Rebel 1.0

By Ashok KR

Loki was busy with his books, writings, thoughts of rebellion. His thoughts revolves around armed revolution. He want to see the reformed society, he tries to chose the path to reform it.
Poorni entered his life in style, she kindled the feeling of love in his life.
Did Loki quit the path of rebellion for his love life?
Did he succeed in his idea of reforming society?
Is this just Loki's story

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashok KR
• Release date: Sep 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463616048

Ashok KR

Doctor by Profession Writing is my passion Reading is addiction Photography is my hobby!

Book preview

It was two in the morning when Loki finished reading ‘Bhagath Singh’ written by G. Ramakrishna. He had planned to read Mahatma Gandhiji’s autobiography at a stretch; went to sleep as he had to attend tomorrow’s class at eight. Loki was trying to sleep.. He rolled from one end of the double cot to the other. He opened his eyes; room was lit with zero candle bulb. In the dull light he gazed at his late grandfather’s photo hung on the wall with some spider webs at its lower margin. Bhagath Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev were of my grandpa’s age right? Should discuss this topic with Poorni tomorrow.

One incidence in the book made a great impact on Loki. It was an incident between Chandrashekar Azad and Rajguru. At their hideout, Rajguru hung a calendar. A fashion model’s photo increased the beauty of the calendar. Azad lost his temper when he saw the calendar. In anger he tore the calendar as he considered ‘photos like these will decrease our will power’. Rajguru in a low tone replied ‘we are here to create something beautiful. How can we create beauty by destroying beauty?’ Loki fell asleep by thinking about the significance of Rajguru’s reply.

* * *

Anna get up fast. It’s already seven. Dad is calling Sneha shouted from the door.

I slept at three. Wake me up after half an hour Loki murmured.

Hmmm. Your wish. I will inform dad

After two minutes he heard his father’s voice Loki, come in here. In a flash Loki was in the hall.

Just now Vijay’s school authorities had called me. They asked me to come to the school at the earliest. Don’t know what has happened to Viji. Get ready

Is he not well?

Not sure. They didn’t tell anything, just asked me to come at the earliest. Assured me that nothing serious has happened

In Mysore-Mandya road, after crossing Kalastavadi there is a dhaba on the left side. Next to the dhaba there is ‘Xavier sadan’ building. Travelling half a kilometre on a small tar road that runs between the dhaba and Xavier sadan leads to the huge gate of ‘Nehru VidyaSamsthe’. Inside the gate the cement road leads to a water fountain – which works only during functions – where the road bifurcates; the right side road leads to the hostel, left one leads us to the school block.

It was 8:30 am when Loki and his father Shivashankar reached the school. Shivashankar’s heart beat increased when he saw a police jeep in front of Principal’s office. He rushed to the principal’s office with Loki.

How is my son sir? Where is he? What happened?

Nothing to worry about Vijay sir. Please take your seat. By the way this is Inspector Vikram Principal pointed to the person who was sitting in front of him.

Both greeted each other. Loki keenly observed Vikram, ‘I have seen him somewhere. Where?’ Vikram identified Loki. He leaned towards the Principal and said in a low tone Sir, this boy could create problem. Better to send him out. Principal with sweat on his forehead nodded, turned towards Loki and asked him to wait outside for a while. Loki was still searching for Vikram’s face in his memory and walked out of the Principal’s office. Only then he realised the mistake. Why was I sent out of the office room?! Am I not old enough to understand school children’s problems? It appeared that Vikram said something to the Principal and then Principal asked me to move out. Oh! Vikram! Inspector Vikram! I had met him when I was in first B.A. How could I forget him so soon......

Chapter 2

Loki joined BA after completing PUC. In a short time, third year student Syed became his friend. He was an idealist like Loki and more than that he was also an atheist! Loki used to spend at least one hour a day with Syed. Of course that was before Poorni’s friendship. Both these atheists first met on the day of GaneshaChaturthy. Syed spoke about the highness of lord Ganesha, he spoke for more than half an hour quoting numerous Sanskrit shlokas. After pooja and distribution of prasada, Loki went to Syed and asked him How come being a Muslim you are so well aware of Ganesha, Sanskrit shlokas? Are you interested in Hindu religion?

