Rani

One who is of no use is not named. So, Chachiji thought of giving her name to the goat- Rani. It was anticipatory, like naming of a fort by an ailing emperor on his name. And hence, began the tale of two Ranis.

Rani Chachiji’s arrival was rejoiced, her beauty praised, her qualities counted. Amma boasted, "Cow gave a litre milk more from her tender palms." Amma swayed with closed eyes and recounted a long taken loan was cleared after her marriage. (Though, it was because of hefty dowry). Chachiji’s arrival was celebrated as that of goddess Lakshmi.

Rani, the goat, was pearly white furred, a black spot near her eye, like a mole on beauty. She was bought on the ninth day of Navratri. I remember, she came with hands and legs tied, her body crossed over Chachaji's neck. Amma clapped like a child. All my siblings played with her, often pulling her pointed ears, or caressing her fur. Rani, the goat was elegant, like a bride. Despite Chachiji's distaste, Chachaji cooked delicious chicken that day, aroma of masalas still reminiscent in my mind.

"It's Navratri. Can't you wait for a day?" Chachiji reckoned him in her newly discovered voice.

"Devi Maa has gifted us a goat…, I can't believe how cheaply I managed to buy it. Now you don't stop me from celebrating." Chachaji glared at Chachi. While she pressed her lips, little did she knew, Chachaji was celebrating her best friend's arrival.

Time passed smoothly, we were prosperous, things were easy-going. Everything was usual for once; Chachiji cooked deliciously, Chachaji earned higher, Amma was in good health, except a grievous reality. It had been three years of marriage and Chachiji couldn't conceive a child. Amma often taunted, "If we knew, we wouldn't have made this relation." Chachaji won't utter a word. Amma would often complain about dearth of dowry, or Chachiji being of no use. But over the years Chachi had grown thick skinned. She had found solace in caressing Rani, the goat. She had developed a mother-like affection for the white beauty. She would feed her, every time the goat bleated, often kiss her when she felt lonely. Rani, the goat grew increasingly dependent on Chachiji. She would look at Chachi from the wall that separated animal shed to our home. She would lick her, touch her pocky nose to Chachiji's cheeks, and nuzzle her in childish ways. The two had a bond of love, that was absent in their lives.

"The two useless together" Amma once taunted. Chachaji's expressions that of agreement.

It was strange but Rani, the goat suffered from same 'curse'. She could not conceive, nor give a drop of milk. Three goats, each more masculine than the other had penetrated her body, but nothing came except the pain.

"It's hurting." Chachiji would chide, tears held in her eyes.

Chachaji would then beat the goat with a slender wooden stick. Maybe to hurt Chachi, make her feel the agony.

One morning it was decided to visit the doctor. Chachiji tensely did her little makeup while Chachaji barbed, "Make it faster, they might write some tests."

While Rani, the goat's bleat were calm and musical, like wishing luck to her friend. It was also decided, on the same day, a veterinary doctor would come to examine the goat.

Tests were done. Rani Chachiji praying in whispers, "Hai bhagwan…". Rani, the goat bleating, maybe chanting the same prayers. Our home was filled with silence. Amma swaying, sitting in her cot, often muttering "Oh God! Please lift this curse".

The reports came. It was horrifying. Chachaji's actions that followed and, results of report were reflected in his anger. Both the Ranis were infertile, they would never conceive.

Chachaji started abusing. Amma joined her, "I knew it… she is a…". Words of anguish filled the house. Chachiji cried pathetically, crushing her nails against the skin. Rani, the goat could feel the commotion, she too cried in her pitched bleat. Trying to break rope that tied round her neck, hurting herself and crying profoundly.

"And we pet this goat…" Chachaji screamed in vexation. "I will butcher it…"

"Reap what is sowed" Amma added.

Chachaji rushed to a room, and in a moment appeared with a sickle. And jumped through the wall of animal shed, and landed in front of Rani. His eyes terrorising and veins on head distinct. The goat continued to scream, her horrified voice echoing.

Just then, out of the blues, Chachiji landed. She snatched the sickle from Chachaji's hand and threw it, joined her hands up to the elbows. Her tears unstoppable, agony filled in her voice, "Please…., please…. For God sake" she burbled in broken words.

Chachaji's anger doubled. He took hold of Chachi's hair and slapped her, then threw her aside. Again got hold of her head and slapped twice. He pulled her hands, dragged her through the house, breaking her bangles and throwing her inside a room.

That evening we didn't have our food, everyone in the house cried. "Leave her now…" Amma had banged the door. Even neighbours inquired the hustle. Often hindering to intervene or speak about it. Everyone blamed the goat. Calling it 'Satan in white'.

Chachaji came out of the room furious. His eyes red, his breath deeper and movement ferocious. He went straight out of the house. No one went inside to see Chachi. Maybe due to fear of Chachaji or fear on seeing immeasurable hurting injuries. All my siblings wept quietly and we slept.

Next day, the house was in peace like a winter morning. No animal cried for food and no babble of Chachiji weeping floor. I remained in my bed, feared to see what would have happened. Later a distinctly pitched Amma's voice shook everyone, "Haye, She ran away… my bahu ran away… and she took the goat with her…"

And the two Ranis fled for their kingdom.