Meet the Kundras
Madhubala Rishabh Kundra lives a quiet life, the way of living fundamental to a demotivated human. No, she is not counting her days till death. Rather, she has accepted her fate and its shortcomings. She is passive and observant in her ways; calm and collected, compassionate and decisive. Yet, she is no angel.
She has made her share of mistakes, blunders if you like. But, it is not in her nature to regret. "What has passed cannot be changed", she says. "And, what the future stores cannot be predicted". So, she lives in the now, listening more than talking, receiving more than asking.
All this has made you one confused reader and I am sure of it. Let me de-clutter the built up of a beautiful persona. Madhubala works as an elementary school teacher in the heart of the many Marathi Buddhist monasteries. Her pupils range from bald headed monk children to chirpy urbanites. She claims to love them all equally. Keep in mind, there is no evidence to support her claims. In fact, looking at her facial expression right before class, one would hypothesize a rather uninterested educator who is forced to work a job that undermines her abilities. "While that may be true", she said during her interview, "there is no place else I would rather be. I wish to be surrounded by children. They make me happy".
Her honest reply raised some red flags with the school panel. Recent cases of abuse had them questioning if they were hiring a sex offender. Do not scoff, it is fairly unusual to hear such an answer from a woman who could be earning twice as much for doing half as much work.
"Buddham Saranam Gacchami", she sings. The children hum to the tune not knowing what the lyrics mean.
"Teacher, I got you this". A little one hands her a lotus flower which she cheerfully adorns in her hair.
"Thank you. Let us pray and only pray when the teacher says so Siddharth", she pats his head and the child close their eyes like obedient disciples.
The meditation ends after a silence of two minutes. The students are given the beginner's puzzles of Zen; something not in their curriculum and possibly beyond their capabilities. But, try to tell Madhu that and she will convince you why curiosity is reason enough to pursue anything.
While the children mutter in the shade, she takes a brisk walk around the banyan trees. A peon comes rushing down with a cell phone.
"Maidum ji aap ka phone".
She nods in a thank you. The static on the other side gives way to a nervous, cracking voice. "Hello, Bhabhi ji, Chief is very angry. I don't know what to do. I think he is going to fire me. I am scared. Please help".
She breathes in the dust and its tiniest life forms. There is so much to be grateful for yet, her husband pinpoints all the reasons he should not be.
"You are who you surround yourself with", she speaks slowly in an audible tone. Bittuji notes the lack of emotion in her voice. She has told him many times to quit the job and find a workplace where his skills are respected. But, he would not leave his Chief to a fate like that of Caesar.
She continues after reading his desperation, "take the liquor away. Get Sara to come home early and buy him a video game, not the violent kind. Good luck".
She waits for him to hang up and he does so quietly. Another day passes in the Kundra mansion where no one answers the questions painted on every forehead. What went wrong?
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
