jpUf;Fws; fijfs; nghUl;ghy; 881 930 jkpowpQh; Nf.tp.FzNrfuk;

1

jpUf;Fws; fijfs;

nghUl;ghy; 881 – 930

jkpowpQh; Nf.tp.FzNrfuk;

2

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

(881 – 930)

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; 881 - 930 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; Xa;T ngw;w Nfhl;lf;fy;tpg; gzpg;ghsh;> Nfhg;gha;> ey;Y}h;> aho;g;ghzk;. Nfhg;gha; kj;jp> Nfhg;gha;.

5

mzpe;Jiu E}y;fs; vjw;fhf vOjg;gLfpd;wd? fw;wth;fSf;fhfth? my;yJ fw;gjw;fhfth….? fw;gjw;fhfntd;why; jw;nghOJ rkak;> ,yf;fpak;> fy;tp rhh;ghf vOjg;gLfpd;w E}y;fspy; ngUk;ghydtw;iwg; gyKiw thrpj;Jk; Gupe;Jnfhs;s Kbahj epiyNa cs;sJ. jpUf;Fws;> gftj;fPij> rptQhdNghjk;> jpUtUl;gad; Nghd;w ,e;J jj;Jt E}y;fisg; gw;wp gz;bjh;fs; Kjy; Nguhrpupah;fs; tiu vOjpf;nfhz;Nl ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. ,tw;wpYs;s fbdkhd jd;ik ghku kf;fis me;E}y;fspd; gf;fk; nry;y tplhJ jLj;Jf; nfhz;Nl ,Uf;fpwJ. Nkw;Fwpg;gpl;l jd;ikapypUe;J tpyfp gj;Jg; taJg; ghyfd; $l tpUk;gpg; gbf;Fk;gb jj;Jtq;fisf; fijfshf;fpj; je;jpUf;fpwhh; jpU.Nf.tp. FzNrfuk;. mtiu tho;j;Jtjpy; 2006,d; gpd; Xa;T ngw;w ey;Y}h;f;Nfhl;l mjpgh;fshfpa ehk; kpf;fg; ngUikailfpNwhk;. xg;gUk; Nrit nra;J Xq;fpa ey;ywpQdhfp

,g;gb cah;r;rp ngw;w ,dpatidf; fz;Nlhk;.

nrg;gUk; xOf;fk; Neh;ik nraw;fupa fy;tp

Qhdk;

6

jg;gpy;yhj; jkpopy; Mh;tk; jsh;tpy;yh kdpjg;

gz;G

vg;NghJk; Nrit nra;Ak; mg;ngUk; mg;gNd!

tho;f tho;f tsKlNd.

Xa;ntd;W mYj;Jly; Nrhuhky; klklntd;W vOjp vk;kz;Zf;fspj;J jly;Glyha; fy;tpr; Nritjid jkpoh; tho;T rpwf;fr; nra;J cynfq;Fk; gue;J thOk; jkpoh; jk; tho;T rpwf;f jkpo;j;njhz;L nra;Ak; jkpowpQNd tsKld; tho;e;J tsk;ngwr; nra; jkpio.

2006Mk; Mz;bd; gpd; Xa;T ngw;w ey;Y}h;f;Nfhl;l mjpgh;fs;.

jpU. ,.rptghjNrfuk;. jpU. rp. NrhNk];tugps;is. jpU. ngh. fkyehjd;. jpU. ngh. eluhrh. jpU. jp. fpU\;zFkhh;. jpU. M. ,uj;jpdrpq;fk; jpU. ngh. gj;kehjd;. jpU. th. n[aul;zk;. jpUkjp. rp. tp];typq;fk;. jpUkjp. kh. Ntjehjd;.

7

jPaitahFk; n[aghyd; G\;gehjdpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whd;. ,yl;RkpNahL jhd; Kd;G njhlh;G nfhz;bUe;jijf; fpU\;dd; mtDf;Fr; nrhy;yp tpLthd; vd;w gaj;jpd; fhuzkhfg; G\;gehjDld; fyfyg;ghfg; gofg; gae;j n[aghyd; mtidr; re;jpg;gijj; jtph;j;J te;jhd;. mjdhy; n[aghyd; jd;Dld; VNjh xU fhuzj;Jf;fhfj; jd;id tpyf;fp itj;Js;shd; vd;W epidj;J n[aghydJ el;ig G\;gehjd; Jz;bj;J tpl;lhd;. G\;gehjd; n[aghydJ el;igj; Jz;bj;jjhy; etuhrhTk; n[aghydJ cwitj; Jz;bj;jhd;. jhd; ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; NruTk; jhd; f\;lg;gl;l NghJk; mtkhdg; gl;l NghJk; gy;NtW cjtpfs; Gupe;j G\;gehjDk; etuhrhTk; jd;Dld; cwtpy;yhky; ,Ug;gJ n[aghyDf;Ff; ftiyiaf; nfhLj;jJ. G\;gehjdJ tPl;by; G\;gehjd; ,Uf;ftpy;iy. ,yl;Rkpjhd; ,Ue;jhs;. ahNuh miof;Fk; rj;jk; Nfl;L ntspNa te;j ,yl;Rkp thrypy; kpLf;Fld; epd;w

8

n[aghyidf; fz;lJk; jpifj;Jg; Nghdhs;. vdpDk; jd;idr; Rjhfupj;Jf; nfhz;L nrhd;dhs;@ “mth; ,y;iy. cs;Ns thUq;fs;” “gpwF ehd; thwd;…” jLkhwpdhd; n[aghyd;. “cs;Sf;F thq;Nfh…” vd;whs; ,yl;Rkp. mtspd; Fuypy; xU ke;jpu rf;jpapUe;J mtidf; fth;e;jJ. cs;Ns nrd;W ehw;fhyp xd;wpy; mkhe;jhd; n[aghyd;@ “cq;fsJ Gj;jp xUNghJk; khwhJ. Kd;G ,Ue;jijg; NghyNt ,g;gTk; ,Uf;fpwPh;fs;. ehd; cq;fis vt;tsT ek;gpapUe;Njd;. vdf;Fr; nra;j JNuhfj;ijr; rw;W epidj;Jg; ghUq;fs;. vdJ rNfhjud; cq;fisj; jdJ ez;gndd ek;gp tPl;Lf;F mioj;J te;jhd;. ePq;fs; vdf;F Vkhw;W thh;j;ijfs; nrhy;yp vd;id Vkhw;wp cq;fs; tpUg;gj;ijg; G+h;j;jp nra;J tpl;Lr; nrd;W tpl;Bh;fs;. mJ Nghyj;jhd; ,g;gTk; ele;J nfhs;fpwPu;fs;. vdJ fzth; cq;fs; kPJ vt;tsT ghrk; itj;jpUe;jhnud;W cq;fSf;Fj; njupahJ. mth; mijr; nrhy;ypf; ftiyg;gLk; NghJ vdf;F kfpo;r;rpahf ,Ue;jJ. cd;idg; Nghd;w xU JNuhfpNahL goFtij tpl ehfghk;Gld; gofyhk;. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; mtiu cdJ tPl;Lf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;lhk; vd;W nrhd;Ndd;. jdf;Fj; Njitahd NghJ el;Gg; G+z;L> gadpy;yhj NghJ ePq;fptPLk; nfhbath;fspd; el;G

9

tsh;tij tplj; Nja;tNj ey;yJ>” vd;whs; ,yl;Rkp. n[aghDf;F tpah;j;Jf; nfhl;baJ. mtdhy; NgrKbatpy;iy. “eP ey;y kdpjd;@ ey;y ez;gd; vd;W epidj;J mtUk; etuhrhTk; cdf;fhf vt;tsT f\;lg;gl;ldh;. eP jPatd;@ xOf;fkpy;yhjtd;@ Fbfhud; vd;W Cutu; cd;id ntWj;j NghJk; vdJ fzth; cd;id ntWf;ftpy;iy. mth; cdf;fhf Cutu;fsplk; Vr;R thq;fpdhh;. nfl;ltd; vd;w gl;lj;ijg; ngw;whh;” ,yl;Rkp Nfhgj;Jld; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ n[aghyd; FWf;fpl;lhd;@ “G\;gehjd; nra;j cjtpfis ehd; xUNghJk; kwf;fkhl;Nld;. mtDld; ey;y Kiwapy; gof vdf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ” vd;W n[aghyd; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ ,yl;Rkp Mj;jpuj;Jld; FWf;fpl;lhs;@ “cdf;Fg; gakh…? ,ij eP NtW ahuhtJ xUtUf;Fr; nrhy;ypapUe;jhy; mth;fs; ek;gpapUg;ghh;fs;. vdf;fh nrhy;fpwha;?. eP fpU\;dDld; ey;y Kiwapy; gofp tpl;L mtid Ms;itj;J mbg;gpj;j eP… mNj Nghy vdJ fztUf;Fk; etuhrhTf;Fk; nra;a khl;lha; vd;W vg;gb ek;GtJ? ahNuh rk;gs Ml;fis itj;J eP fpU\;didj; jhf;fptpl;L vdJ fztUk; etuhrhTk; fN[e;jpuDk; jhd; fpU\;dDf;F mbj;jth;fs; vd;W Cupy; fijfl;b tpl;Ls;sha;. ,J cdf;F epahakhfj; Njhd;Wfpwjh? cd;id ek;gp jd; capiuf; $lj; juj; jahuhf ,Ue;j vdJ fztDf;F eP nra;j ifk;khW NghJk;. ,dpNky; mtiuj; Njb ,q;Nf tuhNj. ,d;gk;

10

jUk; epoYk; ePUk; Neha; jUkhdhy; mJ jPadNt MFk;. mij tpyf;f Ntz;Lk;. mJ Nghyr; Rw;wj;jth;fspd; nray;fSk; jPikiaj; jUkhdhy; Rw;wj;jtupd; cwitj; Jz;bj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; tho;ehs; KOtJk; mjdhy; NfLjhd; cz;lhFk;. jaT nra;J ,dpNky; vkJ tPl;Lf;F tuhNj” vd;whs; ,yl;Rkp. Nfhgj;jhy; mtsJ Kfk; rpte;J cjLfs; Jbj;jd. 881. epoy;ePUk; ,d;dhj ,d;dh@ jkh;ePUk; ,d;dhMk; ,d;dh nrapd;.

Fsph;ikahd epoYk; ePUk; Neha; jUkhdhy; mit jPaitNa MFk;. mJ Nghyr; Rw;wj;jtupd; jd;ikfSk; Jd;ge; jUkhdhy; mitAk; jPaitNa MFk;.

mQ;r Ntz;bath;

“,yl;Rkp> ehd; cdf;Fr; nra;jJ JNuhfk; jhd;. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; gag;gLfpNwd;. jw;nrayhf ekJ gioa cwT G\;gehjDf;Fj; njupa te;jhy; ey;y ez;gdhd mtd; vt;tsT Jd;gg;gLthd;. mj;Jld; cdf;Fk; gy jPikfs; cz;lhFk;. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; G\;gehjdpd; el;ig kpfTk; tUj;jj;Jld; Jz;bj;Njd;. mtdJ el;igj; Jz;bj;jikahy; ehd; gLk; Ntjidiag; gw;wp cdf;Fj; njupahJ. ,g;NghJ ehd; me;j

11

tUj;jj;ijj; jhq;f Kbahjjhy; jhd; te;Njd;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “eP> cd;idg;gw;wp vdf;Fr; nrhy;fpwhah…? cdJ Vkhw;W thh;j;ijfis ek;gp ehd;gl;l Jd;gk; vt;tsntd;gij cd;dhy; epidj;Jg; ghh;f;f KbAkh…? eP Vd; ,g;NghJ CUf;F te;jha;? kiwe;jpUe;J jpdKk; vd;idf; nfhd;w czh;Tfs; ,d;W kPz;Lk; ntspg;gl;Lf; nfhy;fpwJ. mjdhy; ehd; mdypy; tpOe;j GOthfj; Jbf;fpNwd;. kpfTk; ey;thud vdJ fztiuf; fhZk; Nghnjy;yhk; vdJ cly; Ntjidahy; Jbf;fpwJ. ,g;nghOJk; eP tQ;rf vz;zj;Jld; jhd; ele;J nfhs;fpwha;” vd;whs; ,yl;Rkp. “ehd; ,isQdhf thOk; NghJ nfl;ltd;jhd;. xj;Jf; nfhs;fpNwd;. Mdhy; ,g;NghJ jpUe;jptpl;Nld;. vd;dhy; G\;gehjDf;F ve;jf; NfLk; tuhJ” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “cd;NdhL gy fhyk; gofpa vdf;fh eP fij nrhy;fpwha;. Kd;G ehd; fd;dpahf ,Uf;Fk; NghJ vdf;Fg; Ngrp te;j jpUkzq;fisnay;yhk; Fog;gpdha;. ehd; cd;Dld; ve;jj; njhlh;Gk; ,y;yhjpUe;j NghJ Cupy; cs;s ,isQh;fSf;F ehd; cd;idf; fhjypg;gjhff; $wpdha;. mjw;F Mjhukhf vdJ Gifg;glnkhd;iw vdJ tPl;bypUe;J jpUbr; nrd;W ,isQh;fSf;Ff; fhl;b tpl;Lg; gpd; mij cupa ,lj;jpy; nfhz;L te;J

12

itj;jha;. ,tw;iwnay;yhk; ehd; cd;idf; fhjypf;Fk; NghJ mwpe;J nfhs;stpy;iy. xUehs; tPl;by; ahUkpy;yhj Neuk; te;j eP vd;d nrhd;dha;@ “,yl;Rkp> ePjhd; vdJ caph;. cd;idj; jpUkzk; nra;ahtpl;lhy; ehd; jw;nfhiy nra;JtpLNtd;” vd;wha;. mjdhy; jhd; cd;kPJ vdf;F ,uf;fk; gpwe;jJ. gpd; eP ntspehl;Lf;Fg; NghdJk; ehd; njhiyNgrpapy; njhlh;G nfhz;l NghJ vd;d nrhd;dha;@ “,yl;Rkp vy;yhtw;iwAk; nfl;l fdthf epid. ehd; ,q;F xU ngz;izj; jpUkzQ; nra;J tpl;Nld;. ,dpNky; vd;Dld; njhlh;G nfhs;shNj” vd;wha;. mg;gbg;gl;l cd;id ehd; ek;GNtddh..? ,d;Dk; ,d;Dk; cd;id ek;gp Nkhrk; NghNtd; vd;W eP epidf;fpwhah…? vdJ fztidAk; etuhrhitAk; VNjh xU fhuzj;jpw;fhfg; gopthq;f eP epidf;fpwha;. mth;fs; ,UtUk; cd;idr; rpwe;j ez;gdhff; fUjpj; jkJ capiuAk; nfhLf;fr; rpj;jkhf ,Ue;jdh;. Mdhy; ehd; jhd; ,UtUf;Fk; Gj;jpkjpfs; $wp cd;idr; re;jpf;fhJ nra;Js;Nsd;. eP nra;Ak; nfhLikfSf;Fj; jz;lidfis tpiutpy; mDgtpg;gha;” vd;whs;. n[aghyd; mtisg; ghh;j;jhd;. mts; Nfhgj;Jld; epd;w Nfhyj;ijg; ghh;j;jhy; jd;idg; gopthq;Fths; Nghyj; njupe;jJ@ “ehd; thwd;. G\;gehjDf;F ehd; te;jjhfr; nrhy;” vd;W $wptpl;L ele;jhd;.

13

“n[aghyd;” nky;y mioj;jhs; ,yl;Rkp. nrd;w n[aghyd; me;j ,lj;jpNy epd;W jpUk;gpg; ghh;j;jhd;@ “fpU\;dDf;F Ms;itj;J mbg;gpj;jTld; mtd; gae;J nrayw;Wg; Ngha; tpl;lhd; vd;W epidf;fhNj. fpU\;dd; ey;ytd;. filrptiuAk; mtd; vd;idg; gw;wpj; jtwhff; fijf;f khl;lhd;. mtid ,af;fpaJ ehd;jhd;. mtd; Muk;gj;jpy; cd;idg; gw;wpj; jtwhfg; Ngrg; gag;gl;lhd;. ehd; jhd; mtDf;F cw;rhf%l;b cUj;jpu%h;j;jp ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; NgRk; NghJ cd;idg; gw;wpf; Nftykhf Vrr; nrhd;Ndd;. ftdkhf ,U” vd;whs; n[aghyDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. ,yl;Rkp gpbthjf;fhup. mj;Jld; G\;gehjidf; iff;Fs; itj;jpUf;fpwhs;. mtisg; gw;wp ahUk; jtwhfr; nrhd;dhYk; G\;gehjd; ek;gkhl;lhd;@ “thisg; Nghy ntspg;gilahd gifth;fSf;F mQ;r Ntz;bajpy;iy@ Mdhy; cwtpdh;fisg; Nghy ,Ue;J cl;gif nfhz;lth;fspd; njhlh;GfSf;F mQ;r Ntz;Lk;” vd;W fjpNurd; nrhd;dJ mtdJ nrtpfspy; xypj;jJ. 882. ths;Nghy; giftiu mQ;rw;f@ mQ;Rf Nfs;Nghy; gifth; njhlh;G.

thisg; Nghy ntspg;gilahfj; njupAk; gifth;fSf;F mQ;rNtz;ba jpy;iy. Mdhy;

14

cwtpdiug; Nghy; cldpUe;J cl;gif nfhs;gtupd; njhlh;Gf;F mQ;r Ntz;Lk;.

mWf;Fk; fUtp tPl;Lf;F te;j n[aghyDf;Fj; jiy Rw;wpaJ. ,yl;Rkp gpbthjf;fhup. epidj;jijr; nra;af; $bats;. mtd; ntspehl;bw;Fr; nrd;w gpd;G mtSila njhlh;ig Kw;whf mWj;J tpl;lhd;. mtd; ve;j ehl;bw;Fr; nrd;whd; vd;W $l CutUf;Fj; njupahJ. Cupy; cs;s vtUf;Fk; mtd; fbjk; Nghltpy;iy. Nghl;lhy; mjd; %yk; jdf;Fg; gy gpur;rpidfs; tUk; vdg; gae;jhd;. ntspehl;Lf;F mtd; te;J ,uz;L tUlq;fshfp tpl;ld. mtd; ,yl;Rkpia kwe;J tpl;lhd;. mg;gb ,Uf;Fk; ehspy; xUehs; mtdJ ifj;njhiyNgrp mywpaJ. n[aghyd;@ “ahh;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd;. mtDld; njhlh;G nfhz;l ngz;Fuy; clNd jd;id milahsk; fhl;bf; nfhs;stpy;iy. “ahh; n[aghyh..?” vd;wJ “Xk;… Xk; ePq;fs; ahh;?” “ehdh....? cq;fSf;F kpfTk; Ntz;bats;” n[aghyd; ngz;fs; tp\aj;jpy; kpfTk; gytPdkhdtd;. “ePq;fs; aho;g;ghzj;jpy; ,Ue;J

15

NgRfpwPu;fs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk; ePq;fs; ahh;…?” “cq;fSf;F vd;idg; ngw;Nwhh; jpUkzk; NgRfpwhh;fs;. jufd; xUtd; ePq;fs; cq;F kpfTk; trjpahf tho;tjhfr; nrhy;ypf; Fwpg;Gj; je;jth;..” “mg;gbah….? cq;fsJ ngah; vd;d…?” “jpUkzk; Kw;whF Kd; Mz;fis ek;gpg; ngah;fisr; nrhy;yf; $lhJ?” “ehd; ey;ytd;. ePh; gag;glhky; nrhy;yyhk;” “vdf;F ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. ePq;fs; ,yl;Rkpnad;w ngz;izf; fhjypj;jjhf Cupy; Ngrpf; nfhs;fpwhh;fs;” rpyfzq;fs; mtd; Ngrtpy;iy. gpd;@ “mg;gbahd ngaUs;s ngz;iz vdf;Fj; njupahJ. ehd; ahiuAk; fhjypf;ftpy;iy” vd;whd;. “mg;gbah….? fhjypj;j ngz;iz tpl;L tpl;Bh;fsh…..? ehd; jhd; ,yl;Rkp…? clNd mtd; njhlh;igj; Jz;bj;jhd;. ,Ue;j NghJk ;mts; mbf;fb mtid kpul;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;. mij epidf;f mtDf;Fg;

16

gakhf ,Ue;jJ@ “vg;gbNah vdJ njhiyNgrp ,yf;fj;ijj; NjbnaLj;J vd;id mbf;fb kpul;bats;> jw;nghOJ Cupy; mJTk; mtsJ tPl;Lf;F mUfpy; ,Uf;Fk; NghJ vd;ndd;d nra;thNsh?” vdf; fyq;fpdhd;. mj;Jld; fpU\;dDk; mtSld; Nrh;e;Js;shd;. mtd; mtSld; Nrh;e;J vd;ndd;d Jd;gq;fisr; nra;ag; NghfpwhNdh? md;W ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; cUj;jpu%h;j;jp nrhw;nghopthw;Wk; NghJ JzpTld; vd;idj; J\pj;j fpU\;dd; ,dp vd;d nra;thd;….? mtd; Jzpe;jtd;. mj;Jld; etuhrhTk; G\;gehjDk; mtDf;Fj; Jizahf cs;sdh;” vd;W epidf;f n[aghyDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. “giftid ek;gyhk;. ez;gidg; Nghy ebj;Jg; gopthq;f epidg;gtd; ve;j Neuj;jpy; vJ nrha;thndd;W vjph;ghh;f;f KbahJ. md;W ehd; fjpNurdpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;w NghJ mth; vd;id kfpo;Tld; tuNtw;ftpy;iy. vd;id Ntz;lhj tpUe;jhspahf epidj;Nj fijj;jhh;. mjdhy; ,dp mq;F NghtJk; kjpg;gy;y. cl;gifif;F mQ;rp xUtd; jd;idf; fhj;Jf; nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;. jsh;r;rp te;j NghJ kl;fyj;ij mWf;Fk; fUtpNghy me;j cl;gif jtwhky; mopT nra;Ak;” vd;W epidj;jhd; n[aghyd;. mg;NghJ mq;Nf fdfypq;fk; te;jhh;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp mjpguhf ,Ue;j fhyj;jpy; ghlrhiyf;Fjtntd;W gyh; ,Ue;jdh;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp gjtp cah;T ngw;Wr;

17

nrd;wgpd; ghlrhiyg; gf;fk; nry;Nthh; FiwT@ “thUq;Nfh thj;jpahh;” vd;W tuNtw;whd; n[aghyd;. “ghlrhiy E}yfj;jpw;F ,uz;L mYkhupfs; Njitahf cs;sJ. ghlrhiyapy; E}yfj;ij mikf;f cjtpatd; etuhrh. mtdplk; Ngha;f; Nfl;ldhd;. mtd; “jdf;F trjpapy;iy” vd;W nrhy;fpwhd;. ePq;fs; cjTtPu;fnsd;W te;jdhd;” vd;whh; fdfypq;fk;. “Vd; etuhrhTf;F trjpapy;iyNa…? ey;y ,lj;jpy; jpUkzk; nra;jpUf;fpwhd;. Njhl;lj;jhYk; ey;y tUkhdk;.” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “,g;g etuhrh> G\;gehjd;> NtyhAjgps;is> jzpfhryk; Nghd;Nwhh; Kd;G Nghy ,y;;iy. ey;y kdprnuy;yhk; VNdh njupatpy;iyf; nfl;Lg; Nghdhh;fs;. ve;j cjtpfSk; nra;fpwhh;fspy;iy. fz;lhy; epd;W fijf;ff; $l tpUk;Gfpwhh;fspy;iy” vd;W ftiyg;gl;lhy; fdfypq;fk; 883. cl;gif mQ;rpj;jw; fhf;f@ ciyT,lj;J kz;gifapd; khzj; njWk;. cl;giff;F mQ;rp xUtd; jd;idf; fhj;Jf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; jsh;r;rp Vw;gLk; NghJ kl;fyj;ij mWf;Fk; fUtp Nghy me;j cl;gif mtid mopj;J tpLk;.

18

Fw;wq;fs; gy

md;W fhiyg; G+irf;F te;jth;fs; ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpy; Nfhapy; ntsp kz;lgr; Rtupy; xU tpsk;guk; xl;lg;gl;bUg;gijf; fz;ldh;. ,Jtiu fhyKk; Nfhapy; Rtupy; jpUtpoh gw;wpa tpsk;guk; $l xl;lg;gl;ljpy;iy. jzpfhryKk; NtWk; rpyUk; RtUf;F mUNf te;J xl;lg;gl;bUe;j me;j tpsk;guj;ij thrpj;jdh;. “,q;F thOk; ngupath;fSf;F! ePq;fs; gzj;jpw;fhf khdj;ijr; rkPg fhykhf tpw;W tUfpwPu;fs;. n[aghyd; jpUld;@ Fbfhud;@ gQ;rkhghjfq;fs; midj;ijAk; nra;gtd;. mtd; jhd; nra;j ghtk; jPh;tjw;fhf ,q;F te;J jhdQ; nra;fpwhd;. nfhs;isabj;j gzj;jpd; %yk; mtd; ntspehl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whd;. ntspehl;by; Nghij khj;jpiufisf; flj;jpr; rk;ghjpj;j ghtg;gl;l gzj;ij ,q;F nfhz;L te;J jUk fhupaq;fSf;Fr; nryT nra;fpwhd;. jUkk; nra;gtd;> jhdq; nfhLg;gtd;> jdJ ciog;gpy; jhd; mijr; nra;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ghtg;gl;l gzk; vd;W njupe;j gpd;Gk; mijg; ngWgth;fs; nfhLg;gtid tplf; Nftykhdth;fshf> ghtg;gl;lth;fshfNt fUjg;gLthh;fs;. Cupy; xU epfo;T eilngWtjdhy; mijr; Rthkpahh; Kd; epd;W elj;jpitg;ghh;. ntspehLfspy; ,Ue;J ey;yth;fs; te;J jh;kfhupak; nra;Ak; NghJ me;j Neuk; Rthkpahh; te;J me;j epfo;itr; rpwg;gpg;gNjhL> epjp toq;Fk; jh;kthdd;is

19

MrPh;tjpg;ghh;. ,Jgy Mz;Lfhykhf xOq;fhf eilngw;W tUk; epfo;T. Mdhy; Rthkpfs; n[aghyd; ed; nfhil mspj;j ve;j xU epfo;tpYk; fye;J nfhs;stpy;iy> MrPh;tjpf;ftpy;iy. ,J Vd; vd;W epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jPh;fsh….? ,yf;fpag; Nguitf;Fg; gzk; ngWKd; Rthkpahiuf; Nfl;Bh;fsh…?” “ngupNahh;fNs> Cu;g;gpuKfh;fNs ,dpahtJ rpe;jpAq;fs;. ed;nfhilfs; ngWk; NghJ mtidf; nfsutpj;J rpue;jho;j;jpg; ngWjy; Ntz;Lk;. ,jw;F n[aghyd; jFjp cs;stdh…? rpe;jpj;Jr; nraw;gLq;fs;.”

“eyd;tpUk;gp” kpfTk; mofhff; fzpdpapy; gjpf;fg;gl;bUe;j me;j tpsk;guj;ij kPz;Lk; xUKiw gbj;jhh; jzpfhryk;. mg;NghJ mq;F te;j NtyhAjgps;is nrhd;dhh;@ “,JNghy xU tpsk;guk; rdr%f epiyar; RtupYk; xl;bapUf;F”. mg;NghJ mq;F te;j fdfypq;fk; nrhd;dhh;@ “ghlrhiy kjpy; KOf;f xl;lg;gl;bUf;F” jfty; mwpe;j tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp mq;F te;jhh;. Nfhapy; Rtupy; xl;lg;gl;l me;jj; Jz;Lg; gpuRuj;ijf; fz;lJk; mtuJ fz;fs; fyq;fpd@ “kfhfzgjpiaj; nja;tk; vd;W

20

fUjhj xUtd; jhd; ,r;nraiyr; nra;Js;shd;. ahUk; vijAk; vOjyhk;. Rth;fspy; xl;lyhk;. Mdhy; ,Jtiu fhyKk; Nfhapy; jpUtpohg; gpuRuk; $l Nfhapw; Rtupy; xl;lg;gl;ljpy;iy. mij epidf;fj;jhd; vdf;Ff; ftiyahf ,Uf;fpwJ” vd;whh;. mq;F $bapUe;jth;fs; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp fyq;Ftijf; fz;L Jf;fg; gl;ldh;@ “ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ rup. Nfhapiy ehk; Gdpjkhf itj;jpUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,J kfh fzgjpia mtkjpf;fpd;w nray;” vd;whd; xUtd;. “vd;idg; gw;wpg; gy ,lq;fspYk; vOjp xl;bapUg;gjhf mwpe;J te;Njd;.,dpNkYk; vd;dhy; ,e;j Cupy; tho KbahJ. ehd; ghtq;fs; gy nra;jdhd;jhd;. xg;Gf; nfhs;fpNwd;. mij epidj;Jj; jhd; ehd; ,e;j CUf;F te;Njd;. ghtQ; nra;jtd; Gz;zpaQ; nra;af; $lhnjd;why; ehd; je;j gznky;yhtw;iwAk; jpUg;gpj; jhUq;fs;. ehd; kfpo;Tld; Vw;Wf; nfhs;fpd;Nwd;. vd;dhy; jhd; ,yf;fpag; Nguitf;Fk; NfhapYf;Fk; rdr%f epiyaj;jpw;Fk; mtkhdnkd;why; ehd; ,dpNky; mq;nfy;yhk; tutpy;iy” vd;W $wptpl;L ele;jhd; n[aghyd;. mtd; nry;tij vy;NyhUk; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jdh;. fjpNurd; vOe;J mtdpd; gpd;dhy; nrd;whh;. fjpNurd; jd;Dld; vijNah fijf;fj;jhd; gpd;dhy; tUfpwhh; vd;gij

21

czh;e;j n[aghyd; epd;whd;. mtDf;F mUfpy; te;j fjpNurd; nrhd;dhh;@ “n[aghY> cdf;F Kd;dhy; ey;yth;fs; Nghy ebj;J kdJs; gifiaf; iff;nfhs;Nthh; gyh; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. mj;jd;ik cd;idr; Nrh;e;jth;fs; cdf;Fj; Jizahf tuhky; Nghtjw;Ff; fhuzkhd gy Fw;wq;fis cz;lhFk;. ,e;jj; Jz;Lg; gpuRuk; mijj;jhd; ikakhff; nfhz;Ls;sJ. cd;idr; Nrh;e;jth;fs; ,jdhy; cd;kPJ ntWg;gilth;. ed;whfg; gbj;j xUtd;jhd; ,ijj; jpl;lkpl;L nra;Js;shd;. fw;fhjtDf;F ,g;gbr; nrayhw;wj; njupahJ. mtd; MAjq;fisj;jhd; J}f;Fthd;” 884. kdk;khzh cl;gif Njhd;wpd; ,dk;khzh Vjk; gyTk; jUk;.

kdk; jpUe;jhj cl;gif xUtDf;F ,Uf;Fkhdhy;>mJ mtidr; Nrh;e;jth;fs; mtDf;Fj; Jiz nra;ahky; Nghtjw;Ff; fhuzkhd gy Fw;wq;fis cz;lhf;Fk;.

capiu mopf;Fk; n[aghyDf;Ff; fjpNurd; $wpaJ Gupatpy;iy. mjdhy; jLkhwpagb@ “ePq;fs; nrhy;ypanjhd;Wk; vdf;Fg; Gupatpy;iy. jaT nra;J GupAk;gb $Wq;fs;” vd;whd;.

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fjpNurd; mtidg; ghh;j;jhh;. fy;tpawpT vs;ssNtDk; ,y;yhj jd;ikahy; jhd; mtDf;F ,e;j epiyik te;jnjd;W mtUf;Fg; Gupe;jJ@ “n[aghY> eP ,ijr; nra;jJ fpU\;dDk; etuhrhTk; G\;gehjDk; vd;Wjhd; epidg;gha;. mg;gb my;y. mth;fSf;F ,g;gb vOjf;$ba ty;yik ,y;iy. mjdhy; mij mth;fs; vOjpapUf;f KbahJ. mj;Jld; fzdpapy; nghwpf;Fk; KiwfSk; mth;fSf;Fj; njupahJ. mij ,d;ndhUtiuf; nfhz;Ljhd; nra;tpj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. me;j msT fw;wth;fSila el;G mk;%tUf;Fk; ,y;iy. ,ij ed;F fw;w xUtd;jhd; ed;F jpl;lkpl;Lr; nra;Js;shd;. ,jd; %yk; cd;id mtkhdg;gLj;jTk;> cdJ epjpiag; ngw;wth;fisf; Nftyg;gLj;jTk;jhd; mtd; nra;Js;shd;. eP fpU\;dDf;F Mis itj;J mbg;gpj;jdp vd;W vdf;F md;Nw njupAk;. Mdhy; mij mwpahj gy gbj;jth;fs; mJ G\;gehjDk; etuhrhTk; fN[e;jpuDk; nra;j Ntiy vd;W nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. cz;ikahd epiy cdf;Fj; njupAk;. ehd; ahUf;Fk; nrhy;y khl;Nld;. ePjhNd fpU\;dDf;F mbg;gpj;jdP” vd;W Nfl;L tpl;L epWj;jpdhh; fjpNurd;. n[aghyd; Mbg;Nghdhd;. mtDf;Fg; gaj;jhy; cly; tpah;j;jJ. vJTk; Ngrj; Njhd;whJ jLkhwpagb epd;whd;@ “eP epidg;gha; ,ijf; fpU\;dd; jhd; vdf;Fr; nrhy;ypapUg;ghd; vd;W. mtd; nrhy;ytpy;iy. mtd; jhf;fg;gl;l nra;jp Nfs;tpg; gl;lJk;

23

ehd; mtidg; ghh;f;fr; nrd;Nwd;. mjw;F ehd; mtd; kPJ nfhz;l mDjhgk; fhuzky;y. Cutu;> vdJ Ngudhd etuhrhjhd; fpU\;dDf;F mbj;jJ vd;W fijj;jdh;. mij mwpaj;jhd; nrd;Nwd;. mtd; ahh; jdf;F mbj;jJ vd;W nrhy;y kWj;J tpl;lhd;. mtdJ fijfspy; ,Ue;J ehd; etuhrh mtDf;F mbf;ftpy;iy vd;gij czh;e;J nfhz;Nld;.” vd;W epWj;jpdhh; fjpNurd;. rpwpJ Neuq; fopj;Jf; fjpNurd; nrhd;dhh;@ “fpU\;dd; nrhd;dhd;@ “mg;G> vdf;Fg; gpwj;jpahh; mbf;ftpy;iy. vdf;F Ntz;baitjhd; mbr;rit. Cuit etuhrhTk; G\;;gehjDk; fN[e;jpuDk; jhd; vd;idj; jhf;fpajhff; fijf;fpid. ghtk; mth;fs;. rdk; gopghtk; ghuhJ vYk;gpy;yhj ehf;fhy; gyJk; fijf;Fk;. mij ehq;fs; nghUl;gLj;jf; $lhJ” vd;wtd;. etuhrh Kuld;. vjw;Fk; mQ;rkhl;lhd;. vijAk; NeNu nry;thNd jtpu kiwe;jpUe;J nra;a khl;lhd;. fpU\;ddpd; fijapypUe;J jhd; ePjhd; mijr; nra;jdp vd;W ehd; njupe;J nfhz;ld;. mijg; Nghy ,ij vOjp xl;baJk; ahh; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;” “nrhy;Yq;Nfh… nrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;W mtrug;gl;lhd; n[aghyd;. fjpNurd; jpUk;gpf;Nfhapw; gf;fk; ele;jhh;.

24

“mg;G+… epy;Yq;Nfh. nrhy;yp tpl;Lg; Nghq;Nfh…” nfQ;rpdhd; n[aghyd;. “ePjhd; fpU\;dDf;F mbg;gpr;rdP vd;W Cfpj;j khjpup ,j;Jz;Lg; gpuRuj;ij xl;batd; ,d;dhuhfj;jhd; ,Uf;Fk; vd;W Nahrpf;fppwd;. eP Kjypy; mijr; nrhy;….” jaq;fpdhd; n[aghyd;. “ehd; thwd;” vd;W $wptpl;L ele;jhh; fjpNurd;. “fpU\;dDf;F ehd;jhd; Ms; itj;J mbg;gpj;jdhd;. jaT nra;J mij ahUf;FQ; nrhy;ypg; Nghlhijq;Nfh” vd;W fyq;fpa n[aghyd;@ “Mh; xl;bdJ vd;W nrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;whd;. “,J vd;Dila Cfk;. rupnad;W nrhy;y khl;ld;. eP ,ijg;gw;wp Muha;e;J ghh;. mjw;fhfj;jhd; nrhy;fpNwd;. ,jw;F %yfh;j;jh cdJ kidtpjhd;.” “vdJ kidtpah?… rptrf;jpah?” mjph;e;J Nghdhd; n[aghyd;. “cdJ kidtpf;F ,e;j Cupy; ,Uf;f tpUg;gkpy;iy. gps;isfSf;Fk; jhiag; gpupe;J tho tpUg;gkpy;iy. mjdhy; gps;isfs; jhNk rpyJz;Lg; gpuRuq;fis mr;rbj;J jha;f;F mDg;gpAs;sdh;. cdJ kidtp gzq;nfhLj;J xl;Ltpj;jpUf;fpwhs;. n[aghY> xUtDf;F

25

cwTKiwapduplk; cl;gif cz;lhFkhdhy; mJ mtdJ capiu mopf;fj;jf;f Fw;wq;fs; gytw;iw cz;lhf;Fk;. vdNt eP cd;kidtpapd; tpUg;gg;gb el. mj;Jld; ,q;Fs;s gyUf;F cd;kPJ cl;gif cs;sJ. cdJ ,dj;jth;fs;> ez;gh;fs;> mayth;fs; ahiuAk; ek;ghNj” vd;W nrhd;d fjpNurd;> Nfhapiy Nehf;fp ele;jhh;. vJTk; Njhd;whJ mjph;r;rpAld; n[aghyd; mtiug; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L epd;whd;. 885. cwy;Kiwahd; cl;gif Njhd;wpd; ,wy;Kiwahd; Vjk; gyTk; jUk;. xUtDf;F cwtpdNuhL cl;gif cz;lhFkhdhy;> mJ mtdJ capiu mopf;fj; jf;f Fw;wq;fs; gytw;iwr; nra;Ak;.

mopT cWjp ,e;j Cupy; ahiuAk; mtdhy; ek;g Kbatpy;iy@ “cwtpdh;fs; jkJ fhupaq;fisg; ghh;g;gjw;fhf kpfTk; neUf;fkhf md;G nfhz;lth;fs; Nghyg; goFfpwhh;fs;. jkJ fhupak; Kbtile;jJk; Cutu;fSld; Nrh;e;J jUzj;jpw; Nfw;wthW fijf;fpwhh;fs;. ez;gh;fSk; mg;gbj;jhd;. gpuKfh;fSk; mg;gbj;jhd;. ahiu ek;GtJ ahiu ek;ghJ tpLtJ. fjpNurd; ey;yth;@ gbf;fhj Nkij. xUtd; nrhy;yhkNy mtdpd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;J mtd; vd;d epidf;fpwhd; vd;W

26

mwpAk; Mw;wy; cs;sth;. mj;Jld; kdjpy; cs;sij mtd; rpwpJk; re;Njfg;glhky; mwpe;J nfhs;sf; $bath;. Cupy; vj;jid Ngh; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. xUtnud;whYk; fpU\;dDf;F mbg;gpj;jJ ehd; vd;W epidf;ftpy;iy. Mdhy; fjpNurd; fpU\;ddJ tPl;bw;F mtid tUj;jk; ghh;f;fg; NghtJ Nghyr; nrd;W mtd; re;Njfg;glhj Kiwapy; ele;jtw;iwnay;yhk; mwpe;J te;jpUf;fpwhh;. mNj Nghyr; Rtupy; xl;ba Jz;Lg; gpuRuk; gw;wpAk; mth; nrhd;dJ rup. etuhrhTf;Fk; G\;gehjDf;Fk; fzdpiaNa njupahJ. ,J fw;wth; xUtupd; Ntiyjhd;. rptrf;jpapd; rNfhjuu;fs; gaq;futhjpfs;. mth;fSf;F ehd; CUf;F tUe;jJ tpUg;gkpy;iy.” vd;W epidj;jhd; n[aghyd;. mtDk; rptrf;jpAk; CUf;F tUk;NghJ rptrf;jpapd; %j;j rNfhjud; nrhd;dJ mtdJ fhJfspy; xypj;jJ@ “n[aghY> xd;gJ NgUf;Fr; rptrf;jp rNfhjup. ehk; vkJ gps;isfis tpl ,tisNa capUf;Fapuhf Nerpf;fpNwhk;. mjdhy; mts; gpupe;J nry;tij ehk; tpUk;gtpy;iy. XupU ehl;fs; XupU khjq;fs; vd;why; guthapy;iy. ePq;fs; epue;jukhf mq;F jq;fg; Nghtjhfr; nry;tJ vkf;F kpFe;j Ntjidiaj; jUfpwJ. ,e;jr; nry;te;j Ciu tpl;L tpl;L twpa fpuhkj;jpy; ePq;fs; FbNaWtijapl;L ehd; ftiyg;gltpy;iy. vkJ rNfhjup vd;id tpl;Lg; Nghfpwhs; vd;Wjhd; ftiyg;gh;wd;. ePq;fs; jdpahg; Ngha; ,Uq;Nfh…”

27

“rptrf;jpf;Fk; vd;idtplj; jdJ rNfhjuu;fspy; jhd; ghrk; mjpfk;. mjdhy; mts; vijAk; nra;ths;. nrd;wthuk; xU jbj;j fbjk; te;jJ. mf;fbjj;Js;jhd; mj;Jz;Lg; gpuRuk; te;jNjh…?” vd;W vz;zpdhd; n[aghyd;. mtDf;F vOj thrpf;fj; njupahJ. mj;Jld; gps;isfNsh kr;rhd;khNuh vOJk; fbjq;fis mtd; thrpg;gjpy;iy. rptrf;jpjhd; thrpg;ghs;. thrpj;J tpl;L mth;fs; vOjpaijr; nrhy;ths;. Mdhy; mtd; mijf; Nfl;gijAk; tpUk;Gtjpy;iy. “rptrf;jpaplk; md;W te;j fbjj;ijg; gw;wpf; Nfl;fyhk;. xUehSkpy;yh jthW fbjj;ijg; gw;wpf; Nfl;lhy; mts; re;Njfpg;ghs;. mj;Jld; ,e;j tp\ak; fjpNurDf;F vg;gbj; njupa te;jJ. mij epidf;f n[aghyDf;F kz;il ntbj;J tpLk; Nghy ,Ue;jJ@ “xUtDf;F cwT Kiwahdth;fsplk; cl;gif cz;lhFkhdhy;> mJ mtdJ capiu mopf;fj;jf;f Fw;wq;fs; gytw;iw cz;lhf;Fk;” vd;W fjpNurd; $wpa thh;j;ijfs; n[aghydJ fhJfspy; gykhf xypj;jd@ “vdJ kidtpAk; mtsJ rNfhjuu;fSk; vd;idg; gifj;jhy; vdJ gps;isfSk; vd;idg; gifg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; ehd; mope;J Ngha;tpLNtd;. mth;fs; kpfTk; nfhbath;fs;. mjdhy; ehd; kidtpiaAk; mioj;Jf; nfhz;L ntspehL nry;tJ jhd;

28

ey;yJ” vd;W epidj;jthW tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whd;. thrypy; mtsJ kidtp gj;jpufhspahfp epd;W mtid tuNtw;whs;. “,dpNky; ePq;fs; ,q;Nf ,Uf;f KbahJ. cq;fsJ tpUg;gj;ijg; G+h;j;jp nra;tjw;fhfj;jhd; ehd; cq;fNshL ,q;F thoyhnkd;W te;Njd;. Mdhy; ,e;j Cutu;fs; cq;fis ,q;F epk;kjpahf tho tplkhl;lhh;fs;. jpdKk; gpur;rpidg;gl;L mtkhdj;jhy; $dpf;FWfp tho;tij tpl ehk; jpUk;gpg; Ngha;tpLNthk;. gps;isfSk; mz;zhkhUk; mijj;jhd; tpUk;Gfpwhh;fs;@ “cq;fis cldbahf tul;lhk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; jhq;fs; ,q;F te;Jjhd; mioj;Jf; nfhz;L Nghf Ntz;ba epiyNaw;gLk;” vd;W fbjk; vOjpapUf; fpwhh;fs;. ,uhj;jpup cq;fisg; gw;wpf; Nfykhf vOjp xl;bapUf;fpwhh;fs;. gzk; nfhL;j;jjw;F ,g;gb xU tho;j;jh….? cq;fSf;F ntl;fkhf ,y;iy…” rptrf;jp fj;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;@ “xUtDf;F mtdJ ,dj;jth;fspilNa gifNaw;gL khdhy;> mJ mtid mopj;JtpLk;. rptrf;jpapd; rNfhjuu;fs; mg;gb ahdth;fs;” vd;W epidj;jhd; n[aghyd;. 886. xd;whik xd;wpahh; fz;gbd; vQ;Qhd;Wk; nghd;whik xd;wy; mupJ.

29

xUtDf;F mtDila cw;whuplj;jpy; gif Vw;gLkhdhy;> me;j cl;gifahy; mtd; mopahJ ,Uj;jy; mupjhFk;.

