A suitable Man

Chapter 12

Kumta Bus stand

Mahendra arrived at Kumta early next morning, he had talked with his mother about Dodda's health, she was doing fine and the operation too went smoothly. She would go back home in few days. Then He immediately called Shankar and asked him to come directly to Smriti's school. The school principal was surprised to see Mahendra so early and that also in his school. Mahendra directly approached the Principal and said, " Smriti Bhat works here right?, Do you have her Aadhar card copy or any identity proof copy with your office?"

The Principal fumbled, " er... it is personal data we cannot disclose.... We..... He stopped midway as he saw the fierce expression on Mahendra's face.

Mahendra said in a steely voice, " I want the copy NOW, is it clear?... Don't make me flex my power, I am not threatening anyone, I want it right away"

The Principal was taken aback, getting on Mahendra's wrong side was not conducive for his school, there were lot of things at stake. He quickly called the peon, and asked him to bring the file where the employee details were kept. The peon brought the file and gave it to him.

Mahendra quickly went through the file and removed the copy of both her Aadhar card and PAN card. He asked the Principal for the signature sheet of Smriti. It was given to him without a word.
He thanked the Principal and left with Shankar to his lawyers place.

Shankar was not able to fathom what was going on in Mahendra's mind. He asked, " what's the plan Putta, why are you taking all these things?

Mahendra was looking through the documents and answered, " you will know in time, just be with me".

Shankar was still in doubt, " whatever you are doing, don't let her father know you are back otherwise he will hasten that poor girl's wedding, I gathered some information about the man she is set to wed, His name is Vishwanath Hegde, a lame man, old enough to be her father.

Mahendra's eyes shot up at this information, " what!!!! An old man, I will kill that Padmakar, he has stooped so low.... He is selling his own daughter..... But he is not going to succeed, I won't let him do anything to Smriti" his blood was boiling at the thought of Vishwanath even looking at Smriti.

He continued, " Bawa, see you have to be with me through all this, To save Smriti I need to take some drastic steps, but they have to be taken....did you speak with our lawyers and when is the earliest I can meet them.... Only four days remain now, I need to act fast.

Shankar said, " yes we are going towards their office.

They stopped at the office of P.N.Hegde and co. Mahendra went inside and was greeted by PN Hegde himself. He was a burly man in his fifties with a wise head on his shoulders. He knew even before Mahendra came that his client was in a big trouble. He seated them in his office and said, " Yes Mr. Shetty, how can I help you?

Mahendra replied in a calm voice, " Get me married right now to this girl, he showed the identity proofs of Smriti... The earlier the better"

PN Hegde too in a calm voice said, " But where is the girl?, this is not legal... I can't do this.... She has to consent for the wedding, you can't just force her to marry you."

Mahendra clenched his fists, " I am not forcing her to marry me, but if I don't get this court marriage done within 3 days she will be forced to marry an old man".... Are you getting the gravity of the situation? I will pay you double, triple the amount of the fee you charge but get this done. Smriti can't come here as her father will not allow, and unless I marry her, I won't have any legal right on her... so please help me in this"

PN Hegde looked closely at Mahendra, " this boy seems to be crazy in love with the girl, he thought
He slowly said, " what about her signature?