Year 2017
Murugesa sat huddled in his match-box sized room watching a Tamil news channel. The lady spoke non-stop, keeping pace with the pictures and videos that kept streaming in live from Chennai’s Marina beach about people protesting against the Jallikattu ban. Yet another channel had a loud ongoing debate on the same issue. He switched it off.
What do these city bred people know about this wonderful sport?
Suddenly, the scars on his body seemed to open up and ooze sticky tears. How could he forget those years? It was a matter of pride that they manifested on the bodies of the bull tamers during the annual Jallikattu event. But now, for so many years, they lay inert or even vanished from the rough and strong bodies of many bull tamers. Some like Murugesa could only count their memories….. and wish their scars were revived.
Murugesa looked forward to the Jallikattu event that took place in his hometown, Sengayam near Madurai, after Pongal. Everyone in their village revered the bulls. They were their God. Hence, they had the best bulls. The bull-taming contests created a high adrenaline rush. A rainbow of emotions coloured the sky. Murugesa trained for several months before the D-day. The screams of joy and expectation that erupted when the decorated bulls were led through ‘vadi vasal’ still reverberated in his ears. The happiest moments were to raise himself from the blood-spattered ground and celebrate a sweaty victory with his peers. His heart burst with pride when the Mayor once appreciated his agility and skills.
I think the PETA never saw the truth. Animal cruelty indeed! What will the Supreme court decide?
He nervously folded his hands in reverence before Thunga, his bull and said, ” Pray! Let not the verdict inflict an unforgettable scar on you and me.”
A 300 word story written for #ArtooinsinnWritersRoom September Writing event.
Very nice. I liked the last sentence on scar. Well said.
Thank you for reading and appreciating Athimber.