Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion -II

 4) Himalayan Impressions

Dharma had never before seen Brahim so distressed, and she longed to comfort him but she was too choked with pain to soothe him. His unshed tears carried all the weight of his feelings for Kamya. Dharma was not a follower of any particular faith but she did feel that there was one supreme power that guided mankind, and she prayed to that supreme power for Kamya's recovery.

They were on their way to Parijatpur and Dharma was in constant touch with Garima. Kamya's condition had not improved and she continued to be critical.

In an odd twist of impression, the soaring peaks of Parijatpur suddenly seemed menacing to Dharma just then. A large number of cliffs were obscured by the clouds but a few of them were noticeable due to the thawing of snow. That range of Himalayas had been a constant and reassuring presence in Dharma's life throughout her growing up years. Dharma regarded them as a friend and protector. She knew by heart, the distinct aura that the mountains possessed during seasonal transitions. In her childhood, Dharma's vivid imagination had run riot with exotic formation of another world in the depth of the mountains, where she had been the princess of the woods who had been swept off her feet by the prince of the mountains. There used to be magical creatures who would fly and vanish in the air. Nevertheless, in all her creations, the mountains had been the central character that could devour an entire species or protect a whole breed from imminent danger. To Dharma, the Himalayas were the vital force that breathed life into Parijatpur and its beings. Sometimes, when she had been angry, she had found the protruding cliffs ugly and preposterous. She had then called them all kinds of ridiculous names. When she entered her teens, she had regarded the natural pyramids as long-suffering parents who endured the tantrums of their children with amused indulgence. When mist and fog had enshrouded the ranges during peak winters, Dharma would feel depressed; and on those mornings, when the sun's rays touched the rocky slopes, she would be overjoyed and would skip around the campus with glee. Now, as they neared the valley that cuddled Parijatpur, Dharma drew a trembling sigh. Observing the hills with affection and reminiscences, Dharma could not shake off the uncanny sense of foreboding. The feeling persisted even after seeing Kamya. They reached the town by late evening and headed straight to the hospital.

Kamya was still in the intensive care unit and they learnt that she had borne a head injury due to the impact of the fall. According to the doctor, the extent of the injuries could be deduced only after Kamya regained consciousness. Dharma and Brahim hovered outside the critical care unit, through the night, and did not allow themselves the luxury of food or shower when their friend lay inside the unit with tubes and bandages on her face.

The next morning, the doctor informed them that they had to do a surgery to stitch up the wounds on Kamya's head. Brahim and Dharma took turns attending to Kamya. While waiting outside the ward, Dharma checked her messages. She had sent a mail labelling it urgent to the office, citing the reason for her absence and copying it to Rashika and Sonia. There was a reply from the office, granting her leave but there had been no response from Sonia or Rashika.

An hour later, Dharma was shocked to find Chaitanya, Seema and her mother arriving. It was Chaitanya who saw her first. Seema nodded at Dharma but Seema's mother who blamed the feminine gender for every mistake that a man made, ignored Dharma.

Dharma and Brahim stood on one side of the corridor outside the operating theatre while Seema, her mother, and Chaitanya were seated on the opposite side. The hours flew, and Brahim paced the floor restlessly. Seema chatted with her mother, throwing occasional glances at Dharma. Chaitanya did not budge from his seat. He sat opposite Dharma, his legs stretched forward and his head resting on the wall behind. To Seema and her mother, he looked as if he was napping but not to Dharma. She could feel his eyes fixed on her. Once or twice Brahim tried to freeze him out with his stare. But Dharma had discerned that Chaitanya was not the type to get deterred by such tactics.

"Dharma, if that son of a bitch is making you uncomfortable, you can go to your room. I will be here," Brahim suggested softly, taking the chair next to Dharma.

"Uncomfortable? He is giving me the creeps," Dharma muttered. "You know what Brahim? I am not budging from this seat. He can stare non-stop but I will not be intimidated by him." A determined Dharma settled on the chair more comfortably and pretended to sleep, undaunted by Chaitanya and his sly games.

As the news about Kamya spread across the campus, more friends joined Dharma and Brahim. By the time, the doctor came out of the theatre, a large group had gathered around Dharma and Brahim.

"Surgery is over. We have to wait for at least twelve hours to come to any conclusion," the doctor informed, stressing more on the post-surgery care. From his account, Dharma sensed that the surgery was successful. As the group dispersed, Seema and her mother decided to go for lunch. Chaitanya resisted their attempts to take him along but Seema's mother was adamant and she took him away forcefully. Breathing a sigh of relief after he left, Dharma persuaded Brahim to take a break.

Sitting alone in the corridor, Dharma perused her emails and messages. Garima, who was in charge of the reception and who had called Dharma first about Kamya's accident, came hurrying towards Dharma.

"Dharma, I have something to show you," she whispered with urgency. Ensuring that there was no one else in the corridor, Garima showed the video clip on her phone, "It is footage from the CCTV outside our campus. Just watch and you will know what I mean..."

Scanning Garima's face with trepidation, Dharma played the video. The footage showed the bus that Kamya was travelling, slow down to a stop, outside the campus on the hilly road. After a couple of students alighted, Kamya stepped down from the bus. As soon as she moved away from the bus, a car came out of nowhere knocking her down. The video ended while Dharma continued to stare at it in speechless rage.

"Dharma!" Garima's voice jerked her out of her absorption.

"Bloody......." Dharma swore.

"Did you notice what I did?

"What?"

"Dharma, you will see if you freeze the picture when the bus is arriving," Garima played it again, pointing out at a distant object. "See! that is the car. It is waiting for the bus to arrive."

Dharma caught her breath, "Oh, my lord, Garima! Someone was waiting for Kamya."

"Exactly!"

"Wait, can you zoom the picture?"

"I did but I could not make out the face inside the car."

"Let me," Dharma enlarged the picture but it was hazy. "Why don't we check in the guard room Garima? They might have more footage."

"Sure, we can, but I think Kamya recognized the driver."

"Yeah, even I got that weird feeling," Dharma agreed, recalling the expression on Kamya's face just before the car knocked her down. A shiver went up her spine at the memory of the scene.

"So, should we go now to check the tapes?" Garima asked

"No, let Brahim come. Once he is here, I will come to the reception and we can go together."

