69. Naga speaks with Laxmi on phone

CHAPTER 69

Naga speaks with Laxmi on phone

Shivayya was with Shastri at the temple. Shivayya told Shastri about what had happened between him and his wife.

Shastri said, “You have done a mistake, Shivayya.”

Shivayya looked at him in surprise.

Shastri said, “It is a great thing for this jilla or this State to have a good leader like you. Through your organization, you are developing this jilla so much. You are reminding us of Gandhiji.”

Shvayya looked at him. “I am doing it as a duty.”

Shastri said, “These political leaders are not doing even 10% of what you are doing. That Naga is a big demon. Vasundara may be your sister but she will be president only in name. Naga will hav the jilla in his hold. That is why Laxmi has agreed. Don’t stop her.”

Shivayya nodded. “Ok swami. I will do as you say. I have never scolded her in my life.”

Shivayya looked at his hand. “Today I hit her. I don’t know how to face her.”

Shastri patted his back. “Don’t worry. I will come with you.”

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Laxmi was sitting with her hands on her head. Shivayya entered with Shastri. Laxmi put a mat for him. Shastri sat down on the mat.

Laxmi sat down with tears in her eyes.

Shivayya was sitting looking somewhere.

Shastri approached Laxmi and caressed her head.  “He hit you. Some tension it seems. Forgive him.”

Laxmi looked at Shastri and then she looked at Shivayya. She wiped her eyes.

Shivayya said, “Tomorrow is a good day. You go and apply for the post. Please forgive me.”

Laxmi was surprised to see the change in Shivayya. She looked at Shastri, who smiled at her and nodded.

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Laxmi filed nomination papers. CM phoned.

CM said, “I am very happy that you are the candidate from our party. Your jilla minister and HM Naga want to talk to you.”

Laxmi was shocked to hear Naga’s name. “Forgive me, sir. It was not necessary.”

CM insisted. “Don’t keep enmity like that. He only got that post reserved for ladies so that you will apply.”

Laxmi was shocked.

“If you say yes, I will give him connection.”

“Ok sir.”

Naga said on phone, “Please forget the past. We all wanted to make Shivayya the Jilla Parishad President. But he told CM that he did not want the post. That is why I reserved it for ladies. I am sure that you will win with full majority. Congratulations.”

Laxmi said, “Thank you sir.”

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Laxmi returned home after filing the application. She was worried about Shivayya. She thought, “Shall I tell him about Naga or not?”

Shivayya was sitting on a chair in the hall. Laxmi looked at his face. He was very serious.

Laxmi thought, “If I tell him, he might make me took back my application.”

Laxmi said, “As soon as I applied for the post, all the opposition candidates withdrew. I am the only candidate now. So I will win unanimously.”

Shivayya said coolly, “Is it? Good.”