Once they were done with the puncture they returned to Sarvesh's home to bid them goodbye. Arjun went ahead to touch their feet to take their blessings as this was how it was taught at their homes to young kids to show respect to elders.
Vimala liked this kid more and more after seeing how respectful he was to them and mentioned how she would love to visit their village one day and meet with their parents and his sister Saritha whom she started to grow more fond of just from his vague descriptions.
Arjun bid farewell to the couple and joined Bhargav back on the jeep and they headed back to the village.
Thanks to god they did not face any other complications in their journey and reached Manginapudi by one O'clock in the afternoon.
When Arjun went back inside his home Kavitha came running hugging him, started weeping and went on saying how afraid she was about him being stranded in a unknown place, Arjun consoled her and had his lunch.
Arjun was happy to find out his father was away at the office and took a proper nap to get rid of the tiredness he got from lack of proper sleep in the past two days.
When he woke up he could see his father and sister angrily staring at him sitting on a chair beside the bed.
Look who woke up after a tough day Pratap said sarcastically staring at Arjun.
Sari meanwhile wanted to say something but held back seeing her father's angry expression.
Dad, it's not like i could have done something Arjun tried to explain
Well for starteters you could have started early Arjun, do you know how afraid we were, and you didn't even call us until it was way past nine O'clock. Your mom sat at the home entrance waiting for you imagining who knows what until your call came.
Arjun never imagined his mom would do so. Thinking more about it, it seemed reasonable thing for her to do. Arjun could not imagine what would have happened had he not made the call.
I am sorry dad i did not think that further Arjun apologized
I am not the one you should say that to, okay what happened to the thing you went there to do? Pratap questioned
Ohh that, we are going to twenty thousand rupees as apology to the school board and get them to settle.
Twenty thousand? will that do?
I think there's a good chance they'd take the deal. After all they would gain nothing by going after union in court as it's their territory and even school board should know about it.
Okay, but if you this happens ever again, i am going to kick you out of the house Pratap warned and left to do his chores
Arjun understood it was about him coming late and did not take the warning to heart, he did not think for a second that his father would really kick him out of the house.
Seeing Saritha still staring at him nibbling her finger nails, he questioned what is it Sari? do you have something to say?
Anna can you take me with you when you go to town next time?
Why kiddo? missed your brother so much in just two days? Arjun was starting to get emotional and fondled her hair lovingly. At least one person in the house supported him he reasoned.
No anna, won't i get a free holiday if the tires get punctured again? Sari spoke stars twinkling in her eyes
"..."
Sari punctures are rare, they don't happen for the sake of happening.
Oh, alright then take me when you think tire is going to be punctured again she replied and went back into the main hall.
"..."
He did not know what to say anymore and got up from his bed to notice it was already evening.
Remembering his experience at the village he stayed at Arjun went to Karan's home to meet up with Madan.
Seeing Madan was not yet home he played cricket with Karan and his neighbors for a while before Madan returned home.
When Madan saw Arjun playing around staring at him he approached him and qustioned what happened Arjun? do you something to do with me?
Uncle can we move elsewhere? Arjun replied noticing all the kids watching them like weirdos
Okay come to my office after you're done
Arjun played around for a while more till the match was done and left to have talk with Madan.
So uncle, how was your day? Arjun mentioned as he walked into Madan's office.
Stop the small talk kiddo you can get staright to the point.
Arjun liked Madan precisely because of this, he did not care about respect and politeness and what not but gets directly to the point.
I think Bhargav had informed you about why we were delayed Uncle?
Yes, what about it? You want us government to maintain roads better?
Hahaha you could do that uncle, but i am not here for that reason.
Then?
When i was in the village i was impressed by their anganwadi system uncle and i think it would be perfect fit for our village too, Arjun explained what he had observed and heard from Vimala.
Yes that does sound like a good idea Arjun, but getting started might be tough. They were successful because Vimala was willing to put in the hard work, not every village has such women.
Why not give it a try uncle, you can conduct a small scale survey to know whether people are interested are not.
Hmm i will need to think more about this, after all this is a matter that concerns the whole village.
Arjun understood where Madan's fears lay. Currently he was very popular among populous and making any unnecessary changes especially with the elections this year could come back to bite him or be used by others.
There was nothing much he could do about this as he was not really into politics, at least not yet and left it to Madan to make his choice. Anyway he could bring it up once the elections were done with.
So do you need any help with the lawsuit issue? Madan questioned just as Arjun was about to get up.
No uncle it's dealt with for now and Arjun explained what had happened at the union and their decision to approach for a settlement.
Madan was satisfied with the decision as he too had a stake in the press and it wouldn't look good on him.
Arjun returned to his home and started helping his mom in cooking which took her by surprise but she felt happy seeing him back and did not make any comments on it.
When Arjun went to school next day the school headmaster Venkateshwar Rao summoned him to his office. As Arjun approached his table in his office he could see the same newpaper article and understood why he was summoned here for.
Arjun have you seen this? it's your printing press right?
What do you mean sir? Arjun put on a confused expression
I have my friends too Arjun, don't try to cover this up.
Yes sir it's about us but you don't need to worry about it as we're already working on it.
Are you sure Arjun? if this gets to court or bigger newspapers we could be done for Venkateshwar Rao was still not convinsed by this kid.
Please give me three days sir i am sure this matter will be taken care of by then.
Okay, kiddo but tell me how are you planning to deal with this
Arjun went on to explain the same thing he had done to his father and Madan, frankly he was getting tired of explaining to so many people at this point but he understood they were asking because of their care for him.
In his past life he did not need to explin his decisions to anyone causing him to lose himself many times. But giving explanations again and again although not to his liking gave him a different kind of satisfaction.
At least this time there were people who cared for his progression and well being without being tied to him unlike this Venkateshwar Rao and many others in his past life who were literally tied to him and had no other way out.
When Arjun mentioned sales of almost twenty five thousand copies the head master was taken aback. He could not imagine such sales figures even in his dreams. If this issue could be properly dealt with, achieving sales of fifty thousand copies would not be a issue at all.
He could see the acknowledgements and accolades coming their school's way if they get such figures. He once again warned Arjun to settle the matter as soon as possible and let him go back.