பஞ்சம் பிழைக்க வந்த சீமை" by Moonaseena

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E}y; juT jiyg;G tplak; Mrpupau; cupik gjpg;gfk; ntspaPL

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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341

Mb - 2015

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jkae;jp gjpg;gfk; tj;jis 20, [{iy 2015

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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xii

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xiii

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xvi

K. rptypq;fk;

fijr; RUf;fk;

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPikapd; fjhehafd; NtyhAjk; vd;w ,isQd;> jpUr;rp khtl;lk;> thyp fz;lGuj;jpy;> KUf;fd;Fb vd;w Ff;fpuhkj;ijr; Nrh;e;jtd;. jdJ fpuhkj; J ez; g h; f shd mh; r ; R dd; > jhz; l td; > godp> rP u q; f d; MfpNahUld; 1867 k; Mz;by; ,yq;iff;F Ms;fl;b fq;fhzp %yk; fz;b rPikia Nehf;fpgG; wg;gLfpwhd;. KUf;fd;Fb fpuhkj;jpypUe;J> jpUr;rp tiu fhl;L topahf ele; J tUfpwhh; f s; . jpUr; r papypUe; J > ele; J > ghk; g dpy; jq; f p> uhNk]; t uk; fle; J > jD\; N fhbapypUe; J glF topahf jiykd; d hh; tUfpd;wdh;. me;jg; glF gazj;jpy;> mtdJ ehd;F ez;gh;fspy; mh;r;Rdd;> jhz;ltd; ,UtiuAk; glF tpgj;jpy; gwp nfhLf;fpd;whd; NtyhAjk;. kpQ;rpa ez;gh;fs;> rPuq;fd; godp MfpNahNuhL kd;dhh; fhl;bypUe;J> khj;jis Kfhk; tiu> E}w;wp Ik;gJ iky; J}uj;ij eil gazj;NjhL Kbf;fpd;wdh;; . khj;jisapypUe;J fz;b khtl;lj;ijr; Nrh;e;j Nkkiy Njhl;lj;jpy; rpy tUlq;fs; Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J Ntiyapy; <LgLfpd;whh;fs;.. Nfhg;gp Neha;f; fhyj;Jf;Fk;> nfhyuh Neha;f;fhyj;Jf;Fk; Kfk; nfhLj;J jg;gpj;j %d;W ez;gh;fSk; Njapiyj; Njhl;lj;ij Nehf;fp> xj;jf;fil vd;Dk; fpdpfj;Njid gpuNjrj;J> my;ypj; Njhl;lj;Jf;F mDg;gg;gLfpd;whh;fs;. mq;Nf rpy fhyk; ,Ue;J> Njhl;l eph;thfj;jpdhy;> rPuq;fDk; NtyhAjKk;> my;ypj; Njhl;lj;ij tpl;L> NtW Njhl;lq;fSf;F mDg;gg; gLfpd;whh;fs;. godp> jdpahf my;ypjN ; jhl;lj;jpNyNa njhopy; nra;a epWj;jg; gLfpdw ; hd;. NtyhAjk;> my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpypUe;J> ml;ld; njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;Fk;> rPuq;fd;> mg;Gj;jis> jq;fkiy Njhl;lj;Jf;Fk; mDg;gg;gLfpwhh;fs;. ,th;fs; tho;f;ifapy; vl;L Mz;LfNshL> rPuq;fDk;> godpAk; fpuhkk; jpUk;Gfpwhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; NkYk; ,uz;L Mz;Lfs; njhopy; nra;J> 1877 k; Mz;lstpy; fpuhkk; jpUk;Gfpd;whd;. ,e;j ,ilg;gl;l gj;jhz;L fhyj;jpy;> fz;b Nkkiy Njhl;lj;J ez;gh;fNshLk; my;ypj; Njhl;lk;> njhg;gpj; Njhl;lk; Mfpa ,lq;fspy; fhj;jhd;> fztjp> mug;Gyp> kfhypq;fk;> G+gjp> tPukiy nghpag;gh vd;w el;GfNshLk; fz;b rPikapy; tho;e;jf; fhyj;ij NtyhAjk; Kbj;Jf;nfhs;fpd;whd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

xvii

K. rptypq;fk;

mtdJ ez; g u; f spdJk; > mLj; j g; guk; g iuapduhd gps; i sfs; > Ngug;gpsi ; sfs;> nfhs;Sg; Ngug;gpsi ; sfs; tiu Njhl;lj;NjhLk; njhopNyhLk; r%fj;NjhLk; murpaNyhLk;> Njrj;NjhLk; 1977 k; Mz;NlhL 110 Mz;LfSf;fhd tho;f;ifapy; vg;gb tho;e;jhu;fs;.. mtu;fsJ mLj;jg; guk;giu vg;gb thog; Nghfpdw ; hu;fs; vd;wj; jftNyhL fij Kw;Wg; ngWfpdw ; J.

***

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

xviii

K. rptypq;fk;

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

me;jp thdk; kQ;rs; Fspj;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jJ.. re;jdKk;>

Fq;FkKk; fye; J g; G +rpa th; z r; N riy fl; b apUf; F k; Fkhpg; ngz; z ha; n[hypjJ ; f;nfhz;bUe;jJ.. ry ryf;Fk; Gspa kuq;fs; Vupff; iu fhw;iw ms;sp> ms;sp tPrpf; nfhz;bUf;fpd;wd. NtyhAjk; jz;zPUf;Fs; fhy;fis itj;jtd;> ePh; tl;lq;fis cUthf;fpf; nfhz;NlapUe;jhd;. fLikahf Nahrpj; J f; nfhz; b Uf; F k; mtdJ Kbit> godpAk; > mh; r ; R dDk; > jhz;ltDk;> rPuq;fDk;; vjph;ghh;j;j tz;zNk ,Ue;jdh;. ,J rpj;jpiu khjk; > mf; f pdp el; r j; j puk; vd; g hh; f s; . ntl; l ntspapy; > eLr; r hkj; j py; gLj;Jf;fple;jhYk;> neUg;gha; nfhjpf;Fk; ntf;if> me;jp rha;fpw NeuKk;> tpbaw;fhiyANk clYf;F ,jkhf ,Uf;fpd;wd. fiuNahuj;J ehzy; Gw;fs; gQ;R gQ;rha; G+j;Jr; rphpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jd. fhw;wpy; Mb mirAk; mitfspd; nts;is KJFfs;> me;j gf;fj;J Vupf;fiuia mo$l;bf;nfhz;bUe;jd. ePh;f;fiuapy; kjhspj;J tsh;e;jpUf;Fk; Gspa kuq;fs; fha;j;jg;goq;fis CUf;fhff; nfhl;bf;nfhz;bUe;jd. FspjJ ; tplL ; g;NghFk; ngz;fs;> ghthilia khh;gstpy; ,Wf;fpff; l;bf;nfhz;L rpyUk;> KOr;Nriyiar; Rw;wpf;nfhz;L jz;zhP ; nrhl;lr; nrhl;l <uk; xl;ba clNyhL fhy;fs; gpd;dg;gpd;d ele;J NghFk; rpyUk; me;j rpW nghOij RW RWg;ghf;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fsplk; fth;r;rp aw;w ghkuj;jdKk;> mg;ghtp FzKNk njhpe;jd. xU <ur;Nriyf;fhhp> “fz;bf;F Nghut`> Vhpapy ePrr; k; gof te;jpUf;fh`Nyh? ek;kf;fpll; Nfl;lh gofpf; FLf;fkhl;lNkh?” vd;W NtyhAjj;ijg;ghh;j;J vlf;F Ngrpf;nfhz;L Nghdhs;. xU fpuhkj;Jf;Fs;Ns xNu FLk;gkhf tho;e;J tUk; mth;fsJ r%fg;gpizg;Gfs; ghrk; epiwe;j cwTfshfTk;; ,Uf;fpd;wd. ,e;j ghrk; gz;ghLfSf;F tWik epiwe;j tho; f ; i fjhd; mbg; g ilNah? ghijapy; cjph; e ; J Ftpe; J f; f plf; F k; Gspak;goq;fis kb kbaha; epiwj;J> jpBh; ‘Gs;isj;jhr;rpfsha;’ Fbirfis Nehf;fp Ngha;fn; fhz;bUf;Fk; kfpor; r; pahd fhl;rpfis urpjJ ; f;nfhz;bUf;Fk; NtyhAjj;jpd; kdk; ,d;Dk; Fok;gpf;nfhz;bUe;jJ. fisj;J te;j Nka;r;ry;fhuh;fs; vy;NyhUk;> khLfisAk;> MLfisAk; Vhpff; iuapy; epWj;jpdhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; ,d;Dk; nksdkhfpdhd;. mitfs;

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

thpirahf epd;W ePh; mUe;Jk; moif urpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. nghOJ ,Nyrhf ,wq;fpaJ. nghWikapoe;jtdhf mh;r;Rdd; vOk;gp epd;whd;. “nry;yhd;; FLk;gj;Jy vd;dh Ny jlGlyh rj;jk; Nfl;Lf;fpl;NlapUf;F>?” NtyhAjk; Nfl;lhd;. “nry;yhd; FLk;gj;Jy kl;Lkpy;y kr;rpNd..! fhj;jKj;J njhg;Gyhd;> Mz;b> uhkrhkp> FLk;gj;Jf;Fk; %D ehsh jPthsp elf;FJ..! nflh mWj;J> rk;gh nghq;fp> $j;Jk; Fk;khsKk; ele;Jf;fpl;L ,Uf;F..!” “vd;dh tpNr\k;Ny...?” “fz;b rPikf;F Nghwh`yhk;...!” “tP r f; f hu rq; f pyp jhd; MSf; f l; b ahk; > Kk; ; g zk; FLj; J l; L Nghapwhf;fha;q;fyhk;! MW ehSy mf;fu nfsk;gZkhk;...!” “ rq;fpypad ghf;f KbahJ>..! mg;gg;gh.. vd;dh njdhntl;L..! ntuY KOf;f gTZ> gl;Lf; fu Ntl;b> fWg;Gf;Nfhl;L> rl;ilAk; khl;bf;fpl;L> gz;izahU khjphp> `p> `p> `p> !” mth; f s; ahtUk; fy fyg; g hfg; N grp> mikjpahdhh; f s; . mh; r ; R dd; > NtyhAjj; j plk; Ngrpdhd; . “CU rq; f jp vy; y hj; J f; F k; eP j ; j hd; mz;zhtpahapUe;Nj> fz;zf; fl;bf;fplL ; vy;yhg; grq;fSk; Nghw khjphp ehk Nght KbahJ. jP P h ; f ; f kh Nahrpr; r p.. ehk mQ; r pNgUk; Nghw khjphp Kbt vLf;fZk;. Cu Tl;L flf;fu Nghw tiuf;Fk;.. glNfwp. fiu vwq;fp. Nfhg;gp fhL Nghwtiuf;Fk;.. njhopy; nrQ;rp Ch; jpUk;Gw tiuf;Fk; ePjj; hd; njhizah ,Uf;fZk;. top fhl;lZk;.!” mh;r;Rdd; fz; fyq;fpdhd;. NtyhAjk; ehd;F ez;gh;fisAk; ,Wf;fp mizj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. me;j Ie;J Mk;gps;isfSf;Fk; CUf;Fs;Ns ngUk; kjpg;Gz;L.. khpahij> xOf;fk;> Gj;jprhypj;jdk;> vy;iyg;ghJfhg;G.. Ch; gQ;rhaj;J elf;Fk;Nghnjy;yhk; ,th;fSila MNyhridfisf; Nfl;Nl> gQ;rhaj;Jj; jPh;g;Gf;fs; toq;fg;gl;L te;jpUf;fpd;wd.. “‘fhlf; flg;Gspj;jdk; ,y;yhj jq;ff; fl;bf>” Ch;g; nghpRfspd; thf;Ffs;. NtyhAjk; ePz;l ngU%r;Rf;Fg; gpd; epjhdkhf Ngrj; njhlq;fpdhd;. “gQ;rj;j ,Jf;F Nky jhq;fpff; VyhJ>.. gzf;fhuq;fpll; eQ;r GQ;r ,Ue;jg;Ngh.. fk;Ngh> Fuf;fNdh> NftNuh> NrhsNkh> fQ;rp fhr;r rhp nflr;rpr;rp> nts;sf;fhu eha;f neyj;jg; gwpr;rpf;fpl;l nghwF> ahuhy vd;dh nra;a KbAk;>? ,g;g ,e;j gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Vhp $l mtDf;F nrhe;jkh Nghr;rp> njhpAk;y>? mntd; nedr;rhjhd; ,dpNk ekf;F jz;zp $l nfilf;Fk;>” “jz;zpf;F vd;dhr;R kr;rhd;>?” “vy;yh VhpAk; nts;sf;fhud; rh;f;fhUf;F nrhe;jkhr;R> jz;zpf;Fk;> tay; neyj;Jf;Fk; fhzpfhutq;f thp fl;lZk;> nrhe;j taf; fhl;Ly nttrhak; nra;a KbahJ..! Njhl;lk; nfhj;j KbahJ..! vy;yhNk rh;f;fhUf;F nrhe;jkhk;> mtDq;f vwf;Fkjp nra;w [hkhd;fs gzq; FLj;J thq;fpj; jpq;fZkhk;. gzj;Jf;F vq;f NghwJ..? mjj;Njbj;jhd; Cu Tl;L Nght Ntz;bapUf;F..!” “CuTl;L kl;Lkpy;y.. ehl;l Tl;Nl Nght Ntz;bapUf;F>” “Neuq; fhyj;Njhl fz;bf;F Nghdtq;fy;yhk; xU thl;b> nuz;L thl;bd;D CUf;F te;Jl;L NghapWf;fh`> nfhQ;rk; NgU Nghthk> xior;rJ NghJKd;D epd;Dl;lh`yhk;>!” rpW rk;gh\idf;Fg; gpwF kPz;Lk; NtyhAjk; njhlh;e;J Ngrpdhd;. “,e;jg; ghU mh;r;Rdh..! ePAk;> ehDk; ehY vOj;J gbr;rtDq;f> kj;jtq;fSk; mg;gpbj;jhd;> ek;k mQ;rp NgUk; fl;bg;gpbr;rpf;fpl;L Mj;Jy vwq;Fw khjphpjhd; vwq;fZk;>!” mtdJ $w;iw vy;NyhUk; Vw;Wf; nfhz;ldh;. “ek;k rdq;f> kNyrpahTf;F Nghwh`.. rpqf; g;GUf;Fg; Nghwh`> gf;fj;Jy fz;b rPikf;Fk; Nghwh`! ek;k vq;f NghwJf;F cj;Njrk;?” NtyhAjk; mth;fisg; ghh;j;Jf; Nfl;lhd;. mth;fs; Gwg;gltpUf;Fk; gazf; fhyk;> [hth> Rkhj;uh> kNyrpah> gp[pj; jPTfs;> Nkw;fpej; paj; jPTfs;> l;hpdpnlhl;; jPTfs; vd;W ,e;jpah;fs; jpf;Ff;nfhU gf;fkhfg; NghFk; fhykhFk;. jdJ vOj; j wpT %yk; Ch; cyfk; gw; w p mwpe; j pUf; F k; NtyhAjk; > nts;isf;fhud; Ntiyf;F Ms; NjLk; ehLfisg;gw;wpnay;yhk; XusT mwpe;jpUe;jhd;. “gf;fj;Jy rpNyhDf;F Nghyhk; kr;rhd;..! my;y mTrhuj;Jf;F NyRghU! flYg; ghj ,Ugj;jpuz;L fl;l J}uKd;Djhd; nrhy;Ywh`..” jhz;ltDk; Ngr;ir ,Oj;jhd;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

“mf;fiuf;F Nghap mq;fpl;L eilNah.. eild;D...mUk;ghT+h;y ,Ue;J jpUr; r pdhgs; s p tiuf; F k; elf; f pw khjphp kd; d hUy; y apUe; J > ,Ul; L fhl;Lf;Fs;s> ele;N;j NghtDkhz;Nl?” godp gaq;fhl;bdhd;.. “mlr;Nr..! mtd gaq;fhl;lhjNy..! ,f;fiuapy ,Ue;J xU ehS gaze;jhd; jhz;lth..! eP gag;glhj.. ehD xd;d nrhke;Jf;fplL ; rhp NghNtd;..!” mh;rR ; dd;>; jhz;ltid MWjy;gLj;jpg; Ngrpdhd;.. Ie; J ez; g h; f Sk; fye; j hNyhrpj; J > ,yq; i ff; F g; Nghtnjd; W KbntLj; j hh; f s; . ,t; t sTjhd; kdpj cyfk; vd; W fpuhkj; J NtypfF ; s;NsNa milg;gl;Lf; fple;j mth;fSf;F> tul;rpAk;> tWikAk;> NtW cyfk; ,Ug;gijAk; fhl;baJ.. fpuhk tho; T rP u ope; J tUtij mth; f s; czh; e ; j hh; f s; . fpuhkj; J vy; i yfSf; f g; g hy; NghfhJ> fl; L z; L fple; j fhy; f s; > eP z ; l eilia njhlh;tjw;F JzpT nfhz;ld. tapW fhAk;NghJ> %is ,aq;fj;njhlq;Fk; vd;ghh;fs;.. mth;fsJ gl;bdp epiyik tho;f;ifiaj; NjLtjw;F guNjrk; Nghf epidj; j J. guk; g iu guk; g iuahf vy; i yg; G wf; flTsh; f shf thSlDk; > NtYlDk; fhj; j pUe; j fWg; g Dk; > khlDk; mth; f sJ ntspTyfj; i j Nehf; F k; Gjpa fhybfSf; F top tpLtjhf epidj; J kfpo;e;jhh;fs;. ***

fz;b rPikapy; ngUe; Njhl;lq;fs; cz;lhf;Ftjw;F> fhLfs; mopg;gjw;F Kd;Ng ,yq;iff;F> gj;jhapuk; Ngh;fs;tiu nrd;Ws;shh;fs;.. mf;fhyj;jpy; nfhOk;G efUf;Fk;> kiyehl;L efukhd fz;b efUf;Fk; ,ilapy; uapy; tz; b ghijAk; > Nkhl; l hh; ; tz; b ghijAk; NghLtjw; F gj; j hapuk; njhopyhsh;fis mDg;gp itf;Fk;gb rpNyhid Ml;rp nra;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j vl; N ; t l; ghd; ] ; Njrhjpgjp> ,e; j pa murplk; tpz; z g; g pj; j pUe; j huhk; . ,yq;ifapy; ghij NghLtjw;F njd;dpe;jpah;fis tpUk;gpajw;F epiwa fhuzq;fSz;L. ,yq;if gf;fj;J ehL.. flypy; ,Ugj;jpnuz;L iky; J}uk;jhd; nry;y Ntz;Lk;. njd;dpe;jpah;fSk; mlq;fp> xLq;fp> gzpe;J elf;Fk; Rghtk; nfhz;lth;fs;. mth;fs; ,ae;jpuq;fs; ,y;yhj me;jf; fhyj;jpy;> kdpj ,ae;jpukhfNt ,aq;fp> xt; n thU Fl; b g; G+jq; f shf> mjprapf; f j; j f; f Ntiyfisr; nra; J gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nfhLj;jhh;fs;. kiyg;ghiwfs; ntb itj;Jj; jfh;ff; g;gl;ld. ghiwfs; ntbj;Jr; rpjWk;NghJ fw; Jfpy;fs; Mfhaj;jpy; J}f;fp vwptJ Nghd;W> vj;jidNah njhopyhsh;fs; J}f;fp vwpag;gl;lhh;fs;;. ntbg; G ifapYk; > ntbr; r j; j j; j pYk; mjd; mjph; t pYk; mit ahTk; fz;Lnfhs;s Kbahj fhl;rpfshf kiwe;Jg; Nghapd. jfh;f;f Kbahj fy;Y kiyfSf;Fs; Ruq;fq;fs; Njhz;bdhh;fs;. ntb kUe;Jfspd; jphpfisg; nghUj;Jgth;fs; Muk;gj;jpy; nts;isf;fhuh;fshfNt ,Ue;jdh;. E}W $ypfspy; xUth; . . ,UtNu jhdhfNt nray; g Lk; %isrhypfshftpUe; j dh; . mth; f isf; f z; L gpbj; j nts; i sah; f s; > mth;fSf;F ntb kUe;J fyf;Fk; tpjq;fs;> jphpfs; ,izg;gJ gw;wp> mitfSf;F neUg;G gw;w itg;gJ gw;wp> fw;gpj;Jf;nfhLj;jhh;fs;. nfhOk;G - fz;b neLQ;rhiyfs; Ntiyfs; ele;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghJ> xU $ypj; njhopyhspapd; tha; thh;j;ij nghpa tje;jpiaf;; fpsg;gptpl;lJ. mtd; fhNjhL fhjhf ,d;ndhU njhopyhspaplk; nrhd;d thh;ji ; j ,Jjhd;. “ghyq;fl;Lw vlj;Jf;nfy;yhk; eugyp FLf;FwhDq;f..! nrq;Nfhy;;> tPuGj;jpud;> ky;yhd; %D NgiuAk; fhNzhk;..!” vd;whd;. fijia Nfs;tpg;gl;lth;fs; ghij Ntiy nra; t jw; F kWj; j dh; . Fa; N ah> KiwNah> vd; W $f;Fuypl;lhh;fs;.. “NtiyAk; thzhk;..!. $ypAk; thzhk;.. <e;jpahTf;Nf NghNwhk; . !” vd; W Fok; g pdhh; f s; . ,th; f sJ gaq; f ye; j vjph; g ; G eltbf;iffshy; nts;isf;fhuh;fspd; ghij Ntiyfs;; jilg;gl;ld. ‘mg;gb eugyp elf; f tpy; i y> tpgj; j py; xUtd; ,we; J Ngha; tpl; l hd; . .” vd; W rkhjhdg;gLj;jp> tje;jpiaf; fpsg;gptpl;l rd;dhrpia clNd ,e;jpahTf;F mDg;gptpl;ldh;. neUg;G ,y;yhky; GifahJ vd;ghh;fs;> eugyp nfhLf;Fk; tof;fk; ,e;jpahtpy; njhz;L njhl;L ,Ue;J te;jJ vd;ghh;fs;. ,q;Nf nts;isf;fhuh;fSf;F> gypapLtjpy; ek;gpf;ifapy;yhtpl;lhYk;> fq;fhzpfshfr; nrd;wth;fs; me;j ek; g pf; i fia tsh; j ; J tpl; l hh; f s; . fl; L khd NtiyfSf; F fhty; nja;tq;fSf;F eugyp nfhLg;gJ ,e;jpah;fspd; tof;fk;> ek;gpf;if> vd;W fq;fhzpkhh;fs; nrhy;tij nts;isf;fhuh;fs; ek;gpdhh;fs;. g o q ; f h y , e ; j p a f ; f i j f s p y ; > , e ; j e u g y p g w ; w p afi j f i s g; gbj;jpUg;gjhff; fl;Lkhdg; gzpapy; <Lgl;bUe;j xU nts;isf;fhud; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nrhd;dhd;. mtdJ thh;j;ijfisj;njhlh;e;J > eugyp nfhLf;Fk; tpraj;jpy; mth; f s; nksdkhftpUe; j hh; f s; . mth; f s; nksdj; i jj; n jhlh; e ; J > fq;fhzpfs;> mw;gg; nghUshf fUJk; jq;fsJ Fyf; nfhb cwTfis> Rje;jpukhff; fhT nfhLj;jhh;fs;. ,e;jg; gaq;fu rk;gtq;fs; rf njhopyhsh;fs; %ykhf ntspapy; frpaj; njhlq; f p> filrpapy; > rd; d hrp jiyNahL kwf;fbf;fg;gl;ld. ele;j fij ,Jjhd;.. ,J rd;dhrp fz;fSf;F kl;Le;jhd; njhpAk;. me;j %d;W ,isQh;fisAk; ghyk; fl;Lk; ,lj;jpw;F mioj;J te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ghyk; eph;khzpf;Fk; Xh; cah;e;j fl;blj;jpd; mUfpy; G+iria Muk;gpj;jhh;fs;... fUg;gd; fq;fhzpAk;> rPikj; JiufSk; te;J tpl;lhh;fs;.. me;j %tiuAk; rhk;gpuhzp Nghlr; nrhd;dhh;fs;.. fz;fis ,Wf %bf; nfhz;L> ghy; Nghy; vupf;Fk; me;j ngsh;zkp ntspr;rj;jpy; fpof;Fj; jpiriag; ghh;j;Jf; Fk;gplr; nrhd;dhh;fs;.. mth;fSk; mt;thW nra;aNt> G+ir nra;gtd;; clNd mth;fis mbj;jsk; ntl;bapUf;Fk; Fopf;Fs; js;sp tpl;lhd;..! FOkpapUe;j $ypahl;fs; fw;fis Ntf Ntfkhf Fopf;Fs; cUl;b tpl;lhh;fs;.. mtru mtrukhf kzy;> rpkpe;jp rhe; J fisf; nfhl; b dhh; f s; . . nts; i sf; f huh; f s; fz; f is %bf; nfhz;lhh;fs;> fq;fhzp gykhfr;; rphpj;jhd;> “rPkj; njhiukhh;fNs.! eu gyp FLj;Jl;Nlhk;>,Jf;F Nky fl;L xilahNk> fl;luk; Ve;jpupf;Fk; ghUq;Nfh..” vd;W tPu jPukhfg; Ngrpdhd;.. vq;Nfh gpwe;J> tsh;e;j> khngUk; rKj;jpuj;ijf; fle;J te;j> %d;W ,sk; njhopyhsh;fspd; capUk;> clYk; me;jg; ghyj;ijf;; fhg;gjw;Fg; Gijf;fg; gl;ld..! ***

NtyhAjk; ez;gh;fNshL ,d;Dk; Vupf;fiuapypUe;Nj gioaf;fhyj;J fijfisg; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;.. ,d;W ngsh;zkp ehs;> KO epyT Vupf;F NkNy te;J> Vupf;Fs;NsAk; tpOe;J moF fhl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. “MSfl;b rq;fpyp fTz;ld; tug; Nghw nts;spf;nfok nguk;gY}U fhsp NfhapYf;F tUthuhk;.. rpNyhDf;F Nght tpUg;gKs;s MSf mtug; Nghap

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K. rptypq;fk;

re;jprr; p> NgU> Cu FLf;fyhNkha;..!” rpdd ; hd; ‘xj;j jg;G” XirNahL Ch; Cuhfj; jKf;F mbj;Jf;nfhz;L nrd;whd;. “me;j MSfl;bf;fpl;l Nghap ntguk; Nfg;Nghk;.. rkhr;rhuk; rhpahapUe;jh> ifnaOj;Jg; Nghl;Ll;L tUNthk;>!” NtyhAjk; nrhd;dij kw;wth;fs; ahtUk; Vw;Wf; nfhz;ldh;. ez;gh;fs; Ie;J Ngh;fSk; jPh;f;fkhd Kbit vLj;Jf; nfhz;lJ gw;wpAk;> fpuhkj; J g; gz; i z mbik tho; f ; i fapypUe; J k; > nts; i sf; f hud; cz; l hf; f pa gQ; r f; nfhLikapypUe; J k; jpKwp> FLk; g q; f isg; Gjpa tho; f ; i fapy; <LgLj; j g; NghfpNwhk; > vd; w kdg; G+hpg; g py; mtuth; f s; Fbirfis Nehf;fpr; nrd;whh;fs;. gj;J Fl;bfisg; Nghl;L> fisg;NghL gLj;Jf; fplf;Fk; jha;g; gd;wpfF ; jz;zuP ’; itf;Fk;gb jhiaf;; $g;gpl;L NtyhAjk; nrhd;dhd;. fhw;Nwhl;lk; ,y;iy> Fbirf;Fs; Eioa tpUg;gkpy;yhjtdhf re;jpapy; te;J epd;whd;. epyT> cr;rhe; jiyf;F Nky; rpwpa cUtkhfp epd;wJ.. GOf;fk; Fiwe;J> Fsph; fhw;W tPrpaJ. gyj;j NahridNahL epd;wtd;> Ntfkhf ele;J >mh;r;Rddpd; Fg;gj;Jf;Fg; Nghdhd;. mh;r;Rdd; vjpNu te;J nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “mh;r;Rdh..! xd;df; fz;Lf;fj;jhd; th;Nwd;..! eP..?” “ehDk; xd;df; fz;Lf;fj;jhd; th;Nwd;..!” “rhpahg; Nghr;rp.. th. nghl;lYf;Fg; Nghtk;.!” ,UtUk; kP;z;Lk; Vhpf; fiu Gspa ku Nkl;Lf;Nf ele;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; NgrpfN ; fhz;Nl Nghdhd;. “ehk;k Nghw fhyk; > ,d;dKk; fhlopff; pw fhye; j hdhk; . . ,d; d Kk; fhlopf; f pw Ntyjhd; ele; J f; f pl; b Uf; f pwjhf nrhy;ypf;fpwh`... fTz;nld; nrd;dg; gl;lzj;JyapUe;J nttuj; Jz;L nfhz;lhe;J nguk;gY}U fhsp NfhapY nrTj;Jy grg; G+rp xl;bapUf;fhdhk;> nttuk; ghj; J f; f yhkhk; . . ek; k nuz; L NgUk; nguk; g Y}U fhsp; NfhapYf;Fg;Nghap ghj;Jl;L tUNthk;” NtyhAjk; Ngrp Kbj;J mh;r;Rdd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. “kj;j %D NgiuAk; $l;bf;fpl;Nl NghNthk;..!” “vd;dj;Jf;FNy>! ek;g Nghap nttuk; gbr;rpl;L te;J nrhy;YNthk;.!” “Ntzhk; Ny..! nghy;yhg;G te;J NrUk;Ny.. mTDq;fSk; ek;gNyhl tul;Lk;.!” “mJTk; ey;yJjhd;..!” Kjy; rhkj;jpNyNa Ie;J Ngh;fSk; KUf;fd;FbapypUe;J nguk;gY}Uf;F elf;fj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;.. gs gs ntd;W tpba fhsp; Nfhapiyj; Njbf; fz;L gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

gpbj;jhh;fs;. ,th;fSf;F Kd;Ng vq;fpUe;njy;yhNkh gf;fj;J Ch;f;fhuh;fs; te; J Ftpe; j pUe; j hh; f s; . mth; f nsy; y hk; Kd; gzk; thq; f path; f s; . . ,d;iwf;F fq;fhzpNahL elf;fg; Nghfpwth;fs;.. vy;NyhUk; Jzp %l;ilfs;> Riu FLf;iffspy; jz;zPh;> ntw;wpiy> Myk; gok;> Gspak;gok;> Cw itj;jpUe;j Gspaq; nfhl;il Kbr;Rf;fs;> nts;shp gpQ;Rfs;> vd epiwa Kbr;Rf;fs; itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. top neLf fisg; g hwpf; ; nfhs; t jw; F topapy; fq; f hzp fhl; L k; fhLfspypUf;fpd;w nghl;ly;fs;> kuj;jbfs;> ePh; epiy fhZk; ,lq;fspy; fisg; g hwp> fsp fpz; b rhg; g pl; L tpl; L > ,uT jq; f p> elg; g jw; F ‘njk;G’,Ue;jhy;>md;Nw eilaj; njhlq;fyhk;> vd;w rpy gaz tpguq;fis mq;Fs;sth;fs; fq;fhzp %yk; mwpe;jpUe;jdh;. NtyhAjKk;> ez;gh;fSk; Nfhapy; Rthpy; xl;bapUf;Fk; tpsk;guj;ijj; Njbdhh;fs;> mq;Nf mg;gb ve;jnthU tpsk;guKk; xl;lg;gl;bUf;f tpy;iy. E}w;Wf; fzf;fhd fpuhkj;J $yp tptrhapfs; %l;il Kbr;Rf;fNshLk; rpyh; gaz Vw;ghl;LlDk; te;jkh;e;jpUe;jdh;.. fhsp; Nfhapy; tsT xU fpuhkNk #o;e;jpUg;gjhd #oiy Vw;gLj;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. xU nghpath; kl;Lk; nrhd;dhh;. “ jpUr;rpuhg;gs;sp fhspak;ik Nfhapyy ; Nehl;bR xl;b ,Uf;fha;q;fyhk;. rh;f;fhUfhuD`jhd; Nehl;BR xl;LthD`yhk;.! V[z;LfhuDq;f> xg;ge;jk; vOjpf;fpl;Lj;jhd; jfty; nrhy;YthDq;fyhk;.” vd;whh;. nghpath; Kd; jiyia miuthrp kopj;J> FLkp fl;bapUe;jhh;. ,lJ fhypy; nts;spf;fhiu. (nts;sp tisak;) fhhpf;fd; Ntl;bj;Jz;L. NkYlk;gpy; mNj...fhhpf;fd; rhy;it. nfhQ;rk; ‘nttuk;’ njhpe;jth; Nghy; Ngr;R thh;j;ij.. mbf; f b Ntl; b j; Jz; i l mtpo; j ; J KWf; f p mhpf; F k; KJifj; Nja;j;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;. Nfhtzk; fl;bapUg;gJ nrsfhpakhftpUe;jJ! ve;j mr;rKk; ,d;wp rpwpJ Neuk; Nfhtzj;NjhL Nfhapy; Kw;wj;ij Rw;wpf; nfhz;L> ngU tpuyhy; xU %f;if mOj;jpf; nfhz;L> kW %f;fpdhy; Mf;Nuh\khf rspia ce;jpj; js;spdhh;. if tpuiy> Nfhtzj;jpy; Jilj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;. vy; N yhUf; F k; mtuJ mUtUg; g hd nray; f s; mq; N f ntWf; f g; g lhj gof;fNjhrkhftpUe;jJ. mth;fSk; mg;gbj;jhd; ele;Jf; nfhs;thh;fs;..

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K. rptypq;fk;

NtyhAjKk;> mh;r;RdDk; ,uz;L tif Ms; Nrfhpg;igg; gw;wp tpsq;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs; “murhq;fKk; rpNyhDf;F Ms; njul;b mDg;GJ. V[d;L fk;ngdpfSk; Ms;njul;b mDg;GJ>” NtyhAjk; mwpe;J nfhz;lij kPl;br; nrhd;dhd;. gphpl;b\; FbNaw;w murhq;fk; ,yq;ifapYk; jq;fs; Ml;rpia elj;Jgth;fs;. ,yq;if ngUe;Njhl;lq;fSf;Fk; “$ypfs;” NrfhpjJ ; mDg;Gtjpy; kpf mf;fiw nfhz;bUe;jdh;. NtyhAjKk;> mh;r;RdDk;> fq;fhzp vd;gtd; tUk; tiu> fhsp Nfhapy; Mykuj;jbapy; cl;fhh;e;jpUe;jdh;. ***

fz;bf;Fj;jhd; NghwKd;D fwp NrhW jpd; D g; G l; L .. Njhzp Vw khl;NlhKd;D.. njhq; f ypNy xspQ; ; r pf; f pl; l h .. njhiyr; R Lthd; MSfl; b ..!

rp wpJ Neuj;jpy; xUtd; NtF NtF ntd Nfhapiy Nehf;fp te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. kpLf;fhdeil> mtDf;F ,U gf;fj;jpYk; ,uz;L Ngh;fs; nka; f ; f hg; g hsh; f isg; Nghd; W te; J f; nfhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . ,e; j Ms; murhq;fj;jpd; Ms;fl;bahftpUe;jhd;. Kz;lhR fl;b> fUg;G epwj;jpy; Nfhl;L rl;il mzpej; pUe;jhd;. Nfhl;L vd;w Fsph; cilia nts;isah;fs; jq;fsplk; Nrit Ghpgth;fSf;F> mth;fs; ghtpjj; ij ,dhkhff; nfhLg;ghh;fs;> mij uh[ cilahf vz;zp ,th;fs; cLj;jpapUg;ghh;fs;..! epiwa Nfhl;Lf;fs;> fk;gsp NkYilfs;> uhZtj;jpdh; fopj;jitfNs. mth;fspd; Fsph;Njr cilfis Rl; n lhpf; F k; ,e; j pahtpy; khl; b f; n fhs; s Ntz; b a mtrpaNkapy; i y..! gfl;Lf;fhf ,g;gb khl;bf;nfhs;tJ.. xU gPjP ;jy; elg;ghFk;.! Kz;lhR> Nfhl;L khj;jpuky;y> [hpif Ntl;b.. ,uz;L if tpuy;fspYk; ituf;fy; gjpj;j Nkhjpuq;fs;.. Nfhl;L Nrg;Gf;Fs; Njhl;l chpikahsh;fs; nfhLj; j > nts; s p rq; f pypapy; Nfhh; j ; j pUf; F k; tl; l tbtkhd fbfhuk; . fbfhuj; i j vLj; J mbf; f b Neuk; ghh; j ; J f; nfhz; b Ue; j hd; . nfhQ; r k; fisj;jpUe;jtd;> jiyg;ghifiaf; fow;wp Njhspy; Nghl;Lf;nfhz;lhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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mbahs; xUtd; nrk;G epiwaj; jz;zhP ; nfhLf;f> kl kl ntd Fbj;J> mNj jz;zhP py; Kfj;ijAk; fOtpf;nfhz;lhd;. gpurq;fk; nra;tJ Nghd;W Ml;fs; Kd;dhy; te;J Ngrj; njhlq;fpdhd;. “Va;! vy;yh gf;fpfSk; xOq;F kUthjpah ehd; nrhy;Ywj GhpQr; pff; Zk;. thog; goj;j cwprr; p thapy Jzpff; pw khjphp nrhy;yg; NghNwd;...nftdkh Nfl;Lf;Nfh> rpNyhd; Nghw gazj;Jy rKrpak;> gak; ,Ue;jh> gae;jhq; nfhs;spf vy;yhUk; Xukh epy;Y..! Jzpr;ryhdntd; kl;Lk; xOq;fh Nfl;Lf;Nfh.! fhL> NkL VwZk;.. ek;%U ePyfphp khjphp ,Uf;Fk;.. $jy; [h];jpahapUf;Fk;.. flY Nky NghtZk;.. nrhe;j Ch;y;yapUe;J Njtp gl;lzk;> ghk;gd; uhNk];tuk; Nghwtiuf;Fk; eluhrh jhd; GhpAjh..? fhy; eljhd; fisr;rpg; NghTk;. fapl;le;jhd;> vd;dh td;DwJ.? nghiof;fZNk..! nghz;lhl;b> Gs;s Fl;bf cRu fhg;ghj;jZNk..? nts;sf;fhnud; Ml;rpapy nts;shpf;fh ntj ntijf;f KbahNj..? Fbirf;Fs;s Fe;jpf;fpD jiyapy ifa tr;rpf;fpl;bUe;jh fQ;rp nfilf;Fkh.? nts;sf;fhud; nja;tkh te;jpUf;fhd;Ny.! mntd; gpd;dhb Nghwj jTw Ntw khh;f;fk; ek;kSf;F ,y;y GhpAjhNy.? fz;b rPk. ,Utj;jpnuz;L fl;l J}uk;Ny.! fly; jz;zpaf; fle;jh kd;dhU! Xq; Fg;gj;Jy ntl;l ntspf;fp nghapl;L th;wJ}uk;..! mq;f ntspf;Fg; Nghdh #j;J fOt jz;zp nfilf;Fk;!. mq;f jpq;fg; Nghw jPdp.. nfhQ;r ehisapy xq; Fz;bapy nfhOg;g ntr;rpUk;..! xq;Nfhap nqhg;gd jTw vy;yhNk nfilf; F k; . .! eP tpUg; g g; g l; l h nghz; l hl; b $l nfilf; F k; . .! rpNyhd; nghz;lhl;b!” rq;fpyp fq;fhzpapd; ieahz;b Ngr;irf; Nfl;L vy;NyhUk; jq;fis kwe;J tha;tpl;L rphpj;jhh;fs;. $ypahl;fs; kdij fth;fpd;wgb rq;fpyp Ngr;irj; njhlh;e;jhd;. mtDk; fpuhkj;jtd;. mtid mtu;fs; mwpe;jpUe;jdh;. fz;fhzhj xU Njrj;Jf;F xUtid ek;gp gpdd ; hy; Nghtjw;F Vw;gl;bUf;Fk; ijhpaj;Jf;Fk; ,e;j mwpKfk; MjuthftpUe;jJ . ,yq;if> kNyrpah> gh;kh Mfpa ehLfSf;F fq;fhzp KiwapNyNa Ml;fs; jpul; l g; g l; l dh; . FbNaw; w Ml; r pahsh; f s; mwpKfg; g Lj; j pa ngUe; N jhl; l tpahghuj;jpy;> Nfhg;gpg; gaph; nra;Ak; Njhl;l chpikahsh;fs;> V[d;]p gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

%ykhfTk;> fq;fhzp %ykhfTk; Ml;fs; jpul;bdhh;fs;. ,e;jpahtpd; may; ehLfshftpUf;Fk; ,yq;if> kNyrpah> gh;kh Nghd;w ehLfSf;F Nfhg;gp gaph;r; nra;if Ntiy nra;tjw;Fg; Nghd njhopyhsh;fs; > mbf;fb nrhe;j Ch;fSf;F te;J Nghtjw;F tha;g;Gf;fs; ,Ue;jd. Nfhg;gp mWtil nra;Ak; fhyq;fs; jtpu> kw;iwa fhyq;fspy; mth;fSf;F ,e;j tha;g;Gfs; jhuhskhfNt fpilj;jd. FbNaw;w murhq;fk; Ml;rp nra;tjw;F> Mq;fpyk; fw;w ,e;jpah;fis Ntiyf;Fr; Nrh;j;Jf; nfhz;lijg; Nghy> njhopyhsh;fis eph;tfpg;gjw;F mth;fs; kj;jpapy; Gj;jprhypj;jdk; nfhz;l> mth;fs; kj;jpapy; nry;thf;Ff; nfhz;lth;fis> Njhl;l Kjyhspfs;> fq;fhzpfshf Ntiyf;F mkh;j;jpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. Njhl; l q; f Sf; F Ms; jpul; L k; V[d; L fs; nfhLikahd xg; g e; j q; f is njhopyhsh;fNshL vOjpf; nfhs;thh;fs;. fq;fhzp %yk; Ms; jpul;Lk; Kiw XusT epge;jidfs; jsh;r;rpahf ,Ue;jgbahy;> njhopyhsh;fs; fq;fhzp gpd;dhNyNa nry;tjw;F tpUk;gpdhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; Ngr;ir epWj;jhky; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “,d;dpf;fp tiuf;Fk; jpUr;rp> jQ;rhT+U> nrq;fy;gl;L> GJf;Nfhl;l> jpUney;Ntyp> kJu> uhkehjGuk;D mk;gJ [py;yhTf;F Nky ,Utjhapuj;Jf;F [h];jpahNt NghapUf;fhDf> fz;b rPikapNyUe;J Nej;Jjhz;Nl...te;njwq;FNdd;!. fhj;jhNyNa xq;f %Q;rp nkhfuapy Kopf;f Ntz;bapUf;F.! gzk; nfhLj;jpUf;Nfd;y? rPkhDl;L gzk;> ,e;jg; gzk; “fld; fhR” d;D nedr;Rf;Nfhq;fb..! ,g;Ngh Xk; nghQ;rhjp> Gs;sf;Fl;bf jhpj;jpuj;jg; Nghf;fpf;f FLj;Jl;Lg; Nghw gzk;> ,e;jg; gzj;j rPikf;fp Ngha; ePqf; xiof;fpw xiog;gpy nfhQ;rk;; nfhQ;rkh fl;bg; NghlZk;.. ,e;jf; fhr xOq;fh ghtpr;rh> gd;n;dz;L khrj;Jf;F tr;;rpf;fyhk;. ,dpNk nts;s njhukhU Ml;rpapy gzk;; FLj;Jjhd; thq;fp jpq;fZk;.. CUf;Fs;s xior;rp rhg;GLw fija Tl;Lg;GL..! <e;jpah kz;z ,Jf;F NkNyAk; ek;ghj..! ,g;Ngh ehq; FLj;j flq; fhR Kd;gzj;j thq; f pl; L vtdhtJ jhNahop Fg; g j; J y fk; g p eP l ; L d.. %jp.. jhypa mWj;Jg;GLNtd; mWj;J..! GhpAjh.?” vd;whd;. Njhl;l Kjyhspfs; Ms; jpul;Ltjw;F fq;fhzpkhh;fis mDg;gpa NghJ> njhopyhsh; f spd; gazr; nryT> czTr; nryT> Kd; g zr; nryT ahtw;iwAk; mth;fNs nghWg;Ngw;wpUe;jhh;fs;. Mdhy; njhopyhsh;fs; ,yq; i f te; j gpwF> me; j nryTfs; > mth; f sJ $ypfspypUe; J ahTk; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

fq;fhzpfshy; fldhf t#ypf;fg;gl;ld. Vw;fdNt nrd;wth;fs; ahtUk;> nrhe; j CUf; F s; N sNa ,g; g b fldhspfshf Mf; f g; g l; N l ,yq; i ff; F mioj;Jr; nry;yg;gl;ldh;. fq;fhzp nfhLf;Fk; fld; vt;tsT Mgj;jhdJ..! jhq;fs; Muk;gpf;fg; N;ghFk; Gjpa tho;f;if flNdhNlNa Muk;gpf;fpwNkh.? vd;W NtyhAjk; kdk; Fok;gpdhd;. ‘%jp>” ‘jhNahop’> ‘jhypa mWg;Ngd;” Nghd;w rq;fpyp fq;fhzpapd; Ngr;R thh;j;ijfis Ntz;lh ntWg;ghff; Nfl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;jhYk>; NtyhAjKk;> ez;gh;fSk; rpNyhDf;Fg; Nghtjw;F rk;kjk; njhptpj;jhh;fs;.. fq;fhzp> NtyhAjk; nfhLj;jg; ngah;> tpguq;fis vOjpf; nfhz;lhd;.. vy;NyhUf;Fk; fld; fhR nfhLj;jhd;.. Vw;fdNt fhR thq;fpf; nfhz;lth;fs;> ,d;Nw rpNyhDf;Fg; gazg;gl Ntz;bath;fs;.. mq;Nf FOkpapUe;jth;fs; vy;NyhUk; ,UgJ> Kg; g J fl; i l J}uj; j pypUe; J te; j pUe; j hh; f s; . . mth; f s; me; j f; fq;fhzpaplk; tise;J> nespe;J> Fk;gpL Nghl;L ,uz;L iffisAk; Ve;jp> fld; fhR thq;Ftij rfpf;f Kbahky;> NtyhAjk; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. gz;izahhplk; Nrtfk; nra;Ak; tptrhapfs; vg;gb ele;Jf; nfhs;fpwhh;fNsh. mij tpl nja;tgf;jpAld; ele;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gij epidj;J kdr; rQ;ryg; gl;lhd;. mNdfk; Ngh; ifapy; tpOe;jf; fhir new;wpapYk;> Kfj;jpYk; xw;wp> ,Lg;gpy; nrUfpf; nfhz;L efh;e;jhh;fs;. ***

-gazk;

mtuth;fs; nfhz;L te;jpUe;j czTg; nghl;lyq;fis mtpo;j;Jr; rhg;gpl;L tplL ; > Neuj;NjhL J}q;f Ntz;Lk;. eLr; rhkj;jpy; %l;il Kbr;RfNshL elf;fj; njhlq;f Ntz;Lk;.. eLr;rhkj;jpy; elg;gJ fisg;Gj; njhpahJ. NtyhAjj; i jAk; > mh; r ; R didAk; fq; f hzp Vw ,wq; f g; ghh; j ; j hd; . . “vd;dhNy.! xU Ml;Lf;F nuz;lhl;l KOq;Fd khjphp Kopff; pw` P .? ,d;dpff; p Nghwpayh.? ,d;dpf;fp gj;J ts;sk; NghTJ> mg;Gwk; ehsf;fopr;rp.. ntrhof; nfok gj;J ts;sk; NghTk;> vd;dh Nuhrd.?” fq;fhzp mth;fis $h;ikahfg; ghh;j;jhd;. “ntrhof;nfok Nghwkhhp th;Nwhk; rhkp.!” vd;whd; mh;r;Rdd;. “re;Njh\k;.! Re;Njh\k;..! flq; fhR thq;fpg; Nghwpash..?” “,y;yPq;f rhkp.! ,d;Dk; %D NgU tu ,Uf;fhq;f. mTq;fisAk; Nrj;J $l;bf;fpl;L Nght ,Uf;Nfhk;..!” mh;r;Rdd; gzpNthL nrhd;dhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

‘i`..! xUj;jDf;Fg; nghwe;jtd;..! xOq;fh NgRw..!” mg;bd;dh ehisf;fp tpbQ;rhg;y mUk;ghT+U fhsp NfhapY Kz;lYf;F te;J flq; fhR thq;fpl;Lg; Nght;yhk;.!” vd;whd; fq;fhzp. mh;r;Rdd;> mtid> me;jf; fq;fhzpia “rhkp””rhkp” vd;W Fk;gpL Nghl;L Ngrpaij NtyhAjk; nfhQ;rq; $l tpUk;g tpy;iy. “mh;r;Rdh.! ,tpq;fy ,g;gpbj;jhd; ek];fhuk; nrQ;rp NgrZNkh.?” “vd;dh gz;wJ NtY.? ,e;j ek];fhuj;jpNyNajhd; ehkYk; Nghap MfZk;.! mLj;jtDf;F Nrtfk; nrQ;rp $yp thq;fp rhg;gplw vtDf;Fk; khd Nuhrk; ,Uf;fNt $lhJ..!” mtdJ Ngr;rpYk; jj;Jtk; jJk;gpaJ. “Neuk; neUq;fpUr;rp> Fg;gj;Jf;Fg; Nghap vy;yhUf;Fk; nrhy;ypg;Gl;L> fhj;jhNy mUk;ghT+Uf;F nfsk;gZk;.!” vd;w NtyhAjk;> Ntfkhf mb vLj;J ele;jhd;. ***

-KUf; f d; F b fpuhkk; .

ghij epiwa MLfis tpul;bf; nfhz;L Fg;gk;kh te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;. rhaq;fhyk; ehd;F kzpahfpAk; cr;rp ntapyha; #hpad; Rl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. Ke;jhidia ,Oj;J Kf;fhlhfTk;> Rk;khlhfTk; itj;J Rs;spf;Fr;rpfis tpwFf; fl; l hf Rke; j gb te; J f; nfhz; b Ue; j hs; . Kg; g J taJf; f hhp. fisg;Ngwpa fd;dq;fs; ehty; epwkhfr; rpte;jpUe;jd. MLfs; vy;yhNk fd;dq; fNunyd;W fWg;ghftpUe;jhYk; gl;Lj; Jzp khjphp kpDq;fpf; nfhz;L rPuhf Xb tUfpd;wd.. Fg;gk;khTf;F rpy tUrq;fshf ey;y fhyk; gpwe;J tpll; khjphp> mjp]l; Njtij jiyapy; te;J mkh;e;jpUg;gijg; Nghd;W> fhR gzk; Goq;fpaJ.. xt;nthU ehSk; maY}h;fhuh;fs; ML gpbf;f tUthh;fs;.. rpNyhd;> kNyrpah> gh;kh> gp[pj; jP T fs; > nkhhprpa]; > ,d; D k; fly; fle; j Njrq; f Sf; F gazkhfpf; nfhz;bUf;fpwth;fs; ,tsplk; MLfis thq;fpdhh;fs;. FLk;gj;NjhLk;> cwTfNshLk; nfhQ;r fhyj;Jf;Fg; gphpe;jpUf;f Ntz;ba epiyikiaj; jhq; f pf; nfhs; s Kbahj ghrk; xU Gwk; . . JzpNthL KbntLj; J fz; f hzhj Njrq; f is Nehf; f p> fly; gazk; > fhl; L g; gaznkd;W NghFk; topapy; ey;yJk;> nfl;lJk; elf;fyhk;> xU Neuk;> kPzL ; k; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

cwTfNshL Nru Kbahky;> mg;gbNa nfl;lJk; ele;J Nghfyhk;> vd;W mb kdjpy; nksdkhf Fkpopapl; L f; nfhz; b Uf; F k; czh; t iyfspd; gpujpgypg;Gf;fs;> ,g;gbahf ‘fwp tpUe;J” itj;J jpUehs;> ngUehs; khjphp cwTfSlDk;> Ch; kf;fSlDk; gfph;e;Jz;L Gwg;gLk; gazkhfp tpl;lJ..! ntsp Njrk; Nghtjw;F Gwg;gl;l xt;nthU fpuhkj;jth; tPLfspYk; fq;fhzp vd;w Ms;fl;b toq;fpa Kd; gzj;jpy; xU Kjy; nrythf ,e;j tpUe;J ,Ue;jJ. tWikapy; thb> nksdj; Jauq;fSf;Fs;NsNa tho;f;ifia Gijj;J itj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j ,e;j Vio kdpjf; $l;lq;fspd; tho;tplr; #oy; jpBnud kfpo;r;rp gputhfk; vLj;J> xU khWjiy cUthf;fpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; vOr;rp.. xU Gjpa tho;f;ifia mth;fSf;F epr;rak; cUthf;fpf; nfhLf;Fk; vd;W vy;NyhUk; ek;gpf;iff; nfhz;lhh;fs;. ,uT gj;J kzpahfp tpl;lJ.. ele;J te;j fisg;igg; nghUl;gLj;jhky;> NtyhAjKk;> mh;r;RdDk; Neuhf jhz;ltd; tPl;Lf;Fk;> rPuq;fd; tPl;Lf;Fk; Nghdhh; f s; . KjyhtJ jhz; l tdplk; vy; y h tpraq; f isAk; vLj; J r; nrhy; y ptpl; L > ,d; i wf; F tpbaw; f hiyapNy mUk; g hT+Uf; F fld; fhR thq;Ftjw;F jahuhf ,Uf;Fk;gb nrhy;yptpl;L> rPuq;fd; tPl;bYk; mNj tpguq;fis nrhy;yptpl;L ,UtUk; mtuth; tPLfSf;Fr; nrd;wdh;. NtyhAjk; > jha; nja; t hidia mtruk; mtrukhff; $g; g pl; l hd; > NtyhAjj;jpd; gjl;lj;ijawpe;J gjwp vOk;gpdhs; nja;thid. gf;fj;J Fbirapy; gLj;jpUe;j Ngr;rhAk;> ngUkhSk; vOk;gp Xb te;jhh;fs;>rpNyhDf;F Gwg;gl Ntz;ba fhhpak; rhpahfp tpll; J vd;Wk;> ehis fhiy Ngha; Kd;gzk; thq;Ftjw;F Ms;fl;b fq;fhzpia jpUk;gTk; re;jpff; g; Nghf Ntz;Lnkd;Wk; tpgukhfr; nrhd;dhd;. nja;thidf;F ,e;j kfpo;r;rpahd nra;jp neQ;Rf;Fs; neUg;igf; nfhl;baJ Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. “,Uf;fpw $io Fbr;rpf;fpl;L ,q;NfNa ,Uf;fyhKd;D nrhy;ypg; ghf;fl;Lkh.?” vd;W kdRf;Fs; MNtrg;gl;lhs;. FLk;gj;jpy; xNunahU Mz;gps;is> rfyj;Jf;Fk; mtidNa ek;gpapUf;Fk; xU %yr; rf;jpia tpl;Lg;gphpa tarhd jha; jfg;gDf;F vd;dNth Nghy; ,Ue;jJ. ,Ue;jhYk; ,tidg; Nghd;w taJ te;j ,se;jhhpfs; ntsp Njrq;fSf;Fg; Ngha; rk;ghjpjJ ; tUtij mth;fs; mwpe;jpUe;jhh;fs;;> “Jk;gj; Jauq;fnsy;yhk; gQ;rf;fhyj;Jy ghf;f KbahJ. Gs;s Ngha;l;L tul;Lk;” vd;w Kbit vLj;jhh;fs;;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Ms; fl;baplk; Kd; fhR thq;Ftjw;F mUk;ghT+U fhsp NfhapYf;F Nghtjw;F mh;r;Rdd;> rPuq;fd;> jhz;ltd;> godp> vy;NyhUk; NtyhAjj;jpd; Fbirf;F te;J Fuy; nfhLj;jdh;. ,uT..Neuk; gjpndhU kzp.. “,g;g nfsk;Gdhj;jhd; gs gsd;D tpbawg;Ngh mUk;ghT+U NfhapYf;F Ngha; Nruyhk;..!” nja;thid tpG+jp itj;jhs;. jfg;gd; rptdhz;bAk; kfid mizj;jg;gb tpG+jp itj;jhh;. jhz;ltd;> godp> rPuq;fd;> mh;r;Rdd; ehd;F ,se;jhhpfisAk; Nfhtzk; fl;bj; jphpahj fhyj;jpypUe;Nj rptdhz;b mwpthh;. ehy;tiuAk; mioj;J> NtyhAjj;ijAk; mioj;J> cgNjrk; nra;jhh; “fz; fhzhj Njrj;Jf;F Nghtg; NghwPq;f.. fhNlh> flNyh> ePq;f mQ;R NgUk; mQ;R ntuyh NghfZk;> CUf;Fj; jpUk;gp th;w NeuKk; gQ;rghz;ltuh tuZk;.! xUj;ju Tl;L xUj;jh; gphpaf; $lhJ.. ,Jf;F Nky Ntw vd;dhy nrhy;y xd;Dkpyy ; .!” vd;W eh js jsf;fr; nrhd;dhh;. NtyhAjj;ij ,Oj;Jf; fl;bg;gpbj;Jf; nfhz;l mtd; mg;gh> ‘nry;yk;..! xd;d Nfhtk; te;jg;gnay;yhk; jhW khwh Ngrp ,Ug;Ngd;.. kdRy Nghl;Lf;fhj rhkp..!” vd;W kd;dpg;Gf; Nfl;lhh;. NtyhAjk; mg;ghit mizj;Jf; nfhz;L> ‘r;rh.. eP jpl;lhk Ntw ahU vd;d jplL ; thq;f..? mijnay;yhk; neidf;fhjg;gh..!” vd;W nrhd;dhd;. Ie;J ,isQh;fSk; mUk;ghT+iu Nehf;fpg; Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;. ***

-mUk; g hT+h; fhsp Nfhapy; .

‘NtyhAjk; ,q;fpl;L th..! mh;r;Rdd; ahU.? jhz;ltd;> rPuq;fd;.. godp.. eP mQ;R NgUk; xNu FLk;gkh.?” “nuj;j nrhe;jq;f.! xNu FLk;gkhj;jhd; ,Uf;Nfhk;..” ‘rhjp fP j pnay; y hk; xd; d h kz; z hjhNd nflf; F ..?” mth; f s; nksdk; fhl;bdhh;fs;. “,e;jh mQ;R NgUk; Kk;gzk;. Gb!. ,y;y> ,y;y> fld; fhR> mq;f Nghap xior; r p> jpUk; g fl; l Ntz; b a ifkhj; J GhpQ; r pf; N fh!” ifehl; L thq; f pf; n fhz; L > jq; f j; i j> kufjj; i j> khzpf; f j; i j jUtJ Nghy

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

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K. rptypq;fk;

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K. rptypq;fk;

Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs;> Coffee Planters vd;W Mq;fpyj;jpy; miof; f g; g l; l hh; f s; . mth; f sJ Nfhg; g pj; Njhl; l q; f s; yhgj; N jhL eilngWtjhy;> Njhl;lq;fisf; ftdpj;Jf; nfhs;Sk; fq;fhzpfSf;F if epiwa rk;gsk; toq;fg;gl;lJ. njhspyhsh;fis cUl;b kpul;b Ntiy thq;Fk; rhkh;j;jpak; mth;fsplkpUg;gjhy;> vy;yh eph;thfg; nghWg;Gf;fSk; mth;fsplNk xg;gilf;fg;gl;ld. mbf;fb mth;fSf;F re;Njhrg; gzk; toq;fg;gl;lJ. mj;NjhL> njhopyhsh;fSf;F Nru Ntz;ba gzj;ijAk; mgfhpjJ ; f;nfhs;tjhy;> fq;fhzp vd;gth;fs; MW khjj;Jf;F xU KiwahtJ rpy re;jh;g;gq;fspy; tpUk;gpathW > jkpo;ehL nrd;W> fhzpfs; thq;fp> fy; tPLfs; fl;b> nrhFrhd tho;f;if khw;wj;ij cUthf;fpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. ,th;fsJ jpBh; tsh;r;rpiaf; fz;l fpuhkj;jth;fs;> ,yq;iff;F $ypahfr; nry;tjw;F Kz;babj;Jf; nfhz;L fpsk;gpAk; cs;shh;fs;.. ***

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rq; f pyp ChpypUe; J tUk; tiu> mtDf; F g; gjpyhf> ,yq; i ff; F g; NghftpUf; F k; ,UE}W NgiuAk; > fhsp Nfhapy; Kd; w ypy; ftdpj; J f; nfhs; t jw; F > mtdJ rfiy xUj; j idAk; > ngQ; r hjpapd; jk; g pkhh; ,UtiuAk; epWj;jptpl;Nl nry;thd;. rfiyf;Fk;> kr;rhd;khh;fSf;Fk; fz;bapy; $yp Ntiy jtph;j;J NtW f\;lg;glhj Ntiyfis xOq;F nra;J nfhLg;gjw;F rq;fpypapd; nghpa kr;rhd; fhj;jKj;J vd;gtd; ,yq;ifapy; nghpa fq;fhzpahf ,Uf;fpwhd;.. ,d;Dk; VO ehl;fs; fopj;J kd;dhUf;Fg; Ngha; ,q;F Nrfhpj;jpUf;Fk; 1000 Ngh;fisAk; kd;dhhpy; ghuk; nfhLj;Jtpl;L> mth;fis gd;dhkj;Jf;F (khj;jis) $l;br;nry;tjw;F> fq;fhzpfs; tUk; tiu> rq;fpyp> kd;dhh; jq;F kz;lgj;jpy; jq;fpapUf;f Ntz;Lk;. rq;fpyp> ,uT gLf;ifapy; kidtpaplk; Gyk;gpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “fjpuhap.! fly; nfhzk; ,e;j thuk; KOf;f rhpapy;y> xNu NfhtKk;> nfhe;jspg;Gkh ,Uf;F> kyghh;fhuDq;fTl;L glF xd;DNk rhpapy;Ny..! ,e;j thl;b Nrjhuk; fLikahNt ,Uf;Fk;.. mk;gijAk; jl;Lk;.. E}iwAk; jl;Lk;.” vd;whd;. “fhj;Jg; Gay ghj;Jf;fpl;L> xU thuk; fopr;rp Nghtg;glhNjh.?” mts; mtd; fhJfis jltpf; nfhz;Nl gLf;ifapy; Guz;lhs;. “Kz;;lr;rp.. Kz;lr;rp> ,d;Dk; xU thuk; KOf;f xq;fpl;l nfle;jh> xq;fg;gd; rPkhd;> rPl;l fpopr;Rg;GLthz;b.!” “ePq;fshr;rp> xq;f rPkhdhr;rp.!”mts; mtdplk; rpDq;fpf; nfhz;lhs;. *** h;r;Rdd;> jhz;ltd;> rPuq;fd; %tUk; tho;f;ifapy; xU ehSk; ,g;gb re;Njhrkhff; FLk;gj;NjhL ,Ue;jjhfNt ,y;iy> vd;W G+hpj;Jg; Nghdhh;fs;. tP l ; L f; F xOq; f hd gha; > gLf; i f> %d; W ehl; f s; ney; y hprp NrhWk; > fwpAk;..Fok;GkhftpUe;jJ. Jau tLf;fs; gjpe;jpUe;j Kfq;fspy; kfpo;r;rpf; fis jhz;ltkhbaij mtjhdpf;Fk; NghJ> tho;f;ifapd; mirTf;F nghUspd; Mjhuq; f s; vj; J id mbg; g ilahdJ> vd; g ij Gfl; b f; nfhz;bUe;jJ..

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

CUf;Fg; Ngha; mg;gh> mk;khit vg;gb ghh;g;gJ.? vg;gb mth;fisg; gphptJ..? vd;W epidf;Fk; NghNj mtd; fz; Kd;Nd ghg;ghj;jp ep;d;whs;> nrhe;j mf;fh kfs;. ,uz;L FLk;gKk; rk;kjg;gl;L NtyhAjj;Jf;F ghg;ghj;jpia fl;b itf;f ehs;; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j NghJjhd;> ,e;j jpBh; khw;wKk;> Vw;ghLk; ele;J Fog;gp tpl;lJ. jhk;gj;jpa tho;f;iff;Fs; EioAk; jpUkzj;Jf;F Kd;Ng NtyhAjj; J f; F MW tajpYk; > ghg; g hj; j pf; F %d; W tajpYk; “nry; y f; fypahzk;” elj;jp Kbj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; xU fdk; jdJ FLk;gj;jpy; ele;J Kbe;jpUe;j epfo;Tfis kPl;b Nahridapy; ,Ue;jhd;. godp> NtyhAjj;jpd; Njhisj; jl;bdhd;. “Ntyh..! nfsk;gyhkh..?’ “Ms;fl;b rq;fpyp te;JjhNd Kk;gzk; thq;fpl;Lg; NghtZk;..?” “mjhNd> eh Kl; l hg; g ah. !” godp jiyapy; nfhl; b f; nfhz; L ehf; i f fbj;Jf;nfhz;lhd;. CUf;Fg; Nghtjw;F NtyhAjKk;> godpAk; jahuhfpdhh;fs;. nguk;gY}Uf;F ChpypUe;J nfhz;L te;jpUe;j Riu FLf;iffisAk; vLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j NghNj Ms;fl;b rq;fpyp te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. mtd; jpBnud xU Gjpa Njhw;wj;jpy; cil cLj;jp ,Ue;jhd;..nghj;jhd; epiwa ijj;jpUf;Fk; ePll; fUg;G Nfhl;L khl;bapUe;jhd;. khspif Nrtfh;fs; cLj;jpapUf;Fk; rPuzp ciliag; Nghy; fhl;rp je;jJ. vd;Wk; ,y;yhjthW rq;fpyp me;j Nfhl;L cilapy; fk;guP khfj; Njhw;wkspj;jhd;. “ghh; Ny..! ek;g Nfhl;l ghj;jpayh.! ehd; ahh;d;D njhpAkhNy.? rh;f;fhh; Nrtfk; nra;wtd; Ny.! mLj;j thl;b rPk njhu vdf;F ghf;nfl;L thr;R jUthU> fz; b apy ve; jhkhkd; (jha; khkd; ) jq; f rq; f pyp Nfhj; j thr; R jhd; khl;bapUg;ghU.!” rq;fpypapd; kr;rpdd; ,uz;L NgUk; rq;fpypapd; fhjUNf te;J FR FRj;jhh;fs;. “kr;rhd;.! Kz;lhR fl;bf;fpd;dpUe;jh gfJ}h; khjphp ,Ug;Ng..!” vd;wJk; rq;fpypfF ; cr;rp kaph; epkphe; J ; epdw ; J. .”thj;jhy.! thq;Fdh Nghr;R.!fl;bdh Nghr;R..! ehisf;F fhiyapy ghU.!” vd;W FJ}fyj;NjhL gjpy; nrhd;dhd;.. NtyhAjj;Jf;Fk;> godpf;Fk; jyh ,UgJ &gha;gb ehw;gJ &gha;fisf; nfhLj;J gh]; Gj;jfj;jpy; Fwpj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. NtyhAjj;ijg; Nghy ,d;W gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

rhaq;fhyk; Vida fpuhkq;fSf;Fg; Nghfpwth;fSk; Kd; gzj;ij thq;fpf; nfhz;L rq;fpypia tise;J.. tise;J Fk;gpl;L tpl;Lr; nrd;whh;fs;.. “NtY..! Fk; G lZkh.?” godp NtyhAjj; i j ,bj; j hd; . “ef; F dhg; G y nghj;jpf;fpl;L gpd;dhy th.!” NtyhAjk; fbe;J nfhz;L Gwg;gl;lhd;. “r;Nr..! r;Nr..! fOj;J tiuf;Fk; nghj;jhd; G+l;lf; $lhJ..! ntf;f Nth;itah topAJ.!”me;j Ntfhj nta;apypy; Nfhl;L rl;ilia khl;b nghj;jhd;fis G+l;bf; nfhz;L epw;f Kbahj rq;fpyp> Nfhl;il fow;wp Nfhapy; %iyapy; itj;jhd;. gphpl;b\; uhZtj;jpdh; fopj;J xJf;Fk; uhZt rPUilfspy; N[h;f;fpd;> Nfhl;L> njhg;gp Mfpaitfis ngUe; Njhl;lq;fspy; Ntiy nra;Ak; Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs; thq;fpf; nfhs;thh;fs;. ,e;j cilfis Ms;fl;bfSk; khl;bf; nfhz;lhy;> fk;gPukhf ,Uf;Fk;. $ypfSk; khpahijf; nfhLg;ghh;fs;> vd epidj;jhh;fs;. uhZt rPUilfs; ahTk; ,dhkhfNt fpilj;jd. ,jd; gpd;dh; Njhl;lq;fspy; if $ypfshf Nrtfk; GhpAk; Ms;fl;bfs; > Fwpg;ghf Nfhl;L mzpej; th;fshfNt Njhd;wpdh;. mth;fs; khl;bf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; Nfhl;L cilfSf;F nghUj;jkhf ,Ug;gjw;fhf> njd;dpe;jpahtpy; ,Uf;Fk; gfJ}h; glq; f isf; fhl; b > mth; f isg; Nghd; W Kz; l hR fl; b f; nfhs; S k; g b nts;isf;fhuh;fSk;; MNyhrid toq;fpdhh;fs;. ***

nguk;gY}hpypUe;J> thypfz;lGuk; tiu ele;J te;J> thypfz;lGuk; Nfhapypy; ,isg;ghwp> gpdd ; h; KUf;fd;Fbf;F te;J Nrh;ej; hh;fs;. fpuhkj;Jf;Fs; NtyhAjKk;> godpAk; te;J Nrh;e;jhh;fs;. eilapy; rw;W RW RWg;G. ifapy; jq;fpapUf;Fk; gzk; kdj; ijhpaj;ijf; $l;bapUe;jJ. Vupf; fiu tiu Nka;eJ ; f; nfhz;bUe;j fUk; gd;wpfs; NtyhAjj;ijAk;> godpiaAk; fz;L nfhz;lJk; mth;fspd; gpdd ; hy; Xb te;jd. thrypNyNa fhj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j FLk;gj;jpdh; >NtyhAjj;ij xU Fk;gYk;> godpia xU Fk;gYk; FJ}fyj;NjhL mioj;Jr; nrd;whh;fs;. ,uT gd;dpuz;L kzpahfpAk; Fbirfspy; godp FLk;gKk;> NtyhAjk; FLk;gKk; ry ryg;igAk;> fy fyg;igAk; Vw;gLj;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;..

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

NtyhAjj;jpd; Fbirapy; ghg;ghj;jp> mtsJ mg;gd;fhud; fe;jd;> jha; jq;fk;kh> ngUq; ftiyNahL NtyhAjj;jpd; jha; nja;thid> jfg;gd; rptdhd;b MfpNahh; gazk; gw;wpa jfty;fis mwpe;Jf; nfhs;s Mh;tkhftpUe;jhh;fs;. .rl;ilg; igf;Fs; kbj;J itj;jpUe;j ,UgJ &gha; gphpl;b\; jhs;fis vLj;J vy;NyhhplKk; ftiy Njha;e;j Kfj;NjhL NtyhAjk; fhl;bdhd;. fhir fhl;bdhy; XusT mth;fs; re;Njhrg; gLthh;fs; vd;W epidj;jhd;. gzj;ijf; fz;Lk; vtUk; re;Njhrg;gl tpy;iy. ,e;jg; gzj;ij thq;fpf;nfhz;L kfid fz; fhzhj CUf;F mDg;gg; NghfpNwhNk vd;W NtyhAjj;jpd; jha;> jfg;gDk;> cwTf;fhuh;fSk; nksdkhf ,Ue;jhh;fs;.”fhR gzk; nghprpyy ; vQ; rhkp..! ngj;jjpypUe;J gphpahj vk; Gs;isa fz;fhzhj Njrj;Jf;F mDg;g NghwNdd;Djhd;.!” mts; “X” ntd;W xg;ghhp itf; f j; njhlq; f pdhs; . nja; t hidia rptdhz; b MWjy; gLj;jpdhh;.”njt;thd..! CU rdNk Nghwg;g> ek;k Gs;s Mk;gs> mQ;; rhW NgNuhl Nghwg;g> vd;d gak; ,Uf;fg; NghTJ.? kdr Njj;jpf;f..! Gs;s ntsp Njrk; Nghfg; Nghwhd;> T+l;y mOf rj;jk; Nff;ff; $lhJ.!.mtrf; nfhzk; $lhJ>” rptdhz;bapd; Ngr;NrhL nja;thid mOifia epWj;jpf; nfhz;lhs; ghg;ghj;jp khkDf;F Fk;ghtpy; Kj;J rk;gh mhprp rhjk; Nghl;L Kd;dhy; itj;jhs;.. Nfhopf; Fok;G kze;jJ. NtyhAjj;jpd; khkdhh; fe;jd; gd;dp ,iwr;rpapy; cg;Gfz;lk; nra;J nfhz;L te;jpUe;jhd;. Fk;gh Nrhw;iw gpire;J gpire;J cUl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; NtyhAjk;. xU tha; Nrhw;iwf;$l ,d;Dk; tha;f;Fs; Nghltpy;iy. jd;idr; Rw;wp #o;e;Jf; nfhz;L jd;idNa Ntbf;ifg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; jdJ mg;ghtp cwtpdh;fspd; Kfq;fspy; gbe;jpUe;j Nrhff; fis mtid tUj;jpaJ. ghg;ghj;jp mtdUfpy; mkh;e;J Fk;gh Nrhw;iw ms;sp cUl;b mtDf;F Cl;bdhs;. mtsJ jtpgi ; gAk;> mtidg; gphpa Kbahky; rpjj; k; fyq;fpatsha; fz;zi P uj; Jilj;Jf;nfhz;L NrhW Cl;Ltij vy;NyhUk; czh;rr; p jJk;gg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. rhg;gpl;L Kbj;j NtyhAjk; Fbirf;F ntspNa te;J nghl;lypy; epd;whd;. mtidj; njhlh;e;J te;j ghg;ghj;jp> mtid ,Wfj; jOtpf; nfhz;L tpk;kp.. tpk;kp mOjhs;. “khkh eP ntsp Njrk; Nghapj;jhd; MtZkh..? ek;k CUy gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nghiof;fNt topapyy ; pah khkh.? vd;ida jdpah Tl;Lg;Gl;L xd;dhy Nght KbAkh khkh..? ehDk; xq;$l tUNtd; khkh.! eP ,y;yhk eh vg;Gb ,Uf;fg; NghNwd; khkh.?”mts; mtidg; gpbj;Jf; FYf;fpdhs;. mtdJ khh;gpy; jd; jiyia ,bj;J ,bj;Jf; nfhz;L FKwpdhs;.. mtsJ jiyia thQ;irNahL jltpf; nfhz; L > “ghg; g hj; j p.! vz; z p MW khrj; j pyAk; tuyhk; > gj; J khrj;jpyAk; tuyhKd;D Ms;fl;b nrhd;dhd;. eP gy;yf; fbr;rpff; plL ; gj;J khrk; nghWj;Jf;f.. eP nrhy;w khjphp ek;k T+h;y vg;gpb Gs;s nghiof;f KbAk;..? vy; y hNk nts; s f; f hNud; Mr; r pahg; Nghr; r p.. tay; nrhe; j f; f hutq; f tTj;JNyNa mb TOe;jphpr;rp> mtq;fNs ifa tphpf;fpw Neuk;> CUf;Fs;Ns nghog;G vg;Gb nfilf;Fk;..? rpWgps;sj;jdkh mlk;Gbf;fhj> CNu ntspa NghTJ> mijnay;yhk; GhpQ;rpf;fZk;. gzj; j Njbf; f pl; L tuZk; . . neyk; nrhe; j kh thq; f pf; f Zk; . . tP L fl;bf;fZk;> ek;k T+U Nfhapy;yNa xdf;Fk; vdf;Fk; fz;zhyk; elf;fZk;.. Xd; fOj;Jy ef el;l khl;b xd;d rPkhl;bah ehd; moF ghf;fZk;.” mtd; mtis ,Wf mizj;Jf; nfhz;L jiyiaf; Nfhjpdhd;.. mts; mtdplk; ntl;fj;ij tplL ; Nfl;lhs;. mtid ,Oj;Jg; gpbj;J fhJf;Fs; thia itj;J #L njupf;f FR FRj;jhs;. “khkh> ,e;j %D ehisf;Fk; ehDk; > eP A k; GUrd; nghz; l hl; b ah Nre; J ,Uf; f Zk; . ehd; Gs;sj;jhr;rpahfZk;.. xk; Gs;isa ehd; nrhkf;fZk;.!” “ghg;G.! klj;jdkh NgRwpNa> eh ntspj; Njrk; Nghap tu;w tiuf;Fk; xd;idaj; njhl khl;Nld;D nrhd;dJ kwe;J Nghr;rh.?” “khkh.! eh Mk;gs nrhfj;Jf;F miyayPNa khkh.! xdf;fhf ehd; Gs;s ngj;Jf;fZk;.. eP Nghd nghwF eh KOfhk ,Uf;fpw rq;fjp NrhpfF ; s;NsAk;> CUf;Fs;NsAk; njhpQr; pUf;fZk;. ehd; nfl;Lg; NghtZk;> mJjhd; vdf;F ghJfhg;G> ,y;Nyd;dh vq;fg;gd; vd;ida fypaDf;F fl;b ntr;rpLk;>” mts; Njk;gp Njk;gp mOjhs;. NtyhAjk; mtSf;F Vw;glg; NghFk; Mgj;Jf;fis mwpe;J kdk; fyq;fpdhd;. ve;j Mz; JizAk; ,y;yhJ mtis khRgLj;jptpl;L Ciu tpl;Lg; Nghtjw;F kdk; ,lk; nfhLf;f tpyi ; y. mr; nray; mtDf;F ghtkhfg;gl;lJ. mtisj; jPz;btpl;Lg; Nghtjw;F mtdJ ghrk; epiwe;j Fzk; ,lk; nfhLf;f tpy;iy.. mtSf;F MWjyhf gy tpraq;fis vLj;Jf; $wpdhd;. mts; mtid ,Wf;fpg; gpbj;j gpbia ,d;Dk; jsh;j;j tpy;iy. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mtis rkhjhdg;gLj;jp Fbirf;F mioj;J te;jhd;. “ghg;ghj;jpf;F jk;gp NtyhAjk; vd;dh top nrhy;ypl;L Nghfg; NghTJ.?” NtyhAjj;jpd; mf;fh jq;fk;kh Nfl;lhs;. nrhe;j jk;gpf;Nf kfs; ghg;ghj;jpia fl;b itg;gijj; jtpu NtW top njhpatpy;iy.. fpuhkj;jpy; NtW vtidANk kdjpy; mts; epidj;jpUf;f tpy;iy. fe;jDf;F jdJ rk;rhuk; topapy; kr;rpdd; NtyhAjj;Jf;F kfisf; nfhLf;f tpUg;gkpy;iy. J}uj;Jr; nrhe;jf;fhud; NrhsKj;Jtpd; kfd; fypaDf;F ghg;ghj;jpiaf; fl;b itf;f mbf;fb mtNdhL $ypj; njhopYf;F NghFk; Nghnjy;yhk; njd;dq; fs;S > gdq;fs;S vd;W thq;fpf; Fbj;j flDf;fhf ed;wpf; fld; gl;bUf;fpwhd;. “Mah..! ehisf;F vq;f T+l;y jk;gpf;fp fwp tpUe;J Mf;fpg; NghlZk;> ePAk; mg;ghTk; te;jpuZk;.!” vd;W jq;fk;kh $wptpl;Lg; ghg;ghj;jpiag; ghh;j;jhs;. “eh mk;khap T+l;y ,Ue;Jf;fpNwd;. eP mg;ght $l;bf;fpl;L Ngh..!” vd;whs;. “,J ey;yh ,Uf;fhJ ghg;G.!” fe;jd;; fbe;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. “ePq;f Nghq;f khkh> nrj;j nghWj;jpUe;J mts eh $l;bf;fpl;L th;Nwd;..” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. ***

kr;rhd; fe;jd;; tPlb; y; ,d;W tpUe;J> tpUe;J vd;wJk; jlGlyh tpNr\ czT tiffSlDk; Fb ghdq;fSlDk; elf;Fk; Nfspfi ; f epfo;rr; p ,y;iy> Nfth;> fk;G> Fuf;fd;> Nrhsj;Jf;Fg; gjpyhf ney;Y thq;fp te;J Fj;jhprp Gilj;njLj;J “ney;Y NrhW” Mf;fp tPl;Lg; gwitfspy; xd;whd NfhopNah> NrtNyh mWj;J Mf;fp> fwp NrhW nfhLg;gJjhd; tpUe;jhf kjpf;fg;gLfpwJ. fpuhkq;fspy; Nfhop> Fsj;J kPd;> gd;dp vd;W rikg;ghh;fs;. fe;jd; rk;rhuk; Nghd thuNk ney; Y Nrh; j ; J itj; j pUe; j hs; . rpd; d f; fTd; l uk; k h jq;fk;khNthL nfhQ;rk; el;G nfhz;lts;. jq;fk;kh RYf;F vLg;gjpYk;> thj Neha; f ; F euk; G gpbj; J ijyk; Nja; g ; g jpYk; RLjz; z p xj; j lk; nfhLg;gjpYk; if Njh;e;jts;. mtsplk; Rfk; fz;lts;jhd; rpd;d fTd;lh; ngQ;rhjp gQ;rth;zk;. mts; mbf;fb mtpj;j ney;Y nfhLg;ghs;.. ney;yhprp> fUg;gl;b> fha;fwp> Ml;L cg;Gfz;lk; vd;nwy;yhk; nfhLg;ghs;. jq;fk;khtpd; jk;gp ‘fz;bf;F’ Nghtij Neuj;NjhNl gQ;rth;zk; mwpe;J itj;jpUe;jhs;. rhjpapy; mg;gb ,g;gb vd;W vl;l Kbah tpl;lhYk;> NtyhAjk; me;j CUf;Fs; kjpg;NghL tsh;e;jtd;. ‘ngUQ;rhjp’ ahh;fNs NtyhAjj;jplk; epd;W Ngrptpl;Lg; Nghthh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

kr;rpdd; NtyhAjj;NjhL khkdhh;> khkpahh; ,uz;L NgiuAk; kUkfd; fe;jd; fl;lhag;gLj;jp tpUe;Jf;F mioj;J te;jpUe;jhd;. jq;fk;kh ntz;fy tl;lhtpYk;> Fk;ghtpYk; vy;NyhUf;Fk; fwp> NrhW ghpkhwpdhs;. rk;gpujhakhf vy;NyhUk; if NrhW cUl;b Cl;b tpl;lhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; thQ;irNahL thq;fpr; rhg;gpl;lhd;. “ntspj; Njrk; Nghap te;jJk; ghg;ghj;jpf;F %D Kbr;rp NghLwJjhd; nkhj fhhpakh ,Uf;fZk; khg;Ns.! eP fz;bapy xior;rpf;fpl;L th;w gzq;fhNrhl ghg;ghj;jpAk; ePAk; gz;izahU FLk;gk; khjphp thoZk;..!” “ehDk; ghg;ghj;jpAk; kl;Lkpy;y.. ePq;fSk;> mf;fhSk;> vq;f MahTk; > mg;ghTk;> ehq;f MW NgUjhNd khkh.? N[huh xq;f vy;yhiuAk; eh ftdpr;Rf;FNtd; khkh.! ekf;F ey;y fhyk; nghwe;jpUf;F khkh.! “ fe;jDk;;> NtyhAjKk; khwp khwp Ngrpf; nfhz;L rhg;gpl;L Kbj;jhh;fs;. me;j eL uhj;jphpapy; jdpahf Fbirf;F ntspNa te;J epd;whs; ghg;ghj;jp. mfk; kyu> Kfk; kyu jq;fj; jhk;G+ykhf jf jfj;J ghg;ghj;jp Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;J rphpj;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jJ ngsd;zkp epyh. ehisapypUe;J thb> thb> Nrhh; e ; J > Nrhh; e ; J > kiwe; J > kP z ; L k; ,Uz; l thdk; tUk; . . Jau epidTfis tUe;jp tutioj;J Fbirf;Fs; Eioe;J khkd; mUfpy; mkh;e;J nfhz;lhs;. mts; Kfk; Nrhig ,oe;J fhzg;gl;lJ. NtyhAjk; mf;fh tPl;L tpUe;ij Kbj;Jf; nfhz;L tPl;Lf;Fg; Gwg;gl;lhd;. ghg;ghj;jp> jq;fk;khsplk; nfQ;rpdhs;.. “ehDk; khkh T+l;y Nghap ,Uf;Nfd;. ehisf;F ka;f;fh ehS khkh NghapUe;jhNdk;kh.?” “taRf;F te;Jk; gf; F tkh ele; J f; f njhpaypNa> fOj>! rhjp rdj; j hd; vd; d h neidr;rpf;FthDf.?” fe;jd;; GW GWj;jhd;. “mg;Gbnay;yhk; Nuhrpf;fhja;ah.! rpd;dQ; rpWRfSf;F ehk;gNy #J nrhy;ypf; FLf;ff; $lhJ.. eP nfsk;G ghg;G! ehDk; mk;kh T+l;y te;J jq;FNwd;. jk;gp Nghwkl;Lk; ehDk; jk;gpNahl ,Uf;fZk;.!” vd;wts; GU\idg; ghh;j;jhs;. “fhiyapy rhg;ghL nfhz;lhNwd; ,d;dpf;F kl;Lk; jdpah nkhlf;fpf;f!” fe;jdpd;; gjpYf;F fhj;jpUf;fhky; vy;NyhUk; Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; ifiaf; Nfhh;j;Jf; nfhz;L Js;sYk; eilAkhfg; ghg;ghj;jp khd; Fl;bahfNt khwpapUe;jhs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Fbirf; F s; Eioe; j Jk; > NtyhAjk; > mg; g h> Mah> mf; f h> ghg; g hj; j p vy;NyhiuAk; neUq;fp cl;fhu itj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;.. “ehisf;F nuz;L FLk;gj;Jf;Fk; GJ Jzp thq;fZk;.. mg;ghTf;F rl;l> Ntl;b> MahTf;F rPy> mf;fh> kr;rhDf;Fk; rPy> Ntl;b> rl;l> ghg;ghj;jpf;F jhtzp> ghthilNahL xU N[hb NjhL. vd Ie;jhapuj;Jf;Fs; fzf;Fg; Nghl;Lf; nfhz;lhd;. jq;fk;kh ifapy; %thapuKk;> ghg;ghj;jp ifapy; ,uz;lhapuKk;> jfg;gd; ifapy; gj;jhapuKk; nfhLj;jhd;. “Xk; gazj;Jf;F rhkp.?” jha; Nfl;lhs;. “vq;f gaz nryT vy;yhNk mntd; Ms;fl;b rq;fpypjhd; ghj;Jf;Fthd;. ifapy ehD}W &th kl;Lk; nfhz;Lg;NghNwd;. ,g;g FLj;j ,Utjhapuj;j eh Nghap xior;rpf; fl;lZk;> ,J fld; fhR.!” vd;W ngU%r;R tpl;lhd;. “,J if ntyq;F khjphp> ,g;Gb Kk;gzj;j thq;fpa gy NgU rpz;L> Ms;fl;b rq;fpyp Gbapyj;jhd; ,Uf;FJ.!” mtd; jpUk;gTk; Ms;fl;b nfhLj;jpUe;j Kd; gzk; fhir gw;wp FLk;gj;jhhplk; tpguk; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. gzk; mtrpankd;whYk; mJ mgj;jkhd gzk; vd;gij mwpe;J nfhz;l mth;fs; nksdkhf NtyhAjj;ijg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. “Vk;gh NtY.! MSfl; b fpl; l fhr FLj; j pl; L fld; glhkNyNa fz; b f; F Nghap Nty nra;yhk;y..?” jfg;gd; Mjuthf kfdplk; Nfs;tpiaj; njhLj;jhh;. “fhrg; gj;jp ePqf; ahUk; gag;glj; Njtapyy ; > Ms;fl;b FLf;fpwjpNyAk; ehak; ,Uf;FJg;gh> ntsp Njrk; Nghw FLk;gk; mQ;rhW khrk; tapj;Jg;ghl;Lf;F fhR gzk; ifapy kbapy nfhQ;rk; tr;rpUf;fZkpy;y..? T+l;lg; gphpQ;R Nghwtq;f epk;kjpah Nght thzhkh..? VNjh kdj; njk;Gf;F ,e;jf; fhRjhd; vq;fSf;F xjtpah ,Uf;F. MW khrj;Jy eh jpUk;gp te;jJk; ,d;Dk; nfhQ;r fhR ,Uf;Fk;> rpd;d rpd;d Ntyfs nrQ;rpg;Gl;L kUfTk; Nghtyhe;jhNd.?” NtyhAjj;jpd; njspthd Ngr;R FLk;gj;jhUf;F epk;kjpiaf; nfhLj;jd. vy;NyhUk; epjj; piuf;Fg; Nghdhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; mah;eJ ; J}q;fpatd;> jpBnud tpopj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. mtdUfpy; ghapy; ghg;ghj;jp gLj;jpUe;jhs;..! mts; J}q;f tpy;iy. “ehd; nfl;Lg; Nghdhj;jhd; vdf;F ghJfhg;G khkh.! ehd; Mk;gs nrhfj;Jf;F miyay khkh.” ghg;ghj;jpapd; thh;ji ; jfs; epoyhbd. “vd; tTj;jpy xd; thhpR tsuZk; khkh..” ,g;NghJ mtdJ fhJfs; #NlWk;gb ghg;ghj;jp fhJf;Fs; thia itj;J Kdfpdhs;. mtd; mts; jiyia tUbdhs;. *** gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

tpbe;J tpl;lJ.

fhiyapNyNa Vhpapy; Fspj;J tpl;L godpiaAk; $l;bf; nfhz; L > GJ Jzpkzpfs; > tP l ; L f; F nyhl; L nyhRf; F rhkhd; f s; thq;Ftjw;F Gwg;gl;lhd;. kw;w ez;gh;fisAk; fil tPjpf;Fg; Nghtjw;F jfty; nrhy;ypapUe;jhd;.. ghg;ghj;jpAk;> khkNdhL re;ijf;Fg; Nghdhs;. xNu ehspy; FLk;gf;fhhpahf Kjph;r;rp ngw;wpUe;jhs;. Fbirapy; gfy; rhg;ghL;> ney;Y NrhWk;> fwpAk;. ,uT rhkk; tiu fijfs;.. md; i wa ,utpYk; NtyhAjk; kpfj; Jzpr; r yhfg; ghg; g hj; j pNahL neUq;fpapUe;jhd;. mtis kidtpahf tpl;Lr; nry;tjhfNt czh;e;jhd;. gazj; j pd; NghJ> mf; f htplk; ele; j cz; i kfis xspT kiwtpd; w p nrhy;yptpl Ntz;Lk;. mf;fhNt mtSf;F KO ghJfhg;ghf ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. vd;W kdijj; jplg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;lhd;.

