4. Maestri and his cows

CHAPTER 4

Maestri and his cows

Maestri was milking the cow, Kaveri. It was feeling very happy because it loved Mestri very much. Suddeny Mestri heard the sound of anklet of a lady. Mestri looked towards the direction of the sound to see Vasanti appear around the corner.

Maestri said seriously, “You are a grownup girl. Why have you come here at midnight?”

Vasanti said agrily, “What to do? I can catch you only at this time. You start milking at midnight. Before the sun rises, you leave for the city with the milk cans. As soon as you return, you leave for the mountains with the cows.”

“But you can catch me when I am with the people in the evening.”

Vasanti smiled romantically. “What fun will I get by catching you when you are with others? I have to catch you when you are single to have fun. That is why I came at midnight.”

Vasanti approached Maestri and put her hand on his shoulders. His body shivered at the touch.

“Don’t give me that touch midnight. I might lose my balance.”

Holding his chin, Vasanti said, “Ever since I grew up, I have been waiting to get married to you and sleeping with you. God knows when you will marry me. Or will you just keep me waiting for you.”

Maestri said seriously, “First my brother should become a police officer. That is why I keep purchasing cows with all my money. I have to sell milk and earn money for his education.”

Sadly, Vasanti said, “I wonder whether he will become a police offier in this life time. I wonder whether you will marry me.”

She got up to leave with anger and disappointment.

Maestri suddenly got up and caught hold of her hand. Looking into her eyes, he said, “Eh Vasanti, don’t feel sad. I will definitely marry you. Nobody is educated in my family that is why I am so interested in getting my brother educated. That is why slowly I have increased the number of cows to 10. I used to get up at 5am but now I get up at 3am itself. As soon as he comes home in police uniform, I will marry you.”

Vasanti took his hand in hers and looked at them. It had become hard. Her eyes were filled with tears. “Your hands have become so hard due to milking the cows.”

Maestri patted her cheeks. “Don’t worry. After marriage, I will give up all this and give full attention to you.”

“You are a playboy.” Laughed Vasanti and ran away.