With sixteen sectors and two lakh fifty thousand population MVP colony in Visakhapatnam is the largest urban neighborhood not only in India but also in the entire Asia. MVP colony, the dwelling place of temples parks auditoriums, amphitheatres, convention halls is over looked by the Lord of dance Siva with his concert Parvati from atop Kailasagiri. The colossus of Shiva parvathi look like the genitori dell'universo (the parents of the universe.) In sector 6 in the vicinity of Anandanilayam at the foot of Kailasagiri lies a small house.
The tell tale small iron entrance gate, two small windows and two door halves betray that it is a middle class house. There is a bone shaker scooter was parked in front of the house. An argument was going on so loud that the echo is heard in hills of Kailasagiri. The voices would often disturb the welkin (cloud zone) but the passers by would not be disturbed because they are inured to such verbal clashes. The arguments are many but the reason is one. Sarraju hasn't bought a two wheeler to his Engineering undergraduate son. " Shit you couldn't buy a bike for me. I am ashamed to be your son. Every dumb box of rocks has a bike these days. For three years my appeals are falling in your deaf ears. I am casting pearls before swine. such a deadbeat should not get children." Shouted Basava. He was as mad as a bear with a sore head.
"what are you prattling? Had I been incompetent I would not have got a seat for you in Engineering paying lakhs through my nose. Your focus is on luxuries that's why you have backlogs. Focus on the studies and clear off your backlogs." Sarraju got excited.
Today is very auspicious. The whole of India celebrates Rakshabandhan. Ramya tie the Rakshabandhan to your brother Basava. The quarrels and arguments can wait. Take a break for a few minutes." said Butchamma. Ramya tied the Rakshabandhan to her brother Basava.
"Your father is not an officer. He is a clerk in Transport corporation. It is evident from the cut of his gibs look at your sister Ramya. She is the angle of this house, apple of our eyes. She is studying well, getting good grades and helping mother." said Butchamma. Basava was disillusioned with mother words " shit! to hell with this house to hell with studies. I can't stand your preaching. Whenever I ask for a bike dad would point to my backlogs you would tick me off (scold)showing Ramya. Basava shouted in anguish. Ramya , the sweet little lamb looked aghast at her flaming brother. "Don't put words in my mouth, what did you give me except the birth? The miserable birth! Miserable name !! Immeasurable poverty!!! Above all the name Basava is an anathema to me. I am unable to cope with this nasty name. So I lie to everybody that I am Bunny. You have made me a liar!!" Basava turned hostile. "Why blame the name? you are named after the most charitable and revered man our grandfather. said Ramya. " Lo! Look at the charitable man! Gold is his providence to the world but for me a beggar's bowl. Charity must begin at home. " said Basava.
Just then Agastya arrived at Basavanivawas. Butchamma looked at him and told her daughter Ramya " Go into your study, don't argue with your stupid brother." Ramya went into her study from the livingroom. "Your friend Agastya has come, you had better go out with him and spend sometime." Butchamma pushed Basava. A broken Basava was beside himself and went berserk. In the blink of an eye his hand touched his mother's jaw. Agastya was appalled.
A bewildered Sarraju said to Agastya " Look boy, your friend says that I am a deadbeat! Tell me which deadbeat joins his son in a reputed engineering college? He has now slapped his mother. His is the misfortune to this Basavaniwas" cried Sarraju. "You won't change easily. My death will teach you guys a lesson." cried Basava. Agastya stood dumb like a statue. He was at the end of his wits. A frightened Butchamma quickly disculpated her son "Nobody has slapped me." She said quickly and added "My son is not misfortune to this house. He is the light of this house." Butchamma roughly patched up with her motherly love. That brought tears in the eyes of Agastya." I have come to invite Basava to the poetic discourse by Bharatavarsha at his residence. I think I came in the wrong time." Said Agstya and turned back to go.
