10. Planning for Holi

CHAPTER 10

Planning for Holi

          All the villagers have gathered near the temple in the evening.        

Kempa said, “Gowda, all have arrived. You may start the meeting.”

Putting pan into his mouth, Gowda said, “The most important person has not yet arrived.”

One villager got up and said, “Yes brother. We can start only after Maestri arrives. I saw him giving bath to his cows.”

Suddenly Maestri arrived wearing a lungi and shirt. He had a towel on his shoulder. One boy shouted, “Maestri brother is here.”

All looked in the direction in which Maestri was coming. Maestri approached and folded his hands to the villagers.

Gowda smiled and said, “Come and sit down, Maestri. The meeting can start only after you settle down. You are like the main statue in the temple.”

Maestri laughed and said humbly, “All with the blessing of you people. I am just a simple person. I don’t have any land or crores of rupees. I live in a small hut and sell milk for living.”

“You may say whatever you like but for our village, you are like a crown to a king.”

Yedu was sitting with the villagers listening to everything. “I have spent all my childhood with Maestri. He has always been our leader. Now he is the leader for the whole village. And if required, he is always ready to give his life for others.”

Everyone looked at Maestri with love and pride. Gowda said, “Yes. Our work is complete only if he is in the front.”

One villager said, “Our Maestri is also good at singing and dancing.”

Gowda is surprised. “Is it? I have never seen him dancing. During this holi, we must see Maestri dance.”

“Our village must become famous for the holi dance this year.” Said Maestri proudly.

Gowda looked at Maestri proudly. “Our village has improved so much under your leadership. If you are leading, all villagers are with you.”

Yedu patted Maestri’s back. “It is fixed. This holi, we will have a dance from Maestri.’

Everyone clapped and cheered.