Barrister Parvateesam

Just looking at them sent chills down my spine and filled me with fear. But as I observed them more closely, I felt that even in those things, there was a certain beauty. How strange! Why did the Creator mix such venom and grotesque forms with beauty? After wandering for a while longer, looking at various other kinds, my legs began to give way. Having spent two or three hours patiently roaming about, and seeing that there was still much left to see, we decided to call it a day and turned back. Our manager, taking pity on us, led us to a nearby tea shop and treated us to tea and snacks.

After finishing our refreshments, we stepped outside and got into our car. I felt that I wouldn't be able to set foot on the ground again unless I went home and took off my shoes. But my far-sighted manager, as if to say that this little excursion wasn't enough, took us to the great park in the city—Hyde Park, as it is called—and made us stroll there for a while.

Here, there were all sorts of trees and flowers, and many strange plants with leaves of vivid colors, all arranged beautifully and appearing here and there. It seems that for recreation in this park, all the great and important people come, riding in carriages or even on horseback! To see it all thoroughly would take a whole day or two, I thought. With so many places to visit in this city, if one were to see each spot, it would take days on end. Especially this city of London—from one end to the other, just to see it all, it would take a whole year, I felt. Therefore, I decided that I would have to see the rest of this city at leisure, some other time.

With these thoughts, dragging my feet, I walked slowly. Then my wife—no, my mistake—our manager, came up gently beside me and said, “What is it, dear? Are you having trouble? Are your feet hurting? Is it difficult to walk? Your face too looks tired and worn out. Never mind, let us end it here for today and go home,” she said, placing her hand on my shoulder and looking at me kindly.

For some reason, I felt rather sad at her hospitality. Outwardly, I put on a grave face and said, “It’s quite all right, madam. If the others who came with us still wish to see around, please show them. I’ll just sit here for a while,” I added, feeling embarrassed.

“Oh no, not at all! What are you saying? I have work to do at this hour. I’ve seen enough for now. We can come another time. Let’s head to the lodging,” she said, leading the way to the car. We got into the car and reached our lodging in about half an hour.

There, my friend Menon was waiting just for me, sitting patiently. On seeing me, he smiled and quietly came with me into my room. As soon as I entered, I first took off my college shoes and put them aside, then removed my socks as well. Sensing my discomfort, Menon went into the bathroom and advised me, “Wash your feet with hot water and keep them in the warm water for a while. The pain will be drawn out. I’ll wait here until you’re done—take your time.”

Agreeing, I hobbled slowly to the bathroom, unable to put my foot down properly. Following Menon’s advice, I soaked my feet in hot water for about a quarter of an hour. By the time I finished, I felt much better—the pain seemed to have been washed away for the most part. I dried my feet and returned to my room.

“How are your feet now? Are you feeling any better? Has the pain subsided?” Menon asked. “Thanks to your kindness, the pain has reduced a lot. If I rest tonight, I think it will be much better by tomorrow. But I was planning to travel tonight, wasn’t I?” I replied.

“Even if you’re delayed by a day or two, nothing will be lost. There’s still some time before you have to join college. So don’t rush—you can leave tomorrow. Let’s think if there’s anything else you need to buy here. Sit down,” he said. After I sat down, he paused for two minutes and then asked, “Do you have enough clothes? Can you manage in this cold? You’re not facing any trouble, are you?”

“It’s quite cold, sir. It’s hard to bear,” I replied. “I’m asking about your clothes—what do you have?”

Barrister Parvateesam

“Tell me honestly, did you have that suit stitched in India?” he asked.

It certainly looks like it. It won’t do here. No matter how cold it gets, if you wear a suit stitched in that style, everyone here will laugh at you. Then he asked, “Is there an undergarment beneath your suit?”

I didn’t understand what he meant. I turned pale and looked at him questioningly.

“Did you wear the suit directly on your body? Is there nothing underneath?” he said.

“There’s nothing else,” I replied.

He was taken aback. “That’s a big mistake. In a country like this, it’s very risky. The undergarments here are made to cling to the skin, like a vest. You must wear them on your body and legs too. Otherwise, it’s quite dangerous. So, first, you must see to these clothes. Tomorrow morning, I’ll come and take you to the bazaar. You can buy whatever you need. Tomorrow, or at the latest the day after, have a hearty meal, sleep comfortably, and you’ll rest well. This discomfort will go away. I’ll come and meet you in the morning. Good night,” he said, and left.

Just as he said, I ate my meal right away and lay down. I didn’t even have the patience to sit up. What will I have to buy tomorrow? How much