English Edition of

Bestselling Hindi Romantic Novel…

By Author

Laxman Rao (B.A. – Delhi University, India)

Title : NARMADA

Author : Laxman Rao

Copyright ©: All rights reserved by

Author Laxman Rao.

Edition : 2015(First Edition in English language)

ISBN : 978-93-82276-05-0

Translator : Utsav Davda

Publisher : Bhartiya Sahitya Kala Prakashan

11, Vishnu Digamber Marg,

New Delhi – 110 002, India (M) +91 9990666043, +91 9210415574

Email: laxmanrao.bskp@gmail.com

Author Laxman Rao presenting his Hindi novel ‘Renu’

to the former President of India Pratibha Patil

at President House, New Delhi on 23rd

July, 2009

About the Author

Laxman Rao, 63, is a well known prolific Hindi-language author who is famously

known as a ‘Tea Vendor Author’. He has written 24 books in Hindi language till

date. So many articles have been published about him and electronic and social

media has also covered his story across the world.

He has been awarded by 40 different trusts and organizations. In addition to this,

he had been invited to President House to meet former President of India Pratibha

Patil alongwith his family on 23 July, 2009. A graduate of Delhi University, now

lectures widely to schools, universities and educational institutions.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/laxmanraowriter

https://www.facebook.com/laxmanrao.bskp

https://twitter.com/Laxmanraoauthor

http://laxmanraoauthor.blogspot.in/

Contact Information: (M) : +91 9990666043, +91 9210415574

Email : laxmanrao.bskp@gmail.com

Address : Laxman Rao (Author)

11, Vishnu Digamber Marg,

(Near Hindi Bhawan-Bal Bhawan)

New Delhi – 110 002, India

Author Laxman Rao’s Interviews

by International Media

February 9, 1986 Asiaweek Hong Kong

May 5, 1996 TVI Singapore

September 25, 2000 Gulf News Dubai, U.A.E.

August 23, 2004 Gulf News Dubai, U.A.E.

December 13, 2004 BBC News Radio

January 15, 2005 BBC Urdu Radio

November 2, 2005 Agence Frence Presse (AFP) Paris

November 16, 2005 The Guardian London

November 20, 2005 BBC World News London

July 13, 2006 ANI

March 21, 2007 AFP (South Asia Video) France

July 23, 2009 IANS (Breaking News)

August 23, 2012 EFE (Spanish News Agency) Spain

November 25, 2013 The New York Times New York

August 3, 2015 BBC World News London

MAIN CHARACTERS

MaleBabu

Govardhan

Baba (Priest)

Yashraj (Babu’s Father)

Grandfather (Narmada’s Grandfather)

FemaleNarmada

Varsha

Chitra

Mom (Babu’s Mother)

Jaanki (Maid at Babu’s House)

1 In those days, I was pursuing my Engineering from I.I.T., Delhi. I only had few

more exams left for third year. 30th April was the last day for exams. It was

convenient as well as difficult to study in a hostel.

My parents lived in Bhopal. Our bungalow was on the Bairagarh Road. My father

was the contractor for the construction of bridges and roads for past two decades

and was mostly busy in contracts given by Madhya Pradesh Government.

He got a big tender in Baitul valley last year. Around four hundred labourers were

working together on a daily basis and our company was growing persistently.

I was 22 years old and my parents were constantly discussing about my marriage.

When they wanted to know my decision for the same, I gave my consent. First they

proposed Varsha’s name (our ex-neighbour Vermaji’s daughter) before me. She

was pursuing M.A. in English Literature from Bhopal itself. We had good relations

with Vermaji’s family for the past ten years.

I and Varsha often used to play, hang around and eat together. For the past two

years, she started avoiding confronting me. Whenever I asked the reason, she

would smile and walk away.

Nearly six months ago, I met Varsha in a social programme in Bhopal. While

talking to me, she asked my hostel’s address. After that, she even wrote some

letters to me, but I did not reply for even a single time.

