jpUf;Fws; fijfs; nghUl;ghy; 931 980 jkpowpQh; Nf.tp.FzNrfuk;

1

jpUf;Fws; fijfs;

nghUl;ghy; 931 – 980

jkpowpQh; Nf.tp.FzNrfuk;

2

E}y; tpguk; E}ypd; ngah; :- jpUf;Fws; fijfs;

(931 – 980)

E}yhrpupah; :- jkpowpQh;

Nf.tp.FzNrfuk;

gjpg;ghz;L :- 2010

nkhj;jg; gf;fq;fs; :-

tpepNahfk; :- yq;fh Gj;jfrhiy

F.L 1.14> la]; gpNs];

Fzrpq;fGu>

nfhOk;G – 12

njh.Ngrp :- 011-2341942

tpiy :-

3

vd;Diu

jpUf;Fws; fijfs; nghUl;ghy; 931 - 980 tiuahd 50 Fws;fSf;fhd fijfs; ,e;E}ypy; cs;sd. ,J tiu 930 Fws;fSf;fhd fijfs; ntspte;Jtpl;ld. 1330 Fws;fSf;Fk; ,Jtiu ahUk; njhlh;fij vOjtpy;iy. xU ehtyhf ,ij ehd; vOjpa NghJk; jdpj;jdpahfTk; thrpf;fyhk;. xt;nthU FwSf;Fk; nghUs;> tpsf;fk;> fij vOjpAs;Nsd;. ,g;gbAk; ,Jtiu ahUk; vOjtpy;iy. FwSf;F ciuNa vOjpAs;sdh;. ehd; FwSf;Ff; fij vOjpajhy; Fwis ahNgUk; tpsq;fpf; nfhz;ldh;.

vOj thrpf;fj; njupe;j xUth; Fwspd; mh;j;jj;ijAk; fUj;ijAk; Gupe;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;Nj fijfshf vOjpNdd;. vdJ vz;zk; ngUntw;wp ngw;wJ. juk; Ie;jpy; fw;Fk; gj;J taJ khztp vdJ Fws; fijfis thrpj;Jtpl;L tFg;gpy; jd;Dld; gbf;Fk; khzth;fSf;F mf;fijia tpsf;fkhff; $wpaij ehd; Neupy; fz;Nld;. ,J vdf;Ff; fpilj;j ntw;wp kl;Lky;y FwSf;Ff; fpilj;j ntw;wpAkhFk;. Fwis kddk; nra;tjhNyh> mjd; fUj;ijf; $WtjhNyh gadpy;iy. mjd; mh;j;jj;ijg; Gupe;J nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;. me;jg; Gupe;Jzh;it vdJ Fws; fijfs; epiwNtw;wpAs;sd.

4

,e;j tifapy; ,e;J jj;Jt E}y;fs; gytw;iwf; fijfshf;fp tUfpNwd;. mtw;iwr; rpwpath;fs; Kjy; ngupath;fs; tiu tpUg;Gld; thrpj;J tUfpwhh;fs;. ,e;j tifapy; jpUtUl;gaidAk;> rptQhdNghjj;ijAk; jw;nghOJ fijfshf vOjpAs;Nshd;. ,f;fijfs; ,e;J jj;jtj;ij kf;fSf;Fg; Gupa itf;Fk; vd;W epidf;fpNwd;. ehd; gbf;Fk; NghJ vd;dhy; Gupe;Jnfhs;s Kbahjtw;iw ,e;J jj;Jt E}y;fisj; jpUk;gj;jpUk;gg; gbj;Jg; Gupe;J nfhz;Nld;. mtw;iw ,e;Jf;fs; vy;NyhUk; Gupe;J mjd;gb elf;f Ntz;Lnkd;gNj vdJ tpUg;gk;. ,f;fijfspYs;s ngah;fSk; rk;gtq;fSk; fw;gidNaahFk;. ahiuAk; Fwpg;gpLtdty;y.

ehd; vOJk; E}y;fspy; cs;s vOj;Jg;

gpiofis ePf;fpr; rPh;nra;J jUk; Xa;Tngw;w mjpgh;fshd jpU th. n[aul;zk;> jpU. jp.fpU\;zFkhh; mth;fSf;Fk;> vOj;Jg; gpiofis ePf;fpj; jUtNjhL> jFe;j MNyhridfis toq;fp vd;id cw;rhfg;gLj;Jk; Mrpupia nry;tp g.,iwkfSf;Fk;> vdJ fijfis mofhf fzdp kag;gLj;jpj;jUk; nry;tp. f.Njdkph;jk; mth;fSf;Fk;> ,e;E}iy ntspapLk; nfhOk;G 12,y; mike;Js;s yq;fh gjpg;gfj;jpdUf;Fk; ed;wp $wpf;nfhs;fpNwd;.

md;Gld; Nf. tp. FzNrfuk;

5

Xa;T ngw;w Nfhl;lf;fy;tpg; gzpg;ghsh;> Nfhg;gha;> ey;Y}h;> aho;g;ghzk;.

Nfhg;gha; kj;jp> Nfhg;gha;.

mzpe;Jiu

rpy ehl;fSf;F Kd; ehd; gpupahtpil epfo;tpy; fye;Jnfhz;Nld;. mq;Nf mtiu mjpgh;fSk;> Mrpupah;fSk;> Nguhrpupah;fSk; mtuJ ngUikfis $wpatpjk; vdf;F tpag;ig mspj;jJ. mjdhy; mtuJ E}Yf;F ehDk; mzpe;Jiu vOjyhk; vd;W epidj;Njd;. ,th; vOjpa gy E}y;fisg; gbj;Js;Nsd;. midj;Jk; kpfTk; vspikahd jkpopy; cs;sd. mjpy; cs;s jj;Jtq;fs; xt;nthd;Wf;Fk; xt;nthU fijfs; $wg;gl;Ls;s tpjk; vdf;Fg; gpukpg;igj; je;jJ. ,q;Nf ts;StUila rpwg;Gg; gw;wpAk;> Guhz ,jpfhr ehafh;fSila rpwg;Gg; gw;wpAk; th;zpf;fg;gl;Ls;sJ. kdpj tho;f;ifia vg;gbAk; thoyhk; vd;w fw;gidapy; tho;e;J nfhz;bUg;gth;fs; jhd; gyh;. ,jdhy; cyfpy; thOk; kdpjh; jkJ khz;ig kwe;J gy jPa nray;fs; nra;Jnfhz;bUf;fpd;wdh;. mij tpyf;fp ePjpahd topapy; thoNtz;Lk; vd;w Nfhl;ghl;il Mrpupaupd; xt;nthU E}Yk; nrhy;fpd;wJ. tpQ;Qhdpfspd; fUj;Jf;fistpl nka;Qhdpfspd; fUj;Jf;fisNa kf;fs; mjpfk; ek;Gfpd;wdh; vd;gJ Mrpupaupd; E}ypy;

6

Rl;bf;fhl;lg;gl;Ls;sJ. jh;kkhd Kiwapy; tho;gtd; vg;nghOJk; ,d;gkhf tho;thd; vd;gJ mtuJ vOj;Jf;fspd; mbg;gilahFk;. jpU.t.jpy;iyeluhrh fpuhk cj;jpNahfj;jh; juk; 1 kf;fs; fhtyd;> fliktPud;> njhy;Gj;jpud;.

mzpe;Jiu

vdJ md;gpw;Fk;> ngU kjpg;gpw;FKupa ey;Y}h;Nfhl;l Kd;iddhs; gzpg;ghsh; jpU.Nf.tp.FzNrfuk; mth;fs; md;Gk;> mwpTk;> Mw;wYk; kpf;f mwpQdhf tpsq;Ffpd;whh;. vy;NyhuplKk; kpf vspikahfg; goff;$ba ,th; jd;dykw;w mw;gzpg;ghd xU Nritahsd;. ve;j tifahd gpur;rpidfshf ,Ue;jhYk; nghUj;jkhd MNyhridfis toq;Ftjd; %yk; jPh;T fz;LtpLthh;. ,tupd; Nritf;fhyk; nghw;fhykhfNt fUjg;gLfpwJ. juk; Ie;J Gyikg;guprpy; guPl;irapy; ey;Y}h;f; fy;tpf; Nfhl;lj;ij mfpy ,yq;if uPjpahf Kjyplk; milar; nra;jth;. E}w;Wf; fzf;fhd Gj;jfq;fis vOjp ntspapl;l ,th; gugug;G vJTkpd;wp kpf mikjpahf tho;e;J nfhz;bUg;gJ ,tiu xU Qhdpahff; fhl;Lfpd;wJ. ,tuJ vOj;Jf;fs; juk; xd;W khzth;fspypUe;J taJ nrd;w Kjpath; tiu ftuf;$bad. ghlrhiyiaAk; Mrpupah;fisAk;> khzth;fisAk;> fy;tp eph;thfj;ijAk;; fUthff; nfhz;Nl ,tuJ fijfs; ahTk; mike;Js;sd. jpUf;Fws;> gftj;fPij> jpUtUl;gad; Nghd;w ,e;J jj;Jt

7

E}y;fSf;fhd fijfs; $l Nkw;Fwpg;gplg;gl;l ghj;jpuq;fis mbg;gilahf itj;J ePjpiag; Nghjpg;gdthfNt cs;sd. ,tuJ vOj;Jg;gzp njhluNtz;Lk;> Neha;nehbapd;wp gy;yhz;L fhyk; thoNtz;Lk; vd;W flTisg; gpuhh;j;jpf;fpd;Nwd;.

jpU. f. tbNty; mjpgh; juk; 1 ah / fhrpg;gps;is tpj;jpahyak; aho;g;ghzk;.

J}z;by; Ks; etuhrh rpupj;jhd;@ “nfq;fhtpDila fijia ek;gp ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjpf;F Neh;j;jp itf;fhijAk;. Kd;G nfq;fh Fbf;f khl;ld; vd;W nrhd;dhd;. mij ek;gp ehd; Neh;j;jp itj;Njd;. xU khjk; Fbf;fhky; ,Ue;jhd;. ehd; Neh;j;jpia Kbj;j rpy ehl;fSf;Fg; gpd; Fbf;fj; njhlq;fp tpl;lhd;.” vd;whd; etuhrh. “vdJ rhl;by; kfh fzgjpf;F Xh; mgpN\fk; nra;al;ld;. eP Vd; jLf;fpwha;?” vd;W nrhd;dhd; nfq;fhjud;. “eP Fbg;gij tpl;lhy; mgpN\fky;y rq;fhgpN\fNk nra;td;. Fbkl;LNk cd;dplk; ,Uf;F. New;Wr; #jhlg; NghdjhfTk; Nfs;tpg;gl;ld;. ,njy;yhtw;iwAk; vq;Nf Ngha;g; gofpddp…?” vd;wthW Nkhl;lhh; tz;bia ,af;fpdhd; etuhrh.

8

rpwpJ J}uk; te;jJk; nfq;fhjud; nrhd;dhd;@ “Jh;f;fhTf;F Kd;dhiy ehd; #jhlg; Nghdijr; nrhy;fpwha;. mts; vd;idg; gw;wp vd;d epidg;ghs;”

“cd;idg; gw;wp vd;d epidf;f ,Uf;F. aNrhjpdp vdJ tPl;Lf;F te;J eP nra;tnjy;yhtw;iwAk; nrhy;yp mOths;. mjdhy; Jh;f;fhTf;F vy;yhk; njupAk;. cyfj;jpy; “nfl;Lg; NghNtd; ge;jak; gpb” vd;W nrhy;gth;fs; nra;Ak; ghjfkhd nray;fnsy;yhtw;iwAk; eP nra;fpwha;. rpyh; Fbg;ghh;fs;@ rpyh; #jhLthh;fs;@ rpyh; ,Ukdk; nfhz;l tpiy khjh;fsplk; nry;thh;fs;. ,k;%d;Wk; nghUis ms;spr; nry;Yk;. Mdhy; eP jtph;f;f Ntz;ba %d;iwAk; tpUg;Gld; iff;nfhs;fpwha;. mjdhy; cdJ cly; kdk; nghUs; kl;Lky;y cdJ FLk;gj;jpd; khdk; kupahij ey;tho;nty;yhk; ,y;yhkw; Ngha;tpl;lJ. New;W murbapy; toikahfr; #jhLk; ,lj;jpw;Fr; eP nrd;wjhf mwpe;Njd;.” vd;W etuhrh $Wk; NghJ nfq;fhjud; nrhd;dhd;@ “Nghddhd;jhd; #jhltpy;iy” “gQ;rkh ghjfq;fisr; nra;Nthh; $rhky; ngha; nrhy;thh;fs;@ rj;jpaKk; nra;thh;fs;. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; cd;id kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpw;F mioj;Jr; nrd;W rj;jpak; gz;ZkhW Nfl;gjpy;iy. eP New;Wr; #jhb Mapuj;J ,UE}W &ghit ,of;ftpy;iyah…? vd;Dila Kfj;ijg;

9

ghh;j;Jr; nrhy;Y” vd;whd; etuhrh. nfq;fhjud; vJTk; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;

“cd;idg; gw;wpa jfty;fs; vy;yhk; vdf;F clDf;Fld; fpilj;J tpLk;. fhiyapy; eP Nfhapypy; ,Ue;jdp. cdJ #jhl;l ez;gh;fspy; xUtdhd jdQ;nrad; Nfhapybf;F te;J cd;id mioj;Jr; nry;ytpy;iyah…? tre;jpdpapy; Nkhfq; nfhz;L mtNs fjpnad;W mtspd; tPl;ypUe;jha;@ msTf;fjpfkhff; Fbj;jha;@ #jhLfpwha;. ,jdhy; cdJ nry;tk; jpdKk; vt;tsT mopfpwJ vd;W epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhah? tre;jpdpf;F rq;fpyp thq;fpf; nfhLj;jha;. mts; ey;y ehspy; fw;G+uk; nfhOj;jp Rthkp glj;jpw;F Kd;dhy;jdJ fOj;jpy; mijj; jhyp khjpup fl;lr; nrhd;dhs;. mjpy; cUfpg; Nghdha;. mtis ek;gp vt;tsT nryT nra;jha;. mts; cd;id ntWj;jjpdhy; FbFbnad;W Fbj;jha;. mtSld; njhlhG nfhs;s Kd;Ng cdf;Fr; #jhLk; gof;fk; cz;L. mLj;jLj;J ntw;wp fpilj;jhYk; xUNghJk; #jhlf; $lhJ. me;j ntw;wp J}z;by; Ks;is czTg; nghUs; vd;W epidj;J kPd; tpOq;Ftijg; Nghd;wJ.” vd;whd; etuhrh.

nfq;fhjud; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;. etuhrh Nkhl;lhh; tz;biaf; nfq;fhjudJ tPl;Lg; gliyapy; epWj;jpdhd;. cs;NsapUe;J aNrhjpdp te;jhs;.

10

“,d;W ,th; Fbf;ftpy;iy vd;W nrhy;fpwhh;. Mdhy; rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; mth; Fbj;jhuh ,y;iyah vd;gJ mtupd; thahNy ntspg;gl;L tpLk;. kfh fzgjp ty;yik cs;sth;. ngha;r;rj;jpak; gz;zpdhy; jg;ghJ jz;lid jUthh;. gpd;Nduk; jdQ;nrad; te;J ,tiu mioj;Jr; nrd;wtd;. mtDk; Fbfhud;. mj;Jld; #jhLgtd;.” ngU%r;R tpl;lhs; aNrhjpdp.

“,d;W nfq;fh Fbf;ftpy;iy. ,dpf; Fbf;f khl;lhd;. mtid VrhJ md;ghfg; guhkupAq;fs;. jPa nray;fs; gytw;iwr; nra;gth;fis cldbahfj; jpUj;j KbahJ. gbg;gbahfj;jhd; jpUj;Jy; Ntz;Lk;. gag;glhijq;Nfh nfq;fhjud; jpUe;Jthd;.” vd;whd; etuhrh.

“mg;gbj;jpUe;jpdhy; vkJ FLk;gk; jioj;J tpLk;. khkhtplk; Vuhskhd nrhj;jpUf;F. ,tupd; elj;ijfs; kpfTk; Nkhrkhdjhy; mth; fiyg;gLfpwhh;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

“ehd; tUfpNwd;.” vd;W Gwg;gl;lhd; etuhrh. nfq;fhjud; tPl;Lf;Fs;r; nrd;whd;. aNrhjpdp ehiye;J fwpfSld; thioapiyapy; Nrhw;iwg; Nghl;lhs;. nfq;fhjud; epkph;e;J ghh;j;jhd;. mts; kpfTk; nkype;jpUe;jhs;. Kfj;jpy; vYk;Gfs; js;spf; nfhz;bUe;jd.

931. Ntz;lw;f ntd;wpbDk; #jpid@ ntd;wJ}ck; J}z;by;nghd; kPd;tpOq;fp aw;W.

11

ntw;wp fpilj;jhYk; xU NghJk; #jhLtij tpUk;gf; $lhJ. me;j ntw;wp J}z;biy ,iu vd;W epidj;J kPd; tpOq;Ftijg; Nghd;wJ.

xd;Wf;F E}W

aNrhjpdp ey;y mofp. VioahdhYk; fw;wts;. mtisf; fhjypg;gjw;Fg; gyh; Nghl;bapl;ldh;. nfq;fhjud; mtspd; may; tPl;Lf; fhud;. nfq;fhjudpd; jfg;gdhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; ngupath;j;jfh;. mjdhy; nfq;fhjud; vg;nghOJk;; jd;id kpfTk; ed;whf myq;fupj;jpUg;ghd;. ePsf; fhw;rl;ilAk; kpDf;fpa rl;ilAk; mzpe;jpUg;ghd;. mj;Jld; aNrhjpdpapd; FLk;gj;jpdUld; nfq;fhjudJ FLk;gk; kpfTk; md;dpNad;dpakhfg; gofp te;jJ. nfq;fhjud; aNrhjpdpapd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhy; aNrhjpdp xspj;J tpLths;. mtdJ fz;fs; MtYld; mtisj; NjLk;. Mdhy; mtisf; fhzhJ. topapy; mtisf; fz;lhy; mtd; Nfyp nra;thd;. mts; cjl;Lf;Fs; rpupg;ghs;. mtdJ moFk; Njhw;wKk; mtisAk; fth;e;jJ.

aNrhjpdp kPJ mstw;w ghrk; itj;jpUe;jhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. VioahdYk; ey;y ngz;. “FLk;gj;jpw;Nfw;w jpUkfs;” vd;W

12

epidg;ghh;. mtuJ kdJs; mtisf; nfq;fhjuDf;Fj; jpUkzk; nra;J nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;w vz;zk; ,Ue;jJ. mij xU ehs; jdJ kidtpahd jhl;rhapdpf;Fr; nrhd;dhh;@ “ehd; vg;gNth epidj;J tpl;Nld;. ePq;fs; vd;d nrhy;tPu;fNsh vdg; gae;Njd;. cq;fsJ rNfhjupf;F xU ngz; ,Uf;fpwhs;” vd;whs;. “k;. mts; ,tDf;Fr; ruptukhl;lhs;. ,tDk; nrythsp. mtSk; mg;gb. ,uz;L NgUk; xNu khjpupahf ,Ue;jhy; FLk;gk; cUg;glhJ. ,td; #jhlg; gofp tpl;lhd;. ey;y xU FLk;gg; ngz;zhy; jhd; mtidj; jpUj;j KbAk;” vd;whh;. xU ehs; aNrhjpdpiaf; Nfl;lhh;. mts; ntl;fj;Jld; Xb tpl;lhs;. aNrhjpdpiaj; jdf;Fj;jpUkzk; nra;a ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; epidj;jpUe;jij jha; %yk; mwpe;j nfq;fhjud; kpfTk; kfpo;e;jhd;. mtd; xUehs; aNrhjpdpapd; tPl;bw;Fr; nrd;w NghJ mts; jdpNa epd;whs;. mtidf; fz;lJk; mtSf;F ntl;fk; mjpfupj;jJ. nky;y eOt epidj;jhs;.

“,U tPl;lhUk; vkf;Fj; jpUkzk; nra;J itg;gjhfj; jPh;khdpj;J tpl;ldh;. gpwNfd; gag;gLfpwPu;?” vd;wthW mtisg; ghh;j;jhd;@ “Nla; nfq;fh> aNrhjpdpia vdf;Fg; gpbj;J tpl;lJ. mtspd; Kfj;jpy; jpUkfs; FbapUf;fpwhs;. mtspd; gw;fs; Kj;Jf;fis mLf;fpa khjpup cs;sd. mtspd; fz;fisg;

13

ghh;. mijg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhy; grpNa tuhJ. xt;nthU mq;fKk; rpw;gp msntLj;Jr; nrJf;fpa khjpup ,Uf;F. mtis ehd; mile;jhy; mtis ,uhrhj;jp khjpup itj;jpUg;Ngd;. ehd; vt;tsNth Kaw;rp nra;Jk; ruptutpy;iy” vd;W KUNfrd; nrhd;dJ mtDf;F epidtpy; te;jJ.

Nrhw;iw thioapiyapy; Nghl;L tpl;L

mtDf;fUfpy; epd;w aNrhjpdpiag; ghh;j;jhd;. mtdJ ,jak; Jbj;jJ. KUNfrd; nrhd;d moF cUf;Fiye;J vYk;Gf; $lhf epd;whs;.

Kjy; ehs; mtis mtd; re;jpj;j NghJ Nfl;lhd;@ “vkJ ngw;NwhUf;F ,j;jpUkzj;jpy; tpUg;gkpUf;F. cdf;F vd;dpy; tpUg;gkpUf;fh….?” “,y;iy… vdf;F tpUg;gkpy;iy…?” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. “mg;g Vd; xg;Gf; nfhz;ldPh;”

“vd;id cq;fs; je;ij Nfl;lhh;. ehd; gjpy; nrhy;ytpy;iy. vdJ ngw;Nwhiuf; Nfl;l mth;fs; rk;kjpj;J tpl;lhh;fs;. ehd; vd;d nra;a KbAk;….?” “eP ahiuahtJ fhjypf;fpwhah….? cz;ikiar; nrhy;…”

14

“,y;iy” “mg;g Vd; vd;id tpUk;gtpy;iy?”

“ePq;fs; #jhLtjhff; Nfs;tpg; gl;Nld;. xU nghUisg; ngw;W> mNj rkak; E}W nghUis ,of;Fk; #jhbfspd; tho;f;if ,d;gkhfNth rpwg;ghfNth ,Uf;fhJ. vdJ je;ij #jhLgth;. mjdhy; ehk; gLk; Jd;gq;fs; fzf;fw;wit. ePq;fs; #jhlkhl;Nld; vd;W nrhd;dhy; ehd; cq;fisj; jpUkzk; nra;fpNwd;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; fd;dpahfNt thoyhk;.” “ehd; ,dpNky; #jhlkhl;Nld;. ,J kfh fzgjp kPJ rj;jpak;” vd;W $wp mtsJ ifiag; gpbj;J mij cWjp nra;jhd;.

mtd;jdJ ifiag; gpbg;ghd; vd vjph;ghuhj aNrhjpdp Fowp tpl;lhs;. mij epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. vt;tsNth fdTfNshLk; fw;gidfNshLk; jd;idj; jpUkzk; nra;j aNrhjpdp mitnay;yhk; mope;jikahy;; cUf;Fiye;J epw;gijg; ghh;f;f mtDf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. mjdhy; Nrhw;iw cz;zhky; vOe;jhd;.

“rhg;gpLq;Nfh Fioj;Jj; jUfpNwd;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. 932.xd;Wva;jp EhW,of;Fk; #jh;f;Fk; cz;lhk;nfhy;

ed;Wva;jp tho;tNjhh; MW.

15

xU nghUisg; ngWtjw;fhf E}W

nghUis ,of;Fk; #jhbfSf;F> ed;ik ngw;W thOk; rpwg;ghd tho;f;if cz;lhfhJ.

cUz;NlhLk;

aNrhjpdpapd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jJk; nfq;fhjudpd; fz;fs; frpe;jd;. mts; ey;y mofp. fd;dpahf mts; ,Uf;Fk; NghJ mtspd; filf; fz; ghh;itf;fhfg; gyh; miye;jdh;. mtsJ jfg;gdhh; fhjypj;Jj; jhd; mtsJ jhahiuj; jpUkzQ; nra;jpUe;jhh;. ,isQuhf mth; ,Ue;j NghJ mth; jd;idf; fhjypj;j tpjk; gw;wpAk; gpd; mth; jd;id Vkhw;wpa tpjq;fs; gw;wpAk; mtsJ jhahh; aNrhjpdpf;Ff; $wpaikahy; mtSf;Ff; fhjy; kPJ msTf;fjpfkhd ntWg;gpUe;jJ. mj;Jld; mtsJ %j;j rNfhjud; gl;lzj;jpy; gbf;Fk; NghJ xU ngz;izf; fhjypj;J mtSld; nrd;W tpl;lhd;. xU tUlj;jpd; gpd; mth;fSf;F xU Foe;ij gpwe;jJ. Mdhy; me;jg; ngz; jdJ gps;isia tpl;L tpl;L mtdJ ez;gDld; nrd;W tpl;lhs;. mjdhy; me;jf; Foe;ijia tsh;f;Fk; nghWg;Gk; ,g;NghJ mth;fSf;Fg; te;J tpl;lJ. mjdhy; aNrhjpdp jd;idr; Rw;wp tl;lkpl;l ,isQh;fs; vy;NyhiuAk; ntWj;jhs;. jdJ ngw;Nwhiu tpl mts; nfq;fhjudpd; ngw;Nwhupy; mjpf ghrk;

16

itj;jpUe;jhs;. mjw;Ff; fhuzk; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; Fbg;gjpy;iy@ #jhLtjpy;iy. jdJ kidtpia mth; nghd;Nghyg; ghJfhj;J te;jhh;. mtspd; kPJ msTf;fjpfkhd md;Gk; kjpg;Gk; itj;jpUe;jhh;. Mdhy; aNrhjpdpapd; ngw;NwhUf;fpilapy; jpdKk; Mapuk; jlitfs; Nghh; elf;Fk;. kidtpapd; kPJk; FLk;gj;jpd; kPJk; msTf;fjpfkhd gw;W itj;jpUe;j ,uj;jpdrpq;fj;ij mtSf;Fg; gpbj;jikahy; jhd; mts; ,j; jpUkzj;jpw;Fr; rk;kjpj;jhs;. jpUkzkhd Gjpjpy; nfq;fhjud; thh;j;ijfshy; $l mtisj; Jd;GWj;jtpy;iy. mtspd; kPJ msTf;fjpfkhd ghrj;ij itj;jpUe;jhd;. mjdhy; mtd; gy Fw;wq;fisr; nra;j NghJk; mtshy; mtid ntWj;njhJf;f Kbatpy;iy. “aNrh> VNjh fpuff; Nfhshwpdhy; NghYk; mtd; cd;id tpl;L tpl;L tpiykhjhd tre;jpdpNa fjpnad;W fplf;fpwhd;. xOq;fhd ey;y ngz;zhy; vj;jifa nfhLikahd fztidAk; jpUj;j KbAk;. ehd; cd;kPJ nfhz;l ghrj;jhy; cdf;Ff; nfhLikapioj;J tpl;Nld;. #jhbdhd;. mijj; jpUj;jyhnkd;W ghh;j;jhy; tpiykhjuplk; nry;fpwhd;. Fbf;fpwhd;. ,ijnay;yhk; vq;F gofpdhNdh njupahJ. vkJ guk;giuapy; ,y;yhj gof;fq;fs; mk;kh mit. mtd; xU ehs;j;jpUe;Jthd;@ mJtiu nghWj;jpuk;kh. ,tid ek;ghjjhy; jhd; ehd; ngUk;ghyhd nrhj;Jf;fis cdJ ngaupy;

17

vOjp itj;Js;Nsd;. tpahghu epWtdj;jpypUe;J fpilf;Fk; tUkhdj;ijj; jhd; mtd; mopf;fpwhd;. mtd; jpUe;jhtpl;lhYk; Fbj;Jr; rhfl;Lk;. Mdhy; mtd; capNuhL ,Uf;Fk; tiu eP mtid tpl;Lg; gpupe;J tplhNj…” vd;W ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; nfQ;rpajhy; aNrhjpdp mtid ntWf;fhky; ,Ue;jhs;. aNrhjpdp Fioj;Jf; nfhLj;j Nrhw;iwf; ifapy; thq;fp cz;lhd; nfq;fhjud;. gyfwpfs; Nrh;j;Jf; Fioj;jjhy; mr;Nrhw;Wj; jpuo; mKjhf ,dpj;jJ. mjdhy; mts; Fioj;Jf; nfhLj;j KOr; Nrhw;iwAk; cz;lhd; nfq;fhjud;@ “,g;Ngh vg;gb cz;Bh;fs;. ,d;Dk; nfhQ;rk; Fioj;Jj; jul;lh” vd;W md;nghOff; Nfl;lhs; aNrhjpdp. “k;” vd;whd;. mtdJ fz;fshy; fz;zPh; xOfpaJ. “,t;tsT ghrKs;s kidtpia Vd; ehd; ntWj;J xJf;fpNdd;? ,tspy; vd;d Fiwiaf; fz;L ,tis ntWj;J tre;jpdpaplk; nrd;Nwd;? mts; miuFiwahd Milfis mzpths;. khh;Gg; gFjpapd; ngUk;gFjpAk; KJfpd; ngUk;gFjpAk; tapWk; njupAk;. mtspd; ciog;gpd; %yjdk; mJjhNd. mtspd; mq;fq;fspd; nghypittpl aNrhjpdpapd; mq;fq;fs; nghypthdit. mj;Jld; mtspd; kaf;F thh;j;ijfSk; Ntrpj;jdkhd nrhw;fSk; jhd; vdf;F

18

cw;rhfj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ. xU Fykfs; mg;gb elf;fkhl;lhs;” vd;W epidj;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. mg;NghJ Nrhw;iwf; Fioj;jf; nfhz;L te;j aNrhjpdp cUz;ilahfj; jpul;b nfq;fhjudpd; ifapy; nfhLj;J tpl;Lr; nrhd;dhs;@ “xUtd; cUSfpd;w fUtpia cUl;b Xahky; #jhbf; nfhz;bUg;ghNdahdhy; mtDila nghUs;fs; ahTk; fhyfjpapy; cUz;Nlhbg; giftiur; nrd;wilAk;” vd;W vdJ jfg;gdhupd; je;ij vdJ jfg;ghdhUf;Ff; $Wthh;. mjdhy; jaT nra;J ePq;fs; #jhlhjPh;fs;. ,d;Wk; ePq;fs; #jhlr; nrd;wPu;fs;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. mtsJ fd;dq;fshy; fz;zPh; tope;jJ 933. cUs;Mak; XthJ $wpd; nghUshak; NghXa;g; GwNk gLk;.

xUtd; cUSfpd;w #jhl;lf; fUtpia cUl;b ,iltplhky; #jhbdhy;> mtDila nghUs; ahTk; cUz;Nlhbr; nrd;W giftiu milAk;.

nfhba tWik

“ehd; Fbia tpl;L tpl;Nld;@ tre;jpdpaplKk; nry;tjpy;iy@ #jhl;lj;ijAk; tpl;L tpLfpNwd;” nfq;fhjud; $wpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ aNrhjpdp tpf;fp tpf;fp mOjhs;. mtshy; Ntjidiaj; jhq;f Kbatpy;iy. mtsJ mOifr; rj;jk; Nfl;L ,uj;jpdrpq;fKk; jhl;rhapdpAk; mq;Nf te;jdh;.

19

,uj;jpdrpq;fj;jpw;F msTf;fjpfkhd Nfhgk; te;jJ@ “Nla;> eP Vdlh ehk; rhfpw tajpNy Ntjidiaj; jUfpwha;. eP thoj; njupahjtd;@ #jhb vd;gjhy; jhd; ey;y gz;Gld; tho;e;j aNrhjpdpia cdf;Ff; fl;bitj;Njd;. mts; Fytpsf;F. mts; vd;dj;jpy; cdf;Ff; Fiw itj;jts;. jpUkfshf tPw;wpUf;Fk; mtisj; Jd;GWj;jpdhy; cd;Dila tho;T ehrkhfpg; Nghk;. Fbj;J tpl;L eP tUk; NghJ tPjpapy; thfdNkjhtJ Nkhjp cd;idf; nfhy;fpwJ ,y;iyNa. fhiyapy; NfhapYf;Fg; Nghdha;@ Rthkpahuiuj; juprpj;J tpl;Lf; Fbf;fkhl;Nld; vdr; rj;jpaQ; nra;jha;. ,g;g Fbr;rpl;L te;J mtSf;F vd;d nra;jha;? mts; Vd; mOfpwhs;? mts; mOjhy; vd;Dila neQ;R ntbj;J tpLk;” tpk;kpdhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. “ngw;w jfg;gd; gps;isf;Fr; rh tuNtz;Lnkd;W vz;Ztij ehd; ,g;NghJ jhd; fhz;fpNwd;. kfh fzgjpf;F Neh;j;jp itj;Jg; gpwe;j eP gQ;rkh ghjfq;fis Vd; nra;fpwha;? eP Fbf;fg; Nghfhtpl;lhYk; ahNuh xUtd; Njb tPl;Lf;F te;J tpLfpwhd;. cd;id cUg;gl tpLwhh;fspy;iyNa..” mOjhs; jhl;rhazp. “mth; Fbf;ftpy;iy khkh. mtNuhL fijf;Fk; NghJ vdf;F mOif te;J tpl;lJ. mjdhy; jhd; mONjd;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

20

“mg;gbah…? eP nrhy;tijf; Nfl;f kfpo;r;rpahf ,Uf;fpwJ. nfq;fh> gQ;rkh ghjfq;fis tpl;Lllh. vkJ guk;giuapy; ,y;yh gof;fq;fis eP gofpapUf;fpwha;. mjdhy; FLk;g khdk; kl;Lkh NghfpwJ. cd;Dila gps;isfspd; ey;tho;Tky;yth mopfpwJ. ,dpahtJ jpUe;jlh…. eP jpUe;jpdhy; jhd; %j;jtspd; jpUzkzk; eilngWk;. %j;jtspd; jpUkzk; elf;fhtpl;lhy; mts; nrj;Jg; Nghths;” mOjhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. “ehd; ,dpf; Fbf;f khl;ld; mg;gh. Kd;G Nghyr; rj;jpak; nra;J tpl;Lr; rj;jpak; jtw khl;ld;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “eP rhg;gpLtijg; ghh;f;f vt;tsT re;Njhrkhf ,Uf;F. eP vt;tsT nfhLikfis aNrhjpdpf;Fr; nra;jpUg;gha;. ,Ue;Jk; mts; cd; kPJs;s ghrj;ijf; Fiwj;Js;shsh..? ve;jg; gpur;rpidAkpy;yhky; thOk; vd;dpy; $l cdJ mk;kh ,t;tsT md;G nfhz;ljpy;iy kfuhrp…” vd;W mOjgb mt;tplj;ij tpl;Lr; nrd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. mtupd; gpd;dhy; jhl;rhapdpAk; nrd;whs;.

“#jhl;lj;ijj; jaT nra;J if tpLq;Nfh. vdJ je;ijahh; #jhLtjhy; jhd; vkJ FLk;gk; nfhba tWikf;Fl;gl;lJ@ fy;tpawpT ,y;yhkw; NghdJ@ vdJ %j;j rNfhjud; rPuopf;ff; fhuzkhf ,Ue;jJ mg;ghtpDila #jhl;lk; jhd;. #jhl;lk;

21

xUtDf;F ,opTfs; gytw;iwAk; cz;lhf;fpf; FLk;gj;jpd; rpwg;ig mopf;Fk;. FLk;gj;jpw;Ff; nfhba tWikia cz;lhf;FtJ #jhl;lk; jhd;. mg;gh ciof;Fk; gzk; KOtij #jhb mope;jhh;. mk;khTila eifel;LfisAk; vk;Kila eif el;Lf;fisAk; mg;gh #jhb mopj;jhh;. vdf;F xU jk;gp ,Ue;jhd;. mtDf;F xU Kiw fLikahd Neha; te;J tpl;lJ. jdpahh; itj;jpa rhiyapy; Nrh;j;Njhk;. mtDf;F Xh; CrpkUe;J Njitg;gl;lJ. mk;kh jdJ fhjpy; ,Ue;j Njhl;ilf; fow;wpf; nfhLj;jh. mg;gh mij itj;Jr; #jhbj; Njhw;W tpl;lhh;. kUe;J ,y;yhjjhy; vdJ jk;gp ,we;J tpl;lhd;. md;wpy; ,Ue;J mk;kh fhjpy; NjhL NghLtjpy;iy. mg;ghTld; fijg;gJk; ,y;iy. mg;ghtpd; #jhl;l ntwpjhd; jk;gpapd; capiug; gwpj;jJ. mjdhy; jaT nra;J #jhlhijq;Nfh…” mOjhs; aNrhjpdp.

nfq;fhjud; Ngrhky; epd;whd;. mjdhy; aNrhjpdpapd; mOif mjpfupj;jJ. tpk;kp tpk;kp mOjhs;. „mtspd; mOifr; rj;jj;ijf; Nfl;L kPz;Lk; jdJ ngw;Nwhh; te;J tpLthh;fNsh vd;w gak; nfq;fhjuDf;F cz;lhdJ. “mohij aNrh” vd;W $wpagb mtsJ fz;fshy; tope;j fz;zPiuj; Jilj;jhd;. mts; czh;r;rp kpFjpahy; mtidf; fl;bg; gpbj;J mOjhs;.

22

934. rpWik gynra;J rPh;mopf;Fk; #jpd; tWik jUtJ xd;W ,y;. xUtDf;F> Jd;gq;fs; gytw;iwAk; cz;lhf;fp> mtdJ Gfiof; nfLf;fpd;w #ijg;Nghy tWik jUtJ Ntnwhd;;Wkpy;iy.

xd;Wkpy;yhjth;

“aNrh mohij> cd;Dila ngUikia czuhikahy; jhdk;kh ehd; Ngahf khwp miye;Njd;. mjdhy; vkJk;. vkJ FLk;gj;jpd; khdk; Ngha; tpl;lJ. ehd; czh;r;rp NkyPl;lhy; ey;ytw;iw czuhJ tho;e;J tpl;;Nld;. mohNj…. ,dp mof; $lhJ.” ,Wf mizj;J mtsJ KJif tUbdhd; nfq;fhjud;. aNrhjpdp fiue;J Nghdhs;. ,uz;L %d;W tUl fhykhf mtd; mtisg; ghrj;Jld; mizj;J mtsJ KJif tUbajpy;iy. gy fhyj;jpw;Fg; gpd;> aNrhjpdpapd; ghrk; kpFe;j mizg;G mtDf;Fg; gutrj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ@ “aNrhjpdp vt;tsT ey;yts;. tre;jpdp Nga;. jdJ Njitf;fhf kl;Lk; ehd; nfhLf;Fk; nghUSf;Nfw;gNt midj;Jr; Rfq;fisAk;; jUths;. mj;Jld; mtd; Mir kpFjpNahL mtSf;F mUfpw; nry;Yk; Nghnjy;yhk; mtid VRths;@ “Neuq;fhyk; njupahky;

23

cdf;Fr; Rfk; Njitg;gLfpwJ. ,g;Ngh vdf;Fj; Njitahdth; xUth; tuTs;shh; Ngha; ehisf;F th” vd;W $wpagb mtdJ rl;ilg; igf;Fs; ifia tpl;Lg; ghh;g;ghs;. mjpy; gzk; mjpfkhf ,Ue;jhy; mij vLj;J tpl;L mtid kfpo;Tld; Kj;jkpLths;@ md;ghff; fijg;ghs;. mjd; gpd; mts; Njitahdth;fisg; gw;wpf; fijf;f khl;lhs;. md;W tre;jpdpapd; mizg;G Kd;G vg;NghijAk; tpl ,dpikahf ,Uf;Fk;. xU ehs; mtdJ %j;j kfs; ,e;J[h Nfl;lhs;@ “mg;gh> xU kfs; my;y xU ngz;$lf; Nfl;ff; $lhj Nfs;tpia ehd; Nfl;fg; NghfpNwd;. ehd; jpUkz taij mile;j gpd;Gk; cq;fSf;F „me;j vz;zk;‟ tUfpwJ. mk;kh jUk; Rfk; Nghjhnjd;W tre;jpdpaplk; nry;fpwPu;fsh…? ,y;iy mk;kh fpotpahfptpl;lhs; vd;W nry;fpwPu;fsh? mk;khtpd; taJ jhNd mtSf;Fk;. cq;fshy; czh;r;rpiaf; fl;Lg;gLj;j Kbahtpl;lhy; ,d;ndhU jpUkzj;ijr;nra;J kjpg;Gld; thOq;fs;. cq;fSf;F te;j ,e;j epidT mk;khTf;Fk; te;jhy; vg;gb ,Uf;Fk;? ePq;fs; kdpjdhf tho;e;jhy; jhNd ,itahtk; GupAk;. gfy; KOf;ff; Fb> #jhl;lk; ,uT Ntisfspy; tpgr;rhuk;. ,e;j tajpy; ,g;gb elf;f cq;fSf;F ntl;fkhf ,y;iyah? cq;fSf;F ntl;fkpUe;jhy; Jzpapy;yhky; tPjpapy; tpOe;J fplg;gPu;fsh…? ePq;fs; Jzpapy; yhky; jpupe;jjhy; jq;ifahy; gy;fiyf;fofk; nry;y Kbatpy;iy. vk;khy;

24

tho Kbahky; ,Uf;F. tPl;il tpl;L ntspNa nry;y Kbatpy;iy. vq;fisf; nfhy;Yq;Nfh. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; ePq;fs; rhTq;Nfh.” ,e;J[htpd; thh;j;ijfis mtd; md;W kjpf;ftpy;iy. ,d;W mij epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhy; mts; nrhd;dJ Nghyr; rhfj;jhd; Ntz;Lk;. ehd; vt;tsT Nftykhf tho;e;J tpl;Nld;. nja;tijg; Nghy kjpf;f Ntz;ba vd;id mts; ehiag; Nghyf; $l kjpf;ftpy;iy. ,dpNkYk; ehd; jtW nra;jhy; mts; mbj;Jf; nfhd;Wk; tpLths;” vd;W epidj;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. “Fbia ePq;fs; tpl;L tpl;ljhfr; nrhy;fpwPu;fs;. mij ehd; ek;GfpNwd;. Mdhy; ,d;Wk; #jhlr; nrd;Ws;sPh;fs;. ePq;fs; Nfhapypy; ,Ue;j NghJ jdQ;nrad; te;J cq;fis mioj;Jr; nrd;wjhf mwpe;Njd;. jaT nra;J #jhLtijAk; tpl;LtpLq;fs;. #jhl;lf; fUtpiaAk; #jhLk; ,lj;ijAk; #jhLtijAk; iftplhjth;fs;. vy;yhg; nghUl;fis cilatuhf ,Ue;jhYk; xd;Wkpy;yhjtNu Mth;. mg;ghtplk; vy;yhr; nry;tq;fSk; ,Ue;jd. ey;y tUkhdKk; te;jJ. mk;kh Vuhskhd nrhj;Jf;fNshL tho;e;jth;. Mdhy; vy;yhk; ,Ue;Jk; mg;gh #jhl;lj;jpy; <Lgl;ljhy; xd;Wkpy;yhjtuhfpg; Nghdhh;. cq;fSf;F epiwar; nrhj;jpUf;F@ Nghjpa tUkhdk; ,Uf;F@ gps;isfs; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; #jhl;lf; fUtpiaAk; #jhLk; ,lj;ijAk; #jhLk;

25

nraiyAk; iftplhjjhy; xOq;fhfr; rhg;gpLfpwPu;fs; ,y;iy. ey;y cilfis cLj;JfpwPu;fspy;iy vy;yhk; ,Ue;Jk; xd;W kpy;yhjth; Nghyj;jhNd tho;fpwPu;fs;. ,d;W rhg;gpl;lijg; Nghy ePq;fs; rhg;gpl;lij ehd; ntFehl;fshff; fhztpy;iy” tpk;kpdhs; aNrhjpdp. “,dpNky; vd;Dld; NfhapYf;F ePAk; th. eP ,Ue;jhy; vd;idj; Njb ahUk; tukhl;lhh;fs;. mth;fisf; fz;lhy;jhd; vdf;F me;j epidTfs; tUfpd;wd. eP tUgth;fisf; fz;bj;J mDg;G” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

“rup” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

935. ftWk; fofKk; ifAk; jUf;fp ,twpahh; ,y;yhfp ahh;.

