Forty scenes -40

1.Nandini Nilayam - Visakha

Sundari and Nandini, Adi and Dasu sat at the dining table. Paidamma is serving special dishes to Sundari. Sundari " Amma stop serving me more. I can not eat. I have already eaten so many varieties of dishes and soups"  "You sholud not refuse the special dishes. Paidamma prepared them with all her love and affection" said Dasu. 

"Yes,  you must eat the special dishes because you are our special guest." said Adi.  "Sundari is not a guest she is Goddess who saved my daughter."said Paidamma.  "So, Is it a punishment for saving your daughter ? asked Sundari innocently. Nandini laughed. So did everybody. Paidi kissed on Sundari's forehead. 

They started eating. "I am eager to know how could you arrange my dance program in Meenakshi expo  annual day program?"Asked Sundari. Dasu laughed and said " My brother-in -law (Nandini's father) is one of the most influential men in the city. He can command the city!"Adi said. Nandini said "My uncle is just joking."  "He is going to contest in the elections. He will be the minister. Then He will command the whole district.No.. no... the whole state" said Dasu.

He is contesting for MLA. How can he become Minister? said Sandeep who came just then.  Sundari was confused. "He is my brother Sundeep" Nandini introduced Sundeep. Don't go by my uncles Dasu and Adi, They are the trumpters of my father. My father is a big investor in Meenakshi expo. On my mother's recommendation he talked to the Managing director of the company Grace and arranged your programme. My mother knows that it is not possible otherwise to make you visit our home." Sundeep made it clear to Sundari. 

Paidamma came like a whirl wind and shouted on Sundeep "  Talking and talking. Don't do the talking. Let them eat." With her warning Sundeep went away. They continued eating. 

   

                                                                  ***

2.Thoriapakkam - Chennai

Agastya: None of the names of Noor's family members appear in the lists of passengers 

Armugam:  They have gone boy a taxi or some other private vehicle. 

Agastya: It shows clearly that Noor's father Abdul hafiz must be working for intelligence agency. This is nothing but police intelligence. No clue is left. So intelligent.

Basava : Why don't we go once again to her house?

Armugam : That house is locked, what will you do there?

Agastya: Any super intelligent but leaves some clue , we must go for micro search.

Armugam : Don't forget that there are watching eyes around that house. 

Basava ran out of his flat and went towards the steps. He found none. He came back and told " I suspected someone is spying us here. So, I went out." 

Armugam: So you started your job from now onwards. Be careful.

Agastya : You do one thing. You both go to her house and I will follow you and watch you from a distance. We go this evening."

                                                              *** 

3. Arunachalam 

KGP VM Arnunchalam Exp the fastest train to Tiruvannamalai from Visakhapatnam reached Arunachalam at 5.10 in the morning. Vidisha who got into the train in Vishakhapatnam at 1.50 the previous day got out of the train with a bag in her hand.  After 15hr 20min journey she felt jet lag. She walked along the platform and came out of the railway station She is dressed in poor clothes. She is not the rich God woman or Amma of Visakhapatnam but a poor beggar of the truth  She came out of the railway station and started  walking towards the bus stand. She has to take the bus to pudur to meet the sidda, a powerful yogi. 

The road was wide and long.  Vidisha is walking along the road with bag in the road. There are several passengers hring taxis to go to Hotels and guest houses. 

Vidisha: Where is the bus stand?"  She asked a stranger walking on the road.

Stranger: Where should you go? He asked. 

Vidisha: I have to take the bus to go to Pudur.

"Pudur is just nine kilometers, you can take auto or taxi.  If you want to go by bus , the busstand is 1 kilometer." said the stranger and walked straight ahead. 

Vidisha reached the bustand and started waiting for the bus. There were a few women passengers seated in a shelter on stone sofa. One of them was speaking Telugu. She is talkig about Rameswara yogi. Vidisha went near her and sat beside her on the stone sofa. " If you are from this place tell me if you know about Rameswara yogi in Pudur." 

The woman was pleased  when she heard Vidisha speaking Telugu. She said " Are you going to meet Rameswara yogi is in Pudur? He is a great yogi well known to all. If you want to meet him you should have patience. He may not speak to you immediately. He will be in meditation for days. If you can wait you can meet him. Vidisha smiled and said "I can wait." 

"You know the siddhas are always like that. They make people wait." said the woman. Vidisha smiled as she remembered her own position back in Visakha. She remembered how people waited for her, struggled to meet her, fought at the gate for entry. She was lost in thought. The woman shook Vidisha " Aye girl, where are you? The bus is coming, get up.

 Several passengers ran towards the bus. Vidisha too went towards the bus hurriedly leaving her bag behind. She got into the bus and the bus moved. Vidisha got a seat at the window. She looked through the window. The greenary was welcoming the beholders into a new world and absorbing the hearts.  

"Arunachaleswara has the magic in him." she thought. "Ticket.. ticket" The voice of the lady conductor brought Vidisha back into the bus. By then the bus was at the border of Tiruvannamalai.  Vidisha had to get off the bus. She decided to walk.  She started walking to Pudur. She has nothing either in her hands or in her stomach. 

                                                   ***

4. Kommadi - Visakhapatnam

Sundari and Nandini sat on the edge of the pond in the farm house at Kommadi. "The large open spaces, beautiful lawns, birds and animals. It is a different world." said Sundari. That is why people love farm houses." said Nandini. "I am lucky to be here in the lap of nature." said Sundari.  " I am lucky to be in the company of a renowned dancer. Said Nandini”  

“Come on, we are friends.” said Sundari.

No, we are teacher student” said Nondini stubbornly, only to tease Sundari.

Sundari showed mock anger and said “I need a friend at this moment not a student, If you call me guru I will move.” Nandini laughed and said “Okay done!”

f you look at me with the traditional view of Guru-sishya I fail to speak freely. Said Sundari. “If you don’t bring the puranic period you can speak freely. You look at me I love with my teacher. Some people might feel bad about it. But I don’t.

Why should anybody feel bad if you love your teacher?

“Oh! God ! I am in love with my teacher Bharatavarsha”

Oh! My God ! Sundari pressed her mouth with her hand.

“That is why I said Teacher student relation is better. What is the use of friendly relation.      It should be in the mind not in the name.” said Nandini angrily.

Everything is okay but he is a scholar. Said Sundari hesitantly

“Why scholar don’t need a wife?” said Nandini.

Yes, a Scholar needs wife but Bharatavarsha is different said Sundari

Nandini showed her intimate pictures with Bharatavarsha in her mobile. Sundari was startled “Oh! God he is so romantic! You must have good time with him.” Said Sundari with face and voice full of surprise.

Nandini pulled out the book of sonnets fromshivere her bag.

Sundari snatched the book from her hand, browsed hrough the pages and stunned by the beauty of themes and imagery and started reading aloud.  "Don't say desire is base, It is love's sweetest face,  blame not the desire, It's the fire you can't hire,  without desire life is a brier, It is the love's burning fire, that lasts until you're on bire..... " 

Nandini snatched the book from her hand. Sundari laughed gently “He is amazing!. I am burning with jealous that you got a very romantic man” She said looking at the red lotuses. 

Nandini did not know what to say. " He is a highly placed man. His romance is limted to poems and looks" said Nandini. Sundari smiled as if Nandini was lying. "You are already engaged and you are going to be married soon, You must be having a real romance. Tell me about your romance" Your romance must be authentic." She said to shift the focus from her.

O, My God. He is a very dull man without any romance or ambitions. I have spoken with him twice. He never even looked at me instead he looked at the ceiling." 

Nandini smiled just as Sundari but was convinced by the quiver in Sundari's voice when she said " He is a man with spiritual bent of mind, plain and innocent a drummer par excellence but he is in an ordeal.

What ordeal? saked Nandini. 

Sundari s " aidHe is the fostered son of a devadasi called Charumati. Arunatara took from  Charumati's hut  a diary at the time of her death.  Kesava wats to know about of  his parents." said  Sundari. 

He is engaged in the search with the help of the diary given by Arunayata. He has to find his parents and get match for his isiter Parvati. Than he can think free. said Nandini. 

Weso are all  carrying responsibilities. Syamala is the daredevil. She has married her teacher.   I will introduce her to you shortly. 

                                                        ***

5. Narimanpoint - Mumbai

Nariman Point is Mumbai’s premier business locality. It is one of the tourist attractions of Mumbai with its impressive skyline - high-rise offices  and upscale hotels with  Arabian sea view it is very popular for sunset drinks at sea-facing bars. It’s home to the National Centre for the Performing Arts, hosting experimental theater and international music acts, and the Piramal Art Gallery, displaying modern visual arts. The area lies at the end of Marine Drive, a promenade lined with art deco buildings hosts MAHADEV STUDIO.

It is 12.00 noon. The sun was shining brightly on the blue stretch of Arabian sea. 

Arshad the assistant music director was writing the music score sitting at the piano table. Meenakshi was composing music to a song. She was looking like a big pearl. The sky blue cotton saree is eye catching. Her broad back open blouse was showing her beautiful back back.  It was like a sandlewood.  Arshad was looking at Meena frequently and paying little attention to the work. Meena knew that the score would go wrong but she did not dare to tell Arshad about it as he is the brother of the Music director. As she guessed that score was terrible. Arsha brought the score to her and showed it to Meenakshi. Arshad never misses a slight chance of touching Meena. He bent over her showing the music score.  Meenakshi showed him the chair and aked him to sit. No, No , Meena I am comfortable" He spoke in English with ugly accent. 

Meenakshi found that several sections of the music score were mixed up. She uttered a big sigh and told Arshad the same keeping the music director in mind. " Your brother will not compromise pay attention and write the score again." She said. 

"I am unable to pay attention I am besotted in your love. Meenakshi please accept my love. I have been begging you for months. I have installed you as Devi in my heart."  said Arshad.

This is not fair Arshad. You have been troubling me. I have told you a hundred times that I don't love you. You are a married man you have already two devis in your heart. How can you marry me? said Meenakshi.

haa. hha.. hha the constitution of India allows Muslims to have four wives. Of course, Hindus can not marry. India treats us very specially." Arshad simpered. His assistant Aftab brought tea.  Meenakshi said " I am sick I must go to the doctor." and left the studio. 

Arshad and Aftab started taking the tea. 

Aftab: The bird is beautiful Don't leave her. 

Arshad : I will never. I wish the constitution gave us right to snatch any woman of our choice. Our decision should be unchallengeable in court. Arshad alughed again. This time it is very wicked. Aftab was stunned. " Can such laws be made in India?" He asked. 

Such laws are already in force in India. Waqf bord snatches the land if it decides so. It can not be challenged in even Supreme the court. The supremee cort can not interfere in Waqf board. When our population increases , when we become majority , such laws are possible. 

Aftab was looking at Arshad with disbelief. Arshad laughed more villainously than ever and said "What happened in Kahmir in the night of 19th Jan 1990?   Ralive, Tsaliv ya Galive (convert to Islam, leave the place or prish). Tens of thousands of Kashmiri Muslims poured into the streets of the Valley, shouting  ‘death to India’ and death to Kafirs. We enjoyed the Hindu women while their families were frozen with fear. 

Aftab laughed ... Arshad too laughed.  Suddenly the music director came Aftab ran away.

"Get me the music score" the Music director Bashir Malik asked Arshad. 

Arshad the assistant director of music has brought a written form of a musical composition - parts for different instruments appear on separate staves on large pages.

Malik: Who wrote this composition? All sections are not clear, Where is the refrain? Chorus is not shown here seperately. We are not recording in Mumbai. We are going to Bangalore for recording. First time we got an opportunity for a Kannada film. There the musicialns don't understand this. You have to do it again. 

Arshad: It will be ready by tomorrow. 

Malik: What about the other thr songs? Is the music score ready? 

Arshad: Meena has prepared the music score for them.

Malik : Have some respect for her. At least call her Meenakshi. She is highly talented and older than you.  Since you are my brother you have become the assistant music director, otherwise she must be in your position.  Where is she ?

Arshad: She has gone to hospital. I have sent her by car. 

Malik: You should call the doctor to our place.  I haven't seen a fool like you at forty. 

A disappointed, morose Malik walked out of his studio with his car driver. 

                                                                ***

6. St. Regis - Mumbai

The St. Regis Mumbai is one of the finest hotels surrounded by top-notch restaurants with  incredible Arabian sea view,  10th floor swimming pool  at the corner of  the Palladium, a luxury mall selling high-end brands and hosting different restaurants.

In the 38th floor Yuuku Japanese restaurant in the sensationally opulent hotel,  Meenakshi sat with a young girl in Burkha. The young girl was strung with tension. She was turning her head all around watching with morbid fear like a deer. 

                          

Why are you tense dear, I have brought you frar away from the hospital. Tell me if you trust me, what is the problem? why are your parents hunting you? asked Meenakshi in a soft  voice. Her countenance is assuring. 

Noor was looking into Meenakshi fixedly without batting her eyelids. She was trying to understand her before she opens her heart and mouth.  She found Meenakshi's face  beautiful and cool like moon. Then Noor looked into her eyes. They are wide and beautiful like those of Krishna in Guruvayur. Her eyelids are like lotus petals. Noor kept gazing at her.

Meenakshi shook her and said " Tell me the truth , only if you tell the truth I can take the risk." The waiter came and placed two cups of coffee on the table. "Take cooffe" said Meena. Noor sipped coffee and began telling.  "I was forcebly transported from Chennai by my parents and sisters and brothers in law because I loved a Hindu boy who is my colleague in the same company in Thoriapakkam where I work." 

My father snatched my cellphone closed my mail id and brought me to Ville Parle, Mumbai to marry me to a person aged enough to be my father. My sisters and brothers in law were always around me. Even If I go to bathroom my sisters used to stand around. After seven days of torture I got an Idea. I pretended to have stomach pain. At first they did not believe. When I  cried bitterly my mother's heart relented and agreed to send me to hospital." She paused and smiled " You know what happened later. You helped me to escape from the hospital." Meenakshi smiled too. " I am very thankful to you." said Noor. 

"Thank the gyenacologist who helped you. She told me your story after sending you to the operation theater.  I was in her chamber at that time because I spoke a little bit of Tamil with her. She understood that we both are Tamilians. So I could help you.

 Nooor: I want to inform the boy about where I am. We will marry as early as possible.   

 "You told me almost everything. Now the most important thing is how worthy and reliable is the boy!  Tell me who is that lucky boy going to take this's beauty's hand?" Said Meenakshi.

Noor felt shy as her tension lowered. A smile bloomed on her rosy lips. She said " He is Basava from Visakhapatnam. Meenakshi's face tned unpleasant and her eyebrows knotted on hearing threshe boy's name. " Don't go  by his name, his is handsome to eyes and pleasant to ears. He is a poet who speaks in verses. Highly talented and lovable."

Meenakshi understood who the boy was. She felt happy but concealed her feelings and asked " Young girls like you often fall for sweet words. You should know about his family background also." said Meenakshi. 

 "Trust me I know everything about his family. He is from a middle class family that observes morals and follows traditions strictly. He even introduced me to his friends Agastya and Armugam. They are from good families. 

How do you know about them? Did Basava say all those things? said Meenakshi.

Noor kept quiet for a while. " Basava said something you believed. We can not believe anything until we see" Maanakshi added and looked at Noor from the corner of her eyes.

Noor: Armugam's parents died. He is an orphan. He told all truth about himself that he is an orphan, medicine dropout and directionless. He wants to join a job. I like his honesty.

Meenakshi : What did you like in the other boy Astavya

He is not Astvya. He is Agastya.  He is named after the great sage Agastya. He told me why his parents name him Agastya. Basava told me that his mother is pious lady abundant talent in music but Agastya said that humanity is his mother's talent." Meenakshi was silent. 

