Strategy

-Sumathi Shanmuga Sundaram

His wife, Shanthi had gone to see her mother! That evening Kuderesan had to make tea himself!

He found in the kitchen the tea-dust jar was full. Sugar was also there. Then why did she ask the front-door Kavitha for sugar yesterday? Two days ago she asked Sumathi of six-numbered house for chilie powder? He found there was about a kilo of chilie powder at home!

With great difficulty he was able to control his anger. When Shanthi came next morning, he started scolding her!

‘Now your scolding is over! Or, still there is something more to be said? Don’t be hasty! You leave home for office every morning and do not know what keeps happening here! All the neighbouring women keep asking me for something or other. I used to oblige them but they’d never return what they take from me. Later, I came to know they are trying to befool me! Then I adopted this strategy! Before they ask, I make my demand! Now, when they see my face they close their door on me! And without knowing the reason you’re getting angry on me!!’

‘Yes! It was my fault!’ I confessed.