Gone with a Windfall

cover.

1

The beauty within a woman never perishes.

It is the priceless asset that the man cherishes;

But, is being beautiful what she ever wants?

Such people should be showered with taunts!

I am a woman, a symbol of beauty and power.

But often I ponder, squatting under my bower…

Have I achieved all that I had aimed for in life?

Have I kissed the zenith of success in my strife?

Or is the nadir of satisfaction within me rife?

Queeny scribbled these words while sitting at her study, gazing out of the window at the peaceful twilight scene. She often slipped into such whimsical moods and took to penning down her thoughts in the form of rhyme. Wielding the pen was a stress-buster for Queeny – the only way by which she could vent out her frustration.

Queeny was no ordinary American woman. She was a housewife, poet, politician and celebrity – one who struggled to balance her household chores with her professional life, and who tried hard to bond with her extended family. As a member of the nation’s Senate in Washington DC, she enjoyed all facilities and privileges conferred upon the senators of the United States of America in return for the political responsibilities they had to shoulder.

Indiana, located in mid-west USA, is the 19th state of the country and goes by the nickname of ‘Hoosier State’.

Queeny Niti, the daughter of Keith Niti – President of the Democratic Progressive Party, was an active member of the party. As Organising Secretary of the Womens’ Wing, which was sponsored, promoted and nurtured by her doting father, she took a keen interest in the day-to-day working of the Party. Eighty-nine-year-old Keith Niti, the patriarch of the DPP, had lost an eye during hunting and gaming in his youth and is popularly known as ‘Goggles Niti’. He had been the Governor of the State of Indiana for two terms in the 1990s. He was of Indian (Asian) origin and had married thrice. He had a son each – Hitler and Lenin –from the first and second marriages. Queeny was born to his third wife. All three children were ushered into politics by the octogenarian Keith who had brought DPP into the country’s political mainstream. The party had held on to the two senator seats of Indiana for some time now.

The ring of the telephone awakened Queeny from her trance.

‘Hello’ she said in her shrill feminine voice. ‘What is the matter with you, son? You know Mamma is held up with a lot of other work!’

‘I want you now. Come home soon!’ her son, Rodney, replied adamantly.

‘I cannot come now.’

‘You have to. I want my mother! I want to speak to you.’

‘Why do you have to do this to me.’

‘It’s 7 in the evening and I want to see you.’

‘I will come after some time. I have some urgent work. You eat something and go to your room and study.’

‘No!’

‘If you behave badly, I will have to speak to Daddy and ask him to shift you to a boarding school in Hong Kong.’

She thrust the receiver down with a bang.

The lawmaker’s twelve-year old son was a mischievous brat, much like other children of his age – immature and possessive of their mothers. Rodney often troubled his mother with some issue or another-he would not go to school and would score poor marks in Math. Instead he wanted to go clubbing with older friends or he wanted his mother to do his assignments.

The young mother often left her son alone, and went to work-preferring pleasure-seeking outings to familial commitments. Her son needed the company of his mother much like other kids of his age. Rodney was hurt by his mother’s behavior, and his attempts to get closer to her often ended in disappointment and frustration.

At school, Rodney would tell his friends, ‘My Mum is always busy. She is very, very busy.’

‘Why? What is she doing?’ One of his friends asked.

‘She has to run the country along with Grandpa.’

‘Run the country?’ ‘Yes. Mamma is busy as a bee in managing the affairs of the country’

Despite his outward appearances, Rodney craved his mother’s company, but his hopes were dashed as she continued to be more and more elusive with each passing day.

Queeny was wife to Arakon Ross, Director of the Sumo Training Academy in Hong Kong. Sumos are heavy, big-made men (weighing about 200 kgs) who are trained in an eastern Japanese wrestling sport. Sumo contests attract crowds from the East and Far Eastern countries and are regarded as huge money-spinners.

