15. Shivayya warns Kadar

CHAPTER 15

Shivayya warns Kadar

Shivayya stopped the jeep in the middle of the village. Hearing the sound of the jeep the people came out of their houses. Shivayya took out his machu. People get scared.

Shivayya shouted, “Where is that bastard? That tailor. Bring him to me.”

Hearing the shout, more people came out of their houses and gathered around Shivayya. 4 villagers went and knocked on Kadar’s door. His father opened the door.

One man asked, “Where is Kadar?”

Kadar’s father was shocked to see machus in their hands. He pointed to the sleeping Kadar. Kada got up on hearing the noise. He shivered on seeing the men with machus.

One man said, “Send him out. Anna wants him.”

Father was scared. “Why?”

“He must have made a mistake.”

The men caught hold of Kadar and dragged him out. The neighbors watched.

One lady said, “That bastard was telling everyone that he loves one of his students. He was going to run away with her. Shivayya must have come to know of it. Now he is finished.”

Another lady said, “You know how much Shivayya likes that girl? She is like daughter to him.”

Men brought Kadar out of the house and made him fall at Shivayya’s feet.

Shivayya said, “Tie him to that tree.”

Men tied Kadar to a tree. Kadar’s parents pleaded with Shivayya.

Father said, “Please forgive the boy. He will not do it again.”

Shivayya’s eyes become red. “Eh Raju! Bring kerosene and burn him. Reduce him to ashes in front of my eyes.”

Men brought kerosene and poured it on Kadar. Others watched anxiously.

Kadar’s mother fell fell at Shivayya’s feet. “Anna, please forgive him just once. He is our only son.”

Maulla came and caught Shivayya’s hands tight.

Shivayya cooled down and said to Kadar. “I am releasing you for your parents’ sake. Pack your things and leave this village immediately.”

Men released Kadar. He fell at Shivayya’s feet.

Shivayya said, “If I hear the sound of your machine anywhere in this jilla, you will be no more.”

Kadar and his parents went in a hurry into their house and packe their things. They put their belongings into a vehicle and left the village. Shivayya watched them leave.

Laxmi was sitting in the compound of her house at midnight waiting for Shivayya.

She thought, “I should not have told him about it. Maybe he has already killed the boy.”

She heard the sound of the jeep. 

Shivayya got down with the machu in his hand. Laxmi saw that there was no blood on the machu. She was relieved. She wanted to ask him about the matter but words don’t come out. 

Shivayya went and lay down on the bed. 

Laxmi sat looking at him. She remembered what had happened in the past and how she got married to Shivayya.