...we set off.

We stayed in Bhimavaram for another two days. My mother-in-law, with all her affection, packed us off with gifts, delicacies, pickles, and all sorts of household utensils and supplies that might be needed. She even sent along, to assist not just me but also Saraswati, a trustworthy relative from her side—a woman who was alone and struggling financially. (A great soul, as the saying goes, “Like Panuganti’s kumkum box, filled with sacred ash!”)

My father-in-law, in his wisdom, suggested in many ways that it would be better for me to postpone my Madras practice for a while, to stay here and gain some experience first, and only then set up practice in Madras. He said this would be much more convenient and advantageous. But I did not like that idea. From the very beginning, I had heard from many that if one starts in the High Court itself, one develops a broad outlook, keen analytical skills, and the ability to impress even the most eminent judges with one’s arguments and expertise. Not only had I heard this, but even in my brief months of experience, I felt the same. I managed to convince my father-in-law of this and set off for Madras.

For a week or ten days after arriving in Madras, I had to make do in the small house I had previously rented. Though it was cramped and inconvenient, I managed to pass the time there until I was able to secure a slightly larger house.

Every day, I went to court punctually and also visited our seniors’ offices, diligently attending to all the work assigned to me. Our Narayana Murthy garu was very pleased to see my enthusiasm and dedication.

“Babu, I am curious to see how you will handle a case independently. Why don’t you take up a case on your own now?” he said one day, handing me an appeal.

“This will come up for hearing the day after tomorrow. Read it carefully and understand it thoroughly...”

“Go ahead. There’s a subtle point in this case. If you can grasp it, you’ll win. If not, the case is lost. Don’t ask me anything about it. I’ll be right beside you, listening to your argument. If you fail to bring up the point I have in mind, then and only then will I write it down on a slip of paper and hand it to you. After all, we mustn’t let our client lose the case, right?” he said with a smile.

He continued, “I’m confident you’ll understand this case properly and surely mention the point I have in mind. What do you say?”

“What’s there to say no? I’ll certainly try. I’ve already picked up some of your ways of thinking, haven’t I? So I hope everything will go smoothly,” I replied, took my leave, and went back to my lodgings.

The next day, instead of going to his house, I met him directly at the court. The same happened on the