But it had all been in vain! And there was not a word from the chief, the secretary, or the orderly! The Panchayat faced the serious threat of losing its reputation. A feeble voice spoke, "These technical things can be quite temperamental."
A young man arrived with the news, "People from the Dhiraj Clan are mocking us. They claim that if you hold your ears and do five sit-ups in front of the Panchlight, it will light up on its own."
Upon hearing this report, the members of the panchayat quietly acknowledged to themselves, "God has given them an opportunity to laugh at us, so it is only natural that they would do so." An elderly man arrived with grave news, sharing that the grocer was suggesting that operating the Panchlight could be a delicate task requiring utmost care.
Indu felt the urge to speak up. The words were eager to escape her lips.
Summoning her courage, Indu informed the chief that she could light the Panchlight.
The chief looked at the secretary, who, in turn, exchanged glances with the other panchayat members. The chief responded, "Very well then, you? Can you..."
The chief's wife intervened, shooing away a cat that was circling the puja offerings. The lead singer of the troupe smoothed his hair, preparing to vigorously twirl it. Indu asked, "Where is the wick? How can I light it without the wick?"
Another obstacle emerged! Doubts about the intelligence of the chief, the secretary, and the orderly began to take hold among the members of the panchayat. They had embarked on their tasks without any idea of how they were supposed to be accomplished!
Despair once again gripped the gathering. However, Indu was a resourceful young woman. She would find a way to light the Panchlight even without a wick. "Can someone please bring a little coconut oil?" Indu's cousin, Jitu, promptly ran to fulfill her request. Indu then started pumping the Panchlight.
The silk mesh of the Panchlight's torch gradually began to emit a faint glow. Indu blew on the torch and turned its key alternately. A hissing sound emanated from the Panchlight as its light grew brighter and stronger. All traces of ill will dissipated from the hearts of those present. Indu was truly an intelligent young woman.
Soon, the entire community was bathed in the luminous glow of the Panchlight. The singers sang with clarity and enthusiasm. The radiant brilliance of the Panchlight illuminated the smiling faces all around and won over everyone's hearts.
The chief called out affectionately to Indu, inviting her to sit closely beside him. He declared, "You have saved the honor of our community. All your transgressions are forgiven. You may take as much food as you want from my house!"
The chief's wife added, "You must join us for dinner at our house tonight."
The troupe of singers concluded their performance and erupted into joyous cries. "Victory to... Long live..." Every leaf and twig on every plant and bush seemed to tremble with happiness.
Days passed beneath the radiant light of the Panchlight.