Ntw;Wik njupahJ

n[aghydpd; kdk; mikjpia ,oe;J jtpj;jJ. rhjhuzkhf kdpjh;fis tplr; rptrf;jp fLikahd Nghf;Filats;. xd;gJ rNfhjuu;fSk; mtisr; nry;ykhf tsh;j;jikahy; mtisf; fz;bg;gNj mtSf;Fg; gpbf;fhJ. mtd; fLikahff; fz;bj;jhy; mts; jdJ rNfhjuu;fSf;F mijr; nrhy;yp tpLths;. mth;fs; njhiyNgrpapy; njhlh;G nfhz;L mtidf; fz;bg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; mtSld; gpur;rpidg;gLk; ehl;fspy; njhiyNgrp miog;Gf;fs; te;jhy; mtd; vLf;fkhl;lhd;. rptrf;jp vLj;Jtpl;L@ “%j;jz;iz cq;fNshL fijf;fg; Nghfpwhuhk;” vd;ghs;. n[aghyd; mth;fSld; NgrkWj;J tpLthd;. mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; Qhapw;Wf;fpoik tPl;Lf;F te;J tpLthh;fs;. gpd; xd;gJ NgUk; cgNjrQ; nra;thh;fs;@ vr;rupg;ghh;fs;@ kpul;Lthh;fs;. mtspd; %j;j rNfhjud; KO Kuld;. mtd; nrhy;thd;@ “jq;ifapd; Gup\d; vd;gjhy; jhd; nghWj;Jf; nfhs;fpNwd;. mJ msTf;F kpQ;rf;$lhJ” vd;ghd;. gpd; ed;whff; Fbj;J tpl;L n[aghyDf;F mbg;ghd;.

30

mtw;iw epidf;f n[aghydpd; cly; eLq;fpaJ. kd mikjpf;fhff; fjpNurdJ tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whd;@ “vdJ kidtpAk; mtsJ rNfhjuu;fSk; kpfTk; nfhbath;fs;. mts; ahUf;Fk; mlq;fkhl;lhs;. mtSf;fhf mtsJ rNfhjuu;fs; vJTk; nra;thh;fs;. mts; fbjk; vOjpdhy; mth;fs; Gwg;gl;L te;J tpLthh;fs;” vd;W gag;gl;lhd; n[aghyd;. “gag;gLk; cdf;F Vd; Jzpthd vz;zk;? cdJ kidtpapd; tpUg;gg;gb eP el. mJ jhd; cdf;F ey;yJ” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “Jd;gq;fspypUe;J tpLglj;jhd; ehd; ,q;F te;Njd;. me;j ehl;by; ehd; Rje;jpukhf xU epkplk; $l thotpy;iy. ,Ugj;jpehd;Fkzp NeuKk; Ntiy nra;Njd;. mjw;Ff; fhuzk; vdJ kidtpjhd;. ,q;F epk;kjpahf ,Uf;fyhk; vd;W te;jhy; mijtplj; Jd;gkhf ,Uf;fpwJ. kidtpAk; rNfhjuu;fSk; vdJ giftu;fs;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “cl;gif epyTk; Fbapy; ,Ug;gth;fs; xw;Wikahf tho;tijg; Nghyj; Njhd;wpdhYk; cs;sj;jhy; xd;wpapuhJ >nrk;Gk; mjd; %bAk; ntspNa ghh;g;gjw;F xd;whf ,Ug;gijg; Nghyj; Njhd;Wtijg; NghyNt ,Ug;ghh;fs;. mJ jhd; cdJ FLk;gj;jpy; eilngWfpwJ. cdJ kidtp jdJ rNfhjuu;fisf; nfhz;L cd;id kpul;LtJ> mbahl;fisf; nfhz;L giftu;fis mlf;Ftijg; Nghd;wJ. mij

31

ahuhYk; nghWj;Jf; nfhs;s KbahJ. eP cdJ kidtpia mDg;gp tpl;L cdJ rNfhjuu;fSld;; ,q;F nfhQ;r ehl;fSf;F ,Uf;fyhk; jhNd” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “cq;fSf;F ntspehLfisg; gw;wpj; njupahJ. vdJ Ngug;gps;isfisg; guhkupg;G epiyaq;fspy; tpl;Lg; guhkupf;fg; ngUe;njhifahfg; gzk; fl;Ljy; Ntz;Lk;. mjdhy; ehDk; kidtpAk; jhd; Ngug;gps;isfisg; guhkupf;fpd;Nwhk;. ,J jtpu Mapuk; gpur;rpidfs;. mts; filrp tiuAk; vd;id tpl;L tpl;Lr; nry;y khl;lhs;. mjw;F md;G> mf;fiw fhuzkpy;iy. mq;Fs;s gpur;rpidfs; jhd; fhuzk;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “gzk; nghUs; me;j];Jg; Nghd;wit xUtDf;F epk;kjpiaf; nfhLg;gjpy;iy. xU FLk;gj;jpy; cs;sth;fs; mj;jid NgUk; xUtiu xUth; Gupe;J tpl;Lf;nfhLj;J md;G $h;e;J mddpNahd;dpakhf tho;e;jhy; jhd; FLk;gk; rpwf;Fk;. mij tpl;L tpl;L fhl;L kpUfq;fisg; Nghyg; gifAld; tho;e;jhy; ,y;ywk; rpwf;fhJ. ,g;Ngh fpuhkq;fs; mope;J tpl;ld vd;Nw $w Ntz;Lk;. xt;nthU fpuhkKk; ,g;NghJ ntspehl;L NkhfKs;s FLk;gq;fshfNt khwpAs;sd. nraw;ifahf ahTk; nrhh;f;fk; Nghyj; Njhd;wpdhYk; xt;nthU FLk;gKk; xt;nthU euf cyfkhf khwptpl;lJ. vq;F ghh;j;jhYk; RaeyNk jiytpupj;jhLfpwJ. fztd; kidtpapilNa

32

md;G ,y;iy@ Gupe;Jzh;T ,y;iy. mNj Nghyg; ngw;Nwhh;fSk; gps;isfSk; tho;fpd;whh;fs;. ,ij mtutu; czh;e;J jpUe;jpdhy; jhd; kfpo;r;rpAz;lhFk;. mij ,d;ndhUtuhy; cz;lhf;f KbahJ. eP ,t;tsT fhyKk; cdJ kidtpapd; nrhw;gb tho;e;jijg; Nghy ,dpAk; thoNtz;baJjhd;. NtWtopapy;iy” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. n[aghyd; ngU%r;R tpl;lhd;. $z;by; milf;fg;gl;l tpyq;F Nghy; mtdJ kdk; JbJbj;jJ. gy;NtW tpjkhd gpur;rpidfs; ,q;Nf te;jhYk; xUtpj kfpo;;tpUe;jJ. ,dp mjw;F Nky; mtdhy; epidf;f Kbatpy;iy. 887. nrg;gpd; Gzh;r;rpNghy; $bDk; $lhNj cl;gif cw;w Fb. nrg;gpd; fyg;igg; Nghy Gwj;Nj Nrh;e;jpUe;jhYk;> cl;gif cz;lhd Fbapy; cs;sth;fs; kdj;jpdhy; $bapUf;f khl;lhh;fs;. cl;gif

n[aghyd; tPl;Lf;F te;jTld; rptrf;jp xU fbjj;ijf; nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;jhs;. “ahUila fbjk;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; n[aghyd;.

33

“%j;jz;zh vOjpapUf;fpwhh;. thrpj;Jg; ghUq;Nfh” n[aghyd; rptrf;jpiag; ghh;j;jhd;. gpd; “vd;dthk;” vd;whd;. “ePq;fs; thrpj;Jg; ghUq;Nfh”. “thrpj;jijr; nrhy;”. “thrpf;fpwd; NfSq;Nfh” vd;whs; rptrf;jp n[aghyd; ehw;fhypapy; mkh;e;jhd;. mtd; vd;d vOjpapUg;ghd; vd;W n[aghyDf;Fj; njupAk;. mij epidf;f mtDf;Ff; ftiyahf ,Ue;jJ. “md;ghd vdJ jq;if rf;jp> ikj;Jdd; n[ak;> ePq;fs; eyKld; ,Ug;gPu;fnsd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. fhuzk; ehd; tzq;Fk; nts;nsUit tpehafd; cq;fSf;F ve;jtpjkhd kdf;FiwiaAk; tplkhl;lhd;. ePq;fs; CUf;Fr; nrd;W ,uz;L khjfhyk; ,uz;L Afq;fisg; Nghy fope;J tpl;lJ. rf;jp cd;idf; fhzhJ ehDk; vdJ rNfhjuu;fSk; Jbaha;j; Jbf;fpd;Nwhk;. ehd; ,d;Ndhh; Mguzf; fil jpwf;fTs;Nsd;. mij vdJ cld; gpwg;ghd ePjhd; Muk;gpj;J itj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. Kjy; ,uz;L Mguzf; filfisAk; ePjhd; Muk;gpj;J itj;jha;. mJ ,d;W XNfh vd;W eilngWfpwJ. mjw;Ff; fhuzk; cdJ

34

ifuhrp jhd;. vq;fs; xd;gJ FLk;gq;fSf;Fk; ePjhd; jiytp. kr;rhd; cd;id mioj;Jr; nrd;w gpd;G epytpy;yh tdk; Nghy vkJ cs;sq;fs; ,Uz;L tpl;ld. mjdhy; clNd th. ikj;JdUf;F Ch;j;njhz;L JuTfs; gpbf;Fk;. Cupy; cy;yhrkhf tho epidg;ghh;. mjdhy; ,q;F tu tpUk;g khl;lhh;. mtUld; nrd;W eP cq;F jq;fptplhNj. ikj;Jdh; tu kWj;jhy; vOJ. clNd ehq;fs; te;J cq;fs; ,UtiuAk; mioj;J tUfpNwhk;” vd;W thrpj;J tpl;L epWj;jpdhs;. rptrf;jp. “,t;tsTk; jhdh. ,y;iy ,d;Dk; ,Uf;fh?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; n[aghyd;. “,t;tsTk; nghJthf vOjpaJ. ,dp cq;fSf;F vOjpaij thrpf;fpNwd;. NfSq;fs;@ “n[ak;> cq;fSf;F ,q;F tu tpUg;gkpy;iy vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. Cupy; cq;fspd; gioa ez;gh;fs; vy;NyhUk; te;J Nrh;e;jpUg;ghh;fs;. mth;fSld; nghOijf; fopf;fNt ePq;fs; tpUk;GtPu;fs;. ePq;fs; jdpar; nrd;why; jpUk;gptu khl;Bh;fs; vd;gjw;fhfj;jhd; cq;fSld; jq;ifiar; Nrh;e;J mDg;gpNdhk;. ehk; md;Gld; nra;tijnay;yhk; ePq;fs; jtwhf epidj;J vk;kPJ gif nfhz;Ls;sPu;fs;. ehk; vkJ jq;ifapd; kPJ nfhz;l mstw;w ghrj;jhy; rpy rkak; cq;fSld; rw;W cupik fye;j fz;bg;Gld; ele;J nfhs;fpNwhk;. mijj; jtwhfg; Gupe;J nfhz;l ePq;fs; vk;Kld; NfhgKw;W vk;ikg; giftuhff; fUJfpd;wPu;fs;.

35

jq;iff;fhf ehk; cq;fSf;F vt;tsT cjtpfs; Gupe;Js;Nshk;. ,d;Dk; GupaTs;Nshk;. vk;kplk; cjtp ngWtJ ghtk; vd;W ePq;fs; epidf;fpwPh;fs;. mjdhy; jhd; ePq;fs; vk;ik ntWj;Jr; nrd;wPu;fs;. cwtpdh;fSf;fpilapy; cl;gif xUNghJk; ,Uj;jyhfhJ. ePq;fs; vk;Kld; goFk; NghJ rpupj;Jf; fijj;Jf; fyfyg;ghfg; goFfpwPh;fs;. Mdhy; ehkpy;yhj Ntisapy; vkJ jq;ifia ntUl;b vk;ikg; gifth;fshff; fUJtjhff; $WfpwPh;fs;. mJ FLk;gj;jpd; mopTf;F toptFf;Fk;. “muj;jpdhy; Nja;f;fg;gl;l ,Uk;igg;Nghy cl;giff;F Mshd Fb typik Fiwe;J Nja;e;J mope;J tpLk;” vd;W %jwpQh;fs; $wpapUf;fpwPh;fs;. ePq;fs; vk;ik gifth;fshff; fUjpajhy; jhd; vk;Kld; $b tho tpUk;ghky; vk;ikj; jtpf;f tpl;Ltpl;L ePq;fs; gpupe;J nrd;W tpl;Bh;fs;. n[ak;> vd;idg; gw;wp cq;fSf;Fj; njupAk;. mjdhy; rf;jpiaAk; mioj;Jf; nfhz;L tpiuthf te;J NrUq;fs;. cq;fs; ,UtupdJk; tuit MtNyhL vjph;ghh;j;Jf; fhj;jpUf;fpNwd;.” md;Gld; ikj;Jdd; uFtud;. fbjj;ij thrpj;J Kbj;J tpl;Lr; rptrf;jp nrhd;dhs;@ “,uz;L NgupdJk; flTr; rPl;ilAk; Kfth;fsplk; nfhLj;Jtpl;Nld;. KftUf;F mz;zh njhiyNgrpapy; vkJ gpuahzj;jpw;Fj; Njitahd Maj;jq;fisr; nra;ar; nrhy;yp ,Uf;fpwhh;. mtd; tPl;Lf;F fhiyapy; te;jtd;;”

36

n[aghyd; vJTk; Ngrj; Njhd;whJ ehw;fhypapy; mkh;e;jpUe;jhd;. mtdhy; vijAk; jPh;khdpf;f Kbatpy;iy. 888. muk;nghUj nghd;Nghyj; NjAk; cuk;nghUJ cl;gif cw;w Fb. cl;gif cz;lhd Fb> muj;jpdhy; Nja;f;fg;gl;l ,Uk;igg; Nghy typik nfl;L mope;J tpLk;. vs;spd; gpstsT

“uFtud; $Wtijg; Nghyr; rptrf;jp kpfTk; uhrpf;fhup. mts; njhl;lnjy;yhk; Jyq;Fk;. ehd; ntspehl;Lf;Fr; nry;Yk; NghJ rhjhuzkhd kdpjdhfj; jhd; ,Ue;Njd;. ,d;W NfhB];tudhtjw;Ff; fhuzk; mts;jhd;. mtsJ xd;gJ rNfhjuu;fSk; tUlhtUlk; jkJ tUkhdj;jpd; xU gFjpia mtSf;Ff; nfhLg;ghh;fs;. mtdJ ez;gd; xUtd; nrhy;thd;@ “n[ak;> cdf;Fg; gj;Jg; Ngupd; tUkhdk; ,Uf;F. eP nfhLj;J itj;jtd;. ehq;fs; ,q;F cioj;J vq;fs; FLk;gj;ijg; guhkupf;f Ntz;Lk;. mj;Jld; Cupy; ngw;Nwhh;> rNfhjuq;fs;> ez;gh;fs; vd;W gyh; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. mth;fSf;F cjTjy; Ntz;Lk;. ,J jtpu Nfhapy;fs;> rdr%f epiyaq;fs; ,Uf;F. mjw;F tUlh tUlk; tpohf;fs; gy tUk;. mitf;nfy;yhk; cjTk;gb vOJthh;fs;. cdf;F mitnahd;Wk; ,y;iy. tpLKiw ehl;fspy; cdf;Fr; rhg;ghL juTk;>

37

gz;biffspd; NghJ cLgpilitfs; thq;fpj;juTk; kr;rhd;khh; ,Uf;fpid. eP> cdf;Fk; kidtpf;Fk; gps;isfSf;Fk; vg;NghjhtJ cilifs; thq;fpapUf;fpwhah…..? cd;idg; Nghy Xh; mjp\;lrhypia ehd; fz;ljpy;iy.” “,t;tsTk; ,Ug;gJ cz;ikjhd;. Mdhy; ,tw;why; vdf;Fr; re;Njhrk; ,y;iyNa. ehd; epidj;jgb tho mth;fs; tpLfpwhh;fspy;iyNa. rptrf;jp mw;gkhd tplaj;jpw;Fk; Nfhgpg;ghs;. mg;gb tho;tij tpl mtis tpthfuj;Jr; nra;J tplyhk;” vd;W epidg;ghd; n[aghyd;. xUehs; mtdJ ez;gd; mtidAk; rptrf;jpiaAk; kjpa czT mUe;jj; jdJ tPl;Lf;F tUkhW mioj;jhd;. md;W mtd; jpUkzkhfp %d;whtJ Mz;L epiwT tpohitf; nfhz;lhbdhd;. mjw;Fr; nry;yr; rptrf;jp kWj;J tpl;lhs; “,d;W ,uz;lhtJ mz;zhtpd; gpwe;j jpdk;. vg;gb mijtpl;L tpl;L ehd; tUtJ. mth; cq;fs; ez;gh; vd;gij xj;Jf; nfhs;fpd;Nwd;. ePq;fs; ,q;F te;jgpd;jhd; mth; el;ghdth;. vdJ rNfhjud; mg;gbah….? ,uz;L jpdq;fSf;F Kd;Ng tur;nrhy;ypr; nrhd;dth;. ePq;fs; cq;fs; ez;gDf;Fj; njhiyNgrpapy; cs;sijr; nrhy;Yq;fs;. mz;zd;khh; vd;id kpFe;j ghrj;Jld; tsh;j;J tpl;ldh;. mj;Jld; vkJ FLk;gj;jpdh; KOg;NgUk; mq;F epw;ifapy; ehq;fs; vg;gbr; nry;yhky; ,Uf;f KbAk;.

38

cq;fSf;F vg;gbr; nrhd;dhYk; tpsq;Ftjpy;iy. ehd; nrhy;tJ epahakpy;iy vd;W cq;fSf;Fj; Njhd;wpdhy; NtW ahuplkhtJ Nfl;Lg;ghUq;fs;” vd;whs;. “ehd; Vd; ahiuAk; Nfl;f Ntz;Lk;. ehd; cdJ fztd;. ehd; nrhy;tij eP Nfl;fNtz;Lk;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. “ePq;;fs; vd;Dila fztd;. ,y;iynad;W ehd; vg;NghjhtJ nrhd;Nddh..? mijtpl ePq;fs; nrhy;tij ehd; vg;NghjhtJ Nfl;fhky; tpl;bUf;fpNwdh…? ePq;fs; vdJ rNfhjuu;fNshL mt;tsT fyfyg;ghfg; goFtjpy;iy. mJ mth;fSf;F kpFe;j ftiyia mspj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;fpwJ. mth;fs; md;GlDk; mf;fiwAlDk; nra;gtw;iw mjpfhuj;Jld; nra;tjhf ePq;fs; epidf;fpwPu;fs;. mth;fs; vd;kPJ itj;jpUf;Fk; msTf;fjpfkhd ghrj;jhy;jhd; mg;gb ele;J nfhs;fpd;whh;fNs jtpu cq;fis mtkhdg;gLj;j Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhf my;y. mij ePq;fs; Vd; Gupe;J nfhs;sj; jtWfpwPu;fs;. mj;Jld; mk;khTlDk; mg;ghTlDk; $l ePq;fs; fyfyg;ghfg; goFtjpy;iy. rNfhjuu;fspd; gps;isfSlDk; ePq;fs; md;ghfg; goFtjpy;iy. me;jr; rpW Foe;ijfs; cq;fSf;F vd;d nra;jhh;fs;?” tpk;kpdhs; rptrf;jp.

39

n[aghyd; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;. “cwtpdu;fspilNa vs;spd; gpsitg; Nghy kpfr; rpwpa mstpyhd kdf;frg;G ,Ue;jhYk; mJ fhyg;Nghf;fpy; tsh;e;J Fbiaf; nfLf;ff;$ba Nfl;il cz;lhf;Fk;” vd;W mg;gh mbf;fb cq;fs; Nghf;Fg; gw;wpf; $Wk; Ntisfspy; nrhy;thh;. mz;zhkhh; jhd; vd;dpy; cs;s ghrk; fhuzkhf mg;gb elf;fpwhh;fs;. Mdhy; mth;fsJ kidtpkhh; “ePq;fs; jpkph;gpbj;jth;” vd;W $Wfpd;wdh;. mjdhy; cq;fis mth;fSf;Fg; gpbg;gjpy;iy. mjdhy; jaT nra;J mz;zhkhUld; xj;Jg; Nghq;fs;” xUehs; rptrf;jp $wp mOjJ mtDf;F epidTf;F te;jJ. “rptrf;jp rNfhjuu;fSld; Nrh;e;J ebf;fpwhs;. mtis xUNghJk; ek;gf; $lhJ. ,t;tsT fhyKk; gl;l eufNtjid NghJk;” vd;W epidj;jhd; n[aghyd;. 889. vs;gfT md;d rpWikj;Nj MapDk; cl;gif cs;sjhk; NfL.

vs;spd; gpsitg; Nghy cl;gif rpwpajhf ,Ue;jhYk;> mJ xU Fbia mopf;fty;y Nfl;il cz;lhf;Fk;.

ghk;Gld; tho;Nthh;

“ehd; cdJ fztd; vd;W eP epidj;jpUe;jhy; gpuahzj;jpw;fhd

40

Maj;jq;fisr; nra;AKd; vdf;Fr; nrhy;ypapUg;gha;;. flTr; rPl;il KftUf;Ff; nfhLf;F Kd; vd;id xU thh;j;ij Nfl;bUf;fyhk; jhNd?”. “Nfl;fyhk; jhd;. epiyikia ePq;fs; czuf;$batuy;y. mz;zh ntspehl;bypUe;J KftUf;F vkJ gpuahz xOq;iff; ftdpf;FkhW njhiyNgrpapy; $wp tpguq;fis mDg;gpAs;shh;. mtd; mjw;fhf fhiyapy; te;J cq;fSf;fhff; fhj;jpUe;jhd;. gjpndhU kzpahfpAk; ePq;fs; tutpy;iy. mtd; mtrug;gl;lhd;. mjdhy; nfhLj;Njd;. ePq;fs; te;jTld; nrhy;yp tpl;Nld; jhNd” “vdf;F mq;F tutpUg;gkpy;iy. ,q;NfNa tho tpUk;GfpNwd;” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. rptrf;jp rpy fzq;fs; vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. gpd; nrhd;dhs;@ “,q;F ePq;fs; Vd; tho Ntz;Lk; vd;W tpUk;GfpwPu;fs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. cq;fsJ gioa cwTfisg; GJg;gpf;f tpUk;GfpwPu;fs;. gyh; vdf;F cq;fisg; gw;wpr; nrhd;dhh;fs;. me;jr; rPuope;j tho;f;if cq;fSf;F Ntz;lhk;. vd;idAk; gps;isfisAk; gpupe;J tho cq;fSf;F vg;gbkdk; te;jJ…? vd;idtpl ,d;ge; jUk; gyh; ,q;F ,Uf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. ,g;NghJ cq;fSf;F vj;jid taJ …? mWgJ taJ fle;j gpd;Gk; cq;fSf;F Vd; ,g;gbahd tpguPjkhd

41

Mirfs; tUfpd;wd. jw;NghJ ePq;fs; kdij mlf;fp Mj;kPf tho;tpy;; <LgLtij tpl;L tpl;L Ml;flj;jypYk; mlhtbj;jdq;fspYk; <LgLfpwPu;fs;. fhiyapy; cq;fisg; gw;wpf; Nftykhf vOjpr; Rth;fspy; xl;bAs;shh;fs;. fpU\;dd; cq;fsJ ghy;a ez;gd;. mtd; cq;fis kpul;bg; gzk; rk;ghjpf;Fk; fPohd nraiyr; nra;jtd;. mjw;fhf mtidf; flj;jpr; nrd;W mtidj; jhf;fpapUf;fpwPu;fs;. ,J Njitjhdh…? ,g;gbahd Nftykhd nray;fisr; nra;tjhy; vkJ FLk;gkhdk; NghfpwJ” mOjhs; rptrf;jp. jdJ kidtpf;F mit njupe;jjhy; rw;W mjph;r;rpaile;jhd; n[aghyd;@ “,tw;iw mts; jdJ rNfhjuu;fSf;F vOjpdhy; mth;fs; ,q;F te;J tpLthh;fs;.” vd;W epidf;f mtDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. xUehs; fjpNurDf;F mtd;> rptrf;jpAk; mtsJ rNfhjuu;fSk; nra;Ak; nfhLikfisf; $wpa NghJ mth; nrhd;dhh;@ “xUtDf;Fg; gzk;> nghUs;> fw;w fy;tp Nghd;wtw;why; epk;kjp fpilg;gjpy;iy. mtdJ FLk;gj;jpy; mikjp epyt Ntz;Lk;. FLk;gj;jtu;fs; xt;nthU tUk; md;dpNahd;dpakhfg; gofp md;Gld; tho Ntz;Lk;. nfhLQ; nrhw;fs; ghtpf;ff; $lhJ. ghtj;ijf; fz;L gag;gly; Ntz;Lk;. ghtj;jpw;F mQ;rhkYk; ePjpf;Fg; gpwk;ghfTk; xUth; ele;jhy; $l me;jf; FLk;gk; mope;J tpLk;. eP nrhy;tjpypUe;J cdJ FLk;gj;jtNuh ,dj;jtNu cd;id kjpg;gjpy;iy vd;W $Wfpwha;. cdJ kidtpapd; rNfhuu;fs;>

42

mth;fsJ kidtpkhh;> gps;isfs; vy;NyhUk; nfl;lth;fsh…? cdJ gps;isfSk; cd;id kjpg;gjpy;iy vd;W $Wfpwha;. mjdhy; vdf;Fr; re;Njf Nkw;gLfpwJ. gpio mth;fsplk; ,y;iy. cd;dplk;jhd; cs;sJ Nghy vdf;Fj; Njhd;WfpwJ. eP ,q;F nra;Ak; nray;fisg; Nghy mq;Fk; nra;jhy; cd;id vg;gb kjpg;ghh;fs;?. cdJ kidtp $Wtijg; Nghy mth;fs; md;gpd; epkph;j;jk; nra;a> eP mij Vd; jtwhf epidf;fpwha;? “kdg;nghUj;jk; ,y;yhjth;fSld; Nrh;e;J tho;tnjd;gJ> xUtPl;by; ghk;Gld; Nrh;e;J tho;tijg; Nghd;wnjd;W” ngupath;fs; $wpapUf; fpwhh;fs;. eP> mth;fs; nghUj;jkpy;yhjth;fs; vd;W $w> mth;fs; eP nghUj;jkpy;yhkpy;yhjtd; vd;W $Wfpwh;fs;. ghh;f;fg; Nghdhy; cd;dpy; jhd; gpiofs; cs;sd Nghy vdf;Fj; Njhd;WfpwJ. ,e;j Ch;kpfTk; mikjpahf ,Ue;jJ. eP te;jgpd;G ,Ue;j mikjp nfl;L tpl;lJ. mjdhy; eP ,q;fpUe;J nry;tJ jhd; ey;yJ. mq;F nrd;W xw;Wikahf thog;ghh;. kdpjg; gpwtp ,dp xUNghJk; cdf;Ff; fpilf;f khl;lhJ. fpilj;j gpwtpapy; Vd; kw;wth;fisAk; tUj;jp ePAk; tUe;Jfpwha;? gyh; cd;Dld; xj;Jg; Nghf KbahJ. eP xUtd; xj;Jg; Nghfyhk; jhNd” fjpNurd; $wpa thh;j;ijfis epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. jdJ ikj;Jdh;fs; $Wtijg; NghyNt mtUk; $Wfpwhh;. Kd;gpd; njupahj mtUf;F ,itnay;yhk; vg;gbj;

43

njupa te;jJ. “vijAk; mth; Muha;e;J mwpe;J tpLk; jd;ik cilath;” vd;W epidj;jhd; n[aghyd;. 890. clk;ghL ,yhjth; tho;f;if Flq;fUs; ghk;NghL cld;ciwe; jw;W.

kd xUikg; ghL ,y;yhjtUld; Nrh;e;J tho;tnjd;gJ> xU Fbirapy; ghk;NghL $b tho;tijg; Nghd;wJ.

rpwe;j ghJfhg;G

fzgjp kj;jpa kfh tpj;jpahya mjpgh; fdfypq;fk; md;W Rthkpahiuj; juprpf; fte;jhh;. mtuJ Kfk; thbf; fis ,oe;jpUe;jJ. mth; tUk; NghJ Rthkpahh; ep\;ilapy; ,Ue;jhh;. NtW ,uz;L Ngh; mtiuj; juprpg;gjw;fhff; fhj;jpUe;jdh;. ntFNeuk; Rthkpahh; ep\;ilapy; ,Ue;jhh;. fhj;jpUe;j ,UtUk; vOe;J nrd;W kfhfzgjp Myaj;ijj; Jg;guT nra;jdh;. Rthkpahh;; fz;tpopj;Jg; ghh;j;jhh;. fdfypq;fk; ftiyAld; epd;whh;@ “kdpjd; jhd; vy;yhtw;iwAk; cUthf;Ffpd;whd;@ gpwupd; Njitia mwpe;J nraw;gLfpwhd;@ md;G> fUiz> f&z;zpak; kpf;ftdhf mtd; ve;ehSk; ,Ue;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ngaUk; GfOk; mtidj; Njbtu Ntz;LNk jtpu mtw;iwj; Njb mtd; nry;yf; $lhJ. mtd; mtw;iwj; Njbr; nrd;why; mtw;wpw;F vjph;khwdit jhd;

44

mtidj; Njb tUk;. Kjypy; xt;nthUtUk; kdpjdhf ,Uf;fg; gofpf; nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;. kdpjdhf xUtd; tho;e;jhy; rfy nrsghf;fpaq;fSk; mtidj; Njb te;jilAk;. mLj;jtid kjp@ mLj;J cdJ Nritia kjp@ kjpf;fg;gLk; xUtid kwe;Jk; Fiw $whNj@ ey;y ,yl;rpaj;jpw;fhf cioj;jth;fs; jhd; ,d;W Nghw;wg;gLfpd;wdh;. xt;nthUtUk; jhk; jhk; tho;e;jjw;F mwpFwpahf vijahtJ tpl;Lr; nry;yy; Ntz;Lk;. cz;ikahd nray;fis> Nritfis vtw;whYk; kiwj;J tpl KbahJ. vg;nghOJk; xUtd; Neh;ikahdtdhf tho Ntz;Lk;. vj;jifa Jd;gq;fs; te;jhYk; Raeykpy;yhJ tho;gtd;jhd; kdpjd;. eP mg;gbahd kdpjDld; tho;e;Jk; mtw;iwf; iff;nfhs;stpy;iy. Nkw;nfhs;Sk; nray;fspy; ntw;wp ngWgtDila jpwikia ,fo;tJ xUtDf;Fg; ghJfhg;igf; nfhLf;f khl;lhJ” vd;whh; Rthkpahh;. Rthkpahiuj; juprpj;J tpl;L tUk;NghJ fjpNuridf; Nfhapy; thrypy; fz;lhh; fdfypq;fk;. “n[aghydplk; ,uz;L mYkhupfs; Nfl;Bh;fshk;. mtd; jdf;Fj; ju tpUg;gkpy;iynad;W cq;fisf; fz;lhy; $Wk;gb nrhd;dhd;. Kd;G jUtjhf xg;Gf; nfhz;ltdhk;. Cuit Jz;Lg;gpuRuk; xl;ba gpd;G CUf;F vijAk; nra;a tpUk;gtpy;iy vd;W nrhy;yr; nrhd;dhd;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;.

45

fdfypq;fj;jpd; Kfk; khWghliltijf; fjpNurd; fz;lhh;@ “rpthde;jd; gj;J mYkhupfSk;> Ke;E}W fjpiufSk;> fzdpfSk;> NwhzpNah ,ae;jpuKk; jUtjhf xg;Gf; nfhz;lth;. mth; nfhOk;gpy; ,Uf;fpwhh;. mtUld; njhlh;G nfhz;lhy; mtw;iwg; ngwyhk;. mth;fs; ngupatu;fs;. gy njhopy; cs;sth;fs;. ehk;jhd; Kaw;rpf;f Ntz;Lk;. Kd;G tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp gy jlitfs; nfhOk;gpw;Fr; nrd;W mtiur; re;jpj;jth;. “ePq;fs; Nghfyhk;> my;yJ gioa khztu;fspy; xUtiu my;yJ ghlrhiy mgptpUj;jpr; rq;fj;jpy; cs;s ahiuahtJ mDg;gpf; Nfl;fyhk;” vd;W tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp $l;lj;jpiy nrhd;dth;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “Kd;G jzpfhryj;ijj; jtpu NtWahh; cjtp nra;jit. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp jd;Dila gzj;ijr; nryT nra;J> rpukj;ijg; ghuhky; jhNd vy;yh ,lKk; nrd;W fhupak; ghh;j;jth;. ,g;g Mh; ,Uf;fpid?” vd;whh; fdfypq;fk;. “mJTk;rupjhd;. gjtpf;nfd;W te;jhy; vy;yhtw;iwAk; nra;jy; Ntz;Lk;@ “Nkw;nfhs;Sk; nray;fspy; ntw;wp ngWgtDila jpwikia ,fo;e;J tplhky; ,Ug;gJ xUtDf;Fr; rpwe;j ghJfhg;igj; jUk;” vd;ghh;fs;. ,q;F ahh; ,g;g tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpia kjpf;fpwhh;fs;. maY}utDk; gpwj;jpahUk;jhd; kjpf;fpwhh;fs;.

46

Cuitapd; kdj;ij mwpe;j tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ,g;NghJ vjpYk; mf;fiw fhl;Ltjpy;iy. mth; epidj;jhy; rfyijAk; XupU epkplq;fspy; nra;J Kbj;J tpLthh;” vd;W $wptpl;L ele;jhh; fjpNurd;. fdfypq;fj;jpw;F mtkhdkhf ,Ue;jJ@ “md;wd;W Nrhw;Wf;Ff; f\;lg;gLk; fpotd; vdf;F MNyhrid $wptpl;Lr; nry;fpwhd;” vd;W epidj;jhh;@ “n[aghyd; jUtjhfr; nrhd;d mYkhupfisj; jukhl;Nld; vd;W $wptpl;lhd;. mtd; jhd; vd;d nra;tJ. Cutu;fs; mtd; nfhLj;jhy; gupfrpf;fpwhh;fs;” vd;W epidj;jthW ele;jhh; fdfypq;fk;. 891. Mw;Wthh; Mw;wy; ,fohik Nghw;Wthh; Nghw;wYs; vy;yhk; jiy. nra;a epidj;j nraiyr; nra;J Kbf;f ty;y Mw;wYs;s ngupath;fis ,oe;J tplhky; ,Ug;gJ xUtDf;Fr; rpwe;j ghJfhg;ghFk;.

ePq;fhj Jd;gk;

md;W ,uT n[aghyd; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpapd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mg;NghJ tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp jdpikapy; ,Ue;jhh;. Kd;G mtd; te;j NghJ Ch;g; gpuKfh;fSk; cj;jpNahfk; rk;ge;jkhf te;j

47

rpyUk; ,Ue;jdh;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp mtid tuNtw;W ehw;fhypapy; mkh;j;jpdhh;. “Iah> ehd; ,q;F epue;jukhfj; jq;Ftjw;fhfj; jhd; te;Njd;. mjdhy; jhd; ,q;Fs;s twpa kf;fSf;Fk; nghJ epWtdq;fSf;Fk; Nfhapy;fSf;Fk; cjtpNdd;. VNdh njupatpy;iy ,q;Fs;sth;fs; vdJ cjtpia vjph;f;fpwhh;fs;. ,J vdf;F Vd; vd;W Gupatpy;iy. ePq;fs; ,e;jf; fpuhkj;jpy ngupath;@ Mw;wy; kpf;fth;. ehd; ,yf;fpag; Nguitf;Ff; nfhLj;j gzj;ijg; gw;wp vOjpaij vd;dhy; jhq;fpf; nfhs;s Kbatpy;iy. ve;jtpjkhd Raey Nehf;fKk; ,y;yhky; Vio vspath;fSf;F cjt Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhfNt ehd; cjtp tUfpNwd;. ,t;tsT fhyKk; ehd; vd;idg; gw;wpNa epidj;J te;Njd;. ,q;F te;J gy ngupath;fSld; gofpa gpd;Gjhd; vdf;Fg; nghJj; njhz;Lfs; nra;a Ntz;Lnkd;w Qhdk; gpwe;jJ. fjpNurDld; fijj;j gpd;Gjhd; ehd; vd;dpy; cs;s FiwghLfis czh;e;J nfhz;Nld;. ehd; ey;ytdhf ,Ue;jhy; vdJ Rw;wKk; ey;yjhfNt ,Uf;Fk;. mij vdf;F czh;j;jpath; fjpNurd;. ehd; vdJ kidtpiag; gw;wpAk; mtsJ rNfhjuu;fisg; gw;wpAk; ,Jtiu fhyKk; jtwhd vz;zq;fisNa nfhz;bUe;Njd;. cz;ikapy; mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; ey;yth;fs;. jkJ jq;ifapd; ey;tho;Tf;fhfr; nra;a Ntz;ba midj;ijAk; nra;jth;fs;. mj;Jld; vdJ kidtp> vdf;fhf vt;tsNth jpahfq;fisr; nra;jts;. vdf;fhfj;jhd; mts;

48

vd;Dld; CUf;F te;jhs;. vdJ jPa nray;fis mwpe;j vdJ ikj;Jdh;fs; vd;id jpUk;gTk; ntspehl;bw;F tUk;gb $wp mjw;fhd eltbf;ifapy; <Lgl;Ls;sdh;. mjdhy; ehd; nry;yg;NghfpNwd;.” vd;W $wptpl;L tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpapd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd; n[aghyd;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp Ngrhky; mtdJ Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;@ “ehd; fzgjp kj;jpa kfh tpj;jpahyaj;jpy; Ie;jhk; tFg;G tiujhd; gbj;jdhd;. mJTk; xOq;fhfg; gbf;ftpy;iy. ghlrhiyf;F cjt Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;Njd;. jw;Nghja mjpgh; vdJ tPl;Lf;F te;J ghlrhiyf;F cjtp nra;AkhW Nfl;lhh;. ehd; cjtp nra;tjhfr; nrhd;Ndd;. Mdhy; vdJ cjtpfisg; ngwf;$lhJ vd;W Jz;Lg; gpuRuk; xl;bagpd; vdf;F cjtp nra;ag; gakhf ,Uf;fpwJ> mjdhy; fjpNurdplk; ehd; cjtp nra;akhl;Nld; vd;W $wptpl;Nld;. Mdhy; kdr;rhl;rp Nfl;ftpy;iy. mjdhy; ehd; cq;fsplk; Ie;J ,yl;r &gh jUfpNwd;. Njitahd nghUl;fis ePq;fs; thq;fpf; nfhLq;fs;. ehd; je;jjhfr; nrhy;y Ntz;lhk;. jw;Nghja mjpgupd; Nghf;F vdf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. mth; Mw;wy; kpf;f ngupath;fs; gyiu kjpf;fhky; elf;fpwhh;. mjdhy; mth; ngUk; Jd;gq;fSf;F Mshfg; Nghfpwhh;. ghlrhiy E}yfj;jpw;F cjTk; gb etuhrhitf; Nfl;ltuhk;. Kd;G etuhrhjhd; E}yfj;jpw;F cjtpatdhk;. fdfypq;fj;jpd; Nghf;Fg; gpbf;fhikahy; mtd; jdf;F

49

trjpapy;iy vd;W nrhd;djhff; fjpNurd;; $wpdhh;.” vd;whd; n[aghyd;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpf;F mtd; $wpajw;Fg; gjpy; nrhy;y Kbatpy;iy. “nghUl;fis thq;fpdhy; gpur;rpidfs; VjhtJ tUNkh?” vd;W vz;zpdhh;. “cq;fspy; vdf;F ek;gpf;ifapUf;F. ePq;fs; ahh; je;jJ vd;W ,g;Nghijf;Ff; $wNtz;lhk;. fhy Neuk; tUk; NghJ $Wq;Nfh. cq;fis kjpf;fhjjhy; NtyhAjgps;is> jzpfhryk; Nghd;Nwhh; ghlrhiyg; gf;fk; Nghtjpy;iy. mJ vdf;Fj; njupAk;. Mdhy; fdfypq;fk;> “mth;fs; ,g;NghJ ghlrhiyg; gf;fk; tUtjpy;iy” vd;fpwhh;. ahiuAk; kjpj;jhy;jhd; mth;fSk; kjpg;ghh;fs;. ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; ,Ue;Jk; vd;id ePf;fptpLq;fs;. Kd;G mjpy; ehd; cWg;gpddhf Ntz;Lnkd;W Mirg;gl;Nld;. ,g;NghJ me;j Mir vdf;F ,;y;iy.” vd;W $wpa n[aghyd; fhNrhiyg; Gj;jfj;ij vLj;J tp;Nd];tu%h;j;jpapd; ngaupy; Ie;J ,yl;r&ghit vOjpf; nfhLj;jhd;. rpwpJ jaq;fpa tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp mtdplk; fhNrhiyiag; ngw;Wf; nfhz;lhh;. 892. ngupahiug; NgzhJ xOfpd; ngupahuhy; Nguh ,Lk;ig jUk;.

50

xUtd; Mw;wy; kpf;f ngupahiug; Nghw;wp kjpf;fhky; ele;jhy;> mtDf;F mg; ngupahuhy; ePq;fhj Jd;gk; Vw;gLk;.

nfl;Lg; NghNthh; md;W jpq;fl;fpoik. ghlrhiy njhlq;fpa rpy epkplq;fspy; ,uz;L thfdq;fs; fzgjp kj;jpa kfh tpj;jpahyaj;jpy; te;J epd;wd. mjpy; ,Ue;J Ie;J ,yl;r &gh ngWkjpahd ghlrhiy cgfuzq;fis ,wf;fp mjpgh; fdfypq;fj;jplk; tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp xg;gilj;jhh;. mt;tsT nghUl;fs; ghlrhiyf;Ff; fpilf;Fnkd;W fdfypq;fNkh> ghlrhiyr; r%fNkh vjph;ghf;f tpy;iy@ “ahh; mg;nghUl;fisj; je;jJ?” vd;W gyUk; gythW Nahrpj;jdh;. “vd;kPJ ek;gpf;ifAk;> ghlrhiyapd; kPJ mstw;w mgpkhdKk; cs;s xUth; jdJ ngaiu ahUf;Fk; njuptpf;f Ntz;lhk; vd;w md;Gf; fl;lisAld; Ie;J ,yl;r &gh gzj;ij vd;dplk; je;jhh;. ghlrhiyf;F vd;ndd;d nghUl;fs; Njitnad;gJ vdf;Fk; njupAk;. Mjyhy; ehd; ghlrhiy eph;thfj;ijf; Nfshky; Njitahd nghUl;fis thq;fpj; je;Js;Nsd;. NkYk; VjhtJ nghUl;fs; Njitahdhy; vd;Dld; njhlh;G nfhs;Sq;fs;”

51

vd;W $wptpl;L tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp nrd;W tpl;lhh;. toikahf tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp; ghlrhiyf;Nfh my;yJ kfhfzgjp Myaj;jpw;Nfh ahuhtJ VjhtJ cjtp nra;a tpUk;gp mtiu mZfpdhy; mijg; gw;wpr; Rthkp ahUf;Fk; jzpfhryj;jpw;Fk; FUf;fSf;Fk; nrhy;thh;. mth;fs; mg;nghUl;fisf; nfhz;L tUk;NghJ Vuhskhd kf;fs; FOkp epd;W kfpo;r;rp MuhthuQ; nra;J mg;nghUl;fisf; ifNaw;gh;. Mdhy; md;W ve;jtpjkhd Muthuq;fSkpd;wpg; ngUe;njhifahd nghUl;fs; ifaspf;fg;gl;ld. mJ gyUf;F Mr;rupaj;ijAk; mjph;r;rpiaAk; nfhLj;jJ. nghUl;fs; nfhLf;fg;gl;lij mwpe;j jzpfhryKk; NtyhAjgps;isAk; Rthkpahuplk; te;jdh;. Rthkpahh; mth;fs; Vd; te;jpUf;fpwhh;fs; vd;W njupe;J rpupj;jhh;@ “vd;d ghlrhiyf;Fg; gy ,yl;r&ghTf;fhd nghUl;fis tpf;Nd];tu %h;j;jp nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;Js;shh;. mtUf;F ahh; mg;nghUl;fis thq;fg; gzk; nfhLj;jJ vd;W Nahrpf;fpwPu;fsh….? vdf;Fk; mth; nrhy;ytpy;iy..?” vd;whh;. mg;NghJ fdfypq;fk; mq;Nf te;jh;. “Ie;jhW ,yl;r &ghTf;F vkf;Fj; Njitahd gy nghUl;fis tpf;Nd];t%h;j;jp nfhz;L te;J je;J tpl;Lr; nry;fpwhh;. ahh; je;jJ vd;w

52

tpguj;ijr; nrhy;ytpy;iy. mij mwpe;jhy; mtiu ghlrhiyf;F mioj;Jg; ghuhl;lyhk;” vd;whh;. Rthkpahh; Gd;difj;jhh;@ “mijg;gw;wp tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ahUf;Fk; nrhy;ytpy;iy. mtUld; gy tUlq;fs; xd;whfg; gzpGupe;j cq;fSf;F mtupd; Fztpay;Gfisg; gw;wpj; njupahJ. ePq;fs; tpRthrj;Jld; gofpapUe;jhy; nrhy;ypapUg;ghh;. mth; ngaUf;fhfNth GfOf;fhfNth Nrit nra;atpy;iy. mj;Jld; ,q;F rkPg fhykhf eilngWk; rpy epfo;Tfshy; mtuJ kdk; ghjpf;fg;gl;Ls;sJ. mjdhy; jhd; mth; ahUf;Fk; nrhy;yhJ fUkkhw;wp As;shh;. ahUf;Fk; vJTk; njupaj; Njitapy;iy. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp kPJ mjPj ek;gpf;ifAs;s xUtd; gzj;ijf; nfhLj;Js;shd;. nfhLj;jtNd jd;id ,dq;fhl;lhj NghJ ePq;fs; Vd; mijg; gw;wp myl;bf; nfhs;fpwPu;fs;. vz;zpdhy; vz;zpaTld; vijAk; rhjpf;ff; $ba ty;yik cs;sth;fisf; nfl;Lg;Nghf tpUk;GtNd vjph;g;ghd;. my;yJ jPq;F nra;a Kay;thd;. xt;nthU tUk; jhk; jhk; nra;tJ> kw;wth;fSld; NgRtJ vd;gd kw;wth;fSf;Fj; njupahJ> my;yJ tpsq;fhJ vd;W epidf;fpwhh;fs;. nra;Ak; nraiy epiwNtw;wpa gpd; njuptpg;gNj njhopy; typikahFk;. ,ilapy; ntspg;gLj;jpdhy; mJ jPuhj Jd;gj;ijNa jUk;.‟ vd;whh; Rthkpahh;.

