Anagayar finished stitching the blouse and put it a side. She picked up the white top Diana gave her last week. "It is a nice top that goes on to the pair of denim jeans" She thought to herself. She remembered Diana asked her to adjust the sleeve length and shoulder seams. When she started working on it Varadachari came back from the school. She got up to prepare coffee for him but collapsed in her chair in front of the machine looking at the pile of dress materials that are waiting for her. She thought about her tired husband felt her obligation and was getting up from the chair again. Varadachari laughed at her and said " Sit down and mind your work." He came near her and pressed her into the chair. He went into the kitchen and started preparing coffee. Angayar started pedalling the machine.
The whirring of the sewing machine is heard in the kitchen. He was absorbed into the machine sound. Angayar was watching the machine. She doesn't hear the sound of the machine She was looking at the oscillatory motion of the needle "The needle pushes the thread down through the material, forming a loop that catches on a hook on the shuttle. The loop wraps around the bobbin thread as the needle pulls the next section of thread back up through the material." She remembered the steamy romance she had with her husband in Gummadipudi Emerald Forest and started humming.
Varada brought coffee and placed it on a stool near the machine. Angayar stopped the machine. She has been stitching since morning. She got really tired peddling the machine. "Why don't you change this machine and buy electric one." said Varada sipping coffee. " My mother has given me this machine. I will adjust with it as much as possible." said Angayar sipping coffee. " " Off course, your sentiment is good but take care of your health." Varadachari insisted. "when it is too painful may be one day I will change." Said Angayar.
Your friend is coming he said looking at the door and went into the bedroom with his coffee. Angayar looked at the door. Diana stood there smiling. She has a round steel box in her hand. "Come on in , what are you thinking ?" Said Angayar. I am very sorry , I came a wrong time, perhaps you were in a romantic mood. I have disturbed your romance."
Angayar could not speak she was surprised at her wild guess. Diana started speaking again
"It is just five O' clock. who can think that he can start ROMANCE. "
Angayar laughed " For aught there is any romance except the day you bring the jam."
"That is why I have brought the jam today." Said Diana and gave Angayar the box
Your husband dances all day long and you pedal. Both have foot work and both get tired. How can you enjoy romance? You are taking so much of stress in tailoring. Why don't you join your old profession? why you and Meenakshi left the school. No one has the answer.
"You don't get answers immediately to all questions." Said Angayar
"You know what they are thinking about her?" said Diana
"I am not interested in rumours. What is this jam? How do you prepare it? Tell me I will prepare a jar for myself." said Angayar. " You should not prepare and store it. It must be prepared instantly and consumed 3 to 4 hours before you start that." Diana winked at Angayar.
Angayar took the scissors and pointed them at Diana " I will kill you rascal!" She said.
Diana laughed and look her white top into hands. She wore it and checked. She said " It is correct fit to me. You adjusted the sleeves and shoulders so neatly." She said.
"Ay girl! Che! Chee! you are seeing the trial right before my eyes and showing me all your curves. Show them to your Rodrigues" Said Angayar with mock anger.
I broke up with Rodrigues, don't you know? Now I am dating with Desmond." Said Diana.
Angayar said "You became and expert" while Diana waved her hand and said "I wish you too became and expert" and winked before she went away with her top.
***
Siripuram - Syam Breweries.
It is 9.00 PM. The customers in the bar are few. John looked the spacious bar filled with elegant furniture and expensive antiques dangling from the roof. He was staring at multi coloured electric bulbs. "What are you staring at ?" said Syam "I admire the dance of the electric bulbs. I see beautiful girls dancing before me" said John sipping the beer.
"This is the place where beautiful girls were dancing in the past. Now there are no girls and no parties. We see only the dance of bulbs. said Sundar the chairman of Alekhya Homes.
Don't worry. Soon you will have girls and parties again. said John.
"How? Breweries business is on the last legs. It is a sinking ship. Probably a few months or a year" said Sundar. Syam was irked by Sundar's prophecy. He looked indignantly at Syam. John served beer in their glasses and filled his glass too. "Breweries business is sinking ship but Real estate is a wrecked ship. Breweries is not doing well here in Visakha but the industry has life. I will move to Karnataka. But Sundar you have no life anywhere. Indian real estate’s estimated loss is over Rs 1 lakh crore so far. There is no hope." said Syam and took a big gulp of the beer.
" Who said there is no hope? There is hope." said John
Syam looked seriously at john. You both have hope. I am here to tell you that you have the hope. I have brought luck with me. It is up to you to take it or not. Meenakshi exports is going for IPO next week. The company is issuing shares worth 1000 crores.
Ha hha hha hha hha both Syam and Sundar laughed.
Don't forget that I was a licensed broker at Bombay Stock exchange.
"Off course you were a Stock market Broker and and a Financial expert. When you are introduced by Grace we thought you would help us in procuring a soft loan from bank." Said Sundar.
You know how to manage the bank . We need your help in that.
Fine how much you want ? Said John calmly
"One crore !" they both said unanimously. John laughed violently. The customers in the bar stopped drinking and started staring at the three. John got up. Syam and Sundar got up too.
