He kept making many signals to the serestadar, but the serestadar, seeing Bhojkat, feared he might have to cough up some money, so, casting aside his fear of the sahib, he said, “Huzoor, there is absolutely no need for this case to proceed.” The sahib, at the serestadar’s words, leaned back and began biting his nails, lost in thought. At this moment, Borda Babu quietly and patiently explained the real facts of his case once again. No sooner had the sahib heard this than he took the testimony of Beni Babu and Ramlal, and from their statements, the complaint was revealed to be entirely false and was dismissed. Before the order was even pronounced, Thakchacha, with a “cho!” bolted out at a run. Borda Babu, saluting the magistrate sahib, came out of the court. When the session ended, everyone began to praise him, but he paid no heed to their words, nor did he feel any elation at winning the case; instead, he quietly took Beni Babu and Ramlal by the hand and boarded the boat.

16. Introduction to Thakchacha’s House, His Wife, and Their Conversation, Including Baburam Babu’s Summons and Their Discussion on Safeguarding Their Interests

Thakchacha’s house was on the outskirts of the city—on either side, lotus ponds, and in front, a pir’s shrine. Inside the compound stood a granary, and in the yard, ducks and chickens roamed about day and night. From early morning, all sorts of shady characters would swarm to that place. To get his work done, Thakchacha would don many guises—sometimes soft, sometimes stern, sometimes smiling, sometimes sullen, sometimes displaying piety, sometimes showing off his strength. When the day’s business was over, he would bathe, eat, and then sit beside his wife, puffing away at the bidri hookah with a deep “bhoror,” filling the air with tobacco smoke. At that time, husband and wife would share all the joys and sorrows of their lives.

Thakchachi was highly respected among the womenfolk of the neighborhood—they believed she was well-versed in spells, charms, enchantments, love potions, death curses, exorcisms, talismans, magic tricks, and all sorts of occult arts. For this reason, women of all kinds would always come to her, whispering and confiding in her. Like husband, like wife—both Thakchacha and Thakchachi were a perfect match: the husband earned by his wits, the wife by her knowledge.

...earns money. A woman who earns her own living always has a bit of pride; it’s hard for her to give her husband unqualified respect. That’s why Thakchacha had to endure a scolding or two from his wife now and then. Thakchachi, sitting on a cane stool, asked:

“You wander here and there every day—what good does that do for me or my Lerkabala? You’re always saying you have a lot of work in hand, but does that fill our bellies? My heart longs to strut about, decked in gold and silver, among the best of the courtesans, but I don’t see a single coin, not even a rupee. You’re always coming and going like a debtor—then just sit quietly in the house. Thakchacha, a little irritated, replied:

“What can I say about my efforts? You can’t even imagine how much I scheme—how many tricks, how many plots, how many plans! Sometimes the prey is almost in my grasp, then slips away again. Of course, if the prey came quickly—”

While this conversation was going on, a maid arrived and said, “Someone has come from Baburam Babu’s house to call you.”

Thakchacha immediately looked at his wife and said, “See, Babus call for me all the time—nothing gets done without my advice. I’ll seize my chance when the time is right.”

Baburam Babu was sitting in the drawing room. Nearby sat Banchharam Babu of Simla, Benibabu of Bali, and Becharam Babu of Bowbazar, chatting together. Thakchacha entered and took his seat as the chief guest.

Baburam: “Thakchacha! Good that you’ve come—the matter just isn’t getting resolved. With all these lawsuits, we’re getting entangled in endless troubles. Now, what’s the way to save our property and estate?”