53

“tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpiag; gw;wp ePq;fs; epidj;jhNy mth; mij mwpe;J nfhs;thh;. rkPg fhykhf cq;fs; midtupdJk; Nghf;fpYk; khw;wk; cs;sJ. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jpahy; ghlrhiyf;F ,d;Dk; ngUk; ngUk; cjtpfisr; nra;a KbAk;. jpUk;gTk; nrhy;fpNwd;. vz;zpdhy; vz;zpaTld; giftiu nty;yf; $ba Mw;wy; cilatidf; nfl;Lg; Nghf tpUk;gtNd vjph;g;ghd;.” vd;whh; Rthkpahh;. “tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp vdf;F vy;yh tplaKk; nrhy;gth;. ,d;W Vd; nrhy;yhky; tpl;lhh;?” vd;W ftiyg;gl;lhh; jzpfhryk;. 893. nfly;Ntz;bd; NfshJ nra;f mly;Ntz;bd; Mw;W gth;fz; ,Of;F. giftiuj; jhd; epidj;jgb mopf;ff; $ba ty;yik nghUe;jpatDf;Ff; nfl;Lg; Nghf tpUk;Gfpd;wtNd jPq;F nra;thd;. ifjl;b miog;Nghh;

fjpNurd; fpU\;ddpd; tPl;Lf;Fr;

nrd;whh;. mth; nrd;w NghJ mq;F etuhrh ,Ue;jhd;. me;j Neuk; fjpNurd; mq;F tUthh; vd;gij vjph;ghuhj etuhrh jLkhwpdhd;.

54

fpU\;ddJ tPl;Lf;F te;j fjpNurd;> fpU\;dDf;F mUfpy; nrd;W mkh;e;jhh;. etuhrh vOe;J nry;y Kaw;rpj;jhd;. “,U etuhrh. ehd; fpU\;dDld; rpy tp\aq;fisf; fijg;gjw;fhf te;Njd;. eP ,q;fpUe;jJ tha;g;ghfg; Ngha;tpl;lJ. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; cdf;F ,d;ndhU Kiw nrhy;yNtz;b te;jpUf;Fk;. fpU\;dh. Mw;wy; cs;stDf;F Mw;wy; ,y;yhjtd; jPq;F nra;tJ vd;gJ> vkidf; ifjl;b miog;gijg; Nghd;wjhFk;. eP n[aghydpd; gioaez;gd;. ,sk; tajpy; ,UtUk; gy mlhtbj;jdq;fspy; <Lgl;Bh;fs;. mjw;fhfj;jhd; mtd; cd;id kjpj;J Vuhskhd gzj;ij cdf;Fj; je;Js;shd;. mjpy; eP jpUg;jpg;gl;bUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. eP jpUg;jpg;gl;ldp. Mdhy; etuhrhTk; G\;gehjDk; ,yl;RkpAk; cd;idj; J}z;b tpl;likahy; jhd; eP Fbj;J tpl;L mtidg; gw;wpf; Nftykhf tpkh;rpj;jha;” mg;NghJ etuhrh VNjh nrhy;y Kad;whd;. mjw;Ff; fjpNurd; tpltpy;iy@ “eP vJTk; nrhy;y Ntz;lhk;. cdf;F vJTk; njupahJ. Kd;G n[aghyd; ,yl;RkpAld; fhjy; nfhz;bUe;jtd;….” “vd;d ,yl;RkpAld; fhjy; nfhz;ltdh…..?” Mr;rupag;gl;lhd; etuhrh. “fhjy; nfhz;lJ kl;Lky;y gyfhyk; mtSld; tho;e;jtd;. gpd; ntspehl;Lf;Fr;

55

nrd;W tpl;lhd;. ,e;j tp\ak; G\;gehjDf;Fj; njupaf; $lhnjd;gjw;fhfj;jhd; n[aghyd; G\;gehjdpd; el;igj; Jz;bf;f Kad;whd;. mij ePAk; G\;gehjDk; jtwhf epidj;J tpl;Bh;fs;. mj;Jld; ,yl;RkpAk; n[aghyidg; gopthq;f epidj;jhs;. mjw;fhf mts; fpU\;didg; gad; gLj;jpdhs;. fpU\;dd; ey;ytd;. ,yl;Rkpiaf; fhl;bf; nfhLf;f tpUk;ghjtd;. mjdhy; jhd; ,yl;Rkpf;fhf mtd; Fbj;J tpl;Lg; gy ,lq;fspYk; n[aghyid mtkjpj;jhd;. ,yf;fpag; Nguitapy; mtkjpj;jijg; nghWf;f Kbahj n[aghyd; gl;lzj;jpy; cs;s jdJ ez;gh;fs; %yk; fpU\;dDf;F mbg;gpj;jhd;. mij Cutu; etuhrhTk; G\;gehjDk; fN[e;jpuDk; jhd; nra;jdh; vdf; fijj;jdh;” %r;R tpl;lhh; fjpNurd;. “n[aghyidg; gw;wp vOjp xl;baJk; ePq;fs;jhd;.” mjph;e;J Nghdhd; etuhrh@ “Mdhy; cq;fisf; fhg;ghw;w Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhf ehd; n[aghyDf;F mtdJ kidtpAk; mtsJ rNfhjuu;fSk; Nrh;e;J ntspehl;bypUe;J fzdpapy; mbj;J ,q;F mDg;gp xl;bajhf nrhd;Ndd;. mij mtd; ek;gp tpl;lhd;. ,t;tsTk; NghJk;. ,g;NghJ ePq;fs; mtdJ kidtpf;F mtidg; gw;wpj; njuptpf;f eltbf;if vLf;fpwPu;fs;. xd;iw kl;Lk; Nahrpj;Jg; ghUq;fs;. n[aghyd; khdj;;jpw;F mQ;rhjtd;. mj;Jld; ,e;j Ciu tpl;Lg; Nghfg; Nghfpwhd;. mj;Jld; ve;jj; jPa nray;fs; ntspg;gl;lhYk; mtd;

56

ftiyg;glNth ntl;fg;glNth khl;lhd;. mj;Jld; mtdJ kidtpf;F mtidg; gw;wpj; njupe;jjhy; jhd; mts; mtDld; te;Js;shs;. n[aghyd; Mw;wy; cs;std;@ gzgyk; kpf;ftd;. gzj;jhy; mtd; vijAk; nra;aj;jaq;f khl;lhd;. G\;gehjd; jhd; jdf;F vjpup vd;W epidj;jhy; mtd; ,yl;RkpNahL $b tho;e;jij mr;rkpd;wpr; nrhy;yp tpLthd;. ,jdhy; vt;tsT gpur;rpidfs; tUk;. mj;Jld; G\;gehjDf;Fk; cdf;Fk; fpU\;dDf;Fk; mtd; Ml;fis itj;J mbg;gpf;fkhl;lhd; vd;W nrhy;tjw;fpy;iy. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; mtidj; Njbr; nrd;W fijf;fpNwd;”. fpU\;dDf;F mijf; Nfl;fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ@ “mg;G nrhy;tJ cz;ikjhd;. mtd; vjw;Fk; mQ;rhjtd;. nfhiy $lr; nra;thd;. Kd;G <tpuf;fkpy;yhky; gy jPikfisr; nra;jtd;.” gae;J eLq;fpdhd; fpU\;dd;. “etk; ,d;NwhL vy;yhtw;iwAk; tpl;LtpL. Njitapy;yhky; vq;Nfh nry;Yk; akidf; ifjl;b miof;fhNj. mJ cq;fs; %tUf;Fk; nfLjpiaj;jhd; jUk;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “cz;ik. ,dpNky; ehd; cq;fSld; Nrukhl;ld;. G\;gehjDf;F ePnrhy;Y” vd;whd; fpU\;dd;. 894.$w;wj;ijf; ifahy; tpspj;jw;why; Mw;Wthh;f;F

57

Mw;whjhh; ,d;dh nray;. Mw;wy; cs;stUf;F Mw;wy;

,y;yhjth;fs; jPq;F nra;tJ> vkidf; if fhl;b miog;gijg; Nghd;wJ MFk;.

jg;g Kbahjth;fs;

tpj;jpah fN[e;jpuidg; gyehl;fshff; fhzhikahy; kpfTk; Jf;fg;gl;lhs;. md;W mtis mtd; Jtpr;rf;futz;bapy; Vw;wp te;jij NtyhAjgps;is fz;lgpd; gy gpur;rpidfs; cUthfpd. mjdhy; fN[e;jpud; kpfTk; Fog;g kile;jtdhff; fhzg;gl;lhd;. mtisr; re;jpg;gijAk; jtph;j;J te;jhd;. mjdhy; Jauk; nfhz;l tpj;jpahthy; vJTk; nra;a Kbatpy;iy. mtd; vOjpa fijfis thrpg;gNj mtsJ nghOJ Nghf;fhf ,Ue;jJ. mtd; vOjpa fijia vLj;Jg; gpupj;jhs;. “ef;fPuh> ehfGupapd; jsgjp mUz;ghz;bad; kfjehl;L ,sturDld; Nrh;e;J nfhz;L ehfGupf;F vjpuhfg; gy rjp Kaw;rpfspy; <LgLfpwhd;. mtdJ jPa nray;fshy; ehfGup kf;fs; nrhy;nyhzhj; Jauj;jf;Fs;shfpAs;sdh;. mjdhy; vdJ khkdhuhd tp\;tg; gpukd; kpFe;j ftiy nfhz;bUf;fpwhh;. mjdhy; fhaj;jpup kpfTk; tUe;Jfpwhs;. vd;Dld; fyfyfg;ghfg; goFfpwh spy;iy. ve;j NtisapYk; ftiyNahL ,Uf;fpwhs;. mtsJ kdj;jpy;

58

G+uzkhd Gd;difiaf; fz;L gyehshfp tpl;lJ. cldbahf cdJ jiyikapy; njupe;njLf;fg;gl;l gj;J tPuu;fis mioj;Jr; nrd;W mUz;ghz;baidf; ifJ nra;J th. my;yJ mtidf; nfhd;WtpL. vdJ md;ghd fhjy; kidtp Jd;gg;gLtij vd;dhy; nghWj;Jf; nfhs;s Kbatpy;iy. mts; jhd; vd; ,d;Dapu;. mtsJ Jauj;ijj; jPh;f;fhj ehd; tho;tjpy; mh;j;jkpy;iy. mtDf;Ff; nfhLf;Fk; jz;lidapy; ,Ue;J kw;w ehl;luru;fs; vkf;nfjpuhfTk; vdJ kidtpapd; ehl;bw;nfjpuhfTk; jPikfisr; nra;a epidf;fNt $lhJ” vd;W nfhjpj;jhd; Vkehjd;. mijg;gbj;j tpj;jpah fiue;J Nghdhs;. mtd; vij vOJtjdhYk; mtspd; gz;Gfs; Fzq;fisg; gw;wp vOjhky; tpl khl;lhd;. mj;Jld; mts; kPJ nfhz;l fhjiy ntspg;gLj;jhkYk; tpl khl;lhd;. mtsJ fz;fs; fiue;J xOfpajhy; vOj;Jf;fs; kiwe;jd. fz;zPu;j;Jspfs; jhspy; tpOe;jjhy; mijj; Jilj;jhs; mjdhy; vOj;Jf;fs; mope;jd. “muNr> kpf;f typikAila kd;diug; gifj;jtd;> mtdplkpUe;J jg;Gtjw;fhf vq;Nf nrd;whYk; mtdhy; tho KbahJ” vd;W jh;k rh];jpuk; $WfpwJ. mjdhy; ftiy nfhs;shjph;fs;. jq;fspd; fl;lisg;gb ehd; njupe;njLj;j gj;J tPuu;fSld; kfj ehl;bw;Fr;

59

nrd;W mtidf; ifJ nra;J nfhz;L tUfpNwd;” vd;whd; ef;fPud;. “mtidf; ifJ nra;a Ntz;ba Njitapy;iy. mtidf; nfhd;whNy NghJk;” vd;whd; Vkehjd; Nfhgkhf. “,y;iy muNr> ePq;fs; kpf;f typik gilj;jth; vd;gij mtd; mwpe;J nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;. mj;Jld; mtDf;Fj; Jizahf ,Ue;J ekf;Fj; jPikfs; gyTk;nra;Ak; tPukhh;j;jhz;ld; jd;idAk; ePq;fs; ifJ nra;J jkJ ehl;bw;Ff; nfhz;L te;J tpLtPh;fs; vd;W gae;J eLq;f Ntz;Lk;. mj;Jld; jhq;fs; jq;fs; kidtp kPJs;s msT fle;j fhjyhy; nraw;fupa fhupaq;fisnay;yhk; nra;tPh;fnsd cyfk; epidj;jy; Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd; ef;fPud;. gj;Jj; jpdq;fs; fope;jd. md;W kq;fsGup murrig mtrukhff; $baJ. ifJ nra;ag;gl;l mUz;ghz;baid md;W rigf;Ff; nfhz;L tUtjhf ef;fPud; xw;wh;fs; %yk; mwptpj;jpUe;jhd;. mjdhy; rigapy; gugug; Ngw;;gl;bUe;jJ. gj;J kzpf;F ef;fPuDk; mtDld; $lr; nrd;wth;fSk; kq;fs Gup mur rigapDs; Eioe;jdh;. Kjyikr;rh; ntq;fNlrh; jpifj;Jg; NghapUe;jhh;. Vkehjidj; jtpu NtW ahUf;Fk; mtd; mUz;ghz;baid ifJ nra;a tPuu;fis kfjehl;bw;F mDg;gpa tpguk;

60

njupahJ. jd; Kd; elg;gJ fdth vd;W epidj;jhh; ntq;fNlrh;. vjpupapd; ehl;by; Eioe;J vjpupiaf; ifJ nra;J nfhz;L tUtjhdhy; vt;tsT jpwik Ntz;Lk;. mth; jdJ fhyj;jpy; mg;gbahd xUnra;jpia ,Jtiu Nfl;ljpy;iy. rigf;Fs; tPuKld; Eioe;j ef;fPud; nrhd;dhd;@ “muNr> jq;fspd; tpUg;gj;ijg; G+h;j;jp nra;J tpl;Nlhk;. kpf;f typik gilj;j kd;dDf;Fj; jPq;F nra;a epidg;Nghh; ve;j ehl;by; vt;tsT ghJfhg;Gf;fNshL tho;e;jhYk; mtdhy; jg;gp tho KbahJ vd;gij ep&gpj;Js;Nshk;. ,dpj; jz;lid toq;FtJ jq;fspd; nghWg;G” vd;whd; ef;fPud; tPuhNt\j;Jld;. Gd;rpupg;Gld; Vkehjd; mUz;ghz;badpd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. mtdJ Kfj;jpy; kuz gPjp fhzg;gl;lJ. Kfk; fWj;Jf; fz;fs; tPq;fpapUe;jd. 895. ahz;Lr;nrd;W ahz;Lk; csuhfhh; ntk;Jg;gpd; Nte;J nraw;gl; lth;.

kpf;f typikAila murh;fspd; rpdj;jpw;F Mshdtd;> mtdplkpUe;J jg;Gtjw;fhf vq;Nf nrd;whYk; tho KbahJ.

jg;gpg; gpiof;f KbahJ

61

kq;fsGup mur rigapy; md;W tp\tg; gpukDk; gpurd;dkhfpapUe;jhh;. fhaj;jpup jdJ jfg;gidg; ghh;j;jhs;. mtupd; Kfj;jpy; vd;Wkpy;yhj kfpo;T ,Ue;jJ. mg;gb mth; kfpo;e;jpUe;jij ,Jtiu mts; fhztpy;iy. jpUk;gpj;jdJ fztidg; ghh;j;jhs;. gj;Jj;jpdq;fSf;F Kd; mtd; me;jg; Guj;jpw;Fr; nrd;w NghJ mts; gQ;rizapy; Fg;Gwg; gLj;jpUe;jhs;. mtidf; fz;lJk; mtsJ Jauk; mOifahf ntbj;jJ. tpk;kp tpk;kp mOjhs;. kpfTk; cw;rhfkhf mtSld; $bapUf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W FJ}fypj;jJld; te;j VkehjDf;F mtspd; mOif cw;rhfj;ijf; Fiwj;jJ. clYs; czh;Tfs; Mh;g;gupj;J Nkhjpajhy; mtsJ moF kpFe;j cliyf; fw;gid nra;J nfhz;L te;j VkehjDf;F kpFe;j Vkhw;wkhf ,Ue;jJ. mts; fle;j rpy ehl;fshf mtDld; kfpo;r;rpahf; $bapuhjjhy; mtdJ czh;Tfs; mlq;f kWj;jd. Ntz;lh ntWg;ghf kfpo;tpd;wp mts; mtid mizg;gjhy; mtdJ czh;Tfs; khWgl;ld@ “md;Ng> ePh; gLk; Jauk; vdf;Fg; GupfpwJ. mjw;fhf vd;idj; jz;bf;fyhkh? vOe;J kfpo;Tld; rpupAk;” fhaj;jpup rpZq;fpdhNs jtpug; gQ;ridahy; vOk;gtpy;iy. mJ VkehjDf;F tUj;jj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ. fw;gidfs; rpjwpajhy; mtDf;Fr; rpdk; te;jJ. vdpDk; mijr; rpukg;gl;L mlf;fptpl;Lr; nrhd;dhd;@

62

“ehk; kfpo;e;jpUf;f Ntz;Lkhdhy; mUz;ghz;baidr; nfhy;Yjy; Ntz;Lk;. mtidf; nfhd;W tpl;Lj;jhd; ck;ik mizg;Ngd;” vd;W $wptpl;Lr; nrd;W tpl;lhd;. fhaj;jpup Nkhf kpFjpAld; mtidg; ghh;j;jhs;. clNd mr;rigapNyNa mtid mizj;J Kj;jkpl Ntz;Lnkd mtsJ czh;Tfs; Jbj;jd. tPuGup\dhd mtidg; ghh;f;fg; ghh;f;f mtSs; czh;Tfs; fpsh;e;J nfhz;NlapUe;jd. “muNr, cq;fs; ngaiuf; Nfl;lhNy kfjehl;L tPuh;fs; eLq;Ffpwhh;fs;. mUz;ghz;bidg; gw;wp ehk; mq;F nrd;wJk; tprhupj;Njhk;. mtd; ngz;gpj;jd;. tPukhh;j;jhz;ldJ NgUjtp mtDf;fpUe;jjjhy; mtd; kfj ehl;L tPuu;fSld; ,uT Ntisfspy; tPLfSf;Fr; nrd;W ngz;fNshL jfhj cwT nfhz;L te;jhd;. ,ij mwpe;jJk; ehk; kpfTk; kfpo;e;Njhk;. mtdJ elkhl;lq;fis cd;dpg;ghff; fz;fhzpj;Njhk;. mth;fSf;F ehl;by; gyj;j vjph;g;gpUg;gijAk; mwpe;J nfhz;Nlhk;. mjdhy; me;ehl;L tPuu;fNshL el;Gg; G+z;Nlhk;. tPuu;fNshL mUz;ghz;bad; el;GupikAld; elf;fhJ nfhLikahf ele;jjhy; mth;fNs jpl;lkpl;L mtidf; nfhiy nra;ar; re;jh;g;gk; ghh;j;jpUe;jdh;. ,uz;L jpdq;fSf;F Kd;G mUz;ghz;bad; xU tPl;bw;Fr; nrd;w NghJ ehk; kiwe;jpUe;J mtidf; ifJ nra;Njhk;. kf;fSk; tPuu;fSk; mtid ehk; ifJ

63

nra;jikiaf; fz;L kpfTk; kfpo;e;jhh;fs;. kfj ehl;bd; kPJ gilnaLj;jhy; XupU ehl;fspy; ifg;gw;wp tplyhk;. jq;fspd; Ml;rpg; ngUikia czh;e;j kfj ehl;L kf;fs; jq;fspd; gilnaLg;ig kpfTk; tpUk;Gfpwhh;fs;” vd;whd; ef;fPud;. “ef;fPuh> cd;idg; Nghd;w Rj;jkhd ehl;Lg; gw;W kpFe;j tPuu;fs; gyh; ,Ug;gjhy; jhd; ehd; vjpupfis kpfr; Rygkhf mlf;f KbfpwJ. cdf;Fk; cd;NdhL te;j tPuu;fSf;Fk; gy gupRfs; mspf;fg;gLk;. mg;gupRfs; mspf;fg;gLk; ehs; kpfTk; Nfhyhfykhff; nfhz;lhlg;gLk;” vd;whd; Vkehjd;. “mUz;ghz;bah> eP vkJ ehl;bd; jsgjpahf> vdJ ek;gpf;iff;Fupathdf ,Ue;J nfhz;L vdf;Fk; ehl;bw;Fk; vt;tsT jPikfisr; nra;jha;. jPikfs; nra;j xUtd; vq;F nrd;W xspj;jhYk; mtdhy; jg;gpf;f KbahJ vd;gij ,g;nghOJ czh;e;jpUg;ghnad epidf;fpNwd;. xUtd; jPahy; vupf;fg;gl;lhYk; xUfhy; capu; gpioj;J tho KbAk;> Mdhy; Mw;wy; kpFe;jth;fisg; gifj;jhy; mtdhy; jg;gpg; gpiof;fNt KbahJ. vdJ kUkfd; Mw;wy; kpFe;j Xh; murd;. mtdhy; vijAk; nra;a KbAk;. eP nra;j nfhLikfSf;F cdf;F kuz jz;lid toq;fg;gly; Ntz;Lk;. ,uf;f rpe;jid cs;s murh; cdf;F vd;d jz;lid toq;FthNuh njupatpy;iy” vd;W ehfGup

64

kd;dh; nrhy;Yk; NghJ Vkehjd; FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhd;@ “,g;gbahdth;fSf;F kuz jz;lid jhd; toq;fNtz;Lk;. mUz;ghz;baDf;F kuzjz;lid toq;FfpNwd;” vd;whd; Vkehjd;. 896. vupahy; Rlg;gbDk; ca;Tcz;lhk;@ ca;ahh; ngupahh;g; gpioj;J xOF thh;.

jPapdhy; vupAz;lhYk; xU Ntis caph; gpioj;J thoyhk;> Mdhy; Mw;wy; kpFe;j ngupatuplk; jtW nra;gth; xU NghJk; jg;gpg; gpiof;f KbahJ.

cWjpahf mopNthh; ehfGup murh; kfpo;Tld; gyj;Jr; rpupj;jhh;@ “,d;W jhd; ehd; kpfTk; kfpo;Tld; ,Uf;fpNwd;. ehfGup kf;fSk; kfpo;thhf;s;. JNuhfpahd cd;id ek;gp ehd; cdf;F vt;tsT cjtpfs; Gupe;Njd;. nghd;idAk; kzpfisAk; jputpaq;fisAk; ms;spj; je;Njd;. tpisr;ry; kpFe;j epyq;fisj; je;Njd;. Mapuf;fzf;fhd gRf;fisj; je;Njd;. ,Ue;Jk; cdJ Mir mlq;fhjjhy; kfj ehl;L ,sturNdhL Nrh;e;J mtdplKk; nghUl;fisg; ngw;wha;. mg;NghJk; cdJ Mir mlq;ftpy;iy. ehfGupapy; ,Ue;J jg;gpr; nrd;W kfjehl;by; ,Ue;J nfhz;L vdf;Fk; vdJ ehl;L kf;fSf;Fk; vt;tsT

65

nfhLikfisr; nra;jha;. vkJ ehl;L kf;fs; ,utpy; fz;zaug; gae;jdh;. eP tPLfisf; nfhs;is apl;lNjhL mofpa ngz;fs; gyiuf; flj;jpr; nrd;wha;. kfj ehl;by; eP rPUk; rpwg;Gkhf tPukhh;j;jhz;lDf;Fupa ngUikfisg; ngw;W tho;e;jha;. jpuz;l nry;tq;fs; cd;dplk; Ftpe;jpUe;jd. ,Ue;j NghJk; vd;d gad;. jFjp kpf;f Mw;wy; kpf;f vk;ikg; gifj;jjhy; ,d;W vy;yhtw;iwAk; ,oe;J ifjpahf epw;fpwha;. cdJ nray;fs; kw;wth;fSf;Fg; ghlkhf mikjy;Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd; ehfGup kd;dd;. mUz;ghz;bad; vJTk; NgrhJ epd;whd;. mtdJ czh;Tfs; ahTk; mlq;fp tpl;ld. ,g;gbnahU epiyjdf;F Vw;gLk; vd;W mtd; vjph;ghuhikahy; mtdhy; mjph;r;rpapy; ,Ue;J kPs Kbatpy;iy. msTf;fjpfkhf Mirg;gLNthUk; ek;gpf;ifj; JNuhfpfSk; kdk; $rhky; jPikfs; nra;gtu;fSk; mopf;fg;gl Ntz;bath;fs;. cd;idr; rpiwapy; milj;J itg;gJ gadw;wJ. mjdhy; jhd; vkJ ePjpahd kd;dh; cdf;F kuz jz;lid toq;fpdhh;. njhlh;e;Jk; kfjehl;L ,sturd; ehfGupf;Fj; jPikfs; nra;thdhdhy; mtDf;Fk; cdJ epiyjhd; tpiutpy; Vw;gLk;” vd;whh; Kjyikr;rh;. rig fiye;jJ. Vkehjd; me;jg; Guj;jpw;Fr; nrd;whd;. gLf;if miw md;W jpUkz ehistplr; rpwg;ghf

66

myq;fupf;fg;gl;bUe;jJ. J}uj;jpy; nry;Yk; NghNj eWkyh;fspd; thrk; mtdJ %f;ifj; Jisj;jJ. Mh;tj;Jld; Vkehjd; cs;Ns Eioe;jhd;. fhaj;jpup vd;Wkpy;yhjthW md;W kpf;f moFld; kpsph;e;jhs;. mtidf; fz;lJk; cw;rhf kpFjpahy; Xbr; nrd;W mtidf; fl;baizj;jhs;. “md;ghdtNu> cq;fisf; fztdhf mila ehd; Kw;gpwg;gpy; ngUe;jtQ; nra;jpUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. vdJ ngw;Nwhh; kfjehl;L ,sturd; tPukhh;j;jhz;lDf;Fj; jhd; vd;idj; jpUkzk; nra;a epidj;jpUe;jdh;. md;W ,e;jputpohtpy; cq;fisf; fz;L fhjy; nfhs;shtpl;lhy; ehd; mtidj;jhd; jpUzk; nra;jpUg;Ngd;. ePq;fs; vd;kPJ nfhz;l md;ig xt;nthU nraypYk; fhl;b tUfpwPu;fs;. vdf;fhfj;jhd; ePq;fs; caph; tho;fpwPu;fs;. ehd; ngUk; NgWfs; gytw;iwg; ngw;Ws;Nsd;. vdJ ehl;bw;Fj; jPik te;jNghJ mJ cq;fSf;F te;jjhf epidj;Je; nraw;gl;Bh;fs;. vjpupia me;j ehl;bw;Fr; nrd;W ifJ nra;J te;J rpur;NrjQ; nra;a vt;t;st JzpT Ntz;Lk;. ePq;fs; Mw;wy; cs;sth;. rfyhfyh ty;yth;” Vkehjdpd; neQ;Rs; Kfj;ijg; Gijj;J Kdfpdhs; fhaj;jpup. mij thrpf;f tpj;jpahTf;F ntl;fkhf ,Ue;jj. mts; fN[e;jpudpd; neQ;rpy; rha;e;jpUe;J $Wgtw;iwnay;yhk; xd;Wk; tplhky; vOjpapUe;jhd;.

67

njhlh;e;J thrpj;jhs; tpj;jpah@ “md;Ng> ePh; vd;idg; gw;wp vd;d epidf;fpwPu;;. ckJ kfpo;Tjhd; vdJ tho;T. ePh; fle;j rpy ehl;fshf kdtUj;jj;Jld; vd;NdhL $bapUe;j NghJ vdJ tho;Nt vdf;Ff; fre;jJ. ckJ re;jpu tjdk; thl;lKw;w NghJ vdJ ,jaj;jhkiu RUq;fptpl;lJ. tho;ehs; KOtJk; ePh; thlhky; ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. kfpo;Tld; rpupj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; vdJ caph; Ngha;tpLk;. mjdhy; jhd; cldbahf eltbf;if Nkw;nfhz;Nld;. vd;idg; NghyNt vdJ tPuu;fSk; kpf;f jpwikAs;sth;fshf ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. ckf;fhf ehd; thdj;ijAk; tpy;yhf tisg;Ngd;” vd;whd; Vkehjd;. tpj;jpah rpupj;jhs;@ “fN[e;jpud; jd;Dld; fijf;Fk; NghJ $Wgit nay;yhtw;iwAk; fijapy; mg;gbNa vOjpAs;shh;. ntl;fk; nfl;lth;” vd;W epidj;jhs;. mtSf;F ntl;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. 897.tifkhz;l tho;f;ifAk; thd;nghUSk; vd;dhk; jifkhz;l jf;fhh; nrwpd;.

jFjpahy; cah;e;j Mw;wy; kpf;f ngupatupd; Nfhgj;jpw;F Mshdth;> gy ngUikfisAk;> ngUk; nghUisAk; cilatuhf ,Ue;jhYk; gadw;wtuhthh;.

FLk;gj;Jld; mopNthh;

68

kfj ehl;Lf;Fs; te;J Eise;J mUz;ghz;baidf; ifJnra;J kq;fs Gupf;Ff; nfhz;L nrd;W mq;F mtidr; rpur;Nrjk; nra;J tpl;lhh;fs; vd;w nra;jp fhl;Lj; jPiag; Nghy kfjehnlq;Fk; gutpaJ. kfjehl;L kd;dd; kNfe;jputh;kd; mijf; Nfl;Lj; jpifj;Jj; jpfpyile;J tpl;lhd;. cldbahf mtd; mur rigiaf; $l;bdhd;. “kq;fsGup kd;dd; VkehjdJ giltPuu;fs; vkJ ehl;Ls; rl;l tpNuhjkhfg; GFe;J gy ehl;fs; jq;fpapUe;J ,q;Fs;s vkJ ehl;bd; Kf;fpa gpuKfh; xUtiu ifJ nra;J nfhz;L nrd;W> mtidr; rpur;NrjQ; nra;jpUf;fpwhh;fs; vd;why; mth;fspd; mlhtbj;jdj;ij vd;ndd;W nrhy;tJ. mUz;ghz;bad; kq;fsGupf;Fj; jPik nra;atpy;iyNa. mg;gbapUf;f vg;gb vkJ ehl;Ls; mth;fs; mDkjpapd;wp Eioa KbAk;? ,jw;F ehk; jFe;j eltbf;if vLf;fh tpl;lhy; ehis mth;fs; muz;kidAs;g; GFe;J ,sturidAk; ifJ nra;J nfhz;L nrd;W tpLthh;fs;” vd;whd; kNfe;jputh;kd;. rigapy; eprg;jk; epytpaJ. ahUk; vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. ahuhtJ VjhtJ nrhy;thh;fs; vd;W vjph;ghh;j;Jf; fhj;jpUe;j kd;dh;> ahUk; vJTk; nrhy;yhjjhy; nrhd;dhh;@ “xU ehl;bw;Fg; gpur;rpid nfhLg;Nghh; ,d;ndhU ehl;bypUe;jhy;> mij me;ehl;L kd;dDf;F mwptpj;J eltbf;if vLf;f

69

Ntz;LNk jtpuj; jhd; Njhd;wpj; jdkhf ele;J nfhs;sf; $lhJ. ,e;j mj;JkPwpa nray; ,d;ndhU Kiw elthjthW eltbf;if vLj;jy; Ntz;Lk;” fh;[pj;jhd; kNfe;jputh;kd;. “epjhdkhf ,Ue;J Nahrpj;Jg; ghh;j;jhy; ehk; nra;Ak; jtWfs; GydhFk;. ehfGupapd; khg;gps;is jhd; kq;fsGupapd; murh;. ehfGup ,sturpia ekJ ,sturUf;Fj; jpUkzk; nra;a ePq;fs; tpUk;gpdPu;fs;. Mdhy; ehfGup ,sturp kq;fsGup kd;did tpUk;gp tpl;lhs;. mjdhy;ehfGup kd;dh; jpUkzk; nra;J itj;jhh;. jpUkzk; elf;F Kd;Ng mUz;ghz;bad; jdJ ehl;bw;Fg; gy JNuhfr; nray;fisr; nra;Js;shd;. gpd; mtd; nra;j nray;fSf;fhfg; ghjhsr; rpiwapy; milf;fg;gl;lhd;. mq;fpUe;J je;jpukhfj; jg;gp te;J ekJ ehl;L ,sturNuhL Nrh;e;J ehfGupf;Fg; gy jPq;Ffisr; nra;J te;jhd;. ,ijg; nghWf;f Kbahjjhy; jhd; ,j;jidAk; eilngw;wJ. ehk; vkJ ehl;by; ,Ue;J nfhz;L may; ehl;Lf;Fj; jPikfs; gy Gupe;jhy; ,g;gbahd epfo;Tfs; jhd; elf;Fk;. mJ jh;k kPwyy;y” vd;whh; Kjyikr;rh;. kNfe;jputh;kd; rpwpJ Neuk; Nahrpj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. “mUz;ghz;bad; vkJ ehl;by; kiwe;jpUe;J nfhz;L ehfGupf;Fg; gy jPikfs; nra;jJ gpiojhd;” vd;W mtuJ cs;kdk; $wpaJ.

70

“kd;dh> jhq;fSf;F ,ijg; gw;wp ehd; gyKiw $wpAs;Nsd;. ,sturUk; mUz;ghz;baDk; Nrh;e;J ehfGupf;Fr; nra;Ak; nfhLikfisr; nrhy;ypy; mlf;f KbahJ. mtw;iw ePq;fs; cupa Neuj;jpy; ftdpj;jpUe;jhy; ,e;j epiy cUthfp apUf;fkhl;lhJ. kq;fsGupg;gil tPuu;fSf;F ekJ ehl;L kf;fs; gy cjtpfisr; nra;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. ,jw;Ff; fhuzk; mUz;ghz;bDk; ekJ ,sturUk; Nrh;e;J ekJ ehl;L kf;fis tUj;jpaJjhd;. mjdhy; ehk; ,dpahtJ ftdkhfr; nraw;gl Ntz;Lk;. kq;fsGup murd; khtPud;@ nraw;jpwd; kpf;ftd;@ rpwe;j gilg;gyk; cilatd;. mtid vk;khy; vjph;f;f KbahJ. kiy Nghd;w kpf cah;thd epiyapy; ,Ug;Nghiuf; Fiwthf kjpg;gPL nra;Nthh; vg;gbg; gl;ltuhf ,Ue;jhYk; mth;fs; jk; Fyj;NjhL moptJ cWjp. vdNt VkehjdJ gyj;ijf; Fiwj;J kjpg;gplhJ mtid kjpj;J elj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; kfjehL ehfGupNahL ,izf;f;g;gLk; ehs; ntF njhiytpy; ,y;iy” vd;whh; Kjyikr;rh;. kNfe;jputh;kDf;F cs;Sug; gakhf ,Ue;j NghJk; mij ntspf;fhl;bf; nfhs;shJ nrhd;dhd;@ “Vkehjd; vk;kPJ gilnaLj;jhy; vkJ gilfs; mtid vjph;j;J Kwpabf;fj; jahuhf ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;” 898. Fd;Wmd;dhh; Fd;w kjpg;gpd; FbnahL epd;wd;dhh; kha;th; epyj;J.

71

kiy Nghd;w cah;thd epiyapy;

,Uf;Fk; ngupNahiuf; Fiwthf kjpg;gth; ngUe;jFjpAilatuhf ,Ue;jhYk; mth; jk; FLk;gj;NjhL mopth;. rpwe;jtupd; rPw;wk;

“Vkehjd; vkJ ehl;bd; kPJ

gilngaLj;jhy; vkJ tPuu;fs; NghuhlhJ ruzile;J tpLthh;fs;. me;j epiyapy; jhd; vkJ gil epiyik cs;sJ. muNr! jq;fSf;F ehl;bd; epiyik njupahJ. ,t;tsT fhyKk; mijj; njupag;gLj;j ,sturh; tpltpy;iy. ,sturUk; mUz;ghz;baDk; Nrh;e;J ehl;L kf;fSf;Fr; nrhy;nyhdhj; Jd;gq;fisr; nra;J te;jdh;. ehk; ahuhtJ cq;fSf;Fr; nrhy;yptpLNthk; vd;W epidj;J mth;fs; ,UtUk; vk;ik kpul;bf; nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jdh;. mjdhy; ehk; vijAk; nrhy;y Kw;gltpy;iy. nrd;wthuk; vkJ mk;kd; Nfhapw;FUf;fspd; kfis mUz;ghz;baDk; ,sturUkhfr; Nrh;e;J flj;jp te;jdh;. Nrdhjpgjp Re;jurpq;fd; gil tPuu;fs; gyUld; nrd;W mtisf; fhg;ghw;wp kiwtplk; xd;wpy; itj;Js;shd;. mtisf; fhg;ghw;wpaJ Re;jurpq;fd; vd;W ,Jtiu ahUf;Fk; njupahJ. mts; flj;jg;gl;l tp\aj;ijAk; ehk; cq;fSf;Ff; $wtpy;iy. $wpdhy; mUz;ghz;baDk; ,sturDk; vk;ikf; nfhd;;L tpLthh;fs; vd mQ;rpNdhk;. ,dpNkYk; ehk; nghWj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;f

72

KbahJ. ,sturh; ehl;L kf;fSf;Fr; nra;Ak; jPq;FfSf;fhf clNd mth; ifJ nra;ag;gly; Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; kf;fs; Gul;rp nra;thh;fs;” vd;whh; Kjyikr;rh;.

“muNr> mk;kd; Nfhapw; FUf;fs; ngUk;

mwpthsp@ Ntj cgepljq;fisf; frlwf; fw;wth;@ cah;e;j nfhs;iffis cilath;@ kf;fspd; Mjuitg; ngw;wth;. mj;Jld; rpwe;j G+rfh;. „mk;kDld; Neubahff; fijg;gth;‟ vd;W kf;fs; nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. mg;gbahd cj;jkh; rPw;wq; nfhz;lhy; ,e;j ehL mope;J tpLk;. kd;dd; Ml;rp mope;J nfl;L tpLthd;. ,ij ehd; nrhy;ytpy;iy. ehl;by; cs;s ngupath;fs; nrhy;fpwhh;fs;. mjdhy; NkYk; NkYk; jtWfs; epfohky; ghh;j;Jf; nfhs;Sq;fs;.” vd;whd; Re;jurpq;fd;.

kNfe;jputh;kd; mjph;e;J Nghdhd;.

mtdhy; mth;fs; $Wtij ek;g Kbatpy;iy@ “ehd; ePq;fs; $Wtij ek;g khl;Nld;. mg;gb mth;fs; ele;jhy; vdf;Ff; $w Ntz;baJ jhNd” vd;whd;.

“cq;fSf;Ff; $wpdhy; vq;fs; jiy

rPtg;gl;bUf;Fk;. msTf;fjpfkhf ,sturh; Nky; md;Gk; ek;gpf;ifAk; nfhz;l cq;fSf;F ehk; vg;gb mtw;iwf; $WtJ? ehk; ,sturiug; gw;wpf; $Wk; Nghnjy;yhk;@ “mtd; rpW tajpdd;. Kb #baJk; xOq;fhf

73

murhs;thd;” vd;gPh;fs;. mjdhy; jhd; ehk; $wg; gae;Njhk;” vd;whh; Kjyikr;rh;.

“,ijf; $w vkf;F ntl;fkhf

,Uf;fpwJ. kq;fsGupapypUe;J tPuu;fs; te;j NghJ vkJ ehl;L kf;fs; mth;fSf;Fj; Njitahd mj;jid cjtpfisAk; nra;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. mUz;ghz;baid mth;fs; ifJ nra;a cjtp nra;Js;shh;fs;. mj;Jld; mth;fs; ehl;bd; vy;iyiaf; flf;Fk; tiu mr;nra;jpia kiwj; jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. mth;fs; kq;fsGupg; Nghh; tPuu;fsplk; kfj ehl;ilf; ifg;gw;Wk; gb Nfl;bUf;fpwhh;fs;. kq;fsGup murd; vkJ ehl;ilf; ifg;gw;w Kad;why; vkJ kf;fSk; Nghh; tPuu;fSk; mth;fSf;Fr; rhh;ghfNt njhopw;gLthh;fs;.” vd;whd; Re;jurpq;fd;.

“,d;Dk; fhyq; fle;J tpltpy;iy.

kf;fSf;Fj; Jd;gQ; nra;j mUz;ghz;bad; rpur;NrjQ; nra;ag;gl;L tpl;lhd;. ,sturidj; jh;kj;ij kPwf; $lhnjd;gjw;fhf kq;fsGupg;gilapdh; ifJ nra;ahJ tpl;L tpl;Lr; nrd;Ws;sdh;. mjdhy; jhq;fs; ,sturid mioj;Jg; Gj;jpkjp $Wq;fs;. ,dp vf;fhuzq; nfhz;Lk; Nghh; tPuu;fSld; Nrh;e;J ehfGupf;Fr; nrd;W ehfGup kf;fSf;Fj; jPikfs; nra;a Ntz;lhnkd;W $Wq;fs;. kPwp ,sturd; ehfGupf;Fr; nrd;why; mtUk; rpur;Nrjk; nra;ag;gLthh; vd;gij kwe;J tplhjPh;fs;@ “mk;kd; Nfhapw; FUf;fs; mk;kd; kPJ gopiag; Nghl;Ls;shh;@ “mk;kd;

74

cz;ikahd nja;tkhf ,Ue;jhy;> ehd; mk;kid topgLtJ cz;ikahf ,Ue;jhy; vdJ kfisf; flj;jpath;fs; mope;J Nghthh;fs;” vd;W rgpj;Js;shh;. mUz;ghz;bad; mope;J Nghdhd;. ,sturUk; FUf;fspd; rhgj;jpypUe;J jg;GtJ fbdk;. cah;e;j gz;Gila rpwe;jth;fs; rPw;wk; nfhz;lhy;> “ehl;ill MSk; murDk; ,ilapNy jd; Ml;rp mope;J nfLthd;. vd;gijj; jq;fSf;F kPz;Lk; epidTgLj;JfpNwd;. jaT nra;J clNd eltbf;if vLq;fs;. mk;kd; Nfhapy; FUf;fisr; rhe;jg;gLj;Jq;fs;” vd;whh; Kjyikr;rh;. 899. Ve;jpa nfhs;ifahh; rPwpd; ,ilKupe;J Nte;jDk; Nte;J nfLk;.

cah;e;j nfhs;iffis cila ngupath; Nfhgk; nfhz;lhy; ehl;il MSk; murDk; ,il eLNt jd; Ml;rpia ,oe;J nfLthd;.

cah;e;jtupd; rPw;wk; kNfe;jputh;kDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. mk;kd; Nfhapw; FUf;fs; rhe;jkhdth;@ mk;kdpd; kPJ msT fle;j gf;jpAs;sth;@ ke;jpuq;fs; njupe;jth;@ itj;jpak; ghh;g;gth;@ mjdhy; kf;fs; mtupd; kPJ Ngud;G nfhz;Ls;sdh;. kf;fs; vy;NyhiuAk; mth; Vw;wj; jho;tpd;wp kjpg;gjhy;> kf;fs; mtupd;

75

kPJ capiuNa itj;jpUe;jdh;. mtupd; kfis mUz;ghz;baDk; tPu khh;j;jhz;lDk; flj;jpaij epidf;f mtupd; caph; Ngha; tpLk; Nghy ,Ue;jJ@ “ey;yNtis Re;jurpq;fd; mtisf; fhg;ghw;wpdhd;. mtd; fhg;ghw;whtpl;lhy; vdJ khdk;kupahijahTk; NghapUf;Fk;” vd;W epidj;jhd; kNfe;jputh;kd;. “kd;dh> murFkhud; xUtd; Kb#LKd; ,uhkhaz fhtpaj;jpy; ,uhkd; tho;e;J fhl;ba Kiwfisg; gw;wpf; fw;wy; Ntz;Lk;. ,uhkhazj;jpy; ,uhkd; Xh; mtjhu%h;j;jp vd;W ,uhkDf;Fk; mtNdhL tho;e;j midtUf;Fk; njupAk;. Mdhy; ,uhkd; jhd; xU kdpjd; vd;Nw epidj;jhd;. mJNghy mtDld; $batho;e;NjhUk; mtid kdpjd; vd;Nw epidj;jdh;. Xh; murFkhuDf;Fupa flik> gz;Gfs;> nray;fs; Nghd;wtw;wpy; ,uhkd; vg;Nghnjd;whYk; jd; nja;tj; jd;ikiaf; fhl;ltpy;iy@ jd; mjpfhuj;ijf; fhl;ltpy;iy. vy;yhr; re;jh;g;gj;jpYk; mtd; ePjpahfNt ele;J nfhz;lhd;. mij mur Fkhuu;fs; czh;e;J nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;” vd;W mur rigf;FU $wpaJ kNfe;jputh;kdpd; fhJfspy; xypj;jJ. “msT fle;j typik cilatuhf ,Ue;jhYk;> gyk;kpf;fth;fsJ JizAila th;fshf ,Ue;jhYk;> cah;e;j gz;Gilath;fspd; rpdj;jpw;F Mshdhy; mth;fshy; xUNghJk; jg;gpg; gpiof;f KbahJ”. kNfe;jputh;kdpd; je;ijahh; mbf;fb mtUf;Ff; $WtJ mtupd; epidTf;F te;jJ.