#jhLk; fUtpiaAk;> #jhLk; ,lj;ijAk;> #jhLk; nraiyAk; iftplhjth;> vy;yhg; nghUs;fisAk; cilatuhf ,Ue;jhYk; <w;wpy; xd;Wkpy;yhjtuhfp tpLthh;.

tpOq;fg;gl;lth;

“,t;tsT fhyKk; ,y;yhj mstpw;F ehd; rhg;gpl;;Nld;. mjw;Ff; fhuzk; eP czitf; Fioj;J mf;fiwAld; je;jJjhd;. #jhlNtz;Lnkd;w epidtpy;tpOq;fg;gl;l ehd;

26

vy;yhtw;iwAk; kwe;J #jpNyNa fz;zha; ,Ue;Njd;. fpilf;Fk; czitf; $l tpw;Wr; #jhl Ntz;Lnkd;w epidT tUNk jtpu> mij cz;z Ntz;Lnkd;w epidT tuhJ. ,d;W kfpo;r;rpahf ,Uf;fpwJ” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

“mg;gh> #jhLk; fhyj;jpy; tPl;by; cs;s vy;yhg; nghUl;fisAk;; nfhz;L nrd;W itj;Jr; #jhbtpLthu;. rikf;Fk; muprpiaf; $l vLj;J xspj;J itj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. xspj;J itj;jhYk; mijj; Njbf; fz;Lgpbj;Jf; nfhz;L nrd;W #jhb tpLthu;. xU #jhbf;F tho;f;ifg;gl;ljhy; mk;khTk;> mtUf;Fg; gps;isfshfg; gpwe;j ehKk; vj;jidNah ehl;fs; rhg;ghbd;wpg; grpAld; gLj;jpUf;fpNwhk;. #njd;W nrhy;yg;gLk; %Njtp mg;ghit tpOq;fp tpl;ljhy;> mg;ghTld; Nru;e;J ehKk; cz;z topapy;yhky; Jd;gg;gl;Nlhk;. fhyg; Nghf;fpy; mg;gh #jhl;lj;jhy; gpj;Jg;gpbj;Jg; Nghdhu;” mOjhs; aNrhjpdp.

“#jhlj; njlq;fpdhy; nghOJ NghtNj njupahJ. #jhLk; NghJ #jhLgtu;fis mr; #J tpOq;fptpLfpwJ. mjdhy; grpjhfk; vJTk; njupahJ. mg;gbj;jhd; ehDk; ,Ue;Njd;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

27

“Fbiatpl;Ltpl;ljhfr; rj;jpak; nra;jJ Nghy “#jhl khl;Nld;” vd;Wk; rj;jpak; nra;J jhUq;fs;” vd;W Nfl;lhs; aNrhjpdp.

nfq;fhjud; rpupj;jhd;. “Vd; rpupf;fpwPu;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;lhs; aNrhjpdp.

“ehd; Kd;G rj;jpak; nra;Ak; NghJ mij eP myl;rpak; nra;tha;. gyKiw ehd; rj;jpak; nra;Jtpl;L mij kPwpaikahy; jhd; eP mg;gb ele;J nfhz;lha;. ,g;NghJ rj;jpak; nra;Ak;gb Nfl;fpwha;. mJjhd; rpupj;Njd;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

“VNjh Xu; mw;gek;gpf;if. gytUl fhyj;jpd; gpd; ,d;W jhd; ePq;fs; fs;Sf; Fbahky; ,Uf;fpwPu;fs;. gy Kiw rj;jpaQ; nra;J tpl;Lf; fs;isf; Fbj;Jtpl;L te;Jk; Fbf;ftpy;iy vd;W rj;jpaQ; nra;tPu;fs;. rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; ePq;fs; Fbj;j fs; jdJ Ntiyiaf; fhl;Lk;. mjdhy; vk;Kld; rz;il tUtPu;fs;. Mdhy; ,d;W ve;jtpjkhd MuthuKkpd;wp ,Uf;fpwPu;fs;. mjdhy; jhd; rj;jpak; Nfl;Nld;” vd;why; aNrhjpdp.

mg;NghJ “nfq;fhjud; nfq;fhjud;” vd;W aNuh miof;Fk; rj;jk; Nfl;lJ.

28

“jdQ;nrad; Nghyj; njupfpwJ. ehd; ,y;iy vd;W nrhy;” vd;W $wptpl;L cs;Ns nrd;W kiwe;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. aNrhjpdpf;F mtdJ nray; Mr;rupaj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ. kw;w ehl;fnsd;why; ahuhtJ $g;gpl;lhy; clNd nrd;W tpLthd; jdQ;randd;why; jhkjpf;fhJ nrd;WtpLthd;.

,uj;jpd rpq;fKk; aNrhjpdpAk; ntspNa te;jdu;. Kw;wj;jpy; jdQ;nrad; epd;whd;; “nfq;fh epw;fpwhdh...?” vd;W Nfl;lhd;.

“,y;iy> mtu; ,d;Dk; tPl;Lf;F tutpy;iy”.

“rup” vd;W $wptpl;Lj; jpUk;gpdhd; jdQ;nrad;.

“Vd; mtidj; Njbte;jha;? ehd;F kzpf;F ePjhNd mtiu mioj;Jr; nrd;wha;”. vd;W Nfl;lhs; aNrhjpdp.

“mioj;Jr; nrd;wdhd;jhd;. mtd; Mapuf;fzf;fpy; Njhw;Wtpl;L te;Jtpl;lhd;. vdf;Fg; grpf;fpwJ. grpapd; nfhLikiaj;jhq;f Kbatpy;iy. mtdpUe;jhy; mtdplk; VjhtJ

29

thq;fp cz;zyhnkd;W te;Njd;” vd;whd; jdQ;nrad;.

“#jhl cd;dplk; gzk; ,Uf;fpwJ. cztpw;fh gzk; ,y;iy. ,Ue;j gzk; KOtijAk; #jhbj; Njhw;Wtpl;L czTf;fhfg; gpwuplk; ifePl;l cdf;F ntl;fkhf ,y;iyah? cdJ jfg;gd; ngUk; tu;j;jfh;. mtu; rk;ghjpj;j nrhj;Jf;fisnay;yhk; ,oe;Jtpl;L ,g;Ngh gpr;ir vLf;fpwha;” vd;whu; ,uj;jpd rpq;fk;.

“grpnad;W tUe;jpf;Nfl;fpd;wtid VrhjPu;fs;. mJ vkf;Fg; ghtk;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

“ehd; ghtk; gop ghu;j;Jj; jhd; ,d;W ,e;j epiyapy; ,Uf;fpNwd;. ,tid mbj;Jj; Juj;j Ntz;Lk;. #jhbfSf;F czT nfhLg;gJk; ghtk;” vd;whu; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;.

“#J vd;W nrhy;yg;gLk; %Njtpahy; tpOq;fg;gl;ltu;fs;> tapW epiwa cz;zf;$l topaw;wtuhfpg; gy Jd;gq;fSf;F Mshfp Ntjidg;gLthh;fs; vd;W Nfs;tpg;gl;bUf;fpNwd;. mJjhd; ,g;NghJ jdQ;nradpd; tho;f;ifapy; ele;Js;sJ. ,td; fhyg;Nghf;fpy; rhg;ghl;by;yhkNy ,we;J Nghthd;”. vd;whs;

30

aNrhjpdp. ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; mjd;gpd; vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy.

936. mfLMuhh; my;yy; cog;gh; #Jvd;Dk; Kfbahy; %lg;gl; lhh;.

#J vd;W nrhy;yg;gLfpd;w

%Njtpahy; tpOq;fg;gl;lth;> tapW epiwa cz;z Kbahjtuhfpg; gy Jd;gq;fSf;Fl;gl;L tUe;Jth;.

,og;git

md;W ,uT tapW epiwar; rhg;gpl;L tpl;Lr; nrd;w jdQ;rad; kWehs;f; fhiy tpbAKd; nfq;fhjudpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mtidf; fz;lJk; msTf;f jpfkhd Nfhgk; nfhz;l ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; mtid Vrpdhh;@ “,uT tapW Kl;lr; rhg;gpl;L tpl;Lg; NghddP. ,g;g Vd; te;jpUf;fpwha;? xOq;fhf tho;e;j vd;Dila kfidf; nfLj;jJ ePjhd;. cd;Dila jfg;gdhh; ngUk; #jhb. nrhj;Jf;fisnay;yhk; mopj;J tpl;Lr; rhg;ghl;Lf;F topapy;yhky; nrj;jth;. ePAk; mbg;gbj;jhd; rhfg; Nghfpwha;. cd;iu Nfhyj;ijg; ghh;j;jhy; gj;J ehl;fshf czitf; fhzjtd; Nghy cs;sJ. aNrhjpdp nrhd;dJ Nghy cd;idr; #J tpOq;fp tpl;lJ. ,dp cdf;Fr; rhg;ghL fpilf;fhJ.

31

,g;g Vd; ,q;F te;jdp? nfq;fhjuidr; #jhl mioj;Jr; nry;yg; Nghfpwhah”? cd;dhy; jhd; mtd; nfl;lope;jtd;. eP mtDld; Nruhtpl;lhy; mtDf;Fr; #jhLk; vz;zNk tuhJ. cq;fisg; Nghd;w ed;F #jhbfs; ,Ue;jhy; cyfNk nfl;lope;J tpLk;” vd;whh;.

ntspNa rj;jk; Nfl;L aNrhjpdp te;jhs;. thrypy; jdQ;nraid khkdhh; Vrpf;nfhz;bUg;gijf; fz;lhs;. mtd; jdJ fztid mioj;Jr; nry;yNt te;jpUf;fpwhndd epidj;jhs;. Kjy; ehSk; mtd; Nfhapybf;Fr;nrd;W mioj;Jr; nrd;wij epidj;jhs;.

“tpbAKd; cdf;Fr; #jhLk; vz;zk; te;J tpl;ljh..? tpbe;jjpy; ,Ue;J eLr; rhkk; tiu #jhLk; ,lj;jpy; ePq;fs; nghOijf; fopj;jhy; cq;fs; FLk;gj;jpdupd; ghL vd;d”? #jhLw ePq;fs; Vd; fy;ahzq; fl;bg; gps;is Fl;bfisg; ngj;jPh;fs;...?” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

“nfhg;gh; #jhLk; ,lj;jpy; fhyj;ijf; fopj;Jg; guk;giur; nrhj;njy;yh tw;iwAk; ,oe;jhh;. mNjhil> cq;fspd; FLk;gj;ij vtUk; kjpg;gjpy;iy. ,g;g eP mNj Nghy te;jpl;lha;. cd;idAk; xUtUk; kjpg;gjpy;iy. nfq;fhTk; ,g;g tPLthriy tpl;L tpl;L #jhLw ,lj;jpNyNa jq;fp tpLfpwhd;. New;W

32

khiy eP $l;bf; nfhz;L NghddP.. tpbe;Jk; tutpy;iy. ,uhj;jpup grpnad;W te;jha;. vdf;nfd;why; cdf;F czT jutpUg;gkpy;iy. aNrh jhd; je;jts;. ,g;g Vd; te;jdP? cs;Ns tuNtz;lhk; Ngh” vd;W fj;jpdhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;.

jdQ;rad; Jf;fj;Jld; jpUk;gp ele;jhd;. “nfq;fhjud; tPl;Lf;F tuhtpl;lhy; vq;Nf nrd;wpUg;ghd;? ,g;Ngh mtid tre;jpdpAk; mz;Ltjpy;iy. mtdplk; gzk; ,y;yhjjhy; mtidj; Juj;jp tpl;lhs;. etuhrhtpd; tPl;bw;Fr; nrd;wpUg;ghNdh? mq;F nrd;why; etuhrh VRthd;” vd;W epidj;jgb ele;jhd; jdQ;rad;.

jdQ;rad; nrd;w gpd; nfq;fhjud; ntspNa te;jhd;@ “ehd; jpUe;jyhnkd;W epidj;jhYk; tpLfpwhh;fspy;iy. ,dpahuhtJ vd;idj; Njb te;jhy; ,y;iynad;W nrhy;tpL. mth;fsJ Kfj;ijf; fz;lJk; vdJ kdk; khwptpLk;. th> kfh fzgjp NfhapYf;Fr; nrd;W tUNthk;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

“aNrh> eP Nghl;L th gps;is. ehd; tPl;L Ntiyfisf; ftdpf;fpNwd;. mtidj;jdpa tpl;lhy; New;Wg; Nghy ahuhtJ $l;br; nrd;W tpLthh;fs;” vd;whs; jhl;rhapzp.

33

aNrhjpdpAk; nfq;fhjuDk; kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpw;F te;jdh;. jzpfhryk; mth;fisg; ghh;j;J tpl;Lr; rpupj;jhh;@ “fdfhyj;jpw;Fg; gpwF Nrhbaha;f; NfhapYf;F te;jpUf;fpwpas;. VjhtJ tpN\rkh..?” vd;W Nfl;lhh;.

“,y;iy” rpupj;jhs; aNrhjpdp.

“ehd; ek;g khl;ld;. thypg kpLf;fpiy gy mepahaq;fisr; rpyNgh; Muhahky; nra;tpid. mjdhy; f\;lk;> Neha;> gpur;rpidfs; te;jgpd; jhd; mth;fSf;Ff; flTs; kPJ gf;jp tUk;@ cwtpdh; kPJ md;G tUk;@ kidtp gps;isfs; kPJ mf;fiw cz;lhFk;. gyKs;s NghJk; kiditpAld; NfhapYf;F tUthh;fs;@ gytPdkile;j NghJk; kidtpAld; NfhapYf;F tUthh;fs;. NfhapYf;F tUk; NghJ jtwhJ kidtpia mioj;J tUgtd; epahakhdtd;@ jPikfs; nra;ahjtd; ,d;W> nfq;fh cd;idf; NfhapYf;F mioj;J te;jpUf;fpwh ndd;why; mJ cd; kPJs;s md;gpdhyy;y> jdf;Fj; jPik te;J tpLk; vd;w gaj;jpdhy; jhd;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;.

“VNjh jPik te;j gpd;dhtJ vd;Dld; te;J Nrh;e;jhNu. mJNt NghJk;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

34

“cd;id khjpupg; ngz;fs; epidf;fpwjhy; jhd; ,tidg; Nghd;w Mz;fs; nfl;Lg; Nghfpwhh;fs;. Mz;fs; nfl;Lg; Nghtjw;F cd;idg; Nghd;w ngz;fs;jhd; fhuzk;. ruprup Ngha;r; Rthkpia ed;whff; Fk;gpL. ,td; G+uzkhfj; jpUe;jptpl;lhndd;W ek;ghNj. #jhLgth;fs; ,Nyrpy; jpUe;jkhl;lhh;fs;. jpUe;jpaijg; Nghy ebj;J Vkhw;Wthh;fs;. ftdkhf ,U” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;.

937. gofpa nry;tKk; gz;Gk; nfLf;Fk; fofj;Jf; fhiy Gfpd;.

#jhLk; ,lj;jpy; xUtd; jdJ fhyj;ijf; fopg;ghdhdhy;> mJ mtdJ %jhijh; Njb itj;j nry;tj;ijAk; ew;gz;GfisAk; nfLf;Fk;.

gy;tifj; Jd;gq;fs;

mh;r;ridj; jl;Lld; aNrhjpdp Nfhapypd; cs;Ns nrd;whs;. mijf; fz;l jzpfhyrk; nrhd;dhh;@ “nfq;fh> aNrhjpdpiag; Nghy xU ngz;iz kidtpahf mila eP nfhLj;J itj;jpUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;@ mj;Jld; ngUk; Gz;zpak; nra;jpUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. cd;idNa

35

nja;tkhf epidj;J> eP nra;Ak; jPikfisnay;yhk; G+kpiag; Nghyg; nghWj;J> jhiag; Nghy cd;kPJk; cdJ FLk;gj;jpd; kPJk; mstpy;yhj ghrj;ijg; nghopfpd;w aNrhjpdpf;Fj; jPik nra;a cdf;F vg;gb kdk; te;jJ? vj;jid Kiw eP mtisg; ngha; nrhy;yp Vkhw;wp apUg;gha;. ghtk; mts;@ eP Vkhw;wpaJ NghJk;@ ,dpahtJ mtis Vkhw;whJ xOq;fhf thog;ghh;. eP ngha; nrhy;yp Vkhw;w Vkhw;w mijf; fUj;jpw; nfhs;shJ> eP jdJ fztd; vd;W epidj;J vg;NghJk; VkhWk; mtisj; jaT nra;J ,dpAk; Vkhw;whNj. mts; mijj; jhq;fkhl;lhs;”vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L Nfhapypd; cs;Ns nrd;whh; jzpfhryk;.

rpy ehl;fSf;F Kd; mtd; etuhrhit Vkhw;wpaij epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. md;W tre;jpdp mtdplk; gj;jhapuk; &gh jUkhW Nfl;L mlk;gpbj;jhs;. mtdplk; Iahapuk; &gh ,Ue;jJ. md;W maY}upypUe;J ngupa gzf;fhuu;fs; rpyh; #jhl murbf;F tUtjhf mwptpj;jpUe;jdh;. mth;fs; te;jhy; jhd; #jhl;lk; fis fl;Lk;. mjdhy; md;W fl;lhak; #jhl Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhf tpahghu epiyaj;jpy; ,Ue;j Iahapuk; &ghit vLj;Jj; jdJ rl;ilg; igapy; itj;jhd;. mijf; fz;l mq;F Nriy nra;Ak; rpg;ge;jp@ “Iah> Kjyhsp jzpfhrykz;izf;Ff; nfhLf;fr; nrhy;ypr; nrhd;dth;” vd;whd;.

36

“vd;dplKk; nrhd;dth;. ehd; vd;dplkpUe;j gzj;ij jzpfhryj;ij topapy; fz;l NghJ nfhLj;J tpl;Nld;. mij vLf;fpNwd;” vd;whd;. rpg;ge;jpf;Fr; re;Njfkhf ,Ue;j NghJk; mtdhy; vijAk; $w Kbatpy;iy. me;jg; gzj;ij kiwj;J itj;Jf; nfhz;L jd;dplk; gzk; ,y;iynad;whd;” nfq;fhjud;

“vdf;F mtrukhfj; Njit. fl;lhak; jh. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; ,dpNky; ,q;F tuNtz;lhk;” vd;whs; tre;jpdp.

nfq;fhjud; jdJ ifj;njhiyNgrpia vLj;J etuhrhNthL njhlh;G nfhz;L tpl;L tre;jpdpaplk; nfhLj;Jj;jhd; Kd; $wpaijg; Nghyf; fijf;fr; nrhd;dhd;.

“ehd; aNrhjpdp NgRfpNwd;. ePq;fs; etuhrh jhNd”.

“Xk; vd;d”? gugug;ghf ,Uf;fpwPu;fs;. nfq;fhTf;F VjhtJ” mtjpg;gl;lhd; etuhrh.

“nfq;fhTf;F xd;Wkpy;iy. khkhTf;F neQ;Rtyp. itj;jparhiyf;F nfhz;LNghf

37

Ntz;Lk;. mth; cs;s epiyapy; mtuplk; gzj;ij vg;gbf; Nfl;gJ? gj;jhapuk; &gh jhUq;Nfh. mtiu mDg;GfpNwd;” vd;W $wptpl;L njhiyNgrpia epWj;jpdhs; tre;jpdp.

etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F mOthiug; Nghyr; nrd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. mtdJ ebg;igf; fz;l etuhrh vJTk; Nfl;fhky; nfq;fhjuDf;Fg; gzj;ijf; nfhLj;jhd;. gpd; mtd; aNrhjpdpapd; tPl;Lf;F ,uj;jpdrpq;fj;ijg; ghh;f;fj; Njhlk;goq;fSld; te;j NghJ jhd; tre;jpdpAk; nfq;fhjuDk; ngha; nrhy;ypj; jd;id Vkhw;wpaJ njupate;jJ.

kWehs; nfq;fhjud; etuhrhtplk; thq;fpa gzj;ijf; nfhLf;fr; nrd;whd;@ “eP vd;Dld; fijf;fhij. eP #jhb vd;W njupe;Jk; ek;gpf;ifAld; gofpa vd;idj; jpl;lkpl;L Vkhw;wpapUf;fpwha;. #J nghUl;fis kl;Lk; mopg;gjpy;iy. mtidj; jPatdhf khw;Wk;@ jpUldhf khw;Wk;@ ngha;adhf khw;Wk;. eP mUSs;stdhf ,Ue;jpUe;jhy; cdJ je;ijf;F neQ;R typ vd;W tpgr;rhup nahUj;jpiaf; nfhz;L ngha; $w itj;jpUg;ghah? mjdhy; cdJ je;ijAk; jhAk; kidtpAk; vt;tsT Jd;gj;ij mDgtpj;jhh;fs; vd;W cdf;Fj; njupahJ. rP> cd;idg; Nghy xU kdpjid ehd; fhztpy;iy. #jhLtjw;fhfg; gy jpUFjhsq;fisr; nra;j cd;id vd;dhy; ,dpAk; ek;g KbahJ. ve;jr; re;jh;g;gh;j;jpYk;

38

cdf;F ehd; gzk; jukhl;Nld;. tpgr;rhupia cdJ kidtpiag; Nghyg; Ngrr; nrhy;y cdf;F vt;tsT JzpT ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ghtk; aNrhjpdp. eP ,t;tstw;iwr; nra;j gpd;Gk; cd;Dld; $btho tpUk;Gfpwhs;” vd;whd; etuhrh.

etuhrh nrhd;dJ mtdJ fhjpy; xypj;jJ@ “tre;jpdp vg;NghJk; jdJ tp\aj;jpNyNa fz;fhf ,Ug;ghs;. Mdhy; aNrhjpdp mg;gbay;y. mts; ghtk;. ,dp mtis Vkhw;wf; $lhJ. mg;gNd! kfh fzgjpNa! vd;id ey;y Kiwapy; ,dpahtJ thotpL” vd;W gpuhh;j;jpj;jhd; nfq;fhjud;.

938. nghUs; nfLj;Jg; ngha;Nky; nfhsP, mUs;nfLj;J my;yy; cog;gpf;Fk; #J. #J> cs;s nghUs;fisAk; mopj;Jg; ngha; nrhy;Yk; epiyf;F Mshf;fp> mUisAk; nfLj;Jg; gy tifahd Jd;gj;ijf; nfhLj;J tUj;Jk;. vijAk; mila Kbahjtd;

nfq;fhjudpd; Njhspy; aNuh ifia itj;jhh;fs;. epidTfspy; ,Ue;J tpLgl;l nfq;fhjud; jpUk;gpg; ghh;j;jhd;. gpd;dhy; jdQ;rad; rpupj;Jf; nfhz;L epd;whd;@ “,d;W ePh;Ntypapy; ,Ue;J Ie;J Ngh; #jhl

39

tUfpwhh;fshk;. cd;id murbf;F tUk;gb rpq;fuhrh nrhd;dhd;” vd;whd;.

nfq;fhjud; mtidj; jpUk;gpg; ghuhJ NfhapypDs; Xbr; nrd;whd;. mtd; Xb tUtijf; fz;l aNrhjpdp ntspNa ghh;j;jhs;. mq;F jdQ;rad; epd;whd;.

“aNrh> vdf;Fg; gakhf ,Uf;F. vdf;F mUfpNyNa epy;. mtDld; fijj;jhy; ehd; kdk; khwptpLNtd;. gbf;Fk; fhyj;jpy; ,tNdhL Nrh;e;J ehd; #jhLk; ,lq;fSf;Fr; nrd;wjhy; jhd; vd;dhy; gbf;f Kbahky; Ngha; tpl;lJ. vd;Dld; gbj;jth;fnsy;NyhUk; ,d;W ey;y epiyapy; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. ehd; gbf;fr; nry;fpNwd; vd;W mg;gh nryT nra;j fhnry;yhk; #jhb Kbj;Njd;. gpd;Gk; ,tdhy; jhd; #jhLfpNwd;. ehd; Nghfhtpl;lhy; ,td; vd;idj; Njb te;J tpLfpwhd;. aNuh> #jhl te;jpUf;fpwhh;fshk;> vd;id tul;lhk;.” fyq;fpdhd; nfq;fhjud;.

“ePq;fs; ,Uq;Nfh. Vd; gag;gLfpwPh;fs;?”

“aNrh cdf;F xd;Wk; GupahJ. #jhlg;gofpajhy; ,sikapy; vdJ fy;tpia ,oe;J tpl;Nld;@ vdJ FLk;gkhdj;ijf; nfLj;J tpl;Nld;@ vdJ nray;fshy; GfOld; tho;e;j vdJ je;ij ntspNa nry;y ntl;fg;gLfpwhh;. mg;gh Njbitj;j vt;tsT

40

nrhj;ijr; #jhb ,oe;Njd;. #jhLtjhy; ehd; xOq;fhf czT $l cz;gjpy;iy. #jhLk; ,lj;jpy; ehd; fhyk; fopg;gjhy; ey;y nray;fs; vijak; nra;jjpy;iy. mijtpl vdJ kfs; vd;idf; Nfl;l Nfs;tpf;F ehd; md;Nw nrj;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. ,e;j epiy Vd; te;jJ. ehd; gs;spg; gUtj;jpNy #jhl;lj;ijg; gofpaikahy; jhNd.” mOjhd; nfq;fhjud;.

“xUtd; jhd; nra;jJ jtW vd;W epidj;J tUe;jpaOjhy; mtd; jpUe;jptpl;lhndd;W mh;j;jk;. vdJ mg;gh xUKiw $lj; jhd; #jhLtJ jtW vd;W nrhd;djpy;iy. mk;kh mtuhy; kdf; Fog;gkile;j NghJk;> mth; jpUe;jtpy;iy. jpUe;j Ntz;lhk; jhd; nra;tJ nfhba ghtk; vd;W $l epidf;f tpy;iy. mk;khtpd; kd MWjYf;fhff; $l mth; jtW vd;W ngha;ahff; $lr; nrhy;ytpy;iy. Mdhy; ePq;fs; mg;gbay;y nra;jJ jtW vd;W xg;Gf; nfhs;fpwPh;fs;. jpUe;Jtjhfr; nrhy;fpwPu;fs;. vdf;F mJNt NghJk;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

“eP ek;gyhk;. Mdhy; vdf;Fg; gakhf cs;sJ. vdJ ez;gh;fs; vd;idj; jpUe;j tplkhl;lhh;fs;. ehd; jpUe;jpdhy; mJ jkf;F el;lnkd;W epidf;fpwhh;fs;”.nfq;fhjudpd; Fuy; gprpwpaJ.

“gag;glhijq;Nfh@ kfh fzgjp kPJ ek;gpf;if itAq;Nfh. mth; vkJ Fynja;tk;. mtiu ek;gp mtuJ NfhapYf;F te;J

41

tpl;lhy;> ve;jj; jPik te;jhYk; mth; vk;ikf; fhg;ghw;Wthh;. mj;Jld; vkf;F ey;yth;fspd; njhlh;gpUf;fpwJ. Rthkpiaf; Fk;gpl;L tpl;L thUq;fs;. ehk; etuhrhtplQ; nry;Nthk;. etuhrhtpd; tpl;by; ePq;fs; ,Ue;jhy; mtDf;Fg; gae;J ahUk; mq;F tukhl;lhh;fs;.” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

“G+ir Kbtile;jJk; gpurhjj;ijg; ngw;Wf; nfhz;L nfq;fhjuDk; aNrhjdpAk; ntspNa te;jdh;. jdQ;nrad; ntspkz;lgj;jpy; ,Ue;jhd;. aNrhjpapDld; nfq;fhjud; te;jjhy; mtDf;F nfq;fhjuDld; fijg;gjw;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ.

nfq;fhjuDk; aNrhjpdpAk; Rthkpahupd; mUNf nrd;W mkh;e;jdh;. Rthkpahh; ep\;ilapy; ,Ue;jhh;. ntFNeukhf mth; tpopf;ftpy;iy. nfq;fhjud; jpUk;gp kz;lgj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. jdQ;nrad; kz;lgj;jpy; ,Ue;J mtidg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. Kjs; ehs; ,uT mtDf;Fj;jhd;@ “czT nfhLj;jJ jtW” vd;W epidj;jhs; aNrhjpdp.

Rthkpahh;; fz;tpopj;jhh;@ “kfNd> kdijj; jsutplhNj. flTs; kPJ gf;jp it. eP epidj;jij mila tplh Kaw;rp nra;. kdk;> nrhy;> nray; Mfpa %d;iwAk; xd;whf

42

,izj;Jr; nraw;gL. nra;a vz;zpaij xU NghJk; nra;a Kbahnjd;W epidf;fhNj. nrhd;dijr; nra;J fhl;Ltjpy; cWjpahf ,U. mg;gbapUe;jhy; cd;id nty;y ahuhYk; KbahJ” vd;W $wptpl;Lf; fz;fis %bdhh; Rthkpahh;.

jpBnud;W xU ijupak; jdJ kdJs; Eioe;jij czh;e;jhd; nfq;fhjud;.

939. cilnry;tk; Cz;xsp fy;tpvd;W Ie;Jk; milahthk; Mak; nfhspd;.

xUtd; #jhLtij Nkw;nfhz;lhy;> mJ Gfo;> fy;tp> nry;tk;> czT> cil Mfpa Ie;ijAk; mtd; mila Kbahj epiyia cz;lhf;Fk;.

Mir kpFk;

Rthkpahh; $wpa gpd; mtDs; xU Gj;Jzh;T Vw;gl;lijg; NghypUe;jJ. vOe;J kz;lg thrYf;F te;jhd;. mtd; fl;lhak; vOe;J tUthd; vd;gij czh;e;j jdQ;rad; mtidf; fz;lJk; vOe;jhd;@ “#jhb xUtdhy; #jhlhky; ,Uf;f KbahJ. mtd; jd;idg; gw;wpNah> jdJ FLk;gj;ijg; gw;wpNah xUNghJk; vz;zkhl;lhd;. ,d;W vg;gbr; #jhLtJ> mjw;F vg;gbg; nghUs; Nrh;g;gJ

43

vd;W jhd; vz;zpf; nfhz;Nl ,Ug;ghd;. nghUs; ,y;yhtpl;lhy; vq;Nf fsntLf;fyhk; vd;W epidg;ghd;. ehDk; mg;gbj;jhNd epidf;fpNwd;. xUthufhykhf vdf;Fr; rhg;gpl czT fpilf;ftpy;iy. Mdhy; ehd; Njhl;lq;fshYk; tPLfspYk; fsntLj;Jj;jhNd #jhbNdd;. nrd;w thuk; NfhapYf;F te;j tujuhrhtpd; kidtpapd; rq;fpypia mWj;Njd;. ,uthd gbahy; mfg;gltpy;iy. #jhlr; #jhl ,d;gk; mjpfupf;Fk;. nghUis ,of;f ,of;f nty;y Ntz;Lnkd;w Mtyhy; NkYk; NkYk; #jhl Ntz;Lk; vd;w MirNa cz;lhFk;”. vd;W epidj;jthW@ “,d;W may; fpuhkq;fspy; ,Ue;J gyh; tUfpwhh;fs;. ePAk; th” vd;whd;. jdQ;rad;.

“,d;Ws;s #o;epiyapy; vd;dhy; Jd;gq;fisj; jhq;fpf;nfhs;sNt Kbatpy;iy. ehd;jhd; jdJ caph; vd;W nrhd;d tre;jpdp> vd;idj; jdJ tPl;Lg; gf;fk; te;jhy;> “Mis itj;J mbj;J Kwpg;gpg;Ngd;” vd;W nrhy;yp tpl;lhs;. Fbg;gjhy; gzk; nrythfpwJ vd;W FLk;gj;jpdh; $Wfpd;wdh;. #jhLtjhy; jpdKk; Njhy;tpjhd; cz;lhfpwJ. ngUe;njhifahd nghUl;fis ,oe;j NghJk; #jhlNtz;Lnkd;w Mh;tk; kdJs; vOfpwJ. nrd;w Gjd;fpoik KOtJk; #jhb gy Mapuk; &ghf;fis ,oe;Njd;. ,Ue;j NghJk; gy Mapuk; &ghf;fisf; fld; thq;fpr; #jhbNdd;. ,Ug;gpDk; #jhlf; $lhJ vd;w vz;zk; vdJ kdjpy; voNt ,y;iy. ,g;NghJ vd;dhy;

44

Jd;gq;fisj; jhq;fpf; nfhs;sNt Kbatpy;iy. tPl;lhh; mayth; ez;gh;fs; vy;NyhUk; vd;idj; jpUe;JkhW Gj;jpkjpfs; $Wfpwhh;fs;. mjdhy; ehd; tho Mirg;gLfpNwd;. vy;NyhupdJ Jd;gq;fisAk; tpl cd;dhy; jhd; Jd;gk; mjpfk;. cd;idf; fz;lhy; vdf;F tprh; gpbf;fpwJ. kwe;j nfl;l epidTfs; kdJs; vOe;J vf;idj; jd; trkhf;Ffpd;wd. mjdhy; ,dpNky; vd;id te;J re;jpf;fhNj. kPwp te;jhahdhy; cd;idf; nfhiy nra;aTk; jaq;fkhl;Nld;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

“cd;idg; Nghyg; gyiu ehd; fz;ldhd;. #jhLgtd; jpUe;jNt KbahJ. Rk;kh nrhy;Ythd;@ rj;jpak; nra;thd;@ ,njy;yhk; vdf;Fj; njupahjh?” ,g;gbNa tUfpwhah my;yJ kidtpiaf; $l;br; nrd;W tPl;by; tpl;L tpl;L tUfpwhah?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; jdQ;rad;.

nfq;fhjuDf;F msTf;fjpfkhd Nfhgk; te;jJ. epyj;jpy; ,Ue;j xU ngupa fy;iyj; J}f;fpf; nfhz;L mtDf;F mUNf nrd;whd;. VNjh tpguPjk; elf;fg; NghfpwJ vd;gij czh;e;j aNrhjpdp mtdpd; mUNf nrd;whs;@ “cq;fSf;F vd;d te;jJ. Nfhapybapy; rz;il gpbf;fg; NghfpwPu;;fsh”? fy;iyf; fPNO NghLq;Nfh” vd;wthW mtdJ ifiag; gpbj;jhs;.

45

jdQ;nrad; mg;NghJk; rpupj;jhd;. gpd;@ “vd;idf; fy;yhy; mbj;J tpl;L ePjhd; nryT nra;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ehd; Nghwd; eP th. eP fl;lhak; tUthnad vdf;Fj; njupAk;” vd;W nrhy;ypathW ele;J nfhz;bUe;jhd;.

msTf;fjpfkhd Nfhgj;jhy; mtDf;F %r;R ,iuj;jJ@ “ahuhtJ vijAk; nrhy;yl;Lk;. ePq;fs; Vd; Nfhgg;gLfpwPh;fs;. mtd; ehiye;J ehl;fSf;F tUthd;. ePq;fs; Nghfhtpl;lhy; gpd; thud;. thUq;Nfh tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;Nthk;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

mijg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L epd;w jzpfhryk; mtdpd; mUNf te;jhh;@ “nfq;fh> xUtd; jpUe;j Kaw;rpj;jhYk; $bapUf;fpwth;fs; mtidj; jpUe;j tplkhl;lhh;fs;. cd;dplk; gyfhykhf thq;fp cz;Lk;> thq;fpr; #jhbAk; ,d;gkile;jth;fs; cdJ khw;wj;jhy; el;lkilthh;fs;. mjdhy; cd;idf; nfLf;fNt Kaw;rpg;ghh;fs;. ,e;j Neuj;jpy; jhd; eP mtjhdkhf ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. rpy ehl;fSf;F kdijj; jsutplhJ cWjpahf ,Uf;fg;gofp tpl;lhy; gpd; me;j epidNt tuhJ. aNrh> nfq;fhitj;jpUj;Jk; nghWg;G cd;idNa rhh;e;jJ. nfhQ;r ehl;fSf;F vy;yh NtiyfisAk; xJf;fp itj;J tpl;L mtidg; gpupahjpU. ez;gh;fisr; re;jpj;jdhdhy; mtDf;Fg; gioa epidTfs; te;J tpLk;” vd;whh;.

46

“rup” vd;W jiyahl;ba aNrhjpdp> gy ehl;fSf;Fg; gpd; mtid MirNahL ghh;j;jhs;.

940. ,fo;njhW}ck; fhjypf;Fk; #NjNghy; Jd;gk; coj;njhW}ck; fhjw;W caph;.

nghUs; itj;Jr; #jhb mij ,of;f

,of;f NkYk; NkYk; #jhlNtz;L nkd;w Mir mjpfupf;Fk;. #jhl;lk; Nghy> cly; Jd;gg;gl;L tUe;j tUe;j caph; tho Ntz;Lk; vd;w Mir kpFe;J tUk;.

Neha;f;fhd top

“gps;is aNrh neQ;R typf;Fjk;kh. nfhQ;rr; RLjz;zPh;jh” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;.

mtUf;F neQ;R typj;jJ. Gspj;j Vg;gk; ntspNa te;jJ. tapw;iwg; Gul;baJ. mtUf;F mUNf te;j jhl;rhapdp mth; Jbg;gijg; ghh;j;Jf; ftiyg;gl;lhs;. mtsJ fz;fs; fyq;fpd@ “ve;j NeuKk; cq;fSf;F Nahridjhd;. ,g;Ngh ePq;fs; rhg;gpLtJk; FiwT”

47

“cd;Dila Mir kfd; Cupy; gpur;rpidg;gl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhy; kfpo;r;rpaha;j; jhNd ,Uf;Fk;” vd;whh;. “mtd; ,d;W New;Nw gpur;rpidg; gh;whd;. ,UgJ ,Ugj;ije;J tUlq;fshf mg;gbj;jhNd elf;fpwhd;. mtid vz;zpf; ftiyg;glhijq;Nfh vd;W nrhd;dhy; Nfl;fpwPh;fs; ,y;iy” vd;whs; jhl;rhapdp. “mtd; tPl;il tpl;L Ngha;tpl;lh ndd;why; gpur;rpid ,y;iy. ftiyg;glhky; ,Uf;fyhk;. Mdhy; ,td; vkJ tPl;by; ,Ue;J nfhz;L nra;Ak; mlhtbj;jdq;fshy; vd;dhy; tPjpahy; nry;y Kbatpy;iy. ,td; Jzpapy;yhky; New;W re;jpapiy fple;jtdhk;. vd;iu kupahijNa Ngha;tpl;lJ. ehd; nrj;Jg; Nghdhy; fiur;ry; ,y;iy. fz; Kd;dhy; fhz;gjhy;jhd; ftiyahf ,Uf;F@ rhg;gpl Kbahky; ,Uf;F” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. “ftiyg;glhijq;Nfh khkh. ePq;fs; ftiyg;gl;L cq;fSf;F VjhtJ Mfptpl;lhy; ehk; Jizapy;yhky; Ngha; tpLNt7hk;” vd;W RLePiuf; nfhLj;J tpl;Lf; fz; fyq;fpdhs; aNrhjpdp. jhl;rhapdp ijyj;ij vLj;J mtupd; neQ;rpy; G+rpdhs;. mth; Vg;gkpl;lhh;.

48

“RLjz;zPiuf; Fbj;J tpl;L thUq;fs;. itj;jpauplk; nry;Nthk;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. “vdf;F xd;Wkpy;iy. mg;gb VJk; te;jhYk; ey;yJ. epk;kjpahfg; Ngha; tplyhk;” “khkh> ,g;gb Vd; nrhy;fpwPu;fs;? thUq;fs; kUe;njLj;J tUNthk;” vd;W fyq;fpdhs; aNrhjpdp. mts; Jf;fg;gl;lhy; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; jdJ Jauj;ij ntspf;fhl;lkhl;lhh;. Vw;fdNt gy;NtW tifapy; Jaug;gLk; mts; jd;idAk; epidj;Jf; ftiyg;gLthnsd epidg;ghh;. “rup th kUe;njLf;fg; NghNthk;” vd;W Gwg;gl;lhhh; ,uj;jprpq;fk;. nfq;fhjud; Nkhl;lhh; tz;biaf; nfhz;L te;jhd;. mjpy; ,uj;jpdrpq;fj;ij Vw;wpf; nfhz;L aNrhjpdp Gwg;gl;lhs;. itj;jpah; ,uhruj;jpdk; ,uj;jpdrpq;fj;jpd; ifiag; gpbj;J ehb ghh;j;jhh;. gpd; nrhd;dhh;@ “,uj;j mOj;jk; ,y;iy. gag;gl Ntz;lhk;. fz;lgb Nahrpf;fhijq;Nfh. ftiyfs;jhd; ,Uja tUj;jj;jpw;F %yfhuzp. re;Njh\khf ,Ug;gtDf;F MAs; mjpfk;. mj;Jld; mtd; gyrhypahfTk; ,Ug;ghd;. ePq;fs; kpfTk; gytPdg;gl;Ls;sPH;fs;. cztpy; ftdnkLq;fs;. kUj;Jt E}Nyhhh; thjk;> gpj;jk;> rpNyj;Jkk; vd;W $wpAs;s %d;Wk; msTf;fjpfkhdhYk; Neha;tUk;. Fiwe;jhYk; Neha; tUk;. cq;fSf;Fg; gpj;jk; $bAs;sJ. Njrpf;fha;

49

fiuj;Jf; FbAq;fs;. ,yFtpy; rkpghlilahj czT tiffis cz;zhjPh;fs;. nfhOg;G> vz;nza; tiffisr; rpy ehl;fSf;Fj; jtpUq;fs;. czit ed;whf nkd;W rhg;gpLq;fs;. ftiyfs; ,Ue;jhy; czT rkpghL milahJ. czT rkpghL milahtpl;lhy; gy;NtW tpjkhd Neha;fs; jhf;Fk;. ehd; je;j kUe;Jfis Neue; jtwhJ rhg;gpLq;fs;. aNrh> ,th; kUe;J Fbg;gjw;Ff; fs;sk; gz;Zthh;. eP mUfpy; ,Ue;J Neuj;jpw;F Neuk; kUe;ijf; nfhL. vy;yhk; ruptUk;” vd;whh; ,uhruj;jpdk;.

“ngUk; tUj;jnkd;W vz;zpf;

ftiyAld; te;j aNrhjpdp mtUf;F ngUk; tUj;jkpy;iy vd;gij mwpe;J kfpo;e;jhs;. ghjpf;fg;gl;l ehNd ftiyg;glhky; ,Uf;fpNwd;. ePq;fs; Vd; ftiyg;gLfpwPh;fs;? ftiyg;gLtjhy; gpur;rpidfs; jPUnkd;why; ehDk; ftiyg;gLNtd;” vd;W $wpr; rpupj;j aNrhjpdpapd; fz;fs; Nyrhff; fyq;Ftij mtjhdpj;jhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;.

“cd;idg; Nghy ghrKs;s kUkfs; ,Ug;gjhy; jhd; ehd; caph; tho;fpNwd;. ehd; ,dpf; ftiyg;glkhl;Nld;” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;.

941. kpfpDk; FiwapDk; Neha;nra;Ak; E}Nyhh; tspKjyh vz;zpa %d;Wk;.

