Part 23

After an hour:

Both Devyani and Arnav completed their dinner.. Now, Arnav sat on the bed facing Devyani who said she wants to talk with him.

"Say Dadi.. What is it ?"asked Arnav though he knew what his dadi is going to say.

"Do you know what my Sasumaa said when I entered this house as DIL ?"asked Devyani.

Arnav looked at her grandmother totally clueless..

Looking at the clueless face of her grandson Devyani continued, " Raizada family is ruling this village from many decades.. They always strived for the welfare of this village people.. They have kept the welfare of this village and it's people before their happiness. So, from now on your first duty is to protect this village and it's people as the DIL of this family. Keep the welfare of this village before your happiness. Even if you have to die protecting this village and it's people, then die.. Or if you have to kill someone to protect this village, then kill without a second thought.. But never let the people of this village suffer.. These people turn to us in any kind of trouble.. Never disappoint them. These are the words said by my mother in law to me.."

Devyani looked at her grandson who seemed to understand what she is saying..

She then continued, " Just like my mother in law said I always strived hard for the welfare of this village and it's people.. Now it is your turn to save this village and it's people Chote."

"I don't understand Dadi.. What happened now ??"asked Arnav.

"A month back few people came to meet me. They were from one of the reputed company. The company is thinking to start it's Chemical factory here. For that they want land here. They are thinking to buy major portion agricultural lands of this village and it even includes part of Devimayya Temple too. Those people came to me as they came to know about Raizada Power in this village. They thought if I get convinced, then it will be easy for them to start their factory here. When they have explained me, I have cleared rejected the idea. They said their company is going to start a chemical factory which means it will pollute the environment here . Also, the agricultural lands here are very fertile. Major population of this village are farmers here. They don't any other works than farming..And above all they want even a part of temple too.. The company people tried to lure me with many offers but I didn't budge. Disappointed, they finally left from here. Later I came to know that Subadhra called them to her house. I don't know how Subadhra came to know that company people met me but she herself called them.. She promised them to make village people agree to give their lands and part of temple too. I also heard they offered a huge sum of money to Subadhra.. So, I am afraid now Chote. According the rule written after your grandfather's death, the eldest son is made Malik of this village. But if the eldest son is unmarried or widowed by the age he reach 30 or sacred ceremony which is held for every ten years, then the legacy is passed to the next son of the house. You are now 30 Chote and sacred ceremony is in a month.. If you aren't married by that time, then the legacy will be passed to the next son which is Shyam.. Subadhra played a clever trick and mentioned Shyam also as heir of Raizada. If the legacy falls into Shyam and Subadhra's hands, then everyone are doomed. You, me, this village and it's people, everyone will be doomed. That is why I am begging you to marry again Chote. If there was any way other than this, I would have definitely chosen it. I wouldn't have forced you for marriage. " said Devyani..

She looked at her grandson who seemed to understand the gravity of situation.

"Think about it and say me your decision tomorrow Chote" said Devyani.

Arnav deeply sighed and nodded his head.

"You sleep Dadi.." said Arnav.

Devyani slept peacefully after pouring out her heart and problems to her grandson..

Arnav, on the other hand couldn't sleep whole night thinking about what Devyani said.. He couldn't understand what he should do. He is not ready for another relationship. At the same time, he can't let the people of village suffer in the hands of Shyam and Subadhra. Thinking about the events going on his life, he slept on the sofa..

Arnav woke up after few hours.. He saw the time.. It was already 5 in the morning. He remembered what happened the day before evening and Devyani's talk with him.

Arnav sighed heavily.. He is totally confused as what to do now. He needs to clear his mind to take a decision now.. For that he need to visit devimayya temple.. Whenever he feels stressed or frustrated, he will visit devimayya temple early in the morning.. The morning atmosphere of temple gives him a soothing feeling.. The early morning chants in the temple, fragrance of incense sticks, cool air from the green trees around gives him a new energy.. Above all his favorite Ramu is there to relieve him from the stress. If he spends sometime with Ramu, he will forget all his worries.. Also, most of the decisions he took in the temple at that time proved to be fruitful. So, Arnav thought to take bath and leave for devimayya temple.

After an hour, Arnav reached the temple and went inside. He went near garbhalaya. Abhisheka is still going on for devimayya with milk.. The Chief preist is performing the abhisheka while other junior priests are assisting him. The Chief priest looked at Arnav and smiled to which Arnav reciprocated. Arnav stood there closing his eyes joining your palms infront of devimayya.

He then started from there and sat at one of the pillar facing devimayya statue. Abhisheka is still going on for devimayya.

"Hey Maa.. You have always shown me a correct way whenever I am confused or in trouble. I can't decide what to do now. Show me a way." Prayed Arnav closing his eyes and sitting in meditation posture.

He, started praying and chanting few mantras of devimayya with closed eyes..

Suddenly he felt a vibration in his body. He felt light and saw a dream like sequence. There he saw himself sitting on a royal chair, festivities all around the village, Ramu walking with a garland holding with his trunk. He saw few girls standing in a line and Ramu surpassing them. Finally Ramu placed the garland in the neck a girl who was from the crowd leaving all the girls who are standing in the line. Everyone in the crowd seemed shocked and surprised.. The girl wore a red color chudidar. He couldn't see her face though.

The loud ringing of the temple bell which indicates that Abhisheka and daily pooja of the devimayya are completed brought Arnav out of his dream.

Arnav looked at devimayya statue which is now decorated with bright green kanjivaram saree and different flowers. He felt she is smiling at him giving her blessings.

"I understood maa. I understood what you want me to do." Said Arnav and joining his palms once again stood up.

He went devimayya and the chief priest gave him Prasad.

"How are you Bade Malik ?"asked the chief priest.

"I am fine Pundit ji" said Arnav.

Both of them went aside and talked regarding finances of the temple, village people..

Arnav took leave from Chief priest and came near Ramu.

Ramu, who saw Arnav was elated more than anyone. He moved his trunk up and down indicating he is happy. Arnav smiled at Ramu and patted his trunk lovingly. Ramu, in excitement lifted Arnav with his trunk making Arnav laugh loudly..

"Ramu. Put me down" said Arnav..

Ramu brought Arnav down.. Arnav kissed Ramu's trunk lovingly.

"I know you are too much excited to see me.. Even, I am excited too" said Arnav.

He, then fed Ramu with Sugarcanes who chewed on happily..

Arnav remembered his dream and looked at Ramu.

"I hope you will chose an ideal life partner for me" thought Arnav to himself.

After spending sometime with Ramu, Arnav returned to Sheesh Mahal.

Sorry guys for making you wait for soo long.. I got married recently and I am in my in-laws house. That is why I am not able to update frequently from the past few months.. I am not getting time to sit and write an updatethese days due to household chores. So, I can update only twice a month. Hope you all understand andstay by me, support me.

Thanks to each and everyone who have commented on the updates.