18. Laxmi gives books as gift

CHAPTER 18

Laxmi gives books as gift

Shivayya was watching TV in his room. Laxmi approached him with a packet. She put it on the table in front of him. “Shivayya, I am presenting this to you. Guess what it is.”

Shivayya picked up the packet and turned it round in his hands. “Is it a dress?”

Laxmi laughed and shook her head. “Open it and see.”

Shivayya opened the packet and was surprised to find two big books on Gandhiji and Subash Chandra Bose. He was pleased. “Thanks. I like Gandhiji very much. But I like Subash even more. I am most inspired by him though I don’t know much about him. I just saw the film on Gandhi and was much impressed. Whenever I read about the present political leaders in the papers, I feel like disgusted. I hate them.”

“Cool down, Shivayya. We are helpless.”

“That is why Gandhi type is of no use for the present leaders. We need Subash type of people to melt the present criminal leaders.”

Laxmi looked at the books. “Did you like my present?”

Shivayya too looked at the books in his hands. “These books might give a new direction to my thinking. Even your father is entering politics.”

“Yes. But you did make him promise on the photo of Gandhiji.”

“Looking at today’s situation, everyone takes Gandhiji’s name. They have just stopped at putting up his statues and giving his name to roads. But nobody follows his path. Just see. Your father too will become like that.”

Laxmi said, “I am thinking of joining hostel in Hyderabad to do inter. But only if you agree.”

“Fine. You go to Hyderabad. You must finish M.A. Then we will get married.”

He kept looking at her. “I think our thoughts are same.”

“Yes that is why since small age, I have always been dreaming of you.”

Shivayya approached her and hugged her. Then he whispered in her ears.

“You are my breathe. Without you, I am nothing. You know that? I love you so much.”

He hugged her tight.

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Shivaram became MPP. People put garlands on him. He sat on MPP seat and got suitcases full of money. He purchased 25 lakhs worth car and constructed a huge house for himself.