76

“ngUk; gpio nra;J tpl;Nld;. kfdpd; kPjpUe;j mstw;w ghrj;jhy; ehl;L kf;fSf;Fk;> ehl;by; thOk; cah;e;jth;fSf;Fk; NfL nra;J tpl;Nld;” vd;W kdk; tUe;jpdhd; kNfe;jputh;kd;. “kd;dh> jtWfs; epfo;tJ ,ay;G. mijj; jtnwd;W czh;e;J rk;ge;jg;gl;lth;fsplk; kd;dpg;Gf; Nfhupdhy; mj;jtwhy; tUk; NfL ,y;yhky; Ngha; tpLk;. mjdhy; jhq;fs; mk;kd; Nfhapw; FUf;fsplk; ele;j jtwpw;fhf kd;dpg;Gf; NfhUq;fs;. mj;Jld; ,strUf;Fj; jFe;j jz;lid toq;Fq;fs;. thypg kpLf;fpy; jhd; nra;gitnay;yhk; rupnad;W ,sturh; epidf;fpwhh;. ,sturuhdhYk; Fw;wk; nra;jhy; jz;lid ngw Ntz;Lnkd;gij mtUf;F czh;j;Jq;fs;” vd;whh; Kjyikr;rh;. “,sturiuf; ifJ nra;J rpiwapy; milAq;fs;” vd;W cj;jtpl;l kNfe;jputh;kd;> Kjyikr;rUld; mk;kd; NfhapYf;Fr; nrd;whh;. mk;kd; Nfhapw; FUf;f;s Nrhfj;Jld; mk;kdpd; thrypy; ,Ue;jhh;. mtuJ tpopfshy; fz;zPu; xOfpagb ,Ue;jJ@ “FUNt> ele;j jPikfs; vJTk; vdf;Fj; njupahJ. vy;NyhUk; vdf;F kiwj;J tpl;ldh;. jdJ ngz;gps;isf;F Vw;gl;l jPq;if xU je;ijahy; ,wf;Fk; tiu kwf;f KbahJ. ehd; cq;fSf;F MWjy; $w tutpy;iy. cq;fsplk; kd;dpg;Gf; NfhuNt te;Njd;.

77

mUz;ghz;baDf;F mk;kd; jz;lid toq;fp tpl;lhh;. mNj Nghy ,sturidAk; gpbj;Jr; rpiwapy; milj;Js;Nsd;. ePq;fs; vd;d jz;lid nfhLf;fr; nrhy;fpwPh;fNsh mij ehd; nfhLf;fpNwd;” vd;W mtuJ ghjq;fspy; tpOe;jhh; kNfe;jputh;kd;. “vdJ kfSf;F Vw;gl;l fsq;fj;ij ePf;f Ntz;Lkhdhy; ,sturh; mtisj; jpUkzk; nra;jy; Ntz;Lk;. vdJ kfSf;Ff; NfL Neuhtpl;lhYk;> kf;fs; mts; nfl;Lg; Ngha; tpl;ljhff; fUJfpwhh;fs;. mtSf;Fg; epr;rapf;fg;gl;l khg;gps;is ,g;NghJ mtisj; jpUkzk; nra;a Kbahnjd;W $wptpl;lhd;. ,d;ndhUtDf;Fr; nra;J nfhLj;jhYk; mtisj; jpUkzk; nra;gtd; mtis ek;g khl;lhd;. mjdhy; jhd; ,sturiuj; jpUkzk; nra;AkhW $wpNdd;” vd;whh; FUf;fs;. “murdhdhYk; cah;e;j gz;Gfspy; rpwe;jth;fspd; kdijg; Gz;gLj;jpdhy; mtdhy; jg;gpg; gpiof;f KbahJ” vd;W Nfs;tpg;gl;Ls;Nsd;. mjdhy; mLj;j K$h;j;jj;jpy;; ,j;jpUkzk; elf;Fk;. Kjyikr;rNu clNd ehL KOtjpw;Fk; Kuriwe;J jftiyj; njuptpAq;fs;” vd;whh; kd;dh;. FUf;fs; kdk; kfpo;e;J rpupj;jhh;. 900. ,we;Jmike;j rhh;Gilah; MapDk; ca;ahh; rpwe;Jmke;j rPuhh; nrwpd;.

78

cah;e;j gz;Gfspy; rpwe;j ngupath;fs; rpde;jhy;> msT fle;J gf;f gykhfj; Jizfs; gyTk; nfhz;ltuhYk; jg;gpg; gpiof;f KbahJ.

flik nra;a Kbahjth; fhiy vl;LkzpahfpAk; Jh;f;fh epj;jpiuahy; vOk;gtpy;iy. Kjy;ehs;,uT njhiyf;fhl;rpapy; ,uT ,uz;L kzptiu glk; ghh;j;jikahy; mtshy; vOk;g Kbatpy;iy. Rg;gpukzpak; te;J vOg;gpajhy; etuhrh vOe;J te;jhd;. “Njhl;lj;jpy; ,d;W gj;Jg; Ngh; Ntiyf;F tUtjhfr; nrhd;dgbahy; fhiy czthfj; Njhir Rl Maj;jk; nra;Njd;. Mdhy; mth;fs; ,d;W kuz tPL fhuzkhf tuKbahJ vd;fpwhh;fs;..”vd;whd; Rg;gpukzpak;. “kuz tPnld;why; tuKbahJ jhNd. vdf;Fk; Jh;f;fhTf;Fk; Njhir nfhz;Lth. kpFjpia ePq;fs; rhg;gpLq;fs;…” vd;W $wptpl;Lr; nrd;W gy; Jyf;fp Kfq;fOtpdhd; etuhrh. gpd; NjePu; jahupj;Jf; nfhz;L gLf;if miwf;F te;jhd;. Jh;f;fh gy;Jyf;fp Fspj;J tpl;L te;jpUe;jhs;. etuhrh NjePiu ePl;bdhd;. Jh;f;fh mij thq;fp xU tha; Fbj;J tpl;Lr; nrhd;dhs;@ “kpfTk; Ritahf ,Uf;fpwJ. ehd; mjp];lrhyp” rpupj;jhs;. me;jr;

79

rpupg;gpy; kpFe;j Nkhfk; nfhg;gspj;jJ. NjePh;f; Nfhg;igia itj;J tpl;L mtspd; mUNf neUq;fp te;jhd;. re;jz thrKila rth;f;fhukpl;L mts; Fspj;jjhy; re;jzthrk; mtdJ %f;ifj; Jisj;jJ. ,uT glj;jpy; te;j ehafpiag; Nghy mts; kpfkpff; fth;r;rpahf ,Ue;jhs;. Fspj;J tpl;L te;j gpd;Gk; mts; ,uT mzpAk; Milia mzpe;jpUe;jikahy; mtsJ nghypthd mq;fq;fs; etuhrhTf;Ff; fpsh;r;rpia cz;Lgz;zpd. nky;y mtsJ Njhspy; ifia itj;jhd;. Jh;f;fh Nkhfj;Jld; rpZq;fpdhs;. “,d;W Njhl;lj;jp;y; Ntiy ,y;iyah..? ,uT vd;id xOq;fhfg; glk; ghh;f;fTk; ePq;fs; tpltpy;iy… fhiy vOe;jTlDk; …. Njhl;lj;jpw;Fg; Nghq;Nfh… ,d;W Njhl;lj;jpy; VNjh Ntiy elg;gjhfr; nrhd;dPh;fs;..” jdf;F mtd; mq;fpUg;gJ tpUg;gkpy;iy vd;gijg; Nghy Nkhf kpFjpAld; rpZq;fpdhs;. “Jh;f;fh> Mz;fisf; iff;Fs; itj;jpUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. mth;fs; ngz;fs; tp\aj;j;jpy; kpfTk; gytPdkhdth;fs;. mth;fSf;Ff; fhkk; tUk; NghJ eP Nehahspahf ,Ue;jhYk ;jpid msT $lg; gpzq;ff;$lhJ. ve;j NeuKk; mth; cd;idNa epidj;J cd; mizg;ig tpUk;gp cd;idr; Rw;wpf; nfhz;bUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. me;j epiy te;J tpl;lhy; mth; cdf;F mbikahfp tpLthh;. eP mtUld; xj;Jiof;Fk; mstpw;F

80

mth; cd;id Nerpg;ghh;” vd;W ,yl;Rkp nrhd;dJ mtSf;F epidtpy; te;jJ. ,yl;Rkp nrhd;d gpd; mts; mg;gb ele;J ghh;j;jhs;. Gypiag; Nghy cWkpf; nfhz;bUe;j etuhrh mjd;gpd; eha;f;Fl;biag; Nghy mlq;fpg; Nghdhd;. Kd;ngd;why; mtidj; Njhl;l Ntiy nra;a Ntz;lhnkd;W nrhd;dhy; Nfl;f khl;lhd;. Mdhy; ,g;NghJ mtdpd; tpUg;gj;jpw;Nfw;wthW mts; gLf;faiwAs; ele;J nfhs;tjhy; kw;witnay;yhk; mtspd; tpUg;gg;gbNa ele;jd. “,g;NghJ Njhl;lj;jpw;Fr; nry;” vd;W nrhd;dhYk; Nghfpwhh; ,y;iy” vd;W epidf;fj; Jh;f;fhTf;Fr; rpupg;G te;jJ. “Vd; rpupf;fpwPu;? ckJ rpupg;igf; fz;lJ vdJ czh;Tfs; nghq;Ffpd;wd.” gpjw;wpdhd; etuhrh. Ngr;rstpy; gpzf;fk; nfhz;ltisg; Nghyf; fhl;bf; nfhz;l Jh;f;fh> jdJ ngha;ahd elj;ijia tpl;L tpl;L mtid tpiue;J jOtpdhs;. mtDf;F %r;R tplf; f\;lkhf ,Ue;jJ. gj;J kzpf;F ypq;Nf];tup rikaYf;fhf te;j NghJ> etuhrhTk; Jh;f;fhTk; gLf;if miwapNyNa ,Ue;jdh;. ypq;Nf];tup gj;J kzpf;F tPl;Lf;Fj; jpdKk; tUtjhy; Jh;f;fh mts; tUKd; jdJ ,uT cilia khw;wp tpLths;.

81

rPiy mzpe;J new;wpapy; jpyfkpl;Lj; Njtij Nghy epd;w Jh;f;fhit “,d;ndhU Kiw mizf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. “vdf;Fg; grpf;FJ” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. etuhrhTk; Jh;f;fhTk; rhg;ghl;liwf;F te;j NghJ Rg;gpukzpak; rhg;ghl;L Nkirapy; Njhir nfhz;L te;J itj;jpUe;jhd;. “nrj;j tPl;Lf;Fg; Nghftpy;iyah….? New;W nrj;jjhy; fhiy xd;gJ kzpf;F vLj;J tpl;lhh;fs;” vd;W Nfl;lhs; ypq;Nf];tup “ahh; nrj;jJ? fhiyapy; Rg;gpukzpak; nrhd;dtd;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “vd;d cq;fSf;Fj; njupahjh..? ,uhrNfhghypd; jfg;gd;. ,g;NghJ mtupd; cly; rhk;guhfpapUf;Fk;” vd;whs; ypq;Nf];tup. “mg;gbah…? ,uhrNfhghy; vdf;F neUq;fpa nrhe;jf;fhud;. New;Nw NghapUf;f Ntz;Lk;. ,g;g Nghl;L thwd;…” vd;W Gwg;gl;lhd; etuhrh. “fdNeuk; mq;Nf epw;fNtz;lhk;. nrj;j tPLfspy; Fbj;J tpl;Lj; Njitapy;yhky; mbgLthh;fs;. NghwJk; thwJkhf te;jpLq;Nfh” vd;whh; Jh;f;fh.

82

“,uhrNfhghY tpd; tPl;by; rz;il gpbf;f ahUk; ,y;iy. mNjhL Rliyf;Fr; nrd;wth;fSk; te;J jj;jkJ tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;wpUg;ghh;fs;” vd;whs; ypq;Nf];tup. “ehd; thwd;” vd;W Gwg;gl;lhd; etuhrh. “nfjpaha; thUq;Nfh” Fioe;jhs; Jh;f;fh. mijg; ghh;f;f ypq;Nf];tupf;F vupr;ryhf ,Ue;jJ. mts; te;j ehspy; ,Ue;J Jhf;fhitAk; etuhrhitAk; ftdpj;jhs;@ “etuhrh Jhf;fhitg; ngupJk; tpUk;gp mtSf;F mlq;fp> mts; nrhy;tijj; Ntjthf;fhff; Nfl;L elf;fpwhd;. ,td; cUg;glkhl;lhd;. jdJ ehshe;jf; flikfisAk; nra;akhl;lhd;. kidtpf;F kjpg;Gf; nfhLf;fj;jhd; Ntz;Lk;. ,J mbikj;jdk;” vd;W epidj;jhs; Jh;f;fh. 901.kidtpiothh; khz;gad; va;jhh;> tpidtpiothh; Ntz;lhg; nghUSk; mJ.

kidtpaplk; ngWk; ,d;gj;ij tpUk;gp mtspd; nrhw;gb elg;gth; rpwe;j gaid mila khl;lhh;@ flikiar; nra;a tpUk;Ggtupd; Ntz;lhg; nghUSk; mJNt.

ntl;fj;jpw;FupaJ

83

etuhrh ,uhrNfhghYtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;j NghJ Rliyf;Fr; nrd;wth;fnsy;NyhUk; Rliyahy; jpUk;gp te;J jj;jkJ tPLfSf;Fr; nrd;W tpl;ldh;. ,uhr NfhghYTk; kidtpAk; gps;isfSk; jzpfhryKk; fjpNurDk; NtW rpy ,uj;j cwtpdh;fSk; mq;F ,Ue;jdh;. etuhrhitf; fz;lJk; ts;spak;ik ngUq;FunyLj;J mOjhs;. gpd; xg;ghup itj;jhs;@ “Ciu Mz;l uhrh cyif tpl;Lg; Nghd nra;jp mth; Rliy nrd;w gpd;Gjhd; cd;id te;jile;jNjh….? New;W tUthnad top kPJ tpop itj;Njd;. cd;idj; J}f;fp tsh;j;jtupd; nghd;dhd cly;fhz XNlhb te;jpUe;jhy; NgUk; GfOk; Ngrg;gl;bUf;Fk;. ahh; kwpj;jhh; nrhy;yptpL? Cuhh; kwpj;jhNuh…? cd;id te;jile;j ngUQ; nry;tk; kwpj;jNjh…..?” gyj;J xg;ghup itj;jhs; ts;spak;ik. “vdf;Fj; njupahJ” vd;wthW fl;bg; gpbj;J mOk; ts;spak;ikia tpyf;fptpl;L Kw;wj;jpy; Nghlg;gl;bUe;j ehw;fhypnahd;wpy; te;jkh;e;jhd; etuhrh. fjpNurd; jhdpUe;j ,lj;jpypUe;J vOe;J te;J mtDf;F mUfpy; ,Ue;j ehw;fhyp xd;wpy; mkh;e;J nfhz;lhh;. “etk;> rpy gpur;rpidfis ehk; kpfTk; mtjhdkhff; fijj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. jh;kypq;fk;

84

fhykhdJ cz;ikapy; cdf;fj; njupahjh…? New;Wj; njhlf;fk; giw Nksk; mbf;fpwhh;fs;. mjd; rj;jk; cdf;Ff; Nfl;ftpy;iyah…? ,d;W cdf;Fj; Njhl;lj;jpy; gj;Jg; gjpide;J Ngh; Ntiy nra;tjw;F tutpUe;jdh;. mth;fSf;F eP fhiy czT jahupf;fr; nrhy;ypr; Rg;gpukzpaj;jpw;Fr; nrhd;dha;. mtd; ,d;W fhiy cdJ tPl;Lf;F te;J nrj;j tPL Mifahy; njhopyhsh;fs; tukhl;lhh;fs; vd;W nrhd;dhd;. mg;NghJ eP ahh; nrj;jJ vd;W Nfl;bUf;fyhk;. Vd; eP Nfl;ftpy;iy? CUf;Fs; Ntz;bath;fs; ahuhtJ ,we;jhy; njhopyhsh;fs; Ntiyf;F tuhky; epw;ghh;fs;. ,dj;jth;fs; my;yhtjh;fs; fhykhdhy; Ntiy fSf;Fr; nry;Y Kd; nry;thh;fs;@ ,y;yhtpl;lhy; Ntiyahy; te;J nra;thh;fs;. my;yJ gpNujk; vLf;Fk; Neuk; tUthh;fs;. ,njy;yhk; rhjhuz tp\aq;fs;. ,J $lth cdf;Fj; njupahJ?” ftiyg;gl;lhh; fjpNurd;. etuhrh mth; nrhy;tijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhNd jtpu vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. mtd; VjhtJ nrhy;thd; vdf; fhj;jpUe;j fjpNurd; mtd; vJTk; nrhy;yhjjhy; kpFe;j ftiyg;gl;lhh;. “etk;. eP ,g;NghJ kpfTk; re;Njhrkhf tho;tijapl;L ehd; kpfTk; kfpo;r;rpailfpNwd;. mj;Jld; Ch; tp\aq;fisAk; ftdpj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. jh;kypq;fk; cdJ ,uj;j cwtpdd;. cd;id mth; J}f;fp tsh;j;jth;. mjdhy; New;W eP ,q;F tutpy;iy vd;W gyUk; Fiwg;gl;ldh;. kidtpiag; ngupJk; tpUk;gp>

85

mtspd; nrhy;iy Muhahky; Nfl;L elg;gth;fs; jkJ flikfisr; ruptur; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;. mj;Jld; mtspd; ngz;ikia tpUk;gp mjw;F mbikg;gl;L tho;gtd; Cuhupd; Nfypf;F ,lkhthd;. New;W mJjhd; ,q;F ele;jJ. vdJ fhjpy; Nfl;Fk;gbahfg; gyh; fijj;Jr; rpupj;jdh;. “xt;nthUtDk; jj;jkf;Fupa flikfisg; ngupjhf vz;Zjy; Ntz;Lk;. mg;gb vz;zhky; kidtpapd; tpUg;gj;ijg; ngupjhf kjpg;gtdpd; nry;tk; $l ngUk; ntl;fj;Jf; Fupajhfp Ntjidiaj;jUk;” vd;W ngupath;fs; nrhy;thh;fs;. ehd; cdJ tPl;bw;F te;J nrhy;apUg;Ngd;. my;yJ ahuhtJ xUtuplk; nrhy;ypaDg;gpapUg;Ngd;. Kd;G eNlR ,we;j NghJ ehd; te;J cdf;Fr; nrhy;y> cdJ kidtp vdf;F Kd;dhy; vd;d nrhd;dts;? “me;j tPLfSf;nfy;yhk; Nghfhijq;Nfh. rhg;ghl;Lf;F topapy;yhjth;fs;> njUf;fspy; Fbj;J tpl;Lr; rz;ilgpbg;ghh;fs;. cq;fSf;Fk; rhuhak; jUthh;fs;. gpd; rhg;ghLk; jUthh;fs;. ,g;gbahdth;fspd; tPLfSf;Fg; Nghff;$lhJ” vd;W Jh;f;fh nrhd;d thh;j;ijfs; etuhrhtpd; fhJfspy; xypj;jJ. “ehk;> CutiuAk;> ,dj;jtiuAk; maytiuAk; kjpf;f Ntz;Lk;. mth;fs;jhd; Njitahd rkaq;fspy; cjTthh;fNs jtpu cdJ gzk; cjthJ. ,ij cdf;Fj; jdpikapy; re;jpj;Jr; nrhy;y tpUk;gpddhd;. nrhy;yptpl;Nld;. ,dp Nahrpj;J el” vd;W $wptpl;L vOe;jhh; fjpNurd;.

86

“ehisf;F ,uT mg;ghTf;Fr; rikj;Jg; gilf;fg; NghfpNwhk; te;jpL” vd;W ,uhrNfhghy; etuhrhTf;F mUfpy; te;J nrhd;dhd;. “fl;lhak; tUtd;” vd;W $wpdhd; etuhrh. 902. NgzhJ ngz; tpiothd; Mf;fk; ngupaNjhh;

ehzhf ehZj; jUk;. jdJ flikfisg; ngupjhf tpUk;ghky;

kidtpapd; ngz;ikiag; ngupjhf kjpg;gtdpd; nry;tk; ntl;fj;jpw;Fupajhfpg; ngUk; Ntjidiaj; jUk;.

ehZk; epiy

etuhrh tPl;Lf;F te;j NghJ Kw;wj;jpy; myq;fhu Njtijahfj; Jh;f;fh epd;whs;@ “Fspj;Jtpl;L thUq;fs;. rhuKk; JthAk; ntspNa vLj;J itj;Js;Nsd;. Fspay; miwf;Fs; nry;yhjPh;fs;. ntspNa ypq;Nf];tup fplhuj;jpy; ePh; epug;gp itj;jpUf;fpwhs;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. mtd; Fspj;J tpl;L te;j NghJ Mtp gwf;Fk NjePUld; epd;whs; Jh;f;fh. mtsJ nra;ifia epidf;f etuhrhTf;F kfpo;r;rpahf ,Ue;jJ. Gd;rpupg;Gld; mij thq;fpf; Fbj;jhd;. Kd;ngd;why; mtd; kuz

87

tPLfSf;Fr; nry;tNj mtSf;Fj; njupahJ. mtd; kuz tPLfSf;Fr; nrd;W te;J Fspayiwapy; nrd;W Fspg;ghd;. NjePh; nfhLf;fNth rhg;ghL Nghl;Lf; nfhLf;fNth ahUk; ,Uf; fkhl;lhh;fs;. Mdhy; ,g;nghOJ Jh;f;fh mtDld; mUfpy; kpf neUq;fpapUe;J czT gupkhWths;. czT gupkhwk; NghJ mtsJ cly; mtdpd; kPJ rha;e;jpUf;Fk;. mjdhy; rpy rkaq;fspy; czT cz;gij epWj;jpf; ifiaf; fOtptpl;L mtisj; jOTthd;. “jh;kypq;fk; xUtopapy; vdf;F khkh Kiw. New;Wj; njupe;jpUe;jhy; nrd;wpUf;fyhk;. New;W ypq;Nf];tup rikaYf;F tuhjjhy; miwiag; G+l;b tpl;L ,Ue;jikahy; vJTk; njupahky; Ngha;tpl;lJ” vd;whd; etuhrh. Jh;f;fh kpfTk; fth;r;rpahfr; rpupj;jhs;. mjpy; Nkhfk; kpFe;jpUe;jJ. etuhrh mtsJ mofhd rpte;j cjLfisg; ghh;j;jhd;. mit NkYk; rpte;J Nkhf kpFjpAld;JbJbj;jd@ “ePh; nrhy;yhky; rpupj;jhYk;> ck;ikf; fle;J ckJ cjLfs; vdf;Fr; nra;jp nrhy;Yk;. ,g;NghJ ckJ cjLfSf;F cwT Njitahk;…” fhJs; fpRfpRj;jhd; etuhrh. vJTk; NgrhJ fPOjl;ilg; gw;fshy; fbj;jhs; Jh;f;fh. mg;gb mts; cjl;ilf; fbj;jhy; etuhrh mtsJ ,urpfdhfp mtsJ Kfj;ij cw;Wg; ghh;j;J ,urpg;ghd;. me;j mofhd fth;r;rp kpf;f Kfj;ijj; jpdKk;

88

vj;jidNah juk; ghh;j;jhYk; mtDf;F rypg;G Vw;gLtjpy;iy. khwhfg; Gj;Jzh;r;rpAk; GJikAk; Vw;gLk;. “nrj;j tPl;by; vd;d ele;jnjd;W nrhy;ytpy;iyNa” vd;W Nfl;lhs; Jh;f;fh. “ts;spak;ik gykhf xg;ghupitj;jhs;. mjpy; ehd; tutpy;iy vd;W Kiwapl;lhs;. fjpNuR mg;G Vrpdhh;. ehisf;Fr; rikj;Jg; gilf;fg; Nghfpwhh;fshk; tUkhW ,uhrNfhghY $wpdhd;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “mq;F ML> khL> Nfhopnay;yhk; ntl;bf; fha;r;Rthh;fs;. fs;Sk; rhuhaKk; vLg;ghh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; taJ tpj;jpahrkpd;wp Fbj;J tpl;Lf; Fk;khsk; NghLthh;fs;. mjdhy; ePq;fs; mq;Nf Nghf Ntz;lhk;. ehd; muprpAk; fha;fwpfSk; gUg;Gk; Njq;fha;fSk; thq;fp itj;jpUf;fpNwd;. Rg;gpukzpaj;ij te;J vLj;Jf; nfhz;L nrd;W nfhLf;fr; nrhy;yp ypq;Nf];tupaplk; nrhd;ddhd;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “ckf;F vy;yhk; njupAk;…” vd;whd; etuhrh. mtdJ kdJs; fjpNurd; $wpa thh;j;ijfs; vitAk; mg;NghJ ,Uf;ftpy;iy@ “Neupy; Jh;f;fhitg; ghh;f;fpd;w NghJ ahUk; VjhtJ $wpdhy; mtw;iw kwe;J Ngha;tpLfpNwd;. mtisf; fhzhj Ntisfspy; jhd; gpwh; $WtJ epahakhf vdf;Fj; Njhd;WfpwJ” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh.

89

ypq;Nf];tup rikay; Kbj;J tPl;Lr; nry;Yk; NghJ Jh;f;fh nrhd;dhs;@ “ypq;Nf]; kwe;J Nghfhky; Rg;gpukzpaj;jpl;ilr; nrhy;yptpL. ehisf;F vl;L Mifahy; rikj;Jg; gilg;ghh;fs;. ,d;Nw nfhz;L nrd;W nfhLj;jy; Ntz;Lk;” vd;wts;@ “,Q;NrUq;Nfh…. ,Q;NrUq;Nfh” vd;whs;. “vd;d?” vd;wthW etuhrh mq;F te;jhd;. “muprp fha;fwpfSld; fhRk; XH Mapuk; &gh FLg;gk;” vd;whs;. “rup” vd;W jiyahl;bdhd; etuhrh. “,th; jiyahl;Lk; nghk;ikjhd;. kidtpaplk; fhuzkpd;wp jho;e;J elf;Fk; ,ope;j jd;ik xUtDf;F vg;NghJk; rpwg;igj; juhJ” vd;W vz;zpathW nrd;whs;; ypq;Nf];tup. ,uz;L ehl;fspd; gpd;G jzpfhryk; etuhrhitj; Njhl;lj;jpy; re;jpj;jhh;. vdpDk; mtidf; fhzhjJ Nghyr; nrd;whh;. mJ etuhrhTf;Fj; njupe;jJ@ “Vd; mth; mg;gb elf;fpwhh;?” vd;W GupahJ@ “jzpaz;iz” vd;W mioj;jhd;. “k;> nrhy;Y” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;.

90

mtupd; thh;j;ijfspYk; tpj;jpahrk; ,Ug;gij czh;e;jhd; etuhrh. vdpDk; mijf; fhl;bf; nfhs;shJ@ “cq;fis ,g;Ngh fhz Kbtjpy;iy” vd;whd;. “Vd; ehd; tPl;by; xspj;jh ,Uf;fpNwd;? jpdKk; Kd;G Nghyr; nra;tnjy;yhtw;iwAk; jtwhky; nra;J tUfpNwd;” vd;whh;. etuhrh vJTk; fijf;fhJ rpwpJ Neuk; epd;whd; gpd;@ “ehd; thwd;” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L ele;jhd;. jzpfhryj;jpd; kdJ Jbj;jJ. mij mlf;fpg; ghh;j;jhh; Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy;@ “etuhrh” vd;W mioj;jhh;. etuhrh epd;W jpUk;gpg; ghh;j;jhd;. jzpfhryk; rpyfzq;fs; jdJ kdJld; Nguhbdhh;. gpd;G@ “etk;> vg;nghOJk; Mz;kfd; jdJ vz;zg;gb thog; gofpf; nfhs;sy; Ntz;Lk;. mjw;fhf kidtpiag; Gwf;fzpf;FkhW $wtpy;iy. eP md;W jh;kypq;fj;jpd; nrj;jtPl;Lf;F tutpy;iy. vl;Lr; nryTf;Fk; tutpy;iy. ahNuh xUtdplk; nghUl;fisf; nfhLj;J tpl;lha;. jh;kypq;fk; cdJ ,uj;j cwtpdd;. eP fl;lhak; te;jpUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. kidtpaplj;Jf; fhuzkpd;wp Mz;ikia ,oe;J jho;e;J elf;Fk; ,opthd jd;ik cilath;fSf;F> ey;yth;fspilNa kjpg;gpuhJ. mth;fisf; fz;L ehZk; epiyjhd; cz;lhFk;” vd;W $wptpl;L ele;jhh; jzpfhryk;.

91

903. ,y;yhs;fz; jho;e;j ,ay;G,d;ik vQ;Qhd;Wk; ey;yhUs; ehZj; jUk;.

kidtpaplk; jho;e;J elf;Fk; ,ope;j epiy xUtDf;F vg;nghOJk; ey;ytNuhL Nrh;e;J ,Uf;Fk; NghJ ehzj;ijj; jUk;.

kWikg;gad; ,y;yhjtd; md;W fhe;jpkjpapdJ KjyhtJ rpuhh;j;jjpdk; rdr%f epiyaj;jpy; nfhz;lhlg;gl;lJ. mts; ,we;J md;W xUtUlk; G+h;j;jpahfp ,Ue;jJ. mts; capUld; ,Ue;j fhyj;jpy; mr;rdr%f epiyag; ghyh; ghlrhiyf;Fg; ngUk; cjtpfs; gytw;iwr; nra;jts;. mts; mg;ghyh; ghlrhiyapy; fw;Wtpl;Lj;jhd; fzgjp kj;jpa kfh tpj;jpahyaj;jpy; Nrh;e;jhs;. gpd; mg;ghyh; ghlrhiyapd; fiytpohf;fs;> tpisahl;Lg; Nghl;bfs;. rka epfo;TfSf;F te;J cjtpfs; gyTk; nra;ths;. mts; ciof;fj; njhlq;fpaJk; Kjy; khjr; rk;gsj;jpd; xUgFjpia mg;ghyh; ghlrhiyf;Ff; nfhLj;jhs;. ghyh; ghlrhiy tpohf;Nfhyk; G+z;bUe;jJ. md;W ehd;F kzpf;Fr; rka

92

MuhjidfSld; tpohj; njhlq;fpaJ. rdr%f epiyaj; jiyth; tpohTf;Fj; jiyikjhq;fpdhh;. ghyh; ghlrhiyapd; mjpgh; tuNtw;Giu epfo;j;jpdhhh;. jiyth; jdJ jiyikAiuapy; fhe;jpkjp mr;rdr%f epiyaj;jpw;Fk; ghyh; ghlrhiyf;Fk; Mw;wpa Nritfisg; gw;wp tpupthff; $wpdhh;. etuhrhitj;jtpu mf;fpuhkj;jpy; cs;s midtUk; mt;tpohTf;F te;jpUe;jdh;. jzpfhryk; etuhrhitj; Njbg; ghh;j;jhh;. mtidf; fhztpy;iy. mtUk; NtyhAjgps;isAk; tpoh rk;ge;jkhff; fijf;fntd etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;wdh;. etuhrh mth;fis md;Gld; tuNtw;W Mrdq;fspy; ,Uj;jpdhd;. Jh;f;fh NjePUk; tilAk; nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;jhs;. “fhe;jpkjp ,we;J xU tUlkhfpwJ. mts; vkJ fpuhkj;jpw;F Mw;wpa Nrit msg;gupaJ. ehq;fs; mtsJ rpuhh;j;jj;jpdj;jpyd;W xU tpoh nfhz;lhlTs;Nshk;. mjw;fhfj;jhd; te;Njhk;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. etuhrh jpUk;gp; mUfpy; epd;w Jh;f;fhitg; ghh;j;jhd;. mts; cs;Ns nrd;W Mapuk; &ghj; jhs; xd;iw vLj;J te;J jzpfhyj;jplk; nfhLj;jhs;. “ed;wp etk;. fhR jUtJ ngupjy;y. tpohTf;fhd Maj;jq;fs; nra;jy; Ntz;Lk;.

93

Kd;G tpohf; nfhz;lhLk; NghJ MNwO ehl;fSf;F eP mq;F te;J Ntiy nra;tha;. me;j khjpup te;jpL” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;Lg; Gwg;l;lhh; NtyhAjgps;is. Mdhy; etuhrh xUehSk; mq;Ftutpy;iy. mij epidf;fj; jzpfhryjjpw;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. Rthkpahh; MrpAiu toq;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;@ “md;ghdth;fNs> ,d;Wld; fhe;jpkjp kiwe;J xUtUlk; G+h;j;jpahfpwJ. Mdhy; mij vd;dhy; ek;g Kbatpy;iy. mts; vd;Dld; md;ghfTk; fyfyg;ghfTk; eifr;RitAlDk; goFths;. ,d;Wk; mts; capUld; cyhTtJ Nghd;wNjhh; czh;T vd; kdj;jpYz;L. Gfo;ngw;wth;fs; xUNghJk; ,wg;gjpy;iy. xt;nthUtupdJ kdq;fspYk; mth;fs; ciwe;J tho;fpwhh;fs;. fhe;jpkjp ,f;fpuhkj;jpw;Ff; fzf;fpylq;fhj gy cjtpfisr; nra;jts;. mtsJ epidthfg; gy ,lq;fspy; kuq;fs; elg;gl;ld. mtw;wpy; gy ,d;W gl;L tpl;ld. kuk; eLtJ Kf;fpaky;y. mijg; guhkupg;gJjhd; Kf;fpak;. mtsJ epidthf Xh; md;gh; kfh fzgjp Mya Kd;wypy; el;l Ntg;gkuk; XupU khjj;jpy; ftdpg;ghuw;Wg; gl;L tpl;lJ.” vd;W Rthkpahh; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ etuhrh mq;F te;jhd;. mtDf;Fr; Rthkpahh; nrhy;tijf; Nfl;f ntl;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. mtd;jhd; kfhfzgjp Myaj;jpy; me;j Ntg;gkuj;ij el;ltd;.

94

“ehd; eP&w;wpapUg;gd;. eP fhe;jpkjp kPJ nfhz;l fhjy; kpFjpahy; me;j Ntg;gkuj;ij el;lha;. gpd; Jh;f;fhitj; jpUkzk; nra;jha;. mjd;gpd; eP me;j Ntg;gkuj;ij kl;Lk; kwf;ftpy;iy vy;yhtw;iwAk; kwe;J tpl;lha;. eP fhe;jpkjpia kwe;j gpd; Vd; me;j Ntg;gkuk; capNuhL epw;f Ntz;Lk;. eP Ke;jpa Mspy;iy. ,g;NghJ eP Nfhapybg; gf;fk; $l tUtjpy;iy. kf;fSld; Nrh;e;J elg;gjpy;iy> Nfhapy; $l;lq;fspy; $lf; fye;J nfhs;tjpy;iy. eP trjpAs;std;@ nray;jpwd; kpf;ftd;@ ey;y ciog;ghsp@ ey;ytd;. mjdhy; cdJ Nrit nghJ epiyaq;fSf;nfy;yhk; Njit. jaT nra;J Kd;G Nghy te;J cjtp nra;. Kd;G cd;id kjpj;jth;fnsy;NyhUk; ,g;NghJ ,fo;fpwhh;fs;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. etuhrh rpupj;jhNd jtpu vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy@ “vg;NghJk; kidtpf;F mQ;Rk; kWikg; gad; ,y;yhjtd;> nrayhw;Wk; Mz;ik cs;stdhf ,Ue;jhYk; xUNghJk; ngUik mila khl;lhd;. vdNt eP gioagbAk; te;J Nrit nra;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. 904. kidahis mQ;Rk; kWikap yhsd; tpidahz;ik tPWva;jy; ,d;W. kidtpf;F mQ;rp elf;fpd;w kWikg; gad; ,y;yhj xUtd; nrayhw;Wk; Mz;ikj;

95

jd;ikiag; ngw;wpUe;jhYk; xU NghJk; mtd; ngUik mila khl;lhd;.

gag;gLgtd;

rptFUehjd; fjpNurdplk; te;jhh;. gyehl;fSf;Fg; gpd;G mth; fjpNurdplk; te;jhh;. Kd;ngd;why; etuhrhit mtuJ Ngh;j;jpf;Fj; jpUkzk; nra;a Ntz;Lnkd;W tpUk;gpa fjpNurd; mbf;fb mtupd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;thh;. me;jr; rk;ge;jk; Fok;gpa gpd;G fjpNurDf;Fr; rptFUehjdpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;y tpUg;gkpy;iy. “th rptFU> cdJ tPl;Lf;F tuNtz;Lk;> tuNtz;Lnkd;W epidf;fpwdhd;. ntapYf;if ntspf;fpl Kbahky; ,Uf;F. ,g;gb ,U” vd;W xU ehw;fhypia ,Oj;J tpl;lhh; fjpNurd;. “epyj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk; nrsfupak; fjpiuapy; ,y;iy” vd;wthW fjpNurDf;Fg; gf;fj;jpy; mkhe;jhh; rptFUehjd;. “nrhy;yg;gh. fdehs;f; fhztpy;iy. vd;d Gjpdk;…?” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “vd;iu taJjhd; jh;kypq;fj;jpw;F… mtd; epk;kjpahfg; Ngha;tpl;lhd;” vd;W ngU%r;Rtpl;l rptFUehjd; nrhd;dhh;@ “gps;isfisg; ngw;why; f\;lk; jhd;. mJfs;

96

nfl;L nehe;J Nghdhy; mijg; ghh;j;Jr; rfpf;f Kbahky; ,Uf;Fk;. mtd; ehNfe;jpud;… vd;iu ,isatspd;iu %j;j kfd;. fhjypj;J ahNuh xU ngz;izf; $l;bf; nfhz;L te;jpl;lhd;. jfg;gd; mtd; jpUkzk; nra;j gpd; Ntiyapy;yhky; Rk;kha; ,Uf;ff; $lhnjd;gjw;fhfj; jhd; nra;j Njhl;lj;jpy; nfhQ;rj;ijf; nfhLj;Js;shh;. tpijjhdpak;> ,ae;jpuk;> gris vy;yhk nfhLj;jhapw;W. ,g;gh fhR NtZnkd;W nrhy;fpwhd;. jzpfhryKk; NtyhAjgps;isAk; ,g;g Ke;jpd khjpup ,y;iy. mjdhy; eP etuhrhtplk; Iahapuk; &gh thq;fpj;jh. rpd;dj;jk;gp vd;dl;ilg; gj;jhapuk; &gh thq;fpdtd;. ,uz;nlhU thuj;jpiy je;jpLtd;. mtd; juj;jhwd;” vd;whh; rptFUehjd;. fjpNurDf;F etuhrhitf; Nfl;fj; jaf;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. Kd;ngd;why; Nfl;f Kd; jUk; etuhrh ,g;Ngh kidtpiaf; Nfl;f Ntz;Lk; vd;ghd;. nrd;w thuk; ;mtdJ jfg;ghdhh; tpij ntq;fhak; thq;Ftjw;fhf etuhrhtplk; ,Ugj;ij ahapuk; &gh gzk; Nfl;lhh;. mjw;F mtd;@ “mg;gh> kUkfisf; NfSq;Nfh” vd;W jaq;fhky; nrhy;yptpl;lhd;. mJ mtUf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. mjdhy; nrhd;dhh;@ “etk; ngw;wth;fs; gps;isfsplk;jhd; cjtp Nfl;f KbAk;. gpwj;jpahuplk; Nfl;f KbahJ. ngw;Nwhh;> kjpg;G kpf;f ngupath;fs; VjhtJ cjtp Nfl;lhy; mijr; nra;a Ntz;LNk jtpu kidtpiaf; Nfl;Fk;gb $wf;$lhJ. mg;gbr; nrhd;dhy;>

97

ngupath;fs; eP kidtpf;F mQ;rp elg;gtndd;Nw vz;Zthh;fs;. Jh;f;fh vdJ kUkfshdhYk; nfhLf;fy; thq;fy;fspy; kpfTk; mtjhdkhf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh;. mij epidf;f fjpNurDf;F xUkhjpupahf ,Ue;jJ. mjdhy; etuhrhtplk; gzk; Nfl;fj; jaq;fpdhh;. “eP Kd;G Nghy ,g;g ,y;iy. vdf;F mtrukhfg; gzk; Ntz;Lk;. ehisf;F tUfpNwd;” vd;W $wptpl;Lg; Gwg;gl;lhh; rptFUehjd;. md;W khiy etuhrh tPl;Lf;F te;J fjpNurDf;F mUfpy; mkh;e;jhd;. gpd;jhd; nfhz;L te;j nghUl;fisf; nfhLj;jhd;. mtd; te;J ntFNeukhfpAk; mth; fijf;fhJ Nahrpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ etuhrhTf;F tpag;igf; nfhLj;jJ@ “vd;dg;G Nahrpf;fpwPu;fs;?” vd;W Nfl;lhd;. fjpNurd; gpd;Gk; rpyfzq;fs; NgrhJ ,Ue;Jtpl;Lr; nrhd;dhh;@ “rptFUehjd;> jdJ Ngudhd ehNfe;jpud; Njhl;lk; nra;tjw;fhff; nfhQ;rg; gzk; Nfl;lhh;” fjpNurd; $wpKbf;F Kd;G etuhrh nrhd;dhd;@ “mg;G cq;fSf;F Vd; ce;j Ntiy? ehNfe;jpud; ahNuh Ch; Ngh; njupahjtisf; $l;bf; nfhz;L te;jpl;lhd;. mtd; cUg;gl khl;lhd;. ehd; fhirj; Jh;f;fhtplk; Nfl;f mts; Mapuj;njl;L tpsf;fk; Nfl;ghs;” vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; etuhrh.

98

fjpNurd; ngU%r;R tpl;lhh;. mtuhy; vijAk; Ngr Kbatpy;iy@ “jk;gp etk;@ rptFUehjid ek;gpj;jhd; ehd; gzq;Nfl;fpNwd;. mtd; vdJ cw;w ez;gd;. kidtpf;Fg; gae;J elg;gtd; vg;NghJk; kjpg;Gkpf;fth;fSf;Fk; ed;ik nra;ag;gag;gLthd;. md;W eP cdJ je;ij Nfl;l cjtpf;Nf kidtpiaf; Nfl;fr; nrhd;dha;. Mdhy; mth; mtsplk; mijf; Nfl;ftpy;iy. Jh;f;fhit eP jpUkzk; nra;A Kd;Gk; ehk; fld;gl;Nlhk;. jpUg;gpAk; Fwpj;j jtizapy; nfhLj;Njhk;…” vd;W mth; $Wk; NghJ etuhrh nrhd;dhd;@ “,dpNky; Njitapy;yhjth;fspd; tp\aj;jpy; jiyaplhjq;Nfh” 905. ,y;yhis mQ;Rthd; mQ;Rk;kw;W vQ;Qhd;Wk; ey;yhh;f;F ey;y nray;. kidtpf;Fg; gae;J tho;fpd;wtd; vg;nghOJk; ey;yth;fSf;F ed;ikahdtw;iwr; nra;tjw;Fk; mQ;Rthd;.

rpwg;gpy;yhjtd;

fjpNurd; ftiyNahL etuhrhitg; ghh;j;jhh;. etuhrh mg;gbr; nrhd;d gpd;G mtuhy; mtDld; fijf;f Kbatpy;iy. fjpNurd; ftiyAld; ,Ug;gij czh;e;j etuhrh nrhd;dhd;@ “mg;G> cq;fSf;Fj; Jh;f;fhitg; gw;wpj; njupAk;. ehd; fhR Nfl;lhy;

99

fhuzk; Nfl;ghs;. ehd; nrhd;dhy; “,J cq;fSf;Fj; Njitah..?” vd;W Nfl;ghs;. MNwO khjj;jpw;F Kd;G fpU\;dd; ,uz;lhapuk; &gh thq;fpatd;. ,uz;L ehspy; jpUk;gpj;je;J tpLNtd; vd;wtd;. ,g;g MNwO khjkhr;R. ehd; fhR Nfl;lhy; mijj;jhd; Jh;f;fh nrhy;ths;. ehd; kidtpf;Fg; gae;jtdy;y. mtis kjpg;gtd;.” vd;whd; etuhrh. fjpNurd; gjpy; $wtpy;iy. mjdhy;@ “ehd; thwd;” vd;whd; etuhrh. fjpNurd;@ “k;” vd;whh;. tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;Yk;tiu etuhrh> fjpNurdJ eltbf;iffisg; gw;wp epidj;Jf; nfhz;L nrd;whd;. rptFUehjd; kpfTk; Neh;ikahdth;. mtUld; fjpNurd; nfhz;l cwT mtDf;Fj; njupAk;. mjdhy;@ “Jh;f;fhtplk; Nfl;Lg; ghh;g;gk;” vd;W epidj;jhd;. mtd; nrd;w NghJ Jh;f;fh fl;bypy; gLj;jpUe;jhs;. jiykhl;by; ,Ue;j Nkirapy; thndhypg; ngl;b xd;W nky;ypa Fuypy; rpdpkhg;ghlnyhd;iwg; ghbf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. mtidf; fz;lJk; Jh;f;fh fz;fis %bdhs;. mtspd; mUNf mkh;e;j etuhrh mtsJ Kfj;ij %bapUe;j Nghh;itia ePf;fpdhd;. Jh;f;fh fz;fis %bagbNa epj;jpiu nra;gtisg; Nghyg; grhq;F nra;jhs;. etuhrh

100

nky;yf; Fdpe;J mtsJ fd;dj;ijf; fbj;jhd;. Jh;f;fh fz;fisj; jpwf;fhkNy mtidf; fl;bj; jOtpdhs;. Nghh;itia tpyf;fpa NghJ mtd; mjph;e;J Nghdhd;. Nghh;itjhd; mtsJ cilahf ,Ue;jJ. Jh;f;fh mtid ,d;g mjph;r;rpf;Fs;shf;Ftjpy; ty;yts;. mtd; epidf;fhj Ntisfspy; mts; jpBnud;W mtidf; fl;baizj;J Kj;jkpLths;. fz; ghh;itapy; gpzf;fk; nfhz;ltisg; Nghy mts; fhl;bf; nfhz;lhYk; mtidj; jtpf;f tplhJ mts; rpy Neuq;fspy; Ke;jpr; nrd;W jOTths;. rpy Neuk; mtd; Ke;jpj; jOtpdhy; gpzq;fpa gpd; rk;kjpg;ghs;. “Jh;ffh” nky;y mtsJ fhijf; fbj;jhd; “k;” vd;whs;. “ehd; xd;W Nfl;fyhkh?” “NfSq;Nfh” vd;wthW jdJ gpbia ,Wf;fpdhs;. “mg;ghTf;F ,Ugj;ijahapuk; &gh Njitahk;. je;jPnud;why; ehd; nfhLj;J tpl;L te;J tpLNtd;”. mg;nghOJ ,yl;Rkp nrhd;d thh;j;ijfs; mtspd; fhJfspy; xypj;jd@

101

“vg;nghOJk; fztidf; iff;Fs; itj;Jf; nfhs;tijg; Nghyf; fztdpdJ cwtpdh;fisAk; iff;Fs; itj;Jf; nfhs;. fztdJ ngw;Nwhh;f;Fk; rNfhjuu;fSf;Fk; rfy cjtpfisAk; nra;. mg;NghJjhd; eP kjpf;fg;gLtha;. eP mth;fshy; kjpf;fg;gl;lhy; cdJ fztidf; $l mth;fs; ngupjhf epidf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. eP tpUk;gpagb ele;J nfhs;syhk;. Njtiug; Nghy ,t;Tyfpy; kpf;f ngUik cilath;fshdhYk; kidtpkhupd; Njhs;jUk; ,d;gj;jpw;fhf mth;fs; vijAk; Jwg;ghh;fs;” “ehd; nfhz;L nrd;W nfhLf;fpNwd;” mtid ,Wf;fkhff; fl;bg; gpbj;jhs;. mjw;F Nky; mtdhy; vJTk; Ngr Kbatpy;iy. “rup” vd;whd;. gpd; mg;GTk; Iahapuk; &gh ahNuh xU ez;gDf;Ff; nfhLg;gjw;fhff; Nfl;lth;. ,uz;nlhU ehspy; je;J tpLthh;” vd;whd;. “rup” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. md;W khiy Jh;f;fhTk; etuhrhTk;> etuhrhtpd; ngw;Nwhupd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;wdh;. fjpNurd; thrypy; ,Ue;jhh;. mtupd; mUfpw; nrd;w Jh;f;fh ifg;igiaj; jpwe;J Iahapuk; &gh vLj;Jf; nfhLj;J tpl;L tPl;Ls;r; nrd;whs;. etuhrh mtUf;F mUfpy; te;J mkh;e;jhd;. mtidg; ghh;f;f mtUf;F mUtUg;ghf ,Ue;jJ@ “vd;d mg;G Nfl;l gzj;ijj; je;J tpl;Nld; jhNd… gpwNfd; Nahrpf;fpwPu;fs;” vd;W Nfl;lhd;.

