Funny Boy

We came home from school one day to find Amma and Neliya Aunty sitting on the verandah, looking alarmed.

'What happened?' Diggy asked.

'The police were here,' Amma said.

'The police!' I said. Amma and I looked at each other, remembering our last encounter with the police.

'What did they want?' Diggy asked.

'They wanted to speak to Jegan,' Neliya Aunty said.

'Why?' I asked, feeling suddenly afraid.

They both shrugged.

'Anyway,' Amma said. 'I called the office. Jegan and your Appa should be here soon.'

We went to put away our schoolbags. As we walked down the hall, Sonali took my arm and asked what I thought was happening. I shook my head. I couldn't help remembering that conversation Jegan and I had on the beach. I wondered if the police visit was connected to his having been a Tiger.

When my father and Jegan arrived home, I was surprised to discover that my father was thinking along the same lines I was. Once Amma told them what had happened, my father turned to Jegan and said, 'I've never asked you this, son, but I need to know. Were you or are you connected with the Tigers?'
Jegan was silent for a moment. Then he nodded. My parents looked at him, appalled. 'But not anymore,' Jegan said hurriedly, trying to reassure them.
'Are you sure, son?' my father said gravely. 'This is not the time to hide anything from us.'

'I'm sure, Uncle,' Jegan replied.

'But what do the police want, then?' Amma asked anxiously.

My father telephoned a friend of his who was high up in the police and explained the situation to him. Then he just listened and nodded for what seemed like a long time. When he put down the phone, Amma asked what the man had said.
