Lakuma accident -9

 Kumar kept looking at Aruna's car in a daze. He guessed that she would commit suicide. He was terribly upset because he was helpless. He  Anybody who saw her facial feelings at that moment  can easily guess what is going to happen.  He looked at the TV journalists who interviewed her staring at her. They looked like cameras with legs. They see everything with their cameras.  Don't they see anything with their eyes? Perhaps they are on duty! Is it not their duty to save a human. Only if she has a friend among journalists with whom she poured out her heart!  He was amazed to see a a senior journalist running after her car. By then her car exited the gate.  Leaving his camera to his assistant he got into his car and followed her car. 

                                                                     ***

Aruna's car entered PV Narasinharao marg. The traffic is now free because all the party people are still at the party. After the party meeting is over the traffic is expect to shoot up. The white Innova is going with the speed of wind. A red Maruti Alto was trailing far behind. The man in the red car pressed the accelerator. The little red car went got close to the Big white car. It looked like an ant chasing elephant. After ten minutes The white car reached necklace road. Aruna stopped her car at the Love HYD sculpture which was erected on the edge of Hussainsagar lake.  A boy took photos leaning to the giant letters had gone. Aruna got off the car and looked around. The road was empty. She looked at the letters " Love HYD." How can I love Hyderabad when I can not love my life?" She went behind the letters. There was iron railing with silver coating. She stood there looking at the water. Is the water deep enough ? She was thinking. 

146 deaths and 510 suicide attempts since 2013 maximum dept is 32 feet average depth is 5 meters. Somebody is reeling out the details. It is a voice familiar to her. Aruna turned her head and said " Durga prasad! you are here?" I must ask you that question. Aruna was silent. How is Lakuma? Aruna broke down. She felt awkward about herself. 

                                                                   ***

Durgaprasad's office. Aruna sat in the sofa. Durga prasad sat on the writing desk. He slid off to the ground from the desk and said "Relax Aruna! I am your childhood friend. You are spotted by me not by a stranger or by TV cameras. Why do  you think you are humiliated? Aruna remained silent. Durga continued, "You may think that you washed the dirty linen in the public. You have lost your face. Your daughter is stubborn. but she is not ruined. Even if she is ruined she can come up. I was ruined in my youth. I was in love  with the girl who made me wait and wait until all her family problems are solved and finally gave me a big shock." Durga smiled.  Aruna looked surprised.  The boy brought coffee. "How could you smile in the face of defeat!" said Tara.  " Have coffee, later you can get surprised" He smiled again. Aruna finished coffee and asked "Durga, there is no trace of slight disappointment about it. How could you manage?"  "Aruna, if you expect disappointment you will never get disappointmented. I expected disappointment and shock from the girl I loved. The same thing came true. " Is she married ?" asked Aruna. No she is not married to anybody she can not trust anybody. She can not trust me too."  Durga prasad smiled. Aruna felt sorry. 

Look these are are trivial problems. A well disciplined and well planned life may end up suddenly. What happened to Kalpana chawla ? She studied well, scaled great heights, got a job in the NASA but her life ended suddenly while she was still young." Durga paused and looked at Aruna. " But that is an accident." said Aruna.  " Well life itself is an accident. Not just one accident a series of accidents. I got several accidents later." Duraga paused again. Aruna looked dismayed. " You mean you fell in love again?" Durga laughed. " I lost love on love. I got a professional accident. This channel for which I was is in financial doldrums. In fact most media houses have no TRP ratings. They have no business that means no income. Many big media houses are unable to pay salaries. They are ready to sell the channels. Our channel is on the same path. I am in the same boat as hundreds of other journalists. It is six months since I received my salary.   Aruna's shock deepened to see the smile in Durga's face despite his survival problem but suddenly she remembered Sominaidu and the party leaders who laughed at her. 

She said " My problem is public humiliation. I am more humiliated than Draupadi.  

What about Sita who was kidnapped by Ravana for no fault of hers? What bout Ahalya who was cursed to be a stone while Indra was left off ? What about Rambha who was raped by Ravana?  when She tried to seduce Viswamitra he cursed her to be a stone for ten thousand years in the forest. Are not they great epic figures ?  Are they not humiliated? 

Draupadi was disrobed right in front of her husbands in the presence of full court.

My dear Aruna Poolandevi was married at the age of 11 faced sexual torture by 35 year old husband. She was publicly raped for seeking justice. Have you forgotten Rupa deyol Bajaj IAs from punjab was touched on her back by the famed KPS Gill the then director general of Police. She only lamented the injustice!  Varsha joshi another IAS from Delhi had similar humiliation and Riju bafna is an other IAS fom Gujarat who had similar bitter experience she took umbrage and commented that " In India there is no dearth for such men"  She had to apologize and withdraw her comments in the wake of raising public discontent. Many women although stationed at a high position could not just remained as women unable to raise their voice to question injustice but you are able to.  You blasted Sominaidu. Many people will take pride in you. They will be appreciative of your bold attack.  You must be happy about it. 

Aruna was clearly consoled. All her emotions cooled down. She looked as calm as the pacific.  You have removed the stains of inferiority I felt and filled me with confidence. Durga, can I offer you some financial help? she said taking a pack of currency from her hand bag. This is clearly humiliating a childhood friend. Durga smiled Aruna had to put the money back. 

 "Only if I am educated I can take up a good job.  I failed in politics. I want to quit politics."

Your tenth class has made you voracious reader. I know you keep reading history and literature. learning the academic syllabus can not make one educated. One should read thoroughly and acquire knowledge first, then that knowledge has to reflect in his manners then only a person is called educated. Today's education can not educate people because it is on the wrong path. 

Umm!! Durga prasad's education philosophy! You did not tell me if I should continue in politics? 

Who said that you failed in politics? If you quit politics it is like cutting the nose to spite the face.  win your spurs and prove that you are capable. Quitting politics is resigning to fatalism. keep fears at bay and accept Shashi's invitation in Mumbai. 

How do you know about his invitation?  Duraga laughed I am a journo girl!

When Aruna heard the word "girl" she was instantly transported into her childhood.

It is not that diamonds are woman's best friends, best friends are woman's diamonds"

                                                                 ***

Like a snake that casts off its slough Arunatara had cast off her frustration when she reached home. It was evening and the sun was setting in the western horizon.  when she entered the living room she saw Kesava sitting on the floor and watching Arunatara's anguished face and tearful eyes on the television. Naidu's face was shown laughing while Aruna was crying foul. It was afternoon program now being televised. Kesava was absorbed in the television. He did not notice Aruna entering the hall. 

