Just as he turned onto the main road, a moped, as if it had been waiting for the car, sped right up to them, touched the bumper, and came to a halt. He sounded genuinely angry, and Karunakaran and Mallaya got into the back seat without another peep. If you really can't manage that, at least call me Thambi." In fact, if you do say another word, I'll speak to my mother and make sure you lose your job. "Karunakaran," Visu cut in sternly, "as long as you are in this car with me, I don't want to hear another word from you. 'How many times do I have to tell you?' she'll yell. "If your grandmother the maharani comes to know that I let you drive, I'll lose my job. Even as the driver held the rear door open, Visu climbed into the driver's seat. In the parking lot, amidst several Marutis and Ambassadors, was a Vauxhall bearing the bright yellow flag of the princely state of Kottaipuram. Mallaya, the driver, gave a low bow and took Visu's briefcase. Why, when even Thirumeni Devar, the eldest man in the samasthanam, calls you 'Raja,' how can I afford to be presumptuous?" Karunakaran guided him towards the parking lot. Whatever you may say, you are a member of the royalty, and I am a mere karwar, a clerk, forever loyal to you. "But that would be disrespectful, sir! The grandeur of Kottaipuram lies in the way your family has retained the esteem of its subjects. "You're more than twice my age! Why do you insist on using these pompous titles? Please call me by my name." "Karunakaran, my name is Visu," he snapped, irritated. Disappointed, he turned back to the karwar. In return, Visu merely nodded distractedly, as his eyes scanned the parking lot, searching for someone. He welcomed Visu warmly as he stepped out of the airport. Watching him stride through the foyer holding his gray briefcase, Karwar Karunakaran, his clerk, brimmed with pride. The regal characteristics of the whole Kottaipuram clan were evident in his clothes, his colour, the way he carried himself. Of the passengers coming down the stepladder, one stood out: Viswanathan Rupasekaran Kottaipurathaan, known to his friends as Visu. What a sight! It landed on the runway, turned its sharp beak, sped down the tarmac, and came to a smooth halt about fifty metres from the control tower of the tiny Madurai Airport. The plane swooped down like a huge metal bird. The Blaft Anthology of Tamil Pulp Fiction Vol.
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