The Value
of Friendship
A very rare and unexpected friendship blossoms within
the confines of the Annakotta. The bond is viewed with envy and many times
the senior citizens of the Annakotta warned them; since they were the youngest
of the female lot, all the males kept an eye on them. They seemed to be
inseparable and even their 'pappans' (mahouts) are inseparable friends
(Mr. Johnny and Mr. Sagar).
Umadevi celebrated her 25th birthday this July and she
had no record of unruly behavior during her stay in the elephant paradise
of South India for the past 21 odd years; it was a pompous celebration
for Johnny too as he was turning 50 years of age. There was special 'puja'
(prayer) held in the Annakotta and that was a night to remember. John was
totally drunk that night and so was Umadevi ! It was the first time that
she was given a fermented drink which caused, she remembers, a lot of extra
ordinary outrageous behavior.
The next day all her mates told her of her unruly behavior
and that she broke her chains twice before retiring to sleep. The only
person to support her was Nandini who was her good friend - of course what
are friends for!