Garima left and Dharma waited once again alone, horrified by the new discovery. Who would want to harm Kamya? Out of nowhere, an appalling thought jolted her like a flash of ominous lightning, the hair standing up on the back of her neck.

**********

Maurya was at the meeting of the heads of the departments to discuss the progress of work for the upcoming fashion show. The theme was decided and Tapan would be addressing everyone shortly with his PowerPoint presentation.

Maurya had been on edge since morning and he knew the cause for it. There had been another call from Shankaran Murthy requesting him to go and see the house, Avadhi. He wanted Maurya to unlock Avadhi so that it could be repaired. The man insisted that only Maurya should open the house while Maurya recalled that his mentor had advised him to go only with his so-called soulmate. Ideally, Maurya should discard his mentor's advice, travel to this desolate village and do as Shankaran Murthy insisted. Or following Mahendran's advice he could take Rashika and end the matter. So why was he hesitating? Why did he not invite Rashika to visit Anuragnicheri? He was also certain that Rashika would be more than willing to travel with him. And yet, he stalled the plan.

The discussion at the meeting veered to inviting guests for the show and many suggestions were forthcoming. One of the department heads proposed, "Sir, we can invite Sharad Kumar Kavle."

Maurya's brows knit together in deliberation, "Who the hell is he?"

"He is a motivational speaker and an author..."

Maurya interceded, "Author of what?"

"He is a self-help guru. He has written books on many topics."

"Like?" Maurya asked curiously while some others tried to search the man's profile on the net.

"How to seem sincere without being one...." he paused, trying to grope his memory for other titles. Maurya's eyebrows went a notch higher while others chortled. The poor man who suggested the name could not comprehend the reason for the humour.

"Very profound! What else has he written? How to reach atop without climbing?" Maurya asked drily

"No no... I think, "How to fake......." Before he could complete the sentence, others burst out laughing.

"Dinesh, take a break and read books on how to differentiate fake from real...." Maurya's joke was lost on the man but others cracked up and one of them patted the man's shoulders playfully.

"Any other ideas?" Maurya asked, checking his phone.

"There is Marveen Mathur," Tapan gave the name while others agreed that it was a good idea.

"Give me his profile," Maurya demanded.

"Marveen Mathur is a businessman who founded the conglomerate MM Companies. He studied in.........." the details of the profile were read out but the last sentence caught everyone's attention, including Maurya's, "he is accused by the Government of India and Interpol for conspiracy and cheating......"

"Stop!" Maurya's voice grated, "For god's sake, we are inviting guests for a fashion show and not for a television debate. And please, next time don't name someone who wrote a book on mountaineering but never climbed one or someone who is a guiding light for these fraudsters."

Maurya stepped out of the room to take a call and everyone guffawed, enjoying the hilarity of the meeting.

Maurya returned and Tapan began his presentation. Each time Maurya saw Tapan, he recalled with amusement, the conversation with Dharma. The designs that Tapan showed had chutzpah. The bold cuts and daring necklines could not be ignored. The brazen prints caught everyone's interest. The show-stopper was an absolute delight.

Tapan concluded his presentation and waited for the reaction, his eyes seeking Maurya's approval. There was loud applause and some of the women congratulated Tapan.

"What do you think?" Tapan asked Maurya

"Very good!"

"But?"

"I don't know, something is amiss. Give it some time. I will get back to you," Maurya strolled back to his office, calling up Index Fashion reception.

"Hello!"

"Hi, connect me to Dharma," Maurya directed

"Sir, Dharma is on leave today."

Maurya glowered at the view from his window. As soon as he had seen Tapan's designs, it was not Vasukinath or Rashika or other designers whose opinion he had wanted. It was Dharma and her probable reaction that came to his mind on first instinct. Without considering the intention of his action, he called Index Fashion to seek Dharma’s assessment of the designs.

The inconsequential action startled him with a new realization – that he who could always count on his ability to act on anything after thorough analysis was suddenly giving in to his whims and impulses. Dragging his fingers through his hair, he shook off the undefined powerlessness that plagued him. Coming to a decision, he called Rashika,

"Hey, how about a trip to the South?"

"South?"

"Yes, a godforsaken village of dilapidated houses with dead peoples' bones scattered around," Maurya grimaced at his own description.

There was no sound from the other end for some moments, then Rashika asked in a measured voice, "Are you talking about a horror movie or a trip? Arya, sometimes I don't know if you are joking or serious."

"Forget it! I was joking. How was the day?"

"Good good! As you had advised, I made Sonia and Lekha sort out their differences in front of me. Now, both of them are obligated to me," Rashika preened in blitheness, unaware of Maurya's dilemma.

Maurya was silent, half-heartedly listening to Rashika. Now that he had called her, he would not rest till he learnt the reason for Dharma's absence.

"I had the first look at the collection that Tapan had in mind."

"Oh! I am sure he would have killed them with his ingenuity," Rashika gushed

"I suppose!" Maurya grunted.

"Oh! Tapan is so talented. I wish we had someone like him in Index," Rashika purred unaware that she had provided the perfect opening for Maurya. And Maurya being himself grabbed it.

"You have Dharma! She had come up with an interesting collection last time," to Maurya's disappointment, Rashika clammed up.

"Hmm. So, you are not really taking me on a trip?"

"No! I was joking."

Recognizing the abstraction in Maurya's voice, Rashika blurted out, "Lekha and I have come up with some lovely ideas for our runway show."

"You should include all the designers in your discussions. Lekha is not heading your design now," Maurya drawled, not letting go of the subject so easily.

"I know but madam Dharma is on leave today..."

"Why?"

"God knows! Apparently, one of her friends met with an accident and she has rushed to her village… Anyway, I will come to your office tomorrow with these sketches," added Rashika with excitement.

Maurya was not aware of the answer he gave Rashika but he was already calling up Mohandham administrative office for details.

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

Dharma and Garima headed to the security guards' station and asked the operator for the footage. There was only one camera at the gate and from its point of vantage, it could capture only a part of the accident. But something about the blurred image of the driver seemed familiar.

"Dharma, I think it is a woman!"

"What? Why do you say so?"

"Look at the hand on the wheel. They are wearing bangles,"

"Good god!" Dharma's face blanched as she recognized the bleary picture of the bangles.

