EGO, EGO, WHY HAVE A BIG EGO ? ?
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IT was 12 o" clock in the afternoon. on hearing the clock chime, SHALINITAI
moved to the balcony of her chawl apartment at DADER MUMBAI . Her eyes
were turned towards the entrance of the street of her apartment. She was waiting
for the money order postman ; instead of bringing in letters he brought in money
from friends and relatives to the needy. He was always on time and everyday at 12 o' clock
barring Sundays, he was eagerly waited upon by the residents It was the 7th of the month
and Shalinitai was certain , that Suresh , her son would send the much needed cash to her !
Sheela, the money order man has entered our building ,and very soon we will get our money
she told her daughter happily
She exchanged pleasantries with Mhatre, the money order clerk whom she knew well.
Please sign here Shalinitai , the order is for Rs 2500/- said Mhatre; but there is a small
error in the order as it is addressed to Sheela, but I will overlook it said Mhatre.
For a moment, Shalinitai was stunned; After a while, she regained her composure and
then had a look at the money order to confirm the sender and receiver's names;
Her Ego got the better of the need for money, Sorry she told Mhatre, since it is not addressed to me,
I cannot accept the money. Please take it back and return it to the sender.
What are you saying Shalinitai, asked Mhatre? The money is from your son , probably the
boy was a little absent minded and wrote his sister's name by mistake;
Please take the money, Shalinitai , I can assure you nothing will happen .
Yes Mamma, Dada has written my name by mistake; we need the money badly , my teacher
has reminded me again about the payment of my school fees.
You keep quiet shouted Shalinitai angrily, to her daughter, Mhatre , please take back the money
Ok if that is what you wish said Mhatre, but remember your son has to pay a fine when he gets back
his money .
Suresh Shalini's son was working as an Instrument Engineer in a Company at Poona located about
150 miles from Bombay; he was having a quiet dinner at his residence when there was a knock
at the door and he was greeted by a postman and he said . Sir, your money has been returned by the
addressee and we have deducted RS 50/ from the amount for services rendered. THAT
surprised him and since long distance tele communication, was unheard of those days,
his only choice was to undertake a train journey to Bombay. Suresh loved his mother
deeply , a lad of very good habits; his only blemish was he was short tempered and could be
provoked easily. He took the earliest available train to Mumbai.
During the journey, he understood, why his mother had returned the money; he had written the
name wrongly; but frankly,he was not sure of what his mother's name was , as he had not used
it nor heard someone using it. he had always known her as Ayee [ Marathi for mother]
AS soon as he reached home, he asked his mother, as to why she did not accept the money.
You didn't send it to me so where is the question of accepting it ? Suresh dont question me,
I am your mother, and if you dont know my name, you are not fit to be called my son.
If you dont know my name, did you care to find out ? no, you just wrote your sister's name
and thought every thing was fine. What will the post man think of this, he will have a good
laugh and tell the neighbourhood ;
The way , the conversation unfolded, angered Suresh ; He asked his mother bluntly,
Do you want the money or not mother? What are you saying BHaiya interjected, Sheela;
Oh I see replied Shalini, So this is the way my son speaks to me , is it ? TAKE your money
and leave the house now and I dont want to see your face again ! shouted the mother.
SURESH walked over to the exit door, when he was stopped by ATHAVALE , his neighbour;
HE coerced Suresh to return; and told Shalini, Akka, Forgive your son, Suesh is a very good
boy, and he has a point as he has never heard your name being spoken in your house.
This is a small matter , and please dont blow it up .
Suresh , you also should know how to speak to your mother , Say Sorry and close the matter.
Suresh wasin tears, as wellas Sheela He prostrated before his mother who lifted and hugged him.
All is well that ends well.