Arakon kept shuttling between work and home, between Hong Kong and the US. He was a workaholic who spent more time at his workplace rather than with his wife and son. Back in the US, he was left alone with housemaids and helpers to fend for himself. More often than not, his wife was never around. After all, she was a senator and was busy running the nation! His communication with his wife was limited to a text message or two: ‘Hey sweetheart, how are you doing? All well?’

If there was no reply from her, he would message her again:

‘Queen of my Heart, let us Skype tonight?’

‘Not tonight’

‘Tell me what time is suitable to you?’

The only reply he would get at the end of the day was: ‘Sorry, Honey. Had a busy day. Tired. Will Skype some other time.’

Arakon wondered when that ‘other time’ would ever come. He relentlessly tried to win the love of his wife.

As Queeny was annoyed with his son, she did not want to meet him when he came home. She found it easier to deal with America’s problems than those her son faced at school. She left her home, grumbling, and drove straight to her friend Kate’s house. Kate Sanders was a middle-aged cinema actor. At 42 she was a perfect comrade to Queeny’s 40, and the two often related the happenings in their lives to each other.

She reached Kate’s home and was waiting in her living room as the servant went to inform Kate.

‘Oh! hello dear,’ Kate greeted Queeny in her most welcoming tone while embracing her. How are you? I was thinking of catching up with you tomorrow evening for coffee and look you are here today! What a pleasant surprise?’

‘So how is everything else going? Just yesterday I saw a picture of you and your friend Andrew in The New York Times.’

‘Really?’

‘Oh my gosh! How can I tell you… I so envy you people!’

‘Why?’

‘You both look great together!’

‘Thank you, Kate. But just looking great together does not solve the purpose of my visit.’

‘Why? What’s cooking?’ Kate asked anxiously.’

‘Daddy is really worried about the forthcoming elections and he wants me to make use of Andrew as a ladder to our victory.’

‘Anyway, elections apart, how is your film shooting going on? ‘Saul and Nadira went gaga over your latest film - The Rulebreaker - remarked Queeny.

‘Really, Nadira appreciated it? She never really praises me on my face,’ Kate said, amused.

Andrew Muttoo is an advocate and a senator. He was very loyal to the Democratic Progressive Party chief, Goggles Niti. He was charmed by the boss’s daughter and fellow Senator’s dainty movements. Both father and daughter were extremely fond of him. Andrew was also into Real Estate and Financial Services businesses. Saul Batch was his comrade and business partner, stationed in Indianapolis and looking after his interests in Indiana and elsewhere while he was busy with his political commitments in Washington DC. Andrew was seeking a second term of office as senator in the ensuing elections. Other than business matters Andrew and Saul shared a common fascination for one person: Queeny Niti.

Queeny and Kate were sipping some delicious Ethiopian coffee when Queeny’s cell phone buzzed.

‘Hello, hi darling …Oh, Rodney rang you up? I really don’t know what is wrong with that boy. I am just fed up with him. You please find out if we can put him in a boarding school somewhere there in Hong Kong. Then you and I can heave a sigh of relief.’

‘Let me see what can be done’ said the person at the other end.

‘Good to see you home after almost one quarter of the year.’

‘Same here. Looking forward to seeing both of you.’

‘I will send the car to the airport tomorrow evening.’

‘Okay. Thank you.’

‘Just message me your flight details.’

‘I will.’

‘Bye honey, good day!’

‘So, is Arakon heading home tomorrow?’ Kate inquired.

‘Yes he’ll be here tomorrow evening.’

‘Why don’t you tell him he is better off in Hong Kong, conditioning men almost twice his size?’

They both giggled at the remark.

Two days later Kate called Queeny: ‘You know Queens, you badly need a break from your busy schedule! I am out clubbing with a couple of friends tonight. Would you like to join in? You can ask Andrew also to join us. We’ll also get time to know him,’ said Kate.

Queeny thought for a while and then replied,

‘I would love to join you in the jamboree my dearest Kate. But I am waiting for Andrew to ask me for a date.’