"Who is she, Dharma?"

 ************

His cold indifference had turned her love into obsession and her obsession would not cease till she erased the object of his fascination.  

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 3) Lost memories or illusions

"He felt weightless as darkness enveloped him... The powerful currents sucked him deeper into the water, even if he resisted them relentlessly. Where was she? He tried to call her name but every time he opened his mouth, water gushed inside, choking his lungs... As he flailed his arms and legs around, his last thought was that he wouldn't be able to live without her..."

Maurya jerked open his eyes, his body drenched in sweat and his lungs struggling to breathe normally. Switching on the bedside lamp, he noticed the crumpled linens kicked aside. He realized that he had thrashed aside the bedsheets during the nightmare. Steadying his nerves, he gulped down a glass of water and pulled a pyjama over his shorts. He sauntered to the balcony, his bare chest encountering the early morning chill bravely.

'What was that all about!' Maurya brooded. Although he usually found it difficult to fall asleep, he hadn't faced such nightmares before. The explicit dream had seemed so real that he contemplated if such a thing had happened to him before in his life. He did not remember his life before Mahendran picked him up from the beach. It was from Mahendran that he knew he had been found on the floor of a cargo ship in the middle of the ocean. Had he drowned and washed up on the boat? In that dream he had woken up from, he had been searching for a woman. He recalled the muddled thoughts about not being able to live without that woman. Had there been someone with him when he got lost in the sea? Why would he think that he would not be able to live without her? At the age of ten, it was not feasible that he had been in love. So, who had been with him? And why didn't his family search for him if he had drowned? Too many thoughts and possibilities puzzled him. Pulling the hood of the jacket over his head, he rushed out for a jog.

Amidst the chaos of images and memories, he recollected Mahendran's letter that was sent to him through Shankaran Murthy. Mahendran had written, "I believe that your stars have destined you to find the right partner and when you find her, you will know she is the one for you. Your one true love..."

Mahendran's mention of true love mystified him... He had assumed that his mentor had talked about Rashika. Now, with the dream fresh in his mind, he pondered if there was someone else that Mahendran had meant.

 **************

Dharma had accompanied Kamya for her interview. She was sitting in the reception area of the sprawling school campus while Kamya and other candidates, were in the conference room participating in a group discussion. She was studying the display board, where the photographs of the best students were pinned, when she got a call from an unknown number, "Hello..."

There was no answer. Hearing nothing from the other side, she severed the call.

Ten minutes later, another call from the same number irritated her. Frowning, she asked, "Hello, who are you?"

Again, there was no sound, only heavy breathing that made Dharma uneasy. She held on to the call but there was only silence from the other end. She considered lodging an official complaint nevertheless, she decided to wait for another day. She blocked the number temporarily to avoid further harassment.

Sometime later, Kamya briefed Dharma about the interviews, expressing her satisfaction, "I did my best. Let us see if they will get in touch with me."

After a quick bite, the girls headed to Brahim’s house. Dharma was just hailing an auto when she got the uncanny feeling of someone following her. She turned around to check the crowded market. There was no one familiar.

"Dharma, what are you searching for? Get in the auto," Kamya, already seated in the auto called out over the din and Dharma quickly slid into the seat.

"I just felt someone was following me," Dharma murmured.

"Who?"

"Don't know. Just a strange feeling..."

Kamya and Dharma were quiet during the ride to Brahim's house; both considering the possibility of Chaitanya stalking Dharma. Meeting Brahim and discussing the idea of moving in together, dispelled their worries.

Both the girls spent the following day in the hostel, catching up on beauty treatments, food, gossip, and sleep. Kamya had brought a lovely tie and dye dress from Mohandham for Dharma. She liked it so much that she wore it the next day for work. 

The midi-dress in bright blue and yellow attracted quite an attention at Dharma's workplace. Many of them complimented her on the style and colour of the dress. Pleased with the comments, Dharma began the first day of the working week cheerfully. She learnt that Rashika was back from her trip and would be coming to work that day. Taking a mid-morning break of tea, Dharma was sketching one of the designs with an altered collar and buttons when she was called for a staff meeting.

Like Dharma, everyone was brimming with curiosity.  She pondered if Maurya would be there, and apparently, she was not the only one to speculate because she heard others murmuring if he would be chairing the meeting. The hall was quickly filling up and when all the chairs were taken up, Rashika arrived with Lekha and Sonia.

Rashika made an announcement about the Autumn/Winter Fashion week that was to be held the next month, "Krishna Industries will be showcasing their new collection and all of you are invited to the show. I have got the passes and we will be distributing them soon."

Someone asked if Index Fashions too would be exhibiting their collection.

"No, we will not participate this time, but we will provide all the support that Krishna Industries would need," Rashika clarified.

The hall buzzed with excitement about the coming event. Dharma learnt that it was one of the most prestigious events in the city and, from haute couture designers, fashion houses, retailers, and stylists to celebrities, all looked forward to the week eagerly.

Rashika drew everyone's attention once again by making another announcement, "Index Fashion House will be holding a runway show for the fall collection. It will be held a fortnight after the fashion week. Our chairman wants to place IFH on the fashion map and this show will be the ideal opportunity for it. I want Lekha to head this project. Suggestions regarding the venue, the theme of our collection, the guests, the models, and the showstoppers are welcome from you. We will hold a meeting next week and I expect contribution from everyone. When I make the presentation to our chairman, I want to announce it as a collective effort of the team."

There was a loud cheer from the staff, and following a short discussion with Rashika, everyone returned to work. Dharma did not mull over Rashika's announcement, but rather on the sudden and surprising camaraderie between Lekha, Sonia, and Rashika. Sonia had been upset after her meeting with Maurya and she had informed Dharma on their way back that Maurya had asked her to have a talk with Rashika.

During the day, she received many anonymous calls from different unknown numbers. She registered an official complaint at the helpline of the service provider however, to lodge a complaint with the police, she was informed that unless there was an imminent threat, they would not register the complaint.

Kamya secured the job. Brahim and the girls celebrated the occasion that night. Kamya was going back to Parijatpur the next evening and all three made plans to move in together as soon as she settled in her job. They were too excited and did not notice the shadowy figure that followed Kamya and Dharma back to the hostel.

