TITLE: The Right to Say No

It was Mrs  Jafry _a very overstrung , commanding and demanding lady .She always took pleasure in seeing every one obeying her . She would never accept even if you rightly say ‘no’ on her behalf …………One day a beggar knocked at the door of mrs. Jafry’s house .A young woman opened the door . The beggar begged her for alms . the young lady looked pale and felt hesitant .In a low voice she said to the beggar . “I have nothing to give you . please go away . “ The beggar seemed to be a hard nut . He said , ‘ How could you say ‘no’ young lady ? You may not give me alms , but is it true that you have nothing to give me? You being the owner of such a big house ?”

The young lady looked really nervous . She was newly married living with her mother –in –law Mrs Jafry. She looked around as if to find someone , may be her husband , whom she desperately wanted at the moment to come and rescue her . But nobody was there around . She again said to the beggar ,” please go . I am really no in a position to give you alms .”

Just at that moment Mrs .Jafry showed herself there and heard her daughter –in –law refusing alms to the beggar . She got furious . “ who are you to refuse alms to this man ?” She demanded . “ I am the mistress of the house !” Thus chastened  , the daughter – in –law fled to her room .

“ thank you , kind lady ,” Said the beggar ingratiatingly . I am sorry to say , the young lady is a hard – hearted woman , “ He added , “ all I asked for a coin to buy food I did not know she was not the mistress of the house .”

“ She not !”snapped the woman  .” She had no right to refuse you alms . I am in charge here , and let me tell you something : you are not getting a paisa from me !!”

And with that , she slammed the door in the bewildered beggar’s face .