G CHAPTER ONE Leela was the only daughter of the Headmaster. Saman had been his pupil. “All three were teaching in the same school at Medagama. : Leela was preparing for the music examination and ' Saman had to help her. That was why ‘he was still remaining behind at the teachers’ quarters without going home, for the Sinhala New Year holidays. “Good,” applatided Saman when Leela finished a piece on the violin. It was the famous song Danno Budunge. Cedhend Savory. “Thank you,” said Leela blushing, and asked, “Must you go today?” “Why? You play alright.” its “I can be more certain of a pass if you spend the New Year here.” “A pass? You will get a distinction, whether I am here or not. You have covered “the syllabus many times over.” : : “That’s because you are here. When you are here I practise regularly.’ “You see, I have to be at home for the New Year. If I stay away on New Year’s day, mother would be very sad. ‘I'll come back before school reopens.” Leela sighed. She was perhaps thinking of her own mother who had. died when, Leela was a_ toddler. Saman, reading her mind, and wanting to take her on to another topic, said, “Please play another piece; play Buddhagaya.” “That’s not easy.” “That’s why I want you to play it.” Leela obeyed and Saman looked at her intently. Leela was a pretty girl of twenty-one. Rather tall, she had a well formed: figure, perhaps a little too slim for * the Kandyan sari. Her long sleeved, light blue silkblouse, and the well-draped dark blue sari, enhanced her youthful appearance. Her face was round with a slightly pointed chin and a rather prominent nose. These added dignity to her, while her full lips and large eyes made her charmingly feminine. Her dark hair, parted at the centre and tied behind into a knot, made her look unsophisticated. 7 & veSuperb!” said Saman, when she finished. & “Don’t praise me too much. Now you play till I prepare some tea.” ; Leela handed him the violin. “What do you want me to play?” “Anything.” Leela tidied the nearby table. Saman began playing Ale kala muth panata panase—sthri jathi ne visvase. “Chee chee, not that,” giggled Leela. ys. ay Saman pretended to be surprised at her remark.,.; ,, “Tt’s a good tune but ,the, wording is stupid. You ™ think all women are untrustworthy?” asked Lecla. a “1 didn’t say so.” “Play Dakkoth Padmawathi-ale nokara bari.’ : “Sorry, Dll play Dakkoth Leelawathie.” ; b “Aiyo, who am I to fall in love with?” ae | “You are not the only Leelawathie surely?” “Alright, alright. Then play on.” Leela began preparing, the tea, while watching Saman who was ¢dhéentrating ‘on the music book. Saman had just completed” his twenty-second year. , Wearing a white ational dress, he was a good looker. he perfect teeth and thin lips. made _his face very attiactive. The wavy hair and thin moustache gave him a manly,aj SPearaiice. He had a broad chest, a thin waist and an dffilétic. figure. In fact, Saman was not only an accomplished. musician but an outstanding athlete as well. oat_ until recent! CHAPTER TWO Leela and Saman had .been classmates from the beginning of their school carer's up to their completing the teachers’ training course in Colombo. They often etalled their schooldays, both at Medagama and jlombo. : Leela had lost her mother when she was about three years.old. She had not then understood what death was. All that she wds able to remember was that her mother was placed in a long wooden box and carried away by some'men, She also remembered some ladies crying and herself joining them. It was a sad blow for the Headmaster for they were a couple very much attached to each other. People were very sorry for little ‘Leela too. She was so young and: without a mother. The Headmaster did everything possible to make the little one happy and comfortable. Suggestions were made that he shi : jected them with the one excuse that he would not ay ‘allow his daughter to haye’,a stepmother. People admired the father for his devotion, to the daughter... .. The Headmaster was occupying the school ‘quarters , Meantime he had put-up a house on 2 tral land not far away from the school. He was now living there and the school