Leaving Kamya at the hostel the next morning, Dharma visited the fabric shop in the old city market. There was a lot of haggling over the price, however, they promised her that they would supply the fabrics on time. Their shipment, normally, reached them once a month and she would get their supply of fabrics by the 25th of that month. Satisfied with the discussion, Dharma returned to her workplace, only to learn that Maurya was present in Rashika's office. So, she scanned and printed a copy of the invoice and sent it through the peon to Rashika's office. Ten minutes later, the peon asked her to meet Rashika in her office. Hoping that Maurya would have left, she was disconcerted to see him, his face bent close to Rashika's, perusing something on Rashika's phone with keen interest. They drew apart abruptly as she came into their view.

"Good afternoon, you asked for me?" Dharma asked politely, avoiding Maurya's eyes.

"Dharma, next time you want to send something important to me, bring it yourself. Do not send it through the peon."

Dharma's temper rose but office decorum held her back. She nodded silently.

Dharma thought she saw a flicker of disappointment on Rashika's face. She pondered if Rashika wanted to pick a fight with her. Then she saw Maurya regarding her. His expression was veiled behind a cloak of indifference. Her phone rang and glancing at it, she slid it to silent mode.

"Don't you know that you have to keep your cell phones away when you come to my office?" Rashika berated Dharma.

"Oh! come on Rashika, don't be a headmistress! This is a workplace for adults and not a school for delinquent teenagers," Maurya snapped.

Dharma threw a grateful glance at Maurya while Rashika's face flushed with anger and embarrassment. Dharma, actually, felt sorry for her. If her own fiancé had chided her in front of the office staff, she would have given him an earful. Maybe Rashika would later, Dharma mused.

"Dharma, keep a track of the shipment with the supplier. Take the number from..." Maurya paused as Dharma's phone vibrated again and she ignored it but not Maurya, "If someone is calling you urgently, answer them please."

Rashika was growing angry by the minute and Dharma checked the number. It was again the unknown number.

"No, it is not urgent. It is a prank call."

"Prank call?" Maurya asked thoughtfully.

She blurted out, "Yeah, I have lodged a complaint."

That caught Maurya's attention, "Are you harassed by this unknown caller?"

"Yes, I just hear some heavy breathing and then silence."

"Where have you lodged a complaint?" Maurya asked, his forehead burrowed in a frown.

Dharma replied while Rashika added woefully, "Oh Maurya, even I have been getting these calls you know. There is just......." she went on but Maurya's concentration was focussed on a message he was typing out.

"If there is nothing else, may I go?" Dharma asked.

Maurya glanced at her but it was Rashika who answered, "Yes!"

Dharma wondered if Rashika existed on a planet of her own. Her ways of working were so archaic that Dharma deduced that heading a fashion house was not Rashika's cup of tea.

That night, after Kamya left for Parijatpur; Dharma began to work on the sketches. To her utter surprise, she got a call from Maurya, "Hi Dharma!"

"Hello..."

"I have lodged a formal complaint with the police. Can you send a snapshot of the number?"

"Sure!" Dharma did as she was told, "Sent!"

"Good, for how long have you been getting these calls?"

"Last couple of days I guess..."

"Any idea who it could be?"

Dharma hesitated and then answered," No, I have no clue."

However, Maurya had caught the hesitation and he scowled with anger.

When Dharma fell asleep that night, there was a small smile playing on her face. She felt grateful because; after many years, since Jaydev Mohan and his wife, someone else had taken the responsibility for her safety.

Nevertheless, a shock awaited her in the morning. She was jolted awake by the ring of her phone.

"Dharma, this is Garima calling from Mohandham..."

"Yeah?"

"Dharma, Kamya met with an accident this morning. She is in the hospital."

Alarmed, Dharma was wide awake now, "What? But how?"

"She was getting down from the bus and a car, coming from the opposite direction knocked her down."

"Oh god! How is she?" Dharma swallowed the tears that threatened to spurt out.

"Not good Dharma..."

"Oh my god, Kamya!" a staggered Dharma strove to control the fear that shook her. She pleaded, "Garima, I am coming there today itself. Please, please if Kamya gains consciousness, will you tell her that I am reaching soon?"

"Yes, of course!"

"And Garima, did they detain the driver?"

"Nope, he fled...."

Dharma and Brahim left for Parijatpur.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

 2) Art takes courage

The hum of the phone broke Dharma's concentration on the notes she was making for her meeting with Maurya that afternoon.

"Hello!"

"Dharma!" the panic in Kamya's voice drew her attention and she asked worriedly, "Kamya, what is it? You sound alarmed."

"It is Chaitanya. I think he knows that you are in Delhi," Kamya blurted out.

Unbidden, the image of a figure standing opposite her hostel last evening, came to her mind but Dharma did not mention it to her friend, not wanting to cause more panic. Instead, she asked, "How are you so certain about him knowing?"

"I heard from Seema that he visited Mohandham a week ago and he left for Delhi the day before yesterday."

"He could be visiting Delhi for other reasons. Why should it be connected to me?"

"Why did he visit our office then? I am sure that he took your address on some pretext."

"Relax Kamya. This is a big city and he can't find the address so quickly," Dharma assured her friend although she was perturbed over the news.

"Why don't you shift to Brahim's house for a few days? That way, he won't be able to find you."

"Have you gone nuts? Just because some idiot is here, I can't barge into Brahim's house and force myself on him. If you are here, we can move in together," Dharma murmured thoughtfully.

"It might happen soon..." Kamya replied enigmatically but Dharma caught the essence of it and she squealed in excitement, "You found a job?"

"Chill! No, I haven't found one yet but I have been called for an interview and group discussion."

"Wow, Kamya! Which school?"

The school that her friend named was one of the leading schools in the city, "This is so awesome. When are you coming?"

"Friday!" Kamya sounded pleased with Dharma's excitement.

"Oh my god! That is just two days away!"

"Yes! See you then but Dharma be careful! Be alert and don't wander alone. I don't want to scare you but Chaitanya is a creep."

"I know dear! I will be careful."

Dharma pondered about the figure she noticed opposite her hostel last night.

