RETRIBUTION

Anu Chopra

(Submitted on January 15, 2000)

Anu shared a special relationship with God.

She used to have long talks with Him, argue with Him and fight with Him. In fact she felt like a lawyer arguing her brief with Him. Of course, God was a benevolent judge, mostly He let her win but sometimes He ruled against her. Anu would fight, sulk and not talk to him for days but with no other resort would turn to Him again.

Anu also strongly believed in the policy that if you do good something good will happen to you but if you do evil a major catastrophe will fall on you. She strongly held God responsible for this policy.

31st December was coming. There was madness everywhere. What was the most happening party? What should she wear? Anu was really excited. Her circle of friends was a group of fifteen couples and she was sure at least one of them would be able to wangle 15 invitations.

But then Anu thought what would her mentor want her to do? With just one week left she thought she would do one good deed a day. For a change Anu did not set exacting standards for herself. It could be anything from giving a beggar money or donating anything in charity or even buying her maid's daughter a frock. Anu continued her good deeds, certain that God would reward her. He did. The most happening party was being thrown by her friend Dipali. The DJ was coming from a hotshot disc and Anu was certain all 15 passes would be hers. Dipali called her up and told her that she had kept 10 passes for her "But I need 15" wailed Anu. Dipali was firm "I have to invite 600 people, Anu. I am sorry, but at least come and collect those 10 passes." Anu knew the reason. The reason they were not invited was that the five did not meet Dipali's exacting standards of money. Anyway Anu went to Dipali's house. Dipali wasn't at home, but the maid gave her the passes. Anu asked to use the loo. In the loo, she noticed something sticking out of one of the closet drawers. In the top drawer were lying a bundle of passes! Anu quickly stole five, put them in her purse and went home. There was a spring in her step and a song on her lips. I have taught that snooty Dipali a lesson, and I have done my good deed of the day. I have got my passes for my friends.

That night Anu could not sleep. She was certain God would punish her for stealing.

God did. Just before the party, Anu fell and sprained her foot. But Anu was still happy. She thought she had been let off lightly. All 30 of them landed at Dipali's party proudly displaying their invitations. It was a big party, with lovely fireworks. Anu could not dance but she watched everyone dance and of course sitting alone there was time to talk to her favourite person, God.