Once the exams got over, I started preparing to return to my home in Bhopal and

wrote a letter to my mother and informed her. On the day of journey, I boarded an

Express Train from New Delhi Railway Station at 7 in the morning and reached

Bhopal Railway Station at 4 pm on the same day. Our car driver had come to

receive me. At 5 pm, I was at home.

It was summer and was very hot. As soon as I reached patio our maid 'Jaanki'

opened the door and greeted me. Drawing room cooler soothed my mind. I felt

silence at home. Till now, Mom would have welcomed me with words - “Oh! Son,

u came”.

Housemaid Jaanki came and said - “Have bath. Tea is ready”. I ordered her to

bring tea and said - “I’ll have tea before shower”.

I thought Mom would be sleeping in her room. I went to have bath and got dressed.

Then Jaanki asked if she can serve the breakfast but I asked her to awake Mom

first.

She told me that Mom has gone to Baitul Valley. It was being ten days since she

was not at home. Jaanki said - “Ma’am has wrote a letter for you.”

I asked - “Where is that letter? Show me.”

She went to Mom’s room and I followed her. She picked up the letter lying on the

table and handed it to me. I started reading the letter:

“Dear Babu (My Name),

I got to know that you are coming home from Delhi. I am leaving for Baitul Valley

due to some reason and have to stay there for some days. After reaching home, you

too come here.

Rest is fine.

Your Mom”

2 What could be the reason that Mom went to a lonesome place leaving her home

behind? I was in a doubt after reading the letter. If Dad were out of town, maybe

she was needed there for superintendence. But Dad was never confident about

Mom’s management.

Once I thought she might have been there because it was too hot here. But I guess I

was wrong as it was mentioned in the letter that she had to leave due to some

reason. It was better not to predict. I stood up to ask Jaanki and all of a sudden my

eyes were stuck on some dresses hanging on the rack.

There were some beautiful design green scarf, long skirts and loose blouses. Then I

saw slippers and sandles. It seemed that we had some guest. All slippers and

clothes were seemed to be of a young lady.

Mom used to keep the cupboard’s key below the bed’s mattress. I took the keys

from there and opened the cupboard and was surprised on seeing literature books.

In a meanwhile, Jaanki had served the breakfast and asked me to come.

While eating I asked Jaanki if we had guest at home. In a reply to this, she narrated

a long story -

Last month Mom and Dad visited Baitul Valley. My Mom met ‘Narmada’ over

there. She is a grand daughter of the laborers’ incharge. Narmada had pricked her

leg on a thorn. When she tried to scratch it, pus oozed out. Her foot swelled up.

Mom got acquainted with this incident and brought Narmada along with her for the

treatment.

Mom was fascinated by her playful, mercurial behavior, harmonic sweet voice,

beauty, black eyes and long hair. Mom treated Narmada as her daughter on her

cleanliness and way of living.

Mom loved her (Narmada) cooking and she became Mom’s family member in a

very short span of time. Once Narmada expressed that she was missing Baitul

valley and would like to go there. Mom asked Narmada if she would like to come

back to Bhopal?

“Definitely, only if Grandpa gives me permission”- said Narmada. That is why

Mom personally went to see her off and she was with her for the past ten days.

Narmada was born and grown up in a labor family. Four years ago, her parents

died in an accident during digging a mound of soil. It was a turning point of her

life. On seeing her condition, a couple who were doctor by profession, gave her

shelter. With this, she had notable changes in her way of living. Two years later,

that couple shifted abroad and she again returned to her grandfather’s cottage.

I was amazed on having brief introduction of Narmada. After dinner, I lay down on

bed and started thinking about Narmada.

‘Narmada’ - I have heard this name several times earlier as well. Undoubtedly, she

was an innocent girl, but she was very beautiful and attractive too, I had heard so.

3 Jaanki told about Narmada in a coquettish manner and actually whatever she had

said was true. My guess was all correct.

I fell asleep thinking about Narmada and suddenly got awoke at 7 in the evening,

got fresh and sat on a chair in patio. Jaanki prepared tea for me.

While handing over the cup she informed me that Varsha had called up when I was

asleep and was asking about me if I am in Bhopal or not. She informed Varsha

about my arrival.