The pattern maker arrived, and together, they began to discuss the bulk orders. Dharma had a meeting with Maurya in his office at three. She had made an appointment with his secretary the previous evening and this morning, she had spent half an hour deciding the outfit. Finally, she had chosen simple white trousers and a blue formal shirt. She didn't want to appear too dressed up. She had a light breakfast and munched on peanuts on the bus. Some of the regular passengers and the driver had enquired about Mrs. Singh. She had also come to know then that the conductor had visited Mrs. Singh at the hospital the previous evening, reckoning that such sweet gestures made the world a brighter place.

Lekha wandered into the room and after tossing a baleful glance at her, she resumed her daily ritual of taking stock of things in the store. Ignoring her, Dharma continued with her task. She learnt from the office gossip that Rashika was on leave for a couple of days. Apparently, she had gone on a trip to her native village.

Sonia, just then, sauntered in and asked casually, "Hey Dharma, I believe you have an appointment with Maurya at three?"

"Yes!"

"I have one at two. I am taking the office cab. Why don't we go together and you can catch up with Tapan?"

"Tapan?" Dharma asked remembering the young designer from Krishna Industries.

"Yeah, he called me just now. He said he wanted to discuss something with you."

"Oh ok! I will see him then," Dharma wished he had talked to her directly.

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

Maurya did not want to admit but he was relieved that Rashika had left for the annual festival with her family. From somewhere, like a whiff of unpleasant odour, a dash of guilt assailed him. But it was accompanied by a rush of thrill that followed the announcement of Rita who usually apprised him of the day's meetings and appointments. And since then, his thoughts veered around an appointment that was scheduled for three that evening. There was a knock on the door and swiftly, he checked the time. It was only two. The door opened tentatively and Sonia peeped questioningly. In that tiny space of a moment, he went through a batter of emotions; relief, disappointment, guilt, anticipation, and some self-reproach.

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

Dharma met Tapan before her appointment with Maurya. She was taken aback by the décor in Tapan’s room. One side of the wall was covered with a picture of a ferocious-looking tiger in a leaping movement. Against the dark background, the picture looked dramatic. Dharma glanced at the other side of the wall, only to be disconcerted by the giant-sized picture of a female vampire holding a black cat. There was blood dripping from the woman's mouth.

Dharma's eyes shifted to Tapan. He was just ending a phone conversation. Dharma couldn't prevent herself from muttering aloud, "Horror seems to be your forte..."

Grinning wide with glee, Tapan flopped himself on the revolving chair. His oversized table was strewn with sketches, pencils, and swatches of fabric.

"I love blood-curdling art!"

"This is ghoulish!"

"Lol..." Tapan's eyes scanned the room. With a broad smile, he said, "It took your breath away, right? That is the reaction I want for my art!"

"Yeah?" Dharma asked dubiously. She could not, for the life of her, understand how anyone could call this bizarre and what seemed to her, hideous décor an art.

"Yep, and oh, by the way, congratulations! I hear you had a successful showing last evening. The hearsay is that the buyers just grabbed your designs without batting an eyelid."

Somehow, the words sounded more like ridicule than compliments from him. Dharma shot a quick look at him but he was busily trying to organize the mess on his table.

"So why did you want to see me?"

"Oh yes, Dharma...Since you are new, Maurya and I thought you might need my guidance on executing the bulk orders that Index Fashion landed yesterday."

Dharma swallowed the surge of anger that rose at her throat by his patronizing tone but her anger was directed more at Maurya than at Tapan. How could Maurya decide that she was incapable of handling such bulk orders? Tapan looked at her with a sardonic smile and added, "I am at your service if you need me."

"Thanks! I will let you know if I need one."

Dharma rose and with a curt nod at him, she left the ghastly room. Outside Maurya's cabin, Dharma gritted her teeth and forced her attention on the magazine she was leafing through.

"Care for a cup of coffee?" Rita asked politely. Dharma was too wound up to sip coffee or make small talk with Rita. The confidence she had acquired after last evening's showing had taken a hit after her chat with Tapan. Didn't Maurya trust her to carry out the assignment? Is that why he called her for a meeting so that she could share her project with Tapan?

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

Sonia had made her complaints to Maurya about the mistreatment meted out to her in her office. He had listened quietly; however, he had not given any solution. She had hoped that he would comfort her by saying that he would look into the matter. Damn, she would have been happy if he had just looked at her with sympathy. One look from those gorgeous eyes would have been enough. Sighing, Sonia waited for him to finish his call. Gazing at him, she wondered if he was aware of her feelings for him, which had only grown more intense, she realized.  Sighing wistfully, her eyes roamed over his features and stayed on his pursed lips. He had a chiselled jaw and she wished she could run her fingers over it. His glance moved to her and she lowered her eyes, her cheeks turning crimson over her thoughts. Maurya ended his call and checked the time for the umpteenth time. Then, remembering that Sonia was still waiting, he said "I will try to look into the matter Sonia. I would advise you to have a heart-to-heart chat with Lekha. If that does not work, take the matter to Rashika. She is your MD after all. Try to resolve the issue with her."

Sonia wanted to argue that Rashika would not listen to her but Maurya looked impatient so she stood up jerkily and nodding at him, she left the room in a hurry. Disappointed that she could not convince him of her troubles, she met Dharma with a frown.

"You spoke to him?" Dharma asked with concern

"Hmm… but he asked me to resolve it with Rashika."

"Oh!"

"Yeah... I will grab a coffee at the shop down. You meet me there."

Dharma watched Sonia take the stairs with a downcast face.

"Dharma, you can go in," Rita called out. Dharma knocked on the door twice before entering. She was reminded of the first time she had barged into that room.

There was no one inside. Frowning, she hesitated. Then, she heard the sound of a door opening and closing. Her eyes darted toward the sound and she saw Maurya come out of another room, wiping his hands with a towel.

"Hi..." he greeted her softly and strode towards his table. He gestured for her to take the seat.

Dharma walked slowly to the table; her eyes drawn to the sight of the minarets of the Red Fort outside the window. Taking the chair opposite him, Dharma observed the slight hue of brown on his head. The sunlight behind him was fading and his face was partly hidden from her view.

"Let me congratulate you first for last evening's show. The team was impressed with the detailing you had done on the designs."

"Thanks!"

"Have you got the sketches with you?"

Nodding, Dharma took the bunch of sheets from her folder and handed them to him, all the time aware of his eyes on her. When he began to peruse the designs, Dharma squirmed restlessly in her seat. She wanted to challenge him for not expecting her to be capable of executing the bulk order but better sense prevailed and she held back.