John walked to his car. Syam and Sundar followed him.
I am the luck. Luck knocks at the door only once. He said and opened the car door.
IPO is a long process how can you do it in a week. asked Syam
I have SEBI approval. He said and showed a file to them.
"Can you forward the mail to me ?"said Sundar.
Without waiting for a second John from his mobile forwarded the SEBI mail to Syam and Sundar. " IPO aiming at 1000 crores! and SEBI approved!!" said Sundar.
" I am here to offer you 200 crores each but you are asking for 1 crore." He got into the car and started it. " Are you serious?" They asked him. I am serious. If you are serious contact me we will meet again but remember you don't have much time just a week. He shut the door and the car moved. They kept staring at the car.
***
Angayar stopped sewing and lifted her head. She saw Kukum Agarwal at the door.
There is another lady with her. I have come here to take my blouse. said Kumkum.
"It is ready. I finished it two days ago." Angayar gave the blouse to Kumkum
She lives in our apartment but in the other block She is Aadalarasi. Kumkum introduced her to Angayar. Angayar looked at Adalarasi. She is not fair complexioned but slender and attractive woman. "Vaangu , Ukaranga" ( come and sit down) said Angayar. Adalarasi gave her a bag. There were several pieces of white cloth. " This is for the top. This is for the maxi and this is for the lining." She was showing Angayar.
What do you want? asked Angayar. " I want a wedding dress. Here is the model dress . She said and showed the pieces to Angayar. Is it your wedding dress? "Angayar asked her. Adalarasi smiled and said " I am not married yet." Angayar asked her to come after a week. Adalarasi left.
Kumkum Agarwal paid attention to Angayar's work and said " You have a steady hand, good pattern-cutting skills above all you have precision in your work. You have done a good job by taking up tailoring.
Thank God. You have not asked me to go back to the school job. Diana always tells that I have done a mistake by leaving the job. The new management laid off many teachers. I want security.
You have tailoring, it is a mistake if you stick to that insecure job. but it is wrong if Meenakshi quits she has nothing in her hands.
Yes, she once used to have the Piano in her hands. Now she has nothing in her hands. So she stood helpless. Even Arjuna is helpless without the Gandeeva ( his bow). Yes, She is Arjuna without Gandeeva. Angayar thought to herself.
Kumkum continued. " I don't know why she has quit. I don't know anything about her personal life. I heard that she has relation with Vikraman."
Angayar: Who told that?
Kumkum: Vikraman's wife Vaisali came to our jewellery shop last week. She said that it is due to her disputes came between the couple.
I know a little about Vikraman but I know very well about Meenakshi. I completely trust her. She never craved for money nor luxuries. She has seen the bigger picture of life. She knows the purpose of her life. Her ancestors are noble and so is she. Just go to Dakshina chitra and see it yourself. Her centuries old ancestral home is preserved there.
Kumkum: Unbelievable! She has not told me anything although we are neighbours.
Angayar: unbelievable but true. Her own son could not believe. When she was on the death bed she longed to show it to her son. I took him to Dakshina Chitra. She wants her son to inherit the great qualities of her great grandfather. I can not say these things to either Diana or Tanya or anybody. She is a royal swan living among crows.
Kumkum: What bout Vikraman and her relationship with him?
Angayar: Vikraman admired her. He has more respect than admiration. He treated her like a queen. The relation was only friendly. Meenkashi told me that he has once proposed to her. Maybe he was overwhelmed with her beauty but Meenakshi kept him away for six months. Only when she was hospitalized they met again.
Kumkum: Her sickness has proved her simplicity. We became close after she came home.
Angayar: Her sickness has proved her poverty, simplicity and innocence to all of us particularly to her son who was blind to his mother's virtues.
Kumkum: Where has the virtuous mother gone?
Kumkum saw Varadachari coming home and she bade goodbye to Angayar.
***
Basava and Agastya stood on the terrace of Basava's house. They looked at the genitori dell universo ( the parents of the universe) Lord Siva and Parvati atop Kailasagiri. "Congratulations Basava on getting a job in Chennai. When are you leaving for Chennai?" asked Agastya. "Day after tomorrow I leave for Chennai. That's why I have invited all our friends for lunch tomorrow." said Basava.
Agastya: I think most people have gone to Bombay have they come back?
Basava: You came from Chennai yesterday but they came back from Mumbai two days ago. I doubt Sandeep is still in Bangalore with Raghava. Leaving native place is a big pain.
Agastya: Leaving friends isn't a pain?
I am not divorcing friends. said Basava and laughed. Agastya laughed too.
Basava looked at the colossus of Shiva and Parvathi on Kailasagiri and folded his hands. Agastya looked at Basava with admiration for his devotion" Are you thanking the God on getting a job?"
Basava said
I began watching Him from twenty
Without Him I will be empty
Not for giving an opportunity
But for being in my proximity
I thank the three eyed lord
Agastya was awe struck for the beauty of thought He said " I appreciate your beauty of thought and poetic expression. I see your blank verse flourishing.
