“You’re writing too, aren’t you! If I do the work you’re supposed to do, what’s the point of more thinking? Please, stop these pointless thoughts and hurry up. Are you still drowsy, or have you finally come to your senses? Our people are waiting for your arrival. Get up now. Even now, aren’t you men ashamed?” she said, laughing, and pinched my cheek, gave my neck a playful twist, and as I was about to get up, she scampered away as if frightened and startled. I truly woke up with a jolt and sat up. I quickly got off the bed and looked around all four corners. Where was my beloved? Only then did I realize it was just a dream. I flopped back onto the bed, chuckled to myself, and thought, “This is a warning to hurry up and get going.” So I got up and began preparing for my journey.

My mother noticed my haste and asked, “Are you leaving already, son?”

“Yes,” I replied.

She left without another word. As I was getting dressed, she quickly brought me some snacks and milk. By then, my father had already woken up and gone to the fields. I told my mother I was leaving and set out. She blessed me, and if anyone there tried to ask about my business, she would say, “Don’t say anything now or later—just keep quiet,” and, laughing at my reply, she slipped inside.

“If you’re so eager to bring your daughter-in-law home, you go ahead and bring her. I have no objection. I’ll take care of myself,” I said, stepping out into the street and setting off for Bhimavaram.

By the time I reached Bhimavaram, it was nearly two in the afternoon. My uncle had already eaten and gone to court. As the cart stopped at the gate, my Manohari was standing at the end of the street, looking out for my arrival. As soon as my cart stopped at the gate and I got down—

Barrister Parvateesam

She beamed at me like a blossoming lotus and settled down contentedly.

After the usual formalities and inquiries about each other's well-being, I finished my bath and meal, and then went to my room. There, I sat down, and until three in the afternoon, the room was filled with a ceaseless clamor. I can't recall whether she alone did all the talking, or if I too contributed, or even what exactly was said. At some point, as if someone had called her, my wife hurried inside, brought out some refreshments, and set them down before me. After finishing that, I changed my clothes and went to see my friend Raju.

The two of us wandered here and there, and by the time darkness had truly fallen and I returned home, my father-in-law was already searching for me. Both of us had dinner, and then spent a long time exchanging stories—this and that—whiling away the hours until late into the night, before finally retiring to our