy; khjphp Njhd;wpaJ.

efuj;jpd; $l;;;lkhd ,lq;fSf;Fr; nrd;W rhjhuz kf;fs; vg;gb tho;fpwhh;fs; vd;W njhpe;Jnfhs;s ehd; Mirg;gl;Nld;. Fbf;Fkplq;fspYk;> czTr; rhiyfspYk; mth;fis

re;jpf;f tpUk;gpNdd;. Mdhy; [hd; Ntz;lhnkd;W mwpTWj;jpdhh;. “,J xU Rje;jpu ehL. Mdhy; rpy rkaq;fspy; me;j Rje;jpuk; fl;Lf;F kPwptpLfpwJ. ePq;fs; cq;fs; me;j];j;Jf;F jFe;jth;fNshNl cwthLtJjhd; ey;yJ ePq;fs; VjhtJ tpthjj;jpNyh rz;ilapNyh

khl;bf;nfhz;lhy; ek; cwTf;F ey;yjy;y>” vd;whh;.

mtUila vr;rhpf;ifia Gwf;fzpj;Jtpl;L ehd; xUehs; efUf;Fs; nrd;Nwd;. gl;yhplk;$l ngha; nrhy;y Ntz;bapUe;jJ. vd;id ahUf;Fk; milahsk; njhpahjpUf;f

nfhQ;rk; ,Ul;lhd gpwF nrd;Nwd;. tPjp tpsf;Ffs; mjpfk; ,y;iy. efuk; nuhk;g mRj;jkhf ,Ue;jJ. vq;F ghh;j;jhYk; Fg;ig> $sk;> [yjhiufspy; mOf;Fj; jz;zPh;. efhpd; xU mk;rk; vdf;F clNd gl;lJ. mJjhd; Rtw;Wg; gj;jphpf;iffs; fhfpjf; FiwtpdhYk; mr;rbf;Fk; ae;juf; FiwtpdhYk; ahh; vd;d nrhy;y tpUk;gpdhYk; mij Rtw;wpy; vOjp tpLthh;fs;. khiy Neuj;jpy; kf;fs; mijg; gbj;J urpg;ghh;fs;. `h];akhf VjhtJ vOjpapUe;jhy; mq;Nf $l;lk; epiwa ,Uf;Fk;. rpy ,lq;fspy; ,jw;fhfNt Rth;fs;

xJf;fg;gl;bUe;jd. mitfSf;F ‘Rje;jpur; Rth;’ vd;W ngah;. ahh; vd;d Ntz;LkhdhYk; vOjyhk;. kw;w Rth;fs;; murhq;fj;Jf;Fk;> murpay; fl;rpfSf;Fk; xJf;fp itf;fg;gl;bUe;jd. ,Ul;lhfptpl;ljhy; ehd; mitfisg; gbf;f Kbatpy;iy. Mdhy; xU ,lj;jpy; ,Ue;j

jiyaq;fj;ijg; ghh;;f;f Kbe;jJ. ‘r;rh;Rf;fhfTk; r;rh;r;rpYf;fhfTk; NghhpLNthk;’ vd;wpUe;jJ. gg; jj;Jtj;jpd; KiwfSk; cj;jpfSk;> EZf;fq;fSk; ,th;fSf;F ,y;yhtpl;lhYk; ,th;fs; ifahz;l KiwAk; kpfTk; ey;yjhf vdf;Fg; gl;lJ. thh;j;ijfs; Mf;fpukpg;igAk; gyhj;fhuj;ijAk; J}z;Ltdthf vdf;Fg;gl;lJ. Mdhy; kw;wth;fs; mjw;F mt;tsT mf;fiw fhl;bajhfj; njhpatpy;iy.

nghJkf;fspd; Kf;fpakhd nghOJNghf;F kJ rhg;gpLtJjhd;. filtPjpapy; kJ tpw;Fk;> Fbf;Fk; ,lq;fs; Vuhskhf ,Ue;jd. gioa ,q;fpyhe;jpYs;s ngah;fs;jhd; mitfSf;Fk; itf;fg;gl;bUe;jd. mLj;jgbahf ehlf kd;wq;fSk;> ngz;fs; miu eph;thzkhf MLk; ,lq;fSk; kpFe;jpUe;jd.

xNu xU jlit ehd; Fbf;Fk; ghh; xd;Wf;Fs; nrd;Nwd;. cs;Ns Vfg;gl;l $l;lk;. Ngr;R rj;jKk; mjpfkha; ,Ue;jJ. Nki[fs; ehw;fhypfnsy;yhk; mOf;Fg;gl;bUe;jd. gioa kJ ehw;wk; vq;Fk; tpahg;gpj;jpUe;jJ. kJghdq;fs; Cw;Wk; ,lj;jpy; rpy fpope;j glq;fs; itf;fg;gl;bUe;jd. xU %iyapy; rpyh; gzk; itj;J rPl;lhbf;nfhz;bUe;jdh;. xU epkplk; vy;yhk; ghh;j;Jtpl;L ntspNa Ngha;tpl KbT nra;Njd;.

mg;NghJ> “ePq;fs; ,q;Nf Gjpath;. ,y;iyah?” vd;whs; xU fdj;j ngz;.

“Mk;” vd;W xj;Jf;nfhz;Nld;.

“cq;fSf;F gh;kpl; ,Uf;fpwjh? ” vd;whs;.

mts; nrhd;dJ vdf;Fg; Ghpatpy;iy.

“gh;kpl; ,y;yhky; ,q;Nf tuf;$lhJ. njhpahjh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhs;.

mg;NghJjhd; vdf;F kJ Fbf;f gh;kpl; Ntz;Lk; vd;gJ Qhgfk; te;jJ. NkYk; mg;gb VjhtJ Fbj;jhYk; mij thq;f gzk; nfhz;L tutpy;iy vd;gijAk; czh;e;Njd;.

“ehd; Rk;kh ghh;f;fj;jhd; te;Njd;.”

me;jg; ngz; vd;id Vwpl;Lg; ghh;j;jhs;. vd; cilfisAk; Kfj;ijAk; ed;whf

ghh;j;Jtpl;L “vy;yhk; ghh;j;jhfptpl;ljh my;yJ ,d;Dk; nfhQ;rk; ghh;f;f Ntz;Lkh? ” vd;W Nfhgj;NjhL Nfl;lhs;.

vdf;F gakha; ,Ue;jJ. “ehd; te;J…… VNjh ….. Rk;kh>” vd;W ,Oj;Njd;.

“Viofs; vg;gbf; Fbf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W ghh;f;f te;ijah? cdf;fpUf;fpwnjy;yhk;

vq;fSf;Fk; ,Uf;fpwJ. nfhQ;rk; [h];jpahfNt ,Uf;fpwJ. vd;d njhpQ;rjh? ”

“tpul;L KLf;F [yPd;” vd;W xUtd; ghUf;F gpd;dhypUe;J fj;jpdhd;.

“rhp! Ngh ntspNa>” vd;W vd;idg; gpbj;J js;spdhs;.

mNj rkaj;jpy; xU ,sk; ngz; cs;Ns te;jhs;. “[ypd;! nfhQ;rk; nghW. mtiu

vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. mtUf;F ehd; [hkpd;>” vd;whs;.

[yPd; vd;w ngz; vd;id ntspNa js;Stij epWj;jp jd; ifia vLj;Jf;

nfhz;lhs;. cs;Nste;j ngz; vd;idg; ghh;j;J “vd;d rhg;gpLfpwPh;fs;? ” vd;W Nfl;lhs;.

“ehd; gzk; xd;Wk; nfhz;Ltutpy;iy. Rk;kh ghh;f;fyhnkd;W cs;Ns te;Njd;.

cq;fsplkpUe;J ghdk; thq;fpf;nfhs;tJ rhpay;y>” vd;Nwd;.

“rhpahf ele;Jnfhs;gth; Nghy; ,Uf;fpwPh;fNs?” vd;whs; me;jg; ngz;. “gpwF

[yPDld; “tof;fk;Nghy; ,uz;L nfhz;Lth>” vd;whs;.

gpwF vd;idg; ghh;j;J> “rq;flg;gl Ntz;lhk;. ePq;fs; ahh; vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;.

ePq;fs; ,q;F te;j md;W $l;lj;jpy; epd;W ehDk; cq;fisg; ghh;j;Njd;.”

me;jg; ngz; vd;id milahsk; njhpe;Jnfhz;ljhy; vd; rq;flk; mjpfkhapw;Nw jtpu Fiwatpy;iy. gioa kJ ehw;wKk; Gifapiyg; GifAk; vd;idj; jpzu itj;jd. ,e;j #o;epiyapy; vd;dhy; Fbf;fKbAkh vd;gNj re;Njfkhf ,Ue;jJ.

“gag;gl Ntz;lhk;. ,q;Nf ePq;fs; re;Njh\khf ,Ue;J mDgtpf;fyhk;. ahUk; cq;fis fz;Lnfhs;skhl;lhh;fs;. gpwF Ntz;Lnkd;why; vd; tPl;Lf;F nrd;W jdpahf

,Uf;fyhk;>” mts; fz;izr; rpkpl;bdhs;.

Mdhy; ftiy> gak; vd;idtpl;L ePq;ftpy;iy.

mts; xU ,sk; ngz;. ghh;g;gjw;F ey;y Kfk;. cUz;L jpuz;l clk;G. Kfj;jpy; Vuhskhf ngslh; Nghl;L myq;fhpj;jpUe;jhs;. mJ ,y;yhtpl;lhy; Kfk; ,d;Dk; Nrhgpj;jpUf;Fk;.

vq;fs; ghdq;fs; te;jd. xU Fb rhg;gpl;lJk; njhz;ilapy; neUg;G gw;wpf; nfhz;lkhjphp ,Ue;jJ.

“vd; ngah; Nkhp” vd;whs; jd; lk;shpy; ghjpia xU Klf;fpy; Fbj;Jtpl;L.

“cq;fSf;F ftiy Ntz;lhk;. ePq;fs; ,q;Nf te;jijg; gw;wp ehd; ahUlDk; nrhy;y khl;N;ld;.

“nuhk;g tzf;fk;>” vd;Nwd;.

“mg;gb ehd; Ngrpdhy; kWgbAk; ePq;fs; tukhl;Bh;fNs>” vd;whs;. gpwF “Vd;> me;j

gpuhz;b gpbf;ftpy;iyah?”

“rhg;gpl;L vdf;F tof;fkpy;iy.”

“vd;d ghy; Fbj;Jj;jhd; tof;fkh? ” vd;whs; Nkhp rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl. gpwF ghUf;Fg;

Ngha; xU lk;sh; jz;zPh; nfhz;L te;J vd; lk;shpy; fyf;fpdhs;. “,d;Dk; rpy ehl;fspy;

kw;wth;fs; khjphpNa ePq;fSk; Fbf;f Muk;gpj;JtpLtPh;fs;.”

gpwF ehd; nkJthf Fbf;f Muk;gpj;Njd;.

“cq;fs; ngah; rh; [pahh;[; vd;W Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld;. ePq;fs; vd;d ntWk; iel;lh

my;yJ fhh;l;lh; iel;lh?”

“ntWk; iel;jhd;.”

“guthapy;iy. fhh;l;lh; vd;dplk; ,Uf;fpwJ” vd;W jd; njhiliaj; njhl;L

fhz;gpj;jhs;. mg;NghJjhd; vdf;F ‘fhh;l;lh;’ vd;why; fhy; ciuia NkNy ,Oj;Jf; fl;Lk; nfhf;fp vd;w Qhgfk; te;jJ.

ePykiythrpfspilNa jpUkzk;> FLk;gk; vd;Dk; epWtdq;fs; kpfTk; Kf;fpakhdit vd;W ehd; mwpe;jpUe;Njd;. Mdhy; Nkhpapd; ,lJ if Nkhjpu tpuypy; Nkhjpuj;ijf; fhNzhk;. MfNt mtSf;F fypahzk; Mftpy;iy vd;gij A+fpj;Jf; nfhz;Nld;.

“ePq;fs; ,q;Nf nuhk;g ehs; ,Uf;fg; NghfpwPh;fsh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhs; Nkhp.

“,d;Dk; Kbthftpy;iy. mJ gy gpur;ridfisg; nghUj;J ,Uf;fpwJ.”

“,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghf Kbe;jhy;$l vd; Nghd;wth;fSf;F mJ f\;lkhf ,Uf;Fk;.”

“,d;Dk; gy gpur;ridfs; ,Uf;fpd;wd. Mdhy; ehshtl;lj;jpy; vy;yhk; rhpahfptpLk;.”

“rPf;fpuk; FbAq;;fs; vd; tPl;Lf;Fg; Nghfyhk;>” vd;whs; Nkhp.

“ehd; rPf;fpuk; jpUk;gpg; Nghf Ntz;Lk;” vd;Nwd;.

“vd; khjphp me;j];J cilath;fNshL gof cq;fSf;F ,\;lkpUf;fhJ>”

vd;whs; Nkhp. “Mdhy; ,utpy; ahUk; cq;fisf; fz;Lnfhs;s KbahJ. ehk; rpwpJ Neuk;

jkh\hf fhyk; Nghf;fyhk;.”

NtW topapy;iy. ehd; NkhpAld; mts; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;Nwd;. ehq;fs; Rkhh; [e;J epkplk; ele;J xU re;jpy; jpUk;gpNdhk;. rpwpJ J}uj;jpy; ,Ul;lha; ,Ue;Jk; Nkhp vd; ifiag; gpbj;Jf;nfhz;L rpy gbf;fl;Lfis Vwp xU fjitj; jpwe;jhs;. cs;Ns xU nkOF jphp kq;fyhd xspiag; gug;gpaJ. cs;Ns rpy gpuk;G ehw;fhypfSk; xU NrhghTk; ,Ue;jJ. Nkhp nfhQ;rk; gpufhrkhd tpsf;if Vw;wpaTld; cs;Ns xU gLf;if miwAk; njhpe;jJ. Kd; miwapy; gioa Nghl;Nlhf;fSk; rpy myq;fhug; nghUs;fSk; ,Ue;jd. lhk;gPfkhf ,y;yh tpl;lhYk;> vy;yhk; Rj;jkhfTk; Neh;j;jpahfTk; ,Ue;jd.

vd;d nra;tnjd;W njhpahky; ehd; epd;Wnfhz;bUe;Njd;. “cl;fhUq;fs; ehd; xU

tp];fp nfhz;L tUfpNwd;>” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L cs;Ns nrd;whs;.

,uz;L [hb fg;fspy; ghdk; nfhz;Lte;jhs;. “tp];fp ,e;j [hb fg;fspypUe;J

Fbj;jhy;jhd; Urpahf ,Uf;Fk;. mJTk; tPl;by; fz;zhb lk;sh;fs; ,y;yhtpl;lhy;>” vd;whs;.

“vt;tsT tp];fp vt;tsT jz;zPh; vd;W eP;q;fs; nrhy;y KbahJ. ,y;iyah? ”

mts;; jdJ ghjciufisf; fol;btpl;L> “,q;Nf gf;fj;jpy; te;J cl;fhh;e;J

nfhs;Sq;fs;” vd;W NrhghTf;F mioj;jhs;.

ehd; mq;Nf Ngha; cl;fhh;e;jJk; jd; iffshy; vd;id mizj;J Kj;jkpl;lhs;. gpwF vd; khh;igAk; iffisAk; fhy;fisAk; ed;whf mOj;jp njhl;Lg; ghh;j;jhs;. vy;yhk; vdf;F Mr;rphpakhf ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; ehd; xU ghh;itahsdhf ,Ue;NjNd jtpu gq;Fnfhs;stpy;iy. rpy epkplq;fSf;F mg;Gwk; jd; fhjy; tpisahl;il epWj;jpf; nfhz;lhs;.

“,q;fpyhe;jpy; vy;yhNk jhNd ,aq;Fk; vd;W ehd; Nfs;tpg;gl;bUf;fpNwd;. nrf;];$l

mg;gbj;jhNdh? ” vd;whs; Nkhp.

“mg;gbay;y>” vd;W kOg;gpNdd;.

“xUNtis vd;id cq;fSf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iyNah? ” vd;whs;. “cq;fs; khjphpNa ntz;ikahd jiykaph; cilath;fisj;jhd; gpbf;FNkh? mg;gbnad;why; ,q;Nf g;shz;l;];

ahUNk ,y;iy.”

“cdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy>” vd;Nwd;.

vdJ epuhfhpg;ghy; Nkhp nuhk;g mtkhdg;gl;ljhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. Mdhy; nraw;if fUj;jhpg;igg; gw;wpAk;> mk;khjhp gpwe;jth;fSf;F nrf;]; mjpfk; Njitapy;iynad;Wk; vg;gb nrhy;tJ? vq;Nf Muk;gpg;gJ?

“cz;ikahfNt ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J te;j xU Mq;fpNyaDld; nrf;]; ,Ue;jhy; ed;whf ,Uf;Fk; vd;W epidj;Njd;. Mdhy; ehd; nfhLj;J itf;ftpy;iyNghy; ,Uf;fpwJ.

guthapy;iy. ,e;j Chpy; vdf;fhf gyh; fhj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. gpujkhpypUe;J.”

mts; nrhd;dJ vdf;F Mr;rhpakhf ,Ue;jJ. ngUikf;fhfTk; jd; Vkhw;wj;ij kiwf;fTk; ,k;khjphp NgRtjhf epidj;Njd;. jpUkzj;jpd; J}a;ikiag; gw;wpAk; FLk;gj;jpd; Gdpjj;ijg; gw;wpAk; ngUikg;gLk; ,e;j Chpy; gpujkh; Nghd;wth;fs; mk;khjphp ele;Jnfhs;thh;fs; vd;W ehd; epidf;ftpy;iy.

“vd;id ePq;fs; ek;gtpy;iy>” vd;whs; Nkhp. “,e;j Ch; tof;fk; vd;dntd;why;> gz trjp ,Uf;Fk; xt;nthU MZk; xU itg;ghl;bia itj;Jf;nfhs;tJ tof;fk;. mth;fis ed;whf ftdpj;Jf; nfhs;thh;fs;. kidtpfis mrl;il nra;jhYk; vq;fis nra;akhl;lhh;fs;. ehq;fSk; mth;fSf;F cz;ik tpRthrj;NjhL ele;Jnfhs;Nthk;. mth;fs; ufrpaq;fs; vy;yhk; kidtpkhh;fistpl vq;fSf;Fj;jhd; ed;whfj; njhpAk;. vy;NyhUf;FNk ,J nuhk;g rTfhpak;. kidtpfSf;F njhpe;jhy;$l mijg;gw;wp mt;tsthf ftiyg;gLtjpy;iy. ,g;nghOJ vdf;F ahUk; ,y;iy. mjdhy; khl;rpik jq;fpa Mq;fpy kd;dhpd; J}JtUf;F itg;ghl;baha; ,Ue;jhy; mJ xU GJ mDgtk; vd;W epidj;Njd;.

mt;tsTjhd;.”

kJtpd; J}z;LjypdhYk; Nkhpapd; Ngr;rpdhYk; vd; ntl;fKk; gaKk; eOtpaJ. ehd; nraw;if fUj;jhpg;G Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk;> Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk; Nfspf;if> nghOJNghf;F topfisg; gw;wpAk; tphpthfr; nrhd;Ndd;. Nkhpjhd; ePykiyfspy; vd; cz;ikahd rpNdfpjp Mdhs;. ehd; nrhd;dijnay;yhk; Nfl;l gpwF Nkhpf;F vd;Nky; kpFe;j gr;rhjhgKk; xUtpj Mh;tKk; Vw;gl;bUf;f Ntz;Lk;. kWgbAk; vd;id gf;fj;jpypOj;J nfhQ;rp Fyhtpdhs;. nky;y gLf;if miwf;F mioj;Jr; nrd;W vd; Milfis mfw;wp gLf;f itj;jhs; rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; ,UtUk; Mde;jj;jpy; Mo;e;Njhk;.

“cq;fSf;F ,d;Dk; nfhQ;rk; gapw;rp nfhLj;jhy; rpy ehl;fspy; vy;yhk;

rhpahfptpLk;>” vd;whs; Nkhp.

“,q;Nf vy;yhNk vdf;F GJikahf ,Uf;fpWJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fs; elj;ij vg;gb ,Uf;fpwJ njhpAkh?” vd;W Nfl;lhs; Nkhp. “ehd; nrhy;tjw;F Nfhgk; nfhs;s Ntz;lhk;. ePq;fs; jpdKk; mbf;fg;gl;l xU rpW eha; Fl;bkhjphp gae;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;. ghy; Fbf;Fk;NghJ vy;yhk; mij mbj;jhy; ghNy Ntz;lhk; vd;W MfptpLk;. ,q;fpyhe;jpy; vy;NyhUNk ,g;gbj;jhNdh? mg;gbapUe;jhy; ehd; ,q;NfNa

,Ue;JtpLfpNwd;.”

“,Jtiuapy; ehd; re;jpj;jth;fSf;Fs; eP xUj;jpjhd; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F Nghftpy;iy

vd;W nrhy;fpwha;.”

“Rk;kh Rw;wpg; ghh;g;gjw;F Nghtjpy; vdf;F Ml;Nrgid ,y;iy. mq;fpUg;gth;fSf;F tho;tpy; vJ re;Njh\k; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhLg;Ngd;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ cz;ik

vd;why; ehd; mq;Nf trpf;fg;Nghtjp;y;iy.”

mtSld; NgRtJ vdf;F nuhk;g kfpo;r;rpia mspj;jJ. kdjpy; cs;s ftiyfisAk; gpur;ridfisAk; rPf;fpuk; kwf;fr; nra;Jtpl;lhs;. ehd; kWgbAk; mtisg; ghh;g;gnjd;Wk; r;rf; mspj;j khj;jpiufis mjw;F Kd;dhy; rhg;gpLtnjd;Wk; cWjp nra;J nfhz;Nld;. mtSf;F VjhtJ xU ntFkjp mspf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;Wk; Njhd;wpaJ.

“vd;Dld; xU epue;ju Vw;ghL nra;Jnfhs;s cq;fSf;F tpUg;gkh? ” vd;W tpizak;

,y;yhky; Nfl;lhs; Nkhp. “mjw;F Njtjhrp Kiw vd;W ngah;. Guhjd ,e;jpahtpypUe;J

ehq;fs; fw;Wf; nfhz;litfspy; ,JTk; xd;W.”

“vdf;F nuhk;g ,\;lk;.”

“vdf;F gzk; ,Uf;fpwJ. ,Ue;jhYk; ePq;fs; vd;id ftdpj;Jf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;.

cq;fSila itg;ghl;b vd;w me;j];J vdf;Fj; NjitNa jtpu gzk; Njitapy;iy.”

gpwF Nkhp vd;id Kf;fpa ghij tiuapYk; nfhz;LNgha; tpl;lhs;. N`k;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;F ele;J NghNdd;. ,e;j mDgtk; vjph;ghuhjjhfTk; E}jdkhfTk; ,Ue;jjhy; cs;sj;ijf; fyf;fpaJ. Kuz;gl;;l czh;r;rpfs; jiynaLj;jd. Mdhy; vd;Wk; fhzhj xU uk;kpaKk; ,Ue;jJ.

“ehq;fs; nuhk;g ftiyg;gl;Nlhk; rhh;>” vd;whd; gl;yh;. “ePq;fs; Jizapy;yhky; efUf;Fs; NghapUf;ff;$lhJ. mjdhy; Vw;gLk; mghaq;fs; jtpu cq;fSila me;j];j;Jf;F

mJ rhpapy;iy. ghku kf;fNshL ePq;fs; rf[khf goFtJ cfe;jjy;y.”

“,J [dehaf ehlhapw;Nw? vy;NyhUk; rkk;jhNd? ” vd;Nwd; nfhQ;rk; FWk;ghf.

“murpay; rkj;Jtk; xd;W. r%f rkj;Jtk; NtW>” vd;whd; gl;yh;.

Nkhpia gl;yUf;Fj; njhpahky; re;jpg;gJ vg;gb vd;W Nahrid nra;ayhNdd;.

-----------------------------

mj;jpahak; vl;L

rpW ,q;fpyhe;ijg; nghUj;jtiuapy; ,uz;L tp\aq;fs; vdf;F Kf;fpakhfg;gl;ld. xd;W mth;fspd; FUfyhd tho;f;if. MW jiyKiwfshf mth;fs; rpy rJu fpNyh kPl;lh; gug;gstpy; tho Ntz;ba eph;g;ge;jk; Nehpl;lJ. ntsp cyifg; gw;wp mth;fSf;F xd;WNk njhpahJ. Mdhy; mth;fs; kdk; rpiwapy; milf;fg;gltpy;iy. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpYk; vt;tsT Kd;Ndw;wk; Vw;gl;Lk; ahUk; jkJ #o;epiyiatpl;L mjpf J}uk; nry;tjpy;iy. ntspAyifg; gw;wp gg; nrhd;dJjhd; vy;NyhUf;Fk; njhpAk;. kdpjh;fspd; kdJ gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;ljhy; tho;f;if khWjypd;wp> Ritaw;wjhfptpl;lJ. mk;khjphp kdj;ij rpiwapypLtJjhd; f\;lkhf ,Ue;jNj jtu xNu ,lj;jpy; ,Ug;gJ mt;tsT fbdkhdjhf Njhd;wtpy;iy.

,uz;lhtJ ,e;j ePykiyfspy; gy mj;jpahtrpa nghUs;fs; ,y;yhjjhy; njhopy; r%fk; xU tptrha r%fkhf khwptpl;lJ. cNyhfq;fs; ,y;yhjjhy; rhjhuzkhf md;whl cgNahfj;jpypUf;Fk; gy nghUs;fs; gw;whf;Fiwahfptpl;ld. tpQ;Qhd mwpT ,Ue;Jk;$l mij cgNahfg;gLj;j Kbatpy;iy. Kd;G cNyhfq;fspy; nra;j nghUs;fs; ,g;NghJ kuj;jpdhYk; fspkz;zhYk; nra;ag;gl;L te;jd. mg;nghUs;fs; GJ fiyaoF ngw;wpUe;jd. ,jd; fhuzkhf mth;fs; gy Gjpa cj;jpfisAk; jpwikfisAk; tpUj;jp nra;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ,itfs; Guhjd ,e;jpahit Qhgf %l;baNj jtpu ,q;fpyhe;J njhlh;r;rpia epidT+l;ltpy;iy. ,k;khjphp cw;gj;jp nra;tjhy; mth;fSf;F ey;y njhopy; jpUg;jpAk; Vw;gl;bUe;jJ. Mdhy; Mq;fpy kuG vd;W nrhy;ypf;nfhz;L mth;fs; filg;gpbf;Fk; KiwfSk; gof;f tof;fq;fSk;jhd; rphpg;Gf; Fhpajha; ,Ue;jd.

,aw;if tsk; ,y;yhtpl;lhYk;> nghJthf kf;fs; ey;y tho;f;if elj;jpte;jhh;fs;. Vo;ik mRj;jk;> epiwa ,Ue;jd. Neha;fspd;kPJ fl;Lg;ghL ,y;iy. Foe;ijfs; rhT epiwa ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; Foe;ijfs; gpwg;Gk; mjpfkhf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. tPjpfspy; vq;F ghh;j;jhYk; epiwa Foe;ijfs; tpisahbf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. xOq;F> fl;Lg;ghL nfhQ;rk;$l ,y;yhtpl;lhYk;> Rje;jpuk;> jd;ek;gpf;if Vuhskhf ,Ue;jd. ,Jjhd; rhp> ,J Fw;wk; vd;W nrhy;tjw;F ,q;Nf ahUNk ,y;iyNghy; Njhd;wpaJ. #jhl;lk; mth;fs; tho;f;ifapy; Kf;fpaj;Jtk; ngw;wpUe;jJ. ,U egh;fSf;Fs;Ns xU mgpg;gpuha Ngjk; te;jhy; clNd ge;jak; fl;l Muk;gpj;JtpLthh;fs;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; fPo;gbjy;jhd; ey;y Fzk; vd;W ehd; fw;wpUe;Njd;. Mdhy; ePykiyfspy; rthy;tpLtJjhd; Kf;fpak; vd;W vy;NyhUk; epidj;jhh;fs;.

,e;j Rje;jpu tho;T vdf;F nuhk;g Mr;rhpaj;ijj; je;jJ. xU rpW mjpUg;jp Vw;gl;lhy;$l [dq;fs; NtiyepWj;jk; nra;jhh;fs;. tPl;L Ntiyahl;fs; $l rpy rkak; Ntiyf;F tukhl;lhh;fs;. Ch;tyq;fis elj;JtJ> filfis %LtJ> tPjpfspy; Nfh\k; nra;tJ> ,itnay;yhk; rh;trhjhuzk;. xU rpW $l;lk; ,Ue;jhy;$l mq;Nf xU Ngr;rhsh; te;JtpLthh;. nrhw;nghopT Nfl;gJjhd; vy;NyhUf;Fk; nghpa nghOJ Nghf;fhf ,Ue;jJ. mjw;F xd;Wf;Fj;jhd; bf;nfl; ,y;iy.

ehd; ,q;F te;j xU thuj;Jf;Fg; gpwF vjph;f;fl;rpapdh; xU Ml;Nrgf; $l;lk; elj;jpdh;. murhq;fj;jpd; ntspehl;Lf; nfhs;iff;F vjph;g;G njhptpf;Fk; Kiwapy; ,f;$l;lk;

Vw;ghL nra;ag;gl;lJ. Nygnunlhhp fl;rpiar; Nrh;e;j njhz;lh;fs; rpfg;G – nts;is epwk; cs;s Jz;Lfs; jk; fOj;jpy; fl;bf;nfhz;L murhq;fj;Jf;F vjpuhf Nfh\q;fs; fpsg;gpdh;. gpujkiu Nfyp nra;Ak; Kiwapy; rpy ghl;Lf;fisAk; ghbdhh;fs;.

/G+yp\; ghy;l;tpd; Nfh> Nfh> Nfh!

Kl;lhs; ghy;l;tpd; Ngh> Ngh> Ngh!

Xl;/gh; ghy;l;tpd; Neh> Neh> Neh!

j;NuhmTl; ghy;l;tpd; Nrh> Nrh> Nrh!

vd;W ghbdhh;fs;.

$l;lk; ge;ija ikjhdj;jpy; ele;jJ. ,q;fpyhe;J J}Jtiu mioj;j Kiwgw;wpAk;> mtUila tp[aj;ij ufrpakhf itj;jpUg;gJ gw;wpAk;> me;j tp[aj;ij jk; fl;rp eyDf;F gad;gLj;Jtijg; gw;wpAk;> Ngr;rhsh;fs; tpkhprpj;jhh;fs;. gpujkh; ,e;jpa murhq;fj;Jld; ufrpa Ngr;Rthh;j;ij elj;jp tUtjhf xU Ngr;rhsh; $wpdhh;. yQ;rk;> Coy;> murhq;fj;jpy; epiwe;jpUg;gjhfTk;> nghJ kf;fspd; eyd;fs; Gwf;fzpf;fg;gLtjhfTk; Fw;wk; rhl;bdhh;fs;. filrpahf vjph;fl;rpj; jiyth; rh;fpnsnkd;l; tpy;rd; Ngrpdhh;.

“ek; rhpj;jpuj;jpNyNa xU kpf Kf;fpa fl;lj;jpy; ,Uf;fpNwhk;. E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;LfSf;Fg; gpwF ekJ jdpikiatpl;L kw;w cyf ehLfSld; rhpepfh; rkhdkhf ,Uf;f ekf;F tha;g;G Vw;gl;bUf;fpwJ. tpahghuk;> gz;lkhw;wy;> fiyg;ngUf;fk;> tpQ;Qhd Kd;Ndw;wk; Mfpatw;wpy; ekf;Fhpa gq;Fngw Ntz;Lk;. ,e;j ePykiyfistpl;L ehk; ntspehLfSf;Fr; nrd;W ek; ngUikia epiyehl;l Ntz;Lk;. ek;ikr; Rw;wp tise;Js;s kpd;rhu fk;gpfis vLj;njwpa Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; ,e;j KJnfYk;gpy;yhj murhq;fk; jk; FWfpa Raey kdg;ghd;ikNahL tUk; tha;g;Gfisnay;yhk; eOt tpl;Lf;nfhz;bUf;fpwJ.

“E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;LfSf;Fg; gpwF ekJ mQ;Qhj thrk; Kbe;Jtpl;lJ. rh;tNjr $l;lq;fspy; ehk; ekf;Fhpa gq;F Nfhu Ntz;Lk;. Mq;fpy J}JtUld; vjph;fl;rpiaAk; itj;Jf;nfhz;Ljhd; Ngr;R thh;j;ij elj;j Ntz;Lk;. xU fl;rp muRf;F gjpyhf

vy;yh fl;rpfSk; Nrh;e;j NjrPa murhq;fj;ij Vw;gLj;j Ntz;Lk;…..”

,e;j $l;lj;ijg; gw;wp ehd; [hDld; gpu];jhgpj;Njd;. “,njy;yhk; ekJ gpujkUf;F

mty; khjphp nkd;W tpOq;fptpLthh;” vd;whh; [hd;. “NjrPa murhq;fk; vd;why; mjpy; ,e;jpah;fisAk; Nrh;f;f Ntz;lhkh vd;w Nfs;tp vOg;Gthh;. clNd vjph;fl;rpfhuh;fs;

Ngrhky; ,Ue;JtpLthh;fs;.”

***********

,e;jpa r%fj;jpdiuj;jhd; ehd; ,Jtiuapy; re;jpf;ftpy;iy. mth;fs; ,e;j

‘neUf;fb’iag; gw;wp vd;d epidf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W njhpe;Jnfhs;s Mirg;gl;Nld;. ePykiyfspy; thOk; nts;isah;fSf;Fk; ,e;jpah;fSf;Fk; ve;jtpjkhd cwTk; ,Ug;gjhfj; njhpatpy;iy. Mdhy; ,J tpNuhj fhuzky;yntd;Wk; r%f gof;f tof;fq;fs; khwp ,Ug;gjhy; mth;fs; mbf;fb re;jpg;gjpy;iynad;Wk; [hd; nrhd;dhh;. mth;fs; vg;gb trpf;fpwhh;fs;> vd;d epidf;fpwhh;fs; vd;gijnay;yhk; ehd;; mwpe;Jnfhs;s Mirg;gl;ljdhy; kp];lh; fpU\;zhit re;jpf;f [hd; Vw;ghL nra;jhh;. mth; ghh;ypnkz;by; ,y;yhtpl;lhYk; ,e;jpa r%fj;Jf;F mth;jhd; jiyth; vd;W njhpate;jJ.

,e;jpah;fs; thOk; gFjpapYs;s fpU\;zhtpd; tPl;Lf;F NghdNghJ mJ xU Ntw cyfj;Jf;Nf NghtJkhjphp ,Ue;jJ. xU nghpa Rik Nghd;W ,Ue;j Mq;fpy tk;rhtsp ,q;F nfhQ;rKk; ,y;iy. Mdhy; ,e;jpahtpd; kuGfSk; mjpfkhf ,Ug;gjhf ntspNa njhpatpy;iy. ,Ue;jhYk; mitfs; cs;Su mjpfkhf ,Uf;Fk;Nghy njd;gl;lJ. ,q;F ,Ue;j tPLfs; vy;yhk; Gjpait. etPd Kiwapy; rTfhpakhf ,Uf;f Vw;wjhf fl;lg;gl;bUe;jd. Nrhghf;fs;> fk;gsq;fs;> myq;fhug; nghUs;fs; vy;yhk; ePykiyfspy; nra;ag;gl;ljha; ,Ue;jhYk;> ,aw;iff;Fk;> #o;epiyf;Fk; Vw;wthW mike;jpUe;jd. czh;r;rptrg;gl;L nts;isah;fs; cgNahfkw;w gioa nghUs;fisg; ghJfhg;gJ Nghy ,q;Nf xd;Wk; ,y;iy.

fpU\;zh jkJ Kd; miwapy; vd;id tuNtw;whh;. mq;Nf gioa rhkhd; xd;WNk fz;Zf;Fg; Gyg;gltpy;iy. mth; md;NghLk; rpNdfghtj;NjhLk; Ngrpdhh;. mtUila kidtpf;Fk; Foe;ijfSf;Fk; ehd; mwpKfk; nra;J itf;fg;gl;Nld;. gpwF mth;fs; NtW miwf;Fr; nrd;Wtpl;ldh;. Kf;fpakhd tp\aq;fisg; gw;wp Ngr ,J rTfhpakha; ,Ue;jJ.

“ePykiyfSf;F ePq;fs; tp[ak; nra;jJgw;wp ehd; kfpo;r;rpailfpNwd;. Mdhy;

E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf ,y;yhj ‘rh;’ gl;;lj;ij ePq;fs; Vd; itj;Jf; nfhz;Bh;fs; vd;gJjhd; vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy. ePq;fs; kd;dpf;f Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; ,jpy; VNjh xU

Gjph; ,Uf;fyhk; vd;W ehq;fs; re;Njfg;gLfpNwhk;>” vd;whh; fpU\;zh.

“ehd; ,q;Nf te;J ,wq;fpaTlNd cq;fs; gpujkh;jhd; mg;gl;lj;ij vdf;F mspj;J

nfsutpj;jhh;>” vd;Nwd;.

“gl;lq;fs; mspg;gjpy; ehq;fs; epGzh;fs;. ,e;jpahtpy; Mq;fpy Ml;rp ele;j fhyj;jpy;

rpd;dh vd;gtUf;F ‘yhh;l;’ gl;lk; mspf;fg;gl;lJ. mNjkhjphp vdf;Fk; mNj gl;lk; mspf;f

Ntz;Lk; vd;W gpujkh; tpUk;gpdhh;. Mdhy; ehd; mjw;F ,zq;ftpy;iy.”

“,J xU khjphp fgl ehlfk; jhNd? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“,y;iy. fgl ehlfk; ebg;gth;fSf;F rhjhuzkhf mJ ghrhq;F vd;W njhpAk;. Mdhy; ,q;Fs;s nts;isah; ,ij fglkhf epidf;ftpy;iy. ,J xU NjrPa jd; Vkhw;wk; vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. ,J xU Vkhw;wk; vd;W njhpAk;NghJjhd; xU nghpa

mjph;r;rpahf ,Uf;Fk;.”

“ehd; cq;fis rpy Nfs;tpfs; Nfl;f tpUk;GfpNwd;. ,e;ehl;ilg; gw;wp njhpe;Jnfhs;sj;jhd; ehd; te;jpUf;fpNwd;. kw;wth;fis tpl ePq;fs; ghugl;rkpd;wp gjpy;

mspg;gPh;fs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;.”

“vd;id ngUikg;gLj;j Ntz;bajpy;iy>” fpU\;zh rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl B nfhz;Ltur; nrhd;dhh;. ckJ ez;gh; [hd; fpA+NulUk; mwpthsp ckf;F Ntz;ba vy;yh tp\aq;fisAk; nrhy;thh;. ,Ue;jhYk; ePq;fs; Nfl;fyhk;.

“,q;Fs;s nts;isah;fs; jq;fs; new;wpapy; xU rpYit itj;Jf;nfhs;fpwhh;fs;. m.K.fhyj;jpy; ,e;jpah;fs;jhd; new;wpapy; nghl;L> ehkk; my;yJ tpG+jp itj;Jf;

nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,jw;F vd;d fhuzk;.”

“cq;fSf;F [hd; ,ijg;gw;wp nrhy;ypapUf;fpwhh;. ,e;jpa ngz;fis nts;isah;fs; Kjypy; kzk; nra;Jnfhz;lNghJ new;wpapy; nghl;L itj;Jf; nfhz;lhy; mth;fs; ,e;Jf;fs; vd;W vy;NyhUk; epidf;fyhk;. MfNt fzth;fs; mk;khjphp itf;ff;$lhJ vd;whh;fs;. me;jg; ngz;fs; mjw;F ,zq;ftpy;iy. gpwF mij rpYit khjphpahtJ ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W KbT nra;jhh;fs;. ehshtl;lj;jpy; Mz;fSk; mNj khjphp itj;Jf;

nfhz;lhh;fs;. ,d;iwf;F mJ xU me;j];j;J rpd;dkhf khwptpl;lJ. “ePq;fs; mk;khjphp

itj;Jf;nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;Wk; ahUk; nrhy;ytpy;iyah?”

mg;nghOJ B te;jJ. mjd; kzKk; RitAk; kpfTk; ed;whf ,Ue;jJ. gpujkh;

tPl;by;$l mt;tsT ey;y B fpilahJ. ,ijg;gw;wp ehd; gpu];jhgpj;jNghJ “vq;fs; B kpfTk; caukhd kiyfspy; gaph; nra;ag;gl;lJ. nts;isah;fs; kJtiffis mjpfkhf

cgNahfpg;gjhy; Bapd; mUikAk; Ez;ikahd RitAk; mth;fSf;Fj; njhptjpy;iy>” vd;whh; fpU\;zd;.

NkYk; ehd; Nfl;fhkNyNa jk; gof;f tof;fq;fisg; gw;wp tpthpj;jhh;. “ehq;fs; ,e;Jf;fs; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;lhYk;> kj tpj;jpahrk; ghuhl;Ltjpy;iy. NaRehjh; gy Mz;Lfs; ,e;jpahtpy; trpj;J ,e;jpa jj;Jt Qhdj;ij Ml;nfhz;ljw;F gy rhd;Wfs;

,Uf;fpd;wd. ,q;Nf ,Ue;jNghJ mth; ngah; ‘fpU\;zh’ vd;W ,Ue;jpUf;fyhk;. cq;fs;

‘Nkhp’f;Fk; vq;fs; ‘khhp mk;kDf;Fk; mjpf tpj;jpahrk; fpilahJ. Mifahy; ntWk;

rpd;dq;fSf;F ehq;fs; Kf;fpaj;Jtk; mspg;gjpy;iy.”

“Mq;fpy kuigg; Ngzpf;fhj;J tUtjhf vy;NyhUk; nrhy;fpwhh;fNs> mijg;gw;wp

cq;fs; mgpg;gpuhak; vd;d?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“vq;fSf;Fs;NsAk; kuigf; fhg;gth;fSk; E}jd Kiwfisf; ifahSgth;fSk;

,Uf;fpwhh;fs;>” vd;whh; fpU\;zh. “Mdhy; mh;j;jkpy;yhj kuigf; fhg;gjpy; vdf;F ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. mk;khjphp nra;jhy;jhd; ,e;Jf;fs; \Pz jpiria mile;jhh;fs;. mk;khjphp nra;jhy; tpQ;Qhdk; $l xU %l ek;gpf;ifahf khwptpLk;. ,d;W ,q;NfAk; -

nts;isah;fSf;Fs;Ns me;jepiyik Vw;gl;Ltpl;lJ.”

“,q;Nf kJtpyf;F vg;gb mky; nra;ag;gLfpwJ vd;W vdf;F rhpahf Ghpatpy;iy>” vd;W ehd; tp\aj;ij khw;wpNdd;.

“mjpy; xd;Wk; f\;lkpy;iyNa?” vd;whh; fpU\;z. “nts;isah;fs; nghJthf msTf;F mjpfkhf Fbf;fpwhh;fs;. ,e;jpah;fs; tof;fkhf Fbg;gjpy;iy. Kd;ngy;yhk; - Vd;

,g;nghOJk; $l – nghJ ,lq;fspy; Fbg;gjw;F new;wpapy; rpYit ,Ue;jhy; NghJk;.”

“,e;jpah;fs; Fbg;gNj ,y;iyah?” vd;Nwd; ehd; Mr;rhpaj;NjhL.

“nghJthf Fbf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. nts;isah;fs; te;jhy; mth;fSf;F mspg;gjw;fhf

ehq;fs; rpy rkaq;fspy; ‘gh;kpl;’ thq;FtJz;L. ,e;jpah;fs; f\;lg;gl;L Ntiy nra;J Nrkpg;gjpy; mf;fiuAs;sth;fs;. Mdhy; nts;isah;fSf;F Fbg;gJk; ge;jak; fl;LtJk;jhd; Kf;fpak;. mjdhy;jhd; MWjiyKiwfSf;F Kd;G Ntiyahl;fshf Muk;gpj;j ,e;jpah;fs;

gyh; ,d;W nts;isah;fis tpl cah;e;j epiyapy; ,Uf;fpwhh;;fs;.”

fpU\;zhtpd; Nahridg;gb ehq;fs; tPl;ilr;Rw;wpAs;s G+q;fhTf;Fr; nrd;Nwhk;. “ehd;

mjpf Neuk; ,q;Nf fopf;f tpUk;GfpNwd;” vd;whh; fpU\;zh. “,q;Nf epk;kjpAld; ,Uf;fyhk;. Mo;e;J rpe;jpg;gjw;Fk; ,J Vw;w ,lk;. ,e;j Rje;jpuKk;> rPNjh\;zKk; ntF rPf;fpuj;jpy;

kiwe;JtpLk; vd;W epidf;fpNwd;.”

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J ntspAyfj;Jld; ,iztijg; gw;wpj;jhNd nrhy;fpwPh;fs;?”

“Mk;. mJ Vw;gl;lhy; vq;fs; jdpik> chpik> Rje;jpuk; vy;yhk; Ngha;tpLk;.

mjdhy;jhd; ePq;fs; epiyikia ed;whf mwpe;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;.”

vq;fs; rk;gh\izapy; xU Kf;fpa fl;lj;ij mile;Jtpl;ljhf vdf;Fj; Njhd;wpaJ.

“cq;fs; mgpg;gpuhaj;ijr; nrhy;Yq;fs;” vd;Nwd;.

