Going Nuts over Spring

Pic source: www.currylore.com 

"Spend carefully, don't buy things that you can't digest, avoid oily stuff and make sure that you are not left hungry".

Those were the words spoken by our father as he gave 50 Paise each, to me and my brother Radhakanth for spending over coffee and snacks at a make shift canteen at our school, Besant Basic School on MG Road, Mangalore. That was Tuesday the February 22, and it was the annual 'Vasantotsava' or Spring Festival of 1966 celebrated in the school. Variety entertainment and the food stall made it more attractive than school day. We never missed that day for the initial five years we spent in that school.

As we walked up the MG Road passing by the green paddy fields on either side, Radhakanth said "They must be having quite a few food items there. I would prefer to eat some halwa, some snack and have lemon juice. What is your idea?"

I was not sure myself. I told him that I shall decide after seeing the canteen.

We reached school little after 5:45PM and the entertainments were to begin at 6:00. I met my classmates Naveen Kini, Prasad Basri, Ravi Kumar, Sathish Kodialbail and Aravind Thodar. Radhakanth was looking here and there, and before I could turn around, he had disappeared and next I saw him in the make shift canteen set up in 5th Standard class room, sitting on a bench and eating something! He waved at me and signalled me to join him. I nodded my head and showed him my tummy, meaning I am full and I may eat something later! Radhakanth came out of the canteen, joined use and told me, "They have nice Wheat Halwa, Avalakki, Ambade, Sajjige, Sheera, Holige, Tukudi, Sherbat and coffee. I ate halwa, holige and drank sherbat. You can also do that. Each item costs 15 Paise. I still have 5 Paise left and I can use it for something tomorrow."

I was still not tempted to eat anything. Besides, couple of other classmates didn't have any pocket money with them. So, I didn't feel like depriving them!

Then the show began, some entertainment programme went on until 9:00PM. I was eyeing the other students entering and hogging at the canteen lit by petromax light but I could not make up my mind about spending the 50 Paise for anything at the canteen. After two or three rounds on the school ground peeping into the canteen to see the activities there, at 8:30PM they closed the canteen and I sighed with disappointment, that I could not have anything there! The description of the halwa, holige and sherbat made me drool, for I was feeling hungry already! Radhakanth was with Mahaveer and other friends; I was with Naveen, Prasad and Ravi when we returned home. As we approached Ballal Bagh and crossed Narayana Shetty's shop Lalbagh Stores, I saw 'Baayi's Shop' still open. It was almost 9:15PM then.

I asked Naveen "What can I take home with this 50 Paisa I have in my pocket?"

Naveen's eyes brightened, and he said, "Hey buy nelakadale..... peanuts. Baayi sells whole peanuts with shell for 50 Paise a Ser. All at home will be happy that you have brought peanuts, much more than anyone can even imagine! Your parents will feel proud, that you didn't spend the money for yourself, but you shared peanuts with them!"

Prasad and Ravi also nodded in approval, and I didn't hesitate to climb the three steps into Baayi's shop and ask for one ser peanuts! Baayi's eyes became as big as a car's headlight, and she seemed to be shocked! I repeated what I asked for, and showed her the Fifty Paise coin with a broad smile. She packed the peanuts in a large paper cone and handed it over to me.

I came home running with the pack, dashed straight into the hall into the dining section and handed over the pack to my mother. My three brothers who were having dinner were surprised to see that, and they exchanged gestures within themselves. Radhakanth was sitting beside my father who was relaxing at the other end of the hall smoking cigarette and reading English newspaper.

Mother was aghast when she saw the pack, and she asked me what it was. I jubilantly replied "Nelakadale. I got it from Baayi's shop. She gave one Ser for 50 Paise. We all can eat as much as we want!"

Mother announced to father "Look here I say! He has brought one ser peanuts instead of having snacks and coffee at school!"

Father kept his paper aside, stubbed the cigarette in ash tray, lifted his head and stared at me. Then he shouted "Are you crazy? I gave you money and told you to spend it carefully on snacks and drink at the school canteen and you brought peanuts? Learn something from your brother Radhakanth! He spent 45 Paise for snacks and a drink and also returned 5 Paise. Now go to Baayi's shop immediately and return the peanuts. Otherwise you are not allowed to enter the house!"

Radhakanth was making faces at me and smiling triumphantly!

I pleaded; I cried and tried all that I could, to convince my parents. When they didn’t respond favourably, I went out with the conical paper pack containing the peanuts, sat near the gate on the cement platform and started to sob. Across the MG Road in a distance, I could see Baayi just closing her shop. Nemanna appeared from nowhere, he was nearing me with unsteady steps.

Nemanna(Konde Nemiraj Shetty) was an eternal bachelor, a senior person related to our neighbours, staying in the outhouse behind our home. He had the habit of getting loaded with hooch daily and come home in an inebriated state.

He neared me, sat by my side and whispered with a strong breath that smelled like sapodilla fruit, "Appu…. Rajani.... why are you sitting here at late hours? Did you do anything wrong for which you are punished? Tell me what happened!"

I cried aloud and told him everything. He consoled me, held my hand and led me back to our main door. He knocked on the door and called for my father. Father appeared and asked Nemanna, "Why Nemanna? What happened?"

Nemanna was indignant, as he put me in front of him, "Kudpi sir, you did not do the right thing. I respect you for your age, wisdom and abilities. Sending this innocent boy out of home for none of his mistakes is wrong. I won't support that. He brought one Ser peanuts with a good intention of sharing them with all at home, suppressing his wants, his hunger. Please think about his sacrifice and don't punish the poor child. How can he return the peanuts at this hour when Baayi has closed her shop! He will return it tomorrow morning. Right Appu?"

I nodded while sniffs, tears and hiccups appeared then and now, the after effects of crying and feeling helpless!

Father looked at me and said "Nemanna, do you think I am cruel enough to punish my child? I just wanted to teach him the value of money and discipline in life. Had you not brought him in, I'd have done that myself after a few minutes. Anyway, forget the whole episode. We shall consume the peanuts tomorrow as punishment to this boy! Rajani my dear son, keep in mind that this is the last time you did mistake like this. You should not take liberties like this and buy just about anything out of your pocket money. You are too small to decide what you want. Your friends are not mature enough to guide you. Always obey your parents and be responsible in life. Now go inside, wash your hands, feet and face, change your clothes. Your amma is waiting to serve you dinner"

I did not fail to notice Nemanna and my father wink at one another and smile! I also could not understand why Radhakanth who spent his pocket money for himself was right, and I who brought a heap of peanuts for the entire family to enjoy, was wrong!