102

“etk; Njtiug; Nghyr; rpwg;Gkpf;fth;fshf tho;e;jhYk; kidtpapd; Njhs;fs; jUk; ,d;gj;jpw;F mQ;rp tho;e;jhy; mth;fSf;Fr; rpwg;gpy;iy. ehd; cd;dplk; jhd; gzk; Nfl;Nld;. mijg; Nghy cdJ je;ijahUk; cd;dplk; jhd; gzk; Nfl;lhh;. eP je;jhy; vkf;Ff; flik ,y;iy. mtis eP nfQ;rp kd;whb ,Ug;gha;. mts; cdJ fiur;rYf;fhff; nfhz;L te;jpUg;ghs;. Fwpj;j jtizapy; nfhLf;fhtpl;lhy; thq;fpath;fs; mtSf;Fg; gag;gly; Ntz;Lk;.” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. 906. ,ikahupd; thopDk; ghL,yNu ,y;yhs; mikMh;Njhs; mQ;R gth;.

kidtpapd; NjhSf;F mQ;rp tho;fpd;wth; Njtiug; Nghy ,t;Tyfj;jpy; rfy nrsfupaq;fSk; ngw;Wr; rpwg;ghf tho;e;jhYk; ngUik ,y;yhjtNu Mthh;.

ngz;ikNa rpwg;G

etuhrh vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. fjpNuridg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L ,Ue;jhd;. mtDf;F mth; mg;gbr; nrhd;djw;fhff; ftiyNah ntl;fNkh Vw;gltpyiy@ “Kd;G ehk; xw;Wikahf thof; fhyk; tpltpy;iy. fpufq;fs; gifj;jikahy; jpdKk; rz;ilAlDk; rr;ruTfSlDk; tho;e;Njhk;. ,g;NghJ ehk; xw;Wikahf tho ,dj;jth;fs; tpLfpwhh;fs; ,y;iy. fjpNurg;G gbf;fhtpl;lhYk; cyf mwpTs;sth;. kw;wth;fs;

103

xd;whf tho Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidg;gth;. vd;W epidj;jpUe;Njd;. mtUf;Ff; $lj; Jh;f;fitg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. Jh;f;fh trjpahdts;@ gzf;fhup rw;Wj; jpkpuhfj; jhd; elg;ghs;. mij ,th;fs; nghWj;Jf; nfhz;lhy; vd;d….?” vd;W epidj;jhd;. “vd;d etk; Nahrpf;fpwha;? ehd; rptFUehjDf;F ,d;ndhUtuplk; thq;fpg; gzj;ijf; nfhLj;Jtpl;Nld;. Mifahy; vdf;Fg; gzk; Njitapy;iy. Jh;f;fh te;J gzj;ij itj;J tpl;Lg; Nghfpwhs;. ehd; Ntz;lhnkd;W nrhy;Y Kd; nrd;W tpl;lhs;. mij vLj;Jf; nfhz;L Ngha; mtsplk; nfhL” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. cs;Ns nrd;w Jh;f;fh clNd jpUk;gp te;jhs;. mtsJ Kfk; rw;W khwp ,Ue;jijg; Nghy etuhrhTf;Fj; Njhd;wpaJ. “vd;d Jh;f;fh…?” guguj;jhd; etuhrh. Jh;f;fh kfpo;Tld; rpupj;jhs;@ “khkh ntz;fhaj;ijj; ,uhrNfhghy; mz;izaplk; fldhf thq;fptpl;lhuhk;. fhR Njitapy;iy vd;W nrhd;dhh;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “,ijAk; nfhz;L Ngh gps;is. rptFUehjd; NtW ahuplNkh thq;fp tpl;lhdhk;;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;.

104

“mg;gbah?” vd;W Nfl;l Jh;f;fh fjpNurdplkpUe;J jhd; nfhLj;j gzj;ij thq;fpdhs;. “kfh fzgjp Myaj; jpUg;gzp Ntiyf;Fg; gzk; Njitnad;W md;W te;jit. ,ijf; nfhz;L Ngha;f; nfhLj;J tpl;L thUq;fs;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. etuhrh Jh;f;fhtplk; gzj;ijg; ngw;Wf; nfhz;L nrd;whd;. “kpdf;nflhky; thUq;Nfh” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “Kd;Gjhd; vkf;Fs;Ns gpur;rpidfs; gy ,Ue;jd. ,g;NghJ xd;Wk; ,y;iy. Kd;ngd;why; ehd; VjhtJ nrhd;dhy; mth; rz;ilf;F tUthh;. ,g;Ngh mg;gbay;y. ehd; nrhy;tJ vy;yhtw;iwAk; nra;thh;. Kd;G ,th; Njhl;lk; nra;tJ vdf;Fg; gpbg;gjpy;iy. ,g;Ngh mtUf;Fj; jhd; Njhl;lk; nra;tJ gpbg;gjpy;iy. mth; $ypahl;fisf; nfhz;Ljhd; vy;yhtw;iwAk nra;tpg;ghh;. ,g;Ngh mth; vd;id vdJ ,dj;jth; tPLfSf;Fk; ez;gh;fsJ tPLfSf;Fk; mioj;Jr; nry;fpwhh;. Kd;ngd;why; n[aghyDlDk; fpU\;dDlDk; Nrh;thh;. ,g;Ngh mth; ahUlDk; Nrh;tjpy;iy” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “cz;ikjhd;. Nfhapy; FUf;fs; nrhd;dhh;@ “Kd;ngd;why; Nfhapypy; etuhrh

105

vy;yh NtiyfSk; nra;thd;. ,g;Ngh Nfhapy; gf;fk; tUtJ FiwT. nrt;tha; nts;spf;fpoikfspy; G+ir Neuj;jpw;F kidtpAld; te;J Fk;gpl;L tpl;Lr; nry;fpwhd;” vd;whh;. jzpfhryKk; mg;gbj;jhd; nrhd;dhd;. ,g;g etuhrh rdr%f epiyag; gf;fNk Nghtjpy;iyahk;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “Xk; jhj;jh. Njitapy;yhky; mq;nfy;yhk; nrd;why; tPzhd gpur;rpidfs; Njb tUk;. tPl;NlhL ,Ue;J tpl;lhy; gpur;rpid ,y;iy” vd;W ehd; jhd; nrhd;Ndd;. mth; rk;kjpj;J tpl;lhh;. tPl;by; ,Ue;J ehd; $Wk; Ntiyfisr; nra;J nfhz;L vdf;Fj; Jizahf ,Uf;fpwhh;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “mJjhd; Mz;gpisf;F moF vd;W eP epidf;fpwha;. cdJ tpUg;gj;ij mtd; epiwNtw;Wfpwhd;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. mg;NghJ etuhrh te;jhd;. mtidf; fz;lJk;@ “khkpf;Fr; nrhy;yptpl;L tUfpNwd;” vd;W vOe;jhs; Jh;f;fh. fjpNurd; NtjidAld; etuhrhtpd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhh;. mtdJ Kfk; G+uz kfpo;Tld; ,Ue;jJ. “jhd; nrhy;Yk; Ntiy isj; jtpu NtW ve;j NtiyfisAk; eP nra;aj;jhd; tpLtJ ,y;iy” vd;W Jh;f;fh nrhd;dhs;.

106

,g;g eP kidtpf;F mbikahfp mtSf;F Vtyhsha; tho;tjhfr; nrhy;ypg; ngUikg; gl;lhs;. Mz;fsJ Ntiyfis tpl;L tpl;Lg; ngz;fSf;F Vtyhsh;fshf tho;tijtpl ,ay;ghf ehzj;ij cila ngz;ik ngUikf;FupaJ. ,g;gb tho;e;jhy; cd;id Cupy; ahUk; kjpf;f khl;lhh;fs;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. etuhrh rpupj;jhd;@ “Cuit vijg; gw;wpAk; fijf;fl;Lk;. Kd;G n[aghydplk; gzk; ngwr; nrhd;dhh;fs;. gpd;G mtdplk; gzk; thq;ff;$lhJ vd;whh;fs;. thq;fpa gzj;ijj; jpUg;gpf; nfhL vd;whh;fs;. ,g;gbahd Cutupd; Ngr;irf; Nfl;lhy; ehd; tho KbahJ. ,d;gkhf tho Ntz;Lkhdhy; Mz; ngz; vd;w Ngjk; ghh;f;fhky; xw;Wikahff; $b tho Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. 907. ngz;Vty; nra;JxOFk; Mz;ikapd; ehZilg; ngz;Nz ngUik cilj;J.

kidtpf;F mbikg;gl;L mtspd; Vtiyr; nra;J tho;fpd;wtDila Mz;ikia tpl> ,ay;ghf ehzj;ij cila ngz;ikNa ngUikf;F cupaJ.

Fiwtpy;yhjth; etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;j fN[e;jpud; ntFNeuk; mtNdhL fijj;J tpl;Lr; nrd;whd;.

107

mtd; nrd;w gpd; etuhrh miwf;Fs; te;jhd;. Jh;f;fh ed;whf KOfp tpl;Lf; $e;jiy tpupj;Jf; fha tpl;bUe;jhs;. kpfTk; mofhd fth;r;rpA+l;Lk; ntspehl;Lr; rl;il xd;iw mts; mzpe;jpUe;jhs;. rpy ehl;fSf;F Kd;Gjhd; mtsJ ,isa rNfhjud; ntspehl;by; ,Ue;J te;j xUtuplk; mr;rl;iliaf; nfhLj;J tpl;bUe;jhd;. nky;ypa rptg;G epwj;jpy; gr;ir epw G+f;fs; mr;rl;il KOtJk; epiwe;jpUe;jd. kpfTk; fl;ilahd if. mjdhy; mtsJ jpul;rpahd Ksq;iff;F NkypUe;j gFjp gsgsj;jJ. Koq;fhYf;F xUrhz; NkNy rl;ilapd; fPo;g; gFjp njhq;fpajhy; fhy;fspd; nrOikAk; mg;gl;lkhfj; njupe;jJ. KJFg; Gwj;jpd; rijAk; ntFJ}uk; njupe;jJ. nkhj;jj;jpy; mJ Xh; ,uT cil vd;W jhd; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. Jh;f;fh etuhrhTf;F mUfpy; te;j NghJ ntspehl;L thridj; jputpaj;jpd; eWkzk; %f;ifj; Jisj;jJ. mUfpy; te;j Jh;f;fh jdJ tyJ ifahy; etuhrhtpd; fd;dj;jpy; jl;bdhs;. mts; F\pahf ,Ue;jhy; mg;gbr; nra;ths;. mg;gb mts; fd;dj;jpy; nry;ykhfj; jl;LtJ etuhrhTf;F kpfTk; gpbf;Fk;. “rl;il kpfTk; ed;whf ,Uf;fpwJ. Mdhy; ntspNa Nghl KbahJ” vd;whd; etuhrh.

108

Jh;f;fh rpupj;jhs;. mr;rpupg;gpy; Nkhfk; msTf;fjpfkhf; nfhg;gspj;jJ. “,J ,uT cil jhNd. ahuhtJ te;jhy; ,e;jr; rl;iliaj; J}f;fpg; Nghl;Lf; nfhz;L nry;Ntd;” vd;W $wpathW ngl;bapypUe;j ,d;ndhU rl;ilia vLj;Jg; Nghl;lhs;. mJ mtsJ KO cliyAk; kiwj;jJ. etuhrh G+upg;Gld; rpupj;jhd;. “mts; jd;id kfpo;tpf;fNt me;jr; rl;iliag; Nghl;lhs;” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. Jh;f;fh gpd;G Nghl;l rl;iliaf; fow;wp itj;J tpl;L fl;bypy; mkh;e;jhs;. etuhrh mtsJ kbapy; gLj;jhd;. mtsJ iffs; etuhrhtpd; jiy Kbiaf; Nfhjpd. “fN[e;jpud; Vd; te;jtd;? fN[e;jpud; ,d;ndhUtupd; kidtpAld; Rw;wpj; jpuptjhfr; rpyh; fijf;fpwhh;fs;. mtDld; ePq;fs; Nru Ntz;lhk;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “rdk; jtwhff; fijf;FJ. mts; ,d;ndhUtdpd; kidtpay;y. mts; gpwe;jd;W mtsJ jhahh; jdJ rNfhjudpd; kfDf;F mtis epl;rapj;jhh;. mJ ele;J ,Ugj;ije;J tUlq;fs; fope;J tpl;ld. Mdhy; xUehSk; mth;fs; ,q;F te;jjpy;iy. ngw;Nwhh; rNfhju ghrj;jhy; mg;gb elg;gJ toik. vdf;Fk; Jiur;rhkp khkhtpd; kfis epl;rapj;jit. gjpdhW taJ tiu mtisj;jhd; vdf;Fr; nra;tnjd;W nrhd;dhh;fs;. gpd; mts; ntspehl;Lf;Fr; nrd;W tpl;lhs;. mq;F

109

xUtidf; fl;b ,uz;L gps;isfSld; tho;fpwhs;. mg;gbj;jhd; ,JTk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “ePq;fs; mg;gbr; nrhd;dhYk; vdf;F ePq;fs; mtDld; Nrh;tJ gpbf;ftpy;iy. mtd; ,q;F mbf;fb tUtJk; vdf;Fg; gpbg;gjpy;iy. vdf;fhf mtDila rpNdfpjj;ij tpLq;Nfh” rpZq;fpdhs;. “mJ rup ,g;g mtd;Vd; te;jtd;?” “jhiaf; nfhOk;Gf;Ff; nfhz;L nry;YkhW itj;jpah;fs; $wpAs;sdh;. mtd; ,Jtiu nfhOk;Gf;Fr; nrd;wjpy;iy. ehd; gyjlitfs; nrd;wdhd;. vd;idj; Jizf;F tUk;gb Nfl;fpwhd;. ehd; gy fhykhf mtDld; kpfTk; md;ghfg; goFfpNwd;. mjdhy; ,e;j xUKiw kl;Lk; nrd;W tUfpNwd;” Fioe;jhd; etuhrh. “vdf;F ePq;fs; mtNdhL goFtJ gpbf;ftpy;iy. ePq;fs; Nghf Ntz;lhk;” vd;wthW mtidf; fl;baizj;jhs; Jh;f;fh. “rupapy;iy. kpfTk; md;Gld; goFfpwhd;” vd;W etuhrh nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ Jh;f;fh FWf;fpl;lhs;@ “cq;fisg; Nghf ehd; tplkhl;ld;. xUepkplq;$l vd;dhy; cq;fisg; gpupe;jpUf;f KbahJ” rpZq;fpdhs;.

110

“,d;W Nfhapypy; rpukjhdQ; nra;tjw;f tur;nrhd;dth;fs;. tpLk;> ghlrhiy E}yfj;jpw;Ff; fhR jUtjhfr; nrhd;ddhd;. Rg;gpukzpak; mLj;j khjr; rk;gsj;ijAk; Nrh;j;J ,e;j khjk; jur; nrhd;dtd;. jdJ kidtpapd; rNfhjupf;Fj; jpUkzkhk;…” vd;W etuhrh $wpf; nfhz;bUf;ifapy; Jh;f;fh FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhs;@ “Ch;Ntiyfs; vJTk; nra;af;$lhJ. Cuit ed;ik nra;jhYk; Fiw nrhy;yPid. n[aghyd; fhR nfhLj;Jg; gLk; gpur;rpidfs; njupAk; jhNd. mjdhy; ed;nfhil nfhLg;gij tpl;L tpLq;Nfh. $ypf;fhuUf;F ,lq;nfhLj;jhy; jiyf;F NkNy VwptpLthh;fs;. rk;gsj;ij Kw;gzkhff; nfhLj;jhy; mLj;j khjr; nryTf;Fk; ehk;jhd; gzk; nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk;. ,y;iynad;W nrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “rup” vd;W rpupj;jhd; etuhrh. Jh;f;fh NkhfkpFjpAld; rpupj;jhs;. 908. el;lhh; FiwKbahh; ed;WMw;whh; ed;Djyhs; ngl;lhq;F xOF gth;.

kidtpapd; tpUg;gg; gb elg;gth;> jk; ez;gh;fspd; FiwfisAk; ePf;fkhl;lhh;> gpwUf;F ed;ikAk; nra;akhl;lhh;.

vJTk; nra;a Kbahjtd;

111

jzpfhryKk; NtyhAjgps;isAk; fN[e;jpuDk; etuhrhtpd; tPl;lf;F te;jdh;. mth;fisf; fz;lJk; etuhrhtpd; Kfk; khWghliltijf; fN[e;jpud; fz;L nfhz;lhd;. mtDf;F etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F tu tpUg;gkpy;iy. jzpfhryk; etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;y Ntz;Lk; vd;W $wpa gpd;Gk; mtd; jaq;fpdhd;. “nghJr; Nrit vd;W ntOf;fpl;Ltpl;lhy; ,d;dhh; ,dpahnud;W ehk; ghh;f;ff;$lhJ. n[aghyd; CUf;F te;jikahy; Vfg;gl;l gpur;rpidfs; NfhapypYk; rdr%f epiyaj;jpYk; ,yf;fpag; NguitapYk; cUthfptpl;ld. mjdhy; ehk; tPLtPlhfr; nrd;W nghJf; $l;lj;jpw;F mwptpf;f Ntz;Lk;. ehw;gj;ije;J tUl fhykhf ehd; Nfhapy; eph;thfj;jpy; ,Ue;J tpl;Nld;. ,k;Kiw ehd; eph;thfj;jpy ,Ue;J tpyfpapUe;J Nrit nra;ag; NghfpNwd;. mjdhy; fl;lhak; nry;yy; Ntz;Lk;. xU tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;Wtpl;L ,d;ndhU tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;yhtpl;lhy; FiwtUk;” vd;W $wpf; fN[e;jpuid mioj;J te;jhh;. “NtyhAjgps;isapd; Nghf;Fk; rupapy;iy. mth; Muhahky; fz;lgb fijf;fpwhh;. etuhrh r%f Ntiyfspy; ,Ue;J xJq;fpj; jdJ kidtpNa jQ;rnkd;W ,Uf;fpwhd;. mj;Jld; mtd; ,g;NghJ tPl;il tpl;L ntsptUtNj ,y;iy. mtdplk;

112

nrd;whYk; gpuNahrdkpy;iy” vd;W epidj;jhd; fN[e;jpud;. mth;fs; %tiuAk; fz;l etuhrhtpd; Kfk; fWf;fj; njhlq;fpaJ. mth;fs; kw;iwa tPLfSf;Fr; nrd;W ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp Myag; nghJf; $l;lj;jpw;F tUkhW mwptpg;gijf; Nfs;tpg;gl;l Jh;f;fh nrhd;dhs;@ “Nfhapy; nghJf; $l;lj;jpw;F tPLtPlhfr; nrd;W mwptpf;fpwhh;fshk;. ePq;fs; mjpy; fye;J nfhs;s Ntz;lhk;. Njitapy;yhky; $l;lk; $b mth;fs; gpur;rpidg; gLfpwhh;fs;. vkf;Nfd; tPz;gpur;rpid? NfhapYf;Ff; nfhLf;f Ntz;ba fhirf; nfhLg;Nghk;. jpUtpoh> G+irfisr; nra;Nthk;. kfhfzgjpia ed;whff; Fk;gpLNthk;. ,jw;F Nky; $l;lk; $b mq;fj;jth;fshfpj; jhd; ahTk; nra;a Ntz;Lk; vd;wpy;iy. ehk; flikiar; nra;Nthk;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. mts; nrhy;tJ etuhrhTf;Fr; rupnadg;gl;lJ@ “$l;lj;jpw;Fg; Nghdhy; xt;nthUtUk; xt;nthU gpur;rpidiaf; fpsg;Gthh;fs;. vy;yhk; Njitapy;yhj gpur;rpidfs;. vy;NyhUk; jkJ nrhe;j eyDf;fhff; Nfhapiyg; gad;gLj;J fpwhh;fs;. jzpfhryKk; NtyhAjgps;isAk; Nrh;j;J vt;tsT gpur;rpidfisf; nfhLf;fpwhh;fs;” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. “thw nts;spf;fpoik ehtyh; = tpj;jpah kfh fzgjp Myag; nghJf;$l;lk;

113

Kg;gj;ije;J FLk;gq;fs; Nrh;e;J Njh;j; jpUtpohr; nra;tJ tof;fk;. ,e;jKiwAld; Kg;gj;ije;J FLk;gKk; nra;J KbfpwJ. mLj;j tUlk; Gjpjhfj; Njh;jpUtpohTf;F cgafhuu;fisr; Nrh;f;fTs;sdh;. mJgw;wpAk; NtW gy Kf;fpa tplaq;fs; gw;wpAk; fijf;f Ntz;Lk;. eP fl;lhak; th.” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “,g;g eP Kw;whf khwptpl;lha;. fy;ahzk; fl;bdhy; nghJNtiyfis tpLtjh? xt;nthU tUlKk; Myaj;jpw;nfd;W cdJ fkj;jpy; xU gFjp epyj;ij xJf;fp mjd; tUkhdj;ijj; jhwdP. ,e;j Kiw me;j epyk; cohky; ,Uf;F. Vd;…?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; NtyhAjgps;is. “co Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “rup ehq;fs; tug;Nghwk;?” vd;W vOe;jhh; jzpfhryk;. etuhrh %tiuAk; gliy tiu te;J topaDg;gpdhd;. “kidtpkhh; Vtpwgb elg;Nghh;> mwr; nray;fisAk; mtw;iwr; nra;tjw;F Ntz;ba nghUs; NjLk; Kaw;rpfisAk; kw;wf; flikfisAk; nra;a khl;lhh;fs;. etuhrh vjw;Fk; mtisf; Nfl;Lj; jhdhk; elf;fpwhd; vd;W vy;NyhUk; nrhy;fpwhh;fs;” vd;W jzpfhryk; nrhd;dhh;. mJ etuhrhTf;F Nfl;lJ. ,Ue;Jk; mtd; mijf; NfshjJ Nghyr; nrd;whd;.

114

“xt;nthUtUk; jhk; jhk; tpUk;gpagb elf;fyhk; jhNd. ,th;fs; Vd; kw;wth;fspd; tp\aq;fspy; jiyapLfpwhh;fs;? nghJNtiy nra;apwk; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;L ,it nay;yhk; fhR mbf;fpwjhfj;jhNd rdk; fijf;FJ. fypahzk; nra;jhy; nfhQ;r ehl;fSf;F MWjyhf ,Ue;J ,d;gk; mDgtpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W ,th;fSf;Fj; njupahjh….? xt;nthd;wpw;Fk; rq;fk;. ,g;g kahdj;jpw;Fk; rq;fk; mikf;fg; Nghfpwhh;fshk;. ePq;fs; xd;wpYk; NruNtz;lhk;.” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “ehd; Vd; Nrug;Nghwd;?” vd;W Nfl;Lr; rpupj;jhd; etuhrh. 909. mwtpidAk; Md;w nghUSk; gpwtpidAk; ngz;Vty; nra;thh;fz; ,y;.

mwr; nraYk; mjw;Ff; fhuzkhf mike;j nghUs; NjLk; Kaw;r;rpAk; kw;wf; flikfSk; kidtpf;F mbikahfp mts; VTtijr; nra;Nthuplj;jpy; ,y;iy.

Ngijik ,y;yhjtd; “,e;j Kiw ePq;fs; Nfhapy; nghWg;Gf;fs; vijAk; jaT nra;J Vw;fhjPh;fs;. ehw;gJ tUl fhykhf ePq;fs; Nfhapw; nghWg;Gf;fs; vy;yhtw;iwAk; Vw;Wj;

115

jpwk;glr; nra;J tPl;Bh;fs;. ,dp Xa;ntLq;fs;. ,isQh;fs; <Lgly; Ntz;Lk;” vd;W jzpfhryj;jpd; kidtp ghf;fpayl;Rkp jzpfhryj;jpw;Fr; nrhd;dhs;. “xUNghJk; ehd; ve;jg; nghWg;Gf;fisAk; Vw;gjpy;iy. kf;fspy; ngUk; ghd;ikahNdhh; $b vdJ jiyapy; nghWg;igf; fl;b tpLfpwhh;fs;. ehdhf vg;NghJ nghWg;Gf;fis Vw;Nwd;?” vd;W Nfl;lhh; jzpfhryk;. “,e;j Kiw ePq;fs; $l;lj;jpw;Fg; Nghf Ntz;lhk;” vd;whs; ghf;fpayl;Rkp. “ehd; vg;gbf; $l;lj;jpw;Fg; Nghfhky; ,Uf;f KbAk;. eph;thfj;jpy; Kf;fpa gq;F tfpf;Fk; ehd; $l;lj;jpw;Fr; nry;yhtpl;lhy; kf;fs; vd;idr; re;Njfpg;ghh;fs;”. “mg;gbahdhy; eph;thfrigf;F cq;fisj; njupe;jhy; ePq;fs; rk;kjpf;fhjPh;fs;” vd;whd; ghf;fpayl;Rkp. “Njitapy;yhj tp\aq;fisg; gw;wp eP tPzhf myl;bf; nfhs;shNj. kdpjdhfg; gpwe;jtd; Mf;f G+h;tkhd gzpfspy; <Lgly; Ntz;Lk;. ehd; mg;gzpfspy; <Lgl;ljhy;jhd; vq;fsJ FLk;gk; kpfTk; nrsfupakhf tho;fpwJ. kfh fzgjpf;Fj; njhz;L nra;af;

116

nfhLj;J itj;jpUj;jy;Ntz;Lk;” vd;whh; jzpfhryk;. “,t;tsT fhyKk; ehd; cq;fSf;NfjhtJ nrhd;Nddh….? ,g;Ngh kf;fs; Kd; Nghypy;iy. ePq;fs; cq;fs; gzj;ijr; nryT nra;Jjhd; nghJr; Nrit nra;fpwPu;fs;. Mdhy; kf;fs; mjpy; VNjh ,yhgk; ,Ug;gjhy; jhd; ePq;fs; nra;tjhff; $Wfpd;wdh;. ,e;j Kiw ePq;fs; eph;thf rigapy; ,lk;ngwf;$lhJ” fz;bg;Gld; $wpdhs; ghf;fpayl;Rkp. jzpfhryk; rpupj;jhh;@ “Viofshf ,Uf;Fk; NghJ kfhfzgjpjhd; vkf;F cjTtjhf ek;gpdPu;. ,g;NghJ gzf;fhuuhdJk; kfh fzgjpiaj; Njitapy;iy vd;d..? vg;Ngh vkJ Nritia kf;fs; kjpj;jhh;fs;? jkJ Njitfs; G+h;j;jpahFk; tiu Gfo;thh;fs;. mjd;gpd; Fiwfisf; fz;L gpbf;fj; njhlq;fp tpLthh;fs;. tpf;Nd];tu%h;j;jp ehd; nrhy;yr; nrhy;yf; Nfshky; mUikahd xU ghlhriyapd; eph;thfj;ijj; jukpy;yhj xUtuplk; xg;gilj;J tpl;L ,g;Ngh Jf;fg;gLfpwhh;. gbj;jtDk; rup ghkuDk; rup jdJ vz;zk; epiwNtwpa gpd; cjtp nra;jth;fis kjpg;gjpy;iy. ehd; capUld; ,Uf;Fk; tiu kfh fzgjpf;Fj; njhz;L nra;Ntd;” vd;whh; cWjpahf. “ePq;fs; ehd; nrhy;tij vg;NghJ Nfl;Bh;fs;?” mOjhs; ghf;fpayl;Rkp.

117

“tPzhd fw;gidfspy; <Lgl;L kdijf; nfLf;fhNj. ve;j xU FLk;gj;jpy; ngz;fSf;F Nkd;ikahd ,lk; nfhLf;fg;gltpy;iyNah> mf;FLk;gk; kfpo;r;rpahd FLk;gkhf ,Uf;fhJ vd;W ek;Gtd; ehd;. mjdhy; jhd; ngz;fis kjpj;J elf;fpNwd;. Viofshf tho;e;j NghJ kfh fzgjpf;Fr; Nrit nra;aNt eP tpUk;gpdha;. ,d;Dk; vkJ flikfs; Kbe;J tpltpy;iy. ehkfSf;F kl;Lk; jhd; jpUkzk; Kbe;Js;sJ. kw;wg; gps;isfspdJ ey;tho;Tf;fhf kfhfzgjpf;F ehd; Nrit nra;Nj Mf Ntz;Lk;.” “ehkfSf;Fk; tpUg;gkpy;iy. ,g;Ngh ePq;fs; tUj;jf;fhudhfp tpl;ljhf mts; nrhy;fpwhs;. nfhQ;r ehl;fSf;F Xa;ntLq;fs;” vd;whs; ghf;fpayl;Rkp. “Xa;ntLj;jhy; jhd; Neha; mjpfupf;Fk;. Nehahsh;fis clw;gapw;rp nra;AkhW itj;jpahh;fs; $Wfpwhh;fs;. Njhl;lk; nra;a Ntz;lhk; vd;wPu;fs;. Njhl;lj;ij tpl;L tpl;Nld;. Nfhapy; NtiyfisAk; nra;a Ntz;lhnkd;why; ehd; vd;d nra;tJ. tPl;Ls; gha; Nghl;Lg; gLf;fl;lh.?” Nfhgj;Jld; Nfl;lhh; jzpfhryk;. “ePq;fs; vijAk; nra;Aq;Nfh. Mdhy; Nfhapy; eph;thf rigapy;Nru Ntz;lhk;. mJ vdf;F tpUg;gkpy;iy” vd;W ghf;fpayl;Rkp fz;bg;Gld; nrhd;dhs;.

118

“vd;ndd;d nra;a Ntz;Lk;. vd;ndd;d nra;af;$lhJ vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. mijg; gw;wp eP vdf;Fr; nrhy;yj; Njitapy;iy. eP xU ey;y FLk;gg; ngz;zhf ,U. xU Mz; jtwhd topfspy; nrd;why; jhd; mtdJ kidtp mtidf; fz;bj;Jj; jpUj;Jjy; Ntz;Lk;. jk;ikr; rkkhf kjpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidf;Fk; ngz;fs; jhk; fijg;gJ rup jhdh vd;W ed;F Muha;e;j gpd;Ng fijj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,Jgw;wp ,dp eP fijf;ff; $lhJ” vd;W Nfhgj;Jld; $wpdhh; jzpfhryk;. ghf;fpayl;Rkp tpf;fp tpf;fp mOjhs;@ “cdf;Nfdk;kh ce;j Ntiy. mg;gh jhd; epidj;jtw;iwj; jhd; nra;thh;. mth; nrhy;tjpYk; epahak; ,Uf;F. eP Cuitapd; fijiaf; Nfl;Lf; fijj;jJjhd; gpio. ehd; mtUld; fijf;f Ntz;lhk; vd;W $wf; $wf; Nfl;fhky; fijj;jPh;fs;. vkJ FLk;gk; ,e;j epiyf;F tu kfh fzgjpjhd; fhuznkd epidf;fpNwd;. ahUk; vijAk; nrhy;yl;Lk;. mg;gh vijAk; ed;whf vz;zp KbTfhZk; cWjpahd kdk; gilj;jth;. ahh; $wpdhYk; mjw;Ff; fl;Lg;gl;L elf;Fk; Ngijik cs;sth; my;yh;. mjdhy; tPzhf mOJ Jd;gg;gLtij tpl;L tpl;L Ntiyfisr; nra;Aq;fs;” vd;whs; ehkfs;. 910. vz;Nrh;e;j neQ;rj; jplDilahh;f;F vQ;Qhd;Wk; ngz;Nrh;e;J Mk; Ngijik ,y;.

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vijAk; ed;whf vz;zp KbT vLf;Fk; kd cWjp cs;sth;fSf;F kidtpapd; VtYf;Ff; fl;Lg;gl;L elf;Fk; Ngjik ,y;iy. jPikjUk; ,dpa nrhy;

jpBnud;W Jh;f;fhtpd; jfg;gdha; Neha;tha;g;gl;L tpl;lhh;. mtuJ epiyik kpfTk; Nkhrkhf ,Ue;jjhy; Jh;f;fh jdJ ngw;Nwhupd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;W tpl;lhs;. mtsJ rNfhjuu;fs; vy;NyhUk; ntspehl;bypUe;jjhy; ngw;Nwhh; jdpNa ,Ue;jdh;. Jh;f;fhtpd; je;ij ,uhrehafk; kaf;fkhd epiyapy; jdpahh; itj;jparhiy xd;wpy; mDkjpf;fg;gl;bUe;jhh;. gfypy; etuhrh Jh;f;fhtpd; tPl;by; jq;Fthd;. mq;fpUe;J itj;jpahriyf;F czT nfhz;L nry;thd;. ,utpy; czTg; nghjpAld; jdJ tPl;Lf;F tUthd;. mq;F ,uz;L eha;fs; epd;wd. Njhl;l Ntiyfs; eilngw;wd. mjw;fhd $ypg;gzk; nfhLj;jy;Ntz;Lk;. tptrha cw;gj;jpg; nghUl;fis tpw;wy; Ntz;Lk;. mJ mtDf;Fg; ngUk; Rikahf ,Ue;jJ. md;W gpw;gfy; ehd;F kzpf;F mtd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mtd; te;j rpy epkplq;fspy; mtdJ gf;fj;J tPl;Lf;fhupahd tre;jpdp mq;F te;jhs;. mtisj; Jh;f;fhTf;Fg; gpbg;gjpy;iy. mjdhy; mts; Jh;f;fhtpd; tPl;Lf;F tUtJ FiwT. te;jhYk; jdf;F Ntiyfs; ,Ug;gjhfr; nrhy;yp mtis mDg;gp tpLths; Jh;f;fh. xUehs; Jh;f;fh

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nrhd;dhs;@ “tre;jpdpapd; elj;ij rupapy;iy. vy;yh Mz;fSlDk; rpupj;Jr; rpupj;Jf; fijg;ghs;. ahuhtJ mtsJ Ngr;rpy; kaq;fpdhy; mth; ghL mNjhfjpjhd;. ,sikapYk; mtsJ tPl;by; gy Mz;fs; ,Ug;ghh;fs;. ,g;NghJk; mg;gbj;jhd;. Guprd; jdpahh; epWtdnkhd;wpy; ey;yNtiyapy; ,Uf;fpwhd;. mtd; fhiyapy; Nghdhy; ,uTjhd; tUthd;. tre;jpdpia tpl me;j epWtdj;jpy; jhd; mtDf;Fg; ghrk; mjpfk;. mtid mts; jdJ iff;Fs; Nghl;L itj;jpUf;fpwhs;. mjdhy; mts; nrhy;tnjy;yhtw;iwAk; mtd; ek;Gthd;@ mj;Jld; mts; nrhy;Ywgb Nfl;ghd;. %d;W tUlq;fSf;F Kd; mtDk; mtSk; xU fUj;juq;Ff;Fr; nrd;wit. mq;f ahNuh xUtNdhL rpNdfpjkhfp tpl;lhs;. gpd; mtidj; jdJ fztdpd; cwtpdd; vd;W mioj;J te;J ,q;F fzdpf; fy;tp fw;f tpl;lhs;. ,uT gfnyy;yhk; mtNdhL Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; Rw;wpj; jpupe;jts;. mNjhL Guprdpd; Nkyhsh; mbf;fb te;J Nghthh;. %d;W gps;isfs; ,Uf;F. ,uz;L taJ te;jJfs;. ,tis epidf;f vdf;F tapw;iwg; Gul;Lk;. ePq;fs; mtSld; fijf;fhijq;Nfh” Jh;f;fh nrhd;d thh;j;ijfs; mtdJ fhjfspy;x ypj;jd. jLkhwpagb mtisg; ghh;j;jhd;@ “Jh;f;fhtpd; mg;ghTf;F ,g;NghJ vg;gb…?” vd;W Nfl;lhs; tre;jpdp.

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“ve;j khw;wKk; ,y;iy. ehis kWjpdk; mtUila gps;isfs; ntspehl;by; ,Ue;J tUfpwhh;fs;. mth;fs; te;jhy; vdf;Ff; nfhQ;rk; MWjyhf ,Uf;Fk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “cq;fSf;Fj;jhd; fiur;ry;. fisj;jpUf;fpwPu;fs; Nghyj; njupfpwpJ. NjePh; itj;Jj; jUfpNwd;” vd;w tre;jpdp mtdJ gjpiy vjph;ghuhJ rikayiwf;Fs; Eioe;jhs;. mts; cs;Ns nry;Yk; NghJ mtsJ Njhs; mtdJ Njhspy; curpaJ etuhrhTf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ@ “jw;nrayhf ,ijj; Jh;f;fh mwpe;jhy;” epidg;Ng gaj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ. nfq;fhjud; mtisg; gw;wpr; nrhd;dJ mtdJ fhjpy; xypj;jJ. “fztDf;F ebg;ghs; fl;lofh;f;Fr;; rpupg;ghs;. fz;zah;e;J Nghdhy; fyq;fplhky; mizg;ghs; jd; nray;fs; Kbe;jhy; mLj;jtiu epidg;ghs;. mLj;jtUk; fre;jhy; ,d;ndhUtu; kfpo;thh;.” “cq;fSf;Nfd; tPz;rpukk;. NjePh; vdf;F Ntz;lhk;. ePq;fs; Nghq;Nfh..” eLq;fpdhd; etuhrh. “Mgj;jpy; cjthjth;fs; maypy; ,Ug;gjhy; vd;d gad;?. ePq;fs; Fspj;Jtpl;L thUq;fs;” vd;whd; tre;jpdp.

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etuhrh gaj;Jld; Fspayiwf;Fr; nrd;whd;. rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; Fspay; miwf;fjT jl;lg;gl;lJ@ “ahuhf ,Uf;Fk;?” vd epidj;jthW fjitj; jpwe;jhd; etuhrh. tre;jpdp thrypy; JthAld; epd;whs;. eturh jLkhwpdhd;. mtdplk; Jthiaf; nfhLf;Fk; NghJ mtdJ ifiaAk; Nrh;j;Jg; gpbj;jhs; tre;jpdp. Fspj;J tpl;L te;j etuhrhTf;Fj; NjePh; nfhz;L te;jhs; tre;jpdp. mtsJ rl;ilapd; Nky; njsp xd;W fod;wpUe;J mtsJ khh;gpd; nghypitf; fhl;baJ. mts; NjePu; nfhLf;Fk; NghJ mtsJ cly; nky;y mtdJ cYld; curpaJ. “rup ePq;fs; Nghq;Nfh> ehd;…” jLkhwpdhd; etuhrh. “Vd; gae;J eLq;FfpwPu;fs;? Fspj;j cq;fsJ cly; tpah;f;fpwJ. vd;d rhg;ghL nfhz;L te;jPh;fs;?” md;nghOff; Nfl;lhs; tre;jpdp. “ghz;jhd; nfhz;L te;jdhd;. Jh;f;fhTf;F rupahd Ntiy” vd;whd; etuhrh. “itj;jparhiyf;Fk; nrd;W tPl;ilAk; ftdpf;f KbahJ. tPl;by; gpl;Lk; fwpAk; ,Uf;F. nfhz;L tUfpNwd;. Jh;f;fhthy; rikg;gJ f\;lk;. mjdhy; vkJ tPl;bw;F

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te;J rhg;gpLq;Nfh. Ntiynra;Ak; cq;fSf;Fr; rhg;ghL rupapy;yh tpl;lhy; clk;G nfl;LtpLk;” vd;W fijj;jthW ele;jhs; tre;jpdp. mg;NghJ fN[e;jpud; mq;F te;jhd;. tre;jpdp mq;fpUe;J nry;tijf; fz;lJk; mtd; nrhd;dhd;@ “Jh;f;fh mf;fh ,y;yhj Neuq;fspy; ,tis tPl;by; mz;lf; $lhJ. Cuth; xUkhjpupahff; fijg;ghh;fs;. Jh;f;fh mf;fhTld; tPz; gpur;rpidg;glNtz;b tUk;. mts; jdJ Guprid tpl;L tpl;L ,d;ndhUtDld; Ch; Rw;Wgts;. J}u ,lq;fSf;Ff; $lr;nrd;W jq;fp thwts;. Ch;f; Nfhapy;fSf;F kl;Lky;y J}u ,lq;fspy; cs;s Nfhapy;fSf;Fk; mtDld; nrd;W ,uT jq;fp tUgts;. ftdk;. mt;tsT jhd; ehd; nrhy;Ntd;. mayth; fSlDk; ez;gh;fSlDk; md;ghfj;jhd; ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,ts; md;G fhuzkhf ahiuAk; tpUk;Gtjpy;iy. nghUs; fhuzkhfj;jhd; tpUk;Gths;. mj;jifa tpiy kfspd; ,dpa nrhy; jPikiaj; jhd; jUk;. jdJ fhupaj;jpw;fhfj; jpl;lkpl;L kpfkpf ,dpikahfg; Ngrp Ml;fis kaf;Ftjpy; ty;yts;. mJrup ,uhrehafk; mz;izf;F vg;gb…? mijf;Nfl;fj;jhd; te;jdhd;” “cs;s khjpupj;jhd;. taJk; Ngha;tpl;lJ” vd;whd; etuhrh. mjd; gpd; fN[e;jpud; rpwpJ Neuk; fijj;J tpl;Lr; nrd;whd;.

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fN[e;jpud; nrd;wJk; tre;jpdp rhg;ghl;Lld; te;jhs;. 911. md;gpd; tpioahh; nghUs;tpioAk; Ma;njhbahh; ,d;nrhy; ,Of;Fj; jUk;.

md;G fhuzkhf xUtid tpUk;ghky; mtdJ nghUs; fhuzkhf tpUk;Gfpd;w nghJ kfsph; NgRfpd;w ,dpikahd thh;j;ijfs; Jd;gj;ijNa nfhLf;Fk;.

nghUspd; msT

“,ts; ahiuAk; md;G fhuzkhf tpUk;Gtjpy;iy. jdJ Njit fhuzkhfj; jhd; tpUk;Gths;. mtspd; ,dpikahd Ngr;R cdf;Fj; jPuhj Jd;gj;ijNa jUk;” vd;W fN[e;jpud; $wpa thh;j;ijfs; mtdp;d; fhJfspy; xypj;jJ. “,tspd; Nghf;F kpfTk; NkhrkhdJ. ,sk; tajpYk; ,ts; gyUld; $bj; jpupe;jts;. nghUs; $lf; nfhLg;gth;fSld; jhd; ,ts; kpfTk; md;ghfg; goFths;. ,sikf; fhyj;jpy; aNrhjud; vd;w Xh; ,isQd; ,tis tpUk;gpdtd;. mtd; Vio. ,tNshL $bj; jpupAk; ,isQh;fSld; mtd; el;ghfp mtspd; tPl;Lf;Fg; gyKiw nrd;Ws;shd;. mtsplk; tUk; ,isQh;fs; mtSf;F mbf;fb gupRg; nghUl;fs; nfhLg;ghh;fs;. ghtk; aNrhjud;. mtdhy;vijAk; nfhLf;f Kbatpy;iy.

