Good Reads: Chandausi Junction-Paaye Lagoo!
Lucknow, 1971
As Naresh stood in the queue, his mind was full of questions “What the hell am I doing here?” “What will I gain by being in this line?” “Is my presence over here not undermining my entire life’s efforts of standing for one’s principles and ethics?” “Do I really want to be at this place?”
And he was also getting the answers to these questions from his mind only “You are here because like others, you are one of the few people who have been summoned by Mantri Ji.” “You don’t want to gain anything out of your visit to this place.” “Your presence over here has nothing to do with your values and standards, as long as you don’t compromise on them.” & “You are here not by choice but by compulsion.”
Working in the State Government at a very senior position, Naresh was just a couple of months away from his retirement. After getting the best of the education, he had joined the Indian Civil Services and kept on progressing in his career through sheer hard work, dedication, and honesty. He was renowned for never seeking or giving an out-of-the-way favor to anyone. Last week, the newly appointed minister had asked very selective personnel to pay a visit to his official residence and as a result of this, today this line was being seen.
As Naresh was lost in his thoughts, waiting for his turn to come, he felt a hand on his right shoulder. He turned around to see the beaming face of Surya, who was three years junior to him, but at the same rank as his in another department. “How are you?” asked Naresh with a smile. “I am fine.” answered Surya “It’s good that you have turned up here. I hope you have left your potli (a bundle made of cloth) of morals, conscience, and integrity at your home.”
Naresh understood what Surya meant, but still feigned ignorance “I don’t know what you want to say.” Surya, who was known for his sycophancy and ability to influence his bosses, said in a conniving manner “I am advising you because you are not my competitor and I respect you as a good human being. Mantri Ji has a typical style of sitting. He would always keep his right leg on the left knee and that right foot would always be shaking. Do you know what this means?”
Knowing fully well as to what Surya was hinting at, Naresh suggested innocently “Oh. Is he suffering from Parkinson’s disease?” Surya stared at Naresh, while some of the other officers who overheard the conversation had a hearty laugh.
“Come on Naresh Ji,” said Surya, now a bit annoyed. “I am trying to help you and you are making fun of me.”
“No. No. I am seriously asking you.” Naresh continued his act of pulling Surya’s leg “why does he keep on shaking his one leg over the other leg’s knee?” “Arrey. He gives a hint to the people to touch his feet and say “Paaye Laagoo.” It’s his style of demanding respect.” Surya said. “I see. But is respect demanded or commanded?” Naresh continued teasing Surya.
“Uffoh. Forget about demanded or commanded.” ranted Surya, now visibly irritated. “When your turn comes just touch his feet and say “Paaye Laagoo” with all sincerity, then see the miracle. He will certainly give you an extension of at least one year, post your retirement.”
“So that’s the key for getting benefits. By the way, what benefit are you expecting?” Naresh asked with a smile, changing the topic from him to Surya. “Me?” a beaming Surya replied “A promotion with a hefty pay increase and a transfer to the other department. I have heard there’s a lot of opportunity of making money by upar-ki-kamai (bribery) over there.”
“So just by touching his feet and saying “Paaye Laagoo.” you will be able to get the 3-fold benefits of promotion, pay hike, and transfer?” asked Naresh.
“Of course.” stressed Surya “Mantri Ji pays special attention to this thing. Also, think of yourself. You have got an unmarried daughter and the land you have bought is outside the city limits (present-day Gomti Nagar). You must seek for extension and this is the only way to get it……………” “Paaye Laagoo.” interrupted Naresh. “Yes,” said Surya. By now Naresh and Surya had entered the sprawling lawn of the Mantri ji’s official residence..................
To enjoy the full-story and many other stories like this, you may access the book CHANDAUSI JUNCTION (written by SHANKAR SAHAY & PREETI SAHAY) at various online and offline stores. The writers’ tweets may be read at @shankarsahay7. Look forward to receive your feedback.