Song of the Firebird

Twenty

'Roy has changed sides.'

That statement was just as expected. Who in this word would not submit to a heavily profitable bargain that would swallow one's pride and loyalty in one full swig? Not all men could keep their desires at bay when the financial help was delivered to their doorstep.

'Do we have anyone to back us up?', enquired Mandhira.

'Well, ..', Jeeva scratched his neck and looked at the television, refusing to admit his defeat in front of his wife. 'I was so sure that we would win the case, because he was on our side since dad's time. So, I .. I didn't have any plan B.'

'Oh my dearest idiot', sighed Mandhira.

'By the way, why is it understaffed downstairs?' He looked towards Jay and continued, 'I thought you said something about lunch being served. And here you guys are done without me!' He looked at the dirty dishes on the table.

Jay stood up from his seat and said, 'I can go get your portion, while you tend to your wife. She is going nuts about her swollen ankles.' Jay cast a dull look towards Mandhira and slowly shook his head . She responded with a slight nod. He then swept past Jeeva, carrying with him the food trays and closed the door behind him.

A second later the footsteps died, Jeeva cleared his throat and asked his wife. 'They have found about him, haven't they?'

'Yes', she whispered.

The husband and wife remained silent until Jay brought a serving. In the middle of his meal, Jeeva pitched in a casual conversation, staring at his wife. 'So, when is the next visit to the doctor's?' without taking his eyes off the plate. Jay sat on the single couch, his hands folded, his eyes closed and his long legs rested on the ottoman.

'In ten days. Four days before the hearing.' Jeeva placed his tray on the side table and poured himself some buttermilk. He said, 'Is Poorani asleep?'. Before Mandhira could answer, a pair of hands slapped hard on the wooden armrest. Taken aback, the couple glared at the source of the sound.

Jeeva snapped, 'For heaven's sake, Jay, that wooden couch is -'.

'Just drop your mask, dammit!', whisper-yelled Jay. He narrowed his eyes at his brother. 'You should have told me about this in the last few calls. This shit. Had I known your situation, I would be here from the beginning. You are my only living family, Pratap and I will go berserk if anything happens to you four.'

Pratap.

Jay was showing signs of his other side which meant business. Jeeva glanced over to his wife and motioned her to their room. As Mandhira stood from her place, Jay called out, 'Stay! You will hear me out. Besides, we need you to set your husband and best friend straight.' Shuddering at his commanding tone, she nodded feebly.

'We cannot possibly turn the tide in a mere couple of weeks', sighed Jeeva. 'We will have to find a lawyer, convince the farming families, ask for police intervention and find something that could defend our side—a material, a document, anything with signatures other than mother's will. I don't remember either of us signing anything this past fifteen years. I had to check the family vault and father's frequented places.' He took a moment to let out an exhausted sigh and beckoned at Jay, 'I need you to check through the security feed that might put these thugs around the mansion behind the bars.' Contented with Jay's assenting nod, he looked in his wife's direction.'Mandhira, I want a written statement from you, oozing with sentiments, telling your inconveniences about unauthorized people lurking around the house, addressed to the police. Attach the photos supporting your statements and more importantly, your hospital reports. We are submitting a copy to the city's Women's police station as well. Once Jay gives you the screenshots, print them. Also, let the maids gossip as much about the things happening here and I am pretty sure that the village panchayat and the elders will interfere.' Cracking his knuckles, he poured the last of his itinerary. 'Jay, you have the most arduous task of convincing the farmers and their families to not take the bribe. I will have to consult my fellow alumni for a lawyer.'