“Salman Khan ran over a few people on pavement in September
2002. The case will find its way in Guinness Book of Records soon.” I said as
Lulu, my parrot, descended on my table coming in from the window. “The
witnesses have turned hostile and files are getting lost. Says something about
both the litigants – the State and the accused, Salman.”
“And yet he is the highest paid hero!” Lulu never had any
respect for the ways of human beings. “People do not mix screen character and
real life character.”
“Yes. True. People are good at compartmentalising – it is so
convenient!”
“What surprises me is that nobody is concerned. Otherwise
people get incensed over small and petty things.” Lulu said as he fluttered his
wings and hopped on to perch on my table lamp.
“You must be referring to the Anderson-Jadeja quarrel. It is
the kind that happens every day in Mumbai; just go to railway platforms and see!”
“That’s different. Can you pardon when the Mayors of Mumbai
and Thane to flout the Government rules?”
“What are you referring to?”
“Both of them use red beacon lights on their cars which they
are not supposed to use. Mumbai Mayor actually refused to remove it when her
attention was drawn yesterday.” The angry look of Lulu always sends tremor
waves. The only other time this happens is when I come home late and my wife
opens door giving me a stare.
“Aw, come on. The Leaders are known to flout rules. The
wealthy have always bought the justice. I know this is all wrong, but well…….”
“This is interesting!” Lulu cut me short. “So a mayor flouts
rules and runs a car with beacon lights, and an actor runs a car over people,
killing them, and gets scot free.”
“Hmmm….. What should common
people like me do?”
“Enjoy discussing erosion of values in the privacy of their
homes!” Lulu said as he nibbled at chillies.
Vivek