50

kUj;Jt EhNyhh; thjk;> gpj;jk;> rpNyhj;Jkk; vd;W $wpAs;s %d;Wk; msTf;F mjpfkhdhYk;> Fiwe;jhYk; Neha; cz;lhFk;.

mtrpakpy;iy

,uz;L jpdq;fs; fope;jd. nfq;fhjud; tPl;il tpl;L ntspNa nry;ytpy;iy. jdQ;rad; md;W fhiy te;jhd;. mtidf; fz;l ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; nrhd;dhh;@ “cdf;F ntl;fk;> Nuhrk;> khdk;> kupahij xd;Wkpy;iyah…? md;W Nfhapybapy; nfq;fh cd;idj; jhf;Ftjw;fhf te;jtd;. aNrhjpdp cd;idf; fz;lgb Vrp ,e;j tPl;L Kw;wj;ij kpjpf;ff; $lhnjd;wts;. ehd; cdf;Fg; gy Kiw vr;rupj;J tpl;Nld;. ,d;W filrp Kiwahfr; nrhy;fpNwd;> ,dpNky; ,e;jg; gf;fk; te;jhNaahdhy; cdf;F mbg;gd;” vd;whh;. cs;Ns mijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;j mtuJ tpahghu epiyaj;jpy; Ntiy nra;Ak; ,uj;jpdk; Nfhgj;Jld; te;J mtDf;F mbj;J tpl;L mtdJ rl;iliag; gpbj;J ,Oj;Jr; nrd;W ntspNa tpl;L tpl;Lr; nrhd;dhd;@ “,dp ,e;jg; gf;fk; te;jhahdhy; fhy; mbj;J Kwpg;gd;” jdQ;raDf;F cjwy; vLj;jJ. ,uj;jpdk; Kuld;. mtd; rl;ilapy; gpbj;J ,Oj;J te;jjhy; mtdJ gioa rl;il fpope;J tpl;lJ. mJ xd;Wjhd; mtdplk; ,Ue;jJ. ,g;NghJ mJTk; NghlKbahjstpy;

51

fpope;J tpl;lJ. ,dp vd;d nra;tJ?” vd;W Nahrpj;jthW ele;jhd; jdQ;rad;. “Nla;> ,d;iwf;Fj;jhd; ,q;F thwJ filrp ehshf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. ,dp ,q;F te;jhy; elg;gNj NtW” vd;whd;. mtDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ@ “,uj;jpdrpq;fk; Kul;Lr; Rghtk; cilath;. gzgyk; kpf;fth;. jd;id Ms;itj;J mbggpg;ghh;” vd;W epidj;jthW ele;jhd; jdQ;rad;. fhiy VOkzpahfpAk; gLf;ifahy; vOk;ghJ gLj;jpUe;j jdJ fztidg; ghrj;Jld; ghh;j;jhs; aNrhjpdp. Kd;ngd;why; mtd; tPl;Lf;F tUtJ FiwT. te;jhYk; jq;fkhl;lhd;. ,g;Ngh xUthufhykhf mtd; tPl;il tpl;L ntspNa nry;ytpy;iy. mjdhy; mts; mf;fiwAld; gytpjkhd czTfisr; rikj;J mtDf;Ff; nfhLj;J te;jhs;. gyehl;fs; mtd; xOq;fhfr; rhg;gplhikahy; mtd; nkype;jpUe;jhd;. mjdhy; aNrhjpdp mtid tw;GWj;jp czT tiffisf; nfhLj;J te;jhs;. mtDf;F ,uz;L jpdq;fshf mb tapw;wpy; typ ,Ue;jJ. mjdhy; mbf;fb mtd; ky $lj;jpw;Fr; nrd;W te;jhd;. mtdhy; czT tiffis cz;z Kbatpy;iy. Mdhy; aNrhjpdp tw;GWj;jp mtDf;F czT tiffisf; nfhLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;.

52

“rpy ehl;fshf xOq;fhf czit cz;zhjjhy; jhd; cq;fSf;F ,e;j Neha; te;jJ. ed;whfr; rhg;gpLq;fs;” vd;ghs;. “vd;dhy; rhg;gpl Kbatpy;iy. tapw;wpy; xNu typ. vd;dhy; jhq;f Kbatpy;iy” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “,t;tsT fhyKk; ,y;yhj typ ,g;Ngh vg;gb te;jJ?” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. “Kd;G Nehiag; gw;wp epidf;f vq;Nf NeukpUe;jJ? Fbj;J tpl;Lr; #jhbNdd;. #jhLk; NghJ cyfpy; elg;git vJTk; vdf;Fj; njupahJ. mjpy;jhd; KOf;ftdKk; ,Uf;Fk;> NehNa njupahJ” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. mts;> mtid itj;jpahh; ,uhruj;jpdj;jplk; mioj;Jr; nrd;whs;. mth; mtdpd; ifiag; gpbj;J ehbiag; ghh;j;jhh;. mtdJ clypy; gpj;jk; msTf; fjpfkhff; $bapUe;jJ@ “New;W vd;d rhg;gpl;ldPh;?” ,uhruj;jpdk; Nfl;lhh; “,g;Ngh ehd; tPl;iltpl;L ntSf;fpLtNj ,y;iy. mjdhy; kidtp vdf;F tpjk; tpjkhd czT tiffisr; nra;J gyhj;fhukhf cz;zg; gz;zp tpl;lhs;. mjdhy; jhd; tapw;wpy; typ cz;lhdJ” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

53

“czit kUe;J khjpup cz;zy;

Ntz;Lk;. Kd;dh; cz;l czT rkpghlile;j gpd;Gjhd; mLj;j Ntisf;fhd czit cz;Zjy; Ntz;Lk;. mLj;jjhf czit msNthL cz;z Ntz;Lk;. vg;NghJk; Fiwthf czit cz;gJk;> cz;Zk; czTfisr; rj;jhdjhf cz;gJk; Kf;fpak;. mbf;fb czit cz;zf; $lhJ. vy;yh Neha;fSf;Fk; czTg; gof;fk; jhd; fhuzk;. mbf;fb czitf nfhLf;fhNj. kidtpkhh; jkJ fzth;khupd;; kPJs;s md;ghy; mth;fSf;F msTf;fjpfkhd czTtiffisf; nfhLf;fpd;wdh;. mjdhy; mth;fs;; gyk; ngWthh;fs; vd;W epidf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; mth;fs; mjdhy; Nehahspahfpwhh;fs;. czT rkpghlile;j gpd;G msNthL czit cz;L te;jhy; clk;gpw;F kUe;J Njitapy;iy. msthf czitf; nfhLq;fs;. kpUfq;fs; msTf;fjpfkhf cz;gjpy;iy. mj;Jld; rkpghlilA Kd;Gk; cz;gjpy;iy” vd;whh; ,uhruj;jpdk;.

942. kUe;Jvd Ntz;lhthk; ahf;iff;F mUe;jpaJ mw;wJ Nghw;wp czpd;.

Kd;dh; cz;l czT rkpghL mile;j gpd;G> mLj;j Ntis czit msNthL cz;lhy; clk;Gf;F kUe;J vd xd;W Ntz;bajpy;iy.

54

thOk;top Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapypUe;J ,wq;fpa kfidAk; kUkfisAk; ghh;j;Jg; G+upj;Jg; Nghdhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. me;j mupa fhl;rpia mth; fz;L gy tUlq;fshfp tpl;ld. %d;W ehd;F tUlq;fSf;F Kd;G nfq;fhjud; me;j Nkhl;lhh; tz;bia itj;Jr; #jhbj; Njhw;W tpl;lhd;. mij mwpe;j ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; mtd; Njhw;w gzj;ijf; fl;b mk;Nkhl;lhh; tz;bia tPl;by; nfhz;L te;J G+l;b itj;J tpl;lhh;. vg;NghjhtJ xU ehs; mth; mk;Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; vq;fhtJ nry;thh;. kw;iwa Ntisfspy; mJ G+l;lg;gl;l epiyapNyNa ,Uf;Fk;. GJkzj;jk;gjpfisg; Nghyr; rpupj;Jf; fijj;Jf; nfhz;L te;j mth;fisg; ghh;j;J me;jj; je;ijapd; cs;sk; kfpo;r;rpahy; G+upj;Jg; nghq;fpaJ. ,g;NghJ xUthufhykhff; nfq;fhjud; tPl;il tpl;L vq;Fk; nry;tjpy;iy. FLk;gj;jpdUld; ,Ue;J FJ}fypj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. ,g;gb mtd; ,Ue;jij mth; xU ehSk; ghh;j;jjpy;iy. aNrhjpdpapd; Kfk; vd;Wkpy;yhjthW gpufhrkhf ,Ue;jJ. jpdKk; mOjOJ> Jf;fj;jpy; kha;e;J NghapUe;j aNrhjpdp> Gj;Japh; ngw;W elkhlj; njhlq;fp tpl;lhs;. jiyrPthJ> jdJ cilfisf; ftdpahJ> eiffs; mzpahJ „%Njtp Nghy‟ ,Ue;j mts; jiyrPtp> G+r;#b> nghl;L itj;J mofhd cilfis mzpe;jpUe;jhs;. Kd;ngd;why; mtSf;F eiffis mzpag; gak;. nfq;fhjud; gyhj;fhukhff; fow;wg;

55

ghh;g;ghd;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; fsntLj;J tpLthd;. mjdhy; mts; eiffis mzptjpy;iy. md;W mts; fOj;J epiwa ml;bay;> fhRkhiy> rq;fpypnad gy eiffis mzpe;jpUe;jhs;. ,uz;L if epiwaf; fhg;Gf;fis mzpe;jpUe;jhs;. mtisg; ghh;f;fj; jpUkfisg; Nghy ,Ue;J. mjdhy; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; cw;rhfkhf ,Ue;jhh;. “itj;jpah; vd;dk;kh nrhd;dhh;?” rpupj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. G+uz kfpo;Tld; mtsJ Kfj;jpy; jto;e;j Gd;diff;F xU Nfhb &gh nfhLf;fyhk; vd epidj;jhh;@ “vd;dk;kh ehd; VNjh Nfl;fpwd;> eP rpupf;fpwha;” “xU tUj;jKk; ,y;iy khkh. ,th; vd;iu ifahiy rhg;gpl;L vt;tsT fhyk;. mjdhy; mbf;fb tw;GWj;jp czTfis nfhLj;J tpl;Nld;. mit rkpghlilatpy;iy. itj;jpah;@ “Kd;dh; cz;l czT rkpghlile;j gpwF msNghL rj;Js;s czTfisj; Njb cz;gNj clk;gpid ePz;l fhyj;jpw;F thoitf;Fk; topnad;whh;. mg;gbr; rhg;gpl;lhy; clk;gpw;F kUe;J mtrpakpy;iy vd;Wk;> mtUf;F msTf;fjpfkhfr; rhg;ghl;ilf; nfhLf;f Ntz;lhk;” vd;Wk; nrhd;dhh;. “cz;ikjhd;. eP> cdJ fztdpd; NkypUe;j gpupaj;jhy; tpjk; tpjkhd czTfisj; jahupf;f> ehDk; jhl;rhapdpAk;

56

Mirg;gl;L msTf;fjpfkhf cz;L tpl;Nlhk;. mjdhy; ,uz;L NgUf;Fk; tapw;Wf; Nfhshwk;kh. ,d;iwf;Fr; rikf;fhij” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. “cz;ikjhdk;kh. eP Ritahfr; rikj;J vj;jid ehl;fs;. VNjh caph;tho Ntz;Lnkd;W epidj;J VNdh jhNdhntd;W jhNd ,t;tsT ehSk; rikj;jha;. ehk; Ntjidapy; ,Ue;jjhy; ehf;Ff; $l kuj;Jtpl;lJ. ,g;g tpjk; tpjkhfr; rikf;fpwha;. mjdhy; jhd; vq;fSf;nfy;yhk; tUj;jk;” vd;whs; jhl;rhapdp.

kfpo;Tld; rpupj;j aNrhjpdp nrhd;dhs;@ “mth; ,d;iwf;F tpahghu epiyaj;jpw;Fr; nry;yg; Nghfpwhuhk;. khkh> ePq;fs; ,d;W mq;F Nghf Ntz;lhk;. ,d;iwf;Fr; rikay; ,y;iyj;jhNd> ehd; mtUld; Ngha;tpl;L tUfpNwd;” vd;whs;.

“eP Vdk;kh mq;if. mtNdhL ehd; Nghapl;L thwd;” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;.

“aNrh Nghapl;L tul;Lk;. ePq;fs; epy;Yq;Nfh” vd;w jhl;rhapdp fztidg; ghh;j;Jr; nrhd;dhs;@ “gytUl fhykhf mts; mtDld; $lr; nrd;wjpy;iy Nghapl;L tul;Lk;” vd;whs;.

57

“rup rup” vd;W rpupj;jhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;@ “vt;tsT fhyj;jpw;Fg; gpwF ,d;gkhf ,Uf;fpwhd;. ,e;j ,d;gk; ePbf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W kfh fzgjpia Ntz;b tpl;L tUNthk; th” vd;W nrhd;dhh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;.

“,uz;L NgUk; Kjy; Kjyhf tpahghu epiyaj;jpw;F ,d;W nry;fpwPu;fs;. kfh fzgjpaplk; nrd;W tzq;fp tpl;Lr; nry;Yq;fs;” vd;whs; jhl;rhapdp. “ehd; New;Nw gok;ghf;F ntw;wpiy fw;G+unky;yhk; thq;fp itj;J tpl;Nld;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; G+upg;Gld; rpupj;jhh;@ “vy;yhk; jpl;lkpl;Lj;jhd; nra;fpwha;” vd;whh;. 943. mw;why; msTmwpe;J cz;f@ m/Jlk;G ngw;whd; nebJca;f;Fk; MW.

Kd;dh; cz;l czT rkpghL mile;j gpwF> msNthL ey;y czit mwpe;J cz;gNj ePz;l fhyk; tho;tjw;fhd topahFk;.

Vw;w czT

nts;is Ntl;b fl;b> nts;isr; rl;il mzpe;J> nts;isr; rhy;itiaj; Njhspy; Nghl;L> new;wp epiwa tPG+jp G+rp> re;jzg; nghl;bl;L> mjw;Fs; Fq;Fkkpl;L nts;isj;

58

NjtJ}jidg; Nghy Mrj;jpy; te;jkh;e;j nfq;fhjuid Copah;fs; tpag;Gld; ghh;j;jdh;. mth;fSf;F ,uj;jpdrpq;fj;ijg; gpbf;fhJ. mth; Kd;Nfhgp@ ve;j xU nraiyAk; ey;y Kiwapy; nra;ahtpl;lhy; fz;bg;ghh;. Mdhy; nfq;fhjud; mg;gbahdtd; my;yd;. VjhtJ jtW nra;jhYk;> “mLj;j Kiw mj;jtW Neuhky; ghh;j;Jf;nfhs;” vd;ghd;. Copah;fSld; NjhoikAld; goFthd;. mth;fSf;F Ntz;ba cjtpfisr; nra;thd;. mjdhy; Copah;fs; mtidg; ngupJk; tpUk;gpdh;. mtd; gy fhykhf mq;F tuhikahy; ftiyg;gl;ldh;. md;W mtd; te;jijapl;L vy;NyhUk; te;J jkJ kfpo;r;rpiaj; njuptpj;jdh;. “Iah> ,e;j epWtdj;ijr; rupahd Kiwapy; elj;j ty;yth; ePq;fs;jhd;. ePq;fs; ,q;F tUtijNa ehq;fs; tpUk;GfpNwhk;” vd;whd; ,uj;jpdk;. jdJ fztd; Kfhikj;Jt ehw;fhypapy; mkh;e;jpUf;Fk; moif kfpo;Tld; ,urpj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. mts; me;j epWtdj;jpw;F te;j neLNeuk; jq;fpajpy;iy. VjhtJ Njitnad;why; te;jTld; jpUk;gpr; nrd;W tpLths;. md;W KO NeuKk; jdJ fztDf;F mUfpy; ,Ug;gijg; ngUk; ghf;fpakhf mts; fUjpdhs;. “,d;W ePq;fs; ey;y mofhf khg;gpis Nghy ,Uf;fpwpas;” vd;whd; xh; Copad;.

59

“mg;gbah…” gykhfr; rpupj;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. Copah;fs; jkJ Kjyhsp gy ehl;fSf;Fg; gpd; mq;F te;jikiaf; nfhz;lhLk; Kfkhfr; rpw;Wz;b tiffis nfhz;L te;J mtDf;F nfhLj;jhh;fs;. “fhiyapy; cz;l czNt vdf;Fr; rkpghL milatpy;iy. vdJ kidtp ehd; ehiye;J ehl;fs; tPl;bypUe;jjhy; ey;y czTg; gz;lq;fs; gytw;iwr; nra;J je;jhs;. mtw;iw cz;likahy; rkpghL milatpy;iy. mjdhy; vdf;F tapw;Wf; NfhshW Vw;gl;lJ. mjw;fhf ehd; kUe;J vLj;Njd;. ,d;Dk; vdf;F tapw;Wf; NfhshW Rfkhftpy;iy. cq;fs; md;Gf;F ed;wp. ,d;ndhU ehisf;F vd;idf; Nfl;L tpl;Lf; nfhz;L thUq;fs;. “Kd;G cz;l czT rkpghlile;j gpd;G> vdf;F xj;Jf; nfhs;sf; $ba czT tiffis> mJTk; grp Vw;gl;l gpd;Ng cz;z Ntz;Lk;. vd;W itj;jpah; nrhy;ypAs;shh;” til vdf;F xj;Jf; nfhs;shJ. vz;nza;Ak; cOe;Jk; ,yFtpy; rPuzkhfhJ. ehd; cupa Neuj;jpy; czit cz;zhikahy; vdJ tapw;wpy; Gz; Vw;gl;L tpl;lJ. mjdhy; vz;nzapy; nghupj;j czT tiffisAk;> fhukhd czT tiffisAk; ehd; cz;z khl;Nld;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. jdJ fztd; NgRtijg; Gd;rpupg;Gld; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhs; aNrhjpdp. mtSf;F

60

mtidg; ghh;f;f kpftk; kfpo;r;rpahf ,Ue;jJ. te;j Neuk; Kjy; nghWg;Gzh;r;rpAld; jdJ flikfisr; nra;J nfhz;bUe;j mtidg; ghh;f;f mtSf;Fg; ngUikahf ,Ue;jJ. gjpndhU kzpf;F@ “ehd; fisj;Jg; NghNdd;. NjePh; Fbf;fg; NghfpNwd;. ePUk; Fbf;fpwPuh?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; nfq;fhjud;. mtd; mg;gb mf;fiwAld; Nfl;lJ aNrhjpdpf;F kpFe;j kfpo;r;rpiaf; nfhLj;jJ@ “,t;tsT md;igAk; ghrj;ijAk; ,th; #jhbajhYk; fs; mUe;jpajhYk;jhNd vd;kPJ fhl;ltpy;iy” vd;W epidj;jhs;. ,uj;jpdk; ,uz;L Nfhg;igfspy; Rlr; Rlj; NjePiuf; nfhz;L te;J itj;jhd;. xd;iw vLj;j nfq;fhjud;> mij aNrhjpdpaplk; ePl;bdhd;. mij mts; vjph;ghh;f;ftpy;iy. mtd; vLj;j NjePiuj;jhNd Fbf;fg; Nghfpwhd; vd;W epidj;jhs;@ “,e;jhUk; FbAk;” vd;W mtd; ePl;ba NghJ mjph;e;J Nghdhs; aNrhjpdp. tho;ehspy; Kjd;Kjyhf mtdplk; mijg; ngww;fupa nghf;fprkhfg; ngw;Wf; Fbj;jhs;. mJ mkph;jkhf ,dpj;jJ. “vd;d rpupf;fpwPu;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; nfq;fhjud;. “xd;Wkpy;iiy”

61

“,y;iy> VNjh ,Uf;F. nrhd;dPuhdhy; ck;ikg; Nghy ehDk; rpupf;fyhk; jhNd..”. kPz;Lk; rpupj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. NjePu; GiuNawpaJ. mjdhy; mts; ,Ukpdhs;. “rhg;gpLk; NghJk;> VjhtJ Fbf;Fk; NghJk; fijf;ff; $lhJ@ rpupf;ff; $lhJvd;W nrhy;thh;fs;” vd;wthW mtsJ cr;rpapy; jl;bdhd; nfq;fhjud;. 944. mw;wJ mwpe;J filg;gpbj;J khWmy;y Ja;f;f Jtug; grpj;J.

Kd;dh; cz;l czT rkpghL mile;j gpd;> jdJ clk;Gf;F Vw;w czT tiffis ed;whf mwpe;J grp Vw;gl;l gpd;dNu cz;z Ntz;Lk;.

Nehapy;yhjth;

“,g;grup. ,t;tsT gykhd rpupg;G ckf;F Vd; te;jJ?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; nfq;fhjud;. rpyfzq;fs; aNrhjpdp mtid cw;Wg; ghh;j;jhs;. mtdJ fz;fspy; Fb nfhz;bUe;j fth;r;rp mtis nka;kwf;fr; nra;jJ. “nrhy;Yk;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

62

“ehk; jpUkzk; nra;J ,Ugj;ije;J tUlq;fshfp tpl;ld. ,d;Wtiu xU ehnsd;whYk; vdf;F ePq;fs; NrhW Nghl;Lj; je;jPh;fsh…? NjePh; je;jPh;fsh? ,d;W ePq;fs; NjePh;f; Nfhg;igiaj; J}f;Fk; NghJ ehd;> ePq;fs; Fbf;fg; NghfpwPu;fs; vd;W epidj;Njd;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; mij vdf;Fj; je;jPh;fs;. ehd; mij vjph;ghh;f;f tpy;iy. mjdhy; jhd; kfpo;e;J rpupj;Njd;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. “rpd;d tajpNyNa nfl;l gof;fq;fisg; gofpajhy; ck;NkhL $l ,Ue;J> ckJ gzptpilfspd; jd;ikia ehd; czutpy;iy. ck;ikj; jpUkzk; nra;j ehspy; ,Ue;J tpahghu ];jhgdj;jpw;Ff; fhiyapy; vOe;jTld; nrd;W tpLNtd;. gpd; #jhl;lk;. ,uT gj;Jg; gjpndhU kzpf;F tPl;Lf;F te;J> tpba MWkzpf;F Ntiyf;Fr; nry;tjhy; ckJ md;ghd guhkupg;ig czutpy;iy. filrp fhyj;jpy; jhd; czh;e;Js;Nsd;. ,g;nghOJ ck;ik tpl;Lg; gpupa vdf;F tpUg;gkpy;yhky; ,Uf;fpwJ. mjdhy;jhd; ck;ikAk; ,q;F mioj;J te;Njd;. ,dpj;jpdKk; ck;Kld; jhd; ehd; ,q;FtUNtd;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. kfpo;Tld; rpupj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. mtSf;Fk; mtDld; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; NghyNt ,Ue;jJ. mij ntspf;fhl;bf; nfhs;shky; nrhd;dhs;@ “khkh tpUk;g khl;lhh;. tPl;by; rikay; Ntiyfs; ,Uf;F”

63

“mg;ghTf;F taJ Ngha; tpl;lJ. Xa;thf ,Uf;fl;Lk;. ,e;J[hTf;Fk; mk;khTf;Fk; vd;d Ntiy..? ,y;yhtpl;lhy; etuhrhitg; Nghy ahiuahtJ xOq;F nra;J rikg;gpg;Nghk;” “mth;fs; cq;fs; ehTf;Nfw;wgb rikf;f khl;lhh;fs;. khkhit ,q;F tpl;L tpl;L ePq;fs; tPl;by; ,Uq;Nfh…” “,y;iyaNrh… ehd; ,oe;j nrhj;ijr; rk;ghjpj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. mj;Jld; ePAk; vdf;F mUfpy; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. mijf; Nfl;f mtSf;F kfpo;r;rpahf ,Ue;jJ. Kd;G mts; VjhtJ Nfl;lhs; vupe;J tpOthd;. fypahzkhd Gjpjpy; ey;Y}h;f; fe;jRthkp Nfhapy; rg;guj; jpUtpohTf;F mtSf;F mtDld; nry;y tpUg;gkhf ,Ue;jJ. mij mts; nrhd;dhs;. “vdf;F Ntiy ,Uf;F aNrh. eP ahUldhtJ nry;” vd;whd;. mtSf;F me;j epidT te;jJ. mjdhy; mtidr; Nrhjpg;gjw;fhfr; nrhd;dhs;@ “ehisf;F nts;spf;fpoik> ehd; khkpAld; ey;Y}h;f; fe;jRthkp NfhapYf;Fr; Nghfyhnkd epidf;fpNwd;. mjdhy; ePq;fs; kl;Lk; ,q;F thUq;Nfh” vd;whs;.

64

“,J vd;d mur mYtyfkh…? vd;Dila nrhe;j epWtdk;. ehq;fs; ,uz;L NgUk; ey;Y}h;f; fe;jidj; juprpj;J tpl;L ,q;F tUNthk;. mJf;Nfd; mk;khit?” mijf; Nfl;Lr; rpyph;j;Jg; Nghdhs; aNrhjpdp@ “mtidf; fl;baizj;J Kj;jk; nfhL” vd;W mtsJ ,jak; Jbj;jJ. gyh; mq;fpUf;fpwhh;fs; vd;w vz;zk; mijj; jil nra;jJ. kfpo;r;rpahy; nka;kwe;jpUe;j mtis@ “mk;kh rhg;ghL nfhz;L te;jpUf;fpNwd;” vd;W ,uj;jpdk; $wpa thh;j;ijfs; ep[ cyfpw;F mtis mioj;J te;jJ. Nkirapy; jiythio ,iyiag; Nghl;L tpl;L fwptiffis vLj;J itj;jhs; aNrhjpdp@ “fj;jupf;fha;f; fwp itf;fhijAk;. Nky; KOtJk; mupf;fpwJ. fj;jupf;fha; fpue;jp. mupf;Fk;. kuts;spf; fpoq;Fk; Ntz;lhk;. ryNuhfk; ,Uf;F” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “cJ vdf;Fj; njupahjh? njupe;jjhy; jhd; ehd; ty;yhiu ,iyapy; rk;gy; Nghl nrhd;ddhd;. ghtw;fhapy; fwp itf;fr; nrhd;ddhd;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. “Fioj;Jj; jhUk; ckJ ifgl;lhy; NrhW mopo;jhFk;”. “japh; tpll;Nl”

65

“Ntz;lhk; rspf;Fzkhf ,Uf;F. ,UkYk; ,Uf;F” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “rspAs;sth;fs; japh; rhg;gplf;$lhJ. clk;Gf;F xt;thj czT tiffis xJf;fp> msNthL cz;gdpd; clk;gpy; njhy;iyfisj; jUk; Neha;fs; cz;lhfhJ” vd;W $wpagb Nrhw;iwf; Fioj;J mtdJ ifapy; nfhLj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. mtd; ,lJ ifahy; nghupj;j kpsfha; xd;iw vLj;Jf; fbj;jhd;. 945. khWghL ,y;yhj cz;b kWj;Jcz;zpd; CWghL ,y;iy caph;f;F.

jdf;F xt;thj czT tiffis xJf;fp> msTf;F mjpfkhf czit cz;zhky; tho;fpd;wtDila clk;gpy; Jd;gj;jpw;fplkhd Neha;fs; cz;lhfhJ.

,d;gKs;Nshh;

“cq;fSf;Ff; Flypy; Gz;zpUf;fpwJ. New;Wg; nghupj;j kpsfhia cz;L tpl;L tapW vupfpwJ vd;W nrhy;yp ,uz;L %d;W Kiw ky$lj;jpw;Fr; nrd;wdPq;fs;” vd;wthW mtdJ ifapy; ,Ue;j nghupj;j kpsfhiag; gwpj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. “vdf;Fg; nghupj;j kpsfha; vd;why; ey;y tpUg;gk;. jhUk;” nfQ;rpdhd; nfq;fhjud;.

66

“jukhl;ld;. clk;Gf;F xt;thjtw;iw cz;zf; $lhJ” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. nfq;fhjud; kfpo;Tld; rpupj;jhd;. “mts; vd;kPJ vt;tsT md;G itj;jpUf;fpwhs;. ,g;gb mk;kh $l vd;idf; ftdpj;jjpy;iy” vd;W epidj;jhd;. “ghtkhf ,Uf;F xUKiw kl;Lk; fbAq;Nfh” vd;W mtdplk; Kd;G gwpj;j me;jg; nghupj;j kpsfha;j;Jz;ilf; nfhLj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. “vdf;F Ntz;lhk;” “,y;iyg; gpbAq;Nfh” rpupj;jthW@ “,d;Dk; xd;W jUtPuhdhy; jhd; thq;Ftd;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “cq;fSf;F ,le;je;jhy; fiur;ry;” vd;wthW nghupj;j kpsfhiaj; J}u itj;jhs; aNrhjpdp. “rup> me;jj; Jz;L kpsfhianad;whYk; jhUk;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. mts; J}u ,Ue;j kpsfha; itj;j ghj;jpuj;ij vLf;ff; nfq;fhjud; jdJ ifia itj;J ehiye;J nghupj;j kpsfha;fis vLj;jhd;.

67

aNrhjpdpf;Ff; Nfhgk; te;J tpl;lJ. Kwha;j;Jg; ghh;j;jhs;. “,e;jhUk; vdf;F Ntz;lhk;” vd;W $wpj; jhd; vLj;j nghupj;j kpsfha; KOtijAk; nfhLj;J tpl;Lf; ifia ePl;bdhd;. mts; mtd; Kd;G fbj;j ghjp kpsfhiaf; nfhLj;jhs;. “,jpy; ghh;f;f Kd;G NghyNt ,Ue;jpUf;fyhk;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud; mijf; Nfl;lJk; aNrhjpdpapd; fz;fs; fyq;fpd. nghupj;j kpsfha; ,Ue;j ghj;jpuj;ij vLj;J mtDf;F Kd;dhy; itj;jhs;. “mOfpwPuh…? vd;id kd;dpj;Jf; nfhs;Sk;. ehd; ,dp mg;gbf; fijf;f khl;ld;” vd;wthW vOe;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. “,njd;d rhg;ghL. ehd; nrhd;dj;jpw;fhff; Nfhtpj;jh vOe;jPh;fs;” aNrhjpdp guguj;jhs;. “ck;Kld; ,dp ehd; Nfhtpg;Ngdh? ckJ md;ig mwpahky; Nghypj; jdkhf ,t;tsT fhyKk; tho;e;J tpl;Nld;. ,g;NghJ jhd; FLk;gk; vd;why; vd;d? kidtp vg;gbahdts;? fztdpd; kPJ vt;tsT md;G itj;jpUf;fpwhs; vd;gijnay;yhk; Gupe;J nfhz;Nld;. ,dp ePh; Nfhtpj;jhYk; ehd; Nfhtpf;f khl;ld;. Fiwthff; ey;y czit cz;gtdplj;jpy; jhd; ,d;gk; vd;Wk; epiyj;jpUf;Fk;. msTf;fjpfkhfTk; jdf;F xt;thj czT tiffisAk; cz;gtdplj;jpy;

68

vd;Wk; Jd;gNk epiyj;jpUf;Fk;. mjdhy; jhd; ey;y rj;Js;s czTfisf; Fiwe;jsT cz;Nld;. ePh; je;j NghJk; ehd; nghupj;j kpsfhia cz;zhjjpw;Ff; fhuzk;> mjid cz;lhy; vdf;F Jd;gk; jhd; cz;lhFk;. ePh; rhg;gpLk;. ehd; ckf;fUfpNy ,Uf;fpNwd;. ehd; Fioj;Jj; jul;lh?” vd;W nfq;fhjud; Nfl;lhd;. aNrhjpdpahy; jdJ fhJfis ek;gKbatpy;iy. jhd;> “fdT fhz;fpNwNdh” vd;W epidj;Jj; jdJ ifiaf; fps;spg; ghh;j;jhs;. “ckf;F xt;thj fwpfs; vit? ck;NkhL ,Ue;J rhg;gplhj Fiw ,g;NghJ jhd; vdf;F tpsq;FfpwJ” vd;W ftiyg;gl;lhd; nfq;fhjud;. “ehd; vy;yhk; rhg;gpLNtd;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. nfq;fhjud; vy;yhf; fwpfisAk; Nrh;j;Jf; Fioj;Jtpl;L japh; tpl;lhd;. gpd; jpUk;gTk; Fioj;J tpl;L cUz;ilahf cUl;b mtsJ ifapy; nfhLj;J tpl;Lg; nghupj;j kpsfhia vLj;J ePl;bdhd;. aNrhjpdp tpk;kp tpk;kp mOjhs;. mtshy; Nrhw;iw cz;z Kbatpy;iy. mijf; fz;l nfq;fhjud; gjwpdhd;@ “vd;d aNrh?” xd;Wkpy;iy vd;W mts;

69

jiyahl;bdhs;. gpd;@ “ehk; vt;tsT fhyj;ij ,oe;J tpl;Nlhk;. ePq;fs; Kd;Ng ,g;gb ele;jpUe;jhy; vkJ FLk;gk; nrhh;f;fj;jpy; kpje;jpUf;Fk;” vd;whs; “cz;ikjhd; mwpahikahy; ahTk; ele;J tpl;ld. ,dp xUNghJk; ck;ik ehd; fz; fyq;ftpl khl;Nld;. ePh;jhd; vd;Dila caph;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. mtd; tre;jpdpia epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. mts; gzk; $Ljyhff; nfhLff; nfhLf;ff;f; $Ljyhfr; rpupg;ghs;. jdJ cliyf; fhl;rpg;gLj;JthNs jtpu ,g;gb md;ghfg; gofkhl;lhs;. mtNshL Fwpg;gpl; Neuk; kl;Lk; jhd; fijf;fyhk;. mjd; gpd; VjhtJ rhl;Lr; nrhy;yp vd;idf; fiyj;J tpLths;” vd;W epidj;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. 946. ,opTmwpe;J cz;ghd;fz; ,d;gk;Nghy; epw;Fk; fopNg upiuahd;fz; Neha;.

Fiwe;jsT czit mJ ,d;d njd;W mwpe;J cz;gtdplk; ,d;gk; epiyj;jpUf;Fk;. msTf;fjpfkhf cz;gtdplj;jpy; NehNa epiyj;J epw;Fk;.

mtjpg;gLgth;fs;

70

guNk];tud; fN[e;jpudJ tPl;Lf;F te;jhh;. mtiu me;j Neuk; vjph;ghuhj fN[e;jpud; rw;W tpag;gile;jhd;. “vd;id ,e;j Neuk; vjph;ghh;j;jpUf;f khl;lha;. tPl;lhUf;Fj; njupahky; jhd; cd;dplk; te;Js;Nsd;. vdf;Fr; Rfkpy;iy. mij tPl;by; nrhy;yg; gakhf ,Uf;fpwJ. nrhd;dhy; mth;fs; khj;jpiufs; gytw;iwr; rhg;ghL Nghy ms;spj; jUthh;fs;. vdf;F Mq;fpy kUe;Jfspy; ek;gpf;if ,y;iy. rpj;j itj;jpak; jhd; nra;a Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh; guNk];tud;. fN[e;jpuDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. Kd;G mth; tpgj;Jf;Fs;shd NghJ jhd; md;gpd; kpFjpahy; rpj;j itj;jpah; ,uhruj;jpdj;ijf; $l;br; nry;yg; guNk];tudJ tPl;Lf;fhuu;fs; vy;NyhUk; mtid vjpupiag; ghh;g;gJ Nghyg; ghh;j;jhh;fs;. mjdhy; ,d;ndhU Kiw mj;jtiwr; nra;a mtd; gag;gl;lhd;. “eP gag;gLfpwha; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupfpwJ. nfhOk;gpy; ehd; ,Uf;Fk; tiu vdf;Fr; rpj;j itj;jpaj;jpd; ngUik njupatpy;iy. rpj;j itj;jpah; ,uhr uj;jpdk; ngUk; epGzh;. clk;Gf;F NtW Neha;fisf; nfhLf;fhj gr;rpiyfisAk; Nth;fisAk; gl;ilfisAk; tpijfisAk; nghbahf;fpj; jUthh;. rpj;j kUj;Jtj;jpy;> „czTjhd; kUe;J‟ vd;W mth; $wpaJ vt;tsT cz;ik njupAkh..? ehd; vdf;F xt;thj

71

czTtiffis mtupd; nrhw;gb jtph;j;jjhy; ,g;Ngh vj;jidNah Neha;fs; vd;id tpl;Lr; nrd;W tpl;ld. mjdhy; th ,uhr uj;jpdj;jplk; NghNthk;” vd;whh;. ,UtUk; ,uhruj;jpdj;jpd; tPl;L;f;F te;jdh;. gyh; mtupd; rpfpr;irf;fhff; fhj;jpUe;jdh;. ,Ug;gpDk; ,uhruj;jpdk; guNk];tuid mioj;jhh;. guNk];tud; ,uhruj;jpdj;jpd; Kd;ghf ,Ue;j ehw;fhypapy; te;J mkh;e;J nfhz;lhh;. ,uhruj;jpdk; mtuJ ifiag; gpbj;J ehbiag; ghh;j;jhh;. mtuJ clypy; thjehb rw;W mjpfupj;Jj; Jbj;jJ@ “New;W vd;d rhg;gpl;Bh;fs;?” guNk];;tud; Nahrpj;jhh;. rpy epkplq;fs; mth; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhh;@ “gyhg;gok; rhg;gpl;Bh;fsh? Ml;L ,iwr;rp…..” vd;W ,uhuj;jpdk; Nfl;lhh;. “,uz;Lk; rhg;gpl;Nld;” vd;W tpag;Gld; $wpdhh; guNk];tud;. “ePq;fs; rhg;gpl;l ,uz;Lk; ,Nyrpy; rkpghlila khl;lhJ. Ml;L ,iwr;rp rhg;gpl;lhy; gyhg;gok; rhg;gplf; $lhJ. grpj;jhy; jhd; czit cz;Zjy; Ntz;Lk;. grpapd; msit mwpahJ msTf;fjpfkhf cz;gtd; mstpy;yhj Neha;fSf;Fs;shfp mtjpg;gLthd;. cq;fSf;F neQ;R vupfpwjh?”

72

“Mk;” vd;whh; guNk];tud;. “ehup> iffhnyy;yhk; cisfpwjh?” “Mnkdj;” jiyahl;bdhh; guNk];tud; “tapw;Wf;Fog;gk;”

“,Uf;F” vd;whh; guNk];tud; “Neha;fs; vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; czNt

fhuzp. msTf;fjpfkhd czit cz;gtd; msTf;fjpfkhd Jd;gj;ij mDgtpg;ghd;. msthf czit cl;nfhz;lhy; kdKk; clYk; Nyhrhf ,Uf;Fk;. msTf;fjpfkhd czit cz;lhy; Nrhk;gy; cz;lhFk;@ RWRWg;ghf ,aq;f Kbahj epiy cz;lhFk;. Mifahy; czT rkpghL milahJ. czTjhd; kdjpd; jd;ikf;Fk;> clypd; Neha;f;Fk; fhuzpahFk;. czT cz;zKd; fisg;gpy;yhky; vg;gb Ntiy nra;NjhNkh mg;gbNa cw;rhfj;Jld; czT cz;l gpd;Gk; Ntiy nra;jy; Ntz;Lk;. “miutapW NrhWk;> kpFjp miutapw;wpy; miuthrp ePUk;> kpFjp ntw;wplkhfTk; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;W rpj;j itj;jpak; $WfpwJ. nfhOg;gpy;yhj ,yFtpy; rkpghL milaf;$ba czT tiffisj;jhd; ePq;fs;,e;j tajpy; cz;z Ntz;Lk;. vz;iziaj; jtpUq;fs;. cq;fs; Neha; khWk;” vd;whh; ,uhruj;jp;dk;.

73

“kUe;J ,y;iyah….?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; guNk];tud;.

“kUe;J jUfpNwd;. nfhj;jky;yp

mtpj;Jf; FbAq;fs;. ,uT rhg;gplhjPh;fs;. m[Puzj;jhy; thA tapw;iw epug;gptpl;lJ. ,Q;rpr;rhw;Wld; Njd; fye;J FbAq;fs;” vd;whh; ,uhr,uj;jpdk;.

“vdJ kfDk; kUkfSk;……”

guNk];tud; $wpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhh; ,uhruj;jpdk;@ “Mq;fpy itj;jpah;fs;. mth;fSf;F ePq;fs; ,q;F te;J njupahJ” rpupj;jhh; ,uhruj;jpdk;. 947. jPasT md;wpj; njupahd; ngupJ cz;zpd; NehasT ,d;wpg; gLk;.

grpj;jPapd; msT mwpe;J cz;zhky; msTf;fjpfkhf cz;gtd; mstpy;yhj Neha;fSf;Fs;shf;fp mtjpg;gLthd;.

Muha;e;J

“mJkl;Lky;y> vdf;Fk; vdJ kidtpf;Fk; rpj;j itj;jpaj;jpd; kPJ KOikahd ek;gpf;ifAs;sJ. vdJ kidtp fhy; klf;fp ,Uf;f khl;lhs;@ elf;fTk; khl;lhs;. Koq;fhy;fs; ,uz;Lk; tPq;fpAs;sd. xUtUlkhf kfDk; kUkfSk; murpdh;

74

itj;jparhiyapy; cs;s itj;jpa epGzuplk; fhl;b kUe;J rhg;gpl;Lk; Fzkhftpy;iy. vdJ kidtpf;F cq;fsplk; itj;jpaQ; nra;a tpUg;gk;. Mdhy; mtis ePq;fs; vkJ tPl;Lf;F te;J ghh;f;f KbahJ. mtis cq;fsJ tPl;Lf;Ff; mioj;J tuTk; KbahJ. mjdhy; vd;d nra;tnjd;W Gupahky; jLkhWfpNwd;” vd;whh; guNk];tud;. “ePq;fs; nrhy;tij itj;Jf; nfhz;L vd;dhy; itj;jpaQ; nra;a KbahJ. Nehahspia ehd; ghh;f;f Ntz;Lk;.” “vdf;F mJ njupAk;. vdJ kfd; gpbthjKs;std;. Kd;G ehd; cq;fsplk; rpfpr;ir ngw;wij mDkjpf;fhjtd;. mJ jdJ FUtpd; kUe;jhy; jhd; khwpaJ vd;W ,g;NghJk; nrhy;thd;. mj;Jld; jdJ jhahiu ,q;F nfhz;L te;J itj;jpaQ; nra;af; $lhJ vd;Wk; nrhy;ypAs;shd;” vd;whh; guNk];tud;. “Neha; vd;d vd;gij Muha;eJ fz;L gpbj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. me;j Neha; Vd; Vw;gl;lJ vd;gijAk; Muha;e;J fz;lwpjy; Ntz;Lk;. mjd; gpd;Gjhd; mijj; jPh;f;Fk; toptiffis Muha;e;J njupe;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. mjd; gpd;Gjhd; Nehahspf;F kUe;J nfhLj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. mjw;F Kd; kUe;J nfhLg;gtd; itj;jpad; my;yd;. ehk; itj;jpauhF Kd;G vkJ FUTf;F rj;;jpaQ; nra;J nfhLj;Js;Nshk;. rpj;j itj;jpaj;jpd;

75

%yth;fs; up\pfs;. Njth;fSf;F mth;fs; itj;jpaQ; nra;Js;sdh;. mg;gbg;gl;l Gdpjkhd njhopiy fhR gzj;jpw;fhfr; nra;jhy; kUe;J rpj;jpf;fhJ. xU ,iyiaf; fwpahf cz;gJ NtW> mij kUe;jhf cz;gJ NtW. kUj;Jtk; vd;gJ clYf;Fr; Nritahw;WtNj jtpu> capiuf; nfhy;tjy;y. rpy ,iyfSk; gl;ilfSk; rpyUf;F xj;Jf; nfhs;shJ. mjdhy; mth;fsJ ehbiag; gbNrhjpj;J thjk;> gpj;jk;> rpNyj;Jkk; vd;W kUj;Jt E}Nyhh; $wpAs;s tw;wpy; vJ $bAs;sJ> vJ Fiwe;Js;sJ vd;W mwpe;j gpd;Ng kUe;J juy; Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh;. ,uhruj;jpdk;. fN[e;jpuDf;F mijf; Nfl;fg; gakhf ,Ue;jj. Kd;G guNk];tuDf;F itj;jpak; nra;a ,uhruj;jpdj;ijf; $l;b nrd;w NghJ> jzpfhryk; nrhd;dJ mtdJ fhjpy; xypj;jJ@ “f[d;> ,uhruj;jpdk; rpwe;j itj;jpah;. vkJ kf;fs; mtiuj; nja;tkhfNt kjpj;Jg; G+rpf;fpd;wdh;. mth; if ehb ghh;j;J ,e;j Nehahspf;F kUe;J gydspf;fhJ vd;W iftpl;Ltpl;lhuhdhy;> mtid cyfj;jpy; cs;s ve;j itj;jpauhYk; Fzg;gLj;j KbahJ. ehfk; jPz;bath;fisj; jw;Nghija Mq;fpy itj;jpah;fshw; fhg;ghw;w KbahJ. Mdhy; mtuplk; nfhz;L nrd;why; fhg;ghw;W thh;. kQ;rs; fhkhiy Nehnadr; nry;gth;fSf;Fg; gr;rpiy nfhLj;Jj;jhNd rpfpr;ir nra;fpwhh;. vj;jid Mapuk; Ngh; kQ;rs; fhkhiy Neha; Vw;gl;L mtuplk; rpfpr;ir ngw;wit. xUtnud;whYk;

76

kuzkhdtuh….? up\pfSk; Kdpth;fSk; nra;j rpj;j itj;jpaj;ij mth; nra;fpwhh;. Mdhy; mth;fSf;F mjpy; ek;gpf;if ,y;iy. mjdhy; ehk; Vd; mth;fspd; tp\aj;jpy; jiyapl Ntz;Lk;. cdf;F mtupy; md;gpUf;fpwJ. mijg; guNk];tudpd; FLk;gj;jpdh; jtwhf epidf;fpwhh;fs;. mjdhy; ,dpNky; mth;fspd; tp\aj;jpy; jiyaplhNj” vd;whh;. “vd;d f[d; Nahrpf;fpwha;?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; guNk];tud; “tPl;Lf;Fg; NghNthk;” vd;whd; fN[e;jpud; “f[d;> vdf;F ,e;j itj;j;jpaj;jpy; ek;gpf;if ,Uf;F. xU ehs; jzpfhryj;jplk; mtuJ kidtp@ “,uhruj;jpdj;jplk; fhl;bdhy; XupU ehl;fspy; Rfkhfp tpLk;. ePq;fs; guNk];tud; mz;zhTf;F xUKiw nrhy;Yq;fs;” vd;whs;. mjw;Fj; jzpfhryk;@ “mth;fSf;F ek;gpf;if ,y;iy. eP Ngrhky; ,U” vd;whh;. gpd; ehd; ghf;fpayl;Rkpaplk; Nfl;Nld;. mts; nrhd;dhs;@ “Kd;G vdf;Fk; ,g;gb Koq;fhy; tPq;fpaJ. ,uhruj;jpdk; itj;jpah; Xh; vz;nza;je;jth; fhYf;Fg; g+rr; nrhy;yp> J}s; kUe;Jk; je;jth;. %d;W ehl;fspy; Fzkhfptpl;lJ” mjdhy; vdJ kidtpgLk; Ntjidiag; ghh;f;fr; rfpf;ftpy;iy” fz;fyq;fpdhh; guNk];tud;. fN[e;jpud; tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;tjw;fhf vOe;jhd;.

