Kamalatho Naa Prayanam (కమలతో నా ప్రయాణం)

'KAMALATHO NAA PRAYANAM'

Who’s Kamala, dad?

How does she look?

Kamala (Lotus)...

She’s a beautiful experience.

Though a lotus grows in mud...

A lotus goes on to become an epitome of purity.

Similarly, Kamala is divine.

She smiles beautifully just like you do.

She sings much more beautifully.

And her dance is a visual treat.

Bah! It doesn’t stop pouring.

Kamala, get inside and go to bed.

What are you looking at?

You’re always playing some crap on that piece of wood.

You might catch a cold or get sick in this weather.

Get inside!

Go to bed right now!

You never listen to me.

Why would you?

It’s not the first time, is it?

Do whatever the hell you want.

Shall I get you a shawl? It will keep you warm.

No. -No?

At least, have a cup of tea.

I said no!

Alright, be stubborn.

I can’t help it.

You’re only going to suffer.

Excuse me. How far is Bheemunipatnam from here?

Literally 2 feet away.

Are you serious?

That’s weird.

Care for a cup of tea, sir?

How much? -50 paisa, sir.

The cold is killing me!

Thanks for asking!

Here you go, sir.

I have to go to Bheemunipatnam.

How far is it?

But it’s pouring heavily.

I have to go!

Forget about reaching Bheemunipatnam.

You can’t get past this bus station.

Is there a shack nearby to spend the night?

I’m really hungry, you see.

Umm...

Ah! I know of a place in the area.

I’ll take you there.

But I hope for something in return. -Alright. Take me there.

Where’s the music coming from?

We’re headed there now, sir.

Oh.

Please come, sir.

You wait here.

Hey, old woman! Open the door.

Coming. Wait on.

Who is it at this hour of the night?

It’s still pouring heavily.

Please come, sir. Welcome.

Be seated.

Kamala! Get some water for this mister here.

He looks really tired.

The rain definitely takes a toll on you.

Here you go.

Oh no!

Kamala, pat on his head.

Do I have to tell you?

You’re hopeless.

Someone must be missing you.

I hold someone really dear to my heart.

My best friend.

You’re really lucky.

You’re right about that.

I had no family.

He was everything to me.

One day, I received a letter from him.

He asked for 1000 bucks as he has fallen sick.

I received the letter a little too late.

It took me this long to gather the money and set out to meet him.

It’s my only opportunity to repay the favor.

I totally forgot.

The tune you were humming...

It sounded so pleasant on the tambura.

These strings seldom remind me.

I leave them lying in a corner.

It’s time I pay them attention.

My way to solace... -Hey!

Why do you bother every visitor with that weeping story?

Go get hot water ready for his shower.

It will help with the body pains. -Hmm. Alright.

Kamala! Hurry up.

Sir is having a hard time bathing all by himself.

Come help him out. -Coming, grandma.

Hurry up.

Go!

Wait. Umm... Let me help you.

It’s alright.

I’ve been on the road for 15 days now.

I’m stinking.

I can’t thank you enough for the reception.

I’d be sleeping in a bus shelter somewhere.

You did me a great favor by letting me stay.

Don’t you know this route is quite shady?

I had to do it for my friend.

I got down the bus and asked where Bheemunipatnam was.

A boy said it was 2 feet away.

I can’t believe he said that.

I soon found out it was 30 miles from there.

Didn’t you know it was a long journey?

I never explored this side of the country.

And I’m new to the area.

It was foolish of me to travel to a village during the monsoon.

Your voice sounds so familiar.

Voices often remind us of someone.

But I’m sure we’ve never met each other.

Don’t mind me saying this.

Your voice reminded me of my childhood friend.

That is why I asked.

First things first.

Shall I wash your hair with soap nut solution?

Umm...

Make sure it doesn’t get into my eyes.

I can’t take the heat.

By the way...

You didn’t tell me your name yet.

Kamala Rani!

Everyone calls her Kamala, sir.

Is he right? -Yes.

Sweet name.

A ‘Kamala’ (Lotus) grows in the gutter.

But finally graces the feet of the Lord.

Not all lotuses in the gutter end up at the Lord’s feet.

Maybe.

But it’s divinity remains the same.

That is why it’s considered sacred.

So...

Can I know your name?

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself.

Surya Narayana.

My friend calls me Suryam.

Kamala!

You can’t take so long for a routine.

You need to act fast and smart for your age.

Go prep for dinner.

I guess he’s really hungry.

He must not have eaten in a long time.

Stop staring and come with me. Come on!

What’s this? -Meat.

Oh.

Sister, I guess he’s a vegetarian.

Feed me his share as well.

I’ll be right back.

Are you a Brahmin?

Everyone thinks so.

Mom never had me taste meat as a kid.

My friend forced me to eat it one day.

I puked.

He gave up meat for me ever since.

Are you two that close?

He’s the reason I’m doing well today.

By the way, why don’t you join us for dinner?

Don’t be silly.

She has her dinner right at dusk.

She doesn’t hold back when it comes to food.

You enjoy the meal.

I’ve never come across a more welcoming home.