After putting down her mobile Queeny reflected:

Right now my mind is pre-occupied with many a pivotal matter

Hence I will not be able to bring myself to sip gin and natter

So, some other time I will graciously accept your invitation

And be a whole and sole part of your celebration!

Queeny felt as though she was missing something, that her life lacked some essential thing that she was not able to put her finger on.

She and Arakon had been married for 15 years, but she felt as though they had lost the connection between them.

Meeting Queeny two days later, Kate prodded on: ‘Wow, Queens, that was amazing! Amidst all the crucial matters of life, we often forget the trivial things that may bring us pleasure.’

‘You’re right Kate.’

‘Why don’t you resort to writing when in a sulking mood? ‘That’s a good idea.’

‘I’m sure it will make you feel much better.’

‘I think it will be a good diversion.’

‘The creative bent of your mind can also help in winning over Andrew.’

Kate advised her to speak to her cousin Calvin Martin, who had some influence over Andrew in the DPP as well as business.

‘Calvin can provide you with a platform through his TV channel to display your skills. This is also a way to remain in the news and catch public attention. The admirers of art and literature are sure to be your supporters and back you socially and politically,’ observed Kate. ‘You may also use your literary skills to activate and rally the party cadres.’ ‘she further adviised.’

As Queeny was not fully convinced, she wanted some time to think about it. ‘I will think about it Kate. That is a thoughtful suggestion. All right.’

They embraced each other and exchanged a parting kiss.

Queeny pondered over Kate’s suggestion. The Martin brothers, Calvin and Desmond, were no doubt her first cousins. Calvin Martin was a businessman and owner of the Moon TV channel, while Desmond Martin was a former senator and a hardcore member of the DPP.

Queeny was back home and as reflected in her poem, she was not really upset or tormented by unpleasant thoughts. She simply denied Kate’s invite as she had already invited Andrew for a very private dinner at her place. Queeny considered Kate to be a good friend of hers but she was shrewd enough not to let out all her secrets. She was a hypocrite; her appearances were deceptive and talk misleading. She practised Machiavellian tactics taught by her father. She projected an impression to her friend that Andrew and herself just shared a mere professional relationship, whereas, in reality she was already quite close to him.

‘Mamma, where were you? What are we planning to have for dinner? I will faint with hunger now!’ cried Rodney as soon as Queeny reached back home.

‘Baby, you can ask Maria to make you whatever you like. Why on earth have we employed attendants at home! Anyway, please be done with your dinner and be in your room. I have a guest coming over and we have to discuss important matters of the nation. I am sure you will not like to intrude upon the meeting then. You may even have the option of having supper in your own bedroom. It will be convenient to both of us! Queeny instructed her little son.

Rodney was waiting to see his Mom the moment he was home. He had hoped to have supper with her, but it seemed that his Mum was just not interested.

‘Can’t I sit with you and the guest for dinner? I promise I will behave properly and not cause any nuisance.’

He looked at his mother with hope in his eyes. For a moment, Queeny considered it, but she recollected that Andrew was not an ordinary visitor-she needed privacy with him and she definitely couldn’t get what she wanted when Rodney was around.

‘Rodney dear, look I would love to have dinner with you. But the guest will not like anybody’s presence while we discuss vital matters concerning the State. You want Mamma to win laurels in the Senate and do some good for the country right? We can go out for dinner tomorrow when daddy is home. We’ll spend some family time then. For now, please excuse me, and… Maria, please make him whatever he wants and serve him his evening meal in his room.

Queeny then went to her room to dress up for the evening. It was 7:15 p.m. and Andrew would be coming by 8:30. She had to adorn herself with the prettiest evening gown and embellish her fair skin and toned body with shimmering diamond jewellery. She had never dressed up this way for Arakon. Her wedding with Arakon was a mere compromise from her side. He had always loved her and he was well settled. She wanted to escape from her father’s house and live somewhere on her own terms and conditions. Since she was aware that Arakon would be busy shuttling between the US and Hong Kong she could foresee that she would get the freedom to do whatever she wanted and have her own private space to live in.

