The Fireman

The fire in Pali’s godown had been particularly menacing. He and his men managed to save six people, but two lives were lost.

He plonked down wearily on his bed.

His thoughts wandered to Juhi – his wife – who was also lost to fire.

He had been fond of her and he wished she had just listened to his mother and somehow arranged for the money. But Juhi had threatened to go to the police instead.

“Dumb woman,” he sighed. “She had it coming.”

He reached for his new wife on the bed and hoped she would be more compliant.