Noor said again enthusiastically " Madam, Agastya is a rare phenomen. Do you know his father is a very wealthy man in spite of that he is living in a dirty apartment working hard. Tell me me madam how many young boys can do like that?  asked Noor emotionally. 

Meenakshi turned her face and was looking at the Arabian sea through the large window glass. Her eyes were wet. Noor loked at her. Meenakshi is the sea herslf or absorbed the sea.  Tears tricled down her beautiful cheeks for quite sometime. She did not turn her head for quite sometime. 

Noor continued " Basava took me to Daskhina Chitra and showed me Agastya's ancestral home. It is in the east coast road on the way to Muttukudu. Please tell me should I call the boy now?"  "Not necessary I will do the needful." said Meenakshi and called the doctor and informed her where they are. In less than thirty minutes Noor's Hafiz came aok Noor forcibly. Noor looked at Meenakshi helplessly. Meenakshi smiled. "How wicked you are!" said Noor being dragged by her father. Her mother and sisters thanked Meenakshi.

                                                                     ***

7.  Lakuma - Meenakshi

Lakuma who had been observing Meenakshi and Noorjahan came hurriedly to the table where Meenakshi stood. "Aunty!  How cruelly you have sent the innocent girl!I could not believe eyes. " Said Lakuma. Meenakshi smiled "Don't believe your eyes. Don't you know that you should not judge anyone by looks?" said Meenakshi. 

Lakuma: I have heard Noor's full love story but I never thought that your could do like this.

Meenakshi : But she spoke in Tamil. How did you understand? 

Lakuma: I can't speak but understand Tamil. 

Meenakshi: Oh! great

Lakuma:  Her feelings told more than her words. I've understood my best.

Meenakshi: I have done my best. 

Lakuma : Oh! Is it your best? 

Meenakshi: Don't get excited, You know very little, I'll tell you, sit down. Let's take coffee.

Lakuma : I know everything about you. Noor's father is not the villain. You are the villain. Lakuma was grumpy like a little child. Meenakshi looked at her affectionately and kissed Lakuma on her cheeks. Lakuma wiped off her cheeks like a small girl. Meenakshi laughed again and said " At least you don't know who I am. 

Lakuma : Look Meenkangal you are a musician or not I don't know. You are Andhrite or Tamilian I am not sure because you speak both languages fluently alike.  I helped you in Arshad's case  do you remember? 

Meenkangal : You saved me from him. I don't know what mantra you have. It worked. 

Lakuma : The same Mantra. Love Mantra. I acted like I admired him. 

Meenkangal : Oh! my God.  He won't leave you. 

Lakuma : But he has left you that is enough! Meenakshi laughed " Then it is a big help"

 Earlier , I never asked you for help.  Now I am asking you " Please help Noor"

Meenakshi was amused at Lakuma's innocence "If you take coffee with me I will." she said.

Lakuma was silent and grumpy. Meenakshi ordered coffee. The waiter brought coffee. 

"I have a son. I wish I had a daughter like you. How is your fiance? When are you marrying?" said Meenakshi.

Lakuma: Come to the point will you help Noor?

Meenakshi: Why do you take it so seriously tell me. 

Lakuma: How will you help her?

Meenakshi's phone rang. It was Arshad. After speaking with him Meena said " I must start now. There is a trouble with the music score. I must go to the studio at once. The music director is tense because he planned  recording in Bangalore tomorrow. I too must go to Bangalore for the recording. I will tell you later." said Meenakshi.  Lakuma looked at her seriously. "Where will I go, we are living in the same apartment, I will break the suspense tonight. Till then just wait." said Meenakshi. 

                                                         ***  

8. Visakhapatnam - Anandanilayam

The sun was on the western horizen. The birds were homeward. The waves in the Bay of Bengal were washing bubbly foam to the shore. People in RK beach are relaxing playing with the waves. Sundari, Nandini and Syamala were walking along the shore.  Nandini is wearing Punjabi dress, tight pink bottom with top having long slits showing her beautiful thighs. Sundari was wearing a dull gold color half saree on a maroon color long skirt. Syamala was wearing a half white cotton saree. In the golden sunlight of the setting sun and the cool sea breeze of the theree women were walking.  "I could meet a dynamic personality, Syamala is really dynamic and revolutionary, I agree with you Nandini" said Sundari. 

Syamala: Me, dynamic ? revolutionary? never

If you are not dynamic how can you marry your teacher so early?" said Nandini.

Syamala: Nandini always talks about my early marriage. There is nothing in the early marriage. Now I am leading a compromised life. There are often clashes between us. I regret early marriage now. 

Sundari : It is not easy for a girl to express her opinion. I am unable to do it when my mother chose somebody for me. I yielded to tradition. Very few people can stand agains the tradition you are one of the few. 

Two men walking behind  them said " There was some magnetism in their bodies" said the first man leering at them. "Your bossom is surgnig like the waves and urging my heart"  muttered the first man to Sundari as he was passing close. "Your hips were moving up and down like waves and pounding on my heart" said the other man to Nandini. Nandini was angry at the men but Sundari calmed her. 

They haven't commented Syamala said Sundari because she is traditional in saree. said Nandini. "Not because I am traditional but because I looked married and old beside you." said Syamala in a grudging voice. Sundari and Nandini were calm. Only the seashore noise is heard for sometime. " I want to be like you , I want to be young again and enjoy my freedom like you and Manjusha."  

Nandini said suddenly " Manjusha, She's a bridal inteview this evening. We must go now."

Sundari " You mean we have to go to Anandanilayam?" 

Yes, Let us go, It's a nice opporhtunity for Nandini "said Syamala. 

What opportunity ? asked Sundari. Nandini looked angrily at Syamala. 

"Can I say?" Syamala winked and laughed at Nandini. Nandini was angry. They started walking back to the car on the beach road. Nandini pinched Syamala. Syamala screemed in pain "ouch, demon, I am not your Varsha." sadi Syamala. Sundari understood but persuaded Syamala to tell her what could be the opportunity.  Syamala said " It could be a kiss or hug or it could be something more!" said Syamala. Sundari was amused.  Syamala said" that is going on between them" Said Syamala showing lovers kissing on the beach." 

 "These things are common in Juhu beach" She said Sundari. 

"Is juhu beach is different than RK beach?" asked Nandini. 

 Sundari:  Juhu is 5 kilometers RK beach is 3.5 kilomteres.

Nandini: I am not asking which is longer? I am asking what is the difference? 

Sundari : I don't know any other difference.

They got into Nandini'd car. The car moved. 

Nandini : In Visakha we have people like this and the beach is more romantic with couples. That is not possible in Mumbai because section 110 of Mumbai Police act is very strong.

Sundari: It's a public indencency act. Now the cops can not use section 110. It's dismissed. 

Syamala: But recently I watched on the TV and read in news about cops taking people from beach and other public places and even hotels.

Nandini : Model Poonam Pandey was sitting in her car when she was picked up by the police because her dress was too short.  A man was caught in the Madh Island raid. He was in the hotel with his fiance, enjoying behind locked doors. "How could cops enter the room and tell us we were being indecent in public?" 

I didn't see that. I don't know that. said Sundari. 

Nandini: Do you know who the man is. He is none  other than Dakshina Murty. 

The other two were speechless. The car reached Anandailayam.

                                                          ****

The parents and the groom sat on the sofa Manjusha sat the the chair opposite to them Malini stood beside Manjusha. Syamala, Nandini and Sundari were standing at the kitchen door. Bharatavarsha brought coffee cups in a tray and placed on the glass table in front of the groom's parents.  

"Why are you bringing coffee ?" asked the groom's father.

why man bringing when ladies are there that is what it means.  

Nandini said " Female domination!"  The grooms parents looked aghast. 

Malini smiled and said " She is my son's student. She is a naughty girl. Don't go by her words. My son likes to serve guests. That is why he has brought. It is not female domination.

Everybody laughed that made the hearts light. The meeting atmosphere became less serious and informal. The groom'smother said to Malini " My husband likes your son Varsha for his name and fame. He is very mcuh influenced by his literary programs on stages and on television. He attended the Avadhanam programs several times. He admires the Bhakthivijayam, the lyrical poetry sung at a cultural program. They are like Asthapadulu written by the great poet Jayadeva."

Bharatavarsha was afraid that the Bridal Interview would become a literary discourse. He said " The bride is educated, deligent and  homely." The mother added " And she is beautiful too."  " That groom should say. joked groom's father. But alas he lost his speech after seeing the bride. He is constantly gazing at her without blink of an eye." said Nandini. 

The groom's father laughed and continued " My son's name is Srinivas. He is an intelligent boy who secured a seat in medicine in Andhra Medical College in merit. Now he is a surgeon working in the City hospital."  The groom's father was proud of his son. 

" Look at the boy and the girl. They are are looking at each other stealthily. Perhaps they would like to talk to each other, we are not letting them." said the groom's mother. 

 "How is that possible when you are talking like a chatter box?" said the groom's father.

"Ask the bride any questions." said Malini. "Yes, Yes" please talk to her said Varsha.

How can they ask questions? They can not speak freely when we are here. said Sundari

"Yes, yes. It is true. It is Sundari's personal experience, alas she could not speak anything before elders during her bridal interview." joked  Syamala. 

All are not extroverts like you who can marry ...  Sundari was giving a rebuttal but before Sundari finished Nandini shut her mouth with her hand. " Let them speak. Look at the innocent groom. He is only waiting for his turn" Nandini pleaded. 

That elicited a big laughter from everybody. The Manduva house resounded with laughs. 

he groom opened his lips not to ask questions but to declare his desicion. " There is no need to ask any questions. I like the bride. If she likes I want to marry her" He said.

 She too likes. Say Manju do you like the groom?"  said Malini. 

The groom's father said " please ask her later and inform us. Right now don't force her.

"The groom is a doctor in the City Hospital. He is the only son to the parents. The parents lovng and caring I believe that this is the suitable match to Manju" said Malini after the groom and parents left. Syamala , Nandini and Sundari also said the same thing. 

But Manjusha did not open her mouth. She went into her bedroom. Nobody mistook it. Everybody thought she was shy. Malini was goining into Manju's room" Bharatavarsha stopped his mother and said "You can ask her tomorrow. Let her relax. She looks tense. Unnecessarily we invited these three warriors" He said looking at the three women.  

 "Well, well ..  you counsel others well but not your sister. Look Manjusha has not learnt any keerthana from Bhakti Vijayam while Nandini has learnt many. "Malini admonished Varsha.

Varsha: How can I ask her to learn my keertanas. They are not Tyagaraja keertanas. 

Nandini : They are as sweet as Annayyamayya keerthanas as great as Tyagaraja keertanas. That is why I have not only learned the keerathanas but also nominated your books sonnets and keerthanas for Sahitya Academy annual award. I am sure you will win the award. 

Varsha was touched. More than Varsha Malini had the bliss. " You are the right literary pair to my son she said and went into kitchen to get some sweets to feed Nandini. Nandini was overwhelmed by Malini's words and started looking at Varsha with admiration. He too looked into her eyes. Her looks ignited Varsha. Sundari and Syamala grasped the weather and walked into the kitchen to delay Malini for a while. 

Nandini hugged Varsha. Varsha hugged Nandini. He kissed Nandini on the forehead but Nandini kissed him on the lips. A few moments their lips locked. Sundari and syamala peeped them from behind the kitchen door.  Varsha put his hands around Nandini's waist , Nandini melted like wax in his hands. She pressed his steel chest with her soft breast.  They left each other in the next moment. and sat in the opposite chairs. 

Malin , Sundari and Syamala came out of the kitchen. Malini put sweets in every one's mouth. Nandini put a sweet in Varsha's mouth. Though he was shocked he did not exhibit his feelings. Sundari said " I have been here for three days. I am leaving for Bombay tomorrow. " Malini asked Sundari to stay for two maore days  "I don't have dedicated students like Bharatavarsha." You must find a student like Nandini" said Malini. 

Syamala was upset listening to Malini's words. I am not a dedicated student.She said

You are, you are dedicated to your husband, Dedicate your self to him wihout deviation.

Syamala did not understand whether he joked or whether he was serious. Malini understood Syamala's mind and said " You fought for the Varsha's sonnets you got them by hook or by crook from Vidisha. What did you do with them ? What did Nandini do? " 

Syamala said " Gandeev ( The bow of the great archer Arjuna) can be used effectively only by Arjuna. When it is in the hands of others it is only a stick with a string." 

                                                                    ****

9. Rameswaram - Vidisha

Vidisha reached Pudur while it was still hot. She was hungry and dog tired. She reached the fields where Rameswara yogi built his hut. She was thirsty. She looked for water. She looked around but there was nno water. Thankfully there are many shady trees. She sat under a banyan tree and waited. Many people came to visit the yogi returned to Rameswaram. They looked at Vidisha strangely. Vidisha was unable to stand the thrist. 

When She was getting drowsy an old man with long hair came there. He had cool water flask in his hand and marks on his forehead. He came to Vidisha sat beside her and gave her water. Vidisha drank the entire bottle. The old man did not speak anything. He got up and walked away. Vidisha waited and waited for the yogi and fell asleep.  When she opened her eyes Ramesara yogi was beside her. He came from near by hill on which he sat in meditation. " You are hungry come into my hut and have food. 

He cooked food and served Vidisha hot rice and curry on a leaf. She sat on the floor and started eating. She had not enough energy to speak. While Vidisha was eating the yogi started telling her....

"First thing, a soul vibrates at a very higher frequency than us. If you want to contact a soul, you too need to be vibrating at a higher frequency. It wont be the same frequency but you  should not be very low.  Pain and sadness, jealousy and selfishness will push you into lower vibration so it is important that you are feeling normal. 

The second important thing is don't grieve or revange  be in the state of love, and not ego. It is easier and natural to tap into their energies when you operate from love.  Third most important is to trust. If you don't trust that the communication is happening or will happen, it completely blocks you from that communication. Such communication mostly happens in dream state or meditative state (alpha or theta state.)

Vidisha finished eating and she threw the leaf outside and washed her hands. Yogi gave her a glass of cool water. The cool breeze. Vidisha is not wearing a watch. There was no watch in the hut. Vidisha looked at the sky. The sun has just set. "It may be any time by watch but my time is bad. How my rival spirit pushed me into abbyss!" Thought Vidisha.  A tear dropped from vidisha's eyes and rolled down her feeble cheeks.  I was surrounded by sexual desires and selfishness. I was competing with Nandini because Varsha was favouring Nandini. Anybody can do anything but a mother should not leave her daughter. Now I dropped all desires I want to speak with my mother. It is the only desire I have" Vidisha thought. 

"Now she is not your mother, She is the soul." said the yogi. Vidisha has a haggered look on her face. She is woe betide and looked miserable. Yogi said " I have no power to call the souls. There is a village called Kalambur. It is 100 kilometers from here." Vidisha was paying keen attention. " Mahadev sidda who lives there is capable of doing it." Vidisha got up to go. " It's night don't go." said yogi.  Vidisha slept on the mud floor that night. 

                                            *** 

10. Dombivil - Mumbai

GFG Rifle shooting Academy had unusual hustle and bustle because the national shooting champion and famed detective Vivek was coming to inaugurate the new 12 lanes, 10-metre range air rifle and pistol training complex. Lakuma was at the new complex waiting for Vivek. There was a formal ribbon cutting followed by shooting. 

National Rifle Association of India president Ravinder, National rifle shooting champion Vikramsingh, GFG founder London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang were present at the ceremony.  Vivek cut the ribbon while a score trainees, newsmen and invitees were watching. He took his revolver and fired a series of 12 shots in a row with precision , not a single bullet missed the target. The trainees were surprised. " Usually a revolver has 6 chambers. So only 6 shots are possible. How did you shoot 12 shots?" asked a student. 

