Page 57 - English Reader - 6

“Is your friendship more valuable than your honesty?” said the old woman.

Alagu could say nothing in reply. Khalajan’s words were echoing in his ears. “Is your friendship more
valuable than your honesty?”
The panchayat met a few days later. When everyone had assembled, Khalajan made her appeal.

“Three years ago, she said, “I transferred my entire property to my sister’s son, Jumman Sheikh.
In return, he promised to look after me. A year has gone past, and I neither get enough food to fill
my stomach nor clothes to cover my body. I am a poor and helpless widow, alone in the world. This
panchayat is my only hope. If I am at fault, upbraid me. If Jumman is at fault, reason with him.”

In the assembly were several men who wished to settle scores with Jumman. Ramdhan Misra was
one of them. Jumman had persuaded many of Ramdhan’s workers to come and work for him instead.
Now Ramdhan spoke up. “Whom do you appoint as panch, Jumman Sheikh?” he said. “Let that be
settled. Once the panchayat has spoken, you must abide by its decision.”

Jumman realised that most of those present might not support him. “Let Khalajan choose the
members of the panchayat,” he said angrily. “It is she who has asked for it.”
“Beta, the members of the panchayat are no one’s friends and no one’s enemies,” said the old

woman. “If you do not trust the men in this assembly, let them be. You trust Alagu Chowdhary, don’t
you? Well, then I appoint Alagu as sarpanch.”
Jumman was elated, but he hid it well. Alagu said uneasily, “You know that I am Jumman’s friend.”

“A panch is above both friendship and enmity, my son. It is God who speaks through him,” said
Khalajan gravely.

Alagu was appointed sarpanch.
Ramdhan Misra and Jumman’s
other adversaries cursed khala for
making this foolish choice.
“Jumman Sheikh,” said Alagu, “you
and I are old friends. But in the eyes
of the panchayat, Khalajan and you are
equal. You are free to state your case.”

Jumman was convinced that Alagu
was only pretending to be impartial.

He addressed the panchayat
respectfully, “Three years ago
Khalajan transferred her property
in my name, and in return I agreed
to look after all her needs. I have
fulfilled my responsibility. Khalajan is
like a mother to me. But if the women of the household choose to quarrel with one another, what
can I do? Khalajan wants me to give her a monthly allowance. Her property does not earn me enough

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