77

948. Neha;ehb Neha;Kjy; ehb mJjzpf;Fk; tha;ehb tha;g;gr; nray;.

Neha; vd;d vd;gij Muha;;e;J> me;j Neha; Vw;gl;l fhuzj;ij Muha;e;J> mjij; jPh;f;Fk; topiaAk; Muha;e;J> clYf;Nfw;wthW nra;ag;gLtNj rpwe;j kUj;JtkhFk;.

jFe;j itj;jpak;

guNk];tud; ftiyNahL fN[e;jpuidg; ghh;j;jhh;. mijg; Gupe;J nfhz;l ,uhruj;jpdk; nrhd;dhh;@ “ePq;fs; fw;wth;@ mwpTs;sth;. vdJ epiyiag; Gupe;J nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;. kUj;Jtd; Nehahspfisg; ghh;itaplhky; itj;jpaQ; nra;a KbahJ. jiytyp> fha;r;ry; tPf;fk; vd;gd gyNeha;fSf;fhd mwpFwpfs;. me;j mwpFwpfis Nehahspfisg; ghh;j;J Muha;T nra;ahky; kUe;J nfhLf;f KbahJ. gpd;dh; cq;fsJ kfd; vd;idg; gw;wp vd;d epidg;ghh;? Nehahspapd; taJ@ clypd; jd;ik@ vt;tsT fhykhf me;Neha; cs;sJ vd;gtw;iw kUj;Jth; G+uzkhf mwpe;J nfhz;l gpd;Gjhd; kUe;J nfhLj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. rpy Neha;fs; guk;giu Neha;fs;. cq;fs; kidtpapd; ngw;NwhUf;F vd;ndd;d Neha;fs; ,Ue;jd vd;W cq;fshy; nrhy;y KbAkh….? rpy Neha;fs; xd;Wtpl;l xU guk;giuf;Fk; tUk;. mjdhy; Nehahspia ehd; guprPyid nra;ahky; kUe;J jukhl;Nld;” vd;whh;.

78

guNk];tuDk; fN[e;jpuDk; ntspNa te;jdh;. guNk];tDf;Ff; ftiyahf ,Ue;jJ. md;W fhiy mtuJ kidtp nrhd;dhs;@ “ghf;fpak; kr;rhSf;F ,uz;L tUlq;fSf;F Kd;G ,e;j khjpupj; jhdhk; Koq;fhy; tPq;fpaJ. itj;jpah; ,uhr uj;jpdk; ,uz;L %d;W thuj;jpy; Fzkhf;fptpl;lhuhk;. ehd; MNwO khjq;fshf vt;tsT Fspirfisr; rhg;gpl;L tpl;Nld;. nfhQ;rk; $lf; Rfkhftpy;iy. Kd;G elf;ff; $bajhf ,Ue;jJ. ,g;Ngh elf;fTk; f\;lkhf ,Uf;fpwJ. tj;ry;adplQ; nrhd;dhy; mtd; ruptUk; vd;fpwhd;. Fspirfis khw;wpj; jUfpwhd;. vdf;nfz;lhy; elf;f Kbahky; Ngha; tpLNkh vd;W gakhf ,Uf;fpwJ” fhiyapy; mth; tj;ry;adplk; jdJ kiditpapd; epiyiag; gw;wpr; nrhd;dhh;@ “mg;gh tajhd fhyj;jpy; tUj;jk; te;jhy; Fzkila ehs;r; nry;Yk;. mj;Jld; mk;khTf;Fg; ngupjhf xd;Wkpy;iy. mth gag;gLfpwh. vdf;F mk;khtpy; mf;fiw ,y;iynad;wh epidf;fpwPu;fs;” vd;whd;. mjw;Fg; guNk];tudhy; gjpy;$w Kbatpy;iy. “gupahupahh; ngz;rhjp GOj;Jr; nrj;jth” vd;W vdJ mg;gh Kd;G mbf;fb $Wthh;. mij khjpup vkJ tPl;bYk; eilngwg; NghfpwJ. kfDk; kUkfSk; itj;jpah;fshd gbahy; NtW ahuplkhtJ fhl;l Kbatpy;iy” vd;W ftiyg;gl;lhh; guNk];tud;.

79

“ePq;fs; ,uhruj;jpj;jplk; fhl;bg; ghh;g;Nghk; vd;W kfdplk; Nfl;Lg; ghUq;Nfhtd;” vd;whd; fN[e;jpud; “ehd; Nfl;ldhd;. mtd; rpupf;fpwhd;. ,iyfisAk; FiofisAk; tpijfisAk; gl;ilfisAk; miur;Rj; jhw itf;Fk; vkf;Fk; vt;tsT tpj;jpahrk;. cq;fSf;F ehd; je;j kUe;Jjhd; Fzg;gLj;jpaJ. ey;y fhy kpFe;jgbahy; ,uhruj;jpdk; ngah; thq;fpdhh;. mk;khit mq;F nfhz;L nrd;W fhl;lf; $lhJ. fhl;bdhy; gy gpur;rpidfs; tUk;” vd;whd; mjdhy; gakhf cs;sJ” vd;whh; guNk];tud; “gpwNfd; mijg; gw;wp Nahrpf;fpwPu;fs;. cq;fs; kidtpia ,q;F nfhz;L te;J fhl;bdhy; gpur;rpidfs; tUnkd;why; mij kwe;J tpLq;Nfh. tPzhf mij epidj;J Vd; Jd;gg;gLfpwPu;fs;?;” vd;W Nfl;lhd; fN[e;jpud;. “ehkfSk; Mq;fpy itj;jpah;. Mdhy; mtSf;F ,uhruj;jpdj;jpd; kPJ G+uz ek;gpf;if cz;L. mts; kUj;Jtg; gbg;Gf;F Ma;T Nkw;nfhs;Sk; NghJ ,uhr ,uj;jpdj;ijg; Ngl;b fz;Ls;shs;. mj;Jld; mts;rpWtajpypUe;Nj mtuplk; jhd; kUe;J thq;fpr; rhg;gpLfpwhs;. mts; nrhy;ypf; $l ,td; Nfl;fpwhd; ,y;iy. ryNuhfk; cs;s xUtUf;F FwpQ;rh ,iyiaj; jpdKk; nfhLj;J> mtupd; rpWePupy; cs;s rf;fiuapd; msit mts; fzf;fpl;bUf;fpwhs;;. gj;J

80

ehl;fspd; gpd; rpWePupy; cs;s rh;f;fiuapd; msT ruhrupkdpjdpd; msTf;F te;jjhff; $Wfpwhs;. ,J mtsJ Nguhrpupah; nra;ar; nrhd;d Ma;T. mJ njupe;Jk; tj;ry;ad; jha;f;F itj;jpaQ; nra;a mDkjpf;fpwhdpy;iy. mtSf;F vy;NyhUk; nrhy;yr; nrhy;y ,uhruj;jpdj;jplk; itj;jpaQ; nra;jhy; jdJ Neha;Fzkhfp tpLnkd;W epidf;fpwhs;. mjdhy; mtsJ kdk; Fok;gptpl;lJ. mJ xUngUk; gpur;rpid” vd;whh; guNk];tud;. “vy;yhtw;iwAk; kfhfzgjpaplk; nghWg;Gf; nfhLj;J tpl;L mikjpahf ,Uq;fs;. vy;yhk; ey;ygb eilngWk;” vd;whd; fN[e;jpud;. 949. cw;whd; msTk; gpzp msTk; fhyKk; fw;whd; fUjpr; nray;.

kUj;Jtd; Nehahspapd; taijAk;> clypd; jd;ikiaAk;> Nehapd; ,ay;gpidAk;> me;Neha; vt;tsT fhykhf cs;sJ vd;gijAk; ed;F Muha;e;J mwpe;j gpd;Ng kUe;J nfhLj;jy; Ntz;Lk;.

ehd;F gFjp

tj;ry;ad; nfhOk;Gf;F xUthufhyg; gazj;ij Nkw;nfhz;ljhy; guNk];tud; jdJ kidtpia mioj;Jf; nfhz;L

81

,uhruj;jpdj;jpd; kUj;Jtkidf;F te;jhh;. mtd; nfhOk;Gf;Fr; nry;y Kd;G jha;f;F vg;gb kUe;Jfisf; nfhLf;f Ntz;Lnkd;W ehkfSf;Fk; guNk];tuDf;Fk; tpsf;fkhff; $wptpl;Lr; nrd;whd;. ,uhruj;jpdk; fhkhl;rpak;khspd; ifiag; gpbj;J mtsJ ehbia; gupNrhjpj;jhh;. gpd; nrhd;dhh;@ “cq;fSf;F ngupa Neha; vJTk; ,y;iy. ePq;fs; msTf;fjpfkhfg; gag;gLfpwPu;fs;. cq;fsJ fhiyf; fhl;Lq;fs; ghh;g;Nghk;” vd;whh;. mts; fhiyf; fhl;bdhhh;. mth; jdJ cjtpahsiu mioj;J fhy;fs; ,uz;bw;Fk; vz;nza; G+rr; nrhd;dhh;. cjtpahsh; mtisf; fl;bypy; gLf;FkhW $wptpl;L mtsJ Koq;fhy;fSf;F ed;whf vz;nza; G+rptpl;Lg; gr;irj; Njq;fha; kl;ilia vLj;J neUg;gpy; thl;b mij Koq;fhypy; itj;jhd;. fhkhl;rpak;khs; vOe;J ele;J te;J ,uhruj;jpdj;jpd; Kd;dhypUe;j ehw;fhypapy; mkh;e;jhs;. vz;nza; G+rpa gpd;G elf;f Kd;G Nghy Nehf tpy;iy. “nfhOg;Gf;fs; epiwe;j khkpr czit jtpUq;fs;@ Kl;il> ghy;> nea; fl;bahd japh; vd;gtw;iwAk; jtpUq;fs;. fpoq;F tiffis cz;zhjPh;fs;. cztpy; cg;igAk; gog;GspiaAk; Nrh;f;fhjPh;fs;. %d;W Neuk; kl;Lk; rkpghlilaf; $ba fha;fwp tifisr; rhg;gpLq;fs;. cz;l gpd;G Xa;ntLq;fs;. fhiyapYk; khiyapYk; ed;whf elTq;fs;. jpdKk; xUiky; J}ukhtJ elj;jy; Ntz;Lk;.

82

mj;Jld; kUj;Jtk; ehd;F gFjpfisf; nfhz;lJ. NehAw;wtd;> Neha; jPh;f;Fk; kUj;Jtd;> kUe;J> kUe;ij mUfpypUe;J me;je;j Neuk; nfhLg;gtd; vd;gdNt mit. NehAw;wtd;jhd; ngupanjhU Neha;f;F Mshfptpl;ljhf epidf;ff;$lhJ. ek;gpf;ifAlDk; ijupaj;JlDk; ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. mj;Jld; kUj;Jtd; nrhd;d Kiwg;gb czTfisAk; kUe;ijAk; cz;zy; Ntz;Lk;. Neha;tha;g;gl;ltd; czT tp\aj;jpy; kpfTk; mtjhdkhf ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. kUe;jpy; ek;gpf;if itj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,ijtpl NehAw;wtid mUfpy; ,Ue;J mf;fiwAlDk; md;GlDk; guhkupj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. czT tiffisAk; kUe;ijAk; mUfpy; ,Ue;J ftdpg;gtd; Neue; jtwhky; Nehahspf;Ff; nfhLj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,e;j ehd;fpYk; jhd; kUj;Jtk; jq;fpAs;sJ. Kf;fpakhf ehd; cq;fSf;F xd;iwr; nrhy;yy; Ntz;Lk;. vdJ kUe;ijf; Fbf;Fk NghJ NtW ve;j kUe;ijAk; Nehahsp ghtpf;ff; $lhJ” vd;whh; ,uhruj;jpdk;. “ehd; kfd; je;j kUe;ijf; Fbf;fhky; tpl;L tpl;Nld;” vd;whs; fhkhl;rpak;khs;. ntspNa te;j fhkhl;rpak;khSf;F Koq;fhypy; ,Ue;j typ rpwpJ Fiwe;jpUe;jJ. tPl;Lf;F te;j fhkhl;rpak;khSf;F kpfTk; re;Njh\khf ,Ue;jJ. ,uz;L jpdq;fspd; gpd; mtsJ Neha; rpwpJ

83

Fiwe;jpUe;jJ. ,uhruj;jpdk; $wpaijg; Nghyf; fhkhl;rpak;khs; rfy tp\aq;fspYk; fl;Lg;ghl;Lld; ele;J te;jhs;. guNk];tud; mtspd; mUfpy; ,Ue;J mtSf;F kUe;jpid Neuj;jpw;F Neuk; nfhLj;J te;jhh;. Ie;J jpdq;fspy; fhkhl;rpak;khs; gioagb vOe;J RWRWg;Gld; elkhlj; njhlq;fpdhs;. mtsJ Koq;fhypy; ,Ue;j tPf;fk; Kw;whff; Fiwe;J tpl;lJ. md;W khiy fN[e;jpud; fhkhl;rpak;khisg; ghh;f;f te;jhd;. fhkhl;rpak;khs; mtid kfpo;Tld; tuNtw;whs;. mts; cw;rhfj;Jld; ,Ug;ijg; ghh;f;f mtDf;Fr; re;Njhrkhf ,Ue;jJ@ “,dpNky; ehd; khkpr czT tiffis cz;gjpy;iy vd;W tpl;Ltpl;Nld; jzpfhrykit khkpr czT tiffis cz;zhikahy; jhd; Nehapy;yhky; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;” vd;whs; fhkhl;rpak;khs;. “vd;Dila ghLjhd; fiur;ry;. ehDk; khkpr czit tpl;Ltpl;lhy; ey;yJ” vd;whh; guNk];tud;. fhkhl;rpak;khs; fN[e;jpuDf;Fj; NjePu; nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;jhs;. Kd;G te;j NghJ elf;ff; f\;lg;gl;l mts; cw;rhfkhf ele;J tUtijg; ghh;j;J kfpo;e;jhd; fN[e;jpud;. 950. cw;wtd; jPh;g;ghd; kUe;Jcior; nry;thd;vd;W mg;ghy;ehw; $w;Nw kUe;J.

84

NehAs;std;> Neha;jPh;f;Fk; kUj;Jtd;>

kUe;J> kUe;ij mUfpy; ,Ue;J nfhLg;gtd; vd kUe;Jt Kiw ehd;F gFjpfisf; nfhz;lJ.

cah;e;j Fbg;gpwg;G

n[aghyd; kidtpAld; jhd; tho;e;j ehl;bw;Fr; nry;yj; jahuhdhd;. md;W ,yf;fpag; Nguit $ba NghJ mtDf;F ,yf;fpag; Nguit rhh;gpy; xUgpupahtpil itf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;w jPh;khdj;ij rptRe;ju%h;j;jp Kd;nkhope;jhh;. mth;jhd; n[aghyid ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; Nrh;f;f Ntz;lhnkd;W KO%r;rhf epd;wth;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp Kd;nkhope;jij tpj;JtrpNuhz;kzp topnkhope;jhh;. ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; ngUk;ghd;ikahdth;fs; mj;jPh;khdj;ij Mjupj;jjhy; rig Vfkdjhf Vw;Wf; nfhz;lJ. mjd; gpd; xt;nthUtUk; n[aghyiudf; nfsutpf;Fk; tpohtpy; vd;ndd;d nra;a Ntz;Lk; vd;W nrhd;dhh;fs;.@ “rpwpa gpupT cgrhutpohthf> xU NjePu; tpUe;J kl;Lk; n[aghyDf;Fk; kidtpf;Fk; nfhLg;Nghk;” vd;W rptRe;ju%h;j;jp Muk;gpj;J tpl;Lg; gpd; mijg; ngUtpohthf elj;jj; jPhkhdpj;jhh;. rigapy; ,Ue;NjhUk; mtupd; Nfhupf;iffis kfpo;Tld; Vw;Wf; nfhz;ldh;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp vJTk; $whky; rigapy; eilngWtijg; ghh;j;Jf;

85

nfhz;bUe;jhh;. rigapdhh; Vfkdjhfj; jPh;khdpf;Fk; NghJ mtuhy; vijAk; nrhy;y Kbatpy;iy. fdfypq;fKk; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; kpfTk; cw;rhfkhfr; nraw;gl;ldh;. tpohit mLj;j rdpf;fpoik nfhz;lhLtjhfTk;> Nksjhsq;fSld; n[aghyidAk; mtdJ kidtpiaAk; tPl;bypUe;J ehtyhh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp NfhapYf;F mioj;J te;J> mq;F ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjpf;F G+ir nra;J mq;fpUe;J ,yf;fpag; Nguitf;F mioj;Jr; nry;tjhfTk; jPh;khdpf;fg;gl;lJ. fdfypq;fk;@ “md;W kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpy; md;dhjhdk; nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh;. mijr; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp topnkhopa jPh;khdk; Vfkdjhf epiwNtwpaJ. ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; tpohitg;gw;wp KbntLj;j gpd;G tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “Gjd;fpoikapy; ,Ue;J mLj;j nrt;tha;f;fpoik tiu vdf;Ff; nfhOk;gpy; fy;tp mikr;rpy; xU fUj;juq;F ,Uf;fpwJ. ,yq;ifapy; cs;s vy;yhf; fy;tpg; gzpg;ghsh;fSk; tUtjhy; ehd; fl;lhak; nry;y Ntz;Lk;. mjdhy; fdfypq;fk; tpohTf;Fj; jiyik jhq;fl;Lk;” vd;whh;. Nguitapy; rpW ryryg;G Vw;gl;lJ. gz;bjh; fe;ijah vOe;J nrhd;dhh;@ “jiyth; mtrpak; fye;J nfs;s Ntz;ba fUj;juq;F

86

mJ Mifahy; mjw;F mLj;j rdpf;fpoik itf;fyhk;” “,y;iy> n[aghyd; mjw;F Kd; nrd;whYk; nry;thh;. mtUf;Fg; gyNtiyfs; ,Uf;Fk;. mjdhy; Fwpj;j jpdj;jpy; itAq;fs;” vd;whh; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp. “n[aghyd; Gjd; my;yJ tpahod; Nghtjhfr; nrhd;dhh;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. mjdhy; Fwpj; jpdj;jpy; tpohitf; fdfypq;fj;jpd; jiyikapy; itg;gjhfj; jPh;khdpf;fg;gl;lJ. md;W ,uT M&uDk; jzpfhryKk; fN[e;jpuDk; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpapd; tPl;Lf;F te;jdh;. “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpf;F tpohTf;Fj; jiyik jhq;ftpUg;gkpy;iy. mjdhy;jhd; nfhOk;gpw;Fg; Nghtjhff; $Wfpwhh;” vd;W jzpfhryj;jpw;Fr; nrhd;dhd; fN[e;jpud;. Mdhy; jzpfhryk; mij ek;gtpy;iy. tpf;Nd]; tu%h;j;jpf;F> n[aghyDf;Fg; ngUtpoh vLf;f ,Ug;gk; ,Uf;fpwJ” vd;W nrhd;dhh;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpf;F mUfpy; M&uDk; jzpfhryKk; fN[e;jpuDk; mkh;e;jdh;. “ePq;fs; fl;lhak; nfhOk;Gf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;Lkh…?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; jzpfhryk;.

87

“ePq;fs; ,g;NghJ vjw;F te;Js;sPh;fs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. fUj;juq;F vjTk; nfhOk;gpy; eilngwtpy;iy. rkPg fhykhf vd;dpy; rpyUf;Fr; re;NjfKs;sJ. ehd; ,yf;fpag; Nguitapd; jiyth;jhd;. vdpDk; ehd; epidj;jgb vijAk; nra;a KbahJ. eph;thf rigapy; gyh; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. mth;fs; nrhy;gtw;iwAk; Nfl;f Ntz;Lk;. ngUk;ghd;ikahd mq;fj;jth;fspd; tpUk;gk; jhd; jPh;khdk;. mij mDrupf;f Ntz;Lk;. mjw;fhfj;jhd; n[aghydpd; tp\aj;jpy; eph;thf rigapd; jPh;khdj;jpw;Nfw;g ele;J nfhz;NlNd jtpu vdJ kdr;rhl;rpapd; gb ele;J nfhs;stpy;iy. ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; cs;s tWikahd fiyQh;fs; gzk; ngw Mirg;gl;ldh;. gzKs;s fiyQh;fSk; mthg;gl;ldh;. mjdhy; mth;fspd; tpUg;gj;ijg; G+h;j;jp nra;a Ntz;ba epiyapy; ,Ue;Njd;. ey;y Fzq;fs; cah;e;j FLk;gj;jpy; gpwe;jth;fsplk; jhd; ,ay;ghf ,Uf;Fk;;. n[aghyd; ,g;NghJk; gy jPa nray;fisr; nra;fpwhd;. ,e;j tpohTf;fhd epjp KOtijAk; mtd; nfhLj;jpUf;fpwhd;. jhNd nryT nra;J jdf;F xUtpoh vLf;f Ntz;Lkh?” vd;W Nfl;L tpl;L epWj;jpdhh; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp. jzpfhryk; jpifj;Jg; Nghdhh;. fN[e;jpud; nrhd;dJ mtuJ fhjpy; xypj;jJ@ “jzpfhryk; mz;iz vt;tsT fhykhf tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpAld; goFfpwPu;fs;. ,Ue;Jk; mtiug; gw;wp cq;fSf;Fj; njupatpy;iy.

88

eLT epiyikAk; jfhj nray;fisr; nra;tjw;F tpUk;ghikAk; cah;e;j FLk;gj;jpy; gpwe;jtuplj;jpy; my;yhky; kw;wth;fsplj;jpy; ,ay;ghf xU Nru miktjpy;iy. mth; jPa nray;fs; nra;gth;fs; ahuhf ,Ue;jhYk; mth;fis cah;thfg; Ngrkhl;lhh;. 951. ,w;gpwe;jhh; fz; my;yJ ,y;iy ,ay;ghfr; nrg;gKk; ehZk; xUq;F.

eLT epiyikAk; ehzKk; cah; Fbapy; gpwe;jtuplj;jpy; my;yhky; kw;wth;fsplj;jpy; ,ay;ghf xUNru miktjpy;iy.

ey;y topapy; tho;Nthh;

“ehd; cq;fisj; jtwhf epidj;Jtpl;Nld;. md;W vd;idg; gw;wpj; jdghyd; kpfTk; Nftykhfr; rdr%f epiyaj;jpy; Ngrpa NghJ NtyhAjgps;is vd;kPJs;s md;gpd; kpFjpahy; mtDf;F mbj;J tpl;lhh;. vdf;fhf mth; mg;gb ele;J nfhz;lhh; vd;w mgpkhdNk vdJ kdjpy; vOe;jJ. mjdhy; mth;kPJ vd;dhy; Fw;wk; fhzKbatpy;iy. NtyhAjgps;is jdghyDf;F mbj;jJ gpionad;W ePq;fSk; fN[e;jpuDk; $wpa NghJ vdf;F cq;fs; ,UtUk; kPJk; Nfhgk; Vw;gl;lJ. gpd; ePq;fs; ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; n[aghyDf;Fr; rhh;ghf ele;J nfhs;tjhfNt vdf;Fj; Njhd;wpaJ.

89

Mdhy;…” NkNy Ngr Kbahky; fz;fyq;fpdhh; jzpfhryk;. “vdf;F cdJ epiy tpsq;fpa NghJk; ehd; mijg; gw;wpf; ftiyg;gltpy;iy. cz;ikahd ez;gh;fs; xUNghJk; gpupa khl;lhh;fs;. el;ig Muha;e;J jhd; el;Gf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. ehd; Muha;e;j gpd;G jhd; el;Gf; nfhz;Nld;;. cz;ikahd ez;gdhdhYk; mtd; jtwhfg; Gupe;J nfhz;lhy; mtDf;F epahaj;ij vLj;;Jf; $wf;$lhJ. mtdhf mij czh;e;J tuy; Ntz;Lk;. eP md;W ,Ue;j epiyapy; ehd; nrhy;tijf; Nfl;bUf;f khl;lha;. kw;wth;fs; nrhd;dhYk; Nfl;fkhl;lha;. ePahf czh;e;J tul;Lk; vd;W vz;zpNdd;. cd;idg; gw;wp xUtd; tpkh;rdk; nra;jhy; mijg; gw;wp eP Muha Ntz;LNk jtpu Mj;jpug;glf;$lhJ. mtd; $WtJ cz;ikahdhy; eP jpUe;j Ntz;Lk;. mtd; $WtJ ngha;ahdhy; eP Vd; Mj;jpug;gly; Ntz;Lk;? kf;fSf;F cd;idg; gw;wpj; njupAk;. ey;yth;fs;> cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; xOf;fk;> cz;ik> ehzk; vd;w %d;wpypUe;Jk; jtwhky; ,ay;ghfNt ey;y topapy; tho;thh;fs;. mth;fs; kwe;Jk; $l ,ope;j thh;j;ijfisg; Ngr khl;lhh;fs;. ,ope;j FzKs;sth;fs; NgRk; thh;j;ijfis ehk; Vw;Wf; nfhs;sf; $lhJ. ehk; Vw;NwhNkahdhy; $Wgad; mijj; jpUk;gj; jpUk;gf; $Wthd;. Nfl;gtth;fSk; mij ek;g Muk;gpj;J tpLthh;fs;” vd;whh; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp.

90

jzpfhryk; cUfpg; Nghdhh;. mtuhy; NgrKbatpy;iy. fz;fshy; fz;zPh xOf@ “vd;id kd;dpj;Jf; nfhs;Sq;fs;” vd;whh;. “,jpy; kd;dpg;gjw;F vd;d cs;sJ? ehd; cq;fs; kPjpUe;j mgpkhdjpy; fsq;fk; fhztpy;iy. Kd;NghyNt epidj;jpUf;fpNwd;. fyq;fhjPh;fs;” vd;whh; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp. “vd;idg; NgRkhW rptRe;ju%h;;j;jp $Wfpwhh;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;F ehd; flikg;gl;Ls;Nsd;. vdJ ,sikf; fhyj;jpy; mwpahik fhuzkhf mtUld; el;Gg; G+z;L tpl;Nld;. vdf;F n[aghyidg; gw;wpg; NgrtpUg;gkpy;iy. ghku kf;fs; ehd; mtidg; gw;wpg; Gfo;e;Jiuj;jhy; mij ek;gp tpLthh;fs;. mjdhy; gy NfLfs; cz;lhFk;. ey;yth;fs; mtid ehd; Gfo;e;Jiuj;jhy; vd;idf; Nftykhf epidg;ghh;fs;. mtdJ gzj;jpw;fhf ehd; mtid cah;thff; fUJtjhfTk; epidg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; ehd; Ngr tpUk;gtpy;iy” vd;whd; M&ud;. “xOf;fk;> cz;ik> ehzk; ,k;%d;iwAk; Ngzp thOk; cj;jkh;fisg; gw;wpj;jhd; ey;yth;fs; cah;thfg; NgRthh;fs;. jPikfs; nra;tjw;F ehzg;glhj xUtid ehd; vg;gb cah;thfg; NgRtJ? ehk; NgRtij itj;Jj;jhd; vjph;fhy re;jjpapduhd khzth;fs; xUtidg; gw;wp cah;thfTk; jho;thfTk; vz;Zthh;fs;. ehd; jiyik jhq;fpdhy; n[aghyidg; gw;wp cz;ikf;Fg;

91

Gwk;ghd gy jfty;fisf; $w Ntz;btUk;. mj;Jld; mtDld; Nrh;e;J jPa nray;fisr;; nra;Nthh; jhd; ,t;tpohitr; nra;fpd;wdh;. mth;fSld; Nru vdf;F tpUg;gkpy;iy. mj;Jld; mth;fs; NgRtijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;L nghWikahf ,Uf;fTk; vd;dhy; KbahJ” vd;whh; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp. fN[e;jpud; jzpfhryj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. me;jg; ghh;it@ “cq;fSf;F tp;Nd];tu%h;j;jpiag; gw;wpj; njupatpy;iiyNa. Ik;gJ tUlfhykhf vdf;F tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpiaj; njupAk;. ehk; capUf;Fapuhfg; gofp tUfpNwhk;” vd;wPh;fs;. mJ ,Jjhdh…? “eP tajpy; Fiwe;jtd;. mDgtkpy;yhjtd;. cdf;Fj; njupahJ” vd;wPh;fs;. ,g;;NghJ ahh; tajpy; Fiwe;jth;..? ahh; mDgt kpy;yhjtd;?” vd;W Nfl;gijg; Nghy ,Ue;jjhy; mtUf;F ntl;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. 952. xOf;fKk; tha;ikAk; fhZk;,k; %d;Wk; ,Of;fhh; Fbg;gpwe; jhh;.

cah; Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; xOf;fKk; tha;ikAk; ehzKk; Mfpa ,k; %d;wpy; ,Ue;Jk; jtwhky; ,ay;ghfNt ey;ytopapy; tho;thh;fs;.

ehd;F ew;gz;Gfs;

92

jzpfhryKk; fN[e;juDk; M&uDk; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpaplk; tpilngw;wdh;. “jzp> ehd; cq;fs; %tUlDk; kpfTk; tpRthrkhfTk; ek;gpf;ifAlDk; goFtjhy; jhd; vdJ cz;ikahd epiyiag; gw;wp kdk; jpwe;J cq;fSf;Ff; $wpNdd;. ,ijj; jaT nra;J NtW ahUf;fhtJ $wptplhjPh;fs;. ,ope;j nray;fisg; gpwh; nra;jhYk;> mth;fisg; gw;wp ehk; ,opthfg; Ngrf;$lhJ. Ngrpdhy; Jd;gq;fs; gy cz;lhFk;” vd;whh;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp. ntspNa te;j jzpfhryk; ngU%r;Rtpl;lhh;@ “f[d;> ePjhd; vd;id kd;dpf;f Ntz;Lk;. eP gy Kiw tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpiag; gw;wpr; nrhd;ddP@ “mth; flTs; Nghd;wth;. xU NghJk; jtwhf vz;zf; $l khl;lhh;. ,ope;jth;fisg; gifg;gJ Kl;lhs;j;jdkhdJ. jkf;Fj; NjitNaw;gl;lhy; el;Gf; nfhs;tJk;> Njitapy;yhjNghJ el;gpypUe;J tpyfpf; nfhs;tJkhd jPaFzk; tpf;Nd];tu %h;j;jpaplk; ,y;iy. mj;Jld; cah;e;j E}y;fisf; fw;W> khzth;fSf;F mijr; rpwe;j Kiwapy; fw;gpj;J xOf;fKs;stuhf thOk; mth;> me;j cah;e;j fUj;Jf;fisj; jd;tho;tpy; filg;gpbj;J tUfpwhh;. mij ePq;fs; czutpy;iy. mjw;fhf xU ehs;f; ftiyg;gLtPu;fs;” vd;wha;. vdf;F ,g;Ngh ngUq;ftiyahf cs;sJ. vd;Dila tho;ehspy; ehd; nra;j ngUe;jtW ,J” fyq;fpdhh; jzpfhryk;

93

f[d; rpupj;jhd;@ “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpf;Nf me;j vz;zk; ,y;iy. ePq;fs; Vd; ftiyg;gLfpwPu;fs;?. vijr; nrhd;dhYk; Kfkyh;r;rpAk;> ahUf;Fk; vijAk; nfhLj;JjTk; jd;ikAk;> jd;idf; Fiw nrhd;dhYk; Fiw nrhy;gth;fisg; gw;wp ,opthf vz;zhky; ,Ug;gJk;> vy;NyhUlDk; ,dpa nrhy; NgRtJk; mtuJ Rghtk;. mg;gbg;gl;l cah; Fbapy; gpwe;jth; cq;fisj; jtwhf epidg;ghh; vd;W vz;ZfpwPu;fsh…?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; fN[e;jpud;. “vdJ kdr;rhl;rp vd;idf; nfhy;fpwJ. ,t;tsT ehl;fSk; jtwhf epidj;jpUe;Njd;…. ehd; epidj;jijAk; cd;Dld; NgrpaijAk; epidf;f vdf;F ntl;fkhf cs;sJ. mth; kd;dpj;J vd;idf; Vw;Wf; nfhzlhYk; vd;dhy; mij Vw;Wf; nfhs;s Kbatpy;iy” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ntspg;gilahd Njhw;wj;ij kjpg;gth; my;yh;. mts; vkJ elj;ijfis ed;F Gupe;J itj;Js;shh;. mofhd fhfpjg; G+f;fis ehk; fhl;rpf;F itf;fpNwhk;. mjd; moif urpf;fpNwhNk jtpu Kfh;e;J ghh;g;gjpy;iy. NjdPf;fSk; tz;LfSk; mtw;iwf; ftdpg;gjpy;iy. mNj Nghyj;jhd; mtUk;. ntspf;fth;r;rpia ek;gkhl;lhh;. cq;fs; cs;Szh;Tfisg; gw;wp mtUf;F ed;F njupAk;. xUtd; jd;Dld; Kuz;gl;lhy; mJ mtdJ mwpahik vd;W epidg;ghNu jtpu

94

,ay;ghd Fzk; vd;W epidf;f khl;lhh;. mtuJ kdjpy; mwpahik ,y;yhjjhy; cq;fisf; Fiw epidf;f khl;lhh;. re;jhg;g #o;epiyfshy; $l ePq;fs; jtW nra;jhYk;> mth; mijj; jtwhf epidf;f khl;lhh;. mtuplk; ve;jf; FiwfSk; ,y;yhjjhy; mtuJ kdk; cWjpahf cs;sJ” vd;whd; fN[e;jpud;. “eP vijr; nrhd;dhYk; ehd; nra;jJ jtWjhd;. mjw;F kd;dpg;Ng ,y;iy” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “jzpaz;iz nrhy;tJ rup. gy fhyk; gofpAk; mtuJ cs;sj;ijg; Gupe;J nfhs;shjJ jtWjhd;. ePq;fs; mijj; jtW vd;W njupahJ nra;jPh;fs;. jtW vd;W njupe;j gpd;G mj;jtiwr; nra;tJ jhd; $lhJ. ehd; n[aghyidg; gw;wp ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; Ngrkhl;Nld;.” vd;whd; M&ud;. “vd;idAk; Nfl;lth;fs;. ehd; kWj;Jtpl;Nld;. gyUk; te;J tw;GWj;jp dhh;fs;. vdJ kdr;rhl;rpf;F tpNuhjkhd ve;jr; nraiyAk; ehd; nra;akhl;Nld;. tho;f;ifapYk;jhd;. tpj;jpahit ehd; fhjypj;Njd;. mtSk; vd;idf; fhjypf;fpwhs;. ngw;Nwhh; mtSf;F ,d;ndhUtidj; jPh;khdpj;jit. mtd; ,Jtiu tpj;jpahTld; njhlh;G nfhs;stpy;iy. mtid tpj;jpahTf;Fk; tpUg;gkpy;iy. fhjypg;gJ ghtnkd;why; ehk; vkJ nja;tq;fs; vijAk; tzq;ff;$lhJ” vd;whd; fN[e;jpud;.

95

“tpj;jpahtpd; khkdpd; kfd; NthnwhUj;jpiaj; jpUkzk; nra;J tpl;ljhf ehd; mwpe;Njd;” vd;whd; M&ud;. jzpfhryk; vJTk; Ngrhky; ele;J nfhz;bUe;jhh;. Kd;gpUe;j kdf;nfhjpg;Gld; fN[e;jpud; nrhd;itAk; mtiuj; jhf;fpd. mtUf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. kdk; epiy nfhs;shkNy jtpj;jJ. 953. eif<if ,d;nrhy; ,fohik ehd;Fk; tifvd;g tha;ikf; Fbf;F.

cz;ikahd cah; Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fSf;F Kfkyh;r;rp> nfhLj;J cjTk; jd;ik> ,dpa nrhy;> gpwiu ,fo;e;J $whik Mfpa ehd;F gz;GfSk; ,ay;ghfNt ,Uf;Fk;.

Nfhb nfhLg;gpDk; nra;ahh;

n[aghyd; jzpfhryj;jpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAld; te;jhd;. “thUq;Nfh…. te;J ,Uq;Nfh…” vd;W tuNtw;whh; jzpfhryk;. ehw;fhypapy; te;jkh;e;j rptRe;ju%h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “ehd; fy;tp mikr;rpy; tprhupj;jhd;. mq;F ve;j xU fUj;juq;Fk; eilngwtpy;iy vd;W fy;tp mikr;rpd; nrayhsh; nrhd;dhh;.

96

fy;tp mikr;rpd; nrayhsh; vdf;F kpfTk; Ntz;bath;” vd;whh;. “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp Rk;kha; nrhy;y khl;lhh;. cq;fSf;Fr; nrhd;dth; jtwhfr; nrhy;yptpl;lhNuh njupatpy;iy” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “,y;iy mth; ed;whf tprhupj;Jj;jhd; nrhd;dth;. vdf;nfd;why; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ,yf;fpag; Ngitiatpl;L ePq;fg; Nghfpwhh; Nghyj; njupfpwJ” “,y;iy… mth; Vd; tpyf Ntz;Lk;?. mth; jtwhf vijAk; nrhy;yTk; khl;lhh;. nra;aTk;khl;lhh;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “mJ vdf;Fj; njupAk;. ,Ue;jhYk; fy;tp mikr;rpd; nrayhsh; kPJ vdf;F ek;gpf;if ,Uf;F. mikr;Rf;fisg; nghWj;jtiu fUj;juq;Ffis Vw;ghL nra;Jtpl;Lj; jhd; mwptpg;ghh;fs;. gpd; mij xj;jpAk; itg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; ePq;fs; xUKiw tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpia tprhupj;Jr; nrhy;Yq;fs;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “vdf;F tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp jiyik jhq;FtJjhd; tpUg;gkhf cs;sJ. mth; ngupath;@ fw;wth;@ fw;wth;fshy; kjpf;fg;gLgth;. mth; jiyik jhq;fpdhy; jhd; tpohr;

97

rpwf;Fk;. vdf;Fk; ngUikahf ,Uf;Fk;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “fdfypq;fKk; fw;wth;@ fw;wth;fshy; kjpf;fg;gLfpwhh;jhNd” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jprpupj;jhh;. gpd; nrhd;dhh;@ “fw;wth;fs; vy;NyhUk; ngWkjpahd th;fsh? kf;fshy; kjpf;fg;gLgth;fsh…? tpf;Nd];tu%Hj;jpapd; kjpg;ig mstpl;Lf; $wKbahJ. mth; vkJ fpuhkj;jpy; ,Ug;gNj ngUik. mtUld; vy;yhk; njupe;j ePq;fs; fdfypq;fj;ij xg;gpLfpwPu;fs;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp rigapy; ,Ue;jhNy mr;rig ngUikAWk;.” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp “cz;ikjhd;. ,q;F te;jJ Nghy ePq;fs; mq;F nrd;W mtiuf; NfSq;fs;. mth; jdJ tp\aq;fspy; kw;wth;fs; jiyapLtij tpUk;ghjth;. mj;Jld; mth; KbntLj;J tpl;lhy; ahUf;fhfTk; jd; Kbit khw;w khl;lhh;. ehd; Ngha;f;fijj;J kd];jhgg;gltpUk;gtpy;iy. jaT nra;J Fiwepidf;fhky; ePq;fs; nrd;W NfSq;fs;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “ePq;fSk; vk;Kld; thUq;Nfh” vd;W Nfl;lhd; n[aghyd;. “IiaNah ehd; tutpy;iy. mtUf;Fr; rpghh;R nra;tJ gpbf;fhJ. jhd; tpUk;ghj

98

tp\aj;jpw;Ff; Nfhb Nfhbaha;g; nghUl;fisf; nfhl;bf; nfhLj;jhYk; mijr; nra;a khl;lhh;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “cJ vy;yhk; vdf;Fj; njupAk;. mth; md;Wjhd; jiyik jhq;f khl;Nld; vd;W nrhy;Yk; NghJ vdf;Fr; re;NjfkpUe;jJ. mj;Jld; ghlrhiyapy; ,Uf;Fk; NghJ rpW rpW rYiffs; $lr; nra;ahjth;. mtiu ehd; Ngha;f; Nfhl;lhy; xg;Gf; nfhs;s khl;lhh; vd;gjhy;jhd; ehd; cq;fsplk; te;Njd;” vd;W $wptpl;L vOe;jhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. mth;fs; nrd;wJk; guNk];tud; Nfl;lhh;@

“mg;g fUj;juq;F ,y;iyah?”

“fUj;juq;F vJTk; ,y;iy. mth; me;j tpohTf;Fj; jiyik jhq;f tpUk;ghjjhy; jhd; mg;gbr; nrhd;dth;. Nfhb Nfhbahfg; nghUs;fisf; nfhl;bf; nfhLj;jhYk;> cah; Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; xOf;ff; Nflhd nraiyr; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;j fdthd;. mtUf;F ehk; vJTk; nrhy;yj; Njitapy;iy@ mj;Jld; mtUf;nfd;W ehk; nra;a Ntz;baJk; vJTk; ,y;iy. mtUf;F ve;j tpjkhd gw;Wk; ,y;iy@ mtUf;F vJTk; NjitAk; ,y;iy@ ,Jtiu mth; gpwuplk; jdf;fhf vJTk; Nfl;lJk; ,y;iy. mg;gbahd xUth; jdJ epidg;igg; gw;wp vdf;F tpsf;fpf; $wptpl;lhh;. ,dp vg;gb ehd; mtiuf; Nfl;f KbAk;.?” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;.

