The Last Resort
Celebrating the quirks of friendship and community, Madhav and Narayan’s adventure for a simple hammer brings humor to a heartfelt visit, enriched by the warmth of South Indian culture.
Madhav of Madipakkam decided to visit his friend Narayan in Nanganallur. He brought along two beautifully framed pictures of deities, knowing Narayan had a fondness for such art. Excited to display them, he called his son over and instructed, “Go and get the hammer from our neighbor.”
The boy returned shortly, looking disappointed. “They don’t have a hammer,” he said. “Is that so?” Madhav replied. “Alright, try the house next door.” However, the boy came back empty-handed again. “They don’t have a hammer either,” he reported.
“Perhaps the house across the street has one,” suggested Narayan, sending the boy on yet another errand. When he returned with the same news—“They too don’t have a hammer”—Narayan frowned and remarked, “See that! Nobody here wants to help one another. A whole selfish lot!”
Exasperated, Narayan told his son, “Go and get the hammer from my toolbox.” Madhav couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the absurdity of the situation. What started as a simple visit to share art had turned into a comical expedition for a hammer, highlighting the quirks of friendship and neighborhood dynamics.