Part 2

Upset but unwilling to admit defeat, Raman found out Tathacharya's routine and decided to approach him during his morning bath. He stole Tathacharya's clothes and waited.

When Tathacharya was done with his bath, he realised much to his dismay that his clothes were missing. 'Who has taken my clothes?' he yelled out. 'Whoever has taken it, give it back at once! I'll give you a reward if that's what you're after.'

'A reward?' a voice asked. Tathacharya looked around but could not see the speaker. It seemed as though the voice came from above.

'Yes,yes, anything. just give me back my clothes.'

'Okay then, swear on the Goddess Kali that you'll give me anything I ask for!'

Tathacharya hesitated. He did not think this was a good idea but he was desperate to get his clothes back. he was already late for his morning meeting with the emperor, and everyone knew the emperor hated it when people were late. What could this fool want more than money? A few gold coins would sort this out, wouldn't it?

'I swear on Kali that I will grant you a reward.' Tathacharya replied confidently.

Raman threw the clothes at Tathacharya from up the tree and jumped himself. as soon as Tathacharya saw him, he regretted his words for he recognised the young man . ' Carry me on your back, ' Raman said, 'that is my reward. carry me through the market on your back.'

'are you mad?' Tathacharya asked wondering how he could get away from this madman.

'Unless you want to risk the wrath of Mother Kali...' Raman shrugged.

His cheeks flushed, and seeing no other way out, Tathacharya allowed Raman to climb onto his back. With each step the priest took, the whispers from the people grew louder until everyone was pointing at Tathacharya in confusion and amusement.

The news of Tathacharya carrying a young man on his back reached the emperor in no time. Unable to believe this news, the emperor decided to step out and see it with his own eyes. As soon as he reached the marketplace, he saw the pair and stopped them.

Raman got down from Tathacharya's back and stood quietly, while Tathacharya struggled to meet the emperor's eye.

'Explain yourselves,' the emperor commanded.

Tathacharya's mind was working furiously. If he spoke truth it would make him look foolish, but how else could he explain what had happened? 'Your Majesty, last night Mother Kali appeared in my dream,' Tathacharya lied. 'She told me her favourite disciple would come to me and I had to take care of him. It was such an honour, you see, that she visited me. I had to make sure I paid due respect to her. That is why I carried this young man on my back.'

Amazed, the emperor decided to invite Raman to his court. And thus, began Tenali Raman's days at the court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya.

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This was the introduction to our ML Tenali Raman. Let's explore more about him in the next episode.

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