61. Devyani agrees to act in ANARKALI

CHAPTER 61

Devyani agrees to act in ANARKALI

Financier Marwadi was sitting in Manikyam’s house. “I don’t know. You have a loan of 10 cores. You owe me 5 cores. You first vacate this house.”

Manikyam was shocked. “Why are you so strict? Your father has been financing me since 10 years. I have already paid lakhs of rupees as interest.”

Marwadi said seriously, “My father died 2 years ago. My system is different. You will not be able to take any more films since you don’t have any money. But I want my money. You have mortgaged this house. I will get order from the court to make you vacate.”

Manikyam shivered. “Your father knows me very well. I am going to another film with super star Raviraj.”

Marwadi laughed. “That Raviraj? He told me that he will not give you call sheet. If you want I will call him.”

He phoned to Raviraj and passed the cell to Manikyam.

Manikyam said, “Raviraj, if you give me call sheet again, I will take a good film.”

Raviraj said, “Forgive me, sir. I am booked for the next 2 years.”

Manikyam was shocked. Marwadi took back the cell. “That is why I told you.  You look for a rented house. I will give you 2 days time.”

Marwadi left.

Devyani was sitting in the nearby room and listening to everything.

Manikyam said to his wife, “We have only one choice. After living so nicely, we have to be on the road. If that super star had just said that he will give call sheet, we could have saved this house.”

Dhanalaxmi said, “You only made him a super star. He has forgotten you so soon.”

“We have only one choice. We will take poison and die.”

“Yes. We have no other choice.”

Hearing this, Devyani came running. “Devyani Amma, what are you saying?”

She put her hand over Dhanalaxmi’s mouth. She had tears in her eyes.

Manikyam said sadly, “You are the only one to shed tears for us.”

Devyani went and brought curd rice for both of them. “Appa, I want to say something. If it is useful to you, you can agree.”

Manikyam asked, “What are you going to say?”

Devyani said, “Three months back you had come to my house saying that you wanted to make some film.”

Both look at her in surprise.

Manikyam said, “Yes ‘ANARKALI’.”

“If you are going to do that film, I am ready to act in it.”

Manikyam was shocked. He stared at her.

Dhanalaxmi asked, “What are you saying?”

“Your life is precious to me. I want you to come out of your problems. I am ready to do anything.”

Manikyam shook his head. “No dear. Don’t do anything against your mind.”

Devyani held his hand and placed it on her head. “Appa, you have sacrificed so much for me. I am ready to sacrifice my life for you. Please don’t refuse. I will do it happily.”

Manikyam felt like a new man. He looked at god. “Just a minute. I will phone to the director.”

He took up the phone. “Surinder, I am Manikyam.”

S”What happened? Your film is a full failure, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I am in a bad state.”

“If you take ‘ANARKALI’ you will be saved.”

“I called to talk about that. I am ready to take the film.”

“Only if that girl you showd agrees to act I will take the film. I have seen Anarkali in her.”

Manikyam was excited. He looked at Devyani. “Yes. That girl only. She will act in the film. She is here in my house right now.”

Dhanalaxmi got excited. She too stared at Devyani. Devyani was cool.

Surinder was surprised and happy. “Is it? Good. Tomorrow morning you give a press statement that ‘ANARKALI’ film production will start with Surinder as director. I will get you 5 cores as advance.”

Manikyam was relaxed.

Surinder said on phone, “I am in a hill station. Bring that girl here.”

Manikyam agreed. “Ok.”

Manikyam put down the phone. He closed his eyes for a while. “You have saved me. You have saved my prestige.”

Dhanalaxmi looked at Devyani. “If you had not come to our house, we would have committed suicide. You came as a daughter and became a mother.”

Devyani put curd rice into their mouth. They ate happily.