15. Laxman saves Jamali

CHAPTER 15

Laxman saves Jamali

Meanwhile at the temple, Chikka Naik and others were at the temple. Arrangements were made for Jamali’s engagement to Maula Naik.

Swami said, “Dodda Naik, where is your sister Jamali? Call her.”

Looking at Jhansi, Dodda Naik said, “Where is Jamali? Didn’t you bring her with you?”

Jhansi said, “She is taking bath. She will be here soon.”

Dodda Naik said seriously, “Go and bring her.”

Jhansi and Durga left. They reached the house and searched everywhere calling Jamali’s name. But she was not to be seen anywhere.

Jhansi said with fear, “She said that she will go to took bath. I wonder where she went.”

Jhansi ran with her hand on her chest here and there searching.

Suddenly Durga saw Jamali running through the forest. “Look there. She is running through the forest.”

Jhansi was shocked. She ran towards the forest with Durga.

By that time, Jamali had started climbing up a small hill.

Seeing her, Jhansi shouted, “Jamali”

Looking at Durga, Jhansi said, “You go to the temple and inform everyone. I will go to save Jamali.”

Durga left. Jhansi started climbing the hill.

At the temple, all were waiting at the temple for Jamali to come.

Dodda Naik was worried. “I wonder where they went. It is so late.”

Jamali had reached the top of the hill.

Jhansi climbed the hill shouting, “Jamali, no Jamali.”

Jamali thought, “Oh forest goddess, my mind says that Laxman is my husband. I don’t want to marry anyone other than him. If I cannot get him in this life, then he must become my husband in another life. I must get mangalasutra tied by him.”

Jhansi could see Jamali standing at the edge of the hill ready to jump. She shouted loudly, “Jamali, Jamali. Don’t jump.”

Laxman Naik was returning to the village at the same time. He was walking on the road near the hill. He heard Jhansi shouting. He was shocked. He looked up and saw Jamali ready to jump. He shouted, “Jamali.”

But Jamali did not hear his voice. She looked at the sky and jumped. Laxman was shocked. He ran towards the river below the hill.

Jhansi also saw Jamali jump from the hill into the water below. She was shocked. She shouted, “Jamali, what have you done.”

Durga had informed everyone. All were running towards the river from the temple.  

Dodda prayed, “Forest goddess, please save my sister.”

Laxman Naik jumped into the river and saved Jamali’s life. He lifted Jamali from the water and brought her to the river side. He put her on the ground. Jamali was unconscious. Everyone surrounded her.

Jhansi sat near Jamali. “Jamali.”

Taking Jamali’s face in his hands, Dodda said, “Jamali”

Laxman said, “She is alive.”

He pressed Jamali’s stomach to remove the water. Jamali opened her eyes slowly. All were happy.

Taking Laxman’s hand, Doda Naik said, “You have saved my sister.”

Laxman said, “Dodda Naik, I am now standing in front of you as a brave soldier and I have kept my word. Will you now get your daughter married to me? 

Looking at him, Dodda Naik said, “Do you know how proud I am seeing you like this? You were not an ordinary man. You were a brave soldier fighting for our nation.”

All shouted, “Jai veer jawan. Bharat mata ki jai.”

Dodda Naik said, “I am lucky to have my daughter married to such a brave soldier like you.

Looking at Swami, Dodda Naik said, “Swami, will you get them married during this auspicious muhurtha?”

Swami said, “It will be my pleasure.”

Going near Jamali, Dodda Naik said, “You love had won and my responsibility is over.”

Jamali got married to Laxman. He spent time in the village happily with Jamali.

After one month, Laxman had to leave to fight against terrorists at the India-Pakistan border.

All the tribals were gathered to wave good bye to the brave soldier.

Folding his hands in front of Dodda Naik, Laxman said, “Uncle, I am going to fight against terrorists. I need the blessing of all of you.”

Dodda Naik said, “Go and play foot ball with those anti-nationals. You have the blessing of goddess of the forest.”

Jamali asked, “When will you return?”

Looking at her with love, Laxman said, “After 6 months. But I will come daily in your dreams.”