"This is a Walch  . 36 caliber revolver using superimposed chambers – meaning that each of the six chambers could hold two shots, for a total of 12 rounds before reloading. it was produced until 1862. It is my collection" 

The man who showed early sparks of his shooting ability at the age of two, he shot a balloon with a toy pistol and grew to the level of  Olympic Gold medalist said  Olympics bronze medallist and founder of  GFG - Gagan Narang. When the ceremony ended. The trainees began their regular shooting practice with the help of the coaches. Lakuma was unable to concentrate on shooting as she was preoccupied with Vivek and Meenakshi's thoughts. She came out of GFG with Vivek and sat in a family restaurant sipping orange juice.

Vivek was looking at the orange juice and Lakuma shifting looks from the glass to her lips. Lakuma was overwhelmed by shy. Her cheeks blushed. Vivek laid his hand on her hand. 

Vivek: I have accepted a new assignment. Once this assignment is finished ...

Lakuma: You have a new assignment and new boss...

Vivek: Yes, the name of the new assignment is marriage and the boss is ...

Lakuma could not look into his eyes. Vivek moved close on the sofa and kissed her.

Lakuma  said " Shift these things to after marriage." and moved a bit away from him.

Vivek : Why not now? Let us go to my flat in Ville parle and ...Let us make it.

Lakuma : I am visiting your flat now and then and spending time with your pictures, clothes shoes and guns. I am dreaming for those golden moments but before marriage no, it is not our culture. 

"I can not believe that a naughty girl who moved with boys so closely has turned out to be a staunch believer of cultures. How did this happen?" asked Vivek with a smile. 

Culture is the face of our country.  Respecting the country and culture is the same. If you break the culture you break the country. This is what I have learnt from Bharatavarsha.

So Anandanilayam was a cultural training centre for you. Thanks to Bharatavarsha. 

Media and cinema spread ignorance in the name of modernity and fashion. Under the media influence I moved close with the boys but never crossed the limits. Do you believe me

 I am a detective. I know everything about you and I trust you but you don't trust me?

 Lakuma was startled.  "What?" her voice raised and her eyes were wide open.

Don't get surprised too much. You have a doubt why I took flat next to Meenakshi's flat in Ville parle. Why I am showing interest in her? You are going to my flat to meet Meenaksh and find out what interest I have in her. 

Lakuma: Meenakshi?  

"Yes, Meen kangal is a Tamil word which means Meenakshi in Telugu. She is your childhood friend Agastya's mother." said Vivek and smiled at Lakuma. 

"So, my suspicion is true. You have also enquired about her. She is beautiful and looks like a ripen mango. Many people are falling after her. I never thaought that you too would fall after her." said Lakuma with disgust and hatred in her voice. 

I am falling after her is true but I am falling after her for a different reason. It is a part of my  investigation. Your mother has engaged me in this task. It is a top secret in which your mother involved me. 

Lakuma: Why did you not tell me. You can not trust even me?

"Professional secrets can not be shared even with wife or even with mother.  Your mother warned me not to tell you." said Vivek.  Lakuma flat like slipping from the cliff. Her face turned red and her eyebrows knotted " Then why did you tell me all these things?"

A time has come that I need your involvement in this task.

 Only if you promise your involvement 

"Yes, I promise, tell me how can I help you? what is the top secret?" said Lakuma.  

"It is a government of India project. Your mother has to tell you. She recommended me for this project. She has to tell you in the capacity of an MP as as your mother. I am going to Dubai on my work. I will come back and meet you." said Vivek and rose from the seat.

Lakuma was more shocked than ever. She was very angry with her mother and Meenakshi.

                                                                     ***  

11. Lakuma - Meenakshi

When Lakuma reached her apartment at Vile parle it was 8.00 PM. She got into the 5th floor. There are only two flats in each floor. She looked at the other apartment. The door was closed. Lakuma stood before the door. Suddenly the door opened. Meenakshi smiled"     Composing music Meenkangal? " said Lakuma. 

"No, cooking" said Meenakshi. Lakuma walked in and sniffed. Great smell of Sambar touched her nostrills. Meenkangal is not only good composer but also a good cook!" said Lakuma. 

Meenakshi:  Coming from Andhra Dance Academy?

Lakuma: No, Coming from GFG Academy. 

Meenakshi: So, You went to Dombivil. It is very far from Villeparle. You are staying in Kapadia chambers with your friend, happily you can learn dance. Why should you go to Dombivil and learn guns?  Why should you come to Vileparle and meet your fiance anyway he is coming to the Dance academy. Dance is more useful than shooting in real life. 

Lakuma: I like gun shooting. Dance is not my cup of tea. We must do what we like in our life am I right Meenkangal?

"Why do you say pronounce my name with lot of stress today. What happend to you? If you like gun shooting carry on but why should you struggle like this? You have a good mother go, go to your mother." said Meenakshi

Lakuma: You have a husband  go,  go to your husband and relax Meenakshi

Meenakshi was nonplussed and asked Lakuma " How do you know that I'm Meenakshi? Lakuma laughed and said " The telugu meaning of the word Meenkangal is Meenakshi."

Meenakshi: I don't believe, tell me why did conceal the truth that you know me? 

Lakuma : I will tell you but tell me why did you conceal the truth?

Meenakshi: What truth?

That you are Agastya's mother Meenakshi.

"You told me that I had a good husband, in fact I have a bad husband. My family is broken. I know that you are Aruna's daughter Lakuma. If I tell you that I am Agastya's mother , I must tell you why I am here in Mumbai. Where is Agastya and why he is not here with me. I have to tell you all that my husband did. I will be a laughing stock." Meenakshi started crying.

Amma! said Lakuma and hugged Meenakshi. You are a loving and caring mother. You are a compassionate woman who showed humaninty to your stone hearted husband. You left all your wealth for the debauched man without a complaint. The world can never laugh at such great mothers. YOU are not Meenakshi but Meenakshi amma to all of us. Lakuma started crying.  The girl and mother were in embrace for quite sometime. The human fragrance in the room dominated Sambar smell. 

"Aren't you hungry?" Meenakshi asked Lakuma wiping her tears. 

"Yes, I am." said Lakuma. 

Meenakshi: Ok. Go in and take bath. Let us eat together. I must go to Bangalore tomorrow. Menakshi gave Lakuma her saree and said "Wear this saree I want to see you in saree."  

Lakuma went to Vivek's flat and took bath. She returned in Menakshi's saree. Lakuma looked quite big. You are astonishing figure. You need marriage urgently. said Meenakshi and started serving food. When they began eating Lakuma said " Amma, why did you inform Noor's father and sent her back to butchers?" 

Look Lakuma , the doctor who helped us is good no doubt but if she is cornered she might tell police that she sent Noor with me. Let us suppose it happens. Lakuma looked puzzled. Meenakshi said " By informing  the truth I won their confidence. The parents called and thanked me. They are arranging her marriage in a week or two. They also invited me. 

Would you like to go? asked Lakuma.

Shut up. Now we have to have a master plan for her escape. It should have no clue. 

Good idea! but how can we plan such an escape without a clue. 

Meenakshi: I will ask Vivek's help.

Lakuma: Will he help in such cases?

Meenakshi: If you ask he will help. 

Lakuma: I doubt if he can help us. 

Meenakshi: If you know how to ask he will do it for you. I will tell you how to ask. said Meenakshi looking at Lakuma slantly. The looks are very amourous and worked like arrows. "My God Amma. Your looks are bullets." said Lakuma looking at Meenakshi's eyes.

"Eat first you can talk about looks later."Said Meenakshi

Lakuma finished eating and said " Do you know why Vivek took flat here beside your flat? At least Do you know why I am coming here? Why I made friends with you? said Lakuma.

 Meenakshi was surprised. "It is beyond my imagination. I can never imagine that all these things are not natural but carefully planned and executed?" " said Meenakshi.

When Vivek took flat here, I knew he had a reason. Detectives never do things without reason. I am sorry Amma, I thought he was attracted to you. I asked the keys of his flat telling him that I want to spend some time in his flat. He accepeted. I followed him with suspicion but I never suspected you Amma " said Lakuma with a regretful tone. 

Meenakshi: Nothing wrong even if you suspect me.  You have the rght  save your love. You saved yor love and saved me from Arshad. Arshad stopped ogling at me. More over he is respecting me. His focus is shifted from me. 

"I acted that I admire him. He believed that. His focus is shifted to me. Perhaps he wants to marry me." said Lakuma and laughed. Meenakshi too laughed " You are fit to be the wife of a detective."  She said. 

                                                                 ***

12. Downing street - Chennai

 Basava : We are passing days without tracing Noor.

Armugam: We did enough. We went to Karnataka and Kerala just because she has relatives there. We worried enough of her. Now worry about your job.  You are not going to job.

Basava did not answer instantly. He started drinking beer. Agastya and Armugam also started drinking. There was silence for several rounds.  "Worry about the bill. We are not here in Happy hours." reminded Armugam. 

Basava: They did not go by bus or train. They did not go to any relative' s house. Where did they go? It is all quite mysterious. Which road they have taken? Which road should I hit?

Armugam : It is a week since we are touring. If you don't go to your company and apply for the leave you will soon hit the road. I doubt you are already on the road. 

Basava: I will hit the roads. I will go to hell. At any cost I will have my Noor.

Armugam : Why at any cost , say at Agastya's cost

I have told my manager over phone. He has not sanctioned leave. He told me that any unauthorized leave is considered loss of pay. I can go on leave for 90 days on grounds of critical illness. I have to produce medical certificate. I m sure Agastya can get it from his fiancee Ragini. 

Agastya: Shut up! she is not my fiancee. I loved Ragini but she loved Dr. Perumal. She is only my friend. I will get you the medical certificate. First see that you don't lose the job. 

"Job, Job Job!!! is job greater than Noor? I will get another job. There are many jobs in this world but only one Noor!" shouted desperate Basava. 

Armugam  told Basava "There are many jobs but they are not waiting for you. They won't search and come to you. You have to search for them." He then turned to Agastya and said " Not only bar bill, you have to pay this month house rent also." 

Basava pointed to the table at the corner " Look at Diana is watching us." Agastya and Armugam turned their heads and looked at Diana. Diana rose from the seat and came to Basava's table. " She looked at Agastya. His shirt is faded and torn at the shoulder and at the back. Agastya covered the shoulder with his hand and looked at Diana uncomfortably and said "Why do you peep into the holes my my torn garments?"

What is this Agastya your clothes are torn. I want to introduce you to your employer.   

"Oh! Agastya has signed a contract and received money from her. Armugam whispered to Basava.  I have not forgotten. That money is with me. We have spent half of it." Basava Whispered to Armugam

"My clothes are torn. I am half naked. I can not come". Agastya said to Diana.

"Come full naked, I don't mind but you must come now. Where have you been all these days. It is a week since I saw you. Today you must come with me. I will only introduce you to your boss." said Diana.   Diana walked with Agastya as her  shapely back was moving up and down in tight denim jeans. 

                                                  ***

Scene 13

Armugam was staring at Diana's back.  Basava caught his looks "Look at her cat walk and look at the swing of her back, the whole bar is behind it. (watching it.)" said Armugam.  Basava looked around and found several pairs of eyes are fixed on Diana's back. First he said "O!God, how beautiful is your creation. Later he said "The back of the Brunette"

The back of the Brunette

What rules the man's mind

what often the media rewind

what looms large on internet

what locks man's eyes like fret

on which man spends time without regret

Is nothing but the back of a brunette

The almight God has man's mind preset.

Armugam clapped as Basava finshed his verse. Several hands clapped and the 10 Downing street is filled with applause. Basava rose to go. Armugam rose too. They were walking out.  Basava asked " What is the idea to track Noor?" 

"Vidisha! I read about her in the newspaper. I heard about her power of predictions from Agastya."said Armugam. Basava's face lighted like a lamp. Soon he said " Agastya has good contact with her. He even visited her ashram recently, We must go to Visakha" 

 Armugam : He's close to ladies. How he became a ladies pet is a wonder. 

Basava: Perhaps he  loves them all.  Diayana, Angayar, Kunkum and Ragini.

Armugam: He loved only Ragini but his love was not returned. 

Basava: Why he is a charming man, loving and lovable. He has a job too.

Armugam : Ragini wanted security, social status. 

Basava: Agastya's love made him miserable. 

Armugam : In fact her love made her miserable and left her tarnished. It's a big story.

Basava:  Is it true? You never told Agastya. You never told me!?

Armugam : It is a shocking truth that has costed her mother's life. Love is dangerous. Only fools fall in love. You are a love besotted man telling you the truth is like casting pearls before swine. 

Basava: I appreciate your truth but tell me what whappened to her mother.

Armugam : She asked Ragini to drop her love. Ragini refused.  Ragini's mother Dr.Malavika committed suicide. That is what happened.

Basava: Look my dear half doctor. Dr Malavika or Ragini wanted better status. That is the status problem. My case is different Noor and I are middleclass. My love is not dangerous.

Armugam : You did not listen carefully. Listen again. Ragini never loved Agastya she loved Perumall. Dr. Malavika demanded that Ragini's love be dropped as it is going to be incest because Dr. Malavika' husband the fifth additional judge is Perumal's father. 

Basava said " That means Ragini and Perumal are brother and sister. How could Ragini love her own brother?" 

Armugam: Don't talk like a stupid Neither Perumal nor Ragini know it in the beggining.  Ragini's father the judge divorced Dr. Malavika his first wife and married another woman. 

Basava: His second wife is Perumal's mother, but how did they know that ?

Armugam : Ragini had many suitors. She was teasing her suitors with different tests. She teased Perumal, Senthil-and-Armugam. They were hurt and played a drama teasing her back that ended up in hospital. Aravan's stunt biking  and Senthil's hospital drama reached the dean of the Medical college. He called the parents and counselled them. Perumal's father and Ragini's mother met each other in the Medical college. Dr. Malavika regretted meeting perumal's father her divorced husband. When she came to know that Ragini was in love with Perumal she objected to it but Ragini was stubborn. She told the truth to Ragini and committed suicide.  Basava was shocked. and said "Every problem has a solution." 

Armugam: What is the solution to this problem tell me.  

Basava: God, the creator can solve any prblem.

                                               *** 

14.  Nungambakkam - General Hospital 

Ragini and Perumal met in the corridor of the Gernral hospital. 

Have you finished your rounds? asked Perumal 

"I have the ICU ward to see." replied Ragini

Perumal: I wait for you in the canteen can you come by the lunch time?

Ragini: There are 24 beds in ICU , It may not be possible finish by 1.00 PM.

Perumal : At least can you come at 2.00. There is important thing to discuss.

Ragini : I can not give you a word. It depends on madam.

Perumal : Why your madam is not sending you for lunch?  We are meeting only once in a week. You are coming  late to the lunch giving no time for talk. You are trying to avoid me.

Ragini :  Last week a patient collapsed. He was barely breathing, and had almost no pulse. The ecg was horrible. He was 95% dead. Our senior mam was called. She came hurriedly, gave a dose of atropine and some other medication with iv fluid. The patient regained consciousness. 

Perumal:  Are you telling me stories? I am a doctor. It must take only two minutes for all these things to happen. Ragini : How do you know? 

Perumal: Otherwise the patient would have died. 

Ragini: I am sorry,  There is nothing to discuss. This problem has no solution

Perumal : Every problem has a solution. Don't you have love for me. Did you not love me?

Ragini : Yes, I loved but I don't have the same love for you. Tell me what is the solution?

Perumal : My friend told me adoption is the only solution. If you are adopted by ...

Ragini: You don't have shame? We are born to the same father to different mothers. 

Perumal : There is something messy.   I will ask my father.

"Don't lose your father. I have lost my mother." said Ragini and walked away. 