Tears was trickling down the cheeks of Kesava. He began crying loudly. Aruna took the remote from the glass table and changed the channel. Kesava looked at Aruna and stood gazing at her while she was switching the channels. She changed the channel. It was  showing the Velugu party meeting. The footage shows Aruna getting into car and driving away. The same footage was shown repeatedly. She changed the channel. There Aruna was speaking with the news reporters about the injustice and humiliation meted out to her. She went up and down switching the channels. Everywhere the same visuals.  a vexed Aruna switched off the television and collapsed in the sofa. 

Kesava had woe betide and haggard look.  He came and sat at her feet. Aruna lay her hand on his head affectionately.  She fondled his hair. She had no words. suffering is inevitable in life. They both were dumb.  Dwaraka villa was as dumb as they are.  The garden was also deathly still.  There is no movement of leaf.  A high pitched bird call came from the deathly still garden breaking the silence. The bird was making varied sounds. The sounds were increasing as if the bird was calling them. Aruna entered the garden to see the bird. Kesava followed her.  Amma what is the name of this bird? asked kesava. 

This is Chataka bird. A legendary mythological cuckoo, who is unwilling to drink water found on earth, It drinks only fresh pure rain water as it falls from the sky.  Kalidasa used it in his "Meghadoota" as a metaphor for deep yearning and this tradition continues.  It has the hope and patience to wait. 

This bird is  symbol of hope and patience. Kesava  got a message that Suffering is inevitable in life. His heart is light he ran to the bathroom and turned on the geyser. Aruna moved as it is completely dark. She sat in the rocking chair.  Nature has soothed her heart. She did not want to touch the TV. Kesava went into the kitchen, prepared tea and brought it to her. "Amma tea" He said. "Where is Lakuma?" asked Aruna. "She went out to with her friends." said Kesava. Aruna started sipping the tea. Kesava went into his bedroom and  brought the mrudangam. While Aruna wad taking the tea He spread the mat and  started playing slow paced base rhythm called Gumiki with his left hand and gradually ascended the scale and started playing very complex Druvatala which only a Percussion Maestro chooses to perform.

Tha thaam thadim thadim thadin thadin thakun gida gida tadigida tathadi gida gida tadigida tathadi tha thaam.. Aruna was rocking gently in the rocking chair she is not in this world. She has outside the body experience. She is floating on the clouds. Suddenly the telephone rang. " Lakuma's car met with an accident on Shaadnagar highway at Maheswaram." The voice said. Arun had a thud fall from the clouds. Her peace of mind is evaporated. She is instantly on flames. She became nervous. Her legs trembled. Kesava saw sweat on her forehead and neck. He overheard voice on the telephone and understood what happened. He saw Aruna running to the car. She did not bring the car in. The car was ready out side.

Kesava ran faster the Aruna and dashed into the car. Sitting behind the steering wheel he opened the door and Amma please relax. Hardly had Aruna stepped in than the car shot like an arrow. Kesava is the cub, the combination of precision engineering and aerobatics.

***

The Accident - The new jet black Terracan is going towards Shadnagar.

The road is beautiful and broad

The weather steals beholder's applaud

With high and low gear wheels

with back and large sports wheels

The car is like a vessel floating on water.

The exterior of the car is gorgeous,

The interior is filled with laughter

The girls in the car are glamorous

The interior is rich and enormous

The upholstery is soft like mother's lap

The travelers instantly slip into nap

Inside it feels like a baby's smile

Oh! what a steering! what a style!!

Behind the steering wheel sits a louts eyed slender beauty. Her hair is thick, long , black and soft like silk. Her fingers are like ladies fingers. Perhaps she is made of butter. Her name is Pallavi ( meaning leaf) is epithet of her looks. She is pressing the accelerator with her tender betel leaf like foot. Her friends Surabhi, Sravani, Madhuri sat behind her and Lakuma beside her in the front seat. Pallavi is frightened at passing vehicle that crosses her vehicle closely. She often slows down, pulls her vehicle to the left, she curses the passing vehicles. Suddenly a young boy of with a sports bike darted like a sparrow, crossed the car by an inch. The speed was too great and the distance was too close. She pulled her car to the left and started fretting and gasping. Pallavi and Surabhi were dazed. Look he is stunt biking shouted Sravani. Lakuma looked ahead through the windscreen. The dandy just bent the bike to the right so low until his knee almost touched the ground. Then he bent the bike to the left in the same style. Later he performed sparks and snakes. A little later he lifted the front wheel went ahead a few meters, then lifted the back wheel and looked back. Pallavi was frightened out of wits. Her tight orange blouse bulged out of proportion is bouncing to match her emotion. " Now look, there is a speed breaker ahead, It will take care of his joints" said Surabhi. But that fellow is too smart. He skipped off the speed breaker raising his bike four meters into the air. OMG shouted Sravani. He looks like the hero in the Greek literature the fiercest warrior of Homer's Trojan war Achllies. He is more like Olympic stuff ! What is he doing on Hyderabad roads?" exclaimed Madhuri. Oh! great warrior off course can resist swords of steel but not feminine charms. A man who swallows a bullet falls for a slut." said Pallavi

All the girls in the stopped car are laughing at Pallavi. Lakuma looked at Pallavi impatiently and shouted seriously " What the hell are you doing? stop your silly illogical jokes" " It is true, let me explain said Pallavi and continued " You know ISRO's National remote sensing centre in Shadnagar which receives data from Indian and foreign satellites" Pallavi stop your extraneous rhapsody. Tell me what is the point!" There is a point , listen a man can cross marvelous hurdles on the road but it is impossible to cross the toughest hurdle marriage. Any hero but falls flat in the ditch of marriage! My father who works in National Remote sensing center as a scientist . He can assess the mass of any object in the space from pin to a mountain, a telemetry expert but alas! when he goes to shopping with my mother the clockwork in his mind goes whirr .. his mind becomes blur he can not calculate how long she does the saree selection. He can not count the things she bought and always faces music with a dazed face. On top of it, he can't even manage the stove for a minute. The man who controls satellites becomes a satellite and goes around my mom like a satellite. "

Should we wait until he is married or should we search for a girl. Lakuma gave a sharp cut and gave a sharp look. She instantly sprang and took the steering into her hands displacing Pallavi slid to the back seat. Lakuma started the engine and pressed the accelerator deep and hard swiftly changing the gears. Her gaze is fixed on the road on one object that is the orange sports bike. She looked like unstoppable (Arnold Schwarzenegger) Robo cop. Yes Lakuma never blinked her eye. Her driving is so audacious that it is the not the wheels that squeal but the wind. The wind is dashing the windshield and making a bitter noise. The vehicles around are frightened and started running back. The girls were scared. In minutes the orange bike came into sight. Lakuma was speeding up and nearing the dandy, the whipper sniper. He saw the car coming like a whirl wind. He tried to escape but the lynx had already crossed him. It was such a sharp cut that the body of the car just tipped the bike. the bike was grounded in no time.

