14. Jamali ready to die

CHAPTER 14

Jamali ready to die

Jamali was sitting sadly. With tears in her eyes, looking at her husband, Jhansi said, “It is one week since my brother Laxman left the village. I wonder where he went.”

Dodda Naik said seriously, “I did not say anything wrong. I just advised him. He said that he will come like a king in six months to marry this queen.”

Jhansi started crying. “I have only one brother. He is rich enough. He considers Jamali as his life. I wonder where he went. I wonder when he will return.”

“He has taken six months time. I have given him one year time. If he does not come by then, I will look for another boy and get Jamali married. Just wait and watch.”

With sadness, with tears in her eyes, Jamali said, “Brother, in this life I will get mangalasutra tied only by him. Otherwise I don’t want marriage in this life.”

Dodda Naik said seriously, “I will wait for one year. After that I will not wait a single moment. If he does not return as he promised, I will get you married to that Maula Naik.”

All were shocked.

AFTER ONE YEAR

Jamali was crying. Looking at her, Jhansi said, “My brother is very stubborn, my dear. He just refuses to listen to me.”

Jamali cried, “Sister-in-law, I will not agree to this marriage even if I die.”

Just then, Durga and another lady come there. 

Lady said, “Jhansi, Dodda Naik and the groom party have already arrived at the temple. Engagement preparations are going on. They are calling you and Jamali.”

Jamali cried bitterly, “Aunty, is your brother doing justice to me? Ever since I was born, it is being told that Laxman is my husband. I will not get mangalasutra tied by anyone other than him.”

The lady said coolly, “Love is different, life is different. It is one year since he left the forest. Who knows where he is, how he is. You are a grown up girl. Tell me how long can you be kept in the house? Dodda Naik felt responsible.”

Going near Jamali, Jhansi said, “Do one thing, Jamali, we are all helpless. Put the weight on forest goddess and took bath and come. I will leave otherwise he will be angry.”

Three of them left. Jamali sat alone crying. After they all left, she got up quickly.

 

Standing up, Jamali thought, “If I am to get married, it will be with Laxman only. Otherwise I must die. In the next life, I will become his wife. I have had enough of this life.

She moved into the forest. She started running through the forest.