***

%d;whtJ

ehs; nguk;gY}h; fhsp Nfhtpy; kz;lgj;Jf;F Ngha; Nru

Ntz;Lk;. gpwg; fy; ehd;F kzp> Ch; KOtJk; kQ;rs; ntapyhy; FspjJ ; f; nfhz;bUe;jJ. godp tPl;bYk;> NtyhAjk; tPl;bYk; cwTfs; $bapUe;jdh;. mf;fk; gf;fj;J Fbirf; FLk;gq;fSk; topaDg;gp itg;gjw;fhf $bapUe;jdh;. kQ;rs; nta;apy; khwp thdk; ,uj;jr; rptg;NgwpapUe;jJ.. khiy Ie;J kzpahfpapUe;jJ.. ghg;ghj;jp> Gjpa ghthil jhtzp fl;bapUe;jhs;. NtyhAjk; mtSf;F ,sk; gr;ir> ,sk; kQ;rs;> Cjh vd %d;W epwq;fspYk; fWj;jtSf;F Vw;wg;gb %d;W N[hb jhtzp ghthilfs; thq;fpf; nfhLj;jpUe;jhd;. if epiwa fz;zhb tisay;fs;> GJ NjhL fUj;jf; fhJfspy; n[hypjJ ; f; nfhz;bUe;jJ! NtyhAjk; FLk;gKk;> godp FLk;gKk; xd;whfNt ,ize;J topg; gpsi ; sahh; NfhtpypYk;> khlrhkp NfhtpypYk; G+irfs; elj;jpdhh;fs;. khlrhkp Nfhtpypy; nghpa ntl;lhpths; rha;j;J itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. vz;zp KbahjsTf;F <l;bfs;.. gy <l;bfspy; Njrpf;fha; Fj;jp itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ehs;gl;l Njrpf;fha; Njhy;fs; fha;e;J NghapUe;jd. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Nfhtpy; tstpNyNa gazQ; nrhy;y Fa;Nah> KiwNah ntd;W mOif> tpk;ky;.. cwTfs; khwp khwp fl;bg; gpbj;J mOJ Jauk; gfph;e;J gphpfpd;w fhl;rp kdijg; gpLq;fpaJ. vy;NyhUk; NfhtpypypUe;J rpwpJ J}uk; NtyhAjj;ijAk; godpiaAk; gpd; njhlh; e ; j hh; f s; . mth; f sJ iffspypUe; j igfis ,sk; igad; f s; thq;fpf;nfhz;L mth;fSld; ele;jhh;fs;. ghg;ghj;jp NtyhAjj;jpd; tpuy;fis ,Wff; Nfhh;j;jgbNa ele;jhs;. xU nghpath; rj;jkhfr; nrhd;dhh;. “vy;yhUk; epy;Yq;f> nkhfk; ghf;Fk; ntspr;rj;JNyNa Gs;isq;f nuz;L NgiuAk; Fk;Gl;L topaDg;gp itq;f> ,Ul;L krf;fj;Jy gphpaf; $lhJ..! thq;f> thq;f.. te;J epy;Yq;f.!” vd;whh;. kPz;Lk; Jauf; Fuy;> ghg;ghj;jpia NtyhAjj;jplkpUe;J gphpj;njLg;gjpy; jq;fk;kh jtpjhag;gl;Lg; Nghdhs;. NtyhAjj;jpd; MahTk;;> mg;ghTk;> mf;fhTk;> fl;;bg; gpbj;J cr;rp Nkhe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; khkd;; fe;jidf; fl;bg;gpbj;J tpk;kpdhd;. ghg;ghj;jpia mizj;J cr;rp Nkhe;jhd;. nghpath; rj; j k; Nghl; L ‘c[hh; ’ gLj; j p vy; N yhiuAk; toptplr; nra; J > NtyhAjj;ijAk;> godpiaAk; ,Oj;J ghijapy; eiliaj; njhlUk;gb $wpaJ kNdhhPjpahd njk;ig vy;NyhUf;Fk; Cl;baJ. vy;NyhUk; iffis mirf;f> gu];guk; NtyhAjKk;> godpAk; ifairj;J tpil ngw;whh;fs;. ,th;fNshL rPuq;fd;> mh;rR ; zd;> jhz;ltd; FLk;gj;jpdh;fSk;; ; topaDg;g te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. “jpUk;gpg; ghf;fhk vy;yhUk; eilaf; fl;L.!” nghpathpd; mjl;ly; mjpfhukhf khwpaJ. “grq;f Nghap fhR gzk; Njbf;fpl;L te;jJk; ,Nj khlrhkp Nfhapy;y ML ntl;b G+r Nghl;L CUf;F mior;rpf;fpl;L NghNthk;..! ,g;Gb CUf;F mQ;rhW njfphparhyp cz;lhfZk;> fQ;rp ghida ef;fpf;fpl;Nl ehk fhyj;j fopf;fZkh.? mLj;j Mb khrj;Jy godp gaYf;Fk;> NtY gaYf;Fk; xNu Njjpapy fz;zhyj;j tr;Rf;NfhZk;> ek;k T+h;y vy;yhNk Xy Fbirf> ,tDq;f fhyj;JyahtJ XL Nghl;l T+Lfs ghf;fZk;D Mr ,Uf;F..! mJ tiuf;Fk; cRUk; ,Uf;fDKd;D Mr ,Uf;F..! vd;dhb ghg;ghj;jp..! xd;df; fl;lg; Nghw gahGs;s xdf;F XL Nghl;l T+L fl;b FLg;ghd; y.?”

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

,t;thW cah;e;j vz;zq;fs; ,Ue;Jk; epiw NtwhJ Nghd jdJ epuhirfs;> mLj;jg; guk;giuapdhpd; fhyj;jpNyahtJ ntw;wp ngw Ntz;Lk; vd;W me;j ngupathpd; cs; kdk; FKopapl;lJ. Jauk; Njha; e ; j epidNthL nksdkhf CUf; F j; jpUk; g pf; nfhz;bUg;gth;fspd; kdq;fis jpir jpUg;gp ,Oj;Jr; nry;tjw;fhfNt Rg;G jhj;jh ,t;thW fij Ngrpf; nfhz;L tUfpwhh; vd;gij rpyh; Ghpe;J nfhz;L mtUf;F kdJf;Fs;Ns ed;wp $wpf; nfhz;Lk; ele;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Rg;G jhj;jhtpd; Nfs;tp> ghg;ghj;jpapd; kdij re;Njh\f; flypy; kpjf;f tpl;lJ. vy;NyhUk; Fbirfis mile;jhh;fs;. Rg;G jhj;jh jd; rk;rhuk; rptg;gpiaf; $l;bf;nfhz;L NtW topapy; Fbiria Nehf;fpg; Nghdhh;. NtyhAjk;> godp tPLfspy; kPz;Lk; xNu nksdk; Fb nfhz;bUe;jJ.. khkhtpd; Ntl;bj; Jz;ilAk;> rl;iliaAk; ,Wf mizj;Jf; nfhz;L mNj me;jg; ghapy; RUz;Lg; gLj;Jf; nfhz;L> vtUf;Fk; Nfl;fhky; ghg;ghj;jp tpkk ; p.. tpkk ; p mOJ nfhz;bUe;jhs;.. ***

NtyhAjk; me;j

,Ul;by; jpUk;gpj; jpUk;gp ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;Nl ele;jhd;. igj;jpaf;fhuidg; Nghy jpBnud epdw ; hd;. godp jLkhwpdhd;. “xd;Dkpyy ; godp.! ghg;ghj;jp vk; gpd;dhy Xb th;w khjphp xU gpuk.! mJjhd;.” “Nrr;Nr.!. mg;gbnay;yhk; kdr Nghl;L nfhog;gpf;fhj> xd;d ek;gpj;jhd; ehDk; nfsk; g p th; N wd; > eP kdr jsu Tlyhkh.?” “,y; y godp> me; j g; Gs; s mg;gbnay;yhk; ele;Jf;Fth> Ghpahjg;nghz;Z.!” “kdr $lhj gf;fkh neidf;f Tlhj Ntyh..! eh rpd;dntd; xdf;F Nuhrd nrhy;yyhkh.? ghg;ghj;jp Gj;jprhyp nghz;Z.”mz;Nz.! Xd;d ek;gpj;jhd; khkht xq;$l mDg;gp ntf;fpNwd;.. ftdkh $l;bf;fpl;L Ngh..”d;D ghg;ghj;jp vd;ida jdpah $l;bf;fpl;L Ngha; nrhd;dpr;rp> vdf;F xNu rphpg;gh Nghr;rp.. rhp Gs;s gj;jukh $l;bf;fplL ; NghNwd;D MWjy; nrhd;Ndd;..” vd;whd; godp. “mg;Gb nrhd;dhsh? mg;Gb nrhd;dhsh.?’ vd;W NtyhAjk; mjparapj;Jg; Nghdhd;. me;j ,utpy; fhl;Lg; ghij epynthspapy; njl;lj; njspthfj; njhpe;jJ.. mf;fk; gf;fj;jpy; thpirahf epw;Fk; fhl;L kuq;fs;> ez;gh;fspd; gazj;ij gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Ntbf;if ghh;g;gJ Nghy; njhpe;jd. ngah; njhpahj> ,jw;F Kd; ghh;j;jpuhj gpuhzpfnsy; y hk; Kd; d hy; Ch; e ; J f; nfhz; L k; > FWf; ; N f gha; e ; N jhbf; nfhz;Lk;> xt;nthU FuNyhirfs; vOg;gpf; nfhz;LkpUe;jd. rpy ,lq;fspy; kdij kaf;Fk; G+ thridfs;> me;j eLr;rhkj;jpy; jdpj;Jf; fhl;Lg; ghijapy; NghdhYk;> ,UtuJ kdKk; FLk;gq;fis epidj;Jf; nfhz;Nl elg;gjhy; gak; vd;w czh;Tf;Nf ,lkpy;yhky; ,Ue;jJ. mth;fsJ Ntfkhd eilapy; tpah;it topej; hYk; epytpd; Fsphr; r; pahy; fisg;G njhpatpyi ; y. Ik;gJ fl;il J}ukhtJ ele;jpUg;ghh;fs;. fhl;Lg; ghijapd; vjph; jpirapy; J}uj;Nj eha;fs; Fiuf;Fk; rj;jKk;> ,d;Dk; J}uj;jpypUe;J fk;kpa Fuypy; tUk; Nrty; $Tk; rj;jKk;> Nfl;ljpy; kdk; kfpo; e ; J Nghdhh; f s; . nguk; g Y}h; fpuhkj; i j neUq; f p tpl; l jhf kfpo;r;rpaile;jhh;fs;. ,d;Dk; nfhQ;r J}uk; nry;y> khLfs; fjWk; rj;jKk;> Nfhtpy; kzp XirAk; Nfl;ljpy; nuhk;gTk; kd MWjy; mile;jhh;fs;. fhsp; Nfhtpy; $iu fyrk; epynthspapy; kpd;dpaJ. $l;lkhff; $bapUe;jth;fspy; rpyiuj; jtpu kw;wth;fnsy;yhk; J}q;fhky; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Nfhtpiyaile;jJk; rq;fpypapd; kr;rpdd; xUtd; NtyhAjj;ijAk;> godpiaAk; $g;gpl;L md;lhtpy; fsp rhjk; ,Ug;gjhfr; nrhd;dhd;. “rhg;GLNwhk;” mtd; nrhd;djw;fhf ed;wpNahL gjpy; $wpdhh;fs;. tPl;bypUe;J nfhz;L te;jpUe;j Gsp rhjj;jpy;> Nfhop njhil ,iwr;rp ,uz;L Jz;Lfs; nghpJ nghpjhf ,Ue;jd. fyq;fpa fz;fNshL NtyhAjk; ghg;ghj;jpia epidj;jhd;. xU njhilia godpaplk; ePl;bdhd;. godp Nrhw;wpYk; Nfhopj; njhil ,Ue; j J.. mtDk; tP l ; l hiu epidj; J fz; f yq; f pdhd; . xUtUf;nfhUth; Ngrhky; nksdkhfr; rhg;gpl;L Kbj;jhh;fs;. J}f;fj;ij tw;GWj;jp mioj;Jf; nfhz;lhd; NtyhAjk;. ***

Cuhd; Cuhd; Njhl; l j; j pNy> xUtd; Nghl;lhdhk; nts;shpf;fh fhRf;F ehY tpf;fr; nrhy;yp fhapjk; Nghl;lhdhk; nts;sf;fhud hud;..!

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

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thdk; ngha;j;jf; fhyk; 1700k; Mz;bypUe;Nj njhlq;fpaJ. 1800fspy; fLikahfp > 1860 tiu tul;rpapdhy; ,e;jpa kz; Rl;nlhpf;fg; gl;lJ. thdk; ghh;j;jg; G+kp ehL KOtJk; J}rpiag; gug;gpf;nfhz;bUe;jJ. ePh; fhzhj epyj;jpy; gaph; tpisr;ry; vd;w nrhy;Yf;Nf mh;j;jkpy;yhky; NghdJ. gj;njhd;gjhk; E}w;whz;by; Vw;gl;l gQ;rNk kpfTk; nfhbaJ vd;W kf;fs; $f;Fuypl;lhh;fs;. ,e;jg; gQ;rj;jhy; ney; fsQ;rpak; vd;Wk;> tptrha G+kp vd;Wk; Gfo;eJ ; ghlg;gl;l jQ;rhT+h; khtl;lk; nghpJk; ghjpff; g;gl;lJ. md;iwa fhyzpj;Jt nts;is Ml;rpf;fhuh;fs;> ehw;gJ yl;rk; kf;fs; tiu kbe;J Nghdhh;fs;.. vd;W fzf;F fhl;bdhh;fs;. nkl;uhR gl;bdj;ij ‘gQ;r Njrk;’ vd;W ngah; #l;bdhh;fs;. ,e;jpahtpy; gQ;r fhyj;jpy; jQ;rhT+iu tpl nkl;uhrpy;jhd; njUj; njUtha; kf;fs; ,we;J> ehw;wnkLj;J fplg;gjhf uhZtj;jpdh;> MSdUf;F Kiwg;ghL nra;jhh;fs;. gQ;rj;jhy; kpuz;L Nghd kf;fs; > ,e;jpahtpd; gy;NtW gFjpfSf;F Foe;ij Fl;bfisr; Rke;J nfhz;L ,lk; ngah;e;J nrd;whh;fs;. njd;dhl;bypUe;J i`juhghj;> m]hk;> Mfpa khepyq;fSf;F Ntiy Njbr; nrd;whh;fs;. gQ;rk; >gl;bdp vd;w ,aw;if mdh;j;jq;fshy; kl;Lk; fpuhkpa kf;fs; Ntiy Njb ,lk; ngau tpy;iy.. fgl kdk; nfhz;l nts;isf;fhuh;fspd; Ml;rp cUthf;fpa eph;g;ge;jkhd epiyikfNs ,e;jpaf; Fbkf;fs; > mJTk; njd;dpe;jpaj; jkpoh;fs; rpjwp> ,lk; ngah;e;J > Ntiy Njb caph; tho;tjw;F top NfhspaJ. nts; i s Ml; r pahsh; f s; epy thpia mwpKfg; g Lj; j pdhh; f s; . epyr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fis thp fl;Lk;gb neUf;Fjy; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. thp fl;l Kbahjth;fs; epyq;fis ,oe;jhh;fs;. epyq;fis ek;gp tho;e;j $yp tptrhapfspd; tho;thjhuk; mope;J NghdJ. njd;dhl;L kf;fspd; G+h;tfP epyq;fnsy;yhk; gwp Nghapd. mth;fs; G+h;tPfkhf nra;J te;j fpuhkpaj; njhopy; KiwfSk; mopaj; njhlq;fpd.. xU fhyj;jpy; Mrpa> INuhg;gpa ehLfSf;F> jq;fs; ifj; njhopy; nghUl;fshd gUj;jp> gl;L> jsghlq;fs;> ,Uk;G> nrk;G nghUl;fis tpw;W te;j fpuhkpa tho;thjhuKk; mope;J Nghapd. ,e;jpah;fspd; cw;gj;jpg; nghUl;fs; gphpj;jhdpahtpy; jil nra;ag;gl;ld. ,e;jpahtpd; kz;Zk; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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kf;fSk;.. vy;yhNk murhq;fj;Jf;F nrhe;jkhfpd. epyj;jpy; Kisg;gnjy;yhk; muRf;F nrhe;jnkd rl;lk; Nghl;lhh;fs;. ,e;jg; gpd;dzpapy; tptrhapfs; vy;NyhUk; jha; ehl;il tpl;L “xg;ge;jf; $ypfshf” gpw ehLfSf;F Fb ngaUk; epiyf;Fj; js;sg;gl;lhh;fs;. gpupl; b \; nts; i sah; f s; jkJ Ml; r pf; F cl; g l; b Ue; j ,yq; i f> ,e; j pa ehLfspy; jhq;fs; Gjpaj; njhopyhf njhlq;ftpUf;Fk; ngUe; Njhl;lg; gzg; gaph; nra;ifapy; ,e;jpaj; jkpoh;f; is <LgLj;Jtjw;F jpll; k; jPlb; dhh;fs;. me;jj; jpl;lq;fs; ,yFtpy; epiwNtwpaJ. INuhg;gpa ehLfspy; mbik Kiw xopf;fg;gl;lJk;. Mg;gphpf;fh Nghd;w ehLfspy; ciog;ghsh;fis ehl Kbahky;> rPdh> [g;ghd; vd Kaw;rp nra;J Njhy;tp fz;lhh;fs;. mth;fs; gpwtpapy; mbik Fzq;fsw;wth;fshf> Vty; Ntiy nra;a tpUk;ghjth;fshf ,Ug;gij gphpl;b\; nts;isah;fs; mwpe;jhh;fs;. njd; d hg; g phpf; f h; f Sf; F khw; w P l hf njd; d pe; j pah; f Ns nghUj; j khff; fhzg;gl;lhh;fs;. epwj;jhYk;> Fzj;jhYk;> ciog;ghYk; xj;J ,Ue;jhYk;> Mg;gphpf;fh;fs; %h;f;fkhdth;fshf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. njd;dpe;jpah;fs; G+r;rpfshf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. ngUe; Njhl;lf; $ypfisf; fz;L gpbj;j nts;is tpahghhpfs; kfpo;r;rpapdhy; FJ}fspj;jhh;fs;. kJ mUe;jp Fk;khskbj;jhh;fs;. fpuhk tho;f;ifapy; Ra tptrhaj;ijAk;> Ra njhopy;fisAk;> epyq;fisAk; ,oe;j kf;fs;> eph;f;fjpaile;jhh;fs;. mLj;jtd; KjyPl;by; njhlq;fg;gLk; njhopiy vjph;ghh;j;J> gpw ehLfSf;F Fbngah;e;J nry;Yk; eph;g;ge;jkhd tho;fi ; f khw;wj;Jf;Fs; js;sg;gl;lhh;fs;. fpuhkpa tho;it ,oe;J $ypfshf njhopy; nra;Ak; Gjpa rPtpaj;jpy; ,wq;f Ntz;ba Jauk; njhlh;e;jJ. jkJ fpuhkq;fSf;Fs;NsNa> jkJ cyfj;ij jhprpj;Jf; nfhz;L> rydkw;wpUe;j mth; f s; > czitj; Njbaiye; j hh; f s; . Nftyk; .. ngUe; J auk; . . ‘’nuhl;bj;Jz;Lf;F Kd;Nd mth;fspd; fpuhkpa cyfk; kz;bapll; J!’ mth;fs; ciog;ig tpw;fj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. Muk;gj;jpy; mrhk;> i`juhghj; vd;W cs; ehl;Lf;Fs;NsNa ,lk; ngah;e;jth;fs;> kPz;Lk; ePyfphp> thy;ghiw vDk; kiyg;gpuNjrq;fSf;Fk;> mz;il ehlhd ,yq;iff;Fk; fly; topj; JaUld; kNyrpah> gh;kh vd;Wk; Mapuf;fzf;fhd iky;fSf;fg;ghy; fz;fhzhj gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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jPTfshd l;hpdpnlhl;> Nkw;fpe;jpa jPTfs; > nkhhp\pa];> gp[pj;jPT vd kuzj;ij kbapy; fl;bf;nfhz;L rKj;jpug; gazj;ijj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. ngUe; Njhl;lg; gaph;r; nra;iff;fhf ciog;ghsh;fisj; Njb f\;lg;gl;l gphpj;jhdpaUf;F> Mg;gphpf;f fWg;gpd kf;fis tpl ,e;jpah;fNs> mJTk; njd;dpej; pah;fNs nghUj;jkhdth;fs; vd;w milahsj;ijf; fz;L gpbj;jdh;. mbik Fzk;> gae;j Rghtk;> ve;jj; Jauj;ijAk; jhq;Fk; ,jak;> kpUf ciog;Gj;jd;ik> ,it midj;J mk;rq;fisAk; njd;dpej; paj; jkpoh;fNs nfhz;bUe;jdh;. ***

nguk;gY}iu

tpl;L mfd;w gazk; fhy; eilahfNt jpUr;rpuhg;gs;sp re;jpia mila Ntz;Lk;. md;W rh;f;fhh; ghijfs; Muk;gpf;fg;glhj fhyk;> khl;L tz;bfs; $l J}u fpuhkq;fSf;Fr; nry;tJ FiwT. ghijfs; Fz;Lk; FopAkhftpUf;Fk;. gpupl;b\;fhud; Ml;rpaikj;j gpwFjhd; vy;yh mgptpUj;jp NtiyfSf;Fk; gps;isahh; Rop Nghlg;gl;lJ. mJ tiuf;Fk; xw;iwabg; ghij> tz;bg; ghij vd;nwy;yhk; elf;f Ntz;ba eph;g;ge;jk; Vw;gl;bUe;jJ. mNdfkhd ,lq;fspy; ghij vd;w rq;fjpNa fpilahJ. Ms;fl;b vd;gtd; fhl;ba jpirapy; Gjh;fisAk;> fuL Kulhd fw; ghiwfisAk; Vwp ,wq;fp elf;f Ntz;Lk;. jQ;rhT+h;> nguk;gY}h;> thypfz;l Guk;> mUk;ghT+h;> mupaY}h;> tpOg;Guk; Nghd;w Ch;fnsy;yhk; Fbrdq;fs; epiwe;J tsh;e;J tUk; fhyj;ijf; nfhz;bUe;jd. ,itfis mz;ba vj;jidNah Ff; fpuhkq;fs; tsh;r;rpNa fhzhj ,Us; #o;e;j gpuNjrq;fSf;Fs;spUe;jd. mq;fpUe;njy;yhk; fpuhkj;J Ch; thrpfs; ehL fle;J cioj;J tho;tjw;F JzpNthL te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypapd; ifapy; ,yq;iff;Fr; nry;Yk; njhopyhsh;fspd; ngah; gl;bay; epiwaNt ,Ue;jd. jpUr;rpuhg;gs;sp> mwe;jhq;fp> muf;Nfhzk;> GJf; Nfhl;il> jQ;rhT+h;> tpOg;Guk;> JiwA+h;> nrq;fy;gl;L> Krpwp> ehkf;fy;> jpz;Lf;fy;> kJiu> jpUney;Ntyp> Nryk;> Mj;J}h;> NtY}h; Mfpa Ch;fspy; murhq;fk; Vw;gLj;jpapUe;j Mg;g] P ;fspYk; “$yp fis” gjpT nra;thh;fs;. gazj; jpirfspd; gb jpUr;rp gpujhd re;jpapypUe;J GJf;Nfhl;il> nrl;b ehL> fhiuf;Fb.> gzq;Fb> rptfq;if> khdh kJiu re;jp> gukFb> uhkehjGuk;> gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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nedr; r pUg; g kh.? vy; y hUk; xlk; g eidr; r pf; f pl; l h nrhtkh ,Uf; F k; > vstl;lq;f jz;zpf;Fs;s vwq;fhjPq;f.. NrW rfjpapy khl;bf;FtPq;f.. ,J nghzk; jpd;dpf; nfhsk;..! Nghd thl;b xU vse;jhhp rfjpapy khl;bf;fTk; mtd ,Of;f xUj;jd; Gbf;fTk;> mg;Gwk; mtd ,Of;f xUj;jDk; mg;Gwk; xUj;jDk; ehY NgUkh rfjpf;Fs;s KOfpg; Nghd ghpjhgk; ,g;g nedr;rhYk; <uf;nfho eLq;FJ..!.” vd;W NtjidNahL vr;rhpjj; hd;. mr; rk;gtj;ijf; Nfl;L vy;NyhUk; jz;zhP py; ,wq;Ftjpy; [hf;fpuijahf ,Ue;jhh;fs;.. fiuapNyNa Kq;fp vOe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; khdrPfkhf jdJ mDjhgj;ij topg; Nghf;fpy; capupoe;j me;j ,isQh;fSf;F njhptpj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. mth;fsJ Mirj;jpl;lq;fs; > kdf; Nfhl;ilfs;> mth;fis topaDg;gp itj;j ngw;Nwhh;fspd; vjph;ghh;g;Gf;fs; vy;yhtw;iwANk ,e;j tdhe;ju Fsk; tpOq;fp tpll; Nj vd;W kdk; fyq;fpg; Nghdhd;.. mth;fs; rpNyhDf;Fg; NghFk; topapNyNa> cs;@Uf;Fs;NsNa nrj;J kbe;J Nghd nra;jp vg;gb mth;fsJ tPl;Lf;Fg; Ngha;r; NrUk;..? ,e;jr; nra;jpia nfhz;L Nghtjw;F ve;j ehjp ,Uf;fpwJ.? rq;fpypad; jpUk;gTk; Ms; fl;Ltjw;F nguk;gY}Uf;Fg; Nghthdh.? mg;gbg; NghdhYk; me;jr; nra;jpia nrhy;thdh..? mtdJ kdk; ve;j rk;gtj;ij epidj;J ,g;NghJ Ntjidg;gl;Lf; nfhz;bUf;fpwJ vd;gij ez; g h; f s; tpsq; f pf; nfhz; L xt; n thUthpd; Kfq; f isg; ghh; j ; J f; nfhz;lhh;fs;. fhl;Lf; Fsk; uk;kpakhftpUe;jJ> Fsj;ijr; Rw;wp ngah; njhpahj> Kd;dh; xUNghJk; mth;fs; ghh;j;jpuhj mofhd G+f;fSk;> nrbfSk;> nfhbfSk; gpd;dpf;fple;jd.. Fsk; epiwa mth;fs; mwpe;jpUe;j nre;jhkiu G+f;fs; G+j;jpUe;jd. mitfNshL ePy jhkiug; G+f;fs;.. ,itfisnay;yhk; ahh; nfhz;L te;J ehl;bapUg;gh;.? ,aw;ifapd; ,ay;Gfs; kdij vg;gbnay;yhk;; Fog;gkilar; nra;fpwJ> tpjj;jhy; xU gwit> Fsj;ijr; #o;e;J ghbf; nfhz;bUf;fpd;wd. me;jf; Fsj;J tsk; xU jdpf;fhl;L uh[;akhf ,aw;if mikg;gpNyNa cUthfpapUe;jJ..me;j moFr; #oiy urpf;ff; $ba kd epiyapy; vth; mq;Nf ,Ue;jdh;.? “nghze; jpd;dpf; nfhsk;.!” NtyhAjj;jpd; cjLfs; itJf; nfhz;bUe;jd. kdj; J auKk; > rQ; r yKk; > cly; eypTk; Kjy; gazj; j pNyNa Fb nfhz; b Ue; j J. rq; f pypad; nksdj; i jf; fiyj; J r; rj; j kpl; l hd; . “nfsk;GNthk;> nfsk;GNthk;> jpUr;rpuhg;gs;sp re;jp ,d;Dk; $g;GL J}uj;Jy ,Uf;F.. rhg;ghL nfilf;Fk;.. mg;Gwk; uhrhkhjphp nfhQ;rk; Xa;T vLf;fyhk;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

jse;J NghthjPq;f> c[huh ,Uq;f> Xa;..! mtd; ahU..? jiya fTj;Jf;fpl;L> VNya;> XLw ghk;g kpjpf;fpw tarpNy eP> jiya fTf;fyhkh.? el;lkh Fe;J Ny..!” rq;fpypapd; cw;rhfkhd Ngr;Rk;> ieahz;bAk; mth;fsJ gpuahzf; fisg;ig kwf;fbf;fr; nra;jd.. vy;NyhUf;Fk; ePhpy; eide;J <u cilfNshL elg;gjw;F RfkhftpUe; j J.. Fsj; j q; f iuapy; Fb eP i uAk; epug; g pf; nfhz; L fpsk;gpdhh;fs;. Jaukhd me;j top gazj;jpy; mth;fis ePuhl;b mDg;gp itj;j ‘gpze;; jpd;dp Fsj;ij’ kPz;Lk; ed;wpNahL jpUk;gpg; ghh;j;J tpl;L efh;e;jhh;fs;. mth;fsJ cw;rhfkhd eil Gjpa njk;igf; nfhLj;jJ. rpwpJ J}uj;jpy; vjph; topapy; rpy $iufs; njhpe;jd. ,d;Dk; nfhQ;rk; Kd;Ndhf;fp elf;ifapy; epiwa $iufs;> jpBnud rpW rpW fl;blq;fs; Vuhskhfj; njd;gl;ld. neUf;fkhd [d elkhl;lk;. kuQ; nrb nfhbfs; kiwf;fhj rk jiu ntspr;rk;> ,e;j tl;lhuk;jhd; jpUr;rpuhg;gs;sp re;jpg;G vd;gij vy;NyhUk; tpsq;fpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; cw;rhfkile;jhh;fs;. ,d;Dk; Cf;fkhd eil.. fq;fhzpapd; kr; r pdd; k hh; f s; $l; l j; J f; F Kd; d hy; Ntfkhf Xl; l Kk; . eilAkhf nrd;whh;fs;. $l;lq;fs; tUtij> rhg;ghL Vw;ghl;lhsh;fSf;F jfty; nfhLf;F Kfkhf mth;fs; tpiue;jhh;fs;. kpfg; nghpa rpy My kuq;fs; glh;e;J> tphpe;J tpOJfs; ,wf;fp gue;jstpy; epoiyg; gug;gpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; me;j ,lj;ij rq;fpyp vy;NyhUf;Fk; if ePl;bf; fhl;bdhd;. “mJjhd; ,d;dpf;fp ehk jq;fg; Nghw klk;> vy;yh trjpAk; ,Uf;F> Ntfkh thq; f .!”vd; W kfpo; r ; r pNahL mth; f is mq; N f mioj; J r; nrd; w hd; . vy;NyhUk; nghl;lyr; Rikfis ,wf;fp itj;J cl;fhh;e;jhh;fs;. “jpUr;rp - rpNyhd; gazpfs; jq;Fkplk;..” vd;w ngah; gyifNahL ,e;jpa murhq;fk; ntsp ehl;L NtiyfSf;Fr; nry;Yk; fpuhkthrpfs; jq;fpapUe;J cztUe;jp nry;tjw;fhd vy;yh trjpfisAk; nra;J nfhLj;jpUe;jJ.. mth;fs; jpUr;rp re;jpg;gpYk;> ghk;gdpYNk mjpfkhff; $bj; jq;fpapUg;ghh;fs;. rq;fpypapd; kr;rpdd;khh;fs;> rq;fpypaplk; FR FRj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. topg; gazj;jpy; Vw;gLfpd;w toikahd gazpfs; Nrjhuk; gw;wp nrhy;ypf; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nfhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . rq; f pypad; Kfj; j py; ftiy Nuiffs; nfhQ; r k; glh;e;jpUe;jd. rhg; g hl; i l Kbj; J f; nfhz; l gazpfs; > mikjpNahL J}f; f j; i jj; jOtpdhh;fs;. rhaq; fhy Neuk;> me;jMy kuq;fspd; fpisfs; mth;fSf;F rhkiu tPRtjha; Fsph; fhw;iw ms;sp tPrpf; nfhz;bUe;jd. ***

Mapuk;

Ngh;fs; ,e;jg; gazj;jpy; Nrfhpf;fg;gl;bUg;gjhfTk;> mth;fSf;F toq;fpa Kd;gzk; njhif vt;tsT vd;gijAk; rq;fpyp fzf;F ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. kpf ufrpakhf.. kpf kpf ufrpakhf mtd; kdk; mtdplk; NgrpaJ. “fpuhkj;JyapUe;J Njtpgl;bdk; th;wJf;Fs;s kr;rpdd;khh; nrhd;d gb ,e;jthl;b Nrjhuk; E}W jhz;lyhk; vd;W mwpe;Jf; nfhz;lhd;..! %r;Rf;Fj;J.. khuilg;G... ,Lg;Gg;Gb. kz;l Fj;J> nkhoq;fhY RYf;F> M];Jkh> fhr;ry;dD ; NghdJf...mg;Gwk; fhl;L rPthj;J> rpWj;j.. gpyp> tphpad;> Gilad;> tz;L> nfhstp d;D NghdJf.. ,d;Dk; Kbahf;Nfhsp Ntrkf;f.. Kk;gzk; thq;fpj; jpd;Dg;Gl;L> te;j topag; ghj;Jf;fpl;L jpypk;gp CU gf;fk; eila fl;LdJy NghdJf> vy;yhQ; Nrj;J ,e;jf; fzf;F tUk;.. ,jTl $lhk ,Ue;jh nja;t nray;.!” vd;W jdf;Fj;jhNd Ngrpfn; fhz;ltd;> rPikj; Jiufsplk; thq;fpf;nfhz;l gzj;ij xg;gpl;Lg; ghh;f;Fk; NghJ> $ypfSf;F nfhLj;j Kd; gzk; jq;fSf;F e\;lNk ,y;iy vd;gjpy; epk;kjpaile;jhd;. jpUr;rpuhg;gs;sp gpujhd klj;jpy; %d;W ehl;fs; jq;fpapUe;jNghJ NtW khtl;lj;jth;fSf;F Neha; jLg;G Crp Nghl;L Kbj;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; $l;lj;jpdh; Njtpgl;bdj;ij Nehf;fp ,d;W tpbaw;fhiyapNyNa Gwg; g l; l hh; f s; . jpUr; r papypUe; J Njtp gl; b dj; J f; F njhd; D }W my; y J njhd;Dj;njl;L iky; J}uk; ,Uf;fyhk;... VO ehl;fs; eil gazj;jpy; Njtp gl;bdj;J Kfhik te;jile;jhh;fs;. Neha; jLg;G+rp> kz;lgj;jpYk;> ghk;gd; KfhkpYk; Nghl;Lf;nfhs;stpUg;gjhy;> Njtp gl;bdj;J Kfhkpy; ,uz;Nl ehl;fs; jq;fptpl;L> ghk;gid Nehf;fp gazkhdhh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

“ghk;gd; Kfhk;y vy;yhUf;Fk; Crp Nghl;Lf;fZk;.. uhNk];tuk; Nfhapy fl;lhak; rdq;fSf;F fhl;lZk;. Cu Tl;L Nghwtq;fSf;F nkhjf; NfhapY ,Jjhd;.. ghtg;gl;l rdq;f>mJfSk; kDr cRUq;f> mJf nghz;lhl;b Gs;isfSk; ey;yh ,Uf;fZk;.!” fy;ypYk; <uk; ,Uf;Fk; vd;gJ Nghy; rq;fpypad; flTis epidf;Fk; NghJ kdrhl;rpf;Fg; gae;J epd;whd;. ***

-ghk; g d; Kfhk; -

rpNyhDf;Fg; NghFk; fpuhkthrpfshy; Kfhk; epuk;gp tope;jJ. kJiu khtl; l k; > Nryk; > Nkl; L g; g hisak; > Nfhak; G j; J }h; Mfpa khtl;lq;fspypUe;Jk;> jpUr;rp> jQ;rhT+h;> GJf;Nfhl;il> rptfq;if> uhkehjGuk; khtl;lq;fspypUe;Jk; Mapukhapukhff; Ftpe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjj;jpd; iffNshL> rq;fpypahy; gpizj;Jf; nfhz;lth;fisg; Nghy> ehd;F ez;gh;fSk; neUq;fpapUe;jdh;. mth;fs; Kfhkpy; xU %iyapy; mkh;e;jpUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; mUfpy; jpBnud ,Uth;> gj;J gjpide;J Fkhpg; ngz;fisf; $l;b te;J cl;fhu itj;jdh;. mth;fs; fztd;> gps;isfs;> FLk; g k; vd te; j th; f shfj; njhpa tpy; i y. thl; l rhl; l khd cly; mikg;Gfisf; nfhz;lth;fshfTk;> kpf trPfukhd Kfj; Njhw;wj;ijf; nfhz; l th; f shfTk; > jq; f is gy topfspy; rpq; f hhpj; J f; nfhz; L te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ve;j tpjkhd %l;il Kbr;RfisAk; mth;fs; nfhz;L te;jpUg;gjhfj; njhpatpy;iy. rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; ,uz;L Mz;fs;> rpy nghjpfisf; nfhz;L te;J me;jg; ngz;fs; mUfpy; itj;jdh;. me;j rpq;fhhpfSk; rphpj;jgb jq;fs; nghjpfis milahsk; fz;L vLj;Jf; nfhz;ldh;. ,d;Dk; ,uz;L Ngh; kz; fyaj;jpy; Fb ePh; nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;jdh;. ePh; mUe;jptpl;L fyaj;ijf; nfhLj;j ngz;fspd; Kfj;jpy; FJ}fyk; NknyOk;gp ,Ue;jJ. mq;Nf gQ;iraha; guhhpaha; Ftpe;jpUg;gth;fs; kj;jpapy;> ,e;jg; ngz;fs; tpN\r tpUe;jpdh;fshf rpyuhy; ftdpf;fg;gl;Lf; nfhz;bUg;gij mwpa Kbe;jJ.. ,e;jg; ngz;fs; Nfushitr; Nrh;e;jth;fshk;> ntF Neuk; Nehl;lkpl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;j NtyhAjk;> xUtdplk; nkJthff; fijiaf; fpswpdhd;. ,th;fs; nkl;uhrpypUf;Fk; nts;isf;fhu mjpfhhp xUtuhy; gpuj;jpNafkhf

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

rpNyhd; Njhl;l chpikahsh; rpyuJ tPLfSf;F rikay; Ntiyf;fhf njhpT nra;J mDg;gg;gLfpwhh;fshk;. rq;fpypad; jdJ $l;lq;fisf; fzf;nfLj;Jf; nfhz;L te;j NghJ> me;jg; ngz;fisg; ghh;j;J tpl;lhd;. Xh; mrl;L rphpg;NghL> “kiyahsNkh..?” nkl;uh]; %ykh NghwPfNsh..?” vd;W Fj;jyhff; Nfl;lhd;.. “xQ;Nrhypag; ghj;Jf;fpD Nghtpah.? nkhfuf;fl;ilf;F ntrhhpg;G Ntz;bf; nflf;F.!” vd;W xUj;jp Kfj;ij Nfhgkhfr; Ropj;J> if tisfisf; FYf;fpg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;lhs;. jdJ $l;lj;Jf;F Kd;dhy; khdk; Nghfpw khjphp me;j ‘nghk;;gis’ Ngrpajpy; rq;fpyp ntl;fkile;jhd;. NkYk; ,q;Nf epd;why;> ‘Vlh$lkhf’ VjhtJ Ngrp tpLths; vd;W nkJthf mfd;W> “N`! ek;k MSfsh> vy;yhUk; jahuh ,Uf;fq P ;fsh..?” vd;W NtyhAjj;ij tprhhpj;J tpl;L> Ntfkhf $l;lj;Jf;Fs; kiwe;jhd;. NtyhAjk;> tlf;fd; Fsk; Rthkpjhrd; ‘kh];;lh;’ %ykhff; fijfs; Nfl;l ehl;fis epidj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. tUlf; fzf;fpy; rpNyhDf;Fg; Ngha; jdpf; fl;ilfshff; fplf;Fk; nts;isf;fhuj; Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fspd; ghypay; Rfj;Jf;fhf cs;@h; ngz;fis Vw;Wkjp nra;Ak; tpgr;rhu eltbf;iffSk;> eilKiwapy; ,Ug;gjhfr; nrhy;yp ‘kh];l; h;’ tUj;jg;gl;lij NkYk; NtyhAjk; epidj;Jf; ftiyg;gl;lhd;. ghk;gd; Kfhkpy; ,uT gfyhf Xa;T xopr;rypd;wp Neha; jLg;G+rp Nghl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; $l;b te;j $l;lj;jpdh;> Kfhkpy; ,d;Dk; %d;W ehl;fs; tiu jq;f Ntz;ba epiy Vw;gl;Ls;sjhfg; Ngrpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “,e;j thl;b vf;fr; rf; f khdt` rpNyhDf; F nfsk; G wh`yhk; . !” xUtd; jfty; nrhy; y pf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. ele;J te;jf; fisg;G> fhy;fspy; Vw;gl;bUf;Fk; nfhg;Gsq;fs;> cghijfs;> vd clk;G mbj;Jg; Nghl;lgb mg;gbNa ,Ug;gjhy;> ghk;gdpNyNa nrhFrhf rpy ehl;fis fopj;J tpl;L> fz;b rPikf;Fg; Nghfyhk;> vd;Wk; rpyh; Ngrpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. mth; f s; epidj; j g; g bNa %d; W ehl; f s; Kbe; j d. mLj; j g; gazk; ghk;gdpypUe;J uhNk];;tuj;ij Nehf;fpaJ.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

gazj;jpd; topapy; uhNk];tuk; NfhGuk; fhiy nta;apypy; Js;spakhfj; njhpe;jJ. neLe; J}uk; ele;J te;j fisg;G> cwTfisg; gphpe;J te;j Jauk; midj;ijAk; kwe;J> Nfhtpy; NfhGuj;ijf; fz;l mth;fspd; fz;fSk;> Kfq;fSk; fhl;ba kfpo;r;rpia vg;gb th;zpg;gJ vd;W njhpa tpy;iy. ,e;jpa kz;zpd; ike;jh;fs;> jha; kz;zpy;$l tho;tjw;F Kbahky;> ek;gpfi ; f> JzpT vd;w kdj;jplj;jpy; Njrk; fle;J tho;fi ; fiaj; NjLtjw;Fr; nry;Yk; mth;fs;> vt;tsT mg;ghtpfshf ,Ue;jhh;fs;! Foe;ijfisg;Nghy ,d;Dk; Nfhapy; NfhGuj;ijg; ghh;j;J nka;kwe;J G+hpj;Jg; Ngha; epd;whh;fs;. mth;fspd; ,\;l nja;tq;fnsy;yhk; NfhGuj;jpy; mkh;e;Jf;nfhz;L fuq;fis ePl;b mgakspj;J MrPh;tjpj;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gjhf epidj;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; mth;fs; vy;NyhiuAk; fly; jz;zpapy; fhyok;gptpl;L tur; nra;jhd;. vy;NyhUk; G+irapy; fye;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “uhNk];tuh..! kd;dhh; fiuapYk; ,k;Gl;L cRUfisAk; gj;jukh fu Nrf;fZk; uF uhikah.!” vd;W jdJ fuq;fs; ePSk; cauj;Jf;F ePlb; > rq;fpypad; > kdJf;Fs; uhkidg; gpuhh;j;jpj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;.;. NfhtpYf;Fs;NsapUe;J ntspNa tUfpd;w jdJ rdq;fisg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. kfpo;r;rp nts;sj;jpy; jpisj;J> jpUePW jhpj;J tUk; mth;fs; vy; N yhUk; fUj; j kdpjh; f s; . . kioiaNa fhzhj Rl; n lhpf; F k; #hpa c\;zj;jpy;> ntl;l ntspapy; fple;J kha;e;j kdpjj; Njhy;fs; vg;gb fWj;Jg; Ngha; ,Uf;fpd;wd.! mth;fs; new;wpapy; fUk; gyifapy; vOjpa ntz;fl;b vOj;Jf;fshf tpG+jp gspr;rpl;lJ. “,t;Nsh NgiuAk; fu Nrg;gJ Vk; nghWg;G.” rq;fpypad; jdJ nghWg;Gf;fis czh;e;J ,d;Dk; jd;idj; jplg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;lhd;. uhNk];tuj;jpypUe;J> jD\;Nfhb ,wq;;FJiwf;F $l;lk; njhlh;e;jJ. ***

NtyhAjk;>

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K. rptypq;fk;

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K. rptypq;fk;

nts;isah; Mg;gphpf;fh;fspd; ciog;ig ,oe;J jtpj;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; tho;f;ifapy; ,b tpOe;J tpl;ljhf kpuz;L Nghdhh;fs;. mtru mtrukhf mth;fs; Mrpa ehLfspy; njhopyhsh;fis Ntl;ilahlj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. cyfpd; mbik xopg;Gf;Fg; gpd;dNu> njd;dpe;jpaj; njhopyhsh;fshy;> ngUe; Njhl;lj; njhopy; vd;Dk; Nfhg;gp> gUj;jp> fUk;G vd Muk;gpff; g;gl;lJ vdyhk;. Nkw;fpej; paj; jPTfs;> nkhhp\pa];> gphplb; \;> fpdpah Nghd;w ehLfspy>; fWg;gpd njhopyhsh;fs;> mbikj;; njhopypUe;J tpLjiyahd gpd;dh;> ,d;ndhU miu mbik $l;lkhf njd;dpe;jpaf; $yp tptrhapfs;> gphpl;b\;fhuh;fspd; gpbapy; rpf;fpdhh;fs;. [g;ghd; ehl;by; njhopyhsh;fisj; Njbdhh;fs;. mth;fs; tpguk; mwpej; th;fshf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. jho;e;J gzpAk; Fzhk;rkw;wth;fshf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. rPdh;fis mZfpdhh;fs;. mth;fs; cly; tUj;jp Ntiy nra;a tpUk;ghjth;fshfTk;> mth;fisf; fl;Lg;ghl;Lf;Fs; itj;J> mbikfisg; Nghy Ntiy thq;FtJ Kbahj fhhpak; vd;Wzh;e;jhh;fs;. gQ;rhg;gpy; rPf;fpah;fis ehbdhh;fs;. mth;fs; f\;lg;gl;L ciof;fKbahj Nrhk;NghpfshftpUe;jhh;fs;. [g;ghdpaUk;> rPdh;fSk; nts;isf;fhu ,q;fpyhe;J tpahghhpfSf;F Ntk;ghff; fre;jhh;fs;. ,q;fpyhe;J tpahghhpfs; jq;fsJ mbikfshd Mg;gphpf;f fUg;gh;fspd; mUik> ngUikfis czh;e;J tUe;;jpdhh;fs;. kpUfq;fis tUj;Jtijg; Nghy tUj;jpdhYk;> vjph;j;J Ngrhky; nrhy;tij nra;Ak; Ngrhkle;ijfshd mth; f is vg; g bnay; y hNkh rpj; j putijfs; nra; N jhk; . .? vt; t sT cz;ikahfTk;> tpRthrkhfTk; Copak; nra;jhh;fs;? myhTjPdpd; G+jj;ijg; Nghy; nrhd;dijnay;yhk; nra;jhh;fs;. mth;fsplk; kdpjhgpkhdk; nfhQ;rq;$l ,y;yhky; ehq;fs; ele;J nfhz;lJ vt;tsT ,opthdJ? vd;W kdrhl;rpNahL Nghuhbf ;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; mbj;Jf; nfhd;w gy mg;ghtpfs; vy;yhk; mth;fsJ epidtpy; te;J epd;whh;fs;. mth;fisg; Nghd;w mbik kdpjh;fis ,dpNky; vq;Nf Njbf; nfhs;tJ vd;w Vf;fg; ngU%r;R tpl;lth;fspd; tho;f;ifapy; jpBnud;W xsp tPrpaJ. Nfhg;gp> Fapdh> ,e;jpNfh> Njhl;lq;fis cUthf;Ftjw;F ,e;jpahtpYk;> ,yq;ifapYk; epyq;fis thq;fpf; nfhz;lth;fSf;F> ,e;jpa nts;is muR kfpo; r ; r p epiwe; j jfty; f isf; $wpaJ. me; j kfpo; r ; r pfukhd jfty; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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vJthftpUf;Fk;..? vd;W epyk; thq;fpath;fs; MtNyhL vjph;ghh;j;j NghJ> ,e;jpa nkl;uh]; MSdh;> me;j ,dpg;ghd nra;jpiaf; $wpdhh;. “njd;dhgphpf;f fWg;gh;fisg; NghyNt cly; gyj;jpYk;> gzptpYk;> mg;ghtpj; jd;ikapYk; midj;J Fzhjpraq;fspYk; Mg;gphpf;f mbikfisg; NghyNt ve;j Jauq;fisAk; jhq;fpf; nfhz;L kpUfq;fisg; Nghd;W cioj;Jf; nfhLg; g jw; F ,e; j pahtpd; njd; gFjp jkpoh; vDk; ,dj; i jf; fz; L gpbj;Js;Nshk;..! mth;fs; gl;bdpapy; tho;e;J nfhz;bUf;fpwhh;fs;. nuhl;bj; Jz;Lfisj; Njb eufj;Jf;F nry;tjw;Fk; jahuhftpUf;fpd;whh;fs;. mq;Nf kio vd;w rq;fjpNa fpilahJ..! kz;nzy;yhk; ntbj;J thiag; gpse;Jf; fplf;fpd;wd.. Ch; KOf;f J}rp.. fhw;wbj;jhy; J}rp kiojhd; nga;Ak;..! J}rpg; Gay;jhd; tPRk;..!”vd;W fpzl; ybj;jtd; “ePqf; s; Ntz;ba kl;Lk; mth;fisr; nrhe;jkhf;fpf; nfhs;syhk;..!” vd;whu;. me;j nkl;uh]; MSdUf;F ,e;jpahtpYk;> ,yq;ifapYk; epyk; thq;fpf; nfhz;lth;fs;> kpfg; nghpa tpUe;J nfhLj;jhh;fs;. njd;dhgphpf;f mbikfis ,oe;J ftiyg;gl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;j mth;fisj; Njw;Wk;gbahf ,e;j Gjpa jftiyf; nfhLj;j MSdUf;F vijAk; ed;wpf; fldhfr; nra;tjw;F mth;fs; jahuhftpUe;jhh;fs;. njd;dhg;gphpff; hTf;Fg; gpwF> njd;dpej; pah vd;w xU mbik Njrk; fpilj;jjpy; mth;fs; gutrj;jhy; Mfhaj;jpy; kpje;jhh;fs;.. gphpjj; hdpa nts;isah;fSf;Fk;> mnkhpff; nts;isah;fSf;Fk; Copak; nra;tjw;F “njd;dhgphpff; g; G+jq;fis” ,iwtd; nfhilahff; nfhLj;jpUf;fpd;whh;> vd;wth;fs;> ,e;jj; jUzj;jpy; “njd;dpe;jpag; G+jq;fisAk;” nfhLj;J mUs; ghypj;Js;shh;.. vd;W mth;fs; kz;bapl;L NjtDf;F n[gk; nra;jhh;fs;. kJtpdhy; Guz;L nespAk; mth;fs; vOk;gp epdW ; “Long live South Africans..!” ,“Long live South Indians..! ”vd;W kJf; fpz;zq;fis cah;j;jp gu];guk; ,bj; J “rpah; ] ; ” nrhy; y pf; nfhz; L kP z ; L k; kP z ; L k; Fbj; j hh; f s; . “njd;dhg;gphpf;fd;;fs; eP^op tho;f.. njd;dpe;jpad;fs; eP^op tho;f..!” vd;w me;j Nfhrj;jpy; %h;f;fj;jdkhd fpz;ly; ,Ue;jJ.. nrd;id MSdUk;> ,d;Dk; mtUf;Ff; fPo; fhyzpj;Jt Ml;rpapy; eph;thfr; Nritfs; GhpAk; midj;J nts;isah;fSk; ,e;jpag; gz;ghL> njd;dpe;jpaj; jkpohpd; fyhrhuk;> ghuk;ghpak;> mth;fsJ gyk;> gytPdk; gw;wp njspthf gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mwpe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; kj;jpapy; r%f Ma;Tfis Nkw;nfhs;tjpYk; rpyh; mf;fiw nrYj;jpdhh;fs;. mth;fsJ gpuNjrk;>Ch;>mth;fsJ NgRk; nkhop> mth;fsJ ,dk; vt;thnuy;yhk; gpsT gl;bUe;jJ.... xNu ,dk;> xNu nkhop> xNu rkak; vd; w pUe; j hYk; > mth; f sJ cs; s f tho; f ; i ff; F s; epiwa gphptpidiag; ghJfhj;;J> xw;Wikapoe;J rpjwp ,Ue;jhh;fs;. epyk; cs;s ,e;jpah;fs;> epykpy;yhj ,e;jpaid jFjpapy; Fiwj;J vil Nghl;Lf; nfhs;thh;fs;. mtDf;F epyk; fpilf;f cjtp nra;ahky;> mtid jdJ epyj;jpy; cioj;Jf; nfhLj;J> Cjpak; thq;fpf;nfhs;Sk;gb xU Kiwia cUthf;fpf; nfhs;thh;fs;. me;j KiwNa mjpfhukhf> Mjpf;fkhf ehsiltpy; tsh;ej; J.. mth;fs; epyr; nrhe;jf;fhuuhfTk;> gz;izahh; vd;Wk;> kpuhRjhh; vd;Wk; Nkl;bikf;fhuh;fshf cUthfpapUg;ghh;fs;. mth;fis mz;b epykw;w Fbfs;> $yp tptrhapfshf> $yp j;njhopyhsh;fshf Copak; nra;tjw;F eph;g;ge;j epiyapy; js;sg;gl;L tpLthh;fs;. ,e;j r%f mirtpy; xU ,e;jpag; gphptpdh; Nkl;Lik rhjpapduhfTk;> kw;w xU ,e;jpag; gphptpdh; jho;e;j rhjpapduhfTk; jq;fSf;Fs;NsNa juhjuq;fis Vw;gLj;jpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. rf ,e;jpad; xUtd; ,d;ndhU rf ,e;jpadplk; flikg;gl;L thOk; epiyia mtNd cUthf;fpf; nfhz;lhd;. mtdJ gr;rhjhgj;ij ,td; vjphg; hh;ff; pwhd;.. Muk;gj;jpy; epyNkh.. gzNkh.. ,Uf;fpwtd;> my;yJ mit ,y;yhjtd; vd;w nghUs; epiy NtWghLfNs ,Ue;jd. r%fg; Ngjq;fshf tz;zhd;> ghpahhp> ntl;bahd;> jr;rd;> nfhs;sd;> Mrhhp> G+rhhp> vd; W k; kq; f y> mtkq; f y NritfSf; F Iah; > Njhl; b vd; W k; > nghUshjhu tho;f;ifapy; nrhe;j Njrj;Jf;Fs;NsNa xU ,e;jpaDf;F> ,e;jpa epyj;ijg; ngw;Wf;nfhs;s Kbahjgb Mf;fpukpg;G nra;J nfhs;tJk;> me;j Mf;fpukpg;ig vjph;f;f Kbahky;> vjph;f;f tpUk;ghky; mth;fSf;F Nrtfk; nra;Ak; kdg;ghd;ikia cUthf;fpf; nfhz;lth;fnsy;yhk; jho;e;j Fb ,e;jpah;fshf milahskpl;Lf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. mth;fspd; grpf;F> rf ,e;jpadplk; if ePl;b rhg;gpLk; epiy> fhyf; fpukj;jpy; rKjha mikg;ghf khwptpl;lJ. xU ,e;jpad; ,d;ndhU ,e;jpad; tPl;L thrypy; epd;W gpr;ir Nfl;ghd;. ,uT rhg;ghL Ntz;Lnkd> ‘,uhgpr;ir’ (Night ,e; j meals) ”iel; kP y ; ] ; ” Nfl; g J toikahftpUf; F k; . ,q; N f epykw;wth;fs;jhd; grpf;F nuhl;b NjLgth;fs;.! ekf;F fpilf;fg; NghFk; Gjpa gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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ePf;Nuhf;fs;.!” vd;W fUj;juq;F elj;jpa MSdh;> mfkyu Kf kyu tha;tpl;Lr; rphpj;jhh;. “,th;fis vg;gb ehq;fs; thq;fpa fhLfis Rj;jk; nra;tjw;F mioj;Jr; nry;tJ.?”vd;W xU epyr; nrhe;jf;fhud; Nfl;lhd;. “ehq;fs; rpNyhd;Ny epyk; thq;fpath;fs;> rpNyhDf;F ,th;fis vg;gb fly; fle;J mioj;Jr; nry;tJ.?” vd;W ,d;DnkhUtd; vOk;gp Nfl;lhd;. “vq;fs; murhq;fk; top nra;Ak;.. fpuhkq;fSf;F fpuhkk; nghJ ,lq;fspy; tpsk;guq;fis xl;LNthk;.. $ypfis ngUe;Njhl;l NtiyfSf;Fr; Nrh;gg; jw;F mur epht ; hfk;> V[d;Lfis epakpf;Fk;. jdpahh; V[z;LfSf;Fk; re;jh;g;gk; toq;fpg; ghh;g;Nghk;..!” vd;W nkl;uh]; MSdh; mikjpahfg; gjpy; nrhd;dhh;. ,d;Dk; rpyh; vOk;gp epd;W Nfs;tpfisf; Nfl;lhh;fs;. “ehq;fs; Nkw;fpe;jpa jPTfspYk;> gp[p> l;hpdpnlhl;> [hth> Rkhj;uh> kNyrpah vq;Fk; epyq;fis thq;fpAs;Nshk;. vq;fSf;F Njapiy gaphpLk; Nehf;fk; fpilahJ..! gUj;jp> Nfhg;gp> fUk;Gjhd; me;j kz;Zf;Fk;> Rthj;jpaj;Jf;Fk; nghUe;Jk;. ehq;fs; vg;gb ,e;jpaj; njhopyhsh;fis mioj;Jr; nry;tJ.?” “,J f\;lkhd fhhpak;> gpur;rpidf;Fhpa fhhpak;.. ,e;jpah> rpNyhd; fly; ghij MokhdJ.. fhy epiy> fhw; W epiwe; j J> fly; ve; j NeuKk; FKwpf; nfhe;jspj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk;.. fly; Gay; jD\;Nfhb> kd;dhh; jpirapy;jhd; fLikahf tPRk;. ,e; j epiyapy; cq; f Sf; F j; Njitg; g Lk; $ypfis gp[p jP T f; F k; > l;hpdpnlhl;Lf;Fk;> Nkw;fpe;jpaj; jPTfSf;Fk; mg;gg;gh..! glF Nrit rhptuhJ..! fg;gy; NritNa rhptUk;.! Mdhy; mJ Kbahj fhhpak;.. fg;gy; gazj;jpy; epiwag; gzr; nryit vjph; Nehf;f Ntz;btUk;..!.. cq;fs; Nfhhpf;if rk;ge;jkhf clNd gjpy; nrhy;y KbahJ> Nky; kl;lj;Jld; fye;J NgrpNa vd;dhy; gjpy; ju KbAk;.. Kbe;jhy; njd;dhg;gphpff; h;fisj; jl;bg; ghh;ff; yhk;..” vd;whh; MSdh;. “ehq;fs; Mg;gphpf;fh;fis Ntiyf;Fj; NjLtJ f\;lkhd fhhpak;. ,l; ,]; ,k;nghrpgy;! mth;fs; %h;f;fkhdth;fs;..! mth;fis mlf;fp Ntiy thq;FtJ gpur;rpidf;Fhpa tprakhFk;. Ke;jpa fhyk; Nghy gyhj;fhuj;ij filgpbf;f gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Ntz;btUk;.. mJ gpur;rpidfis cUthf;Fk;. ehq;fs; ngUe; Njhl;l tpahghuj;ij elj;j Kbahky; Nghfyhk;.. MfNt ,e;jpah;fisNa vq;fSf;F rg;is gz;z cq;fsJ nfsutkhd cjtpfis vjph;ghh;f;fpNwhk;.!” vd;W J}u Njrq;fspy; Njhl;l epyq;fs; thq;fpath;fs; ahtUk; ,ize;J Fuy; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. “cq;fSf;F clNd gjpy; ju KbahJ vd;W nrhd;Ndd; jhNd..?” MSdh; rw;W fLikahd njhdpapy; nrhd;dhh;. “Nrh;.! mg;gbahdhy; vt;tsT fhyk; gpbf;Fk;..?’ “rpy khjq;fs;.!” “mJ tiuapYk; ehq;fs; ,e;jpahtpy; jq;fyhk;jhNd.?” “cq;fs; nrytpy; rhg;ghL jhNd? mg;gbahdhy; jhuhskhf jq;Ftjw;F ,lq;fis ehq;fs; Vw;ghL nra;J juyhk;.!” vd;W MSdh; Gd;difAld; nrhy;yptpl;L> kz;lgj;ij tpl;L ntspNawpdhh;.. nts;isah;fSf;F tprh Njitapy;iy.. ***

fhyzpjJ; t murpd; Mjutpy>; nry;y tpUe;jpdh;fshf> mur tpLjpfspy; ngUe; Njhl;lg; gaphr; ; nra;ifahsh;fs; jq;fpapUe;jhh;fs;.mth;fs; jq;fis g;shd;lh;]; Planters ‘gaphpLNthh;’ vd;w Gjpa ngaiu jhq;fNs #l;bf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. jq;fis tptrhapfs; Peasant vd;W $wpf; nfhs;s tpUk;gtpy;iy. me;jg; gjk; tpah;it rpe;jp ciog;gth;fSf;Fhpa ngah; vd;whh;fs;..! nrd;id gl;bdj;jpy;> MSdiu re;jpj;j me;j Kjy; ehspy; mur tpLjpapy; ,q;fpyhe;J Ritapy; ,uT>fhiy czT fpilj;jJ.. Ritahd jha;ehl;L czTf;Fg; gpdd ; h; kWehs; fhiy mth;fs; MSdhpd; fhhpahyaj;Jf;Fr; nrd;W jq;fsJ Kjy; Miriar; nrhd;dhh;fs;.. jkpoh;fs; thOfpdw ; fpuhkq;fisAk; mth;fsJ tho;f;if epiyiaAk; mtjhdpj;J tu Ntz;Lk; vd;W jaNthL Nfl;lhh;fs;. jpUr;rpdhg;gs;spapypUf;Fk; Fjpiu tz;bfs;> rpyUf;F Nghdpfs; toq;fp> jdJ fhhpahyaj;jpy; njhopy; GhpAk; rpyiu topfhl;bahfTk; MSeh; mDg;gp itj;jhh;. jpUr;rp efuj;ij mz;baf; fpuhkq;fisr; nrd;W ghh;j;J tUk;gb Vw;ghL nra;jhh;. nguk;gY}h;> mhpaY}h; Nghd;w nghpa fpuhkq;fSf;fpilapy; mUk;ghT+h;> KUf;fd;Fb vd kpfTk; twpa tptrhapfs;> $ypj; njhopyhsh;fs; thOk; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Ch;fSf;F topfhl;bfs; mioj;Jr; nrd;whh;fs;. fhZk; ,lq;fnsy;yhk; Fbirfs;> Mg;gphpf;fh;fspd; FbirfSf;Fk; ,th;fsJ FbirfSf;Fk; nghpa tpj;jpahrq;fs; ,y;iy> mNefkhNdhh; Mg;gphpf;fiug; NghyNt ,Ue;jhh;fs;. ,q;F kdpjh;fs; vYk;Gk; NjhYkhf> fWg;gh;fshf moF> yl;rzkw;wth;fshf fhl;rp je;jhh;fs;.. fhpa epwj;jpy; ,th;fsJ Fbirfisr; Rw;wp czT Njb jphpe;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; gd;wpfs; tPl;L kpUfq;fshfj; njhpe;jd.. ,q;fpyhe;jpy; nts;is epw mofpag; gd;wpfisNa ghh;j;jth;fSf;F > ,it Rj;jkpy;yhky; mUtUg;ghfj; njhpe;jd. rpWth;fs; Fbirfspd; Kd;dhy; kyk; fopj;jJk;> mitfs; Xb te;J rhg;gpl;L tpl;Lr; nrd;wd. ,th;fs; nrd;wpUe;j fpuhkj;jpd; ngah; KUf;fd;Fb. jpUr;rpapypUe;J> nguk;gY}h; fpuhkj; i jf; fle; J thypfz; l Guk; fpuhkj; J f; F r; nry; y Ntz; L k; . thypfz;lGuk; Nfhapy;> tuyhw;Wg; ngUik nfhz;l Gz;zpa ];jykhFk;. mq;fpUe;J Rkhh; 20 iky; J}uj;Jf;fg;ghy; KUf;fd;Fb fpuhkk; ,Uf;fpd;wJ. tay; epyk; ntbj;Jf; fha;e;J fple;jd. kioia ek;gp Vf;fh; fzf;fpy; Ms; cauk; tsh;ej; pUe;j Nrhs tay;fs; nfh^ukhd nta;apypy; fha;eJ ; > gl;Lg; Ngha; fhl;rp je;J nfhz;bUe;jJ.. Fbg;gjw;F jz;zhP ; vq;fpUe;J nfhz;L tUfpwhh;fs; vd;gjw;F> gy fhj J}uk; vd;W nrhd;dhh;fs;.. ,q;fpyhe;J thrpfisg; ghh;j;j ,e;jpaf; fpuhkj;;jth;fSf;F mth;fs;; Ntw;W fpufj;J kdpjh;fshfj; Njhw;wkspj;jhh;fs;. nts;isah;fis mjpraj;Jld; Ntbf;ifg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ghy; Nghd;w epwj;jpy; jiy kaph;.. ePy epwj;jpy; fz;fs;..! md;ghdth;fshfr; rphpj;Jf;nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jhh;fs;. nts;isah;fs;> vy;NyhUf;Fk; ,dpg;Gf;fs; toq;fp> mth;fNshL glq;fs; gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L jpUr;rpf;Fj; jpUk;gpdhh;fs;. xUtd; jdJ mgpg;gpuhaj;ijr; nrhd;dhd;. “,th;fs; Mg;gphpf;fh;fistpl mg;ghtpfshfj; njhpfpwhh;fs;. Cf;fkpy;yhjth;fshfj; njhpfpwhh;fs;.!” “ciog;ghspfshf ,Ug;gh; vd;gij Ntiy thq;fpag; gpd;dNujhd; mwpaKbAk;.” “mtek;gpf;if Ntz;lhk; ez; g Nd..! ,th; f is tpl; l hy; ekf; F NtW fjp fpilahJ!” vd; w hd; ,d;ndhUtd;. ***

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Rthkp jhrd; thj;jpahh; $wpa fijfis kPl;bg; ghh;j;j

NtyhAjj;jpd; kdNthl; l k; > jpUr; r p khtl; l k; KUf; f d; F bf; F g; Ngha; > jD\; N fhb ,wq;FJiwapy; kPz;Lk; te;J ,isg;ghwpaJ. ez;gh;fs; Ie;J NgUk;> jq;fsJ %l;il> Kbr;Rf;fis Rke;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. flypy; J}ug; ghh;itapy; rpW rpW ts;sq;fs; njhpej; d. vy;yhNk %lhf;F cs;s glFfs;. mitfs; fiuia Nehf;fp te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jd. gpw;gfy; %d;W kzp. nta;apy; nfhQ;rk; jho;e;jpUe;jJ> ntd; gQ;R Nkfq;fs; #hpaidf; fle;J nry;Yk; NghJ> flypy; epoy; gbe;jd> me;jf; fd Neug; nghOjpy;> miyfs; jhtp tUtJ njspthfj; njhpe;jd. jD\; N fhb Fl; b efuj; i jg; gw; w p rq; f pypad; Guhzf; fij nrhy; y pf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. rPijia uhtzd; J}f;fpf; nfhz;Lg; Ngha; yq;fhGhpapy; rpiw itj;jpUe;jhd;. rPijia kPl;nlLf;f jdJ thdug; gilia yq;fhGhpf;F $l;b tUtjw;fhf jD\;NfhbapypUe;J yq;fhGhpf;F = uhkd; ghyk; fl;bdhh;. mJ uhkh; miz vd;Wk;> uhkh; ghyk; vd;Wk; uhkh; NrJthfTk;> NrJ uhkuhfTk; ngah; ngw;wjhk;. uhk gpuhd; yq;fhGhpf;F te;J uhtzDld; Nghh; Ghpe;J ntw;wpaile;J> Gjpa murdhf tpgP \ zDf; F gl; l k; #l; b tpl; L jpUk; G ifapy; > tpgP \ zd; uhkgpuhdplk; mth; fl;ba ghyj;ij cilj;J tpLk;gb Nfl;lhdhk;. clNd uhkh; jdJ nja;t ty;yik nghUe;jpa tpy;iy vLj;J mk;ig va;J> ghyj;ij jfh;jj; huhk;. mk;G va;j ,lj;jpypUe;J mJ Ngha; Fj;jp epdw; ,lj;Jf;F jD\;Nfhb vd;W ngah; itf;fg;gl;ljhk;. jD\; vd;why; mk;G... Nfhb vd;why; KbT.. mjhtJ mk;G va;j ,lKk;> mJ tpOe;J Kbe;j ,lKk; Nrh;e;J jD\;Nfhb vd;W ngah; ngw;w Guhz tpsf;fj;ij nrhd;dhd;..! uhkh; ngaiuAk;> tpgrP dd; ngaiuAk;> thduq;fs; gw;wpAk;> yq;fhGhp gw;wpAk;> uhkd; - uhtzd; rz;il gw;wpAk; rq;fpypad; fij nrhd;d NghJ> uhkhazf; fij Nfl;l Qhgfk; gw;wpAk;> uhkiuAk;> uhNk];tuj;ijAk; ,d;W jhprpj;J tpl;L te;j mDgtq;fs; gw;wpAk; epidj;J vy;NyhuJ Kfq;fSk; kyh;e;J rphpj;Jg; G+hpj;Jg; Ngha; ,Ue;jd. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

“fz;bapy; rk;ghhpr;R> T+Uf;Fj; jpUk;gp> fz;zhyk; fl;b> Gs;s ngj;jJk; >Mk; g isNah.. nghk; g isNah> Gs; i sf; F jD\; N fhbd; D jhd; Ngh; tg;Ngd;..!” vd;W jhz;ltd; NtyhAjj;ijg; ghh;j;J jdJ kdf; fplf;ifia nrhd;dNghJ> %d;W ez;gh;fSk; tha; tpl;Lr; rphpj;jhh;fs;. J}uj;jpypUe;J rpd;d rpd;dg; glFfs; Kd;Ndhf;fp te;J nfhz;bUe;jd. rhaq; fhy Neuk;..Nkw;fpy; rptg;G kQ;rs; tz;zq;fspy; thdk; jd;id rpqf; hhpjJ ; f; nfhz;bUe;jJ. glFfspd; tUif fWg;G cUtq;fshfj; njhpej; d. “,Ul;Lg; gazj;jpy;jhd; gak; njhpahJ. vJ ele;jhYk; ahUf;Fk; njhpahJ..!” #rfkhf rq;fpypad; tha;f;Fs;Ns Kzfpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “vy;yhUk; %l;l Kbr;Rfs J}f;fpf;fpq;f..! ,f; fiuapy Jz;L Jzpfs Tl;Lg;Gl;Bq;fd;dh > mg;Gwk; mf;fiuf;F mk;kzkhj;jhd; NghtZk;.!” vd;W rq;fpypad; gy;iy ,spjj; hd;. glFj; Jiwapy; vy;NyhUk; RW RWg;ghf %l;il Kbr;Rf;fis J}f;fpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. glFfs; xNu rPuhf fiuapy; te;J xJq;fp epd;wd. $l;lq;fs; Kz;babj;Jf; nfhz;L nrd;wd. rq;fpypad; Ml;fis ,Oj;J ,Oj;J glFfspy; Vw;wpdhd;. rq;fpypadpd; ikj;Jdh;fs; ,UtUk; mt;thNw Ml;fis ,Oj;J ,Oj;J glFfspy; Vw;wpdhh;fs;. xU xOq;Fk; ,y;yhky; Mapuk; Ngh;fis ke;ij $l;lq;fisf; fiyg;gJ Nghy; glFfSf;Fs; js;spdhh;fs;. fpuhkj;jpypUe;J Gwg;gl;l Mapuk; Ngh;fspy; njhs;shapuk; Ngh;fNs ghk;gdpy;; fzf;nfLf;Fk; NghJ kpQ;rpapUe;jhh;fs;. me;j njhs;shapuk; Ngh;fisAk; ,g;NghJ MW ts;sq;fspy; Vw;wpdhh;fs;. xU ts;sj;jpy; E}W Ngh;fs; kl;LNk Vw;wf; $ba epiyapy;> Nkyjpfkhf Ik;gJ Ngh;fis Vw;wpdhh;fs;. glFfspd; epiyikf;Nfw;g ghuk; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. ghuk; $btpl;lhy; gazj;jpy; rpukk; Vw;gLk;. ,jpnyy;yhk; yhgk; ghh;f;Fk; Ms; fl;bfs;> mij Nahrpg;gjpy;iy. NtyhAjk; ez; g h; f is vz; z pf; nfhz; b Ue; j td; jhz; l tidAk; > mh;r;RdidAk; Njbdhd;. mth;fis glFf;Fs; NjLtJ f\;lkhftpUe;jJ.. glfpd; cs;Ns ,Ul;lhftpUe;jJ. “mh;r;Rdh..! jhz;lth...!” vd;W NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd;; %tUk; $tpf; nfhz;Nl glFf;Fs; Njbdhh;fs;. xU glFf;fhud; mth;fis J}rdj;jpy; Vrpdhd;. ‘Va; guNjrp..! nghj;jpf;fpl;L Fe;Jq;flh.. taf; fhl;Ly NkAw khLf khjphp glFf;Fs;s miyahNjq;flh..!” gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

me; j g; g lFf; f huid kyghh; f hud; vd; w hh; f s; . JYf; f h; vd; w hh; f s; . glFf;fhuh;fs; vy;NyhUNk jkpo; ehl;Lf; fiuNahug; gFjpfisr; Nrh;e;j Nrhdfh;fshth;. me;jg; glFf;fhud; jpl;bf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghNj nja;tk; khjphp rq;fpypad; glFf;Fs;Ns Eioe;jhd;. “rhkp..! vq;f jk;gpkhUq;f jhz;ltidAk;> mh;r;RdidAk; fhNzhq;ifah..?” vd;W mOifAk; nfQ;rYkhf godp Gyk; g pdhd; . “gag; g lhNjNy..! mTq; f VjhtJ xU ts; s j; J y nehioQ;rpUg;ghq;f. jD\;Nfhbapy jtpf;fTl;Lg;Gl;L ehq;f NghapUtkh..? J}rp JUk;G vy;yhj;ijAk; glFy Vj;jplN ; lhk;. xt;nthUj;jDk; Vk;Gl;L gzk; Ny... gzk;..!” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L rq;fpypad; mLj;j glFf;Fj; jhtpdhd;. NtyhAjj;jpd; kdk; Jb Jbj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. ntspapy; fhl;bf; nfhs;shky;> godpAk;> rPuq;fDk; gae;J tpLthh;fs; vd;W mth;fis MWjy; gLj;jpdhd;. “,e;j ts;sj;Jy ,y;yhl;b> kj;j ts;sj;Jy VwpapUg;ghq;f. ,dpNk xd;Dk; nra;a KbahJ> kd;dhh; fiuapy Nghap vwq;Fw Neuk;jhd; fz;Lf;f KbAk;. kdr Nghl;L myl;bf;fhjPq;f. vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; nkhfk; FLf;fZk;DjhNd ehk CUyapUe;J te;jpUf;Nfhk;..?” vd;whd;. ve;j NeuKk; ijhpak; nrhy;Yk; godp> NtyhAjj;jpd; iffisg; gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L gpire;jhd;. NtyhAjk; mtid mizj;J> jiyiaj; jltp ijhpag;gLj;jpdhd;. rPuq;fd; ez;gh;fs; gphpej; ij epidj;J ftiyf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. mtidAk; ,Oj; J khh; N ghL mizj; J f; nfhz; l hd; . “eP q ; f nuz; L NgUk; kdq; fyq; f pdh> vdf; F njaphpak; nfhiwQ; r p Nghthjh..? kj; j glFyjhd; ,Ug;ghq;f.. kdr Njj;jpf;fq;f.. kd;dhUf;F fly; gazk; 22 fl;ld;D nrhy;ypf;fpwhq;f.. Ngrhk nfhQ;rk; J}q;fpdh mYg;G jPUk;> gazk; NghwJk; njhpahJ..!”vd;W NtyhAjk; mth;fSf;F Mwjy; $wpf; nfhz;Nl ,Ue;jhd;. glF vd;whYk;> XusT nghpa glFjhd;. mij Fl;bf; fg;gy; vd;Wk; nrhy;thh;fs;. mjw;Fs; kzy; %l;ilfs; epiwa ,Ue;jd. jhq;fpf; nfhs;s Kbahj tPr;rk; glFf;Fs; epiwe;jpUe;jJ. “%j;juk; mbf;fpwtd; kzy;y mbr;rpf;Nfh..!” vd;W glFf;fhud; jz;Nlhuh Nghl;lhd;. %j;jpu ehw;wKk; kyj;jpd; ehw;wKk; %f;ifg; gpLq;fpd. rpyh; the;jp Nghl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. glfpd; NkNy fly; ePh; rPwp rPwp gha;tij czu Kbe;jJ. rjh fhyKk; jD\;Nfhb> jiykd;dhh; fly; ghijapy; Nfhug; GaYk;> Roy; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