Basava laughed and said " Yes Such a great colossus at such a height in the close proximity of the house may not be possible in Chennai. Bye the bye tell me about your Chennai trip "
Agastya: It is a big fiasco. I could not trace my mother. I have neither the clue nor guts to tell anybody about my missing mother. I can't even tell my father!
Basava: Why do you hesitate to tell your father about your mother?
Agastya: I don't hesitate, I hate to tell him or live with him. At this age he has full of carnal desires and affairs. His business is another nuisance. I can not stand the nonsense of Grace. Had I got a younger sister she would not have competed with me like Grace.
Basava: Why do you call her with name, after all she is in your mother's position.
If she gives me love she would be in my mother's position. She gives me tough competition. My father gives me money. Neither of them give me love. My father sees an heir in his son. She sees a competitor in me. She doesn't want to miss the status and position which she lacks. My father doesn't want to miss the money and time which he possesses. He has not recognised me as a son or as a human who needs love. Meenakshi aqua is entering share market , when more money comes in who cares love?
Basava is moved by Agastya's pain. He dabbed poetic balm on Agastya's pain and despair.
Money is mind's unguent
Love is heart's content
Money can fill your safe
but it can't keep your heart safe.
walk with your love and laugh
Don't run after money it's a gaffe
Love is heart's beautiful coast
Loveless heart is a ghost
Love is a coral reef
Peace is the great relief.
Agastya: Your words are like shower in the desert. I have no one to share my emotions with.
Basava: You can share your emotions with me. You come to Chennai and stay with me.
Agastya: Well, today is the last day to roam freely in Visakha
Basava: Off course, I want to visit Anand sevasadan and spend some time there.
***
It is 4.30 PM Angayar and Tanya stood atop the light house at the Marina beach the first biggest beach in the country and second biggest in the world. From the ninth floor of the light house Angayar and Tanya are watching the long stretch of Marina beach. The turquoise crystal clear waters, the golden sand are so pleasant from the top of the light house.
A gust of smooth breeze touched their bodies. "Oh ! What a romantic scene! What a romantic breeze! " said Angayar. " You had better bring you husband here!" said Tanya. " O My God! Romance in the open! How can you say like that?" Angayar blushed.
O my my! I wish that you should bring your husband to watch the beach from here. How could you think like that? " Said Tanya with wide open eyes and a great surprise in her voice. Angayar was crest fallen for her hastiness. She turned her head sideways for a while. Tanya too did the same. But when she turned her head Tanya too turned her head. It was a mere coincidence that their eyes met. They burst into laughter.
Tanya : you are very romantic!
Angayar : Aren't you romantic.
Tanya : Off course, but what is the use, I have children and mother in law at home. You have neither children nor mother in law at home. You and your husband .. so you can rave.
Angayar : But only when Diana shows her grace and brings the love jam
Tanya: You buy it yourself. Why should you wait for her to give jam.
Angayar : Is love jam sold in general stores out side?
Tanya: Not in general stores but in medical stores. Buy viagra tablets and mix them in jam
Angayar : Can we trust them? Do they really work?
Tanya : I don't know. you should know. because you are using. That is what Diana is giving you so far. I think last night she gave you. How did it work?
Angayar : Did she tell you today in the school? Rascal , I will break her legs. She is giving me Vigra without telling me. She is a cheat!
Tanya: Ok, Let's watch the beach view. This beach is pride of Chennai. It is more famous than the Goa beach. That is why around 15000 people visit this beach revery day.
Angayar: Yes, Marina beach forms a image of Chennai city on the mind. It is more colourful only at night time. But we can't stay on the lighthouse after 5.00 PM. It is 4.50 Now.
Tanya: Look at the wide roads so almost negligible traffic, I want to take photos on the road and the beach. I love sea foods, ice cream. Bajji is very famous here.
Angayar : Don't you want horse riding and gun firing. You are becoming a kid day by day.
Tanya: Agastya gave Diana horse ride and merry go round also. why not we?
Angayar: When did Agastya come? Tanya : Last week.
Angayar: Why did she not tell me? Tanya: May be she has forgotten
Agayar : No, She is not forgetful. She is hiding something.
Tanya looked at the beach casually. The people are looking tiny. "I think they are Meenakshi and Vikraman" Let us go down fast. She hurried Angayar. But it was too late when the got down the nine stories by steps. Unfortunately the lift was out of order.
***
Nandini was running across the bedroom with the book Indian sonneteer. They are the 200 Sonnets written by Bharatavarsha. Syamala was running after her to take the book. Nandini ran into garden with the book. Her uncles Krishna Dasa and Adinarayana caught her and helped Syamala. Syamala came running and snatched the book of sonnets from her hands.
Nandini cursed her uncles. Paidamma came into the garden and placed breakfast on the garden table. " you can quarrel with your uncles later first eat breakfast." said Paidamma. Krishna and Adi uncle I don't eat breakfast why did you catch me because of you I lost my book to that demon ( Syamala)." Adi and Das started cajoling her to eat breakfast.