                                                                ***

15. Visakhapatnam - Meenakshi Expo

John is talking to the accountant. When he saw Arpita at the glass door his eyes grew wider. He sent the accountant away and called Arpita in. He showed her the chair  and said " You are getting heavier and heavier as such your are big.  He said to Arpita with a wicked smile. "Naturally tours are increasing, parties are increasing. Trips and parties make a woman fat.

 John: Come and sit here in my lap. 

Arpita: Your wife is coming from he packing section." said Arpita. 

"Ha ha ha she went to Rushikonda beach resort for a cocktail party with her friends.

 Timpani has frieinds? Who are they? Alekhya , Adya and Margaux? They are Grace friends

John: Oky. people have same lovers now a days, why not friends?  Here is another news  grace has not come to office she has gone out to see the site of her new company.  Now Dakshinamurthy is alone at home. It is the right time to go to Mahendranilayam. 

Arpita: But if Grace comes back? 

John : She is looking for power of Attorney or cheque drawing power. Always keep the papers with you and horse.  Do it at the right moment. 

Horse? you mean smack asked Arpita.

Heroin is the drug, horse, smack, brown sugar and junk are the other names.

It is not easy I will try. said Arpita.

You need more training come and sit in my lap. said John 

Arpita got up and sat in John's lap. John hugged her and said You are a bulk beauty. How did you enjoy the bombay trip? john gave Arpita a platinum ring. Arpita kissed john.

                                             ***

16. Chennai  - T. Nagar 

T.Nagar is historically known as east Mambalam. It is a very affluent commercial and residential neighbourhood in Chennai located about 10 km from Chennai Airport and about 8 km from Chennai Central railway station. It is also close to Ragini's house in Nungambakkam and kumkum's house (Vikram estates) in Tidel park. 

T.Nagar is  known for its plethora of saree and jewellery retailers, including Pothys, Nalli Silks and Saravana Stores. It is considered the largest shopping district in India by revenue.

Diana and Agastya were walking on the T Nagar roads. 

Agastya.: How lucky! we are walking in Tyagaraya nagar. 

Diana looked at Agastya strangely. "What is the luck ?" asked Diana. 

Agastya: Tyagaraya is the legendary musician and saint, don't you know?

Diana: Don't you know that T.Nagar is named after Sir Theyagaraya Chetty a very rich man and politician who was  the municipal councillor between 1882 and 1923. 

Agastya did not speak but silently followed Diana. "Diana hasn't brought or hired any vehicle. It shows that my boss's office is close and walkable distance but who is that boss?" thought Agastya. Diana was walking fast. Exactly after 3 mins they reached a Bungalow in Nararayanaswamy Chetty street. 

""Oh! this Bungalow is like MGR's Ramavaram Garden House in Poonamalle highroad. Having such a bungalow in Tyagaraya nagar is possible only for aristocrats." Agastya thought. There is a small car parked outside the house. The security opened the gate. They entered the bungalow. Agastya saw Mercides Benz car inside the bungalow. "The small car belongs to Diana. The big car belongs to the rich landlord in this house." Thought Agastya. 

Diana entered a large living room. It is like a film studio. The clock was showing 8.00 PM Diana sat on the sofa and asked Agastya to sit.  A butler came to them and offered water. 

Which company is this? asked Agastya. 

"It is a company that offeres you good pay, and respect." said Diana.

Agastya smiled at Diana. She too smiled and said " Agastya , it is Kumkum's residence It is not a company but she needs your company." Agastya was open mouthed. "She has two more houses in chennai. Her personal life is full of gloom and pain. Just because she needs your company don't look at her cheaply. "We know each other. I have respect for her but is there any software job here? " Asked Agastya. Diana did not answer. 

There are several servantmen and maids in that big bungalow. A servant came to sofa with mango juice. " Don't give them juice" Kumkum's voice was heard loud from the staircase. Agastya looked at her. Kumkum was getting down the red carpeted staircase. In the golden gleams of the chandelier she is shining like gold. She bore jasmine smell and her smiles showered pearls in the rich living room. She came to the sofa and said in a soft voice " It is past 8"O clock. It is dinner time" She stood at the sofa. A few servants came and stood around her waiting for her orders. Diana got up from the sofa.  Agastya too got up.

"Sit down why did you get up? take dinner and go."  Kumkum asked Diana.

"I must go to the shop and then go home." said Diana Kumkum did not object and she walked away. " We have a juwellery shop here." said Kumkum agarwal. 

Agastya smiled said " I know, tell me what is my job? " 

"I will explain after the dinner." said Kumkum. Agastya wanted to refuse dinner but he was very hungry. Kumkum took him to the first floor. The dining room is large, the table is elegant and the silver croockery is rich and shining. Agastya sat at the table. Kumkum sat in front of him.  The servant came to serve. Kumkum sent him down and she started serving. 

The cool air form the aircondition is filling the room and was touching Agastya's body through the tears of his shirt. Kumkum noticed the trouble and stopped the airconditioner. Agastya concentrated on food and dedicated himself to eating without looking around. Kumkum enjoyed serving but she felt sorry to see Agastya in torn clothes. 

She kept gazing at his physical charm. She was feasting on his curly hair, rosy lips , sharp facial features. When Agastya finished eating " 

Kumkum:  You are so stiff, feel free. don't treat me as your boss, treat me as your friend.  

Agastya: You are my mother's friend. 

Kumkum: No treat me as your friend. I need your company. I have none.  

Agastya: Why? I think you have a husband. 

Kumkum: Yes I had a husband and I have relatives too. They make me more lonely

Agastya:  Your husband passed away. 

Kumkum: I don't consider him husband after Rajastan trip with him. It is a big story. It is unpleasant to tell you everything right now though I decided to tell you everything because you are the only friend I have other than Diana.

 Agastya: But she got into employment. 

Kumkum: That is why I want you to treat me as a friend. At least one friend in life

Agastya: I have no problem , you have two problems if I treat you as my friend. 

Kumkum: Interesting! what are they? 

Agastya: If you treat me as a friend I can not take salary. I can come now and then.

Kumkum:  No want you to be here everyday and spend time with me.

Agastya : If I take salary I can come every day,. Then, it will be a job. You will be my boss.  

 I am fighting with so many problems. It needs money. So I need a job. 

Kumkum had nothing to say.  Agastya notice that she felt very small. 

Agastya : I am neither heartless nor mean. I will be friend without salary with salary you will be my boss. Now the choice is yours.  You can be my friend or boss. 

Kumkum : Every day relation give me happiness. I choose the latter. 

Agastya agreed with a smile. Kumkum too smiled. Kumkum too Agastya to the near by clothstore and bought Agastya finest apperal and offered him. "I have so many clothes.          I don't want more clothes." said Agastya.   "I am your boss. Wear these clothes and come to work. I will introduce your manager tomorrow when you come.  

Agastya: I need a week's time to join. 

"Yes granted" said Kukum. 

"Good night" said Agastya and moved. 

                                                                 ***

 17. London - Intercontinental Hotel

World Fish Trade Conference began in London Intercontinental Hotel. Shrimp producers and exporters Industry analysts and scientists from all over the world participated in it.  John and Grace attended the conference which was supposed to be attented by Dakshinamutrhy.  It was a round table conference. The welcome speech is just finished by the American Sea Foods company Director General Frank Andrews. Analyst Kate Wilson from London was speaking about the challenges of the shrimp production.   

Grace: It is going over my head 

John was unable to connect himself to the subject. Grace observed that he was getting bored.  "A finance expert in fish market. said Grace and smiled. John smiled and ogled  at Grace and later he pretended to pay attention to the lecture. "Shrimp production increased in Ecuador and Indonecia but reduced in India." A Bangladeshi Analyst was speaking. John turned his head and looked at Grace " Grace was paying attention and writing down something. John was surprised. He found her boobs are like melons in the side view. 

Grace : I doubt if this conference serves any purpose?

He remembered Arpita and said " It serves two purposes."

She was bulky but Grace is slim and nubile. He looked at her thighs. They look bulged in jeans. Grace looked at him suddenly and caught him watching her body.  She felt a bit uncomfortable but quickly turned her head to the speaker. He was talking about the white leg prawns.  John was unable to concentrate. Grace watched and laughed. Thankfully the meeting stopped for the lunch. Grace and John were walking into the restaurant. 

"Is it boring?" asked Grace. 

"If you remove the ring it will be wonderful" said John

What ? said Grace. If you remove the ring from boring. It will be pleasurable. 

Grace understood what john wanted.  but kept quiet. That evening when the conference was over they reached their room in the same hotel. They took independent but side rooms. Now they are in john's room.  John siad " You are more beautiful, than your sister. " 

I can not remove my wedding ring from the finger." Said Grace, 

John: You know what Arpita is doing to the one who gave you the wedding ring?

Grace was silent for a moment. later said " He is such a womanizer that he jitters money on women. He will do anything for woman. That is why I am taking money into my hands."

John: For that you are sending Aprita with drugs to weaken his will.

she has been trying unsuccessfully. She has not succeeded. said Grace.

If she succeeds you get money but he may lose life. said John

"He wants only his pleasures, he is a debauche. why should I care for him?" said Grace

That is what I am telling. Why should you care for him?

You are my sister Timpani's husband. I care for Timpani. said Grace.

I understood what I should do. said john. Grace shivered with fear. "He might desolate her. She had more torture in her life. There is no love and peace. She could not settle in any of her previous marriages." Thought Grace. But she didn't know what to do. She remained like dead fish. When john moved close to her 

she said" We have flight this evening, I will go into my room and take bath now." 

Grace don't go into your bathroom take bath here said john

Grace was stunned and confused. "What do you mean?" she said. 

Just give me a hug then go and bath. I want to see. I don't cross the limit. 

John hugged her. He passed his hands all over her curvers. Kissed on her lips and neck. He stopped on her back gently passed his hands on her half moons and squeezed her  waist. She stopped his hands and pushed him away.  John dashed to the wall and screemed in pain. He felt like fish out of water "What will happen to me if you suddenly push me off. Think of me. I want you. Think of me." Grace stood agape. She pressed her hand against her mouth.  because he was not bothered about any physical injury. He is bothered about his desire. 

Please check your head. Has anything happened to your head? You are my sister's husband. She went near and touched his head with her hand. There was blood. She took a handkerchief and got it wet and cleaned the injury. The damage was negligible. The blood stopped. She breathed deeeply. "Oh God!  A big danger is averted. The waiter brought coffee. They started sipping coffee sitting in the chairs.

How can I miss the wealth before my eyes.  I am trying to secure it with your help. Nobody can let wealth slip from hands. 

You are young and beautiful. How can I miss the tender beauty going before my eyes? Nobody can let beauty slip from his hands. Beauty to man is what money is to women. 

"John tell me why are you crazy about woman? What is the difference between you and Dakshinamurthy?" asked Grace emotionally.  

 All men are the same except a few in million. In this generation 96% men watch porn. Of course 59 % women also do it. The hypersexual media and cinema stirr man's passions every minute and make him beast. And full breasted women like you wear jeans and T shirts keep charging men dangerously. John said looking lustfully at Grace's bouncing breast. 

Grace pulled towel and covered her breast with it. Then John started looking at her thighs. She ran into the bathroom with the towel. "Leave the door open. I won't come in, I just want to see." John was shouting. 

                                             ***

18. Visakhapatnam - Anandanilayam.

Malini was ready to serve food to Basava, Agastya and Armugam in Banana leaves in the  Manduva.  There are six rooms around the Manduva or the open space amid the four roofs - a large square without cover. Armugam was quite excited about the house. "Do you like this house?" asked Agastya. "I am fascinated by this house. It is traditional court yard house."  said Armugam.

                                 

The sky was clearly visable. The moon is bright and shining.  The night queen is spreading its fragrance. Manjusha brought water and served in the steel glasses placed in front of them. Basava and Agastya  sprinkled water on the Banana leaves.  Armugam poured water on his leaf.  The water on his leaf is showing the moon.  A gentle smile appeared on his lips. He looked up and saw the moon. A gust of wind carried the smell of night queen. 

"This is heaven amma" said Armugam. Malini smiled at him. He showed the image of the moon in the water on his leaf.  " Here the heaven in my leaf." He said.

"Throw the water. Manju is serving curries." said Malini. Armugam emptied the water. Majusha served coconut pachadi and brinjal curry. He took the coconut pachadi from the leaf into his mouth and said " mouth watering.  "He is an orphan like Kesava" said Basava. 

"You should not say like that Basava, it hurts." said Malini to Basava.

"No, Armugam will not feel. We are roommates. I know about him." said Agastya to Malini. He then turned to Armugam and said " Armugam will you feel?"  

You thick skinned fellow. said Malini. " Thanks for your blessing Amma. said Agastya.

"Where is Kesava? Where is Varsha?" Asked Basava.

"Varsha went to England Kesava to Ballipadu. He went there to see his sister Parvathi but he stayed there for several days. Somebody started an orphanage in the name of Charumathi. He is serving there." said Malini.

Who is charumathi? asked Armugam

"Eat first, do the talking later  "Do you want sambar?" Manjusha asked Armugam

"How much sambar is there?" asked Basava.  "Your parents must have named you Bheema."said Manju putting the Sambar pail before him. All laughed. They finished the supper and sat in the garden under the bright moonlight.

Radhamanohar was swaying in the gentle breeze of the night. "The flowers sing when the poet is in the house." said Basava. "The creepers dance when the drummer plays mrudanga." said Agastya. "At least for a few minutes we could forget our buzz word and enjoyed peace." said Armugam.  "What is the buzz word?" asked Basava. Agastya signalled Armugam not the tell the buzz word but Basava had seen him and said to Agastya "You are hiding something from me. Tell me what is it?" Agastya kept quiet. Basava demanded " Tell me what are you hiding, I must know." 

Armugam said " I am not going to tell the word." and continued "What is the most often discussed word since we got down from the train in the morning? What word you often repeated in your house during and after lunch? what word you discussed until evening? What word we decided to discuss in Anandanilayam?" 

Basavabecame dull again. All the joy in him vanished. He became like a deflated balloon. Don't feel like a king who lost his battle. Look at the moon, how splendid it is! said Agastya "I lost my moon said Basava. My world became dark" said Basava with a heavy voice.

Armugam said "He started again. I can not bear to hear anymore. Stop your plaintive dialogues. Lest our ears should bleed" Agastya was annoyed by Armugam " Stupid isn't it you who mentioned the buzz word. You have disturbed the peace of the night. It may continue the whole night" said Agastya and kicked Armugam on his shins. 

Just then Malini and Manjusha came into the garden after finishing their supper. Malini saw Agastya kicking Armugam. " What are you fighting over?" she asked Agastya. 

Armugam said " Over a girl amma." Malini was taken aback. 

Agastya: No, Amma. There is a tiff over the traditional court yard houses. I say the first courtyard house in India is dated back to 6500 BC to 6000 BC  the Indus Valley Civilisation era. Armugam poses like a scholar and says that the chinese had it earlier. Who is correct please judge. 

Malini lughed and said" So you are fighting for the history of traditional courtyard houses." 

Manju " You three are loving the same girl?" 

Agastya : No, No, Basava is in love with a girl, her parents came to know of it. They took her somewhere over night and hid her somewhere. Basava is worried as we failed to track her. Finally we decided to meet Vidisha to take her help.

Malini laughed and said " You came from Chennai  to meet her. She has left Ashram and the city. No one knows where she has gone and why she has gone?

Agastya " Basava's love is full of twists. What happens no one knows. 

Basava said  Lovers are earths divine guests and gave a poetic overture on the twists of love.

Earth's divine guests

True love has umpteen twists. 

