FRIENDSHIP RENEWED

Rubi Isle is on planet tellus which is earth’s twin only 800 years younger. One morning  a man was passing by in a locality when he saw two men figḥting. They were fiercely pounding each other with fists and were trying to pull the opponent down to tḥe ground. The man who was a good Samaritan intervened and asked them to stop fighting. He said “I’ll take you to legal adviser Hook who can settle all issues.” He accordingly led them to Hook’s office wḥere he was seated.

Hook was a handsome young man. He was famous as he knew law: He could interpret unclear clauses and could even find crooked interpretations to disputes.

Going before Hook the man said “These two were battling in the open. I separated them and have brought them before you for further needful.”

Hook said “Now that you’ve done your duty go your way.” The man left.

Hook looked at the two men before him. One was tall and well-built while the other was a bit short and rotund. Hook asked the tall man “What is your name?”

He said “Zero.”

“What do you do?”

“I’m a fisherman.”

Hook then asked the other man his name.

 “I’m Serf a plantation laborer.”

Hook asked “What were you fighting about?”

Serf tried to answer while Zero intervened saying “Serf cannot answer all questions.”

Hook said “I see rivalry between you two. What were you quarreling about?”

Zero said “It was over Palma, a very beautiful woman.”

Hook said “I’ll summon her. She has to be present.” A messenger now came and was given her address. She arrived in a few minutes.  Hook looked at the lissome young female who had a striking body line.

Hook said “Zero continue your story.”

“I went fishing and saw Palma struggling in the sea and rescued her, She liked me and…..”

Serf said “She didn’t like Zero. She wanted me.”

Hook ruled ”Zero rescued Palma and so he has priority.”

Serf said “But as a woman she can choose her man. I’m the one she chose.”

Hook said “Don’t tell me the law. It is my job to make peace. Were you friends in the past?”

Zero said “We were very close friends.”

Hook said “So the issue now is to renew your friendship.”

Serf said “Not only that. Who gets Palma? Palma is here. Ask her.”

Hook said “Serf, don’t tell me what I should do. I’ll ask Palma when the need arises. How did the fight between you two start?”

Serf said “Zero tried to influence her against me whereas she was all for me.”

Zero said “When she first said she preferred Serf the fight started. Each of us tried to eliminate the other so that Palma would belong to one of us.”

Serf said “Why don’t you ask Palma whom she chose?”

Hook said threateningly “How many times do I say not to tell me what to do? I’ve my own way of healing differences and bringing together broken friendships.”

After a few more questions when Zero and Serf contradicted each other Hook said “I’m now going to question Palma to obtain her views. It should be done confidentially and elaborately. It will take much time. So you two must clear out and wait till I summon you here again.”

Zero asked “Will it take so much time?”

“Undoubtedly. The law states I should find out her history and why she had to be rescued at sea. I’ve to seek her estimates of both of you: Why she prefers one over the other. What she likes or dislikes about either of you. Your seeking details extends time needed to finalize.”

Coming out of Hook’s office Serf said “I’m sure she is going to choose me.”

Again Zero contradicted Serf and they were about to come to blows when Serf said ”Hook will clear the matter. Let us go to the tender coconut shop and drink the juice to cool off.”

“But that place is a bit far from here. Suppose Hook summons us while we’re not there?”

“I’m sure he will wait for us to announce his decision.” The two walked away. When they returned after a while they found Hook’s office door still bolted.

Serf said “Will Palma’s questioning take so much time?” and knocked on the door saying “It is Serf. Zero and I are still waiting for your decision.”

Hook shouted from within “You’re treading on my prerogatives. Justice can’t be delivered without complete questioning. If you interrupt it will only take more time. A few more questions are left after which I’ll come out and summon you.”

Serf said “I hope she is cooperating. She will surely state her preference for me.”

Zero shouted “Please be impartial. I rescued her. She belongs to me.”

Hook’s voice came saying “You two are delaying matters. I don’t want any reminders from you. Otherwise I’ll impose fines on you for delaying justice.”

The two waited some more and finally the door of Hook’s office opened. Serf stared at Zero and said “I’m sure she has chosen me.”

“Nonsense! Remember I was her savior. She can only choose me.”

“What will you do if the decision is against you”

“There will be a fight to the finish.”

Hook called in Serf and Zero when they found Palma missing. Hook said “She was tired after my elaborate questioning. You can guess I went in deep to get the truth. She has gone to the bathroom behind to freshen up. She will be back in a few minutes. Let us wait for her.”

Serf was over eager and asked “Whom did she choose?”

At this stage Palma entered through a side door and Hook said “I’ve questioned her very elaborately and she said she is rejecting both of you. That means she will be under my protection till she finds a man to marry her.”

Serf shouted “It is wrong.”

Hook asked “Are you contradicting my ruling?  The ruling of the supreme law authority of Rubi Isle? Are you aware of the penalty for doing so?”

Zero said “The decision is indeed very strange. But I’ll abide by it.”

Serf said “I’ve lost a woman I loved and who loved me.”

Hook said “Look at the positive side. You’re going to be friends again. The cause for break in friendship has been removed by my wise decision. I’m sure you can find a woman each and continue to be friends. I’ll say your friendship has been renewed.”

As the two went out of Hook’s office Zero said “Let us celebrate the renewing of our friendship at the tavern.”

After his office was cleared Hook said to Palma “Those rustics would become friends again. You and I will be happy. You’ve experienced my prowess in lovemaking. It will continue as you’ll be my second wife.”

END