6. Mohandas arrives

CHAPTER 6

Mohandas arrives

An auto came and stopped in front of Shastri’s house. One man with curly hair wearing silk jubbah and silk lungi got down. He had ring on his ears. He looked like Harikathadasa.

The servant who was standing in front of the house came immediately to take his suitcase. “You are..”

“My name was Mohandas.”

“I think you are Harikathadasa. Come with me. Don’t pay the driver. Madam will pay.”

Mohandas nodded and followed the servant. They entered the house.

Servant pointed to the chairs. “Sit down. I will call madam.”

Mohandas sat down on the sofa in the big hall. The servant went in and came out with Jayalaxmi.

Jayalaxmi approached Mohandas and smiled. “Namaskara. Was the journey pleasant?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Will you have tea or coffee?”

He smiled. “Sugarless coffee please.”

Jayalaxmi went in and brought coffee and water. She stood near him admiring his body. He drank the coffee watching her.

Jayalaxmi thought, “What a handsome man.”

Monandas measured her with his hand. “Your husband?”

She smiled. “Ramanavami program will start tomorrow. That’s why he has gone to the city.”

Mohandas smiled. “Your village’s temple is very famous. The Ramanavami programe is well known all over the State.”

Jayalaxmi laughed. “All arrangements have been made for you to stay upstairs.”

The servant took the suitcase and went up the stairs. Mohandas and Jayalaxmi followed him. The servant opened the lock on the door and kept the suitcase inside.

Mohandas looked around. “Your house is very big.”

Jayalaxmi smiled proudly. “It is an old house built by our ancestors.”

Servant said happily, “This house is also famous and our Shastri’s big heart is also very well known. He is such a great man.”

Mohandas said, “Looking at this house I can understand that.”

Jayalaxmi said, “You can have bath downstairs. What will you have at night?”

Mohandas looked into her eyes. “Whatever tiffin you provide.”