joining at Nellore branch

THe day I joined at Nellore, no one talked to me. Employees union people were new to me. Staff union people were angry with me because I quit their union. Added to it , letter from head office came that inspite of my arrogance and being headstrong ,they had given transfer to Nellore. They wanted reports about me if I went astray again. At that time, Gurudasappa was the manager. RR KANADEwas the secondline manager. Kanade was Maharashtrian. He was very nice. He did not know Telugu. He told me about the letter in confidence. Branch was very conjested. Sundari was the only other lady in the branch.Slowly one by one started talking to me. Except Bapuji every other person became friendly with me. At that time , Seshagiri rao , Venkata ramana,MSN SARMA,Rajendra Prasad, Madhakrishna Murthy,Achandrasekhar,Pchandrasekhar,Rama manohar rao,K Prabhakar Rao,were clerks. Subramanian,Ravindran,Manian were officers.ASuresh,MAkrishna Murthy were special assistants.A Srinivasulu,Karimullah,Narayana, Ramu, Dasu were substaff.Raghu , venkata subbaiah and Srnivasulu were NND agents.

marriage&marriage party

Marriage with Prasad had been confirmed. Soon my colleagues learnt about it.My father sent few wedding cards. I distributed them in the bank.I went to Nellore just one or two days before marriage.Nandini and Vasudeva Rao attended the marriage. After joining in the bank I gave marriage party to my colleagues.My manager was in town but did not attend . All others attended.I gave party in Geetha cafe. After dinner, They gave steel water vessel with lid which I use even today.AS I got relieved Prasad came and we took only my dresses and left for Nellore. I thought I was doing favor to my brother by leaving all other articles to them. But my brother thought that I had over burdened him by not vacating the house promptly and transport the goods to Tirupathi. From that day onwards I never tried to take kind or cash from my parents or brothers or let Prasad demand anything from them.I told Prasad to ask me whatever they wanted from my parents, because I am a working woman.

tappal keys

Our manager wanted to punish me for the galata I made . So he gave me tappal and clearing during departmental changes. Actually I wanted to learn statements, advances , bills discounting and others. As the relations were strained I could not demand them. For tappal box we had keys because stamps , covers and petty cash was kept there. While going to bathroom or to lunch room I used to keep them hooked to the hip .One day I went to the bath room and by that time my skirt became lose as it was lunch time. As a result keychain also became lose and slipped into the toilet.I did not know what to do.I came out side and told them.Ever one laughed at me and I felt ashamed.Because manager was angry with me, he said that I had to produce keys some how or he would report.THen seeing my plight, one of our colleagues asked the daily wager to go to toilet and remove the keys from the toilet. As no one had flushed after the keys were lost, he could remove them easily.From then on I never keep the keys near the hip.

of marriage preparations

Marriage with Prasad was confirmed. While giving send off to me my father asked if the boy was ok for me. Before I started to Nellore to see him, my mother told me not to say yes if I really did not like the boy.We will see other matches. THis is not the end. So I went with a free mind. I liked him and I was sure he too liked me.I answered my father in affirmative that he could proceed in that matter.I was alone at Guntur. My mother told me to buy red and green bangles in dozens. To get stitched white blouse with red border. Like that small small things which I had to do. I used to go alone after coming from bank to shops and search for bangles and other things. Tailor was making undue delay in giving the blouses, I used to sit opposite him ,like in dharna , to get my blouses stitched. He used to request me to go home and come next day.I was afraid that he would not complete by the time I had to leave for Nellore for marriage.My father bought me two big hankies--one with red checks and the other had blue design over it. H e bought me belt shoes with high heels. I purchased big ear rings and silver anklets for marriage.I felt very smart.I was afraid Prasad would be disappointed once he knew that wear glasses.I had short sight.when he came to see me I did not wear them.But he never took that issue seriously.

Kamalas brother/sister

My father came once and told he had seen a boy for me.He was a doctor at Nellore christian hospital. Boy was fair ,handsome and ok.If I see the boy and everything goes smooth ,it would be settled. After few days, KC came to my house . He said we were going to be relatives soon. I asked how it was possible. Then he said that the boy my father saw was his brother in law. I asked why Kamala, his wife did never mention about him till then. Then he started telling about the boy. Kamalas parents had five girl children. They were really worried that not even one was a boy.Kamala was the third daughter. THey got married their first daughter. Second one was different from the beginning. She used to like boys dresse, play with themand make friendship with them. THey did not view it seriously at first.After reaching teens , she completely discarded girls attire and started playing and moving with boys alone. Parents could not control her.She got seat in Guntur medical college. She used to sit with boys there also.Parents told her to leave the house because they had other daughters to be married and she would not behave according to their wish.She left home and Christian missionaries at Guntur took pity on her and provided for her living and education. Later they sent her to Bombay for sexual change . There she was operated and she became a boy. She changed her name as boys and because Christian missionaries had to come to help in time of need, she pledged to work in their institutions.I was aghast with this knowledge.I told my father about this and he promptopped that matter.