I do not wish to spoil your mood on the day of festival. Can we talk about it some other time? Syed said with a smile and left.

A week after Ganesha’s birthday it was Loki’s birthday. He never had the practice of celebrating his birthday, the culture of birthday celebrations was not part of their family. While studying PUC Loki developed the habit of seeking money from his father on the day of birthday in the disguise of throwing a party to his friends. Usually he used to buy a book costing less than hundred rupees. He used to give the remaining money to some beggars. This time he bought a book, but he had decided not to give money to beggar; but instead he wanted to offer a meal to a poor person. With these thoughts he was walking down the Sayyaji Rao road. Just opposite the IndraBhavan hotel he saw a person begging. His both legs were lost. Left hand was lost. Can I bring you something to eat? Loki went near him and asked. How can I eat without money saami he replied. ‘Just and equal society is just a utopian dream?’ Brushing aside his thoughts Loki lifted him up in his hands and entered the Indrabhavan. People stared at Loki.

People inside the hotel looked at Loki with an irksome smile on their faces. Diagonally across two chairs in front of Loki a girl was sitting in a vacant table. She saw Loki with beggar in his arms moving towards her. In a splash she kept her vanity bag on the chair and turned towards Loki. ‘You people don’t deserve to sit here’ her eyes said to Loki. ‘You don’t deserve to have us sit in front of you’ Loki answered with his eyes, went near the wash basin behind that table. Washed his hands, helped the beggar to wash his hands, and went near a table away from the girl and seated the beggar.

The waiters of the hotel were surprised. They had seen people throwing some coins to Aravinda, but none had brought him to hotel. A waiter rushed to the table What can I get you sir?

What will you have sir? By the way, your name?

Aravinda he was still not able to perceive the things that were happening. He had tears in his eyes.

Hmmm. What will you have Aravind sir?

Whatever you wish to order sir

Ok. Bring two freshly made sweets. Two plate vade sambhar. Rest we will order later

Ok sir waiter took four steps, turned back to Loki Sir I had one question. You should not feel bad. Syed entered the hotel, but Loki didn’t see him. Syed was surprised to see his college mate with a beggar.

Ask, Loki was saying

I had seen many people who gave coins or some money to our Aravinda. But no one had brought him inside the hotel. Can I ask why? Just curious

Today is my birthday. Previously I used to give some amount to one or two beggars to celebrate my birthday. I felt like offering food today. That’s it.

People spend birthday with family, with friends. Or else they go to temple, get pooja done and they will put some money in hundi. The way you are celebrating is just great sir

I don’t see any greatness. Till date I am an atheist, I don’t visit temples. Instead of catering people with full stomach I prefer to feed a spoon to the hungry one. Moreover I find solace in this deed. Probably others find peace with their deeds? You want to satisfy our apetite with your words or will you bring some food?

In a minute sir waiter wiped the tear drops and entered the kitchen. Aravinda kept his right hand on his heart and wished Loki. His tears were flowing fast. Don’t cry Aravind sir. I hate people who cry Loki saw that Aravind’s right hand missed two fingers. Loki felt like crying. One second, I have to go to toilet he excused himself, went to toilet and wiped his eyes with the handkerchief. His moist eyes failed to see Syed.

Loki had some food, talked a little with aravind and then left. Syed who sat there observing Loki all the while left later with Roopa. For many more months he didn’t realise that it was Roopa who humiliated Loki when he entered the hotel.

* * *

Syed recalled Loki’s words. His words echoed repeatedly. Syed had an ego of being idealistic, he always believed that he was the only student in his college with ideals and principles. His ego was busted today. On the occasion of Shivarathri he had given a speech last year. After the speech a guy approached him It appears that you have tremendous interest in Hindu religion. If you come with me I would be happy to arrange your conversion to our religion, he said. Will see Sir Syed said with a smile and managed to get away from him. Two days back when Loki talked to him after Ganeshachaturthi speech Syed thought that he is here to convert him to Hindu sect. But what he saw today gave a different perspective about Loki's personality. He thought one should not decide one's character based on a single incident. 'I find solace in this work. What’s so great about it?' Syed was attracted towards Loki's simplicity. ‘Should talk to him once’.