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mj;Jld; mts; xt;nthUtNuhLk; goFk; tpjj;ijg; ghh;j;J mtd; jhdhf tpyfpf; nfhz;lhd;. ,tNshL gofpa gyh; ntspehLfSf;Fr; nrd;W tpl;ldh;. Mdhy; ,g;NghJk; mtSf;F mth;fSld; njhlh;gpUf;fpwJ. ,g;NghJk; mth;fs; gupRg; nghUl;fis mDg;gpf; nfhz;bUf;fpwhh;fs;. nrd;w thuk; te;j xUtd; ,tSf;Fj; jq;fr; rq;fpypAk; ,tsJ gps;isfSf;F tpiyAah;e;j cLgpilitfSk; nfhLj;J tpl;Lr; nrd;wtd;. mj;Jld; ,ts; filf;fhuf; nfq;fhjuDld; el;ghf ,Ue;jts;. mtd; ,tSf;F nfhLj;J nfhLj;J mope;J tpl;lhd;. gpd; mtid tpl;L tpl;L mtdJ ikj;Jdidg; gpbj;jts;. rupahd Ml;lf;fhup. fpilf;ff;$ba nghUl;fspd; msTf;Nfw;g ,dpa nrhw;fisg; NgRths;. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; ,tis tPl;by; mDkjpg;gjpy;iy” Jh;f;fh nrhd;dij epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. tre;jpdp rhg;ghl;L miwapy; nfhz;L nrd;W czit itj;J tpl;Lr; nrhd;dhs;@ “Rlr; Rlr; rhg;gpl;lhy; jhd; Ritahf ,Uf;Fk;. te;J rhg;gpLq;Nfh” “vdf;Fg; grpf;ftpy;iy. ePq;fs; itj;J tpl;Lg; Nghq;Nfh..” vd;whd; etuhrh. mtDf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ@ “ahuhtJ te;J fz;L tpl;lhy; gpd; Jh;f;fhtplk; jg;g KbhahJ. ,ts; Vd; ,q;F te;jhs;? jdpahf Xh; Mz;kfd; ,Uf;Fkplj;jpw;F md;dpag;ngz;fs; tuf;$lhJ vd;W ,tSf;Fj; njupahjh…?

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,tspd; elj;ijiag; ghh;j;jhy; Cutu;fs; nrhy;tJ rup” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. “rhg;ghl;ilf; Nfhg;igapy; vLj;J itj;J tpl;Nld; te;J rhg;gpLq;fs;” vd;whs; tre;jpdp. mijf; Nfl;f etuhrhTf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ. Kd;G xU Kiw ,stJ %j;j kfd; etuhrhtplk; te;J fijj;J tpl;Lg; Nghdhd;. mijf; fz;l fjpNurd; nrhd;dhh;@ “etk;> Vd; tre;jpdpapd; kfd; cd;dplk; te;jhd;? eP ,g;NghJ trjpahf cs;sha;. cd;dplk; Nkhl;lhh; thfdq;fs; gy cz;L. ,yl;rf;fzf;fpy; gzk; Gus;fpwJ. mjdhy;jhd; mts;jdJ kfid cd;dplk; jpl;lkpl;L mDg;gpAs;shs;. gzk; tUk; NghJ ez;gh;fs; Nrh;thh;fs;@ tpgr;rhupfs; ,dpa thh;j;ij NgRthh;fs;. tre;jpdp khaf;fhup. ve;j Xh; MizAk; tisj;Jg; gpbj;J tpLths;. mtshy; mope;jth;fs; gyh;. nfq;fhjud; mope;jJ mtshy;jhd;. mts; nfq;fhjuDlDk; md;Gld; goFths;. mtdJ vjpupNahLk; mtDf;Fj; njupahky; neUf;fkhfg; goFths;. jdJ Njitf;fhf ahiuAk; fhl;bf; nfhLg;ghs;. nfq;fhjuid mtdJ tpahghu vjpupahd rptg;gpufhrj;jpw;Ff; fhl;bf; nfhLj;J ntFkjp ngw;wjhf kf;fs; fijf;fpd;wdh;. mjdhy; kwe;Jq; $l mtspd; tPl;Lg; gf;fk; nrd;W tplhNj. nrd;why; eP KUfidg; Nghyf; Nfhtzk; jhd; fl;l Ntz;ba epiy tUk;” etuhrh tre;jpdpiag; ghh;j;jhd;. mts; Nkhfdkhfr; rpupj;jhs;. mr; rpupg;G Jh;f;fhtpd;

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rpupg;ig tplf; fth;r;rpahf ,Ue;jJ. gpd; rhg;ghl;Lf; Nfhg;igiaf; nfhz;L te;j mtdplk; nfhLj;jhs;. mtd; rhg;ghl;L Nkirapy; ,Ue;J cz;zj; njhlq;fpdhd;. mts; mtdpd; mUNf te;J epd;whs;. mtsJ rl;il etuhrhtpd; Njhis curpaJ. gyuJ nrhw;fs; mtdJ fhjpy; xypj;j NghJk;> mtsJ rl;il curpa NghJ czh;Tfs; nky;y tpopj;jd. mtdJ ,lJif fjpiuf;F mUNf fPNo ,Ue;jJ. mjpy; tre;jpdpapd; Koq;fhypd; Nkw;gFjp Nyrhfg;gl;Lg; gpd; neUf;fkhfpaJ. mtdhy; rhg;gpl Kbatpy;iy. Jh;f;fh ,uz;L thu fhykhfg; ngw;Nwhupd; tPl;bypUe;jjhy; etuhrhthy; mtisj; njhl Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy; czh;Tfs; nghq;fpd. „nfq;fhjud; nrhd;dJ cz;ik‟ vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh

“mikjpnad;w ehkk; kdjpy; Gaiyf; fpog;gp kfpOk; moF nfhz;l tjdk; fhk Cw;iwg; ngUf;fp epw;Fk; fayha;j; Js;Sk; tpopfs; kdijr; Rzlb ,Of;Fk; nghype;J Ftpe;j ,lq;fs; er;R Cw;iwr; Rue;J ghAk;” vd;W nfq;fhjud; mtdJ fhJf;Fs; fpRfpRj;jhd;

“etuhrh@ fpilf;ff; $ba nghUspd; msTf;F Vw;g ,d;gj;ijj; jUk; tpiykfisj; jPz;lhNj‟ vd;W mtdJ cs;kdk; vr;rupj;jJ. mjdhy; mtd; Nahrpj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;> gpd;@ “ehd; ,uT tUtjhfj; Jh;f;fhTf;Fr; nrhd;ddhd;. NghfNtz;Lk;” vd;W Gwg;gl;lhd; etuhrh.

128

912. gad;J}f;fpg; gz;Gciuf;Fk; gz;gpy; kfsph; ead;J}f;fp es;sh tply;.

fpilf;ff; $ba nghUspd; msTf;F Vw;g ,dpa thh;j;ijfisf; $Wfpd;w gz;gw;w tpiy kfshy; tUk; ,d;gj;ij Muha;e;J ghh;j;J mtSld; Nruhky; tpl Ntz;Lk;.

gpzj;Jldhd cwT “,utpy; tPl;by; Mspy;yhky; ,Ue;jhy; jpUlh;fs; jkJ iftupiriaf; fhl;b tpLthh;fs;. Jh;f;fhtpd; jfg;gd; Neha;tha;g;gl;ljhy; Jh;f;fhTk; ePq;fSk; tPl;by; ,y;iynad;W vy;NyhUf;Fk; njupAk;. Mjyhy; jpUlh;fs; jpl;lkpl;Lj; jpULthh;fs;. ePq;fs; mq;F NghdhYk; gpd; te;J ,q;F gLq;Nfh. Jizf;F Ms; Njitahdhy; vdJ gps;isfis mDg;GfpNwd;” vd;whs; tre;jpdp. etuhrhthy; vJTk; NgrKbatpy;iy epkph;e;J ghh;j;jhd;. mtsJ Nkw;rl;ilapd; ,uz;lhtJ njwpAk; fod;wpUe;jJ. mtdJ fz;fs; Nkhfj;Jld; me;j ,lj;ij nkha;f;f czh;Tfs; Mh;g;gupj;jd. “tPl;Lf;F Vd; NghfpwPu;fs;? VjhtJ mtrukh…?” ,dpikahff; Nfl;lhs; tre;jpdp. mtDf;F vd;d gjpy; $wtnjd;Nw Njhd;wtpy;iy. mjdhy; jLkhwpdhd;.

129

“Ngrhky; gLq;Nfh..” vd;whs; tre;jpdp. etuhrh nky;y mUfpy; te;jhd;. mts; mtd; kPJ cuhrpdhs;. iffs; mbf;fb Kl;b tpyfpd. mts; mtdJ ifiag; gpbj;jhs;. “kdpjd; moptjw;Ff; fhuzpahdtw;Ws; Kf;fpakhdJ tpiykhjh;fspd; njhlh;G. tre;jpdpapd; fztd; ey;y ciog;ghsp@ RWRWg;ghdtd;@ gyrhyp@ mg;gbapUe;Jk; mts; Vd; gpw Mlth;fis tisj;Jg; NghLfpwhs; vd;W epidj;Jg; ghh;. vy;yhk; nghUs; t#ypg;gjw;fhfj;jhd;. nfq;fhjud; mtisNa jQ;rnkd;wpUe;jtd;. jdJ nrhj;Jf;fisnay;yhk; mtSf;Ff; nfhLj;jtd;. mtisNa jQ;rnkd;wpUe;jjhy; mtdhy; njhopiyf; ftdpf;f Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy; njhopy;fisf; ftdpf;fhJ tpl;L tpl;lhd;. tpiy khe;jh;fSf;Fg; nghUs;jhd; Kf;fpak;. nghUspy;yhjtidj; jkJ thrYf;Ff; $l vLf;f khl;lhh;fs;. mjdhy; nfq;fhjud; kPjpUe;j gw;W mtSf;Ff; Fiwa Muk;gpj;J tpl;lJ. mjdhy; mtid mts; ntWj;jhs;. mtspd; kPJ gpj;Jg; gpbj;;j nfq;fhjud; mtsJ tPl;Lf;F mbf;fb Ngha; te;jhd;. xUehs; mtd; nrd;w NghJ tPl;by; ahUkpy;iy. ntspg;gliy G+l;bapapUe;jJ. mts; mtDld; $bapUf;Fk; NghJ ntspg;gliyiag; G+l;b tpLths;. vdNt cs;Nsjhd; mts; ,Uf;fpwhs; vd epidj;j nfq;fhjud; ntspNa kiwe;jpUe;jhd;. rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; mts; te;J ntspf;fjitj; jpwe;jhs;. mtidf; fz;lJk; mts; jpifj;Jg;

130

Nghdhs;. cs;Ns ,d;ndhUtd; ,Ue;jhd;. toikahfj; jd;NdhL cwT nfhs;Sk; NghJ nra;tijNa mts; nra;Js;shnsd epidj;J md;Wld; mtis tpl;L tpl;lhd;.” vd;W fjpNurd; $wpaJ mtdJ fhjpy; Nfl;l NghJk; czh;Tfs; nghq;fp naOe;jd. xUehs; nfq;fhjud; Fbj;J tpl;Lr; nrhd;dhd;@ “tre;jpdp tpgr;rhup. mtSf;F Mz;fSld; goFtJ my;th rhg;gph;w khjpup. ehd; gy ngz;fSld; gofpdhd;. tpgr;rhupfs; gpzq;fSf;Fr; rkkhdth;fs;. tpgr;rhupfs; jk; kdjpy; Vw;fdNt jpl;lkpl;L itj;jpUg;gij epiwNtw;Wk; vz;zj;jpy; ,Ug;ghh;fNs jtpu cz;ikahd md;Gld; jOt khl;lhh;fs;. cwTf;F md;G> ghrk;> gw;W kpFe;jpUj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,ij ehk; kidtpaplk; jhd; vjph;ghh;f;fyhk;. nghUSf;fhf tpgr;rhupfs; ngha;ahd jOtiyj;jhd; jOTthh;fs;. Vndd;why; ehd; jOT Kd; mtisg; gyh; jOtpapUg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; ehd; vg;nghOJ nghUs; jUNtd;> vd;d nghUs; jUNtd; vd;w rpe;jidapy; mts; ,Ug;gjhy; mtsJ jOtypy; czu;Tfs; ,uhJ. mtisj; jOTtJ ,Ul;liwapy; xU gpzj;ijj; jOTtJ NghyNt ,Ue;jJ” mtd; Nahrpj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;ifapy; tre;jpdp mtidj; jOtp Kj;jkpl;lhs;. “Kd;Ng ehd; cq;fs; kPJ fhjy; nfhz;Ljhd; vdJ kfidg; gyKiw mDg;gpNdd;. ePq;fs; tutpy;iy. cq;fisf;

131

fz;l ehs; Kjy; ehd; cq;fis mila Ntz;Lnkd;W epidj;Njq;fpNdd;. mjdhy; jhd; ,d;W ,q;F te;Njd;. ,d;Wjhd; ey;y Neuk; $baJ” vd;W Kdfpdhs; tre;jpdpd. rpy epkplq;fspd; gpd;@ “ehd; tUfpNwd;” vd;W $wp etuhrhtpd; fd;dj;jpy; Kj;jkpl;L tpl;Lr; nrd;whs; tre;jpdp. etuhrhTf;Fj; Jf;fkhf ,Ue;jJ. czh;Tfs;mj;JkPwpajhy; Vw;gl;l cwit epidf;f mtDf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ@ “nfq;fhjud;nrhd;dJ Nghy czh;Tfspy;yhj mts; gpzk; NghyNt ,Ue;jhs;. ve;jtpjkhd ,d;gKk; mtDf;Ff; fpilf;ftpy;iy. ,Ul;liwapy; gpzj;Jld; $bapUe;j epidg;G mtDf;F te;J mUtUg;ig Cl;baJ. “cz;iknad;W ek;gp cs;sk; nghq;f mizj;jhy; cs;snjy;yhk; NghFk; ctif Jauha; khWk; Jd;gk; flyha;r; NrUk; Njfk; nkype;J thLk; kdKk; Kwpe;J NghFk; kq;fyq;fs; mopAk;” nfq;fhjud; $wpaJ etuhrhtpd; fhJfypy; xypj;jJ. ngU%r;Rtpl;lhd; etuhrh.

913. nghUl;ngz;bh; ngha;k;ik Kaf;fk; ,Ul;Lmiwapy; Vjpy; gpzk;joP, aw;W.

132

nghUis kl;Lk; tpUk;Gk; nghJ kfspupd; ngha;ahd jOty;> ,Ul;liwapy;> njhlh;gpy;yhj xU gpzj;ijj; jOtpdhw; Nghd;wJ.

mw;gkhd ,d;gk;

fhiy czTld; fjpNurd; etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhh;. mtiuf; fz;l etuhrh nrhd;dhd;@ “taJ Nghd Neuj;jpy; cq;fSf;Nfd; ce;j Ntiy. vdf;F ehiye;J tPLfspypUe;J fhiyr; rhg;ghL te;jpUf;F. Rg;gpukzpak; nfhz;L te;jhd;. ypq;Nf];tup mDg;gpapUe;jhs;. ePq;fs; nfhz;L te;jpUf;fpwpas;.” fjpNurd; rpupj;jhh;@ “ngj;j kdk; gLk; Jaiu eP tPl;Lf;F te;jhy; jhd; czh;tha;. Jh;f;fh nrd;w gpd;G nfhk;kh gh;w ghL…. mijg; nghWf;Nfyhjjhiy jhd; ehd; fhiyr; rhg;ghl;il thq;fpf; nfhz;L te;jdhd;. ,dpNky; eP tPl;il te;J rhg;gpL” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “rikg;gjw;nfd Ms; ,Uf;F. Rg;gpukzpak; nfhz;L tUthd;. cs;s NtiyfSs; ehd; jpdKk; tPl;Lf;F tuKbANk…?” mg;nghOJ tre;jpdp tPl;Ls; ,Ue;J ntspNa te;jhs;. mtisf; fz;lJk; fjpNurd; jpLf;fpl;lhh;. etuhrhtpd; cly; tpah;j;jJ.

133

tre;jpdp mtd; gLf;ifahy; vOk;GKd; te;J tpl;lhs;. mtisg; ghh;f;f mtdhy; Kbatpy;iy. mts; $r;rkpy;yhJ te;J mtDf;F mUfpy; ,Ue;jhs;. “eP Vd; ,q;Nf te;jha;? Rg;gpukzpak; ,g;Ngh tUthd;…” vd;W mtd; $Wk; NghJ tre;jpdp FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhs;@ “vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; cq;fSf;Fg; gak;..” vd;wthW neUq;fpapUe;J fd;dj;jpy; Kj;jkpl;lhs;. “mf;fk; gf;fj;jth; ghh;j;jhy;fiur;ry;. gf;fj;J tPl;by; ,Uf;Fk; re;jpuh Mrpupia fz;lhy; NghJk; iffhnyy;yhk; itj;Jf; fijg;gh” vd;W etuhrh nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. mts; mifj; fhjpy; thq;fpf; nfhs;shJ rikayiwf;Fr; nrd;W NjePh; jahupg;gjw;fhf mLg;ig %l;bdhs;. mg;NghJ Rg;gpukzpak; mq;F RLePh;g;Nghj;jYld; te;jhd;@ “New;W %thapuk; &ghTf;F thiof;Fiy tpw;Nwd;. ntz;fhaj;jpw;Ff; fpUkp ehrpdp njspj;jdhd;..” vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jtd; fijg;gij epWj;jptpl;Lr; rikyiwiag; ghh;j;jhd;. gpd; Nfl;lhd;@ “mk;kh te;jpl;lhth…?” etuhrhTf;F tpah;j;jJ@ “,y;iy tre;jpdp…” vd;W mtd; thh;j;ijia Kbf;FKd; Rg;gpukzpak; nrhd;dhd;@ “jk;gP ePh;

134

ey;y FLk;gj;ijr; Nrh;e;jth;@ ey;yth;. jg;gpj;jtwpf;$l mtspd; epoy; $l ck;kpy; glf;$lhJ. ,tshy; mope;jth;fs; gyh;. ,ts; tPl;Lf;F te;jij mwpe;jhy; Jh;f;fh mk;kh tPl;il tpl;Nl Ngha; tpLth. ,tis Vd; tPl;bd; cs;Ns tpl;Bh;fs;. mUshfpa rpwe;j nghUis Muha;e;J> ey;y topapy; elg;gth;fs;> nghUs; xd;iwNa jdJ eykhf vz;Zk; nghJkfd;Uk; mw;gkhd ,d;gj;ij kdjhy; $l tpUk;gkhl;lhh;fs;. ePq;fs; ey;yth;@ xOf;fkhdth;. ,dpNky; ,tis tPl;by; mz;lhjPh;fs;” vd;W $wptpl;Lr; nrd;whd;. “njupahj;jdkhfg; gpzj;Jld; cwT nfhz;L tpl;Nld;” vd;W epidf;f etuhrhTf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. mj;Jld; fjpNurd; mtisf; fz;L tpl;lhh;@ “mth; ,dp vd;ndd;d $wg;Nghfpd;whNuh” vd;W epidj;Jg; gae;jhd; etuhrh. “tre;jpiag; ngz; vd;W epidf;fNt KbahJ. ngz;fs; mr;rk;> klk;> ehzk;> gaph;g;G vd;gd cs;sth;fshf ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; tre;jpdpf;F ,it vJTNk ,y;iy. mjdhy; Kjy; Kjypy; mts; ahiuahtJ fz;lhYk; mjw;F Kd;G gofpath;fisg; NghyNt ele;J nfhs;ths;. ehd; fpU\;dh Mrpupaupd; kidtpapd; jq;ifapd; jpUkzj;jpw;F khiy Neuk; jhd; nrd;Nwd;. mq;Nf tre;jpdp ,Ue;jhs;. vd;idr; rhg;gpLkhW Nfl;lhs;. ehd; rhg;gpl mkh;e;j NghJ mts; vdf;F mUfpy; te;jkh;e;J jdJ

135

fhyhy; vd;idj; jl;bdhs” nfq;fhjud; nrhd;d thh;j;ijfs; mtdJ fhjpy; xypj;jJ. Kd;G mijf; nfq;fhjud; $wpa NghJ “,g;gb xU ngz; elg;ghsh..? nfq;fhjud; tre;jpdpapd; kPJs;s msT fle;j Nfhgj;jhy; mtisg; gopthq;Ftjw;fhff; $Wfpwhd;” vd;Nw epidj;jhd;. mjdhy; mtd; $wpatw;iw mtd; ,Jtiu ek;gtpy;iy. Mdhy; ,uT tre;jpdp jd;Dld; ele;J nfhz;l Kiwapy; ,Ue;J nfq;fhjud; $wpa midj;Jk; cz;ik vd;gij czh;e;J nfhz;lhd;. “ngz;fs; ,g;gbAk; elg;ghh;fsh..?” mtDf;F ek;gf; f\;lkhf ,Ue;jJ. 914. nghUl;nghUshh; Gd;eyk; Njhahh; mUl;nghUs; MAk; mwptp dth;.

nghUs; xd;iwNa nghUshff; nfhz;l nghJkfspupd; fPohd ,d;gj;ij> mUshfpa rpwe;j nghUis MuhAk; mwpTilNahh; tpUk;gkhl;lhh;fs;.

nghJthd ,d;gk; fjpNurd; etuhrhitg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;. mtuJ nksdk; etuhrhitg; gaKWj;jpaJ. kdjpy; Fw;wkpUe;jjhy; mtd; msTf;fjpfkhfg; gag;gl;lhd;. “maypy; ,Ug;gJ ve;jf; FbahdhYk; mf;FbNahL md;Gld; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lnkd;W

136

ngupath;fs; nrhy;tJ rhjpiaf; Fwpj;Jj; jhd;. cyfpy; cs;s ve;jr; rhjpf; Fbnad;whYk; maypy; ,Ue;jhy; mth;fSld; Nrh;e;J tho Ntz;Lk;. Mdhy; Ntshsf; FbahdhYk; mJ tpgr;rhuf; FLk;gkhdhy; mij xjf;fpNa itj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. ,ts; r%fj;jpd; Neha;. may; tPL vd;W mtSk;> gf;fj;J tPl;Lf;fhup vd;W ePAk; epidg;gij maypy; cs;sth;fs; Vw;fkhl;lhh;fs;. Vndd;why;mwpTs;sth;fs; nghUs; nfhLf;fpd;w vy;NyhUf;Fk; nghJthd ,d;gk; jUfpd;w tpiy khjupd; ,ope;j njhlh;ig xUNghJk; tpUk;g khl;lhh;fs;. mts; ,yl;Rkp flhl;rk; cs;s ve;j tPl;by; fhyb vLj;J itj;jhYk; mt;;tPl;Ls; KNjtp FbNawp tpLths;. mts; ,d;W cdJ tPl;by; fhyb vLj;J itj;jpUf;fpwhs;> ,dp vd;ndd;d tpguPjq;fs; elf;fg; Nghfpd;wdNth njupatpy;iy” fyq;fpdhh;; fjpNurd;. “ehd;mtspd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;ytpy;iy. mtis tUk;gb $wTk; ,y;iy. fhiyapy; mtshf te;J NjePu; itj;Jj; jUfpNwd; vd;whs;…” “eP tpl;bUf;ff; $lhJ. ey;y Fbapy; gpwe;jth;fs; ViofshdhYk; ey;y topapy;jhd; elg;ghh;fs;. NtYg;gps;isapd; kidtpjhNd cdJ tPl;Lf;Fr; rikg;gjw;F tUgts;. mts; ,g;nghOJ jdJ fztidj; jhNd fhiyapYk; khiyapYk; mDg;Gfpwhs;. mtd; te;J tPLthry;fisf; $l;bj; Jg;guT nra;fpwhd;. Rg;gpukzpak; NjePiur; RLePh;g;

137

Nghj;jypy; nfhz;L te;J jUfpwhd;. Vd; njupAkh….? “ngz;fSk; nfhbfSk; mUfpy; ,Ug;gijf; nfhOnfhk;ghf epidj;Jg; glu Muk;gpj;J tpLk;..” vd;W gQ;r je;jpuk; vd;w E}y; $WfpwJ. ngz;fs; Mz;fSld; jdpikapy; $bapUe;J goff; $lhJ. mth;fs; jw;nrayhfj; njhLtJ cuRtJ Nghy elg;ghh;fs;. me;jj; jw;fhypf ,d;gk; gpd; Njitahf khwp tpLk;. tre;jpdp nfl;Lg; Nghtjw;F fhuzkhf ,Ue;jJ mtsJ jhahh;jhd;. tPl;by; Njitapy;yhj Mz;fis mz;lf; $lhJ. mts; fd;dpahf ,Ue;j fhyj;jpy; Vuhskhd Mz;fs; mtsJ tPl;Lf;F tUthh;fs;. jpUkzkhd gpd; mtsJ fztd; mtisNa fjpnad;W tho;e;jhd;. mtid mts; vy;yh topfspYk; jpUg;jpg;gLj;jp jdJ fl;Lg;ghl;Lf;Fs; itj;jpUf;fpwhs;. mtd; rPuhf ele;jhy; mts; nfl;bUf;f khl;lhs;. ,e;j Cupy; NtW ve;jg; ngz; gpw Mz;fSld; thfdj;jpy; nry;fpwhs;. gbj;jtd;@ ngupa epWtdnkhd;wpy; flik Gupgtd;jhd; tPl;by; ,Ue;J nfhz;L ,d;ndhUtupd; thfdj;jpy; mtis mDg;Gfpwhd;. mJjhd; guthapy;iy mtd;jhd; NghFk; epfo;TfSf;Fk; mtis mtdpd; thfdj;jpy; jhNd mDg;Gfpwhd;. ,ij epidf;f vdf;F mUtUg;ghf ,Uf;F. gbf;fhj ghkuh;fs; $l mg;gb elf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. mts; te;jhy; nrhy;Y. „,dpNky; ,q;Nf tuNtz;lhnkd;W.‟ Kl;nrb kukhf tsh;tjw;F Kd; ntl;btply; Ntz;Lk;. Kjph;e;j gpwF ntl;baopg;gJ kpfTk; f\;lk;. ifiag;

138

Gz;zhf;Fk;@ tpijfisr; nrhupe;jpUf;Fk;.” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “ehd; tur;nrhy;ytpy;iy……” vd;W etuhrh $Wk; NghJ fjpNurd; Nfhgkhfr; nrhd;dhh;@ “mJ vdf;Fj; njupAk;. eP Vd; mtis tUkhW $Wfpwha;. mts; jhd; cd;idg; gpbg;gjw;fhf te;jpUg;ghs;. Vw;fdNt mts; gyiug; gpbj;jts;. Kd;G fztNdhL vq;Nfh nrd;wts;. mq;F xUtid gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L te;J ,q;Fs;sth;fSf;F mtd; Gup\dpd; ,dj;jtd; vd;W $wp ,uTk; gfYk; mtNdhL jpupe;jts;. tpiy khjh;fs; jkJ thbf;ifahh;fisf; fhZk; NghJ mth;fs; jhd; jkJ capUf;Fapuhd fhjyh;fs; vd;W $wp kaf;Fthh;fs;. me;je;j Neuj;jpw;Nfw;w khjpup Nt\k; NghLtjpy; mth;fs; ty;yth;fs;. jkJ fhupak; ghh;g;gjw;fhf mth;fs; vijAk; nra;thh;fs;. mth;fis ek;gp elg;gth;fs; jhd; kilah;fs;. cd;dhy; mtSf;Fr; nrhy;y Kbahtpl;lhy; nrhy;Y ehd; Ngha;r;nrhy;yp tpl;L tUfpNwd;.” vd;W vOe;jhh; fjpNurd;. “Ntz;lhk; mg;G> ehd; nrhy;fpNwd;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “rup $ba rPf;fpuk; nrhy;. ehiye;J juk; mts; te;jhNsahdhy; Nt&d;wp tpLths;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. 915. nghJeyj;jhh; Gd;eyk; Njhahh; kjpeyj;jpd; khz;l mwptp dth;.

139

,aw;ifahd mwpthy; Muha;e;J

mwpe;Njhh;> nghUs; nfhLg;gth;fs; vy;NyhUf;Fk; nghJth ,d;gj;ijf; nfhLf;Fk;. nghJ kfspupd; ,ope;j njhlh;ig xU NghJk; tpUk;gkhl;lhh;.

,ope;j Rfk; “ehd; mtis ,dpNky; ,q;F tuNtz;lhnkd;W nrhy;fpNwd; ePq;fs; Nghq;Nfh. ehd; cq;fspd; Ngud;. jtwhd topfspy; elf;f khl;Nld;. Kd;G ehd; jtWfs; nra;Ak; NghJ ePq;fs; mwpTiufs;; nrhd;dPh;fs;. mij ehd; Nfl;L ele;Njd;. jd;Rfk; xd;iwNa fUj;jpw; nfhz;L gytPdkhdth;fis mbikg;gLj;jp mth;fsplkpUe;J jpl;lkpl;Lj; jhd; mth;fSf;F ed;ik nra;tJ Nghy ele;J mth;fisf; fOj;jWf;Fk; tre;jpdp Nghd;Nwhupd; grg;G thh;j;ijfis ek;gp ehd; Nkhrk; Nghf khl;Nld;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “Nguh. cd;dpy; vdf;Fg; G+uz ek;gpf;if cz;L. ehd; Njhspy; J}f;fp tsh;j;j gps;is eP. eP jtW nra;a khl;lha; vd;gJ vdf;Fj; njupAk;. Mdhy; mts; gaq;fukhdts;. mtsJ rupj;jpuj;ij Muha;e;J ghh;j;jhy; jhd; mjd; jhh;g;gupak; njupAk;. mts; Kw;Wk; Jwe;j Kdpth;fisNa KOikahf tpOq;ff; $bats;. rpupj;Jg;

140

Ngrpdhshdhy; Kd;dhy; epw;gtupd; rpe;ij Fok;gp tpLk;. mJkl;Lky;y Cutu;fs; vtUk; mtis kjpg;gjpy;iy. mtsJ ,uj;j cwtpdh;fNs Kd;G mtSf;Fg; Ngrpa jpUkzq;fisf; Fog;gpdhh;fs;. mtsJ FLk;gj;jpdNuhL mtsJ ,dj;jth;fs; ahUk; cwT itg;gjpy;iy. ey;yJ nfl;ljw;Ff; $l mth;fsJ rigapy; cwtpdh;fs; mkh;e;J cztUe;Jtjpy;iy. Cuth;fisAk; mayth;fisAk; mts; fyfyg;ghfg; Ngrpj; jdf;Fr; rhjfkhd th;fshf itj;jpUf;fg; ghh;f;fpwhs;. Mdhy; Kbatpy;iy. cdJ tPl;Lf;F mts; te;J cdf;Fj; NjePu; itj;Jj; je;jij Cuhh; mwpe;jhy; cd;idf; Nftykhf epidg;ghh;fs;. mjdhy; jhd; nrhy;fpNwd;. eP mtsJ Fzq;fs; ahTk; njupe;jdP. mj;Jd; eP mtsJ fztdpd; ez;gd;. mtd; kpfTk; ey;ytd;. ed;ik jPik mwpahjtd;@ vy;NyhiuAk; ey;yth;fshf ek;Ggtd;. mtd; njhopy;nra;Akplj;jpy; ey;y ngaNuhLk; GfNohLk; ,Uf;fpwhd;;. “jd;id ek;Gfpwtdpd; kidtpia tpUk;gp mtspd; Njhs;fisj; jOTgtd; capNuhL tho;e;jhYk; mtd; ,we;jtNd Mthd;” vd;W ngupath;fs; $wpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. gpwUila kidtpia kdj;jhy; $l epidf;fhky; ,Ug;gJ Mz;ikAk; xOf;fKk; MFk;. mts; ,d;ndhUtdpd; kidtp vd;gij eP vg;NghJk; epidtpy; itj;Jf; nfhs;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “mg;G> ehd; ey;nyhOf;fk; kpFe;jtd;. filrp tiuAk; jk; mofpy; fh;tk; nfhz;L

141

,ope;j Rfj;ij tpw;Fk; tre;jpdp Nghd;w tpiy kfspd; Njhs;fisj;jOt khl;Nld;.” vd;whd; etuhrh. fjpNurd; Gwg;gl;Lr; nrd;whh;. mth; nrd;w gpd;G nfq;fhjud; mq;F te;jhd;. mtd; mq;f tUk; NghJ ed;whff; Fbj;jpUe;jhd;. mtd; etuhrhtpd; ez;gd;@ ek;gpf;iff;Fupatd;. “th nfq;fh> eP msTf;fjpfkhff; Fbj;jpUf;fpwha;. cdf;F ey;y kidtp tha;j;jpUf;fpwhs;. mwpthd gps;isfs; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. mg;gb ,Uf;f ,e;j tp\j;ij Vd; Fbf;fpwha;? jaT nra;J ,e;jf; Fbia tpL” “ehd; Fbg;gjpy;iy@ vkJ guk;giuapy; ahUk; Fbj;jjpy;iy. kpfTk; xOf;f khfTk; ey;y KiwapYk; tho;e;J nfhz;bUe;j vd;Dila tho;f;ifapy; tre;jpdp FWf;fpl;lhs;….?” mOjhd; nfq;fhjud;@ “mts; mofp> kpfg;ngupa mofp. jhd; jhd; mofp vd;w fh;tk; mtSf;F msTf;F mjpfkhf ,Uf;fpwJ. me;j moFf;F ehd; mbikahfp tpl;Nld;. mjdhy; mtNs jQ;rnkd;wpUe;Njd;. xUehs; mts; filf;F te;jhs; “,d;W tPl;Lf;F thUq;fs;” vd;W nrhd;dhs;. mtSld; Kd;Ng cwT nfhz;ltd; ehd;. vd;Dila kidtpia tplr; rfy topfspYk; ve;NeuKk; xj;Jiog;G toq;Fths; tre;jpdp. tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;w NghJ@ tPl;by; ,Ue;j kJitf; “FbAq;fs;” vd;W je;jhs;.

142

mtSf;fhf md;W Fbj;j Fbia vd;dhy; ,d;Wk; tpl Kbatpy;iy. ey;y kdpjh;fs;> fw;wth;fs;> xof;fj;ij tpUk;Ggth;fs;> jkJ kidtpiaj; jtpu NtW ahiuAk; jOtf;$lhJ. mts; fhR nfhLf;Fk; vy;NyhUf;Fk; jd; eyj;ijf; tpw;ghs;. tre;jpdp mofp@ Nguofp. cdJ may; tPl;lf;fhup. Jh;f;fh jw;NghJ cdJ tPl;by; ,y;iy. mijg; gad;gLj;jp cd;idf; nfLf;f tUths;. jd; mofpy fh;tq; nfhz;L cd;id kaf;fyhnkd tUths; mtis mbj;Jf; fiy” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. 916. jk;eyk; ghupg;ghh; Njhahh; jifnrUf;fpg; Gd;eyk; ghupg;ghh; Njhs;.

jk; mofhy; fh;tk; nfhz;L ,opthd Rfj;ij tpw;Fk; nghJ kfspupd; Njhis> ey;nyhOf;fj;ijg; Nghw;Wk; rhd;Nwhh; jOtkhl;lhh;.

xOf;fkpy;yhjtNu “Cupy; cs;s vtUk; tre;jpdpia kjpg;gjpy;iy. Mdhy; mtisf; fz;lJk;> “mts; xU ngupa cj;jpNahffhudpd; kidtp” vd;W kjpg;ghh;fs;. mtsJ cwtpdu;fSk; kjpg;gjpy;iy. Mdhy; mtsJ fztDk; fztdJ cwtpdh;fSk; mtisj; nja;tkhf kjpg;ghh;fs;. mts; xU ifNjh;e;j kh[h[hyf;fhup. Guprdpd; jfg;gd; jhiaf; flTshf kjpg;gjhf ebg;ghs;. GuprdJ

143

rNfhjuu;fsJ ey;y nfl;l epfo;Tfspy; jd;id Kf;fpag;gLj;jpf; nfhs;ths;. mtsJ kaf;F thh;j;ijfSf;F mbgzpahjth;fs; ahUkpy;iy. mtsJ GuprdJ jq;ifapd; jpUkzj;jpw;F ehd; jhd; Kwpe;Njd;. rfy Vw;ghLfisAk; ehd; jhd; ftdpj;Njd;. mtspd; ebg;ghy; vd;id mth;fs; me;jf; FLk;gj;jtdhfNt vz;zpg; gofpdh;. mj;Jld; mts; kfh nfl;bf;fhup. tPl;by; vj;jid NgupUe;jhYk; vd;idj; jdJ Ngud;Gs;s fhjydhfNt elj;Jths;. mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; ,Uf;Fk; NghJk; jdJ vz;zq;fisr; irifahy; fhl;b vd;idj; jdpikapy; mioj;Jr; nrd;W Kj;jkpLths;. ehd; mtsJ Nguoif me;Neuq;fspy; ghh;j;J urpj;Js;Nsd;. me;jstpw;F midtiuAk; Vkhw;Wk; jd;ik nfhz;l Gj;jprhyp mts;. mtisr; #o;e;Ug;Nghh; re;Njfpf;f Kbahjgb ele;J nfhs;ths;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “me;j tpiy kfisg; gw;wp Vd; vdf;Fr; nrhy;fpwha;? cs;sj;ij xOf;f newpapy; epiy epWj;j Kbahjth;fs; jhd;> jk; cs;sj;jpy; NtW nghUl;fis tpUk;gpf; $Lk; jd;ikAila tpiykfspd; Njhs;fisj; jOTthh;fs;;” vd;gij ehd; xj;Jf; nfhs;fpNwd;. Mdhy; tre;jpdp nghy;yhjts;@ nfhbats;. ed;F jpl;lkpl;L vkJ eydpy; mf;fiw cs;sts; Nghy ebj;Jf; fhupak; ghh;g;gjpy; ty;yts;. ehd; xOf;fKs;std;@ vdJ ngw;Nwhh; rptG+ir nra;j gpd;Ng czit cz;Zk; kuigf; filg;gpbg;gth;fs;.

144

vdJ kidtp cj;jkp@ kfhyl;Rkp. ftupkhd; Nghy xOf;fj;ij eilKiwg;gLj;Jk; guk;giuapy; cjpj;;j cj;jkp. ,Ue;Jk; tre;jpdpapd; kaf;Fthh;j;ijfspy; kaq;fp tpl;Nld;. mtsJ Nguofpy; gpj;Jg; gpbj;J mtNs jQ;rnkd tho;e;J> ,d;W rfytw;iwAk; ,oe;J tpl;Nld;. ,Ue;Jk; vdJ kitpapd; cWjpahy; ,g;NghJ rpwpJ rpwpjhfg; gioa epiyf;Fj; jpUk;gpf; nfhz;bUf;fpNwd;. tre;jpdpapahy; gofpa ,f;Fbg;gof;fj;ij vd;dhy; tpl Kbatpy;iy. eP mtis ek;ghNj. ek;gpdhy; nrj;j gpzj;jpw;Fr; rkkhfp tpLtha;.” “ehd; ek;gkhl;ld;….” vd;W etuhrh nrhy;Yk; NghJ nfq;fhjud; nrhd;dhd;@ “eP vdf;Fr; nrhy;yhij. mts; epidj;jhy; ahiuAk; vJTQ; nra;ths;. cd;idg; gpbg;gjw;fhf mts; gyfhykhf Kaw;rp nra;jts;. Mdhy; rup tNuy;iy. ,g;g Jh;f;fh jd;Dila ngw;Nwhupd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;w jhy; gf;fj;J tPl;Lf;fhupahd mts; cdf;F cjtpfs; nra;a tUths;. fhyik rhg;ghL nfhz;L te;jpUg;ghNs…” etuhrh jpifj;Jg; Nghdhd;. mtdhy; Ngr Kbatpy;iy@ “Rg;gpukzpak; fhiyapy; te;J nrhy;ypf; ftiyg;gl;lhd;. mJ jhd; ehd;Fbj;J tpl;L te;Njd;. Nla; etk;> vd;idg; ghrj;NjhL nfhQ;rpdts;@ ehd; mts; jhd; nrhh;f;fk; vd;W epidj;jd;. mg;gb mts; ele;J nfhz;lhs;. fle;j Ie;jhW tUlq;fshf mts; jdJ gpwe;j jpdj;jpw;Ff; NfhapYf;Fr;

145

nrd;W mh;r;rid nra;J tpl;Lg; gpurhjq; fSld; tUths;. vd;id> jd;id MrPh;tjpf;Fk;gb nrhy;ths;. new;wpapy; Fq;Fk kplr; nrhy;ths;. ehd; nrd;w tUlk; mtsJ new;wpapy; Fq;Fkkpl;L tpl;L vdJ fOj;jpypUe;j rq;fpypiaf; fow;wpf; nfhLj;Njd;. mij mts; jdJ fOj;jpy; mzptpf;Fk;gb $wpdhs;. ehd; mtsJ fOj;jpy; Nghl;Nld;. gpd; Rthkpf;F mh;r;rpj;j khiyiaj; jdJ fOj;jpy; NghLk;gb nrhd;dhs;. ehd; Nghl;Nld;. mts; mijf; fow;wp vdJ fOj;jpy; mzptpj;jhs;. ,Nj Nghyj;jhd jdJ jpUkz ehspYk; ele;J nfhs;ths;. k[h [hy tpj;ijfs; fhl;Ltjpy; mts; ty;yts;. kdijf; fl;LgLj;j Kbahjth;fs;> neQ;rpy; NtW nghUis tpUk;gpf; $Lk; nghJ kfspd; Njhisj; jOTth;. mts; mbf;fb Ml;fis khw;Wths;. ,g;g mts; ,d;ndhUtNdhL thfdj;jpy; Rw;wpj; jpupfpwhs;. Nfl;lhy; ,dj;jtndd;whs;. ehd; ek;gtpy;iy. mtis ehd; ifAk; fsTkhfg; gpbj;J tpl;Nld;. mts; ek;gpf;iff;Fupats; my;y. vdJ vjpfNshLk; $bf; FyhtpapUf;fpwhs;. vdJ tpahghu ,ufrpaq;fs; vjpupfSf;F clDf;Fld; njupe;J tpLk;. ,tspd; kPJ mjPj ek;gpf;if nfhz;l ehd; tpahghu ,ufrpaq;fs; njupe;J tpl;ld vdf; fyq;Fk; NghJ> mts; mij vdJ ez;gh;fs;jhd; $wpapUg;ghh;fs; vd;W nrhy;ths;. mj;Jld; ez;gh;fspd; ngah;fisAk; $Wths;. mij ehd; ek;gptpLNtd;. ,g;NghJjhd; vy;yhk; vdf;Fg; GupfpwJ. eP Vkhe;J tplhNj” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

146

917. epiwneQ;rk; ,y;yth; Njha;th; gpwneQ;rpd;

Ngzpg; Gzh;gth; Njhs;.

kdijf; fl;Lg;gLj;jp mij MSk; Mw;wy; ,y;yhjth; jk; neQ;rpy; NtW nghUis tpUk;gpf; $Lk; nghJ kfspd; Njhisj; jOTth;.

