17. Jeeva is ready to leave

CHAPTER 17

Jeeva is ready to leave

After listening to the story of Jamali, Jeeva had tears in his eyes. 

Dodda Naik also had tears in his eyes. He wiped his eyes and asked Jhansi, “Is the food ready?”

Jhansi said, “Just 10 minutes more.”

For the next few days, these tribals took a good care of Jeeva. Hakeem came every day and applied oil on Jeeva’s arm. Jhansi prepared good food for Jeeva. Durga spent time sitting by his side and talking to him. Jamali gave water to Jeeva after he had taken his food. Durga Naik too sat near Jeeva talking to him.

After 15 days, Jeeva showed his arm which was now fully cured.

Hakeem checked the arm and said, “It is now cured. I have to give massage for two more days that’s all.”

Giving a glass of hot milk to Jeeva, Jhansi said, “Brother, take milk.”

Jeeva said, “I don’t get such a good treatment even in my own house.”

Jhansi said, “Who ever came to our house or our forest, they are like god to us. This is our custom.”

Hakeem smiled at Jhansi. “I too came here thirty years ago for herbs. But due to the love and affection of these villagers, I continued to stay here.”

Jhansi gave food to Jeeva. He started eating. Suddenly he coughed. Jhansi tapped his head and laughed. She gave water to drink. “Your family must be thinking of you. Drink water.”

Jeeva laughed happily and took water.  “I will not be able to pay back your debt in this life.”

 “You are a brother who has come to sister’s house. You should not speak like that.” Said Jhansi.

Jeeva got excited. He smiled. “Do you know how strong my arm is now? I can turn it as I like.”

Jeeva turned his arm. Everyone looked at him happily.

Dodda Naik said, “What have you thought of our Hakeem? If he just touches, it is enough to know how many bones are there in the body. He is such a great doctor.”

Jeeva smiled. “Now that I am cure, you must give me permission to leave.”

Dodda Naik smiled. “Tomorrow is festival in our house. You can enjoy the feast and then leave.”

“Dodda Naik, there is festival in the neighbouring village. We must go there early in the morning.”

Dodda Naik said coolly, “Do one thing. You all leave early in the morning. I will give our guest the feast, send him away and join you all in the evening with my wife.”

Chikka Naik said. “There is a prayer at the temple now. All are waiting for you.”

Looking at Jeeva, Dodda Naik said, “You too come. Let us go the temple of the forest goddess protecting our forest.”

Jeeva said seriously, “Forgive me. I do not have any faith in god.”

All were shocked. Jeeva suddenly realized that he had uttered something wrong since the villagers had strong belief in their goddess. He corrected himself by saying, “But I am seeing god in you.”

Dodda Naik said, “As you wish.”

All left.

*********************************

Next day there was festival in Dodda Naik’s house. Jeeva was sitting on the cot outside the hut talking with Durga.

Looking at Jamali, Dodda Naik said, “Jamali, give me a bag and list of items required.”

Jamali gave bag and list.   Dodda Naik said, “You only must prepare the feast for our guest.”

Looking at Jeeva, Dodda Naik said, “Jhansi is good at preparing the usual food but Jamali always prepares the feast. It is always so tasty.”

Jeeva smiled happily looking at Jamali.

Dodda Naik said to Jeeva, “Sir, I am going to the mandal to bring the things. I will return by 10 o’clock. Will you also come with me?”

Jeeva laughed and shook his head. “Forgive me, Naik. If I want to come to this forest once again and stay with you, I will have to break my hand or leg. That is why I will spend the time talking with this little girl. You go and come back soon.”

Dodda Naik said, “As you wish. Durga, look after your uncle if he needs anything.”

He went away with bag.