26. Shivayya marries Laxmi

CHAPTER 26

Shivayya marries Laxmi

The whole thing came out as sensational news in the State. Shivayya got married to Laxmi secretly in Tirupati. Then he called the TV and newspaper crew.

Shivayya said to the TV camera, “Our elders fixed our marriage when we were small children. I grew up with the thought that she was my future wife. But my uncle Shivaram tried to pull my heart away and give it to someone else. So I took her away and married her.”

Laxmi said, “I got married to him because I love him.”

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Shivayya phoned to the general secretary of his organization.

“Satya, I am coming with my wife to the village.”

Shivayya came to the village with Laxmi. Thousands of people came to welcome them.

Shivayya and Laxmi entered Bhaskaraiah’s room. He got up slowly. He did arati and put kunkum on their forehead. They touched his feet.

Laxmi had tears in her eyes. “Uncle.”

Bhaskaraiah took her hand. “You have at last come to our house. I am so happy. Shivayya did a very good job.”

Laxmi said, “It is all with your blessing uncle. My father is on the wrong track.”

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Naga was very angry. He phoned to Shivaram. “That badmash son-in-law of yours has returned to the village with Laxmi.”

Shivaram said angrily, “You are my son-in-law not he. I must see his dead body.”

“I am going to bring his head.” Said Naga angrily.

“Why are you going? If we just give a signal, there are men who will cut his head and put it at our feet. But more than that, I must bring my daughter. Let us all go together.”

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Satya came to Shivayya’s house. “Brother, your uncle and Naga are coming with their followers to attack our village.”

Shivayya’s eyes went red. He placed his fingers on his moustache.

Bhaskaraiah got shocked. “Shivayya, what shall we do?”

“Appa, since childhood, I have been influenced by Gandhiji. To develop our village and the surrounding villages using Gandhi marg, I started an organization. Because of this, I have the support of thousands of youth.”

He looked at Subash’s photo. “After reading the book given by Laxmi, I can now apply Subash marg to eliminate those criminals. Just watch. Let them come.”

Satya said, “Thousands of our youth are getting ready.”

Shivayya said seriously, “Let them come.”