of games and children

I am popular with children. Soon children from my neighbourhood started coming to our house in the evenings. I used to tell them stories and play with them. I had no inhibitions. So in no time we all became friends. Usually I used to wear my brothers shirt soon after coming home. Boys felt I was one among them. We used to run , jump and play because there was sufficient place in our house, verandah and in the open to play. Two marvadi boys from distance used to come. they were brothers and they had a big cloth shop in Brodiepet. I bought one white saree with ink blue border in their shop.They had one little sister who used to accompany to wherever they go. Previous year they came out like that. It was raining hard for days and drainage canals were overflowing. Children could not identify and she being a small child of three or four got carried away in the flow and children could not save her. It was such a sad end to the life of a small child. When boys were saying that I felt very sorry. No one could blame them because they too were children.From opposite our house also children used to come. two girls and a boy. Boy was very chubby and only child to their parents. He was pampered and his behaviour was high handed. Later he became a good child and a good student.Later one of those girls got married to one of our distant relatives and I saw her in marriage at NELLORE. ACTUALLY I DID NOT RECOGNISE HER.But she came to me and reminded me. I knew her as a child and she grew up fast and got married.I felt happy for her and her family.

Bats and birds

OUr Guntur house was very big and old building. Verandah was roofed by tiles.THere were big mango trees on both sides . IN the roof and on trees there were bats, birds and squirrels. Sparrows used to come in to the house and fly hither and thither. Once ONE sparrow died after hitting the fan. I was shocked and ran out . I was afraid even to take out the dead bird .Annapoornamma came and cleaned the house. Like wise bats used to come in to the house and fly during the nights. I was alone. So I was naturally afraid that they strike at me. THey would me miving so fast.Till they went away I used to rush outwards and wait.

I told you I wore white saree with green border on the day of pelli chupulu. After they went I kept it on stand and later folded it and kept it in the trunk. I did not wear that saree for many days. Oneday when I held that saree to take out from trunk some dry paperlike touch I felt. When I unfolded the saree to wear one bat was attached to saree holding it tight by its nails.I shrieked and ran out.I told to my house owners what happened. They came inside and found that it was dead.With great difficulty they removed and detatched the bat from the saree.I did not wear that saree from then onwards. I felt it was sort of omen and felt happy that that match was not materialised.

pelli chupulu

Word might have passed that there was a girl of marriagable age who was a bank employee. So some one enquired our house owners about it. They were in second line Brodipet. THeir father was aged and bed ridden.Brother and sister. She was already married and was pregnat at that time. Brother was older and was working as Assistant Engineer at Hyderabad. My parents came to know of their enquiry and told them to come and see me one day. That day I came early from Bank and got ready . I wore white saree with green border. I like that saree very much.Brother and sister came to see me. My father was there. He gave them biscuits and our house owners served coffee to them.Our poor widow, Annpoornamma was peeping from an odd angle as to the proceedings.Sister was very fair and beautiful. Brother was dark and hefty. He looked older and of serious disposition.He was not polished and stylish.I did not feel shy or interested in him.THey sent word that I am ok for them. I did not want to be a burden to my parents. If he had okayed me without dowry I wouldnot have objected. But it seemed They demanded rs.25000/ as dowry in those days because he was a gazetted officer. My father did not even ask me because we could not afford such big amount. The case was dropped.

Kasaiah

Kasaiah was a research scholar in Economics at that time. He was one of my brothers best friends.He was a bachelor then. He was calm and good natured man. He has so much faith in my brother even for today. He praises my brother that he is a Rishi. Because my brother does not have any personal life. All his life is dedicated towards our parents, brothers, sisters , wife and children and their welfare.He got married late in life . He saw many matches but nothing materialised.But the woman he married is really a very good natured lady. Pity is that they did not have any children. But my uncle, Subbarao mama, predicted this outcome before his marriage . My brother did not reveal him because it was not a happy issue to be disclosed.Later he became a lecturer in SV University. He became reader of Econometrics.He later became professor and head of the department of Econometrics.I think he retired as Dean. Now they are living peacefully in their own house at Tirupathi.His sister in law married our childhood neighbors son, Gandhis brother. She is manager in United india insurance company. She is a good friend of Kalavathi, my daughterinlaws mother.