“Kjyhtjhf ,e;j r%fk; - mjhtJ nts;isah; r%fk; - m];jpthuk; ,y;yhj r%fk; vd;gij ePq;fs; czu Ntz;Lk;. mth;fSila Mq;fpy thjk;> jj;Jtk; vy;yhNk xU ehlfk;jhd;. uj;j hPjpapy; ghh;f;Fk;NghJ mth;fSf;Fk; vdf;Fk; xU tpj;jpahrKk; ,y;iy. vy;NyhUk; ,e;jpah;fs;. Mq;fpy kuG> gioa nghUs;fisg; Ngzpf; fhj;jy; vy;yhNk xU %lek;gpf;ifahfptpl;ld. JujpU\;ltrkhf ePq;fs; ,q;Nf te;jpUg;gJ me;j %l ek;gpf;iffSf;F xU GJ caph; mspj;Jtpl;lJ.

“fiyj; njhlh;Gk;> czh;r;rpj; njhlh;Gk; jk; gpwe;j ehl;NlhL ,Ug;gJ

,aw;ifay;yth? ” vd;W ehd; Nfl;Nld;.

“,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfspy; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; Vw;gl;Ls;s Gul;rpfukhd khWjy;fisg;

gw;wp ,th;fSf;F vd;d njhpAk;?” fpU\;zh MNtrj;NjhL Ngrpdhh;. “gphptpid jpdj;jpypUe;J cyfk; mg;gbNa epd;wpUf;fpwJ vd;W mth;fs; epidf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; cyfk; -

Kf;fpakhf Nkw;F Nfhsk; - vg;gb khwpapUf;fpwJ vd;W cq;fSf;Fk; vdf;Fk; njhpAk;.”

“cq;fSf;F vg;gb njhpAk;?”

“vq;fSf;F gy topfs; cz;L. nts;isah;fs; khjphp ehq;fs; mt;tsT jdpikahf ,y;iy. ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUl tpQ;Qhd Kd;Ndw;wj;ijg; gw;wpAk; mth;fs; cz;lhf;fpa gpur;ridfisg; gw;wpAk; ehq;fs; mwpe;jpUf;fpNwhk;. cq;fSila gg; jj;Jtj;ijg; gw;wpf;$l vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. mjpypUe;J vq;fs; mwpitg; gw;wp ePq;fs; Cfpj;Jf;nfhs;syhk;. rh; tpd;];lDk;> rh; tpd;];lDk;> rh; fpnsikz;l; tpy;rDk; mth;fs; epidf;fpwkhjphp

,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghdhy; rpy ehl;fspy; mjph;r;rpahy; ,we;J tpLthh;fs;.”

fpU\;zhtpd; mwpT vdf;Nf nghpa mjph;r;rpahf ,Ue;jJ.

“,uz;L Nfhsq;fspYk; ,Uf;Fk; [Ptpa jj;Jtg; gpur;ridfisg; gw;wpAk; vq;fSf;Fj;

njhpAk;>” fpU\;zh NkYk; Ngryhdhh;. “Foe;ij cw;gj;jp FiwT. mjdhy; Vw;gLk;

tpisTfs;> mij jpUj;Jtjw;F vLf;Fk; Kaw;rpfs; vy;yhtw;iwAk; ehd; mwpNtd;.”

“r;rf; cq;fSld; NgrpapUf;f Ntz;Lk;.”

‘ahh; Ngrpdhh; vd;gJ Kf;fpaky;y. ,itfs; kWf;f Kbahj cz;ikfs;. kdpj

Fyk; ,e;j G+kpapy; ePLop tho Ntz;Lnkd;why;> vq;fis – mjhtJ ePykiythrpfis – mg;gbNa ghJfhj;J> tsu itj;J rpwpJ rpwpjhf ntspAyfj;Jld; xl;litg;gJ xd;Wjhd;

top.”

“,e;jpahTld; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J cldbahf ,iza Ntz;Lk; vd;W ,q;Fs;s

,e;jpah;fs; NfhUfpwhh;fNs?” vd;Nwd;.

“rh; [pahh;[;> ,J xU murpay; rJuq;fNkil. ,q;Fs;s nts;isah;fs; ,q;fpyhe;Jld; ,iza tpUk;Gtjhy; ehq;fs; ,e;jpahTld;jhd; ,iza Ntz;Lk; vd;W tw;GWj;JfpNwhk;. Mdhy; ePy kiyfspd; vjph;fhyk; - Vd; khdplth;f;fj;jpd; vjph;fhyNk - ehq;fs; jdpNa ,Ue;J nky;y ntspAyFld; ,iztJjhd;. ePq;fs;jhd; mjw;F toptFf;f

Ntz;Lk;.”

“,q;fpyhe;jpd; J}Jth; vd;Dk; Kiwapy; me;ehl;bDld; ,iztij ehd; vg;gb

vjph;f;f KbAk;? ”

“ePq;fs; ,q;F vjw;fhf> vg;gb te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs; vd;gnjy;yhk; vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. ckJ ufrpak; vd;dplk; gj;jpukha; ,Uf;Fk;. me;j ufrpak; ntspg;gl;lhy; vd; cjtp cq;fSf;F Njitg;gLk;. jtwhky; ehd; cq;fs; cjtpf;F tUNtd;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; ve;j nfhs;if

ifg;gw;wp elf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;gJ ckJ KbT. mjpy; ehq;fs; jiyaplkhl;Nlhk;.”

----------------------------

mj;jpahak; xd;gJ

Mz; ngz; cwtpy; vdf;F rpwpjsT mDgtKk; fpilahJ. ,Ue;jhYk; vdf;Fk; \PyhTf;Fk; ,Ue;j cwT gioafhy kuGg;gbAk;> rpW ,q;fpyhe;J tof;fg;gbAk; Kd;NdwpaJ vd;W epidj;Njd;. vy;NyhUk; Ngrp itj;jhw; Nghy xt;nthU re;jh;g;gj;jpYk; vq;fis jdpNa tpl;Ltpl;lhh;fs;. ehd; nrd;w tPLfspYk; tpUe;JfspYk; \PyhTk; ,Ue;jhs;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; gof;ftof;fq;fisg; gw;wpAk;> $bAs;s egh;fisg; gw;wpAk; \Pyh vd; fhjpy; FRFRg;ghs;. vdJ rpNdfpjp kl;Lky;yhky; MrphpauhfTk; ,Ue;Jte;jhs; vdf; $wyhk;. nghJ epwtdq;fSf;F mjpfhu Njhuizapy; ehd; nrd;wNghJ $l [hDf;F gjpyhf \Pyh vd;Dld; te;jhs;. vy;NyhUk; vq;fs; ,Uth; ngah;fisAk; ,izj;Jg; Ngryhapdhh;.

fphpf;nfl;> fhy;ge;J> Fjpiug;ge;jak; Kjypatw;iwg; gw;wp \Pyh vdf;F tptukhf

vLj;Jr; nrhd;dhs;. thuk; xU jlit ‘M];fhl;’ vd;Dkplj;jpy; Fjpiug; ge;jak; ele;jJ. Vio gzf;fhuh; NtWghbd;wp vy;NyhUk; ve;jf; Fjpiu Kjypy; tUk; vd;W gzk; fl;bdhh;fs;. ,J xU nghpa igj;jpak; khjphp vdf;Fj; Njhd;wpaJ. filrpahf> gzk; rk;ghjpj;jth;fSk; ,oe;jth;fSk;; ntw;wpiaf; nfhz;lhlNth my;yJ ,oe;j Jauj;ij kwf;fNth Fbf;Fk; filfSf;Fr; nrd;W Nghijapy; vy;yhk; kwe;jdh;. \Pyhit jpUg;jp nra;tjw;fhf ehDk; gzk; fl;bNdd;. ehd; fl;ba Fjpiu Kjyhtjhf te;jNghJ \Pyhtpd; kfpo;r;rpf;F vy;iyapy;iy. jd; ,uz;L iffshYk; vd;id Mypq;fdk; nra;J Kj;jkpl;lhs;.

“mLj;j ge;jaj;jpw;F ekJ ‘ngl;’il ,ul;bf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;W thjhbdhs;. ‘N[f;ghl;’

‘bnugps;’ ,itfisg; gw;wp vdf;F tpsf;fpf; $wpdhs;. mLj;j ge;jaj;jpy; Njhw;w gpwF

“,d;Dk; ek; ‘ngl;il ,ul;bf;f Ntz;Lk;. mg;NghJjhd; tpl;lij jpUg;gpg; gpbf;f KbAk;” vd;W mwpTWj;jpdhs;. ey;yNtis ehd; vg;NghJNk nfhQ;rk; rpf;fdk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; r;rf; mspj;j vy;yh gzj;ijAk; xNu ehspy; jPh;j;jpUg;Nghk;.

ehd; kzkhfhjtd; vd;gjhYk;> ‘,q;fpyhe;J J}Jth;’ vd;gjhYk; kw;w ngz;fSk; \PyhTld; Nghl;bf;F tUthh;fs; vd;W epidj;Njd;. Mdhy; mth;fs; vd;NdhL khpahijahfTk; md;GlDk; gofpdhYk; \PyhTld; Nghl;b Nghltp;y;iy. ,jw;Ff; fhuzk; gpd;dhy;jhd;; vdf;Fj; njhpa te;jJ. ehd; xU rhpj;jpu epGzd; vd;gjhy; cs;Sh; rhpj;jpu

epGzhpd; kfis kzg;gJjhd; rhp vd;W> vy;NyhUk; epidj;jhh;fs;. ehq;fs; xNu ‘tk;rk;’> rhjp. Mdhy; M];jhd ftp f;&f; kl;Lk; ,e;j Vw;ghl;il xj;Jf;nfhs;stpy;iy. mth; \Pyhit kzf;f tpUk;gpajhfTk;> ehd; te;j gpwF \Pyh mtiuf; iftpl;L tpl;ljhfTk; gl;yh; %ykhf Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld;. xU fy;tp epWtdj;jpy; mtiu re;jpj;jNghJ> jd; tho;j;Jf;fis vdf;F mspj;jhh;.

“vjw;fhf tho;j;JfpwPh;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“fhjypy; ey;yth;fs; vg;NghJk; Njhw;gJjhd; tof;fk;>” vd;whh; f;&f;;.

* * *

rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpNyNa Kf;fpakhd Nfspf;if ePykiy fpsg;gpy; tUlhtUlk; elf;Fk; lhd;]; Ml;lk;jhd;. ,e;j tUlk; me;j tpohit ,q;fpyhe;J J}Jtiu nfsutpg;gjw;fhf Vw;ghL nra;ag;gl;lJ. rhpj;jpu Kf;fpaj;Jtk; tha;e;j me;j ehsd;W vy;NyhUk; Mq;fpy rhpj;jpuj;jpypUe;J ,U ghj;jpukhf Ntlk; jhpj;J tu Ntz;Lk; vd;W KbT nra;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ehDk; xU jFjpahd Ntlj;jpy; tu Ntz;Lk; vd;W vd;idAk; Kd; $l;bNa vr;rhpj;jhh;fs;.

kw;w tUlq;fis tpl vy;yhk; kpfTk; rpwe;j Kiwapy; nfhz;lhlg; Nghfpwhh;fs; vd;Wk; Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld;. GJ GJ myq;fhu N[hlizfisg; gw;wpAk;> Mfhu tiffisg; gw;wpAk;> Nfspf;iffisg; gw;wpAk; [hd; vdf;Fr; nrhd;dhh;. gl;yUk; fpsg;gpy; Ntiy nra;Nthhplk; ,Ue;J njhpe;J te;j jPghyq;fhuq;fisg; gw;wpAk; ahh; ahh; ve;j Ntlq;fspy;

tug; Nghfpwhh;fs; vd;gijg; gw;wpAk; tpthpj;jhs;. E}yfj;jpypUe;J Gj;jfq;fis ,uty; thq;fp mjpYs;s glq;fisg; ghh;j;J jk; cilfis gyh; nra;tjhf Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld;. gl;yUk; ,q;fpyhe;J rhpj;jpuj;ij ed;whf mwpe;jpUe;jhd;.

“,q;fpyhe;J rhpj;jpuk; cdf;F vg;gbj; njhpAk;? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“rhh;> rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; gpwe;j Foe;ijfs; vy;NyhUk; Mq;fpy rhpj;jpuk; fw;f Ntz;Lk;. NkYk; vdJ FLk;gj;jpdh; vg;NghJNk Mq;fpy mur FLk;gj;Jf;F tpRthrkhf ,Ug;gth;fs;. ,e;j lhd;Rf;F ePq;fs; nra;d;l; [pahh;[; MfNghdhy; ed;whf ,Uf;Fk;.

“Mdhy; nra;z;l; [pahh;[; xU rhpj;jpu ghj;jpuk; my;yNt? ” vd;Nwd;.

“,y;yhtpl;lhy; ePq;fs; uhgh;l; fpist; Mf Nghfyhk;. mth;jhNd ,e;jpahit Mq;fpy rhk;uh[;aj;jpy; Nrh;f;f fhuzkhf ,Ue;jth;. ehd; Ntz;Lnkd;why; xU ijay;fhuidf;

$l;bf;nfhz;L te;J cil jahhpf;fpNwd; rhh;.”

“ehd; Vd; if /ghf;]hf Nghff; $lhJ? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;. (if /ghf;]; vd;gth;jhd; fp.gp.18Mk; E}w;whz;by; ghh;ypnkz;l; fl;blj;jpw;F jP itf;f Kaw;rp nra;jth;)

gl;yh; vd;id tprdj;NjhL ghh;j;jhd;. “rhh;> cq;fSila eifr; Ritia ,q;F ahUk; kjpf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. NkYk; if /ghf;]; glk; ,y;iy. mjdhy; mth; ve;j khjphp cil

mzpe;jpUe;jhh; vd;W nrhy;y KbahJ.”

ehd; vd;d cil mzpag; NghfpNwd; vd;gijg; gw;wp vy;NyhUk; tpthjp;g;gjhf njhpa

te;jJ. \Pyhit ehd; re;jpj;j NghJ mts; “ePq;fs; gphpd;]; My;gh;l;lhf NghtjhapUe;jhy;

ehd; Fapd; tpf;Nlhhpahthf tUfpNwd;>” vd;whs;.

“ehk; vd;d cil mzpag; NghfpNwhk; vd;gJ ufrpakhf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W

nrhy;fpwhh;fNs? ” vd;Nwd;.

“kw;wth;fSf;F mJ rhp. Mdhy; neUq;fpa ez;gh;fs; jk; ,\;;lk; Nghy; nra;ayhk;.”

“gphpd;]; My;gh;l;il gyUf;F milahsk; fz;Lgpbg;gJ f\;lkhapUf;fNk?”

“ehd; tpf;Nlhhpahthf cq;fSld; te;jhy; ePq;fs; ahh; vd;W vy;NyhUk; njhpe;J

nfhs;thh;fs;.”

“ehd; ,uz;lhtJ rhh;y]; Mf Nghfyhk; vd;W epidj;Njd;.”

“ehd; fz;bg;ghf ney; Fntd; Mf tukhl;Nld;>” vd;whs; \Pyh. (ney; Fntd; rhh;ny]; murUila itg;ghl;bfspy; Kf;fpakhdts;).

“my;yJ vl;lhtJ n`d;wpahf Nghfyhk;.”

“mg;nghOJ cq;fSf;F MW kidtpfs; Ntz;LNk> vd;d nra;tPh;fs;? ”

vq;fs; cwT ntspNa njhpAkhW cilazpe;J nry;y Ntz;Lk; vd;W \Pyh KbT

nra;jpUe;jhy; Nghy Njhd;wpaJ. mJ xU ‘khpahij Fiwthd’ cwthAk; ,Uf;ff; $lhJ. ,ijg;gw;wp vdf;Ff; nfhQ;rk; ftiyaha; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; vd;d nra;tJ vd;W njhpatpy;iy. ,d;iwa ,q;fpyhe;jpy; jpUkzk; jil nra;ag;gl;bUf;fpwJ vd;W ehd; nrhy;ypapUe;Jk; \Pyh mij nghUl;gLj;jpajhf njhpatpy;iy. NkYk; NkYk; ,e;j cwtpy; ehd; mfg;gl;Lf;nfhz;ljhf Njhd;wpaJ. gg; jj;Jtk; ,jw;F xU top fhl;Lkh vd;W epidj;Jg; ghh;j;Njd;. xd;Wk; njhpatpy;iy. fhyg; Nghf;Ff;F tpl;Ltplyhk; vd;W KbT nra;Njd;.

“ePq;fs; kuGf;Fkhwhfj;jhd; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;jhy; N\f;];gpauhf

thUq;fs;. ehd; mth; rpNdfpjp Vd; N`jNtahf tUfpNwd;>” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“,njy;yhk; eifr; Ritf;Fj;jhNd. Vd; ,t;tsT Kf;fpakhf vLj;Jf;nfhs;fpwha;? ”

“eifr; RitapyhtJ ehk; ,UtUk; xd;Wgl;bUe;jhy; ed;whapUf;Fk; vd;W

epidj;Njd;>” vd;W \Pyh gjpyspj;jhs;.

filrpahf ehd; vl;lhk; vl;Nth;l; kd;duhfTk; \Pyh kpr]; rpk;g;rdhfTk; NghtJ vd;W KbT nra;Njhk;. mth;fSila fhjYk;> vl;Nth;l; kd;dh; Kb Jwe;jJk; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; vy;NyhUila cs;sq;fisAk; fth;e;jpUe;jJ. NkYk; cilfs; mzptjw;F rTfhpakhf ,Uf;Fk;. ,jw;Fk; $l \Pyh Kjypy; ,zq;ftpy;iy. mth;fSila fhjy;

jpUkzj;Jf;F mg;ghw;gl;lJ vd;W thjhbdhs;. Mdhy; mth;fs; kzkhd gpwF ‘bA+f; mz;l;

lr;r]; Mg; tpz;l;rh;’ Mfpajhy; mNj ngah;fspy;; NghNdhk;. ,e;j rpW tpthjk; vq;fSf;Fs; ,Uf;Fk; nghpa tpj;jpahrj;ij ed;whf czh;j;jpaJ.

vy;NyhUk; ,uT xd;gJ kzpastpy; miof;fg;gl;bUe;jdh;. Mdhy; gl;yh; ehd; Kf;fpa tpUe;jpdh; Mdjhy; vy;NyhUk; te;j gpwF xd;gjiu kzpf;Fg; Nghdhy; NghJk; vd;W nrhy;yptpl;lhd;. fpsg; gpurpnlz;l; kp];lh; Ntf;];lhg;/ xd;gNj fhy; kzpf;F te;J jkJ Fjpiu tz;bapy; vd;id mioj;Jr; nrd;whh;. yz;ldpYs;s gpufhrkhd xsp myq;fhuq;fs; vdf;F ed;whfj; njhpAk;. mq;F ,uTf;Fk; gfYf;Fk; tpj;jpahrNk ,Uf;fhJ. ,Ul;Nl epk;kjp mspj;jJ. Mdhy; ,q;F ,Ue;j jPgh myq;fhuq;fs; ngU kfpo;r;rpiaAk; kNdh epk;kjpiaAk; xd;whf mspj;jd. kuq;fspypUe;J njhq;fpa tpsf;Ffs; fhw;wpy; Cryhbd. Gy; jiufspYk;> nrbfSf;Fs;Sk; tpsf;Ffs; kiwj;J itf;fg;gl;L xU nky;ypa xspia tPrpd. fl;blj;jpd; mOf;Fk; mRj;jKk;> cile;j XLfSk; fiugbe;j RtUfSk; ,utpy; kiwe;Jtpl;ld. kq;fyhd xsp myq;fhuj;jpy; me;j gioa fl;blk; NjtNyhrk; khjphp Njhd;wpaJ. cs;Ns Ngr;Rk;> rphpg;Gk;> rq;fPjKk; xypj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jd. Mdhy; ehq;fs; tz;bapypUe;J ,wq;fpaJk; xU epk;kjp Vw;gl;lJ. FOkpapUe;j vy;NyhUk; xU nghpa tl;lkhf epd;W xU ghl;L ghb vd;id tuNtw;wdh;.

vd; tho;f;ifapNyNa mJ xU Kf;fpa fl;lkhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. m.gp. fhy Muha;r;rp epWtdj;jpy; ngah; njhpahky; ,Ue;Jtpl;L ,k;khjphpahd xU nghpa cw;rhf tuNtw;ig Vw;gnjd;why; cs;sk; Fioahky; vd;d nra;Ak;? vd; fz;fspy; ePh; Njhd;wpaJ. rpW ,q;fpyhe;J kf;fis vd; ,Uja G+h;tkhf Nerpf;f Muk;gpj;Njd;.

ehq;fs; xU nghpa kz;lgj;jpDs; nrd;Nwhk;. mq;F gy th;z fhfpjq;fisf; nfhz;Lk; G+f;fisf; nfhz;Lk;> ,iyfisf; nfhz;Lk; gytpjkhf myq;fhpf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. Mq;fpNyNa rhpj;jpu Kf;fpaj;Jtk; cs;s glq;fSk; ,q;fpyhe;jpd; nfhbAk; njhq;fpd. rh;

tpd;];ld; gpujkh; rh;r;rpy; khjphp Mil mzpe;jpUe;jhh;. “ehNk rhpj;jpuj;jpy; gq;Nfw;wpUf;Fk;

NghJ kw;wth;Nghy; ebg;gJ kpfTk; fbdk;>” vd;W FRFRj;jhh;. “rpW ,q;fpyhe;J nghpa

,q;fpyhe;Jld; ,ize;jhy; ehDk; rhpj;jpuj;jpy; ,lk; ngwyhk; ,y;iyah? ”vd;whh;.

ehd;F Ngh; [hd; Gy; Ntlj;jpy; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. xUth; vl;lhk; n`d;wpahf jk; MW

kidtpaUlDk; te;jpUe;jhh;. me;j MW ‘kidtp’ahpy; NkhpAk; ,Ug;gijg; ghh;j;J ehd; Mr;rhpag;gl;Nld;. Nkhp vd;idg; ghh;j;jJk; xU FWk;Gr; rphpg;Gld; fz; rpkpl;bdhs;. mij ahuhtJ ghh;j;Jtpl;lhh;fsh vd;W ehd; ftiyg;gl;Nld;. ey;y Ntisahf ahUk; ghh;f;ftpy;iy. jtpu mq;Nf MW Fapd; tpf;Nlhhpahf;fs; ,Ue;jhYk; xNu xU gphpd;]; My;gh;l;jhd; ,Ue;jhh;. ,uz;lhk; rhh;y]{k; ney; Fntd;Dk; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. gyiu cilapypUe;J milahsk; fz;Lnfhs;s Kbatpy;iy. vd; cilAk; mg;gbj;jhd; ,Ue;jJ. mjdhy; \Pyh vjph;ghh;j;j tpsk;guk; fpilf;ftpy;iy.

fpsg; gpurpnlz;l; vdf;F xU lk;sh; tp];fp nfhz;L te;jhh;. gpwF vd;id xU rpW Nkilapd; kPJ mioj;J epWj;jpdhh;. tpUe;jpdh;fs; vy;NyhUk; thpirahf te;J jq;fis vdf;F mwpKfk; nra;J nfhz;lhh;fs;. vy;NyhUlDk; if FYf;fpNdd;. mth;fSila Kfq;fspypUe;J vdf;Fg; NghyNt mth;fSf;Fk; ,J xU Kf;fpakhd> czh;r;rptrkhd ehs;

vd;W njhpe;jJ. Nkhp vd;Dld; if FYf;fpaNghJ vd; tpuy;fisf; nfhQ;rk; mOj;jpaijj; jtpu NtW ve;jtpjkhfTk; vd;id Kd;G re;jpj;jjhf fhl;bf; nfhs;stpy;iy. vl;lhk; n`d;wpapd; Kjy; kidtpahf Nkhp Ntlk; mzpe;jpUe;jhYk; me;j murpapd; rhJthd Fzq;fs; Nkhpaplk; ,Ug;gjhfj; njhpatpy;iy. vd; kdjpy; ,ijnay;yhk; ghh;j;J nfhQ;rk; Fog;gk; Vw;gl;lJ. rPf;fpuk; ,Jnty;yhk; xU KbTf;F tUk;. gpwF ehd; jpUk;gp Nkw;F Nfhsj;Jf;Fr; nrd;W gg; jj;Jtk;> gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiwfs;> xU rpwpa miw> jdpik Kjypatw;Wld;; tho Ntz;Lk; vd;Dk; rpe;jidfs; vd; kdjpy; Njhd;wpd. vdJ ,d;iwa tho;f;if mq;Nf njhpe;jhy; vd;d MFk; vd;w vz;zk; kpFe;j Ntjid mspj;jJ. NkYk;> ,k;kf;fSld; ehd; xd;Wgl;Ltpl;Nld;. jdpikapypUe;J tpLgl;L> md;G> ghe;jk;> rphpg;G> Rje;jpuk; Kjypa czh;r;rpfSld; tho;e;j gpwF vg;gb jpUk;gp;g; NghtJ vd;w Nahrid vd;id ftiyapy; Mo;j;jpaJ.

mwpKfg;gLj;jy; Kbe;j gpwF rj;jKk; Nfspf;ifAk; mjpfhpj;jd. gyh; lhd;]; Ml Muk;gpj;jdh;;. kw;wth;fs; Fbj;Jf;nfhz;Lk; eifr;RitAld; Ngrpf;nfhz;Lk; ,Ue;jdh;.

gpurpnlz;l; kw;nwhU lk;sh; nfhz;L te;J vdf;Ff; nfhLj;Jtpl;L “ePq;fs; lhd;];

Mltpy;iyah? ” vd;W Nfl;lhh;.

“vdf;F Mbg; gof;fkpy;iyNa” vd;Nwd;.

“mijg;gw;wp ftiyg;gl Ntz;lhk;. ,q;F ,Ug;gth;fSf;Fs; xU mofhd ngz;iz

Ml mioAq;fs;. MLk;NghJ mts; fhy; tpuy;fis kpjpj;Jtpl;lhy;> ‘rhhp’ vd;W nrhd;dhy;

NghJk;. Mdhy; Mlj; njhpahJ vd;W kl;Lk; nrhy;y Ntz;lhk;.”

mg;nghOJ \Pyh vd;id te;J gpbj;Jf; nfhz;lhs;. “mwpKfk; vy;yhk;

Kbe;Jtpl;ljhy; ehk; ,dp ek; ,\;lk; Nghy; ,Uf;fyhk;. “ehk; lhd;]; MlyhNk>” vd;whs;.

gpurpnlz;l; nrhd;d mwpTiu Qhgfj;Jf;F te;jJ. ‘rhp’ vd;Nwd;.

\Pyh vd;id mizj;jthW lhd;]; jiuf;F ,Oj;Jr; nrd;whs;. MLtJ mt;tsT f\;lkhfj; njhpatpy;;iy. ifapy; jhsk; NghLtJ Nghy fhypy; jhsk; Nghl Ntz;Lk;. mt;tsTjhd;. \Pyh ed;whf Mlj; njhpe;jts;. MfNt rpy epkplq;fspy; ehd; $r;rkpd;wp MlyhNdd;. \PyhTld; ehd; MLtijg; ghh;j;J kw;wth;fs; rphpj;J fz; rpkpl;bdhh;fs;. \Pyh vd;id neUq;f mizj;J Mbdhs;. vdf;F ntl;fkha; ,Ue;jJ.

ehq;fs; Mb Kbe;jJk; gyh; te;J ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wpAk; mq;ifa tho;itg; gw;wpAk; tprhhpj;jhh;fs;. ehd; vt;tsT fhyk; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; jq;fg; NghfpNwd;> kWgbAk; vg;NghJ jpUk;gp tUNtd; vd;nwy;yhk; Nfl;lhh;fs;. xU md;dpaDld; NgRtjpy; mth;fSf;F nfhQ;rk; $l $r;rk; ,Ug;gjhf njhpatpy;iy. xU tp\aj;jpypUe;J ,d;ndhU tp\aj;Jf;F Rygkhf khwp khwp rk;gh\pj;jdh;. vd;id ePz;l ehshf ghh;f;fhj xU gioa cwtpdh; khjphp elj;jpdhh;fs;. lhd;]; Mbf;nfhz;bUe;jth;fs; mbf;fb $l MLgth;fis khw;Wtij ehd; ftdpj;Njd;. ehDk; NtW ahuhtNjhL Ml Ntz;Lk; vd;w vz;zk; Njhd;wpaJ. Mdhy; mk;khjphp khw;Wk; Kiw vg;gb vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy. NkYk; ntl;fKk; Nfhioj;jdKk; vd;idj; jLj;J epWj;jpd. \PyhTk; vd;id tplhky; $lNt ,Ue;jhs;. kw;wth;fSf;F mwpKfg;gLj;jpdhy; $l vd;id jd; VfNghf nrhj;jhf ghtpg;gJ khjphp njhpe;jJ. kw;w ,sk; ngz;fSk; vd;Dld; Ml Kd;tutpy;iy. ,k;khjphpahd rpf;fyhd cwTfspy; ehd; top njhpahky; jtpj;Njd;. gjpndhU kzpf;F tpUe;J vd;W mwptpf;fg;gl;lJ. vy;NyhUk; mLj;j `hYf;Fg; Nghf Muk;gpj;jdh;. Mdhy; gyh; Fbj;Jf;nfhz;Lk; Ngrpf;nfhz;Lk; ,Ue;jdh;.

“Ngha; rhg;gplyhkh? ” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“Mk;. vdf;Ff; nfhQ;rk; grpahf ,Uf;fpwJ>” vd;Nwd;.

xU nghpa ePz;l Nki[ Nky; gytpj tifahd khkprq;fSk;> fha;fwp tiffSk; gotiffSk; ghpkhug;gl;bUe;jd. Ntz;baij vq;fs; jl;lq;fspy; itj;Jf;nfhz;L vdf;fhf hprh;t; nra;ag;gl;bUe;j rpW Nki[apy; mkh;e;J rhg;gpl Muk;gpj;Njhk;. tajhd ,Uth; te;J

“ehq;fSk; ,q;Nf cl;fhuyhkh?” vd;W Nfl;lhh;fs;. \Pyh Kfj;ij Ropj;jjpypUe;J mtSf;F mth;fisg; gpbf;ftpy;iynad;W njhpe;jJ.

,Ue;jhYk;> “ed;whf cl;fhuyhk;>” vd;Nwd; ehd;.

“Nghy;ld; cq;fSf;Fj; njhpAkh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhh; me;j fpoth;.

“mtiu vdf;Fj; njhpahJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“vd; fztUf;F fhJ kl;L. nfhQ;rk; rj;jkhf Ngr Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whs; mth; kidtp.

ehd; nrhd;dijNa kWgbAk; rj;jkhf jpUg;gpr; nrhd;Ndd;.

“tq;fh \ah;. mJjhd; vq;fSila nrhe;j Ch;>” vd;whh;.

mg;nghOJjhd; Nkhp mq;Nf te;jhs;. “ehDk; ,q;Nf cl;fhuyhkh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhs;.

“cl;fhUq;fs;>” vd;Nwd;. mJ \PyhTf;F nfhQ;rKk; gpbf;ftpy;iy.

“vd; ngah; Nkhp tpz;lh;” vd;W nrhy;yp Nkhp vy;NyhUlDk; if FYf;fptpl;L cl;fhh;e;jhs;.

“,q;fpyhe;jpy; cq;fs; jhafk; vq;Nf ,Uf;fpwJ? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“vdf;Fj; njhpahJ>” vd;W nrhy;yp rphpj;jhs;. “vq;fs; tk;rh topia ehd; ghJfhf;fj;

jtwptpl;Nld;.”

“ePq;fs; fpsg;gpy; mq;fj;jpduh? ” vd;W \Pyh Nfl;lhs;.

“,y;iy. vl;lhk; n`d;wpap;d; kidtpfspy; xUtuhf te;jpUf;fpNwd;. xU tpUe;jhsp

vd;W nrhy;yhk;.”

gpwF rhg;ghL KbAk; tiuapy; \Pyh NgrNt ,y;iy. Mdhy; Nkhp Ngrpf; nfhz;Nl

,Ue;jhs;. “ePq;fs; te;j md;W cq;fisg; ghh;j;Njd; rh; [pahh;[;. mjhtJ $l;lj;jpy; epd;W ghhj;Njd;. ,e;j tho;f;if cq;fSf;F kpf Gjpajha; ,Uf;FNk. ePq;fs; ,Uf;Fk; yz;ld; khefhpy; vy;yhk; etPdkhfTk;> uk;kpakhfTk; ,Uf;fyhk;. ,Ue;jhYk; vq;fs; vopa

tho;f;ifapYk; nfhQ;rk; Rthu];ak; ,y;iyah? ”

vq;fs; Nki[apy; cl;fhh;e;jpUe;j tajhd ngz; jd; fzthpd; ey;y fhjpy; VNjh

nrhd;dhs;. clNd mth; “tpz;lh;? rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpNyNa rpwe;j kpd;rhu epGzh;. mth; ,we;j

gpwFjhd; kpd;rhuk; Fl;br; Rth; Mfptpl;lJ. eP mtUf;F nrhe;jkh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhh;.

“Mk; mth; kfs;>” vd;whs; Nkhp.

“,t;tsT Mz;Lfshf eP vq;Nf Ngha;tpl;lha;? ehd; jhd; lf;s]; khkh!

QhgfkpUf;fpwjh? ”

“ed;whf QhgfkpUf;fpwJ khkh. Mdhy; cq;fSf;F QhgfkpUf;Fnkd;W ehd;

epidf;f tpy;iy>” vd;W Nkhp gjpyspj;jhs;.

gpwF me;jf; fpoth; lh;igd;i]g; gw;wpAk; kpd;rhu fk;gpfisg; gw;wpAk; Ngryhdhh;. Mfhuk; Kbe;jJk; \Pyh kWgbAk; vd;id ,Oj;Jf; nfhz;L lhd;]; `hYf;F te;jhs;.

vd;id nfsutpg;gjw;fhf xU tpNr\khd ghl;L vOjp mij Mz;fSk; ngz;fSk; khwp khwp ghLtjha; ,Ue;jJ. mJ filrptiuapYk; ufrpakhf itj;jpUe;jhYk; \Pyh vd;dplk; nrhy;ypapUe;jhs;. mjpy; mtSk; gq;F nfhs;sg; Nghtjhy; vd;id tpl;Ltpl;L Nghf

Ntz;b Neh;e;jJ. ehDk; NkhpAk; xU xuj;jpy; epd;W nfhz;L mth;fSila Mly; ghliy urpj;Njhk;. vy;NyhUk; ghh;g;gjw;fhf xU tl;lkhf epd;W nfhz;ldh;. eLtpy; gd;dpuz;L Mz;fSk; ngz;fSk; Mbg;ghb vd; Gfiog; ghbdh;.

xt;nthU mbahf ghbf;nfhz;Nl Nghf> MlYk; ghlYk; #L gpbf;f Muk;gpj;jJ. vy;NyhUk; mth;fSld; xd;W Nrh;e;J ghl Muk;gpj;jdh;. MlYk; ghlYk;> rphpg;Gk; Nfspf;ifAk; Mw;W nts;sk;Nghy; gputhfnkLj;J Xl Muk;gpj;jd. VNjh xU fhe;j rf;fp me;j ePykiy nts;isah;fSld; vd;id mOj;jp ,Og;gJ Nghd;w xU czh;r;rp vdf;F Vw;gl;lJ. kaph; rpyph;f;Fk;> MdhYk; xU uk;kpakhd czh;r;rp. ghl;L filrpf;F te;jJk;

kz;lgj;jpypUe;J ‘xd;]; Nkhh;’ ‘xd;]; Nkhh;’ vd;w xypfs; fpsk;gpd. MfNt KjypypUe;J kWgbAk; ghb Kbj;j NghJ vOe;j fuNfh\k; Kfl;ilg; gPa;j;J tpLk;Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. Nkhp vd;id kz;lgj;Jf;F eLtpy; ,Oj;Jr; nrd;W vd;Dld; lhd;]; Mlyhdhs;.

“me;j \Pyh cq;fis ed;whf rq;fpyp Nghl;L gpbj;J itj;jpUf;fpwhs;>” vd;whs; Nkhp.

“mts; gpbapypUe;J eOTtJ cq;fSf;F f\;lkha; ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; nrf;]; tp\aj;jpy; mtsplk; mjpf J}uk; Nghf KbahJ. vy;yhk; Ngr;rstpy;jhd;. mjhtJ kzk; MFk;

tiuapy;.”

“,d;iwa ,q;fpyhe;jpy; kzk; rl;l tpNuhjk; vd;W mtSf;Fj; njhpAk;”.

“Mdhy; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; mJ Njitahapw;Nw. NkYk; Rth;f;fj;jpy; flTs; mij

vjph;ghh;g;ghh;> ,y;iyah? ”

“Rth;f;fj;ijg; gw;wp ehd; xU epGzd; my;y? ” vd;W gjpyspj;Njd;.

“vjpy;jhd; ePq;fs; epGzh; vd;Nw vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy>” Nkhp nfhQ;rk; Nrhff;

fpisAld; Ngrpdhs;. “,Ue;jhYk;> ePq;fs; nuhk;g ey;yth;. kWgbAk; vd;id vg;NghJ

ghh;f;fg; NghfpwPh;fs;? ”

NkhpAld; vd;dhy; rf[khfg; gof Kbe;jJ. vijg;gw;wpAk; $r;rkpy;yhky; NgrpNdd;. Mdhy; \PyhTld; mg;gbg; Ngr Kbatpy;iy. kdj;jpy; xU cwTj; jlq;fy; ,Ug;gJ Nghd;w xU vz;zk;. \PyhTf;F ehd; gf;f thj;jpak; thrpg;gJ Nghd;w xU czh;r;rp ,Ue;jNj jtpu ,UtUk; rhprkkhf ,Ug;gjhfj; Njhd;wtpy;iy.

Nkhpapd; Nfs;tpf;F ehd; gjpy; nrhy;Yk; Kd; \Pyh mq;Nf te;jhs;. “[pahh;[;> ehd;

cq;fis vq;nfy;yhNkh NjbNdd;>” vd;whs;. Nkhpia mrl;il nra;J NgrNt ,y;iy.

“fpsg; gpurpnlz;l; cq;fis rpy thh;j;ijfs; Ngr Ntz;Lk; vd;W Ntz;Lfpwhh;.” Nkhpf;F tzf;fk; nrhy;yptpl;L \PyhTld; Nkilf;Fr; nrd;Nwd;. mq;Nf fpsg;

gpurpnlz;l;> “,g;nghOJ rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; rpy thh;j;ijfs; NgRthh;fs;>” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L xJq;fpf; nfhz;lhh;.

“vdf;F ,t;tsT md;Gk; Mh;tKk; fye;j tuNtw;G mspj;jjw;F cq;fs; vy;NyhUf;Fk;> Kf;fpakhf cq;fs; fpsg; jiytUf;Fk; ehd; kpfTk; flikg;gl;bUf;fpd;Nwd;. cq;fSila kfpo;r;rpiaAk; re;Njh\ Muthuj;ijAk; Nfl;Fk;nghOJk;> ghh;f;Fk;nghOJk; ehDk; cq;fspy; xUtdhf Mfptpl;Nld; Nghy Njhd;WfpwJ. vjph;fhyj;jpy; ek; xw;WikAk; el;Gzh;Tk; NkYk; tsUk; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy. kPz;Lk; xU Kiw vdJ md;G fye;j ed;wpia cq;fs; vy;NyhUf;Fk;

njhptpj;Jf;nfhs;s tpUk;GfpNwd;.”

ehd; Ngrp Kbe;jJk; gyj;j fuNfh\Kk; MuthuKk; vOe;jd. ‘rh; [pahh;[; tho;f’

‘,q;fpyhe;J tho;f’ vd;Dk; Nfh\q;fSk; vOe;jd. vy;NyhUk; vd;idr; #o;e;J if

FYf;fpdh;. nky;y $l;lj;jpd; kj;jpapy; ele;J ntuz;lhTf;F te;Njd;. \PyhTk; mq;Nf te;jhs;.

“ePq;fs; lhd;]; Mbf; nfhz;bUe;jPh;fNs> me;jg; ngz; ahh;?” vd;W Nfl;lhs; \Pyh.

ahNuh njhpahJ. vd;id Mlf; $g;gpl;lhs; ngah; Nkhp vd;W nrhd;dhs;.”

“mk;khjphp ngz;fsplk; ePq;fs; [hf;fpuijahf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. gzKs;s my;yJ me;j];Js;s Mz;fis tiy tPrpg; gpbg;gJjhd; mth;fs; njhopy;. mjw;fhf vd;d

nra;tjw;Fk; jaq;fkhl;lhh;fs;.”

“mg;gb xd;Wk; njhpatpy;iyNa. ehk; rhg;gpl;Lf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ Nghy;ld;

vd;gth; $l mts; jfg;gdhiu ed;whfj; njhpAk; vd;W nrhy;ytpy;iyah?” xd;Wk; njhpahjtd; Nghy; NgrpNdd;.

“ePq;fs; xU cah;e;j gz;ghl;by; gpwe;J tsh;e;jth;fs;. ,q;Fs;s NkhrbfSk;

gpj;jyhl;lq;fSk; cq;fSf;Fj; njhpahJ.”

jpUkzk; rl;l tpNuhjk; vd;Wk;> md;G> ghrk; tho;f;ifapy; ,Uf;ff;$lhnjd;Wk;

jPh;khdpj;j r%fj;jpd; gz;igg; gw;wp vd;d nrhy;tJ vd;W vz;zpNdd;. gpwF> “eP

vr;rhpj;jjw;F nuhk;g ed;wp>” vd;Nwd;.

“,k;khjphp ngz;fis fpsg;gpy; mq;fj;jpduhf mDkjpg;gjpy;iy. mts; vg;gb te;jhs;

vd;W njhpatpy;iy.”

“vl;lhk; n`d;wpapd; kidtpfspy; xUtuhf te;jhshk;>” vd;W nrhd;Ndd;.

“,e;j Ch; Mz;fSf;F vJ rhp> jg;;G vd;gNj njhpahJ>” vd;W \Pyh nehe;J nfhz;lhs;. vdJ Ngr;Rld; mjpfhuG+h;tkhd rlq;Ffs; vy;yhk; Kbe;jd. Mdhy; rq;fPjKk; lhd;]; Ml;lKk; Fbg;gJk; Kk;Kukhf ele;J nfhz;bUe;jd. ehDk; \PyhTk; NkYk; ,U jlit lhd;]; MbNdhk;. gpwF fpsg; gpurpnlz;Lf;F ed;wp njhptpj;Jtpl;L ehd; N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l; khspifia mile;Njd;.

*************

vdf;Fk; \PyhTf;Fk; ,Ue;j cwtpy; xU Kf;fpa mk;rk; vd;dntd;why; ehq;fs; vg;nghOJNk jdpahf ,Uf;f tha;g;G ,y;iy. ,ijg; gw;wp ehd; nuhk;g Nahrid nra;Njd;. \PyhTf;F vd;Nky; cz;ikahfNt md;G ,Ue;jhy;> jdpahf re;jpf;fhky; vg;NghJk; kw;wth;fSlNdh my;yJ $l;lq;fspNyh ,Ug;gjpy; vd;d gpuNah[dk;? ,q;fpyhe;jpy; fy;ahzk; jLf;fg;gl;bUg;gJ \PyhTf;F ed;whfj; njhpAk;. mg;gbapUe;Jk; vd;Dld; md;Nahd;dpakhf gofpdhy; mjw;F vd;d mh;j;jk;? kzj;Jf;F mg;ghw;gl;;l cwT Ntz;Lnkd;gJjhNd? lhd;];fSf;Fk;> tpUe;JfSf;Fk; kl;Lk; Ngha;f; nfhz;bUe;jhy; mk;khjphpahd cwT vg;gb tpUj;jpailAk;? vg;gb if $Lk;? ,ijg;gw;wp vd; rpe;jidfis ehd; ntspg;gilahf ,q;NfahtJ nrhy;yptpLtJ ey;yJ. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk;NghJ vdf;F nrf;]pNyh my;yJ czh;r;rpapNyh mf;fiuapy;iy. gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiw mjw;F xU KbT fz;Ltpl;lnjd;Nw nrhy;yyhk;. Mdhy; ,q;F te;j gpwF> gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; epd;Wtpl;l gpwF Nkhp cwTkhjphpNa \PyhTlDk; itj;Jf;nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; Nghy; Njhd;wpaJ. Mdhy; xU rpwpa gpio nra;jhYk; mJ vd; gpuahzj;ijNa Fiyj;Jtplyhk; vd;gijAk; mwpe;jpUe;Njd;.

ehd; gpwe;J tho;e;j r%fj;jpy; ,k;khjphp gpur;ridfNs ,y;iy. mg;gb ,Ue;jhYk; mjw;F gg; Neubahd tpil jUk;. nrf;]; Ntz;Lnkd;W xUth; Mirg;gl;lhy; Nfspf;if tdj;Jf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;baJjhd;. mNj NahridAs;s gy ngz;fs; mq;Nf te;jpUg;ghh;fs;. gpbj;jth;fSld; Ngrp Vw;ghL nra;Jnfhs;syhk;. ,UtUk; xd;W Nrh;e;J gy Nfspf;iffspy; gq;nfLj;J jpUg;jpahd gpwF mtuth; topapy; Nghf Ntz;baJjhd;. xUtiuNa ,uz;L jlitf;F Nky; re;jpj;jhy; fk;g;A+lhpypUe;J ,UtUf;Fk; vr;rhpf;if tUk;. mk;khjphpahd

‘epue;ju’ cwTfs; jdpahh; Rje;jpuj;Jf;F jlq;fy; vd;Wk;> xUth; czh;r;rpf;F mbik Mfptplyhnkd;Wk; gg; mwpTWj;Jk;. NkYk; me;j cwT ePbj;jhy; ,UtUk; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; kizf;F mioj;Jr; nry;yg;gl;L mth;fSila %isfs; fOtp Rj;jkhf;fg;gLk;. Mdhy; ePy kiy nts;isah;fs; rKjhaj;jpy; mk;khjphpahd gpur;ridfs; kpfTk; rpf;fyhfj; njhpe;jJ. fhyj;ijAk; ,jw;fhf nuhk;g nrytspf;f Ntz;bapUe;jJ. Nkhp jhd; ,e;jg; gpur;ridfSf;F tpjptpyf;fhf ,Ue;jhs;. m.K. rhpj;jpuk; ehd; ed;whff; fw;wpUe;jjhy;> fhjy; kpsh;e;J epr;rpajhh;j;jj;ijg; gw;wpAk;> gpwF jpUkzj;ijg; gw;wpAk; ehd; mwpe;jpUe;Njd;. Mdhy; mwpthy; njhpe;J nfhs;tJ NtW> czh;r;rpahy; xj;Jf;nfhs;tJ NtW. xU ehs; \Pyh kPd; gpbf;fg; Nghfyhk; vd;W $wpdhs;. m.K. fhyj;jpYk;> ,d;W rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpYk; kPd; gpbg;gJ xU ey;y nghOJNghf;fhf fUjg;gl;L te;jJ. NkYk; mJ xU $l;Lg; nghOJ Nghf;F my;y. xU MW my;yJ Vhpf;fiuf;Fr; nrd;W jdpikahf mDgtpf;f Ntz;ba tpisahl;L khjphp. jtpwTk; NtW eltbf;iffisAk; kiwf;f mJ

cjTk;. ‘kPd; gpbf;fg; NghtJ’ vd;gNj mk;khjphp eltbf;iffis kiwg;gjw;fhfTk;

cgNahfg;gLj;jyhk;. Mdhy; ve;j khjphpahd ‘kPd; gpbg;ig’g; gw;wp \Pyh nrhd;dhs; vd;W vdf;Fg; Ghpatpy;iy.