quarters were occupied by the badhélor assistants. : “Gurusevana”, ‘the’'house of situated in a coconut grove. gravel road of about a hundred yi road. The house had four rooms, a hall, a kitchen and a verandah. It:compared well with any modern house in the village. There were of course the walawwas of the Ratemahaththaya and the Registrar. They were now old and dilapidated. Although no one would copy 2 3 Headmaster, was ould get married again, but he re-** aeHeat dine ate ps2, he owners took pride their architect th since they were regarded as, symbols of their arice: “Gurusevana” was fairly’ well furnished. Most of the furniture was made in the village itself, out of the timber supplied: by the Headmaster. The village carpenter was an enterprising man. Tired of being a wage earner, he put up his own little carpentry shop in Medagama and he was doing reasonably well. After Leela returned from her training in Colombo, she succeeded in getting her fath to build two attached bathrooms with modern g ment, so that she could play host to her Colombo friends who were used to such luxuries. By, village standards, the Headmaster could be regarded as a rich man. He had a regular salary and so had Leela. Their expenses were very little. They had their own paddy, vegetables, fruit and milk, What - they had to buy were only clothes and currysiuff. The father had a bank account and the daughter a savings account in the Post Office. CHAPTER THREE Saman was a quiet young man. He was much res- pected by’ his colleagues as well as his relations. He was a good teacher, a good sportsman and a good friend. The only factor against him would have been that his father was a Headman, for such officials in the villages were regarded as despots. But Saman’s father was quite different. He was a popular village leader who was impartial and fair 0. ora eo! The Headman was neither rich nor poor by village standards. What wealth he inherited was care- fly protected to be handed over to his only son. Ober in habits, he was sound both physically’ and mentally. His wife too was a good lady, respectable. and religious, 4 to sty. 2 a OQ 4 ao eg“vglterdtions. "There was a courtyard The Headmaster and the Headman belonged to the same social group. Their ancestors had been minor officials. attending on chiefs of old. .In fact they were ‘descendants of the same family tree.. The"'Héadman’s house was some two centuries old. There had been minor repairs but no substantial» ‘d’and on either side* of it were. two. rooms. A “barn ‘was attached to the fear part of the house. Next to it was a sort of. store-room, in which. were stacked farm. tools... Thé garden was full of trees—Jak, Kitul, , Tamarind,’ Orange, Mango—all kinds. There was a spout at’ one’ end of the garden. The water came out of a rock and was used both for drinking and bathing. For-Saman, ~- the musician, it was a real haven. CHAPTER FOUR People thought that Saman and Leela would get married sooner or later. It was natural that they thought so, as these two were so attached ‘to each other. “When will be the happy day Leela?” asked a friend. : ° “Everyday is a happy, day for me. Why? What’s wrong?” Leela’ pre d riot to understand the in- sinuation. «0-9... fete “If you can’t understand, let me put it bluntly. .., When are you getting married?” Sumana, Leela’s best friend, asked the question seriously. _ “When is your wedding day?” asked Leela in return. “That question does not arise.” “Why not?’ “T'have no fiance yet. But. you have.” “Who?” “Who! Don’t try to be a baby.” “What are you talking about?” Bre“Bveryone talks about Saman and you surely.” “Why?” “Because you are made for each other; you are so friendly and suit each other so well. That’s all.” “People say all sorts of things. Both of us have been classmates all through our studies. It is natural that we are friendly.” 7 _“Who said no? We say the same thing. I am merely asking you when you two would get married.” ~ “Don’t be illogical, Sumana. Surely friendship does not necessarily mean marriage. Now you are friendly with the Science Master... .” “Who said I am friendly?” “Then are you angry with him?” “J am neither angry nor friendly.” 