Chaudhary performed Gomati's last rites avoiding all extravagance. As soon as these were over, he summoned his son, Harnath Singh. Harnath was a businessman and he traded in foodgrains. He spoke with Harnath for listing out all the items needed for constructing the well and working out an estimate of total cost. Harnath seemed to be paying scant attention. He interrupted his father and asked him, "Is this well business so urgent? Can it not wait for a few months?"
His father replied, "Hmm..., why wait? The funds from Gomati are more than adequate. And some goodwill will come our way too for carrying out her wishes. Above all it was her last wish to have the well constructed without any delay."
Harnath said, "All that is quite okay. But don't you see this is harvest time. We can buy grains for a few thousand rupees now and hold it for a few months. Thereafter we would be able to sell it for a hefty profit. I won't mind paying some interest to you."
This put Chaudhary in two minds. If this investment could really add a few hundred rupees to Gomati's funds, he may be able to add a few conveniences to the well. But what if there is a loss and it turns bad?
Finally he spoke out, "But loss too is a possibility: isn't it?"
"And, pray, why would there be a loss?", Harnath said rather testily.
Chaudhary said, "Well, we cannot rule out the possibility."
Harnath flared up, "Why don't you admit that you are too concerned about your image to help your own son?"
Like most people of his age Chaudhary too felt uneasy about confronting his son. He said meekly, "I didn't say I won't lend the money to you. But this isn't our money and we need to be careful. There always is a risk in trading. Prices could fall. Pests could destroy our stock. An envious competitor could even stealthily set our godown on fire. We must give a thought to all the possibilities."
Harnath responded with sarcasm in his voice, "And have you given any thought to the possibility of this cash getting stolen; or the well collapsing midway through the construction?"
By this time poor Chaudhary felt like not-so-courageous a soldier staring at the enemy's shiny sword moving towards him. He stopped looking into his son's eyes and his gaze shifted downwards. Finally he asked, "Well, how much do you want?"
Harnath could sense that his father was about to give in. He said sharply, "I want the whole of it. We are talking of big ticket business here and not small change!"
Chaudhary gave in. He consoled himself that there was no possibility of his image taking a beating. After all no one knew about what transpired between Gomati and him during former's last moments.
Harnath bought a huge stock of grains. Chaudhary was much worried about the safety of the stock and lost his sleep. He started guarding the stock almost round the clock. Six months went by. Harnath made a sizeable profit of five hundred rupees. From this he offered fifty rupees, a tenth, to his father.
Chaudhary felt very irritated. He said, "Are you giving me alms? Had you borrowed this sum from a moneylender, you would have to cough up at least two hundred rupees towards interest. I will make you some concession but not accept your ridiculous offer." Harnath didn't bargain too hard and settled the matter by paying one hundred fifty rupees to Chaudhary.
That night as Chaudhary lay in his bed, a smiling Gomati made an appearance before him. Chaudhary was startled and he could feel his heart thumping in his chest. He wasn't intoxicated and was wide awake. He felt sure that he had seen none other than Gomati herself. The good thing was that she looked happy.
To be continued ...
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