 It is not detered by time's tests 

It is a boat that stands tempests

time may life rubbish and gloat

It can't love finish it is ready afloat

Love is a bird in the chest's nests

Lovers are earth's divine guests

                                                                 ***

19. London - King's College 

British Airlines flight landed at Heathrow airport at 10.35 AM. Bharatavarsha arrived at Heathrow airport. He checked into a hotel in fifth terminal, took bath, changed and came out at 11.00 AM. The 6 feet tall figure in white Indian traditional clothes is shining like the sun. Yes, he is soaring  in the sky of poetry.  He has to go to the king's college in the morning to participate in the seminar power of poetry.  He walked to the exit gate and looked at his watch. A red car came and stopped at a distance.  The King's College faculty members looked though the window. They easily made out who he was as he was in Indian traditional clothes.  One of them came near and greeted him . He took him to the car. When Varsha got into the car, the car moved. He looked at the Heathrow airport.

Heathrow air port located 3 miles north-east of Staines-upon-Thames is the UK's largest and busiest airport as well as the busiest airport in Europe. The busiest airport in the country with five terminals that are full of shops, restaurants and car hire desks. More than 90 airlines operate from the airport flying to 170 destinations worldwide. 

One of the professors said " Kings college is 16 kilometers from the Heathrow Airport." when Varsha asked him about the distance. Varsha noticed that it took 1 hour to reach there. 

They took him to the auditorium - a stunning venue with large stained glass windows, barrel vaulted ceiling, delegate voting system, audio visual equippment. The dean of the college said " If the world you think you belong to is not made for you, you could create your own world.  Here is the man who did so. He lost himself in the world that he created. There is love and peace in it. He brings out that love and shares it with the real world. His novels, and short stories have won internatinal acclaim. His poetry made a mark in the hearts of the reades. He believes that poetry solves the problems. He has put it into practice. I invite him to share his work and poetry. I invite him to speak on the Power of poetry." 

Bharatavarsha got on to the dais andlooked at the large auditorium 450 seats. He began...

Poetry is my wandering

on the hill and shore

it comes out of my pondering

when I feel lonely  and soar

without poetry life is bore

I am invited to deliver a lecture this semester before  the students of  King's college London. I consider myself fortunate to share my ideas and work. I am supposed to speak on the power of poetry but I am going to share my ideas, my work and my daily routine. My work is thinking, thinking clearer , deeper and richer 

poetry is a rich emulsion 

it is a daily compulsion

of course to sooth the youth

to find the truth like a sleuth

using slightest chance to dance

with evey beauty at your glance

To see Eiffle without going to France

It is taking the reader into trance

It is unchaining of mind

talking to invisible wind 

peeping into life's end

treating death as friend

It is capturing silence 

with mind's powerful lense

and paint it in rich hues unknown

if you the beauty of thought own

I must think and think 

poetry is mind and heart link

when they sink, poems like stars blink

I must think and I must  ink 

my thinking involves my imagination

from my thinking evolves my nation

Poetry is  my passion. I put it into action

The compassion that I shower on the paper, 

the love that I show on the nature

and affinity I have  to culture 

I show it in my poem's sculpture

Poetry has the power to move people assuage them in difficult situations.  It can mitigate grief and bring new knowledge and unveils deeper perspectives of life. Many of the problems we have are the  result of our hiding from them or hiding them from the world. Poetry is relation with language. It is passion for  thinking. Being a poet is a  responsibility. 

It is a way to reveal your mind to your heart.

Mind cannot shake heart

Love is heart’s indelible art

Love is life’s emotional part

that adds wheels to the life’s cart

Ego is like fly in the phlegm

Ego always the love condemn

Love is mind and heart game

Mind and heart are never the same

It can be an honest expression of your Sentiment to your heart 

Bless me with riches but first with honesty

for without honesty there is no gravity

unchanging honesty is the greatest grace

without honesty I wander in outer space

Bless me with glamour but first good culture

Or I will be a prey to some foreign vulture

Ah! I don’t have the greed of glamour

of any foreign land. I don’t need a manor

by robbing my neighbour in any manner

I need no glory than my country’s banner

Let there be true belief in the knowledge

for nation’s relief pledge to sit on its edge

Let my language be my ornament

Let mother tongue be my sentiment. 

The power of poetry reveals the power of poet. A poet is the master of thought.

when poet sits in the den of thought

and burns the language of the heart

to write, he is no less than a scientist

whose rockets tear the sky’s breast

and throws astronauts like peanuts

on to the moon and sometimes shuts

their precious life in the outer space

but a poet offers the moon in briefcase

A poem is a rocket that always falls

in the sea of reader’s heart and plays

the magical flute with its melodies cute

it makes the dumb hearts unmute

to light the mind’s wick poems strive

to peaks of pleasure, they readers drive

Bharatavarsha concluded his speech. All the audience clapped and the auditorium was filled with applause.  The faculty of liberal arts Mr. David who taught poetry to the under gradu ate students  and organised several poetry workshops said " 

He is the man who came from India carrying a great idea, who is going to be honoured queen's birthday celebrations.  He is going to receive the rare honour. The Dean and the other faculty members described Bharatavarsha's poetry as performance and power. 

A student asked Bharatavarsha " How poetry solve problems? Does it not fail" 

"Poetry and music seldom fail as they influence the mind and heart. They lead to slow inner  change. Poetry fails when man fails to admire the beauty" said Bharatavarsha and started to Windsor Castle for the champion honour ceremoney.

                                                            ***

20. Heathrow airport - Terminal 5.  

At gate B 35 Bharatavarsha was waiting for the flight at 2.35 PM. 

He went to Star Bucks restaurant for coffee. The restaurant is busy. All the tables are occupied with passengers.  A chair free at the corner table. He saw a pair  eating cookies drinking coffee at that table. The man was feeding cookies in the woman's mouth and touching her lips. The woman was feeling uncomfor table.  They looked like Indians. They saw Bharatavarsha in dhothi kurtha   The  woman smiled at Varsha. The man asked him to sit with them. Bharatavarsha sat there and ordered coffee. The man said " I am john. She is Grace. We are flying to Visakha" 

 "I am too flying to Visakhapatnam." said Varsha. Grace was delighted by his presence and voice. "It's as sweet as the man." She thought.Suddenly the flight announcement was heard. 

They moved towards the jet bridge. John and Varsha were walking side by side Grace was walking behind. John tried to pull Grace to his side. She was walking five feet behind him to avoid being pulled by john.  She saw the dark skinned aged face of john and the  bright  young face of  Varsha.  "How repulsive is john! How attractive is this young man. His face is brimming with confidence. His gait is princely. His happy demeanor is cheerful and romantic. His disposition is pleasant and polite." Thought  Grace and kept looking at him.  They entered the plane and found the 3 seats either side with a corridor in the middle. 

Varsha sat at the window, john  sat beside him in the centre and Grace sat at the other end. The flight took off in a few minutes. All fell asleep.  At the end of their journey  when they reached Viskahapatnam "Where do you live?" asked Grace.

Varsha: I live in Anandanilayam in MVP colony.

Grace: What is your name? What do you do? 

Varsha: My anme is Bharatavarsha. I have many mothers and fathers. I serve them.  

Grace suddenly had a jolt. She has not seen him before but She  heard his name. Timpani once told he was the founder of Anandasevasadan. He is the one looking after her mother. 

Grace : You have an orphanage?

Varsha: No, it is an oldage home. I don't call it orphanage. You don't feel like that if you visit.  you can also serve them one day if you like.

John : She is the Managing director. She is in a big position. She can not visit such places. You can't expect her to serve those people.

Varsha : Yes, I am sorry.  Now a days people are very busy but I have time to serve them. Varsha said with a smile on his face. He was cool despite john's trese reply. 

Grace said " Certainly I will come to your oldage home to serve." She said and shook hands. Varsha shook hands gently. That left a great thrill in her heart that she carried home.  

                                                              ***

 21. Ballipadu - Charumati Ashram

It is 10.00 AM. Charumati's sister Chandramathi is lying on the bed in the groundfloor. 

"There is none to look after me. Look at parvathi and Kesava. How thankless they are! They both left to Charumati Ashram." complained Chandramati to to the village head.

"Look Chandramathi till your sister Charumati died she looked after Kesava and parvathi. After Charumati's death Kesava left this village. You brought Parvathi to your house as a maid not with love. The whole village knows how you treated her.  Kesava came again to see his sister. He is going to get her married soon. At least now give them the little bit of land that your sister Charumati intended to give tham." said the Village Head.

Chandramati: So you came here to tell me these things?  You are advising me to give the one acre land to the worthless boy and the thankless girl? No, thanks for your advice.  

Village Head: What have you done to Parvathi and Kesava? why should be thankful to you?

Chandramati: Charumati is dead, I am alive. I am sick. What service she is doing to the dead woman? Why is she staying all day? She is coming here only night. If you side with her she will sleep there. That tarnishes the image of the village. 

Village Head: For God's sake shut your dirty mouth. I know what you are going to say. 

Look at your sister Charumati, She is a charitable heart. The whole word respects her for her service to humanity.  Even the University in Visakhapatnam respected her. The orphan boy whom she raised long before she took Kesava,  went to USA. He came back to India as a rich NRI. He could have settled in a big city but he chose to settle in this small village. This is what your daughter failed to do. They too went to the same country lost jobs and came back but settled in Bangalore. 

"I am going to die. You are teaching me on the death bed? Please call the doctor. Have you called my daughter?" Chandramathi groaned in pain as she looked at the village head.

"I have called your daughter. She said she has no leave this month. She can come only next month. Kesava has gone to bring the doctor. Don't worry." Said the village head. 

Kesava, parvathi, are coming with a group of people. Chandramathi was confused. They came to her bed.  Amma the doctor has come. said Kesava. The doctor examined her leg

" It may be dull ache or in some cases, the pain is severe that the person can not move. The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. It is called sciatica" said the doctor

What is the treatment doctor? asked a man. Chandramathi was staring at the man.

He is the NRI who founded orphanage. said Village Head.

Sciatica usually heals on its own with rest and time." said another man.

"Who is he?" asked the doctor.  "He too studied Medicine." said Agastya.

"So you are a doctor ? But She is my patient"  said the doctor. 

No, I am not a doctor, I studied medicine. My name is Armugam.

"Armugam or Pattu mugam. I am doctor Ekadantam." said the doctor.

"You may be Ekadantam or Dasadantam. Tell me am I correct or not?"  asked Armugam. 

"You are correct but I am the doctor , If you talk I will go." said the doctor.

Armugam:Go, if you want. Sciatica heals on it own. Patient needs some help. That's all.

"Ouch! I have gnawing pain. Doctor don't go." said Chandramathi. 

The doctor prescribed painkillers and left. Armugam took pain killers and gel from his bag.

Parvathi started applying the pain killer gel to Chandramathi's lower back. 

Chandramathi looked at Kesava pitiably and said " Kesava, my son,  I will give your land to you, please don't go anywhere. You are such a nice boy. Leave Parvathi here."

The village Head was annoyed with her words. " You are talking as if he has left you for not giving him the land." Kesava asked Parvathi to be there with Chandramathi. 

Chandramathi had tears in her eyes. She offered the key of her daughter's room to Parvathi.

" Horrible! Some people don't grow with age." said the village Head and went away.

Sadasivam, Kesava , Basava , Armugam and Agastya left for the Charumati orphanage.

                                                         ***

22. Rameswaram - Vidisha 

It was midday. Vidisha has been walking on the tar road under the scorching heat of the sun.

She was tired. She had the kind of tiredness that the physical body can experience when pushed to its very limits of endurance. Yet, curiously, the mind was  chanting silently AMMA  AMMA in the background  while walking on the hot burning road she watching the travellers  going by the road.  

Three days ago she started in Pudur. She walked over 100 kilometers but her journey has not come to an end. "Can I ever reach Kalambur?"Vidisha asked herself.  The belts of  sandels gave up and she had thrown them away.  The hot tar road burned her feet. Vidisha felt the road has answered her question. She ran to the edge of the road, got down on to the berm. There the land was dry and stones. She stepped on the stones. It was like jumping from pan to fire.  She started running on the road to avoid buring of the feet. How long can she run?

The road looked long and the journey looked like never ending. Her energy came to the ebb. She is sweating profusely. Her heart beat increased. "AMMA, AMMA  why did you leave me?" Her burning heart cried. There are no trees near by. She saw distant hills. Her running slowed down when she saw a tree. There is a tea shop little desolate stood by itself without the usual clutter of little shops lining it on either side.  A sadhu was sitting on a long bench taking tea.  She sat on the bench beside the sadhu in orange clothes.  

Where are you fom? Where are you going ?  Asked the Sadhu.

Vidisha was gasping as she was out of breath. The Sadhu understood and kept quiet. The teashop owner gave her water bottle to drink. Vidisha drank water and washed her face.  It was cool under the tree. "Shall I give you a cup of tea ?" asked the tea shop man. 

Vidisha had no answer because she has no money. 

The tea shop man asked Vidisha "Where are you going?" "I am going to kalambur."  The tea shop owner  brought tea.  "Take tea you are our guest." he said.  The sadhu also asked her to take tea.  Vidisha took tea. After drinking the tea she started without waiting a minute. 

The road was hot and unforgiving. It was a rugged terrain with lawless hills. The hot air was merciless to the travelers.  Again her feet started burning.  She saw a sadhu walking bare footed. He was walking on the same road without losing the smile on his face. 

The sadhu opened his sling hanging to his shoulder. He pulled out a towel and tore it into two pieces and turned each piece around her feet. It was clumsy but her feet were safe. 

Vidisha thanked the sadhu and said " How far is Kalambur?"

Sadhu: 40 kilometers from here. Where are you coming from? 

Vidisha: I am coming from pudur. 

You walked 100 kilometers. He said. They are walking together. 

Sadhu: "Rameswaram is a town situated on the Pamban Island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu at a distance of nearly 40 kilometres from Mannar Island.  Rameswaram is one of the holiest and most important pilgrimage centres of Hindus and has it is one of the among Chaar Dhaam (four divine sites) apart from Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka. There are plenty of religious places to visit in Rameswaram as well. How many temples you visited in Rameswaram?

Vidisha: No, I have not visited any temple. 

Sadhu: Have you not come here on pilgrimage? Then why did you come here? 

Vidisha was silent. Vidisha has no answer. It could be a spiritual journey. Hardly did she know that it was the  path of self realization. She kept quiet and kept walking.

                                                               ***

23. Kaluvuppada

Grace has just returned from jogging and settled in the sofa. She took the remote into her hand. She wants to watch the telivision. When she was about to turn on the tv,  the telephone rang. She picked the reicever. It was Timpani. " How is the conference? How was the flight? How was the Intercontinental hotel?" 

Grace: The conference is meant for Dakshinamurthy. He should have attended it. 

Timpani: Okay, you can share the important points with him when he has time.

Grace: In the office  Arpitha,  at home Arpitha. When he has the time for me?

Timpani: Is it true?  of course, you allowed her but how can he totally ignore you? 

Grace: It is as true as I am in the guest house. Last night when I was trying to share the details of the conference he said " tomorrow I can read it in the newspaper." he said. He bought some fancy dresses for Arpitha. He wants to see her in those dresses. He asked me to go to my room first later he asked me to go to the Guest house. 

Timpani : Don't worry perhaps he was drunk but you have to send her back.

Grace: It is not in our hands to take back the shot arrow. 

Timpani: No, Grace don't be too innocent to spoil your marriage. You should oppose.

Grace : What happened 10 years ago when Meenakshi opposed? 

Timpani : So what should you do?

"Leave it to God." said Grace and cut the call. She turned on the tv. 

"City bard Bharatavarsha receives "The Companion of Honour." on Queen's birthday" The anchor was reading while Grace was watching keenly "Satanic Verses writer Salaman Rushdie won the same honour now it is Bharatavarsha. This special award granted to those who have made a major contribution to the arts, science or medicine... 

