Short story

Heeding a wife's advice

by Joseph Anthony

David was an engine driver on a tea estate counting 40 years of service. He joined the factory when he was 15. The engine driver taught him the rudimentary work such as cleaning the engines, oiling them and keeping the engine room clean.

When the engine driver dismantled the engine parts for repairs David used to watch him assiduously and learn the art. In a short period he was able to handle the repairs of the engines and vehicles.

When the engine driver retired from service David was appointed as the Head Engine Driver. It was due to the dint of his hard work and diligence.

David was a clever engine driver and was in the good books of the estate manager. The manager never sent his car to the garage as David attended to all the repairs enabling the manager to save a substantial amount on vehicle maintenance at the end of the year. David was paid a good salary and yearly bonus. He had an assistant to help him.

When David was 25 years he got married and had two children. They lived in the estate quarters.

Extension

When David reached 55 he was given an extension and the manager wanted to keep David until he reached 60 years.

He was in the highest grade. When other staff members got their salary increments at the end of the year David felt sad that he was overlooked.

One day David returned home after a day's hard work. When he reached home he was dead tired and sat in the easy chair. His wife came with a cup of tea and sat close to him. She told him that she met the Conductor's wife at the market and was told her husband and all the other staff members got their increments.

"Why don't they give you an increment? After all you work the whole day and repair all the engines and vehicles. See how much they would lose if they send them outside.

Why don't you talk to the manager about this? Tell him you would leave the job if no increment was given.

Surely the manager would not like you leaving since he cannot find another person well versed in the job." She fulminated at the injustice done to her husband. David, sipping his tea said, "you are right. I'll talk to the manager tomorrow."

On the following day David went to the office to meet the manager. He was cock sure that his wife's advice would work incredibly. When the manager saw him "what's the matter David?" he asked.

"Sir, I came regarding my increment. All are getting their increments but I am not given any. You promised me that you would speak with the company but nothing is happening" David complained.

The manager sat straight and said, "Look David, I spoke to the company people but they are adamant that no increment can be given to you as you are on an extension period. They cannot change the company rules they told me. So I am very sorry that I can't help you" the manager said firmly.

Cost of living

Then with a reluctance David said, "The salary paid to me is not commensurate with our daily needs. The cost of living is so high. I have decided to leave the job if no increment is given," David threw his last trump card hoping for the better.

'The manager cogitated for a while and finally said, "if that is your decision I can't do anything." The manager called the chief clerk and told him that David wanted to leave and prepare his dues and a letter to the company. We can promote his assistant and that would be a saving as well," he said. David's expectation was crumbled to dust. He cursed his wife for killing the only duck that laid the golden eggs. He headed towards his home despondently. The distraught wife could only blame herself for her ill advice which cost her husband's job.