“vdf;F kPd; gpbg;gijg; gw;wp xd;WNk njhpahJ>” vd;W nrhd;Ndd;.

“ehd; cq;fSf;F fw;gpf;fpNwd;>” vd;whs; \Pyh. “vd; jfg;gdhhplkpUe;J Ntz;ba rhjdq;fis ,uty; thq;fpf; nfhs;syhk;. kjpa czitAk; nfhz;L Ngha; tpl;lhy; ePz;l Neuk; ehk; jdpahf ,Ue;J ,aw;if vopypy; Mde;jkhf nghOJNghf;fyhk;. rPf;fpuk; kiofhyk; te;JtpLk; mjw;F Kd;dhy; cs;s nta;apiy ed;whf gad;gLj;jpf;nfhs;s

Ntz;Lk;.” kPd; gpbg;G Muk;gj;jpypUe;J vq;fSila cwT xU GJ fl;lj;ij mile;jJ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. tpUe;Jfs;> lhd;]; MLk; itgtq;fs; vy;yhk; Kbe;Jtpl;ld. ehd; te;jjdhy; Vw;gl;;l cw;rhfKk; Mh;;tKk; Fiwe;J kf;fs; vd;id jq;fSf;Fs; xUtdhf Vw;Wf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. kPd; gpbg;gpdhYk; mbf;fb tdNgh[dk; nra;jjhYk; ehq;fs; jdpahfTk; ,aw;if vopypYk; mjpf Neuk; nrYj;j tha;g;G Vw;gl;lJ. fhjYf;Fk; fw;gidf;Fk; ,itnay;yhk; xU Vw;w #o;epiyahf mike;jd. Kjy; jlit ehq;fs; kPd; gpbf;fg; NghdNghJ mjw;F Ntz;ba rhjdq;fisj; jtpu jdJ Nlhq;fhtpy; KJfpy; Vw;wpr; nry;yf; $ba ,U igfisAk; nfhz;L te;jpUe;jhs;. ehq;fs; mitfis vLj;J khl;bf;nfhz;L rpy fpNyh kPl;lh; J}uj;Jf;Fr; nrd;W xU mlh;e;j tdj;ij mile;Njhk;. topapy; \Pyh mq;Fs;s kuq;fisg; gw;wpAk; G+f;fisg; gw;wpAk; gwit Xirfisg; gw;wpAk; vdf;F nrhy;ypf;nfhz;Nl te;jhs;. kiofhyk; te;jhy; ,itnay;yhk; vg;gb khWk; vd;Wk; vLj;Jiuj;jhs;. ,aw;ifiag; gw;wp vdf;F xd;WNk

njhpahJ. Mdhy; \Pyh nuhk;g mwpNthL Ngrpdhs;. ,ijg; gw;wp ehd; Gfo;e;jNghJ> “NtW

njhpe;Jnfhs;tjw;F ,e;j Chpy; vd;d ,Uf;fpwJ? ,njd;d yz;ld; khefukh? ” vd;whs;

Nrhfj;Jld;. filrpahf ehq;fs; xU rpw;whw;iw mile;Njhk;. \Pyh cz;ikapNyNa kPd; gpbg;gjpy; mf;fiuNahL te;jpUf;fpwhs; vd;wwpa ehd; nfhQ;rk; Vkhw;wk; mile;Njd;. me;j Mw;wq;fiuapy; kPd; gpbg;gijg; gw;wp vdf;F vLj;Jiuj;jhs;. ve;jkhjphp Mfhuk; kPDf;F

gpbf;Fk;> mij vg;gb fz;zpapy; itg;gJ> mij vg;gb Mw;W ePUf;Fs; tPRtJ> kPd; mijf; fbj;jhy; vg;gb mij eOt tplhky; fiuf;F ,Og;gJ vd;gijg;gw;wp vy;yhk; Nghjpj;jhs;. Rygkhf ehd; vy;yhk; mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;. gpwF ,UtUk; fz;zpfis ePhpy; tPrptpl;L gf;fj;jpy; cl;fhh;e;J nfhz;Nlhk;. \Pyh vd; ifiag; gw;wp nfhQ;rk; mOj;jpdhs;. Mdhy; Ngrpdhy; kPd; XbtpLk; vd;gjdhy; nksdkhf mkh;e;jpUe;Njhk;. mtNshL if Nfhh;j;Jf;nfhz;L mikjpahf ,Ug;gJk; kdJf;F xU uk;kpaj;ij mspg;gij mwpe;Njd;.

nuhk;g Neuk; fopj;j gpwF xt;nthd;whf %d;W kPd;fisg; gpbf;f Kbe;jJ. “gl;yiu ,tw;iw

ckf;F ,uT Ngh[dj;Jf;F rikf;fr; nrhy;Yq;fs;>” vd;whs; \Pyh. mtw;iw mjw;nfd;W ,Ue;j ngl;bapy;; itj;J %bdhs;. vdf;F nuhk;g grpaha; ,Ue;jJ. fhiyapy; Neuj;jpy; vOe;jjhYk; gy fpNyh kPl;lh; ele;jjhYk; jhfKk; Vw;gl;lJ. \Pyh gytpj nuhl;bfs;> khkpr tiffs;> Nff;> gok; Kjypad epiwa nfhz;L te;jpUe;jhs;. jdf;F go urKk; vdf;F gpaUk; ,Ue;jd. nta;apy; #L mjpfkhdjhy; xU ku epoypy; fk;gsj;ij tphpj;J mjd; Nky; cl;fhh;e;J Mfhuk; cl;nfhz;Nlhk;. gpwF vy;yhtw;iwAk; vLj;J itj;Jtpl;L fk;gsj;jpd; kPJ ,UtUk;

gLj;Jf;nfhz;Nlhk;. vd; kdJ epk;kjp mile;jJ; cs;sk; kfpo;Tw;wJ. ,k;khjphp \PyhTld; Rk;kh gLj;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gjhNyNa vd; tho;T epiwT ngw;wjhf czh;e;Njd;.

“[pahh;[;” \Pyh nfhQ;rk; neUq;fp te;J $g;gpl;lhs;.

“ck;.”

“re;Njh\kh? ”

“gpd; vd;d? ”

“vd;Dld ,k;khjphp jdpahf ,Ug;gijg; gw;wpf; Nfl;Nld;.” ehDk; nfhQ;rk; neUq;fp Mypq;fdk; nra;J Kj;jkpl;Nld;. ,Uthpd; clk;Gfs; njhl gLj;Jf; nfhz;Nlhk;. \Pyh rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl vd; Kfj;ij tUbdhs;. me;j epkplj;jpy; ehd; vd;d Ntz;LkhdhYk; nra;ayhk; vd;W Ch;[pjkhf mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;. vd; cs;sk;jhd; jlq;fyha; epd;wJ. r;rf; czh;r;rptrg;glhky; gq;F nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;W nrhd;djpypUe;J mth; nkhopfs; vd; kdij myrpf; nfhz;bUe;jd. Mdhy; \Pyh Nkhp khjphp my;y. mts; ,k;khjphp epiyikapy; JzpNthL jhdhf Kjy; mb vLf;fkhl;lhs;. vd; rf;jpapYk; vdf;F ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. vq;fs; fhjy; Kj;jk; itg;gNjhLk; Mypq;fdk; nra;tNjhLk; epd;Wtpl;lJ. vd;idg; gw;wp \PyhTf;F Vkhw;wkha; ,Uf;Fkh vd;w ftiy vdf;F Vw;gl;;lJ. mg;nghOJjhd; r;rf; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufs; vd; epidTf;F te;jd. mitfs; ,d;Dk; N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l; khspifapy; vd; ngl;bapy; ftdpg;ghuw;W fple;jd.

“[pahh;[;> ePq;fs; vt;tsT ey;yth; vd;W cq;fSf;Nf njhpahJ. NkYk; xU ngz;zpd; kNdh epiyia ed;whf mwpe;J itj;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;. yz;ldpy; nuhk;g mDgtk;

,Uf;Fk; Nghy; njhpfpwJ.” mts; vd;d nrhy;fpwhs; vd;W vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy. ,Ue;jhYk; mts; Ngr;R kdJf;F uk;kpakhf ,Ue;jJ.

“ePq;fs; mjpfkhf NgRtjpy;iy. nuhk;g khpahijahf ele;J nfhs;fpwPh;fs;. md;dpauha; ,Ue;Jk;$l vd;id ed;whf Ghpe;J nfhz;bUf;fpwPh;fs;. cq;fs; gpuGj;Jt

Mq;fpy tk;rh top ,jpypUe;J njspthf gpujpgypf;fpwJ.” vd;id ,Uf;fpg; gpbj;J> fd;dj;ij tUb jiykapiuf; fyf;fpdhs;. mg;nghOJ ehd; fhjiyg; gw;wpAk; md;igg; gw;wpAk; VjhtJ nrhy;yp ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. mg;gbj;jhNd m.K.

ehty;fspnsy;yhk; vOjpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. VjhtJ NgrNth nra;aNth vd;dhy; Kbatpy;iy. Mdhy; cs;Su kfpo;tile;Njd;. me;j ,aw;ifapd; #o; epiyahYk;> gpah; Mfhuk; rhg;gpl;ljpdhYk; \Pyhtpd; md;ghYk; vdf;F J}f;fk; te;Jtpl;lJ. rpwpJ Neuk; J}q;fptpl;Nld;. vOe;jnghOJ xU nky;ypa Fsph;fhw;W tPrpf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. \Pyh vy;yhtw;iwAk; vLj;J igfSf;Fs; itj;J Gwg;gl jahuhf ,Ue;jhs;. fk;gspiaAk; kbj;J vLj;Jf;nfhz;L Gwg;gl;Nlhk;.

“,e;j ehis re;Njh\khf fopj;jPh;> ,y;iyah? ” vd;W Nfl;lhs; \Pyh.

“Mdhy; eP re;Njh\g;gltpy;iyNa?” vd;Nwd; ehd;. \Pyh mjw;F gjpy; nrhy;ytpy;iy.

“gy nghWg;Gfs; ,Uf;Fk; cq;fSf;F kPd; gpbg;gJjhd; kdJf;F epk;kjpAk;

uk;kpaKk; mspf;ff;$ba nghOJNghf;F>” vd;whs; \Pyh. “,q;fpyhe;jpd; gpujk ke;jphpfs;

gyUf;F kPd; gpbg;gjpy; mjpf Mh;tkhk;.”

“rhpj;jpuk; nrhy;tJ cz;ikahdhy;> xU neUf;fb tUk;Nghnjy;yhk;> mth;fs; kPd;

gpbf;fg; Ngha;tpLthh;fs;. jpUk;gp tUtjw;Fs; neUf;fbAk; xUtpjkhf Kbe;JtpLk;.”

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J gpujkh;fSk; mg;gbj;jhd;.”

“rh; tpd;];ld; $l kPd; gpbf;fj;jhd; vq;Nfh NghapUg;gjhf gl;yh; nrhd;dhd;.”

“rdp QhapW jpdq;fspy; ntspNa Nghf vdf;Fg; gpbf;fhJ. tpLKiw ehl;fshdjhy; vq;F ghh;j;jhYk; $l;lk; epiwa ,Uf;Fk;. thu kj;jpapy; Nghdhy; tsKk; MWk; ekf;Nf

vd;W ,Uf;Fk;>” vd;W nrhy;yp tpilngw;whs;.

gl;yhplk; ehq;fs; gpbj;j kPd;fisf; nfhLj;jnghOJ mtDf;F rphpg;G te;jJ.

“cq;fSf;F kPd; gpbf;Fk; tof;fk; ,y;iy vd;gJ njspT. kp]; fpA+NulUk; mt;tsT ey;y

Mrphpah; my;y. Mdhy; ehs; Mf Mf ePq;fSk; ey;y ‘kPdth;’ Mfyhk; . mJjhd; xU nghpa

uh[je;jphpf;F moF.”

“Mw;wpy; epiwa kPd; ,y;iy Nghy; ,Uf;fpwJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“rhh;> ePq;fs; kPd; gpbg;gijg; gw;wp xU G];jfk; thq;fp gbg;gJ ey;yJ.”

“ehd; ey;y kPdth; Mf Ntz;Lnkd;why; kPd;fs;jhd; G];jfk; gbf;f Ntz;Lk;.”

“kPd;fSf;Fg; gbf;fj; njhpahNj!” vd;whd; gl;yh;. xU thuj;Jf;Fg; gpwF kWgbAk; kPd; gpbf;fg; Nghfyhkh vd;W \Pyh Nfl;;lNghJ ehd; kpf Mh;tj;Jld; xg;;Gf; nfhz;Nld;. Nghd jlit Mfhuk; vy;yhk; ed;whf ,Ue;jjh vd;W

Nfl;ljw;Fk; ‘nuhk;g ed;whf ,Ue;jJ’ vd;Nwd;. “cq;fis jpUg;jpg;gLj;JtJ nuhk;g Rygk;. ePq;fs; xU ey;y fztuhf miktPh;fs;.” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“,e;jj; jlit cdf;F nfhQ;rk; mjpf njhe;juT nfhLf;fg; NghfpNwd;>” vd;W ehd; kiw nghUshf nrhd;Ndd;.

“ePq;fs; mg;gb vd;d njhe;juT nfhLg;gPh;fs; vd;W ghh;f;fyhk;>” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L Ntz;ba Vw;ghLfs; nra;a vj;jspj;jhs;. ehDk; ,e;jj; jlit Vkhw;wkilaf; $lhJ vd;W nra;J nfhz;Nld.

mjpU\;ltrkhfNth vd;dNth ,e;jj; jlit epiwa kPd;fs; fpilj;jd. \PyhTk; nghWikahf ve;jf; fiuapypUe;J fz;zpia tPr Ntz;Lk;. #hpa epoy; ve;jg; gf;fj;jpy; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg; gw;wp njspthf vLj;Jr; nrhd;dhs;. Mdhy; md;W vd; kdk; kPd; gpbg;gjpy; nry;ytpy;iy. gpd;dhy; tug;NghFk; ngU kfpo;r;rpiag; gw;wp epidj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;Njd;.

“ePq;fs; ehd; nrhy;tij ftdpf;fkhy; vijg; gw;wpNah epidj;Jf;

nfhz;bUf;fpwPh;fs;>” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“,d;iwf;F epiwa kPd; fpilj;jpUf;fpwNj? ” vd;Nwd;.

“mJ cq;fs; Kaw;rpahy; my;y. nja;thjPdk; vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;.”

“gl;yh; ,e;j kPd;fisg; ghh;j;jhy; nuhk;g jpUg;jpg;gLthd;.”

“gl;yiug;gw;wp Vd; ePq;fs; ,t;tsT ftiyg;gLfpwPh;fs;” vd;whs; \Pyh. “mtd;jhd; cq;fs; tho;f;ifiaNa eph;zapf;fpwhd; Nghy; ,Uf;fpwJ. ePq;fs; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F Ngr;R thh;j;ijf;fhf NghFk;NghJ $l cq;fSld; ahh; nry;y Ntz;Lk; vd;gijg; gw;wp mtd;jhd;

KbT nra;thdh?”

ehd; ‘Ngr;R thh;j;ij’f;fhf ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fj; jpUk;GNtd; vd;Wk; $l ahuhtJ Nghf Ntz;bapUf;Fnkd;Wk; ,JtiuapYk; ehd; epidf;fNt ,y;iy. Mdhy; Nahrpj;Jg; ghh;j;jNghJ ehd; Mq;fpy murhq;f J}Jtuhdhy; mk;khjphp NghtJ rf[k;jhNd.

“ePq;fs; mjpfhu Njhuizapy; jpUk;gpg; Nghf Ntz;bapUe;jhy; cq;fSf;F rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; epiyikia ed;whf mwpe;j xUth; Ntz;lhkh? Ngr;Rthh;j;ijfspd; NghJ Fwpj;Jf;nfhs;sTk;> ahh; ahiu re;jpf;f Ntz;Lnkd;gij eph;zapf;fTk; xU fhhpajhprp NjitapUf;Fky;yth? MdhYk; nuhk;g tw;GUj;jp nfQ;rp Nfl;lhy;jhd; ehd; tUNtd;.

,y;yhtpl;lhy; fz;bg;ghf tu khl;Nld;>” \Pyh Kfj;ijj; jpUg;gpf; nfhz;lhs;. vy;yhk; ehd; vjph;ghh;j;jjw;F Neh;khwhf Nghtjhf fhzg;gl;lJ. epiyikia vg;gbahtJ rkhspf;f Kad;Nwd;.

“ehd; ufrpakha; itj;jpUe;J filrpapy; eP Mr;rhpag;gLkhW nrhy;yyhk; vd;W

,Ue;Njd;. Mdhy; eP Gj;jp $h;ikAld; A+fpj;Jtpl;lha;>” vd;Nwd; Gd; rphpg;Gld;. vd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J tho;Nt xU nghpa ngha;ia m];jpthukhff; nfhz;ljhifahy; kw;nwhU rpW

ngha; nrhy;tjpy; Fw;wkpy;iy vd;W vz;zpNdd;. “ehd; NghFk;NghJ cd;idj; jtpu ahiuf;

$l;bf;nfhz;L NghNtd;? ”

“ePq;fs; vt;tsT nfl;bf;fhuh;! vy;yhk; ePq;fshfNt vd;dplk; nrhy;yhky; jpl;lk;

Nghl;bUf;fpwPh;fs;. cq;fs; khjphp xUth; vq;NfAk; fpilf;fkhl;lhh;!” \Pyh vd;idj; jhtpg;

gpbj;J xU Kj;jkspj;jhs;. “,t;tsT jpwikAs;sth; vd;gjhy;jhd; cq;fis ,e;j

Kf;fpakhd nghWg;Gf;F Njh;e;njLj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;!”

kPd; gpbg;gijg; gw;wp ehd; ftdpf;fhjijnay;yhk; kwe;Jtpl;lhs;. “cq;fSf;F

nuhk;g grpaha; ,Uf;FNk? thUq;fs; rhg;gplyhk;.” vdf;Fj; gpbj;j Mfhu tiffisnay;yhk; nfhz;L te;jpUe;jhs;. NkYk; vdf;fhf vjpYk; fhuk; Nghltpy;iy. Nuh];l; NfhopAk;> fhw;fwpfSk; go tiffSk; kpfTk; Urpahf ,Ue;jd. gpah; Fbf;Fk;nghOJ r;rf; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufs; ,uz;ilAk; \PyhTf;F njhpahky; tpOq;fptpl;Nld;.

“,d;W ehk; rPf;fpuk; jpUk;gyhkh? ePq;fs; vd;id ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F $l;bf;nfhz;L

Nghtijg;gw;wp clNd vd; jfg;gdhhplk; $w Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whs; \Pyh.

“mg;gb xd;Wk; mtruk; ,y;iy. gpuahzk; ,d;Dk; rpy ehisf;F gpwFjhd; ,Uf;Fk;. ,d;Dk; ehd; vd; rd;dj;JfisNa rkh;g;gpf;ftpy;iyNa. ,q;Nf nuhk;g uk;kpakhf

,Uf;fpwJ. nfhQ;rk; gLj;J ,isg;ghuyhNk>” vd;Nwd;. ehq;fs; fk;gsp Nky; gLj;Jf;nfhz;N;lhk;. \Pyhit ,Ufg; gpbj;J MtNyhL Kj;jkpl;Nld;. mts; clk;ig tUbNdd;. “[pahh;[;> ,d;iwf;F cq;fs; md;G MNtrkhf ,Uf;fpwNj>” vd;whs; \Pyh rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl. mtisj; njhl;l vd; ifiaf; nfhQ;rk; js;sptpl;lhs;. “Vd; cdf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iyah? ”

“nuhk;g ed;whfj;jhd; ,Uf;fpwJ. Mdhy; ehk; ahh; vd;gij kdjpy; nfhs;s

Ntz;Lk;.”

Mdhy; mts; nrhd;dJ vd; fhjpy; ,wq;ftpy;iy. NkYk; Kj;jkpl;Lf; nfhz;Lk;> mts; clk;ig tUb Nrhjid nra;J nfhz;Lk; ,Ue;Njd;. vdJ nghj;jhd;fisAk; fol;l Muk;gpj;Njd;.

“[pahh;[;! [pahh;[;” \Pyh $tpdhs;. mts; Fuypy; md;G> Mir> Mh;tk; xypj;jJ.

“jaT nra;J gj;jpukha; ,Uq;fs;!”

“ehd; jahuhfj;jhd; ,Uf;fpNwd;.”

jpBnud;W \Pyh vd;idj; js;sptpl;L vOe;J cl;fhh;e;jhs;. “vjw;fhf jahuha;

,Uf;fpwPh;fs;? ” mts; Fuypy; ftiy> Nfhgk; njhdpj;jJ. Mdhy; mg;nghOJ mtw;iw Ghpe;J nfhs;Sk; rf;jp vdf;F ,y;iy.

“ehd; v];.V.gp. rhg;gpl;bUf;fpNwd;.”

“v];.V.gp. vd;why; vd;d? ”

“nrf;]; Vf;bNt\d; gpy;]; (ghYwit Cf;Ftpf;Fk; khj;jpiu)>” vd;W cw;rhfj;Jld; nrhd;Ndd;.

gshh; vd;W vd; fd;dj;jpy; xU miw tpOe;jJ. “eP vd;d kdpjdh> kpUfkh? ” vd;W fj;jpdhs;. gpwF vd;idj; js;sptpl;L vOe;J jd; Milfis rhpnra;J nfhz;lhs;.

“ehd; vd;d jg;G nra;Jtpl;Nld;. nfhQ;rk; nrhy;>” vd;W nfQ;rp Nfl;Nld;.

Mdhy; \Pyh xU thh;j;ij$l Ngrtpy;iy. jdJ igapy; rhkhd;fis vLj;J FWf;F Njhopy; khl;bf;nfhz;L tpUtpnud;W ele;jhs;.

ehd; nrayw;wtdhNdd;.

***********

mj;jpahak; gj;J

\Pyh nfhLj;j miu vdf;F xU jw;fhypf NehT kl;Lk; jutpy;iy. epue;jukhf vdf;F xU ghlk; fw;gpj;jkhjphp ,Ue;jJ. rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F te;jjpypUe;J ehd; xU fdTyfpy; rQ;rhpj;Njd;. me;j miu kPz;Lk; vd;id ajhh;j;j cyFf;F ,wf;fptpl;lJ.

,jw;F Kd;G vd;id ahUk; ,k;khjphp mbj;jjpy;iy. ,JNt xU Gjpa mDgtk;. gg; jj;Jtj;Jf;F clk;G jz;lidapy; ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. vdf;F xU nghpa fsq;fNkw;gl;L ehd; ,opthf;fg;gl;;ljhf Njhd;wpaJ. \Pyh nrd;wJk; vd; fz;fspypUe;J ePh; nrhhpe;jJ.

ehd; rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj;jhf ebf;f kl;Lkpy;iy. mtnud;Nw ehd; epidj;Jtpl;Nld;. ePy kiy nts;isah;fs; khjphpNa ehDk; xU kha tho;f;iff;F mbikahfptpl;Nld;. Mdhy; vd; kha tho;f;if ve;j tpdhbapYk; mk;gykhfyhk;. ehd; m.K.fhy rhpj;jpu Muha;r;rp epWtdj;jpy; xU rhjhuz Copad; vd;gij kwe;J Mq;fpy murpd; J}Jth; vd;Nw ek;gptpl;Nld;. cz;ikahf ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ ehd; fk;g;A+lhpy; xU ek;gh;jhNd. vdf;F xU jdp me;j];j;Njh chpikNah ,y;iy vd;gijNa kwe;Jtpl;Nld;. ehd; jpUk;gpg;Nghdhy; vd; ek;giuNa ahuhtJ mopj;Jtpl;lhy; mj;Jld; vd; tho;f;if Kbe;JtpLk;.

\Pyh nfhLj;j miuAld; gg; ,lk; vdf;F ,Ue;j tpRthrKk; G+uzkhf kiwe;Jtpl;lJ. gg; khj;jpiufis vwpe;Jtpl;lhYk; mjd; nfhs;iffis ehd; G+uzkhf iftpltpy;iy. mjd; gpufhuk; czh;r;rp trg;glhkNy vy;yhtw;wpYk; gq;F nfhs;syhk; vd;W fUjp te;Njd;. ePykiy nts;isah;fspd; vjph;fhyj;jpYk; vdf;F mf;fiuapy;iy. vjph;fhyj;jpy; mth;fs; vg;gb ,Ug;ghh;fs; vd;gijg; gw;wpAk; ehd; epidf;ftpy;iy. ,g;nghOJjhd; mth;fs; Nky; cs;s md;G vd; kdjpy; cjakhapw;W. mth;fSld; xd;whf ,iza ehd; tpUk;gpNdd;. mg;gbnad;why; ehd; ,q;fpyhe;J J}Jtuhf vg;gb tho;tJ. cz;ikiar; nrhy;y Ntz;lhkh? mjdhy; Vw;gLk; tpisTfis Vw;Wf;nfhs;s Ntz;lhkh? mth;fSila rz;il rr;ruTfSk;> Rje;jpuKk; ftiyaw;w tho;f;ifAk; vdf;F nuhk;g gpbj;jpUe;jJ. mth;fSila tpUk;G ntWg;GfSk;> nghwhik> Mir> Mh;tk;> Mty; vy;yhk; vd;id <h;j;jd.

‘tpRthrj;jpd; Foe;ijjhd; JNuhfk;’ vd;gJ gg;gpd; xU gonkhop. Mdhy; ,d;W vdf;F tpRthrk; - ePykiy nts;isah;fSf;F ehd; fhl;Lk; tpRthrk; - jhd; Kf;fpakhf njd;gl;lJ. vdf;F cs;sf; fpsh;r;rpiaf; nfhLj;J> ,we;jfhy> ,we;Jtpl;l czh;Tfis kPz;Lk; J}z;b> kdpjhgpkhdj;ij kWgbAk; vd; kdjpy; NtW}l;bath;fSf;F ,Ue;j tpRthrk;. Mdhy; mNj rkaj;jpy; ehd; gpwe;J tsh;e;j Nkw;F Nfhsj;Jf;F ehd; JNuhfk; nra;Jtpl;NlNdh vd;w vz;zKk; Njhd;wpaJ. Mk;. tpRthrKk; JNuhfKk; xNu ehzaj;jpd; ,Ugf;fq;fs;jhNd.

mbgl;l vd; fd;dj;ij jltpf; nfhz;L Nkw;nfhz;L vd;d nra;tJ vd;W ehd; Nahrpj;jnghOJ ,e;j rpe;jidfs; vd; kdjpy; vOe;jd. \Pyhtpd; kdj;ij ehd; nuhk;gTk; Gz;gLj;jptpl;Nld; vd;gij njhpe;Jnfhz;Nld;. Mdhy; vg;gb vd;Wjhd; njhpatpy;iy. ,j;Jld; vq;fs; cwTf;Fk; xU Kw;Wg;Gs;sp itf;f Ntz;baJjhd; vd;gJk; njspthapw;W. xUtpjj;jpy; ,JTk; ey;yJjhd; vd;W epidj;Njd;. Mdhy; ,dpNkyhtJ ,k;khjphp rq;flq;fspy; mfg;glhky; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. ,Ue;jhYk; \Pyhtpd; cwT Kwpe;jJ vdf;Fg; nghpa ftiy mspj;jJ.

ehd; ,d;Dk; \Pyhtpd; fk;gspapd; Nky;jhd; cl;fhh;e;jpUe;Njd;. mijAk; mts; tpl;Lg;Nghd kw;w rpy rhkhd;fisAk; vLj;Jf;nfhz;L ehd; N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;F elf;fyhNdd;.

mts;; jdpahf te;jJ gl;yUf;F Mr;rhpakhf ,Ue;jJ. “rhh;> nfhQ;rk; B

rhg;gpLfpwPh;fsh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhd;.

“Mk;” vd;W nrhd;dJk; B te;jJ. mij rhg;gpl;lNghJ nfhQ;rk; ,isg;ghwpa njk;G Njhd;wpaJ. NkYk; vd;d nra;tJ vd;W Nahrid nra;Njd;. ehd; rhg;gpl;bUe;j khj;jpiufs; Ntiy nra;a Muk;gpj;jd. VjhtJ xU ngz;iz> vg;gbahtJ ghh;f;f Ntz;Lk;> vd;Dk; Mty; Vw;gl;lJ. vd;idg; nghUj;jtiu ,J kpfTk; mG+h;tkhd tp\ak;. mij vg;gb rkhspg;gJ vd;W njhpatpy;iy. rkhspf;f KbahJ vd;W Njhd;wpaJ. xUNtis mjpf khj;jpiufis rhg;gpl;Ltpl;NlNdh? vg;gbahtJ clNd Nkhpiag; ghh;f;f Ntz;Lk; KbT nra;Njd;.

vd;idg; ghh;j;jJk;> “ePq;fs; ed;whf ,Uf;fpwPh;fsh? ” vd;W gl;yh; ftiyNahL Nfl;lhd;.

“ehd; rpwpJ Neuk; ntspNa nry;fpNwd;.”

“,g;nghOJjhNd nuhk;g Neuk; ele;J te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;? ”

“guthapy;iy” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L ehd; ntspNawpNdd;. vq;F nry;fpNwhk; vd;Dk; czh;r;rpNa ,y;yhky; Gy;jiufs;> tPLfs;;> filfs; vy;yhk; jhz;b efhpd; neUq;fpa ghfj;Jf;F te;Njd;. VNjh xU cs;Szh;r;rp vd; ghjq;fisj; J}z;LtJNghy ,Ue;jJ. eha;fs; Nkhg;gk; gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L Nghtijg;Nghy top njhpahkNyNa Nkhpia Kjy; jlit

re;jpj;j Fbf;Fk; ,lj;Jf;F te;Njd;. NkYk; rpy epkplq;fspy; ‘NrhN`h rhiy’ vd;W gyifiag; ghh;j;jTld; Nkhpapd; tPl;L ek;gUk; Qhgfj;Jf;F te;jJ.

ey;y Ntisahf Nkhp ,Ue;jhs;. “vq;Nf nuhk;g ehshf fhztpy;iy>” vd;W rphpj;Jf;

nfhz;Nl vd;id tuNtw;whs;. “mJTk; gfypNy!” vd;whs;.

“nuhk;g mtruk;” vd;Nwd;. mtisg; ghh;j;jJk; gyehs; Mfhukpd;wp ,Ue;jtDf;F xU tpUe;J ghpkhwp ,Ug;gJ Nghd;w czh;r;rp Njhd;wpaJ.

mts; fjT %baTld; mtis ,Wf;fp;g; gpbj;J Mypq;fdk; nra;Njd;. gpwF mts; ifiag; gpbj;J gLf;iff;F ,Oj;Jr; nrd;Nwd;. ey;y Ntisahf Mz;fspd; gy kNdhghtq;fis mts; Rygkhf mwpAk; rf;jp tha;e;jts;. VNjh xU mrhjhuz mDgtk; Vw;gl;bUf;fpwnjd;Wk; mjdhy; ehd; MNtrg;gl;bUg;gjhfTk; czh;e;J mjw;Fj;jFe;j rpfpr;ir mspj;J vdf;F epk;kjp mspj;jhs;.

filrpahf ,UtUk; xa;e;J gLf;ifapy; rha;e;J ,isg;ghWk;nghOJ Nkhp vOe;J nrd;W vdf;F xU bhpq;f; nfhz;L te;jhs;. Mdhy; mg;NghJk; ,k;khjphp xU tpghPj rk;gtk; elg;gjw;F vd;d fhuzk; vd;W Nfl;ftpy;iy. mtSila rkNahrpj mwpit ehd; nkr;rpNdd;.

Nkhpapd; md;Gk;> tp];fpAk; xd;W Nrh;e;J vd;id epk;kjpAld; ,isg;ghw cjtpd. Nkhp gf;fj;jpy; rha;e;J gLj;Jf;nfhz;L Ngrhky; vd; Kfj;ijAk; Njhs;fisAk; tUbdhs;. mg;nghOJjhd; Nkhpapd; kPJ vdf;Fs;s Mo;e;j md;ig mwpayhNdd;. mJtiuf;Fk; ehd; xU kpUfk;khjphpjhd; ele;Jnfhz;Nld;. Mdhy; Nkhpapd; md;G vd;;id xU kdpjdhf;fptpl;lJ. Nkw;F Nfhsk; mopf;f Kad;w vd; cz;ikahd> J}a;ikahd kdpjj;jd;ik ntspg;gl;lJ. ,jw;Fg; ngah;jhd; fhjNyh? vdf;Fj; njhpatp;y;iy. mDgtk; ,Ue;jhy;jhNd? my;yJ kw;wth;fs; %ykhfthtJ ghpr;rpak; ,Ue;jhy;jhNd? Mdhy; xU cz;ikahd jd;dpiwT ngw;w czh;r;rp vdf;F Vw;gl;lJ. vd; lk;sh; fhypahdTld; Nkhp NkYk; mij epiwj;J nfhz;Lte;jhs;.

filrpahf “ehd; Vd; ,e;jkhjphp ele;J nfhz;Nld; vd;W Mr;rhpakhf ,y;iyah? ”

vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ePq;fs; nrhy;tPh;fs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;” Gd;rphpg;Gld; nrhd;dhs;. “\PyhTld;

VjhtJ rz;il gpbj;Jf; nfhz;Bh;fsh?”

mtSila Gj;jp $h;ikiag; gw;wpAk; cs;Szh;Tj; jpwikiag; gw;wpAk; ehd;

tpae;Njd;. “vg;gbj; njhpAk;? ” vd;Nwd;.

“,jpy; Mr;rhpak; vd;d ,Uf;fpwJ? Nghdjlit ePq;fs; ,q;Nf te;jnghOJ xU vz;gJ taJ fpoth;khjphp ele;J nfhz;Bh;fs;. eLf;fk;> ftiy> gak; vy;yhk; mg;NghJ cq;fs; elj;ijapy; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; ,d;W MNtrg;gl;;lth;Nghy ,Ue;jPh;fs;. ngz; Fyj;ijNa ntWj;jkhjphp vd;id Nerpj;jPh;fs;. ,jpypUe;J VNjh xU Gjpa czh;r;rp> Vkhw;wk;> ,opT ck; cs;sj;jpy; Vw;gl;bUf;fpwJ. \Pyhitj; jtpu NtW ahh; ck; kdjpy;

,k;khjphpahd vz;zq;fisj; J}z;Lthh;fs;? ”

vt;tsT Ez;zpakhf epiyikia myrp itj;jpUe;jhs; Nkhp? me;j khj;jpiufisg; gw;wpj;jhd; mtSf;F njhpatpy;iy. njhptjw;Fk; epahak; ,y;iy. vd; cs;sf; fpsh;r;rpia mtsplk; ms;spf;nfhl;l tpUk;gpNdd;. vd; ,Ujaj;ijf; fiuj;J Cw;w tpUk;gpNdd;.

“Nkhp> ehd; ele;j vy;yhtw;iwAk; nrhd;dhy;> mij Ghpe;Jnfhz;L vd; Nky;

mDjhgk; fhl;Lthah? ”

“ghUq;fs;> ePq;fs; NtnuhU ehl;bypUe;J te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;. cq;fs; gz;ghL> tho;f;if> epaha mepahak; vy;yhk; Kw;wpYk; khWgl;bUf;Fk;. ,ij mwpa fy;tpawpT Ntz;bajpy;iy. gFj;jwpT ,Ue;jhy; NghJk;. ehd; tpisahl;Lf;Nfh> nghOJ Nghf;Ff;fhfNth my;yJ gzj;Jf;fhfNth cq;fis Nerpf;ftpy;iy. Mu mku Nahrpj;Jj;jhd; me;j KbTf;F te;Njd;. ehk; xUtUld; xUth; cz;ikAld; gofpdhy;jhd;

ek; ek;gpf;if tsUk;. ePq;fs; nrhy;tij nrhy;Yq;fs;. Kbe;jtiu ehd; cjtp nra;fpNwd;.”

clNd ele;j vy;yhtw;iwAk; nrhd;Ndd;. [Ptpa tpQ;Qhd gpur;ridfisg; gw;wpAk; r;rf; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufisg; gw;wpAk;> \Pyh vg;gb vd;id kzk; nra;Jnfhs;s KbahJ vd;W njhp;e;Jk; Cf;Ftpj;jhs; vd;gijg; gw;wpAk; filrpahf md;W fhiy ele;j rk;gtj;ijg; gw;wpAk; tptukhf nrhd;Ndd;.

“Fspif rhg;gpl;lijg; gw;wp mg;gl;lkhf nrhd;dPh;fsh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhs;.

“Mk;. Ke;jpa jlit kPd; gpbf;fg; NghdNghJ \Pyh nfhQ;rk; Vkhw;wk; mile;jhs;

vd;W epidj;Njd;. MfNt ,d;iwf;F ‘gj;jpukha; ,Uq;fs;’ vd;W nrhd;dNghJ ehd;

‘ftiyg;gl Ntz;lhk;> kUe;J rhg;gpl;bUf;fpNwd;’ vd;W nrhd;Ndd;.”

Nkhp tpOe;J tpOe;J rphpj;jhs;. ehd; nrhd;djpy; rphpg;gjw;F vd;d ,Ue;jJ vd;W

vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy. Ie;J epkplj;Jf;Fg; gpwFjhd; mts; rphpg;G mlq;fpaJ. gpwF “ghtk;.

ePq;fs; xU Foe;ij khjphp! Mdhy; mJ \PyhTf;F vg;gbj; njhpAk;!”

“vdf;F xd;Wk; Ghpatpy;iyNa>” vd;W ftiyNahL Nfl;Nld;.

“mts; cq;fis Nfhgg;gl;L miwe;Jtpl;Lr; nrd;wjpy; xd;Wk; Mr;rhpakpy;iy. RakhpahijAs;s ve;jg; ngz;Zk; xU Mz; nrf;]; khj;jpiu rhg;gpl;l gpwFjhd; jd;id Nerpf;f KbAk; vd;gij nfhQ;rq;$l tpUk;gkhl;lhs;. mJ mtSila me;j];j;Jf;Fk; moFf;Fk; fhjYf;Fk; xU ,opT my;yth? mJTk; jd; fhjyDld;! ghtk;!

“gpd; Vd; vd;id ‘gj;jpukha; ,Uq;fs;’ vd;W nrhd;dhs;? ”

“,J$l cq;fSf;Fj; njhpatpy;iyah? jhd; fh;g;gkhff; $lhJ. ePq;fs; fUj;jLg;G

Kiwfis ifahs Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhfj;jhd; ‘gj;jpukha; ,Uq;fs;’ vd;whs;.”

“\Pyh vdf;F tha;g;G je;jpUe;jhy; ehd; vy;yhk; njspthf nrhy;ypapUg;NgNd!”

“cq;fSila Nkw;F Nfhsj;Jila nrf;]; gpur;rid0fs; mtSf;F vg;gbj;

njhpAk;?” vd;whs; Nkhp.

“mg;nghOJ eP fh;g;gkhfptpl;lhy;?” vd;W ehd; ftiyNahL Nfl;Nld;.

“jLg;G Kiwfisg;gw;wp vdf;Fj; njhpAk;.”

,ijf;Nfl;L ehd; nfhQ;rk; Vkhw;wk; mile;Njd;. Nkhp fUj;jhpj;jhy; r;rf;fpDila gpur;ridfSf;F tpil fz;Lgpbj;jkhjphp MfptpLk;. vdf;Fk; jpBnud;W> xU kidtpAk; Foe;ijfSk; ,Ue;jhy; vt;tsT ed;wha; ,Uf;Fk; vd;W Njhd;wpaJ. mth;fs; tsh;tijg; ghh;j;jhy;> mth;fs; mwpT tpyhrkiltijf; fz;lhy; vt;tsT uk;kpakhf ,Uf;Fk;!

Mdhy; Nkhp vd; rpe;jidapy; FWf;fpl;lhs;. “ePq;fs; \PyhTf;F xU fbjk; vOjp kd;dpg;G Nfl;f Ntz;Lk;. mJjhd; epahak;. cq;fSila cwT Kbtile;jhYk;> mjpy; xU

frg;G ,Uf;Fk;. vg;gbapUe;jhYk; ,e;j cwT ePq;fs; jpUk;gpr; nry;Yk; tiuf;Fk;jhNd?” vd;whs;.

kWgbAk; Nkhpapd; mwpitAk; Gj;jp $h;ikiaAk; ehd; nkr;rpNdd;. mts; Nky; cs;s md;igAk; fhjiyAk; ntspf;fhl;l tpUk;gpNdd;. gy ,dpa ngah;fshy; mtis mioj;J Mirfhl;l Mty; nfhz;Nld;. ,dp vdf;F \PyhNth my;yJ Ntnwe;jg; ngz;Nzh Ntz;lhk;. tho; ehs; KOtJk; ehd; cdf;F mbikaha; ,Ug;Ngd; vd;W nrhy;yp mtis kfpoitf;f epidj;Njd;. Mdhy; Mal;fhyk; KOtJk; mlf;fpitf;fg;gl;l Mh;tk;> gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;l cs;sk;> vd;idg; Ngrtpltpy;iy. ,Ue;jhYk; vdJ Mh;tk> jiyKiw jiyKiwahf ,Ue;j mlf;F KiwiaAk; kPwf;nfhz;L vOe;jJ.

“Nkhp> vjph;fhyj;jpy; vd;d MFk; vd;W vd;dhy; nrhy;y KbahJ. Mdhy; xU Fwpf;Nfhspy; ehd; cWjpaha; ,Uf;fpNwd;. md;G> fhjy; vd;why; vd;d vd;W ,g;nghOJjhd; ehd; mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;. KbAkhdhy; cd;id kzk; nra;Jnfhz;L vd; tho;ehis cd;Dld; fof;f tpUk;GfpNwd;. Mdhy; ehd; epidg;gjw;F khwhf vjph;fhyk; Vw;gl;lhYk;> ,e;j tpdhbia> ,e;j ,d;gj;ij ek;kplkpUe;J ahUk; mgfhpf;f KbahJ. gpd;dhy; vd;idg; gw;wp eP vd;d Nfs;tpg;gl;lhYk;> ehd; ,g;NghJ nrhd;dij kdjpy; itj;Jf;nfhz;L vd;id

kd;dpj;JtpL.”

“ePq;fSk; czh;r;rp trg;gl;Ltpl;Bh;fNs! ,Ue;jhYk; kzj;ijg; gw;wp Ngr Ntz;lhk;. xU nghpa J}JtUila itg;ghl;bahf ,Uf;f vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. Mdhy; mtUila kidtpahf ehd; ,Uf;f khl;Nld;. ,Ug;gpDk; ePq;fs; Ntz;Lk;NghJ ehd; cq;fSf;fhf

,q;Nf fhj;jpUg;Ngd;.”

,k;khjphpahd md;Gf;Fk; tpRthrj;jpw;Fk; ehd; vd;d ifk;khW nra;tJ? NkYk; vq;fis Mir Ml;nfhz;lJ. rpwpJ Neuj;Jf;Fg; gpwF ehd; kdkpy;yhky; tpil ngw;Nwd;.

ehd; NghFk;NghJ Nkhp> “,d;W ePq;fs; vj;jid khj;jpiufs; rhg;gpl;Bh;fs;? ” vd;whs;.

`“,uz;L”.

“mLj;j jlit ,q;Nf tUk;NghJ xd;Wf;FNky; rhg;gpl Ntz;lhk;.”

ehDk; mtSld; Nrh;e;J rphpj;Njd;.

***************

ehd; N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;Fg; NghdJk; \PyhTf;F fPo;fz;l fbjk; vOjpNdd;.

“ehd; xU kd;dpf;f Kbahj Fw;wj;ijr; nra;Jtpl;Nld;. Mdhy; mJ vg;gb ele;jJ vd;W njhpatpy;iy. ekJ r%fq;fSf;Fk; gz;ghLfSf;Fk; ,ilNaAs;s Mo;e;j Ntw;Wikiaj;jhd; ,J vLj;Jf;fhl;LfpwJ. ekJ cwT

ePbf;Fkhdhy; NkYk; ,k; khjphpahd rq;flq;fSf;F ehk; cl;gLNthk;. ehd; Kd;Ng njspthf nrhd;d khjphp kzk; vd;gJ ,q;fpyhe;jpy; rl;ltpNuhjk;. Mdhy; cdf;F NtW ve;jtpj cwtpYk; rpuj;ijapy;iy vd;gJ vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. Mifahy; ,j;Jld; ek; cwit Kbj;Jf;nfhs;tJ ey;yJ vd;W epidf;fpNwd;. Mdhy; vdf;F cd; kPJ vg;nghOJk; md;Gk; khpahijAk; ,Uf;Fk; vd cWjp $WfpNwd;. gy ehl;fshf eP vdf;F mspj;j cjtpf;Fk; ehd; nuhk;g flikg;gl;Ls;Nsd;. ehd; mwptpd;ikahy; nra;j jtiw

kd;dpg;gha; vd;W ek;GfpNwd;.”

kW ehNs gjpy; te;jJ.