"Wait Agastya , you came at the right time. It is time we took lunch. Have lunch and go. she stopped Agastya. Agastya said " Bharatavarsha offers a feast to all participants and visitors. I am going there to participate , so I must eat there. If Basava likes to accompany me he will eat there." I am hurt with you calling me Basava. Can't you call me Bunny? " Basava said with irritating voice. "That is your college name. A mask you wear. But Bharatavarsha the renowned bard of the city is organizing poetic discourse where great scholars and Pandits will be present. They love their language and culture not cinema culture as young people do. They are all quite traditionally disposed. They don't disguise themselves with names Bunny and Cherry and hide themselves in English culture just as cine actors do. If you want to come there first you should drop your fake name" said Agastya.
Agastya stop rubbing salt in my wounds. You have insulted me by calling me Basava. Now you are insulting my favourite heroes. I can least tolerate that." said Basava. " Basava is a traditional name. Indian traditions carry the knowledge of our ancestors. Ancient Knowledge comes in the form of traditions." Said Agastya. "Basava is sacred because it is the name of Shiva. Agastya is a sacred name because it is the name of a great sage." Butchamma supported Agastya. A frustrated Basava shouted " I don't want a culture which powerful people don't follow. The influential and powerful people are in the cinema field. They are the eyes and icons of our society. People love to follow them not the poets and scholars." Later he demanded five hundred rupees for biryani. Poor Butchamma paid the price for her sin of teaching tradition to the cinema head.
Basava and Agastya got out of Basavaniwas . They started walking to Ananda Nilayam which is at a stone's throw. Basava asked Agastya " Will they offer biryani at the end of the program?" "They offer it in the beginning." replied Agastya. Basava asked no more questions and walked silently.
-0-
Sarraju and Butchamma sat in the living room. Their were feeling sad and empty. " We are enjoying the result of our sin." said Sarraju. "He has left and you started attacking my peace?" shouted Butchamma. " Don't you regret ?" asked Sarraju.
Butchamma: Should I regret my marriage , our union or my giving birth to two children?
Sarraju: Look a boy born in Niyogi Brahmin family has become a useless wastler.
Butchamma : It is in the education. We joined in the English medium school. English medium schools not only promote English language but also English culture. English education downplays Indian culture, mocks our traditions and finds fault with every custom. As a father you haven't influenced your son by following our traditions and customs. You never took time to explain the epics and the characters. Now you have to blame yourself for making your son so.
Sarraju : When should I teach all these values. He has no time for his Engineering subjects. Why did you not teach him? It doesn't come with teaching? How did Ramya learn?
Butchamma : How blind and callous you are! Today I exhorted Basava to take Rakhi from his sister amidst their arguments. Did you not see that? I taught my daughter all poojas and our customs. What did you say when he was belittling our customs and traditions ? You took it for his scientific temperment and encouraged him. Today's slap is the result of your encouragemnt.
Sarraju: I want to send my son to America. He needs good English to serve there. All are going abroad. Today daily-wage labourers are sending their children abroad. Why not we?
Butchamma: You don't want your son to be useful citizen , you don't want your son to serve your country. The only thing you want is he must go abroad because all are going abroad.
The door bell rang. Butchamma opened the door. Seetaratanm came in with her daughter who has a tray in her hands. Sarraju went into the bedroom. " I am on Puvvu, Pandu, Tambulam NOMU." said Seetharatnam's daughter giving a flower, fruit and betel leaf. Butchamma calle her daughter "Ramya" "She's studying" replied Sarraju from the bedroom.
Nothing happens to her studies. She can come and see what is happening in the living room.
Ramya and Sarraju both came out. Ramya asked about the importance of the Nomu. Seetaratanm explained the importance of the Nomu. " This is done by married women for children. The woman who follows this Nomu gives furit, flower and betel leaves throught the year. At the end of the year she has to give 25 fruits, a saree and a blouse to a married woman. Sarraju smiled at her. Butchamma understood what her husband means. He has no faith. "This is our tradition, our belief. You've already spoiled your son, at least leave the daghter to me" Said Butchamma.
" Yes, Yes, Ramya can learn and follow traditions. Girl should learn." said Sarraju
Well said brother , Gilrs should be traditional and should rule homes." Seetaratnam appreciated Sarraju Boys should study well and rule the world." She added. Butchamma and Ramya both guessed that she is going to talk about her son. They took a deep breath and prepared to listen to her boastful talk. " You know my son has gone to the USA." said Seetaratnam. "You have already told four time aunt." Said Ramya.