Wow! what a romantic Sonnet Said Syamala and started reading aloud sitting at the break fast table in the garden. Adi and Das are standing at the table and Nandini fell on Syamala and was trying to snatch the book. But Syamala was not yielding. She caught the book tight. She read the title. Nandini stood still and kept listening.
Flowers of Love
To forget the crooked faces
we shall go to exotic places
We forget the awful traces
of past embarrassing cases
and sink in sweet embraces
Let the daises our love see
Let the dahlias and poises be
Let champas and roses smile
Humans live for a while
like flowers - a few hours
You and I are love flowers
we dwell in dale's bowers
with warmth of love's prowess
The beautiful world is ours
Penchalayya came out into the garden. He is wearing white and white. He mocked Das and Adi " What do you understand from English sonnets? Today come with me to the church. let us go." We will not go with you to church. Call your son Sandeep and take him." They said and went into the house." Penchalayya was dismayed. " Don't go to Ananda sevasadan and don't hurt your hands and legs. No need of serving that useless man." Nandini was annoyed by her father's remarks. " I am not a puppet like Vidisha. I told you that I am your guest. I will be here as long as you want me here. If you have forgotten I will call mom to remind you." said Nandini. Penchalayya responded quickly. He said " My memory is intact. No need of anyone's help. You less practical girl beware of the penniless man." When he finished Nandini said " Daddy If you mean money is practical, Why If you mean I know you mean earning money makes a man practical and intelligent Bharatavarsha is more intelligent and practical than you. He is earning more than you. He is now a popular writer."
"Uh! Popular writer!! you made him so! My daughter is great" said Penchalayya angrily
Nandini kissed her father. He felt very happy, went out and sat in his car. The car moved.
Syamala : You are spending money on him. That is great.
Nandini : When a man is spending so much of time on writing- keeping me in mind it is my duty to spend money. I must have the common sense to contribute something to it.
Syamala : Common sense is not common. People's common sense is nation's wealth. That is what we are lacking in our country. Your common sense is reciprocation to love. It enriches your love but are you sure that he is writing all these things keeping you in mind.
Nandini: Look at the title - Flowers of Love.- Who are those flowers?
Perhaps he has written this sonnet keeping YOU and HIM in his mind.
Not perhaps. I am sure. I have no doubt. If you have doubt give back my book.
so strong is your love and so delicate is his romantic let me read what else
Syamala, I warn you that the romance is going to be deeper and stronger
Don't worry I am a married woman. I know romance practically.
Syamala started reading the next sonnet.
Together in Winter
The hunter cracks on the back
The winter makes me crack
You and I take a break
Let's have fun like duck and drake
We wake up a seven
kitchen is our heaven
You and I together we bake
you and I stand and make
We sit in winter's veils
We learn all the new styles
Afternoon we under drencher
make the exciting adventure
The snow bites are out of sight
with the dirty bites of night
Oh! My God ! What happens if young unmarried like your brother reads. Such books are meant for married people like me. I go home ask my Husband to apply for half day leave..
You dirty rascal. The sonnets are meant for me neither for you nor for my brother who is a stranger to romance. He has no romantic feelings at all. Give me back the book. No need of reading further.
Oh! don't be so upset. I am not calling your Varsha. said Syamala and continued reading
Cryptic Music
We are the music group of two
We play the timeless music
Our debut notes are anew
They are cryptic without a clue
On the anchored motor boat
I sleep in her cozy, soft lap
far away from the rocky fort
We hug each other without a gap
Next day we sit in the garden
I see her eyes love laden
In her lips I see the violin
My lips become bow to play them on
It is the music of harmony
played in perfect unison
truly inspired by honey
Comes from God's arson
Or Love's thick liaison
It is an eternal desire
that comes from soul's fire
Later she read the last sonnet in the series True Love
TRUE LOVE
Can true lovers deny pure love's benediction
For it's fixed in nets of external restriction?
Ney, love is not the feeble mind's fiction
It's life's ambition and noble heart's conviction
Physical attraction is love's nutrition
True love is not deterred by friction
It's mind's unchanging diction
that stands peoples crucifixion
A big ship sails smoothly in deep waters
but in shallow waters slows and falters
Love awaits neither sword hilt nor waist belt
Because true love has soldier' spirit.
It is quite encouraging really. Tell me when are you going to release the sonnets. I want to buy the first book. said Syamala. "No I am not going to release the sonnets. They are so exclusive for me." replied Nandini.
You became a business woman while marketing his books. As the Malabar poetess Kamaladas said that poetry has no market in India. said Syamala. Nandini felt her comments like chilli powder , Stupid you, these sonnets will be in my heart. Nobody can read them.
Sandeep came into the garden. "Nandini don't pass time with books when you have a function to attend. Basava is going to Ananda seva sadan today. Tomorrow he is leaving to Channai. All friends are coming. Look Ramya Chandana is coming." He said and hurried his way out.