“cq;fs; kd;dpg;Gf; fbjj;ijg; ngw;Nwd;. ekJ ,U r%fq;fSf;Fs; Mo;e;j NtWghLfs; ,Ug;gJ cz;ikjhd;. E}w;iwk;gJ Mz;Lfs; jdpj;jpUe;jth;fs; xd;W Nrh;tjpy; gy rpf;fy;fs; ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; xU GJ cwit eph;khdpg;gjpy; ehk; Kd;Ndhbfshf ,Ug;Nghk; vd;W ehd; fdT fz;Nld;. mJnty;yhk; vg;gb ,Ue;jhYk;> cq;fs; Ntiyf;F ehd; ,d;Dk; cjtp Ghpa tpUk;GfpNwd;. xU nghpa ehl;bd; J}Jth; xU fhhpajhprp$l ,y;yhky; ,aq;FtJ f\;lk;. me;j Ntiyia vdf;F mspg;gjhf nrhd;dPh;fs;. ,d;Dk;

jug;NghfpwPh;fsy;yth? ”

md;W ,uT gLf;ifapy; gLj;Jf;nfhz;L J}q;f Kbahky; vd; gpur;ridfisAk; rpf;fy;fisAk; myrp> gphpj;J xU jPh;Tfhz Kad;Nwd;.

\Pyh ,d;W ele;j rk;gtj;Jf;Fg; gpwF$l cwit tsh;f;f tpUk;Gfpwhs; vd;W mts; fbjj;jpypUe;J njspthapw;W. ,q;fpyhe;J nry;Yk; Mirjhd; mjw;F fhuznkd;Wk; vd; Nky; ,Uf;Fk; md;G my;yntd;Wk; epidj;Njd;. mJ vg;gb ,Ug;gpDk; NkYk; me;j cwit ePbf;f vdf;F tpUg;gkpy;iy. mjdhy; rpf;fy;fSk; mikjpapd;ikAk; Vw;gLNk jtpu NtW ve;j ed;ikAk; ,Uf;fhJ. mjdhy; \Pyhtpd; fbjj;Jf;F gjpy; vOJtjpy;iy vd;W KbT nra;Njd;.

ehd; xU rpwpa Muha;r;rpahsdhfj;jhd; ePykiyfSf;F te;Njd;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;ijg; nghWj;jtiuapy; mJ mt;tsT Kf;fpaky;y. r;rf;Fk;> mtUila $l;lhspfSf;Fk;jhd; mjpy; mjpf rpuj;ij. ehd; xU ghh;itahsdhfj;jhd; te;Njd;. gq;nfLj;Jf;nfhs;s tutpy;iy. Mdhy; r;rf;fpd; J}z;LjyhYk;> gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; khj;jpiufis vwpe;Jtpl;ljhYk;> vd; kNdh mgpyhl;irfshYk; ehd; czh;r;rptrg;gl;L rpW ,q;fpyhe;J tho;f;ifapy; gq;Fnfhs;s Kw;gl;Nld;. mg;gbapUf;Fk;NghJ ehd; vg;gb xU ghugl;rkw;w ghh;itahsdhf> tpQ;Qhdpahf ,Uf;f KbAk;?

ehd; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; khj;jpiufis rpukkhf rhg;gpl;bUe;jhy; xU Ntis czh;r;rptrg;glhkNy gq;Fnfhz;bUf;f KbAk;. Mdhy; ePy kiy mDgtk; xU rhjhuz mDgtk; my;y. vd; cs;sj;ijNa myrp> kwe;JNghd cs; kdj;J mgpyhl;irfisnay;yhk; fpsg;gp> gy MirfSf;Fk; ,r;irfSf;Fk; ,lkspj;Jtpl;lJ. ,tw;iwnay;yhk; me;j Fspiffs; vj;jid ehisf;F jLj;jpUf;Fk;? ,g;nghOJ ehd; gg;

jj;Jtj;jpd; mbg;gilapy; xU ‘Rje;jpu rpe;jizahsd;’ Mfptpl;Nld;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy;

,jw;F kuz jz;lizjhd;. Mdhy; mjw;F ngah; NtW; KbT fl;LtJ vd;W nrhy;thh;fs;. ,e;j Rje;jpu kdg;ghd;ik xU GJ Mh;tj;ijAk; cw;rhfj;ijAk; mspj;jhYk;> tho;tpy; gq;nfLj;jy; gpuk;khze;jj;ijf; fpsg;gpdhYk; vjph;fhyj;ij Nehf;Fk;NghJ vdf;F gakhf ,Ue;jJ.

ve;j rkaj;jpy; ehd; ,e;j rpf;fy;fspnyy;yhk; khl;bf; nfhz;Nld; vg;NghJ vd; cs;sj;ij ePykiy nts;isah; tho;f;iff;F gwpnfhLj;Njd;? gpujkh; vd;id rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad;-];kpj; vd;W mioj;jnghOjh? my;yJ \Pyh vd;id Nerpj;J NgrpdnghOjh? ,y;yhtpl;lhy; Nkhp vd;Nky; fUiz $h;e;J jd; tPl;Lf;F mioj;Jr; nrd;W md;G> fhjy; vd;why; vd;d vd;W vd; tho;f;ifapNyNa Kjy; jlitahf fhl;banghOjh? njhpatpy;iy. ehd; ePykiyfspy; ,wq;fpa tpdhbapypUe;J ,e;j ,izg;G Muk;gkhfptpl;lJ. \Pyh cwT

Kwpe;jJ; mij ntspNa nfhz;L te;Jtpl;lJ. xU nfhg;Gsk; gOj;J ntbg;gJ khjphp. mt;tsTjhd;.

,tw;wpw;nfy;yhk; xU Kf;fpakhd fhuzk; vd; jdpikjhd;. ez;gh;fs;> cwtpdh;fs; xUtUNk ,y;yhky; gpwe;j ehspypUe;J tho;e;j xUtDf;F jpBnud;W gyh; rpuj;ijnaLj;J ,d;gJd;gq;fisg; gw;wp mf;fiu fhl;bdhy; mJ cs;sj;ijf; fpswptpLtJ ,aw;ifjhNd. czh;r;rpfSf;Fk; cwTfSf;Fk; vg;gb mbikahfhky; ,Ug;gJ?

Nkhp Nky; vdf;F fhjy; Vw;gl;lJ gpur;ridfis NkYk; rpf;fy; Mf;fptpl;lJ. xUtdJ tho;f;ifia ,d;ndhU ngz;NzhL gfph;e;Jnfhs;tijtpl ,e;j cyfpy; Ntnwd;d Nghpd;gk; ,Uf;fpwJ? xU ngz;dpd; md;;igg; ngWtJ> mtSf;fhf tho;itj; jpahfk;

nra;tJ> ,itnay;yhk; vdf;F J}a;ikahd Gj;Jzh;r;rpfshf mike;jd. ‘tpUg;Gk;

ntWg;Gk; xNu ehzaj;jpd; ,uz;L gf;fq;fs;’ vd;W nrhy;ypj; je;j gg; Ntjhe;jj;jpw;F vdJ ,d;iwa rpe;jidfs; Neh; tpNuhjkhf ,Ue;jd. Nkhp ve;jkhjphpahd ifk;khWk; ,y;yhky;

jd; md;ig vdf;F mspj;J vd;id xU cz;ikahd ‘kdpjd;’ Mf;fpajw;F ehd; mtSf;F vg;gb <L nra;tJ? kw;wth;fs; jd;eyj;Jld; vd;dplk; md;NghL ele;J nfhz;lhYk;> mth;fSk; vd;id cjhrPdk; nra;ahky; cwT nfhz;lhltpy;iyah? Mdhy; Nkhpapd; md;Gjhd; J}a;ikahd> ghpRj;jkhd> vjph;Nehf;fhj md;G vd;W mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;. cah;e;j rpe;jidfs; vy;yhk; gy jiyKiwfSf;F xU jlit kPz;Lk; kPz;Lk; fz;Lgpbf;fg;gl Ntz;Lk; vd;gijAk; czh;e;Njd;.

,tw;iwnay;yhk;tpl ,d;ndhU Kf;fpa khWjy; vd;dntd;why; vd; cs;sj;jpy; kdr;rhl;rp cjakhfptpl;lJ. vJ rhp vJ rhpay;y vd;Dk; ghFghl;il mwpe;Jnfhz;Nld;.

,JTk; gg; jj;Jtj;Jf;F Neh; vjpub czh;r;rpahFk;. ‘kdr;rhl;rpjhd; gaq;nfhs;spfspd;

filrp thr];jyk;’ vd;W gg; vdf;F fw;gpj;jpUe;jJ. Mdhy; ,g;nghOJ ,q;fpyhe;J murpd; J}Jth; vd;W ehd; ghrhq;F nra;tJ rhpah> Qhakh> Kiwah vd;W ftiyg;gl;Nld;. mth;fSila tpUe;jhspahf ,Ue;Jnfhz;L mth;fisNa Vkhw;WtJ xU fatdpd; nray; vd vdf;Fg;gl;lJ.

,e;j #o;epiyapy; ehd; vd;d nra;tJ? vd;d nra;a KbAk;? Kjypy; r;rf;Fld; NgRtJ ey;yJ vd;W vz;zp neUf;fbf;fhf vdf;F mspj;j ek;ghpy; mtiu $g;gpl;N;ld;.

nuhk;g Neuj;Jf;fg;Gwk; jhd; gjpy; fpilj;jJ. ehq;fs; xUtUf;nfhUth; mwpKfk;

nra;J nfhz;lTld; r;rf;> “vd;d [pahh;[;> vd;d neUf;fbapy; khl;bf; nfhz;Bh;fs;?” vd;whh;.

“r;rf;> cq;fis clNd re;jpj;Jg; Ngr Ntz;Lk;>” vd;Nwd;. vd; Ngr;rpy; xU mtruf; Fwp njhzpj;jJ.

“rhp nrhy;Yq;fs;.”

“Neubahf Ngr Ntz;Lk;.”

“ePq;fs; ahiuahtJ nfhiy nra;aNth my;yJ gyte;jg;gLj;jNth ,y;iyNa?”

“mk;khjphp xd;Wk; ,y;iy. ,Ue;jhYk; neUf;fbjhd;.”

“VjhtJ mghaj;jpy; ,Uf;fpwPh;fsh?”

“jpBnud;W xd;Wk; ,y;iy.”

“mg;gbnad;why; neUf;fb ,y;iy>” vd;whh; r;rf; epjhdkhf. “mLj;j Qhapw;Wf;fpoik

vg;NghJk;Nghy; NgRNthk;.”

“,y;iy r;rf;. ehd; Ngrhtpl;lhy; vd; kdJ…. vd; cs;sk;….”

“[pahh;[;> ehd; jpBnud;W vd; Ntiyfs; vy;yhtw;iwAk; tpl;Ltpl;L vg;gb tUtJ?

rpW ,q;fpyhe;J murhq;fk; vd;d epidf;Fk;? ,ijnay;yhk; epidf;fhky;….”

“r;rf;! vd; epiyikapy; ePq;fs; czutpy;iy. ,J vd; kdr;rhl;rpapd; neUf;fb!”

“gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Fspiffs; vd;d Mapd?”

“ehd; ,q;F te;j ehNs mitfis vwpe;Jtpl;Nld;.”

“mg;nghOJ neUf;fb vd;gJ cz;ikjhd;. Mdhy; mJ cq;fSila nghWg;G”.

“nghWg;igg;gw;wp ,g;nghOJ ftiyg;gLthNdd;. ePq;fs; te;jhy; NghJk;.”

mth; nfhQ;rk; Nahrid nra;Jtpl;L gpwF> “rhp ehd; tUfpNwd;. cq;fSf;F

fpU\;zh tPL njhpAky;yth? ”

“Mk;”

“mth; nrhy;yp mDg;Gthh;. clNd mq;Nf tu Ntz;Lk;. vd;d?”

“rhp> r;rf;. nuhk;g Njq;f;];”.

“vdf;F Njq;f;]; nrhd;dhy; kdr;rhl;rp vd;Dk; tpahjp cq;fis gykhf gpbj;Jf;

nfhz;L tpl;lJ.”

* * *

kW ehl; fhiy [hd; vd;idg; ghh;f;f te;jhh;. nuhk;g ftiyAld; fhzg;gl;lhh;. Kfk; thbapUe;jJ.

Neuhf tp\aj;Jf;F te;jhh;. “cq;fSf;Fk; \PyhTf;Fk; ,ilapy; vd;d ele;jJ vd;w njhpatpy;iy. Mdhy; mts; cq;fisg; ghh;f;f tukhl;Nld; vd;fpwhs;. cq;fSld; ve;j

cwTk; Ntz;lhk; vd;fpwhs;.”

ehd; mtUf;fhf nuhk;g tpardg;gl;Nld;. mth; kpfTk; ey;yth;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;ij vdf;F njspthf;fpath;. mtUld; ele;jij nrhy;y ehd; Mirg;gl;N;;ld;. mg;gb nrhy;yhky; ,Ug;gJ vd; kdr;rhl;rpf;F tpNuhjkhfg;gl;lJ. Mdhy; mijg;gw;wp NgRtjw;Nf vdf;F

ntl;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. NkYk; \PyhNt nrhy;yhj nghOJ….. xU Ntis ,d;Dk; rpy

ehl;fspy;……”

“ehDk; mijg;gw;wp ftiyg;gLfpNwd; [hd;>” \Pyh ed;whfj;jhNd ,Uf;fpwhs;?”

“vdf;F xNu kfs; nuhk;g nry;ykhf tsh;e;jts;. mtSf;F Jauk; vd;why; vd;dhy;

jhs KbahJ.” mth; Ngr;rpy; ,Uk;Gj; jplk; ,Ug;gJ Nghy; Njhd;wpaJ. ehd; gae;Jtpl;Nld;.

Mdhy; clNd md;NghL Ngryhdhh;. “cq;fs; NkYk; vdf;F md;G cz;L. cq;fs; ,UtUf;Fk; xU gpizg;G Vw;gLk; vd;W ehd; ek;gpapUe;Njd;. Mdhy; xU fhuzKkpd;wp \Pyh

,g;gbg;NgRtJ vdf;F xU Gjpuha; ,Uf;fpwJ.”

“mts; xd;Wk; nrhy;ytpy;iyah? ”

“,y;iy. vq;fs; cwT Kbe;Jtpl;lJ vd;gijj; jtpu Ntnuhd;Wk; nrhy;ytpy;iy.”

“mijj; njspthf;FtJ vdf;Fk; nfhQ;rk; rq;flkhfj;jhd; ,Uf;fpwJ. rpy tp\aq;fspy; ek; ,U ehLfSf;FkpilNa nghpa NtWghLfs; ,Uf;fpd;wd. ,q;fpyhe;jpYk; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpYk; jpUkzNk rl;l tpNuhjkhf;fg;gl;bUf;fpwJ. jpUkzj;ijg; gw;wp ,e;j jiyKiwapy; ahUf;FNk xd;Wk; njhpahJ. m.K. rhpj;jpuk; gbj;jpUg;gjhy;jhd; vdf;Nf njhpAk;. kzk;> FLk;gk;> Foe;ijfs; vy;yhNk r%fj;jpypUe;J kiwe;Jtpl;ld. vy;NyhUk;

nrf;;]; Rje;jpuk; ngw;wpUf;fpwhh;fs;.”

“[pahh;[;> ehd; nrhy;tjw;F kd;dpf;fTk;. cq;fs; ehl;by; vy;NyhUNk je;ijawpahj

Foe;ijfs; jhdh? ”

“ ;Mk;. cz;ikjhd;>” vd;Nwd;.

kdr;rhl;rpiag; gw;wp vg;gb mwpe;J nfhz;NlNdh mNj Kiwapy; cz;ikia jpwikAld; kiwg;gijg; gw;wpAk; ehd; fw;Wf; nfhz;Nld;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; ngha; nrhy;ypAk; vdf;F tof;fkpy;iy.

vg;gbNah ehd; nrhd;dJ [hDf;F MWjy; mspj;jjhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. “ePq;fs; nrhd;dijg; gw;wp vdf;F re;Njh\k;. cwT nuhk;g J}uk; NghFKd; ePq;fs; ,ijg;gw;wp nrhd;dJ cq;fs; ngUe;jd;ikiaf; fhl;LfpwJ. \Pyh ey;y ngz;. kdj;Jf;F mg;ghw;gl;l cwit fdtpYk; tpUk;gkhl;lhs;. ePq;fs; nrhd;dJ mtSf;F nghpa mjph;r;rpiaj; je;jjpy; tpag;gpy;iy. vy;NyhUf;FNk mjph;r;rp jhf;ff;$ba tp\ak;. jpUkzk; vd;gJ ,d;Nwh New;Nwh Vw;gl;l xU rlq;F my;y. Vlk;> <th fhyj;jpypUe;J GdpjkhdjhfTk; nja;tPfkhdjhfTk; fUjg;gl;L te;j xU r%f cwT. cq;fs; ehl;by; mJ jLf;fg;gl;bUe;jhYk; ,q;fpUf;Fk;tiuapy; vq;fs; cwTfisAk; fUj;JfisAk; kjpg;gPh;fs;

vd;W ek;GfpNwd;.”

“fz;bg;ghf>” vd;W cWjpaspj;Njd;.

[hd; nfhQ;rk; Nahrid nra;jhh;. gpwF vq;fSila nrhe;j gpur;ridia tpl;Ltpl;L ehd; nrhd;dij xU nghJg; gpur;ridahf tpthjpf;fyhdhh;.

“jpUkzNk ,y;iynad;why; Foe;ijfs; vg;gb gpwf;fpd;wd. mth;fis tsh;g;gJ ahh;

nghWg;;;G? nrhy;Yq;fs; ghh;f;fyhk;>” vd;W Nfl;lhh;.

gpwF ehd; Foe;ijg; gz;izfisg; gw;wpAk;> nraw;if fUj;jhpg;G Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk;> [df;fl;Lg;ghl;L jpl;lq;fisg; gw;wpAk; tphpthf nrhy;yNtz;b Nehpl;lJ. filrpahf ehDk; mg;gbg; gpwe;j Foe;ijfSs; xUtd; vd;W nrhd;Ndd;.

“vy;yh Foe;ijfSNk ngw;Nwhhpd; md;Gk; thQ;irAk; ,y;yhky; tsh;fpd;wd.

,y;iyah?”

“muRjhd; mth;fSf;F ngw;Nwhh;> Mrphpah;> flTSk; $l”

“muR gpbf;ftpy;iynad;why;? ”

“mJjhd; mth;fspd; Kf;fpakhd jj;Jtk; [hd;. mq;Nf jdpahh; Rje;jpuNkh> jdpahh; tpUg;G ntWg;Ngh fpilahJ. xUth; xU FLk;gj;Jf;Nfh my;yJ xU FOTf;Nfh Nrh;e;jth; my;y. MfNt xU FOTf;Fk; ,d;ndhU FOTf;Fk; ,q;fpUg;gJ Nghy; mgpg;gpuha Ngjk;>

Nghuhl;lk;> xd;WNk fpilahJ>” gpwF ehd; fy;tpiag; gw;wpAk; gf;Ftg;gLj;jiyg; gw;wpAk; tpthpj;Njd;.

“INah flTNs!” vd;whh; [hd; mjph;r;rpAld;. khngUk; jpfpy; mtiu Ml;nfhz;lJ. “,jdhy;jhd; vd; Nfs;tpfisnay;yhk; ePq;fs; jtpw;W te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;. cq;fs; ehl;by; kdpjh;fis czh;r;rpaw;w ae;jpuq;fshf;fptpl;lhh;fs;. ckJ ehl;bd; nfhs;ifapy; ckf;F ek;gpf;if cz;lh? ”

“vdf;F ek;gpf;if ,Uf;fpwjh ,y;iyah vd;gJ xU mw;g tp\ak;.” “ePq;fs; cw;rhfj;NjhL me;jf; nfhs;ifia filgpbf;ftpy;iy vd;gJ njspT. vdf;F mJNt NghJk;.”

“Mdhy; ,ijtpl;lhy; NtW top vd;d [hd;? kf;fSf;F gy topfspy; ,Ue;J ,Jjhd; ey;yJ vd;W Njh;e;njLf;Fk; tha;g;G ,y;iy. KOf; fl;Lg;ghL ,Uf;fpwJ.” “ehd; me;j Chpy; ,y;yhjJ vdf;F kpf;f kfpo;r;rpiaj; jUfpwJ.” “[hd; ehd; ,q;F te;j Kjy; ehspypUe;J vy;NyhUf;Fk; mq;Nf vg;gbg;NghtJ vd;W MtYld; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. cq;fs; murhq;fk; me;j murhq;fj;Jld; ,iza tpUk;GfpwJ. cq;fs; ,Ujaj;jpy; ,q;fpyhe;J vg;gb ,Uf;Fk; vd;W xU glk; tiue;J me;jg; glj;Jf;F caph; nfhLj;J mq;Nf Nghf vy;NyhUk; fdT fhz;fpwPh;fs;. Mdhy; cz;ik mjw;F Neh;

vjphpil. cz;ik njhpe;jhy; ahh; mq;Nf Nghf tpUk;Gthh;fs;? ”

“ePq;fs; nrhy;tijnay;yhk; Nfl;f vdf;F jhfkhfpwJ>” vd;whh; [hd;; rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl.

vdJ tpUe;Njhk;gy; Fw;wj;Jf;F ehd; kd;dpg;G Nfl;Ltpl;L gpwF gl;yiuf; $g;gpl;L ,UtUf;Fk; l;hpq;f;]; nfhz;Ltur; nrhd;Ndd;.

“ghl;biy ,q;NfNa itj;JtpL gl;yh;>” vd;whh; [hd;. ehd; nrhd;d nra;jp mtiu myf;fhl;btpl;lJ.

“ePq;fs; Nfs;tpfSf;nfy;yhk; Vd; Neubahd gjpy; nrhy;ytpy;iy vd;W ,g;NghJjhd;

vdf;F mh;j;jkhfpwJ>” vd;whh; [hd;. “Mdhy; epiyik ,e;j khjphp ,Uf;Fk; vd;W ehq;fs; ahUk; fdtpYk; epidf;ftpy;iy.

“vg;nghOJ nrhd;dhYk; cq;fSf;F mjph;r;rp Vw;gLk; vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. mjdhy;jhd; ey;y rkak; ghh;j;J nrhy;yyhk; vd;W ,Ue;Njd;. Mdhy; Jh;mjph;\;ltrkhf> ,g;nghONj nrhy;yNtz;b Nehpl;lJ. Mdhy; ,ijnay;yhk; vg;nghOJ vy;NyhUf;Fk; nrhy;yNtz;b Nehpl;lJ. Mdhy; ,ijnay;yhk; vg;nghOJ vy;NyhUf;Fk; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;

vd;gijg; gw;wp ePq;fs;jhd; Nahrid nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;.”

[hd; nfhQ;rk; Nahrid nra;jhh;. lk;shpy; ,Ue;jij Fbj;Jtpl;L NkYk; epug;gpf;

nfhz;lhh;. “ePq;fs; nrhd;d tp\aq;fs; rpW ,q;fpyhe;ijg; nghUj;jtiuapy; xU NjrPa tpgj;J vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. vq;fs; Mfhaf;Nfhl;ilfs; vy;yhk; ,be;Jtpl;ld. ,q;fpyhe;Jld; ,izAk; nfhs;if gfy; fdthfptpl;lJ. gyh; cq;fis ek;Gthh;fsh vd;gij re;Njfk;.

mjdhy; nuhk;g Nahrid nra;j gpwFjhd; ,ij ntspapl Ntz;Lk;.”

“ePq;fshtJ vd;id ek;GfpwPh;fs; my;yth?”

“ehd; ek;GfpNwd;. ,ijnay;yhk; ePq;;fs; fw;gid nra;jpUf;f KbahJ. \Pyh cwtpdhy; vd;dplk; nrhy;y Ntz;ba eph;g;ge;jk; cq;fSf;F Vw;gl;lJ. ,y;yhtpl;lhy;

vd;dplk; $l nrhy;ypapUf;fkhl;Bh;fs;. Mk;. ehd; ek;GfpNwd;.”

“ePq;fs; ek;gpdhy; ePq;fs; kw;wth;fisAk; ek;g itf;fyhk;> ,y;iyah? cq;fs;

thh;;j;ijf;F rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; mjpf kjpg;Gz;Nl?”

[hd; kdk; NtW jpirapy; jpUk;gpajhf Njhd;wpaJ. “ePq;fs; ,d;iwa ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wpa tptuq;fis ntspapl;lhy; rh; tpd;];ld; Njhy;tp milthh;. mth;jhd; ,q;fpyhe;Jld; ,izAk; nfhs;iff;F fhuzfh;j;jh. ,q;fpUf;Fk; vy;NyhUNk ,q;fpyhe;Jld;

FbNaWtijg;gw;wpf; $l mth; NgrpapUf;fpwhh;.”

“mJ cq;fs; gpur;rid. Mdhy; ehd; nrhd;dij ePq;fs; ufrpakhf itj;jpUg;gPh;fs;

vd;W ek;GfpNwd;.”

“ehd; ntspaplkhl;Nld;” vd;whh; [hd;. gpwF tha;tpl;L rphpj;jhh;. kdJ>

mjph;r;rpapypUe;J epk;kjpahfptpl;lkhjphp ,Ue;jJ. “[pahh;[;> jj;Jthh;j;jkhf ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ> tpUg;G ntWg;Gk;> ey;yJ nfl;lJk;> epahak; mepahaKk;> czh;r;rpAk; vOr;rpAk;> ,itnay;yhk; njhd;W njhl;L kdpjth;f;fj;jpd; nrhj;jhf ,Ue;J te;jpUf;fpd;wd. mJjhd; kdpjDf;F flTs; mspj;j =jdk; vd;Nw nrhy;yyhk;. kpUfq;fSf;F$l ,e;j czh;r;rpfs; ,Uf;fpd;wd. ,e;Jf;fspilNa xU mofhd fijAz;L. Mjpfhyj;jpy; NkUit kj;jhfTk; ghk;igf; fapwhfTk;nfhz;L ghw;fliyf; file;jhh;fshk;. mjpypUe;Jjhd; ed;ik jPik> mkph;jk;> tp\k; vy;yhk; te;jjhf nrhy;thh;fs;. me;jf; fhyj;jpypUe;J jPikia xopj;J ed;ikia Cf;FtJjhd; khdpl th;f;fj;jpd; Kaw;rp vd;Nw nrhy;yyhk;. mjw;Fj;jhd; ehk; ehfhpfk; vd;Wk; gz;ghL vd;Wk; Kd;Ndw;wk; vd;Wk; ngah;fs; nfhLj;jpUf;fpd;Nwhk;.

,tw;iwnay;yhk; xopj;Jf;fl;LtJ vd;why;> mJ Kbahj fhhpak;.”

“mtw;iwnay;yhk; xopj;Jf; fl;Ltjpy; Nkw;F Nfhsk; nuhk;g Kd;NdwpapUf;fpwJ.”

“Mdhy; mth;fs; me;j topapy; G+uzkhf Kd;Ndw KbahJ. ePq;fs; ghUq;fs;

mjw;F Kd;dhy; jlq;fy; Vw;gLk;.”

“jlq;fy; ,g;nghONj Vw;gl;Ltpl;lJ.”

“vd;d! jlq;fyh? Vw;gl;Ltpl;ljh? nrhy;Yq;fs;!” vd;whh; [hd; MtYld;.

gpwF ehd; nraw;if fUj;jhpg;G Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk;> [dj;njhif Fiwtijg;gw;wpAk; r;rf; nrhd;d tp\aq;fisnay;yhk; tptukhf nrhd;Ndd;.

“,njy;yhk; cz;ikah!” vd;whh; [hd; Mr;rhpaj;Jld;. lk;shpypUe;J epiwa Fbj;J

thiaj; Jilj;Jf;nfhz;lhh;.. “vy;yhk; jiofPohfptpl;lJ Nghy; njhpfpwJ. vdf;F igj;jpak;

gpbj;JtpLk;Nghy; ,Uf;fpwJ.”

“gag;glhjPh;fs;> xd;Wk; Mfg;Nghtjpy;iy. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; Vuhskhd Foe;ijfs;

gpwf;fpd;wdNt. ePq;fs; jdpNa ,Uf;Fk;tiuapy; kdpj th;f;fk; mopahJ.”

ehd; nrhd;d Nahrid nkJthfj;jhd; [hd; kdj;jpy; GFe;J mjpy; ,Uf;Fk;

tha;g;Gfis ntspg;gLj;jpaJ. “vd;d nrhy;fpwPh;fs;? rpW ,q;fpyhe;J kf;fs;jhd; ,Ug;ghh;fs;

vd;wh?”

“my;yJ cq;fs; %ykhf kdpj th;f;fj;ijg; ngUf;fyhky;yth?”

[hd; kWgbAk; lk;siu epiwj;Jf;nfhz;lhh;. “vd;idg; gfb nra;fpwPh;fsh> my;yJ vy;yhk; cz;ikah? vd; kdk; fiyfpd;wNj. \Pyhit kzf;f cq;fSf;F ,\;lkpy;yhtpl;lhy; guthapy;iy. mjw;fhf ,k;khjphp fijfs; nrhy;yp vd;id myf;fspf;f

Ntz;lhk;.”

“,y;iy [hd;. ehd; ,Jtiu nrhd;djpy; xU Jsp ngha;$l fpilahJ.”

“ehd; rpwpJ Neuj;Jf;F Kd;G vd; kfspd; vjph;fhyj;ijg; gw;wp ftiynfhz;l jfg;gdhf ,q;F te;Njd;. Mdhy; kdpj th;f;fj;jpd; RikfisNa vd; Nky; Vw;wptpl;Bh;fNs.

,ij ehd; vg;gb Rkg;gJ.”

“,e;j Rikfs; gy ehl;fshf ehd; Rke;J te;jpUf;fpNwd; [hd;>” vd;Dld; ,d;W

ePq;fs; gq;fpf; nfhz;Bh;fs;. mt;tsTjhd;.”

rpwpJ Neuk; ,UtUk; Ngrhky; ,Ue;Njhk;. [hd; nky;y jk; tp];fpiag; gUfpdhh;.

gpwF> “[pahh;[;> ePq;fs; ,t;tsT vd;dplk; nrhd;d gpwF ,q;fpUf;Fk; epiyikia ehDk; cq;fsplk; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk; ,y;iyah? ,q;Nf gyh; cq;fSila cz;ikahd me;;j];ijg; gw;wpAk; cq;fSila Nehf;fj;ijg; gw;wpAk; Nfs;tp Nfl;fpwhh;fs;. ePq;fs; Vd; cq;fSila rd;dj;ij ,d;Dk; rkh;g;gpf;ftpy;iy? xU nghpa ehl;bd; J}Jtuha; ,Ue;Jk; Vd; jdpahf cjtpahsh;fs; ,d;wp te;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;? ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wpAk; mq;nfa tho;f;ifiag; gw;wpAk; Vd; xd;WNk nrhy;ytpy;iy? gyh; ,e;jpa muR mDg;gpa xw;wh; ePq;fs; vd;W

fUJfpwhh;fs;.”

“ePq;fs; mij ek;gtpy;iyNa?”

“ehd; ek;ghky; ,Uf;fyhk;. Mdhy; gyh; ek;Gfpwhh;fs;. kw;wth;fs; ,q;fpyhe;J nry;y ePq;fs; EioTr; rPl;L juNtz;Lk; vd;Wk; Nfl;fpwhh;fs;. m.K. fhyj;jpYk; mjw;Fg; gpwF nly;ypapy; ,Ue;j Mq;fpy J}Jth; mk;khjhp EioTr; rPl;Lfis mspj;J te;jhh;. kdkhfhj ngz;fs; Nghf Ntz;Lnkd;why; mth;fs; fh;g;gkha; ,y;iy vd;W $l ep&gpf;f

Ntz;bapUe;jJ.”

“[hd; ,d;W ,q;fpyhe;J nry;tJ mt;tsT Rygky;y. Kjypy; fPo;Nfhs muR

mDkjpf;f Ntz;Lk;.”

“vdf;Fj; njhpAk; [pahh;[;. ,d;W fhiyapy; ePq;fs; nrhd;djw;fg;Gwk;> mq;Nf Nghf

ahiuANk mDkjpf;fhky; ,Ug;gJ ey;yJ.”

ehd; vd; ez;ghplk; vy;yhtw;iwAk; nrhy;yptpl;Nld;. Mdhy; vd;dig; gw;wpa cz;ikia kl;Lk; nrhy;ytpy;iy. mijAk; nrhy;yptpl;lhy; vd; kNdhghuk; FiwAk;. vd; kdr;rhl;rpAk; epk;kjpailAk;. Mdhy; mijg; nrhd;dhy; ehd; nrhd;d kw;w tp\aq;fSk; ngha; vd;W [hd; epidj;Jtplyhk;. ,e;j cz;ikahd ez;gdplk; Neuhf ele;Jnfhs;stpy;iyNa vd;W tUj;jg;gl;Nld;. Mdhy; NtW topapy;iy.

“ePq;fs; nrhy;tnjy;yhk; th];jtk; vd;why;> mq;Nf Foe;ij cw;gj;jp Fiwe;J tUfpwJ vd;why;> ,q;Nf Foe;ij ngwj; jFjpAilath;fis Nrhjpj;Jg; ghh;j;J mq;Nf

mDg;gyhk; ,y;iyah?” vd;whh; [hd; rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl.

“ehd; nrhy;ypanjy;yhtw;iwf; Nfl;l gpwFk; ePq;fs; cq;fs; eifr;Ritia

,of;ftpy;iy.”

“ePq;fs; tpthpj;j cyfj;jpy; tho Ntz;Lnkd;why; eifr; Rit xd;Wjhd; ekf;F xU

Cd;WNfhyha; ,Uf;Fk;>” vd;whh; [hd;.

“Mk;.”

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jjhd; kdpj th;f;fj;jpd; tpUj;jpf;F MzpNth; vd;why; vd; Nahrid

rhpjhNd?”

“mjw;Fk; xU rh;tNjr xg;ge;jk; Ntz;bapUf;Fk;.”

“ePq;fs; ,d;Dk; VjhtJ tpghpjkhd nra;jpfis nrhy;Yk;Kd; ehd; Ngha;tpLtJ ey;yJ. ePq;fs; nrhd;d ufrpak; vd;dplk; gj;jpukha; ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; ePq;fSk; cq;fisg;gw;wp elkhLk; tje;jpfisg; Nghf;f eltbf;if vLj;J cq;fs; cz;ikahd

me;j];j;ij epiyepWj;j Ntz;Lk;.”

gpwF [hd; tpilngw;whh;.

mj;jpahak; gjpndhd;W

[hd; Nghd gpwF mthplk; ,t;tsT Kf;fpakhd tp\aq;fs; nrhd;dJ rhpah vd;W Nahrid nra;Njd;. xU Gjpa #o;epiyapy; rq;flkhd fl;lj;jpy; ehd; ,Ue;Njd;. vd;d nra;tJ vd;W KbT nra;tJ f\;lkhf ,Ue;jJ. MfNt ehd; rk;gtq;fisAk; eltbf;iffisAk; fl;Lg;ghL nra;tjw;F gjpyhf mitfs; vd;id ,Oj;Jr; nry;tJ Nghd;w czh;r;rp Vw;gl;lJ. #o;epiyf;F ehd; mbikahfptpl;NlNdh? czh;r;rptrg;gl;L elf;fpNwNdh? [hd; xU nghpa mjph;r;rpf;Fl;gl;bUe;jhYk;> vd; gpur;ridfis mDjhgj;Jld;jhd; ghh;j;jhh;. Mdhy; vd;idg; gw;wpa cz;ik njhpe;jhy;?

mthplk; nrhd;dijf;$l ehd; nfhQ;rk; je;jpukhfTk; nghUf;fp vLj;Jk;jhd; nrhy;ypapUe;Njd;. vd;idg; gw;wp nrhy;ytpy;iy. md;whl tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp nrhy;ytpy;iy. \Pyhtpd; cwT Kwpe;jjw;F cz;ikahd fhuzj;ij nrhy;ytpy;iy. epahak; mepahak; njhpe;jpUe;Jk; kdr;rhl;rp jiynaLj;jpUe;Jk;> ehd; gg; jj;Jtj;ijj;jhd; ifg;gw;wpapUe;Njd;. ,Ue;jhYk; ,jpy; cs;s ePjp vdf;Fk; ftiy je;jJ. NtW topapy;iy vd;W rkhjhdg; gLj;jpf;nfhz;lhYk; ehd; [hdplk;> vdf;F cjtpa ez;ghplk;> cz;ikahf ele;J nfhs;stpy;iy vd;Dk; vz;zk; vd;id cWj;jpaJ.

,Ue;jhYk; mtUld; NgrpaJ nfhQ;rk; epk;kjp mspj;jJ. \Pyhit nghUj;j gpur;ridahtJ xUthW rpf;fy; ,y;yhky; jPh;e;Jtpl;lNj. mtrug;gl;L r;rf;iff; $g;gpl;lJ jtwhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. gg; jj;Jtj;ijf; fw;wth;fs; nghJthf jh;f;f hPjpahf nray;gLthh;fs;. nrhd;dijr; rhpahf Fw;wkpy;yhky; epiwNtw;Wtjpy; epGzh;fs;. Mdhy; czh;r;rptrg;gl;l rpf;fyhd gpur;ridfis myrpj; jPh;T fhZtjpYk;> jhkhf KbntLj;J me;j Kbit nray;gLj;JtjpYk; mth;fs; cgNahfkw;wth;fs;. vy;yhtw;iwAk; xd;whf

$l;bg;ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ ehd; r;rf;iff; $g;gpl;;lJ rhpjhd; vd;W Njhd;wpaJ. ‘khl;rpik

nghUe;jpa Mq;fpy murpd; J}Jth;’ vd;Dk; Ntlk; vdf;F ehSf;F ehs; fbdkhfj; Njhd;wpaJ. mjpypUe;J ntspNawpdhy;jhd; vdf;F epk;kjpapUf;Fk;. mjw;Fg; gpwF vd;d MFk; vd;gijg; gw;wp vd;dhy; epidf;f Kbatpy;iy.

ehd; Mq;fpy J}Jth; vd;gij rpyh; ek;gtpy;iy vd;gJk; vdf;F ftiy je;jJ. ehd; cz;ikia ntspNa nrhy;Yk; Kd;Ng mth;fs; fz;Lgpbj;Jtpl;lhy; ehd; xU nghpa Fw;wthsp MNtd;. ehdhf xj;Jf;nfhz;l rYif vdf;F fpilf;fhJ. ,e;J tp\ak; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpNyNa xU nghpa tpthjkhf rPf;fpuk; khwptpl;lJ.

kWehs; gl;yh; xU Rtw;Wg; gj;jphpf;ifapd; gpujp xd;iwf; nfhz;Lte;J fhl;bdhd;. mjpy; fPo;f;fz;l nra;jp ntspahfp ,Ue;jJ.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J kf;fNs!

ek;kpilapy; xU ‘Mq;fpy J}Jth;;;;’ te;J FbNawp ,Uf;fpwhh;. fPo;f;fz;l Nfs;tpfSf;F mth; tpilaspg;ghuh?

,d;Dk; Vd; rd;dj;Jfis muRf;F rkh;g;gpf;ftpy;iy?

ngz;fSld; ‘kPd;gpbf;f’g; Nghtijj;jtpu NtW vd;d fhhpaq;fs; rhjpj;jpUf;fpwPh;?

Vd; cq;fSf;F cjtpahsh;fs; ahUk; ,y;iy?

ePh; J}Jth;jhdh?

my;yJ ntspehl;L xw;wwh?”

,ij ehd; gbf;Fk;NghJ gl;yh; gf;fj;jpNyNa ep;d;wpUe;jhd;. “nuhk;g tpardj;Jf;Fhpa

tp\ak; rhh;>” vd;whd; ehd; gbj;jgpwF. “,e;j fhl;L kpuhz;bfspd; nra;iff;fhf ehd;

kd;dpg;G Nfl;fpNwd;.”

“,jw;F ahh; nghWg;G njhpAkh?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ehd; tprhhpj;Njd; rhh;. ,jpy; ,Uth; rk;ke;jg;gl;bUg;gjhf njhpfpwJ. xUth; ,e;jpah;

kw;nwhUth; nts;isah;. ,UtUf;Fk; cq;fs; Nky; VNjh Nfhgkhk;.”

“vd;d Nfhgk;?”

“xUth; \h vd;Dk; ,e;jpah;> gj;jphpf;if Mrphpah;. ePq;fs; ,q;Nf te;j md;W mth; Nfs;tpfSf;F ePq;fs; myl;rpakhf gjpyspj;jPuhk;;. mth; gj;jphpf;if ,g;nghOJ Ntiy

epWj;jj;jpy; ,Ug;gjhy;jhd; mtUk; RtUf;Fg; NghapUf;fpwhh;.”

“,d;ndhUth;? ”

“mth;jhd; uhgh;l; f;Uf;; ftpQh;. kp]; \PyhtpDila md;ig ePq;fs; jpUbf;nfhz;ljhf

mth; epidf;fpwhh;.”

“,k;khjphp rpy;yiu tp\aq;fSf;fhf kw;wth;fspd; Nky; tPzhf gop Rkj;Jtjh? ”

“,JTk; [dehafj;jpd; ed;ikfspy; xd;W rhh;>” gl;yh; nuhk;g nehe;J nfhz;lhd;.

“ahh; vd;d Ntz;LkhdhYk; vOjyhk;. ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ,k;khjphp nghWg;gw;w nra;iffs;

elf;fhJ vd;W ek;GfpNwd;.”

“mq;ifa KiwfNs NtWtpjk;.”

“mJ nuhk;g ey;yJ rhh;. ,e;j Chpy; Rje;jpuj;Jf;F xU fl;Lg;ghL fpilahJ.

me;j];Jf;F khpahij fpilahJ. vy;yhUk; rhprkk; vd;W $j;jhLfpwhh;fs;.”

“nghJ tho;f;ifapy; ,itnay;yhk; rf[k;jhNd>” vd;Nwd;.

“ePq;fs; nuhk;g jhuhs kdg;ghd;ik nfhz;lth;fs;. MdhYk; vd; ehl;bdh; elj;ijf;F

ehd; ntl;fg;gLfpNwd;.”

cz;ik njhpe;jhy; gl;yh; vd;d epidg;ghd; vd;W Nahrpj;Njd;.

rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; gpujkhpd; fhhpajhprp gpl;nkd; vd;idg; ghh;f;f te;jhh;. gpujkh; rhh;gpYk; jd; nrhe;j rhh;gpYk; kd;dpg;G Nfl;Lf;nfhz;L ,e;j rk;gtj;ij jaTnra;J kwe;JtpLkhW Ntz;bf;nfhz;lhh;.

“gpujkh; jk;; tpardj;ij cq;fSf;F njhpag;gLj;Jfpwhh;. Mdhy; ,k;khjphp eltbf;iffis jLg;gJ f\;lk;. ,jw;F fz;ldk; njhptpf;fg;NghfpNwhk;.

“mg;gbNa kwe;Jtplyhk;>” vd;Nwd;.

“,y;iy rh; [pahh;[;! fz;ldk; mjpfhu G+h;tkhf njhptpj;Nj Mf Ntz;Lk;. ek; ,U

muRfspd; kjpg;Gk; khpahijAk; ,jdhy; ghjpf;fg;gLfpwJ.”

“mg;gbnad;why; cq;fs; nghWg;gpNyNa nra;Aq;fs;. vd; nghWg;gpy; Ntz;lhk;.”

“mJjhd; rhp. cq;fis ,e;j tptfhuj;jpy; ,Of;f ehq;fs; tpUk;gtpy;iy.”

Vd; ,ij kWf;f xg;Gf;nfhs;stpy;iy vd;W vd;idf; Nfl;f gpl;nkDf;Fj; Njhd;wtpy;iy.

“vkJ xw;wh;fs; tprhhpj;J rpy ehspy; ,jw;F ahh; nghWg;G vd;gij

fz;Lgpbj;Jtplyhk;.”

“M];jhd ftp uhgh;l; f;Uf; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhs;Sfpwhh;fs;.”

gpl;nkd; Mr;rhpaj;jpy; xU rpd;d rPl;b mbj;jhh;. “fhjy; Vkhw;wk; ve;jkhjphpahd tpghPjq;fspy; Ngha; Kbfpd;wJ ghUq;fs;. NkYk; cq;fs; xw;wh;fs; ,t;tsT rPf;fpuk; vg;gb

fz;L gpbj;jhh;fs;?”

“xw;wh;fs; my;y. xU tje;jpjhd;.”

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; tje;jp vg;NghJNk cz;ikahf ,Uf;Fk;. mjpfhuG+h;tkhf tpLk;

mwpf;iffs;jhd; mbf;fb khWjyilAk;>” vd;whh; gpl;nkd;.

gpwF> “ePq;fs; Ntz;Lnkd;why; ,jd; fhuzfh;j;jh;fspd; Nky; khde\;l tof;F

Nghlyhk;. Mdhy; mJ n[apg;gJ f\;lk;. mth;fs; ‘nghJ eyj;ij’ Kd;dpl;L rpy Nfs;tpfs; Nfl;bUg;gjhf thjhLthh;fs;. tof;F mg;gPYf;Fg; Ngha; Kbtiltjw;Fs; gy

Mz;Lfs; MfptpLk;.”

