The embarrasing Hit and Run case

One fine evening, I went to Jwalapur market with my little son. He was just a toddler. There was a huge barren land area between my flat and the market. There were two route to the market. First was along the main road, but it was longer way. The second route was the shortcut that cut through the field. Beside few Jhoparees on one corner, the field was clear.


I was returning from the field. One or two men or women were walking on the field. My son was jumping and running around as he came along with me. Suddenly a fellow on a bicycle came cycling towards us. I had a shopping bag in one hand and with my other hand I tried to grab my baby. Before I could grab my son, the man hit him. In simple reflex I dropped my bag and gave the man a good solid slap. I picked up my baby as he was crying. The man was confused. In haste I picked up my bag and took my baby in my arms and rushed to my home.


After I arrived at the flat. I immediately looked at my child, for any injuries. I saw a scratch on his left arm and his left leg’s skin was ruptured. I cleaned him and applied antiseptic on his injuries. Meanwhile my friend Maloti came. At that time her in-laws were staying with her for a visit. But she knew that I was alone in my home as my husband was in Hyderabad. Firstly she asked “I think you are alright. I know that Pakku (my son) loves fish so I took some for you and Pakku.” Then she smelt dettol and asked. “Who got hurt?” I told her the whole episode. She was surprised. “How could you slap that fellow. Don’t you know that these Juggi men are puckka criminal. If they come here with other men, what will you do as you are alone.” I said, “Maloti, I think you are over reacting.” She replied, “No I am not. I will not leave you here in this condition. You and Pakku stay with me until Abhijit-da comes back.” I said, “Nothing will happen. Beside that, your in-laws may feel otherwise. I’m perfectly alright. Those men cannot enter these apartments because security is here.”


After a tremendous argument she went off. But before leaving she knocked the Roy’s door and told them the whole story. Roy Dada advised me not to go alone outside and if I required anything, then I should ask him.


I closed the door, ate nicely and played with my son. After some time he slept. Now my sleep vanished. Maloti’s words were hitting me. As the night grew deeper, my anxiety grew larger. But like hunger, sleep is also a natural process. It came to me at 3:30 in the morning.


How much I slept I don’t know. My son patted my cheeks, “Ma, Ma, get up.” I woke up. The door bell was ringing repeatedly. I opened the door. The dudhwala, the kaamwali, Roy dada, Mrs. Roy, Jain family and entire neighborhood was there. All of them wanted to know my welfare. I said “I’m fine”


I felt extremely embarrassed that so may people were worried about me just because I slapped a local Jhopri wala.