2 “Then don’t be so touchy. That is exactly what I say. Two people can smile, walk, talk and so on. That does not mean they must always end up in marriage.” “Hang your philosophy. You will get married to Saman. You are in love.” ) “Thank you, soothsayer. Can’t you read your. own future?” Such bits of conversation often took place both in school and outside. nase dyeete yet Tee Saman_too had similar encounters. They were even more embarrassing. Some youngsters seemed actually jealous of Saman. Had. Leela not been the daughter of ‘the Headmaster, the atmosphere in the school could have been worse. zh ee Pe 6 CHAPTER FIVE It’took long for the Headmaster to return home that day from work in his vegetable garden which was at a distant end of the coconut plantation. Gardening was his long-standing hobby. 6Saman had his share of oil-cakes and other sweets which had been prepared by Lecla and Alice, the cook- woman, who ‘had Tet for the New Year early that morning. : “Father and I would be alone on New Year day.” “You should have kept back: at least the servant boy.” “Oh! he left two days ago.” “You should have kept him back.” “Well he ‘said the same thing as you. He wanted to be with his mother. As for me I have only my mother’s’ icture. The only consolation is that she resembles me in the. wedding photograph. Otherwise I would not have been able. to recall her face even.” “Let me please see the wedding photograph.”. While they were scrutinizing the photograph, they qheard the usual cough-,of the Headmaster. , They od, 7 Tushed to the music book. “I forgot you were to leave for home today, Saman. I am sorry if you were held up. Why not go tomorrow morning?” : “Sorry, Sir, mother would be upset if I-don’t go for the New Year.” “Yes, yes. That ‘is also so. How is Leela in her music?” “She should be quite alright. Only thing is that she should keep on practising.” peseee Saman offered the betel, knelt at the feet of the Headmaster and worshipped him. “Wish you a happy New Year, Saman,” said the Headmaster. ay eal Saman Yése to his feet and casting a farewell smile at Leela, left the place. : Leela too knelt before her father and worshipped him. 7 : “What's the matter with you? .You are not, going anywhere!” said the Headmaster émotionally’ raising her to her feet... : ; Leela rose and hugged her father who kissed her réhead and stroked her hair Leela résted’ her head Fs i Jagainst the Headmaster’s chest. The father was only a little taller than the daughter. The Headmaster was a middle-aged man. He was wearing a sarong and a gauze banian. Normally he wore cloth, shirt and coat of white colour and a pair of black shoes. There were touchés of grey on the sides of his head. The hair was thick, parted ih, the centre and combed back. He had a’ strong que: His face. wore’ serious look. His tee stained with betel chew which hadadiscolourgd”‘evén his thick moustache. There was ni lance” between the father and the daughter. “Shall I get you some tea, father?’ asked Leela, freeing herself. “Please, I am. tired.” Leela went in, wiping her. eyes with .the edge of her sari. 7 “Leela,” called the Headmaster, himself going in, “There can be Old Year callers and New Year callers. Better arrange some refféshiments,’ 0%) «2r gent pe “E have already got them ready,”? answered Leela. 5 CHAPTER SIX One of the habitual old year callers in Medagama was an old man called Gura. His real name was Bilinda.: He was called Gura and Gurunnanse as he was a soothsayer and an tat witcheratt.: He, could employ or drive away irits eqi Pirits equally eff tively. “Oving, Oving,” Gia’ aittiounced hi self with loud_bellow. > “Hello, Gura. How are you?” greeted the Head- master. 353. “Just existing, Nilame.” “Why do’ you say that?” 7 “Quite broke. Hopeless old year. I don’t know why the wretched “old year yet lingers on.” Gura offered betel and saluted’ him. g“Happy New Year to you, Gura,” “Same to you, Nilame.” “So what news? Leela, Gurunnanse has come. Get us something,” “Thank you, Nilame.” Gura was a talkative old man. He was bald headed, and the little hair round his head was quite grey and tied behind into a small knot. He was a burly’ man with a pot. | and was wearing a checked ‘brown Auzebanian and a coat somewhat like a sarong, a gatize pyjama jacket.