Luakuma turned the wheel to the left of the road. While the car was turning to the left she pressed the brake The giant vehicle was scooped by the force dragging the tyres on the road. The vehicle turned 180 degrees, turned its face from south to north. Now Terracon stood facing the bike. The bike lies on the road a few inches from the front bumper. Lakuma saw the man from over the dashboard through the windscreen. The girls opened the window glasses and stuck their heads out of the window for the clear view. Lakuma pressed the accelerator and generated terrible hurricane sound from the engine. The girls shut their ears. the man was shit scared. He appeared to have pissed in the pants. He stopped lifting the bike from off the ground and lifted his hands and folded them to Lakuma and then to all the girls with apologetic looks. Lakuma stuck her head out of the window and said " I pressed the accelerator only if I put the gear .." her voice sounded steel. With legs trembling and voice blared he said, "My ... are in my mouth. His disbelief in his survival looms large on his shocked face. Lakuma silenced the engine and said " get off". The dandy picked his bike and licked the wounds. He disappeared in the next moment.

***

The car was sailing smoothly. Madhuri said " We will get into police cases unless you refrain from your violent methods of takling men" Oh! God police cases! Sravani shivired like a tender leaf. Pallavi said "Let us go back. We can not go farther than this. My mother is very strict about time." Lakuma showed funereal face and said " You are lilly livered cattle. I am the daughter of Arunatara, She blew the horn with pride. None can touch me. She blew the horn again. I am confident of my mother. She blew the horn again. A White Mahindra Bolerio was going a head of the black Terracon. Three men are sitting in the white car. The driver looked back seriously. He put his hand out of the window and questioned her " why the horn?" That has amused Lakuma. She silently sped up crossed the car and starting driving irrecularly. The white car slowed down for a while but soon short ahead with a great velocity. Then it was Lauma's turn. The cat and muse chase led her to a disastrous end when she saw a truck ahead of Bolerio which was crossing another truck. She had to pull her car down to the extreme right into a sticky fields to dashing the truck.

***

When Kesava and Aruna reached the spot of accident Lakuma was desperately waiting for help. Kesava who worked at a car mechanic attended the problem. In half an hour the Terracon was on the road. Kesava was driving the terracon while Aruna drove the girls in her Innova. " How did this accident take place?" " The truck has just crossed the Bolereo It was crossing another truck. It was his rash driving" said Sravani. The people in the white car are rash" said Surabhi. Aruna looked at Surabhi suspiciously. She demanded truth. " If you don;t tell the truth I will come and meet your parents" she raised her voice. " Lakuma's rash driving is the reason... Pallavi told everything from the beginning.

***

It was 10.00 pm when Arunatara reached Dwaraka villa. Aruna was fatigued and Kesava was fearful as he suspected a verbal crash. The night was calm. The air was pleasant. The tranquility seemed to be the forerunner of a war. Lakuma went to bath. She looked tipsy and was staggering a bit. Her clothes and body was muddy. Aruna asked Kesava "what happened in the afternoon?" Kesava said " There was a party in the afternoon. Chitra came with her friends. She brought a bottle. Koteswarrao also participated in the party. But don't tell Lakuma that I have told thee things." Aruna said " Ok" Later kesava took bath. Aruna served supper to both. Kesava went into his room after finishing the supper. Lakuma and Aruna were at the dining table.

What happened in the afternoon?

Nothing happened.

Why did Chitra come with her friends?

Lakuma was silent.

Why did the Bank manager Koteswarrao come?

Who told you all these things?

Some Tom Dick and Harry. Tell me is it true?

You don't offer a cell phone, Koteswarrao has sanctioned student loan. He promised to give any thing I need. Lakuma looked at her mother who looked like the mother Kali. "Yes he serves your need later you have to serve his." Said Aruna. Lakuma was a bit frightened and continued " You don;t trust me but he trusts me. I regard him as my father."

All the seriousness in Aruna flew away. She began laughing at her daughter." Look Lakuma maybe you are regarding him as a father but he is not regarding you as his daughter. You will understand my words when you are in neck deep troubles. He is a butcher he will lead you to slaughter. Did you drink with Chitra? I want only truth! tell me. Aruna shouted. Lakuma with a tipsy mind shouted " Yes, we had a divorce party when you are away" The next moment she had her mother's hand on her jaw. " Divorce party!!!" exclaimed Aruna.

Yes Chitra got divorce so she celebrated with us. You are a dictator. I will go to Kerala and stay with my father." She went into her room and shut the door behind. Aruna's senses are benumbed. Her heart was throbbing. God save Lakuma! Her conscience groaned.

Arunatara's Insult- 8

It is drizzling oh my my!

Gods are guzzling in the sky!

The winning heavens seem so gay 

What a fine spray what a quiet day

The black tar road is wet 

with the Sun's golden rays beset 

the surface of the road is glossy

the white car is bright and bossy

It floats like a merry fisher boat 

or the piano's soft musical note

A white Innova is crawling like a snake on the wet road that resembles a mirror. The image of trees and buildings appear on the road. The image of the white car  reflects on the watery surface of the road.  It appears just like a white crane in the watery fields. The car is progressing slowly. Arunatara closed her eyes and leaned to the back seat. The weather is cool. The interior of the car is cool but the interior of  Aruna is hot.  Tension took better of her. She is thinking of the party meeting.  The party meeting is in Banjarahills which is 12 km from Gacchibowli. The drizzling is growing like the anxiety of Aruna. The car crossed the Tajmahal hotel and reached Kasu Brahmanandareddy Park. Suddenly the car stopped Aruna opened her eyes. The traffic signal are showing red. She remembered Sominaidu who is known for his politrics. Though he got into the power with coup d'etat he convinced or brainwashed the people that it is for the good of the state.  

Oh renard regent  

corruption agent

shining with bloody crown

your skin is brown

you are uglier than vitiligo

you use people and throw

Aruna's mind is typing the words like an old typewriter.  Automatically the carriage return lever was pushed  she started thinking about Lakuma. Oh what happens to my innocent daughter who is in the spell of films? Who will protect her from leering eyes? She remembered the English teacher Mr. Paul who used to say that a mother must protect her daughter under her wings like a hen that protects her chicks.  it is possible if when I take up a good job. If I were educated I would quit politics! What would I do in politics? Sominaidu saw my beauty and filmy popularity and gave me as the women wing leader. He needs something else which I can not offer. He doesn't need honest work. He prefers show to work. Should Lakuma ruin?