"Ay, Ramya you are still a small girl. Don't talk to a gentlewoman like that." said Sarraju
"I am talking about my second son. He has got visa recently." Seetaratnam said Proudly
Wow that is a son! said Sarraju. Seetaratnam's daughter touched Butchamma's feet and took blessings as a part of the tradition. Ramya was watching her.
"Why don't you send your daughter too!" Said Butchamma.
It is so bizzarre and exccentric !!! Said Seetaratnam and turned her mouth left and right and went away. Sarraju was happy. Butchamma was dazzed but Ramya said "It is disgusting to see our people "Boasting about their community all the time. No respect for small jobs or for life. Patriotism only in words. All double standards-show off. People form even good families try their best for dowry. Worest of all is interfering in others life unnecessarily makes life hard. I wish there were some injections to inject morality and civic sense." Sarraju laughed
***
ANANDANILAYAM was unusually noisy with groups of people entering and exiting. It was lunch time. Many people are eating under the huge tent set up in the open front yard of the house. Malini were serving food and Manjusha water. A young girl of 20 was standing at the desk near the gate offering betel leaves to the people leaving the place. Two men a peasant and an educated man came to the desk for betel leaves. The girl was preparing the leaves for them. "What a beautiful house!" said the peasant. "This is not a house. This is castle." The other man corrected him. "Hi Vidisha where is Lakuma?" said Agastya who entered with Basava. Hello said Vidisha, Damini would know about Lakuma. "There is Astavadhanam (a language discourse and poetic talent show with eight people) after the lunch. This lunch is meant for gathering the people." said the peasant to the other man"
In that case they should offer lunch at the end the program." said the other man. Vidisha smiled and gave them leaves. Basava said "You are correct sir. If they want to retain the people for the following program lunch should not be served before the program." said Basava.
"Bharatavarsha is a poet not a politician. He wants to attract the people but he doesn't have trading techniques." said Vidisha. Agastya said to the peasant "You know we can take the horse the pond but we can't make it drink water. The real intention of the organizers is to create genuine interest in their mother tongue. Later Agastya turned to Basava "You too can leave after eating if you don't like to participate." A crestfallen Basava said "After all Bharatavarsha is our friend." Vidisha laughed and said" Your courteous presence doesn't do any good to you. Now hurry up and finish your lunch. The program is going to start soon."
***
The visitors are coming into the Manduva where the literary program was arranged. Some people found the ancient house very interesting. "This ancient design is attractive. Now a days we don;t have these kind of houses." said one visitor to the other.
"This is called the courtyard house. A courtyard is an uncovered outdoor area that is open to the sky. It primarily has walls of a larger building surrounding it. Usually, a courtyard is in the middle of the house or building. Because of their central location, a courtyard can become an attractive outdoor room in the middle of the house." said the first visitor.
"This courtyard has six rooms around it. The Courtyard (Manduva) was large enough that a dais was arranged for the program." second visitor. Eight participants on the dais and thirty spectators around. The Avadhanam (Discourse) began. It is a program that unveils poetic talent and memory power of the scholar. The scholar instantly answes in verses the complex questions posed by seven eminent people while the eight participant tries to distort the attention of the scholar with his irrelevant questions.
So the seven are called questioners and the eighth one is the distorter who asks irrelevant questions who sole aim is to confuse the Scholar. Usually prefers to ask about petrol price during a spiritual discourse. Usually the scholar deftly shuts the irrelevant questioner with his wit and wisdom but by giving the right answer.
Telugu lecturer in the local college Mr. Ramakrishna , Retired government college principal Ankalarao, Almanac Pandit and poet Sarma, popular writer Marayya, Damini, Internet magazine editor Siddayya, literature lover Agastya sat around Bharatavarsha. All were eagerly waiting for the eighth participant, the distorter.
A girl in white long skirt and orange mantel got on to the stage. She is Manjusha. Her friends also arrived to see the program. Their interest looms large on their faces. Basava is the only odd man out of those. He looked like a squire peg in a round hole.