*s | “So, tell me something. How is the New Year going to be with you?” “What New Year now! How nice it was when we were young! We used to play. all sorts of ancient games, Now everything is gattiblihg. I hate the New ear. The only good thing is that we can get a drink without police intetferéneé??y2041 4, “Leela, don’t worry about refreshments, Gura does = not need any.”,The Headmaster went in. , Gura_ looked L. quite, alarmed. He was a man ‘who always had an appétit€!‘The Headmaster should know Gura well enough’ by this time! The Headmaster returned with a bottle of Arrack. “That is nice,” said Gura. “TI was wondering whether you take this or not. You observe sil, don’t you?” “Well, sil I observe on poya days. Otherwise I take a drink if some good person offers me.” ) «Then take this.” “What about you, Nilame?” “T normally don’t take liquor. But today is a special day.” “Quite ight. We, don’t have New Years coming every day.” Gura pouréd out two stiff ones. Although Leela did not normally approve of her father taking liquor, she did not mind it that day as her father was wanting some company. Leela herself was wishing to get her father’s mind off, her, mother, about whom he used to think and grow despondént' on occasions like this, Gura was good enough company for 9 Janghim as he had a knack of saying pleasant things. She showed. herself to the visitor. “You want anything, father?” The old men tried to hide the bottle and , the glasses, but Gura_was too slow. “How are you, Gurunnanse?” “Not very well, Leela Menike, How is the New ~ Year with you?” “The New Year has not dawned yet. How about something to eat?” “Well if there is something that goes with this! .I am, having a tummy upset and I am trying this medicine. Hope you don’t mind it?” , ..(.; “Surely, one must rélax'on a ‘day like this.” “That’s what I told Nilame. He is afraid that you would think bad of him.” “Father. knows that I am not that narrow minded. PU get you some cutlets. Gurunnanse, you must stay for dinner.” “How can I say no to you, Leela Ménike?” “That’s fine,” said the Headmaster pouring another drink. CHAPTER SEVEN een oe When Leela went in, Gura settled ‘down to more serious conversation with the Headmaster. “Sir, will you misunderstand me if I say something about ‘Leela Menike?” ty » {Not at all. What’s it?” The Headmaster g im- patient. “She is very pretty.” “Yes. Thank you. “She deserves a good husband.” » “Yes, of course.’ “You are rich and respectable. You should wish your daughter to do better.’ 10 a9 eo * 0 _& G0 ao“Of course.”” “Parents must do everything possible so that their children are better off. Isn’t it so?” i “That’s true.” : oe “Then why don’t you do that?” ¢ “Why do you say, that?” “Why, do, you allow. Leela Menike to be so closely a _aitach ‘to that ‘miserable assistant teacher? He.is ; Z atte .the son of a retired Headman. What is the, “status: of the family ‘and what, is, he? He. is only an, assistant teacher. [hat is moré or Iéss“the lowest of the present. day public servants. Surely you destrve a better son-in-law and more respectable relations. Please don’t get angry with me. I tell you all these in your own interest. You might consider carefully what I say: Don’t accept this because YOH ust me. As Lord Buddha had said ‘Get yourself corlvinced before you t’ what I say’.” All the time Gura took sufficient Oo. care to see that he was: not being overheard by Leela or anyone else. “Well, well, well. There js Brauch. i in what you say, It is true that I haye, merely “all6wed things to drift’ © oon Have you any particilar family and a young man “\nView?” asked the Headmaster. ,, “Please, Nilame, first consider all aspects of what I said. Thea only must you take a decision,” warned ) Gura again. “ “To take a decision I must know all facts?” “Shall I tell you then?’’ “Please.” “What about Registrar Hamuduruwo’s family?” The Headmaster could hardly believe his cars... “What? Are,you mad, Gura? Will that: bui AptioUss & Xe QO- old blakkgiiard “ever agree to such a thing?” ; “Leave that to me, Nilame. 