Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 12) A Glimpse of Modhera

"Modhera? Where is that?" Maurya demanded.

"It is in Mehsana, Gujarat," Dharma displayed the pictures of the town on the screen, each slide showing the grandeur of the Sun temple.

"And here is the flight of steps from where the models will enter the ramp," Dharma moved to the next slide and continued, "This is the step-well, and a narrow platform around it allows us space for a catwalk. It is also a perfect venue for still photographs for the annual calendar."

"Will we get permission for such a show?" Tapan asked

"It is a protected monument, but they do conduct annual dance festivals," Dharma replied, waiting for Maurya's response.

"Even if the styles of my designs are trendy, their prints are traditional. It is a fusion and to showcase such outfits, it will be ideal if we offer a glimpse of it in the backdrop of a monument that belongs to another time. It will give us an exotic label," Dharma explained, trying to gain the confidence of others around her.

"I think it is an excellent idea," Akhil Sampat, the marketing executive who had appreciated her silently at the last meeting, praised her proposal.

"Yes, it will be a good opportunity for Index Fashions to gain some publicity," Sonia approved and Dharma conferred her a grateful look.

"I agree but what about the expenditure?" Tapan inquired

"We will have to work out the specifics," Maurya answered, gazing at the pictures on the screen. Dharma heaved a sigh of relief, at least he hadn't dismissed her proposal.

"But Maurya, how is it possible to invite guests and models to some godforsaken village? It will ruin our show," Clearly, Rashika disapproved and Dharma did not expect anything else from her.

"I agree, it will cost us too much to conduct our show in some unheard of place, plus, if we don't sell, we will accrue huge losses," Lekha, like always, reiterated Rashika's point.

"As it is, Index does not sell much, so, it hardly matters," Tapan's sardonic response drew much amusement around the table although Rashika and Lekha were definitely not pleased about it. Tapan continued, "To gain some, we have to lose some. And if we stand to gain more, why not try it?"

"I think Dharma's proposal will pave a new path for Index Fashion. If we cover the event adequately in the press, then it will be a drawing card for us," Sonia's viewpoint elicited more opinions, most of them in agreement with the idea.

"Mitali, work out the cost for the whole show and give me the details by next week. Dharma, provide details of the apparel, cost, and execution as early as possible. Find out the ideal time to have the show there. A team from Index and Krishna must visit the town and collect information about the permits and availability. Dharma, I want you to accompany the teams," Maurya directed.

Dharma nodded, excitement rising at the thought of visiting a new place, especially an architectural legacy like Modhera.

The meeting ended and Maurya, followed by Rashika left the room. Others streamed out gradually.

"Hey, congrats!" Tapan offered his hand and Dharma's vibrant smile took him by surprise.

"Thank you for the support. I hope I will be able to pull this off successfully."

"Of course, you will!"

"I will bug you if I need any clarification," Dharma said, sliding the bag over her shoulder.

"Thanks for the warning. I think I will go on a long holiday."

Dharma jabbed his arm with her phone, and together, they exited the room.

"Bye Tapan, see you later."

"Care for a cup of coffee?"

"In your room? Thanks! I will pass," Dharma's response evinced his indignation.

"Dharma!" he shrieked airily, and Dharma chuckled at his antics. "That was rude. I will keep in mind your disrespect," his mock outrage drew Dharma's laughter.

"Disrespect?" she teased

"Yes, my studio is my shrine."

"Right, I am sorry."

"No need. I was kidding," Tapan slid his arms around her shoulder in a warm hug and they parted.

In the car, Dharma thanked Sonia profusely for her support. Even if Dharma was aware that Sonia had taken advantage of the situation to settle her own score with Lekha, she was grateful that Sonia had stood by her till the end.  She learnt later that Sonia had been as naïve and enthusiastic as Dharma when she had joined the firm but Lekha had peeled away her innocence, baring her to a world where sincere friendships had no place. Consequently, Sonia had hardened herself.

"And you know Dharma when Index Fashion changed hands and Maurya became the chief, I was the happiest person. I could see that he was more open to new ideas and people. Rashika changed all that and once again, I was thrown back to the same situation."

Dharma listened quietly, hoping that she would not have to face what Sonia had in her career.

"But somewhere along the years, I learnt to voice my opinion and I am glad that I did today. I know Maurya would listen to me. I realize that we connect at a different level," Sonia's revealing words stirred Dharma's doubts. She shot a glance at the other woman and noticed the dreamy expression.

When she tried to sleep that night, she thought of Maurya, Rashika, Lekha, and Sonia and how their interpersonal relationships affected their work.

**************

Maurya stared at the gossamer night through the large window and reflected on the day's activities. Amidst the clutter of images from the day, he recollected the architectural beauty of the monument that Dharma had displayed on the screen. Somehow, the pictures stayed with him. He browsed for the place called Modhera. When the pictures appeared on the screen, he was once again intrigued by the monument. There was something about the pillars and domes that piqued his curiosity. The dazzling and awe-inspiring structure took his breath away and tempted him to visit the place. When a strange yearning arose in him, he was startled to realize that he wanted to go to Modhera with Dharma.