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,jdhy; ,yq;if ,e;jpa rh;f;fhh;fs; ,ize;J fly; gazj;ij xOq;F nra;tjw;F rpy fLikahd rl;lq;fis cUthf;fpdhh;fs;. glFfspy;> gazf; fg; g y; f spy; msTf; F kP w p gazpfis Vw; w f; $lhJ.. mg; g b Vw; w pdhy; > glFf;fhuDf;F> xU gazpf;F> ,uz;L gTd;fs; tPjk; mguhjk; tpjpf;fg;gLk;. fg;gyhftpUe;jhy; ehd;F njhd;fSf;F xU gpuahzp vd;w tpfpjhrhuj;ij fil gpbf;f Ntz;Lk;. xU gpuahzpf;F Mwb gug;G ,lk; toq;fg;gl Ntz;Lk;. ,uz;L jl;LfSf;Fk; (nlf;) ,ilapy; Ie;jb ,ilntsp ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. fg;gypy; NghJkhd rhg;ghLk;> jz;zPUk; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;. Fwpj;jg; glFj; JiwapNyNa njhopyhsh;fs; ,wf;fg;gl Ntz;Lk;. ,e;jr; rl;lq;fnsy;yhk; ,Wjpapy; Vl;lstpNyNa vOjp itf;fg;gl;ljhf Kbe;J NghdJ. glF Ngha; xJq;Fk; ,lk; nrb> nfhbfs; epiwe;J> fw; ghiwr; Rth;fs; vd;W ,wq;f Kbahj ,lq;fspy; ,wf;fptpLtJk; cz;L. fly; tpgj;Jf;fs; fz;zhP ; fijfisNa nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jd.. flypy; gazkhfpwth;fs; xUtUf;nfhUth; ,g;gb Nfl;l fijfisNa Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUg;ghh;fs;. kd;dhh; tq;fhiyapypUe;J ‘Mjp nyl;Rkp ‘ vd;w fg;gy; njd;dpe;jpahTf;Fj; jpUk;gpa NghJ> 120 njhopyhsh;fNshL 1864 y; flypy; %o;fpajhk;. ,e;jr; nra;jpia ,yq;if “ilk;]; xg; rpNyhd;” vd;w Mq;fpy gj;jphpf;if gu gug;G nra;jpahf ntspapl;bUe;jJ. ‘Mjp nyr;Rkp’ fg;gy; %o;fpg; Nghd mNj tUlj;jpy; ‘Mh;kpNl[;’ vd;w fg;gYk; rpyhgj;jUfpy; Nguiyapy; mbgl;L mWgJ njhopyhs caph;fNshL mkpo;e;J NghdJ. ,g;gbahd fly; tpgj;Jf;fspy; tho;fi ; fiaj; Njb te;j njd;dpej; pa fpuhkj; J ghku kf; f s; Cuwpahky; > cwTfs; mwpahky; rKj; j puj; j py; rq;fkkhfpg; Nghd fijfs; Njlj; Njl njhpe;Jf;; nfhz;NlapUe;jd..! nkhhprpa]; jPT> gp[pj; jPT> Nkw;fpe;jpa jPT vd;Dk; jPTfis xg;gpLk; NghJ> ,yq;iff;F te;j njhopyhsh;fspd;; fly; mopT FiwthdNjahFk;. ,j; jPTfSf;F neLe; J}uk; fly; gazk; nra;a Ntz;Lk;. nkhhprpa]; jPTf;F 400 $ypfis Vw;wpr; nrd;w ‘\h my;yk;’ vd;w fg;gy;> fiuia neUq;ftjw;F ntF J}uj;jpNyNa jPg;gpbj;J vhpe;J flypy; fiue;J NghdNj> tpgj;Jf;fspy; kpfg; nghpa tpgj;jhFk;. 340 Ngh;fis Vw;wpr; nrd;w ‘mypfg;gy;’ fly; Gayhy; %o;fpg; NghdJk; Nfhu tpgj;Jf;fspy; xd;whFk;. (`pypf;) fy;fj;jh flypy; ‘<fpy;’ vd;w fg;gy; %o;fpa NghJ 262 njhopyhsh;fs; kbe;J Nghdhh;fs;. ‘nfstNd];’ vd;w fg;gy; ghz;br;NrhpapypUe;J khh;bdpfF ; nry;Yk; NghJ> 376 gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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nry;Yk;. Ms;fl;bfs; VwptUk; glFfNsh> Fl;b fg;gy;fNsh mjpf ghuk; epiwe;jjhf ,Uf;fhJ. mjdhy; mitfs; fly; Mgj;Jf;fspy; khl;bf; nfhs;tJ mG+h;tkhFk;. kd;dhh; fiuapy; kr;rpdd;khh; khwg;gd;> tPug;gd; ,UtiuAk; mioj;J FR FRntd;W Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; rq;fpypad;. “xk;gJ> gj;J kzp tiuf;Fk; ghg;Nghk; Ny... fu xJq;fy;Nyd;dh> ehisf;fp fhyk;gu tiuf;Fk; nghWj;jpUg;Nghk;... ehisf;fp xa;ag;gd; fq;fhzp Ms;fl;bf;fpl;L tUthd;. ek;k Nfh\;baf; fz;lJk; mtd; mior;rpf;fpl;L tUthd;. ehDk; mtDf;F xU thl;b xjtp nrQ;rpUf;Nfd;. mntd; ed;dp kwf;f khl;lhd; Ny... !” vd;W nrhd;d rq;fpypad;> kr;rpdd;khh;fspy; xUtid kd;dhhpy; epWj;jp tpl;Lf; fz;bf;Fr; nry;tjw;F Vw;ghL; nra;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. fiu ,wq; f pa $l; l q; f s; cly; cghijfNshL kd; d hhpy; ,Uf; F k; kz;lgq;fis Nehf;fp mioj;Jr; nry;yg;gl;lhh;fs;. NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; %tUk; Fk;gy;fSf;Fs;Ns FWf;Fk; neWf;Fkhf Eioe;J Eioe;J jhz;ltidAk;> mh;r;RdidAk; Njbdhh;fs;. kz;lgq;fSf;Fs; Eioe;J $l;lq;fs; mkUk; tiu ry;yil Nghl;L myrpdhh;fs;. filrp tiu fiu ,wq; f pa me; j ehd; F glFfspYk; mth; f s; ,y; y hjij epidj; J Ngaiwe; j th; f sha; epd; w hh; f s; . NtyhAjk; fw; rpiyahfNt Mlhky; mirahky; epd;whd;. mtid Ra epidtpw;Fs; jl;b ,Oj;J glFfs; te;J epd;w ,lj;ij Nehf;fp godpAk;> rPuq;fDk; jpUk;gp ele;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; %tUk; jdpjJ ; xJq;fpr; nrd;wij me;jf; $l;lj;jpy; vtUk; ftdpff; tpy;iy. jpfpNyhLk;> MtNyhLk; fliy cw;W Nehf;fpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; mth;fspd; fz;fSf;F> glFfs; fiuia Nehf;fp tUtjhf fz;zh%r;rp fhl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jd. fz; rpkpl;lhky; fz; ghh;f;Fk; J}uk; tiu fliyNa ghh;j;J epd;whh;fs;. nfhe;jspg;NghL ,iur;riy kPl;b miyfs;jhd; fiuia Nkhjpr; nrd;Wf; nfhz;bUe;jd. ,uT Neuj;jpy; FKWk; fly;> vt;tsT gaq;fukhd czh;Tfisj; J}z;Lfpd;wd..! kpf Mj;jpukhf rq;fpypad; fj;jpf; nfhz;L xb te;jhd; . “VNy... vd;dhr;rp... vd; d hNy Ntbf; f Ntz; b f; n flf; F ... fly ghf; F wP ` ...! mt; t sTk; jz;zpjhd; Ny..!” “rq;fpyp mz;zhr;rp..!” NtyhAjj;jpd; Fuy; fly; ,iur;riyAk; kPwpf; Nfl;lJ. rq;fpyp vd;Wk; mz;zhr;rp vd;Wk; jd;id kupahij Fiwthf mjl;bg; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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Ngrpaijf; Nfl; L rq; f pypad; mjph; r ; r paile; j hd; . “,d; d Kk; ts; s k; tuy;ypNa..? me;j [dq;f vg;g tUthq;;f...? me;j ts;sk; vg;g tUk;..?” “mbj; Njtbah ktNd..! njUTf;Fg; nghwe;jtNd...! mjl;bg; NgrpwpahNy...? MwhtJ ts;sk; vg;g tUKd;D N[hrpak; ghj;Jjhd; nrhy;yZk;...! fly; gazKd;dh ey;yJk; elf;Fk;... nfl;lJk; elf;Fk; vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; “<O” Nghl;Lf;fpl;LjhNd te;j` P ..! ,g;Ngh vd;dh Nfs;tp kapU ,Uf;F..?” vd;w rq;fpypad; ,yq;iff;F te;J tpl;lg; gpwF vfphp Fjpg;gijAk;> mjpfhuk; ePStijAk; NtyhAjk; czh;e;jhd;. “xNu mbapy mbr;rpf; nfhd;D> fly;y J}f;fp tPRtkh..?” NtyhAjk; kdk; Ngrpaij godp GhpeJ ; f; nfhz;lhd;. “NtY! ekf;F ,dpNk rhTk;> thTk; ,tNdhlj;jhd;... CU xyfk; gofpw tiuf;Fk; Cikah ,Uf;fZk;...” godp cUf;fkhfr; nrhd;dhd;. “jhz;ltidAk;> mh;r;RdidAk; fhNzhNk... !mTq;f Vwp te;j ts;sk; ,d; d Kk; fu xJq; f y; y pNa..! me; j ts; s k; fu xJq; F w tiuf; F k; ,tpq;fNshl fhl;Lg; gazj;j njhtq;f Tlf; $lhJ.!” vd;W cWjpNahL NtyhAjk; nrhd;dhd;. vy; N yhUk; kd; d hh; $lhuj; i j Nehf; f p js; s hbj; js; s hb ele; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,e;j %tUk; kl;LNk ,wq;fpa ,lj;jpNyNa epd;Wf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; Nfhgkhf NtyhAjj;ij Nehf;fp jpUk;gp Xb te;jhd;. ‘vd;dhNy! eP %D NgUk;...rTlhy; fhl;wPaNyh?” “,y;y....,y;y fq;fhzpahNu...! vq;f jk;gpkhUq;f jhz;ltDk;> mh;r;RdDk; fu Nruy;y...! mTq;f nuz;L NgUk; ,y;yhk vg;Gb fq;fhzp gazj;j Muk;gpf;fpwJ..?” NtyhAjk; nfhQ;rk; gzpe;Nj Ngrpdhd;. “th];jte;jhd;...! eP nuz;L NgUf;F mOTNw... ehd; xU ts;sj;Jf;Nf mOTNwd;... E}j;jpak;gJ NgUf;F ehq; FLj;j ml;thd;R vy;yhk; ehrk;... E}j;jpak;gJ NgUk; ,y;yhk Nfhg;gpf; fhl;Lf;F ehD vg;gpb NghNtd;D ,Uf;Nfd;. ehD ve;j Nfhapy;y Nghap Kl;bf;fl;Lk;..? fly; fle;J Nghw gaznky;yhk; mg;gpbj;jhd;.. ehisf;fp ts;sk; te;jpr;rPd;dh vd; kr;rpdd; $l;bf;fpl;L tUthd;... ehk gd;dhkj;Jf;F (khj;jis) Nghap jq;fpapUg;Nghk;. glF fu Nre;j nghwF kr;rpdd;> ek;k Fk;gy$l;bf;fpl;L te;J Nrg;ghd;. ,g;g $lhuj;Jy te;J fsp Jd;Dg;Gl;L gLq;f..! ehisf;fp tpba fhl;L top elf;fZk; Ny...!” vd;wtd; NtyhAjj;jpd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;Nl epd;whd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

godp NtyhAjj;ij rhe;jg; gLj;jp mioj;Jr; nrd;whd;. “vd;dlh godp.. mhpq;fy;y.. uhkhq;fy;y... mJf;Fs;s topg;gazj;jpNyNa jhz;ltidAk;> mh;r;RdidAk;... flTNs...! vg;gpblh Ch;y cs;stq;fSf;F tjpY nrhy;yg; NghNwhk;..? vg;gpblh ek;ky Tl;L me;j nuz;L NgUk; gphpQ;rp epd;dhZq;f..? if Nfhj; J f; f pl; N l NghtZk; . . NghtZKd; D jhz; l td; mbf; f b nrhy; Y thNd.. “NtyhAjk; Foe; i jiag; Nghy Njk; g Tk; godp ijhpakhfpdhd;. “NtY.. eP ,g;gpb te;j vlj;Jy thbg; NghNtd;D ehD neidf;fNtapy;y.. ek; g pf; f ita; a p... rq; f pypapd; kr; r pdd; xUj; j d; me; j ts; s j; J f; f hf kd;dhhpNyNa ,Uf;fg; Nghwhd;y.. ek;gpf;f tg;Nghk;... ehsf;fp ts;sk; fu NrUk; . . me; j g; glF rdq; f isAk; $l; b f; f pl; L kr; r hd; f hud; tUthd; > ehisf;F fhl;L top NghtZk;> ek;k %D NgU kl;Lk; ,q;f epd;D vd;dh nra; a g; NghNwhk; . .?” vd; W MWjy; $wpa godp> NtyhAjj; i jAk; > rPuq;fidAk; mioj;Jr; nrd;whd;. Ch; nfhQ;rk; ,e;jpah khjphpNa ntg;gj;ijf; nfhLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. rq;fpypad; kdf;Fog;gj;Jld; kPz;Lk; kr;rpdd;khh; ,UtiuAk; mioj;J MNyhrid Nfl;lhd;. “glFf;fhu Njtbahg; gaYf tlf;Fj; njirapy fu xJq;fpapUg;ghDfNsh..?” vd;W mth;fspd; Kfq;fisg; ghh;j;jhd;. ghk;gd; top.. uhNk];tuk;> jD\;Nfhbia ikakhff; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. ,e;jg; gazk; jiy kd;dhhpy; te;J Kbtjhy;... Ngrhiy> kd;dhh;> kd;dhh; jPTfs; my;yJ kd;dhUf;F njw;Fg; gFjpahd tq;fhiyapYk; FbNaw;wthrpfs; te;jpwq;Fthh;fs;. rq;fpypad; Gj;jprhypj;jdkhd xU Kbit vLj;jhd;. xU kr;rpdid kd;dhh; kz;lgj;jpNy epWj;jptplL ; > kw;wtid $l;bf; nfhz;L glFfs; ,wq;Fk; vy;yh fiufSf;Fk; Ngha; ghh;j;Jtpl;L tUtnjd;W mg;NghNj Gwg;gl;lhd;.,e;jf; fiunahJq; F k; ,lq; f spYk; glF tuhky; NghapUe; j hy; > mJ epr; r ak; %o;fpapUf;fyhk;.. my;yJ fly; Gaypdhy; jpir khwpapUf;fyhk;. vd;w KbNthL ,UtUk; Kjypy; Ngrhiyf;Fr; nrd;whh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mq; N fAk; glF tutpy; i y.. mg; g bNa kd; d hh; jP T fs; . .. mq; N fAk; Vkhw;wkile;J ,d;Dk; J}ukhd tq;fhiy tiuapYk; Ngha; ghh;j;jhh;fs;. glF ,yf; f j; i jAk; ngaiuAk; nrhy; y p vy; y h glFf; f huh; f splKk; tprhhpj;jhh;fs;. “me;jg; glF tuy;ypNa mz;zhr;rp... ,e;j thl;b fly; nfhQ;rk; nfhog;gb nra;Ajpyi ; yah...!” vd;W mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; iffis tphpjj; hh;fs;. glFf; f huh; f Sf; F fly; tpgj; J f; f s; gw; w p ed; w hfj; njhpe; j pUe; j hYk; > mth;fSf;Fs;NsNa ufrpakhf itj;Jf; nfhs;thh;fs;. gfpuq;fkhfpdhy; rdq; f s; tu khl; l hh; f s; . .. njhopy; nfl; L g; Ngha; tpLk; vd; w gak; mth;fSf;Fz;L. tq;fhiyapYk;> NgrhiyapYk; ,uz;L ehl;fs; jq;fpapUe;J tpl;L > kpFe;j kd tUj;jj;NjhL kr;rpdd; khwg;gidf; $l;bf; nfhz;L rq;fpypad; jiy kd; d hUf; F j; jpUk; g pdhd; . $lhuj; j py; ; jq; f papUf; F k; $l; l j; j pdh; kpf Mh;tj;NjhL mth;fspd; tuitf; fz;L tprhhpj;jhh;fs;. nksdkhf Kf thl; l j; J ld; epw; g ijawpe; J vy; N yhUk; Nfs; t pfisf; Nfl;lhh;fs;. “fhj;Jy jpUk;gpd glF ,d;Dk; nuz;nlhU ehs;y jpUk;gp tUk;Kd;D vy;yh glFf;fhuq;fSk; nrhy;whq;f... xU kr;rpdd ,q;NfNa epg;ghl;bl;L ehk nfsk;GNthk;. mntd; kj;j rdq;fs $l;bf;fpl;L tUthd;. ek;gpf;ifNahl ,g;g Nghap vy;yhUk; gLq;f..!”vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L> rq;fpypad; jdJ jq;Fkplj;Jf;Fr; nrd;whd;. fsp rhg;ghL jahuhftpUe;jJ.. fpuhkj;jpypUe;J kd;dhh; tiu> ntWk; fspiaNa jpd; W te; j th; f Sf; F > ,d; W fpilj; j fWthl; L Fok; G uh[ cgrhukhftpUe;jJ.. fly; gazj;jpy; fiu jg;gpa mjp];lrhypfshd Ie;J ts;sq;fisr; Nrh;e;j $l;lq;fs;> ,d;Dk; vj;jidNah Nfhukhd NrhjidfspypUe;J jq;fis mjp];lrhypfshf Mf;fpf; nfhs;s Ntz;LNkh...? fsp rhg;gpl;lth;fs; mg;gb mg;gbNa%l;il Kbr;Rf;fis jiyaizahf itj;Jf; nfhz;L kzy; jiuapy; rha;e;jdh;. NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; %tUk; fsp rhg;gpl;l $lhuj;ij tpl;L nkJthf ele;J> glFfs; fiu xJq;fpa jpiria Nehf;fp ele;J te;jdh;.. miyfspd; gaq; f ukhd rg; j q; f Ns me; j Vfhe; j khd ,Ul; L r; #oypy; Nfl; L f; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nfhz;bUe;jJ. fliyg; ghh;jJ ; f; nfhz;Nl me;j ,lj;jpNyNa %tUk; mkh;eJ ; tpl;ldh;.. itfiw ntsphpl;L tpbe;J ntspr;rk; tUk; tiu fliy Nehf;fpNa mth;fsJ ghh;it yapj;jpUe;jJ. kdij Rjhfhpj;Jf; nfhz;L $lhuj;ij Nehf;fp ele;jdh;. rq;fpypadpd; Ma;.. Ca;.. rj;jNk Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. %d;W ez;gh;fSk; te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j jpiriag; ghh;jj; rq;fpypad; Nfs;tp Nfl;lhd;. “flyg; ghj;Jf;fpl;Nl ,Ue;jPfNsh...? fz;nzy;yhk; nuj;jkh ,Uf;F... gLthg; ga ktd;fNs...! uhj;jphp nrj;jf; $l J}q;fy;yN P ah..?” “,y;yq P ;f rhkp..! kj;j ts;sk; tuy;yq P ;fNs rhkp..?” godp $iof; Fk;gpL Nghl;L NgrTk;> rq;fpypaDf;F cr;rp Fsph;e;J NghdJ. me;jj; Njtbahg; gaYt...! kyghU JYf;fg; gaYt...! ];BKf;F vz;z ,y;yhl;bAk; jpUk;gpg; Nghap vz;zg; Nghl;Lf;fpl;L tu;wJk; cz;L..” vd;W nrhd; d hd; . me; j thh; j ; i japy; vt; t sT cz; i k.. vt; t sT ngha; ,Uf;Fnkd;W NtyhAjj;jhy; A+fpj;Jf; nfhs;s Kbatpy;iy. ***

fhiyr; #hpad; kq;fyfukhf xsph;e;jJ. “uhNk];tuk; njr ,Jjhd;..” vd;W rq;fpypad; nrhy;yTk;> vy;NyhUk; iffis cah;j;jp me;j jpiria Nehf;fp Fk;gpl;lhh;fs;. flTs; gf;jpapy; mjpfk; ehl;lkpy;yhj NtyhAjKk;> ez;gh;fis ,oe;J gy`Pdg;gl;Lg; NghdJk;... mtDk; uhNk];tuk; jpiria Nehf;fp Fk;gpl;lhd;. “vJTk; nfl;lJ ele;J tplf; $lhJ. fhj;Jy mbr;rpf;fpl;Lg; Nghd glF cRh; Nrjkpy;yhk rdq;fNshl vq;fthtJ fu xJq;fpapUf;fyhk;..” vd;w ek;gpf;ifia tutioj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. flNyhuj;jpypUe;J xU iky; njhiytpy; $lhuk; ,Ue;jJ. fpzw;W ePh; Jth; ,y;yhky; RitahftpUe;jJ. vy;NyhUk; Fspg;gjw;F ePh; trjpahff; fpilj;jJ. xU Gjpaj; njk;G vy;NyhUf;Fk; fpilj;jJ. mth;fs; ke;jpuk; khak; Nghl;lJ Nghy> fiuf;F tuhj glifg; gw;wp tprhhpf;fTk; ,y;iy... mjpy; gazpj;j cwTfs; gw;wp ,uf;fg;gl;l czh;Tfs; $l ,Ug;gjhfj; njhpa tpyi ; y. jq;fsJ mLj;jf; fl;l gazk; gw;wpNa fz;Zk; fUj;JkhftpUe;jdh;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

$l;lj;jpypUe;J ,uz;L eLj;ju taJf;fhuh;fs;... ghh;j;jhy; XusT mwpT epiwe;jth;fshf... mg;gpuhzpaha; ,y;yhjth;fshf njhpe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; ,UtUk; rq;fpypad; mUfpy; te;J..”ma;ah rhkp..! uhNk];tuk; khjphpNa jpUf;NfjP];tuk; rptd; Nfhapy; NfhTuk; njhpAJq;f..! fhl;L top NghwJf;F Kd; d hb xUf; f h Nfhapy; jhprdk; nrQ; r p rptrhkp fhy; y tpOe; J l; L nghwg;gLtq;fsh..? Nghw top jhDq;fNs..? kdRf;Fk; njk;gh ,Uf;Fk;.. fhL NkL Vwg; NghNwhk;.. vd;d elf;FNkh.. VJ elf;FNkh.. nrhy;yj; njhpahJ. vy;yh ey;yJf;Fk; rptNd jQ;rka;ah..!” vd;W iffisf; $g;gp Fk;gpl;lhh;fs;. “th];jte;jhd; eP Nff;FwJ..! MdhYk; Nfhapy; nfhsj;Jf;Fg; Nghw gazkh Ny ,J..?” “,y;yq P ;f rhkp.. rptypq;f uhrh fhyb tiuf;Fk; te;Jl;Nlhk;. kzp XirAk; Nfl;Lf;fpl;Nl ,Uf;FJ..” “eP nttuk; njhpQr; Msh ,Uf;FuPW..! fhy Neuk; gj;jhJy;Ny..!” vd;w rq;fpypad; mth;fspd; Ntz;Ljiy jl;bf; fopj;Jf; nfhz;NlapUe;jhd;. godp $l;lj;Jf;Fs; Eioe;J vy;NyhhplKk; fhNjhL fhjhfr; nrhd;dhd;. “NfhapYf;Fg; NghaplL ; nghwg;GLNthKd;D ehk vy;NyhUk; rq;fpypaDf;fplN ; l nrhy;yZk;. ,dpNk ekf;F ,g;Gb xU re;jh;gg; k; nfilf;fhJ..” vd;wtd; mq;Nf; epd;w rpy thypgh;fis jdpNa mioj;J ufrpakhfg; Ngrpdhd;. “,q;f ghUq;f jk;gpfsh..! mQ;rp glF kl;LNk te;jpUf;F.. nkhj;jk; Mapuk; NgUd;D rq;fpypad; jD\;Nfhbapy glF Vw Kd;d nrhd;dhd; Ny.. ,g;g vOE}j;jp mk;gJ NgU kl;Le;jhd; te;jpUf;Nfhkhk;.. ,d;ndhU glFy tu;w E}j;jpak;gJ Ngu Tl;Lg;Gl;L Nghf KbAkh..? mTq;fSk; ek;k nrhe;j CU cRUq;fy;ypah..? mTq;fSf;Fk; FLk;gk; xwTf ,Uf;fhq;f ,y;ypah..? mTq;f FLk;gnky;yhk; ,Tq;fs ek;gpf;fpl;L ,Uf;f khl;lhq;fsh..? xU glF rdq;fs... E}j;jpak;gJ Ngu Rk;kh fly;y nfhl;bg;Gl;L Nght KbAkh..? ,tDq;f me;j E}j;jpak;gJ Ngu gj;jp nfhQ;rq; $l ftyg; glhk jhNd ,Uf;fhDq;f..? ,td ek;gp Nghw ,d;Dk; vuE}W iky; fhl;Lg; gazj;Jy ekf;F vd;dh ghJfhg;G..? ,dpNkyhtJ nghiof;fg; Nghw CUf;F ehk vy;NyhUk; xd;Df;Fs;s xd;dh If;fpag;gl;L epf;fZk;.. vd;dh jk;gq P ;fsh nrhy;wq P ;f..?” vd;whd; godp. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

“godpaz;zd; nrhy;wj vy;yhUk; GhpQ;rpf;fpl;Bq;fsh jk;gpfsh..?” vd;whd; mUfpy; epd;w NtyhAjk;. “fiuf;F tuhj glFf;F vd;dh ele;jpr;rpd;D njhpahJ.. ,d;Dk; xU ehS kd; d hh; N yNa jq; f pjhd; NghNthk; K d; D vy; y hUk; xd; D gl; L nrhy;YtPq;fsh..?” vd;W NtyhAjk; Nfl;lhd;. vy;NyhUk; “ePq;f nrhy;wgbNa fq;fhzpfpl;Nl nrhy;Nwhk;. ehk vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; Mkhk; rhkp Nghlf; $lhJ..!” vd;W ,d;ndhU ,isQd; Jbg;NghL nrhy;ypaijg; ghh;j;J NtyhAjk; re;Njhrg;gl;Lg; Nghdhd;. “ek;k Neuj;Njhl ,e;j thypgZq;ffpl;l Ngrp NerkhfpapUe;jpUf;fZk;. ,g;gf; $l fhyk; gpej; pg; Nghty;y.. Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lk; Nghw tiuf;Fk; kl;Lkpyy ; .. mq;f thog; Nghw fhynky;yhk; ek;k fpuhkj;J rdq;f $b Nre;Nj thoZk; godp..!” vd;W NtyhAjk; rPuq;fidAk; ghh;j;J nrhd;dhd;. ‘,e; j Neuk; ,e; j vlj; J y mh; r ; R dDk; > jhz; l tDk; ,Ue; j hq; f d; d h vq;fSf;F vt;tsT njhizah ,Ue;jpUf;Fk;..?” kdJf;Fs;Ns NtyhAjk; Ngrpf; nfhz;lhd;. rq;fpypaDk; mtdJ kr;rpdd;khh; ,UtUk;> kd;dhh; jq;F klj;jpy; xU jpz;izapy; mkh;e;Jf; nfhz;L fzf;F tof;Ffisj; jPtpukhf xU rpd;d gh]; Gj;jfj;jpy; vOjpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; ,g;Nghijf;F ntspapy; tUtjhf ,y;iy. ,e;jr; re;jh;g;gj;ij NtyhAjk; ed;whfg; gad;gLj;jpf; nfhs;s tpUk;gpdhd;. mwpKfkhfpa Gjpa ez; g h; f is mioj; J mth; f s; %ykhf ,d; D k; ek; g pf; i ff; F hpa rpyiu Nrh; j ; J f; nfhz; L > jw; N ghJ jq; f s; gazj; j py; ,ize;jpUf;Fk; ve;E}w;W Ik;gJ mg;ghtp kf;fisAk; Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lk; Nghfpw tiuf;Fk; ghJfhg;NghL $l;br; nry;y Ntz;Lk; vd;w jpl;lj;ijr; nrhd;dhd;. me; j ez; g h; f s; kfpo; e ; J Nghdhh; f s; . “mz; N z..! xq; f sg; gj; j p kj; j vy;yhUfpl;NlAk; ,g;g nfhQ;r Kd;dhbjhd; Ngrpf;fpl;L ,Ue;Njhk;. ek;k $l;lj;Jy nttuk; GhpQ;r vy;yh thypgg; grq;fisAk; xd;D Nrf;f Ntz;baJ vq;f nghWg;G.. xq;fsj;jhd; ,dpNk vq;f gQ;rhaj;J jytU khjphp tr;rpf;f KbT vLj;jpUf;Nfhk;..!” vd;whd;. me;j ,isQdpd; ngah; fhrp... ‘fhrp..! eP vq;fSf;F nfilr;r $lg; nghwf;fhj rNfhjuk;. ehL Tl;L ehL te;Jl;;l ekf;F.. ehkj;jhd; xd;Df;Fs;s xd;dh gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

xwth ,Ue;Jf;fZk;. nuhk;g Neuk; ehk$bg; Ngrpf;fpl;L ,Ue;jh fq;fhzp rKrpag;gLthd;. eP Nghap nkhs;s nkhs;s grq;fs re;jpr;rp Ngrpf;fpl;L ,U..!” NtyhAjk;> fhrpiaAk; mtdJ ez;gh;fisAk; md;NghL mDg;gptpl;L godpiaAk;> rPuq;fidAk; $l;bf; nfhz;L kzy; ntspapy; nkJthf ele;J nfhz;bUe;jhd;. me;j %thpd; ghh;itAk; “X” ntd;W ,iue;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; fliyNa ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. ve;j xU glFk; flypy; njhpa tpy;iy. fz;fSf;F vl;ba J}uk; tiu miyfs; kpd; d pf; nfhz; b Ue; j d. %tUk; mikjpahf flNyhukhfNt ele; J f; nfhz;bUe;jdh;. rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; “G+k;k;...” vd;W xU rj;jk; fly; jpirapypUe;J Nfl;fj; njhlq;fpaJ. rq;fpypad; klj;jpypUe;J ntspNa te;J> ‘vy;yhUk; klj;Jf;Fs;s te;J nehioQ;rpfN ; fhq;Nfh> kzy; fhj;J tPrg; NghTNjh...!”vd;W jz;Nlhuh fhuidg; Nghy; rj;jkp;l;lhd;. mtd; $wpa rpy nehbf;Fs; kziy thhp tPRk; Ropf; fhw;W gaq;fukhfr; Rod;W tPrpaJ. Fiwe;jJ miu kzp Neuk; tiu fz;Zf;nfl;ba J}uk; tiu nrk;gl;il epwj;jpy; Gif Nghy; njd;id cauj;jpw;F kzy; NknyOk;gpf; nfhz; b Ue; j J. tq; f hs tphpFlhtpypUe; J ghf; F eP h pidia Nehf; f p Rod; w bf; F k; Gay; > fly; ehrj; i jAk; > epy ehrj; i jAk; cz; l hf; f pf; nfhz;bUf;Fk;. jD\;Nfhb fly; ghijia ‘gprhR ele;J tUk; ghij’ vd;ghh;fshk;..! Row; fhw;W rpwpJ Neuj;jpy; epd;W tpl;lJ. kPz;Lk; gioa epiy.. klj;Jf;Fs; Xb mile;jth;fs;> ry ryg;NghL ntspapy; tuj; njhlq;fpdh;. “,d;dpf;fp rh;f;fhU fg;gy;f tu;w ehS... fly; nfhog;gk; $bf;fpl;L ,Uf;F.. ehisf;fp ,d; n dhU Nfh\; b a $l; b f; f pl; L fUg; g z; n zd; tu; w ehS...!” vd; W kr;rpdd;khh;fisg; ghh;j;J rq;fpypad; nrhd;dhd;. njhopyhsh; f is ,yq; i ff; F $l; b tUk; gaz Vw; g hLfspy; jdpahh; epwtdq; f Sk; > rh; f ; f hh; (murhq; f k; ) Vw; g hl; b y; Njhl; l eph; t hfq; f s; nghWg; N gw; F k; fg; g y; fk; n gdpfSk; Nritapy; ,Ue; j d. ,uz; L gazq;fspNyAk; fly; tpgj;Jf;fs; elf;Fk;. E}w;Wf; fzf;fhd caph; Nrjq;fs; elf;Fk;. ,J rf[k; vd;Dk; msTf;F Njhl;l chpikahsh;fSk;> rh;f;fhUk; rfpj;Jf; nfhs;fpd;w kNdhepiy rh;t rhjhuzkhftpUe;jJ..

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

kzy; GaYf;Fg; gpd; kLtj;ij tpl;L ntspNa te;j $l;lj;jpypUe;J epiwa ,isQh;fs; rq;fpypaidAk; mtdJ kr;rpdd; ,UtiuAk; #o;e;Jf; nfhz;L “Iah..! ,d;dk; E}j;jp mk;gJ NgNuhl ek;k CU rdq;fs Vj;jpf;fpl;L te;j glF fu Nruy;ypNa... jfty; njhpQ;rpf;f KbAq;fsh..? ,y;yhl;b Mtj;J ele;jpUf;Fq;fsh..?” vd;W Nfl;lhh;fs;. “ts; s k; fTe; J NghdhYk; NghapUf; F k; . . ehd; f lTsh..? cRUf; F k; . gazj;Jf;Fk; cj;juthjk; FLf;fpwJf;F..?” ,isQh;fs; Nfl;l Nfs;tpf;F rq;fpypad; Kfj;jpy; miwe;jJ Nghy gjpy; nrhd;dhd;. mtd; njhlh;eJ ; Ngrpdhd;. “kd;dhu; nta;apyg; ghj;jq P f; sh..? fhyq;fhj;jhNyNa rl;bapy Nghl;L fly> gapW tWf;fyhk; Nghy ,Uf;F..! Nrhsj;j kzY Nky Nghl; l h nghhpQ; r p js; s pUk; nghhpQ; r p...!” rq; f pypad; fijia khw; w pf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. fhrp rq;fpypaidg; ghh;j;Jf; Nfl;lhd;. “ma;ah.. NfjP];tuh; Nfhapy;y G+r FLf;fZk;.. Nfhapy Rj;jp mq;fk; nghusZKd;D grq;f Ntz;bapUf;fhq;f..!” “vd;dh Ny ,e;j $j;njy;yhk;..? ePAk; ehDk; Gz;zpa jyj;Jf;fh NghNwhk;..? nghog;g Njb Nghwg;g mq;fk; nghusZkhf;Fk;..?” “glF fu NruZk;... E}j;jp nrhr;rk; NgU capu ghJfhf;fZk;.. mJf;Fjhd; NfjP];tuh; fpl;l kd;lhlZKd;D ,Uf;Nfhk;..” fhrp Jbg;ghf NgRtijawpe;j NtyhAjk;> kdJf;Fs; kfpo;e;J Nghdhd;. “flYf;F mq;fpl;L nghj;jpfpl;L te;jfP .. kd;dhh; fu VwpdJk; mntd; mntd; njhwf;FwPq;f...! ,q;f ghUq;f... ehd; nedr;rhjhd; ePnay;yhk; Nfhg;gp fhL Nght KbAk;.. ,y;yhl;b fly;y vwq;fp CUf;F jpYk;g Ntz;baJjhd; Ny..!” rq;fpypapd; thh;ji ; jfspy; #L VWtijf; ftdpjj; NtyhAjk;> jho;eJ ; gzpeJ ; Ngrpdhd; . .”IahT..! uhNk]; t uj; J y eP q ; f jhd; mior; r pf; f pl; L g; Nghap vy;yhiuAk; uhk gpuhd; G+r nkhfj;Jy Kopff; tr;rq P f; .. ,q;f NfjP]t ; uh; $g;gpL J}uj;Jy ,Uf;fhU...! ePq;fjhd; ehq;f vy;yhUk; ey;y gbah NghwJf;F mtUfpl;l mior;rpf;fpl;L NghtZk;.. ePq;f ,y;yhk ehq;f ,y;y IahT...!” NtyhAjkh ,g;gb jho;e;J NgRtJ...? godp Mr;rhpag;gl;Lg; Nghdhd;.. NtyhAjk; Ngrpaijf; fhJ nfhLj;Jf; Nfl;l rq;fpypadpd; cs;kdk; NgrpaJ..! gP jpd;d ehap...! gzpQ;rp Ngr fj;Jf;fpl;bNa... mJ NghJk;b...! “rhp... rhp... vy;yhUk; xNu Gbah ,Uf;fpwJdhy> ,g;Ngh NfhapYf;Fg; NghNthk;.. ehisf;F gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

xU gf; f k; tpbapw Neuj; J NyNa fhl; L g; ghijapy fhyb itf; f Zk; . . xj;Jf;fpwq P ;fsh...?” vd;whd;. vy;yhUk; rhp vd;W rj;jkhfr; nrhd;dhh;fs;. jpUf;NfjP];tuh; Nfhtpy;> kd;dhh; khe;Njhl;lk; gFjpapy; epiy nfhz;Ls;sJ. Nghh;j;Jf;frP h; fhyj;jpy; khe;Njhl;lk; ,wq;F JiwKfkhftpUe;jJ.. rh;t Njr tpahghur; re;ijahftpUe;jJ.. fpNuf;fh;> Nuhkhdpah;> mNugpah;> vjpNahg;gpah;> Ng\pah; (Nghjpah;)> rPdh;> [g;ghdpah;> gh;kpah; vd;W gy ehl;ilr; Nrh;e;jth;fs;> tl ,yq; i f tpahghuj; J f; f hf jkpoh; f is #o; e ; J f; nfhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . fp.K.5k; E}w; w hz; b y; tp[ad; Kjd; Kjyhf jdJ rpNdfpjh; f NshL khe;ijapy; te;J,wq;fpajhf tuyhW nrhy;fpwJ. yq;fhGhpapd; Ie;J <];tuj; jyq;fspy; jpUf;NfjP];tuk; gpujhdkhdjhFk;.. mit> jpUf;NfjP];tuk;> jpUf; N fhNz]; t uk> Kd; N d]; t uk; > eFNy]; t uk; > Njhz; N l]; t uk; vd;gdthFk;. Nfhtpiyr; Rw;wp vy;NyhUk; tyk; te;jdh;. kd;dhUf;F te;J Nrh;e;j 750 Ngh;fspy; mNdfkhd ,isQh;fSk;> eLj;ju tajpdh;fSk; <u cilNahL mq;fg; gpujl;rpzk; nra;J te;jdh;. jq;fNshL Nrh;e;J te;j cwtpdh;fSf;F caph; Nrjk; vJTkpd;wp ,d;iwf;F ,y;yh tpl;lhYk; ehisf;Nfh.. ehis kWehNsh fiu Nru Ntz;Lnkd;W fz;zhP ; tba rptngUkhid Ntz;bf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. NtnwhU ehl;by; fhyb itj;jJk;>gpwe;j kz;izr; Nrh;e;j cwtpdh;fNshL neUq;fp cwthbf; nfhs;tjpy; khdrPf czh;Tfs; gjpe;jpUe;jd. jq;fsJ Ch; kf; f s; 150 Ngh; f s; fiu Vwhj epiy fz; L mth; f sJ kdk; jsh; e ; J NghapUe;jJ. vy;NyhUk; nksdkhf Nfhtpy; tstpNyNa ,isg;ghWtjw;fhf ku epoy; f spy; Mq; f hq; N f cl; f hh; e ; J nfhz; l hh; f s; . fl; l hf; f hyp khLfs; Nfhtpiyr; Rw;wpf; nfhz;NlapUe;jd. Gjpa tpUe;jhspfshf ntspA+h; gf;jh;fshf Ftpe;jpUf;Fk; mth;fisr; Rw;wp te;J mth;fsJ iffisg; ghh;j;jd. Ch; thrpfs; G+irf;Fg; gpwF fpilf;Fk; tpG+jpiaAk;> ntw;wpiyiaAk; vLj;Jf; nfhz;L goj;ijAk;> Njq;fh %biaAk; mitfsplk; nfhLg;ghh;fs;. mitfs; gt;tpakhf ft;tpf; nfhz;L NghtNj xU moF..! nfhLf;fhky; ifapy; itj;jpUg;gth;fsplk; gwpj;njLg;gjw;F neUq;fp tUk;. .! gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

Nfhtpiyr; Rw;wp nebJah;e;J tsh;e;jpUe;j tpyhk;go kuq;fs; goq;fisf; nfhl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jd. ,J jpUf;NfjP];tuh; nfhil vd;W vy;NyhUk; goq;fis cilj;Jr; rhg;gpl;lhh;fs;. ntWk; fspia kl;Lk; njhlh;e;J rhg;gpl;L te;j mth;fSf;F tpyhk; goq;fs; Gjpa czthf tapiw epiwj;jd. goq;fis epiwa nghWf;fp itj;jpUg;gth;fsplk; rq;fpypad; nrhd;dhd;..”Nla;..! top neLf goq; f s; fpilf; F k; Ny.. ,j J}f; f p nrhkf; f pwJ gazj; J f; F tUj;jk;Ny...” Ms;fl;bapd; Ngr;irf; Nfl;L> MSf;F xU goj;ij ifapy; itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. Vw;fdNt kuq;fspy; gy ,isQh;fs; goq;fs; gwpj;Jf; nfhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . mth; f s; gjpide; J Kjy; ,UgJ taJs; s th; f shftpUe;jhh;fs;. gfy; czit Vw;ghL nra;tjw;fhf rq;fpypaDk;> kr;rhd;khh;fshd khwg;gDk;> tPug;gDk;> rikay;fhuh;fSk; $lhuj;Jf;Fr; nrd;whh;fs;. kr;rpdd;khh;fspy; khwg;gd;; NfhapYf;Fj; jpUk;gp te;J gj;J Ngh;fs; tiu klj;Jf;F $l;br; nrd;whd;. mq;Nf Vw;fdNt mLf;fp itj;jpUe;j gj;J> ,UgJ jg;Gfis vLj;Jr; nry;YkhW nrhd;dhd;. ,e;j khjphp jg;Gf; fUtpfis Ms;fl;bfs; fpuhkq;fspypUe;J tUk;NghNj nra;Jf; nfhz;L tUk;gb fpuhkj;jth;fsplk; Nfl;bUg;ghh;fs;. rhjpf;Fiwe;jth; vd;W nrhy;yg;gLk;> giwaUk;> rf;fpypaUNk jg;Gf;fUtp nra;Jf;nfhz;L tUthh;fs;. mth;fspy; gs;sh; vd;Nghh; jg;G mbf;f khl;lhh;fs;.. “jg;gbf;fj; njhpQ;r xt;nthUj;jDk; nfhz;Lfpl;L Ngh.. mbf;fj; njhpahjtd; njhpQ;rtd; fpl;l FL..!” vd;whd; khwg;gd;. “vd;dhj;Jf;F ,njy;yhk; ma;ahT..?” vd;W rpyh; Nfl;lhh;fs;. “fhl;Lf;Fs;s nehioQ;rp Nghw Neuk; jg;gbr;rpf;fpl;Nl NghtZk;..! Md> rpWj;j> gpyp> ,d;ndhk; fhl;L KUfq;f ,Ue;jh gae;J J}u Xbg; NghFk;..! ek;k fpl;l ve;j rdpaDk; tuhJ..! fhl;Lg; gazj;Jy ghJfhg;G MAjk; ekf;F Ntw VJk; nfilahJ..” vd;whd; khwg;gd;. jg;Gfisf; fz;lJk; rpyh; Kfk; kyh;e;J Nghdhh;fs; . CUf;Fs;Ns ey;yJ> nfl;lJfSf;F kq;fyk;> mt kq;fy fhhpaq;fSf;F ,e;j xNu thj;jpaf; fUtpjhd; mth;fsJ fyhrhu ,irf; fUtpahFk;. ,e;jf; fUtpia giw vd;Wk;> giwabj;jy; vd;Wk; nrhy;thh;fs;. Mh;tj;NjhL xUtd;> ,d;ndhUtd; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

ifapypUe;j jg;ig gpLq;fp> Njhypy; khl;bf; nfhz;L jl;bg; ghh;j;jhd;. “mypf;fp rl;b ,y;iyNah..? mypf;fp ,y;yhk Rjp NruhNj..” vd;W gy;iy ,spj;jhd;. mth; f Sf; F s; N sNa Goq; F k; xU nghUisg; ghh; j ; j Jk; > mwpKfkhd ez;gidg; ghh;j;jJ Nghy; czh;Tfs; FkpopapLfpd;wd..! jg;Gf; fUtpia kPl;Ltjw;F xU jbj;j fl;il Fr;rpAk;> <f;fpisg; Nghd;w kpUJthd Fr;rpAk; Njitg; gLk;. mypff; pia jl;Ltjw;F ,uz;L iffSf;Fk;> <f;fpiyg; Nghd;w Fr;rpfisg; ghtpg;ghh;fs;. jg;Gf; fUtpfisj; J}f;fpf;nfhz;L kPz;Lk; Nfhtpy; ikjhdj;jpy; mkh;e;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. jpUf; N fjP ] ; t uh; Myaj; j py; jhprdq; f is Kbj; J f; nfhz; l th; f Sf; F > kdjpypUe;j ghuk; vy;yhk; Fiwe;J tpl;ljhf czh;e;jhh;fs;. “NfjP];tuh; vq;fs ifTl khl;lhU...! fhzhkg; Nghd ts;sj;j fu Nrg;ghU..!” vd;W rpyh; iffisf; $g;gp fz;fis %bf; nfhz;L KD KDj;jhh;fs;.. ngz;fs;> gps;isfs;> nfhQ;rk; tajhdth;fs; midtUk; mg;gb mg;gbNa mre;J J}q;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ***

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

“,d;idf;fp uhj;jphpf;fp rhg;ghL thzhk; IaNd...! fu Nruhj glF fiuf;fp tuZk;Kd;D <];tud; fpl;l nfhQ;rk; NgU tpujk; ,Uf;f Neh;j;jpf; fld; tr;rpUf;Nfhk;..!” vd;W xU nghpath; rq;fpypadplk; nrhd;dhh;.. mth; ngah; rd;dhrp..”ey;yjhg; Nghr;Rlh rhkpNah..!.” vd;W rq;fpypaDk;> kr;rpdd;khh;fSk; re;Njhrg;gl;Lf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. xU Neuj;J rhg;ghl;L nrytpy; kpQ;rpa fhR mth;fsJ igf;Fs; Nrh;e;J tpLk;..! NtyhAjKk;> godpAk; tpujkpUf;Fk; me;j ,isQh;fspd; mUfpy; Ngha; epd; w hh; f s; . fhrpAk; mtdJ ez; g h; f Sk; re; e hrp mz; z Dk; mUfpy; te;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; me;j ,isQh;fis MirNahL tprhhpj;jhd;. ehd; mz;zNdhl te;jpUf;Nfd;... ehd; mg;gNdhl te;jpUf;Nfd;... ehd; jha; khkhNthl te;jpUf;Nfd;.. vd;W xt;nthU ,isQDk; Cf;fj;NjhL nrhy;ypf; nfhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . rP h ; n fl; L thOfpd; w tho; f ; i fia rP u ikj; J f; nfhs;tjw;fhf fly; fle;J nry;tjw;F ,e;j ,isQh;fSf;nfy;yhk; rpe;jid Kisj;jpUg;gJ rKjhakhw;wj;Jf;fhd tpopg;NgahFk;> vd;gij NtyhAjk; czuj; njhlq;fpdhd;. ,sq; fd;W gakwpahJ.. vd;ghh;fs;. ,th;fs; vt;tsT Jbg;ghf ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;.. fq;fhzp> Ms; fl;b vd;gtDf;nfy;yhk; mbgzpe;J ele;J nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;..vd;w flikg;ghL ,th;fsplk; Js;spasT $l ,y;iyNa vd;wg; ngUikia NtyhAjk;> godpAld; gfph;e;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. “fhrpaz;Nz..! Fl;br; rhf;Fy fWg;gl;b ,Uf;fh...?” vd;W xU igad; Nfl;lhd;.. “Vd;lh igah...! vd;dhj;Jf;F fWg;gl;b..?” vd;W fhrp fpz;lyhff; Nfl;lhd;. “,y;yz;Nz..! ntyhk; goj;Njhl fWg;gl;ba ngrQ;rp Jd;dh Gspg;G ,Uf;fhJ.. Nrhf;fh ,Uf;Fk;..!” vd;W jd;id kwe;J re;Njhrj;jpy; Ngrpdhd;.. vy;NyhUk; mtdJ Foe;ij kdijawpe;J urpj;Jr; rphpj;jhh;fs;. fhrp> ,uT tpujk; gw;wp NtyhAjj;jplk; Ngrpdhd;. “Ntyz;Nz ..! vy;yhUk; ntujk; ,Uf; f j; Njtapy; y ... tarhdtq; f Sf; F k; > NkY tUj; j f; f hu tq;fSf;Fk;> rpd;dg; grq;fSf;Fk;> nghk;gs rdq;fSf;Fk; rhg;ghL rikf;fr; nrhy;YNthk;. tpUg;gkhdtq;f kl;Lk; ntujk; ,Ug;Nghk;.. ,e;j Nahrida rq;fpypad; fpl;l nrhy;YNthk;..!” vd;whd;. “ey;y Nahrd jk;gp...! ehq;fSk; thNwhk;... xd;dhg; Nghap nrhy;YNthk;..” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

rhaq;fhy Neuk;. nta;apy; Fiwe;J thdj;jpy; epoy; gbe;jJ.. Nkw;F thdk; nky;y nky;y ,uj;jr; rptg;ghfpaJ.. fisj;Jg; Nghd epiyapy; #hpad; gpufhrj;ijf; Fiwj;;J> fPopwq;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;.... me;jp Neuj;jpd; khw;wq;fs;> kPz;Lk; NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; neQ;rq;fspy; ftiyia cz;lhf;fpaJ. mth;fs; Kfq;fs; thbd. mth;fs; vOk;gp epd;W fliy Nehf;fp ele;jhh;fs;. ,g;NghJ fhrpAk;> rd;dhrpAk; mth;fNshL ,ize;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. flypy; ts;sq;fs; njhptjhfr; rPuq;fd; rj;jkpl;lhd;.”Mkh..! Mkh...! me;jh...!” vd;whd; godp. NtyhAjk; fz;fis cUl;b tpopj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. xd;WNk njhpa tpyi ; y. kdj;jpy; Njhd;wpa gpuk;ik... fly; ,d;iwf;Fk; fz;zh%r;rp fhl;LfpwJ. fhrpAk;> rd;dhrp mz;zDk;> me;j %d;W ez;gh;fspd; kd Ntjidia mwpe;J tUj;jg;gl;lhh;fs;. “xU Nrhp FLk;gq;f... rhjp rdj;J xwTf;fhuq;f.. xUj;ju xUj;jh; gphpQ;rh Ch;fhutq;fSf;F vd;d tjpY nrhy;thq;f...! ghtk;... godp vdf;fpl;l fj fijah nrhd; d hU.. mQ; r p $l; l hspkhUq; f Sk; mQ; r p ntuY khjphp te; j hq; f shk; . ..” vd; w hd; fhrp; . . “ey; y J elf; F k; fhrp... ey; y ijNa neidr;rpff; plL ; ,Ug;Nghk;..” rd;dhrp mz;zDk; fhrpia MWjy; gLj;jpdhh;. rptg;G> kQ;rs;... jpBnud rhk;gy; epwk;.. mJ fUk; Gifahfpf; nfhz;bUf;f> #hpad; flypy; eide;J mkpo;e;jJ.. kPz;Lk; thdj;ijAk;> fliyAk; ,uT %baJ. fly; ePhpy; fhy;fis eidj;Jf; nfhz;lth;fs;> “fly; jhNa..! ehisf;fp tpbaf; fhyKk; te;J ghg;Nghk;.. vq;f cRUfs fu Nrf;fZk; khjh...!” vd;W rPuq;fd; Gyk;gpdhd;.. mtid mizj;Jf; nfhz;L NtyhAjKk;> kw;w ez;gh;fSk; klj;ij Nehf;fp ele;jhh;fs;. tpujk; ,Ue;jth;fisj; jtpu kw;wth;fs; rhg;gpl;lhh;fs;.. ***

ghijAk; ntl;b gazk; nrd;Nwhk;

klj;;Jf;Fs; nfhQ;rk; tajhdth;fSk;> eLj;ju tajpdh; kl;LNk gLj;Jf;

nfhz;lhh;fs;. kw;w vy;NyhUNk kzy; ntspapy;jhd; Rfkhd J}f;fj;ij mDgtpj;jhh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

“mNla; Ntyh..! vt;tsT Neuk; vOg;GNwhk;... Fk;gfh;zdhl;lk; J}q;fpwpNa... jhz;ltDk; ehDk; te;jpl;Nlhk;.. ve;jphplh...!” vd;W NtyhAjj;jpd; mUfpy; te;J mh;r;Rdd; Ngrpdhd;. “flTNs vd;d mjp];lk;....! mh;r;Rdh...!” vd;W mywpdhd;. mth;fs; ,UtiuAk; MNtrj;NjhL fl;b mizj;J FKwp mOjhd; NtyhAjk; . godpAk; > rP u q; f Dk; khwp khwp ,UtiuAk; fl;bg;gpbj;Jf;nfhz;L mOjhh;fs;..! vy;NyhUk; rj;jj;ijf; Nfl;L tpopj;Jf; nfhz;ldh;. Neuk; tpbaw; fhiy ehd;F kzp... NtyhAjk; vOe;J> Koq; fhy;fSf;fpilapy; jiyiaf; ftpo;j;Jf; nfhz;L mOjhd;. “ey;y fdTjhd; Ntyh..! tpbaf;fhy fdT gypfF ; k;.. ey;yJ fl;lhak; elf;fj;jhd; NghTJ.. Ve;jphp... ntspf;fpg; Ngha;l;L tUNthk;..!” vd;w godp> NtyhAjj;jpd; iffisg; gpbj;J ,Oj;jhd;. gLf;if gha; vJTNk ,y;yhj nrsfhpaj;jpy>; kzy; xl;bapUe;j if fhy;fis cjwpf; nfhz;L vy;NyhUk; vOk;gpdhh;fs;. fz;lgb MSf;nfhU gf;fj;jpy; ‘cl;fhh;e;J’ flNyhuj;jpy; fOtpf; nfhz;L te;jhh;fs;. fhiyapy; vy;NyhUf;Fk; Nfhg;gpj; jz;zp fpilj;jjpy; re;Njhrg;gl;lhh;fs;. rikay; $lj;jpy; cg;Gkh fpz;bf; nfhz;bUe;j fhl;rp ,d;Dk; kfpo;r;rpia ,ul;bg;ghf;fpaJ. jl;L> jfu lg;ghf;fspy; cg;Gkh cUz;ilfis thq;fpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. fhiy czT Kba> gazk; jahuhfpaJ.. “jg;Gf;fhuDq;f jg;Gfs khl;bf;Nfh..! ,d;dk; xU fl;l J}uk; Nghdhj;jhd; fhl;L top njhlq;Fk;..!” vd;W rj;jkpl;lhd; rq;fpypad;. rq; f pypaNdhL khwg; g d; kl; L k; tUfpwhd; . tP u g; g d; > fhzhky; Nghd ts;sj;Jf;fhf> kd;dhhpy; jq;fpapUe;J> Gjpjhf tUk; $l;lj;NjhL tUk;gb rq;fpypad; Vw;ghL nra;jpUe;jhd; %l; i l> Kbr; R > Fl; b r; rhf; F fis vy; N yhUk; J}f; f pf; nfhz; l hh; f s; . . fhiyapNyNa fpzw;Wf; Fspay; vy;NyhUf;Fk; Cf;fj;ijf; nfhLj;jJ. $l;lk; nkJthf kd;dhh; klj;ij tpl;L efh;e;jJ. NtyhAjk;> godp > rPuq;fd; fliy jpUk;gpj; jpUk;gp ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;Nl Nghdhh;fs;. jq;fSila Gjpa rpNdfpjh;fshd fhrp> rd;dhrp > ,d;Dk; neUf;fkhf gofpf; nfhz;L tUk; ey;yhd;> rpd;dhd;> rptdhd;b> gpr;rKj;J vd;W Jbg;ghd ,isQh; $l;lk; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

vy;NyhUk; xU Nfh\;bahf ,ize;jJ> ,e;j neLk; gazj;Jf;F nuhk;gTk; ey;yJ vd;W xUtUf;nfhUth; Ngrpf; nfhz;L nrd;whh;fs;. NtyhAjKk;> godp> rPuq;fd; %tUk; nksdkhfNt ele;J nfhz;bUe;jijg; ghh;j;J rfpf;f Kbahjtdhf> fhrp Ngrj; njhlq;fpdhd;. “NtyhAjz;Nz..! mUk;ghT+h;yapUe;J> jpUr;rpf;F tu;w topapy... me;j jhku nfhsj;J rfjpapy %D thypgq;f cRNuhl mKq;fpg; Nghdjh rq;fpypad; nrhd;dj ehk Nff;fy;ypah..?..! ek;kyhy vd;dh nra;a KbQ;rprr; p..? vy;yhUk; tha;Tl;L mONjhk;... mt;tsTjhNd ek;kyhy nra;a KbQ;rpr;rp...? mg;Ngh ehq;f kdr Njj;jpf;fpl;L elf;fj; njhlq;fy;ypah..? kdr Njj;jpf;fg; ghUq;f.. ,y;yhl;bg; Nghdh ePqf; nghiof;f te;j fhhpak; mh;jj; kpyy ; hk NghapUe;jhNd..? me;j glF fu Nruyhk;... fly;y %o;fpg; Nghfyhk;.. mjp];lkpUe;jh fz; fhzhj vlj;Jy fu Nruyhk;... vJ elf;fZNkh... mJjhd; elf;Fk;..” vd;whd; fhrp. mtd; njhlh;e;J Ngrpdhd;. “ePq;f %D NgUk; fhzhkg; Nghd glF rdq;fs gj;jp ftyg;gLwjh njhpay;yN P a> ek;k $l th;w> vOD}}j;jp mk;gJ NgUq; $l me;j cRUfs gj;jp tUj;jg;gl;lhq;fsh..? ehk $b Ngrpdj;Jf;Fg; nghwFjhNd mTq;f GhpQ;rpf;fpl;lhq;f..! jhdh GhpQ;rpf;fpw rdkh ,Ue;jh> nghwe;j kz;Zy $l tPL thr ,y;yhk mLj;jtDf;F mbikah nflg;ghq;fsh..? ftyg;glhk thq;fz;Nz..! Gj;jp nrhy;y te;Njd;D tUj;jg;gl;Lf;fhjPq;f mz;Nz..!” vd;W fhrp mOj;jkhfg; NgrpaJ mth;fSf;F rhpnadg; gl;lJ. vJTk; gjpy; nrhy;yhky; Ntfkhf vl;L itj;jhh;fs;. fhrp epk;kjpahf ele;;jhd;. NghUf;Fg; Gwg;gLk; giliag; Nghy> kzy; ntspapy; xNu rPuhd Ntfj;jpy; vy;NyhUk; ele;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.rpyh; ,d;Dk; ,Lg;igg; gpbj;Jf; nfhz;Lk;> nehz;bf; nfhz;L;k;>; mire;jire;Jf; nfhz;Lk; efh;e;jhh;fs;. kd; d hh; ,wq; F JiwapypUe; J kjthr; r p ghijia Nehf; f pr; nrd; W f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. nta;apy; Vw Vw kzy; ntsp fhy;fisr; Rl;ld. tpjpia epidj;J nksdkhf eilapy; Kd;Ndwpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. kzy; ntsp Nghfg; Nghf FWfpf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. rpw; rpy ,lq;fspy; fhl;L kuq;fs; epd;wd. nghl;ly; nghl;lyhd nrk;kz; jiu Kd;dhy; njhpe;jJ.. kz;zpy; elf;Fk; NghJ ghjq;fs; Fsph;r;rpaile;jd. cly; nfhQ;rk; njk;igAzh;e;jJ. $l;lk; ,g;NghJ Kw;whff; fhl;Lf;Fs; Eioe;J tpl;lJ.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mq;Nf Eio thriyg; Nghd;W ,U kUq;fpYk; ,uz;L tpy;t kuq;fs; epd;wd. xt;nthU kuj;ijAk; Rw;wp rptg;Gj; Jzp fl;bapUe;jhh;fs;. xU <l;b ehl;lg;gl;bUe;jJ.. Kjy; njhFjp kf;fs; te;j NghJ> me;j <l;b ehl;lg; gl;bUf;fyhk;. me;j rhkp kuj;ijg; ghh;jj; Jk; czh;rr; p trg;gl;lhh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; kuj;ijf; Fk;gpl;L> njhl;Lj; jltp “mNuhfuh... Nfhtpe;jh...” vd;W jq;fis kwe;J Nfhrkpl;lgb> fhl;Lf;Fs; Eioe;jhh;fs;. fhL> ,Ul;lhfTk;> gaq;fukhfTk; ,Ue;jJ. epoy; fpilj;jjpy; rw;W MWjy; mile;jhh;fs;. khl;L tz;bf;fhuidg; Nghy rj;jkpl;Lf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; rq;fpypadpd; tij jhq;f Kbahky; rw;W Ntfkhf vl;L itj;jhh;fs;. jpBnud xU ikjhdk; Nghd;w nghl;ly; njhpe;jJ. me;j nghl;ly; epiwa E}w;Wf;Fk; mjpfkhd Fuq;Ffs; $l;lk; tpisahbf; nfhz;bUe;jd. Fuq;Ffspy; gy ,dq;fs; mq;NfapUe;jd. ke;jpfs; mry; kdpjiug; NghyNt epkph;e;J epd;wd. rpy fUj;j Kfq;fsha;> nts;is clNyhLk;> rpy nts;is Kfq;fsha;> fUj;j clNyhLk;> mth;fis ntwpf;fg;ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jd. mitfs; vy;yhk; kpuz;L Ngha; jpfpyile;J epd;wd. Kjd; Kjyhf> kdpj ,dj;ij me;jg; nghOjpy;jhd; mitfs; ghh;f;fpd;wd..! fUj;j epwq;fspy;> jq;fisg; Nghd;w rhaypy;> Gjpa ‘[Ptuhrpfs;’ ,Ug;gijf; fz;L> mitfs; mg;gbNa mjph;e;J Ngha; ghh;j;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jd. Fuq; F f; $l; l q; f is Mh; t j; N jhLk; > gaj; N jhLk; mth; f s; ghh; j ; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; nghl;lYf;Fs; ,wq;f tpy;iy. “MQ;rNeah; rhkp.. ifnaLj;Jf; Fk;gpll; h ek;gy xd;DQ; nra;ahJ..” vd;W vy;NyhUk; if $g;gpf; Fk;gpl;lhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; fj;jpdhd;. “jg;Gfs jl;Lq;flh... mg;Gwk; vd;dh elf;FJd;D ghU...?” vd;whd;...”nldf;F... nldf;F...nld;ldf;F...” fzPnud;w jg;nghyp Nfl;lJk;> mitfs; gl;lhg; gwpaha; rj;jkpl;Lf;nfhz;L> fhl;Lf;Fs; Xb kiwe;jd. njhlh;e;J jg;G rj;jj;NjhL $l;lk; Kd;NdwpaJ. “uhk gpuhd; yq;fhGhpf;F $l;b te;j mDkhh; rhkpq;f ,d;Dk; the;Jf;fpl;L ,Uf;Fwijg; ghj;jq P ;fsh..? vd;W xU nghpath; mq;fyha;j;Jr; nrhd;dhh;. fhL kPz;Lk; ,Ul;lhfpaJ... kPz;Lk; ntspr;rkhfpaJ... Gy; G+z;L Gjh;fspy; kdpjh; ele;J nrd;w milahsk; njhpej; d. “nfhQ;rk; el ghj khjphp njhpapNj...” $l;lj;jpy; xUth; rj;jkpl;Lr; nrhd;dhh;. “xq;fSf;F Kd;dhb te;j rdq;f> kk; g l; b Ak; nrhke; J f; f pl; L te; j hf..! mTfNs ghj ntl; b .. mTfNs elf;fyhr;rp... ,d;dpf;Fk; Nfhg;gpf; fhl;;y... “ehq;f ghijAk; ntl;b gazk; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

te;jtq;fd;D nrhy;Ythq;f..” vd;W GJg; GJ jfty;fisAk; rq;fpypad; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;L te;jijf; Nfl;gjpy; rpyUf;F gpuNah[dkhfTk; ,Ue;jJ. eil gazj;jpy; fisg;G njhpahky; ,Ug;gjw;F> xU $l;lk; fij nrhy;ypf; nfhz;Lk;> fij Nfl;Lf; nfhz;Lk; Kd;NdWthh;fs;. rpyh; nja;tg; ghly;fs; ghl mij xg;gpj;Jf; nfhz;L kw;wth;fSk; gpd; nry;thh;fs;. mt; t hW jq; f s; f\; l q; f is kwe; J ele; J nfhz; b Ue; j th; f spy; Kd;thpirapy; nrd;w xUtd; jpBnud rj;jkpl;lhd;. mth;fs; mUfpy; ,uz;L kdpj vYk;Gf; $Lfs; kz;ilNahLfNshL rpjwpf; fple;jd. Kz;babj;Jf; nfhz;L Kd; te;j rq;fpypad;> rhjhuzkhfr; nrhd;dhd;. “mJ mg;gbj;jhd; Ny... el ghijapy ey;yJk;> nfl;lJk; elf;Fk;jhd;... njhae;J Nghq;f...!” vd;W rkhspj;jthW mth;fis mq;F epw;f tplhky; elf;fr; nra;jhd;. NtyhAjk;> godpapd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. Rthkpjhrd; thj;jpahh; fij nrhd;d Qhgfk; mtDf;F te;jJ. ,yq;iff; fhLfspYs;s kpUfq;fs; Kjd; Kjyhf kdpjh; ,dj;ij njd;dpej; paj; jkpoh;fs; %ykhfj;jhd; ghh;jj; pUf;Fk;... kdpj thil mitfSf;F> mth;fSilajhfj;jhd; ,Ue;jpUf;Fk;. vd;W ‘,yq;if te;J jpUk;gpa ,e;jpah;fs; fij nrhd;dhh;fs;.’ vd;W thj;jpahh; nrhd;d fij Qhgfj;Jf;F te;jJ. fhl;Lf;Fs; elf;Fk; NghJ rpy ,lq;fspy; gaq;fukhd Gjh;fis re;jpf;f Ntz;bapUe;jJ.. Gjh;fspy; fhy;fis tpl Kbahj NghJ> Gjh;fisr; Rw;wp elf;f Ntz; b apUe; j J. rpy ,lq; f s; > mlh; e ; j kuq; f Sf; f pilapy; ,Ul; L FiffshfTk;> rpy ,lq;fs;mofhd muz;kid Nghd;Wk; fhl;rp je;jd. kuq;fspy; ntsthy;fs; Mapuf; fzf;fpy; njhq;fpd. tpRf; tpRf; nfd;W Kay; $l;lq;fs; Xbf; nfhz;bUe;jd. jg;gbj;Jf; nfhz;L Nghdth;fs; khwp khwp if khw;wpf; nfhz;L Nghdhh;fs;. mth;fsJ %l;il Kbr;Rfis rpyh; Rkf;f Ntz;bapUe;jJ. ,J tiu ,d;Dk; nghpa kpUfq;fis vtUk; ghh;ff; tpyi ; y. jg;G rj;jj;jpy; mitfs; Xb kiwe;jpUf;fyhk;. njhlh;e;J nghl;lYk;> ntspr;rKk;> rpy ,lq;fspy; kPz;Lk; ,Ul;L te;jd. me;j ,Ul;Lf;Fs; ahidf; $l;lq;fs; epd;wijf; fz;L jg;Gf;fhuh;fs; jpUk;gp xb te;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; rj;jk; Nghl;lhd; “Va;.. %jpfsh...! jl;L Ny..! jg;g jl;Lq;flh...! epg;ghl;lhk jl;Lq;flh...!” jg;G rj;jk; ehuhrkhfpaJ... ahidf; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

$l;lj;jpYk; KjyhtJ kdpjh;fisg; ghh;j;j mjph;r;rp njhpe;jJ.. mitfs; Ntfkhff; fhl;Lf;Fs; Eioe;jd. $l;lj;jpdh; jg;gpirapd; ngWkjpia md;Wjhd; mwpej; hh;fs;. “jg;Gf;F ,t;Nsh rq; f jp ,Uf; F jh...? jg; G f; F ,t; N sh kfpk ,Uf; F jh...?” vd; w thA+hpg; Nghdhh;fs;. me;j Muk;g gazj;jpy; mjph;r;rpahd mw;Gjkhd mDgtq;fis urpj;Jf; nfhz;Nl Nghdhh;fs;. fisg;G... eil f\;lk;... kpf Nkhrkhd Kl; Gjh;fis... fw; ghiwfisf; fle;J te;j Ntjidfs; vJTNk mth;fSf;Fj; njhpa tpyi ; y.. $l; l q; f s; ,d; n dhU Fiff; F s; EiotJ Nghd; w nfhbfs; gpd; d pa ge;jYf;Fs; Ngha;;f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mofpa G+q; nfhbfs; ruk; rukhfj; njhq;fpd.. ghh;j;jwpahj fha;> fdpfs; njhq;Fk; kuq;fs;... nrbfs;.... vy;yhNk uhrh fhyj;J khspif #oy;fis... fijfspy; Nfl;l mDgtq;fis.... ,q;Nf Neh; fhl;rpfshfg; ghh;j;jjpy; gutrkile;jhh;fs;. “V Ny Ch; rdq;fsh...! Fk;khskbr;rpf;fpl;L ePq;f Nghwj ghj;jh kdR vg;gpb ,Uf;FJ njhpAkh..! el ghj.... milahsk; njhpej; jh..?” vd;whd; rq;fpypad;. njhlh;eJ ; elf;Fk; NghJ kuq;fspypUe;J ruk; rukhf G+q;nfhbfs; njhq;FtJ> kdpjh;fs; Nrhlid nra;jJ Nghd;W njhpe;jJ.. fhl;Lf;Fs; Mq;fhq;F njhpAk; nrb nfhbfs; ePf;fg;gl;L XusT top njhpe;jJ. mij ghij vd;W xU NghJk; nrhy;y KbahJ... Gjh;fs;... Kl; nrbfs;> gaq;fukhd gs;sq;fs;... Fopfs;... fw; ghiwfs;... ,itfis Kd;dh; nrd;wth;fs; ele;J nrd;w milahsj;ij itj;Jj;jhd; “ghij”vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;L nrd;whh;fs;. mUk;ghT+h;> KUf;fd;Fb> mhpaY}h;. nguk;gY}h; vd;w fpuhkq;fspypUe;J ghk;gd; tUk; tiuapyhd fhLfs;> rpNyhd; fhLfs; khjphp> mlh;j;jpahf> ,Us; ft;tpajhf ,Uf;f tpy;iy... xU nghl;lYf;F te;jJk; kr;rpdd; khwg;gd;> tUfpd;w $l;lq;fisnay;yhk; mg;gb mg;gbNa mkUk;gb nra;jhd;... Ie;J glF Ml;fs; vOE}w;iwk;gJ Ngh;fSk; ,Uf;fpwhh;fsh> vd;gij fzf;nfLj;Jf; nfhs;tjw;F jahuhfpdhh;fs;. rq;fpypaDk;> khwg;gDk;> Ml;fis Ik;gJ Ik;gJ Ngh;fshf thpirapy; itj;J vz;zpdhh;fs;. vz;zp Kbj;jth;fs; mg;gb mg;gbNa Fe;jpf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. gpwF epw;gth;fis thpirapy; epWj;jp vz;z Ntz;Lk;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

vz;zp Kbe;jJ.. gj;J Ngh;fs; tiu Fiwe;Jf; fhzg;gl;lhh;fs;. khwg;gd; $l;lj;jpypUe;J gj;J G\;bahd thypgh;fisf; $l;bf; nfhz;L >te;j topNa jpUk;gp ele;jhd;. Ntfkhf $l;lj;NjhL eiliaj; njhlu Kbahjth;fs; J}uj;jpy; nrb kiwTf;Fs; epdW ; f; nfhz;L XykplL ; f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ehd;F Ngiu fz;Lg; gpbj;J tpl;lhh;fs;. mth;fs; nfhQ;rk; tajhdth;fs;. ,d;Dk; E}w; W f; fzf; f hd iky; J}uj; i j ,th; f shy; elf; f KbANkh vd; g J re;NjfNk..! mth;fis me;j ,lj;jpNyNa cl;fhu itj;J tpl;L te;j topNa kPz;Lk; njhlh;e;jhh;fs;. mNjh mq;Nf ,Uth; epd;Wf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,uz;L Ngh; jiuapy; fple;jhh;fs;. “vd;d krf;fkh..?” vd;W Xbdhd; khwg;gd;. epd;Wf; nfhz;bUe;j thypgh;fs; mOjgb nrhd;dhh;fs; .”nuz;L NgiuAk; ,j;Njh jz;b nghilad; ghk;G fbr;rpUr;rp...ghk;g ghj;j ehq;f ,e;jj; jbahy mbNah mbd; D mbr; N rhk; . . mJ xlk; g cg; g p cg; g p fhl; b l; L fhl; L f; F s; s Xbg; Nghaphpr;rp.. ,Tq;f nuz;L NgUk; nfhQ;r Neuj;Jf;Fs;s krf;fk; Nghl;L TOe;Jl;lhq;f.. Ngr;R %r;R nfilahJ... njhl;Lg; ghUq;fz;Nz...!” vd;whd; xU ,isQd;. ,uz;L NgiuAk; Gul;bg; Gul;bg; ghh;j;jhd; khwg;gd;. mtDld; te;jth;fSk; J}f;fpg; ghh;jj; hh;fs;. ehbiag; gpbj;Jg; ghh;jj; hh;fs;... neQ;rpy; fhij itj;Jf; Nfl;lhh;fs;. ,Ujaj; Jbg;G epd;wpUe;jJ.. if fhy;fs; tpiwj;J> fz;fs; mfyj; jpwe;J fple;jd. tprk; Vwp cly;fs; ePy epwkhfpapUe;jd.. vy;NyhUNk mth;fisj; J}f;fp cl;fhu itf;f Kad;whh;fs;. Kba tpy;iy.. khwg;gd; cjl;ilg; gpJf;fpdhd;.. “mz;Nz..! ghk;G fb gr;nry ,e;jf; fhl;Ly ,Uf;Fk;y..? frf;fp GspQ;rp Fbf;ff; FLf;fyhk;.. ntrk; vwq;Fk;ghq;f..... fb thapiyAk; Nja;f;fyhk;..!” vd;whd; xU ,isQd;. “ntrf; fb viyfs Njbg; ghj;jh nfilf;Fk;jhd; .. ,g;g ,Tq;f ,Uf;Fw neyika ghj;J ePq;fNs nrhy;Yq;f.. ,Tq;f cRNuhl ,Uf;fhq;fsh..? nghzkhapl;lhq;fshd;D ePq;fNs KbT vLq;f..!’ vd;whd; khwg;gd;. vy;NyhUk; jpU jpUntd Kopj;jhh;fs;. “,g;Ngh vd;zz;Nz nra;Nthk;..?” “Ntw top vd; d ,Uf; F ..? J}f; f p nrhkf; f Nghwkh..? Fop ntl; b nghijf;fpwJf;F top ,Uf;fh..? flg; ghw> kk;gl;b vy;yhk; CNuhl KbQ;rp Nghd rq;fjp.. tof;fk; Nghy top Nghf;Fy ,g;gpb elf;fpw rq;fjpfs fKf;fkh fhl;Lf;Fs;s kwr;rp tr;rpl;L elaf; fl;LwJjhd;; Gj;jprhypj;jdkhd Nty... Nahrd vg;Gb...?” vd;W khwg;gd;> me;j thypgh;fisg; ghh;j;Jf; Nfl;lhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

NtW topapy;yhky;> ,we;jth;fs; ,UtiuAk; J}f;fp> ghij vd;W nrhy;Yk; me;j ,lj;jpypUe;J nfhQ;rk; js;sp jiuapy; fplj;jp itj;jhh;fs;. ,iy jiofisg; gpa;j;J mth;fis %bdhh;fs;. ntspapy; njhpAk; mth;fsJ fhy;fisj; njhl;Lf; Fk;gpl;L tpl;L> fyq;fpa fz;fNshL jpUk;gpdhh;fs;. “mTq;f mOfpg; GOj;Jg; Nghf khl;lhq;f... nfhQ;r Neuj;Jf;Fs;s nghze; jpdd ; p KUfq;f ehp> Xehap te;J ,Oj;Jf;fpl;Lg; NghapUk;..” vd;whd; khwg;gd;. fhzhky; Nghd gj; J Nghpy; ghk; G f; fbahy; ,we; J g; Nghd ,Utiuf; fz;Lg;gpbj;j gpwF> ,d;Dk; ,uz;L Ngiu NjLtjw;fhf xU fl;il J}uk;ele;J Nghdhh;fs;. “,`_k;..... vq;fthtJ nghjU... rfjp Fopapy khl;bapUf;fZk;... ,y;yhl;b rpWj;j gpyp ,Oj;Jf;fpl;Lg; NghapUf;fZk;... mJf;Fj;jhd; ,e;j %Njrpfs $l;lj;Njhl $l;lkh Nre;J elf;fr; nrhy;wJ..” khwg;gd; rypg;NghL nrhd;dhd;. “$l;lj;Jf;Fs;s ahUk; ,J gj;jp tha; njhwf;fg;glhJ...! rdq;f nkuz;L Nghthq;f... mg;Gwk; fhl;Lf;Fs;s fhy vLj;J ntf;f khl;lhq;f... KUfq;fSf;F fhl;Ly nfilf;fpw nkhj kDr viwr;rp jKod; vwr;rpahj;jhd; ,Uf; F k; . .!” khwg; g d; mwpthd xU cz; i kiar; nrhd; d hd; . kpfTk; mikjpahf mth;fs; ele;J> Kd;ida $l;lj;Jld; fye;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “vy;yhk; rhp... fhzhkg; Nghd mj;jdg; NgUk; te;jhr;rp...!”vd;W re;Njhrkhfr; nrhd;dhd;. Ml;fs; mtdJ Vkhw;Wf; fijia Ghpe;Jf; nfhz;lhYk;.... mtdhYk;jhd; vd;d nra;a KbAk;.?; vd;w epiyikiaAk; czh;e;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. ***

vy;NyhUk; ed;whff; fisj;Jg; NghapUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fsJ Kfq;fisg; ghh;f;Fk; NghJ ghpjhgkhftpUe;jJ.. ChpypUe;J flw;fiu tiu eilapNyNa fhL NkLfisf; fle;J eilNah eilnad;W khjf; fzf;fpy; ele;J te;j cghij.... me;j tdhe;ju eilg;gazj;jpy; vj;jid vj;jid caph;fs; gypahfpg; Nghapd..? me; j j; Jaug; gazk; flypYk; njhlh; e ; J ... me; j g; gazj;jpYk; fly; nfhz;l mdh;j;jq;fs;... mth;fs; fle;J te;j Jauq;fis epidTg;gLj;jpg; ghh;g;gjw;F QhdKk; ,y;iy... Neuq; fhyKk; ,y;iy... vy;yhj; Jauq;fisAk;> typfisAk; rh;t rhjhuzkhfj; jhq;fpf; nfhs;sg; gofpg; Ngha; tpl;l kNdhghtq;fs;...