Bharatavarsha began with the verses from Basavapurana. He explained the greatness of Basaveswara. Basava's face turned red. He was not sure whether it was merely accidental or instigation of Agastya but he was terribly upset at the discussion and sneaked out of the Manduva coolly. Questions were shot like arrows at Bharatavarsha.
Four modern actresses names were given to him and sought a metrical verse describing a scene from the Ramanaya the great epic written by Valmiki. Varsha was instantly ready with the verse. Damini gave Varsha the names Malini, Manjush and Vidisha and asked him to explain a scene from the Mahabharata. The bard took couple of minutes contemplating the scene Manjusha entered the scene to distort the attention of her brother with the question " why are the human relations dwindling now a days?" "Because people like you talk irrelevantly they are unable to connect to others." That has brought laughter among the questioners and spectators as well. Manjusha pulled a long face when she saw her mother Malini laughing with all others.
She glared at her mother in the audience venting her anger. Malini moved her pupils to the right and left corner of the eyes pointing to the audience and then rounded her pupils in 360 degrees and finally raised her eyebrows questioning with her eyes look all are laughing what is wrong if I laugh? Manju's eyes turned red. She threw a look of anger. She shook her head two millimetres to the right and two millimetres to the left saying that a mother has no right. Varsha threw a look at Manjusha. He raised and downed the eyebrows, blinked his eyes twice and finally opened his eyes wide. Though it lasted for a few seconds Agastya was amused to see that they are communicating something. He knew that the art of communicating with eyes is called Netravadhanam. His curiosity took better of him. When he was about to ask what they were speaking with eyes " Sita, Ravana, secret, whisky" These phrases were heard.
All questioners and spectators looked at Ankalarao in dismay who uttered the words. Ankalarao uttered those words again. All were eagerly waiting for Ankalarao to explain what he wanted the bard to do with those phrases. "Put it in a poem of Dwipada genre" said Ankalarao. Dwipada is a genre that is so popular and so close to the hearts of the common people. Great epics of India are in Dwipada. Dwipada poem consists of only two lines. Varsha looked around. The audience were very curious. In a few seconds he presented the words in poem that gives a meaning "Ravana wish (the) key to success of Ram not kept a secret by Sita. There was an applause in the audience. After similar puzzles the Avadhanam came to an end. It was a great poetic stunt in which the bard displayed his linguistic competence. He could solve all puzzles. His amazing ease and style delighted the audience. All participants and spectators appreciated Bharatavarsha's talent and left. The noise quelled after all the participants and visitors had gone. The tent and the chairs were cleared.
Tranquility prevails in Anandanilayam as usual. All the flowers in the garden have taken a cheerful tune while Manjusha took a plaintive tone and sat grumpy under the guava tree. Malini knew that her daughter needed attention from Damini. Damini knew it was a mock anger. She consoled her stroking her head and kissed her on the forehead. Malini said " Great going Damini! Tomorrow when Manju is married she needs the same care from her husband. If she doesn't get the same hundred kisses a day will you go and give her?" I will live with her or she will live with me you don't worry! She is my daughter. "I am jealous of Manjusha. She has love from two mothers. Double love!!" said Vidisha affectionately. Malini said "Oh! Damini, Manju is totally spoiled with your pampering. People in this neighborhood think that she is your daughter. You have to see a suitable groom for her." Ok that is my responsibility. you don't worry replied Damini. They all laughed Varsha and Agastya joined them.
***
It was dusk. The clouds in the sky were floating like boats in the sea. They appear like big cotton balls tinged in orange color. Slowly they oranges balls started disintegrating. After a while the sky is full of orange pollen. The cool breeze began blowing. Perhaps the the breeze scatters the pollen. Now the breeze blows over the flowers. The air mixed with the fragrance served as invitation to the bees. The pollen is scattered by the breeze. The bumble bees are buzzing. A few butterflies with colorful wings are twinkling in the garden like stars in the sky. Varsha and Agastya sat gazing at the beautiful scene. What a beautiful feast to the eyes said Bharatavarsha. Agastya remembered the Netravadhanam during the discourse. He asked Varsha curiously" what did you communicate with eyes?" Varsha said that Manju asked her mother Malini the reason for laughing. She said that She is laughing as everyone else is laughing. Manju said that others have the right but mothers are wrong if they use the right. Agastya was bemused with Varsha's style of explaining. What did you say then? aksed Agastya.