***
Maridu was driving his Maruti van with the stickers of Bible quotes. one on the front reads "A faithful man shall abound with blessings." the other on the back reads " I am your lord I will strengthen you." From the wind shield of the Maruthi van he saw a green sign board showing Nandini Bridge. He saw a ten meter wooden bridge ahead of it. "Wow! This bridge was not there earlier. This old age home will serve my purpose. Yes, It is welcoming me." He said to himself and crossed the bridge.
He saw ten big hexagonal rooms with tiled roof. There is an long shed which looks like an auditorium. He saw the cloth banner "Welcome Srimati Arunatara." Bharatavarsha just tied the banner and moved into the auditorium. He was laying carpets for the evening program and Basava was helping him. The Engineers are installing the solar power unit at the far end of the 8 acre Anandvalley.
Raghava and Sandeep were looking after the solar power panels. There are small saplings planted all along the boundary. Sandeep said " Raghava You and I started a company and secured a good business but Varsha started this seva sadan. There is a great difference between him and us." Raghava said " we are serving ourselves he is serving the society."
Kesava and Manjusha and Ramya Chandana came there. Ramya called out Raghava and Sandeep " Hello Engineers ! If your work at the solar unit is over , come with me I will take to the kitchen, you have so much to do." Sandeep got angry " You tenth class rascal how dare you call us engineers?" he said and caught her ear. Nandini entered the scene " Sandeep! She shouted , " She is not a tenth class girl. She finished intermediate and joined degree college. Open your eyes and see clearly. She is wearing full skirt and half saree." Nandini pulled her brother sandeep. Sandeep left her ear and stood apart. Raghava looked at her with admiration " You are such a grown up girl!" He said. Ramya looked at him slantly. Kesava said " Ramya, you have to call them brothers!" " I can not!" said Ramya instantly.
Look how quick are the girls of later generation. Said Nandini.
Your generation are silent thieves. You do everything. you directly go home plant kisses and take photos. We do nothing but get caught. It worked like a whip to Nandini.
Manjusha and Sandeep who were exchanging glances turned side ways. They disengaged their eyes breaking their romantic looks. They got perplexed when the heard the comments.
Did you say anything about our love ? Sandeep asked Manju with his eyes
Manjusha shook her her left and right. She raised index finger and little finger, showing the hand symbol ( that represent the horns of Nandi which means Nandini) and shook her head left and right. Manjusha communicated to Sandeep nonverbally that Ramya doesn't know and Nandini too doesn't know about our love.
What is that Rajinikanth Baba symbol ? asked Raghava
"This mudra, (the middle finger and the ring finger are held down by the thumb) represents the calming down of the ether and the earth." Said Manjusha to Raghava.
"Yes, Now I remember this insignia is part of Kriya Yoga, Mahavatar Babaji, a sage who was spotted in the Himalayas between 1861 and 1935 created it. She has passed a spiritual message Am I right?" said Kesava
Yes, you are right said Manjusha. They all looked at Kesava like a ghost.
"Can't you have to call them brothers?" said Kesava to Ramya again.
I will call them ( Sandeep and Raghava) Bangalore brothers.
Sandeep and Raghava laughed and laughed " People think that we are singers" they said.
Let them think what they think. after all singing is not wrong. said Nandini
Then I will call Nandini and Manju Vizag sisters. said Ramya.
The conversation ignited the hearts and laughs sparked all over. Basava, and Bharatavarsha came there saw them laughing. " All our friends are here except Agastya." said Varsha.
Agastya is in Visakha. He went on an important job. said Basava.
"What about Vidisha have you invited her?" asked Raghava.
My mother has gone to her place yesterday. She could not meet her due to big number of VIP Visitors there. Said Bharatavarsha. Nandini said " It is disgusting " Bharatavarsha said " Poor Amma is in a crux. She is not as strong as you."
***
Just then they heard a Voice
Open your hearts and say "Lord is my Shepard!" They walked in the direction of the voice and reached the mango tree in the centre. Mareedu was standing under the tree in Ananda sevasadan. A group of 60 old aged people are sitting the big mango tree. He gave them bread and bibles The senior citizens denied to say. Mareedu exhorted them to say " Open your hearts and say..."Lord is my Shepard!"
Why should we say for this bread? asked Sanyasi , a senior citizen
"No brother you misunderstood me. Not for the bread. If you believe in Him he will save you. He will give you life .. a new life if you come to his path." Said Mareedu.
We already got a new life. At the fag end of the life we are fortunate to have new life in this valley. The valley is filled with love and peace. Said another senior citizen.
"Is your God so stingy that he won't help people without converting. None of our Gods has such a demand. Bye the bye when did you start promoting in old age homes" Said Varsha.
Maridu looked at Varsha and was dumb-stricken. He stood agape.
Varsha: Should you do religious propaganda to make a living?
Varsha: I would rather you picked pockets than converting people. The English man has brought why Christianity was very strategically promoted in India by the Britishers spending so much of money? Is it to uplift Indians spiritually?
Missionaries, education , Law what not everything is used to promote Christianity.
