Way of Life Part 4

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 41

DISCOURSE 75
Enraged by this, Gulla assaulted Ayyu when he met him on the way. This was the very first instance of a farmer of the village beating the landlord. Ayyu filed a criminal case against Gulla. Gulla went to the city and engaged an able lawyer to defend him. He said to the lawyer, “Whatever amount you demand I will pay you. You must save from being sent to Jail”. The lawyer charged a heavy fee. Gulla sold away all the jewels of his wife to pay the fee to his lawyer. But inspite of it, he could not pay the lawyer the amount he demanded. The case was dismissed but the lawyer repeatedly demanded his fee from Gulla. The lawyer said to him, "If you do not pay me my money fully I will file a case against you; and get your lands and house auctioned to recover the amount due to me". The lawyer was adamant. Gulla fell into a deep agitation. He thought, "Why did I assault Ayyu at all ? His father was exploiting us and he too has been expoiting us. So, I attacked him; was it not so ? If he had not filed a case in the court against me, I would not have been ruined in this manner". He was very angry with Ayyu. He decided, "I will murder that fellow". He took up a sickle. His wife held his hands and appealed to him in a pitiable manner, "Where are you going? Please, do not go. If you do this, you will be completely ruined". Gulla pushed her aside and said, "I will not allow that fellow Ayyu to live anymore. He is out to ruin me". Gulla's wife went running to Ayyu. Ayyu said, “Sister, why are you so greatly frightened ? What is the cause for your fear ?" Gulla's wife said, “O lord, you please hide yourself somewhere. My husband is coming to murder you”.
Ayyu took out his revolver from his pocket; and said, “I won't fear Gulla. I have this weapon; you see". Gulla's wife looked at the revolver with horror-stricken eyes and thought, "Oh! I am going to be completely ruined. What shall I do now?" She left Ayyu's house at once and went to the bank of the river that flowed near the village. She jumped into the river. The water was very deep there. Just then Ayyu happened to come to the bungalow on the bank of the river. He saw the woman falling into the river. He at once jumped into the river and brought her out of the water. Her life was saved. A large number of villagers gathered there. Gulla also came there,