Oh my Mysore sandal 

How difficult it is to handle

a beautiful girl of your age

while I am in this cage

you're exposed to men's open gaze

Life is trapped in confusing haze

Life is certainly a maze. It is not easy to walk out of this maze. She thought. She remembered her husband who obstinately made films on his own when his direction was no longer fetching.  Many people advised him to get out of films and do something else but he refused all. She later remembered cinema Naidu. Her heart whimpered like a beaten dog and purred like a helpless cat. The faces of  Lakuma, Sominaidu and Cinema Naidu flased on her mind. The car moved after a while and Arunatara was brought into this world. She saw through the car window the poster of " Accurate Future prediction through Vedic jyothish" Love, marriage, job, future... While Arunatara was reading the car moved.   It is an astrologist and numerologist Sharma. She looked at her watch. It's going to be 9'O clock. The party meeting begins at 10.00 There is still time but the car had already crossed the signal lamps. Arunatara uttered a sigh. " What happened madam? " asked Kumar the car driver.  

Lakuma she said first , secondly she said Naidu  She felt she was confused after uttering the second word. The third word she uttered was  Velugu party ...hardly had she uttered the third word she realized that she was not speaking but the words were coming out of her on their own. Kumar pulled the car to the left and stopped. Arunatara said " I want to meet the astrologist" She was getting down from the car. " Madam please don't get off the car. I will reverse the car." said Kumar.  " Kumar have you lost your mind? How can one go back in the same road. It is wrong route"  " Yes madam every one can not go back but you can. Nobody dares to question you. I think with heart I have lost my mind"  Aruna softly said " shut up! " She opened the door and got off the car and started walking back. It was still drizzling.  "You are the known to the entire state you are a celebrity! You should not go alone!"  He shouted and ran behind her with an umbrella. He held the umbrella over her head while she was walking.  He was walking behind her in white uniform. Kumar was 6 feet mascular man. 

He looks like a heavy weight boxer and he has the air of a bouncer. Aruna scolded him to stop covering her with umbrella.  Just then a photographer clicked. As she walked a head on the wet pavement several people stopped vehicles and watched her. One of the bystanders told his neighbour " Look how nubile she is! She is the real deva" said one. " Yeah, she is the Menaka sent to earth by mahendra" replied the other. Aruna doesn't want to look around. She grasped that many eyes are watching her. She walked ahead with head bent down looking at the shops now and then.  She stepped on a small stone and about to topple. Kumar stretched her hands to save her but she could balance her body. Thank god a big danger was averted said Kumar. Aruna had immense relief too. But hardly did she know that was seen by powerful lenses. Kumar was following her with umbrella. Some people were taking photos. Kumar warned them with his forefinger and made them stop. People are  throwing cold stares at her.   Sarma's office is a couple of shops ahead. Aruna was entering the Astrologists office. She heard somebody say "  She is maintaining a well built young man as car driver.   why does a rich lady waste her beauty?" Kumar too heard their comments but was helpless. Aruna looked into his pitiable countenance and stammered " sorry kumar" and she entered the astrologists office. 

                                                                          *** 

I am Valmiki said the 40 year old man to Arunatara folding his hands making a deep obeisance. Arunatara was a bit shocked " Aren't you Mr. Sastry?"  " That is my family name."said the man.   Are your predictions based on astrology or numerology ? asked Aruna. " Both" answered Valmiki and continued ....

The planetary position at the time of birth determines the personality of the individual. The moment a person is born, he is governed by a certain principal planet and the secondary planet is governed by the numbers allotted to these planets. If his number is in a harmony with the number of other person, he will experience harmonious relationship s with the other person. If on the contrary his number is in opposition to that of his friend, the two can never live in harmony with each other. Nothing happens by chance in our lives. Everything is predestined. Numerology is a form of divination similar to astrology that deals with connections between numbers and personality traits. 

I believe in astrology not in numerology. said Arunatara. 

Numerologist requires you to have a natural fascination towards numbers. It depends on how passionately he decodes everyday numbers causing differences in others lives.  A genuine interest  in studying  their lives will help numerology.  the quality of the analysis and interpretation is further improved by understanding of Science, Maths,  Gemmology and extensive travel.  

Aruna started observing the walls around. Several framed certificates and awards of merit are hanging to the wall.  Math major  with Statistics from Princeton, Psychology from Vidyasagar Kolkata , International Gemological Academy Srilanka there are several others Aruna looked for no more. She came to the point. My daughter Lakuma is born on 10th May. She is studying Engineering in visakhapatnam.  

based on numerology the name Lakuma is Freedom loving, adventure loving, unpredictable, stubborn, immature. Her zodiac sign is Taurus. Taurus girl  is a creature that is not only intoxicating, mesmerizing, but also mysterious. She is romantic and dominating by nature.  She learns only by her own experiences. 

Can she complete her studies? Will she go into films?

Mr Valmiki had many calculations taking more details of Lakuma. Finally he finished his predictions Aruna looked at the watch. It was 9.40. She paid him the fees and rose from her chair. She has no time for her. A mother has no time for her but for her daughter. 

                                                                         ***

 There is a great hustle and bustle in the head quarters of Velugu party in Banjarahills. Arunatara entered the vast premises of the head quarters. For quite some time she had neither invitation nor information about the party activities whatsoever since she did not comply with Sominaidu's son.  It is an open secret that it is a family party.  In velugu party the future of  honest people is gloomy.  None of the party leaders has greeted her. She walked silently to the dais. 

The party hired 3000 RTC buses, 30 trains that carried 20 lakh people to the capital. Five hundred water tanks were hired. 200 mobile clinics and 150 police help centers set up to help the floating population.  All the hotels were full. The roads were full and the traffic was dangerous after 10.00. The opposition party leader seriously criticized the arrangement he said that it was a massive violation of the code.

The chief minister Sominaidu, Chief minister's son and the de facto chief minister of the state Babu,  Finance minister Chittinaidu, Home minister Kannappa and a dozen other leaders are present on the stage. Arunatara is one among the leaders who sat at the far end of the dais.  Sominaidu looked like a bulged balloon. He rose from the seat and saw thousands of party male and female workers, district level leaders who thronged the place. There was a great commotion all over. Banners and life size cutouts were seen in the premises. Somiaidu was laughing waving his hand showing the victory symbol to the cheering crowds. He greeted everybody except Arunatara. He mentioned the names of all leaders on the stage except Aruna. At least he did not look at her. Aruna thought that he has the Hubris syndrome. When success goes to the head the person with hubris syndrome becomes over confident and insolent.  

He began his speech with tall claims of his great achievements and joked on the opposition arty. The stage was filled with laughter. He affirmed that Velugu party will win the coming polls. Clapped showered all over. Next the finance minister, Home minister and Education minister and other important portfolios spoke in succession.  The party central cadre members were ruling.  They are none other than kiss ass politicians and boot lickers.   The unimportant were brushed off.  Needless to say that Aruna is one among them.