Nkhfpdp kaf;F

“cz;ikjhd;. ehd; Vkhe;J tpl;Nld;. tre;jpdp jhdhfNt te;J vdJ iffisg; gpbj;J tUba NghJ ,uz;L thufhykhfj; Jh;f;fhtpd; mizg;gpd;wp apUe;j ehd; Nkhrk; Ngha;tpl;Nd;. ,t;tsT fhyKk; xOf;fk; jtwhJ tho;e;j ehd;> tQ;rid epiwe;j tpiykfshd tre;jpdpapd; jd;ikia mwpahJ mtspd; Nkhf tiyapy; rpf;fp mtspd; Nkhfpdp kaf;Ff;F Mshfp tpl;Nld;.” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. “New;W te;jts; cd;id kaf;fp jd;trg;gLj;jp tpl;lhsh..? cd;idg; ghh;f;f mg;gbj;jhd; Njhd;WfpwJ. cs;sj;ij xOf;fnewpapy; epiy epWj;j Kbahjth;fs; jhd; jk; cs;sj;jpy; NtW nghUl;fis tpUk;gpf;$Lk; jd;ikAila tpiykfspd; Njhisj; jOTthh;fs;. vd;dhy; cs;sj;ij

147

xOf;f newpapy; epiy epWj;j Kbatpy;iy. mjdhy; jhd; mtspd; Njhs;fisj; jOtpNdd;. eP xOf;fKs;std;@ ey;ytd;@ vdJ caph; ez;gd;. mjdhy; mts;jUk; czit cz;zhNj. mJ eQ;R. cd;id nky;y nky;y nfhy;Yk; eQ;R. mts; Njd;Nghy ,dpikahff; fijg;ghs;. mkph;jk; Nghd;w czTfisj; jUths;. mij cz;iknad;W ek;gp mtsJ Nkhf tiyapy; tpo;e;jhy; eP jg;gNt KbahJ. vd;dplKs;stw;iwf; ftu vz;zp vj;jid ehlfkhbdhs; njupAkh? mtsJ Gup\d; fhiyapy; nrd;why; ,uTjhd; tUthd;. mts; gps;isfisg; ghlrhiyf;F mDg;gptpl;L vd;id tur; nrhy;ths;. ehd; mq;F nrd;why; vdJ Jtpr;rf;futz;biaj; J}f;fp tUkhW nrhy;ths;. mtsJ tPl;by; mtsJ rNfhjud; xUtd; ,Uf;fpwhd;. mtd; jhd; Kw;wj;ijf; $l;LtJ. mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; Ntiyf;Fr; nrd;w gpd; ehd; Jtpr;rf;futz;bia cUl;br; nrd;Nwd;. mjd; milahsk; Kw;wj;jpy; gjpe;J tpl;lJ. mijf; ftdpj;j mtd;@ “ahUila Jtpr;rf;futz;b rikayiw tiu nrd;wJ?” vd;W Nfl;Ls;shd;. mjdhy; tre;jpdp Jtpr;rf;futz;biaj; J}f;fpr; nrd;W jkJ rikayiwf;F Kd;ghf cs;s miwapy; tpLkhW $Wths;. mts; xU if Njh;e;j tpgr;rhup.” vd;W myk;gpdhd; nfq;fhjud;. “cz;ikjhd; ,y;yhtpl;lhy; tPl;Lf;F te;J ehd; gaj;Jld; eLq;f> mts; vdJ ifiag; gpbg;ghsh…? me;j Neuk; czh;r;rp NkyPl;lhy; mtisj; jOtp ,d;gj;ijg;

148

ngw;Wtpl;Nld;. cz;ikahfr; nrhy;yg; Nghdhy; ,Ul;liwapy; gpzj;ijj; jOtpaijg; Nghyj;jhd; ,Ue;jJ. Jh;f;fhTld; ,d;gk; mDgtpf;Fk; NghJ cyifNa ehd; kwe;J tpLNtd;. Mdhy; tre;jpdpiag; gaj;JlDk; mr;rj;JlDk; jOtpajhy; ve;j czh;itAk; vd;dhy; ngw Kbatpy;iy” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. “jdf;F vt;tsT nghUs;NrUk; vd;w epidg;Gld; jOTk; nghOJ kfsph; jUk; ,d;gk; NghypahdJ. vdJ kidtp md;G NkyPl;NlhLk;> ehd; ,d;gkhf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;w vz;zj;NjhLk; jd;idg; G+uzkhf mh;g;gzpj;J> vdJ ,d;gk; jhd; jdJ ,d;gk; vd;W epidj;J> ehd; jd;id ve;ehSk; tpUk;g Ntz;Lk;> jd;NdhL md;ghf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;Jf; flTis tzq;fpj;jhd; vd;Dld; $b ,d;gj;ij mDgtpg;ghs;. Mdhy; tpiy kfs; jdf;F Nkd;NkYk; nghUs; NruNtz;Lk;> jd;Dld; $bf; FyhTgtd; jdJ kidtp kf;fs; cwtpdh;fis kwf;f Ntz;Lk;. vdJ mofpw;Fk; fth;r;rpf;Fk; mbikahf Ntz;Lk;> jdJ nghUl;fisnay;yhk; vd;dplk; nfhl;l Ntz;Lk;. mtd; vd;Wk; vd; mbikahf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidj;Jj; jd;dhyhd rfy tpj;ijfisAk; fhz;gpg;ghs;. mtSf;F ntl;fk; vd;gNj ,y;iy. ngz;fSf;Fupa mr;rk;> klk;> ehzk;> gaph;g;G vJTk; ,y;iy. capuw;w cliyg; NghyNt ,Ug;ghs;. mjdhy; kidtp ntl;fg;gLk; nray;fs;> kidtp ehzg;gLk; tplaq;fSf;nfy;yhk; mts;

149

ntl;fg;glhJ ehzg;glhJ jd;id tpw;gidg; nghUshf epidj;Jr; nraw;gLths;. mtw;iw tPl;by; fhzhj ehd; mjph;r;rpAw;W mtspd; ntw;W cliyj; juprpj;J Vkhe;J tpl;Nld;. mr;rk;> klk;> ehzk;> gaph;g;G vd;W nrhy;yg;gLfpd;w Fzq;fs; ngz;fsplj;jpy; ,Ue;jhy; jhd; mth;fs; fzth;fshy; tpUk;gg;gLthh;fs;. jk;fth;r;rpiaf; fhl;b mjw;F tpiy NgRgth;fs; fhyfjpapy; xJf;fg;gLthh;fs;. ,J ehd; fz;l cz;ik. tre;jpdp fhiyapy; cdJ tPl;Lf;F te;jjhfr; Rg;gpukzpak; nrhd;dhd;. etk;> vd; caph; ez;gh> kpfTk; mtjhdkhf ,U. mts; nghJkfs; vy;NyhUlDk; $Lths;. mts; flTisAk; Vkhw;Wgts;. ey;Y}h;f; fe;jRthkp Nfhapy; nfhbNawpdhy; ,Ugj;ije;J jpdq;fSk; tpujk; mDl;bg;ghs;. Njupyd;W Nehd;G Nehh;g;ghs;. Njh; Kba ehd; tpl;Lf;Fr; nrd;why; vd;NdhL $LapUg;ghs;. mg;gbahdts; mts;” “,lh;jU kpd;dy;fs; nra;jtnud;ghs; vd;dpd;gj;ijf; nfhd;W Gijj;jtnud;ghs; ,dpatnsdepidj;jpLk; Ntis fatiu mizj;Jf; fhKWthNs!”

ntwpAld; Gyk;gpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. 918. MAk; mwptpdh; my;yhh;f;F mzq;Fvd;g kha kfsph; Kaf;F.

150

tQ;rk; epiwe;j nghJ kfspupd; jd;ikia mwpe;J nfhs;shjth;fs;> nghJ kfsph; jOtpj; jUk; ,d;gj;ij Nkhfpdp kaf;Fk; vd;W nrhy;th;.

,ope;j efuk; tre;jpdp etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhs;. mg;nghOJ nfq;fhjud; mq;F epd;whd;. mts; nfq;fhjud; mq;F epw;ghndd vjph;ghh;f;ftpy;iy. “etk; eP VNjh ngupjhfr; nrhd;dha;. xOf;fKs;std;@ Neh;ikahdtd;@ tpiy kfspd; Njhisj; jOthjtd; vd;nwy;yhk; nrhd;dha;. Mdhy; Nkhfpdp kaf;fj;ijj; jUk; tre;jpdp fhiyapy; cdf;F czT nfhz;L te;jjhfr; Rg;gpukzpak; nrhd;dhd;. fjpNurg;G kpfTk; Nkhrkhd tpiykfshd tre;jpdpia eP fhz;gjpy;iy vd;W nrhd;dhh;. mts; ,g;NghJ miuFiw MilAld; cdf;F VNjh nfhz;L te;Js;shs;. ghh; mtspd; Nfhyj;ij. Njhs;%l;Ltiu mtsJ iffs; njupfpd;wd. fOj;Jg; gFjpr; rl;il khh;gfq;fSf;Ff; fPNo cs;sJ. KJF KOtJk; njupfpwJ. ,g;gbj;jhd; vd;id kaf;fpdts;. xUehs; ,sQ; rptg;G ,uthil mzpe;jpUe;jhs;. ehd; cs;Ns nrd;wJk; mijAk; fow;wptpl;lhs;. mijg; ghh;j;J mjprapj;j ehd; vd;Dila nghUl;fs; vy;yhtw;iwAk; jhiu thh;j;J tpl;Nld;. vd;dplkpUe;j nghUl;fisf; fth;e;j mts; gpd; vd;idr; nry;yhf; fhrhf kjpj;jhs;@ vd;id mtkhdg;gLj;jpdhs;@ vd;id

151

tpl;L tpl;L ahNuh xUtNdhL Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; Ciur; Rw;wpdhs;@ Nfl;lhy; eP jtwhff; fw;gid nra;J kdij miya tpLfpwha;” vd;W nrhd;dhs;. gpd;G ghh;j;jhy; ,uT gj;J kzpf;F jdJ ,dj;jth; tPl;by; Ch;Ngh; njupahjtDld; ,Uf;fpwhs;. Nfl;lhy; rpupj;J kOg;Gfpwhs;. jdJ fztid tpl;L tpl;L vd;Dld; $bf; FJ}fyp;j;jts; vd;id tpl;L tpl;L ,d;ndhUtDld; $bf; FJ}fypf;f khl;lhs; vd;W vg;gb ek;GtJ. ,tis ek;ghNj. ehd; filrpahf ,tisr; re;jpj;j NghJ> ehd; nrj;jhy; $l eP vdJ tPl;Lf;F tuf;$lhJ. cd;Dila epoy; gl;lhy; $l vdJ tPL eufkhfp tpLk; vd;W nrhd;Ndd;. mtSf;F ntl;fk; Nuhrk; khdk; vJTk; ,y;iy. New;Wk; vdJ tPl;Lf;F te;jhs;. vdJ kidtpf;F mtisg; gw;wpj; njupAk;. ,Ue;Jk; mts; vJTk; Ngrkhl;lhs;. mts; nrd;wJk; tpk;kp tpk;kp mOths;.” vd;w nfq;fhjud; tre;jpdpapd; gf;fk; jpUk;gpr; nrhd;dhd;@ “eP kdpjg; ngz;zh…? ,y;iy muf;fpah…? cd;dhy; vg;gbg; gy Mz;fis Vkhw;w KbfpwJ.?” tre;jpdp ngupjhfr; rpupj;jhs;. gpd;@ “Vd;msTf;fjpfkhff; Fbj;J clk;igf; nfLf;fpwPu;fs;. kiwthf ,Ue;J kJitf; Fbj;jhYk;> gpd; mth;fs; kf;fs; kj;jpapy; Gyk;Gtjhy; Ch; kf;fs; ,opthfr; rpupg;ghh;fs;. ,dpNkyhtJ FbahJ FLk;gj;ijf; ftdpAq;fs;” vd;whs; tre;jpdp.

152

“eP gj;Jg;NgUld; $bf; FyhTtijr; nrhy;yp Ch; rpupf;FJ. cd;dhy; vg;gb cdJ fztDf;Fj; JNuhfkpiof;f KbfpwJ? me;j ey;y kdpjid Vkhw;Wfpwha;. cd;Dila ebg;igAk; moifAk; fz;L me;j kdprd; cd;id ek;gp elf;fpwhd;. mtDf;F xUehs; njupatUk;. mg;NghJjhd; eP mjd; gaid mDgtpg;gha;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. tre;jpdp fyfyg;ghfr; rpupj;jhs;. “cdf;F kJkaf;fk; mjpfupj;J tpl;lJ. tPl;ilNgh” vd;W $wptpl;Lr; nrd;whs;. etuhrh Rg;gpukzpak; nrhd;djhff; Nfl;l NghJ eP kWj;jha;. ehd; ,g;g Neubaha; mtisf; fl;bl;ld;. eP ek;ghtpl;lhy; mtspd; clypy; ,d;ndd;d ,lq;fspy; kQ;rq;fs; cz;nld;W $WfpNwd;. ePh; ghh;. mts; cdf;fy;y gzk; nfhLf;Fk; vy;NyhUf;Fk; jdJ cliyf; fhl;rpg;gLj;Jths;. xof;fkpy;yhj tpiy kfspd; nkd;ikhd Njhs; mwptw;w ,ope;jth;fs; Mo;e;J fplf;Fk; eufk;. ,tis ek;ghNj. ,ts; Guprid Vkhw;WtJ Nghy vd;idAk; Vkhw;wptpl;lhs;. Mdhy; ehd; mijf; fz;L gpbj;jikahy; jpUe;jp tpl;Nld;. ehsiltpy; Kd;GNghyg; gzj;ijr; rhk;ghjpj;J tpLNtd;. eP nflf;$lhJ. vd;gjw;fhfj;jhd; nrhy;fpNwd;. ,tis tPl;by; mz;lhNj… ,d;ndhUKiw ,tis ehd; tPl;by; fz;lhy; Jh;f;fhtpw;Fr; nrhy;yptpLNtd;. ,ts; gopthq;fg;gl Ntz;lbats;@ nfhy;yg;gl Ntz;bats;” fj;jpdhd; nfq;fhjud;.

153

mijf; Nfl;f etuhrhTf;Fg; gakhf ,Ue;jJ@ “nfq;fhjud; Kd;G tre;jpdpaplk; nrd;W te;jgpd; mtisg; gw;wpg; Gfo;e;J nrhy;thd;. ,g;nghOJ mts; nfq;fhjuid tpl;L tpl;L ,d;ndhUtDld; Rw;wpj; jpupfpwhs;. mJ Nghyj;jhd; vd;DlDk; $bf; Fyhtptpl;L NtnwhUtNdhLk; $bf; FyhTths;. mjdhy; ,tis epidg;gNj ghtk;” vd;W epidj;jhd;. “tpiykfspd; ,dpikahd Ngr;R mkpo;jkhf ,Uf;Fk;. mtsJ Njhs;fs; nrhh;f;fkhf ,Uf;Fk;. Mdhy; gyUld; mts; Nrh;tijf; fz;lhy; mJ eufkhfp tpLk;. ,g;g ehd; eufj;ij mDgtpf;fpNwd;. me;j eufj;ij vdJ cw;w ez;gdhf eP mDgtpf;ff; $lhJ. mtis ,dp cd;Dila tPl;by; ehd; fhzf; $lhJ” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. 919. tiuT,yh khzpioahh; nkd;Njhs; Giuapyhg; G+upah;fs; MOk; msW.

xOf;f newpapypUe;J jtwpa nghJ kfspupd; nkd;ikahd Njhs;> mwptpy;yhj fPo; kf;fs; Mo;e;J fplf;fpd;w eufkhFk;.

fPo;g;gl;lit

“ehd; nra;jJ vt;tsT jtW” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh@ “xU ngz; Xh; MZld; fijf;fNt ehzg;gLths;. Mdhy; tre;jpdp

154

xNu ehspy; njhlh;Gnfhz;L cwTk; nfhz;L tpl;lhs;. mg;gbahdhy; ,ts; vg;gbg;gl;l ngz;zhf ,Ug;ghs;? ,dp ,tis tPl;by; mz;lf;$lhJ” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. nfq;fhjd; jdJ rl;ilg; igapy; Nghj;jypy; itj;jpUe;j rhuhaj;ij vLj;Jf; Fbj;jhd;. Vw;fdNt kJ mUe;jpajhy; epjhdkpoe;jpUe;j nfq;fhjud; kPz;Lk; Fbg;gijj; jLj;jhd; etuhrh@ “nfq;fh> Fbahijalh. ahNuh xU tpgr;rhup cd;id Vkhw;wptpl;lhs; vd;gjw;fhf ey;ytdhd eP Fbf;fyhkh…? cdf;F ey;ynjhU kidtp ,Uf;fpwhs;. gp;s;isfs; ,Uf;fpd;wdh;. eP Fbj;jhy; mth;fspd; tho;T eufkhfptpLk;. jaT nra;J FbahNj. cdf;F Kd;dhy; ,d;ndhUtDld; cwT nfhz;l muf;fpahd tre;jpdpia ,d;Dk; epidf;fpwhah…?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; etuhrh. “mts;jhd; vdf;F ,f;Fbiag; gof;fpaJ. Fbj;J tpl;Lj; jd;Dld; Nrh;e;jpUe;jhy; jhdhk; jdf;F ,d;gk;” vd;whs;. Fbf;fhj ehd; mtshy; Fbf;fg; gofp tpl;Nld;. ,g;NghJ mg;gof;fj;ij tpl KbahJs;sJ” “vy;yhk; kdk; jhd;. epidj;jhy; tpl;L tplyhk;. tre;jpdpjhd; fjpnad;W epidj;J mtspd; fhybapy; fple;j eP ,g;NghJ mtis kwe;J thotpy;iyah..?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; etuhrh.

155

“kwe;jpl;ld; jhd;. Mdhy; rpyrkak; mtspd; ,dpa thh;j;ijfSk; kaf;fk; jUk; Njhw;wq;fSk; kdjpy; Njhd;wpr; rpj;jputij nra;fpd;wd” etuhrh mtidg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L epd;whd;@ “MW tuprk; mtNshL gofpddhd;. mij kwf;f Kbatpy;iy. MW tuprKk; vd;Dld; jhd; ,Ue;jts;. ,g;g ,d;ndhUj;jd; te;jpl;lhd;. vdf;F taJ Ngha; tpl;lJ. vd;dplk; ngw Ntz;bad vy;yhk; ngw;whapw;W. ,dp Vd; vd;id vd;W epidj;jpl;lhs;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “,dpnad;whYk; tpl;L tpl;L cdJ FLk;gj;ijf; ftdp” vd;whd; etuhrh. “tpl;Ll;ld; mWjpaha; tpl;Ll;ld;. mtisg; gw;wp xU ftpij vOjpddhd;. Nfl;Lg;ghh;.” “mLj;jtd; kidia mkpo;njd epidj;Njd; Myfhy tp\khdhs; md;G gupT mf;fiw fhjy; Nkhfk; cupik mh;g;gzpg;G midj;Jk;

156

mtnsd epidj;Njd;> Mdhy; mtNsh midj;ijAk; mLj;jtd; kPJk; itj;jhs; cd;idj; jOTtJ gpzj;ij jOTtJ Nghd;wJ vd;Wk; ,Ukdk; nfhz;lts; tpiykfs; vd;Wk; Gupe;jJ mtisAk;

fs;isAk; #ijAk; tpyf;fpdhy; epk;kjp gpwf;Fk; jpUkfs; ciwths; FLk;gk; nghypAk;” “vg;gb vdJ ftpij? ehd; fw;fhjtd;. VNjh mtspy; kPjpUe;j ntWg;ghy; ftpij vOjpNdd;. mtisg; gw;wp vOjpagpd; vdf;F epk;kjpahf cs;sJ. jzpfhryk; mz;zh vd;idf; fhZk; Nghnjy;yhk; nrhy;thh;@ “nfq;fh> eP ey;y Fbapy; gpwe;jtd;. cdJ je;ijahh; ehd;F guk;giu tho;tjw;Fr; nrhj;Jr; Nrh;j;J itj;Js;shh;. eP ciof;fhtpl;lhYk; mth; Nrh;j;j nrhj;ijf; ftdkhfg; guhkupj;jhahdhy; NghJk;> cdJ ehd;F guk;giu ey;y Kiwapy; thOk;. eP gQ;rkh ghjfq;fs; midj;ijAk; nra;fpwha;. ,Ukdk; nfhz;l tpiy kfshd tre;jpdpapd; fhybapy; fplf;fpwha;. “tpgr;rhuk; nra;gtis tpUk;gp mtsJ thry; gbapy; epw;gtd; gpw ghtq;fisr; nra;fpd;w midtiuAk; tpl

157

kpff; nfhbatd; vd;ghh;fs;. mj;Jld; eP msTf;fjpfkhff; fs; mUe;Jfpwha;@ #jhLfpwha;. ,itnay;yhk; jpUkfshy; ntWf;fg;gl;lth;fs; kl;LNk cwT nfhs;tjw;F cupaitnad;W nrhy;thh;.” mtw;iw tpl Kbatpy;iy” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “eP nra;tJ midj;Jk; gQ;rkhghjfq;fs;. eP tre;jpdpia kw…” vd;W eturh nrhy;Yk; NghJ nfq;fhjud; FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhd;@ “vd;id ,g;Ngh mts; kjpg;gjpy;iy. vd;idtpl ,sikahd xUtid mts; gpbj;J tpl;lhs;. ,dp vd;id mts; Vw;f khl;lhs;. mjdhy; jhd; ehd; Fbf;fpNwd;?” mOjhd;. “ey;y Ntis ehd; mtSf;F mbikahfhJ tpl;Nld;. nfq;fhjud; jdJ mDgtj;ijr; nrhd;djhy; ehd; jg;gpNdd;” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. 920. ,Ukdg; ngz;bUk; fs;Sk; ftWk; jpUePf;fg; gl;lhh; njhlh;G. ,U tifg;gl;l kdKila nghJ kfspUk;> fs;Sk;> #Jkhfpa ,k; %d;Wk;> jpUkfshy; ePf;fg;gl;lth;fs; kl;LNk cwT nfhs;tjw;F cupait MFk;.

kjpg;gpog;Nghh;

158

fs;isf; Fbj;J tpl;Lj; jiyfhy; Gupahj ntwpapy; myk;gpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. mtDila Ngr;irf; Nfl;f etuhrhTf;F tpruhf ,Ue;jJ. tPl;il tpl;L Nghfyhnkd;why; mtd; vOe;J elf;f Kbahj epiyapy; ,Ue;jhd;. mg;NghJ tre;jpdp mq;Nf te;jhs;. mtisf; fz;lJk; nfq;fhjuDf;F msTf;fjpfkhd Nfhgk; te;jJ. “fz;zfp thwh…. fz;zfp. mthTf;F Mk;gpisfisf; fhzg;gpbf;fhJ. fl;bg; gpbf;fj;jhd; gpbf;Fk;. cj;jkdhf ,Ue;j vd;id ek;g itj;J> fhjypg;gjhf ebj;J vd;id Vkhw;wpats;. ,g;gb vj;jid Ngh; ,tsplk; Vkhe;jit. ,g;Ngd; ,ts; ,q;Nf tUfpwhs;?. ngk;gpis ,y;yhj tPL> ,tis tPl;biy mz;lhNj. cd;id khjpupj;jhd; ehd; xOf;fkhapUe;jdhd;. xUehs; NfhapyBiy fz;L rpupj;jhs;. gpd; filf;F te;jhs;. ,ts; filf;F te;jNjhil ehd; filia %b tpl;Nld;. gir ,Uf;Fk; tiu tPl;by; cs;s ey;yJ nfl;lJfSf;nfy;yhk; tUths;. Xb Xb cjtp nra;ths;. gir fhQ;rhy; rup. MisNa njupahJ. ,g;g ehd; MNuh. ahNuh xUtNdhL Nkhl;lhh; thfdjjpy; Mbf; nfhz;L jpupe;jhs;. mtid ,g;g nfhQ;r ehl;fshff; fhztpy;iy. mjdhy; cd;dplk; thwhs;.” etuhrhTf;F mtdpd; Ngr;R eLf;fj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ@ “ahuhtJ te;jhy; vd;d epidg;ghhh;fs;?” vd;W epidj;jthW@

159

“tre;jpdp mf;fh ePq;fs; cq;fsJ tPl;Lf;Fg; Nghq;Nfh….. ,dpNky; ,q;FtuNtz;lhk;. ePq;fs; ,q;F te;J Nghf Ch;r;rdk; fz;lgb fijfisf; fl;btpLk;” vd;whd;. tre;jpdp mtid epkph;e;J ghh;j;jhs;. mtdJ Kfk; fWj;jpUe;jJ. fupa epwg; Gs;spfs; mtsJ Kfj;jpy; ,ilf;fpil ,Ue;jd. vJTk; Ngrhky; nrd;whs;. “,tNshil rpNdfpjkhdth;fs; ,g;Ngh vd;id vjpupiag; ghh;g;gJ Nghyg; ghh;f;fpwhh;fs. Kd;G fijr;Rr; rpupj;J fyfyg;ghf ,Ue;jth;fs; ,g;Ngh Kwha;f;fpwhh;fs;. ,ts; vd;idg; gw;wpj; mth;fSf;Fj; jtwhfr; nrhy;ypapUg;ghs;. mj;Jld; mth;fisf; nfhz;L vdf;F mbg;gpg;ghs;. mg;gbahdts; cts;.”

“Cuhh; eifj;jhy; rpupg;ghs; cw;whh; eifj;jhy; kiwg;ghs; jPq;Ffs; nra;Nthh; ey;ytuhtu; jPNahh; nfhbNahh; jd;trkhf ey;Nyhh; jk;ik eyptha; epidg;ghs; jd;nray; Kbaj; jd;idNa nfhLg;ghs; jd;nray; Kbe;jhy; jaTk; fhl;lhs; kd;kj Nkhfpdp kJuthfpdp” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “fs; kaf;fj;jpw;F Ml;gl;ltiuf; fz;L gifth;fs; mQ;rkhl;lhh;fs;. me;jj; jPa gof;fj;jhy; jkf;Fs;s kjpg;igAk; mth;fs; ,og;ghh;fs;. eP Fbj;J tpl;Lj; njUf;fspy; Gyk;gpf; nfhz;L jpuptjhy; cdJ vjpupfs;

160

cd;idg; gopf;fpwhh;fs;. mjdhy; eP Fbf;fhNj. Fbia tpLtJ f\;lk;jhd;. kfh fzgjp kPJ gw;Wit. Rthkpahuplk; nrd;W MrPh;thjjj;ijg; ngW. Ntz;Lkhdhy; mtuplk; cd;id ehd; mioj;Jr; nry;fpNwd;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; kdk; jhd; fhuzk;. gpur;rpidfshy;> ftiyfshy; kdk; gytPdkilAk; NghJ clypd; typik FiwfpwJ. gy tUlq;fshff; fhg;ghw;wpa xOf;fk;> gytPdj;jhy; xU fzj;jpy; mope;J tpLfpwJ. mjdhy; ed;ik jPikfis Muha;e;J mwpAk; jd;ik mw;Wg; Ngha; tpLfpwJ. kdij ey;topg;gLjpdhy; vy;yhk; rupahfptpLk;. vd;dhy; vdJ kdijf; fl;Lg;gLj;jp ey;topg;gLj;j Kbatpy;iy. tre;jpdp kPJs;s gw;W ,d;Dk; Fiwahjjhy; jhd; vdf;F ,e;j mty epiy Njhd;wpAs;sJ. mjhdhy; jhd; Fbf;fpNwd;. Fbf;ff; Fbf;f epidT mjpfupf;fpwNj jtpuf; Fiwatpy;iy” vd;wthW vOe;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. “,q;fpUe;J fijj;jhy; cdf;Fj;jhd; mtkhdk;. mj;Jld; Jh;f;fh mwpe;jhy; fiur;ry;” vd;W $wptpl;L vOe;J ele;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. etuhrh tPl;ilg; G+l;b tpl;Lj; Jh;f;fhtplk; nry;yhnkd epidj;J tPl;bDs; cilkhw;wr; nrd;whd;. mg;NghJ tPjpapy; ahNuh gykhff; fj;Jk; rj;jk; Nfl;lJ. etuhrh tPjpf;F Xb te;jhd;. nfq;fhjud; tPjpapy; tpOe;J fple;jhd;. mtdJ jiyapypUe;J ,uj;jk; frpe;J nfhz;be;jJ.

161

“vd;d…? ntwpapy; tpOe;J tpl;lhah?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; etuhrh. “,y;iy Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; te;j ahNuh vd;idj; js;sp tpOj;jp tpl;lhh;fs;. ,J tre;jpdpapd; Ntiyjhd;” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “eP Fbj;jjdhy; tpOe;jpUg;gha;. Vd; mLj;jtiuf; Fw;wQ; rhl;Lfpwha;?” vd;whd; etuhrh. “mts; nra;af; $bats;. Kd;G gyUf;F mbf;f Ntz;Lnkd;W vdf;Fr; nrhy;ths;” “fs; kaf;fj;jpw;F Ml;gl;lhy; elg;git vitAk; njupahJ;. mj;Jld; gifth;fs; ,yFthf ntd;W tpLthh;fs;. kf;fSk; kjpf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. vOk;G> itj;jparhiyf;Fg; NghNthk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. 921. cl;fg; glhmh; xsp,og;gh; vQ;Qhd;Wk; fs;fhjy; nfhz;LxOF thh;.

fs;spd; Nky; tpUg;gq; nfhz;L mijf; Fbj;J kaq;fpj; jpupgth;fisf; fz;L gifth;fs; mQ;r khl;lhh;fs;. mj;jPa gof;fj;jhy; jkf;Fs;s GfioAk; ,oe;J tpLth;.

162

Fbf;fj; jFjp cilath;

itj;jparhiyf;Fr; nrd;w nfq;fhjuidg; gupNrhjpj;j itj;jpah; mq;F\d; nrhd;dhh;@ “,th; msTf;fjpfkhff; Fbf;fpwhh;. ,e;j khjpupf; Fbj;jhy; ,uz;nlhU tUlj;jpy; ,th; ngUk; :Neha;fis cilatuhf khwptpLthh;. nrd;wtuhuKk; xUehs; Fbj;Jtpl;L tPjpapy; kaq;fpf; fple;jhh;. njUthy; nrd;wth;fs; ,th; ,we;J tpl;lhnud epidj;J ,q;F nfhz;L te;jdh;. ehk; kpfTk; f\;lg;gl;Lj;jhd; ,tiuf; fhg;ghw;wpNdhk;. NehAs;sth;fisf; f\;lg;gl;Lf; fhg;ghw;WtJ jh;kk;. ,th;fisg; Nghd;w Fbfhuu;fSf;fhfg; gykzpNeuk; ehq;fs; f\;lg;gLtjhy; kw;wth;fSf;Fr; rpfpl;ir mspf;f Kbahkw; Ngha; tpLfpwJ. ,th; cq;fs; ez;gh; vd;gJk;> ey;y FLk;gj;jpy; gpwe;jtnud;gJk; vdf;Fj; njupAk;. ,th; Vd; Fbf;fpwhnud;W ez;gdhd ePh; mwpe;J> mtUf;F Vw;w Gj;jpkjpfs; $Wk;. ,dpNky; ,th; Fbj;J tpl;L te;jhy; ,q;F Vw;fkhl;Nlhk;” vd;whh;. etuhrhTf;F vJTk; Ngrj; Njhd;wtpy;iy. rpupj;J tpl;L ntspNa te;jhd;. md;W KOtJk; Jh;f;fhit mtd; ghh;f;ftpy;iy. mjdhy; ,jaj;jpd; xU %iyapy; ,Ue;j epidTfs; fpsh;e;njoj; njhlq;fpd@ “khkhTf;F vg;gbnad;W

163

njupatpy;iy. eP Ngh. ehd; Jh;f;fhtpd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;y Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. nfq;fhjud; vJTk; Ngrhky; ele;J nrd;W etuhrhtpd; Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; Vwp ,Ue;J nfhz;L@ “Jh;f;fhtpd; je;ijia ehDk; ghh;f;f Ntz;Lk;” vd;whd;. etuhrhTf;F mJ tpUg;gkpy;yhky; ,Ue;jJ. nfq;fhjuDld; nrd;why; Jh;f;fh fz;lgb VRths; vd;gij epidj;Jg; gae;jhd;@ “eP ,d;ndhU ehisf;F th….” vd;W etuhrh $wpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ nfq;fhjud; nrhd;dhd; “,d;iwf;F ehd; mtiug; ghh;f;f Ntz;Lk;. Jh;f;fh Ngrpdhy; ehd; rkhspf;fpNwd;” vd;whd;. NtW topapd;wp mtDld; etuhrh Jh;f;fhtpd; tPl;il mile;j NghJ mq;Nf fjpNurDk; jzpfhryKk; ,Ue;jdh;. mth;fisf; fz;lJk; jpifj;Jg; Nghdhd; etuhrh. tPl;Ls;r; nrd;w etuhrhitf; fz;L Nfhgj;NjhL ghh;j;jhs; Jh;f;fh. xUNghJk; mg;gbg; ghh;f;fhj Jh;f;fh Nfhgj;Jld; ghh;g;gijf; fz;L mijr; rkhspf;f mtsJ fd;dj;jpy; jl;b tpl;Lr; rpupj;jhd; etuhrh. Jh;f;fhtpd; Nfhgk; mj;jl;lyhy; rpwpJ Fiwa mtsJ fz;fs; fyq;fpd. “vd;d…? vd;d..? khkhTf;F VjhtJ” guguj;jhd;.

164

“mg;ghTf;F xd;Wkpy;iy. ePq;fs; nfq;fhjuDld; jpuptJ vdf;Fg; gpbf;ftpy;iy. ePq;fs; Fbf;fhtpl;lhYk; Fbg;gtNdhL Nrh;e;J jpupe;jhy; cq;fis xUtUk; kjpf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. nfq;fhjuidg; Nghyj;jhd; epidg;ghh;fs;. jzpfhrykz;izAk; fjpNurg;GTk; mijg;gw;wp nrhy;ypf; ftiyg;gl;lit” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. etuhrh ntspNa te;J jzpfhryj;jpw;F mUfpy; ,Ue;jhd;. jzpfhryk; mtidg; ghh;j;jhh;. mtuJ ghh;itapd; jd;ikiar; rfpf;f Kbahj etuhrh jiy Fdpe;jhd;. “nfq;fhjuid tPl;by; fz;l NghNj mtDld; NruhNj vd;W nrhd;ddhd;. mtidAk; mioj;Jf; nfhz;L ,q;F te;jpUf;fpwha;. eP Kd;G Fbf;fhjtd; vd;why; guthapy;iy. Kd;G Fbj;jdP. tPl;by; Jh;f;fhTk; ,y;iy. mjdhy; gioa Mir te;J tpLk;. mjw;fhfj;jhd; nrhd;Ndd;. fs;isf; Fbg;gJ ghtk;. mwpTilath;fspd; ed;kjpg;igg; ngw tpUk;ghjth;fs; kl;Lk; fs;is Ntz;Lkhdhy; Fbf;fyhk;. eP Fbf;fh tpl;lhYk; FbfhuUld; Nrh;e;J jpupe;jhy; cd;idAk; FbfhudhfNt ey;yth;fSk; fUJthh;fs;. ehq;fs; ,q;F tUk;NghJ cdJ tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;Wjhd; te;Njhk;. eP itj;jparhiyf;Fr; nrd;wjhfr; nrhd;dhh;fs;” vd;whh; fjpNurd;. “cdJ khkdhh; kuzg; gLf;ifapy; ,Uf;fpwhh;. Jh;f;fh kl;Lk; mtiuf; ftdpf;f

165

KbAkh…? itj;jparhiyf;Fr; nry;y Ntz;Lk;. tPl;L Ntiyfs; nra;a Ntz;Lk;@ rikf;f Ntz;Lk;. cd;idf; fhiyapy; ,Ue;J fhztpy;iy vd;W ehk; te;j Neuk; njhlf;fk; Jh;f;fh guguj;Jf; nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jhs;. kw;w ehl;fspy; eP vijAk; nra;ayhk;. ,g;gbahd NtisapYkh Fbfhuu;fSld; Nrh;e;J jpupfpwha;” vd;W Nfl;lhh; jzpfhryk;. etuhrhthy; gjpy; $w Kbatpy;iy. jiyiaf; ftpo;j;jgb ,Ue;jhd;. 922. cz;zw;f fs;is@ czpy;cz;f rhd;Nwhuhd; vz;zg; glNtz;lh jhh;.

fs;isf; Fbf;ff; $lhJ@ rhd;Nwhupd; ed;kjpg;igg; ngw tpUk;ghjth; fs;is Ntz;Lkhdhy; Fbf;fyhk;.

jhapd; KfNk

itj;jparhiyf;Fr; nrd;W ,uhrehafj;ijg; ghh;j;J tpl;L etuhrhtpd; jha; tprhyKk; jfg;gd; fkyehjDk; Jh;f;fhtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jdh;. tprhyj;jpw;F etuhrhitf; fz;lJk; Nfhgk; te;jJ. “etk;> eP vq;Nf nry;fpwha;. Jh;f;fh> tPl;by; ,Ue;J ,q;F te;j gpd;G ehd; cd;idf; fhztpy;iy. New;W cdJ je;ijahh; %d;W juk; czTld; cdJ tPl;Lf;F te;jth;. eP tPl;by; ,y;iy.

166

Njhl;lj;jpw;Fk; tutpy;iy vd;W Rg;gpukzpak; nrhd;dtd;. itj;jparhiyf;Fk; nry;ytpy;iy. mg;Ngh vq;Nf nrd;wdP? ,g;g $lhj $l;lnky;yhk; $Lwha;. nfq;fhjuDld; jhd; ,uhg;gfyhfr; Rw;Wfpwha;. mtNdhL Nrh;e;J ePAk; Fbf;fpwha; vd;Wjhd; Cupy; fijf;fpwhh;fs;. Kd;G eP Fbj;jdP. me;j Qhgfk; ,g;g te;J tpl;lJ NghYk;.. eP Fbf;fhtpl;lhy; Vd; nfq;fhjuDld; jpupfpwha;?” vd;W Nfhgkhff; Nfl;lhs; tprhyk;. gyUf;F Kd; jhahh; mg;gbf; Nfl;likahy; etuhrhTf;Ff; Nfhgk; te;jJ. “ePq;fs; vijAk; epidAq;Nfh… ehd; Fbf;ftpy;iy. New;W kzptz;zdplk; Nghddhd;. ,uz;L ,yl;r &gha; fhR mtd; juNtz;Lk;. thq;fp te;J Jh;f;fhtplk; nfhLj;Js;Nsd;. Jh;f;fhitf; Nfl;Lg; ghUq;fs;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “,g;g Vd; cdf;Ff; Nfhgk; tUfpwJ? New;W KOtJk; cd;idf; fhztpy;iy vd;WjhNd nrhd;Ndd;. mJ cz;ikjhNd. cz;ikiar; nrhd;dhy; eP Vd; Nfhgpf;fpwha;? eP Fbf;fpwha; vd;W ehd; ngha; nrhd;dhYk; eP Fbf;fhtpl;lhy; Vd; Nfhgg;gly; Ntz;Lk;? cdJ Nfhgj;ijg; ghh;j;jhy; eP Fbf;fpwha; Nghyj; njupfpwJ. ez;gh;fis itj;Jj; jhd; xUtdJ Nghf;iff; fz;L gpbf;f KbAk;. el;igg; Nghyj; njhlh;G nfhs;tjw;Fg; ngUikahdJ NtnwJTk; ,y;iy. el;ngd;gJ rpupj;J kfpo;tjw;fhff; nfhs;sg;gLtjpy;iy.

167

ez;gh;fs; epiy jtwpr; nry;Yk; NghJ fz;bj;J ey;top $wpj; jpUj;Jtjw;fhf Vw;gLj;jpf; nfhs;tJ. mtd; epiy jtwpg; Nghfpwhd; vd;W njupe;jJk; eP mtDf;Fg; Gj;jpukjp $wpj; jpUj;Jjy; Ntz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; me;j el;igj; Jz;bj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. eP ,uz;Lk; nra;ahjgbahy; ePAk; mtdJ nray;fSf;nfy;yhk; cle;ijahf ,Uf;fpwha; vd;Wjhd; vz;zj; Njhd;WfpwJ. mg;gbj;jhd; Ch;kf;fSk; fijf;fpwhh;fs;” vd;whs; tprhyk;. etuhrhTf;Ff; ftiyahf ,Ue;jJ@ “nfq;fhjuDld; Nrh;e;J jpuptjw;Nf Nfhgg;gLk; mk;kh tre;jpdp vdJ tPl;Lf;F tUtij mwpe;jhy; vd;d nrhy;thh;” vd;W epidj;jhd;. Nfhgg;gl;lhYk; gpur;rpid … Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhYk; el;Gf; nfhz;l khjpup KbAk;. vd;d nra;ayhk;? vd;W GupahJ jLkhwpdhd; etuhrh. “nfq;fhjudpd; jhahh; vd;idf; fhZk; Ntisfspnyy;yhk; xg;ghhp itj;J mOfpwhs;@ “etuhrh jhd; mtdJ ez;gd;. Fb> $j;jp vd;W miye;J jpupfpwtidj; jpUj;jr; nrhy;Y. mtd; etuhrhtpd; nrhy;iyf; Nfl;ghd;” vd;fpwhs;. mjdhy; eP mtidj; jpUj;jj; njz;b. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; mtDila el;igj; Jz;b. fs; cz;gtidf; fz;lhy; ngw;wjhapd; Kfk; $l ntWg;gilAk;. mg;gbapUf;Fk; NghJ ey;y kdpjh;fs; mtid kjpg;ghh;fsh..? nfq;fhjudpd; %j;j kfSf;F ,Ugj;njhU

168

taJ. jkf;ifapd; kfidr; nra;tjhf ,UtPl;lhUk; xj;Jf; nfhz;lit.. ,g;g khg;gps;isg; nghbad; “khl;ld;” vd;W nrhy;fpwhd;;. Fbj;J tpl;Lg; Nghij jiyf;Nfwp cil fiye;J tPjptPjpaha; tpOe;J fplg;gtdpd; gps;isia ahh; nra;tpid…? ,Jfis mtDf;F vLj;Jr; nrhy;…” vd;whs; tprhyk;. Jh;f;fhtpd; fz;fs; fyq;fpd. Nriyj; jiyg;ghy; jdJ fz;fisj; Jilj;jhs; Jh;f;fh. “ePh; Vd; mOfpwPu;?” gupTld; Nfl;lhd; etuhrh “ePq;fs; ey;yth; vd;W ehd; epidj;Njd;….” Jh;f;fh tpk;kpdhs;. “ehd; Fbf;fpNwd; vd;W ePh; ek;GfpwPuh…” “,y;iy” vd;W jiyahl;bdhs; Jh;f;fh. “mg;Ngh Vd; mOfpwPu;” “ehd; ek;gp vd;d gpuNahrdk;. khkhTk; khkpAk; fjpNurg;GTk; CuitAk; ePq;fs; Fbg;gjhfr; nrhy;Yk; NghJ ehd; ek;gp vd;d gpuNahrdk;.e hd; nrhd;dhy; ahuhtJ Nfl;ghh;fsh…?” tpk;kpdhs; Jh;f;fh.

169

“,dpNky; ehd; nfq;fhjuDld; Nrutpy;iy. ePh; mohijAk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. vdpDk; mtdJ Kfk; guguj;jJ. “,uTk; tre;jpdp te;jhy; vd;d nra;tJ?” vd;w epidT mtdJ kdJs; GFe;J mr;RWj;jpaJ. 923. <d;whs; Kfj;NjAk; ,d;dhjhy;@ vd;kw;Wr; rhd;Nwhh; Kfj;Jf; fsp? fs; cz;L tpl;L tUk; kfidf; fz;lhy; ngw;wjhapd; Kfk; ntWg;gilAk;. mt;thW ,Uf;Fkhdhy; Fw;wj;ijf; fz;bf;Fk; rhd;Nwhupd; Kfk; vd;dthFk;?.

Kfj;ijf; fhl;lhs; tPl;Ls; jzpfhryKk; fjpNurDk; etuhrhtpd; ngw;NwhUk; ,Ue;jikahy; nfq;fhjud; Nkhl;lhh; tz;bf;Fs;NsNa ,Ue;jhd;. mth;fs; midtUk; mtidf; fz;lhy; VRthh;fs;. etuhrhtpd; jha; tprhyk; mtidf; fz;lhy; fz;lgb VRths;@ “nfq;fh> eP xU topapy; vkJ ,dj;jtd;. cdJ ngw;Nwhh; xOf;f rPyh;fs;. mg;gbahd xOf;f rPyh;fSf;Fg; gpwe;j eP Vd; Fbj;J tpl;L nfl;l nray;fspy; <LgLfpwha;. cdJ je;ijAk; jhAk; cdJ nray;fshy; kpfTk; Ntjidg;gLfpwhh;fs;. Fbnad;gJ kpfTk; gaq;fukhdJ. vjw;Fk; tpjptpyf; fspf;fyhk; Mdhy; Fbf;F tpjptpyf;fspf;f KbahJ. ,J xU gaq;fukhd Nehiag; Nghd;wJ. mJ

170

akdpd; J}Jtd;. FbFbg;gtid kl;Lkd;wp mtdJ FbiaNa mope;J tpLk; rf;jp nfhz;lJ. Fbg;gth;fs; ,opthd kuzj;ij milthh;fs;. cdJ Fbahy; cdJ FLk;gj;jth;fsJ ,jaq;fs; gytPdg;gl;Lr; rpije;J tpl;ld. cdJ ngw;Nwhh; cdJ nry;tj;ijNah> mjpfhuj;ijNah> gyj;ijNah> kjpf;fkhl;lhh;fs;. cdJ Fzj;ijj;jhd; kjpg;ghh;fs;. jkJ FLk;gf; nfsutj;jpw;fhf cdJ rNfhjup jdJ kfid cdJ kfSf;Fj; jpUkzk; nra;a tpUk;gpdhs;. Mdhy; cdJ elj;ijfshy; ehzk; vd;W nrhy;yg;gLfpd;w ey;yhs; jdJ Kfj;ij cdf;Ff; fhl;lhkNy nry;tjhy; eP ey;yJ vJ jPaJ vJntd;W njupahky; ele;J nfhs;fpwha;. ,uz;L ehl;fSf;F Kd;G eP Jzpapy;yhky; re;jpapy; tpOe;J fple;jjhf cdJ jhahh; mOjhh;@ “jdf;Fr; rh tuNtz;Lk;. mJTk; tpiue;J tuNtz;Lk;” vd;Wk; nrhd;dhh;. eP jpUe;j khl;lha;. mJ vdf;Fj; njupAk;. ePFb@ ed;whff; Fb@ Mdhy; etuhrhNthL NruhNj” etuhrhtpd; jha; Vrpaikahy; mtd; Nkhl;lhh; tz;bf;Fs;NsNa ,Ue;jhd;. mth;fs; nrd;wJk; Jh;f;fh Nkhl;lhh; tz;baUNf te;jhs;. mtisf; fz;lJk; nfq;fhjud; Nkhl;lhh; tz;bia tpl;L ,wq;fpdhd;. “nfq;fh> eP vdJ fztdpd; ez;gd;. ehd; mtiuj; jpUkzk; nra;j ehs; Kjy; eP mtUld; jpuptij ehd; ghh;j;jpUf;fpNwd;.

