Barrister Parvateesam

“What’s all this commotion, Parvateesam?” they asked.

“I have no idea, sir. I just arrived at school this very moment, after being delayed by some chores. The moment I entered, all the boys started cheering for me, made me sit here, and asked me to give a speech. Then someone else recited some poems, and now they say they’re going to hold an ‘Ashtavadhanam’ competition. Ah, very nice. I’m glad. But it seems your felicitation was interrupted midway by this avadhanam,” said my uncle.

“Never mind, we’ll arrange for another speech some other time when there’s leisure,” he said, patting my back affectionately and giving two gentle knocks on my bald head. “For now, be content with this honor,” he said, and went away.

Smiling to myself, I went on my way.

Because of all the goings-on in the village, my studies at school fell behind. The good opinion my teachers once had of me changed. Determined to teach me a lesson, they kept me in the fifth form itself. This was the first time in my life I had to repeat a class for a second year. I felt terribly ashamed and afraid.

When my father heard this auspicious news, he scolded me in every possible way: “No studies, no prayers! Four years you shone as a student in Narsapur, and now look at you—”

Enough of your mischief! If you stay at home and look after the farming, it will be a help to me, and the land will come in handy. Besides, you know a few Sanskrit verses—recite what you know. They might be useful for something. So, go to Narsapur, fetch your box and bedding,' he said.

I pleaded in every possible way, 'Let me at least somehow struggle through this year and pass Matriculation. After that, I’ll stop. I’ll be more careful from now on.' My mother, too, took my side and said, 'He only got into this mess because of the company he kept, but does he lack intelligence? Is he dumb? What mischief can he get up to sitting here at home? Let him study until he finishes that Matric class he’s talking about, then we’ll see what to do next.' She gently persuaded my father.

He sat there in silence, unable to say anything.

My mother signaled for me to go. Without wasting a moment, I set off for Narsapur in a single breath. But as soon as I arrived, I felt terribly embarrassed to go back to school and sit in the same class again. However, some of the fellows who studied with me last year were still there this year, which gave me a bit of courage.

The headmaster, instead of scolding me as before, said, 'So, Parvateesam, have you finally come to your senses this year? Have you decided to bid farewell to village affairs and study diligently? Whether you’re here or not, the meetings and events in the village won’t stop. They go on every day,