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mth;fs; mg;gb mg;gbNa eL tdhe;juj;jpypUe;j nghl;lypy; mkh;e;jpUe;jdh;. kdpj clYf;Fhpa rl;lq;fs; kl;LNk ,Ue;jd.. rijg; gpbg;Gs;s vtiuANk fhz Kbatpyi ; y... gul;ilj; jiyfSld; Mz;fSk;> ms;sp Kbe;J> Kf;fhL Nghl;Lf;nfhz;L ngz;fSkha; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; jpUf;NfjP];tuj;jpypUe;J rpul;ilfisg; nghWf;fp te;jpUe;jdh;. ,e;jpahtpypUe;J rpyh; jz;zPh; itj;Jf; nfhs;tjw;F Riu FLf;iffis itj;jpUe;jhu;fs;. kw;wtu;fSf;F jpUf;NfjP];tu; Njq;fha; rpul;ilfisg; ghj;jpukhfg; ghtpg;gjw;F mUspapUe;jhu; vd;W ek;gpf;iff;nfhz;bUe;jhu;fs;. xU ,uhZt fkhz;liug;Nghy rq;fpypad; mtu;fs; kj;jpapy; epdW ; Ngrpdhd; “,d;Dk; mQ;rp fl;l J}uk; ele;jhy; mq;f xU $lhuk; ,Uf;F... mq;f Ngha; rikr;rpfshk;. topapy fz;l jz;zpa Fbf;ff; $lhJ... Xl xd;D ,Uf;F... mq;fg; Nghap Fbf;fyhk;... Fspf;fyhk;. <ukhd jiuapy> rfjp jiuapy jpBUd;D fhy tf;fhjPq;f.. rfjp Ms cs;Sf;F ,Oj;Jf;Fk;.. ek;k topg; gazj; J y rfjpapy nghjQ; r p Nghdtq; f jhd; nuhk; g NgU... ,g; N gh nfsk;Gtkh..?” vd;whd;. vy;NyhUk; vOe;jhh;fs;. jg;Gr; rj;jk; njhlh;e;jJ.. rj;jk; Nfl;L vd;ndd;d gpuhzpfs; vq;nfy;yhk; XbdNth...? Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lk; vg;gbapUf;Fk;..? Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuh; vg;gb ,Ug;ghh;fs;..? kf;fs; trpf;Fk; me;jr; #oy; vg;gb ,Uf;Fk;..? vd;gtw;iwnay;yhk; mwpe;Jf; nfhs;tjw;F mth;fspd; kdk; mtrug;gl;Lf; nfhz;lhYk;> njhlh;e;J elf;Fk; gazj;jpy; mth;fSf;F rypg;Gk;> gaKk; Vw;gl;lJ. gazj;jpy; topapy; xU nghpa nghl;ly; njhpe;jJ. mofhd #oy;.. xU rpwpa Xil...Xilapy; fw;fs; epiwe;jpUe;jd.. Xilapd; ,UkUq;fpYk; ehzy; Gw;fs; mire;jhbf; nfhz;bUe;jd.. G+Q; Nrhiyfs; cUthf;fpaijg; Nghd;W xU gf;fk; njhpe;jJ... fhl;Lg; Gw;fshy; Ntag;gl;l mofpa nghpa $lhuk; xd;W ,Ue;jJ. fhl;Lf; Fr;rpfshy; Nkil fl;bapUe;jhh;fs;. trjpahfg; gLj;Jwq;;fyhk;.mbf;fb rikay; nra;j ,lq;fs; njhpe;jd.. nghpa nghpa mLg;Gf; fw;fs; %d;W %d;whf itf;fg;gl;L> ehd;F mLg;Gf;fs; ,Ue;jd. vhpe;j tpwFf; fl;ilfs; rpjwpf; fple;jd.. rikaw;fhuh;fs; $iuapy; khl;b itf;fg;gl;bUe;j mz;lh ghidfis ,wf;fp> Xilapy; fOtp ePh; epiwj;Jf; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nfhz;L te;jhh;fs;. kd;dhhpypUe;J mth;fs; tpUk;gpr; rhg;gpLk; fWthL epiwaNt nfhz;L te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. rikay; Muk;gkhfpaJ.. vy;NyhUk; Njthuk;> jpUthrfk;> fe;j r\;b vd;W miu Fiwahfj; njhpej; ijg; ghbf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,uT Neuk; te;jJk; tpf;fpukhjpj;jd;> uhkhazk;> ghujk;> Njrpq;F uhrh vd Guhz fijfisj; njhpe;jth;fs; uhfk; ,irj;Jr; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. epj;jpiu tUk; tiu gyUk; ,ijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. ikjhdj;ijr; Rw;wp neUg;G Nghl;bUe;jhh;fs;.. neUg;G ntspr;rj;ijf; fhZk; kpUfq;fs; mUfpy; tuhJ.. rhg;ghL rikj;jhfp tpl;lJ.. rpW J}f;fk; Nghl;lth;fs;> jq;fs; jl;Lf;fisAk;> jfu lg; g hf; f isAk; vLj; J itj; J f; nfhz; l hh; f s; . mz; l h ifg; g pb tiyaq;fSf;Fs; fk;ig khl;b> gy;yhf;ifg; Nghy ,Uth; Rke;Jf; nfhz;L tu> ,uz;L Ngh; mfg;igapy; ms;sp ms;sp fsp Nghl;Lf; nfhz;L te;jhh;fs;.. ,d;ndhU mz;lhtpy; fWthl;Lf; Fok;G thrid %f;ifj; Jisj;jJ.. rhg;ghL ghpkhwg;gl;l NghJ> vq;fpUe;Njh ge;jpapy; “X” ntd;w mOifr; rj;jk; Nfl;lJ. vy;NyhUk; mOif te;j gf;fj;jpy; ghh;itiar; nrYj;jpdhh;fs;. “vd;dh Ny ele;Jr;rp..?” rq;fpypad; rj;jkhff; Nfl;lhd;. “tPl;L nedg;G te;jphprr; hk;...xUj;jd; nghz;lhl;biaAk;> Map mg;gidAk; neidr;rpll; hd;..” vy;NyhUf;Fk; mg;NghJjhd; tPl;L epidg;G te;jJ.. mJtiuf;Fk; mth;fsJ kdk; Jaur; #oYf;Fs;NsNa fplj;jg;gl;L mKq;fpf; fple;jJ.. xUtd; fpswp tpl;lJk;> vy;NyhUk; FLk;gj;ij epidj;J moj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. rhg;ghl;Lj; jl;Lf;fis mg;gb mg;gbNa kbapy; itj;Jf; nfhz;L xg;ghhp itj;jhh;fs;. mth; f spd; epiyikiag; ghh; j ; j rq; f pypaDk; mtDila kr; r pdd; khwg; g Dk; nksdkhf epd; w hh; f s; . mth; f Sf; F k; kdpj kdk; j hNd ,Uf;fpwJ... mth;fsJ mOifapdhy; jq;fsJ kidtp kf;fisAk; epidj;J kdk; fyq; f pdhh; f s; . rq; f pypad; mth; f sJ mOifia epWj; J tjw; F Kad;whd;. “,q;f ghUq;fNy..! ePqf; Sk;> ehq;fSk; vy;yhUk; xNu CUjhNd..? nghiof;f te;jpll; k;... xwTfis nedr;rh vq;fSf;Fk;; typff; hjh..? ,g;gb top gazj;Jy tP l ; l nedr; r p mOjh vd; d h mh; j ; j k; ,Uf; F J..? mJq; f ey; y h thoZk;Kd;DjhNd ehnky;yhk; ,g;Gb fapll; g;gl;L fhl;Lf;Fs;s Ngha;ff; plL ; ,Uf;Nfhk;.. Nfhg;gpf; fhL Nghapl;lh vy;yhUk; re;Njhrg; gLtPq;f.. ,g;g gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

rhg;GLq;f.. elf;f njk;G NtZk;Ny...!” vd;WNk ,y;yhjthW ,d;W rq;fpypad; ; kdpj kdNjhL NgrpaJ vy;NyhUf;Fk; MWjiyf; nfhLj;jJ. vy;NyhUk; fz;zPiuj; Jilj;Jf; nfhz;L rhg;gpl;lhh;fs;. “fsp kpQ;rphpr;rp... fhl;Lf;Fs;s nfhl;lf; $lhJ... ,d;Dk; nfhQ;rk; nfhQ;rk; vy;yhUk; thq;fpr; rhg;gpLq;f..”vd;W rikay;fhuh;fs; mz;lhit Rke;Jf; nfhz;L ,d;DnkhU Rw;W te;jhh;fs;.. “,d;dpff; p uhj;jphp ,q;fjhd; jq;FNwhk;... fhiyapy Fsprr; plL ; g; NghwJf;F Xlj; jz;zp FSikah ,Uf;Fk;.. tpbapw tiuf;Fk; xUj;jd; khj;jp xUj;jd; jg;g jl;bf;fpl;Nl ,Uf;fZk;. neUg;G NghLwtd; khwp khwp neUg;g Nghl;Lf;fpl;Nl ,Uf;fZk;. neUg;G J}e;J Nghdh> fhl;Lr; rdpaDq;f ,e;j Xilf;Fj;jhd; jz;zp Fbf;f tUk;...” vd;whd; rq;fpypad;. gl; L g; Ngha; tpOe; J f; fplf; F k; kuq; f is ,Oj; J g; Nghl; L vhpj; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. njhy;iy jUk; nfhR mwNt ,y;iy..,uT Neuj;jpy; ehd;F Gwj;jpYk; #L fhw;W tPrpa Rfj;jpy; vy;NyhUk; fz;zah;ej; hh;fs;. me;jf; fhl;Lg; nghl;ly; Xh; uk;kpakhd fhl;rpiaf; nfhLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ... ***

tpbe;jJ... mth;fs;

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K. rptypq;fk;

rhpapy;yhj xU rpyiuj; jtpu kw;nwy;NyhUk; Fspj;J tpl;L> jpUf;NfjP];tuh; tpG+jpiag; G+rpf; nfhz;L> re;NjhrkhfTk;> cw;rhfkhfTk; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. fhiy czthf ney; y hprp cg; G f; f Q; r p fpilj; j J. <u ntq; f haKk; nfhLj;jhh;fs;.. fQ;rpiaf; Fbj;J Vg;gk; tpll; nghpath; xUth; “fhiyapy Fbf;fpw fQ;rpj;jz;zp xlk;Gf;F ey;yhapUf;Fk;..elf;f njk;G tUk;” vd;whh;. %l;il Kbr;Rfis J}f;fpf; nfhz;L $l;lk; nghl;liy tpl;Lf; fiye;jJ.. jg;G rj;jk; njhlu fhl;Lf;Fs; ghijiaj; Njbf; nfhz;L efh;e;jhh;fs;. “njr khwp nrb” aj; njhl;Lg;Gl;lh> njr njhpahk jLkhwp NghapUNthkhk;... me;j nrb ,e;jf; fhl;Ly ,Uf;FNkh..?” xU ,isQd; Nfyp Ngrpdhd;. “VNy... gaq; fhl;lhNjNy... ,d;dpf;fp tiuf;fp ,e;j fhl;Ly mg;Gb xU nrb nrj;ja ehD ghj;jjpy;y... gag;glhk eTUq;f...!” fhiy NeukhftpUe;jhYk; mth;fsJ eil jsh;e;jJ.. vy;NyhUf;Fk; njhil> ,Lg;G> Koq;fhy; cghij vLj;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. me;j ePz;l gazj;jpy; mth;fs; ele;jhh;fs;... ele;jhh;fs;.... gyh; nja;tg; ghly;fis ghbf; nfhz;L ele;jhh;fs;. jg;Gf;fhuh;fs; Kd;dhy; tpiuthf ele;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. tho;f;ifiaj; NjLtjw;fhf tdhe;juj;Jf;Fs; jg;gbj;Jf; nfhz;L Nghf Ntz;Lk; vd;w tpjp mth;fSf;F fhj;jpUe;jpUf;fpwJ. tho; f ; i f vd; w hy; capiu itj; J f; nfhs; s Ntz; L k; . capiuf; fhg;ghw;Wtjw;F czT Njbf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;.. czTf;fhf gzk; vd;Dk; kdpjd; tFj;Jf; nfhz;l xU ngWkjpia Njbf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. ,jw;F NkNy mth; f shy; tho; f ; i ff; F NtW mh; j ; j j; i jj; Njbf; nfhs; s Kbatpy;iy.. tho;f;if vd;gJ glhNlhgkhdJ... mw;GjkhdJ... Ntbf;ifahdJ.. kpfTk; Rthu]; a khdJ..vd; n wy; y hk; mth; f s; mwpe; J itj; j pUf; f tpy; i y.. mth;fsplkpUe;j me;j xNu xU rpej; id czT> epyk;> tPL vd;w %d;Nw %d;W jhuf ke;jpuj;ij n[gpj;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gNjahFk;. mb epiyapy; fplf;Fk; kdpjdpd; Njitfnsy;yhk; mg;gbahfNtappUe;jd... fpuhkj;jpypUe;J Gwg;gLk; NghJ Mapuk; fpuhkthrpfshf ,Ue;jth;fs;... ghk;gdpy; vz;Zk; NghJ> njhs;shapuk; Nguhfp... fly; topapy; MW glFfspy; Gwg;gl;lNghJ> jiykd;dhh; ,wq;FJiwapy; Ie;J glFfshfp... njhs;shapuk; fpuhkthrpfSs; vOE}w;iwk;gJ Ngh;fshff; fiuNawp... fhl;Lg; gazj;jpy; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

njhlh;e;J nfhz;bUf;fpwJ.. kd;dhh; eil ghij tlf;Fg; ghijahFk;. kd;dhhpypUe;J kjthr;rp> mEuhjGuk;> jk;Gs;is> gd;dhkk;> (khj;jis>) fz;b tiu njhlh;tjhFk;.. kd;dhhpypUe;J njw;Fg; ghij top vd;gJ> kd;dhh;> Gj;jsk;> FUzhfy;> fz;b tiu njhlh;tjhFk;. kd;dhUf;Fk; Gj;jsj;Jf;Fk; xU ghoile; j ghijNa ,Ue; j J.. njw; F jpirapy; nry; Y k; mg; g hij flNyhukhfNt nry;tjhy; FbNaw;wthrpfSf;F czTk;> nghUl;fSk; kypthd tpiyapy; fpilf;Fk;. ,jdhy; jfty; mwpe;j kf;fs;> ,e;jg; ghijia tpUk;gpdhh;fs;. tlf;Fg; ghij J}uKk;> ehl;bd; ehyhgf;fKk; cs; Nehf;fpr; nry;tjhfTk; ,Ue;jJ.. ,Ue;j NghjpYk;. FbNaw;wthrpfs; ,e;jg; ghijapy; jkpoh; f isr; re; j pj; J mth; f Sld; Ngrpg; goFtjpYk; > rpy Neuq; f spy; mth;fSf;F RfaPdk; Vw;gl;lhy; mth;fsplkpUe;J Njitahd cjtpfs; ngWtjpYk; ,dk; vd;w hPjpay; jhdwpah cwTfs; fpilj;jd. mth;fSila nkhop> gof;f tof;fq;fs; vy;yhk; rpq;fsth;fis tpl xj;Jg; Nghapd. tlf;Fg; ghijapy; ,d;ndhU ed;ikAk; ,e;jpa fpuhkthrpfSf;Ff; fpilj;jd. top neLfpYk; jq; f pr; nry; t jw; F jq; F klq; f s; fl; l g; g l; b Ue; j d. Fb jz; z P U f; f hf fpzWfs; Njhz; l g; g l; b Ue; j d. mjdhy; gazj; j py; gzf;f\;lk; Fiwe;jpUe;jJ.. ,y;yhtpby; vy;yh nryTfisAk; Ms;fl;b ,th; f s; jiyapNyNa fl; b tpLthd; . Njhl; l k; Ngha; nrytopj; j flidnay;yhk; fl;l Ntz;Lk; vd;W fpuhkj;jpNyNa rq;fpypad; ghl;lha; ghba Qhgfk; mbf;fb ,th;fSf;F te;J NghFk;. kd;dhh;> Gj;jsk; ghijapy; ,e;jpa kf;fs; rpy rpy;yiw fhRfs; nfhz;L tUk; NghJ>‘fhl;Lr; rpq;fsth;’ ‘kaph; rpq;fsth;’ vd;Dk; Mjpthrpfs; vd;Nghh; mitfisg; gwpjJ ; f; nfhs;thh;fs;. FbNaw;wthrpfs; Nehahspahf mt;tg;NghJ eil ghijapy; tpOe;Jf; fplg;gth;fshfTk;> ghh;g;gjw;F ghpjhgkhfTk;> rpy re;jh;gg; q;fspy; ghijapy; ,we;J fplg;gijAk;> ftdpfF ; k; RNjrpa fpuhkthrpfs; gag;glj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. rpyh; FbNaw;wthrpfis mbj;J te;j topNa NghFk;gb tpul;Lthh;fs;. me;j gaj;jpdhy; kd;dhhpypUe;J Gj;jsk; ghijtiu te;jth;fs; caph; jg;gpf; nfhs; t jw; f hf kP z ; L k; jiy kd; d hUf; N f jpUk; g p Ch; Ngha; Nrh; e ; j rk;gtq;fSk; ,Uf;fpd;wd. ,jd; fhuzkhf fhydpj;Jt murhq;fk;>kd;dhh; - Gj; j sk; ghijapy; ,uz; L gphpl; b \; f huh; f is FbNaw; w thrpfspd; ghJfhg;Gf;fhf fhtyh; Ntiyapy; epWj;jpaJ. mth;fs; Jtf;F itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

ve;j ,lq;fspy; ,isg;ghwpNdhk;..?. ve;j ,lq;fspy; rikj;Jr; rhg;gpl;L ,uT jq;fpNdhk;..? vd;w tpguq;fnsy;yhk; vtUNk mwpahkypUe;jhh;fs;. Ms;fl;b fq; f hzpfSf; F k; ,e; j tpguq; f s; njhpah tpl; l hYk; milahsq; f is epjhdpj;J itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ele;J te;j J}uKk;> jq;fpr; nry;Yk; fhl;L nghl;ly;fSNk milahskhftpUe;jd. ntWk; tdhe;jpug; gazNkahifahy; mq;F kdpjh;fs; trpf;Fk; Ch; vd;w ngaNu fpilahJ. fhLfSf;Fs;spUe;J jpBh; jpBnud fhl;Lthrpfs; vd;Dk; Ntlh;fs; ntspapy; tUth;..mth;fs; ahtUk; ,yq;ifapd; goq;Fb kf;fshth;.. nts;isf;fhuh;fs; ,th;fis vd;ghh;fs;..,d;Dk; rpy fpuhkthrpfSk; ghijNahuq;fspy; elkhbf; nfhz;bUg;ghh;fs;. eil gazj;jpy; ngz;fSk; gpsi ; sfSNk euf Ntjidg;; gl;lhh;fs;. mth;fs; vy;NyhUNk thb tjq;fpj; Jtz;Lg; NghapUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; ,e;jpahtpypUe;J ,yq;if tdhe;juq;fisf; fle;J> kiyg; gpuNjrq;fSf;F fhy; eilahfNt gazk; nra;a Ntz;Lk; vd;gij xUNghJk; mwpe;jpUf;f tpy;iy. fly; gazj;jpy; kl;LNk mth;fs; eilapy;yhky; gazk; nra;jhYk;> mg; gazj;jpy; %r;Rj; jpzwp Jh;ehw;wj;jpy; kaq;fp> rpd;dh gpd;dg;gl;L FYq;fpj; J}f;fpnawpAk; glFf;Fs; cUz;L> Guz;L caph; jg;gpf; fiuNrh;ej; rk;gtq;fSk; mth; f is Vw; f dNt ghjp kd NehahspfshfTk; khw; w papUe; j J.. flw; gazj;jpy; te;jth;fnsy;yhk;> kuzj;ij n[apjj; th;fs; vd;Wk;> fhl;L topapy; ,we; j th; f nsy; y hk; Jujp]; l thjpfs; vd; W k; > nts; i sf; f huh; f s; jq;fSf;Fs;Ns Ngrpf; nfhs;thh;fs;. kd;dhhpypUe;J> kjthr;rp tUk; tiu ‘ghij ,Jjhd;’ vd;W mioj;J tug;gl;lhYk;> mJ ghijahfNt ,Uf;f tpy;iy... “ghij”vd;gJ ntWk; thh;j;ijfshy; cr;rhpf;fg;gLfpd;w ngaNuahFk;. kd;dhhpypUe;J fz;b tiu njhlUk; fhl;L top eil ghij E}w;wp Ik;gJ iky;fisf; nfhz;ljhFk;. NgrhiyapypUe;J fz;b tiu J}uk; Ew;wp Ik;gj;jhW iky;fshFk;. kd;dhh; tlf;F ghij Gjh; kz;ba epyKk; fhLfSNkahFk;. kdpjNdh> kpUfNkh... fle;J Nghd eil milahsNk ghijahfpaJ.. gy ,lq; f spy; vYk; G f; $LfSk; rpy ,lq; f spy; ,j; J g; Nghd Jzpj; Jz;LfSk; eil gazpfSf;F ghij fhl;bd... ,Jtiu mth;fs; fle;J te;j ghij vd;W nrhy;y Kbahj “fhl;Lg; ghijia” epidj;Jg; gae;jhh;fs;. Fwpgg; hf ngz;fSk;> gps;isfSk; njhlh;e;J fhLfSf;Fs; elg;gjw;F gae;jhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mth;fs; kpuz;L NghapUf;Fk; ghpjhg epiyikfisf; ftdpj;j Mz;fs; nra;tjwpahJ Gyk;gpdhh;fs;. jg;gbj;Jf; nfhz;L Kd;Ndhf;fpr; nrd;wth;fspy; ,uz;L Ngh;fs; mutk; jPz;b ,we;J Nghdhh;fs;. mth;fisj; njhlh;e;J te;jth;fs; fz;zhu> kdkhug; ghh;j;J Gyk;gp mOjhh;fs;. vd;d nra;tJ..? mth;fisj; J}f;fp nrb kiwtpy; itj;J tpl;L ele;jhh;fs;. ,uz;L jg;Gf;fSk; kw;wth;fsplk; nfhLf;fg;gl;ld. “khkh...! T+Uf;Fj; jpypk;gp NghapWtkh...? ts;sj;Jf;F ek;k %D NgUf;Fk; FLf;f gzk; ,Uf;Fkh..?” gj;J taJ kfNshL te;jpUf;Fk; xU jha; jdJ fztdplk; Nfl;lhs;. “vd;dh Gs;s....! ,J elf;fpw fhhpakh..? jpYk;g nfsk;gp ehk fhl;Lf;Fs;s Nght KbAkh..? fyq;fhj Gs;s... ,t;Nsh NgU Jzpr;ryh Nghwg;Ngh ekf;F kl;Lk; vd;dh elf;fg; NghTJ..?” vd;W mtDk; fiye;Jf; fplf; F k; mtsJ jiy Kbia Nfhjptpl; L mtis ,Wf mizj; J f; nfhz;lhd;. mtdJ Gwq; ifapy; nfhl;ba mtsJ fz;zPh; nfhjp ePuhfr; Rl;lJ. mtd; kidtp epidj;jijNa xUKiw mtDk; epidj;Jg; ghh;jj; hd;. mth;fs; te;J epw;Fk; fhl;bypUe;J jpUk;gp ele;J... ,uTk; gfYk; gy ehl;fs; ele;J kd;dhUf;Nf nrd;W tpl KbAkh...? fhl;L kpUfq;fs; Rk;kh tpl;L tpLkh...? my;yJ eil ghijjhd; ,tDf;Fj; njhpAkh...? mg;gb kd;dhUf;Fr; nrd; W tpl; l hYk; . ... glFf; f hud; f pl; N l ,Uf; F k; rpy; y iwfisnfhLj; J jD\; N fhb Ngha; r ; Nrh; e ; j hYk; . ... mq; f pUe; J mUk; g hT+Uf; F Ngha; t pl KbAkh...? fha;r;ry;fhud; fdT fz;lJ Nghy mtd; kpuz;L epd;whd;.. kd;dhhpypUe;J kjthr;rp tUk; tiuf;Fk; Ruq;fg; ghijiag; Nghd;w ,Uz;lf; fhl; L f; F s; N sapUe; J ele; J te; j th; f Sf; F > kjthr; r p vy; i yg; G wk; ntspr; r khftpUe; j J. “ vy; y hUk; te; J Nrh; e ; J tpl; l hh; f sh...?” vd; W rq; f pypaDk; > mtdJ kr; r pdDk; Ml; f isj; NjLtjpy; f\; l g; g l; L f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd;> fhrp> rd;dhrp vy;NyhUk; jq;fSld; te;j Vida thypgh;fisr; Nrh;j;Jf; nfhz;L rq;fpypaNdhL fhl;Lf;Fs; jpUk;gTk; Eioe;jhh;fs;. ,e;j Kiw epiwa Ngh;fs; $l;lj;NjhL <L nfhLj;J ele;J tutpy;iy... ,d;Dk; xU fl;ilj; J}uk;> vQ;rpath;fisj; Njbf; nfhz;L fhl;Lf;Fs;Ns ele;jhh;fs;. “,e;j thl;b gazj;Jy vdf;F vl;L voT TOe;jpUr;rp... Mapuk; NgUf;F nryT nrQ;rp.. vuE}W NgNuhl rhp vdf;F fz;b Nghap Nru KbAkhd;D Ghpay; y pNa...?” vd; W Gyk; g pa rq; f pypia> mtdJ kr; r pdd; MWjy; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

gLj;jpdhd;.” kj;j ts;sk; te;jpUe;jh me;j rdq;fs jk;gp $l;bf;fpl;L tUthd; kr;rhd;...! eP ftya TL...” vd;whd;. J}uj;jpy; njhpAk; kjthr;rp rkntspAk;> gRik epwj;J tay;fSk; mth;fs; fz;fSf;F Fsph;r;rpiaf; nfhLj;jd. ,e;jf; fhl;Lf;Fs; tpwF Nrfhpg;gjw;F> khl;L tz;bfs; te;J NghapUf;Fk; nrk;kz; G+kpapy; tz;br; rf;fuq;fspd; milahsk; nfhQ;rk; ghijahfNt njhpe;jJ.. “mb Mj;Nj...! ,Q;r ghUq;fb...!” vd;whs; xU ngz;... Ch; tho;f;ifapd; mDgt epfo;Tfis kPl;b nka;kwe;J epd;whs;.mtsJ ,uz;L iffspYk; ms;sp itj;jpUe;j rhzpiaf; fhl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;! fpuhkj;jpy; fhy; eilfNshL tho;ej; epidT> mtsJ czh;Tfis czh;ej; th;fspd; Kfj;jpy; rpwpjsT Gd;dif ,ioNahb kiwe;jJ. fhLfspypUe;J ntspahfp> rf kdpjh;fs; thOk; #oiyf; fz;L nfhz;ljpy; kfpo;r;rpaile;jpUe;jhh;fs;. tho;e;j kz;iz kwe;J nrhe;j ehl;Lf;Fs; kz;bf;fple;j fhLfspy; fhy;fis Nka tpl;L> flypd; eLtpNy jj;jspj;J> fiuNawp... ,d;ndhU ehl;bd; fhl;Lf;Fs; kPz;Lk; ele;J... mth;fs; gl;lj; Jauq;fis kPz;Lk; epidj;J ftiyg; g Lk; epiyikapy; ,y; y hky; ,Ue; j hh; f s; . eilg; gazj; j py; Kd;Ndhf;fpa ghh;itAk; czh;TfSNk ,Ue;jd. kd;dhh; jq;Fkplj;jpy; M];gj;jphp ,Ue;Jk;> jLg;G+rp NghLk; kUe;J xU khjkhf fz;bapypUe;J te;J Nru tpy;iy. ,e;jpaf; $l;lq;fs; rhhp rhhpahf te;J nfhz;bUf;fpdw ; dh;.. fz;bia tpl ghk;gNd rPff; pukhf kUe;J fpilf;ff; $ba ,lkhFk;. mq;Nf rpyUf;F kl;LNk Crp Nghl;lhh;fs;. mth;fsplk; kUe;J ,Ue;jpUe;jhy;> kd;dhUf;F mDg;gpapUg;ghh;fs;. kd;dhhpypUe;J kjthr;rp te;J NrUk; tiu epiwa ngz;fSk;> rpWth;> rpwkpfSk; fha; r ; r yhy; ghjpf; f g; g l; L > fhl; L topapNyNa rpyh; ,we; J g; Nghdhh;fs;.. rpyh; fhzhky; Nghdhh;fs;. mth;fNshL %j;j taJila gy NgUk; ,we;Js;shh;fs;. ,we;j cly;fis rpWj;ijfs; rhg;gpLtjpy;iy.. fbj;Jf; Fjwp Nghl;L tpl;Lr; nry;Yk;. ehpfs;> Xeha;fNs rhg;gpLk;. kd;dhhpypUe;J vOE}w;iwk;gJ Ngh;fs; kjthr;rp tiuapYkhd fhl;Lg; gazj; i jj; njhlq; f pa ehspypUe; J > Vwf; Fiwa Ik; g J Ngh; f shtJ ,we; j pUf; f f; $Lk; > vd; W rq; f pypadplk; kr; r pdd; khwg; g d; fhJf; F s; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nrhd;dhd;. kjthr;rpapypUe;J>mEuhjGuk; tiuapyhd eilg; gazj;jpy; ,d;Dk; vj;jid Ngh;fs; Nrjkhthh;fs; vd;gij epidj;J rq;fpypad; kdk; jsh;e;jhd;. “md; u hrGuj; J (mEuhjGuk; ) M]; g j; j phpapy nuz; L %D ehshtJ Neha; t ha; g ; g l; l tq; f s epg; g hl; b ghf; f Zk; . .” vd; w hd; khwg; g d; . “kjthr;rpapypUe;J md;whrGuk; tiuf;Fk; fhl;L Midq;f ml;lfhrk; [h];jpah ,Uf; F k; Ny... Nghdthl; b jg; G f; f huidNa J}f; f pg; Nghl; L kpjpr; r pg; Nghl;Ljpy;y...! nkhjthl;b Kdpahz;b fq;fhzp Midfs ntul;l fhl;Lf;F jP ntr;rpl;lhd;D rPkj; njhu njhtf;fhy Rl;Lf; nfhd;Dl;lhNd... ehtfk; ,Uf;Fjpy;y...!” rq; f pypad; fz; b f; F k; fpuhkj; J f; F k; ,e; j gazj; N jhL gj; J Kiw ele;jpUf;fpwhd;> mtd; nfl;ltdhf ,Ue;jhYk;> ,uf;fKs;std;;. kr;rhd; nghpa fq;fhzpf;F tpRthrkhdtd;. gj;J Kiw mtd; fz;bf;Fk;> ,e;jpa fpuhkq;fSf;Fk; nrd;W Ml;fis Nrfhpg;gJ Kjy;> mth;fNshL kPz;Lk; fhLfspy; ele; J Kbe; j sT ftdkhf mioj; J tUtJ tiu mtDk; nrhy;nyhd;dhj f\;lq;fis mDgtpg;gtd;. $l;lj;jpdiu kjthr;rp jq;Fkplj;Jf;F $l;bf; nfhz;Ltpl;ljpy; nfhQ;rk; MWjyile;jhd;. mtd; kjthr; r p jq; F kplj; j pypUf; F k; thypgh; f splk; kd; w hbf; Nfl; L f; nfhz;lhd;. mtdJ kdk; jsh;e;j Fuypy; gzpTk;> nfQ;rYk;> cjtpf;fhf kUtp epwF ; k; ghpjhg epiyikAk; njhpej; d. “jk;gpash...! ehk nghiof;fg; Nghw rPikf;Fj;jhd; Nghapfpl;L ,Uf;Nfhk;.. vd;ida ek;gp te;j rdq;fs KbQ;r kl; L k; fhg; g hj; j p fu Nrg; N gd; . rdq; f neiwa NgU elf; f Kbahk fhl;Lf;Fs;NsNa ,Uf;fhq;f... xU thl;b gpd;dhy Nghap Kbahj rdq;fs mior;rpf;fpl;L tuZk;.. jdp kDrdh vd;dhy kl;Lk; Kbahj fhhpak;... ePqf; Sk; nfhQ;r Ngh; xj;jhirf;fp tUtPqf; sh..?” rq;fpypad; ,g;gb nrhy;tjw;F Kd;Ng thypgh;fs; gy Ngh; rq;fpypaid $l;bf; nfhz;L Ml;fisj; NjLtjw;Fj; jahuhftpUe;jhh;fs;. ,g;NghJ thypgh;fs; epiwa Ngh; rq;fpypaNdhL fhl;Lf;Fs; gpd;Ndhf;fp ele;jhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

kjthr;rp jq;Fkplj;jpy; VidNahh; Ftpe;jhh;fs;. midtUk; jiuapy; mg;gb mg;gbNa gLj;J tpl;lhh;fs;.fpuhkj;ij tpl;L Gwg;gl;l ehspypUe;J ,d;W tiu grpahw czT fpilf;f tpy;iy. jhfk; jPh;g;gjw;F jz;zPh; fpilg;gJ $l f\;lkhftpUe;jJ.. fpilj;j ePnuy;yhk; fpUkpfs; epiwe;j ePuhfTk;> kpUfq;fs; Fog;gp tPr;rk; epiwe;jjhfTk;> ,Ue;jJ.. fhl;Lj; jz;zPiuf; Fbj;j epiwa Ngh;fSf;F fha;r;ry; cz;lhfpaJ. gazj;jpd; eLNt Nehapy; mbgl;l Nfhopfs; RUz;L tpOtijg; Nghd;W tPoe; J ; ,we;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. fhy; gjpj;J te;j milahsq;fNs ghijahf.... me;jg; ghij neLf.. vj;jid kz;il XLfs;... vj;jid vYk;Gf; $Lfisf; fz;L gae;J te;jhh;fs;. kdKk;> clYk; Neha;tha;gg; l;L... gazj;ijj; njhlu Kbahj epiyik Vw;gl;lJ... thypgf; $l; l j; j pdNuhL NtyhAjk; > godp> rP u q; f d; %tUk; Nrh;e;jpUe;jhh;fs;.rpy Ngiu Rke;Jf; nfhz;Lk; jpUk;gp te;jhh;fs;. mth;fis kjthr;rp klj;jpy; fplj;jpdhh;fs;. mq;Nfjhd; rpy nts;is kdpjh;fisg; ghh;j;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; Njt Nyhfj;J flTsh;fshfj; njhpe;jhh;fs;. ,g;gbahd nts;is epwj;J kdpjh;fis> Fjpiufisg; glq;fspy; $l ghh;j;jpUf;fhj mth;fs;> fz;nzjpNu fhZifapy; fdthfj; njhpe;jJ.. rPikj; Jiufs; xU Nfhl;Lf;fhudplk; VNjh nrhd;dhh;fs;... Nfhl;Lf;fhud; >rq;fpypaidg; NghyNt Nfhl;L> jiyg; ghif mzpe;jpUe;jhd;. “vy;yhUk; Ve;jpUr;rp epy;Yq;f...! Kbahjtq;f mg;gpbNa Fe;jpapUq;f... rPikj; Jiu Crp Fj;JthU... Neha; nehb ,dpNk tuhJ... elf;FwJf;F njk;G te;jpUk;... gag;gl thzhk;...” vd;whd;. rPikj; Jiuf;F cjtpahf Ie;J thypgh;fis me;j fq;fhzp Vw;ghL nra;J fz;bapypUe;Nj mioj;J te;jpUe;jhd;. mth;fs; njhopyhshpd; iffis ePl;bg; gpbj;Jf; nfhs;sTk;> rPikj; Jiufs; mth;fisj; njhlhky;... %f;fpYk;. thapYk; Jzpiar; ; Rw;wpf; nfhz;L Crp kUe;ij Vw;wpf; nfhz;Nl nrd;whh;fs;. nfhQ;r Neuj;Jf;Fs; vy;NyhUf;Fk; CrpkUe;J Nghlg;gl;lJ. VNjh clk;Gf;Fs; ‘njk;G” te;jJ Nghd;w gpuik mth;fSf;F nehbf;Fs; Vw;gl;lJ. ,d;W kjthr;rp klj;jpy; Nrhw;Wf; fQ;rp tapW epiwaf; fpilj;jJ. nts;isr; rPkhd;fs; ,d;W ,e;j klj;jpy; epdw ; jhNyNa mth;fSf;F tapwhu grp jPht ; jw;F gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mhprp fQ;rp fpilj;jpUf;fpwJ. ghk;gdpy;> kd;dhhpy;> rPikj; Jiufs; nfhLj;j mhprpia fq;fhzpfs; gJf;fp itj;Jf; nfhz;L> tUfpd;w rdq;fSf;F “jPhj; j; k;”fhl;bf; nfhz;bUe;j cz;ik ,d;Wjhd; njhopyhsh;fSf;Fg; Ghpej; J.. kPjg;gLk; mhprpiaj; njhopyhsh;fspd; jiyfspNyNa fl;br; Rke;J tur; nra;J> Njhl;lq;fSf;Fr; nrd;wJk; mijNa mth;fSf;F toq;fp> fld; fzf;fpy; vOjpf; nfhs;thh;fs;.. kjthr;rpapy; te;J Ftpe;jpUf;Fk; njhopyhsh;fspd; cly; epiyikfis mwpeJ ; f; nfhz;l rPikj; Jiufs;> mth;fis xU thukhtJ kjthr;rp klj;jpy; Xa;ntLj;Jf; nfhz;L> eilg; gazj;ij Muk;gpf;Fk;gb fq;fhzpaplk; fl;lisapl;lhu;fs;. njhopyhsh; f s; fhjpy; ,e; j ey; y nra; j p tpOe; j Jk; > mth; f s; Kfq; f s; kyh; e ; j d.Fjpiuapy; te; j rP i kj; Jiufs; > kd; d hhpy; jq; f Sf; F gpuj;jpNafkhff; fl;lg;gl;bUe;j ‘gq;fshtpy; ‘jq;Ftjw;Fg; Nghdhh;fs;. me;j ‘gq;fsh’ $l ,e;jpahtpypUe;J tUfpd;w njhopyhsh;fs; jq;Ftjw;fhfNtjhd; fl;bdhh;fs;. Mdhy; njhopyhsh;fs; mq;Nf jq;f tpUk;ghJ> ‘gq;fshTf;F’ ntspNa kzy; ntspapy; gLj;Jf; nfhs;thh;fs;. mq;F FOkpapUg;gth;fs; ahtUk; NjhYk; JUj;jpAkhf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; E}w;iwk;gJ iky; J}uj;jpy; ,d;Dk; E}W iky; J}ukhtJ khj;jis tiu elf;f Ntz;b tUk;. mth;fs; elg;gjw;F ,d;Dk; vj;jid ehl;fs; vLf;Fk; vd;gjpYk;> vj;jid Ngh;fs; ,we;J tpLthh;fs; vd;gjpYk; rPikj; Jiukhh;fs; Iag;gl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,th;fspy; kpfTk; Nkhrkhf Neha;gg; l;L vOe;J elf;f Kbahjth;fisAk;> rhFk; epiyapy; ,Ug; g th; f isAk; tpl; L tpl; L > kw; w th; f is elf; F k; g b fl;lisapl;lhh;fs;. Gjpa fq;fhzp nryk;guKk;> mtNdhL te;jpUe;j Ie;J $ypfSk; kUe;J nghjpfNshL mq; N fNa jq; f pdhh; f s; . rP i kj; Jiufs; ,uz; L nghjp kUe;Jfis Fjpiuapy; vLj;Jf; nfhz;L kd;dhUf;Fg; NghapUe;jhh;fs;. kjthr;rp> kd;dhh; jq;Fkplq;fs; $l rpNyhd; Ml;rp eph;thfj;ijf; ftdpf;Fk;> rpy kdpjhgpkhdk; nfhz;l MSdh;fspd; fl;lhaj;jpd; NghpNyNa fl;lg;gl;ld. ,th;fspd; typAWj;jypd; NghpNyNa kjthr;rpapypUe;J khj;jis $l;br; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

nry;Yk; tiu> jq;Fkplq;fs;> Fspg;gjw;F trjpfs;> Rj;jkhd fpzWfs;> fl;lg;gl;ld;. kpfg; nghpa Ch;tykhf te;j $l;lj;jpdh;> ,d;W rk ghjpahff; fiue;Jf; nfhz;L Ngha;f; nfhz;bUg;gij NtyhAjk>; godpaplk; kpfNtjidAld; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. kd;dhh; fhl;bypUe;J kjthr;rp tUk; tiu ghk;Gf; fbapdhy; ,we;Jg; Nghdth;fNs mjpfkhftpUe;jdh;. gl;lg; gfypy; rpWj;ijfs; kdpjiu ft;tp ,Oj;Jf; nfhz;L Nghtijf;fz;L mywp rj;jk; NghLtijj; jtpu Nthnwhd;Wk; mth;fshy; nra;a KbahjpUe;jdh;. GjUf;Fs; gJq;fpapUf;Fk; rpWj;ijfSk;> Gy;Yf;Fs; gJq;fpapUf;Fk; ghk;GfSk; mth;fsJ kuzj;ij eph;zapj;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jd. me;jf; fhdfg;gazj;jpy; jLkhwpj; jj;jspj;J efh;e;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; mth;fSf;Fg; gpd;dhy; kuzk; gj;jb js;spNa te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. Xilapy; ePh; ms;sp rikay; nra;jg; gpd;dh;> ePuhb te;J rhg;gpl;lg; gpd;dh;> ePNuhilapd; Nky; gFjpapy; fhl;nlUikapd; mOfpa rlyk; fplg;gijf; fz;L the;jp vLj;jth;fSk;> the;jp Ngjpahy; ,we;jth;fspd; fijfSk; ,e;j gazj;jpy; kjthr;rp fhl;by; ele;jij epidj;J tUe;jpdhh;fs;. ***

fhrp >ez;gh;fNshL> NtyhAjk; mkh;e;jpUf;Fk; ,lj;ijj; Njb te;J mkh;e;jhd;. “mz;Nz..! neyk nuhk;g Nkhrkhfpf;fpl;Nl ,Uf;FNj.. te;j rdq;fy;y ghjp Nghr;Nr..!” vd;W Mjq;fg;gl;lhd;. “nts;sf;fhu eha;f el ghj ntl;bapUf;fZk;’ rhg;ghL FLj;jpUf;fZk;.. kUe;J}rp Nghl;bUf;fZk;.. Fb jz;zp> jq;Fw trjp> vy;yhk; nrQ;rp FLj;jpUe;jh te;j rdq;f top Nghf;fpy ,g;gb nrj;jopQr; pff; plL ; ,Uf;f khl;lhq;f..”vd;whd; NtyhAjk;.. “vd;dz;Nz ,dpNk nra;wJ.?” “rhT ek;ky neUq;Fw tiuf;Fk; elg;Nghk;.Nfhg;gp Njhl;lj;j ghf;Fw tiuf;Fk; njk;Nghl ,Ug;Nghk;. ekf;F ,e;j Ms; fl;b gaiyj; jtpu Ntw ahiuANk njhpahNj..! nts;isf;fhud; te;jhYk; irif %ykh nrhy;ypg; ghf;fyhk;..” NtyhAjk; me;j ,isQdpd; jiyia thQ;irNahL jltpdhd;. mtdJ MWjYk;> ijhpakhd Ngr;Rk; fhrpia njspTf;Fs;shf;fpaJ..

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mth;fs; nkJthfg; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; NghNj mth;fSf;F Kd;dhy; xU fhl;rp mjpu;r;rpia cz;lhf;fpaJ. rhaq; fhyk; MW> Mwiu kzpapUf;Fk;. ,Us; kaq;Fk; Neuk;.. Aj;jf; fsj;jpy; khz;Lf; fplf;Fk; cly;fisg; Nghd;W vy;NyhUk;; kjthr;rp ikjhdj;jpy; gLj;Jf; fple;jhh;fs;. xU Fkhpg; nghz;Z vOe;J epdw ; hs;.. mts; FdpeJ ; gf;fj;jpy; gLj;jpUe;j ,d;ndhU ngz;izAk; vOg;gpdhs;. mNj ,lj;jpy; ,U igad;fSk; vOk;gpdhh;fs;. ehd;F NgUk; nkJthf ele;jhh;fs;. fhrpAk;> NtyhAjKk; jpBnud Ngr;ir epWj;jptpl;L> mth;fis Nehl;lkpl;lhh;fs;. mth;fs; nrbfSf;Fs; kiwe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjKk;> godpAk;> fhrpAk; rj;jkpyy ; hky; mth;fisg; gpd; njhlh;ej; hh;fs;. mth; f s; nrbfSf; F s; mkh; e ; J xUtiunahUth; fl; b j; jOtpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,d;Dk; rpwpJ Neuk; nrd;wpUe;jhy; mth;fs; thypgj; jtpg;gpy; jtWfs; Ghptjw;F Maj;jkhfpapUg;ghh;fs;. “Va; jk;gpfsh.!”nfhQ;rk; rj;jj;NjhLk;> fz;bg;ghd FuNyhLk; NtyhAjk; mth;fs; mUfpy; Ngha; epdw; hd;. fhrp %h;f;fkhf me;j ,isQh;fSs; xUtdpd; rl;iliag; gpbj;J Nfhgkhf ,Oj;jhd;. NtyhAjk; mtid rkhjhdg; gLj;jpdhd;. me;j ehy;tiuAk; md;ghd Fuypy; mUfpy; mioj;jhd; NtyhAjk;. “,g;Gb ele;Jf;fyhkh.?”NtyhAjk; mth;fs; Kd;dhy; xU jfg;gidg; Nghy epd;whd;. mth;fs; mtd; Kd;dhy; eL eLq;fpf; nfhz;L epd;whh;fs;. xU ,isQd; Ngrpdhd;.”,y;yz;Nz> ehq;f GUrd;> ngQ;;rhjpah thoZKd;D Mr te; j pr; r p> mJ elf; F khd; D re; N jfk; te; j pr; r p.. Nfhg; g p Njhl; l k; NghwJf;Fs;s fhl;Lf;Fs;sNa nrj;Jg; NghapUNthk;> rhTwJf;F Kd;dhb GUrd;> nghz;lhl;bah ,Uf;fZKd;D>”mtdJ Ngr;R mj;Jld; jilg;gl;L epd;wJ.. “,d;Dk; nfhQ;r ehs;y Nfhg;gp Njhl;lk; Nghapwyhk;. mJf;Fs;s nghl;lg; Gs;isq;f nfh;gg; khapll; h mJq;f xlk;G nfl;L Nghthjh..? mJq;f Nehahspahf khl;lhq;fsh..? mg;Gwk; elf;f KbAkh..? Njhl;lk; Nght KbAkh..?ekf;F ,d;Dk; vd;ndd;d NfLf fhj;jpUf;FNjh njhpahJ> nfhQ;rk; Nahrprr; p ghUq;f. Njhl;lk; NghdJk; ehq;fNs xq;fSf;F fypahzk; elj;jp tf;fpNwhk;. mJ tiuf;Fk; xU kQ;rj; Jz;ilahtJ jhypd;D fl;Lwtiuf;Fk; jg;nghd;Dk; nra;af; $lhJ.!” jha;ik czh;Tld; mth;fsplk; me;j nrbkiwTf;Fs; epd;W rj;jkpy;yhky; Ngrpdhd;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; “,dpNk ,g;gpb jg;G vJTk; elf;fhJ.. vq;fk;kh jhypf;Fg; GJth rj;jpak;..!”vd;W xU nghz;Z njspthfr; nrhd;dhs;.”Mkhz;Nz.! vq;fs ek;Gq;fz;Nz.! njhopyy ; Nghap xf;fhu;w tiuf;Fk; xU nghz;z njhl khl;Nlhk;Nz.!” vd;whd; ,d;ndhU ,isQd;.”rhp Nghap gLj;Jf;Fq;f..!” NtyhAjk; mth;fis MjuNthL ikjhdj;Jf;F mDg;gpdhd;. NfL.. Jd;gk;> kuzk;> grp.. gl;bdp.. vd;whYk; ,isQh;fspd; clYf;Fs; fhkk; vd;w NgAk; kiwe;jpUf;Fk;.. NtyhAjk; ez;gh;fNshL ikjhdj;ij Nehf;fp ele;jhd;. ikjhdj;jpy; mtuth; %l;il Kbr;Rf;fs; itf;fg;gl;bUf;Fk; ,lj;jpy; cl;fhh;e;jhh;fs;. jdJ rhf;F %l;ilg; gf;fk; cl;fhh;e;j NtyhAjk;> godpapd; iffis ,Oj;J jdJ Kfj;jpy; nghj;jpf; nfhz;L Nftpf; Nftp Foe;ijiag; Nghy; moj; njhlq;fpdhd;. mtid ,Wf mizj;jgb “Ntyh> vd;dh nfhoe;j khjphp..? vd;dh ele;Jr;rp..?” vd;W mjph;r;rpNahL Nfl;lhd;. “godp..! ehd; Nahf;fpakhd kDrd; ,y;y..! ,e;j vsRfSf;F Gj;jp nrhy;wJf;F vdf;F Nahf;fpaijNa nfilahJ.!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. “,g;Ngh vd;dh ele;J Nghr;rp..? Vk; nghyk;Gw..?” godp Fog;gj;NjhL Nfl;lhd;. “njhopy;y Nghap xf;fhu;w tiuf;Fk; xU nghz;z njhl khl;Nld;D me;jg; igad; nrhd;dhNd ftdpr;rpah..?” “Mkh”.. “kQ;rj; Jz;ilahtJ jhypah fl;Lw tiuf;Fk; xU nghz;z njhlf; $lhJd;D ehd; nrhd;NdNd. ftdprr; pah..?” Mkh.. mJTk; ftdprN ; rd;.” NtyhAjk; rpwpJ Neu nksdj;Jf;Fg; gpwF njhlh;e;jhd;. “ghg; g hj; j pa nfLj; J l; L te; j vdf; F > ,e; j Gs; i sfSf; F Gj; j p nrhy; y nfhQ;rKk; Nahf;fpaj nfilahJ godp..” vd;whd;. “ghg;ghj;jp xd; nghz;lhl;bjhNd..CUf;F Nghdh xd;dh Nre;Jf;FtPqf; jhNd> me;j fija ,e;j fijNahl Nrj;J nfhok;gpf;fhj..” vd;W godp MWjy; nrhd;dhd;. ***

ng Ue; Njhl; l r; nra; i fahsh; f shd gphpj; j hdpa KjyP l ; l hsh; f spd; fUizapyy ; hj eltbf;iffs; gw;wp rpy kdpjhgpkhdk; nfhz;l vOj;jhsh;fs; “Nfhg;gp tptrhapfs;” vd;Dk;> Jiukhh;fisAk;> MSdh;fisAk;> $ypfis Vkhw;wp mioj;J tUk; fq;fhzpfisAk; Fw;wthspfshf;fp jz;lidfs; toq; f Ntz; L k; > vd; w gpur; r hu Nehf; f j; j py; jfty; Gj; j fq; f is kpf gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

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mf; f iwNahLk; > mtruj; N jhLk; vOjp ntspapl; L f; nfhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . mth;fSk; nts;is ,dj;jth;fs;jhd;. tpy;ypak; iel;ld; vd;w vOj;jhsNu ,e;j ghku kf;fs; tbj;j fz;zi P u fij fijahf vOjpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;.. ,tuJ vOj;Jf;fs;> xg;Nrth;> ilk;];> kw;Wk; ,tNu elj;jpa Kd;Ndhb n`Nuhy;l; gj;jphpiffspy; ntspte;jd.. ,tu; Nfhg;gp Njhl;lj;jpy; Jiuahf Ntiy nra;J> njhopyhsu;fs; gl;lj;Jd;gq;fis rfpj;J nfhs;sh Kbahky; Ntiyia tpl;L tpyfp gj;jpupf;if njhopypy; <Lg;gl;lhu;. ,Nj fhyj;jpy; nfhOk;gpypUe;J “Kdpahz;b” (1869) vd;w Mq;fpyg; gj;jphpfi ; f xd;Wk; ntspte;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jJ. mJ njhopyhshpd; fy;tp> r%f mwpit Nkk;gLj;Jtjw;fhf> ,uz;L tUlq;fs; tiu ntspte;jJ. gj;jphpf;if nra;jpfSf;Fg; gae;j gy Njrhjpgjpfs; Fjpiufspy; Vwp $ypfs; ele; J tUk; fhLfSf; F r; nrd; W epiyikfis mwpe; J te; j hh; f s; . kd;dhhpypUe;J> kj;jpa kiy gpuNjrkhd fz;bf;F tUk; tiu $ypfs;> grpahYk;> fisg;ghYk;> NehapdhYk; jhf;fg;gl;L> fhLfspy; njhlh;e;J elf;Fk; rf; j pia ,oe; j pUg; g jhfTk; > mjdhy; gy Ngh; f s; top neLf nrj; J f; nfhz;bUg;gjhfTk;> Nthh;l; Njrhjpgjp mwpf;if vOjp ,e;jpahtpypUf;Fk; jq;fsJ murhq;fj;Jf;F mwptpj;jhh;. $ypfSf;F $yp klk;> $yp M];gj;jphp> ahTk; fl;bg; Nghl Ntz;Lk; vd;W ,e;jpa muRf;F rpghhpR nra;jpUe;jhh;. $ypfs; topg; gazj;jpy; czTk;> jz;zU P k; ,y;yhky; kuzj;ijj; jOtpf; nfhz; b Uf; f pwhh; f s; vd; W gutyhf ,e; j pa muRf; F k; > gphpj; j hdpa ehl;lth;fSf;Fk; nra;jpfs; nrd;Wf; nfhz;bUe;jd. njd;dpe;jpahtpy; Ms;fl;b tUk;gb Vw;ghL nra;j ‘fq;fhzp rp];lk;’ vt;tsT tpghP j khdJ vd; g ij muRk; > Njhl; l nrhe; j f; f huh; f Sk; czuj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;.Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs;> $ypfSf;F rikj;Jg; NghLtjw;F nfhLj;j gzj;ijAk;> rikay; rhkhd;fisAk; fq;fhzpfs; gJf;fp itj;Jf; nfhz;L miug; gl;bdp> nfhiyg; gl;bdp Nghl;L topg; gazj;jpy; E}w;Wf; fzf;fhdth;fis rhfbj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Njrhjpgjpapd; neUf; F jyhy; FbNaw; w mjpfhhpfs; $ypfs; jq; F k; $lhuq;fisnay;yhk; ghpNrhjid nra;aj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. mNefkhd $lhuq;fs; Gw;fshy; Ntag;gl;bUe;jd. mitfs; gOjile;J Xl;ilfs; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

K. rptypq;fk;

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K. rptypq;fk;

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100

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101

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102

K. rptypq;fk;

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103

K. rptypq;fk;

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104

K. rptypq;fk;

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105

K. rptypq;fk;

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106

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107

K. rptypq;fk;

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108

K. rptypq;fk;

“NtyhAjz; N z...!” fhrp Mj; j puk; nghq; f pa mOifNahL rj;jkpl;lhd;.jiyia epkph;j;jpa NtyhAjk; thh;j;ij tuhky; tpOq;fpagb nrhd;dhd;. “ek;k gazj;Jy Mapuk; Ngu fzf;Fg; Nghl;Lf;fpl;L te;jhd; rq;fpyp... ,g;Ngh MWD}W NgU$l kpQ;rpapUg;Nghkhd;D rKrpaNk...!” vd;W ,Oj;jhd;. “tpbal;Lk; vz;zpg; ghg;Nghk;..!” xNu Fk;gyh flNyhl flyh E}j;jpak;gJ cRU md;idf;Nf Nghr;Nr...! ghyj;Jy ,Ue;J ghjhsj;Jf;Fk; Nghr;Nr..?”Nfs;tpf; FwpNahL NtyhAjj;jpd; Kfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd; fhrp... ***

kjthr;rpf;Fk;> mEuhjGuj;Jf;Fk;

,ilg;gl;l fhLfspy; fpl;l fpl;l kdpj vYk;Gf; $LfSk;> kz;ilNahLfSk; fple;jd. “vYk;Gf; $Lf nflf;Fw njirapyj;jhd; ehk elf;fZk;... mJfjhd; ekf;F ghj fhl;Lk;..!” vd;whd; rq;fpypad;. nfh^ukhd tuyhw;W epfo;Tfis mdhahrkhf nrhy;Yfpd;w mtdJ Ngr;rpy; cz;ik ,Ue;jJ.. kd;dhh;> kjthr;rp fhl;L topahf tUk;NghJk; mg;gbNajhd; nrhd;dhd;. rq;fpypad; nrhd;dJ NghyNt epiwa kz;il XLfisAk;> if fhy; vYk;GfisAk;> khh;G $LfisAk; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L Nghfpwth;fspd; kdk; cs; @ u NgrpaJ.. “kz; i l XLfs; vy; y hNk ekJ kf; f SilaJjhd; . kuzj;ijr; Rke;Jf; nfhz;L> fhLfisf; fle;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gth;fspd; %r;R epd; W Nghfpd; w ,lq; f spnyy; y hk; ,e; j XLfSk; > $LfSk; > Ftpe; J tpLfpd;wd. ,it rpNyhd; G+h;tPf thrpfspd; $LfshftpUf;f KbahJ.. mth;fSf;F ,d;Dk; tdhe;jpuq;fspy; trpg;gjw;F mtrpak; Vw;gl tpy;iy.. mth;fspd; Fbrdk; ngUFk; fhyk; ,d;Dk; tutpy;iy.. me;jf; fhyk; tUk;NghJjhd; ,e;j tdq;fs; mopf;fg;glyhk;. trpg;gplq;fs; cUthfyhk;..”

***

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

109

K. rptypq;fk;

ghijapNy tP b Uf; f .. godpr; rk;gh NrhwpUf;f.. vUkj; japupUf; f .. Vd;b te;Njhk; fz;b rPik?

mEuhjGuk; vd;w Chpd; mUfpy; te;J tpl;lg; gpwF ,e;jpaj; njhopyhsh;fs; jq;Ftjw;F klk; fl;lg;gl;bUg;gij rq;fpypad; fhl;bdhd;> mEuhjGuk; vd;w fpuhkk; xU fhyj;jpy; mEuhjfkk; vd;w ngauhf ,Ue;jjhfTk;> mEuhjGuj;ij Ml; r p nra; j gz; L fhga kd; d d; j hd; mEuhjGu vd; W ngaiu khw;wpaikj;jhd;> vd;w fijAk; ,Ue;jJ. ,J nghpa CuhfTk;> gl;bdkhfTk; ,Ue;jJ gw;wpAk;> ,e;jpa jkpo; murh;fs; ,q;Nf Ml;rp nra;jJ gw;wpAk;> ,e;j efuj;Jf;F mUfpy; ,Uf;Fk; nghyd;dWt efuj;ijAk; Ml;rp nra;j fijfSk; cz; L ...”vy; y hs uhrht rpq; f s uhrh J\; ; l ifKD rz; i lapy nfhd;Dg;Gl;lhuhk;..! rz;ilapy khz;L Nghd uhrht ey;ylf;fk; nrQ;rp> fy;yiwAk; fl;b kUthjp nrQ;rhuhk;. Vo;g;ghzj;jpNyAk; rq;fpyp uhrh guk;gu Ml;rp nrQ;rhq;fyhk;.” vd;nwy;yhk; tuyhw;Wf; fijfis tha; top %ykhf mwpe;jpUe;j mth;fs; xUtUf;nfhUth; Ngrpf; nfhz;L Nghdhh;fs;. “cz;k ,y;yhkyh ek;k Ms; fl;bf;Fk; rq;fpyp uhrh Ngu tr;rpUg;ghq;f..? vd;W xU ngz;Zk; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;L Nghdhs;. vOj; J k; gbg; G k; ,y; y hj fhyj; j py; MwwpT nfhz; l kdpj ,dk; ‘fhJ top’mwpit vt;tsT Nkk; gLj;jp tho;e;J te;jpUf;fpwhh;fs; vd;gij rhd;W gfph;e;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. mEuhjGuj;ij mth;fs; “mz;l;uhrnghuk;’ vd;Nw nrhy;ypf; nfhz;L Nghdhh;fs;. tlf;Fg; gpuNjrj;Jf; fhl;Lg; ghijia ele;J Kbj;jth;fs;> tl kj;jpa fhl;Lg; ghijf;Fs; ele;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. fhl;Lf;Fs; jpBnud rpije;Jg; Nghd fl;blq;fisf; fz;lhh;fs;. nrq;fy; J}z;fs; Kz;lkhf epd;wd. Ntiyg;ghLfs; nra;ag;gl;l jpz;izfs;> rJuf; fw;fs; gjpf;fg;gl;l ghijfs;> gbf;fl;Lf;fs;.. re;jpu tl;lf;fy;> vd ahNuh Xh; murdpd; muz;kidf;Fs;Ns> mth;fsJ ghjq;fs; gl;Lf; nfhz;bUg;gij czh;e;jhh;fs;. “,J jkpo; uhrh fhyj;J muz;kidah ,Uf;Fk;..?”vd;W NtyhAjk; $l;lj;jpdiug; ghh;j;Jr; nrhd;dhd;. godp> rPuq;fd;> fhrp mtdJ ez;gh;fs;> ,d;Dk; gy ,stl;lq;fs; me;j ,be;j fl;blq;fisr; Rw;wpr; Rw;wp Ntbf;if ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;L epd;whh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

110

K. rptypq;fk;

mEuhjGuj;ij Ml;rp nra;j murh;fs; tho;e;j khspiffs; mope;J Fl;br; Rtuhff; fhzg;gl;ld. mit Vd; Fl;br; Rtuhf mope;Jg; NghFksTf;F vd;d Neh;e;jnjd;W mwpa Kbatpy;iy. mEuhjGuk; xU uh[jhdpahf ,Ue;jjw;Fk;> mjd; Rw; W r; #oy; f spy; mur gpujhdpfs; $l; l k; $l; l khf tho; e ; j milahsq;fs; ahTk; fl;bl vr;rq;fspd; %yk; tpsq;fpf; nfhs;s Kbe;jJ.. mEuhjGuk;> nghyd;dWt Mfpa jiy efuq;fis nay;yhk; kd;dh; G+kp> vd;Wk; rpqf; sj;jpy; “u[ ul;l” vd;Wk; ,g; gpuNjrq;fs; ngah; ngw;wpUe;jd. “ehq;f ,g;Ngh uhrhkhUq;f tho;e;j G+kpapy ,Uf;Nfhk;..” vd;W NtyhAjk; rj;jkhf vy;NyhUf;Fk; Nfl;Fk;gb nrhd;dhd;. “ekf;F Kd;Nd ,e;jpa uhrhkhUq;f ,e;j ehl;l Mz;;bUf;fhq;f.! ek;k ,e;jpa nfhj;jdhU> rpj;jhSq;fjhd; ,e;j khspifa fl;bapUg;ghq;f..!” fl;blq;fisf; fle;J nkJthfg; Ngrpf;nfhz;L> efh;e;j mth;fs;> xU ntl;l ntspapy; kpfg; nghpa tl;ltbtkhd tpfhiuiag; ghh;j;jhh;fs;. ‘Gj;jg; ngUkhd; Nfhtpy;’ vd;W vy;NyhUk; tpOe;J Fk;gpl;L tzq;fpdhh;fs;. ‘tPr;.. tPr;’vd $tpf; nfhz;L nts;is ke;jpfs; fhp G+rpf; nfhz;lJ Nghd;w jq;fs; %Q;rpiaf; fhl;bf; nfhz;L> Mq;fhq;F nkJthf ele;J $l;lj;jpdiu Ntbf;ifg; ghh;j;jd. mitfSf;Fk; kdpjh;fis Kjd; Kjyhf ghh;g;gjpy; tpag;Gk;> mjph;r;rpAk; ,Ue;jpUf;fyhk;. mitfs; gaj;jhy; gaq;fu rj;jq;fisg; Nghl;Lf; nfhz;L fhl;Lf;Fs; Xbd. nghpa tajhd ke;jpfs; nkJthf elg;gJk;> epd;W ghh;g;gJk;> vjpNu te;J jhf;Ftjw;Fj; jahuhf ,Ug;gJ NghyTk; ele;Jf; nfhz;ld. rpy ke;jpfs; muz;kid fl;blq;fspy; cl;fhh;e;Jf; nfhz;L> Mlhky;> mirahky; $l;lj;jpdiug; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jd. mit mry; kdpjh;fisg; NghyNt ,Ue;jd. fhl;L topapy; Fuq;Ffisj;jhd; mth;fs; epiwag; ghh;j;Jf;nfhz;L te;jhh;fs;.. gazf; $l; l j; j pdh; me; j rpwpJ Neuj; j py; mw; G jkhd fhl; r pfisf; fz; L tpl; l jhf mth; f spd; Jah; gbe; j Kfj; j py; gutrf; NfhLfs; ,ioNahbaijf; fhzf; $bajhftpUe;jJ. murh; f s; tho; e ; j muz; k idr; #oy; ghoile; J f; fple; j hYk; > gazf; $l;lj;jpdUf;F kdjpy; njk;G te;jJ.. ,J tiuapYk; fhLfSf;Fs;NsNa gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

111

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112

K. rptypq;fk;

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

113

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114

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115

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116

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117

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118

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119

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120

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121

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122

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123

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124

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125

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

126

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

127

K. rptypq;fk;

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128

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129

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130

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131

K. rptypq;fk;

jq;Fkplj;jpy; Ie;E}w;W Ik;gJ Ngh;fsh..? kd;dhUf;Fk;> khj;jisf;Fk; vilapy vuE}W NgU kbQ;rpl;lhq;fsh..? “xd; W f; F > Kf; f h mopQ; r p Nghdhq; f sh..?” rP u q; f d; eLq; F k; Fuypy; NtyhAjj;ijg; ghh;j;Jf; Nfl;lhd;. -kj; j pahdr; rhg; g hL..! rdq; f s; fwp rhg; g hl; i l MtNyhL rhg; g pl; L f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypaDk;> khwg;gDk; ,d;Dk; tutpy;iy. ‘mTq;f fs;S Fbf;fg; NghapUg;ghq;f...” vd;W rhjhuzkhf fhrp nrhd;dhd;. gazf; $l;lj;jpd; caph; ,og;ig mwpe;Jf; nfhz;l ez;gh;fs; ehy;tUk;> fwp rhg; g hl; i l xU nghUl; l hf epidf; f tpy; i y. Nfhjp Nfhjp rhg; g pl; L f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. rhg;ghL mth;fSf;F ,wq;f tpy;iy. rPf;fpuk; iffisf; fOtp tplL ; te;J kPzL ; k; kuj;jbapy; mkh;eJ ; f; nfhz;lhh;fs;. rf kf;fs; mwpeJ ; nfhs; s Kbahj jiyikj; J tj; i j mth; f s; mq; N f toq; f pf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ehis kW ehs; khj;jis re;jpf;Fg; gazj;ijj; njhlu Ntz;Lk; vd;W rq;fpypad; nrhd;dJ Qhgfk; te;jJ.. . ***

%d;W ehl;fs; ehse;ij jq;F klj;jpy; Kbe;jd. $l;lj;jpdh; fhiyr; rhg; g hl; N lhL khj; j isia Nehf; f p eiliaj; njhlh; e ; j dh; . ehse; i j > khj; j is fUj; i jg; ghijAk; jk; G s; s ghijiag; Nghy; nrk; k z; ghijahftpUe;jJ. khj;jis ghijapd; ,UkUq;fpYk;> J}uj;Nj ePykiyj; njhlh;fs; Rth; fl;baJ Nghy; cah;e;J fhzg;gl;ld. kiyfSf;fpilapy; XLk; fhy;thiag; Nghd;W ghij Xbf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. nfhQ;rk; tpj;jpahrkhd Fsph; thil gfy; nghOjpNyNa tPrpaJ. .. Nghfg; Nghf Fsph; $Ltjhf $l;lj;jpdh; KD KDj;Jf; nfhz;L nrd;whh;fs;. jpBnud rq;fpypad; rj;jkpl;lhd;..”gd;dhkj;;J re;jp te;Jl;Nlhk;Ny..!” gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

132

K. rptypq;fk;

khj;jisf;F ,d;DnkhU ngah; gd;dhkkhFk;. vd;gij njhopyhsh;fs; mwpe; J f; nfhz; l hh; f s; . ehse; i japy; fhiy xd; g J kzpastpy; Gwg;gl;lth;fs;> gpw;gfy; ,uz;L kzpastpy;> ghijaUfpNyNa tPw;wpUf;Fk; gok;ngUk; mYtpfhiu fw;Nfhapiyf; fz;lhh;fs;. “Gj;jngUkhd; Nfhapy”; vd;W jq;fis mwpahkNyNa> Nfhapiy Nehf;fp vy;NyhUk; tpiue;jhh;fs;. mg;gbNa kiyg; gbfspy; vy;NyhUk; mkh;eJ ; f; nfhz;lhh;fs;. mth;fs; flTis epidj;J czh; r ; r ptrg; g l; l th; f shf ,Ug; g ij mwpe; j rq; f pypaDk; > mth; f NshL NfhapYf;Fr; nrd;W> vy;NyhUf;Fk; re;epjpfisf; fhl;b> mioj;J te;jhd;. Gj;j ngUkhid jhprpj;j jpUg;jpapy;> tpfhiuapy; ,Ue;J miu iky; J}uj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk; klj;Jf;F mioj;Jr;nrd;whd;. Nfhg;gp Njhl;lq;fSf;F Eio thryhf tPw;wpUf;Fk; gpujhd mk;gyj;ij te;jile;jjpy; mth;fs; vy;iyaw;w kfpo;r;rpapy; Mo;e;jpUe;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; kpf kpf re;NjhrkhfTk;> RW RWg;ghfTk; mq;Nf Xb Xbf; nfhz;L jphpe;jhd;. mtDf;F Vuhskhd Ms;fl;b ez;gh;fs; ,Ug;gijf; fz;L> $l;lj;jpdh; tpae;Jg; Nghdhh;fs;. xt;nthU Ms;fl;bAk; epd;W epd;W Fryk; tprhhpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; mioj;J te;jpUe;j $l;lj;jpdh; klj;ij Rw;W Kw;Wk; ghh;j;J mjph;e;Jg; Nghdhh;fs;. ghk;gdpy; ghh;j;j rd neUf;fj;ijg; Nghd;W Mapukhapuk; Ngh; $bapUf;Fk;> kpfTk; tprhykhd ,lkhfj; njhpe;jJ. nghpa ikjhdj;ijg; NghyTk;> Mq;fhq;Nf E}w;Wf; fzf;fhd Fbirfs; epWtg; gl;bUg;gijAk; Nehl;lkpl;lhh;fs;. rdq;fspd; rj;jk; xNu ry ryg;ghftpUe;jJ. epiwaNt Fjpiufs; epd;wd. cly; KOtJk; kiwj;jpUf;Fk; Nfhl;Lk;> njhg;gpAk;> thapy; eWkzk; tPrp Gife;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; Rq;fhidAk; gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lq;fs; nra;a te;j epyr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs; mq;F kpq;Fk; uh[ eil Nghl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs; NtyhAjk;> fhrp> rPuq;fd;> godp ahtUk;; ,iz gphpahjth;fsha; me;j neUf;fbahd $l;lj;jpd; xU gFjpapy; epdW ; f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fSld; epiwaNt ,isQh;fs; #o;eJ ; f; nfhz;L epdw ; hh;fs;. rq;fpypaDk;> khwg;gDk; mth;fis neUq;fp “ek;g $l te;j rdq;fisnay;yhk; xU gf;fkh te;J epf;fpwJf;F xjtp nra;Aq;fg;gh.” vd;W jatha; Nfl;lhh;fs;. rq;fpypad; $l;b te;j rdq;fspy; IE}w;iwk;gJ Ngh;fNs kpQ;rpapUe;jhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

133

K. rptypq;fk;

rq;fpypad; mtd; mioj;J te;j $l;lj;jpd; Kd;dhy; te;J epd;W rj;jkhfg; Ngrj; njhlq;fpdhd;.. “xq;f vy;yhUf;Fk; ek];fhuk;> ,g;g vy;yhUk; vy;yh gf;fkh gphpag; NghNwhk;...” vd;W njhz;il fu fuf;Fk; njhdpapy; nrhd;dhd;. mtdJ Ngr;rpy; nfhQ;rk; ftiy Njha;e;jpUe;jJ. “KbQ;rp Nghd MW khrkh ehk;g> xd;dh gazQ; nrQ;rp te;jpUf;Nfhk;. topg; gazj;Jy ele;j rq;fjp vy;yhj;ijAk; ePq;f kwf;fZk;. Fj;jk; nfhw ele;jpUf;fyhk;.. ehL Tl;L ehL nghiof;fg; Nghdh ehYk; elf;Fk;.. ehkjhd; vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; nkhfk; FLf;fZk;> ,dpNk ePq;f vy;yhUk; ey;yh ,Ug;gq P ;f> njhopy; nrQ;rp rk;ghhprr; pff; plL ; jha; ehl;Lf;F Nghw topa ePqf; jhd; ghj;Jf;fZk;> mTq;fTq;f nfl;bj;jdj;Jyj;jhd; tpjpAk; kjpAk; jq;fpapUf;F..! ek;k $l topg;gazj;Jy te;J> fhl;LNyAk;> fly;NyAk; kbQ;R Nghdtq;f Mj;kh rhe;jpaila khj;js khhpahj;jht ehq;f Ntz;bf;fZk;. khhpahj;jh mTq;f FLk;gj;Jf;F ve;jf; nfhiwAk; itf;f khl;lh...!” rq;fpypad; NgRk; NghJ> cUf;fkhf vy;NyhUk; mtdJ Ngr;irf; ftdpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mtd; njhlh;e;J Ngrpdhd;. “ehD nfhz;lhe;J Tl;l ePqf; vy;yhUk; ,dpNk xd;dh Nre;J vq;NfAk; Nght KbahJ..!>. rPkhd; njhukhUq;f nrhy;gbjhd; elf;fZk;.! mTq;f ve;j kiyf; fhl;Lf;F mDg;Gwhq;fNsh> mq;fjhd; NghfZk;> vy;yh rdq;fisAk; fye;Jjhd; mDg;Gthq;f> xd;D nuz;L NgUf;F xNu fhl;Lf;F Nghw mjp];lk; ,Ue;jh Nghtyhk;.! ,g;g xq;f vy;yhiuAk; rPkhd; njhufpl;l ghuk; FLf;fg; NghNwd;..!” vd;whd; rq;fpypad;. xd;whfNt> fle;j MW khj fhykhf Jd;g Jauq;fNshL nrj;J kbe;J> xU tPl;Lf; Foe;ijfisg; Nghy xd;whfNt te;J Nrh;e;j mth;fs; vy;NyhUk;> jhq;fs; xt;nthU %iyf;F GJg; GJ Ml;fSld; fye;J fhLfSf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;ba epiyik te;jij epidf;Fk; NghJ> ,J tiu fhyk; ele;j Jauq;fis tpl ,J ngUe; JaukhftpUe;jJ... NtyhAjk; jdJ ez;gh;fisg; ghh;j;jhd;. vjph;ghuhj epiyikfs; cUthfg; Nghtij epidj;J mth;fs; ehy;tUk; fyq;fpg; Ngha; epd;whh;fs;. “fhrpaz;Nz.! vq;fsTl;L gphpQ;rp NghapwhjPq;fz;Nz..!” vd;W xd;W Nrh;e;jhw; Nghy gy ,isQh;fs; fhrpiaf; fl;bg; gpbj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. mJ gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

134

K. rptypq;fk;

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135

K. rptypq;fk;

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136

K. rptypq;fk;

me;jp Neuk;> khj;jis Kfhkpy;> Ie;J kzpastpy; xU jz;Nlhuhf;fhud; rj;jkpl;lhd;.. “,d;df;fp vy;yhUf;Fk; fk;gpsp FLf;fg; Nghwhq;f.. thpr nfukkh te;J thq;fpl;Lg; Nghq;Nfh.!” vd;whd;.. fk;gsp vd;gJ xd;gJ mb ePskhfTk;> %d;wiu mb mfykhfTk; nea;ag;gl;l Nghh;itahFk;. mJ gUj;jp Nghd;w Jzp vd;W vtUk; epidj;J tplf; $lhJ. nrk;kwpahl;L kaph;fis ,q;fpyhe;jpypUe;J nfhz;L te;J> ,e;jpahtpy; mjw;nfd nra;ag;gl;l nerT ae;jpuj;jpy; nea;J vLg;ghh;fs;. kaph; xt;nthd;Wk; xl;bf; nfhs;tjw;fhfg; Gspaq; nfhl;ilapy; gir nra;J G+rp ,Ug;ghh;fs;. me;j ePz;lg; Nghh;itia ,uz;lhf kbj;J>”nfhq;fhzp” nra;J jiyapy; khl;bf; nfhs;thh;fs;. fk;gspg; Nghh;it nfz;ilf; fhy; tiu njhq;Fk;.FsphpypUe;J fhg;ghw;wpf; nfhs;tjw;F fj fjg;ghd Rfj;ijj; jUk;. eide;J tpl;lhy;> Ie;J> MW uhj; j y; ghukhfp tpLk; . fk; g sp> kioapy; njhopyhsh; eidahky; ,Ug;gjw;fhfTk;> FspupypUe;J jq;fisf; fhg;ghw;wpf; nfhs;tjw;fhfTNk mwpKfg;gLj;jg;gl;lJ. fk;gsp ,d;DnkhU Kf;fpa Njitf;Fk; mtrpag;gl;lJ.. Muk;gf; fhyj;jpy; fhLfis mopjJ ; f; nfhz;bUe;j NghJ caphf; ; nfhy;Yk; Fstpg; G+r;rpfs;> Njdpg; G+r;rpfs;> ,d;Dk; ngah; mwpahj tp\ tz;Lfs; fhl;Lf;Fs; Kjd; Kjyhf EioAk; kdpjh;fisj; jhf;Ftjw;F mitfs; gilnaLj;J tUk;.me;jj; jhf;FjypypUe;J jq;fisg; ghJfhj;Jf; nfhs;s fk;gspahy; ,Wf;fpg; Nghh;j;jp f; nfhs;thh;fs;. fk;gsp kaphf; spy; rpff; pf; nfhz;l G+r;rpfs;> jpkpw Kbahky;> khl;bf; nfhs;Sk; NghJ> Vida G+r;rpfs; gae;J gwe;J Ngha; tpLk;..! fk;gspapy; khl;ba G+r;rpfisj; jiuapy; mbj;J kpjpj;Jf; nfhd;W tpLthh;fs;. fk;gsp Nghlhj nta;apw; fhyq;fspy; Fstpfshy; nfhl;lg;gl;L E}w;Wf; fzf;fhd njhopyhsh;fs; Ntiyj; jsj;jpNyNa ,we;J Nghdhh;fs;. Njhl;lr; rdq;fs;> fk;gspia mj;jpahtrpag; nghUshf ghtpj;jhh;;fs;. gLf;if tphpg;ghfTk; ghtpj;jhh;fs;. tpUe;jhspfs; te;jhy;> [kf;fhsj;ijg; Nghd;W tphpj;J cl;fhu itg;ghh;fs;. fk;gsp ghiag; Nghd;Wk; ghtpf;fg; gl;lJ. ge;jp itf;Fk; NghJk; ghtpf;fg;gl;lJ.; fhLfspNyNa thrk; nra;tjhy; jw;fhg;Gf;fhf ve;j NeuKk; fk;gsp ifapypUf;Fk;. mjd; Kf;fpaj;Jtj;ij typAWj;Jtjw;fhf “fy;ahzj;Jf;Fg; NghdhYk; fk;gpspAk; ifAkhg; Ngh..” vd;w gonkhopiaAk; cUthf;fpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

137

K. rptypq;fk;

fk;gspia thq;fpf; nfhz;lth;fsplk; mij vg;gb kbg;gJ> vg;gb nfhq;fhzp NghLtJ vd;gijg; gw;wp xUtd; tpsf;fkspj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. fk;gspg; nghl;lyq;fs; J}j;Jf;Fb topahf nfhOk;Gf;F nfhz;L tug;gl;L> fz;b> khj;jis> Kfhk;fSf;F mDg;gp itf;fg;gl;ld. mq;fpUe;J vy;yh Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lq;fSf;Fk; mDg;gg;gl;ld. ***

$dp mbr;r kiy.. “$dp Nfhg;gp fd;D el;l kiy.. mz;zid njhiyr;r kiy.. me;Njh njhpAJ ghh;..!”

