Page 58 - English Reader - 6

profit for me to do so. That is all I have to say. I will accept the panchayat’s decision, whatever it is.”

Alagu Chowdhary knew legal procedures well, and began to question Jumman like a seasoned lawyer.
Each skilful question pierced Jumman’s heart like an arrow!
While Ramdhan Misra marvelled at Alagu’s fairness, Jumman could hardly believe his ears. What
had suddenly happened to his old friend? Why was Alagu bent on ruining their friendship?

While Jumman was pondering over this unexpected and unhappy turn of events, Alagu pronounced
the panchayat’s verdict.

“Jumman Sheikh,” he said, “the panchayat has examined this matter carefully, and this is our decision.
You must give Khalajan a monthly allowance for her maintenance. We are convinced that you can
afford to do so, from the profit that her property fetches you. If you are not willing to pay her a
reasonable sum of money, then return her property to her.”

Jumman felt utterly betrayed. ‘‘How faithless, how deceitful Alagu has turned out to be!’’ he thought.
Ramdhan and the other members of the panchayat rejoiced. “This is true justice,” they proclaimed.

The verdict of the panchayat shook the foundations of Alagu and Jumman’s friendship. Outwardly
they both pretended all was well. Inwardly, Jumman began to thirst for revenge.
He did not have to wait long. The previous year Alagu had bought a fine pair of bullocks.

A month or so after Khalajan’s panchayat, one of the bullocks died. Jumman and his cronies rejoiced
at Alagu’s misfortune. Alagu suspected that his old friend-turned-foe might have poisoned the
bullock. His wife and Jumman’s wife, once exchanged hot words over the issue and had to be forcibly
separated.

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