The visuals of Windsor Castle , The award medallion, Bharatavarsha with the Queen are showing on the tv with the airport footage.  Bharatavarsha has landed in the city last night. This evening we have exclusive interview with him from our studio live. Grace was watching the airport footage. Bharatavarsha was shaking hands with grace. 

The telephone rang. " you are coming in the morning news" said Timpani. 

Grace: It is about Bharatavarsha only I am part of the visuals. 

"Whatever I am happy." said timpany. "I am happier than you. I want to go to the oldage home and serve mom"  said grace. But you were always reluctant to go there. said Timpani. "Yes, I want to meet him." said Grace. " It is a strange desire" said Timpani.  

                                                              ***

24. Visakhapatnam Anandanilayam 

"The boy is a gemmologist. He is tall handsome. His fair complexion suits your golden complexion. Look at the photograph once again. " said Damini. 

Malini took the photograph from Damini's hands, looked at it keenly and said "The boy is so nice. I like him."  "If you like you marry but I don't like him." said Manjusha.  

"Look Manju, You are refusing match after match. I am not going to tolerate." shouted Malini. Manjusha's face turned lifeless and small. Tears rolled in her eyes. 

Damini took Manju near. don't worry my darling. I will scold your mother. She fondled her head passing her hand over it.  Malini flew off the handle, " Damini, you fool, Is it not your pampering that has spoiled Manju.  Do you think that she is a school going girl that you are backingup. First I am going to take you to task. " malini shouted on Damini.

Right from her schooling days I took care of her. Though you are the mother, I mostly brought her up. I have forgotten that I have no children. Why she is my daughter too. I have right to console and pamper my daughter. " attacked Damini.

"You should tell some reason for not liking the groom, Manju, look mummy is worried." said Damini. The groom's family is coming now, Varsha is not home. 

"All the neighbours are asking me why the matches are failing.  Malini wailed. 

Damini : They may come at any moment. Don't cry. Be cheerful!!!

Nandini, Syamala  Ramya and Malini's neighbours arrived. Finally the groom arrived with parents and relatives. Manjusha went into her bedroom with her friends. Malini and Damini seated the guests in the sofa and chairs in Manduva. 

The boy is working in Bandra. He is a gemmologist. said the Groom's mother

Manjusha and her friends were listening from the bedroom. They misheard Bandra as bandar. Ramya said " Bandar, Machilipatnam umm goo place." Manjusha's face is filled with irritation. 

Bandra is in Mumbai. said the groom's father. 

Nandini said "  Mumbai is a big place. Manjusha likes it."

The boy's name is Rambabu. said the groom's mother.

Manjusha's faceial feelings turned aweful behind the door.  You can call him Ram, don't worry said syamala. In the Manduva Damini said " Good name we can call him Ram." 

"No, He doesn't like to be called Ram. He doesn't like short cuts." said groom's uncle.

Manjusha's face showed  horrible feelings as if she has tasted some bitter medicine.

Syamala and Ramya laughed. Nandini scolded them.

Will you bring the bride said the parents of the bride. 

Damini and other neighberhood women went in and accompanied Manjusha and brought her out. She was seated in front of the bridegroom. He was fascinated by Manju's golden complexion. " The girl is gold" said Damini. " The boy is diamond. He is a gemmologist." said the boy's mother.  "Means horoscope and astrology?" said Manjush.

Rambabu laughed and said " I am a diamond grader. I was working in Surut. I am now working at IGI - International Gemological Institute India located in Bandra Mumbai.  IGI is the largest organization of its kind, operating 18 laboratory locations around the world grading finished jewelry, natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds. 

Whenn Rambabu finished  Ramya said " Are diamonds grown in the labs?  Amazing match!! Manjusha accept it. Now and then boy can bring a diamond home." All people laughed but Manjusha did not. The bridal interview was over. 

                                                              ***

25. Ballipadu - The Gowda brothers

The sun is rising slowly lighting the eastern hills. The darkness melted in the east. In the chripping of sparrows Ballipadu is waking up. Armugam is walking in the fields enjoying the bird calls.  In the warm eye of the sun the paddy and corn crops are  joyfully dancing. Armugam is walking towards the large lotus tank. 

Elsewhere in the village; Narayana is constructing a house. The Gowda brothers, Katta Gowda and Kollayi Gowda entered with his men into the construction site. Stop the work in the disputed site! shouted Katta Gowda. Naryana who is supervising the building came and stood in front of the Gowda brothers."Who said it is disputed site? This site belongs to me. Katta, Just yesterday we had a big argument at Village Panchayat. Remember what the Village Head said. He asked you not to enter this land after examining the documents."

"Who cares! Remember who protected the land when the MLA's kins men occupied it?"

I have paid you for that. How can you claim share in the land?

"Who the hell you paid, we have not received a penny." Kollayi Gowda roared insanely. 

"To this bugger I have paid. Ask your brother Katta"  Narayana shouted violently

Have you given me money XXXX , XXXX, Son of a bitch?

I have given you the tiled house that costs on lakh. Is it not money ,you whore son. 

That lead to te verbal spat between the two groups. When the ruckus quelled down 

"He gave it to the washer woman and f ..ing her all night. said Narayana's men and laughed. 

"Every land and every woman you have seen is not yours. Go to her and f.. her."Said Narayana. Then came the villaineous laughter of Katta Gowda like thunder bolt in the sky. 

Everyland I liked I occupied , every woman I liked I occupied too. I am the invincible Katta. Katta Gowda took out a hatchet. A violent war broke between the two groups. Narayana's neck came under the hatchet he pleaded for a deal, " I will give you half of the land." Katta laughed more wickedly and dropped the hatchet. The victorious Gowda brothers raved across the fields. They were walking towards the village tank where Parvathi was bathing with her friends. Her friends heard the hoots of the ravellers ran away before they had seen Gowda brothers. When Katta saw Parvathi she was bathing alone. "I wan tot talk to her privately." said Katta to his brother men. 

Just them came Armugam. Katta never imagined this. He was shocked but did not backout from his pursuit of catching the beauty. Parvathi tied a white long skirt above her breast.  She stood in the tank covering her large breasts unsuccessfully. From the white wet skirt her bulk thighs are clearly visible. She is shining like a pearl. Her clothes are on the bank. She could not come out dihabille. "You are rose among roses, Lotus among Lotuses said. Katta. Parvathi was clearly embarssed. Armugam did not waste a second. He ran to her clothes, picked them from the bank and threw them to Parvathi. 

Katta glared at Armugam. Armugam said " If you don't leave at once I am going to get rough with you." Katta looked around. Armugam picked up a stone.  He looked very fierce and terrible. Katta  walked away silently. 

                                                   ***

26. Bangalore - Electronic City. 

"Your mother is a traditional fool like your brother." said Sandeep looking at Manjusha. Manjusha looked at Sandeep seriously. The cool interiors of the Raghava Electronics and the ambience lighting could not please Manjusha. She kept glaring at Sandeep. They were sitting in the living quarter of the manufacturing unit. The tranquility failed to sooth them. 

Sandeep understood that those words are unpalatable so he changed his modulation "I am sorry if I sounded rude but slapping a fully grown up daughter like you is wrong." he said.  "Forcing you to marry a person you don't like is not just wrong but a blunder." said Raghava. 

Manju: I don't like calling my mother a fool. I will never call your mother like that.

Sandeep: My mother is flexible, your mother is not. That is what I mean. I am sorry.

Raghava:It's alight, leave it. Let us not get into arguments. Think what shall we do now?"

Manjusha:  I want to join a job. I am B.Sc computers. I did several courses in computer.

Raghava: Why do you need a job. We are giving others jobs.  I am a rich man now.

Majusha looked at Raghava seriously. That look has confused Raghava. He was searching for her feelings in the look. Then she looked at Sandeep. Sandeep said " What Raghava said is correct. We have enough money to live this life." 

Manjusha: I want a job doesn't mean I want money. It means I want independence.

ha hha hha hha  Sandeep and Raghava  guffawed at Manjusha's words. "Job means money , money means independence." said Raghava. Manjusha chuckled (laughed inwardly).

Sandeep was annoyed " How much money you want?" "Tell us"Ragha supported him.

"Ten crores." Said Manjusha. Both clamed down like deflated balloons and showed dazed faces. Manjusha laughed at them. It is the sweetest smile that chased the gloom instantly. Hearts became lighter. "Oh! Manju thanks, please keep smiling if you want a job you can work here for our company." said Sandeep. 

Working under you can never make me independent?

So you think that I don't give you independence?

How much independence my mother has given me? 

Sandeep : What do you want me to do?

Manjusha : Be flexible like your mother. Let me work elsehwere.

Sandeep : Ok agreed, I will search a job for you.

No, Sandeep you need not search, I will tell my friend , you can join tomorrow said Raghava He took out his phone but suddenly stopped and asked Manjusha " Are you sure you want to join ? Are you ready to say good bye to Visakhapatnam? 

Manjusha said " I don't want anyone's help or recommendation. 

Raghava :Will your mother allow you? 

Sandeep: Will she not blame us if we help you?

Manjusha laughed and lughed. That laughter resounded in the room. She kept laughing,  the waves of laughing became terrible and trashed them like lashes until it peeled their veils and showed Raghava and Sandeep thier naked forms. They are half dead not with thier nakedness but with their cowerdice. Manjusha stopped laughing. Sandeep and Raghava felt the rain is over. The veil of tranquility is spreading slowly, The frightened faces of Raghava and Sandeep started uncoiling but they realised that it was only a pause and the convalascence is all over when  Manjusha started laughing. The second wave was hurricane it shook them thoroughly. The second wave of laughter finished sooner. When the second wave of  laughter is finished  Sanddep said " Laughter is worth thousand lashes" .

Sandeep : We don't interfere in your job search. You can search for your job. It may take a few days or weeks tll then you can tell your mom umm... what can you say....let me think.

Raghava: Tell that you went to Damini aunt's house. 

Manjusha : I told the same thing. I went to her house  but there is a problem.

Raghava: I will convince Damini , don't worry.

Manju: I am not worried about it. I have another problem. 

My God I thought Manjusha needed some relief but I badly need it now.

Sandeep: It is getting late, let's go and have dinner in a good restaurant.

Raghava : Let us go to pub. 

Manjusha did not agree to the pub proposal but Sandeep convinced her. They were ready to go to the pub but the problem is Manjusha is in traditional dress - long skirt and mantle.  Sandeep asked her to wear his jeans and T shirt. Manjusha did not yield. Raghava opened his wardrobe and gave her bodysuit. " It has a built in bra." you can try this. said Raghava. " "Whose clothes are these? How did you get them?" asked Sandeep. Raghava did not answer. Manjusha was looking reluctant to change.  "Listen to me Manju nobody wears traditional dress for pubs.  All will look at you if you wear a full skirt and half saree." 

Manjusha wore Sandeep's jeans and T shirt. They moved to Koramangala by car. 

                                                 ***

27. Visakhapatnam - Asilmetta

In the private room in the Salsa restobar in Asilmetta Margaux, Alekhya, Adya  and Timpani were sitting. There is live music in the bar. The Guitarist is playing F Major. While all are awaiting Royal stag whisky  Margaux said " Listen to the smooth flow of wonderful melody. Timpany said "Why they engage musicians to play live music?" 

 Master composer Schubert says that  F Major as “complaisance and calm” said Margaux.  "F Major is  “Peace, joy and  passing regret." said Adya. The guitarist switched to G Major and  started playing the most popular chord that is seriouly poetic and happy. A moment later he switched chords again. "C E E F  G E B C" was heard. It is nothing but SA RI GA MA PA DA NI SA.  "He is playing  C Major platonic. The song "imagine" by john Lenon was composed in this scale. " said Margaux.  While they are enjoying the music. The waiter has come with whisky and stuff. He served the whisky in four glasses and left. 

Margaux, Alekhya, Adya  and Timpani raised their glasses and said Cheers!!! Timpani also raised the wine glass but silently. "Why no cheers???" said Alekhya. My mood is no good, don't press me! said Timpany. This party is arranged to correct your mood, come on say Cheers" said Alekhya.  Adya also pressed Timpani. " Because you are so timid and submissive Grace has taken the position and money and finally gave you supervisor position." she said. Margaux said " Grace did not stop there ,she has snatched your husband John." 

Timpani swallowed the glass of whisky in a single gulp. Alekhya  said "whisky is not drunk like that, drink slowly sip by sip , not in a single gulp" I can not enjoy this party. I want to go." said Timpani.  She walked up to the door  and came back like burning fire "I believe my sister.  I don't believe your words. Blood is thicker than water." She said.   

Alekhya took out a maxi size photo from her bag and showed it to Timpani. Timpani stopped like a vehicle on the power brakes. She took it into her hands. Her eyes grew wide. slowly her face turned red. A girl is sitting in John's lap,  wide eyes, sharp nose, big breast, heavy thighs. A plum woman she is! "This is Arpitha." said Timpani.

"One day you will see Grace in john's lap. This is a wake up call." said Alekhya. " There is no use crying over spilt milk. Keep your weather eye open." said Adya. "In London they stayed in the same room in the Intercontinental Hotel."said Margaux. "No stayed in different rooms" said Timpani. " Why did he not take you to London?" said Alekhya. 

Timpani had no answer. Tears rolled in her eyes. She walked out of the bar with a heavy heart and shut the door. When the door was shut Alekhya, Adi, Margaux said " Cheers!!!" All laughed.  

28. Kaluvuppaada: Meenakshi expo

"Hello john , can you come to my cabin?" Grace called John on the intercome. 

John came and stood at the door " May I come in? " He asked.

Grace: Come in john, Dont' be too shy or smart, DM has left. 

John: That is great. I never thought he would leave so early. It is not 5.00 PM yet?

Grace: That's Okay why was he shouting at you after the lunch?

John: Nothing...nothing. There are some business tensions.

Grace: I know you are sleeping in the office. 

John: The reason is not my sleeping. Arpitha has not come today. 

Grace: Seems that we have to engage some other beautiful girl. She is delying

John: You are more beautiful than Arpitha.

Grace:  I got old to him. He wants new. He is a rogue.

Don't blame him. Most men are like DM. said john looking at Grace lustfully.

Grace: Look john, I am feeling insecured, Arpita ununderstandable. You are adding to my tensions. , why you need to build a new company to take IPO money? 

John: Grace, you can not take money directly. Funds embezzlement needs a strategy. You know the government show roads, buildings and bridges on the paper. Most of them are never built. Much the same way we have to show something. That is the best way to eat  company funds. You can handle it yourself wait until the power of attorney comes. 

 Grace: I am sorry.  I have no experience. I trust you. 

John: Always factory and finances discussion? I am bored. Let us have some romantic talk. "Your figure is amazing in tight pants.  Your legs and thighs are provocative. Show me your back" "Stop john"  shouted Grace and got off the chair. 

"Grace the Chairman shouted on me because I was sleeping." said john. Grace could not understand where he was driving. " It is true I am sleeping in the office, but do you know why I am sleeping in the office. I was cooking the accounts of the new factoy construction expenses spending time until mid night. At what time are you sleeping?" said john sarcastically.  

"You are working hard I agree, you are taking money." said Grace more sarcastically.

"I am working only for salary I am not taking share." said John 

Grace: So what do you want now? 

John: Is it not courtesy to entertain me? 

Grace had no words. She was in a shock for john's direct approach. 

"Just turn back I want to see your back." said john. Grace felt embarassing but John did not leave her. He turned her back and kissed on bulged bum." Wow! It's amazing."Said john hugging her ass. "You are nothing less than D.M." said Grace.

                                                  ***

29. Ballipadu - Gowda Nivas

I never thought that one day you would take such a drastic decision? said Kollayi Gowda.