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

138

K. rptypq;fk;

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139

K. rptypq;fk;

fhw;wbf;Fk; jpirnay;yhk; gutpaJ. murhq;f mjpfhhpfs; Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lk; nra;a te;jth;fis fz;bj;J jz;lid toq;fpdhh;fs;. fhLfis neUg;G itj;J> mopg;gJ rl;l tpNuhjr; nray; vd;W vr;rhpf;ifr; nra;jhh;fs;. . E}W Kjy; ,U E}W Vf;fh;fs; epyk; thq;fpath;fs; jq;fsJ epyj;Jf;F “v];Nll;” vd;w ngah; itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “v];Nll;” vd;why; Njhl;lk; vd;gij njhopyhsUf; F r; nrhy; y pf; nfhLj; j hh; f s; . nts; i sf; f huh; f s; jq; f s; v];Nll;LfSf;F ,q;fpyhe;jpYs;s Ch; ngah;fisNa itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. tpUg; g khd jkpo; ngah; f is itj; J f; nfhs; S k; g b fq; f hzpfsplk; nrhd;dhh;fs;. fq;fhzpfs;> njhopyhsh;fsplk; fye;J Ngrp >ngah; itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. fy; kJiu> njd;kJiu > jq;f kiy> fy;Y kiy> Nk kiy> Gypfz;lh kiy> Midf;fhL> ke;jp kiy> Fuq;F kiy> gprhR kiy> cr;rp kiy> vd;Wk; ky;ypifg;; G+> re;jpufhe;jp> #hpafhe;jp> Fl ky;yp> nfhj;jky;yp> vd;Wk; uhrh Njhl;lk;> uhzp Njhl;lk;> me;Njhdp kiy> Nkf kiy> rhQ;r kiy> gspq;F kiy> tOf;fg; ghiw vd;nwy;yhk; fhuzg; ngah;fis itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. my;gpad;> gpu];ld;> bNul;ld;> tpf;ld;> Nk gPy;l;> ngah gPy;l;> Njhh;d; gPy;l;> g;sf; Nthl;lh;> g;nu]; Nthl;lh;> vd;W Mq;fpyg; ngah;fisAk; Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs; itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. ***

NtyhAjk;>

rPuq;fd;> godp> fhrp ehy;tUk;> jq;fis $lg; gpwe;j rNfhjuh;fs; vd;W nrhd;d fhuzj;jpdhNyNa> ehd;FNgiuAk; Nkkiy vd;w Xh; cah;e;j fhl;L epyj;Jf;F NghFk; $l;lj;Jld; Nrh;j;J tpl;lhh;fs;. ,e;jj; Njhl;lk; fz;b khtl;lj;ijr; Nrh;e;jpUe;jJ. ,q;F khj;jis topahfTk; Nghfyhk;. jpBnud;W %d;W NgiuAk; xU fq;fhzp $g;gpl;lhd;. fhrpapd; tpguq;fis mwpe;jpUe;jtd; “fhrpq;fpwJ ahUlh..?” “ehe;jhq;f..!” “eP Ntw CUf; f hud; . . eP vg; g pb mtDf; F jk; g p..?” vd; W mjl; b dhd; . Kopj; J f; nfhz;bUe;j fhrpia ,il kwpj;Jf; nfhz;L> godpiaAk;> rPuq;fidAk;> NtyhAjj;ijAk; Nghfr; nrhd;dhd;. %d;W NgUk; vt;tsT kd;whbAk; fq;fhzp rk;kjpf;f tpy;iy.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

140

K. rptypq;fk;

fz;zPh; tba fhrp mOJf; nfhz;Nl nrhd;dhd;. “mz;Nz..! vy;yhNk tpjpg;gb elf;Fw khjphp ,Uf;FJ.. vg;gpb rhp eh cRNuhl ,Ue;jh> ePq;f Nty nra;ag; Nghw Njhl;lj;j fz;L gpbr;rp xq;fisnay;yhk; re;jpf;f tUNtd;..” vd;W %d;W NgiuAk; fl;bg; gpbj;J rj;jkpl;L mOjhd;. mq;Nf mOifAk;> FKwYk;> tpRk;gYk; rhjhuz rk;gtq;fshfNt njhpe;jd. mit jtpf;fpd;w kdpj czh;Tfspd; vjpnuhyp vd;gij vtUf;Fk; Ghpe;Jf; nfhs;tjw;F mwpTk; ,y;iy.. NeuKk; ,y;iy. fhrpia tpl;L mth;fs; gphpe;J Gjpa ,lq;fSf;Fg; NghFk; $l;lj;ijg; gpd; njhlh;e;jhh;fs;. Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;ij Nehf;fpa mth;fsJ gazk;> cah;e;j kiyfis Nehf;fp Vwpr; nry;tjhfNt ,Ue;jJ. mq;Nf gdp %l;lq;fs; fhzg;gl;ld. me;j cah;e;j kiyiaf; fle;jJk; gPl G+kp Nghd;w xU rk jiuia mile;jhh;fs;. Nfhg;gpr; nrbfs; cz;lhf;fg;gl;bUf;Fk; kpf tprhykhd me;j gFjpfSf;F> Ke;jp te;j $yp rdq;fs; xt;nthU ngah;fis itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. nfhj;jky;yp> jkponfhy;y> Nkkiy> Nghd;w ngah;fs; Gof;fpj;jpy; ,Ue;jd. NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; %tUk; Nkkiy Njhl;lj;jpy; Ntiyf;F mDg;gg; gl;lhh;fs;. Nkkiyapy; Nfhg;gpr; nrbfNshL Vyk; ed;whf tsh;ej; pUe;jJ. thilf; fhw;Wk; tPrpf; nfhz;NlapUe;jJ>”gdpg; Gif kz;lyk; ,d;Dk; MW khrj;Jf;F fiyahjhk;> ehq;f te;j fhyk; kof;fhyk;>” vd;W xU rpy;yiuf; fq;fhzp nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “ ,g;Ngh Nkkiyf;F te;jpUf;fpw $l;lnky;yhk; nuhk;g FLj;J tr;rtq;f.. xq;fSf;F Kd;dNk te;j ek;k rdq;f fhl;l Jg;guT nrQ;rpUf;fhq;f> jq;FwJf;F $lhuk; fl;bapUf;fhq;f.. ,d;dpf;F te;j ePq;f ‘c];]_d;D’ Fe;JwJf;F mTq;f fl;b tr;rplL ; g; Nghd $lhuq;fs; nguNahrdg; gLJ.” vd;whd;. “mTq;nfy;yhk; ,g;g vq;Nfa;ah Nghdhq;f.?” godp Nfl;lhd;. “Ntw Njhl;lq;fSf;F rPk njhukhUq;f $l;bf;fpl;Lg; NghapUg;ghq;f.!” vd;whd; fq;fhzp. “epr;rpakh mTq;f ,e;j kyAr;rpapyUe;J Ntw Njhl;lq;fSf;F NghapUf;f KbahJ> Rj;jp tuf; fhL> mTq;f kNyhpahf; fhr;ry;y nrj;Jg; NghapUf;fZk;.. ,y;yhl;b KUfq;f rhg;gpl;bUf;fZk;.!” vd;W NtyhAjKk;> ez;gh;fSk; nkJthfg; Ngrpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. mth;fs; jq;fg; NghFk; $lhuq;fSf;F mUfpy; nrk;kz; Njhz;ba Fopfs; Mq;fhq;F ,Ue;jd. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

141

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nrk;kz;izj; Njhz;b gpire;J thprr; p tPLfs; fl;bapUe;jhh;fs;. rpy ,lq;fspy; fw;fSk;> kz;Zk; fye;j Rth;fs; vOg;gpapUe;jhh;fs;. Muk;g fhyj;jpy; Njhl;l nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs;>... $ypahl;fSf;F khdhg; Gw;fshNyNa $iu Nta;e;J> kz; Rth;fs; vOg;gpapUe;jhh;fs;. kiof; fhyq;fspy; khdhg; Gy; $iufs; xU rjj; J f; N fDk; cgNahfg; g l tpy; i y. tpbatpba eide; J f; nfhz;NlapUe;jhh;fs;. kioAk;> FspUk; mth;fspd; capiuf; nfhQ;rk; nfhQ;rkhf cwpQ;rpf; nfhz;bUe;jd. jw;NghJ jfuf; $iu NghLksTf;F Njhl;l chpikahsUf;F Nfhg;gp %yk; tUkhdk; fpilj;jpUf;fyhk;> vd;W A+fpj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “eP q ; f y; y hk; Gz; z paQ; nrQ; r tq; f lh..! jfuf; $u Nghl; l $lhuk; nfilr;rpUf;F.! te;jtndy;yhk; Nghap Fe;Jq;f.!”vd;whd; me;j $l;lj;Jf;F ‘Nk];jphp’ vd;w ngahpy; te;J fq;fhzpahf khwpf; nfhz;ltd;. $lhuq; f Sf; F s; N s tpjk; tpjkhd gpuhzpfSk; > tpyq; F fSk; jq;fpapUe;jpUf;f Ntz;Lk;. tpj;jpahrkhd kyf; fopTfs;> tpl;ilfshfTk;> gpOf; i ffshfTk; fple; j d. fhl; L kpyhWfshy; $l; b Jg; g wT nra; J f; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “fq;fhzp rhkp..! Fbf;fpwJf;F jz;zp.. jTYf;F vq;f NghwJ.?” “rth];..! rhpahd Neuj;Jy rhpahd rq;fjp gj;jp Nfl;ltd; eP xUj;jd; jhd;lh..! nuz;L %D NgU vk; gpd;dhy th.!” vd;W mth;fis mioj;Jf; nfhz;L ,d; D k; fhy; iky; J}uj; J f; F mg; g hy; $l; l khf kuq; f s; epw; F k; rpW gs;sj;jhf;if fhl;bdhd;. “,q;fapUe;J Kl;b> rl;bapy jz;zp ms;spf;fpl;L tuyhk;> Rj;jkhd jz;zp.! th;wg;Ngh fy;Y fl;bfy ms;sp tprpwpfpl;L> Cr; rj;jk; Nghl;Lf;fpl;L> th;wJ ey;yJ> Vd;dh fhl;L rPthj;JfSk; ,q;f jz;zp Fbf;f tUk;.!” vd;W kpUfq;fs; mq;F te;J Nghtij #rfkhf fq;fhzp nrhd;dhd;. kuzk; epoyhf njhlh;e;jhYk;> njhopyhsh;fs; mdh;j;jk; elf;Fk; tiu vijAk; mwpej; puhjth;fshfNt ,Ue;jhh;fs;. jPf; Fr;rpfs;> vhpgg; jw;F vz;nza;> NfhJik> mhprp Nghd; w mj; j pahtrpa rhkhd; f is njhopyhsh; f Ns gd;dhkj;jpypUe;J Rke;J te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjKk;> godpAk; > rPuq;fDk;> ,d;Dk; MW Ngh;fSk; xU $lhuj;Jf;Fs; Eioe;jhh;fs;. fk;gspia tphpj;Jg; Nghl;L> xt;nthU %iyapYk;> $lhuj;jpd; eLtpYk;> te;jth;fs; cl;fhh;e;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. godpapd; tpk;ky; ,d;Dk; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

142

K. rptypq;fk;

Xatpy;iy. fhrpiag; gphpe;J te;jjpypUe;J> NtyhAjj;Jf;Fk; ,d;Dk; Nkhrkhf kdk; jsh;e;J NghdJ. mij ntspapy; fhl;bf; nfhs;shjtdhf godpia neQ;NrhL neQ;rhf mizj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. “Nla; godp..! rPuq;fdg; ghU> vt;tsT nja;hpakh ,Uf;fhd;.. ePAk; nja;upakh ,Uf;fZk; godp.!” vd;W rpd;d gps;isf;F cgNjrk; nra;tJ Nghy NtyhAjk; nrhd;dhd;. rpwpa $lhuj;Jf;Fs; vl;Lg; Ngh;fs; ,Ug;gJ Rfhjhukhf ,y;yh tpl;lhYk;> fj fjg;ghftpUe;jJ. fq;fhzpapd; ngah; fhspKj;J. mtDk; mtdJ ifahl;fs; ,UtUk; jdp $lhuj;jpy; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. czTg; nghUl;fs;> fhL ntl;Ltjw;fhd MAjq;fs;> vhp vz;nza; Nghd;w rhkhd;fis itj;Jf; nfhs;tjw;F mLj;j $lhuj;ij itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. fhspKj;J fq;fhzp nrhd;dgb fha;e;j kuf; fl;ilfis> rUFfs; Nghl;L jP %l;bdhh;fs;. tpba tpba neUg;G vhpe;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gNj mth;fSf;F ghJfhg;ghFk;. ,y;yh tpby; rpWj;ijfs;> kdpj ,iwr;rp rhg;gpl tpUk;Gk; kpUfq;fs;> ,uj;j thilia Kfh;e;J $lhuq;fisNa Rw;wpr; Rw;wp jphpAk;... fz fzf;Fk; neUg;G ntspr;rNk mitfisg; gpd;Ndhf;fp nry;tjw;F cjtpd. topg; gazj;jpy; rq;fpypad; nrhy;ypf; nfhLj;j ghlk;> ,e;j kuq;fs; vhpf;Fk; ghlk; vd;gij mth;fs; mwpe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ***

gs gsntd tpbe;J tpl;lJ. rl;b> Kl;bfisj; J}f;fpf; nfhz;L> jz;zPh; vLg;gjw;F gs;sj;ij Nehf;fp ele;jdh;. fq;fhzp nrhd;dgb “C” rj;jkpl;Lf; nfhz;Lk;> gykhfr; rj;jkpl;Lf; nfhz;Lk; fw;fis> kz;zhq; fl;bfis vwpe;Jf; nfhz;Lk; jz;zPh; ms;Stjw;Fr; nrd;W jpUk;gpdhh;fs;. fhiy rhg;ghl;il> gd;dpuz;L $lhuq;fspYs;sth;fs; vy;NyhUk; $l;lhfr; Nrh;e;J rikj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

143

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144

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149

K. rptypq;fk;

%d; W ez; g h; f Sk; nksdkhf nghl; l iy Nehf; f p efh; e ; j hh; f s; . rf njhopyhspfs;> %l;il Rikfis ,th;fs; Nky; Vw;wp tpl;lhh;fs;. %tUk; %l;ilfisr; Rke;Jf; nfhz;L gs;sj;ij Nehf;fp ele;jhh;fs;. Nfhg; g pf; f hl; L fq; f hzp mbthuj; j pypUe; J %r; r piuf; f Vwp te; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “Nfhg;gpj; jz;zpa Cj;J..!” vd;W rj;jkpl;lhd;. Nfhg;gpj; jz;zpf;fhud; ghpkhwpdhd;. nfhj;J> Ftis> rpz;L> jfuf; fpz;zq;fs; vy;yhk; epiwe;jd. NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; %tUk; %l;il Rikfis if khwptpl;L> NkNy Vwj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. fq; f hzp mth; f is Kiwf; f g; ghh; j ; j hd; . “ehDk; ghj; J f; f pl; L j; j hd; ,Uf;Nfd;.. eP %D NgUk; xd;dh kz;zhNt NghwP`> thwP`> vd;dh Njh];Jfsh..? ehisapyapUe;J %D NgUk; %dh gphpaZk;.!”vd;whd;. “,y;y rhkp xU CU fhutq;f.. kDr kf;f goFdJk; gpupQr; p Nty nra;Nwhk; rhkp..!” vd;W $iof; Fk;gpL NghlTk; fq;fhzp Fsph;e;J Ngha;> “rhp rhp [y;jpahg; Nghq;f..!” vd;W mjpfhuj; njhdpapy; nrhd;dhd;.; mtd; mth;fisg; gphpf;f khl;lhd;. rPuq;fd; ,Uf;fNt ,Uf;fpwhd;.. mjpfhhpfis klf;fp iff;Fs;Ns Nghl;Lf; nfhs;tjw;fhd nespT> RopT> tisT> khake;jpuk; mtDf;F if te;j fiy.! NtyhAjk; rPuq;fid rPzb; dhd;. “Vd; Xa;..! me;j rPjj; h nyr;RkpfF ; eP ghJfhg;G FLj;J “tr;rpf;fpl;lh” vd;dh..?” “Xk; kdRy ,Uf;fpwj vdf;fpl;l nrhy;wpah..?mg;gpb ghJfhg;G FLf;fg; Nghdh E}j; J f; fzf; F y ehrkhfp f; n flf; F k; nghz; L fSf; F ahU ghJfhg; G FLf;fpwJ..?” NtyhAjj;Jf;F Rthkp jhrd; thj;jpahh; nrhd;d tprak; Qhgfj;Jf;F te;jJ.. Nfhg;gpf; fhl;L $yp nghz;Zf vy;yhiuAk; fq;fhzp> $ypf;fhud;> njhiu vy;yhUQ;; Nrh;eJ ; ehrk; gz;zp NghLthDq;fyhk;> me;j Ch;y fw;gopQr; p Nghd nghz; L f fj Vuhsk; nrhy; y yhk; . .” vd; W fij fijahf nrhy; y pf; nfhz;bUg;ghh;. nfhOk;gpy; ntsptUk; “xg;Nrth;” vd;w xU Mq;fpy gj;jphpifapy; ntspte;j “gp[pj; jPT” fUk;Gj; Njhl;lj;J nfhLikfisg; gbj;J> Njhl;lj; Jiukhh;rq;ff; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

150

K. rptypq;fk;

$l;lj;jpy;; kpFe;j mjph;r;rpNahL Ngrpf; nfhs;thh;fs;. gp[pj; jPtpy; gy ehl;Lf; $ypfs; > Ntiy nra; a te; j th; f spd; ml; l fhrk; mjpfkhfpf; nfhz; b Uf; f pwJ.fUk; G j; Njhl; l q; f spy; Ntiy nra; A k; mj; j id ngz;fisAk;> NtW ehLfspypUe;J Ntiyf;F te;jth;fshYk;> rf Mz; $ypfshYk; jq;fs; fhkj;ij jzpjJ ; f; nfhs;tjw;F fUk;G tay;fSf;Fs;NsNa gyhj;fhuk; nra;J fw;ig #iuahbdhh;fs;. ,uT Neuq; f spy; mth; f s; jq; F k; FbirfSf; F s; S k; Eioe; J > ,uT KOtJk; kpUfq;fisg; Nghy xUth; khwp xUth; vd ty;YwT Ghpe;jhh;fs;. jpkpwpj; jg;gpf;f KaYk; ngz;fis kpUfj;jdkhf mbj;jhh;fs;. gp[papy; jw; n fhiy nra; J nfhs; S k; ,e; j paf; $ypg; ngz; f s; ngUfpf; nfhz;NlapUe;jhh;fs;. jpde;NjhWk; jw;nfhiyfs;.. fhy; Nghd Nghf;fpy;> fUk;Gj; Njhl;lq;fistpl;L> fhLfSf;Fr; nrd;W fhzhkw; Nghdth;fs; mjpfkhfpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mNef ngz;fs; njhO Nehahy; ghjpf;fg;gl;L> rPuope;J Nghdhh;fs;. ,e;j “xg;Nrth;” nra;jp> Njhl;l chpikahsh;fisAk;> ,yq;if murhq;f MSdh;fspd; ftdj;ijAk; <h;j;jJ. rpNyhdpy; gp[pj; jPitg; Nghy; Nkhrkpy;iy vd;W fijj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; kdk; Fok;gpg; NghapUe;jhd;. $ypg; ngz;fSf;F elf;Fk; ,e;jf; nfhLikfis vg;gb jil nra;tJ..? ngz;fs; rpNyhd; Njhl;lq;fSf;F tuhkypUe; j hy; vd; d ..? vd; w thnwy; y hk; godpaplKk; > rP u q; f dplKk; Nfs;tpfs; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhd; NtyhAjk;. “ek;kyhy gpur;rhukh gz;zKbAk;..? ,e;jf; nfhLiknay;yhk; ghj;Jf;fpl;L. rfpr;Rf;fpl;L ek;k N[hypa ehk ghj;Jf;fpl;L NghwJjhd; vdf;F rhpahg;gLJ..! ek;k cRUk;> xlk;Gk; ,tDf ifapyjhd; ,Uf;F.! ehak; Nff;fg; Nghdh> ek;k FLk; g j; N jhl Nghap Nru KbahJ NtY..!” rP u q; f d; godpia tpl rpy tp\aq;fis njspthfTk;> fbe;Jk; NtyhAjj;jplk; NgRthd;. rhg;ghL> mug;gl;bdp> nfhyg; gl;bdp> clk;G kOq;fp Neha;tha;g;gl;L ,Uf;Fk; epiyapy; gyhj; f hu fh; g ; g pdp Nfhyk; > clypy; fU tsh; j y; > fiyf; f Ntz;Lnkd fhl;Lr; nrbfis> fha;fisj; jpd;W ghpjhgkhf rhitj; jOTjy;> epiwaNt Nahrpj;J> Nahrpj;J> NtyhAjk; fisj;Jg; Nghdhd;. “fz;bapy ,g;gb xU nfhLk elf;FKd;D ehk nfdhTy $l neidf;fy;y NtY..!” godpAk; nksdj;ijf; fiyj;jhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

151

K. rptypq;fk;

fhl;Lf;Fs;NsapUe;J Nfhg;gp Fl;br; rhf;Ffisr; Rke;Jf; nfhz;L xUth; gpd; xUtuhf thpirf; fpukj;jpy; ngz;fs; vy;NyhUk; nghl;liy Nehf;fp te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,sk; ngz;fs;> Nfhg;gpg; goq;fis tha;f;Fs; jpdpj;J Njhy;fisj; Jg;gptpl;L gw;fSf;Fs;NsNa ,dpg;Gr; RitapUf;Fk; tiu tpijfis neUbf; nfhz;bUg;ghh;fs;. fq;fhzpfspd; fOFf; fz;fSf;F njhpe;J tpl;lhy; Nghr;R..! $ypia epWj;jp tpLthh;fs;. fz; kz; njhpahky; mbg; g hh; f s; . ,e; j ,uz; L jz; l idfisAk; jtph; j ; J f; nfhs; s Ntz;Lkhdhy;> mtd;fSila fhk ,r;irf;F ,zq;f Ntz;Lk;.. me;j ,zf;fk;jhd; mth;fSf;F kd;dpg;ig toq;Fk;. Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhudpd; fl;lisg;gb gok; gwpf;ifapy; xU gok; ifjtwp tpl;lhYk; mb> cij clNdNa fpilj;J tpLk;. me;j Fl;br; rhf;F ngz;fs; $l;lj;jpy; ehd;fhtjhf rPj;jhnyl;Rkp te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;. mtisg; ghh;j;jJk; NtyhAjj;Jf;F neQ;R nfhjpj;jJ. ghg;ghj;jpia mts; cUtj;jpy; ghh;j;J mirahJ kukhf epd;whd;. mts; mUfpy; te;jJk;> mts; Kfj;ij Mjuthf cw;Wg; ghh;j;jhd;. fhspKj;J NtyhAjj;ij Kiwj;Jg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jij> rPuq;fd; fz;L tpl;lhd;. NtyhAjj;jpd; fhiy ,lwp nrUkpdhd;. %tUk; Ntfkhf ele;J nghl;lYf;F te;jhh;fs;. %l;ilfs; if khwpd. Nfhg;gp %l; i lfis jiyapy; Rkf; F k; NghJ>jiy %l; i lf; F s; gjpe; J tpLk; . gplhpapYk;> Njhs; gl;ilfspYk; Rkg;gNj nrsfhpakhftpUe;jJ.. ,d;iwf;F kio ,y;iy.. ,jkhd nta;apy.; . FWf;Fg; ghijapd; cr;rpapypUe;J mbthuk; tiuf;Fk; tOf;fy; Vw;glhJ. ,d;iwa Ntiy Nghdjpy; NeuNk njhpahky; Ngha; tpll; J. me;jp rhAk; Neuk;.. ,Nyrhf fUf;fy; fl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. fq;fhzp Ntiy tpl;lhd;.. kWehs; fhiy VO kzpf;nfy;yhk; kiyapy; epw;f Ntz;Lk;. rhae;jpuk; MW kzp ,Ul;Lf; fUf;fypy;jhd; Ntiy tpLthh;fs;. gd;dpuz;L kzp Neu Ntiy.. jz;zpf; fhdpy; clk;igf; fOtpf; nfhs;tJ RfkhftpUf;Fk;. jiyj; Jz;by; Kfj;ijj; Jilj;Jf; nfhz;L $lhuj;Jf;Fg; Nghdhh;fs;. rPuq;fd; mtrukhf Nfhg;gpj; jz;zp jahhpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. xt;nthUtUk; ,uz;L Nfhg;ig gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

152

K. rptypq;fk;

Nfhg; g p Fbj; j hh; f s; . Fspiuj; jhq; F tjw; F k; > fisg; G jP h ; t jw; F k; > cw;rhfj;Jf;Fk; Nfhg;gp cjtp nra;Ak;. “nts;sf;fhud; Nfhg;gpa fz;L gpbr;rJ Vd;D ,g;gjhd; ntsq;FJ..!” godp Rlr; Rl Nfhg;gpia Fbj;Jf; nfhz;L Muha;r;rpapy; ,wq;fpdhd;. NtyhAjk; kl; L k; Kfj; i j ‘ck; ’ nkd; W itj; J f; nfhz; L Nfhg; g pf; Fbj; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. mtdJ nksdj;ij rPuq;fd; fiyj;jhd;. “eP rPj;jh nyl;Rkp Nky xU fz; Z tr; r pUf; f pw khjphp> fq; f hzp xd; i da ftdpr;Rf;fpl;NlapUe;jhd;. ehisf;F VjhtJ elf;fyhk;.” “ghg;ghj;jp Nky ,Ue;j nedg;Gjhd; mg;gpb ghf;f tr;rphpr;rp.. ,dpNk mg;gpb ghf;f khl;Nld;..!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. “rhp.. ntwF fl;ilf;F neUg;G tr;rpl;L thNwd;..! Nej;J thpg;Gyp nfhsj;jhq; fiuf;fp jz;zp Fbf;f te;Jr;rhk;..!” vd;wthW rPuq;fd; Fbirf;F ntspNa Nghdhd;. “mhprp nuz;L rpz;L.. nkhr;r nfhl;l xU ifap Nghl;L fQ;rp ntr;rpf;FNthk;> fWthL xU Jz;L kl;Lk; ,Uf;F> Rl;Lf;fyhk;..!” ,uT rhg;ghl;ilg; gw;wp godp> NtyhAjj;jplk; nrhd;dhd;. “ve;j voitahtJ Nghl;L nghq;F.!” vd;W vhpr;rNyhL rhf;Fj; Jz;il tphpj;Jg; Nghl;L fhy;fis ePl;b ky;yhf;fg;gLj;Jf; nfhz;lhd; NtyhAjk;. kuf;Fw;wp vhpfpd;w ntspr;rk; Fbirf;Fs; gpujpgypf;fpd;wJ. Fsph; fha;e;jgb vy;NyhUk; fy fyntd rphpjJ ; g; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;> %thpy; godp ed;whf rikg;ghd;. NtyhAjj;jpd; nksdk; mth;fis vd;dNth nra;jJ.. “,q;f ghU NtY..! kdrg; Nghl;L ,g;gpb nfhog;gpf;fpl;L ,Ue;jh ekf;F epk;kjpah ,Uf;f KbahJ.. ,d;Dk; MW khrk; KbQ;rh ehkYk; CUf;F Nghapl;L tuyhk;.. tpUg;gkpy;yhl;b> mg;GbNa Ch;y ,Ue;Jf;fyhk;.. ,g;g te;j vlj;Jy ehY fhR NjLwJf;F topa kl;Le;jhd; ghf;fZk; NtY..! eP ,g;Gb ,Uf;FwJy;y ve;j mh;j;jKkpy;y.. nrhy;Ywj nrhy;ypg;Gl;Nld;.!” tpwFr; Rs;spfis cilj;J mLg;gpy; itj;Jf; nfhz;Nl rPuq;fd; fz;bf;Fk; njhdpapy; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

153

K. rptypq;fk;

fz;fis %bf; nfhz;L ftiyNahbUf;Fk; NtyhAjk;> rPuq;fd; Ngrpajpy; cz;ik ,Ug;gij czh;ej; hd;. “th];jte;jhd; rPuq;fh..! Rk;kh kdrg; Nghl;L nfhog;gpf;fpl;Nld;> mt;Nshjhd;> rhg;ghl;l rPf;fpuk; Kbq;f.. $j fha;Q;rpl;L thNwd;.!” NtyhAjk; RW RWg;ghf vOe;J neUg;G vhpfpd;w ntsp thrYf;Fr; nrd;whd;.. fha; e ; j kuf; f l; i l vhpe; J fz fzntd [_thiyiaf; fpsg; g pf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. rpy ,isQh;fs; kuf; fpisfis ,Oj;J te;J neUg;G NghLfpdw ; hh;fs;. rlr; rlntd kpyhWfs; vhpeJ ; rj;jj;ij vOg;Gfpdw ; d.. ngUk; tdhe;juj;jpd; eLtpy;> ,e;j kdpjf; $l;lq;fs;> neUg;gpd; JizNahL> caph;fisf; fhg;ghw;wpf; nfhz;L> td tpyq;Ffsplk; tho;th> rhth> vd;w rthNyhL Nghuhbf; nfhz;bUf;fpwhh;fs;. gd;dpuz;L kzpj;jpahyq;fs; fLikahf cioj;jf; fisg;gpdhy; gyUk; epj;jpiuf;Fs;shdhh;fs;.. $lhuj; J f; F Kd; d hy; vhpe; J Kbe; j kuf; fl; i lfs; jP g ; gpok; G fisf; ff;fpfn; fhz;bUe;jd. fhw;W tPrpf; nfhz;bUg;gjhy;> jPg; gpok;Gfs; jf jfntd;W ntspr; r j; i jf; fhl; b f; nfhz; b Ue; j d. ntF Neuk; Fsph; fha; e ; J f; nfhz;bUe;jth;fs; fisg;gile;jpUe;jhh;fs;. ,uTr; rhg;ghl;Lf;fhf vy;NyhUk; $lhuj;ij Nehf;fpr; nrd;whh;fs;. nksdkhftpUe;j NtyhAjk;> nraw;ifahf fy fyntd NgRtJ Nghy; $lhuj;Jf;Fs; Eioe;jJk;> godp> rPuq;fd; ,UthplKk; Nfyp Ngrpdhd;. “rpWj;ij viwr;rpa khd; viwr;rp khjphp jpq;fyhkh..?” “mbr;rp nfhd;D FLj;jh neUg;Gy nghRf;fp jpq;fyhNk..?” vd;whd; rPuq;fd;. %tUk; jkhrhf Ngrpf;nfhz;L rhg;gpl;lhh;fs;.. neUg;gpy; fha itj;j fk;gsp Nghh;itfs; fj fjntd RfkhftpUe;jd. %tUk; md;iwa ,uit Rfkhd J}f;fj;Jld; fopj;jhh;fs;. ***

gpul;Lj; jg;ig nrq;fhd; mbj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. itfiwg; nghOJ.. ,Uky;> Jk;ky;> Ngr;R rj;jk;> vDk; fhiy ry ryg;G ,d;ndhU nghOjpd; Muk;gj;ijf; fhl;baJ. nrq;fhdpd; jg;Gr; rj;jj;Jf;Fg; gpwF fhspKj;J fq;fhzpapd; fj;jy; rj;jk; toikahff; Nfl;Fk;.. fj;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;.. ‘ntspa> njUt’ Nghdth;fs; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

154

K. rptypq;fk;

gw;iwf; fhl;bypUe;J grf; grf;nfd te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,d;iwf;F kio ,y;iy> kuj; jdy; tpbaw;fhiyapYk; fz fzj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. fhspKj;J fq;fhzp “mz;lh jz;zpa Rl ntr;rp ,q;NfNa fhg;gpj; jz;zpa Fbr;Rf;fq;flh..!” vd;whd;. fhspKj;JTf;F mtd; rhjpf;fhud; khlrhkp J}f;Fg; Ngzpapy; jz;zpr; Rl itj;J fhg;gp Cw;wpf; nfhz;lhd;. khd;> kiu tiyapy; mfg;gl;lhYk;> KjyhtJ fq;fhzpapd; rhjpff; hud; ntl;bf; nfhj;jp xU fhy; rg;igia vLj;Jf; nfhz;l gpwFjhd; kw;wth;fs; jq;fs; gq;Ffis vLj;Jf; nfhs;thh;fs;. fpuhkj; j pypUe; J Njrk; jhz; b te; j fhl; L f; F s; N sAk; rhjp ,Ue; j J.. rpWj;ijfs;> ghk;Gfs; rhjp ghh;g;gjpy;iy.. Nfhg;gp gwpf;Fk; kiyf;F vy;NyhUk; te;J Nrh;e;jhh;fs;. fhspKj;J rj;jkpll; hd;. “NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; %D NgUk; Xb thq;flh..!” godpf;F Fiy eLq;fpaJ. New;W uhj;jphp fz;l nrhg;gdk; epidTf;F te;jJ.. %tiuAk; %d;W Njhl;lq;fSf;F jdpj;jdpahf gphpj;J mDg;gp itj;jhd; fhspKj;J.. “mJ ,g;g edthFNkh.? %tUk; Xbg; Ngha; epd;whh;fs;. “eP %D NgUk; mbthuj;Jf;Fg; Nghap Nfhg;gp ,bf;fpwtq;fSf;F nfhl;l fOtpf; FLf;fZk;.. xq;f $l ,d;Dk; %D NgU tUthq;f> gs;sj;Jy vwq;fp Ngh.! Njh.. njhpAJ nghl;lY.!” vd;whd;. MW $ypfSk; nrb nfhbfisg; gpbj; J f; nfhz; L > kiyr; rhptpy; ,wq;fpdhh;fs;. gs;sj;jpYk; mofhd rk jiu> E}W ,UE}W ngz;fs; fy fyntdg; Ngrpf; nfhz;L Nfhg;gpf; nfhl;ilfis ,bj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. E}w;Wf; fdf;fhd cuy;> cyf;iffis mq;NfNa fhl;L kuq;fis ntl;b nra;jpUe;jhh;fs;. . Cu itj;jf; Nfhg;gp ,bgl;lJk;> kdijg; Gul;Lk; neb tPrpf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. “Gspr;r ehj;jk;” vd;W godp kdJf;Fs; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;lhd;. cr;rpapypUe;J mDg;gg;gl;l MW $ypfisAk; ,d;ndhU fq;fhzp $g;gpl;L Ntiyfisr; nrhd; d hd; . “,br; r nfhl; i lfs njhl; b f; F s; s nfhl; b fOtZk; > Njhy; eP f ; f Zk; . . ,b glhj nfhl; i lfs jdpah nghWf; f p Nrf;fZk;..Njhy; ePf;Fd nfhl;ilfs glq;F tphpr;rp fha itf;fZk;. gfy; jP t dk; cr; r pg; nghOJf; F s; s nfilf; F k; . .Va; %f; f h..! ,tDq; f s $l;bf;fpl;Lg; Nghap jz;zpj; njhl;ba fhl;L! ”vd;wgb NtW gf;fk; Ngha; tpl;lhd;.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

155

K. rptypq;fk;

Njhy; mOfpa Nfhg;gp neb tapw;iwf; Fkl;baJ.. “xU ehS nuz;L ehS mg; G bj; j hd; ,Uf; F k; > ehq; f gofpf; f pl; N lhkpy; y .! “ vd; W xUtd; mbj;njhz;ilapy; nrhd;dhd;. ***

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156

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162

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163

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Nkkiyj; Njhl;lj;J nghpa fq;fhzp> rpy;yiw fq;fhzpfis mioj;Jf; nfhz;L M];gj;jphpfF ; r;nrd;whd;...fhspKj;J fq;fhzpAk;> ,UgJ Mz;fSk;> gj;J ngz;fSk; M];gj;jphpapy; ,Ug;gjhfTk;> Muk;g tpy;iyfis kl;LNk gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

164

K. rptypq;fk;

nfhLj;jpUg;gjhfTk; > fz;bapypUe;J N[k;]; Jiu tUtij vjph;ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUg;gjhfTk; nrhy;yptpl;L lhf;lh; jdJ miwf;Fr; nrd;W tpl;lhh;.. Gjpa M];gj;jphpf;F NfushtpypUe;J khpa #ir vd;gtUk;> me;jdp vd;gtUk; nghpa lhf;lh; vd;w gjtpfSf;F te;J> njhopyhsh;fSf;F md;ghd Nritfs; nra;tjhf vy;NyhUk; Ngrpf;nfhz;lhh;fs;. lhf;lh;khh;fs; ,UtUk; fh;g;gpzpg; ngz;fs; tpraj;jpy; jiyiag; Nghl;Lf; File;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. fh;g;g];jphpfsplk; fztd;khh;fs; ngah;fisf; Nfl;lhy;> mth;fs; nrhy;tjw;F $r; r g; g Lfpwhh; f s; . ngaiur; nrhy; y kWf; f pwhh; f s; . ,th; f Sila fztd;khh;fis M];gj;jphpfF ; mDg;Gq;fs;.. ,th;fSf;F clk;gpy; ,uj;jKk;> njk;Gk; ,y;iy.. Foe;ijia gpurtpff; Kbahky; ,we;Jk; Nghfyhk;. kNyupah fha; r ; r yhy; ‘[d; d p’ Ak; tuyhk; . . rP f ; f pukhf fztd; k hh; f is mDg; g p itAq;fs;..vd;W nghpa fq;fhzpaplk; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;lhh;fs;;. n ghpa fq;fhzp Kop gpJq;fp epd;whd;. mtDk;> rpy;yiw fq;fhzpAk; Nrh; e ; J jhd; me; j g; ngz; f s; fh; g ; g khtjw; F fhuzkhftpUe; j hh; f s; . fWg;gz;zd; fq;fhzp> nghpa fq;fhzpf;F MWjy; nrhd;dhd;. “ftiyg; glhjPq;f fq;fhzp.. mtSf nghiof;f khl;lhSf.. nghior;rp te;jhYk; ek;k Ngu nrhy;y khl;lhSf .!” vd;whd;. “gPl;lu; njhu Kl;lhg; gah..! $ypf fpl;l fld t#ypf;f thzhk;.. ,e;jpahTf;F mDg;gp itg;Nghk;q;fwhd;. ML nfle;j vlj;Jy kapU kpr;rkhk;.. ekf;F kapU$l nfilf;fhJ..!” nghpa fq;fhzpapd; ,e;j Ngr;ir xU rpy;yiw fq;fhzp FWf;fpl;Lg; Ngrpdhd;. “,J cRNuhl ntisahLw Nty fq;fhzp..! $ypf gzj;j Tl;Lg; Gbg;NghKq;f.. $Lkhd kl;Lk; rdq;fs mf;fiuf;F mDg;GwJjhd; rhpd;D gLJ..!” vd;whd;. kw;w vy;NyhUk; mtdJ Ngr;ir MNkhjpj;jhh;fs;.”$ypfjhd; Neha xl;l ntf;fpwhq;f> mtq;fjhd; ekf;F vkdhf ,Uf;fhq;f..!” vd;whd; ,d;ndhU fq;fhzp Nkkiyj; Njhl;lj;jpy; kNyhpah fha;r;ry; guTtij jw;NghJ fpilj;jpUf;Fk; kUe;Jfs; %yk; jil nra;ayhk;> vd;W Gjpa M];gj;jphp lhf;lh; ek;gpf;if njhptpj;jhh;. Njhl;lf; $ypfs; vy;NyhUf;Fk; gPl;lu; Jiu nfhz;L te;jpUe;j khj;jpiufisf; nfhLj;J> Crp Nghl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;.. kUe;J Fbf;f kWg;gth;fis> Nehahsp vd;W $l ghh;f;fhky;> gPl;lu; Jiu rhl;ilahy; mbj;jhd;. xU gf;fk; ghtkhfTk;> kWgf;fk; epahakhfTk; mJ gl;lJ.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

165

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***

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

166

K. rptypq;fk;

Nkkiyj; Njhl; l j; J fq; f hzpfSk; > njhopyhsUk; gythW gy Njhl; l q; f Sf; F mtru mtrukhf Njhl; l j; Jiukhh; f spd; $l; L eltbf;ifapdhy; mDg;gp itf;fg;gl;lhh;fs;. ***

fz;b fUg;ghap fk;gsj;J kPdhl;rp.. xj;jf; fl uhkhap - xd; cRU ,Ue;jh NghJkb..!

fpdpfj;Njd vd;w Ciu xj;jf; fil vd;W nrhy;thh;fs;. me;j Ch;> gpujhd Kr;re;jpapy; ,Uf;fpwJ.. xU ghij> kj;jpa khfhzk; fz;bia Nehf;fpAk;> kW ghij> rg;ufKt khfhzk; Clhf nfhOk;ig Nehf;fpAk; nry;fpd;wJ. kw;w ghij ml;ld;> njhg;gp Njhl;lk; topahf Cth khfhzj;jpd; Clhf gJisia Nehf;fpAk; nry;fpwJ. Gjpa Njhl;lk;.. Gjpa eph;thfk;> Gjpa fq;fhzpfs;.”jiy jg;gpaJ jk;gpuhd; nray;..” vd;W FR FRntd;W godp kfpo;r;rpNahL nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. ***

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167

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168

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175

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Njhl;lj; Jiukhh;fSk; rq;fk; cz;lhf;fpapUe;jhh;fs;. ,d;iwf;F fz;bapy; Jiukhh; rq;ff; $l;lk; eilngWfpd;wJ. fz;b gl;bdj;jpy; Jiukhh;fs; jq;Fkplkhf xU ‘Nghh;bq; `Tir’ itj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. Kjd; Kjy; E}W Ngh; nfhz;l Jiukhh; rq;fk;> 17 k; jpfjp nts;spf; fpoik> ngg;uthp khjk; 1854 k; Mz;L Muk;gpf;fg;gl;lJ vd;W xU Njhl;l nrhe;jf;fhuh;> jiyik tfpj;Jg; NgRk; NghJ Fwpg;gpl;lhh;. Nfhg;gp gaph; nra;iff;Fr; Nrhjid kpf;f xU fhyk; Vw;gl;L tpl;lijg; gw;wp vy;yh Njhl;l nrhe;jf;fhuh;fSk;> jq;fs; KjyPl;L gzk; ehrkhfp tpl;lNj vd;W mohf; Fiwahf Gyk;gpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. xU Njhl;l nrhe;jf;fhuh; vOe; J “epiwa g; s hd; l h; ] ; khh; f s; gaj; j hYk; > tpuf; j pahYk; Nfhg; g pj; Njhl;lq;fis iftpl;L tpl;lhh;fs;. Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lq;fs; gioagb fhlhfp tpl;ld> ,Jtiu 2 yl;rj;J 94 Mapuj;J 526 Vf;fh; fhl;L epyj;ij murhq;fk; ekf; F nfhLj; j pUf; F .. 275000 Vf; f h; fhl; i lAk; Rj; j khf; f p Nfhg; g p cz; l hf; f papUf; N fhk; . .” vd; W Jiukhh; rq; f nrayhsh; Njhl; l r; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fSf;F Gs;sp tpguq;fis thrpj;Jf; fhl;bdhh;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

176

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178

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179

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180

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182

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186

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mg;ga;ah nedr;rh nghpa fq;fhzpa $l Njhl;lj;j Tl;L fk;gp ePl;l nra;a KbAk; . .! mg; N gUgl; l kDrDf; F nghwe; j tUjhd; ,e; j thj; j p> ,Lg; G Rg;igah.!” vd;W %r;R tplhky; mwpKfg; glyj;ij ghb Kbj;jhd; MWKfk; “thj;jpaz;Nz..! njhopyhspf rk;gsf; fzf;F nttuk; njhpAq;fsh..? GhpQ;rpf;f KbAq;fsh mz;Nz..?”vd;W kpf khpahijNahL NtyhAjk; ,Lg;G Rg;ga;ahtplk; Nfl;lhd;. ,Lg;G Rg;G kpf epjhdkhfTk;> njspthfTk; kdg;ghlk; gz;zp itj;jpUg;gtidg; Nghy if tpuy;fis kbj;J> kbj;J.. fzf;F tpguq;fisr; nrhy;yj; njhlq;fpdhd;. “jk;gpfsh..! rk;gs nttuj;j nttukh nrhy;YNtd;> ,e;j rq;fjp fq;fhzpfpl;l Nghapuf; $lhJ.! rj;jpaQ; nrQ;rp FLj;jh nrhy;YNtd;.. vd;dh Mh;Nkh.!” vd;W MWKfj;ijg; ghh;j;jhd;. “ma;Nah thj;jp..! ‘mk;kh jhypf;F GJth’ mTq;f ahUfpl;lAk; nrhy;y khl;lhq;f..! fpuhkj;Jy ek;k T+U gf;fj;J grq;f>! ePq;f gag;Glhk nrhy;yyhk;..! vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; ehD [thg;jhhp..!” vd;W MWKfk; gpukhjkhf NtyhAjk; ez;gh;fis rpghhpR nra;Jg; Ngrpdhd;. ,Lg;G Rg;igahtpd; tPlb; y; MWKfk;> NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; MfpNahUld; Rg;Gtpd; cwtpdh;fshd viwr;rpg; ngl;b rpd;dhd;> Fjpiuf;fhu uhkd;> MfpNahUk; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. Rg;igah tPl;Lr; Rtw;wpy; Nghj;jy; yhk;G (tpsf;F) vhpe;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. Rg;igah tphpj;Jg; Nghl;l fk;gspapy; vy;NyhUk; thpirahf mkh;e;jdh;. vy;NyhUk; jdJ tPl;Lf;F te;J> jd;id xU nghpa kdpjdhf kjpj;J> Kd;dhy; mkh;e;jpUg;gijg; ghh;j;J> kdk; G+hpj;Jg; Ngha; fk;guP khf epkph;e;J cl;fhh;e;jhd; Rg;G.. kidtp mofk;khtplk; “vy;yhUf;Fk; Nfhg;gpj; jz;zp ,y;yhl;b rhaj; jz;zp Cj;J Gs;s..!” vd;W rk;rhuj;jplk; ngUkpjj;NjhL nrhd;dhd;.. ‘gythfl;ilapy;’ epiwa kbj;J itj;jpUe;j fhfpjj; Jz;Lfis tphpj;J itj;Jf; nfhz;L Ngrj; njhlq;fpdhd;. “Nfhg;gpf; fhl;Lf;Fk; rhp.. Njapiyf; fhl;Lf;Fk; rhp %D tUrk; ,y;yhl;b mQ;R tUrk; xg;ge;jf; fLjhrp FLj;Jj;jhd; $ypfs rPikj; njhiukhUq;f Ntiyf;F vLg;ghq;f.. mTq;f $ypfsh FLf;Fw gzj; j Jl; L > fhR> mdh> igrhd; D nrhy; Y Nwhk; . nts; s f; f huDq; f ,q;fpyPRy ‘kzp’ q;fpwhq;f.. yz;ld; fhRf;F ‘rpypq;’ d;D nrhy;Ywhq;f.. ‘ngd;];’ d;Dk; nrhy;Ywhq;f.. ,d;Dk; nfhQ;r fhyk; Nghdh ,e;jpah Jl;Ly FLg;ghq;fshk;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

187

K. rptypq;fk;

,g;g.. $yp fhR> nkhj tUrk; Kbapw tiuf;Fk; xU Mk;gisf;fp 10 rpypq;F FLf;Fwhq;f.. 18 taRf;F Nky ,e;j rk;gsk; nfilf;FJ> 18 taRf;F fPo 8 rpypqF ; FLf;Fwhq;f.. gd;ndz;L taR> gjpdQ;rp taR gf;fpfSf;F (igad;fs;) 6 rpypq;Fk;> gj;J gd;ndz;L taR gf;fpfSf;F 5 rpypq;Fk; FLf;Fwhq;f.. ,e;j nttuk; GhpQ;Rjh..?” vd;W cLf;fbf;Fk; G+rhhp‘kz;Ly’ Nfl;gijg; Nghy NtyhAjj;ijg; ghh;j;J Rg;G Nfl;lhd;. “GhpAJq;f thj;jpz;Nz..! nghk;gs rdq;f rk;gsk; gj;jp mz;Nzd; nrhy;yy;ypNa..?” NtyhAjk; ,Oj;jhd;. “mtrug; glhNj Ny! mjhd; nrhy;ypf;fpl;L th;NwNd..!” ;. nghk;gisf;F> mjhtJ 18 taRf;F Nky 6 rpypqF ; k;> 15 > 18 taR Gs;isfSf;F 5 rpypq;Fk;> 12 > 15 taR Gs;isfSf;F 4 rpypq;Fk;>10 > 12 taR Gs;isfSf;F 3 rpypq;Fk; FLf;Fwhq;f> ,Jjhd; njhukhU rq;fk; FLf;Fk; rl;lg;gb rk;gsk; Ny..! ,g;gb rk;gsk; thq;Fdh kl;Lk; NghjhJ.. njhu ktuhrDf;F tQ;rfk; nra;ahk xOq;F kUthjpah Ntiyf;fp tuZk;.. Ntyf;fp xOq;fh tuhl;bg; Nghdh NghypR te; J Gbr; r pf; f pl; L NghTk; . . Njhl; l njhukhUq; f Sf; F murhq;fk; rkhjhd ePjthd; gjtp FLj;jpUf;fhq;f.. mTq;fSf;F NghypRfhud $g;Gl mjpfhuk; FLj;jpUf;F> NghypR $l;bf;fpl;L Nghap> Nfhl;Ly epg;ghl;b> nrwr; rhiyf;F nfhz;L Ngha; ntyq;F khl;b milr;Rg;GLthDq;f..! Njhl;lj;Jf;F mk; g J NgU> mWtJ NgU.. ,d; d pf; F nrw thrk; mDgtpf; f pwhq; f jk;gpfsh..!”vd;w xU ghuJ}ukhd fijiaAk; ,Lg;G Rg;igah nrhd;dhd;. njhopyhsh; Ntiyf;F tuh tpll; hy;> nghyp]; eltbf;iff;Fg; gpdd ; h;> ePjp kd;w jPhg; g; pdg; b rpiwapy; milf;fg;gLthh;fs;. rpiwr; rhiy epiwe;J topAksTf;F> NehahspfisAk; gpbj;J milg;ghh;fs;..! “xU $yp> khrj;Jy vj;jd ehS Nty nra;aDk; mz;Nz..?” “mg;Gb NghL mUths.. !” Nfs;tp Nfl;Fk; NghJ> Rg;igahTf;F re;NjhrkhftpUe;jJ.. “Mk;gs xUj;jd; khrj;Jy nfhiwQ;rJ 19 ehS.. $LdJ 23 ehS Nty nra;aDk;.. nghk;gs nfhiwQ;rJ 15 ehS.. $LdJ 19 ehS Nty nra;aDk;. .gf;fpf nfhiwQ;rJ 17 ehSk;> $LdJ 21 ehSk; Nty nrQ;rhfZk;.. Nty ehS nfhiwQ;rh if khRjhd;.. mb.. xijjhd;.!” vd;whd; Rg;igah. “,e; j nttunky; y hj; i jAk; thj; j paz; N z vq; f njhpQ; f pf; f pl; B q; f ..?” NtyhAjk; md;ghd njhdpapy; Nfl;lhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

188

K. rptypq;fk;

“vy;yhk; Njhg;gdhU nrhd;dJjhd;.. njhu ktDf;F Urpah Mf;fpg; NghLwhU.. njhu kntd; mg;ghU eQ;rf; FLj;jhYk; jpk;ghU.! mt;Nsh ek;gpf;f mg;ghU Nky.. mg;ghUk; njhu ktDk; Njhl;lj;J rq;fjpfs rhp rkkh Ngrpf;fpwj ePq;nfy;yhk; ghj;jh %f;F Nky ntuy tr;Rf;FtPq;f.!” mofk;kh vy;NyhUf;Fk; rhaj; jz;zU P k; rh;f;fiuAk; nfhLj;jhs;. NtyhAjk; vOe;J epdW ; “mz;Nz..! ehisf;fp uhj;jphpfF ; rdq;fSf;F FLf;Fw rhg;ghl;L rhkhd; ntguj;ijAk; nrhy;YtPq;fsh..?” vd;whd;. “VNy Mh;Nkhk;..! ,ntd; vd;dh fq;fhzp Ntiyf;fp Nghtg; Nghwhdh..? fzf; f g; Gs; s Ntiyf; f p Nghtg; Nghwhdh..? vd; d j; J f; F nttuk; Nff;Fwhd;..?”vd;whd; Rg;G. “$yp rdq;f nttuk; Ghpahk ,Uf;fhq;fNs> khlh xiof;fpw mTq;fSf;F $yp nttuk;> rhg;ghl;L rhkhd; fzf;nfy;yhk; njhpQ;Rf;fpl;lh ey;yJjhNd thj;jp..!” vd;whd; MWKfk;. “rhp.. ehisf;fp nkhr TOe;jh cwpr;rp nfhz;L th Ny..!” “TOe;jpUe;jh fl;lhakh nfhz;L thNwd;. mz;zk; nghk;gs kjpdp tf;fpw nkhrf; nfhok;G Nrhf;fh ,Uf;Fk; thj;jp..!” vd;W jkh\; Ngrptpl;L MWKfk; ez;gh;fNshL fpsk;gpdhd;. Fjpiuf;fhu uhkd;> ,iwr;rpg; ngl;b rpd;dhd; ,UtuJ mwpKfk; fpilj;jjpy; NtyhAjk; kfpo;r;rpaile;jhd;. Fjpiuf;fhu uhkd; Fjpiuia ftdpj;Jf; nfhs;thd;. jPdp> Neuj;Jf;F Neuk; fzf; f hf nfhLf; f Zk; . ,iwr; r pg; ngl; b f; f hud; rpd; d hdpd; N tiy Njhl;lj;Jf;F ntspNa khL ntl;Lk; kyghh; uhTj;jh; filapy; khl;biwr;rp thq;fp tu Ntz;Lk;.. ,iwr;rpf; filf;F efuj;Jf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;Lk;. efuk; vd;why;> Ie;J> MW filfNs ,Uf;Fk;. mijNa efuk; vd;Wk;> gl;lzk; vd;Wk; njhopyhsh;fs; nrhy;Ythh;fs;. %d;W ehl;fSf;nfhU Kiw gj;J whj;jy; ,iwr;rpAk;> #g;G Ks;S> ghgj;J> <uy;> ehf;F> thY> jdpj; jdpahf vd;W ngl;bapy; milj;J Rke;J tu Ntz;Lk;. kw;iwa Neuk; rPikj; Jiu trpf;Fk; gq;fshtpd; $lhuj;Jr; Rw;Wr; #oiy $l;b Jg;gwT nra;Jf; nfhz;bUf;f Ntz;Lk;. G+Q;nrbfs; ehl;l Ntz;Lk;.. ,iwr;rpg; ngl;b rpdd ; hDf;Fk;> Fjpiuf;fhu uhkDf;Fk; ,q;fpyp]; Ngrj; njhpah gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

189

K. rptypq;fk;

tpl; l hYk; > ed; w hf tpsq; F k; . rpy Neuk; mth; f s; NgRfpw ‘,q; f pyp]; ’ Jiukhh;fSf;F tpsq;Fk;..! NtyhAjk; rk;gs tpguq;fs; fpilj;jjhy; kfpo;r;rpNahL tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whd;. “,d;dpf;F uhj;jphpf;Fk; nkhrf; fwpjhd;..!”vd;whd; godp. “Nej;J ehl;LyapUe;J thq;fplL ; te;j ngyhf;fh ,Uf;F.. mijAk; xU fwpahf;F..!” vd;whd; MWKfk;. “nuz;L nfhok;gh..?” vd;whd; rPuq;fd;. “ehl;Lf;Fs;s Nghap ghU..! rpq;fstq;f %D> ehY fwpNahl rhg;GLwhq;f.. Rz;ly; vd;dh> nfhok;G vd;dh> $l;L vd;dh mNlq;fg;gh..!” vd;whd; MWKfk; ,d;iwa ,uT ngsh;zkp ,uT. kio> Fsph; ,y;yhj nta;apy; fhyk;.. c\;z fhw;W ,Nyrhf tPrpaJ. ghy; epyT gfiyg; Nghy ntspr;rk; nfhLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. J}uj;Nj njhpAk; kiyapy; eha;> ehp NghdhYk; njspthfj; njhpAk; epynthsp.. NtyhAjk; thrypy;> Kd;dhy; cah;e;J epw;Fk; fy; ghiwapy; Vwp mkh;e;Jf; nfhz;L epyitNa ntwpff; g; ghh;jJ ; f; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. mtdJ fz;fs; gdpjj; pUe;jd.. KUf;fd;Fb fpuhkk; mtd; Kd;dhy; epd;wJ. Fbirf;F ntspNa nfhy;iyg; gf;fk; ,Ue;J te;J> mtdJ cjLfisf; fbj;J> fd;dq;fisf; fbj;J> neQ;irf; fbj;J> ,Wf mizj;J> “vd;d kwe;Jg;Glhj khkh..!” vd;W Njk;gp mOj ghg;ghj;jp. epidT te;J NkhjpaJ. “Nfhg;gpf; fhl;Lf;Fk;> Njapiyf; fhl;Lf;Fk; te;J gjpndl;L khrk; KbQ;rpg; Nghr;rp.. ve; jq;fk; Mz ngj;jhNsh.. nghz;z ngj;jhNsh.. ? flTNs vd;idf;fp CU Nghap NrUNtd;..?” epyit Nehf;fp ,uz;L fuq;fis cah;j;jpf; Fk;gpl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. ve;j re;jh;g;gj;jpYk; NtyhAjk; kdk; jsh;e;J tplf; $lhJ vd;W fz;Zk; fUj;Jkhf godp ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;NlapUg;ghd;. Nrhwhf;fp> gyhf;fha; $l;Lf; Fok;NghL> Kay; fwpiaAk; thrj;NjhL ,wf;fp itj;jhfp tpl;lJ.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

190

K. rptypq;fk;

“NtY..! gdp nga;apw Neuk;.. T+l;Lf;Fs;s th..!” vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhz;Nl> NtyhAjj;ij jdpikapy; ,Uf;f tplhJ> ,Oj;Jf; nfhz;L te;jhd;. NtyhAjk; ngU%r; R tpl; l hd; . “ehq; f Sk; nghz; l hl; b Gs; i sfs neidf;fhikah ,Uf;Nfhk;..? xd;diu tUrk; KbQ;R Nghr;R..! mLj;j khh; f opapy CUf; F nfsk; g yhk; . . th rhg; G l..!” vd; W rP u q; f d; %d; W Ngh;fSila <aj; jl;Lfis fOtp vLj;Jf; nfhz;L te;jhd;. md;iwa ,uT rhg;ghL kdJf;Fg; gpbj;jpUe;jJ.. %d;W NgUk; re;Njhrkhfr; rhg;gpl;lhh;fs;. “nkhr ty tphpf;f gbr;rpf;fpl;lh MWnkhfj;Jf;fpl;l Xrp viwr;rp thq;f Njt ,y;Ny..!” rPuq;fd; nrhd;dhd;. “godpAk;> ePAk; ty fl;LwJf;F fj;Jf;fq;fNs..!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. rpq;fsf; fpuhkj;jpypUe;J MWKfk;> Fkhpg; ghf;Fk; ntj;jiyAk; nfhz;L te;jhd;. ghf;F nghpa nfha;ahg;gok; khjphp ,Uf;Fk;. %tUk; md;wpuT ntw;wpiy Nghl;Lf; nfhz;L> epyh ntspr;rj;jpy;> thrypy; cl;fhh;e;Jf; nfhz;L tPl;Lf; fijfis kfpo;r;rpNahL Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ***

,];NlhUk; fl;bahr;rp! ,Q;rPDk; G+l;bahr;rp! ,sntl;lg; ngz;LfNs! vy nghUf;f te;JLq;f! uhikah fq;fhzp> gpul;Lf; fsj;Jf;Fg; Ngha; Mk;gisfSf;F rpy;yiw Ntiyfs; nfhLj;J tpl;L> tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. mtDf;F xj;jhirahf tPl;L Ntiy nra;Ak; ngUkhs;> nte;ehP ; Nghl;L itj;jpUe;jhd;. uhikah Rfkhff; Fspj;J tpl;L> ntl;b Nth; Nghl;L kbj;J itj;jpUe;j thr Ntl;bia fl;bf; nfhz;lhd;. ngUkhs;> fhiyapNyNa #lhf;fp itj;jpUe;j khdpiwr;rpf; Fok;NghL nuhl;b Rl;L itj;jpUe;jhd;. rhg;ghl;il Kbj;Jf; nfhz;l uhikah> xU ehSk; ,y;yhj thW> VNjh xU ghl;il Kdfpf; nfhz;L> godpahz;b fq;fhzp tPl;il nrd;wile;j NghJ> fhiy xd;gJ kzp ,Uf;fyhk;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

191

K. rptypq;fk;

fq;fhzp tPL> njhopyhsh; yad;fSf;nfy;yhk; mg;ghy; J}uj;Nj ,Ue;jJ. fq;fhzp tPl;bypUe;J Njhl;lj; Jiu tq;fsh xU fl;il J}uj;jpypUe;jJ.. G+Q;Nrhiy kiyAr;rpg; gbapypUe;J uhikah ,wq;fp tUtij ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;NlapUe;jhs;. mts; vd;Wkpy;yhjthW Gjpag; nghypTld; ,Ue;jhs;. mjpfhuk;> mfq;fhuk;> vy;yhtw;iwAk; clk;gpy; xl;l itj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;j mts;> ,d;W vspikahd ngz;zha; gzpe;J NghapUf;Fk; Nghf;F> moiff; $l;bf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. tPl;lUNf te;j uhikah> mz;zhe;J ehyh gf;fKk; ghh;itia nrYj;jptpl;L> tPl;Lf; fjitj; jl;bdhd;. “njhwe;Jjhd; ,Uf;F..!” cs;NsapUe;J G+Q;Nrhiy nrhe;jkhff; Fuy; nfhLj;jhs;. uhikah cs;Ns Eioe;jJk;>”tpbaf; fhy mQ;ru kzpfn; fy;yhk; FJu tz;b tPlL ; f;F te;Jr;R.. mtUk;> njhiuAk; fz;bf;Fg; Nghwh`..!” vd;whs;.

“Vjhr;Rk; ghtpf;fpwpaNsh..?” uhikah ,Nyrhfr; rphpj;jhd;. “fq;fhzp ntjj;jhy xU Nghj;j tr;rpUf;fhU..!” vd;W mtSk; ,Nyrhf Gd;dif nra;J xU Nghj;jiy ePlb; dhs;. uhikah Nghj;jNyhL G+Q;Nrhiyapd; ifia ,Wfg; gpbj;jhd;. ,g;Nghnjy;yhk; fq;fhzp tPL tiu khl;L tz;bAk;> Fjpiu tz;bAk; te;J Nghfpd; w d. Njhl; l j; Jiu epiwag; gzk; nryT nra; J > murhq; f ‘u];jhitg;Nghy ghijia jpUj;jk; nra;jpUf;fpwhh;. kiy Ntiyfisf; ftdpgg; jw;F kl;Lk; Fjpiuia ghtpff; pdw ; hh;. Nfhg;gp Rj;jk; nra;Ak; Ntiyfs; nra; j hYk; > $ypfis itj; J ghijfs; nrg; g dpLtjpy; Njhl; l j; Jiu ftdnkLf;fpwhh;. epidj;Jg; ghh;f;fhj msTf;F ,e;j Kiw filrp Nfhg;gp mWtil ,UgJ me;jiu jhz;bapUe;jJ.. Nfhg;gpapd; filrp mopT fhyj;jpy;> ,e;j Njhl;lj;J N[k;]; Jiuf;F kl;LNk ifiaf; fbf;fhj msTf;F yhgk; fpilj;jpUe;jJ.. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;ijg; Nghy rpy Njhl;lq;fspy; Nfhg;gpAk; gyd; nfhLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. nrg;gdplg;gl;l tz;b ghij> nrk;kz; epwj;jpy; NrhgidahftpUe;jJ.. ruiy kz; z hifahy; > kiof; fhyj; j pYk; ghij rfjpahf khwhky; cWjpahftpUf;Fk;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

192

K. rptypq;fk;

N[k;]; Jiu Njhl;lj;jpy; ,UE}W Vf;fh; Nfhg;gp gaphpl;bUe;jhh;. ,UE}W Vf;fhpYk; Nfhg;gp kuj;J ,iyfnsy;yhk; nfhl;b> ntWk; kpshWfshfNt> ,iyAjph; fhyj;J kuq;fshf khwpapUe;jd. fle;j %d;W tUlj;Jf;Fs; E}W Vf;fh; Njapiy cz;lhf;fp> ,g;NghJ nfhOe;J gwpj;J> ehtyg;gpl;b> fe;jNyhah > gprhR kiy Njhl;lj;Jf;F Njapiyj; J}s; jahhpg;gjw;F mDg;Gfpwhh;fs;.. Njapiy jahhpf;Fk; ae;jpuq;fs; rPikapypUe;J nfhz;L te;J> G+l;b> rpwpa njhopw; r hiy fl; b apUf; f pwhh; f s; . ngz; f Sk; > Mz; f Sk; Njapiyf; nfhOe;Jfis thl itj;J> ae;jpuj;jpy; miuj;J> gjg;gLj;jp> tpwF mLg;G ae;jpuj;jpy; fUf;fp vLj;J> rypj;J> ufk; gphpg;gjpy; mDgtk; ngw;wpUe;jhh;fs;. Njapiyj; J}s; thrk; njhopw;rhiyia Rw;wpa gpuNjrq;fspy; fhw;Wld; fye;J kzk; gug;gpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk;. ***

jpBnud;W

fq;fhzp tPl;L thd;Nfhopfnsy;yhk; fuh Kuhntd fj;jj;

njhlq;fpd. G+Q;NrhiyAk;> uhikahTk; jpLf;nfd;W vOe;jhh;fs;. “ghk;G $l;Lf;Fs;s te;jpUf;FNkh..?” uhikah FR FRntd;W Nfl;lhd;. nfhQ;r Neuj;Jf;Fs;NsNa nlhf; nlhf;nfd;W Fjpiuapd; Fsk;gb rj;jk; Nfl;fj; njhlq;fpaJ. Fjpiuapd; fhyb rj;jk; tPl;lUfpy; te;J tpl;lJ. uhikahit nfhy;iyg; gf;fk; fjNthukhf epw;fr; nrhy;yptpl;L> G+Q;Nrhiy fjtpd; Xl;il topahfg; ghh;j;jhs;. gf;fj;J Njhl;lj;J Jiu N[hd;rd;.! G+Q;Nrhiy Nriyahy; Kf;fhL Nghl;Lf; nfhz;L> fjitj; jpwe;jhs;. “vq;Nf godpaz;b nfhq;fzp..?” “njhu.. fq;fhzp> fz;b>” vd;W irif %ykhfr; nrhd;dhs; G+Q;Nrhiy. mts; jdpikapy; ,Ug;gij mwpe;J nfhz;ltd;> FjpiuapypUe;J Fjpj;J mtsUfpy; neUq;fp te;jhd;. “A+ Yf; ie];..!” vd;whd;. mts; jdpikapy; ,Ug;gijawpe;J neUq;fp te;jhd;. “Nrh;..! I rpf;fd; nghf;];..!” vd;whs;

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

193

K. rptypq;fk;

“ik Nfhl;..!” vd;W gae;jtd;> Fjpiuapy; jhtp Vwp jpUk;gpg; ghh;f;fhkNyNa Xbdhd;. “...........” G+Q;Nrhiy nfhQ;rk; “,q;fpyp];” thh;j;ijfis fq;fhzp %ykhf mwpe;J itj;jpUe;jhs;..mJ ,e;j khjphp Mgj;jhd Neuq;fspy; cjTfpd;wJ. Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lq;fspYk; rhp.. Njapiy cz;lhf;fpa fhyj;jpYk; rhp> ngz;fs;> Mz;fis tpl kpff; FiwthfNt ,Ue;jhh;fs;. E}W Mz;fs; kj;jpapy; ,UgJ ngz;fNs ,Ue;jhh;fs;. ,th;fs; Jiukhh;fspypUe;J> fq;fhzpfspypUe;J> rf njhopyhsh;fspdJ fhk ntwpfSf;Fg; gypahfpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. epiwa ngz;fs; Nkf Neha;f;F Mshfpdhh;fs;. M];gj;jphpapy; jq;fp itj;jpak; ghh;f;fNth.. kUe;J Nghl;Lf; nfhs;sNth tpUk;Gtjpy;iy> gy ngz;fs; ,e;j Nehapdhy; mtkjpff; g;gl;L> Njhl;lq;fspypUe;J Juj;jg;gl;L> fhL NkLfspy;> eil ghijfspy; ,we;J fple;jhh;fs;. fjitr; rhj;jptpl;L> G++Q;Nrhiy uhikah xspe;jpUf;Fk; fjtUfpy; Ngha; mtid ,Wff; fl;bg;gpbj;Jf; nfhz;lhs;. N[hd;rd; Jiu te;jJ> Nfs;tp Nfl;lJ> FjpiuapypUe;J ,wq;fpaJ> G+Q;Nrhiyapd; mUfpy; te;jJ> tprhhpjj; J> mtsplk; Nrl;il nra;a epidj;jJ.. mts; jdf;F mk;ik Neha; vd;W nrhd; d J> vd; W vy; y h tpraq; f isAk; uhikah ftdpj; J f; nfhz;NlapUe;jhd;. G+Q;Nrhiy> Mgj;jpypUe;J jg;gpaij epidj;J flTis if $g;gp Ntz;bf; nfhz;lhs;. uhikah fhiyapy; xd; g J kzpastpy; te; j td; > ,g; N ghJ> kzp .. gd;dpuz;L.! G+Q;Nrhiy nkhr;irf; nfhl;il gpul;lYld;> fUthl;L Fok;G itj;jpUe;jhs;.. rptg;G mhprp NrhW UrpahftpUe;jJ> rpq;fs fpuhkq;fspy; fq;fhzp> mhprp thq;fpf; nfhs;thd;. nrhe;j ChpypUe;J fz;b rPikf;F te;j gpwF> gu];guk; uhikahTf;Fk;> G+Q;Nrhiyf;Fk; ,e;j ehs;jhd; gpwtp gaid mile;j ehshftpUe;jJ Nghy; re;Njhrf; flypy; %o;fpg; NghapUe;jhh;fs;. G+Q;Nrhiy uhikahitg; ghh;j;Jf; Nfl;lhs;. “Va;ah..! eP xd;bf;fl;ljhd.! eP CUf;Fg; Nghtapy> xq;$lNt ehDk; te;jputh.? fq;fhzp mLj;j khrk; vd;ida CUf;F mDg;gptpl;L> nuz;L rf;fsj;jpfs $l;bf;fpl;L tu ,Uf;fhU> ehDk; ef> el;L> fhR gzj;Njhl tUNtd;jhNd..” gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

194

K. rptypq;fk;

“ehD rhjpapy rf;fpypad;> vq;$l xj;J tUkh.?” vd;whd; “aha;ah.. xq;fpl;l rhjp Nfl;Lf;fpl;lh gLj;Njd;..? nrhe;j fpuhkj;j Tl;L> Ntw fpuhkj;Jy FLk;gk; elj;jyhe;jhNd..?” vd;whs;. “nghwF Nahrpg;Nghk; G+Q;Nrhy> fhl;L kuj;Jf;Fk; fhJ ,Uf;Fk;> ehD G+l;L th;Nwd;..!” vd;whd;. G+Q; N rhiy> fztd; fq; f hzpf; F r; nra; A k; gzptpiliag; Nghy uhikahTf;F ,uT rhg;ghl;ilAk; fl;b nghl;lykhff; nfhLj;jhs;. fhl;L topahf tPl;Lf;Fg; NghFk; mtDf;F> Nga;> gprhR mz;lhjpUf;f Nrhw;Wg; nghl;lyj;jpy; fhpf;fl;il> jfuj; Jz;L itj;jpUe;jhs;. gphpa Kbahky; G+Q;Nrhiy mtidg; gphpe;jhs;. mtd; Ntfkhf kiyg; ghijapy; Vwp> kW gs;sj;jpy; ,wq;fp kiwAk; tiu> thrypypUe;J ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;NlapUe;jhs;. ***

MWKfk;> ,Lg;G Rg;igah tPl;Lf;F NtyhAjj;ijAk;> kw;w ez;gh;fisAk; $l;bf; nfhz;L NghapUe;jhd;. md;iwf;Fg; NghyNt ,Lg;G Rg;igahtpd; rk;rhuk; mofk;kh fk;gspia ePl;lkhf tphpj;Jg; Nghl;lhs;. gyth fl;ilapy; Fg; g p yhk; i g itj; J f; nfhz; L > Rg; G kbj; J itj; j pUe; j fljhrp Jz;Lfisnay;yhk; tphpj;Jg; ghh;j;jhd;. “ntguk; nrhy;Nwd;.. vOjpf;Nfh..!” vd;whd;. NtyhAjk; fljhrp Jz;Lfisj; Njb ifapy; itj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. “xU $ypahSf;F cg;G xd;Nd fh nfhj;J.. khrp mu whj;j> nej;jpyp xU whj;j.. gUg;G xU nfhj;J.. gapW xU nfhj;J> fha;Qr; nfhr;rpff; h Kf;fh whj;j> ek;khSf> nfhr;rpff; h gj;jhJ> gj;jhJd;D. fj;JthDq;f> nfhr;rpff; h jpdd ; p gLthSq;f.!” vd;whd;. “$jYf;F nfhr;rpf;fh ey;yJ thj;jp.! nkhrf; fwpf;F nfhr;rpf;fh rhe;J nuhk;g Nghl;lhj;jhd;> fhuQ; rhukh ,Uf;Fk;..!” vd;whd; MWKfk;. Rg;igah njhlh;e;J thrpj;jhd;> mhprp xU nghr> (Gry;)> Gsp xd;Nd fh whj;j> <u ntq; f hak; (rpd; d ntq; f hak; ) xU whj; j > nfhj; j ky; y p fh nfhj; J > ,Jf;nfy;yhk; njhu ktuhrd; NghLw fzf;F Ntw. fq;fhzp vOjpff; pw fzf;F gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

195

K. rptypq;fk;

Ntw> !” fq;fhzp> njhopyhspf;F Njhl;lk; toq;Fk; vy;yh nghUl;fspdJk; tpiyfis ‘xd;Df;F kz;zh’ mepahaf; fzf;if jdJ gh]; Gj;jfj;jpy; vOjp itj;Jf; nfhs;thd;. “,t;tsTjhdh mz;Nz..! Ntw rhkhd; FLf;fpwJ ,y;ypah.. fWthL FLf;f khl;lhq;fsh.?” NtyhAjk; Nfl;lhd;. “nrhy;yp thNwd; vOjpfN ; fh..! fWthL me;jh; fzf;Fy FLg;ghq;f.. rdq;f $jy; Ch;y fWthL tpUk;gpj; jpk;ghq;f..mg;gwk; fLF> nte;jpak;> nkhsF> rPufk; gj;J rjk;> ntj;jy> ghf;F mk;gJ rjk;> rikag; ghj;juk; gjpNdO rjk;> Njq;fh vz;nza;> yhk;ngz;z> jPg; ngl;b vk;gj;njhU rjk;> Jzp kzp xU &thTf;F Nky NghTk;> mg;Gwk; tz;zhDf;F ,Utj;jQ;rp rjk;.. ghpahhpf;F gj;J rjk;> vy;yh nryTk; Nrj;jh khrk; xU MSf;F gjpndhU &th ,Utj;jp %D rjk; fnld; fzf;F tUk;.! eP khrk; nkhj;j rk;gsk; gjpdQ;rp &th thq;Fdh> kPjp rk;gsk; %D Uth vOtj;jp VO rjk; tUk;> ,e;j kPjp rk;gsj;Jy eP fl fhl;Lf;F Nghap Njj;jz;zp fPj;jz;zp Fbr;rh.. mJTk; Nghr;rp..! tTj;jf; fl;b> thaf; fl;b.. rk;ghjpr;rhjhd; eP CU Nghap NrUNt.! ,y;yhl;b “fld; fl;lDk;..fld; fl;lZk;” Kd;D fq;fhzp CUf;F Nght Tl khl;lhd;..tUrf; fzf;Fy CUf;F Nghf Kbahk> nghz;lhl;b.. Gs;sfs> nrhe;j ge;jq;fs ghf;f Kbahk jtpah jtpr; r pl; L mOj fz; Z k; . . rP e ; j pd %f; F kh> vj; j dhapuk; NgU Njhl;lj;Jf;Fs;NsNa nflf;FwhD`.?” vd;whd;. “fq;fhzp NghLw ngha; fzf;f $yp rdq;f Nff;f khl;lhq;fsh..?” “Nfl;lh Nghr;rp..! mb xjjhd;> uhNthl uhth fhl;Lf;F $l;bf;fplL ; Nghap KUfq;f jpd;DwJf;F mbahSq;f fl;bg; Nghl;Ll;L te;jpUthDq;f..! xiog;Gf;F $yp fq;fhzp NghLw gpr;rjhd;.!” vd;whd; Rg;G.. kaph;f; $r;nrwpe;J> kdk; nfhe;jspf;Fk;gbahd jfty;fis ,Lg;G Rg;igah nrhd;djpy;. vy;NyhUk; thailj;Jg; NghapUe;jhh;fs;.mofk;kh rhaj; jz;zp $l Cj;jhky; GUrd; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;j tpraq;fisf; ftdkhff; fhJ nfhLj;Jf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhs;. “mk;khrp ,Ul;L.! ge;jj;Jf;F nfhQ;rk; vz;nz Cj;jpj;jh kjpdp..!” vd;W mofk;khtplk; MWKfk; Nfl;lhd;. vy;NyhUk; Nghtjw;F vOk;gpdhh;fs;. “nrj;j gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

196

K. rptypq;fk;

nghWq;f..rhaj; jz;zp Cj;jp jhNwd;..!” vd;W ,Q;rp er;rpg; Nghl;L Urpahd NjePh; nfhLj;jhs; mofk;kh. Rg;igah nfhLj;j ngWkjpahd jfty;fis mwpe;Jf; nfhz;l NtyhAjk;> mtdJ fhypy; tpOe;J ek];fhuk; nra;jhy; vd;d> vd;W $l epidj;jhd;. kio jpBnud tug; NghFk; rkpf;iQia czh;e;Jf; nfhz;l fhdfj;J tz;Lfs; ,iuaj; njhlq;fpd. jtisfSk; rj;jkpl;ld.. Nfhl;lhd;fspd; rj;jq;fSk; gaq; fhl;bd.,dp tUk; MW khjq;fs; Jauj;jpYk; Jaukhd epiyikfis cUthf;fpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk;.. tPl;Lf;F ntspNa tUk; NghJ> Rg; i gah ,d; n dhU jftiyAk; nrhd; d hd; . ”ehisf; f p ,y; y hl; b ehshz;ilf;F GJrh fk;gpspg; Nghh;itAk; FLg;ghq;f..!” “ey;y Nrjp.. re;Njhrkz;Nz..!” vd;W nrhy;yptplL ; > vy;NyhUk; fpsk;gpdhh;fs;. ***

my;ypj; Njhl;lk; xj;jf; fil Kr;re;jpf;F Nky; Nehf;fpa jpirapy; E}w;Wf; fzf;fhd Njapiyj; Njhl;lq;fs; cUthfp njhopw;rhiyfs; fl;lg;gLk; NtiyfSk; ele;Jf; nfhz;bUf;fpd;wd. Nfhg;gpapd; tUkhdk; Gijay; Njhz;b vLg;gJ Nghy n[hypjJ ; f; nfhz;bUe;jhYk;> mjd; MAl; fhyk; Ik;gJ> Ik;gj;;ije;J tUrq;fNshL mope;J Nghapd.. rpy Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs; nfhs;is nfhs;isahf gzj;ijj; Njbf; nfhz;L> Ch; Ngha; Nrh;e;jhh;fs;. fq;fhzpkhh;fSk;> ciog;G fhy;thrpahftpUe;jhYk;> njhopyhsh;fsplk; nfhs;isabj;j jpUl;L gzk; Kf;fhy; thrpahfr; RUl;bf; nfhz;L Ch; Ngha; Nrh;e;jhh;fs;. Nfhg;gp Neha;> Cth kLy;rPk Njhl;lj;jpypUe;Jjhd; Muk;gkhfpaJ> ,JTk; kNyhpah nfhs;is Neha; khjphpNa mopit cz;lhf;fpaJ. Njhl;l kf;fNsh Nfhg;gp nrbiag; NghyNt mope;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. xj;jf; fil re;jpf;F NkNy njhlh;fpd;w Njhl;lq;fs; > fly; kl;lj;jpypUe;J %thapuk; mb cauj;jpy; ,Ue;jd. Njapiyg; gaph; XNfh ntd;W nropj;J tsh;e;jd..

