part0017

Lakshmi had been washing her parents’ clothes close to the river. She had hated returning from Indragarh; since there she had learnt much about mathematics, astronomy and was under her aunt’s tutelage for education. But due to recent changes in the city, she was instructed to return here. The Tribals were changing the landscape and her aunt, being in the judicial and library departments of the city, had told Lakshmi to leave, as it was the only wise course of action.

As she had left, she had seen a little bit and it wasn’t much of a surprise since nothing really had changed. It would take time, perhaps, but the inclusion of Tribals and the loss by Vedanta hadn’t impacted the people. Sure, the scribes made a nuisance, rumours flew thick, but nothing drastic had happened. Not a sign of rebellion occurred, and everyone continued to do their own work. Some even migrated as she could see a lot of caravans and carts leaving. They did it perhaps out of fear that something would happen, but Lakshmi was certain the Tribals were good news. They should be given equal rights and responsibilities.

Now here she was, back in the sleepy and backward hamlet, feeling like a complete tool. She wanted to be fierce and not washing clothes in the clear waters. Though the river was deeper than the last time she had been here, and it didn’t look still, it was in fact, stirring rapidly.

She narrowed her eyes, wondering whether she had come to the right river that her mother had instructed her about.

The river’s calm surface was shattered when a crocodile suddenly appeared and grabbed the clothes she had been washing. She pulled herself back, almost staggering.

The crocodile viciously tore through her clothes and he was coming out of the river for her. She grabbed one end of her kurti while the crocodile grabbed the other end. They began to tug at it.

“Leave! You filthy creature!”

The crocodile was forceful, as he jerked Lakshmi forward. Her body was flung towards the creature and she felt the involuntary loss of her footing.

And then there were strong hands that grabbed her elbow and pulled her back. The shadowy figure lurched forward and literally kicked the crocodile in the stomach. It fell back with a splash. Then the figure rolled around with it until they both splashed under the surface of the water.

“Are you all right? Who is it? Are you all right?”

The water rippled and there were hands and a crocodile tail moving upwards. Lakshmi’s heart came to her mouth as she hoped that her saviour wouldn’t die trying to save her. She looked at the river for a while, but the water was now still. And then water splashed all over her clothes as the figure emerged from the water, turning out to be none other than her childhood friend Kalki.

He was older, bigger, and bulkier than before, with long, wavy hair, and the prayer beads of Lord Shiva tied around his biceps. His abs glistened with blood sustained from his fight with the crocodile, but his boyish smile gave nothing away.

Lakshmi came up to him, worried out of her mind, but Kalki just embraced her tightly. He pulled back and just smiled.

“You are always chasing danger, idiot.” He smacked her on the head.

“And you are always chasing to save me,” Lakshmi said. “And did you…just…did you just kill a crocodile?”

“Uh, not really killed, but scared him away,” he paused, as he glanced at her lovingly. “Why didn’t you inform me that you were coming?”

“Because it was sudden and before you ask me anything else, I just came to Shambala yesterday and mother gave me all of this stupid work,” she frowned. “Already.”

Kalki laughed as he grabbed hold of his kurta from the tree he had strung it on. He put on the kurta as he said, “What did you expect? Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you are one of them.”

Lakshmi frowned. “I had been gone two years and look at you; you have changed so much.”

“Two years is a long time, since my best friend only cared to send me a letter just once in two months. Sometimes, not even that.”

“I was busy studying and you were clearly busy building your physique.”

“More like finding odd jobs around the village to do, doing the heavy lifting and earning extra coins; so don’t tell my father and mother,” he flexed his biceps. “I know I look good, love. Now stop staring, it is creepy.”

“Oh please, there are so many handsome men around in Indragarh…especially you should see…” she continued to talk. She had a large frown writ on her face by the attack and how it had led to her clothes being destroyed, “see the soldiers. They are so handsome.”

“Oh, handsome, eh?”

She turned to go back when Kalki was standing right there, inches away from her. His hands went to her hips and grabbed it tightly, squeezing them, as her toes began to curl involuntarily.

“Handsome, are they?”

“Yes, handsome.”

“What else did you learn or see in the city?” He came extremely close, his breath smelling of mint.

Even though she liked how Kalki held her, she pushed back playfully and said, “Also I’ve learnt you can’t touch me without my permission.”

“Consent, yes.” She blurted, walking back towards the village.

“I apologize. From next time, I will.”

“Apology accepted since you saved my life and most of my clothes.”

Kalki laughed, nervously scratching the back of his head.

“Now come to my home. I’ll get you the medicine since you are bleeding,” Lakshmi glanced at the bright, red spots that had appeared on his white kurta.