After one week
Muthyalaiah went to his farm. He asked Siva to meet him. Siva manages production, harvest and sales related to Muthyalaiah's coconut farm. As it was the time for the coconut harvest, Muthyalaiah wanted to know the status of his farm
Siva came to Muthyalaiah at the afternoon time when he was going for lunch. Muthyalaiah ''Siva, you've come?'' . Siva '' yes, uncle'' offered his greetings. ''About our coconut harvest , how is it going?'' Siva '' Our harvest of coconut is great this time. We expect at least 5800 coconuts per acre. We're planning to harvest them after three days. And I'll be going to visit our business partners in these two days and look for more business.'' Muthyalaiah nodded '' when are you leaving for the meeting ?''. ''Tomorrow, Karunakar and I, will set out for our trip before dawn so that we could cover most of the people''. ''Is Karunakar coming with you?''asked Muthyalaiah. '' yes uncle, he''ll be coming with me to discuss his business regarding his mosambi crop.'' Muthyalaiah '' it's good. He's taking his father's business.''. ''You are right, uncle. I plant to visit our wholesale vendor for green coconut and for one acre of copra ,I was about to ask you if we can change our regular customer, Adeppa.'' Siva added. Muthyalaiah looked at him and'' is there anything wrong with the usual customer? We never had any conflicts with him before. '' Siva replied ''it's as you say uncle, we never had any conflicts with Adeppa, but he fell ill in last few months so his brother in-law Govardhan took over his business and buying large scale of copra from small scale farmers in a relatively smaller prices. So I was asking if you'd be okay to sell them to a new vendor.'' Muthyalaiah looked confused as he heard Siva. He was doing business with Adeppa from when he started coconut farming. So he doesn't want to end their relationship like that. Observing Muthyalaiah's hesitation Siva added '' uncle I will try to this matter directly Mr.Adeppa and see what happens, and inform you the progress.'' Muthyalaiah nodded and asked '' how's Krishna these days?'' Siva replied '' as far as we can see , she look so happy and content with her life now''with a small smile on his face. Muthyalaiah looked as if he was satisfied to hear that answer from him. They both left to their works.
Evening.
Muthyalaiah returns home earlier than usual. Krishna brought him ewer and towel. Muthyalaiah handed her a small pack and took ewer and towel saying '' today as I was coming home, I saw these jalebi on the way. I didn't bring you anything to these days so I bought these. They told that these are extremely soft and juicy.''continued to clean his face. Krishna looked so happy looking at the pack. She went to the kitchen and arranged them in a plate and brought them to her father. They both took a piece and ate them together while appreciating the taste. Muthyalaiah added ''Siva and Karunakar are leaving tomorrow before dawn to a business meeting. They will be coming back after two days.''as he took another piece from the plate. Krishna nodded and took another piece to eat. Muthyalaiah out of nowhere asked '' Krishnamma, are you mentally ready to get married? '', Krishna's mind went blank as she heard the question looked so perplexed. Muthyalaiah laughed it off '' don't worry, I am not asking you to get married right away. Don't give it much thought. I want to have you with me for a longer and longer time.''patting his daughter's head. Krishna was happy to hear those words from his father but marriage, something stirred up in her stomach making her feel sick. She thought of Karunakar. After eating those sweets, Muthyalaiah went to the tree and Krishna was alone at home thinking about his father's words. She thought '' I need to tell him about Karunakar, otherwise some other person may become my groom. I definitely don't want that. I should find right time to ask Karunakar and inform father about it.'' She prepared food for night while having occupied with those thoughts.
Next day, karunakar and Siva set out for their journey by packing food. They traveled by a bullock cart and reached the green coconut vendor. They discussed about the time of delivery of coconuts and money for that. They received some advance payment for the coconut. They offered their farewell and had the food they brought with them.
After resting for a short time they went to their copra customer. His goes by the name Adeppa, who's around 48 years of age. Siva and karunkar went to their copra processing factory and inquired about Adeppa. But they didn't get any information. As they were about to leave, a watchman called them and whispered ''don't go asking everyone you see here about Adeppa Master. Many people here are working for his brother in-law. If they hear about you, he'll definitely won't let you go unscathed.'' Hearing those words shocked both of them. Siva asked ''then where could we find him or his house address?'' Watchman explained the route to Adeppa's house. They thanked him and went to Adeppa's house. They greeted him. Adeppa was lying on the bed looking pale. He gestured them to come closer, ''you work with Muthyalaiah, right?''looking at Siva. Siva sat on the floor holding Adeppa's hand and looked at him'' yes, you seem to remember me well even though we just met once!'' with a sweet smile. Karunkar lowered himself to Adeppa's eye level,'' I'm karunakar, son of Obulesu''. Adeppa seemed to recognize Obulesu's name and looked at Karunakar affectionately '' how is your father, mother and your sister.....?''. ''They are doing good uncle.''Karunakar replied in warm tone. Siva took a glance at Karunakar and started ''Uncle, actually we came here to talk about copra.''looked at Adeppa and continued as soon as he saw Adeppa nodding ,'' your brother in-law seemed to be tarnishing your name in the business. He's forcing the small scale farmers to sell him copra at the price he fixed and that is relatively lower than market price. So we've come to you to ask if you know anything about it.''concluded entire issue. Adeppa surprised to hear those.