For Bullet and Poppet summer meant Mangoes with a capital M. Could anything be more luscious than a ripe, juicy mango? Or a tangy green one?
They were spending their summer holidays with Suju-pati. Her garden, full of mangoes, was a dream. What’s more, Sanju uncle was here on a visit with his dog Spotty. Suju-pati hated dogs. But she couldn’t very well object when her only brother’s son was visiting her after years! Bullet and Poppet loved Spotty.
“I love these mangoes,” said Sanju uncle looking at a tree. “And athai’s mango pickles are the best I’ve ever tasted.”
“Yes,” agreed Bullet.
“The pickle jars are on the terrace,” informed Poppet.
“I’m sure athai wouldn’t mind if we tasted a teeny piece,” said Sanju uncle.
“I’ll fetch some,” said Bullet and soon returned with a big jar.
“Oooh!” said Sanju uncle taking off the glass lid and peering inside.
Suju-pati called them from the kitchen. “Poppet! Go and dust the drawing room and don’t let Spotty turn the place upside down, for goodness’ sake.”
“Yes, pati,” said Poppet. “Bullet, come and help.”
Spotty bounded into the room after them.
“Hello Spotty,” said Poppet. “What have you got in your mouth?”
Spotty calmly dropped a wriggling caterpillar right in the middle of Suju-pati’s flower vase.
“Ugh!” cried Poppet with a shudder, “You’re always doing it!”
“First it was a huge worm in Suju-pati’s mat and then the twigs in her water jug!” said Bullet with a chuckle. “No wonder pati hates the sight of you!”
“Dogs will be dogs!” said Sanju uncle. “Poppet, who’s that walking-mountain at the gate? Surely not athai’s do-gooder pal?”
“Yes, it is Mrs. Thandavamurthi,” said Poppet, “She always comes at odd hours. I don’t think Suju-pati likes her much.”
“I’m not surprised,” said Sanju uncle frowning, “when I saw her last she spoke non-stop. Didn’t let athai get a word in edgewise and then made off with a lot of stuff.”
“Wonder what she wants this time,” said Bullet frowning.
“I’m leaving,” said Sanju uncle dumping the pickle jar on the window-sill. “You two can see to her. Where’s the lid, Bullet?”
“You must have left it in the garden,” said Poppet. They ran out to fetch it. Spotty followed.
A visitor
Shortly afterwards, Mrs. Thandavamurthi walked in. Seeing the twins in the garden, she called out to them. “Go and tell your pati that I’m here,” she said.
The twins scuttled in. Mrs. Thandavamurthi was always organising sales and parties for people who she felt needed it. Her visits inevitably meant collections. Most people were so scared of her speeches that they shelled out the money without argument.
“Suju-pati, your friend is here,” called out Poppet.
Suju-pati scoffed. Then she asked Mrs. Thandavamurthi, “What is it this time, Ambika?”
“Oh Sujatha, I need your help,” she said without preamble, “I am organising a party for harassed and hassled housewives and want a contribution of edibles this time.”
“What? I wasn’t aware that there were any,” said Suju-pati frowning, “why should any housewife be hassled or harassed unless she is a nincompoop? And such housewives neither need nor deserve parties!”
“Oh well, you know how hard housewives have to work!” said Mrs. Thandavamurthi. “I didn’t think you’d be so stingy and unsympathetic and grudge them a bit of food.”
“I don’t,” said Suju-pati, “I’ll make some poli and ulundu vadai if you like. Tell me a day earlier.”
Mrs. Thandavamurthi eyed the jar of mango pickle on the window-sill. “Actually I had come to ask you for your famous mango pickles. I’m sure they’d love it.”
Suju-pati looked blank. Bullet and Poppet nearly swooned. What calamity! That pickle took days to make and they couldn’t bear the thought of parting with it! The mangoes looked so luscious floating in a sea of oil with bits of chillies clinging to them! Giving it away was unthinkable!
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said Suju-pati after a pause. “It might cause them acidity.”
“I’m sure they wouldn’t like to fall sick!” added Poppet.
“Sick with pickles!” said Mrs. Thandavamurthi laughing. “What a joke! I’ll taste it right now,” and pulled out a piece.
“Funny shape!” remarked Bullet staring at the pickle.
“What’s that tail-like thing?” asked Poppet.
Mrs. Thandavamurthi looked at the pickle and screamed. The jar crashed on the floor spilling oil and bits of mangoes everywhere.
“It is a tiny mouse!” cried Bullet.
“A mouse in my pickle jar? What rubbish!” cried Suju-pati. “It’s not possible!”
“I suppose it was Spotty?” whispered Poppet.
“Shhhh,” said Bullet.
“Now Ambika will spread the story everywhere!” said Suju-pati.
“And hopefully never come again!” said Poppet.
By then Mrs. Thandavamurthi was already out of the gate!
Word List
Luscious: | Something that has a pleasingly rich, sweet taste. |
Wriggling: | Squirm, wiggle |
Edgewise: | As if by an edge |
Scuttled: | Run hurriedly with short, quick steps |
Unsympathetic: | Not showing approval or favour towards an idea or action. |
Swooned: | Fainted |
