21. Varada meets Yedu

CHAPTER 21

Varada meets Yedu

          Varada went to Brahmam’s shop to meet Yedu. As usual Brahmam was reading Chandamama stories.

Varada saw Yedu inside the shop and wend directly to him. Yedu welcomed him and asked, “What do you want sir? Shirt, pant, underwear..?

“I have come to meet the person who is working in this shop.”

Yedu was shocked to hear this.

Hearing Varada’s voice, Brahmam came running. “Please come sir. Sit down.”

Varada looked at Yedu. “I think this must be the worker who gave first touch to my daughter.”

Yedu became alert. “First touch? I have already given second touch also. Third touch I gave in your house. Now I am waiting for the final touch.”

Varada was shocked. “You are very fast. I have not yet judged you. You can tie the knot only if you pass in my test. If you come to my house tomorrow, I will test you. You can have the final touch only if you pass.”

Brahmam was observing everything. “He is an orphan. I am everything to him. I will bring him. Suppose he fails in your test, can anyone else apply?”

Varada became serious. “I will marry my daughter only to the person who passes my test. Only he will get the chance to get the final touch.”

Yedu looked at Brahmam seriously. But Brahmam was teasing him. “She is a princess from a Chandamama story. Just watch, I will be the lucky one.”

Yedu became serious. “Just watch. She is touch princess. She bent towards me in the first touch itself.  Hence I am the one to whom she will give the final touch.”

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          Maestri was ready to go to the city. Mother Sakamma approached him. “One week is left for the fair. Ganga wants earrings. I have collected 6,000 rupees. Anyway you are going to the city. Just get the earrings for her.”

Maestri nodded and looked at Vasanti. “Will you come?”

Vasanti shook her head. “No. Do I know better than you?”

Maestri looked at Ganga and patted her head. “I won’t know. Will you come, my dear? You can select the earring of your choice.”

Ganga shook her head. “No brother. I know that your choice will be good. Govindappa is waiting for me. Hence I cannot come with you.”

Maestri took money from his mother and went out of the house. Govindappa was waiting outside the house.

“Govindappa, why are you standing outside? Please go in.”

Govindappa folded his hands in respect. “I saw you coming out and that is why I waited here.”

Noticing the sad face of Govindappa, Maestri asked, “What is the matter? Why are you sad?”

“What to do? When ever I am in trouble, I come to you.”

Maestri put his hand on Govindappa’s back. “What is the trouble? Fair is approaching. Maybe you want some money for expenses.  You don’t worry. I will give you.”

Govindappa said sadly, “You have helped me so many times. You have never refused. But I have never returned your money.”

“You are you worried about that? We must share our sadness also like we share our happiness. Tell me what your problem is.”

“My son Mallesha’s exams are nearing. But I have never paid the fees. They will not allow him to write the exam unless I pay the fees.”

“Tell me how much you have to pay.”

“Five thousand.”

Maestri immediately took out five thousand from his pocket and gave it to Govindappa. “You go and pay the fees today itself. He is a hard working boy. I feel very happy to think of him.”

He removed another 1000 rupees from his pocket. “Keep this money also. You will need it for the fair.”

Govindappa had tears in his eyes. “You are a saviour to all. I will not be able to clear the debt in this life time.”