9 Emotional Bond (1/2)

”How can my Dad be so heartless? Ajji was buried here just a few months back. This farm land is our ancestral property; we've inherited this for more than a century now. I'll bring this farm land to its original glory…and see that it is not sold until I'm alive.” Prakruth thought as he walked. He was very angry at his father. He grew up in this farm with his grandparents, most of his schooling happened here in nearby school. The people here added values to his life, he had a best childhood here.

”Prasad, the area around the Ajja Ajji tomb… is it cleared from weeds?” Prakruth asked. ”Yes Saab” answered Prasad.

”Come let's see…” he walked towards the tomb.

He called at one of the laborers there and instructed them to plant flowering plants and saplings which had arrived from the nursery around the tomb. He was trying to learn everyone's name. Laborers were happy as Prakruth treated each one of them with respect… he used to care about their food, health and never allowed their kids to work in his field. He had kicked out the old farm manager and saw that they got their wages properly. Before he arrived, the manager appointed by his father, misused the funds giving fake accounts.

On first day when he met the manager, he had enquired about the accounts… ”I had seen Dad grumbling that there was no income from these farms at all in spite of spending on it every month, I will check the accounts myself” he thought.

”I have mailed the accounts to Doctor” the manager said carelessly.

”So does that mean I shouldn't see??” Prakruth asked in authoritative tone.

”You can… it's on the system, see yourself” he answered in arrogance.

As he went through the accounts on the computer, he felt something was fishy. He ordered Prasad to call all the laborers mentioned in the wages list. When he met them, he came to know the truth. He asked the manager to leave… the manager left without questioning to his dismay.

”Prasad, why didn't he plead or protest?” Prakruth asked as he couldn't contain myself.

”Saab, he told that big boss is planning to sell these farms and he was searching for an alternative job… may be he has found one…” Prasad replied as he saw the manager walk away.

”Who? My Dad is selling the property?” Prakruth exclaimed.

”He was saying that last week while distributing wages and had asked us to find a new job too” Prasad answered openly. ”Saab, is it true?” he added.

”No, No… I'll look after the farms hereafter… My father has lied so that this manager can leave without causing any troubles” Prakruth lied to cover up his father's reputation among the labor class. ”I can't let the people know that my Dad is ruthless and materialistic. He's a famous doctor and a kind hearted person according to villagers… I intend to leave the same image” he thought.

”Saab” Prasad interrupted his thoughts… pulling Prakruth to the present.

”Yes Prasad” Prakruth gestured lifting his eyebrow. He was a sincere worker, Prakruth believed and also liked him. So he decided to retain him.

”This Friday is Carnival fest… all villagers will celebrate it grandly”… he scratched his head.