With the expansion of the British Empire missionaries began to arrive in India and Christianity began to spread by establishing dioceses at Madras and Bombay. The Church Missionary Society (CMS), a mission society working with the Anglican Communion, began sending missionaries to India ..They used Power and Law to promote Christianity
In 1850, a new law allowed an Indian who had converted to Christianity to inherit property of his ancestors. This law made it easier to convert to Christianity. Finally they brought English education. The Indian thinkers and the Christian missionaries were in favour of modern education for the Indians as the Indian thinkers felt that it profited the Indians while the Christian missionaries felt that modern education would destroy the faith of the people in their own religions and lead them to adopt Christianity.
Mareedu : Guruji, what else can I do? Once you advised me to live honestly. I am living honestly. I am not picking pockets any more.
I would rather you pick pockets than convert people. That will be less harmful said Bharatavarsah. " If I have no other choice come here and live with us. He(Varsha) will feed you. " Said Savitri the 60 year old woman. Mareedu felt very awkward.
Mareedu " No thanks. I can work and live. He said to Savitri
He then turned to Bharatavarsha " I never thought of all these things.
A spontaneous stream like flow of words emanated from Basava
"Conversions are worse than pocket cuttings
They are changing the people's mind settings
against the tradition that defeats your nation
it doesn't limit itself at the mind like fashion
To fight against conversions you need bravery
Lest you should end up in spiritual slavery
When Basava finished Bharatavarsh asked "If the ultimate end of the Bible is to teach how to lead a morally correct life, there are many books. In this vast country haven't you found any good book or scholar or sage or God?"
Maredu: Now I realize. I promise not to propagate Christianity. I would rather be someone than being a preacher who converts people.
***
"Take this blouse as model and stitch these different models." Said Kumkum and dropped a dozen pieces of expensive sequined tulle, fringed chiffon, silk some other fabrics that belong to the luxury segment. Angayar looked at Kumkum from top to toe twice. Kumkum is wearing pink saree and a blue blouse with short sleeves with oval cut on the back. Her face is not round but her butt is round like two moons. Her gold complexion has not dimmed by her age. She looked like big ripe Papaya with golden cover. The red mark on her forehead works like a magnet. Kumkum smiled. Her smile was lively and her face was shy full.
"Am I a ghost? why are you staring at me?" asked Kumkum standing in front of her. The sewing machine is between them.
You are getting younger and younger day by day. Two days ago I stitched a blouse for you and now you brought a dozen pieces of cloth.
Yes, My husband liked the tight fitting blouse with back open. you stitched it so well. That is why I came again. Said Kumkum showing a book that has many model blouses.
Angayar was shocked to see her juvenile enthusiasm and shyness of a young bride at the age of 42. " How old are you?" She asked. " Why did ask my age? Did I ever ask your age?" Kumkum showed mock anger.
"Angayar smiled I'm 35, now tell me your age?" Said Angayar.
I am 40 said Kumkum. " Yak, I know you are 42. You are saving two years" said Angayar.
"I know you are 38. You have saved three years" retorted Kumkum Agarwal. They laughed at each other. Anything is friendly between them. Nothing is serious, really.
"So, you want all new model blouses, right?" Asked Angayar
Yes, my husband is highly impressed with the latest blouse.
"Oh! Is it for your husband? thought you are going for a beauty pageant" Again they laughed at each other. Angayar opened the book that Kumkum has brought. The first blouse has front opening with S shape cutting that displays the cleavage.
Do you know what for is this S shape cutting here?
Don't ask me questions I want the same model.
Angayar looked at Kumkum. " Her gaze was fixed on her breast curved like pears. She is like a ripen apple. Kumkum was perplexed with the looks of Angayar. "What is that you are looking at me like a man" said Kumkum. "You look like a pippin." said Angayar.
What does it mean? said Kumkum. Angayar " It means a crisp tart apple having yellow and greenish-yellow shade. You are a combination of youthful and middle age hues. Kumkum showered smiled pearls from her lips and said " At this age mind has myriad hues."
"Wow ! that is great!" exclaimed Angayar.
"Having desires is not great. Every woman has desires a few have the ways to fulfil like Diana and that is great!" said Kumkum. " "She is not Diana She is a demon." Said Angayar
Diana means Moon and Moon stands for beauty. You know what according to Greek mythology Moon is so lustful besides being beautiful." said Kumkum
"I must teach the moon a lesson soon." Said Angayar. "But why?" asked Kumkum
Tanya told me that Diana took Agastya to Marina beach. They had horse riding , shooting and ice cream, together." Angayar was really angry. "So , what why are you angry?" said Kumkum. " Because he is my friend's son." You know how close is Meenakshi to me. The boys coming here in search of his mother and this crooked Diana is throwing het net on him. I know everything. Her father is filthy rich. Recently Meenakshi aqua exports has gone for 1000 crores.
How do you know all these things?
Don't be silly When a company sells shares it will be widely publicized. Just switch on the television , radio or open any newspaper you have the same noise Meenakshi, Meenakshi."