Katta Gowda: What is wrong if I marry ? Is it such a drastic decision?

Kollayi : So far we spent our time with concubines. We never had families. Neither of us has a wife and children. That was our hidden strength. It used to be a scourge for the people. Now you want to marry. Think. I doubt you can't part with your violent ways.

Katta: I have already parted with violence. The city boy lifted stone at me before Parvathi. Had I reacted violently I would have scared Parvathi. 

Kollayi : Sabash! well done Katta!! Well done!! 

Gowda's men : Shall we go and kidnap Parvathi?

Kollayi: Shut up this is marriage not fighting. I am going to ask chandramathi for Paravthi.  I will offer one acre land to each of her family members  - her daughter and son in law. 

Katta : I will see how they are going to reject this deadly deal!!!

                                                                      ***

30. Charumati Orphanage - Ballipadu

There are four rectangular blocks with corrugated tiled roofing, wide roooms, large windows and doors that open on long corridors and small purple croton plants along the corridors. There is an outdoor stage and performance area in the centre of the four blocks with a roof. Mats are spread on the stage. It was lunch time Parvathi and Armugam are serving food to the twenty children in the corridor. 

Kesava, Sadasivam, Agastya, Basava are sitting on the stage watching them.

 "I can serve the children alone. You go and sit with the men." said Parvathi.

 "I love to serve children. Let me serve."  said Armugam. 

Why did you not serve the children, yesterday when I was not here?

Armugam kept quiet. He was serving water to the children. Parvathi was sevring rice.

I know why you did not come here yesterday. said Parvathi.

If you know why are you asking me?  Why did you not come yesterday?

Yestarday my Aunt Chandramathi arranged arranged a bridal interview. 

What? Is she so much interested in you? You said that she won't give enough food!

Did I tell you like that? said Parvathi moving to the next boy , Armugam too moved.

Parvathi, please come to the corn fields. I must tell you something.

This is village. Village girls will not come like that. 

Oh ! My God! said Armugam. He was fully tense. What is the way out. Your aunt is looking for the matches. I never expected. Any way who is that fortunate fellow. 

Katta gowda, that rowdy whom you attacked. said Parvathi.

Did you agree? I don't agree he shouted loudly. All children stopped eating and looked at him. Kesava, Sadasivam, Agastya, Basava are sitting on the stage asked " what happend?"

I won't agree , first I must serve water then only you have to serve rice and curries. shouted Armugam. All people laughed. Parvathi also laughed and said " When village girl can not come to fields, you have to tell her brother." said Parvathi. 

Thank you Parvathi. said Armugam. He out the water jug on the floor.

cheerful music started playing in his heart.  

I am not educated. said Parvathi. I am too. said Armugam. The music grew louder.

I am an orphan. I am too. said Armugam. The rhythem of the music quickened. 

"Which girl will marry a jobless , aimless man?" asked Parvathi. The music stopped.        His heart is filled with silence. His face is filled with misery. His eyes arefilled with tears. His world became mute. He felt that suddenly became dumb. Parvathi understood his heart " If my brother asks you what will you say?" added Parvathi. "I will join medicine again." Armugam walked fast, without looking back.  He  disappeared  in a few minutes. 

"Armugam... Armugam.. Armugam"  Kesava sitting on the stage called him but in vain.    He did not look back. He asked Parvathi " What happened?" She did not say anything.      He understood that he was going for nature's call and got back to the stage. 

"It is four days we came to Ballipadu. I must go to Chennai." said Agastya.

"I too must go to Chennai. I will join you." said Basava. 

Agastya: My boss has called me I am going for her. 

Basava: I am going for my Noor. 

Agastya: Noor is not there in Chennai. 

Basava : I will try in Chennai once again for clues. 

Kesava:  If you don't get any clues?

Agastya:  Is there any other way to get clues?

Basava : I will resign and hand over the flat keys to the owner and get back to Visakha.

Sadasivam: Miracles happen in the last attempt, don't worry. Day after tomorrow we have Charumati orphanage annual day celebrations. Kesava is here waiting for the same. He has very important personal work. I wish you stayed two more days peacefully like Kesava. 

Kesava: That work is related to my wedding.  It is not more important than Amma. I have to do my sister's marriage. Bharatavarsha wants to bring Parvathi to Anandanilayam. He says that there is a match ready for her. B, the worut yesterday. My aunt Chandramathi brought a match and arranged a bridal interview for Parvathi. 

Sadasivam: Whos is the bridegroom?   Kesava : Katta gowda.

Sadasivam: He is the worst groom that even a leper would not prefer to marry. 

Basava looked at Kesava. His face is cool. The smile on kesava's face is fresh and lively.  Basava , Agastya and Sadavasivam all are surprised to see him smiling. "How you maintain your cool? Are you a baba or yogi? who are you?" asked Basava. Kesava is stoic.

                                                              ***

31. Bangalore - Port of Pavilion Bar - Majestic Area. 

At 9.00 pm people are coming into the Bar for a get together party.  Most of them are couples. They are entering a large room with sofas and tables. Sahadev got a job in USA and  he is leaving Raghava electronics. Raghava's colleagues had planned a farewell ceremony.

Sahadev came with his wife Saanvi to the  for the farewell party. Saanvi also works in Raghava electronics.  Adarsh came with his wife Anchal, Manya came with her husband Maahesh. They came in and sat on the sofa. More couple are coming.  As sofas are filled they are sitting at the table and chairs. 

Charan was another engineer who works in Raghava electronics. He is close to Raghava and he is the one who suggested Pavillion bar. They both entered the pavillion bar and sat at a table. "This is not our usual bar. said Raghava with Charan.

"I know your's is Casinova in Coromangala but this is a different bar." said Charan and winked at Raghava.  Raghava laughed and said " what is so special about this bar?" 

Charan : It is couples only bar. Stags are not allowed into the dance floor. 

Raghava: Oh! only the coupl can enter the dance floor? We have to go back?

Charan : The manager arranges a girl to dance with you. 

Raghava: Wow! It is really wonderful. We can have a good time. Can I touch her?

Charan : Yes, you can put your hands on her waist and shoulders and on...

Raghava laughed Charan said " I want to remove your frustration tonight."

They went to the sofa area where more couple from Reghava electronics sat. All couple stood with beers in hands. Maanya introduced her husband to Latha who came from Hyd. 

" He is my husband Maahesh." said Maanya.  

"Oh! He is Mahesh." said Latha. 

No, no he is not mahesh, He is Maahesh." said Maanya.

"Look how the north Indias speak. She is saying Maahesh" Latha said to Charan.

"It is their culture.You are a south Indian. You don't understand their culture." said Charan

"Totally Bangalore is influenced by North Indian culture. In almost all pubs they play Hindi songs except one or two pubs who play kannada songs." said Raghava.

Sahadev introduced Saanvi to his colleague Charan thinking that they don't know each other. Saanvi hugged Charan instead of shaking hands. It was quite different. She hugged , moving her hands around his neck. The husband took it normally but Raghava could not. He moved close to Charan and whispered into his ear. "For me, she gives just hand shake" Charan laughed. The couple at sofas were introducing one to the other. Men and women shook hands, some women hugged men and women.  They decided to finsih drinking and go to the dance floor. 

Raghava and Charan came back to their table from the sofa. Raghava was excited to dance with a girl. Charan: Sahadev felt like they were very close to each other in the office.

Ragha did not understand anything. He showed a blank face and said " I did not get you" Charan said the same thing again he stressed the word in the office. Raghava laughed and said " Oh! yeah!  I got it now. They are not just friends in the office. They are friends outside also." Raghava explained and laughed again but soon his face contracted with sad feelings. 

Charan : What happened?

Raghava : I have more money than him. Why girls won't fall after me?

Charan : Change your approach. Look at them don't miss the scene.

Raghava turned his head to the sofa.  Sahadev went to the bar counter to order drinks, mean time the wifes at the sofa  started kissing and bitching with other girls. Raghava was shocked.  Saanya came to Charan's table and kissed him. Charan got up from the chair. They hugged each other right infront of Raghava. They started squeezing each other. After a while when they were going to the dance floor charan said something that has blasted Raghava's mind. He said " Don't you know Saanvi is Sandeep's XXXX."  

                                                              ***

32. Kaluvuppada - Guest house.

Grace was sitting at the window watching the clouds. They look like huge heaps of sweet candy balls floating on water. She looked down and saw a cluster of tiled roofs. They were so small that tells the flight was soaring very high. It was quite romantic. She turned her head and was pleasantly surprised to see Bharatavarsha. She smiled at him. He too smiled filling her with hope. 

Grace: Where are you going?

Bharatavarsha: To London, you ?

Grace : What a coincidence! I am too going to London. 

Varsha: I forgot your name. What is your name ?

Grace : I am Gayatri. 

Varsha: Very holy name.  But I think it was something else.

Grace : Yes, They call me Grace also but I don't like it. 

Varsha: Gayatri is very sweet name too.

Grace felt that her body was floating like a cloud in the sky. She became a could among clouds. "Why don't you come to a dinner party to my house sometime!" Said Grace.

Bharatavarsha : You haven't invited me. How can I come?

Gayatri : You are welcome anytime. 

She never thought that one day she would sit so close to him and talk so privately, so long, so romantic while flying in the clouds. She never imagined it could happen. Varsha slipped into sleep while speaking. Grace kept looking at him. He was fast asleep. His eyes were like lotus petals. She put her hand in his hair and passed it slowly. All are sleeping in the flight. 

She got a idea! She kissed him on eyes, then on lips. He did not move. She laid her head on his chest. Later pressed her breast against his chest. so tightly she hugged. She gave him mouth to mouth kiss. He opened his eyes and bit her lip. Gayatri screemed.

Madam, Madam shouted the servant maid. Grace woke up and saw the maid with coffee cup.  Oh! it is just a dream!!!  She felt the shame and shock. She took the coffee and left for jogging. 

                                                             ***

Grace has just returned from jogging and settled in the sofa. She turned on the TV set and watching regional news on ETV. Bharatavarsha is receiving civil honour after coming from London. She switched to the English channel and started watching the National News. His London program the champion of honour is telecast, " I must plan to meet him somehow" She said to herself and went to bathroom. She came out from the bathroom and stepped into her bedroom. From the bedroom the sofa in the hall was visible. she saw the back view of someone. She understood that it was john. Her heart skipped a beat. 

33. Ballipadu- Chandramathi Residence.

Parvathi walking in the narrow streets of Ballipadu. She was playing with the calfs and chasing the goatkids on her way home from the Krishna temple. Her eyes are almonds. What fireflies have hidden in the glow of her eyes!  Her lips are red cherries. What nectar is hidden in her sweet mouth! Her dark long hair is a cascading waterfall. The village head  following her from a distance said "She is shining like a jewel and moving like anymphette."

Men in the street remarked that her beauty is multiplied in her new pink silkskirt and and parrot greetn mantle. Women in the street remarked that she is a jewel among jewels. "How come you have so much of jewellery? " asked provisions store Subbu.   Parvathi said shyly  "My aunt Chandramathi bought this jewellery." and ran into her house. 

Chandramathi was standing at the door. She was waiting for someone. Her eyes sparkled when she saw Gowda brothers coming by jeep. The jeep stopped in front of Chandramathi's house.  Sukanya and Chakri (daughter and son in law) were ready wearing new clothes. They went in to bring the bride to the jeep. 

                                                                      *** 

 

 34 Kaluvuppada - Guest house

Grace was frightened to see john in the living room. "Why john came so early in the morning unless he has some plan. Is he going to attack?" She became nervous and searched for a weapon. She went into the kitchen and looked for knife. She did not find. She took a spoon but dropped it down. She later ran to her wardrobe and took a hair pin.  She saw western out fit picked up  but put it back in place and took a  saree and blouse. While she was wearing a saree she heard knocking of the door. She was scared. After she is done she took the hair pin into her hand and opened the door slowly. 

It was Timpani.  What are you doing in so long?" shouted Timpani.  Grace had a smile on her face that showed big relief. John was still sitting in the sofa. The maid brought fruit juice to all.  "How long will you stay here in the guest house?" asked Timpani.

Grace: It is only for a week I am here. 

Timpani: Do you know what is happening in your house? Your husband has placed her phtotos in your bedroom. I went a saw with our own eyes. 

Grace : What can we do? He is a stubborn man? we have to cross our fingers and wait. 

Timpani : I can not cross my fingers and wait. I have thrown away all her photos. 

John : You know what your husband has said to Timpani while throwing her photos

Grace : What ? What did he say ?

John: He asked her if she is willing to put her photo in your bedroom.

While john was telling Timpani felt uncomfortable but Grace got angry, " Now he wants my sister. I am going to kill him. Let us go" Grace started dancing. John said but Timpani promised to give him the photos ever. Grace was shocked. That evening Timpani took Grace to Mahindranilayam reached the tenth floor. Daskhinamurthy and Arpitha sat in the sofa. Arpitha left as they entered the livingroom. "This is the most beautiful picture" said Timpany to DM pushing Grace into his lap.

"This is your home. Your permanent place." She said and left. Dakshinamurthy kept staring at her while she was moving with her husabnd john.

                                                         ***

35. Attili - Police station.

Parvathi stood close to Kesava. Chandramati her daughter Sukanya , her son-in-law Chekri stood at a corner.  Gowda brothers were standing in front of the Inspector.  Kollayi Gowda said " We are the gentlemen and landlords of Ballipadu. My brother liked the girl (Parvathi) We approached the bride's family. She is bride's mother Chandramathi.

Kesava interfered " She is not the bride's mother. Her sister Charumathi is our mother."

Inspector : Let them speak, don't cut in. Kesava kept silent.

Parvathi : I don't like this marriage. They were taking me to marriage this morning. I had no clue of it. They forcibly put me in jeep and were taking to temple.  My brother and his friends and some villagers stopped the jeep. 

Kollayi Gowda "That is all wrong sir. This girl Parvathi is a coquette. She attracts men easily. She attracted a boy called Armugam. Chandramathi is worried about her marriage. It is true.  Please ask her whether it is true or not".  The inspector looked at Kesava.

Kesava said " Sir I came to know that he liked her.  He is our friend. He visited our village. He kept it in his heart and left the village without telling a word to anybody except parvathi. 

Inspector : Leave that boy and tell me whether you accepted to marry gowda. In that case withdraw the case. I don't force her to marry Katta. No one can force her.  Tell the truth. 

Kollayi : Chandramathi is looking after the brother and sister ever since Charumathi died.  You came newly you don't know her sister Charumathi. She is a famed social worker. Chandramathi is her sister.

Inspector : Come to the point.

Kesava : She forced and cheated also, She told Parvathi that she was taking to temple. She never told that they were going for marriage. She forced Parvathi for this marriage.

Chandra: I never forced her. I arranged bridal interview. I advised her.  Even now I say the same thing. The girl never went to high school.  She has no assets. Who will marry her? 

Inspector : Look Ms.Chandramathi you are saying that you advised the bride but it doesn't seem like you advised. You have no right to force a major like that. 

Kollayi Gowda : We are gentlemen , She is a parent  please trust our words. Don't go by children's words. She will be happy if this marriage takes palce. Please tell her.

"Mr. Gowda, we are police, we follow the law, not what you say. This is not Ballipadu Panchayathi mind you. I am new to this station but I know that you are old to this station. There are several cases on you in this station." said the inspector and turned to Kesava.

Kesava, you want to file a case?  In that case I have to take action against Chandramathi also. Think and tell me clearly. Give me in black and white how she cheated you.

A car stopped in front of the police station. A tall man in white Dhoti and woman stepped in. The inspector's eyes grew wider as he looked at the tall man in traditional clothes.

