12. Jeeva looking for Hakeem

CHAPTER 12

Jeeva looking for Hakeem

That night Dodda Naik finished tying the cows in the shed and was moving towards his hut. He heard a man crying with pain. He turned to look in that direction. One 40 years old man was lying on the ground rolling in pain. Dodda Naik went near him and held his hand.                          

Dodda Naik asked, “Who are you?”

The man said, “My name is Jeeva. I am a scooter mechanic in the city. I broke my arm in an accident. I heard about the Hakeem who lives in the forest and came searching for him.”

Dodda Naik said, “Is it? Get up.”

Sitting up, Jeeva said, “Swami, I am feeling very thirsty. I want water.” 

Pointing to his hut, Dodda Naik said, “See there in that plantation. That is my hut. Let us go there. Come. I will help you. You can drink water and have dinner.”

He helped him get up and took him to his hut.

Dodda Naik took Jeeva into the hut. His wife Jhansi and daughter durga looked at them in surprise.

Looking at his wife, Dodda Naik said, “Jhansi, prepare that cot.”

Jhansi prepared the bed. Durga helped her. Dodda took Jeeva towards the bed and helped him lie on it.

Looking at his wife, Dodda Naik said, “This is Jeeva, a mechanic from the city. He has met with an accident and has come to show his hand to Hakeem.” 

Folding her hands, Jhansi said, “Is it? Ram Ram Uncle.”

With folded hands, Jeeva said, “Namaste.”

Touching Jeeva’s hand, Dodda Naik said, “Your body is so hot. Jhansi, prepare gangi for him. I will go to the village and bring the Hakeem.” 

Jhansi said, “Ok.”

Dodda Naik went out.

Giving hot water, Jhansi said to Jeeva, “Uncle, first drink this water. I will prepare gangi in five minutes.”

Jeeva took the glass. “Ok dear”

He drank water and returned the glass.

Jhansi touched his forehead. “Take rest, uncle. You can get up when I bring gangi for you.”

Jeeva lay down with closed eyes. Jhansi sat in front of the fire to prepare gangi. 

Soon Dodda Naik came with Hakeem.

Giving gangi to Jeeva, Jhansi said, “Uncle, drink gangi.”

When Jeeva tried to drink, Jhansi said, “Uncle, your hand must be paining. Let me help.”

Jhansi helped Jeeva to drink. At the same time Dodda Naik came in with Hakeem.

Hakeem tested Jeeva’s hand. Jeeva shouted with pain. “Ah! Ah!”

 Hakeem applied oil and rubbed Jeeva’s hand. Then he tied a bandage. “It will take 20 days for this hand to get cured. You will have to remain here.”

Jeeva looked at Dodda Naik’s face with doubt and worry. Dodda Naik put a comforting hand on Jeeva’s back. “You don’ worry. Think of this house as yours. It is the custom of the villagers to treat guests nicely.”

Jeeva was shocked.

Looking at his wife, Dodda Naik said, “The responsibility of looking after this person is yours.”

Looking at Durga, Dodda Naik said, “You too Durga. You must also see that your city uncle gets what ever he wants.”

Nodding her head happily, Durga said, “Sure, daddy.”

Humbly, Jeeva said, “I am a stranger to you and you too are new to me. I can never forget the love and affection you are showing to me.”

With pride and happiness, Hakeem said, “What have you thought of these tribals? They are idols of love. This Dodda Naik is elder to this forest. A godly man. A man of honour.”

Dodda Naik smiled. “Hakeemji, don’t praise us unnecessarily. We are just ordinary forest dwellers.”

Hakeem said with sadness, “I came here 30 years ago in search of herbs. See what happened. Due to the love and affection shown by you all I too became a forest dweller.”

Dodda Naik smiled. “It is all the grace of forest goddess. You are like sacred water for us. We will have to be born many times to clear your debt.”

Dodda Naik got up to leave. He looked at Jeeva and said, “I will leave Hakeem and come back. You take rest peacefully.”

He left with Hakeem. Jhansi put sheet over Jeeva. Jeeva closed his eyes with satisfaction.

Next morning, Dodda Naik and Jeeva came out of the hut. Durga was putting rangoli in front of the hut.

Looking at Durga, Dodda Naik said, “As soon as your mother comes, tell her to start cooking. Your uncle did not have dinner last night.”

Durga said, “Mummy has gone to bring water. I will tell her as soon as she comes.”

Dodda Naik said, “Sir, come. There is a well in the plantation. Let us wash our faces and took bath.”

Putting the towel over their shoulder, they left. At the same time, Jhansi came with water pot. Durga said, “Mummy, you must cook fast it seems.”

“Ah! I know. Your uncle did not eat last night.”

Mother and daughter were sitting in front of the stove outside the hut. Jamali came to meet them.

Seeing Jamali arrive, Durga said, “Mummy, aunty is coming so early in the morning.”

They smiled. Jamali came happily and sat on the bed. 

Jhansi said, “Hallo Jamali, how come you are here so early in the morning?”

Jamali smiled. “I heard that somebody arrived at night that is why I came to see.”

Durga said, “New uncle had come from city.”

Jamali smiled. “That is why you have started cooking so early. Do you have to cut a hen?”

Jhansi smiled. “No, Jamali, our guest is not well. Fever. I will prepare usual food for him.”

At the same time, Dodda Naik returned with Jeeva after bath. Durga, “Look, new uncle is coming with dad.”

Jamali stood up. Looking at Jeeva, Jamali said, “Good morning.”

Jeeva smiled. “Namaste.”

Jeeva sat on the cot admiring Jamali.

Pointing to Jamali, Dodda Naik said, “This is my sister.”

Staring at Jamali, Jeeva thought, “She is so beautiful.”

He asked, “How come I did not see you last night? Are you married?”

Jamali had tears in her eyes. Jeeva was shocked.

Going near Jamali and caressing her head, Dodda Naik said, “That is a big story.”

Dodda Naik sitarted telling Jeeva the story of Jamali.