99

“cz;ikjhd;. mth; jdJ gjtp cah;Tf;fhff; $l ahiuAk; Nfl;ljpy;iy vd;W nrhd;dPh;fs;. r%fj;jpy; kpFe;j kjpg;Gkpf;f xUth; vg;gbr; r%f tpNuhj eltbf;iffspy; <LgLk; xUtiu> mJTk; cah;e;j xU fy;tpg; gPlj;jpy; rpwg;gpj;Jf; $w KbAk;. mjdhy; mtuJ Gfo;> nfsutk;> kjpg;G ahTk; ghohfp tpLk;. mth; vLj;j KbT rupahdJ‟ vd;whh; guNk];tud;. 954. mLf;fpa Nfhb ngwpDk; Fbg;gpwe;jhh; Fd;Wt nra;jy; ,yh;.

gy Nfhb &gh kjpg;Gs;s nghUs;fisf; nfhLj;jhYk; cah; Fbapy; gpwe;jth; jk;Fbapd; rpwg;Gf; Fd;Wtjw;Ff; fhuzkhd nray;fisr; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;.

iftplhh;

gz;bjh; fe;ijah jzpfhryj;jpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhh;. mtiu vjph;ghuhj jzpfhryk; guguj;jhh;@ “ngupanjhU rj;jpu rprpl;ir nra;jdPq;fs;. xU fl;ilf;F Nky; ele;J te;jpUf;fpwpas;. mg;gb vd;d caph; Nghfpw Ntiy?ahuhtJ xUtuplk; nrhy;ypaDg;gpapUe;jhy; ehd; te;jpUg;Ngd;. fisr;Rg; Nghdpas;. ,Uq;Nfh” vd;w jzpfhryk; kpd;tprpwpiag; Nghl;Ltpl;L@ “ghf;fpak;> gz;bjh; Iah te;jpUf;fpwhh;. Fbg;gjw;F Vjhtj nfhz;L th” vd;whh;.

100

“ehd; ey;y RfNjfpahf ,Uf;fpNwd;. vdf;nfhd;Wkpy;iy.. vd;kPJ ghrj;ijr; nrhupag; gyh; ,Uf;Fk; NghJ vdf;Ff; fpl;l akd; tug; gag;gLthd;” rpupj;jhh; gz;bjh;. “rj;jpurpfpr;ir nra;J nfhQ;r ehl;fs;jhNd. fdj;j Ntiyfs; nra;af; $lhJ. fdfhyj;jpw;Fg; gpwF tPL Njb te;jpUf;fpwpas;. vd;d tp\ankd;W nrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “ngupjhf vJTk; ,y;iy. itj;jpah;@ “neLfg; gLf;ifapy; gLj;jpuhijq;Nfh. vOe;J elTq;Nfh” vd;W nrhy;fpwhh;. ehd; ele;J te;jhy; ePq;fs; VRfpwPu;fs;. ahUila nrhw;gb ehd; elg;gJ” vd;W rpupj;jhh; gz;bjh;. jzpfhryKk; rpupj;jthW mtuJ Nfhyj;ijg; ghh;j;jhh;. gy ,lq;fspy; fpope;J ijf;fg;gl;l Nkw;rl;il. ryit nra;jhYk; mOf;Fg; Nghfhj Ntl;b. RUf;fk; tpOe;j Kfk;. ehiye;J ehl;fs; rtuQ; nra;ag;glhikahy; Ks;Sg; gw;iw Nghy tsh;e;jpUe;jjhb. mtiug; ghh;f;f mtUf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. ahh; vijf; nfhLj;jhYk; thq;fkhl;lhh;@ “%Njtp vdJ tPl;by; FbapUf;Fk; NghJ vdf;F ahh; cjtp nra;jhYk; vd;dhy; Kd;Ndw KbahJ. vd;Dila f\;lk; vd;DlNdNa ,Uf;fl;Lk;. ePq;fs; mjpy; gq;F NghLtij ehd; tpUk;gtpy;iy” vd;ghh;.

101

“tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp md;W jhd; nfhOk;Gf;Ff; fUj;juq;fpw;Fr; nry;yg; Nghtjhff; $wpa NghJ vdf;Fr; re;Njfkhf ,Ue;jJ. ,g;g M&uDk; fN[e;jpuDk; Ngrkhl;Nlhndd;Wk; nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. ehd; me;jg; gf;fk; tukhl;ld;. rj;jpurpfpl;ir nra;jjhy; vOk;gp elf;fNth> Xh; ,lj;jpy; ,Uf;fNth KbahJ vd;W nrhy;yptpl;Nld;. tWik ,d;W tUk; ehis Ngha;tpLk;. mij cd;Dila tho;f;ifapy; ,Ue;Nj ehd; Gupe;J nfhz;Nld;. vd;idg; Nghy ,Ue;j eP ,g;gngUk; NfhB];tupf;Fj; je;ijahfptpl;lha;. vy;yhk; Kd;tpid. kdpjDf;F xUnfhs;if ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. nfhs;ifapy;yhikahy; jhd; mepahaq;fSk; mf;fpukq;fSk; cyfpy; epfo;fpd;wd. tWikg;gl;lhYk; cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; xUNghJk; jk; cah;e;j Fzj;ijf; iftplkhl;lhh;fs;. tpf;Nd];tu %h;j;jp ngUk; gzf;fhud; my;y. Mdhy; cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;jth;. mjdhy; jhd;n[aghydpd; tpohTf;F jiyik jhq;f kWj;Jtpl;lhh;. kpUfq;fSf;Ff; $l ,yl;rpak; ,Uf;F. Mdhy; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp Nghd;wth;fSf;Ff; nfhs;ifNa ,y;iy. n[aghyd;> jd;idf; Fw;wthspahf;fpatd; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpjhd; vd;W nrhd;dtd;. mj;Jld; jhd; jpUba nghUl;fnsy;yhtw;iwAk; mtdplk; nfhLj;jjhfTk; nrhd;dtd;. mg;gbapUe;jJk; mth; n[aghyDf;Fg; ngUtpoh vLf;fpwhuhk;. mjw;F cah;Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; NgrNtz;Lkhk;. vd;Dila kidtpapd; jhypf; nfhbia mWj;J tpj;Jj;jhd; n[aghyd;. ntspehl;Lf;Fg;

102

Nghdtd;. ,Ue;j NghJk; ehd; mtd; vdf;Ff; fhR nfhz;L te;J je;j NghJ> ehd; thq;ftpy;iy. Vndd;why;. mtd;jhd; jhypf;nfhbia mWj;jtd; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupahJ. mj;Jld; me;jj; jhypf; nfhbia VNjh ghtg;gl;l gzj;jpy; thq;fpapUf;fpNwd;. vdfF mJ fpilf;f Ntz;Lnkd;w gyd; ,Ue;jhy; fpilf;Fk;. cdJ kidtpapd; jhypf;nfhb ey;Y}h;f; fe;jRthkp Nfhapypy; Jiye;jJ gpd; fpilj;jJ jhNd. ghtg;gl;l gzj;jpNy xUNtis czit cz;gij tpl cz;zhky; ,Uf;fyhk;. tUkhdkpy;yhj fiyQh;fs; gadilal;Lk; vd;Wjhd; ehDk; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpAk; md;W ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; rk;kjpj;J kfpo;Tld; ,Ug;gjhf ebj;Njhk;. Mdhy; kde;jpwe;J vd;dhy; mtid tho;j;j KbahJ” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. jzpfhryk; ngU%r;R tpl;lhh;@ “ehd; cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;jtiuj; jtwhf epidj;Jtpl;Nld;@ “jhk; gpwUf;Ff; nfhLj;JjTk; jd;ikahy; tWik Vw;gl;l NghjpYk;> cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; jk; cah;e;j Fzj;ij xUNghJk; iftplkhl;lhh;fs;” vd;W Rthkpahh; rpyjpdq;fSf;F Kd;G Nfhapypy; epd;w jzpfhryj;ij mioj;Jr; nrhd;dhh;. mJ vt;tsT cz;iknad;Wk;> jhd; jtwhfg; ngupath;fis epidj;Jtpl;Nld; vd;gijAk; epidj;Jj;jhd; Rthkpahh; nrhd;dth;;” vd;W epidj;jhh; jzpfhryk;.

103

955. toq;FtJ cs;;tPo;e;jf; fz;Zk; goq;Fb gz;gpy; jiyg;gpupjy; ,d;W.

jhd; gpwUf;Ff; nfhLj;JjTk; jd;ik tWikahy; Fiwtile;j NghJk;> cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; nfhLj;JjTk; gz;gpypUe;J tpyf khl;lhh;fs;.

ngUikahdth;

n[aghyDk; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; gz;bjupd; tPl;Lf;F te;jdh;. mth;fs; te;jJ tpUg;gkpy;iy vd;gij gz;bjupd; Kfk; fhl;baJ. vdpDk; rpukg;gl;Lr; rpupf;f Kad;whh;.

“cs;Ns ehq;fs; tuyhkh…?” vd;W

Nfl;lhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “thq;Nfh… ,Uq;Nfh” vd;whh; gz;bjh;.

gz;bjupd; tPl;Lf;Fs; te;jpUe;j rptRe;ju%h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “n[aghyd; fiyQh;fspd; ed;ik fUjpj;jhd; ngUe;njhifahd gzj;ij epue;ju itg;gpypl;ltd;. mjdhy; mtidg; ghuhl;bf; nfsutpj;j ePq;fs;> ,g;NghJ mtDf;Fg; gpupT cgrhu tpohf; nfhz;lhLk; NghJ mtidg; gw;wpg; Ngr Vd; jaq;f Ntz;Lk;? tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp tpohTf;Fj; jiyik jhq;f kWf;fpwhh;”

104

“tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp VNjh fUj;juq;fpw;Fr; nry;tjhff; $wpdhh;. ehd; rj;jpu rpfpl;ir nra;J ,uz;L thuq;fs; jhNd MfpwJ. vd;dhy; ntF Neuk; Xuplj;jpy; ,Uf;f KbahJ. epd;Wk; NgrKbahJ” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. “Ngr ,lkpy;yhky; ,Ue;j M&uDk; ,g;g ngupatdhfp tpl;lhd;. ,g;g mtUf;F Neukpy;iyahk;. Kd;ngd;why; vq;fhtJ NgRtjw;F xOq;FgLj;jpj; jur;nrhy;ypf; Nfl;ghd;. ,g;g mtUf;Fk; Neukpy;iy” Nfypahfr; nrhd;dhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “mij vd;Dld; Vd; fijf;fpwPu;fs;? M&uDld; fijAq;fs;” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. “,g;g Cupy; vy;NyhUk; ngupath;fshfp tpl;ldh;. ghlrhiyNfh rdr%f epiyaj;jpw;Nfh gj;J &gh ,q;Fs;sth;fs; jukhl;lhh;fs;. gf;fj;Jg; ghlrhiyf;F ,uz;L tUlq;fSf;f Kd;dk; gj;Jf; fzdp jUtjhf xUth; xg;Gf; nfhz;lth;. gj;jhapuk; ,Ugjpdhapuk; &gh nfhLj;J kpd; ,izg;Gr; nra;a ,e;j Cuit jahuhf ,y;yhjjhy; fzdpfisg; ngw Kbatpy;iy. ,g;gTk; gj;Jf; fzdp ju xUth; jahuhf ,Uf;fpwhh;. mjw;Fk; kpd;dpizg;Gr; nra;a ahUk; jahuhf ,y;iy. vy;yhtw;iwAk; ahuhtJ ,ytrkhff; nfhLj;jhy; thq;Fthh;fNs jtpu je;jtidg; ghuhl;bf; nfsutpf;f kdk; tuhJ. ,q;Fs;sth;fis ehnkd;d fhrh Nfl;fpNwhk;?

105

ehY thh;j;ij NgRq;Nfh vd;WjhNd Nfl;fpNwhk;.” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ rup. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ghlhriyf;fhf vt;tsT nryT nra;jth;. jhd; ciof;Fk; gzj;ijf; $lr; nryT nra;jth;. mij Cupy; ahh; epidf;fpwhh;fs;. vdf;F Neha;. vd;dhy;Ngr KbahJ. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpiag; gw;wpAk; M&uidg; gw;wpAk; fN[e;jpuidg; gw;wpAk; vd;dhy; vJTk; $w KbahJ. ehd; Vio. vd;Dila Ngr;ir ahUk; Nfl;f khl;lhh;fs;” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. “xU nghUsha; kjpf;fj; jfhjtiuAk; kjpg;G kpf;ftuha;r; nra;tJ gzk; vd;W ePq;fs; fw;w fy;tp cq;fSf;Fr; nrhy;ytpy;iyah?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “fw;wij ,g;NghJ ahh; epidtpw; nfhs;fpwhh;fs;? kf;fspw; gyh; ,g;NghJ re;jh;g;g #o;epiyfSf;Nfw;g thog;gofpf; nfhz;lhh;fNs jtpu ey;yJ nfl;lij Muha;e;J tpyfpf; nfhs;sj; jahuhf ,y;iy.” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. “gzj;ij ey;y nray;fSf;F kl;LNk gad;gLj;j Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhfj;jhd; ehd; gy tpjq;fspYk; cjtp nra;J tUfpNwd;. mjdhy; jhd; fiyQh;fSf;F khjh khjk; cjTtjw;fhfg; ngUe; njhifg; gzj;ij epue;ju itg;gpypl;Nld;. NfhapYf;Fk; nfhLj;Njd;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;.

106

“ey;yth;fs; jhk; nfhLj;jijg; gpwUf;Fr; nrhy;y khl;lhh;fs;. ,iwtDf;F ahUk; vijAk; nfhLf;fj; Njitapy;iy. cyfj;ijg; gilj;J> caph;fisg; gilj;J> caph;fSf;Fj; Njitahd midj;ijAk; gilj;j ,iwtDf;F eP Vd; cjtp nra;jy; Ntz;Lk;? mth; jdf;Fj; Njitahdtw;iw mtNu gilg;ghh;.” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. rpWJ Neuk; Ngrhky; ,Ue;j rptRe;ju%h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp tpohtpw;Fj; jiyik jhq;fpdhy; vy;NyhUk; tpohtpy; NgRthh;fs;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp tQ;rfk; nfhz;L elg;gjhy; jhd; ,j;jidAk; te;Js;sJ. mth;jpl;lkpl;Lf; fhupakhw;Wfpwhh;” vd;W rptRe;ju%h;j;jp nrhy;Yk; NghJk; gz;bjh; FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhh;@ “Fw;wq;fs; vJTkpy;yhJ Fbg;gz;Gld; thoNtz;Lk; vd;W cWjpahf epidj;J tho;gth;fs;> tQ;rid nfhz;L ngUikapy;yhj nray;fis xUNghJk; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp kpfTk; gz;ghdth;. ePq;fs; epidg;gijg; Nghy jPikahd nray;fs; vijAk; kdjhy; $l epidf;ff;khl;lhh;. mj;jifa xU ey;y kdpjid ePq;fs; Fiw$Wtij ehd; Vw;fkhl;Nld;.” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. 956. ryk;gw;wpr; rhy;G,y nra;ahh;khR mw;w Fyk;gw;wp tho;Jk;vd; ghh;.

107

jk; khrw;w Fbg;gz;Gfs; mw;Wg; NghFk; gb thokhl;Nlhk; vdf; fUjp tho;Nthh;> tQ;rid nfhz;L jFjpapy;yhj nray;fisr; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;.

ed;F njupAk;

M&ud; gz;bjupd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mq;Nf rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; n[aghyDk; ,Ue;jdh;. ahiuf; fhzf;$lhJ vdW epidj;jhNdh mth;fs; mtDf;nfjpNu ,Ue;jdh;. mth;fs; mq;fpUg;gij mtd; mwpe;jpUe;jhy; mq;F te;jpUf;f khl;lhd;. mtid mth;fs; ,UtUk; fz;L tpl;ldh;. mjdhy; jpUk;gpg; Nghf KbahJ jtpj;jhd; M&ud;. “cd;idf; fhz Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;Njd;. „Fk;gplg; Nghd nja;tk; FWf;Nf te;jJ‟ vd;W nrhy;tijg; Nghy te;J tpl;lha;. th. ,g;gb ,U” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. M&ud; gz;bjupd; tPl;Lf;Fs;r; nry;yhJ Kw;wj;jpy; epd;W nfhz;L@ “nrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;whd;. “cs;Ns te;jpU. fdf;ff; fijf;fNtz;Lk;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp.

108

“ehd; FUit kjpg;gtd;. mtUld; rup rkkhf cl;fhukhl;Nld;. fy;tpawptpy;yhjpUe;j vd;id ,d;W kf;fs; kjpf;Fk; xU fy;tp khdhf;fpatiu ehd; nja;tkhf kjpf;fpNwd;. nrhy;Yq;fs;” vd;whd; M&ud;. “mg;gbah rq;fjp…….? rdpf;fpoik ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; n[aghyDf;F tpohf; nfhz;lhLfpNwhk;. eP mjpy; Ngr Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “vdf;F Neukpy;iy vd;W ehd; fdfypq;fk; thj;jpahUf;Ff; $wptpl;Nld;. md;W = Kj;Jkhupak;kd; Myaj;jpy; Ngr xg;Gf; nfhz;L tpl;Nld;” vd;whd; M&ud;. “Cupy; cs;s ngupath;fs; vy;NyhUk; ,g;gbr; nrhd;dhy; tpohit vg;gbf; nfhz;lhLtJ?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “ehd; vd;d nra;a KbAk;. xj;Jf; nfhz;L tpl;Nld;” vd;whd; M&ud;. “VNla;> cq;fisg; gw;wpnay;yhk; vdf;Fj; njupAk;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpf;Ff; fUj;juq;F…. mth; tutpy;iy vd;wJk; cdf;Fg; Ngr;rpUf;F. mth; fN[e;jpud; jhd; Ngrkhl;lhuhk;. ,njy;yhk; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpapd; jpUFjhsk;. NfhapiyAk; ghlrhiyiaAk; jhd; epidj;j khjpup elj;jpdth;. ,g;g ,yf;fpag; NguitiaAk; mg;gb elj;j tpUk;Gfpwhh;.

109

mth;jhd; nra;gitnay;yhk; ey;ynjd;W epidf;fyhk;> Mdhy; ehq;fs; mth; nrhy;tij ek;gkhl;lk;. mtUf;nfd;W xU $l;lk; ,Uf;F. mit> mth; nra;tijj; „jh;kk;‟ vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUf;fpid” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “mth; nra;tJ jh;kk; jhd;. jPatw;iw vz;zf;$l mtuJ kdk; tpUk;ghJ. mth; gzk; rk;ghjpg;gjw;fhff; fy;tpiaf; fw;ftpy;iy. mth; nra;j nray;fs;> mth; jd;id tsh;j;Jf; nfhs;sr; nra;atpy;iy@ Gfo;ngwr; nra;atpy;iy@ kw;wth;fs; ghuhl;l Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhfTk; nra;atpy;iy. mth; fw;w fy;tpahy; rKjhak; ed;ik ngw;wJ. ve;jr; nraiyr; nra;jhy; tUkhdk; $l tUk; vd;gjpNyNa ,d;iwa kdpjh; Fwpahf cs;sdh;. mjdhy;jhd; mth;fs; fw;w fy;tp gadw;wjhfpwJ. mNj Nghyj;jhd; gzKk;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ve;j tpraj;jpYk; fsq;fg;glhjth;. Kd;G mth; ghlrhiyapy; epjp Nkhrb nra;jhnud ahNuh Ch; Ngh; njupahjth; Gfhupl> fy;tpj; jpizf;fsj;jpdh; te;J ghlrhiyf; fzf;F tof;Ffisg; ghh;j;J tpl;L mjpy; jtWfs; vJTk; ,y;iy vd;W $wp mtUf;Fg; gjtp cah;T toq;fpdh;. cah;e;j Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; Fw;wQ; nra;jhy;> mJ thdj;J epytpy; fhzg;gLk; fsf;fj;ijg; Nghy vy;NyhUf;Fk; ed;F njupAk;” vd;whd; M&ud;.

110

“eP vijr; nrhd;dhYk; ehd; mij Vw;f khl;Nld;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpahy; jhd; tpoh Fok;gTs;sJ. tpoh ey;y Kiwapy; eilngw Ntz;Lk;> ,y;yhtpl;lhy; ngUk; gpur;rpidfs; tUk;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “tpf;Nd];tu%h;;jpapy;yhtpl;lhy; ,q;F vijAk; nra;a Kbahnjd;W Vd; ePq;fs; epidf;fpwPu;fs;? fdfypq;fk; mwpthsp. ,g;Ngh ghlrhiyia ey;y Kiwapy; elj;Jfpwhnudr; nrhy;fpwPu;fs;. mg;Ngh mtiuf; nfhz;L nra;tpf;f Ntz;baJ jhNd. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ngha; nrhy;y khl;lhh;. mth; fUj;juq;fpw;Ff; nfhOk;Gf;Fg; Nghfpwhh;. mij Vd; ek;g kWf;fpwPu;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; M&ud;. mjw;Fr; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpahy; gjpy; $w Kbatpy;iy. rpwpJ Neuk; Nahrpj;jhh;. gpd;G nrhd;dhh;.@ “ahh; te;jhnyd;d..? ahh; tuhtpl;lhnyd;d tpoh kpfTk; rpwg;ghf elf;Fk;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jpNahil Nkhjpdhy; f\;lk;. ,Jtiu elf;fhj ngUtpohthf ehk; nfhz;lhLfpNwhNkh ,y;iyNah vd;Wghh;” vd;W $wptpl;L vOe;jhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “mijj;jhd; ehDk; tpUg;GfpNwd;. ed;whff; nfhz;lhLq;fs;” vd;whd; M&ud;. 957. Fbg;gpwe;jhh; fz;tpsq;Fk; Fw;wk; tpRk;gpd; kjpf;fz; kWg;Nghy; cah;e;J.

111

cah;Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; nra;Ak; Fw;wk;> thdj;J epytpy; fhzg;gLk; fsq;fk; Nghy> vy;NyhUf;Fk; ed;F njupAk;.

re;Njfk;

“Nfyp gz;Zfpwhah…? Nla; gzk; jhdlh vy;yhtw;iwAk; nra;tpg;gJ> „gzk; vd;why; gpzKk; tha; jpwf;Fnkd;W‟ taJ te;j gpd; gbf;f NtZk; vd;W czh;e;J gbj;Jg; ngUk; mwpQdhd cdf;Fj; njupatpy;iyah….? gzj;ij tPrpdhy; ehY $l;lk; Nksk; tUk;. ehY Ch;fspYkpUe;J ngUk; ngUk; mwpQh;fs; tUthh;fs;. cdf;Fj; njupAkh ,uhkhaj;jpd;iu tuyhW? fk;gh; ngUk; Gyth;. Mdhy; fk;guhkhazj;ijg; ghl tpUk;gpdhh;. rig Vw Ntz;lkhdhy; gzk; nghUs; Ntz;Lk;. mjw;F cjtpath; rilag;g ts;sy;. rilag;g ts;shy; ,y;yhtpl;lhy; fk;guhkhazNk ,y;iy. mg;gb ,Uf;ff; Nfhbf;fzf;fpy; gzk; itj;jpUf;fpd;w n[aghyDf;F tpohr; nra;a Kbahjh?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “ahh; tpohr;nra;a KbahJ vd;W nrhd;dJ…? tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp; Iah nrhd;dhuh…? ,y;iyg; gz;bjh; Iah nrhd;dhuh…? tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp Iah fy;tp mikr;rpy; xU fUj;juq;F ,Uf;fpwJ vd;W nry;fpwhh;. gz;bju; IahTf;F tUj;jk;. ,th;fNs Cupy; mwpQh;fs;. Mapuk; Ngh;

112

,Uf;fpwjhfr; nrhy;fpwPu;fs;. mth;fis mioj;J te;J nra;Aq;fs;” vd;whd; M&ud;. “X…. iffhyhfhjth;fs; nehz;br; rhl;Lfs; nrhy;thh;fs;. xUj;jUk; tuNtz;lhk;. tpoh kpfTk; rpwg;ghf eilngWk;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. M&ud; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAld; fijf;ff;$lhJ vd;W epidj;jpUe;jhd;. md;W jw;nrayhfr; re;jpj;jjhy; „mg;gbj;; Njitapy;yhky; fijf;f Ntz;ba eph;g;ge;jk; Vw;gl;L tpl;lJ‟ vd;W epidj;jthW gz;bjupd; tPl;il tpl;L ntspNa te;jhd;. mtd; gz;bjupd; tPl;lg; gliyiar; rhj;jpa NghJ fN[e;jpud; te;jhd;” “vd;d M&uh Kfk; thbapUf;fpwJ” vd;W Nfl;lhd; fN[e;jpud;. “cs;Ns rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; n[aghyDk; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. mth;fSld; tPzhfg; gpur;rpidg;gl;L tpl;Nld;. gz;bjh; vd;d epidj;jhNuh njupatpy;iy.?” vd;whd; M&ud;. “cd;idg; gw;wp mtUf;F ed;F njupAk;. eP Vd; gag;gLfpwha;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; fN[e;jpud;. “xUtDila ey;y gz;GfSf;fpilapy; gz;gw;w jd;ik fhzg;gl;lhy;> mtidAk;

113

mtDila Fbg;gpwg;Gg; gw;wpAk; Iag;gl NeUk;” vd;W gz;bjh; mbf;fb nrhy;thh;. „vjpupfNshLk; md;ghfg; goFjy; jhd; gz;Gs;stdJ nray;‟ vd;Wk; nrhy;thh;. ehd; Njitapy;yhky; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAld; fLQ; nrhw;fisg; ghtpj;J tpl;Nld;. mtd; kpfTk; Nfhyhfykhf tpohitj; jd;dhy; gzk; nryT nra;J nfhz;lhl KbAnkd;Wk;> tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp IahitAk; gz;bjh; IahitAk; kpfTk; NftykhfTk; nrhd;dhd;. mij vd;dhy; nghWf;f Kbatpy;iy” vd;W ftiyg;gl;lhd; M&ud;. “ve;j NtisapYk; fw;wth;fs; nghWikiaf; filg;gpj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. „gyUk; Nfl;L ntWf;ff; $ba nfhLQ;nrhw;fis xUtd; Muhahkw; nrhd;dhYk; gz;Gs;sth;fs; jtwpf; $l gz;gw;w nrhy;iyr; nrhy;yf; $lhnjd;W‟ gz;bjh; vkf;Ff; fw;gpj;jth;. gz;bjupd; rpwe;j khztdhd eP mij kwe;Jky;yhky; gz;bjUf;F Kd;dhNyNa Ngrp tpl;lha;. mlf;fKk; xOf;fKs;s eP gz;gw;w xUtdpd; tha;r; nrhy;ypw;F Vd; gjpyspj;jha;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; fN[e;jpud;. “cz;ikjhd;. mtd; vijr; nrhy;ypapUe;jhYk; ehd; Ngrhky; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jpUf;fyhk;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp gbf;fhjghkud; vd;why; guthapy;iy gbj;jtd;@ cah;e;j cj;jpNahfk; ghh;g;gtd;. Mdhy; gz;gw;wtd;@ gbj;jgb elf;fhjtd;.

114

mg;gbg;gl;ltNdhL fijj;j ehd; jhd; kilad;.” vd;whd; M&ud;. “rpwe;j E}y;fisf; fw;W mtw;wpd; nghUis ed;F mwpe;J> mjd;gb tho;gtd;> me;j cah;e;j fUj;Jf;fisf; filg;gpbf;ftpy;iynad;why;> mtid tpl mwptpy;yhjtd; cyfpy; vtUk; ,y;iy vd;W cdf;Fj; njupahjh…? mtidg; gw;wp KOikahfj; njupe;j gpd;Gk; mtDld; rz;ilf;Fg; Nghd cd;idg; gw;wpg; gz;bjh; fl;lhak; jtwhfj;jhd; epidg;ghh;” vd;whd; fN[e;jpud;. M&uDf;Fj; Jf;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. gz;bjuplk; „kd;dpg;Gf; Nfl;f Ntz;Lk;‟ vd;W epidj;jhd;. mth; kd;dpf;f khl;lhh;@ VRthh;” vd;W epidf;f mtDf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. 958. eyj;jpd;fz; ehh;,d;ik Njhd;wpd; mtidf; Fyj;jpd;fz; Iag; gLk;. xUtdJ ey;y gz;GfSf;fpilNa gz;gw;w nray;fs; fhzg;gl;lhy;> mtdJ Fbg;gpwg;Gg; gw;wp re;Njfk; Vw;gLk;.

115

tha;r;nrhy; fhl;Lk;

rptRe;ju%h;j;jp ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpw;F te;jhh;. mg;nghOJ khiy Neug; G+ir Kbe;J gf;jh;fs; tPG+jp gpurhjk; ngw;Wf; nfhz;bUe;jdh;. n[aghyd; gl;L Ntl;bfl;b gl;Lr; rhy;it Nghl;L khg;gps;is Nghy te;J epd;whd;. FUf;fs; n[aghyDf;Fj; jpUePW nfhLj;J tpl;Lr; rptRe;ju%h;;jpf;F jpUePW nfhLj;jhh;. ,lJ ifapd; kPJ tyJ ifia itj;J Fdpe;J kpfTk; kupahijahff; FUf;fs; nfhLj;j jpUePw;iw thq;fpdhh; rptRe;ju%h;;j;jp. tof;fkhf mth; mg;gbj;jhd; jpUePw;iw thq;Fthh;. mg;NghJ FUf;fs; epidg;ghh;@ “vy;yhk; ghrhq;F. cz;ikahd kjpg;G itj;jpUg;gtd; Nt\k; NghlhJ thh;j;ijfisf; ftdkhfg; ghtpg;ghd;. ,td; fz;lgb MuhahJfijg;ghd;. nray;fspy; jhd; ngUk; kjpg;G itj;jpUg;gtd; Nghyf; fhl;bf; nfhs;thd;”. jpUePw;iw thq;fpg; G+rptpl;Lr; nrhd;dhd;@ “FUf;fs;> rdpf;fpoik G+ir nra;tPh;fNsh> ,y;iy NtW ahiuahtJ xOq;F nra;ag; NghfpwPu;fNsh? ,q;F rdpf;fpoik vy;NyhUf;Fk; ngUk; ngUk; Ntiyfs; ,Uf;fpwjhk;” “ghtk; nra;jtd;> gop nra;jtd;> jPik nra;fpwtndy;yhk; ,q;F te;J kfh fzgjpf;Fr; nrhy;yp kd;whb vd;idf; nfhz;L

116

mh;r;rid nra;tpg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; jhk; nra;j ghtk;> gop> jPiknay;yhk; mfd;W tpLnkd;W ek;Gthh;fs;. mg;gbapUf;f ehd; md;W NfhapYf;F tuhky; ,Uf;f KbANk?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; FUf;fs;. “mg;Ngh> ehq;fnsy;yhk; ghtg; gl;ldhq;fs; vd;W fUJfpwPu;fsh..?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. FUf;fSf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. “jhd; VNjh nrhy;y ,td; VNjh nrhy;fpwhd;” vd;W epidj;jhh;. “FUf;fs;> ePq;fs; ,e;jf; fpuhkj;jpd;iu FU. vy;NyhiuAk rkkhf epidj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. mNj Nghy ,e;jf; fpuhkj;jpiy thOfpw ngupath;fSk; vy;NyhiuAk; rkkhf kjpj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. mij ahUk; czh;fpwhh;fs; ,y;iy” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “xt;nthUtUk; jd;idg; Nghyj;jhd; kw;wth;fSk; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W epidg;gJ gpio. vd;idg; nghWj;jstpy; vdf;F vy;NyhUk; rkkhdth;fs; jhd;. ehd; ,Jtiu ahUf;Fk; ghFghL fhl;baJ fpilahJ. eP rdpf;fpoik vt;tsT Neuk; G+ir nra;ar; nrhy;fpwhNah mt;tsT Neuk; G+ir nra;fpNwd;;” vd;W $wptpl;Lr; nrd;whh; FUf;fs;@ “rptRe;ju%h;j;jpapd; je;ij kpfTk; ey;yth;. ngupath;fis kjpg;gth;@ cuj;Jf;$lf; fijf;fhjth@. ey;y gf;jpkhd;@ vy;NyhiuAk;

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kjpg;gth;. mg;gbg;gl;ltUf;F ,td; vg;gb te;J gpwe;jhd;. mtUf;F vjph;khwhd tdhf ,Uf;fpwhd;” vd;W epidj;jthW nrd;whh; FUf;fs;. “FUf;fSf;F ey;yhr; nrhd;dpas;. mth; ,q;Fs;s rpy gpuKfh;fis ngupjhf epidf;fpwhh;@ mth;fSf;F mh;r;rid nra;Ak; NghJ gpukhjkhfr; nra;fpwhh;@ ehk; vt;tsT gzj;ijf; nfhLj;jhYk; vk;ik kjpg;gjpy;iy@ tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp NfhapYf;F tuhtpl;lhy; G+ir $lr; nra;a khl;lhnud;W fijf;fpwhh;fs;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. n[aghyDk; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; kfh fzgjpia tzq;fptpl;Lr; Rthkp aplQ; nrd;wdh;. mur kuepoypy; RthkpahUld; gyh; ,Ue;jdh;. Rthkpahh; mth;fSf;F mUSiu toq;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;@ “xUtd; jd;idj;jhNd kjpg;gply; Ntz;Lk;@ ,J Rakjpg;gPL vd;W nrhy;yg;gLk;. cd;id xUtd; nfhbathh;j;ij fshy; epe;jpj;jhy;@ cdf;F tUk; Nfhgk; jhd>; eP ,d;ndhUtid epe;jpf;Fk; NghJ mtDf;Fk; tUk;. epyk; vj;jifaJ vd;gij mjpy; tsUk; gaph;fs; fhl;LtJ Nghy> xUtd; NgRk; thh;j;ijfs; mtdJ Fyg;nghUikiaf; fhl;Lk;. xt;nthUtUk; jd;dpy; Fw;wk; fhzy; Ntz;Lk;. cd;dpy; rpwpa Fw;wkpUe;jhYk; mij ePf;f KayNtz;Lk;. mNj Nghy kw;wth;fsplk; Fw;wq;fs; fhzg;gl;lhy; mijg; ngupJgLj;jy; $lhJ. mtDila ew;Fzq;fisj; jhd; ehk;

118

kjpj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. Jh;f;FzKs;sth; mj;Jh;f;Fzj;jhy; nfl;lopthh; vd;gjhy; jhd; ed;kf;fs; mth;fSld; Nrh;tjpy;iy. vy;yhtw;iwAk; ,iwtd;jhd; nfhLf;fpwhh;….” Rthkpahh; mUSiu epfo;j;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;. mijf; Nfl;l rptRe;ju%h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “,g;nghOJ RthkpahUk; mth;fSila gf;fk;jhd; fijf;fpwhh;. ,jpiy epd;why; tprh;tUk;. th Nghtk;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. vJTk; Ngrhky; mtUf;Fg; gpd;dhy; nrd;whd; n[aghyd;. mtDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. 959. epyj;jpy; fple;jik fhy;fhl;Lk;@ fhl;Lk; Fyj;jpy; gpwe;jhh;tha;r; nrhy;. epyk; vj;jd;ikaJ vd;gij mjpy; Kisj;j Kis fhl;Lk;. mJ Nghy xUtdJ tha;r; nrhy; mtd; vf; Fyj;jtd; vd;gijf; fhl;b tpLk;.

Fb cau

md;W rdpf;fpoik. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp fy;tp mikr;rpy; fUj;juq;fpw;fhfr; nrd;W tpl;lhh;. nfhOk;gpy; fy;tp mikr;rpy; fUj;juq;F elf;fhj NghJk; mtUf;Ff; fy;tp mikr;rpy; Kf;fpakhdnjhU Ntiy ,Ue;jJ. mij ntF ehl;fshf Kbf;f KbahJ ftiyg;gl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;. n[aghydJ gpupTgrhu tpoh mtUf;F mt;Ntiyia Kbf;f cjtpaJ.

119

ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpy; n[aghyDk; mtdJ ez;gh;fSk; epd;wdh;. kf;fs; kpfTk; FiwthfNt fhzg;gl;ldh;. fdfypq;fk; n[aghyDf;F khiy #l;b mtid tuNtw;whh;. mijj; njhlh;e;J n[aghydpd; ez;gh;fs; gyh; khiy #l;b mtidf; nfsutpj;jdh;. mth;fs; #ba khiyfis mth;fSf;F n[aghyNd thq;fpf; nfhLj;jpUe;jhd;. FUf;fs; kfh fzgjpf;Fg; G+ir nra;J tpl;L mq;;fpUe;jtth;fSf;F jpUePW nfhLj;jhh;. Nksthj;jpak; Koq;f n[aghyd; NfhapypUe;J ,yf;fpag; Nguitf;F mioj;Jr; nry;yg;gl;lhd;. kpff; Fiwe;jsT kf;fNs Ch;tyj;jpy; fye;J nfhz;ldh;. mJ rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;F mtkhdj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ. n[aghyDld; gpur;rpidg;gl;lhYk; xg;Gf;fhtJ ,q;Fs;s gpuKfh;fs; te;jpUf;fyhnkd epidj;jhd;. Rthkpahh; toikahf VjhtJ rpwg;G epfo;r;rpfs; eilngw;why; Nfhapy; thrYf;F te;J MrPh;tjpg;ghh;. gpd; epfo;tplk;tiu Ch;tykhfr; nry;thh;. Mdhy; md;W Rthkpahh; mur kuj;jpd; fPo; ep\;ilapy; ,Ue;jhh;. mth; vOe;J tuhjJ rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;Ff; Nfhgj;ij tutioj;jJ. mjdhy; Nksthj;jpaf; fiyQUf;Fr; nrhd;dhh;@ “Nahfehjd;> Rthkpahuplk; Nghfj; Njitapy;iy. NeNu kz;lgj;jpw;fg; Ngh”;.

120

Nahfehjd; xUfzk; jpifj;jhd;. gpd; elf;fj; njhlq;fpdhd;. mtd; NeNu murkuj;jbf;Fr; nry;y kf;fSk; mq;F nrd;wdh;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;F mtdJ nrayhy; Nfhgk; te;j NghJk; mijr; rpukg;gl;L mlf;fpf; nfhz;lhh;. n[aghyd; RthkpahuJ ghjq;fisj; njhl;L tzq;fpdhd;. Rthkpahh; fz; tpopj;J KWtypj;jhh;@ “rfy nrsghf;fpaq;fSlDk; tho;thahf! xUtDf;F ed;ik Ntz;Lkhdhy; ehzk; cilatdhf ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;@ gpwe;j Fbf;F cah;T Ntz;Lkhdhy; midtuplKk; gzpTld; ele;J nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh;. jzpfhryKk; NtyhAjgps;isAk; Nfhapybf;F te;jpUe;jdh;. Ch; tyk; nrd;w gpd; ,UtUk; Nfhapybapy; rpwpJ Neuk; epd;wdh;. rptRe;ju%h;;j;jp Rthkpahuplk; Mrp ngwhkNy nry;YkhW $wpaJ jzpfhryj;jpw;F kpFe;j kdtUj;jj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ. “rptRe;ju%h;j;jp ,g;gb Vd; ele;J nfhs;fpwhd;‟? vd;W Gupatpy;iy. n[aghyd; jPatndd;whYk; ey;yth;fSf;Fg; gae;jtd;@ mth;fis kjpg;gtd;. Mdhy; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpapd; nrhw;gbjhd; n[aghyd; ele;J nfhs;fpwhd;. rpwpa rpwpa nray;fisf; $l rptRe;ju%h;j;jp kpifg;gLj;jp n[aghyDf;Ff; $Wfpwhd;. md;W FUf;fsplk; mtd; fijj;j Kiw gpio. ,d;W Rthkpahh; Nfhapybf;F tuhikf;F VjhtJ fhuzk;

121

,Uf;Fk;. mij tpl;L tpl;L Rthkpahiuf; Fw;wk; fhz Kay;tJ vt;tsT jtW. cyfg; gw;Wf;fis mWj;jth;fs; ,iwtidj; jtpu NtW vtiuAk; kjpf;f khl;lhh;fs; vd;W rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;F Vd; Gupatpy;iy?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; NtyhAjgps;is. “gpwuplKs;s rpwpa jtWfis kpifg;gLj;jp mth;fisj; jPath;fnsdf; fhl;Ltjpy; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp ty;ytd;. mj;Jld; jdJ Jh;f;Fzq;fis ey;yit vd;W Nghw;Wtjw;fhf thh;j;ij [hyq;fs; nra;tjpYk; mtd; ty;ytd;. Rthkpahh; $wpaJ Nghy> „xUtDf;F ed;ik Ntz;Lkhdhy; jPa nray;fs; nra;aTk;> nfhba thh;j;ijfs; NgrTk; ehzg;gly; Ntz;Lk;. jdJ Fbf;F cah;T Ntz;Lk; vd;Wk; epidg;gtd; vy;NyhiuAk; kjpj;J elj;jy; Ntz;Lk;.‟ ,y;yhtpl;lhy; mtd; nfl;ltdhfNt fUjg;gLthd;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “nrhh;f;fKk; eufKk; ,t;Tyfpy; jhd; cz;L. mtw;iwr; nray;fs;jhd; cUthf;Ffpd;wd. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp jdJ thahy;jhd; nfLfpwhd;. mtd; NgrhkypUe;jpUe;jhy; Vuhskhd kf;fs; ,t;tpohtpy; fye;J nfhz;bUg;gh;. xUtidj; jPatndd;W xJf;ff;$lhnjd;w ey;y vz;zk; kf;fs; gyuplk; cz;L” vd;whh; NtyhAjgps;is.