"But Meenakshi is missing" said Kumkum
"No jokes, be serious and admonish Diana as an elderly woman." Said Angayar
"I will try ." Said Kumkum and walked away.
***
It is a big square hall with 50 seating and 150 floating population, richly decorated with beautiful ambient lighting system that creates a spell. The spiritual wall paintings with themes of kundalini yoga, soul awakening, cosmic consciousness, divinity and the speakers in the wall humming "AUM" literally transport the visitors and devotees into a different non human world.
There are four big rooms with doors opening on the hall that has rich marble flooring studded with gold colour floral designs. On one end of the hall is a two feet high and ten feet length marble stage with Durga on the background. Just beside the stage there is a wooden staircase that leads to the first floor of the building.
They are thirty people sitting on the carpet spread on the marble floor. They saw Vidisha in red silk saree climbing down the staircase. Vidisha climbed down slowly and sat on a divan cot. The people sitting on the carpet are waiting for her blessings.
The three side rooms are empty and their doors are opened but in the fourth room there are a dozen people sitting in the chairs. These people have special wishes or problems for which they seek AMMA's advice. Agastya looked at the watch impatiently. It is 11.00 AM. He looked around. There are two women on his right in chairs. They looked worried. There is a young girl seated on his left. She looked young and beautiful but quite disturbed.
"What problems she could have?" Agastya thought to himself. He heard the old men in the corner speaking to each other. They are calm and not disturbed. From their talk Agastya understood that they were sent by their boss. They are Just then Seshachalam came in with an assistant in white clothes he gave booklets of the ASHRAM to the men and women. He came to Agastya, accidently he gave the book but took it back and felt withdrawn. Agastya smiled at Seshachalam and said " Uncle, please send me to Vidisha first." Seshachalam said "Be patient. You can see her in an hour" and left the room.
His assistant said " Here all people call each other SWAMY and MATA. Don't call anybody uncle." Agastya was shocked and said " I am his family friend and Your AMMA is my childhood friend." SWAMY , that is why her has not charged you for the visit." He said and left. "All visitors pay to meet , haven't you paid ?" asked the young girl. " I have paid five thousand" said a woman. "I have paid ten thousand" said the other woman. OMG ! Why did they charge differently asked the young girl.
The woman who paid ten thousand said " I have paid ten thousand I can go near and touch her feet." Oh! Vidisha ! You are exploiting!" Agastya cried in pain. " She doesn't know all these things. She is really unmundane , mystique and humanly divine" Said the young girl.
Agastya was pleasantly surprised and cheerfully said " You are just like Basava."
Who is he? said the young girl. " Basava is my friend. He is a blank verse pandit. He always speaks in verses. He is a ready wit and a spontaneous poet"
Oh My God! You are speaking with rhyming words, Interesting. What is your name? said the girl. "My name is Agastya. You know Meenakshi aqua? That is my mother."
Wow! I am doubly surprised. I am Syamala. Nice to meet you Agastya.
The women who overheard their conversation grew curious and turned to Agastya. They introduced them selves to Agastya I am the wife of a children's specialist said the first woman. My husband is a cardiologist" said the second woman. " Are you AMMA's friend? Look how her father is charging from visitors!" they both said.
Agastya said " Your husbands are doing the same thing everyday. Please don't forget that."
First woman : But they don't charge that much.
Second woman: She is taking more than a cardiologist
Syamala : stop talking about money, What is your problem?
First woman: My daughter is missing.
Second woman: My son is missing.
Agastya laughed and laughed and said " Then go to police. Why did you come here?"
Syamala : Ha hha hhha....anyone who lost childen will go to police
The two women : They are not children. They are studying in the same college.
Agastya whispered to Syamala: O my God! Then it is not called missing. It is called eloping
Syamala laughed. The women looked at her angrily. They could hear what Agastya said.
The first woman asked " Why did you come to ASHRAM in the visiting hours. You could meet her privately because you are a childhood friend." She taunted Agastya.
The second woman : Many people make false claims. Finally what happens you know they will not be recognised. I have seen many people like him ( Agastya)
They started laughing. They congratulated each other for their wit and wisdom. Agastya was not shaken . He sat silently and looked coolly at Syamala. Syamala said " You may be a friend or not that is next. but why did you come?" The women were looking curiously. Agastya remained silently for a while and said " I came here for two purposes. I want to take her to a function at my friend's old age home named Anand sevasadan." before he concluded the two old men came to Agastya " How much you paid?" They asked.
Agastya felt bomb blast under his feet and was startled. " We are here to take AMMA for a home visit. We paid 25,000 rupees." They said. Agastya looked dumb. He has no words.
The two women said " Perhaps he is in a shock! He takes time to recover. This is very common with all Godmen. Ganapathi Sachitananda, Sundara Chaitanyananda, Jakki Vasudeva who is not taking?
Agastya rose from the chair and said " I will go. It is better I must go."
Syamala pulled Agastya by hand and asked "What is your second purpose?"
Agastya : My mother is missing.
The whole of the room resounded with laughter. All people in the room including Syamala burst into laughter. Agastya sat in the chair and endured the laughter closing his eyes. He then opened his eyes and asked Syamala " Why did you come?"