Satyanarayana

Satyanarayana was adoctor. He was my brothers friend.Kasaiah, Pantulu garu and Satyanarayana used to come to our house in the evenings to chat with my brother. After my Brothers transfer also Satyanarayana used to come to our house often.He used to enquire how I was doing. Once I got oesinophilia and I was practically gasping for breath. Then I went to Government hospital . There he saw me and came to me. He got me checked up thoroughly and prescribed medicines for me. I went to attend Jayasrees marriage to Nellore. She was my brother in law ,Venu bavas sister. THere, in the choultry while walking fast in a dark place I slipped and my foot was cramped. Swelling and pain lasted for many months.Even for medicines it could not be subsided. Then Satyanarayana advised me to tie drumstick leaves to the affected area. Then it would subside effectively.I laughed at him for advising those things being a doctor. But he never took me seriously.My brother signed as surety for him for some bank loan. He did not pay in time. My brother started getting legal notices for it. Once my brother came to Guntur to request him to repay the loan at the earliest. I think he did so . He got transferred to his native place ,Vizag. After that I did not meat him.

Manikyam

Manikyam was our maid servant at home. She was working since my brother joined in that house. She was a tribal woman .She was dark, chubby woman with round cute face. Her voice was very sweet. She was married . Her husband was a rickshaw puller. He was a drunkard and beat her everynight. But SHE would never express her dissatisfaction against her husband. She was always happy.She was also working at some other doctors house. She had a daughter who was crippled and mentally retarded. I never saw that child. That doctor used to give that child medicines free of charge.So as a gratitude Manikyam used to work there more and stay there for more time.Doctors wife was also a good lady.Manikyams husband used to suspect that she was doctors keep.But actually there was no such thing but he used to beat her on that pretext.

At first she used to come to work sincerely and discharge duties without my following up.But as time passed by she understood my lenience and if I did not observe she would say that she has completed the work fast and go away. I used to give keys with the owners so that if she came late she would clean the house and utensils . But she would not clean the floor properly but said she did so. Soon she started absenting for days telling lame excuses. Once I scolded her for her behaviour and said something in English in flow. She got offended because she could not understand English and thought I actually used foul words against her.But IN reality it was not so.

Nanjundan

Nanjundan was our divisional manager.He was stationed at Vijayawada. He used to come to our on visits. Whenever he came, our manager used to introduce me to him saying I was a very good worker. When once rapport got missing he started to complain about me to him I was arrogant and I did not respect my higher officials. Howmany mistakes I made in day to day work he noted and informed even to the head office. When DGMS AND GMS came to the branch during my probation he used to sing laurels that I was the best worker .After my confirmation he would compalin against me.

When my marriage was fixed I sent fresh request transfer application along with my wedding card.At last, I got my transfer.But manager did not disclose it to me. Oneday our daftary, Gopal said he saw it in managers drawer. He requested me not disclose his name.I went to managers cabin and asked about my transfer orders. He said that if I dont ask him to relieve me he would give me my orders.He would relieve me according to his whims and fancies.I accepted and took my copy. I waited for one month. but still he did not relieve me. Then one Sunday I took Prasad withme to Vijayawada and went to Nanjundans house. He welcomed me really cordially. His wife was also at home.

Then he told me his life history. He was a water boy in our bank at first.Because of sheer poverty his father had joined him as water boy in Canara Bank at that time. After joining in the bank he passed matriculation and became clerk officer , manager divisional manager by sincere hard work. But here even a peon is wealthy and just joins the bank not for survival but just a time pass. He said he would not have joined the Bank if his parents could afford his proper education. I was very moved to hear him say thes things to me. He said he would talk to our manager and see that I am relieved soon.As he told he talked to our manager and by that weekend I was relieved.

Post confirmation

My problems started after my probation. I wanted to learn what all was there in banking and go up the ladder soon. I was very ambitious at that time. Manager realised it and entrust me with more work than was entrusted to other members. I had to attend the regular department and then had to attend to other new departments.After confirmation I wanted to go home by 5pm like all other workmen. He did not like it.So he used to entrust me with so much work that I could not complete it by 5pm at any cost.Then he used to insist that I could not leave till I completed it.Normally if one has more work others with helping nature would come forward to help them. But he used to tell others not come to my help at any cost.I felt suffocated. Kc was of no help to me.Mani kumar was branch secretary at that time for employees union. They came to advise me. We collected at some college grounds and discussed about managers misbehaviour towards me and his sadistic attitude.He said that he would organise all local bank employees to come to our bank start dharna till manager said sorry to me . But that night Kc came to my house and said thatbif that step was taken management would view it very seriously and as I was a fresh employee I might even lose my job. The best way out was to say sorry to the manager to subside the issue. I was afraid and lost my confidence. My family did know nothing about these developments. If really such drastic steps were taken by management ............I could not imagine.