1s there anything | impossible for me? You seem to be lindetestima’ ing, ie rs my. powers. All can’t do what I can. I have a will’ and Dhave a way—in fact many ways. Leave that to me.” Birt dante “Have you “Sounded him?” “How can I without knowing your mind?”“Now that you know my mind, please go ahead,” said the Headmaster quickly. “What about the’ assistant master? And what about Leela Menike’s consent?” “As for Saman, he is my pupil. Leeia is my daughter. “They will do what I tell them.” “Tt’s not so easy as you think. Even this afternoon I saw them together.” ““Where?” “In this verandah.” | “What did they do?” “They were smiling and talking as 3 they were already a married couple.” “She is learning music from him.” “To teach music he need not smile and talk like that. Can’t you understand? Although I am older than you, I still remember how I was carrying on when I was a youth. “Leave that to me. You must succeed in what you “suggest about the Registrar’s family. By the way, what about the Registrar’s son? Will he consent?” “To tell you the truth and the whole story, Asoka Hamuduruwo, the Registrar’s son, ‘ has already . sent me a message, asking me to find him a bride— etty, educated and well behaved. When I saw Peela Menike this afternoon with Saman Mahaththaya I thought at once of Asoka Hamuduruwo.”’ “Where is he working now?” “He is now a big man, acting for the retired Disa- -hamuduruwo, now they are known as...” “Divisional Revenue Officers.” ‘ “That’s right. He left the Kachcheri about, .six months ago. The Government Agent is very fohd of him I hear.” “T know the young man. He is very good looking. But Gura,. surely he’ll have very many good pro- posals.” / “T should think so. -But don’t you know present day youngsters are not like us.. They must themselves select their partners. I think Asoka Hamuduruwa has seen your daughter somewhere. That’s’ why he has 12ae aisatoven described a pride just like your daughter, and selected me for the ta8k. He sent me such details that I imaging ~ he had Leela Menike’s picture in his mind.” te “Gurunnanse, this might not upset your tummy,” said Leela coming with a plate of cutlets which she offered him. “After you, Wilame. Just one for me.” “Come, come, you have first.” said the Headmaster. “Thank you. M’m....It is very tasty. I'll have another.””. a Paki “Tl leavé them all here in case you get tempted.” “I am sure I'll not be able to résist them,” said Gura. Leela placed the plate on the teapoy nearby and went in. febntecy 7 ov.tWhat a beauty,” thought Gura. “I must govall out wee ry in this matter. . CHAPTER EIGHT After Gura left ‘‘Gurusevana”, the Headmaster became thoughtful. He was trying to understand the implications of Gura’s proposal. The Registrar was an aristocrat. His house was. called the Walawwa. ,His was the oldest family in the village. For generations the Walawwa people ‘held high office. Almost all the ancestors of the Registrar were Ratemahaththayas and the like. The Headmaster’s ‘stock, like the Headman’s, was ordinary. They were minor officials attending on families like that of the Registrar’s. ,How then could Gura succeed? Of course Gura knew witchcraft, charms. and manthrams. He was supposed to be knowing the “ingredients for love pgtions too. Could they work? Would such. marriages SNe But Gura had been quite confident. 8.1.5. H “Father, dinner is ready,”” announced Leela. “Where: is Gurunnanse?”’ 13“He had forgotten about the dinner.” “That is very strange. Gura never forgets to cat unless he’ was quite drunk. Did you give him any money for the New Year?” ! “Yes, I gave him ten rupees.” “Too much. That’s why perhaps he forgot the dinner.” “T gave him only a tenner. After all New Years don’t come every day as ie says. Leela, what do you think of Gura?” . , “Gura! H’m. He is a ‘bundle: of tricks.” “T am glad you know it. You must never trust “ him.” “Come father, we ‘l_have dinner before seven 0° clock., We have to put out the fire before seven and relight’ tomorrow morning at six.’ It was a grand meal. - “You cooked all these yourself?:? ale “The cook had prepared | the pickle “and the seeni sambol. J prepared the rest.” “Very nice, very nice indeed.” In a moment the Headmaster became silent. He started eating like a machine. His mind was elsewhere. He lifted his eyes now ‘and again to the wedding photograph that was hung right in front of him. “Are you thinking of mother?” asked Leela softly. “No. I was thinking of you.” “Me?” Veg? Leela kept silent. She did not like her father being , moody. “What a lot you are missing, Leela, without mother?” “You always say so but I can’t understand what, you mean. To miss something, I must have had it, In’‘my “east you have been and are everything to me.” “That makes things most difficult for me,” sighed the Headmaster. aaa Just then a sound of crackers was heard in the neighbourhogd : to announce the arrival of the New Year. Leela glanced’ atthe clock, rushed out and lit two bundles of crackers together. 14 lr“You are still like a baby,” said the Headmaster. “You buy me érackérs and I light them. It’s you who treat me like a baby,” said Leela affectionately‘ - kissing her father’s head. CHAPTER NINE What Gura~ told the Headmaster was not quite~ correct. It was Asoka’s cousin, Collin, who had coti- ~ veyed the marriage proposal to Gura. Collin was the elder son of the Registrar’s sister who had left two sons and a daughter. They became ‘orphans, when they were quite young. The burdeti of looking after the orphans fell on the Registrar. The parents had left them a house, a garden of two acres and a paddy field of the same extent. The house and the garden belonged to the mother and the paddy field to the father. After the death of the parents.’ the Registrar became the administrator of the estate. The Registrar did his best to educate the children. According to his teachers, Collin had the brains but his Application was very poor. He was playful and mis- chievous. “For goodness sake, don’t spoil your younger brother,” the Registrar had to warn him quite often. Those warnings and advice were of no avail. He started smoking when he was very young. He smoked openly and in his own house, since there were no - elders to check him. Collin’s father’s old sister was.the only relation who lived in the house. She could hardly exercise any authority over him. i “Auntie, please mind your own business. You could not have children of your own. How can you manage others’ children?” ; “You are my own brother’s children, aren’t you?” “Yes, but we are not yours.” The old lady was left to herself and her tears.Both Collin and Asoka were sent to the same English School some three miles from home. They walked the distance on Monday morning, stayed in a relation’s house and returned home Friday evening. While Asoka got through his Senior School Certificate . Examination, Collin “stagnated in the Junior Form until he had to leave, school due to being overage. With some influence, the Registrar managed ‘to get Collin employed as the local Sub-Postmaster., His office was housed in the front room of Collin’s"anicéstral gow (hesidence. Tt was quite a comfortable job, for he had to incur no expense such as for travelling. The aunt . acted as his substitute without any payment. Collin could, not keep, this job ie long. He was drunk almost from dawn to “dusk. He Jaid’his hand on any money available. Petitions bégan' pouring in’to the Head Office. Some of the. petitions of course were msored by unsuccessful candidates. In any case a surprise inspection revealed a shortage of cash in the safe and Collin was placed under interdiction. The Registrar was furious. a ° “You have killed our reputation. You have made us a family of rogues and drunkards. What is going to happen to your younger brother and sister? You have disgraced our ancestors and relations too.” )..4,,..,., Collin had hardly any reply: But he tried to defend“ himself. “The Inspector had been bribed by my enemies. He pocketed some money from the safe and counted less. What can I do?” Nobody believed that story. Where did he get the money for his drinks? Collin had now become the full-time companion of his cousin, Asoka, the Acting Divisional Revenue Officer. He was