I have a dispute with my friend and and my husband. She said.
None had any idea of what they should do. They looked mad.
***
Agastya reached Anand Sevasadan and was stunned to see Vidisha. Aruna, Malini, Damini the first generation women were seen basking in the warmth of friendship. Aruna hugged Damini and said " Your hostel discipline helped Lakuma turn a new leaf in her life. Thank you. I wish God should give you children this year."
They were standing under the mango tree. Manjusha, Vidisha, Nandini, Ramya the younger generation damsels are around them. Just a little away from them , Varsha , Basava, Sundeep, Raghava, are standing in the lawn. Agastya was walking towards the boys group. Malini called him and kissed him on the forehead. "Don't gad like a crow, you are getting thin. Are you eating well? " She asked with a mother's heart. "Yes amma" he said and smiled.
Aruna called him and took him near. She fondled his hair. " Curly hair full of rings, fair complexion!" She said and gave him a gold ring." Agastya felt shy to take the ring but did not refuse. "Why did you give him gold ring? Boys don't need gold anyway. You haven't given me a small piece of gold!" Manjusha's face lost colour.
All women laughed at her. Her face turned redder than before. Damini went near Manjusha. and started cajoling. Manju was obstinate like a child. "She took care of Manjusha right from her schooling. Taught her math, reading and writing. Manju is more like Damin's daughter" said Malini. "I will buy you a gold chain" said Damini to console Manjusha. Aruna scolded Damini and said" Why should you and I buy, let her get married first. Later her husband will buy." She winked at Damini and added "ask her if she is ready to marry"
Damini asked the same thing and went back to her friends. "O God! Damini, I never thought that you would side with your friends" Malini was visibly upset with Manjush's behaviour. " Damit , How dare you are to call my friend by name?" Malini scolded Manju.
"Ah! leave her she is a small girl " Damini supported Manjusha.
"Manju used to hear me calling you Damini when she was school going child. At that time Manju was young. We took it lightly. Now she is a grown up girl. She has marriageable age. She must understand things pretty well." Malini said to Damini and said to Manju " Hear Manju, next time if I hear you calling Damini by name I will supplant your teeth. " Malini warned Manju. Manjusha had tears rolling in her eyes. Damini hugged Manju and started wiping the tears. Malini got mad and shouted at Damini. "Hear Damini you have half spoiled her by pampering her, You are not thinking of her future." She took a mango twig and started chasing both.
The priest has entered Anand sevasadan and reminded them of the Muhurtham to start over head talk motor. Aruna switched on the motor. Her friends and the senior citizens clapped gleefully. "This evening we have inauguration of auditorium and solar lamps." said Bharatavarsha. But solar lamps inauguration may be postponed said Basava. "Why?" said Ramya Chandana.
The light of these women's faces
filled the earthen lamp hearts
with the oil of love that burns
and tonight fills all the places
Without your verses the time doesn't move. said Agastya. He went up to Vidisha and asked " How did you come here?" " Just by jumping the wall." Vidisha said. " Why jumping wall had you asked me I would have asked your father." Agastya was making tall claims of his capability. " Do you know Arunamma came who had left the ASHRAM before you came met my fahter." Agastya was agape. Aruna smiled. Varsha said " Amma have you visited her ASHRAM?" his friends were shocked said to Aruna" you should have called her to you."
"Her position is different. We should not call her." We must go to her. said Aruna.
I don't want it. I don't like the loneliness. One day I will run away. said Vidisha.
You should never talk like that. It is understood that there is some spiritual power through which you won hearts. You are running many cowsheds and orphanages with ease. She turned to Bharatavarsha and gave him a cheque. Bharatavarsha refused. "Just take the cheque, don't hurt Amma. That is a gift given wholeheartedly "said Malini. Varsha took the cheque. Vidisha gave jaguar car keys to Varsha" I am giving it whole heartedly, take it." said Vidisha. Bharatavarsha is shocked. "I am surprised at your thoughtless action. I am an ordinary man. Such an expensive car is not meant for people like me. It is meant for celebrities like you" said Varsha.
Varsha's comments made Basava emotional. A spontaneous verse emanated from his lips.
"When your head is a dictionary
You can not be called ordinary
Your loving heart and serving hand seek anonymity
None can stop wondering at your magnanimity
because no celebrity is greater than your humanity
A celebrity is a celebrity who sans vanity
you are a celebrity with the looks of an ordinary"
You are the real celebrity with the looks ordinary. " Said Vidisha and applauded.
Varsha looked at Malini who said nothing but smiled. Manjusha jumped with joy and took the keys. "Oh Jaguar wow!" " Only a few days" Varsha said. " At least four days we can go round the city." Manjusha hugged Vidisha. Nandini was terribly upset at what is happening.
That afternoon they had lunch together. Evening Arunatara will switched on the lamps. Anand Sevasadan will be bright and colourful. There is a cultural program in the auditorium. They are resting in the Sevasadan waiting for the evening.
***
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