Free The Crow Eaters by Bapsi Sidhwa Page B

this seclusion was religiously enforced, she was able to enjoy her idleness without guilt.
    Putli spent her time crocheting or tatting. She left the room only to use the bathroom. Then she would loudly proclaim her intention and call, ‘I am coming. I want to pass urine,’ or, as the case might be, ‘I want to wash.’
    In either case, if Jerbanoo or Freddy were at the prayer table they anxiously shouted, ‘Wait!’
    Hastily finishing their prayers they scurried out of the room and called back.
    ‘All right, you can come now.’
    Once the all-clear was sounded, Putli made a beeline for the bathroom, carefully shading her face with a shawl from the prayer table.
    She was served meals in her cubicle. A tin plate and spoon, reserved for the occasion, were handed over by the servant boy. She knew she couldn’t help herself to pickles or preserves for they would spoil at her touch. Flowers, too, were known to wilt when touched by women in her condition.
    The family was permitted to speak to her through closed doors, or, in an emergency, even directly. Provided they bathed from head to foot and purified themselves afterwards.
    Freddy spent five harrowing days. Without Putli, the strainof being courteous to Jerbanoo was almost unbearable. However, his mind was functioning once again and the extreme stage of depression passed. He set a new date for the target. Sunday, 22nd March. This would see the New Year through merrily at least. The New Year was on the 21st.
    By the time Putli emerged from the
other room
Freddy was convinced that the delay had been for the best. Given another seven days, the plans he had set in motion had time to jell. Yes, he reflected, the 15th might have been a trifle premature.
    Freddy prudently told his auditors that the books were not quite ready and he would bring them the following Friday.
    The 21st passed happily. They started the New Year with a visit to the Fire Temple, lunched with the Chaiwallas, and after a long drive, congregated at the Bankwallas for dinner.
    Next morning, worn out by the excesses of the previous day, the family slept late. It was Sunday, 22nd March.

Chapter 10
    FREDDY alone was up early. He went down to the store and, working behind closed shutters, quickly packed two large cardboard cases with all the cigars, caviar and other costly items he could lay his hands on. Placing the cartons by the landing door downstairs, he went up and had a bath. Only then did he hear the household stir to life.
    Now that the moment was upon him, Freddy was calm. And more than calm, in a mild state of elation. Just before lunch was served, he announced merrily:
    ‘We are all going to the Toddywallas after the meal. They are expecting us for a game of cards. We’ll take the boy along – he will keep an eye on the children.’
    The children were overjoyed. They loved playing with the Toddywalla brood.
    ‘All right,’ assented Putli.
    ‘I’m not coming,’ said Jerbanoo.
    ‘But you like cards! Come on, you’ll enjoy yourself,’ pleaded Putli.
    ‘I’m too tired from yesterday. You all carry on. I’ll catch up on my sleep.’
    ‘Oh, just this once, Mother! You can catch up on your sleep tomorrow. We’re still in a holiday mood. Do come along.’
    Freddy, unperturbed by Putli’s coaxing, refilled Jerbanoo’s glass with port wine. He knew Jerbanoo would never accompany them.
    Freddy had singled out Mr Toddywalla for an invitation because he knew Jerbanoo did not get along with Soonamai, Mr Toddywalla’s mother-in-law. He did not know the exactcause of the enmity between them but made a shrewd guess.
    At first the two mothers-in-law got along like a house on fire. Soonamai’s relationship with her son-in-law was conspicuously cordial. Capitalising on this to point out to Putli and Freddy how well Mr Toddywalla treated his mother-in-law, Jerbanoo had enjoyed many a glorious scene at the cost of Freddy’s discomfiture. She had poured out her tales of woe to Soonamai, who had listened