Frequently writing letters and asking for me on telephone, it seemed that Varsha

wanted a close relationship with me. She again called up at 10 o’clock while I was

planning for the next. Varsha asked - “How are you Babu? When did you return?”

“I came this afternoon. I was asleep as I was tired.” - I replied.

“Babu , come home tomorrow morning.” - She said.

I said - “Not sure for tomorrow, but will call you before when I have to come”. I

hung up the receiver after saying this.

The moment I kept the receiver down, Jaanki came and said - “Sir, we have to go

to Baitul valley tomorrow. Ma’am would be waiting for us.”

I replied - “Fine, start packing for the journey.” She handed over a list of items

which Mom wanted from market.

I said - “Better give it to Shyamlal or Bansilal (other servants)”.

She replied - “They are busy. So, you have to go.” and she handed the list to me.

Jaanki was our confidant maid. She was always there for Mom and followed her

order. She also went to Baitul but had to return due to me. Me, Jaanki and

Shyamlal, we three had to go to Baitul Valley.

After having dinner, I tried to sleep again but my mind was bit distracted.

‘Narmada’ - I was fascinated by this name. Literally, I just heard of her but never

saw her and another point to be noted that why Mom liked her so much?

Narmada would return because she had her belongings here, I thought.

Anyways, I slept thinking of her and woke up at 6 in the morning. Jaanki was busy

in her work. I got ready and informed at Varsha’s home over telephone that I was

visiting them. I handed some money and list of items to Shyamlal and sent him to

market.

At around 10 o’clock, I took my car and went to Varsha’s home. When I reached

her home, everyone - her parents, brother and she herself were present. With due

respect, I met her parents while she was standing and peeping from behind the

curtains of the door.

I said - “What are you doing there behind the door. Come here.” Her parents

laughed on this. She did not come but sat inside the room.

For a few minutes, I had conversation with her parents along with tea. Then I went

to Varsha's room. She was waiting for me and stood up as I entered. She greeted

me with 'Hello' and I too replied saying ‘Hello’.

She was damn gorgeous. I gazed at childhood Varsha who was now an adult. She

was the same Varsha who were at the heights of playfulness. She was the same

Varsha who were once lean. But now she had a good curvaceous body. She was

wearing a pink suit (traditional outfit of Indian women) and a long scarf.

When I beheld her, she asked - “What happened Babu?”

I grew conscious and said - “You are a grown up girl now and looking very

pretty”.

She cut off my point and asked that why didn’t I reply to her letters.

I said - “I was busy in studies, so couldn’t reply”.

I saw the time, it was late. On seeing her temerity and impatience I said - “I should

leave now, Jaanki would be waiting for me as we have to leave for Baitul.”

“Oh! yes, there is a girl - Narmada. She was there at your home as a guest. She

seems to be very dangerous, be alert.” - She said all of a sudden on hearing Baitul.

I asked her if she saw her. She replied - “Yes, she is very dangerous. She looks

clever, frightful by gestures, quarrelsome by behavior...”

I said - “This is not possible. I heard enough praises of her and most importantly,

she has won Mom’s heart that Mom went to Baitul along with her.”

Varsha said - “Dear, she definitely knows bewitchment.”

I replied - “Do not think so. She is an orphan and secondly, she is very innocent

girl.”

It seemed that Varsha had developed disdainful intent towards Narmada. I did chit-

chat with her some more time and returned home saying ‘See you again’.

Maid and driver were waiting for me. After breakfast and entrusting bungalow’s

responsibility to Guard, we started our journey to Baitul at around 2 pm. I myself

drove the car and maid and driver sat on back seat.

It was too hot outside. The moment we were out of Bhopal, I increased the speed.

Within four hours we were near Baitul Valley. Now maid started guiding the way

to construction site - “Construction site is not far away now.”

She was showing the way - “The moment we step down this hill, construction site

would be visible.” She guided in between in sheer innocence.