"You want to say something, say it, don't fidget in the chair," Maurya stated, without looking up from the sheet. Embarrassment flooded her face and her body went still, wishing she could flee from the room. His face shot up and she avoided his eyes. She stared at the sketches resolutely. He leaned back and regarded her quietly for some moments, "So, do you have something to say to me?"

Facing him bravely, she demanded in a low voice, "You don't think I am capable of executing this assignment?"

His eyebrows went a notch up, "Did I say so?"

"No, but you implied."

Maurya drew his brows together, "When did I imply? Can you explain how you came to the conclusion?"

Dharma faltered. She rummaged around for answers in her head, "I mean I thought you implied."

"Do you always imagine people saying things that are actually unsaid?"

Expressed like that, it sounded as if she was a nutcase. Deciding to be honest with him, she explained, "Actually, Tapan suggested that since I was new to the firm, I should take his advice in executing the bulk order."

"And you thought that it was me who asked him to give you the advice."

Taken aback, she asked," You didn't?"

"Whether I did or not is not the point. The point is about how you grasp the intentions of others. Instead of complaining about it, you should have taken it as part of your learning curve."

With just a few words, he had put her in her place but this time she did not feel bad. Somehow, his words made sense to her. Indeed, it had been arrogant of her to think that Tapan's advice was unwarranted. And even if she disagreed with him, she could have taken his words for what they were and then forgotten about them. Instead, she had made it an issue and here she was, admonished rightly for it.

"You are right. I am sorry. I should have taken it in the right sense."

Maurya did not answer but he started to discuss the orders and the next half an hour passed quickly. He relayed the buyers' demands to do a minor alteration in one design. She made note of every little thing he said. An hour later, Maurya stretched his arms tiredly. Dharma gathered the sheets and arranged them in her folder primly. The lights were switched on in the building and she stole a glance at him. Startled to find his eyes on her, she averted her gaze quickly and stood up.

"Would you like a cup of coffee?" he asked

She eyed him in surprise. There was an indolent look on his face, also a tiny smile playing on his lips.

"No, thank you. Sonia is waiting for me."

He nodded thoughtfully and she turned away. Then, as an afterthought, she swivelled around and added, "About that thing regarding Tapan, I think it was his love for felines that made me edgy. I guess I lost it when I left that room."

A slow smile spread on Maurya's face as the meaning of her words sunk, "Bravo! No one has come out of his room unscathed. I guess it is his art..."

Dharma chuckled softly, grateful that the effect of her initial goof-up had smoothed over. With a mellowed warmth lingering between them, Dharma left the room hastily.

Yakshagni - An odyssey of unbroken devotion - II

1) Successful Debut

The extra hour of jogging invigorated Dharma and the cobwebs in her head began to clear. She paused to take a long breath. Usually, she jogged for half an hour but this morning, her adrenaline rush urged her to vent more energy beyond the stipulated half an hour. It was probably her interaction with Maurya last night that made her restless and craving for an alternate expulsion of built-up energy. As his token of gratitude to her for saving him from the falling tree, Maurya had dropped her home. However, he had spoiled the gesture by chiding her for putting her own life in peril. She had reflected on his strange behaviour and kept recalling the times they had met. Consequently, she hadn't slept well. It was also Show-time for buyers. Checking the time, she hurried to her hostel.

***********

Rashika was a skilled but fast driver. Many times, Maurya had warned her of over-speeding but right now, she let out her frustration and anger on her car. She had had a violent row with Maurya the previous afternoon, over their trip to her native town. He had refused to accompany her family to the annual festival. Rashika had hoped that he would change his mind at the last moment but Maurya had been adamant and she had no excuses to give her parents.

It was true that the workload was high but there were efficient executives who could manage in Maurya’s absence so why had he declined to go with her? After their quarrel, Maurya had stomped out of his office in temper. This morning, her mother once again pestered her to convince Maurya to go with them and she screamed at her mother in frustration.

As Rashika sped along the outer ring road, her temper was stewing to a boiling fury. She had always done what her mind willed. There had never been an occasion when her wishes or needs had been unfulfilled. Her love for Maurya was never easily detected and with her sweet temperament, she had managed to make him propose to her. But now, things were different. She was reluctantly realizing that Maurya was so headstrong that at times, she felt like a clay pigeon.

She slowed down at the sight of the pile-up of traffic. She had followed her aunt's advice and had beseeched her father to give her a chance to work with Maurya and learn the ropes of the business. However, Maurya had placed her in the post of managing director at Index Fashions. After a month of joining Index Fashion House, she realized the complexities of running a company. Her foremost aim had been to salvage her sinking relationship with Maurya but working in Index fashion did not permit it. The only way to earn his attention now was by hook or crook.

Her phone buzzed. It was her best friend, Arjun.

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

Dharma waited at the stop for her regular bus. She planned to take the finished garments at around 2 in the afternoon. The models would be reaching the hotel directly and she had given specific instructions to them on their hairstyle. Dharma believed in the overall look to enhance the appeal of the outfit.

The bus was late, and by 9.10 she was fretting. The bus usually arrived at 8.50 and she would reach the office by 9.30 but today she was going to be late. The rattly blue vehicle, finally, made an appearance at 9.25 and Dharma took the usual seat. At the next stop, Mrs Singh boarded the bus and took the seat beside Dharma. The older woman and Dharma had become good friends over the days and Mrs Singh invariably brought her some snacks to munch. But that morning, she looked weary and Dharma pointed out, "You look tired!"

"Yes, slight pain in the chest. Sorry, I did not bring anything for you today except these roasted peanuts."

"That is alright. Did you show it to a doctor?"

The bus conductor diverted Dharma’s attention and she searched her purse for coins to pay him. When she turned around, Mrs Singh's head had slid to the window. Her arms had become limp on her lap. Alarmed, Dharma shook her shoulders but Mrs Singh had blacked out.