also his cousin’s adviser, bodyguard and what not. Asoka on the other hand could not give up Collin’s company but tried to keep him at anarm’s length. But Collin was useful to him as he was living alone in the Government bungalow at Gampola. Both Asoka and Collin had come to Medagama for 16the Sinhala. New Year holidays. It was there that Collin had contacted Gura. CHAPTER TEN When Gura left the Headmaster, he went straight to: Collin’s house. He had not.forgotten Léela’s invitation to dinner. It was very much in his mi certain to have a better New Year éve with Collin. “Oving; Oving,”, Gura ., si nalled his arrival with his usual and artificial loud ‘bellow’? “Come in and sit down, Gura,” shouted Collin from: his room and same out with a bottle and glass in hand. “T was wondering whether you had gone to the Regis- trar’s Walawwa, Hamuduruwane,” said Gura. “Nonsense. I hate that old dodger. He can’t open his mouth without scolding somebody. How can one begin. the New Year in a house like his? Go to my room and. bring a glass and have a drink.” “Well, Collin Hamuduruwane, I observe sil now. Any- way the New Year does not come every day,” said. - Gura going into the room. SAcraih, ‘;you must do as I do. I observe only four precepts. 1 Ome the one about the bottle.” - Beech ¥‘Actually you needn’t do.even that,” preached Gura,. holding the glass while Collin poured the drink. “Enough. Enough,” he said but held it. till the glass was quite full. “There is nothing irreligious about taking liquor. You .must,take only what you can “Gonsuriie, and that depends on each, individual.” “T do that always. I won’t waste. even.a drop. you had not come, I would have gulped“the whole thing. Here’s to a Happy New Year.” -They took a. long draught.. “Hamuduruwane, this is very nice. What is it?” “Brandy. Haven’t you: tasted this before?” “Never. From where did you get this?” ind. But he was. “4“My ‘cousin is appointing a Village Headman tomorrow. I got this as a present from a candidate.” “Excellent drink.” “We will finish the bottle. Don’t worry, he is appointing another Headman the day after tomorrow.” “So you_get presents in advance?” , “O yes. Presents for the present, presents for the past and presents for the future. Come on, Gura, to the health of my cousin, Asoka.” Gura gulped that down too. : “Actually, Hamuduruwane, I cannot remember the time I drank last.” “Come, let’s have another to the health. of whom? — to the health of the Headmaster’s daughter!” -“Don’t shout. Others will hear us.’ “Don’t worry. All have gone to uncle’s house.” “You should have “gone Yourself, Hamuduruwane! “Get out of my house. I don’t want anyone! to », lecture to me. Bloody blackguards. They see only my “{faults. If you want my company, don’t preach to me,” “That is right, Hamuduruwane. To whose health shall we drink?” “To Leela of course; my cousin’s bride, the Head- master’s daughter.” : They drank it heartily. “Now; Hamuduruwane, 1 must go home.” Gura took - outa handful of betel. ».,, Ha. Ha. Ha. Betel for me? First time after my interdiction.” Collin. took the betel and ‘handed it back with a ten rupee note. “Here’s for the New Year.” Gura took it with both hands “You must have dinner with me, Gura.” “T thought you had no one to cook for you tonight.” “Brought my dinner from the Buhari Hotel—chicken buriyani. Gome, come.” Bee “Clad a, Ay patik sarong and a blue shirt, Collin. on dogked. dignified. He had the appearance of a go- “8 'getter.,’"Tall and handsome, curly haired and long 18AS Greve Sal Yaquateg : limbed, he was quite attractive. It was a pity that a young man of that appearance could not do better in life. On the other hand Collin looked-.quite happy and contented. After all, wasn’t that “what mattered in life? Tt was said that Collin was spoilt not because he became an um quite early in life, but because his parents had “petted him too much, When his parents died, mother first and father after six. months, Collin, the eldest in the family and the, oldest of the family ‘circle of his generation, continued to have his own way,,and without anybody to control him, had become stubborn and independent. [ . “He is a good youngster—sbad to himself,’ was how people iced their ee ‘of Collin. CHAPTER ELEVEN When Collin and Gura were about to help them- selves, a flash of a torchlight was seen in the front ‘compound. : “Who the hell is that?” shouted Collin. “That is not the way to talk in the New Year,” was the reply. “Oh, Asoka.” Collin went with hands. outstretched. “Come, come, please come.” ; Gura hid himself behind the door in case Collin did not wish him to be seen there. ; “What the hell are you doin s Alone? Why didn’t you cotne home??? asked Asoka stepping’ in. -“To be blackguarded by the, old codger on the New Year day? Not me unless he réforms himself.” “Oh, father was very nice today. You should have seen him.” ef “Then he must have had a couple of drinks. It is only then that he becomes reasonable.” “Well, you’re not wrong.” : Asoka pulled off his blue blazer. coat, threw it on the couch and reclined on it. 19“What about a drink for you? Where is Gura? Gura, where are you?” shouted Collin. “T am here,” Gura came out of his hiding place and saluting Asoka, grected him, “Happy New Year to you, Bandara Hamudyruwane.” “Same to you, and how are you?” ‘Just cxisting. Counting the days to go to the grave.” “Nonsense. You have to count long. What are you doing behind the door?” “Always in public service, Bandara Hamudiruwane.” “Of course, of course. What about a drink for Gura?” “He, is observing sil” remarked Collin. “That is in the temple—not here. What do you say, Gura?” “That is so, Bandara Hamuduruwane. Tn any case today is the New Year.” : “Thai’s right. That’s right.” Collin poured out the drinks. ~~ “Gura, don’t think that I am a habitual drunkard. This is only for sthe, New Year,” Asoka said, evidently becoming ‘énscidus of his high office. “I take a drink only in a select company.” “Of course, of course. We arg,all like that. For me, it’s an honour to have a sip’ With great people like yourself,” added Gura and gulped down his drink. “How do you, like the drink?” asked Asoka. “It is like Nectat. I have never tasted the like before.” andawend Redes ae The trio laughed hilariously. ° Asoka was certainly a very handsome young man: very much better looking than, Collin. Asoka, younger and healthier, H¢ was stdiitér and his feat more pleasant. His physiqié was well proportioned, and he had an authoritative poise. He was now weatihg a checked sarong and a white silk shirt. He would have Jooked very much nicer in trousers. © “What about a bite now?” suggested Collin. “You carry on. But how did you manage the dinner? All are in our place.” 20“TI do everything according to.a plan. I know that the good people in this house would be busy observing the wrétcliéd New Year rituals and I ordered my dinner from the Buhari.”....., i “That might be sufficient only for one. You go ahead. V’ll go home.” ~ ee “Don’t worry, 1 always make allowances for Casual= ties. If those fools in this house were lucky, they would have shared all these,” Collin said uncovering the dishes, od. hose ¢ “Gosh! This is a feast,” said Asoka. “What about the others?” “Surely your old man would not allow them to leave the house without pressing them to eat.” \. dihat is true. They are in for a grand feast. But no : fowl and no buriyani. They have venison, ghee rice and jak. Come, come, Gura.” 7 “Who is cooking in the Walawwa, Hamuduruwane?” “Why, Ranmenika? She is a wonderful. cook.” “Must be very old. She is very much older than I.” “You, don’t look that old Gura,” remarked Collin. “All but my wife say the same.” ‘ “Your wife might be having other interests to tell you such a lie.” “Aiyo, no Hamuduruwane. She is the type that will jump into her husband’s grave.” “All wives say so, but I have not seen any doing that yet,” said Asoka, “Some remarry even before the three months’ alms-giving is over,” said Collin. “If you know my wife, you will not say that.of her. She does not even take her eyes off me.”” “Is she. so suspicious .of you?” “No. She loves me so much.” “Anyway, be careful of neighbours.” wre, “What neighbours! We are living in a Idnely’ place, in a portion Of land given us by the Registrar Hamu- durucwo 2? 2L