**************

The next day, there was a slanging match between Lekha and Sonia in the office. Their argument echoed around the building. Besides, Rashika was not present in the office that day. Dharma plugged her earphones and blocked the discord. She had no interest in listening to the war of words between Sonia and Lekha. However, it was a much-needed fight and Dharma hoped that they would resolve their differences by the end of the row. The bulk production of export orders arrived and Dharma was busy checking, re-checking, and then preparing counterfoil for the buyers. The documents for the shipment had to be drawn and hence Dharma worked in tandem with the respective departments. It took her an entire day to dispatch the cartons. By the end of the day, she had no time to work on the upcoming Index Fashions show. Meanwhile, Dharma was invited personally to a party that Tapan was throwing to celebrate his show's success. Dharma pondered if she should show up. Tapan had been very helpful to her and not attending the party would be impolite on her part. She also learnt that he had invited only a select staff from the office. Pooja was one of them and they decided to attend the party together.

Tapan lived in an independent house. Dharma, who had known about the party the previous day, had worn a jacket over a black top, for work. She removed the jacket before joining the party. In pastel green trousers and a black silk top, Dharma looked stunning.

Tapan welcomed them warmly. Other than the staff members from Krishna Industries, there were a few well-known designers and some talented artists. Tapan introduced Dharma to his friends. She mingled with ease. Some of them were pretentious but Dharma did not mind. She enjoyed discussing the latest trends and fashion. Drinks flowed freely and the snacks tasted delicious. Helping Tapan as a host, was a gorgeous model whom Tapan had known since school. Together, they took care of the guests. Kedar and Vishu Marco made a brief appearance but left quite early. Akhil Sampat, the marketing executive from Krishna Industries hovered around Dharma most of the time, hoping to catch her attention.

When she helped herself to a plate of snacks, he approached her, "Hi Dharma, remember we met earlier?"

"I do," she smiled at him.

"How long have you worked for Index? The last meeting was the first time I saw you."

"It is almost three months now. Have you worked here long?"

"Oh, I joined as soon as I stepped out of college. Maurya has been my mentor and guide."

"Oh!"

"But I haven't come across anyone who spoke to him as boldly as you did at the last meeting," Akhil gushed, surrounding her with a whiff of the overpowering scent of the cologne he wore.

"Really, I suppose I must thank my stars for the honour," she replied, meaning it in light humour.

Akhil burst out laughing, arresting everyone's attention in the room. Dharma mused if she had been really that funny.

"Sorry! You are so funny," he explained and Dharma gave a dry smile, picking a piece of Hariyali Kebabs and tasting it delicately. It was then that she saw Maurya at the end of the room. She tensed, swallowing the piece of food with difficulty. Akhil was narrating an anecdote from his school days but her attention stayed on Maurya. He had changed from his formal clothes and now, wore a light cream linen shirt and white cotton trousers. Dharma's eyes wandered around the room, trying to find another man as suave as Maurya. She failed to find one, chiding herself for the futile exercise.

Listening to Akhil was like hearing a tap of water flow continuously without any pause. The tediousness of his topic and the monotony of his modulation bored Dharma but politeness was second nature to her, and she indulged him, hoping that someone would rescue her.

Her guardian angel was none other than Maurya himself. As soon as Akhil saw him, he stopped his monologue and greeted his boss.

Nodding, Maurya asked, "Enjoying?" including Dharma in his amused glance.

"Yes sir, your glass is empty. Shall I get you something?" Akhil asked devotedly.

Maurya cast a glance at his glass and asked Akhil to get his favourite blend of whisky. When Akhil hurried to please his boss, Maurya grinned at Dharma, "You must thank me for rescuing you. Akhil gets carried away at times."

"He worships you," Dharma answered self-consciously. She saw Tapan and Pooja stealing curious glances at them.

Maurya shrugged, regarding the gathering with a distracted glance.

"How did you come up with a place like Modhera? Have you been there?" he asked with interest.

Her eyes clashed with his, "No, never been there but it popped up on my screen some days ago and I was enchanted by its rich architecture. Then, a few days ago, a friend of mine mentioned this place casually."

"It is a very engrossing monument," Maurya commented, his attention drawn to her magnificent eyes like a magnet.

"Yes, it was built during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukya Dynasty around the year 1026."

"What? Is it that old?" Maurya asked in astonishment.

"It was built as a temple for the Sun Lord. The main chamber is designed in such a way that the first rays of the rising sun light up the image of Surya during solar equinox days and on the summer solstice day, the sun shines directly above the temple at noon casting no shadow."

"Whew, amazing!" Maurya exclaimed, watching her face light up with excitement.

"There are almost hundred and eight tiny shrines for various gods and demi-gods around the step well," Dharma added.

"Is there regular worship now?"

"No, regular worship stopped long ago when the main temple was destroyed and the idols were mutilated by invaders. You can learn many more stories from a priest who stays close to the vicinity. He has been taking care of the temple."

"How do you know all these?" an attentive Maurya queried.

"The one and only..." she named a popular search engine and a genuine smile appeared on his face, arresting Dharma's attention. He looked younger when he smiled like that, thought Dharma.

"Sir," Akhil returned with Maurya's favourite blend.

Someone else approached Maurya and drew his attention. Excusing herself, Dharma escaped from Akhil's cloying presence.

When she returned to the hostel, Dharma rehashed her conversation with Maurya like a broken record.