Arunatara got off the stage with utter humiliation. She was walking to the car with a heavy aching heart. She had burning sensation in the stomach. Her head was reeling. She slowed down. Her face turned pale when she heard the laughter of the Babu's group of men. Aruna saw them from the corner of her eyes. They all looked like wolves. She was spotted by the media cameras. A dozen cameras rounded her up while she was speeding up towards the exit gate.   They looked like vultures waiting for a dead body.  "So far I cried behind the closed doors and laughed in the public. A time has come to tell you about the the humiliation meted out to me in the party..." Aruna opened her lips, raised her voice and called a spade a spade. Later she paid the driver  few months salary , took the car keys and drove herself off the premises.  

A beautiful Sunday with Dr. Krishnamurty

 First time I met Dr. Krishnamurty on 15th October 2015. His uprightness endears him to truth loving people. He is a septuagenarian but sinks with all age groups easily.   He lives alone in fifth line of Srinagar colony, Vijayawada. He is a man with bundle of good qualities on top of them he has unflinching courage.

 

తెలుగుప్రేమికులందరి పై పూలవర్షం కురిపించే పూలబాల
ప్రతి అనుభవమూ ఒక అందమైన వృత్త పద్యం
నిండైన పంచె కట్టుతో కదిలే తెలుగు విగ్రహం పూలబాల
ఆయన అడుగేస్తే పద్యాలు పూలలా రాలిపడతాయి

.
పెద్దల ఆశీస్సులు తెలుగుకే అందుకే పూలబాల పెద్దల వద్దకే
సహృదయులు వద్దకు వెళ్లి భారతవర్ష గ్రంధాన్ని సమర్పించడం
వారికి భారతవర్ష కీర్తనలు ఆలపించి ఆనందింపజేయడం
ఆపై తన అనుభవాలను వృత్త పద్యాలుగా రాయడం అలవాటు

గురుతుల్యులు  కృష్ణమూర్తి గారి కి భారతవర్ష గ్రంధం అందజేశాక

పూలబాల తన అనుభవాన్ని ఉత్పల మాలలో ఇలా మాల కట్టారు 

Dr. Krishnamurty with Bharatavarsha

       ఉ. ఒంటరి జీవితం  బయిన  ఒంపులు  ఎక్కువ  కృష్ణమూ  ర్తికిన్ 

      గొంటిని   ఆదివా   రమున   గొప్పర   సాత్మక    కావ్యమిం  టికిన్   

     పంటల   పండగే   ఉదయ  మంతయు  వేడుక   మాటలం దునన్     

     జంటగ     గానమే    నెరిపి   జాటెను   మెండుగ   మిత్రశీ   లతన్ 

Birds of a feather flock together. I like doctor Krishnamurty for his qualities. I wish I had all the qualities in full measure. His courage to confront a man when he wrong  and  speaking up to the face, enjoying reading Telugu, Loving other languages are highly worthy of admiration and emulation. He spends time in doing things he likes, particularly serving the patients. He takes money when it is given but does wait for it. Money is secondary. 

I was meeting him occasionally as long as I was in Vijayawada. Ever since I shifted to Vanukuru my interactions were quite limited. After four years I met him again on Sunday the 27th March. I cancelled all other jobs and made it a special program to meet him. I called him up on Sunday at 7.30 am he was doing pooja. He asked me to start at 8.30. I did so and reached him at 10.00 am with Bharatavarsha novel. Ultimately Bharatavarsha is in his hands!!!! I will never miss readers and lovers of Telugu wherever they are.

Dwaraka -7

 Gacchibowli Hyderabad -  Dwaraka Villa is built aloof from the dense concrete forest. It is a villa built over five years. It has the look of a country house for the elite. The luxurious villa is surrounded by a high compound wall and studded with expensive imported granite stone on the facade.  There is a lush green garden in the front with tall trees and small bushes, flowering plants and creepers. It is the dwelling place of Arunatara the famous classical dancer and once actress of the silver screen.  

Dawn broke into Dwaraka. The stars that glittered like  diamonds in the sky faded out in the crepusculum, (twilight - latin)  The sky is cloudy . In the eastern sky below the horizon  the sun  is hidden behind the clouds.  The  crepuscular rays, the shafts of light pass through a cloud in bands.  the rays extend across the entire sky appear to converge  on the eastern horizon. A splendid atmospheric phenomenon that mesmerizes and transfixes the beholders.  

A gentle breeze enters the garden from the west. The wet green tender leaves in the garden started quivering. The pink roses and yellow chrysanthemums sway their heads  to the gentle breeze. The breeze  carrying all the fragrance enters Lakuma's bed chamber through open window. Lakuma was sleeping in transparent pink mini nighty and a comfy sleep bra for her large breasts. She looks like a well polished inverted Veena on the bed. Her large shining thighs look like trunks of the plantain trees. Her beautiful back which she raised in her sleep looks like the resonator ( the large cup like part) of the Veena. The cool breeze tickled her. Lakuma snuggled the blanket. She hugged the pillow and squeezed it between her breasts which are in the size of extra resonator ( the smaller balloon shaped  situated at the other end of the Veena). Her teenage curves suffered more rigor as the breeze continues to blow across the window. She turned and tossed on the bed invariably. She turned her face up and lay a few seconds like that. Her stomach looked like the finger board and her naval like nada randra of the Veena.   It  is the precious Veena many teenagers crave to have a glance. Some teenagers even tried to play but could not lay hands on the fingerboard. 

Unable to stand the breeze she jumped off the bed like a fawn in the forest. She did not know that her mother has opened the window panes and removed the blanket for the breeze to wake her up. Now she is in the pooja room. Lakuma realized that her mother promised to visit Hyderabad.  She instantly ran to mother's bedroom but did not find her there. " Oh!  Has she not come yet? or is her trip cancelled? She won't disappoint me! She is a mother who always keeps her promise. Why did she do like this? I have been waiting here for two days only to see her. " Lakuma was talking to herself. Her eyes are getting wetter and wetter. They are now filled with tears. Where is this little scamp Kesava? This haphazardous kid is missing at the right moment. When she was about to roar she heard the gentle and rhythmic sound of Mrudanga.  The mrudanga nada is so sweet that her anger was instantly mitigated her pain. She pushed the door of the other room. There sat a teenager of 16 years playing the instrument with devotion. He stopped playing when the door was opened. " By the time Amma came last night you were fast asleep! " said Kesava. Lakuma hated kesava not waking her up at night. She heard the bell sound. It was pooja bell. Wow! she exclaimed and ran into the pooja room. 