“ehd; tof;F njhlug;Nghtjpy;iy>” vd;W jpl;ltl;lkhf mwptpj;Njd;.

“mJjhd; ey;yJ>” vd;W nrhy;yp gpl;nkd; tpilngw;whh;.

* * *

gpwF tajhd xUth; vd;idg; ghh;f;f te;jhh;. “vd; ngah; ‘Gnuhg]h; lhad;gp’. ehd;

rpW ,q;fpyhe;J rh;tfyhrhiyapypUe;J Xa;T ngw;w rhpj;jpu Mrphpah;.” vd;W

mwpKfg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;lhh;;.

“mJjhd; cq;fs; cz;ikg; ngauh?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; gof;ftof;fq;fisnay;yhk; njhpe;J itj;jpUf;fpwPh;fNs>” vd;whh;

mth;. “xUth; murpay;thjpahdhy; rh;r;rpy;> Vl;yp> gpl;> yhapl; [pahh;[; Kjypa ngah;fis itj;Jf;nfhs;syhk;. ehd; rhpj;jpu Mrphpah; Mdjhy; lhad;gp vd;Dk; ngah;

itj;Jf;nfhz;Nld;.”

“,njy;yhk; vdf;F nfhQ;rk; Fog;gkhf ,Uf;fpwJ” vd;Nwd;.

“,jpy; Fog;gnkd;d?” vd;whh; Gnuhg]h; lhad;gp . ehq;fs; vy;NyhUk; Mq;fpy Njr gf;jh;fs;. MfNt ek; gz;ghl;ilAk;> tk;rhtopiaAk; ghJfhf;f ,e;j Rygkhd Kiwiaf; ifahz;L tUfpNwhk;. ,q;fpyhe;jpYk; $l Fiwe;jJ. E}W tpf;Nlhhpah rhiy tpf;Nlhhpah tPjp> tpf;Nlhhpah rJf;fk; vd;W ,Uf;FNk. tPjpfSf;F Gfo;ngw;wth;fspd; ngah;fis itj;jhy; ehKk; Vd; itj;Jf;nfhs;sf; $lhJ? xU rpW Mq;fpNyNa r%fk; nghpa

Mrpahtpd; kj;jpapy; ,Ug;gjhy; ,J xU rhpj;jpu eph;g;ge;jk; vd;Nw nrhy;yyhk;.”

“Mk;. vdf;F ,g;NghJ ed;whf njhpfpwJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“,q;F ,Uf;Fk; vy;yh nts;isah;fisg; Nghy vdf;Fk; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghf Miraha; ,Uf;fpwJ. ehd; Mq;fpy tk;rhtspiar; Nrh;e;jtd; vd;gjw;F vd;dplk; mj;jhl;rp ,Uf;fpwJ. ,Jjhd; vd; %jhijapd; Mq;fpNyNa gh];Nghh;l;. ,ij rh; Vz;ldp <lNd

nfhLj;jpUf;fpwhh;.” xU fpope;j j];jhNti[ vd;dplk; fhl;bdhh;.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J muR cq;fSf;F gh];Nghh;l; toq;fpapUf;fpwjh?”

“,J cq;fSf;F mjprakhf njhpayhk;. Mdhy; xa;l; `hypy; - mJjhd; vq;fs; murpd; gpujhd mYtyfk; - gh];Nghh;l;ilg; gw;wpNa Nfs;tpg;gl;ljp;y;iyahk;! murhq;fk; Vw;gl;ljpypUe;J xU gh];Nghh;l; $l nfhLj;jjpy;iy> vd;fpwhh;fs;! ,Ue;jhYk; Mq;fpy tk;rhtopapy; te;jtd; vd;gjhy; ePq;fNs vdf;F xU gh];Nghh;l; nfhLf;fyhk; ,y;iyah?

“ePq;fs; Vd; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;Lk;?”

“cq;fSila Nfs;tp xU cz;ikahd nja;t gf;jid eP Rth;f;fj;Jf;F Vd; Nghf tpUk;Gfpwha; vd;W Nfl;gJ khjphp ,Uf;fpwJ. mq;F NghtJ vd; chpik. mjw;F Ntz;ba

murpay; rhrd rl;lq;fs; vdf;Fj; njhpAk;.”

“,d;iwa #o;epiyapy; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F gpuahzk; nra;tJ rhj;jpakpy;iy. ,q;fpyhe;J

muirj;jtpu fpof;F Nfhs muRk; mjw;F Ntz;ba rYiffs; mspf;f Ntz;Lk;.”

“mnjy;yhk; vdf;Fj; njhpahkypy;iy>” vd;whh; Gnuhgrh;. “vd;Nghy; cq;fsplk; E}w;Wf;fzf;fhd tpz;zg;gjhhpfs; tUthh;fs;. ePq;fs; tUlk; ,t;tsT Ngh;jhd; Nghfyhk; vd;W xU Nfhl;lh itf;f Ntz;bapUf;Fk;. Kjypy; tpz;zg;gpw;fpwth;fSf;F KjypYk; gpd;dhy; tUfpwth;fSf;F gpd;dhYk; vd;W eph;zapg;gPh;fs;. mjdhy;jhd; ehd; Kjypy;

cq;fs; Mgprpy; gjpT nra;Jnfhs;s te;jpUf;fpNwd;.”

“Gnuhgrh;> ePq;fs; mq;Nf vg;gb tho;f;if elj;jg; NghfpwPh;fs;? ,d;iwa ,q;fpyhe;jpy;

rpyT nuhk;g mjpfk;.”

“ehd; gpr;irnaLf;fNth murhq;f cjtp NfhhpNah mq;Nf nry;ytpy;iy.” mth;

nuhk;g Ra khpahij cilath;Nghy; Ngrpdhh;. “gy ntspehl;lth;fs; Kd;ndy;yhk; mg;gb nra;tJz;L. ehd; nfhQ;rk; gzk; Nrkpj;J itj;jpUf;fpNwd;. Mf;];Nghh;l; my;yJ Nfk;g;hpl;]; rh;tfyhrhiyfspy;; xU tprpl;bq; Gnuhg]uhf vd;id epakpg;ghh;fs; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy. rpW ,q;fpyhe;J rhpj;jpuj;ijg; nghUj;jtiuapy; vd;idtpl mjpfk; ahUf;Fk; njhpahJ. mijg;gw;wp ehd; xU G];jfk; vOjpapUf;fpNwd;. ,q;fpyhe;jpy; mij gpuRhpf;fyhk;; vd;W

,Uf;fpNwd;. vy;yhk; xd;W Nrh;j;Jg; ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ vdf;F xd;Wk; gzf; f\;lk; ,Uf;fhJ.”

“vd;idg; ghh;f;;f te;jijg;gw;wp nuhk;g kfpo;r;rp. cq;fs; Nfhhpf;ifia Qhgfj;jpy;

itj;Jf; nfhz;L Ntz;baJ nra;fpNwd;” vd;W nrhy;yp Ngl;bia Kbf;fg; ghh;j;Njd;.

Mdhy; Gnuhg]h; tpLtjha; ,y;iy. “Kjypy; ePq;fs; vd; ngaiug; gjpT nra;J nfhs;Sq;fs;. gpwF mk;khjphp gjpT nra;J nfhz;ljw;F mj;jhl;rp Ntz;Lk;. vdf;F Kd;dhy; ngah;fs; gjpthfpapUf;fpd;wdth my;yJ vd; ngah;jhd; Kjyhtjh vd;Wk; njhpa Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; murpay;thjpfnsy;yhk; vd; khjphp kf;fis tpl;Ltpl;L

Ke;jpf;nfhs;thh;fs;.”

“,d;Dk; vd; mYtyfk; nray;gltpy;iy. ck; ngaiu gjpT nra;tjw;Ff;$l vdf;F

mjpfhuk; ,y;iy.”

“ePq;fSk; ,q;fpUf;Fk; murhq;f Copah;fs; khjphpNa ele;J nfhs;fpwPh;fNs?” vd;whh;

Gnuhg]h;. “Mq;fpy murpd; J}Jth; khrw;wtuha; ,Ug;ghh; vd;W ek;gpNdd;.”

“gpuahzk; Muk;gkhfp ehDk; mjw;F nghWg;ghf ,Ue;jhy; cq;fSila ngah;

Kjyhtjhf ,Uf;Fk; vd;W ehd; cWjp $WfpNwd;>” vd;Nwd;.

mJ mtUf;F jpUg;jp mspj;jJ. “ehd; gy tUlq;fshf Fbf;fhkYk; Fjpiug;ge;jaj;Jf;Fg; NghfhkYk; gzk; Nrkpj;J itj;jpUf;fpNwd;. MfNt ehd;jhNd Kjypy; Rth;f;fj;Jf;Fk; Nghf Ntz;Lk;.

“Rth;f;fk; xd;Wk; mt;tsT gpukhjkha; ,Uf;fhJ Gnuhg]h;.”

“,Ue;jhYk; vy;NyhUk; mq;Nf Nghf tpUk;Gfpwhh;fs; ,;y;iyah?” vd;W Gnuhg]h; lhad;gp tpilngw;whh;.

mtUf;F mLj;jgb te;jth; goia rhpj;jpuj;jpy; xU rpW gFjpia vdf;F vLj;Jr;

nrhd;dhh;. “nghpa gphptpidf;F Kd;G gy ,e;jpah;fs; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; FbNawpdhh;fs;. mth;fisnay;yhk; jpUg;gp ,e;jpahTf;F mDg;gptpl;L mjw;F gjpyhf vq;fis mioj;Jf;

nfhz;lhy; vd;;d?” vd;W Nfl;lhh;.

“mJ nuhk;g f\;lkha; ,Uf;Fk;. ,e;j VO jiyKiwfspy; xUtUila tk;rhtspiaf; fz;Lgpbg;gJ KbahJ. NkYk; ,q;fpyhe;J mth;fSf;Fk; jha;ehL

Mfptpl;lJ>” vd;W tpsf;fk; je;Njd;.

“uj;j ghe;jj;ijtpl rl;;l ghe;jk; Kf;fpakh?” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;Lg; Nghdhh;.

mLj;j rpy jpdq;fspy; gyh; vd;idg;ghh;f;f te;jhh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; rhjhuz kf;fs;jhd;. me;j];Njh gzNkh mjpfk; ,y;yhjth;fs;. Mdhy; vy;Nyhh; Fwpf;NfhSk; xd;Wjhd;. vy;NyhUNk ,q;fpyhe;J Nghf tpUk;gpdh;. mth;fSf;Fk; ehd; gpbnfhLf;fhky;

gjpyspj;J mDg;gpNdd;. rpyh; jpUg;jpg;gl;L Nghdhh;fs;;; ; rpyh; tpthjpj;Jtpl;Lg; Nghdhh;fs; ;

rpyh; vd;id kpul;bAk; ghh;j;jhh;fs;.

ehd;fhtJ ehs; xU Rtw;wpy; fPo;fz;l Nfhhpf;if vOjg;gl;bUe;jJ.

“vq;fs; Nfhhpf;iffs;

,q;fpyhe;J nry;Yk; chpik Ntz;Lk;!

gh];Nghh;l; Ntz;Lk;!

ehizak; khw;w chpik Ntz;Lk;!

,itfisg;gw;wp murhq;fk; vd;d nra;fpwJ!

rh; [pahh;[; vjw;fhf te;Js;shh;?

clNd gjpy; Ntz;Lk;!”

* * *

,g;nghOJ NkYk; vd;id jdpik Ml;nfhz;lJ. \Pyh vd;idg; ghh;f;fNt ,y;iy. [hDk; mbf;fb tUtjpy;iy. tuNtw;GfSk; tpUe;JfSk; Xa;e;J epd;Wtpl;ld. gpujkh; ,d;Dk; tpLKiwapy; ,Ue;jhh;. efhpy; neUf;fb ,Ug;gjhf Njhd;wpaJ. gl;yUk; vd;idg; nghUj;jtiuapy; rhjf ghjfq;fs; mjpfkhfpf;nfhz;L tUtjhf njhptpj;jhd;. ,k;khjhpahd epiyikia rkhspg;gjpy; vdf;F mDgtk; ,y;iy. nrhd;dgb nra;tJ> kw;wth;fspd; cj;juit epiwNtw;WtJ my;yJ gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; kidfSf;F nrd;W kdij rhpnra;J nfhs;tJ - ,tw;wpy;jhd; vdf;F mDgtk;. MfNt epiyik fl;Lf;flq;fhjjhf Njhd;wpaJ.

gl;yh;; %ykhfj;jhd; vdf;F ntspAyFld; njhlh;G. mts; nrhd;d rkhrhuq;fs;> nra;jpfs;> Nahridfs; ,itfisj;jhd; ehd; ek;gpapUe;Njd;. ,tw;iwg;gw;wp nrhy;tjpy; gl;yh; nuhk;g jhuhsk;.

“efhpy; ,uz;L fl;rpfs; rhh;>” vd;W nrhd;dhd; gl;yh;. “rpW fl;rp xd;W ePq;fs; ,e;jpa murpd; xw;wh; vd;W epidf;fpwJ. mth;fSf;Fk; ,q;fpyhe;J nry;y cjTtjha; ,Ue;jhy; mth;fs; ePq;fs; xw;wh; vd;gij kwe;J tpLthh;fs;. ,d;ndhU fl;rpapy; cs;sth;fs; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghf MtYld; ,Ug;gth;fs;. ePq;fs; mth;fis myl;rpak; nra;Jtpl;L murpay;thjpfisAk; me;j];J cs;sth;fisAk;jhd; mDg;GtPh;fs; vd;W gag;gLfpwhh;fs;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jthrpfs; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; FbNaWtijg;gw;wp Mq;fpy murhq;fk; Nahrpj;J

tUfpwJ. mJtiuapYk; vy;NyhUk; nghWj;jpUq;fs; vd;W xU mwpf;if tpLj;jhy; vy;NyhUk;

nghWikahf fhj;jpUg;ghh;fs;.”

“ehd; mk;khjphp mwpf;if tpl KbahJ gl;yh;.”

“rhh;> ehd; nrhy;tjw;F ePq;fs; kd;dpf;f Ntz;Lk;. cz;ikiaAk; Neh;ikiaAk;

G+uzkhf ifg;gpbj;jhy; mit nghJtho;Tf;F kpfTk; ,ilQ;ryhf ,Uf;Fk;.”

,e;j rk;gh\izf;Fg; gpwF xU ehs; gpl;nkd; vd;idg; ghh;f;f te;jhh;. “cq;fSf;F

xU Kf;fpakhd fbjk; ,Uf;fpwJ. mij NehpNyNa rkh;g;gpf;f ehd; te;jpUf;fpNwd;>” vd;W muR Kj;jpiu itj;j fbjj;ij vd;dplk; nfhLj;jhh;.

“rh; tpd;];ld; ,d;Dk; yPtpy; ,Ug;gjhfr; nrhd;dhh;fNs? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“Mk;. yPtpy;jhd; ,Uf;fpwhh;. ,q;F ,Uf;Fk; neUf;fbahd epiyikia mwpe;jgpwF

jk;; tpLKiwia NkYk; rpy jpdq;fSf;F ePbf;f KbT nra;Js;shh;. “gpujkh; ChpypUe;jhy;

gpur;rid nghpjhFk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; mJ jhdhf> Rygkhf jPh;e;JtpLk;’ vd;Dk; nfhs;ifapy; cWjpAld; ,Ug;gth;. Mdhy; mYtyfj;Jld; vg;NghJk; njhlh;G itj;Jf; nfhs;thh;.

ehd; fbjj;ijg; gphpj;Njd;. mJ ifahy; vOjg;gl;bUe;jJ. “ehl;bypUe;j filrp

ilg;iul;lh; ,UgJ tUlq;fSf;F Kd;G gOjile;J kpA+rpaj;Jf;F mDg;gg;gl;lJ” vd;W gpl;Nkd; tpsf;fk; je;jhh;.

“md;Gkpf;f rh; [pahh;[;>

ckJ tp[aj;ijg; gw;wp efhpy; vOe;Js;s gpur;ridfisg; gw;wp ehd; kpfTk; ftiyg;gLfpNwd;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;J murpd; rhh;ghf ehd; kd;dpg;G njhptpf;fpNwd;. ,itfSf;F R%fkhd jPh;Tfhz muR Ntz;ba eltbf;iffis Nkw;nfhs;Sk;.

,g;gpur;ridfs; nghpjy;y. ePq;fs; cq;fs; rd;dj;Jfis rkh;g;gpj;jhy; xU gpur;rid Kbe;JtpLk;. gh];Nghh;l;fSk; EioTr; rPl;LfSk; Ntz;bath;fisg; nghUj;jtiuapy; ehd; ,ij ftdpf;f xU cah;ju fkpl;bia epakpf;fg; NghtjhfTk;> ,e;jpa murhq;fj;JlDk; Mq;fpy muRlDk; njhlh;Gnfhs;sg; NghtjhfTk;> MW khjj;Jf;Fs; xU KbT vjph;ghh;f;fyhnkd;Wk; mwptpf;fg;NghfpNwd;. ,e;j Kiw cq;fSf;Fk; jpUg;jpaha; ,Uf;Fk; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy.

ehd; mLj;j thuk; jpUk;GfpNwd;. ehd; te;jJk; rd;dj;J rkh;g;gpf;Fk; tpohit gpukhjkhf elj;Jtjw;F Vw;ghL nra;ag;NghfpNwd;.

cz;ikAs;s

ghy;l;tpd;

“rd;dj;J rkh;g;gpf;Fk; rlq;if xU NjrPa tpohthf nfhz;lhl Vw;ghLfs;

nra;fpNwhk;>” vd;whh; gpl;nkd;. “,k;khjphp xU rlq;F ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fspy; Vw;gl;ljpy;iy. Ch;tyq;fs;> jPghyq;fhuq;fs;> thdntb> tpLKiw vy;yhk; mjpy; ,lk;ngWk;. xU nfhz;lhl;lk; vd;W vLj;Jf;nfhz;lhy; rh; tpd;];lid ahUk; kPw KbahJ. murpaypy; <LgLtjw;F Kd; mth; xU ebfuhfTk; ehlf ilnuf;luhfTk; ,Ue;jpUf;fpwhh;. nghJkf;fs; vd;d tpUk;Gfpwhh;fs;; vd;W mtUf;Fj; njhpAk;. ehlf NkilapyhdhYk; rhp murpay; NkilapyhdhYk; rhp> VNjh xU Kf;fpakhd rk;gtk; mLj;jgbahf elf;fg;NghfpwJ vd;W

fhl;Ltjpy; mth; epGzh;.”

“vd; kdk; Fok;gpaJ. neQ;R mOj;jpaJ. vd;d rd;dj;Jfis ehd; rkh;g;gpf;fg; NghfpNwd;? rh; tpd;];ld; ,d;Dk; xU thuj;Jf;F tukhl;lhh;. mjw;Fs; r;rf; te;J ,e;j fLk; NrhjidapypUe;J vg;gbahtJ vd;idf; fhg;ghw;Wthuh?

“,q;Fs;s epiyikiag; gw;wp vd; muRld; tpthjpf;f xU Ntis ehd; ,q;fpyhe;J

nry;y Ntz;bapUf;Fk;>” vd;Nwd;.

“,g;nghOJ nry;tJ mt;tsT crpjky;y> nghJ [dq;fs; mij jg;gh;j;jk; nra;J nfhs;thh;;fs;. ePq;fs; may;ehl;L xw;wh; vd;W $Wk; fl;rpf;F mJ rhjfkhf ,Uf;Fk;. mij cgNahfg;gLj;jp mth;fs; murhq;fj;ij tpkhprpg;ghh;fs;. Kjypy; rd;dj;J rkh;g;gpf;f Ntz;Lk;. gpwF fkpl;b epakdj;ij mwptpf;f Ntz;Lk;. mjw;fg;Gwk; ePq;fs; nrd;why;jhd;

mJ Ngr;Rthh;j;ijf;F vd;W vy;NyhUk; ek;Gthh;fs;.”

“cq;fSila fbjj;Jf;F clNd gjpy; Ntz;Lkh? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“mtrukpy;iy. Mdhy; rlq;Ff;F ehs; Fwpg;gjw;F Kd; te;jhy; NghJk;.”

md;W gpw;gfy; xU Ch;tyk; ele;jJ vd;W gl;yh; nrhd;dhd;. ,q;fpyhe;J nry;y gpuahz trjpfs; nra;AkhW tw;GWj;Jtjw;fhf elj;jpa Ch;tyk;. gy Mq;fpy NjrPa

fPjq;fis Ch;tyj;jpdh; ghbf;nfhz;L nrd;wdh;. xU %iyapy; ‘ntspehl;L xw;wiu

ntspNaw;W!” vd;W rpyh; Nfh\kpl;lNghJ mth;fSf;Fk; Ch;tyj;jpdUf;Fk; iffyg;G Vw;gl;lJ. NghyPrhh; te;J mth;fisg; gphpj;Jtpl;L epiyikia rkhspj;jhh;fs;.

gl;yh; ,tw;iwg; gw;wp kpfTk; Rthu];aj;Jld; Ngrpdhd;. vd; kdj;jpy; mr;rKk; jpfpYk; ,Ue;jhYk; NtW ahUk; ,e;j rk;gtq;fis Kf;fpakhdjhf fUjtpy;iy vd;W gl;yh;

mwptpj;jhd;. gpujkh; Chpy; ,y;iy. [hd; vd;idtpl;L xJq;fp ,Ue;jhh;. ‘tUfpNwd;’ vd;W nrhd;d r;rf; ,d;Dk; tutpy;iy. ehSf;F ehs; vd; jdpik mjpfkhfpf;nfhz;L te;jJ. ehd; Fw;wk; nra;Jtpl;Nld; vd;w czh;r;rpAk; mij vg;gb epth;j;jpg;gJ vd;W njhpahikAk; vdf;F ePz;l ftiyaspj;jd. ahUldhtJ kdijj; jpwe;J Ngrpdhy; nfhQ;rk; epk;kjpaha; ,Uf;Fk;. xNu xUtDld; ehd; vd; kNdh epiyia nrhy;y KbAk; Nkhp.

,Ul;lhd gpwF ehd; ntspNa nry;y KbT nra;Njd;. ‘cyhtg; NghfpNwd; rpwpJ

Neuk;>” vd;W gl;yhplk; nrhd;Ndd;.

“mJ mt;tsT crpjkhfj; Njhd;wtpy;iy rhh;. ,g;nghOjpUf;Fk; epiyikapy;

Nlhq;fhtpy; NghtJjhd; ey;yJ.”

“ehd; fhw;W thq;f rpwpJ J}uk; nry;fpNwd; rPf;fpuk; te;JtpLNtd;>” vd;w nrhy;yptpl;L ntspNa nrd;Nwd;.

“mghak; mjpfkhFk;NghJjhd; xU Mq;fpNyaUila ijhpaKk; mjpfkhFk;>” vd;W

nrhy;thh;fs; rh; [pahh;[;” ngUikAld; gl;yh; nrhd;dhd;.

ey;y Ntisahf Nkhp tPl;by; ,Ue;jhs;. re;Njh\j;NjhL vd;id tuNtw;whs;. vd;id

kb Nky; cl;fhuitj;J vd; jiykapiu Nfhjpdhs;. “cq;fs; jiykaph; jq;f ,iofs;

khjphp ,Uf;fpd;wd. Mdhy; jq;fj;ijtpl kpf kpUJthf ,Uf;fpwJ>” vd;whs;.

ehd; xd;Wk; Ngrtpy;iy. Jauk; thia milj;Jtpl;lJ.

gpwF “ePq;fs; xU nghpa NjrPa thf;Fthjj;ij fpsg;gptPl;Bh;fs;>” vd;whs;.

“ehd; vd;d nra;Njd;? ”

“mJjhd; nrhy;fpNwd;. ePq;fs; tUfpwth;fSf;nfy;yhk; mJ nra;fpNwd; ,J nra;fpNwd; vd;W thf;fspj;jpUe;jhy; vy;NyhUk; cq;fis nkr;rpapUg;ghh;fs;. gpwF jq;fs;

vz;zq;fs; if$ltpy;iy vd;why; J}w;wpUg;ghh;fs;. ePq;fs; Neh;ikahf ele;Jnfhz;ljdhy; vy;Nyhh; kdj;jpYk; re;Njfq;fis fpsg;gptpl;Bh;fs;. ePq;fs; uh[je;jphpaha; ,Uf;f yhaf;fpy;iy. xU rh;tfyhrhiyapNyh my;yJ xU Nrhjidr; rhiyapNyh ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;.

ePq;fs; vg;gb uh[je;jphp MdPh;fs; vd;gJ vdf;F Mr;rhpakhf ,Uf;fpwJ.”

Nkhpapd; Mo;e;j cs;Szh;r;rp vdf;F Mr;rhpaj;ij mspj;jJ. mts; gpur;ridfis ,t;tsT EZf;fkhf myrp xU KbTf;F te;jpUg;gJ mtSila mwpit ntspg;gLj;jpaJ.

“cdf;F ,t;tsT murpay; Qhdk; ,Ug;gJ vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fs; rpNdfpjp \PyhTf;F ,Uf;fpw me;j];J vdf;F ,y;yhjpUf;fyhk;. Mdhy;

ehd; ey;y mwpT ngw;wpUe;jhy;jhd; vd; ez;gUf;F cjtpaha; ,Uf;f KbAk;.”

“\Pyh tp\ak;jhd; vy;yhk; Kbe;jNj. mij Vd; kWgbAk; Qhgfg;gLj;Jfpwha;?”

“,e;j thf;Fthjq;fSf;nfy;yhk; mtSk; xU fhuzk;jhd;. mtshy;jhNd me;j

ftpQh; Kjy; Ngh];lh; xl;bdhh;.”

“Nkhp> cdJ cjtp vdf;F ,g;NghJ nuhk;g Njit. ehd; xU ghpjhgfukhd

epiyapy; ,Uf;fpNwd;.”

“ePq;fs; ,d;W khj;jpiu rhg;gpltpy;iy vd;gJ njspthfpwJ.” Nkhp rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl

nrhd;dhs;. “,d;W vd; Gj;jp$h;ikAk; mDjhgKk;jhd; Ntz;Lk; ,y;iyah? ”

jpBnud;W vd; cs;sj;jpy; VNjh ntbj;jkhjphp xU czh;r;rp Njhd;wpaJ. milj;J itj;jpUe;j Jauk; jpkpwpf;nfhz;L Nky; vOe;jJ. gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;l Nyrhd Nky; %b cile;J vd; cs;Szh;r;rpfs; gputhfkhf ntspte;jd. vd; jiyia mts; khh;gpd;; Nky; itj;J rpW Foe;ij khjphp fjwp mONjd;. jhaw;w ehd; xU Gjpa jhiaf; fz;L gpbj;Njdh? xt;nthU Foe;ijf;Fk; xU jha; ,Uf;f Ntz;lhkh? me;j chpikia ,d;W ehd; ngw;Wtpl;ljhf Njhd;wpaJ ,t;tsT Mo;e;j cs;sf; fpsh;r;rpia ehd; mDgtpj;jJ ,Jjhd; Kjy; jlit. fz;zPh; mspf;Fk; epk;kjpiaAk; ehd; Kjy; jlitahf mile;Njd;. ehd; ,oe;j Foe;ijg; gUtj;ij epidj;Jk; mij Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; fz;buhj %d;W ehd;F jiyKiwfisg; gw;wp epidj;Jk; mONjd;. Nkhp xNu epkplj;jpy; vd; jhahfTk; fhjypahfTk; rpNdfpjpahfTk; Njhd;wpdhs;. vd;idj; jhd; ngw;w Foe;ij Nghy; mizj;J Kj;jkpl;L jl;bf;nfhLj;J jhyhl;bdhs;.

filrpahf ehd; vd; mOifia epWj;jpa gpwF Nkhp> “ghtk;! Foe;ij Nghy; mOfpwPh;fs;. VNjh nghpa mjph;r;rp Vw;gl;bUf;f Ntz;Lk;. mJ vd;dthdhYk; guthapy;iy. vd;dplk; nrhy;Yq;fs; Kbe;jhy; cjtp nra;fpNwd;. Kbahtpl;lhy; VjhtJ top nrhy;fpNwd;. vd;NdhL gfph;e;J nfhz;lhy; cq;fSf;Fk; kdr; Rik FiwAk;. mJ vd;dthdhYk; vd;

md;G cq;fSf;F ,Uf;Fk;.”

“ehd; mOjJ ,Jjhd; vd; tho;tpNyNa Kjy; jlit. gg; jj;Jtj;jpd;gb Foe;ijfs; mof;$lhJ. gpwF kNdh vOr;rpfisnay;yhk; gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; %yk; mfw;wptpl;ljhy; ehd; xU elkhLk; ae;jpukha; ,Ue;Njd;. ,q;F te;jgpwFjhd; gytpj

czh;r;rpfisAk; ed;whf czu Muk;gpj;Njd;.”

“ePq;fs; vdf;F xd;Wk; njspthf;f Ntz;bajpy;iy. cq;fs; kdJ nuhk;g mOj;jj;jpw;Fl;gl;bUf;fpwJ vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. Mdhy; cq;fSila gpur;rid

vd;dntd;W nrhd;dhy; jhNd ehd; Nahrid nrhy;y KbAk;.”

“Vw;nfdNt cdf;F rpy tp\aq;fs; njhpAk;. kw;witfisAk; xspf;fhky;

nrhy;yptpLfpNwd;. mg;Gwk; vd; tpjpiag; gw;wp eP KbT nra;ayhk;.”

“me;j khjphp nghpa thh;j;ijfisnay;yhk; cgNahfpf;f Ntz;bajpy;iy. ePq;fs; vd;d nfhiy nra;jPh;fsh my;yJ xU ngz;iz gyte;jg;gLj;jpdPh;fsh? gpd; Vd; gag;gl

Ntz;Lk;? ”

“kw;wtuhf ebg;gJ ,e;j Chpy; nghpa Fw;wkh nrhy;Y.”

vd; Nfs;tpiaf; Nfl;lJk; Nkhp Mr;rhpag;gl;lhs;. xU epkplk; Nahrid nra;Jtpl;L

gpwF “vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy. mJ ahiug;Nghy; ve;j #o;epiyapy; vg;gb ebj;jPh;fs; vd;gijg; nghWj;J ,Uf;Fk; vd;W epidf;fpNwd. Mdhy; ePq;fs; ahiug; Nghy; ebf;f

KbAk;? ”

gpwF ehd; ePykiyfSf;F vg;gb> vd;d fhuzj;Jf;fhf te;Njd; vd;gijg; gw;wpAk;> vg;gb rh; tpd;];ld; vd;id Mq;fpy J}Jth; vd;W tuNtw;whh; vd;gijg; gw;wpAk; tptukhf nrhd;Ndd;.

gpwF> “Nkhp> eP epidj;jJNghy ehd; ,q;fpyhe;J J}Jth; my;y. rh; gl;lKk; vdf;F ,y;iy. ehd; ntWk; [pahh;[; ];kpj;. xU rpW ];jhgdj;jpy; rhjhuz Muha;r;rpahsd;. Nkw;F

Nfhsj;jpy; GB 145 APNH 623 vd;Dk; vz;jhd; vd; milahsf; Fwp ehd; jpUk;gpg; Nghdhy; ,q;F ele;Jnfhz;l tpjj;Jf;F vd;id KbTfl;bdhy; Mr;rhpag;gLtjw;fpy;iy. ,q;NfNa ,Ue;jhy; Ms;khwhl;lj;Jf;fhf rpiwf;F mDg;gptpLthh;fs;. cd;idAk; ehd; Vkhw;wptpl;Nld;.

eP vdf;F vd;d jz;liz nfhLj;jhYk; nghUe;Jk;>” vd;Nwd;.

Nkhp rpwpJ Neuk; xd;Wk; Ngrtpy;iy. ehd; mts; KbTf;F ftiyNahL

fhj;jpUe;Njd;. “Mk; vdf;F ,J xU Vkhw;wk;jhd;. ,Ue;jhYk; vd;id Vkhw;Wtjw;fhf ePq;fs; ,g;gb ebf;ftpy;iy. #o;epiy cq;fis kpQ;rptpl;lJ. mt;tsTjhd;. rpy ehisf;F Kd;G vd;id kzk; nra;Jnfhs;s tpUk;Gtjhf nrhd;dPh;fs;. ehd; Ntz;lhk; vd;W kWj;Jtpl;Nld;. Mdhy; ,g;NghJ mjw;F xj;Jf;nfhs;SfpNwd;. ,e;j rpy;yiuj; njhe;juTfs;

Kbe;jJk; mijg; gw;wp Nahrpf;fyhk;.”

vd; kfpo;r;rpf;F mstpy;iy. “vd;idf; iftpl khl;lhNa? ” vd;Nwd;.

“xU Foe;ijia vg;gb iftpl KbAk;? ” vd;whs; Nkhp rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl. “ePq;fs; mOtJ$l xU Foe;ij khjphpjhd;. fz;l khj;jpiufis rhg;gpl;Lk;> gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;Lk; cq;fs; kdJ nuhk;g mtjpg;gl;Ltpl;lJ. ahh; vd;d nrhd;dhYk; rhp vd;WtpLfpwPh;fs;.

,q;NfNa ,Ue;jhy; nfhQ;r ehspy; vy;yhk; rhpahfptpLk;.”

“Nkhp> eP vdf;F GJtho;T mspj;Jtpl;lha;. Gdh; n[d;kk; ngw;w khjphp vdf;F xU czh;T Vw;gLfpwJ. xU ae;jpuj;jpypUe;J vd;id xU kdpjd; Mf;fptpl;lha;. gpur;ridfis

vjph;j;J epw;Fk; ijhpak; ,g;NghJ vdf;F ,Uf;fpwJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“Kl;lhs;jdkhf VjhtJ nra;JtplhjPh;fs;. ‘ehd; Mq;fpy J}Jth; my;y’ vd;W mwptpj;J njhe;juTfis tpiyf;F thq;f Ntz;lhk;. ckJ ez;gh;fis fye;J MNyhrpj;J

Ntz;ba eltbf;if vLq;fs;. ehDk; tprhhpj;Jg; ghh;f;fpNwd;>” vd;W Nkhp vr;rhpj;jhs;.

r;rf; xUth;jhd; vdf;F ez;gh;. mth;jhNd vd;id ,q;Nf mioj;J te;jth;. mg;Gwk;

fpU\;zh ,Uf;fpwhh;.”

“fpU\;zh cq;fSf;F rhjfkhf ,Ue;jhy; cq;fSf;F xd;Wk; NeuhJ. gpujkUf;F

$l mthplk; khpahijAz;L. mtiu ePq;fs; ek;gyhk;.”

“jpUk;gp ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; Nghf vdf;F ,\;lkpy;iy. vd;d Neh;e;jhYk; vd; vjph;fhyk; ,q;Nfjhd;. cd;Dld;jhd;. fz;zPhpd; cg;igAk; fhjypd; ,dpg;igAk; Urp ghh;j;j gp;d;G me;j kq;fyhd ntspr;rj;jpy;> Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy;> vd; tho;ehisf; fopf;f tpUk;gtpy;iy.

“ePq;fs; jpUk;gpg; Nghf tpUk;gpdhYk; ehd; tplg;Nghtjpy;iy. vjw;fhf cq;fsplk;

,t;tsT rpuj;ij nfhz;bUf;fpNwd; vd;W epidj;jPh;fs;? ”

me;j cWjpAld; ehd; tpil ngw;Nwd;.

---------------------------------------------

mj;jpahak; gd;dpuz;L

ehd; N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;F jpUk;gp te;jNghJ [hd; mq;Nf vdf;fhf fhj;jpUe;jhh;. gl;yh; mtUf;F xU l;hpq;f; nfhLj;J nrsfhpakhf cl;fhu itj;jpUe;jhd;. mth; kpFe;j ftiyAld; fhzg;gl;lhh;.

“ghh;j;J nuhk;g ehshfptpl;lJ [hd;. ,e;Neuj;Jf;F vg;gb te;jPh;fs;? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“vdf;F xU Ghpahj nra;jp te;jpUf;fpwJ. cq;fis fpU\;zh mth;fspd; tPl;Lf;F

,d;W ,uNt $l;bf;nfhz;L tu Ntz;Lkhk;. ,jw;F vd;d mh;j;jk;? ” cq;fSf;Fj; njhpAkh?”

“mq;Nf Nghdhy; njhpAk;>” vd;Nwd;. r;rf;jhd; me;j nra;jp mDg;gpapUf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W A+fpj;Njd;.

“mh;j;jkhfhj Nfhhpf;if te;jhy; mij ehd; vg;gb ek;GtJ? fpU\;zhjhd; cq;fisg; ghh;f;f tpUk;Gfpwhuh vd;W $l njhpatpy;iy. mg;gbapUe;jhy; mth; cq;fis

es;sputpy; Vd; $g;gpl Ntz;Lk;? gfypy; gfpuq;fkhf re;jpf;fyhNk? ”

gl;yh; nfhz;L te;j tp];fpia rhg;gpl;Lf;nfhz;Nl ehd; Nahrid nra;Njd;. [hDldhtJ ,dpNky; Neh;ikahf ele;Jnfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;W vdf;Fg; gl;lJ. filrpahf>

“[hd; ,e;j Nfhhpf;ifapy; ve;jtpjkhd rjpNah cs; Nehf;fNkh ,Uf;fhJ. mg;gbapUe;jhy; cq;fSf;F Vd; miog;G mDg;Gfpwhh;fs;? vd;id jdpahf miog;gJ nuhk;g Rygk;

Mapw;Nw?” vd;Nwd’.

“mJjhd; xU Gjpuha; ,Uf;fpwJ. rh;tNjr murpay; #jhl;lj;jpy; vd;id Vd; ,Of;f Ntz;Lk;? cq;fisg; gw;wp tpthjq;fSk; jh;f;fq;fSk; Muk;gkhdjpypUe;J ehd;

xJq;fpj;jhNd ,Ue;jpUf;fpNwd;.”

“vd; Nky; ek;gpf;ifapy;yhjjhyh? ”

“ghUq;fs; [pahh;[;! ePq;fs; ,q;F te;jjpypUe;J ehd; cq;fSf;F cz;ikahd ez;gdha; ,Ue;jpUf;fpNwd;. Mdhy; ,UtiuapYk; ePq;fs; cq;fs; rd;dj;Jfis rkh;g;gpf;ftpy;iy. Mq;fpy ehl;L J}Jth; vd;W mr;rbj;j xU fhfpjj;ijf; $l ,d;Dk; ehd; ghh;f;ftpy;iy. ,itnay;yhk; re;Njfj;ijf; fpsg;Gfpd;wd. vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; Nkyhf ,g;NghJ ,e;j Nfhhpf;if. fpU\;zh nuhk;g ey;yth;. Mdhy; ,e;jpa murhq;fj;Jld; mtUf;F njhlh;G

cz;L. ,e;j #o;epiyapy; vdf;F ek;gpf;if ,Uf;f KbAkh?”

“ehd; ,e;jpa murhq;fj;jpd; xw;wh; vd;W epidf;fpwPh;fsh?”

Neubahf ,k;khjphp ehd; Nfl;lJ [hid rq;flj;Jf;Fs;shf;fpaJ> “NtW vd;d

epidg;gJ? ” vd;W vjph;j;Jf; Nfl;lhh;.

“[hd; cq;fsplk; ehd; KO cz;ikiaAk; nrhy;yhjJ cz;ikjhd;. vd; kdJf;Fk; mjdhy; epk;kjpapy;iy. Mdhy; mjw;F fhuzq;fs; cz;L. mJ vg;gbapUe;jhYk; ehd;

,e;jpa muR kl;Lky;y murpd; xw;wDky;y vd;W rj;jpakhfr; nrhy;fpNwd;.”

“mijg;gw;wp re;Njh\k;>” vd;whh; [hd;.

“xw;wh; ghh;j;J fz;Lgpbf;f ,q;Nf vd;d ,Uf;fpwJ [hd;? ,d;iwa ntspAyf tpQ;Qhdk; ,Uf;Fk; epiyapy; gy iky;fSf;F mg;ghy; ,Ue;Nj mth;fshy; vy;yhNk fz;L nfhs;syhk;. cq;fs; czh;r;rpfisf; $l mth;fs; gjpT nra;Jnfhs;s KbAk;. ,q;Nf Gul;rp> muh[fk; Vw;gLj;j Ntz;Lnkd;why; mjw;F Ntz;ba ,e;jpah;fs; ,q;Nf ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;.

vd; khjphpahd xU md;dpaDf;F ,q;Nf vd;d Ntiy? ”

“,njy;yhk; vdf;Fk; njhpAk;>” [hd; xj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;. “rpy rkaq;fspy; NkNy gwf;Fk; jl;Lfis ehq;fs; ghh;j;jpUf;fpNwhk;. NkYk; fpU\;zh rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F

tpNuhjkhf xd;Wk; nra;akhl;lhh; vd;gJk; vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. mjdhy; vy;yhNk Gjpuha;

,Uf;fpwJ.”

“vd;id mq;Nf $l;bf;nfhz;L Nghq;fs; cz;ik rPf;fpuk; cq;fSf;Fj;

njhpe;JtpLk;.”

*************

fpU\;zh vq;fis tuNtw;W ,UtUf;Fk; tp];fp mspj;jhh;. ehd; vd; Mr;rhpaj;ijj; njhptpj;jNghJ jk; nts;is ez;gh;fSf;fhf tPl;by; tp];fp itj;jpUg;gjhf nrhd;dhh;.

ehq;fs; tUtjw;F Neukhd fhuzj;ijg; gw;wp [hd; tpthpj;jhh;. fpU\;zh vd;id mioj;J te;jjw;F mtUf;F ed;wp njhptpj;jhh;.

“ehd; xU epgj;jizapd;Nky;jhd; rh; [pahh;i[ ,q;Nf mioj;J te;jpUf;fpNwd;. mJ

,e;j tp\aj;ijg; gw;wpa KO cz;ikiaAk; ehd; mwpa Ntz;Lk; vd;gJjhd;>” vd;W [hd; jd; epiyikia njspTgLj;jpdhh;.

cq;fs; epge;jidiag; gw;wp vdf;F xd;Wk; njhpahNj>” fpU\;zh gjpyspj;jhh;.

“Mdhy; rh; [pahh;[; xj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;fpwhh;.”

fpU\;zh vd;idg; ghh;j;jhh;. “Mk;> ehd; mk;khjphp thf;fspj;Njd;. mth; cz;ik

mwpe;Jnfhs;tJ ey;yJ vd;W epidf;fpNwd;>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fis ,q;F mioj;Jtu NtW ahiuahtJ mDg;gpapUf;fyhNk.”

“cq;fisr; rhh;e;j xU ,e;jpah; N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;Fr; nrd;W rh; [pahh;i[ ,q;Nf

mioj;J te;jpUe;jhy; Rth; gj;jphpf;ifahsh;fSf;F mJNt NghJk; ,y;iyah? ” vd;W [hd; Nfl;lhh;.

“,jdhy; xU GJ gpur;rid cz;lhfpwJ>” vd;whh; fpU\;zh. “cq;fSf;F cz;ik KOJk; njhpa Ntz;Lnkd;why; ePq;fSk; vy;yhtw;iwAk; ehq;fshf ntspapy;

nrhy;Yk;tiu ufrpakhf itj;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. mJ epahak;jhNd? ”

“,e;j tp\aj;jpy; rpW ,q;fpyhe;ij ghjpf;f VjhtJ cz;lh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhh; [hd;.

“mg;gb ,y;iynad;why; ehDk; xj;Jf;nfhs;s jahh;.”

“vd;id cq;fSf;Fj; njhpAk; [hd;>” mt;tsTjhd; fpU\;zh nrhd;dhh;. gpwF rpy tpdhbfs; [hd; fz;fis Vwpl;L> Mo;e;J ghh;j;jhh;. mtUila fz;fspypUe;J [hd; kdJf;Fs; VNjh gha;tJ khjphp Njhd;wpaJ. vd;d ele;jJ vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy.

Mdhy; [hd; jiyFdpe;J “rhp” vd;whh;.

mjw;Fg; gpwF rpy epkplq;fs; [hd; xd;WNk Ngrtpy;iy. fpU\;zh fpof;F Nfhs

Kiwahd (Thought control – T C) ‘rpe;jid fl;Lg;ghL’ Kiwia gad;gLj;jp [hid gzpa itj;jhh; vd;W Njhd;wpaJ.

fpU\;zh vOe;J xU fjitj; jpwe;jhh;. r;rf; ifapy; xU tp];fpAld; cs;Ns rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl te;jhh;. [hDf;F jhNd mwpKfg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;lhh;. ,e;jpa murhq;fj;Jld; njhlh;G ahUf;F Ntz;bapUe;jhYk; mJ r;rf; %ykhfj;jhd; KbAk; vd;W ehd; gpd;dhy; mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;.

“,e;jpah;fs; kJ tiffis cgNahfpg;gjpy;iy vd;W vy;NyhUk; nrhy;fpwhh;fNs?” vd;W r;rf;if Nfl;Nld;. epiyik Nkhrkhf ,Ue;jhYk; cz;ikiar; Nrfhpf;Fk; vd; njhopy; tof;fk; Nghftpy;iy.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpYs;s ,e;jpah;fs; jhd; mg;gb. kw;wth;fs; rhg;gpLtJz;L>” vd;W r;rf; gjpyspj;jhh;.

[hid r;rf; vjph;ghh;f;ftpy;iy. mtiu NahridNahL ghh;j;jhh;. fpU\;zh epiyikia tpsf;fpr; nrhd;dhh;.

“ePq;fs; vg;gb KbT nra;jhYk; rhp>” vd;whh; r;rf;.

