23-04-2026, 10:13 AM
Chapter Four: The Watchman's Prize
The news came on a Tuesday, delivered by a breathless Mehta who had rushed to the gate specifically to find Dara.
"Congratulations, Dara ji!" the treasurer boomed, waving a piece of paper like a victory flag. "The RWA passed the resolution last night. Unanimous. You're our new head watchman."
Dara stood very still, his weathered face betraying nothing. He had been a soldier. He knew how to receive good news without flinching. But Menaka, who happened to be sweeping the common area nearby, saw his hands tremble slightly as he accepted the letter.
"Effective immediately," Mehta continued, clearly enjoying his role as messenger. "Salary increase of forty percent. The quarters in Tower B will be vacated by the end of the month—proper two-bedroom with an attached bathroom. And you'll have authority over the other four watchmen on the roster."
"I don't know what to say, sahab." Dara's voice was hoarse.
"Say thank you and get back to work." Mehta clapped him on the shoulder, then lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Between us, Sharma ji pushed hard for this. Very hard. You should thank him personally."
Dara's eyes flickered to Menaka. She continued sweeping, her face a mask of innocence.
"I will," Dara said.
The news came on a Tuesday, delivered by a breathless Mehta who had rushed to the gate specifically to find Dara.
"Congratulations, Dara ji!" the treasurer boomed, waving a piece of paper like a victory flag. "The RWA passed the resolution last night. Unanimous. You're our new head watchman."
Dara stood very still, his weathered face betraying nothing. He had been a soldier. He knew how to receive good news without flinching. But Menaka, who happened to be sweeping the common area nearby, saw his hands tremble slightly as he accepted the letter.
"Effective immediately," Mehta continued, clearly enjoying his role as messenger. "Salary increase of forty percent. The quarters in Tower B will be vacated by the end of the month—proper two-bedroom with an attached bathroom. And you'll have authority over the other four watchmen on the roster."
"I don't know what to say, sahab." Dara's voice was hoarse.
"Say thank you and get back to work." Mehta clapped him on the shoulder, then lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Between us, Sharma ji pushed hard for this. Very hard. You should thank him personally."
Dara's eyes flickered to Menaka. She continued sweeping, her face a mask of innocence.
"I will," Dara said.
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