122

960.eyk;Ntz;bd; ehz;cilik Ntz;Lk;@ Fyk;Ntz;bd; Ntz;Lf ahh;f;Fk; gzpT.

xUtd; ed;ikaila Ntz;Lkhdhy; ehzk; cilatdhf ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. jd; Fb cauNtz;Lkhdhy; midtuplKk; gzpT cs;stdhf ele;J nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;.

nra;af;$lhjit

n[aghyd; jdJ kidtpapd; je;ijahupd; epidthf ehtyh; = tpe;jpah kfh fzgjp Kd;gs;spf;Fr; rfy trjpfSklq;fpa Gjpa fl;bl nkhd;iwf; fl;bj;jUtjhfr; nrhd;dhd;. mJ mtdJ kidtp rptrf;jpf;Fk; mtsJ xd;gJ rNfhjuu;fSf;Fk; kpFe;j kfpo;r;rpiaf; nfhLj;jJ. vt;tsT gzk; nrythdhYk; guthapy;iy. rfy trjpfSk; mlq;fpajhf aho;g;ghz khtl;lj;jpNyNa mg;gb xU Kd;gs;sp ,Uf;ff; $lhj Kiwapy; mk;Kd;gs;spiaf; fl;bf; nfhLf;FkhW uFtud; mwptpj;jpUe;jhd;. mjdhy; kf;fspy; gyh; kpfTk; kdk; kfpo;e;jdh;. mk;Kd;gs;spiaf; fl;Ltjw;F epyk; Njitahf ,Ue;jJ. jw;;nghOJ mk;Kd;gs;sp ,Uf;Fk; fhzp kpfTk; rpwpaJ. E}W tUlq;fSf;F Kd;G ahNuh xU gps;isapy;yhj jk;gjpfs; mf;fhzpiar; rpjk;guj;jpw;F vOjp tpl;ldh;. mjpy; KUifad; guk;giu guk;giuahf tho;e;J

123

tUfpwhd;. Kd;G ,yq;ifapy; cs;s rpjk;guj;jpw;Fupa fhzpfSf;F tup t#ypg;gjw;fhf eNlrd; vd;nwhUth; ,Ue;jhh;. mth; mf;fhzpfSf;fhd tupfis t#ypj;Jr; rpjk;guj;jpw;F mDg;gp te;jhh;. mth; ,we;jJk; tup t#ypg;gth;fs; ahUkpy;yhjjhy; KUifadJ je;ij ehtyh; = tpe;jpah kfh fzgjp Mya eph;thf rigf;F mg;gzj;ijf; nfhLj;J te;jhh;. me;jg; gzj;ij KUifaDk; ,d;Wtiu nfhLj;J tUfpwhd;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp mf;fhzpiag; gw;wp eph;thf rigf; $l;lq;fspy; mbf;fb gpu];jhgpg;ghh;. KUifadpy; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;F tpUg;gkpy;iy. mjdhy; Kd;gs;spiaf; fl;Lk; rhl;lhf KUifaid mf;fhzpapy; ,Ue;J vOg;g tpUk;gpdhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. mjw;F Cuth; rpyUk; MjuT njuptpj;jdh;. mf;fhzpf;Fs; Kd;gs;spAld; Nrh;j;Jg; ngupanjhU fyhr;rhu kz;lgj;ijAk; fl;l Ntz;Lk; vd;W rptRe;ju%h;j;jp tpUk;gpdhh;. mg;gbf; fl;bdhy; ,yf;fpag; Nguitapd; tpohf;fs; fUj;juq;Ffis mq;F elj;jyhk;. mj;Jld; fy;ahz kz;lgk; xd;W mt;T+upy; ,y;iy. mjdhy; mk;kz;lgj;ijf; fy;ahz kz;lgkhfTk; ghtpf;fyhk;. gz t#ypg;Gf;fhf ehlfq;fs; elj;jyhk;> eld muq;Nfw;wq;fs;. fiy tpohf;fs; elj;jyhk; vd;W jPh;khdpj;jhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. md;W mJ rk;ge;jkhf xU $l;lk; $lg;gl;lJ. mjw;F toik Nghy tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp jiyik jhq;fpdhh;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp vOe;J jdJ fUj;Jf;fisr;

124

nrhd;dhh;. rigapdUk; KUifad; FbapUf;fk; fhzpapy; fyhr;rhu kz;lgj;ijf; fl;lyhnkd;wdh;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp vOe;J jdJ fUj;ijr; nrhd;dhh;@ “KUifad; ,Uf;fpd;w fhzp rpjk;guf; NfhapYf;Fr; nrhe;jkhdJ. fzgjp ehjd; vd;gth; jdf;Fg; gps;isfspy;yhikahy; mf;fhzpia rpjk;guf;NfhapYf;F vOjptpl;lhh;. mjw;fhd tupg;gzj;ij mth; eNlrd; vd;gtUf;Ff; nfhLj;J te;Js;shh;. mth; ,we;jJk; mf;fhzp Nfhapw;fhzp vd;gjhy; mjw;Fupa tupg;gzj;ijf; nfhLf;fhJ tpl;lhy; jdJ FLk;gj;jpw;Ff; NfLtUk; vdg; gae;J KUifadpd; jfg;gdhh; vkJ NfhapYf;F mg;gzj;ijf; nfhLj;J te;jhh;. mth; ,we;j gpd; KUifad; mg;gzj;ijf; nfhLj;J tUfpwhh;. KUifaDf;F Ie;J gps;isfs;. mjpy; ,Uth; KUifadJ tPl;Lf;F mUfpy; rpwpa tPL ,uz;L fl;b tho;fpwhh;fs;. mth;fSf;F NtW ,lq;fspy; fhzp ,y;iy. NtW ,lq;fspy; fhzp thq;Fk; trjpAk; mth;fSf;F ,y;iy. mj;Jld; rl;lg;gbNah my;yJ rk;gpujhag;gbNah vtUf;Fk; mth;fis tPl;il tpl;L vOk;G vd;W nrhy;y mjpfhukpy;iy. mjdhy; me;jf; fhzpf;Fs; fyhr;rhu kz;lgj;ijf; fl;l KbahJ” vd;whh;. rigapy; rpW ryryg;G Vw;gl;lJ. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp Nfhgj;Jld; vOe;jhh;@ “mJ

125

Nfhapy; fhzp. mjpy; cupik ghuhl;l KUifaDf;F cupik ,y;iy…” “xj;Jf; nfhs;Nthk;. E}W tUlq;fshff; FbapUg;gtDf;F cupikapy;iy nad;why; NtW ahUf;F vg;gb cupik tUk;?” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “ePq;fs; vy;NyhUk; n[aghydpd; kPJs;s ntWg;ghy;jhd; ,ijr; nrhy;fpwPu;fNs jtpu KUifadpd; kPJs;s gw;why; my;y” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “,d;wpaikahj gy rpwg;Gf;fs; tUtjhf ,Ue;jhYk; $l> Fbg;ngUikiaf; nfLf;ff; $ba jPa nray;fis kdpjh;fs; nra;af; $lhJ. gy FLk;gj;jpdiu eLtPjpapy; tpl;L tpl;lh kz;lgk; fl;LtJ?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp. 961. ,d;wp mikahr; rpwg;gpd MapDk; Fd;w tUg tply;.

,d;wpaikahj gy rpwg;Gf;fs; tUtjhf ,Ue;jhYk; $l> Fbg;ngUikiaf; nfLf;ff; $ba nraiy xU NghJk; nra;af; $lhJ. Nguhz;ikAilNahh ;

KUifad; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpapd; tPl;Lf;F te;J mtuJ fhy;fisg; gw;wpg;

126

gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L mOjhd;@ “Iah> ePq;fs; ngupath;@ ePjpahdth;@ caph;fsplj;jpy; Ngud;Gkpf;fth;. cq;fsplk; jhd; vdJ gps;isfs; fw;wdh;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; Cuth; rpyUk; Nrh;e;J gyKiw vdJ tPl;Lf;F te;J kpul;bdhh;fs;. ,utpy; fw;fshy; vdJ tPl;Lf;F vwpe;jdh;. fle;j xU khjfhykhf ehd; gLk; f\;lk; NtW ahUk; gl;ljpy;iy. mjdhy; me;jf; fhzpia tpl;L vOk;gpg; NghNthkh vd;W $l epidj;Njd;. mg;nghOJ vdJ %j;jkfd; nrhd;dhd;@ “mg;gh> cq;fSf;f mjpgiug; gw;wpj; njupahJ. mth; jdJ caph; NghdhYk; ePjp jtw khl;lhh;. mth; xUNghJk; vk;ik ,f;fhzpapy; ,Ue;J vOg;gr; rk;kjpf;f khl;lhh;. ePq;fs; ftiyg;glhijq;Nfh” vd;wtd;. Iah> ,e;j Cupy; thOk; < vWk;Gf;Ff; $l cq;fisg; gw;wpj; njupAk;. Vd; rpy nfl;lth;fSf;F cq;fisg; gw;wpj; njuptjpy;iy” vd;W tpk;kpdhd; KUifad;. mg;NghJ jzpfhryk; mq;Nf te;jhh;@ “vd;d KUifah…? gy ehl;fshf mjpgiuj; NjbddP. ,d;iwf;fh re;jpf;f Kbe;jJ” vd;W Nfl;lhh; jzpfhryk;. “ePq;fs; mjpgiug; gw;wpr; nrhd;ddPq;fs; jhd;. Mdhy; ehd; ek;gtpy;iy. Nfhapy; fhzp> nghJNtiy nra;aj;jhNd Nfl;fg; Nghfpwhh;fs;. ehd; vg;gb kWf;f KbAk;? vd;W epidj;Njd;. ePq;fs; nrhd;dJ Nghy@ “ngUk; rpwg;gpidAk; Nguhz;ikiaAk; tpUk;Ggth;fs; Gfo;NjLtjw;fhff; $lj; jkJ Fbg;

127

ngUikf;F ,Of;F tuf;$ba nray;fs; vijAk; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;” mJ cz;ik vd;gij Gupe;J nfhz;Nld;. ,g;NghJ kdpjh;fs; re;h;g;g #o;epiyfSf;Nfw;g tho;e;J tUfpwhh;fs;@ tpOe;j ghl;bw;Ff; Fwp RLfpwhh;fs;@ kdpjj; jd;ik vd;gNj ,y;yhky; tho;fpwhh;fs;. ,e;jf; fpuhkj;ijAk; kf;fisAk; kfh fzgjp fhg;gJ Nghy ePjpiaAk; Neh;ikiaAk; ePq;fSk; cq;fs; ez;gh;fSk; ghJfhj;J tUfpwPu;fs;. cq;fsJ FLk;gk; jiof;Fk;. ePq;fs; tPl;il tpl;L vOk;gr; nrhy;ypapUe;jhy;> ehd; tPjpapy; epw;Fk; kuj;jpw;Ff; fPNo jhd; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. gjpd;%d;W rPtd;fs;f\;lg;gl;bUf;Fk;” mOjhd; KUifad;. “fhuzkpy;yhJ fyq;ff; $lhJ. kdpjd; cupikAld; tho Ntz;Lkhdhy; mtd; gzk; Njl Ntz;Lk;. eP ciog;gijnay;yhk; Fbg;gjdhy; jhd; f\;lg;gLfpwha;. ciog;gjpy; nfhQ;rj;ijahtJ Nrkp” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “RthkpahUk; mg;gbj;jhd; nrhy;fpwhh;. rpWtajpy; ,f;nfhba gof;fj;ijg; gofp tpl;Nld;. mij epWj;j Kbatpy;iy. vd;idf; fhzpahy; vOg;gg; Nghfpwhh;fs; vd;W Rthkpahuplk; mOjOJ $w mth; nrhd;dhh;@ “KUifad; vd;W kpfTk; mUikahd ngah; xd;iw cdf;F cdJ je;ij #l;bAs;shh;. jkpo;j; nja;tkhd KUfdpd; ehkj;ij cila eP Fbf;fpwha;. Kjypy; mijf; iftpL> eP kdpjdhtha;. ,e;j cyfk; kdpjh;fSf;FupaNj

128

jtpu fs;sUe;Jk; Nga;fSf;Fupajy;y. rhj;tPfkhd czTfis xUtd; cz;lhy; mtDk; rhJthd gRg;NghyNt tho;thd;. Nghij jUk; ghdq;fisf; Fbj;jhy; NghijAw;W cyfpy; elg;git GupahjtdhfNt mtd; tho;thd;. mtd; xUNghJk; epk;kjpaila khl;lhd;. kdf; Fog;gj;JlDk; Jauj;JlDNk ve;ehSk; tho;thd;. mtdplk; kpUf ,ay;Ng mjpfupj;Jf; fhzg;gLk;. mjdhy; eP kdpjdhf tho tpUk;gpdhy; kdpjid kpUfkhf khw;Wk; fs;isf; Fbf;fhNj. mijf; Fbg;gjhy; jhd; cd;dhy; nghUisj; Njl KbahjpUf;fpwJ. gpwh; cd;id mlf;f epidf;fpd;wdh;.” vd;whh;. cz;ikjhd; Iah E}W &gh cioj;jhy; mk;gJ &ghTf;Ff; Fbj;J tpLfpNwd;. ,ijr; Nrkpj;jpUe;jhy; ehd; ngUk; gzf;fhudhfp apUg;Ngd;” vd;whd; KUifad;. “,ijnay;yhk njupe;j eP Vd; Fbf;fpwha;? ,t;tsT fhyKk; Fbj;J mopj;jha;. vQ;rpAs;s fhyj;ijahtJ ey;y Kiwapy; thog;ghh;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “rup Iah” vd;W $wpa KUifad; mth;fsplkpUe;J tpil ngw;Wr; nrd;whd;. “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp Iah ,y;yhtpl;lhy; vd;idf; nfhd;W tpl;Lf; fhzpiaf; ifg;gw;wp ,Ug;ghh;fs;” vd;W epidj;jhd; KUifad;.

129

962. rPupDk; rPh;my;y nra;ahNu rPnuhL Nguhz;ik Ntz;L gth;.

GfNohL $ba Mz;ikia tpUk;Gfpd;wth;fs;> Gfo;NjLk; topapYk; Fbg;ngUikiaf; nfLf;ff; $ba nray;fisr; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;.

gzpTk; jd;khdKk;

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130

KUifaidf; fz;lJk; jdghyd;@ “Nla; KUifah ,q;Nf thlh” vd;whd;. jdghyd; mg;gb mioj;jJ KUifaDf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. vdpDk; vOe;J mth;fSf;Ff; mUfpy; te;jhd;@ “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpiaAk; jzpfhryj;ijAk; tisj;Jf; iff;Fs;g; Nghl;lhg; Nghy fhzp cdf;F te;jpLnkd;W fdT fhzhij. vd;dplk; fhrpUf;F. ePjpkd;wk; tiu NghNtd;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “ahh; Nghf Ntz;lhk; vd;wJ? ehd; NghfNtz;lhnkd;W $wtpy;iyNa” vd;whd; KUifad;. mtd; mg;gbf; $Wthd; vd;W vjph;ghuhj rptRe;ju%h;;j;jp rw;Wj; jpifj;J tpl;lhh;. vdpDk; mijf; fhl;bf; nfhs;shJ nrhd;dhh;@ “mJ Nfhapw; nrhj;J. kdePjpapd;gb ghh;j;jhy; eP mijtplj;jhNd Ntz;Lk;. ehq;fnsd;d tPL fl;lNt Nfl;fpwk;. nghJ kz;lgk; fl;bdhy; ey;yJ@ CUf;Fk; rpwg;G. Ntz;Lkhdhy; n[aghydplk; nrhy;ypf; nfhQ;rf; fhR thq;fpj; jhwd;.” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “elf;fhj tp\aj;ijg; gw;wp ehd; cq;fSld; fijf;f tpUk;gtpy;iy. ,J Nfhapy; fhzpjhd;. ehq;fs; guk;giu guk;giuahff; FbapUf;fpwk;. cq;if Cupiy vj;jidNah rpjk;gu nrhj;Jf; fhzpfs;

131

,Uf;F. gs;spf; $lj;jpw;nfd;W vOjg;gl;l fhzpfs; ,Uf;F. mitnay;yhtw;iwAk; gzf;fhuu;fSk;;> trjpahd th;fSk;> cj;jpNahff;fhuUk; gpbj;Jf; fs;s cWjpfs; Kbj;J itr;rpUf;fpid. ehtyh; gs;spf; $lf; fhzp Kg;gJ ehw;gJ gug;ig ahh; gpbj;J itj;jpUf;fpid vd;W cq;fSf;Fj; njupAk;. mJfnsy;yhk; gbr;r gzf;fhuuhd cq;fspd; fz;fSf;Fj; njupatpy;iy. FbapUf;ff; fhzpapy;yhj NghJk; fs;s cWjp Kbf;fhj fhzpjhd; cq;fSila fz;fSf;Fj; njupe;jNjh…?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; KUifad;. jdghyDf;Ff; Nfhgk; te;J tpl;lJ@ “eP Mw;iu Vtypiy MLfpwha; vd;W vkf;Fj; njupAk;” vd;W jdghyd; nrhy;yr; rptRe;ju %h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “ehY Ngiu Vtptpl;lhy; ,tidf; fiyr;Rg; NghLtq;fs;. ehd; rkhjhdkhfr; nra;ayhnkd;W ghh;f;fpNwd;” vd;whh;. “Iah> ehd;F ngupa kdpjUila cjtp vdf;F ,Uf;F. mit cj;jkkhdit@ nrhd;d nrhy;y khwhjit. mitapUf;Fk; NghJ ehd; vjw;Fk; gag;glkhl;ld;. gzf;fhudhfTk; gbj;jtdhfTk; ,Ug;gtd; nry;tk; ngUfptUk; NghJ gz;Gilatdhf ,Ug;ghd;@ md;Gs;sk; nfhz;ltdhfTk; ,Ug;ghd; vd;W ngupait nrhy;Ytpid. eP gbj;jdpah…? gzf;fhudh…? cd;iu fy;tpahYk; gzj;jhYk; ahUf;F vd;d ,yhgk;? ehd; Viojhd;. vdpDk; kw;wth;fSf;Fg; gzpahj jd;khdk; kpf;ftd;.

132

mjdhy; eP vijr; nra;jhYk; mij vjph;fpw tY vd;dplk; ,Uf;F” vd;whd; KUifad;. “vd;dlh nrhy;fpwha;?” vd;W Nfhgkhff; Nfl;lgb jdghyd; KUifaDf;F mbf;fr; nrd;whd;. rdr%f epiyaj;Js; gj;jpupif gbj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j jdghyrpq;fk; ntspNa te;J nrhd;dhh;@ “cdf;Fg; gbj;Jk; Gj;jp ,y;iyah…? Vd; mtDld; rz;ilf;Fg; Nghfpwha;. gbj;j eP ghku kf;fisg; Nghyj; njUtpy; epd;W rz;il gpbf;fyhkh…? mtd; nrhd;dJ Nghy eP gzf;fhud;@ gzk; ngUfg; ngUf gzpT Ntz;Lk;@ gzk; RUq;fpg; NghFk; NghJ gpwuplk; if Ve;jhJ jiy epkph;e;J elf;Fk; jd;khdk; Ntz;Lk;. KUifad; jd; khdk; kpf;ftd;. eP gz;Gs;stdh vd;W vz;zpg;ghh;” vd;whh; jdghyrpq;fk;. 963. ngUf;fj;J Ntz;Lk; gzpjy;@ rpwpa RUf;fj;J Ntz;Lk; cah;T.

nry;tk; ngUfpAs;s fhyj;jpy; xUtDf;Fg; gzpT Ntz;Lk;. nry;tk; Fiwe;J tWikAw;w fhyj;jpy; jiy epkph;e;J elf;Fk; jd;khdk; kpf;f cah;T Ntz;Lk;.

133

kapUf;Fr; rkk;

“,tDf;F ahuhtJ Gj;jpkjp nrhy;y KbANk? Kd;G n[aghyNdhL Nrh;e;J mlhtbj;jdq;fspYk; jPa nray;fspYk; <Lgl;L tpl;Lg; gq;F gpupf;Fk; NghJ rz;il gpbj;jth;fs;. ,g;Ngh mijnay;yhk; kwe;J rpNefpjkhfp tpl;lhh;fs;. rpNefpjkhdhy; vdf;nfd;d ehd; cioj;Jr; rhg;gph;wd;. ahUldhtJ ,Jtiu gpur;rpidf;Fg; NghddhNd?. Fbj;Jtpl;L mlhtbj;jdq;fspy; <Lgl;lNldh? ,y;iyf; fsntLj;Njdh? tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp Iah> ,y;iy ePq;fs; my;yJ NtyhAjgps;is mz;iz ,y;iyj; jzpfhrykz;iz te;J@ “KUifah Nfhapy; fhzpia tpl;L tpl;Lg;Ngh. ehq;fs; kz;lgk; fl;lg; Nghwk; vd;W nrhy;yl;Lk; ehd; Fbirfisg; gpLq;fpf; nfhz;L Ngha; vq;ifahtJ fl;Ltd;. mth;fs; nrhy;y khl;lhh;fs;. cah;e;j xOf;fj;jpy; ,Ue;J mth;fs; mZtsTk; gprfkhl;lhh;fs;. xOf;f newpapy; ,Ue;J jho;;e;jth;fs; jiyapy; ,Ue;J cjph;e;j kapiu tplj; jho;e;jth;fs;. ePq;fs; vy;NyhUk;Vd; Ntl;b fl;bf; nfhz;L jpupfpwPu;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; KUifad;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. Ngrpdhy; jhd; nra;j mlhtbj; jdq;fs; vy;yhk; ntspg;gl;L tpLk; vdg; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhh;. jdghyd;jhd; fj;jpdhd;@ “FbapUf;f epykpy;iy. tPl;Ls; ,Ue;J ghh;j;jhy; Mfhak;

134

njupAk;. xOq;fhd cLg;gpy;iy. fij kl;Lk; gpuGf;fs; khjpup.” “cz;ikjhd;. eP nrhy;ynjy;yhk; cz;ik. ehd; kWf;ftpy;iy. Mdhy; ehd; jpUltpy;iy@ xOf;ff; Nflhf elf;ftpy;iy@ Nfhapy; Fuq;Ffisg; gpbj;J ntl;bg; gq;F Nghl;L tpw;ftpy;iy@ xOf;fkhf thOwd;. rhg;ghl;Lf;F topapy;iy@ Fbf;ff; fhR ,y;iy vd;W ehd; fsntLf;f khl;ld;. fsntLj;jpUe;jhd; ehd; khspif fl;bapUg;gd;.” vd;whd; KUifad;. “jdghY fijf;fhij. fijj;jhahdhy; khdk; Ngha;tpLk;. rdk; rz;iliag; ghh;f;ff; $LJ th Nghtk;.” vd;w rptRe;ju%h;j;jp jdghydJ gjpiy vjph;ghuhJ elf;fj; njhlq;fpdhh;. “eP ey;y gbahff; fijj;jha;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;Fj;jhd; fw;wtd; vd;w jpkph;. ahuhtJ Fbj;J tpl;Lr; nrhd;dhy; mJ Fbfhudpd; Ngr;nrd kf;fs; fzf;fpy; vLf;f khl;lhh;fs;. eP epjhdkhf ,Ue;J fijj;jhy; ,dpr; rptRe;ju%h;;jp fijf;f khl;lhd;” vd;whh; jdghyrpq;fk;. “,tq;fSf;F ehzkpy;iy mz;iz. jPa nray;fisr; nra;aTk; jPa thh;j;ijfisg; NgrTk; xUtd; tpUk;gf; $lhJ. ey;yth;fs; xU NghJk; jPathh;j;ijfisg; Ngrkhl;lhh;fs;. jPath;fs;

135

ey;y thh;j;ijfisg; Ngr khl;lhh;fs;. ,th;fs; ntl;fkpy;yhjth;fs;. jPik nra;J tpl;L; gpd; typa te;J fijg;ghh;fs;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp> jdJ kfSf;Fj; jpUkzk; vg;gbr; nra;jtd; vd;W cq;fSf;Fj; njupAk; jhNd…? mtndhUtd; ntspehl;Lf;Fr; nry;yj; jdJ fhzpia <Litj;jtd;. me;jf; fhzpapd; ngWkjpapYk; ghh;f;ff; $Ljyhf tl;bf; fhR thq;fpatd;. gpd; kfSf;F Kg;gj;ije;J taJ te;Jk; jpUkzkhftpy;iy. tpf;Nd];tu %h;j;jp IahTilia fhiyg; gpbj;Jf; nfQ;rp fhzp <Litj;j tDf;Nf jdJ kfisj; jpUkzk; nra;J nfhLj;jtd;. ,g;g tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp Iahitj; J}w;wpf; nfhz;L jpupfpwhd;. mth; cjtp nra;ahtpl;lhy; ,tdJ kfs; ,g;gTk; fd;dpahfj;jhd; ,Ug;ghs;. mg;gbahd ed;wpapy;yhj ,td; NuhrKs;stdhf tho;thd; vd;W ePq;fs; epidf;fpwPu;fsh…? mijtpl ey;y cj;jpNahfj;jpiy ,Uf;fpwhd;. mg;gb ,Ue;Jk; ,yQ;rk; thq;fp mk;gpl;ltd;. ,tidg; gw;wpr; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;Nl ,Uf;fyhk;” vd;whd; KUifad;. “KUifah> kw;wth;fs; jPa nray;fisr; nra;jhYk; mijg; gyh; $bAs;s ,lj;jpy; Kfj;jpw;F NeNu nrhy;yf;$lhJ” vd;whd; rdr%f epiyaj;jpy; epd;w xUtd;. “ehd; mg;gbr; nrhy;yhtpl;lhy;> mth;fs; ,UtUk; ,d;Dk; gytw;iwr; nrhy;ypapUg;ghh;fs;. ehk; ,y;yhjtw;iwr; nrhy;yj;jhd; gag;gly; Ntz;Lk;. ehd; nrhd;d

136

tp\ak; ahTk; Ch; kf;fs; midtUf;Fk; njupAk;. ,Ue;j NghJk; jhd; nra;tJ ahTk; rup vd;w vz;zjjpNyNa rptRe;ju%h;j;jp fijj;jhh;. jhd; nra;Ak; jPa nray;fis ey;y nray;fs; vd;W kf;fSf;Ff; fhl;l Kaw;rpf;fpwhh;. mij mDkjpf;ff; $lhJ. mDkjpj;jhy; NkYk; NkYk; jPikfisNa nra;thh;” vd;whd; KUifad;. 964. jiyapd; ,ope;j kaph;midah; khe;jh; epiyapd; ,ope;jf; fil.

cah;e;j xOf;f epiyapy; ,Ue;J jho;e;jth;fs;> jiyapy; ,Ue;J tpOe;j kapUf;Fr; rkkhdth;fs;.

Fd;wpkzpasT

“jPath;fs; jPa nray;fisr; nra;jhy; mijahUk; fzf;fpy; vLj;Jf; nfhs;skhl;lhh;fs;. mJ mth;fspd; ,ay;ghd Fzk;. mjdhy; mth;fisj; jpUj;j KbahJ vd;W jhd; nrhy;thh;fs;. Mdhy; kiyNghy cah;e;j epiyapy; cs;s xUtu;> jho;Tf;Ff; fhuzkhd ,ope;j nranyhd;iwr; rpwpjhd Fd;wpkzp msT nra;jhYk; mth; jho;e;J Nghthh;. NtyhAjgps;is kpfTk; ey;yth;@ cah;e;j gz;Gfis cilath;@ vdJ Mj;k ez;gh;. ,Ue;j NghJk; Fbfhudhd jdghyDf;F mbj;jikahy; ey;yth;fspilNa jho;e;J Nghdhh;. mNj Nghy jzpfhryk;@ “NtyhAjgps;is mbj;jJ rup” vd;W

137

nrhd;djhYk; mth; jho;e;J Nghdhh;. Kjypy; ehk; vy;NyhiuAk; kjpf;fg;gof Ntz;Lk;. gopthq;Fk; czh;r;rp vg;NghJk; ve;jf; fhupaj;ijAk; rhjpg;gjpy;iy. mJ gifia tsh;f;fj; jhd; cjTk;” vd;whh; jdghyrpq;fk;. KUifad; vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;. mtd; ey;yth;fis kjpg;gtd;. kdJs; thh;j;ijfs; miyaiyahfg; gpurtpj;j NghJk; mtd; jd;idf; fl;Lg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;lhd;. “tl;bf;fil elj;Jk; kapy;thfdj;jplk; jzpfhryk; mbf;fb gzk; fldhfg; ngWthh;. Kd;G jzpfhryj;jplk;jhd; thq;Fk; gzj;jpw;Fg; nghWg;ghff; nfhLf;fj; jq;f Mguzq;fs; vJTk; ,y;yhikahy;> mtdplk; nghWg;gpd;wpNa gzj;ijg; ngWthh;. mg;gbg; ngWtjhdhy; tl;bg; gzk; $Ljyhff; nfhLj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. mg;gbf;$ba tl;bf;Fj; jzpfhryk; kapy;thfdj;jplk; gzk; ngw;W te;jhh;. xUKiw mth; ,uz;lhapuk; &gh ngw;whh;. MW khjq;fspd; gpd; mth; mg;gzj;ij tl;bAld; nfhLj;J tpl;lhh;. jzpfhryk; gzj;jpw;F mjpf tl;b fl;Lfpwhh; vd;w fhuzj;jpdhy; NtyhAjgps;is jhd; gzk; nfhLj;J kapy; thfdj;jpd; gzj;ijf; fl;lr; nrhd;dhh;. fhRfl;b MW khjq;fspd; gpd; kapy; thfdk; jzpfhryj;pd; tPL Njb te;J me;jf; fhirf; Nfl;lhd;. jzpfhryk; vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. jhd; je;J tpl;Nld; vd;W $lr; nrhy;ytpy;iy. “XupU ehl;fspy; me;jf;

138

fhirj; jUfpNwd;” vd;W $wptpl;lhh;. NtyhAjgps;is jzpfhryj;ij Vrpdhh;@ “cd;id ,yFthf Vkhw;wyhk; vd;W njupe;jJjhd; kapy;thfdk; Vkhw;wpapUf;fpwhd;. vd;dplQ; nrhy;ypapUe;jhy; ehd; mtDf;Fr; nrhy;ypapUg;Ngd;” vd;whh;. ehDk; VrpNdd;. mjw;Fj; jzpfhryk; nrhd;dhh;@ “ehd; nghWg;gpy;yhky; ek;gpf;iff;Fj; jhd; gzk; thq;fpNdd;. nghWg;ghf VjhtJ jq;f eif nfhLj;jpUe;jhy; mtd; Nfl;fkhl;lhd;. xU mg;gpahrf; nfhg;gpapy; ehd; thq;Fk; gzj;jpw;Fg; nghWg;ghf vd;dplk; ifnaOj;J thq;Fthd;. ehd; gzj;ijAk; tl;biaAk; nfhLj;J tpl;L te;J tpLNtd;. xUehSkpy;yhjthW ,k;Kiw te;J Nfl;L tpl;lhd;. ehd; je;J tpl;Nld; vd;W nrhd;dhy; mtd; filrp tiuAk; ek;gkhl;lhd;. gyKiw jhd; thq;ftpy;iynad;W rj;jpaQ; nra;thd;. kf;fSk; mtd; $Wtij ek;gptpLth;. ,t;tsT fhyKk; xOf;fkhf tho;e;J tpl;L ,g;NghJ Fw;wq; Nfl;f ehd; tpUk;gtpy;iy. xUtd; vk;kPJ fhukpd;wpf; Fw;wk; Rkj;jpdhy;mij ehd; kWj;jhy; ehd;jhd; Fw;wthspahNtd;. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; me;jf; fhirf; nfhLj;Njd;” vd;W nrhd;d jzpfhryk; vg;gbj; jdghyDf;F NtyhAj gps;is mbj;jijr; rupnad;W Vw;Wf;nfhz;lJ vd;W ,d;Wk; vdf;Fg; Gupatpy;iy” vd;whh; jdghyrpq;fk;. “cz;ikjhd;> tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp Iah> NtyhAjgps;is nra;jJ gpionad;W $wpaikahy; Fd;wpkzpasT $lj; jtW

139

nra;atpy;iy. cah;e;jth;fs; vg;NghJk; cah;e;jth;fs;jhd;” vd;whd; KUifad;. “nra;a Ntz;ba Ntiyfs; vj;jidNah ,Uf;fpwJ. Mdhy; mtw;iwnay;yhk; tpl;Ltpl;Lj; Njitapy;yhj gpur;rpidfisj; J}f;fpj; jiyapy; itj;Jf; nfhz;L jpupgth;fs;jhd; mjpfkhdth;fs;. mg;gbahdth;fs; ,Uf;Fk; tiuf;Fk; vkJ rKjhak; xUNghJk; Kd;Ndw khl;lhJ” vd;whh; jdghyrpq;fk;. mg;NghJ mq;Nf te;j jzpfhryk; nrhd;dhh;@ “rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; jdghyDk; Nfhapybapy; VNjh Ngrpf; nfhz;L epw;fpwhh;fs;. KUifahtpd; ngaiuj; jhd; mbf;fb nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. ,q;F vd;d ele;jJ?” jdghyrpq;fk; rpupj;jhh;. gpd;@ “KUifahTld; gpur;rpidg;gl;Lf; nfhz;L Nghdhh;fs;” vd;whhh;. 965. Fd;wpd; midahUk; Fd;Wth; Fd;Wt Fd;wp mida nrapd;.

kiy Nghd;w cah;e;j ngUik cilatUk;> ,opthd nraiy xU Fd;wp kzpasT nra;jhYk; kpfj; jho;e;j epiyia milth;.

140

GfOk; rpwg;Gk; ,y;iy

tre;jpdp nfq;fhjudpd; tpahghu epiyaj;jpw;F te;jhs;. mts; mq;F te;jNghJ nfq;fhjud; mq;F ,Ue;jhd;. mtd; kpfTk; kfpo;r;rpAlDk; G+upg;GlDk; ,Ue;jhd;. mtd; rw;Wg; gUj;jpUe;jhd;. mtidg; ghh;f;f mtSf;F Kd;ida Nkhfk; gpwe;jJ. tre;jpdpiaf; fz;lJk; nfq;fhjud; mjph;e;J Nghdhd;. mts; jd;id tpl;L tpyfp tpl;lhs; vd;W epidj;jpUe;j mtd; mtisf; fz;lJk; nra;tjwpahJ jpifj;Jg; Nghdhd;. “vdJ jk;gpf;F mLj;j khjk; jpUkzk; eilngwTs;sJ. mjw;Fr; rpy nghUl;fs; Njithaf cs;sJ. mijf; fldhfj; je;JjTq;fs;. ,uz;L %d;W khjj;Js; flid milj;J tpLfpNwd;” vd;whs; tre;jpdp. “vdf;Fk; ,e;j epWtdj;jpw;Fk; ve;j tpjkhd nghWg;Gk; ,y;iy. ehd; ,q;F rk;gsj;jpw;F Ntiy nra;fpNwd;” vd;W $wptpl;L vOe;J cs;Ns nrd;W tpl;lhd; nfq;fhjud;. mtd; nrd;W miukzpj;jpahyj;jpd; gpd;Gk; mtd; tUthnddf; fhj;jpUe;jhs; tre;jpdp. mtd; Kd;Nfhgf;fhundd;whYk; jd;id kwf;f khl;lhd; vd;W mtSf;Fj; njupAk;. mjdhy; mtd; tUthndd fhj;jpUe;jhd;.

141

,uj;jpdk; te;J nrhd;dhd;@ “nfq;fhjud; Iah tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;W tpl;lhh;. ,dp tukhl;lhh;. ePq;fs; ,q;fpUg;gjpy; ve;jtpjkhd gaDk; ,y;iy” tre;jpdpf;F mJ mjph;r;rpiaf; nfhLj;jJ. vdpDk; mij ntspf; fhl;bf; nfhs;shJ@ “jaT nra;J cjtp nra;ar; nrhy;Yq;fs;” vd;W nrhy;yp tpl;Lg; Gwg;gl;lhs;. mts; nrhd;dij ,uj;jpdk; te;J nfq;fhjuDf;Fr; nrhd;d NghJ mtdJ kdk; rw;W jok;gpaJ. aNrhjpdpaplk; fhzhj gy tp\aq;fis mtd; mtsplk; fz;L mDgtpj;jpUf;fpwhd;. mjdhy; mtdJ kdk; rydkilaj; njhlq;fpaJ. nfq;fhjudhy; mjw;F Nky; mq;Nf ,Uf;f Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy; mtd; Gwg;gl;L etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mtd; te;j NghJ etuhrh jdJ tPl;by; ,Ue;jhd;. nfq;fhjud; tre;jpdp te;jijr; nrhy;yp> mts; $wpatw;iwAk; nrhd;dhd;. “mtshy; gl;l Jd;gq;fis epidj;Jg; ghh;. eP jpUkzQ; nra;j NghJ Fbg;gjpy;iy. tre;jpdpNahL cwT nfhz;l gpd;G jhd; Fbf;fg; gofpdha;. mj;Jld; mtshy; cdf;F nghUs; ,og;G Vw;gl;lJ. gpd; cd;id mts; mtkjpj;J tPl;il tpl;Lf; fiyj;jhs;. mg;gbahdtspd; gpd; ,dpAk; nry;yg; Nghfpwhah…? eP jpUe;j khl;lha;. cd;dhy;

142

jdf;F ,dpg; gpuNahrdkpy;iy. gpur;rpidfs; jhd; tUnkd;W epidj;J cd;id kjpahky; ele;J nfhz;lhs;. mjdhy; kdg;ghjpg;gile;j eP gl;l f\;lq;fs; nfhQ;r eQ;rkhdjy;y. ePAk; f\;lg;gl;Lf; FLk;gj;jpdiuAk; f\;lg;gLj;jpdha;. cdJ kidtpAk; ngw;NwhUk; vt;tsT f\;lg;gl;ldh;. cdJ ngw;Nwhh; gl;l f\;lq;fs; fzf;fpy; mlq;fhjit. mg;gb ,Uf;f kPz;Lk; eP mtspd; kPJ ,uf;fg;gLtjhy; kPz;Lk; ePAk; cdJ FLk;gj;jth;fSk; f\;lg;glg; Nghfpwhh;fs;. fpilf;ff; $ba nghUspd; msTf;Nfw;g ,dpa nrhw;fisg; NgRk; tre;jpdpapd; cwit epidj;Jf; $lg; ghuhNj” vd;whd; etuhrh. “ehd; mtspd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;ytpy;iy. mts; Nfl;l nghUl;fisf; nfhLj;jhnyd;d?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; nfq;fhjud;. “kjpahJ ,fo;gtupd; gpd; nrd;W mth;fSf;F cjtp nra;J tho;fpd;w tUf;Fg; GfOk; fpilf;fhJ> rpwg;Gk; fpilf;fhJ. cd;dplk; gir ,y;yhjjhy; cd;id ehiag; Nghy tpul;baij epidj;Jg; ghh;. ,g;Ngh eP mtSf;F cjtp nra;ag; Nghdhy; gioa epiyikjhd cUthFk;. mjdhy; mtisg; gw;wpa epidit kwe;J tpL” vd;whd; etuhrh. nfq;fhjd; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;. mtd; Ngrhky; Nahrpj;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gijg; ghh;f;f etuhrhTf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. mtd; gioagbAk; tre;jpdpaplk; nry;yg; Nghfpwhd;

143

vd epidj;jhd;. mg;NghJ mtdJ tpopj;jpiuf;Fs; mtd; Jzpapy;yhJ tPjpapy; tpOe;J fple;j fhl;rp njupe;jJ@ “etk;> vd;dhy; tre;jpdpia kwf;f KbahJ. mts; xU Njtij. mts; vdf;F Ntz;Lk;” nfq;fhjud; jd;dpiy kwe;j epiyapy; Gyk;gpaJ mtdJ fhjpy; vjpnuhypj;jJ. “nfq;fh> eP mopag; Nghfpwha;. eP kl;Lky;y cdJ FLk;gKk; mopag; NghfpwJ. cd;id kjpahj mtis kjpf;fhij. kwe;J tpL” vd;whd; etuhrh. 966. Gfo;,d;why;@ Gj;Njs;ehl;L ca;ahjhy;@ vd;kw;W ,fo;thh;gpd; nrd;W epiy.?

kjpahJ ,fo;gtupd; gpd; nrd;W tho;fpd;wtUf;Fg; GfOk; fpilf;fhJ@ thDyf tho;tpy; rpwg;Gk; fpilf;fhJ.

moptJ Nky;

nfq;fhjudpd; tpopf;Fs;j; Njhd;wpj;

rpupj;jhs; tre;jpdp. mtis mtdhy; kwf;f Kbatpy;iy. MW tUlq;fSf;F Kd;G mtSld; mtDf;Fj; njhlu;Ngw;gl;lJ. mts; mtdJ tpahghu epiyaj;jpNyNa nghUl;fis thq;Fths;. mq;F te;jhy; mts; rpupj;Jf; fijg;ghs;. ,ay;ghfg; ngz;fisg; Nghy ehzKila nfq;fhjud; mtisf; fz;lhy; mtspd; mofpy; gutrg;gLthd;. mtisg; ghh;g;ghd;. ,Ug;gpDk; mtDf;Fg; gakhf

144

,Uf;Fk;. mts; $r;rkpy;yhJ rpupj;Jf; fijg;ghs;. mtDf;F mUfpy; te;J epw;ghs;. gzk;nfhLf;Fk; NghJ mtsJ tpuy;fs; cuRk;.

xUehs; jdJ gps;isapd; gpwe;j

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nfq;fhjuid mtsplk; ,Ue;J

gpupg;gjw;fhf etuhrh mtsJ gioa tuyhWfisr; nrhd;dhd;. Muk;gj;jpy; Fbf;fhjpUe;j nfq;fhjud; gpd;G Fbf;f Muk;gpj;j gpd;Gjhd; tre;jpdpf;Fk; mtDf;Fkpilapy; gpur;rpidfs; ntbj;jd. msTf;fjpfkhf mtd; Fbj;Jtpl;L te;J mtSf;Ff; fiur;ry;nfhLf;fj; njhlq;fpa jhy; jhd; mts; mtid tuNtz;lhnkd;W

145

nrhd;dhs;. gioa rk;gtq;fis ,iukPl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; nfq;fhjud;.

“te;jNeuk; njhlf;fk; mg;gb vd;d

Nahrpj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;fpwha;. mtSld; kPz;Lk; njhlh;ig Vw;gLj;jpf; nfhs;sg; Nghfpwhah….? mtis eP xUngz; vd;wh epidf;fpwha;..? jdJ tUkhdj;jpw;fhf mts; vj;jid NgUld; $bf; Fyhtpats; vd;W cdf;Fj; njupAk;. ey;y njhU fztDf;Nf JNUhfQ; nra;j mts;> cdf;Fk; JNuhfQ; nra;jts;. cdf;F Kd;dhy; ,d;ndhUtNdhL ,uT gfyhfr; Rw;wpj; jpupe;jts;. mij eP fz;ldP. ey;Y}h;f;fe;jRhkp Nfhapy; ,uTj; jpUtpohtpd; NghJ mtDld; mts; nrd;wjhf vdf;Ff; $wpf; ftiyg;gl;ldP. mg;gb ,Uf;f ,g;Ngd; mijg;gw;wp Nahrpf;fpwha;> tpgr;rhupAld; cs;s njhlh;igf; fhjypapd; njhlh;GNghy epidj;Jf; fyq;Ffpwha;. ehd; cd;Dila ez;gd; vd;w Kiwapy; jhd; nrhy;fpNwd;. kjpahjth;fs; gpd;Nd nrd;W khdq;nfl;L tho;tij tpl> mtd; mt;thW nra;ahj epiyapy; epd;W mope;jhd; vd;W nrhy;yg;gLtJ ey;yJ. vy;yhg; ngz;fSk; xNu khjpupahdth;fs; jhd;. cly; ,d;gk; jUtjpy;iy. kdk;jhd; ,d;gk; jUtJ. mJjhd; jpUg;jpg;glhJ miygha;fpwJ. jpUg;jpg;gl;lhy; cg;gpy;yhj gz;lKk; kpf;f RitAs;sjhf ,Uf;Fk;. cdJ kidtpia epidj;jg; ghh;. mtspy; ,y;yhj vJ tre;jpdpapy; cs;sJ. mts; tpgr;rhup. kaf;fk; jUk; ,dpa thh;j;ijfisf; $wp cd; ,];lg;gb ele;J nfhs;ths;. Vd;? jdJ eyj;jpw;fhf. eP gytPdg;gl;l NghJ mts;

146

cd;id tpyf;fp tpl;lhs;. nfhba gifahspahf khwpdhs;. Mdhy; cdJ kidtp cd;id mizj;njLj;jjhy; jhd; eP kdpjddha;. mij epidj;Jg;ghhh;” vd;whd; etuhrh.

nfq;fhjud; vJTk; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;@

“cd;id epidf;f vdf;F mtkhdkhf cs;sJ. mj;Jld; cd;Dld; Nru vdf;F tpUg;gkpy;iy. Jh;f;fh cdJ cwitj; Jz;bf;FkhW nrhy;ths;. mijj;jhd; ehd; nra;tjhf ,Uf;fpNwd;. eP ,dpNky; ,q;F tuNtz;lhk;” vd;W $wp tpl;L vOe;jhd; etuhrh.

etuhrh mg;gbf; $Wthd; vd

vjph;ghh;f;fhj nfq;fhjud;@ “etk;> ePah ,g;gbr; nrhy;fpwha;?” vd;whd;. mtdJ Fuy; gprpwpaJ.

“tho;f;ifapy; xU Fwpf;Nfhs; ,Uj;jy;

Ntz;Lk;. ,yl;rpaj;Jld; tho;tJ jhd; tho;f;if. jtW nra;tJ ,aw;if. Mdhy; fle;j fhyj;jpy; nra;j jtWfis kPz;Lk; nra;af; $lhJ. mg;gbr; nra;gtd; kdpjdy;y kpUfk;. mjdhy; ,q;Nf eP tUtij ehd; tpUk;gtpy;iy. ngz; gpj;Jf; nfhz;l cd;NdhL Nrh;e;J jpupe;jhy; vdf;Fk; mtkhdNk Vw;gLk;” vd;whd; etuhrh.

967. xl;lhh;gpd; nrd;WxUtd; tho;jypd; me;epiyNa nfl;lhd; vdg;gLjy; ed;W.

