Naukadubi: The Boatwreck

Chapter 16

Jogendra asked directly, without any externalities,
"Ramesh, who is this girl?"

Ramesh replied calmly,
"She's a relative of mine."

Jogendra frowned and questioned,
"What kind of relative? This doesn't seem to be a distant relation, or someone with whom you've a relationship of affectionate stature, a niece? Younger sister?" He paused to gather his sprout of words. "I've heard everything about your relatives from you-never heard any description about this particular relative."

Akshay was standing beside Yogendra, hawkeyed, ever so vigilant in his demeanor, as if a police waiting to catch a criminal redhanded. He added a curt sarcasm,
"Jogendra, this is unfair-some things shouldn't be revealed even to friends, let alone discussing it openly. Keeping some relationships private is necessary, don't you see?"

Jogendra persisted, "But, unfortunately, I have a special desire to discuss this with you, Ramesh." His indignation was raising the heat of the evening.
"If your relationship with my sister, Hem isn't about marriage, then why keep such a distant connection with your relatives hidden? It wouldn't be necessary to go through this turmoil if what's private remains private."

Ramesh explained, "Up until now, I could tell you all that there's no relationship of mine on earth that could pose any obstacle to forming a sacred bond with Hemnalini."

Jogendra tried to restrain his anger. He added, "Maybe there's nothing holding you back, but there could be for Hemalini's family. I ask you one thing as her brother: why keep the nature of your relationship with such a relative hidden?"

Ramesh stood quiet, but not afraid. He hadn't done anything wrong that would make him scared. He responded,
"If I reveal that reason, it won't remain hidden. You have to trust me without questioning; from my childhood, you should know-I never speak without a reason. You'll have to trust me that what I said about this girl is true."

Jogendra inquired, "Is this girl's name Kamala?"

Ramesh affirmed calmly, "Yes."

Jogendra questioned again, "Have you introduced her as your wife?"

Ramesh confirmed, "Yes, I have."

Jogendra pressed, "Still, do you expect us to trust you? You want us to believe that this girl is not your wife, but you've told everyone that she is. This isn't a good example of truthfulness."

Akshay was restless, he intervened immediately, keeping his sarcastic knife sharp.
"That argument doesn't apply to ethical principles in schools, but, brother Jogendra, in family matters, sometimes it's necessary to say different things to different sides. At least one of them may be true. Maybe what Ramesh has said to you is the truth."

Ramesh clarified, "I haven't told you anything. I've only said this much: my marriage with Hemalini is not against my principles. Discussing everything about Kamala with you is a more serious obstacle- even if you doubt me, as it would be injustice to Kamala. I won't be able to do anything unjust."

Jogendra said, "Have you told Hemalini about this?"

Ramesh replied, maintaining his composed composure,
"No. after marriage, I intend to tell her everything-if she wishes, I may still tell her now."

Jogendra huffed, "Alright, can I ask Kamala a couple of questions about this relationship?"

Ramesh looked straight at Jogendra,
"No, absolutely not. If I'm accused of being a criminal, I can justify myself appropriately, but I won't allow Kamala to stand before all of you for such interrogation."

"But why would you not? Do you fear that she might... " Akshay was trying to say more, but Jogendra interrupted.

"There's no need for anyone else to be interrogated Akshay. What needs to be known has been revealed. Sufficient evidence has been presented. Now I've clearly told you-after this, do not dare an attempt to enter our house"