Aruna  was irrirated to see Lakuma dashing into pooja room without taking a bath. She was displeased with Lakuma's night dress! Stay there! don't enter pooja room without bath. Aruna showed mock anger. Her eyes are red. But she could hardly deter Lamuma from hugging her mother.  Aruna understood daughter's longing for the mother. After all She is the her only daughter. She is a fatherless girl too. When these things flashed on her mind she became soft.  She took Lakuma into her arms and kissed her "Oh! my Mysore sandle It is difficult to handle. You are my damn cute devil. She gave a kiss for every phrase. I over pampered you it is my mistake. Are you staying in the hostel with this kind of night dress. Did Damini agree?    I will live in an independent house. I won't stay at Damini's hostel. I have no freedom at Damini. complained Lakuma. You must learn discipline. 

You are so lackadaisical. At what time you get up usually. Look at the time it is going to be seven now. You must wake up with the sun. He must be your role model.  "Udaye savita rakto raktastha astamaye tatha sampattu cha vipattu cha mahatam ekaroopataa"  You must be equanimous and thoroughly balanced.   

Lakuma left her embrace and stood at a distance. Sahe said " I don't understand your quotes from scriptures and puranas. You have good signs of becoming  an astrologer.  Thanks for not asking me to run with the sun."  saying so Lakuma started running. Aruna was after Lakuma with a ruler in her hand. Lakuma ran around the tables, sofa. She ran onto the bedroom. I must give you a good wash today. said Aruna Why washing me. I can wash myself said Lakuma and got into the bathroom. 

                                                                               ***

Lakuma came out in tight denim jeans and a tight top. She looked like a seductress. Kesava felt very confused and went into the garden.  Oh Lakuma wear a normal dress. This is too ultramodern. scolded Aruna. " Mom you acted in films and I saw you wearing dance attire. you looked sexy. Now is the time to wear jeans, You too must wear jeans for your extraordinary charm but you wear out dated sarees. 

 I am not in films now I quit films. I don't want to remember my filmy life. It is full of acclivity and hardships. It is like chasing the glow worms for light. You are dissuading me. You enjoyed the film career and life as a star. you are denying the same to me. why? asked Lakuma seriously. 

You see the external life of the star and desire to join films but remember it is not a path as soft as it looks. It is full of thorns. Lakuma was upset with her words. just then Kesava brought the news paper. Lakuma saw the Maya 100 episodes success celebrations in Mumbai. Arun's pictures were all over. Her beauty spreads across the sheets. The lens men centered her beauty.  Lakuma turned on the LED television. Maya celebrations were showing up.  The glory of her mother beauty and art of her dance are moving frame by frame on the screen. Suddenly Naidu appeared on the screen. Lakuma raised her voice and said " Mom has Mr. Naidu participated in the program? He met me in visakha twice and asked me promised make me a heroine. He always says that I am a replica of you in the beauty. " she was saying. 

Aruna felt a bomb blast under her feet. Her head was reeling. The room was turning round and round faster and faster. She collapsed in the sofa.  Kesava came running to the sofa. He sprinkled water on her face and started calling Amma, Amma. Aruna opened her eyes and looked at Lakuma and kesava.  "Mom are you alright ? Stop doing fasting. Listen to me at least now. Aruna slowly got up and sat in the sofa.  She touched the sofa with her palm and signaled Lakuma to sit beside her. My Mysore sandal  I will  stop fasting.  Will you stop thinking about cinema?  Lakuma looked grumpy. She turned her face sideways.  I wish you recommended to me Naidu who is going to make a movie shortly. said Lakuma For years he has been harping on the same string. He is a bankrupt producer and a failure director. Nobody opens the door for him and nobody answers his call because because everybody knows about him.  What about your studies? Education  shows you a right royal path. You can live with respect.    

Mom if we have money you can buy a doctorate and keep it before your name. You get respect too. Don't be recalcitrant. You have a fancied over film career. I walked the same path. It is full of thorns. " "you are lucky mom you never had a mom who discouraged you and dad was a great director who always helpful"    What is written in your stars  nobody knows. What in store for you  God knows.  I have to move. I have party meeting today. This meeting decides whether I should continue in the party as woman wing leader?  Aruna went into the bedroom to change. When she came out  Kesava was telling Lakuma " Amma had bitter experiences in cinema she wants her daughter's  security and future.  So she proscribes films. More over people can not use honorary doctorate as a qualification.  Lakuma was mad with kesava.  While he was still telling, Lakuma slapped Kesava.  The driver came and stood at the door. Before leaving for the party she warned Lakuma against her impulsive behaviour. 

Silver fish -13 sonnets

                                  Silverfish

    Sometimes I feel pain

    How long I live in vain 

    I sit lonely in the moonlight

    without you in the sight 

    I look at the lotus pond 

    that reminds our love bond

   In the water I see the ripples 

   They remind me of your dimples

   You are such a lovely blonde

   You are a memory so fond

   I see the shining silverfish 

   I remember your sweet kiss

   I wish we were silver fish

   and live together in bliss.

                2. 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

 3.Compatibility

Romance relates to soul

Body is not its goal

nor depends on it as a whole

Romance needs a little talent

It doesn't take beauty pageant

nor depends on physical attachment

Romance relates to mood

It is not totally the need

But you can't instantly brood

 

Romance is not dire physical 

It is a desire whimsical 

It takes two souls reciprocal

When two minds alike think

The souls to each other link 

The bodies into each other sink 

4.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

 

 5.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 are I are love flowers

we dwell in dale's bowers

with warmth of love's prowess

The beautiful world is ours

  6.The coronation

When you sit empty of thought

when you are tired and fraught

when your mind by dullness caught

My words take you to a new resort

when your spirits wearily droop

my poems form a musical troupe

They trill melodies like a shower

and give you the inner power

When your people without shame

join hands  and you defame

downplay your worth and you disclaim 

my poems thy name proclaim

And undoubtedly thy fame reclaim

Making they name worthy of acclaim

My verses a garland make 

They the world awake

They never let you down

My glory is thy crown

 

7.Archives of Love

when you are young 

when  your spirit is strong

When you  have the love's pang

your your body needs a bang 

At night you have the love's bang 

In the day you hear its twang

your youth several love songs sang

You in the zenith you hang

when you are from youth shaded

when  your garden is withered 

sit in his lap and close your eyes

you can visit your love archives

Love archives give you same feeling

Don't believe old age is love's ceiling

 8.  Future Sculpture

February has shaken my soul  

March has soaked me whole 

with love, peace and hope

I slowly my future shape

with thriving peace my present 

Shines softly like fluorescent 

I live far away from the strife

and enjoy effervescent joy of life

quite happy without commotion

every passing day is a celebration

that give me a great occasion 

why should I hope for future

I must bring out my sculpture 

9.  Second Chance

When the first marriage is  fuss

 Second marriage you don’t  miss

 for romance is worth the effort

Don't surrender to external force

Follow the life's natural course

Remove the dirty mark with divorce

Forget all the strife, step into new life

Together you can play the fife

wisdom is the foundation of romance

More beautiful is the second chance

      10.Enigma 

Oh! Shelly, Bayron, Bernad Shaw

I am running through darkness

Ever since I started Bharatavarsha

I can not the cruel time harness

Jumping over sharp hedges 

I fall in the deep ditches

I remember my pledges

Oh! I am railed by glitches

I hear the laughter of ugly witches 

each time the black magic overpowers

 I see the power of lotus goddess

Oh! unforeseen wealth showers

A childhood friend, a noble donor

lent unexpected support and honor

11.All that God dished 

Should we on birthday rock?