147

kjpahjtupd; gpd;Nd nrd;W khdq;nfl;L tho;tij tpl> mt;thW nra;ahky; epd;W mope;jhd; vd;W nrhy;yg;gLjy; ed;W.

kUe;J MFkh? etuhrh vOe;J nrd;w gpd;Gk; nfq;fhjud; mkhe;jpUe;jhd;. kw;iwa ehl;fspy; mtd; te;j rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; Jh;f;fh mtd; cz;gjw;F VjhtnjhU rpw;Wz;b nfhz;L te;J nfhLg;ghs;. gpd;G Fsph;ghdk; my;yJ NjePh; nfhLg;ghs;. ,d;W mtd; te;J xUkzpNeuk; fope;Jk; mts; tuTk; ,y;iy. mtDf;F vJTk; nfhLf;fTk; ,y;iy. xUehs; fjpNurd; mtDf;Fr; nrhd;dhh;@ “nfq;fh. eP FLk;g];jd;. cdf;F kidtpAk; gps;isfSk; ,Uf;F. eP ey;y FLk;gj;jpy; gpwe;jtd;. me;jf; FLk;gk; guk;giu guk;giuahf xOf;fkhf tho;e;J tUfpwJ. eP vy;yhtw;iwAk; nfLj;J tpl;lha;. #jhLfpwha;@ fs;Sf; Fbf;fpwha;@ tpgr;rhupaplk; nry;fpwha;. ,it %d;Wk; flTshy; xJf;fp itf;fg;gl;lit. mjdhy; cdJ FLk;gkhdk; Ngha;tpl;lJ. cdf;F taJ te;j gps;isfs; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. mth;fspd; vjph;fhyKk; cd;dhy; ghjpf;fg;gl;Ltpl;lJ. cdJ %j;j kfisj; jdJ kfDf;Fj; jpUkzk; nra;a tpUk;gpa cdJ rNfhjup ,g;NghJ mij tpUk;gtpy;iy. mg;gbahdhy; cdJ kfisf; fl;l ahh;

148

Kd;tUthh;fs;? ,sikf; fhyq;fspy; jtW nra;jhy; mij kd;dpf;fyhk;. ,e;j tajpy; eP ,g;gb elg;gij mDkjpf;f KbahJ. eP jpUe;j Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; kw;wth;fSf;Fj; jPik nra;ahJ tply; Ntz;Lk;. eP etuhrhTld; gyfhykhf el;Gf; nfhz;Ls;sha;@ “xUtidg; gw;wp mwpa Ntz;Lkhdhy; mtdJ ez;gh;fisj; njupe;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;” vd;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; cd;idg; Nghyj;jhd; etuhrhitAk; kf;fs; fzpg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; eP tPl;Lg; gf;fk; tuhNj.” fjpNurd; $wpa thh;j;ijfs; mdJ fhJfspy; xypj;jd. “kfNd kpff; nfhba ghtk; ,d;ndhUtdJ kidtpAld; $bapUg;gJ. ,e;jpupahde;jk; xUtdJ ey;tho;itf; nfLj;JtpLk;. Gyd;fs; fl;L kPWtjhy;jhd; ,J Vw;gLfpwJ. Gyd;fisf; fl;Lf;Fs; itj;jpUg;gtd;jhd; xOf;fkhdtd;. Gyd;fs; kdpjidg; gytPdg;gLj;jpf; nfhLikfs; gytw;iwr; nra;aj; J}z;Lk;. kdpjd; Gyd;fshy; kfpo Ntz;LNk jtpu Gyd;fs; kdpjdhy; kfpof;$lhJ. eP jtW nra;Jtpl;lha;. nra;j jtwpw;F kd;dpg;Gf; fpilahJ. xU jPa nray; vg;nghOJk; jPikiaj; jhd; jUk;. ,g;NghJ eP jpUe;jpajhfr; nrhy;fpwha;. jpUe;JtJ ,Nyrhdjy;y. cz;ikapy; jpUe;Jtjdhy; kdjhy; jpUe;Jjy; Ntz;Lk;. ,g;NghJ eP cdJ gof;f tof;fq;fshy; gytPdkile;Js;sha;@ gof;f tof;fq;fshy; NehAw;Ws;sha;. mjdhy; eP jpUe;j Ntz;ba

149

Njit Vw;gl;Ls;sJ. cdJ gytPdk; kiwe;j gpd;G eP fle;j fhyj;jpy; nra;j jtWfisr; nra;ahky; tpl;lhy;jhd; eP jpUe;jpatdhtha;. ngz; Nkhfnkd;gJ ngUe;jP. Gyd;fs; nraypof;Fk;tiu me;j Nkhfk; kdjpy; nfhOe;J tpl;nlupe;J nfhz;Nl ,Uf;Fk;@ mw;Wg; NghfhJ@ ,g;NghJ cdJ kdjpy; rhk;gUs; neUg;Gg; Nghy me;j czh;T kiwe;jpUf;fpwJ. mjdhy; ftdkhf ,U. flTis tzq;F@” vd;W Rthkpahh; $wpa mwpTiufs; mtdJ kdjpy; vOe;jd. “etk;” nfq;fhjud; mioj;jhd;. tPl;by; ahUkpy;yhjijg; Nghy ,Ue;jJ. “etk;” kPz;Lk; mioj;jhd;. etuhrh ntspNa te;jhd;. nfq;fhjud; rpy epkplq;fs; Ngrhky; epd;whd;. “tpiuthfr; nrhy;. ehd; ntspNa Nghf Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. mg;NghJk; mtd; Ngrtpy;iiy@ “xOf;fk; jhd; tho;f;if. Ik;Gyd;fshy; cly; kl;LNk ,d;GWfpwJ. ehis mope;J NghFk; clYf;fhf xOf;fk; jtwp tho;tij ehd; tpUk;gtpy;iy. clk;igg; ngupjhf vz;zp thOk; tho;f;if capiuf; fhf;Fk; kUe;jhfhJ. cdf;Fj; Njitahd Jzpit> Mw;wiy> jpwikia> Muha;e;J mwpAk; mwpit ePNa Njbf;nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. ,tw;iw cdf;F ahuhYk; juKbahJ. ,utyhfTk; ngw KbahJ. Mirfs; mw;W

150

Raeykpy;yhJ kdpjd; thog; gofpf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. eP nra;Ak; Fw;wq;fis ,d;ndhUtd; nra;jhy; eP Vw;Wf; nfhs;thah? cdJ kidtp ,d;ndhUtid tpUk;gpdhy; eP Vw;Wf; nfhs;thah…?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; etuhrh. etuhrh mg;gbf; Nfl;l gpd;Gk; nfq;fhjud; vJTk; Ngrhky; rpy fzq;fs; rpiyahf epd;whd;. gpd; mtDf;Fr; nrhy;yhky; vOe;J ele;jhd;@ “nfq;fh” etuhrh mioj;jhd;. nfq;fhjud; epd;W jpUk;gpg; ghh;j;jhd;@ “khdk; nfl;lhYk; Ik;Gyd;fshy; ngWfpd;w ,d;gj;ij kjpj;jhy; eP ,dpNky; vdJ tPl;Lf;F tuNtz;lhk;” vd;W $wptpl;L etuhrh cs;Ns nrd;whd;. nfq;fhjud; rpy epkplq;fs; mq;F epd;Wtpl;L ele;jhd;. 968.kUe;Njhkw;W Cd;Xk;Gk; tho;f;if ngUe;jifik gPlopa te;j ,lj;J? capUf;F epfuhd ngUik nfl;l gpd;> clk;igg; ngupjhf vz;zp thOk; tho;f;if> capiuf; fhf;Fk; kUe;jhFkh….? MfhJ.

ftupkhd;

gz;bjupd; tPl;Lf;Fj; jzpfhryk; te;jhh;. rhjhuzkhfj; jzpfhryk; thuj;jpy; XupUKiw gz;bjupd; tPl;Lf;F tUthh;. ,g;NghJ mth; fkQ; nra;ahikahy; thuj;jpy; ehiye;J ehl;fSf;F tUthh;. gz;bjh;

151

gpur;rpidfs; ,y;yhj ey;y kdpjd;. kpfTk; nkd;ikahdth;@ kwe;Jq; $l kw;wth;fisg; gw;wpf; Fiw$w khl;lhh;@ Ch;g;gpur;rpidfisf; fijf;f khl;lhh;. ,yf;fpak;> rkak; rk;ge;jkhff; fijg;ghh;. jzpfhryk; te;J rpy eplq;fs; fope;j NghJk; gz;bjh; vijAk; fijf;ftpy;iy. gz;bjh; mtiug; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;. mtUf;Fk; vd;d fijg;gnjd;W Gupatpy;iy “xU rpd;dg; gpur;rpid….” epWj;jpdhh; jzpfhryk;.

“nrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;whh; gz;bjh;. “Kd;G nfhQ;r ehl;fSf;F Kd; ehd;

cq;fSld; fijj;jdhd;. ePq;fs; khl;ld; vd;W nrhd;ddPq;fs;…..” jzpfhryk; fijj;jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ gz;bjh; FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhh;@ “vd;Dila Kbit md;W jplkhfr; nrhy;yp tpl;Nld;. M&ud; vkJ rhjpf;fhudy;y. mtd; vdJ khztd;. khztd; vd;wKiwapy; mtd; ,q;F tuyhk; Nghfyhk;. Mdhy; fypahzg; gpur;rpid ruptuhJ. Jsrp mtid tpUk;gpj;jhd; jpUkzk; nra;jts;. Kd;tpidg; gadhy;NghYk; mtd; td;nraypd; NghJ ,we;J tpl;lhd;. ehd; gpw;Nghf;F thjpay;y. mj;Jld; Kw;Nghf;F thjpAky;y. vkJ rka rk;gpujhaq;fis tOthJ filg;gpbj;J tho;gtd;. mjdhy;jhd; ehd; mtid vdJ kfSf;Fj; jpUkzQ; nra;J nfhLf;f

152

tpUk;gkpy;iy. M&ud; ey;ytd;@ gzf;fhud;@ fw;wtd;. vdJ kfisg; G+itg;Nghy itj;Jg; ghJfhg;ghd;. Mdhy; vdJ rhjpf;fhud; ,y;iy. ehd; rhjp ntwpad; my;y. ehd; mtdJ tPl;bw;Fr; nry;Yk; NtisfspypYk; mtdJ Ngh;j;jpahh; ,we;J rgpz;bfuzQ; nra;Ak; NghJk; mtdJ rigapy; ,Ue;J rhg;gpl;Nld;. ,J el;igg; nghWj;jJ. jpUkzk; Mapuq;fhyj;Jg; gaph;. rhjpg; gpur;rpidia ehd; ghh;f;fhtpl;lhYk; vjph;fhyr; re;jjpapdh; ghh;g;gh;. ,y;iynad kWg;gPh;fsh..?” Nfl;Ltpl;L epWj;jpdhh; gz;bjh;.

jzpfhryk; vJTk; Ngrj; Njhd;whJ

,Ue;jhh;@ “Fkh;g;gps;is nad;why; mtDld; fhjypj;J> mtDld; nrd;why; ehd; vJTk; nra;a KbahJ. Mdhy; ,ts; %d;W gps;isfspd; jha;. mtDld; fsthfTk; nry;yf; $lhJ. ehd; NgrpAk; nra;af; $lhJ. mtdJ md;G MjuT gw;W Mfpad vdJ rhjpf;fhu ndhUtDf;F ,Ue;jhy; Ngrpr; nra;ayhk;. ,td; ahNuh…. ehisf;F ,tdJ ,dj;jth;fs; mtid ehd; Vkhw;wptpl;ljhfr; nrhy;thh;fs;. ehd;jhd; $l;btpl;Nld; vd;W vdJ ,dj;jth;fs; nrhy;thh;fs;. ehisf;F ,tDf;Fg; gps;isfs; gpwe;jhy; Kd;ida jhuj;Jg; gps;isia ve;jr; rhjpapy; fypahzk; nra;tJ? ,tdJ gps;isfis ve;jr; rhjpapy; jpUkzk; nra;tJ?….. epidj;Jg;ghh;” vd;whh; gz;bjh;.

153

“ePq;fs; nrhy;tnjy;yhk; vdf;Fg; GupfpwJ. Mdhy; M&uDf;Fg; Gupa Ntz;LNk”

“mtDf;F ehd; vy;yhtw;iwAk; nrhy;yptpl;Nld;. Jsrpapd; khkdhUf;F ahNuh ,e;j tp\aj;ijf; $wpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. mth; xUehs; te;J nrhd;dhh;@ “gz;bju; Iah> ePq;fs; ed;whff; fw;wdPq;fs;. tpjp trj;jhy; vdJ kfd; ,we;J tpl;lhd;. mjw;fhf vdJ kUkfSf;F ,d;ndhU jpUkzk; nra;J itg;gij ehq;fs; tpUk;gtpy;iy. vd;dplk; Vuhskhd fhzp G+kp ,Uf;F. mJ gy ,yl;rk; ngWk;. mnjy;yhk; me;jg; gps;isfSf;Fj; jhNd. ,g;Ngh gps;isg; gq;fhf ,Ug;gjhy; tpw;fKbahJ. ehiye;J tUlq;fSf;Fj;jhd; f\;lkhf ,Uf;Fk; gps;isfs; tsh;e;J tpl;lhy; fhzpnahd;iw tpw;W VjhtJ nra;ayhk;. mjdhy; mtrug;glhijq;Nfh. mijtpl mtd; rhjpapy; Fiwe;jtd;. jd; clypy; ,Ue;J kaph; ePq;fpdhy; caph;tho tpUk;ghj ftupkhdpdj;jtd; ehd;. ,g;gb xU gpio ele;jhy; vdJ rhjp rkaj;jtupd; fz;fspy; tpopf;f KbahJ” vd;wth;. mNj Nghyj;jhd; ehDk; epidf;fpwd;. mtSf;F ehd; M&uidj; jpUkzk; nra;J nfhLj;jhy; vdJ khdk; mope;J tpLk;. gpd; ehd; caph; tho;tjpy; mh;j;jk; ,y;iy”

“cz;ik jhd;. mtdpd; fiur;ry;

jhq;f KbahJ te;Njd;. vdJ gps;isnad;whYk; ehd; ePq;fs; $wpaijj;jhd;

154

nrhy;Ntd;. ePq;fs; ed;whf Nahrpj;Jj;jhd; nrhy;ypapUf;fpwPu;fs;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. 969. kaph;ePg;gpd; thohf; ftupkh md;dhh; caph;ePg;gh; khdk; tupd;.

jd; clk;gpy; ,Ue;J kaph; ePq;fpdhy; caph; thohj ftup khidg; Nghd;wth;fs; khdk; mopa Neh;e;jhy; capiu tpl;L tpLthh;fs;. Vj;jpg; Nghw;wg;gLNthh;

jzpfhryj;ij MtNyhL vjph;ghh;j;Jf; fhj;jpUe;jhd; M&ud;. jzpfhryj;jplk; te;j NtyhAjgps;is M&udJ fy;ahz tp\aj;ij mwptjw;fhff; fhj;jpUe;jhh;. “vdf;nfd;why; gz;bjh; rk;kjpg;ghh; vd;W Njhd;wtpy;iy. jkpo;g; gz;bjh; mth;. jkpo;f; fyhr;rhuj;jpy; Cwpj; jpioj;jth;. mjdhy; mth; ,Nyrpy; rk;kjpf;f khl;lhh;. fztd;khh; ,we;jhy; ngz;fs; cld; fl;ilNaw Ntz;Lk; vd;W gbj;j gz;bjh; kfis cld;fl;il Vwr; nrhy;ypr; nrhy;yhjJ Mr;rupak;” vd;W rpupj;jhh; NtyhAjgps;is. M&uDf;F ftiyahf ,Ue;jJ. gbf;Fk; NghNj mtd; mtis tpUk;gpdhd;. Mdhy; mts; jdJ khkdpd; kfid tpUk;gpj; jpUkzk; nra;J tpl;lhs;. mij gz;bjh; epd;W elj;jp itj;jhh;. mjdhy; Ntjidg;ggl;l M&ud; ntFfhyk; ez;gh;fNshL Nrh;e;J

155

Fbj;Jf; nfhz;L jpupe;jhd;. Jsrpapd; fhjiy mtd; kwe;j NghJ> mtspd; fztd; ,we;J tpl;lhd;. mjdhy; mtspd; kPJ M&udJ kdjpy; Xh; ,dk; Gupahj gw;W Vw;gl;lJ. mjdhy; jhd; mtd; gz;bjupd; tPl;Lf;Ff; fy;tp fw;gtd; Nghyr; nrd;whd;. mtd; mq;F nrd;w NghJk; Jsrp mtDld; NgRtjpy;iy. ,Ug;gpDk; mtd; mq;F nrd;W te;jhd;. “vd;d M&uh Nahrpj;Jf; nfhz;L ,Uf;fpwha;?” vd;W Nfl;lthW te;jhh; jzpfhryk;. jzpfhryj;jpd; Fuy; Nfl;lJk; M&udpd; kdjpy; cw;rhfk; gpwe;jJ. jpUk;gpj; jzpfhryj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. mtuJ Kfk; thbr; Nrhh;e;jpUe;jJ. jzpfhryk; te;J mtDf;F mUfpy; mkh;e;J M&uidg; ghh;j;jhh;. mtidg; ghh;f;f mtUf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. “eP epidj;jJ ruptuhJ. me;j vz;zj;ij kwe;J tpL. me;j epidTld; ,dp eP mq;Nf NghfhNj” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. M&udpd; kdjpy; ,Ue;ej rpd;dQ; rpwpa ek;gpf;if xspAk; mize;jJ. mtdhy; fijf;f Kbatpy;iy. jzpfhyrj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. mth; jiyiaf; Fdpe;J nfhz;lhh;. ahUk; rpy fzq;fs; fijf;ftpy;iy. “ehd; thwd; mz;iz” vd;W $wptpl;L vOe;J ele;jhd; M&ud;. “vdf;F ,e;jr; rk;ge;jk; tpUk;gkpy;iy. mts; %d;W gps;isfspd; jha;. rPjdghjdk;

156

vJTk; ,y;iy. mj;Jld; ,J fyhr;rhuj;jpw;Fk; ,Of;F. gz;bjh; jkpo;g; gz;ghL fyhr;rhuk; Mfpatw;iwg; Nghw;wp tho;gth;. ,jw;F vg;gbr; rk;kjpg;ghh;? mtd; mtUila rhjpf;fhuDk; ,y;iy. rhjp Fiwe;jtidj; jpUkzk; nra;jhy; Cutu;fs; Nftykhff; fijg;ghh;fs;. mijtplg; gz;bjh; rhjp rkak; ghuhky; jd;Dila kfspd; ey;tho;Tf;fhfr; nra;af; $lhjtw;iwr; nra;J tpl;lhh; vd;w gopr; nrhy;Yk; tUk;. mjdhy; jhd; mth; kWj;jth;. mth; kWj;jjhy; jPuhj gopnahd;W Vw;glhkw; Ngha; tpl;lJ. gz;bjh; cz;ikahd kdpjd;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “cz;ikjhd; vj;jidNah Ngh; re;jh;g;gkpy;yhjjhy; jPa nray;fisr; nra;a Kbahky; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. gz;bjUf;Fr; re;jh;g;gk; fpilj;jJk; mth; ,fo;r;rpf;Fupa nraiyr; nra;atpy;iy. M&udpd; jha; khkd; nrd;w thuk; vd;idf; fz;lNghJ gz;bjiug;gw;wp fz;lgb Vrpdth;@ “mtd; xU kdpjdh? jdJ kfisAk; %d;W gps;isfisAk; M&udpd; jiyapy; fl;bitf;fg; ghh;f;fpwhd;. gbj;j kdpjh;fs; nra;Ak; nrayh ,J? Nfhapy;fspYk; kz;lgq;fspYk; jkpo;f; fiyfyhr;rhuq;fisg; gw;wp ngupjhfg; NgRk; gz;bjUf;F eilKiwiag; gw;wpj; njupahjh….?” vd;W Nfl;lhd;. ehd; gz;bjh; cah;e;jth;@ ey;y FLk;gj;jpy; gpwe;jth;. mth; mg;gb elf;fkhl;lhh;. mth; jzpfhryj;jpw;F vy;yhk; nrhy;yp tpl;lhh;. M&ud;jhd; tprh; gpbj;jtd;

157

khjpupj; jpupfpwhd; vd;W nrhd;Ndd;. mtd; Nfl;ftpy;iy@ “me;jr; rk;ke;jk; ele;jhy; gz;bjiuf; nfhiy nra;Ntd;‟ vd;W $wptpl;Lr; nrd;whd;. VioahdhYk; gz;bjh; xof;fk; jtw khl;lhh;. vt;tsT rpwg;Gf;fs; te;jhYk; mth; jdJ Fbg;ngUikiaf; nfhLf;ff; $ba fhupaq;fspy; <Lglkhl;lha;” vd;whh; NtyhAjgps;is. “M&ud; Jsrpia tpUk;Gfpwhd;. nra;J nfhLj;jhd; vd;d…?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; guNk];tud;. “ehDk; mg;gbf; Nfl;ldhd;. mth; eilKiwr; rpf;fy;fs; gytw;iwr; nrhd;dhh;. mth; nrhd;djpy; epahak; ,Uf;fpwJ. ,g;NghJ thypg kpLf;fpy; nraw;gLgth;fs; gpw;fhyj;jpy; gpur;rpidfs; te;jhy; rpy rkaq;fspy; iftpl;L tpLth;. mj;Jld; rhjpg; gpur;rpid ,Uf;fpwJ. fhjypj;Jf; fsthfr;nrd;why; gpur;rpid ,y;iy. ngw;Nwhh; vg;gbg; Ngrpr; nra;tJ? mj;Jld; Cutu;fs; gopg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; gz;bjh; nra;jJ rup. Cutu;fSk; gz;bjh; nra;jJ rupnad;W nrhy;ypg; gz;bjiug; Gfo;fpd;wdh;. M&udpd; ngw;NwhUk; ,dj;jtUk; kfpo;Tld; gz;bjiug; Nghw;Wfpd;wdh;.” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. 970. ,spatupd; thohj khdk; cilahh; xspnjhOJ Vj;Jk; cyF.

158

jkf;F ,opT Neh;e;jhy; caph; thohj khdk; cilatupd; Gfio cyfj;jth; njhOJ Ve;jp tzq;Fth;.

fhuzk;

nfq;fhjud; tPl;Lf;F te;j NghJ aNrhjpdp mtDld; fijf;ftpy;iy. ,uj;jpdk; tPl;Lf;F te;J tre;jpdp tpahghu epiyaj;jpw;F te;j tp\aj;ijf; $wpajhy; mts; mtDld; Ngr tpUk;gtpy;iy. ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; mtDf;fUfpy; te;jhh;. “nfq;fh> gioagbAk; tre;jpdp cd;id te;J re;jpj;jjhf ,uj;jpdk; te;J nrhd;dhd;. gioa jtWfis eP nra;a khl;lha; vd;gjhy; jhd; vdJ epWtdj;ij cdJ nghWg;gpy; tpl;Nld;. kPz;Lk; eP mtSld; njhlh;G nfhs;tjdhy; mq;F eP Nghf Ntz;lhk;. ehd; rfy nghWg;Gf;fisAk; ,uj;jpdj;jplk; nfhLf;fg; NghfpNwd;. eP tPl;Lf;F cjtkhl;lha;. ehd; rk;ghjpj;j nrhj;Jf;fspy; ngUk; gFjpia mopj;J tpl;lha;. vdJ jfg;gdhh;ngUk; gzf;fhuu; my;yh;. vd;Dila Cf;f kpFjpahy; jhd; ehd; ngUk; nrhj;Jf;fisj; NjbNdd;. eP njhopypy; Cf;fkpy;yh jpUe;jJld; ehd;Njba ngUQ; nrhj;ij mDgtpf;fyhnkd;W epidj;Jj; njhopy; nra;ahJ ,Ue;jNjhL jPa nray;fspYkPLgl;lha;. me;j epiy jpUk;gTk; tUkhdhy; eP tPl;il tpl;Lg; Ngh. vdf;F vdJ epWtdj;ij vd;d nra;a Ntz;Lnkd;W njupAk;”

159

“ehd; mtis tur;nrhy;ytpy;iy. mj;Jld; ehd; mtis kwe;J tpl;Nld;. mtSf;F cjtpfSk; nra;a khl;Nld;. vd;Dila ,opTf;Ff; fhuzk; ciof;fhJ ePq;fs; Njba nrhj;jpy; thoyhk; vd;W epidj;jJ jhd;. ,dpNky; ehd; Cf;fj;Jld; nraw;gLNtd;” vd;whd;. mg;NghJ mq;F etuhrhTk; Jh;f;fhTk; te;jdh;. etuhrh nfq;fhjud; mq;F epw;gijf; ftdpf;fhjtd; Nghy cs;Ns nrd;whd;. ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; mtdpd; gpd;dhw; nrd;whh;@ “nfq;fhjud; ruptukhl;lhd;. ,t;tsT fhyKk; ciof;fhky; ,Ue;J rhg;gpl;ltd;. ,td; cioj;jpUe;jhy; vt;tsitr; rk;ghjpj;jpUf;fyhk;. ,tdJ nghWg;gpy; cq;fs; epWtdj;ij tplhjPh;fs;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “mij ehd; nrhy;yp tpl;Nld;. xUtid Kd;Ndw;wj;jpw;F mioj;Jr; nry;tJ Cf;fkpFjp@ fPo;epiyf;F ,Oj;Jr; nry;tJ Cf;fkpd;ik. flTs; vkf;Fj; je;j mwpT> gyk;> Kaw;rp Kjypatw;why; ey;nyhOf;fKs;stdhfTk;> Cf;fKs;stdhfTk; tho Ntz;Lk;. mg;gb thohjtidg; ngw;Nwhh; $l xJf;fp tpLthh;fs;. mijj;jhd; ehd; nra;Js;Nsd;” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. “cq;fspd; tpahghu epiyiag; nghWg;ig vd;dplk; jhUq;fs;. ehd; ePq;fs; Nfl;Fk; njhifia khjhkhjk; jUfpNwd;. Jh;f;fh Kd;G vd;id Ntiy nra;a

160

tpLtjpy;iy. ,g;Ngh Ntiy nra;Ak;gb $Wfpwhs;. mjdhy; Kd;G nra;j fkk; KOtijAk; nra;a cj;Njrpj;Js;Nsd;‟ vd;whd; etuhrh. “mJTk; ey;y Nharid jhd;. vd;dhYk; ,ayhJ. $ypahl;fisAk; ek;g KbahJ. eP khjh khjk; vdf;F xU njhifiaj; jh” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. mijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;j aNrhjpdp nrhd;dhh;@ “ey;y Nahrid khkh. ,tiu ek;gpdhy; ehk; eLj;njUtpy; jhd; epw;wy; Ntz;Lk;. etuhrh mz;zhTf;Ff; nfhLq;Nfh” nfq;fhjuDf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. ngw;Nwhh;> kidtp. kf;fs;> ez;gh;fs; vy;NyhUk; jd;id ve;j epiyapy;itj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs; vd;gij epidf;f mtDf;Ff; ftiyahf ,Ue;jJ. “nfq;fh ehd; vkJ epWtj;ij khjhe;jf; Fj;jiff;F etuhrhTf;Ff;; nfhLg;gjhfj; jPh;khdpj;J tpl;Nld;. eP ,dp mq;F nry;y Ntz;lhk;” vd;whh; ,uj;jpdrpq;fk;. “Vdg;gh mg;gbr; nrhy;fpwPu;fs;? ehd; mtSf;Fg; nghUl;fs; nfhLj;Njdh…? ,y;iy nfhLf;fg; Nghtjhfr;nrhd;Nddh….? ehd; jpUe;jp tpl;Nld;. xUtDila xspkakhd

161

tho;f;iff;Ff; fhuzk; mtdJ Cf;fkpFjpnad;W ,g;NghJ nrhd;dPh;fs;. ,t;tsT fhyKk; Cf;fkpy;yhky; thoyhk; vd;W epidj;jjhy; jhd; vdf;Ff; NfLfs; te;jd. ,dp ehd; Cf;fj;JlDk; ey;nyhOf;fj;JlDk; tho;Ntd;” vd;whd;. “rup> mijj;jhd; ehDk; tpUk;GfpNwd;. eP Cf;fj;Jld; njhopy; nra;J Kd;Ndw Ntz;Lk; vd;gJjhd; vdJ tpUg;gk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “ehd;> vdJ rNfhjuh;fs; gzk; mDg;Gthh;fs; vd;w jpkpupy; vdJ fztiuf; fkk; nra;a tpltpy;iy. fkQ; nra;tij ehd; mtkhdkhff; fUjpNdd;. ,d;W ehd; jpUe;jptpl;Nld;. mth; gioa gbAk; fkQ; nra;a Maj;jkhfp tpl;lhh;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. 971. xspxUtw;F cs;s ntWf;if@ ,spxUtw;F m/J ,we;J tho;j;Jk; vdy;.

xUtdJ Nkd;ikahd tho;Tf;Ff; fhuzk; mtDila Cf;f kpFjpNa MFk;. xUtdJ ,opTf;Ff; fhuzk; Cf;fkpy;yhky; caph; thoyhk; vd;W mtd; vz;ZtNjahFk;.

njhopy;NtWghL

ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpw;Ff; fzehjDk;> kzptz;zDk;> nfq;fhjuDk;> etuhrhTk; FLk;gj;Jld;

162

te;jpUe;jdh;. md;W nfq;fhjud; jdJ epWtdj;jpd; Gjpa fpisia njhlq;fTs;shd;. mijj; njhlq;F Kd; kfh fzgjpf;F ngupanjhU G+ir nra;jhd;. mjpy; fye;J nfhs;s Vuhskhd kf;fs; te;jpUe;jdh;. nfq;fhjud; Cf;fj;Jld; nraw;gl;lhd;. mjdhy;mtDf;F mjpf tUkhdk; te;J nfhz;bUe;jJ. ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; kfpo;e;J Nghdhh;. ,dpj; jdJ kfd; ey;nyhOf;fj;JlDk; Cf;fkpFjpAlDk; tho;thndd epidj;jhh;. aNrhjpdpf;F vd;Wkpy;yhj kfpo;r;rp Vw;gl;lJ. jdJ fztd; ,dp xOf;fkhf tho;thd; vd;w ek;gpf;if gpwe;jJ. kzptz;zd; kpfTk; cw;rhfkhf epd;whd;. Mj;kPf tho;T tho Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;Jj; njhopiyf; Fiwe;j mtdhy; Nrhk;gpapUf;f Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy; NtW njhopy;fisAk; njhlq;fpapUe;jhd;. fzehjd; mtDf;F mUfpy;te;jhh;@ “ehd; ,d;DnkhU Milj; njhopw;rhiyiaj; njhlq;fTs;Nsd;. njhlq;fpdhy; gyUf;Fj; njhopy; nfhLf;fyhk;. mij ,q;Fjhd; njhlf;fTs;Nsd;. mjdhy; ePq;fs; ,q;Nf NjitahdsT Milfisg; ngwyhk;. mjdhy; cq;fSf;Fg; Nghf;Ftuj;Jr; nryT FiwAk;. ,q;Fs;s gbj;j ,isQUk; gyd; ngWth;” vd;whh;.

163

kzptz;zd; etuhrhit mioj;jhd;. etuhrh kzptz;zdpd; mUfpy; te;jhd;@ “eP gioa gbAk; Nkhl;lhh; thfdq;fis thq;fp tpw;gjhf mwpe;Njd;. vdJ thfdj;ij tpw;W tpl;Lg; Gjpjhf etPd njhopy;El;gj;Jldike;j thfdnkhd;W thq;fyhnkd epidf;fpNwd;” vd;whd;. “vd;dtpiy nad;Wnrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;W etuhrh Nfl;lhd;. “gj;J ,yl;rnkd;why; nfhLg;Ngd;” vd;whd; kzptz;zd;. “ehisf;F tUfpNwd;” vd;whd; etuhrh. ehtyh; = tpj;jpa kfh fzgjpf;Fg; G+ir Kbe;jJk; nfq;fhjudpd; Gjpa epWtdj;jpy; itg;gjw;fhf tpehafh;> ,yl;Rkp> KUfd; MfpNahuJ glq;fs; nfhz;L tug;gl;ld. mg;glq;fis ngz;fs; Ch;tykhf vLj;J te;jdh;. Rthkpahh; mur kuepoypy; ,Ue;jhh;. mtupd; mUfpw; nrd;w nfq;fhjuDk; aNrhjpdpAk; mtuJ ghjq;fisj; njhl;L tzq;fpdhh;@ “nfq;fh> cdJ kidtpapd; Kfj;ijg;ghh;. jpUkfs; mjpy; FbapUf;fpwhs;. vt;tsT nghypT@ vt;tsT moF@ vt;tsT kfpo;r;rp. ,e;j epiy ePbj;jpUf;f vy;yhk; ty;y kfh fzgjp mUs; Gupthuhf. vy;yh caph;fSf;Fk; gpwg;G xNu jd;ikahdJ. Cf;f

164

kpFjpjhd; mth;fis NtWgLj;JfpwJ. Cf;fKs;std; Ngupd;g tho;T tho;e;J> gpwiuAk; Ngupd;ggkhf tho toptFg;ghd;. gpwg;G xd;W. Mdhy; njhopy;fs; gy. cah;Tjho;T vd;gJ mtutu; nra;Ak; njhopypd; jd;ikiag; nghWj;jJ. Cf;fk; cs;std; cah;Ttilthd;. Cf;fkpy;yh tpl;lhy; jho;e;J Nghthd;. cdJ je;ij Cf;fkpFjpahy; Vuhskhfr; rk;ghjpj;jhh;. ,q;Fs;sth;fisj; jpUk;gpg;ghh;. kzptz;zd; vkJ Cutd;. Cf;fKs;std;. cah;thd epiyia mile;Js;shd;. mjdhy; Ch; Kd;NdwpAs;sJ. mtd; tpahghup@ fzehjd; njhopyjpgh;@ eP tpahghup@ etuhrh Njhl;lf;fhud; mj;Jld; jufd;. mJkl;Lky;y> ,d;Dk;gy njhopy;fis etuhrh nra;fpwhd;. Cf;fKs;sth;fSf;Fj;jhd; ,e;j cyfk; nrhe;jkhdJ. Jd;gk; tpistjw;F Cf;fkpd;ikiaj; jtpu NtW vJTNk fhuzkpy;iy. Cf;fKs;sth;fNs cyfpw;F xspjUk; #upaidg; Nghd;wth;fs;. Njitapy;yhj tp\aq;fspy; kdij <LgLj;jhJ Cf;fj;Jld; ciog;gtd; vd;d njhopy; nra;jhYk; mtd; Kd;Ndwp tpLthd;. cdJ je;ij kfh fzgjp Nfhapy; cw;rtq;fspy; fliy tpw;wth;. fzehjd; xU ijay; ,ae;jpuj;Jld; njhopiy Muk;gpj;jth;. ,d;W mth;fspd; epiynad;d…..? ,jw;Ff; fhuzk; njhopy; my;y> Cf;fkpFjpNa MFk; vd;gij vd;Wk; epidtpy;it” vd;W $wptpl;Lf; fz;fis %bdhh; Rthkpfs;.

165

nfq;fhjuDk; aNrhjpdpAk; mth;fsJ ,dj;jth;fSk; ez;gh;fSk; Rthkp glq;fSld; Ch;tykhff; nfq;fhjudpd; Gjpa epWtdj;ij Nehf;fp ele;J nfhz;bUe;jdh;. 972. gpwg;Gxf;Fk; vy;yh caph;f;Fk;@ rpwg;Gxt;th nra;njhopy; Ntw;Wik ahd;. vy;yh caph;fSf;Fk; gpwg;G xU jd;ikahdNj MFk;. tho;tpy; cah;Tk; jho;Tk; mtuth;fs; nra;fpd;w njhopypy; cs;s NtWghLfisg; nghWj;Nj mikAk;.

Nkyhdth; fPohdth;

nfq;fhjudpd; Gjpa tpahghu epiyaj;jpy; Rthkp glq;fis ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp Myaf; FUf;fs; itj;J tpl;Lg; G+ir nra;J Kbj;jJk; gz;bjh; fe;ijah rk;gujha Kiwg;gb mijj;jpwe;J itj;jhh;. gz;bjh; fe;ijahtplk; jhd; nfq;fhjud; fy;tp fw;wtd;. ed;whfj; jd;idj; jahh;gLj;jp te;J mth; fw;gpj;jhy; mwptpy;yhj Kl;lhs;fSf;Ff; $l mth; fw;gpg;gJ tpsq;Fk;. mj;Jld; xOf;f rPyh;. jdJ khzth;fs; vy;NyhiuAk; ghFghL fhl;lhJ Nerpg;gth;. vt;NtisapYk; mth; J}a;ikahf ,Ug;ghh;. ahh; ve;j cjtpiaf; Nfl;lhYk; mth; mijr; nra;J nfhLg;ghh;. Vio khzth;fsplKk;> mwpT Fiwe;j khzth;fsplKk; kpFe;j

166

md;Gs;stuhf ,Ug;ghh;. mjdhy; khzth;fs; vy;NyhUk; mtiuf; flTshfj; njhOjdh;. mt;T+uth;fs; vy;NyhUk; mtuJ khzth;fs;. mq;F eilngWfpd;w vy;yh epfo;r;rpfisAk; mtNu Kd;dpd;W elj;Jthh;. jpUkz ehspy; kzkf;fs; Kjypy; mtuplk; jhd; MrPngWthh;fs;. nghJthf mtupy;yhky; mt;T+upy; ve;j epfo;Tk; eilngwkhl;lhJ. tpahghu epiyaq;fs; mtuhy; jhd; jpwe;J itf;fg;gLk;. mth;jhd; Gjpjhfj; jpwf;fg;gLk; tpahghu epiyaq;fspy; Kjd; Kjyhfg; nghUl;fis thq;fp tpahghuj;ij Muk;gpj;J itg;ghh;. mth; trjp Fiwe;jth; vd;W ahUk;vz;Ztjpy;;iy. Kjd;Kjyhf mtUf;Nf nghUl;fis tpw;f tpUk;Gth;. mjdhy; mth; jdJ ifapy; cs;s gzj;ijf; nfhLj;Jf; fw;fz;L my;yJ ntw;wpiy thq;Fthh;. gz;bjh; Ie;J &gh nfhLj;J tpl;Lf; fw;fz;L thq;fpdhh;. mjd;gpd; kzptz;zd; Ik;gjpdhapuk; &gh nfhLj;Jg; nghUl;fisf; nfhs;tdJ nra;jhd;. etuhrhTk; Ik;gjpdhapuk; &gh nfhLj;jhd;. mq;F te;jth;fs; xt;nthUtuhfg; gzk; nfhLj;Jg; nghUl;fisf; nfhs;tdT nra;jdh;. gz;bjh; nfq;fhjudplk; tpilngw;wNghJ mtd; gynghUl;fis mtUf;Ff; nfhLj;J> mtiuj; jdJ Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; Vw;wp tpl;lhd;. mijf; fz;l fzehjd;

167

jzpfhryj;jpw;Fr; nrhd;dhh;@ “vkJ Cupy; ngUk; ngUk; gzf;fhuu;fisf; nfhz;Lk; gpuKfh;fisf; nfhz;Lk; jkJ epWtdj;ijj; jpwe;jhy;jhd; mq;F ngUk; tpahghuk; eilngWk; vd;W epidg;ghh;fs;. Mdhy; ,q;F mg;gbay;y. ,J vdf;F Mr;rupaj;ij mspf;fpwJ” jzpfhryk; rpupj;jhh;@ “xU epfo;it ey;ynjhU kdpjiuf; nfhz;Ljhd; Muk;gpj;Jitj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. Nky; epiyapy; tho;gth;fsplk; Nkd;ikahd gz;Gfspy;yh tpl;lhy; mth;fs; Nkyhdth;fs; Mf khl;lhh;fs;. tWikg; gl;bUe;jhYk; ,ope;j Fzk; ,y;yhjth;fs; fPohdth;fs; Mf khl;lhh;fs;. gz;bjh; ey;y „ifuhrpf;fhuu;‟ vd;W Cutu;fs; ek;Gfpwhh;fs;. mtupd; ifgl;l ,lk; „Jyq;Fk;‟ vd;Wk; ek;Gfpwhh;fs;. vdJ gps;isfSf;F tpj;jpahuk;gk; nra;J itj;jth; gz;bjh;. ,d;W vdJ gps;isfs; ed;whf ,Uf;fpd;wdh;. vd;idg; Nghy Cutu;fs; vy;NyhUk; ek;Gfpd;wdh;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. mijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;j NtyhAjgps;is nrhd;dhh;.@ “kdpjid mtdJ Fzq;fis itj;Jj;jhd; ehk; kjpg;gply;Ntz;LNk jtpuf; fy;tpiaAk; gzj;ijAk; itj;J kjpg;gplf; $lhJ. Nkyhdth;fshdhYk; ey;y gz;gpy;yhj th;fisf; nfhz;L ehk; ey;y fhupaq;fisr; nra;af; $lhJ. fPohd vz;zKs;Nshh; jhk; nra;Ak; ey;y fhupaj;ij kdkfpo;Tld; nra;a

168

khl;lhh;fs;. ,e;j epWtdj;ijj; jpwe;J itj;j gz;bjh; cskhu tho;j;jpapUg;ghh;. Mdhy;rpyh; kdJs; me;epWtdk; mopa Ntz;Lk; vd;Wk; epidj;J Muk;gpj;J itg;gh;. mjdhy;jhd; ngupath;fs; fPohd epiyapy; ,Ue;jhYk; ,ope;j Fzq;fs; ,y;yhjth; Nky; kf;fs; vd;W $wpAs;sdh;. mJ cz;ik” vd;whh;. “cz;ikjhd;. ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ rup” vd;whh; fzehjd;. gz;bjiu epidf;f mtUf;F Mr;rupakhf ,Ue;jJ. xU rpwp tPL@ trjpfs; Fiwe;j tho;T. Mdhy; mtUf;Fs;s kjpg;G vt;tsT vd;W epidj;jhh;.