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

197

K. rptypq;fk;

ml;ld; njhg;gp Njhl;lk;> ke;jp Njhl;lk;> ky;ypifg; G+ Njhl;lk;> tduhrh Njhl;lk;> uhrh Njhl;lk;> njd; kJiu Njhl;lk;> rKj;jpu ts;sp Njhl;lk;> khld; Njhl;lk; vd; w Njhl; l q; f spypUe; n jy; y hk; njhopyhsh; f s; CUf; F g; Gwg; g l; L f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. NghFk; topapy; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fisr; re;jpj;J>‘gazQ; nrhy; y ptpl; L g; Nghtjw; F ’my; y pj; Njhl; l j; J f; F epiwa Ch; f ; f huh; f s; te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; nfhOk;Gf;Fg; Ngha; J}j;Jf;Fb fly; khh;f;fkhf Nghthh;fshk;. NtyhAjKk;> godp> rPuq;fDk; Xb Xb mth;fis tprhhpj;jhh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; uhkehjGuk;> Nryk;> GJf; Nfhl;il> jpUney;Ntyp> vd;whh;fs;. jpUr;rp> jQ;rhT+h; fhuh;fs; vtUNk me;jf; $l;lj;jpy; tuhjijf; fz;L kdk; tUe;jpdhh;fs;. ,e;jpahTf;F Nghfpwth;fs; rpy Nkhrkhd rk;gtq;fisAk; nrhd;dhh;fs;. kio njhlq;fptpl;ljhy;> epiwa Njhl;lq;fspy; njhopyhsh;fs; kNyhpah fha;r;ryhy; gPbf;fg;gl;L> mtjpg;gLfpwhh;fs;. ,wg;G tpfpjk; $bf;nfhz;Nl ,Ug;gjhfTk;.. mq;NfAk; M];gj;jphp trjp.. kUe;J trjp NghjNt NghjhJ.. vd;Wk;> mth;fs; jpUk;gTk; rpNyhDf;F tUtJ epr;rakpy;iy .. vd;W kpf kpf ufrpakhfr; nrhd;dhh;fs;. eype;J> nkype;J NghapUe;jhYk;> CUf;Fg; NghFk; kfpo;r;rpahy; mth;fspd; Kfq;fs; G+hpj;Jg; NghapUe;jd.. te;jth;fsplk; “ehq;f ,q;f ey;yh ,Uf;Nfhk;.. $ba rPf;fpukh te;JUNthk;..” vd; W fbjq; f s; vOjpf; nfhLj; j hh; f s; . “,J fjph; f hkj; J tpG+jp> jpUf;NfjP];tuj;J tpG+jp> khj;jis mk;kd; Nfhtpy; tpG+jp> fz;b gps;isahh; Nfhtpy; tpG+jp> vd;W mth;fs; gy tUrq;fshf gj;jpug;gLj;jp itj;jpUe;j tpG+jp nghl;lyq;fis mth;fsplk; nfhLj;jhh;fs;.mth;fs; %ykhf gzk; fhR nfhLj;jDg;g mth;fs; tpUk;g tpy;iy.. mth;fs;; mij tPl;by; nfhLg;ghh;fs; vd;w ek;gpf;if mth;fsplk; ,y;yhkypUe;jJ.. rf njhopyhsh;fis ek;gNt khl;lhh;fs;..mjpy; epahak; ,Ue;jJ.. nghJthfNt Njhl;lq;fspy; xNu miwapy; FbapUf;Fk; gy NgUk;> jq;fs; rk;gsf; fhir Nfhtzj;jpy; Kbe;J itj;jpUg;ghh;fs;. mth;fs; xUtUila gzj;ij xUth; jpUbf; nfhs;Sk; toikapUe;jJ..! MfNt jq;fSf;F kpf mG+h;tkhf kPjp fpilf;Fk; $ypiaf; $l epk;kjpahfg; gj;jpug;gLj;jp itj;Jf; nfhs;s Kbahky; tUrf; fzf;fpy; jtpjhag;gl;lhh;fs;..epiwag; Ngh; Nrkpj;J itj;j gzj;ij ,oe;jpUg;ghh;fs;.. mNdfkhNdhh; tPlL ; f;Fs;NsNa Fop gwpjJ ; > gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

198

K. rptypq;fk;

jfur; Rz; L fspy; nkOfpapUg;ghh;fs;..!

fhir itj; J Gijj; J > rhzkpl; L > jiuia

CUf;Fj; jpUk;Gk; njhopyhsh;fs; re;Njhr kpFjpahy; fy fyg;ghfg; Ngrpf; nfhz;bUg;gij Nfl;Lf; nfhz;Nl NtyhAjk;> godp> rPuq;fd; %tUk; gLf;iff;Fr; nrd;whh;fs;. ***

fk;gsp vl;L whj;j fdj;j $l gj;J whj;j ,j;jidAk; J}f;fpf;fpl;L VwZNk Nkl;L ky..

thdk; kg;Gk; ke;jhuKkhf ,Ul;bf; nfhz;NlapUe;jJ.. me;jpapy; kio tuyhk;.. ,d;W gpul;Lf; fsj;Jf;F Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuuhd N[k;]; JiuAk;> nghpa fq;fhzp godpahz;bAk;> rpy;yiw fq;fhzp uhikahTk; te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. khl;L tz;b epiwa Nghh;itfSk;> fk;gspfSk; ,Ue;jd. nghpa fq;fhzp Ntiyahl;fspd; ngah;fis thrpf;f.. uhikah fq;fhzpAk;> ,d;ndhU rpyy ; iw fq;fhzpAk; Nghh;itfisAk;> fk;gspfisAk; nfhLj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;lj; Jiu N[k;]; ftdkhfg; ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;. fk;gsp> Nghh;itfs; nfhLj;J Kbe;jJk;> nghpa fq;fhzp xU Kf;fpakhd jftiy nrhy;yj; njhlq;fpdhd;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ek;k Njhl;lj;Jy $ypf;fhuDq;f nuhk;g NgU ,Uf;fhq;fyhk;. mJdhy Vf;fUf;F jf;fgb> Njapy tUkhdj;Jf;F jf;fgb> $ypfs nfhiwf;f njhu KbT vLj;jpUf;fhU> ,g;g NgU thrpf;fg; NghNwd;.. mJg;gb mTq;f Njhl;lk; Tl;L Njhl;lk; khwZk;..! ml;ld; njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;F gjpidQ;rp $yp.. Gypf; fhL Njhl;lk;.. nfhl;bahnfhy;iyf;F gjpidQ;rp $yp> ePyfphp ehD xahTf;F gjpidQ;R $yp.. ePyfphpd;dJk; <e;jpah ePyfphpd;D nedr;Rf;fhNj.! mJ thy; ghw > tl;lg; ghw > Nfhak;Gj;J}h;> Nkl;Lg;ghisak; jhz;b> NghfZk;.. ek;k rpNyhd; ePyfphp Ntw..! njhg;gp Njhl;lk;> jythf;nfhy;y> nfotd; tl;lnfhl> rKUrl;b jhz;b NghdJk; ePyfphp khjphpNa FspU CU ,Uf;F> gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

199

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200

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201

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202

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203

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204

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205

K. rptypq;fk;

Fjpiu gpul;Lf;fsj;Jf;F te;jJk;> “Xy; nfl; mg;..! ey;y epA]; nrhy;Nwd;..!” vd;wth; “Va; uhikah..! Jz;L vy;yhk; nfhz;L th..!” vd;W uhikahitf; $g; g pl; l hh; . “vy; y hj; Jz; i lAk; fpopr; R g; NghL..!” uhikah vy; y hj; Jz;LfisAk; fpopj;Jg; Nghl;lhd;. “xdf;F vy;yhk; fNld; ,y;Ny..! eP Rk;kh GJ Njhl;lk; Nghtyhk;> xd; rk;gsk; vy;yhk; jUNtd;. rhpah..?” vd;whd;. rdq;fs;; Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuid Fk;gpl;L> jq;fs; kfpo;r;rpia njhptpj;jhh;fs;. Fjpiu kPz;Lk; jpUk;gp XbaJ.. uhikahtpd; mUfpy; nrd;W> “ePq;f kfuhrdh ,Uf;fZk;.! rhkp njhu khjphp> ePq;fSk; rhkp fq;fhzpah tuZk;..!” vd;W thahug; Gfo;e;jhh;fs;. ***

Muk;g fhyj;J Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lq;fspd; epiyik ,g;NghJ ,y;iy.. njhopyhsh; f Sk; jl; b f; Nfl; F ksTf; F ijhpakhfptpl; l hh; f s; . Njhl; l epht ; hfq;fSf;F njhopyhsh;fs; ,g;Nghnjy;yhk; xj;Jiog;G toq;Ftjpyi ; y.. Jiukhh;> fq;fhzp> fz;lhf;F> fzf;Fg;gpsi ; sfSf;Fg; gag;gLtJk; Fiwe;J tUfpd; w J> vd; w khw; w q; f is> NtyhAjk; mwpe; J f; nfhz; l jpy; kfpo;r;rpaile;jpUe;jhd;. Gjpa Njhl; l kf; f Sld; neUq; f pg; gofpf; nfhz; l gpwF> neL ehisa ez;gh;fisf; $l gphpe;J thOk; epiyik Neh;e;jhYk;> mij jhq;fpf;; nfhs;Sk; gf;Ftj;ij Vw;Wf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. ml;ld; njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;F NtyhAjj;NjhL> Ie;J jdpf;fl;ilfSk;> gj;J FLk;g cWg;gpdh;fSk; Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;. mNj ghijapNyNa rPuq;fDk; Nghf Ntz;bapUe;jjhy;> nfhQ;rk; ijhpakhftpUe;jhd;. njhopyhsh;fs; Kd;G Nghy; rhf;F %l;ilfisAk;> Jzpg; nghl;lyq;fisAk; Rkg;gjpy;iy.. “Nuq;F ngl;b” vd;Dk; jfug; ngl;bfisf; nfhz;L nrd;whh;fs;. cuy; > cyf; i ffis> mk; k pf; f y; Y > jpUtf; f y; Y > Nghd; w ghukhd rhkhd;fis> rf njhopyhsh;fsplk; nfhLj;J tpl;Nl nrd;whh;fs;. godp> Foe;ijg; gps;isiag; Nghy Njk;gp mOjhd;. mtidg; gpbj;J> MWKfj;jplKk;> ,Lg;G Rg;igahtplKk; xg;gilj;J> “xq;f rNfhjuj;ijg; Nghy ,td ftdpr; R f; f q; f > ehq; f mbf; f b tug; Nght ,Ug; N ghk; . .!” vd; W gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

206

K. rptypq;fk;

NtyhAjKk; > rP u q; f Dk; > vy; y h ez; g h; f isAk; fl; b aizj; J tpl; L Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;. mth;fis re;Njhrg;gLj;Jtjw;fhf> “NtyhAjk;z;Nz..! xq;f GJ Njhl;lj;Jf;F ehq;f nkhrf;fwpNahl tUNthk;.. fs;Sj; jz;zp thq;fp tr;rpUq;f..!” vd;whd; MWKfk;. ez;gh;fs; rphpj;jthW gphpe;jhh;fs;. ***

Vj; j kb ngj; J uhrp vwf;fkb uhrh Njhl;lk; J}ukb njhg;gp Njhl;lk; njhlh;e;J thb vd;d nra;a..?

njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;F

te;Jtpl;lhh;fs;. khl;L tz;bapypUe;J ,wq;fpa NtyhAjk;> rPuq;fid> ml;ld; Nfhr;rp ];NlrDf;F $l;bf;nfhz;L Nghdhd;. jq;fkiy Njhl;lj;Jf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;bath;fs; vy;NyhUk;> mg;Gj;jiy ];NlrDf;F bf;fl; vLj;jhh;fs;. gJis Nfhr;rpapy; Vwp> mg;Gj;jiy ];Nl\dpy; ,wq;fp epd;why;> jq;fkiy Njhl;lj;J fq;fhzp te;J $l;br; nry;thd;.. rPuq;fid fl;bg;gpbj;Jf; nfhz;lhd; NtyhAjk;. rPuq;fdpd; Kfk; thb> ftiyaile;jpUe;jJ.. “xd;Df;Fk; gag;glhj> ehd; mbf;fb te;J xd;ida ghg;Ngd;..!” vd;W kPz;Lk; mtid ,Wf mizj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. rPuq;fd; NtyhAjj; j pd; iffisg; gpbj; J > khwp khwp Kj; j k; nfhLj; j hd; . . uapy; tz;bapYs;sth;fs; czh;r;rp trg;gl;L fz; fyq;fpdhh;fs;. tz;b efh;e;jJ. nfhOk; G Nfhr; r p> ml; l d; topahf te; J > Ruq; f j; j pd; Clhf gJis Njhl; l q; f Sf; F r; nry; Y k; . ml; l d; Ruq; f j; i jg; Nghy xfpahtpypUe; J mg;Gj;jiy NghFk; tiu epiwa Ruq;fg; ghijfs; ,Uf;Fk;.. njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; Nfhr;rp ];Nlrd; ,Ug;gijawpe;J NtyhAjk;> re;Njhr kpFjpahy; mjph; r ; r paile; j hd; . “,q; f ,Ue; J nfhOk; G f; F g; Nghtyhk; . . jykd;dhUf;Fk; Nghtyhk;> flTs; nray;..!” vd;W kdk; G+hpj;Jg; Nghdhd;. xj;jf;fl fpdpfj;Njd re;jp khjphp> njhg;gp Njhl;lj;jpypUe;Jk; epiwa re;jpfs; gphpe;jd.. xU gf;fk; fz;b> nfhOk;G ghij> kW gf;fk; jythf;nfhy;iy> Etnuypah> gJis ghij> ,d;ndhU gf;fk; uhrh Njhl;lk;> njd;kJiu> nfhl;bahfiy> gyhq;nfhil> uj;jpdGhp ghij vd;W njhlh;fpd;wJ. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

207

K. rptypq;fk;

nfhl;bahfiyapypUe;J> njhg;gp Njhl;lj;J ];Nlrd; tiu> khl;L tz;bfspy; Njapiyg; ngl;bfs; te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jd.. jpde;NjhWk; E}w;Wf;fzf;fhd khl;L tz;bfs; uapy; ];NlrDf;F te;J fhj;jpUf;fpd;wd.. nfhOk;Gf;F Vw;WkjpahFk; Njapiyg; ngl;bfis uapypy; Vw;wp> nfhOk;gpypUe;J Njhl;lj;Jf;F tUk; rhkhd; f is khl; L tz; b fspy; Vw; w pf; n fhz; L khl; L tz; b fs; Gwg;gLfpd;wd. njhg; g p Njhl; l j; J f; F k; > nfhl; b ahnfhy; i yf; F k; khl; L tz; b fs; cgNahfpff; g;glhj fhyj;jpy>; mq;NfapUe;J Nfhr;rp ];Nlrd; tiu> E}W ahUf;F xU $ypahis ‘xj;ijab ghij’ ne^f epWj;jpapUg;ghh;fs;. Njapiyg; ngl;bfs; Njhs; khwp khwp ];NlrDf;F te;J NrUkhk;.! ,e;j toikg;gbNa vy;yhj; Njhl;lj;J Njapiyg; ngl;bfisAk; njhopyhsh;fNs ];Nlrd; tiu Rke;J te;Js;sdh;. njhg; g pj; Njhl; l j; J rpy; y iw fq; f hzpapd; ngah; gul; i lad; . . nghpa fq; f hzpapd; ngah; gr; i rKj; J .. ,th; f s; Vw; g hL nra; j pUe; j gb gj; J FLk;gq;fSf;F> Ie;J yaj;J tPLfis fhyp nra;J je;jpUe;jhh;fs;.. GJ yak; fl;Lk; tiuf;Fk;> xNu tPl;by; ,uz;L FLk;gq;fs; jq;fpf;nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;.. Ie;J jdp Mk;gisfSf;F xU yaj;J tPL nfhLf;fg;gl;lJ. Muk; g j; j pNyNa jq; F kplk; gw; w p kdr; Nrhh; T mile; j hh; f s; . vJTk; Ngrtpy; i y.. te; j fisg; g py; ,uT jq; f Ntz; L k; . . rikj; J r; rhg; g pl Ntz;Lk;.. Vw;fdNt my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpy; gofpa FLk;gq;fshifahy;> xU khjphp nfhQ;r ehisf;F rkhspj;Jf; nfhs;Nthnkd mikjpahfpdhh;fs;. gul; i lad; fq; f hzp> mhprp ]; N lhUf; F te; J > gyruf; F rhkhd; f s; thq;fpf;nfhz;L NghFk;gb nrhd;dhd;. ,g;Nghnjy;yhk; NtyhAjj;Jld; xNu tPl;by; jq;ftpUf;Fk; ,isQh;fs; ehy;tUk; Gj;jprhypfshfTk;> jl;bf;Nfl;Fk; ijhparhypfshfTk; ,Ue; j dh; . ,e; j el; G fpilj; j jpy; NtyhAjk; re;Njhrg;gl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “FLf;fg; Nghw rhkhd;fSf;F nty nttuk; nrhy;YtPfNsh..?” vd;W NtyhAjk; Nfl;lhd;. “vd;dlh..! ngusp gz;z te;jpUf;fpah..? fq;fhzp Nghl;lJjhd; fzf;F..! thq;f tpUg;gkpyy ; hl;b> flf; fhl;Ly Nghap fhR FLj;J thq;fpfN ; fh..!” vd;W fLikahfr; nrhd;dhd;. “Va; me;j mQ;R FLk;gj;J GUrd;khh;fs $g;GL..! gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

208

K. rptypq;fk;

rhkhd; thq;Fwjh ,Ue;jh> ehY kzpf;F Kd;dNk thq;fpf;Nfh..! ];NlhU fjt %bl;lh> ehisf;F gd;ndz;L kzpf;Fj;jhd; njhwg;Nghk;..!” vd;whd; gul;ilad; fq;fhzp. ,d;iwf;F kl;Lk; thq;Fw rhkhd; tptuq;fis Fwpj;J itj;Jf; nfhs;Nthk;.. ehisf; F nghpa fq; f hzp gr; i rKj; J itr; re; j pj; J > Ngrpf; f yhnkd; W vy;NyhUk; rhkhd; thq;Ftjw;Fr; nrd;whh;fs;.. gul;ilad; nuhk;gTk; rtlhyhf> uhq;fpj;jdkhf eil ghtidfisf; fhl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. md;ghd thh;j;ijfshy; Gjpjhf te;j njhopyhsh;fsplk; mtd; NgrNt tpUk; g tpy; i y.. ve; j NeuKk; Nfhgf; f huidg; NghyNt ,Ue;jhd;. fhj;jhd;> fztjp> kfhypq;fk;.> mug;Gyp vd;w ehd;F ez;gh;fSk; NtyhAjj; J ld; ; neUf; f khfpdhh; f s; . fhj; j hd; > fhrpiag; NghyNt Jb Jbg;ghftpUe;jhd;. “Njhl;lk; goFw tiuf;Fk; nfhQ;rk; Tl;Lg; Gbg;Nghk; mz;Nz..!” vd;whd;. mhprp> gyruf;F rhkhd;fis FiwthfNt thq;fpdhh;fs;. mth;fs; nfhz;L te;jpUe;j rhkhd;fs; NghJkhdjhftpUe;jJ.. njhg;gp Njhl;lk;> my;ypj; Njhl;lj;ij tpl nfhQ;rk; FspuhftpUe;jJ.. me;jj; Njhl;lj;ij Mq;fpyj;jpy; “G+y; Ngq;f”; vd;whh;fs;. “G+y; Ngq;f”; vd;why;> Fsj;jq; fiu vd;W mh;j;jkhFk;. ,uT rhg; g hL Kbe; J > tpuhe; j htpy; vy; N yhUk; cl; f hh; e ; J fij Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. VO fhk;guh yaj;jpy;> ePz;l ,];Njhg;G jpwe;jpUe;jJ.. ,]; N jhg; G f; F Kd; d hy; > ehd; F mb cauj; j py; > thrYld; kjpy; fl;lg;gl;bUe;jJ.. gf;fj;J tPl;Lf;fhuh;fs; vy;NyhUk; te;J> kfpo;r;rpNahL tuNtw;W> Ngrj;njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. KjyhtJ> Ngr;rhf ,e;jpahtpypUe;J te;j fpuhkq;fisg; gw;wpNa Nfl;lhh;fs;. ,th;fSk; Gjpa Njhl;lj;J Jiukhh;> fq;fhzpkhh;> Nty ntl;b gw;wpnay;yhk; tprhhpj;jhh;fs;.. vy;NyhuJ re;Njhrk; Njhd;wpa Kfq;fSk; Nrhfkakhfpd. Nfhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J nfhLikfs; ,d;Dk; khwtpy;iynad;Wk;> Njapiyj; Njhl; l j; j pYk; mNj mjpfhuk; > rpW Fw; w q; f Sf; n fy; y hk; mb> cij.. Rfkpy;yhtpl;lhYk;> fl;lhak; Ntiyf;F tuNtz;Lk; vd;w fl;lis> MNwhL gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

209

K. rptypq;fk;

MW kzp tiu Ntiy.. xt;nthU ehSk; gd;dpuz;L kzp Neu Ntiy> fld; fzf;F fq;fhzp Nghl;lJjhd;.. rhkhd; epWitAk; miu Fiwjhd;.. ,e;j Njhl;lj;jpy; Fiwfis tha; jpwe;J Nfl;gth;fis> rhFk; tiu Njhl;lj; Jiu mbg;ghd;.. fq;fhzpAk; vLj;jjw;nfy;yhk; Cj;ijg; Ngr;Rjhd; NgRthd;.. epk; k jpapy; y hky; nghOJ NghfpwJ.. re; N jhrkpy; y hky; > Ntiyfhl; b y; f\; l g; g LfpNwhk; . . vd; W kpfj; Jaukhf> mohf; F iwahf> kdk; t pl; L r; nrhd;dhh;fs;.. xU ,sk;ngz; vOe;J epd;W> tha; thh;j;ij tuKbahky;> jaf;fj;NjhL> “mz; z h..! ,q; f nghk; g isq; f xt; n thU ehSk; nrj; J jhd; nghiof;fpNwhk;..! njhiuapyUe;J> fq;fhzpkhUq;f tiuf;Fk;> njhy;y jhq;f Kbay;y.. ehq;f nfl;L rPuopANwhk; mz;zhkhUq;fNs..!” vd;W mOjhs;. gy;yf;fbr;Rf;fpl;L nfhQ;r ehisf;F nghWj;jpUq;fk;kh..! flTs; xjtp nra;w fhyk; tUk;..!” vd;W me;jg; ngz;Zf;F MWjy; nrhy;yptpl;L> ez;gh;fisg; ghh;jj; hd; NtyhAjk;. mth;fs; Gd;dif nra;jhh;fs;. me;j yaj;J ,isQh;fs;> ntspay; kuf;fl;ilfis vhpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,q;Nfjhd; rpWj;ijfs; njhy;iy mjpfk; vd;whh;fs;. ntF Neuk;> Gjpjhf te;jth;fsplk;> me;j yaj;J kf;fs; > epj;jpiu tUk;tiu Ch;f; fijfisg;Ngrpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. taJ gps;isfs;> vy;NyhUf;Fk; ‘rhaj;jz;zp’ Cw;wpf; nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;jhh;fs;. xNu Ch; kf;fs;> xNu ,dk;.. xNu th;f;f epiy.. xNu tWik epiy.. xNu Jd;g epiy.. ,d;W cwTfisf; fz;lJk;> xd;Wf;nfhd;W Jauq;fisAk;> re;Njhrq;fisAk; ghpkhwpf; nfhz;ljpy; kdk; G+hpjJ ; epjj; piuf;Fr; nrd;whh;fs;. ,stl;lq;fs; kl;Lk; ntspr;rk; Nghl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy;> gjpide;J Gjpa FLk;gq;fspd; Kjy; fhiyg; nghOJ Gyh;e;jJ.. ,e;jj; Njhl;lj;jpy; ,d;Dk; gpul;Lj; jg;G mbf;fpwhh;fs;.. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpy; khjphp rq;F Cjtpy;iy.. MW kzpf; n fy; y hk; vy; N yhUk; gpul; L f; f sj; J f; F g; Ngha; epd; w hh; f s; . gul;ilad;jhd; gpul;L fiyj;jhd;.. nghpa fq;fhzp gpr;irKj;J> kpfr; rj;jkhf ,Ukp> fhwpj; Jg;gpf;nfhz;L te;jhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

210

K. rptypq;fk;

“GJf;fzf;F gjpdQ;rp MSk; epy;Y..! kj;jtndy;yhk; kiyf;F Ngh..!” fq;fhzpapd; njhdp mjpfhuj;ijf; ff;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. gjpide; J njhopyhsUk; > jq; f sJ ngah; > Ch; > rpNyhDf; F te; j tpguq;fisnay;yhk; nrhd;dhh;fs;. gr;rKj;J Ngrj; njhlq;fpdhd;. ek;k Njhl; l j; J N[h[_ njhu nrhd; d hU> xq; f Sf; n fy; y hk; fld; Jz; L nfilahjhk;..! jg;gpr;rp NghdPq;f.. ek;k Njhl;lj;Jy ftdkh Nty nra;aZk;> fzf;fh rhg;GlZk;.. ftdkh fld; thq;fZk;. Nfg;gh Ngr;R Nff;ff;$lhJ.. ehe;jhd; fq;fhzp> ehe;jhd; uhrh.! vdf;F nghwFjhd; Njhl;lj;njhiuAk;> Njhl; l nrhe; j f; f huDk; . . vk; Ngr; r kP w f; $ lhJ..! ehd; Nghl; l Nfhl; l jhz;lf;$lhJ..! ey;ygbah vQ; nrhy;Ngr;R Nfl;L elg;gq P ;fsh..?” “ey;ygbah elg;Nghk; rhkp..!” $l;lj;NjhL ‘Nfhtpej; h’ NghLtJ Nghy;> vy;NyhUk; xNu Fuyhf Mkhk; rhkp Nghl;lhh;fs;. fq;fhzp ,d;ndhU Kiw ,Ukp> fhwpj; Jg;gpf;nfhz;L Nghdhd;. gul;ilad;> ngz;fis nfhOe;J fhl;Lf;Fk;> Mz;fis Gy;Y ntl;L fhl;Lf;Fk; mDg;gpdhd;. ***

njhg;gp Njhl;lk;> my;ypj; Njhl;lj;ij tpl mofhd Njhl;lk;.. new;wpf;F NeNu njhptJ rpq; f kiy> kiyapd; xU gf; f k; rpq; f j; j pd; Kfj; i jg; N ghd; w tbtj;ijf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. mJ mkh;e;jgb J}uj;Nj njhpAk; kpUfq;fisg; ghh;jJ ; f; nfhz;bUg;gJ Nghy; njhpAk;. kiyapd; mbthuj;jpy; File;J> Ruq;fk; cz;lhf;fp> Nfhr;rp Ngha;fn; fhz;bUf;fpwJ.. ,e;j Ruq;fk;jhd; rpNyhd;y ePzl; Ruq; f khFk; . Ruq; f j; J f; F s; Eioe; J > kWgf; f k; te; j hy; gspq; F kiy> me;Njhdpkiy> rpd;d kz;ntl;b Njhl;lk;> nghpa kz;ntl;b Njhl;lk;> kPdhnfhl;lnfhy;iy> vd;w Njhl;lq;fnsy;yhk; gr;ir gNrnyd;W njhpAk;.. Njhl;lj;J njg;gf;Fsj;jpypUe;J tyJ gf;fk; jpUk;gpdhy;> rptndhspghj kiy njhpAk;. kiy rpfuj;jpd; KO cUtKk;> fhiy xd;gJ> gj;J kzpfF ; s;> fhw;wpy; J}rp glUKd; ghh;j;jhy;> kpfj; njspthfj; njhpAk;. Jd;g Jauq;fis kwe;J> rptngUkhd; fhy; gjpj;j kiyiag; ghh;j;J> rdq;fs; xt;nthU ehSk; if J}f;fp Fk;gpLthh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

211

K. rptypq;fk;

NtyhAjk; cr; r p kiyapy; ehd; F ez; g h; f SlDk; > njhg; g p Njhl; l j; J ez;gh;fNshLk;> ,aw;ifia urpj;Jf; nfhz;L> Gy;Y ntl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. kiyapy; Kl;b itj;J> jz;zhP ; Rlitj;J> Njj;jz;zp ghpkhwpdhh;fs;. ,J ey; y njhU toikahftpUe; j J.. fisg; g hw vy; N yhUk; ‘Njj; j z; z p’ Fbj;JtplL ; > nfhQ;r Neuk; mkh;ej; pUe;jhh;fs;. Gy;Y ntl;L fq;fhzp rthpkiy> my;yp Njhl;lj;J uhikah fq;fhzp khjphpNa njhopyhshpd; “<T NrhT” epiyikawpe;J ghh;j;J ele;Jf; nfhs;thd;. ,uf;fKs;s kdpjd;. Gy; Y ntl; L fzf; F Ntiy Kbe; j Jk; > rpq; f kiyapy; > fha; e ; j fhl; L tpwFfisg; nghWf;fpf; fl;bf;nfhz;L> vy;NyhUk; tPLfis Nehf;fp ele;jhh;fs;. fzf;F Ntiy Kbe;jhy;> ehd;F my;yJ Ie;J kzpf;F Kd; tPl;Lf;F te;J tplyhk;. mJ gr;irf;fhl;L yak; vd;ghh;fs;. Neuj;NjhL nfhOe;J fhl;L ngz;fSk; te;Jtpl;lhh;fs;. Fkhpg; gps;isfs;> ‘jdpf;fl;il’ mz;zd; khh;fSf;F Njj;jz;zp nfhz;Lte;J nfhLj;jhh;fs;. me;j yaj;jpy; Ie;jhW taJg; ngz;fs; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. “mz;zd;khUq;f mLg;G %l;b> xy tr;rp rikf;f thzhk;.. mhprp> gUg;G FLj;jh> rikr;rpj; jUNthk;..!” vd;whh;fs;. “mUikahd Nahrd..!” vd;W fhj;jhd; tha;tplL ; rphpjj; hd;. NtyhAjk; ehd;F ez;gh;fisAk; mioj;Jf;nfhz;L> Kdpahz;b NfhtpYf;Fr; nrd;whd;. xU Fj;Jf;fy;> xU #yhAjk;> tsh;e;J tUk; xU Myq;fd;W> gr;irg; ge;jy;> $iuNah> fl;blNkh mike;j Nfhtpyy;y.. me;j fhyj;jpy;> ,th;fSf;F Kd;G ,e; j j; Njhl; l j; J f; F te; j th; f s; > jhq; f s; nfhz; L te; j Myk; goj; J tpijfisj; J}tp fd;W cz;lhf;Fthh;fs;. jq;fsJ ez;gh;fs;> cwtpdh;fs; Njhl;lq;fspy; Ntiy nra;Ak;NghJ> ,we;J NghFk; ,lq;fspy; ,t;thW Myq; f d; W fis ehl; L thh; f s; . fhL NkLfspy; jhq; f s; gag; g Lk; ,lq;fspnyy;yhk; Myq;fd;Wfis ehl;b> #yhAjk; el;L itg;ghh;fs;. mJ VjhtJ xU fhty; nja;tkhf khwptpLk;. fUg;G rhkpNah> fhspNah> khlNdh> Kdpahz; b Nah> tdj; J rpd; d g; g Nuh> VjhtnjhU fhty; nja; t k; cz;lhf;fg;gl;bUf;Fk;. “ePq;f ehY NgUk; jdpf;fl;ilah ,Ue;jh> fl;lhf;fhypd;D nrhy;Ythq;f.. T+L neiyf;fhJ.. mbf;fb Njhl;lk; Tl;L Njhl;lk; khj;JthDq;f.. nguspff; hud;D gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

212

K. rptypq;fk;

NgU #l;LthDq;f> ePq;f ehY NgUk; FLk;gkhfZk;.!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. ehy;tUk; mjphr; r; paile;jhh;fs;. “mz;Nz.. vd;dz;Nz..?” vd;whh;fs;. “ePqf; kl;Lk; jdpff; l;il ,y;ypah..?” vd;whd; mug;Gyp. NtyhAjk; ngU%r;R tpll; hd;. “ehd; fypahzk; fl;b> xU khrj;jpNyNa nghz;lhl;ba Tl;Ll;L te;jtd;.. ,g;Ngh %D tUrk; KbQ;rpupr;rp..! CUf;F Nght Kbay;y.. Ch; rq;fjp mwpa Kbay;y> vq; fija TLq;f..!” vd;whd;. mth;fs; nksdkhf NtyhAjj;jpd; Kfj;ijNa ghh;j;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. nksdk; rk;kjj;Jf;F mwpFwp.. “nghz;Z ghf;fyhkh..?” NtyhAjk; rphpg;NghL Nfl;lhd;. “nghz;Z vq;f ,Uf;F..?” “,g;Ngh rikr;Rf;FLf;FNwd;D nrhd;d ehY nghz;Zfjhd;..” “mz;Nz..! ghrkh goFw Gs;isf..”! “fypahzj;Jf;Fg; nghwF Mirah goFk;..!” vy;NyhUk; rphpj;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk;> me;j yaj;Jg; nghpath; tPukiyaplk; tpguq;fisr; nrhd;dhd;. mth; ifnaLj;Jf; Fk;gpl;lhh;. “,e;j taR Gs;isfSf;F Mk;gsj; njhz nfilr;rh.. Njhl;lf;fhl;L ehap.. ehpf gf;fj;Jy tuhJf jk;gp..! ey;y fhhpak; nra;ag; NghwPq;f jk;gp..!” vd;W czh;r;rp trg;gl;lhh;. nghpath;> md;wpuNt NtyhAjj;Jld; Ngha; me;j ehd;F ngz;fspd; jha;> jfg;gdplk; Ngrpdhh;. rk;gpujhag;gb xt;nthU tPl;bYk; > xt;nthU ehs; nrd;W> ngz; Nfl;Fk; Vw;ghl;ilr; nra;jhh;fs;. %f;fd; kfs; nrd;gfk; tPl;Lf;F Kjy; ehs; nrd;whh;fs;. %f;fd; tPlb; y; fk;gspia tphpjJ ; g; Nghl;lhh;fs;. nghpath;> jdJ rk;rhuj;NjhLk;> NtyhAjj;NjhLk;> ehd;F $l;lhspfisAk; $l;bf;nfhz;L Nghdhh;. Kiwg;gb xUth; Nfs;tp Nfl;lhh;. “vd;d rq;fjpah te;jpUf;fq P ;f..?” “xq;f T+l;y xU G+T ,Uf;fpwjh Nfs;tpg;gl;Nlhk;.. me;j G+t vk; Nguhz;b fhj;jhDf;F Nfl;L te;Njhk;..” vd;whh; nghpath;. mt;thW rk;gpujhaf; fijfs; ehd;F tPLfspYk; ele;jd.. xU Gjd;fpoik> gq;Fdp khjk;> ehd;F khg;gps;isfSf;Fk;> 7k; ek;gh; kiyapypUf;Fk; topg;gps;isahh; Nfhtpypy; fypahzk; ele;NjwpaJ.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

213

K. rptypq;fk;

***

ehd;F NgUf;Fk; rthpkiy fq;fhzpapd; rpghhprpd;

%yk; nghpa fq;fhzp> gzpa yaj;jpy; fhk;guh xJf;fpf; nfhLj;jhh;. yaj;J tPl;L miwia fhk;gpuh vd;Wk;> ntuhe;jhit ,];Njhg;G vd;Wk; Gjpa ngahpy; mioj;jhh;fs;. ,it Nghh;j;Jf;fPr nrhw;fs;. rpq;fsth;fs; ,t;thW ngahpl;L miog;gjhy;> jkpo; njhopyhsh;fSk; me;j ngah;fspNyNa mioj;jhh;fs;. ,g;NghJ NtyhAjk;> jd;de;jdpahshf $l;lhspfs; ,Ue;j mNj tPlb; y; jdpjJ ; tplg;gl;lhd;. ahuhtJ Gjpaj; njhopyhsp te;jhy;> ,lk; nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk;. jdpik thl;bdhYk;> xt;nthU ,utpYk; Njhl;lj;J kf;fs;> jd;NdhL neUq;fpa nrhe;jf;fhuh;fshfpapUg;gij epidj;J jpUg;jpaile;jhd;. Fkhpg; gps; i sfs; ehd; F NgUk; ,y; y hky; me; j yaj; J tP L fs; fy fyg; i g ,oe;jpUe;jJ.. ePz;l rhiyahf ,Uf;Fk; “,];Njhg;G” nthpr;Nrhbf; fple;jJ.. tajhd FLk;gg; ngz;fs; ‘NtyhAjk; jk;gpia’ tpl;L tpltpy;iy.. uh[ cgrhuk; nra;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. xU ehs; ,uT xd;gJ kzpapUf;Fk;. fjit Nyrhf ahNuh jl;LtJ Nghy; Nfl;lJ. mg;gb nkJthf fjT jl;Lk; gof;fk; mug;Gypaplk; kl;LNk ,Ue;jJ. NtyhAjk; fjitj; jpwe;jhd;. mug;GypAk;> ,d;ndhU thypgDk; epd;whh;fs;. cs;Ns mioj;J jpzi ; zapy; cl;fhu itj;jhd;. mug;GypAld; te;jpUg;gtd; Nkl;L yaj;J G+gjp. ey;y cauk;.. jplfhj;jpukhfTk;> jhb> kPirAlDk; ,Ue; j hd; . NtyhAjj; i j tpl G+gjp %j; j td; . . mtid NtY vd; N w mioj;jhd;. me;j ,utpy; NtyhAjj;ij re;jpj;Jg; Ngr Ntz;ba xU Kf;fpakhd tpraj;ij kpfTk; ftiyNahL nrhd;dhd;. fhj;jhd;> fztjp> kfhypq;fk; > mug;Gyp ehy;tUk; NtyhAjj;ijg; gw;wp epiwa $wpapUg;gjhfTk;> NtyhAjj;jpd; cjtp ,Ue;jhy;> jdJ gpur;rpidf;F xU KbT fl;lyhk; vd;W ek;gpj;jhd; ,q;Nf te;jjhfr; nrhd;dhd;. NtyhAjk; G+gjp nrhd; d tpraq; f s; midj; i jAk; ftdkhff; Nfl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;jhd;. G+gjp cr;rpkiy> fk;gpabapy; Ntiy nra;tjhfTk;> jq;fisg; NghyNt ijhpaKk;> Neh;ikAk;> xOf;fKk; nfhz;ltd; vd;W mug;Gyp mwpKfk; nra;jhd;. kPz;Lk; ,Nj Neuk; ehis ,uT tUtjhfr; nrhy;yptpl;L> ,UtUk; jpUk;gpdhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

214

K. rptypq;fk;

fk;gpab Ntiy gw;wp> Njapiyj; Njhl;lj;Jf;F te;jgpwFjhd; NtyhAjk; mwpe;jpUe;jhd;. xt;nthU Njapiyj; Njhl;lj;jpYk;> mjp caukhftpUf;Fk; kiyAr;rpapypUe;J Njapiyj; njhopw;rhiyf;F kpfTk; gyk; tha;e;j %d;W KWf;Ffs; nfhz;l cUf;F fk;gpia ,izj;jpUg;ghh;fs;. Njapiy kiyapy; Fwpg;gpl;l ,lq;fspy; nfha;j nfhOe;Jfis epWj;J> rhf;fpy; fl;b itg;ghh;fs;. ,Ugj;ije;J Kjy; ehg;gJ whj;jy; tiu rhf;fpy; fl;b> mr;rhf;Ffis gs;sj;jhf;FfspypUe;J cr;rp kiy fk;gpabf;F ngz; njhopyhsh;fs; Rke;J nry;y Ntz;Lk;. fk;gpabapy; G+gjp> nfhOe;J rhf;fpy; khl;ba nfhf;fpia > fk;gpapy; Nfhh;j;Jtpl;L js; s ptpLthd; . nfhOe; J rhf; F Mfha ntspapy; nry; t J Nghy; > njhopw;rhiyapy; Ngha; tpOk;. ,e;j Kiw> Neuk;> tz;b thfdr; nryT vJTkpy;yhky; khah [hy Ntiyahf ele;Jf;nfhz;bUf;Fk;.! nghpath; tP u kiy> New; w puT mug; G ypAk; > Nkl; L yaj; J G+gjpAk; ge; j ntspr;rj;NjhL> NtyhAjj;ij re;jpj;J tpl;L nrd;w tpraj;ij tpdtpdhh;. mtUf;F ,e;j tprak; vg;gb vl;bapUf;Fk;.. vd;W vtUf;FNk njhpahJ. mth; nuhk;gTk; mtjhdkhdth;. G+gjpiag; gw;wp mth; nrhd;dhh; “G+gjp Nkl;L yaj;Jy ,Uf;fhd;.. ey;y Gs;s.. Nkl;L yak; Nky; rhjpfhutq;f ,Uf;fpw yak;..! fs;nsd;> kwntd;> nul;b> nts;shsd;D ,Ug;ghq;f.. gzpa yaj;J gs;S> gw> mUe;jjp rdq;fNshl xj;JikahapUe;jhYk;> ‘thbtof;fk;’ tr;rpff; khl;lhq;f. ML> khL tsg;ghq;f.. Njhl;lk; njhuT nra;thq;f.. ghY> japU> NkhU tpg;ghq;f.. xU fl;L Gy;Yf;F fh Nghj;jy; ghY FLg;ghq;f.. gzpa yaj;J gaYf Vnol; L NgU Gy; Y f; f l; L nfhz; L NghthDq; f .. njdKk; ghY nfilf;Fk;.. vf;Fy jg;Gy ifkhj;J thq;fpf;FthDq;f. japU> NkhUd;dh njhiug;gaYfSf;Fk; tpUg;gk;.” vd;whh;. rhjp tpj;jpahrg;gb Nkl;L yak;> gzpa yak; vd;W gphpj;J FbapUg;gij njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;F te;j gpwFjhd; NtyhAjk; tpsq;fpapUe;jhd;. Nkl;L yaj;jpy; nghpa fq;fhzpf;F nrhe;jf;fhuh;fs; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;. “fq;fhzp Nkl;L yaj;J rdq;;fNshljhd; xl;bf;fpl;L ,Ug;ghd;.. fz;Lk; fhzhjgb njhug; gay;fSf;F NkhU> japU nfhz; L Ngha; FLg; g hd; . NkhU> japU filapw nghk;kdhl;bfisAk; tq;fshTf;F $l;bf;fpl;Lg; Nghthd;..! gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

215

K. rptypq;fk;

fq;fhzp NkNy Jiuf;F tpRthrk; te;Jtpl;lhy;> mtd; vg;gb nryT fzf;F fhl;bdhYk;> gzk; nfhLg;ghd;. Jiukhh;fSf;F ngz;fisf; nfhLj;Nj fq;fhzpfs; rk;ghjpj;jhh;fs;. mNj Nghy rhjp Fiwe;j fq;fhzpfSk;> jq;fs; rhjpf;fhuh;fSf;F MjuT fhl;Lthh;fs;. ve;j rhjpf;fhuh;fNsh> njhopyhsu;fs; mjpfhuj;Jf;Fg; gae;Nj gzpe;J elg;ghh;fs;. G+gjp ,d;iwa ,uTk;> fhj;jhd;> fztjp ,UtUld; NtyhAjj;jpd; tPl;Lf;F te;jhd;. New; w puT G+gjp nrhd; d fijfisnay; y hk; NtyhAjk; kP l ; b g; g hh; j ; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. G+gjpapd; kidtp mtdJ nrhe;j mf;fh kfs;. ‘vk; kfs ve; jk;gpfF ; j;jhd; fl;bf;FLg;Ngd;’ vd;W gpbthjkhf mtdJ mf;fh fl;b itj;J tpl; l hs; . ,yq; i ff; F G+gjp tUk; N ghJ> mtNdhNlNa kfisAk; mDg; g ptpl; l hs; . G+gjpapd; kidtp ru]; t jp.. mofhdg; ngz; . . me; j j; Njhl;lj;jpy; vy;NyhuJ fz;fspYk; gl;Lf;;nfhz;bUg;gts;.. nfhOe;J fhl;Lf;F> gr;ir> kQ;rs;> rptg;G vd;W ve;j epwj;J Nriyiaf; fl;bf;nfhz;L te;jhYk;> nuhk;g vLg;ghfNt ,Ug;ghs;. kiyfspNyh> gpul;Lf;fsj;jpNyh.. mts;jhd; KjyhtJ gsprr; pLths;.. moF Mgj;J vd;gJ Nghy ve;j Neuk;.. ruRf;F vd;dh elf;Fk;..? vd;W G+gjp gae;J nfhz;NlapUg;ghd;. New; W G+gjp nrhd; d ,uz; L thh; j ; i jfis epidf; F k; Nghnjy; y hk; NtyhAjj;Jf;F jiy #lhfpaJ. Njhl;lj;Jiu> fk;gpabf;Fg; Ngha; G+gjpaplk; “fq;fhzp Nty jhNwd;> nghk;Gs $l;bf;fpl;L gq;fshTf;F th..!” vd;w thh;j;ijAk;> “Gj;jpapUe;jh nghior;rpf;flh..! $l;bf;fpl;L Nghap cLlh..! ntl;b jpq;fth Nghwhd;..? nghiof;f te;j T+h;y khdkhtJ.. kapuhtJ..!” vd;w thh;j;ijAk; vt;tsT nfhr;irahf ,Uf;fpwJ..? “xt;nthU uhj;jphpAk; gakhNt ,Uf;FJ NtY..!” NtyhAjk; G+gjpia MWjy; gLj;jpdhd;. ,g;Nghnjy;yhk; njhopyhsh;fs;> Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhuidAk;> mjpfhhpfisAk; gaKWj;Jfpw fhyk;.. `e;jhid Njhl;lj;jpy; fUg;gd; fq;fhzp vd;gtd; (1866 k; M z; L ) Nfhg; g pj; Njhl; l j; J gy; f d; Jiuia Rl; L nfhd;Wtpltpy;iyah..?” vd;W rpy Jzpfu nray;fisg;gw;wp Nahrpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

216

K. rptypq;fk;

NtyhAjk;> G+gjpaplk; rpy Nahridfisr; nrhd;dhd;. njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J nrhe; j f; f hud; Nuad; Jiu> mLj; j khjk; Njhl; l j; i jg; ghh; i tapl tutpUg;gijg;gw;wpAk;> Fiwe;jJ xU khj fhykhtJ ,q;NfAk;> fz;bapy; ,Uf;Fk; Njhl;lj;jpYk; jq;fpapUg;ghnud;Wk;> mg;NghJ Njhl;l rdq;fs; vy;NyhiuAk; $l;b> Njhl;l nrhe;jf;fhuid re;jpj;J> Njhl;l epiyikfis nrhy;yyhk; vd;Wk;> ey;y KbT fpilf;fhtpl;lhy;> Ntiyf;Fg; Nghfhky; Nghuhl;lk; elj;jyhk; vd;Wk; NtyhAjk; epjhdkhfr; nrhd;dhd;. Njhl;lj; njhopyhsh; vy; N yhiuAk; xd; W jpul; b dhy; > ngz; f Sf; F elf; f pd; w ml;^opaq;fis mlf;fyhk; vd;W nrhd;dJk;> ez;gh;fSk; ey;y Nahrid vd;whh;fs;. G+gjpAk; ez;gh;fSk; NtyhAjj;jplk; nrhy;yptpl;L> fpsk;gpdhh;fs;. ***

gLj; j h gy nedT gha; neiwaf; fz;zPU neidr;Rg; gLj;jhYk; epj; j piuAk; nghFjpy; y !

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217

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218

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219

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220

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223

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ehs; nghpahq; fq;fhzp fUg;gd; ngy;fdh; njhiuNahl NeUf;F Neuh rz;l Nghl;lhd;. “xd;d ,e;j Njhl;lj;Jy tf;fpNwdh ghU.! eP vt;tsT ehisf;F ,e;j Njhl;lj;Jy ,Uf;fg; NghNwd;D ehd; ghf;FNwd”;D gha;Q;rp gha;Q;rp Ngrpdhd; > xU nuz; L > %D ehisf; F s; s fq; f hzp njhiua Rl; L nfhd;Dg;Gl;lhd;D fq;fhzp Gbgl;L> ifkhR khl;b> $z;Lf;Fs;s Nghl;L> tof;F> tk;Gd;D Nghr;rp.” vd;W `e;jhd Njhl;lj;jpy; ele;j xU rk;gtj;ij nrhy;yp Kbj;jhh;. “fq;fhzp iff;nfy;yhk; Jg;ghf;fp nfilf;Fkh nghpg;gh..?” NtyhAjk; ,ilkwpj; j hd; . “rpWj; j > Gypd; D fhl; L KUfq; f s Rl; L js;SwJf;F> fq;fhzpfSfpl;lAk; njhukhUq;f Jg;ghf;fp FLj;jpUe;jhq;f..” vd;whh; nghpg;gh. “nghpg;gh..! ePq;f fljhrp Njhl;lj;J fj KOf;fTk; nrhy;yy;ypNa..?” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. “mNlq;fg;gh.. ehD fljhrp Njhl;lj;Jy mg;G Ntiya Tl;L ntyfp> $yp Ntiyf;F te;jNj xU njhu gayhyj;jhd; ele;Jr;rp..! fljhrp Njhl;lj;Jf;F> fpU\;b njhiuf;Fg; nghwF> GJrh te;j nghbad; njhiuf;F ehe;jhd; jKo; ghr nrhy;ypf;FLj;Njd;. mtd; NgU Nfhk];.. mtDila nghOJNghf;F tpj;jpahrkhdJ.. fhl;Ly nflf;Fw tz;L> G+r;rp> jl;lhd;> ghg;ghj;jp vy;yhj;ijAk; nfhd;D> kUe;J Nghl;L> ghlk; gz;zp> fljhrp kl;ilapy xl;b tr;rpUg;ghd;. taR Nghd FL FL nfotd;> nfotpfs ghj;J> glk; tiuQ;rp tr;rpUg;ghd; Njhl;lj;J nfhkup nghz;Lfs> fq;fhzp ga %ykh nfhz;Lte;J> nghwe;j Nkdpapy epf;f tr;rp> ntjk; ntjkh glk; tiuQ;rp> gq;fsh KOf;f khl;b tr;rpUg;ghd;> Nrhf;fhd rpj;jpuf;fhud;. ,tq;fpl;NlAk; nghk;gs igj;jpak; ,Ue;Jr;rp.. Fbr;rh kDrdhNt ,Uf;f khl;lhd;.. xU ehs;> ghtk; xU nghk;gs Gs;isNahl gLj;Jf;fplL ; > nfkuht FLj;J> glk; Gbf;f nrhd;dhd;. md;idf;Nf nfkuht tPrpg;Gl;L> mg;G Nty NtzhKd;D Xb te;jtd;jhd;..! ,g;Ngh njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;F $yp Ntiyf;F te;Jl;Nld;> ,g;Ngh> nfl;l rq;fjpfs ghf;fhk> Nff;fhk re;Njhrkh gpy;Y ntl;bf;fpl;L ,Uf;Nfd;..! nghpg;gh nfhl;lhtp tpl;lhh;. “J}q;F nghpg;gh..!” NtyhAjk; ghapy; rha;e;jhd;. *** gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

224

K. rptypq;fk;

njhg;gp Njhl;lj;J rq;if> rpq;fkiy mbthuj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk; Ruq;fj;Jf;F NkNy epd; W jhd; mk; k hrp CJthd; . . rpd; d jutis> nghpa jutis> ky;ypifg;G+> lk;ghiw> kWgf;fk; gspq;Fkiy> me;Njhdpkiy tiu Nfl;Fk;.. ,e;j rq;F rj;jj;ij njhlh;e;Jjhd; kw;iwa Njhl;lj;J rq;F rj;jq;fs; Nfl;fj; njhlq;Fk;.. ,e;j rq;F rj;jj;NjhL rhpahf fhiy Ie;jiu kzpf;nfy;yhk; “ C>” rj;jkpl;lgb gJis Nfhr;rp> gspq;Fkiy mWtjb ghyj;ijf; fle;J> Ruq;fj;ij Nehf;fp te;Jf;nfhz;bUf;Fk;.. mij nfhOk;G Nfhr;rp vd;ghh;fs;. ePyfphp ehD XahtpypUe;J> tq;fp Xah kiyj;Njhl;lj;Jf;F tUk;NghJ> Nfhr;rp rj;jk; Nfl;fj; njhlq;Fk;. “mk;khrp Cjpl;lhd; NtyhAjk;..!” vd;W mtru mtrukhf vOk;gpa tPukiy> Jg;gl;biaAk;> fk;gspiaAk; RUl;bf;nfhz;L> Gwg;gl;lhh;. “nghpg;gh..! fQ;rp fpz;zj;j mUf;fhzp fpl;l FLj;JU nghpg;gh.. ,dpNk fQ;rp nfhz;L tu Ntzhz;D nrhy;ypg;GL nghpg;gh..!” vd;W nfQ;rhj Fiwahfr; nrhd;dhd; NtyhAjk;. fhiy MW kzpf;nfy;yhk; ,d;iwf;F #hpad; gpufhrkhf NknyOk;gptpl;lJ.. fz;fs; Rod;W ghh;f;Fkplq;fnsy;yhk;> J}uj;J ePykiyfs; njspthfj; njhpe;jd.. Etnuypah jpirAk;> gPJUjhsfiy kiy> vjpNu rpq;fkiy> nfhQ;rk; jiyia jpUg;gpdhy;> rptndhspghj kiy njhlh;fs; njhpe;jd.. ,Jtiu Ntiy nra;j Njhl;lq;fis tpl> njhg;gp Njhl;lNk NtyhAjj;Jf;Fg; gpbj;jpUe;jJ.. Mdhy;> fq;fhzp> Jiu MfpNahiu epidf;Fk;NghJ> neQ;R gw;wp vhpfpwJ.. %d;W ehl;fSf;Fg; gpwF> fhj;jhd;> fztjp> kfhypqf; k;> mug;Gyp ehy;tiuAk; Ks;S Fj;J kiyapy; fz;L nfhz;ljpy; NtyhAjk; re;Njhrkile;jhd;. Ks;Sf; Fj;J Ntiy f\;lkhd Ntiy.. gfy; gd;dpuz;L kzpf;F Kd;G Kbe;JtpLk;.. fq;fhzp Vf;fh; fzf;F nfhLg;ghd;. gj;J kzp NjePh; Neuj;jpy; ez;gh;fs; re;jpj;Jg; Ngrpf; ;nfhz;lhh;fs;. “tug;Nghw Qhapj;Jf;nfok> rPuq;fDk;> ehDk; godpa ghf;f my;ypj;Njhl;lj;Jf;Fg; NghNwhk;> rPuq;fd; gJs Nfhr;rpapy ];NlrDf;F tUthd;.. mtd vwf;fp $l;bf;fpl;L te;J> Njhl;lj;ijAk;> tPl;ilAk; fhl;bl;L> mg;Gwkh nuz;lu kzp Nfhr;rp VuyhKd;D ,Uf;Nfd;..!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. “eP Ngha; te;j nghwF>

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225

K. rptypq;fk;

ehq; f Sk; Nghapl; L tu; N whk; . .nkhrf; F l; b MWNkh.. ,Lg; G Rg; i gah vy;yhj;ijAk; ghf;fZk; Nghy ,Uf;F..!” vd;whd; mug;Gyp. “,y;yz;Nz..! ,ntd; xj;j fl uhkhap mk;KFl;b nedthNt ,Uf;fhd;..!” vd;W fhj;jhd; nrhd;dhd;. “ehrkh Nghr;rp.!” NtyhAjk; rj;jkhfr; rphpj;jhd;. NjePh; Fbj;J Kbe;jJ.. Ntiyiaj; njhlh;e;jhh;fs;. Njapiyf;fpilapy; kz;izf; Fj;jp gpse;J> rUF nrj;ijfis fhyhy; jpzpj;J> Ks;is cUtp> mLj;j ,lj;jpy; Fj;Jk; mNj Ntiy njhlUk;.. ae;jpukha; fhy;fSk;> iffSk; eh;j;jdkhLk;.. rpy; y iw fq; f hzp rthpkiyNahL Ntiy nra; t J kdJf; F re;NjhrkhftpUf;Fk;.. rthpkiy Ntiyahl;fis Vrp> Ntiy thq;f khl;lhd;. gd;dpuz;L kzpf;F gfy; rq;F rj;jk; Nfl;lJ. NtyhAjKk;> ez;gh;fSk; fhl;Lg; gPypapNyNa Fspj;Jtpl;Lr; nrd;whh;fs;. NtyhAjk; if Ks;is fhj;jhdplk; nfhLj;Jtpl;L> ];Nlrid Nehf;fp ele;jhd;. rP u q; f d; ]; N lrdpy; epd; W f; n fhz; b Ue; j hd; . MW khjq; f Sf; F g; gpwF re;jpf;fpwhh;fs;.. Foe;ijiag; Nghy jhtp Xb te;J> NtyhAjj;ij fl;bj; jOtpf;nfhz;lhd;. fz;fs; Mde;jj;jhy; gdpj;jpUe;jd.. NtyhAjj;Jf;Fk; mNj czh;T. rPuq;fdpd; iffisf; Nfhh;j;Jf;nfhz;L NtyhAjk; Njhl;lj;ij Nehf;fp Ntfkhf ele;jhd;. rpwpJ J}uk; fk;gp Nuhl;by; ele;J Nghf Ntz;Lk;. gh;kh rpypg;gh; fl;il gjpj;jpUg;ghh;fs;. “fl;ilf;F fl;l fhy tr;rp el..!” vd;W nrhy;ypf;nfhLj;jhd; NtyhAjk;. rPuq;fd; jLkhwpf;nfhz;L ele;jhd;. rPuq;fDf;F Njhl;lj;ijAk;> yaj;J tPl;ilAk; fhl;b> tPukiy nghpg;ghitAk; mwpKfk; nra;Jitj;jhd;. ,UtUf;Fk; tPukiy NjePh; nfhLj;jhh;. “ml;ld; Nlrd;y Vwp> tl;lts Nlrd;y ,y;yhl;b> fynghl Nlrd;y vwq;fp> fPo gs;sj;J fhl;L Nuhl;Ly ele;J Nghdh> xj;j fl re;jpf;F Nghapwyhk;..!” vd;whh;. fpdpfj;Njid> my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpy; mth; nrhd;dJjhd; FWf;Fg; ghij.! nfhOk;G Nfhr;rp nuz;L kzpf;F tUk;..

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226

K. rptypq;fk;

rPuq;fDf;F rpq;fkiy Ruq;fj;ij fhl;bdhd;. “Ruq;fk; Kf;fh fl;l J}uk; nfhOk;Gf;Fk;> gJisf;Fk; ,ilapy ,Jjhd; ePz;l Ruq;fk;.. Fk;kpUl;lh ,Uf;Fk;.. fhy; nejhdj;JNyNa elf;fZk;.. ge;jk; fl;bf;fpl;Lk; Nghthq;f.. xU ehisf; F nehioQ; R ele; J ghg; N ghk; . .!” ,UtUk; fk; g p Nuhl; b y; ele;jhh;fs;.. ***

xj;jf; fil re;jpapy; Gjpjhf epiwa filfs; Kisj;jpUe;jd. fs;Sf;fil xd;W> rPik Fbtif fil xd;W> gyruf;Ff;fil xd;W> Ml;biwr;rp> khl;biwr;rp filfs; ,uz;L. nts;isf;fhuh;fs; te;j gpwFjhd; kyghh; K];ypkf; is mioj;Jte;J> fwpff; ilfis Njhl;lg;gFjp G+uhTk; jpwe;jhh;fs;. ,e; j f; filfNshL> nfhy; y d; gl; l iwAk; > kuj; j sghl filfSk; jpwe;jpUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;lq;fSf;F Njitahd fj;jp> Nfhlhp> mythq;F> vdTk;> ehw;fhyp> Kf;fhyp> Nkir> fl;by; vdTk; nra;J nfhLj;jhh;fs;. vy;yhNk Njhl;lj;J Xlh; Ntiy vd;W nrhd;dhh;fs;.. Njhl;lq;fs; mgptpUj;jpapd; %yk; efu mgptpUj;jpAk; tsh;r;rpaile;J tUtij mwpa KbfpwJ.. xj; j f; f il mk; K f; F l; b iaf; fhztpy; i y> NtW ,uz; L ngz; f s; ,Ue;jhh;fs;. gUg;G til> cOe;J tilfs; thq;fpf;nfhz;L> godpia re;jpf;fg;NghFk; re;Njhrj;jpy; ,UtUk; tPW eil ele;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. topapy; ey;y rFdkhf MWKfj;ij re;jpj;jhh;fs;. MWKfk;> godpiag; gw;wp Gfo; ghbf;nfhz;L te;jhd;. “mtd nfLj;J> fpLj;J tr;rpUf;fpahz;Nz..?” vd;whd; rPuq;fd;. “r; rh GJ khg;Gs;s khjphp ,Uf;fhd;. te;J ghUq;fNsd;..!” vd;W mNj khjphp eifr;Ritahf MWKfk; Ngrpf;nfhz;L nrd;whd;. NtyhAjk;> rPuq;fd; ,UtiuAk; ghh;j;Jtpl;l godp> khd;Fl;b Nghy; Js;sp Xbte;J> fl;bg;gpbj;J> rpwpJ Neuk; Ngr Kbahky; mOjhd;. Foe;ijiag; Nghy mtid ,UtUk; jl;bf;nfhLj;J mizj;jgb tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whh;fs;. NjePh; Fbj;J Kbe;jJk;> Rg;igah mz;zd; tPl;Lf;F Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;.. ,Lg;G Rg;igah jhq;f Kbahj re;Njhrj;jpy; ,UtiuAk; fl;bg;gpbj;Jf;nfhz;lhd; “godp rpd;dg;Gs;s khjphp xq;fs nedr;rp mOTwhd;..!”vd;whd;.

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227

K. rptypq;fk;

ehq;f %D NgUk; nghwe;j fhyj;JyapUe;J xd;dh ,Ue;jtq;f.. rpNyhDf;F te;Jjhd; gphpQ;rp gpupQ;rp Ngha;fpl;L ,Uf;Nfhk;.. !” vd;W NrhfKk;> NfypAk; fye;j Fuypy; NtyhAjk; nrhd;dhd;. jk;gpfsh nrhfkh ,Uf;fPfsh..? ,e;j mf; f ht kwe; J l; B fsh..?” mofk; k h te; J cgrhpj; j hs; . “mf; f ht kwf; f KbAkh..?” vd;W mf;fh ifapYk; tilfs; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. “ jq;fky Njhl;lj;J Njapy Urpah ,Uf;fhd;D Fbr;rpgg; hUq;f..!” vd;W rPuq;fd; “Nygh; l];l” J}is mofk;khtplk; nfhLj;jhd;. NjePh; Fbj;Jf; nfhz;L> Njhl;l tptfhuq;fs; gw;wp epiwa epiwa Ngrpdhhh;fs;. GJg; GJ jfty;fs; mjph;r;rpia cz;lhf;fpf;nfhz;bUe;jd.. MW khjq;fspy; ,t;tsT khw;wq;fsh.? vd;W rPuq;fd; mre;Jg; Nghdhd;. MWKfk; Njhl; l j; j py; ele; j rpy rk; g tq; f is Rthu]; a khf nrhy;ypf;nfhz;bUe;jhd;. godpahz;b fq;fhzpapd; %j;j nghz;lhl;b G+Q; N rhy> ef el; L > fhR> gzj; N jhl> uhikah fq; f hzpa $l; b f; f pl; L ,e;jpahTf;F fk;gp ePl;bl;lh..! nfhQ;r eifah..? nfhQ;r gzkh..? Vo rdq;f tTj;Jy mbr;rp> mTq;fs gl;bdpah Nghl;L> mTq;f rk;gsj;j $l FLf;fhk> Fl;br;rhf;Fy thq;fp> T+l;l neiwr;rhd; ghtp! ,g;Ngh ML nfle;j vlj;Jy kapuf;$l fhNzhq;fpw khjphp> G+Q;Nrhy Xbg;Nghd nghwF> fq;fhzp T+L ef;fpg;Nghr;rp..! $l;Ly thd;NfhopfSk;> gl;bapy khLfSe;jhd; epf;FJ..! fq;fhzpfF ; nfhzg; Ngjfk; cz;lhfp> kDrd; ghl;Lf;F Ngrpff; plL ; jphpapwhd;.. igj;jpak; Gbr;r fq;fhzpa njhu Nty epg;ghl;bl;lhd;.. nghpa fq;fhzp T+l;ilAk; thq;fpff; plL ; > GJrh fq;fhzp nfhz;lhu Nghwhdhk;..! murd; md;W nfhy;Ythd;> nja;tk; epd;W nfhy;Yk;..!” vd;w gonkhopiaAk; MWKfk; kfpo;r;rp jJk;g nrhd;dhd;. “fq;fhzp ,g;Ngh jyg;gh fl;Lwjpy;y.. Nfhl;L NghLwjpy;y.. rtuk; nra;wjpy;y.. T+l;Lf;Fs;NsNa nkhlq;fp nflf;Fwhd;.. N[k;]; njhiuf;F Nfhg;gpff; hl;L Nty gbr;Rf;FLj;j fq;fhzp xUj;jd; fz;b gf;fk; ,Uf;fhdhk;. khh;fop KbQ;rJk;> me;j fq;fhzpjhd; my;yp Njhl;lj;j ghuk; vLf;f tUthdhk;..!” vd;W ,Lg;G Rg;igah nrhd;dhd;. “my;yp Njhl;lj;J nghpa fq;fhzp godpahz;bd;D nrhd;dh nts;isf;fhuq;f vy;yhUNk eLq;fp epg;ghDq;f.. mOj Gs;s tha; %Lk;.. ,g;Ngh %Q;rpapy fwpag; G+rpl;L> Gz;zatjp Ngha; Nre;jpl;lhNs.!” fq;fhzpia Njhl;lj;J $ypj; njhopyhsh;fs; vy;NyhUNk ‘mntd;> ,ntd;’ vd;W khpahijf; Fiwthf Ngrj; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

228

K. rptypq;fk;

njhlq; f papUg; g ijg; ghh; j ; j NtyhAjk; mre; J Nghdhd; . “Md Fopapy TOe;Jl;lh> jtsf;$l vl;b xijf;Fkhk;..!” vd;w gonkhopia godp kpfTk; fp;z;lyhfr; nrhd;dhd;. godpahz; b fq; f hzpapd; epiyikiag; gw; w p> gyUk; gythf; f py; Ngrpf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. vj;jid njhopyhspfs; mth; ms;spg;Nghl;l ngha; fld;fis fl;l KbahkYk;> CUf;F Nghf KbahkYk;> jw;nfhiy nra;J nfhz;lhh;fs;..? vj;jid njhopyhsh;fs; ,uz;L> %d;W tUrq;fs; Ntiy nra;Jk;> gazr; nryTf;F kl;LNk fhR thq;fpf;nfhz;L> ntWq; ifNahL “kidtp kf; f splk; Ngha; Nrh; e ; j hy; NghJkhdJ..” vd; W fz; z P N uhL Nghdhh;fs;..? “me;j ghtnky;yhk; ,td ,bf;fhjh..?” vd;nwy;yhk; gyUk; Ngrpdhh;fs;. “N[k;]; njhu vg;gpb ,Uf;fhd;..?” mtDk; G+Q;Nrhy $l NrUkhdkh ,Ue;jtdhr;Nr.! fq;fhzpf;Nf “bkpf;fp” FLj;Jl;L> G+Q;NrhiyNahl rf;fsj;jp nuz;L NgiuAk; tr;rpUe;jtdhr;Nr..!” “Mkh.. Mkh> fq;fhzpf;F %D cUg;gb.. J}j;Njwp..! khdq;nfl;l nghog;G.!” “nghk;gisq;f rq;fjpapy> N[k;]; njhu nghWf;fpah ,Ue;jhYk;> rdq;fSf;F <T> vuf;fk; fhl;LwJy nuhk;g ey;y kDrd;..!” “,g;Ngh nuhk;gTk; rhJthfpl;lhd;..!” “mLj;j ij khrk; yz;ld; rPikf;F NghthUd;D mg;ga;ah nrhd;dhU.” ,Lg;G Rg;igah nrhd;dhd;. “uhikah fq;fhzp> G+Q;NrhiyNahl ey;yh ,Uf;fZk;.. $yp rdq;fSf;F Mjuthf ,Ue;jhU..! fWthL fzf;Fg; ghf;fhk FLg;ghU.! taR NghdJfSf;F Jg;gl;b Rk;kh FLg;ghU..! rdq;fs Vrp Ngrhk Nty thq;FthU.! godpahz;b eha;f;F ey;y ghlk; nrhy;yp FLj;Jl;L Nghapl;lhU..!” vd;W MWKfj;jpd; mz;zd; ‘rq;$jp’ VOkiy nrhd;dhd;. nghpa fq;fhzp> nghpa Jiu fijfisg; Ngrp Kbj;jJk;> NtyhAjk; xU Kf;fpakhd fijia nrhy;yj; njhlq;fpdhd;. mJ fypahzf; fij..! vy;yhUk; ftdkhff; Nfl;fj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;.

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229

K. rptypq;fk;

“MWKfj;Jf;F xU nghz;Z ghj;jpUf;Nfd;.. FLk;gj;Jf;F Vj;j nghz;Z..! Kg;gJ ehS Ntyf;fhhp.. Mj;jh kl;Lk; ,Uf;fh.. jfg;gdhU vwe;J xU tUrk; KbQ;rp Nghr;rp> nghz;Z Gbr;rpUe;jh> gq;Fdpapy Njjp tr;Rf;fyhk;..!” vd;whd;. fy fy ntd;W vy;NyhUk; rphpj;jhh;fs;. “mLj;j ehapj;Jf;nfok ehDk;> mofk;khTk; Mh;Nkhj;j $l;bf;fpl;L tu;Nwhk;.. Mh;Nkhj;Jf;F “fhY fl;L” Nghl;Nl MfZk;..!” vd;W Rg;igah mOj;jk; jpUj;jkhfr; nrhd;dhd;. md;iwa ,uT rhg;ghL mofk;kh tPl;by; ele;jJ.. tpbaw; fhiyapNyNa NtyhAjKk;> rPuq;fDk; Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;. godp xj;jf;fl re;jp tiuf;Fk; te;jhd;. godpia mizj;J> “,d;dk; gj;J khrk; kl;Lk; Nty nrQ;rpl;L CUf;F jpUk;GNthk;.. gzq;fhR gj;juk;..! ahU fpl;lAk; nfl;l rfthrk; tr;rpff; thzhk;.. Nehap nehb ,y;yhk Cu ghj;J NghtZk;..!” vd;W NtyhAjk; godpaplk; nrhd;dhd;. godp NtyhAjj;ij ,Wf mizj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. rPuq;fDk; godpia fl;bj; jOtptpl;L> ,UtUk; ele;jhh;fs;. tise;j Klf;F ghij kiwAk; tiu godp> mth;fs; ele;J Nghtijg; ghh;j;Jf;Nfhz;NlapUe;jhd;.. J}uj;Nj ,Ue;J ,UtUk; ifairj;J tpl;L> kiwe;jhh;fs;. ***

Nfhr;rp Nky Nfhr;rptu nfhOk;G Nfhr;rp NkNy tu eP y th; z Nfhr; r papNy epr; r akh ehd; tUNtd; . .!

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236

K. rptypq;fk;

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237

K. rptypq;fk;

cl;fhh;e;jhs;. fzgjp tPl;by;jhd; vy;NyhUf;Fk; mtru mtrukhf rhg;ghL nra;jhh;fs;. nuhl;bAk;> Njq;fha; rk;gYk; ghpkhwpdhh;fs;. G+gjp rk;rhuj;Jf;F ele;j Mgj;J gw;wpAk;> mjd; gpdd ; h; ele;j rq;fjpfs; gw;wpAk; nrhy;yp> Njhl;lj;J ngz;fnsy;yhk; xNu $l;L Nrh;e;J> vjph; eltbf;ifapy; ,wq;f Ntz;Lnkd;W NtyhAjk; Nghjid nra;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhd;. rhg; g hL Kbe; J > Njj; j z; z pAk; Fbj; J tpl; L > Nfhapy; yaj; i j Nehf; f p Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;. fhj;jhd; yaj;jpypUe;J> Nfhapy; yaj;Jf;F Nghtjw;F Kd;> xU Fl;b kiyia fle;J nry;y Ntz;Lk;.. ez;gh;fs; ehd;F Ngh;fSld; ,d;Dk; gj;J gd;dpuz;L ,stl;lq;fisAk; $l; b f; n fhz; L > Klf; F g; ghijapy; Xl; l Kk; > eilAkhf Ngha; f ; n fh z;bUe;jhh;fs;. vjpNu Nghj;jy; ge;jq;fSld; Fa;Nah..KiwNah vd;w rj;jj;Jld; ehise;J ngz;fs; Xb te;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. “fq;fhzp mDg;gptr;r mbahSq;f te;J G+gjp mz;zd mbr;rp> rhf;Fy fl;b Gyp fhl;Lf;F J}f;fpf;fpl;L Nghwhq;f..! ruRf;F ,d;Dk; nedT jpUk;gy;y.. G+gjp knfd; kl;Lk; mOJfpl;L ,Uf;fhd;.. Mk;gisq;f vy;yhk; Ntbf;f ghj;Jf;fpl;L epff; pwhZq;f..! xUj;jd; $l jLj;J epWj;jp fhg;ghj;j Kd;Df;F tuy;y..! ehq;f vd;dh nra;Nthk;..? vy;yhUk; nghk;gisq;f..!” vd;W czh;r;rp trg;gl rj;jkpl;Lg; Ngrpdhh;fs;. mth;fis gpd;dhy; tUk;gb nrhy;yptpl;L> ,th;fs; ,d;Dk; Ntfkhf Xbdhh;fs;.. tPl;by; G+gjpapd; kfd; kl;LNk mOJf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. ru];tjp> mth;fs; nrhd; d gbNa epidtpoe; J fple; j hs; . G+gjp tP l ; l Ufpy; Ntbf; i f ghh; j ; J f; n fhz; b Ue; j th; f s; > “G+tjpia Gypfz; l h kiyf; F nfhz; L Ngha;;l;lhq;f..!” vd;whh;fs;.. me;j Njhl;lj;jpy; Gypfz;lh kiy vd;w nfhOe;J fhL ,Uf;fpwJ.. rpWj;ijfs; NkAk; me;j kiyapy;> vjph;j;Jg;NgRk; njhopyhsh;fisf; nfhz;L Ngha; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

238

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239

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240

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241

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jpd;Dg;Gl;L Vg;gk; Tl;Lf;fpl;L ,Uf;Fk;..!” vd;W gykhfr; rphpj;jhd;. “vg;Gb rhp me;j nts;sr;rp ru];tjpa eh tg;ghl;bah tr;rpf;fpl;lh NghJk;..!” vd;W kPz;Lk; cly; FYq;fr; rphpj;jhd;.. “nrhy; Y q; f rhkp … Fl; b a ,g; g Nt J}f; f pl; L te; J h; N whk; . .!” vd; w hd; Ks;sk;gd;b khlrhkp. xt;nthU Qhapw;Wf;fpoikAk;> Jiu ehtyg;gpl;b Nrh;r;Rf;F Ngha;tpl;L tUk;NghJ> fq;fhzpf;F tp];fp Nghj;jy; thq;fp tUthd;. jlhnyd;W fjit ahNuh cijj;jhh;fs;.. fjT gpa;j;Jf;nfhz;L tpOe;jJ.. Nkir tpsf;if J}f;fp epyj;jpy; mbj;jhd; xUtd;. gr;rKj;J jiyapy; gykhd mb tpOe;jJ.. mtd; rj;jkpyy ; hky; tpOe;jhd;.. mbgl;l gd;bAk;> njhg;GyhDk; fPNo tpOe;jhh;fs;. %tiuAk; Vzp kuj;jpy; ghilapy; fl;LtJ Nghy; fl;b> fk;gpab kiyf;F khw;wp khw;wp J}f;fpf;nfhz;L Nghdhh;fs;. fq;fhzpapd; kpf Kf;fpakhd> ,d;Dk; ,uz;L Ngh; ,d;Dk; mfg;gl tpy;iy.. kiyAr; r papy; Vzpia ,wf; f pdhh; f s; . gr; r Kj; J fq; f hzp fztjpia Fk; g pl; l hd; . . fhj; j hid Fk; g pl; l hd; . . NtyhAjj; j pd; fhy; f is ,Wff; fl;bg;gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L> nfhy;y Ntz;lhnkd;W Fk;gpl;lhd;. mth;fs; vJTk; Ngrhky;> xt;nthUthpd; fOj;jpYk; fapiwf; fl;b> xt;nthU nfhf;fpapYk;> nfhOe; J rhf; F fis khl; L tJ Nghy> khl; b > mug; G ypAk; > fhj; j hDk; nfhf;fpfisj; jl;btpl;lhh;fs;. ‘tPy;’ vd;w rj;jj;NjhL nfhf;fp Nuhij fk;gpapy; Rod;Wr; nrd;wJ. “,dp xU nfoikf; F ehk xd; d h re; j pf; f $lhJ.. Nty ntl; b Nahl epd;Df;fZk;.. Kf;fpa rq;fjpd;dh kl;Lk;> fhj;jhd $l;bf;fpl;L ek;k T+l;Lf;F thq;f..!” vd;W NtyhAjk; nrhd;dhd;.. vy;NyhUk; mbthuj;J re;jp tiu mikjpahf ele;J> xt;nthUtUk; xt;nthU yaj;Jf;Fg; gphpe;J nrd;whh;fs; ***

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242

K. rptypq;fk;

rlyq;fs;..! njhopw;rhiy mgha rq;if mOj;jptpl;lhd;. mJ mywpaJ.. Njhl;lj;J rdq;fnsy;yhk; njhopw;rhiyia Nehf;fp Xb te;jhh;fs;. kpfTk; gaq;fukhd epiyapy>; fq;fhzp> gd;b khlrhkp> njhg;Gyhd; %tUk; nfhOe;J rhf;F nfhf;fpapy; khl;bagb> rlykhff; fple;jhh;fs;. Kjy; Mshf nghpa B Nkf;fh;> ,uz;lhtJ> %d;whtJ vd;W vy;NyhUk; te;J epd;whh;fs;. Ntbf;ifg; ghh;f;Fk; $l;lj;jpy;> fhj;jhd;> NtyhAjk;> mug;Gyp> kfhypq;fk;> fzgjp> tPukiy nghpg;gh vy;NyhUNk te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. JiuAk;> nghpa fq;fhzpAk; Njhl;lj;jpy; ,y;yhtpl;lhy;> njhopyhsUf;F gul; i lad; nghWg; g hfTk; > Njhl; l j; J f; F nghpa B Nkf; f UNk gpujhd nghWg;ghsh;fshf ,Ug;ghh;fs;. nghpa fpshf;fh;> nghpa B Nkf;fh;> gul;ilad; kw;Wk; vy;yh ‘];lhg;];’ khh;fSk; nghyp]; ];NlrDf;Fg; Nghdhh;fs;. nghyp]; te;jJ… nghyp]; eha;fs; te;jd.. gpNuj ghpNrhjidf;F jfty; nrd;wJ. re;Njfj;jpd; Nghpy; tPL> tPlhf tprhuiz… gaKWj;jy;… xU rpyiug; gpbj;J mbj;jy;… xU rpyiu [Pg;gpy; Vw;wpf;nfhz;L> nghyp]; ];NlrDf;F nfhz;L Nghjy;.. Nghd;w nghyp]; eltbf;iffs; ele;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jd. mf;fk; gf;fj;J Njhl;lq;fs;> Ch; cyfq;fs; vy;yhNk Ntbf;if ghh;f;f te;jpUe;jd.. mjp jP t pu NjLjy; eltbf; i ffs; ele; j d.. gf; f j; J Njhl; l j; J Jiukhh;fnsy;yhk; te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;lj;ij tpl;L xU njhopyhspAk; ntspNa Nghff;$lhnjd;W fhty; Nghlg;gl;lJ.. … QhapW> jpq;fs;> nrt;tha; vd;w %d;W ehl;fs; Kbe;jd.. M];gj;jphpapy; I]; ngl;b fpilahJ.. gpzq;fs; ehwj; njhlq;fpd. gpzq;fis mlf;fk; nra;Ak;gb> M];gj;jphp eph;thfk;> Njhl;l eph;thfj;ij Nfl;Lf;nfhz;lJ… nghpa Jiu Njhl;lj;jpy; ,y;iy.. mtd; mk;ik Neha; te;J fz;b M];gj;jphpapy; ,Uf;fpwhd;.

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243

K. rptypq;fk;

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

244

K. rptypq;fk;

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gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

245

K. rptypq;fk;

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246

K. rptypq;fk;

re;Njfj;jpd; Nghpy; tprhuizf;F mioj;Jr;nry;yg;gl;l Ie;J Ngh;fSf;Fk; ,JtiuapYk; tprhuiz elj;jg;gl tpy;iy.. khwhf Ie;J NgiuAk; fz;b Nghfk;giu rpiwf;F mDg;gp tpl;lhh;fs;. nghyp];fhuh;fs;> gul;ilad; %ykhf ufrpa thf;F %yq;fis Nfl;lwpe;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. nghpa fq;fhzp epoypNyNa tsh;e;jtd;jhd; gul;ilad; fq;fhzp… mtd; xUehs; tpUe;jhb ngUkhis tPl;Lf;F $g;gpl;bUe;jhd;. tpUe;jhb ngUkhs;> me; j j; Njhl; l j; j pNyNa “xd; d hk; ek; g h; Nrhk; N gwp ehap..” vd; W NgU thq; f patd; . Ntiyf; F xOq; f hfg; NghfNt khl; l hd; . nrhe; j f; f huh; tPLfSf;Fk;> rhjpf;fhuh; tPLfSf;Fk; Ngha; tpUe;J rhg;gpl;Ltpl;L tUthd;. mtDf;F rhuhaj;ijf;; nfhLj;J> fq;fhzpia nfhiy nra;jtd;fisg; gw;wpf; Nfl; l hd; . “fwp> NrhWk; > rhuhaKk; FLj; j h> gj; J ,UtJ NgU jfty; nrhy;Ythq;f fq;fhzp rhkp..!” vd;whd;. mt;thW fwpNrhWf;Fk;> rhuhaj;Jf;Fk; mfg;gl;l gj;Jg;Ngh; tiu> gul;ilapd; tPl;Lf;F te;J nrhd;dhh;fs; [e;J NgiuAk; fle;j MWkhj fhykhf vJtpj tprhuizAkpd;wp milj;Nj itj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. rPikf;F Ngha;tpl;l N[hh;[; Jiujhd; ,e;j Kiwg;ghl;il nfhLj;jpUe;jhdhk;.. N[hh;[; Jiu yz;ldpypUe;J te;j gpwFjhd; tprhuiz Muk; g khfyhk; . . vd; W tP u kiyaplk; ml; l d; nghyp]; mjpfhhp ngha; nrhy;ypapUe;jhh;;. N[hh; [ ; Jiu ,dpNky; ,yq; i ff; F tukhl; l hd; . mk; i k NehapypUe; j ru]; t jpia gyhj; f huk; nra; j md; i wf; N f mtDf; F mk; i k Neha; njhw;wpf;nfhz;lJ.. nghp nghpa nfhg;Gyq;fs; cz;lhfp> fz;b M];gj;jphpapy; ,Uf;Fk;NghJ> xU fz; FUlhfp> xU fz; ghh;itNahLjhd; CUf;Fj; jpUk;gpa cz;ikahd jftiy> Jiukhh;fsplk; mwptpj;jjhf> Gjpjhf te;j rhkp Jiuapd; kidtp jpNu\h Jiurhzp %ykhf njhopyhsg; ngz; f s; mwpe;Jf;nfhz;lhh;fs;. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;J MWKfj;Jf;Fk;> godpf;Fk;> mg;Gj;jiy rPuq;fDf;Fk;> tPukiy nghpg;gh jfty; mDg;gpapUe;jhh;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

247

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248

K. rptypq;fk;

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249

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253

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,jd; fhuzkhf> murhq;f MSdh;> njhg;gpj;Njhl;l chpikahsiuAk;> Jiukhh; f s; > kw; W k; Vida Njhl; l chpikahsh; f isAk; mioj; J ciuahbdhh;. ,e;j ciuahlypd; fhuzkhfNt tpy;rd; Jiuf;F ,e;j epiyik Vw;gl;lJ.. ,tUf;F Kd;gjhfTk;> kdpjhgpkhd Kiwapy;> njhopyhsh;fsplk; Ntiy thq;fp Njhl;lk; elj;jpa mNefkhd Jiukhh;fs;> xU khjj;Jf;Fs; ehl;il tplN ; l mDg;gg; gl;lhh;fs;. mNj mb> jb> cij> Jg;ghf;fpr# ; L> nfhiy> fw;gopgG; > nray;fNshL> mlf;FKiwapy; Njhl;lk; elj;Jgth;fNs> fl;Lg;ghL nfhz;l eph;thfpfs; vd;W ghJfhf;fg;gl;lhh;fs;. njhopyhsp #l;Lfpdw ; ‘rhkpJiu’ gl;ljhhpfs;> mNefkhNdhh;> gpuahzg; igia kl;LNk J}f;fpf;nfhz;L> fg;gy; Vwpdhh;fs;.! …njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpd; kfpo;r;rpapd; filrp ehs;…. njhopyhsh;fsplk; gazk; nrhy;yptpl;Nl ehk;> yz;ld; jpUk;gNtz;Lk; vd;W JiurhzpAk; tpy;rd; JiuAk; Njhl;lj;J mk;kd; NfhtpYf;F te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. njhopyhsh; f s; > Jiuf; F k; > Jiurhzpf; F k; jq; f j; j py; ,uz; L gTdpy; NkhjpuKk;> nrapDk; md;gspg;ghff; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. me;j jq;f eiffis tpl> mth;fs; xd;W Nrh;e;J tbj;j fz;zhP ; kiof;F> ehq;fs; ,UtUk; vj;jid gpwtpfs; vLj;jhYk;> <L nra;a KbahJ… “ePq;fs; kdpjh; f shf thOk; ehs; tpiutpy; tUk; . !.” vd; W mth; f s; ,UtUk; vy;NyhUf;Fk; if FYf;fp tpilngw;Wr; nrd;whh;fs;.