Next day ,when I went to the bank all other bank employees came and shouting slogans against bank manager and no one sat in their seats.Kc silently took me upstairs where managers residence was there . manager was waiting .H esaid thatI should give it in writing that I was sorry for such development and I would not repeat such things in future. I felt very humiliated but obeyed him. When I came down and entered the branch people guessed what happened.They were disappointed that no drama or dharna has taken place. They dispersed.From then manager did not dare to make me sit after 5pm.Some how, I felt KCwas behind these developments. If he could get my transfer materialised , I would never be disillusioned and these developments would never have taken place. I stopped talking withKC nad our manager only freindly terms.

confirmation

I have been under probation for six months. During that time, I had stayed late after office hours because KC who had been my friend and Staff union branch secretary told me to do so. H esaid management was in favor of Staff union and as such I would easily get my transfer to Nellore soon after completion of probation. I believed him and his union. Tata Rao who also joined withme at Guntur joined Employes union.Actually we were not supposed to join any union till confirmation. According to their union leaders advice he never stayed late and even if he was forced to he would tell excuse and go away. He too was interested to get transfer to Hyderabad or some other place. I thought that as I was helping management by sitting late hours and doing what two fullfledged clerks were doing, I would surely get my transfer as soon as I completed my probation. I dont know what management thought. to dispose of Tata Rao as his turn out of work is poor and retain me as MY output was more. He got transfer to place of his choice and I could not succeed in getting transfer.

THey change departments every one month and inform head office regarding the departments we worked. They would send us question paper and we have write it. Answer paper would be sent to head office along with managers recommendations. Then WE WOULD BE CONFIRMED.

Kameswari&Rajyam

Kameswari and Rajyam were Krishnamurthys relatives.Krishnamuthy was my brothers friend . he was a medical representative. Even today they are close friends. He is elder to my brother.Kameswari is his younger sister. Rajyam was his niece ie sisters daughter.He remained a bachelor to look after his mother and family.Kameswari and Rajyam became my Friends when I went to write bank entrance exams at Hyderabad.At that time I stayed in their house for two days. At Vijayawada they were staying as a combined family.By Saturday afternoon they used to come to Guntur.We used to go to cinemas, hotels and gossip till late nights . By Monday morning they used to return to Vijayawada.Some times I used to go to Vijayawada to their house and enjoy.Time was moving very fast.THose two years I stayed at Guntur , we three of us enjoyed a lot.

Once when I went there, Janaki , Rajyams sister became matureand they were conducting a function for her. Later she became Vasus wife.Vasu is my brother in law.

poor widow

One lady who was very tall used to come to our owners house and request them to let her stay in the varandah during nights. At last they permitted with the condition she helps them in household chores. She was not really too old but was in widows attire ie. cleanly shaven head and white saree worn in orthodox way and no blouse. I questioned her why she was like that . She said her husband died very young in age due to appedicitis. She had a soon who became a lorry cleaner as she could not educate him due to poverty. She was in her forties . She had no education. She knows only cooking. She was a Brahmin.She was forced to become a cook for her livelyhood. If she was not in that specific traditional attire no Brahmin family would appoint her for cooking with Madi.She had no one to help her. I felt very sorry for her.She used to come into my house and chat with me.Her name was also Annapurnamma.

town library&bookshop

As soon as I got settled with new job I started searching for town library. Soon I came to know there was one at Arundelpet. I went there and became a member. To my surprise there were English novels there and mostly Mills&BOON.My happiness found no bounds. Regularly I started taking books home with cards.There was a big bookshop inArundelpet 3rd lane. My friend KC found that they rent novels there.Rent was one rupee per day. So daily after coming from Bank I used to go there and bring a book. By next day morning I used to complete it and return it in the evening.

Near our Bank there was a big market and a famous college. Once I went to that market with Sujatha. But there they wont sell vegetables in quarter kgs. Only in kgs we have to buy .So that market was of no use to me. I used to make curry with one brinjal a day.So if I buy in kgs I have to prepare same dish for a month. Even bananas for cooking they sell in dozens.I cook one banana for two days.Near our house there was a small market where I could request them to sell me in single pieces.