“epiyik ,Jjhd; [hd;>” vd;W fpU\;zh Muk;gpj;jhh;. Kf;fpa];jh; vd;Dk; Kiwapy; mth;jhd; Kjypy; Ngrpdhh;. vd;idf; Nfs;tp Nfl;fhky; jhNd Muk;gpj;jJ gw;wp

ehd; kfpo;r;rpaile;Njd;. “rh; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; rh;Uk; ,y;iy> NrhdpaDk; ,y;iy.

m.K. Muha;r;rp epWtdj;jpy; Ntiy nra;Ak; ntWk; [pahh;[; ];kpj;.”

“mth; mq;F Ntiy nra;jijg;gw;wp vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. Mdhy; mJ nuhk;g

ehisf;F Kd;G Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld;>” vd;whh; [hd;.

“ehd; vy;yhk; nrhy;yptpLfpNwd;. gpwF Ntz;Lnkd;why; ePq;fs; Nfs;tp Nfl;fyhk;. ,th; Mq;fpNya murhq;fj;jpd; J}JtUk; my;y. mk;khjphp murhq;fNk ,d;W fpilahJ. ePy kiy nts;isah;fspd; gof;ftof;fq;fisAk;> cwTfisAk;> ek;gpf;iffisAk; gw;wp njhpe;J nfhs;s ,q;Nf te;jhh;. ePz;lfhy Nehf;NfhL ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ murhq;f J}Jtuhf ,Ug;gijtpl ,J kpfTk; Kf;fpakhdJ. Vndd;why; ehk; kw;wth;fSld; ,izAk;NghJ ,itfnsy;yhk; kiwe;JtpLk;. m.K. fhyj;jpy; thOk; r%fk; cyfpNyNa ehk; xd;Wjhd;. njhy;nghUs; Muha;r;rpahsh; vd;Dk; Kiwapy; ,tw;iwnay;yhk; gjpTnra;J itg;gjpy;

cq;fSf;Fk; kpFe;j mf;fiw ,Uf;Fky;yth? ”

“Vd; rPf;fpuk; ,e;j tho;f;if mope;JtpLkh? ” [hd; ftiyNahL Nfl;lhh;.

“nts;isah;fs; vy;NyhUk; mth;fs; epidf;fpwJ Nghy; ,q;fpyhe;jpy; FbNawptpl;lhy; ,q;Nf gpwF vd;d ,Uf;fg;NghfpwJ? mJ vg;gb ,Ue;jhYk; [pahh;[; ,q;Nf khW ngaNuhL

te;jpUf;fpwhh; vd;gJjhd; ek; gpur;rpid.”

“kd;dpAq;fs;. ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ nfhQ;rk; rhpapy;iy>” vd;W r;rf; ,ilkWj;jhh;.

“Nkw;F Nfhs gpujpepjpahf mtUila epakdk; rl;lg;gb ,g;NghJ nra;ag;gl;bUf;fpwJ.

mjw;F Ntz;ba j];jhNt[_fSk; vd;dplk; ,Uf;fpd;wd.”

“MfNt mth; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J rl;lj;ij kPwpapUe;jhYk; mJ rpy ehisf;Fj;jhd;.

mjdhy; mJ mt;tsT Kf;fpaky;y.”

“rh; [pahh;[; vd;W $wpf;nfhs;s mtUf;F jFjpNah my;yJ chpikNah fpilahJ>” [hd; nfhQ;rk; MNtrkhfg; Ngrpdhh;.

“ehd; ,ilkwpj;Njd;. “vd;id ek;Gq;fs; [hd;. ehd; cq;fs; ehl;by; ,wq;Fk;tiuapYk; Mq;fpy J}Jtnud;Nwh my;yJ vdf;F rh; gl;lk; cz;nld;Nwh ehd; fdtpYk; epidf;ftpy;iy. cq;fs; gpujkh;jhd; ,uz;ilAk; vd;kPJ jpzpj;jhh;. r;rf;jhd;

mjw;F rhl;rp.”

,J ,d;iwa epiyikapd; xU mk;rk;. xU rpW mk;rk; vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. Mdhy; Kf;fpakhd tp\ak; vd;dntd;why; ,d;W ntspAyfpy; - Kf;fpakhf Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; - ,Uf;Fk; #o;epiy. ehk; ,q;Nf rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; Ngzpf;fhf;Fk; Rje;jpuk; mq;Nf ,y;iy. kf;fnsy;yhk; ae;jpuq;fs; Mfptpl;lhh;fs;. jPh;f;fthjg;gb> ae;jpuq;fs; ,Lk; fl;lisg;gb

ele;J nfhs;fpwhh;fs;. gpwe;j ehspypUe;J gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;l mbikfs;. Nfs;tp Nfl;fNth kWf;fNth mth;fSf;Fj;; njhpahJ. tpUg;G ntWg;G> Mir Mh;tk;> czh;r;rp vy;yhk; mlf;fg;gl;Ltpl;ld. tpQ;Qhdj;jpy; ehk; gpd;dile;J ,Ue;jhYk;> ek; Rje;jpuk;> rz;il rr;ruTfs;> Nghuhl;lq;fs; ek;ik khdplh;fshf fhg;ghw;wp tUfpd;wd. ,itnay;yhk;

cq;fSf;Fk; njhpAk;.”

“Mk; ,tw;iwg; gw;wpnay;yhk; [pahh;[; nrhd;dhh;. Mdhy; vdf;Fj; njhpAk; vd;gJ

cq;fSf;F vg;gbj; njhpAk;? ”

“[hd; cq;fSila ntsp kdj;jpy; ,Ug;gJ vy;yhNk vdf;Fj; njhpAk;. Vndd;why; vd; kdk; xU NubNah ngl;b khjphp. ePq;fs; vd; gf;fj;jpy; ,Ue;jhy; NghJk;. mNj khjphp

cq;fs; kdij vd;dhy; fl;Lg;gLj;jTk; KbAk;.”

“rpe;jidf;fl;Lg;ghL. b.rp. ,y;iyah? ”

“Mk;. ,e;j Kiwapy; Nkw;F Nfhsj;ijtpl ehq;fs; kpfTk; Kd;NdwpapUf;fpNwhk;.”

“,Jjhd; vdf;F Kjy; mDgtk;. Neubahf fhz;gJ>” vd;whh; [hd;.

“,J xd;Wk; Gjpjy;y. ,jd; %ykhfj;jhd; gioa fhyj;jpy; rpy N[h];ah;fs; jk;kplk; tUgth;fspd; ek;gpf;ifiag; ngw;whh;fs;. cjhuzkhf ePq;fs; [pahh;[; cld; \Pyhtpd; cwT gw;wp ftiyg;gl;bUf;fpwPh;fs;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; jpUkzk; rl;;l tpNuhjk; vd;W mth; nrhy;ypapUf;fpwhh;. ,g;nghOJ mth; epiyik khwpapUg;gjhy; mth; ,g;nghOJ

\Pyhit kzk; Ghpa tpUk;Gthuh vd;W Nahrid nra;fpwPh;fs; ,y;iyah? ”

“Mr;rhpak;! Mr;rhpak;! ek;g Kbatpy;iyNa!” vd;whh; [hd;. vdf;Fk; Mr;rhpakhfj;jhd; ,Ue;jJ. vd;idg; gw;wpAk; Nkhpiag; gw;wpAk; mtUf;Fj; njhpANk vd;W ehd; nfhQ;rk; ftiyAld; ,Ue;Njd;.

fpU\;zh vd;idg; ghh;j;J rphpj;jhh;. vd;id Cf;Ftpg;gJNghy KJifj; jl;bf;nfhLj;jhh;. mg;NghJ vd; ufrpak; mthplk; gj;jpukhf ,Uf;Fk; vd;W njhpe;J epk;kjpaile;Njd;. mth; NkYk; [hDld; Ngryhdhh;.

“me;j N[h];ah;fs; fhyj;jpypUe;J rpe;jid fl;Lg;ghL nuhk;g Kd;NdwpAs;sJ. mJTk; tpQ;Qhd Kiwapy;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; Kiw khjphp fpof;F Nfhsj;jpy; ehk; b.rp.I cgNahfg;gLj;JfpNwhk;. Mdhy; me;j ,uz;Lf;Fk; xU mbg;gil tpj;jpahrk; cz;L. gf;Ftg;gLj;jypdhy; kdpjh;fs; czh;r;rpapy;yhky; ae;jpuq;fshfptpLfpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; b.rp Kiwapy; mth;fSila kdk; gyhj;fhuj;jpNyh my;yJ Ntz;lhj topfspNy nry;Yk;NghJ jhd; ehq;fs; fl;Lg;gLj;JfpNwhk;. kdpjh;fs;

kdpjh;fshfNt ,aq;Ffpwhh;fs;.”

“mk;khjphp fl;Lg;gLj;JNthh;f;F vd;d jFjp?” vd;W [hd; tpdhtpdhh;.

“vd; Nghd;wth;fs; mwpT> Qhdk; cs;sth;fs; kdpj Fyj;jpd; vjph;fhyj;jpy;

ek;gpf;ifAs;sth;fs;.”

“mth;fis ahh; Njh;e;njLf;fpwhh;fs;? ” [hd; tpLtjhapy;iy.

fpU\;zh rphpj;jhh;. “ehq;fis ehq;fNs Njh;e;njLj;Jf; nfhs;fpNwhk;. kw;wth;fSf;F

me;j jFjp ,Uf;fhJ.”

“mg;NghJ mJ [dehafk; my;yNt? ”

“ehd; Kd;Ng nrhd;Ndd; [hd;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;ijj; jtpu NtW vq;Fk; jdpahh;

Rje;jpuk; ,y;iynad;W.” fpU\;zh tpsf;fk; je;jhh;.

“[hDf;F nfhQ;rk; jpUk;gp Vw;gl;lJ. “rhp ,dp elf;f Ntz;baijg; gw;wp

nrhy;Yq;fs;.”

“,e;jg; gpur;ridapd; ,d;ndhU mk;rk; vd;dntd;why;> ,U Nfhsq;fspYk; Foe;ij

cw;gj;jp Fiwe;Jnfhz;L tUfpwJ>” vd;W Muk;gpj;J nraw;if fUj;jhpg;G Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk; mjd; tpisTfisg; gw;wpAk;> ,e;j #o;epiyapy; ePykiy thrpfspd; nghWg;G gw;wpAk;> mth;fis ,d;Dk; rpy fhyj;Jf;F jdpikahf itg;gjpd; mtrpak; gw;wpAk; fpU\;zh tphpthf vLj;Jiuj;jhh;.

“,q;F tUk;tiuapy; [pahh;[; tho;e;j tho;f;if vdf;F fz;bg;ghf Ntz;lhk;>”

vd;whh;>” [hd;.

“Nkw;F Nfhsj;Jld; ehk; ,iza Kw;gl;lhNyh my;yJ vy;NyhUk; mq;Nf

FbNawpdhNyh mJjhd; Vw;gLk;>” vd;W fpU\;zh Rl;bf;fhl;bdhh;. “mjdhy; Vw;gLk; mjph;r;rp

jhq;fKbahjjhf ,Uf;Fk;.”

“kp];lh; fpA+Nulh; mth;fNs>” vd;W r;rf; Kjy; Kjyhf Ngr Muk;gpj;jhh;. “rpW ,q;fpyhe;J gpur;ridfspy; jiyapLtjw;F vd;id kd;dpf;fTk;. ehd; fpof;F Nfhsj;ijr; Nrh;e;jtd;. Mdhy; xU nghpa gpur;rid> kdpj th;f;fj;jpd; gpur;ridiag; gw;wp ehd; cq;fSf;F Rl;bf;fhl;l tpUk;GfpNwd;. ,e;j Foe;ij cw;gj;jp ,g;gbNa Fiwe;Jnfhz;L Nghdhy; ,d;Dk; %d;W jiyKiwfspy; Foe;ij gpwg;gNj mG+h;tkhfptpLk;. mg;nghOJ ,e;j cyfj;jpd; jiytpjpiag; gw;wp nfhQ;rk; Nahrid nra;J ghUq;fs;. Kjypy; Foe;ijfs;> gpwF ,isQh;fs; Fiwe;Jnfhz;Nl tUthh;fs;. njhopw;rhiyfspYk; mYtyfq;fspYk; Ntiy nra;a Gjpa njhopyhspfs; ,Uf;f khl;lhh;fs;. MfNt Xa;TngUk; taij mjpfg;gLj;j Ntz;b tUk;. Kjpath;fs; ,wf;f ,isQh;fs; KjpNahh; Mthh;fs;. murhq;fk;> mjpfhuk;> nghUs; cw;gj;jp> Nrit ];jhgdq;fs;> fy;tpr;rhiyfs; - vy;yhk; xt;nthd;whf ];jk;gpj;JtpLk;. tPjpfspy; Fg;ig$sk; epuk;Gk;. ,d;Dk; ,Uf;Fk; rpyUf;F Mfhuk; tutu FiwAk;. filrpahf ,wg;Nghiu Gijg;gjw;Fk; ahUk; ,Uf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. gy yl;r tUlq;fshf ,e;j cyfpy; elkhb te;j khdp;lth;f;fk; mg;gbj;jhd; KbTngWk;. nfhQ;rk; epidj;Jg;ghUq;fs;. gy Mapu tUlq;fshf ehk; fl;ba epWtdq;fs;> fw;gid nra;j ,yf;fpak;> tiue;j Xtpaq;fs;> rpe;jpj;J vOjpa jj;Jtq;fs; vy;yhk; kiwe;JtpLk;.

kWgbAk; ,t;Tyfj;ij kpUfq;fSk; gwitfSNk Ml;nfhs;Sk;.” r;rf; nfhQ;rk; jk;

Ngr;ir epWj;jpdhh;. gpwF “kp];lh; fpA+Nulh; mth;fNs> ,k;khjphpahd xU vjph;fhyk; kdpj

th;f;fj;Jf;F Vw;gl Ntz;Lkh? ”

“xU gaq;fukhd vjph;fhyk;jhd;>” vd;W [hd; xj;Jf;nfhz;lhh;. “Mdhy;

cz;ikapNyNa mg;gb elf;Fkh? mijj; jLg;gjw;F vd;d tha;g;Gfs; ,Uf;fpd;wd?”

“,jw;F Ntz;ba mj;jhl;rpfis ehd; cq;fSf;F nfhLf;f Kbahj epiyapy; ,Uf;fpNwd;. Mdhy; ehd; nrhd;dnjy;yhk; cz;ik. fpU\;zh mth;fSf;Fk; njhpAk;. Mdhy; ,k;khjphp elf;f xU rjtpfpj tha;g;Gjhd; vd;whYk; ehk; mijj; jtph;f;f Kay Ntz;lhkh? mijj; jtph;f;Fk; tha;g;G cq;fs; ifapy; ,e;j ePy kiyfspd; J}a fhw;wpYk; ,q;F trpf;Fk; nts;isah;fsplKk; ,e;jpah;fsplKk;jhd; ,Uf;fpwJ. ,q;Nf ,d;Dk; ,aw;if Kiwapy; Foe;ijfs; gpwf;fpwhh;fs;. Foe;ij tsKk; mjpfhpj;Jf;nfhz;L tUfpwJ. ,e;j Foe;ij tsj;ij ghJfhf;f Ntz;Lnkd;why; ,d;Dk; rpy fhyj;Jf;F cq;fis jdpikapy;

itj;Jg; ghJfhf;f Ntz;Lk;.”

“rhp> ,ijg;gw;wpnay;yhk; vd;d nra;a Ntz;Lk;? nrhy;Yq;fs;>” vd;whh; [hd;.

“,q;fpyhe;J nry;y Ntz;Lk; vd;Dk; Miriaj; jLf;f Ntz;Lk;>” vd;W r;rf;

gjpyspj;jhh;. “mk;khjphp Nghdhy; ePykiy nts;isah;fSf;F kl;Lkpd;wp kdpjFyj;Jf;Nf mJ mghafukhdJ. mk;khjphp jLg;gjw;fhf Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpYs;s cz;ik epiyia

[pahh;[; ePykiythrpfSf;F tphpthf vLj;Jiuf;f Ntz;Lk;.”

[hd; rpwpJ Neuk; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhh;. gpwF Ngr Muk;gpj;jnghOJ Nrhh;TlDk; ftiyAlDk; Ngrpdhh;. r;rf; mtUf;F kw;nwhU tp];fp mspj;jhh;. mij xNu %r;rpy;

Fbj;Jtpl;L [hd; Ngryhdhh;. “,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf ehq;fs; ,q;fpyhe;J – vq;fs;

jha; ehL – Nghf fhj;jpUe;Njhk;. nghpa mZj;jpiuia tpyf;fpaNghJ mJ vq;fSf;F xU NjrPa igj;jpak; khjphp Mfptpl;lJ. mg;Gwk; [pahh;[; te;jJk; mJ xU nghpa nfhz;lhl;lk;> tpohthf nfhz;lhl Kw;gl;Nlhk;. ,g;nghOJ ePq;fs; nrhy;tijg; ghh;j;jhy; mq;Nf vq;fis Nrhjid vypfs; khjphp elj;Jthh;fs; Nghy; njhpfpwJ. ,it tpl nghpa mjph;r;rp NtW vd;d

Ntz;Lk?”.

“[hd; rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F ,g;NghJ ,Uf;Fk; rq;flk; xU nghpa Vkhw;wj;Jf;Fk; ,d;ndhU nghpa Vkhw;wj;Jf;Fk; kj;jpapy; epw;gjy;y. kdpj Fyk;> rhpj;jpuk; ekf;F xU rthy;

tpl;bUf;fpwhh;fs;. mij Vw;gjh Ntz;lhkh vd;gJjhd; gpur;rid>” fpU\;zh typAwj;jpdhh;.

“ehd; cq;fis vg;gb ek;GtJ? ePq;fs; nrhy;tnjy;yhk; fpof;F Nfhs murpd;

#o;r;rpaha; ,Ue;jhy;.”

“#o;r;rp nra;Ak; Nehf;fkpUe;jhy; ehq;fs; Vd; ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf

cq;fis Rk;khtpl;L itj;jpUf;fpNwhk;? ” vd;whh; r;rf;.

“[hd; ehd; vg;nghOjhtJ xU Neh;ikaw;w fhhpaj;ij nra;jpUf;fpNwdh? rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; eyj;ij Gwf;fzpj;jpUf;fpNwdh? nrhy;Yq;fs; vd;W Nfl;lhh; fpU\;zh.

“,y;iy. vdf;F kl;Lkpy;iy. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; vy;NyhUf;FNk cq;fs; kPJ

ek;gpf;ifapUf;fpwJ>” vd;W [hd; xj;Jf;nfhz;lhh;.

“,;e;j neUf;fbahd fl;lj;jpy; ehk; ekJ flikia ed;whf czh;e;J nra;a Ntz;Lk;. ehk; xU rpW r%fkhf ,Ue;jhYk;> kdpjFyj;ij xU nghpa fz;lj;jpypUe;J jg;g

itj;Njhk; vd;W gpw;fhy rhpj;jpuk; nrhy;yNtz;Lk;.”

“rhp” [hd; kdij jplg;gLj;jpf;nfhz;lhh;. “ehd; vd;d nra;aNtz;Lk;?”

“,g;Nghijf;F ePq;fs; xd;Wk; nra;a Ntz;bajpy;iy. ehq;fs; nrhd;dij ,d;Dk; rpy ehl;fSf;F ufrpakhf itj;Jf;nfhz;L vq;fSld; xj;Jiof;f Ntz;Lk; vd;gij kdjpy; itj;Jf;nfhs;Sq;fs;. ehq;fshf ,tw;iwnay;yhk; cq;fsplk; nrhy;ytpy;iy. ePq;fs;

Nfl;Lj;jhd; nrhd;Ndhk;.”

“Mk; ehd;jhd; xU nghpa Rikia> xU nghpa mjph;r;rpia tpiy nfhLj;J thq;fpf; nfhz;Nld;. kdpjFyj;jpd; ghuNk vd; kdj;ij mOj;Jfpw khjphp ,Uf;fpwJ. ,d;Dk;

vj;jid ehisf;F ehd; ,ij Rkf;f Ntz;Lk;? ”

“nuhk;g ehSf;F ,Uf;fhJ>” fpU\;zh cWjpaspj;jhh;. “ehq;fs; ,itfisnay;yhk; ntspapLk; rkaj;jpy; cq;fSila MjuT vq;fSf;Fk; - Kf;fpakhf [pahh;[_f;Fk;

,Uf;Fky;yth? ”

“NtW ehd; vd;d nra;a KbAk;? ”

“Kf;fpakhf [pahh[; Mq;fpy murpd; J}Jth; my;y vd;W njhpe;jhy; mth; epiyik

nuhk;g NkhrkhfptpLk;. mtUf;Fj;jhd; ck; cjtp mjpfk; Ntz;bapUf;Fk;.”

“Mk;. ,e;j neUf;fbapy; f\;lg;gLgth; mth; xUth;jhd;>” [hd; vd;id

mDjhgj;NjhL Nehf;fpdhh;. “[pahh;[;> cq;fs;Nky; Nfhgg;gl;lij jaTnra;J kwe;JtpLq;fs;. ,e;j cyf rJuq;fj;jpy; cq;fis <L itj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. vd;dhy; Kbe;j cjtpAk;

MjuTk; cq;fSf;F ,Uf;Fk;.”

“,ij xU rJuq;f Ml;lkhf epidf;f Ntz;lhk; [hd;>” vd;whh; fpU\;zh>

“kdpjFyj;Jf;F nra;Ak; Nrit vd;W fUJq;fs;.”

jpBnud;W [hd; vOe;jhh;. “ehd; nfhQ;rk; jdpahf ,Ue;J ePq;fs; nrhd;dtw;iwg; gw;wpnay;yhk; rpe;jpf;f Ntz;Lk;. ehd; tpilngWfpNwd;. vd; Nlhq;fh jpUk;gpte;J [pahh;i[

$l;bf;nfhz;L NghFk;.”

,JtiuapYk; ehd; Ngrhkle;ijahf vy;yhtw;iwAk; tptukhf Nfl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;Njd;. fpU\;zhTk; r;rf;Fk; ehd; mq;F ,Ue;jijNah my;yJ vdf;Fk; ,e;j tp\aj;jpy; mf;fiw ,Uf;Fnkd;gijNah mwpahjth;fs; Nghy; [hDld; Ngrpdhh;fs;. kdpjFyj;Jf;fhf vd;id re;Njh\khf jpahfk; nra;thh;fs;Nghy; Njhd;wpaJ.

[hd; NghdgpwF r;rf; vd; gf;fk; jpUk;gpdhh;. “[pahh;[;> \PyhTld; Vw;gl;l xU

mDgtj;Jf;Fg; gpwF ngz;fis Rk;kh tpl;Ltpl;Bh;fsy;yth?” vd;W rphpj;Jf;nfhz;N;;;l Nfl;lhh;.

ehd; gjpy; Ngrtpy;iy. vt;tsNth Nfl;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;Njd;. Mdhy; Ngr;R tutpy;iy.

“ePq;fs; jhNd vd;id tur; nrhd;dPh;fs;? ” vd;W r;rf; Nfl;lhh;. “vd;d nra;a

Ntz;Lk;? ”

“vy;yh KbTk; ePq;fNs nra;Jtpl;Bh;fNs. ,J ehd; nrhy;y vd;d ,Uf;fpwJ? ”

vd;Nwd;.

“mg;gb epidf;f Ntz;lhk;>” vd;W fpU\;zh ,ilkWj;jhh;. “ePq;fs; thf;fspj;jkhjphp fpA+Nuliu jpUg;jp nra;a Ntz;bapUe;jJ ,y;iyah? Mdhy; ePq;fs; vd;d nra;a Ntz;Lk;

vd;gijg; gw;wp ,g;NghJ Ngryhk;.”

ehd; efhpy; ,Uf;Fk; epiyikiag; gw;wp RUf;fkhf tpthpj;Njd;. mth;fSf;Fk; mJ

njhpe;jpUe;jJ. filrpahf> “ehd; ,dpNkYk; Mq;fpy J}Jtuhf ePbg;gJ Kbahj fhhpak;.

,e;j rq;flj;jpypUe;J vg;gb jg;gpg;gJ vd;gJjhd; vd; gpur;rid.”

“cq;fSf;F %d;W topfs; ,Uf;fpd;wd>” vd;whh; rr;f;. “xd;W ePq;fs; Mq;fpNyNa J}Jtuhf ePbg;gjw;F Ntz;ba j];jhNt[{fs; vd;dplk; ,Uf;fpd;wd. mitfs;

yz;ldpypUe;J tu jhkjkhdjhy;jhd; ehd; ,q;F tUtjw;Fk; ehshapw;W.”

“ehd;jhd; nrhy;yptpl;NlNd. j];jhNt[{fs; ,Ue;jhYk;$l ,dpNkYk; J}Jtuha;

,Uf;f ehd; tpUk;gtpy;iy. mjw;F vdf;F jFjpAk; ,y;iy.” Nkhpia kdjpy; itj;Jf;nfhz;Ljhd; ehd; ,g;gb nrhd;Ndd;.

“Mdhy; mjdhy; ek; Fwpf;Nfhis mila KbAk; vd;why;? ”

“r;rf; ek; Fwpf;Nfhs; vd;d vd;gij ePq;fs; kwe;jhYk; ehd; kwf;ftpy;iy. mJ ePykiy nts;isah;fspd; r%fj;ij Muha;tJjhd;. me;j Fwpf;Nfhis ehd; Vwf;Fiwa

epiwNtw;wptpl;Nld;.”

“mg;gbnad;why; ,uz;lhtJ topiag; gw;wp rpe;jpf;fyhk;. mjhtJ ePq;fs; clNd yz;lDf;F cq;fs; epWtdj;Jf;Fr; nrd;W ePh; ,q;F mwpe;jtw;iwg; gw;wp mwpf;if

jahhpf;fyhk;>” r;rf; vd;id tpLtjha; ,y;iy.

“mJ Ntz;lhk;!” vd;Nwd;. vdf;F mOif tUk;Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. me;j kq;fy tho;Tf;Fk;> tpUk;G ntWg;gw;w r%fj;Jf;Fk;. gf;Ftg;gLj;JjYf;Fk; ,e;j Rje;jpuj;ijAk;> [hd; Nghd;w ez;gh;fisAk;> Kf;fpakhf NkhpiaAk; tpl;Lr;nry;y kdkpy;iy. fz;zPUk;

rphpg;GNk vdf;F ,Uf;fl;Lk; vd;W Mty; nfhz;Nld;. gpwF> “%d;whtJ top vd;d? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

r;rf;Fk; fpU\;zhTk; xUtiunahUth; ghh;j;Jf;nfhz;ldh;. “%d;whtJ top jhd; f\;lkhd top. Mq;fpy J}Jth; my;y vd;W gfpuq;fkhf xg;Gf;nfhz;L mjw;fhf rpW

,q;fpyhe;J ePjpkd;wk; mspf;Fk; jz;lidia Vw;W mDgtpg;gJ>” vd;whh; r;rf;.

“jz;lid vd;d?” vd;W ftiyNahL Nfl;Nld;.

“[pahh;[;!” r;rf; md;NghL vd; Njhs; Nky; if itj;Jg; Ngrpdhh;. “cq;fs; cs;sk; ,d;Dk; Foe;ijAs;sk;. ePq;fs; ,q;Nf ePykiy nts;isah;fis gw;wp Muha;r;rpapy; <Lgl;bUf;Fk; mNj rkaj;jpy; ehq;fSk; cq;fs; epWtdj;jpd; xg;GjYld; xU Muha;r;rpapy; <Lgl;Ls;Nshk; vd;gJ cq;fSf;F njhpahJ. mJ vd;dntd;why; xU gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;;l kdk; ,aw;if #o;epiyapy; nray;gl;lhy; me;jg; gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; vj;jid ehisf;F ,Uf;Fk; vd;gJ. cq;fSila elj;ijapypUe;J gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; xU Nky; G+r;R khjphpjhd; vd;Wk; kdk; rPf;fpuk; jd; ,aw;if epiyikf;F te;JtpLnkd;Wk; mwpe;J nfhz;Nlhk;. Mifahy; ePq;fs; jpUk;gpg; NghdhYk; cq;fs; elj;ijf;fhf yz;ldpy; cq;fSf;F xU jz;lidAk; ,Uf;fhJ. cq;fSila jpahfj;jpdhy; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; KiwiaNa Nkw;F Nfhsk; iftpl;lhYk; tplyhk;. MfNt ehd; nrhd;d ,uz;lhk; topiag; gw;wp Nahrid

nra;J nrhy;Yq;fs;.”

ehd; Nahrid nra;Njd;. Mdhy; yz;lDf;F jpUk;Gtijg; gw;wpay;y. ,g;nghOJ

r;rf; nrhd;dJk; vd; kdij Nrhjpg;gjw;Fj;jhd; vd;W Nahrpj;Njd;. gpwF ‘vd;idf; Nfl;fhky; vd; kdij ePq;fs; vg;gb xU Muha;r;rp epiya vypNghy Nrhjid nra;ayhk;? vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“yz;ldpy; eP;q;fs; ,e;jf; Nfs;tp Nfl;bUg;gPh;fsh? Ngrhky; xj;Jf;; nfhz;bUg;gPh;fs;

,y;iyah? ”

“Mk;” vd;W jiyairj;Njd;.

“cq;fs; kdj;jpy; Rje;jpu kdg;ghd;ik ehSf;F ehs; tsh;e;J tUfpwJ>” fpU\;zh

tha;tpl;L rphpj;jhh;. “Foe;ijAs;sKk; khwp Kjph;r;rpaile;J tUfpwJ. rhp> jg;G vd;gitfSf;F tpj;jpahrk; mwpe;J mjd;gb elf;f Kaw;rpf;fpwPh;fs;. Mk; ,dp ePq;fs;

yz;lDf;Fr; nry;tJ ey;yjy;y.”

“vd;id xU Nrhjid vypahf cgNahfpj;J khWjy;fs; nra;tjhy; Vw;gLk; kdf; f\;lq;fisg; gw;wp ePq;fs; mf;fiw nfhs;stpy;iyNah? vd;W thjhbNdd;.

“f\;lkpy;yhky; khWjy;fs; nra;a KbahJ>” vd;whh; r;rf;. Mdhy; mNjhL rphpg;G>

kfpo;r;rp> Mde;jk; ,itfisAk; ehq;fs; mspf;ftpy;iyah? ”

“Nkhpia ,t;tsT rPf;fpuk; kwe;Jtpl;Bh;fsh? ” vd;W rphpj;jhh; fpU\;zh. mth;$l r;rf; khjphpNa Ngr Muk;gpj;Jtpl;lhh;.

“vd; kdjpypUg;gJ vy;yhNk cq;fSf;F b.rp. %ykhf njhpe;jpUf;Fk; NghJ vd;id

Vd; Nfs;tp Nfl;fpwPh;fs;>” vd;Nwd;.

“[pahh;[;! ehq;fs; cq;fSila ez;gh;fs;. cq;fSf;F vJ ,\;lNkh mijj;jhd;

ehq;fs; nra;a tpUk;GfpNwhk; vd;gij jaTnra;J kwf;f Ntz;lhk;” vd;W r;rf; thjhbdhh;.

“cq;fis Muha;r;rpf;F xU cjhuzkhf cgNahfpj;jhYk; cq;fs; eyid ehq;fs; kwf;ftp;y;iy. ,e;j Muha;r;rpahy; kdpjFyk; ed;ikailAk;.

“kdpjFyk; Kf;fpakha; ,Uf;fyhk;. Mdhy; vdf;F ehd; jhNd Kf;fpak;? vd;

vjph;fhyk; vd;d? ” vd;Nwd; MNtrj;Jld;.

kdpjFyk; Kf;fpak; [pahh;[;” fpU\;zh nghWikAld; mwpTWj;jpdhh;. “,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlfhykhf mij ehk; Kf;fpakhf Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; kwe;Jtpl;Nlhk;. Mdhy; kdpjFyj;ijg; gw;wp ftiyg;gLtjhy; cd;id kwe;J tpLNthnkd;Nwh my;yJ myl;rpak;

nra;Nthnkd;Nwh mh;j;jk; my;y.”

“nuhk;g ed;wp!” vd;W nfhQ;rk; ghpfhrkhfg; NgrpNdd;.

“[pahh;[;> vd; tpQ;Qhd Mh;tj;jpdhy; ehd; rpy rkaq;fspy; kw;w mk;rq;fis kwe;JtpLtJ cz;ikjhd;. Mdhy; cq;fis ,dp kwf;fkhl;Nld;. ePq;fs; ,q;NfNa jq;fpapUf;f tpUk;gpdhy; ehd; xU Nahrid nrhy;fpNwd;. ePykiyfspYs;s Kf;fpa];jh;fspd; $l;lk; xd;iwf; $l;b mq;F ePq;fs; Ngr Ntz;Lk;. mf;$l;lj;jpy; ,q;fpyhe;jpd; ,d;iwa tho;f;ifia tpthpf;f Ntz;Lk;. mjw;F Ntz;ba vj;jdq;fisnay;yhk; ehd; Vw;ghL nra;fpNwd;. $l;lk; cq;fSf;F mDjhgkha; ,Uf;Fk; vd;gjpy; re;Njfk; ,y;iy. filrpahf

ePq;fs; vg;gb ,q;Nf tu Neh;e;jJ vd;gijg; gw;wpAk; nrhy;yyhk;.”

“,e;j topiaf; if gpbg;gjdhy; ePq;fs; ePykiythrpfspd; eyDf;Fk; cjTtPh;fs;. mNj rkaj;jpy; cq;fs; cz;ik epiyiaAk; ntspg;gLj;JtPh;fs;. ck; kdr;rhl;rpAk;

jpUg;jpailAk;>” vd;W fpU\;zhTk; thjhbdhh;.

“ehd; Neuhf gpujkhplk; nrd;W ‘rh; tpd;];ld;> ehd; Mq;fpy ehl;bd; J}Jth; my;y.

vdf;F rh; gl;lKk; fpilahJ. cq;fs; tpUe;Njhk;giy ehd; Ms;khwhl;lkhf Vw;wpUf;fpNwd;”

vd;W nrhd;dhy; vd;d? ”

“mk;khjphp nra;tJ cq;fs; jpahf czh;r;rpia jpUg;jp nra;ayhk;. Mdhy; cq;fis rpiwf;F mDg;Gtijj; jtpu Ntnuhd;Wk; elf;fhJ. ehq;fs; nrhy;Yk; topapdhy; Mapuf;fzf;fhd ePykiythrpfSf;F ePq;fs; gl;l f\;lq;fspypUe;J tpLjiy mspg;gPh;fs;.

NkYk; nghJ[d mDjhgk; ckf;F ,Ue;jhy; rpiwthrKk; ,y;yhky; Nghfyhk;.”

“ehd; ngha; fhuzk; nrhy;yp ,q;Nf te;Njd; vd;why; ehd; nrhy;tij ahh;

ek;Gthh;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

mjw;F Ntz;ba Vw;ghLfs; ehd; nra;fpNwd;>” vd;whh; r;rf;.

“$l;lj;jpy; VjhtJ Fog;gk; Vw;gl;lhy; mjw;F Ntz;ba ghJfhg;G ehd; mspf;fpNwd;>” vd;whh; fpU\;zh.

xj;Jf;nfhs;tijj; jtpu vdf;F NtW topapy;iy.

mj;jpahak; gjp%d;W

ehd; NgRtJ uh[hPf G+Nfhs rq;fj;jpd; ( Royal Geographical Society) rhh;gpy; vd;W muR KbT nra;jJ. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpNyNa mJjhd; ey;y me;j];Jk; kjpg;Gk; cs;s rq;fk;. vd; ngaiu tpsk;gug;gLj;jpaNghJ rh; gl;lj;ij tpl;LtpLk;gb Nfl;Lf;nfhz;Nld;.

‘,q;fpyhe;jpy; ,d;iwa tho;f;if vd;Dk; nghUs; gw;wp [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; NgRthh;’ vd;W Rth; tpsk;guq;fspy; vOjg;gl;bUe;jJ. khjk; xU Kiw ntspte;j rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; xU rQ;rpifapYk; me;j tpsk;guk; gpuRhpf;fg;gl;lJ.

,e;j $l;lj;ij Vw;ghL nra;tjw;F [hd;jhd; fhuzfh;j;juha; ,Ue;jhh;. me;j

neUf;fbahd ehl;fspy; mth; cjtpAk; MjuTk; vdf;F njk;G mspj;jJ. “Kd;G ePq;fs; gg; jj;Jtj;Jf;F mbikaha; ,Ue;jPh;fs;. ckJ nra;iffSf;F ePq;fs; nghWg;gy;y. mjDila kdpjj; jd;ikaw;w nfhûkhd Kiwfis ntspg;gLj;jp kw;wth;fisAk; vr;rhpf;f Kd;te;Js;s cq;fspd; ijhpaj;ijAk; Nrit kdg;ghd;ikiaAk; ehd; ghuhl;LfpNwd;.

,J rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; newpf; nfhs;iff;F ntw;wp vd;W $wyhk;” vd;W vdf;F cw;rhf%l;bdhh;. mth; ,uz;L %d;W jlit NkYk; fpU\;zhit re;jpj;jpUg;gjhf njhpate;jJ.

‘ek;kpilNa xU kh;k kdpjd;’ vd;W rpW ,q;fpyhe;J ilk;]; xU jiyaq;fk;

vOjpaJ. “filrpahf ,q;fpyhe;jpd; J}Jth; ,t;tsT ehs; Ngrhky; kOg;gptpl;L ,g;NghJ jpBnud;W jk; ehl;ilg; gw;wp Ngr Kd;te;jpUf;fpwhh;. mtUf;F tpsk;guj;jpy; MirapUe;jhy; mij G+uzkhf ngw;Wtpl;lhh;. mtUf;F tpsk;guj;jpy; MirapUe;jhy; mij G+uzkhf ngw;Wtpl;lhh; vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; tpsk;guj;Jf;F Vw;w Ngr;R ,Uf;Fkh?

tof;fkhf ,k;khjphp $l;lq;fSf;F ntF rpyh;jhd; tUthh;fs; vd;W [hd; nrhd;dhh;. Mdhy; ,e;jf; $l;lj;jpw;F vy;yh Kf;fpa nts;isah;fSk; ,e;jpah;fSk; tUthh;fs; vd;W vjph;ghh;f;fg;gl;lJ. mk;khjphp Kf;fpakhdth;fSf;F gpuj;jpNahf miog;Gf; fbjq;fSk; mDg;gpapUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fSf;F Kd; thpirfspy; cl;fhUkplq;fs; xJf;fg;gl;bUe;jd. mikr;rh;fs;> ghh;ypnkz;l; mq;fj;jpdh;fs; KjypNahUf;Fk; mNjkhjphp trjp nra;ag;gl;bUe;jJ. kz;lgk; epiwe;J ntspNaAk; $l;lk; ,Uf;fyhk; vd;W [hd; kjpg;gpl;lhh;.

ehd; Mq;fpy J}Jth; my;y vd;W nrhy;ypte;jth;fs; vy;NyhUk; ,f;$l;lj;ij gfp\;fhpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W gpur;rhuk; nra;jhh;fs;. Mdhy; ,e;j gpur;rhuk; $l;lj;jpw;F NkYk;

tpsk;guk; mspj;jJ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wp – jk; gioa jha; ehl;ilg; gw;wp

– Vw;fdNt njhpe;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;w Mty;> mq;F Nghf Ntz;Lnkd;w Mty;> ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf fhzhj xU cw;rhfj;ijAk;> Vd; MNtrj;ijNa cz;lhf;fptpl;lJ vd;W nrhy;yyhk;. vq;F ghh;j;jhYk;> tPjpfspYk;> Fbf;Fk; ,lq;fspYk;> Nfspf;if kidfspYk;> vd;idg;gw;wp rh;r;irfSk; thf;Fthjq;fSk; Vuhskhf ,Ue;jd vd;W gl;yh; mwptpj;jhd;. ehd; vd;d nrhy;yg; NghfpNwd; vd;gijg; gw;wp ge;jak; $l rpyh; fl;bf; nfhz;lhh;fshk;.

r;rf; vd; gpurq;fj;Jf;F cjtpahf ,Uf;f mjw;F Ntz;ba glq;fs; fhl;Ltjw;Fk;> kz;lgj;Jf;F ntspNa ,Ug;gth;fSk; mitfisg; ghh;f;f Vw;ghL nra;tjw;Fk; Ntz;ba eltbf;if vLj;jhh;. mjw;F Ntz;ba cgfuzq;fis nrd;idapypUe;J nfhz;Ltu rpW ,q;fpyhe;J muR mtUf;F mikjpaspj;jpUe;jJ. ePsk;> mfyk; kl;Lkpd;wp MoKk; njhpAk;gbahd 3-D glq;fs; mit. kz;lgj;jpy; cl;fhh;e;jpUg;Nghh;fSf;F mg;glq;fspd; kj;jpapy; ,Ug;gJ Nghd;w czh;r;rpapUf;Fk;. NkYk; mg;glq;fs; mjpYs;s ghj;jpuq;fspd; czh;r;rpfisAk; ntspg;gLj;Jk;. vd; Ngr;Rf;Fk; mg;glq;fSf;Fk; neUq;fpa njhlh;G Mdjhy; ehDk; r;rf;Fk; xl;b Ntiy nra;a Ntz;bapUe;jJ. ehd; ve;jf; $l;lj;jpYk; NgrpaJ fpilahJ. Mifahy; ,e;j mDgtj;ij ftiyNahL vjph;ghh;j;jpUe;Njd;.

“vd; Ngr;ir vOjp kdg;ghlk; nra;Jnfhs;sl;Lkh? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“Ntz;lhk;>” vd;whh; r;rf;. “mJ xU G];jfj;jpypUe;J gbg;gJ Nghd;w vz;zj;ij $l;lj;jpdUf;F Vw;gLj;Jk;. ePq;fs; nfhQ;rk; jLkhwpdhYk; guthapy;iy. thh;j;ijfs; cq;fs;

,Ujaj;jpypUe;J tu Ntz;L;k;. mg;nghOJjhd; cq;fis ek;Gthh;fs;.”

,Ue;jhYk; ehd; ed;whf Nahrid nra;J vd;d Ngrg; NghfpNwd; vd;gij tptukhf Fwpj;Jf;nfhz;Nld;. r;rf;Fk; mijg; ghhj;J mjw;Fj; jFe;jkhjphp glq;fisAk; jpUj;jpf;nfhz;lhh;. glq;fs; jpiuapy; tUk;NghJ ehd; Ngr Ntz;bajpy;iy. MfNt xt;nthd;Wf;Fk; vj;jid epkplq;fs; vd;W xU xj;jpif khjphp elj;jp mij ,UtUk; ed;whf mwpe;Jnfhz;Nlhk;.

ehd; Ngrg;NghFk; ehsd;W ed;whf Nahrid nra;J vd; Vw;ghLfis nra;Njd;. vd; rhkhd;fisnay;yhk; ngl;bfspy; itj;Jg; G+l;bf; nfhz;Nld;. ehd; jpUk;gp N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;F tukhl;Nld; vd;W njhpAk;. jw;fhypfkhf fpU\;zh mth;fspd; tPl;bypUg;gjw;F Vw;ghL nra;ag;gl;bUe;jJ.

“ePq;fs; jpUk;gp ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F Nghfg; NghfpwPh;fsh? ” vd;W Nfl;lhd; gl;yh;. “my;yJ

jdpahf J}juhyak; itf;fg; NghfpwPh;fsh? ”

“vy;yhk; vd; Ngr;Rf;Fg; gpwF njhpa tUk;>” vd;Nwd;. “vd; tho;tpYk; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J tho;tpYk; ,J xU Kf;fpa fl;lk;. vd;d MFk; vd;W ,g;nghOJ nrhy;y

KbahJ.”

“cq;fs; J}Jtuhaj;jpy; Nrit nra;a ehd; kpfTk; ngUikg;gLNtd;.”

“ehd; mij kwf;fkhl;Nld; gl;yh;>” vd;W gjpyspj;Njd;. vdf;F vt;tsNth Gj;jpkjp mspj;j gl;yiu tpl;Lg;Nghf nfhQ;rk; tpardkhfj;jhd; ,Ue;jJ.

“ehDk; cq;fs; ciuiaf; Nfl;fg; NghfpNwd;>” vd;whd; gl;yh;.

$l;lj;ijg; gw;wpa mwptpf;fg;gl;;l md;Wjhd; gpujkUk; jkJ tpLKiwapy; ,Ue;J jpUk;gp te;jhh;. vd;idg; ghh;f;f tpUk;Gtjhf mthplkpUe;J miog;G te;jJ.

“ePq;fs; nfhQ;rk; tpsk;gug;gLj;jpf;nfhs;s tpUk;Gtjhfj; njhpfpwJ>” vd;whh; rh;

tpd;];ld;. “tpsk;guk; vg;nghOJNk ey;yJjhd;. ,UtiuapYk; Vd; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jPh;fs; vd;W ,g;nghOJjhd; ehd; mwpfpNwd;. ,e;j Kiwapdhy; vy;NyhUila Mh;tj;ijAk; ed;whf

fpswptpl;bUf;fpd;wPh;fs;.”

“,q;fpyhe;jpd; ,d;iwa tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp vy;NyhUk; mwpe;Jnfhs;tJ ey;yJ vd;W epidj;Jj;jhd; ehd; ,e;j gpurq;fj;Jf;F xj;Jf;nfhz;Nld;. mq;FNghf tpUk;Gfpwth;fs;

vy;NyhUk; mijg;gw;wp mwptJ ey;yJjhNd? ”

“ePq;fs; rd;dj;Jfs; rkh;g;gpj;jgpwF ,e;j gpurq;fj;Jf;F Vw;ghL nra;jpUe;jhy;

,;d;Dk; ed;whf ,Uf;Fk;.”