While she was putting on her make-up, her cell phone rang – the name ‘Dad’ flashed on the screen.

‘Hello Daddy, how are you?’

‘I am all well Queeny, hope you too are doing good. Listen! Andrew is coming to your place for supper, right? You know what you are supposed to tell him, right dear? Be extremely subtle about your intentions. Charm him with the affection you feel for him. Emphasise more on the matter concerning both of you. Just keep dropping the ice cubes of our mission into the water of your romance. All the best!

‘Yes daddy, do not worry. I will handle everything very well. Our mission will be accomplished very soon,’ she said and disconnected the call.

She did not really look up to her father but always pretended to be in awe of him and to be a very obedient daughter. She had surely inherited the conniving and crafty attitude from the Patriarch.

Queeny was soon dressed and ready to be the most hospitable host to her guest. She waited in her room, twiddling her thumbs as she was looking forward to her housemaid coming to her room and informing her that the guest had arrived. She went to her study table and picked up her pen

I want to make you mine, oh, Andrew,

To my husband I behave as a shrew.

I have set my eyes upon you, my treasure,

Decided to use your service for my pleasure.

Andrew, just look at me and into my eyes,

Now you’ll adore me and lose all other ties.

My breath is held fast each time I see you,

You’re definitely to me one of great value!

‘Madam, your guest has arrived’ said Maria from outside the room.

‘Okay, make him sit in the living room and serve him a welcome soft drink. I will be there soon.’

Queeny went to her dressing table and looked at herself in the mirror. Middle age had not marred her beauty. She had a crystal clear complexion just like her mother. She had eyes of a lighter hue, and lovely bouncy hair that she had curled. She gracefully walked down the steps to her living room. Andrew was admiring her dainty walk, as her dress swept across the floor just like the cloaks of fairies in fantasies. He had a bottle of wine and a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hand. He was looking strikingly well-dressed. Queeny greeted him and they shook hands. After a little hesitation, they embraced each other.

‘How nice it is to have you home for dinner, Andrew. I am sure you must be tired after a hectic day,’ said Queeny.

‘Yes, today was indeed a long day, but coming here and being with you has made all my tiredness vanish.

‘I had a meeting with one of my clients and the usual Senate work today’.

‘So, you are already busy with pre-election work?’

‘I also had a long session with the Chief. We were discussing the forthcoming Senate elections. We were just designing a strategy. You know how his mind works -simply brilliant!’

‘What do you have to say about that? Do you have any scheme up your sleeve to get an edge over the others in the coming elections?’ Andrew was clearly interested.

‘Well, daddy is there to tackle it all for me.’

‘Really. That’s great!’

‘I spoke to Nadira the other day to fix an appointment with the current Secretary of State. He is very influential and will have a strong hold on decision-making, post elections. He was daddy’s colleague and our well–wisher.’

‘You are quite fast in planning. I went to speak to him regarding a big-time project concerning the telecom sector in the USA. The paperwork is complete and daddy will soon send it to you for consultation’.

‘That is fantastic!’

‘It is indeed a huge task, and if somebody from our party could hold the leash of the telecom sector, we could make a huge difference!’ She looked at Andrew with a wilful smile.

‘All right, I will go through the papers of the project and then you, Chief and me can discuss it together. Is the Secretary of State impressed by your proposal?’ Andrew asked anxiously.

‘Yes, he seemed to look quite impressed and was taking keen interest in what I had to say. Even if he was not interested we can still get him interested.’

She smiled at him again.

‘That means winning the Senate elections is crucial’.

‘Yes. Let’s have dinner now, aren’t you hungry dear?’