I increased the speed further. I was impatient to see Narmada. How she would be

like? How beautiful she would be? What would be her way of talking? I had all

these questions in my mind throughout the journey.

4We could see high dense alpines everywhere over there. It was 6 in the evening.

There was a light cool breeze in the atmosphere.

As we reached more closure, maid gestured our arrival to the destination. I looked

carefully and lower-downed the speed. I saw around 300 workers busy and 8-10

trucks were carrying out their work. Laborers’ shift usually ended at 5 pm, but they

were still working. It seemed that construction work was on full swing.

As we reached near construction site, Maid showed me godowns of cement, car

garage and guest house. She said - “We have around 100 huts for laborers behind

guest house.

She also showed me Narmada’s house and said - "Ma’am does not live in the guest

house and stays at Narmada's home instead.”

I was driving according to maid's direction. As we reached garage, driver asked me

to drop him there. He got off the car and I proceeded towards Narmada’s home.

We were bit gone ahead then all of a sudden maid shouted - “See, Narmada is

coming with two pots of water on her head.”

I suddenly put the brakes and started looking for her everywhere, but I could not

see her.

I asked - “Where is she? Where is she coming from?”

Maid replied - “Oh! Look towards that hill. She is the only one who is coming

from that side.”

The moment she said so, my eyes caught on Narmada. I got hypnotized by her

glimpse. Round face, beautiful figure, as she was approaching closer, she seemed

even more beautiful. She was wearing yellow bodice and green knee-length skirt

and white scarf. Though she had very sober clothes but her adulthood was clearly

seen emerging. She had her long hair on one side of the neck on thoraces. She had

decency on her face. Overall, she was an attractive girl.

Gradually she disappeared between dense trees.

Maid interrupted - “Can we move now or will you keep staring?”

I drove to Narmada’s home. Really, she was an idol beauty and the praises I heard

were no less.

She was already at home when we reached. I wanted to see her once more till the

time I wanted to. But this could not happen.

Mom came out of home on hearing car’s sound. After alighting from car, I touched

her feet. I was meeting her after four months. She was healthy and seemed happy.

“Oh! Son, you came…” - Mom said cheerfully.

I said - “Yes Mom, how come you are here leaving home behind? I guess I am

seeing this for the first time.”

She felt bit chagrin and couldn’t answer my question appropriately. She said - “I

found this place very delightful. High mountains and waterfalls attracted me.

Narmada too impressed me so much that I did not feel like leaving her.”

She added - “How is this place? Do you like it? Now you too stay here for few

days and help your father in his work.”

I replied affirmatively.

It was summer. I liked Baitul’s climate. After evening, a small village which was

set up by our laborers went into dark. Where the construction work was on, there

were lightened big electric bulbs. I spent five days in such a wonderful place. I

used to have lunch and dinner at Narmada’s home and used to sleep at Guest

House.

In these five days, I had frequent visits at Narmada’s home but I hadn’t met

Narmada for even a single time. I had lunch and dinner at her home but either

Mom or maid served the food, she did not come up. My ambition was to see her,

talk to her. But yes, I heard her anklet’s sound, whenever Mom called her then her

answer “Yes Aunt” was heard.

Seven more days passed. My anxiety was increasing but independently I could not

confront her. That day when I was going for sleep, Mom said - “We should go to

Bhopal now. It’s being long staying here.” I replied - “Yes Mom, we should leave

for Bhopal.”

“Your Dad would be returning from Madras (old name of Chennai). He told he

would be back in a month. Tomorrow we will leave for Bhopal.

Narmada will also coming with us. She is a nice girl. She would help me.” - Mom

added.

I said - “Ok then, ask her.”

Mom said - “I have already asked her, she is ready to come. But she said she had to

ask her grandfather. I hope he won’t deny.”

“Ok, whatever it is, you yourself coordinate.” - I replied and went to guest house.

Next day Mom was ready by 10 am. Narmada and Maid were busy in packing.

Narmada had permission of her grandfather. I was very happy on this.

Ladies were visiting Narmada. It seemed that almost everyone there knew that

Narmada was coming with us.

‘End of Sample’

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