RAT TRAP

Bhama and I enjoy sitting on our spacious frontside  veranda on Sundays and other holiday mornings. We have the panoramic view of the sky early in the mornings with the rising sun emerging spreading its rays through the trees. This  day too was not different as we settled into our usual places while sipping  the steaming cup of coffee.

My mind wandered,  expecting Bhama to open up with the new assignment she plans for me for the next ensuing hours of the day. It was only last week, monthly provisions were bought, Children books covers bound, and sundry plumbing jobs were fixed with our’ guest laborer ’ Biswas babu. She broke  the silence.. “ Vignesh, you see the rats have already spoiled half the items kept in our side store room and you have to attend to the menace today itself ”. 

I have no excuses and have to postpone my reading of the new novel bought with much curiosity and interest, and said unassumingly.“ Oh sure Bhama, I’m just thinking about it only” . I am on the job.

I got a mouse trap  delivered in no time thro’ Hyper plus Store as I couldn't bear another reminder from her about the rodent problem.

 Next, just before dusk, the dry fish is hooked and mixed into knots and placed in the trap box properly to attract the villain in the store room.

All planned well, went to sleep soundly to wake up  and celebrate a new morning and victory over the intruder.

But alas, neither it came nor touched the menu nor  fell in my trap. Unwilling to lose, decided to change his diet to pieces of apple, banana, jackfruit, chicken, and tried alternately. A small coconut slice was also placed on the hook. When I went to look in the morning, there was a little cute thing rattling inside waiting for me to open the door.

But before me, my better half Bhama was  ready,  with the bucket full of water nodding at me to take over from her and act fast.

Looking at the nest, I saw two stars shining as eyes pleading for life. He looks straight at me and plays with his tail up, not knowing that he is in front of death!

When I tried to dip him for once, the whole body trembled and shivered, and the bucket was toppled topsy turvy.

My wife  watched and said, “Take it away to the pond side down below and it is enough.’’

On reaching the bank of the pond, no sooner was the box opened, it doubled fast and stood for a second with folded hands to thank me (?), making its way to the bushes.  The poor thing is not at fault, has he not  come looking for food!

A full breath, laughter, wisdom in the heart,  and the mouse box was empty and drowned, accomplishing the job, I returned home.  Bhama too was happy and affirmed : 'We will trap again and again, the nuisance is increasing. Tapioca can be tried tomorrow!’

Smiling inwardly I said openly.“ Amen”.