Ammu is Back ! [COMPLETED]

Muddula Krishna

It is the annual Krishna pooja at Kunthala. The last time they celebrated it was 25 years ago hence they decide to host it at a grander scale than ever before. Devasena, goes to invite her mil. Ammu is also present there.

D: Rajamatha, we're celebrating our Krishna pooja this evening. It will be an honour if you grace this occasion.

Si: I was just discussing with Baahu but I am afraid I have to leave to Mahishmathi soon as there as some important issues that need my immediate attention. Let Baahu stay here.

Devasena looks hopefully at Ammu and who shows disinterest.

A: Amma, I can't send you alone I will also come with you.

Si: Mahendra is coming with us, you be here with Devasena we will go.

A: No Amma I can't. Not this time.

Devasena's face falls in disappointment. She pleads to him through eyes to stay back.

A: Sorry Devu, it's urgent I have to go besides it's a ladies function you all will be singing and dancing what would I do there ?? Me wearing langa oni ( half saree ) and prancing around with you won't look good.

D: Not that but...

A: It's ok. You celebrate it and pray for us.

Devuu just gives a half smile and exits the room to arrange for the send off of Ammu, Mahendra and Sivagami.

****

Ammu and Sivagami along with Mahendra take leave of them. Kattappa is left behind to be with Avanthika and Devasena. Ammu waves to her from the boat and she reciprocates half-heartedly. They carry on with the preparations for the pooja. In the evening, Devuu and Avanti are decked up in their finest wear and the pooja commences after which they sing and dance.

D: Muripala mukundha...

Av: Saradala sadandaa....

As she croons, she reminisces her mischievous Krishna and his antics to woo her and giggles to herself.

Av: Yaaadhaavaaaa.... Maadhavaaa....

D: Naa athi maali dooshamu jarige
ooo vanamaali yeddu ninnu podiche paapam antha naadenuraa....

She then gets solemn when she misses him.

Avanthika taps her shoulder asking what happened and she shakes her head implying nothing.

D: Kannaaa nidurinchara....

Av: Naa kannaa nidurincharaaa...

Towards the end, the ladies take the pooja platter and walk to the balcony to offer prayers to the moon with Devuu leading them. She looks out, her gaze falling on the very branch her Ammu once slept peacefully and she recalls the past.

After prayers, pooja platter in hand Devuu discreetly walks out to the garden. She sees her Ammu in deep sleep and contemplates whether to wake him or not.

D: I have brought the prasad, I want him to have it but he is sleeping.. should I wake him up or let him be ?? Hmm I think he must be in pain if I wake him up he might find it difficult to go back to sleep and I might have to lull him again. I am also tired so better not.