I would rather sit like a rock

under the tree of poetry

For aught you may disagree 

I really have no degree 

to write in such a big scale

Degrees behind the passion trail

I open my mind's treasury

and go into a state of reverie 

The memories of my childhood 

The movie scenes of Hollywood

I girl I kissed and the bus I missed

I remember all that  I wished

All that God to me dished 

         12. fete 

One day we will meet again

we step out of darkness

we will meet in the light

Then our hearts will be light

Rainy nights we met on date

our meet is as sweet as date

we always looked at watch

we know people surely watch

Suddenly the love balloon blew

Then started darkness and blue

with dauntless courage you won

doubtless patience makes us one

we have reached the love's peak

It is needless into past peek

we waited years and years 

cuz people bite their ears

we step out of darkness 

live together without mess 

Forget about the nasty fate

Think about the tasty fete

13. Birds on long flight - sonnet  

ABBA Enclosed Rhymescheme

I saw two birds on long flight 

they fly on parallel lines

they only perch on pines

their beaks are bright

They fly above the clouds

and sing the songs of heart

they come out quickly and dart

They  fly above the crowds

Oh birds on long flight

How long can you fly 

come down before you die

and have some delight

Check your fast melted prime

Your beauty is simply sublime

Arunatara - 6

The Jet Airways Boeing 777 - 35 R with white engines and grey cowling was landing at Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji  airport  terminal one which is meant for the domestic planes. Terminal two is the international planes. Arunatara was watching the city of success from the window.  One side the city's impressive  skyline was eye feasting. The skyscrapers were gleaming in the beautiful orange rays of setting sun. just beside her sat Arati the wife of an army officer. It was the first time Arunatara was flying with her but Arati doesn't feel they are strangers. For a long time she watched Aruna on TV. Aruna glanced  at Arati who was ogling at Arunatara with owe and admiration.  " I watched the Maya mythological TV serial. Your dance has made it a resounding success." Aruna smiled and said " I am attending Turiya Films Maya serial Success celebration." Like Mrinalini Sarabhai, you are born to dance. You are eternal." said Arati.  " Dance is eternal. I am transitory" said Aruna.   They laughed together.  "I come to Mumbai rarely. This airport is something special" said Aruna to Arati.  

"Mumabi airport is the country's second busiest after the Delhi airport. The airport spreads over a total land area of 750 hectares and handles about 950 aircraft  per day. It  is named after the 17th-century Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in 1999 from the previous "Sahar Airport". It is situated across the suburbs of Santa Cruz and Sahar Village in Vile Parle East." Arati briefed 

Santa Cruz, Yes this name is familiar to me but I don't know that it is the name of the village. History is so interesting. It makes me feel great"  Arati understood that Aruna was excited to know more. 

"It is a Portuguese name meaning Holy Cross. Mother Teresa's missionaries had home for destitutes at this place.  This home had a chapel with big cross - Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz was actually the name of the church. The church which was destroyed by Marathas. Later when the railways started operations in 1888 they gave the name to the railway station. Thus Santa Cruz came into existence" said Arati.

The plane  was high in the sky looked like a sparrow, soon became a dove.  A few moments later it appeared like boat. It was coming close to the ground. 

From out side the Airport  Boeing 777  floating like a bird.  " Look there somebody at the boundary wall of the airport was shooting the plane with a camera in hand. why is he shooting? Don't they need permission?"  

 Mumbai is a paradise for the plane spotters. Like bird watchers there are plane watchers. From over the boundary wall of the airport that runs along the Gaondevi slum  somebody is shooting landing of the plane. After all this is popular and prestigious  Boeing 777.  Just at that moment the landing gear opened. Seconds later the wheels touched the ground producing white smoke.  The plane was on the runway. The passengers cheered.   The plane was taxiing (rarely spelled taxying,It is the movement of an aircraft on the ground, under its own power) gently gliding like a boat on the water. Finally when the plane stopped after a few minutes the boarding stairs was brought. Aruna took leave of Arati , walked ahead and reached the stairs. 

She looked around standing on the top of the stairs.  She is 5'10'', curvaceous body with pretty round face and dark black eyes.  Her eyebrows are challenging the cupid's bows. Her eyes are quivers that have stored powerful glances which are sharper than arrows.  Maskara touch up eyelashes remind cool shady Cadamba trees. Her neck is like a ivory seashell.  Her round firm breasts look like large round shadock fruits. With carbon color back open blouse and peacock color saree draped around her beautiful golden complexioned body she sparkled like a jewel in the orange shade of the sky.  A jewel that often the  rich craved to buy.

 As she started climbing down the steps her golden breasts started bouncing like pouncing tigers.  Her electrifying beauty passes a shock through the beholders' eyes.  Their hearts skip a beat and nerves get twisted with the heat.   She is the red star standing under another red star. Her foot is light and lips are dark. She is not the singing lark but a  dancing peacock  that gives beholders a sweet shock. Even at this middle age. She looks like a peacock with a beautiful plumage. No one believes that  she is fifty. Her ways with men  are thrifty. She is awesome with firm bossom. She has the look of a fresh blossom.  

Aruna a climbed down the stairs and started walking towards the exit gate. Several passengers were walking behind her. Some people recognised her and started saying " Oh! She is the dancing Queen" The commotion increased Aruna could hear their murmur. She was walking steadily with her half moons dancing. Their eyes are fixed on her half moons.  "Look  how her rotund back is dancing!"  said a lean man with his corpulent friend. "They are dancing rhythmically.  I am absorbed in the rhythm." replied the corpulent man. So my heart lost its rhythm ever since I saw that rhythm said the third man.

 Aruna stopped and turned back. She saw Arati coming towards her. She wanted to take leave of Arati. Arati saw her from a distance. "What a beautiful pose!" She thought. Aruna's stance reminds Arati of great sculpture on the  massive columns of Elephanta caves. The airport is transformed into Elephanta caves.  Arati who stood beside her and kept staring at her.  