Dharma called for help and one of the passengers sprinkled water on the unconscious woman's face. Another man asked the driver to take the bus to a hospital. As soon as they arrived at the outpatient station, Mrs Singh was wheeled into the emergency room. Waiting in the lobby with Mrs Singh's belongings, Dharma searched for the older woman's husband's number in her phone. She learnt that he was in Sonipat at work. He requested her to wait till his sister who lived in Delhi reached the hospital. Dharma checked the time. It was already 10.30 and she had to be at the office by at least 1.00 to take the garments. Nonetheless, she decided to wait in the hospital for the doctor's diagnosis.

The hours flew and at 12.30 noon, the doctor told Dharma that Mrs Singh had suffered a minor stroke and that she needed to be under observation for at least 24 hours.

Stressed over her show and anxious about Mrs Singh's health, Dharma paced the lobby in tension. Around one, she called Sonia and informed her about her whereabouts. By two, Mrs Singh's sister-in-law showed up and she apologised profusely for the lateness. Bringing her up to date about Mrs Singh's health, Dharma left the hospital after one brief look at her friend.

Hailing a cab, Dharma was constantly on phone, guiding the assistant girls and models. By the time she reached the luxurious hotel, it was almost 3.30 and she rushed to the reception, recalling that she had forgotten to ask for the number of the suite. Again, she called her assistant who, breathlessly, informed her that Maurya Verma had arrived. Panting and perspiring, Dharma knocked on the door of the suite, and to add to her woes, it was Maurya who opened the door. He ran his eye over her slouched figure and queried, "Are you alright?"

Nodding, she strode to the dressing room in a hurry. Lekha, with her holier-than-thou attitude berated, "Where the hell were you? The buyers are here. Do you know how late you are?"

Despite the other woman's annoying attitude, Dharma answered with a calmness that surprised even her, "I know I know and I am sorry. It was an emergency."

Rashika, who was part of the group discussion with the buyers, excused herself and peeped into the dressing room. She glared at Dharma, "How irresponsible are you? Have you forgotten that you are supposed to be here by 2? It was Lekha who made all the arrangements before you showed up."

"I am sorry! There was an emergency." Dharma replied, rattled by Rashika's aggression.

The young models in a quiet gesture of support for Dharma, unwrapped other garments and helped her to dress them up. Dharma made sure that they donned the right footwear, minimum accessories and matching hairstyle.

The exhibit of apparel got over quickly and when Dharma took a look at the guests, she was relieved by the subdued excitement on their faces. At least they were not disappointed. The girls who modelled apprised her that the buyers seemed satisfied with the collection.

After another round of discussion, the buyers left with Maurya. Rashika, once again charged at Dharma, "How could you be so late on an important occasion like this?"

"I told you I had an emergency."

"Just because you are designing for this event does not mean that you can do as you please! I will not tolerate such scant regard for the higher authority."

Dharma regarded Rashika's crimson face and simmering grey eyes. She would have taken undue pleasure in putting Rashika in her place but good manners stalled her and she tried to answer with as much politeness as she could muster, "Everyone has emergencies. No one will want to be late on purpose."

"Oh, be quiet! Don't you dare take that arrogant tone with me!" Rashika snarled.

The door opened and Maurya entered. Taking in the scene, he raised his eyebrows.

"Guess what?" the ghost of a smile appeared on his face and scanning their faces in one quick look, he announced, "We have got an order for 30,000 pieces of each design."

He glanced at Dharma, "Congratulations Dharma! All your three designs have been selected."

Dharma's face turned sanguine at his announcement. She wanted to whoop with joy and holler to the world.

"Are you serious?" Rashika asked with reluctant surprise.

"Yep, it is the biggest order Index has got since god knows how many years!"

"Congratulations Rashika, you have done it!" Lekha's greetings drew Maurya's attention and he glanced at the two women sceptically.

Rashika's elated eyes encompassed Maurya and she placed her head on his shoulder with a contended sigh, "Thanks, Lekha! It was indeed a tough job."

Dharma's opinion about Rashika as a spoilt brat was reinforced after Rashika accepted the credit without any qualms. A miffed Dharma collected the scattered garments and began to fold them.

"Dharma..." Maurya's voice halted her actions and she glanced at him. Rashika scowled at Maurya while Dharma ignored the woman.

"Yes?"

"Make an appointment with Rita tomorrow. We will work out the details for the bulk order."

With a stiff smile, Dharma nodded and marched back to the dressing room. Maurya stared after her, ruminating over the gleam of anger that he detected in her eyes.

***********

Maurya and Rashika had dinner in a restaurant attached to the hotel after Dharma and the others left. Perusing the menu card, Rashika complained, "You know, Dharma spoke very rudely to me when I asked her why she was late. She almost jumped at me for asking."

Maurya lowered the menu card, "What do you mean by rude?"

"I mean she was almost asking me to mind my business. How dare she, Arya? Does she not know that I am the boss here? I think she wants to follow Sonia. I have seen the way they are so chummy with each other. First, she comes late and then she has the nerve to be rude."

"She must have had some important work. Anyway, she reached in time for the show and she worked hard on the collection. Her androgynous designs were loved by the buyers. They said they had been looking for such creations from Indian designers for a long time."

"Why are you defending her Arya? I agree that she is talented but have you seen her attitude? She struts around as if Index Fashions is on her shoulder. Poor Lekha!"

"Why poor Lekha? The woman has no sense of aesthetics in her. Her designs are over the top and crass. The only thing I see her do is sit in your office and gossip."

"That is not true Arya," Rashika cried, regarding him with hurt eyes.

The waiter appeared just then, quite miraculously for Maurya, who smiled at him gratefully. He hoped that Rashika would drop the topic. Somehow, he was uncomfortable discussing Dharma with Rashika.

Taking note of Maurya's discomfort, Rashika dropped the subject but she decided that she would soon teach a lesson to Dharma.

"Arya, Arjun is hosting a party at his farmhouse on Saturday," Rashika observed Maurya over the wine glass she was sipping from. She also noticed many women in the restaurant giving Maurya discreet looks. The light from the table above cast its glow on his face, turning his handsome features aristocratic. Rashika's imagination ran riot as she placed him on a royal pedestal where he would easily fit in.

Maurya was aware of Rashika's steady stare but he didn't look up from the menu he was studying. His thoughts were entangled in a mesh. There was a desperation to flee from the restaurant but he couldn't find a reason. He was physically present with Rashika but his thoughts were far away, disturbed over the cause of anger that had gleamed in Dharma's eyes that afternoon.

