Chapter  3 – Part l  – The British Lion (Continued)

     Maung Ba felt sad that the majority of the students favored the ouster of the British through violence.  When he returned home, Ma Hla wasted no time to ask him if he had met with any success in the way of finding a job in the city.

     ”That’s not why I went there,” he said. “I attended a meeting of students at the University,” he said.

     ”What was it about?” she asked.

     “Nothing that would really interest you,” he said.

     ”Don’t bet on that,” Ma Hla retaliated.   ”As a sister, I’m always interested in your welfare.”

     “Thanks.” There was a slight pause.  “The meeting was about things we should do to gain independence.”

      U Tin Maung overheard the conversation.  “No politics for us,” he said emphatically.   “We are peace-abiding, and will tolerate nothing that advocates violence.”

       Maung Ba was reluctant to dwell on the subject and tried to placate her father, knowing that the truth might upset him.  He assured him that it was peaceful and no violence was intended.

        Ma Hla quickly changed the subject.  “I have good news,” she said.  “There’s going to be a wedding.”

        ”Whose wedding?” Maung Ba asked.   He appeared puzzled.

        ”Mine,” she said, smiling.

         ”Are you serious?” he asked.

         ”Absolutely,” she assured. 

         “How did this happen?  “Do you love him?”

          ”Yes,” she said

          ”Is it love at first sight?” he asked eagerly.

           ”Yes.”

            The mood at this moment was one of jubilation.  Maung Ba was happy that his father appeared calm and composed and that the confusion in his mind, caused by Maung Ba’s long absence was at this time more than compensated by the fact that there would soon be a wedding in the family.

              A double rejoicing was in the offing:  Thadingyut, celebrating the end of the rainy season was fast approaching, together with the long-awaited, family-heralded marriage of  Ma Hla and Maung Po.

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