Cameras her beauty can not capture 

She is creator's stunning signature 

Her lovely shape is a great escape

From dullness and despair

Men and women stand agape

where is the flower so fair

She has in her a thousand flowers 

Each flower has a lyrical poem

that  exotic fragrance showers

That entices bumble bees to hum

Aruna waved her hand on Arati's face and brought her into this world.  I want to see your dance live. I think you are you going to dance in the program.  " I am not sure, but there are dance programs ahead. I will send you invitation in advance." said Aruna. They both shook hands. Aruna walked to the exit gate where she saw the representatives of the Turiya Telefilm with bouquet in hands. They led her to Innova Crysta waiting for her. Aruna got into the car and the car moved. 

                                                                        ***

Aruna alighted the car at Oberai Hotel and saw Naidu waiting for her with a bouquet. Hello Aruna! Welcome to Mumbai. He gave her the bouquet and took her hand.  Aruna said shaking his hand" Mr. Naidu you are here!? It is bizarre when did you come?" asked Aruna. Naidu smiled " I traveled in the same flight and sat just behind you. You did not notice me. Of course You could not because there is always a group of people around you. Aruna smiled and left her hand but Naidu did not. I want to talk to you. I could not get you in the phone. That's why you traveled all the way from Hyderabad to Mumbai? You are great ! " laughed Aruna. "Not from Hyderabad, from Visakshapatnam" Aruna was shocked. The shock was hidden under her sweet smile and a pleasant  surprise was revealed. They moved into the conference hall.     

The large rectangular conference hall has a stage decorated with electric lamps. Behind six lavish decorative darbar chairs a colorful banner of Maya Serial was hung with actors of the play. Arunatara 's splendid dance pose dominates all the other pictures on the banner. Aruna was cordially invited on to the dais by the Producer of the Telefilm. The other actresses sitting on the stage were shining like stars vying with the electric chandeliers but they hardly had any glitters when Aruna got on to the dais. She out shined them all like the moon that outshines all the stars. Naidu was also invited on to the dais. Being producer of yesteryears he managed to get an invitation to the celebration of the small screen success. Mumabi University HOD of the Mythological studies, Director of the serial, Doordarshan Director and Head of Programs and a few actresses and actors were present on the dais.  Mumbai city mayor and a other prominent people were invited a s special guests. One among the special guests was Sashi , Member of the upper house from Kerala.  Aruna was center of attraction of the program. Her stunning looks haunted all the participants of the program. The university professor praised her dance. The city mayor praised her beauty. Mr. Sashi the MP while presenting Aruna a bouquet lost balance and in that pretext touched her tits. 

One participant from the front row of  spectators commented " what a courage! What a naughty man! " It is not  courage but wicked , Not naughty but insolence. It has been common in India that senior citizen politicians are openly touching women or passing sexiest comments against women. This lecherous man has terminated his third wife and craving for the fourth. The man sat next to him smiled and said that said " a woman is a flower. several Honey bees keep sucking nectar from it.  Even I want to make a film with her. The other man jeered at him thinking " I can not stand these lunatics" He muttered and shifted to the back rows. 

After the chief guest's speech the professor of Mythology is speaking. " The televising of the  mythological serial has huge impact on the admissions into mythological courses at Bombay University. There was an unprecedented surge in the admissions that I had to turned down several applications. I personally asked them to wait till next year. This is the first time in the decade we are running the mythology and history courses with full strength. I appreciate the director and the writer for making such a great serial. I wish that writers should consider stories with historical and mythological background. So that they can connect people to the culture and country."   If not for Arunatara Maya serial would not have become a success of this scale.  Every movement of her is registered in the minds of the audience. It seems that she is born to dance. She can serve the country better through her art  than being in politics.  The audience clapped incessantly. The conference hall is filled with cheers. Naidu who spoke next said that she should be in films. 

 Kerala MP Mr. Shashi spoke next. "Mrs. Aruna  has plenty of attractive aspects not only in her dance but also in her body. Beauty is the most important prerequisite to dancers but not all dancers have it. Her beauty inspires like her dance." He concluded.  The applause was much bigger. The sound was a bit frightening. "Most audience voted for your beauty." whispered Shashi to Arunatara. 

The program was over.  The stage was empty. All spectators were leaving the hall slowly. The chairs also looked empty. Aruna was walking slowly Naidu was following her. Aruna I have a Luxury suit booked for tonight. I want to discuss the next movie with you. Tonight let us stay back. He proposed. Aruna's face turned red. Look Mr. Naidu, I am not wet behind ears college girl. I can see through your plan.  You too know that. I know that you have a financial crunch. you can not make movies. your time is up. My chances in movies came to an end. I am searching my future in politics. I don't know where I am heading to.  I have tough time in the party with internal politics. I am walking on fire. I am disturbed to the core.  Tomorrow I have a party meeting at Hyderabad. I have to decide whether to continue as women wing leader or quit. My ticket is booked to Hyderabad. I must go. " Aruna , Let me be frank I agree that I can not make films but I will not ask any favour for free." Naidu took  a pack of currency held her hands and trying to stuff it.  Aruna turned furious " Mr. Naidu I still have some respect for you because of your rich past and poor present. Don't lose that."shouted  Aruna and forcefully withdrawn her hands.  A vexed Naidu too shouted at her and threw the pack of currency on her face. 

Aruna stood like a statue with utter insult and disgust. Two journalists came running to her with cameras in her hands. Shashi sent them off.  Some spectators who were moving slowly stopped to watch the game. There is cinema near by. Go watch if you want fun. The people simpered at him and went out. Tears were swelling in Aruna's eyes. She walked out of the conference hall with a heavy heart. 

Shashi followed her. She entered the restaurant, sat at a corner and ordered fruit juice. There is dim light. In that semi darkness Aruna felt a hand landed on her shoulder. She peered her eyes and made out it was Shashi. Shashi spoke so gently like soprano music " The people are wild. The world is vile. we can not expect better behaviour in this culture. People like you must come to the forefront and take the gauntlet. You are a woman of substance you should not be shaken by such storms stand like mountains. Aruna's grief enhanced. Shashi said again If you are the real leader learn to overcome the grief. There is a way to  increase the pain threshold  limit. 

Aruna looked surprised. " come on I will tell you this is not the right place. You should not take fruit juice at this time." He took her to the bar and offered champagne. Aruna was contemplative.  He blamed Velugu party but praised her work in Velugu party.  They both sipped champagne. The bar was cool and silent.  Velugu party is a family party. It is a small regional party that doesn't deserve  honest people like you. You need a bigger platform. Our party is a national party. He gave his card and put his hand on her shoulder.  I will make you the queen in the politics trust me. He pressed his hand on her shoulder. Aruna looked into his eyes. They are filled with desire. She said " I have to move" She rose from the seat and exited the bar.  Men are men. She said.