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 Ramanathan was laughing his characteristic laugh. Soundless, but so powerful that it shook his emaciated frame all over. He was almost bent double over the issue of 'Kalki'. Pity Bapu did not understand too much of classical music. This could have been a good article to send him.
He pored over the earlier issues. There was a statement by T M Krishnaswami (TMK) Iyer that he was surprised that people had to agitate over Tamizh isai. He simply could not believe that Tamilians in their own region had to fight for their language.
Ramanathan had attended many of the Tiruppugazh bhajanais of TMK and knew of the love the man had for Tamizh. He also knew of the simple nature that was TMK’s. No wonder TMK could not understand what such Machiavellis as Sir VP were capable of doing. He picked up an old issue of 'Ananda Vikatan'. As he scanned its pages, he could see a photograph of Semmangudi, staring at him. He looked at the page with greater attention.
"I am willing to sing a concert full of Tamizh songs,” he had said. Now what could this mean? Was he finally siding with the Tamizh isai movement? Ramanathan read on. The report said Semmangudi had also gone on to say that while he had no objection in singing a concert full of Tamizh songs, he did not relish the idea of being forced to do so.
Fair enough. But why state an obvious fact that he was supporting Tamizh isai in such a roundabout fashion? Ramanathan was not convinced. The more he read and re-read the lines, the more he felt that Semmangudi was hedging his bets. He had to be convinced and made to see reason.
The matter could not be postponed any further. He knew that the evening's concert would probably be the last that he would be hearing of Seenu Iyer for some time to come. After all, he was planning to leave for Pune the next day and heaven knew what Bapu’s command was likely to be. He looked at his pocket watch. The time was 3.15 p.m.
Enough time to stop by at Coimbatore Krishna Iyer’s hotel for a snack and then walk down to the R R Sabha. He could have taken a tram from Mount Road and got off at Royapettah High Road, but he felt that it was an unwarranted luxury. If the concert went on for long, he would have to take a tram back, provided the programme got over at 8 p.m. So, he would save the fare at least one way.
The crowd was as usual milling around Krishna Iyer’s hotel. But Ramanathan was spotted by the proprietor and let in through the narrow entrance. Many in the queue recognised him and let him pass.
Having had his fill (Ramanathan was served free of charge by the kindly Krishna Iyer), Ramanathan took the short cut via Venkatachala Mudali Street. In due course he made his way to Edward Elliots Road and was preparing to cross in front of Sir S Radhakrishnan's house. He put his foot forward.
It was touch and go. The Bentley that came hurtling down the road, managed to swerve at the last minute. Ramanathan nearly fell but managed to support himself with the help of his rolled-up umbrella. The chauffeur looked apologetic but just then the glass was rolled down from the side, revealing Sir VP’s patrician features. He looked out.
"Nationalists are so misguided that they don’t even know where they are going or what is going to hit them,” he sneered.
Ramanathan waved his umbrella in anger. He was breathless. Sir VP tapped the glass partition that separated him and the driver. The driver stepped on the accelerator and the car moved on. Ramanathan waited for a few minutes to regain his breath and continued his walk.
He crossed the little Anjaneyar temple that had come up on Royapettah High Road, went past Bala Vilas, the house of T M Krishnaswamy Iyer. Crossing Luz, he entered Mylapore proper. There in North Mada Street stood the Bentley. It was outside K V Krishnaswamy Iyer’s house. Even as he approached the house, he could see KVK and Sir VP coming out. He hastened his steps and soon caught up with them.
“Why, it is Ramanathan,” exclaimed KVK. “Tell me Ramanatha, when did you come back?”
“Just yesterday. How are things with the Academy?”
“Could be better. But improving, thank heavens. This article by Kalki and yesterday’s fight during the morning session between C S Ayyar and Chowdaiah have enlivened things. Not that Sir VP agrees. But I am forgetting my responsibility. Have you met before? My friend Ramanathan. Sir V P Ramakrishna
Ayyar.”
“I have met Sir VP before. His car was just about to take me to heaven.”
“?”
“I say Kitta, I think we must leave at once for the Academy. We will be late. I want to speak to Semmangudi for a while before the concert,” said Sir VP, who was growing distinctly uncomfortable.
“What a coincidence,” said Ramanathan. “The Academy was also my destination. Let us all hurry.”
As Sir VP and KVK got in at the back, Ramanathan got in at the front even before Sir VP could object. Sir VP slid the glass partition and glared at him.
“British Knight and nationalist travel together to music concert,” said
Ramanathan.
“Eh?”
“I was just thinking of tomorrow’s headlines in the newspaper’s society section.”
Sir VP shut the glass with all the force that he could muster. KVK looked duly sheepish and the car moved towards Sundareswarar Swamy Street.
To be continued...
Part
- III
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