13. Boy for Jamali

CHAPTER 13

Boy for Jamali

Chikka Naik, Chandra and two others were sitting in front of Dodda Naik hut. Jamali gave herbal tea to all.

Looking at Jamali, Chikka Naik said, “Dodda Naik, when are you planning to fix Jamali’s marriage?”

Dodda Naik looked at his sister. Suddenly Jhansi came with a pot full of water.

Giving the pot to Jamali, Jhansi said, “Jamali, please brought water.”

Jamali went away with the empty pot. 

Dodda Naik said, “I am looking for a boy. As soon as I find a good boy, I will get her married on the first auspicious day.”

All were shock. Jhansi was also shocked.

Chikka said seriously, “You are searching all over the place with butter in your hand.”

Jhansi said, “I don’t know why you hate my brother Laxman so much. He…”

Looking at his wife seriously, Dodda Naik said, “I know that he has come to age.” 

Jhansi said sadly, “Chikka Naik, he loves Jamali very much. She too loves him very much.”

Dodda Naik said seriously, “Yes dear, I know everything. He is an irresponsible waste fellow.”

 “Who does not drink and eat in this forest? Is he the only one you can get to find fault with?”

Dodda Naik got angry. “I am not talking about drinking and eating but about working hard.”

“Doesn’t he have land? He has 10 acres.” Said Jhansi.

Getting up angrily, Dodda Naik said, “What is the use of 100 acres to a man who does not work hard?”

“Are you saying that you will not give your sister to him?”

Dodda Naik said, “It is not possible to give my golden sister to such a lazy fellow. I will select a man who is just a hardworking labourer.”

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Laxman Naik appeared when Jamali was filling water at a river.

Jamali was shocked to see him. “How come you are here? Behind me?”

Smiling, Laxman, “As soon as I hear the sound of your leg chains I can find out that it is you. Now I am behind you. But after tying the mangalasutra, you will be behind me.”

Looking at him, Jamali said, “I too feel like that. I become life less if I don’t see you at least four times a day.”

He hugged her. Caressing her head, Laxman said, “That is why, inform your brother fast and get us married. Then I will be at your service 24 hours.”

He took her hand in his.

Looking at him, Jamali said, “I just can’t understand my brother regarding our marriage. Whenever Jhansi talks about you, he becomes silent. I think he does not like you.”

“But my sister is waiting for us to get married. My brother-in-law is strict. That is why I have sent Chikka Naik to talk about our marriage.”

At the same time, Dodda Naik came there with Chikka Naik. They were shocked to see the scene. Laxman and Jamali separate with fear.

Dodda Naik said angrily, “If I see you again with my sister, I will burn you alive.”

All were shocked. Jamali shivered with fear.

Dodda Naik said sternly, “Jamali, you go home first. Don’t roam around with this playboy.”  

Jamali had tears in her eyes.

Laxman said angrily, “What is deficient in me that you are keeping me away from Jamali?”

Dodda Naik said seriously, “Can’t you see how the villagers are pointing out at you to tell me what type of person you are? You are a wasteful person.”

Laxman said angrily, “I too have land and name. Just tell me what else you want to see in me?”

Dodda Naik said seriously, “I too know that you have land and everything. But there is one thing less. Do you know what?”

All looked at him.

Putting his hand on the ground and taking mud, Dodda Naik said, “You have land. That is second life for man. It gives fruit to a hardworking man. But you are a lazy fellow. Have you worked hard, ploughed the land, sown seed for even one day? Tell me. Your father who is 60 years old is working hard today also.”

All were silent. Chikka Naik said, “Eh Dodda Naik is not saying that he does not want to give his sister to you. But how long can he wait for you to change? You are not like others. He waited for so long for you to change. But you will not change in this life.”

Dodda Naik said seriously, “That is why I will see a boy who is hard working. I want some one who will look after her nicely.”

Coming to a decision, Laxman said, “Just watch, uncle. Give me six months time. I will earn more than you all.”

Going near, Dodda Naik said, “Not six month. I will give you one year. If you become like that, then only I will allow you to tie the mangalasutra on my sister.”