“vd; Ngr;Rf;Fg; gpwF me;j rlq;F ,Ug;gJjhd; ey;yJ.”

rh; tpd;];lDf;F mJ nfhQ;rk; Vkhw;wkhf ,Ue;jJ. “rd;dj;J rkh;g;gpg;gij xU

tpohthf nfhz;lhl Vw;ghL nra;jpUe;Njhk;” vd;whh;.

“vg;gbapUe;jhYk; ePq;fs; vd; Ngr;irf; Nfl;f tUtPh;fs; my;yth? ”

“ehd; kl;Lky;y. ke;jphprig> ghh;ypnkz;l; vy;NyhUNk mq;Nf ,Ug;ghh;fs;.”

* * *

$l;lk; ehd;F kzpf;F vd;W tpsk;guq;fs; mwptpj;jd. ehd; uh[je;jphp mzpaNtz;ba cilfis tpl;Ltpl;L xU rhjhuz kdpjd; khjphp cilazpe;J nfhz;Nld;. fpU\;zhTk; [hDk; vd;Dld; $l;lj;jpw;F te;jhh;fs;. mk;khjphpahd $l;lj;jpy; Ngr vdf;F JzpT ,Uf;Fkh vd;W mth;fs; ftiyahf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. Mdhy; ,e;j rpy ehl;fspy; vd; kdKk; cs;sKk; ed;whf tsh;e;J Kjph;e;Jtpl;lJ. ePykiy nts;isah;fis NeUf;F Neh; re;jpf;f ehd; jahuha; ,Ue;Njd;. ,g;nghOJ mth;fs; jhd; Foe;ijfs; khjphp vdf;Fj; Njhd;wpdhh;fs;. ehd; J}Jtuhf ebj;jjw;F VjhtJ jz;lid ,Ue;jhy; mijAk; ehd; Vw;Wf;nfhs;sj; jaq;ftpy;iy. jpahfk; nra;tjw;F Ntz;ba ngUe;jd;ikAk; vdf;F ,Ue;jJ. tho;f;ifapy; lhk;gPfkhfTk; ghJfhg;GlDk; fhyk; fopg;gijtpl jd;khdk; jhd; Kf;fpakhdJ vd;gijAk; czh;e;Jnfhz;N;ld;. mNj rkaj;jpy; ehd; vd; Kaw;rpay; ntw;wp fhzhtpl;lhy; vd;d MFk; vd;w ftiyAk; vd; kdij thl;baJ.

$l;lk; kz;lgj;jpy; epiwe;J tope;NjhbaJ. gpuj;jpNahfkhf Kf;fpa];jh;fSf;F vd;W ,Ue;j ehw;fhypfs; kl;Lk; ,d;Dk; rpy fhypahf ,Ue;jd. kz;;lgj;Jf;F ntspapYk; nghpa $l;lk; fhj;jpUe;jJ. mth;fSf;Fs; rpwpJ ryryg;Gk; Ngr;Rthh;j;ijfSk;> rj;jKk; ,Ue;jJ. rpyh; Mq;fpNyNa uh[pa fPjj;ijg; ghbdhh;fs;. kw;Wk; rpyh; mth;fisg; ghh;j;J Vsdkhf rphpj;jdh;.

uh[hPf G+Nfhs rq;fj;jpd; jiyth; Gnuhgrh; ll;yp – ];Nlk;g; vq;fis tuNtw;whh;. vd;idg; gw;wp [hd; mthplk; Kd;Ng nrhy;ypapUf;f Ntz;Lk;. Vndd;why; mth; vd;id Mq;fpy murpd; J}Jth; vd;W $l;lj;jpw;F mwpKfg;gLj;jtp;y;iy. ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J te;jpUf;Fk; xU cah;e;j ez;gh; vd;Wk; m.K. rhpj;jpu Muha;r;rpahsh; vd;Wk; mwpKfg;gLj;jpdhh;.

mth; Ngrp Kbj;jJk; $l;lj;jpy; mikjp epytpaJ. ,e;j gpurq;fj;jpd; rhpj;jpu Kf;fpaj;Jtj;ijg; gw;wp vy;NyhUk; mwpe;jpUe;jdh;. mth;fs; kdjpypUe;j cs;Szh;r;rpia vd;dhy; A+fpf;f Kbe;jJ. kz;lgj;Jf;F ntspapYk; vy;NyhUk; eprg;jkhf ,Ue;jdh;. ePykiyfspYs;s Kf;fpa];jh;fs; vy;NyhUk; Kd; thpirfsp;y; mkh;e;jpUe;jdh;. gy ,e;jpah;;fSk; \PyhTk; NkhpAk; $l;lj;jpy; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. r;rf; Nkilf;Fg; gf;fj;jpy; ,Ue;J gy ae;jpuq;fis ,af;f jahuha; ,Ue;jhh;. vd; tho;f;ifapNyNa xU Kf;fpakhd $l;lk; Muk;gkhapw;W. ehd; Ngr vOe;Njd;.

“nghpNahh;fNs! jha;khh;fNs!” ehd; nfhQ;rk; jaf;fkhfj;jhd; Muk;gpj;Njd;. ehd; tPrg;NghFk; ntbFz;Lfs; ntbj;J mth;fs; Mirfis ghohf;Fk; Kd;Ng mth;fSila mDjhgj;ij ehd; ngWtJ mtrpak;.

“cq;fs; mofpa ehl;by; ehd; %d;W khjfhykhf ,Ue;J tUfpNwd;. ehd; re;jpj;j xt;nthUtUk; vd;Dld; kpFe;j el;NghLk; tpUe;Njhk;gy; czh;;r;rpNahLk; vd;id cgrhpj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. ,e;j md;ig ehd; kpfTk; kjpf;fpNwd;. cq;fs; jhuhs kdg;ghd;ikf;F vd; Mo;e;j ed;wp.

kz;lgj;jpy; vy;NyhUk; Gd;KWty; G+j;jdh;. mJ vd;id Cf;Ftpj;jJ.

“,e;j %d;W khjq;fspy; gyh; vd;id ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ,d;iwa tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp gy Nfs;tpfs; Nfl;bUf;fpwhh;fs;. ahUf;FNk ehd; Neubahf gjpyspf;ftpy;iynad;gJ cz;ikjhd;. Mdhy; mJ cq;fis ehd; Vkhw;w ifahz;l topay;y. vq;F Muk;gpg;gJ vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpatpy;iy. NkYk; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F nry;tijg;gw;wpAk; mq;F FbNaWtijg;gw;wpAk; gyh; vd;dplk; tprhhpf;f te;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. ,e;j #o;epiyapy; mq;Fs;s ajhh;j;j epiyikia cq;fSf;F mwptpg;gJ vd; flik vd;W vz;zpNdd;. ePq;fs; vdf;F ,e;j %d;W khjkhf mspj;j md;Gf;Fk; MjuTf;Fk; ehd; nra;Ak; ifk;khW mJjhd;.

“vd; Ngr;ir kl;Lkpd;wp mq;Fs;s ,d;iwa tho;f;ifia ePq;fs; glq;fs; %ykhfTk; xsp> xyp %ykhfTk;> czh;r;rp %ykhfTk; $l mwpag; NghfpwPh;fs;. ,e;j Vw;ghLfisnay;yhk; nra;j r;rf; mth;fSf;Fk; vd; ed;wp. xU Nfhzj;jpypUe;J

ghh;f;Fk; nghOJ vd; Ngr;Nr ePq;fs; ghh;f;Fk; glq;fSf;F xU tpsf;f ciu khjphpjhd;.

Mbad;]; hPVf;\d; ,z;bNfl;lh; (ARI) ($l;lj;jpdhp;d; cs;Szh;T msTNfhy;) vd; gf;fj;jpy; ,Ue;jJ. mjpypUe;J vd; KfTiu xU ey;y mgpg;gpuhaj;ij Vw;gLj;jpapUg;gJ njhpa te;jJ. gpwF ehd; fle;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf Vw;gl;Ls;s njhopy;; mgptpUj;jpia tpsf;fpNdd;. Adpth;ry; Vh;fz;b\dpq;> Nghf;Ftuj;Jf;fhf gy jl;Lfspy; ,Ue;J elkhLk; Nkilfs;> xNu jlit cgNahfg;gLj;jp vwpe;JtpLk; Milfs;> [Puzkhd czT tiffs; ,tw;iwnay;yhk; gw;wp $l;lj;jpdh; MtNyhL Nfl;lhh;fs;. fk;g;A+lh;fshy; jhdhf ,aq;Fk; njhopw;rhiyfisg; gw;wpAk;> rq;fPjk;> fiy> eldk; ,tw;wpy; Vw;gl;Ls;s Kd;Ndw;wq;fisg; gw;wpAk;> md;whl nghUs;fis ,ytrkhf tpepNahfpf;Fk; #g;gh; khh;f;nfl;Lfisg; gw;wpAk; nrhd;Ndd;. Neha; jLg;G Kiwfshy; vg;gb vy;NyhUNk MNuhf;fpakhf ,Uf;fpwhh;fs; vd;gijAk; tpgj;Jfs; Vw;gl;L fhNyh ifNah Nghdhy; mNj khjphp mtatq;fis khw;Wk; Kiwfisg; gw;wpAk; nrhd;d NghJ $l;lj;jpy; rpW fuNfh\k; vOe;jJ. ehd; Ngrpf;nfhz;bUe;jNghJ mjw;F jFjpahd glq;fs; jpiuapy; fhl;lg;gl;;ld. $l;lj;jpdh; me;jg; glq;fis Mr;rhpaj;Jld; %r;R tplhky; ghh;j;jdh;. vd;WNk rpdpkh $l ghh;f;fhjth;fSf;F mit nghpa etPdq;fshf Njhd;wpd. me;jg; glq;fSf;F mfyk; ePsk; kl;Lkpd;wp MoKk; ,Ue;jjhy; $l;lj;jpdUf;F jhq;fSk; me;j tho;f;ifapy; gq;F nfhs;tJ Nghd;w gpuik cz;lhapw;W. Mbad;]; hpNaf;\d; ,z;bNfl;lhpy; mth;fs; vd; Ngr;ir ed;whf mDgtpf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W fhl;baJ. gpwF ehd; ,q;fpyhe;J tho;f;ifapd; kw;w mk;rq;fis tpthpf;f Kad;Nwd;.

“Mk;. ehq;fs; [l tho;f;ifapy; G+uzj;Jtk; ngw;Wtpl;Nlhk;.

fdTfz;l Rth;f;fj;ij ,t;TyfpNyNa eph;khzpj;Jtpl;Nlhk;.

vd; Ngr;rpd; f\;lkhd ghfk; ,g;NghJjhd; te;jJ. vd; vjph;fhyk; ,d;Dk; miu kzp Neuj;jpy; eph;zakhFk; vd;W czh;e;Njd;. ,Ue;jhYk; $l;lj;jpdUila urpg;G vd; ftiyiag; Nghf;fbj;Jtpl;lJ. xU Gjpa Rje;jpuj;NjhL mOj;jp NgryhNdd;.

gpwF ehd; [Ptpa tpQ;Qhdj;jpy; Vw;gl;l Kd;Ndw;wq;fisg; gw;wp tpthpj;Njd;. Foe;ij gpwf;f fh;g;gg; igNah my;yJ ngz;fNsh Ntz;bajpy;iynad;Wk; MfNt Foe;ij cw;gj;jp vd;W jhd; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; NgRtjhfTk;> kw;w nghUs;fs; khjphp Foe;ijfSk; jdp njhopw;rhiyfspy; cw;gj;jp nra;ag;gLtijg; gw;wpAk; vLj;Jiuj;Njd;. Foe;ijfs; nraw;if fh;g;gg; igfspy; vg;gb cjpj;J cUthfp tsh;fpwhh;fs; vd;Wk; glq;fs; jpiuapy; Njhd;wpd. gpwF mf;Foe;ijfs; Xh; efUk; Nkil kPJ xd;nwhd;whf tu mitfis mq;Fs;s njhopyhsh;fs; Nrhjpj;J Fw;wKs;sitfis <T ,uf;fkpd;wp vLj;njwpe;J nfhz;bUe;jdh;. mq;fpUe;J mit tsh;g;Gj; njhl;bfSf;F khw;wg;gl;;ld. ehd; NgrTk; $l ,y;iy. glj;Jld; tpsf;fKk; jug;gl;lJ. mg;nghOJjhd; $l;lj;jpypUe;J xU $r;ry;. vy;NyhUk; jpUk;gpdh;. mJ \Pyh. kaf;fKw;W tpOe;Jtpl;lhs;.

“,g;gbj;jhd; Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpy; Foe;ij cw;gj;jp ele;J tUfpwJ. ehDk; ,k;khjphp gpwe;jtd;jhd;. ehyhtJ jiy Kiw. jhapd; ghNyh> jhapd; md;Ngh ehY jiyKiwahf mwpahj [Ptd;fs;.

“NtW rpy nra;jpfisAk; cq;fSf;F nrhy;y tpUk;Gfpd;Nwd. kdpjFy vjph;fhyj;Jf;F mit nuhk;g Kf;fpakhdit. rpy fhykhf Foe;ij cw;gj;jp Fiwtile;J tUfpwJ. tpQ;Qhdpfs; nraw;if Kiwfs;jhd; ,jw;F fhuzk; vd;W fUJfpd;wdh;. ,g;gbNa Ngha;f;nfhz;bUe;jhy; ,d;Dk; rpy jiyKiwfspy; kdpjFyNk ,Uf;fhJ. ePykiy nts;isah;fSk; ,e;jpah;fSk;jhd; kdpjFy gpujpepjpfshf ,Ug;ghh;fs;. ,jd; tpisTfisg; gw;wp ehd; nrhy;y Ntz;bajpy;iy.

Mbad;]; hpNaf;\d; ,z;bNfl;lhh; Ks; NkYk; fPOk; Ntfkhf MbaJ. $l;lj;jpdh; gytpj czh;r;rpfSf;F kj;jpapy; jtpg;gij mJ fhl;baJ.

mg;Gwk; Foe;ij tsh;g;igg; gw;wpg; NgrpNdd;. cs;Szh;r;rp %ykhf J}q;Fk;NghJ fw;gJ> kdJ gy rpe;jidfshy; ghjpf;fg;glhky; ,Uf;f gf;Ftg;gLj;JtJ> Foe;ijfspd; jpwikia fzpf;f cgNahfg;gLj;Jk; Nrhjidfs; Kjypatw;iw tpthpj;Njd;. glq;fs; jpiuf;F te;jNghJ Foe;ijfspy; fj;Jjy;> mOif> mitfSf;F gg; jj;Jtk; XJjy; mitfspd; gak;> eLf;fk; vy;yhtw;iwAk; $l;lj;jpdh; fhzTk; czuTk; Kbe;jJ: vd;d elf;fpwJ vd;gJ mth;fSf;F rhpahf tpsq;fhtpl;lhYk;> VNjh xUtpj rpj;jputij elf;fpwJ vd;gij czh;e;Jnfhz;lhh;fs;. Foe;ijfSf;F Ntz;ba md;G> Mir> ngw;Nwhh;fspd;; thQ;ir ,itfSf;F gjpyhf nraw;if Kiyfs; ghy; mspj;jd. fk;g;A+l;lh; iffs; jl;bf;nfhLj;jd. NubNah xyp mth;fSf;F nra;a Ntz;baij nrhy;ypw;W. mg;gb nra;ahj Foe;ijfSf;F jhdhf kpd;rhu mjph;r;rp tUk;. Foe;ijfs; gPwpl;L mOthh;fs;. mth;fSf;F MWjy; nrhy;yNth vLj;J Kj;jkspf;fNth mq;F ahUk; ,y;iy. ,t;tsT gaq;fukhd glq;fisg; ghh;j;Jk; $l;lj;jpdh; mij epWj;jr; nrhy;ytpy;iy. ak ghrj;jhy; fl;Lz;lth;fs; khjphp jkJ Mrd ifg;gpbfis mOj;jpg; gpbj;Jf;nfhz;L jpiuia tpiwj;Jg; ghh;j;jdh;.

me;j Foe;ijfs; - Vd; ehDk; $l – gl;l f\;lj;ij mth;fSk; mDgtpj;jdh;.

“mk;ik jLg;gjw;F Crp NghLtJ khjphp czh;r;rpiaj; jLg;gjw;F gf;Ftg;gLj;jy; elf;fpwJ. gjpide;jhtJ taJf;Fs; ,e;j gs;spapypUe;J ntspNaWk; Mz;LfSf;Fk; czh;r;rpNa ,Uf;fhJ. vJ rhp vJ Fw;wk; vd;gJk; njhpahJ. Mdhy; mth;fSf;F vjph;g;G> Nghuhl;lk; vd;w Fzq;fSk; ,Uf;fhJ. Nfs;tp Nfl;fhky; fk;g;A+l;lUf;F fPo;gbjy;> nrhd;dgb nra;jy; mJjhd; njhpAk;.

“vjph;g;G ,d;wp ,itnay;yhk; vg;gb rhjpf;fg;gl;;ld vd;W ePq;fs; Nfl;fyhk;. mJjhd;; gg;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpd; kjk;> jj;Jtk; rpy cjhuzq;fs;.

“tpUk;Gtij tpyf;fhtpl;lhy; ntWg;Gk; tpyq;fhJ.’

‘FLk;g tpRthrk; ehl;Lf;F JNuhfk;.’

‘rpe;jidfs;jhd; yl;rpaq;fspd; ngw;Nwhh;. ,uz;ilAk; ePf;f Ntz;Lk;.’

‘kdpjdpd; kdk; Nfhzy;. fk;g;A+lhpd; Qhdk; Neh;ik.’

ehd; gg; jj;Jtj;ij tpsf;Fk;NghJ mjw;Nfw;w glq;fSk;> xypfSk; $l;lj;jpdiu eLq;f itj;jd. FLk;gq;fis gphpg;gijAk;> fhjyh;fisj; jdpikg;gLj;JtijAk;> Gj;jfq;fis vwpg;gijAk; Nfhtpy;fis mRj;jkhf;FtijAk; glq;fs; rpj;jhpj;jd.

“fk;g;A+l;lh;fs; cyfj;ij Ml;nfhz;Ltpl;ld. vg;gb ele;Jnfhs;tJ vd;d nra;tJ> vd;d rpe;jpg;gJ vd;gij ,Ugj;jp ehd;F kzp NeuKk; ekf;F mwpTWj;Jfpd;wd. xt;nthUtUila eltbf;iffisAk;;> rpe;jidfisAk; mgpyhl;irfisAk; gjpT nra;J jh;f;fhPjpg;gb mth;fSf;F Ntz;ba czitNah> Nfspf;ifisNah> ghy; cwitNah kUe;Jkhjphp mspf;fpd;wd. fk;g;A+l;lh;fs;jhd; ehLfisNa ghpghypf;fpd;wd. mit rhfh tuk; ngw;wit. VjhtJ NfhshW Vw;gl;lhy; jhq;fNs rhpnra;J nfhs;Sk; jpwik mitfSf;Fz;L. mit epue;juk;. ehk;jhd; gpwe;J> tho;e;J kba Ntz;Lk;.

“,e;j Adpth;ry; fk;g;A+l;lh; rp];lj;Jf;F KbT ,y;iyah? ,itfSf;Fg; gpd;dhy; xU nja;tPf rf;jp ,aq;Ffpwjh? gphptpizapd;NghJ Vw;gl;l nghUs; Kd;Ndw;wf;

FOTk; mwpT Kd;Ndw;wf; FOTk; vd;d Mapd?” ,f;Nfs;tpfSf;F gjpy;nrhy;y ehd;

rpwpJ jaq;fpNdd;. gpwF> “nghpNahh;fNs> ,f;Nfs;tpfSf;F vdf;F gjpy; njhpahJ. ehd; ,q;F tUk;tiuf;Fk; ehDk; gg; jj;Jtj;jpy; %o;fpapUe;Njd;. ,q;F te;jgpwFjhd; md;G> Mh;tk;> Mir>Mty;> tpUg;G ntWg;G> epahak; mepahak;> jd;eyk;> jpahfk; Mfpatw;iw fw;Wf;nfhz;Nld;. vd;id xU ae;jpuj;jpypUe;J kdpjdhf Mf;fpa cq;fSf;Fk; ,e;j mofpa ePykiyfSf;Fk; ehd; vd;Wk;

flikg;gl;bUg;Ngd;.”

glq;fSk; Ngr;Rk; epd;Wtpl;ld. kz;lgj;jpy; xU rhT Nghd;w mikjp epytpaJ. Mbad;]; ,z;bNfl;lh; $l;lj;jpdh; MNtrg;gl;bUg;gjhf fhl;baJ. mth;fSila fdTf;

Nfhl;ilfis – E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf fl;ba Nfhl;ilfis – ehd; rpwpJ Neuj;jpy;

,bj;J js;sptpl;Nld;. $l;lj;jpdh; rh; tpd;];ld; cs;gl – vy;NyhUk; jk; iff;Fl;ilfis vLj;J Kfq;fisj; Jilj;Jf;nfhz;ldh;. Mdhy; vd; Ngr;R ,d;Dk; Kbatpy;iy. vd;idg; nghUj;jtiuapy; filrp ntbFz;il vdf;fhfNt itj;jpUe;Njd;.

“vd; Ngr;rpdhy; cq;fSila cs;sq;fisAk; fdTfisAk; gho;gLj;jpapUe;jhy; vd;id kd;dp;f;fTk;. ek; tho;itNa ghoilar; nra;tijtpl cz;ikawpe;J fdTfisg; ghoilar;nra;tJ ey;yJ.

“filrpahf ,d;Dk; xU tp\ak; ehd; cq;fSf;F njhptpf;f tpUk;GfpNwd;. mJ vd;idg;nghWj;j> jdpg;gl;l tp\ak;.

ehd; Mbad;]; ,z;bNfl;liu ghh;j;Njd;. mJ xU kj;jpa epiyikiaf; fhl;baJ. ehd; ,t;tsT mth;fs; kdf;Nfhl;ilfis ,bj;J vd;Nky; ntWg;G ,y;iy. MdhYk; vd; filrp thh;j;ijfSf;F mth;fs; MtYld; fhj;jpUg;gjhfj; njhpe;jJ.

“,q;fpyhe;jpd; J}Jth; Vd; jd; ehl;ilg; gw;wp ,t;thW Ngr Ntz;Lk; vd;W ePq;fs; Nahrpf;fyhk;. tof;fkhf xU uh[je;jphp jk; ehl;bd; ngUikiag; gw;wpj;jhd; NgRthh;. mg;gbapUf;f ehd; Vd; cz;ikia xspf;fhky; nrhd;Ndd;? mjd; fhuzk; nuhk;g Rygk;. ehd; ,q;fpyhe;jpDilaNth my;yJ Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpDila J}Jtd; my;y.

ehd; ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J cq;fs; tho;f;if Kiwiaf; fw;f te;jtd;…….”

jPBnud;W $l;lj;jpy; $r;rYk; Fog;gKk; vOe;jd. gyh; jk; iffis tPrpf;nfhz;L Nkilia mZf Muk;gpj;jdh;. Mdhy; r;rf; Kd;Nahridg;gb Nkiliar; Rw;wpYk; njhl;lhy; nfhQ;rk; mjph;r;rp juf;$ba kpd;rhuf;fk;gp Nghl;bUe;jhh;. jbfSk; fw;fSk; NkilNky;

tpOe;jd. ‘JNuhfp’! ‘tQ;rfd;! vd;Dk; thh;j;ijfs; tirkhhpahfg; nghope;jd. mNj

rkaj;jpy; ‘rpW ,q;fpyhe;ijf; fhj;jth; tho;f!’ vd;Dk; Nfh\q;fSk; vOe;jd. Kjy; thpirapy; ,Ue;j Kf;fpa];jh;fs; - rh; tpd;];ld;> rh;.fpnsnkz;l;> fpU\;zh - $bg;

Ngrpdhh;fs;. filrpahf gpujkh; r;rf; ifapypUe;j ‘ikf;’ vLj;Jg; Ngryhdhh;.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;JthrpfNs! ,d;W ,q;Nf ele;j rk;gtk; vdf;Fk; nghpa Mr;rhpaNk. Mdhy; Fog;gj;jpdhNyh fpsh;;r;rpadhNyh epiyik rPh;jpUe;jg; Nghtjpy;iy. ,e;j ehl;by; ,d;Dk; epahak; rl;lk; ,Uf;fpd;wd. ePq;fs; mlf;fkhfTk; xOq;fhTk;

,Ue;jhy; ehDk; vd; murhq;fKk; Ntz;ba eltbf;if vLf;fyhk;.”

‘Mk;! ‘Mk;!’ vd;Wk; ‘,y;iy! ,y;iy’ vd;Wk; $l;lj;jpy; Nfh\q;fs; vOe;jd.

“rh; tpd;];ld;> vd; gpurq;fj;ij ehd; Kbf;fyhkh?” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

mth; vd;id ntwpj;Jg; ghh;j;jhh;. “vd;id ,opTf;Fk;> rphpg;Gf;Fk; Mshf;fptpl;Bh;fs;!

mjw;F tl;bAk; KjYk; Nrh;j;J nfhLf;fg; NghfpwPh;fs;” vd;W $tpdhh;.

“nghpaNahh;fNs!” vd;W ehd; rj;jj;Jf;Fk; Nkyhf vd; ikf;if cgNahfpj;J

rj;jkpl;Nld;. NkYk; vd;d nrhy;yg; NghfpNwNdh vd;W rpwpJ mikjp Vw;gl;;lJ. “ehd; ,q;F

te;jnghOJ xU gg;gpahfj;jhd; ,Ue;Njd;.” $l;lj;jpy; Vsdr; rphpg;;G vOe;jJ. “ed;wp nfl;;l

gg;gp!” vd;W xUth; $tpdhh;. mij ftdpf;fhky; ehd; NkYk; NgryhNdd;. “vd; kdk; gf;Ftg;gLj;jg;gl;bUe;jJ. vd; eltbf;iff;F ehd; nghWg;gw;wtdha; ,Ue;Njd;. Mdhy; ,e;j ePykiyfspy; J}a fhw;wpy;> Rje;jpuf; fhw;wpy; ehd; Ra mwpT ngw;Wtpl;Nld;. mjdhy;jhd; ehdhf cq;fs; Kd;dplk; te;J vd; Fw;wj;ij xg;Gf;nfhz;Nld;. Nkw;F Nfhsj;Jf;F ehd; ,dp jpUk;gpg; Nghf KbahJ. Mjyhy; xU murpay; mfjp vd;Dk; Kiwapy; ehd; cq;fs;

ehl;by; jQ;rk; Gf tpUk;GfpNwd;.”

vd; Ngr;R epd;wTld; NkYk; Fog;gk; Muk;gkhapw;W. Mdhy; ,e;jj; jlit fpU\;zh

Ngryhdhh;. “vd;id cq;fSf;F vy;NyhUf;FNk njhpAk;. ehd; cq;fs; eyj;Jf;fhf

ghLgLgtd;. ehd; nrhy;tijf; nfhQ;rk; jaT nra;J NfSq;fs;.” clNd $l;lj;jpy; epk;kjp

Vw;gl;lJ. mth; vg;gb xU $l;lj;ij fl;Lg;gLj;Jfpwhh; vd;W ehd; tpae;Njd;. “,e;j ,isQh; vd;d Fw;wk; nra;jpUe;jhYk; mjw;F ,e;ehl;L rl;lg;gb eltbf;if vLf;fg;gLk;. Mdhy; ,q;fpyhe;ijg; gw;wpAk; Nkw;F Nfhsj;ijg; gw;wpAk; ,th; mwptpj;j jfty;fis ehk; vd;Wk; kwf;f KbahJ. mjw;F mtUf;F ehk; ed;wp nrYj;j Ntz;Lk;. ekJ ehl;by; xUtd; xU Fw;wj;ij xg;Gf;nfhz;lhy; $l mij xU ePjpgjp Muha;e;J jPh;g;G nrhy;Yk; tiuapy; mtd; Fw;wthsp my;y. mjdhy; ehd; [pahh;[; ];kpj;ij NghyP]plk; xg;Gtpj;Jtpl;L ehk; vy;NyhUk; tPL nrd;W mth; nrhd;dijg; gw;wp rpe;jpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W

Nfl;Lf;nfhs;SfpNwd;.”

mth; Ngr;R $l;lj;jpdUf;F epk;kjpaspj;jJ. xUtiunahUth; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;ldh;. $l;lk; fiya Muk;gpj;jJ.

“ed;whf rkhspj;Jtpl;Bh;fNs!” rh; tpd;];ld; fpU\;zhit ghuhl;bdhh;. “$l;lk; MNtrg;gl;lhy; mth;fis fl;Lg;gLj;jtJ nuhk;g f\;lk;. vd;d nra;thh;fs; vd;W nrhy;y

KbahJ.” gpwF gpujkh; vd;gf;fk; jpUk;gpdhh;. “vq;fs; vy;NyhiuANk eP Kl;lhs;fs; Mf;fptpl;lha;. rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; rpiwr;rhiy cq;fs; gf;Ftg;gLj;Jk; kidfSf;F xd;Wk;

Nkhrk; NghfhJ.”

“mijg;gw;wp ehd; ftiyg;gltpy;iy. ePq;fs; ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fg; NghFk; vz;zj;ij

tpl;Ltpl;lhy; NghJk;.”

“vq;fs; Mzp NtiuNa eP ntl;btpl;lha;. vq;fs; rhpj;jpuk;> fyhr;rhuk;> ehl;Lg;gw;W

vy;yhtw;wpw;FNk Kbfl;btpl;lha;. cdf;F vd;d jz;lid mspj;jhYk; jFk;.” gpujkh; NfhghNtrj;Jld; Ngrpdhh;.

“cz;ik NgRtjw;Ff; $l cq;fs; ehl;by; jz;lidah? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

gpujkh; gjpy; Ngrtpy;iy. ehd; NkYk; nrhd;Ndd;. “rh; tpd;];ld;> cq;fSila MzpNth; ,q;Nf> vopy;kpFe;j kiyfspilNajhd; ,Uf;fpd;wJ. Mwhapuk; iky;fSf;F mg;ghy; my;y. cq;fs; E}w;iwk;gJ tUl rhpj;jpuk;> fyhr;rhuk; vy;yhk; ,q;Nfjhd;. tPz; fdT fhz;gjw;F gjpyhf ,ij Ngzpf;fhf;f top NjLq;fs;. kdpjFyj;ijNa ePôp

thor;nra;a cq;fSf;F xU tha;g;G fpilj;jpUf;fpwJ. mij eOt tpl Ntz;lhk;.”

“me;j Foe;ij cw;gj;jp FiwAk; tp\akh? ”

“Mk;”

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J muRf;F mjd; nghWg;G ed;whfj; njhpAk;. mij kw;wth;fs; nrhy;y

Ntz;bajpy;iy.” rh; tpz;];ld; uh[je;jphp Mfptpl;lhh;. xU nghJf; $l;lj;jpy; NgRtJ

khjphp Ngrpdhh;. “cyf tpNkhrdj;jpw;fhf vq;fs; flikia ehq;fs; nra;a jtwkhl;Nlhk;. mjw;F Ntz;ba jpahfq;fs; nra;aTk; gpd;thq;fkhl;Nlhk;. [dj;;njhifia ngUf;FtJ vq;fs; flik vd;why; mij KO kdNjhL epiwNtw;WNthk;. Mdhy; mNj rkaj;jpy;

vq;fs; chpikfisAk;> Rje;jpuj;ijAk; vf;fhuzk;nfhz;Lk; tpl;Lf; nfhLf;fkhl;Nlhk;…….”

,e;j khWgl;l #o;epiyapy; gpujkh; GJ nfhs;ifia tFg;gjpy; <Lgl;bUe;jhh;. mtUld; vg;gb ,t;tsT ijhpakhfg; NgrpNdd; vd;W vdf;Nf Mr;rhpakha; ,Ue;jJ.

‘ilk;];’ gj;jphpf;if Mrphpah; kp];lh; \h vq;fs; rk;gh\iziaf; Nfl;Lf; Fwpj;Jf;nfhz;lhh;. r;rf;Fk; fpU\;zhTk; vd;id Mr;rhpaj;Jld; ghh;j;jhh;fs;. ehd; murpay; jQ;rk; Nfl;lJ mth;fSf;F Kd;Ng njhpahJ.

mg;nghOJ NghyP]; vd;idf; ifJ nra;a te;jhh;fs;. ehq;fs; tpil ngWfpNwhk;>” vd;W fpU\;zh vd;Dld; if FYf;fpdhh;. "Mdhy; ePq;fs; ftiyg;gl Ntz;lhk;. ,e;j r%fj;Jf;F ePq;fs; xU nghpa Nrit nra;jpUf;fpwPh;fs;. rpy ehl;fspy; mij vy;NyhUNk

czWthh;fs;. ePq;fs; rpiwapy; ,Ue;jhYk; ehd; rPf;fpuk; cq;fisg; ghh;f;fpNwd;.”

r;rf;Fk; tpil ngw;whh;.

NghyP]; vd;id mioj;Jr; nrd;wdh;;.

*************

mj;jpahak; gjpehd;F

rpiwr;rhiyfisg; gw;wp ehd; m.K. rhpj;jpuq;fspy; gbj;jpUe;jhYk; ,e;j Gjpa mDgtj;jpw;F ehd; jahuha; ,y;iy. xU rpwpa ,Uz;l miwapy; vd;idg; G+l;btpl;lhh;fs;. Fg;igAk;> mOf;Fk;> ehw;wKk; epiwa ,Ue;jd. xU %iyapy; xU gLf;ifAk; ,d;ndhU %iyapy; xU gf;nfl;Lk; ,Ue;jd. gf;nfl;bypUe;J te;j ehw;wj;jpdhy;jhd; mJ vjw;fhf mq;Nf itf;fg;gl;bUf;fpwJ vd;W ehd; mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;. cauj;jpy; fhw;Nwhl;lj;jpw;fhf xU rpwpa [d;dy; ,Ue;jJ. ntspNa khiy Neukhdhy; ,e;j miwapYk; g+uz ,Ul;L te;JtpLk; vd;W ehd; a+fpj;Njd;. me;j miwapy; ehd; jdpahf ,y;iynad;gJk; rPf;fpuk; njhpa te;jJ. <f;fs;> nfhRf;fs;> G+r;rpfs;> vypfs;> ,itfs; vd;id kpfTk; njhe;juTf;Fs;shf;fpd.

ehd; kpfTk; Nrhh;tile;jpUe;Njd;. clk;gpYk;> kdj;jpYk; cs;sj;jpYk; kpFe;j fisg;G Njhd;wpaJ. nrd;w rpy ehisa rk;gtq;fSk; kd mOj;jKk; vy;yhtw;wpf;Fk; Nkyhf ,d;iwa $l;lKk; vd;id myf;fbj;Jtpl;ld. kdr;rhl;rpiag; gpd;gw;WtJ mt;tsT Rygky;y vd;W mwpe;Njd;. Mdhy; ehd; NtW vd;d nra;jpUf;f KbAk;? vt;tsT f\;lj;Jf;F ,dpNky; MshdhYk; vdJ jd;khdj;ij me;j $l;lj;jpy; fhg;ghw;wpf; nfhz;lijg; gw;wp kdJf;F epk;kjpaha; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; vd; fisg;G ntF rPf;fpuj;jpy; vd;id me;j euf #o;epiyapYk; J}f;fj;jpy; Mo;j;jptpl;lJ.

xU NghyP];fhud; xU rpwpa tpsf;FlDk; nfhQ;rk; Mfhuj;JlDk; te;J vOg;gpdhd;. nuhl;bAk; fwpf;Fok;Gk; xU kz;ghz;lj;jpy; ,Ue;jJ. ehd; rhg;gpLk;NghJ mtd; ghh;j;Jf;nfhz;L fhj;jpUe;jhd;.

“,e;j miwia nfhQ;rk; Rj;jk; nra;a KbAkh? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;Lf;Fk; epA+Nfl;Lf;Fk; ,g;NghJ tpj;jpahrk; njhpfpwjh? ” vd;whd;.

“,e;j mRj;jj;jpy; ehd; vg;gb J}q;FtJ?”

“,q;F tu cq;fSf;F ,\;lkpy;iynad;why; thia %bf;nfhz;L Rk;kh ,Ue;jpUf;f

Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; cq;fs;; CUf;Fg; Ngha; xU gg;gpahf ,Ue;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;.” mtd; rphpj;jhd;.

“vq;fs; CUf;Fg; Nghf KbahJ. ehd; vd; tho;f;ifia ,q;NfNa fopf;f KbT

nra;Jtpl;Nld;.”

“ePq;fs; New;W nrhd;djpy; nfhQ;rk; cz;ik ,Ue;jhy;$l mq;ifa tho;f;if f\;lkhfj;jhd; ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; gpujkUf;F cq;fis ,q;Nf itj;jpUf;f kdrpUf;fhJ.

mth; cq;fis ehL flj;jptpl;lhYk; tplyhk;.”

“me;j NghyP];fhud; tpsf;ifAk; czT nfhz;Lte;j ghj;jpuj;ijAk; vLj;Jf;nfhz;L Ngha;tpl;lhd;. miw G+uz ,Ul;by; Mo;e;jJ. gLf;iff;Fk; gf;nfl;Lf;Fk; epuz;bf;nfhz;Ljhd; Nghf Ntz;Lk;. ehd; ,uz;L [Puz khj;jpiufis tpOq;fptpl;L Nahrid nra;Njd;. ehd; ehL flj;jg;glyhk; vd;W nfhQ;rKk; vjph;ghh;f;ftpy;iy. mk;khjphp Vw;gl;lhy; vd; tho;f;if ghoile;JtpLk;. ,ij epidj;J J}q;f Kbahky; Ntjidg;gl;Nld;. ,e;j Mgj;Jld; xg;gpl;;lnghOJ vd; #o;epiy $l mt;tsT Nkhrkhf njhpatpy;iy. md;W ,uT KOJk; nfhRf;fbAk;> ehw;wKk;> vypfspd; cgj;jputKk; vd; kd rQ;ryj;Jf;F Jizahf ,Ue;Jte;jd.

fhiyapy; fpU\;zh vd;idg; ghh;f;f te;jhh;. vd; Kfj;ijAk; mOf;file;j

JzpfisAk; ghh;j;J tprdk; njhptpj;jhh;. “ePq;fs; ,e;j f\;lj;jpy; mjpf fhyk; ,Uf;f Ntz;bajpy;iy. [hDk; ehDk; cq;fis xU jdp tPl;by; ,Uf;f Kaw;rp nra;J tUfpNwhk;.

cq;fSf;F rpiwthr jz;lid fpilj;jhy; ,q;Nf jpUk;g Ntz;bapUf;Fk;.”

“vd;id ehL flj;jy; nra;a KbAkh? ” vd;W mtiu MtYld; Nfl;Nld;.

mth; rphpj;jhh;. “mJ elf;fhJ. mg;gb VjhtJ Kaw;rp ele;jhYk; ePq;fs; Nkw;F

Nfhsj;Jf;Fg; Nghfhky; ehd; ghh;j;Jf; nfhs;SfpNwd;>” vd;W cWjpaspj;jhh;.

vd; neQ;rpypUe;J xU nghpa ghiwia mg;Gwg;gLj;jpa khjphp mth; nrhw;fs; ,Ue;jd.

“vd; jz;lidiag; gw;wp vd;d epidf;fpwPh;fs;? ”

“,g;nghOJ xd;Wk; nrhy;tjw;fpy;iy. ePq;fs; xU nghpa Gjpiuf; fpswptpl;Bh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; xU czh;r;rptrg;gl;l epiyapy; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. NkYk; murpay; hPjpapYk; rpy

khWjy;fs; Vw;glyhk;. ,d;Dk; rpy ehl;fspy; epiyik njspthFk;.”

“kp];lh; fpU\;zh! vd; Ngr;R vg;gbapUe;jJ? ” vd;W Nfl;fhkypUf;f Kbatpy;iy.

“ed;whf mike;jpUe;jJ>” vd;whh; mth;. “ePq;fs; murpay; jQ;rk; Nfl;lJ xU cah;e;j uh[ je;jpuk; vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. vy;NyhUk; mij rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F xU rhd;wpjohf nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. ehshf Mf cq;fSf;F MjuT mjpfkhfp tUk;. cq;fis [hkPdpy; tpLjiy nra;a ehd; ePjpkd;wj;Jf;F kD nra;ag; NghfpNwd;. ,uz;L %d;W

ehl;fspy; mJ tprhuizf;F tUk;. mg;NghJ ghh;f;fyhk;.”

rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; rpiwapy; ,Ug;gth;fisg; ghh;g;gJ nuhk;g Rygkhfj; njhpe;jJ.

rpwpJ Neuj;Jf;Fg; gpwF Nkhp te;jhs;. ehd; ,Ue;j epiyikiag; ghhj;Jtpl;L> “ghtk;! ePq;fs; nuhk;g Rj;jj;jpy; tho;e;J mDgtg;gl;lth;. ,q;Nf cq;fisg; ghh;;f;f vdf;Nf ntl;fkha;

,Uf;fpwJ. ehd; Ngha; ghh;f;fpNwd;.”

Nkhp vd;d nra;jhs; vd;W njhpatpy;iy. rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; xU ngz; te;J $l;bnaLj;J gf;nfl;il Rj;jk;nra;J mjpy; /ngdhapy; Cw;wp itj;jhs;. gLf;ifia khw;wp xU Rj;jkhd nkj;ijia tphpj;jhs;.

“cq;fSila Jzpkzpfs; vq;Nf? ” vd;W Nkhp jpUk;gpte;J Nfl;lhs;.

“N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;by; vy;yhk; fl;b itj;jpUe;Njd;. vd;d Mapw;W vd;W

njhpatpy;iy.”

ehd; mtw;iw cq;fSf;F mDg;gp itf;fpNwd;. Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhy; ,q;Nf xd;Wk;

elf;fhJ. cq;fs; chpikfis epiyehl;l ePq;fs; Nghuhl Ntz;Lk;.”

“eP vg;gb Nghuhbdha;? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“ePq;fs; xU J}akhd ehl;bypUe;J te;jpUg;gjhfTk;> ,e;j mOf;fpYk; mRj;jj;jpYk; ,Ug;gjhy; cq;fSf;F VjhtJ Neha; te;jhy; mjw;F NghyPRk; rpW ,q;fpyhe;J murhq;fKk;jhd; nghWg;ngd;Wk;> gy yl;rgTd;fs; mth;fs; e\;l <lhf nfhLf;f Ntz;b

tUnkd;Wk; nrhd;Ndd;. mt;tsTjhd;.”

“vd; vjph;fhyk; vd;d Nkhp? ”

“njhpatpy;iy. rpyh; cq;fis nghpa tPudhfTk; jpahfpahfTk; Nghw;Wfpwhh;fs;. ckJ nrhe;j f\;lj;ijg; ghuhl;lhky; ,e;j ehl;il fhg;gw;wpajw;fhf cq;fis n[apYf;F mDg;Gtjw;F gjpyhf cq;fSf;F gpuGj;Jt gl;lk; nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;fpwhh;fs;. kw;;Wk; rpyh; ,e;ehl;bd; tpUe;Njhk;giy Vw;;Wf;nfhz;L ehl;bd; gpujkiuNa Vkhw;wpajw;F fz;bg;ghf

rpiw nry;y Ntz;Lnkd;fpwhh;fs;.”

“vd;id ePahtJ ek;Gfpwhay;yth? ”

“ehd; ek;GfpNwd;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; nfhQ;rk; Kl;lhs;jdkhf ele;J nfhz;bUf;fpwPh;fs;. NeUf;F Neh; cz;ikiar; nrhd;dhy; ,g;gbj;jhd; MFk;. cz;ik NgRtJjhd; ,e;j

cyfj;jpy; gy f\;lq;fSf;Fk; fhuzkhf ,Uf;fpwJ.”

mtis mizj;J Mypq;fdk; nra;a vd; Mj;kh Jbj;jJ. Mdhy; me;j ,lj;jpYk;

#o;epiyapYk; mJ crpjkhfg; gltpy;iy. “vd;d MdhYk; eP vd; fl;rpjhNd? ” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“,y;yhtpl;lhy; ehd; Vd; ,q;Nf tUfpNwd;? ” vd;W Nkhp jpUg;gpf; Nfl;lhs;. “ehd;

kWgbAk; te;J ghh;f;fpNwd;>” vd;W tpilngw;whs;.

Nkhp nrd;w gpwF ehd; nuhk;g Neuk; Nahridapy; Mo;e;Njd;. m.K. rhpj;jpu Muha;r;rp ];jhgdj;jpypUe;J fpsk;gp te;J ,d;Dk; ehd;F khjk; $l Mftpy;iy. Mdhy; ele;j rk;gtq;;fisAk; khWjy;fisAk; ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ mJ xU Afk; khjphp Njhd;wpaJ. fk;g;A+l;lhpy; xU vz; my;yJ Fwpaha; ,Ue;Jtpl;L ,g;NghJ cyf murpay; muq;fpy; gq;Fnfhs;Sk; epiyikf;F te;Jtpl;Nld;. ae;jpuj;jpypUe;J kdpjd; Mfptpl;Nld;. cyf rhpj;jpuj;ij Kd; Vw;Wtjw;F ehd; xU J}z;LNfhy; khjphp Mfptpl;Nld;. ,jdhy; Vw;gl;l xU kNdhntOr;rpiaAk; vd;dhy; kwf;f Kbatpy;iy.

Mfhuk; NtshNtisf;F te;jJ. Nkhp te;JNghd gpwF ntspapypUe;j ff;$ir cgNahfpf;f mDkjpj;jdh;. iffhy; myk;g fpzw;Wg; gf;fKk; Nghfyhk;. gpd;dhy; ,Ue;j rTf;fj;jpy; elg;gjw;Fk; mDkjpj;jdh;.

kWehs; Mfhuk; nfhz;Lte;j NghyP];fhud;> “ePq;fs; rh;.tpd;];ldpd; fhiy

thwptpl;Ltpl;Bh;fs; Nghy; ,Uf;fpwNj!” vd;whd;.