Chandramathi dissolved into tears  she looked at Kesava and said " If my sister Charumathi brought this match would you complain to the Police?" She started blackmailing. It was an emotional blackmail. Kesava stuttered and stumbled  but was unable to answer...

The tall man said " If your sister were in your place she would never bring such a match." Chandramathi, Sukanya and Chekri were frozen. The Gowdas hid their faces. Everybody recognized who he was.   

It didn't take much time for the inspector to understand that he was the poet of international acclaim but could not believe that he would come to a village police station. The tall man said " Namaste" raising both hands. " You are..?" The inspector said.  "I am Bharatavarsha. She is my mother. We came from Visakhapatnam." He briefly introduced himself. 

The Inspector offered both of them to sit and said "I never thought that one day you would come to my station." "How do you know me Inspector?" asked Bharatavarsha. " You are  popular all over the state." said the Inspector. Your England trip made you popular all over the country. Your service to VMC is highly venerable. " How do you know that inspector?" asked Bharatavarsha. The VMC inspector who visited Anand seva sadan is my own brother."

Sukanya and Chekri recovered from the shock and said " My mother is Parvathi's well wisher. She has brought a very good match. The grooms are rich."Said Chekri. Bharatavarsha said  to Gowda "It is goog you've given him a few yards of land. See he is supporting you but the others are quiet. You should have given something to them also"

Gowda: What a few yards? I have give one acre to him. I have given each of them an acre.

The Inspector smiled but Chandramathi cried " Inspector she has no mother. Her mother died. Who will look after her? Please drop these cases and let her marry." She said

"Chandramathi her mother died , but remember her brother is alive." said Bharatavarsha.

"Her mother is also here. She is my daughter." Said Malini. 

"Chandramathi you are saved this time. There is no case but be careful." said the inspector . He also warned the Gowds brothers. They all left the policestation. 

Bharatavarsha scolded Kesava " Why did you not tell me? It is Basava who told me about the incident. Where is Armugam , Basava and Agastya?" He asked Keava.  "Armugam left to Chennai a week ago. Basava and Agastya left to Chennai yesterday after the annual day celebrations of Charumathi Ashram." Said Kesava.  Bharatavarsha went to Ballipadu visited the ashram appreciated Sadasivam for his noble work and offered a cheque as a donation. Sadasivam refused but on Malini's request he took the cheque. 

He later met the village head and requested him to assemble the people in the villagebig p. They assembled under a big peepal tree. "What we see throught our state, in all villages , towns and cities  are the statues of Cinema actors and political robbers. Don't we need the statues of Social workers, poets, writers, doctors and soldiers who died for their country? Are cinema actors and political robbers more important than people who served the society? Charumathi is a great social worker who deserves your love and respect. You need to recognize and appreciate the mother who served your village" said Bharatavarsha.  

The village head said that they must try to install the statue of Charumati. All villagers agreed with a big applause. Bharatavarsha gave the village head a cheque of 4 lakhs for the life size statue of Charumathi's bronze statue.  The villagers said that the statue must be installed in the Orphanage. The village head and Sadasivam said that it must be  installed in the centre of the village. Bharatavarsha and Malini bade farewell to them. 

Malini took Kesava and Parvathi to the car. Varsha was waiting for them at the car. Parvathi and Malini sat back. Varsha asked Kesava to get into the car. Kesava said " I need to find out my parents based on the diary found at Charumathi. That is very important for marriage." Bharatavarsha said " Don't strain yourself too much.  Parvathi's marriage will be celebrated soon by then finish your searc." Said Bharatavarsha. We want to celebrate your marriage and Lakuma marriage for the same Muhurtha" said Malini and closed the door. The car moved. Kesava waved his hand and walked to the Ashram. 

                                                              ***

36. Pavillion bar - Majestic circle.

Raghava sta with his friends in the Pavillion bar at a four seater table. There are girls in jeans and shorts sitting in the sofa. A few more girls are coming in in micro minis and yoga pants.  " Hi babe will you dance with me? " asked Raghava catching the girl's hand. The girl glared at Raghava angrily and said " Sorry I have come with my boyfriend." said the girl. Raghava was disappointed he stood up and stopped the girl. Just one night you dance with me I will pay more than your boy friend can earn in a year." When he finished her boy friend came from behind and pushed him down. " You drunken bugger! YOu don't have fucken manners? "  Raghava was getting up slowly. The couple moved to the dancefloor." 

The pubs have completely spoiled the Bangalore culture." said somebody from the next table.  Why did you come to the bar then ? asked Raghava.  I am coming to drink not to dance with girls or not to pull the hand of other's girlfriends." He said. Raghava went to his table and  took him by collar. The manager came and seperated them. " Sir, I am going to offer a beautiful girl tonight. Just stay calm. " The manager went away to the bar counter. 

Raghava came back to his table. " I don't want a girl. I want a girl friend. Look sandeep has a beautiful girl friend. He took out his mobile and showed Manjusha's picture to his friends at the table. "I want a girlfriend like this." He said and enlarged Manjusha's picture. " Look at her tender waist and beautiful lips." Stop it Raghava, Sandeep is our colleague you should not talk like that " said somebody and snatched the mobile from Raghava's hand.  

Now she is not with Sandeep. She is an independent girl. She left home and our company. We don't know where she is." Raghava drank one more round and snatched his mobile back and showed  another pictre of Manjusha "First time she came to the bar. We asked her to wear jeans." Three friends left his table. Only one person remained. 

He said " Raghava I was with you from the very beginning. First we lived in the single bedroom apartment in jayanagar. Later we moved to bigger apartment when you started production. Finally you have your own building in Electronic city. You have grown financially well but fallen as a person. When you are poor you were good. When you became rich you started craving for girls." 

Raghava bent his head,  "you are married you have a wife. I am 30 yearls old."

"I can understand your frustration. You too can get married," said his colleague.

Raghava was amused. He laughed and laughed. His colleague was staring at him.

"Why, your father and mother won't seek marriages for you?" said his colleague.

Raghava remembered his father and his face became dull like a fused bulb. He released a long sigh. His colleague smelled the rat that there is something wrong with his house environemnt. Have you never enjoyed it? There are so many call girls in Bangalore." He said. Raghava reacted seriously " You want me to die of AIDS? I want to live." 

Just then came a new friend Akthar. Look Raghava don't go you call girls. Bangalore girls are easy going. you try for them like me. I have succeeded and I am sure you will." He said.

The manager of the bar came to Raghava and took him to a group of girls select a girl and dance with her but it costs additional five thousand. Raghava agreed. His colleauge came there from the table. He selected a girl with lightening speed and went into the dance floor. Raghava was stunned. "See how fast is your friend. You are very slow sir." said the manager. 

                                                                             ***

37. Arunachalam  -Kalambur 

The road was still hot although the sun was setting. It was getting dark.  Vidisha was walking along. She is not bothered about the hot road because two days ago she picked up worn-out sandles and tied them to her feet. She wrapped cloth around them putting them under her feet. The warm breeze was getting cooler. She felt happy. She stopped at a way side shop and said " How far is Kalambur?" " It is just five kilometers." They said. The man looked at her dirty saree scruffy hair.  He looked at her feet . She looked like a beggar. He offered her a biscuit packet " I am not a beggar" She said and moved. 

Suddenly it is dark and started raining. She walked and walked she saw a building with large open area and trees. She got in and saw the board. The rain grew worse.  Subramanya Chettiyar Government school - Kalambur. " She read the board. I finally reached my destinatin" She thought and stood in the portico with wet saree dripping water. A thief was watching Vidisha. He was watching the gold chain in her neck which was occasionally shining in the streetlamp light. Vidisha suddenly felt that someone was observing her. She looked at the man with terrible face and scary blood shot eyes, Her heart skipped a beat.

38. Thoriapakkam - Chennai.

Agastya poured the last round of beer in the two glasses. Basava, Agastya, Armugam raised the glasses and said "Cheers!!!" They finished the last round Agastya blessed Armugam " Seeghmeva Kalyana prapthi rastu." which means get married soon. Basava pulled a long face. "My heart is down. I am the senior in love. You must bless me." said Basava.

Agastya: Your Noor is not found. Parvathi is in Anandanilayam. She likes Armugam. Varsha is going to celebrate Parvathi's marriage soon. He is a worthy man" Said Agastya. 

Basava : What worth he has? He is a  Road Romeo. I have a job. I am the worthy man.

Agastya: Armugam joined Medicine again. 

Basava: Did he say like that? We can't believe Armugam. He is a jugglar. It is impossible to join medicine after a break of two years. He has to crack NEET again. 

Armugam : Who said that? This is my admission proof. See the fees receipt.  

Basava : Is it possible! I am surprised. 

 Armugam: It is possible but terms and  conditions apply:

One must not be rusticated on a serious offense like ragging or murder.

One must join other course, since no one is allowed to do two courses simultaneously.

One has to complete 4.5 year term in maximum eight years.

A valid reason for leaving the course rejoining must be submitted to Medical college 

Basava drank the remaining beer from the bottle and cried " I thought he would never get married, this useless fellow is going to be doctor, No problem let him be doctor but he is going to be the groom. No problem let him be the groom but he is getting the beautiful Parvathi. 

Armugam and Agastya laughed at Basava's jealousy. Agastya said " I am going to inform Bharatavarsha  that Armugam has rejoined in the medical college." "I thought first I would get married. I didn't believe fate. Now I want to believe the dirty fate. Congratulations Dr. Armugam" Basava congratulated Armugam. 

In this happy moment I have a good news for you. My mother called me. She told me that she has spotted Noor. made friends with Noor. She asked me to bring there. So that yu can marry as early as possible.  Basava jumped with joy. " How is the fate now?" asked Agastya

The who speaks in verses Basava took to a verse. 

 

Below the moonlight soft and yellow 

I see the gloss of you body awsome   

The shine in your cheeks is mellow 

With the beauty of your bulged bosom  

You are magnificient moonlight blossom 

Oh my beautiful Noor you are my cure  

without you I am poor for sure  

39. Kalambur - Vidisha

Vidisha thought it was unsafe to be in the semi darkness. She thought she could stay in the school for the night but time is kicking her out. How transitory are the relations.  I must search another place. She said to herself and came out of the school.  Like a drenched bird who lost its nest Vidisha lost a roof and started walking on the road. 

She doesn't know where she has to go but she was walking. The drizzling stopped. She saw light moving far away. She was walking  towards light. After walking for a few minutes, she saw a procession. Women folk are walking along the road carrying earthen and brass pots on their heads adorned with Neem leaves, Turmeric and Vermilion.  Some women are carrying  bangles and sarees. Men are following the women. It was a procession of priests and devotees. "Where are you going ?" Vidisha asked a woman. Today is Draupadi festival. We are going to Draupadi amman Temple where the rituals are carried out tonight. Vidisha walked with them to save herself. 

She never heard about Draupadi temple or festival before. All that remains of Draupadi are fragmented tales; some consider her to be the cause of the war, others a tragic heroine. Marrying five men what life she lead?  Such ruminations flooded Vidisha's mind. She was both surprised and shocked when she heard about the Tamil deity.

There were dances and drumbeats out side the temple for a brief period.  Later the women entered the temple. Vidisha entered the temple  and stood before the diety. The priest performed poojas. All women looked at Vidisha strangely and moved away from her due to her dirty saree and appreance like beggar. The priest's wife gave her Prasadam in a leaf. She felt that Vidisha was not a beggar. 

The central event of the festival is the fire walking ceremony.  devotees are walking  on a stretch of hot embers. Many people were participating in the fire walking ceremony to fulfil a wish or to seek penance. Vidisha decided to walk on the fire to seek penance. "AMMA forgive this poor daughter's mistake. My arrogance died. Talk to me or take me to you. Burn me in the hot embers. Vidisha started walking on the fire with bare foot. Hardly had she walked  few steps when she lost her  balance and fell down. Before her body had touched the fire the priest's wife caught her. She took her to her house in the out skirts. When she came into senses. She received good bath, fresh clothes and good food and great love of Janaki and Rasamani couple. Janaki took her into her bedroom. Vidisha saw a big traditional teak cot at a window. The bed was soft and the bedsheet was fresh. Vidisha sat on the bed janaki said "Inru patikkappattavarkal  nalaiya verriyalarkal Atutan Draupati" (Today the victims are the victors like Draupadhi) Vidisha did not understand but smiled and slipped into sleep instantly. 

40. Delhi - Sahitya Akademi Award.

With ergonomy in  architecture, finess in structure, grandeur in façade    like symbol of victory and confluence of literature , music and art lies  a Y shaped building in Coparnicus marg in Delhi. 

The Y-shaped building houses three national academies namely Lalit Kala Academy, Sahitya Kala Academy and Sangeet Natak Academy. It is the Himalayas that symbolizes the Indian literary glory. It is named after India's famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. Built in 1963, Rabindra Bhavan is walking distance from Mandi House and Andhra Bhavan on Ashok Marga at Pataudi House. Ravindra Bhavan has an auditorium with a capacity of 490 people and an open air theater to attract the viewers.

The hall was completely full. Those who have visited are poets, scholars, writers, intellectuals, renowned authors of multiple books. On the rectangular stage before the  assembly, two elders were sitting on decorative chairs.  In the center of the stage seated were the President, Vice-President and Chief Guest of the Academy on three free stools at a large glass coffee table.

Sharanam Sharanam Gajavadana Sharanam Sharanam Mushika Vahana Vigneswara Pradhana sung by a young girl  feasted the ears. "Now I request the president of the sahitya academy to welcome the chief guest of the today’s function" The secretary invited the President. The president gave bouquet to the chief guest and the secretary came to the mike. 

"President of the Sahitya academy ..vice president of the academy chief guest of today’s function , respected writers , members of sahitya academy and winners of sahitya academy awards of previous years …a warm welcome to you all." Then he spoke about the greatness of the chief guest and the literary service he had done and the positions he had held and all the audience were amazed and his speech continued.

"Sahitya Akademi, the highest and the most prestigious national academy of letters in India, established in 1954, which has published around 6000 books till date, roughly one book per 19 hours in 24 Indian languages besides organizing a variety of workshops, seminars, conferences and talks on Indian literature and bestowing the most consecrated national literary awards each year." Among the winning books are six poetry collections, four novels and six books of short stories, besides two books each of essays and criticism. The awards were recommended by distinguished jury members representing 23 Indian languages and approved by the Executive Board of the Akademi, under its President.

First Assamese writer was invited on stage. Kuldhar Sanika came and sat on the seat for the writers on the stage.  The Academy President covered him with shawl and handed over the  memento. Later the secretary announced that Sikika, who served as the Director General of Police who received a medal from the President of India for distinguished services wins  award for  short stories in Punjabi.  Later, the authors of Dogri and Bodo languages were invited by the Secretary. while the authors sat on a chair in the center of the platform, the president  gave the shawl award to the author.

"The award in Telugu goes to Bhakti Vijayam, Telugu poetry. Now I welcome Bharatvarsha on to the dias." The secretary's voice was heard.  Varsha came to the middle of the stage in Panche Kattu complete Telugu traditional dress.  He looked like Telugu tradition personified. Bharata Varsha's eyes searched for his mother Malini. Malini who was sitting in the audience with Nandini was looking at her son.  Malini's eyes met Varsha's eyes. Varsha's eyes were shining. Malini's heart is full. Her  eyes were raining. Nandini looked at Varsha. Her eyes locked with Varsha. Syamala and parvathi who sat next to Nandini smiled at Varsha. The secretary is saying something about Varsha. Malini was absorbed in the moment. After the speech was over Malini looked at Nandini. She was in a deeper trance.  She is the most blissful person. It is her victory. Malini said something in her ear. Her face was lighted up filling her heart with joy. Her cheeks blushed.  she felt like she has won the biggest prize. Nandini's heart flew away like a bird.

                                                           ***