The Zakkat of Love- By Patroz Palal

Teacher …..Id Mubarak!

Honey, so what did you to do for Id? "Umma made ‘Pathari’ and Curry and …….and we feasted on it … Said Zainaba. So where is my share? Asked Sosamma teacher with an element of exuberance.

Zainaba was benumbed for a moment. Teacher’s poser invoked the reticence in her, making her comfort zone next to nil. She knew she was caught ……telling lies for trivial things. Tears rolled down her chubby cheeks like the tributaries of the Periyar, never knowing where to end up. There wasn’t any reason for Sosamma Teacher to enquire further.

Zainaba’s father was jailed in one of Gulf countries, for working there on a visiting visa. And her Umma, managed to get ends meet by mopping the neighbor’s floor, often getting just enough to eat. Some days the family goes on fast…not for religious reason, but because…… there is hardly anything to eat! Pride prevented the family from seeking favors. Instead they lied to others curbing the sorry state of affairs under their wrap.

What happened next was an implant of secularism in the minds of the both. Teacher opened up her lunch box—stuffed with rice and chicken curry. And looked at Zainaba. Both knew that action that needs to be followed.

The left over’s were washed with fresh water drawn from the School well. The lunch box shined against the sunlight, leaving the impressions of rays (or Zakkat of love?)……. nonchalantly on anything that came its way. Was the lunch box too celebrating….on Id…? Perhaps!