In our colony lived a woman named Rachna, who was known less for her sweet nature and more for her habits. She looked innocent and spoke as if honey dripped from her words, but there was often a pinch of spice hidden in what she said. She never liked direct confrontations; instead, she preferred to whisper small hints into people’s ears and let the damage unfold on its own.
Rachna had a special talent for keeping track of every household’s affairs. During her morning walks, she would casually ask, “Everything alright?” and before even hearing the answer, she would add, “I heard something… but never mind.” That was enough. The listener would start imagining stories on their own. Rachna rarely revealed the full tale—she left the rest to people’s imagination.
One day, she casually told Seema that Shalu had been laughing at her sari. Seema tried to brush it off, but a seed of doubt had already been planted. Throughout the day, she began noticing imaginary hints in Shalu’s behavior. By evening, a cold tension had grown between the two friends. From a distance, Rachna watched it all unfold like an entertaining show.
However, luck does not always favor mischief. Once, she tried to provoke two friends separately by telling each of them different stories. Coincidentally, the two ended up sitting together and discussing the matter. The truth surfaced quickly, and Rachna’s confident smile faded.
For the first time, people openly discussed her habit. In a colony meeting, it was decided that no one would believe any rumor without confirmation. Though nothing was said to her directly, the message was clear—whispering into ears would no longer be so easy. Gradually, Rachna learned to control her tendency.
Even today, she speaks sweetly, but the people around her have grown wiser. Everyone has understood that laughter and fun are welcome in friendship—but no one is allowed to poison trust by adding fuel to the fire.
RAJEEV VERMA 