***

my;ypj; Njhl;lj;J MWKfKk;> mUf;fhzpAk; fy;ahzkhfp ,uz;L khjq; f Sf; F g; gpwF> ,d; i wf; F j; j hd; tP u kiyiaAk; > rk; r huk; fUg;ghapiaAk;> Njhl;lj;J rdq;fisAk; ghh;j;Jtpl;L Nghtjw;fhf> xU re;Njhr gazkhf te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. mUf;fhzp mtsJ mk;khitAk; $l;bf; ;nfhz;L te;jpUe;jhs;. fy;ahzkhfp xU fpoikf;Fg; gpwNf> jdpahftpUf;Fk; khkpahiu jq; f NshL itj; J f; n fhs; N thk; vd; W MWKfNk mioj;Jr;nrd;wpUe;jhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

254

K. rptypq;fk;

,g;NghJ> ntw;W tPlhfg; G+l;bapUe;j mUf;fhzp tPl;ilAk;> NtyhAjk; tPl;ilAk;> tPby;yhky; f\;lj;jpypUe;jth;fSf;F nfhLj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. “Vk; nghpg;gh..! NtyhAjk; mz;zd; T+l;ilAkh FLj;Jl;lhq;f..? mz;zd; tu khl;lhuh..?” vd;W Jf;fk; njhz;ilia milj;jgb mUf;fhzp Nfl;lhs;. “,y;yk;kh…jk;gp te;jJk; mTDf;F fhk;Guh FLf;Fwjh nrhy;ypapUf;fhq;f..” vd;whh; tPukiy. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpy; mjpfkhd ngz;fisAk;> gps;isfisAk; Ntiyf;F vLg;gjhf MWKfk; nrhd;dhd;. “ ,g;g ug;gh; Njhl;lk;> njd;de;Njhl;l Kd;D cz;lhf;Fd nghwF> vf;fr;rf;fkh Ntiyf;F MSq;f Njitahk;.. ahthhp khUq;fSk; vf;fr;rf;fkh tu;whq;fshk;..” Gj;jsk;> rpyhgk;> FUzhfy;> njdpaha> fhyp> vd;W njd;gFjp gf;fnky;yhk; njhopyhsh;fs; mioj;Jr; nry;yg;gl;lhh;fs;… vd;w jfty;fs; MWKfj;jpd; Ngr;rpypUe;J njhpate;jJ.. rhkp njhiuAk; > njhurhzpAk; fdT khjphp te; J > fdT khjphpNa Nghapl;lhq;f.. Vd; MARy ,g;Gb gukrptd;> ghh;tjp khjphp> nts;sf;fhu njhu njhurhzpa eh ghh;j;jNjapy;y..! kfuhrDk;> kfuhrpAk; yz;lDf;Fg; Ngha; Nre; J l; l hq; f shk; . . me; N jhdpahh; Nfhtpy; rhkpahUf; F fLjhrp Nghl; b Uf; f hq; f yhk; . . Gbr; r glnky; y hk; rhkpahUf; F mDg;gpapUf;fhq;fyhk;..!”vd;W tPukiy re;Njhr kpFjpNahL nrhd;dhh;. mtUk; xU fhyj;jpy>; Njhl;lj; Jiu gq;fshtpy; ‘mg;G’ thf njhopy; nra;jth;… xt;nthU Rg;gphpz;ld;khh;fisg;gw;wp mwpe;J itj;jpUe;jth;.. me;j xUehs; ,uT KOf;f mth;fisg; gw;wp MWKfj;jplk; nrhy;ypf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpypUe;J toik Nghy epiwa fha; fwpfs;> nfhj;J gyhf;fha;> <ug;gyhf;fh> kuts;spf; fpoq;F> nghpg;gh tpUk;gpr; rhg;gpLk; kiuapwr;rp> jpg;gpyp fUg;gl;b> jpg;gpyp ghzp> ,itfNshL mtUf;F> MWKfk; xU Nghj;jy; jpg;gpyp fs;Sk; nfhz;Lte;jpUe;jhd;. ,uT tpUe;ij> tPukiy tPl;by;> MWKfKk;> mUf;fhzpANk elj;jpdhh;fs;.. md;iwa tpUe;Jf;F> mth;fs; ,UtUNk Ngha;; fhj;jhd;> fzgjp> mug;Gyp> kfhypq;fk;> MfpNahhpd; kidtpkhh;fshd fkyk;> kufjk;> G+thap> nghl;L>

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

255

K. rptypq;fk;

MfpNahiuAk; mioj; J te; j pUe; j hh; f s; . tP u kiy nghpg; g h Ngha; > ru];tjpiaAk;> igaidAk; mioj;J te;jpUe;jhh;. fztd;khh;fisAk;> NtyhAjk; mz;zidAk;> fle;j gj;J khjkhfg; gphpe; J > ftiyapy; thbg; N ghapUe; j th; f Sf; F > ,e; j r; re; j pg; G … nghpa epk;kjpiaAk;> ek;gpf;ifiaAk;> MjuitAk; nfhLj;jpUg;gjhf> mth;fs; xt;nthUtUk; nrhy;yp Mde;jg;gl;lhh;fs;. “,e;j uhj;jphp NrhWjhd;> vq;f xlk;Gy xl;lg;NghTJ khkh..!” vd;W fkyk; Kfj;jpy; glh;ej; pUf;Fk; Nrhf tLf;fy; kiwa rphpj;jgb nrhd;dhs;.. vd;db nra;wJ..? gQ;rghz;ltuh mQ;rp grq;fSk; vk; gpd; d hyNa Rj; J thDq; f .. flTs; ifTl khl; l hU..! te; J LthDq; f .. ftyg;glhk rhg;GL..!” vd;whh; tPukiy. ehis fhiyapy;> fz;b> Nghfk;giuf;Fg; Nghtjw;F Vw;ghL nra;jpUe;jhh;fs;. vy;NyhiuAk; Neuj;NjhL> MWKfKk;> tPukiy nghpg;ghTk; nfhz;L Ngha; tpl;L tpl;L te;jhh;fs;. ,d;W Qhapw;Wf;fpoik… fhiy MW kzp… New;wpuT re;jpj;J Ngrpagb> vy;NyhUk; ml;ld; uapy; epiyaj;Jf;F te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. nfhOk;G Nfhr;rp Nguhnjdpa re;jpapy; gazpfis ,wf;fptpl;Lg; NghFk;. mq;fpUe;J fz;bf;F ,d;ndhU Nfhr;rp Gwg;gLk;.. Qhapw;Wf;fpoik ehl;fspy; rpiwf; ifjpfis ghh; g ; g jw; F > Njhl; l j; J Ntiyahl; f Sf; F kl; L Nk gpuj; j pNaf rYif nfhLj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. kw;iwa ehl;fs; mth;fs; fl;lhakhf Ntiy nra;a Ntz;ba ehl;fshFk;. Nghfk;giu rpiwr;rhiy…. vy;NyhUk; Ie;J Ngh;fisAk; re;jpjJ ; > ftiy gfphe ; J ; Ngrpfn; fhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. gj;J khjq;fs; Kbe;J tpl;ld. Ie;J Ngh;fSf;Fk; murhq;f nrytpy;> tf;fy P ; epakpj;Jf;nfhs;syhk; vd;whh;fs;. murhq;f tf;fy P ; Ntz;lhnkd;Wk;> jq;fsJ nrytpy; tf;fPiy Vw;ghL nra;Jnfhs;fpNwhk; vd;W nrhy;yp tpl;ljhfTk;> ntspapy; ,Uf; F k; ,isQh; f s; tf; f P Y f; F gzk; Nrfhpj; J f; nfhz; b Ug; g jhfTk; > gf; f j; J Njhl; l q; f spypUe; J k; fhR t#y; epiwa fpilj; J f; n fhz; b Uf; f pd; w d vd; W k; > ifjpfisg; ghh; f ; f te; j pUe; j ,isQh;fs; vy;NyhUf;Fk; tpsq;Fk;gb njspthfr; nrhd;dhh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

256

K. rptypq;fk;

“,g;Ngh Njhl;lf;fhL G+uhTk; mq;fq;F fyfk; elf;FJ…! njhukhUq;f fyq;fpg; Nghap ,Uf;fhDq;f..!xq;f tof;f ngUrh ePl;lkhl;lhDq;f NtY..! nja;hpakh ,Uq;f.. ePq;f mQ;rp NgUk; RUf;fh ntspa te;JUtPq;f..!” vd;w tPukiyapd; ijhpakhd> ek;gpf;if epiwe;j thh;j;ijfs; vy;NyhUila kdijAk; njhl;ld. “NtY..!mQ;rp nghk;gs Fl;bfSk; fh;gg; ];jpupfsh ,Uf;fhSf..!” vd;W tPukiy gykhfr; rphpj;jhh;. “nghwf;fg; Nghw mQ;Rk; Njhl;lf; $ypfsh tukhl;lhq;fd;D rj;jpak; nrQ;rp FLg;gq P ;fsh..?” NtyhAjk; czh;r;rptrg;gl Nfl;lhd;. “rj;jpakh tukhl;lhq;fz;zh..!”vd;W Ie;J ngz;fSk; tPukiy jiyapy; ifia itj; J nrhd; d hh; f s; . ru]; t jp NtyhAjj; i jg; ghh; j ; J > MNkhjpj; J jiyahl;bdhs;. tPukiy nghpg;gh kw;w ehd;F rpiwr;rhiyfSf;Fk; nrd;W ,Nj MWjiyAk;> ek;gpf;ifAk; nrhy;yp mth;fis ijhpa%l;bdhh;.. tof;fpy; nty;yf;$ba rhj;jpaq;fs; ,Ug;gjhf tf;fy P ; nrhd;dhh; vd;W te;jpUe;j ,isQh;fs; nrhd;dhh;fs;.. kfpo;r;rpNahL vy;NyhUk; tPl;Lf;Fj; jpUk;gpdhh;fs;.

***

jz; z p fUj; j pUr; r p.. jts rj;jk; Nfl;bUr;rp Gs; i sAk; mOjphpr; r p Gz; z paNu Ntiy tpL..!

,uT… Neuk; vl;L kzp…rhg;ghl;ilf; ifapnyLf;Fk;NghJ> xU fhyKk; ,y;yhj toikahf jpBnud;W rq;F rj;jk; yaj;J thrypy; Nfl;lJ.. mk;khrp> %d;W Kiw rq;if Cjp> jpfpY}l;bdhd;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

257

K. rptypq;fk;

“ehisf;fp GJ njhu Njhl;lk; ghuk; vLf;f th;whNuh…! vy;yhUk; fhiyapy VO kzpf;F ngul;Lf;fsj;Jf;F te;J epy;Nyh..!” vd;W ehd;fhtJ KiwahfTk; rq;if Cjpdhd;. me;j ,uz;Lq;nfl;lhd; Neuj;jpy;> njhl;by; Foe;ijfs;> rpd;dQ;rpWRfs; myd; W gae; J NghFk; g b jfty; nrhy; y pa Kiw> vy; N yhh; kdijAk; Gz;gLj;jpaJ… “rq; F rFdk; rhpapy; y .. njhu ey; y tdh ,Uf; f khl; l hd; … ” tP u kiy rk;rhuj;jplk; KD KDj;jhh;. vy; N yhUk gae; j fyf; f j; j py; gLf; i ff; F r; nrd; w hh; f s; . ,isQh; f s; > gae;jth;fisg; ghh;jJ ; > fbe;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “ve;j nfhk;gd; te;jhYk;> ,dpNk gakpy;y… J}f;fk; te;jh Ngha; J}q;Fq;f…!” vd;W kj;jsj;ij jl;b ghl;L ghbf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. vy;yh yad;fspYk;> mk;khrp Cjpf;nfhz;L NghFk; rq;F rj;jk;> ,d;Dk; jpfpiy cz; L gz; z pf; n fhz; b Ue; j J.. ,d; D k; ry ryg; G mlq; f hj epiyapy>; Ml;fspd; kdq;fis khw;Wtjw;F> tPukiy ,uz;L igad;fSld; vy;yh fhk;gpuhf;fisAk; jl;b> xU Nrjpia nrhy;ypf;nfhz;L Nghdhh;.. “gr;irf;fhl;L yaj;jpy;> tUfpw Qhapw;Wf; fpoikapypUe;J> ehg;gj;njl;L ehl; f Sf; F > ‘nghd; d h; rq; f h; ’ fij gbg; g jw; F > mg; G j; j iy jq; f kiy Njhl;lj;jpypUe;J $j;J thj;jpahh; xUth; tutpUf;fpwhh;.. ,e;j Vw;ghl;il> ,e;jpahTf;Fr; nrd;Wtpl;l> NtyhAjj;jpd; MUaph; ez;gd; rPuq;fd; Vw;ghL nra;J nfhLj;Jtpl;L> Nghdhd; vd;gNj me;j jftyhFk;. tpbe; J tpl; l J … VO kzpastpy; vy;NyhUk; gpul;Lf;fsj;Jf;Fg; Nghdhh;fs;.. ,th;fSf;F Kd;Ng> kUjg;gd; fq;fhzpAk;> gul;ilad; fq;fhzpAk; te;jpUe;jhh;fs;. FjpiuapypUe; J > Mwb cauj; j py; > M[hDghFthf xU Kul; L kdpjd; Fjpj;jhd;. uhZt cilapNyNa te;jpUe;jhd;.. Ms; ghh;g;gjw;F kpfTk; gaq;fukhftpUe;jhd;.. jiy KOf;f topj;J> nkhl;iladhf ,Ue;jhd;. fz;fs; G+id fz;fisg; Nghy rhk;gy; epwkhftpUe;jJ.. Nrhsf;fjphpy; njhq;Fk; nrk;gl;il ehh; Kbfisg; Nghd;W kPir itj;jpUe;jhd;.. gphpl;b\; uhZtj; j py; > nkl; w h]; gilg; g phptpy; > nyg; b dd; l hf gzpGhpe; J > Xa; T ngw;wth;fSf;F> murhq;f rpghhprpy; cyf ehLfspYs;s ngUe;Njhl;lq;fSf;F> gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

258

K. rptypq;fk;

$ypfis Nka; j ; J Ntiy thq; F tjw; F k; > eph; t hfk; elj; J tjw; F k; mDg;gpapUe;jhh;fs;.. “I Vk; khh;l;bd;..! I Vk; Rg;gphpd;nld;ld; xg; `l;ld; v];Nll;..!” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L> Fjpiuapy; Vwp nrd;W tpl;lhd;.. kUjg;gd; fq;fhzp tpsf;fk; nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “nkl;uh]; gilapy gl;lhsj;J tPuU.. rhkp njhu khjphp ,spr; r p ,spr; r p Ngr khl; l hU … Nty nfLgpbah ,Uf; F k; … nejhdpr; R ele;Jf;fpl;lh vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; ey;yJ… !” vd;W gul;ilad; fq;fhzpia $l;bf;nfhz;L> kUjg;gd; fq;fhzp fpsk;gpdhd;.. rdq;fs; mg;gbNa Ntiyf;fhl;Lf;F fpsk;gpdhh;fs;. khh; l ; b d; Jiu te; j gpwF> njhopyhsh; f s; frf; f pg; gpopag; g l; l hh; f s; . tarhdth;fSf;F Nfhg;gp fhyj;J epidTfs; jpUk;gp te;jd.. fhiyapy; vt;tsT J}uj;J kiyahftpUe;jhYk; rhp> rhpahf VO kzpfn; fy;yhk; nfhOe;J fhl;by; epwf; Ntz;Lk;.. gpdN ; duk; Ie;J kzptiu> kiyapy; ,Uf;f Ntz;Lk;.. “nfhOe;J.. nfhOe;J… nfhOe;Jjhd; Kf;fpak;..!” vd;w khh;l;bd; Jiu rj;jk; NghLthd; . . mtd; nkl; w hrpypUe; J te; j td; . . jkpo; NgRthd; . . Mz; njhopyhspfSf;F rpy;yiw Ntiy mjpfk; nfhLf;f khl;lhd;. mth;fSf;Fk; $ilfs; nfhLj; J > nfhOe; n jLf; F k; Ntiy nfhLj; j hd; . mth; f Sk; ngz;fisg; Nghy> Ie;J kzptiu nfhOe;J gwpj;Jf;nfhz;L> me;jp rhAk; fUf;fspy;jhd; tuNtz;Lk;.. gl;lhsj;J Jiu te;jjpypUe;J nfhOe;jhAk; ngz;fs;> me;jpf; fUf;fspy;jhd; kiyia tpl;L> tUthh;fs;. njhl;by; Foe;ijfSf;fhf Neuj;NjhL Ntiy tpLk;gb fq;fhzpfsplk; nfQ;rpNfl;Lk; mth;fs; kWj;Jtpl;lhh;fs;. fhZ ntl;L> Ks;Sf; Fj;J> KUq;f ntl;L> Gy;Y ntl;L Nghd;w Ntiyfisf; Fiwj;Jf; nfhz;ljhy;> Njapiy kiy Gy;Y kz;b NghdJ… ghk;Gfs; Nkaj; njhlq;fpd.. tpy;rd; Jiu Muk;gpj;j Njhl;lg; ghlrhiyapy; KO ehSk; gbg;gpf;f Ntz;lhk; vdTk;> miu ehs; Mg;grP py; Ntiy nra;a Ntz;Lk; vd;W ];$y; kh];lUf;F Xlh; Nghl;lhd; GJj; Jiu.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

259

K. rptypq;fk;

mtdplk; ve; j njhopyhspAk; epd; W Ngr KbahJ.. vy; y htw; W f; F k; “fq;fhzpaf; NfS..!”vd;Nw nrhy;yptpLthd;.. fq;fhzpapd; gyk; kPz;Lk; njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; nropj;J tsh;e;jJ..

***

xU ehs; Jiukhh; rq;f $l;lk; ele;jJ.. $l;lj;jpy; fq;fhzpkhh;fs; gw;wp epiwa Ngrpdhh;fs;.. fq;fhzp ,y;yhtpl;lhy;> $ypfis Nka;j;J> Ntiy thq;f KbahJ.. vd;whh;fs;. fq;fhzp epiwa jpULfpwhd;… vd;whh;fs; rpyh;. fq;fhzp Njhl;lj;jpy; jpULtjpy;iy.. $ypfsplk;jhd; jpULfpwhd;.. vd;wdh; rpyh;. fq;fhzp > ngz; njhopyhspfsplk;; ghypay; cwT itj;Jf;nfhs;fpwhd;… vd;wdh; rpyh;. mtd;; cwTjhd; itj;Jf; nfhs;fpwhd;;.. fw;gopf;f khl;lhd;..!” vd;whh;fs; rpyh;. “ehq; f Sk; cwTjhd; itj; J f; n fhs; f pNwhk; … fw;gopg;gjpy;iy … ! Neh Nug;gpq;..!” vd;W rigapypUe;J xU Fuy; ntspte;jJ.. rig fy fyg;ghfpaJ.. fq;fhzpf;F ‘jiyf;fhR’ vd;w ngd;]; fhR nfhLf;fg;gLfpwJ.. xt;nthU khj rk; g sj; j pYk; > xU rpypq; (xU nlhyh; ) gpbf; f g; g LfpwJ.. fq; f hzpAk; $ypf; f hud; j hd; … Mdhy; > Rg; g h; i truhf ,Uf; f pwhd; . . ‘n`l; kzp’ gpbg; g jhy; j hd; > fq; f hzp $ypfSf; F neUf; f b nfhLf; f pwhd; . neUf; f b nfhLg;gjhy;jhd; $ypfs; Ntiyf;F tUfpwhh;fs;.. ngd;]; fhR> mtid Cf;fg;gLj;Jk;; Nghd];..!” vd;whh;fs;. xU Njhl; l nrhe; j f; f huh; vOe; J Ngrpdhh; “ehd; iggpiy Nerpg; g td; . . $ypfSf;fhfg; Ngr tutpy;iy… mth;fSf;F fle;j gjpndl;L tUrq;fshf rk;gs cah;T toq;fg;gl tpy;iy.. mNj $ypfspd; gpur;rpid rhTf;Fs;NsNa Klf;fg;gLfpwJ… ehk; mth;fsJ rk;gs cah;it Nahrpff; Ntz;Lk;..!” vd;whh;. vy; N yhUk; fpz; l yhfr; rphpj; j hh; f s; . “,d; n dhU tpy; y pak; iel; l d; te;jpUf;fpwhh;..!” vd;whh;fs;..! mtUila Ngr;ir ,ilkwpj;J> ,d;ndhU Njhl;l nrhe;jf;fhuh; Ngrpdhh;. “,g;NghJ Ngrpa ez;gUf;F ekJ murhq;fj;jpypUf;Fk; rl;l rig nkk;gh;> gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

260

K. rptypq;fk;

,yq;ifj; jkpohpd; gpujpepjp Nrh; Kj;Jf;FkhuRthkpia (1861 … 1879) njhpahjh..? mth; Njhl; l j; njhopyhspfs; xU rpy ,lq; f spy; j hd; f\;lg;gLfpwhh;fs;. kw;wgb mth;fs;> nuhk;gTk; rpwg;ghf tho;fpwhh;fs;.. “They are exceedingly well off.. There are cases of sufferings here and there..but the conditions among the workers are excellent .!” vd;W rl;l rigapy; Ngrpaij

ePqf; s; mwpa tpyi ; yah..? mth; NgrpaJjhd; vq;fSf;F Mjuthf ,Uf;fpwJ.... ePq;fs; iel;ld; khjphpNajhd; NgRfpwPh;fs;..!” vd;whh;. $l;lj;jpy; kPz;Lk; rphpg;nghyp Nfl;lJ. md;iwa $l;lk; kjpa Nghrdj;NjhL Kbtile;jJ. ***

tPukiy

kpfTk; nehe;J NghapUe;jhh;. xU tUrk; Kbe;Jk;> tprhuiz ,y;yhky;> grq;f n[apYf;Fs;s thLwhq;fNs… vd;W jiyapy; ifia itj;Jf; nfhz;L> thrypy; cl;fhh;e;jpUe;jhh;.. kz;ntl;bf;F mofhd if gpb Nghl;bUe;jhh;.. mJ mtuUfpy; gps;isiag; Nghy; rha;e;jpUe;jJ.. Re;juKk;> uhRTk; tPukiyia Nehf;fp te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. “jhj;jh..! tf;fy P ; tur;nrhy;ypapUe;jhU… fz;bf;Fg; NghapUe;Njhk;.. nuz;L ehS tof;F ntrhuz ele;jprr; hk;.. ehisf;F jPhg; G; nrhy;Ythq;fyhk; Nfhh;lL ; f;F vy;yhUk; tuj; Njitapy; i yahk; … eP q ; f Sk; ,d; D k; ehiyQ; R NgUk; te; j h NghJk;Kd;dhU…!” vd;whd; Re;juk;. “,y;y Re;juk;..! ghJfhg;G NtZk;… gj;J gjpidQ;R NguhtJ NghtZk; Re;juk;..!” tPukiy re;Njfj;NjhL vOk;gp epd;whh;. “fhl;L Kdpahz;b epr;rakh ek;g gf;fk; ,Ug;ghd;..!” vd;W J}uj;Nj njhpAk; mQ;rp Kdpahz;b Nfhtpy; kuj;ijg;ghh;j;J Fk;gpl;lhh;.. ,d;W jpq;fl;fpoik… “tof;F jPhg; G; vg;gb KbANkh..?” vd;w kdr;rQ;ryj;NjhL vy;NyhUk; fz;bf;Fg; Nghdhh;fs;. “NtyhAjk;> fhj;jhd;> fzgjp> kfhypq;fk;> mug;Gyp..” vd;W NjhSf;F Kjyp rj;jkpll; hh;. Ie;J Ngh;fSk;> tPukiy ghirapy; gQ;r ghz;lth;fshf $z;Lf;Fs; te;J epd;whh;fs;. tPukiyNahL te;jpUe;j vy;NyhUk; ,\;l nja;tq;fis Ntz;bf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ru];tjp> G+gjpiaAk; epidj;Jf;nfhz;lhs;.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

261

K. rptypq;fk;

“ek;gf;$ba ve;j rhl;rpaq;fSk; ,y;yhjgbahy;> Ie;J Ngh;fisAk; tpLjiy nra;fpNwd;..!” vd;W $wptpl;L> ePjpgjp vOe;J ele;jhh;. “mNuhfuh… ! Nfhtpe;jh…! Nfh…tpej; h…!” vd;W tPukiy czh;r;rptrg;gl;L rj;jkplTk;> vy;NyhUk; mg;gbNa rj;jkpl;lhh;fs;. ePjpkd;wj;Jf;F ntspNa> vy;iyaw;w kfpo;r;rp gputhfk; ngUf;nfLj;jpUe;jJ…kpf kpf ghJfhg;ghf ItiuAk; mizj;jgb thfdj;jpy; Vw;wpdhh;fs;. fq;fhzp nfhiyia Njhl;l eph;thfk; nghpJgLj;jpf;nfhs;s tpUk;gtpy;iy.. vjph;fhyj;jpy; Njhl;lj;jpy; njhlh;e;J> Fog;gepiy Vw;glf;$ba rhj;jpaq;fs; ,Ue;jgbahy;> Njhl;l eph;thfk;> tof;if Nky; ePkpkd;wj;Jf;F mg;gy P ; nra;a tpUk;gtpy;iy… njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; mk;kd; NfhtpypYk;> fhl;L gps;isahh; NfhtpypYk; G+ir ele;NjwpaJ… xU tUrkhfg; gphpe;jpUe;j FLk;gq;fs; xd;W Nrh;e;jd.. ru];tjpAk;> kfDk; tPukiy tPl;by; md;iwa ,uT jq;fpdhh;fs;.. “ruR tprakh xd; Nahrd vd;dhd;D nrhy;Ytpah..?” NtyhAjj;jplk; tPukiy tpdtpdhh;. “ehd; fy;ahzkhdtd;D ruRf;F njhpAk;.. ghg;ghj;jpAk;> ruR khjphpNa xj;Jg; Nghw nghz;Z… nuz;L NgUk; mDrhpr;R ele;Jf;fpl;lh> mJNt vdf;F NghJk; nghpg;gh..!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;.. ru];tjp jdJk;> jdJ kfdJk; vjph;fhy tho;f;ifia NtyhAjj;jplNk xg;gilg;gjha; epidj;J> mtDf;F Kjd; Kjyhf jiy thio ,iyapy; rhjk; ghpkhwpdhs;.. tPukiy njhlh;e;jhh;.. “ePq;f nuz;L NgUk; Gs;isahh; Nfhapy;y khy khj;jpf;fpl;L> GUrd; nghz;lhl;bah Cuwpa te;J epd;dh NghJk;..! jhyp nghwF Nghl;Lf;fyhk;.. CU thiaAk; %lZkpy;iyah..!” vd;W ,uz;L NgiuAk; ghh;j;jhh;.. mth;fs; ed;wpAzh;NthL Gd;dif nra;jhh;fs;. Jauq;fs; kiwe;j xU Gjpa fhiyg; nghOJ ,Wkhg;Gld; tpbe;jJ.. gr;irf;fhl;L yaj;Jf;Fg;gpdd ; hy; njhlUk; kiyg;ghij tiu> ru];tjpiaAk;> kfidAk; mioj;Jf;nfhz;L> jdJ FLk;g tpraq;fs; midj;ijAk; kpf tpsf; f khfr; nrhd; d hd; NtyhAjk; . ru]; t jp vy; y h tpraq; f isAk; Vw;Wf;nfhz;lhs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

262

K. rptypq;fk;

tP u kiy Vw; g hl; b y; > me; j Gjd; f poik> fhl; L g; g ps; i sahh; Nfhtpypy; > Njhl;lkf;fs;> ez;gh;fs; midthpd; Kd;dpiyapy;> ru];tjpf;F> NtyhAjk; Fq;Fkkpl;lhd;.. khiyfs; khw;wpf;nfhz;lhh;fs;.. mth;fis midtUk; MrPh;tjpj;jhh;fs;. Nkl;L yaj;jpy; ,uz;nlhU FLk;gq;fisj; jtpu> kw;wth;fs; jq;fs; ntWg;igf; fhl;b epd;whh;fs;.. ru];tjpia> Nkl;L yaj;jpypUe;J> gr;rf;fhl;L yaj;Jf;F mDg;gp tpl Ntz;Lnkd;W> fq;fhzpaplk; NgrtpUg;gjhf mth;fSf;Fs;NsNa Ngrpf; nfhz;lhh;fs;.. “rhjp tpl;L rhjp Nghd rpWf;fp..!” “GUrd; Nghap xU tUrj; J f; F s; s Na GJ GUrd; Njbf; f pl; l ehL khwp..!” vd; n wy; y hk; mth;fSf;Fs;NsNa jpl;bj; jPh;j;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;.. NtyhAjj;Jf;F> mtdpUe;j mNj tPl;il jUk;gb> kUjg;gd; fq;fhzpaplk; n[apypypUe;J te;j ehd;FNgUk; Ngha; Nfl;lJk;> tha; NgrhJ> xOq;F nra;J jUtjhf kpf gagf;jpAld; kUjg;gd; gjpy; nrhd;dhd;. ru];tjpapd; kfd; ngah; gRgjp.. gRgjpia lTDf;F $l;bg; Ngha;> mtDf;F Ntz;ba Gj;jfq;fs;> cLg;Gf;fs; ahtw;iwAk; NtyhAjk; thq;fpf;nfhz;L te;jhd;. Nfhtpy; tpUe;Jf;Fg; gpwF> ehd;F ez;gh;fSf;Fk; nghpg;gh FLk;gj;Jld; xU tpUe;J nfhLf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;W NtyhAjk; Ngrpfn; fhz;bUf;Fk; NghNj> vjpNu my;ypj; Njhl;lj;J MWKfKk;> mUf;fhzpAk; te;J epd;whh;fs;. mUf;fhzp epiwkhj fh; g ; g pdpahftpUe; j hs; . “Vd; l h ,tisAk; $l; b f; f pl; L te; J f\; l g; g Lj; J Nw..? eP kl; L k; te; j pUf; f yhNk..>” vd; w hd; NtyhAjk; . “eP n[apy;yUe;J ntspNa te;j rq;fjpa Nfs;tpg;gl;Nld;.. godpAk;> rPuq;fDk; vdf;F fhapjk; Nghl;bUe;jhDq;f.. xdf;F nuz;LNgUk; nuz;L fhapjk; Nghl;lhq;fshk;.. eP Vd; gjpy; Nghly;yd;D Nfl;L vOjpapUf;fhq;f.. ,e;jh vk; N gUf; F xdf; F > nuz; L NgUk; vOjpd fLjhrp..!” vd; W ,uz; L fbjq;fisAk; nfhLj;jhd;.. fbjq;fis fz;fspy; xj;jpfn; fhz;ltd;> jdpNa Ngha; thrpf;fj;njhlq;fpdhd;. “vd;; ,U fz;fspYk; fpilf;fg;ngw;w rNfhjud; NtyhAjj;Jf;F> rPuq;fdpd; mNdf ek];fhuq;fs;. ehq;fs; vy;NyhUk; Mz;ltd; fpUigahy; ey;y Rfkhf ,Uf;fpNwhk;. cd; Rfk; vg;gb..? cd; Njhl;lj;J kf;fs; vg;gb..? ehDk;> godpAk; cdf;F ,uz;L fLjhrp vOjpNdhk;.. eP xd;Df;Fk; gjpy; mDg;gtpy;iy.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

263

K. rptypq;fk;

NtY kdijj; jplg;gLj;jpf;nfhz;L fljhrpia thrpj;jhd;. ehd; xd;iwAk; kiwf;ff;$lhJ … kiwf;fTk; khl;Nld;.. cd; FLk;g tpraj; i j> cz; i kia vOjpapUf; f pNwd; . godpAk; mg; g bj; j hd; vOjpapUf;fpwhd;. cyfj;jpy; vy;yh fhhpaq;fSk; Mz;ltd; tpjpj;jgbjhd; elf;fpwJ.. neQ;R jpf; jpf;nfd;W mbf;f.. iffs; eLq;f.. Kfk; tpah;f;f.. NtyhAjk; vd; d Nth … VNjh … fbjk; Gjph; NghLtJ Nghy; ,Uf; f pwNj.. vd; W epidj;Jf;nfhz;L> nfhQ;r Neuk; jd;id MRthrg;gLj;jpfn; fhz;L> njhlh;eJ ; thrpf;fj;njhlq;fpdhd;. ehq;fs; vy;NyhUk; kd;dhUf;Fg; NghFk;NghJ> rq;fpypad; $l;bf;fpl;L nrd;w glF fTe;J vy;yhUk; nrj;Jg; Nghapl;Nlhk; vd;W nguk;gY}h; fhuDq;f tje;jp gug;gpapUf;fhDq;f.. Nrjp Nfl;lJk;> xq;f mg;gh> mk;kh nuz;L NgUk; xUj;jh; khj;jp xUj;jh; mjph;r;rpapy nrj;J Nghapl;lhq;f.. “INah mk;kh… INah mg;gh..!” vd;W NtyhAjk; jlhnyd;W epyj;jpy; tpOe;J kaf;fk; Nghl;Ltpl;lhd;. ru];tjp gjwpg;Nghdhs;.. MWKfk;> NtyhAjj;jpd; Kfj;jpy; jz;zhP ; mbj;J> mtid MWjy;gLj;j Kbahky; jtpjhag;gl;lhd;. ,d;Dk; ghg;ghj;jp tpraj;ij thrpjj; hy; vd;d elf;FNkh vd;w rq;flj;NjhL ru];tjpiag; ghh;jj; hd;. ru];tjp Xbg;Ngha; gf;fj;J fhk;gpuh tPukiy jhj;jhitf; $l;bf; nfhz;Lte;jhs;. NtyhAjk; jiuapy; tpOe;Jf; fplg;gij ghh;j;j tPukiy mjph;r;rpaile;J Nghdhh;. ,e;jpah fljhrp gw;wp MWKfk; nfhQ;rk; nrhd;dhd;. NtyhAjj;ij vOg;gp cl;fhuitj;j tPukiy> jdJ neQ;rpy; mtid rhj;jpf;nfhz;lhh;. “Mk; G s Gs; s … CUf; F Gj; j p nrhy; Y w eP a h ,g; G b rpd; d Gs; s khjphp ele;Jf;fyhkh..? vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; nkhfk; FLf;Fwtd;jhd; Mk;gis..!” vd;wJk; “nghpg;gh..! ahUf;fhf xior;rpf;fpl;L> NghtDKd;D rpNyhDf;F te;NjNdh.. mTq;f nuz;L NgUk; Nghapl;lhq;f nghpg;gh..!” mtd; Njk;gp Njk;gp mOjhd;. jdJ Ke;jhidahy; mtdJ fz;zi P u Jilj;jhs; ru];tjp. NtyhAjj;jpd; jiyia Mjuthfj; jltpdhd; gRgjp. tPukiy fbjj;ij thq;fpf;nfhz;lhh;. “nghpg;gh..! fljhrpa jhq;f.. thrpr;rpl;L jhNwd; nghpg;gh..!” vd;W “X”ntd;W rj;jkhf mOjhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

264

K. rptypq;fk;

tPukiy fljhrpia jaq;fpagbNa nfhLj;jhh;. “jaTnrQ;rp vy;yhUk; ntspNa ,Uq;f.. jdpah epd;D fljhrpa thrpf;fZk;..” vd;whd;. “ghg; g hj; j pAk; me; j mjph; r ; r papy tpOe; J > fh; g ; g k; fiyQ; R Ngha; > [d; d p te;Jtpl;lJ.. fypag;ngUkhs;jhd; xq;f mg;gh> mk;kh kuz fhhpaq;fSf;Fk;> fUkhjpfF ; k; nryT nra;jhdhk;.. ghg;ghj;jpa fth;nkd;l; M];gj;jhpapy epgg; hl;b> kUe;J thq;f gzk; FLj;J nuhk;g nuhk;g cjtp nra;jhdhk;.. mtd; fhl;L ntwF nfhz;Lte;J> ahthuk; nra;whd;.. tUkhdk; guthapy;iy.. mtd; kl;Lk; ,y;yhJ NghapUe;jhy;> xq;f FLk;gk; xd;Dkpy;yhk NghapUf;Fk;.. ghg;ghj;jp Rfkhfp te;j gpwF> xq;f mf;fhTk;> kr;rhDk; ghg;ghj;jpa fypaDf;F fl;bitf;f KbTgz;zpdhq;f.. ghg;ghj;jpAk; kWf;fhk rk;kjprr; hshk;.. ,g;Ngh mtSf;F nuz;L gps;isfs; ,Uf;F… xd;dg;gj;jp mOJ mOJ tprhhpr;rh.. fypad fl;bf;fpl;lJ ed;wpf; flDf;Fj;jhdhk;. ,y;yhl;b mtSk; xdf;fhf jw;nfhiy nrQ;rpf;f ,Ue;jhshk;.. ,g;g ghg;ghj;jp njspth ,Uf;fh… vy;yhk; tpjp.. FLj;J tr;rJjhd; nfilf;Fk;.. vd;w jj;Jtk; NgRwhs;. eP ahiuahtJ rpNyhd; nghz;z fypahzk; fl;bf;fplL ; tUk;gb fLjhrp Nghlr; nrhd; d hs; . eP nfhLj; j gzj; J y %D nrd; L neyk; thq; f p FLj; N jhk; . .fhirAk; > eifiaAk; thq; f khl; N ld; d h … tw; G Wj; j p FLj;jplN ; lhk;.. eP te;jJk; fypaDf;F T+L fl;LwJf;F cjtp nra;aZk;.. njhg;gp Njhl;lj;J tPuky nghpg;gh> rNfhjuh;fs; fhj;jhd;> fzgjp> kfhypq;fk;> mug;Gyp vy;NyhiuAk; md;ghf tprhupr;rjh nrhy;Y.. ruR jq;fr;rp kUkfd; gRgjp tprakh ntsf;fkh vOJ… ftyg;glhk CU te;J NruZk;.. nghJr; Nrt nrQ;rJ NghJk;.. ,g;gbf;F md;Gs;s rPuq;fd;. “INah ghg;ghj;jp..!” vd;W neQ;rpy; Xq;fp Xq;fp mbj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;.. mtd; iffis Xbg;Ngha; MWKfk; ,Wfg; gpbj;Jf;nfhz;lhd;. ru];tjp fbjj;ij thq;fp KOtJk; thrpj;J Kbj;jhs;.. “nghJ Nrt nrQ;rJ NghJk;.. mLj;j khrNk CUf;F nfsk;GNthk;.. vOk;Gq;f.. nkhfj; j fOTq; f ..!” vd; W NtyhAjj; i j ,Oj; j hs; ru]; t jp. mtid MWjy;gLj;j Kbatpyi ; y. mit MWjy; gLj;jf;$ba ,og;Gf;fSk; ,y;iy…

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

265

K. rptypq;fk;

“mz;zh..! xdf;F ruR mz;zp ,Uf;F.. mJ NghJk;> ftyg;glhj..!” vd;W mUf;fhzpAk; mtdUfpy; Ngha; nrhd;dhs;. nfhQ; r Neuk; mtidj; jdpahf tpLNthk; vd; W ru]; t jpiaj; jtpu kw;wth;fs; ntspapy; te;J tpl;lhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; mg;gbNa J}q;fptpl;lhd;. tpba ,uz;L kzpastpy; vOk;gp> ru];tjpAk;> mUf;fhzpAk; mtDf;F NrhW Rlitj;J> rhg;gpl itj;jhh;fs;.

***

tpbe;Jtpl;lJ… MWKfk;> gpul;Lf;fsj;Jf;F Ml;fs; NghFKd;Nd> Nfhapy; yaj;Jf;Fg; Ngha; fhj;jhdplKk;> kw;w ez;gh;fsplKk; NtyhAjj;jpd; Chpy; ele;j rk;gtq;fis vy;yhk; nrhd;dhd;. mth;fs; “,d;dpf;F xuk; NghLw Nty… gj; J kzpf; n fy; y hk; KbQ; r pUk; . . Fspr; r pl; L tu; N whk; . .” vd; W MWKfj;Jf;F NjePh; nfhLj;J mDg;gp itj;jhh;fs;.. NtyhAjk; Jtz; L NghapUe; j hd; . . ru]; t jp Ntiyf; F Nghftpy; i y.. MWKfKk;> mUf;fhzpAk; Jizf;F ,Ue;jgbahy;> tPukiy New;W Fstp $L Rl;l Ngh; ,Ue;jjhy;> mij ,d;iwf;F Nghl;Lf;nfhs;syhk; vd;W mtUk; Ntiyf;F Nghf tpy;iy.. xU Fstp $l;il> G+r;rpfNshL vhpj;Jf;nfhd;W> $l; N lhL nfhz; L te; J nfhLj; j hy; > xUehs; rk; g sk; fpilf; F k; . . fb ghk;Gfisf; nfhd;W nfhLj;jhYk;> xU ehs; rk;gsk; fpilf;Fk;… Njhl; l q; f spy; FstpfshYk; > ghk; G fshYNk Ntiyahl; f s; caph; Jwf;fpwhh;fs;.. fq;fhzp> ,d;iwf;F cuk; NghLk; Ntiyia ehisf;F itj;Jf;nfhz;ljhy;> fhj;jhDk;> ez;gh;fSk; NtW Ntiyf;Fg; Ngha; >khiy Ie;J kzpastpy; NtyhAjj;ij re;jpg;gjw;F te;jhh;fs;. “MWKfk; vy;yh tpraj;ijAk; nrhd;dhd;. ,e;j khjphp re;jh;g;gj;Jyjhd; eP nuhk;g nja;upakh ,Ue;J> ey;ygbah ruirAk;> gRgjpiaAk; $l;bf;fpl;L> CU Nghap NruZk;. vq;fSf;F ,e;jpahTy ve;j ehjpAk; nfilahJ..! gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

266

K. rptypq;fk;

rpNyhd; y jhd; vq; f fhyk; KbQ; r p NghFk; . . epr; r akh nrhe; j ge; j q; f s ghf;FwJf;F tUNthk;.. ifapy fhR ,Ue;jh> ,e;jpah gf;fj;J T+L khjphp… eP gazj;j Vw;ghL nra;ap… ehq;fSk; KbQ;r gz xjtpa nra;a ,Uf;Nfhk;..!” vd;W fhj;jhd; nrhd;dij kw;w ez;gh;fs; %tUk; jiyairj;J> mtDf;F MWjy; nrhd;dhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; jdJ kdepiyia RjhfhpjJ ; f;nfhz;L> Ngrpdhd;. “vdf;F mk;kh> mg;gh nuz;L NgUk; ,y;yhk Ngha;l;lhq;f.. fy;ahzk; fl;bf;f ,Ue;j mf;fh nghz;Zk;> ehd; Njhzp fTe;J nrj;J Nghapl;Nld;D> Ntw fy;ahzk; fl;b> nuz;L nfhoe;ijfSf;Fk; jhahfpl;lh.. ,dp nrhe;j CUf;F ,g;g mtrukh NghfZKd;D xd;Dkpy;y… xior;r fhnry;yhk; godp> rPuq;fd; ifapy FLj;jDg;gpl;Nld;.. mf;fhTf;Fk;> mf;fh nghz;Zf;Fk; %D nrz;L fhzp thq;fp FLf;f nrhy;ypl;Nld;.. ,dpNk T+l;L fhzpAk;> nttrha fhzpAk; thq;FwJf;F ehd; GJrh xiof;fZk;.. ,d;Dk; xU tUrkhtJ ,Ue;Jl;L> ruirAk;> kfidAk; $l;bf;fpl;L NghtyhKd;D ,Uf;Nfd;.. igad; ey;yh gbf;fpwhd;.. mtd Ch;y ey;y ];$y;y gbf;f itf;fZk;.. mTq;fjhd; ,dpNk vd; FLk;gk;.. mTq;fSf;fhf ehd; xiof;fZk;.. “ NtyhAjj;jpd; Nahridf;F kWg;G njhptpf;f Kbahky;> vy;NyhUk; Vw;Wf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “xU tUre; j hNd … ! gd; n dd; L khrk; gf; F D NghapUk; . . xq; f mg; g h> mk;khTf;F> Kg;gJ ehisf;F Nkhl;r tpsf;F NghlZk;.. eP CUf;F Nghap fl;lhak; mTq;fSf;F fUkhjp nra;aZk;..!” vd;whh; tPukiy. fhj; j hDk; > ez; g h; f Sk; tP l ; L f; F g; Gwg; g l; l hh; f s; . . ehisf; F k; ,q; N f tUtjhfr; nrhy;yptpl;L> fpsk;gpdhh;fs;. “Nla; fhj;jhd;..! ePq;f ehYNgUk; ,Ul;L rhkj;Jy miya thzhk;.. tof;F jPhg; G; rhjfKd;D neidf;f $lhJ..! vjphpf ,Ug;ghDq;f.. nuhk;g ftdk;.. ge;jk; fl;bf;fpl;L Nghq;f..!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;. mUf;fhzp nfhQ;r Neuj;Jf;Fs; ge;jk; fl;bf; nfhLj;jhs;. “,Lg;G Rg;igahz;zDk;> mofk;kh kjpdpAk; xd;ida ghf;f tuDKd;D nrhd; d hq; f .. Ke; j h Nej; J nflh ntl; b ft; t hj; J rhkp Fk; g pl; l hq; f .. Rg;gz;Nz xU whj;j vwr;rpa cg;Gfd;lk; Nghl;L FLj;jDg;gpapUf;fhU… gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

267

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269

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273

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godpak;khTf;F fUk fhhpaq;fs; nra;J Kg;gJ ehs; Kba> mQ;rhk; ek;gh; moFf; nfhOe; J kiy re; j papNyNa Rik jhq; f p fy; i y ehl; b dhh; f s; . ,e; j Rikjhq;fpf; fy; ehl;Lk; gof;fk;> may; Njhl;lq;fSf;nfy;yhk; gutpaJ. godpak;kh> Ntiyf;fhl;by; jpBnud ,we;J Nghd rk;gtKk; tPukiy nghpg;ghtpd; NahridNahL Rikjhq;fp fy; ehl;ba rk;gtKk;> vy;NyhUf;Fk; fdT Nghy ,Ue;jJ.. “gl;lhsj;jhd; ,d;idf;F vt;tsT Gj;jprhypj;jdkh Njhl;lj;J rdq;ffpl;l ele;Jf;fpll; hd; ghj;j` P yh..? ek;g Kd;Df;Nf fq;fhzp gaYfs gpsb G+y; d;D VRdhd; ghj;j` P yh..?” vd;whd; fhj;jhd;. tPukiy kpf epjhdkhfg; Ngrpdhh; “khh;l;bd; njhiu rdq;fs VNjh rq;fjpapy tisr;Rg;Nghl;Lf;f ghf;Fwhd;..” vd;whh;. “Rikjhq; f p fy; Y %idAk; > muz; k d J}Z khjphp nrgkhy nrJf;fpapUf;fhd; ghU..!” vd;whd; kfhypqf; k;. “mJ flTs; FLj;j nfhl khjphp..!” vd;whd; fzgjp.. “ehisf;F ft;thj;J Nty nfilahJ… ky KbQ;rp Nghr;rp.. gpy;Y ntl;L Ntyj;jhd; ,Uf;F.. gd;ndz;L MSf;F xU Vf;fh; ntl;lZkhk;..!” vd;whd; mug;Gyp. “vl; l hk; ek; g h; kiyapy gok; g hrpjhd; tse; J nflf; F J..! mkyf; n fhb Njapiyf;F Nky gpd;dpf;nflf;F..” vd;whd; fhj;jhd;. “ek; k mwpTk; > Ngr; R k; > gpy; Y ntl; L k; > fhZ ntl; L k; > ft; t hj; J ntl;LKd;Djhd; fhyk; NghFJ… Ntw xU mwpTk; ekf;F nfilahJ..! ek;k njhopYf;F njhpQ;r mwpTjhd; ekf;fpl;l ,Uf;Fk;..” vd;whd; mug;Gyp. tP u kiy ,stl; l q; f s; jkhrhfg; Ngrpf; n fhz; b Ug; g jpy; jhDk; fye; J nfhz;lhh;. mJ Xh; mul;il NeukhftpUe;jJ.. mth; tprpjj; pukhd Nfs;tpiaf; Nfl;lhh;. “ePq;fy;yhk; ,j;jd tUrk; Njhl;lj;Jy Nty nra;wq P ;fNs.. kiyapy nkhisr;rp nflf;Fw gpy;Yf NgUfs nrhy;y KbAkh..?” vd;whh;. NtyhAjk; ghlrhiy khztidg; Nghy vOe;J epd;W> “G+k;gpy;Y> fPug;gpy;Y> kPdhgpy;Y> khpf;nfhOe;J> grypnfhb> rpq;fsg;gpy;Y>..” vd;whd;. ‘rpq;fs gpy;Y’ vd;wJk; vy;NyhUk; rphpj;jhh;fs;. fug;nghj;jhd; G+r;rpa rpq;fs tz;Ld;D gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

274

K. rptypq;fk;

nrhy;w khjphpj;jhd;..!” vd;whh; tPukiy. fhj;jhd; vOk;gp “xl;Lg;gpy;Y> ty;yhw gpy;Y> fly gpy;Y> mythq;F gpy;Y> CrpfuP > G+z;L gpy;Y..” vd;whd;. clNd mug;Gyp vOe;J “#hpafhe;jp> ghy;nfhb> Xy gpy;Y> %q;fp gpy;Y> njhl;lh rpDq;fp Gspahu gpy;Y..” vd;whd;. tPukiy> fzgjpiag; ghh;j;jhh;. “Rz;zhk;G gpy;Y> mUF gpy;Y> jz;L gpy;Y> ehAWQ;rp gpy;Y> Ms;fhl;b gpy;Y>..” vd;whd;. tPukiy kfpo;e;Jg; Nghdhh;. “nra;Ak; njhopNy nja;tKd;D nuhk;g njspth ,Uf;fq P ;f..” vd;wth;> fztjpiag;ghh;j;J> “Njhl;lj;Jy ,Uf;fpw kuq;f NgU nrhy;Y..!” vd;whh;. mtd; >fl flntd;W nrhd;dhd;. “rTf;F kuk;> thf kuk;> cjpak; kuk;> KUq;f kuk;> %j;jpuf;fha; kuk;> jz;zptpl;lhd; kuk;> nkhfu tPq;fp kuk;> rl rTf;F kuk;> fUg;ge;ijy kuk;> nrk;gf kuk;> tl;lf;fd;dp kuk;..” vd;whd;. md;iwa nghOJ> rpd;dQ;rpW gps;isfs; tpisahLk; tpisahl;ilg; Nghy fope;jJ.. tPukiy kl;Lk; me;j Njhl;lj;jpy; ,y;yhkypUe;jhy;> ,isQh;fs; $b re;jpf;Fk; cwTfs; ,y;yhky; NghapUf;Fk;.. Njhl;lk; mth;fSf;F Xh; ,Ul;liwahfNt ,Ue;jpUf;Fk;. mth; me;j thypgh;fs; kj;jpapy; Nrhf;ul;B]; khjphp..! tpNtfhde;jh; khjphp..! Foe;ij ,y;yhj mtUf;F> mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; Foe;ijfs;jhd;. vy;NyhUk; mtiu MirNahL “nghpg;gh” vd;Wk;> mtuJ rk;rhuj;ij “nghpk;kh” vd;Wk; $g;gpLthh;fs;. ru];tjp vy;NyhUf;Fk; til Rl;Lf;nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;jhs;. fUg;ghap nghpkk ; h Njj;jz;zp nfhz;L te;jhs;. MW kzp ,Ul;L ft;tj; njhlq;fpaJ.. vy;NyhUk; tPLfSf;F fy fyg;ghfj; jpUk;gpdhh;fs;. ***

godpak;kh GUrd; fe;jrhkp> tPukiy tPl;Lf;F fhiyapNyNa te;jpUe;jhd;. “nghpg;gh..! godpak;khTf;F fUkhjp KbQ;rp ehg;gj;njl;L ehshr;rp.. nrhkjhq;fp fy;Y gf;fj;Jy Myq;fd;D itf;fZKd;D nrhd;dq P ;f.. fy;Y kiyapy Myq; f d; D ,Uf; F .. fzf; f hd gUtk; … eP q ; f ey; y ehS ghj; J nrhd;dq P ;fd;dh.. GLq;fpf;fpl;L tUNtd;..!” vd;W gagf;jpNahL nrhd;dhd;. “ehisf;F QhapjJ ; f; nfok.. Nrhf;fhd ehS.. Njhl;lKk; Nty ,y;y..” vd;wth;> gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

275

K. rptypq;fk;

NtyhAjj;ij $g;gpll; hh;.. NtyhAjk; Njj;jz;zp Nfhg;igNahL Xbte;jhd;. “ehisf;F godpak;kh Qhtfkh> nrhkjhq;fp fy;Y gf;fj;Jy Myq;fd;D ehl;lZk;.. ek;k fhj;jhd;> mug;Gyp grq;fSf;nfy;yhk; nrhy;ypgG; L.. vl;L yaj;J rdq;fSf;nfy;yhk; Nrjp nrhy;yZk;.. fe;jh..! eP Nghap gz;lhuj;Jf;fpl;l Neuj;Njhl nrhy;ypg;GL.. mntd; G+r rhkhd;fs thq;fp xOq;F gz;zZk;..!” vd;whh;. NtyhAjk;> fe;jrhkpiaf; $l;bf;nfhz;L fhj;jhd; yaj;Jf;Fg; Gwg;gl;lhd;.. Njhl;lq;fs; G+uhTk; Myq;fd;W ehl;Lk; gof;fk;> fhlopff; te;j fhyj;jpypUe;Nj njhlh; e ; J te; j jhFk; . .. topg; gazj; j py; Myk; g oj; i jAk; nghl; l yk; fl;bf;nfhz;L te;jhh;fs;. Ntiyj;jsq;fspy;> vy;iyg;Gw njhq;fypy;> fhty; nja;tk; vd;W rpW nja;t topg;ghLfSf;fhf Kdpahz;b> khlrhkp> rpd;lhfl;b> tdj;J rpd;dg;gh;> fhspahap> khhpahap> vd;W fw;fis ehl;b> <l;b> #yhAjk; el;L> tzf;fj;jsq;fis cz;lhf;fpdhh;fs;. njhopyhsh;fs;> Ntiy nra;Ak; Neuq;fspy; ,we;Jtpl;lhNyh… kpUfq;fs; mbj;Jf;nfhd;W ,Oj;Jr; nrd;W tpl; l hNyh> me; j ,lq; f spy; Myq; f d; W fis ehl; b > Qhgf ]; j ykhf cUthf;Fthh;fs; me;j ,lq;fnsy;yhk; ghJfhf;fg;gl;L>> G+irfs; nra;J tUk; tof;fk; njhlh;eJ ; te;Jf; nfhz;bUf;fpwJ…

***

Qhapw; W f; f poik … ..

Myq;fd;W ehl;Lk; itgtk; Muk;gkhfpaJ. Njhl;lj;Jg; ngz;fnsy;yhk; mhprp khT ,bj;J> khtpsf;F nra;J> jhk;G+y rPh; nfhz;L tUtJ Nghy;> mQ;rhk; ek;gh; kiyia Nehf;fp Vwpf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. rq;F> Nrf;fz;b XirAld;> tPukiy jiyikapy;> Myq;fd;W ehl;b> kQ;rs; eP h ; thh; j ; J Fspahl; b dhh; f s; . kiyAr; r papy; G+ir Kbe; J > khtpsf; F > gyfhuq;fs; rhg;gpl;L> jpUtpohitg; Nghy; kfpo;r;rpapy; Mo;e;J> tPl;Lf;Fj; jpUk;gpdhh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

276

K. rptypq;fk;

gfy; rhg;ghL nghpg;gh tPl;by; ele;jJ.. ehd;F ez;gh;fSk;> kidtpkhh;fSk;> rikj;jr; rhg;ghl;L nghl;lyq;fNshL te;jpUe;jhh;fs;.. xd;whff;$b> rhg;gpLtjpy; ,d;gk; fz;lhh;fs;. nghpgg; h fha;fwp Njhl;lk; cz;lhf;Ftjpy; nfl;bf;fhuh;.. Njhl;lj;Jf;Fs;Ns fj;jhp> Ks;sq;fp> kpsfha;> fPiu ghj;jpfis mofhf ehl;bapUg;ghh; .. mit kjhspj;J> nropj;J tsh;e;jpUg;gNj fz;nfhs;sh fhl;rpahftpUf;Fk;.. Ntyp %iyapy; ge;jy; Nghl;L Riuf;fha; njhq;fpfn; fhz;bUf;Fk;.. Ntypiar; Rw;wp mtiu G+j;J> fha;j;J> nfhj;J nfhj;jhfj; njhq;Fk;.. md;iwa gfy; rhg;ghL Kbe;jJk;> vy;NyhUf;Fk; fha;fwp nghl;lyk; fl;bf;nfhz;bUe;jhh; tPukiy.. XLk; g ps; i s rq; $ jp mk; k hrp NtF NtFntd; W NtyhAjj; i j Njb te;Jnfhz;bUe;jhd;.. “ehisf;F jpq;ff; nfok njhu tq;fsh Mg;gPRf;F NtyhAjk;> fhj;jhd;> mug;Gyp> fzgjp> kfhypq;fk; vy;yhUk; fhiyapNyNa tuZKd;D fq;fhzpahU nrhy;ypl;L tur;nrhd;dhU..!” vd;W $wp Nky; %r;R> fPo; %r;R thq;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;.. mth;fs; ahtUk; mjphr; r; paile;jhh;fs;. nghpgg; hit ghh;jj; hh;fs;. “Ngha;lL ; thq;f ghg;gk;..!”vd;whh; nghpg;gh.. mk;khrp jpUk;gp Xbdhd;. ***

-Njhl; l j; J Mg; g P ] ; …

VO> vl;L cj;jpNahfj;jh;fs; Mg;gRP f;Fs;Ns Ntiy nra;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fsJ %r;R rj;jk; $l ntspapy; Nfl;ftpy;iy..! xU Fz;^rp fPNo tpOe;jhYk; rj;jk; Nfl;Fk; tpjj;jpy; mikjp epytpaJ.. xU fpshf;fh; ilg; mbf;Fk; rj;jk; kl;Lk; glf; glf;nfd;W Nfl;Lf;nfhz;bUe;jJ.. Ie;J NgUk; Mg;gP]; [d;dyUNf Ngha; epd;whh;fs;. xUth; $l mth;fis VnwLj;Jg; ghh;f;ftpy;iy.. fhj;jhd; rj;jkhf ,Ukpdhd;.. mug;Gyp> Rk;kh ,uz;L> %d;W juk; Jk;kpdhd;.. nghpa fpshf;fh; [d;dy; fjit nkJthfj; jpwe;jhh;. “ePnay;yhk; te;jpUf;fpwJ njhpAk;…Rk;kh vd;dj;Jf;F Jk;KNw..? ,UKNw..?” vd;W kpf nkJthd Fuypy; Jiuf;F Nfl;fhjthW Nfl;lhh;.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

277

K. rptypq;fk;

“Jk;kiyAk;> ,UkiyAk; VRehjh; te;jhYk; epg;ghl;l Kbahja;ah..!” vd;W fztjp nrhd;dhd;.. nghpa fpshf;fh; fpwp]j; th;.. ngah; khpa#ir…mth; jdf;F $ypf; f hug; gay; f s; ‘,lf; F ’ fhl; L tjhf epidj; j hh; . mtd; f NshL Nkhjg;Nghff;$lhJ.. “ehk ,y;yhj Neuk; T+l;Lf;Fg; Nghap nghk;gshSq;fs nkul;LthDq;f..!” vd;W gae;jhh;. mth;fis kW [d;dy; gf;fk; tUk;gb irif fhl;bdhh;. me;j [d;dy;> wapy;Nt ];Nlrdpy; bf;fl; nfhLf;Fk; [d;diyg; Nghy; ,Uf;Fk;.. if khj;jpuk; EioAk; re;Jf;Fs; nfhLf;fy;> thq;fy; elf;Fk;.. ifnahg;gk; itf;f Ntz;bapUe;jhy;> kW [d;dy; gf;fk; Ngha;> fpshf;fh; tphpj;J ePl;Lk; fzf;F Gj;jfj;jpy; ‘ifehl;L’ my;yJ xg;gkpl Ntz;Lk;.. Ngr;R thh;j;ij> tprhuiz elj;Jk;NghJk;> mNj me;j nghe;J [d;dyUfpy; Ngha; epw;f Ntz;Lk;.. nghe;Jf;F NkNy ,Uk;G fpuhjp mbf;fg;gl;bUf;Fk;.. xU njhopyhsp xU Njhl;lj;jpy; gj;J tUrq;fs; Ntiy nra;;jpUe;jhYk;> Njhl;lj; Jiu Kfj;ij NeUf;F Neh; ghh;j;jpUf;f khl;lhd;. Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhud;> mtdJ ngah;> Ch;> fWg;gh…rptg;gh.. vd;W $l njhpe;jpUf;f epahakpy;iy. khh;l;bd; Jiu nghpa [d;dy; gf;fk; $g;gpl;lhh;. “Va; ey;y gzk; jhwJ…! ey;yh rhg;Gl NtZk;… rhuhak; Fbr;R nrj;Jg; Nghf Ntzhk;… ,e;jf; fhR> Nfhh;l; [l;[; FLj;j gzk;.. ftdk; kd;\d;…!” vd;W Gj;jp nrhy;yptpl;L> gzj;ijf; nfhLj;jhh;;. ***

-jpq; f l; f poik … gpul; L f; f sk; -

kUjg;gd; fq;fhzp> gpul;Lf; fiyj;JtplL; > tPukiyiaf; $g;gpll; hd;. “vd;dh tPuky..! Nej;J Myq;fd;W el;L tr;rhg;Gy..?” “Mkhq;f rhkp..! mq;f khlrhkp xf;fhe;jpl;lhU..! ,dpNk ek;k Njhl;lj;Jy fhj;J> fWg;G mz;lhJq;f rhkp..!” vd; W tise; J > Fdpe; J rphpj; j hh; . me; j kl; L khpahij> tP u kiyia nghWj;jkl;by; ntWk; ebg;ghFk;. fq;fhzpaplk; “rhkp” Nghlhtpl;lhy; fhyk; js;s KbahJ..! “NtyhAjk; xq;fpl;l vd;dKk; nrhd;dhdh..?” “,y;ypq;f rhkp..!” “,g;Ngh jz; L Kz; L fhuDq; f Sf; n fy; y hk; japUk; > NrhWk; nfilf; F J.! gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

278

K. rptypq;fk;

mtDq;fSf;nfy;yhk; ey;y fhyk; nghwe;jpUf;F..!” vd;W gPbif Nghl;Ltpl;L> kUjg;gd; >if gpuk;ig vLj;Jf;nfhz;L fpsk;gpdhd;. Ks;S kz;ntl;bAk;> <l;bAk; ifAkhf tPukiy mUF fhl;L Ntiyf;Fg; Gwg;gl;lhh;. mUF Ntiyf;F $lNt Fl;br;rhf;F xd;iwAk; nfhz;L Nghf Ntz;Lk;. mUF Kisf;Fk; ,lq;fspy; Njapiy tsuhJ… mUF Nth;fis rpej; tplhky;> Fl;br;rhf;fpy; fl;b> nghl;ly; fz;l ,lj;jpy; nfhl;b> neUg;G itj;J vhpj;JtpLthh;fs;. fq; f hzpapd; gP b if Ngr; R tP u kiyapd; kdijg; Nghl; L File;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jJ… Ntiy Kbe;J tPl;Lf;F te;jth;> NeNu NtyhAjk; tPl;Lf;Fr; nrd;whh;. “T+l;Lf;F te;jtU> ,g;gj;jhd; fhj;jhz;Nz T+l;Lf;F Nghapl;L thNwd;D NghdhU…ePq;f te;jh nrhy;yr; nrhd;dhU..!” vd;W ru];tjp nrhd;dhs;. tP u kiy Kr; r e; j p fy; Y g; g hiwaUfpy; epd; W nfhz; L > gs; s j; i jg; ghh;j;Jf;nfhz;NlapUe;jhh;. J}uj;Nj NtyhAjKk;> ez;gh;fSk; gbNawp tUtijf; fz;Ltpl;L> tPl;Lf;Fj; jpUk;gpdhh;. nghWik jhq;fhjtuha; “ruR..! NtyhAjk; vd; d Kk; nrhy; y pl; L g; Nghdhdh..?” vd; w hh; . “ey; y tprak; ruR”d;Dl;L NghdhU..” vd;whs; ru];tjpAk;. ey;y tprak; vd;wJk;> ,d;Dk; kdk; ,Ug;Gf;nfhs;s tpy;iy.. Kr;re;jpia Nehf;fp jpUk;gTk; ele;jhh;. rphpgG; k;> Fk;khsKkhf re;jpapypUe;Nj nghpgg; hit rg;guk; Nghy; J}f;fpfn; fhz;L te;jhh;fs;.! tPlL ; f;F te;jJk; NtyhAjk;> Mg;gR P f;F Ngha;te;j rkhr;rhuq;fis tpsf;fkhfr; nrhd;dhd;. “ehq;f Rj;jthspdD ; jPhg; G; nflr;rjhy> mQ;R NgUf;Fk;> xU tUrk; Nty epg;ghl;bd rk;gsj;j FLf;fr; nrhy;yp Nfhh;l;L Xlh; te;jpUf;F..!” vd;W khh;l;bd; Jiu nfhLj;j rk;gsg; gzj;ij> Ie;J NgUk; nghpg;ghtpd; Kd;dhy; itj;jhh;fs;. nghpgg; h Mde;jf; fz;zhP ; tbj;jhh;. czh;r; rptrg;gl;Lg; Nghdth;> mtru mtrukhfg; Ngrpdhh; . “rpNyhd; y ,Uf; f pw ehYNgUk; gzj; j gj; j ug; g Lj; j p itr; r pf; f q; f … NtyhAjk; ,d; D k; xU tUrk; xiof; f Njtapy;y… nrhr;r gzj;Njhl ruirAk;> igaidAk; $l;bf;fpl;L CUf;Fg; nfsk;Gdh ey;yJ..!” vd;whh;. “jg;G nghpg;gh..! gzk; kdrhr;rpf;F tpNuhjkh nfilr;rpUf;F.. nfhyfhu ghtpf %D Ngj;ijAk; ehq;fjhNd nfhd;D gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

279

K. rptypq;fk;

Nghl;Nlhk;..! ,Ue;jhYk; ehq;f epuguhjpdD ; gzk; nfilr;rpUf;Nf..!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk; . “mNl..! mJ flTs; jz; l dlh … ! flTs; xq; f %ykh mtDq;fSf;F jz;ld FLj;jpUf;fhU…! mtDq;f E}j;Jf;fzf;Fy $yp rdq;fs nfhd;dpUf;fhDq;f…! ,d;dk; mfg;glhky; ,Uf;fpwtd;fSk; jz;bf;f;fg;glZk;… ,e;j gzj;j thq;FwJ Fj;jkpyy ; lh..!” vd;whh; tPukiy. ez;gh;fs; Ie;JNgUk; vJTk; Ngrhky; nksdkhf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. mth;fsJ nksdj;ijg; nghWj;Jf;nfhs;s Kbahj mth;> “xq;f Nahrdjhd; vd;dh..? ey;yJd;D gl;lh> ehDk; rk;kjpf;fpNwd;..!” vd;whh; mth;. “ek;k Njhl;lj;JyapUf;fpw fhty; rhkpf vy;yhUk; kuj;jbapyjhd; ,Uf;fhq;f..! mTq;fSf;F $u Nghl;L> kjpYtr;rp NfhapY fl;lZk;.. vq;$l xUj;jd; n[apy;y ,Ue;jhd;. jQ;rhT+h;fhud;.. Njhl;lj;Jy rk;gsk; FLf;fy;y.. rhg;Gl fhR ,y;yd;D> xU nfhj;J Nfhg;gp nfhl;ila jpUb> filapy FLf;fg; Nghap khl;bf;fpll; hdhk;.. mtd n[apyy ; Nghl;Ll;lhq;fyhk;…mtDf;fhf NgRwJf;F ahUkpy;yhk. gjpidQ;rp tUrkh MAs; ifjpah nflf;fpwhdhk;.. FLk;gKk; mopQ;rp Nghr;rhk;.. mtd tof;F Ngrp> ntspapy vLf;f KbAKd;D tf;fPy; nrhd;dhU.. tf;fy P ; njhiuf;fp nfhQ;rk; gzk; FLf;fZk;… me;j MS ntspa te;Jl;lh> me;Njhdpahh; Nfhapy; rhkpahU mtd Nfhapy;y Copak; nra;a tr;rpff; pNwd;D nrhy;ypll; hU… ek;k ,e;J Nfhapyy ; ,g;gb xjtp nra;a ahUk; tu khl;lhq;fjhNd..! kPjp fhR ,Ue;jh Njhl;lj;J gs;spf$ ; lj;Jf;F> Gs;isf xf;fhe;J gbf;f Mrdk; nrQ;R FLf;fZk;.. ,e;j e\;l <l;Lg;gzj;Jy> jk;gb fhRy $l FLk;gj;Jf;F mhprp thq;fpf; FLf;ff;$lhJ..!” vd;whd; NtyhAjk;.. kw;w ez;gh;fs; ehd;F NgUk; “,Jjhd; nghpg;gh vq;f Nahrd..!” vd;W jplkhfr; nrhd;dhh;fs;. tPukiy jhd; nrhd;d Nahridfis kwe;J> mfkfpo;e;Jg; Nghdhh;.. *** z;b gFjpapypUe;J> njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;F te;J Ie;J tUrq;fshf tho;e;J tUk; tPukiy nghpg;ghtpd; top elj;jypy; Ie;J ,isQh;fs; nray;glTk;> mth;fis gpd;gw;wp tsh;e;J tUk; Gjpa guk;giuapdh;> Njhl;lj;J Mjpf;f rf;jpfspd; xLf;F KiwfSf;F vjpuhf epd;W> JzpTld; tho;e;J tUfpd;w khWjy; f Sk; > Xh; ,dpa vjph; f hyj; i j cUthf; F k; ek; g pf; i ffshf gpujpgypj;jd..

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280

K. rptypq;fk;

,Ugj; i je; J tajpy; ‘fz; b rP i kf; F ’ te; j NtyhAjj; J f; F ,g; N ghJ Kg;gj;ije;J tajhfpwJ.. nguk;gY}h; fhsp; NfhtpypypUe;J> ml;ld; njhg;gp Njhl;lk;. gr;irf;fhl;L yaj;jpd; njhq;f tPL tiu cs;slq;fpapUf;Fk; jd; epidNthl; l q; f is> mUfpy; gLj; j pUf; F k; ru]; t jpaplk; gfph; e ; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. gRgjpfF ; nfhQ;rk; tpguk; tpsq;fp tUtjhy;. ,utpy; tPukiy jhj;jh tPl;by;jhd; gLj;Jf;nfhs;thd;. nguk; g Y}hpypUe; J jpUr; r p tiu fhy; e il … jpUr; r papypUe; J ghk; g d; uhNk];tuk;> jD\;Nfhb tiu fhy;eil…jD\;NfhbapypUe;J kd;dhh; tiu fly; topg; gazk;…. flypy; rk;gtpj;j mdh;j;jq;fs;… fiuNawp > kd;dhh; kz;zpy; fhy; itj;j Muk;gk;… kd;dhhpypUe;J. khj;jis tiu E}w;wp Ik;gJ iky; J}uk; fhl;Lf;Fs; ele;J te;jf; f\;lk;..… xt;nthU eilapYk; gyNgiu gpzkhfj; J}f; f p xJf; f p itj; J tpl; L te; j j; Jauk; … elf; f Kbahjtiu> capNuhL eLf; f hl; b y; cl; f hu itj; J tpl; L te; j f; nfhLik…grp… gl;bdp… Neha;… kuzk;… gazkhfp Gwg;gl;l> gofpa cwTfnsy;yhk; nrj;J nrj;Jg;Nghf… kpQ;rpath;fNshL khj;jis klj;Jf;F te;j epiy… mq;fpUe;J Nfhg;gpf;fhLfSf;Fs; Eioe;jJ… rf ez;gh;fis rpWj;ijfsplk; gyp nfhLj; j nfh^uq; f s; . . … ngz; f is gyhj; f huk; nra; J > rP u opf; F k; mjpfhhpfspd; ml; ^ opaq; f s; … mth; f splk; <LnfhLf; f Kbahky; > ty;YwTfSf;Fg; gypahfp> Nkf Neha; cUthfp kbe;JNghd rPuopTfs;.. kNyhpah fha;r;ryhy; kbe;J Nghd NguopTfs;… tUlf;fzf;fpy; cioj;Jk;> $yp fpilf;fhj Vkhw;wk;… ,Ugj;J ehd;F khjq;fs; cioj;Jk;> $yp thq;fhky;> my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpypUe;J njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J Njapiyf;fhl;L Ntiyf;F te;J> gy nfhLikfSf;F Kfk; nfhLj;J> tPukiy nghpg;ghtpd; top fhl; l ypy; > cz; i kahd ez; g h; f Sld; ,ize; J > epk; k jpNahL> cioj;J> rhg;gpl;L> cwq;Fk; mtdJ fhtpaj;ijr; nrhy;yp Kbj;jhd;.. NtyhAjj;jpd; gjl;l kdepiyiaj; jpir jpUg;Gtjw;fhf.. ru];tjp mtdJ tyJ fuj;ij ,Oj;J> jd; tapww ; py; Jbf;Fk; Foe;ijapd; mirit czUk;gb nkJthf mOj;jpdhs;.. mtisj; jd; fuq;fSf;Fs; mlf;fp> cr;rp jiyapy; jd; Kfj;ij cuha;e;jhd;.. me;j kfpo;r;rpahd ,utpy;> ru];tjp mtdplk; nfhQ;ryhff; Nfl;lhs;. “CUf;F vg;g Nghtk;..? fz;b rPikf;F te;J gj;J gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

281

K. rptypq;fk;

tUrkhr;R… mk;kh> mg;gh ,Uf;fhq;fsh.. ,y;iyahd;D ahUf;F njhpAk;..? mtu gwp FLj;Jl;L> xq;fNshl Nghdh> vd;dh neidg;ghq;f..?” vd;W kdq;fyq;fpa Fuypy; Nfl;lhs;. mtis Mjuthf mizj;jgb. “ele;jj nrhy; Y … ! gRgjpf; F k; nttuk; njhpAe; j hNd.. mtDk; nrhy; Y thd; . .! nfhoe; i ja ngj; J f; f pl; L g; NghNthk; … ekf; F ey; y fhyk; te;jpUf;F… kdrg;Nghl;L nfhog;gpf;fhk J}q;F..!” vd;W mts; new;wpapy; Kj;jkplL ; > Nghh;itia Nghh;jj; p tpll; hd;.. md;iwa ,uT Rfkhd ,uthfpaJ.. ***

gl;lhsj;J khh;l;bd; Jiu> njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; xU tUrk; kl;LNk Ntiy ghh; j ; J tpl; L > nfhl; l f; n fhy; i y> fy; k Jiu Njhl; l j; J f; F khw; w yhfpr; nrd;Wtpll; hd;.. Muk;gj;jpy; Kulidg; Nghy ,Ue;jhYk;> epahakhd Kiwapy; Ntiy ghh;j;jhd;. njhopyhspf;F ,Jtiu Njitaw;w f\;lq;fs; vJTNk nfhLf; f tpy; i y … ngz; f isr; Rw; w pj; j phpAk; fopril Jiukhh; f isg; Nghyy;yhJ> xOf;fkhftpUe;J Nghdhd;. ,tdJ elj;ijfSf;Nfw;g> nghpa fq;fhzpAk; rpy;yiw fq;fhzpfSk;; njhopyhsh;fsplk; fLikahf ele;Jf; nfhs;stpy;iy. ***

Mtzp Kbe;J> Gul;lhjp khjKk; gpwe;J tpl;lJ.. ru]; t jpf; F NgWfhyk; … .,Lg; G typ te; j pUr; r p… vd; W fUg; g hak; k h NtyhAjj;jplk; nrhd;dhs;.. bf;Nfhah kzpf;fe;jl;il M];gj;jpup> tl;ltis> nfhl;lf;nfhy;iy vd murhq;f M];gj;jphpfs; ,Ue;jd. NtyhAjk;> nuhk;g fpl;ltpUf;Fk; kzpf;fe;jl;il M];gj;jphpapy; ru];tjpia epg;ghl;Ltjw;F NahrpjJ ; f;nfhz;bUf;Fk;NghJ> kUj;Jtr;rp jdnyr;Rkp ghl;b te;J ghh;jJ ; tplL ; > M]; g j; j phpf; F NghfNtz; b ajpy; i y.. gd; d P h ; Flk; cile; J tpl; l J.. Rfg;gpurtk; MFk;…vd;W nghWg;Ngw;Wf; ;nfhz;lhs;.. ,uT VO kzpf;nfy;yhk; Rfg;gpurtk; ele;jJ.. ngz; Foe;ij..! ru];tjp khjphpNa rptj;jf; Fl;b..! ehl;L Kiwapy; kUj;Jt Ntiyfis jdnyr;Rkp ghl;b nra;J Kbj;jhs;.. Njhl;lj;J lf;lh; te;J> Neha; jLg;G+rp kl;Lk; Nghl;LtplL ; > tpy;iyfs; rpy nfhLj;J tpl;Lr; nrd;whh;.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

282

K. rptypq;fk;

jhAk;> NrAk; RfkhftpUg;gjw;F> fUg;ghak;kh gps;isahh; NfhtpYf;F tpsf;F Nghl;Ltpl;L te;jhh;. kl;lj;J kiy rhkp Fk;gpL … ,e;j Kiw kl;lj;J kiy rhkp Fk;gpL jpdj;Jf;F> ru];tjpahy; Nghf Kbahjij epidj;Jf; ftiyg;gl;lhs;. toikahd cwTfs; $bapUe;jhh;fs;.. tPukiy vy;NyhUf;Fk; fw;fz;L> nghl; L f; f liy nfhLj; J f; nfhz; b Ue; j hh; . NtyhAjKk; > ez; g h; f Sk; ,];Njhg;gpy; mkh;e;jpUe;jhh;fs;;. ***

,e;j tUlj;jpy; vy;yhNk kfpor; r; pfF; hpa fhhpaq;fshf ele;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jd.. fhyNthl;lk; kpf Ntfkhf efh;e;jJ. xU tUrj;Jf;Fs; ,e;jpahTf;Fg; Nghf Ntz;L nkd;wpUe;j NtyhAjj;Jf;F> NkYk; MW khjq;fs; Rzq;fp tpl;ld. NtyhAjk; CUf;Fg; NghFk; Vw;ghLfis nra;Jf;nfh z;bUe;jhd;.. fld; fopf;fg;gl;L> Njhl;l eph;thfj;jpy; fpilf;f Ntz;ba nfhLg;gdTfs; ahTk;> ru];tjpf;Fk;> NtyhAjj;Jf;Fk; fpilj;jd.. Njhl;lj;jpy; fzf;F Kbj;j ehspypUe;J ez;gh;fs; nksd tpujk; G+z;lhh;fs;.. mth;fs; xNuabaha; Nrhh;e;J Ngha; ftiy glh;e;j Kfq;fNshL ,Ue;jhh;fs;.. ,dp vjph;fhyj;jpy; ,g;gbahd rpNdfpj. cwTfs; mth;fSf;F fpilf;fg; Nghtjpyi ; y.. cwT nrhe;jkpdw ; p> ehL tplL ; ehL gpiof;f te;j Chpy; ,t;tsT neUf; f khfTk; > ghrkhfTk; vtUk; ,Ue; j jpy; i y … NtyhAjj; i jg; gphpe;Jtpl;lhy;> mtdJ ,lj;Jf;F ,dp vth; <lhftpUg;ghh; vd;gij epidj;J> vy;NyhUNk Fok;gpg;NghapUe;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk;> Njitahd cLg;G> Jzpfis kl;Lk; thq;fpf; n; fhz;lhd;. ,uz;L rpwpa gpuahz ngl;bfs; thq;fpdhd;. CUf;Fg; Ngha; fhzp thq;Ftjw;Fk;> tPL fl;Ltjw;Fk;> tptrha NjitfSf;Fk; XusT fhR NghJkhdjhftpUe;jJ. ez;gh;fSk; gazr; nryTf;F gzk; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. NtyhAjk; vt;tsT kWj;Jk;> mth;fs; tpltpyi ; y.. “ehq;f ,q;NfNa ,Uf;fg; Nghwtq;f… eP Ngha; GJrh tho;f;ifa Muk;gpf;fZk;.. CUf;Fg; Ngha; fhR jl;Lg;ghLd;dh> xlNd

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283

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nfsk; g p th..! nfhOk; G f; F te; j hYk; > kd; d hUf; F te; j hYk; . . Nfhr; r p trjpapUf;F..” vd;whh;fs;. NtyhAjk; > ru]; t jp FLk; g j; j pdiu ghh; f ; f te; j th; f s; vy; N yhUk; > Gj;jprhypj;jdkhf ele;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. vy;NyhUk; jq;fshy; Kbe;j gz cjtpia ntw;wpiyapy; itj;Jf; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpypUe;J MWKfk; kl;Lk; te;jpUe;jhd;. mUf;fhzpf;F Foe;ij fpilj;jpUg;gjhfr; nrhd;dhd;. NtyhAjk; kfpor; r; pNahL MWKfj;ij mizj;Jf; nfhz;lhd;. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;jpy; ez;gh;fSk;> nghJ rdq;fSk; NtyhAjj;Jf;F tpUe;J itj;J mDg;Gtjw;F Vw;ghL nra;Js;shh;fshk;. mq;F Ngha; gazk; nrhy;yptpl;L tUtjw;F fhj;jhDk;> ez;gh;fSk; Vw;ghL nra;jhh;fs;. ml; l d; ]; N lrdpypUe; J jhd; Nfhr; r p Vw Ntz; L k; . nfhOk; g pypUe; J J}j;Jf;Fbf;F fg;gy; gazk;… mq;fpUe;J GJf;Nfhl;ilf;Fg; Ngha;> ru];tjp FLk;gj;ij re;jpj;J tpl;L> jpUr;rp Nghtjhf NtyhAjk; Vw;ghL nra;jpUe;jhd;.. tPukiyAk;> fUg;ghak;khTk; Ngaiwe;;jth;fsha; xLq;fpg; NghapUe;jhh;fs;.. NtyhAjk;> nghpg;ghTf;Fk;> nghpk;khTf;Fk; Ntl;b> rl;il> Nriy ahTk; thq;fpf;nfhLj;jpUe;jhd;.. FspUf;fhd> ngWkjpahd ,uz;L Fsph; Fy;yh> Fsph; rl;ilNahL> Nghh;itfSk; thq;fpf; nfhLj;jpUe;jhd;. nfhQ;rk; gzKk; nfhLj; j hd; . mth; f s; ,UtuplkpUe; J xt; n thU &gha; kl; L Nk Nfl; L thq; f pdhd; . . mJNt mtd; ,yq; i fapypUe; J nfhz; L nry; Y k; nghf;fp\khf> czh;r;rp trg;gl> mth;fs; ,UtuJ fuq;fisg;gpbj;Jf;nfhz;L> rpd;dg; gps;isiag; Nghy tha;tpl;L mOjhd;. mtid ez;gh;fs; MWjy; gLj;jpdhh;fs;. mth;fs; ,UtiuAk; gpbj;J> ez;gh;fspd; iffspy; nfhL;j;jhd;.. “vq;f mg;gh> mk;kht Tl;Ll;L NghNwd;..! filrp tiuf;Fk; ePqf; jhd; fhg;ghj;jZk;..!” vd;W kPz;Lk; kPz;Lk; mOjhd;. ez;gh;fs; mtid rhe;jg;gLj;jp ntspapy; mioj;Jr; nrd;whh;fs;.. ru];tjp> iff;Foe;ijia itj;Jf;nfhz;L> ftiyahf NtyhAjj;ij ghh;jJ ; f;nfhz;L epd;whs;.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

284

K. rptypq;fk;

NtyhAjj;ij jdpNa tpl;L tpl;Lg; Nghf kdkp;y;yhky;> ez;gh;fs; ehy;tUk; mq;NfNa ,uT jq;fpdhh;fs;. kWehs; fhiyapy; Nkhl;lhh; thfdk; xd;iw Vw;ghL nra;Jnfhz;L vy;NyhUk; my;ypj; Njhl;lj;Jf;F gazk; nrhy;yg; Gwg;gl;lhh;fs;. nghpg;gh> nghpk;kh> fhj; j hd; > fztjp> mug; G yp> kfhypq; f k; > mth; f sJ kidtpkhh; f s; > Foe;ijfs;> NtyhAjk; FLk;gj;jpdh; ahtUk; MWKfj;Jld; nrd;whh;fs;. my;ypj; Njhl;lj;J ez;gh;fs; vy;NyhUk; ,d;iwf;F Ntiyf;Fg; Nghfhky;> tP l ; b y; ,Ue; j hh; f s; . mUf; f hzp Xbte; J > ru]; t jpaplk; Foe; i jia thq;fpf;nfhz;lhs;.. “mz;zd; khjphp fWg;gh ,y;yhk> ru];tjp mz;zp khjphpNa nrtg;gh ,Uf;fh..!” vd;W rphpj;jhs;. mUf;fhzpapd; Foe;ijf;F GJr;rl;il thq;fp te;;jpUe;jhs; ru];tjp. mts; mUf;fhzpapd; Foe;ijiaj; J}f;fpf; nfhQ;rpdhs;. “igaDf;F NtyhAjKd;D mz;zd; Nguj;jhd; tr;rpUf;Nfhk;!”vd;whs; mUf;fhzp;. Rg;igah> mofk;kh tPl;Lf;F vy;NyhUk; Ngha;te;jhh;fs;.. Njhl;lj;J rdq;fs;> NtyhAjj;ij Fk;gpl;L> Rf eyd;fis tprhhpj;jhh;fs;.. Njhl;lk; Ke;jp khjphp ,y;iy… Jiukhh; $ypfis mbg;gjpy;iy. eph;thfKk;> mdhtrpakhf njhy;iy nfhLg;gjpy;iy.. ,Ue;jhYk; rk;gsk; NghjNt NghjhJ.. $l;bj;ju KbahJ.. tpUg;gk; ,y;yhl;b> rk;gsk; $l FLf;Fw Njhl; l j; J f; F Nghfyhk; . . vd; W njhiu nrhy; Y whd; . . mtd; nuhk; g fz;bg;ghdtd;.. vd;whh;fs; mth; f Sk; nghUl; f s; vJTk; nfhLf; f hky; > ifapy; fpilj; j fhR gzq;fisj;jhd; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. fhR nfhLf;f trjpapy;yhjth;fs;> tPl;L ntz;fyr;rhkhd;fshd tl;b> nrk;G> Fk;gh vd;nwy;yhk; nfhz;Lte;jhh;fs;.. tPukiy nghpgg; h> me;j rhkhd;fnsy;yhk; <e;jpahTy nrg;Gf;fhRf;F tjtopQr; p nflf;FJ.. nrhikf;F Nflh NghFk;… mnjy;yhk; thzhk; nghz;Lfsh…! tUj;jg;glhk T+l;Lf;F nfhz;L NghapUq;f..!” vd;whh;. Mir jPu vy;NyhhplKk; NtyhAjk;> tPL tPlhfr;nrd;W gazk; nrhy;yp tpl;L te;jhd;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