171

cd;dhy; mtUf;F ve;j ehSk; nfl;lngah; jhd; tUfpwJ. ehd; cdf;Fg; gyjlitfs; $wpAk; eP jpUe;Jtjhf ,y;iy…” Jh;f;fh Ngrpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ nfq;fhjud; FWf;fpl;Lr; nrhd;dhd; “vd;dhy; jpUe;j Kbatpy;iy” “Kl;lhs;jdkhfg; NgrhNj. eP ey;ytd;@ ey;y Fbapy; gpwe;jtd;. cdJ FLk;gj;jpd; mbg;gilf; Fzq;fs; ahTk; cd; ,uj;jj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk;> me;jf; Fzq;fis tsh;j;njLf;f KbAk;. eP ey;ytd; vd;W epid@ cd;dpy; eP ek;gpf;ifit. fl;lhak; jpUj;j KbAk;. cdf;F msTf;fjpfkhd gpur;rpidfs; ,Ug;gjhf vdJ fztuplk; $wpdha;. mth; vy;yhtw;iwAk; vdf;Fr; nrhd;dhh;. Njitapy;yhj gw;whYk; MirahYk; eP mtjpg;gl;L> mjdhy; cz;lhFk; ftiyapdhy; Fbf;fpwha;. kdpj tho;f;iff;F cjthJ vd;W ngupath;fshy; jtph;f;fg;gl;ltw;iw eP cdJ jiyapy; J}f;fp itj;jpUf;fpwha;. mtw;iwj; J}f;fp tPR. kdjpy; epk;kjp cz;lhFk;. FLk;gj;jpy; gw;W tUk;. FLk;gg; gw;W te;jhy; nfl;l Mirfs; ahTk; kdij tpl;L mfd;W tpLk;” mg;NghJ etuhrh mq;F te;jhd;@ “,tDf;Fg; Gj;jpkjpfs; $wpg; gpuNahrdkpy;iy. jpUe;Jgtd; XupUth; ey;yij vLj;Jf; $wpdhNy jpUj;jp tpLthd;. ,tDf;F Cupy; cs;s midtUk; vLj;Jf; $wpAk; jpUe;Jtjhff; fhNzhk;. jhDk; nfl;L jdJ

172

FLk;gj;jpdiuAk; Fl;br; Rtuhf;fp tpl;L ,g;N;gh vd;idAk;> vdJ khdj;ijAk; nfLf;fg; Nghtjhff; fq;fzk; fl;bf; nfhz;L jpupfpwhd;. vdJ tPl;Lf;F tu Ntz;lhnkd;W fz;bj;Jf; $wpdhYk; thwhd;. ehd; vd;d nra;tJ? ,e;j Ciu tpl;Lj;jhd; Xl Ntz;Lk;” etuhrh fyq;fpdhd;. mtidg; ghh;f;f Jh;f;fhTf;F Ntjidahf ,Ue;jJ. ve;jj; jtWk; nra;ahj cj;jkdhd jdJ fztid mtdJ ngw;NwhUk; ,dj;jth;fSk; Ch; gpuKfh;fSk; VRtij epidf;f mtSf;Ff; ftiyahf ,Ue;jJ. mjdhy; mtSf;F msTf;fjpfkhd Nfhgk; te;jJ@ “ntl;fk; Nuhrk; khdk; ,y;yhj cd;dhy; vy;NyhUf;Fk; f\;lk;. tPjpapy; NkhJk; thfdk; cd;idf; nfhd;whYk; ftiyg;gl Ms; ,y;iy” vd;whs;. 924. ehz;vd;Dk; ey;yhs; Gwk;nfhLf;Fk; fs;vd;Dk; Ngzhg; ngUq;Fw;wj; jhh;f;F.

ehzk; vd;W nrhy;yg;gLk; ey;yts;> fs; Fbj;jy; vd;Dk; jPikiar; nra;gth;fSf;F vjpNu epw;fhky; nrd;W tpLths;.

Gupahj mwpahik

nfq;fhjud; Jh;f;fhit epkph;e;J ghh;j;jhd;. mtdJ ghh;itapd; jd;ik Jh;f;fhitr; rpwpJ mr;RWj;jpaJ@ “,td;

173

Fbj;J tpl;L kw;wth;fisg; gw;wp myl;Ltijg; Nghyj; jd;idg; gw;wpAk; jg;ghf VjhtJ etuhrhTf;Fr; nrhy;yp tpLthNdh?” vd;W gag;gl;lhs;. “xUtd; jtW nra;ahky; tho KbahJ. mjw;fhfr; nra;j jtWfisj; jpUk;gj; jpUk;gr; nra;a Ntz;Lkh…? kpUfq;fs; $l jdJ Fl;bfSf;F Mgj;J NeUnkd;W njupe;jhy; mit jdJ Fl;bfSf;fhfg; NguhLk;. Mdhy; ePq;fs; cq;fs; FLk;gj;jpw;F Mgj;J te;j gpd;Gk; mijg; gw;wpr; rpe;jpf;fhJ njhlh;e;Jk; mNj jtWfisr; nra;J nfhz;Nl ,Uf;fpwPh;fs;. ,J cq;fSf;F epahakhf ,Uf;fpwjh…? xUtd; nghUisf; nfhLj;Jf; fs;isf; Fbj;Jj; jd;dpiy kwg;gjw;Ff; fhuzk;> vd;d nra;fpNwd; vd;W Gupe;J nfhs;s Kbahik jhd;. ePq;fs; Fbj;J tpl;Lr; nra;Ak; nray;fis epidj;Jg; ghh;f;f Kbahjstpw;Fg; Nghijapy; ,Uf;fpwPh;fs;. mjdhy; cq;fs; FLk;gj;jth;fSf;Fg; ngUj;j mtkhdkhf cs;sJ.” “cz;ikjhd;. ,d;Wk; ehd; ed;whff; Fbj;J tpl;L tPjpahy; nry;Yk; NghJ Nkhl;lhh; thfdj;jpy; te;j ,Utupy; xUtd; vd;idf; fhyhy; cijj;J tpl;Lr; nrd;W tpl;lhd;. mJjhd; ,e;jf; fhak;” vd;W jiyiaj; njhl;Lf; fhl;bdhd; nfq;fhjud;.

174

“Kd;Gk; gyKiw ePq;fs; tpgj;Jf;Fs;shdPh;fs;. mg;gbapUe;Jk; jpUe;JfpwPu;fs; ,y;iyNa” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “vdf;F vy;yhk; GupfpwJ. jpUj;j Ntz;Lk; vd;W epidf;fpNwd;. Kbatpy;iy” mOjhd; nfq;fhjud;. “jpUe;j epidj;jhy; jpUe;jyhk;. ehDk; Kd;G Fbj;jdhd; jhd;.,g;NghJ jpUe;jtpy;iyah…? cd;Dld; jhNd Nrh;e;J Fbj;Njd;. ,g;Ngh eP Fbg;gijg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUf;fpNwNd jtpuf;Fbg;gjpy;iy. vjw;Fk; kdk; jhd; fhuzk;. eP Muhahky; nra;j jtWfs; xt;nthd;Wk; ,g;NghJ #o;e;J cd;id tUj;JfpwJ. Rfq;fisAk; Jf;fq;fisAk; kw;wth;fs; jhd; cdf;Fj; jUtjhf> eP mwpahikahy; epidf;fpwha;. ,J jtW. eP nra;j jPikfs; jhd; cd;id ,g;NghJ #o;e;J gpbj;J tUj;Jfpd;wd. cdJnray;fs;jhd; cdf;F ,e;j epiyia cUthf;fpd. tre;jpdpia cd; kidtpnad;wh epidf;fpwha;? mts; tpiykfs;. gzk; nfhLg;gth;fSf;Fr; Rfk; nfhLg;gts;. filapy; gzj;ijf; nfhLj;Jg; nghUl;fis thq;Ftijg; Nghy mtSf;Fg; nghUisf; nfhLj;J Rfj;ijg; ngw;wha;. nghUs; thq;Fk; filf;fhuNdhL cs;s cwTjhd; mtSf;Fk; cdf;Fk; cs;s cwT. mjw;F Nky; eP epidj;jhy;> mjw;F mts; nghWg;ghf khl;lhs;. mtis epidj;J eP Fbj;J cd;idAk; mopj;J cd; FLk;gj;ijAk; mopf;fpwha;.

175

Mdhy; mts; cd;id tpl;L tpl;L NtNwhUtidg; gpbj;J ,d;gkhf tho;fpwhs;. ,J cdf;Fg; Gupatpy;iyah..? mtis kwf;f Ntz;Lkhdhy; eP ,iwtdpd; kPJ mirahj ek;gpf;if it. midj;ijAk; jhq;Fk; rf;jpiaAk;> epiy Fiyahj kdj;ijAk; flTshy;jhd; cdf;Fj; ju KBAk;. ehd; kpfTk; Nkhrkhfg; ghjpf;fg;gl;l Nghnjy;yhk; ,iwtd; kPJ jhd; ek;gpf;if itj;Njd;. mjdhy; jhd; vd;dhy; gioa epiyf;Fj; jpUk;g Kbe;jJ. kfh fzgjp kPJ rfy nghWg;Gf;fisAk; xg;gilj;J tpl;L mtNu jQ;rnkd epidj;J tho;. cdJ kdk; rhe;jpailAk;. cdJ kdJs;g; gbe;Js;s mOf;Ffs; ahTk; ePq;Fk;. ehk; ,iwtd; kPJ ek;gpf;if itj;jhy; ,iwtd; vkf;fhf cyf epakq;fis kPwp mUs; Gupthh;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “cz;ikjhd;. ,iwtd; ehk; nra;Ak; ghtq;fisnay;yhk; kd;dpg;ghh;. mjw;F cz;ikahd gf;jpAk; ruzhfjpAk; cjtp nra;Ak;. ,iwtd; kPJ gf;jp itj;jhy; mJ fh;kg; gyd;fisAk; khw;Wk;. eP Rthkpahuplk; nrd;W> mtuplk; cdJ epiyia tpsf;fp mtiur; ruzhfjpail. vy;yhk; rupahfptpLk;.” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. “vdf;Fg; grpf;fpwJ. th nfq;fh rhg;gpLtk;” vd;W $wptpl;L ele;jhd; etuhrh.

“ehd; filf;Fg; Nghr; rhg;gpLfpNwd;.” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

176

“,t;tsT NeuKk; ehk; fs;Sf; Fbj;J tpl;Lg; Gyk;gpNdhk; vd;W jhd; eP epidf;fpwha;. eP filf;Fg; Ngha;r; rhg;gpl;L tpl;L mg;gbNa cd;Dila tPl;il Ngh. vdf;Ff; fiur;rry; juhNj” vd;whd; etuhrh Nfhgkhf 925. ifawp ahik Ailj;Nj nghUs; nfhLj;J nka;mwp ahik nfhsy;.

xUtd; nghUisf; nfhLj;Jf; fs;isf;

Fbj;Jj; jd;idj; jhd; mwpahj epiyf;Fs;shtjw;Ff; fhuzk;> jhd; nra;tJ ,d;d njd;W Gupe;J nfhs;s Kbahj mwpahikNa MFk;.

NtWgl;lth;fs; my;yh; “filf;Fr; nrd;W rhg;gpLfpNwd;” vd;W $wptpl;Lr; nrd;w nfq;fhjud; gpd; tutpy;iy. “ghtk; nfq;fhjud; kj;jpahdk; rhg;gpl;lhNuh njupatpy;iy. filapy; rhg;gpLfpNwd; vd;W mth; nrhy;y> ePq;fs; mg;gbr; nrhy;ypapUf;ff; $lhJ. mth; mij epidj;Jj;jhd; tuhky; tpl;bUg;ghh;” vd;whh; Jh;f;fh. etuhrh gykhfr; rpupj;jhd;@ “nfq;fhjuDf;F ehd; nrhd;dJ tpsq;fpap Uf;FNkh njupahJ. mtd; ed;whff;Fbj;J

177

tpl;L vq;fhtJ epidtpy;yhky; tpOe;J fplg;ghd;. cwq;fpath;> nrj;jtiu tpl NtWgl;lth; my;yh;. mt;thNw fs;Sz;gth;fSk; mwpT kaq;Ftjhy; eQ;ir cz;lth;fs; Nghy kaq;fpr; nrj;jth; Nghyf; fplg;ghh;fs;. ve;j tPjpapy; Jzp kzpapy;yhky; fplf;fpwhNdh njupatpy;iy” vd;whd; etuhrh. Jh;f;fh vJTk; Ngrtpy;iy. “ehd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrhy;y Ntz;Lk;. tPl;by; ahUk; ,y;yhtpl;lhy; tPl;il cilj;Jj; jpUb tpLthh;fs;. ,uz;L thuq;fSf;F Nky; ePh; tPl;Lf;F tutpy;iy. thwPuh?” vd;W Nfl;lhd; etuhrh. mg;NghJ ahNuh xUtd; cs;Ns te;jhd;. “Jh;f;fh cq;fsJ ngaiur; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;L tPjpapy; xUtu; czh;tpd;wpf; fplf;fpwhh;. “Jh;f;fh Jh;f;fh” vd;W ,ilapilNa nrhd;djhy; cq;fSf;Fj; njupe;jtuhf ,Uf;Fnkd;W epidj;J te;Njd;” vd;whd; te;jtd;. “ehd; Kd;Ng epidj;jdhd;. ,tidj; jpUj;j KbahJ. gfy; KOtJk; Ntiyfs;. ,uitf;F ,td; gLf;fTk; tplhd; Nghyj; njupfpwJ” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh. etuhrh> nfq;fhjud; czu;tpy;yhky; fple;j ,lj;jpw;F te;jhd;. nfq;fhjud; Kfk; Fg;Gwf; fple;jhd;. xU gioa rhf;fhy; mtid

178

KbapUe;jdh;. etuhrh gaj;Jld; fpl;lr; nrd;whd;. xU ngupath; nrhd;dhh;@ “ehd;F kzpf;Ff; Fbj;J tpl;L elf;f Kbahky; Ntl;b eOtp tpoj; js;shbagb te;J tpOe;J tpl;lhh;. ehk; jhd; J}f;fpf; filapy; tsh;j;jp tpl;L rhf;fhy; Nghh;j;jp tpl;Nlhk;. ,t;tsT NeuKk; ,we;jtiug; Nghyf; fple;jhh;. ,g;g nfhQ;r Neuj;jpw;F Kd;dk; “Jh;f;fh Jh;f;fh” vd;W Gyk;gpdhh;. ,q;F cq;fisj; njupe;j xUth; epd;wikahy; cq;fis mioj;J tUk;gb mDg;gpNdhk;. kdpjdhfg; gpwe;jtd; ,g;gbah Fbg;gJ…? ,g;gbf; Fbj;J tpl;L czh;tpy;yhky; tpOe;J fple;jhy; ,tdJ FLk;gj;jpd; khdk; vd;dthFk;…” vd;whh;. etuhrh> nfq;fhjuidg; ghh;j;jhd;. mtd; epidtpy;yhky; fple;jhd;. mUfpy; epd;wth;fspd; JizAld; mtidj; J}f;fp; Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; Vw;wpf; nfhz;L jdJ tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mtdJ tPl;L thrypy; nfq;fhjudpd; kditp aNrhjpdpAk; mtdJ jfg;gDk; epd;wdh;. etuhrhitf; fz;lJk; aNrhjpdp tpk;kpdhs;@ tpf;fp tpf;fp mOjhs;. “vd;Dila FLk;gkhdnky;yhk; Ngha; tpl;lJ jk;gp.,tidj; njUtpiy Nghfpw thfdk; VjhtJ Nkhjpf; nfhd;whYk; ftiy ,y;iy. capNuhL ,Ue;J vkJ khdj;ij

179

thq;Ffpwhd;. ,tdhy; %j;jtspd; fypahzKk; Fok;gp tpl;lJ” vd;W fyq;fpdhh; aNrhjpdpapd; je;ij. etuhrhthy; vJTk; Ngr Kbatpy;iy. aNrhjpdp tpk;kp tpk;kp mOjhs;. mts; mOtijg; ghh;f;f etuhrhtpd; fz;Sk; fyq;fpd. “Fbj;Jtpl;L njUtpy; tpOe;J fple;jhh;. njUtpy; epd;wth;fs; vdJ thfdj;jpy; Vw;wp tpl;ldh;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “tPl;il tpl;L ntOf;fpl;L %d;w ehl;fs; Mfp tpl;ld. njUtpy; ahiuNah thfdk; Nkhjp tpl;ljhffr; nrhd;dhh;fs;. mJjhd; Njb te;Njd;” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp. “nrj;jtDf;Fk; ,tDf;Fk; vd;d tpj;jpahrk;. eQ;R Fbj;Jj; jw;nfhiy n;ra;J nfhz;ltidg; Nghy czh;Tfs; ,y;yhky; fplf;fpwhd;. ctid Vd; jk;gp Vw;wp te;jdPh;? njUtpy; fple;J rhf tpl;bUf;fpyhk;” vd;whh; nfq;fhjudpd; je;ij. “fs;Sf; Fbg;gtidf; fz;lhy; ngw;wjhNa ntWg;gilths;. mg;gb ,Uf;Fk; NghJ kidtpAk; cwtpdh;fSk; ntWg;gilahJ ,Uf;f khl;lhh;fs;. Mdhy;> “mtd; ,we;jhy; ey;yJ” vd;W nrhy;Ykstpw;Ff; ngw;w je;ijf;Nf JzpT te;jnjd;why; ,td; vt;tsT nfhLikfisr; nra;jpUg;ghd;?” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh.

180

926. JQ;rpdhh; nrj;jhupd; NtWmy;yh; vQ;Qhd;Wk; eQ;Rcz;ghh; fs;cz; gth;.

cwq;fpath;> ,we;jtiu tpl NtWgl;lth; my;yh;@ mt;thNw fs;Sz;gtUk; mwpT kaq;Ftjhy; eQ;ir cz;lth; Mth;.

kaq;Fjy; ,aw;if

“Fbiag; gofp tpl;lhd; vd;d nra;tJ? tPl;bypUe;J Fbj;J tpl;Lg; Ngrhky; ,Uf;fyhk; jk;gp. Fbf;ff; $lhJ. Fbg;gJ ngUk;ghtk;. Mdhy; ,tidj; jpUj;j KbahJ. tPl;bypUe;J Fb vd;W nrhy;yp tPl;bNy ,td; Fbf;Fk; kJ tiffis thq;fp te;J nfhLj;Njd;. mg;gbf; Fbj;J tpl;L Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhy; FLk;g khdkhtJ Nghfhky; ,Uf;Fk;. ,td; fs;Sf;filfspy; nrd;W Fbj;J tpl;L mq;F Njitapy;yhky; gpur;rpidg;gLtjhYk;> tPjpfspy; Jzpapy;yhky; cUz;L gpus;tjhYk; vkJ FLk;g khdk; NghfpwJ. ,tdJ %j;j kfisf; fl;Ltjhfr; nrhd;d ,tdJ rNfhjupapd; kfd; mtisf; fl;l kWj;J tpl;lhd;. ,isa kfs; gy;fiyf; fofj;jpy; gbf;fpwhs;. rw;Fzj;jpDila kfSk; gy;fiyf;fofj;jpy; gbf;fpwhs;. xUehs; rw;Fzj;jpd; kfs; gy;fiyf;fofj;jhy; tUk; NghJ ,td; fz;kz; njupahky; Fbj;J tpl;L te;jpUf;fpwhd;. miuapNy fl;bapUe;j Ntl;b mtpo;e;J epyj;jpy; tpOe;J tpl;lJ. mtnsd;dlhntd;why; jd;idf; fz;L tpl;Lj;

181

jhd; ,td; Ntl;bia Ntz;Lnkd;W fow;wp tpl;ltd; vd;W jfg;gDf;Fr; nrhy;y mtd; tPl;il rz;ilf;F te;Jtpl;lhd;. gpd; mts; gy;fiyf;fofj;jp;y; nrd;W ,tw;iwnay;yhk; fz;> fhJ %f;F itj;Jr; nrhy;ypapUf;fpwhs;. mjdhy; ntl;fg;gl;L %d;W khjkhf ,isats; gy;fiyf;fofj;jpw;Fr; nry;ytpy;iy. ,isatd; gj;jhk; tFg;Gg; gbf;fpwhd;. gs;spf;$lj;jpiy nghbas; ,tid khjpup ebj;Jf; fhl;Lfpwhh;fshk;. mjdhy; mtDk; gs;spf; $lj;jpw;Fg; Nghfpwhdpy;iy. ,JfSf;fhfj;jhd; ehd; ,td; Fbf;fpw Fbtiffis ntl;fj;ijg; ghuhky; thq;fp te;J tPl;by; itf;fpwdhd;. mtd; mijf; Fbj;J tpl;Lr; re;jpf;F te;J Kd;G Nghy gpur;rpidg;gLfpwhd;. ,tdhy; vk;Kila FLk;gk; ghoha; Ngha;tpl;lJ jk;gp. ehd; vd;d nra;tJ?” mOjhu; nfq;fhjudpd; je;ij

mtiug; ghh;f;f etuhrhTf;Fg; ghtkhf

,Ue;jJ. %d;W gps;isfSk; mtDf;F Kd;dhy; te;J Njk;gpj; Njk;gp mOtijg; Nghy ,Ue;jJ@ “mth;fs; gLk; Jd;gj;jpYk; ghh;f;fr; nfq;fhjud; thfdk; Nkhjpr; rhtJ ey;yJ” vd;W epidj;jhd;.

“kiwthf ,Ue;J fs;isf; Fbj;jhYk;

Nghij VwptpLk;. mjdhy; tPl;bypUf;fhJ ntspNa nrd;W tpLthh;fs;. gpd; tPjpfspy; nra;Ak; Nrl;ilfisg; ghh;j;J Cutu;fs; Nfypahfr; rpupg;ghh;fs;. ,J jpdKk; eilngWk; epfo;r;rp. ,ij vd;dhy; nghWj;Jf; nfhs;s

182

Kbatpy;iy. mj;Jld; taJ te;j ngz; gps;isfs; ,uz;Lk; gLk; Ntjidiag; ghh;f;fr; rfpf;ftpy;iy. kfDf;Fk; tpguk; Gupfpd;w taJ. mtd; jfg;gd; vd;Wk; ghuhJ nfhl;lidj; J}f;Ffpwhd;. jw;nrayhf mtd; jfg;gDf;F mbj;J tpl;lhy; khdk; Ngha;tpLk;. gps;isAk; jtwhd topapy; elf;f Muk;gpj;J tpLk;. ,tw;why; vdf;F tho;f;if ntWf;fpwJ.” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

“tho;f;if vd;why; Nghuhl;lk; jhd;.

Mdhy; ,J Nghuhl;lky;y kuzg; Nghuhl;lk;. FLk;gj;jpd; khdk;> kupahij> nfsutk; vy;yhk; fg;gy; Vwp tpl;lJ. gps;isfshtJ gbj;J Kd;Ndwp tpLnkd;W ghh;j;jhy; gps;isfspd; tho;Tk; mope;J tpl;lJ. nja;tj;jpw;Fk; gag;gLfpwhdpy;iy@ gopghtj;jpw;Fk; mQ;Rfpwhdpy;iy@ gps;isfspd; vjph;fhyj;ijg; gw;wpr; rpe;jpf;fpwhdpy;iy. ,td; kdprNdh jk;gp? %d;W ehl;fSf;F Kd;G tPl;il tpl;L ntspf;fpl;ltd;> ,tDf;F kidtp gps;isfs; vy;yhk; ,Uf;nfd;W epidj;jhy; ,g;gbf; fplg;ghNdh?” mOjhh; nfq;fhjudpd; je;ij.

“,tw;iwf; fijj;J ve;jg;

gpuNahrdKk; ,y;iy. ehk; fijf;fpw vJTk; mtDf;F tpsq;f khl;lhJ. mtd; ,q;NfNa gLj;J ,Uf;fl;Lk;. ,e;j Neuk; mtid cq;fs; tPl;Lf;Ff; nfhz;L te;jhy; gps;isfshNyNa gy gpur;rpidfs; tUk;. mjdhy; mtd; ,q;Nf gLj;jpUf;fl;Lk;.

183

tpbe;jJk; tPl;Lf;Ff; $l;b tUfpNwd;” vd;whd; etuhrh.

aNrhjpdp tpk;kpdhs;@ “mtiuf; Fbf;f

Ntz;lhk; vd;W ahUk; nrhy;ytpy;iy. Fbj;J tpl;Lg; Ngrhky; tPl;by; ,Ue;jhNy NghJk;. mijr; nrhy;Yq;Nfh” vd;whs; aNrhjpdp.

“rup ePq;fs; Ngha; thUq;fs;” vd;whd;

etuhrh. mth;fs; nrd;W tpl;ldh;. etuhrh

nfq;fhjuid nky;yj; jl;b vOg;gp tPl;Ls; mioj;Jr; nrd;W gLf;f itj;jhd@. “vy;yhk; tre;jpdpahy; jhd; te;jJ. mts; jdJ Raey Nehf;fj;jpw;fhff; nfq;fhjuidg; gpbj;jts;. njhle;Jk; mtNdhL rpNdfpjkhf ,Ue;jpUe;jhy; ,t;tsT gpur;rpidfSk; te;jpUf;fhJ” vd;W epidj;jhd; etuhrh.

927. cs;xw;wp cs;Sh; eifg;gLth; vQ;Qhd;Wk; fs;xw;wpf; fz;rha; gth;.

fs;is kiwe;jpUe;J Fbj;jhYk; mwpT kaq;fpj; jd;epiy GupahJ ele;J nfhs;tjhy;> mij mwpe;J Ch; kf;fs; ve;ehSk; ,opthfg; Ngrpr; rpupg;ghh;fs;.

jhNd ntspg;gLk;

kWehl;fhiy Rg;gpukzpak; RLePh;; Nghj;jypy; NjePh; nfhz;L te;jhd;. mjw;F Kd;

184

ypq;Nf];tup te;J NjePh; itj;Jf; nfhLj;J tpl;L tPL thriyf; $l;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;. “nrhy;Ywd; vd;W Fiw epidj;Jf; nfhs;shijq;Nfh. nfq;fhjudpd; rpNefpjj;ij tpl;L tpLq;Nfh. ,tDf;Fg; gyh; ez;gh;fshf ,Ue;jit. vy;yhUk; ,tDila el;igj; Jz;bj;J tpl;ldh;. ePq;fs; xUth;jhd; mtDld; Kd;G Nghyg; gofp tUfpwPu;fs;. mtDila el;ig tpl;Lq;Nfh. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; ePq;fs; mjdhy; fiur;ry; gLtPu;fs;” vd;whd;. Rg;gpukzpak;. etuhrh Nahrpj;jhd;@ “cz;ikjhd;. ehd; ,tNdhL vq;Nf njhlh;G itf;fpNwd;? tpba Kd;G ,q;F te;J tpLfpwhd;. fiyj;jhYk; Nghfpwhd; ,y;iy. Kd;G ed;whfg; gofp tpl;Nld;. ,Ue;j NghJk; ,td; tPl;Lf;F tUtjhy; mk;kh $l vd;idr; re;Njfpf;fpwh? Jh;f;fh VRwhs;? fjpNurg;G ve;j ehSk; Gj;jpkjpfs; $wpagb. ,g;g ePAk; nrhy;fpwha;. mtid tuhky; gz;Ztjw;F xU Nahrid nrhy;Y ghh;g;gk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “ePq;fs; nrhy;tJ rup. cq;fsJ mk;kh mbf;fb vd;idr; re;jpj;J@ “etuhrh Fbf;fpwtNdh” vd;W Nfl;fpwth. ehd; ,y;iy vd;W nrhd;dhYk; ek;Gtjpy;iy. cq;fsJ f\;lk; vdf;Fg; GupfpwJ. Jl;l ez;gidj; jz;lid nfhLj;jhtJ tpyf;Fjy; Ntz;Lk;. Mgj;J te;jhy; mjdhy; ePq;fSk; f\;lg;gLtPu;fs;” vd;whd; Rg;gpukzpak;.

185

mg;NghJ nfq;fhjud; vOk;gp te;jhd;. mtdJ Kfk; tPq;fpapUe;jJ. fz;fs; rpte;J jhz;bUe;jd@ “cd;Dila Nfhyj;ijf; fz;zhbapy; xUKiw ghh;. Kfnky;yhk; tPq;fpf; fplf;F. nfhQ;r ehl;fSf;fhtJ Fbia epWj;J. cdJ Fbahy; cdJ clk;G kl;Lky;y cdJ FLk;gj;jpd; vjph;fhyNk mope;J tpl;lJ. cdJ %j;jkfspd; jpUkzk; Fok;gp tpl;lJ. cdJ khkdhh; eP gpur;rpidg;glhky; tPl;by; ,Ue;J Fbf;fr; nrhy;fpwhh;. cdJ f\;lk; ftiyfSf;fhf vj;jid Ngiu eP tUj;Jfpwha;. vdf;F f\;lk;> ftiy> gpur;rpidfs; te;j NghJ tPl;lhupd; md;Gk; mutizg;Gk; jhd; mtw;iwj; jPh;j;J itj;jJ. nfhQ;r ehl;fSf;Ff; FLk;gj;ij Nerp@ gps;isfisf; ftdp> vy;yhf; f\;lKk; Ngha;tpLk;. eP epidj;J Vq;FtJ xU Fykfis my;y tpgr;rhupia. me;j tpgr;rhupapd; Nky; itj;j ghrj;ij cdJ kidtpapd; kPJ itj;Jg; ghh;. cdJ tho;T ,dpf;Fk;. ,dpf;f ,dpf;fg; Ngrpats;> eP tPjpapy; tpOe;J fplf;Fk; NghJ jhd; Gjpjhfg; gpbj;jtDld; cy;yhrkhfr; nry;fpwhs;. mj;Jld; Nfyp gz;zpr; rpupf;fpwhs;. ,ij Vd; eP czh;fpwha; ,y;iy” vd;W Nfl;lhd; etuhrh. “cz;ikjhd; etk;. ehd; Jd;gg;gl mts; ,d;gj;ij mDgtpf;fpwhs;. vdJ nray;fshy; vdJ gps;isfspd; vjph;fhyk; ghohfp tpl;lJ. ,dpNky; ehd; Fbf;f khl;ld;.

186

,J rj;jpak;. etk;> mts; ey;ynjhU Guprid tpl;L tpl;L vd;idg; gpbf;Fk; NghNj mts; vd;idAk; tpl;L tpl;L ,d;ndhUtidg; gpbg;ghs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. mts; vd;d Fykfsh…? tpgr;rhup. vd;Dld; vd;ndd;d fijj;jhNsh vd;ndd;Ndh nra;jhNsh mnjy;yhk; ,d;ndhUtDld; nra;a khl;lhs; vd;W vg;gb ek;GtJ? mtSld; ehd; njhiyNgrpapy; NgRk; NghNj mtspd; Fuy;> rpupg;G> NgRk; jd;ik Nghd;wtw;wpy; ,Ue;J mts; vd;d nra;fpwhs; vd;W vdf;Fj; njupAk;. xUehs; ehd; mtsJ tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;wNghJ tPL G+l;lg;gl;bUe;jJ. ehd; tPl;Lf;F te;J njhiyNgrpapy; njhlh;G nfhz;l NghJ mts; jhd; Fspj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;Njd; vd;W nrhd;dhs;. mts; tpgr;rhup. vJTk; nra;ths;. mjdhy; ehd; ek;Gtjpy;iy. me;j Neuk; ,d;ndhUtDld; ry;yhgpj;jpUg;ghs;. ek;GtJ Nghy ebj;Njd;. Njitahd NghJ Rl;bf; fhl;bf; fijg;Ngd;. mts; rpupg;ghs;. mts;kpfTk; ifNjh;e;j tpgr;rhup. mjdhy; ehd; nrhy;tij eP ek;G” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “vdf;F cdJ thh;j;ijfspy; ek;gpf;ifapy;iy. nraypy; fhl;L. fs; Fbg;gtd; ehd; fs; Fbf;f khl;Nld; vd;W mbf;fb $Wthd;. Mdhy; mtd; Fbj;J tpl;L Fbf;fhjtd; Nghy ele;jhYk; mtdJ cs;sj;jpy; xspj;jpUf;Fk; ,ufrpaq;fs; jhNd ntspg;gl;L tpLk;. mjdhy; ehd; fz;L gpbj;J tpLNtd;.” vd;whd; etuhrh.

187

“ehd; Fbf;f khl;ld;. eP vd;id ek;G” vd;W $wptpl;Lr; Rg;gpukzpak; nfhz;L te;j NjePiu thq;fpf; Fbj;J tpl;L “ehd; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;W tUfpNwd;” vd;W $wptpl;Lg; Gwg;gl;Lr; nrd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “rup…. Nghapl;L th. gpd;Neuk; ey;y Kiwapy; re;jp” vd;whd; etuhrh. md;W khiy MW kzpf;F nfq;fhjud; etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. te;J Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;. mjdhy; etuhrh kdk; kfpo;e;jhd;@ “,g;gbNa ,U. ehiye;J ehl;fSf;Ff; Fbf;fhky; tpl;lhahdhy; fs;is kwe;J tpLtha;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “fs;is kwe;jhYk; vd;dhy; tre;jpdpia kwf;f KbahJ. mts; ahNuh xUtNdhL Nkhl;lhh; thfdj;jpy; nry;fpwhs;. mtSf;F vg;NghJk; Mz;gps;is xd;W Ntz;Lk;. mtisg; gw;wp vdf;Fj; njupAk;. mts; tpgr;rhup….” myl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; nfq;fhjud;. etuhrhTf;F Nfhgk; te;jJ@ “eP Fbj;J tpl;L te;jpUf;fpwha;. vdf;Fg; gae;J mjpfkhff; Fbf;ftpy;iy. eP Fbj;jhy; tre;jpdpiag; gw;wpf; fijf;fhky; ,Uf;f khl;lha;. cd;Dila cs;sj;jpy; xspj;jpUf;Fk; mtsJ epidT fs;Sz;lJk;

188

jhdhf ntspNa te;J tpLk;. eP ,q;Nf tuNtz;lhk;. ntspNa Ngh” vd;whd; etuhrh. 928. fspj;JmwpNad; vd;gJ iftpLf@ neQ;rj;J xspj;jJ}ck; Mq;Nf kpFk;.

fs;isf; Fbg;gtd;> „ehd; xUNghJk; fs; Fbg;gtd; my;yd;‟ vd;W nrhy;tij tpl Ntz;Lk;. Vd;vdpy; mtdJ neQ;rpy; xspj;jpUf;Fk; Fw;wq;fs; fs;Sz;lJk; jhdhf ntspg;gl;L tpLk;.

jP tpsf;F

“etk;> Nfhgpj;Jf; nfhs;shijalh. ehd; Kd;G Nghyf; Fbf;ftpy;iy. nfhQ;rkhfj;jhd; Fbj;Njd;. eP nrhd;dijg; Nghy fs;Sf; Fbj;jJk; kdjpy; xspj;jpUe;jitnay;yhk; ntspg;gl;L tpl;ld. fs;Sf; Fbf;fhtpl;lhy; kdjpy; xspj;jpUg;git ntspNa tukhl;lhJ. Fbj;jJk; mit ntspg;gl;L tpl;ld. vd;id ntWf;fhijalh. ePjhd; vdJ xNu xU ez;gd;” nfQ;rpdhd; nfq;fhjud;. “ehd;jhd; cdJ xNu xU ez;gd;. mjdhy;jhd; eP nra;Ak; gopfs; ahTk; vdJ jiyapy; nghwpfpd;wd. vdJ mk;kh cd;NdhL Nrh;e;J ehDk; Fbf;fpNwd; vd;W ftiyg;gLfpwh. ngw;w jhia tUj;Jtijg; Nghd;wnjhU nfhba nray; cyfpy; vJTk; ,y;iy. ehd;; Fbj;J tpl;L Vr;R thq;fpdhy;

189

guthapy;iy. cd;NdhL jpuptjhYk; Kd;G ehd; cd;Dld; Nrh;e;J Fbj;jjhYk; mth re;Njfg;gLfpwh. mjdhy; vdf;F ftiyahf ,Uf;fpwJ. New;W mbf;fhj Fiw. mijtplf; fjpNurg;G vd;id ek;Gfpwhh; ,y;iy. Fbg;gjhy; cz;lhFk; jPikfisg; gw;wp mbf;fb vdf;F cgNjrpf;fpwhh;. mjd; mh;j;jk; vd;d njupAkh…? ntspg;gilahfr; nrhy;yhtpl;lhYk;> “ePAk; Fbf;fpwha;” vd;W mth; nrhy;yhkw; nrhy;fpwhh;. ,njy;yhk; vdf;F Ntz;Lkh..? eP ,dpNky; ,q;Nf tuhNj. cd;id ehd; nfQ;rpf; Nfl;fpNwd;” fyq;fpdhd; etuhrh. “eP tuNtz;lhnkd;why; ehd; eQ;rUe;jpf; jw;nfhiyjhd; nra;a Ntz;Lk;” “,g;g vd;d mkph;jkh Fbf;fpwha;? eQ;irj;jhNd nfhQ;rk; nfhQ;rkhff; Fbf;fpwha;. xd;whff; Fbj;J tpL. mjdhy; cdJ FLk;gj;jpdUf;Fk; ed;ik cz;lhFk;. vdf;Fk; njhy;iy jPUk;.” “mg;gbr; nrhy;fpwhah…? ,g;gbr; nrhy;y cdf;F vg;gb kdk; te;jJ?” mOjhd; nfq;fhjud;. “cd;Dila elj;ijiag; ghh;j;jhy; ahUk; mg;gbj;jhd; nrhy;thh;fs;. eP kdpjdh….? cdf;F cdJ kidtpAk; gps;isfSk; vd;d nfhLik nra;jdh;? Vd;

190

mth;fisj; jz;bf;fpwha;. cdJ %j;j kfisg; ghh;. ,isa kfisg; ghh;. ,uz;Lk; ftiyfshy; rhg;gplhky; cUf;Fiye;J NghapUf;fpwhhfs;. ehd; cdJ ,isa kfSld; fijj;jdhd;. mts;> “vdJ gy;fiyf;foff; fy;tp ghohfptpl;lJ. ,dp ehd; tho;e;J gpuNahrdkpy;iy” vd;fpwhs;. me;jr; rpd;dQ; rpWghyd; rhtij tpl eP rhtJ ey;yJ” vd;whd; etuhrh. nfq;fhjud; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;. mtdJ Kfj;jpy; ve;j tpjkhd khWjy;fSk; Vw;gltpy;iy@ “eP tPjpfspy; kl;Lkh fyhl;lhr; nra;fpwha;. tPl;bYk; ahiuAk; epk;kjpahf ,Uf;f tpLfpwha; ,y;iy. eP tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;why; cdJ kidtpAk; gps;isfSk; tPl;iltpl;L ntspNawp mLj;jth;fsJ tPLfspYk;> kuq;fSf;Ff; fPOk; gLf;fpwhh;fs;. trjpfs; gy ,Ue;Jk; mdhijfs; Nghy ,uitf; fopf;fpwhh;fs;. ,g;gb eP tho;tjpYk; ghh;f;f ,wf;fyhk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. “ehd; FLk;gj;jpdUf;F msTf;fjpfkhd gy Jd;gq;fisf; nfhLj;J tpl;Nld;. ,dpNky; ehd; mg;gb elf;f khl;Nld;.” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “,g;gb vj;jid jlitfs; eP nrhy;ypapUg;gha;. New;Wk; Fbf;f khl;ld; vd;W nrhd;ddP. ,g;g mij kwe;J Fbj;J tpl;L te;jpUf;fpwha;. fs;Sz;l kaf;fj;jpy; ,Ug;gtid mJ jtwhdJ vd;W $wp

191

mtidj; jpUj;Jk; Kaw;rp rup tuhJ. mJ ePUf;Fs; %o;fpatidj; jPg;ge;jk; nfhz;L NjLtijg; Nghd;wJ. eP ,q;F tu Ntz;lhk;. Ngh” vd;W fLikahfr; nrhd;dhd; etuhrh. nfq;fhjud; rpy epkplq;fs; Ngrhky; ,Ue;jhd;@ “vijr; nrhd;dhYk; mij etuhrh ek;gkhl;lhd;” vd;W nfq;fhjuDf;Fg; Gupe;jJ. mj;Jld; jhd; mtDld; Nrh;tjhy; mtDf;F Vfg;gl;l gpur;rpidfs; tUfpd;wd vd;Wk; mtDf;Fj; njupAk;. fjpNurd; xU ehs; mtid tPjpapy; fz;L nrhd;dhh;@ “eP Fbj;J mope;J Ngh. Vd; vdJ NgudJ tPl;Lf;Fr; nry;fpwha;?eP mq;F Nghtjhy; mtDf;F Vuhskhd gpur;rpidf;s tUfpd;wd. cdf;F ntl;fk;> Nuhrk;> khdkpy;iy. Fbj;jhy; miuapy; JzpAk; ,uhJ. mg;gbahdtd; eP. mjdhy; mtd;iu tPl;il NghfhNj” etuhrhtpd; jhAk; mtidf; fz;lhy; VRths;. mjdhy; nfq;fhjud; nky;y vOe;Jnrd;whd;. jhd; nrd;why; etuhrh $g;gpLthd; vd;W epidj;jhd;. etuhrh $g;gpltpy;iy. mjdhy; ftiyAld; ele;jhd;. 929. fspj;jhidf; fhuzk; fhl;Ljy; fPo;ePh;f; Fspj;jhidj; jPj;JuP, aw;W.

fs;Sz;L kaq;fp ,Ug;gtDf;Fg; Gj;jpkjpfs; $wp mtidj; jpUj;j

192

Nkw;nfhs;Sk; Kaw;rp> ePUf;Fs; %o;fpatidj; jPtpsf;Ff; nfhz;L NjLtijg; Nghd;wJ.

vz;zpg;ghh;

kWehs; khiy nfq;fhjud; etuhrhtpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mtidf; fz;l etuhrh jpifj;Jg; Nghdhd;. new;wp epiwa tPG+jp G+rp> re;jzg; nghl;L itj;J> fhjpy; ngupanjhU nrt;tuj;jk; G+ itj;jgb te;j nfq;fhjuid mjph;r;rpAld; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L epd;whd; etuhrh. “vd;d etk; jpifj;Jg; Ngha; epw;fpwha;. New;W ehd; ngupjhff; Fbf;ftpy;iy. eP tPl;Lf;F tuNtz;lhnkd;W $wpagpd; NeNu Rthkpahuplk; nrd;W mtuJ ghjj;ijg; gpbj;J mONjd;. mth; MWjy; thh;j;ijfs; $wp vd;idf; fhiyapy; tur; nrhd;dhh;. fhiyapy; Njha;e;J tpl;Lr; nrd;W mtUlNdNa ,Ue;Njd;. gfy; czitAk; mtNu je;jhh;. ,dp xt;nthU ehSk; fhiyapy; vOe;jJk; kfh fzgjp Myaj;jpw;Fr; nry;yg; NghfpNwd;. mq;F nrd;why; kdjpw;F epk;kjpahf ,Uf;fpwJ. vdJ %j;j kfSk; kidtpAk; ehd; Nfhapypy; ,Ug;gij mwpe;J mq;F te;J fz;zPh; tpl;L mOjdh;. mth;fs; nrhy;tij epidf;f vdf;Fj; Jf;fkhf ,Uf;fpwJ” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;.

193

“,g;g tre;jpdpapd; epidT tUtjpy;iyah…?” nfq;fhjud; rpupj;jhd;. me;jr; rpupg;gpy; G+uz kfpo;tpUe;jJ@ “mtisg; gw;wp vdf;F epidTgLj;jhNj. mts; tpgr;rhup. nghUs; nfhLg;gtDf;Fr; Rfj;ijf; nfhLg;gts;. eP nrhd;dJ Nghy mtNshL nfhs;Sk; cwT gpzj;NjhL nfhs;Sk; cwitg; Nghd;wJ” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “vd;id mtrukhf tUk;gb Jh;f;fh njhiyNgrpapy; nrhd;dhs;. th Ngha;tpl;L tUNthk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. ,UtUk; Nkhl;lhh; tz;bapy; Gwg;gl;ldh;. re;jpapy; gyh; $b epd;wdh;. etuhrh tz;bia epWj;jptpl;L ,wq;fpdhd;. nfq;fhjuDk; ,wq;fp te;jhd;. epyj;jpy; Fg;Gw xUtd; gLj;Jf; fple;jhd;. mtd; fl;bapUe;j Ntl;b rpwpJ J}uj;jpy; ,Ue;jJ. kf;fs; mtidf; ftdpf;fhJ nrd;W nfhz;bUe;jdh;. nfq;fhjud; J}u ,Ue;j Ntl;bia vLj;J etuhrhtpd; JizNahL epyj;jpy; fple;jtDf;Ff; fl;bdhd;. mJ fpU\;dd;. “th Nghtk;” vd;whd; etuhrh. fpU\;did me;j ,lj;jpy; me;j khjpup tpl;L tpl;Lr; nrhy;yf; nfq;fhjud; tpUk;gtpy;iy. “th Nghtk;” vd;W kPz;Lk; nrhd;d etuhrh Nkhl;lhh; thfdj;jpy; Vwp ,Ue;J

194

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“,g;gbNa ,Uq;Nfh. ePq;fs; ,g;gb ,Ug;gijf; fz;L vdf;Nf kpFe;j kfpo;r;rpahf ,Uf;F. cq;fs; kidtpAk; gps;isfSk; fz;lhy; vt;tsT re;Njh\g;gLthh;fs;. ,Uq;Nfh NjePh; nfhz;L tUfpNwd;” vd;whs; Jh;f;fh. ,UtUk; ,uT xd;gJ kzpf;Fg; Gwg;gl;ldh;. thry;tiu te;j Jh;f;fh nrhd;dhs;@ “,g;gbNa ePq;fs; thog; goFq;fs;@ tpbe;jJjk; kfh fzgjp myaj;jpw;Fr; nry;Yq;fs;. Myaj;jpy; ,Ue;jjhy; ve;jf; nfl;l vz;zq;fSk; cq;fSf;F tuhJ” “rup. mg;gbNa nra;fpNwd;. ghUq;Nfh ehd; Fbf;fhky; ,Ue;J fhl;Lwd;.” vd;whd; nfq;fhjud;. “mg;gbr; nra;jhy; kfh fzgjpf;F ehd; Xh; mgpN\fk; nra;Ntd;” vd;whh; Jh;f;fh. 930. fs;cz;zhg; Ngho;jpy; fspj;jhidf; fhZk;fhy; cs;shd;nfhy; cz;ljd; Nrhh;T.

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