They headed towards the dining area. There were a variety of cuisines prepared with utmost care for the special guest. Everything was absolutely perfect, as instructed by Queeny. They feasted upon an array of delicacies, followed by exquisite desserts, and sipped the French wine brought in by Andrew. It was a pleasant meeting over dinner.

2

The satisfaction over the lavish dinner at Queeny’s house did not last long – especially when they were listening to the DPP Chief addressing the General Body of his party at the Indianapolis Convention Centre:

‘I have received confirmation from our Campaign Committee about the number of people turning up to campaign for us and the incentives to be given to them’. Goggles Niti spoke enthusiastically.

‘I believe all of you are ready to face the challenges the days ahead will bring. Maintaining our term at the US Senate is not only good for the country but in our interests also.’ He said this with a smirk.

Quoting the words of a French visitor to the United States, Alexis de Tocqueville, written in 1840, the DPP Chief continued: ‘Americans have all a lively faith in the perfect ability of man; they judge that the diffusion of knowledge must necessarily be advantageous, and the consequences of ignorance fatal; they all consider society as a body in a state of improvement, humanity as a changing scene, in which nothing is, or ought to be permanent; and they admit that what appears to them today to be good, may be superseded by something better tomorrow’.

The General Body looked up to their Chief with great reverence and listened to him with rapt attention.

‘A jet plane crosses the United States, east to west, in about five hours. Including the states of Alaska and Hawaii, the US covers an area of 9 million square kilometres. Alaska, which borders on north-western Canada, is the largest in area of the 50 states. Indiana is the 38th biggest state’.

The audience was getting interested in their leader’s speech.

‘The United States has long been known as a ‘melting pot’, because many of its people are descended from immigrants/settlers who came from all over the world to make their homes in a new land that was sparsely populated by native Indian tribes. The American people are always on the move from one part of the country to another, from one city to another, from farm to city, city to the suburbs. Seventeen percent of all Americans move to new homes every year, searching for job opportunities, a better climate or for other reasons. Many industries have scattered their factories far from the parent plant, and many of their workers have decided to try new locations.’

The listeners were getting more interested in details and statistics.

‘Washington DC specially planned and built as a national capital, was laid out by French architect Pierre lEnfant late in the 18th century. It is a city of great beauty and centre of world affairs and culture. We must have representation there and hence it is imperative on our part to select some capable and trustworthy person to the Senate’.

After a pause the grand old man sought the crowd’s mandate. ‘Do you agree with me?’

‘Yes! Yes!’ thundered the gathering.

With renewed confidence, Goggles continued: ‘The US is a federal union of 50 states, with the District of Columbia as the seat of the national government. The Constitution outlines the structure of the national government and specifies its powers and activities.’

‘What about Indiana’s powers?’ someone from the crowd asked.

‘Other governmental activities are the responsibility of the individual states, which have their own constitutions and laws. Within each state are counties, townships, cities and villages, each of which has its own elective government.’

‘What is the power equation between Federal and State governments and how does it play out in daily affairs?’ enquired a senior member.

‘All governments in the United States are ‘of, by and for the people’. Members of the Congress, the President, State officials and those who govern counties and cities are elected by popular vote. The President names the heads of Federal Departments while judges are either elected directly by the people or appointed by elected officials.’

‘How about voting?’

‘Voters mark unsigned ballots in private booths, so that no one else can find out for whom they are voting.’

‘And what about dereliction of duty?’

‘Public officials may be removed from office for failing to perform their duties properly or for serious violation of law.’

‘What does the Constitution say about powers of the government?’

‘The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, called the Bill of Rights, assure individual rights and freedoms. Added in 1791, they include provisions for freedom of speech, of the press and of worship; the right of citizens to meet peacefully; the right to be secure in one’s own home against unreasonable searches and seizure of person or property; and the right of any person charged with breaking the law to have a speedy trial by a jury of fellow citizens.’

‘That’s interesting to learn. We all should know how our country is run?’ remarked an old participant. ‘The Constitution divides the powers of the government into three