285

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286

K. rptypq;fk;

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287

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*** gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

288

K. rptypq;fk;

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289

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290

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***

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291

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292

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nra;fpwhh;fs;. mf;fk; gf;fj;J Njhl;l rdq;fs;> mth;fs; filfis “kfuhrd; fil” vd;W Gfo;e;J NgRfpwhh;fs;. fhj;jhdpd; kfDf;Fk;> mug;Gypapd; kfDf;Fk; fy;tp jifikfs; ,Ue;Jk; murhq;f cj;jpNahfk; kWf;fg;gl;lJ. MfNt mtu;fs; cj;jpNahfk; Njlhky; gq;fhsh;fshfr; Nrh;e;J> nfhOk;G jiy efuj;jpy; nghpastpy; tpahghuk; nra;fpwhh;fs;.. ,UtUk; jpUkzk; Kbj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;. Nkl;L yaj;Jf;fhuh;fs; vy;NyhUNk Neuk; fhyj;NjhNl ml;ld; efuj;Jf;F te;Jtpl;lhh;;fs;. fztjpAk;> kfhypq;fKk;> NtyhAjk; ,e;jpahTf;Fg; NghdgpwF> fs;S> rhuhak; vd;W Fbf;fj; njhlq;fptpl;lhh;fs;. fhj;jhDk;> mug;GypAk; vt;tsNth nrhy;ypAk; mijf; Nfl;f tpy;iy.. fzgjpf;F ,uz;L kfd;khh;fs;.. ,UtUk; xOq;fhfg; gbf;fhjjhy;> ,uz;L NgiuAk; $yp Ntiyf;F Nghl;Ltpl;lhd;. kidtp nyr;Rkp tWikapYk;> NehapYk; mbgl;L ,we;J Ngha; xU tUrkhfpwJ. kfhypq;fj;Jf;F %d;W kfs; k hh; f s; . . fpotd; tl; l nfhilf; F xU kfisAk; > kw; w kfis mkph;jfq;if Njhl;lj;Jf;Fk;> filrp kfs; Gypfz;lhkiy Njhl;lj;Jf;Fk; fypahzk; nra;J mDg;gptpl;lhd;;. mq;NfAk; mth;fs; $yp Ntiyjhd;. fzgjpapd; %j;j kfd; mg;ghitg; Nghy Fbfhud;… kWGwj;jpy; ,uz;lhtJ kfd; fztjpiag; NghyNt Gul; r p FzKs; s td; ; . njhopyhsh; f spd; gpur; r pidfSf; F > NtyhAjk; ez; ; g h; f isg; N ghyNt nray; g l; L f; nfhz;bUf;fpwhd;. njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;Jf;F Gjpjhf te;jpUf;Fk; Nfhk]; Jiu vd;gth;> Nfhg;gpff; hyj;J mbikia jpUk;g cz;lhf;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. fz;bg;G vy;iyia kPwpf; nfhz;bUe;jJ. njhopyhsh;> Fdpe;J epkpu Kbahky; Ntiy nra;jhh;fs;. ngz;fs; MNwhL MW kzp vd;w epiyf;F js;sg;gl;lhh;fs; Nfhk]; Jiu te;jg;gpwF> nghpa fq;fhzpahf gd;dbahd; vd;W xUtd; te;J Nrh; e ; j hd; . ,e; j f; fq; f hzp> gr; r Kj; J fq; f hzp> kUjg; g d; fq;fhzpkhh;fistpl kpfTk; Nkhrkhdtd;. gaq;fukhd nfhs;isf;fhud;. Njhl;lj;Jf;Fs;NsNa ,td; gyruf;F fil Nghl;bUe;jhd;. njhopyhsh;fs; ,td; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

293

K. rptypq;fk;

filapNyNa rhkhd; thq;f Ntz;Lk;.. efuq;fspy; Ngha; rhkhd; thq;ff;$lhJ vd;W rl;lKk; Nghl;bUe;jhd;. Njhl;lj; Jiu Nfhk];]_k;> njhopyhsh;fs; Njhl;lj;ij tpl;L ntspapy; nrd;W tUtij tpUk;g tpy;iy. ,e;jf; fhyj;jpy; gutyhf Njhl;lq;fspy; njhopyhsh;fs;> eph;thfj;Jf;F vjpuhf Ntiy kWg;G Nghuhl;lq;fs; nra;a Muk;gpj;jpUe;jhh;fs;. Jiukhh;fisAk;> fq;fhzpfisAk; vjphj; J ; g; Ngrj; njhlq;fpapUe;jhh;fs;. ,th;fis Njhl;lj;Jf;F ntspapNy mDg;gpdhy;> mf;fk; gf;fj; Njhl;lj; njhopyhsh;fNshL goFtjw;Fk;> efuj;jpy; cs;sth;fNshL goFtjw;Fk; tha;gG; Vw;gl;LtpLk;.. MfNt mth;fis ntsp njhlh;G ,y;yhky; nra;tjw;F> rfy Njitahd nghUl;fisAk; thq;fp tpw;Fk;gb> fq;fhzpf;F fld; cjtpAk; Nfhk]; Jiu nra;J nfhLj;jpUe;jhd;. ,jdhy;> fq;fhzp njhl;l njhd;D}iwAk;> Njhl;lj;Jf; filapNyNa thq;fp itj;jpUe;jhd;. njhopyhsh;fs; fpzw;Wj;jtisfshf….Njhl;lk; mth;fSf;F ‘Rth; ,y;yhj rpiwahf’ khwpf;nfhz;bUe;jJ.. fq;fhzpNah fil KjyhspahfTk; cah;e;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhd;. fz;>kz; njhpahjthW> njhopyhspf;F fld; vOjp Rkj;jpapUe;jhd;. njhopyhsh; NtW Njhl;lq;fSf;Fg; Nghtjw;Fk;> jha; ehl;Lf;F nry;tjw;Fk; fq;fhzpaplk; gl;l flid milf;f Kbahky;> jpzwpf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. “flid ve;jf; fhyk; fl; L tJ..? CUf; F ve; j f; fhyk; Ngha; NrUtJ..?” vd; w epiyik> Njapiyf;fhyj;jpYk; epiyj;jpUe;jJ.. njhopyhsh;fs; ,d;Dk; gQ;rg;ghl;L ghbf;nfhz;Ljhd; fplf;fpd;whh;fs;…. fq; f hzp Rkj; j pf; n fhz; b Uf; F k; fld; > capiug; gwpf; F k; vkdhfTk; > jiytpjpahfTk; khwpf; n fhz; b Ue; j d.. fq; f hzp rk; g hjpf; F k; gzk; > Njhl;lj;jpy; fpilf;Fk; rk;gsj;ij tpl> njhopyhsh;fis Vkhw;wpg; gwpf;Fk; gzNk> %d;W klq;fhff; fpilj;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jJ.. tUrj;jpy; %d;W Kiw nghpa fq;fhzp CUf;Fg; Ngha; jpUk;Gthd;. fpuhkj;jpy; kr;R tPL fl;b> fhzp> G+kp vd; W nrhe; j f; fpuhkj; j py; nrhj; J Nrfhpj; J > [kP e ; j hiug; N ghy tsh;e;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhd;. Njhl;lj;J thypgh;fs;> ufrpakhf ,uT Neuq;fspy>; fhty;fhuDf;Fj; njhpahky;> FWf; F g; ghijahy; lTDf; F g; Ngha; tUthh; f s; . fil tP j papypUf; F k; mofofhd rl;ilfs;> nrUg;Gfs;> fLf;fd;;fs;> Fsph;Nfhl;L> Fsph; njhg;gpfs;> rhf; F nfhq; f hzp> fk; g sp nfhq; f hzpfSf; F g; gjpyhf Filfs; vd; w nghUl;fisnay;yhk; ghh;j;J thq;Ftjw;F mth;fs; Mirg;gl;lhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

294

K. rptypq;fk;

Mdhy; me;j Njhl;lj;jpy; nrUg;G mzpa KbahJ.. Ntl;b fl;l KbahJ.. fPo;g;gha;r;rp kl;LNk fl;lyhk;. kiof;F Fil gpbf;f KbahJ.. njhg;gp> Fy;yh mzpa KbahJ.. jiyg;ghif fl;bf;nfhs;syhk;. ,e;jpaf; fpuhkq;fspy; epyr; nrhe;jf;fhuh;fsplk; Vty; Ntiy nra;gth;fSf;F tpjpf;fg;gl;l jilfis> rpNyhd; Njhl;lq;fspy; ,t;thW fq;fhzpfNs mwpKfg;gLj;jpdhh;fs;. mijNa njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; gd;dbahd; fq;fhzp filgpbj;jhd;. Fsph; fhyq;fspy;> Njhl;lj; Jiukhh;fs;> $ypahl;fSf;F fk;gsp cilfis toq; f Kd; t e; j NghJ> mijAk; gd; d bahd; fq; f hzp jilnra; j hd; . . $ypf; f hud; f is ntw; W lk; N ghNl gof; f Ntz; L k; . jiyg;ghif kl;Lk; fhJfis kiwj;J> ,Wf;fpf;fl;bf;nfhs;syhk;.. vd;w gof;fj;ij gd;dbahd; fl;lhag;gLj;jpdhd;. Nfhk]; JiuAk; fq;fhzp nrhy;tnj “Njt thf;F” vd;W nksdkhfptpLthd;. ,Ue;jNghJk;> fq;fhzp> njhopyhsh;fis nfhs;isabf;fpwhd; vd;gij Jiukhh; rq;fj;jpd; %yKk;> jdJ Njhl;lj;J mDgtj;jpd; %yKk; ed;whf mwpe;jpUe;jhd;. efuq; f Sf; F rP d tpahghhpfs; tpj tpjkhd cilfis tpahghuk; nra; J f; n fhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . . njhopyhsh; f is mq; N f mDg; g f; $lhJ.. mth;fis Njhl;lj;Jf;Fs;NsAk; te;J tpw;Fk;gb Njhl;l eph;thfk; mioj;jJ.. irf; f ps; f spy; cLg; G %l; i lfis Vw; w pf; n fhz; L > rP d h; f s; tuj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. “rPdhj;jhd; cLg;G Nrhf;fhdJ..” vd;W ,sk;ngz;fSk;> thypgh;fSk; tpUk;gpdhh;fs;. “ngl;bdpfhud;fs;” “kzpr;rhkhd;fs;” vd;W mofpa Mguzg; nghUl;fis Njhl;lj;Jf;Fs; nfhz;L te;jhh;fs;. “jhypff; apW> nfhz;ilKb> Ngz; rPg;G> <h;f;nfhy;yp…!” vd;W uhfk; Nghl;L> yad;fisr; Rw;wp te;jhh;fs;. tisay; tpahghhpfshf> nrl;bkhh;fs; Njhl;lj;ijr; Rw;wp te;jhh;fs;. ,th;fsplk; ngz;fNs thbf;ifahsh;fshf tpUe;jhh;fs;. ,e;j J}f;F ahthhpfspd; epoypy; xz;bf;nfhz;L> tl;bf;Fg; gzk; jUgtDk;> fs;S Kl;bf;fhud;fSk;> ghk;Gfshfj; Njhl;lj;jpy; nespaj;njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. ***

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

295

K. rptypq;fk;

mbase;J tPLfl;l Mz;lkid mq;fpUf;f gQ;rk; nghiog;gjw;F gho; fliyj; jhz;b te;Njhk; gQ;rk; nghiof;fy;yPNa- ehq;f gl; b dk; Ngha; Nruy; y P N a!........

njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;Jf;F Gjpjhf te;j ‘nghpahzp’ gd;dbahdpd; jpUl;L tpahghuj;jpy; kz; tpOe;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jJ. Njhl;lj;Jf;Fs; rpiw gpbj;J itj;jpUf;Fk;> ifjp njhopyhsh; Kiwia> ,isQh;fs; vjph;f;f Kide;jhh;fs;. Njhl;lj;J gpujhd thry; fjit jfh;j;J> fhty;fhuid ieag; Gilj;jhh;fs;. mtdJ fj;jp> Nfhlhpfisg; gpLq;fp vwpe;jhh;fs;. eph;thfk;> ,isQh;fisj; jz;bf;f KidAk;NghJ> njhopyhsh;fs; Ntiy kWg;G Nghuhl;lk; nra;aj; njhlq;fpdhh;fs;. Jiukhh; rq;fk;> njhopyhshpd; vjph;g;G eltbf;iffs; fz;L kpuz;lJ.. mtru mtrukhf Jiukhh; rq; f k; fz; b apy; $baJ.. “ehSf; F ehs; Njhl;lq;fspy; njhopyhshpd; nfLgpb mjpfhpj;Jf; nfhz;NlapUf;fpwJ..” vd;W xU Njhl; l j; J iu MNtrj; N jhL nrhd; d hd; . “ekJ Jiukhh; rq; f j; i j 1854 y; cUthf; f pNdhk; . . ,g; g bnahU njhopyhsh; vOr; r p ,Jtiu cz;lhftpy;iy.. ,e;j vOr;rpia KisapNyNa fps;s Ntz;Lk;..!” vd;W xU Njhl;lr; nrhe;jf;fhud; vOe;J epd;W nrhd;dhd;.. “Nfhjz;luhkd; eNlr Iah;… xU ,d;bad; gfh;..! Jzp gp];d];fhud; khjphp Njhl;lj;Jf;Fs;NsNa Eioe;J> $ypfis A+dpadpy; Nrh;j;Jf ;nfhz;bUf;fpwhd;..! ‘`p N`]; Xg;gd;l; `p]; A+dpad; xg;gp]; vl; `l;ld; lTd;..!’ mtd; ml;ld; lTdpy; njhopyhsh; A+dpad; xg;g] P ; jpwe;jpUf;fpwhd;..!” vd;whd; ,d;ndhU Jiu. “Nfhjz;luhkd;; xU fpz;ly;fhud;… ! xU ieahz;b Ntiyia vdJ Njhl;lj;jpy; nra;jpUf;fpwhd;.. vdJ fq;fhzp gd;dbahd; khjphpNa xU $ypfF ; > gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

296

K. rptypq;fk;

Nfhl; cLj;jp> Nfhl; Nrg;gpy; nrapd; cUNyhR khl;b> jyg;gh fl;b> ifapy; FilNahL> mDg;gp fq;fhzp Kd;dhy; epw;Fk;gb nrhy;ypapUf;fhd;..! me;j $yp gfUk; mNj Nkf; mg;NghL Ngha; vdJ fq;fhzp Kd;dhy; epdw ; pUf;fpwhd;.. “ehd;jhd; njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J nghpa fq;fhzp..!” vd;W mjl;bapUf;fhd;..! fq;fhzp mtid mbf;f te;jNghJk;;> mtd; Mlhky;> mirahky; mg;gbNa Kiwj;Jf;nfhz;L epdw ; hdhk;.! ,J ‘nrl;mg;’ Ntiynad;W epidj;J fq;fhzp gae;jgb> gq;fshTf;F te;J> vd;dplk; nrhd;dhd;..!” vd;W njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J GJ Jiu nrhd;dhd;. “fq;fhzpfis A+dpad; cz;lhf;fr; nrhy;yp> $ypfis me;j rq;fj;jpy; Nrh;jJ ; itj;Jf;nfhs;Sk;gb nra;jhy; vd;d.. ? fq;fhzpia A+dpad; yPluhf nray;gl nra;Nthk;..! flTspd; Nghpy; gak; fhl;lyhk;…mth;fs; rhkpf;F gae;jth;fs;. rq;fq;fspy; Nru khl;Nlhk; vd;W rhkpaplk; rj;jpak; nra;Ak;gbAk; nrhy;yyhk;. fq;fhzpapd; rq;fj;jpy; Nrh;gth;fSf;F rYiffs; nra;J nfhLg;Nghk;..!” vd;W Jiukhh; rq;fg; Ngr;rhsh; xUtd; rpy Nahridfisr; nrhd;dhd;.. me; j Nahridfis nra; J ghUq; f s; vd; w gzpg; G iuNahL> Vida tplaq;fisAk; Ngrp $l;lj;ij Kbj;jhh;fs;. -kWehs; tpbe;jJ.. #lf; fl;bfis Ve;jpf;nfhz;L> nghpa fq;fhzpAk;> rpy;yiw fq;fhzpfSk; tPL tPlhfg; Ngha; rj;jpak; thq;fpdhh;fs;. njhopyhsh;fNsh> ngha; rj;jpak; nra;J nfhLj;J tpl;L> mNj ,utpy; rq;fj;Jf;F Ms; Nrh;j;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;..! rq;fk; cz;lhf;fpdhh;fnsd;Wk;> rq;fj;Jf;F Ms; Nrh;j;jhh;fnsd;Wk; gpbgl;l njhopyhsh;fSf;F> Njhl;l eph;thfk; gw;Wr; rPl;ilf;nfhLj;J> Njhl;lj;ij tpl;L tpul; b dhh; f s; . . mth; f Sila rl; b > ghidfisAk; > jl; L Kl; L r; rhkhd;fisAk; njUtpy; tPrp vwpe;jhh;fs;. Nfhtpy;fspy; jQ;rk; GFe;jth;fSf;F>rf njhopyhsh;fs; Rz;L mhprp Nrfhpj;Jf; nfhLj;jhh;fs;.. Njhl;l eph;thfj;jpd; eltbf;iffis mwpe;j gf;fj;Jj; Njhl;l njhopyhsh;fs;> Mj;jpukile;jhh;fs;. uhrhj;Njhl;lk;> njd; kJiu Njhl;lk;> nyr; R kp Njhl; l k; vd; W vy; y h Njhl; l q; f spYk; Jzpe; J jq; f sJ njhopw;rq;fq;fSf;F Ms; Nrh;j;jhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

297

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njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpypUe;J> gj;Jf; fl;il J}uj;jpypUf;Fk; nfhl;bahf;nfhy;iy Njhl;lj;jpy; njhopyhsh;fs;> eph;thfk; nfhLf;Fk; rk;gsk; Nghjhnjd;W Ntiy epWj;jk; nra;jhh;fs;. (1939) Njhl;l epht ; hfk; mth;fsJ Nghuhl;lj;ij Kwpabf;f Kd;te;jJ.. mth; f Sf; F toq; f Ntz; b a Nurd; rhkhd; f is jil nra; j J. “$ypf;fhud;fis gl;bdp Nghl Ntz;Lk;.. mtd; tapw;wpy; mbf;f Ntz;Lk;.. NrhW ,y;yhtpl;lhy; Ntiyf;F te;JtpLthd;..!” vd;W eph;thfk; jpl;lk; jPl;baJ.. kw;iwa Njhl;lq;fs; NjhWk; njhopyhsh;fs; Rz;L mhprp> khT> gyruf;F> vd;W NrfhpjJ ; f; nfhLj;jhh;fs;. njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpypUe;J fzgjpapd; nfhs;Sg; Ngud;> khjtd; jiyikapy; mhprp> kh Nrfhpj;Jf; nfhLj;jhh;fs;.. njhopyhshpd; Nurd; rhkhd; f is epWj; j KbahJ… mth; f s; trpg; g pl njhopyhsh; f s; > mth; f sJ Nghuhl; l k; Kbe; j Jk; > rk; g sj; j py; flidg; gpbj;Jf;nfhs;s KbAk;.. vd;W MSdh;> Jiukhh; rq;fj;Jf;F gzpg;Giu toq;fpapUe;jhh;.. Ntiy epWj;jKk; RKfkhf Kbtile;jJ.. “tuyhw;wpy; Kjd; Kjyhf ‘];l;iuf;’ vd;w thh;j;ijia> nfhl;bahf;nfhy;iy Njhl;lj;jpypUe;Jjhd; fw;Wf;nfhz;Nlhk;..!>” vd;W Jiukhh;fs; kj;jpapy; Ngrpf;nfhz;lhh;fs;. ,e;j Ntiy epWj;jk;> fhl;Lj; jPiag; Nghy kw;iwa Njhl;lq;fs; G+uhTk; gutpaJ.. fz;b gpuNjrj;ijr; Nrh;ej; Ky;Nyhah Njhl;lj;jpYk; rk;gs cah;T Nghuhl;lj;ij njhopyhsh; f s; Muk; g pj; j pUe; j hh; f s; . . (1940) Njhl; l eph; t hfk; rk; g s Nfhhpf;ifia kWj;jJ. Nghuhl;lj;ij Kwpabf;f eltbf;if vLj;jJ. ,e;jg; Nghuhl;lj;Jf;F> rkrkh[ fl;rpapd; njhopw;rq;f Njhoh;fs; vd;W rptg;Gr; rl;il mzpe;j ,isQh;fs; jiyik jhq;fpdhh;fs;. njhopyhshpd; Jzpr;riy “vOr; r p” vd; W k; “Gul; r p” vd; W k; nrhy; y pf; nfhLj; j hh; f s; . mth; f s; gbj;jth;fshfTk;> rl;lk; fw;wth;fshfTk;> njhopw;rq;fj;ij ,af;fpr;nry;Yk; mwpTs;sth;fshfTk; ,Ue;jhh;fs;.

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298

K. rptypq;fk;

njhopw; r q; f gpd; d zpNahL eilngWk; Nghuhl; l j; i j murhq; f k; mtjhdpj;jJ.. ePjp kd;wj;Jf;F njhopw;rq;fthjpfs; Nghdhhh;fs;.. Njhl;l ephthfj;NjhL Ngr;R thh;j;ij elhj;jpdhh;fs;.. njhopyhshpd; rk;gs cah;Tf; Nfhhpfi ; fahd gjpdhW rjj;ij Nkyjpfkhf cah;jj; pf; nfhLf;f Ntz;Lnkd;W eP j pkd; w k; jP h ; g ; G f; $wpaJ.. eph; t hfpfs; jiyiaf; ftpo; j ; J f; n fhz; L Njhl;lj;Jf;F te;jhh;fs;.. njhopyhsh;fs; ntw;wpf; fspg;NghL Ntiyf;Fj; jpUk;gpdhh;fs;.. ,uz; n lhU ehl; f Sf; F g; gpd; d h; > vjph; g huhj tpjkhf Njhl; l eph; t hfk; > njhopyhsUf;F vjpuhf nghyp];fhuh;fis Vtptpl;lJ. MAjk; jhq;fpa nghyp]; gil Njhl; l j; J f; F s; Eioe; J > ,isQh; f isj; jhf; f j; njhlq; f paJ.. ,isQh;fs; vjph;j;Jg; Nghuhbdhh;fs;. xU nghyp];fhud;> Nfhtpe;jd; vd;w ,isQid Rl; L f; n fhd; w hd; . . Mj; j puk; nfhz; l ,isQh; f s; > ‘$L fiyf; f g; g l; l NjdP f ; f sha; ’ NghyP ] ; f hud; f is ,Oj; j bj; J > mth; f sJ Jg;ghf;fpfisg; gwpjn; jLj;jhh;fs;.. Jg;ghf;fpia ,oe;j nghyp]f; huh;fis mbj;J tpul;bdhh;fs;..! ***

rhJ kpuz;lhy; fhL nfhs;shJ vd;gJNghy; Ky;Nyhahitr; Rw;wpa Njhl; l q; f spypUe; n jy; y hk; ntwp nfhz; l Ntq; i ffsha; njhopyhs ,isQh;fs; fz;b ePjpkd;wj;ijr; #o;e;Jf;nfhz;lhh;fs;. nfhiy nra;ag;gl;l Nfhtpej; dpd; FLk;gj;Jf;F> e\;l <L toq;Fk;gb ePjpkd;wk; jPh;g;Gf; $wpaJ… njhopyhsh;fs; gwpj;njLj;j Jg;ghf;fpfis> ePjp kd;wj;jpy; urPJ ngw;Wf;nfhz;L> jpUg; g pf; nfhLj; j rk; g tk; > nghyp]; jpizf; f sj; J f; F mtkhdj; i jf; nfhLj;Js;sjhf Jiukhh; rq;fk; NgrpaNj jtpu> nfhiy nra;j nghyp]f; huDf;F ve;j jz;lidAk; nfhLf;fg;gl tpy;iy> vd;gijg;gw;wp Ngrtpy;iy.. njhopyhsh; f s; Nghh; Fzk; nfhz; l th; f s; vd; g ij ,e; j g; Nghuhl; l k; vLj;Jf;fhl;b tpl;lJ.. “kuzj;jpd; Nky; n[ak;” vd;W rptg;G rl;il thypgh;fs; Cf;fkile;jpUe;jhh;fs;.. mth;fsJ fl;rp top elj;Jk; njhopw;rq;fj;jpy; ,isQh;fs; tpUg;gj;NjhL ,ize;jhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

299

K. rptypq;fk;

fy`h> njy;Njhl;l> N`thn`l;l gFjpapy; fljhrp Njhl;lk;> tPre;Ju Njhl;lk;> Y}y;fe;Ju Njhl;lk; vd;W vy;yh Njhl;lq;fspYk; ,isQh;fs; njhopw;rq;fk; mikj;jhh;fs;.. Jiukhh; rq;ff; $l;lk;> mtru mtrukhff; fz;bapy; $baJ. “nfhl;bahnfhy;iy Ntiy epWj;jg; Nghuhl;lk; ntw;wp fz;lijaLj;J> N`thn`l;l> Ky;Nyhah Njhl;lj;jpy; rk;gsg; Nghuhl;lj;ij njhopyhsh;fs; elj;jpapUf;fpwhh;fs;. fk;A+dp];l;fhuh;fs; njhopyhsh;fisr; Nrh;j;Jf;nfhz;L> Njhl;l KjyhspfSf;F vjpuhf nray;glj; njhlq;fptpl;lhd;fs;.. ,td;fs; Ml;lj;ij ehq;fs; kl;Lky;y> murhq;fKk; tpUk;gtpy;iy.. urpad; gfh;]; ,td;fSf;F gz cjtp nra;fpwhd;fs;..! tp k];;l; fpf; Xy; j gfh;]; g;nuhk; rpNyhd;..!” (,td;fis rpNyhid tpl;L cijj;J tpul;l Ntz;Lk;..) vd;W xU Njhl;lj; Jiu> rq;ff; $l;lj;jpy; rj;jkpl;lhd;. xt;nthU JiukhUk; vOe;J Ngrpdhh;fs;. rkjh;k fl;rpf;fhuh;fis “Nj Mh; Nyhf;fy; fk;A+dp];l; gfh;];..!” vd;W juf; Fiwthfg; Ngrpdhh;fs;. “,e;j ehl;by; njhopyhsh; th;ff; k; vd;why; mth;fs; Njapiy wg;gh; Njhl;lq;fspy; kl;Le;jhd; ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;.mth;fs; fk;A+dp]L ; fshf khwpdhy; vq;fs; tptrhak; vy;yhNk Nghr;R!” vd;W xU Jiu gae;JNgha; Ngrpdhd;. mth;fs; ,g;NghJ eph;thfj;Jf;F vjpuhf elf;Fk; Ntiy epWj;jk; gw;wpAk;> nghyp]; jiyaPL> Jg;ghf;fpr;#L> njhopyhspapd; nfhiy gw;wpAk; jpul;lg;gl;l tpgug;gl;bay;fis thrpj;Jf;fhl;bdhh;fs;. “Nfhg; g p Neha; > nfhyuh> kNyhpah> ,e; j %d; W Neha; f Sf; F g; g pwF> $ypf;fhud;fs; ehd;fhtJ Nehahf vq;fis mopf;fg; Nghfpwhh;fs;..! Njapiyj; Njhl;lj;J $yp Neha;> ug;gh;> njd;id Njhl;lq;fSf;Fk; guthky;> ghJfhf;f Ntz;ba nghWg;ig ehk; Rkf;f Ntz;bAs;Nshk;..!” vd;W njd;id> ug;gh; Njhl;lj; Jiukhh;fs; ,Uth; vOe;J Ngrpdhh;fs;. gpNu]; Nfh;by;; vd;w xU ,Ugj;J ehd;F taJ ,sk; Njhl;lj;Jiu vOe;J> vy;NyhUk; Ngrpajw;F khwhfg; Ngrj; njhlq;fpdhd;. “njhopyhspf;F gag;gLtJ ntl;fkhd tprak;…! mth;fsJ Nghuhl;lq;fSf;Fg; gag;gLtJ Kl;lhs;jdk;..!” gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

300

K. rptypq;fk;

vd;W eifj;Jf;nfhz;L nrhd;dhd;. vy;NyhUk; mtidNa ghh;j;jhh;fs;.. “mth;fsJ Ntiyf;Fj; jFe;j $ypiaf; nfhLj;Jtpll; hy;> mth;fs; cq;fSf;F cioj;Jf; nfhLj;Jf;nfhz;Nl ,Ug;ghh;fs;. Njhl;lj; njhopy; RKfkhfNt elf;Fk;..!” vd;W RUf;fkhf mtdJ Ngr;ir Kbj;J mkh;e;jhd;. “gpNu]; Nfh;by;; ,]; V nfhk;A+dp];l; ngy;Nyh..! mtd; xU fk;A+dp];l;fhud;..! `p Nfhy;]; `pk;nry;g; V]; nfhk;Nul;..! mtd; jd;id njhopyhs th;f;fj;jpd; Njhod; vd;W nrhy;ypf; nfhs;thd;.. ‘`p Nth;f] ; ; Nghh; Nth;ff; pq; f;sh];..!’ ,td; njhopyhs tuff;fj;JfhfNt vg;NghJk; NgRgtd;.. ,td; yz;ldpy; gpwe;J> mT];jpNuypahtpy; rkag; gzp nra;tjw;fhf te;jtd;.. kp]p]; Njhk];jhd; ,tid rpNyhDf;F gpshd;lh; Ntiy goFtjw;F mioj;J te;jhh;.. ,td; Ntiyf;F te;jJ Kjy; $ypfSf;fhfNt NgRfpwhd;.. Njhl;l epht ; hfj;ij Fiw nrhy;fpwhd;.. ,td; Jiu Ntiyf;F nghUj;jkpyy ; hjtd; vd;W kp]p]; Njhk]; vq;fsplk; nrhy;ypapUf;fpwhh;fs;> vd;Wk;> mtdJ Ngr;irj; njhlh;e;J gy Ngh;> gy Fw;wr;rhl;Lf;fis gpNu]; Nfh;by;; Nky; Rkj;jpdhh;fs;.. “jp]; aq; Nkd; Nth;f;f]; yPlh; khjphp NgRfpwhd;..! Njhl;lj; njhopyhsh;fs; mg;ghtpfshk; ! Njhl;lk; nra;fpw vq;fis> nfg;gpl;lyp];l;> ,k;ghP payp];l;> vd;W GJg; GJ ngahpy; miof; f pd; w hd; . ! ehq; f s; Kjyhspj; J tthjpfshk; . .! Vfhjpgj; j pathjpfshk; . .! vkf; F vjpuhf Rje; j puk; Nfl; L > rk; g sk; Nfl; L NghuhLk;gb $ypfis Vtp tpLfpwhd;.. ,tid Njhl;lj;ij tpl;Nl tpul;l Ntz; L k; … ! ,td; vq; f is fhl; b f; nfhLf; F k; csthsp.. ,tid mT];jpNuypahTf;Nf fg;gy; Vw;wptpl Ntz;Lk;..!” vd;W xUtd; MNtrkhfg; Ngrpdhd;. mtidj; njhlh; e ; J > ,d; n dhU JiuAk; Ngrpdhd; . “gpNu]; Nfh; b y; ; mT];jpNuypahtpy; ,Uf;Fk;NghNj> fk;A+dp];l; ,af;fj;jpy; ,Ue;jtd;.. ,tdJ jhAk; xU r%f nraw;ghl;lhsh;.. ,tDf;F Njhl;lj; Jiu Ntiy yhaf;F ,y;iy.. 1936 y; Vg;uypy; te;jtid> mNj tUrk; etk;gh; khjj;Jf;F Kd; fg;gNyWk;gb ghJfhg;G rl;lk; gaz bf;nfl; Vw;ghL nra;jpUf;fpwJ..! ,tid Jiukhh; rq;f $l;lj;Jf;F mioj;jNj jtW… !” vd;W kpfTk; Nfhgkhfg; Ngrpdhd;. md; W ele; j Jiukhh; rq; f f; $l; l j; j py; “xU nts; i sf; f hud; > mbik $ypfSf;Fg; ghpe;J NgRtJ vt;tsT ntl;fkhd fhhpak;..! mtd; xU gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

301

K. rptypq;fk;

fk;A+dp];l;fhud;..! ,J u\;ah my;y..! gphpl;b\; Njrk;..! mtid ek;k ehl;il tpl;Nl Juj;j Ntz;Lk;..!” vd;W KO ehSk; fz;ldg; Ngr;Rf;fs; ele;jd.. mth;fs; “,d;bad; gfh;” vd;W eNlr Iaiug; Ngrpaijg; Nghy> gpNu]; Nfh;biy “fk;A+dp];l; gfh;”; vd;W jpl;bdhh;fs;. gpNu]; Nfh;biy NtiyapypUe;J ePf;fpdhh;fs;. mtiu> rpk;rd; vd;w Jiu> rk rkh[ fl;rpapd; nrayhsh; Nth;zd; FzNrfutplk; mwpKfg;gLj;jpdhh;.. Nth; z d; FzNrfu gpNu]; Nfh; b iy jq; f s; ,af; f j; j py; ,izj; J f; n fhz; l hh; . rkrkh[ fl; r p vd; D k; ,lJrhhp fl; r papy; ,ize; J f; n fhz; l gpNu]; Nfh; b y; ; > epiwa $l; l q; f spy; njhopyhsh; epiyikfs; gw;wp Ngrpdhh;.; njhopyhsiuf; nfhLikg;gLj;Jk; Jiukhh;fisg; gw;wp Ngrpdhh;;.. jd;id ,yq;iff;F mioj;J te;J> Jiu Ntiy goFtjw;F cjtp nra;j Njhk];; JiuiaNa fz;bj;Jg; Ngrpdhh;. mth;> kNyhpahtpy; tpOe;Jf; fplf;Fk; njhopyhspfis mbj; J > Ntiyf; F tUk; g b njhe; j uT nfhLf; f pwhh; . ghlrhiyf;Fg; Ngha;> gps;isfis gbf;f Ntz;lhk;> nfhOe;J gwpf;f mDg;G.. vd;W fl;lis ,Lfpwhh;;.. vd;W fz;ldk; njhptpj;jhh;. gpNu]; Nfu;by; ,e;jpaj; njhopyhsh; f s; > jq; f Sf; n fd Xh; mikg; i g cUthf; f pf; nfhs; S khW typAWj;jpdhh;. njhopyhsh;fs;> mth; Nrh;ej; pUf;Fk; rkjh;k fl;rpapy; rhhp rhhpahf ,ize;jhh;fs;. ***

njh opyhsh;fSf;F

ce; J rf; j pahf > njhopw; r q; f thjpfs; topfhl; l Kd;te;jjhy;> mth;fs; cj;Ntfkile;jhh;fs;.. Njhl;lq;fspy; elf;fpdw ; Ntiy epWj;jq;fSk;> Nghuhl;lq;fSk; jghy; %ykhfTk;> jdpahl;fs; %ykhfTk; rfy Njhl;lq;fSf;Fk; jfty;fs; Ngha;f; nfhz;bUe;jd.. fe; j yha; Njhl; l j; j py; Jg; g hf; f pia fhl; b Ntiy thq; f pf; n fhz; b Ue; j rh;thjpfhuj;jdk; nfhz;l Nghg; vd;w Njhl;lj; Jiuia top kwpjJ ; > fk;Gfshy;> jbfshy;> ,Uk;G fk;gpfshy; mbj;Jf; nfhiy nra;j rk;gtk; KO Njapiy Njhl;lq;fisNa fjp fyq;fr; nra;jJ..

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

302

K. rptypq;fk;

nfhiy Fw;wk; rhw;wg;gl;l tPuhrhkp> NtyhAk; vd;w ,uz;L njhopyhs ,isQh;fSf;F J}f;Fj; jz;lid fpilj;jJ.. mth;fs; jz;lidia Vw;Wf; nfhs;tjw;F Kd;> rq;fj;J fhhpahya gpujpepjpfF ; xU filrp fbjk; vOjpdhh;fs;. rq;fj;ij fl;bf;fhj;J tsh;f;f Ntz;Lk;.. njhopyhsh; Jauq;fisj; Jilf;f rq; f k; ghLgl Ntz; L k; … vd flTis gpuhh; j ; j pf; f pd; N whk; . . vd; w thf;fpaq;fNshL mth;fs; J}f;F fapw;wpy; njhq;fpdhh;fs;. tWikapYk;.. ifaWe;j epiyapYk;.. neQ;Ruk; nfhz;l ,isQh;fs;> vjphpfis …MAjjhhpfis NeUf;F Neh; vjph;j;j> tPu rk;gtq;fs; NkYk; NkYk; njhopyhsh;fis Cf;fg;gLj;jpf; nfhz;NlapUe;jd.

***

njh opyhshpd; vOr;rp>

fhyj; i j ntd; W epw; F k; czh; t iyfsha;

nfhe;jspj;jd. “njhopyhsUf;F njhopw;rq;fk; kl;Lk; NghjhJ..! mth;fSf;F murpay; fl;rpAk; Njit..!” vd;gij> nrQ;rl;ilf;fhuh;fs;> tFg;Gfs; elj;jp> tpguq;fisr; nrhd;dhh;fs;. ,th; f Sf; F Kd; N g ,e; j pahtpypUe; J Nkhfdjh]; fhe; j p te; j hh; . njhopyhsh;fspd; rk;gsj;ij> fq;fhzp %yk; nfhLf;fhky;> Nehpilahf njhopyhspaplNk nfhLf;Fk;gb murhq;fj;ijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;lhh;. mtUf;Fg; gpd;dhy; [tfh;yhy; NeU te;J nrd;whh;.. ,yq;if> ,e;jpa fhq;fpu]; fl;rpia cUthf;fpdhh;fs;. ,yq;ifapYs;s ,e;jpa njhopyhsh;fspd; tho;f;if epiy Muhag;gl;lJ. njhopyhsh;fs;> jhq;fs; ,g;NghJ> fq;fhzpfspd; gpbapypy;iy.. Rje;jpukhf ,Uf;fpd;Nwhk;… vd;w czh;Tfis mile;jhh;fs;. mth;fsJ epidg;gpy;.. Nghf;fpy;.. Gjpa khWjy;fs; njhpe;jd..

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

303

K. rptypq;fk;

xU ehs; fhiyapy;> rpq;fs fpuhkj;J kf;fs; Mapuk; Mapukhff; $l;lk; $b tPjp tPjpaha; ghbf; nfhz;Lk;> Mbf;nfhz;Lk; nrd;whh;fs;. njhopyhsh;fs;> rpq;fs kf;fs; ngUehs; nfhz;lhLfpwhh;fNsh> vd;W Ntbf;ifg; ghh;j;jhh;fs;. jpU ehshfNth.. ngU ehshfNth.. md;iwa ehs; ,Uf;f tpyi ; y.. ,Ue;jhYk; fpuhk kf;fs; me;j ehis> jpU ehshfNt nfhz;lhbdhh;fs;. me;j ehs; nts; i sf; f hu Ml; r pahsh; f s; ,yq; i f ehl; i l> ,yq; i fahplNk xg;gilj;Jtpl;L ehl;iltpl;Nl fpsk;gpdhh;fs;. nrhe;j ehl;Lj; jiyth;fs; murhq;fk; mikf;f Kd;te;jhh;fs;. RNjrpaj; Njh;jy; te;jJ.. rkjh; k fl; r papdUk; > ehlhSkd; w j; J f; F te; j dh; . ...,e; j pa fhq; f pu]; fl;rpapdUk; ehlhSkd;wj;Jf;F te;jdh;.. Ml;rp mikj;j nrhe;j ehl;L fl;rpapd; jiyth;fs; gae;jhh;fs;.. ,Jtiu fhyKk;> Njhl;lj; njhopyhsp; vd;Nw miof;fg;gl;L te;jth;fis> ,e;jpaj; njhopyhsp vd;whh;fs;… ,e;jpaj; jkpoh;fs; vd;whh;fs;..! njhopyhsh;fSf;F. jkpoh;> rpq;fsth;> K];ypk;fs;> ,yq;ifj; jkpoh;> ,e;jpaj; jkpoh; vd;w Ngjq;fs; Ghpaj; njhlq;fpd. nts;isf;fhu fhydpj;Jt Ml;rpf;Fg; gpd;dh;> ,yq;iff;F Kjd; Kjyhf Rje; j puk; fpilj; j jhy; … ,yq; i f ehl; l thpd; Ml; r p te; j jhy; . . ehNl nfhz;lhl;lj;jpy; Mo;e;J Fk;khsk; mbj;jJ. Ml;rpaikj;j Nkl;Lf;Fb rpq;fs murpay; jiyth;fs;> me;j Mde;j #oypYk; mtrukhff; $bdhh;fs;. “epyj;NjhL thOk; rpq;fs tptrhapfSf;F vjpuhf> ,e;jpaj; njhopyhsh; th;f;fk; ,q;Nf Fb nfhz;bUg;gJ Mgj;J..! mth;fis fk;A+dp];l;fhuh;fs; tsh;f;fpwhh;fs;..! njhopyhs th;f;fk; vd;nwhU gphpT ,Uf;Fk;tiu> khh;f;rp];Lfs; cUthfpf;nfhz;NlapUg;ghh;fs;.. Kjy; Njh;jypNyNa fk;A+dp]l; f; hud;fis> ,e;jpaj; jkpod;fs;; nfhz;L te;J tpl;lhd;fs;. nts;isf;fhuh;fs; NgrpaJNghy;.. vkJ ehl;Lf;F kNyhpahitf; nfhz;L te;jJk; mtd;fNs..! nfhyuhit nfhz;L te;jJk; mtd;fNs..! mtd; f s; Nky; kUe; J njspf; f Ntz; L k; . .!” vd; W murpay; rpNyil thh;j;ijfis mq;Nf rpyh; ms;sp tPrpf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;..! gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

304

K. rptypq;fk;

vhpfpd;w neUg;gpy; vz;nza;ia Cw;WtJ Nghy> ,yq;ifj; jkpoh; rpyUk; $l> ,dthj murpay;thjpfsplk; NkYk; Xjpdhh;fs;. “,e;jpa jkpod;fs;> ,e;j Njh;jypy>; ,e;jpahf;fhud;fis ghh;ypnkz;Lf;F nfhz;Lte;J tpll; hh;fs;..! ,J Nguhgj; J ..! ekJ ehl; L f; F ey; y jy; y ..!” vd; w hh; f s; . mth; f spd; ehl; L tpRthrj; J f; f hf> ,dthjpfs; > mth; f Sf; F mikr; r h; gjtpfis toq;fpdhh;fs;. ,e;j JNuhfj;ij> ey;y kdk; nfhz;l ,yq;ifj; jkpoh;fs; gyh; vjph;j;jhh;fs;. Njhl; l q; f isAk; > Jiukhh; f isAk; cyfkhf epidj; J > jq; f isj; ‘njhopyhsh;fs;’ vd;Nw vz;zpf; nfhz;bUe;jth;fis> ‘,e;jpaj; jkpod;’ … ‘,e;jpaj; njhopyhsp’ vd;w RLr;nrhw;fs;; mjph;r;rpiaf; nfhLj;jd.. MSq;fl;rp $l;lj;jpy; xU vk;.gp. MNtrkhf vOk;gp epd;W rj;jk; Nghl;lhd;..! “gphpl;b\;fhud;fs; vq;fs; jha; ehl;il tpl;L Xb tpl;lhd;fs;.. ,dpNky; ,e;jpahf;fhud;fSk; Xl Ntz;Lk;. vq;fs; ehl;by; mtd;fSf;F ,dpNky; Ntiyapy;iy.. ,td;fis Ml;rp gjtpfspy; mku itf;ff; $lhJ..!” ,tdJ Mf; N uhrkhd Ngr; N r> md; i wa $l; l j; j py; mh; j ; j G\; b ahf vLgl; l J.. fuNfhrq;fs; xypjj; tz;zNk ,Ue;jd. $l;lk;> Nfhrq;fNshL Kbtile;jd. ***

rpq;fk; Nghy; tsh;e;j ,dk; jq;fk; Nghy; gpwe;j Fzk; rq; f j; j hy; mope; j Njab Qhdj; jq; f Nk rq; f j; j hy; mope; j Njab!

nts;isf;fhuh;fsplkpUe;J> tpLjiy ngw;w Rje;jpu ehl;by;> kf;fs; ahtUk; “Rje;jpuf; fhw;iw” Rthrpj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;l kf;fNsh> Rthrg; igfs; mWf;fg;gl;lth;fsha;> ve;jf; fhw;iwAk; Rthrpf;f Kbahky;> %r;Rj; jpzwpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Nfhg;gpj;; njhopyhsh;fs;> Njapiyj; njhopyhsh;fs;>wg;gh; njhopyhsh;fs; njd;de; njhopyhsh;fs;; vd;w ehkq;fs; ePq;fp> ,e;jpah;fs; vd;w gl;lk; gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

305

K. rptypq;fk;

#l;lg;gl;lhh;fs;. ,e;j gl;lk; eQ;#l;lg;gl;l ehkkhfpaJ. murpd; ‘,e;jpa gif’ Njhl; l j; njhopyhsh; f isNa Fwpitj; j J. mjd; jpl; l q; f s; vy; y hNk> rl;lq;fshfpf; nfhz;bUe;jd. fhlopj;J tho te;j kz;zpy;> mth;fs; FbapUf;Fk; chpik gwpf;fg;gl;lJ. chpik gwpg;G rl;l fljhrpfs; Njhl;lk; G+uhTk; njhopyhsUf;F tpepNahfpf;fg;gl;ld. njhg;gpj;Njhl;lj;jpy; fztjp> kfhypq;fj;jpd; nfhs;Sg; Nguh;fshd khjtd;> khzpff; k; ahtUk; jq;fs; jfg;gd;khh;fisg; NghyNt r%f eyd;fspy; <LghL nfhz;lth;fshf ,Ue;jhh;fs;. Njhl;lj;jpy; thOk; chpikfs; ,Ue;jhYk;> ehl;by; thOk; chpik ,y;iynad;gij tPL tPlhf njhopyhsh;fisr; re;jpj;J nrhd;dhh;fs;. Njh;jy; te;jh.. ghh;ypnkz;Lf;F Xl;L Nghl;L ek;khSq;fs mDg;g KbahJ vd;whh;fs;. xU Njh;jy; te;jJ. .. njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; Xl;Lg; NghLk; fhh;Lfs; vtUf;FNk nfhLf;fg;gl tpy;iy.. mth;fis Xl;L NghLtjw;F vtUk; miof;fTkpyi ; y.. mijg;gw;wpAk; njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J rdq;fs; myl;bf; nfhs;sTkpy;iy. FbAhpik gwpf;;fg;gl;l rdq;fs;> thf;FhpikiaAk; gwpnfhLj;J epd;whh;fs;. mth;fs; ehlw;wth;fshfptpl;l tpghPjj;ij ghl;lhf vOjp> ghl;Lg; Gj;jfq;fis mr; r bj; J > Njhl; l e; Njhl; l khf ghb te; j uhikah> Nfhtpe; j rhkp> fhrp nuq;fehjd; vd;w tPjp ghl;Lf;fhuh;fis khzpf;fKk;> khjtDk;> njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;Jf;F mioj;J te;J ghl itj;jhh;fs;. mth;fis kjpg;Gf;Fhpa kf;fs; ghlfh;fs;> r%fr; rpe;jidahsh;fs; vd;W nfsutg;gLj;jpdhh;fs;. me;j tPjpg; ghlfh;fspd; ghly;fs; ahTk; murpay; epiyikfisg; Ghpa itj;J gpugy;ak; mile;jd. njhg; g pj; Njhl; l j; J khhpak; k d; jpUtpohit Kd; d pl; L > ehlfk; NkilNaw;wpdhh;fs;. fhj;jhdpd; nfhs;Sg; Ngud; khjtd;> Ntrq; fl;b> xU ghl;ilg; ghbdhd;.

Njhl; l j; njhopyhsUf; F Xl;L gpu[h Thpik ,y;iyah..? – mijf; Nfl;lhYk; ek; kf;fSf;F njhy; i yah..? gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

306

K. rptypq;fk;

,e;jg; ghl;il> kWehs; Ntiyj; jsj;jpy; vy;NyhUk; KD

KDj;Jf; nfhz;L Ntiy nra;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; gLk;ghL> ghl;lhfTk; khwptpl;lij vz;zp ftiyg;gl;lhh;fs;. FbAhpik gwpff; g;gl;L> thf;FhpikiaAk; ,oe;J> ehlw;wth;fshf ,Ugj;ije;J tUrq;fshf njhopyhsh;fs; njhg;gp Njhl;lj;J Ntypf;Fs;NsNa xJq;fpf; fple;jhh;fs;. ,e;j epiyik> mtkhdkhfTk;> ntl;fkhfTk; ,Uf;fpwnjd;W> khzpf;fKk;> khjtDk; Mj; j pug; g l; L f; nfhz; b Ue; j hh; f s; . mf; f k; gf; f j; J Njhl; l j; J ez;gh;fsplk; Ngrp> rk;gsg; Nghuhl;lj;ijg; Nghy> xU Nghuhl;lj;ij cUthf;f Ntz;Lnkd;W jpl;lk; jPl;bf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. ,e;j mtkhdg;gl;l ,Ugj;ije;J tUrq;fspy;> Vfg;gl;l njhopw;rq;fq;fs;> kiof; F Kisj; j f; fhshz; f isg; Nghy cz; l hfpf; nfhz; b Ue; j d. rq; f q; f is tsh; j ; J f; nfhs; t jpy; > rq; f f; f huh; f s; kj; j papy; rz; i lfs; %z;ld. Kuz;ghLfs; Kisj;jd. ,e;j Fog;g epiyapy;> njhopyhsh;fs; kj;jpapy; thf;F thjq;fs;> ntl;L> Fj;J> kuzq;fs; vd Jaur; rk;gtq;fs; njhlh; e ; j d. Njhl; l q; f spy; xw; W ik mope; j J.. rq; f f; f huh; f s; > jq; f s; r%fj;jpd; jiyapNyNa kz;iz thhpg; Nghl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;l kf;fis Juj;JtjpNyNa fz;Zk;> fUj;JkhftpUe;j vjpuhspfs;> njhopyhshpd; gyj;ij jfh;g;gjw;F rjp Ntiyfs; nra;jhh;fs;. xw;Wikia ,oe; j kf; f s; > jq; f Sf; F s; N sNa vjphpfis cUthf; f p> rP u ope; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;lj; jiyth;fshd khjtDk;> khzpf;fKk; kPz;Lk; ghl;Lf;fhuh;fis njhg;gp Njhl;lj;Jf;F mioj;J te;jhh;fs;. ***

NtiyAk;> $ypAk; vd;W Njhl;lj;J NtypfSf;Fs;NsNa tho;e;j kf;fis> jpBh; kio nga;J> jpBh; nts;sk; nfhz;L NghdJ Nghy> xU ehrf;fhu rk;gtk;

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

307

K. rptypq;fk;

ele;jJ.. ,df; fytuk; vd;W vy;NyhUk; nrhd;dhh;fs;. ehL G+uhTk; jkpoh;fs; jhf;fg;gl;lhh;fs;. caph;> cilikfis ,oe;jhh;fs;. tPL fhzp cs;sth;fs;> Ciu Nehf;fp Xb gpioj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. vJTkw;w Njhl;lthrpfs;> caph;> cilikfis ,oe;J rPuope;J Nghdhh;fs;. kio epd;wJ.. nts;sk; tw;wpaJ.. ,b> kpd;dy; vijAk; fhztpy;iy.. vhpe;j fhLfspy; Gy; G+z;Lfs; kPz;Lk; Kisj;jd.. gl;l fhypNy gLk;.. nfl;l FbNa nfLk;… vd;gJ Nghy> FbAhpik> thf;Fhpik ,oe;J> td;nray;fspy; mope;J> tPo;e;j kf;fs;> epkpu Kbahky; epkph;e;J epw;f KaYk;NghJ> ,d;DnkhU rl;lk; te;J mth;fis ,bj;Jj; js;spaJ. jq;fs; %jhijah; tho;e;j G+kpia ghuj khjhntd;Wk;> jhq;fs; ghuj tk;rk; vd;Wk; ngUik Ngrp vy;yh Jauq;fSf;Fk; Kfk; nfhLj;J te;jth;fis> eph; % ykhf; F tjw; F > mNj ngUik epiwe; j ehL> mth; f Sf; n fjpuhf cld;gbf;if vOjpaJ. moptpy; kpQ;rpa kf;fs; njhifapy; Kf;fhy;thrp Ngh;fis ehLflj;j rk;kjk; njhptpjj; J.. me;j rk;kjj;jpd; Nghpy>; njhg;gp Njhl;l Mg;gR P f;Fk;. murhq;f mwptpj;jy; te;jpUe;jJ. Njhl;l jiyth;fshd khjtDk;> khzpff; Kk; ,d;Dk; gy fl;rpfisr; Nrh;ej; khhpKj;Jk;> kUjKj;Jk; Njhl;lj; Jiu $g;gpl;lhh; vd;W Mg;gR P f;F Nghdhh;fs;. Njhl;lj;Jiu> rpq;fsj; jkpopy; jiyth;khh;fsplk; Ngrpdhh;. “vq;fl = yq;fh fth;nkd;Lk;> xq;fl ,d;bad; fth;nkd;Lk; vf;hpnkd;l; Nghl;lhr;rp..! Kf;fhthrp ,d;bad; njhopyhsp ,d;bah Nghf NtZ}k;.. fhthrp Ngh; vq;fl ehl;Ly ,Uf;fyhk;..! kPjp rq;fjp xq;fl A+dpad; yPlh;]; nrhy;Ythd;… xq;fl A+dpad; xg;g] P ;y Ngha; ntsq;fpf;Nfh..!” vd;W Mg;g] P ; [d;diy %bdhh;. njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; ,g;NghJ> ehd;F njhopw;rq;fq;fs; ,Uf;fpd;wd.. ,UE}W njhopyhspfs;jhd; Ntiy nra;fpwhh;fs;…! ehd;F rq;fj; jiyth;fSk>; mtuth; nghpa jiyth;fisr; re;jpf;f A+dpad; Mg;gR P f;Fr; nrd;whh;fs;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

308

K. rptypq;fk;

nghpa jiyth;fs; gpurq;fNk elj;jp Kbj;jhh;fs;. “vtd; nrhd;dhYk;> ,e;jpahTf;F ehq;fs; Nghf KbahJ..!,e;j ehl;by; Nfhg;gp cz;lhf;fpNdhk;..! Njapiy cz;lhf;fpNdhk;!… ug;gh; cz;lhf;fpNdhk;.! Njq;fha; cz;lhf;fpNdhk;.!. fhl;il mopj;J> ehl;il cz;lhf;fpNdhk;..! ehq;fs; vg;gb ehl;il tpl;Lg; NghtJ..? ve;jf; nfhk;gd; nrhd;dhYk;> ehd; ghh;j;Jf; nfhs;fpNwd;.. ePq;fs; gakpy;yhky;> tPl;Lf;Fg; Nghq;fs;...!” vd;whh;fs;.

***

d.. khjq; f s; gy fle; j d.

njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;jpy; toikg; Nghy nfhOe;J nfha;jhh;fs;… nfhOe;J epWj;jhh;fs;.. $yp thq;fpf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;l kf;fs; mwpahj xg;ge;jj;Jf;nfjpuhf njhopw;rq;fthjpfs; cuj;jf; Fuy; vOg;gtpy;iy.. cWjpahdg; Nghuhl;lj;ij Kd;ndLf;f tpy;iy.. me;j r%fj;jpd; rpe;jidthjpfs;> r%fthjpfs;> kf;fs; mikg;gpdh; vd;W vtUNk apy;yhj mdhijr; #oy; tpahgpj;jpUe;jjhy;> xg;ge;jk; vOjpf;nfhz;l muRfs;> jq; f Sf; F s; N sNa xU gz; l k; khw; w j; i j nra; J f; n fhz; l Kiwia ifahz;Lf; nfhz;ldh;..! filrp Neuj;jpy; njhg;gpj; Njhl;lj;J jiyth;fis> njhopwr; q;fthjpfs;> A+dpad; Mg;gR P f;F tUk;gb fbjk; mDg;gpapUe;jhh;fs;. Mj; j puj; N jhLk; > MNtrj; N jhLk; rq; f f; fhhpahyaq; f Sf; F Njhl; l j; jiyth;khh;fs; nrd;whh;fs;. “,dpNk xd;DNk nra;a KbahJ..! ,e;jpahTf;F Nghwtq;f ,e;jpahTf;F kD NghLq;f..! vyq;ifapy ,Uf;f tpUk;GWtq;f vyq;iff;F kD NghLq;f..” vd;W ,uz;L iffisAk; tphpj;jhh;fs;.! FUL> nrtpL> Cik> Klk; vd;w ,ayhik czh;TfNshL> Njhl;lj;J ,sk; jiyth;fs;> jq;fs; jiyth;fsplk; vJTk; Ngrhky;> FLk;g cwTfSld; Ngrpf; nfhs;Nthk; vd;W tPl;Lf;Fj; jpUk;gpdhh;fs;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

309

K. rptypq;fk;

ehlw;w mtkhdj;jhYk;> ,dg;gLnfhiyahy; cwTfis ,oe;jj; Jauj;jhYk;> Kd; gpd; fz;lwpahj ‘jha; ehL’ vd;w xU ehl;Lf;Fg; Nghtjw;F> Ntjidapy; fple;j kf;fs; KbntLj;jhh;fs;. fzgjpapd; nfhs;Sg; Ngug;gps;isfspd; FLk;gq;fSk;> kfhypq;fj;jpd; nfhs;Sg;Ngug;gps;isfspd; FLk;gq;fSk; ,e;jpahTf;Fg; Nghtjw;F %l;il fl;bdhh;fs;. fhj;jhd;> mug;Gypapd; nfhs;Sg; Ngug;gpsi ; sfs; ,q;NfNa ,Ue;J tpLtjhf KbntLj;jhh;fs;. je;ij> ghl;ld; top ez;gh;fspd; FLk;g cwTfis topaDg;gp itg;gjw;F> cjt Kd;te;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; kd;dhh; ,wq;FJiw tiu nrd;W topaDg;gptpl;L> te;jhh;fs;.. fzgjpapd; nfhs;Sg; Ngud; Rg;gpukzp ,e;jpahTf;F Nghtjw;F Kd;dNk ‘tprh KbQ;R Nghr;R’ vd;W Nghyp]; te;J mtidj; J}f;fpr; nrd;w rk;gtk; kpfj; JaukhdjhFk;… fztjp guk;giu top Rf;FU Rg;gpukzpak;> ,yq;if murhq;fk; toq;fpa tprh fhyf;nfL ehd;F tUrj;Jf;Fs; fhR> gzk;> eif el;L Njbf; nfhs;s Kbahky;> jtpj;jhd;. gaz Vw;ghL nra;a Kbahky;> rpy khjq;fs; jhkjpj;J tpl; l hd; . mtd; gpwe; J tsh; e ; j njhg; g pj; Njhl; l j; j py; “fs; s j; j dkhf” FbapUf;fpwhd;.. vd;W mtidg; gpbg;gjw;F> ‘Xth; ];Nl’ XlNuhL nghyp]; Njbaiye;jJ.. xU ehs;> Rg;gpukzp> Njapiyr; nrbf;F cuk; Nghl;Lf; nfhz;bUf;Fk;NghNj Nghyp]; te;J gpbj;Jf; nfhz;lJ. mNj Ntiyf;fhl;L cilia khw;whJ> clk;igf; fOthJ> ifJ nra;J> if tpyq;F khl;b> nfhOk;G Fk;gdpj;njU> “fs; s j; Njhzpfs; ” vDk; fs; s f; FbNaw; w f; f huh; f s; milf; f g; g Lk; rpiwr;rhiyapy; nfhz;L Ngha; js;spaJ. mtdJ FLk;gf; fzf;F tof;Ffis Kbj; J f; nfhLf; F k; g b> Njhl; l eph; t hfj; J f; F > FbNaw; w > ntspNaw; w jpizf;fsk; cj;jutpl;lJ.. ifapy; fpilj;j rpy;yiwfNshL> cLg;Gj; Jzpkzpfisf; $l xOq;fhf thq;fpf;nfhs;s Kahj epiyapy;> Rf;FU Rg;gpukzpapd; FLk;gk;> fz;zi P u kbapy; fl;bf;nfhz;L> jiy kd;dhhpy; Ngha; epd;wJ.. Rf;FUit nghyp];

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

310

K. rptypq;fk;

tz;b nfhz;L te;J jiy kd;dhh; fg;gybapy; mtdJ kidtp ghh;tjpaplk; xg;gilj;J tpl;Lr; nrd;wJ. “,e;jpaj; jkpoh;fspd;” Ntiu mWj;J> gy yl;rk; Ngh;fis flYf;fg;ghy; js;sptpl;L te;jjpy; muR Mde;jkile;jJ..!

***

kPz;Lk; xU nghJj; Njh;jy; te;jJ.. mJ ,e;j Rje;jpuj; Njrj;jpd; vl;lhtJ Njh;jy; vd;whh;fs;. ntl;l ntl;lj; jsphf; F ; k; Njapiyr; nrbfsha; Njhl;l kf;fs; jsphj; j; pUe;jhh;fs;. mjp]l; trkhf mth;fs; xd;W$b Nrh;jj; Xl;Lf;fspdhy;> xU gpujpepjpia njhpT nra;a Kbe;jJ.. Ml;rpahsh;fs; kPz;Lk; nfhjpg;gile;jhh;fs;.. mth; f sJ Njrpa ,dthjk; > njspthd epiyg; g hl; b y; ,Ue; j J … “xU ,e;jpahf;fhud; kPz;Lk; ,e;j Njh;jypy; te;Jtpl;lhNd..!” vd;W xU MSq; fl;rpf; Fuy; xypj;jJ. “md;df;fp VO Ngh; ,Ue;jhDq;f.. ,d;df;fp xUj;jd;jhNd..!” vy;NyhUk; jpUg;jpgl;Lf;nfhz;lhh;fs;. me;j jpUg;jpia ,d;ndhUtd; mjpUg;jpahf;fpdhd;. “mLj; j mQ; r p tUrj; J y ,d; D k; xUj; j d; $Ljyhf tuyhk; j hNd..?” “mg;gbahdhy;> mth;fis nrwpthf thotplhky;> nra;Nthk;.. Xl;Lf;fis Fiwj;J tpLNthk;. Njhl;lq;fs; NjhWk; ekJ kf;fis FbNaj;JNthk;.. rpW Njapiy Njhl;l nrhe;jf;fhuh;fshf;FNthk;..! Njhl;l epyq;fis Fiwg;Nghk;.. “mg;gp Nk G+kp Gj;uNah..!” vd;whd; ,d;DnkhUtd;. me;j Ie;J el;rj;jpu Xl;lypy;> MSq;fl;rpf;fhuh;fs;> ,uT ,uz;L kzptiu jpl;lk; jPl;bf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. Njhl;l epyq;fis vg;gbnay;yhk; fgyPfuk; nra; a yhk; . . jpl; l kpl; l FbNaw; w q; f is vg; g b Kd; n dLf; f yhk; ,e; j pa Fbrdj; i j ,jw; F NkYk; vg; g b Fiwf; f yhk; … vd; w jpl; l q; f s; gpujhdkhftpUe;jJ….

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

311

K. rptypq;fk;

…xU rpy tUlq;fs; Xb kiwe;jd.. mth;fsJ mauhjj; jpl;lq;fs; vy;yhk; rl;lq;fshfpf; nfhz;NlapUe;jd.. filrpNah filrpnad;W xU tprpj;jpukhd jpl;lj;ijAk; cUthf;fp mjpNyAk; ntw;wp fz;lhh;fs;. ***

Njhl; l j; J nfhOe; J %l; i l ,Of; F k; buf; l h; thfdk; > nghpah];gj;jphpapypUe;J> Njhl;lj;J M];gj;jphpf;F Ngha;f; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. me;j buf;lh; tz;bf;Fs; Mz;fSk;> ngz;fSkha; milf;fg;gl;bUe;jhh;fs;. ngz;fspy; gyh; kaf;fKw;wpUe;jhh;fs;. mth;fs; vy;NyhUk; fh;g;gj; jil Mg;gNurd; nra;ag;gl;bUe;jhh;fs;. Fg;igapy; nfhl;Ltjw;F ms;spf;nfhz;L NghFk; Neha;f; Nfhopfshff; fple;jhh;fs;.! buf;lh; thfdq;fSf;Fg; gpd;dhy;> Nkhl;lhh; irf;fpspy; Njhl;lj;J lhf;lh; nrd;Wf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;. mtUf;F xU xg;gNurDf;F E}W &gha; fkp\d; fpilf;Fk;.. Njhl;lj; Jiuf;F gjtp GuNkhrd; fpilf;Fk;.. rf kdpjh;fspd; fUit mWg;gjhy;… rf kdpjUf;F fkp\d; gzk;…!

Njhl;lj;J Fbkf;fspy; Mz;fSk;> ngz;fSk; kylhf;fg;gl;lhh;fs;..! nlhf;liu $g;gpl;L Jiu tprhhpj;jhh;.. “`t; nkdp Nfr]; LNl..?” ,d;iwf;F vj;jid Ngh;..? “ntrf;lkp ,UgJ Ngh;… ^gf;lkp Kg;gJ Ngh; Nrh;..!” vd;whh; nlhf;lh;..”nty;ld; nlhf;lh;…! nty;ld;..!” Njhl;lj; Jiu> Ik;gJ njhopyhsUf;F IE}W &gha; gb Cf; f g; gzk; ,Ugj; i jahapuk; &ghit nlhf; l hplk; nfhLj;Jtpl;L> gq;fshTf;Fr; nrd;whh;. “xlk;G tUj;jKs;stq;f tpUg;gg;gl;lh M];gj;jphpapy jq;fyhk;.. tPl;Lf;F Nghwjh ,Ue;jh Nghfyhk;..!” lf;lh; MNyhrid $wpdhh;. fglj; j dkhf FLk; g f; fl; L g; g hl; L j; jpl; l k; Njhl; l q; f spy; gyte; j khf elj;jg;gl;lJ.. ehlshtpa hPjpapy;> FLk;gf; fl;Lg;ghl;Lj; jpl;lk; fz;bf;fg;gl;bUe;jhYk;> Njhy; t paile; j pUe; j hYk; > E}w; W f; F E}W tP j k; Njhl; l q; f spy; ntw;wpaile;jpUe;jJ.. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

312

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Ie;E}W &gha; fhRf;fhf Njhl;lj;J Mz;fSk;> ngz;fSk;> jq;fSf;Nf nfhs;sp itj;Jf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. gs;spf;$l Mrphpah;khh;fs; ,g;gb Fiwg;gl;Lf; nfhz;lhh;fs;. “Mz;L xd;Wf;F> Njhl;lg; ghlrhiyfspy; gps;isfs; fpilahJ..! Njhl;lj;J gps;is guhkhpg;G epiyaq;fspYk; ,g;NghJ ,uz;nlhU njhl;by;fs;jhd; njhq;Ffpd;wd..! tPjp> tPl;L tsTfspy; gps;isfspd; tpisahl;L rj;jk; $l ,g;NghJ Nfl;gjpy;iy..!” njhopyhsUk;> fh;g;gj;jil jpl;lj;jpd; tpghPjq;fis mwptjpy;iy.. FLk; g f; f l; L g; g hl; L j; jpl; l k; > Njhl; l q; f spy; ntw; w paile; j J gw; w p> murpay;thjpfs; vy;iyaw;w re;Njhrkile;jhh;fs;. ***

xU Nk jpdf; $l;lk; fk;gisapy; ele;jJ.. Njapiy> ug;gh; Njhl;lq;fspypUe;J Mz;fSk;> ngz;fSkha; Mapukhapuk; njhopyhsh;fs; te;jpUe;jhh;fs ;. ,e;j Kiw Nk jpdf; $l;lj;Jf;F rpth[p my;yJ vk;.[p.ahh; tutpUf;fpwhh;fshk;! ,th;fNshL b.vk;.nrse;juuh[d;> gp.RrpyhTk; tUfpwhh;fshk;! ,e;jr; nra;jpiaj; jhq;fp> nghpa nghpa Ngh];lh;fs; Njhl;lq;fs;> Njhl;lg;Gw efuq;fnsq;Fk; xl;lg;gl;bUe;jd. vy;yhf; fl;rpf;fhuh;fSk;> vk;.[p.ahh;> rpth[p $l;lj;Jf;Nf te;J Ftpe;jhh;fs;. nyhwpfSk;> g];fSk;> Ntd;fSk;> gJis> uj;jpdhp> khj;jis> fz;b> Etnuypahntd te;jtz;zNk ,Ue;jd. Nk jpd Nkilf;F rpth[p tutpy;iy.. vk;.[p.ahh; kl;LNk tUtjhf fij mbgl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jJ.. “vd;dB uhf;fk;kh..?..” nrse;jpuuh[d; Nkilapy; Njhd;wpdhh;. fuNfhrk; tpz;izg; gpse;jd.

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313

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314

K. rptypq;fk;

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315

K. rptypq;fk;

“`Nyh..! kpdp];lh;> g;iukpdp];lNuhl fjph;fhkj;Jf;Fg; NghapUf;fhU..!” ehisf;F NgRq;f..!” te;j jiyth;khh;fs; ,Usile;J NghapUe;jhh;fs;. jiyth; Ngr thiaj; jpwe;jJk;> xU nghbfhl;> xU nlypNghid ,uz;L iffshy; “nghj;jp”f; nfhz;L> jiythplk; taiu ,Oj;Jf; nfhz;L te;J nfhLj;jhd;.. jiyth; Nghid fhjpy; itj;jJk;> “XNf Nrh;… fkpq; Nrh;..!” vd;W Nghid itj;jth;> “gj;J epkprj;Jy thNwd;.. xf;fhe;jpUq;f..!” vd;W nrhy;yptpl;L> mtrukhf ntspapy; fpsk;gpdhh;. nta;apypy; nte;J Ngha; te;;jpUe;jjhy;> V.rp. &k; nuhk;gTk; Rfkhf tpUe;jJ.. nkJthf vOk;gp [d;dy; gf;fk; te;J fliy ghh;j;Jf;nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;.. grp tapw;iwf; fps;spaJ… ,uz;L kzp Neuk; nrd;Nw mikr;ruhfpa jiyth; te;J cl;fhh;ej; hh;… “nuhk;g Neukhr;rp.. rhg;gpl;bl;L NgRtkh..? rhg;ghL thq;fpl;L tu nrhy;yth..?” “Ntz;lhk; Nrh;.. Neukhr;rp… Ngrpl;Lg; Nghdh NghJk;… !” xU jiyth; tpraj;Jf;F te;jhh;. “vq;fSf;F FLf;Fw rk;gsk; gj;jNt gj;jhJ Nrh;..! nfoikf;F ehY ehs; Nty jhuhq;f Nrh;.! khrj;Jy gjpdhW ehs; $yp rk;gsk; NghjhJ Nrh;..!” “xU ehs; Nty ,y;yhl;b> xU ehs; $yp ,y;yhkg; NghFJ Nrh;..! $yp rk;gsj;Jf;F gjpyh> FLf;Fw $ypa> khrr; rk;gskh Nff;FNwhk; Nrh;..!” “tPl;L gpur;rd nghpa gpur;rpd Nrh;..! taR Gs;isfNshl xd;dh.. kz;zh.. ,Uf;f KbahJ Nrh;;..! nts;sf;fhud; tPl;yjhd; ,d;dKk; ,Uf;FNwhk; Nrh;!” “nlk;guhp $lhuk; fl;bf;f $l eph;thfk; vlk; FLf;f khl;Nlq;FJ Nrh;..!” vd;W xt;nthUtUk;> xt;nthU epiyik gw;wpr; nrhd;dhh;fs;.. “fl; r p njhlq; f pd fhyj; j pyapUe; J nrhd; d ijNajhd; nrhy; y pf; f pl; L ,Uf;fhDq;f…” vd;W kdJf;Fs; fUtpf;nfhz;L> jiyth; Ngrpdhh;.

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

316

K. rptypq;fk;

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317

K. rptypq;fk;

epiy khwhj jq;fsJ r%f mikg;ig mUtUg;NghL nehe;Jf;nfhz;L> nfhjpf; F k; jhh; tP j papy; Gwf; N fhl; i l g]; epiyaj; i j Nehf; f p ele; J f; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. mth; f s; vjph; n fhs; S k; ; t ho; f ; i f Vkhw; w q; f Sf; F k; > r%f meP j pfSf; F kpilapy; > MNtrk; nfhjpj; J f; nfhz; b Ue; j J.. me; j f; nfhe;jspg;gpd;; czh;tiyfs; mth;fspd; tho;f;ifapy; Gjpa ghijia Njhw;WtpfF ; kh..? ,UE}W tUrq;fshf nksdpjJ ; f; fplg;gth;fspd; fz;zhP pYk;> tpah;itapYk;> FUjpapYk; eide;J Jite;jpUf;Fk; ,e;j xNunahU Nfs;tpf;F me;j Gjpa guk;giuapdh; tpil jUthh;fsh..? vd;w Vf;fj;NjhL> ele;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; mth;fspd; vjpNu me;Njhdpkiy Fg;Grhkp te;Jf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. “mk;khitAk;> mg;ghitAk; Njhl;lj;J Nty NtzhKd;D epg;ghl;bg;Gl;Nld; mz;Nz..! Njhl;lj;J NtiyAk; xU Ntiyah..? ,g;gj;jhd; ENfnfhl khj;jpahTk;> NehdhTk; g]; ];lhd;Lf;F te;jpUe;jhq;f.. mTq;f gq;fsh Ntiyf;F nuz;L NgiuAk; ,g;gjhd; mDg;gpl;L thNwd;..!” vd;W rphpj;jhd;. Njhl;lj;J Ntiyia ntWg;gth;fSf;F khw;Wj; jPhT ; ,g;gbj;jhd; mikANkh..? mth;fs; kdk; jsh;eJ ; g; Nghdhh;fs;. tptrhap epiyapypUe;J njhopyhspahfp… njhopyhsp epiyapypUe;J Vtyhspahfp… fOij Nja;e;J fl;nlWk;ghfpa fijjhNdh..? Fg; G rhkpia tpl; l fd; W > mth; f s; g]; epiyaj; i j Nehf; f pdhh; f s; . fisg;gile;jpUf;Fk; mth;fis> khjtd; NjdPh; filf;F mioj;Jr; nrd;whd;. tiliaf; fbj;Jf; nfhz;L mtd;> ez;gh;fsplk; Ngrpdhd;. “ehDk;> Fg;Grhkp khjphp Njhl; l j; J Ntiya Tl; L ntyfg; NghNwd; . . ,dpNk ve; j g; gay;ffpl;NlAk; Nghap $yp cah;T Nff;f khl;Nld;. $ypahNt ,Uf;fg; NghwtDf;Fj;jhd; $yp cah;T Nghuhl;lk; NtZk;..” vd;whd;. “Ntiya Tl;L ntyfp vd;dh nra;ag; Nghw..?” xU ,isQd; Nfl;lhd;. “Fg;Grhkp khjphp nfhOk;Gf;F Nghap> mLj;jtd; T+l;y Vty; Nty nra;a khl;Nld;.…! mLj;jtd; T+l;L rl;b ghd fOTwJf;F vd; rk;rhuj;ijAk; mDg;g khl;Nld;..! jpq;f ,y;yhl;bAk; khdj;j fhg;ghj;jpf;f njhpaZk;..!” khjtd; Mj;jpukhfg; gjpy; nrhd;dhd;. gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

318

K. rptypq;fk;

mtd; Nfhgk; jzpAk; tiu vy;NyhUk; nksdkhf tiliar; rhg;gpl;Lf; nfhz;bUe;jhh;fs;. khjtd; kPzL ; k; Ngrj;njhlq;fpdhd;. “xq;f vy;yhj;Jf;Fk; khjphp Njhl;lj;jpy vdf;Fk; kuf;fwp tptrhak; nra;w fhzp ,Uf;F.. mJ ,y;yhl;bAk;> Njhl;lj;Jy jhpR neyk; nflf;FJ.. ve;j xl;L xwTk; ,y;yhk Njapy> ug;gh; Njhl;lj;Jy Nty nra;w vq;fSf;F> Njhl;lj;J neyk; xd;Djhd; gpbkhdkh ,Uf;F.. rpq;fs rdq;f vq;fs khjphp Njhl;lj;Jy $yp Nty nrQ;rpUe;jh> xt;nthUj;jUk; xU Vf;fh; neykhtJ nrhe;jkhf;fpapUg;ghq;f.. ehkjhd; fhzp> neyk; ngWkjp njhpahk $ypf;F xior;rp jpq;fpw $l;lkhNt ,Uf;Nfhk;..!” khjtdpd; epjhdkhd Ngr;ir ,ilkwpj;J mg;Gj;jiy> jq;fkiy Njhl;lj;J rd;Kfk; nrhd;dhd;.. “vdf;Fk; tPlL ; j; Njhl;lk; ,Uf;F.. J}uj;jpy jhpR neyKk; nflf;F.. jhuhskh jz;zp trjpAk; ,Uf;F.. ,Jf;F Nky vd;dh NtZk;..? ehDk; khjtd; khjphp $yp Ntiyf;F Fk;gpL Nghl;Ll;L> tptrhak; nra;ag; NghNwd;..” vd;whd;. “ tptrhaj;jpy kl;Lkpy;y ekf;F KbQ;r Ra njhopiyAk; fj;Jf;f Ntz;ba fhyk; te;jpUf;F!” khj;jis jq;fuhRk; jdJ epiyg;ghl;il nrhd;dhd;. Njj;jz;zpf; fil Nkiriar; Rw;wp mkh;e;jpUf;Fk; mth;fs; vy;NyhUf;Fk;> $yp Ntiyia tpl;L tpLtjpNyNa kdk; yapj;jpUe;jJ. khjtd; jpUk;gTk; Ngrpdhd;. “Njhl;l Kjyhsp xU fhyKk; ekf;F rk;gsk; $l;bf;FLf;f khl;lhd;. murhq;fKk; rk;gs tpraj;jpy xj;Jiof;fhJ!. fl;rp jiyth;khh;fSk; Njhl;l KjyhspfSf; F vjpuhfNth> murhq; f j; J f; F vjpuhfNth xU fhyKk; Nghuhl;lk; nra;a Kd;Df;F tu khl;lhq;f..” vd;whd;. “mg;Ngh.. vd;dh Kbtjhd; ehq;f vLf;fg; NghNwhk;..?” “Njapy> ug;gh; Njhl;lq;fs Fj;jiff;F Nfg;Nghk;..! nfhOe;njLj;J FLg;Nghk;..! ug;gh; ghnyLj;J FLg;Nghk;..! xuk;> kUe;J FLj; j h> khdpak; FLj; j h tptrhaj; j ehk nrQ; r p FLg; N ghk; . ! ,e; j jpl;lj;ijahtJ ehq;f Kd;Df;F tr;rp ghg;NghNk..?” vd;whd; khjtd;. “,J nuhk;g ey;y jpl;lkh ,Uf;F khjth..! $ypa $l;bf; FLd;D fhyk; KOf;f Nfl;Lf;fplN ; lapUe;jh> $ypff; hudhNt ehk ,Uf;fj;jhNd NtZk;.. ,e;j Gjpa Nfhhpf;ifa Kd; tr;rp ghg;Nghk;..” vd;whd; gJis fpU\;z%h;j;jp. uj;jpdGhp Re;juk; jiytUk; jdJ fUj;ijr; nrhd;dhd;. “Mkh.! Mkh.! vuE}W tUrkh xior;rp> ehl;l cz;lhf;fplL ; > ntWq;ifNahl jpUk;gTk; ,e;jpahTf;Fg; Nghd gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

319

K. rptypq;fk;

khjphp ehq;fSk; Nghff; $lhJ.. Njhl;lj;J neyj;Njhljhd; vq;f tho;f;ifa mikr;Rf;fZk;..!” “ek;k xiog;gpy…ekf;fhf tbapw Nth;ita…. ekf;fhd kz;Zy rpe;Jw Neuj;Jyjhd;.. ekf;fhd tho;f;ifa mikr;Rf;f KbAk;..!” vd;Nwh xU ehs;> xU Gj;jfj;jpy; gbj;j thrfj;ij mtdJ nkhopapy; nrhy;yp Gd;dif nra;jhd; khjtd;..

me;j neQ;Ruk; ,Uf;Fk; tiu> mth;fspd; [Ptpaj;Jf;fhd Kjy; fhybapy;…rj;jpakhf... gQ;rk; kpjpf;fg;gLk;.. ,f;fhyj;Jf;Fhpa nfh^ukhd fq;fhzpjJ ; tq;fs;.. Jiuj;jdq;fs;... rq;fk;> fl;rp vDk; tQ; r fj; jiyikfs; . .. ke; j php gpujhg Mjpf; f q; f s; ; . .. MSiffs; ... ahTk; kW fhybapy; kpjpgg; Lk;..

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

320

K. rptypq;fk;

Jiz Mjhuq;fs; William Knighton

Forest Life in Ceylon

Donovan Moldrich

Bitter Berry Bondage

Vanden Driesen I.H.

The Long Walk

Nrh. re;jpuNrfud;

,yq;if> ,e;jpah; tuyhW

rp.tp.NtYg;gpsi ; s

kiy ehl;L kf;fs; ghly;fs;

Ma;Tf; FOtpdu; “rpuhf;” r%f epWtdk; nfhilf;fhdy;

vq;nfq;Fk; me;epakhf;fg;gl;ltu;fs;

rhuy; ehld;

kiyafj; jkpoh; tuyhW

,uh. rlNfhgd;

fz;br; rPikapNy

V.V.vk;. Gth[P

khj;jis khtl;lj; jkpou; tuyhW

khj;jis Nuhfpdp

chpikg; Nghuhl;lj;jpy; caph; ePjj; jpahfpfs;

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

321

K. rptypq;fk;

tuyhw;W ehafu;fs;

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

322

K. rptypq;fk;

E}yhrphpahpd; gpw E}y;fs;

1992

kiyfspd; kf;fs;

mur ,yf;fpa tpUJ

2003

Njapiy Njrk;

mur ,yf;fpa tpUJ

2004

xU tpij ney;

2007

kiyafj; jkpoh; ehl;Lg;Gwg; ghly;fs;

2010

xg;ghhp Nfhr;rp

mur ,yf;fpa tpUJ

2013

nte;J jzpej; J fhyk; - mur ,yf;fpa tpUJ

gQ;rk; gpiof;f te;j rPik

323

K. rptypq;fk;