973. Nky;,Ue;Jk; Nky;my;yhh; Nky;my;yhh; fPo;,Ue;Jk; fPo;my;yhh; fPo;my; yth;.

Nky; epiyapy; ,Ue;jhYk; ey;y gz;gpy;yhjth;fs; Nky; kf;fshf khl;lhh;. fPo; epiyapy; ,Ue;jhYk; ,opthd Fzq;fs; ,y;yhjth; fPo; kf;fs; Mfkhl;lhh;.

fw;Gs;s kfspiug; Nghy

nfq;fhjudpd; kfs; ,e;J[hTf;F md;W jpUkzk; eilngw Vw;ghlhfp ,Ue;jJ. Kd;G jdJ rNfhjudpd; kfisj; jdJ kfdhd mupfuDf;Fj; jpUkzk; nra;a md;dg;gps;is tpUk;gpdhs;. Mdhy; nfq;fhjud; Fbj;J tpl;L tPjpfspy; tpOe;J fplg;gJk;> tre;jpdpapd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;W mtNs

169

jQ;rnkd;wpUUe;jjhYk; md;dg;gps;is nfq;fhjudpd; kfisj; jpUkzk; nra;a tpUk;gkpy;iy. nfq;fhjud; jdJ kidtpAld; md;dg;gps;isapd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whd;@ “vkJ Fbapy; cd;idg; Nghy xUth; ,y;iy. mg;ghitg;ghh;. vg;NghjhtJ Fbj;jpUg;ghuh….? #jhbapUg;ghuh….? ,y;iy ,d;ndhU ngz;iz VnwLj;jg; ghh;j;jpUg;ghuh..? ehd;> cwT maopaf;$lhJ vd;gjw;fhfj;jhd; ,e;J[hit vdJ kUkfshf;f tpUk;gpNdd;. mg;ghTk; mk;khTk; fl;lhak; mupfuiz,e;J[hTf;Fr; nra;a Ntz;Lk; vd;W tpUk;gpdh;. mth;fspd; Ntz;LNfhis vd;dhy; epuhfupf;f Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy; jhd; xg;Gf; nfhz;Nld;. eP Fbj;Jtpl;Lr; nra;Ak; ml;lfhrq;fshy; jdJ khdk; Ngha;tpl;lnjd;W mupfud; $Wfpwhd;. mtd; cdJ kfisf; fhjypj;jhdh….? ,y;iy cdJ tPl;Lf;F te;jhdh…? ehd; tpUk;Gk; ngz;idNa jhd; jpUkzQ; nra;tjhff; $wpdhd;. mg;gbahd ey;ygz;Gfis cila mtd; cd;id vg;gbj;jdJ khkdhf Vw;ghd;…? xOf;fk; vd;gJ ngz;fSf;F kl;Lk;jhd; cs;sJ vd;W vz;zhNj. Mz;fs; xOf;fkhf tho;e;jhy; jhd; Nghw;wg;gLthh;fs;@ ngz;fshYk; xOf;fj;ijg; Ngz KbAk;. jzpfhryKk; NtyhAjgps;isAk; te;jikahy; jhd; ehd; ,e;jf; fypahzj;ij xg;Gf; nfhz;Nld;. gz;bjUk; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpAk; tPLNjb te;Jtpl;ldh;. fw;G newp jtwhj ngz;fisg;

170

Nghy ,th;fSk; xOf;f newp jtwhjth;fs;. mjdhy; jhd; rpwe;j ngUikAilath;fs; vd;W epidj;J ehd; ,j;jpUkzj;jpw;Fr; rk;kjpj;Njd;. jpUkz ehsd;W eP kzNkilg; gf;fk; tuf;$lhJ. jpUe;jptpl;Nld; vd;W eP $wpdhYk; Kd;G nra;j Fw;wq;fs; cd;id tpl;L ePq;fhJ. mjdhy; Fw;wKs;s xUtdplk; Mrp ngw mupfud; tpUk;gtpy;iy” md;W md;dg;gps;is $wpajhy; nfq;fhjud; fy;ahz kz;lgj;jpw;F ntspNa ,Ue;jhd;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpAk; mtuJ kidtpAk; Kd;epd;W mj;jpUkzj;ij elj;jp itj;jdh;. mupfud; RgNtisapy; ,e;J[hhtpd; fOj;jpy; jhyp fl;baJk; gz;bjh; mth;fis tho;j;jpdhh;. kzkf;fs; ,uj;jpdrpq;fj;jpdJk; jhl;rhapdJk; fhy;fspy; tpOe;J ek];fupj;jdh;. gpd;G tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpiag; gzpe;jdh;. nfq;fhjud; J}uj;jpy; ,Ue;J mijg;ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L epd;whd;. mtDf;Fj; Jf;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. Kjy;ehs; ,uT ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; nfq;fhjuDf;Fr; nrhd;dhh;@ “md;dg;gps;is gpbthjf;fhup. mtsJ fztd; ,UgJ tUlq;fSf;F Kd;G ,d;ndhUj;jpAld; njhlh;G itj;jij mwpe;J mtid tPl;bypUe;J Juj;jp tpl;lhs;. mjd; gpd; mtd; Neha;tha;g;gl;L tPjp tPjpahfg; gpr;irnaLj;J klj;jpy; nrj;jtd;. nrj;j tPl;bw;Ff; $l mts; nry;ytpy;iy. mdhijg; gpzkhfr; Rliyf;Ff; nfhz;L nrd;wdh;. vd;idf; $l mts; mq;F nry;ytpltpy;iy. mg;gbg;gl;lts;

171

gz;bjUk; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpAk; nrhd;djhy; jhd; rk;kjpj;jhs;. mjdhy; eP mtspd; nrhw;gb el. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; mUikahd khg;gps;isia ,of;f Ntz;btUk;. mj;Jld; jpUkzkhd gpd; ,e;J[h md;dg;gps;isapy; tPl;by;jhd; ,Ug;ghs;. eP mq;F vf;fhuzq; nfhz;Lk; nry;yf;$lhJ. ,e;J[h cdJ tPl;Lf;F tUk;NghJ ghh;j;Jf; nfhs;. mj;Jld; ,e;J[hTf;Fk; cd;idg; gpbg;gjpy;iy. mjdhy; cd;dplk; Mrp ngwTk; tpUk;gtpy;iy@ “md;dg;gps;is nra;jJ rup. xOf;ff; Nflhdth;fs; ey;y tPl;bw;F te;jhy; %Njtp Eiotijg; NghypUf;Fk;” vd;W vdf;Fr; nrhd;dhs;. mjdhy; ftdkhf ,U. xt;nthUtUk; jPa nray;fisr; nra;Ak; NghJ jPa tpioTfs; tUnkd;W vz;z Ntz;Lk;”.

“cz;ikjhd;. vdJ elj;ijahy; mth;fspd; khdk; Ngha;tpl;lJ.” vd;W epidj;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. rk;ge;jkpy;yhj gyh; kzkf;fis kfpo;Tld; tho;j;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jdh;@ gupRg; nghUl;fisf; nfhLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jdh;@ jd;dhy; jdJ kfisAk; kUkfidAk; tho;j;j Kbatpy;iyNa” vd;gij epidf;ff; nfq;fhjuDf;Ff; Jf;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. 974. xUik kfspNu Nghyg; ngUikAk; jd;idj;jhd; nfhz;L xOfpd; cz;L.

172

fw;G newp jtwhj kfspiug; Nghy;> xOf;f newp jtwhjtd; vg;nghOJk; rpwe;j ngUikia milthd;.

ngUikf;Fupath;fs;

fdfrghgjpapd; kUkfd; tUzd;> ntspehl;by; ,Ue;J CUf;F te;jpUe;jhd;. mtDld; mtdJkidtpAk; gps;isfSk; te;jpUe;jdh;. ,yf;fpag; Nguitf;F epue;jukhf xU kz;lgk; Njitnad;W jzpfhryk; ntF ehl;fshf epidj;jpUe;jhh;. mJ rdr%f epiyaj;jpw;F mUfpy; mike;jhy;jhd; rpwg;ghf ,Uf;Fk; vd;Wk; vz;zpzhh;. rdr%f epiyaKk; rpjk;gu nrhj;Jf; fhzpapy; fl;lg;gl;bUf;fpwJ. mjw;fUfpy;jhd; KUifad; tho;e;J tUfpwhd;. Kd;G rdr%f epiyak; fl;Ltjw;F mtidf; Nfl;l NghJ mtd; kfpo;Tld; mJ fl;lj; Njitahd epyj;ijf; nfhLj;jhd;. ,g;NghJ kz;lgk; fl;Ltjw;F mtidf; Nfl;f KbahJ. ghtk; mtd; kpfTk; Vio. mg;gbf; Nfl;gij mth; tpUk;gtpy;iy. mg;gbf; Nfl;gJ jh;kkhfhJ vd;W mth; epidj;jhh;. “rdr%f epiyak;> ghyh; ghlrhiy> jz;zPh;g;ge;jy; $l;LwTr;rq;fk; vd;gd mUfUNf mike;jpUf;Fk; ,lj;jpy; nghJ kz;lgKk; mike;jhy; ey;yJ” vd;W epidj;jhh; jzpfhryk;. “NfhapYf;Fr; rpwpJ J}uj;jpy; rpd;dj;Jiu jdJ gj;Jg; gug;Gf; fhzpia

173

tpw;gjw;F tpUk;Gfpwhd;. mij thq;f ahUk; Kd;tutpy;iy. mij thq;fp KUifahTf;Ff; nfhLj;jhy; KUifah FbapUf;Fk; fhzpiag; ngw;W kz;lgk; fz;lyhk;. mjpy; kz;lk; fl;bdhy; vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; nghUj;jkhf ,Uf;Fk;. me;j epidTld; n[aghyidr; re;jpj;Jf; fijj;jhh; jzpfhryk;. “cq;fsJ Nahrid ey;yJjhd; mz;iz. Mdhy;rpjk;guf; fhzpf;Fk; ehk; Vd; fhR nfhLg;ghd;? KUifadpd; fhzpnad;whYk; guthapy;iy. Nfhapy; fhzp tpl Ntz;baJjhNd” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. md;W khiy rptRe;ju%h;j;jp jzpfhryj;ijj; Njbte;J nrhd;dhh;@ “ePq;fnsy;yhUk; vij ePjpnad;W fijf;fpwpas; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupatpy;iy. mJ Nfhapw;fhzp. nghJ tp\aj;jpw;nfd;why; tplNtz;baJ jhNd. mJf;F fhR nfhLf;f KbANk? rpd;dj; Jiuaplk; fhzp thq;Ftjhdhy; gj;J ,yl;rnkd;whYk; NtZk;. gj;J ,yl;rj;ij mth; Rk;kha; ,Ue;J ngwg; Nghwhh;. Nfhapy;fhzpia tpw;f KbahJ. rpd;dj;Jiuapd; fhzpia thq;fpf; nfhLj;jhy; tpw;fyhk;. gps;isfSf;Fr; rPjdkhf vOjyhk;. nghJg;gpur;rpidfis tpl;L tpl;L jdpahUf;F ciog;Gf; fhl;Lwpas;” vd;whh;. jzpfhryk; vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. vdpDk; kz;lgKk; fl;l Ntz;Lk;> KUifaDf;Fk; ,Uf;f ,lq;nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;W

174

epidj;jthW jpy;iy eluhrhtplk; nrd;whh;. jpy;iyeluhrh mtupd; Mj;k ez;gh;. tUzdpd; cwtpdd;. “tUzd; ey;ygps;is. mj;Jld; mtdJ je;ijahd Mjpj;jpaDk; ey;yth;.mth;fsplk; Vuhskhd nrhj;jpUf;F. fdfrghgjpaplKk; Vuhskhd fhzp G+kp ,Uf;fpwJ. mjdhy; tUzidf; nfhz;L rpd;dj;Jiuapd; fhzpia thq;fp KUifaDf;Ff; nfhLj;Jtpl;L> KUifah FbapUf;fpw epyj;jpy; kz;lgj;ijf; fl;bdhy; ey;yJ” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “rpd;dj;Jiuapd; fhzpf;F mUfpy; Mjpj;jpaDf;Fg; gj;Jg; gug;Gf; fhzp ,Uf;fpwJ. mijf; Nfl;lhy; vd;d?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; jpy;iy eluhrh. “mJTk; ey;yfhzpjhd;. mijf; Nfl;Lg; ghh;g;Nghk;;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. ,UtUk; Mjpj;jpadJ tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;wdh;. tUzDk; Mjpj;jpaDk; ,UtiuAk; tuNtw;wdh;@ jpy;iy eluhrh jhk; te;j tp\aj;ijr;RUf;fkhfr; nrhd;dhh;. “khkh> vd;id ePq;fs; J}f;fp tsh;j;jdPq;fs;. cq;fs; tpUg;gg;gb mf;fhzpiaj; jUfpNwd;” vd;whd; tUzd;. Mjpj;jpaDk; mjw;Fr; rk;kjpj;jhh;.

175

ey;y ehspy; KUifahTf;F Mjpj;jpad; jdJ fhzpia vOjpf; nfhLj;jhh;. KUifad; jdJ tPl;ilg; gpLq;fpf; nfhz;L rpjk;guf;fhzpia tpl;lhd;. md;W nghJkz;lgk; fl;Ltjw;fhf mj;jpthukplg;gl;lJ. tpf;Nd];tu %h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “nghJ kz;lgk; xd;iw mikf;f Ntz;Lnkd;w vz;zk; ntFehl;fshf vkf;fpUe;jJ. n[aghyd; gzk; je;j NghJk; mJ fl;Ltjw;fhd epyk; fpilf;ftpy;iy. ,e;j epyk;jhd;mjw;Fg; nghUj;jkhdJ vd epidj;Njd;. nra;a Kbahj mupa nray;fisAk; mijr; nra;Ak; Kiw mwpe;J jpwk;glr; nra;J Kbf;fpd;w Mw;wy; cs;sth;fs;jhd; ngUikf;Fupath;fs;. ,e;j epyj;ijg; ngw;Wj; je;j jzpfhryKk; jpy;iy eluhrhTk; kpf;f ngUik cilath;fs;” 975. ngUik cilath; Mw;Wthh; Mw;wpd; mUik cila nray;. nra;a Kbahj nray;fisAk; Kiwmwpe;J cupa newpapy; epd;W nra;J Kbf;f ty;ytNu ngUikAilatuhth;. ,ope;jtUf;F ,y;iy

rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; jdghyDk; tUzizAk; Mjpj;jpaidAk; re;jpj;jdh;.

176

“Iah> tUzd; rpd;dg;gps;is. mtDf;Fg; gzj;jpd; mUik njupahJ. jpy;iy eluhrh mtid Vkhw;wpg; gpiog;G elj;JtJ Nghy ,g;g fhzp tp\aj;jpYk; Vkhw;wptpl;lhh;. me;jf; fhzpf;F mUfpy; vdJ fhzp ,Uf;fpwJ. KUifad; ePq;fs; nfhLj;j fhzpapy; FbNawpdhy; vd;dhy;mf;fhzpia tpw;f KbahJ. KUifadpd; FLk;gk; rupapy;iy” vd;wh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “jpy;iy vd;Dila rNfhjud; khjpup. mtd; xU NghJk; gpio nra;a khl;lhd;. mtd; xOf;fKs;std;@ ngUikf;Fupatd;@ mtd; jdJ vjpupahd fdfrghgjpapd; kfis vdJ kidtp tpUk;gpajw;fhfg; gifia kwe;;J mtis vdJ kfDf;Fr; nra;J itj;jtd;. jpy;iy eluhrh giftidf; $l Nerpf;Fk; gz;ghsd;. mtidf; Fiw nrhy;tij ehd; tpUk;gtpy;iy” vd;whh; Mjpj;jpad;. “jpy;iy khkhit ehd; vdJ je;ijahfNt epidf;fpNwd;. mjdhy;mth; vijr; nrhd;dhYk; ehd; Nfl;Ngd;. epyj;ij ehq;fs; KUifahTf;Ff; nfhLj;J tpl;Nld;. mj;Jld; tPL fl;Ltjw;Fg; gzKk; nfhLj;Js;Nsd;. KUifadpd; jfg;gidAk; vdf;Fj; njupAk;. mth; ey;yth;. rpWgps;isahf ehd; ,Uf;Fk; NghJ NfhapYf;Fr; nrd;why; mth; vdf;Ff; fliy thq;fpj; jUthh;. Viofs; vd;why; ePq;fs; mw;gkhdth;fs; vd;wh fUJfpwPu;fs;?. ePq;fs;

177

ed;ik nra;ahtpl;lhYk; ey;yth;fshf thog; goFq;fs;. mjdhy; cq;fSf;Fg; Gz;zpak; fpilf;Fk;. jPik nra;gth;fis tpl ey;yijr; nra;tijj; jLg;gth;fs; jPath;fs;. ve;jtpjkhd RaeyNehf;fKk; ,y;yhky; jh;kk; nra;gtd;jhd; cz;ikahd kdpjd;. mjpy; Fw;wj;ijf; fz;L gpbg;gtd; ghtp. ePq;fs; nfhLj;jijj;jpUg;gpf; Nfl;fr; nrhy;fpwPu;fsh….?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; tUzd;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jpahy; NgrKbatpy;iy. mjdhy;vOe;J nrd;whh;. mtupd; gpd;dhy; jdghyd; nrd;whd;. mth;fs; ,UtUk; n[aghydJ tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;wdh;. mg;NghJ n[aghyDk; rptrf;jpAk; kz;lgk; fl;lg; NghFk; epyj;ijg; ghh;itaplg; Gwg;gl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jdh;. Kjy;ehs; kz;lgk; fl;Ltjw;Ff; fhirf; nfhLf;f Ntz;lhnkd;W rptRe;ju%h;j;jp n[aghyDf;Fr; nrhd;dhd;. “kz;lgk; fl;Lk; nghWg;ig vdJ kidtpapd; rNfhjuu;fs; vdJ kidtpaplk; tpl;L tpl;ldh;. mth;fSf;Fj; jfg;gdpd; ngaupy; kz;lgk; fl;LtJ ey;y tpUg;gk;. vdJ khkdhh; mjpguhff; flik Gupe;jth;. mj;Jld; gy E}y;fis vOjp ntspapl;Ls;shh;. mtuJ Qhgfhh;j;jkhf mk;kz;lgj;ijf; fl;b> tUlh tUlk; rpwe;j fiyQh;fisf; nfsutpg;gjhfTk; mth;fs; KbT nra;Js;sdh;. ,e;j tp\aj;jpy; ehd; jiyapl KbahJ. jiyapl;lhYk; vdJ nrhy;iy ahUk; Nfl;f

178

khl;lhh;fs;. tPzhf ehd; vdJ khdj;ij ,of;f Ntz;btUk;. kz;lgk;fl;bj; jpwg;G tpoh elj;jptpl;Lj;jhd; ehq;fs; nry;yTs;Nshk;. kz;lgj;jpwg;G tpohTf;F vdJ kidtpapd; rNfhjuu;fs; tUfpwhh;fs;”. vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “rptRe;ju%h;j;jp” rptrf;jp mioj;jhs;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp jpifj;Jg; Nghdhh;. mtiu ,Jtiu ahUk; ngah; nrhy;yp mioj;jjpy;iy. “ePq;fs; ey;ytuhf ,Ue;jhy; Iah> mz;iz vd;W miof;fyhk;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; $lhjth;. ehd; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpia Iah vd;W jhd; miog;Ngd;. jzpfhryk;> NtyhAjgps;is Nghd;wth;fis mz;iz vd;wiog;Ngd;. mth;fs; nja;tq;fs;. mg;gbg;gl;l ngupath;fis tpUk;gpg;Nghw;Wk; jd;ik> mth;fSila rpwg;ig czuhj rpwpNahuplk; ,y;iy. cq;fSf;F tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpapd; ngUikiag; gw;wpj; njupAkh….? ehd; New;W ,e;jf; fpuhkj;jpw;F te;jts;. mtNuhL ehd; gofpa ehl;fs; FiwT. Mdhy; mtuJ ngUikfis czh;e;J nfhz;Nld;. tho;ehs; G+uhfTk; mtNuhL goFk; ePq;fs; Vd; mtuJ ngUikfisg; Gupe;J nfhs;stpy;iy?. mtuJ ngUikfisg; Gupe;J nfhs;shjth;fs; ,ope;jth;fs;” vd;whs; rptrf;jp.

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rptRe;ju%h;j;jp Mbg;Nghdhh;@ “mts; nrhy;tij Vw;fhtpl;lhy; mts; clNd jd;idf; fg;gy; Vw;wp tpLths;” vd czh;e;j n[aghyd; nrhd;dhd;@ “rptrf;jp nrhd;dhy; nrhd;dJjhd;” 976. rpwpahh; czh;r;rpAs; ,y;iy ngupahiug; Ngzpf;nfhs; Ntk;vd;Dk; Nehf;F.

ngupath;fis tpUk;gpg; Nghw;w Ntz;Lk; vd;w cah;e;j Nehf;fk;> mtUila rpwg;ig czuhj rpwpNahupd; cs;sj;jpy; ,y;iy.

vy;iy kPWNthh;

n[aghyDk; rptrf;jpAk; nrd;w gpd;G rptRe;ju%u;j;jp n[aghydpd; tPl;il tpl;L ntspNa te;jhdh; rptrf;jp mtiu “rptRe;ju%h;j;jp” vd;W ngah; nrhy;yp mioj;jJ mtUf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. mjdhy; mtdJ kdk; Mj;jpukile;jJ. “mz;zp mg;gbj;jhd;> rupahd jpkph; gpbj;jts;. mz;zd; CUf;Fj;jhd; rz;baNd jtpu mz;zpf;Fr; rupahd gak;. mz;zpia vjph;j;J VjhtJ nrhy;yp apUe;jhy; mtiu mts; te;j CUf;F mDg;gptpLths;. mz;iz iffl;b tha; nghj;jp thog; gofp tpl;lhh;. mz;zpNahL mth; VjhtJ VWkhwhff; fijj;jhy;mz;zp jdJ rNfhjuu;fSf;Fr;

180

nrhy;y mth;fs; te;J mz;zidj; jhf;Fthh;fs; vd;W Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld;. ePq;fs; ve;jg; ngupa kdpjd;. cq;fisg; ngah; nrhy;yp miof;fpwhs;. mj;Jld; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ngUik kpf;ftuhk;. mtUila ngUikfis ,ope;j FzKila cq;fSf;Fj; njupahjhk;. ,g;gb mts; nrhyypYk; NghJ mz;zh> „mg;gbg; ngupath;fisg; gw;wpf; fijf;ff; $lhJ‟ vd;W nrhy;ypapUf;fyhk;” vd;whd; jdghyd;. “vdf;Fk; ftiyjhd;. vy;yhk; n[aghyd; nfhLj;j ,lk;. mts; ngupa gzf;fhupnad;why; fz;lgb fijf;fyhkh…? kidtpiag; ngupJk; tpUk;gp mtSf;F mlq;fp elg;gth;fs; rpwe;j kdpjh;fshf ,Uf;fTk; khl;lhh;fs;> jkJ flikfisr; ruptur; nra;aTk; khl;lhh;fs;. ntl;fk; nfl;l tho;f;if tho;tij tplr; rhfyhk;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. Mj;jpu kpFjpahy; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp mg;gbr; nrhd;d NghJk; mtuJ kdk; mlq;f kWj;jJ. mth;fs; ,UtUk; rdr%f epiyaj;jpw;F te;j NghJ KUifad; mq;Nf epd;whd;. “ehd; Iahitj;jhd; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L epw;fpwd;.” vd;w KUifad; NgRtij epWj;jp tpl;L mtuJ Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. gpd; nrhd;dhd;@ “ePq;fs; Vio vspath;fSf;Fj;

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njhz;L nra;tjpy; ty;yth;. Viofs; Jd;gg;gl;lhy; nghWf;f khl;lhjth;” rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;F mtdJ Ngr;Rg; Gupatpy;iy. vdpDk; mtd;jd;idf; Nfyp nra;fpwhd; vd;W epidj;jhh;@ “Mjpj;jpad; IahitAk; tUzidAk; re;jpj;J ehd; f\;lg;gLtjhff; $wp vdf;Fg; nghUSjtp nra;AkhW nrhd;dPh;fshk;….” rptRe;ju%h;j;jpf;Ff; fLq;Nfhgk; te;jJ. rdr%f epiyaj;jpw;F Kd;dhy; Vuhskhdth;fs; $b epd;wikahy; mth; Ngrhky; ele;jhh;. KUifad mtupd; gpd;dhy; te;jhd;. “xt;nthUtUk; jd;idg; gw;wpAk; jdJ FLk;gj;ijg; gw;wpAk; epidj;Jr; Raeyj;Jld; tho;e;jhy; ehL rpwf;Fkh…? ,y;iy Vio vspath;fs; tho;thh;fsh…? cq;fshy; xUtUf;F cjtp nra;a Kbahtpl;lhy; Ngrhky; ,Uf;f Ntz;baJ jhNd. jhd jUkk; nra;ahjtd; jhd jh;kq;fisr; nra;gtidf; Fiw nrhy;yhky; ,Ue;jhNy Gfoilthd;. Rthkpahh; mbf;fb nrhy;thh;@ “flTs; vy;yh caph;fSs;Sk; FbapUf;fpwhh;. mth; caph;fisg; gpupe;J xUNghJk; ,Ug;gjpy;iy. mg;gbapUf;f ePq;fs; Vd; capu;fSf;Fr; Nrit nra;aj; jaq;FfpwPu;fs;. xt;nthU capUk; xt;nthU flTsy;y. vy;yh capupYk; xU flTs;.” vd;whNu gbj;j cq;fSf;F ,J Gupatpy;iyah…?

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rptRe;ju%h;j;jp KUifad; $Wgtw;iwf; Nfshjth; Nghy tpiuthf ele;jhh;. ,Ug;gpDk; KUifad; mtiuj; njhlh;e;J tpiuthf ele;jhd;. “,ope;jth;fsplk; nry;tKk; rpwg;Gk; Co;tpid fhuzkhfr; Nrh;e;J tpl;lhy;> mth;fs; jk; epiy kwe;J> jhk; fw;wij kwe;J vy;iy kPwpr; nraw;gLthh;fs;. Cupy; vj;jid gzf;fhuu;fs; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;? mth;fs; xUtUk; vdf;F Mjpj;jpad; Iah fhzp je;jijg; gw;wpf; fijf;ftpy;iy. mj;Jld; jzpfhryk; mz;iz kz;lgk; fl;l Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;jth;. Mdhy; ehd; ghjpf;fg;glf; $lhnjd;gjw;fhf vdf;F FbapUf;ff; fhzp ngw;Wj; je;jth;. me;j vz;zk; Vd; cq;fSf;F tutpy;iy? cah;e;j Fzq;fis cilath;fSf;Fj; jhd; ngUikf;Fupa Fzq;fs; ,Uf;Fk;. ,ope;jth;fSf;F ,ope;j Fzk;jhd; ,Uf;Fk;. „gbj;jhnyd;d> gzf;fhudhf ,Ue;jhnyd;d mtutupd; Fyj;jsTjhd; FzkpUf;Fk;‟ vd;W ngupath;fs; njupahkyh nrhd;dhh;fs;” vd;whd; KUifad; 977. ,wg;Ng Gupe;j njhopw;whk; rpwg;Gk;jhd; rPuy; yth;fz; gbd;.

,ope;jth;fsplk; nry;tKk; rpwg;Gf;fSk; Nrh;e;J tpl;lhy;> mth;fs; vy;iy kPwpr; nraw;gLthh;fs;.

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mw;gupd; nray;

md;W ,uT n[aghyd; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpapd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. rptrf;jp rptRe;ju%h;j;jpiag; ngah; nrhy;yp mioj;jJk;> mtUld; fz;lgb fijj;jJk; mtDf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. mij mtSf;F Kd;dhy; nrhd;dhy; mtSf;Fg; gpbahJ. gpd;G kupahijapy;yhky; mts; fijg;ghs;. mijtplg; Ngrhky; ,Ug;gJ NkyhdJ vd;W epidj;jpUe;jhd;. vdpDk; mtdJ kdjpy; ,dk; Gupahj xU Ntjid ,Ue;jjhy; mq;F te;jhd;.

rptRe;ju%h;j;jpapd; kdjpy; KUifaNd tp];t&gnkLj;J epd;whd;. n[aghyidf; fz;l rptRe;ju%h;j;jp nrhd;dhh;@ “ePnay;yhk; Xh; Mk;gpis. mts; vd;d khjpup tha;f;nfhOg;gha;f; fijj;jhs;. fijj;jhy; jhd; guthapy;iy. mts; KUifad;> Mjpj;jpadpd; fhzpf;Fs; tPLfl;Ltjw;Ff; fhR nfhLj;jtshNk… mJTk; mtidj; Njbr; nrd;W nfhLj;jtshNk…. cz;ikah…?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “tPl;il Ngha;f; nfhLf;ftpy;iy. md;iwf;F KUifad; fhzpia tpl;L tpl;Lg; Nghdtd;. ehDk; rptrf;jpAk; fhzpiag; ghh;f;fg; Nghddhq;fs;. mg;g jl;L Kl;Lr; rhkhd;fis KUifad; Vw;wpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. mtd;iu epiyiag; ghh;j;jpl;L nfhQ;rf; fhR nfhLj;jts;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;.

184

“Xh; ,yl;r &gh nfhQ;rf; fhNr…” vd;W Nfl;lhd; jdghyd;. “mthTf;F mJ ifr; nryTf;fhd fhR” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “k;… ifr; nryTf;fhd fhRjhd;…. vq;fSf;Fj; jhd; Ie;E}W Mapuk; jhwJ” vd;whd; jdghyd;.

“mijtpL. jzpfhryKk; jpy;iy eluhrhTk; Mjpj;jpadplk; fhzpAk; fhRk; thq;fpf; nfhLj;jpUf;fpid. cd;iu kdprpAk; fhR nfhLj;jpUf;fpwhs;. mj;Jld; KUifadpd; ,isa kfid jhd; NghFk; NghJ $l;bf; nfhz;L Nghfg; Nghwjhf cd;iu kidtp nrhd;dtshk;…”

n[aghyd; vJTk; Ngrj; Njhd;whJ Ngrhky; epd;whd;@ “vd;dplKk; %d;W gps;isfs; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. ehd; vt;tsT f\;lg;gh;wd;. fhR juhtpl;lhYk; xU gps;isia vd;whYk; ntspehl;Lf;F mDg;gyhk; jhNd” vd;whd; jdghyd;. “Nla;> eP gag;glhij ehdpUf;fpwd;. ehd; epidj;jndd;why; cd;iu %d;W gps;isfisAk; clid yz;lDf;F mDg;Gtd;. eP xz;Lf;Fk; Nahrpf;fhij. KUifad;iu kfd; ntspehl;Lf;Fg; Nghwijg;

185

ghh;g;gk;. kdpjdhfg; gpwe;jtd; cioj;Jr; rk;ghjpf;f Ntz;Lk;. gpr;ir vLj;Jr; rPtpf;fpwNj..” Nfhgj;Jld; nrhd;dhh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. jdghyd; kdJs;r; rpupj;jhd;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp> jzpfhryk;> NtyhAjgps;is Nghd;Nwhh; jhk; nra;Ak; ngUk; ngUk; nray;fisg; gw;wp ntspNa nrhy;tjpy;iy. mth;fs; nra;J jug; NghtjhfTk; $Wtjpy;iy. Mdhy; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp jd;id cah;thff; fUjpj; jd;id tpl cah;e;jth;fs; ahUk; ,y;iy vd;W tpae;J nrhy;thh;. mjdhy; jhd; KUifad; Nghd;w jho;e;jth;fs; $l mtiu kjpg;gjpy;iy. vj;jid Nguplk; Ntiy ngw;Wj; jUtjhfTk; ntspehl;Lf;F mDg;gjhfTk; $wpg; gzk; ngw;wth;” vd;W epidj;jhd; jdghyd;. “vd;dlhg;gh Nahrpf;fpwha;? KUifadpd; kfid tpl cd;iu gps;isfs; FiwNt. eP Nahrpf;fhij. ehd; mtid yz;lDf;F mDg;Gwd;. ehd; vj;jid Ngiu mDg;gpddhd;. vd;iu ez;gndhUtd; yz;ldpiy ,Uf;fpwhd;. mtd; thwkhjk; yz;ldpiy ,Ue;J tUfpwhd;. NghdKiw mtd; te;j NghJ gj;Jg; Ngiu yz;lDf;Ff; $l;bf; nfhz;L Nghdtd;. ehY nghbaisi ehd; nfhLj; jdhd;. eP flTr; rPl;ilf; nfhz;L te;J jh” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp.

186

ngU%r;Rtpl;lhd; jdghyd;. rptRe;ju%h;j;jp nrhy;tij epidf;f mtDf;F mlf;f Kbahj rpupg;G te;jJ.

“eP nfhQ;rk; mlf;fkhf ele;J nfhs;.

rptrf;jpia kjp. eP Kd;G fz;lgb vdf;F vOjpa fbjq;fis thrpj;J tpl;Lj;jhd; mts; cd;Dld; mg;gb elf;fpwhs;.” vd;whd; n[aghyd;.

n[aghyd; nrhd;dJ jdghyDf;Fr;

rupahfg; gl;lJ. mtd; Fbj;J tpl;L ey;iy ehjDf;Fr; nrhy;y> ey;yehjd; mij vOjp tpyhrkpl;Lf; nfhLg;ghd;. “kpfNkhrkhf vOjptpl;Nld;” vd;W epidj;Jj; Jf;fg;gl;lhd; jdghyd;. 978. gzpAkhk; vd;Wk; ngUik@ rpWik mzpAkhk; jd;id tpae;J.

ngUikahd gz;ghtJ vf;fhyj;jpYk; gzpe;J tho;tjhFk;> rpWikahd gz;ghdJ jd;idj; jhNd tpae;J ghuhl;bf; nfhs;tjhFk;.

gz;ghtJ

jdghyd; filrpahf vOjpa fbjj;ij epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. “vdf;F Kd; gpwe;jjhy; mz;zhntd vOj Ntz;bAs;sJ. Mdhy; cz;ikahd ghrj;Jld; ehd; ,ij

187

vOjtpy;iy. eP vq;fis tpl;Lr; nrd;W ,Ugj;ije;J tUlq;fshfp tpl;ld. eP nrd;w Gjpjpy; vkf;Ff; fbjk; vOjtpy;iy. cdJ ez;gh;fSf;Ff; fbjk; vOjpdha;. mth;fsplk; ehd; cdJ Kftupiag; ngw;Wj; jhd; cdf;F ehd; fbjk; vOjpNdd;. cd;idg; ngw;wth;fisf; fhg;ghw;w Ntz;Lk; vd;w vz;zk; cdf;fpUf;fpwjh…? vd;dhy; ciof;f KbAk;. vd;dhiy tho KbAk;. eP vdf;Fg; gzk; mDg;gj; Njitapy;iy. Cupy; cs;s rpyUf;F eP gzk; mDg;gp mij vdJ kidtpf;Ff; nfhLf;ff; nrhy;fpwha;. ,J cdf;F ed;whf ,Uf;fpwjh….? ahuhtJ eP vdJ kidtpf;Fg; gzk; mDg;gpajhfr; nrhd;dhy;> ehd; mtsplk; nrd;W Nfl;Ngd;. eP gzk; mDg;gtpy;iynad;W kfh fzgjp kPJ rj;jpaQ; nra;ths;. eP Vd; Cupy; tje;jpfisg; gug;Gfpwha;. Cutu;fs; eP vdf;F khjk; khjk; gzk; mDg;Gtjhfg; Ngrpf; nfhs;fpwhh;fs;.” “eP cdJ kidtpf;Fg; gae;J elf;fpwha;. fhuzkpd;wp kidtpf;Fg; gag;gLgtd; Ngb. Mz;ikapy;yhjtd;. cdJ kidtpf;Fg; gae;J tho;tij tpl xU Kof; fapw;wpy; njhq;FtJ NkyhdJ. ngz;fSf;F mbikg;gl;ltd; mwr; nray;fs; vijAk; nra;akhl;lhd;@ cwtpdh;fSf;Fk; ez;gh;fSf;Fk; cjt khl;lhd;@ cwtpdh;fspdJk; ez;gh;fspdJk; Fiwfisj; jPh;f;f khl;lhd;. kidtpf;F mbikahfp mtspd; nrhw;gb elg;gtid tpl ,ay;ghfNt

188

ehzj;ij cila ngz;ik ngUikAilaJ. mjdhy; eP Nriyiaf; fl;bf; nfhz;bU.” “jdghyh> nrhy;fpNwd; vd;W Fiw epidf;fhNj. rptrf;jp kpfTk; ey;yts;. ehd; jhd; Fbj;J tpl;Lj; jiyfhy; Gupahky; ele;J nfhs;Ntd;. mjdhy; jhd; mts; vd;Dld; mg;gb elf;fpwhs;. cd;idg; gw;wp ,q;Fs;sth;fs; vdf;F vOJthh;fs;. eP Fbj;J tpl;L CutUld; rz;ilf;Fr; nry;tJ jpULtnjy;yhk; mtSf;Fj; njupAk;. mjdhy; jhd; mts; cd;id kjpg;gjpy;iy. mj;Jld; gzj;ijj; jzpfhryk; mz;izf;F mDg;Gths;. cdf;Fj; njupahky; cdJ kidtpf;F mts; gy ,yl;r &ghit mDg;gpAs;shs;. mij cdJ kidtp gps;isfspd; ngaupy; tq;fpapy; itg;gpypl;Ls;shs;. fh;tKk; rz;bj;jdKk; ,y;yhky; tho;e;jhy; jhd; ngUik cz;lhFk;. ey;yth;fs; cjTthh;fs;. fh;tq; nfhz;lhy; ey;y Kiwapy; tho KbahJ. KUifad; gzk; Nfl;ftpy;iy. mtdJ gz;gpidAk; elj;ijAk; fz;L jhd; mts; mtDf;F cjtp nra;jhs;. mtdJ kfd; ,g;NghJ vkJ tPl;by; Ntiy nra;fpwhd;. kpfTk; ey;ytd;@ gz;ghdtd;@ fh;tkpy;yhjtd;@ gzpTilatd;. jd;dlf;fKk; fPo;g;gbAk; jd;ikAk; jhd; kw;wth;fisf; ftUk;. rptrf;jpapd; %j;j rNfhjudpd; tPl;ilf; ftdpf;f xU Ntiyahs;j; Njitahf cs;sJ. ek;gpf;ifahd Mz; ,Ue;jhy; mioj;J tUkhW mtsJ %j;j rNfhjud; vOjpAs;shd;. mjdhy; jhd; fh;tkpy;yhj

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KUifadpd; kfid mioj;Jr; nry;yTs;shs;.” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. gj;J ,yl;r &ghTf;F Nky; mtdJ gps;isfspd; ngaupy; n[aghyd; itg;Gr; nra;jJ jdghyDf;Fj; njupahJ. mjdhy;jhd; mtd; kpFe;j fh;tj;Jld; fbjq;fis vOjpdhd;. “fh;tkpy;yhJ gzpTld; ele;jpUe;jhy; ,d;Dk; gad; ngw;wpUf;fyhk;” vd;W epidj;jhd; jdghyd;. “fh;tkpy;yhJ tho;tJ ngUikf;FupaJ. fh;tq;nfhz;lhy; moptJ epl;rak;. eP fh;tq; nfhz;ljhy; jhd; cdJ kidtp $lg; ngha;r;rj;jpak; nra;jhs;. mij epidj;jhtJ jpUe;jptho;” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;Lr; nrd;whd; n[aghyd;. “eP cij ek;ghij. kidtpf;Fg; gae;J jhd; mtd; cd;idj; jpUg;jpg; gLj;jptpl;Lg; Nghfpwhd;. mtd; kidtpf;F mbikahfptpl;lhd;. ,g;g mtSf;F cd;id mbikahf;f epidf;fpwhd;” vd;whh; rptRe;ju%h;j;jp. “ehd; nra;jJ gpio. gpwF mz;zhitf; Fiw $Wtjpy; mh;j;jkpy;iy” vd;whd; jdghyd;. 979. ngUik ngUkpjk; ,d;ik@ rpWik ngUkpjk; Ch;e;J tply;.

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ngUikg; gz;ghdJ nrUf;F ,y;yhky; tho;tJ@ rpWikj; jd;ik fh;tq; nfhz;L moptJ.

ngUikAk; rpWikAk;

n[aghyd; mg;gbr; nrhd;dgpd;G jdghyDf;Ff; ftiyahf ,Ue;jJ. Rthkpahh; nrhy;thh;@ “eP cah;tila tpUk;gpdhy; vy;NyhuplKk; gzpthf ele;J nfhs;. gzpTld; ele;J nfhs;gtidj;jhd; flTSk; tpUk;Gthh;. xUkdpjd; gzpTld; ele;J nfhz;lhy;> kdpjg; gz;Gfs; ahTk; mtdplk; jhdhf te;J Nrh;e;J tpLk;. md;G> gz;G> tpl;Lf; nfhLj;jy;> fPo;g;gbjy;> ngupath;fis kjpj;jy; Nghd;wtw;iw kdpjg; gz;Gfs; vd;W $wyhk;. ,tw;iw thahy; $wpdhy; kl;Lk; NghjhJ. mtw;iwf; filg; gpbf;fTk; Ntz;Lk;. ,tw;iwf; filg;gpbj;jhy; mit cd;idg; gw;wpg; gpbj;J tpLk;. mjd; gpd; ,f;Fzq;fs; cdJ ,ay;ghd Fzq;fshf khwptpLk;. ehd; ey;ytdhf> kdpjg; gz;Gilatdhf tho Ntz;Lnkd;W gyh; epidf;fpwhh;fs;. ,tw;iw epidg;gij tpl ele;J fhl;bdhy; jhd; ngUikf;Fupath;fs; Mth;. Kjypy; kdpjiu kjpf;ff; fw;Wf; nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;. kdpj Neakpy;yhjtidAk; kjpf;ff; fw;Wf; nfhz;lhy;> cd;id mtDk; kjpg;ghd;. kjpg;igf; nfhLj;Jj;jhd; kjpg;igg; ngWjy;

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Ntz;Lk;” Rthkpahupd; mUSiu jdghydpd; kdij cWj;jpaJ.

mtd; jzpfhryj;jpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whd;. mq;Nf jzpfhryk; ,Ue;jhh;. mtiu mtd; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. mth; mtid kjpg;gth;. mtd; jPa nray;fisr; nra;jhYk; md;ghfj; jhd; “mr;nray;fisr; nra;ahNj” vd;W $Wgth;. “vd;d jdghyd;? th> te;jpU” vd;whh;. jdghyd; mtupd; mUfpy; nrd;W mkh;e;J nfhz;lhd;. mtdhy; cldbahg; NgrKbatpy;iy. “nrhy;Y…… gag;glhij nrhy;Y” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. kPz;Lk; rpyfzq;fs; jaq;fpa jdghyd; nrhd;dhd;@ “mz;zh vd;idg; Ngrpdth;” “n[aghyNd..?” “Xk;…. ehd; Kd;G Fbj;J tpl;L ey;iy ehjidf;nfhz;L mz;iziaj; jhWkhwhfj; jpl;bf; fbjk; vOJwdhd;. mz;zpia ahh; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupahJ. mthjhd; mz;zid vkf;Fg; gzk; mDg;gf; $lhnjd;W; jLj;jpUf;fpwh vd;W epidj;J mthitf; fz;lgb jpl;b vOjptpl;Nld;. Mdhy; mth ey;yth. mz;zhjhd; mq;F Ngha;f; Fbj;J

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tpl;L mlhtbj;jdq;fspy; <Lgl;Ls;shh;. mjdhy; jhd; mz;zpAk; mz;zpapd; rNfhjuu;fSk; mz;zhit ntUl;b itj;jpUe;jdh;. mJ njupahky; ehd;…” mOjhd;. gpd; rpwpJ Neuj;jpd; gpd; nrhd;dhd;@ “mz;zp vdf;Fj; njupahky; vdJ kidtpf;Fg; gzk; mDg;gpapUf;fpwh…” “cyfpy; kw;wth;fs; kPJ Fw;wq; fhz;gJk;> mf;Fw;wj;ijg; gw;wp cgNjrk; nra;tJk; jhd; kpfTk; ,yFthd fhupak;. eP ed;whfr; rth;f;fhuk; Nghl;L Fsp. Fspj;J Kbj;j gpd;G Njfj;ijj; Nja;j;jhahdhy; mOf;F ,Uf;Fk;. mNj Nghyf; Fw;wk; Fiwfs; ,y;yhky; ve;j kdpjdhYk; tho KbahJ. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp nra;Ak; ey;y fhupaq;fs; gytw;iw> gyh; gpbf;fhjjhy; tpkh;rpf;fpwhh;fs;. mJ ,aw;if. Mdhy; mf;Fw;wq;fisg; ngupJ gLj;jhJ kiwg;gJ ngUikahd gz;G. njupe;jhYk;mijg; gw;wpg; gyUld; kpff; Nftykhf tpkh;rpf;ff; $lhJ. rpyh; gpwupd; Fw;wq;fisf; $wpNa tho;fpwhh;fs;. mJ rpWikj;jdk;. cdJ mz;zp kpfTk; ey;yts;. ehd; mtSld; fijj;j NghJ mij czh;e;J nfhz;Nld;. mg;gbg;gl;l xU ey;y ngz;iz cdJ rNfhjud; msTf;fjpfkhff; nfhLikg; gLj;jpAs;shh;. CUf;F te;j gpd mth;; vj;jid jPa nray;fisr; nra;jhh; vd;W cdf;Fj; njupAk;. fpU\;didf; flj;jpr; nrd;W mbj;jJ mth; jhNd…”

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jdghyd; Nahrpj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;@ “mz;zhTld; ehDk; rptRe;ju%h;j;jpAk; Nrh;e;J vt;tsT jPikfisr; nra;Njhk;. ghtk; KUifad;. mtDf;F Mjpj;jpad; fhzp nfhLg;gij epWj;Jtjw;fhf vj;jid jpUFjhsq;fisr; nra;Njhk;…” “vd;d Nahrpf;fpwha;? xUtiu kjpj;jhy; jhd; mtuplkpUe;J cjtpfisg; ngwyhk;. mjdhy; cdJ mz;zpia kjpj;J el. mts; ey;yts;. fl;lhak; cdf;F cjtp nra;ths;. ehd; mtSf;Fr; nrhy;fpNwd;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “rupaz;iz ehd; thwd;” vd;W $wptpl;L vOe;jhd; jdghyd;. mtdJ kdk; epiwe;jpUe;jJ. 980. mw;wk; kiwf;Fk; ngUik@ rpWikjhd; Fw;wNk $wp tpLk;.

gpwUila Fw;wq;fis ngupJ gLj;jhky;

kiwg;gJ ngUikf;Fupa gz;ghFk;. mf; Fw;wq;fisg; ngupJ gLj;jpf; $WtJ rpWikj; jdkhFk;.

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