I blinked my eyes twice to communicate that your Avadhanam in my Avadhanam is like picture in picture and showed feeling of surprise with my eyes wide opened. They later discussed Basava. Basava left in the beginning of the Program. He could not stand good words. The gristly scene I saw this afternoon still haunts my mind." said Agastya.
"What happened ?" said Damini Agastya told Damini what he had told Varsha before the program. "God save Basava! He is totally fallen. Where is his education? Said Damini. "Education is God. Education saves. Bharatavarsha is doing his bit to educate such people" Said Agastya. "Education does not bring any refinement as long as people consider education a bread winning process. It is cinema and fashion that go into the heart not education. Education became superficial coat. He got bad language and reckless attitude like many others who are overpowered by movies and bitten by fashion bug. Poor are the people could not connect themselves to books but silver screen." said Varsha.
I am happy that you are trying to connect to such people to books. I must go now said Vidisha. Wiat said Malini she went in and fetched two pieces of cloth. Keeping with the tradition Malini presented the two pieces of blouse cloth to Damini and Vidisha before they had left. Vidisha left as she has to go to a distant village called Sabbavaram. Damini took Vidisha in her car to drop her at the near by bus stop. Manjusha and Malini were in the kitchen preparing tea.
Only Agastya remained with Varsha in the garden. "Agastya your face is so grave. What is the reason!" Agastya could not speak. He remained silent. "Basava's behaviour should not shake you so much" Said Varsha again. Malini and Manjusha entered the garden with tea. Tea was served to Varsha and Agastya. All are taking tea sitting in the chairs under the guava tree. Manjusha said " Agastya looks like a king who lost battle."
Agastya smiled. It was a smile without life. "Like Lakuma you have any problem with your hostel? Tell me what is affecting you?" said Varsha. "If you have a problem in your hostel you can live with us." said Malini. "No, I don't have a problem with my hostel." said Agastya and smiled. Look you are hiding something Agastya you need not hide your problem. if it is a problem you need not hesitate but if it is a secret you can hide." said Varsha "My parents are taking divorce." Said Agastya. Varsha was dumb stricken.
***
Sector 10 - MVP colony
Basava entered Paradise hostel Near Alwardas Public School and walking inthe corridor. Most doors are shut except for a few. Basava looked at the watch. It was just 7.00 AM.
It being Sunday most students in the hostel are still sleeping. Some students are listening to songs in the mobile phones. They kept their doors ajar. Basava stopped for a while to listen to his favourite song. " ONe should have a good cell phone these days." He thought to himself. The next moment " One should have a good mom." He thought and moved ahead.
Agasty's door was ajar. Basava stood at the door. Agastya took bath and was wearing clothes
"Basava come in. I am going to start to your house." He said.
Why? Is there any Avadhana program again? asked Basava.
Only last week we had Avadhanam program in Ananda Nilayam.
Then why are you going to my house? asked Basava.
I want to give something. It is in the cupboard.
What is it? asked Basava eagerly. " Try to guess." Said Agastya.
Your mother has sent money from Chennai. You have bought sweets.
NO, She came and gave me the money. She brought the sweets.
"You are lucky, your mother comes in time , pays for the hostel and studies and gives you pocket money. I wish I were in hostel like you." said Basava eating the sweets.
"Agatya laughed. I want to live with my mother leaving the hostel. You want to join the hostel leaving your mother. You are good at joking." said Agastya laughing.
Basava: Beigh away from parents is an advantage. We have independence. If you live with them under their watchful eye it is a typical harassment. always we have questions.
I prefer love to independence. your mother stresses on good character. You are lucky.
I am lucky if you give me the gift. " said Basava. "Your gift is here " Agastya gave the mobile phone in a box. Basava was surprised.
Agastya: Can you guess who gave you this gift?
Basava : Aren't you giving?
"Bharatavarsha" said Agastya.
Basava: It is a low price cell. Basic model. But I will adjust.
"You know something." Agastya paused for a moment while Basava was looking at him keenly" He hasn't bought for himself even this basic model." Said Agastya. Basava's eyes were filled with water.
***
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