There is a basketball court in the premises of Maharaja Pu College. Small kids practice skating in that basketball court in the evening. Kids are accompanied by their elders, usually grandfather or grandmother on weekdays, parents on weekends. Whenever he felt sad, Loki used to sit on a stone bench opposite the ground. The way the new skaters learn, the way experienced skaters showed their talent in front of new comers gave some relief to Loki. Syed saw him from a distance and came near him.

Hi Lokesh. How come here? Alone?

Nothing special Syed. Whenever I feel sad I come here. It has become a sort of habbit now. Seeing this small kids helps to overcome my sadness

That's true. Shall we go for a coffee?

Canteen is closed. Is there any other hotel here?

Oh! By hearing the word Hotel I remembered yesterday's incident. I saw you in the Indrabhavan hotel. I heard your words Syed said with a smile.

I didn't see you Loki said shyly.

I was sitting with Roopa behind you

'Who is Roopa? ‘Loki felt like asking, but avoided. Syed continued That day, on the day of GaneshaChaturthi when you asked many questions, I felt that you are trying to convert me into Hindu religion!

Is it? Why? A Muslim having such a good knowledge about Hindu gods is quite rare right? That curiosity made me ask those questions. How is that related to conversion?

You are right. There is a reason. Last time one guy approached me with similar questions and finally advised me to get converted. I don't think it is wrong to understand fellow religions. I don't think religious books speak against it

Hmmm. Even I have the desire to read Quran. Last week I saw a Kannada copy of Quran in Nava Karnataka book house, it was bit heavier for my pocket! Placed it safely back into the book shelf

Oye! You read Religious books? After listening to you in the hotel I thought you are an atheist

Till date I am an atheist. Atheists are not barred from reading religious books. One should grasp good things from everything

Our thoughts are so much similar. I think one of my relative has a Kannada Quran. Will get it sometime

Thanks. You forgot about the Coffee thing!

Ha Ha It was a pretext to start the conservation. I don't think I need excuses to talk to you from now on. Ok Loki, It’s already seven. We will go for coffee some other time. I will introduce Roopa. She will definitely like your personality

'Who is Roopa?' question rose for the second time, disappeared while it reached the vocal cords. Skating kids had gone home. ‘Who could be Roopa?’, thought Loki, ‘Friend? Lover? Who else were present in the hotel on that day? There was this girl who saw us with a disgusting look. Syed says Roopa will like my personality. Probably some other girl. Should have come with Syed while we were having food’.

‘How come I don't have any contact with any girl! Could have spoken for hours if I had a friend or Lover. I could have discussed all things if she understood my feelings! Che! Why am I like this? Why have I taken this idealistic path instead of roaming behind girls? Can I really achieve something with these ideals? Or at least will I follow my ideals till the end or will I get absorbed into the norms of the society? Everyone says in home, 'We can't understand your character'. Thing is even I have not understood my character. Three days a week I think about ideals, principles, revolution. On remaining days I think about girls. I lose my mind frequently, but no one knows it except me. Whenever I think about girls, my mind drives like a mad horse. I feel shy to talk about girls with others. I feel shy to share my feelings with others. My classmates who don't have any idea about the turmoil in my mind usually say that 'Loki doesn't have any interest in girls!' Do they think that I am a gay or a guy without hormones! Sometimes I feel that to maintain my brand image that is being imposed on me, I avoid conversation with girls. My classmates think that I am a 'budding revolutionary'. Probably I act like a principled guy for the sake of that name. I don't know why, whenever I speak to some girl - rarely - my voice becomes harsh. 'Revolutionaries' voice should be tough and harsh! My imagination! Forget about big changes that I have caused in the society, I have not brought any minor change in my lifestyle or family. Why should I have the 'Revolutionary' crown? Am I losing myself to maintain my brand image as depicted in others mind?’ With all these unanswerable questions and endless thoughts Loki started home.

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