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

After returning the garments to the office store and making notes of the same, Dharma called Mrs Singh to enquire about her health. Her husband answered and Dharma was relieved to learn that Mrs Singh's condition had improved and that she was conscious and talking.

"Thank you, Dharma, for helping her to reach the hospital in time. The doctor was saying that if she hadn't reached the hospital in time, the attack would have crippled her."

"It was no problem. Other passengers helped me on the bus."

"But you were the one who brought her to the hospital. My wife was saying that it was also an important day for you at work. Hope you didn't face a problem there."

Dharma recalled that she had discussed the showing with Mrs Singh casually on their bus ride, "No, it went on smoothly. Please convey my wishes to her. I will try to visit her tomorrow."

"Sure! Take your time. Come home sometime. My daughter would be happy to see you."

"Thank you, I will definitely do that."

Reaching the ground floor of the office, Dharma came across Sonia sitting alone in the reception area.

"Hi, Sonia..."

Startled, Sonia looked up with a vague smile. Dharma studied the puffy eyes and the wet tissue in her hand...

"Hi Dharma, still here?"

"Yeah, checking and returning the garments."

"Oh yes, I hear that it was a very successful show."

"Yes, we got a big order. You didn't come. Why?"

Sonia shrugged, "I don't think I was welcome."

"Why not?"

With a woebegone face, she replied, "Rashika and Lekha didn't want me there. They feel I am interfering with their work."

"Did Rashika say something to you?" Dharma frowned as Sonia sniffed once again, her eyes filling with tears.

"I don't know Dharma. I think Rashika has definitely taken a dislike to me and she finds every reason to ridicule me in front of Lekha. And here I thought Lekha was my friend since we have been working together for so many years," Sonia blew her nose, saddened by the turn of events.

"I am sure it must be some misunderstanding."

"I don't know Dharma. I am definitely going to talk to Maurya about it."

Dharma didn't think it was a good idea but she didn't voice it. Instead, she tried to cheer Sonia, "I am sure everything would seem better tomorrow. Have a good sleep and things would appear brighter."

Sonia eyed Dharma, "You are a good person Dharma, and with good people, only good things happen."

Dharma smiled faintly, thinking of her childhood when the caretaker woman had abused her. Nevertheless, she did not mention it to Sonia and together they left the office.

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

Alighting from the auto, Dharma waited for the driver to return the change. It was then that she felt her skin prickling. She looked around but she could not see anyone in the dark. She put the coins into her wallet. The auto drew away and she noticed the speck of light behind the tree. Someone was standing behind the tree on the opposite side of the road and smoking. She peered at the figure but the surrounding darkness made it impossible to pick out the person. Dharma shook off the eerie feeling and strode into her hostel.

  *****************

Yakshagni - II

An Odyssey of unbroken devotion

                                                              

PROLOGUE

Each interaction on earth leaves a significant impact on us– be it with another human, another love, a stray creature, or a fading star. The synergy of that intercommunication leaves one with distant memories and heartache; however, it can also grip one with conflicting thoughts, a sinking feeling, or an indefinable ache. Why and how does this happen? Do the stars decide the outcome of such interplays or do the communicators absorb the energy from the interaction and give it a conclusion?

Ekveer and Hanneli gave up their lives for their kingdom but Yaksha Amogha believed that their odyssey would continue through time to another age. True to his belief, Yakshagni had embraced them and carried them to a new era and a newer world.

In the new and unfamiliar world, will Ekveer and Hanneli unite? Or will they have to wait for another span of time to be together? Were they always foreordained to seek love and then lose it?

If the mighty River Yakshagni, which had carried Ekveer and Hanneli to safety, had shrunk to an interconnecting stream of water, then, is there hope for Ekveer and Hanneli to meet and fall in love once again?

What is in store for them? Will Maurya and Dharma remember the lives of Ekveer and Hanneli?

Let us find out...

Book Review - Shalimar the clown by Salman Rushdie

It is quite daunting to write a review of a novel as brilliant and captivating as Shalimar the clown. Nevertheless, I mustered enough courage to write one so that I could share the joy of reading it, with others.

Where do I begin? It is true that some books leave you with a tinge of sadness, some make you feel good and others appeal to your literary sense. However, for me, Shalimar the clown made me go green with envy, owing to the fact that I can only dream of possessing such story telling skill and command of language.

The novel was published in the year 2005. As engrossing as a crime novel, as lugubrious as an elegy, and as lyrical as folklores; the story draws you gradually into its plot and its characters. Be it the village head or the clown, the American ambassador or the dancing girl, the characters impress you with their uniqueness not to mention their ordinariness. Like the lament of a lost lover, the story echoes the bereavement of losing one’s beloved land. Kashmir, the main protagonist of the novel is portrayed so lovingly that one cannot help but fall in love with it. I was infatuated for a brief spell. Moreover, I visited Kashmir a week after finishing the book. Armed with some knowledge of the region, I was indeed spellbound by the lushness of the landscape.

Coming back to the novel, Shalimar the clown enunciates the state’s history, enlightens you about the sequence of events that ultimately lead to the chaos, and eventually, it strengthens your vocabulary; which I believe is the intent of most authors. The political turmoil, the insurgency and the advent of terror have been written with absolute unbiasedness; without fear or favour. There is no political or religious leaning. There is only the gushing love for the imposing beauty of the valley. The brief glimpse into the tragic love story of poet, Habba Khatoon persuaded me to dig into her and Yousuf Shah Chak’s lives. During my visit to Gulmarg, when the tour guide began to narrate that the town was earlier called Gowri Marg, I, proud of my recently acquired knowledge from the book, quickly butted in to add that it was Yousuf Shah who changed the name, thereby amusing the guide and my husband.

Shalimar the clown is music to the soul, joy to the sense and challenge to the mind. Every line, so sinuously woven, is worth memorizing and not to be missed. Added to the appeal, is the author’s witty references to politics.

To quote the author, ‘A book is a version of the world…’ How true! Shalimar the clown paints a version of the world that is painfully disturbing at the same time deeply moving.

The novel; its mellifluousness, its tragedy and its broken chords gave me a wholly enrichening experience.

I am not sure if I sympathised with the clown, Shalimar; or hated him or empathised with him but in the end when………

Well, I won’t spill the beans! Read it yourself.

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