“mJ vg;gb? ”

“mtUila fl;rp mq;fj;jpdh;fNs mtUf;F vjpuhf khwptpl;lhh;fshk;. ePq;fs; J}Jth; my;y vd;W Vd; Kd;Ng mth; fz;Lgpbf;ftpy;iy vd;W Nfl;fpwhh;fshk;. ,q;fpyhe;jpd; tho;f;if epiy njhpahky; Vd; vy;NyhiuAk; mq;F nry;yTk; me;ehl;Lld; ,izaTk;

Cf;Ftpj;jhh; vd;Wk; Nfl;fpwhh;fshk;.”

“ghtk;! mtUf;fpUe;j Mtypy; mtNu vd;idj; J}Jth; Mf;fptpl;lhh;.”

“murpaYf;Fk; vdf;Fk; nuhk;g J}uk;. mjpy; ehd; ,wq;fkhl;Nld;. fhy;

mOf;fhfptpLk;>” vd;whd; me;j jj;Jt Qhdp.

* * *

vd;id [hkpdpy; tpl Ntz;Lk; vd;W fpU\;zh nra;jpUe;j tpz;zg;gk; kW ehNs tprhuizf;F te;jJ. ehd; epA+ Nfl;bypUe;J Nfhh;l;Lf;F xU %ba tz;bapy; mioj;Jr; nry;yg;gl;Nld;. ahUk; vd;id ftdpj;jjhf njhpatpy;iy. [l;[; `pf;fpd;]; xU nghpa `hypy; Nkil kPJ mkh;e;jpUe;jhh;. xU mOf;file;j rpfg;Gj; Jzp mtUf;F Kd;dhy; ,Ue;j Nki[ Nky; tphpf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. mth; Mrdj;Jf;Fg; gpd;dhy; ,Ue;j Rtw;wpy; fz; fl;;;lg;gl;l xU ngz; ifapy; xU juhR gpbj;Jf; fhl;rpaspj;jhs;. mJ ePjpapd; ghugl;rkpd;ikiaf; Fwpf;Fk; vd;W fpU\;zh tpsf;fk; je;jhh;. gy tf;fPy;fs; fUg;G Nfhl; Nghl;Lf;nfhz;L cl;fhh;;e;jpUe;jdh;. fpU\;zhTk; mNj cilapy; ,Ue;jhh;.

“,J xU Muk;g tprhuiz. ,d;W ,y;yhtpl;lhYk; ,d;Dk; ,uz;L %d;W

ehl;fSf;Fs; cq;fis [hkPdpy; tpl;LtpLthh;fs;>” vd;W fpU\;zh vd; fhjpy; FRFRj;jhh;.

,d;ndhU tf;fPYk; vd;Dld; if FYf;fpdhh;. “fpU\;zhit tpl cq;fSf;F ey;y

tf;fPy; fpilg;gJ f\;lk;>” vd;whh; mth;. “mJTk; ePq;fs; Fw;wk; nra;jpUe;jhy; ,tuhy;jhd;

cq;fis tpLtpf;f KbAk;.”

[l;[; te;J jk; Mrdj;jpy; mkh;e;jhh;. vy;NyhUk; vOe;J epd;W mtUf;F tzf;fk; nrYj;jpNdhk;. VNjh xU m.K.fhy rpdpkh ghh;g;gJ Nghd;w czh;r;rp vdf;F Vw;gl;lJ. ,njy;yhk; cz;ikah fdth vd;W xU epkplk; kaq;fptpl;Nld;.

“rpW ,q;fpyhe;J muR – thjp

‘[pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; - gpujpthjp.

tprhuiz ,g;NghJ njhlq;Fk;” vd;W [l;[; mwptpj;jhh;.

clNd murhq;f tf;fPy; Ngr Muk;gpj;jhh;. “ik yhh;l;! vdJ mwpths ez;gh; fpU\;zh jdJ fl;rpf;fhuiu [hkPdpy; tpl Ntz;Lk; vd;W NfhUfpwhh;. ehd; mij

vjph;f;fpNwd;.”

gpwF fpU\;zh Ngryhdhh;. “ik yhh;l!; ,e;j tprhuiziag; gw;wpa rpy Kf;fpakhd jfty;fis ehd; cq;fsplk; nrhy;y tpUk;GfpNwd;. ,J xU mrhjhuzkhd tpahr;rpak;. gyhj;fhuNkh> nfhiy> fsNth xd;Wk; ,y;iy. vd; fl;rpf;fhuh; ,d;ndhUtuhf ebj;jjhf Fw;wk; rhl;;lg;gl;bUf;fpwJ. mJTk; mtUila nrhe;j xg;Gjy; thf;F%yk;jhd; mjw;F fhuzk;. mjdhy; vd; fl;rpf;fhuiu [hkPdpy tpLtjhy; ,e;j tprhuizf;F ve;jtpjkhd

jlq;fNyh my;yJ jiyaPNlh Vw;gl fhuzk; ,y;iy……..”

“ik yhh;l;!” vd;W murhq;f tf;fPy; FWf;fpl;lhh;.

“ehd; nrhy;tij jlq;fy; ,y;yhky; nrhy;yyhky;yth? ” vd;whh; fpU\;zh.

“nrhy;Yq;fs;” vd;whh; [l;[;. gpwF murhq;f tf;fPy; Ngrtpy;iy.

“ik yhh;l;! Fw;wk; rhl;lg;gl;lth; NtW ehl;bypUe;J te;jth;. mth; ehl;by; cs;s Mfhuk;> tho;f;ifj;juk;> MNuhf;fpa trjp ek; ehl;by; ,y;iy. NkYk; ek; rpiwr;rhiyfspd; mRj;jj;ijg; gw;wp jhq;fNs gy Kiw $wpAs;sPh;fs;. MfNt vd; fl;rpf;fhuh; ek; rpiwapy; gyehs; ,Ue;jhy; mtUila cly;eyk; kpfTk; ghjpf;fg;gLk;. mth; Ntz;bapUe;jhy; murhq;f J}Jtuhf ,Ue;jpUf;fyhk;. ek; ehl;L kf;fs; eyDf;fhfj;jhd; mth; cz;ikia ntspapl;bUf;fpwhh;. mjdhy; xU rpwpa rl;l hPjpahd Fw;wj;Jf;fhf rpiwf;F mDg;Gtjw;F gjpyhf murhq;fk; mtiu nfsutpj;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. mjdhy; mtiu NghyP]; ghJfhg;Gld;

xU jdp ,y;yj;jpy; trpf;fthtJ ePq;fs; cj;jputpl Ntz;Lk;.”

“ePq;fs; vd;d nrhy;fpwPh;fs;? vd;W ePjpgjp murhq;f tf;fPiyf; Nfl;lhh;.”

“ikyhh;l;! ,e;j E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fspy; ,k;khjphpahd xU tof;F ,e;j ePjpkd;wj;Jf;F Kd;dhy; te;jjpy;iy. kf;fspilNa ,J xU nghpa mjph;r;rpia Vw;gLj;jpAs;sJ. rpW ,q;fpyhe;ij mopg;gjw;F elf;Fk; rjpapd; xU ghfk; ,J vd;W murhq;fk; re;Njfpf;fpwhh;fs;. ek; Rje;jpuj;ij mgfhpj;J fpof;F Nfhsj;Jld; ,izar; nra;Ak; Kaw;rp ,J. Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpd; kPJ jtwhd tje;jpfisg; gug;gp ek; xw;Wikiaf; Fiyf;fr; nra;Ak; Vw;ghL. Fw;wthspia ,g;NghJ [hkPdpy; tpl;lhy; NghyPrhh;

Nkw;nfhs;stpUf;Fk; Jg;gwpjYf;F nghpa ,ilA+whf mikAk;.”

“vd; fl;rpf;fhuuhy; ehl;Lf;Nf Mgj;J vd;why; mtiu NtW rl;lj;jpd;gb ifJ

nra;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;>” vd;whh; fpU\;zh. “vd; fl;rpf;fhuh; Ms; khwhl;lj;jpw;fhfj;jhd; ifJ

nra;ag;gl;bUf;fpwhh;. mg;gbapUf;Fk;NghJ NtW tptfhuq;fis ,jpy; GFj;JtJ rhpay;y.”

“,J xU Muk;g tprhuiz. vq;fsplkpUf;Fk; vy;yh rhl;rpaq;fisAk; ju Ntz;ba

mtrpakpy;iy>” vd;W murhq;f tf;fPy; thjhbdhh;.

“mJjhd; rl;lk;>” ePjpgjp $wpdhh;. “,Ue;jhYk; murhq;fk; rPf;fpuk; jkJ Jg;gwpjiy

Kbj;J tprhuizf;F tu Ntz;Lk;.” gpwF mth; fpU\;zh gf;fk; jpUk;gpdhh;. “cq;fs; fl;rpf;fhuh; rpiwapy; ,Ug;gjhy; cly;eyk; nfLk; vd;why; kWgbAk; ePq;fs; tpz;zg;gpAq;fs;.

ehd; mij Vw;Wf;nfhs;syhk;.”

mj;Jld; md;iwa tprhuiz Kbe;jJ.

* * *

,uz;L ehl;fSf;Fg; gpd; r;rf; vd;idg; ghh;f;f te;jhh;. “vq;Nf rpy ehshf

fhztpy;iy>” vd;W Nfl;Nld;.

“gag;gl Ntz;lhk;. ehd; cq;fisf; iftpl khl;Nld;>” vd;whh; mth;. “ehd;jhd; cq;fis ,e;j rq;flj;jpy; khl;b itj;Njd;. mjdhy; mjpypUe;J tpLtpg;gJk; vd; nghWg;G

jhNd.”

“mg;nghOJ ePq;fs; gg; jj;Jtj;ij filgpbg;gjpy;iy.”

“fpof;F Nfhsj;jpy; Kd;Ndw;wk; NtWtpjkhf mike;Js;sJ. ePjp newpfis ehq;fs; ,d;Dk; gpd;gw;WfpNwhk;. Mdhy; epiyik fl;Lf;flq;fhtpl;lhy; rpe;jid fl;Lg;ghl;il

cgNahfpg;Nghk;.”

“ePq;fs; vd;d nra;J nfhz;bUe;jPh;fs;? ”

“cq;fSila Ngr;irAk; ehd; nfhz;Lte;j glq;fisAk; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpy; gy ,lq;fspy; fhl;b tUfpNwd;. ehSf;Fehs; mijg;ghh;f;f $l;lk; mjpfhpj;J tUfpwJ. cq;fSila thh;j;ijfis kf;fs; ek;g Muk;gpj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. gyj;j fuNfh\j;Jld; cq;fs; cs;sj;jpypUe;J tUk; nkhopfis tuNtw;fpwhh;fs;. ,q;fpyhe;Jf;Fk; Nghf Ntz;Lk;

vd;w Mty; ehSf;F ehs; Fiwe;J tUfpwJ.”

“cq;fSila Kaw;rpfSf;F kpfTk; ed;wp.”

“gpwF mth; epiyikia tpsf;fpdhh;. “rh; tpd;];lDila gjtpNa ,g;NghJ Ml;lk; nfhLf;f Muk;gpj;Jtpl;lJ. mth; Kl;lhs;jdkhf ele;J nfhz;ljhfTk; cq;fs; rd;dj;Jfis jzpf;if nra;ahkYk;> NtW mj;jhl;rpapy;yhkYk; vg;gb ck;ik J}Jth;

vd;W mioj;J mjw;F Ntz;ba khpahijnay;yhk; mspj;jhh; vd;W Nfl;fpwhh;fs;.”

“mth;jhNd vd;idj; J}Jtuhf;fpdhh;.

“cq;fs; thh;j;ijfis mjpfk; Ngh; ek;gpdhy; mtiug; gpd;gw;Wgth;fs; Fiwe;J tUfpwhh;fs; vd;Wjhd; mh;j;jk;. ckJ tprhuizia rPf;fpuk; Kbj;J cq;fis Fiwe;jJ xU tUlj;jpw;fhtJ rpiwapy; js;sptpl;lhy; gpwF cq;fs; Ngr;ir vy;NyhUk; kwe;JtpLthh;fs; vd;W gpujkh; epidf;fpwhh;. gpwF nkJthf jd; nfhs;ifia khw;wpf;nfhs;s

mtUf;F mtfhrk; ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; mtUf;F xU mjph;r;rp fhj;jpUf;fpwJ.”

“Vd;? ”

“,ijf; Nfl;Lg;ghUq;fs;>” vd;W r;rf; vdf;F xU bNud;]; hprPtUk;> Mbad;];

hpNaf;\d; ,z;bNfl;lUk; toq;fpdhh;. “Kd; khjphpNa mNj kPl;lhpy; vd;Dld; njhlh;G

nfhs;syhk;. mLj;j jlit cq;fs; Ngr;ir ehd; xypngUf;Fk;NghJ ePq;fSk; Nfl;fyhk;>” vd;W nrhy;yp tpilngw;whh;.

Fwpj;j Neuj;jpy; ehd; me;j cgfuzq;fis ,af;fpNdd;. Kjypy; fpU\;zhtpd;

Ngr;R xypngUf;fp %yk; te;jJ. “md;iwf;F uh[Pa G+Nfhs rq;fj;jpy; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj; nra;j gpurq;fk; ekJ rhpj;jpuj;ijNa khw;wptpl;lJ. mth; ek; fz;fisj; jpwe;Jtpl;lhh;. mth; nrhd;dijf; nfhz;Ljhd; ek; vjph;fhyj;ij eph;zapf;f Ntz;Lk;. ,jdhy; gyUf;F Vkhw;wKk; kdj;jhq;fSk; Vw;gl;bUf;fyhk;. Mdhy; cz;ik> ajhh;j;jk; ,itfis mth; ekf;F mspj;jpUf;fpwhh;. mit cWj;Jk;. Mdhy; tho;f;ifia

Rj;jg;gLj;Jk;. mth; nrhy;tijf; NfSq;fs;.”

vd; Ngr;irf; Nfl;f vdf;F vg;gbNah GJikahf ,Ue;jJ. me;j bNud;]; hprPth; rpwpa rpiwapy;; vd;id ehNd ghh;j;Jf;nfhs;sTk; Kbe;jJ. Kjypy; vdf;F ,Ue;j ftiyAk; eLf;fKk; $l vd; Ngr;Rf;F xU Neh;ikiaj; je;jJ ehd; cz;ikia vd; cs;sj;jpypUe;J nrhy;fpNwd; vd;gij mJ Ch;[pjg;gLj;jpaJ.

Mdhy; $l;lj;jpdUila kdepiyjhd; vdf;F Mr;rhpaj;ij mspj;jJ. Nkw;F Nfhs tho;f;ifia mth;fs; ntWj;jhYk; me;j ntWg;ig vd; Nky; fhl;ltpy;iy. vd;Nky; mDjhgk; fhl;b fuNfh\k; nra;jhh;fs;. rh; tpd;];ld; Vd; ,ij jil nra;atp;y;iy vd;W ehd; epidj;Njd;.

filrpahf fpU\;zh kWgbAk; Ngrpdhh;. “ePq;fs; [pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj;ijg; ghh;j;jPh;fs;. mth; Ngrpaijf; Nfl;Bh;fs;. mtiug; ghh;j;jhy; xU Fw;wthsp khjphpah

,Uf;fpwhh;. Nahrid nra;J ghUq;fs;.”

clNd $l;lj;jpy; Nfh\q;fs; vOe;jd.

fpU\;zh rh];jphpf;F N[!

rpW ,q;fpyhe;Jf;F N[!

,k;khjphp Nfh\kpl;lth;fs; ,e;jpah;fs; my;y. ePykiy nts;isah;fs; jhd;. vy;Nyhh; new;wpapYk; rpYitfs; ,Ue;jd. vdJ tpLjiy rPf;fpuk; MFk; vd;W czh;e;Njd;.

* * *

rpy ehl;fs; mikjpahf fope;jd. vd;idg; ghh;f;f te;j Nkhp nghJ[d mgpg;gpuhak; vd;gf;fk; jpUk;Gtjhf nrhd;dhs;. vd; Ngr;rpd; Kf;fpa gFjpfs; Rje;jpur; Rthpy; $l te;Jtpl;ljhk;. xU $l;lj;jpy; fPo;fz;l Nfh\k; vOe;jijf; Nfl;L ehd; kfpo;r;rp mile;Njd;.

‘rh; [pahh[; fp N[!’

jpBnud;W rPNjh\;z epiyikapYk; xU nghpa khWjy; Vw;gl;lJ. ntg;gkhd #hpa ntspr;rk; Ngha; vy;NyhUk; vjph;ghh;j;j kiof;fhyk; te;Jtpl;lJ. NkfKk; gdpAk; J}uYk; jpdKk; fhiyapypUe;J khiytiuf;Fk;. nuhk;g c\;zkhf ,Ue;j vd; rpW miw jpBnud;W FspuhfTk; <ukhfTk; Mfptpl;lJ. cy;yd; Jzpfs; Nghl;Lf; nfhz;Lk; $l vdf;F rspAk; fha;r;rYk; te;Jtpl;lJ. vg;nghOJNk Neha; mDgtk; ,y;yhj vdf;Ff; nfhQ;rk; gakha; ,Ue;jJ. r;rf;if bnud;]; hprPthpy; $g;gpl;L nrhd;Ndd;.

“ek; rpwpa gpur;rid Ntfkhf xU KbTf;F tug; NghfpwJ>” vd;whh; mth;.

“jpq;fsd;W ghh;ypnkz;l; kiof;fhy $l;lk; Muk;gkhFk;. mg;NghJ cq;fs; tof;if tprhhpf;f xU gpuj;jpNahf ePjpgjpia epakpf;f gpujkh; Xh; rl;lj;ijf; nfhz;L tUfpwhh;. cq;fis J}Jtuhf xU nghpa tpohthf elj;j Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy; ckJ tprhuiziaahtJ tpsk;guj;jpw;F gad;gLj;j Kaw;rpf;fpwhh;. Mdhy; mth; rl;lk;

epiwNtWtJ re;Njfk;. mg;gbahdhy; cq;fis tpLjiy nra;tij tpl NtW topapy;iy.”

“vg;gb mt;tsT cWjpahf nrhy;YfpwPh;fs;? ”

“rh; tpd;];ld; kPJ mtUila fl;rpapNyNa gy Gfhh;fs; ,Uf;fpd;wd. rh; uhgh;l; gPy; - rh; tpd;];lDf;F Ke;jpa gpujkh; - jkJ Nfh\;bAld; mtUf;F tpNuhjkhf Xl;lspg;ghh;. mtUk; gpujkUk; G+idAk; vypAk; Nghy. mg;gb Xl;lspj;jhy; gpujkh; uh[Pdhkh nra;a Ntz;b tUk;.

“murpay; nuhk;g mrpq;fkhfj; njhpfpwJ>” vd;Nwd;.

“cq;fSf;F [dehafj;jpd; mrpq;fk; Ntz;Lkh my;yJ Nkw;F Nfhsj;jpd;

gaq;fuq;fs; Ntz;Lkh? ”

“ghh;ypnkz;l; $l;lj;jpd; eltbf;iffis ehd; ghh;f;f KbAkh? ”

“Mk;. ehd; ghh;itahsh; NfyhpapypUe;J mDg;GfpNwd;. cq;fs; bNud;]; hprPthpy;

ghh;;f;fyhk;.”

r;rf; mDg;gpa khj;jpiufs; vd; fha;r;riyj; jLj;Jtpl;ld. ghh;ypnkz;l $l;lj;ij ehd; MtNyhL vjph;ghh;j;jpUe;Njd;.

jpq;fl;fpoik fhiy ghh;ypnkz;l; kz;lgj;jpy; mq;fj;jpdh;fs; vy;yhk; czh;r;rptrg;gl;lth;fshf Njhd;wpdhh;fs;. fhfpjq;fisg; Gul;bf; nfhz;Lk; $l;lq;;$l;lkhf epd;W tpthjpj;Jf;nfhz;Lk; kw;wth;fis jq;fs; gf;fj;Jf;F ,Oj;Jf;nfhz;Lk; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. rghehafh; te;J cl;fhh;e;jJk; kw;wth;fSk; jq;fs; Mrdq;fspy; mku nfhQ;rk; mikjp epytpaJ. mg;NghJk; FR FRg;Gfs; epw;ftpy;iy.

gpujkh; vOe;J epd;W Ntiy nra;ahj ikf;if jkJ cauj;jpw;F rhp nra;J gpwF Ngryhdhh;.

“rghehafh; mth;fNs fdk; mq;fj;jpdh;fNs! xU nghpa neUf;fb ek; ehl;by; vOe;Js;sJ. nrd;w E}w;iwk;gJ tUlq;fshf ehk; ekJ Rje;jpuj;ijAk; ekJ tho;f;if KiwiaAk; gy ,ilA+WfSf;fpilNa ghJfhj;J te;jpUf;fpNwhk;. Mdhy; ,d;W ekf;Fs;NsNa xU Gjpa tpNuhjp vOe;J ekJ tho;f;ifiag; ghohf;f xU rjp

ele;J tUfpwJ. ek; tpNuhjpfSf;F ehd; xd;W nrhy;y tpUk;Gfpd;Nwd;. ‘ehq;fs; rhjhuz kf;fs; my;y. ehq;fs; tpl;Lf; nfhLg;gth;fs; my;y. ehq;fs; ,e;j kiyfspYk; fhLfspYk;> capUs;ssTk; NghuhLNthk;. vd;iwf;Fk; ehq;fs; gzpa

khl;Nlhk;’. ek; kf;fSf;F ehd; epk;kjpNah Nfspf;ifNah jug;Nghtjpy;iy. uj;jk;> Nth;it> fz;zPh; ,itfs;jhd; cq;fs; tpjp cq;fs; ghf;fpak;> filrpapy; epue;ju

Gfo;…..”

gpujkhpd; ez;gh;fsplkpUe;J xU rpW fuNfh\k; vOe;jJ. mNj rkaj;jpy; vjph; fl;rpapdh; Vsdkhf $r;rypl;ldh;. gpujkh; kPz;Lk; Ngryhdhh;.

“[pahh;[; Nrhdpad; - ];kpj;” gpujkh; vd; ngaiu ,uz;L juk; cr;rhpj;jhh;. “[pahh;[;

Nrhdpad; - ];kpj;! mth;jhd; ,e;j rjpapd; rpd;dk;; <l;bapd; $h;ik. mth;jhd; ek; r%fj;jpy; Mokhf gjpe;jpUf;Fk; [];fl;bapd; ntspNa njhpAk; Edp. ek; jha;ehl;bd; J}Jth; vd;W nrhy;ypf;nfhz;L ,q;Nf te;J mNj jha; ehl;il J}w;Wk; JNuhfp.

mth; thh;j;ijfNs mtiu jz;bj;Jtpl;;ld……”

“rghehafh; mth;fNs” vjph; fl;rpj; jiyth; vOe;jhh;. “[pahh;[; ];kpj; xU Fw;wj;jpw;fhf ifJ nra;ag;gl;L rpiwapy; ,Uf;fpwhh;. ,d;Dk; mth; Fw;wk; nra;jth; vd;W ve;j ePjpgjpAk; nrhy;ytpy;iy. mg;gbapUf;Fk;nghOJ mtiu JNuhfp vd;Wk; rjp nra;jth;

vd;Wk; ,q;Nf NgRtJ ePjpkd;wj;ij mtkjpg;gjy;yth? ”

“vdf;Fk; ,e;j ehl;L rl;lq;fs; njhpAk;!” gpujkh; MNtrj;Jld; $tpdhh;. “ehd; ,g;gb

NgRtjw;F xU fhuzk; cz;L.”

“rhp kw;wij tpl;Ltpl;L fhuzj;ij Kjypy; nrhy;Yq;fs;>” vd;whh; fpnsnkz;l;.

“vjph;fl;rp mq;fj;jpdw;F ,Uf;Fk; gy ew;Fzq;fspy; nghWik xd;W ,y;iyNghy;

,Uf;fpwJ>” vd;W gpujkh; Vsdkhfg; Ngrpdhh;. “nfhQ;rk; nghWikaha; ,Uq;fs;>” vd;W Gj;jpkjp nrhd;dhh;. Mdhy; NkYk; me;jg; nghWikia Nrhjpg;gJNghy tp\aj;Jf;F tuhky; Ngrpf;nfhz;Nl Nghdhh;. mtuJ fl;rpf;fhuh;fNs FRFRf;f

Muk;gpj;jhh;fs;. filrpahf> “,jpy; ahh; ntw;wp ngWthh;fs; vd;gJ Kf;fpaky;y. ek; ehl;bd; tho;f;ifAk; ehfhPfj;jpd; vjph;fhyKk;jhd;; Kf;fpak;. ,e;j rjpf;F fhuzkha; ,Ue;jtiu N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;bypUe;J epA+Nfl; rpiwf;F khw;wpapUf;fpNwhk;. ntspehl;L glq;fisf; fhl;b kf;fs; kdj;ij khw;w xU Kaw;rp eilngw;W tUfpwJ. [dehaf ehL vd;gjhy; mij jilnra;atpy;iy. Mdhy; ek; Rje;jpuj;ijg; ghJfhf;f XNu topjhd;. ifJ nra;jtiu clNd tprhhpj;J jz;lid mspf;f Ntz;Lk;. mjw;fhf

xU gpuj;Nahf ePjpkd;wj;ij epWt ehd; mjpfhuk; Ntz;LfpNwd;.”

gpujkUf;Fg; gpwF vjph;f;fl;rpj; jiyth; rh; fpnsnkz;;;l; tpy;rd; Ngr vOe;jhh;.

“mq;fj;jpdh;fSf;F Qhgfk; ,Uf;fyhk;. Nghd $l;lj;J filrp ehsd;W gpujkh; Mq;fpNyNa J}Jth; te;jpUg;gijg; gw;wpAk;> mth; ,e;j rigapy; NgrtpUg;gijg;gw;wpAk; ngUikahf mwptpj;jhh;. vq;fSf;F nfhQ;rk; Mr;rhpakha; ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; vq;fs; re;Njfq;fis gpujkh; ,fo;r;rp nra;J epuhfhpj;Jtpl;lhh;.

Mjyhy; ‘Mq;fpy J}Jthpd; Ngr;ir’f; Nfl;f MtYld; ,q;F te;jpUf;fpNwhk;;.

vjph; fl;rpapdh; Vsdkhf gpujkiug; ghh;j;J rphpj;jhh;fs;. murhq;f fl;rpdh; Ngrhky; cl;fhh;e;jpUe;jdh;. rh; fpnsnkz;l; NkYk; Ngryhdhh;.

“,q;F te;j J}JtUf;F ekJ gpujkNu ‘rh;’ gl;lk; toq;fpajhf ek;gfkhd nra;jp vq;fSf;F fpilj;jpUf;fpwJ. mth; gy ehl;fs; murhq;f tpUe;jpduhf N`k;g;ld; Nfhh;l;by; trpj;J te;jhh;. gpujkNu mtiu gy ,lq;fspy; tuNtw;W> Gfo;e;J NgrpapUf;fpwhh;. gpujkUila xg;Gjypd; Nghpy;jhd; me;j J}JtUila gpurq;fj;Jf;Fk; Vw;ghL nra;ag;gl;lJ. mtUila mq;fPfhuj;jpd;gbjhd; gpujkh; Fwpg;gpl;l glq;fs; jUtpf;fg;gl;ld. Mdhy; ,d;iwf;F jpBnud;W mNj egiu tprhhpf;f jdp ePjpkd;wj;ij gpujkh; NfhUfpwhh;.

“,d;W ek; Rje;jpuj;Jf;Nfh gz;ghl;Lf;Nfh Mgj;J ,y;iy. Ms;khwhl;lj;ijg; gw;wp vq;fSf;F mf;fiwapy;iy. gpujkiu xU Vg;uy; Kl;lhshf;fptpl;lhy; mjw;F ehNlh my;yJ kf;fNsh nghWg;gy;y. Mdhy; ,d;iwf;F vOe;Js;s nghpa Nfs;tp

vd;dntd;why;> ‘,k;khjphp ele;Jnfhz;l gpujkUf;F ehl;bd; gpur;ridfSf;F jPh;T

fhz jFjp ,Uf;fpwjh’ vd;gJjhd;. ehl;il MSk; chpikia gpujkh;

,oe;Jtpl;lhh;……”

vjph; fl;rpj; jiyth; Ngrp Kbj;jJk; gy mq;fj;jpdh;fs; Ngrpdhh;fs;. gpujkUf;F MjuT njhptpj;J rpyUk; vjph;g;G njhptpj;J rpyUk; thf;Fthjk; nra;jdh;. Xl;L vLg;gjw;F nfhQ;rk; Kd;ghf rh; uhgh;l; gPy; Ngrpdhh;.

“ehd; nuhk;g NtjidAld;jhd; ,d;W Ngr Ntz;ba eph;g;ge;jk; Vw;gl;Ls;sJ. gpujkUk; ehDk; gy tUlq;fshf ez;gh;fshf ,Ue;J te;jpUf;fpNwhk;. gy

Nghuhl;lq;fspy; NjhNshL Njhs; nfhLj;J ntw;wp fz;bUf;fpNwhk;. rpy ehs;tiuf;Fk; mg;gbj;jhd; ,Ue;J te;Njhk;. vq;fs; cwT jpahfk;> ek;gpf;if vd;Dk; ,U Fzq;fshy; gyg;gl;L ,Ue;jJ. Mdhy; ,e;j Mq;fpy J}Jth; vd;W nrhy;ypf;nfhz;L xUth; te;j ehspypUe;J gpujkhpd; nfhs;iffSk; KbTfSk; jg;ghd topapy; nry;y Muk;gpj;jd. ,t;tsT Kf;fpakhd tp\aj;jpy; vjph; fl;rpapdUld; MNyhrpf;fhtpl;lhYk;> jk; ez;gh;fSldhtJ MNyhrpj;jpUf;fyhk;. ahNuh xU rhjhuz Muha;r;rpf;fhud; te;jij xU nghpa nfhs;if ntw;wpahf nfhz;lhlg;gl;lJ. ,d;W me;jf; nfhs;if rpd;dhgpd;dkhfp rpjwpf;fplf;fpwJ. ,e;j #o;epiyapy; vd;

MjuT mtUf;F vg;gbf; fpilf;Fk;? ”

rh; uhgh;l; cl;fhh;e;jTld; $l;lj;jpy; nfhQ;rk; Fog;gk; Vw;gl;lJ. gyh; xNu rkaj;jpy;

Ngr Muk;gpj;jdh;. rghehafh; ‘xOq;F! xOq;F!’ vd;W gyKiw jk; Nki[iaj; jl;bdhh;.

gpujkh; kWgbAk; vOe;J> “,q;F Ngrpa gy mq;fj;jpdh;fspd; tpUg;gg;gb vd; Nfhhpf;ifia

ehd; Xl;Lf;Ftpl tpUk;gtpy;iy…….”

“uh[Pehkh nra;! uh[Pehkh nra;!” vd;W Nfh\q;fs; fpsk;gpd.

kWgbAk; gpujkh; vOe;J mikjp Nfhhpdhh;. “,e;j rig kPJk; mjd; kuGfs; kPJk; vdf;F nuhk;g md;Gk; khpahijAk; cz;L. ,q;fpyhe;jpy; ,Ue;J ehk; ngw;w cah;e;j gz;Gfis epiyepWj;Jtjpy; vdf;F kpQ;rpath;fs; ahUk; ,y;iy. me;j gz;Gfspd;gb ehd;

gpujkh; ];jhdj;ij ,d;W Kjy; Jwf;fpNwd;.”

$l;lj;jpy; Fog;gk; $r;rYk; rghehafuhy; fl;Lg;gLj;j Kbatpy;iy. Mdhy; mJ Nfhgj;jhy; Vw;gl;l Fog;gk; my;y. re;Njh\j;jhYk; [dehaf ntw;wp vd;gjhYk; Vw;gl;l re;Njh\ Muthuk;. ,jpy; xU Kf;fpa mk;rk; vd;dntd;why; vy;NyhUk; rh; tpd;];lid #o;e;Jnfhz;L mtUf;F ghuhl;L njhptpj;jdh;. mtUila tpNuhjpfnsy;yhk; mtUld; if FYf;fp Njhisj; jl;bf; nfhLj;jdh;. mtUk; Gd;difAld; ,e;j ghuhl;Lfis Vw;Wf;nfhz;lhh;.

,e;j tho;f;if Kiw vdf;F mh;j;jkhftpy;iy. ,Jjhd; [dehaf Kiw> kuG vd;W gpd;Gjhd; mwpe;Njd;.

* * *

rh; tpd;];ld; uh[Pehkh nra;j %d;W ehl;fspy; rh; uhgh;l; gPy; gpujkuhf xU $l;L murhq;fk; Vw;gl;lJ. Kjyhtjhf xU ,e;jpah; ke;jphprigapy; ,lk;ngw;whh;. fpU\;zh ntspehl;L mikr;ruhf gjtp Vw;whh;. ,e;j epakdj;jhy; murpd; nfhs;if vy;NyhUf;Fk; njspthf tpsq;fptpl;lJ.

Gjpa murpd; Kjy; jPh;khdq;fspy; xd;W vd;dntd;why; vd;id tpLjiynra;J vdf;F rpW ,q;fpyhe;J ehl;Lhpik toq;fg;gl;lJjhd;. rpiwapypUe;J md;Nw ehd; vy;yhtpjq;fspYk; xU Rje;jpu kdpjdhf ntspNa te;Njd;.

* * *

gpd;Diu

vd; tuyhW KbTf;F te;Jtpl;lJ.

ehd; rpiwapypUe;J ntspte;jTld; xU Ntiy rk;ghjpf;f Kaw;rpj;Njd;. kw;wth;fSila jhuhsj;jhy; ehd; tho tpUk;gtpy;iy. ehd; fpof;F Nfhsj;jpd; gy ghfq;fSf;Fr; nrd;W Nkw;F Nfhs tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp Ngryhk; vd;W r;rf; Nahrid nrhd;dhh;. Mdhy; mJ vdf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. fpU\;zh vd;id jkf;F MNyhrfuhf itj;Jf;nfhs;s tpUk;gpdhh;. vdJ Nkw;F Nfhs mDgtq;fs; mtUf;F ntspehl;Lf;nfhs;ifapy; cgNahfkhf ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; me;j Ntiyf;F khjj;jpy; ,uz;L %d;W ehl;fs; NghJkhdjha; ,Ue;jJ.

filrpahf ehd; [hDf;F cjtpahsuhf ,Ue;J kpA+rpaj;ij rPh;gLj;j Ntz;Lk; vd;W KbT nra;jhh;fs;. [hDf;F Foe;ijfs; ,y;iy. \PyhTf;Fk; kpA+rpaj;jpy; mf;fiwapy;iy. MfNt ehd; kpA+rpaj;jpy; Ntiy Muk;gpj;Njd;. gioa j];jhNt[{fis GJg;gp;g;gjpYk;> ghJfhg;gjpYk; mtw;iw gphpj;jDFtjpYk; vdf;F ey;y mDgtk; ,Ue;jJ. mjw;F Ntz;ba etPd rhjdq;fis r;rf; nfhLj;jhh;. Kjy; rpyehs; [hd; vd;dplk; nfhQ;rk; J}ukhf ,Ue;jhYk; vd; Ntiyiag; ghh;j;j gpd;G mtUf;F nuhk;g jpUg;jpAk;> tpag;Gk; Vw;gl;lJ. ,g;nghOJ ehq;fs; ,UtUk; rpW ,q;fpyhe;jpd; mjpfhuG+h;tkhd rhpj;jpuj;ij vOJtjpy; <Lgl;bUf;fpNwhk;.

* * *

vd; tuyhw;iw gpd;Ndhf;fpg; ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ ehd; ,q;Nf te;j Gjpjpy; vt;tsT mg;ghtpahfTk; xd;Wk; mwpahjtdhfTk; ,Ue;Njd; vd;W czh;fpNwd;. r;rf;> fpU\;zh

KjypNahh; - Vd; rh; tpd;];lDk; $l – vd;id xU Foe;ij khjphp elj;jp te;jhh;fs;. ,uz;L ey;y thh;j;ij> nfhQ;rk; Gfo;r;rp fpilj;jhy; mJNt xd;Wk; mwpahj vdf;F nuhk;g jpUg;jpia mspj;jJ. ,itnay;yhk; xU cs;Nehf;NfhL ,Uf;fyhk; vd;W ehd; fdtpYk; epidf;ftpy;iy. gg; jj;Jtj;Jf;F ntspNa ehd; xU Foe;ijjhd;. Mdhy; tajhd Foe;ij. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; \PyhTld; vOe;j rpf;fy;fs; ,Ue;jpUf;fhJ. Mdhy;> nfhQ;rk; nfhQ;rkhf kdpj cwTfspYs;s rpf;fy;fisAk;> rq;flq;fisAk;> Mo;e;j ge;jq;fisAk; mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;. gg; jj;Jtj;jpw;F gjpyhf fpof;F Nfhsj;jpd; Kf;fpa];jh;fs; filgpbf;Fk; rpe;jid fl;Lg;ghl;ilAk; fw;Wf; nfhz;lhy; vd; mwpT ,d;Dk; tpUj;jpailAk; vd;gjpy; re;Njfkpy;iy.

KjypypUe;Nj r;rf; vd;id xU Foe;ij khjphp ghtpj;J tpisahbte;jhh;. gpd;dhy; ele;j rk;gh\izfspy; mij xj;Jf;nfhz;Lk; ,Uf;fpwhh;. Mdhy; ,t;Tyf nysjPf tof;fq;fisAk; mth; vdf;F fw;gpj;jpUf;fpwhh;. mth;jhd; vd;id Mq;fpy J}Jth; Mf;fpajw;F Kf;fpa fhuzk;. mk;khjphpahd xU rq;flj;jpy; vd;id khl;btpl;;ljw;F mth; nrhy;Yk; fhuzk; mtUf;F kdpj Fyj;jpd; vjph;fhy mf;fiwjhd;. vd;id gg; jj;Jtj;jpypUe;J tpLtpj;J xU KO kdpjdhf;fpaJ mth;jhd; vd;gijAk; ehd; kwf;f KbahJ.

mth;jhd; vdf;F rpe;jidf; fl;Lg;ghLk; fw;gpf;fpwhh;. Mdhy; mJ vdf;F mjpf re;Njh\j;ij mspf;fpwJ vd;W nrhy;y KbahJ. rpy rkaq;fspy; Nkhp vd;d epidf;fpwhs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njhpfpwJ. xU fztd; vd;Dk; Nehf;NfhL ghh;f;Fk;nghOJ rpy rkaq;fspy; mJ urpf;ff; $bajha; ,y;iy. ,Ue;jhYk; mts; md;igg; gw;wpAk; vdf;F mspf;Fk; Nritiag; gw;wpAk; ehd; ngUikg;gLfpNwd;.

* * *

ehd; tpLjiyahd ,uz;L khjq;fSf;Fg; gpwF vdf;Fk; Nkhp;f;Fk; nra;z;l; ghy; rh;r;rpy; jpUkzk; eilngw;wJ. fpU\;zh mjw;F nghWg;Ngw;W Kd;dpd;W gpukhjkhf elj;jp

itj;jhh;. ehl;bYs;s Kf;fpa];jh;fs; vy;NyhUNk mth;fs; kidtpkhh;fSld; NfhtpYf;Fk; gpwF ePykiy fpsg;gpy; ele;j tuNtw;Gf;Fk; te;jpUe;jdh;. r;rf; Jiz khg;gps;isahf ,Ue;J ehd; vt;tpj ,f;fl;bYk; khl;bf;nfhs;shky; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;lhh;. mtUila `h];a czh;r;rpf;F Vw;g NkYk; rpy khj;jpiufisAk; mspj;jhh;.

Kjypy; vq;fs; jpUkzj;ijg; gw;wp mwptpf;fg;gl;lNghJ Kf;fpakhf ngz;fs; nfhQ;rk; tk;gse;jhh;fs;. NkhpapDila gioa tho;f;ifiag; gw;wp vy;NyhUf;Fk; njhpAk;.

“me;jg; ngz;fSf;nfy;yhk; vd; Nky; nghwhik>” vd;whs; Nkhp. “\PyhTf;F gae;J

cq;fis Rk;kh tpl;Ltpl;lhh;fs;. ,g;nghOJ jtwpg;NghNdhNk vd;W tpardg;gLfpwhh;fs;.”

“Vd;? vd;dplk; gzk;> me;j];j;J> xd;Wkpy;iyNa? ”

“ePq;fs; xUth;jhNd cz;ikahd nts;isah;> ehq;fnsy;yhk; jhh; G+rg;gl;l

nts;isah;fs;jhNd.”

ehd; Mr;rhpag;gl;Nld;. “nts;isaha; ,Ug;gJ mt;tsT Kf;fpakh? ”

“cq;fSf;F mJ Kf;fpakpy;yhky; ,Uf;fyhk;. r;rf;Ff;Fk; fpU\;zhTf;Fk; mJ

Kf;fpaky;y. Mdhy; nts;isah; vd;W nrhy;ypf;nfhs;Sgth;fSf;F mJ Kf;fpak;.”

“Nkhp> vd;id Vd; eP kzk; nra;Jnfhs;s tpUk;Gfpwha;? ”

Nkhp vd;id mizj;Jf;nfhz;lhs;. “ePq;fs; nts;isauha; ,Ug;gjhy;jhd;.”

“,itnay;yhk; gphptpizf;F Ke;jpa jg;ngz;zq;fs; my;yth? ”

“ePy kiyfs; ,d;Dk; gphptpizf;F Ke;jpa fhyj;jpNyjhd; ,Uf;fpd;wd.”

“NtW xU fhuzKk; ,y;iyah? ” vd;Nwd; nfhQ;rk; Vkhw;wj;Jld;.

“ePq;fs; ehd; nrhd;dgb Nfl;gPh;fs;. ,q;fj;J Mz;fs; ntF rPf;fpuk; Nkag;

Ngha;tpLthh;fs;.”

,t;tsT mDgtj;Jf;Fg; gpwFk; ,d;Dk; vdf;F ngz; kdk; mh;j;jkhftpy;iy. Mdhy; Nkhpapd; md;igg;gw;wp vdf;F cWjp cz;L.

gl;yh; kl;Lk; vq;fs; kzj;Jf;F tutpy;iy. ehd; vd; me;j];j;ij tpl;Lf;nfhLj;J tpl;ljhf mtd; epidj;jhd;. vdf;F flTs; kPJk; kjj;jpd; kPJk; ek;gpf;if ,y;yhtpl;lhYk;> jpUkz rlq;Ffs; vd; cs;sj;ijf; fpswpd. Nkhp rhT gphpf;Fk;tiu vd;id khpahijAld; Nerpj;J fPo;gbtjhf thf;fspj;jNghJ vd; fz;fspy; ePh; jSk;gpaJ.

ehq;fs; nfd;rpq;ldpy; xU rpwpa tpPl;by; tho;fpNwhk;. tPl;ilr; Rw;wpYk; Gy; jiufSk; g+g;ghj;jpfSk; epiwa moF nra;fpd;wd. vq;fs; tPl;by; nts;isah;> ,e;jpah;> gzf;fhuh;> gbj;Njhh; Mf vy;NyhiuAk; re;jpf;fyhk;. vy;NyhhplKk; ehq;fs; ghugl;rkpd;wp goFfpNwhk;. ,e;j Rje;jpu tho;T kw;wth;fSf;F tof;fkha;tpl;lJ. Mdhy; mijg;gw;wp epidf;Fk;Nghnjy;yhk; vdf;Ff; nfhQ;rk; ngUikjhd; ,Ue;jhYk; vy;NyhUlDk; rf[khf Ngrpr; rphpj;J mshtshTtJ vdf;F nfhQ;rk; f\;lNk.

ehq;fs; kzk; nra;J nfhz;lNghJ vq;fSf;F Foe;ij gpwf;Fkh gpwf;fhjh vd;w thf;Fthjk; vy;NyhhpilapYk; gutpapUe;jjhk;. ntspAyfpy; Foe;ij cw;gj;jp Fiwe;jpUg;gjhYk;> ehd; ehd;fhtJ jiyKiwahf nraw;;if Kiwapy; gpwe;jtd; vd;gjhYk; ePykiy nts;isah;fspilNa ,e;j re;NjfKk; thf;FthjKk; - vq;fs; fhjpy; tpohky; - Kk;Kukhf ,Ue;jjhk;. ,ijg;gw;wp nghpa njhiffis ge;jaKk; fl;bdhh;fs;. Mdhy; r;rf; nfhLj;j khj;jpiufisg; gw;wp ahUf;Fk; njhpahJ. \PyhTf;F kl;Lk;jhd; njhpAk;. Mdhy;

mts; mijg;gw;wp gpu];jhgpf;fkhl;lhs;. NkhpAk; r;rf;Fk; $l Foe;ij %d;W tUlq;fspy; gpwf;Fk; vd epiwa gzk; fl;bdhh;fs;.

Mdhy; Foe;ij gpwf;fhJ vd;W fl;bath;fnsy;yhk; epiwa gzj;ij ,of;f Ntz;btUk;. Nkhp fh;g;gk; jhpj;jphpf;fpwhs;. ehd; ,e;j nra;jpia r;rf;Ff;F bNud;]; hprPth;

%yk; mDg;gpanghOJ clNd gjpy; te;jJ. “Foe;ijf;F ehd; fl;ba ge;ijaj;jhy; gj;J

yl;rk; gTd; fpilf;Fk;. filrpahf vd; Muha;r;rpAk; E}w;Wf;F E}W ntw;wp.”

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ePykiy nts;isah;fs; (xU vjph;fhy ehty;) fp.gp. 2185 Mk; Mz ...€¦ · ePykiy nts;isah;fs; (xU vjph;fhy ehty;) fp.gp. 2185 Mk; Mz;by; [pahh;[; ];kpj; vd;Dk; Mq;fpNyah; ePykiy nts;isah;fisf;